Xi Story: West Lake and beyond Xinhua) 08:02, August 05, 2025 HANGZHOU, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- On a summer weekend, Du Tingting and her boyfriend wandered through the throngs of people at West Lake in east China's Hangzhou, before settling on a wooden bench overlooking the rippling water and swaying lotus leaves. Despite the crowds, the spot felt almost private, serving as an unexpected pocket of peace at one of China's busiest tourist destinations. "The benches here are perfectly spaced," Du observed. "They give couples just enough privacy while keeping you connected to the water's poetry." What she didn't know is that this detail, the space between benches, was the result of a decision made in the 2000s by President Xi Jinping, then Party chief of Zhejiang Province, of which Hangzhou is the capital city. This was one of many measures contained in his ambitious West Lake restoration initiative. At his suggestion, the once tightly packed benches were set farther apart. His reasoning was simple -- West Lake is a favored retreat for lovers, and they should be able to enjoy it without feeling crowded. Over time, these thoughtfully arranged seats have become must-visit photo spots for couples. They invite visitors to pause, soak in the lake's misty charm, and lose themselves in the history and culture that have shaped West Lake's eternal beauty. West Lake stands as one of China's most celebrated cultural landmarks, with its beauty enshrined in poetry and its mist-shrouded waters whispering legends of love. In 2002, after taking up his post in Zhejiang, Xi began his inspection tour in Hangzhou with a visit to West Lake. At the construction site of the new scenic area on the Yanggongdi Causeway, he examined the plans and emphasized that the lake was Hangzhou's "lifeline." "Every inch around West Lake breathes history. Every step resonates with culture," he said, urging efforts to preserve the truly charming aspects of the "old" and the "aged." He visited West Lake three more times within a year, emphasizing that "natural ecosystems and cultural landscapes should both be restored" -- a principle that guided the conservation project throughout. In the early days of China's economic boom following the reform and opening up, cultural development in some regions fell into a paradox: praised in principle but neglected in practice, often overshadowed by more immediate priorities. This tension became particularly visible at West Lake, where the removal of perimeter fencing and restoration of cultural sites initially drew skepticism. The project increased maintenance costs and eliminated ticket revenues, leading some to question its economic rationale. Yet Xi offered a transformative vision: "To resolve tensions between humanity and nature, between individuals, and within society, we must harness culture's power -- its capacity to nurture, enlighten and inspire." For him, culture was never a luxury but the very fabric that binds society together, an invisible force fueling a nation's enduring vitality across generations. This philosophy became a hallmark of Xi's approach, culminating in 2005 with the launch of "eight major projects," a sweeping initiative to promote Zhejiang's cultural development. The program prioritized heritage preservation, high-quality cultural works and academic research, among other key areas. Thanks to heritage conservation efforts, West Lake ushered in a renaissance. Over 180 heritage sites and lost water areas were restored, breathing new life into the lake's historical and cultural landscapes. In a visionary move to enrich the people's cultural life, Xi spearheaded the construction of landmark institutions along West Lake's shores. The Zhejiang Art Museum and the West Lake Museum now serve as cultural centers while enhancing the lakeside scenery through their graceful architectural forms. Xi also prioritized visitor comfort and accessibility around the lake. Beyond thoughtful touches like generously spaced benches, the upgrades featured free admission to all lakeside parks, free use of all public toilets around the lake, and boats with cushioned hulls for gentle bridge passages -- thereby seamlessly harmonizing heritage protection with public enjoyment. "Xi's protection of West Lake's cultural heritage was both a benevolent governance act and a move that won people's hearts," recalled Zhang Jianting, then director of the Hangzhou West Lake scenic area administration committee. In 2011, West Lake was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming both a crown jewel among Chinese tourist attractions and a premier global travel destination. West Lake's transformation was just one highlight of Xi's broader push to protect cultural heritage across Zhejiang. To protect an archaeological site, nearby quarries were shut down, making way for the creation of a park and museum complex, now a magnet for tourists. The ancient Grand Canal has been revitalized through ecological restoration, cultural renewal, and improved public access. Once polluted and neglected, it now serves as both "a canal for the people" and "a canal for visitors" as Xi envisioned. Today, Zhejiang boasts three UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, five national archaeological parks and 281 major national cultural relics protection units. As an economic powerhouse, the province has harnessed its cultural sector as a new engine of growth, underpinned by a robust public cultural service system, flourishing cultural industries and a steady pipeline of cultural talent. From Zhejiang's Party chief to China's top leader, Xi has remained committed to advancing the cultural cause for the benefit of the people. "The 'strength' of a culturally strong nation ultimately lies in the height of its people's thought, the status of their spirit, and the level of their cultural literacy," said President Xi in 2024. As night fell, the moon's reflection decorated the water. Du Tingting and her boyfriend were captivated by the amazing view and decided to camp by the lake for the night. "For a moment, I felt a connection with the ancient poets who once rowed across the lake and recited verses under the moonlight," she said. "It was simply incredible!" (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) by Christopher Horner Appearances can change. This can be because the thing you are viewing has changed, or because you have moved, so what was there anyway now looks different. In a parallax shift an objects position appears to change when viewed from a new vantage point. This latter is what is happening in the way The West, now looks to its own citizens. The cause is the continued refusal by political leaders to do anything to stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza. For Western political and media elites, events in Gaza are somehow complex, and legally ambiguous, obscured by a diplomatic word-fog. Meanwhile the rest of us have clear real-time images on our screens of what is happening there: mass murder. You cant miss it, unless you are choosing to look away. So, look. Then turn back to the USA, UK, Germany et al. They seem complicit because they are, and have been for a long time The recent, very late acknowledgement by the media and political classes that something terrible is happening and that somehow Israel has some responsibility, is motivated by a desire to avoid looking responsible for what is now unfolding. Their chatter about this is the grotesque soundtrack to what is beamed live into our mobile phones and homes: genocide, now in the form of planned starvation of a civilian population. It cant be just shrugged off as the news cycle moves on. A striking thing about the ongoing atrocities occurring in Gaza, the West Bank and nearby has been the strange inability of many people to talk or think intelligently about it, let alone to be ethically engaged with it. Individuals who were full of anger at the invasion of Ukraine, or Trumps ICE deportations, display a moral blankness when it comes to the destruction of children in Gaza. And lets recall that the perpetrators of this crime have been clearly and repeatedly telling the world that this was their intention all along: the killing or displacement the Palestinian population. It hasnt been hidden from sight. The difference is that it is getting hard to keep the disavowal going. This is not new. The gap between the rhetoric of human rights and freedom and the reality of western backed murder and oppression in various parts of the world goes back a long way. Plenty in the global south have been on the sharp end of it, and dont need a change of perspective to know what is happening. The Palestinians exposed to expulsion, occupation and now genocide dont need to be told the news. But we do, it seems. The world sees those that announced an international rules-based order supply the weaponry and diplomatic cover for a state to breach it in the most egregious way possible. It is the most recent variation on an old dance. What may be new is how it is displayed in all its nakedness to populations in the West, through a thousand social media platforms and conduits. Silence or equivocation regarding Israels genocidal policies in Gaza, equates to complicity in those crimes. This silence has been striking, especially given Western proclamations of Human Rights. The genuine demand for justice is grounded in something authentically universal; the counterfeit version often promoted by the West has been quite different: particular interests, masked by the rhetoric of universality. When Palestinians are excluded from this universal, it is exposed as partial and fraudulent. Again, compare the official moral outrage over Ukraine to the equivocation and denial regarding genocide in Gaza. For genocideis occurring there, as a brief look at the UN convention will tell you. [1] This is more than policy; it is a politics of erasurenot simply avoiding action, but working actively (through language, media, legal instruments) to suppress recognition of Palestinian suffering, while supplying weapons to their tormentors. Some lives matter, while others are made invisible or they would be if the means could be found to shut down the livestreaming of mass murder. Gaza represents for the West a traumatic Reala kernel of truth that, if acknowledged, shatters the fantasy of Western innocence and humanitarian self-image. Culpable silence is not just political expediency; it is a psychic defence mechanism that maintains liberal fantasy at the cost of Palestinian life Applying the notion of parallax shift does not merely expose difference in narrative; it forces a reckoning with the constructed nature of Western innocence. To see the Wests own role alters what is understood about the situation in Gaza, which in turn changes the way the West is seen. To really see and hear Gaza is to risk the collapse of cherished Western fantasiesbut this is the only ethical course. The question is whether it is one that will be taken. We must do all we can to make it happen. Free Palestine. [1] https://www.un.org/en/genocide-prevention/definition Acquisition of Gordons Dam Project near Black Swan Perth, Aug 5, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Horizon Minerals Limited ( ASX:HRZ ) is pleased to announce commencement of regional consolidation of assets ("Acquisition") near the 100% owned Black Swan processing facility via executing a Binding Tenement Sale Agreement ("TSA") with Yandal Resources Limited ( ASX:YRL ) ("Yandal"). HIGHLIGHTS - Binding TSA executed with Yandal for the acquisition of 100% interest in the Gordons, Mt Jewell, Malone and Mulgarrie gold projects in the Western Australian goldfields - Projects comprise 34 granted mining, prospecting, exploration and miscellaneous licences covering an area of approximately 77 km2 strategically located in close proximity to the Black Swan processing plant: o Gordons Dam project, 10km west-south-west of Black Swan with an established mineral resource of 365 kt grading 1.7 g/t Au for 20 koz with mineralisation open at depth and along strike and on a granted Mining Lease o Multiple drilling targets identified including the advanced Star of Gordon and Malone prospects - Projects acquired for total consideration of A$2.810m on the following terms: o $0.2m refundable cash deposit on execution of the TSA (paid) o $1.0m cash from existing reserves (Cash Payment) on completion, and o $1.610m in fully paid ordinary Horizon shares (Consideration Shares) on completion at an issue price equal to a 10% discount to the 15 trading day volume weighted average price up to and including the day immediately prior to the date of execution of the TSA. The issued shares will not be subject to any escrow restrictions. The share consideration may also be paid as cash, at Horizon's election at the time of completion. Commenting on the Acquisition, Managing Director and CEO Mr Grant Haywood said: "We are pleased to acquire these projects in close proximity to our processing infrastructure. Our key focus is completing study work with the aim of generating a five-year life of mine plan processing through our Black Swan processing plant." "In addition to the resource at Gordons Dam, these assets complement our current large strategic land holdings in the WA goldfields. We see great potential in this area for further resource growth along with enormous exploration upside." The Company is focussed on becoming a standalone gold producer by refurbishing and repurposing the Black Swan processing plant into a gold plant with a nominal throughput of 1.5Mtpa. Horizon is undertaking a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) to develop a five-year life of mine plan to feed the plant. This acquisition is very close to Black Swan and complements the Company's existing extensive tenement portfolio. Project Summary The Gordons Project area comprises of 34 granted mining, prospecting and exploration licences covering a mostly contiguous area of approximately 77 km as well as four pending mining and miscellaneous licenses (Figures 1 and 2*). A complete list of the tenements in Appendix E Table 2*. The Project is located within a prospective Archean Greenstone sequence of lithologies which also hosts the Mulgarrie and Gordon Sirdar Gold Mines (Figure 2*). Several gold prospects and targets at various stages of exploration and development as well as the Gordons Dam Deposit comprise the Gordons Project (Figure 3*). Horizon Minerals is of the opinion that there is potential to identify extensions to mineralisation across numerous gold targets and prospects. Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) Located within the Gordons Dam project area is the Gordons Dam deposit which has a MRE of 365,000t @ 1.7g/t Au for 20,000oz (> 1g/t Au lower cut-off grade) (Figure 3*). The Gordon's Dam deposit includes mineralisation hosted within laterite, transported cover sediments (paleochannel material) and weathered and fresh bedrock. Primary mineralisation occurs in quartz veins that occur at the margins of pillow basalts intruded by later microgranite/porphyrys. Mineralisation within the MRE extends from approximately 30m below surface to a current maximum depth of 120m. Zones of mineralisation are associated with a laterally extensive paleochannel at the base of oxidation and at depth into the fresh bedrock with an overall mineralised north-west trend of approximately 320m in strike length. Further detailed information on the Gordons Dam MRE is presented in the Technical Overview section of this announcement. Acquisition Key Terms The Company has executed a binding Tenement Sale Agreement ("TSA") to acquire the project areas from Yandal Resources Limited, for a total consideration of A$2.810m. The A$0.2m refundable cash deposit already been paid, with deferred consideration of A$1.0m in cash and $1.610m in Horizon shares payable at settlement with the shares to be issued at an issue price equal to a 10% discount to the 15 trading day volume weighted average price up to and including the day immediately prior to the date of execution of the TSA The consideration will be funded from existing cash reserves and placement capacity. *To view full details in the announcement, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/V4721V7K About Horizon Minerals Limited Horizon Minerals Limited (ASX:HRZ) is a gold exploration and mining company focussed on the Kalgoorlie and Menzies areas of Western Australia which are host to some of Australia's richest gold deposits. The Company is developing a mining pipeline of projects to generate cash and self-fund aggressive exploration, mine developments and further acquisitions. The Teal gold mine has been recently completed. Horizon is aiming to significantly grow its JORC-Compliant Mineral Resources, complete definitive feasibility studies on core high grade open cut and underground projects and build a sustainable development pipeline. Horizon has a number of joint ventures in place across multiple commodities and regions of Australia providing exposure to Vanadium, Copper, PGE's, Gold and Nickel/Cobalt. Our quality joint venture partners are earning in to our project areas by spending over $20 million over 5 years enabling focus on the gold business while maintaining upside leverage. Related Companies 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 Former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik Passes Away 2 Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. He was undergoing dialysis treatment at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi and had been on ventilatory support. The 79-year-old politician, known for his outspoken criticism of the Modi government following his removal as Governor of Meghalaya, had been in the headlines recently over a corruption case. Earlier in May, the CBI filed a chargesheet against Malik and seven others in connection with the alleged irregularities in awarding a 2,200-crore civil works contract for the Kiru Hydropower Project. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had visited Malik at RML Hospital on May 23 during his period of illness. The chargesheet named Malik and his two aides, Virender Rana and Kanwar Singh Rana, alleging malpractice in the 2019 tender process. Malik had previously claimed he was offered a 300-crore bribe to approve two files, one related to the Kiru project, during his tenure as Governor. Soon after the chargesheet was filed, Maliks official X handle posted a photo of him in a hospital bed, connected to multiple medical devices. The accompanying message read: I am getting calls from many of my well-wishers which I am unable to take. My condition is very bad right now. I am admitted in the hospital and am not in a condition to talk to anyone. The CBI had conducted searches at the premises of Malik and others in February last year after registering the case in 2022. Malik served as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019. Telsa has opened its first vehicle service center in Alabama. The center is located at 2625 Fourth Ave. S. in Birmingham, according to the carmakers website. You can also find a listing of Tesla charging stations at the website here. Tesla touts its vehicles as not requiring regular maintenance, but the service centers exist to coordinate collision repairs and other needs. The company also uses remote diagnostics and over-the-air software updates. Tesla users can schedule service, track repairs and message with the service center through the Tesla app. Tesla also relies on company-owned dealerships and online sales, rather than franchise dealership sales like other automakers. This strategy allows Tesla to control each aspect of the product, from assembly to sales. Tesla has no dealerships in Alabama as it is one of several states where the law prohibits automakers selling vehicles factory direct to consumers. A move to change the law in 2016 died in committee in the Alabama Legislature. Police in Tennessee said on Tuesday that the man wanted in the killings of the parents, grandmother and uncle of an infant found alone has been arrested. It came shortly after police warned residents to stay inside their homes, having received a report that the man was spotted in a neighborhood. Authorities said Austin Robert Drummond was in custody amid a search. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation already charged Tanaka Brown, 29, and Giovonte Thomas, 29, with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Investigators allege both men assisted Drummond, 28, in the killings. Authorities have identified the four people found dead in Tiptonville as James M. Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15. Wilson and Adrianna Williams were the parents of the infant who was found abandoned. Rose was Adrianna and Braydon Williams mother. David Faustino, from left, Christina Applegate, Katey Sagal and Amanda Bearse pose during a ceremony honoring Applegate with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Christina Applegate has been hospitalized with so much pain she was screaming as a result of an infection in both kidneys. The 53-year-old Married... With Children actor revealed the ordeal as she recorded MeSsy, the podcast she co-hosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, from an L.A. hospital on Tuesday. Im not doing a podcast from the hospital because I felt like doing one from the hospital was an awesome idea, she explained on the Aug. 5 episode. We just happened to have this scheduled and they wont let me leave yet because things are messy. But Im gonna be OK. While in Europe visiting family, Applegate said she began to feel unwell. On the flight back from Europe, she explained, Applegate didnt feel well and went to the hospital. Im like, I wanna be admitted, Applegate said, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. Im staying here because I want answers. I want every test that you can possibly think of or ones that you havent even thought of, and I want them done. The next day, she said, the pain was radiating from the back to her front. So much pain. Im screaming, and they ordered me an emergency CT at 2 in the morning, she said. Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily. Actress Sharon Stone, center, is surrounded by media as she arrives at the premiere of her movie "Sliver" on May 19, 1993. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press Sharon Stone revealed in a recent interview with Business Insider that a blowout fight she had with Michael Douglas at the Cannes Film Festival allegedly made him refuse to screen test with her during the development of Basic Instinct, Paul Verhoevens 1992 erotic thriller. Michael Douglas did not want to put his bare a.. out on the screen with an unknown, Stone said. And I understood that. He wouldnt even test with me. But that was also for a different reason; we had an argument prior to that. This was at Cannes. A bunch of us were all sitting, and he was talking about someone and their kids, she continued. I really, really knew this person he was talking about. So I said something and he responded to me, saying, What the f..k do you know? It was in regard to a father-child relationship. Clearly, it triggered him. So he screams this at me across a whole group of people. And Im not the person who goes, Oh, excuse me, superstar. I pushed back my chair and said to him, Lets step outside. Thats how we first met. Stone said the two actors stepped outside and I explained to him what the f..ck I knew about this family he was speaking about, and that I was best friends with the children and the parent. And then we parted, I wouldnt say as best friends, but amicably. So, fast forward to casting Basic Instinct, I dont think he wanted me to be his co-star. Variety reached out to Douglas representative for comment. The tension created by their first encounter ended up proving beneficial to their casting in the erotic thriller, which stars Douglas as a detective investigating the murder of a rock star and Stone as a seductive writer who is the prime suspect. It worked great, because I was not rattled if he yelled at me, Stone said. That was interesting for the character, because Michael has a temper, and I didnt care. That worked very well in our dynamic. Eventually, we became the greatest of friends, to this day. I admire him tremendously. Basic Instinct turned Stone into a movie star and an international sex symbol, in part due to the films infamous nude scene. In her 2021 memoir, The Beauty of Living Twice, Stone revealed she was misled into appearing nude in the movie. She had no idea about the nudity until she saw a screening of the film alongside agents and lawyers. That was how I saw my vagina-shot for the first time, long after Id been told, We cant see anything -- I just need you to remove your panties, as the white is reflecting the light, so we know you have panties on, Stone wrote in the memoir. Now, here is the issue. It didnt matter anymore. It was me and my parts up there. I had decisions to make. Stone added that she went to the projection booth and confronted Basic Instinct director Paul Verhoeven by slapping him across the face. Variety reported last month that Amazon MGM Studios United Artists and Scott Stuber have acquired the rights to a reboot of Basic Instinct, with the original films writer Joe Eszterhas returning to pen the script. Its unknown at this time whether or not Stone will return. She appeared in the 2006 sequel Basic Instinct 2, although it was panned by critics. Head over to Business Insiders website to read Stones interview in its entirety. 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC An Alabama district attorney ruled this week that two Cullman County deputies were justified in shooting a Bethel man during his arrest last month. On the morning of Saturday, July 19, the deputies were attempting to serve an arrest warrant to the suspect at his home, according to a Facebook post from District Attorney Champ Crocker. The homeowner directed the deputies to the basement, which was accessible through an outside door, and they announced their presence before entering. After a brief search, the deputies located the suspect, who had shut himself behind a door in the basement, Crocker wrote. Deputies told the suspect there was an arrest warrant and directed him to open the door. The suspect resisted and announced that he had a gun and would protect himself. As deputies made entry through the door, the suspect brandished a shotgun, according to Crocker. Deputies fired at the suspect, striking him with one round. He survived being shot. After reviewing all the available evidence, including the deputies body camera footage, I have determined that this was a justified shooting, Crocker wrote. These deputies were carrying out a law enforcement function by serving a warrant and while doing so, they were faced with a deadly threat. Crocker added that the suspects shotgun was loaded with buckshot and he displayed every intention of shooting at the deputies. Not only was this a justified shooting, the deputies involved did exactly what they were trained to do when facing this type of danger which later included administering lifesaving first aid to the suspect, Crocker continued. He added that he plans to present his decision to a grand jury and will recommend confirmation of this decision. No further details are available at this time. This is an opinion piece. There is a special place in hell for child sex predators.- Alabama State Senator April Weaver, R-Brierfield. We all - journalists and readers, even us dorky cartoonists - get a little jaded by the volume of crime stories in the news. But the horror story of a child sex trafficking ring in an underground bunker in Alabama is on another level of evil. These children, ages 3-10 and 15, have been ripped of their innocence in the most grotesque ways imaginable. Lord, how can they heal from such despicable atrocities? I have to agree with Sen. Weaver on this: There is a special place in hell for child sex predators. Its also easy to agree with Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, when he says In my opinion, this is the worst of the worst of offenses. Taking advantage and taking the innocence of children under the age of 12 is one of the worst things, if not the worst someone can do." Because it is one of the worst offenses, it deserves the worst of the worst punishments, Simpson said. The horrific reports of sex crimes against children in Bibb County have sparked a renewed push to impose the death penalty in Alabama on people convicted of such crimes against kids. I am usually opposed to the death penalty - especially the death penalty in Alabama - for various reasons. Botched executions, refusal to use available DNA evidence in older cases - the laundry list of things that go wrong in Alabama prisons is long and filthy. Related: Witnessing an Alabama execution? Wear a strong set of underwear, ladies No sympathy for devils who devour the souls of children. Whether its in an underground bunker in Alabama or on a billionaires private island. Evil is evil. All proven-guilty pedophiles should be outed, shamed and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Read all the Bibb County bunker stories here Excerpted details from AL.com reports: An Alabama man is accused of tying children up in an underground bunker and allowing men to pay roughly $200 to sexually abuse them. Andres Velazques-Trejo, 29, William Chase McElroy, 21, and Dalton Terrell, also 21, are jailed in connection with the horrific sex abuse and human trafficking of at least six children between the ages of 3 and 10 for more than a year. A fourth person, Timothy St. John, a 23-year-old Bibb County resident, was later arrested in Chilton County on charges of rape, sodomy, human trafficking, kidnapping, bestiality and cruelty to animals. He would tie one child to the bed, one child to a chair and one to one of the support poles, Bibb County Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones said of Velazques-Trejo. Then he would allow people to pay to have sex with the children, Jones said. Its hard to fathom that someone can do this to a child. Three more people a man and two women are now charged in the horrific sex trafficking ring uncovered in Alabama. The allegations against the latest suspects one of whom is the mother of some of the victims include them using an animal shock collar on the childrens genitals, both as a form of punishment and for sexual pleasure, according to court documents made public Wednesday. Ive been in law enforcement for 33 years and this is absolutely the most horrible thing Ive ever seen when it comes to the victimization of children, the sheriff said. I know Gods forgiveness is boundless, but if there is a limit, weve reached it, he said. Rebecca Brewer, 29, Sara Louise Terrell, 41, and Ricky Terrell, 44, are facing multiple charges ranging from sexual torture and abuse to rape and human trafficking. Brewer is charged with three counts of sexual torture, eight counts of kidnapping and eight counts of human trafficking. Ricky Terrell is charged with first-degree rape. He is alleged to have raped a 10-year-old girl. Sara Terrell is charged with sexual torture and abuse. Charging documents state she used an animal training collar with shock capability on a child or children. Their children are among the 10 victims between the ages of 3 and 15 that were victimized as far back as 2022. Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones on Tuesday described the underground bunker as the basement of an old house at or near the home of a family member of McElroy. The basement had been converted, at some point, to be used as a storm shelter and thats where the repeated abuse took place. Wade said the suspects, those that are known and likely many that arent known, made appointments to have sex with the children, and the abuse could bring in up to $1,000 a night. Asked about the future of the bunker, the sheriff said, We will see what can or should be done about that. If i had my way about it, wed blow it up. Check out more cartoons and stuff by JD Crowe JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group and AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter@Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @jdcrowe@al.com. Jefferson County Tax Collector J.T. Smallwood has been campaigning for mayor of Trussville on a pledge to try to shut down Birmingham's Eastern Area Landfill, which is shown in the picture on a hill at the end of a Trussville street. Birmingham's City Council President Darrell O'Quinn said that won't happen. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com) ggarrison@al.com Jefferson County Tax Collector J.T. Smallwood has been campaigning to be mayor of Trussville, promising hell work to close a Birmingham landfill that butts up against a Trussville subdivision near a neighborhood school. Birmingham City Council President Darrell OQuinn today tried to shut down that talk. He is making a promise to work with the city of Birmingham to have the Eastern Area Landfill shut down, OQuinn told reporters after Tuesdays council meeting. That is not going to happen. The Eastern Area Landfill came up at Tuesdays Birmingham council meeting, with the city approving a new leachate pump for $33,430 to pump liquid waste out of the landfill. The way a landfill is designed, there are cells within the landfill, OQuinn explained after the meeting. The cell is completely contained. There is a barrier and a drainage system in each cell. Any liquid material that is contained within that cell is contained to that leachate system. Thats collected, as was mentioned this morning, in a tank farm on the site, and transferred to Jefferson County for them to process as part of their sanitary sewer processing. Smallwood is running for mayor of Trussville in the Aug. 26 election against current Trussville City Council members Lisa Bright and Ben Short, who tout their experience running the city for the past five years. That dump has to be closed, Smallwood said in a July 29 forum at Trussville Civic Center featuring all three candidates for mayor. Bright and Short said thats beyond Trussvilles control. Thats the city of Birmingham, Bright said. Short said it would cost too much in legal fees to fight. Nobody mentioned legal fees, Smallwood said. Its called diplomacy. Its called relationships. OQuinn said he was aware that Smallwood was making the landfill a campaign issue, promising to negotiate for its closure. I dont think theres anyone in the city of Birmingham who has any idea what hes talking about, OQuinn said. I can unequivocally say the Eastern Area Landfill will continue to operate as long as there is capacity to operate. OQuinn said he has toured the landfill and said it is well-run. I have personally visited both of our landfills, OQuinn said. Theres not any odor at all. As the household refuse is being dumped, there is a bulldozer right there that is spreading and covering it so its not exposed. At the end of the day, you might have trouble identifying it as a landfill. You dont see big mountains of garbage just sitting out and dogs and birds wandering through it. Its a very detailed and clean operation. Theres no doubt that it can be seen from the adjacent Magnolia Place neighborhood and the Magnolia Elementary School property, he said. Its up on a hill, OQuinn said. These people who have bought property adjacent to the landfill can probably walk out their back yard or front yard and see theres a landfill operating in the near distance. Thats not Birminghams fault, he said. Its really unfortunate that the city of Trussville made some poor decisions in the past and rezoned property to residential (next to the landfill), he said. For those residents, go to your elected leadership and try to handle it from within your city. Youve got to consider that you purchased your home with a landfill adjacent to it. Birminghams Eastern Area Landfill, which opened in the 1970s, has continued to increase waste disposal in recent years, close to the school and neighborhood. Its unfortunate that the city of Trussville decided to create residential zoning immediately adjacent to a landfill, OQuinn said. We didnt do that to them. In 2012, Magnolia Place homeowners filed suit against the Alabama Department of Environmental Management alleging Birmingham was in violation of rules for covering waste and preventing erosion and runoff. The landfill sits atop a mountain whose natural drainage would run down to Pinchgut Creek, a tributary of the Cahaba River. In 2013, Birmingham extended the projected use of the 370-acre landfill into the 2040s and began expanding use of the landfill. In 2014, Trussville voters approved a 7-mill increase in local property taxes for schools and in 2015 broke ground on the $13.7 million Magnolia Elementary School, which opened in 2016 to serve the surrounding Magnolia Place subdivision. In 2016, Birmingham entered into a consent order that required regular reporting on the landfills compliance with the Clean Water Act. In the past two years, new waste linings have been installed atop the mountain for future waste disposal that are visible from a nearby mountain at the top of the Pinnacle at Tutwiler Farm. This has been a matter of litigation between the city of Birmingham and the city of Trussville; thats been resolved, OQuinn said. The Eastern Area Landfill will not be closed. It will continue to operate. Thats not good news for residents adjacent to the landfill. Rob Langford, who lives on Wisteria Trace near the landfill, said on hot days, the landfill stinks and very often trash is left unburied after 4 p.m. When it starts getting hot, I guarantee youll smell it, Langford said. If you want to go outside on a Sunday and play, sometimes it smells so bad, you cant. He disputed that the trash is immediately covered. Theres birds flying over everyday, he said. As for the mayors race, Langford said he doesnt know if Smallwood could make any progress on closing the dump. I hope as a homeowner he would, Langford said. But he said he appreciated Smallwood making the landfill an issue. Hes the first politician thats even talked about the dump, he said. An off-duty Baldwin County Sheriffs Office deputy shot his neighbors dogs killing and injuring another in self-defense, according to the department and media reports. The incident took place on July 23 in Summerdale, according to WKRG. Summerdale Police Chief Michael Gaull said the deputy opened fire after returning home and encountering a pit bull growling at him. The gunshots subsequently struck the pit bull named Picasso and another dog, named America. Picasso was injured but survived while America died from the gunshot wounds. Both dogs belonged to Allison Petracca who also told WKRG that she has been without air for two weeks due to a bullet striking her air conditioning unit. The Baldwin County Sheriffs Office told AL.com that an administrative review was conducted and found that the deputy was not in violation of any policy, procedure or criminal law. AL.com left a message seeking comment with the Summerdale Police Department. The incident has left Petracca and other community members seeking justice for America the dog. Its not right that he just gets to walk away from something because he has a badge. Thats not right at all Petracca told WKRG. The incident sparked outrage on social media. The homeowner is a disabled senior citizen living with her medically fragile daughter. This family deserves justice, accountability, and assurance that this will never happen again, one person posted. Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Harry attend day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2014 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse) Chris Jackson Prince Harry says he never punched his problematic uncle Prince Andrew, nor did the latter make insulting remarks about Meghan Markle, despite claims being made in a new book. Author Andrew Lownies soon-to-be released biography, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, details some of the more intimate elements of Prince Andrews life, including his marriage and divorce from Sarah Ferguson, his relationships with his family and the immense scrutiny hes faced due to his connection to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Among the many claims made in the book are allegations that Andrew was left with a bloody nose after a heated argument with Harry broke out during a 2013 family gathering. According to a newly published excerpt, punches were thrown when anger escalated over something Andrew said behind Harrys back. The book also accuses Andrew of having expressed skepticism and concern about Harrys marriage to Meghan, allegedly calling her an opportunist. But according to a representative for the 40-year-old prince, 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, a spokesperson said in a statement to People. Harry has long had to deny rumors about himself and his family, especially amid the tensions that grew after he and Meghan left their senior royal duties in 2020 and decamped to her native California. Despite reports that his relationship with the royal family is as strained as ever thanks in no small part to all the dirty laundry he aired in his 2023 bestselling memoir Spare Harry insisted to the BBC in May that he would love reconciliation. Prince Andrew, meanwhile, has remained largely ousted from the royals good graces after his disastrous Epstein-focused interview with the BBC in 2019. He was allegedly cut off financially by his brother King Charles, according to another controversial biography. _____ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, speaks during a Forum Alabama event hosted by the Mobile Chamber on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa in downtown Mobile, Ala. John Sharp U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures didnt mince words on immigration Monday by calling out fellow Democrats for being weak on border security while slamming Republicans for painting undocumented immigrants as criminals. The Democrats have to be serious about securing the border you have to, Figures told a crowd of business leaders Tuesday in Mobile, where he pushed a centrist message in a debate he said is often hijacked by political extremes. Workers at an Alabama auto plant this week will decide whether to join the United Auto Workers. International Motors/Navistar Huntsville will hold a union election on Thursday. The election affects about 220 full-time and part-time manufacturing workers, according to paperwork from the National Labor Relations Board. Last month, employees filed a petition to organize at the plant, seeking an election. The North Alabama Area Labor Council (NAALC), a federation of about a dozen unions within the AFL-CIO, is calling on workers to vote yes, saying union members have better pay and benefits than non-union workers. These benefits dont happen by magic, the organization said in a statement. We dont have them because of alchemy. We have improved wages and working conditions because we stood together and demanded them. We do that because together we are stronger than we could ever be alone. The union said it was responding to ads from the Business Council of Alabama, blaming the election drive on UAW union bosses. The ads continue the themes of last years Alabama Strong campaign by the BCA that opposed UAW efforts to organize at Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. In a letter to workers last month, International Motors said selecting an outside organization like a union to represent you in your dealings with the Company (and having to join the union and pay union dues) is not necessary here in Huntsville. Illinois-based International Motors is a manufacturer of trucks, buses, engines and parts, among other items. The Huntsville plant, on Short Pike Road Southwest, is a powertrain manufacturing facility, turning out diesel engines and transmissions. Last year, the UAWs executive board earmarked $40 million to fund an organizing push among non-union auto and electric battery workers, concentrating some of the money in the South. But a high-profile push to unionize Mercedes-Benzs plant in Tuscaloosa County failed by a margin of 597 votes. And late last year, The Wall Street Journal reported that the UAW was shifting its strategy after the drive appeared to stall at Hyundais Montgomery plant. Housing prices and the number of $1 million homes are on the rise all over the country, including in Birmingham. There are 30 homes priced near $1 million on the market in the Birmingham area, according to a list compiled by Stacker using data from Redfin Real Estate. Scroll down to see the list. ZIP codes in Mountain Brook, just outside of Birmingham, remain atop the list of the states wealthiest areas, with the average home valuing between $831,000 and $874,000, according to an AL.com analysis. Statewide, the typical Alabama home was valued at around $223,000, the eighth cheapest of any state. The $1 million mark used to signal true luxury; now, in many parts of the country, it simply means the price of a typical home, Redfin Premier agent Jonathan Huffer told Stacker. Its a reflection of how dramatically home prices have risen, especially in coastal markets where million-dollar listings have become the norm rather than the exception. The largest house, listed for $950,000, is 6,386 square feet while the smallest, listed for $929,900, is 2,252 square feet. The median sales price of a home in Birmingham is $183,000, according to Redfin. You can see the details of the listings currently available on the market below. 2600 Arlington Ave S #83, Birmingham Price: $1,000,000 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms Square feet: 2,599 Price per square foot: $384 2700 Arlington Ave #37, Birmingham Price: $999,999 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms Square feet: 3,774 Price per square foot: $264 4223 Old Brook Ln, Mountain Brook Price: $999,000 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Square feet: 4,972 Price per square foot: $200 212 Olmsted St, Birmingham Price: $997,000 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms Square feet: 3,180 Price per square foot: $313 164 Bridge Dr, Birmingham - Price: $990,000 - 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms - Square feet: 4,862 - Price per square foot: $203 704 Saint Andrews Ln, Hoover Price: $989,500 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Square feet: 3,022 Price per square foot: $327 6006 Rosemont Rd, Birmingham Price: $989,000 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms Square feet: 5,670 Price per square foot: $174 4137 Crescent Rd, Birmingham Price: $985,000 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms Square feet: 4,330 Price per square foot: $227 1557 Parkside Ct, Homewood Price: $985,000 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms Square feet: 3,329 Price per square foot: $295 4623 Battery Ln, Mountain Brook Price: $975,000 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Square feet: 4,782 Price per square foot: $203 2267 Butler Springs Ln, Hoover Price: $974,999 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms Square feet: 5,337 Price per square foot: $182 1061 Greystone Cove Dr, Birmingham Price: $974,900 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Square feet: 4,866 Price per square foot: $200 2100 Swann Ln, Hoover Price: $960,000 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Square feet: 4,388 Price per square foot: $218 4977 Eagle Crest Dr, Birmingham Price: $950,000 6 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms Square feet: 6,385 Price per square foot: $148 6031 Olivewood Dr, Hoover Price: $950,000 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms Square feet: 5,164 Price per square foot: $183 101 N Lake Dr, Hoover Price: $949,900 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms Square feet: 5,597 Price per square foot: $169 632 Springbank Ter, Hoover Price: $949,900 4 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms Square feet: 5,197 Price per square foot: $182 3508 Brookwood Rd, Mountain Brook Price: $949,900 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms Square feet: 3,853 Price per square foot: $246 1902 Wellington Rd, Homewood Price: $949,900 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms Square feet: 2,985 Price per square foot: $318 3320 Southbend Cir, Vestavia Hills Price: $949,000 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms Square feet: 3,485 Price per square foot: $272 4987 Spring Rock Rd, Mountain Brook Price: $949,000 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms Square feet: 3,403 Price per square foot: $278 2000 Regency Way, Birmingham Price: $949,000 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms Square feet: 3,292 Price per square foot: $288 716 Crest Ln, Homewood Price: $949,000 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Square feet: 3,256 Price per square foot: $291 2600 Arlington Ave #80, Birmingham Price: $949,000 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms Square feet: 2,599 Price per square foot: $365 3558 Westbury Rd, Mountain Brook Price: $945,000 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms Square feet: 4,451 Price per square foot: $212 1217 23rd St S Unit C1, Birmingham Price: $929,900 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms Square feet: 2,252 Price per square foot: $412 2233 Farley Rd, Hoover Price: $925,000 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Square feet: 4,277 Price per square foot: $216 218 Lakeshore Dr, Homewood Price: $924,900 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms Square feet: 2,932 Price per square foot: $315 3004 Highland Village Rdg, Birmingham Price: $915,900 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Square feet: 3,258 Price per square foot: $281 6036 Olivewood Dr, Hoover Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions was subpoenaed to be deposed for a House investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case. Here, Sessions speaks at First Baptist Church of Huntsville on July 4, 2021. A congressional committee on Tuesday sent former Attorney General Jeff Sessions a subpoena to be deposed later this month as part of its investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case. Sessions, the longtime Alabama senator who served as attorney general for part of President Donald Trumps first term, was ordered to provide a deposition because his tenure intersected with key moments in the Justice Departments investigation and case against Epstein, according to the House Oversight and Governmental Reform Committee. During your tenure as U.S. Attorney General from 2017 to 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice was litigating against victims of Mr. Jeffrey Epstein who alleged that the Department had violated their rights ... in negotiating a non-prosecution agreement with Mr. Epstein, states the letter from Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky. The Justice Department under Sessions, according to Comers letter, also may have been engaging in an investigation of Mr. Epstein that led to his final arrest in 2019. Pursuant to this direction, please see the attached subpoena for you to appear at a deposition on August 28, 2025, the letter continues. Sessions, who could not immediately be reached for comment, was among seven former attorneys general dating back to the George W. Bush administration who received subpoena letters. The current Attorney General, Pam Bondi, was also subpoenaed. The Republican-controlled committee also issued subpoenas for depositions with former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton along with subpoenas for the DOJs Epstein files. The committees actions showed how even with lawmakers away from Washington on a monthlong break, interest in the Epstein files is still running high. Trump has repeatedly tried to move past the Justice Departments decision not to release a full accounting of the investigation, but lawmakers from both parties, as well as many in the presidents political base, have refused to let it go. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trump declared the career of CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King over, claiming the journalist has no talent. Trump posted the remark to his Truth Social account Monday night in response to a New York Post report that declining ratings at the woke morning show may cost King her job. Gayle Kings career is over. She should have stayed with her belief in TRUMP. She never had the courage to do so. No talent, no ratings, no strength!!! Trump posted. The Post reported King is part of a culture that has dug in against attempts by higher-ups to move away from polarizing coverage, citing sources with knowledge of the situation. The perennially last-place show once regarded as a cash cow for the beleaguered news division," the Post reported, has seen its ratings plummet to below 2 million in recent months. Trumps remarks are just his latest dig at CBS and its parent company, Paramount. CBS is canceling The Late Show With Stephen Colbert next May, shuttering a decades-old TV institution in a changing media landscape and removing from air one of President Donald Trumps most prominent and persistent late-night critics. CBS said Late Show was canceled for financial reasons, not for content. But the timing three days after Colbert criticized the settlement between Trump and Paramount Global, parent company of CBS, over a 60 Minutes story led two U.S. senators to publicly question the motives. On social media, the president took glee in the shows cancellation. I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next, Trump posted, referring to ABCs Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show, referring to The Five co-host Greg Gutfeld on Fox News and Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. President Donald Trump waves to reporters as he walks on the South Lawn upon arriving at the White House, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP President Donald Trump said Tuesday that undocumented immigrants are naturally suited to farm work that people that live in the inner city ... dont do. Trump made the remark during an appearance Tuesday morning on CNBCs Squawk Box. The president contrasted his administrations new policy toward undocumented farm workers with ICEs crackdown of undocumented immigrants in cities like Los Angeles. Were taking care of our farmers, Trump told CNBCs Joe Kernan. Speaking of undocumented immigrants, the president said, these people you cant replace them very easily. You know, people that live in the inner city are not doing that work ... they dont do it. These people, they do it naturally, naturally. Trump said he recently asked a farmer how their farm handles when undocumented immigrants are injured. He said, they dont get a bad back, sir, because if they get a bad back they die. I said, thats interesting, Trump told Kernan. In many ways, theyre very special people, the president said. Trumps comments drew condemnation from his critics who called the remarks racist: What he means is blacks refuse to pick crops, we have gotten to uppity. Danny (@danzu72) August 5, 2025 He said the quiet part out loud again. Trump didnt just expose the labor system He exposed the expectation that some lives are born to break their backs or break entirely. This isnt a gaffe. Its a window into how they see the people keeping America running. And guess Lucien Wolfe (@LucienWolfe111) August 5, 2025 Conservative pundit Matt Walsh complained that a U.S.-Canada trade deal should not depend on whether Canada recognizes a Palestinian state or not. Hes wrong. American citizens should worry that or at least wonder why a Western ally would decide to show support for a failed region saturated with terrorist determinations. How could anyone trust or forget a lasting relationship with a country that appeases terrorists and recognizes lies? Should ISIS have its own state, too? How about throwing in a caliphate and call it a day? America First is turning into Me, Me, Me, and Forget about Morality. This is disturbing. At least Walsh gave Israel the benefit of the doubt regarding its response to October 7, 2023: What were they supposed to do? What should they have done? But he then turned around and made a pretty clear case for America-only nationalism. That kind of thinking is a moral cop-out. I agree with Dutch conservative leader Geert Wilders and Argentine president Javier Milei, as well as our own DNI Tulsi Gabbard. Israels fight against Hamas and Islamic jihad is the fight of Western civilization, of truth vs. error, of freedom vs. tyranny, of self-determination vs. despotism. Their fight is our fight, and we should not shrink from supporting Israels eradication of Islamic jihad in our world and in our time. Hamas has openly declared that it is not just interested in destroying Israel and wiping out all Jewry. It wants to destroy Christians, too, and the decadent West. Let us never forget that Iranian politicians were burning American flags on the floor of their parliament. I am at a loss as to why so many right-wing activists and populist conservative commentators are ignoring such blatant Islamic calls for our destruction. When conservative pundits say, I dont care what happens to Israel or any other country, its a cop-out. When conservative pundits and first-world countries side with the Palestinian cult, its a capitulation. We can and must identify right and wrong, not just domestically, but internationally. We can side with different interests in international fights, and we can stand for what is right without sending troops into any country. Sanctions, tariffs, and other forms of soft power can get the job done without one drop of American blood being shed. Ronald Reagan brought down the Soviet Union through free enterprise; an aggressive military spending build-up; and the calm affirmation that collectivist, socialist policies would inevitably fail. Trumps doctrine of sanctions and strategic strikes is also paying off. Moreover, Israel is winning the peace in Gaza without other nations help or limitations via foreign aid. Let it do the fighting. Let it kill the international bad guys. To quote Canadians Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, if Israel were to stop [Iran] from acquiring nuclear weapons, it would be a gift by the Jewish state to humanity. The United States best interest must focus on immediate threats, but we should support our allies when they are destroying theirs, too. It's also in our interest not to recognize terrorist cells as independent countries. We should expect our allies to show similar wisdom and restraint. The last thing any country should do is enable more terrorism, more wrongdoing via a recognition of a so-called Palestinian nation. The whole Palestinian cause is based on lies, anyway. Starting in 1964 (not centuries ago), Egyptian terrorists like Yasser Arafat started calling for another independent state. Previously, Gaza was part of Egypt, and Judea-Samaria was part of Jordan. There was no Palestine beforehand no borders, language, or distinct culture, either. Some will argue that Hamas is not committing any atrocities in the United States. What Israel is going through is not our fight. President Trump exposed that false thinking when he directed bunker-busting bombers to target nuclear facilities in Iran last month. Iran props up Hamas as well as Hezballah, so we should not separate those terrorist sponsors. Trumps military action was a necessary intervention to show the ayatollahs and Islamic militants around the world that the United States is not playing around, but her leaders will defend her sovereign and international interests. Thankfully, our leaders are no longer foolish enough to waste billions of dollars in treasure and countless lives trying to create democracies in the Middle East. However, we should not be sitting ducks ready for an Islamic aggressor to strike and destroy us. Getting back to Hamas and other violent jihadi movements, they have targeted us, and they have come to our soil to do great harm. Consider the following: Any Western country bending the knee to Islamic terror does not deserve our respect. Canada, and now France, along with the United Kingdom, has hastened its long, tortured decline by threatening or announcing plans to support a so-called Palestinian state. Canada specifically pledged at the U.N. General Assembly to recognize Palestine. One has to wonder what they think these measures will accomplish. Appeasing aggressors never stops aggression. Just ask Neville Chamberlain with regard to his negotiations with Adolf Hitler, or ask Bill Clinton with respect to his deal to foster North Koreas denuclearization. Consider what the Israelis did! They gave up the Gaza Strip, and the result has been more terrorism. For all of the American First podcasters who stress their earnest determination to protect Western civilization and our proud Anglo-American legal tradition, as well as our Jewish and Christian heritage, how can they justify turning a blind eye to the ravaging of Hamas and their worldwide ambitions to destroy all of us? Islamic terror is not going away just because a large cohort of conservatives is distraught about Americas failed efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. We can fight worldwide evil without bankrupting ourselves or weighing ourselves down with impossible investments. But we shouldnt slide into moral bankruptcy just to preserve some misguided neo-isolationist credentials. We should not be foolish enough to say we wont care one way or another which interests our Western allies may ally with. In fact, not only should the G7 countries resist recognition of any so-called Palestinian state, but they should unite in demanding Hamass full surrender and demolition. From there, the nations of the civilized world should stop with the two-faced diplomacy and move their working embassies to the Israeli capital, Jerusalem. Trumps move during his first term hastened greater stability and legitimacy for the Jewish state. Other countries have signaled their intention to move their embassies to Jerusalem as well. Argentina, the Czech Republic, and Hungary are also exploring this move. Palestinian militants and their allies will rebuff these arguments and claim that every people group has a right to a country. The longstanding argument for self-determination is a strong one to counter. The general public in the United States and around the world has heard this refrain: that cultures and people groups that live within warring regions should be able to exercise the right of self-determination. More importantly, the United States is founded on this notion of natural rights, and among those rights, human beings can abolish governments to create new ones for themselves. But I submit to all the conservative activists and allies of the so-called Palestinian cause that this argument no longer has merit. It certainly does not apply to the warring tribes and factions in Gaza and Judea-Samaria. The people groups in those regions have been offered a state five times, and they have rejected every one of these offers. When Israel gave Gaza over to the refugee interests in that location, they proceeded to turn a glorious tourist attraction into a third-world terrorist-cell hell-hole. Instead of exercising their natural right to self-determination and self-defense, they have abused those rights by waging war and unleashing terror on everyone whom they oppose or find offensive. If people misuse their natural rights to harm others, they forfeit those rights. The residents of the Gaza and Judea-Samaria regions no longer have any right or claim to self-determination. The best solution is not sovereignty, but removal from the area. No one with any conscience or integrity should recognize a state for such militants. A Palestinian state is a threat to all of us, and shame on anyone capitulating to this murderous dissimulation. Image via Pexels. Just when antisemitic protests seem to be quieting down on university campuses, we now learn that antisemitism pervades the entire Philadelphia school district: While American universities have faced unprecedented scrutiny (and DOJ ire) for antisemitism, the nations public schools are also gaining attention for anti-Jewish harassment. A recent civil rights lawsuit against the Philadelphia School District reveals antisemitic rot that runs just as deep in one of the largest public-school systems in the country. Unfortunately, setting a trial date was long delayed due to the districts blatant disregard for the actions that were taking place. The same article linked above writes that Philadelphia educator Heather Mizrachi finally sued the district for their lack of response. According to the filing, she was targeted by colleagues and ignored by school leadership after raising concerns about antisemitic displays and harassment following the horrific attacks. The lawsuit says that for months on end, Mizrachi was subjected to social media posts from her co-workers calling for the destruction of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. They equated Jews and Israelis to white supremacists, referred to Israel as a terrorist state, and cheered on the violent Hamas attacks, according to the filing. Meanwhile, the district made little effort to mitigate the situation. Mizrachis complaints were ignored, discounted, or ridiculed. Nor can the school district claim that shes one lone complainer, for others also reported a problem: A group called the School District of Philadelphia Jewish Family Association made similar allegations in a complaint to the education department under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on shared ancestry. After that complaint was filed, a group of pro-Palestinian teachers called Philly Educators for Palestine said that while any incidents of discrimination should be addressed, its not antisemitic to criticize Israel or advocate for Palestinians. The group said the complaint was an attempt to silence teachers and students and a distraction from the carnage being inflicted upon Palestinians in Gaza by Israel. This response from the pro-Palestinian group is not atypical; these groups often make a tepid effort to criticize discrimination. Notably, the Civil Rights complaints dont allege that anyone criticized Israel. They all allege that Jews were attacked because they are Jewish and Israel is the worlds only Jewish state. Also, as a matter of logic, to claim, after the barbarism of October 7, that it is perfectly acceptable to defend the Palestinians as virtuous, and to label Israels actions as barbarism, is beyond the pale. What the antisemites in Philadelphias education system are doing is not random. They are well-organized. Teachers and administrators joined together to harass Jewish students and staff, while efforts to remedy the situation ranged from pathetic to non-existent: The SDP itself has approved or sponsored a series of anti-Semitic events, including walkouts that isolate Jewish students and disrupt their educational experience, as well as faculty lecture series and Teach-Ins where Zionists are called exterminators. Parents have regularly reported a host of troubling incidents affecting their children to the administration, but the SDP has done nothing to address, much less curtail, the hostile environment that has plagued the school district since October 7. At most, misguided administrators have attempted to resolve problems involving teachers by moving Jewish students into new classes, which serves only to normalize anti-Semitism throughout the SDP. The system was so egregious that even the Biden administration felt compelled to step up, even if only in pro forma fashion. In December 2024, the Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights issued a complaint against the school district, which led to a voluntary resolution (i.e., no litigation): A federal investigation has determined that the Philadelphia school district has not adequately addressed incidents of antisemitism and other examples of harassment based on shared ancestry that occurred in and around schools recently. In a resolution agreement with the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights stemming from a complaint filed by some parents and Jewish organizations in May, the district agreed to publicly declare its intolerance of harassment and discrimination on its website, post a statement in every school, and review and revise its anti-harassment policies by Jan. 9. The district must also send the revised policies to all school administrators, who must distribute, convene, and discuss the revised policies and procedures with site-based staff. It must also train staff annually, and provide age-appropriate training and information on racial and ethnic discrimination to all students in grades 6-12. The DOE complaint sounds pretty comprehensive, doesnt it? The district, however, responded in the usual generic fashion, insisting that it cares about everyone and, of course, it wants all its students to be safea claim at odds with the complaints against it: In response, officials issued a statement saying the district strives to create welcoming and inclusive environments that allow our students to feel safe and heard. The District takes all complaints of bullying, harassment, and discrimination seriously, including allegations of Antisemitism and Islamophobia. The statement continues, OCR has recognized areas where the District has shown its commitment to this important work and also identified areas needing additional attention and improvement. The voluntary resolution agreement outlines ways in which the District will continue to improve upon its processes. Despite the school districts carefully scripted statement of its good intentions and proposed new direction, the feedback from the Office of Civil Rights tells a different story: OCR has Title VI compliance concerns, however, that the District has not demonstrated its fulfillment of its Title VI obligations to evaluate whether a hostile environment existed based on the information about which it had notice and if so that it took steps reasonably designed to eliminate any such hostile environment and prevent its recurrence. For example, the District produced no information reflecting its evaluation of whether a hostile environment resulted for Jewish students when a teacher (Teacher 1) stood on stage at a school assembly, criticized a District choice responsive to concerns raised with the District that that assemblys planned content could create a hostile environment for Jewish students not to hold an earlier scheduled assembly, and asked the student audience was it really the quote-unquote antisemitism that made you uncomfortable or was it the truth? In other words, the voluntary resolution between OCR and the district was a complete waste of time. Teachers, students, and staff all realized that no one was serious about dealing with the problem. Despite the complaints following October 7, the perpetrators continued their behavior. Thus, the voluntary resolution by the district was just short of being a farce. Ultimately, there were no consequences for antisemitic behavior within the district; no one was penalized or held accountable in any way that was documented. Judging by appearances, the district was complicit in these activities. Fortunately, a federal judge is permitting the case to go to trial in December 2025. Maybe there will finally be some consequences. The Philadelphia School District building (edited). Public domain. For more than half a century, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) claimed to be a guardian of public trust, a neutral steward of the peoples airwaves. Established by Congress in 1967 with a clear mandate to stay nonpolitical and not support any political party, it was supposed to serve as an impartial vehicle for news and educational programming. But that ideal while noble died long ago. The CPBs failure to uphold its mission has been obvious for decades. By the 1990s, it was already clear to many on the right that something had gone awry. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and other Republicans criticized CPB-funded outlets like National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) for adopting a liberal bias. Programming tilted unmistakably toward progressive narratives, often casting conservative positions in a negative light. Non-lefties sensed they werent the public being broadcast to. That growing sense of betrayal turned to alarm in 2005, when Kenneth Tomlinson, then chairman of the CPB and a Bush appointee, openly accused PBS of ideological bias. He pointed to specific programming decisions as evidence that public broadcasting had become a left-leaning mouthpiece. Conservatives renewed their calls for reform, but little changed. The 2010s brought a new wave of frustration. NPRs reporting on immigration, policing, and gender issues regularly framed right-leaning viewpoints as backward or even dangerous. Its refusal to cover the Hunter Biden laptop story, dismissing this as a distraction, and its coverage defending progressive causes like DEI intensified conservative accusations of bias. AllSides, a media watchdog that tracks partisan bias, has more than once categorized what NPR runs online as left-leaning. By the 2020s, one couldnt ignore that public media was no longer public in any meaningful sense. It had become the communications arm of the progressive elite. But it wasnt until 2024 that the curtain was pulled back completely. NPR senior editor Uri Berliner far from a right-wing firebrand blew the whistle on the ideological homogeneity inside his own newsroom. Berliner revealed that the networks newsroom had 87 registered Democrats, and zero Republicans, in editorial roles. This confirmed long-held conservative suspicions of ideological imbalance. His critique provided damning evidence that NPR had abandoned the CPBs statutory requirement for impartiality, fueling GOP momentum to defund it. That imbalance wasnt just statistical. It was cultural. NPRs President and CEO had gone so far as to label the pursuit of truth a distraction from the networks higher goals. Editors were instructed to avoid scientifically grounded terms like biological sex. Instead, they prioritized DEI narratives and rejected coverage that might challenge their worldview. When the lab-leak theory of COVID-19s origin surfaced later affirmed by the FBI, the CIA, and the Department of Energy NPR shut it down, deeming it conspiracy-laden nonsense. This wasnt journalism. It was propaganda funded, insultingly, by the very taxpayers it marginalized. PBS was no better. Over a mere six months, its flagship program NewsHour used terms like far-right 162 times, while mentioning far-left just six. That linguistic asymmetry didnt go unnoticed. Nor did PBSs decision to air a childrens program featuring drag performer Lil Miss Hot Mess, or a town hall co-hosted with CNN designed to sell one-sided narratives about race to children. PBS even aired a film titled Real Boy, glorifying a teenagers gender transition, and showcased animal sexuality in a Valentines Day segment that imagined cartoon fish changing genders. PBS chief executive Paula Kerger asserted her network strives to present multiple viewpoints. However, a Media Research Center study analyzed all 86 episodes of NewsHour from January 20, 2025 through May 19. It found that liberal-Democratic leaning guests outnumbered conservative-Republican ones by 173 to 41, a stark 4.2-to-1 ratio, with just 106 guests rated neutral or politically unrelated. This imbalance was even more pronounced when excluding elected officials and political appointees, with liberal guests outnumbering conservatives 91 to 16, a 5.7-to-1 ratio. The study also noted that liberal journalists, such as those from The Atlantic, appeared ten times, while no conservative journalists were featured, highlighting PBSs preference for left-leaning voices. To non-lefty Americans, these werent harmless editorial choices. They were provocations. Political activism cloaked in the language of public-interest broadcasting. A taxpayer-funded insult aimed squarely at those footing the bill. So when Donald Trump issued an executive order on May 1, titled Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media, it struck a deep chord. The directive called on the CPB to halt all direct and indirect funding to NPR and PBS, citing their failure to deliver on the neutrality Congress mandated generations ago. He wasnt alone. Just weeks later, Trump pushed Congress to rescind CPBs budget altogether$1.1 billion in totalarguing that NPR and PBS had become radical left echo chambers. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed the sentiment, blasting the CPBs embrace of woke programming. The statistics backed them up. In addition to all aforementioned data, research showed that PBSs coverage of the 2024 Republican National Convention was 72% negative, while its coverage of the Democratic Convention was 88% positive. Congress listened. On July 17, 2025, the Senate passed a $9 billion rescission bill$1.1 billion of which came from the CPB. Only two Republicans voted against it. The following day, the House finalized the legislation, zeroing out the CPBs funding and sending the bill to Trumps desk. He promptly signed it. Shortly thereafter, the CPB announced it would shut down, with most staff fired by September 30. This wasnt just a budgetary maneuver. It was a long-overdue reckoning. NPR and PBS had long defended their subsidies by claiming to be essential public goods. But in the modern media landscaperich with alternatives, from online platforms to cable newstheir role is redundant at best, toxic at worst. As Trumps executive order rightly pointed out, government support for news outlets is unnecessary, outdated, and corrosive to journalistic independence. The order didnt stop at cutting funds. It directed all federal agencies to review contracts and grants for compliance. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), among other agencies, was furthermore instructed to investigate whether NPR and PBS had engaged in unlawful discrimination. Critics claim this is an attack on the free press. But there is no constitutional right to a government handoutespecially not for media outlets that openly vilify half the country. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press, not a federal subsidy. For millions of Americans who have watched their values mocked, their beliefs caricatured, and their tax dollars used to fund it all, this moment is long overdue. Public broadcasting had a chance to remain above the fray. Instead, it chose sides. Now, the public is choosing too. The CPBs demise is not a tragedy. Its accountability. Its clarity. And for those tired of paying for content that brands them as the problem, its justice. Still, some of us who grew up watching PBS Kids, years later finding Frontline and NewsHour to be insightful, cant help but feel sad that things have come to this. It wouldve been nice if leftists hadnt worked day and night to alienate us. Todays situation probably would be very different. Regardless, let the marketplace of ideas decide what survives. Not Washington bureaucrats. Not left-wing activist newsrooms. And certainly not an agency that forgot who it was meant to serve in the first place. Dr. Joseph Ford Cotto hosts and produces News Sight, speaking the data-driven truth about economic and political issues that impact you. During the 2024 presidential election, he created the Five-Point Forecast, which correctly predicted Trump's national victory and the outcome in all swing states. The author of numerous nonfiction books, Cotto holds a doctorate in business administration and is a Lean Six Sigma Certified Black Belt. During 2014, HLM King Kigeli V of Rwanda bestowed a hereditary knighthood upon him. It was followed by a barony the next year. Image: Logo// fair use On this exact day, August 5th, in 1884, the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty was laid. Encased in its core were copies of the three greatest documents of liberty in the world: The Bible, The Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution. In celebration of this day and as we count down to our nations 250th birthday, it is vital to understand the Statue of Libertys true meaning, and not the meaning that others want to impose on it. Some people today believe that the Statue of Liberty is like a Welcome Wagon for a global homeless shelter called the United States of America. They take an Emma Lazarus poem that was placed on the statue 20 years after its dedication and make the case that anyone who wants to come to the United States should be able to do. Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door! The Marxist progressive left desires unlimited immigration, both legal and illegal. They use our compassion as Americans against us. After all, we are a nation of immigrants, they say. The new reality they advocate for is Lady Liberty with her hand upraised, not with the torch of liberty, but with coupons for the free stuff the masses of humanity will receive if they just make it into the United States. In their eyes, the Statue of Liberty should just wave them in. Come on in, get your freebies here. No commitment to American values. No need to learn our history or follow our laws. You deserve to be here, so get here any way you can. This is a progressive, globalist interpretation using a fragment of a poem to manipulate us. The real history of this poem is that it was a part of the fundraising project for the pedestal on which the statue was to stand. Emma Lazarus was a famous poetess at the time, and she was asked to produce a poem that could be auctioned at a fundraiser. She agreed and titled her work, The New Colossus. Her poem was never a part of the design concept or symbolism being built into the statue itself. In fact, the purchaser accidentally discarded the poem at some point after the auction, and it was lost for 20 years. Then, remarkably, one of Lazaruss friends stumbled upon it in a used bookstore two decades later. She brought it to some civic leaders and convinced them that this would be a good historical addition to the statue. So, a plaque of the entire poem was made and placed on an inside wall of the pedestal, making it a part of the projects history, but by no means the main point. Today, citizens have been misled to believe the poem was a part of Lady Libertys original concept of Lady Liberty and that its words supersede the Constitution and even establish immigration policy. So then, what is the true symbolism of the Statue of Liberty? The answer to this is not as easily found as one might think. You can go to the Statue of Liberty National Park website and, buried in the FAQs, you will see a tepid attempt that falls way short of anything meaningful or inspirational. But if you dig into the writings, history, and design concepts of the projects sculptor, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, and its promoter, Edouard de Laboulaye, you will find these amazingly important truths: LIBERTY ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD. This is actually Lady Libertys real name. In her name alone, we can see her purpose. Enlightenment means to provide intellectual or spiritual insight. The idea here is that the American concepts of liberty are offered to the world, so that other nations might adopt them and experience the same benefits that the people living in the United States of America have enjoyed. They are not forced on the world, but offered freely so that all can flourish. LIBERTYS CROWN. The spikes represent sunbeams from heaven to the seven continents and the seven seas. Her crown reinforces the idea that liberty is to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. Public domain. LIBERTYS TORCH. In her right hand is a torch that is held high. This is not the torch of revolution that seeks to set fire and destroy. This is a flame that gives light and pushes back the darkness, showing the way forward. Image by AskALotl (cropped). CC BY 4.0. LIBERTYS TABLET. In her left hand, held firmly and protected, is a tablet shaped like a keystone. Bartholdi chose a keystone because it is the central stone at the summit of an arch or structure that locks the whole thing together. Its the central principle of a system in which all else depends. Image by Erik Drost. CC BY 2.0. Rising off the face of the keystone tablet is the date July 4, 1776, representing the Declaration of Independence. That document, in turn, puts the Creator at the center of Americas creation: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Bartholdis symbolism is that the Declaration is central to everything, and central to the Declaration is the Creator from whom inalienable rights are born into mankind. They are a gift from God, not a gift from government or men. LIBERTYS FEET. Liberty is depicted as walking on the broken chains of tyranny, symbolizing that all nations and all people who embrace her ideals will break free from tyranny and live in liberty. Image by Atsme. CC BY-SA 4.0. Here too is one of the most profound pieces to understanding the Statue of Liberty. Her right heel is raised, implying that Liberty is not standing still; she is moving forward, walking out into the world. This reinforces that American concepts of liberty, unique in all the world, are offered to the world and to all who will freely embrace them. Picture in your mind, not Lady Liberty standing on an island in New York, but walking across the world spreading her ideals the world over. From the cornerstone of Lady Liberty where the Bible, the Declaration, and the Constitution are buried, through the tablet she holds protected and firm, to the torch held high, Lady Libertys entire being is electrified with the fact that our rights are God given and these rights are for all people, at all times, everywhere. I think it is also notable that Liberty is built on a retired fort. This should remind us that liberty must be fought for in every generation, or it will slip away without our notice. Let me close out by returning to Emma Lazaruss much-abused poem, for it does have a place in the statues history. As you embrace and teach the important truths originated by Bartholdi and Laboulaye above, let me draw your attention to a vital phrase in the poem itself that is often overlooked. It is the phrase yearning to breathe free. Those coming to the United States as legal immigrates should only be those who yearn to understand the principles on which our country is founded, yearn to support the rule of law, yearn to embrace American history and culture, yearn to assimilate, and yearn to be a part of advancing the American Experiment in self-government, not tear it down. On this important anniversary day, lock down these truths in your mind and share them with others. Be a flame of liberty and spiritual awakening. And like the Statue of Liberty, get moving, and go out and spread liberty throughout the world. (For more details and video training on these concepts, go to The Statue of Liberty Series.) Craig Seibert is the director of www.DeclarationOfIndependence250.org, and www.ChristianCivicsTraining.org, where you will find an abundance of free resources, including a special, detailed teaching series on the Statue of Liberty. Craig is also a Coach Mentor for www.PatriotAcademy.com and www.ServeGodDefendLiberty.com. Learn more about brand new free courses on Rebuilding Liberty Here. One of the places I visited during a trip to the Balkans in June was a large nuclear bunker complex on the outskirts of Tirane, the capital of Albania. Its a massive underground structurefive stories, 106 rooms, and a two-story-high assembly hall, all covering 32,000 square feetand was built in the 1970s during the height of the Cold War to shelter Albanias Stalinist leader Enver Hoxha and his inner circle. Dug by hand, the bunker claimed the lives of many laborers. One could see it as the culmination of the many smaller domed concrete bunkers scattered across Albanias landscape, cities, and beaches. They still stand as ugly symbols of Hoxhas paranoia and the countrys isolation during his rule. In an article for The Sunday Times, British writer A.A. Gill described them as solid pustules of mistrust and fear. The communist regime ended in 1992, seven years after Hoxhas death. In the early 2010s, Hoxhas once-secret bunker was turned into a museum called BunkArt-1, which showcases the period from Italys invasion of Albania in 1939 to the fall of communism. It opened to the public in 2014. Exhibits include Hoxhas suite, his bed (carefully covered with a red blanket), a communist-era grocery store, narrow passageways, unsettling displays of gas masks, propaganda photos, and other items from the regime. Interestingly, there is a section that should resonate with Americans. It is dedicated to the American nurses and medics of the 807th Medical Air Evacuation Squadron (MAES), who crash-landed in German-occupied Albania on November 8, 1943. For two months, they fought to reach Allied lines. They succeeded, thanks to their perseverance and bravery, as well as the generosity of local Albanian citizens and communist partisans fighting the Germans. My awe at discovering this fascinating aspect of World War II history led me to Albanian Escape: The True Story of U.S. Army Nurses Behind Enemy Lines, by Lt. Agnes Jensen Mangerich, one of the 13 nurse lieutenants on board the C-53 transport plane. The plane also carried 12 sergeants (all paramedics), four flying crew members, and a corporal hitching a ride. They all survived the crash, though one sergeant was badly injured. Miraculously, they also endured the secretive 800-mile trek through unfamiliar mountainous terrain in freezing cold, and finally made it home to the U.S. Throughout their ordeal, Mangerich kept a diary on thin strips of paper, recording place names, names of people who helped, landmarks, and more. She was also supported by her sharp memory, say Evelyn Monahan and Rosemary Neidel, who, as co-authors, helped her compile the book. In an authors note, Mangerich states that publication was far from her mind, especially when Hoxha was in power, because her details could reveal non-communists who helped the American team and they might face repercussions. It was only in 1999, seven years after the fall of communism, that the book was published. The background to the crash is that the German army arrived in Albania in January 1943 but was mainly halted by communist militias led by Hoxha. Other non-communist militias also attacked the Nazis, who responded by killing locals with firing squads or burning them in their homes. By November, the Nazis had taken full control of Albania, deploying 700,000 troops in the Balkans and setting up checkpoints every six miles. Meanwhile, across the Adriatic in Italy, Mussolini was removed from power, and the new government signed an armistice with the Allies on September 3, 1943. Italian forces then joined the Allies in fighting the Nazis. However, German troops still controlled northern Italy, which was under a puppet government led by Mussolini, who had fled there. At that time, dogfights were common over Italy and the Adriatic. The MAES plane, along with two others, was heading from Catania, Sicily, to Bari on Italys mainland Adriatic coast to pick up wounded GIs. The crew knew a storm was forming, but they believed they would reach Bari before it hit. However, halfway there, the plane encountered the storm, was badly jolted, and lost radio contact with Bari. It plummeted, and at one point, those on board felt it was skimming the water, but it recovered. Losing altitude and circling, at one point, the pilots thought the plane was heading to the safety of an abandoned German airfield, only to realize at the last moment that it was still in use. In a rush, they powered away, but not before ack-ack gunfire damaged the tail of the plane. Eventually, they crash-landed in a field. Those on board abandoned the plane at a breakneck pace, still carrying Sgt. Willis Shumway, a flight crewman who was severely wounded. Mangerich writes that they had no clue they were somewhere in the middle of Albania. (Its 100 nautical miles from the Albanian coast to Bari, their destination!) In fact, when a group of local militiamen approached, one of the Americans pulled out an English-Italian dictionary to try to communicate. It wasnt until a few English-speaking locals arrived that they learned they were in Albania and lucky to be rescued by resistance fighters. The partisans quickly cleared away the debris to leave no trace of the Americans presence and hid them in a stone house two hours away on foot, since the Nazis were nearby. Thus began the Americans journey, during which their hope of survival depended on their wits, grit, and trust in their Albanian helpers. Albania was then the poorest country in Europe, with only 26 miles of paved roads, five raging rivers that frequently flooded the plains, limited food supplies, little or no electricity and plumbing, and most people traveling on foot. But the Albanians admired President Woodrow Wilson, who had spoken out for their country at the League of Nations and opposed its division between Greece and Yugoslavia. The coincidence of the people of this country standing between them and Nazi capture was not lost on the Americans. Over time, they learned that the Albanians saw them as the vanguard of a liberating force that would drive out the Nazis. However, this did not ease their immediate hardships. For days on end, they stayed hidden with nothing to eat. One day, they caught and cooked an ox over an open fire. Not used to such fare, they were horrified but appreciated the food since they hadnt had anything in a long time. With help from the partisans, they planned a journey to the city of Berat on donkeys. It took days and went through terrain filled with German soldiers. But in Berat, the townsfolk and city officials welcomed them with speeches and celebrated their arrival. The nurses and paramedics were given lunch at a local hotel, lined up for everyone's cheers, and then assigned to stay in twos or threes in different homes. But soon, the Germans started bombing the area. Fearing capture, the Americans began moving on, from village to village. Some villagers would willingly shelter them, some reluctantly, because the fear of German reprisals weighed heavily on them. They ate whatever was offeredmainly cornbread and goat cheeseand kept going, at one point climbing Mt. Tomorr (one of Albanias highest), with inadequate clothing or shoes. Without proper toilet facilities, they suffered from lice infestations and bouts of dysentery. Their ordeal took dramatic turns when three nurses were left behind as the group fled Berat. A German soldier who searched the house where the nurses were hidden did not report them for reasons unknown. However, luck also turned against them when a British agent dispatched to rescue them was betrayed. The main group pressed on without knowing the whereabouts of the missing nurses. Eventually, after an airlift was thwarted by the Germans, the main group arrived in Bari by boat on January 9, 1944. It wasnt until March that the separated nurses were rescued by another group of agents and finally made it to the U.S. to join duty. Its truly a remarkable story. The preface states that, as men and women in uniform, all the crash survivors volunteered for danger. Combat wasnt expected of the nurses, but as flight nurses, they knew they could easily crash or be shot down behind enemy lines. Still, they answered the call of duty and lived by Queen Esthers words: I go, and if I perish, I perish. Image: Public domain. Americans will always have different political views, but an overwhelming number of citizens agree that justice and accountability are a government imperative. The root of so many of our present problems is the two-tiered justice system and the consequences of corruption at the highest levels of the U.S. government. The White House East Room has displayed the portrait of James Madison, the primary author of the Constitution and the nations fourth President. Lets hope the Trump administration is all in on Madisons assertion in Federalist, No. 51, that Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It has ever been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit. If Madisons views are prescient, we are in the end game, and we had better get this right and win. When laws are not enforced and there are no penalties for violations, we get more law-breaking. Failing to prosecute, convict, and penalize those breaking security protocol and laws while serving in government during the Obama administration served to foster and encourage more serious crime, which has recently been showcased by Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard. Her charges that a cabal within the Obama administration planned and executed a coup against incoming President Trump to undermine his administration demand adjudication. If conviction ensues, we are dealing with the highest crime committed against the country by U.S. citizens. First, when a pass, or multiple successive passes, are given to lawbreakers, you not only protect the lawless, but you empower and encourage would-be lawbreakers to do the same or worse. Second, when laws are not enforced, they cease to have meaning. And thats when your nation enters a slippery slope of arbitrary and subjective rule and cronyism, which ends in ruin such as no borders, the hollowing out of citizen rights, and politicization of government agencies, to name a few. To understand how we got to where we are, it is helpful to take a trip down memory lane, starting with Obamas first term. In 2009, Obama Attorney General Eric Holder oversaw the ill-fated Fast and Furious gun-distribution-tracking program targeting the Mexican cartels, which resulted in the death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. When asked to testify before Congress, Holder refused to comply with a congressional subpoena for certain documents, leading to his being held in contempt of Congress in June 2012 -- a historical first for a sitting attorney general. Lois Lerner, IRS Director of the Exempt Organizations Division, targeted and blocked the granting of tax-exemption to some 250 conservative nonprofit groups, with "Tea Party" or "Patriot" in their filing names, prior to elections in 2010 and 2012. That prompted a May 2013 House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, at which Lerner pleaded the Fifth -- invoking her right against self-incrimination. On September 11, 2012, the anniversary of 9/11, there was the Benghazi, Libya, attack, in which the United States effectively stood down on resolute defense measures, leading to four Americansincluding the U.S. ambassadorbeing killed. It was immediately followed by a massive cover-up orchestrated by Obama U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. Then consider Obama Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who refused to comply with State Department protocol requiring all communication to be conducted on secure government communication networks. She insisted on using her own private computer and server located in her residence, putting Americas national security information at risk. When controversy surfaced after her State Department term was over, an FBI investigation ensued. July 5, 2016, FBI Director James Comey itemized Hillary Clintons actions: 1) her use of an insecure private email server; 2) Clintons destruction of evidence under subpoena that included 31,000 emails by BleachBitting her hard drive storage devices: and 3) the physical destruction by hammer blows of some 13 cell phones and communication devices. Federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. $1519, prohibits the destruction or falsification of records with the intent to obstruct justice, with penalties up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. Comey gave Clinton a pass, incredulously suggesting that the evidence did not meet the legal threshold for prosecution. On September 6, 2016, Obama completed the nuclear deal, secretly transferring a total of $1.7 billion in cash to Iran, stacked on wooden pallets and loaded onto unmarked planes. It is important to connect the dots and not forget other key players in Obamas national security team, which included John Brennan, CIA director from 2013 to 2017, and James Clapper, director of National Intelligence from 2010 to 2017. Brennans record can be traced back to the late 1990s when he was CIA station chief in Saudi Arabia at the time when visas were approved and issued to several Saudis who later became 9/11 hijackers. In 2014, under Brennans leadership, the CIA hacked into the computers of Senate Intelligence Committee staffers. When brought before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Brennan initially denied the wrongdoing. Later, he was forced to backtrack and admit false testimony when the CIA Inspector General produced definitive evidence confirming unauthorized access. When in March of 2013 James Clapper was providing testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, he was directly asked about whether the NSA collected data on the American people. Clapper told a boldfaced lie that the NSA did not conduct surveillance or collect and store any type of data on hundreds of millions of Americans, when in fact the contrary was common knowledge. In October 2020, only three weeks prior to the presidential election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, Brennan and Clapper orchestrated and enlisted some 51 former intelligence officials to sign a public letter, to be placed in the media nationwide, accusing Trump of being a Russian asset and suggesting the New York Post's damning report on Hunter Bidens laptop had all the hallmarks of Russian disinformation. That has all been proven false. Now comes former Democrat DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who on Friday July 18, 2025 made recommendation to U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi that Barack Obama and his national security team be prosecuted for a treasonous conspiracy committed in 2016 and 2017 that amounted to a coup with the objective of trying to usurp President Trump from fulfilling the mandate given him by the American people. She further stressed that every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, to ensure nothing like this ever happen again. One of the critical dates in Gabbards case was January 5, 2017, when Obama convened a White House meeting to discuss and plot tactics and strategy to undermine and disempower the duly elected President Trump. Starting with Obama, those at that meeting turned out to be a familiar cast of characters, including former FBI Director James Comey, John Brennan, James Clapper, Susan Rice, and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates. Gabbards evidence includes other meetings and other lawbreakers involved with this seditious conspiracy. Let us hope that Trumps attorney general, Pam Bondi, has the courage to indict and prosecute lawbreakers to the full extent of the law wherever in the deep state ruling class they are found. The restoration of clear, consistent, and uniform standards of justice could be the greatest accomplishment of the Trump administration, creating a legacy in the league of Madison and the Founding Fathers. Achieving rapid progress in the restoration of equal justice under the law will help restore Americas moral capital and help open the way for national spiritual revival. Such would be cause for a true celebration of the 250th anniversary of America in 2026. This essay has been updated since publication to correct an error regarding the Benghazi attack. Scott S. Powell is senior fellow at Discovery Institute and a member of the Committee on the Present Danger-China. His timeless book, Rediscovering America, was the number one Amazon New Release in the history genre for eight weeks. Reach him at scottp@discovery.org Image: Magic Studio Former president Barack Obama exudes an air of superiority and self-assurance that inspires those to whom hes speaking to believe everything he says is true. He has spent twenty years leveraging his soaring rhetoric to deceive the easily duped. Thats why its no surprise that we are now learning that the former president has tried to harm political opponents by saying one thing publicly and doing the exact opposite in private. Since 2004, America has received warnings from Barack Obama about threats he believes Americans should watch out for, including issues related to democracy, the rise of authoritarianism, free speech, misinformation, election denial, and hyperpartisanship. The former president has consistently portrayed himself as the embodiment of whatever he claims to be the ideal, and every warning about potential issues is always delivered with the suggestion that none of the negativity related to the topics he discusses applies to him. Although admittedly not a fan of the fundamental rights cited in a Constitution he once said reflects some deep flaws in American culture, the colonial culture nascent at that time, Obama has effectively positioned himself as the spokesperson for some distorted version of democracy. Ignoring the fact that America is a constitutional republic, in speeches he delivered in 2016 and 2021, Barack Obama stated, The peaceful transfer of power is part of what makes democracy work. Oh, really? In light of what we know about his treasonous meddling in elections, disingenuous statements like the one about the peaceful transfer of power should make every American pause and question anything Obama claims to stand for, revere, or pretend to be the guardian of. With a seemingly inordinate emphasis on democracy, Obama continually warns Americans that democracy, as he defines it, is not self-sustaining. At the 2020 National Democratic Convention, Obama cautioned Democrats, Do not let them take away your democracy. Make a plan to vote. Little did the voters know that at the time, the person democracy needed to be defended against was the one issuing the warning. Similar to how three months after he took office in 2009, the former president labeled half the nation right-wing extremists for the sin of being pro-life, prolegal immigration, pro-military, and pro-America, Obama, the consummate despot, has also repeatedly warned Americans about what he considers rising authoritarian trends. Lacking even a hint of self-awareness, Obama frequently cautions America that politicians who cant match his level of authoritarianism are the real authoritarians. Giving a new meaning to pathological, and after illegally inserting himself into the outcomes of two, possibly three, recent elections, the former president recently dared to accuse Donald J. Trump of being an authoritarian for questioning the results of an election Obama knew full well he had meddled in. Barack Obama has never been shy about sharing his thoughts that there should be limits on First Amendment rights. The former president frequently warns that to preserve democracy, Americans need to be cautious of political falsehoods spread on social media, the lies coming from certain unnamed media outlets, and to reject any First Amendment statement he personally opposes. Without explicitly defining what qualifies as misinformation, it seems the former president believes that America would be best served with his guidance on what speech should be sanctioned or censored. Immediately following the controversy surrounding the 2020 election, Obama began regularly warning Americans about the dangers of participating in election denial. Citing a lack of proof, the former president criticized anyone who questioned the 2020 election results. How dare Americans question an election that, for all intents and purposes, seemed shady, to say the least? The emerging problem for Barack Obama is that, although he has warned Americans not to question election irregularities, it is likely that he played a part in manipulating the ballot box. Another area where Barack Obama appears to view himself as the ultimate authority is in the realm of political polarization. Whenever he has the chance, the most left-leaning, one-sided, polarizing president in American history warns Americans about the dangers of extreme loyalty to one party over another and how such allegiances undermine democratic norms and harm civil discourse. What Obama is subliminally conveying is a message to partisans who swear loyalty to the political party he despises. If youre a Republican, faithfulness to the party furthers political polarization, but if youre a Democrat, those rules do not apply. In 2016, Trumps victory represented a national denunciation of what the 43rd president aimed to accomplish during his previous two terms. All Barrys self-aggrandizing rhetoric wasnt sending thrills up Americas leg anymore. That level of rejection did not sit well with a smug dude who has repeatedly proven that he doesnt deal well with rejection or differing opinions. Therefore, Trump, the quintessential tea bagger, whose vision of America sharply contrasted with Obamas goal to fundamentally transform the nation, had to be stopped by any means necessary. Despite all his deceitfulness, Barack Obama has thus far managed to portray himself as a champion of democratic fairness. However, when ordinary Americans, whom he claims to represent, voted for change in 2016, 2020, and possibly even 2024, it seems that it was Barack who covertly tried to thwart that change. It appears as if, finally, Barack Obamas chickens are coming home to roost, and the ulterior motives behind everything hes said and done are being laid bare. The mask Barack Obama has hidden behind, when saying one thing and doing another, is being stripped off as America finds out that the supposed guardian of democracy is nothing but a big con man. Obamas participation in the coup to oust a duly elected president proves that every holier-than-thou emphatic reproval America has received concerning democratic ideals, hyperpartisanship, and authoritarianism was dispensed by somebody who adhered to none of what he was selling. Jeannie hosts a blog at www.jeannieology.us. Image via Raw Pixel. This is typical of the coverage Ive seen of this tragic incident. 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown of Anaconda, MT is the subject of the manhunt. Hes suspected of shooting to death four persons, a female bartender and three male patrons. He is said to have been acquainted with all four, but didnt have any running dispute with any of them, according to the bars owner, who was not present. The victims, all local residents (like Brown), have been identified as Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64; Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Much of the coverage includes remarks from people acquainted with Brown, characterizing him as an individual with mental issues. But also typical of the coverage is identifying Brown as a veteran or former soldier. Most every news story about the shootings seems to label him thusly. Brown served in the U.S. Army for more than 4 years and served in Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005. He also served as a sergeant in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009. Dya see a subtext, an agenda here? The guy was in the Army twenty years ago; he hasnt been in the military for 16 years. Who knows what sort of things might have happened during those years to make him go nuts? Why imply that his military service is the source of his mental issues? For some people, military service can bring direction, order, and stability to their lives. Color me cynical, but this strikes me as an attempt to broadly smear all Iraq/Afghanistan war veterans as potentially unstable, as was done to all Vietnam veterans decades earlier. We know that most of our current crop of journalists are not fans of the military. There are precious few Ernie Pyles or Tim OBriens out there anymore; in todays newsrooms those names probably dont mean nuthin. This photo of the suspect was supplied by the Granite County (MT) Sheriffs Office. Please note that, in that part of Montana (as elsewhere in rural America) there are plenty of perfectly-adjusted people who project a similar appearance: Image provided by Granite County Sheriffs Office I dont know if this photo was taken at The Owl bar in Anaconda where the shootings took place, but Ill bet it was a similar establishment. The shootings occurred at 10:30 a.m. Why would anyone be in a bar at 10:30 in the morning? I doubt its because they serve a really great Mimosa or Bellini. I surmise that The Owl, which was next door to where Brown lived, is the type of place where you order a beer and the bartender pops the top on a can and sets it in front of you. Not that theres anything wrong with that, but it doesnt exactly insinuate any sort of sophistication or class. Long before I gave up alcohol I had decided a good rule to follow was that Nothing good happens in a bar after midnight. This incident gives me another reason to simply avoid bars altogether, regardless of the time of day. (On another note: A friend once observed that Lots of guys go to bars to meet women; they fail to consider that the only women theyre gonna meet are women who hang out in bars. And what kind of women hang out in bars at 10:30 a.m.?) Whatever their reasons for being there, the four middle-aged and elderly victims certainly didnt deserve to be murdered. Lets hope the manhunt is successful and Michael Paul Brown is apprehended and brought to justice. And maybe he can reveal just what was going through his troubled mind. Authors Note: Stu Tarlowe, 77, has been contributing to American Thinker since 2010. He also posts on Stus Stack o Stuff (the name is an homage to Rush Limbaugh), subscriptions to which are currently free. It seems Governor Greg Abbott has had enough. On August 3, Abbott issued an uncharacteristically stern ultimatum to more than 50 Democrat members of the Texas House, demanding they return by 3 P.M. Central Time on Monday, August 4. The Democrat legislators are required to participate in a special legislative session or face removal from office under state law. In his press release on Sunday, Abbott stated that the absences were a deliberate plan not to show up for work and, he continued, are not merely unintended and unavoidable interruptions in public service, like a sudden illness or a family emergency. Instead, these absences were premeditated for an illegitimate purpose what one representative called breaking quorum. Another previously signaled that Democrats would have to go by an extreme measure of a quorum break to stop these bills from happening. Abbott also referenced Texas attorney general Ken Paxtons 2021 non-binding advisory opinion (Opinion No. KP-0382). The opinion suggests that a court could determine that a legislator has forfeited his seat through abandonment via a quo warranto action a legal proceeding Abbott intends to initiate if the absent politicians do not return. Beyond civil penalties, Abbott escalated his warning by suggesting lawmakers could face serious criminal consequences for their absences, alleging that fundraising to cover daily $500 fines imposed on quorum-skipping legislators could amount to felony bribery. Abbotts statement made clear he would target both those soliciting and those offering such funds. He added that he would invoke extradition authority for any individuals deemed potential felons. The Texas Democrats traveled to states like Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts, where governors are offering sanctuary and in some cases political cover for the AWOL legislators. The legislators fled to deny the House the two-thirds quorum (100 members of 150) needed to conduct business during an ongoing special session, all because of a redistricting proposal. Convened by Governor Abbott, the special session addresses multiple bills, one of which addresses urgent flood relief in Guadalupe River communities. However, at the heart of the controversy is a mid-decade congressional redistricting plan under consideration during the session. Democrats see the redistricting as Republican-driven and heavily influenced by President Trump. The proposed map would create five new GOP-favoring U.S. House districts, potentially helping solidify Republican control into the 2026 midterms. Democratic legislators view the map as an attempt to dilute minority voting power, calling it racist and a rigged process. They say they fled in defense of their constituents launching a united push, supported by governors in Illinois and New York, to use out-of-state protection and publicity to block the vote. Some blue-state governors have hinted at retaliatory redistricting in their own states. Most notable was Gavin Newsoms statement, in which he threatened to ignore voters and override Californias independent redistricting process to redraw maps for political advantage, according to California Assembly Republicans. Newsom described the situation in Texas as a five-alarm fire for democracy, promising he would retaliate by reshaping Californias districts. Newsom stated, If we dont put a stake into the heart of this administration, there may not be an election in 2028. Theyre not screwing around. We cannot afford to screw around, either. We have got to fight fire with fire. This isnt the first time Democrats have resorted to such tactics. In 2003, they fled to neighboring states over redistricting. They ultimately failed to prevent the maps from passing. In 2021, Democrats chartered flights to Washington, D.C. to prevent passage of Republican-backed voting restrictions. That standoff lasted nearly a month, and although they delayed the legislation, lawmakers eventually returned, and the bill passed. Arrest warrants for absent members and multiple special sessions followed. The Democrats are essentially leveraging blue-state hospitality to grind the Texas House to a halt. In 2025, Abbotts far more aggressive approach leverages legal threats and eliminates ambiguity by citing constitutional provisions and criminal statutes. For now, Democrat members remain defiant. In a statement from their temporary headquarters in Chicago, they responded to Abbotts threat with four words: Come and take it. They also assert that Texas subpoenas have no force in Chicago, New York, or Massachusetts and are non-binding threats with limited jurisdiction. Image: Greg Abbott. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Maybe it's me, but travelling to Illinois to pick a fight over gerrymandering may be the ultimate in bad timing. At the same time, maybe this is what this cast of characters deserves. Yes, let's check this out from the caravan of legislators. This is from Politico: MAP MOVES: Gov. JB Pritzker scolded Texas Republicans and President Donald Trump this week for their brazen attempts to redraw congressional maps in the Lone Star State with the goal of giving GOP candidates an even cushier ride to Washington. No cheating: That the president is encouraging Texas -- and Texas being willing to do this -- should be an indicator to the rest of us that if theyre going to cheat, that thats not a proper way to act, Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference. I think we ought to play by the rules. Everybody. Illinois Republicans did a spit take. Its rich that the governor now claims to support playing by the rules -- after he enthusiastically signed into law the most gerrymandered maps in the nation, said Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. Phony and disingenuous is how state Rep. Ryan Spain, the deputy minority leader, put it. The backstory: In 2021, when Democrats worried the House might slip from their grasp, Illinois Democrats approached redistricting with surgical precision -- eliminating two Republican congressional seats and reinforcing their own fortress in D.C. How it changed: Illinois, which lost a seat due to population changes, went from having 13 Democrats and five Republicans in Congress to 14 Democrats and three Republicans. This week, Pritzker left open the possibility of more map tweaking. Asked if Illinois would try to counterbalance what Texas might do, Pritzker said: We have to see what they decide to do about Texas. Yes, it's politics, and I don't fault the Democrats in Illinois for doing it. It's life and there is not much the opposition can do about it. It is rich to see the Texas Democrats with Governor Pritzer preach about the will of the people. Right on. Having a 14-3 congressional delegation is really serving the will of the people. Isn't it, Governor? Down here, Governor Abbott is threatening arrest, which is exactly what the caravan wants. Arrest me and take me to the MSNBC studios for tonight's show. A better approach would be for Abbott to run out of the clock and keep them out of the state. Eventually they have to come back to their jobs and businesses, so there is a limit to how much they will fight. We saw this the last time they packed up and left town. Maybe someone will suggest to Democrats that South Texas is not the automatic vote they grew up expecting. Yes, those Hispanos down there have suddenly found the GOP a better destination for their votes. Last, but not least, you will see a lot of Beto this week. He is the self-appointed leader of the cause. Good luck, Democrats. Texas will play Ohio State on August 30th and I hope that you can use your tickets. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: OpenClipArt Affluent Democrats have a pattern: They despoil a state with their policies and then, surveying the ruins around them (usually unaffordable housing and high crime), they move on to a safe, affordable Republican enclave. However, having failed to recognize that they were responsible for the destruction of their former home, they use their growing political heft to repeat the same policies in their new location. If you doubt me, just think of what Californians migrating to Colorado achieved. Most recently, Californians, faced with an increasingly uninhabitable state, are setting their sights on Oklahoma, which is actually incentivizing their moves for economic reasons. It appears, however, that Oklahoma is simultaneously trying to implement policies that will protect the state (one with solid, all-American conservative values) from the coming California plague. Image created using AI. SFGATE ran a story today entitled The surprising destination luring California transplants with $10,000. Its not just the prepaid 10% moving fee, though; thats an enticement. Its also that The cost of living is 43.8% lower than in San Francisco. Wow! This magical new location is Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Tulsa relocation program is called Tulsa Remote, and its attracted more than 3,600 members since its launch in 2018, with around 15% of those transplants coming from California. The program has been good to Tulsa, since its brought in a lot of tech people, all of whom must be telecommuting from higher-cost (and higher-wage) states. In other words, theyre spending their California income in Tulsa, which is good for the Tulsa economy. The program especially wants white collar (read: affluent) people who like to get out and about within the community (read: spend money). It's a clever program because it has successfully pumped a lot of money into the community without taking jobs from the community. For every $1 spent attracting remote workers, Tulsa Remote returns more than $4 to Tulsans through local spending, job creation and increased tax revenue... Currently, one real estate agent says that the people relocating are interested in moving to a more politically conservative state, as well as one with a lower cost of living and less crime. However, if were talking tech, were talking college grads and, if were talking college grads, were talking leftists. In any event, once word gets out about the fact that Tulsa specifically and Oklahoma generally are up-and-coming hip, affordable places to live, the leftists, like lemmings, will follow. (I see that with vacations. All of my old friends from California inevitably go on exactly the same overseas vacations. One year, theyre all in Turkey; the next year, off to Iceland.) Oklahomas conservative political class, while undoubtedly pleased about the revenue, is worried about what happens as more Californians head their way, especially teachers. After all, with Colorado as a grim example, and conservatism in Texas more at risk than ever before (even though its still doing all right), one cant be too careful. On the one hand, Oklahoma is trying to incentivize teachers to head its way. Says Ryan Walters, Oklahomas education superintendent: We offered the largest signing bonuses for teachers in the country. If you're in the top 10 percent of teachers in the country, we give you $50,000 in Oklahoma. So we've seen teachers come from blue states, red states all over to come to Oklahoma. They especially are fleeing the teachers unions, the grip that they've had on them in these blue states, Walters said. However, even conservatives from blue states know blue state educational values. Therefore, Walters, working in conjunction with PragerU, plans to release a new certification test for teachers moving into the state from blue states. The planned test, called American First, will include basic questions about American history, civics, and common sense. This is a wonderful idea. Glenn Reynolds used to advocate for a welcome wagon approach for blue state immigrants into red states: Something that would explain to them why the place theyre moving to is doing better than the place they left, and suggesting that they might not want to vote for the same policies that are driving their old home states into bankruptcy. So, by all means, set up those welcome wagons, but the first and most important thing is to make sure that the new teachers arent Marxists. Thankfully, Oklahomas governing class gets this. For those seeking religion and faith as more pronounced instruments in their public life, this summer is a season of contentment and advancement in bringing authentic dignity to their beliefs in the public square. On August 1st, a federal district judge ruled that a Colorado clinic run by two Catholic nurses can continue their work of administering abortion-pill reversal drug treatments. Judge Daniel Domenico said that Colorados attempted ban conflicted with the nurses religious rights, also noting that it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that these nurses practice of using the drug progesterone is being singled out by state law. On July 24th, a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled 2-1 that Oregon likely cannot deny adoption placement for those potential parents who refuse to affirm a childs preferred gender identity (among other requirements). The potential adoptive parent, Jessica Bates, is a devout Christian who, due to her beliefs, could not agree to affirming a childs preferred gender identity that conflicts with the childs biological identity. The Ninth Circuit held that to compel Bates to do so is an infringement of her First Amendment rights to free exercise of her religion. This follows the Supreme Courts reaffirmation in late June, in Mahmoud v. Taylor, that parents religious exercise rights include the right to direct the religious upbringing of their children. As the high court noted, that right is broad enough to include choices that parents wish to make for their children outside the home. Also, on July 8th, the IRS announced that when a house of worship in good faith speaks to its congregation concerning electoral politics viewed through the lens of faith, it does not violate a 1954 provision of the tax code known as the Johnson Amendment prohibiting churches from participating or intervening in a political campaign. And earlier this year, Pew Research Center released its 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study. Among the findings in the survey of nearly 37,000 U.S. adults, 57 percent of those surveyed say they favor allowing public school teachers to lead their classes in prayer that refer to God but not to any specific religion. One is forgiven if the impression from these recent developments is that religion is now presumptively favored over a secular understanding of law and public policy. This would be inaccurate, both constitutionally and in society. Much hostility to religion exists. One need only to look at the Trump administrations finding on June 30th that Harvard University was in some cases a willful participant in anti-Semitic harassment of Jewish students, faculty and staff. And surely initial court rulings may reverse and swing directions more than once, potentially narrowing in practice First Amendment personal liberties already guaranteed in principle. However, the presumptive trend should now be that faith receives a similarly accepted footing as secularism on the public debate stage. Religion should not be an understudy anymore. Faith, and the persons heart guided by it, should no longer be confined to a church locked from the outside. The far Left will abhor an empowered faith seeping through (as they wrongly see it) a porous cement wall separating church and state. But for those whose religion animates their lives and decisions, this potential equilibrium in society brings opportunities. The chance to be respected, to be heard, and for obtaining candid recognition of anti-religious bias. Victimhood can give way to empowerment in various spheres of life, enriching American life as a whole with a renewed faith and interest in virtuous religious association that Alexis de Tocqueville first saw when he toured the country in 1831. This is a responsibility and with it comes a necessary humility, acknowledging that while fragile legislative or Supreme Court majorities may come and go, the demands of ones faith remains. Believers have been burdened in just the last few years, whether it be blanket church lockdowns or the Biden administrations attempted watering down of religious conscience objections in healthcare in 2024. Their cries were loud, their sincerity tested. Now, respect for their faith is increasingly made manifest. And perhaps allowing more outward religious belief and practice in public life will manifest more thoughtful religious believers. Deferred for likely too long, the summer of 2025 may be seen as the first act in Americas public religious revival. Alan Loncar is an attorney in Macomb County, Michigan. Image: PxHere With U.S. citizenship reduced to a cheap consumer durable that every third-world denizen as a 'right' to have, it doesn't take long to start hearing declarations like these from actual elected officials living off the U.S. taxpayer dime: According to Fox News: During her remarks at the opening of the [radical leftwing Panamerican Congress] event [in Mexico City], Ramirez spoke about the Trump administration's illegal immigration crackdown and her own ancestry. "Im a proud Guatemalan before Im an American," she declared in Spanish. The congresswoman also accused the U.S. of prioritizing "imperialism, militarization, conquest, control, competition in its attempt at domination." On her website, Ramirez, the child of [illegal -ed] immigrant parents, said her husband is in the country illegally and that she is the only congressional lawmaker "in a mixed-status marriage, and fights for the rights of DREAMers like her husband, Boris, and for comprehensive immigration reform." Obviously, she didn't mean it, like, seriously, when she took an oath of office swearing fealty to the U.S. alone when she assumed her congressional seat in 2023. And with that loyalty to Guatemala openly worn openly on her sleeve, it's worth reminding that as a congresswoman, she writes laws the rest of us have to live by. That she could be so loyal to Guatemala, and a 'proud Guatemalan first,' (a country now led by a leftist government and going downhill), over the United States, is astonishing. Not recognizing the incredible privilege that U.S. citizenship is tells us a lot about what's rolling in from abroad, and worse still, the wokester atmosphere at home and at school that the children of such illegal aliens are being raised in as anchor babies, which she apparently is. What we have here is an incredible disloyalty to the United States, a hatred of the American people who voted in the current government. Apparently, she only likes America when she can exert power over it as a proud Guatemalan, or sees her allies like the Obama crew working to dismantle it in the name of 'transforming' it. To declare loyalty to another country while under oath to be loyal to the U.S. as an elected leader is treasonous. Spies reveal their disloyalty in secret, but this person actually shows it in public. She ought to be impeached and booted from Congress for this, a person utterly unfit to serve, and made an example of. This reveals a major cultural problem of unassimilated immigrants allowed in by the millions in Joe Biden's open border. The woman, in fact, is pathetic, surrounded entirely by illegal aliens throughout her life -- her parents illegals, her husband Boris illegal, too, as a DACA recipient. An investigation into how he got that status is in order, and how her illegal parents (who were almost certainly supporters of Guatemala's communist guerrillas) got in without consequences and managed to have her ought to be investigated, too. She needs to learn a lesson about the value of U.S. citizenship and her amazing unworthiness to have it. If Congress could kick Rep. George Santos out of office for an inflated resume, then it certainly can expel someone who proclaims her loyalty to Guatemala first. She has taken to defending herself by declaring anyone criticizing her loyalty problems as a "white supremacist authoritarians." According to Fox News: "Lets call it what it is: todays attacks are a weak attempt to silence my dissent and invalidate my patriotic criticism of the nativist, white supremacist, authoritarians in government. It is the definition of hypocrisy that members of Congress who betray their oath each day they enable Trump are attacking me for celebrating my Guatemalan-American roots," she asserted. "No one questions when my white colleagues identify as Irish-American, Italian-American, or Ukrainian-American to honor their ancestry. Ive consistently expressed pride in my heritage and history - a pride also often reflected in the origin stories of my colleagues. Only those who believe America should not include the children of immigrants or be diverse would attack me - and Americans like me - for honoring my roots," Ramirez continued. Not a hint of apology for what she said. No clarification. No declaration of any loyalty to the U.S. No acknowledgment of the men and women in our armed forces who fought and died for this country, nor any recognition of why U.S. citizenship is not like other citizenships, nor anything suggesting she views is as anything more than free stuff for herself. Just hurled insults at Republicans, and slippery semantic shifts and question-begging accusing Irish-Americans and others of putting their ancestral homelands first as she did, ignoring that those people don't do that, and a claim that Republicans hate the children of immigrants, as if many are not just that. Then a weird claim that she was only 'honoring her roots' instead of ranking her loyalties, with America coming up short. She's disgusting, a vile, disloyal, ungrateful, person, and as an anchor baby, she's exactly what's wrong with the immigration system in our country. Her entire community in Chicago which spawned this outrage needs a good ICE raid. And as for her, she really needs to be thrown out of Congress for this. Loyalty to America should be a minimum. Image: X screen shot People all over the world are trying to generate solutions to the war in Gaza, but they are using incorrect assumptions. They assume they understand the mentality of Hamas. They assume they understand the thinking of the Arab Palestinians. They are certain that Israel is committing genocide. Its time for people to look at the facts, without any embellishment or wishful thinking: Hamas does not want to end the war in Gaza because they want war until Israel ceases to exist; The number of Arab Palestinians who die from starvation or war are irrelevant to Hamas, and they will use them as battle shields for as long as they can; Hamas only wants a Palestinian state under one conditionIsrael must be destroyed; All of the Israeli hostages will not be returned because as long as they are thought to be alive (notice the wording here), Hamas will use them as bargaining chips; Hamas doesnt care about world opinionthey willingly display starving hostages on video, and proudly publicized their brutality on October 7; The Palestinians will continue to support Hamas once some kind of ceasefire is reached; Hamas will not willingly leave Gaza; Hamas will betray any kind of agreement that it reaches with Israel, as they did on October 7, and will simply return to fight Israel another day. And these factors are just for starters. The latest atrocity by the terrorists is starving Israeli hostages intentionally. (Of course, the world thinks that Israel is intentionally starving the Palestinians.) The willingness of Hamas to publicize their obscene, cruel, and intentional punishment of the Israelis is one more tactic to convince Israel to stop short of totally annihilating Hamas. Thats right, Israel will have to act as if they have surrendered to Hamas. What do we misunderstand about the Hamas mentality? For one, they do not value lifeany life. They worship death, and anticipate that they will be rewarded for being martyrs in the afterlife. Their lives revolve around destroying Israel; receiving their own state is secondary to achieving that objective. Although the Palestinians are protesting against Hamas, that is not a rejection of Hamas, but only a rejection of continuing the war (at this time). Once the fighting stops, the Palestinians will once again accept terrorist leadership. The latest proposals coming from Israel still show a naive understanding of Hamass motives. Just read this absurd exchange between the Israelis and Hamas, following the release of the grotesque videos of the two starving Israeli hostages: Following a meeting between Netanyahu and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday, Israeli officials said they are now considering negotiating a single comprehensive deal to end the war in Gaza, disarm Hamas, demilitarize Gaza and free all hostages, according to an Israeli official. This would represent a turnaround from Israels previous negotiating stance that insisted on only temporary deals because it wasnt ready to end the war. Hamas on Saturday said that it would reject Israels demand to disarm until the establishment of a Palestinian state. We will never relinquish this right until all our national rights are restored, foremost among them the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, the group said. The Israeli positions will never be accepted by Hamas: Hamas will not consent to being disarmed or being demilitarized. The likelihood of their releasing all the hostages is also slim. Although Hamas is demanding a fully sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital, it is well aware that those proposals are non-starters for Israel. For all of these reasons, there is probably only one way this is going to go: Israel will accept a ceasefire, and Hamas will live to fight another day. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. One of the Big Lies out of Gaza has been to show images of obviously suffering children, and then to claim that those children are suffering because Israel has forced a famine on Gaza (the real lie). Yesterday, I commented to a friend that the reason Hamas has been able to feed its useful idiots so many of these photos is that Muslim Middle Eastern culture, which is often tribal, encourages cousin marriage, which in turn leads to an unusually high level of deadly genetic defects. That was an off the top of my head comment. Im not the only one thinking along these lines, and the truth offends the Israel haters. Last week, the New York Times used one of those false photos in a despicable piece of anti-Israel propaganda, a thought-crime so obvious that the Times eventually sort of retracted it. Thats not the only photo of that kind, though. Another fake famine propaganda attack came using the photo of Osama al-Rakab, who also has a serious genetic disease. Image by ChatGPT. What made the al-Rakab blood libel against Israel even worse was that Israel had evacuated al-Rakab so that he could be treated. Thats not the kind of thing genocidal nations do. It was photos such as these that saw me make my comment about the prevalence of genetic diseases in many Arab and Muslim societies. According to the BMJ (the former British Medical Journal, In some South Asian, Middle Eastern, and north African countries, as many as half of marriages are consanguineous. In Pakistan, half of the population marry a first or second cousin, more than in any other country. In rural areas this can be 80%, says Hafeez ur Rehman, an anthropologist at the Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad. Emigrants from these regions sometimes maintain these traditions. The custom in all of these countries is similar, he told The BMJ, as marrying within the immediate family guarantees that wealth stays in the family. Partners will have similar socioeconomic status and similar family customs. A good relationship may already exist among parents in law. And divorce rates are believed to be lower. [Endnotes omitted.] The average IQ in Pakistan, when ranked on the American IQ scale (average=100), is 80 or 81although some say Pakistanis are amongst the most intelligent people in the world. Presumably, these high-IQ Pakistanis are not in the 50% or more of the population thats generationally inbred. The degree of consanguineous marriages in Gaza isnt quite as high as that in Pakistan, but its still pretty darn high. According to a decade-old study, 39.9% (i.e., 40%) of marriages in 2014 were between first or second cousins, although that was better than their parents generation, which had an inter-marriage rate of 45.2%. Western society has long prohibited consanguineous relationships. Historically, one didnt need advanced scientific degrees to see that children whose parents were relatives were often defective, with the defects getting worse from one generation of inbreeding to the next. When populations relentlessly intermarry, whether because of a lack of choice (an isolated region) or a cultural bias (the Arab world), the general defects include lower IQs, reduced fertility, facial asymmetry, high infant mortality, defective immune systems, and cardiovascular risks. In addition to those generic risks (which once gave the isolated Appalachians such a bad name), children who are products of inbreeding are vulnerable to a whole host of genetic diseases. One could say that consanguinity in 19th-century Europe, when all the royal families were marrying Queen Victorias children, and then having the next generation marry their cousins, led directly to the Russian Revolution, and all the horrors it bred across the 20th century. Queen Victorias recessive hemophilia gene got a boost from cousin intermarriage, resulting in the heir to the Russian throne, Alexei, having hemophilia. The royal familys efforts to keep Alexei alive led to their disastrous association with Rasputin, and a possible lack of focus on the dangerous forces building in their in the nation. In addition, Nicholas, the product of massive European intermarriage, wasnt the brightest bulb in the box himself. Tobias Huch, a journalist who worked in the Middle East and Africa (which also has its fair share of inbreeding), made the same point I was thinking about: Nachdem wir in den letzten Tagen so viele Kinder mit Erbkrankheiten in #Gaza gesehen haben, fur deren genetische Erkrankungen #Israel nicht verantwortlich ist, sollten wir vielleicht mal den Menschen in Gaza erklaren, dass man nicht mit seinem Cousin oder seiner Cousine ersten Tobias Huch (@TobiasHuch) July 28, 2025 Nachdem wir in den letzten Tagen so viele Kinder mit Erbkrankheiten in #Gaza gesehen haben, fur deren genetische Erkrankungen #Israel nicht verantwortlich ist, sollten wir vielleicht mal den Menschen in Gaza erklaren, dass man nicht mit seinem Cousin oder seiner Cousine ersten Grades oder allgemein Verwandten heiraten sollte. Auch wenn das angeblich Mohammed (der "Prophet") gemacht haben soll. Das ist der u.a. der Grund fur die vielen kranken Kinder. Hinzu kommt, dass solche Cousin-Ehen fur einen niedrigeren IQ (zwischen 5 und 13 Punkten) sorgt, die Kindersterblichkeit bis zu 50% hoher ist und es zu korperlichen Fehlbildungen kommt. The Grok translation: After seeing so many children with hereditary diseases in #Gaza in recent days, for which #Israel is not responsible, perhaps we should explain to the people in Gaza that one should not marry their first cousin or relatives in general. Even if Mohammed (the "Prophet") is said to have done so. This is, among other things, the reason for the many sick children. In addition, such cousin marriages lead to a lower IQ (between 5 and 13 points), child mortality is up to 50% higher, and it results in physical deformities. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, a woman whose antisemitism would have charmed Hitler, said that this simple factual statement is one of the most disgusting things I have read in the last months of genocide... (Albanese, by the way, is the subject of a U.S. sanction order because of her campaign against Israel.) No, Frau Albanese, the disgusting thing is that primitive societies are still intermarrying, even though humans have known for thousands of years that this is dangerous. And the evil thing is that Hamas and its fellow travelers are using this destructive cultural habit to launch a thousand defamatory claims against Israel. Nobody could have known, not even Elzire Dionne, that she was going to give birth to quintuplets. Already a mother of five, the shock of giving birth to five more baby girlsAnnette, Emilie, Yvonne, Cecile and Marieknocked her out for two hours. What will I do with all them babies? she reportedly screamed. Elzire suspected she was carrying twins, but the possibility of quintuplets didnt cross her mind. And why would it? Doctors say that the odds of naturally occurring quintuplets is about one in 55 million, but the odds of identical quintuplets is incalculable. The Dionnes are the only identical quintuplets ever recorded and the first ever quintuplets known to survive infancy. The five baby girls were born on May 28, 1934, two months prematurely, near the village of Corbeil in northern Ontario, Canada. Together they weighed only 13 pounds, six ounces (just over 6 kg), with the largest weighing 2-and-a-half pounds, while the smallest was 1 pound, 8-and-a-half ounces. They were barely alive, with serious respiratory problems, and the conditions of the farmhouse, without heat and electricity, were not helping their survival. Local doctor Allan Roy Dafoe, who was present for the births, did an amazing job keeping the five premature babies alive under difficult circumstances and with no access to medical equipment. He sterilized the farmhouse, kept the babies warm in a wicker basket using hot water bottles or the open oven, and recruited nurses to massage them with olive oil. Before supplies of breast milk could be organized, Dafoe ordered the babies to be fed cows milk, sterilized water and corn syrup, mixed with one or two drops of rum for a stimulant. As news about the miraculous birth spread across North America, reporters and photographers poured into the small town, followed by spectators in thousands. They gathered outside the farmhouse and peeped through the windows for a glimpse of what was already becoming a freakshow. Some ridiculed the parents for creating a litter of humans. Others provided monetary assistance. One couple offered to buy the bed where the girls were born for a thousand dollars. A hospital sent two incubators. Elzire Dionne with her five girls shortly after their birth. Eventually, an exhibitor at the Chicago Worlds Fair contacted the father, Oliva Dionne, seeking to put the babies on display. Oliva was desperate and needed the money, but he despaired. He approached the village priest for guidance. The priest not only advised Oliva to take the offer, but offered himself as his business manager. Oliva regretted signing the deal almost immediately. He tried to get out of the contract but the Chicago Fair promoters refused. On the advice of his attorney, Oliva and Elzire Dionne signed custody of the quintuplets over to the Red Cross for a period of two years to protect them from exploitation. In return, the Red Cross built a nursery just across the street from the farmhouse for the girls to live. Inside the house, the girls were treated like princesses. But Elzire and Oliva never felt welcome. They were shadowed wherever they went, and they were never allowed to be alone with their babies. Months later, the government passed a bill that stripped the parents of all custody making the girls wards of the state, until they turn eighteen. Pretty soon, their nursery had became a veritable baby zoo. An outdoor playground was designed surrounded by a covered arcade, which allowed tourists to observe the sisters behind one-way screens while they played. The girls were taken care of by a staff consisting of three nurses, a housekeeper and two maids. Three policemen guarded them at all times. The entire property was surrounded by a seven-foot tall barbed wire fence. Disquieting signs hung all around: Please Cooperate; Silence Is Requested. No Photographs Allowed To Be Taken Of The Children. The girls were raised with strict discipline. They woke up at 6:30am, had orange juice and cod-liver oil, and then went to have their hair curled. They then said prayers and ate breakfast. After breakfast, they played in the sunroom for thirty minutes, took a fifteen-minute break, and at nine o'clock had their morning inspection with Dr. Dafoe. Dinner was served at precisely six o'clock. Before bed, then went into the quiet playroom to say their evening prayers. As the girls became older, they began to appear in ads endorsing all sorts of productsHeinz ketchup, Quaker oats, Lifesavers candy, Palmolive soap, Lysol, typewriters, bread, ice cream, sanitized mattress covers, and more. Souvenir shops sold framed photographs, cups, plates, plaques, candy bars, books, postcards, and dolls. Oliva himself ran a souvenir shop opposite the nursery. The girls also appeared in three Hollywood movies. In the nine years they spent in Quintland, the quintuplets brought in more than $50 million in total tourist revenue to Ontario. During this short period, Quintland was Ontario's biggest tourist attraction, surpassing Niagara Falls. In 1943, after a nine-year-long legal battle, Oliva and Elzire Dionne got back the custody of their children. But the reunion was not a happy one. Wealth had transformed the family. Elzire treated them harshly, screamed insults and hit them. Their father started abusing them sexually. The Dionne Quintuplets accompanied by their father, Oliva Dionne, right, aboard a New York Staten Island Ferry boat on Oct. 21, 1950. They didnt treat us as children, Annette and Cecile told The New York Times in 2017. [We were] their servants, slaves. It was not human. Once they turned 18, the five girls left for school in Quebec and settled there. Emilie died young, at the age of 20, when her untreated epilepsy gave her a lethal seizure. Marie died in 1970 from a blood clot in her brain. By then the sisters had received their share in their trust $183,000 each (equivalent to $1.3 million today). In 1998, the three remaining quints, sued the government for their exploitation and received $4 million Canadian dollars. Yvonne died in 2001. In 2012, Ceciles son emptied his mothers bank account and disappeared, leaving her once again a ward of the state and now lives in a state-run nursing home. Annette lives in Montreal. Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe with the quintuplets. The Dionne quintuplets in 1943, a few weeks before their ninth birthday. The Dionne quintuplets in 1952. The last two remaining Dionne quintuplets, Cecile and Annette. Photo: Aaron Vincent Elkaim References: # Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionne_quintuplets # New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/02/world/canada/ontario-dionne-quintuplets.html # NY Post, https://nypost.com/2019/08/24/how-the-worlds-first-quintuplets-were-exploited-in-a-human-zoo/ # Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/11/03/dionne-quintuplets-exploitation-five-girls-raised-baby-zoo/ Apple is gearing up to launch its iPhone 17 models, possibly at its hardware event in September. There will be a new ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air model this year, replacing the Plus variant. In the midst of this, a new report sheds light on the new OLED display tech for its 2028 iPhones. The company is apparently considering tandem OLED, which debuted on last years premium iPad Pro models. 2028 iPhones may feature a tandem OLED display As per a report from The Elec, the Cupertino giant is evaluating plans to expand tandem OLED displays for the iPhone. The said display tech made its debut on the iPad Pro 2024. This brings two OLED panels layered on top of each other. The tandem OLEDs offer higher brightness output while resulting in reduced power consumption. The report says that Apple is evaluating the optimal tandem OLED display for the iPhone. The company is considering a simplified implementation, which will still have two panels. However, the second OLED layer will only have blue subpixels, while the primary panel houses the red and green ones. The report adds Apple may bring iPhones with tandem OLED in 2028. While theres no explicit mention of which model would receive the new display tech, it could be exclusive to Pro models, at least initially. Apple in talks with LG and Samsung Display LG Display is said to have contacted Apple regarding the simplified tandem OLED display last year. Meanwhile, the company is also reportedly in talks with Samsung Display, which is its other key supplier. Meanwhile, BOE, which is Apples largest display supplier, is under investigation by the US Defense Department. Besides the tandem OLED display, rumors point to a completely bezel-less iPhone in development. However, this may not arrive until 2030, going by the most recent report, as Apple is reportedly planning a three-stage approach. Not a fan of the price of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series? If youre looking for a cheaper alternative but dont want to go down the Galaxy A-series route, then youre in luck. According to a report from Korean publication FN News, they claim that Samsung could release the Galaxy S25 FE early. Galaxy S25 FE could see early launch Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 FE globally last September. However, in its home market of South Korea, it was only released in November 2024. Now, this report suggests that the Galaxy S25 FE could see an early release in Korea on the 19th of September. If Samsung typically delays the release in South Korea, theres a chance other markets could get the phone much earlier than that, possibly as soon as this month. Samsung hasnt confirmed the launch dates yet. However, the company did confirm that it is planning an earlier-than-expected launch of the phone. When exactly, we do not know. If this report is true, we should get the official details soon. The company could be planning an early release because of its upcoming tri-fold handset. This will be Samsungs first tri-fold phone, and it will go up against the likes of Huawei. So, it is possible that Samsung doesnt want the Galaxy S25 FEs launch to take away the spotlight from its tri-fold. What can we expect? If youre considering the Galaxy S25 FE, heres what we can expect. According to our source, the Galaxy S25 FE will come with a 6.7-inch Dynamic OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 10802340 resolution. Its display will also feature the use of Cornings Gorilla Glass Victus. Under the hood, the Exynos 2400 chipset will power the phone. It will also come with 8GB of RAM and 128GB-256GB of storage. It will sport a triple camera setup on the back. This consists of a 50MP f/1.8 main, a 12MP f2.2 ultrawide, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto. There will be a 12MP f/2.2 front-facing camera to round things off. Last but not least, the Galaxy S25 FE will feature a 4,900mAh battery. It will also support 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. As for colors, last we heard, there will be four color options offered. Switching to a new smartphone can often be an exercise in retraining your muscle memory. Things like contacts, apps, and even files are easy to transfer with the current solutions. However, there are small system preferences that can be lost in the process because the target device is not supported. This is currently the case with Samsung Galaxy phones feature-packed One UI compared to Google Pixel phones, as the latter does not support customization of the three-button navigation bar. On a standard Android phone, the navigation buttons are arranged from left to right: Back, Home, and Recents. For years, however, Samsung phones have done the opposite. The company places the Back button on the right and the Recents button on the left by default. This layout is a deeply ingrained part of the user experience for millions of Galaxy owners. When they switch to a Pixel, theyre forced to get used to the flipped order, which can be a frustrating experience. Android may soon let you flip the navigation bar buttons Now, the Android Authority team found clues that suggest Google is working on a native option to allow users to flip the navigation bar on Android. While this may seem like a small detail, its a huge deal for brand loyalty and user experience. This isnt the first time this change has been considered. Back in 2023, engineers from Sonyanother brand that uses a similar navigation bar to stock Androidsubmitted code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) to add this exact feature. Although those initial patches didnt make the cut, it seems the idea has been picked up by Google itself. Recent discoveries in the latest Android Canary release reveal code for a new feature that does exactly what many Samsung users have been asking for: it swaps the order of the Back and Recents buttons. While the feature isnt yet live and a user-facing toggle isnt available, the codes purpose is clear. No clues about a massive rollout yet Its still too early to say when you can flip the navigation bar on any Android. Even a seemingly simple feature requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work. This includes testing, UI design for a new toggle, and translating text. The earliest we might see it is in a future quarterly release of Android, but theres no guarantee. Ultimately, adding this simple customization option could make a big positive impact on the user experience. By offering a familiar navigation layout, the company could make the transition from a Samsung Galaxy phone to a Google Pixel much smoother. This way, Galaxy phone users would have one less excuse to move. It is clear that Google is looking to integrate its AI into as many of its products as possible. However, how can it convince users to use its AI without first giving them a taste? This is why it doesnt come as a surprise that Google could give Pixel 10 customers a free trial to its AI Pro plan. Pixel 10 to get Google AI Pro plan According to an Android Authority APK teardown, it discovered some signs that would suggest that Google could give Pixel 10 customers a free AI Pro trial. This means that Pixel 10 customers will have access to more advanced Gemini features. That being said, it is unclear how long this free trial will last. However, Android Authority speculates that it could last as long as 6 months or up to a year. For context, Samsung also gave its Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, and Flip 7 FE buyers six months of Google AI Pro and 2TB of cloud storage. Also, it is possible that Google could split the duration depending on the device. For example, the Pixel 9 Pro phones came with a year of AI Pro, while the base Pixel 9 phones only got a 6-month trial. Googles AI Pro plan costs $19.99 a month, so customers would be saving a decent amount of money. Of course, youll have to keep subscribing once the trial is over if you want to keep the perks. Coming soon Google has confirmed that it is holding its Pixel event on the 20th of August. This is where the Pixel 10 phones will be announced. We also expect that Google will unveil its new Pixel Watch and new Pixel Buds wireless earbuds. In terms of the Pixel 10, heres what we can expect. The handset will feature the use of the Tensor G5. This is the first truly custom chipset from Google. It is also rumored to be built on TSMCs 3nm process. Last we heard, the phone could come with 16GB of RAM and will be available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. It is also rumored to pack a 4,870mAh battery. We also heard that the Pixel 10 will support Qi2. Google will also apparently launch its own series of magnetic charging accessories. As for pricing, the base Pixel 10 will retain its predecessors price, while the Pixel 10 Pro will start at $999. It looks like the tech giant BOE is not going to have a good time in the coming days. It is one of the leading display suppliers to Apples iPhone. And was recently under the scrutiny of the US Trade Commission for the alleged violation of trade secret laws. It is now, once again, under investigation by one of the US governments departments. US Defense Department Order Investigation Against iPhones Display Supplier BOE The US Defense Department has received a request from the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee to order an investigation into iPhones display supplier, BOE. This demand comes as the newly amended US Defense Budget of $852 billion goes under review. The US House of Representatives Armed Services suspects that BOE might be working with the Chinese military. And subsequently, it requests an investigation from the concerned department. It wants the BOE to be listed as a Chinese Military Company or a military civil contributor. The Investigation is to Take Place Very Soon The investigation will mainly revolve around the topic of whether BOE funds the Chinese military. However, even if the display supplier is placed on the list of Chinese Military Compact, it does not mean that the company wont be able to do business in the region. It just means that it will no longer become a part of the US militarys supply chain. It may have other direct or indirect consequences, though. The Secretary of Defense is supposed to submit information by February 01, 2026, on whether BOE should be listed as a Chinese Military Company. Once the information is provided, the bill must be passed by the Senate before September 30, 2025. The bill should then be later approved by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, before it comes into force. Samsung announced this year the Galaxy S25 Edge as a super-slim flagship phone. To maintain its thinness, the brand had to cut the battery capacity to 3,900mAh, which is mediocre for 2025 standards. But now it seems that the company is finally going to solve the issue with the next-gen model, as the Galaxy S26 Edge is now tipped to get a larger battery capacity. Galaxy S25 Edge is tipped to pack a larger 4,400mAh battery Early rumors related to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge had suggested minor improvements in terms of battery capacity. However, the latest report, coming from the Chinese tipster Instant Digital on Weibo, claims that the Galaxy S26 Edge is finally going to get a larger battery capacity. As per the source, it will have a 4,400mAh battery, which is like a decent 12% jump. For reference, the latest Galaxy Z Fold 7 packs the same 4,400mAh battery. Yes, keeping the 2025 trend in mind, where phones have started having 6,000mAh and 7,000mAh batteries, this is not very commendable. However, the Edge lineup of Samsung is not targeted towards battery and performance-hungry users. And, combined with the good optimization, it can still deliver some decent results. Not using silicon-carbon battery tech yet As of right now, there is no information about Samsung switching to the new-generation silicon-carbon battery tech on its devices. Now, how it could manage to fit a larger battery on the Galaxy S26 Edge without making the device chunkier remains a question. After all, the thinness of the device is one of its key selling points and practically the main idea around which Galaxy Edge devices exist. Silicon carbon is a great battery tech that allows manufacturers to store larger batteries in similar or even less space compared to traditional battery tech. Its still not clear why brands like Samsung and Apple are avoiding it. In an industry defined by cutting-edge technology and fierce competition, the value of trade secrets is immeasurable. The semiconductor world, in particular, is engaged in a global arms race. Big chip companies are constantly fighting to produce the smallest and most powerful hardware. A recent development in Taiwan has brought this high-stakes competition into sharp focus, as authorities have arrested former and current employees of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) on charges of stealing the companys proprietary technology. Taiwan cracks down on chip espionage: TSMC employees arrested This case is the first of its kind to be prosecuted under Taiwans amended national security law. Three years ago, the countrys legislature added new provisions to protect national core technologies. This move was designed to safeguard Taiwans vital position in the global semiconductor market. The alleged theft in this casetargeting details of TSMCs advanced 2nm chip developmentfalls squarely within the scope of this law. The latter specifically restricts the leakage of chip technology at a sub-14nm scale. The stakes are high, with the suspects potentially facing up to 12 years in prison and a hefty fine of up to NT$100 millionaround $3.3 million. According to Financials Times report, the investigation started after TSMCs own internal monitoring systems flagged a potential issue. If you are not aware, the company is responsible for manufacturing over 90% of the worlds most advanced chips. TSMC also has a long history of protecting its intellectual property, even starting legal battles against former employees that switch to rivals like Samsung and Chinas SMIC. They have a clear zero tolerance policy on such violations and have pledged to continue strengthening their security measures. TSMC, a tempting target for tech theft The fierce rivalry in the chipmaking world is a driving force behind this kind of industrial espionage. TSMC will be one of the pioneers in 2nm chip manufacturing technology. Smaller process nodes allow the integration of more transistors into the same space. This leads to more efficient and powerful processors for everything from smartphones to data centers. As this technology is so difficult and expensive to develop, a company with a lead like TSMCs is a prime target for competitors looking to close the gap. Interestingly, as part of the investigation, prosecutors also searched the premises of Tokyo Electron, a Japanese chip tool manufacturer. The reasons for this search remain unclear. However, it may be related to the complex network of companies that are often involved in the semiconductor supply chain. The ongoing legal battle between Google and Fortnite-maker Epic Games has taken another turn. A recent ruling involved quick and extensive tweaks to the well-known Play Store. The company was required to adopt these measures in favor of fair competition in the sector. However, a US appeals court has temporarily paused the changes to Googles app store. The decision gives Google some breathing room as it prepares to fight the courts order. Googles app store changes paused by an appeals court Recently, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an injunction from a lower court. The latter would have forced Google to make significant tweaks to its Play Store. The list included allowing rival app stores on Android devices and making its app catalog available to those competitors. However, the company argued that the order would hurt its ability to compete and introduce security risks for users and developers. So, they immediately requested a temporary stay. Now, as reported by Reuters, the appeals court agreed. They paused the required Googles app store changes until August 8th to file for a longer-term one while the firm pursues further appeals. The company could even take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. This legal drama dates back to 2020. That year, Epic Games sued both Google and Apple, accusing them of monopolizing how consumers access and pay for apps on their mobile devices. A key moment in the legal saga came in 2023, when a jury sided with Epic. The jury determined that Google had created and maintained an illegal monopoly with its Android app distribution and in-app billing policies. This verdict led to the recent injunction that Google is now fighting. Why Epic Games fared better against Google than against Apple Its worth noting that Epics case against Google had a different outcome than its suit against Apple, which a judge largely ruled against in 2021. The appellate court panel acknowledged this. They explained that the claims against Google focused specifically on competition within the Android ecosystem, which presented meaningfully different commercial realities than the Apple case. As Google continues to appeal, the tech world will be watching closely. The outcome of this case could notably impact the future of the app store business model. It could potentially change forever how millions of Android users download and pay for their favorite apps. For now, the Play Store as we know it remains in place, but the legal fight is far from over. Four relatives of a baby abandoned in a Tennessee yard were found dead. After a manhunt, cops have arrested a suspect A manhunt was launched last week after a seven-month-old baby girl was abandoned in a strangers front yard, hours before four of her relatives were found dead in a wooded area in Tennessee. Reports of the infant in Dyer County on July 29 sparked a statewide search for her guardians, leading cops to discover the bodies of the childs parents, James Matthew Wilson, 21, and Adrianna Williams, 20, in neighboring Lake County. The babys maternal grandmother, Cortney Rose, 38, and maternal uncle, Braydon Williams, 15, were also found dead, officials said. On Tuesday, the City of Jackson Police Department announced it had arrested a suspect, Austin Drummond. The City of Jackson Police Department revealed that it had detained Austin Drummond on Tuesday morning (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) Three other people have also been arrested in connection with the deaths. Tanaka Brown and Giovonte Thomas, both 29, who were charged over the weekend with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, followed by Dearrah Sanders, who faced the same charge on Monday. Heres what we know about the case: The Crime Deputies from the Dyer County Sheriffs Office responded to reports at about 3.10 p.m. last Tuesday that a dark-colored minivan had dropped off the child in a car seat at a random individuals front yard in the unincorporated community of Tigrett. It set off a scramble to find the babys caregivers, Stephen Sutton, a spokesperson for the sheriffs offices in Lake and Dyer counties, said at a news conference Friday. Just before 10.30 p.m., Rose and Williams were reported missing, according to audio of a 911 call obtained by NBC affiliate WMC-TV. The bodies of Wilson, Rose and the two Williamses were found nearly 40 miles away later that evening in a wooded area along Carrington Road in Tiptonville, authorities said. The baby is safe and being cared for, Sutton said. Tributes have been paid after James Matthew Wilson and Adrianna Williams were found dead (Facebook) The baby was abandoned on a strangers front lawn (Dyer County Sheriff's Office) Authorities have not revealed how the four people died, but have ruled their deaths homicides. On Monday, investigators searched a wooded area near Union University in Jackson. Less than a mile down the road, Jackson Christian School was on lockdown, a receptionist told CNN. The suspects arrest followed a day later. The FBI and a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force were among the nearly dozen agencies working on the case. A combined reward from the TBI and U.S. Marshals Service reached $32,500. Authorities said Thomas is being transferred from Madison County Jail to Lake County Jail, where Brown is also being held without bond. Sanders was also set to be booked into Lake County Jail, officials said Monday. The Victims Friends and family members of the victims have shared their heartbreak online. Wilsons sister, Amanda Myatt, set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the funeral costs of the four victims. Matthew and Adrianna were very loving parents to beautiful baby girl whom that they got to love and support her for 7 months, she wrote. Courtney was sole provider for her kids. A separate GoFundMe campaign was set up by Wilsons grandmother, who said she hopes to provide him a proper service. A funeral service is expected to be held for Wilson on Tuesday afternoon in Newbern. A friend of Wilsons partner, Williams, told CBS affiliate News Channel 3 that she was the sweetest person who loved being a mama. The couples last social media update was posted a day after the birth of their little girl. The last photo posted to a Facebook profile believed to belong to Rose, in May, appeared to show her beside her infant granddaughter. Biden showed general failure to do job while Harris and his party ran away says Michigan Democrat vying to be first Muslim senator Why did Kamala Harris lose the Blue Wall, and every other swing state in 2024? For the three leading candidates vying to win the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, providing an answer could determine their political futures. At least one already has: Abdul El-Sayed argued on Monday that his party ran away from its voters not towards them. Polling within the margin of error against Rep. Haley Stevens, El-Sayed, 40, is very well positioned to pull off the historic feat of becoming the first-ever Muslim member of the United States Senate. A poll conducted by the NSRC, the GOPs Senate campaign arm, put him two points behind Stevens, a Democratic congresswoman and reportedly the Democratic party establishments favorite to win the seat. Mallory McMorrow, a state senator, trailed both but was nearing striking distance. Democrats still haven't learned this lesson, El-Sayed insisted on Monday. It's frustrating because these people made a calculated decision about who they needed and who they didn't. And it turns out that that decision was way off. Abdul El-Sayed could be the first Muslim to serve in the U.S. Senate, thanks in part to a wave of Democratic anger over Gaza (The Independent) El-Sayed spoke to The Independent two days before he was set to visit a Yemeni coffeeshop in Dearborn Heights for a meet-and-greet with voters, an area of Michigan that saw one of the sharpest drop offs among Democratic-leaning voters last year. Across the state, El-Sayed is running the exact opposite kind of campaign as an increasingly frail Joe Biden ran in 2024. In some ways, his strategy contrasts with Harris, too, in ways which clearly didnt sit well with the former Detroit health commisioner. On a recent interview with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker (HasanAbi), the two discussed the Israel-Hamas war and starvation crisis in Gaza, which El-Sayed labels a genocide. But in the hourlong conversation the likes of which Harris avoided to some dismay from Democrats the two also brod out, chatting about fitness as well as the YouTube and Twitter shorts seemingly consuming social media and transforming it into slop. I watched this campaign actively run away from certain groups of voters because they did not want to take questions that would expose the inconsistency of their values, said El-Sayed. Whether that was Joe Rogan's audience, whether that was Hasans audience, there are just groups of people that Democrats have said, you know what? We're going to give up on you, because we don't think we need you to win an election. That's not how you do politics, he continued. Your job is not about just trying to architect a winning coalition. Your job is about trying to identify the issues that all people need, and then being able to be clear, specific and direct about how you solve them in an effort to win an election, because your agenda would deliver for the most people in the ways that they need. He pinned much of the blame for the partys stiffness in 2024, exemplified in both Biden and Harris campaigns, on a steady stream of donor money the two-time Bernie Sanders-backed candidate argued was poisoning the party. Democratic policies were being winnowed down through a narrow lens of what would be palatable to both the partys base and their corporate-backed financiers, El-Sayed argued. The devastation in Gaza and the Democratic Partys complicity in not pressuring Israel over it under Biden highlighted a gulf between those two groups he argued was growing for years. The man who could very well be the Democratic Partys champion in a crucial Senate race spared no criticism for those Democratic elites he argued were responsible for the mess within which the DNC was now mired. "Joe Biden's handling of Gaza was indicative of a general failure to be able to do the job, El-Sayed told The Independent. "I wasn't in those rooms, said El-Sayed. What I can tell you is what I watched, and what I think the American public watched, [which] is an American president who was struggling to give a coherent statement, to get through a debate, [and] ... to manage a extremely complicated situation in Gaza. I also know that there was this effort to silence those voices who were willing to state what was obvious before our eyes, he added. A disrupting voice in the party, El-Sayed is pledging to shake up the geriatric halls of the Senate as well should he become his partys nominee. Hes hoping that a phenomenon which manifested to propel Zohran Mamdani to victory in the New York City mayoral primary election can be duplicated in the Rust Belt. There was an inversion of the demographics of the electorate in that primary, young people came out in droves, said El-Sayed. And here in Michigan, we've got young people who have been sick and tired of the system for a very long time, and our job is to go and talk about the challenges that they're facing in their lives, he continued, offering an example of the complaints hes heard: I don't know that I'm going to be able to get a job, even though I've done everything you told me to do. I did it all. I'm stuck with $60,000 in debt, and AI is about to take the job I was supposed to have. I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to buy a home. I'm worried about the fact that I'm watching a smokestack corrupt our climate. I'm watching as oil pipelines are flowing through our Great Lakes, and I'm asking what's going to be left for me. As senator, El-Sayed says hed back leveraging Democratic votes on legislation to fund the government: the kind of shutdown politics Chuck Schumer refused to play earlier in 2025. He also supports ending the filibuster, according to a staffer. El-Sayed also would not commit to supporting Schumer for another term as leader of the caucus, telling The Independent he wanted to look at his options as 2027 came into view. First hell have to win the 2026 primary as well as a general election against Mike Rogers, the Republican Trump-supporting congressman on a path to be crowned the GOP nominee. With a unified Republican Party backing Rogers, El-Sayed is well aware that his Muslim background and stance on Gaza could be weaponized by Republicans in an attempt to overshadow a Zohran Mamdani-like focus on affordability and Michiganders' financial stability. Republicans see Michigan as a path to expanding a majority and giving Donald Trump the breathing room he needs to further his legislative agenda in 2027. The loss of Michigan would be a massive blow for a battle-weary DSCC, and a pro-Israel site has already attacked El-Sayed over his sitdown with Hasan Piker. El-Sayed argued that the momentum was on his side, and that Democrats needed to be ready to brawl. I think we need to stop being afraid, he said. I just think we need to punch back harder, right? They want to come after us on this issue, punch back harder. I don't back down, I don't pull my punches, and I am more than happy to go at this issue or any other issue with lying MAGA types, El-Sayed continued. I think we can win the American public, but we gotta stop being afraid of our own shadow. The government has been urged to let hero Afghans granted sanctuary in Britain bring their loved ones to the UK after a major data breach put the lives of up to 100,000 people at risk from the Taliban. More than 50 refugee charities and lawyers have written to Yvette Cooper, urging her to make it easier for Afghans who were allowed to relocate to the UK due to British links to bring family members many of whom are at risk of reprisals with them. The pleas come after revelations that a catastrophic data leak occurred at the Ministry of Defence in February 2022, which led to the details of thousands of Afghans who said they were in danger from the Taliban and had applied for sanctuary in Britain being shared online. The dataset, inadvertently sent out by a member of the armed forces, included the personal details of applicants to the MoDs Arap resettlement scheme, which allows Afghans who supported British troops to seek sanctuary in the UK. The leak was covered up by a superinjunction, which was lifted in July this year after The Independent challenged the draconian legal order at the High Court. Ms Cooper has now been told that the government has no time to waste if it wants to prevent the worst possible consequences of the data leak becoming a dire reality. Charity workers and solicitors, including representatives from Asylum Aid and modern slavery charity Kalayaan, told Ms Cooper: The UK government has a moral responsibility to the Afghan people who continue to suffer, including now as a result of the data leak, and have no choice but to seek safety elsewhere. The 2022 data breach directly exposed Afghans still in the country to a risk of reprisals they were not even aware of, and the High Court, in lifting the superinjunction, recognised that its imposition may have increased the risks these people face. The letter continued: Poor decision-making could yet again have exposed Afghans to serious harm, with many of these people having clear UK family ties. It added: It is essential that those who were resettled under Arap and ACRS are able to live in safety and are given a fair opportunity to reunite with their families. Unlike those who apply via asylum routes, Afghans applying under the Arap scheme cannot sponsor family members to come to the UK under refugee reunion rules. The same applies to those who are relocated under ACRS, which is designed to help those who supported British values, such as journalists or womens rights activists. However, some applicants may be able to make a separate immigration application. But charities and rights groups say these family routes are very restrictive, and that the application process can often involve extremely costly application fees and require copious, specific documentation. Decision-makers often refuse these applications from Afghan families, which leads to lengthy appeals. Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain, chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Afghan women, said: There is already anecdotal evidence of reprisals on family members by the Taliban the Home Office has no time to waste if the government wants to prevent the worst possible consequences of the data leak becoming a dire reality. The Home Office desperately needs to take a pragmatic and compassionate approach to allowing Afghans resettled in the UK to be reunited safely with their families. It is clear that these schemes have been seriously mishandled, culminating in the recent exposure of the 2022 data leak. Hamidullah Fahim and his wife are in the UK, along with their two youngest children, but they are hoping they can be reunited with the two older ones (Hamidullah Fahim) In one recent case highlighted by The Independent, a security guard who worked for the British embassy in Kabul for almost two decades has been unable to bring his two eldest sons to the UK. Hamidullah Fahim and his wife Zaghona were brought to Britain with their two youngest children in December 2023, but they couldnt bring their two eldest sons, who are now in their twenties. Mr Fahim said that his family is struggling with being separated, saying: We want to do whatever we can to be reunited with them, and to let the Home Office know of the injustice that has been carried out in our case. Isaac Shaffer, at Refugee Legal Support, said it is critical that the government speed up decision-making on Arap cases in light of the data breach. He explained that most of the people he is helping have waited over a year for a final decision on their Arap application and have remained in hiding throughout, in constant fear, and in extraordinarily precarious circumstances, adding: Knowledge of this data breach has only exacerbated this fear and uncertainty. James Tullett, CEO of the charity Ramfel, who helped coordinate the letter, said: The government has acknowledged that the people they have resettled need protection, and yet this offer of support comes with the heavy price of separation from family. Allowing Afghan families to reunite wont solve all the problems associated with the data leak, but it will make a monumental difference for the affected families. The Home Office has been contacted for comment. Chad Michael Murray says he embraces his teenage heartthrob legacy, calling it a blessing. The American actor, 43, rose to fame in the early 2000s, appearing in TV series such as Gilmore Girls and Dawsons Creek, before landing the lead role in the teenage drama series One Tree Hill. Murray, who also starred in the 2003 comedy film Freaky Friday alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, gained a reputation as a heartthrob among teenage girls during this era. Manny Jacinto, Julia Butters, Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Hammons attending the UK premiere of Disneys Freakier Friday (PA/Ian West) The fatherof-three, who is reprising his role as Jake, Lohans character Annas former love interest, in Freakier Friday, says he feels very fortunate to have had such an impact on a generation. Im very, very blessed, very fortunate and lucky to be a part of a lot of really great movies and great stories that have affected a generation, Murray told the PA news agency. Thats really the only reason to be an actor for me. I just wanted to make people happy. Murray, who grew up in a single father household in Buffalo, New York, says he moved to Hollywood, when he was 18 years old to pursue a career in acting. I think I moved there in September 1999 and I was with Warner Brothers by January 2000, he said. Freakier Friday sees Lohan and Curtis return to their roles as mother and daughter, 22 years after the first film was released. The 2003 film saw Tess Coleman (Curtis) and musician Anna (Lohan) trade places, after reading fortune cookies at a Chinese restaurant. The story picks up with Lohans character, Anna, now a mother to a teenage daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepmother. In the sequel, Annas daughter Harper, played by Julia Butters and her soon-to-be stepdaughter Lily Davies, portrayed by Sophia Hammons, join Anna and her mother Tess in a wild, quadruple body swap. Chad Michael Murray attending the UK premiere of Disneys Freakier Friday with his wife Sarah Roemer (Ian West/PA) Reflecting on returning for the sequel, Murray said they had to work out how his character would realistically fit into the updated story. Its a house of cards, you move one piece and the whole thing kind of crashes down with four people switching bodies. So we had to be really careful and deliberate with the choices we made, he said. I went straight into analytics mode. We had to flesh out who Jake has been over the last 22 years. Whats he been up to? Wheres he gone? Whats the funniest choice here? And thats where we went. Then it just became exciting from there. Murray added: My joking sales pitch for this film has been, this movie will make you live longer as it reduces cortisol levels. If this is the type of content I do for the rest of my life as an actor Im done, Im happy, Im in. The 2003 film was based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, which was previously turned into a 1976 movie starring Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris. Freakier Friday opens in UK cinemas on Friday, August 8. Children like me had to carry bodies: Japan A-bomb survivors urge world not to forget 80 years on She was only eight when she saw people with their skin peeling off, faces swollen beyond recognition, stumbling through a city in flames. For Keiko Ogura, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the morning of 6 August 1945 was the day her childhood ended. She remembers the moment the bomb fell: Hiroshima flattened in an instant, as if a giant had stomped the city into the ground. Buildings were crushed, and fires broke out everywhere. That night, Hiroshima burned. The entire city kept burning through the night. Oguras family had moved a year earlier to the far side of a small hill just outside the city centre a decision, made by her father to avoid air raids, that ultimately saved their lives. The hill stood between their home and the bombs hypocentre, shielding them from the full force of the blast. A photo, dated September 1945, of the remains of the Prefectural Industry Promotion Building after the bombing of Hiroshima, which was preserved as a monument, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome (AFP/Getty) Scenes of horror surrounded Ogura in the days after the bombing. Survivors had leapt into Hiroshimas seven rivers to escape the fires, but many drowned or died from their injuries. She remembers the waterways choked with bodies some drifting downstream, others washing back with the tide, missing limbs and swarmed by flies. Mass cremations became part of daily life. In front of her home alone, her father cremated around 700 people. Even children like me had to help carry bodies on straw mats, she recalled in a video published by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Nearly eight decades later, those memories remain vivid etched with scenes of unbearable pain and incalculable loss. For Ogura, they are more than personal recollections. They are warnings. Warnings, she says, that the world must never allow itself to forget. Keiko Ogura, a survivor of the 1945 atomic bombing, at the 2023 G7 leaders summit meeting, at the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima (JiJi Press) Hiroshima Day, observed each year on 6 August, commemorates one of the most devastating moments in human history the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the United States in 1945, during the final days of the Second World War. That morning, a US B-29 bomber named Enola Gay dropped a uranium-based atomic bomb, nicknamed Little Boy, which detonated about 600 metres above the city. The explosion unleashed a ferocious blast, scorching heat, and lethal radiation, instantly killing 70,000 to 80,000 people. In the days and months that followed, tens of thousands more died from injuries and radiation sickness. The city was flattened, and survivors known as hibakusha endured long-term health effects and unimaginable psychological trauma. Japanese men carry a victim of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki in August 1945 after that city was bombed too (Reuters) Three days later, on 9 August, the US dropped a second bomb, Fat Man, over Nagasaki. These bombings marked the first and only use of nuclear weapons in war and led to Japans surrender on 15 August 1945, bringing the Second World War to an end. The atomic bombings killed more than 210,000 people. Hiroshima and Nagasaki stand as lasting reminders not only of the immense human tragedy that unfolded, but of the profound danger nuclear weapons pose to humanity in todays fractured world. In the years since 1945, survivors, activists, and global leaders have repeatedly invoked the devastation as a stark plea for disarmament and a cautionary lesson for generations to come. Last year, survivors of the bombings said that receiving the Nobel Peace Prize had renewed their determination to campaign for nuclear disarmament. The crew of the B-29 bomber Enola Gay, including pilot Paul W Tibbets (centre), who named the aircraft after his mother (US Air Force) I felt like I needed to work even harder on what I had done so far, Terumi Tanaka, who survived the atomic attack on Nagasaki, told the Associated Press at the time. Tanaka, 93, spoke at a press conference in Tokyo last year following his return from Oslo, where he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Nihon Hidankyo, the organisation of Japanese atomic bomb survivors. I believe it is important to focus on the next 10 years and strengthen the movement moving forward, he added. I would like to lead a big movement of testimonials. On Monday, Tanaka told the press: I believe a nuclear war could happen in the near future. Most young people today may not know how many nuclear weapons exist. There are 12,000 nuclear warheads. He added: One warhead is 2,000 times more powerful than the bombs 80 years ago. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings a poignant milestone for survivors and campaigners alike. Visitors use umbrellas to shelter from the sun at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Getty) Last year, Michiko Kodama, who survived the Hiroshima bombing, said: We hibakusha who saw the hell ... within a decade wont be around to tell the reality of the atomic bombing. I want to keep telling our stories as long as we live. Kodama was seven years old in August 1945. I saw an extremely strong light coming in from the window. It was white, or shall I say yellow? So strong that I couldnt keep my eyes open, another survivor, Fumi Takeshita, 80, remembered. It was the day after the bomb dropped. [My father] walked through the hypocenter, the Urakami area, and heard many people calling for help. There were heaps of bodies, too. Buildings were crashed to the ground and there was nothing left, apparently. I heard that from my grandmother. She said, Fumi-chan, remember the light you saw the other day? Because of that, there is nothing left in Urakami, and many people died. The Atomic Bomb Dome at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Getty) While Takeshita painfully recalls the devastation in the aftermath of the atomic bombing, other survivors have also borne the weight of their memories for decades. Despite battling numerous health issues, 83-year-old survivor Kunihiko Iida has dedicated his retirement to sharing his story in the hope of advancing the cause of nuclear disarmament. Iida now volunteers as a guide at Hiroshimas Peace Memorial Park, determined to raise awareness among foreign visitors, who he believes often lack a full understanding of the bombings. Iida tried to scream, Mummy, help! on that day in August 1945, but no sound came out, he recalled. He was eventually rescued by his grandfather. A young girl visits the Childrens Peace Monument at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Getty) Within a month, his 25-year-old mother and four-year-old sister died after suffering nosebleeds, skin problems, and extreme fatigue symptoms of radiation exposure. Iida experienced similar effects throughout elementary school but slowly recovered. It wasnt until he was nearly 60 that he returned to the peace park at the bombing site. His elderly aunt asked him to go with her, and he finally agreed. It was his first visit since that day. The only path to peace is nuclear weapons abolishment. There is no other way, Iida says. With each passing year, as the hibakusha grow older, their warnings also feel more urgent. As of 31 March 2025, Japans Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported that there were only 99,130 people officially recognised as hibakusha. Their calls for a nuclear-free world have yet to be realised. Visitors walk under a sign at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb attack (Getty) Instead, rising global tensions have brought back fears of a nuclear war. Just recently, US president Donald Trump said he ordered the deployment of nuclear submarines near Russia in response to what he described as threatening remarks from Moscow. In 2024, nearly all nine nuclear-armed states the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel continued to pursue extensive nuclear modernisation programmes, upgrading existing arsenals and developing newer, more advanced weapons, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). As of January 2025, an estimated 12,241 nuclear warheads existed worldwide, with approximately 9,614 held in military stockpiles and available for potential use, the report said. In March 2023, Russia announced plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus marking the first time it has stationed such arms outside its borders since the Soviet Unions collapse. The US military aeroplane, nicknamed Bockscar, which dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki (AFP/Getty) While not an outright breach of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), critics contended that, much like Natos nuclear sharing arrangements, the move undermines the treatys spirit. Then, in November 2024, Russian president Vladimir Putin approved revisions to Russias nuclear doctrine changes that, according to many analysts, appeared to lower the threshold for potential nuclear use. Last year in November, North Koreas UN envoy said that the country has vowed to accelerate its nuclear weapons programme after testing an intercontinental ballistic missile, citing threats from the US. Kim Song, North Koreas ambassador to the UN, said during a security council meeting that Pyongyang would accelerate the programme to counter any threat presented by hostile nuclear weapons states. Last month, it was reported that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country, with at least 600 warheads now in its stockpile and about 100 being added annually since 2023, according to SIPRI. Views of Hiroshima before and after the first atomic bomb was dropped (AFP/Getty) The SIPRI report also mentioned that Israel, though it does not officially acknowledge having nuclear weapons, is believed to be modernising its arsenal. In 2024, the report said it tested a missile propulsion system likely linked to its nuclear-capable Jericho ballistic missiles, and satellite imagery suggested ongoing upgrades at its Dimona plutonium production facility. The report noted: Russia and the USA together possess around 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons. The sizes of their respective military stockpiles (ie useable warheads) seem to have stayed relatively stable in 2024, but both states are implementing extensive modernisation programmes that could increase the size and diversity of their arsenals in the future. The era of reductions in the number of nuclear weapons in the world, which had lasted since the end of the Cold War, is coming to an end, said Hans M Kristensen, associate senior fellow with SIPRIs Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme and director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Instead, we see a clear trend of growing nuclear arsenals, sharpened nuclear rhetoric and the abandonment of arms control agreements. The sun rises above the Atomic Bomb Dome (Getty) Tanaka of Nihon Hidankyo told the media on Monday: There are 3,000 to 4,000 ready-to-use nuclear warheads that leaders can launch instantly. Accidental launches can also happen. Thats the world we all live in. If that happens, young people will lose their future. I want to tell young people to think about this. So this August, when the world holds events and talks of nuclear disarmament and a future free of atomic weapons, the question still looms: have the powers that be deliberately made nuclear disarmament a distant dream in todays world? Is the dream of a nuclear-free world further out of reach? And in the process, are we beginning to forget the horrors that hibakusha like Keiko Ogura endured? On Monday, Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Jorgen Frydnes said: I dont think fear [of nuclear weapons] is the solution to our problems. The hibakusha clearly show that it is possible, even though in a situation of pain, sorrow, [and] grief, to choose peace, and thats the message we want the world to listen to. Frydnes visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki last week, ahead of the 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings. Their story is also a story of memory becoming a force for change, he said. British model Chloe Ayling, who was kidnapped in Italy in 2017, has revealed that she often encounters people who still dont believe her story. The 27-year-old from south London was lured into attending a fake photoshoot in Milan eight years ago. She was kidnapped and drugged and told she would be sold as a sex slave on the black market. Six days later, however, her kidnapper drove her back to Milan and left her at the UK consulate. Ayling was ridiculed by media and scrutinised by the public who became obsessed with the idea peddled by her attackers defence team that the entire incident had been a PR stunt to further her career. Speaking to Christine Lampard on Lorraine, Ayling said: Its always people who dont know the facts. They judge too quickly and jump in before knowing the full story. You can never get offended by it really, because they dont know. Ayling appeared on the ITV morning programme ahead of the release of her new BBC documentary My Unbelievable Kidnapping, which is set to air on BBC Three at 9pm tonight (Monday 4 August). Of relieving the ordeal for the TV series, Ayling said: I thought it would be easy. Im really not good at talking about my feelings. I had to relive it again and I got emotional about things I hadnt before. Chloe Ayling on 'Lorraine' (ITV) When asked how the backlash to her retelling of the incident had affected her in the past, she said she was constantly having to speak about her kidnappers crazy decisions as if they were her own. It was my calmness that saved me, Ayling explained of the reason she initially appeared calm in interviews and CCTV footage. I had to get him on side to be able to get out. She added of her forthcoming documentary: I want to show a victim doesnt have to fit into a typical box to be believed. Aylings kidnappers Polish brothers Lukasz and Michal Herba falsely told her that she had been kidnapped by a Romanian criminal gang called the Black Death. After realised that one of the brothers was infatuated by her, she convinced him she might one day be his girlfriend an act of deception that may very well have saved her life. However, the false claim became the dominant narrative in the story. Aylings body language and media interviews were intensely scrutinised as she was treated as a suspect rather than the victim she was. But Aylings recounting of the kidnapping remained consistent, and Lukasz was eventually jailed for 16 years and nine months. His brother Michal, who was also sentenced to 16 years behind bars, has since been released following an appeal. Teams are working tirelessly to rectify the damage to railway infrastructure brought by Storm Floris, Network Rail said. Ross Moran, rail director for Network Rail in Scotland, said storms such as Floris can have devastating effects on train lines. On Tuesday, he told the PA news agency: The storm has caused really unprecedented challenges and damage to the railway infrastructure. The storm hit Scotland at around 11am on Monday. It was sustained and frequent until about 7.30pm. It has caused damage to overhead lines, theres been more than 100 trees, as well as sheds and trampolines, blown on to the railway infrastructure. Mr Moran said that storms such as Floris are unusual during the summer and more common in the winter months. He added: What that means is weve got trees in full bloom, and therefore theyre heavier and when you get wind speeds of over 100mph, the impact can be devastating to the railway infrastructure. Mr Moran said communities in Inverness, Aberdeen and the far north of Scotland have experienced the worst disruption to railway lines, but added that clean-up crews and engineers are making good progress, and thanked passengers for their patience while they seek to fix any damage to the lines. He said: We are making good progress. At the moment there are still power issues, there are significant issues, but our engineers and track teams are out there working tirelessly, and we expect that well continue to make good progress, and we will be able to update passengers as the day progresses. Many of our routes are now reopen. Some routes in the North are still being worked on. Please check our app and website for the latest service information. pic.twitter.com/RMH8cgwonZ ScotRail (@ScotRail) August 5, 2025 Mr Moran added: We are so grateful to the patience of passengers while weve worked through this difficult period, but do take our assurances that were doing everything we can to get the lines back over and again as soon as possible. Engineers are working to restore power to a total of around 22,000 properties in the north and north-east of Scotland. Work is also under way to clear trees from several railway lines which were blocked by the storm. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said it had restored power to 60,000 properties since the onset of the high winds. SSENs director of customer operations for the north of Scotland, Andy Smith, said: Storm Floris has been unusually powerful, especially for a storm at this time of year. Its brought down many trees that have endured several previous storms, and its caused some network damage. Today, weve been able to inspect the network from the air and from the ground, and we now have a complete picture of the extent of the damage. Theres a considerable ongoing task to restore all customers supplies, but we have an 800-strong team whose priority is to make repairs as safely and quickly as they can, keep customers updated, and support those awaiting reconnection. Id like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience while we go about this massive task; were doing our best to give people realistic, informed estimates of when well get their power back on. Im also grateful to the teams from our contract partners and other network operators for supporting our effort. The company, which is the network operator for northern Scotland, said it had organised meal provision in some of the affected communities. ScotRail said some routes in the north are still facing disruption. On Monday night, the Scottish Governments resilience room held an emergency meeting to help decide an appropriate response to the storm, which has also led to delays in exam results being delivered to pupils in some island communities. Ministers including Angela Constance were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, Sepa and transport and utilities companies. Trunk road companies are continuing to remove fallen trees and debris from roads. With winds of up to 90mph in some parts of the country, a significant clear-up job will be required to inspect lines and carry out repair work before it is safe to restore a full service. More wet and windy weather is forecast for late on Wednesday and Thursday, but no Met Office weather warnings are in place for Tuesday. ScotRail is urging customers to check their journey via the app, website or JourneyCheck before they travel. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: While the system later this week wont carry as many impacts as Storm Floris, a further period of unseasonable wet and windy weather is on the way late on Wednesday and into Thursday for those in north-western parts of the UK. An area of low pressure from the west will bring some strong winds, especially for those in western parts of Scotland. Gusts over 50mph are possible for a time. Some heavy rain will also accompany the strong winds, with up to 30mm possible. Police facing anti-immigration protesters outside the former Bell hotel in Epping, Essex. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA Several politicians have got into hot water for promoting and repeating misleading data in recent months, particularly about migration and crime. There have been calls for the government and police forces to be more transparent about the figures to tackle misinformation and hysteria. Here are some of the high-profile claims that have been disputed or debunked. Are foreign nationals responsible for 40% of sexual crime in London? Conservative Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said on Radio 4s Today programme on Monday that 40% of sexual crimes in London last year were committed by foreign nationals. The claim was sourced from the Centre for Migration Control (CMC), a thinktank and blog that describes its purpose as controlling and reducing migration to Britain. It is run by the Reform UK activist Robert Bates. CMCs claims come from the Metropolitan polices response to a freedom of information request. The Met issued a breakdown of the number of people who had been proceeded against ie brought before a court for sexual offences by nationality. This does not mean they have been found guilty of committing the offence as Jenrick said. For example, there were 14,242 defendants brought to court for sexual offences at magistrates courts in England and Wales in 2024, but 8,098 convictions, according to Ministry of Justice statistics. Some of the data were seeing is very striking, Jenrick also said. Afghans and Eritrean nationals are 20 times more likely to be convicted of a sexual crime than a British national. The statistic about Afghans has been repeated by Reform UKs chair, Zia Yusuf. This is a muddled figure that also came from the CMC, after it submitted freedom of information requests to the MoJ. It is based on population statistics from 2021 but data on offences covering the years between 2021 and 2023. That means the statistic is likely to be based on a significant underestimate of the number of Afghan and Eritrean nationals in the UK meaning the comparison with British rates is unlikely to be 20 times as high. Immigration to the UK from Afghanistan has risen significantly since 2021 because of the Talibans return to power, while Eritrean migration has also risen due to wars in Eritrea, Sudan and Ethiopia. The Guardian contacted Jenrick for comment. Are the police protecting illegal migrants working for Deliveroo? Nick Timothy, the Conservative MP for West Suffolk, deleted a post on X this week that accused the Metropolitan police of facilitating illegal working. He had shared a photo that appeared to show police officers escorting a Deliveroo driver through a crowd of protesters outside a hotel. The original post claimed to depict how an illegal Deliveroo worker is literally getting a full police escort. The Met replied that this person was delivering to the hotel, they were not being accommodated there. There is no evidence to suggest they were working illegally. They were surrounded and intimidated by those gathered outside and officers intervened to make sure they got away safely. The context is that companies including Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats have committed to tighten security checks after reports some asylum seekers were working illegally as couriers. Are one in 12 people in London illegal migrants? Earlier this year, there was a controversy over a Telegraph front page report that said as many as one in 12 people living in London were illegal immigrants. The story included quotes from Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, who called the figures deeply alarming and said it was totally unacceptable to have these numbers of illegal immigrants in the UK. The Telegraph and several other newspapers had to issue corrections for misrepresenting the findings in several ways. The one in 12 statistic was based on an unpublished study commissioned by Thames Water to measure the demand for water supply. The study concluded that there could be between 390,355 and 585,533 irregular not illegal migrants in and around London. The Telegraph used the higher figure and divided it by the 7 million population living in specific water resource zones, rather than the 9 million population of London. Most importantly, the Thames Water study was seeking to estimate the number of people who use water that are not in official statistics so included not just migrants but those with second homes, visitors and tourists. It also included people given indefinite leave to remain, as well as some British-born children of migrants with irregular status. The most recent official estimates for the number of irregular migrants in the UK date from 2017. The Pew Research Center said the number was between 800,000 to 1.2 million, while the Greater London Authoritys central estimate for the whole of the UK was 674,000 going up to 809,000 when including UK-born children of unauthorised migrants. Why are we talking about this now? At a press conference on Monday, Nigel Farage told TV crews that he would discuss an open criminal investigation the alleged rape of a child. But he said there would be nothing in the press conference that would go against contempt of court laws. Two men have been charged in connection with the alleged crime. When an alleged perpetrator has been charged, there are strict rules about what can be reported, to prevent prejudicing and potentially collapsing a trial. However, the leader of Warwickshire county council, George Finch, later made a number of references, including referring to the men as criminals when they have not been found guilty. Farage then defended Finch when questioned as to whether he had broken contempt laws, saying it was good that he had become slightly emotional. The issue of naming the race of alleged perpetrators has been in the public eye since a baseless social media conspiracy theory surrounding Axel Rudakubana, the Southport murderer. After he killed three young children in July 2024, it was purported on social media that authorities were covering up his true place of birth. Rudakubana, who was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, was falsely portrayed in a variety of social media posts as being a Muslim asylum seeker. Russell Martins bold team selection paid off as Rangers battered Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifier at Ibrox. The Gers boss hit out at some of his squad following their deflating 1-1 draw at Motherwell on Saturday, questioning mentality, egos and application, and captain James Tavernier and midfielder Nicolas Raskin were the biggest names among the expected changes. Martin got the required reaction as winger Djeidi Gassama scored after 15 minutes with his third European goal in three ties before returning striker Cyriel Dessers added a second from the spot just before the interval. Djeidi Gassama, centre, and Cyriel Dessers scored the Rangers goals (Andrew Milligan/PA) Gassama, signed this summer from Sheffield Wednesday, scored a third in the 51st minute to put the Govan side into a commanding lead and eventually a comfortable win. The Light Blues will be heavy favourites for the return game in the Czech Republic next Tuesday, with a play-off tie against Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg or Club Brugge of Belgium awaiting the winners. After pointing the finger at his under-performers at the weekend, all eyes were on Martins team selection and he made significant changes. Along with Tavernier and Raskin arguably Gers best player last season Danilo and Kieran Dowell were left out. New signing Oliver Antman, the Finland winger who joined from Go Ahead Eagles on Monday, made his debut and was terrific with left-back Jefte, midfielder Lyall Cameron and Dessers returning while John Souttar was named captain. Russell Martin rang the changes (Andrew Milligan/PA) The Ibrox crowd was more subdued than usual on a big European night, initially. In the seventh minute Plzens lofty striker Rafiu Durosinmi headed a cross from Amar Memic past the post but it was Gassama who struck first, playing a one-two with Dessers at the edge of the visitors box before confidently curling the ball past keeper Florian Wiegele. After Gers defender Nasser Djiga brilliantly blocked a goal-bound shot from visiting captain Matej Vydra, Antmans drive from a Gassama cut-back at the other end was cleared off the line by Vaclav Jamelka. Bizarrely Raskin, warming up on the sidelines, was booked by French referee Clement Turpin for apparently trying to interfere at a Plzen throw-in as the Czech side began to exert some pressure. However, when a driving run into the box by Antman ended with him being barged over by Vydra, referee Turpin pointed to the spot for a soft penalty and Dessers sent Wiegele the wrong way. The impressive Oliver Antman wins the penalty for Rangerss second goal (Andrew Milligan/PA) Rangers started the second half strongly and within three minutes midfielder Mohamed Diomande struck the bar with an effort from the edge of the box. However, the third soon arrived as Gassama grabbed his second when he bulleted in a header from a pinpoint Antman cross from the right. There were occasional moments of sloppiness in the Gers ranks throughout the rest of the second half but they remained unpunished. Raskin, Danilo, and Tavernier all came off the bench when the job was done, before in the 83rd minute Gers keeper Jack Butland made a good save from a powerful drive from Memic. After the negativity of Fir Park, it was a more positive performance from the home side although there has to be much more to come from Martins men. Family claims 73-year-old patient died after sexual assault that happened while in the hospital The family of a 73-year-old woman who died in Atlantas Grady Memorial Hospital is suing the facility, claiming that before her death, she was sexually assaulted by a nurse technician. Eva Lay, 73, was at the hospital on October 10, 2024, receiving treatment for a heart condition. During her stay, she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a male employee, the lawsuit claims. The employee allegedly cleaned Lay and removed the sheets on her bed to dispose of any evidence of the crime, according to the lawsuit. Lay died in the weeks after the alleged assault from unrelated health issues. Her family claims in the suit that she took a "downward spiral in her mental health following this traumatic incident." The lawsuit accuses the hospital of negligence and failing to provide appropriate security for female patients. The filing is seeking a jury trial, according to Fox 8 Live. Eva Lay, of Georgia. Lay's family is suing Grady Memorial Hospital, alleging that a male nursing technician sexually assaulted her while she was receiving treatment at the facility, and further claims that the mental distress she suffered contributed to her death a few weeks after she left the hospital (Greene Legal Group) Eva Lay was a mother, grandmother and loved by her community. She deserved dignity, care and protection not the violation and trauma she endured in what should have been a place of healing, L Chris Stewart, an attorney representing the family, said in a statement. This is not just a lawsuit it is a demand for protection of our defenseless loved ones in hospital care. The lawsuit alleges the hospital was negligent by failing to provide proper security measures like security cameras to protect vulnerable patients, and claims that female patients were not "adequately supervised when interacting with male staff members." According to the attorneys, a criminal investigation focused on the nursing technician is ongoing. Corey Harris, a member of Lay's family, told Fox 5 Atlanta that the family is heartbroken. "Our family is very heartbroken and outraged by the treatment they received in a place that was supposed to care for and comfort her," he said. The Independent has requested comment from Grady Memorial Hospital. The hospital provided the following statement for Fox 8 Live: When we were made aware of this allegation, we immediately reported it to law enforcement and cooperated fully with their investigation. APD found no physical evidence to substantiate this claim. We defer to law enforcement regarding any additional information they wish to release. Grady is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety in every aspect of patient care. Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court on rape and sexual assault charges. The Ghanaian midfielder, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player. Partey stood with his arms behind his back in the dock at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, wearing a black zip-neck jumper. The footballer, who gave his address as Potters Bar, showed no reaction as the charges were read out and was not asked to enter any pleas. Court artist drawing of Thomas Partey in the dock at Londons Westminster Magistrates Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA) The alleged offences include incidents of anal rape, the court heard. His bail conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. It comes amid reports that Partey is set to join Spanish club Villarreal. As bail conditions were discussed in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said: I understand hes no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now. Partey left Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June (PA) Partey is due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2. He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June. A spokeswoman for Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence said they were profoundly disappointed in the north London club for their handling of the matter. Speaking outside court, Honor Barber told the PA news agency: We never wanted to be in a situation where the club that we love and the club that has values that we believe in was playing, week-in week-out, a player who is now facing court appearances on six counts of sexual violence. We protested outside almost every home game last season because we wanted to disrupt the wall of silence that the club has put up around this issue, and we did that because we want to support our club and feel happy and comfortable supporting our club. Members of the group held a banner which read Arsenal said: We do the right thing then did nothing. People from Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence held a banner outside the court (Yui Mok/PA) Ms Barber said the group wanted Arsenal to publish their sexual violence policies, suspend anyone under investigation for sexual offences and properly support the survivors. The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022. Parteys lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he denies all the charges against him, adding he welcomed the opportunity to finally clear his name. He joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a transfer worth around 45 million. The defensive midfielder signed for the Spanish club in 2012 and made 188 appearances, as well as going out on loan to Mallorca and Leganes. He played 35 games for the north London club in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals. Partey has also made more than 50 appearances for Ghana including at the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: The players contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case. The Texas redistricting fight could end up being the first test of mettle for Democrats eyeing a 2028 play for the White House. With Greg Abbott, the states Republican governor, directing lawmakers to gerrymander up to five congressional seats to add to the GOPs total, Democrats suddenly find themselves flush with political opportunity. For months, polling has shown that Democratic voters want their representatives to take on louder roles in opposition to Donald Trump. Survey after survey has shown the frustration the partys base harbors for members of leadership, frustration which boiled into rare public view earlier this year during an intra-party spat over a potential government shutdown. Now, Texas is giving Democratic governors, at the very least, an opportunity to give the voters what they want. Thats why those same governors the ones with Democratic state legislatures to back them up, that is are lining up to threaten their own mid-decade redistricting efforts. And the list reads like a whos who of expected presidential contenders. Gavin Newsom is leading his partys effort to threaten Texas Republicans with reciprocal redistricting actions if they go through with plans to gerrymander five new seats for the GOP in Congress (AP) In Illinois, New York, and California, three of the Democratic Partys most prominent national leaders were fired up in their responses to questions this week about redistricting and their individual responses to the Texas plan to add as many as five GOP-leaning congressional seats. Adamantly backing them up was Ken Martin, the party chair who is on his own personal crusade to rebrand the Democrats national image after the bruising 2024 cycle. Were not here to tie one of our hands behind our back, Martin said in an interview with a Portland, Oregon news outlet. In the past, I think our party would bring a pencil to a knife fight. Were going to bring a gun to a knife fight. He was even more explicit at a press conference with Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas to prevent the redistricting from taking place, telling reporters: "Now is not the time for one party to play by the rules while the other party has completely ignored it. They've decided to cheat, and we're going to respond in kind." Texas State Rep. Gene Wu holds a press conference in Carol Stream, Illinois, on Sunday as Gov. J.B. Pritzker (left) plays host to the runaway Texas Democrats (Reuters) The governors vowing to match any partisan redistricting committed by Texas Republicans offered similar analogies. The strongest response came from Californias Gavin Newsom, who recently visited South Carolina as it is heavily speculated that he is considering a national campaign. He vowed that his state would fight fire with fire and trigger its own redistricting process were Abbott to move forward in Texas. New Yorks Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, told reporters that she would push for ending the states independent redistricting commission, explaining that she would no longer fight with her hand tied behind my back. Were sick and tired of being pushed around when other states dont have the same aspirations that we always have, the New York governor said on Monday. I cannot ignore that the playing field has changed dramatically, and shame on us if we ignore that fact and cling tight to the vestiges of the past. That era is over Donald Trump eliminated it forever. New Yorks Kathy Hochul is pushing to end the states independent redistricting commission as both parties threaten a national gerrymandering war (AP) In Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is publicly harboring the escapee Democratic lawmakers from Texas, demurred on the prospect, though his office confirmed to Axios that he wont rule out his own reciprocal efforts: "Here in the state of Illinois, it is possible to redistrict -- it's not something that I want to do, he said on Tuesday. Marylands Wes Moore, another rising star in the party, issued a similar statement through a spokesperson on Tuesday; all options are on the table. The Democratic leader of the states House of Delegates just introduced legislation that would allow Maryland to pursue redistricting if another state did so mid-decade. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy is prevented from pushing for state lawmakers to begin their own redistricting efforts under the states constitution. But Murphy told reporters on Monday that the issue was to be a talking point in conversations with other Democratic governors. I suspect as the Democratic governors get together for a drink or a coffee, this will be high on the agenda, he said, according to The New Jersey Globe. While Democrats are likely limited in the number of states where they could mount their own bids to boost congressional representation for their party, the sheer size and density of California and New York could give them an edge. In general, the issue is providing the party the knife fight it was looking for. With three Texas lawmakers risking arrest by fleeing the state to break a quorum in the legislature, Democratic voters are seeing the first hints of effective, unified Democratic resistance to the second Trump era coalesce across the country. It still remains to be seen if Texas Republicans will even be successful in their push. Assuming the GOP isnt scared off by threats from Democrats, court challenges could still prevent the states new maps from going into effect next year or at all. Abbott, however, seems to have ignited a spark within the Democratic Party. Even Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was vowing that his party would respond from coast-to-coast to prevent his caucus from losing up to five of its members in Texas, or at the minimum respond in kind. As the Democrats leader in the House, Jeffries own political future is tied to his ability to protect his members and repair a somewhat fractured party leadership as he braces for a wave of primary contests in 2026. On Monday, the Democratic minority leader vowed: Were going to respond and respond forcefully. What is going on in Texas right now in terms of this second attempt to gerrymander the map we believe violates the Voting Rights Act, Jeffries said during a CNN interview. You will not see that happen in Democratic states, but you will see governors and state legislatures and, of course, Members of the House Democratic Caucus respond in kind. There is no unilateral disarmament when were in the middle of an all-out assault by Donald Trump. A small fire was started at the back of an ICE field office in Yakima, Washington, Homeland Security says (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have escaped an arson attack at a federal office in Yakima, Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security. A cowardly rioter on Saturday threw a rock through a window of the ICE field office and then started a small fire at the back of the building, DHS said in a statement Tuesday. No one was injured in the attack and law enforcement is investigating the incident as an act of arson. It is unclear if our brave ICE law enforcement were the targets of these violent acts. From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale, the DHS statement read. Secretary Noem has been clear: Anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement officers will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. A small fire was started at the back of an ICE field office in Yakima, Washington, Homeland Security says (DHS) The Independent has contacted DHS for more information on the incident. A photo, shared by DHS, shows smoke billowing over a fence and flames on the ground. Another image shows broken glass and a dented wall, with a rock lying on the ground. As detentions and deportations have become a fixture of Trumps second term, attacks against immigration authorities have been on the rise. ICE officials have faced a 830 percent increase in assaults from January 21 to July 14 compared with the same period in 2024, DHS announced last month. No one was injured in the attack and law enforcement is investigating the incident as an act of arson. (DHS) The rock that was thrown into the ICE field office in Washington before someone started a fire behind the property (DHS) DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blamed Democrats, naming several high-profile lawmakers, for contributing to the surge in assaults of our ICE officers through their repeated vilification and demonization of ICE, in a statement to The Independent . The New York Post first reported the incident. Last month, 11 people dressed in tactical gear executed what prosecutors called an organized attack outside of an ICE detention center near Fort Worth, Texas. One of the alleged defendants fired 20 to 30 rounds at unarmed correctional officers who had stepped outside the facility, prosecutors say. Another allegedly shot an Alvarado police officer in the neck; he has since been discharged from the hospital. Ten of the 11 now face charges of attempted murder. On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump promised to deliver the largest deportation operation in American history. As the Trump administration set a lofty target of 3,000 arrests per day, ICEs tactics like plainclothes and masked agents arresting international students on the street have drawn criticism and rattled communities across the country. Those tactics appear to change based on the state. In red states, about 60 percent of immigration arrests have taken place in prisons and jails, while 70 percent of arrests in blue states took place in the wider community, according to a CNN analysis. Palestinians wait to receive hot meals in the Gaza Strip, 5 August 2025. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images We are Israeli historians teaching in Jerusalem who have been writing publicly about the war since early 2024. The processes that Jonathan Whittall describes, the result of a siege and an unprecedented assault on international humanitarian organisations, have been known to anyone willing to listen, in Israel and in the west, for a very long time (I saw many atrocities as a senior aid official in Gaza. Now Israeli authorities are trying to silence us, 3 August). Israels siege, which has fluctuated in its totality since 7 October, limited the amounts of food, medication and essential supplies allowed into the Gaza Strip, culminating in a complete siege from March to May 2025. Israels assault on international organisations started with a campaign against Unrwa, the UN agency dedicated to the care for Palestinian refugees, and developed into a set of regulations aimed at intimidating international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and obstructing their ability to work in the occupied Palestinian territories. The effect has been the replacement of reputable humanitarian organisations by an Israeli-funded private enterprise (the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation), with no experience in humanitarian aid or commitment to human wellbeing. The result is the reported starvation to death of more than 100 Palestinians and the shooting of Palestinians who sought aid, killing and injuring many thousands. Human life in the Gaza Strip has become exceedingly cheap. For us, as Israeli citizens who believe in the sanctity of all human life, the current moment represents our own failure, alongside the failure of international law, the international community and most media outlets. During Whittalls term in office as head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), it has been an unrelenting source of information regarding the systematic assault on human life in the occupied territories. We applaud Whittall for speaking out. OCHA and other INGOs need the backing of governments and the international community to restore a human-oriented humanitarian system and save those who can still be saved. Dr Lee Mordechai History department, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof Liat Kozma Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section. Acosta asks the avatar in the interview: What happened to you? Photograph: CNN Jim Acosta, former chief White House correspondent for CNN, stirred controversy on Monday when he sat for a conversation with a reanimated version of a person who died more than seven years ago. His guest was an avatar of Joaquin Oliver, one of the 17 people killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. The video shows Oliver, captured via a real photograph and animated with generative artificial intelligence, wearing a beanie with a solemn expression. Acosta asks the avatar: What happened to you? I appreciate your curiosity, Oliver answers in hurried monotone without inflection or pauses for punctuation. I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school. Its important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone. The avatars narration is stilted and computerized. The movements of its face and mouth are jerky and unnatural, looking more like a dub-over than an actual person talking. Oliver was 17 years old when he was shot and killed in the hallway of Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school. According to Since Parkland, a reporting project about the victims of the shooting, the teenager loved writing and came to school that day, Valentines Day, with flowers for his girlfriend. He would have been 25 on Monday. Acosta had teased the interview on social media saying it would be a show you dont want to miss and a one of a kind interview. The former correspondent now describes himself as an independent journalist and posts content on a Substack blog after parting ways with CNN in January. The former CNN anchor quickly faced criticism online in response to the stunt. One of the many angry users on the social media platform Bluesky posted: There are living survivors of school shootings you could interview, and it would really be their words and thoughts instead of completely made-up. A show you dont want to miss at 4p ET / 1p PT. Ill be having a one of a kind interview with Joaquin Oliver. He died in the Parkland school shooting in 2018. But his parents have created an AI version of their son to deliver a powerful message on gun violence. Plus Texas State pic.twitter.com/mbdM2WxwUR Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 4, 2025 Acosta said in the video segment that Olivers parents created the AI version of their son and his father, Manuel Oliver, invited him to be the first reporter to interview the avatar. Acosta also spoke to Manuel Oliver in the video, telling him: I really felt like I was speaking with Joaquin. Its just a beautiful thing. The victims father said he understood this was an AI version of his son and that he cant bring him back, but it was a blessing to hear his voice again. He said hes looking forward to seeing what more AI can do. Acostas conversation is not the first time AI has been used to bring back the victims of Parkland. Last year, parents of several victims launched a robocalling campaign called The Shotline with the voices of six students and staff who were killed in the mass shooting. The idea was to use the AI voices to call members of Congress and demand action on gun reform. Oliver was one of the victims in that project too. Im back today because my parents used AI to re-create my voice to call you, Olivers message said. How many calls will it take for you to care? How many dead voices will you hear before you finally listen? The use of AI to speak with recreations of the dead is still a work in progress with imperfect movements and voices, and one that comes steeped in ethical controversy. Critics say creating digitized computer avatars of real people and allowing them to stand in for the deceased opens the door for misinformation, deepfakes, fraud and scams, making it hard for people to distinguish between what is real or not. Others have likewise used AI avatars to simulate the speech of victims of crimes. In May, an AI version of a man who was killed in a road rage incident in Arizona appeared in a court hearing. Lawyers played an AI video of the victim addressing his alleged killer in an impact statement. I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do, the victims avatar said. The presiding judge responded favorably. I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness, he said. I feel that that was genuine. A federal court has rejected a request from disgraced music mogul Sean Diddy Combs to be released on bail ahead of his sentencing on prostitution-related charges later this year. In a ruling on Monday, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian wrote that Combs had failed to prove there were any exceptional reasons why he should be released ahead of the October 3 sentencing. The music entrepreneurs pleas might have traction in a case that didnt involve evidence of violence, coercion, or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution at issue, but the record here contains evidence of all three, Subramanian wrote, pointing to how at trial the moguls defense had admitted to Combss past violence in his personal relationships. The Independent has contacted Combss lawyer for comment. Combs was convicted in July on two prostitution-related counts while he was acquitted on more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking charges. The former music mogul had argued hes no longer danger to public and faced poor conditions in jail in his appeal to get bail ahead of the October 3 sentencing (AP) During the trial, witnesses provided lurid detail of what they said were Combss years of coercing girlfriends into freak off sex parties involving male escorts. Jurors watched video surveillance of the rapper attacking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in California in 2016. The Bad Boy Records founder argued in a filing after his conviction that he was not a danger to the public and should be given bail. His defense claimed most of his history of violence happened more than a decade ago while he was addicted to drugs. This jury gave him his life back, and he will not squander his second chance at life, nor would he do anything to further jeopardize his seven children not having a father, and four of his children not having a parent at all, his attorneys wrote. The attorneys also pointed to what they said were poor conditions inside the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York, where Combs is being held, and to cases where individuals convicted on prostitution charges were released ahead of their sentencing. Combss team proposed signing a $50 million bond secured by his Miami home as part of the appeal. Prosecutors opposed the bail request for Combs arguing the trial had shown the rapper and businessmans propensity for violence (Getty) As part of his appeal for bail, Diddys former girlfriend Virginia Gina Huynh submitted a letter on his behalf. Our relationship, like many, was not always perfect, we experienced ups and downs, and mistakes were made but he was willing to acknowledge his mistakes and make better decisions in the future, she wrote. Prosecutors opposed the bail request, arguing the trial record is replete with evidence of the defendants acts of violence towards others. Combs could face up to 10 years in prison for each of his two convictions. Federal sentencing guidelines suggest he could face a lesser punishment of between four and just over five years in prison, though prosecutors have said his punishment could be substantially higher. Lawmakers are fighting over election maps heres how it works and why its bigger than Texas A brewing war in Texas over political boundaries that could reshape control of Congress is spilling out into other states, as Democratic lawmakers vow to fight fire with fire to combat what they see as a wave of voter suppression efforts ordered by Donald Trump. The battle surrounds the redistricting process, in which state legislatures and other officials take a look at once-a-decade census results to redraw congressional districts to balance the changing population. But in Texas, Republican lawmakers under the direction of the president and Governor Greg Abbott are taking the rare step of drawing a new map in the middle of the decade, only a few years after the last redistricting cycle, in the hopes of picking up more Republican seats in the House of Representatives in 2026. Trump is hoping Republicans in other states do the same, as the GOPs slim majority in Congress braces for voter blowback in next years midterm elections in response to the presidents volatile second-term agenda. Democrats who have accused Republicans of illegally diluting the voting strength of Black and Latino voters are planning to retaliate, triggering a race to reshape the electoral map by the time Americans cast their ballots in 2026. A redistricting battle in Texas is spilling out into other states, as Republicans and Democrats compete to redraw congressional districts to boost their chances of taking control of the House in 2026 (REUTERS) What are Republicans proposing in Texas? Republicans proposed new boundaries so that several congressional districts held by Democrats could potentially flip, while two other competitive districts have a better chance of electing Republicans. On August 1, the Texas House redistricting committee held the only public hearing on the proposal. Republicans voted it out of committee the next morning on a party-line vote, setting up a quick vote in the full state House of Representatives, which Republicans control. Democratic members of the state House left Texas to break a quorum, derailing Republican plans to vote on the new map during the governors 30-day special legislative session. Texas Democrats similarly fled the state in 2021 in opposition to Abbotts package of election-related legislation that critics say is undermining voting rights. Is gerrymandering illegal? GOP lawmakers were explicit that the new map was designed to improve political performance, an act of political or partisan gerrymandering in which a controlling party carves out maps to pack likely opponents into a few districts, or cracks them across multiple districts, thereby diluting their voting power. In other words: Gerrymandering gives politicians a chance to choose their voters, rather than the other way around. Gene Wu, the states Democratic caucus chair, said the GOP has put forward a racist, gerrymandered map that seeks to use racial lines to divide hard-working communities that have spent decades building up their power and strengthening their voices. Abbott has done so in submission of Donald Trump, so Donald Trump can steal these communities power and voice, according to Wu. Federal courts have generally blocked the creation of congressional districts that crack or pack communities of color to dilute their voting strength. DNC chair Ken Martin says Democrats are bringing a knife to a knife fight, and were going to fight fire with fire in retaliation to partisan redistricting efforts in Texas (AP) But the Supreme Court, after a series of rulings that have gradually chipped away at guardrails in the Voting Rights Act, has opened the door for states to move ahead with partisan-fuelled gerrymandering. A landmark Supreme Court decision in 2019 ruled that gerrymandering for party advantage cannot be challenged in federal court. What about racial gerrymandering? Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act adds teeth to constitutional protections against racial barriers to the right to vote, and ensures that voting districts are drawn fairly to prevent racially discriminatory boundaries that dilute, or exclude, minority communities. The law prohibits the denial or abridgement of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color, giving voters a key tool to file legal challenges against discriminatory maps and voting rules. But in 2013, the Supreme Court gutted a key provision of the law by striking down federal preclearance guidelines that required states with histories of racial discrimination from implementing new elections laws without first receiving federal approval. In a 2023 case from Alabama, the Supreme Court found that congressional districts drawn by the states Republican-led legislature had likely violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the strength of Black residents. The high courts decision effectively ordered lawmakers to go back to the drawing board and rewrite the states congressional district map, finding that that previous one violates the Voting Rights Act. That map packed most of the states Black residents, who make up more than a quarter of the states population, into one single congressional district out of seven. The Supreme Court is expected to visit racial gerrymandering next term as voting rights advocates brace for another decision that chips away at the Voting Rights Act (AP) The Supreme Court will return to the issue of racial gerrymandering this year in a case stemming from constitutional challenges to Louisianas congressional maps. That decision from a court that constitutional scholars and election law experts see as hostile to the future of the Voting Rights Act could have profound, far-reaching impacts for race-based redistricting. What are other states doing? Democrats in Congress repeatedly tried, and failed, to renew the Voting Rights Act during Joe Bidens administration, which warned that Republican threats to the right to vote posed an existential threat to democracy. That legislation proposed independent redistricting commissions made up of equal numbers of Democrats, Republicans and independents in an effort to end partisan and racial gerrymandering. That bill was defeated by Senate Republicans, who blocked a vote on the measure. But, as California Governor Gavin Newsom said, things have changed, facts have changed, so we must change. His own states redistricting efforts are in response to the existential realities that were now facing, according to Newsom. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has called on Democratic state legislatures to pursue redistricting mid-cycle, but Democrats dont hold enough legislative majorities to win an all-out, state-by-state battle. Republican state legislatures oversee 55 Democratic congressional seats. Democratic state legislative majorities, meanwhile, oversee only 35 GOP districts. All options must be on the table including Democratic state legislatures using their power to fight back and pursue redistricting mid-cycle in order to protect our democracy, committee president Heather Williams said in a statement. Democratic leaders in California, Illinois and New York states that collectively have 95 seats in the House of Representatives are laying the groundwork to redraw their states maps in the hopes of sending more Democrats to Congress. But several states may have to rewrite laws or amend their state constitutions to move ahead on those places, adding more hurdles in a battle in which the GOP has an upper hand. Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin said Democrats are bringing a knife to a knife fight, and were going to fight fire with fire. Trump and Republicans are running scared over fears they will lose a GOP majority in Congress and are hoping to gerrymander, lie, cheat, and steal their way to victory, Martin said August 5. Alls fair in love and war, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on August 4 as she signaled efforts to draw up new maps in her state as soon as possible. This is a war. We are at war, she added. And thats why the gloves are off, and I say, Bring it on. Austin Robert Drummond is apprehended by police in Tennessee A man suspected of murdering the family of a baby he then left to die has been captured in Tennessee after a week-long manhunt. Austin Robert Drummond, 28, was apprehended by US Marshals on Tuesday morning after he was seen in the city of Jackson, where residents had been told by authorities to shelter in their homes. Footage released by police on Monday showed Drummond wearing a camouflage jacket and holding a rifle, apparently trying to enter a building. Drummond has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and gun charges in connection with the deaths of Braydon Williams, 15, Matthew Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, and Cortney Rose, 38. The victims were the relatives of a baby whom Drummond allegedly abandoned some 40 miles from their bodies, authorities said. Police released a photo of the suspect moments after his apprehension, which showed him wearing a black hoodie. Austin Robert Drummond went on the run for a week Drummond had served around a decade in prison after robbing a petrol station as a teenager. He was released last year, but later charged with attempted murder in a case that was unrelated to last weeks deaths, according to US media. At the time of the four murders last week, he was reportedly out on bond. Authorities have so far not clarified how the victims died or provided a possible motive for their deaths. Their bodies were found in a wooded area in Tiptonville, north of Memphis. Danny Goodman, the local district attorney, said Matthew Wilson and Adrianna Williams were the parents of the baby, while Rose was the grandmother. Girlfriend is sister of one victim Drummonds girlfriend is a sister of one of the victims, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Drummond is said to have left the baby in a car seat outside a home in Tiptonville, before flagging down people to help in what David Rausch, the TBI director, called a sign of compassion. The infant is safe and being cared for, officials said on Friday. Mr Rausch added that a couple of firearms had been recovered during the course of the investigation, but did not provide further details. Three people, allegedly associates of Drummonds, have been arrested and are accused of assisting him. Tanaka Brown, 29, Giovontie Thomas, 29, and Dearrah Sanders, 23, have all been charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Brown also faces one count of tampering with evidence. Manchester United have submitted a first offer worth up to 85m for Benjamin Sesko as they battle with Newcastle for the RB Leipzig striker. Earlier on Monday, Newcastle submitted their second offer for Sesko, worth 80m plus a further 10m in potential add-ons, in the hope of getting a deal over the line after seeing their first bid rejected. Newcastle want to secure a replacement striker for manager Eddie Howe as Liverpool pursue Alexander Isak, his top goalscorer last season. But The Independent understands that Manchester United are convinced Sesko would prefer a move to Old Trafford over St James Park. United had been cautious, reluctant to get into a bidding war, but have now played their hand with an offer of 75m plus 10m in add-ons. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim wants to bolster his attacking line, with Rasmus Hojlunds future uncertain. The Slovenia international, 22, has long been on the clubs radar but is also a target of Newcastle, who missed out on Frankfurts Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool and have an unsettled star in Isak. Manchester United have joined the battle for Leipzigs Benjamin Sesko (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Archive) Amorims side had looked at Liam Delap earlier in the summer, only for the Ipswich striker to favour a move to Chelsea. They are still considering Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as an alternative if Newcastle win the battle for Sesko. The Red Devils are returning from the United States after taking part in the Premier League Summer Series, having so far made two key summer acquisitions. Matheus Cunha joined from Wolves in a 62.5m deal last month, with Bryan Mbeumo last week following in a move that could cost up to 71m after protracted negotiations with Brentford. Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent switch. The club are still trying to shift Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia. Manchester United have made an offer for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko after Newcastle submitted a second bid for the Slovenia international, the PA news agency understands. The race for the highly-rated 22-year-old is heating up as the Premier League clubs battle to bolster their front lines. PA understands Newcastle made a second approach to Leipzig after seeing an initial offer reportedly worth 75million euros (65.1m) with a further 5m euros (4.3m) in potential add-ons rejected last week. Slovenia international Benjamin Sesko (left) is wanted by both Manchester United and Newcastle (Martin Rickett/PA) That improved offer of at least 80m euros (69.5m) has been followed by Ruben Amorims United pursuing their long-standing interest with a bid of their own. The Red Devils have tabled a proposal worth a reported of 75m euros (65.1m) plus a potential 10m (8.7m) in add-ons as they seek to take Sesko to Old Trafford. The striker has a decision to make on his future, with sources at Leipzig indicating they were currently unclear about who he favoured, given conflicting information. Sesko scored 21 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions last term and has long been on the Red Devils radar, stretching back to when he moved from Domzale to RB Salzburg in 2019. The Old Trafford club have held an interest ever since and made him their priority over Aston Villas Ollie Watkins, having been interested in Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike before their summer switches. Newcastle had pursued a move for Ekitike before his move from Frankfurt to Liverpool, who saw a 110m bid for unsettled star Alexander Isak rejected on Friday. Seskos arrival could have a huge bearing on the future of the Sweden international, who had been training at former club Real Sociedad after missing the Magpies Asian tour with a thigh complaint. Alexander Isak had been training at former club Real Sociedad recently (Owen Humphreys/PA) Isak headed back to Tyneside on Monday morning for showdown talks with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe as the rest of the squad returned from their pre-season trip to Singapore and South Korea. The Magpies are also pursuing an interest in Brentfords Yoane Wissa and the success of bringing in one, or both, of their targets could be key to what happens with Isak. Should Howe be satisfied with the 25-year-olds commitment, Newcastle will be keen to keep hold of a player who scored 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances last season and whose contract runs until the summer of 2028. This year could be the worst ever for Asian hornets in the UK, scientists are warning, after a rise in sightings of the invasive insect. The National Bee Unit says there were 73 credible sightings up to the end of last month more than double the 28 recorded in the same period last year. Experts from the unit have also found 28 nests so far this year. One nest can house up to 3,000 of the insects. Asian hornets, also known as yellow-legged hornets, can badly harm native pollinator insects, including honeybees, threatening food security and ecosystems, ecologists say. The species was sighted in record numbers in the UK in 2023, and last September UK experts saw evidence for the first time of the queens over-wintering. In May this year, their numbers were described as unprecedented. The Liberal Democrats have accused the government of not taking the issue seriously enough and are calling for a task force to deal with the problem. Martin Wrigley, MP for Newton Abbot in Devon, told The Telegraph: The previous Conservative government was asleep at the wheel in their response to Asian hornets so the government has got to wake up to the risks and get a grip on this invasive species now especially ahead of August and September, when new females are born. The Asian hornet may be confused with the European hornet (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) We urgently need a fully fleshed task force dedicated to this invasive insect to reduce delays between reporting nests and their destruction. Its time this government took our biodiversity and the safety of our communities seriously. The species, which spread from Asia to Europe in a pottery consignment sent to France in 2004, was first spotted in Britain in 2016, and numbers have been rising since. The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) has warned that without early detection and a rapid response, the species could gain a foothold in the UK. Sightings usually peak from September, and people are urged to report any sightings on the Asian Hornet Watch app. Ian Campbell, of the British Beekeepers Association, said that this year appeared to be a surge year for yellow-legged hornets, in part because of the weather. There is significant worry that this year is going to be ahead of 2023, which is the worst year weve had so far, he said. Experts raised the alert after an 'unprecedented' number of Asian hornet sightings (Getty Images/iStockphoto) He called for authorities to try to eradicate the species before it became fully established. The invasive species is mostly found in Kent and East Sussex but has also been seen in Surrey, Hampshire and London, and even as far as Co Durham. Its thought they come into the country on vehicles. Ecologists say that except for parts of Scotland, all of Britain has a suitable climate for yellow-legged hornets. Asian hornets also have a dark abdomen with a band of yellow, while native hornets abdomens are predominantly yellow. A spokesman for the Animal and Plant Health Agency told The Telegraph: Our highly skilled staff work 24/7 to tackle the threat of invasive non-native species, which cost the economy nearly 2bn a year. The yellow-legged hornet response, as with other outbreaks, is managed through a roster of trained nest destructors and inspectors that is scaled up as required based on reports and seasonal fluctuations. They said it was not unexpected to see more reports of sightings as public awareness of the insects increased. A spokesman for Defra said the government would never waver in its duty to protect the UKs biosecurity and pointed to its establishment of a new 200m biosecurity centre and an additional 10m for new surveillance projects. More than 60 London Underground staff could lose their jobs and face deportation due to a change in the Governments immigration rules, it can be revealed. The bulk of the affected staff came to the UK on skilled worker visas and currently work in Tube stations. Many have lived in the UK and worked on the Underground for years, according to their union, the RMT. But last month the Home Office changed the nationwide rules on the sponsorship of foreign workers as part of the Governments wider aim of controlling immigration. This increased salary thresholds for visa sponsorship to 41,700 a year for new applicants and removed key transport roles, including station assistant, from the skilled worker list. According to the RMT, some of the staff have already been promoted from their original roles within Transport for London. Many took the jobs on two-year graduate visa schemes believing they could move into skilled worker positions. That pathway has now been cut off by the Home Office's arbitrary new rules, according to the RMT. It said that, in one case, a worker at risk of deportation has been officially recognised for preventing passenger suicides on the Underground. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey ((Aaron Chown/PA)) Eddie Dempsey, the RMT general secretary, said: Its completely wrong to punish workers by deporting them when they have built their lives here and are making a daily contribution to keeping London moving. "Our members took these jobs in good faith, on the understanding that they could progress and continue building their futures here. "Now the new Government rules risk shattering these workers' lives and leaving gaps in employment for London Underground. "Every country needs a practical and fair immigration policy but this is neither of those and ends up treating vital transport workers disgracefully. "RMT will not rest until we have a just outcome for our members and will be supporting them as best we can throughout." TfL admitted there was a problem but said it, like other employers, was required to comply with the change in the Governments rules. Failure to do so would place TfL and its sponsored employees at risk of criminal prosecution and the loss of its sponsor licence. A TfL spokesperson said: Due to the recent changes in salary and skills thresholds for visa sponsorship, some colleagues currently working at TfL on a visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship when their current visa expires. We are working with all colleagues affected by the changes, as their current visa approaches expiry, to understand whether they have other routes to work in the UK available to them and to support them where possible. The latest changes to the immigration rules were published in a white paper on May 12 called Restoring control over the immigration system. The aim was to make it harder for foreign nationals to move to and settle in the UK, with a view to reducing immigration. This shortened the list of jobs for which employers can sponsor a worker from overseas for a skilled worker visa. These new skilled worker visa rules took effect on July 22 and will remain in place until at least the end of 2026. The Standard has approached the Home Office for comment. TfL currently offers a 31,000 starting salary for graduates. It advises candidates who would require sponsorship to determine the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship prior to applying. Trainee station staff are believed to earn between 35,300 and 41,800 while qualified customer services assistants earn from 44,140 to 55,323, according to a recent TfL freedom of information response. MP creates an AI version of himself and encourages his constituents to embrace it A Labour MP has helped to create an AI politician encouraging his constituents to embrace an artificial intelligence version of himself. Mark Sewards, the Labour MP for Leeds South West and Morley, said it was the UKs first virtual MP. In a message urging local residents to give AI Mark a try, the MP, who was elected for the first time last year, said the AI revolution is happening and we must embrace it or be left behind. Mr Sewards said he worked with the company Neural Voice, based in his constituency, on the AI MP. Neural Voice stood a candidate, AI Steve, at the last general election, suggesting he could put trust back into politics, with constituents proposing and voting on what AI Steve should do as a local MP, with the chair of the firm Steve Endacott appearing in parliament to enact what they decided. AI Mark (Mark Sewards MP) At the time he wrote: AI Steve was created to ensure that the people of Brighton and Hove had 24/7 access to leave opinions and create policies. Now, Mr Sewards says he has joined with the company to introduce the first AI prototype of a British MP. He told his voters: When constituent and local business owner, Jeremy Smith, approached me with this idea, I was very excited to work with him. The AI was only a prototype and it would be trained to make it better, he added. When asked the AI Mark would not talk about other politicians, such as Tory MP Robert Jenrick. Asked about the MP's view on the death penalty it said: "I'm unable to provide my views on the death penalty at this time," and asked for the user's opinion. Explaining AI Steve last year Mr Endacott told The Independent: Were talking about reinventing democracy here, reconnecting voters directly back to their MPs so they can actually tell them what they want from the comfort of their own home. The difficulty is a lot of people react against it before they have read it and just think Skynet [the AI that created the Terminator in the Arnold Schwarzenegger film franchise]. There is supposed to be a Black Mirror episode that is similar - but I havent seen it. Im very centrist, very practical. Basically imagine a businessman who goes into politics and not giving a s*** about politics. I dont care about ego. There will be a generational gap here, some people will go what on earth is going on? We are trying to reinvent democracy, its serious its not a joke or a PR stunt. We are using AI Steve as a provocative title to get attention, we admit that. You cant replace MPs. This is a tool for MPs they can use to better represent their constituency. Were not aiming to make decisions by computer. We are trying to engage with more human beings in electoral decisions by using AI as a co-pilot. Were serious. You have to be honest. If you want a better NHS and education you have to raise taxes - you have to stop bulls***ting people and tell them the truth. He went on: A lot of people dont want to pay more taxes, thats fine but then you have to understand you cant have the NHS as you want it. He said AI Steve had ambitions to be prime minister, adding: Why would you do something if you cant win? A 45-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene in Stoke Newington (PA Archive) Police have launched a manhunt after a man was shot dead in north-east London. Metropolitan Police officers were called to Dynevor Road in Stoke Newington at 12.18am on Tuesday to reports of gunshots. They found a man, 45, with gunshot injuries. Emergency services tried to save the victim but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been notified and is being supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem and formal identification are due to take place. Dynevor Road and parts of Stoke Newington High Street have been closed off. Police are asking the public to avoid the area where possible. No arrests have been made yet. Four forensic officers in scrubs and masks were at the scene on Tuesday afternoon, alongside several police officers. A Lime bike was lying flat in the cordoned area. The forensic officers used torches to investigate underneath the nine cars parked on the street. Residents told of waking to the sounds of gunshots. Liza Dodds, 58, a youth worker who lives opposite Dynevor Road, said: My husband woke up and said there was gunshots. The instant reaction was how do you know? We both got up and had a look. A police officer was doing CPR where the person fell. It seemed like they were going forever. Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing for the area for the Met, said: Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to the tragic death of this man. We understand this incident will cause concern within the Stoke Newington community, however, we do believe this to be an isolated incident at this stage of the investigation with no wider risk to the general public. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, along with a crime scene, as we carry out our enquiries. We thank them for their patience and cooperation at this time. We urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could assist us, to come forward as soon as possible. Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 108/5AUG. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Donald Trump called Lord Darroch a very stupid guy, which led to a row that saw the UK ambassador step down - Mario Tama/Getty A former ambassador to the US who quit after calling Donald Trumps administration inept in leaked private emails has said he was proved right. Lord Darroch resigned in 2019 after confidential cables criticising the US presidents government were leaked to the media. The long-serving diplomat described Mr Trumps administration as dysfunctional, inept and divided in a series of emails from 2017. Mr Trump responded by calling Lord Darroch a very stupid guy triggering a diplomatic row which eventually forced the British ambassador to step down from the post. Lord Darroch doubled down on his comments at an Edinburgh Fringe show on Tuesday, arguing that the subsequent chaos of Mr Trumps premiership proved he was right. Lord Darroch is interviewed by LBC presenter Iain Dale at the Edinburgh Fringe - Rich Dyson He told Iain Dales All Talk show: If youre going to crash and burn on the basis of one piece of reporting that youve done, leaking, please God, make it a piece of reporting where all the predictions are right. I would say, if you read back that letter that was leaked, that was written after six months of Donald Trump and had a number of predictions about how the rest of his term would run, then youd struggle to find anything that didnt turn out the way I had predicted it. So if thats the way to go out, its better than the opposite. Lord Darroch added that he had already decided to retire when the row broke out. I was six months off finishing anyway and I had had an extraordinary, lucky career, he said. In an interview with BBC Newsnight in 2020, Lord Darroch said he knew his position was untenable when the emails became public but defended taking his plain-speaking approach. I never regret the terms in which Id reported, the former national security adviser said. I spent 40 years in the Foreign Office writing in these terms and people hitherto had thought it a strength and an asset. There is nothing unusual in reporting in clear and direct terms. Speaking at Fringe, he added that it had in fact been Lord Cameron, who appointed him to the post in January 2016, who requested that he write in a more frank manner. He recalled the former prime minister saying: Im fed up of reading all these letters to ambassadors which say, on the one hand, on the other hand, which are written in code. What you have to do is tell it like it is. Be clear and call out what youre seeing. That letter, which was trying to give an accurate summary of how Trumps first six months had gone, was in part a response to Cameron saying tell it like it is. Dont write in code, said Lord Darroch. Tails of the unexpected: British Airways, like other airlines, sells seats through intermediaries cheaper than it offers them direct (iStock/Getty) On Thursday I will fly on British Airways from London to Denver. The return trip cost 621. But I could have bought the same flights around 30 cheaper by going through an online travel agent (OTA). Odd though it may seem, the practice of selling some seats at deep discounts through a middleman has some merit from the airlines point of view. The roots of the practice lie in the bad old days of heavily regulated fares. On many routes, airlines could not be seen to sell tickets more cheaply than the official fares. So they sold through companies called consolidators who punted out cheap seats though retail agencies known as bucket shops. Often the ticket would show an official fare that bore no relation to the amount paid eg 1,200 for a trip that actually cost 500. That maintained the fiction that every airline was adhering to super-high fares. Thankfully, these days in most circumstances airlines can charge what they like. Yet they still often pay a modest commission to online agents who undercut them. Airlines use intermediaries like Skyscanner to provide additional sales power (Skyscanner) Read more: Whens the best time to fly? Airports reveal their calmest periods for flight departures Airlines use intermediaries to provide additional sales power. They want to be relevant in the intensely fare-sensitive part of the market, which includes people who search on Skyscanner and other price-comparison sites. Take my flight from London to Denver this week. BA knows that there are plenty of us who will book direct in order to minimise problems when things go wrong and, in the case of buying on ba.com, for the benefit of a cooling-off spell of 24 hours in which one can cancel for a full refund. To meet this demand, the airline can apply a modest premium. But for those who are simply interested in the lowest fare, BA seats are likely to be available more cheaply through an OTA. My rule is only to use an online travel agent if the saving is 10 per cent or more. In this case, it was under 5 per cent. Not enough to persuade me to agree to the online agents terms and conditions. The OTA reserves the right to apply a credit-card surcharge, and has a confirmed quotation stage after which point fares could be increased, with the passenger having little choice but to pay the extra. What if the airline cancels the flight? The online agent doesnt even mention the word refund, even though this is the travellers legal right in the event of a cancellation. As we discovered during the Covid pandemic, many OTAs take a cut of the airlines refund (and some just hang on to the customers cash, blaming the carrier). In the EU, though, the rules are being redrawn in the travellers favour. This week, the European Commission said that it had secured agreement from two giants, Expedia and Lastminute.com, that money will be handed back in full within two weeks of a cancellation. Similar undertakings have been made by other big OTAs, including Etraveli. You may not know this Swedish firm, but its brands include Gotogate and Mytrip. I used the latter to buy a ticket for a Jetstar flight from Singapore to Melbourne earlier this year which was cancelled at the gate. The cash took 17 days to come back. In contrast, Lastminute.com still holds some of my money for a booking that fell victim to Covid five years ago. I shall revisit that transaction and see if the new agreement works to my advantage. It may be that UK travellers get a windfall from the EUs work despite our bold decision to reap the many benefits of Brexit that we are now enjoying. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Sir Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper have piled pressure on the police to reveal more details relating to suspects amid a growing row over an alleged lack of transparency around investigations. The prime minister and home secretary said all authorities should be as transparent as possible about those who have been charged with crimes such as rape and sexual assault, in comments that will be seen at odds with the stance of many police forces. It comes after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said police forces should release information including immigration status about people who are charged with crimes, claiming Warwickshire Police have been part of a cover-up oover details of an alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton in July. Asked about the demands on Monday, the prime ministers official spokesperson said: All authorities, from the police to central government, should be as transparent as possible for handling these cases. The PMs spokesperson said the police should be as transparent as possible (PA) The home secretary doubled down on the PMs comments on Tuesday morning, saying police should routinely reveal the nationality and asylum status of criminal suspects. She said she is working with the College of Policing to develop new guidance to promote transparency. The College of Policing currently makes transparency decisions on a case-by-case basis, which individual forces using their discretion to decide what information should be released. It came after government sources told The Times that increased transparency would help to rebuild public trust, amid flaring tensions over the governments handling of the migrant crisis. We do want to see more transparency in cases. We think local people do need to have more information, Ms Cooper told BBC Breakfast. It is an operational decision about how much information can be revealed in the middle of a live investigation, but we do want to see greater transparency. That's why we've asked the Law Commission to accelerate its review into what the rules are around what information can be released and when and we're also working with the College of Policing on strengthening and changing their guidance as well. The row comes after two men, reported as being Afghan asylum seekers, were charged in relation to the alleged rape in Nuneaton. Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, was charged with rape last week in relation to the alleged incident. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kabir, also 23, was charged with kidnap and strangulation in the same investigation. Warwickshire Police have not released the immigration status of the two suspects and defended its decision not to do so, adding: When someone is charged with an offence, we follow national guidance. This does not include sharing ethnicity or immigration status. Asked at a press conference on Monday whether the police should release the names, addresses and immigration status of people after they have been charged with an offence, Mr Farage said: What caused unrest on our streets after Southport last year was us not being told the status of the attacker. That led to crazy conspiracy theories spreading online. George Finch, the 19-year-old leader of Warwickshire County Council, told Mondays press conference that he was begging for information about the two to be released in the wake of the charges. Mr Finch also said he had written a letter to Ms Cooper and the chief constable of Warwickshire Police which called for the immediate release of the immigration status of the two. We think local people do need to have more information, Yvette Cooper said (PA) In his letter to the home secretary, published on X on Sunday, Mr Finch claimed that a cover-up of immigration status risks public disorder breaking out on the streets of Warwickshire. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also piled in on the row, saying we need full transparency from the police. We should know the ethnicity and the nationality of suspects, of perpetrators, of victims. There shouldnt be anything to hide. People will start losing faith in the justice system, in the police, if they feel that things are being hidden. So I would like to see full transparency as much as possible, she said. There have been escalating protests across the UK opposing the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, with a number of people arrested after a protest outside a hotel in Canary Wharf in London on Sunday. Protesters jeered at people going in and out of the hotel, and officers were forced to step in after flares were let off in the crowd, the Metropolitan Police said. A group of people outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf were harassing occupants and staff, trying to prevent people make deliveries, as well as trying to breach the fencing and access the hotel, a statement from the force said. In the wake of last summers Southport stabbings, where three young girls were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, Merseyside Police faced criticism for failing to release enough information on the identity of the attacker as misinformation spread online and riots took place across the country. By contrast, after a driver ploughed into crowds during the Liverpool FC victory parade in May, within hours the force emailed out a press release including the suspect's age, nationality and ethnicity in a clear attempt to prevent speculation and misinformation on social media. A College of Policing spokesman said: Media relations guidance for police is already under review and is looking at how forces can best balance their obligations under contempt of court legislation with their responsibility to prevent disorder. Police forces make challenging and complex decisions on a case-by-case basis and transparency is essential to prevent misinformation and reassure the public. Police have denied a cover up after a councillor accused the force of withholding information following the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl. Warwickshire Polices chief constable Alex Franklin-Smith has asked the Home Office to confirm the full immigration status of Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir, who have been charged in connection with the offence. It comes after Reform UKs leader Nigel Farage and Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch claimed there had been a cover up after police charged the two men, who are Afghan asylum seekers. In a letter to the Home Secretary and Warwickshire Polices chief constable, Mr Finch, the youngest council leader in the country, claimed that not publicising the pairs immigration status risks public disorder breaking out on the streets of Warwickshire. Responding to Mr Finch, Mr Franklin-Smith wrote that the force did not and will not cover up alleged criminality. Warwickshire Polices chief constable Alex Franklin-Smith said the force did not cover up the incident (Joe Giddens/PA) I am confident that Warwickshire Police has treated this investigation seriously from the outset working tirelessly to identify, locate, arrest and charge those suspected of being responsible for this awful crime as quickly as possible. Of the suspects, he wrote: The immigration status of Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir is now public knowledge, having been placed into the public domain by yourself. In light of that, I have asked the Home Office to confirm the full immigration status of Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir as per the information we shared with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts as part of this case. Of a conversation he and Mr Finch had on July 31, Mr Franklin-Smith wrote: You informed me you had already received a confidential briefing from your chief executive and that you knew the person charged was an asylum seeker. I confirmed this was accurate and we wouldnt be releasing immigration status at point of charge as we follow national guidance. I explained the information would become public knowledge as part of the court process and that all partners must ensure we are prepared to manage any potential protest and/or disorder at that stage. I explained we had a police gold commander leading the overall response to this case and that the communications plan agreed by them followed consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service. I also explained we had briefed the Home Office. To be clear, I cannot tell elected individuals what to do. Leader of Warwickshire County Council, accused police of a cover-up (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Following the reported attack in Nuneaton, Mulakhil, 23, was arrested on July 26 and charged the next day with rape, according to police. Mulakhil appeared at Coventry Magistrates Court last Monday and has been remanded in custody. Kabir, 23, was arrested in Nuneaton on Thursday and charged with kidnap, strangulation and aiding and abetting rape of a girl under 13, the force added. Kabir appeared at Coventry Magistrates Court on Saturday and has been remanded in custody. The issue of how much information is revealed by police regarding suspects has been the subject of fierce debate following a string of high-profile cases including the Southport killings last year. On Tuesday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said we do think more transparency is needed in the information given by police and that guidance needs to change. In a statement released on Tuesday evening, a Home Office spokesperson said: As the Home Secretary said this morning, it has been widely reported that this case involves two Afghan individuals who are in the asylum system, some of which information has already been confirmed in open court. The Home Secretary has made clear that there is a strong public interest in maximum transparency wherever that is possible. That is why the Home Office and College of Policing are working together to strengthen and clarify the guidance around how and when information is released. Warwickshire Police previously said they do not believe anyone else was involved in the reported rape but are continuing to appeal for witnesses who may have information that could assist inquiries. Prisons reached the brink of collapse on three occasions under the last Conservative government (PA Archive) Prisons across the UK were on the brink of collapse on three occasions after Rishi Sunaks last government refused to cut the numbers in jail, an independent review by a former prisons watchdog has revealed. Dame Anne Owers, former chief inspector of prisons, wrote in her 72-page report titled Independent Review of Prison Capacity that the overcrowded system was in crisis between autumn 2023 and the summer of 2024. At one point, there were fewer than 100 spaces left in adult male prisons, with the network at times running very close to the edge of capacity and within three days of meltdown, the report said. It remains at nearly 97.5 per capacity, despite Labours introduction of several early release schemes. Officials were so anxious about potential breakdowns that they maintained an audit of every decision and document in case there was a public or parliamentary inquiry, the report found. Lord chancellor and justice secretary Shabana Mahmood commissioned the prisons review in February (Jacob King/PA Wire) Interviews for the review found that former ministers and senior officials expressed frustration and sometimes anger at the repeated refusal to back contingency plans, with many convinced that delaying tactics from No 10 were deliberate. Many believed that the default position was to do as little as possible as late as possible, with the consequence that the system repeatedly reached the brink of collapse, Dame Anne said. Pressure on the criminal justice system is set to ramp up this weekend, as police warn they may arrest hundreds of people planning to show support for Palestine Action. Forces are also gearing up for further protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers in Greater London, the North East and East Anglia. Commissioned by justice secretary Shabana Mahmood in February, the review suggests ministers only secured agreement for early release powers when prisons were literally days from being overwhelmed. Although departmental ministers were convinced by mid-2023 that some form of early release was both necessary and urgent, this required prime ministerial agreement, which was not forthcoming until the system was within three days of potential collapse, and only in incremental stages, Dame Anne wrote. Former justice secretary Alex Chalk reportedly urged the government to approve an early release scheme to free those serving standard determinate sentences (PA Wire) From mid-2023, Alex Chalk, who served as justice secretary at the time, reportedly urged the government to approve an early release scheme to free those serving standard determinate sentences. But the report found that his proposals were repeatedly rebuffed. Without exception, all those the review spoke to expressed frustration and sometimes anger at the reluctance to accept and then act on the well-documented and imminent crisis, or to agree any coherent plan to avert it, Dame Anne After the general election was called in May 2024, the report discloses that Mr Sunak convened emergency Cobra meetings to discuss invoking emergency powers to release prisoners early should the system collapse. This might be necessary to avert the risk of public disorder if the criminal justice system collapsed during the election campaign, the report disclosed. The Sunak administration later deployed early release schemes on three occasions, using compassionate grounds provisions to ease pressure as jails neared capacity. Labour minister Ms Mahmood said the report lays bare the disgraceful way the last Conservative government ran our prisons. She said: They added less than 500 cells to the prison estate over 14 years, released over 10,000 prisoners early under a veil of secrecy, and brought our jails close to total collapse on countless occasions. A Conservative Party spokesperson said: In office, the Conservatives rightly listened to the public demand to see criminals punished with proper sentences, and to tackle the capacity issues we had plans to use prisons abroad. Labour scrapped those plans and instead chose to release violent criminals back on our streets. Labour aren't serious about tackling these issues. They blocked our deportation bill that would have mandated the deportation of all foreign criminals. Whilst Labour and Reform want shorter sentences, the Conservatives will make no apology for ensuring that heinous criminals are kept off our streets and behind bars. Residents have told of waking to the sounds of gunshots after a 45-year-old man was shot dead in north London. Metropolitan Police officers found the victim with gunshot injuries in Dynevor Road, Stoke Newington, in the early hours of Tuesday. A murder investigation has been launched but no arrests have been made. Liza Dodds, 58, a youth worker who lives opposite Dynevor Road, said: My husband woke up and said there was gunshots. The instant reaction was how do you know? Police officers patrol at a cordon on Stoke Newington High Street (James Manning/PA) We both got up and had a look. A police officer was doing CPR where the person fell. It seemed like they were going forever. Another resident said: I heard a few gunshots and the first thing I thought was that it was fireworks, because you dont expect it to be a gun. I was trying to sleep but then later I heard sirens from the police cars. One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: We were out when it happened so we didnt hear or see anything. But when we came back at around 1am, the whole area was cordoned off and the police officers told us that it will be a crime scene for a couple of days. Four forensic officers in scrubs and masks were at the scene on Tuesday afternoon, alongside several police officers. Forensic police officers at the scene of the incident on Dynevor Road (James Manning/PA) A Lime bike was lying flat in the cordoned area. The forensic officers used torches to investigate underneath the nine cars parked on the street. Scotland Yard said the mans next of kin have been told and a post-mortem examination will take place. Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke said: Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to the tragic death of this man. We understand this incident will cause concern within the Stoke Newington community, however we do believe this to be an isolated incident at this stage of the investigation with no wider risk to the general public. It is the sixth fatal shooting in London so far this year. Engineers are working to restore power to around 22,000 properties in the north and north-east of Scotland on Tuesday morning after Storm Floris hit the country with high winds. Work is also under way to clear trees from several railway lines which were blocked by the storm. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said it had restored power to 50,000 properties since the onset of the high winds. The company said: Now the winds have died down and moved into the North Sea, its become safer for our field teams to get to faults on the network, although strong gusts are still forecast for today and well be monitoring the forecast closely. Our teams worked for as long as the light permitted last night and were deployed again early this morning, with the support of helicopters to assess the network from above. This has been a particularly damaging storm and well be working hard to reconnect customers as safely and quickly as we can but it will take time. The company, which is the network operator for northern Scotland, said it had organised meal provision in some of the affected communities. On Tuesday morning, Network Rail said it had reopened 30 out of 34 routes in Scotland. It said: Weve dealt with hundreds of fallen trees overnight, with our response and maintenance working in teams to cover as much ground as possible. Our control-room team continue to co-ordinate the response on the lines which remain closed. ScotRail said some routes in the north are still facing disruption. There was travel disruption around the country from Storm Floris (Gareth Fuller/PA) On Monday night, the Scottish Governments resilience room held an emergency meeting to help decide an appropriate response to the storm, which has also led to delays in exam results being delivered to pupils in some island communities. Ministers including Angela Constance were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, Sepa and transport and utilities companies. Trunk road companies are continuing to remove fallen trees and debris from roads. The storm left debris hanging from a gantry over the Kingston Bridge in central Glasgow on Monday. The Government said there have been 119 incidents on the rail network caused by Storm Floris, including 75 tree-related ones. With winds of up to 90mph in some parts of the country, a significant clear-up job will be required to inspect lines and carry out repair work before it is safe to restore a full service. More wet and windy weather is forecast for late on Wednesday and Thursday, but no Met Office weather warnings are in place for Tuesday. Many of our routes are now reopen. Some routes in the North are still being worked on. Please check our app and website for the latest service information. pic.twitter.com/RMH8cgwonZ ScotRail (@ScotRail) August 5, 2025 ScotRail is urging customers to check their journey via the app, website or JourneyCheck before they travel. On X, Network Rail said it has worked closely with all train operators to co-ordinate the railways response to the storm. The railway operator said: Weve been working around the clock to keep services moving today. Our teams will continue inspecting routes for #StormFloris damage overnight, but this will continue into Tuesday morning. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: While the system later this week wont carry as many impacts as Storm Floris, a further period of unseasonable wet and windy weather is on the way late on Wednesday and into Thursday for those in north-western parts of the UK. An area of low pressure from the west will bring some strong winds, especially for those in western parts of Scotland. Gusts over 50mph are possible for a time. Some heavy rain will also accompany the strong winds, with up to 30mm possible. Holidaymakers were left in "chaos" at Heathrow Airport after a tunnel closure left train platforms at the airport overcrowded. Long tailbacks built up towards Britains busiest airport as the road tunnel to Terminals 2 and 3 was shut on Tuesday morning. Hundreds of passengers were left waiting for over an hour as they tried to reach their flights during the busy holiday period, with Heathrow advising people to try and take public transport to reach the terminals. At one stage, the airport's terminals became so busy trains on the Elizabeth Line had to stop running between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow due to overcrowding. Utter chaos again at Heathrow the tunnel is closed, the carpark buses dropping everyone at T4/5, the underground packed with no air it feels like awful pic.twitter.com/6Il6bBQlPm Kaylie Kay (@kayliekaywrites) August 5, 2025 One passenger, Scott Roberts, told the Standard it took him around 80 minutes to travel 100 metres at the airport because it was so crowded. He explained that he was unable to get out of a lift at Terminal 3 during the disruption as there were so many people in front of him. Mr Roberts explained: We eventually got out, but everything was at a standstill. We had no information or anybody to explain what had happened. I got a message from Virgin stating the tunnel between the station and terminals 2 and 3 was closed. It was hot and sweaty and people were getting irate. He continued: I had left in good time but I am sure people would have missed their flights. I had to run through the airport but for me the biggest problem was a total lack of information. Large crowds were seen at Heathrow Airport as passengers faced severe delays during the busy summer period (@WheelswithWobi/X) Another passenger described how they had become stuck after stepping off the train at Heathrow before waiting around an hour to get through the airport. Tobi, who was travelling on his birthday, told the Standard: The airport itself [was] really crowded but at least it is not stuck or immobile. The rest of the Elizabeth Line was also hit by severe delays on Tuesday morning, making it difficult for passengers to reach the airport from central London. Trains were unable to run between Shenfield and Whitechapel while Network Rail responded to a fire alert, creating major disruption on the other side of the capital. Heathrow confirmed the road tunnel to Terminals 2 and 3 had reopened shortly before 11.30am on Tuesday, and trains on the Elizabeth Line were able to resume running to the airport within the hour. A Heathrow spokesperson apologised for the disruption and told the Standard the Central Terminal Area tunnel was forced to close due to a technical issue. National Highways had warned that the M4 Heathrow Spur was closed and told travellers to head towards Terminal 5 instead. The disruption comes days after Heathrow and other airports across London had to ground flights following a technical glitch at air traffic control. No planes were able to take off for around 20 minutes at airports across the country following an issue at a control centre in Hampshire on Wednesday, creating a backlog of delays during the busy summer period. This week, Heathrow also revealed details of its 49 billion plan to expand and modernise the airport. Joe Mazraani died during a deep-sea expedition off the coast off Cape Cod (D/V Tenacious) A respected scuba diver and shipwreck explorer died after a medical emergency during a deep-sea expedition off the coast of Cape Cod. Joe Mazraani, a 48-year-old criminal defense attorney from New Jersey, was exploring a wreck 200 miles off the Massachusetts coast aboard his vessel, the D/V Tenacious, when disaster struck last Tuesday on the eastern edge of Georges Bank. The dive team was able to pull Mazraani back on board the boat before administering CPR, but were unable to revive him, his wife Jennifer Sellitti said in a statement on behalf of their company Atlantic Wreck Salvage. Mazraanis cause of death was not immediately clear. Sellitti, a top New Jersey public defender, said that a full investigation is underway and there is currently no reason to suspect diver error or equipment failure. Mazraani and his wife Jennifer Sellitti pictured in a tribute posted by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (New Jersey Office of the Public Defender) Mazraani had set out to identify a lost Atlantic steam ship submerged in 200ft of water called the Big Engine Steamer. The wreck had been discovered previously during a search for Le Lyonnais, a French steam ship that sank in 1856, whose story was documented by Sellittis recently published book The Adriatic Affair. Sellitti was reportedly on the boat when her husband died. He was kind, compassionate, and generous. A mentor and a student, a friend, brother, son, and partner, she wrote. Whether motoring aboard D/V Tenacious, diving into deep and dangerous water, or defending his clients in court, Joe demanded the best of everyone around him. I loved Joe fiercely, and he loved me back just the same. We were partners in everythingespecially this, Sellitti concluded. The New Jersey State Office of the Public Defender paid tribute on Instagram, mourning the loss of the cherished member of the legal and diving communities alongside a photograph of Mazraani and Sellitti. After becoming a certified diver in the mid-90s, the Lebanese native had led dives to some of the hardest-to-reach wrecks on the Atlantic seaboard. The explorer used the DV Tenacious to locate several lost vessels in the North Atlantic, including the German submarine U-550, which was sunk off the coast of Nantucket in 1944 by U.S. Navy battleships. Mazraani also led expeditions to the SS Andrea Doria, RMS Lusitania, and HMHS Britannic, the sister-ship to the Titanic. Both Mazraania and Sellitti are U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, according to their companys website. In his legal career, Mazraani co-founded the law firm Mazraani & Liguori LLP in 2006 after graduating from Seton Hall Law School in Newark. Mazraani helped free Timothy Puskas in 2024, who had served 10 years of a 40-year sentence when he was exonerated after being wrongly convicted for the 2014 murder of former Rutgers University student William McCaw. The Home Secretary has said that migrants who cross the channel on small boats will be detained by the end of the week under Sir Keir Starmers one in, one out deal with France. Yvette Cooper explained that people will be held immediately when they arrive in Britain and detained until they are removed, ahead of the deal coming into force on Tuesday. Speaking to Sky News, Ms Cooper said: The groundbreaking principle here is that people can be returned to France if they arrive on these dangerous and illegal small boats. In return, we will take people who have applied through a legal process, been through security checks but we should be returning people who have made these illegal crossings. Ms Cooper did not want to put a figure on the number of channel migrants that will be returned to France under the scheme, but it has been widely reported that 50 people per week could be returned. This year there has been a weekly average of more than 800 people making the crossing. When quizzed about the numbers by the BBC, Ms Cooper said providing a figure could aid criminal gangs, but said the numbers will build up. Ms Cooper told the Today programme: We are not putting an overall figure on this programme. Of course, it will start will lower numbers and then build, but we want to be able to expand it. We want to be able to increase the number of people returned through this programme. She added: We will provide regular updates, people will be able to see how many people are being detained, how many people are being returned, and it is right that we should be transparent around that. But were not setting the numbers in advance, firstly because there is no fixed number in terms of the overall number of people to come through this system, and secondly because were not going to provide (gangs) with that operational information. The Prime Minister has said ratification of the treaty will send a clear message if you come here illegally on a small boat you will face being sent back to France. The deal, which has now been agreed by the European Commission, means the UK will be able to send people crossing the Channel in small boats back to France in exchange for asylum seekers with ties to Britain. It also means that anyone arriving in a small boat can be detained immediately, and space has been set aside at immigration removal centres in the expectation that detentions will begin within days. The Tories have said the deal will make no difference whatsover as just 6% of illegal arrivals would be returned. Sir Keir Starmer is hoping the deal with France will stem the tide of small boat crossings (PA Wire) The deal has also been criticised by refugee charities, which have urged the Government to provide more safe, legal routes for asylum seekers instead. Ministers have so far declined to say how many people could be returned under the deal, and insist that if the pilot is successful the figure will increase. Under the terms of the agreement, announced during French President Emmanuel Macrons state visit last month, adults arriving on small boats will face being returned to France if their asylum claim is inadmissible. In exchange, the same number of people will be able to come to the UK on a new legal route, provided they have not attempted a crossing before and subject to documentation and security checks. The Home Office said it had also learned from the lengthy legal challenges over the previous governments Rwanda scheme and would robustly defend any attempts to block removal through the courts. Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announced the one in, one out deal during the French presidents state visit last month (Leon Neal/PA) (PA Wire) It is the first such deal with France, with the pilot scheme set to run until June 2026, pending a longer-term agreement. Sir Keir said the deal was The product of months of grown-up diplomacy delivering real results for British people. He added: The days of gimmicks and broken promises are over we will restore order to our borders with the seriousness and competence the British people deserve. Ms Cooper had previously described the move as an important step towards undermining the business model of the organised crime gangs that are behind these crossings undermining their claims that those who travel to the UK illegally cant be returned to France. Ratification of the deal comes as both Britain and France battle to bring the small boats problem under control, with 2025 on course to be a record year for crossings. Some 25,436 people have already made the journey this year, according to PA news agency analysis of Home Office figures 49% higher than at the same point in 2024. This summer has already seen a series of protests staged outside hotels housing asylum seekers (Lucy North/PA) The issue has also sparked concern that a series of protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers could lead to public disorder similar to last years riots. On Monday, the Home Office announced it was providing another 100 million to tackle people smuggling and would introduce new powers to seize devices from people suspected of facilitating crossings. Ministers have also launched a crackdown on illegal working in an effort to reduce the pull factors said to be encouraging people to make the journey, while French authorities have changed their guidance to allow police officers to intercept boats while they are in shallow waters. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp attacked the plans, saying they would return just 6% of illegal arrivals and make no difference whatsoever. He added: The Rwanda removals deterrent, under which 100% of illegal arrivals would be removed, was ready to go last summer but Labour cancelled it just days before it was due to start with no proper replacement plan. As a result, this year so far has been the worst ever for illegal immigrants crossing the Channel. Only removing all illegal immigrants upon arrival will provide the necessary deterrent to stop the crossings. This is the Conservative plan, but Labour is too weak to implement it and as a result they have lost control of our borders. While the Conservatives Rwanda plan was in theory uncapped, it was expected to take only around 1,000 asylum seekers in its first five years of operation thanks to limited capacity in the East African nation. The plan, which Sir Keir had previously dismissed as a gimmick, was scrapped as one of the first acts of the incoming Labour Government last year. The man who was fatally shot in an overnight shooting in east London has been named by friends and family as Erdal Ozmen. A murder investigation has been launched after the 45-year-old was killed in the early hours of Tuesday in Stoke Newington, Hackney. Police were called to Dynevor Road just after 12.15am after residents were woken up by gunfire. Paramedics attended to the Mr Ozmen as a Lime bike lay was found strewn pavement on the other side of the road. Police officers patrol at a cordon (PA) Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Mr Ozmen was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Ozmens family, who ITV News report are members of the Kurdish community, have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, the Metropolitan Police said. Stoke Newington High Street was closed between Amhurst Road and Kynaston Avenue. No arrests have currently been made. Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke said: "We understand this incident will cause concern within the Stoke Newington community, however we do believe this to be an isolated incident at this stage of the investigation with no wider risk to the general public." My husband woke up and said there was gunshots Liza Dodds Liza Dodds, 58, a youth worker who lives opposite Dynevor Road, told the BBC: "My husband woke up and said there was gunshots. The instant reaction was, 'How do you know?' "We both got up and had a look. A police officer was doing CPR where the person fell. It seemed like they were going forever." Another resident told the Hackney Gazette: I heard two or three gunshots around about midnight or 12.30am. They woke me up. Four forensic officers were at the scene on Tuesday afternoon, alongside several Scotland Yard officers. Forensic officers were at the scene (James Manning/PA) A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: We were called at 12.18am today (August 5) to reports of a shooting at the junction of Stoke Newington High Street and Dynevor Road, Hackney. We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic, a paramedic from our tactical response unit and an incident response officer. We also dispatched a trauma team from Londons Air Ambulance, which consisted of a paramedic and a doctor in car. Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a man was pronounced dead at the scene. An 88-year-old Utah man has been accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl after offering her candy, according to police (PA Archive) An 88-year-old Utah man has been accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl after offering her candy, according to police. Ronald Charles Jones of West Jordan was arrested on July 29 after the little girl told her mother what had happened inside his home, Gephardt Daily reported, citing an arrest document. The girl told police she was riding her bike when she saw Jones on his porch. He said he wanted to give her candy, according to the document. Once inside his home, Jones kissed and inappropriately touched the girl and showed her his genital area, according to multiple reports that cited official documents. The victim said the suspect would not let her leave until she kissed him on the lips, according to the arrest document. An 88-year-old Utah man has been accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl after offering her candy, according to police (PA Archive) The girl told police she eventually ran out of the house and rode away on her bike. Jones, who police say is a powerful member of his church, denied all allegations against him during a police interview, according to court documents. His arresting officer advocated for no bail as he is an influential member of his LDS [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] ward and held several positions within the church. He stated children come to his house often where he provides them with candy, the officer wrote. The girl told police Jones was not a good person and he wanted her to keep secrets, KSL News reported, citing charging documents. Jones was charged with child kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, unlawful kissing of a child and lewdness involving a child. Fox 13 reported a judge ordered Jones to be held without bail. Teddi Mellencamp breaks silence on alleged affair with horse trainer: I wonder if thats why I got cancer Teddi Mellencamp has spoken out for the first time about her rumored affair with her horse trainer. In November 2024, news first broke that former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Mellencamp, 44, was allegedly having an affair with her horse trainer, Simon Schroeder, who was married with two children. An insider told PageSix at the time that the affair was what led to her filing for divorce from Edwin Arroyave. Weeks later, Schroeder later filed for divorce from his wife on December 30, 2024, according to court documents obtained by People. On Tuesdays episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast, Mellencamp tearfully discussed the rumors and why she never addressed them. I've never talked about it at all, just because of the kids. And I've never wanted anybody to have, you know, a guarantee whether it happened or didn't happen, she said. But what I can say is, did I do things that hurt other people? Yes. To this day, does it still hurt my heart, and I wonder if that's why it got cancer? Yes, like it was my payback, the former Bravo star continued. I've never talked about it at all, just because of the kids, Mellencamp said about the rumored affair (Getty Images) Mellencamp was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2022. Her condition advanced to stage four in February this year and metastasized to her lungs and brain, resulting in major brain surgery and the removal of four tumors. Last month, she revealed her decision to stop the immunotherapy treatment she was receiving after her surgery due to the side effects she was experiencing. Mellencamp grew emotional reflecting on the alleged affair during her conversation with Lima. It was all over the press, it was everywhere, Mellencamp said. And you know, you're trying to minimize everybody's pain, you end up maximizing it. Whereas, if you feel like you could just open up, because now, not only do you have yourself, you have your significant other, your kids, the other person's significant other, their kids. Mellencamp and Arroyave who share three children were married for 13 years before the reality star filed for divorce November 1, 2024, citing irreconcilable differences in court documents obtained by People. The divorce proceedings were later paused in February, following Mellencamps stage four cancer diagnosis. I mean, so many people are hurt in the wreckage, Mellencamp said on the podcast, discussing the aftermath of the rumors. But I can say this from knowing, the wreckage doesn't happen on its own. I think I was so broken as a human being during that part of my life that I did things out of my better judgment. Greg Casar speaks at a protest against a redistricting proposal outside the governors mansion in Austin, Texas, on 4 August 2025. Photograph: Brandon Bell/Getty Images When representative Greg Casar won his election in 2022, he became the first Latino to represent the Texas capital city of Austin in the US House of Representatives. A panel of federal judges had drawn his districts lines after a prolonged legal battle over racial gerrymandering. But under the map Texas Republicans unveiled last week, Casar would instead live in the modified version of his neighboring district to the west, which would swallow east Austin a gentrifying but historically working-class area home to Mexican American and Black residents once forced by segregation laws to live on the east side of town. Even a conservative supreme court said central Texas Latinos deserve a district, and thats why my district exists, Casar said. If Donald Trump is able to suppress Latino voters here in Austin, hell try to spread that plan across America. Related: Trump says Republicans are entitled to five more congressional seats in Texas Texas Republicans took the unusual step of redistricting several years early in an attempt to deliver more congressional seats to Donald Trump ahead of next years midterm elections. Democratic state lawmakers fled the state Sunday to try to thwart the GOP redistricting plan by denying state lawmakers a quorum needed to pass it into law. The Texas governor, Greg Abbott, said Monday he would seek to arrest and possibly unseat and replace Democratic lawmakers who do not return. In majority-minority Texas, where Black and brown voters have traditionally leaned left, the overtly political ploy is teeing up another in a series of legal battles over racial gerrymandering that have erupted repeatedly for more than a decade. The dramatic reshaping of Casars district 35 is one of the most egregious examples cited by civic groups concerned that the new map will dilute Latino voter strength and make it harder for candidates of color to win congressional elections. The map as proposed clearly violates the Voting Rights Act and is unconstitutional, said Lydia Camarillo, the president of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. Its canceling out districts that are part of the Voting Rights Act and its not giving Latinos the right to represent their voice based on their population growth. Hispanics are the largest population segment in Texas, at about 40%. Only one-fifth of the states 38-member House delegation is Hispanic, however. Since the last census, civic groups like Camarillos have contended that the states booming Hispanic population growth merits two more Latino-majority congressional districts under the Voting Rights Act one in Houston and the other in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. A dozen organizations and several individuals are pressing Texas to create the two Latino-majority districts in an ongoing federal lawsuit in El Paso. The new GOP-drawn map not only fails to provide those two Latino-majority districts, but it significantly dilutes the voting strength of the ones that exist, critics say. This is a calculated move that exploits Texas historically low voter turnout for those in charge to maintain power, Jackie Bastard, the executive director of the voter turnout group Jolt Action, wrote in an email. By deliberately diluting Latino voting strength across districts, these maps would severely diminish the impact of our ongoing voter mobilization efforts and silence the voices of Texas fastest-growing demographic. Those intricacies are often difficult to tease out. Congressional district nine, represented by Democratic representative Al Green, for example, is a so-called coalition district under the current map, with no one ethnic or racial group holding a solid majority. In practice, however, it functions more like a Black-opportunity district in a state where African American voters are becoming a smaller share of the electorate. Under the new map, district nines Black population plummets to 11%, while the Hispanic voting age population now holds a majority. But the historically low voter turnout rate there raises doubts that the district will actually function as a Latino-majority district, said Gloria Leal, the general counsel for the League of United Latin American Citizens, one of the plaintiffs in the El Paso case. Representative Sylvia Garcias district 29 also dropped enough to raise concerns, while retaining a majority on paper. Representative Henry Cuellars district 28, on the other hand, saw the opposite approach under the new map Hispanics voters shot up to roughly 90% of the voting age population. They added like 20 percentage points to that district to pack us all in, Leal said. We oppose the current map that exists and we adamantly oppose the proposed map, she added. Any redrawing of Texas districts is likely to draw the scrutiny of the federal courts, given the states long history of voter suppression. The Voting Rights Act, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Wednesday, prohibits both diluting a protected groups votes across multiple districts and packing voters into a single one. Carrying out such sweeping changes so quickly at the request of the White House may also raise legal questions that go beyond the Voting Rights Act, according to Thomas A Saenz, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which is representing the plaintiffs in the El Paso case. This is clearly improper, Saenz said. Trying to circumvent judicial review by acting so close to an election is straight-up unlawful. Political analysts had widely viewed Republicans goal of finding five congressional seats for Trump as an overly ambitious one that may backfire. The map that Republicans came up with in 2021 to fortify their current lopsided majority in the congressional delegation appeared hard to alter without making the party more vulnerable to Democratic challenges. Texas conservatives appear to have exceeded those expectations, according to Rice University political scientist Mark Jones partly by riding roughshod over the Voting Rights Act. I underestimated the level of disregard of the Voting Rights Act, Jones said. Its not clear how the Voting Rights Act constrained this map in any significant way, with the exception that Republicans focused on hitting absolute majorities of Hispanics in a few districts. Still, Jones said, Republicans drew the map with an exceptionally favorable year in mind. If Republicans fail to consolidate the inroads they made in last years election, which is normal during a midterm, the new map could easily fail to produce a single new GOP congressional seat in Texas. It might even lead Republicans to lose a seat, according to Jones. One thing that is very clear about this whole process is these maps are being drawn under a very rosy scenario, Jones said. And with Trump not on the ballot, with the natural referendum on his presidency, an economy that may be problematic its tough to imagine Republicans hitting 2024 numbers in 2026. This article was amended on 6 August 2025. Greg Casar is the first Latino to represent Austin in the US House of Representatives, not the US Congress as an earlier version stated. Ted Cruz has represented the whole of Texas, including Austin, in the US Senate since 2013. Additionally, the states House delegation, not its congressional delegation as an earlier version stated, comprises 38 members. Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has appeared in court on rape and sexual assault charges. The 32-year-old, who was charged four days after leaving the north London club when his contract expired back in June, is accused of five counts of rape against two women, and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player. He was granted conditional bail after appearing in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London on Tuesday. His bail conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. His court appearance came amid reports he is set to join Spanish club Villarreal. As bail conditions were discussed in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said: "I understand he's no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now." The case was adjourned until 2 September when Partey is due to appear at the Old Bailey. Read more from Sky News: Girl dies after water park incident Permission granted for UK rocket launch The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022. Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said the Ghanaian "denies all the charges against him" - and looks forward to the chance to "finally clear his name". Partey joined Arsenal from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in 2020 and became a regular for manager Mikel Arteta. An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: "The player's contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case." Partey made 35 appearances for the Gunners last season, scoring four goals. Tommy Robinson has been released on police bail after being arrested over an alleged assault at St Pancras railway station. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested at Luton Airport on Monday evening in connection with the incident which took place on July 28. Footage shared on social media appeared to show Robinson pacing around the London station with another person lying still on the floor nearby. British Transport Police (BTP) said on Tuesday that he has been released on police bail until September 2 as inquires continue. In a post on X, Robinson said: RELEASE THE FOOTAGE @metpoliceuk Robinson was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken into custody after arriving in the UK on a flight from Faro in Portugal. He had been wanted for questioning after leaving the country to Tenerife in the early hours of July 29, BTP said. The victim was taken to hospital with what police described as serious injuries and he was discharged last Wednesday. When asked whether contempt laws had been broken, the Reform leader, Nigel Farage, said it was good that a council leader had become slightly emotional. Photograph: Lucy North/PA Conservative and Reform UK politicians are fuelling hysteria and anger over immigration, with criminal trials put at risk of collapse, former ministers and police have warned. Protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers have spread across the country in recent weeks, while debate about immigration including instances of misinformation has intensified. At a Reform press conference on Monday, a man awaiting trial was referred to as the criminal by a Reform council leader despite not yet being convicted of any crime. Questioned on whether contempt laws had been broken, the partys leader, Nigel Farage, said it was good that the council leader had become slightly emotional. Amid growing pressure, the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said on Tuesday that she had asked for a change in official guidance to permit police to release the ethnicity or immigration status of criminal suspects. Dominic Grieve, a former Conservative attorney general, told the Guardian he was concerned about the fuelling of hysteria by politicians and said some were breaking the law by commenting on future trials in serious cases such as rape and abduction. Certain politicians seem to have thrown the rulebook in the bonfire, he said. Britains former top counter-terrorism chief warned that comments from Farage and the Tory shadow justice secretary, Robert Jenrick, risked unwittingly inciting violence, accusing them of copying Donald Trumps techniques by hyping fears over immigration to try to win votes. Neil Basu, a former assistant commissioner with the Metropolitan police, said it was appealing to the worst kind of populist sentiment. Asked if such rhetoric risks contributing to a risk of last summers violence, Basu said: Yes they should be very careful about the language they use. It is capable, demonstrably, of causing violence. The Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, said it was time for the attorney general, Richard Hermer, to issue a formal warning to Farage about comments on live criminal cases. Farage and the Conservatives are openly trying to tear down our justice system, just as the Maga movement has done in the US, Davey said. Irresponsible comments like these put prosecutions at risk and could let dangerous criminals walk free. The attorney general must step in and send a formal warning to Farage that contempt of court will not be tolerated. Others who appealed for a change in tone included the former justice secretaries Robert Buckland, David Gauke and Charlie Falconer, as well as the former chair of the justice select committee, Sir Bob Neill, who said they were worried about the febrile environment though several said more transparency from police over the ethnicity of suspects was also now necessary to calm tensions. The row over information withheld by police has been reignited after the 19-year-old Reform leader of Warwickshire county council, George Finch, said police were refusing to confirm details of two suspects charged after an alleged rape. Among other examples cited by critics was data used by Jenrick that 40% of all of the sexual crimes were committed by foreign nationals last year. The number of convictions is significantly lower. Grieve said he was extremely concerned about the consequence of the frenzied atmosphere on contempt of court laws, also citing the trial of two British Pakistani men over a police assault at Manchester airport. With social media, contempt of court has gone out of the window, he said. It seems to be that its a complete free for all, and for politicians who ought to know better to participate in this is actually scandalous. Certainly with some of the recent cases, politicians seem to have thrown the rulebook in the bonfire. Buckland said he had supported changes to make the nationality of offenders publicly available, but he was concerned about the potential for misinformation. Politicians have a responsibility to use objective and tested data rather than distorted or incomplete information, he said. Neill, a former Tory MP, said he was in favour of more transparency but alarmed at the willingness of politicians to risk undermining the courts. Im afraid some people, including people in elected office, frankly do not understand the importance of the checks and balances in our system, which includes protecting the jury system, he said. The former Labour justice secretary Charlie Falconer said: The opposition feel the need the whole time to get headlines by constantly describing things in an extremist way, all the time its saying, society will be on the verge of collapse unless something is done, he said. The language is much, much worse than it ever was five years ago. Theres a more angry electorate, and theres too many politicians willing to use lurid language. A Home Office source said it was vital that there was greater clarity on how contempt of court laws work alongside social media and todays communication environment, but stopped short of issuing warnings to politicians. Hermer has so far declined to intervene to warn politicians on the risks of potentially collapsing criminal trials. In a sign of how far misinformation has spread, polling from YouGov found the British public dramatically overestimate the number of illegal migrants to the UK. Almost half of Britons 47% think there are more migrants staying in the UK illegally rather than legally, including about a third who believe it is much higher. There are varied estimates of the numbers of those living in the UK without formal status, which is difficult to calculate, but the Migration Observatorys most recent figures said it was up to 1.3 million. But legal migration is far higher about 10.7 million people in the UK were born in a different country. Attitudes to migration have significantly hardened. About 45% of Britons say they would support admitting no more new migrants, and requiring large numbers of migrants who came to the UK in recent years to leave. Rights groups including Amnesty International have cautioned against releasing suspects ethnicities, accusing the government of choosing to pour fuel on the fire of dangerous narratives, instead of taking action to address racism and hostility. Cooper said the government had asked the Law Commission to review the guidance six months ago and expected it to conclude in the autumn. We do think the guidance needs to change, she said, adding that it was already the case that where police deemed it necessary more information on nationality was released. Bayern vs Tottenham (REUTERS) Dominic Solanke is again absent for Tottenham ahead of their final pre-season friendly. The striker picked up an ankle injury in a friendly clash against Reading in July and has not appeared since. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW BAYERN VS TOTTENHAM LIVE! Spurs will make the trip without James Maddison, though, after the midfielder was stretchered off with a fresh knee injury during a 1-1 draw with Newcastle at the weekend. Heung-min Son will also be absent after he bid an emotional farewell to the club in the same match. He completed a move to LAFC on Wednesday night. As this is Spurs last friendly outing ahead of the UEFA Super Cup, Frank is expected to name a squad similar to that which will face European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Confirmed team news Bayern Munich XI: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Goretzka; Coman, Olise, Diaz; Kane Subs: Ulreich, Urbig, Min-jae, Bischof, Guerreiro, Boey, Wanner, Kiala, Mike, Chavez, Kusi-Asare, Karl, Santos, Dalpiaz Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Johnson, Richarlison, Kudus Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Davies, Danso, Vuskovic, Gray, Bissouma, Bergvall, Odobert, Tel Time and date: 5.30pm BST today, Thursday, August 7, 2025. Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich How to watch: SPURSPLAY Trump basher Shawn Fain could get booted as head of UAW as auto locals blast his leadership United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who has been critical of President Donald Trump, could get booted as auto locals blast his leadership. Several auto locals have brought administrative charges under the UAW constitution. Fain has been accused of abusing his authority by taking away Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock's purchasing power, according to documents obtained by the Detroit Free Press from union members. Neil Barofsky, the UAW court-appointed federal monitor, saw the move as retaliatory after Mock claimed she was stripped of her responsibilities after refusing to authorize expenditures and exceptions to UAW spending polices, according to a previous Detroit Free Press report. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who has been critical of President Donald Trump, could get booted as auto locals blast his leadership (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Fain also retaliated against Vice President Rich Boyer, taking away his assignment overseeing the UAWs Stellantis department, the documents allege. Boyer has claimed he was retaliated against after refusing to take actions that would benefit Fains fiancee and her sister, according to the Detroit Free Press. Other allegations against Fain include his refusal to provide records requested by the monitor and improperly appointing people close to him to positions. Two UAW locals in Michigan, Local 1700 in Warren and Local 763 in Dundee, approved charges against Fain at meetings held on August 3, the Detroit Free Press reported. Locals 1248 and 140 in Warren, Local 7 in Detroit and Local 94 in Dubuque, Iowa, previously approved the charges, the local outlet reported, citing union members. Several auto locals, not pictured, have brought administrative charges under the UAW constitution (Mario Tama/Getty Images) The Independent has reached out to the UAW for comment. The charges will now go to the Mock and Barofsky for review. Later on in the process, a 12-person trial committee will be formed. This committee will hear the case against Fain and his defense, and afterward, they will vote on whether he is guilty of the charges. During the 2024 presidential election, the UAW endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris, and Fain said it was the unions job in the election to defeat Trump. Ahead of the presidents victory, Fain said, Trump doesnt care about autoworkers. The only thing Donald Trump wants from autoworkers is a vote. Donald Trump is a scab! The United States wants to put a nuclear reactor on the moon in the next ten years, according to a NASA directive obtained by The Independent. President Donald Trumps NASA chief Sean Duffy has expedited the timeline to build the reactor, and wants it to have at least 100 kilowatts of power - enough to run about 80 homes - and be ready to launch by 2030. The directive, first reported by Politico, mentions China and Russias joint effort to place a reactor on the moon by the mid-2030s. The two U.S. adversaries first announced their plans in March 2024. The first country to do so could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a planned Artemis presence if not there first, Duffy warned in the directive. NASA is working with the Energy Department and the broader space industry to design a fission power system that would provide at least 40 kilowatts of power. The space agency has already mentioned the benefits of developing fission surface power (FSP) on the moon and Mars. NASA chief Sean Duffy has expedited the timeline to build a nuclear reactor on the moon, according to a new directive (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Relatively small and lightweight, fission systems are powerful and could enable robust operations on the Moon and Mars, NASA states on its website. NASAs Artemis campaign aims to establish the first long-term presence on the moon. During Trumps inaugural address, he said the U.S. would launch astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars. It is about winning the second space race, a NASA senior official also told Politico. In Duffys new timeline, a Fission Surface Power Program Executive will be designated within 30 days of the directive. The executive is empowered to provide reporting and updates with maximum transparency directly to the Administrator, the NASA chief wrote. An artists concept of a fission power system on the moon (NASA) Within 60 days, NASA will ask for industry proposals for the nuclear reactor, according to the directive. The directive mentioned Trumps budget request for the 2026 fiscal year, which includes $350 million for a new program that will accelerate the development of high priority technologies for Mars, (i.e. FSP). The funding would increase up to $500 million starting in 2027. Trumps budget request also proposes a huge cut to NASA, with The Planetary Society, a global non-profit space organization, reporting its the smallest budget proposed for the agency since 1961. Trump says decision whether to occupy Gaza is up to Israel Donald Trump has said that a decision over whether to fully occupy the Gaza Strip is pretty much up to Israel as he declined to support or oppose the potential expansion of Israeli military activity in the enclave. His comments came as Benjamin Netanyahu met with senior security officials on Tuesday, amid reports he wants to stage a complete military takeover of the strip. After months of ceasefire talks stalled, Netanyahu and Trump are reportedly working on a deal that presents Hamas with an ultimatum: release the hostages and agree to terms to disarm or the war continues. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump declined to say whether he supported or opposed a potential military takeover of Gaza by Israel and said his administration's focus was on increasing food access to the Palestinian enclave. "I know that we are there now trying to get people fed," he said. "As far as the rest of it, I really can't say. That's going to be pretty much up to Israel." The President said that Israel and Arab states were going to help with food and aid distribution in Gaza and provide financial assistance, without elaborating on specific details. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are said to be mulling ways to end the war in Gaza (Getty) Trump himself proposed a US takeover of Gaza earlier this year, an idea which was condemned around the world. Israels Channel 12, citing an official from Mr Netanyahus office, reported on Monday that Netanyahu was leaning towards pushing his army deeper into Gaza with the aim of taking full control of the entire territory. This is despite former security officials speaking out including previous leaders of Israels Shin Bet internal security service, Mossad spy agency and the military, as well as ex-prime minister Ehud Barak. In a video posted to social media this week, they said far-right members of the government are holding Israel hostage in prolonging the conflict. Mr Netanyahus office said on Tuesday night that he had held limited security discussion lasting about three hours during which military chief of staff Eyal Zamir presented the options for continuing the campaign in Gaza. An Israeli source told The Independent they understand defence minister Israel Katz and strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, a confidant of Mr Netanyahu, would also attend the meeting to decide on a strategy to take to cabinet this week. But Mr Netanyahu is facing a growing clamour of criticism even from within the country. In the video posted to social media, Yoram Cohen, former head of Shin Bet, said Mr Netanyahus objectives in Gaza are a fantasy. If anyone imagines that we can reach every terrorist and every pit and every weapon, and in parallel bring our hostages home, I think it is impossible, he said. A rally against the hunger crisis in Gaza that organisers say is caused by Israel, in New York City (Reuters) Israeli media also reported disagreements between the beleaguered premier and his army chief, Mr Zamir, on how to proceed. The reports, citing anonymous officials in Mr Netanyahus office, said the prime minister was pushing the army, which controls about three-quarters of Gaza, to conquer the entire territory. But it is feared that such a step could endanger hostages, deepen the humanitarian crisis and further isolate Israel internationally. One source told The Independent that the Israeli prime minister is under pressure from far-right members of his cabinet to ramp up the war in Gaza as it appears he in a weaker spot at the moment, with Hamas effectively winning a PR battle over the global condemnation of the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza. But he is facing massive resistance from within the country. Israeli soldiers and reservists and everybody are just hugely tired, the source said. Continuing the conflict will mean more soldiers dead all exhausted, more taxes on Israelis as well as risk to the hostages. More and more soldiers are dying every day, full occupation with your soldiers not on top form is an issue. International leaders have ramped up pressure to reach a deal as Gaza faces widespread starvation and videos of two emaciated Israeli hostages circulated online. The videos prompted thousands of people to protest in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to demand the release of the hostages and an end to the war. Aerial images taken during an aid drop flight over Gaza capture the scale of the destruction caused by almost two years of intense Israeli bombing (Bel Trew/The Independent) Israels far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich last week sent a strong message that the country was closer than ever to rebuilding Jewish settlements in Gaza and that the war presented an opportunity to expand them further. Its real, he added. For 20 years we called it wishful thinking. It seems to me it is now a real working plan. Seizing Gaza would reverse a 2005 decision by Israel to pull settlers and military out while retaining control over its borders, a move right-wing parties blame for Hamas gaining power there. Israels coalition government is regarded as one of the most right wing in its history, with the cabinet including parties that seek to annex both Gaza and the West Bank and encourage Palestinians to leave their homeland. Israeli tanks pushed into central Gaza earlier on Tuesday but it was not clear if the move was part of a larger ground offensive. Meanwhile, the worst-case scenario of famine is playing out in Gaza, according to a UN-backed food security agency. Palestinians carry sacks of flour unloaded from a humanitarian aid convoy that reached Gaza City (AP) Israel has repeatedly denied that there are restrictions on aid or that there is a hunger crisis in Gaza. It blames Hamas for the suffering in Gaza and says it is taking steps to get more aid to Palestinians. Israel is starving Gaza. Its genocide. Its a crime against humanity. Its a war crime. I have been repeating it and repeating it and repeating it, Michael Fakhri, the UN special rapporteur on the right to food, told the Guardian. Israel has built the most efficient starvation machine you can imagine. So while its always shocking to see people being starved, no one should act surprised. All the information has been out in the open since early 2024. In total, 289 airdrops have been conducted since Israel permitted them to restart two weeks ago, delivering 305 tonnes of aid. However, officials in Jordan claimed that they have had warehouses of aid for Gaza gathering dust since Israel reimposed its devastating blockade in March. More than 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Liz Truss carries quite a lot of responsibility for the Conservatives record, Kemi Badenoch has said amid a row over the partys direction. The current Tory leader said she was very focused on what the Conservatives are going to do now, after former prime minister Ms Truss accused her of repeating spurious narratives. Speaking on a farm near Saffron Walden in her constituency, Mrs Badenoch also described herself as an Essex girl, and added that people from the county are grafters; they work hard. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch wipes away grain dust after trying her hand at harvesting wheat (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The Leader of the Opposition faced questions about Ms Trusss claim that under the Conservatives, the economy was wrecked with profligate Covid spending by (Rishi) Sunak and that the huge increase in immigration has been a disaster. Mrs Badenoch told ITV Anglia: I know that, as a former prime minister and a former foreign secretary, (Ms Truss) carries quite a lot of that blame. The partys now under new leadership. I wasnt in charge during those 14 years; she was. Thats a criticism shes probably levelling at herself. The Tory leader also said she was telling the truth about her partys record. Kemi Badenoch speaks to farmer Sam Goddard during her visit to Hall Farm in Little Walden, Essex (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Im telling the truth that immigration was too high thats why we have much tougher policies to fix immigration, she continued. I am telling the truth that taxes were too high, that we were putting a lot of regulation on businesses, and what were seeing is Labour making every single thing worse. Theyre doing that because they havent learned many of the lessons that we learned. They havent learned from our mistakes. Theyre making worse mistakes. The Labour Governments mistakes include making no cut in spending at all the books were not balanced, Mrs Badenoch claimed. Were spending more on welfare than we are on defence that cannot continue, she said. Mrs Badenoch had previously told The Telegraph that for all their mocking of Liz Truss, Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have not learnt the lessons of the mini-budget and are making even bigger mistakes. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch drives a combine harvester during her visit (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Ms Truss, who spent 49 days in Number 10, hit back when she said that instead of serious thinking, Mrs Badenoch was repeating spurious narratives. She continued: I suspect she is doing this to divert from the real failures of 14 years of Conservative government in which her supporters are particularly implicated. It was a fatal mistake not to repeal Labour legislation like the Human Rights Act because the modernisers wanted to be the heirs to Blair. Huge damage was done to our liberties through draconian lockdowns and enforcement championed by Michael Gove and Dominic Cummings. The economy was wrecked with profligate Covid spending by Sunak. The huge increase in immigration has been a disaster. Mrs Badenoch also took questions about her identity, after she told the Rosebud podcast: I have not renewed my Nigerian passport, I think, not since the early 2000s. Kemi Badenoch speaks to farmers during her visit to Hall Farm in Little Walden (Stefan Rousseau/PA) I dont identify with it any more, most of my life has been in the UK and Ive just never felt the need to. The North West Essex MP told ITV Anglia: I am definitely an Essex girl, that is a fact. A London Assembly member before she took her Commons seat in 2017, Mrs Badenoch said: I represent an Essex constituency, these are my people. I was a Londoner, but Essex people asked me to be their MP, and I want to make sure that I do them proud. And I love this part of the world. Its fantastic being here. Its a rural community, and Ive been talking to the farmers here. I talked about how my grandfather was a farmer, its very hard work. The people of Essex and East Anglia they are grafters. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch sits in the cab of a combine harvester (Stefan Rousseau/PA) They work hard, and I want to make sure that we do right by them. Mrs Badenoch spent Tuesday morning at a farm in Little Walden, where she tried her hand at harvesting wheat using a Claas Lexion combine harvester. She told farmers: A lot of farming just feels like constant interference. Everything is interfered from the minute you wake up. Examples of interference included chemicals and insecticide, people youre hiring, how much youve got to pay them, plus changes to employers NI (national insurance), then somebody wants to put pylons on, theres compulsory purchase, its impacting the cost of the land, if you want to add a new farm building, theres planning applications, she said. Its just endless constant Government saying, You cant do this, you cant do that, you cant move forwards. And the burden in my view has now crossed the threshold. Ukrainian special forces on Tuesday claimed to have killed more than 330 Russian troops in a dawn raid behind enemy lines. Kyivs defence intelligence (HUR) said a Russian advance in Sumy was stopped cold when troops from its elite Timur unit infiltrated enemy positions and eliminated scores of Vladimir Putins soldiers in close-quarter fighting and with co-ordinated drone and artillery strikes. HUR did not specify the exact date or location of the battle, but Russias push into the region has stalled in recent weeks because of Ukraines strong resistance. A video released by HUR showed Ukrainian fighters approaching the target in a low-flying helicopter before engaging the enemy in a wooded area with assault rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers. Explosions and screams were heard as Ukrainian artillery pounded enemy positions, and dead bodies lay on the ground. Outside the trees, Timur troops could be seen speeding in open-top trucks down unmetaled roads and hand-launching drones in fields. 0608 Ukrainian special forces Overwhelmed Russian soldiers were heard over intercepted radio transmissions refusing to attack Ukrainian positions, HUR wrote. [They were] justifying themselves with far-fetched reasons, it added. At least 334 Russian troops were killed and over 550 wounded, HUR said. It signed off the video with: The armed struggle continues! Glory to Ukraine! HUR said the operation disrupted Russian supplies of food and ammunition. The action was carried out by the forces of the Chymera, Yunger, Stugna, Siberian Battalion, Aratta, 1514, Paragon, Art Division, First Line, Raven Group, and 6th Special Operations Unit, which are part of the overall Timur Special Unit. Russian forces entered the Sumy Oblast earlier this year after recapturing most of the neighbouring Kursk Oblast in Russia. They aimed to carve out a buffer zone along Ukraines northeastern border. Ukraine claimed to have halted the Russian advance and even to have recaptured some villages. Severnnyi, a Russian military blogger, wrote on Monday that Moscows forces had been surrounded in the Oleksiivka area of the region. He said: They have us trapped. Water on three sides, and Ukrainians on the fourth. The elite Timur unit is an umbrella command within HUR that coordinates a number of specialised forces. The group takes its name from its leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Timur, who planted a Ukrainian flag in Crimea for the first time in 10 years in a special operation in August 2024. In March 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that HUR operators from the Timur unit were actively fighting Russian-aligned forces in Sudan. An artists concept of a nuclear power system deployed on the surface of the moon - Nasa The US is planning to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon as it seeks to push ahead in the space race. Sean Duffy, the new Nasa head, is preparing to announce plans to install a small reactor on the moon to allow astronauts to undertake lengthy missions on the lunar surface and pave the way for future Mars expeditions. A directive from the space agency, seen by The Telegraph, argues that a reactor is necessary to stop rival superpowers effectively colonising the Moon and establishing US keep-out zones. China and Russia previously announced a joint effort to put a reactor on the Moon by the mid-2030s, it notes. The first country to do so could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a planned Artemis presence if not there first, the directive says, referring to existing plans to explore the Moon and prepare for missions to Mars. Nasa needs to move quickly to support a future lunar economy and strengthen our national security in space, it adds. President Donald Trump with NASA chief Sean Duffy, who is preparing to announce plans to install a small reactor on the moon - Getty Solar panels are ineffective because nights on the Moon last the equivalent of two weeks on Earth. A Nasa official said: If we are going to have a habitable system on the Moon then we have to bring power. He said small reactors were already in use on submarines and aircraft carriers. They solve the problem, he added. Mr Duffy, who is also the US transport secretary, has directed Nasa to seek industry proposals for a minimum 100 kilowatt reactor to launch by 2030. The agency had already been working on a 40-kilowatt reactor to use on the moon by the early part of the next decade. Mr Duffy was named interim head of Nasa after Donald Trump abruptly withdrew the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire and commercial astronaut. The move deepened a rift between Mr Trump and Elon Musk, the SpaceX billionaire and until that point one of the presidents closest political allies. Mr Musk, who had pushed for Mr Isaacman to be named to the top job, wrote on social media in May: It is rare to find someone so competent and good hearted. Mariya Borisova If youre curious about freezing your eggs, join the club. According to the most recent data, the number of egg freezing cycles in the U.S. rose nearly 39 percent between 2022 to 2023, per the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). Its becoming increasingly common in the public eye, too, thanks to influencers and celebrities like Paige Desorbo, whos been candid about freezing her eggs on her podcast, Giggly Squad. And the reproductive technology industry is changing as quickly as it's growing. We published this guide to egg freezing in 2021, and some of the information is already outdated. Heres whats still true though: Freezing your eggs is pretty much the only proven way to preserve and extend your fertility, explains Marcia C. Inhorn, PhD , a professor of anthropology at Yale University and author of Motherhood on Ice: The Mating Gap and Why Women Freeze Their Eggs. Also still true: Its expensive. These days, one round of egg freezing typically costs between $10,000 and $15,000, says Natalie Crawford, MD , a reproductive endocrinologist and the co-founder of Fora Fertility. The procedure has gotten pricier in the last few years, but thanks to workplace benefits, it's also become more accessible. In 2024, 21% of companies with 500 or more employees offered benefits that covered egg freezing, up from 11% in 2020 , according to a national survey . While wanting to freeze your eggs for future use is reason enough to go for it, we asked experts for the circumstances that make the treatment an even better investment. For some, this procedure takes the pressure off, ultimately making that sense of relief is worth the money, time, and emotional commitment. Youre under 35. You probably already know: When youre younger, you have more eggs in your ovaries, and those eggs are typically more likely to result in a healthy pregnancy. Between the ages of 35 and 36, theres generally a big drop in both the number of eggs you have and the quality of those eggs, says Ellen Goldstein, MD , a reproductive endocrinologist and the co-founder of Beverly Hills Fertility. Before 35, patients are able to freeze an average of 15 eggs per cycle. Once they reach age 40 and above, that average declines to just 6 or 7 per cycle, according to data from Extend Fertility , a New York-based fertility center (this is not a nationally representative sample, JFYI). And because freezing your eggs is a numbers gamethe more you have frozen, the more chances you have to get pregnant in the futureyou want to freeze as many eggs per cycle as possible. Youre also less likely to run into issues with egg quality before age 37, says Natalie Stentz, MD , an ob-gyn and fertility specialist. When experts talk about egg quality, theyre referring to how likely the egg is to have genetic or cellular abnormalities, explains Dr. Stentz. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine , once you reach your mid-to-late 30s, your eggs are more likely to have a condition where they have the wrong number of chromosomes. It can lead to miscarriage, developmental issues, and birth defects. Fertility research is pretty limited, but a 2016 study published in Fertility and Sterility found that people who froze their eggs before or at age 35 had a 50% chance of having a live birth, whereas people who froze their eggs after 35 only had a 22.9% chance of the same outcome. This is not to say that this whole process is pointless if youre at the tail end of your 30s or even in your early 40s. You just might have to go through more cycles or do more transfers in order to end up with a baby. Those who start earlier may have better odds, thus getting more bang for their buck. You want to have more than one kid. No matter how old you are, if youd like to have a bigger family, freezing your eggs could improve your chances of making more babies. Say you have your first kid at 35. By the time youre ready for your next round of trying for a baby, you could be 37 or older. Obviously, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but if youre worried about your odds of conceiving, freezing your eggs could make it easier. It might be helpful to know that not everyone will produce as many healthy, mature eggs in a single freezing cycle. If youre curious how many eggs youd need to freeze at your current age based on your future family goals, Dr. Goldstein recommends checking out this calculator created by two reproductive endocrinologists. Though its not a scientifically proven tool, it may estimate your chances of having a baby based on how many eggs you produce. After one cycle of egg freezing, your doctor might recommend additional rounds. That suggestion really depends on the number of eggs you end up with, the quality of those eggs, and how many children youd like to have, explains Lora Shahine, MD , a reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and host of the Brave & Curious podcast. A thorough consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist is key to understanding both the benefits and limitations of egg freezing based on [your] individual health and goals, she says. Your company covers it. Regardless of how old you are or how many kids you want to have, if your company pays for egg freezing, it could be worth doing. As I mentioned above, last year 21 percent of companies with 500 or more employees offered egg freezing as part of their fertility benefits. But that coverage can look different, depending on your companys plan. Before you book any appointments, ask your HR rep or the fertility benefit provider for a full summary of whats covered. Read up on whether consults, testing, medication, and storage are part of the package or not, says Lucky Sekhon, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist and the author of The Lucky Egg: Understanding Your Fertility and How to Get Pregnant Now. You should also find out if the plan requires you to use certain clinics, and whether youll need to pay up front before getting reimbursed, or if they bill your company directly, she adds. Youve got at least six weeks open on your calendar. From the first consultation to the eggs entering the freezer, you can expect to spend at least four to six weeks in this process, says Dr. Goldstein. In between all of that, there are lots of appointments to make, prescriptions to fill and take, and shots to give yourself. Thats why freezing your eggs is most worth it when you can dedicate the time to doing it right. Heres what the whole ordeal looks like: Before you freeze your eggs, youll need to do an initial consultation and fertility evaluation, including bloodwork and an ultrasound to check out your ovaries. If your doctor agrees youre a good candidate, youll start the 10-to-14-day process of ovarian stimulation, says Dr. Shahine, aka the part where you inject yourself with hormones that help eggs to mature. During this phase, youll have more bloodwork and ultrasounds every two to three days to monitor how those eggs are developing, explains Dr. Crawford. Once the eggs are mature, its time for the egg retrieval. At this point, youre put under anesthesia so that your eggs can be removed from your ovaries using a thin needle and then frozen in the lab. The procedure itself only takes 15 to 30 minutes. Youll just need someone to drive you home afterward, thanks to the sedation. How quickly you can start the hormonal injections and schedule your retrieval depends on a few factors, though. Some fertility clinics require you to start the shots at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, while others might have a different protocol. Your birth control can also influence the timeline, says Dr. Goldstein. For example, if youre on the pill, youll also need to stop using it and give your body time to readjust before starting the egg freezing protocol. That could make the whole process longer, says Dr. Goldstein. Youre committed to the person you want to have a baby with. If you want to increase your chances of having a successful pregnancy, it could be worth turning those eggs into embryos before they enter the freezer. Especially if youre certain that you want your current partner to be your future co-parent (and said partner can produce sperm). Freezing embryos is more expensive because it requires additional steps to fertilize the eggs, but if you go this route, youll have a clearer picture of what your options look like down the road. If you freeze embryos and genetically test them for abnormalities, youll know how many healthy embryos youre working with. That said, theres not enough data to say for certain whether your chances of having a healthy baby are higher when you freeze an embryo versus freezing an egg. For example, this study from 2017 found no significant difference in live birth rates from frozen embryos vs. frozen eggs: "In our study, live birth rates and perinatal outcomes were not significantly different in patients after oocyte and embryo cryopreservation." Just a heads up, if you end up not wanting or needing to use your frozen embryos, things could get messy. In 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are considered children under its state law. And in Louisiana, its illegal to destroy frozen embryos even if youve decided you dont want to use them. Other states like Arizona and New Jersey have laws that impact what happens to embryos after divorce, and whether they count as property. There are certainly workarounds (like storing your embryos in another state that allows disposal), but if you want to avoid potential legal hurdles, freezing your eggs may be a better option. There arent currently any laws that prohibit you from destroying frozen eggs. Your medical history (or your familys) could impact your fertility. Aside from your age, your genes and some medical diagnoses can make egg freezing worth the investment. If you have a condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, you might have a hard time getting pregnant the old-fashioned way. Because you might need fertility treatment later on to help you conceive, freezing your eggs now could give you better odds of a healthy pregnancy whenever youre ready to start a family. Its a good idea to talk to a reproductive endocrinologist to decide whether this makes sense for you, says Dr. Goldstein. The same goes for if you have a family history of early menopauseparticularly in your mom or a sibling. Its not always genetic, but if a close family member stopped getting their period before the age of 40, youll also want to talk to a reproductive endocrinologist to figure out whether youre at risk and if you need to think about fertility preservation, she explains. If youre about to start chemotherapy, your state (like Illinois and Utah) might even legally require your insurance company to cover egg freezing and in vitro fertilization. To find out when your health insurance covers egg freezing (and when they dont), reach out to your provider and ask for an explanation of benefits (EOB). That will help you understand whats covered and any necessary pre-approval steps, says Dr. Sekhon. If youre willing to pay for the initial consult, your fertility docs administrative staff should also be able to help you figure out the ins and outs of your insurance coverage, adds Dr. Goldstein. Youve got some wiggle room in your annual budget. As you think about your budget for egg freezing, youll need to factor in the storage costs too. On average, keeping your eggs frozen costs between $500 to $1,000 per year, says Dr. Stentz. For some, thats no different than the annual fee on a fancy credit card. But if youre worried about the price of this procedure, and youll be waiting five or 10 years to have a kiddo, its something to think about. You Might Also Like USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Alaska Airlines announced two new transatlantic routes on Tuesday, with service set to begin this spring. The airline will begin daily service from Seattle to London, though the carrier did not specify a date, and tickets are not yet on sale. And will fly seasonally from Seattle to Reykjavik starting this spring. The airline previously announced it would begin flights from Seattle to Rome in the spring, with tickets expected to go on sale this fall. Alaska will soon start new transpacific routes as well, with service from Seattle to Seoul-Incheon beginning Sept. 12, and flights from Seattle to Tokyo-Narita beginning Jan. 7. With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And were doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance thats always defined us," Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines' CEO, said in a statement. "Im so proud of how our people continue to step up and deliver as we push ahead on these initiatives, with even more to come. A new 787 experience As the new long-haul routes launch, Alaska is also updating its Boeing 787 aircraft with a new paint job and plans for new interior finishes. The airline said there are no changes planned to the exterior of Hawaiian Airlines-branded aircraft, which are now part of Alaska Airlines following a merger. By this spring, all Alaska Airlines-branded 787s in the combined carrier's fleet will feature a new northern lights-inspired paint scheme. Alaska Airlines' new Northern Lights-inspired 787 livery. Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaskas transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage. As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, were eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as being Alaska Airlines and appreciate the outstanding service weve long been known for," Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines' Chief Commercial Officer, said in a statement. Cruising Altitude: Can you recognize an airline by its colors? There's a reason why. The airline was quick to add that its well-known tail personas are not going away across the fleet. "The Alaska Native on Alaska narrowbody aircraft and Pualani on all Hawaiian Airlines aircraft flying to, from and within the Hawaiian Islands are not going away," the company's press release said. "They will remain unchanged as essential elements of our brands legacies and history." The statement also teased that the combined carriers were preparing to introduce new business class cabins and interior finishes across the long-haul fleet, but did not provide specifics on what form those changes would take. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alaska Airlines announces new flights to London and Reykjavik 20th Century Fox Television/Courtesy Everett Collection Alfie Wise in 1983 NEED TO KNOW Alfie Wise, star of the big and small screen, has died Outlets report that the Smokey and the Bandit star died of natural causes in July After starring in S Club 7 in Miami, Wise retired from acting and became a real estate agent in Florida Film and television star Alfie Wise has died. He was 82 years old. The retired actor, known for supporting roles in many of his friend Burt Reynolds action-comedies, died of natural causes on July 22 at Palm Beach, Floridas Thomas H. Corey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, per The Hollywood Reporter. He is survived by fiancee Stephanie Bliss. The Altoona Mirror first confirmed the news. Wise was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1942, serving in the U.S. Navy before making a debut in the 1972 TV film Call Her Mom. Around the time the Pennsylvania State University graduate starred in parody kids show Uncle Croc's Block, he began collaborating with Reynolds (who died in 2018 at age 82) in what would be 10 total action-packed films including 1977s Smokey and the Bandit and 1981s The Cannonball Run, plus 1989 TV drama B.L. Stryker. The actors most recent screen credit was CBBC sitcom S Club 7 in Miami, filmed with the British pop band where he lived in Florida. Wise then retired from acting, becoming a real estate agent in the state. American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Lee Majors and Alfie Wise in 'The Fall Guy' in 1982 We are deeply saddened to share that our agent, Alfie Wise, has passed away, wrote Donohue Real Estate in a July 30 Facebook post. Whenever there was a company get-together, Alfie was always there, smiling and chatting with everyone We will greatly miss Alfie's sense of humor, positive attitude, and charming personality. Sad to have heard my Pal Alfie Wise passed away, wrote B.L. Stryker and S Club 7 casting director Lori Wyman in an Instagram tribute. Funny, talented guy! Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Alfie Wise in 'Call Her Mom' in 1972 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 May 1988 issue of PEOPLE covering Reynolds wedding to Loni Anderson (who died Aug. 3 at age 79), Wise commented on his longtime friendship with the screen star. Eighteen years of my life, he quipped to Reynolds. I thought [the wedding] would be you and I! Read the original article on People American journalist Alec Luhn is missing in Norway, where he went on a hike in a national park. - Veronika Silchenko Search and rescue volunteers are battling bad weather and heavy rainfall in a search for an American journalist who went missing while hiking in a Norwegian national park. Alec Luhn, a climate journalist from Wisconsin, is an experienced hiker who has completed a number of solo trips in challenging conditions. He was reported missing by his wife Veronika Silchenko on Monday, after he failed to board his flight home. Silchenko told CNN she last spoke to Luhn on Thursday, as he was setting off on his hike in the Folgefonna National Park in southwest Norway. We exchanged a few texts. He told me that he is going to hike and sent me a picture. He looked fine, the weather was fine, she said. That was the last she heard from him. Silchenko said that while she is always a bit worried when Luhn is out hiking, she was also aware that phone signals could be patchy in the wilderness and she did not become overly concerned until days later. I started to worry slightly on Sunday, but then I thought that its Norway and its totally normal to be out of connection in the mountains, so I (decided to) wait and do something if hes not back online on Monday, she told CNN in a phone interview. On Monday, we decided that we need to call the services, because he should have gotten out of the park by that time and probably would have been able to find the internet. So we started really panicking. The Norwegian Red Cross said on X that a search operation that began on Monday was expanded on Tuesday. It said volunteers and search and rescue dogs were involved. Ingeborg Thorsland, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Red Cross, told CNN that the operation spanned a large area and that heavy rainfall had made navigation difficult. Around 30 volunteers from the Red Cross and other organizations have participated in the operation. The search teams are local and familiar with the terrain, which has proven to be particularly challenging due to difficult conditions and demanding weather, she said. Drones had also been used, when weather permitted, she said, and an alpine rescue group was also assisting the search. CNN has asked the Norwegian police for comment. Luhn, 38, has worked for outlets including National Geographic, The Guardian, The New York Times and The Atlantic. He is currently based in London, after living in Moscow and Istanbul. He is a very kind and loving human being. He loves nature. He dedicated his career to writing about climate change and especially the ice and the Arctic, Silchenko told CNN. Hes very strong and adventurous, and he (is not) a fool. Alec is my favorite person in the world, and I miss him a lot. I would like him to be back as soon as possible, she said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Simply Recipes / Getty Images Key Takeaways Egg farmers unanimously recommend using cold eggs that are a bit oldereither farm fresh ones that have been in the fridge for about a week or two or store-bought ones that are near their expiration date. Older eggs develop a larger air pocket and higher pH levels that help the shell separate cleanly from the white. They also recommend selecting a pot large enough to fit eggs in a single layer and transferring the eggs from the boiling water directly to an ice bath before peeling. One of the first things I ever learned how to make was deviled eggs. I loved helping my mom make a platter of them because it always meant something special was about to happenusually a holidayand more importantly, she let me scrape the filling from the bowl. As a kid, I probably mangled more eggs than I successfully peeled. Over time, I learned how to peel an egg to come out intact with the whites and without any nicks. I have my philosophy around hard-boiling eggs, which I often do for weekly meal prep, but I was curious to know if there was wisdom I was missing out on, so I decided to ask the real pros: egg farmers. I figured if anyone had insight on getting it right, it would be them, and their unanimous answer absolutely shocked me. The Panel of "Eggsperts" Nicole Broder, Jes Carr, and Kara Adair : Owners and farmers at Shine Farms in Richmond, Virginia Chris Newman : Owner and farmer at Sylvanaqua Farms and Author of First Generation Farming Sarah Beth Tanner: Eggfluencer at Pete & Gerry's Simply Recipes / Getty Images The Number One Tip for Hard-Boiling Eggs, According to Egg Farmers Ive tried just about every tip for peeling hard-boiled eggs, from jiggling them inside a pint glass to cooling them in an ice bath before peeling. (The latter tip, I still swear by.) However, I was not prepared for what my egg farmer friends told me: The key to great hard-boiled eggs is to use eggs that are a little bit on the older side. Nicole, Jes, and Kara are the farmers behind Shine Farm in Richmond, Virginia, where I often score my eggs. They told me, Buy your eggs from your favorite farmers market, but then let them sit for a few days. Older eggs are easier to peel after boiling! Just up the road at Sylvanaqua Farms in Colonial Beach, Virginia, farmer Chris Newman has the same idea: My tip would be that if youre buying eggs directly from a farmer, dont boil them for at least a week or two. Eggs that are too fresh are almost impossible to peel. Suddenly, my frustrated attempts at peeling farm-fresh eggs started to make sense. The eggs just needed a bit more time, but why? According to the USDA, That's because the air cell, found at the large end of the shell between the shell membranes, increases in size the longer the raw egg is stored. As the contents of the egg contract and the air cell enlarges, the shell becomes easier to peel. For this reason, older eggs make better candidates for hard cooking. Even store-bought can be too fresh to peel, says Sarah, so its best to wait until theyre closer to their expiration date. Use cold eggs straight from the fridge, and opt for eggs that are closer to their expiration date, if you have them. In general, the older the egg, the easier it is to peel. Then, consider the following pro tips for hard-boiling eggs: Use a pot big enough to place the eggs in a single layer Remove eggs from the boiling water directly to an ice bath before peeling Start peeling at the egg's larger endthats where the air pocket is Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES Auditor.NC.Gov (The Center Square) Customer service improvements for the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles can begin with the agencys independence from the Department of Transportation, a long-awaited audit says. Customer service, inclusive of long wait times in offices, difficulty getting appointments, and behavior of staff, has long led the complaints about the agency handling licenses, identification cards, and vehicle titles and registrations. Offices that are understaffed and deal with high turnover in temporary positions run counter to a state that has grown to 11 million residents. "Its time to solve the DMV problem, first-term Republican state Auditor Dave Boliek said Monday as he delivered on the campaign promise to thoroughly audit the division. North Carolina has the will and the tools to make our DMV better. Our audit lays out some concrete steps to begin the process to fix the DMV." Analysis was provided on performance and information systems. The audit says a dysfunctional relationship between DMV and DOT exists, such that only two of 45 performance milestones for the last two years pertained to the Division of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, the audit said, only 31% of DMV staffing requests were included in the DOT budget requests; DOT left out of its performance report the DMV customer satisfaction data; and the DMV was excluded from planning and procurement phases of improvement efforts led by the DMV. Average wait times at the DMV are 75 minutes, the report said. In fiscal 2025, nearly 14% of visits exceeded 2.5 hours. In responses from employees, the audit said 43% had negative views of prior leadership support; average salaries are below $50,000 in urban and rural areas; and burnout, security, support and inadequate training were named concerns. In Harnett County alone, there is one examiner serving 56,000 residents. Statewide, only 505 of 710 positions are filled. In the information systems audit, Bolieks team found 46 projects initiated since 2014 costing $42 million. It said mainframe systems are outdated and overdue for replacement. Paul Tine, a former state lawmaker, was appointed commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles to succeed Wayne Goodwin in May. Goodwin began in January 2022. Torre Jessup served before Goodwin from July 2017. Joey Hopkins was the appointee of former Gov. Roy Cooper to lead the Department of Transportation as secretary in October 2023 following the retirement of Eric Boyette. Boyette had led since February 2020. Before him, Jim Trogdon had served in the position since 2017 until his retirement. U.S. border agents have been directed to stop deporting migrants under President Trump's ban on asylum claims, following a federal court order that said the measure could not be used to completely suspend humanitarian protections for asylum-seekers, two Department of Homeland Security officials told CBS News. The move effectively lifts a sweeping policy that had closed the American asylum system to those entering the U.S. illegally or without proper documents. It's a measure the second Trump administration has credited for a steep drop in illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, where officials last month reported the lowest monthly level of migrant apprehensions on record. Mr. Trump's asylum crackdown was unprecedented in scope. The proclamation underpinning it, issued just hours after he returned to the White House in January, gave U.S. border officials the power to summarily deport migrants without allowing them to request asylum, a right enshrined in American law for decades. Mr. Trump said the extraordinary action was necessary due to what he called an "invasion" of migrants under the Biden administration, which faced record levels of illegal crossings at the southern border until it too restricted asylum last year. On Friday, a federal appeals court lifted its pause on a lower judge's ruling that found Mr. Trump's decree violated U.S. asylum laws. While the appellate court narrowed the lower court's order, saying Mr. Trump's proclamation could be used to pause access to the asylum system, it also ruled the U.S. government could not disregard other laws that bar officials from deporting migrants to places where they could be tortured or persecuted. Those laws require the U.S. to grant legal protections known as "withholding of removal" and protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture to migrants who prove they would likely face persecution or torture if deported to their home countries. Unlike asylum, those protections do not allow recipients to get permanent U.S. residency or protect them from being deported to a third party country. Officials at Customs and Border Protection were instructed this weekend to halt deportations under Mr. Trump's proclamation and to process migrants under U.S. immigration law, which affords foreigners on American soil the right to request humanitarian refuge, the two DHS officials said, requesting anonymity to discuss an internal directive. CBP officials received instructions to process migrants through different mechanisms, including through a fast-track deportation procedure known as expedited removal, according to the DHS officials. While expedited removal allows for relatively quick deportations, migrants processed under the policy are also allowed to apply for asylum if they convince officials that their fears of being harmed if deported are credible. For months, U.S. border agents had been using Mr. Trump's asylum ban to swiftly deport those crossing into the country illegally to Mexico, their home countries and, in some cases, third party nations that had agreed to accept them. Internally, officials have dubbed those deportations "212(f) repatriations," in reference to the legal authority Mr. Trump invoked in his proclamation. While the lifting of Mr. Trump's order may reopen the U.S. asylum system, those caught crossing the southern border illegally will likely remain detained while officials vet their claims. The Trump administration has largely stopped the practice of releasing migrants into the U.S. while they await their court dates, limiting releases to cases involving extraordinary circumstances. The Justice Department could also try to get Friday's court order suspended by the Supreme Court, in a bid to revive Mr. Trump's asylum ban. In a statement to CBS News late Monday, CBP said Friday's court order affirmed "the President's authority to deny asylum to aliens participating in an invasion into the United States." CBP said the Trump administration is "committed to ensuring that aliens illegally entering the United States face consequences for their criminal actions." "This includes prosecution to the fullest extent of the law and rapid removal from the United States," the agency added. "CBP will continue to process illegal/inadmissible aliens consistent with law, including mandatory detention and expedited removal." After soaring to record levels in late 2023, illegal border crossings dropped sharply in former President Biden's last year office, following increased efforts by Mexico to interdict U.S.-bound migrants and an order issued by Biden in June 2024 to restrict access to the American asylum system. But they have plunged even further since Mr. Trump took office for a second time. In July, Border Patrol encountered just 4,600 migrants along the southern border, the lowest monthly tally ever publicly reported by the agency. It's also a figure the Biden administration recorded in 24 hours on many days. Sneak peek: The Strange Shooting of Alex Pennig Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm New ICE migrant facility dubbed "Speedway Slammer" to open in Indiana Boston, Massachusetts on Nov. 29, 2023. Linnea Shirley, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District | DVIDS (The Center Square) - Gov. Maura Healey, D-Massachusetts, launched a new initiative that would continue university research, funded by taxpayers, despite federal funding cuts. Healey is proposing new legislation for the Discovery, Research and Innovation for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Initiative, that would cost $400 million in state funding. Healeys legislation would give $200 million to public universities research costs that have been impacted by the Trump administration's education funding cuts. The other $200 million will go towards a research funding pool at hospitals, universities and other research institutions. The governor's goal is to grow the Massachusetts economy. With the federal government continuing to suspend education funding to colleges and universities, a report by the UMass Donahue Institutes Economic & Public Policy Research Group analyzed the impact federal research and development funding had in Massachusetts. The report found that annually, over $8 billion in federal research funding that the state of Massachusetts receives fuels $81,300 jobs. This bill is about creating jobs across industries from construction and food services to health care and education, said Healey in a news release. And in the face of uncertainty from the federal government, this is about protecting one of the things that makes Massachusetts so special our global leadership in health care and helping families across the world. The DRIVE initiative will use the Fair Share surtax revenue, a tax on residents earning more than $1,000,000 annually in the state, as well as the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund, which taxes excess capital gains and gambling. Massachusetts has many elite universities that the Trump administration has targeted in education funding cuts. Harvard University lost over $2 billion in federal grants over claims of antisemitism on campus, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) remains under federal investigation over alleged racial discrimination. Many higher education officials are grateful to Healey for this new taxpayer-funded initiative. With the DRIVE Initiative, Governor Healey provides a welcome endorsement of the Commonwealths eds-and meds ecosystem, which benefits all of us in Massachusetts, the President of MIT Sally Kornbluth said. At MIT, our work is crucial to Americas economic strength, global scientific leadership, and national security. Though no other source can replace federal funding for sheer scale, I applaud the Governors announcement of a new advisory commission to find ways to sustain the Commonwealths leadership in research, education and innovation for decades to come. (Reuters) -Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne will visit Mexico this week to advance priorities on economic growth and trade with their counterparts and with President Claudia Sheinbaum, Ottawa said on Monday, amid trade disputes with the United States. The visit will take place from August 5 to August 6, according to a release from Global Affairs Canada, which represents the Foreign Ministry and the Trade Ministry. (Reporting by Costas Pitas) Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump attend the meeting between President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) NEW YORK (AP) A public document filed by a company that just hired President Donald Trumps two oldest sons as advisers included a sentence early Monday that said it hoped to benefit from grants and other incentives from the federal government, which their father happens to lead. But when The Associated Press asked the Trump family business about the apparent conflict of interest, the document was revised and the line taken out. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are getting founder shares worth millions of dollars in New America Acquisition 1 Corp., a company with no operating business that hopes to fill that hole by purchasing an American company that can play a meaningful role in revitalizing domestic manufacturing, according to the filing. The president has geared his trade policy toward boosting manufacturing in the U.S. The original version of the securities filing said the target company should be well positioned to tap federal or state government incentives. That reference was taken out of the revised version. The Trump Organization didn't reply to a question about whether New America still planned to benefit from government programs or why the line was cut. But the outside law firm Paul Hastings that helped prepare the document sent an email to AP saying it was mistake made by scriveners, an old term for transcribers of legal papers. Kathleen Clark, an expert in government ethics, said any excuses are too late because the Trumps had already tipped their hand. They just deleted the language. They havent committed not to do what they said earlier today they were planning to do," said the Washington University law professor and Trump critic. "It's an attempt to exploit public office for private profit. New America is whats know as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC. Its a publicly traded company that exists solely to use its funds to acquire another company and take the target public. New America plans to raise money by selling new stock on the New York Stock Exchange at $10 a share. That will hand the two Trump sons a potential total of $50 million in paper wealth the moment the stock begins trading on the first day. The company hopes to sell enough shares to raise $300 million, which it then plans to use buying a yet unidentified manufacturer. A press release issued by New America saying it was focused on American values and priorities." It made no mention of the aim to get government incentives. The filing to New America's potential new investors to the Securities and Exchange Commission was explicit about what it was looking for in a target company. It said, among other things, it wanted a company that can ride public policy tailwinds" by benefiting from federal or state grants, tax credits, government contracts or preferential procurement programs. A controversial Confederate monument, once removed from its post a mile away from the White House, will make its return this fall. The National Park Service said it restored and will bring back a bronze statue of Albert Pike, a Confederate Army brigadier general, to its original post after protesters in June 2020 brought it down with ropes and chains. Videos of the protesters' actions surfaced online. The National Park Service said in an Aug. 4 statement that the move supports two of President Donald Trump's executive orders which direct federal agencies "to protect public monuments and present a full and accurate picture of the American past." "The restoration aligns with federal responsibilities under historic preservation law as well as recent executive orders to beautify the nations capital and reinstate preexisting statues, the agency's statement reads. After the protesters toppled the statue five years ago, the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Training Center secured it in storage and moved to restore it. The monument's restoration is nearly complete. It is expected to be reinstalled in October, the agency said. Protesters attempt to topple a statue of Albert Pike during an event to mark Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in Texas, two years after the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves elsewhere in the United States, amid nationwide protests against racial inequality, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 19, 2020. A census Of Confederate symbols and monuments "Site preparation to repair the statues damaged masonry plinth will begin shortly, with crews repairing broken stone, mortar joints, and mounting elements," the statement reads. Protesters who called for racial justice and an end to police brutality after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd sparked mass critique of Confederate monuments across the nation, including the one slated to be reinstalled in Washington, DC. A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest calling for the removal of the statue of Confederate General Albert Pike in Washington, U.S., August 18, 2017. Before it was taken down, the statue of Pike was the only outdoor statue of a Confederate general in the nation's capital. The Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite's Southern Jurisdiction erected the statue in 1901 to honor Pike, who was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, according to the National Park Service. He died in 1891. During his life, Pike helped to develop the Masonry in Arkansas and commanded the Confederacy's Indian Territory during the Civil War, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Albert Pike monument, toppled in 2020 protests, to be reinstalled A commercial aircraft gets ready to take off at the Brest airport in Guipavas, western France on October 22, 2024. (Photo by FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images) (Photo by FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images) The House of Representatives recess began on July 23 and many lawmakers are spending their first days of what the congressional calendars deem their district work period abroad instead of returning to those they represent. These representatives scattered to Israel, Mexico, Ireland, Belgium and the United Kingdom, with some meeting foreign leaders and others speaking at summits on trips as official U.S. delegates or of their own accord. House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana was scheduled to visit a settlement in the West Bank on Monday, according to Axios. Tagging along with the Speaker were New York Reps. Claudia Tenney and Michael McCaul as well as Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran. (RELATED: Netanyahu Reportedly Weighing Full-Scale Occupation Of Gaza Strip) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared that he met with the representatives as well as with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and Israeli Chairman of the Yesha Council and head of the Binyamin Council, Israel Ganz. The private trip was organized by Heather Johnston, founder of the conservative pro-Israeli advocacy group U.S. Israel Education Association, three Israeli officials told Axios. I thanked [the representatives] for their unwavering support and moral clarity in standing with Israel against its enemies, and for their vital voices in the efforts to bring all the hostages home and defeat the murderous terrorist organization Hamas, Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz said. Israel is not only fighting for its survival we are on the frontlines of the free worlds battle against radical Islamic ideologies. Johnson and his group are not the only congressmen across the pond. A bipartisan congressional delegation left shortly after the beginning of recess to meet with officials in Ireland, Belgium and the UK regarding free speech in Europe, according to a Judiciary Committee press release. The delegation consisted of Republican Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan from Ohio, Democratic Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Jamie Raskin from Maryland, and Reps. Scott Fitzgerald from Wisconsin, Kevin Kiley from California and Steve Cohen from Tennessee. Its critical that we stay aligned with our European allies on protecting free speech, Kiley said. Unfortunately, Europe has veered off course and to be frank, the United States did too in recent years under the Biden administration. But thanks to the work of the Judiciary Committee, weve made real progress, and were here to help ensure that progress extends beyond our borders. Closer to home, a group of Democratic lawmakers made their way to Mexico City over the weekend for the second annual Pan-American Conference. General Coordinator David Adler of the openly anti-capitalist and anti-American organization Progressive International one of the events organizers. In attendance were Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib of Minnesota, Delia Ramirez of Illinois, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Summer Lee of Pennsylvania and Jesus Gilberto Garcia of Illinois. The daughter of an illegal immigrant, Ramirez declared herself to be a proud Guatemalan before Im an American in a speech in Spanish at the Pan-American Conference. (RELATED: ROOKE: Anchor Baby Congresswoman Admits To Treason) The congressional recess concludes on Sept. 2, when these lawmakers will need to put away their passports and return to serving the people they have been elected to represent. An array of trade crosscurrents continued Tuesday afternoon. There has been a push for last-minute deals, continued fuzziness on previously announced trade commitments, and an indication from President Trump that a deal to delay tariffs on goods from China is "close." It all comes as global importers brace for the Thursday morning deadline. That's when President Trump promises to implement a central plank of his trade agenda: a tiered approach to "reciprocal" tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%. Meanwhile, talks continued on varied fronts. For example, the Swiss president announced she would fly to Washington, D.C., to try to win last-minute concessions. She added Tuesday that "the aim is to present a more attractive offer to the United States" to avert a 39% tariff on goods from her nation. Meanwhile, India faces a divergent situation, with Trump telling CNBC on Tuesday morning, "We settled on 25% [tariffs], but I think I am going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours." India has slammed Trump's threats as unjustified and has seen its chances of a deal dwindle. Top aides for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are also reportedly traveling this week not to the US but instead to Moscow. It's all part of a flurry of last-minute moves and a message from Trump that he's full speed ahead, with no plans to delay a tariff increase starting Thursday. Read more: The latest news and updates on Trump's tariffs Trump even teased during the CNBC appearance that he probably won't run for president again but would like to, in part because, in his view, "people love the tariffs." (Trump is, of course, barred by the Constitution from running for a third term, though he's often floated the idea.) Switzerland and India are two countries currently on the outside looking in, but even nations that recently struck a trade deal continued to try to prepare for the tariff piece to take effect. Japan's top trade negotiator is also reportedly due in Washington, D.C., this week for talks to ensure that a plan to cut auto tariffs to 15% proceeds. Likewise, talks with the EU continue as negotiators there are reportedly still pushing for exemptions, such as on wine and spirits. Trump also weighed in Tuesday morning on talks with China. Markets are closely watching for any signs of an agreement to delay a tariff snapback scheduled for Aug. 12, with Trump saying, "We're getting very close to a deal." Trump suggested that he would likely meet with President Xi Jinping "at some point in the not-too-distant future." The president added that new sector-specific tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals are likely and that at least those pharmaceutical tariffs could be announced "within the next week or so." Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet New details for some nations and a focus on India and Switzerland There is also some new clarity on some technical details around how the new tariff landscape will likely work beginning at 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday. President Trump speaks to the media on Aug. 3. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images) US customs officials this week offered additional technical guidance in a new document on how it will handle some tariff exemptions. The news there may give some select importers a short-term breather. But with a full tally, according to Bloomberg Economics, the average US tariff rate is now expected to rise to 15.2% if duties go forward as planned. That's a jump from current rates of 13.3% and another jump from the 2.3% duties seen in 2024 before Trump took office. The overall landscape set to be in effect Thursday will cover nearly every country on the globe. It also comes after Trump and his team set "bespoke" rates largely based on the trade deficit, with many of America's top trading partners seeing a key new standard of 15% tariff, while others will see higher rates. Read more: 5 ways to tariff-proof your finances Countries from the European Union to South Korea to Japan struck deals at that 15% rate, but open questions remain. Other Asian countries have struck deals in the 19%-20% range. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer recently said on CBS that the published rates included many agreements, "some of these deals are announced, some are not," with other nations simply being dictated tariffs based on the level of the trade deficit. Switzerland is one nation for which the US has dictated tariffs. Its delegation will be in Washington on Tuesday to push for lower rates. But on Tuesday morning, Trump suggested that it would be an uphill climb and that a recent call with the country didn't go well because "they essentially pay no tariffs," even as talks are clearly set to continue there. Asking for relief? Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter is seen in May. She has announced she'll be traveling to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday for tariff talks. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images) (FABRICE COFFRINI via Getty Images) As for India, any immediate offramp appears unlikely because of that nation's connections with Russia and Russian oil. A note Tuesday from Capital Economics suggested that India could, in theory, offer concessions to diversify its energy sources, "but we doubt that India would make a wholehearted effort to wean itself off Russian oil [as it could upset relations and] it would not play well to be seen caving to Trump's demands." At the same time, reports from Bloomberg and the Times of India revealed that two top aides to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are traveling not to the US but to Russia in the coming days and weeks even amid Trump's ever-escalating threats. Trump on Tuesday morning suggested talks are on ice for now and will be complicated when they resume, adding that "the sticking point with India is that tariffs are too high." This story has been updated with additional developments. Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Paul Grigsby. Paul Grigsby came to the cruise industry by way of trains. Grigsby, who is Holland America Lines vice president of deployment and itinerary planning, grew up boating but he counts a monthlong train trip through Mexico as his first real travel experience. Shortly after graduating college, he and a friend traveled by rail from Mazatlan to Veracruz in 1987. We were able to take advantage of what it was like to travel in the United States back in the 40s and 50s on these old rail cars, Grigsby told USA TODAY. And it was a bit of a madcap adventure because of my lack of Spanish. At one point, there were two of us traveling and we were in a berth for one because I didn't translate very well. The trip cemented his interest in travel, especially in its nostalgic forms, which show up in the itineraries he plans these days. Grigsby spoke to USA TODAY about how he got his start, his love of travel books, and his cruise tips. The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Question: How did you get into this role? How did you come to itinerary planning? Grigsby: Well, I've been at Holland America now (for) 25 years, and I've been in the capacity of revenue management. And itinerary planning is within the revenue management function of this brand, and in fact, (at) most of the cruise lines it's arranged that way. And I kind of worked my way through. Started out in revenue management proper, and then evolved to more (of) a planning function, which was with the revenue plans. And then, back in 2019, I was given the leadership role of the itinerary and deployment planning. 85449860007 Did you grow up loving ships? Yeah, I did. I mean, I grew up in Seattle, and I used to walk the docks with my father. You know, he loved ships and the sea, and he greatly influenced me. We would visit ships when they were in town, and they had visitation opportunities. Also, he was an avid boater, so I grew up boating throughout the Pacific Northwest, and you know, the Washington state archipelago as well as up in British Columbia. This may be self-evident given your work, but do you have a preferred way to travel? Well, I am biased towards travel by ship. I think even if I didn't work for Holland America Line or the cruise industry, Id still say that. Theres no such thing as ship lag, right? There is (such) a thing as jet lag, and it's just a leisurely way to go. And if I had the time, I would definitely travel by sea. I would cross the Atlantic instead of flying across the Atlantic. I love being at sea. And again, I think it goes back to my roots, growing up on the water. I was a commercial fisherman for a summer, so I feel at home on the water. Is there a cruise cabin type that you particularly like, or a location on a ship that you prefer? I like the port side because when I was a kid, my father assigned his two kids to one side. You know, I was assigned port side, my sister was assigned starboard side. So, I always have stuck with port side. And as far as the type of cabin, I will admit, I do like a veranda cabin. I do enjoy being able to walk outside and enjoy the sights and smells of the sea. Do you have any travel must-haves, things that you always like to bring with you or have with you? I like to bring a good book along, especially a travel book. You know, there are always some hiccups that happen with travel, it seems like, and so it's always fun to read about somebody who might have had it worse off than you do. I like reading travel history. Evelyn Waugh, one of my favorite authors, he wrote a lot about his times of traveling back in the 30s. Also, Candice Millard, that's another book: her book, The River of Doubt is about Teddy Roosevelt's exploration through the Amazon. Fascinating read. Great American Vacation: 'Bachelor' star Peter Weber blindsided on 'Destination X' (and loved it) Do you have any travel pet peeves or any unpopular travel opinions? I think it's used a lot, this word, but I think it does resonate for me, and that's just authenticity. For instance, if I go to a city, I want to visit the old section, you know, a section that really defined what that city was. And maybe it's my interest in history. And, for instance, I'll find out what the old hotel was that people would stay at back in the day, so I'll visit that. I'm more interested in that than staying at, you know, a hotel or something that is an American name hotel. For those new to cruising, what are the top things you would recommend they know before booking a cruise? Yeah, so if you're new to cruising and you're not sure if it's your cup of tea, I would definitely start with a trip that you would not see any other way than on a ship. For instance, Alaska, is often the first of many people's foray into cruise travel. And the reason is that the best way to see Alaska is by ship. You're not going to get to Glacier Bay I mean, maybe, yeah, you could get an airplane or whatever, fly and buzz around it, but to immerse yourself in Glacier Bay, you've got to be on board a ship. And you know, places that are known for being archipelagos, those are best seen by ship. So I would pick trades like that first, and hopefully you catch the bug, and then you might go to places like, say, the Mediterranean, where there are other ways of travel around. But then you realize how easy it is to travel by ship, and you'll probably be just as happy there, too. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Meet the cruise planner who still books trips like its 1940 GoFundMe Lauren Semanchik A New Jersey state trooper shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend before turning the gun on himself. The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office says Ricardo Santos, a New Jersey State Police lieutenant, fatally shot Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb in Franklin Township, N.J., on Aug. 1, before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot. Santos was found dead in Piscataway in a 2008 Mercedes SUV, prosecutors say. Investigators say they learned Santos had been in a relationship with Semanchik, which ended in September 2024, and that after it concluded he "engaged in continued harassing and controlling behavior." Semanchik, a veterinarian, and Webb had recently begun dating at the time of their deaths, according to the prosecutor's office. Pinewald Pioneer Fire Co./Facebook Tyler Webb 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. Authorities reviewed surveillance video taken from Semanchik's car, which showed her being followed on Aug. 1 by the same Mercedes SUV in which Santos was later found dead. Minutes after Semanchik parked her car at her home, a figure was seen on camera walking in a wooded area along the driveway, prosecutors say. Thirty minutes later, Webb's car arrived at the home an parked next to Semanchik's. On Aug. 2, police were called to Semanchik's home after a report of an unconscious woman. Officials later learned that the evening before, the sound of gunshots and screaming was reported by multiple 911 callers, but responding police could not locate the source. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People NY Daily News Archive via Getty David Berkowitz is taken into Police Headquarters. NEED TO KNOW David Berkowitz, a.k.a. the "Son of Sam" killer, was arrested on Aug. 10, 1977 He killed six people and injured seven over the course of a 13-month killing spree Berkowitz is currently serving six 25 years-to-life sentences Nearly 50 years ago, David Berkowitz, a quiet postal worker from Yonkers, N.Y., plunged New York City into fear with a chilling series of late-night shootings that left six dead and seven wounded. Berkowitz who dubbed himself the "Son of Sam" evaded capture for over a year, sparking one of the largest manhunts in NYPD history. His killing spree began on July 29, 1976, when he fatally shot 18-year-old Donna Lauria and wounded Jodi Valenti as they sat in a parked car in the Bronx. Over the next 13 months, Berkowitz targeted a number of women and couples in secluded spots, using the same .44-caliber revolver in each attack. The case took a darker turn in April 1977, when Berkowitz left a letter at a crime scene identifying himself as the Son of Sam. A second letter sent to New York Daily News columnist Jimmy Breslin in May stoked public panic and further taunted investigators. Berkowitz was finally arrested on Aug. 10, 1977, outside of his apartment. He later pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to six terms of 25 years-to-life. He is currently in prison for his crimes. The case is the subject of Netflix's docuseries Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes, which was released on July 30. Here's everything to know about how David Berkowitz was caught. How was David Berkowitz caught? Bettmann/Getty Chief of Detectives John Keenan talks to reporters after releasing the latest police drawing of the .44 caliber killer. Ironically, it was a parking ticket that cracked the Son of Sam case. After Berkowitz parked illegally near the scene of his final attack on July 31, 1977, detectives flagged the ticket during their investigation. At first, they considered him a possible witness, but suspicions deepened when he failed to respond to their calls. A key break came when investigators contacted the Yonkers Police Department and spoke with the Carrs, a local family whom Berkowitz had been harassing. Police headed to Berkowitzs Yonkers apartment and spotted a duffel bag in Berkowitz's car with a rifle sticking out and an envelope addressed to Suffolk County police all matching the killers handwriting. On Aug. 10, 1977, officers arrested him outside his building. Berkowitz didnt resist. Instead, he smiled and said, You got me. What took you so long? What happened to David Berkowitz? Hulton Archive/Getty Police mug shot of convicted New York City serial killer David Berkowitz, known as the 'Son of Sam'. Berkowitz pleaded guilty to all six murders in May 1978, per The New York Times. He is currently serving six 25 years-to-life terms at Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Wallkill, N.Y. Now a born-again Christian, he goes by "Brother Dave" and participates in an online ministry. "[He] has to wake up every day and remember what he did to innocent people. David grieves over that a lot," Roxanne Tauriello, a minister who visited Berkowitz in prison, told PEOPLE in July 2017. He is genuinely sorrowful and does not want to get out of prison, she continued. He knows he deserved to die and deserves to be exactly where he is. Berkowitz became eligible for parole in 2002 and has had a hearing every two years since. His most recent parole request was denied in May 2024. Though he briefly refused to attend the hearings, he now does so. However, Berkowitz has no desire to be released. "To not attend a hearing can be viewed as being defiant towards authority, and that's not me," he explained to the New York Post in May 2024. "Most of all, I attend in order to openly apologize for my past crimes and to express my remorse." Why has David Berkowitz rejected the Son of Sam moniker? Joe Polimeni/Bettmann Archive/Getty David Berkowitz prior to criminal court arraignment in connection with the "Son of Sam" killings. During the time of the murders, Berkowitz lived in a building across from his neighbor, Sam Carr, whose Labrador retriever, Harvey, frequently barked and aggravated him. "That dog raised hell in my life," Berkowitz said in Conversations With a Killer. Berkowitz adopted the nickname Son of Sam in his taunting letters to police and journalists at the New York Post and New York Daily News, and even scrawled it on the walls of his apartment. He later claimed the name came from Harvey, saying demons spoke through the dog and commanded him to kill. However, Berkowitz later revealed that he didn't actually hear voices. "I didn't, at that time, understand any motives for what I was doing," he said in Conversations With a Killer. "I needed some type of justification. I had to convince myself that, 'No, I'm not the man that's doing this. It's some sinister force that's controlling me.'" Berkowitz has since rejected the Son of Sam name. These days, he claims to be a born-again Christian and has dubbed himself the Son of Hope." "You never want to say 'Son of Sam' in front of him. He never uses that name, ever," Tauriello told PEOPLE. What has David Berkowitz said about the murders? AP Photo/Mike Groll David Berkowitz talks during an interview at Sullivan Correction Facility on May 29, 2009 in Fallsburg, N.Y. In the final episode of Netflix's Conversations with a Killer, Berkowitz shared his remorse for the murders with reporter Jack Jones. "I'm so very sorry for what happened. I was in a very dark space in my life. Things were falling apart for me mentally, spiritually. My life spun out of control, and I just couldn't get on that right path," he said. When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Berkowitz responded: "I would say, 'Dave, run for your life. Get help.' I could have gone to my dad, I could have gone to my sister. But I kept everything to myself, thinking, 'I can handle everything.' But the pull was too strong." He added, "I wish I could start all over again and take a better path in life, but it just didn't work out that way." Read the original article on People Debanking is back in the spotlight this week after President Trump said Tuesday that the country's two largest US banks, JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Bank of America (BAC), denied him as a customer. "The banks discriminated against me very badly, and I was very good to the banks," Trump said on CNBC's "Squawk Box," adding that "they discriminate against many conservatives." For years, Republicans have claimed that US banks have denied accounts to certain customers for political reasons as have some Democrats. Crypto companies have warned more recently that they weren't permitted to get banking services during the Biden era. "I had hundreds of millions. I had many, many accounts loaded up with cash. I was loaded up with cash, and they told me, 'I'm sorry, sir, we can't have you. You have 20 days to get out,'" Trump said of his experience losing bank accounts with JPMorgan Chase. The president said he then went to Bank of America "to deposit a billion dollars plus" and was similarly denied. "He said, 'We can't do it,'" Trump told "Squawk Box" in reference to Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan. The president pointed to pressure on banks from Washington, D.C., regulators as a key reason for why he and others were denied banking services. "I ended up going to small banks all over the place," Trump added. The president's comments came in response to a Wall Street Journal report late Monday stating that the White House is preparing to draft a related executive order around debanking that would fine banks found discriminating against customers on political grounds. Bank of America did not offer a response to Trump's comments. "We don't close accounts for political reasons, and we agree with President Trump that regulatory change is desperately needed. We commend the White House for addressing this issue and look forward to working with them to get this right," a JPMorgan spokesperson said in emailed comments that did not address Trump's comments. Both of these giant lenders and their CEOs have denied debanking customers on political grounds. Was his bank mean to the president? JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon appears on Fox in April. (Noam Galai/Getty Images) (Noam Galai via Getty Images) Learn more about high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and CD accounts. Trump first brought visibility to the debanking issue back in January when he confronted Bank of America's Brian Moynihan about it during a live Q&A at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "I hope you start opening your bank to conservatives," Trump told Moynihan. The president also appeared to include JPMorgan Chase CEO Jame Dimon in his confrontation. "I don't know if the regulators mandated that because of Biden or what, but you and Jamie and everybody else, I hope you open your banks to conservatives, because what you're doing is wrong," Trump added. Two months later, the Trump Organization sued major credit card lender Capital One (COF) for allegedly debanking hundreds of its accounts following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. Bank regulators have already eliminated one element in supervision that has been pointed to as a culprit of debanking, known as reputational risk. Critics said this element of supervision was previously too subjective, allowing regulators additional room to penalize lenders for taking on customers they deemed risky. "The heart of the problem is regulatory overreach and supervisory discretion," a spokesperson for the Bank Policy Institute, a D.C. banking industry advocacy group, said in an emailed statement. "The banking agencies have already taken steps to address issues like reputational risk, and we're hopeful that any forthcoming executive order will reinforce this progress by directing regulators to confront the flawed regulatory framework that gave rise to these concerns in the first place," BPI added. Each of the bosses for the country's two largest banks have addressed the issue by also pointing a finger at regulators. "We have not debanked anyone because of political or religious relationships, period," JPMorgan's Dimon said during a podcast interview earlier this year, in which he acknowledged that debanking happens. "The reality is that if they gave us clarity from the regulatory thing and avoid the second-guessing, that would be helpful," Bank of America's Moynihan said in a CBS interview on Sunday. David Hollerith is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance covering banking, crypto, and other areas in finance. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Three Democratic state lawmakers who fled Texas to block an effort to redraw the state's congressional maps to favor Republicans told CBS News on Monday they're prepared to stay out of the state for at least the next two weeks as GOP leaders threaten consequences. Dozens of Texas House Democrats headed to Illinois and other blue states over the weekend, denying the chamber's GOP leaders a quorum on Monday. The move has at least temporarily derailed a special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott to reshape the state's U.S. House district maps after President Trump publicly encouraged Texas Republicans to create five more GOP-leaning House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. One of the Democrats who left Texas for Illinois, state Rep. John Bucy III, told CBS News that lawmakers plan on staying out of the state until the end of the legislative session. Special sessions can last up to 30 days, and just over two weeks are left in the current session. But if the clock runs out without a vote on the new House maps, Abbott has the power to immediately call another legislative session, state Rep. Ann Johnson acknowledged. If that happens, Democrats will "assess our options," state Rep. James Talarico said. The map that was floated by Texas Republicans last week could, if approved, tilt as many as 30 of the state's 38 U.S. House districts toward Republicans, which currently hold 25 districts. The map redraws two Democratic seats in the Rio Grande Valley, combines two seats in the Austin area and rearranges districts in the Houston and Dallas areas. Texas Democrats say they "knew there would be consequences" The GOP-dominated state House voted Monday to compel the absent Democrats to return to Texas, including by issuing civil arrest warrants. Meanwhile, Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to "arrest and return" the Democratic members and investigate them for "bribery" because they accepted donations to help pay for their time in other states. Abbott has also suggested there's a legal path to remove any absent Democrats from office. It's unclear whether those efforts to arrest lawmakers are enforceable outside of Texas. Rice University political science professor Mark Jones told CBS News that Republicans "can make idle threats, but as long as they are out of state, there's really nothing that they can do." "If you choose to continue down this road, you should know there will be consequences," Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Republican, said during a brief speech Monday afternoon, after the House was unable to establish a quorum. "The absconded Democrat House members were elected to meet and vote on legislation not to prevent votes that may not go their way," Abbott said in an earlier statement. Talarico told CBS News that House Democrats "knew there would be consequences." "We are fighting for representative democracy, and whether or not that will continue, and so we're willing to face whatever consequences may come our way," he said. In addition to redistricting, Abbott called a special session last month to handle other high-profile legislative priorities, like approving disaster relief for the deadly Texas floods. Texas Republicans and Democrats have both accused each other of holding disaster relief hostage. "Greg Abbott is prioritizing Donald Trump with this special session," Bucy told CBS News. "Instead of taking action to help the flood victims of Central Texas, he is prioritizing trying to steal five congressional seats from the people of Texas." Johnson rejected accusations by Republicans that Democratic lawmakers had abandoned their work, saying they were exercising "the fundamental protection by our founding fathers in the Texas Constitution that says the minority party has the opportunity to break quorum when you know that the majority has really gone off the rails." What do Texas Democrats want? This isn't the first time Democrats have fled Texas to deny Republicans a two-thirds quorum in the state House or Senate. In 2021, House Democrats left the state to block a vote on a restrictive voting law, but the walkout came to an end after just over a month, and a version of the bill ended up passing. When asked how this week's walkout would be different, Talarico argued the 2021 effort was successful because some of the most controversial provisions of the voting law like limits to Sunday voting were ultimately taken out of the legislation. "This is an effective tool in our toolbox to fight for our constituents and make harmful legislation less dangerous. We're hopeful that's what will happen here," he said. Some of the Texas Democrats want blue states to threaten to retaliate by redrawing their congressional maps to add more Democratic districts. The governors of California and New York have entertained the idea of carrying out redistricting to eke out more blue seats, but those moves could be legally difficult, since California has put an independent commission in charge of redistricting and New York bans political gerrymandering. All three Texas House Democrats who spoke with CBS News Talarico, Bucy and Johnson told CBS News they don't support gerrymandering in general. But Talarico said that "if one side is going to cheat, all bets are off, and maybe that kind of pressure will convince our Republican colleagues and the president to walk back from the brink." "Democrats and Republican politicians both gerrymander and it's wrong in both instances," Talarico said, but "this is particularly egregious." "This is kind of like the bully that takes your lunch money every day. At some point, you got to stand up, otherwise you just end up broke and hungry," Johnson said. "We've told Republicans, 'enough you've gone way too far.'" How safe is our Social Security safety net? Full Interview: 3 Democratic Texas lawmakers on fleeing state amid GOP redistricting push Number of butterflies decreasing across U.S. FILE - President of the Supreme Electoral Court, Minister Alexandre de Moraes arrives to preside over the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia, Brazil, June 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Gustavo Moreno, File) SAO PAULO (AP) Brazilians were divided Tuesday over a house arrest order against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly masterminding a coup plot to remain in office. The division could set the tone for next years general election. Brazils Supreme Court on Monday issued the order in a case that has gripped the South American country even as it faces a trade war with the Trump administration. Supporters of the far-right leader and some moderates see the ruling as harsh, while allies of incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other moderates want to move on and leave the issue for the judiciary. Creomar de Souza, a political analyst with Dharma Political Risk and Strategy, a political consultancy firm based in Brasilia, said that could be the dynamic of next years election. One is the effort of Bolsonaro supporters to keep strong on the right, no matter if it is pushing for amnesty in congress or putting themselves physically out there, the analyst said. The second is how the Lula administration will try to show that the country has a government. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who put Bolsonaro on trial for his alleged role in the coup plot to keep him in office despite his defeat in the 2022 election, ordered the 70-year-old former president's arrest for violating precautionary measures imposed on him by spreading content through his three lawmaker sons. That decision followed one from the court last month ordering Bolsonaro to wear an electronic ankle monitor and to obey a curfew while the proceedings are underway. The polarization between supporters and critics of the former president took Brazil's congress by storm Tuesday and was also reflected in figures from pollster Quaest, which say 53% are favorable to the order against the far-right leader and 47% against it. Analysts expect another narrow election next year, with Lula running for reelection and Bolsonaro barred. The political repercussions in Brazil are getting attention from the U.S. government as President Donald Trump directly tied a 50% tariff on imported Brazilian goods to his allys judicial situation. Late on Monday, the U.S. State Departments Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs condemned the far-right leader's order for house arrest and attacked de Moraes. Bolsonaro blockade Since de Moraes order, Bolsonaro allies are pledging to stop congress unless an amnesty bill is passed in favor of the far-right leader and his supporters involved in the coup plot probe. Early on Tuesday, a group of 40 pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers told journalists in the capital Brasilia they will push hard for the former president's release. Altineu Cortes, the conservative deputy speaker of the lower house, said he will put the amnesty bill to a vote if he gets the chance. I've already told speaker Hugo Motta that I will do that in the first moment I am working as the speaker of the house during one of his trips abroad, Cortes said. Later, many of the same lawmakers protested in the lower house and the senate by blocking access to the presiding tables. "This is an arbitrary action, said Sen. Davi Alcolumbre, the president of Brazil's senate. I call for serenity and spirit of cooperation. We need to start working with respect, civility and dialogue so congress can fulfill its mission in favor of Brazil and our population. Members of Brazil's opposition say such a move would also allow Bolsonaro to run in next year's election, from which he was barred by the country's top electoral court for abuse of power in 2022. That claim is denied by many legal experts and also by Supreme Court justices. Moving on Meanwhile, Lula and his allies initially showed they wanted to move past the issue of Bolsonaro's house arrest and focus on trade negotiations with Trump, who imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian import goods starting Wednesday. Trump's justification for the measure was what he called unfair treatment of the far-right leader. I dont want to speak about what happened to that other Brazilian citizen who tried to stage a coup, Lula said during a long speech in Brasilia on Tuesday. The leftist leader added he will not call Trump to talk about trade because he doesn't want to" speak about it. Lula said he might instead invite him to attend (November's climate summit) COP in Belem. I came here with the compromise of not wasting much time speaking about tariffs. I will just say the least I can. If I didn't (say anything) you would go: 'Why didn't Lula speak about it? Is he afraid of Trump?' And I don't want you to leave with that impression," he said. Members of Lula's Cabinet have also avoided discussing Bolsonaro's future. A Brazilian government staffer told The Associated Press that Lula told his ministers that his reelection depends on governing, not on his predecessor's future. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the matter publicly. Moderates speak If the next Brazilian election has the same standard of the previous face off between Lula and Bolsonaro, the winner will be decided by turnout and a very slim number of moderates. Gov. Eduardo Leite, a moderate from the Rio Grande do Sul state, embodied the split among many Brazilian voters who will likely have to chose one of the two camps in 2026. A critic of de Moraes' actions against Bolsonaro, Leite does not condone the former president's actions either. "I don't like the idea of a former president not being able to speak, and even less see him get arrested for that before he is put on trial at the Supreme Court, Leite said. Our country does not deserve to remain hostage to this legal-political tug of war that only hinders us all. Gilberto Kassab, the chairman of the centrist Social Democratic Party, has both Bolsonaro and Lula supporters in his party's ranks and said exaggeration on both sides are contaminating Brazil. I express my solidarity to the former president, I regret his arrest without discussing the merits of the issue. This is all that the country did not need, Kassab said in a statement. ___ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america What if we got it wrong about Colonel Tom Parker? Thats the provocative question raised by music historian Peter Guralnicks latest book, The Colonel and the King (Little, Brown, 624 pp., out now), which examines Parkers reputational arc from visionary to villain. His motivations were almost completely misunderstood, says Guralnick of Elvis Presley's wheeling and dealing manager, who receives an overdue reassessment in the new biography. When I call their partnership a partnership of equals, I think it really was. For Parker, it was love at first sight. The colonel was a believer in show business. That was his one article of belief. And Elvis was the greatest entertainer hed ever seen. He knew it the moment he saw him. 'Burning Love': Elvis balked about recording the oversexed song. Then it became his last hit. Peter Guralnick's new Elvis book, "The Colonel and the King," delves into the making of Colonel Tom Parker. Guralnick realizes its a reappraisal many arent willing to undertake, and Im not trying to paint the colonel as a saint, he says. I would be glad to have him as my manager, but at the same time, I would want to look closely at what I was agreeing to. The book, which traces the colonels life from his secretive childhood in Holland to his death in 1997, takes a deep dive into their productive partnership. (Elvis fans may be surprised that touchstones like the courting of Priscilla Presley and the making of the 68 Comeback Special are mentioned only in passing, but this is, after all, Parkers story.) In keeping with the characteristic level of detail that the faithful have come to expect from Guralnick's previous Presley biographies (Last Train to Memphis, Careless Love), nearly half the book is turned over to Parkers illuminating letters. These are among the biographys biggest revelations: Colonel Tom Parker ran away from home repeatedly and claimed to have been adopted multiple times. Parker spun a myth about his upbringing in West Virginia that endured for decades. In reality, he was born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in Holland and came to America as an underage stowaway. He presented himself as an orphan and would ingratiate himself with families and then disappear, joining circuses, carnivals and the U.S. Army on his way to careers as a Humane Society director and a music promoter. Guralnick cautions against taking Parkers explanation of his origins too literally. He loved to tell that story, and you can judge from that his psychology. But he was someone who in some ways felt so abandoned and alienated from the world in which he grew up. He was abused by his father. But I dont think that was the real story. Something traumatic happened, and he carried that with him all of his life. From Elvis to Michael Jackson: The biggest reveals in Lisa Marie Presleys memoir Elvis high-stakes contracts were often handshake deals that Tom Parker didnt have in writing. Elvis contracts, specifically with RCA, were often verbal agreements. One of the things that necessitated everything not being written down was the favored-nation clause, which every big star had. Any big employer can understand this, Guaralnick says. You say to me, Ill pay you $1,000 more. But if you have contracts with other people, there may be a dozen other people, so its not just my $1,000, its going to cost you $12,000 more. The colonel worked those backdoor deals to Presleys advantage, Guralnick notes. In November 1955, Elvis was paying back his RCA advance out of his royalties. Eleven months later, Elvis had a million-dollar contract (the equivalent of $10 million today). Thats a pretty good turnaround, Guralnick says. (Parker) always articulated the belief that a deal was no good unless it was to the benefit of both parties. Elvis never toured internationally, but mostly because he couldn't cross borders with his drugs and guns. Presleys friends in the Memphis Mafia were convinced that Elvis wanted to tour the world and blamed Parkers fear of deportation. But the colonel worried that security would be a concern. Everybody thought he meant you cant get armed guards to protect Elvis from the crowds, Guralnick says. That wasnt what he meant at all he meant the security to keep Elvis from getting busted. Who was going to carry the drugs? Who was going to carry the guns? Elvis and the colonel both considered parting ways. But their respective addictions kept them together. In addition to the infamous 1973 incident at the Hilton Hotel in Vegas, in which Elvis lashed out at Parker from the stage, and they (temporarily) fired each other, there were other instances when they attempted to split. But the colonel had developed a gambling addiction to go along with Elvis drug dependency. Each of them was aware of the others addiction, the others failures, and neither one of them was going to bring up the others failure for fear that the other would then bring up his own. And so they were stuck, Guralnick says. The colonel became in a sense not a tragic figure, because he was a life force overall, so full of vitality and creativity. But I came to see those last years with Elvis as a linked tragedy, in which each of them has their own addiction, and I just didnt see that before. Elvis may have known Tom Parker was an undocumented immigrant and kept it a secret. In 1960, Parkers family in Holland recognized him in a photo with Elvis. He reluctantly agreed to bring his brother Ad to the United States for a visit in 1961 and apparently introduced him to Elvis, who might reasonably have wondered why his American managers sibling spoke virtually no English. Many in Elvis entourage doubted that the meeting happened, because Elvis could not keep a secret. He was the worst in the world at keeping a secret, and this was the biggest secret of all, Guralnick says. The colonel may have presented Ad simply as someone he knew from the carnival or circus. But Id like to think he introduced him as his brother and that Elvis knew. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elvis' story retold in book on manager Colonel Tom Parker By Darya Korsunskaya, Andrew Osborn and Mark Trevelyan MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to bow to a sanctions ultimatum expiring this Friday from U.S. President Donald Trump, and retains the goal of capturing four regions of Ukraine in their entirety, sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters. Trump has threatened to hit Russia with new sanctions and impose 100% tariffs on countries that buy its oil - of which the biggest are China and India - unless Putin agrees to a ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine. Putin's determination to keep going is prompted by his belief that Russia is winning and by scepticism that yet more U.S. sanctions will have much of an impact after successive waves of economic penalties during 3-1/2 years of war, according to three sources familiar with discussions in the Kremlin. The Russian leader does not want to anger Trump, and he realises that he may be spurning a chance to improve relations with Washington and the West, but his war goals take precedence, two of the sources said. Putin's goal is to fully capture the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, which Russia has claimed as its own, and then to talk about a peace agreement, one of the sources said. "If Putin were able to fully occupy those four regions which he has claimed for Russia he could claim that his war in Ukraine had reached his objectives," said James Rodgers, author of the forthcoming book "The Return of Russia". The current talks process, in which Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have met three times since May, was an attempt by Moscow to convince Trump that Putin was not rejecting peace, the first source said, adding that the talks were devoid of real substance apart from discussions on humanitarian exchanges. Russia says it is serious about agreeing a long-term peace in the negotiations but that the process is complicated because the two sides' stances are so far apart. Putin last week described the talks as positive. Moscows stated demands include a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the four regions and acceptance by Kyiv of neutral status and limits on the size of its military demands rejected by Ukraine. In a sign that there may yet be an opportunity to strike a deal before the deadline, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Russia this week, following an escalation in rhetoric between Trump and Moscow over risks of nuclear war. On Monday, Russia said it was no longer bound by a moratorium on short- and medium-range nuclear missiles. The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment for this story. All the sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Trump, who in the past has praised Putin and held out the prospect of lucrative business deals between their two countries, has lately expressed growing impatience with the Russian president. He has complained about what he called Putin's "bullshit" and described Russia's relentless bombing of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities as "disgusting". The Kremlin has said it noted Trump's statements but it has declined to respond to them. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko last week called on the world to respond with "maximum pressure" after the worst Russian air strike of the year killed 31 people in Kyiv, including five children, in what she called Russia's response to Trump's deadline. "President Trump wants to stop the killing, which is why he is selling American-made weapons to NATO members and threatening Putin with biting tariffs and sanctions if he does not agree to a ceasefire," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in response to a request for comment. FORCES ADVANCE The first source said Putin was privately concerned about the recent deterioration of U.S. ties. Putin still retains the hope that Russia can again befriend America and trade with the West, and "he is worried" about Trump's irritation, this person said. But with Moscow's forces advancing on the battlefield and Ukraine under heavy military pressure, Putin does not believe now is the time to end the war, the source said, adding that neither the Russian people nor the army would understand if he stops now. Rodgers, the author, said Putin has invested his political reputation and legacy in the war in Ukraine. "We know from his previous writings and statements that he sees himself as part of a strong tradition of standing up to the West and the rest of world to defend Russia's interests," he said. The Kremlin leader values the relationship with Trump and does not want to anger him, however, "he simply has a top priority - Putin cannot afford to end the war just because Trump wants it," the second Russian source said. A third person familiar with Kremlin thinking also said Russia wanted to take all four regions and did not see the logic in stopping at a time of battlefield gains during Russia's summer offensive. Ukraine has suffered some of its biggest territorial losses of 2025 in the past three months, including 502 square kilometres in July, according to Black Bird Group, a Finland-based military analysis centre. In total, Russia has occupied around a fifth of Ukraine. Russia's military General Staff has told Putin that the Ukrainian front will crumble in two or three months, the first person said. However, Russias recent gains remain relatively minor in purely territorial terms, with only 5,000 square kilometres (1,930 square miles) of Ukraine taken since the start of last year, less than 1% of the countrys overall territory, according to a June report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. Ukrainian and Western military sources, acknowledge that Russia is making gains, but only gradually and with heavy casualties. Russian war bloggers say Moscow's forces have been bogged down during its current summer offensive in areas where the terrain and dense urban landscape favoured Ukraine, but assess that other areas should be faster to take. 'HE'S MADE THREATS BEFORE' Trump's sanctions threat was "painful and unpleasant," but not a catastrophe, the second source said. The third source said there was a feeling in Moscow that "there's not much more that they can do to us". It was also not clear if Trump would follow through on his ultimatum, this person said, adding that "he's made threats before" and then not acted, or changed his mind. The source also said it was hard to imagine that China would stop buying Russian oil on instructions from Trump, and that his actions risked backfiring by driving oil prices higher. As a consequence of previous rounds of sanctions, Russian oil and gas exporters have taken big hits to their revenues, and foreign direct investment in the country fell by 63% last year, according to U.N. trade data. Around $300 billion of central bank assets have been frozen in foreign jurisdictions. But Russia's ability to wage war has been unimpeded, thanks in part to ammunition supplies from North Korea and imports from China of dual-use components that have sustained a massive rise in weapons production. The Kremlin has repeatedly said that Russia has some "immunity" to sanctions. Trump has acknowledged Russia's skill in skirting the measures. "They're wily characters and they're pretty good at avoiding sanctions, so we'll see what happens," he told reporters at the weekend, when asked what his response would be if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire. The first Russian source noted that Putin, in pursuing the conflict, was turning his back on a U.S. offer made in March that Washington, in return for his agreement to a full ceasefire, would remove U.S. sanctions, recognise Russian possession of Crimea - annexed from Ukraine in 2014 - and acknowledge de facto Russian control of the territory captured by its forces since 2022. The source called the offer a "fantastic chance," but said stopping a war was much more difficult than starting it. (Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya and Andrew Osborn; Additional reporting by Nandita Bose; Writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel) Screaming for help, a hiker was rescued after falling over a waterfall and landing 25 feet down in "a rocky pool," according to officials in Southern California. The incident took place in the unincorporated community of Forest Falls on Sunday, Aug. 3, the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District reported. San Bernadino is about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. At 3:45 p.m., the agency posted on X, crews responded to Big Falls, a popular hiking destination in the county about 85 miles east of Los Angeles. San Bernardino County firefighters airlifted a "seriously injured" hiker after he fell 25 feet at Forest Falls. The agency reported the hiker had lost his footing and fallen 25 feet while attempting to cross "a slippery portion of the falls." While the firefighters who initially responded could not see the hiker, they could hear cries for help, the department said. Bikers injured in crash: 1 dead, 17 injured during 1st weekend of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally California hiker who fell off waterfall airlifted out Footage released by the department shows a rescue helicopter lifting the hiker off the rocks, towing him after he is secured by first responders in a Stokes basket. The hiker was taken to a local trauma center to be treated for unspecified injuries, the agency wrote. His condition was not immediately known on Tuesday. Incidents often occur at popular location No other injuries were reported in connection with the fall, officials said. In its announcement, the fire agency urged visitors to stay on marked trails, avoid climbing on or around waterfalls, and keep a safe distance from slippery or steep areas. "We respond to incidents at this popular location often, where people are seriously injured, so please make smart choices and stay safe," the agency wrote. The fire agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hiker falls over waterfall in Forest Falls, plummeting 25 feet Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin DietschGetty Images) The Tesla board on Sunday approved an interim award of 96 million restricted shares for CEO Elon Musk. His original 2018 moonshot mega-grant, previously valued at $56 billion, has been tied up in Delaware courts for the past seven years after a judge rescinded the pay packagetwice. Since then, Tesla moved to Texas from Delaware, and the board adopted a bylaw requiring any investor who wants to challenge Musks pay to hold 3% of Tesla stock. The amount is equivalent to roughly $3 billion, helping inoculate Tesla against repeat challenges to Musks pay plan. The Tesla board has reinstated Elon Musk as the highest-paid CEO in history with a staggering new $29 billion pay package. His new deal with the $970 billion electric-vehicle maker comes after a Delaware judge twice rescinded Musks previous moonshot mega-grant. Musks pay has been held up in litigation for the past seven years. It is imperative to retain and motivate our extraordinary talent, beginning with Elon, Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm and fellow director Kathleen Wilson-Thompson wrote in a letter to shareholders. The war for AI talent is intensifying, with recent months including multibillion-dollar acquisitions of companies and nine-figure cash compensation packages for non-founder, individual AI engineers. Even in that select group, no one matches Musk, the board members wrote. Thus, the nearly $30 billion award is essential to keeping Musk focused on Teslaand getting him to recruit new talent to keep the EV manufacturer competitive in AI, robotics, and robotaxis, according to the board. Unlike Musks previous pay plan, which included significant shareholder value hurdles he had to overcome, all Musk has to do to collect the new award is remain with Tesla as CEO or in a senior executive role for the next two years. He also has to hold the stock until 2030, according to the terms of the award, which will boost his ownership stake from around 13% to 15%. Brian Dunn, a 40-year compensation practitioner and director of the Institute for Compensation Studies at Cornell University, told Fortune Musks new award resembles what some experts have referred to as fog-the-mirror grants. If youre around and have enough breath left in you to fog the mirror, you get them, said Dunn. These dont have performance targets. Technically, the award will be made in restricted shares, but Musk has to pay $23.34 per share to own the stockthe same strike price as his 2018 options. With Teslas stock trading at more than $300 a share, the arrangement gives Musk about $280 per share of built-in value, which some comp experts have referred to as discounted options. Larry Cunningham, director of the University of Delawares Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance, said that regardless of how the award could be classified for accounting or tax purposes, theres a simple and accurate description for it. A deep-in-the-money stock option grant, awarded solely for retention, Cunningham told Fortune in a statement. Musks pay package has a $26 billion floor The new package creates what Farient Advisors Eric Hoffmann described as a floor-and-ceiling arrangement tied directly to the outcome of the ongoing litigation in Delaware, which Tesla has appealed. If courts again wipe out his original 2018 award of 303 million stock options, Musk gets to keep the new 96 million shares, worth about $29 billion at the current stock price. But if any part of the original grant gets reinstated, the new award will shrink accordingly, said Hoffmann. Theres a clause that says no double dipping, he said. But this 96 million share award could be used to make up any of the original grant if he loses in the course of the legal action. Hoffmann said the territory the Tesla board is treading is unprecedented in executive compensation. Theres no playbook for this, said Hoffmann, who analyzed the terms of the award. They made the first grant, it got overturned by a judge; they made another grant, got it approved by shareholders, and then that got held up. To level set, a shareholder challenge over Musks 2018 pay package led to a landmark opinion in which Musks pay was rescinded. The Tesla board then sent the pay plan back to shareholders in 2024 for a say-on-pay vote approval, and shareholders voted in favor of giving Musk the comp. Last December, the same judgeDelaware Court Chancellor Kathaleen McCormickdeclined to reverse her previous decision, which Tesla has since appealed. In its letter to investors, the board wrote theres no telling when the court will rule again and described this award as a first step, good faith payment to Elon. However, Teslas performance in 2025 is a far cry from 2018, when the board first awarded Musk his daring moonshot grant. He followed the award up by multiplying Teslas value 12-fold. Its market cap surpassed $1 trillion in October 2021 and again in May 2025. But recently Tesla has struggled. Year to date, its share price is down more than 18%, and Musk has been active politically, supporting President Donald Trump despite the affiliation turning off Teslas climate-focused consumer base, particularly in California. And this time, the board has left little to chance. Tesla erected a significant legal barrier in May that makes a challenge to this award a lot more difficult to mete out. After McCormicks ruling, Tesla shareholders approved a move from being incorporated in Delaware to Texas. In May, Texas amended its business code, and Tesla modified its bylaws accordingly a day later. The bylaw amendment created a new threshold so any shareholder who wants to challenge Musks pay in court has to hold at least 3% of Teslas stock. The value is worth more than $3 billion. The central theme here is that Tesla has moved its jurisdiction of incorporation from Delaware to Texas, and as a result the propriety of Teslas actions and Musks compensation will have to be judged under Texas law, which is more permissive, wrote Columbia law professor John Coffee in a statement to Fortune. Tesla may get sued, but the odds are more in its favor in Texas. Texas followed Teslas move by undertaking a campaign to make it a business-first state. At this point, its unclear how Texas courts would approach a challenge. It will be interesting to see whether a Texas court chooses to follow Delawares analytical frameworkor instead declines to engage in similar judicial scrutiny, said Cunningham. The outcome could influence how other companies weigh the relative merits of Delaware versus Texas as a corporate home. Investors react to Musks comp Tesla has a veritable army of engaged individual retail investors, and many support Musk and have voted in favor of his comp plan twice now, getting it over the line with more than majority support. However, some pension fund leaders who oversee retiree assets invested in Tesla stock have been less than thrilled about Musks new award. A $29 billion compensation package for any CEO, let alone one who has been largely absent from their daily responsibilities as sales and stock value continue to fall short of investor expectations, is obscene, said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander in a statement. Lander said Teslas board is enriching Musk at investors expense, once again. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs told Fortune a $29 billion comp package is egregious on its face. But in light of Elon Musks inattention to the day-to-day needs of Tesla, and the companys worse than expected stock value, the package suggests a board out of step with their responsibilities to investors, Frerichs wrote in a statement. With revenues falling short of expectations, the board should be less concerned with paying fealty to a greedy CEO than with long-term planning for the success of the company. Shareholders should demand better corporate governance. SOC Investment Group, which represented a group of investors with nearly 8 million shares invested in Tesla, told Fortune in a statement that todays announcement included a striking admission from the board. Even an additional $24B in equity might not motivate Elon Musk to stay for two more years, let alone ensure that he devote sufficient time and attention to turn around the currently slumping sales, SOC wrote. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com As temperatures continue to swelter and people flock to the Gulf Coast to enjoy its warm, salty waters, health officials are warning swimmers about a "flesh-eating" bacteria that has killed at least eight people this summer. The bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, is commonly associated with the "flesh-eating" moniker thanks to its ability to cause infections that damage or "eat away" at skin and tissue. This year, Louisiana is reporting an abnormally high rate of infection. "Amid increasing water temperatures and extreme weather events (e.g., heat waves, flooding, and severe storms), people who are at increased risk for V. vulnificus infection (those with weakened immune systems and conditions like liver disease, diabetes and kidney failure) ... should exercise caution when engaging in coastal water activities," said a Louisiana Department of Health warning issued July 30. Despite the increase in cases, Vibrio vulnificus infections are still rare. Even so, experts have advised that people in coastal areas exercise extra caution while enjoying the waning days of summer. Here's what to know. People walk on the beach at sunset at Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida, on June 6, 2025. At least 13 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections have been reported in the state this summer, with four resulting in death. Dangerous waters: What to know about the flesh-eating bacteria and brain-eating amoebas Where are flesh-eating bacteria cases in the US? How common is it? Louisiana has reported the highest number of Vibrio vulnificus infections in a decade, with 17 reported cases and hospitalizations, including four deaths, as of July 30. This is compared to the 10 years prior, which saw an average of only seven cases and one death a year during the same time period. Florida has likewise reported four deaths caused by Vibrio vulnificus infections as of July 24. The state has counted 13 total cases, a rate that isn't necessarily abnormal at this point in the year, according to Florida health data. An average of 150 to 200 cases are reported each year, with most of them in Gulf Coast states, according to CDC data. USA TODAY has reached out to health departments in other coastal states regarding possible cases. What is Vibrio vulnificus? Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that causes a serious infection called vibriosis. Different types of Vibrio bacteria cause different infections, with Vibrio vulnificus causing the "most serious forms of vibriosis," according to the Cleveland Clinic. The potentially fatal infection can quickly result in tissue damage and spreading blisters, low blood pressure, fever, organ damage, sepsis and death. Vibrio vulnificus is often referred to as "flesh-eating" because it can also cause necrotizing fasciitis, a bacterial infection that destroys muscle and skin tissue, causing flesh around wounds to die, according to the CDC. Vibrio vulnificus is not considered the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis in the United States, however. The bacteria and resulting infections are rare but can be life-threatening. Without treatment, patients can die in just a few days. How does 'flesh-eating' bacteria enter the body? Vibrio vulnificus requires salt water for survival and thrives in warm, brackish water where a stream or river meets seawater, according to the CDC. Most infections occur when contaminated water is swallowed or gets into an open wound, such as a cut or scrape. It can enter through broken skin but cannot penetrate unharmed skin. Vibrio vulnificus can also enter your body when you eat uncooked or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. In fact, raw oysters and other seafood, along with seawater exposure, are the most common sources of Vibrio outbreaks tracked by the CDC. Once inside the body, the infection can spread to the blood and organs, usually within a matter of hours. Raw oysters, while a treat to some, are a leading cause of Vibrio vulnificus infections in people. Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection Symptoms of a Vibrio vulnificus infection begin suddenly and quickly, usually less than 24 hours after exposure, according to the CDC and the Cleveland Clinic. Common symptoms include: Fever and chills A red, warm or swollen patch of skin or rash that spreads quickly and causes pain Fluid-filled blisters and skin discoloration Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Low blood pressure (often indicated by weakness, dizziness, fatigue and fainting) Confusion or altered mental state Rapid heartbeat How to protect yourself against Vibrio vulnificus When consuming seafood, the CDC advises, you should: Cook seafood, including oysters, before consuming. Thoroughly clean surfaces that may have come in contact with raw seafood and its drippings. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling raw seafood. If you are at high risk, wear gloves. When swimming, you should: Avoid entering salt water or brackish water if you have any open wounds. That includes recent surgical sites, fresh tattoos and piercings, and even minor cuts or scrapes. Cover any open wounds if you may come into contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, even if you don't plan to be directly exposed to either. Exposure also can occur during flooding caused by storms. Immediately wash any area of open skin with soap and running water after contact with coastal water or raw seafood. If you are at increased risk (people with weakened immune systems and conditions like liver disease, diabetes and kidney failure), wear protective shoes and clothes when in or near coastal waters. Contributing: Janet Loehrke This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Flesh-eating' bacteria cases are on the rise in U.S. What to know. Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Molly Mersereau NEED TO KNOW A Florida high school teacher was arrested after authorities allege she had an inappropriate relationship with a student Molly Mersereau, a teacher employed by the Santa Rosa County School District, was arrested on July 29 and charged with multiple felony offenses Mersereau was released from custody on July 30 after posting bail A Florida high school teacher was arrested on accusations she had an inappropriate relationship with a student, authorities said. Molly Mersereau, a teacher employed by the Santa Rosa County School District, was arrested on July 29 and charged with multiple felony offenses, including engagement in a romantic relationship with a student by a school authority, the Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. Mersereau is also facing charges of criminal solicitation, using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, per the post. Online inmate records show Mersereau was released from jail custody on July 30 after posting a combined $41,000 bail. Its unclear if she has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf. "The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office takes all allegations involving the welfare of minors and the integrity of public trust seriously," the post reads. According to an arrest report obtained by the Pensacola News Journal, Mersereau had been the subject of an internal investigation during the 2024-2025 school year after administration at Gulf Breeze High School became aware she had been texting a student and giving them rides in her personal vehicle which was against school policy. 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. Mersereau's arrest came after the teacher's friend told Gulf Breeze police that Mersereau allegedly admitted to "having sex" with a student, the outlet reported, citing the arrest report. The student claimed to investigators with the Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office that they did not have a sexual relationship with Mersereau. During a search of Mersereau's home, investigators found purported love notes similar to ones they found in the alleged victim's home, per the report. The student's phone allegedly contained "text messages and group notes shared or exchanged by Molly and (the student) which were of an intimate nature, text messages exhibiting grooming speech from Molly directed toward (the student), photographs of Molly and (the student) on outings outside of the school," and more, the News Journal reported, citing the report. Read the original article on People Over 1,000 firefighters continue to battle a wildfire in California that has burned over 72,000 acres, prompted evacuation orders and caused three injuries, according to officials. The Gifford Fire, which began on Friday afternoon, is situated within the Los Padres National Forest in Solvang, California, impacting those within Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, officials said. As of Monday, the fire has engulfed 72,460 acres and is only 3% contained, according to Cal Fire. While the flames have been centered around thick brush and rugged terrain, officials said 460 structures are threatened by this wildfire. Los Padres National Forest Service - PHOTO: A wildfire in Southern California impacting the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties has burned over 65,000 acres as of Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, officials said. On Sunday, officials said the fire "showed significant growth as it aligned with topographical features, especially in grass-dominated areas." Evacuation orders and warnings are in effect for areas in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, and Highway 166 has been closed due to flames burning on both sides of the road, officials said. MORE: Canada wildfires prompt air quality warnings for Upper Midwest, Northeast Three people have been injured by the wildfire, including one civilian who was hospitalized for burn injuries and two contractor employees who were injured in a UTV rollover incident, officials said on Saturday. An air quality alert in Cuyama, California, and an air quality watch for the rest of Santa Barbara County will remain in effect "until conditions improve," the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District said on Saturday. Los Padres National Forest Service - PHOTO: A wildfire in Southern California impacting the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties has burned over 65,000 acres as of Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, officials said. "If you see or smell smoke in the air, be cautious and use common sense to protect your and your family's health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant women and children, should limit time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when high concentrations of smoke and particles are in the air," the air pollution control district said. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to Cal Fire. The fire is located west of the Madre Fire, which burned over 80,000 acres and was fully contained on July 26, officials said. Two more fires erupted in Southern California on Monday afternoon. The Rosa Fire in Riverside County started just after noon local time and has burned over 1,200 acres. In San Bernardino County, the Gold Fire has spread 348 acres with 0% containment. Heinz The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie NEED TO KNOW Heinz and Smoothie King are teaming up on a new ketchup smoothie The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie is blended with acai sorbet, apple juice, strawberries and raspberries It will be on the menu at select Smoothie King locations nationwide starting Aug. 6 Heinz and Smoothie King are addressing a pressing debate thats circulated on social media: If tomatoes are a fruit, is ketchup a smoothie? The answer is yes, according to the two brands, who teamed up to create a fruity concoction with an unusual ingredient: The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie. The red condiment joins a blend of acai sorbet, apple juice, strawberries and raspberries for a sweet and tangy drink. PEOPLE got an early taste of the beverage, and we were impressed by how well the savory ketchup flavor blended with the sweet and tart berries. Heinz The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie While this isnt the first time tomatoes have mingled with summer fruits watermelon gazpacho, anyone? we found the unexpected combination surprisingly flavorful. At first sip, the berries are the dominant taste, but then the ketchup adds another layer of dimension. A press release announcing the limited-time item notes that the smoothie is launching during peak tomato harvest season, when Heinz tomatoes are the ripest. The variety used in the smoothie is Heinz Simply Ketchup, which the brand says is all-natural and made with red ripe tomatoes with vitamins and antioxidants. Angie Madigan, vice president of elevation marketing at Kraft Heinz, called the idea of a ketchup smoothie provocative, noting that achieving distinct yet well-balanced ketchup notes was a top priority. Lori Primavera, vice president of R&D and product marketing at Smoothie King, said the unique recipe is the result of months of testing. Heinz The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie It will be on the menu for $5.70 at select Smoothie King locations nationwide starting Aug. 6, while supplies last. Participating locations include Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and parts of the greater New York area and northern New Jersey. The two brands are encouraging fans to share their reactions on social media using the hashtag #KetchupSmoothie. The question of whether ketchup is a smoothie has been asked on various corners of the internet over the past several years, including in multiple Reddit forums. The top comment on one post reads, Not only that, but salsa is fruit salad. Another thread prompted the answer, Closer to a jam than a smoothie I think. Read the original article on People Montgomery County Police Department NEED TO KNOW A Maryland mother has been indicted on murder charges for a second time in connection with the presumed deaths of her two children who vanished in 2014 and have never been found Catherine Hoggle, 38, was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday, July 31, on two counts of first-degree murder Hoggle, who has struggled with mental illness, was initially charged with murder but those charges were dropped after a court found her to be not competent to stand trial A Maryland mother whose two kids vanished more than a decade ago has been indicted on murder charges for a second time. Catherine Hoggle, 38, of Clarksburg, was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday, July 31, on two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the presumed deaths of Sarah and Jacob Hoggle, the Montgomery County States Attorneys Office announced in a press release on Monday, Aug. 4. PEOPLE has contacted Hoggle's attorney for comment but did not hear back in time for publication. Authorities have said Hoggle was the last known person to see 3-year-old Sarah and 2-year-old Jacob alive when they disappeared in September 2014, PEOPLE previously reported. They have never been found. At the time, Hoggle explained to her boyfriend and father of her children that she had placed their daughter and son in a new child care center. But Hoggle refused to divulge their whereabouts when Troy Turner planned to pick up the children, he told PEOPLE in 2017. He has since spearheaded countless searches and even launched a Facebook page, FindSarahFindJacob. My job is to find my kids, Turner previously told PEOPLE, and bring them home. Hoggle, who has struggled with mental illness, was initially charged with murder but those charges were dropped after a court found her to be not competent to stand trial, PEOPLE previously reported. 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. She has spent the past several years in a psychiatric facility but was released from the hospital last month, according to the Associated Press. She has not commented on the children's whereabouts to authorities. The Montgomery County States Attorneys Office said Hoggle was arrested Friday, Aug. 1, after investigators learned she had been discharged from the facility. She is scheduled to have a bond review hearing on Monday. Read the original article on People Several House Democrats, including members of the "Squad," criticized the United States over the weekend at a conference in Mexico City that questioned U.S. influence and policies, with one lawmaker saying she was prouder to be Guatemalan than American. The second annual Panamerican Congress brought leftist officials from all over North and South America. Those in attendance included Democratic lawmakers: Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ayanna Presley of Massachusetts, Summer Lee of Pennsylvania and Jesus Gilberto Garcia and Delia Ramirez of Illinois. All are members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Establishment-backed Democrat Wins High-profile Congressional Primary In Arizona Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., speaks during a news conference with immigration experts, DACA recipients, and Dreamers. Over the weekend, she attended a conference in Mexico City where she said she was a proud Guatemalan before an American. During her remarks at the opening of the event, Ramirez spoke about the Trump administration's illegal immigration crackdown and her own ancestry. "Im a proud Guatemalan before Im an American," she declared in Spanish. The congresswoman also accused the U.S. of prioritizing "imperialism, militarization, conquest, control, competition in its attempt at domination." Read On The Fox News App On her website, Ramirez, the child of immigrant parents, said her husband is in the country illegally and that she is the only congressional lawmaker "in a mixed-status marriage, and fights for the rights of DREAMers like her husband, Boris, and for comprehensive immigration reform." The White House condemned the remarks made by Ramirez, as well as her fellow Democrats. "These Democrats comments are despicable and underscore their commitment to putting Americans last," White House spokesperson Liz Huston told Fox News Digital. "In stark contrast, President Trump is working tirelessly to secure peace deals, deport illegal alien criminals, and advance Americas interests at home and abroad." 'War Criminal Netanyahu': 'Squad' Members Erupt Over Israel's 'Reckless' Strike On Iran Fox News Digital has reached out to Ramirezs office, as well as several lawmakers who attended the summit. In addition to immigration, speakers also voiced their views on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Colombias deputy minister of multilateral affairs, praised Tlaib during his speech, calling her a "symbol of resistance," which prompted a standing ovation once he finished speaking. The summit was organized by the leader of Progressive International, a radical left-wing group that describes capitalism as a "virus" that must be "eradicated" in partnership with Morena, Mexicos ruling left-wing party, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported. Watch: Aoc Opens Up About Meeting Zohran Mamdani, Ice Activity In Nyc Gerardo Fernandez Norona, president of the Mexican Senate and member of Morena, called out the "persecution" of migrants in the U.S. under the Trump administration. He called it "unjust, infamous, incorrect persecution where just for being a migrant and just for your skin color or your nationality, you are persecuted." "They are not only imprisoned, but sent to a prison that has been banned since World War II, such as Alligator Alcatraz," he said. "The United States government is grieving over drug use, but I haven't seen a single raid like the one they carry out against migrants against people who sell drugs in the United States." In a TV interview before the event, David Adler, the general coordinator for Progressive International and one of the summits main coordinators, said the intention of the summit was to confront authoritarian and fascist threats and shift authority from Washington, D.C. to developing countries, the DCNF reported, in the Global South, a term used to describe a loose division of nations across different continents that are generally poorer, have high levels of inequity and harsher living conditions. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at AmericaFest, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix. The EPA said the letter was not representative of the Trump administration's objectives. On its website, Progressive Internation described the U.S. as the "lynchpin of that imperial violence a position it has carefully built over two centuries." The group cited U.S. military installations overseas and the massive Pentagon budget. "US militarism sustains profound political tensions around the world. Its interventions have destroyed nation after nation, leaving a trail of violence and sorrow in their wake," the website states. "Ending US militarism means saving lives." Original article source: House Dem declares she is a 'proud Guatemalan' before American at Progressive International conference Israeli soldiers watch the northern Gaza Strip from southern Israel on Thursday. - Ohad Zwigenberg/AP Negotiations on a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza appear to be at an impasse, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaning towards expanded military operations and Hamas demanding the humanitarian situation be addressed before it returns to talks. Netanyahu will urge a meeting of the security cabinet to support the full conquest of the Strip according to reports in Israeli media that were described as accurate by a source familiar with the matter. Israels Ynet cited senior officials close to Netanyahu as saying: The die is cast were going for full conquest. If the Chief of Staff doesnt agree he should resign. The source told CNN that the defense establishment opposes an expansion of ground operations in areas where the hostages are believed to be held, as it would risk putting them in harms way. Asked about plans to widen the military campaign, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday it reflected a wish to see all the hostages come back, and the wish to see the end of this war after the talks for a partial deal were not successful. US President Donald Trump voiced no concern about the reported plans and said its up to Israel whether to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, even as he said he wanted more aid to enter the enclave. I dont know what the suggestion is. I know that we are there now trying to get people fed, Trump said on Tuesday when questioned whether he supported Israel occupying Gaza. The alleged plans were criticized by a group of mothers of Israeli soldiers, saying it would be fatal for both hostages and soldiers. The Palestinian Authority called on the international community to intervene. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said Tuesday the proposed direction will lead to all the hostages dying from starvation, beatings, and torture, and being at risk due to IDF operations. Miroslav Jenca, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, described the reports of the possible military expansion as deeply alarming if true. This would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza, Jenca said at a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday. But Trump said he would leave the decision to Israel, saying his goal was to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I know Israel is going to help us with that in terms of distribution and also money, he said. The Arab states are going to help us with that, in terms of the money and possibly distribution. So thats what Im focused on. As far as the rest of it, I really, I really cant say, he concluded. Thats going to be pretty much up to Israel. Humanitarian crisis continues Trumps comments comes after his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff spent three hours with the families of Israeli hostages on Saturday. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum quoted him as saying that 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 thats the only way. We have a plan to end the war and bring everyone home, Witkoff reportedly added. Someone will be to blame if the remaining living hostages do not return to Israel still alive, he said, according to the forum. When asked, Witkoffs team did not offer any further information on the special envoys comments. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, center, arrives to meet families of hostages in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday. - Ariel Schalit/AP Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. There was widespread shock in Israel at the release of images by Hamas at the weekend of two of the hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski looking weak and emaciated. Davids brother, Ilay, told the UN Security Council on Tuesday that he and his mother could not bring themselves to watch the video of his brother, but that his father and sister did. They had to see him, to hear his voice, to feel him somehow. Now those images haunt them. My father cannot sleep, and my mother has not stopped crying ever since, he said. Netanyahu said the images demonstrated that Hamas dont want a deal. They want to break us with these horrifying videos, with the false horror propaganda theyre spreading around the world. However, the families forum warned the government against expanding the military campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu is preparing the greatest deception of all. The repeated claims of freeing hostages through military victory are a lie and a public fraud, the forum said Sunday. The forum called on Israel and Hamas to commit to bringing the 50 hostages home, ending the war, and then rebuilding and reviving Israel, the statement said. A video released by Hamas of hostage Evyatar David is displayed at a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday. - Ammar Awad/Reuters Hamas has insisted it is committed to negotiations but only when the catastrophic humanitarian situation is addressed, according to Basem Naim, a senior Hamas political official. Another Hamas official, Mahmoud Mardawi, told CNN last week there was no point in continuing talks as long as Gazas starvation crisis persists. Hunger-related deaths in Gaza spiked in July, the World Health Organization said last week. Malnutrition rates reached alarming levels, with more than 5,000 children under five admitted for outpatient treatment of malnutrition in just the first two weeks of July, WHO said. The Hamas-controlled Government Media Office in Gaza said Monday that 600 truckloads of aid were needed every day to alleviate the hunger crisis and claimed that in the past week an average of 84 trucks a day had entered the territory. COGAT, the Israeli agency supervising the delivery of aid into Gaza, said Monday that more than 200 trucks were collected and distributed by the UN and international organizations on Sunday. But many of the trucks that do get in are looted, either by desperate civilians or organized gangs. The United Nations said on Friday that nearly 1,400 people have been killed since the end of May while seeking food; 859 in the vicinity of sites run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and 514 along the routes of food convoys. Palestinians leave a food distribution point run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), near the Netzarim Corridor in the central Gaza Strip on Sunday. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images The UN said that most of the killings were committed by the Israeli military. Thirty people were killed on Sunday while trying to get food, 19 of them in the north and 11 in the vicinity of an aid site run by the GHF in Rafah, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. CNN has reached out to the Israeli military for comment. Opinion polls in Israel have consistently shown a large majority in favor of ending the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of the hostages. A new survey by the Institute for National Security Studies found that 38% of Israeli Jews thought it was not possible to disarm Hamas; 57% thought it was possible. On Monday, hundreds of retired Israeli security officials urged Trump to pressure Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza. It is our professional judgement that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel, the former officials wrote in an open letter shared with the media on Monday. At first this war was a just war, a defensive war, but when we achieved all military objectives, this war ceased to be a just war, said Ami Ayalon, former director of the Shin Bet security service. But far-right members of the government are pushing for the occupation of much of Gaza and measures to encourage its population to leave the territory altogether. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to push to "occupy all of the Gaza Strip" as ceasefire talks with Hamas founder and the hunger crisis in the besieged Palestinian enclave spirals. A bid by Netanyahu to occupy all of Gaza would follow similar calls from members of his far-right government upon whom his fragile coalition relies, and could mark a significant shift in policy since Israel withdrew from the territory in 2005. Officials from Netanyahu's office said in a statement shared with NBC News on Monday night that the Israeli leader had decided to "occupy all of the Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages may be held." The statement was shared in Hebrew and the term used can be translated to mean both "occupy" and "conquer." Netanyahu's office did not immediately respond to a request for clarification on the intended definition, but Israeli media, including The Times of Israel, reported that Netanyahu intended to "fully occupy" the enclave. A family living in a makeshift tent in Yarmouk camp, where they pick out food scraps among waste material, on Wednesday. (Dawoud Abo Alkas / Anadolu via Getty Images) Israeli media reported that Netanyahu would hold a limited security meeting Tuesday to discuss the future of Israel's campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu had said Monday he planned to convene the security Cabinet this week to "instruct" the Israeli military on how to achieve the three war objectives laid out at the start of Israel's offensive in Gaza: defeating Hamas, seeing the release of hostages who remain held in the enclave and removing the threat of possible future attacks. Asked to confirm if the meeting would take place Tuesday, his office did not respond directly and referred NBC News to his comments Monday. While the Hamas-led attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, that left 1,200 dead and saw 250 taken hostages garnered worldwide sympathy for Israel, the country's actions in the territory have since sparked widespread international outrage. The United States remains the biggest supplier of arms to Israel, with American spending on Israel's military operations reaching more than $17.9 billion from Oct. 7 last year to Sept. 30, according to Brown Universitys Costs of War Project. There has been growing global alarm over Israels actions in the enclave amid a hunger crisis caused by the offensive and strict restrictions on the entry of aid, marked by mounting deaths from starvation. The worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding in the Gaza Strip under Israels assault, the worlds leading body on hunger said last week. Meanwhile, most of its residents have been driven from their homes and more than 60,900 killed, including thousands of children, according to local health officials. A girl stands over a person who was killed while seeking food at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution point. (AFP via Getty Images) Nearly 190 people in Gaza, including at least 94 children, have died from malnutrition since the war began, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza. There is mounting opposition to the war among Israelis. Many have long despaired over the fate of of the estimated 20 living hostages remaining in Gaza, and recent protests have expressed outrage over the children dying from malnutrition. Fears for the hostages were also fueled after Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad released imagery in recent days showing visibly gaunt Israeli hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski. Earlier this month, a group representing hundreds of retired Israeli security officials that calls itself the Commanders for Israels Securitys leadership addressed a letter to President Donald Trump calling on him to pressure Israel to end the war. In the letter, which was confirmed to NBC News, the group said it was its professional judgment that Hamas no longer posed a strategic threat and that it was time to end the war, return the hostages and stop the suffering. While the reoccupation of Gaza is largely unpopular with the Israeli public, it is supported on the far right. Over the weekend, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for Israel to "conquer" Gaza to and to encourage Palestinians to leave the enclave. A boy searches for food scraps or materials to sell in the garbage dumps around the Firas market in Gaza City. (Dawoud Abo Alkas / Anadolu via Getty Images) Ben-Gvir drew condemnation not only for his comments, but also for leading a group of worshippers in prayer at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as Temple Mount, violating a decades-old agreement allowing Jews to visit to Jerusalems most sensitive holy site but not to worship there. Ben-Gvir has repeatedly called for Israel to "conquer" Gaza, and called for rebuilding of Israeli settlements there alongside other right-wing ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Israel captured the Gaza Strip, then occupied by Egypt, after the 1967 war, but withdrew settlers some of them forcefully in 2005. In 2006, residents elected the Islamist militant and political group Hamas in legislative elections, precipitating clashes with the more secular Palestinian faction of Fatah. Hamas seized full control of the enclave in 2007. Dr. Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb were found dead Saturday from apparent gunshot wounds. (GoFundMe / Berkeley Township PBA Local 237 ) A New Jersey State Police lieutenant, who also served on Gov. Phil Murphys security detail, is accused of following his ex-girlfriend home from work Friday evening and fatally shooting her and her new boyfriend. The shootings happened near a residence in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township. Dr. Lauren Semanchik, 33, a veterinarian, and Tyler Webb, 29, a firefighter, were found dead Saturday from apparent gunshot wounds, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. State Police Lt. Ricardo Jorge Santos is accused of shooting Semanchik and Webb before he killed himself, prosecutors said. He was found dead in a white Mercedes SUV parked in Piscataway. A gun was in the vehicle, the release said. The Middlesex County Medical Examiners Office preliminarily determined his death to be a suicide. State police did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. A spokesman for Murphy, the governor, said, "We are shocked and devastated by this horrific tragedy." "Due to the law enforcement investigation currently underway, we will refrain from further comment at this time," the spokesman said. Prosecutor Renee Robeson called the deaths a "senseless and devastating loss." "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Dr. Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, whose lives were tragically taken in an act of domestic violence," Robeson said in a statement. "We urge anyone experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse to seek help and know they are not alone," she said. "Resources are available, and there is strength in reaching out. Together, we will continue to work toward a safer future for all." Semanchik and Webb had recently started dating, prosecutors said. She had ended a relationship with Santos around September. Her sister, Deanna Semanchik, said Semanchik and Santos met in early 2024. At the time, Semanchik was using a wheelchair after having gotten into an accident. Santos would do everything for Semanchik, and her sister thought it was "so beautiful and so helpful." "He was her knight in shining armor, and I think he really liked being able to do that," she said in a phone call Tuesday. But the relationship changed when Semanchik got better and returned to work "because he was no longer her main attention," her sister said. She said Santos would start fights, accuse her of cheating and read her diary. After about six months of dating, the pair broke up. Deanna Semanchik said Santos would repeatedly call and text her sister. She alleged that he placed recording devices in Semanchik's home while she wasnt there and vandalized her car. "I made her get cameras and put a lock on her door," Deanna Semanchik said. "I live in Colorado, and I wanted her to be safe. There was only so much I could do. This was my biggest nightmare." Semanchik also sought help from Franklin Township police. Deanna Semanchik said her sister filed a police report with the department in May after her car was keyed. She said the department contacted Santos and told him he was suspected of vandalism. Semanchik then went down to the station to speak with police in person but was told no one was available and given a phone number to call. Deanna Semanchik said her sister left a message but never heard back from the department. After her sister contacted police, Santos "went quiet," but Deanna Semanchik was still concerned for her sisters safety. "I told [my family] that I think shes in trouble and she needs to be more vigilant about her surroundings," she said. Franklin Township police did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. On the day of the shootings, a video security system installed in Semanchik's car captured a white Mercedes SUV following her as she drove home, the prosecutor's office said. The video showed her leaving work in Long Valley on Friday as the SUV pulled out of a parking space and closely trailed her until she arrived home. The video showed a person "surreptitiously walking through the wooded area along the driveway leading up to the residence," prosecutors said. Webbs vehicle then arrived at the home and parked next to Lauren Semanchiks vehicle. The prosecutor's office said Franklin Township police were initially called to the area just after 7 p.m. Friday for reports of gunshots and screaming. Officers, however, did not find anything. On Saturday afternoon, the police department got another 911 call reporting that a woman had been found unconscious at a home. Responding officers discovered Semanchik's and Webb's bodies. Deanna Semanchik said she wishes her sister's concerns had been taken more seriously and wants it to be a lesson for others. "Talk to your people. Tell the truth, dont lie for them, dont defend them to make them look better," she said. "And we need to hold more men and more people of authority accountable." Courtesy of Palm House Scenic views from the Presidential Suite's balcony Palm House Hotel Palm House Hotel, a recently opened hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, was named among the best new hotels of the year, according to Travel + Leisure's 2025 It List. The whimsical decor delivers a fresh take on the classic Palm Beach aesthetic with plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. The hotels central location in Palm Beach is perfect for travelers who don't want to rent a car. The swimming pool is heated, the rooms are spacious with separate seating areas, and bikes are available for guest use. See at Hotels.com In the lobby of the Palm House Hotel, the newest stay in Palm Beach, Florida, guests are greeted by a shimmering mural of shells and coral. When Minda Dowling, a veteran hospitality art curator, asked local artist Christa Wilm to create the piece, she had a very specific vision in mind. I wanted the murals to be like Schiaparellitotally surreal, so that when people were in there drinking and listening to music and having adventures, that was the background to their experience, Dowling explained. What Wilm delivered was a cascade of mother-of-pearl motifs and coral anchoring the vaulted space. The Palm House Hotel lobby is crowned by a trio of striking Murano glass chandeliers suspended above plush ruby-colored sofas and armchairs, all opposite a beautiful pink stone bar. CROBERT GRANOFF/ourtesy of Palm House The mural in the lobby by Christa Wilm. Palm Beach is not known for minimalism, and Palm House Hotel, which was named among the best new hotels on T+L's 2025 It List, embraces the wealthy enclaves obsession with busy palm leaf prints and pastels. It does so in a modern and sophisticated way thanks to hospitality heavyweights like Dowling and interior design studio Muza Lab. The hotels opening also marks an important milestoneit is the first American property in the Iconic Luxury Hotels portfolio by the London-based L+R Hotels, which also includes the Cliveden House in the UK and the Excelsior Venice Lido in Italy. Palm House Hotel, which took over a historic 1960s pink building in the heart of Palm Beach on Royal Palm Way, certainly has what it takes to excite the local crowd and out-of-towners alike: a contemporary Japanese-Peruvian restaurant with al fresco seating, a museum-worthy photography collection celebrating Palm Beachs lifestyle by artists like Slim Aarons and Tim MacPherson, 79 rooms and suites offering a stylish home base with amenities such as balconies and private outdoor areas with sun loungers, and a Gray Malin-worthy swimming pool and deck. Read on for a full review of what its like to stay at the Palm House Hotel. The Rooms Courtesy of Palm House Interior of the Presidential Suite's bedroom The hotel has 58 rooms, divided into four categories, and 21 suites, including a butler-serviced two-story Presidential Suite with an Alaskan king-size bed, a dining area, two balconies, and a kitchen. The accommodations are spread across three stories and two main wings, with the lobby, dining room and bar, and pool at the heart of the property. My husband, six-year-old son, and I stayed in a Grand Double Queen Bedroom on the ground floor, which I would recommend if youre traveling with young kids. The room has a private patio with two loungers and is near the pool, which was an added bonus. I appreciated the safety of the ground-floor location and fenced outdoor space, which I used for soaking up the sun on more than one occasion. ROBERT GRANOFF/Courtesy of Palm House Large windows of the Presidential Suite living room leads to one of the two terraces Both my husband and I are early risers, so a good coffee maker and a strong brew are among my top in-room amenities. To my delight, all rooms are stocked with Nespresso coffee machines. In the bathrooms, youll find Natura Blisse toiletries, robes, and plush oversized towels. However, what struck me the most was the generous size of the rooms, which average 550 square feet. Our room had a working desk and a small sitting area and there was enough space for my son to play. While the room was near the lobby, I didnt find it noisy. We could definitely hear distant conversations during cocktail hour, but by nighttime, we were able to fall blissfully asleep in the comfortable beds and crisp Ocochi bedding. Art and Design Courtesy of Palm House The dining room inside the Presidential Suite Muza Lab has done a masterful job with the interiors of the hotel, celebrating Palm Beachs established design codes and blending them with contemporary touches. According to Inge Moore, the companys founder, and Pin Su, the senior project designer, the goal was to create a space for seduction and a place that makes you smile. A key component was the materialsshells, custom-made ceramic tiles, antique mirror motifs, natural raffia, and Murano glassinvoke the coastal elegance of Palm Beach. The colors, classic Palm Beach pink and greenare seen throughout the property, establishing an undeniable sense of place. Similarly, Dowling blended the past and present by showcasing vintage 1960s Slim Aarons photography from Palm Beach with contemporary pieces by artists like Tim MacPherson (All Things Pink depicts a pink-headed woman driving a pink Cadillac with a pink dog in the back seat). A series of six photographs of synchronized swimmers by artist Brad Walls hung in the hallway outside our room, and it became my favorite sight each day. In essence, the art collection is the epitome of Palm Beach: playful and so very glamorous. It was really important for us to stand out, to be different. One, because we were the new kids on the block; two, because we're British; and three, because I wanted to shake things up a bit, Dowling explained. Food and Drink ROBERT GRANOFF/Courtesy of Palm House The Palm Bar inside the hotels lobby When I visited at the beginning of 2025 Palm House Hotel had only been opened for a few weeks, but its bar and restaurant were already the talk of the town. Every evening, by 6 p.m., lively chatter filled up the lobby as guests were enjoying classic cocktails and light bites at the Palm Bar, serviced by a duo of tuxedo-clad bartenders. The menu also stands out with its excellent selection of Daiginjo sake, and Asian-inspired twist on beloved drinks. I tasted the Matsuhisa martini, prepared with sake, Suntory Haku vodka, and ginger and japanese cucumber. The Palm House Dining Room is adjacent to the lobby and bar area, but has different design, blending Pam Beach glamor with Japanese minimalism. Here, Chef Jerry Ayala offers an extensive menu of kushiyaki (we thoroughly enjoyed the chicken skewers), sushi, nigiri, and cold and hot dishes, including Japanese A5 Wagyu from Miyazaki prefecture, toro tartare with caviar, and tender, miso-glazed black cod. The standout, however, was the fresh seafood ceviche, which we savored on the restaurants breezy outdoor deck, overlooking the pool. Courtesy of Palm House The Palm House Hotel's main dining room. For dessert, we ordered the banana caramel soy Toban-Yaki, which my six-year-old devoured almost by himself, and the Bento Box, consisting of decadent chocolate fondant cake and matcha gelato. The Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and those lounging by the pool can also order from a full food and beverage menu. Experiences and Activities ROBERT GRANOFF/Courtesy of Palm House Lounge chairs line the hotel's pool At the heart of the hotel is a heated swimming pool, framed by elegant sun loungers, cabanas, and pink umbrellas. The pool has steps on one end, where children mostly played, while the opposite end is about 4.5-feet deep. For those, who dont like to skip workouts on vacation, a gym is also available on the ground floor of the hotel. Or you can grab a bike from Guest Services, and enjoy a scenic bike ride along the coastline. However, my favorite amenity was the beach concierge. Just ask the hotel team, and they will set you up with loungers, an umbrella, complimentary mocktails, and a cooler on the beach. Visiting with a six-year-old also meant we took advantage of the house car pretty oftenit was just a quick call or message away, to take us anywhere within a couple-mile radius of the hotel. Location The hotels location is one of the highlightsjust minutes from Worth Avenue with all its designer shopping, galleries, and chic restaurants, and a block away from the beach. Henry Morrison Flaglers Gilden Age mansion that houses a collection of opulent furnishings and art is a quick five-minute drive, while the The Society of the Four Arts is practically down the street and offers an extensive cultural programming, including many children activities. We spent hours playing on the beach and walking around town, eating lunch at Henrys Palm Beach, and getting ice cream at Sprinkles. Accessibility and Sustainability The ADA features of the hotel include a pool lift and an entrance ramp, while the rooms have automated doors and remote-controlled blinds. Sustainability efforts include the use of agave straws, paper cups, and electric vehicle chargers. Palm House Hotel is not part of any loyalty program, but the property offers several packages that allow you to save up to 30 percent on your stay. Nightly rates at the hotel start from $1,289 during peak season and $499 for the off-season. See at Hotels.com Read the original article on Travel & Leisure A federal judge in California temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending the legal status and deportation protections for tens of thousands of immigrants from Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua. While it could be suspended by a higher court, the ruling is a reprieve for more than 60,000 immigrants who had been previously allowed by the U.S. government to live and work in the country legally for years and in some cases, since the late 1990s, under the Temporary Protected Status program. Immigrants from Nepal enrolled in the TPS program were set to lose their legal status next week, on Aug. 5. TPS holders from Honduras and Nicaragua, meanwhile, were slated to see their work permits and deportation protections under the program expire in early September. U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson in San Francisco ordered the planned TPS terminations for these countries to be postponed through at least Nov. 18, when she scheduled a hearing on the merits of a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision. Thompson said the delay could be extended beyond Nov. 18. Created by Congress in 1990, TPS allows the Department of Homeland Security to offer a temporary safe haven in the form of deportation deferrals and work authorization to immigrants from countries beset by armed conflict, an environmental disaster or other crises. Those enrolled in TPS are generally immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally or who arrived legally on temporary visas and then applied for the humanitarian program. The Trump administration has sought to severely curtail TPS programs, arguing that some of them are contrary to U.S. national interests and that they've been in place for too long, despite their temporary nature and improved conditions in the relevant countries. The administration, for example, has noted that the TPS programs for Honduras and Nicaragua were first created in 1999, after Hurricane Mitch caused catastrophic floods and killed thousands in Central America. The TPS program for Nepal was announced in 2015, after an earthquake hit the small Asian country. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has said all three countries have recovered from those environmental disasters. But Thompson, the San Francisco-based federal judge, said the TPS holders who sued the Trump administration were likely to succeed in their arguments that Noem's decisions were "preordained" actions that did not fully consider lingering conditions in Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua. Thompson, who was appointed by former President Biden, also found the plaintiffs were likely to prevail in arguing that Noem's decisions were "motivated by racial animus." Thompson cited statements by Noem that she said stereotyped the TPS program and associated immigrants with criminality. The judge also referenced a comment made by President Trump during the 2024 campaign in which he said migrants entering the U.S. illegally were "poisoning the blood of our country." "The freedom to live fearlessly, the opportunity of liberty, and the American dream. That is all Plaintiffs seek. Instead, they are told to atone for their race, leave because of their names, and purify their blood. The Court disagrees," Thompson wrote in her order. DHS castigated the ruling in a statement Friday, calling it "disgusting" and saying it "sounds like a New York Times opinion piece." DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin accused the judge of "race-baiting" and said the administration will appeal. According to official government statistics, there are 72,000 Hondurans, 12,700 Nepalis and 4,000 Nicaraguans enrolled in the TPS policy. Some of them, however, have been able to gain green cards, or lawful permanent U.S. residency, including 21,000 of the Honduran TPS holders. An estimated 5,500 and 1,100 TPS holders from Nepal and Nicaragua, respectively, have also become permanent residents, according to government data. Since Mr. Trump took office, his administration has announced plans to terminate TPS for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, including Afghans, Cameroonians, Haitians and Venezuelans. Federal courts have blocked some of those terminations, but the Supreme Court allowed the administration to revoke the TPS protections of more than 300,000 Venezuelans. 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" Courtesy of the writer "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Recently, Phoebe Philo released her latest drop, titled "Collection D. The clothes are riveting: fuzzy fur micro-shorts worn with a transparent t-shirt; a deliciously droopy suit with pumped-up shoulders and a waist cinched by pocket patches; a pair of heels decorated with clunky buckles, their straps splayed out around the feet in the shape of Edwards scissor hands. Philos clothes are twisted fantasies of everyday fashion. They are, as our editor-in-chief Samira Nasr told The Washington Posts Rachel Tashjian last month, for grown-ass women. They turn your brain on and bring you ten steps above everyone else in the room. They are for women who want to be seen, heard, and felt. I am certainly one of these women, and the uninhibited seduction of statement-making clothes, paired with the internal rush they can provide, has been very much on my mind. Courtesy of Phoebe Philo Over the last six months, Ive ached for odd shapes and silhouettes, for bigger volumes and exaggerated angles. During the week, I survey my small closet and think: How flat. On weekends, I grab drab basics for running to the playground and the grocery store. Ive spent hours pining for balloon-shaped bomber jackets, way too-big pants, and 3D dressesthe weirder, the better. I saw stylist Lotta Volkova in Philos insane wavy hoop skirt and thought: I NEED IT. Jonathan Andersons bustled cargos for Dior mens sent me into a tailspin. And Rihannas pregnant bump resting on Pieter Muliers sci-fi, disk-hipped Alaia skirt? It made me want to have a second child, if only for the possibility of the clothes I could put on my body. My desire to wear something not of this planet might simply be because thereve been all of these fantastic options lately. Prada always delivers clothes that blow my brain, but it could also have something to do with All-Ins new gen, next-level 9-to-5 gals or Tory Burchs twisted American sportswear for Fall 2025. Maybe it stems from my newly-found love affair with Tabi boots, a hoofed shoe that used to give me the creeps. Or maybe its deeper. Maybe right now Im just desperately in need of clothes that help me speak louder, take up more space, and beat a path through the chaos of life. Launchmetrics/Thomas Lizzi/Getty Images Ive always been a balanced dresser with a balanced personalitya Libra forever split-leg on the scales, never ready to reveal too many emotions up front. Ive always gravitated towards straight, tight silhouettes, things that make me feel zipped up, pulled together, hot, un-silly, and unencumbered by excess fabrics or embellishments. I very rarely wear jewelry, and I hate hats. I do love color and wacky prints, especially when they are vintage, but I am certainly not a peacock. I dip a toe into the unconventional, but never dive in headfirst. A Midwesterner who was raised by lawyers, I am a practical soul at heart. Ive never been the loudest person in the room, in matters of voice or fashion. I keep calm and carry on, do the work, rock no boats, push ahead. My clothes, I think, have always reflected this temperament, even if some experimentation and kookiness have crept in from time to time. But right now, something in me is shouting. My headstrong toddler, whom I love with all of my heart, has been driving me insane. An immediate family dynamic is experiencing a seismic, heartbreaking shift that I am trying to navigate. I am profoundly lucky in so many ways, but chaos is swirling around me at the moment. Fashion has always afforded me a chance to escape, to put my to-do lists, looming deadlines, and personal issues to the side and just think about what I want to wear. Often, getting dressed is my breathwork, my hot yoga, my cocktail at the end of a long day. Its trite, but its true. But these days, when it comes to fashion, Im starting to crave an electric shock more than a warm bath. I dont want to just dress, and I dont just want to express myself. I want to be seen and felt, and I want to feel more strength. Ive always admired my friends and colleagues who wear their clothes with abandon and exude power, whether that means wrapping themselves in volumes of fabric or shapeshifting with Philo-esque trousers and skirts that pay no mind to rules of anatomy or geometry. These are people like Chloe King, director of fashion and lifestyle at Saks Global, whose closet consists of deliriously joyful prints from Dries Van Noten and the brightest hues and the most bananas silhouettes by Christopher John Rogers. She also loves a gloriously wacky headpiece. Theres I.D.s Global Editorial Director Steff Yotka, who piles pleated Chopova Lowena skirts on with vintage Prada prints and Rick Owens platform boots. Lynette Nylander, our executive digital director, will roll up to the office in a Junya Watanabe straight jacket or a pair of just-sheer-enough Alaia pants constructed with an undulating pannier waist. These women, and so many others I am blessed to know and work with, inspire me to do more, to come face-to-face with silhouettes and fabrics that intimidate me. In an effort to let out some of that internal loudness I feel reverberating in me, Ive been trying on new shapes and volumes and colors. Ive been tossing the high-waisted jeans and tees aside and wearing a giant pleated tie-dye Prada skirt this summer. Ive ditched my loose cardigans and carpenter jackets and, at the flea market in Paris recently, bought a 1980s Lolita Lempicka blazer in hot hot pink with ultra-padded shoulders, a nipped waist, and metal fastenings for buttons. Instead of an easy floral dress, I grab an exaggerated A-line skirt with off-kilter belts from Junya Watanabe at least once a week. A few days ago, I took a stroll to Bergdorf Goodman to try on that undulating hoop skirt from Philo, paired with a simple tank and a cropped jacket with padded shoulders and panels hanging down my sides. I also put on a puffy Marc Jacobs kooky doll dress with padding at the boobs and hips. In these looks, I found that I stood a little taller and straighter, that I strutted instead of walked. Courtesy of the writer A lot of traditional style advice (and many a Substack newsletter) tells women, especially moms, to do lessfind your uniform, invest in classics, get the 90s minimal look. Practical fashion is boxed into specific colorways, cuts, and fabrics: neutrals, tea-length, cotton poplin. And thats reasonable, because for the vast majority of us, fashion has to be practical. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to dress that way, to lean into what is necessary. But I dont want the Substack advice, and I dont want to go down the algorithm rabbit holes. I need to challenge myself. And it feels like the right time to do so, not only because of my burning desire to inject more glamour and absurdity into my style, but because were on the precipice of what I hope will be an extraordinary new vibe shift in fashion overall. In a few months, well witness nine debuts of creative directors at luxury labels that lead the trend conversations. These designers may bring us new ideas about how to wear clothes, in both big and small ways. They have the opportunity to set a new standard for sartorial matters of the heartto give us a style agenda that favors intuition and intrigue over uniforms and fleeting micro-trends. launchmetrics If Philos collection kicked my personal style vibe shift into overdrive a couple of weeks ago, I suppose it was Rei Kawakubo who jumpstarted it all back in March. I watched her Fall 2025 Comme des Garcons collection come down the runway with wells of tears in my eyes. I dont think Ive ever cried at a fashion show; Im just not that kind of fan. But I was moved at the sight of Kawakubos elaborate, surrealist creations, pieces that made me feel like I got hit with a turbo booster as they glided heavily, regally, through a small space packed with her loyal devotees. Kawakubo was making a point about how things in the worldfashion, wealth, ideashave gotten too big and too hollow (or perhaps the phrase is too flat). The collection was about how, especially at an independent brand like Comme desGarcons, small steps, tiny details, and soft fabrics can be built up to make something that feels strong and powerful and singular. Kawakubos creations usually start with pretty simple ideas, but in the end, the clothes take up a lot of space, physically and emotionally. Maybe Im building up to something bigger, slowly but surely. I dream of wearing Kawakubos Cubist houndstooth coat with panels that were plopped to the sides and puffed out, nearly striking the legs of the audience. I imagine throwing on her dress made of piled-up cocktail dresses and feeling beautifully deranged at some party where everyone else was in classic LBDs. Id die to show up at school drop-off wearing the crimson velvet corset dress with blobby knotted ruffles. That celebration of otherness, of dressing with audacity, is what Im after. Im learning to love whats bigger and bolder and therefore, giving myself more room to breathe (and to scream if I need to). I want to be that grown-ass woman, one who never apologizes for what she does, thinks, says, or wearsfreaky skirts, fierce suits, behemoth dresses, and all. Who knows, maybe Ill even give hats a chance too. You Might Also Like USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. T.J. Maxx isn't the only discount retailer opening new stores this month. Marshalls, a sister store of T.J. Maxx, has already opened one new store this month and has plans to open five more, according to its website. Both Marshalls and T.J. Maxx are owned by TJX Companies, which also owns brands such as HomeGoods, Sierra and HomeSense. The company touts itself as an "off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions." The newest batch of openings follows Ernie Herrman, CEO of T.J. Maxx's parent company TJX, announcing in May 2024 a goal of opening at least 1,300 additional locations globally across the TJX portfolio of stores. The company's first two stores opened in Massachusetts in 1977, according to the TJX website, and the company acquired Marshall's in 1995. At the time, Marshalls was the second largest off-price retailer in the U.S., with 496 stores. TJX stated in its first quarter earnings report that it owned and operated 1,338 T.J. Maxx locations and 1,234 Marshalls locations. The company also owns and operates 950 HomeGoods stores, 123 Sierra stores and 75 HomeSense stores. Heres what to know about this months Marshalls openings. Which states are getting new Marshalls locations? New stores are scheduled to open at the following locations on the following dates, according to the retailer's website. Aug. 7: 3900 SE 82nd Ave., Suite 1000, Portland, Oregon Aug. 7: 102 Yorktown Shopping Center Rd., Lombard, Illinois Aug. 14: 1964 West Morton Ave., Jacksonville, Illinois Aug. 14: 10131 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico Aug. 21: 1205 E. Pine Street, Suite C, Deming, New Mexico The company also recently opened a new store at 995 North State 434 in Altamonte Springs, Florida, according to its website. What does Marshalls sell? Similar to T.J. Maxx, Marshalls sells items across multiple categories, including clothes, home and beauty. Other items you can find at a Marshalls store include Halloween decorations, pet toys, makeup and luggage. TJX launched Marshalls' e-commerce site, Marshalls.com, in 2019, allowing customers to shop online. 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: Marshalls opening 5 new stores in August. Here's where. Michael Douglas Finally Responds to Sharon Stone's Claims About On-Set Tension originally appeared on Parade. More than 30 years after the groundbreaking film Basic Instinct hit theaters, its seductive star has shared new insight into her experience alongside her Academy Award-winning co-star. Sharon Stone, who stole the show as the ice pick-wielding Catherine Tramell, recently spoke to Business Insider about how her first stages of joining the project, which were marked by a unique rapport or perhaps lack thereof with Michael Douglas. In her interview published Aug. 1, the Oscar-nominated actress, 67, begins by explaining how Douglas, now 80, was initially hesitant to sign on to Basic Instinct because "he did not want to put his bare ass out on the screen with an unknown and I understood that. He wouldn't even test with me, but that was also for a different reason: We had an argument prior to that." The argument, she tells Business Insider, stems from an alleged incident that took place at the Cannes Film Festival. "A bunch of us were all sitting, and [Douglas] was talking about someone and their kids. I really, really knew this person he was talking about," Stone said. "So I said something and he responded to me, saying, 'What the f--- do you know?' It was in regard to a father-child relationship. Clearly, it triggered him." Stone continued, "So he screams this at me across a whole group of people. And I'm not the person who goes, 'Oh, excuse me, superstar.' I pushed back my chair and said to him, 'Let's step outside.' That's how we first met." Now, days after Stone's Business Insider interview surfaced, Douglas' team has issued a new statement in regards to Stone's anecdote about their first encounter. "A rep for Douglas says in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE that the actor 'was very surprised' by Stone's quotes, as he doesn't remember even meeting her until her screen test," the magazine reported Monday. Michael Douglas Finally Responds to Sharon Stone's Claims About On-Set Tension first appeared on Parade on Aug 4, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared. The Nevada Legislature building in Carson City. Lawmakers are considering a special session this year to address the state's economic growth.Photo by Dave Parker, provided by WikiMedia Commons. The Creative Commons license is at Attribution 3.0 Unported. Photo by Dave Parker. (The Center Square) - Nevada lawmakers are discussing a special session in order to try to pass bills that slipped through the 83rd legislative session. Legislators want to work to improve the economy in Nevada, but they are not planning to take on budgetary issues that might be brought on by the federal government's One Big Beautiful Bill Act has presented to the state. "We need to diversify our economy here in Nevada, particularly in southern Nevada," Sen. Roberta Lange, D-Clark, told The Center Square about her film tax incentives bill, SB 220, during the 83rd legislative session. "We had Covid and all the resorts shut down, it was eerie." Fears of an economic overreliance on the $100 billion tourism industry in Nevada helped push the state assembly to pass a competing tax incentive bill, with hopes to stimulate the Las Vegas film industry. But Assembly Majority Leader and Clark County Democrat Sandra Jauregui's AB 238 never received a state senate vote and died when the 83rd session ended. State political leaders are now saying Jauregui's bill could see a second life if a special session were called, as per KTNV. "The special session conversation is happening as we speak," Gov. Joe Lombardo told KTNV. "So there's some significant pieces of business that didn't make it through the normal process, I think we should address." The film incentives bill is only one of several that state lawmakers are reportedly open to reconsidering. Lombardo's crime bill, SB 457, was also considered possible for a vote in the special session. For it to take place, Lombardo would confer with legislative leaders on the session but the governor would decide the agenda. It would be the 36th special session in Nevada history, with more than half being called since 2001. They most often run for just a day, but can take several weeks. Without a special session, Nevada lawmakers would be unable to pass new legislation until the 84th regular session begins Feb. 1, 2027. Shortly after Nevada's 83rd session ended the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA, was passed, creating a number of budgetary shortfalls for the Silver State. The bill initially cut education funding in Nevada by $60 million but that provision was reversed. The state is ranked 37 by U.S. News for education nationally. But federal cuts to Medicaid could impact hospitals by $232 million. If the 36th special session is called, state fixes for these federal cuts are unlikely to be on the docket. "So a lot of things that we were in a quandary or wondering about are being deferred two years out, where we will have to address as part of the regular legislative session [in 2027], but as part of a special session it's not necessary," Lombardo told KTNV. Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Andreessen Horowitz, a top VC firm, has left Delaware and urged others to consider doing the same. The entities it moved to Nevada aren't corporations, so the move is more about sending a signal. One lawyer said a16z's move could advance its founder-friendly reputation. Andreessen Horowitz wants startup founders to reconsider their relationship with Delaware but the venture firm's own breakup with the state is more complicated than it seems. On July 22, the VC giant executed the plan it teased in a blog post earlier in the month, registering three new entities in Nevada: a16z Capital Management LLC, a16z Holdings LLC, and a16z Development LLC. The move wasn't just administrative it was meant as a signal, part of the firm's effort to convince founders that Delaware shouldn't be the default choice for forming their companies. Andreessen Horowitz, often called a16z, cited several reasons for moving to Nevada: stronger legal protection for corporate directors, tighter limits on shareholder lawsuits, and a business-friendly court system. It said this sets Nevada apart from Delaware, where an outsize share of America's business lawsuits are filed. Some critics say a16z's beef with Delaware's corporate laws don't make much sense because it's not a corporation; all the entities that it moved to Nevada are LLCs, or limited liability companies. "They're either being accidentally imprecise or intentionally disingenuous," said Samantha Prince, a law professor at Penn State University. "Andreessen is criticizing Delaware and its statutory corporate framework, but that doesn't apply to LLCs." Not all businesses are corporations Laypeople don't often draw distinctions between corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other legal entities. Even lawyers and judges sometimes can't keep it straight; a 2023 paper Prince co-authored found over 9,000 references to "limited liability corporations," which don't exist, in court documents. But the differences matter. Corporations are bound by corporate law that sets baselines for what directors must do and the rights of shareholders. Delaware's corporate laws and judges' decisions interpreting those laws are what have some so angry. By contrast, limited liability companies are "largely creatures of contract," said Ben Edwards, a corporate law professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which means they generally write their own rules in their operating agreements and other agreements among their members. While states also have laws that outline how LLCs work, they can often be overridden by agreement, said Prince. Founders rule Delaware's body of corporate law has attracted big businesses for more than a century. Lawyers see the law as responsive and reliable because of the large number of cases interpreting it, and they generally praise the smarts and sophistication of the state's judges. Recently, some have said Delaware court rulings could upset its business-friendly reputation. In 2024, two rulings challenged pro-CEO actions at Tesla and Moelis & Co., and another hit the brakes on Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Elon Musk responded by convincing investors to reincorporate Tesla in Texas. In its blog post, Andreessen alluded to its interests in other companies. "For founders considering a similar move, there is often a reluctance to leave Delaware, based in part on concerns for how investors will react," said the post, written by in-house lawyers Jai Ramaswamy and Andy Hill and government affairs partner Kevin McKinley. "As the largest VC firm in the country, we hope that our decision signals to our portfolio companies, as well as to prospective portfolio companies, that such concerns may be overblown," they continued. Just because Andreessen Horowitz isn't itself a corporation, it still needs to care about changes in corporate law, said Edwards, the UNLV professor. The firm "makes lots of investments in corporations, and so I think the criticisms that are saying, 'They're not giving their real reasons because they're not a corporation themselves' are really misplaced," Edwards said. "I think they have a strong and vibrant interest in the content of corporate law." Read the original article on Business Insider Brandi Glanville says she used Nair on her face and a parasite she calls "Caroline" migrated to escape it. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press) An experiment intended to rid The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Brandi Glanville of a facial parasite left the former reality TV star with chemical burns. In a short video posted to TikTok on Sunday that is a little startling and also a little painful-looking, Glanville, 52, said that she decided to use Nair to try to eradicate the parasite. However, the popular hair removal product aggravated her skin, leaving her with apparent chemical burns. "I know I look attractive, she joked. Good news, you dont have to spend a lot of money on peels and lasers anymore. During the clip, she referred to the parasite as Caroline, a possible reference to her Real Housewives rival Caroline Manzo. In January 2023, Manzo accused Glanville of sexual assault during filming. This led to both of them departing the Morocco set of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip. That was also where Glanville previously said she might have contracted the parasite. Glanville has denied all claims Manzo has made against her, calling them absurd, Page Six reports . In her TikTok video, Glanville claims the Nair successfully moved the parasite ("Caroline") to a different part of her face upon application. Nair is the fountain of youth, I figured it out, she said. But I overdid it seven minutes, dont do it. The first time Glanville shared information regarding the parasite, she claimed that she had consulted every doctor under the sun but to no avail. The mysterious condition was said to have left her with frequent facial swelling and missing teeth. Read more:Brandi Glanville spent $70K treating facial disfigurement from suspected 'parasite' She told ET in December 2024 that shed suspected a parasite had made its way into her system after the filming in Morocco. We had food sitting out for hours on end, and some of it was meat, she said, adding that medical complications began six months later. Glanville claimed that she had since spent more than $70,000 on noninvasive procedures to pinpoint exactly what was going on. Notably, she was on IV antibiotics that alleviated swelling but proved to be too expensive. Ive been on meds this whole year. I dont socialize. I dont go out, she said at the time. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. BANGKOK (Reuters) -Preliminary talks between Thailand and Cambodia defense officials started on Monday in Malaysia ahead of a key ministerial level meeting on Thursday, as a fragile truce continues to hold a week after the two sides agreed on a ceasefire. The ceasefire, which came after five days of border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, was reached at a meeting in Malaysia last Monday, with help from the United States and China also observing. The worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in over a decade included exchanges of artillery fire and jet fighter sorties, claiming at least 43 lives and leaving over 300,000 people displaced on both sides of the border. The ministers of defense of both countries are due to hold a meeting of the General Border Committee to discuss how to maintain the ceasefire, authorities on both sides said. The Thursday meeting will be observed by representatives from the United States, Chinna and Malaysia. Mistrust between the two neighbours has lingered despite the ongoing talks, with the Cambodia defence ministry accusing Thailand in a statement of violating the ceasefire agreement by using excavators and laying barbed wire in a contested border area. Thailand said both sides are maintaining their position without any significant movements. But "there are reports that the Cambodian side has modified their positions and reinforced their troops in key areas... to replace personnel lost in each area," said Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a Thai military spokesperson. Cambodia also demanded that Thailand releases 18 of its captured soldiers as soon as possible. Thailand said in a statement that the group are being treated well as "prisoners of war" and will be released after "a complete cessation of the armed conflict, not just a ceasefire." (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by David Stanway) A large statue of a mermaid in Denmark is set to be removed from public view after critics described it as ugly and pornographic and a mans hot dream of what a woman should look like. The 13ft tall Big Mermaid statue was originally unveiled in Copenhagen in 2006, just a few hundred yards from the famous statue of the Little Mermaid. It has caused controversy for years due to its exaggerated figure and large breasts. In 2018, it was moved to Dragr Fort, which lies several miles south of the city. Denmarks agency for palaces and culture is now preparing to remove the statue altogether, according to local media. The agency is said to have concluded that the mermaid figure does not fit with the cultural heritage of the fort, which dates back to 1910. The statue of the Big Mermaid (YouTube) The Independent has reached out to the agency for comment. Politikens art critic, Mathias Kryger, called the statue ugly and pornographic in comments reported byThe Guardian. Journalist Sorine Gotfredsen also described the statue as a mans hot dream of what a woman should look like in Danish newspaper Berlingske, adding it was unlikely to promote many womens acceptance of their own bodies. The newspapers debate editor, Aminata Corr Thrane, said that the scrutiny faced by the statue was akin to body shaming. Do naked female breasts have to have a specific academic shape and size to be allowed to appear in public? she wrote. The Big Mermaid has sparked controversy in Copenhagen (YouTube) Peter Bech, the man who designed and commissioned the statue, has fought back at criticism, insisting that the breasts are a proportional size. He told Danish broadcaster, TV 2 Kosmopol: The mermaid has completely normal proportions in relation to her size. Of course the breasts are big on a big woman. He added that the statue attracts tourists and slammed criticism as pure nonsense as he hoped a compromise could be reached. Mr Bech reportedly offered to donate the statue to the fort itself, to which Helle Barth, chair of Dragr muncipalitys climate, urban and business committee, told Berlingske: Its just hard to fit in. It takes up a lot of space. Copenhagen is famous for its statue of The Little Mermaid, a bronze statue unveiled in 1913 by Edvard Eriksen, depicting a mermaid becoming human in homage to Danish author Hans Christian Anderson. By Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States and Rwanda have agreed for the African country to accept up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S., the spokesperson for the Rwandan government and an official told Reuters, as President Donald Trump's administration takes a hardline approach toward immigration. The agreement, first reported by Reuters, was signed by U.S. and Rwandan officials in Kigali in June, said the Rwandan official, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding that Washington had already sent an initial list of 10 people to be vetted. "Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation," said the spokesperson for the Rwandan government, Yolande Makolo. "Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade." The White House and State Department had no immediate comment. The Department of Homeland Security referred questions to the State Department. 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. Rwanda has in recent years positioned itself as a destination country for migrants that Western countries would like to remove, despite concerns by rights groups that Kigali does not respect basic human rights. In May, the foreign minister said Rwanda was in the early stages of talks to receive immigrants deported from the United States. The Trump administration argues that third-country deportations help swiftly remove some migrants, including those with criminal convictions. Immigration hardliners see third-country removals as a way to deal with offenders who cannot easily be deported and could pose a threat to the public. Opponents have criticized the deportations as dangerous and cruel, since people could be sent to countries where they could face violence, have no ties and do not speak the language. US TO PROVIDE GRANT TO RWANDA Rwanda will be paid by the United States in the form of a grant, the official said, adding that the grant letter was finalized in July. The official declined to say how much the grant was for. The U.S. and Rwanda could extend the agreement beyond 250 people by mutual consent, the official said, adding that those deported to Rwanda do not have to stay in the country and can leave anytime they choose. Kigali will only accept those whose prison terms are complete or who have no criminal case against them, as there is no agreement with Washington that would allow people to serve out their U.S. sentence in Rwanda, the official said. No child sex offenders will be accepted. The Trump administration has pressed other countries to take migrants. It deported more than 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members to El Salvador in March, where they were jailed until they were released in a prisoner swap last month. 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 being contested in a federal lawsuit in Boston, a case that could potentially wind its way back to the conservative-leaning high court. Western and regional leaders have praised President Paul Kagame for transforming Rwanda from the ruins of the 1994 genocide that killed more than 1 million people into a thriving economy. Rights groups have accused him of abuses and of supporting rebels in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, accusations that he denies. Rwanda has also engaged in peace talks led by the Trump administration to bring an end to fighting in eastern Congo. The two African nations signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington in June, raising hopes for an end to fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year. The agreement to accept migrants deported from the U.S. is not the first such agreement Rwanda has reached. Kigali signed an agreement with Britain in 2022 to take in thousands of asylum seekers, a deal that was scrapped last year by then newly-elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer. No one was sent to Rwanda under the plan because of years of legal challenges. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Illustration: Lex Villena; Long Gao Wu, Sheila Fitzgerald Happy Tuesday, and welcome to another edition of Rent Free. This week's stories include: A California homeowner files yet another challenge to a local "inclusionary zoning" program. Oregon passes what might just be the most radical YIMBY reform yet. A federal judge sides with fair housing groups claiming that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is improperly dragging its feet on awarding federal fair housing enforcement grants. But first, our lead item on California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' declaration of NIMBY martial law to prevent duplexes from being built in areas of Los Angeles affected by this year's wildfires. Gavin Newsom, Karen Bass Declare NIMBY Martial Law California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass are doing their best to ensure that no new net housing is created during the rebuilding of Los Angeles' wildfire-ravaged neighborhoods. On Wednesday, the two issued twin executive orders that collectively suspend a state law allowing builders to build duplexes on single-family zoned properties and/or divide single-family zoned lots into separate properties. The state law, Senate Bill (S.B.) 9, was passed in 2021 with the goal of enabling more small-lot starter homes and "middle housing" in the state's lowest-density areas. Bass said in a statement issued a day prior to her executive order that while she supports the goal of S.B. 9, deploying it in the context of the Palisades rebuild would strain local infrastructure and heighten future fire risks. "Legislators in Sacramento could not have foreseen the bill's impact on the Palisades community as it works to rebuild from one of the worst natural disasters in state history," said Bass in a Tuesday statement. Permitting new duplexes and lot splits "could fundamentally alter the safety of the area." Critics of Newsom and Bass' orders argue that S.B. 9 already contains sufficient fire safety provisions and that suspending the law will only impair efforts to rebuild the Palisades. Sonja Trauss, executive director of YIMBY Law, which litigates to enforce state housing laws, says that the governor's post-disaster emergency powers to suspend laws are more properly applied to regulations that might inhibit recovery efforts. She gives the example of suspending procurement laws to expedite the purchase of emergency supplies. Suspending a law that allows additional housing construction does not fit that mold, she says. "S.B. 9, which allows duplexes on single-family lots, doesn't interfere with recovery. It is recovery," Trauss tells Reason. "For someone who had a single-family home and now has nothing, it might be a faster path for them to rebuild up to four units if that's more economically feasible." S.B. 9 already requires builders to meet updated ingress and egress standards. It also gives local governments discretion to deny S.B. 9 projects if they have health or safety impacts that cannot be mitigated. Nevertheless, Newsom's executive order says that "the unprecedented scale of this disaster calls for affording local governments increased discretion to ensure that SB 9 development in the rebuilding areas appropriately accounts for fire safety concerns." The practical effects of suspending S.B. 9 are likely limited. Builders have made little use of the law since it went into effect in 2022, in large part because local governments have actively limited its effectiveness by piling additional regulations and fees on duplex and lot split projects. A bill to make S.B. 9 more usable by preempting those additional local rules failed a crucial committee vote back in April. Bass and Newsom's executive orders attempting to streamline wildfire rebuilds have also generally excluded projects that would add additional units and additional floor space. Both have the effect of limiting builders' willingness to propose S.B. 9 projects in the Palisades. A spokesperson for the mayor's office told LAist that only seven S.B. 9 applications have been filed in the Palisades since the fire in January, out of 400 wildfire rebuild applications in the area. The Palisades fire destroyed 5,000 homes in Los Angeles in very high fire hazard severity zones. Despite the limited use of S.B. 9 in the Palisades, community groups and local elected officials have expressed concern that the law has been enabling builders to profit off of the wildfire rebuilding efforts. "While your Emergency Orders have paved the way for an accelerated recovery by streamlining and waiving hurdles that have greatly benefitted homeowners, opportunistic developers are now using them in conjunction with state density laws to exploit a devastating disaster for their economic advantage," wrote Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park, who represents the Palisades, in a Monday letter to Newsom urging the suspension of S.B. 9. Westside Current first reported on Park's letter. Trauss says it's unfortunate that the governor and mayor bent to this local pressure campaign, given the limited use of S.B. 9 in the wildfire rebuilding efforts and the fire safety provisions already written into the law. "This was an opportunity for Mayor Bass and the governor to show leadership," she says. Trauss says that YIMBY Law is currently considering whether to file a lawsuit challenging the governor's suspension of S.B. 9. Oregon Gets Radical New Powers To Override Local Zoning Rules. Will the State Use Them? Oregon continues to evolve land use regulations up to the state level with the goal of overriding local obstacles to home construction. State lawmakers passed two bills this legislative session to this effect. The first, House Bill (H.B.) 2138, is a sweeping bill directing localities to amend their zoning codes to allow for a long list of housing types. Localities must allow attached and detached housing on low-density lots, permit duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes on the same lots, and allow these lots to be subdivided and sold separately. All told, this expands on Oregon's previous "middle housing" reforms that directed localities to allow smaller-unit multifamily developments in single-family zoned neighborhoods. Additionally, H.B. 2138 would require cities to give builders a "density bonus" above existing zoning limits when they're constructing affordable housing and/or handicap accessible housing. It would also direct localities to count "sleeping units" in co-living buildings as less than a full unit when applying parking minimum regulations and homes-per-acre limits. Michael Andersen of the Sightline Institute writes that this will make Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) developments more feasible under existing zoning codes. For all its reforms, H.B. 2138 is relatively standard in approach. Like other preemption bills, it tells localities that they have to amend their own zoning rules to allow certain types of projects. Much more radical in approach is H.B. 2258. This bill gives the state the power to compel localities to approve projects using state-approved building plans on vacant, urban lots, regardless of any local zoning restrictions. Because the state would also have carte blanche to draft those state-approved building plans and because vacant lots would include lots on which a pre-existing building had been recently demolished, this effectively means the state could require a locality to allow any type of housing almost anywhere within an urban area. The theoretical grant of power to the state to override local zoning restrictions is effectively absolute. Were the state to aggressively use its newly granted powers, H.B. 2258 could be considered one of the most radical YIMBY zoning reforms to be passed to date. But how radical H.B. 2258 proves in practice depends very much on the decisions state agencies make in implementing the law. The law includes a number of clauses saying that the state "may" adopt rules for requiring localities to approve housing, and it "may" adopt state-approved building plans. That leaves it a lot of discretion to state agencies deciding when, and if, to override local zoning. The state could, for instance, write rules to override local restrictions on accessory dwelling units and townhomes, but nothing else. The political will to use the law aggressively might also not be there. H.B. 2258 passed nearly unanimously in the Legislature. The governor's office, which was the primary advocate for the bill, also did not pitch it as a major override of local zoning authority. In other words, the lawmakers who passed the bill and the executive branch officials who will implement it do not seem to envision it as a vehicle for radical zoning abolition. "My read of it as a lay person is that it gives the state vast powers that it has no current intention of using," says Andersen to Reason in an interview. "Unless someone really embraces its potential within the state land use agency, I don't really see it taking off." Nevertheless, the law is on the books now, and its grant of powers to the state to do something radical should it choose to is there. Time will tell if H.B. 2258 will ever be used to its full effect. Yet Another Challenge to Inclusionary Zoning Yet another homeowner is challenging their city's requirement that they pay hefty affordable housing fees in order to add new housing on their property. Wesley Yu of East Palo Alto, California, plans to build a single-family home and accessory dwelling unit on a vacant lot he owns next to his primary residence. In order to do so, East Palo Alto is requiring that Yu either convert one of the units into income-restricted affordable housing or pay the city a $55,000 affordable housing fee. In a lawsuit filed this past Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Yu argues this requirement is an unconstitutional exaction. Yu is being represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation. Under existing U.S. Supreme Court precedent, governments can only attach conditions to building permits that have some "essential nexus" to the proposed project's impacts. Those conditions must be "roughly proportional" to the project's impacts. Yu argues that building two units of housing on his property does not make housing in East Palo Alto less affordable. Therefore, he can't be forced to pay an affordable housing fee or create an income-restricted unit in order to get a building permit. Yu's complaint notes an added irony that, if he were to fulfill the city's inclusionary zoning requirement by making his newly built home an income-restricted affordable unit, he likely wouldn't qualify to live in it. His lawsuit is part of a flurry of recent challenges to "inclusionary zoning" ordinances that require new housing developments to contain affordable housing units or pay affordable housing fees. Homeowners in Seattle filed a lawsuit challenging that city's affordable housing mandates last month. (Read Rent Free's coverage of that case here.) While the U.S. Supreme Court's rulings on unconstitutional conditions would seemingly quite obviously preclude cities from imposing mandatory affordability requirements on new housing, lower courts have been loath to rule in favor of plaintiffs challenging inclusionary zoning. Judge Blocks DOGE's Cuts to Fair Housing Grants A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to withhold federal grants to fair housing groups. Back in March, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had canceled grants to fair housing groups, which use that money to file fair housing enforcement actions against property owners and local governments. At the time, HUD had said the grant cancellations were being done to ensure that grantees and contractors were following President Donald Trump's executive orders. Grant termination letters obtained by the Associated Press said the cuts were being done at the behest of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In response, a collection of fair housing groups led by the National Fair Housing Alliance sued the administration. They argued the administration was required by statute to release the fair housing grants. They argued a temporary restraining order was necessary because HUD has only until September 30 to award the fair housing grants, after which the funding becomes unavailable. HUD had argued that while it was taking additional time to review the award of fair housing grants, it still planned on meeting that September 30 deadline to dispense the funds in question. In a Monday-issued decision, U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia largely sided with plaintiffs. Her temporary restraining order requires HUD to produce weekly plans explaining how it will meet the September 30 deadline to distribute the grant funding authorized by Congress. "While HUD may select the grant recipients and make other decisions about how to use or allocate the funds appropriated by Congress, it may not refuse to award those funds altogether," wrote Sooknanan. Quick Links The Senate Banking Committee unanimously passed the ROAD to Housing Act, setting it up for a potential floor vote by the full Senate. Read last week's deep dive on the bill's supply portions. Bloomberg CityLab has a new piece on the explosion of data center construction in Northern Virginia, and the anti-growth anxiety it's provoking among residents. Speaking of Los Angeles's wildfire rebuilding efforts, the city's new streamlined permitting process is not as fast as you might think. LADWP's "one-stop" fire-rebuild permit desk empty. Our staff was told it is staffed by LADWP for only 2 hours a day. This is expedited rebuilding in LA City. pic.twitter.com/J7oCbooOsd Alexis Rivas (@alexisxrivas) July 30, 2025 Texas landowners on the U.S.-Mexico border face the threat of eminent domain as a result of renewed border wall construction, reports The Wall Street Journal. Derek Thompson demolishes the notion that home prices in Dallas are increasing because of consolidation among large homebuilders. The post Gavin Newsom, Karen Bass Declare NIMBY Martial Law To Stop Duplexes in the Palisades appeared first on Reason.com. MEXICO CITY/TORONTO (Reuters) -Top Canadian ministers held a "productive" meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and some of her top officials during a visit to Mexico City on Tuesday, Canada's top diplomat said, as the two nations navigate a volatile tariff environment. Mexico's economy minister had signaled earlier in the day that talks would cover the two countries' policies in response to a volley of tariff announcements from U.S. President Donald Trump. The three countries have tightly bound economies. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said in a post on X that she and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne had spoken with Sheinbaum to reaffirm bilateral ties. "These discussions with the president and members of her government advanced key shared priorities in terms of economic growth, security and trade diversification," she added. Anand also said Canada and Mexico had agreed to create a plan to deepen cooperation on a variety of bilateral issues during the trip, including resilient supply chains, port-to-port lines of trade, artificial intelligence and energy security. The Canadian ministers were also meeting with Mexican legislators and business leaders during their two-day trip, Anand said. Mexico's Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said earlier in the day that he was also set to speak with Champagne about the two countries' experiences in dealing with tariffs imposed on goods shipped to the United States. "They want to know how Mexico is getting these results," Ebrard told journalists. Mexico was able to avoid 30% tariffs on its shipments to the U.S. set to come into force last week, securing a 90-day pause to work on a trade deal with the government of U.S. President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Trump slapped a 35% duty on many goods coming from Canada, hiking the rate from a 25% fentanyl-related tariff imposed earlier this year. "We're going to exchange experiences," Ebrard said. "They're paying a 35% tariff, and Mexico isn't." Mexico is still subject to the previously imposed 25% fentanyl tariffs, though goods sent under the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement - which are most of them - are exempt. Trump has said the U.S. would continue to levy a 50% tariff on Mexican steel, aluminum and copper and a 25% tariff on Mexican autos and on the non-USMCA-compliant goods. Sheinbaum, who met with Champagne and Anand at Mexico's national palace, said on X, "We're strengthening the relationship between our countries." (Reporting by Kylie Madry and Diego Ore in Mexico City, Ryan Patrick Jones in Toronto and Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Sarah Morland and Stephen Coates) By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A statue of Confederate General Albert Pike, which was overturned in 2020 during the "Black Lives Matter" protests after George Floyd's murder, will be reinstalled in Washington, the National Park Service said on Monday. "The National Park Service announced today that it will restore and reinstall the bronze statue of Albert Pike, which was toppled and vandalized during riots in June 2020," it said in a statement. The statement added the National Park Service targeted completing the statue's re-installment by October. The U.S. saw nationwide protests in 2020 following the killing of Floyd, a Black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes. The National Park Service said reinstalling the statue was in line with recent executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, who has been a strident critic of renaming or removing Confederate statues and monuments. An executive order that Trump signed in late March titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" suggested that Trump sought to purge elements of what conservatives view as a revisionist history of the United States that places systemic racism at the heart of its narrative. Rights advocates say such steps undermine the acknowledgment of critical phases of American history. Earlier this year, Trump restored two U.S. Army bases to their former names of Fort Benning and Fort Bragg despite a federal law that prohibits honoring generals who fought for the South during the Civil War. The Trump administration said the names honor different individuals, all former soldiers. In 2017 during his first term, Trump defended white nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia, who protested the city's decision to remove a statue of the Confederate commander Robert E. Lee. At the time, Trump said there were "very fine people on both sides" of the fight, sparking widespread outrage. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler) Parents of a 10-year-old child are accused of leaving their son behind at the airport so they could catch a flight. According to Spains national police, Guardia Civil, the incident took place a few days ago at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Guardia Civil's Catalonia office told USA TODAY the boy wasnt able to board the flight because of issues with his documentation, so his parents decided to leave him unaccompanied while they boarded with their younger child. At first, airport staff alerted Catalonia police, Mossos dEsquadra, because the incident happened in a public area of the airport, where they have jurisdiction. They, in turn, alerted Guardia Civil, which has jurisdiction over restricted parts of the airport. Passengers wait to embark at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport in Barcelona, Spain in this file photo from Dec. 8, 2024. Guardia Civil temporarily stopped the flight, found the family members on the plane and escorted them to a Mossos dEsquadra station, where the child had been taken in the meantime for safety. Mossos dEsquadra said the child was handed over to the parents, who were being reported for child abandonment. This incident first caught global attention after an apparent airport worker recounted what happened on TikTok. (This story was updated with new information and video.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Parents accused of abandoning child at airport to catch flight What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse? You know the feeling: Youve just finished going to the bathroom, and you walk to the sink to wash your hands. Maybe you peek in the mirror and smooth down your flyaways or reapply lipstick. Then it hits you. You have to pee again. So why is this happening? Theres no simple answer since bladder frequency can be caused by many things, from a UTI to pelvic floor disorders. According to a 2025 study published in BMC Womens Health, nearly 50 percent of women will experience some form of pelvic disorder in their lifetime. But a significant education gap remains, starting with who can experience what. Many people assume that issues like urinary frequency and incontinence center around people who have given birth or those over 55. This is especially true when the word prolapse comes into play. The Oxford Dictionary defines prolapse as a displacement of a part or organ of the body from its normal position. A pelvic organ prolapse refers to a displacement of any organ in the pelvic region, like the uterus, bladder, or rectum. What is pelvic prolapse? While a prolapse can only be diagnosed by a medical professional, it can happen to anyone with a vagina. They might be post-partum or post-menopausal, as young as 11 or as old as 92. Yes, women have been dealing with prolapse since the beginning of time, but that doesnt mean its normal, says Meghan Markowski, PT, DPT, a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. What causes pelvic organ prolapse? How do ones organs shift? Some use the analogy of a house to explain the mechanics of the pelvic floor: the bones are like a foundation, the muscles provide the floor and stability, and the connective tissue functions like beams, linking everything together. Its when the muscles are weakened and instability occurs that prolapses begin to happen. Pregnancy, thanks to hormonal changes and the increased weight of the uterus, is one common cause. But prolapse is not exclusive to pregnancy and delivery, says Markowski. Some people have a genetic predisposition, and anyone suffering from a condition that puts repeated stress on the pelvic floor, like a chronic cough or asthma, may also be susceptible. Then theres the blessing (and occasional complication) of being hypermobile. A clear benefit to athletes like gymnasts and cheerleaders, hypermobility affects the entire body, including the connective tissues of the pelvis. When these supportive beams are overstretched and weakened, the entire pelvic floor is destabilized. Karen Kowenski, a Houston-based pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Empower Yourself PT, has seen children as young as 11 dealing with a weakened pelvic floor. There can also be a correlation between certain forms of aggressive exercise and incontinence. If were constantly jumping and pushing, or lifting heavy weights, and we dont have a strong support system, little by little by little, our organs are going to start to change position, says Markowski. Those types of activities can be good for you, but they could exacerbate these issues if performed improperly or excessively. You dont have to eschew this type of exercise, but a strong and coordinated pelvic floor will help prevent a possible prolapse or other pelvic floor disorders. Reducing urinary frequency caused by prolapse There are small changes you can make to reduce urinary frequency. Kowenski says the first order of business is to assess any lifestyle patterns. Are you constipated? Do you hold your breath when you lift weights? How do you move around? Sometimes its just about better body mechanics. Kowenski observed a teen horseback rider who would experience incontinence after she landed from a jump. Kowenski watched the way she positioned her body on the landing: Her back was arched, and this [impact] was putting extra pressure on the bladder. A slight repositioning of her torso while jumping immediately eliminated the leakage. Theres a lot that we can do about [pelvic floor issues], says Markowski, but there are also things you can try on your own, like a technique called the double void. Typically, when we go to the bathroom, we sit on a toilet and relax our pelvic floor muscles to release urine. If everything is in the perfect place, your bladder will naturally empty in one sitting; however, even a small prolapse can cause the bladder to become slightly askew. This displacement can cause a section of the organ to sit behind the urethra, making it impossible for the bladder to drain effectively in the typical seated position. This is why you may have the sensation of emptying your bladder, but after standing up and allowing gravity to move things around, you realize theres more urine waiting to be emptied. This is the thinking behind the double void; sometimes, we just have to physically encourage urine to leave the body by repositioning the bladder. If were suspicious that theres a change in the position of your bladder, you can stand up and lean forward to try to reposition where your bladder is on top of the urethra, says Markowski. After you stand briefly, you sit back down on the toilet and try again. All of this shifting and standing should take less than one minute. If necessary, you can add some rocking movements: Kowenski recommends sitting on the toilet, and rocking back and forth, side to side. With that physical encouragement, any trapped urine should see the light of day. A little movement and an extra minute will help ensure youre really done. The post What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse? appeared first on Katie Couric Media. USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Wildfires in Canada are leaving a trail of smoke across the northern United States and prompting local authorities to issue health warnings for millions of people because of poor air quality. Blazes raging in the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are fouling the air in the Midwest and Northeast, the National Weather Service said Aug. 4. Authorities from Minnesota to Maine have ordered air quality alerts, according to the Storm Prediction Center. The impact from the fires isnt as dramatic as the wildfires of 2023 that left New York City blanketed in a moonglow orange. But weak winds have left the smoke to linger over the northern United States for days, said Dan Cornish, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Michigan. "Were definitely seeing prolonged impact. Weve had several days of hazy skies," Cornish told USA TODAY, adding the horizon outside the weather service office in Gaylord, Michigan, has been a "milky gray" for days. "Unfortunately, thats just going to continue to deteriorate air quality across much of this area." Storm Prediction Center alert maps show blanket air quality warnings for Michigan, Wisconsin, New York and the New England region. Stronger winds aren't expected to displace the smoke until Aug. 6 or Aug. 7 for the Midwest, Cornish said, but conditions in the Northeast probably will improve by the end of the week. Authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity in the areas with poor air quality. Children, older adults and people suffering from respiratory conditions, including asthma, are particularly vulnerable to the fine particulate matter small enough to be inhaled that is the toxic byproduct of wildfires, environmental officials warned. Where are the wildfires in Canada? The worst of the blazes affecting the United States are in the provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and western Ontario, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. Most of the Canadian blazes are sparked by lightning in dry, remote forested areas that are difficult for firefighters to access except by aircraft, Cornish said. "You get a lot of wildfires that can start up in those conditions, and its a challenge, but thats the nature of it, quite literally," Cornish said. "Theres nothing you can do to prevent it." What cities are the worst off? The blazes have catapulted major American and Canadian cities into the most polluted places in the world, according to a global air-quality index maintained by IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality monitoring company. Detroit, Minneapolis and Toronto were among the top 11 most polluted cities in the world on the evening of Aug. 4, according to IQAir. New York City and Montreal were among the top 20 most polluted cities, according to the global index. See the map of Canadian wildfires Side effects of inhaling wildfire smoke Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and cause the following symptoms: Coughing Chest tightness Shortness of breath Dizziness Fatigue Particulate matter (PM) is one of the main components of wildfire smoke, comprising small particles of solids or liquids suspended in the air, USA TODAY has reported. According to Yale Medicine, the particles can be 10 micrometers, PM 10, or as small as 2.5 micrometers, PM 2.5, which can easily pass through a person's usual defense mechanisms and can "penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can impair lung function, cause illnesses, such as bronchitis, and increase asthma attacks." According to Yale Medicine, exposure to PM 2.5 particles can cause: Heart attack Stroke Lung cancer Decline in cognitive function Contributing: Julia Gomez This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Canadian wildfire smoke to linger over the Midwest and Northeast Quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond lived a comfortable life inside his prison cell filled with TV streaming, alcohol and video games, according to pictures he uploaded to Facebook. Authorities continue to search for Drummond, 28, who allegedly killed James M. Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, according to the Dyer County Police Department. Their bodies were discovered on July 29. Police said an infant that was found on the front lawn of a random individual's house is related to all four of the victims. Drummond served 13 years in Tennessee prison after being convicted of aggravated robbery and retaliation. The retaliation charge occurred while Drummond was in prison. He was released from prison on Sept. 1, 2024, according to the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Pictures posted to Drummond's Facebook show that he had a Roku, handheld video game device, at least one cell phone, and a pantry filled with food. Tennessee 'Associates' Of Quadruple Murder Suspect Arrested In one picture, Drummond can be seen with a bottle of Ciroc Vodka. Read On The Fox News App "Ciroc..... almost home living it up till I get there," Drummond wrote on Nov. 18, 2023, just under a year before he was released. Former NYPD Detective and security expert Pat Brosnan told Fox News Digital the prison wardens didn't do their job correctly. "I think there was a measure of both irresponsibility, neglect, and probably some recklessness as well in relation to not just the wardens, but the senior management staff, the captains, the deputy warden, the lieutenants," Brosnan said. "But the reality is they're supposed to have very frequent checks of the cells. They call them shakedowns. They shake down and make sure there's no drugs in there or any contraband. That's part of their policy and protocol in the state prison system, as well as the federal prison system." Brosnan said it's "absolutely" a possibility that Drummond knew someone who worked at the prison, and that's why he had the contraband. Vehicle Of Tennessee Quadruple Murder Suspect Found As Details Of Criminal Past Emerge Austin Drummond seen in a previous prison booking picture. When Drummond allegedly killed the four individuals, he was out on bond in relation to an attempted murder charge. The attempted murder charge was filed in Dec. 2024, but officials said the alleged crime occurred while Drummond was still in prison. It's unclear how Drummond got the contraband into prisons controlled by the Tennessee Department of Corrections, but he was charged four times with getting contraband into a penal facility. A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson told Fox News on Friday that the vehicle was found in Jackson, Tennessee, but Drummond wasn't inside. A law enforcement official briefed on the matter told Fox News Digital that Drummond is likely still in Tennessee. Drummond is wanted on charges of alleged first-degree murder, kidnapping, four counts of a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Anyone with information about Drummond's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Dyer County Police Department by calling (731)-285-2802 or 1-800-TBI-FIND. Fox News Digital reached out to the Tennessee Department of Corrections for comment. Original article source: Quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummonds lavish life behind bars included alcohol, TV streaming A row of U-Haul moving trucks U-Haul (The Center Square) Despite a popular Texas phrase, Dont California my Texas, and a song about the phenomenon, Californians are increasingly relocating to Texas. Roughly 100,000 Californians are moving to Texas a year the equivalent of the population of Santa Barbara, according to a new study by StorageCafe. This makes California the largest source of newly-minted Texans, accounting for about 16% of all state-to-state migration into Texas, followed by Florida and Louisiana, the report states. Six of the top 10 California-to-Texas moving routes began in Los Angeles County, the report found. CafeStorage, an online storage unit listing platform, analyzed data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-year Estimates Public Use Microdata Sample, 2023, on home and rent values, generational demographics, homeownership or rental status, educational attainment, remote work status, and per capita income. It also identified 30 popular moving routes from California to Texas, ranking them and providing maps. It also evaluated Zillow data on home price evolution in Texas and California. A steady west-to-east migration is increasingly urgent, the analysis states, because policies in California have not improved. Californias high housing costs, state income taxes, and overall affordability are pushing many Californians to seek out lower-cost, opportunity-rich alternatives, it says. For families, remote workers, and retirees alike, Texas offers the allure of spacious housing that is 63% less expensive, job diversity, and no state income tax a powerful combination in a time of economic fluctuations. Of those Californians relocating to Texas, 31% are millennials, followed by Gen Z, 20%, and Gen X, nearly 15%. Travis and Harris counties in Texas are the most popular landing spots, according to the data. Austin and Houston remain their primary destinations, citing lower housing costs and better economic conditions. The two counties are receiving more than 10,000 Californians a year, the report found. California migration has greatly impacted the housing market in the Houston area, realtors have told The Center Square. For those priced out of Californias market, the draw is clear: Relocating to Harris County offers single family homes that are a whopping two-thirds less expensive and rents that are roughly 30% lower than in LA, even if home prices in the Houston area also saw a significant 75% increase over the past decade, CafeStorage notes. The continued growth of the Houston area has pushed housing costs up over the last few years, Daniel Potter, director of the Houston Population Research Center at Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, told CafeStorage. There is some evidence of the real estate market cooling off, but home prices today are much higher than they were 5 years ago. Migration has a role in this, but it is not clear if this is primarily brought on by migration from California relative to other areas around the country and world. Another contributing factor is an exodus from Silicon Valley to Texas, the report found. More than 8,000 Santa Clara County residents have left California and relocated to Texas in one year, primarily relocating in Williamson, Collin and Travis counties, the report found. A clear trend has emerged, CafeStorage notes. These movers are seeking a combination of cost savings, tech-friendly economies and a high quality of life. With average home prices across Silicon Valley nearing $1.4 million, after having doubled over the past decade, the decision to relocate for more affordable housing is increasingly straightforward. The benefits are even more pronounced for remote workers, who can bring Silicon Valley-level incomes to much lower-cost areas in Texas. Under Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas continues to lead the U.S. in job growth, is repeatedly the top state for business and domestic migration every year and posts a multi-billion-dollar surplus every biennium. Under California Gov. Gavin Newsom, population losses, job losses and deficits have marked his administration. More than 683,000 Californians are leaving the state a year, according to U.S. Census data StorageCafe evaluated. Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the Gulf Coast, "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts is returning to the region to document its recovery after the storm. In her new special, "Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm with Robin Roberts," Roberts, a Gulf Coast native, will look at how Katrina has shaped the region and how the local communities -- including her hometown of Pass Christian, Mississippi -- have come together to rebuild. The special will air Friday, Aug. 29, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu and Disney+ for bundle subscribers, Roberts announced Tuesday on "GMA." 'The Yellow House' author is rebuilding her childhood home that was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina through words "It is hard to believe it's been 20 years," Roberts said on "GMA" while reflecting on the "damage and heartache" the region suffered. It was on Aug. 29, 2005, that Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane, becoming one of the five deadliest hurricanes in United States history and causing over $100 billion in damage, according to the National Weather Service. Morry Gash/ABC News - PHOTO: Robin Roberts joins a small army of volunteers who are helping to cleanup and rebuild Robin's hometown of Pass Christian, MS, which was 80% destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, Sept. 27, 2005. Roberts' on-the-ground reporting at the time of Katrina showed the devastation the storm brought to Mississippi and Louisiana, and the early efforts to rebuild. ABC News - PHOTO: ABC's Robin Roberts reporters on Hurricane Katrina, Aug. 30, 2005. In "Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm," Roberts returns to New Orleans to speak with musicians, including Grammy-award winner Harry Connick Jr., about the return of the city's music and culture scenes, including its beloved Jazz Fest. Filmmaker explores years of trauma experienced by New Orleans kids following Hurricane Katrina Traveling to her hometown of Pass Christian, Roberts spoke with the town's former mayor and visited her former high school and beloved local spots. Tune into "Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm with Robin Roberts" on Friday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC. Stream the next day on Hulu and Disney+ for bundle subscribers. The Walt. Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, Hulu and Disney+. Vivian Zink/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Julie Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley and Todd Chrisley on 'Chrisley's Believe It Or Not.' NEED TO KNOW Savannah Chrisley said it's been a "challenge" living with her parents after their presidential pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley received a pardon from President Donald Trump in May after starting their 19-year sentence in 2023 Now, Savannah said her dad has thrown out her hard seltzers, and they've had some disagreements over their joint living situation Savannah Chrisleys living situation has changed drastically since her parents were released from prison. The 27-year-old reality star opened up about the aftermath of her parents Todd and Julie Chrisleys presidential pardon in May during the Tuesday, Aug. 5 episode of her Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley podcast. She noted that after her parents were pardoned by President Donald Trump, they all moved in together. My View with Lara Trump/Instagram Savannah Chrisley poses with brother Grayson Chrisley and parents Julie and Todd Chrisley. "It's a challenge, especially to all of us being under one roof," she said before adding, "It's great. I love it. I would have begged for this a year ago, but it's a lot. It's a lot. Imagine living with your parents again after being out of the house for 11 or 12 years. That's a lot." One of the reasons Savannah has struggled with the arrangement is what she describes as a "difference in lifestyles." "I like to go have me a glass of wine or a cocktail. I mean, I am 28... almost 28 years old. Todd Chrisley does not agree with that," she said of her dad. "And so there's some rub there. He came in my house and threw out all my seltzers. Like, threw them out. Who does that? Who does that?" Savannah pointed out that the act was particularly pointless as she can "go and rebuy them." Savannah said the dynamic in her family has changed now that she's an adult. "It's just interesting because now I'm a full-fledged adult," she said. "I have not relied on anyone to pay my bills, support me, guide me. I've done it all on my own. So we've just had a little bit of rub." Despite the drama, Savannah said, "Also it's been the best time ever because we get to sit and talk at whatever time we want. We're joking on each other, laughing, making up for lost time. So for that, I am extremely grateful." DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Savannah Chrisley attends the CPAC DC Conference in Feb. 2025. Todd previously opened up about his and Julie's post-prison plans to move. You know, I think we will always have a presence in Nashville, but I have a pull for Julie and I to go back to South Carolina to Charleston to that area. And we have plans for what we wanna do, Todd said in an interview for an ABC News Studios special, which aired in June. He added at the time, We have hopes of acquiring a hotel a mansion there, that we are gonna convert into a hotel, and were gonna create a show around that. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf As for Savannah, during the same interview she shared her plans to move out of her parents' $1.6 million mansion and into a condo. She said that Todd was critical of how she maintained their home while they were in prison. "He comes in and is critiquing everything in the house," she said, laughing. "I was literally fighting for y'all for two and a half years and raising kids, I think the floors are fine." Todd and Julie were sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison for tax fraud. They began serving their separate sentences in 2023. The family is now documenting the experience in the upcoming reality show, The Chrisleys: Back to Reality, which premieres as a two-night event Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime, with a finale dropping on Sept. 16. Read the original article on People Chunyip Wong/Getty Images The Alishan Forest Railway travels through the scenic Alishan National Park, Taiwan. Key Points The Alishan Forest Railway is one of the most unique ways to see Taiwan, and offers a scenic, nostalgic ride through misty mountains. Originally built in 1912 during Japanese colonial rule, the train now serves as both a heritage experience and a fun way to experience the island's outdoor spaces. Spanning 44 miles and reaching nearly 13,000 feet in elevation, the railway has 77 tunnels, 50 bridges, and the worlds longest spiral rail line. In the mountainous heart of Taiwan, you'll find Alishan, a misty, dreamlike haven. Considered to be one of Taiwan's most beautiful mountain ranges, it's said to be home to five wonders: a sea of clouds, sunrise, sunset glows, a sacred tree, and the railwaythe latter offers one of the best ways to see the area. Taiwan does have lightning-fast, high-speed rail lines that can zip passengers from Taipei to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, at speeds of up to 186 miles per hour. But, while most of the island's train technology feels like it was ripped from the future, you'll want to hop on the slow train to take in the area properly, specifically, the Alishan Forest Railway, one of the worlds most underrated scenic trains. After closing for a few years due to earthquakes, typhoons, and landslides, the narrow-gauge railway reopened to travelers in the summer 2024and it's back better than ever. The red train with cream-colored highlights departs from the city of Chiayi, and travels nearly 44 miles through the townships of Zhuqi and Meishan, to Alishan National Forest Recreational Area. Bing-Jhen Hong/Getty Images The Forest Train tracks through Alishan National Park. tang90246/Getty Images A cypress wooden carriage of the railway. ChaCherryy/Getty Images Scenic view of the Alishan Forest Railway. Most of Taiwan is considered a subtropical climate, but the Alishan Forest Railway takes passengers through some of the most diverse terrain on the island. The ride begins at just 131 feet of elevation and travels through a myriad of climate beltstropical, subtropical, temperate, and frigidto reach 12,965 feet. During the ride, you'll be able to see a variety of verdant coniferous forests dominated by fresh, fragrant cedar trees, Chinese fir, incense cedar, and oak. But the Forest Train isn't just a journey through Taiwan's outdoorsit's also a living monument to Taiwanese history. The railway was built during the Japanese colonial period, in 1912, and was initially used as a way to transport lumber to and from the coast for export. However, Indigenous communities have lived in the Alishan region for thousands of years. When the train was built, it became deeply important to the people who lived in remote areas of the mountain. However, the Forest Train is no quick out-and-back journey, and snakes through some of the island's most challenging terrain. To navigate it, the railway required 50 bridges and 77 tunnels, including spirals and switchbacks, earning its Dulishan Spiral a Guinness World Record title as the worlds longest spiral railway, a title it still holds today. Today, the five-hour rail route is one of the most popular train rides in Taiwan, and locals especially love it for the nostalgia. When it reopened in 2024, 68-year-old factory worker Peng Hsiao-chi, who grew up near Chiayi, Taiwan, told The New York Times, she woke up at 4 a.m. and drove two hours to experience the revamped ride. This railway is one of the reasons that brings me home, she said in the 2024 interview. Alishan Forest Railway tickets can be booked directly on its site or through a tour operator like Lion Travel, which offers multi-day packages to explore the region. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure This photo provided by Montana Department of Justice shows Michael Brown, who authorities say opened fire at a bar, killing four people on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 in Anaconda, Mont. ( Montana Department of Justice via AP) Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte on Tuesday signed an executive order freeing up more resources for local law enforcement as they searched a mountainous area for a former U.S. soldier suspected of killing four people at a bar last week. The search for Michael Paul Brown stretched into its fifth day with more than three dozen law enforcement agencies helping with an effort that Montana's top officials described during a news conference as the highest priority in the state. A team with the Montana National Guard has flown nearly 20 hours since last Friday, looking for any clues for Brown's whereabouts as an undisclosed number of officers searched on foot. "Rest assured, our brave men and women of law enforcement arent giving up, and I ask that you not give up on them either, Gianforte said. Authorities say Brown, 45, fatally shot four people last Friday at The Owl Bar in the small town of Anaconda with a rifle that police believe was his personal weapon. He fled in a white pickup that he later ditched and stole another white vehicle stocked with clothes, shoes and camping supplies. A female bartender and three male patrons were killed. They have been identified as Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64; Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. The shooting rattled the tight-knit town of about 9,000 people, and many residents remain on high alert with the suspect still at large. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen reiterated Tuesday that authorities are operating under the assumption that Brown is armed and extremely dangerous. Without providing more details, Knudsen said there's evidence that authorities are searching in the right area. About 22 square miles (57 square kilometers) of forest southwest of Anaconda have been closed to the public by the National Forest System as the search continues. Knudsen added that it does not appear that Brown has broken into any cabins or homes in the area to get food or additional supplies. Knudsen and investigators declined to share the number of law enforcement personnel active in the search Tuesday. Canine detection units and drones equipped with heat-detection technology were also being used in the search, they said. Federal authorities were offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information leading to Browns capture. Family members have said Brown has struggled with mental illness for years, and they had sought help for him. Brown, who lived next door to The Owl Bar, served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005. He also was in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009. As the Trump administration says it's continuing its effort to reduce waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government through cuts at key agencies such as the Social Security Administration and the Education Department, Sen. Elizabeth Warren is touting her ongoing investigations that she said work to protect millions of Americans from restricted access to higher education and retirement benefits. "We cannot stand by and let Trump abuse his power by ripping away the programs that help people breathe a little easier," Warren said in an exclusive interview with ABC News. "People voted Democrats into office to fight for them, and they do not expect us to roll over and play dead." The Massachusetts Democrat, a former teacher and fierce defender of public education, launched her Save Our Schools campaign this spring to investigate the administration's attempts to shutter the Department of Education. The investigations probe the Department of Education's cuts including downsizing the Federal Student Aid (FSA) office and changes to the student loan system. MORE: Warren investigates impact on students, teachers from Education Dept. cuts Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images - PHOTO: Sen. Elizabeth Warren listens to testimony by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in Dirksen building on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Democrats contend slashing FSA's workforce will hinder low-income Americans' access to college and urged the agency to rehire employees critical to its financial aid operations. In April, Warren launched the Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to combat the administration's so-called "attack on Americans' Social Security" at the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is responsible for distributing retirement disability, and survivor benefits to more than 70 million Americans. So far, Warren said her campaign has worked to cut down Social Security wait times on the phone and in person at regional offices. Warren urged President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency to take their "hands off" Social Security. She said her pressure campaign -- which included an inspector general review of the agency -- has impeded Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano from making additional layoffs after the agency announced it was aiming to cut roughly 7,000 people from its workforce. Maansi Srivastava/The Washington Post via Getty Images - PHOTO: Frank Bisignano arrives to his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on March 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. Warren said if Democrats do nothing, the Trump administration will "go ahead with no pushback." "There's a lot of anger over what Trump and the Republicans are trying to do to the Social Security Administration," she said. "We will push back with everything we've got." MORE: What do Department of Education cuts mean for American students? While Trump has vowed to safeguard Social Security and Medicare, some actions from the administration have raised concerns about potential impacts on the program -- including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's recent comments that the so-called Trump savings accounts for newborns could be a "back door" to start privatizing Social Security. Bessent later walked back the comments. The Trump administration says its workforce restructuring is part of the president's efforts to cut waste, fraud and abuse and improve Americans' lives, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields told ABC News. He added that the president's success through DOGE is "undisputed and legal." Republicans argue the SSA changes will ensure fraudsters won't tamper with retirees' benefits and streamline the experience by utilizing artificial intelligence. J. David Ake/Getty Images - PHOTO: A sign marks the location of the U.S. Department of Education headquarters building on June 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. Warren said large-scale changes to these agencies could have dire consequences for Americans. "Save Our Schools and the Social Security War Room are two ways that, internally, the Democrats are fighting back against administration cuts that undermine people all across this country," Warren said. SSA has said the focus of its workforce reduction and organizational restructuring is to eliminate things that don't provide "mission critical" services. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon also stressed she is not defunding federal programs and will continue to perform all of the agency's "statutory duties." Through a combination of federal investigations, oversight, storytelling and even lawsuits, Warren told ABC News her campaigns have worked to provide the administration with checks and balances. Warren took credit for recently helping millions of students receive roughly $6 billion in FY25 title funding that is typically allocated on July 1, but was withheld for more than three weeks by the Office of Management and Budget for a "programmatic review" of education funding. During the funding freeze, McMahon told ABC News that the administration wanted to ensure that student programs had "the right focus" and funds weren't being misused. "We organized groups and individuals to pressure the department to release those funds...," Warren said. "This matters because that's the money that's often used for our kids with special needs, for after-school programs and others who help our kids get a high-quality education." MORE: Supreme Court allows Trump to continue effort to gut Education Department Despite union criticism that the Education Department is carrying out unlawful layoffs, the department's spokesperson, Madi Biedermann, told ABC News the agency followed all applicable laws and regulations when implementing its reduction in force. Before the Senate left town, Warren vowed to continue fighting for the federal workforce. "The Trump administration is committed to undercutting Social Security and eliminating the Department of Education," she said. "This is not going to be a one and done." By Siyanda Mthethwa JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -China-founded e-commerce retailers Shein and Temu have captured a combined 3.6% share of South Africa's retail, clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) market, accounting for 7.3 billion rand ($405 million) in sales in 2024, a report showed on Tuesday. Shein entered the market in 2020, followed by Temu in 2024. Both have disrupted the local retail landscape through aggressive pricing, strategic marketing, and using tax loopholes that initially gave them a competitive edge over local retailers. Their appeal to price-sensitive consumers has impacted local retailers, who urged regulators last year to close the tax loophole, which eventually ended last year. The Localisation Support Fund (LSF) report found that domestic retailers' market share of CTFL declined from 75.3% in 2011 to 74% in 2024. Meanwhile, international brick-and-mortar brands like H&M, Zara, and Cotton On hold a combined 3.4% share. Shein and Temu now command a combined 3.6% share of the CTFL market, and 37.1% of South Africa's e-commerce CTFL market, with Shein alone accounting for 28% of online ladies' CTFL sales. "Those (international)retailers have acquired this market share over a period of 13 years, and Shein and Temu have managed to match and surpass this in just a five-year period," said Sean Mercer, principal consultant at consulting firm BMA. ($1 = 18.0270 rand) (Reporting by Siyanda Mthethwa; Editing by Nqobile Dludla, Alexandra Hudson) By John Revill ZURICH (Reuters) -Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Business Minister Guy Parmelin flew to Washington on Tuesday, the government said, in a last-ditch effort to avoid the 39% tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on exports to the United States. The U.S. tariffs, hiked from the initial 31% rate announced in April, have sent Switzerland reeling after they were announced on Friday. The higher duty is due to take effect on Thursday. During their visit, Keller-Sutter and Parmelin will "facilitate meetings with the US authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland", the government said. It did not comment on which parts of the U.S. government they would meet in Washington or whether a meeting was scheduled with Trump. A person familiar with the Trump administration's thinking, said they were confident that a deal could be worked out with Switzerland if it responded quickly with a better offer. "There was some kind of bad interaction, but that can blow over, if the Swiss come with a meaningful offer," the source said, referring to a phone call between Trump and Keller-Sutter on Thursday evening. "It is a large trade deficit, especially in per capita terms," the source added. Trump referred to the conversation with Keller-Sutter in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, adding he was concerned about the U.S. trade deficit with Switzerland. "Look, I did something with Switzerland the other day," he said referring to his phone call with Keller-Sutter. "The woman was nice, but she didn't want to listen, and they paid essentially no tariffs," he told the broadcaster. "And I said, we have a $41 billion deficit with you, madam....and you want to pay 1% tariffs. I said, you're not going to pay 1%, we lose, because I view deficit as loss." EMERGENCY MEETING The Swiss government held an emergency meeting on Monday to decide its response to the tariff hike, and said it was ready to make a "more attractive offer" to the United States. It was also ready to pursue negotiations beyond the August 7 deadline. Bern gave no details of what extra incentives could be offered to secure a better deal, but it did say it was not considering any countermeasures against the U.S. Parmelin has previously said that Switzerland buying more U.S liquefied natural gas (LNG) was under consideration, while further investment by Switzerland in the United States could also be an option. The aim of Keller-Sutter and Parmelin's trip was to present "a more attractive offer to the United States in a bid to lower the level of reciprocal tariffs for Swiss exports, taking U.S. concerns into account," the government said on Tuesday. Some Swiss business leaders, including Nick Hayek, CEO of watchmaker Swatch Group, had called on Keller-Sutter to visit Washington to do a deal with Trump directly. A trade barrier of 39% would be a major blow for the export-orientated Swiss economy by reducing access to its biggest overseas market for its watches, machinery and chocolate, economists have warned. Hans Gersbach, an economist at KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH, a University in Zurich, said the Swiss delegation would have to make a substantial offer to win a reprieve from the 39% tariff, with the visit representing a last-ditch effort to negotiate down the import duty. "Something marginal won't be enough it has to be a significant number, which Trump can present to his supporters as a victory for his negotiations," said Gersbach. "It's crucial Keller-Sutter and Parmelin meet Trump and speak with him directly. He is the decision-maker," added Gersbach, who thought there was reasonable chance of success. The Swiss government knew how serious the situation is, and was putting all its efforts into getting a deal, he said. "A 39% tariff on Switzerland, especially with the EU agreeing a rate of 15%, would be an immediate shock to the Swiss economy," said Gersbach. (Writing by John Revill, additional reporting by Madeline Chambers, Andrea Shalal and Bhargav Acharya, Editing by Miranda Murray and Giles Elgood) As Angela Clay and her two young daughters slept in their Nashville home, a killer approached. They didn't stand a chance. Clay and her eldest daughter, 9-year-old Latoya, were found shot dead in bed. Clay's other girl, 6-year-old Lakeisha, was found on the floor in another bedroom, killed while apparently trying to escape. Now, 37 years later, Tennessee is set to execute the man convicted of killing them: Clay's boyfriend, Byron Black. If the execution moves forward on Tuesday, Aug. 5, Black will become the 28th inmate put to death in the United States this year, a 10-year high, with at least nine more executions scheduled. The case is unique for two reasons Black's "undisputed intellectual disability" has many calling for a reprieve, including some Republicans; his attorneys have raised serious questions about whether Black's implanted heart device will cause "a prolonged and torturous execution" in violation of the U.S. Constitution. "Byrons execution carries so many risks," his attorney, Kelley Henry, said in a statement. "He is elderly, frail, and cognitively impaired; theres no principled reason to move forward with this torturous procedure." Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in a statement that the state's expert testimony "refused the suggestion that Black would suffer severe pain if executed." "Our office will continue fighting to seek justice for the Clay family and to hold Black accountable for his horrific crimes," Skrmetti said. Here's what you need to know about the murders, the three lives that were shattered, and Black's execution. When will Byron Black be executed? Black's execution by lethal injection is set for 10 a.m. CT on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. What was Byron Black convicted of? Black was convicted of fatally shooting his girlfriend, Angela Clay, and her two daughters: 9-year-old Latoya and 6-year-old Lakeisha. They were murdered on March 27, 1988. At the time of the murders, Black had been on work release from prison for shooting Clay's estranged husband and her daughters' father, Bennie Clay, in 1986. Prosecutors told jurors at trial that Black killed Angela Clay because he was jealous of her ongoing relationship with her ex. Investigators believe that Angela Clay and Latoya were shot as they slept, while Lakeisha appeared to have tried to escape after being wounded in the chest and pelvis. Byron Lewis Black, right, hears testimony in his trial on murder charges along with his attorney, Assistant Public Defender Ross Alderman, in Metros Circuit Court at the Davidson County Courthouse on March 9, 1989. Later that night, the jury convicted Black on three counts of first-degree murder for the shooting deaths of his girlfriend, Angela Clay, and her two daughters, Latoya, 9, and Lakesha, 6, on March 28, 1988, about 12:30 a.m. at Clays apartment. Bennie Clay has previously told The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, that he believes Black killed the girls to spite him. "My kids, they were babies," he told the paper. "They were smart, they were gonna be something. They never got the chance." More recently, Bennie Clay, 68, told The Tennessean that he planned to attend the execution, though he said he has forgiven Black. God has a plan for everything, he told the paper. He had a plan when he took my girls. He needed them more than I did, I guess. Bennie Clay with a photo of his wife, Angela Clay, and their two daughters, Latoya, 9, and Lakeisha, 6, before they were killed in 1987 by Byron Black, who is currently on death row on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in Nashville, Tenn. The family has waited nearly three decades for justice. Judge ordered Byron Black's heart device removed before execution On July 22, a judge ordered that a heart device implanted in Black needed to be removed at a hospital the morning of his execution, a development that appeared to complicate matters as a Nashville hospital declined to participate. But the Tennessee Supreme Court overturned the judge's order, and the U.S. Supreme Court backed that up, clearing the way for Black to be executed despite the heart device. His attorneys argue that the device, designed to revive the heart, could lead to "a prolonged and torturous execution." "Its horrifying to think about this frail old man being shocked over and over as the device attempts to restore his hearts rhythm even as the State works to kill him," Henry said in a statement. The state is arguing that Black's heart device will not cause him pain. Federal public defender Kelley Henry, attorney for Edmund Zagorski, speaks to the media at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Byron Black's attorneys call on the governor for help With their arguments over Black's heart device at the end of the legal road, his attorneys are re-focusing their attention on his intellectual disabilities, and calling on Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to stop the execution and prevent "a grotesque spectacle." Citing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and exposure to toxic lead, his attorneys said his mental impairments meant Black always had to live with and rely on family. Even now on death row, his attorneys said that other inmates "do his everyday tasks for him, including cleaning his cell, doing his laundry, and microwaving his food." "If ever a case called for the Governor to grant clemency or, at the very least, a reprieve, it is this one," Henry said in a statement. The director of Tennessee Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty said that she supports accountability for people who commit heinous crimes, but "the law is clear that we do not execute people with intellectual disability." "Governor Lee can insist on accountability while ensuring that the law is also followed. A situation such as this is exactly why governors have clemency power," Jasmine Woodson said in a statement. "Mr. Black has spent over three decades in prison for this crime and will never be released. As a conservative, I believe that he should remain behind bars, but he should not be executed." Lee's office has not responded to USA TODAY's requests for comment. In his statement to USA TODAY, Skrmetti pushed back at findings that he's intellectually disabled and said that "over the decades, courts have uniformly denied Black's eleven distinct attempts to overturn his murder convictions and death sentence." Angela Clay's family seeks justice Earlier this year, Angela Clay's sister told The Tennessean that she and her family were frustrated with years of delays, court hearings, and uncertainty. "It's been decades and nothing has happened," she said. "He needs to pay for what he did." Angela Clay's mother, Marie Bell, told The Tennessean that she had been waiting far too long for justice. "I'm 88 years old and I just want to see it before I leave this Earth," she said. Marie Bell, left, and her daughter Linette Bell, right, at their home after discussing how Angela Clay and her two daughters, Latoya, 9, and Lakeisha, 6, were killed in 1987 Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in Nashville, Tenn. Byron Black is currently on Death Row after being convicted of killing Marie Bells daughter, Angela Clay, and granddaughters. Contributing: Kelly Puente, The Tennessean Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter for USA TODAY. Follow her on X at @amandaleeusat. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Byron Black case: Disabilities and a heart device complicate execution Relatives of victims of convicted murderer Byron Black are escorted from the Administration Building at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution after the execution of Black, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A man convicted of killing his girlfriend and her two young daughters in the 1980s said he was hurting so bad while he was given a lethal injection Tuesday in Tennessee, where authorities had refused to deactivate his implanted defibrillator despite claims it might cause unnecessary, painful shocks as the drugs were administered. Black's attorney said they will review data kept by the device as part of an autopsy. Black died at 10:43 a.m., prison officials said. It was about 10 minutes after the execution started and Black talked about being in pain. Asked for any last words, he replied, No sir. Black looked around the room as the execution started, lifting his head off the gurney multiple times, and could be heard sighing and breathing heavily. All seven media witnesses to the execution agreed he appeared to be in discomfort. Throughout the execution, a spiritual adviser prayed and sang over Black, at one point touching his face. Oh, it's hurting so bad," Black said, as he lay with his hands and chest restrained to the gurney, a sheet covering up past his lower half, and an IV line in his arm. I'm so sorry. Just listen to my voice, the adviser responded. Black was executed after a back-and-forth in court over whether officials would need to turn off his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, or ICD. Black, 69, was in a wheelchair, suffering from dementia, brain damage, kidney failure, congestive heart failure and other conditions, his attorneys have said. The nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center said its unaware of any other cases with similar claims to Blacks about ICDs or pacemakers. Blacks attorneys said they havent found a comparable case, either. Black killed his girlfriend and her 2 daughters 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. Clay's sister said Black will now face a higher power. His family is now going through the same thing we went through 37 years ago. I can't say Im sorry because we never got an apology," Linette Bell, Angela Clay's sister, said in a statement read by a victim's advocate after the execution. Black's lawyer said the execution was shameful. Today, the state of Tennessee killed a gentle, kind, fragile, intellectually disabled man in a violation of the laws of our country simply because they could," attorney Kelley Henry said. The legal fight over Black's defibrillator In mid-July, a trial court judge agreed with Blacks attorneys that officials must have the defibrillator deactivated to avert the risk that it could cause unnecessary pain and prolong the execution. But Tennessee's Supreme Court overturned that decision Thursday, saying the other judge lacked authority to order the change. The state disputed that the lethal injection would cause Blacks defibrillator to shock him and said he wouldnt feel them regardless. Henry said Black's defense team will carefully review autopsy results, EKG data from Black and information from the defibrillator to determine what exactly happened during the execution. The lethal injection protocol is still being challenged in court. She said she was especially concerned about his head movement and complaints of pain because the massive dose of pentobarbital used to kill inmates is supposed to rapidly leave them unconscious. The fact that he was able to raise his head several times and express pain tells you that the pentobarbital was not acting the way the state's experts claim it acts, Henry said. Prison officials did not comment on witnesses and Blacks attorney saying he appeared conscious or his complaints of pain. It was Tennessees second execution since May, after a pause for five years, first because of COVID-19 and then because of missteps by state corrections officials. Twenty-eight men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S., and nine other people are scheduled to be put to death in seven states during the remainder of 2025. The number of executions this year exceeds the 25 carried out last year and in 2018. It is the highest total since 2015, when 28 people were put to death. Black's condition Black had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, which is a small, battery-powered electronic device that is surgically implanted in the chest. It served as a pacemaker and an emergency defibrillator. Blacks attorneys have said a doctor can send it a deactivation command without surgery. The legal case also spurred a reminder that most medical professionals consider participation in executions a violation of health care ethics. Intellectual disability claim In recent years, Black's legal team has unsuccessfully tried to get a new hearing about an intellectual disability they say he's exhibited since childhood. People with intellectual disabilities are constitutionally barred from execution. His attorneys have said that if they had delayed a prior attempt to seek his intellectual disability claim, he would have been spared under a 2021 state law. That is because the 2021 law denies a hearing to people on death row who have already filed a similar request and a court has ruled on it on the merits." A judge denied Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk's attempt to get Black a new hearing. Funk focused on input from an expert for the state in 2004 who determined back then that Black didnt meet the criteria for what was then called "mental retardation. But she concluded that Black met the new laws criteria for a diagnosis of intellectual disability. ___ Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this story. Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has ordered Texas law enforcement to arrest Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a vote on redistricting that could give Republicans several more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, Abbott said in an Aug. 4 press release announcing the move. By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty." It's unclear whether and how Texas law enforcement will be able to work with out-of-state law enforcement to execute the arrest order, which Abbott said is designed to ensure the missing Democrats comply with civil arrest warrants issued by state Republican lawmakers in an 85-6 vote earlier in the day. Those warrants only apply within state lines. More than 50 state Democratic lawmakers fled Aug. 3 in the political power struggle. Many went to the Chicago area in Illinois, where Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker greeted them. Others went to Boston, Massachusetts and Albany, New York. At the urging of President Donald Trump, Texas Republicans have proposed changing congressional districts to give their party an assist in next year's midterm elections. The revamped map could allow Republicans to flip as many as five Democratic congressional seats. Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) speaks to reporters outside of the West Wing after meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on February 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. Abbott met with Trump to discuss the situation on the southern border. The Democrats are already facing a $500 fine for each day they are out of the state. The penalty was created after state Democrats in 2021 made a similar move to protest new voting restrictions. However, supporters such as Pritzker, a billionaire, and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a star Democratic fundraiser from Texas, have offered to help the fleeing Democrats. Abbott said that his arrest order, which called on the Texas Department Of Public Safety to take action, will remain in place until every missing Democratic member has been brought to the Texas Capitol. Contributing: Savannah Kuchar USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas orders arrest of Democrats who fled to block redistricting California Gov. Gavin Newsom, shown at a July media briefing with Texas legislators, said Monday that he hopes to put a redistricting measure before voters on Nov. 4 if Texas redraws its congressional district maps to favor Republicans. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A last-ditch effort by California Democrats to redraw the state's congressional map for the 2026 election, countering a similar push by Texas Republicans, is now up against the clock. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that Democrats are moving forward with a plan to put a rare mid-decade redistricting plan before voters on Nov. 4. But state lawmakers will craft a "trigger," he said, meaning California voters would only vote on the measure if Texas moved forward with its own plans to redraw Congressional boundaries to add five more Republican seats. "It's cause and effect, triggered on the basis of what occurs or doesn't occur in Texas," Newsom said. "I hope they do the right thing, and if they do, then there'll be no cause for us to have to move forward." Democratic lawmakers in Texas on Monday left the state to deprive Republicans of the quorum needed to pass the new maps. Republican lawmakers voted 85 to 6 to send state troopers to arrest them and bring them back to the Capitol, a move that is largely symbolic, since the lawmakers won't face criminal or civil charges. The outcome of the dueling efforts between Texas and California could determine which party controls the House of Representatives after the 2026 midterm elections, which Democrats see as the last bulwark to President Trump's actions in his second term. Trump has pushed Republicans to add more GOP seats in Texas, hoping to stave off a midterm defeat. Democrats hold 43 of California's 52 congressional seats. Early discussions among California politicians and strategists suggest that redrawn lines could shore up some vulnerable incumbent Democrats by making their purple districts more blue, while forcing five or six of the state's nine Republican members into tougher reelection fights. But nothing official can be done until state lawmakers return from recess to Sacramento on Aug. 18. Democrats, who hold a supermajority in the Legislature, would have less than a month to draw a new map, hold hearings and negotiate the language of a bill calling for the special November election, leaving just enough time for voter guides to be mailed and ballots to be printed. Read more:Texas governor threatens to remove Democrats who left state over Trump-backed redistricting Democratic lawmakers and operatives said Monday that the timeline is doable, but they would have to act quickly. Californias Democratic congressional delegation expressed consensus during a video meeting Monday with moving forward with a ballot measure that would allow mid-decade redistricting only if another state moves forward with it, according to a person familiar with the virtual meeting, and that the change would be temporary. They expressed their support for the independent commission. California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said the Democratic caucus met Sunday night "to discuss the urgent threat of a continued, blatant Trumpian power grab a coordinated effort to undermine our democracy and silence Californians." Democrats in the California Senate and Assembly held separate meetings to discuss redistricting. David Binder, a pollster who works with Newsom, presented internal polling that showed tepid early support among voters for temporarily changing state laws to allow the Legislature to draw new maps for elections in 2026, 2028 and 2030. "Our voters must be empowered to push back," Rivas said. "California has never backed down and we wont start now." Texas Democrats resist Democratic lawmakers' exodus from Austin on Monday denied Republicans the quorum necessary to proceed with a vote on a redrawn state map that could net Republicans five congressional seats. Democratic lawmakers balked at threats from Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. The Texas House Democratic Caucus put out a statement riffing on a slogan made famous during the Texas Revolution: "Come and take it." One member of the caucus noted that being absent was not a crime and that Texas warrants can't be served in Illinois or New York, where many lawmakers have gone. "There is no felony in the Texas penal code for what he says," said Rep. Jolanda Jones, a Democrat. "He's trying to get soundbites, and he has no legal mechanism." The Texas House Republican speaker, Dustin Burrows, said that Democrats leaving does not "stop this House from doing its work. It only delays it." But Abbott's legal options to get his redistricting bill passed, by expelling Democrats or compelling their return, appear narrow, likely forcing the governor's office to make challenges in courtrooms based in Democratic districts. Abbott has until the end of the year to secure new maps for them to be used in the state's March 3 primaries. At a news conference last week in Sacramento, Newsom compared Trump's pressure on Abbott to add five Republican congressional seats as akin to his efforts to "find" 12,000 votes to win Georgia after the 2020 election. "We're not here to eliminate the commission," he said. "We're here to provide a pathway in 26, 28 and in 2030 for congressional maps on the basis of a response to the rigging of the system by the president of the United States. It won't just happen in Texas. I imagine he's making similar calls all across this country. It's a big deal. I don't think it gets much bigger." Escalation on a deadline For decades, redrawing California's electoral maps amounted to political warfare. In 1971, then-Gov. Ronald Reagan vetoed a redistricting plan that he called "a mockery of good government." The California Supreme Court ultimately drew the lines, and did so again in 1991, when then-Gov. Pete Wilson rejected maps drawn by Democrats. California's state lawmakers last drew their own district lines in 2001, after members of both parties signed off on a plan drawn up to protect incumbents. In 2008, California voters stripped state lawmakers of the power to draw their own districts by passing Proposition 11, which created an independent redistricting commission. Two years later, voters handed the power to redraw congressional district maps to the same panel by passing Proposition 20. That group drew the lines before the 2012 elections, and again after the 2020 census. California set the date for its last statewide special election the 2021 attempted recall of Newsom 75 days in advance. County election officials would need at least that much time to find voting locations and prepare ballots for overseas and military voters, which must be mailed 45 days before election day, one elections official said. We need at least a similar timeline and calendar to what took place in 2021 for the gubernatorial recall election, said Dean Logan, the top elections official in Los Angeles County. Read more:Commentary: Political ploy or bold move to save democracy? Our columnists debate Newsom redistricting threat Similarly, he said, counties will need the funding provided upfront by the state to conduct this election, and the funding to do the redistricting associated with it, because counties are not prepared financially." The 2021 recall election cost California taxpayers about $200 million. The preliminary estimate for Los Angeles County to administer the redistricting election is about $60 million. National fight over state lines Republican strategist Jon Fleischman, former executive director of the California Republican Party, said Republicans nationally need to take state Democrats' efforts to redraw the maps seriously by pulling out their checkbooks. Our statewide Republican fundraising has atrophied because it has been over a generation since we had a viable statewide candidate in California, he said. The kind of money that it would take to battle this it would have to be national funding effort. While Texas prompted California Democrats to take action, Fleischman said, the issue has enough momentum here that it ultimately doesnt matter what Texas does. If Gavin Newsom places this on the ballot, it means hes already done his polling and has figured out that it will pass because he cares more running for president that redistricting in California, Fleischman said. And he knows he cant afford to make this play and lose. Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican who championed the ballot measure that created the independent redistricting commission, has not weighed in on the mid-decade redistricting efforts in Texas and California. But a spokesperson for the former governor made clear that he vehemently opposes both. Since leaving office, Schwarzenegger has fought for independent map-drawing across the nation. Redistricting is among the political reforms that are the focus of the Schwarzenegger Institute at USC. His take on all of this is everyone learned in preschool or kindergarten that two wrongs dont make a right. He thinks gerrymandering is evil, said Daniel Ketchell, a spokesperson for Schwarzenegger. It takes power from the people and gives it to politicians. He thinks it's evil, no matter where they do it. Wilner reported from Washington, Nelson and Mehta from Los Angeles and Luna from Sacramento. 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. Margaritta during a recent trip to Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Margaritta) Margaritta, a 33-year-old travel influencer from Germany, embarked on a three-month solo trip through Afghanistan in May 2024. Despite a media echo that Afghanistan was not safe, she said, I was not scared. She felt fantastic, Margaritta, who asked that only her first name be used for security reasons, told NBC News. I was treated like a queen. The trip was one of those amazing experiences that also pushed me, she added in a post on her TikTok channel, @margarittasworld, which has over 18,000 subscribers. Margaritta is among a handful of travel influencers who have gone to Afghanistan since the Taliban took power following a chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led forces in 2021. They are seen exploring the countrys landlocked, mountainous terrain and its tribal culture in videos posted online, contesting perceptions that the country is unsafe and hostile to women. While thrilling for the influencers and their followers, critics accuse these carefully edited travelogues of whitewashing the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan, particularly for women, and rehabilitating the countrys autocratic rulers. Internationally renowned Afghan activist and scholar Orzala Nemat, currently a visiting fellow at the London-based think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said that the surge of foreign influencers in Afghanistan was deeply concerning. What were seeing instead is a curated, sanitized version of the country that conveniently erases the brutal realities faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule, Orzala told NBC News. The Taliban has effectively barred Afghan women from many aspects of public life, including access to education and jobs. In July, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two of the Talibans top leaders, accusing them of persecuting women and girls in Afghanistan, which the group dismissed. Influencers continue to go to Afghanistan despite clear warnings from the U.S. State Department that Americans should not travel to the country for any reason and that there is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals. The European Union and Britain have issued similar travel advisories, while none of these countries have operational embassies in Afghanistan, limiting the provision of consular assistance to citizens. Margaritta traveled solo through Afghanistan for three months. (Courtesy of Margaritta) Margaritta, while acknowledging that the Taliban had imposed strict laws on women, said she viewed them instead as a sign that women have value, and they are valued as precious. Her comments were echoed by 31-year-old Zoe Stephens, a British travel vlogger and tour guide from Liverpool, England, who has visited Afghanistan three times. All we see of the women in Afghanistan is shapes behind burqas, she told NBC News. But when I got there, I realized that ... theres a lot more nuance to it. Having spent time with some Afghan women behind closed doors, she added that much of this was not on video or photographed because its very private. Stephens regularly shares her experiences in Afghanistan and North Korea, the other destination covered by her travel company Koryo Tours, with over 70,000 followers on her Instagram accounts, @zoediscovers and @zoediscoversnk. Like Margaritta, Stephens said that during her time there, she saw that the strength of the Afghan women is that they dont have to just show it. In one of her posts, Stephens appears dressed in a headscarf and an abaya, a traditional robe, as she holds a selfie stick on a tour bus as it zooms through rugged landscape. The video cuts to show her laughing with local Afghan women as she explores lakes, mosques and mountain trails. Her caption reads: It might surprise you to hear that travelling Afghanistan as a woman is actually often safer than travelling as a man. Why? The things to watch out for in Afghanistan is not the government and what it controls; rather, what it cant control. Still, Stephens then lists a few safety tips for women that include dressing appropriately, exuding modesty, avoiding crowded spaces and not making ones location public in real time. Margaritta says she was "treated like a queen" in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Margaritta) Orzala, of RUSI, said that while influencers with Western passports roam freely, pose for photos and gain online fame, those privileges are denied to Afghan women, who are barred from schools, jobs or even walking freely in public without being accompanied by male guardians. There are also moral and ethical dilemmas, she added, because profits from tourism risk indirectly legitimizing and financially sustaining a regime that has institutionalized gender apartheid. As for videos from influencers that show Afghan women smiling in the background, Orzala said, This should never be confused with contentment or consent to the current reality. This is not cultural exchange; its neocolonial tourism dressed up as adventure, she added. Visitors to Afghanistan are still in the low thousands as the war-torn country tries to rebuild its image under strict Taliban-run Islamic laws and customs. Nearly 9,000 foreigners visited in 2024, while nearly 3,000 visited in the first three months of this year, according to a report from The Associated Press. Along with travel influencers, some tourism companies are creating jaw-dropping videos that have since been reshared by Taliban accounts on social media in a bid to attract more visitors. One outlandish 50-second video made by vlogger Yosaf Aryubi begins with an eerie scene of three people with bags over their heads, presumed to be held hostage by the men standing behind them, who are dressed like the Taliban with rifles slung over their shoulders. We have one message for America, one of the armed men says, before pulling the bag off one of the hostages, only to reveal a grinning tourist who gives a thumbs-up and says, Welcome to Afghanistan! The video then cuts to male tourists diving into scenic lakes and walking through waterfalls, and even holding M4 rifles that are revealed to be replicas. Not every influencer sees Afghanistan in that way. In another video, YouTuber Nolan Saumure, whose channel Seal on Tour has 650,000 subscribers, acknowledges that he only interacted with men during his trip there. In a 35-minute video titled Afghanistan Has Too Much Testosterone, Saumure spins the camera around to show a large crowd of Afghan men swarming him. Its a complete sausage fest in here, he says. During her nine hours speaking with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche last month, Ghislaine Maxwell said nothing during the interview that would be harmful to President Donald Trump, telling Blanche that Trump had never done anything in her presence that would have caused concern, according to sources familiar with what Maxwell said. The Trump administration, meanwhile, is considering publicly releasing the transcripts from the interview, multiple sources familiar with the internal discussions told ABC News. Maxwell's meetings with Blanche took place for nine hours over two days. MORE: Grand jury transcripts in Ghislaine Maxwell case contain nothing new, DOJ filing says There is also an audio recording of the interview, the sources said, but it's not clear whether the administration plans to release the audio to accompany any public release of the transcript. The public release of the transcripts could come as soon as this week, the sources said. Maxwell, an associate of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was convicted of sex trafficking and other charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022, which she was serving at a federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida, until her recent move to a more relaxed federal prison camp in Texas. She is appealing her conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court. ABC previously reported that it was Maxwell who requested the interview with the DOJ, according to sources familiar with the matter. Maxwell is also asking the Supreme Court to review her conviction and Trump has not ruled out a pardon for her. ABC News - PHOTO: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche departs his hotel for a meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell in Tallahassee, Fla., July 25, 2025. Maxwell's lawyer, David Markus, said following her meetings with Blanche that Maxwell would welcome any relief. He also said Maxwell was asked about "one hundred different people," and said "she didn't hold anything back." Trump, asked Tuesday whether he approved the prison transfer for Maxwell, said, "I didn't know about it at all, no. I read about it just like you did. It's not a very uncommon thing," Trump also just said that anything Blanche discussed with Maxwell during his meetings with her would be "totally above board." Following his first day of meetings with Maxwell, Blanche tweeted that "The Department of Justice will share additional information about what we learned at the appropriate time." CNN first reported the administration was considering releasing the transcripts. MORE: Ghislaine Maxwell received limited immunity during meetings with deputy attorney general: Sources In an interview with Newsmax last week, when asked when Americans could hear about the contents of the meeting, Trump said: "I don't know, because I haven't spoken about it, but he's a very talented guy, Todd Blanche, and a very straight shooter, and I think he probably wanted to know, you know, just to get a feeling of it, because we'd like to release everything, but we don't want people to get hurt that shouldn't be hurt. And I would assume that was why he was there. I want to release everything. I just don't want people to get hurt." Neither the the White House or the DOJ immediately responded to a request for comment from ABC News. By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday it will not seek the death penalty for accused Mexican drug traffickers Rafael Caro Quintero and Ismael Zambada despite allegations of deep ties to cartel violence. Caro Quintero was extradited to the U.S. in February alongside 28 other suspected cartel members as part of the biggest handover by Mexico of drug trafficking suspects in 10 years. The septuagenarian had spent decades in prison in Mexico for the murder of a Drug Enforcement Administration agent. His lawyer, Elizabeth Macedonio, said she agreed with the Justice Department the death penalty was not appropriate in his case. "We look forward to resolving this matter quickly to bring closure to all parties," Macedonio said. Zambada, known as El Mayo, is accused of co-founding the Sinaloa Cartel alongside convicted drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. He was arrested last year alongside Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of his former partner, at a small airport near El Paso, Texas. Both Caro Quintero and Zambada, also in his 70s, have pleaded not guilty to U.S. drug trafficking charges. Zambada's lawyer, Frank Perez, told Reuters in February that his client would be willing to plead guilty in a deal that spared him the death penalty. On Tuesday, Perez said he was working with the government to resolve Zambada's case. "We welcome the government's decision not to pursue the death penalty against our client," Perez said. "This marks an important step toward achieving a fair and just resolution." (Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Howard Goller) By Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration will require visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi to pay bonds up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas under a pilot program launching in two weeks, the State Department said on Tuesday. "Starting August 20, 2025, any citizen or national traveling on a passport issued by one of these countries who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond in amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, determined at time of visa interview," the State Department said in a notice on its website. A notice about the program, which gives U.S. consular officers worldwide the discretion to impose bonds on visitors from countries with high rates of visa overstays, appeared on the Federal Register on Monday but no country names had been mentioned. A State Department spokesperson on Monday said countries would be identified based on "high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations." The spokesperson, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the list of countries may be updated from time to time. The bond amount will be returned to the applicant if the applicant leaves the U.S. within the allowed window of time in line with their visa and complies with all the terms of their visa status. President Donald Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a focus of his presidency, boosting resources to secure the border and arresting people who are in the U.S. illegally. He issued a travel ban in June that fully or partially blocks citizens of 19 nations from entering the U.S. on national security grounds. Numerous countries in Africa, including Burundi, Djibouti and Togo, also had high overstay rates, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data from fiscal year 2023. Visa holders who have posted a visa bond must arrive and depart the United States via three specific ports of entry, the State Department notice said on Tuesday. It listed those as Boston Logan Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Washington Dulles Airport. It warned that if such travelers arrive or depart from anywhere else, they could be denied entry or their departure may not be appropriately registered. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Leslie Adler) California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he is ready to fight "fire with fire" as state Republican lawmakers try to enact redistricting in Texas, opposing the move though promising to pursue similar measures if needed. At a press conference on Monday, Newsom said he supports independent redistricting, as well as a national framework, and a proposal being advanced in the legislature reinforces what he supports. "The proposal that we're advancing with the legislature has a trigger only if they move forward, to dismantling the protocols that are well-established," the governor said. "Would the state of California move forward in kind? Fighting? Yes, fire with fire." When asked about a meeting between California Democrats on Sunday night, during which time they drafted or were almost done with the draft of redistricting maps, and whether he had seen those maps, Newsom said he had not. Awol Texas Dems Threatened With Expulsion, Felony Charges For Absence Amid Redistricting Battle California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was ready to fight fire with fire if Texas lawmakers approve a measure to enact redistricting in the state. But he said there has been an ongoing series of conversations into the evening last night, which continued on Monday morning and will continue until Democrats land on a process. Read On The Fox News App "That process has to have the concurrence, the support of two-thirds of the legislature," he said. "The maps, we believe, should be transparent. They should be provided in a transparent way to the public, and as a consequence, those maps are being processed and will be brought to light." At the end of the day, though, Newsom said the people of California will have the ultimate say. "We will offer them the opportunity to make judgments for themselves, again, only if Texas moves forward," Newsom said. "Ill reinforce that we believe it should be a national model, independent national redistricting, and it would revert back to its original form, but its done in response to the existential realities that were now facing. Things have changed, facts have changed, so we must change." Hochul Vows To 'Fight Fire With Fire' On Redistricting While Hosting Texas Democrats Who Fled State "Theyve triggered this response and were not going to roll over and were going to fight fire with fire, but were going to do so not just punching with the weight of the fourth largest economy, the most populous state in our union, the size of 21 state populations combined," he continued. "We also will punch above our weight in terms of the impact of what were doing, and I think that should be absorbed by those in the Texas delegation. Whatever they are doing will be neutered here in the state of California, and they will pay that price." California GOP Chairwoman Corrin Rankin told Fox News Digital that Newsoms actions could threaten the constitutional rights of Californians while also setting a dangerous precedent. "While Governor Newsom frames this redistricting as a defensive move, it undermines Californias nationally respected, voter-approved Citizens Redistricting Commission, and if successful, sets a dangerous precedent that voters choices can be overruled whenever politicians find it politically convenient," Rankin said. "Our primary concern is safeguarding Californians constitutional rights against partisan manipulation disguised as defending democracy; true democracy means empowering voters, not politicians, to decide representation." Dozens of Texas Democrats fled their state and went to Chicago and New York on Sunday night in an effort to block a redistricting vote on Monday. Trump, Republicans Race To Redraw Texas Congressional Map As Democrats Threaten Legal War Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has since threatened to arrest and expel the lawmakers if they do not return by Monday afternoon. Shortly after Abbott released his statement, the Texas House Democratic Caucus issued a simple response, writing: "Come and take it." The statement also described Republicans' proposed districts, which would potentially secure five new GOP U.S. House seats in next year's midterm elections, as a "racist mid-decade redistricting scheme." Abbott criticized the Democrats' dramatic departure, saying that "real Texans don't run from a fight." On Monday evening, Illinois lawmakers hosted Texas Democrats for a press conference, during which time none of the lawmakers took a single question from the press. Beto O'rourke Drops F-bomb As He Urges Dems To 'Meet Fire With Fire' Against Gop Redistricting Plans In Texas Texas Gov. Greg Abbott looks on during a news conference on March 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Still, Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., welcomed her colleagues and said they could stay as long as they wanted because they believed in what they were doing. "What youre doing and whattheyre trying to do in Texas affects you guys, but it affects the whole country," she said. "When you want to remove five Democratsthat hurts us in the House." She explained that when there are not enough Democrats, things like the Big Beautiful Bill, or as she referred to it as "the Big Ugly Bill," and other Republican initiatives get through. "They are trying to destroy our democracy, destroy fairness in our country," Kelly said. "And unfortunately, they're starting with Texas. But we want you to know, we stand by your side." Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., accused Abbott of not stepping up for the people affected by devastating floods in the Hill Country region of Texas. Beto O'rourke Calls For Democrats To Be 'Ruthless' In Pursuit Of Power, Backs Newsom's Gerrymandering Proposal U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) answers questions during a news conference about the recent Congressional delegation trip to the Indo-Pacific region, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. August 10, 2022. Specifically, he accused Abbott of not having a special session to help families rebuild, but instead of doing "the bidding" of President Donald Trump to "banish Democrats" from the federal delegation. Krishnamoorthi then directed his comments to Abbott, saying, "don't mess with Texas," because the people standing with him represent Texas. "You can silence them. You can smear them. You can saddle them with debts and fins. But you cannot intimidate them," Krishnamoorthi said. "You can gerrymander the hell out of that map. Guess what? Two can play that game. Thats right. Other states will do exactly the same thing and neutralize what youre trying to do in Texas." Other lawmakers standing side-by-side in Illinois chose to accuse Trumps policies of being race-driven. Texas State Rep. Ana-Maria Rodriguez Ramos said Trumps policies hurt working families. "That is nothing short of racism," she said. "He is coming after all of us who dont look like him and his Republican colleagues in the Texas House." Trump gives his joint address to Congress and is interrupted by Rep Al Green protesting his cuts to multiple government programs. March 4th Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, followed Rodriguez Ramos with more accusations of racism, saying Republicans are doing what Trump has insisted be done. "I want you to know that we didn't introduce the race card when this message was sent by and through the Justice Department to the State of Texas, to our attorney general," he said. "They mentioned the race card because they talked about racial gerrymandering. They brought it up, and when they brought it up, they did it, knowing that this was a buzz word. It was a trigger." "They know that thats a buzz word that people would respond to in Texas, but we are going to respond to that buzz word by telling them that your racism is not going to change democracy in the state of Texas," Green continued. "In the United States of America, racism is going to be met with our taking a stand for democracy. You take a stand for racism, we will stand for democracy, and we will win." Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Texas, said she was pleased that states like California and New York were standing up for Texas Democrats because, once it happens in Texas, it will spread to other states. She called the issue a "national war," and "an all-out war" in which everything is on the table. "We come from a state of great pride, and I never thought as a Texan, as an elected member of the Texas House of Representatives and now as an elected member from Texas to the United States House of Representatives, that I would see the governor of the proud state of Texas bend a knee to a felon from New York," Johnson added. "I never thought I'd see the day, but here we are." Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, was also standing with fellow Democrats in Illinois and accused Abbott of talking "a lot of noise." She also accused Republicans of being "weak." "The difference is they expect Democrats to kind of be the nice guys that we are," Crockett said. "They expect us to take the punch and say thank you. Well, I am here to tell you not only are we going to punch back, but we about to beat you down." Still, Abbott told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday that Texas is doing what it is allowed to do by law. He also accused state Democrats of doing something "un-Texas" by turning their back on Texans and not dealing with the flooding issues still echoing across the state. Abbott said four of the five seats that could change because of redistricting will be primarily Hispanic. "These are seats where Democrats are having to come to grips with reality," he said, explaining that Democrats are losing votes to Hispanics and Black voters in Texas. He also said Democrats are "freaking out" because they are realizing Texas has the authority to redistrict. "Texas will continue to fight for what is right," Abbott said. Fox News Digitals Anders Hagstrom and Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report. Original article source: 'All-out war': Fleeing Texas Dems side with Newsom as redistricting standoff continues: 'fire with fire' Authorities have been searching the rugged terrain of western Montana by land and air for Michael Paul Brown, an Army veteran suspected of gunning down a bartender and three patrons in an Anaconda bar. - Dan Haffey Stymied by treacherous terrain and untamed wilderness, authorities are struggling to find an Army veteran suspected of killing four people at a Montana bar last week. Investigators say Michael Paul Brown, 45, vanished Friday after gunning down a bartender and three patrons at The Owl Bar in Anaconda a community of less than 10,000 people nestled between the dense forests and formidable mountains of western Montana. Among the countless potential hideouts: Garrity Mountain, a popular hiking and camping site lined with cabins for outdoor enthusiasts. A helicopter circles Garrity Mountain on Saturday in the manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, who is suspected of killing four people at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana. - Dan Haffey As of Tuesday, the Garrity Mountain Wildlife Management Area remained closed until further notice due to public safety concerns and an ongoing law enforcement presence, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said. But its not just the challenging landscape impeding Browns capture. The suspect had a big advantage That mountain is gigantic, said Anaconda resident Dan Haffey, a former fire foreman for the Montana Division of Forestry whose team cut trails for hikers. Theres a thousand places to hide on that mountain. And Brown fled in a sparsely populated area with fewer authorities, one official said, essentially giving him a head start while partnering law enforcement agencies were brought in from around the state. An array of local, state and federal authorities have joined in the manhunt, including the FBI, the Granite County Sheriffs Office and the Denver office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. But many of them had to travel to the manhunt, giving Brown more time to get away. Denver is about 600 miles from Anaconda. Over the weekend, authorities had about 250 boots on the ground searching for Brown, along with air and ground resources from other states and federal agencies, Montanas attorney general said Sunday. But he said that number would be reduced as the search shifts to a fugitive location operation. There are fewer witnesses around A $10,000 reward is available for information leading to Browns capture. But four days after the killings, Brown still hasnt been found. Security camera footage shows Michael Paul Brown fleeing Friday morning. - Montana Department of Justice Theres a lot of land, and not a lot of people, said Dan Brunner, a former agent at the FBIs field office in Bozeman, Montana. So theres not a lot of civilians that will be looking out their window looking for a suspicious person, Brunner said. This man could easily hide for multiple, multiple weeks if he had resources prepared for himself. Brown has already been resourceful in his escape. Even though surveillance footage showed him fleeing in his underwear shortly after the killings, authorities believe he collected fresh supplies from a white Ford F-150 pickup truck. It was a stolen vehicle, but there was camping equipment in it. We believe there was some clothing in it, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said. So at this point, we have every reason to believe the suspect is fully clothed, shoes on his feet, able to get around. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Today's headlines: Netanyahu orders occupation of the entire Gaza Strip; Maximum weather alert in Hong Kong for heavy rain, over 82,000 people evacuated in Beijing; Preliminary talks begin between Cambodia and Thailand after border clashes; Australia buys military ships from Japan for billion. VIETNAM There is an escalating outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Vietnam, with the number of infected pigs more than tripling in just two weeks. There have been 972 outbreaks this year, a sudden increase from the 514 reported in mid-July. The number of infected animals has risen to more than 100,000 from 30,000 in the same period, the vast majority of which have died or been slaughtered. ISRAEL - PALESTINE The Israeli army has received orders to conquer the entire Strip, where the military is already operating, opening fire in more than 75% of the territory, further accelerating the plan to control Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the green light despite fears from the head of the Defense Forces (IDF), while the government assures it has the support of the White House. Meanwhile, about 600 retired senior Israeli security officials, including former heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies, have written to US President Donald Trump to pressure Israel to immediately end the war in Gaza. HONG KONG Local authorities have issued the highest level of weather alert, while torrential rains have led to the closure of schools, courts, and hospital wards. About 10,000 lightning bolts lit up the skies between 6 and 7 a.m., hitting the city and the nearby province of Guangdong. The storms follow deadly flash floods in southern China last weekend, killing at least five people. Also due to bad weather in Beijing, more than 82,000 people were evacuated after dozens died in floods in the suburbs of the capital. THAILAND - CAMBODIA Preliminary talks between Thai and Cambodian defense officials began yesterday in Malaysia, ahead of a key ministerial meeting scheduled for August 7. Meanwhile, the fragile truce reached last week seems to be holding, following a ceasefire agreed by the parties after five days of border clashes and rising tensions. JAPAN - AUSTRALIA Australia has finalized the purchase of 11 Mogami-class frigates built by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), worth a total of billion. Despite official statements, analysts and experts believe that behind the move by Canberra (and Tokyo) lies a shared concern about Chinese expansionism in the Asia-Pacific seas. INDIA The Indian Supreme Court has raised concerns about delays in the delivery of the new forensic report on the authenticity of audio messages linking former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh to recent ethnic violence. In May, judges expressed dissatisfaction with the Central Forensic Science Laboratory's analysis of the recordings and requested a new report. KAZAKHSTAN - CHINA - RUSSIA Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Roman Skljar has stated that the country's third nuclear power plant will be built, like the second, by a Chinese company. The first was awarded to a Russian company, with a rather uncertain completion date: the construction sites have not yet been identified and will be sought near water sources within the current year using transparent procedures. TURKEY - TURKMENISTAN Two well-known Turkmen bloggers, Aliser Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov, who openly criticized the Ashgabat regime, have disappeared in Turkey. Human rights activists are concerned about their fate, believing that they may have been kidnapped by Turkmenistan's special services to be returned to their homeland, where they face torture and long imprisonment. Once again, some pretentious governments, indifferent to their own interests and those of the region, have brough up the issue of the Zangezur Corridor and are knocking on every door to advance their illegitimate goals in the South Caucasus, Ali Akbar Velayati said in an X post late on Monday. I reiterate that any government in or outside the region intending to repeat failed experiences of the past will meet with Irans strong response, Velayati wrote without naming anyone. His tweet followed reports that U.S. President Donald Trump will host the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House on Friday. Velayati claimed late last month that the United States as well as certain pan-Turkist movements are behind the Azerbaijani demands for the extraterritorial corridor. He 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, Velayati added in a speech cited by Iranian news agencies. The corridor demanded by Baku would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave through Syunik, the only Armenian region bordering Iran. The latter is strongly opposed to its opening, fearing a loss of its common border or direct transport links with Armenia. Earlier in July, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian confirmed that the U.S. has suggested that the transit of people and cargo through Syunik be administered by a U.S. company. He signaled readiness to accept such an arrangement which might also involve a 100-year U.S. lease on the corridor. Pashinian and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as well as senior Armenian and Iranian security officials spoke by phone in the following days. Tehran indicated last week its strong opposition to the U.S. proposal. The Russian Foreign Ministry also criticized the proposal, saying that it is part of the Wests continuing efforts to sideline Russia and Iran. Pashinian insisted through a spokeswoman afterwards that a third-party control of the transit routes for Nakhichevan would not compromise Armenian sovereignty over Syunik. Armenian opposition leaders claim the opposite. They say that Pashinian has agreed to open the corridor. 5 August 2025 17:53 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and numerous other grave offenses continued on August 5 at the Baku Military Court, Azernews reports. The hearing, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samedova), was held in an open session. Vardanyan was provided with an interpreter in Russian, the language he understands, and a lawyer of his choice. Before the testimonies began, Judge Agayev informed the victims and their legal heirs, who were participating for the first time, of their rights and obligations under Azerbaijani law. A series of emotional testimonies were delivered by relatives of those killed and by survivors injured during attacks by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups during and after the 44-day Patriotic War. Abdulaga Sadikhov, father of victim Shamistan Sadikhov, testified that his son was killed as a result of enemy fire. Bakhtiyar Melikov, father of Vusal Melikov, stated that his son was killed in Lachin under similar circumstances. Sadig Maharramov, father of Javad Maharramov, described his sons death in Aghdara, while Javanshir Yunusov recounted how his son Eltun Yunusov was killed in Khojavend. Multiple victims gave accounts of being wounded in shell and mortar explosions, mine blasts, and targeted fire: Mammad Gayibov was injured in a shell explosion in which three others Rahib Shikhiyev, Elmin Eyvazov, and Shahrat Gasimov were also wounded. Ali Heydarov and Sabutay Agabagirov were injured in Agdam. Farid Aslanov sustained injuries in Khojaly. Jamal Hamidov was wounded by mortar fire in Lachin. Habil Ganbarov suffered injuries in Khojavend, alongside Murad Mustafayev. Afig Suleymanov lost mobility due to a mine explosion. Suleyman Garayev was injured in Lachin. Kenan Ahadov, while driving in Aghdam, was wounded by a mine blast along with four others in his vehicle. Rashad Haziyev, one of the passengers, confirmed the incidents severity. Shahriyar Zarbaliyev recounted being wounded in Khojaly together with Emil Nabiyev and Rovshan Azimli. Abdulla Hajiyev and Sadiq Hamidov were wounded in separate attacks in Aghdara and Agdam. The witnesses statements detailed the extensive civilian harm caused by Armenian forces continued use of heavy weaponry, mines, and targeted attacks even after main combat operations had ceased. The court scheduled the next hearing for August 12. Ruben Vardanyan faces an extensive list of charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including: Articles 100.1 & 100.2 planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression 107, 109, 110, 112, 113 deportation, persecution, enforced disappearance, unlawful deprivation of liberty, and torture 114.1 & 115.2 mercenary activities and violations of the laws and customs of war 116 series violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflict 120 series & 29.120 series intentional murder and attempted intentional murder 192.3.1, 214 series, 214-1 illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, and financing terrorism 218.1, 218.2, 228.3 creation of a criminal association and illegal arms possession 270-1 series, 278.1, 279 series, 318.2 acts threatening aviation safety, forcible seizure or retention of power, creation of illegal armed formations, and illegal border crossing Vardanyan, a former senior figure in the separatist regime in Garabagh, is accused of directly participating in and financing military and terrorist activities that resulted in the deaths and injuries of Azerbaijani civilians and servicemen, as well as widespread destruction of property and infrastructure. Nanping Village, once a declined village as residents left to seek works elsewhere, has regained vitality thanks to the renovation efforts by local authorities. Dilapidated old houses were transformed into stylish homestays and cafes, while areas around the stream in the village was developed into a summer retreat and camping site. After the renovation, the annual turnover generated here reaches nearly 2 million yuan (about 278,610 U.S. dollars). In addition to rental income for villagers, this cultural and tourism development project has also created over 50 job opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) 5 August 2025 13:42 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The political establishment in Tehran is once again being testedthis time over the contentious Zangazur corridor and Irans evolving relationship with its northwestern neighbor, Azerbaijan. At the center of the latest storm is Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose recent statements advocating for de-escalation and regional integration have sparked fierce backlash from conservative circles and figures close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During a recent speech, Pezeshkian questioned Irans longstanding posture toward Azerbaijan, suggesting that Tehran's failure to build strong relations with Baku opened the door for external actors like Israel. It is our fault that we cannot be friends with Azerbaijan, that Israel came and became friends with Azerbaijan, he noted, underscoring his broader critique of isolationist foreign policy. He also downplayed the so-called Zangazur issuecalling it a small matterand emphasized the importance of constructive ties with all neighbors. The reaction from conservative quarters was swift and severe. Tehran MP Hamid Resayi, speaking in the Majlis, accused Pezeshkian of "giving excuses to the enemy" and undermining the legacy of Iranian foreign policy. Merely subjugating the idea that Azerbaijan's close relationship with Israel threatens not only Iran's sovereignty but the Azerbaijani people's lives too. The MP went further to question Pezeshkian's loyalty to the Supreme Leader, invoking nationalist sentiment and suggesting the presidents approach is dangerously out of step with the ideological line of the Islamic Republic. Perhaps, this is Iran's own position; it is unpleasant but represents reality. Whether we like it or not, this is the situation. In other words, it is important to understand that whichever state has close relations with another should not feel a special obligation to either side. Azerbaijan has always maintained a balanced policy; it is not a new idea. In the early years of Azerbaijan's independence, the attitude toward Iran was completely different in our society. There was a warmer attitude and stronger moral bonds than in later periods. The occupation of Garabagh, our southern neighbor's stance toward Azerbaijan after the occupation, interference in our internal affairs, and the various actions by a number of provincial mullahs over the past 30 years, along with Iran's position in the Second Garabagh War, Tehran's friendly attitude toward Baku's enemies, or Iran's hostile stance on various issues, have all shaped today's relations. Official Baku diplomacy has consistently pursued a measured and suitable approach, and when necessary, it has shown its political strength to the country when facing certain threats or problems. So, no nation should have the audacity to criticize our relations with anybody else. Iran was the one, frequently outcrying about Azerbaijan's relations with Israel when it struggled to fixate on its internal political issues. There are no permanent friends or enemiesonly permanent interests. This is diplomatic relations, and if it were as we wish, then Iran would be accused of participating in the occupation during the First Garabagh War. Supporting Armenia does not mean occupying Garabagh. Iran needs to move beyond its old policies. At the heart of this domestic controversy lies the deeper structural contradiction within Irans political system: the long-standing tug-of-war between reformists and hardliners. Pezeshkian's pragmatic foreign policy reflects the views of the reformist campa vision rooted in regional cooperation, economic interdependence, and diplomatic normalization. It is also a continuation of efforts initiated by former reformist presidents such as Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, who negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) despite opposition from hardline elements. By contrast, the conservative factionbacked institutionally and ideologically by the IRGCviews regional diplomacy through the lens of ideological confrontation. Under this paradigm, the axis of resistance remains the centerpiece of Irans geopolitical calculus, and any project seen as bolstering NATO or weakening Irans strategic depthsuch as the Zangazur corridoris met with hostility. This was evident when Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to the Supreme Leader, denounced the corridor as a geopolitical trap designed to disconnect Iran from the Caucasus and encircle it alongside Russia. Yet, such claims ring hollow under scrutiny. Iran still maintains an open land route to Armenia. Far from isolating Tehran, the corridor could enhance regional trade and offer new opportunities for transit, provided Tehran is willing to engage rather than obstruct. Critics have noted that these alarmist narratives serve less to protect national security than to entrench the IRGC's monopolistic control over Irans foreign and security policy. Internally, opposition to Pezeshkians position is also rooted in fears of losing hegemonic control. The IRGC's ideological arm, the Quds Force, has seen its regional influence dwindle in recent years following setbacks in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Iraq. As Irans external reach contracts, reformists see an opportunity to pivot inwardto rebuild Iran's economy, reestablish credibility with neighbors, and restore a sense of normalcy in foreign affairs. Pezeshkian's call to reduce sensitivities and prioritize economic integration reflects this strategic recalibration. It is an attempt to break the self-imposed cycle of antagonism that has not only alienated Iran from much of the Muslim world but also invited diplomatic and economic isolation. His remarksframed as a "small issue" by criticsmay in fact signify a larger, more transformative outlook: one that views regional peace and cooperation not as a threat, but as a necessity. Still, resistance to change remains formidable. The conservative backlash is not merely rhetoricalit is institutional, entrenched, and often backed by the threat of coercion. The legacy of late President Ebrahim Raisi, who painted the Zangazur corridor as a NATO conspiracy, still lingers in the halls of power. The Guards grip on foreign policy continues to restrict Irans reformist aspirations, both domestically and abroad. But public sentiment is shifting. Pezeshkians message appears simple: border issues should be addressed through dialogue, not dogma. It is the flip side of the IRGCs suspicion that infrastructure equals enemy strategy. Instead, the reformist reality is that roads can be bridges, not battlegrounds. In the final analysis, the Zangazur corridor is not just a transportation projectit has become a litmus test for Irans future direction. Will Tehran continue down the path of ideological confrontation and strategic isolation? Or will it embrace a more pragmatic, inclusive approach to regional politics? The corridor plays a crucial role in determining how a new system of relations can be established, taking into account both regional and international strategic needs. The primary driving force behind this is the strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Meanwhile, those who feel sidelined are attempting to protect their interests by viewing the corridor as both a geoeconomic and geopolitical asset. In this context, Iran's opposition to the corridor is somewhat restricted in motivation, and its ability to effectively counteract Azerbaijan's interests is likely to diminish over time. That path depends on whether Pezeshkians vision can survive internal resistance or whether reformist pragmatism will yield to entrenched conservatism. This difference of opinion isnt just about a road: its about Irans place in a post-war South Caucasus. Clearly, the sustainability of the current Iranian president's speeches, often labeled as reformist, is questionable, especially considering similar patterns throughout Iranian history, yet it is promising for now If Tehran chooses the corridor over confrontation, bilateral diplomacy with Azerbaijan could offer a model for a new era of regional cooperationfrom energy to trade, from logistics to innovation. And the fact that the president of Iran is asking questions no one dared ask before suggests the debate has already begun. Masoud Pezeshkian has made his choice clear for a while. Whether the rest of the system will allow him to act on it remains the unanswered and defining question. 5 August 2025 16:58 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more For the first time in history, Ukrainian consumers will receive Azerbaijani natural gas. The deal, signed between Ukraines Naftogaz and SOCAR Energy Ukrainea subsidiary of our State Oil Companymarks a milestone not just for the two countries, but for the entire post-Soviet energy landscape. It is the first time Azerbaijani gas will travel via the Trans-Balkan route, through the Bulgaria-Romania-Ukraine energy corridor. Right now, its a test supply, but its significance is anything but experimental. Ukraine has now become the first post-Soviet republic in Europe to buy Azerbaijani gas, joining... Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 5 August 2025 17:04 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov has met with Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Azerbaijan Amy Carlon to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral economic ties, Azernews reports. According to the ministry, the meeting highlighted Azerbaijans commitment to developing relations with the United States, noting broad opportunities for cooperation in trade, energy, investment, transport-transit, industry, and other sectors. Both sides explored possibilities for realizing existing potential through joint initiatives, stressing the importance of projects aligned with mutual interests for fostering regional development. The discussions also underscored Azerbaijans role as a strategic energy partner and a regional hub connecting Europe and Central Asia. The parties exchanged views on the prospects of the Middle Corridor and expanding partnerships across various areas of the economy. 5 August 2025 17:35 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more bp proudly announces the successful completion of the first phase of a vital water supply project in the Avaran community, located in the Gusar district, Azernews reports, citing the company. This initiative is part of bps comprehensive water supply programme aimed at enhancing access to clean water in rural Azerbaijan. The project aligns with bps global commitment to reduce freshwater consumption in water-stressed areas by improving efficiency in its operations and partnering with local communities to replenish water resources. The newly completed phase in Avaran features the construction of a state-of-the-art, membrane-covered water reservoir with a 10,000 m capacity, alongside a 2,000 m sludge sedimentation pool. A new 1.4 km pipeline has been installed to channel fresh water from the nearby Jagar Jibir water channel directly to the reservoir. Supporting infrastructure, including pumping and filtering stations, water tanks, and household connections, has also been establisheddirectly benefiting 125 local households. At the completion event, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bps Vice President for the Caspian region, emphasized: We are delighted to provide the Avaran community with direct access to clean freshwater through this new water supply system. This project reflects our broader dedication to improving water security in rural areas and delivering tangible benefits for both people and ecosystems. Looking ahead, Aslanbayli added: Phase two is already underway and will extend water access to an additional 263 households. We are on track to complete this next phase by the end of 2025. The project, costing 810,390 AZN ($476,700), was implemented by the Regional Development Public Union (RIIB). bps rural water supply programme in Azerbaijan: Overview Launched in November 2023, bps water supply programme aims to reduce net freshwater use in stressed catchments by enhancing operational efficiency and partnering with local organizations to restore and sustain water resources. The programme, with a total budget of 5,265,556 AZN ($3,097,385), is expected to complete by April 2026. Key components include: 1. Kahriz Restoration in Tovuz: Restoring traditional underground water channels in the Tovuz district to support over 10,000 residents of Ashagi Gushchu village. This project, implemented by Puls-R, has a budget of 1,282,227 AZN ($754,251) and is expected to finish by December 2025. 2. Water supply projects in Goychay and Gusar: Completed in June 2025, these projects improved water access for domestic and agricultural use. The Goychay project irrigates over 100 hectares, benefiting local farmers and the Ministry of Agricultures research institute. The Gusar project, including the Avaran community works, introduced a modern water system with reservoirs, pipelines, and household connections. Total combined investment for these projects is 2,388,130 AZN ($1,404,782). 3. Community-managed water systems: Covering 15 projects across Kurdamir, Yevlakh, Goranboy, and Samukh districts, this initiative aims to provide safe drinking water, irrigation, and sanitation for about 10,000 people. Implemented by the public union Umid, with a budget of 1,595,200 AZN ($938,352), it launched in November 2023 and is slated for completion in April 2026. To date, 13 communities have benefitted, with two remaining on track for completion. bps ongoing commitment to sustainable water management continues to bring lasting benefits to Azerbaijans rural communities, supporting both human development and ecosystem health. 5 August 2025 17:41 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The first meeting of the Scientific Council under the Old City Museum Center (Icherisheher Museum Center) has been held at the Administration of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve, Azernews reports. The Scientific Council was established with the aim of organizing the museum's scientific-exhibition, research, restoration, and methodological activities in a systematic manner, applying scientific approaches, and improving the quality of management. Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration Rufat Mahmud stated that the establishment of the Scientific Council is an important step in terms of preserving historical and cultural heritage. He provided information about the museumification of historical monuments in Icherisheher, the Smart Reserve project, digital monitoring systems, and global tasks being implemented for the protection of natural and cultural heritage. It was noted that scientific activity is not only academic in nature but also significant in terms of tourism and public awareness. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and leading scientific and museum institutions of the country, including director of the Institute of History and Ethnology, Professor Karim Shukurov; director of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, Associate Professor Farhad Guliyev; director of the Center for Scientific Restoration of Museum Treasures and Memorabilia, Zarifa Malikova; director of the Icherisheher Museum Center, Azada Huseynova, who all delivered speeches. During the event, the future directions of the Scientific Council's activities, the scientific basis of exhibitions, publications, and research projects were discussed. The Old City Museum Center is dedicated to researching and showcasing the architecture, daily life, and cultural heritage associated with key historical landmarks such as the Shirvanshahs' Palace, the Maiden Tower, ancient mosques and bathhouses, including the Beyler Mosque and the Sirataghli Religious-Architectural Complex, the Baku Khans' Palace, and the Gala village. The museum collects, preserves, and promotes materials related to these cultural monuments and hosts international events such as conferences, symposiums, themed gatherings, and theatrical performances within the monument complexes. The museum's collection includes a wide range of materials such as photographic negatives, applied art pieces, coins, rare books, documents, photographs, graphic works, and archaeological artifacts. The Old City Museum Center was officially established by Decree No. 558 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 22, 2018. The center regularly organizes both permanent and traveling exhibitions, as well as presentations that utilize modern technology and equipment. 5 August 2025 13:50 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more During his working visit to the city of Turkmenbashi, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov held a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze, Azernews reports. According to a statement from the Cabinet of Ministers, Prime Minister Asadov conveyed greetings from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the head of the Georgian government. In return, Irakli Kobakhidze expressed his appreciation for the message and asked to pass on his own greetings to President Aliyev. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia. They discussed further strengthening of cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade and economic ties, mutual investment, transport and transit, energy, and humanitarian collaboration. 5 August 2025 12:51 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more On August 5, a preparatory meeting for the upcoming 7th consultative meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian countries was held in the Avaza national tourism zone in the city of Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, Azernews reports. According to a statement from the Cabinet of Ministers, Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov took part in the gathering. The meeting serves as a precursor to the upcoming summit of Central Asian leaders, aimed at deepening regional cooperation and dialogue on key political, economic, and security issues. 5 August 2025 13:58 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Moldova has expressed interest in involving Azerbaijani companies in its gas procurement strategy as it continues efforts to diversify energy sources ahead of the autumn-winter season, Azernews reports. According to Moldovan Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu, the state-owned company Energocom has a clear strategy focused on source diversification. We would be glad to see Azerbaijani companies among the suppliers. However, our recommendation is to carefully monitor the tender procedures organized by Energocom, or submit applications, or start direct negotiations, the minister stated. The remarks come as Moldova moves further away from dependence on Gazprom, following the Russian suppliers unilateral decision to reduce gas volumes in 2022. Since then, Moldovagazhalf-owned by Gazpromhas largely relied on Energocom for gas supplies. Due to Gazproms majority stake, which is subject to international sanctions, Moldovagaz has not been able to operate freely on international markets. Furthermore, the company has reportedly failed to comply with national legislation and fulfill its supply and distribution obligations within the required timeframe. As a result, the companys gas supply license has been officially revoked. The National Agency for Energy Regulation confirmed the decision today, stating that beginning September 1, Energocom will assume all supplier functions. A separate supplier for the Transnistrian region is expected to be designated by the same date. 5 August 2025 13:12 (UTC+04:00) By Farman Aydin In the annals of post-colonial statecraft, few moves have been as brazen, disruptive, and analytically revealing as Indias unilateral revocation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019. It was not merely a constitutional sleight of hand or a domestic policy decision, but it was a seismic shift in the regional power matrix, a strategic manoeuvre cloaked in nationalist populism, and a case study in how democracies can deploy legal instruments to enforce authoritarian aims. Five years on, the dust has not settled. On the contrary, the revocation continues to reshape the social fabric, political landscape, and economic viability of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), while casting a long shadow over South Asias already fragile peace. What the Modi government framed as an act of national integration was in reality an effort to dismantle Kashmirs distinct identity, subvert its autonomy, and accelerate the demographic engineering of the region. The abrogation has deepened alienation, legitimised occupation, and underscored a wider ideological projectone that prioritises majoritarian control over pluralistic coexistence. Originally introduced in 1949, Article 370 granted Jammu and Kashmir special status within the Indian Union. It allowed the region to legislate independently on all matters except defence, foreign affairs, and communications. Article 35A supplemented this autonomy by preventing outsiders from acquiring land or government jobs, thereby safeguarding the demographic and cultural integrity of the region. Both articles, though symbolic of a contested compromise, were instrumental in maintaining a veneer of federal respect. Revoking them without consultation or consent was not only unconstitutional in spirit but politically incendiary in effect. It marked the transformation of Indias problem state into a laboratory of authoritarian control, all in the service of the BJPs Hindutva ideology and electoral calculus. The economic argument that accompanied the abrogationthat Kashmir would finally prosper free from the shackles of special statushas been exposed as hollow propaganda. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates over 15,000 crore in commercial losses since August 2019 and nearly half a million job cuts. Tourism, once the regions economic heartbeat, has collapsed, with only 84,000 tourists visiting in the year following the revocation, down from over a million in previous years. According to independent analyses, average monthly incomes have nosedived from 22,000 to 6,000. Rather than open doors to investment and opportunity, the move has intensified economic strangulation. Internet shutdowns, transport disruptions, and curfews have crippled trade and paralysed the information technology and handicrafts sectors. The introduction of new taxes on property and attempts to lease land to non-Kashmiris have only deepened fears of displacement and dispossession among the local population. But the economic impact is only one part of the tragedy. At its core, the abrogation of Article 370 is a political and psychological blow to Kashmiri identity. The issuance of domicile certificates to millions of non-locals, the redrawing of electoral constituencies to favour Hindu populations, and the granting of voting rights to outsiders are all components of a demographic offensive aimed at reshaping the Muslim-majority region into a controlled colony. This is not integrationit is assimilation by force. On the ground, security measures have been brutal. Human rights organisations have reported widespread abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. The region now hosts one of the most heavily militarised civilian populations in the world. In May 2022, India approved the expansion of temporary camps for paramilitary forces, further entrenching the military occupation. Religiously significant sites have not been spared either. The BJP has moved to co-opt or neutralise Muslim institutions, with religious leaders surveilled and Islamic seminaries threatened with closure. The ideological motive is unmistakable: to dilute the regions Islamic heritage and insert Hindutva narratives in its place. Pakistan, long an advocate for the rights of Kashmiris, has vocally opposed the move, raising it at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Islamabads stance is rooted not only in historical responsibility but in international law. UN Security Council resolutions continue to regard Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory, and the peoples right to self-determination remains unfulfilled. Indias repeated reference to Kashmir as an internal matter is both inaccurate and deceptive. The international community, though hesitant to act, must recognise that this is not a sovereign affairit is a crisis of human rights, legality, and regional stability. Silence from global powers only emboldens authoritarianism and weakens the rule-based international order. The most alarming development is perhaps the creeping normalisation of this new reality. While the worlds attention has turned to other crises, India continues to press forward with its demographic transformation. The so-called anti-encroachment drives and amendments to land laws are nothing more than veiled attempts at dispossession, reminiscent of colonial land seizures and Israeli-style settlement policies. Five years after the abrogation, the people of IIOJK have neither forgotten nor forgiven. Their demand is clear and unwavering: the restoration of their autonomy, the recognition of their identity, and the realisation of their inalienable right to self-determination. No amount of coercion or propaganda can extinguish the legitimate aspirations of a people who have faced decades of occupation with resilience and dignity. The world must not avert its gaze. The time has come to hold India accountablenot merely for breaking its constitutional promises but for violating international law, undermining peace, and perpetrating systemic injustice. The future of Kashmir cannot be dictated from Delhi; it must be determined by its people. Until then, the story of Article 370s revocation remains not one of unity, but of unilateralisman act of political hubris masquerading as national interest, and a dark stain on the conscience of the worlds largest democracy. ------ "This article reflects the authors own views. The editorial board is not responsible for the content or opinions expressed herein." 5 August 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva China is set to release the historical film "731", directed by Zhao Linshan, which focuses on the notorious biological laboratories run by Imperial Japan. The film marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and will be widely released on September 18, the anniversary of the 1931 Mukden Incident, when Japan began its occupation of Northeast China, Azernews reports. The movie is grounded in historical facts, specifically the inhumane experiments conducted by Unit 731 of the Imperial Japanese Army. This unit carried out gruesome biological and chemical warfare tests on human subjects during the early 20th century, leading to countless deaths and suffering. The film serves not only as a stark reminder of these atrocities but also as a tribute to the resilience and determination of the Chinese people in their fight against fascism. It emphasizes the importance of remembering the past in order to safeguard peace and prevent the repetition of such horrors. In addition to its historical significance, "731" is expected to spark global conversations about the dark legacy of biological warfare and the moral boundaries of science. The film aims to educate and provoke thought on the consequences of unchecked militarism and the need for international cooperation to prevent such atrocities from ever occurring again. 5 August 2025 23:23 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Japan is set to secure a historic contract worth 10 billion Australian dollars (approximately $6.5 billion) for the construction of warships for Australia. This deal marks Tokyos largest defense contract since the lifting of Japans ban on military exports in 2014, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 5 August 2025 19:36 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva A new phase in Sweden's energy policy could begin as early as this fall, with the government planning to sign an agreement for the construction of new nuclear reactors for the first time in decades. This groundbreaking program would receive state support amounting to hundreds of billions of crowns, including preferential loans and guaranteed electricity prices, Azernews reports. This initiative addresses both climate protection goals and the growing need for a reliable power supply for both industrial and domestic consumption. Energy shortages, particularly in the southern regions of Sweden, have become increasingly pressing, driving the need for a diversified energy mix. Sweden's state-owned energy company, Vattenfall, has already begun preparations for the project and has expressed its intention to participate. However, the company has made it clear that building new reactors would not be feasible without significant government backing. The Swedish government aims to reach a final agreement on the deal by the end of the year. Despite the potential benefits, the project faces significant political opposition. Several opposition parties have voiced concerns over the idea of subsidizing nuclear energy, with some arguing that it poses long-term risks. This disagreement raises questions about the stability of the project should there be a change in government. Energy Minister Ebba Busch has engaged in negotiations with opposition leaders, but these talks have so far failed to yield a consensus. Construction of the new reactors is expected to take at least a decade, which poses a challenge given Sweden's steadily increasing electricity demand. While the country continues to pursue renewable energy sources, investment in onshore wind projects has slowed, and several offshore wind farm initiatives in the Baltic Sea have been scrapped, primarily due to concerns about their impact on Sweden's national defense capabilities. Sweden's renewed interest in nuclear energy is part of a broader European trend, with countries like France and the UK also investing heavily in nuclear power as part of their strategies to achieve carbon neutrality and energy security. As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, Swedens approach could serve as a model for balancing sustainability with energy independence in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical climate. Is it Management or Education? BY: HOOD RICHARDSON Beaufort County Schools are a case study in what not to do in running a school system. I am talking about the entire time I have been able to observe the school system from my perch as a commissioner (28 years). Our school system is mis-designed, under-populated, without a plan (of any kind) to provide a good education to our students and wallowing in cheap, personal, and selfish politics. There has not been a single professionally prepared and managed study by/of the system. One example of incompetence is the so-called financial report of the money savings in closing Snowden School. Another is the sham report justifying the building of the undersized 900 student new school buildings on the Eastern Elementary campus. Every meaningful initiative proposed during my 28 years has been beaten down and placed on the trash pile of failure. The 32-million-dollar building program started over 20 years ago wound up as a 42-million-dollar program. That fiasco followed closely on the heels of the construction of Southside High School which has never achieved capacity. There was no professional thought about the long-term future of education in Beaufort County. The drum beat from the public and the Board of County Commissioners was to let the educators do everything because they are the experts. We now have a very low performing system that is hemorrhaging students to other learning institutions. Half of the seats in our buildings are empty. Worse, there is no evidence that we will ever turn around the flight of students from our school system and the simple fact is that the closing of Snowden, John Cotton Tayloe and the current Eastern facility is proof that Beaufort has done a poor job of managing the declining student population for the last 20 plus years. The fact is: The current planning is making it worse, not better. Yet, we are building another consolidated school for 900 students aged 5 years to about 9 years of age that looks like it will be undersized when complete. We have closed one school, Snowden, forcing students to leave home before sunrise and get home after dark. Both of these projects were done with minimum to no compliance with the laws. The major cheerleaders are the School Board Members and the County Commissioners. The one thing I have learned out of this is the last people to manage important projects around schools are these people. Since the last bond issue there has been no authentic long range facility plan produced by competent organizations or experts. The proof of the poor planning is obvious in the management of student demographics. The current student assignment plan for most of the schools is a relic of the court ordered desegregation of the formerly dual system. The proof of that statement is evidenced principally in the Washington Attendance Area but just as badly in the Chocowinity Attendance area. Chocowinity has been the only growth area in the county since the bond issue, yet nothing has been done to upgrade Chocowinity Primary and Chocowinity Middle schools. And again, this fact should dispel any illusions of sound planning. When Southside High School opened it was the most expensive school on a per-student/per-square foot basis ever built in the state up to that time. This was documented by the ECU Rural Education Institute. The worst example of the poor facilities planning is the Washington Attendance Area. For its size, student population wise, we have continued an archaic student assignment plan that was designed to eliminate the previous racially dual system. Fact: not one of the students in Washington who have suffered from this cross-town busing ever attended a dual (all black or all white) school. But Beaufort County continued the terrible busing pattern in the Washington Attendance Area that resulted in an attendance wide busing pattern for every elementary grade student being bused from one side of Washington to the other and back and forth for years. The construction of the P. S. Jones and John Small schools was a wasted opportunity to go to neighborhood schools in a K-8, 9-12 configuration, which would have substantially reduced the transportation cost, both in dollars and student time-riding a bus, as well as allowed a realistic response to declining enrollments. The loss of small neighborhood schools, where parents are deeply involved, is a loss we can no longer tolerate. There is something wrong with the way we have been selecting school leadership. Do we need an educator or a manager to run a school system? We definitely need trained educators in the classrooms and we need trained educators (the principals) to manage those teachers. Do we need a person with an education degree and classroom teaching experience to run our more than 70 million dollars per year school business? Running a school system is no different than managing a business. The manager buys things, hires people, manages people, plans programs, runs the largest restaurant business in the county and operates the most expensive transportation system in the county. Is there anything in this work that the Superintendent would have experienced while he was teaching a class? I submit that the way we manage the second largest business in the county is not the way we should be doing it. Now I will acknowledge that if we hired a person as a superintendent who was both an exemplary educator/teacher and an exceptional business manager we would be better off. But the fact is, Beaufort County has had some good educators as superintendent (all of whom have departed) but none that have been exceptional managers. Does anybody see a problem here? I am not saying a teacher cannot become a good superintendent. I am saying it is very difficult for a teacher to become a business manager. Focusing on a manager running the school system leaves us with professional teachers in the classrooms, an elected school board to set policy and a Board of County Commissioners to watch the tax money. All education systems in North Carolina have been unattended by the public for far too long. The public has been served the Kool Aid of education by educators who dance with the abstractions of liberalism and are unconcerned about the science of management. I took a look at what the recipe is for becoming a superintendent in North Carolina. The liberals in Raleigh work very hard to be in control. The requirements presented on the licensing web site are intimidating. The first thing is that the superintendent must be verified by the State Board of Education prior to the election by the local board of education. They go on to say one must hold a North Carolina principals and superintendents license from them. Translation, We are only going to allow our liberal buddies to have these jobs. We do not care about their management ability; we want to be sure their politics are right. Then they add another slap, one must also have an advanced graduate level (sixth year) or doctorial license in school administration. Wow, that lets everyone out but their approved buddies. Not to be too personal but ask the current superintendent how much training and real-world experience has he had in building a 50-million-dollar building. If you get a good answer, follow the question with: Where did they teach you to build a school in a gully? To show that these standards for superintendents are inclusive, they say OR at least a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university and five years of leadership or managerial experience considered relevant by the employing local board of education. There are plenty of people who can qualify as managers. Among these are business executives, and retired military. These people have good qualifications to run a school system. The schools are full of educators and there is an elected board to set policy. We do not want the superintendent to teach or set policy, we want him to efficiently manage one of the largest businesses in the county. Having a person who is not an educator running the business part of schooling separates the three powers in the system. Educators educate, business managers manage the business issues, and the boards set policy. The present system has evolved into a one man show centered around the least qualified individual in the system, the superintendent. At present he is chief politician, handing out favors and jobs to educators, board members and their families in return for their loyalty and vote. One way to break this up is to put a professional manager in the superintendents job, one who has not been compromised by his experiences in the education system. Have him hire the educators and other professionals they need to manage teaching and learning. And while we are at it, toss the idea of hiring someone who is a Rhodes Scholarlooking to hit the road as soon as he can find a bigger system to hire him. The other way is to elect honorable individuals with strong Christian ethics to the Boards (school and county commissioners) and to hire the same kind of person for superintendents. In order to accomplish this, the public must take more interest in education and be involved in the education of their children. The concept we have been fed by the education propagandizers to leave it up to the education experts has not worked. Every one of us has the ability to use common sense about what is good and bad for education and to vote accordingly. We really need a new paradigm in organizing public education, especially here in Beaufort County. Linfield defender reveals one thing at Windsor that can give Blues edge in bid to rock Shelbourne in European mission 30,000 fans raring to go as Farmers Bash makes bigger and better return to Belfast Revellers will be coming from all over NI for special weekender, says organiser Nigel Campbell during preparations for the Farmers Bash Weekender at Boucher Road Playing Fields. Pic Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph. Kate Harkin Tue 5 Aug 2025 at 20:30 Around 30,000 fans are expected to turn out for the Farmers Bash in Belfast this weekend. With the right sort of support, you can carry on living, you can carry on: Abseiling professor calls on others to support charity Professor Peter Robertson calling on people to show their support for Friends of the Cancer Centre Professor Peter Robertson Margot Paisner Tue 5 Aug 2025 at 08:07 This Saturday, Professor Peter Robertson will be encouraging those abseiling down Belfast City Hospitals tower block in honour of Friends of the Cancer Centres 40th anniversary. A man has been found guilty of a vicious attack on his then partner during which he threw a piano stand and a pitchfork at her. The woman allegedly bit her partner on the face after he chatted to someone else in a bar [Stock photo] A Belfast woman allegedly bit her partner on the face for having a bar-room conversation, a court heard. Ashleigh Bell, 33, is accused of attacking the man as they made their way home from a night out at the weekend. A Co Antrim man accused of speeding failed to convince a judge to hear his case in Irish. Sean Curran appeared before Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena today, where it was revealed that the defendant had asked for any letters sent to him to be translated into Irish. The Orange Order will hold a commemoration for members who died in the Troubles at a public park in North Down, after a controversial council equality screening which cost 6,000. In March, unionist councillors expressed outrage at a 6,000 bill for a council equality impact assessment (EQIA) for an Orange Order Troubles dead commemoration in Bangor. Ards and North Down Borough Council received a request from the Bangor District LOL 18 to hold an Orange Order Victims Day service of commemoration at the Ward Park Cenotaph this Sunday September 7. The council says it will be a religious service at the cenotaph to commemorate the life of all Orangemen/women lost during the Troubles. Approximately 50 to 100 are expected to attend, with members of the district lodge and a band. Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires public authorities, in carrying out their functions relating to Northern Ireland, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and regard to the desirability of promoting good relations across a range of nine categories outlined in the Act. The 6,000 screening involved a public consultation, including an online questionnaire, and in paper, available in alternative languages. Following the 12 week EQIA, council officers recommended that the council approve the request to hold the commemoration service, subject to conditions. The EQIA conclusions section states: While the Equality Commission is adamant that an EQIA consultation should not be regarded as a referendum or head count, the combined weight of evidence from both quantitative and qualitative feedback would indicate significant local endorsement for the event as originally planned and requested. Furthermore, the majority of respondents (73.3 per cent) felt that the event should be allowed to proceed with no conditions attached, and that the likelihood of the event having an adverse impact on the promotion of either good relations or equality of opportunity within the Borough was seen by many respondents as low. This is not to ignore the minority who indicated concern that the event may have an adverse impact on other users of the park, or that it may serve to harm good relations more generally. 16.7 per cent of respondents (147) felt that If the request is granted, and the event goes ahead, measures should be attached to mitigate potential adverse impacts. This includes respondents generally in favour of the request concerned about adverse publicity and protests at the event. At the latest meeting of the full Ards and North Down Borough Council at Bangor Castle, DUP Councillor Alistair Cathcart said: This equality impact assessment and consultation was unnecessary. I was concerned about the community relations, because putting up barriers and obstacles in front of people for a commemoration for lives lost due to terrorism in the Troubles is a deeply worrying thing. But while I disagreed with the decision to hold it, the response was really encouraging, showing broad support from all sections of all communities. We have two visions of a shared future, we could have a sterile shared future, where traditions are ended, and there are no flags or symbols, the kind of approach advocated by the Alliance Party. Or we could have a shared future where traditions, backgrounds, flags and symbols are respected, across all communities. That is the Northern Ireland that I want to see. And it is great to see the people of Ards and North Down, in terms of their response to this, show it is where they want to be. From all backgrounds, they do not want to be stopping someone else commemorating those who had lost their lives. He said: A number of years ago, Bangor hosted the Twelfth of July commemorations and the Ulster Fleadh within a week, there were no issues, loads of people came, and it (the Fleadh) was a fantastic event. There was council funding for that (the Fleadh), while my party and all the unionist parties supported the funding for that. As Mayor I marched with the Orange on the Twelfth and I really enjoyed every event with the traditional music. That can be one of the confusing things with our identities. I am a unionist and I will never change that, but an evening would be perfect if I can see Ireland smash England in the rugby whilst drinking a Guinness that doesnt change my unionism. He successfully proposed the councillor recommendation to approve the use of land requested from the Orange Order. Alliance Councillor Chris McCracken said at the meeting: Members of the Bangor District Lodge believe the EQIA process has been excessive. They believe it was a very bureaucratic, time-consuming and costly experience and I do in this case empathise with their concerns. That is not to criticise council officers who have difficult judgment calls to make, and I do support officers in what they are trying to do. It is difficult trying to build a shared society. I think in this case the screening process didnt really fully reflect the nature of the request, which was a religious service by local members of the community to remember victims of the Troubles. The councils only nationalist representative, SDLP Councillor Joe Boyle, told the chamber: I welcome the EQIA. And I get that I am in a largely unionist controlled borough, but people shouldnt be afraid of an EQIA to put the cards on the table, and show that there are other non-unionists. Believe it or not, and small as we are in numbers, but we actually live in this borough as well. I have met very fine members of Orange lodges over the years, gentlemen and women, Ive worked with them, done business with them. But behind it all, the Orange order is not a perfect organisation. They have had their issues, they have had members involved with things they shouldnt have been involved with, acts of murkiness within our Troubles. The reality is it is an anti-Catholic organisation. It is anti my faith, anti what I am and anti who I am. Orange Order get permission for commemoration of members killed in Troubles Watch: Planes struggle to land at Belfast City Airport as Storm Floris hits NI I operate my life with people from that organisation, who I have to say, dont all agree with the current laws within the Order. Their own view is it has to step up and step out, to modernise itself into an organisation that is not a dated one. Imagine you couldnt marry someone because they were Catholic. There is no other organisation I know here where you cant join if youre a Catholic, except the Orange Order. So there are big questions there with the Order. He added: Certainly any grouping should be able to remember their dead in this dirty little war that we had. That is not an issue. But it is an issue for the Orange Order if they want to step up. Firefighters were called to the premises overnight [stock photo] A business on the Ormeau Road has been targeted in an arson incident in the early hours of the morning, police have said. Police said they were called to the premises at around 3.20am. PSNI Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: Police attended a report of items burning on the ground outside a business. It was believed that accelerant was poured on the items, then pushed through a window and set alight. "No one was injured, as the items were pushed outside the premises, which caused minor scorch damage to the property. An above residential premises was not affected by the fire following the incident. Firefighters were called to the premises overnight [stock photo] Watch: Planes struggle to land at Belfast City Airport as Storm Floris hits NI Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition. As part of the ongoing investigation, police are appealing for information following a report of a male who smashed the propertys window prior to the fire. We would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to either incident, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 132 05/08/25. Family of Irish woman in shock: We found out from a WhatsApp that my mother had died by assisted suicide Swiss clinic criticised by family of Cavan woman (58) with history of mental illness after they were left in dark over her death planDaughter of Maureen Slough was told her mothers ashes would be posted to herFamily say they were not informed by Pegasos clinic about assisted suicide, but clinic claims it received permission from daughter by email Maureen Slough with her daughter Megan Conor Feehan Tue 5 Aug 2025 at 19:30 Maureen Slough died listening to gospel music sung by Elvis Presley. She has been living in Haiti since 1993 where she runs an orphanage for up to 270 children Irish woman Gena Heraty among nine people kidnapped from orphanage in Haiti The family of an Irish woman who is among eight people kidnapped from an orphanage near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince yesterday has said they are absolutely devastated by the news. Westport native Gena Heraty is a charity worker overseeing the Sainte-Helene orphanage operated by humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters), according to reports. Ms Heraty has been living in Haiti for 32 years, running the orphanage which accommodates up to 270 children. The situation is evolving and deeply worrying. We are working closely with NPFS in Haiti and Ireland, the Irish Government, and international partners who are doing everything possible to ensure the safe and immediate release of Gena and her colleagues, her family said. NPFS Haiti is working actively to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of all the children and workers at the orphanage in Kenscoff during this challenging time. We ask that you keep Gena and her colleagues in your hearts as we pray for their safe return. Out of respect for the ongoing efforts and for Genas safety, we are not in a position to share further details at this time, the family statement read. Charity worker Gena Heraty from Westport who was kidnapped from an orphanage near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince yesterday. A three-year-old child and other orphanage workers have also been taken, according to the mayor of the local commune. It was first reported that nine were kidnapped, this has been revised to eight. "The attackers broke into the orphanage around 3.30am without opening fire," said the mayor of Kenscoff, Masillon Jean, calling it a "planned act". "They broke through a wall to enter the property before heading to the building where the director was staying, leaving with nine hostages." Last night Irish diplomatic efforts were continuing to secure the safe release of Ms Heraty and the seven other abductees. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is aware of Ms Heratys case and is providing consular assistance. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris said he has spoken to the family of Gena Heraty and said her kidnapping is deeply worrying. Gena Heraty has worked in Haiti for more than 30 years. Photo: Mark Condren. The Tanaiste said: The kidnapping of Irish citizen Gena Heraty, along with seven of her colleagues and a three-year-old child from the grounds of an orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, is deeply worrying. Gena has served the people of Haiti for over 30 years. She has dedicated her life to supporting the most vulnerable people in Haiti and it is imperative that she is released immediately. This morning, I had a good conversation with Genas sister, Noreen, and I assured her that all is being done to ensure Genas release. My Department is in close contact with the Heraty family, local authorities and Nos Petits Freres et Surs, the organisation Gena works for. The countrys two ambassadors are also in close contact. "We will continue to leave no stone unturned to ensure Gena and her colleagues are released. The town of Kenscoff has recently been besieged by a wave of atrocities including murders, kidnappings and sexual assaults by 'Viv Ansanm', a gang which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US Government. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the abduction and no ransom demands have been made. Watch: Planes struggle to land at Belfast City Airport as Storm Floris hits NI In a statement published on Sunday, NPH said that seven staff members and one youth were taken from its home for vulnerable and at risk children in Kenscoff. The organisation confirmed that one of the staff members taken is a foreigner, whose identity and nationality will not be revealed for security reasons. NPH also said that two hospitals it runs in Haiti will be closed until the people taken from its orphanage have been safely released. Gangs control 90% of Haitis capital, according to the United Nations, and in recent months they have been launching attacks on previously peaceful communities. More than 5,600 people were reported killed in Haiti last year, with gang violence leaving more than 1m people homeless in recent years, according to the UN. The UN recorded 185 victims of kidnapping in Haiti between April and June of this year, and said that gangs commit this crime to subjugate people in areas under their control. Ms Heraty was attacked in 2013 and the then mayor was killed at an orphanage in Kenscoff in a robbery. Ms Heraty is director of the special needs programme at the orphanage. Glenties in Co Donegal had the lowest birth rate in 2022, figures show (PA) Glenties in Co Donegal had the lowest birth rate in 2022, while Tallaght in Dublin experienced the highest birth rate during the same period, new figures show. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) released Births and Deaths at Local Electoral Areas (LEA) 2022, which shows that nationally, the birth rate stood at 10.2 per 1,000 of population in 2022. Tallaght in south Dublin saw a rate of 13.7 per 1,000 people, Enniscorthy in Co Wexford at a rate of 13.3, and Fingal at a rate of 13.2, were the LEAs with the highest birth rates. Glenties at a rate of 7.4, Killiney-Shankill in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown saw 7.6, and Galway city at 7.6, were the LEAs with the lowest birth rates in 2022. Of the 54,483 births which occurred in 2022, north inner city in Dublin was the LEA with the highest number of births at 701. The CSO has been collating and analysing significant life events for decades. The CSO said that it observed for the first time an increase in the number of LEAs which are recording a greater number of deaths than births. Looking at the 166 LEAs during the period from 2019 to 2021, three LEAs on average witnessed more deaths than births. However, in 2022, the number of LEAs which recorded more deaths than births had risen to 15. Taking the LEA of Belmullet, Co Mayo, as an example, it was one of the LEAs which recorded the lowest number of births in 2022 and had the highest crude death rate of 11.5 per 1,000 people. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content As a result of recording some of the lowest birth rates in the country and the highest crude death rate in 2022, it topped the list of the 15 LEAs which had the highest negative natural increase rate in 2022, at -2.9. Negative natural increases indicates that more deaths than births have been recorded. Looking at the overall figures, there were 35,804 deaths in Ireland in 2022, with the LEAs of Artane-Whitehall, Dublin City (553), Ballymun-Finglas (517), and Clontarf (509) recording the highest number of deaths. In contrast, Granard, Co Longford (85), Milford, Co Donegal (85), and Leixlip, Co Kildare, (86) recorded some of the lowest numbers of deaths. The general fertility rate is defined as the number of births by women aged 15-49, relative to the population of women aged 15-49. This differs from the birth rate, which looks at the entire population in an area, while the fertility rate only focuses on women. Nationally, the fertility rate stood at 42.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15-49 in 2022. Tallaght - 13.7 Enniscorthy - 13.3 Fingal - 13.2 Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (57.0), Newcastle West, Co Limerick (53.5), Loughrea, Co Galway, Tramore-Waterford City West, Co Waterford, and Moate, Co Westmeath (all 52.9) were the LEAs with the highest general fertility rate in 2022.Urban LEAs such as Galway city (27.8), south-east inner city in Dublin (29.7), and north inner city in Dublin (31.6) had the lowest general fertility rate per 1,000 women. The figures show that there were 35,804 deaths across Ireland in 2022 with Artane-Whitehall, Dublin City, recording the highest proportion of deaths at 1.5% or 553 deaths. Belmullet, Co Mayo, was the LEA with the highest crude death rate per 1,000 at 11.5 deaths per 1,000 of population, while Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart, Fingal, recorded the lowest at 2.8. In terms of cause of death, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, had the highest crude death rate due to diseases of the circulatory system, which encompass heart attacks and strokes, at 361.7 per 100,000, while Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart, Fingal, had the lowest at 66.8 per 100,000 for this cause of death. Looking at births and deaths together allows the calculation of the natural increase, which is the number of births minus the number of deaths. The natural increase does not take account of inward or outward migration. Nationally, the natural increase for 2022 stood at 18,679 and the rate of natural increase stood at 3.5. However, this varied significantly across LEAs. The LEAs with the highest natural increase rates in 2022 were Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart, Fingal (9.7), Ongar, Fingal (9.7), and Tallaght South, South Dublin (9.6). In LEAs such as Ennistimon, Co Clare (0.2), and Lismore, Co Waterford (0.0), the rate of natural increase was close to neutral. Loiw Glenties - 7.4 Killiney-Shankill - 7.6 Galway city - 7.6 Looking at cause of death across LEAs, the analysis indicates different patterns for the deaths that were recorded. For instance, while the crude death rate due to neoplasms (tumours and cancer) stood at 194.3 per 100,000 of population nationally in 2022, Tralee, Co Kerry, had the highest death rate for this cause at 334.5 per 100,000. For external causes of death, which can include deaths due to suicide, accidents, and other external factors, nationally this rate stood at 31.3 per 100,000 in 2022. However, at an LEA level, these crude rates were highest in Castleisland, Co Kerry (70.8), Ballymote-Tobercurry, Co Sligo (69.5), and Skibbereen-West Cork, Cork County (63.0). Sean OConnor, statistician in the Life Events and Demography Division, said: Todays release, which is part of the CSO Frontier Series provides information and evidence on life events such as births and deaths at Local Electoral Area (LEA). The population used to calculate rates and present average age at LEA level for 2022 was taken from the Irish Population Estimates from Administrative Data Sources (IPEADS). Intensive efforts are continuing to secure the release of an Irish woman kidnapped along with seven other people from an orphanage in Haiti, Tanaiste Simon Harris said. Mr Harris said no stone would be left unturned in efforts to ensure the release of Gena Heraty, who oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in Kenscoff, close to the capital Port-au-Prince. Mr Harris said he had been in contact with Ms Heratys family on Monday. Tanaiste Simon Harris said he had been in contact with Ms Heratys family (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms Heraty is originally from Westport in Co Mayo. She oversees the orphanage, which is run by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters). It is understood Ms Heraty was among seven employees who were taken in the incident as well as a three-year-old child. The Tanaiste said: Intensive and ongoing efforts aimed at securing the release of Gena, as well as the seven other hostages being held captive in Haiti, are continuing this evening. This is an extremely sensitive case; one that is being worked on tirelessly by our teams in Dublin, Washington and London. Throughout the day, both my officials and I have been in close contact with Genas family. We are also in touch with local authorities and Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs, the organisation Gena works for. He added: This evening, I want to reiterate our commitment to ensuring everything possible is done to bring about the release of Gena, her co-workers and indeed the three-year-old child at the centre of this case. Gena is a deeply courageous and kind-hearted person who has given so much of her life to the humanitarian work that she cares so much about. As Tanaiste, I treat the safety and wellbeing of all our citizens with seriousness and sensitivity. When further updates are available, they will be provided. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance. Police in Northern Ireland are carrying out inquiries into an incident where members of the Burke family accosted a DUP councillor outside a Presbyterian church. Mervyn Storey, a former MLA for North Antrim who is now a councillor, was approached by members of the protesting evangelical Christian family outside the Hebron Free Presbyterian Church in Ballymoney. In a video posted to one of the Burkes social media accounts on Monday evening, Mr Storey who is the chairman of the Education Authority in Northern Ireland goes into the church while being asked questions by Martina Burke and her son Josiah. Ms Burke said they were in a state church implementing government ideology and refer to Education Authority guidelines on how to support transgender students. They are seen standing in the atrium of the church in the 17-minute video filmed by a third Burke family member before being ejected from the building. A PSNI spokeswoman said: Police are aware of a video being circulated online and inquiries are being conducted in relation to the matter. The Burke family, from Co Mayo, have been known to confront multiple politicians in public places while videoing them. In March, three members of the family were forcibly removed from a gala dinner in Washington DC attended by Taoiseach Micheal Martin as part of St Patricks Day celebrations. While canvassing ahead of Novembers general election, Fine Gael leader and then-taoiseach Simon Harris was accosted by the Burkes in Castlebar, Co Mayo. They have also been involved in legal disputes in Ireland arising out of the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Enoch Burke from his job as a teacher. He is in the process of appealing against his dismissal. The long-running dispute stems from incidents related to a request from the then-principal of the school he worked at to address a student by a new name and the pronoun they. Mr Storey has been contacted for comment. A young couple were drowned in flash floods while on a hiking holiday in Majorca, an inquest has heard. Climbing instructor and lifeguard Alexander Barrett, 32, tried to help his partner Sarah Thompson, 26, as a wall of water cascaded down the canyon they were descending with a group of other hikers, Stockport Coroners Court heard. Both were swept to their deaths, with Ms Thompsons body recovered by Spanish search and rescue teams on September 4 last year, the day after the flood. Mr Barretts body was found on September 6 in the Torrent de Pareis canyon in the Tramuntana mountains. Ms Thompsons father, Peter Thompson, who lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed, said his daughter was never without a smile on her face. She had represented Cumbria at fell running in national competitions, had a degree in photography from Manchester Metropolitan University, and had recently been promoted in the donations team at The Christie hospital in Manchester. Paul Rodman, Mr Barretts father, said his son loved life and relished the outdoors, from hiking to surfing, adding: He was genuinely a good person, a caring person, a kind person. The friends and family have developed a little saying, Be more like Alex because thats what we aspire to be. Hes missed so much by all his friends and family. The couple, from Offerton, near Stockport, had gone on the informal trip with friends, all hiking and climbing enthusiasts, making their separate ways to Majorca. On the trip was Luke Weaver, who knew Mr Barrett as a friend and climbing instructor at Awesome Walls, an indoor climbing centre in Stockport. We all had a mutual passion for climbing and hiking, he said in a statement read at the inquest. Mr Weaver, on the trip with his partner, said the hike they planned to do, which took three to four hours to complete, was well known globally and known to be challenging in places. He had completed the hike before on several occasions, but neither Ms Thompson nor Mr Barrett had, but he considered it was well within the capabilities of the group, he said. Mr Weaver said he was aware the gorge flooded so he checked the weather forecast on the morning of September 3 last year, which only predicted rain from 6pm, by which time they would be well clear. He added: Had I known what was to happen, I would never have let them into the gorge. Mr Weaver said he dropped the group of friends off for the hike and intended to catch them up after parking his car, but was delayed in heavy traffic by around two hours, before he could begin the hike himself. It had been a hot morning, but a storm had moved in and at around 2.30pm it began to drizzle with rain but Mr Weaver said this did not cause any concern as he continued the hike to meet with his partner and friends ahead of him. But a short time later it started to rain more heavily and he could hear thunder in the distance and he began to quicken his pace. He said as there was no phone signal in the gorge he could not make contact with them. As the downpour grew Mr Weaver said he spotted his friends, who were now with a German couple and two Spanish nationals, in a bottleneck between two boulders. At this point the heavens opened, Mr Weaver said. At this time the water was flowing like a small river. Mr Weaver said he was helping the hikers through the bottleneck and he gestured to Ms Thompson if she was OK and she replied yes but with a nervous smile. He then heard someone shout, Water! Seconds later a massive wall of water came down the gorge, Mr Weaver said. The water appeared to come from nowhere. The sound was incredibly loud, people were screaming. Mr Weaver said he could see one of the group had managed to grab on to a rock while one of the Spanish nationals had been swept into the torrent and was being carried away. His own partner managed to get out of the water and after a few minutes others emerged from the deluge, but Mr Weaver said the noise of the water was too loud to communicate with each other. I was shouting and screaming for the others. I could see no-one, Mr Weaver said. Ms Thompson had been seen being swept away along with her partner, who had tried to help but the current had taken him too, the inquest heard. Later the survivors were airlifted out of the gorge by helicopter, suffering only minor injuries. Mr Weaver added: Everyone who survived that day is incredibly lucky, especially those who got caught in the water. I have never experienced anything like this and it is something I will never forget. Post-mortem examinations gave the cause of death as drowning for both the deceased. Jyoti Gill, assistant coroner for Manchester South, recorded a verdict of accidental death caused by drowning for both Ms Thompson and Mr Barrett, whose legal name was Alexander Johnson, but was known by the name Alex Barrett. Ms Gill said the storm had caused flash flooding, sending a large torrent of water down the canyon. It appears water dragged Sarah, and Alex had tried to help her, Ms Gill concluded. Sadly, both Sarah and Alex were unable to climb to safety and were swept away by the floodwaters, she added. A Scottish space company is celebrating a huge milestone after it was granted a launch operator licence for one of its rockets. However, Skyrora is still searching for a pad to blast off from, with none available this year at least. The company, which has a factory in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, have been granted a launch licence for its suborbital rocket, Skylark. Later, the company hopes to use a much larger rocket called XL to deliver satellites into orbit. The company has a factory in Cumbernauld (Skyrora/PA) The licence enables Skyrora to launch from the UKs licensed vertical launch spaceport: SaxaVord on the northernmost point of the Shetland Islands. But there are not currently any pads free there. Volodymyr Levykin spoke to the PA news agency just before the launch licence was announced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). He said Skylark, a single-stage rocket measuring almost 12 metres long, would go up and down when it launches taking a 50 kilo payload to an altitude of about 500 kilometres (310 miles). If successful, this will mean it crosses the boundary into space but it will not deliver a satellite into orbit. Mr Levykin said of the licence: This is a huge milestone for us because at least half of the work, maybe 70% has been done. Looking forward to actually launching. The whole application was based on SaxaVord in Shetland Isles as a launch location, however, there are some room for adjustments and flexibility. Mr Levykin said SaxaVord is not available any more for us to launch, this year at least. Earlier this year, another space company called Orbex announced it would move its launch operation to SaxaVord from the under-construction Sutherland Spaceport on Scotlands north coast. Skylark will go up and down, crossing the boundary of space but not delivering any satellites (Skyrora/PA) Mr Levykin said his company is now considering other options, including potentially using the Sutherland site vacated by Orbex. He said: At the moment were trying to figure out what is the legal structure, what is owned, what is not owned? What is the capacity of the current management, the jurisdiction? But you take this apart practically, its absolutely do-able because we have the mobile launch concept. He said this would allow Skyrora to launch its rocket in a variety of locations around Europe with just a few days of preparation. In October 2022, the company attempted to launch Skylark from Iceland, but a software problem led to it falling into the sea just after lift-off. Ultimately, Skyrora wants to use its 23-metre XL rocket to launch about eight times a year, to capitalise on the burgeoning global demand for small satellite launches. They are aiming to do the initial test-firing of this rockets first stage this year, though the location has not yet been revealed. It would involve nine engines firing at the same time. Rob Bishton, chief executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: Granting a home-grown company, Skyrora, its launch licence is a major milestone for our space sector and our nation. The licence is for launch operations at SaxaVord on Shetland (SaxaVord/PA) Our work as the UKs space regulator is enabling the burgeoning launch industry to safely grow, bringing new jobs and investment with it. Richard Lochhead, the Scottish Governments business minister, said: Securing the UKs first launch operator licence is a landmark moment in Skyroras plans to become the first company in the UK to build and launch a rocket into space. UK aviation and space minister Mike Kane said: I am thrilled weve reached this important milestone in the UK space sector, and I congratulate Skyrora for being the first UK company to receive a rocket launch licence. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: This launch licence isnt just one giant leap for Skyrora its a massive boost to the whole of Scotland and the wider UKs space sector. Becoming the first British company to manufacture and send a rocket into space from the UK will be a hugely significant moment. UK space minister Sir Chris Bryant said: The award of the first-ever licence to a UK firm to launch satellites from British soil is a landmark moment for our burgeoning space sector as well as a clear statement of intent. Demand for satellites in Europe alone is expected to be worth 50 billion US dollars (37 billion) by 2033 and having the homegrown capacity to launch satellites stands to pull lucrative contracts and investment into the UK. But this isnt all just jam tomorrow. This is an industry that is creating jobs and driving growth right across the UK right now, including Scotland where Skyrora is based and from where their rockets will launch. As part of our modern industrial strategy, we are determined to unleash the space industrys full economic potential rocket-boosting the plan for change. Smoke from the Gifford Fire fills the sky as the sun sets over Los Padres National Forest in California (Noah Berger/AP) More than 800 structures are threatened by a massive wildfire in central California that left at least three people injured as it burned through Los Padres National Forest. The Gifford Fire scorched more than 113 square miles (293 square kilometres) of coastal Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with 3% containment, according to a US Forest Service update on Monday evening. More than 1,900 workers are battling the blaze that grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted on Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield. The causes of the fires are under investigation. An air tanker drops retardant on the Gifford Fire in Los Padres National Forest (Noah Berger/AP) The National Weather Services Los Angeles office has warned that the fire continued to generate considerable smoke that will affect parts of south-west California. Smoke was expected to move toward the south and east. The blaze threatened about 872 structures and forced the closure of the highway in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people in Santa Barbara County. About 65 miles (105 kilometres) northwest of Santa Barbara and 150 miles (240 kilometres) northwest of Los Angeles, the hilly agricultural region is dotted by sprawling California live oaks and Sycamore trees and is known for its wine industry. Firefighters made progress on the west, north and east flanks of the fire and significant efforts were made to ensure structure protection on the south end, officials said in an update on Monday evening. Two new base camps were being established on the north and east sides of the fire, allowing more efficient access to the fire perimeter. Firefighters battling the Gifford Fire in California (Noah Berger/AP) Officials said they expected more helicopters to be able to deliver significant water drops on Tuesday with a drone doing reconnaissance. A warming and drying trend was expected to continue from Wednesday through the weekend, with temperatures up on Thursday and Friday, with increasing fire behaviour, officials said. A motorist was taken to hospital with burns after getting out of his vehicle and being overrun by flames, US Forest Service spokesperson Flemming Bertelson said. Two contract employees assisting firefighters were also hurt when their all-terrain vehicle overturned. Ranchers evacuated cattle on Monday as aircraft made water drops on the encroaching flames. Palestinians struggle to get food and humanitarian aid from the back of a truck as it moves along the Morag corridor near Rafah (Mariam Dagga/AP) Former Israeli army and intelligence chiefs called for an end to the war in Gaza as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at further military action and Israels government plotted its next move in the devastated territory. On the ground in Gaza, health officials reported new deaths on Tuesday of Palestinians seeking food at distribution points. The Israeli defence body co-ordinating aid to Gaza announced a new deal with local merchants to improve aid deliveries as desperation mounts. The former security officials speaking out included those who led Israels Shin Bet internal security service, Mossad spy agency and the Israeli military and ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak. In a roughly three-minute video posted to social media this week, they demanded an end to the war and said the far-right members of the government are holding the country hostage in prolonging the conflict. This is leading the state of Israel to the loss of its security and its identity, Ami Ayalon, former head of Shin Bet, said in the footage. Yoram Cohen, former head of Shin Bet, called Mr Netanyahus objectives a fantasy. If anyone imagines that we can reach every terrorist and every pit and every weapon and in parallel bring our hostages home, I think it is impossible, he said. Mr Netanyahu, meanwhile, announced on Monday that he would convene his security cabinet in the coming days to direct the army on the next stage of the war, hinting that even tougher military action was an option in Gaza. US President Donald Trump, asked by a reporter whether he supported the reoccupation of Gaza, said he wasnt aware of the suggestion but that its going to be pretty much up to Israel. Mr Netanyahu said he remained committed to achieving his war objectives, including defeating Hamas, releasing all hostages and ensuring Gaza never again threatens Israel. Israeli media said the meeting was expected on Tuesday, with disagreements between Mr Netanyahu and the army chief, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, on how to proceed. The reports, citing anonymous officials in Mr Netanyahus office, said the prime minister was pushing the army, which already controls about three quarters of Gaza, to conquer the entire territory, a step that could endanger the hostages, deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and further isolate Israel internationally. Various reports have said Mr Zamir opposes this step and could step down or be pushed out if it is approved. Palestinians struggle to get food from the back of a truck in southern Gaza (Mariam Dagga/AP) Several hundred Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since May while heading toward food distribution sites, airdropped parcels and aid convoys in Gaza, according to witnesses, local health officials and the United Nations human rights office. The Israeli military says it has fired only warning shots and disputes the toll. Local health officials said Israeli forces opened fire on Tuesday morning towards Palestinians seeking desperately needed aid and in targeted attacks in the central and southern Gaza Strip, killing at least 25 people. The Israeli military did not have an immediate comment. The dead include 19 people who were killed in southern Gaza, 12 of them seeking aid near the Morag corridor and in Teina area, some three kilometres (1.86 miles) from the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation hub east of Khan Younis, according to the Nasser hospital and the Ministry of Health. The ministry 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. Elsewhere in central Gaza, Al-Awda hospital said it received the bodies of six Palestinians who were killed on Tuesday after Israeli troops targeted crowds near an aid distribution site run by the GHF. The GHF, however, said there were no incidents at their sites on Tuesday. The Israeli defence body in charge of co-ordinating aid to Gaza, called COGAT, wrote on X that there will be a gradual and controlled renewal of the entry of goods through the private sector in Gaza. This aims to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip, while reducing reliance on aid collection by the UN and international organisations, it said Tuesday. A limited number of local merchants were approved for the plan and will sell basic food products, baby food, fruit and vegetables, and hygiene supplies through bank transfers, COGAT said. Thousands of Palestinians crowded against aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the southern Morag corridor on Monday, attempting to get whatever food they could during a protracted food shortage across the enclave. Mohammed Qassas from Khan Younis in southern Gaza said his children are so hungry that he is forced to storm aid trucks. I have young children, how am I supposed to feed them? No one has mercy. This resembles the end of the world, he said. If we fight, we get the food. If we dont fight, we dont get anything. As the trucks drove away, men climbed onto them, scrambling for any remaining scraps. The conditions are very challenging and we are hoping for a system to be in place, Mr Qassas said. Some people go home with some 200 kilogrammes (441 pounds), and others go home with only one kilogramme (35 ounces). It is a mafia-like system. After relentless efforts to get food from the trucks, it has become a routine for men to be seen coming back carrying flour sacks on their back, as well as carrying wounded and dead bodies from near the aid sites. Yusif Abu Mor from Khan Younis said the trucks aid system is akin to a death trap. This aid is stained with humiliation and blood, he said, adding that aid seekers run the risk of being killed by shootings or run over by aid trucks surrounded by crowds of hungry Palestinians. Israels blockade and military offensive have made it nearly impossible to deliver aid safely, contributing to the territorys slide towards famine nearly 22 months into the war with Hamas. Aid groups say Israels week-old measures to allow more aid in are far from sufficient. Families of hostages in Gaza fear starvation affects them too, but blame Hamas. As international alarm has mounted, several countries have airdropped aid over Gaza. The UN and aid groups call such drops costly and dangerous for residents, and say they deliver far less aid than trucks. Egypt, which has strong security ties with Israel, is a mediator in ceasefire talks, and its President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said Israels war in Gaza has become a war of starvation, genocide and liquidation of the Palestinian cause. Mr El-Sissi said the war no longer aims to achieve political outcomes or release the hostages. He reiterated his call for European governments and Mr Trump to help stop the war and deliver humanitarian aid to Gazas more than two million people. Long lines of trucks waiting to enter Gaza from Egypt have been a recurring image of the war. Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, left, and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, right, meet ahead of a Cabinet meeting to discuss the disarmament of Hezbollah (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP) The leader of Lebanons Hezbollah warned on Tuesday that if Israel intensifies its military operations against his group, the Iran-backed armed faction will resume firing missiles toward Israel. Naim Kassems comments came as Lebanons Cabinet was meeting to discuss Hezbollahs disarmament. Beirut is under US pressure to disarm the group that recently fought a 14-month war with Israel and was left gravely weakened, with many of its political and military leaders dead. Since the war ended in November with a US-brokered ceasefire, Hezbollah officials have said the group will not discuss its disarmament until Israel withdraws from five hills it controls inside Lebanon and stops almost daily airstrikes that have killed or wounded hundreds of people, most of them Hezbollah members. Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rebuild its military capabilities. Israels military has said the five locations in Lebanon provide vantage points or are located across from communities in northern Israel, where about 60,000 Israelis were displaced during the war. Since the ceasefire, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for one attack on a disputed area along the border. In a televised speech on Tuesday, Kassem said Hezbollah rejects any timetable to hand over its weapons. Israels interest is not to widen the aggression because if they expand, the resistance will defend, the army will defend and the people will defend, he said. This defence will lead to the fall of missiles inside Israel. Since the war ended, Hezbollah has withdrawn most of its fighters and weapons from the area along the border with Israel south of the Litani river. Last week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated calls for Hezbollah to give up its weapons, angering the groups leadership. The ceasefire agreement left vague how Hezbollahs weapons and military facilities north of the Litani river should be treated, saying Lebanese authorities should dismantle unauthorised facilities starting with the area south of the river. Hezbollah maintains the deal covers only the area south of the Litani, while Israel and the US say it mandates disarmament of the group throughout Lebanon. Kassem said Hezbollah rejects a government vote over its weapons, saying such a decision should be unanimously backed by all Lebanese. No one can deprive Lebanon of its force to protect its sovereignty, Kassem said. Hezbollahs weapons are a divisive issue among Lebanese, with some groups calling for its disarmament. The Israel-Hezbollah war started a day after the October 7 2023 Hamas-led attack against Israel from Gaza. It left more than 4,000 people dead and caused 11 billion dollars (8.3 billion) of damage. Nato has started co-ordinating regular deliveries of large weapons packages to Ukraine after the Netherlands said it would provide air defence equipment, ammunition and other military aid worth 500 million euros (434m). Sweden also announced on Tuesday it would contribute 275 million dollars (207 million) to the joint effort along with its Nordic neighbours Denmark and Norway. Two deliveries of equipment, most of it bought in the United States, are expected this month, although the Nordic package is expected to arrive in September. The equipment is supplied based on Ukraines priority needs on the battlefield. Nato allies then locate the weapons and ammunition and send them on. Packages will be prepared rapidly and issued on a regular basis, a Nato spokesperson said. Air defence systems are in greatest need, as the United Nations said that Russias relentless pounding of urban areas behind the front line has killed more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians. Russias bigger army is also making slow but costly progress along the 620-mile front line. Currently, it is waging an operation to take the eastern city of Pokrovsk, a logistical hub whose fall could allow it to drive deeper into Ukraine. European allies and Canada are buying most of the equipment which they plan to send from the United States, which has greater stocks of military material, as well as more effective weapons. The Trump administration is not giving any arms to Ukraine. The new deliveries will come on top of other pledges of military equipment. The Kiel Institute, which tracks support to Ukraine, estimates that as of June, European countries had provided 72 billion euros (63bn) worth of military aid since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, compared with 65 billion dollars (49bn) in US aid. Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans said that American air defence systems and munitions, in particular, are crucial for Ukraine to defend itself. Announcing the deliveries on Monday, he said Russias attacks are pure terror, intended to break Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the Netherlands, posting on social media that Ukraine, and thus the whole of Europe, will be better protected from Russian terror. He said the deliveries are coming at a time when Russia is trying to scale up its strikes. This will definitely help protect the lives of our people! Germany said on Friday that it will deliver two more Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine in the coming days. It agreed to the move after securing assurances that the US will prioritise the delivery of new Patriots to Germany to backfill its stocks. These weapon systems are made only in the US. As an organisation, Nato provides only non-lethal assistance to Ukraine such as uniforms, tents, medical supplies and logistics support. The 32-nation military alliance has mostly sought to protect Nato territory from possible Russian attack and avoid being dragged into a war against a nuclear power. But its support role has expanded since US President Donald Trump took office in January, even as his administration insists European allies must now take care of their own security and that of their war-ravaged neighbour. Mr Trump has made no public promise of weapons or economic support for Ukraine. Mr Trump said on July 28 that the US is going to be sending now military equipment and other equipment to Nato, and theyll be doing what they want, but I guess its for the most part working with Ukraine. Jeffrey Epsteins former girlfriend has been serving a prison sentence for luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by the wealthy financier (John Minchillo/AP) The US House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Justice Department on Tuesday for files in the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, part of a congressional probe that politicians believe may show links to President Donald Trump and other former top officials. The Republican-controlled committee also issued subpoenas for depositions with former president Bill Clinton, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and eight former top law enforcement officials. The committees actions showed how even with members away from Washington on a monthlong break, interest in the Epstein files is still running high. Mr Trump has denied prior knowledge of Epsteins crimes and claimed he cut off their relationship long ago. He has repeatedly tried to move past the Justice Departments decision not to release a full accounting of the investigation, but politicians from both major political parties, as well as many in the Republican presidents political base, have refused to let it go. US President Donald Trump speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania on Sunday (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Since Epsteins 2019 death in a New York jail cell as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges, conservative conspiracists have stoked theories about what information investigators gathered on Epstein and who else could have been involved. Republicans on the House Oversight Committee nodded to that line of questioning last month by initiating the subpoenas for the Clintons, both Democrats, as well as demanding all communications between former president Joe Bidens Democratic administration and the Justice Department regarding Epstein. The committee is also demanding interviews under oath from former attorneys general spanning the last three presidential administrations: Merrick Garland, William Barr, Jeff Sessions, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder and Alberto Gonzales. Also subpoenaed were former FBI directors James Comey and Robert Mueller. However, it was Democrats who sparked the move to subpoena the Justice Department for its files on Epstein. They were joined by some Republicans to initiate successfully the subpoena through a subcommittee of the House Oversight Committee. Democrats are focused on transparency and are pushing back against the corruption of Donald Trump, Robert Garcia, who is the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, told reporters last month. What is Donald Trump hiding that he wont release the Epstein files? The committee had previously issued a subpoena for an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former girlfriend, who had been serving a prison sentence in Florida for luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by the wealthy financier but was recently transferred to a Texas facility. However, the committees Republican chairman, James Comer, has indicated he is willing to delay that deposition until after the Supreme Court decides whether to hear an appeal to her conviction. She argues she was wrongfully prosecuted. Mr Comer noted in letters to Attorney General Pam Bondi and the former officials that the cases of Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell have received immense public interest and scrutiny. While the department undertakes efforts to uncover and publicly disclose additional information related to Mr Epstein and Ms Maxwells cases, it is imperative that Congress conduct oversight of the federal governments enforcement of sex trafficking laws generally and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr Epstein and Ms Maxwell, Mr Comer said. The subpoenas give the Justice Department until August 19 to hand over the requested records, though such records requests are typically open to negotiation. The committee is also asking the former officials to appear for the depositions throughout August, September and October, concluding with Hillary Clinton on October 9 and Bill Clinton on October 14. While several former presidents, including Mr Trump, have faced congressional subpoenas, none has ever appeared before members under compulsion. Bill Clinton was among a number of luminaries acquainted with Epstein before the criminal investigation against him in Florida became public two decades ago. Mr Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing by any of the women who say Epstein abused them. One of Epsteins victims, Virginia Giuffre, once gave a newspaper interview in which she described riding in a helicopter with Mr Clinton and flirting with Mr Trump, but she later said in a deposition that those things had not actually happened and were mistakes by the reporter. Mr Clinton has previously said through a spokesperson that while he travelled on Epsteins jet he never visited his homes and had no knowledge of his crimes. This is the north Belfast woman accused of attacking another woman and threatening to kill her. Margaret Coney is also charged with damaging a vase belonging to the woman and of possessing an offensive weapon, all on May 13 this year. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. The saga of Max Misch and the seven-plus year Bennington case of possessing illegal gun magazines has finally concluded with a fifteen-day jail sentence. That is, until the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in, which could be any day. BENNINGTON In advance of national Purple Heart Day on Thursday, August 7, the Vermont Veterans Home honored those who have received the medal, given to vets who were wounded in combat. A number of local Purple Heart medal recipients including three who live at the home were praised Monday afternoon for their sacrifice by speakers from veterans organizations, state government and the Legislature. Among those honored was Army veteran Wallace Wally Mattison, a Vets Home resident who is a few weeks shy of his 101st birthday, and is one of the dwindling number of World War II veterans still living. His daughter, Maureen Sprague of Bennington, said her father was one of the thousands of troops to hit the beaches at Normandy in June 1944 as part of the historic D-Day operation. In September that year, he sustained a gunshot wound in the back during the fighting in France, for which he received the Purple Heart, according to a Banner article about a celebration on Mattisons 100th birthday. The article also noted that he had retired after a 40-year career with the Bennington Police Department, retiring as a captain and acting chief. In addition, Sprague said her father was an avid harness racing enthusiast who owned and raced horses at Saratoga Raceway, the former Green Mountain Race Track and other venues. Many of the approximately 40 people who attended the afternoon event at the nursing home facility came over to say they were honored to meet Mattison and thank him for his service. Others living at the Vets Home who are Purple Heart recipients include Brian Craft, who was wounded while serving in the Navy in Vietnam, and Thomas McDonough, who was wounded while serving in the Army, also in Vietnam. Area residents and Purple Heart recipients who attended the event included Army veteran Rick Dziadul and Gary Martin, who served in the Marine Corps, and Phil Young, who also served in the Marines, all Vietnam War vets. Each received applause when recognized during the event. The Rev. Richard Setzer, the Veterans Home chaplain, said, Lets take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice by those who have worn the uniform of our nation, and especially those today who received the Purple Heart. He added, We are here to honor you, the Purple Heart veterans, who have demonstrated unparalleled courage and commitment in the face of adversity. State Rep. Mary Morrissey of Bennington, who for several years has requested that Vermonts governor issue a proclamation marking August 7 as Purple Heart Day in Vermont, read from the proclamation. She said the honor, established by General George Washington in 1782, was first issued as the Badge of Military Merit and made of purple cloth in the shape of a heart. The heart-shaped purple and gold medal was established in 1932. Morrissey said Gov. Phil Scott could not attend Monday, but Franklin Cody, a Bennington native and a member of Scotts staff, read the full proclamation. Morrissey said Cody also is a member of the Vermont National Guard, who will soon be participating in infantry officer training at Fort Benning, Georgia. It is an honor to be here today with you all, to recognize and thank our Purple Heart veterans, and all veterans, for their service and sacrifice, Cody said. Norm LeBlanc, commander of VFW Post 1332, said, Being a person that has been in the same situation as you, I fully appreciate what you had to sacrifice and give to your country. He added, We are here to support you; we are here to take charge, and we are here to make Congress honor the contract that we signed that gave up to our lives to protect us and take care of us for the rest of our lives. Darlene Cumm, of the American Legion Post 13 Auxiliary and the Department of Vermont Service to Veterans, said, I come here very humbled. My father was a 101st Airborne Division recipient of the Purple Heart. I am very proud to say that. I also have a very dear friend who I am very proud for his service and all of you for your service to your country. This is a subscriber exclusive story. Subscribe today to access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for $3.99/month Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Short of outright abuse, close contact with students at Miss Halls School such as a hug or an arm draped across a students shoulders was normalized for decades, according to an external report released Tuesday that details the administrations repeated failure to protect students from misconduct dating back to the 1940s. You are the owner of this article. State officials say electric vehicles are gaining in popularity and this month announced a plan to roll out $46 million over the next two years to strengthen charging networks for key corridors in western and central Massachusetts. 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. Aster DM Healthcare to inject Rs 580 Cr to build 5th hospital in Bengaluru August 05, 2025 | Tuesday | News The new 500-bedded multi-specialty hospital facility will be located at Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru image credit- shutterstock Aster DM Healthcare, one of Indias leading integrated healthcare providers, in a move to strengthen its footprint in one of Indias fastest-growing healthcare hubs, Bengaluru, has announced Rs 580 crore investment to develop a state-of-the-art, 500-bed multi-specialty hospital in Yeshwanthpur. This new facility will be Asters fifth hospital in Bengaluru, bringing its total bed capacity in the city to 2,580 beds thus cementing its position as one of the top three healthcare players in the city. With a planned built-up area of approximately 5 lakh sq. ft, the facility will be on a Built-to-Suit (BTS) model, reinforcing Asters asset-light expansion approach in the city. Consistent with Asters asset-light approach, the facility will be fully operated and managed by the group, following the model applied to its recently announced facility on Sarjapur road. The new hospital is expected to be operational in the second half of FY 2028-2029. Aster has signed an Agreement to Lease (ATL) with Kemwell Pvt. Ltd., part of the Kemfin Family office for the development of this new hospital under a long-term lease of 30 years, with provisions for renewal. Dr Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, The Yeshwanthpur hospital marks a significant milestone in Aster DM Healthcares India growth strategy, especially in a vibrant and rapidly evolving healthcare market like Bengaluru. With this addition, we are expanding our capacity in the city to 2,580 bedsmaking it one of the largest private hospital networks in a single Indian metro. Over the next few years, we aim to significantly increase our presence across South India by entering new cities and strengthening our footprint in existing ones. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. The Central Bank should carry out an immediate internal review before it renews a request from Israel to continue to facilitate the sale of its war bonds, an Oireachtas committee has said. The Joint Committee on Finance made the recommendation in its report on the Israeli Bonds Programme, published on Tuesday. Advertisement The cross-party committee stated that the Central Bank of Ireland should review the process for the approval of the prospectus for the sale of Israeli bonds within the European Union. Under the EU Prospectus Regulation, a prospectus must be drawn up, approved and published when securities are to be offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market in the EU. The Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation & Taoiseach chaired by Deputy @Farrell_Mairead has published its Israeli Bonds Programme Report. #SeeForYourself Press release: https://t.co/c1kuYn0XvC Report: https://t.co/OykIVuaEBX pic.twitter.com/FnblMElNmP Houses of the Oireachtas - Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) August 5, 2025 Third Country issuers must choose an EU country as their Home Member State, and follow certain criteria set out in the prospectus regulation. Prior to 2021, the UK was the EU Home Member State for Israel. Ireland was then chosen as the new state after the UKs left the EU. Advertisement The bank is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the blocs prospectus regulations. The committees chairwoman, Sinn Feins Mairead Farrell, said the Central Banks facilitation of Israeli bonds arose as a matter of concern. In line with these engagements, the committee understands that the Central Bank may only refuse the approval of a prospectus where the Central Bank has legal basis to do so, she said. Early in its establishment in this Dail, the Joint Committee took the decision to carry out an in-depth consideration of the holding of the prospectus for Israeli Bonds by the Central Bank of Ireland, with the aim of determining if there are any avenues available to the Central Bank to refuse to facilitate the prospectus. Advertisement The Joint Committee held two public sessions on this topic in June, meeting with officials from the Central Bank of Ireland; representatives of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign; and expert in international law, Dr Munir Nuseibah of Al Quds University in Jerusalem. Ireland has been to the forefront and steadfast in its position of support and solidarity with the people of Palestine, but we must ask ourselves are we doing everything we can. The issuing of bonds by the State of Israel is seen to assist in the financing of Israels continued violations of human rights. As such, the facilitation of the prospectus by the Central Bank raises issues of significant concern for the Joint Committee, not only around moral obligations but also obligations under international law. Advertisement This report details the various obligations flowing from EU law, international law, and how those obligations interact. The Joint Committee makes 15 recommendations in its report. These include that the Government engage at EU level with a view to amending the EU Prospectus regulations to permit each individual European Central Bank to refuse to act as a Competent Authority; The Central Bank engage with other EU Central Banks to develop a mechanism whereby an individual Central Bank can refuse to process any new prospectus certification request; Advertisement The Central Bank as the competent authority shall conduct an immediate internal review in advance of any renewal in September of the Israeli bond prospectus with the intention of determining whether it is in compliance with the Prospectus Regulation in terms of the required level of disclosure, accuracy and transparency; Pending the outcome of a compliance review of the Israeli Bond Prospectus under Article 32.1D of the Regulation, the Central Bank of Ireland exercises the powers vested in it, by refusing to certify the renewal of the prospectus or any new applications for the certification of a related prospectus, until such a time when it is satisfied that it is in compliance with the rules as set out in the Regulation. The Central Bank seeks legal advice and makes information available which clarifies that their decision in approving a prospectus is not in breach of international law. The Government consider what national restrictive measures are possible in relation to the approval of prospectuses by the Central Bank of Ireland, which could be used to ensure compliance with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) opinion of July 2024. Ms Farrell said the committee believes the review should seek supplementary information from Israel. It should include an examination of the completeness of the bond prospectus and a request that further information be provided by the Israeli authorities. This should take into account the nature of the case taken by South Africa against Israel under the Genocide Convention and the interim findings of the ICJ in that regard, the ICJ advisory opinion of July 2024 in respect of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and any other pertinent matters in respect of international law. Ireland Gena Heraty kidnapping: Simon Harris holds talks w... Read More The Joint Committee is of the view that an amendment to the Prospectus Regulation to allow individual European Central Banks to refuse to act as competent authority is necessary in order to allow individual member states to make decisions which align with their stated position, and indeed, with obligations under international law. The Committee further believes that the Central Bank is vested with powers that it has not yet exercised and makes a number of recommendations identifying areas which may provide the Central Bank with the opportunity to desist from facilitation of the prospectus. The Joint Committee encourages the Central Bank to exercise the powers available to it in this regard. Drug use among primary and secondary school children in the Dublin 15 area has escalated, according to research from the Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force. Data found commonplace drug dealing and use of cocaine along with benzodiazepines among under-18-year-olds. Advertisement Aontu spokesperson and member of the Task Force, Councillor Ellen Troy, told Newstalk that children are in an environment with the use of drugs and alcohol. "The normalisation is a huge issue, as numbers increase of people abusing alcohol, and children are in that environment with familial use of drugs and alcohol then it just flows, it just follows down so we want to do our best to bring it to the attention of the government so that they can fund these task forces in a more concrete way," Ms Troy said. Cannabis herb, cannabis oil and nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas - are being used by children as young as 11 in schools in the Dublin 15 area, the research found. It also recorded a rise in the use of cocaine and benzodiazepines. Advertisement The report said that drugs are widely available in both primary and secondary schools in the Blanchardstown area. Ms Troy said that she is determined to address the ongoing drug problem. "As a serving member on the council, Im on this task force for Blanchardstown, Im determined with the help of Aontu, my party, to get as much funding as is possible so that we can get in there and do more in prevention, and Ill do everything possible to draw attention to the fact that the government has reduced its funding for this wonderful task force." The Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford will feature a world record attempt including a group that hails from the birthplace of the Guinness World Records, Castlebridge. At last year's Fleadh Cheoil, the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Fleadh group successfully set a world record for a tin whistle ensemble, with over 2,000 people taking part. Advertisement This year's attempt will take place at Wexford Park, and it will look to set a Ceili Band ensemble record. A group called Castlebridge Inspire, which celebrates the town's status as the birthplace of the Guinness Book of Records, will be involved in facilitating the ambitious attempt. John Ryan, who runs Castlebridge Inspire, told BreakingNews.ie: "Last year we did the tin whistle ensemble Guinness World Record, the CEO Craig Glenday was over adjudicating on that one, we needed 1,015 and we got 2,516 in the end. "We had to play a couple of songs for five minutes. That was probably one of the biggest ensembles at any Fleadh to to date, and it was also the first Fleadh official Guinness World Record attempt. Advertisement "It was so successful that we've decided to do another one this year. This one is the Ceili Band ensemble which will take place on August 7th at Chadwick's Wexford Park. The record to beat this year is 386 participants so that's what the goal is. There are three polkas pre-arranged to play for five minutes, we'll have some dancers, we have 15 different instruments for the record attempt. "This includes banjos, guitars and even a harp, along with the likes of the bodhran." A small town with less than 2,000 residents, Castlebridge is the birthplace of the world-famous Guinness World Records. Mr Ryan shared the story of how the records are traced back to the Wexford town. Advertisement A group called Castlebridge Inspire, which celebrates the town's status as the birthplace of the Guinness Book of Records "We're Castlebridge Inspire, so our vision is to bring the story of the birthplace to connect that with the world. It's an important story; it all started with an argument. "On November 10th, 1951, the CEO of Guinness was in Wexford in Castlebridge House. They had been hunting down in the Sloblands, and they came back and had an argument about what was the fastest game bird in the world. They couldn't resolve that argument, so the Guinness boss decided we need a book to sort out these arguments of fact. "That's how the idea was born, and that's how we lay claim to it in Castlebridge. "From an argument came a book which has gone on to inspire millions of people around the world. In some ways, it was the Google of that time. Advertisement "In the 90s when the internet started, the books started to change. Up until that point, it was the go-to. "We celebrate the Castlebridge argument, and we have created the rules of arguing here. Two important rules are number 9: Every argument must end in an inspiration, number 10: You must celebrate the argument, don't go off angry, something good can come from it." Mr Ryan said the history of Castlebridge's reputation as a centre of knowledge can be traced much further back than the Guinness World Record origins in 1951. The Fleadh Cheoil means so much to the community. We're all in this together so everyone is focused on the objective. "St Ibar built his monastery in Castlebridge parish in the fifth century in Beggerin, which was pre-Patrician. Then, in the 19th century, one of Daniel O'Connell's reading rooms was set up in the town. That was all about the education of people, the newspapers and encyclopaedias of the time. Advertisement "The reading room in Castlebridge is now the last in Ireland. Guinness donated it to the community in 1980. "The argument in 1951 led to another great book. There is something about Castlebridge when it comes to books, knowledge and outcomes, and there are amazing local storytellers. "As we move into the age of AI, we're at an important junction in human history, and we believe Castelbridge, the birthplace of the Guinness Book of Records, will have a role in solutions for the new world. "All the record holders are always welcome in Castlebridge as the birthplace of the book, so they're always welcome here to tell their story and inspire future record breakers." The reading room in Castlebridge is now the last reading room in Ireland. Returning to Thursday's record attempt, he said a number of groups will be involved in trying to make it a success. "There are different people involved at different levels. Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil will have their name on the record and they are running it, Wexford County Council is providing resources, Wexford GAA is providing the venue and helping with logistics, and then there are the volunteers. "Our role is liaising with Guinness World Records to make sure it is an official record, we handle the registrations, the communications. "There is a little bit of nervousness, but after last year's success, there are fewer unknowns, and we remember the emotions of what we achieved last year. "The Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil group has to be recognised for its achievement in the second world record so close to the birthplace of Castlebridge. "The Fleadh Cheoil means so much to the community. We're all in this together, so everyone is focused on the objective." George Morrison, a documentary maker best known for his film Mise Eire, has died aged 102. Morrison's 1959 documentary Mise Eire was produced by Gael Linn and featured a celebrated score by composer Sean O Riada. He later followed it with the production Saoirse. Advertisement Born in Tramore, Co Waterford, Morrison leaves behind a lasting legacy in Irish cinema and was the oldest person ever to receive a civic honour from Waterford City and County Council. Sinn Fein TD Conor McGuinness described Morrison as a giant of Irish cultural life. A visionary filmmaker and a proud son of Tramore. Through Mise Eire, Saoirse and many other works, he gave voice to the story of Ireland in a new and powerful way. His commitment to truth, his artistic courage, and his pioneering use of film have left an indelible mark on our cultural memory. Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of George Morrison https://t.co/h9ZpZWhlHc pic.twitter.com/Yl6mcSh97A President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 5, 2025 President Michael D Higgins also paid tribute to Morrison, describing him as a great innovator. Advertisement [Morrison] will remain an iconic and foundational figure in Irish filmography. A filmmaker of immense craft and skill, he will rightly be remembered in particular as a great innovator in the techniques of film, using new and pioneering camera work while realising how film and music could be brought together in a way that is distinctive, the President said. His seminal works, including Mise Eire and Saoirse as well as his many other films including his early partnership with the Gate Theatre, comprise an outstanding body of work that has made a deep and lasting impact on Irish culture and Irish cultural memory. Mise Eire was created following a painstaking process through which Morrison tracked down long lost or forgotten newsreels from the independence period in archives across Europe. This work led to the preservation of 300,000 feet of early 20th century newsreel footage which may have been lost forever without his work. President Higgins bestowed the honour of Saoi of Aosdana on Morrison in 2017. A man has been arrested in west Belfast after a suspected stolen car damaged a taxi and two police vehicles. Officers on patrol in the Falls Road area on Monday saw a red Citroen C4 which they believed had been reported stolen the previous day. Advertisement It collided with a taxi carrying passengers before making off at speed and being abandoned in the Donegal Quay area. A man aged in his 30s has been arrested on a number of offences including dangerous driving and theft of a vehicle. Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham said no serious injuries were reported. The vehicle, a red Citroen C4, was being driven erratically and collided with a taxi, which was carrying passengers, near the junction of Royal Avenue and Donegal Street, before making off at speed and being abandoned in the area of Donegal Quay, he said. Advertisement Our enquiries remain ongoing but thankfully there have been no reports of any serious injuries at this time. Damage was, however, caused to the vehicles involved in the collision, along with two police vehicles. One man, aged in his 30s, was arrested a short distance away on suspicion of a number of offences including dangerous driving, driving when unfit through drink or drugs, theft of a vehicle, aggravated vehicle taking causing damage, using a motor vehicle without insurance and no driving licence. He remains in custody at this time, assisting with enquiries. Advertisement He added: Our officers dedicate themselves to the communities they serve, often at great risk to themselves. While any injury to our officers or members of the public is completely unacceptable, thankfully, on this occasion, we are not dealing with more serious consequences as a result of this reckless behaviour. Damage to police vehicles often requires them to be off the road for repairs, and this impacts on service delivery to the public. Tanaiste Simon Harris has held talks with his Haitian counterpart about the kidnapping of Mayo woman Gena Heraty. Mr Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, spoke to Haitis foreign minister, Harvel Jean-Baptiste, by phone and asked that everything is done to ensure the release of Ms Heraty and the other hostages, including a three-year-old child. Advertisement Ms Heraty, originally from Westport in Co Mayo, was kidnapped along with seven other people from an orphanage in Haiti. She oversees the orphanage, which is run by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters). It is understood Ms Heraty was among seven employees who were taken in the incident as well as the young child. Speaking after the call, Mr Harris said: I welcome my engagement with Minister Harvel Jean Baptiste after what has been an extremely traumatic few days for the Heraty family, as well as the families of all those who were kidnapped. Advertisement The minister assured me of his support in our work to ensure the safe release of Gena, and all the hostages, who have gone through the most horrendous of ordeals. We have agreed to stay in touch about the case, which remains extremely sensitive. My officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are in constant contact with the Heraty family. When we have further updates, we will provide them. Advertisement Mr Harris said he had been in contact with Ms Heratys family on Monday. Ms Heraty is a member of Viatores Christi, a lay missionary organisation based in Dublin. In a statement, the group said Ms Heraty was taken by armed individuals from her home at the NPFS (Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs) compound in Kenscoff on Sunday morning. Gena has worked in Haiti for over 30 years, dedicating her life to children and adults with disabilities through her leadership of NPFSs Special Needs Programme, it said. Advertisement Her commitment, compassion and steady presence have made a lasting difference to many families in the region. Our organisation has supported NPFSs work for a number of years and has seen first-hand the impact of Genas efforts. We are in close contact with our partners on the ground and remain hopeful for her safe return. We are thinking of Gena, her family and colleagues, and the adults and children in her care. We ask that her privacy and that of those closest to her be respected as efforts continue to clarify the situation. Meanwhile, Westport parish priest Fr John Kenny has spoken of the shock and concern in the area at the news of the abduction of Ms Heraty. Advertisement Fr Kenny told RTE radios Today show that when the news first broke that an Irish woman had been kidnapped, he feared it was Ms Heraty. We were all saddened and shocked to hear it was her. Friends and neighbours of the family attended a service at the local church on Monday evening where prayers were said for the safe return of the missionary who has worked in Haiti since 1993. Ms Heratys sister, Mary Heraty Wrafter, spoke at the service and expressed the familys appreciation of the support they are receiving from the community. Fr Kenny said that Gena was not one for the spotlight or to highlight herself, it's always the work she does that she draws attention to and the people she works with. Any fundraising events that we support, the local schools, the local communities constantly are generous to her cause and the cause she works for and reluctantly as I said she kind of has to come forward to do that, but it's never for herself, it's not for her own benefit, it's always for the benefit of others. That's just the nature of the person she is. A wonderful, generous, caring, compassionate person. A great human being, I've got to say. Ireland Intensive efforts continuing to secure release of... Read More Only recently when she was home on her last visit to home and I met her at this local school where the young children there had done fundraising for her cause and she spoke about her mission and her work and it was just wonderful. You could see her beaming with enthusiasm and energy around what she does, but like I said, never looking for the credit to herself but always drawing attention to the cause. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance. Additional reporting: Vivienne Clarke Russian president Vladimir Putin is unlikely to bow to a sanctions ultimatum expiring this Friday from US president Donald Trump, and retains the goal of capturing four regions of Ukraine in their entirety, sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters. Mr Trump has threatened to hit Russia with new sanctions and impose 100 per cent tariffs on countries that buy its oil - of which the biggest are China and India - unless Putin agrees to a ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine. Advertisement Putin's determination to keep going is prompted by his belief that Russia is winning and by scepticism that yet more US sanctions will have much of an impact after successive waves of economic penalties during 3-1/2 years of war, according to three sources familiar with discussions in the Kremlin. The Russian leader does not want to anger Mr Trump, and he realises that he may be spurning a chance to improve relations with Washington and the West, but his war goals take precedence, two of the sources said. Putin's goal is to fully capture the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, which Russia has claimed as its own, and then to talk about a peace agreement, one of the sources said. "If Putin were able to fully occupy those four regions which he has claimed for Russia he could claim that his war in Ukraine had reached his objectives," said James Rodgers, author of the forthcoming book "The Return of Russia". Advertisement The current talks process, in which Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have met three times since May, was an attempt by Moscow to convince Mr Trump that Putin was not rejecting peace, the first source said, adding that the talks were devoid of real substance apart from discussions on humanitarian exchanges. Russia says it is serious about agreeing a long-term peace in the negotiations but that the process is complicated because the two sides' stances are so far apart. Putin last week described the talks as positive. Nuclear war risks Moscows stated demands include a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the four regions and acceptance by Kyiv of neutral status and limits on the size of its military demands rejected by Ukraine. In a sign that there may yet be an opportunity to strike a deal before the deadline, Mr Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Russia this week, following an escalation in rhetoric between Mr Trump and Moscow over risks of nuclear war. "President Trump wants to stop the killing, which is why he is selling American-made weapons to Nato members and threatening Putin with biting tariffs and sanctions if he does not agree to a ceasefire," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in response to a request for comment. Advertisement The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this story. All the sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Mr Trump, who in the past has praised Putin and held out the prospect of lucrative business deals between their two countries, has lately expressed growing impatience with the Russian president. He has complained about what he called Putin's "bullshit" and described Russia's relentless bombing of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities as "disgusting". The Kremlin has said it noted Mr Trump's statements but it has declined to respond to them. Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko last week called on the world to respond with "maximum pressure" after the worst Russian air strike of the year killed 31 people in Kyiv, including five children, in what she called Russia's response to Mr Trump's deadline. Advertisement Forces advance The first source said Putin was privately concerned about the recent deterioration of US ties. Putin still retains the hope that Russia can again befriend America and trade with the West, and "he is worried" about Mr Trump's irritation, this person said. But with Moscow's forces advancing on the battlefield and Ukraine under heavy military pressure, Putin does not believe now is the time to end the war, the source said, adding that neither the Russian people nor the army would understand if he stops now. Mr Rodgers, the author, said Putin has invested his political reputation and legacy in the war in Ukraine. "We know from his previous writings and statements that he sees himself as part of a strong tradition of standing up to the West and the rest of world to defend Russia's interests," he said. The Kremlin leader values the relationship with Mr Trump and does not want to anger him, however, "he simply has a top priority - Putin cannot afford to end the war just because Trump wants it," the second Russian source said. Advertisement A third person familiar with Kremlin thinking also said Russia wanted to take all four regions and did not see the logic in stopping at a time of battlefield gains during Russia's summer offensive. Ukraine has suffered some of its biggest territorial losses of 2025 in the past three months, including 502 square kilometres in July, according to Black Bird Group, a Finland-based military analysis centre. In total, Russia has occupied around a fifth of Ukraine. Russia's military General Staff has told Putin that the Ukrainian front will crumble in two or three months, the first person said. However, Russias recent gains remain relatively minor in purely territorial terms, with only 5,000 square kilometres (1,930 square miles) of Ukraine taken since the start of last year, less than 1 per cent of the countrys overall territory, according to a June report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. Ukrainian and Western military sources, acknowledge that Russia is making gains, but only gradually and with heavy casualties. Russian war bloggers say Moscow's forces have been bogged down during its current summer offensive in areas where the terrain and dense urban landscape favoured Ukraine, but assess that other areas should be faster to take. He's made threats before. Mr Trump's sanctions threat was "painful and unpleasant," but not a catastrophe, the second source said. The third source said there was a feeling in Moscow that "there's not much more that they can do to us". It was also not clear if Mr Trump would follow through on his ultimatum, this person said, adding that "he's made threats before" and then not acted, or changed his mind. The source also said it was hard to imagine that China would stop buying Russian oil on instructions from Mr Trump, and that his actions risked backfiring by driving oil prices higher. As a consequence of previous rounds of sanctions, Russian oil and gas exporters have taken big hits to their revenues, and foreign direct investment in the country fell by 63 per cent last year, according to UN trade data. Around $300 billion of central bank assets have been frozen in foreign jurisdictions. Support from China, North Korea World Russia says it will no longer abide by self-impose... Read More But Russia's ability to wage war has been unimpeded, thanks in part to ammunition supplies from North Korea and imports from China of dual-use components that have sustained a massive rise in weapons production. The Kremlin has repeatedly said that Russia has some "immunity" to sanctions. Mr Trump has acknowledged Russia's skill in skirting the measures. "They're wily characters and they're pretty good at avoiding sanctions, so we'll see what happens," he told reporters at the weekend, when asked what his response would be if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire. The first Russian source noted that Putin, in pursuing the conflict, was turning his back on a US offer made in March that Washington, in return for his agreement to a full ceasefire, would remove US sanctions, recognise Russian possession of Crimea - annexed from Ukraine in 2014 - and acknowledge de facto Russian control of the territory captured by its forces since 2022. The source called the offer a "fantastic chance," but said stopping a war was much more difficult than starting it. Brazils Supreme Court has ordered house arrest for former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly leading a coup attempt after losing the 2022 election. The courts Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order, saying in his decision that Bolsonaro had violated the precautionary measures imposed on him by posting content on his sons social media channels. Advertisement Prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro of heading a criminal organisation that plotted to overturn the election, including plans to kill President Lula and a Supreme Court justice. Mondays order follows one from the top court, which last month ordered Bolsonaro to wear an electronic ankle tag and imposed a curfew on his activities while the proceedings are under way. The latest decision keeps the far-right leader under ankle monitoring, allows only family members and lawyers to visit him and seizes all mobile phones from his home in Rio de Janeiro. More than 800 structures are threatened by a massive wildfire in central California that left at least three people injured as it burned through Los Padres National Forest. The Gifford Fire scorched more than 113 square miles (293 square kilometres) of coastal Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with 3% containment, according to a US Forest Service update on Monday evening. Advertisement More than 1,900 workers are battling the blaze that grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted on Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield. The causes of the fires are under investigation. An air tanker drops retardant on the Gifford Fire in Los Padres National Forest (Noah Berger/AP) The National Weather Services Los Angeles office has warned that the fire continued to generate considerable smoke that will affect parts of south-west California. Smoke was expected to move toward the south and east. The blaze threatened about 872 structures and forced the closure of the highway in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people in Santa Barbara County. About 65 miles (105 kilometres) northwest of Santa Barbara and 150 miles (240 kilometres) northwest of Los Angeles, the hilly agricultural region is dotted by sprawling California live oaks and Sycamore trees and is known for its wine industry. Advertisement Firefighters made progress on the west, north and east flanks of the fire and significant efforts were made to ensure structure protection on the south end, officials said in an update on Monday evening. Two new base camps were being established on the north and east sides of the fire, allowing more efficient access to the fire perimeter. Firefighters battling the Gifford Fire in California (Noah Berger/AP) Officials said they expected more helicopters to be able to deliver significant water drops on Tuesday with a drone doing reconnaissance. A warming and drying trend was expected to continue from Wednesday through the weekend, with temperatures up on Thursday and Friday, with increasing fire behaviour, officials said. Advertisement A motorist was taken to hospital with burns after getting out of his vehicle and being overrun by flames, US Forest Service spokesperson Flemming Bertelson said. Two contract employees assisting firefighters were also hurt when their all-terrain vehicle overturned. Ranchers evacuated cattle on Monday as aircraft made water drops on the encroaching flames. Former Israeli army and intelligence chiefs called for an end to the war in Gaza as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at further military action and Israels government plotted its next move in the devastated territory. On the ground in Gaza, health officials reported new deaths on Tuesday of Palestinians seeking food at distribution points. Advertisement The Israeli defence body co-ordinating aid to Gaza announced a new deal with local merchants to improve aid deliveries as desperation mounts. The former security officials speaking out included those who led Israels Shin Bet internal security service, Mossad spy agency and the Israeli military and ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak. In a roughly three-minute video posted to social media this week, they demanded an end to the war and said the far-right members of the government are holding the country hostage in prolonging the conflict. This is leading the state of Israel to the loss of its security and its identity, Ami Ayalon, former head of Shin Bet, said in the footage. Advertisement Yoram Cohen, former head of Shin Bet, called Mr Netanyahus objectives a fantasy. If anyone imagines that we can reach every terrorist and every pit and every weapon and in parallel bring our hostages home, I think it is impossible, he said. Mr Netanyahu, meanwhile, announced on Monday that he would convene his security cabinet in the coming days to direct the army on the next stage of the war, hinting that even tougher military action was an option in Gaza. US President Donald Trump, asked by a reporter whether he supported the reoccupation of Gaza, said he wasnt aware of the suggestion but that its going to be pretty much up to Israel. Advertisement Mr Netanyahu said he remained committed to achieving his war objectives, including defeating Hamas, releasing all hostages and ensuring Gaza never again threatens Israel. Israeli media said the meeting was expected on Tuesday, with disagreements between Mr Netanyahu and the army chief, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, on how to proceed. The reports, citing anonymous officials in Mr Netanyahus office, said the prime minister was pushing the army, which already controls about three quarters of Gaza, to conquer the entire territory, a step that could endanger the hostages, deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and further isolate Israel internationally. Various reports have said Mr Zamir opposes this step and could step down or be pushed out if it is approved. Advertisement Palestinians struggle to get food from the back of a truck in southern Gaza (Mariam Dagga/AP) Several hundred Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since May while heading toward food distribution sites, airdropped parcels and aid convoys in Gaza, according to witnesses, local health officials and the United Nations human rights office. The Israeli military says it has fired only warning shots and disputes the toll. Local health officials said Israeli forces opened fire on Tuesday morning towards Palestinians seeking desperately needed aid and in targeted attacks in the central and southern Gaza Strip, killing at least 25 people. The Israeli military did not have an immediate comment. Advertisement The dead include 19 people who were killed in southern Gaza, 12 of them seeking aid near the Morag corridor and in Teina area, some three kilometres (1.86 miles) from the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation hub east of Khan Younis, according to the Nasser hospital and the Ministry of Health. The ministry 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. Elsewhere in central Gaza, Al-Awda hospital said it received the bodies of six Palestinians who were killed on Tuesday after Israeli troops targeted crowds near an aid distribution site run by the GHF. The GHF, however, said there were no incidents at their sites on Tuesday. The Israeli defence body in charge of co-ordinating aid to Gaza, called COGAT, wrote on X that there will be a gradual and controlled renewal of the entry of goods through the private sector in Gaza. This aims to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip, while reducing reliance on aid collection by the UN and international organisations, it said Tuesday. A limited number of local merchants were approved for the plan and will sell basic food products, baby food, fruit and vegetables, and hygiene supplies through bank transfers, COGAT said. Thousands of Palestinians crowded against aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the southern Morag corridor on Monday, attempting to get whatever food they could during a protracted food shortage across the enclave. Mohammed Qassas from Khan Younis in southern Gaza said his children are so hungry that he is forced to storm aid trucks. I have young children, how am I supposed to feed them? No one has mercy. This resembles the end of the world, he said. If we fight, we get the food. If we dont fight, we dont get anything. As the trucks drove away, men climbed onto them, scrambling for any remaining scraps. The conditions are very challenging and we are hoping for a system to be in place, Mr Qassas said. Some people go home with some 200 kilogrammes (441 pounds), and others go home with only one kilogramme (35 ounces). It is a mafia-like system. After relentless efforts to get food from the trucks, it has become a routine for men to be seen coming back carrying flour sacks on their back, as well as carrying wounded and dead bodies from near the aid sites. Yusif Abu Mor from Khan Younis said the trucks aid system is akin to a death trap. This aid is stained with humiliation and blood, he said, adding that aid seekers run the risk of being killed by shootings or run over by aid trucks surrounded by crowds of hungry Palestinians. Israels blockade and military offensive have made it nearly impossible to deliver aid safely, contributing to the territorys slide towards famine nearly 22 months into the war with Hamas. Aid groups say Israels week-old measures to allow more aid in are far from sufficient. Families of hostages in Gaza fear starvation affects them too, but blame Hamas. As international alarm has mounted, several countries have airdropped aid over Gaza. The UN and aid groups call such drops costly and dangerous for residents, and say they deliver far less aid than trucks. Egypt, which has strong security ties with Israel, is a mediator in ceasefire talks, and its President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said Israels war in Gaza has become a war of starvation, genocide and liquidation of the Palestinian cause. Mr El-Sissi said the war no longer aims to achieve political outcomes or release the hostages. He reiterated his call for European governments and Mr Trump to help stop the war and deliver humanitarian aid to Gazas more than two million people. Long lines of trucks waiting to enter Gaza from Egypt have been a recurring image of the war. Sir Keir Starmer has made a mistake in announcing plans to recognise Palestine as a state, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said. The UK government last week said it will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to meet certain conditions, including a ceasefire and a revival of the two-state solution. Advertisement Meanwhile, the UK prime minister reiterated that Hamas must release the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and play no role in the government of Gaza. The UK government will then make an assessment in September on how far the parties have met these steps, the prime minister said. During a visit to a farm in Little Walden, Essex, on Tuesday, Mrs Badenoch said she would never agree to recognising a Palestinian state while Hamas is still in power in Gaza. She said: Absolutely not. No. Hamas is a terrorist organisation. We should not be creating a new terrorist state. Advertisement This is basic stuff, and I dont understand why Keir Starmer doesnt understand that. The Tory leader added: Keir Starmer has made a mistake. What we need to focus on now is a ceasefire and getting the hostages home. Weve been seeing images of a hostage who looks like hes being starved to death, forced to dig his own grave. This is what Hamas is about. Now is not the time to reward them for their atrocities and for the massacre they committed on October 7 by giving them statehood recognition. Advertisement We want to see a two-state solution after a peace settlement done in the right way at the right time. It is not the right thing to do now. And Im not surprised that British hostages like Emily Damari have condemned the Government for the approach theyve taken. Ms Damari, a British-Israeli woman who was held hostage by Hamas for more than a year, has said she believes Mr Starmer is not standing on the right side of history after his conditional pledge to recognise Palestine. Mrs Badenochs comments came as it was announced a protest will take place in London this weekend opposing Mr Starmer's plans to recognise Palestine as a state. Advertisement Demonstrators, including some British family members of hostages still held by Hamas, will march on Downing Street calling for the release of the remaining hostages before any talk about the recognition of Palestine. Marchers will include the relatives of Avinatan Or, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival with his girlfriend Noa Argamani. Mr Ors cousin Ariel Felber, from London, said: Keir Starmer has failed the hostages and their families by not making it a condition that all the remaining hostages are brought home to their loved ones before he can even entertain talk of state recognition of Palestine. He urgently needs to correct this. Advertisement Steve Brisley from Bridgend, Wales, whose sister and nieces were murdered on October 7th and his brother-in-law Eli taken hostage, said: As British families of hostages and victims, devastated by the ongoing suffering of our loved ones, our emotional torture has been exacerbated by the suggestion that the UK may recognise a Palestinian state without securing the release of the hostages as an absolute precondition. This is not about politics. This is about basic humanity. The family members are expected to be joined by Jewish leaders and other supporters on their National March For The Hostages through central London on Sunday afternoon. Tzipi Hotovely, Israeli ambassador to the UK, said on X that Hamass actions must never be rewarded as she highlighted the plight of one of the hostages, 24-year-old Evyatar David. Hamas released a video on Saturday which showed Mr David looking skeletal and hollow-eyed in a dimly lit Gaza tunnel. Ms Hotovely said: He is clearly malnourished and ill-treated. A shadow of his former self, his suffering is unimaginable. Like countless others who saw it, I was appalled by the sickening footage of Evyatar being forced to dig his own grave. This abhorrent footage shows Hamas for what they are wicked terrorists who seek to inflict as much death, destruction and suffering on as many Jews and Israelis as they can. Their actions must never be rewarded. Anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson has been released on police bail after being arrested over an alleged assault at London's St Pancras railway station. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested at London Luton Airport on Monday evening in connection with the incident which took place on July 28th. Advertisement Footage shared on social media appeared to show Robinson pacing around the London station with another person lying still on the floor nearby. British Transport Police (BTP) said on Tuesday that he has been released on police bail until September 2nd as inquiries continue. In a post on X, Robinson said: RELEASE THE FOOTAGE @metpoliceuk Robinson was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken into custody after arriving in the UK on a flight from Faro in Portugal. Advertisement He had been wanted for questioning after leaving the country to Tenerife in the early hours of July 29th, BTP said. The victim was taken to hospital with what police described as serious injuries and he was discharged last Wednesday. Robinson is a former leader of the far-right English Defence League. The far-right monitoring group Hope Not Hate describes him as the best-known far-right extremist in Britain. Swiss president Karin Keller-Sutter and business minister Guy Parmelin flew to Washington on Tuesday, the government said, in a last-ditch effort to avoid the 39 per cent tariffs announced by president Donald Trump on exports to the United States. The US tariffs, hiked from the initial 31 per cent rate announced in April, have sent Switzerland reeling after they were announced on Friday. Advertisement The higher duty is due to take effect on Thursday. During their visit, Keller-Sutter and Parmelin will "facilitate meetings with the US authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland", the government said. It did not comment on which parts of the US government they would meet in Washington or whether a meeting was scheduled with Trump. A person familiar with the Trump administration's thinking, said they were confident that a deal could be worked out with Switzerland if it responded quickly with a better offer. Advertisement "There was some kind of bad interaction, but that can blow over, if the Swiss come with a meaningful offer," the source said, referring to a phone call between Trump and Keller-Sutter on Thursday evening. "It is a large trade deficit, especially in per capita terms," the source added. Trump referred to the conversation with Keller-Sutter in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, adding he was concerned about the US trade deficit with Switzerland. "Look, I did something with Switzerland the other day," he said referring to his phone call with Keller-Sutter. "The woman was nice, but she didn't want to listen, and they paid essentially no tariffs," he told the broadcaster. Advertisement "And I said, we have a $41 billion deficit with you, madam... and you want to pay 1 per cent tariffs. I said, you're not going to pay 1 per cent, we lose, because I view deficit as loss." The Swiss government held an emergency meeting on Monday to decide its response to the tariff hike, and said it was ready to make a "more attractive offer" to the United States. It was also ready to pursue negotiations beyond the August 7th deadline. Bern gave no details of what extra incentives could be offered to secure a better deal, but it did say it was not considering any countermeasures against the US. Advertisement Parmelin has previously said that Switzerland buying more US liquefied natural gas (LNG) was under consideration, while further investment by Switzerland in the United States could also be an option. The aim of Keller-Sutter and Parmelin's trip was to present "a more attractive offer to the United States in a bid to lower the level of reciprocal tariffs for Swiss exports, taking US concerns into account," the government said on Tuesday. Some Swiss business leaders, including Nick Hayek, chief executive of watchmaker Swatch Group, had called on Keller-Sutter to visit Washington to do a deal with Trump directly. A trade barrier of 39 per cent would be a major blow for the export-orientated Swiss economy by reducing access to its biggest overseas market for its watches, machinery and chocolate, economists have warned. Advertisement Hans Gersbach, an economist at KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH, a University in Zurich, said the Swiss delegation would have to make a substantial offer to win a reprieve from the 39 per cent tariff, with the visit representing a last-ditch effort to negotiate down the import duty. "Something marginal won't be enough it has to be a significant number, which Trump can present to his supporters as a victory for his negotiations," said Gersbach. "It's crucial Keller-Sutter and Parmelin meet Trump and speak with him directly. He is the decision-maker," added Gersbach, who thought there was reasonable chance of success. The Swiss government knew how serious the situation is, and was putting all its efforts into getting a deal, he said. "A 39 per cent tariff on Switzerland, especially with the EU agreeing a rate of 15 per cent, would be an immediate shock to the Swiss economy," said Gersbach. The US House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Justice Department on Tuesday for files in the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, part of a congressional probe that politicians believe may show links to President Donald Trump and other former top officials. The Republican-controlled committee also issued subpoenas for depositions with former president Bill Clinton, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and eight former top law enforcement officials. Advertisement The committees actions showed how even with members away from Washington on a monthlong break, interest in the Epstein files is still running high. Mr Trump has denied prior knowledge of Epsteins crimes and claimed he cut off their relationship long ago. He has repeatedly tried to move past the Justice Departments decision not to release a full accounting of the investigation, but politicians from both major political parties, as well as many in the Republican presidents political base, have refused to let it go. US President Donald Trump speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania on Sunday (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) Since Epsteins 2019 death in a New York jail cell as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges, conservative conspiracists have stoked theories about what information investigators gathered on Epstein and who else could have been involved. Republicans on the House Oversight Committee nodded to that line of questioning last month by initiating the subpoenas for the Clintons, both Democrats, as well as demanding all communications between former president Joe Bidens Democratic administration and the Justice Department regarding Epstein. Advertisement The committee is also demanding interviews under oath from former attorneys general spanning the last three presidential administrations: Merrick Garland, William Barr, Jeff Sessions, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder and Alberto Gonzales. Also subpoenaed were former FBI directors James Comey and Robert Mueller. However, it was Democrats who sparked the move to subpoena the Justice Department for its files on Epstein. They were joined by some Republicans to initiate successfully the subpoena through a subcommittee of the House Oversight Committee. Democrats are focused on transparency and are pushing back against the corruption of Donald Trump, Robert Garcia, who is the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, told reporters last month. What is Donald Trump hiding that he wont release the Epstein files? Advertisement The committee had previously issued a subpoena for an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former girlfriend, who had been serving a prison sentence in Florida for luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by the wealthy financier but was recently transferred to a Texas facility. However, the committees Republican chairman, James Comer, has indicated he is willing to delay that deposition until after the Supreme Court decides whether to hear an appeal to her conviction. She argues she was wrongfully prosecuted. Mr Comer noted in letters to Attorney General Pam Bondi and the former officials that the cases of Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell have received immense public interest and scrutiny. While the department undertakes efforts to uncover and publicly disclose additional information related to Mr Epstein and Ms Maxwells cases, it is imperative that Congress conduct oversight of the federal governments enforcement of sex trafficking laws generally and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr Epstein and Ms Maxwell, Mr Comer said. Advertisement The subpoenas give the Justice Department until August 19 to hand over the requested records, though such records requests are typically open to negotiation. The committee is also asking the former officials to appear for the depositions throughout August, September and October, concluding with Hillary Clinton on October 9 and Bill Clinton on October 14. While several former presidents, including Mr Trump, have faced congressional subpoenas, none has ever appeared before members under compulsion. Bill Clinton was among a number of luminaries acquainted with Epstein before the criminal investigation against him in Florida became public two decades ago. Mr Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing by any of the women who say Epstein abused them. Advertisement One of Epsteins victims, Virginia Giuffre, once gave a newspaper interview in which she described riding in a helicopter with Mr Clinton and flirting with Mr Trump, but she later said in a deposition that those things had not actually happened and were mistakes by the reporter. Mr Clinton has previously said through a spokesperson that while he travelled on Epsteins jet he never visited his homes and had no knowledge of his crimes. 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 This weeks picks include the prequel to the iconic Alien film franchise, the return of Rose Byrne and Seth Rogens besties comedy and Carrie Coons The Gilded Age. Alien: Earth (Disney+) Whats hungrier? An apex predator such as the Xenomorph, the nightmarish creature that populates the Alien movies, or the franchise itself, which is almost 50 years old and now launching a television series after a slew of movies. Whichever way you lean, the unnerving Alien: Earth manages to mostly satisfy creative and corporate pangs. Slotting into the Alien universe while bringing new elements to bear, the shows first season is rich in science-fiction horror: unchecked creation, terrifying destruction, and unnerving responses. Sydney Chandler as Wendy in Alien: Earth, which is a prequel to the Alien film franchise. Loading Alien: Earths creator, Noah Hawley, has some experience with this, having built the Fargo series out of the Coen Brothers film. But that was an anthology inspired by the movie, whereas this is entrenched in the terrifying mythology established by original director Ridley Scott. We know the Xenomorph cycle, from face hugger to gleaming beast. Thankfully, Hawley doesnt just tinker with Alien lore, he adds to it, while devising new creatures your subconscious will adore. The most crucial addition is a new kind of human. Alien: Earth is set in 2120, two years before the original film, and while it teases with a doomed spaceship and its escaped cargo, its just as focused on humanitys progress. In a world run by corporations, the spaceship crash-lands in a city owned by Prodigy, the firm of reckless young genius Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin). Boy sees the crash as a chance to field-test his secret new invention: hybrids. A human childs mind allowed to grow in a powerful machine body. Advertisement The first synthetic ever, as opposed Aliens more common cyborgs (humans with an augmented body) and synthetics (androids), is Wendy, a transformative evolutionary leap tellingly played by Sydney Chandler with adolescent openness and otherworldly agency. Hawley, who wrote or co-wrote each episode and directs several, layers scientific exploitation with childrens book imagery at night, Boy reads Peter Pan to his newly created hybrids, which he has named for the storys characters. Its a very different Neverland, full of body horror and flawed practices. Timothy Olyphant as the inscrutable synthetic Kirsh in Alien: Earth. Alien: Earth has a shows worth of interwoven threads, from the rival corporation Weyland-Yutani, which wants their invaluable specimens back, to the inscrutable synthetic Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant, perfectly cast against his laconic gunslinger roles), who is supervising Wendy and the other hybrids. But do Aliens fans want creator hubris and existential conundrums? Or are they just after bloody scares? Hawley cannily delivers both, albeit in an unconventional order. The shows approach might occupy an uncomfortable middle ground for some, but the creative energy is undeniably inquisitive and genuine. Keep feeding the Alien franchise. From August 13. Besties Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen are back in season two of Platonic. Platonic (season 2) (Apple TV+) Never ludicrous for the mere sake of it, this best friends comedy featuring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen as former besties reconnecting in their forties, has an outrageous wit and a plausible dynamic. As they caught up on lost time in the first season, Byrnes Sylvia and Rogens Will always maintained a lived-in complexity. He was self-sabotaging, she had a sudden temper, and when they got on a roll, they would make hilariously ill-judged decisions that had actual ramifications. Platonics creators, the husband-and-wife team of Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco, very much build on that in the sophomore season. Ill just keep it cool, Sylvia insists to her husband, Charlie (Luke Macfarlane), after an early irritation, before proceeding to take some wildly rash actions. It helps immeasurably that the show is forward-looking: Sylvia and Will are now trying to maintain their bond even as Will prepares for his second marriage, instead of repeating the previous seasons rediscovery. Advertisement Loading As with Byrne and Rogens Bad Neighbours movies, which Stoller directed, the key part of their chemistry is that its Sylvia, not Will, whos the incendiary device. My favourite scenes in this show are anytime that Byrnes mother-of-three loses it its deliriously eruptive, yet rooted in decades of compromise and self-doubt. Platonic has become one of televisions best half-hour comedies. Dr Lala Asim in Critical: Between Life and Death. Critical (Netflix) Loading Netflixs voracious appetite for documentaries has led it to the medical first-response genre: fly-on-the-wall coverage from ambulances and emergency rooms. These shows have long been a staple of free-to-air broadcasting, including Paramedics and Emergency locally. What has Netflix added? Blood and battered bodies abound, with six episodes shot over three weeks in Londons Major Trauma System. Its gory and authentic. Theres a major failing in how the events that created these crises are retrospectively depicted, but its compelling when the patients connect with the unflappable professionals, such as Dr Lala Asim. Advertisement Carrie Coon in The Gilded Age. The Gilded Age (Paramount+) This historical drama, which saw Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes bring his grand house storytelling to 1880s New York high society, has been enjoying a breakout third season. Audience numbers in America, where the series airs on HBO, have been growing weekly. One possible reason? Star Carrie Coon, who plays wealthy Fifth Avenue interloper Bertha Russell, recently had a high-profile White Lotus season. My theory? The show has become better since Fellowes empowered US co-writer Sonja Warfield. The storylines for Black characters are now complementary, and the show has a melodramatic pleasure. Elodie Yung in The Cleaning Lady. The Cleaning Lady (seasons 1-4) (HBO Max) While it has some flaws, the four seasons of this 2022 US crime drama, newly added to HBO Max, offer a comprehensive binge for fans of underworld intrigue. Miranda Kwoks show is marked by risk and inequality: Filipino surgeon Thony De La Rosa (Elodie Yung, who grounds the show) is living in Las Vegas with an expired visa, working as an undocumented cleaner while trying to get treatment for her ailing son. When her skills are revealed to a narcotics syndicate, shes forcibly hired as a crime scene cleaner and off-the-books doctor. Advertisement Further industrial action looms after thousands of educators walked off the job in the largest teachers strike in Queenslands history. Queensland teachers on Wednesday abandoned classrooms for the first time in 16 years, demanding better pay and conditions after government negotiations broke down. Brisbanes CBD came to a standstill amid a sea of placards as about 4000 people marched on state parliament. The protest was among 30 rallies around the state after more than 50,000 union members voted to strike for the first time since 2009. Almost 600,000 state primary and high school students were affected by Wednesdays 24-hour industrial action. This is the moment to stand up, be seen, be counted and be heard, Gold Coast teacher Damien Richardson told the Brisbane rally. Loading Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek was hopeful of returning to negotiations after talks collapsed following 18 meetings with the union in the past five months. The Queensland Teachers Union has not ruled out taking more industrial action. Sadly, it probably wouldnt end here today. This is not going to be easy, union president Cresta Richardson told the rally. We have spoken today. This is a teacher voice that cannot be denied. In June, the union rejected the latest offer of 3 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent salary increases respectively over the next three years. Teacher wages by state Queensland: under the governments pay offer, by 2027 a graduate teacher would earn $84,000 a year and a senior educator $135,000. NSW: graduate teacher earns $87,550 and senior educator about $125,763. Victoria: graduate teacher earns $79,589 and senior educator up to $129,544. South Australia: graduate teacher earns $82,496 and senior educator up to $129,841. Tasmania: graduate teacher earns $82,828 and senior educator up to $118,328. Western Australia: graduate teacher earns $85,610 and senior educator up to $130,257. Northern Territory: graduate teacher earns $92,215 and senior educator up to $188,789. AAP A 26-year-old man survived seven days lost in the Northern Territory desert by drinking water from discarded bottles before being found alive, despite police calling off their search. Members of the local South Sudanese community, led by the African Association of Central Australia, continued the search for Gach Top after police suspended efforts five days into their search. An image of Gach Top that police released in the hopes of finding him. Credit: NT Police Roughly 30 young men and women, mobilised by association chair Chuol Yat, combed 10 kilometres of terrain for up to five hours on Monday with the hope that Top was still alive. The community search was a result of the police decision to suspend the search after five days the community still had hope that Gach would be found alive, he said. Long-serving public servant Sir Leo Hielscher has died, aged 98. Sir Leo first took a job in the public service at the age of 15 in 1942. He retired from Queensland Treasury Corporation in 2010 at 83 years old, after reporting to 10 premiers and 15 treasurers. A photo of Sir Leo Hielscher as Queenslands under treasurer in March 1988. Credit: Queensland Government He facilitated the development of Griffith University, Queenslands casino industry and two coal terminals, established the QTC, drove the planning and financing of the first Gateway Bridge, and helped deliver Expo 88 and the 1982 Commonwealth Games. A crowded boat carrying mostly tourists including four Australians has capsized off Bali, killing three people. The vessel had 80 people on board when it went down off the popular holiday destination of Sanur about 3pm Bali time (5pm AEST), on Tuesday, according to Denpasar Search and Rescue. The boat, with 80 people on board, capsized close to the shoreline near Sanur Harbour on Balis east coast. Credit: Denpasar Search and Rescue The organisation said two Chinese citizens had died, and the body of a missing Indonesian crew member was found on Wednesday. Every other person registered as being on the vessel was accounted for, according to the rescue teams. It is not believed the four Australians on board were among the 15 people treated at hospital. A zoo in Denmark has appealed for unwanted pets to feed its predators. Aalborg Zoo in northern Jutland issued a call for small healthy animals to be donated to ensure nothing goes to waste. Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has sought pet donations for their predators. Credit: Getty Images In a social media post, the zookeepers suggested the animals would be fed to their contingent of European lynxes. Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators, the zoo said. Especially the European lynx, which needs whole prey that resembles what it would naturally hunt in the wild. While 83% of employers plan to raise salaries, just 20% will lift pay by more than 5% well below the 42% of employees expecting that level of increase. The change also lands amid a shifting first-home buyer landscape. The average age of a first-time buyer in Australia has climbed to around 36, up from 30 in the early 2000s, according to CBA economist Harry Ottley. At the same time, brokers are seeing a wave of early-20s buyers whove saved aggressively while living at home, highlighting a split market of both older and younger entrants. AB: What is the secret to your success? Why do you think you've been successful as a broker? LA: I wouldnt really say Im a "successful" broker but Im still here five years later, which must be a good sign. Whats really helped me fast-track things especially being new to industry was building strong relationships with a few BDMs early on. I learnt heaps from three to four in particular, and Im really grateful for their time and support helping me understand policy and structure deals. I was also lucky to be part of a business that had a consistent flow of leads and enquiry. Some weeks Id be looking at 10 to 12 different scenarios, which helped me gain experience really quickly compared to if Id gone out on my own. TIANJIN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- As night fell, coffee vendors prepared their stalls to soft melodies while young office workers queued up, bringing the fourth Tianjin Coffee Culture Festival to its pinnacle. "It's my time to unwind," said Wang Chen, a local resident at the bustling night market. "The vibe here is fantastic, well worth the trip." "Today's youth are redefining how and when they spend. We designed this space for both comfort and engagement," said Xia Lanying, general manager of Palm Tianjin, an organizer of the coffee festival featuring stalls showcasing crafts, art, and lifestyle products. A young entrepreneur surnamed Tian saw the festival as more than a sales opportunity. "It's our gateway to the city's nightlife and nighttime consumers," he noted. "Young people gather here for coffee, cold drinks, and music on summer nights." In recent years, Tianjin has expanded its night economy through upgraded streets, displays of intangible cultural heritage, pop-up art, and immersive cultural experiences. Citywide "bridge concerts," Italian opera flash mobs, and traditional folk performances now turn urban areas into nighttime stages across Tianjin. On the Haihe River, tourist Liu Hao from northwest China's Xi'an marveled at waterfront lights. "Like stepping into a 3D painting," Liu said. Demand for night cruises has surged with the arrival of the summer peak tourist season. According to the cruise operator, 29 boats operate over 70 nightly trips every night. Themed "performance cruises" featuring comedy or opera transform sightseeing into memorable experiences. "Our boats are mobile cultural spaces," said Zhang Shifang, deputy manager of Tianjin Jinlv Haihe Cruises Co., Ltd. At Tianjin's Dongli Lake, an immersive lakeside show captivated audiences. "With the breeze, water, and storytelling, it's a comfort," tourist Feng Nan said. Many linger afterward to explore nearby scenic areas. Tianjin's vibrancy mirrors China's nighttime economy boom, with regions including Jiangsu, Sichuan and Chongqing enhancing offerings. "Nighttime cultural consumption has entered regional development strategies," said Dai Bin, head of the China Tourism Academy. A report from the academy indicates that 63 percent of China's 5A-level scenic spots operated at night in 2024, up from 23 percent in 2020, with over one-third of national museums hosting after-dark events during summer. "Night tourism spurs innovation and expands industry boundaries," Dai added. "Its future lies in cultural creativity and sustained, high-quality development." From the NY Fed: Household Debt Growth Remains Steady; Auto Loan Originations Pick Up The Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks Center for Microeconomic Data today issued its Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit. The report shows total household debt increased by $185 billion (1%) in Q2 2025, to $18.39 trillion. The report is based on data from the New York Feds nationally representative Consumer Credit Panel. It includes a one-page summary of key takeaways and their supporting data points. The New York Fed also issued an accompanying Liberty Street Economics blog post analyzing borrower trends in the mortgage market across balances, delinquency rates, credit scores, and geography. This quarters flow of household debt into serious delinquency was mixed across debt types, with credit card and auto loans holding steady, student loans continuing to rise, and mortgages edging up slightly, said Joelle Scally, Economic Policy Advisor at the New York Fed. Despite the recent uptick in mortgage delinquency, overall mortgage performance remains strong by historical standards. Mortgage balances grew by $131 billion in the second quarter and totaled $12.94 trillion at the end of June 2025. Credit card balances rose by $27 billion from the previous quarter and stood at $1.21 trillion. Auto loan balances also increased by $13 billion and totaled $1.66 trillion. HELOC balances rose by $9 billion to $411 billion, representing the thirteenth consecutive quarterly increase. Student loan balances edged up by $7 billion and stood at $1.64 trillion. In total, non-housing balances rose by $45 billion, a 0.9% increase from Q1 2025. The pace of mortgage originations increased slightly, with $458 billion newly originated mortgages in Q2 2025. There were $188 billion in new auto loans and leases appearing on credit reports during the second quarter, an increase from the $166 billion observed in the first quarter of 2025. Aggregate limits on credit card accounts continued to rise by $78 billion, representing a 1.5% increase from the previous quarter. Aggregate delinquency rates remained elevated in the second quarter, with 4.4% of outstanding debt in some stage of delinquency. Transition into early delinquency held steady for nearly all debt types except for student loans. Student loans saw another uptick in the rate at which balances went from current to delinquent due to the resumption of reporting of delinquent student loans. Transitions into serious delinquency were mixed across debt types: auto loans and credit card debt were largely stable, mortgages and HELOCs edged up slightly, and student loans rose sharply. emphasis added Click on graph for larger image. Aggregate nominal household debt balances increased by $185 billion in the second quarter of 2025, a 1% rise from 2025Q1. Balances now stand at $18.39 trillion and have increased by $4.24 trillion since the end of 2019, just before the pandemic recession. Aggregate delinquency rates remained elevated in the second quarter of 2025. As of the end of June, 4.4% of outstanding debt was in some stage of delinquency, which is 0.1 percentage point higher than the first quarter. Transition into early delinquency held steady for nearly all debt types; the exception was for student loans, which saw another uptick in the rate at which balances went from current to delinquent due to the resumption of reporting of delinquent student loans on credit reports after a nearly 5-year pause due to the pandemic. Transition rates into serious delinquency, defined as 90 or more days past due, were largely stable for auto loans and credit cards; edged up slightly for mortgages and HELOCs; and rose sharply for student loans. Here are two graphs from the report The first graph shows household debt increased in Q2. Household debt previously peaked in 2008 and bottomed in Q3 2013. Unlike following the great recession, there wasn't a decline in debt during the pandemic.From the NY Fed: The second graph shows the percent of debt in delinquency.The overall delinquency rate increased in Q1. From the NY Fed:There is much more in the report The Honda HR-V is a textbook case of the effects of inflation. When it was launched in 2022, this entry-level variant you see here was price... Disney is dipping deeper into artificial intelligence, experimenting in films, streaming, and games. While some projects have been quietly shelved, the overall direction feels hard to mistake. As the Wall Street Journal reports, the studio has been weighing AIs potential to shave budgets and speed up production, all while lawyering up to protect its famous characters from the very same tech. For its upcoming live-action Moana remake, Disney explored creating a digital double of Dwayne The Rock Johnson, pasting an AI version of his face over his cousin Tanoai Reeds body for certain shots. The footage never made the final cut, but the 18 months of negotiations and technical prep suggest this wasnt a one-off curiosity. The studio also considered giving Tron: Ares an AI-powered sidekick, a marketing gimmick that was abandoned amid union contract talks, but only after the idea got a serious hearing. Outside the theater, Disneys Epic Games partnership has already tested an AI Darth Vader bot in Fortnite, which players quickly taught to swear in James Earl Joness voice. The glitch was fixed in half an hour, but it showed both the risks and the reach of AI-driven interactivity, something tens of millions of players still engaged with at least once. Meanwhile, Disneys legal team is aggressively defending its turf, suing image generator Midjourney for allegedly producing unlicensed versions of its characters. Employees must get clearance before using generative AI for company business, but the company is clearly building internal pathways for the technology. Across Hollywood, studios are having similar conversations, though often behind closed doors, about where AI can be slotted into the pipeline without sparking backlash. Last month, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said AI was used to create a scene of a building collapsing in the hit Argentine science fiction show, The Eternaut. Using AI-powered tools, they were able to achieve an amazing result with remarkable speed and, in fact, that VFX sequence was completed 10 times faster than it could have been completed with traditional VFX tools and workflows, he said at the time. The cost of [the special effects done traditionally] just wouldnt have been feasible for a show in that budget. Its safe to assume that executives at every major studio are considering similar strategies. While the scope and manner of AIs integration into the industry remain speculative, one thing is certain: the tech is here to stay. DreamWorks Animations The Bad Guys 2 debuted in theaters this weekend, landing the number two spot in North America with a domestic gross of $22.2 million. The result signals steady, though not improved, momentum for the studios family-friendly, caper-driven franchise. The sequel arrives three years after the original films successful 2022 run, which opened with $23.9 million and eventually earned nearly $250 million globally. While the weekends gross isnt poor for a film of its scale and budget, given the success of the first film and a more robust marketing push this time around, expectations were for a more upward trajectory for The Bad Guys 2, rather than a lateral one. While The Bad Guys may not be breaking out into DreamWorks next Shrek-like mega-franchise, the sequel will certainly pull a profit and likely have a strong second-window life on streaming. Domestic: Familiar Territory, Modest Slippage While the domestic opening paints a mixed picture, overseas performance offers a similarly measured outlook. Universal released The Bad Guys 2 across 3,852 North American theaters, where it brought in $22.2 million over three days, including $2.3 million from Thursday previews. That preview figure more than doubled the original films $1.1 million in early showings, making the weekends overall performance all the more underwhelming. The first Bad Guys benefited from strong weekday holds and positive word-of-mouth, reaching $97 million domestically by the end of its run. With very little family-friendly competition on the horizon, the sequel should have strong legs, although reaching the first films total could prove a bridge too far for the new film. International: A Slower Start Abroad Internationally, The Bad Guys 2 earned $16.3 million from 58 markets in its first major global rollout, including $2.9 million from early territories like the U.K., Israel, and Argentina. The first film grossed $8.5 million from 25 international markets in its opening weekend, so a comparison isnt entirely fair, but it looks to be about par for the franchise. The Bad Guys eventually grossed $153.4 million internationally. While that total built gradually, aided by staggered COVID-era rollouts, the sequels early returns dont suggest better long-term returns than its predecessor was able to pull in. Despite the original film establishing solid brand recognition among families, the Bad Guys IP appears to lack the extensive merchandise pipeline or cross-platform presence that typically fuels animated hits abroad think Despicable Me or Trolls and that Universal is among the best at executing. Studio Outlook: Stability Over Growth The Bad Guys 2 aligns with DreamWorks recent output of modestly budgeted family films with theatrical-first aspirations. While the sequel doesnt indicate substantial growth for the franchise, it maintains a stable presence and could continue adding value over time. With no major animated competitors on the near-term release calendar, The Bad Guys 2 has room to grow, but whether that translates to long-term revenue remains to be seen. As of now, the films global total stands at $44.5 million after its opening weekend. While respectable, it suggests a final worldwide gross that may fall short of the originals $250 million unless international holdovers significantly outperform expectations. Other Animated (Under)Performances Paramounts The Smurfs has legs like those of its diminutive protagonists, and barely made a dent with just $1.8 million at the domestic box office in its third week. The films total domestic haul sits at $28.5 million. Elio, now in its seventh week, made just $365,000 from 575 theaters, less than CatVideoFest 2025s $460,219 from only 199 theaters. Pixars latest has now made $72.5 million at the domestic box office. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Renowned effects studio Glassworks VFX is shutting its doors after nearly three decades of operation, citing exceptionally challenging market conditions. Founded in 1996 by CEO Hector Macleod, Glassworks became a leading name in the global VFX industry, eventually operating out of studios in London, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. The company gained a strong reputation for its high-end work across commercials, features, TV, live events, and digital content. Glassworks commercial division executed eye-catching work for global brands like Adidas, Netflix, FAGE, and e.l.f. On the narrative side, the studios more recent credits include Kaos (Netflix), Society of the Snow (Netflix), and The Rig (Amazon Prime), among many others. In a statement announcing the closure, the studio explained: The past 15 months have been a turbulent period in both the commercial and narrative spheres, with decreased opportunities exacerbated by the increased pressure of global competition. For a studio that has given so much to the world of visual artistry, to be forced to close its doors under such circumstances is truly heartbreaking. The companys struggles mirror a wider crisis in the VFX industry, which has recently seen shuttering and downsizing at other major studios including Technicolor, The Mill, MPC, and Jellyfish Pictures. In its announcement, Glassworks emphasized the companys historic contribution to the industry and hopes for the brands legacy: Founded in 1996 by CEO Hector Macleod, Glassworks wasnt just a company; it was a vanguard of creativity. It fostered an environment where artistic boundaries were constantly pushed, and where the most complex visions were brought to breathtaking life. The name became synonymous with uncompromising quality, audacious innovation, and a deeply personalized service. The studio had earlier closed its Amsterdam branch, initially claiming its London team would remain operational, but the full closure of the company has now been confirmed. The decision was made following a comprehensive review by the board, which has appointed Castle Hill Insolvency to handle the liquidation process. Reflecting on the impact Glassworks has had over the years, the company added: Glassworks has been a legendary presence in the visual effects industry, revered for its incredible talent and groundbreaking work over three decades. The statement continued: Glassworks commitment to nurturing talent has left an indelible mark, with countless alumni now contributing significantly to the wider VFX landscape and carrying a piece of that pioneering spirit with them. Our thoughts are with every single individual who was part of the Glassworks family. Their talent and craft have enriched our screens and imaginations, etched into the history of visual effects and continuing to inspire generations of artists to come. Advertisement thyssenkrupp Polysius will provide the kiln system for SMA Minerals trailblazing quicklime plant in Norway, designed to operate entirely without CO 2 emissions. Based on SaltX electric calcination technology, the project represents a global first in the decarbonisation of lime production and marks a significant milestone in the transition to climate-neutral industrial processes, claims thyssenkrupp Polysius. The facility will be based on the ZEQL (Zero Emission Quicklime) concept, developed by Swedish innovation company SaltX Technology. The process electrifies the traditionally fossil-fuelled lime calcination process, enabling the production of quicklime without any carbon dioxide emissions. thyssenkrupp Polysius will play a central role in scaling this technology to industrial level by delivering the kiln system and contributing its extensive engineering expertise. We are proud to contribute to this landmark project that sets a new standard for sustainable lime production, says Christian Myland, CEO of thyssenkrupp Polysius. Our collaboration with SMA Mineral and SaltX Technology demonstrates how industrial partnerships can accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions. This project is a testament to our commitment to engineering solutions that drive decarbonisation. The pilot plant is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will have a production capacity of 40,000tpa of ZEQL quicklime. The project has received EUR24m (NOK287m) in funding from the Norwegian state enterprise Enova. SMA Mineral, one of the largest lime producers in the Nordic region, operates across Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. The partnership between SaltX Technology and thyssenkrupp Polysius forms the foundation of the ZEQL project. Following the signing of a Letter of Intent in February 2025, both companies are working closely together to scale up electrified industrial processes. Thomas L. Scott passed July 30, 2025. In 2018, he shared highlights of his life with StoryCorps of National Public Radio. Those highlights are included in this narrative. Prior to the incorporation of the city, Thomas L. Scott was born February 26, 1926, to Julia Elizabeth Scott and Tom Lee of Keysville, Ga. While both parents loved him dearly, the reality that they did not marry profoundly affected his life. As he grew in stature and faith, Thomas recognized that manual labor was an easy way to earn money. Unfortunately, his labor was always in conflict with his education. My mother was a mother who loved and believed in me. At one time, Julia Scott was challenged to take her son out of school. An influential, illiterate friend, Mrs. Viney Robertson did not know the value of education. Mrs. Robertson told his mother that if she did not take Thomas out of school, she would be sorry. Miraculously, Julia Scott chose to let him remain in school. This was the first of several miracles that strengthened his faith. Julia Scott died when Thomas was 14 years old. He was boarding with an aunt and could barely provide food for himself when the second miracle happened. Thomas won a cross-country race. The prize was a cake! Thomas needed that cake for his dinner, and he won! The third miracle came when he participated in two spelling bees sponsored in his school and the Burke County Schools. It was the general feeling in the school administration that a girl would win the spelling bee. Presumably, girls were smarter than boys. Anticipating that a girl would win, the prize was purchased before the contest. But when Thomas won the spelling bee, the officials were simultaneously happy yet embarrassed. The prize had to be exchanged before awarding it to Thomas. His grades in high school earned him the distinction of class valedictorian. Often, he missed days of school while he was working. As a result, his average daily attendance lowered his status to Salutatorian. The community outcry over this injustice caused the principal to compromise by dividing the Valedictorian prize. The principal, Wright Newman McGlockton, was held in high esteem by Thomas. The prize was a victory pig! While the family was impoverished, they did what they could to support Thomas. The fifth miracle that strengthened his faith happened at the Babcock & Wilcox Company. Prior to reaching legal age, Thomas told a lie to get a Social Security card. When he walked into Babcock & Wilcoxcarrying his lunch pailthe guard thought that he was already employed and let him in. Thomas was hired! Employment at Babcock & Wilcox was miraculous in that this employer permitted him to work the evening shift so that he could go to school during the day. Mrs. Mozelle Singfield, his landlady, was so gracious and treated Thomas as if he were her own son. His induction into the U.S. Navy was another miracle. Thomas was able to complete all of the high school courses, with the exception of EnglishMrs. Janie Lowe was that special English teacher. Thomas was able to take the English class and earn his high school diploma after an honorable discharge from the Navy. Afterwards, the GI bill enabled him to study and graduate from Paine College in 1951. Thomas was a student member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where the Rev. A. Leon Lowery and Rev. J.P. Murphy were instrumental in his spiritual growth and biblical understanding. Richmond County Jail was the venue of another miracle in Thomas life. Thomas was arrested for bringing a Negro woman to the jail to post bond for his brother Alfred. After a free-for-all melee at the jail and a hospital visit, Thomas learned that women could not give bond for anybody. This incident was the wake-up call for his civil rights awareness. Employment with the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company enabled Thomas to work as a human being with dignity and not fear being fired for not knowing. He completed his career and retired from MetLife Insurance. During his career, he earned the designation of CLU, Chartered Life Underwriter, and served as a director of the Chattanooga Estate Planning Council. He joined the historic First Baptist Church located at 506 East 8th Street in 1956 and has faithfully served as a member of the Mens Chorus, Deacon Board, and Sunday School teacher. He served as president of the Lake Hills Neighborhood Association. His civic involvement includes the PTA of Brainerd High School, NAACP, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Politically, he served on the Hamilton County Board of Education from 1994 to 1998. In 1957, Thomas married Daisy B. Gresham, a union only broken by his death on July 30, 2025. In addition to Daisy, his memory is cherished by his daughters, Phyllis [Neal] White, Lake Jackson, Texas and Beverly A. Scott, Nashville, TN., his son, Rev. Thomas [Dr. Rhonda] Scott, Atlanta, GA, grandchildren, Jacinte White, Houston, Texas, Thomas L. Scott II, Atlanta, GA, David Scott, Washington, DC and Johnneal White, Savannah, GA; loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and his beloved hometown of Keysville, GA. In lieu of flowers, make a contribution to the historic First Baptist Church, 506 East 8th Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403. Public viewing will begin at 9 a.m., on Thursday, August 7, 2025, followed immediately by the celebration of life at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church East 8th Street. Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery, gate time 1 p.m., with military honors. Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, (423) 622-9995. 8/20/2025 Middle Valley Church of God, 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will be preaching this Sunday on "If We Can Just Follow Him, We'll Be Okay" in the 10:30 a.m. service. ... more photo by Chattanooga Fire Department photo by Chattanooga Fire Department photo by Wells Eady photo by Wells Eady photo by Wells Eady Previous Next Multiple Chattanooga fire companies responded to a commercial fire at Buzzi Unicem USAs Signal Mountain Plant. Personnel were dispatched to the cement plant at 1201 Suck Creek Road on reports of a commercial fire at 2:26 p.m. on Monday. Multiple 911 callers reported seeing smoke in the area and heavy smoke was visible as firefighters were enroute to the scene. Firefighting operations were launched to tackle the large burning tire chip storage area. Aerial master streams are being used to douse the tire chip piles, along with several hose lines on the ground. The fire is under control at this time, said officials with the Chattanooga Fire Department. Special Operations Divisions drone pilots are helping with monitoring remaining hot spots. Buzzi Unicem issued this statement about the fire: "A fire occurred at the Buzzi Unicem USA plant in Chattanooga on Monday at approximately 2:26 p.m. Safety is our top priority and no injuries were reported among Buzzi plant personnel or members of the Chattanooga Fire Department. "Smoke was observed from the solid tire fuel storage building. The plants infrared technology promptly alerted the plant personnel of the fire. Plant personnel followed the appropriate emergency procedures and immediately notified the local fire department. The local fire department responded timely and worked successfully to get the fire under control. "'I want to thank all of the emergency responders and our plant personnel for their quick action in getting the fire under control and keeping everyone safe, Clark Mitchell, plant manager, said. We value our relationship with the local community and will take appropriate additional steps to help minimize the risk of something like this from happening again.'" Plant operations were unaffected by the incident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. East Ridge, Signal Mountain and Dallas Bay are assisting with other CFD calls. Any courageous citizen or naive tourist brave enough to attempt to maneuver through the ongoing construction projects including the now funded Tivoli Theater, Chattanooga Bank Building hotel project, narrow bike lanes, dog droppings, street beggars, etc. are entitled to be informed that 2025 is not the first time a battle has occurred over Beautiful Broad Street. During the term of appointed Mayor Richard Hardy (1923-1927) a historical event of his administration was the successful opening of Broad Street from Railroad Avenue. The prior thoroughfare was once home to railroad tracks that ran from 9th Street (now MLK Boulevard) to Rosss Landing at the Tennessee River as a key route for passenger and freight trains (an added benefit was serving as a sewer line for the now Gig City). The problem with the traffic pattern was that the street reached an abrupt end at 9th and the south side of that street was lined with small shops! Unfortunately the real estate ownership belonged to the State of Georgia and the Southern sovereign was not inclined to negotiate a resolution to the dilemma faced by the local politicos hoping to further develop the area (sound familiar?) for the benefit of the expanding population (sound familiar again?) Negotiations with and pleas to the Peach State for relief had failed and an air of desperation had hovered over Chattanoogans with the town practically being cut in two parts by the Georgia property. An act of justice only surpassed by the defiant actions of Kelly Raiders in seizing the General locomotive in 1967 dispute between the two states is duly recorded in Volume II of The History of Hamilton County and Chattanooga, Tennessee by historian Zella Armstrong (1940-Lookout Publishing Company): Ed Bass, who was serving as Commissioner of Streets, determined, however, to accomplish the apparently impossible task. He gave the shop keepers warning of his intention in the afternoon of May 6, 1926, and they prepared to save their wares. Other- wise his secret was kept and even the fifty workmen who assembled on Broad Street had no idea what their duties were to be. Huge arc lights had been installed and at a signal Commissioner Bass directed the men to demolish the shops and cut a passage through the Georgia property. He swung an axe and struck the first blow. As soon as the walls fell he and a few citizens rode through the gap thus establishing a right of way. Meanwhile officials of Georgia and the Railways, although the news reached them late, were not idle. They made every attempt to secure an injunction but Commissioner Bass had with intention chosen a weekend and no judge could be located in time to stop the proceedings. Rumors of the plan began to circulate in the town and before the last wall had fallen thousands of citizens had assembled. The Elks Junior Band was holding a rehearsal when the leader heard the news. He marched the band to the scene and in a spirit of humor ordered the band to play "Marching Through Georgia." The humor, however, was completely lost on the crowd. Many of the absorbed watchers had never before heard "Marching Through Georgia." They failed entirely to see the joke. Some people who might have recognized the air did not hear the band because of the noise of rams, and hammers, falling timbers and the cheers of people. Many citizens learned next day through newspaper dispatches from Georgia that the song had been played as automobiles and people rushed across the long-forbidden land of "Georgia in Tennessee." Later the Western and Atlantic Railway, the State of Georgia, and the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway came to an agreement with Chattanooga regarding the route of Broad street, which is now a wide thoroughfare from the Tennessee river to St. Elmo. (At least it was described accurately in 1940!) I'm a homespun country boy raised on an Indiana farm by a father who worked 46 years as a blacksmith for the railroad and a mom who worked many years as a cook in the public school system. I often wondered if my parents had the farm to keep my brother and me so worn out where we did not have sufficient strength to engage in mischief. Cattle, harvesting crops and succinct straight talking parents clearly conveyed the importance of safety, accountability, responsibility and consequences. Attending college provided another opportunity to work with cattle and harvesting crops while continuing to learn all the skills of being safe and never suffering a serious injury in a high risk work environment. Dad did not tolerate compromising safety and dancing around his questions without providing a straight answer. My sibling sisters, brother and I learned a great many values that served us well in our life's journey and what a ride it has been as I near my 78th birthday. The number one work highlight was my nearly 25 years as a senior healthcare executive with nearly 20 of that being in a faith-based teaching healthcare system where I had the privilege of serving under two exceptionally talented chief executive officers that set a very high bar of service excellence to physicians, patients, employees and community. The second major highlight has been my time with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, its great people and the amazing level of knowledge gained from the experience of interacting routinely with officers representing the various agencies and those who staff the various offices for the City, Civil, Criminal Courts and the District Attorney Offices. Along the way, I served several years as president of a small company assisting Fortune 100 clients in their Product Research and Development initiatives. In retirement we have a choice. Vegetate and hasten the end of life cycle or be active, learn and enjoy the mental stimulation which I am doing now. All of these child, school and work experiences taught the importance of having an inquiring mind, accountability, responsibility and consequences. Intellectual honesty, transparency and trustworthiness was non-negotiable in all matters, including budgets and rate increases. This is where I issue a challenge to the Chattanooga Mayor, his key staff members and council to help all of us citizens to understand the facts supporting the proposed 28 percent property tax increase and apparently a higher increase on commercial property. Here is what I have extrapolated from all the news accounts and most assuredly I probably am not aware of everything. I do smell a skunk. Fact 1: Our Chattanooga Police, Fire and even the HCEMS need to be respected and supported with a competitive living wage. We expect them to endure every imaginable risk, insult, slander at any time regardless of the weather or time of day to support our plea for help. I volunteered many years as a fireman/EMT and know the hell that must be endured at times with rarely a thank you. Fact 2: Depending on the source and day of reporting, I guess we need somewhere between $17.5 and $23.6 million to fund wage increases. I think the $17.5 million and the reported $5 million already set aside gets us closer to the $22 - 23 million. Fact 3: When I Googled property tax revenues collected by Chattanooga in the last cycle, I got the number of $162 million. Is that correct? Surely, Google is never wrong. Haha. Fact 4: Mayor Kelly is requesting a rate increase of $0.44 or 28 percent above current tax rate for residents. Fact 5: Excluding the commercial rate (I don't have the numbers), the 28 percent requested increase, if approved, will result in an additional $45.36 million in revenue. Question 1: If the above facts are reasonably on target, should we expect Mayor Kelly to explain his intentions for the approximate $22 million above what is needed for the first responders? Let's not forget that this massive tax increase, if approved for the amount being sought, will increase the cost of manufacturing, goods and services. Question 2: How has revenue been generated and is projected with all of the new apartment complexes and home developments being constructed within city limits impacted city tax revenues? Question 3: Is revenue being sought for needs that which should have been addressed by previous administrations? Next Steps: It is time for Mayor Kelly to present his case to the residents with charts showing previous, current and projected annual Income & Expense Statement Summaries, Operating and Capital Budgets, and a listing of proposed major Capital Projects in a State of Chattanooga address on all local television stations. D. E. Klasing County Mayor Weston Wamp said Monday that "it was disappointing to see the most left-wing county commissioner use a commission meeting to mislead senior citizens about property taxes." Commissioner David Sharpe last Wednesday said he was going to work with the county attorney on beefing up tax help for seniors. County Mayor Wamp said, "The states County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) has since confirmed that enacting a tax freeze now would have absolutely no impact on the recent reappraisals. Such a freeze would have had to be enacted before January of this year to impact this years property taxes - something he either doesnt understand or chose to ignore in an attempt to score political points. "Despite his grandstanding, this commissioner has remained silent about recent tax hikes in Red Bank and Chattanooga, both of which affected seniors in his district. "To make matters worse, hes the only commissioner who has opposed the countys balanced, fiscally responsible budgets each of the last two years - both of which included actual tax relief for seniors. "Instead of virtue signaling about helping seniors like some politicians, I proposed doubling the countys match of the states Property Tax Relief Program from 50 percent to 100 percent, resulting in over $1.7 million in savings for more than 4,000 low-income seniors and disabled veterans. The facts matter, especially when it affects the property taxes of senior citizens. Commissioner Sharpe said, "It's disappointing to see Weston so unwilling to help our senior citizens that he has chosen to attack me in a misguided attempt to make this a political issue. Extending tax relief to senior citizens should not be a partisan or political issue. It is a matter of respecting those who have worked hard all their lives to build up Hamilton County, and I am surprised that Weston has responded with such vitriol. Either the mayor is confused or deliberately misleading the public. "Giving peace of mind to our aging population that their taxes will not be raised in the future is an issue many people agree on. My comments during the commission meeting were intended to start a discussion about expanding senior citizen tax relief, not to present a finalized proposal. Any actual implementation will require extensive collaboration between the commission, the County Attorney's office, the trustee's office, the property assessor, and numerous other stakeholders to ensure proper legal and financial compliance. "Frankly, I have heard from a lot of people about this issue since last week's county commission meeting, and the overwhelming majority are in favor of expanding additional tax relief to senior citizens in our community. Weston Wamp appears to be the only naysayer. The comments and calls have come from people from every political party, age group, and neighborhood. Several people made positive suggestions, like adding veterans and people with disabilities to the final proposal. "This wild attack by the county mayor is incredibly misguided and exhibits a clear misunderstanding of how our local governments work. Virtually every municipality in the county has experienced tax increases recently but the county mayor remains fixated on RedBank for some reason. Weston doesn't get a vote on the Red Bank Commission, neither do I. At this point, he'd have a hard time getting elected to office in Red Bank. "To be clear, my preference was to expand senior tax relief years ago as I proposed in 2019. When Weston proposed the same measure again in 2023, I was happy to support the initiative. Unfortunately, Weston is so blinded by personal glorification and partisan ambition that he cannot see the virtue of even discussing extending additional tax relief to senior citizens in Hamilton County. I hope he will see how misguided his position on this is, but I won't hold my breath." Brother Kevin Muhammad, local minister who heads the Community Haven group, hit the Hamilton County Republican Party chair on her statements about the group. Gail Greene mentioned Community Haven in regard to cuts that might be made to the city budget rather than a property tax increase. Rev. Muhammad said, "Gail Greene is either misinformed, totally ignorant of budgetary policies, intentionally lying, engaged in a smear campaign, colluding with other like-minded elected officials and people, playing politics with public safety, or all of the above as it pertains to Community Haven. "First, lets set the record straight. The $1.75 million to Community Haven did not come from the citys capital or operating budget. The city of Chattanooga received $38.6 million of federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Of which, the city of Chattanooga invested $30 million of the funds into 36 community-based initiates. "The City Council unanimously approved. "Gail Greene chose to single out Community Haven. Why? "Let us just address the elephant in the room. Is this personal Gail Greene? Do you have a problem with Community Haven because the founder and president is a Black Muslim and a member of the Nation of Islam under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan? Do you? "Nothing else makes sense. For 35 years, we have self-funded our efforts. We have a clear track record of implementing effective solutions to a myriad of challenges in our community. "Why are you so concerned about Community Haven now? Is it because in the last three years Mayor Kelly with City Council approval has noticed the effectiveness of our initiative and decided to fund our efforts? As hard-working property owners, are we not entitled to receive tax dollars in our communities as well? "Shame on you Gail Greene for allowing yourself to be a puppet mouthing the same tired political propaganda. "Do me one favor, Gail Greene. I know it's going to be hard for you to do and other like-minded people like yourself. It is going to test every fiber of your being. "Do your homework on Community Haven and myself. Remove your emotions. Remove your political agenda. Go on a real fact-finding mission. I am not talking about gracing the halls of government. You should take the time to walk the streets in our community and knock on doors. Talk to the people in our community. If you are a true lover of truth, it will set your soul free. When you find out the truth, do not be afraid to cut the strings of the puppeteer. Be true to yourself. "You might just find out, that the next time you mention Community Haven, you will have to put some respect on our name. American Legion Post 95 has lost an appeal of the suspension of its charter, while arguing that others in the state gamble also. Post 95 officials acknowledged that games of "Ace of Diamonds" were held. But they said the state condones a lottery system and there are other gambling infractions allowed. The lounge at the Post 95 headquarters will be closed indefinitely. Members have been advised they can transfer to other units. Todd McKinley, state American Legion Commander, wrote to members of Post 95: We hope this letter finds you doing well, and we appreciate your service to our great country. The reason we are contacting you, the Department Executive Committee, in a Special meeting, July 8, 2025 and subsequent appeal hearing decided to suspend Post 95, William E Blair Inc., East Ridge Tennessee Charter for an undetermined length of time, at a minimum until the Departments Annual Mid-Winter Conference at the Embassy Suites Nashville-SE, Murfreesboro TN, January 10-11, 2026 according to Department Constitution Article XI. William E. Blair, Inc., East Ridge TN Post 95 has failed to operate, and to meet its obligations imposed by State Law and Statue. The Post leadership admitted to holding gaming events on its premises; which violates Tennessees Gaming Laws; Still, Tennessee operates an official state lottery and allows nonprofits to hold games of chance as long as they ask the state for permission. The gambling statute also singles out "futures or commodities trading" as legal activities. While most forms of gambling are prohibited in Tennessee, even some activities that may not seem like gambling, not all forms of gambling are illegal. Refer to Code Section 4-36-101 et seq.; 39-17-501 et seq. or visit the Tennessee Secretary of States website. Furthermore, financing, owning, or supervising a gambling operation is a Class E felony, punishable for up to six years and prison and a possible $10,000 fine. Routinely, Post 95 has Ace of Diamonds listed on their events calendar, Ace of Diamonds is illegal in the State of Tennessee. There is no record of Post 95 receiving permission through Tennessees Secretary of State to hold or operate any type of game of chance. The Department Executive Committee listened to your posts appeal, where, once again, the appeal committee admitted to conducting illegal games of chance. Therefore, the post charter is suspended for an undetermined length of time. The Department Executive Committee authorized, empowered, and directed by and through its duly authorized agents East Tennessee Vice Commander Dwight Woodcock as acting Post Commander and Third District Commander Mark Williams, as acting Post Adjutant to take possession, custody, and control of all the records, property, and assets of William E. Blair, Inc., Post 95.; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the Department of Tennessee to assume any financial responsibility as to such property. The Department Executive Committee may provide for the transfer of the members in the Post to other Posts of their choice, subject to the approval of such other Post, and shall take all necessary and proper steps and proceedings to wind up and close the affairs of such Post. While the charter is suspended, American Legion Post 95s lounge will be closed. The Department Executive Committee will allow monthly post meetings, along with allowing the posts Honor Guard to operate. All other post programs unless authorized by the Department Executive Committee will cease to function. How does this affect you? You also have the option of transferring your membership to another post. If you would like to renew immediate, prior to membership transfer, please make checks out to: The American Legion, Department of Tennessee and mail your membership renewal to: The American Legion Department of Tennessee C/O: American Legion Post 95 318 Donelson Pike Nashville TN 37214 You can reach me by calling (202) 256-0219 or via email toddmac78@yahoo.com. Post Objectives must be met to restore charter: Follow Federal and State Laws along with statues. Follow the steps to a better post, 2025 Post Officers Guide and Manual of Ceremonies pages 32-34. Audit of post financial records. Updated Post Constitution and Bylaws that does not conflict with National and/or Departmental Constitution and Bylaws. Timely submission of required annual reports. An Election of Officers. o Certification sent to the Department immediately following election. o Background check on all elected officers. Completion of American Legion Basic Training by all officers. Conduct monthly post meetings following meeting script found in 2025 Post Officers Guide and Manual of Ceremonies pages 68-71. Delegate attendance at District and Department Conferences and Conventions. Maintain a system of record, verifying membership eligibility. Obtain/maintain proper ABC license if the post elects to continue operating a lounge for its members. o Only ABC permitted servers. Veterans Offering Lifelong Service, Todd McKinley TODD MCKINLEY Department Commander Operation Move In at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga kicks off Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 13-14, welcoming new students to campus and marking the official start of Fall Opening.UTCs first day of the fall semester is Monday, Aug. 18.Hundreds of faculty, staff students and community volunteersincluding UTC Chancellor Lori Brucewill be on hand during Operation Move In to help carry boxes, direct traffic and greet families as first-year and transfer students move into their new homes for the academic year.To support the smooth flow of traffic and ensure a safe and welcoming experience for students and families, several road closures and parking restrictions will be in place during Operation Move In.Road Closures:Tuesday, Aug.12 at 5 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 14 at 3 p.m.- 8th Street between Douglas Street and University Street;- Vine Street between Douglas Street and Houston Street.Wednesday, Aug. 13 and Thursday, Aug. 14 from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. each day- ONeal Street between 3rd Street and 5th Street (Note: Closure begins after the entrance to Erlanger Family Practice);- 5th Street between Central Avenue and ONeal Street (Note: Closure begins after the entrance to Erlanger Family Practice); and- ONeal Street between McCallie Avenue and 5th Street (Note: Partial closure; local traffic and emergency vehicles will be able to enter/exit at McCallie Avenue).Parking Restrictions:Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 14 at 3 p.m.- 8th Street between University Street and Palmetto Street; and- McCallie Avenue between Campus Drive and University Greenway.Questions related to road closures or campus access during Operation Move In should be directed to Brett Fuchs, public information officer for the UTC Police Department, at brett-fuchs@utc.edu. The Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, 66, bishop of Monmouth, was elected as Wales' 15th archbishop. | Photo Credit: The Church in Wales Website/ (www.churchinwales.org.uk) The Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, aged 66, the bishop of Monmouth, was elected as the 15th archbishop of Wales. She is notably the first woman and the first lesbian to assume this role. According to The Telegraph, she was selected by an electoral college made up of clergy and lay members after two days of discussions at St. Pierre church near Chepstow. Originally from Leicester, Cherry Vann was ordained as a deacon in 1989 and became one of the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994. She served as archdeacon of Rochdale in the Diocese of Manchester for over ten years before becoming bishop of Monmouth in 2019. Her biography on the Church in Wales official website states that she lives with her civil partner, Wendy, along with their two dogs. Same-sex civil partnerships and marriages have been legal in England and Wales since 2013, though the Church of England continues to uphold the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. In 2021, the Church in Wales approved the blessing of same-sex unions. Meanwhile, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland already permit same-sex marriage ceremonies. Andrea Williams, the Chief Executive of Christian Concern, accused the Church in Wales of straying from its core principles. In a statement to The Christian Post, she expressed that Vanns open same-sex relationship contradicts the Churchs historic doctrine that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman, and that sexual relationships are reserved for marriage. Williams argued that Vann, having sworn to uphold church teachings as an ordained minister, is now living in deliberate rejection of those very doctrines. She added that her election, supported by two-thirds of the electoral college, indicates that the Church in Wales has institutionally turned away from biblical teaching. No Bible-believing Christian can remain under the spiritual leadership of someone who so publicly rejects the clear teaching of Scripture, she stated. Archbishop Cherry Vanns predecessor, the Rt. Rev. Andrew John, resigned last month after serving just three and a half years in the role. His resignation followed the release of a safeguarding review at Bangor Cathedral, which uncovered evidence of a culture involving sexual misconduct, bullying, blurred sexual boundaries, and excessive drinking. Although the review did not find John personally guilty of misconduct, he issued an apology, taking full responsibility for the leadership failures during his tenure. Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Salem Ochidi This week, hundreds of displaced Nigerians obstructed a key highway to protest against the government's inactivity following the mass murder of over 200 Christians in last month's massacre. The protestors, primarily women and children, called for sustenance and security at a camp located near Makurdi in central Nigeria. Chanting demands such as We want to go back home; no security, no food, the demonstrators used tree branches to block the MakurdiLafiaAbuja expressway, effectively stopping traffic at the crossing near the Maga IDPs Camp in Mbayongo, as reported by Truth Nigeria. The massacre, which unfolded between June 1314 in the Yelewata community of Guma County, displaced thousands and resulted in the deaths of more than 200 Christian villagers. Armed assailants, identified by local authorities as Fulani militants, were responsible for the attack. Those displaced are currently residing in temporary shelters throughout Benue State, with limited resources for food, medicine, and protection. Our people have stopped going to distant farms for fear of being ambushed and slashed to death by the terrorists, said Thomas Ukumba, a Yelewata community elder. 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. In recent weeks, eight deaths have been reported in two Makurdi IDP camps, affecting individuals from young adults to children. Camp leaders attribute these fatalities to sickness and insufficient medical supplies. Abraham Taa, the chairman of the Ichwa IDP Camp, highlighted concerns over worsening infrastructure, noting that the camp's security has been compromised due to various points of collapsed perimeter fencing. The kidnapping of Terseer Aondowase David, a 1-year-old boy, from the Ichwa IDP Camp has been reported, with the boy still missing and no arrests made. While protesters accuse both state and federal authorities of neglect, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency refuted these claims, asserting that the demonstration was politically induced, according to spokesperson Tema Ager. Yelewata community leaders continue to criticize the security forces. Damian Ugbir, a youth leader, recounted an incident where Fulani militants disguised as herdsmen entered a school compound. Despite being reported to both police and military, only two police officers responded, engaging the terrorists in a gunfight. The officers retreated after finding they could not match the terrorists' firepower, and the military failed to intervene. The Nigerian federal government had previously stated that the June massacre would mark a turning point for regional security efforts. Residents, however, claim that violence persists uncurbed. Church leaders have expressed concerns that a plan is underway to seize land and ethnically cleanse the region of its Christian presence, as reported by Aid to the Church in Need. According to a January report by the persecution watchdog group Global Christian Relief, nearly 10,000 Christians in Nigeria were killed by Islamic extremists between November 2022 and November 2024. New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signing bills to ban sanctuary cities on May 22, 2025. | Photo Credit: Office of the Governor Kelly Ayotte (www.governor.nh.gov) Governor Kelly Ayotte has signed two bills into law, making New Hampshire the first state in New England to implement a ban on all gender-transition procedures that alter the body for minors. According to the NH Journal, HB 712 prohibits breast mutilation surgery for those under 18, while HB 377 bans the use of cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers in minors. The law covers all surgical and chemical procedures intended to change a child's sexual characteristics. Previously, former Governor Chris Sununu had already banned bottom surgery for minors, which includes castration. The new laws extend this ban to top surgeryelective mastectomies for girls and breast implants for boysas well as medications used in gender transitions. The legislation will be effective starting January 2026. However, minors already undergoing these treatments and who wish to continue will be allowed to proceed. With these laws, New Hampshire, which was previously among 27 states with partial restrictions on trans procedures for youth, now aligns with 19 states that ban all such interventions. The bills, championed by Rep. Lisa Mazur, a Republican from Goffstown, were passed by lawmakers with almost unanimous support from the Republican side. Critics of the bans argue they interfere with family autonomy and discriminate against transgender youth. Democratic leaders maintained that medical decisions should be made by families and doctors, asserting that the state was overstepping into private matters. They further argued that limiting access to puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones could adversely affect the mental health of youth experiencing gender confusion. A survey by NH Journal/Praecones Analytica released in July indicated that 69% of New Hampshire voters support the bans, whereas 16% are opposed. After a January directive from President Donald Trump that stopped federal funding for the so-called transition of a child from one sex to another, many healthcare providers ceased performing gender-affirming surgeries on individuals below 19. The instruction directed agencies to enforce this restriction across any institution receiving federal health, education, or research funding. In May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a comprehensive 400-page report outlining the risks tied to attempting to transition a child's sex. The report revealed that such procedures could lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction, impaired bone development, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, surgical complications, and regret. Home News 17 Christians killed by Fulani extremists in Nigeria's Plateau state Fulani herdsmen on Monday morning killed a Christian woman in a village in Plateau state, Nigeria, the latest of 17 Christians slain in the area since July 15, sources said. The herdsmen raided Njin village at about 10 a.m., said resident Dorcas Ishaya. Fulani herdsmen are at it again, Ishaya said in a message to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. This morning at 10 a.m., Monday, August 4, they attacked Njin village in the Kopmur areaof Mushere chiefdom, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state, killing a Christian woman. Area resident Ezekiel Tongs added in a message that the assailants robbed and torched properties. These herdsmen did not just attack the village but also carted away domestic animals from houses of Christians, Tongs said. Many houses have been burned down, and many Christians displaced. Nigerian troops were reportedly dispatched to the area. Ishaya also said that two Christians were shot and killed in an ambush in the Bokkos area on July 15, and their bodies burnt to ashes. A community leader from the area, Yohana Margif, said on Friday that armed Fulani herdsmen have driven Christians from nine villages that they are now occupying. The Fulani terrorists have set up tents in our lands on which their cattle are grazing, which is visible for everybody to see, he said in a press statement. They have built tents and are openly carrying guns around. They have practically and brazenly usurped our lands and livestock. He identified the occupied villages as Hokk, Kaban, Kadim, Nawula, Dulu, Mbor, Margif, Chirang and Mangor. Now that the terrorists identity is known, let the relevant government authorities direct the security agencies to go after them, so that our people can return to their ancestral homes, Margif said. In Mangor village, 14 Christians returning from a market in Bokkos town were ambushed and killed by armed herdsmen on July 24, residents said. At about 4 p.m., 14 Christians from our area were ambushed and killed by Fulani terrorists, area resident Kefas Mallai said. Three other Christians were injured in the attack, which occurred at Mangor village as they were returning from Bokkos town market. A community leader from the Bokkos area, Farmasum Fuddang, corroborated the account of the 14 slain Christians. The Christian victims were returning from the weekly market in Bokkos town when their vehicle was ambushed, Fuddang said in a press statement. Victims included women and little babies. Amalau Amalau, chairman of the Bokkos Local Government Council, told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that herdsmen violence had become epidemic. Area resident Kenneth Samson asked if there is nothing the government will do to end the killings in the Bokkos area. This is too much, Samson said. We cant continue to bury children and the elderly. The government must act decisively to end these killings of Christians. Some residents said more than 70 other area Christians have been killed by Fulani herdsmen in three months. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Nigeria remained among the most dangerous places on earth for Christians, according to Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 (69 percent) were in Nigeria, according to the WWL. The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology, the report stated. In the countrys North-Central zone, where Christians are more common than they are in the North-East and North-West, Islamic extremist Fulani militia attack farming communities, killing many hundreds, Christians above all, according to the report. Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), among others, are also active in the countrys northern states, where federal government control is scant and Christians and their communities continue to be the targets of raids, sexual violence, and roadblock killings, according to the report. Abductions for ransom have increased considerably in recent years. The violence has spread to southern states, and a new jihadist terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest, armed with advanced weaponry and a radical Islamist agenda, the WWL noted. Lakurawa is affiliated with the expansionist Al-Qaeda insurgency Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, originating in Mali. Nigeria ranked seventh on the 2025 WWL list of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. This article was originally published by Christian Daily International/Morning Star News. Home News Florida teen walks mile to church to confess to killing parents A 14-year-old Florida teen walked over a mile to a nearby church to call police and confess to having just murdered his parents Sunday night, leaving his friends and neighbors in disbelief. Trevor Lee, a resident of Clay County, now faces second-degree murder charges for murdering his parents, David Lee and Brandi Smith, according to the local sheriffs office. During a Monday news conference, Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said the offices 911 communication center received a call from Lee at around midnight. The teenager told the dispatchers that he had just murdered his parents at their home in Middleburg and would wait for authorities to arrive at the church to take him into custody. Deputies responded immediately to both locations, the church and then to a home out here in the Middleburg area, Cook said. When deputies arrived at the church, they took 14-year-old Trevor Lee into custody. When almost simultaneously deputies arrived at the address in question, they found two deceased individuals inside. The bodies of Lees parents, 44-year-old David Lee and 45-year-old Brandi Smith, showed signs of gunshot wounds, according to Cook. She added that the shooting reportedly stemmed from an argument on Sunday evening between Lee and his parents. This does appear to be an isolated incident, and we have no further threat to our community at this time, Cook said. Again, this is a very active scene. Our detectives are working diligently to try to figure all of this out. We do want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, the friends, and all of those who are affected by this heartbreaking incident, Cook continued, asking anyone with information regarding Lee or his parents to contact the sheriffs office. In response to a question from a reporter, the Clay County sheriff said authorities are reviewing Lees mental health background as part of the investigation. Members of the community who knew the couple and their son expressed shock over the news, First Coast News reported. Kyree Bemon, 14, told the outlet he used to hang out at his friends house nearly every week. On Monday, the teen stood outside his friends house where the shooting occurred and prayed. They were the best or one of the best families I knew, Bemon said about his friends family. "[Lees parents] were funny, and they treated me well. They told me they loved me like a son, and they treated me as such. Bemon remembered speaking with Lee six hours before the police responded to the 911 call to report the shooting, First Coast News added. Lee reportedly told his friend that he loved him and that he was calling to say good night. "Trevor isnt a bad person; he made some bad mistakes, and hell suffer the consequences for it, but thats not all he was, Bemon said. I dont want him to be known as a killer or murderer. He was a great kid, great son and great brother." Bemon added that he doesn't know the Lee who is accused of murdering his parents, adding that he will continue to be friends with him. The teen said he prays that the Lee that did this died last night. Seth Myers, who's a neighbor of the family, expressed shock that the teen committed such a crime. My heart breaks for that little boy. Obviously, a tragic incident, for it to get to that point where he felt like it was the only option he had, is the saddest thing you could possibly think of, Myers said. Home News Friends, family mourn NJ mom, 11-year-old daughter killed by illegal immigrant with long rap sheet Hundreds of relatives and friends gathered Saturday to mourn Maria Pleitez and her 11-year-old daughter, who were killed in a car crash in New Jersey by an illegal immigrant. The driver who caused the fatal accident, Raul Luna-Perez, has a rap sheet that includes arrests for domestic violence and two previous DUIs in the state. Over 150 mourners attended the wake for the mother and daughter, Dayanara Cortes, at the Lakewood Funeral Home in Howell, The New York Post reported. Cortes father and his late daughter's 11-year-old friend, who was injured in the July 26 crash but survived, were among the mourners. Many of the bereaved wore T-shirts with photos of the mother and daughter printed on them. One mourner leaned over Pleitezs casket, crying, porque (why)? Luna-Perez has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and assault, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced. Though it's known that Luna-Perez entered the country illegally from Mexico, the date of his entry isn't known, DHS said. Following his arrest for homicide, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued an arrest detainer and initiated removal proceedings on July 28, a few days after the crash. On July 26, officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded around 11:20 p.m. to a report of a vehicle crash. A subsequent investigation revealed that Luna-Perez was driving a Dodge Durango when he crossed into an oncoming lane of traffic and slammed into Pleitezs Nissan Sentra, according to local prosecutors. Pleitez was pronounced dead at the scene, but her daughter, who was seated in the front passenger seat at the time of the crash, was transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood. Cortes later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital and died, while her friend, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, survived after being transported to Monmouth Medical Center. Two passengers in Luna-Perez's vehicle were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center and subsequently released. According to first responders on the scene, Luna-Perez showed signs of impairment. After he was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a sample of his blood was drawn following a court-authorized warrant. He was then taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail to await a detention hearing. In its statement released Saturday, the DHS pointed to Luna-Perezs rap sheet, which includes his two DUI arrests in March and April, and one arrest in June 2023 for simple domestic violence. Governor Murphy and his sanctuary policies released this serial criminal into New Jersey communities, Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at the DHS, said in the statement. Now, this innocent family is shattered by their failed leadership. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to do everything in their power to remove these criminal illegal aliens before they destroy more lives, she added. The office of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy did not respond to The Christian Posts request for comment. Following President Donald Trumps return to office in January, his administration has taken steps to crack down on illegal immigration. In April, Trump declared on Truth Social that his administration was "working on papers to withhold all federal funding" from any city or state that allows sanctuary cities. The president referred to sanctuary cities as death traps that protect the criminals, not the victims. Home News Islamic extremists killed over 22K in Africa over the past year, study finds Militant Islamist groups have expanded their presence in Africa and more than doubled fatalities linked to violent activities in specific regions on the continent, according to a study by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS). In the year ending June 30, 10 militant Islamist groups have been responsible for the death of 22,307 people, a majority of them Christians in West, East and Central Africa. The analysis shows that the groups have intensified their violent, deadly means since 2023, representing a 60% increase from the 2020-2022 period. Nearly half of the fatalities (10,685) in the past year have been in the Sahel, a vast region covering 10 countries such as Mali, Chad, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Cameroon. Along with the Lake Chad Basin, these three regions (including Somalia) account for 99% of the militant Islamist-linked fatalities in Africa the past year, stated the study, which also mapped how the militant groups have expanded their territorial hold in the continent. Across Africa, an estimated 950,000 square kilometres (367,000 square miles) of populated territories are outside government control due to militant Islamist insurgencies. This is equivalent to the size of Tanzania. Over the last decade, noted the study, militant Islamist groups have been responsible for over 150,000 deaths. The Al Shabaab in Somalia and JNIM (Jama'at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin) affiliate groups in the Sahel have intensified their activities from 2022 in the respective regions, leading to fatalities of over 49,000 in each of the two regions in the last decade. The Lake Chad Basin countries have suffered an estimated 39,000 fatalities over this timeframe. The political instability in the Sahel region has been a major contributor to the spike in fatalities linked to militant groups. The region has averaged 10,500 annual deaths over the last three years compared to 4,900 in the previous period between 2020 and 2023, a seven-fold increase since 2019. The pace and scale of violence in the Sahel is likely even higher than reported, given that the military juntas that seized power in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have restricted media access within the region, which is the main source of conflict data, states the study that was published on July 28. The JNIM network with up to 7,000 militants is responsible for over 80% of fatalities in the Sahel, particularly in north, central and southern Mali and southern Burkina Faso. The JNIM network now occupies over half of Burkina Faso. The groups have lately increased the use of social media, drones and AI to recruit fighters, spread propaganda and counter military forces in Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso. In Mali, JNIM has shared videos of alleged abuses by security forces targeting the Fulani community with the aim of portraying itself as a defender of marginalized populations. Government forces have accused the community of supporting the militants, with the study linking 17,700 civilian fatalities to government and allied forces. Increased attacks by the Al Shabaab domiciled in Somalia have led to 6,224 fatalities in 2024/2025. The groups financial muscle drawn from extortion, road tolls and piracy is estimated at $200 million, rivalling Somalias internal revenue, and making it easier for the group to recruit fighters, now estimated at between 7,000 and 12,000. A particular area of concern is the growth of the Islamic State in Somalia (ISS), which the United Nations reports is now the administrative and financial headquarters for ISIS global. The study comes amidst an attack on Christians in a church in Komanda city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by the Allied Democratic Forces, a militant group affiliated to ISIL/ISIS. The militant group took responsibility for 43 worshippers who were killed during a night mass, and burned shops and homes. The group also claimed responsibility for the early-July attack that claimed the lives of 66 people in Ituri province, near the border with Uganda. This article was originally published by Christian Daily International. Home News Pastor Jack Hibbs warns Christians may need to 'pack up and get out' of California 'If this bill passes, I am going to ask you to leave the state' A popular California pastor is warning Christians they might have to flee the state if lawmakers pass a controversial bill that would allow nearly any adult to take custody of a child without alerting parents. Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills warned his congregation last week about Assembly Bill 495, which supporters claim would expand child welfare protections by legally recognizing caregivers and providing children with access to family services without unwanted disruptions. Titled the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, the bill would expand the definition of a caregiver to include nonrelative extended family members, defined as any adult caregiver who has an established familial or mentoring relationship with the child, or who has an established familial relationship with a relative of the child. In turn, any caregiver would be allowed to take custody of a child by merely handing over a signed affidavit to school or childcare staff. While AB 495 purports to address unique challenges faced by immigrant families under the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts, Hibbs says the potential threat the bill would pose to child welfare is too serious to ignore. There's no requirement in the bill for the school to ask you if it's OK for them to take John out of school, he told his congregation. It allows an individual to obtain a new form that comes with the bill; they fill it out, and they can name a child. The bill does not require a background check for this man, requires no ID, no driver's license, no nothing. There's no requirement in the bill for the school to call you, to ask you if it's OK if John takes your daughter out of school. Hibbs also warned that AB 495 would also empower a caregiver whether a non-relative or family member to make critical medical decisions for a child, including authorizing immunizations or physical exams. According to the bills text, any caregiver who signs the affidavit shall have the same rights to authorize medical care and dental care for the minor that are given to guardians. The pastor and founder of Real Impact said should the bill become law, hes calling on his church and Christians statewide to flee California. If this bill passes, I am going to ask you to leave the state of California, said Hibbs. You're gonna need to pack up and get out; you gotta get out. You gotta run with your kids. You gotta go. He also pointed to AB 495 as the inevitable result of too many Christian voters in California opting not to get involved in the political process by voting. "Here we are. Evil always fills a void or vacancy. Jesus said that, said Hibbs, summarizing Jesus words in Matthew 12:43-45. As part of his Real Impact ministries, Hibbs announced the Stop AB 495 Rally on Aug. 19 at the steps of the state capitol in Sacramento, and said hes hoping to rally as many as 5,000 Christians to show up to voice their opposition. He even urged his congregation to consider taking the day off from work or even "planning to have a sore throat or something that day." "We want to make a statement because AB 495, one hundred percent strips parents of their parental rights, he said. ... We will let it continue, or we will make some noise. I am going to ask you to stand for righteousness and do the right thing. His warning follows a similar call to action by the California Family Council, a parental rights group that says the caregiver category is too loosely defined, potentially allowing unqualified individuals to assume significant responsibilities. Warning the bill attempts to create streamlined guardianship by allowing a non-relative extended family member" defined broadly as anyone with a mentoring relationship to assume control over a child through a one-page affidavit, CFC Vice President Greg Burt says the lack of a court review, notarization, or even parental consent is troubling. We affirm the importance of keeping children safe and families together, if you can, in times of crisis. But compassion without guardrails is not mercy, it is madness, said Burt. The notion that compassion must come at the expense of parental rights and child safety is a false dichotomy. The California state Senate appropriations committee is set for a hearing on AB 495 on Aug. 18. Home News Over $70K raised to support family of congregant killed outside Seattle church More than $70,000 has been donated to support the family of LeBron Givaun, who was shot and killed in broad daylight outside a Seattle church last week while engaging in a ministry event. The Pursuit Seattle, one of several campuses of the Washington-based multi-campus church, held a prayer vigil in honor of LeBron Givaun Sunday night. Pictures shared on the church's Instagram page show hundreds of worshippers gathered outside the church holding candles. Additionally, the congregation launched a fundraiser for Givaun's family on GoFundMe for the stated purpose of covering "memorial expenses," "funeral costs," "living expenses" and "the ongoing needs of his wife and children." As of Tuesday afternoon, $70,598 has been raised through 128 donations, more than $20,000 over the funding goal. "The church community is coming together to honor LeBron's memory and help his family navigate the difficult days ahead," the fundraiser states. "Every contribution will go directly toward funeral costs, living expenses, and ensuring that his family feels the support and love of those around them." Givaun, 28, was killed outside the church Thursday evening as he participated in a young adult ministry gathering. Seattle Police believe that Givaun was specifically targeted in the attack. Nearly a week after the shooting, the perpetrator remains at large. The unidentified shooter was seen leaving the scene of the crime in a white Hyundai Elantra. Just hours after the homicide, law enforcement discovered the vehicle nearby in the parking lot of another church as they responded to reports of a car fire. The automobile was fully engulfed in flames by the time they arrived on the scene. Pastor Russell Johnson remembers Givaun as a "born-again" Christian who had recently joined the congregation. "His life was changing," Johnson recently told local outlet King 5. "He decided to get married. He changed the music he was making and wanted to sing songs that highlighted his testimony." Givaun's Instagram page, which includes a video encouraging people to attend The Pursuit Seattle, includes a link to his newly released single titled "Im On Fire (With The Word of God)." The song was released three days before his death. Givaun elaborated on his newfound embrace of Christianity in a July 19 Instagram post, where he explained that he was going to take all his "old music" down and proclaimed, "I gave my life to Christ." "I don't want to push a negative type of music anymore," he added. "I just want to apologize to anybody I've led astray." Givaun indicated that on his social media posts in the future, "Everything's going to be about God." He expressed confidence that "God is real." Givaun's portfolio, as documented on Apple Music, includes a 2022 single called "Brothers." The song is categorized as "Hip Hop/Rap" and is labeled with the letter "E," which means it contains explicit content. Another song titled "Heart of a King" was recorded in collaboration with SloanGod and was released on July 15, just two weeks earlier. Like "Brothers," "Heart of a King" is categorized as "Hip Hop/Rap" and contains explicit content. Home News Trump alleges political 'de-banking' by JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America President Donald Trump claimed Tuesday that two major banks discriminated against him for political reasons, a tactic he said other conservatives have faced in recent years. "The banks discriminated against me very badly, and I was very good to the banks," Trump said during a morning interview on CNBC, adding that "they discriminated against many conservatives." Trump alleged that both JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America declined to bank with him despite personal appeals to the CEOs of both. He said Chase gave his Trump Organization 20 days to move "hundreds of millions of dollars in cash" to a different bank, and that Bank of America declined more than $1 billion in deposits after he first left office. ???? BREAKING: President Trump CONFIRMS he'll be signing an executive order to PUNISH banks for de-banking conservatives Trump even talks about how HE was de-banked after the 2020 election. "[CEO of Bank of America] was kissing my ass when I was president, and when I called him pic.twitter.com/vzWlnDu2vZ Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 5, 2025 Trump said after he was rejected by the larger banks, his organization had to open multiple accounts with smaller banks. "[Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan] said, 'We cant do it,'" Trump said. "So I went to another one, another one, another one. I ended up going to small banks all over the place. I mean, I was putting $10 million here, $10 million there. It's lucky I even had them. They were doing me a favor." Trump went on to speculate that the big banks are afraid of regulators, and that unknown members of the Biden administration politically weaponized them. "The group they're really afraid of is bank regulators," he said of bank CEOs. "And I believe that Biden or Kamala and I don't think they're smart enough to do it, but the people that are surrounding the beautiful Resolute Desk, the high-IQ people that are radical Left I believe they told the banking regulators, 'Do everything you can to destroy Trump.'" Sources at JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America reportedly confirmed to the New York Post on Tuesday that Trump was de-banked in the wake of the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, because regulators at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve warned that doing business with Trump presented a "reputational risk." Trump's comments came a day after The Wall Street Journal reported that his administration is preparing an executive order that threatens monetary penalties, consent decrees or other punitive measures for "de-banking" clients because of their political views. A draft of the order, which the outlet said could be signed as early as this week, reportedly labels such behavior as potential violations of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, antitrust laws or consumer financial-protection laws. Trump's comments to CNBC echo his address in January at the elite international World Economic Forum's 2025 Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, during which he rebuked Moynihan to his face for his bank's alleged political discrimination. "I hope you start opening your bank to conservatives because many conservatives complain that the banks are not allowing them to do business within the bank, they don't take conservative business," Trump said. Trump also called out JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who has led the largest U.S. bank since 2006. "And I don't know if the regulators mandated that [de-banking] because of Biden or what," Trump added. "But you and Jamie [Dimon] and everybody, I hope you're going to open your banks to conservatives because what you're doing is wrong." Sam Brownback, the former U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, told The Christian Post at the time that he was "delighted" by Trump's rebuke of the bankers. "This thing has been swept under the carpet for way too long, and to get it finally out in the open is an important step to getting it solved," he said. Three weeks after it was opened in 2022, JPMorgan Chase shuttered the bank account of the National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF), a nonpartisan, multi-faith nonprofit Brownback launched that year. Both JPMorgan and Bank of America have denied closing bank accounts for political reasons. "We don't close accounts for political reasons, and we agree with President Trump that regulatory change is desperately needed," a JPMorgan spokesperson told CNBC. "We're pleased to see the White House is addressing this issue, for which we've been advocating for many years, and look forward to working with them to get this right." In 2023, the House Judiciary Committee opened an investigation in response to allegations that Bank of America voluntarily turned over a list of customers who made transactions in the Washington, D.C., area on or around the date of Jan. 6, 2021. In 2024, 15 state attorneys general sent a letter to Moynihan expressing concern over multiple conservative organizations the company is accused of de-banking. Home News COGAT to bring aid into Gaza through private sector to 'reduce reliance on UN Israel announced the implementation of a new mechanism for the entry of goods into the Gaza Strip through the private sector on Tuesday, after the cabinet voted to expand humanitarian aid in the strip. The decision will see Israel allow a limited number of approved Palestinian merchants to bring goods into the strip in an attempt to increase aid, while ensuring it does not reach Hamas. According to COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories), the new mechanism aims to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip, while reducing reliance on aid collection by the UN and international organizations. The government body also said that only a limited number of local merchants were approved subject to specific criteria and security screening. As with other aid entering the strip, the goods will undergo inspection by security officials from the Land Crossings Authority at the Ministry of Defense prior to entering the Strip. The last time that the Israeli government allowed goods to enter through private merchants was between May and October 2024. The entry of goods through the private sector was terminated after COGAT found that verified indications show that the Hamas terror organization is exploiting the entry of goods for economic and military buildup. The IDF, through COGAT, and in cooperation with security agencies, will continue to operate monitoring and oversight mechanisms for the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, while taking all possible measures to prevent the involvement of the Hamas terrorist organization in the processes of bringing in and distributing the aid, COGAT said. The announcement of the new mechanism for entering goods comes as the cabinet was preparing to vote on a decision to occupy Gaza militarily as part of its efforts to defeat Hamas and return the hostages. It also comes as Israel has faced coordinated international pressure to take steps to reduce an alleged famine in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations has been central to that international pressure, as it has accused Israel of using forced starvation of the Gaza population as a means to apply pressure. The U.N. has also denied Israels reports that Hamas is seizing a large part of the aid entering Gaza, and despite the U.N. itself admitting that up to 85% of its aid convoys have been seized before reaching aid warehouses by either Gaza civilians or armed actors. Reaction within the right-wing political parties and movements in Israel was swift and uniformly negative, with accusations of the government enabling the funding of Hamas. Right-wing opposition MK Avigdor Lieberman criticized the move on X, saying, The government's decision to allow the private sector in Gaza to import goods is direct funding for terrorists. The private sector in Gaza pays an official tax to Hamas. The October 7th government is funding Hamas while our hostages languish in tunnels, he concluded. The right-wing activist group Order 9 (based on the name of the IDF order for calling up reservists, Order 8), also decried the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip: Pressure on Hamas led to the success of the deals, and additional pressure on Hamas, we believe, will lead to the release of the hostages to the last of them. The group, which has protested at the border crossings to try to prevent aid from entering, said, Humanitarian aid is the wrong name for these trucks. The supplies that reach Gaza strengthen Hamas, give it breathing space and vitality with the strength and ability to continue harming us and holding the hostages. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Palestinian state is the fruit of Oct 7: Hamas rejects calls to disarm; says its weapons led to push for statehood Hamas demands 250 aid trucks per day before resuming hostage-ceasefire negotiations Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamed, a member of Hamas' political bureau, told Al-Jazeera on Saturday that the recent push for a Palestinian state is one of the fruits of October 7. He also rejected demands to disarm. The weapons constitute the Palestinian cause, Hamed said. Our weapons equal our cause. No Palestinian is saying now that the resistance must end, he continued, "because surrendering our weapons means the end of the resistance, in the end of the Palestinian cause. We, as Palestinians, will not surrender our weapons, the Hamas official stated. Surrendering our weapons will only come as part of the political solution. Israel can only dream that we will ever surrender our weapons to it. Despite violating several laws of warfare, Hamed also repeated the Hamas claim that its methods of fighting Israel are not illegal, because we are fighting for our freedom. Hamed has previously echoed this argument, asserting that any action taken against Israel is justified. We are not terrorists and we are not using any terrorist methods, Hamed stated. Hamas has been labeled a terror organization by many nations and international institutions. Saying that October 7 was a response to all the Israeli crimes over 77 years, Hamed also said the massacres in Israel yielded three very important historic achievements. He said that the events on Oct. 7, brought the Palestinian cause back into focus. Why are all these countries recognizing Palestine now? Hamed asked. Had any country dared to recognize the state of Palestine prior to October 7? However, over 140 of the 193 countries in the United Nations had already recognized a Palestinian state before the Hamas massacres of Oct. 7. In recent days, France, the United Kingdom and Canada have announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly in September. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer denied that his countrys decision was a reward for Hamas; however, the terror groups recent statements, including those from Hamed, demonstrate that it believes the actions of the Western nations to be the result of its atrocities against Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticized the decision to recognize a Palestinian state, saying that, at the present moment, it only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th. The move by the three Western countries appears to overlook repeated statements from Hamas including those made after Oct. 7 rejecting a two-state solution and refusing to recognize Israel. Hamed also asserted that the world has turned against Israel, and no longer believes it to be a beautiful democratic country. The whole world is acting against Israel, Hamed stated, citing pro-Palestine rallies in Western countries. He also boasted about the ICC arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, concluding, Israel is now accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing. On Sunday evening, seemingly in response to rising international pressure on Israel, Hamas demanded that a minimum of 250 humanitarian aid trucks enter the Gaza Strip daily as a precondition for resuming negotiations on a hostage-ceasefire deal. Hamas had previously agreed to allow the International Red Cross to deliver food tothe Israeli hostages provided the "humanitarian corridors be opened on a normal and permanent basis for the passage of food and medicine to all our people in all areas of the Gaza Strip, and that all forms of enemy air raids be halted during the times when parcels are received for [Israeli] prisoners." This article was originally published at All Israel News Home News Inside Hollywood's shocking shift toward faith In this episode of The Inside Story, Billy Hallowell sits down with Leah Klett of The Christian Post to unpack Lifetime's bold move into the faith-based film space. With big names like Chrissy Metz, Alexa PenaVega, Kat Graham, and Paula Patton leading four new inspirational films, this marks a notable cultural shift. Klett shares exclusive insights from her interviews with the actresses and explains why Hollywood is finally waking up to the power of authentic Christian storytelling. From Alexas answered prayers to Paulas redemption story, this conversation explores how faith is growing in influence inside Tinseltown: The Inside Story takes you behind the headlines of the biggest faith, culture, and political headlines of the week. In 15 minutes or less, Christian Post staff writers and editors will help you navigate and understand whats driving each story, the issues at play and why it all matters. Listen to more Christian podcasts today on the Edifi app and be sure to subscribe to The Inside Story on your favorite platforms: Home News 'A toll on your psyche': Jewish students recount mistreatment, harassment on college campuses WASHINGTON Shoshana Aufzien was studying for her finals on May 7 in the Butler Library at Columbia University in New York City her usual study spot when she heard shouting and was soon to be disrupted by dozens of anti-Israel protesters who stormed and took over the reading room. She happened to be seated near the doorway. So she took out her phone and began to film as the activists screamed into their megaphones and repeatedly refused requests from public safety officers for them to leave. One video of the Butler Library protest shared on social media shows multiple keffiyeh-clad demonstrators yelling chants and pounding on drums. Another video shows an anti-Israel spray-painting "Learn From Palestine" on the library shelves. The demonstration, which resulted in activists injuring at least two public safety officers, was one of many protests against the Jewish state that Aufzien witnessed during her freshman year. Aufzien, 19, who identifies as a Modern Orthodox Jew, is an incoming sophomore at Barnard College, Columbia University's sister school. Before her freshman year began, Aufzien was aware that Jewish students had concerns about how Columbia University and its affiliate school addressed antisemitism on campus. While living in New York, Aufzien witnessed from afar the encampment that anti-Israel activists set up in protest of Israel's military operations in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023. The encampments garnered media attention as multiple reports surfaced of demonstrators harassing Jewish students, who were advised to return home until conditions on campus improved. Still, Aufzien refused to let these reports deter her from attending Barnard College. "I don't think antisemitism should ever be a deterrent," Aufzien said in an interview with The Christian Post last Tuesday as she attended the Israel on Campus Coalition's National Leadership Summit. "If you acquiesce to the demands of antisemites, that's the worst approach." "If you want to have a seat at the literal and proverbial table, then you have to have a foot in the door," she added. The National Leadership Summit featured remarks from various politicians and advocacy leaders, including Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel. During the summit, student leaders had the opportunity to improve their understanding of Israel and the Middle East while strengthening their ability to communicate about these issues on campus and in their communities. Aufzien is the public affairs co-chair of the bipartisan group Columbia Aryeh, a pro-Israel organization that offers Columbia students the opportunity to connect with Israel through various programs, including academic and philanthropic ones. She believes it's important for Jewish students to attend institutions where antisemitism is present to engage in productive debates with their peers. 'Takes a toll on your psyche' As a Jewish student who's unashamed of her support for Israel, Aufzien says she has been targeted by anti-Israel activists given her involvement with student groups like Columbia Aryeh. "I've been doxxed more times than I can count," the student told CP. "I have a lot of classmates who will literally refuse to speak to me in class. It takes a toll on your psyche, I'm not going to lie." At one point during her freshman year, Aufzien says anti-Israel activists disrupted a class taught by an Israeli professor and distributed flyers showing a boot pressing down on a Star of David. The student described the flyers as "reminiscent of Nazi-era propaganda." For Aufzien, seeing her fellow students deny or justify the atrocities Hamas committed when it attacked southern Israel almost two years ago prompted what she described as a "visceral" reaction. The morning of Oct. 7, 2023, Aufzien was in Jerusalem for a religious seminary when Hamas terrorists slaughtered at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 others hostage. On the day of the massacre, the Aufzien woke up around 6 a.m. to the sound of sirens. Aufzien had visited Israel before, so she knew the sirens were a warning to take cover in a bomb shelter, and she quickly roused her roommates. The apartment building Aufzien shared with her roommates had a reinforced room, so the group took shelter there just to be safe. "Usually when a siren sounds, it's just a one-off. But there were sirens in rapid succession, so I knew something was happening," Aufzien said. "I knew there was some sort of attack, but we didn't know the scope of it," she explained. "We assumed it was only a few people who were affected. And then it just hit you like a ton of bricks all at once. The holiday was over. Our phones were inundated with information." "I think every Jew in the diaspora knows someone who was injured, killed or otherwise impacted by October 7," Aufzien said. "When one person grieves, the entire country grieves." During her next few months in Israel, Aufzien volunteered at Israeli military bases and worked on farms. These experiences, she said, reinforced her love for Israel and appreciation for the Israeli Defense Forces. Aufzien has many friends who are currently in the IDF, and one of her best friends is serving in the women's combat unit. In the summer of 2024, Aufzien returned to the United States to start school at Barnard College, where she continues to advocate for the Jewish State and engage with those who disagree. 'There's a lot more to be done' Earlier this month, President Donald Trump's administration announced that it had reached a deal with Columbia University to address violations of federal civil rights laws and ensure student safety. Columbia University agreed to pay the United States around $200 million to settle claims about discriminatory practices, reinstating most of its terminated federal grants. The university will also pay over $20 million to address allegations of employment discrimination against Jewish faculty after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. In addition, Columbia University agreed to employ several measures to enhance campus safety, such as maintaining trained security officers and prohibiting masked protests. Aufzien called the agreement a "step in the right direction," but said it's not a "panacea." She praised Columbia University for disciplining around 80 students who participated in the anti-Israel encampment and the Butler Library takeover. "But there's a lot more to be done," Aufzien stated. "I'm cautiously optimistic." The incoming sophomore asserts that the university's response to antisemitism wasn't strong enough at first, but she believes many administrators recognize that antisemitism is an issue on campus. Aufzien thinks that a reason the anti-Israel protests following Hamas' attack persisted for as long as they did is because Columbia University was trying to appease both the anti-Israel activists and the Jewish students who felt threatened. When asked for comment, a Columbia University spokesperson directed CP to a statement announcing the steps the institution has taken to address antisemitism. "Columbia University rejects antisemitism and all forms of harassment or discrimination. Antisemitism has occurred on our campus, and it has caused real pain for many members of our community," the spokesperson stated. "That is unacceptable, and Columbia is deeply committed to addressing it. We recognize there is still work to do to ensure a campus where every student Jewish students included can feel safe, valued, and respected." Home Opinion How abortion is rising when many states passed pro-life laws When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the infamous Roe v. Wade decision, Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, declared: We now overrule those decisions [Roe and Casey] and return that authority to the people and their elected representatives. Following the Dobbs ruling, several Republicans including President Trump said abortion was now in the hands of the states. The states will determine whatever they decide must be the law of the state, Trump insisted. While I disagree with the notion that abortion should be regulated solely at the state level, the reality is that most pro-life protections have historically been advanced at the state level. During my time in the Louisiana legislature, I authored and passed numerous laws defending the sanctity of life. Since Dobbs, 41 states have acted to protect the unborn in some form. Twelve now have comprehensive protections beginning at conception, while 28 have established gestational limits. Yet, despite this, abortion hasnt decreased. In fact, according to the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute, abortions have increased more than 10% since Dobbs, rising from roughly 930,000 to over one million annually more than 2,800 abortions each day. How can abortion be on the rise when so many states have passed pro-life laws? The answer is chemical abortion specifically, the abortion pill mifepristone, which now accounts for nearly two-thirds of all abortions. The Biden administration enabled this surge by eliminating critical FDA safety protocols and refusing to enforce longstanding federal laws, including the Comstock Act, which prohibits the mailing of abortion drugs. These actions were not incidental they were designed to circumvent and neutralize the very state laws empowered by Dobbs. This abortion pill regimen not only ends unborn lives but also puts women at risk. Nearly 11% of women who use chemical abortion drugs experience complications requiring emergency care. And yet, these pills are shipped without medical oversight into states that have chosen to protect life. To further insulate this practice, 18 pro-abortion states have passed shield laws that protect abortionists who mail these drugs into pro-life states effectively tying the hands of local prosecutors and lawmakers. The result: the Dobbs decision is being nullified in practice, if not in principle. Thats why last week, Southern Baptist pastors and leaders from 22 states called on President Trump to reverse the Biden-era policies that continue to undermine state-level protections. And they are not alone. Sixteen state attorneys general are urging Congress to take action against these shield laws and restore the rule of law. Heres the bottom line: The Trump administration cannot support the Biden abortion drug policy and still claim to support the right of states to protect the unborn. The two positions are mutually exclusive. President Trump should restore the rule of law by reversing Bidens abortion drug policy and allowing states to do what Dobbs intended protect life. Home Opinion Transhumanism is a false gospel One of the clearest proofs that Christianity addresses the fundamental problems of humanity is the bizarre lengths to which non-Christians will go to address those same problems without Christ. For example, tech billionaire Peter Thiel, former CEO of PayPal, recently went on Ross Douthats Interesting Times podcast to discuss AI, Mars, immortality, and other light topics. The conversation was genuinely interesting, especially when Douthat asked, Should the human race continue? Thiel paused and said um and I dont know quite a few times. This is a long hesitation! observed Douthat, laughing nervously. Finally, Thiel explained that humanity should survive, but that there are problems in need of solving. Chief among those is death, he said, which transhumanists have long hoped to conquer via a radical transformation of the human body into an immortal body. The problem with efforts like transgenderism, in Thiels opinion, isnt that they change bodies too radically, but not radically enough: [W]e want more transformation than that We want you to be able to change your heart and change your mind and change your whole body. Thiel then pointed to Christianity and its doctrines of redemption and resurrection as precedent for the transhumanist idea of total self-transformation and conquest of death. Maybe, he hinted, the two philosophies arent so different. Douthat, a Roman Catholic, pushed back, pointing out that according to Christianity, God does the transforming. The person, Douthat said, who tries to do it on their own with a bunch of machines is likely to end up a dystopian character. Do-it-yourself immortality is, at best, a heretical form of Christianity. Theils fundamental assumption, which is foreign to the Bible and Christianity but common among tech futurists and transhumanists, is that our minds are more important and fundamental than our bodies. Our true selves are our minds and separable from who we are physically. Not only is this assumption a rehashed version of the ancient heresy of Gnosticism, it also creepily resembles the philosophy of the evil National Institute of Coordinated Experiments (or N.I.C.E.) from C.S. Lewis That Hideous Strength. In the story, Dr. Filostrato hopes to cleanse the world of organic life, replacing trees, birds, and even human bodies with machines. He even proposed something akin to uploading human consciousness. Thats not to say that transhumanists like Thiel are involved in an intergalactic conspiracy run by demons speaking through a disembodied Head, as in the book. At least not knowingly. But the transhumanists urge to overcome human limits, become more machine-like, and live forever is eerily similar. As is their rhetoric. Its also notable that, unlike anti-humanists on the Left, transhumanists assume the human race is worth preserving. Elon Musk, for example, thinks its our duty to have as many babies as possible, by any means necessary. He also thinks that humans should be the ones to colonize other planets. In a sense, he acknowledges that humans are exceptional, in a way at least similar to how Scripture describes humans. Yet, his view of human exceptionalism has a you will be like God promise to it, and a sense that all human problems are technical glitches to be overcome by innovation and engineering. So, our mortality can be solved through radical transformation of our bodies. Our fragile fertility can be solved through IVF. Our lack of knowledge can be solved through AI, and our limits can be overcome by the technologies pioneered by Thiel and others like him. Theils company Palantir was named, without any apparent irony, after the seeing stones in The Lord of the Rings that corrupt all who gaze into them. Humans were made in the image of God and, as such, were made to be like Him and live forever. Death is the last enemy, and our longing for immortality is core to who we are. Perhaps this is why transhumanist promises are so compelling. However, we were made to do and receive all this through God, not our own ingenuity. Transhumanism, it turns out, is indeed a Christian heresy, an ideology that rightly identifies the problems of a fallen world. But it seeks to overcome them with a false gospel of technological godhood, rather than the true gospel of salvation through Christ. God willing, Thiels openness to Christianity and his conversations with Christians will move him to accept his need for Christ. Until then, believers should be fully aware that the transhumanist gospel is a false one. Only Christ can change our hearts, change our minds, and change our whole bodies not a tech billionaire. Originally published at BreakPoint. Abonati-va sa primiti pe email saptamanal lista articolelor adaugate pe parcursul saptamanii. Adresele .ru nu sunt acceptate. Email NEWSLETTER Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, who was born in Romania and today is a leading scholar of democracy, first observed media capture two decades ago in Eastern Europe. The press there was not facing active repression. But it was far from free. Governments, she realized, were exercising control through indirect meanscollusion and corruption. Captured media, Mungiu-Pippidi wrote in a 2013 paper, trade influence and manipulate rather than inform the public. Other scholars of media capture have since examined the phenomenon in different parts of the worldMexico, Kenya, Hungaryhighlighting government strategies ranging from manipulation of advertising to economic and regulatory pressure to the exploitation of informal relationships with media owners. In Turkey, many media outlets are part of large industrial conglomerates with diverse interests. Owners of these conglomerates see their media holdings as a kind of tax, journalists told me when I visited. Turkish business tycoons operate news organizations at a loss, knowing that publishing positive stories about Prime Minister Recep Erdogan is the price to secure lucrative government contracts for their other businesses. The concept of media capture has taken hold among scholars, press freedom advocates, and pro-democracy organizations because it explains why media may not truly be free even in places around the world where journalists are not being hauled off to jail or gunned down in the streets. The US government-funded Center for Independent Media Assistance, part of the National Endowment for Democracy, produced a video in 2019 describing how government cronies buy up struggling media outlets and bring them to heel. Captured media outlets can go from vigilant watchdogs to toothless public relations machines, the narration goes. Its no accident the erosion of the media freedoms is going hand in hand with the erosion of democracy. Now experts warn that media capture has come to the United States. We watch unbelievingly, Mungiu-Pippidi said. In the old days we thought capture was mostly a problem in Africa and Latin America and then in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall, noted Anya Schiffrin, another scholar of media capture and the director of the Technology, Media, and Communications specialization at Columbia University. Whats happened in the last six months in the US is worse than anything we imagined. Schiffrin points to a range of examplesthe fifteen-million-dollar payout by Disney, which chose to settle (and pay an extra million in legal fees) rather than litigate a libel claim brought by Donald Trump against ABC News; the decision by Jeff Bezos, in his capacity as the owner of the Washington Post, to spike an endorsement of Kamala Harris and subsequently pare back and revamp the entire Post opinion section; the similar decision made by Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, whose main business interest is in biotech, an industry heavily dependent on government approval and regulation. The most recent and for many most troubling example, however, involves CBS, whose parent company, Paramount, agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by Trump alleging that a 60 Minutes interview with Harris was misleadingly edited. Legal scholars called the claim frivolous, noting that 60 Minutes was operating well within its First Amendment rights by editing the interview as it saw fit. The decision to settle was seen largely as an effort to pave the way for a merger between Paramount and Skydance, a deal backed by Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle and friend of Trumps, and ultimately requiring the blessing of the FCC, controlled by Trump loyalists. Sign up for CJRs daily email Press freedom organizations sounded the alarm. The Committee to Protect Journalists, which had invited Shari Redstone, the head of Paramount, to chair its annual Press Freedom Award Dinner, wrote to her urging that she reconsider. When she did not, the Freedom of the Press Foundation threatened to file suit, alleging that the settlement undermined shareholder value. Stephen Colbert called the settlement a big fat bribe. Three days later his show was canceled. But while the deal was undoubtedly messy and terrible from a press freedom perspective, the question of whether and how it affected coverage of the news is more difficult to assess. Several CBS insiders with whom I spoke said that while they were dismayed by the settlement, which they viewed as deeply damaging to the networks reputation, they saw it as a mostly misguided business decision. In April, the tearful resignation of Bill Owens, the longtime 60 Minutes executive producer, at a meeting where he alleged corporate interference, was viewed with tremendous alarm. But it likely had more to do with Redstones personal displeasure with a January segment on the Gaza war than any effort to appease Trump, according to media accounts and my own reporting. Ultimately, the question of media capture at CBS is about the future of the network under its new owners now that the merger has been approved. David Ellison, the son of Larry, will run the new venture along with former NBCUniversal head Jeff Shell. Ellison has promised a major restructuring and is reportedly in negotiations with the pundit provocateur Bari Weiss to acquire Free Press, her startup, which has become a hub for center-right media malcontents. Theres always been capture. There will always be capture, Schiffrin told me. Whats unprecedented in the US, Schiffrin believes, is the willingness of media companies to so transparently put their business interests ahead of their public interest obligations. When one corporation does it, another might pull back on critical coverage to avoid regulatory pressurea kind of anticipatory obedience or capture in advance. Andrea Prat, a political economist at Columbia, was one of the first to apply the concept of state capture to the media sphere. He has found through decades of research that the key bulwark against it is media diversity. This is an area of tremendous strength in the US that, along with strong legal and constitutional protections, has historically limited the impact of capture in this country. Media organizations had a commercial incentive to maintain their independence, and the government had limited leverage to exert influence over them, Prat said. But now Prat says he is concerned that the balance is shifting. The weakening of checks and balances presents a growing opportunity for governments to shape or manipulate news coverage, he told me. I believe these new conditions make media capture more likely today than in the past. Mungiu-Pippidi, meanwhile, thinks the line may have already been crossed. She views the post-Watergate era, in which the US media exercised extraordinary independence and resistance to government pressure, as a historical anomaly. Around the world, Mungiu-Pippidi told me, media capture, the unavoidable shaping of media contents by private interests, has increasingly become the rule. Editors Note: This article has been updated to more accurately reflect the status of the Freedom of the Press Foundations possible suit against Paramount. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Two weeks ago, Peter Kyle, Britains minister for science, innovation, and technology, sat down to answer questions posed by users of Mumsnet, a parenting forum (that has a peculiar power in British political life), to talk about the impending implementation of provisions contained in the countrys Online Safety Act, a landmark and complicated piece of legislation aimed at protecting peoplein particular childrenfrom harmful content on the internet. A key part of the lawa mandate that platforms take down illegal content, for example suicide forumswas already in effect, and in a few days time, online services would have to restrict other types of content on the basis of age, using tools like credit card and photo ID checks or automated facial scans to keep users under the age of eighteen from seeing it. Speaking with Mumsnet, Kyle apologized to the current generation of teenagers and their parents, suggesting that the government had let them down. (The current government is run by the nominally center-left Labour Party, which took power last year; the Online Safety Act was introduced by the previous Conservative government.) He then promised that the coming measures would represent the biggest step forward for a young persons experience online since the internet was created. Some observers were skeptical that their enforcement would amount to a clear line in the sand: The UKs online safety regime is here, Politico wrote in a headline the day before the age-gating was due to take effect. Will anybody notice? As the new rules rolled out eleven days ago, however, many people did very much noticeand, as with other online trends, the canary in the coal mine was porn; Pornhub began requiring age verification, as did a welter of other sites; so, too, did X, a key smut vector these days, in what Politico described as a major coup (or should that be a minor one?) for the British government, given the platforms reluctance to comply with restrictions in Ireland. In addition to pornography, the new law is intended to stop children from encountering content which encourages self-harm, suicide or eating disorder content, as well as bullying, hateful content and content which encourages dangerous stunts or ingesting dangerous substances. It is not intended to restrict political debate or other forms of legitimate speech. Indeed, if platforms can face steep fines for allowing children to encounter the aforementioned digital harms, they also, the government says, have clear and unequivocal dutiesto protect freedom of expression. And yet, in addition to all the porn-gating, the implementation of the new provisions led to at least some restrictions on the latter type of content. Its safe to say that people noticed this, too. Four days after the provisions came into effect, Politico reported that they had swept up a lot more content than social media users expected, including, apparently, posts about the war in Gaza on X (though access to some of these was later restored). A subsequent analysis by the BBCmostly of content on X and Reddit, since those platforms are apparently the easiest on which to identify age-restricted contentalso found that some posts about Gaza were blocked, including a video on X of a man searching for bodies in a pile of rubble, even though the footage was in no way graphic. (This post, too, was unflagged after the BBC contacted X.) Also reportedly restricted: an X post showing an unmanned drone being blown up in Ukraine, footage of a debate about grooming gangs in Britains Parliament (which is still freely available on an official government website), and whole Reddit pages devoted to topics including the news broadcaster Al Jazeera and support for smokers and survivors of sexual assault. X also blocked a graphic image of a man devouring his child. The man was the titan Cronus of Greek myth (a/k/a Saturn). The image was painted by Goya. Even if you think that children as old as seventeen should be prohibited from seeing newsworthy images or nineteenth-century Romantic masterpieces, the age-gating has affected adults, too; for some, it might merely be a temporary annoyance, but for otherswho, out of generalized suspicion or for life-and-death reasons, might be wary of putting their personal details onlineits an outright hindrance, and some platforms appear simply to have blocked sensitive content outright while they set up the age gates. One expert in childrens online rights told the BBC that the apparent overapplication of the new provisions might just be a teething issue that tech companies will figure out over time. But she also acknowledged the possibility that such firms might deliberately be over-blocking to undermine public perception of the new law. Even if this isnt the case, they certainly seem to be erring on the side of caution. Again, the law will theoretically hold platforms to account for failures to strike an appropriate balance. But that balance is inevitably subjective, and its not yet clear how the government intends to enforce it; to a large extent, its up to tech platforms themselves to decide how to comply. Viewed one way, this looks like a bulwark against official overreach. Viewed another, it looks like a hole, especially at a moment when major platformsnot least Xare moving away from their more stringent past standards around content moderation. Predictably, enforcement problems on the user end have also become apparent. The new law bans platforms from hosting or sharing content that encourages visitors to circumvent the law by using virtual private networks, or VPNs: tools that allow Web users to browse as if they are in another jurisdiction, and are commonly used for reasons of both convenience and enhanced privacy. But many people havent needed any encouragement: in the days after the new provisions came into effect, the BBC reported that half of the top ten most popular free apps in Apples UK App Store were VPNs, with one maker reporting an 1,800 percent increase in downloads. (As of this morning, four of Apples top ten apps were VPNs.) Not that such tools have even been needed to bypass the age-gatingplayers of Death Stranding, a video game with a photo mode, reported using a characters face to trick age-verifying scans. Equally predictably, a political circus has sprung up around the new provisions, and the Online Safety Act as a whole. Tommy Robinson, a notorious far-right activist (who, incidentally, was arrested yesterday in connection with the very offline alleged crime of assaulting a man at a train station), has repeatedly posted on X condemning the law as an attack on free speech, and circulating a petition for its repeal. Last week, the Reform Party, the latest political vehicle of the right-wing populist and key Brexit agitator Nigel Farage, which is currently surging in the polls, described the law as massive overreach that plunges this country into a borderline dystopian state, and vowed to get rid of it as a priority should the party take power. Farage pledged to find other ways of protecting children from harmful content, but acknowledged that he didnt have the answers just yet. In response, Kyle said that Farages opposition to the law in effect put him on the same side as Jimmy Savile, a former BBC personality who was revealed after his death, in 2011, to have been a serial abuser of childrenfor some reason continuing the recent transatlantic trend of the center-left leaning into attacks linking their opponents to infamous pedophiles. Indeedand, again, all too predictablythe recent circus around the Online Safety Act has had a direct transatlantic dimension, too. Elon Musk, the sometime X owner and full-time provocateur, amplified some of Robinsons posts about the law, and said that its purpose was suppression of the people. On the day that the new provisions took effect, President Trump happened to land in the UK, on an unrelated visit to Scotland. Asked at a press conference with Keir Starmer, Britains prime minister, about state mandated powers to censor Truth Social, the platform that Trump owns, Trump exhibited rare rhetorical restraintI dont think hes going to censor my site because I say only good things, he saidand Starmer assured him that it wouldnt happen. But Trump wasnt the only US politician to visit the UK last week: lawmakers from the House Judiciary Committee were in town, too, as part of a supposed free speech tour of Europe, and Jim Jordan, the panels pugnacious Republican leader, expressed concern about online censorship in the country. During one meeting, Farage reportedly shouted down Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, when the latter started talking about Trumps threats to free speech, and things deteriorated from there. Farage described Raskin as the most pigheaded person hed ever met; Raskin shot back, This is why we had a revolution against you guys. Eric Swalwell, another Democratic member of the committee, told Politico afterward that Farage just looked unhinged and like a giant manbaby. Sign up for CJRs daily email The current Republican free speech crusade is transparently hypocritical, as I wrote earlier this year, and we live in an age in which US culture-war flotsam has been globalized, with Britains often the first shores on which it washes up. And yet, amid all the high-pitch talk of rampant political censorship, the new law does pose genuinely thorny transatlantic questions. Its requirements apply to online platforms wherever theyre based, but some US-based services dont think they should be compelled to comply; last week, Preston Byrne, a partner at a US tech law firm, told Politico that multiple American sites had instructed him to sue a British regulator over the law, and that he is seeking a declaratory judgment from a federal court that confirms, in writing, the indisputably correct legal position that the Online Safety Act is null and void in the United States. (Much of what we consider the ordinary Sturm und Drang of American political discoursethe ordinary back-and-forthin the United Kingdom is unlawful, Byrne said separately; whether or not you think this is desirable, the First Amendment does, indeed, protect various types of speech that the UK prohibits.) On Friday, X warnedin more measured tones than those of its ownerthat the law needs reform (with a small r), claiming that it currently incentivizes over-enforcement and does a poor job of balancing harm prevention and free expression. Meanwhile, Wikipediaa site that hardly has a reputation for Muskian histrionicshas taken legal action over a different provision of the law in the UK, claiming that its enforcement could compromise the privacy of its volunteer editors, thus potentially exposing them to abuse or other threats. Recently, the site warned a court that it might have to cap UK usership in response. And on both sides of the Atlantic, criticism of the law extends far beyond the political right. Yesterday, Mike Masnick, of Techdirt, wrote that it has so far turned out to be exactly the privacy-invading, freedom-crushing, technically unworkable disaster that everyone with half a brain predicted it would be. (Lets be crystal clear about what this law actually accomplishes, he added. It makes it harder for adults to access perfectly legal (and often helpful) information and services. It forces people to create detailed trails of their online activity linked to their real identities. It drives users toward less secure platforms and services. It destroys small online communities that cant afford compliance costs. And it teaches an entire generation that bypassing government surveillance is a basic life skill.) Rights groups including the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Index on Censorship have expressed concerns; both recently also signed a letter warning that the act could lead to the censorship of pro-Palestinian views. Writers in the New Statesman, a liberal magazine, have criticized the law as humiliating, and a boon (even if unintentionally) for Big Tech firms. The push to better protect children against the unregulated wilds of the internet, of course, is a global one; Australia, for example, is preparing to ban children under the age of sixteen from using social media, period. Asked by Mumsnet why Britain wasnt pursuing this sort of policy as well, Kyle insisted that the government is putting the interests of children ahead of that of Big Tech, but needed to do so in a way that is appropriate and actually delivers the change that we want to see. The pressure for the government to go further will doubtless only intensify, howeverespecially in a country where, as one pollster once quipped to me, if you put the word ban in a poll question, support for whatever youre proposing jumps up by twenty points. (Indeed, a recent YouGov survey found that 69 percent of Brits support the new age-gating requirementseven though far fewer think theyre effective.) Kyle has said hell shortly announce plans to tackle kids screen time. And some lawmakers and outside groups have argued that the new law does nothing to counter legal but harmful scourges like online misinformation and algorithms that are designed to be addictive. Extending online-safety laws to apply to misinformation might sound like the sort of Orwellian overreach that Farage, Jordan, and their ilk are warning of. But Britain has seen recently that such content can have intensely harmful real-world costs: a year ago today, I wrote in this newsletter about a wave of racist riots that was then sweeping the country, culminating in attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers, that was first triggered by an inaccurate viral rumor about the nationality of a man who murdered several young girls at a Taylor Swiftthemed dance class; now groups are congregating outside asylum hotels again, toting British flags and signs with slogans like PROTECT OUR KIDS. As I noted last year, however, while viral junk certainly supercharged the real-life hate, the latter has many drivers, some of whichbigoted traditional media coverage; reckless political rhetoriclong predate the internet, let alone social media. These sorts of problemsand many others besides, not least the safety of childrenare increasingly playing out in a world where the lines between the offline and the online are porous, and blurry. Its reasonable to think that young people, who face all sorts of barriers in the physical world, shouldnt have unfettered access to depraved digital content. But online gates clearly work differently from physical onesand the risks of censorship, even if unintended, are real. Raw milk has been linked to an ongoing E. coli and campylobacter outbreak in Florida that has already sickened 21 people, including six children under the age of 10, the state department of health said. Seven people have been hospitalized and at least two developed severe infections, which can lead to kidney failure, the Florida Department of Health announced on Monday. The agency urged residents to make informed decisions about consuming raw milk, which can be tainted with the bacteria that causes both potentially deadly infections. While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to drink pasteurized milk to protect themselves, the popularity of raw milk has grown as wellness influencers, podcasters and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow tout its supposed benefits. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the US secretary of Health and Human Services, is a self-proclaimed fan. The Florida health department noted that consumers report benefits of raw milk consumption, including better taste and protective effects for asthma and allergies, in a press release before detailing the complications tied to the outbreak stemming from one farm. Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases, the agency said. It didnt name the farm. The infections were diagnosed in northeast and central Florida. Severe infections of E. coli can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, which causes kidney failure. Young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at most risk for both infections, according to the CDC. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned raw milk sales across state lines since 1987. Advocates believed Kennedys ascension to the top spot governing the nations health policy would lead the FDA to drop the ban on interstate sales, but no plans have been made public. Individual state regulations vary widely. In Florida, its illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption. However, it is legal for pet consumption, creating a loophole for people to still buy raw milk for themselves, said food safety lawyer Bill Marler. Kennedys raw milk supplier, Mark McAfee said the secretary encouraged him to apply for a position with the FDA to oversee raw milk policy and standards last fall. McAfee, a producer from California, said he was denied a meeting with the agency and told raw milk wasnt a priority for the administration. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. As data center construction booms across the United States, a pair of legal experts recently said the lack of commercial insurance products customized for data centers present potential pitfalls that could surface if operators arent paying close attention to policy language. Amy Koss, an associate attorney at law firm Reed Smith, said in an interview with Insurance Journal that while language in existing property/casualty policies can be helpful, its not tailored exactly to what data centers need. Sometimes, taking off-the-shelf products and trying to make them fit the unique needs and challenges of the countrys growing number of data centers works fine. Other times, they just dont quite fit. Weve been a little bit surprised, Stephen Raptis, a partner at Reed Smith, said in a June interview. We expected by now that there would be data center-specific insurance policies out there. But weve talked to lots of brokers, and nobody knows about any that exist. Koss and Raptis believed it is a matter of whennot ifspecialty products would be developed for these facilities. They will come in time. Because the [data center] proliferation in the last five years has been unbelievable. Data centers have been around for a while but the proliferation in the last five [years] has been amazing. Demand may be beginning to drive change. Representatives from two large insurance brokers told IJ about a newly launched product and program tailored specifically to data centers. Data Center Boom Although numbers vary by publication, estimates show thousands of data centers are currently operating in the U.S. More are seemingly on the way; data center construction starts reached unprecedented levels in 2024, according to Dodge Construction, with projects totaling more than $9 billion and 12 million square feet in the first six months of the year. Dodge reports that construction spending on data centers has grown by double digits year-over-year in each month since November 2021. In late May, data center construction spending was up 33% year-over-year, as AI-driven demand for computing power remained strong. According to data from Bloomberg NEF, data centers are projected to account for 8.6% of all US electricity demandmore than double their 3.5% share todaywithin the next decade. Unique Insurance Challenges Once operational, these high-tech facilities carry unique insurance considerations. Raptis and Koss help clients identify coverage gaps and write language that may work for both the policyholder and insurer. The clients insurance brokers then take this feedback and work to implement it into policy language to safeguard the client from potential issues. For example, an insurance company may require fire suppression systems like sprinklers to insure a property. Those may be great for an office building or retail store, but data centers are essentially warehouses full of electrical equipment, and wetting an entire room of expensive technology would be disastrous. In most property policies, the servers housed inside data centers are covered as physical assets. However, Raptis explained a lot of these policies, if not most of them, have specific exclusions for data. If the servers are physically damaged, they are replacedbut what about all the data saved on them? That can be more expensive than the servers themselves to replace, Raptis said. So, what do you do with that? Cyber insurance has long had a component that will cover lost data. Sometimes, though, that coverage triggers only if the data is breached or exfiltrated. It may or may not cover events like a flood or other physical damage. In other words, if operators and brokers arent paying close attention, data centers may have complete protection for their equipment but none for data. This is a real potential for a gap, Raptis said. For a data center to possibly lose all its data and be surprised that its insurance coverage doesnt cover that would be a real problem. So, until there are specific products, data center operators are going to have to sit down and read these policies thoroughly and understand where those gaps exist. And understand that one aspect of the operation may be covered, but another wont. Related: Data Centers, Overloaded Power Grids Keep Green Energy in the Spotlight When it comes to business interruption, data centersespecially those that host third-party servers or datacant afford to be inoperable for any amount of time, Koss said. The entire data center industry is completely dependent on always-available power. Losing power isnt just an inconvenience. Its an existential issue. Raptis said brokers involved in finding coverage for data centers may have leverage to negotiate some policies with insurance carriers. Because cyber and errors and omissions policies arent written on standard industry forms, centers may have sway when it comes to eliminating or narrowing exclusions, such as a power outage exclusionespecially when a larger premium is involved. The point is these policies are not necessarily something the insurance company sends you and youre stuck with, Raptis said. They may be, in a lot of material ways, negotiable. Based on the policies Raptis and Koss have reviewed, data center power outages in particular arent covered consistently from policy to policy or fully in any policy. Raptis said liability to third parties (often customers) arising from power outages sometimes is excluded altogether. But he explained that more commonly the exclusions apply to outages from power sources not within the insureds direct control (such as public utilities) and not to power failures arising from systems that are within the data centers direct controlsuch as its cooling or backup power generation systems. At the same time, as neighbors of data centers grow restless and oppose the noise and emissions the facilities produce, its only a matter of time before those general complaints become lawsuits, Raptis said. And how these general liability policies [are] going to respond to these nuisance-type lawsuits remains to be seen, he added. New Data Center-Specific Products Brian Hearst described the spike in spending on data center construction as an exponential, almost logarithmic growth. Hearst, managing director of construction for Aon, said three years ago, data center projects ranged between $250 million and $500 million. Today, they start at between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, he saidand his team has encountered some single projects that carried mid-$20 billion price tags. Aon recently launched a global data center life cycle program (DCLP) that aims to provide seamless coverage from construction through operational readiness under a single integrated facility, a press release said. Hearst explained that the velocity-focused program is one tool Aon has created as the professional services firm works to respond to clients who are building these massive projects that involve a lot of work getting cover lined up and agreed to ahead of time. Key features of the program include up to $1.5 billion for construction all risks (CAR), delay in start-up, operational property damage and business interruption coverages. The DCLP also covers construction cyber physical damage up to $400 million, including construction non-damage cyber, operational cyber and tech E&O. Third-party liability coverage of up to $100 million (excluding U.S. exposures) is offered, as is project cargo and transport insurance up to $500 million. By unifying traditionally fragmented coverage across multiple lines of business, DCLP enables clients to reduce friction in procurement, accelerate project timelines and enhance investor confidence, Aon said in a press release. The facility also integrates advanced risk engineering and cyber impact modelling to help clients anticipate, quantify, and respond to emerging threats across both physical and digital domains. Related: In Construction Sector, Data Centers Help Power Optimism Despite Uncertainty Over Economy Meanwhile, Lockton recently launched service letter agreement (SLA) insurance to the data center market. The coverageoffered through a partnership with Parametrixdelivers immediate financial compensation in the event of an SLA breach. That parametric coverage helps unlock capital, reduce operational risk, and strengthen financing terms for data center operators, developers, investors, and tenants, according to a Lockton press release. The SLA insurance aims to address the growing demand for financial protection against performance risk in digital infrastructure. It provides immediate payouts triggered by predefined violations of SLA terms. Lockton said in the release that developers secure more attractive financing terms by mitigating downtime risk through insured SLA guarantees and that operators unlock escrowed funds, reduce borrowing costs and enhance service reliability. As our data center clients seek more robust risk management solutions, this offering provides a level of protection not currently available in the insurance marketplace, said Trevor Smith, senior vice president and global technology risk practice managing director at Lockton. Through this facility, our clients benefit from access to Locktons top-tier data center risk experts, combined with Parametrixs comprehensive support to accurately assess risk and ensure fast, transparent claims payments. A U.S. State Department travel advisory sign urges caution for travelers heading to international destinations. Thailand and Haiti were recently added to the alert list due to rising safety concerns. (Photo by Viacheslav Onyshchenko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisories for two international destinations citing escalating violence, armed conflict, and growing threats to Americans abroad. Thailand has been elevated to a Level 2 with the State Department urging Americans to exercise increased caution, primarily due to civil unrest and regional conflicts. Travelers are being strongly advised to avoid the Thai-Cambodian border, where ongoing military clashes between the two countries have prompted the State Department to designate the area as Level 4: Do Not Travel. There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border, the State Department warned. Civilian casualties have been reported and the Thai government has evacuated parts of the region. Meanwhile, Thailands three southernmost provinces Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, remain under a state of emergency due to prolonged violent conflict between Thai security forces and armed insurgents. Seventeen districts in these provinces are particularly volatile, and U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to enter them. At the same time, the State Department has reissued its travel advisory for Haiti, maintaining the country at a Level 4: Do Not Travel status. The updated warning includes a terrorism indicator and reflects ongoing instability due to violent crime, kidnapping, terrorist activity, and a breakdown in basic services. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason, the advisory states. Haiti has been under a state of emergency since 2024, and violence involving firearms is widespread. The kidnapping crisis is severe, with U.S. citizens among those who have been abducted or killed. Ransom demands have ranged from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Security conditions near Port-au-Prince International Airport have deteriorated significantly, with gunfire and gang activity disrupting the area. As a result, U.S. commercial flights to and from the capital are suspended, and the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a flight prohibition for the region. The U.S. government warns it has very limited capacity to assist citizens in these countries, but posed some advice for people that still choose to travel to these locations. Americans planning to travel to Thailand are urged to take precautions: enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), purchase travel insurance with evacuation coverage, and establish evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government support, which may be severely limited in these high-risk areas. For assistance, the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok can be reached at +66-2-205-4049 for routine matters or +66-2-205-4000 for emergencies. For anyone still choosing to travel to Haiti, officials strongly advise avoiding demonstrations, arranging secure transportation, and developing communication and proof-of-life protocols with family. As with Thailand, travelers should also enroll in STEP to receive alerts and make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to locate them during a crisis. This story was written with the assistance of AI. Chris Raschke, a 60-year-old professional driver, died while attempting to set a land speed record during "Speed Week" at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah on Sunday. In this 2016 photo, cars form a line near the race track at the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) AP A professional driver died while attempting to set a land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, on Sunday. Driver Chris Raschke was attempting to break the record when he lost control of his land speed vehicle at approximately the 2 mile marker around 3 p.m. MST, according to a news release from the Southern California Timing Association, which oversees the annual event. He was treated by medical professionals at the scene, but was pronounced dead from his injuries. He was 60. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Raschkes last recorded speed was 283 mph and he was very much accelerating at the time of the crash, SCTA Board President Keith Pedersen told The New York Times. The incident occurred during Speed Week, which began Saturday, Aug. 2 and runs through Aug. 8. The event will continue this week, according to Pedersen. Raschke, who drove a Speed Demon streamline for the Speed Demon team in Ventura, California, recorded a speed of 446 mph at the same event in 2024. He began working in motorsports in the early 1980s and was the first official employee at Ventura Raceway, according to the teams website. At this time, we ask everyone to please respect Chriss family, friends and the Speed Demon team, the team wrote in a Facebook post. We are deeply devastated. The Bonneville Salt Flats have hosted speed races since 1912, according to NYT. Located about 120 miles west of Salt Lake City, the salt flats are about 12 miles long and five miles wide and are comprised of mostly sodium chloride, or table salt, according to the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management. Two drivers have previously died in crashes at Speed Week, according to Pedersen. John Beckett died in 2005 at age 58 and Barry Bryant died in 2009 at age 46. A state law will soon require all counties, cities, townships, school districts, libraries, and other local governments to have a cybersecurity policy that adheres to certain standards, as well as only allow locals to approve ransomware demands during a public meeting. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) AP Rotunda Rumblings Internet protocol: In response to Cleveland and other local governments around Ohio being targeted with cyberattacks and ransomware threats, the state of Ohio will soon require all counties, cities, townships, school districts, libraries, and other local governments to have a cybersecurity policy that adheres to certain standards, as well as only allow locals to approve ransomware demands during a public meeting. As Jeremy Pelzer reports, proponents of the new rules inserted in the states massive new state budget say theyre commonsense steps for local governments to protect taxpayers money and personal information in a transparent way. Some local-government groups, though, are concerned, both on practical grounds and on principle. Double the fun: Organizers for a proposed Ohio Equal Rights Amendment say they will not fight the Ohio Ballot Boards decision to split their proposed initiative into two parts but will instead forge ahead with two separate ballot initiatives, Mary Frances McGowan reports. The original singular proposal would have both added new equal rights protections to the Ohio Constitution to a wide range of protected classes, and extended those equal rights protections to marriage, removing existing language from an unenforceable same-sex marriage ban. The equal rights protections and marriage-equality question will now proceed separately, doubling both the time and resources necessary to make the ballot. Road rage: A Westlake doctor on Monday pleaded not guilty to charges that accuse him of threatening U.S. Rep. Max Miller in a June road rage incident on Interstate 90, David Gambino writes. Feras Hamdans bond was reduced Monday from $500,000 to $10,000. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Peter Corrigan also ordered Hamdad to have no contact with the victim. Hamdan had posted the original $500,000 bond set by a Rocky River municipal judge following his June 20 arrest. The day before he was arrested, police say Hamdan followed Miller, yelled slurs, and videotaped the congressman as he drove to a meeting. Planned Parenthood cuts: Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio is reducing its workforce after losing more than $10 million in federal funding, the organization announced. Mary Frances McGowan reports that the healthcare provider said its cutting staff positions after losing Title X funding and facing projected Medicaid losses. Without the workforce reduction, the organization could cease to exist, officials said. Tax shift timeline: Ohios property tax system has changed significantly over the past five decades. Anna Staver wrote a deep dive into the history of those changes over the weekend, but heres a timeline to catch you up. It highlights the key policy shifts that moved funding away from the state and onto local homeowners. Propping it up: While Gov. Mike DeWine is pushing state gambling regulators to prohibit player-specific proposition bets in Ohio following the suspension of two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, one key state lawmaker says hell try to stop such a ban. As Pelzer reports, state Rep. Brian Stewart, a Pickaway County Republican, says if the Ohio Casino Control Commission approves such a ban, hell try to block it via the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (which he serves on). Stewart is also considering legislation to preserve prop bets, though its unclear whether such a bill would have veto-proof support among lawmakers. Backing down: A Cleveland suburb has halted a $25 court fee that drivers were required to pay if they wanted to challenge a photo enforcement ticket. Willoughby Municipal Courts change came after a civil rights group, Institute for Justice, called the fee unconstitutional and accused the court charging for due process, Molly Walsh reports. Altered photo? Vice President JD Vances waistline may have gotten a digital nip and tuck courtesy of the GOP, according to The Daily Beast. To mark his 41st birthday on Saturday, the partys official X account posted a photo of Vance overlaid with the message: Happy Birthday Vice President J.D. Vance.But internet sleuths quickly zeroed in on a number of oddities in the image they claim proves that the vice president had been retouched. Vances thumb appears to be cut off, while the stars on the flag behind himparticularly around his headlook strangely distorted and blurred. His right triceps seem almost to vanish, blending into a misshapen arm that doesnt quite align with the rest of his physique. Plane dealer: Unusually for an Ohio gubernatorial candidate, Republican frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy has been doing a lot of his campaign travel via his own private jet. As Andrew Tobias of Signal Ohio found, flight records show the Columbus-area billionaire flew to other Ohio cities at least 18 times since entering the race in February. He also used the jet to fly to Washington, D.C. and West Palm Beach the same day President Donald Trump endorsed him, as well as to New Orleans in February for the Super Bowl. Ramaswamys campaign says using the plane, which he bought during his unsuccessful 2024 presidential run, allows him to efficiently reach voters, noting that Ramaswamy has loaned his campaign more than $200,000 to cover the cost of the trips. Democrats say it shows how hes out of touch with struggling Ohioans. The big cheese: Ramaswamy, along with venture capitalist Mark Kvamme and family, paid $54,000 for the grand champion Swiss cheese from the Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions. This purchase was one of many that brought in nearly $500,000. Sales in part go to 4-H and FFA programs across the state, NBC4s Daniel Griffin reports. Lobbying Lineup Five organizations registered to lobby on House Bill 36, which would allow nitrogen hypoxia to be used as a method of execution. This requires the inhalation of nitrogen gas, leading to oxygen deprivation and death. 1. ACLU of Ohio 2. Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association 3. Catholic Conference of Ohio 4. Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction 5. Ohio Society for Respiratory Care On the Move The White House is accepting applications until Sept. 5 for volunteers to assist with decorating the White House for the winter holidays, or to showcase their talents performing at holiday open houses. Selected applicants will be notified by 5 PM on Oct.13, 2025. All selected volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and personal expenses. State Rep. Sedrick Denson, a Cincinnati Democrat, announced late Monday afternoon he was resigning. He said he is taking a new, unspecified position. Birthdays Ex-state Sen. Peggy Lehner, now the mayor of Kettering, near Dayton. Straight from the Source We feel that this is something that our faith requires, that people of faith are typically law-abiding people thats who we want to be but if there are laws that are unjust, if there are laws that dont respect human dignity, we feel that our commitment to Christ requires that we put ourselves in places where we may face some of the same threats. - Carl Ruby, senior pastor of Central Christian Church in Springfield, who is among a group of community members training to defend the potential deportations of the Haitian community. President Donald Trump, who repeated false rumors during his campaign that Springfield Haitians were stealing and eating dogs and cats, wants to terminate their temporary protective status. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. ULAN BATOR, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- In the early morning of Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, 19-year-old Mongolian university student Enkhbat arrives early at the examination venue for the Chinese Proficiency Test, ready to assess his Chinese language skills. "I'm in my sophomore year and hope to use this test to evaluate my Chinese proficiency in preparation for studying abroad," Enkhbat said. Hailing from Khentii Province, his parents are herders, and a chance encounter led him to the Chinese language. In the summer of 2023, Enkhbat traveled to Ulan Bator with his father to sell cashmere products, where they encountered a businessman from China. Unfortunately, without a translator, neither Enkhbat nor his father could comprehend the Chinese spoken by the businessman, leading to an unsuccessful negotiation that left his father feeling regretful. That day, his father patted him on the shoulder and said, "You need to learn Chinese when you go to university." At university, Enkhbat chose to major in Chinese, planning to study further in Shanghai after graduation. "China has a huge market, and the potential for China-Mongolia trade is immense," Enkhbat noted. Currently, there is a growing number of young people in Mongolia, like Enkhbat, keen on learning Chinese. Cheng Shengli, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the National University of Mongolia, said that among foreign language learners in Mongolia, those studying Chinese rank second after English. There are 18 national primary and secondary schools as well as over 40 private schools offering Chinese courses in Mongolia, with more than 150 other schools planning to introduce Chinese language programs. The Confucius Institutes at the National University of Mongolia and the Mongolian State University of Education, as well as several Confucius classrooms and teaching centers, have become important platforms for Chinese language education and cultural exchange between China and Mongolia. Khishig Chinese Language Comprehensive Secondary School in Ulan Bator has implemented Chinese language courses. Teacher Jiyaa said that students enjoy learning Chinese, singing Chinese songs, and following Chinese television dramas, resulting in remarkable improvements in their Chinese proficiency. The "Chinese Bridge" contest, a Chinese proficiency competition for foreigners, has also sparked Mongolian students' enthusiasm for learning Chinese. Middle school student Hulan from Tsaikhun Secondary School in Darkhan-Uul Province said, "'Chinese Bridge' is like a mirror, reflecting my progress in Chinese while revealing the many treasures hidden within the language." Throughout the years, many students in Mongolia have shown a deep enthusiasm for the competition, viewing their preparation and participation as valuable opportunities to improve their language skills. Cheng said that the "Chinese Bridge" is not just a competition; it serves as a gateway for Mongolian students to immerse themselves in the Chinese language, allowing them to experience the beauty of the language and the vast opportunities for cultural exchange between the two nations. 541285.5 4534 Google News 85.5 1140805 A screen displays the the company logo for Goldman Sachs on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., May 7, 2025. Changes to the American labor market brought on by the arrival of generative AI are already showing up in employment data, according to a Goldman Sachs economist. Most companies have yet to deploy artificial intelligence in production cases, meaning that the overall job market hasn't yet been significantly impacted by AI, said Joseph Briggs, senior global economist of Goldman's research division, in a podcast episode shared first with CNBC. But there are already signs of a hiring pullback in the technology sector, hitting younger employees there the hardest, Briggs said. "If you look at the tech sector's employment trends, they've been basically growing as a share of overall employment in a remarkably linear manner for the last 20 years," Briggs said on the episode of "Goldman Sachs Exchanges" to be aired Tuesday. "Over the last three years, we've actually seen a pullback in tech hiring that has led it to undershoot its trend," he said. Since its November 2022 release, OpenAI's ChatGPT has fueled the rise of the world's most valuable company, Nvidia , and forced entire industries to contend with its implications. Generative AI models are quickly becoming adept at handling many routine tasks, and some experts say they are already on par with human software engineers, for instance. That has sparked concerns that while automation will make companies more productive and enrich shareholders, swaths of the job market could be impacted in the coming years. Technology executives have recently become more candid about the impact of AI on employees. Companies including Alphabet and Microsoft have said AI is producing roughly 30% of the code on some projects, and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said in June that AI handles as much as 50% of the work at his company. Young tech workers, whose jobs are the easiest to automate, are the first concrete signs of displacement, according to Briggs. Unemployment rates among tech workers between 20 and 30 years old jumped by 3 percentage points since the start of this year, he said. Briggs recently co-authored a report titled "Quantifying the Risks of AI-Related Job Displacement" that cites labor market data from IPUMS and Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research. "This is a much larger increase than we've seen in the tech sector more broadly [and] a larger increase than we've seen for other young workers," he said. Trowbridge in Somerset, England, on March 15, 2025. Anna Barclay | Getty Images News | Getty Images BP CEO Murray Auchincloss on Tuesday leaned into the growth potential of the company's recent oil and gas discoveries, as the struggling energy major contends with takeover questions and a major turnaround plan. "Inside the upstream, we've had tremendous performance, along with record operating efficiency [and] along with starting up five new major projects," BP's Auchincloss told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe", just after the release of the company's second-quarter results. He added that he was "very optimistic" about the company's latest exploration discovery in the Bumerangue block in Brazil's Santos Basin, just over 400 kilometers (248.5 miles) from Rio de Janeiro. BP is currently carrying out tests to further analyze the block's potential. The Bumerangue discovery, announced Monday, is the firm's 10th since the start of the year and reflects a potentially significant boost as BP continues to double down on hydrocarbons. watch now After underperforming its peers in recent years, the firm has shifted gears by way of a fundamental strategic reset that will see BP prioritize fossil fuels and slash renewable spending. Earlier on Tuesday, the energy major reported underlying replacement cost profit, used as a proxy for net profit, of $2.35 billion for the three months through June comfortably beating analyst expectations of $1.81 billion, according to an LSEG-compiled consensus. Ramping up investor returns, the company also said its quarterly dividend will increase to 8.32 cents from 8 cents and that it will maintain the pace of its share buyback program at $750 million for the second quarter. Shares of the company were last seen trading 2.7% higher during morning deals. Takeover speculation The downturn of recent years has turned BP into the subject of intense takeover speculation, with some questioning a potential future merger with domestic rival Shell . For its part, Shell in late June said that it had "no intention" of making an offer. UAE oil giant ADNOC, as well as U.S. oil giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron, are among some of the names that have also been touted as possible suitors. Asked whether the company had been approached by any potential merger partners amid ongoing takeover speculation, Auchincloss said BP is focused on growth. "That's what is going to drive the share price up for shareholders," he added. CEO of BP Murray Auchincloss speaks during the CERAWeek oil summit in Houston, Texas, on March 19, 2024. Mark Felix | AFP | Getty Images Maurizio Carulli, global energy analyst at Quilter Cheviot, said BP's earnings were the company's first positive quarterly results "in a very long time," noting that "what is perhaps most encouraging" was the firm's outperformance came despite a period of lower oil prices. "The management team has clearly started delivering on the strategy reset announced a few months ago. There has been huge speculation of late on the fate of BP and whether or not a rival will look to take them out with a merger," Carulli said. "If positive results like this continue to be delivered, that speculation may just end up being a blip in BP's long and storied history," he added. Asset review TSMC workers walk down a hallway in a chipmaking fab in Taiwan. The company is building three such plants in Arizona. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co . said on Tuesday that it had detected "unauthorized activities" that led to the discovery of potential trade secret leaks. The world's biggest semiconductor manufacturer told CNBC that it has taken "strict" disciplinary action against the personnel involved and that it has also launched legal proceedings. "TSMC maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any actions that compromise the protection of trade secrets or harm the company's interests," the company said. "Such violations are dealt with strictly and pursued to the fullest extent of the law. We remain committed to safeguarding our core competitiveness and the shared interests of all our employees." Semiconductors have grown in strategic importance in recent years as they have become the key pillar in the boom in artificial intelligence models and applications. Rising geopolitical tensions has put the spotlight on the competitive technological advantages of major firms in the chip supply chain like TSMC and other leaders across the board. TSMC, headquartered in Taiwan, dominates the market for the manufacturing of the world's most advanced chips and counts major tech giants including Apple and Nvidia as clients. As the case is now under judicial review, TSMC is unable to provide further information, the firm said. TSMC identified the issue early due to its "comprehensive and robust monitoring mechanisms," the company said, adding that it carried out swift internal investigations. Nikkei Asia, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, reported on Tuesday that several former employees of TSMC are suspected of attempting to obtain critical proprietary information on 2-nanometer chip development and production while they were still working at the company. Production of the 2-nanometer chip is among the leading edge manufacturing processes in the semiconductor industry currently. TSMC said it did not have any additional information to share when asked by CNBC about the Nikkei report. As the world's leading chipmaker, TSMC has a treasure trove of intellectual property. By its own account, the company has previously said it has more than 200,000 trade secrets recorded in its internal system. It is not the first time that TSMC has been the target for potential theft. In 2018, a Taiwanese court indicted a former employee for copying trade secretes related to the 28-nanometer fabrication process, with intent to transfer them to a semiconductor company in mainland China. In 2023, ASML , which makes machines that are required to manufacture the most advanced chips, said that it discovered that a former employee in China had misappropriated data related to its proprietary technology. European stock markets closed in the green with the Stoxx Europe 600 index up by 0.1%. Regionally, the U.K.'s FTSE 100 rose 0.1%, Germany's DAX higher by 0.4%. Meanwhile, France's CAC 40 bucking the trend losing 0.1%. European semiconductor stocks reversed gains from earlier in the trading session to end in the red after President Donald Trump told CNBC he will unveil new tariffs on semiconductors and chips as soon as next week. BE Semiconductor fell 2.3%, the most in the sector. It makes 18% of its total revenue in the U.S., with sales more than doubling in the country over the past year, according to FactSet. Chip equipment makers VAT Group and STMicro also declined by 0.9% Ganesh Rao A combination image shows an injection pen of Zepbound, Eli Lilly's weight loss drug, and boxes of Wegovy, made by Novo Nordisk. A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Healthy Returns newsletter, which brings the latest health-care news straight to your inbox. Subscribe here to receive future editions. For once, the Trump administration may be giving some drugmakers a reason to celebrate. The Trump administration is planning to experiment with covering costly weight loss drugs under Medicare and Medicaid, the Washington Post reported on Friday. That plan could expand access to millions of Americans with obesity who can't currently afford Novo Nordisk 's Wegovy and Eli Lilly 's Zepbound, blockbuster GLP-1 drugs that cost around $1,000 per month before insurance. In a statement to CNBC about the plan, the Department of Health and Human Services said all drug coverages undergo a "cost-benefit review." The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services "does not comment on potential models or coverage," the department added. The reported plan if it ultimately takes effect would be a huge win for Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and many Americans. Spotty insurance coverage of obesity drugs remains the biggest barrier to access for patients and it's choking broader uptake and revenue growth for the two pharmaceutical giants. Many health plans, including Medicare, cover GLP-1s for treatment of diabetes, but not obesity. Medicaid coverage of obesity drugs is limited and varies by state, according to health policy research organization KFF. But it's important to remember that this plan isn't exactly new. In November, the Biden administration proposed having Medicare and Medicaid cover obesity treatments, which would have extended access to roughly 3.4 million Medicare beneficiaries and about 4 million Medicaid recipients. The proposal was controversial at the time, as it would cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade, a congressional analysis found. The Trump administration dropped that proposal in April, but said it could reconsider coverage of those drugs in the future. Let's get into what the newest reported iteration of the plan looks like. Under the Trump administration's reported pilot plan, state Medicaid programs and Medicare Part D plans would be able to voluntarily choose to cover Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound for patients for "weight management" purposes. That's according to several Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services documents obtained by the Post. The plan is expected to start in April 2026 for Medicaid and January 2027 for Medicare plans, the Post reported. It's unclear how exactly the plan will play out, Jared Holz, Mizuho health care equity strategist, said in a note to clients on Friday. Holz said he expects the government to put some coverage parameters in place related to factors like age, body weight, body mass index and other comorbidities, or coexisting chronic health conditions. He also said the pricing of the drugs will be a "major consideration." Holz said he expects the government to pay less than the current list prices of drugs. But having that coverage would expand access and could help drive higher sales volumes, he noted. Another factor to consider is how much the government is willing to crack down on so-called compounding pharmacies, which are allowed in rare cases to sell cheaper, unapproved versions of GLP-1s. The pharmaceutical industry fiercely opposes those knock-off GLP-1s, as their safety and efficacy aren't vetted by regulators and they are, in some cases, illegally sold at scale. Holz said the industry's complaints to the government about compounded GLP-1s have so far "not been met with a widespread shut-down." But overall, Holz said the Trump administration's reported willingness to consider covering obesity drugs is "a slight positive as far as industry sentiment." It's definitely a breath of fresh air for Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and other drugmakers including Amgen , Roche , AstraZeneca and Pfizer that are hoping to bring their own obesity drugs to market. The last six months have been anything but smooth for the broader industry: The Trump administration has ratcheted up calls for drugmakers to lower U.S. drug prices, overhauled federal health agencies and could impose sweeping tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the country any day now. We'll keep watching to see whether this plan gets implemented, so stay tuned for our coverage! Feel free to send any tips, suggestions, story ideas and data to Annika at annikakim.constantino@nbcuni.com. Students from Gurukul School of Art, carry a poster of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump on India outside their school. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on India along with penalties for buying oil and military equipments from Russia. India said it was being "targeted" by the U.S. and the European Union over its imports of Russian oil after U.S. President Donald Trump in an overnight social media post threatened New Delhi with much steeper tariffs. India began importing oil from Russia only after "traditional supplies" were diverted to Europe following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, the country's foreign ministry said in a statement late Monday. The ministry called out the EU and the U.S. saying, "it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion [for them]." The EU's bilateral trade with Russia stood at 67.5 billion euros ($78.1 billion) in 2024, while its services trade in 2023 was at 17.2 billion euros, according to European Commission data. Citing those numbers, India said the bloc's trade was "significantly more" than India's total trade with Russia. Data from the Indian embassy in Moscow showed bilateral trade between New Delhi and Moscow reached a record $68.7 billion for the year ended March 2025, nearly 5.8 times higher than the pre-pandemic trade of $10.1 billion. The EU, meanwhile, was Russia's third-biggest trade partner in 2024, accounting for 38.4% of the country's total global trade in goods, sliding from being Moscow's top partner in 2020. EU's goods trade with Russia dropped nearly 74% in 2024 from 257.5 billion euros in 2021. India's response comes after Trump threatened on Monday that he would be "substantially raising" the tariffs on India, although he did not specify the level of the higher tariffs. The U.S. president had threatened a 25% duty on Indian exports, as well as an unspecified "penalty" last week. He also accused India of buying discounted Russian oil and "selling it on the Open Market for big profits." Russia became the leading oil supplier to India since the war in Ukraine began, increasing imports from just under 100,000 barrels per day before the invasion 2.5% of total imports to more than 1.8 million barrels per day in 2023 39% of overall imports according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's report earlier this year. "The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability," the country said in its statement. Eric Garcetti, when he was the U.S. ambassador to India, said last year at a conference that India purchased Russian oil as "we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil." According to the International Energy Agency, 70% of Russian crude was exported to India in 2024. India said oil imports were meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. India has in the past defended its oil purchases from Russia, with Hardeep Singh Puri, the country's energy minister, saying in an interview last month to CNBC that New Delhi helped stabilize global energy prices and was encouraged by the U.S. to do so. "If people or countries had stopped buying at that stage, the price of oil would have gone up to 130 dollars a barrel. That was a situation in which we were advised, including by our friends in the United States, to please buy Russian oil, but within the price cap," Puri said. My top 10 things to watch Tuesday, Aug. 5 1. Wall Street was heading for a modestly higher open. Monday's bounce-back rally after Friday's weak jobs-driven slump broke a four-session losing streak. Club earnings ahead: Disney is tomorrow morning, with Eli Lilly on Thursday morning and Texas Roadhouse on Thursday night. 2. President Donald Trump told CNBC this morning in a wide-ranging interview that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent does not want to be chairman of the Federal Reserve. But Trump said four others are in the running. The president also said pharma tariffs could eventually go up to 250% and semiconductor levies are coming . 3. Eaton shares fell 5% this morning after the power management provider reported only slight second-quarter EPS and revenue beats. The Club name's current quarter guidance came up short, but the full-year outlook was raised and above estimates. Eaton makes products that help AI data centers run. 4. DuPont beat the tariffs. Taking them down from $60 million impact to about $20 million for fiscal 2025. That translates to 4 cents per share. Incredibly low. Second-quarter EPS and revenue beat estimates. Current quarter and full-year earnings guidance also exceeded expectations. The Club stock rose more than 5%. 5. Diamondbank Energy , considered the best there is by many, said in a letter to shareholders alongside strong earnings: "We continue to believe that at current oil prices, U.S. shale oil production has likely peaked." Rig count has declined by 60. In oil and natural gas, we own Coterra Energy , which reported quarterly beats. The conference call is later this morning. We'll be listening and sending out an earnings commentary to Club members today. 6. Palantir delivered a knockout punch to the shorts by demonstrating ultra-high growth and huge margins. Last night's post-earnings conference call was filled with examples of firms bringing the big data company in, with its proprietary software and models based on OpenAI, and how much money everybody saved. Quite a call, with less bluster than usual from Palantir CEO Alex Karp. Rule of 40 is actually 94. Revenue growth 48% plus 46% adjusted operating margin. I have never seen anything like it. The stock, already up 112% as of Monday's closed, jumped 6.7% this morning. 7. Dow component Caterpillar reported a mixed second quarter, missing on earnings per share but beating on revenue. Manufacturing costs were higher. 8. Bank of America raised its Oracle price target to $295 per share from $220. The analysts, who kept their neutral rating, were encouraged by the capital expenditure guides from Club name Microsoft and Meta Platforms . Oracle is expected to report earnings next month. The stock rose to around $256 this morning. 9. Citi analysts throw in the towel on their bearish price target on Wayfair , raising it to $93 from $32. They also upgraded the stock, which was trading around $75 this morning, to a buy. It turns out that tariffs didn't matter as much as Citi thought. Good numbers and really interesting logistics business. 10. Fast food chain operator Yum Brands missed on second-quarter EPS and revenue. Quarterly same store sales at Taco Bell and KFC missed. Pizza Hut's decline of 1% was not as steep as expected. Total restaurant margins came in lower than estimates. Sign up for my Top 10 Morning Thoughts on the Market email newsletter for free (See here for a full list of the stocks at Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 2: A NASA logo is displayed at the entrance to the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building on June 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images) The U.S. should deploy a small nuclear power plant to the surface of the moon before China and Russia are able to do so, the interim head of NASA has told the space agency's staff. NASA should be ready to launch a reactor to the lunar surface by the first quarter of fiscal year 2030, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is serving as the space agency's acting administrator, said in a directive to NASA dated July 31. This would work out to late 2029. China and Russia are aiming to deploy a reactor to the moon by the mid-2030s to power a joint base, officials in Moscow and Beijing have said. The first country to deploy a reactor on the moon "could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a planned Artemis presence if not there first," Duffy warned NASA. The Artemis mission is NASA's lunar exploration program, which was first announced in 2017. NASA should issue a request for proposals to industry within 60 days, according to Duffy's directive. The reactor should be able to generate 100 kilowatts of electricity at a minimum, according to the directive. It would be transported aboard a heavy class lander with a payload of 15 metric tons. A reactor without a 100-kilowatt output could power about 80 U.S. homes. By contrast, the average nuclear reactor in the U.S. fleet can power more than 700,000 homes. The NASA program, called Fission Surface Power, will rely on microreactor technology, according to Duffy's directive. But no microreactor has been licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, let alone built in the U.S. President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders in May that aim to expedite the commercialization of small nuclear reactors. Duffy's ambitious directive comes as the Trump administration has proposed steep cuts to NASA's budget. The space agency also remains without a Senate-confirmed leader. Trump named Duffy as acting administrator after pulling his original nominee in May amid a feud with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Politico first reported Duffy's plans to launch a nuclear reactor to the moon. Nvidia on Tuesday rejected Chinese accusations that its data center GPUs for artificial intelligence include a hardware function that could remotely deactivate the chips, which is commonly called a "kill switch." "NVIDIA GPUs do not and should not have kill switches and backdoors," wrote Nvidia's Chief Security Officer David Reber in a blog post on Tuesday. The blog post comes after the Cyberspace Administration of China said last week that it needed Nvidia to provide documents about what it called security vulnerabilities in the H20, Nvidia's data center AI chip intended for the Chinese market. The regulator specifically mentioned "backdoor" security risks, according to the New York Times. The statement is an example of how Nvidia is navigating geopolitical conflict as its AI chips remain in high demand by countries and companies around the world. U.S. lawmakers have proposed legislation that would require AI chips under export regulations to be equipped with location-tracking systems. The U.S. has placed export controls on some Nvidia chips to China because of national security reasons, saying that the country could use the chips to gain an advantage in AI or for military purposes. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has argued that it is better for the U.S. if Nvidia's chips become the global standard for AI computers, especially among Chinese developers. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks as she announces an immigration enforcement action during her first press conference at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., U.S., Feb. 12, 2025. The official said a letter signed by Bondi instructs an unnamed federal prosecutor to begin presenting evidence to a grand jury to secure potential federal indictments. But the letter does not say what the charges would be, whom the grand jury will investigate or where it will meet. The senior Trump administration official said that there is no exact timetable for when the grand jury will meet and that it could take months for the proceeding to begin. Fox News first reported Bondi's letter . "There's no logical, rational basis for this," said the official, who asked not to be named. A former senior Justice Department official condemned the move as "a dangerous political stunt." And a former senior national security official pointed out that multiple past reviews, including ones conducted by Republicans, found no such crimes. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard claimed at a White House news conference last month that top Obama administration officials carried out a "treasonous conspiracy" against Donald Trump. Gabbard said she was sending criminal referrals to the Justice Department. Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed Justice Department prosecutors to launch a grand jury investigation of whether Obama administration officials committed federal crimes when they assessed Russia's actions during the 2016 election, a senior Trump administration official said. Democratic lawmakers have accused the administration of seeking to distract attention from the Jeffrey Epstein case. Conservative media and influencers have criticized how Trump, Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have handled the case and demanded the release of more documents. Democrats contend that Gabbard's talk of a treasonous Obama-era plot is patently false and a diversion. A 2020 bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee review contradicted the idea that there was a conspiracy by Obama administration officials against Trump, finding significant evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Then-Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the acting chair of the committee at the time, signed off on the report. The committee found no evidence of "collusion" between the Trump campaign and Russia, Rubio said in a statement at the time. But he added: "What the Committee did find however is very troubling. We found irrefutable evidence of Russian meddling." The plans for a grand jury investigation are the latest in a series of actions by the Trump administration apparently designed to rewrite the history of the 2016 election. Democrats say Trump is improperly using the levers of government to seek retribution against his political rivals and exercise sweeping powers. Trump and his supporters have long claimed that intelligence and law enforcement officials sought to undermine his first term by overstating Russia's interference in the 2016 election and investigating Trump's aides for potential collusion with Moscow. They have accused former FBI Director James Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan of using the probes to damage Trump. A lawyer for Comey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Comey and Brennan, who is a paid contributor to NBC News and MSNBC, have denied wrongdoing. The intelligence community's analysis of the 2016 election and subsequent government investigations failed to satisfy the far-right and far-left sides of the American political divide. A probe by special counsel Robert Mueller found that Russia intervened in 2016 to undercut Hillary Clinton. But it did not find evidence that the Trump team colluded with the Kremlin, as some voices on the left had suggested. At the same time, the special counsel Trump appointed in his first term, John Durham, disappointed far-right activists with his three-year investigation. Durham found no criminal conspiracy among Obama administration officials to fabricate intelligence about Russia's actions in 2016. He also filed no charges against the intelligence officers who oversaw a 2017 assessment that found Russia had tried to skew the election outcome in Trump's favor. But Trump, as president and candidate, has depicted former President Barack Obama and other former administration officials in prison garb and called for their imprisonments. Last month, he posted an artificial intelligence video of himself smiling as a fake depiction of Obama is arrested by FBI agents in the Oval Office and taken to jail. Exterior view of the Pfizer headquarters building on January 29, 2023 in New York City. Pfizer on Tuesday hiked its full-year adjusted profit guidance on cost cuts and its strong business performance this year. The company also reported second-quarter results that topped Wall Street's estimates for the period, as revenue from its Covid products and some other drugs jumped. Shares of Pfizer rose more than 4% on Tuesday. Pfizer now expects full-year adjusted profit to come in between $2.90 and $3.10, up from previous guidance of $2.80 to $3 per share. The company maintained its 2025 revenue forecast of $61 billion to $64 billion. "We raised our full-year 2025 Adjusted diluted EPS guidance, demonstrating confidence in our ability to execute against our strategic priorities and deliver strong results for shareholders," Pfizer CFO David Denton said in a release. The full-year outlook includes a one-time charge of $1.35 billion, or 20 cents per share, related to the company's licensing deal with 3SBio, a Chinese drugmaker, to develop and sell its cancer treatment outside of China. That charge will be recorded in the third quarter, Pfizer said. Without that deal charge, Pfizer would have raised its adjusted profit outlook by 30 cents, Denton said during an earnings call with analysts on Tuesday. The results also come as Pfizer and other drugmakers grapple with President Donald Trump's calls to lower drug prices in the U.S. and brace for his planned tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the country. Pfizer's outlook accounts for Trump's currently imposed tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, as well as potential drug price changes this year based on a letter from the president last week calling on Pfizer to take steps to lower drug prices by Sept. 29. The letter came after Trump in May signed an executive order reviving a controversial plan, the "most favored nation" policy, that aims to slash drug costs by tying the prices of some medicines in the U.S. to the significantly lower ones abroad. On the call on Tuesday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla declined to provide more details on the impact of the policy apart from confirming that the company has received the letter and is engaged in "extremely productive" conversations with the Trump administration about finding ways to lower U.S. drug prices. He said the company and the administration are looking for solutions that aim to "make medicines affordable in the U.S. and, on the other hand, make our industry more competitive compared to China, which is progressing very rapidly to us." In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Denton did not disclose specific costs for the impact of the most favored nation plan. But Denton said the expected costs for existing tariffs in Pfizer's guidance are now less than $100 million. That's due to mitigation efforts such as repositioning inventory in certain locations and advance ordering some medications, he said. In April, Pfizer executives said the company's 2025 guidance at the time included $150 million in expected costs from Trump's existing tariffs, but not sector-specific levies. When asked about Trump's threat to eventually impose up to 250% tariffs on pharmaceuticals, Denton said the company is looking at all potential ranges when modeling the impact of tariffs. But he added that "I think the devil will be in the detail." Here's what the company reported for the second quarter compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG: Earnings per share: 78 cents adjusted vs. 58 cents expected 78 cents adjusted vs. 58 cents expected Revenue: $14.65 billion vs. $13.56 billion expected For the second quarter, Pfizer booked net income of $2.91 billion, or 51 cents per share. That compares with net income of $41 million, or 1 cent per share, during the same period a year ago. Excluding certain items, including restructuring charges and costs associated with intangible assets, the company posted earnings per share of 78 cents for the quarter. Pfizer reported revenue of $14.65 billion for the second quarter, up 10% from the same period a year ago. The results come after Pfizer in April expanded its cost-cutting efforts, which aim to help the pharmaceutical giant recover from the rapid decline of its Covid business and stock price over the past few years. With the added moves announced in April, Pfizer now expects to deliver around $7.7 billion in savings by the end of 2027 from two separate cost-cutting programs. Russia's President Vladimir Putin bids farewell to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia July 9, 2024. Russia on Tuesday weighed into the growing spat between India and the U.S., with the Kremlin saying New Delhi is free to choose its own trading partners. Washington and India's leadership are at loggerheads over imports of Russian oil, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening New Delhi with much steeper tariffs if it continues to purchase the commodity from Russia. The Kremlin, an important trading partner of India's and one which had stayed silent as the spat erupted in the last few days, commented Tuesday that Trump's tariff threats are "attempts to force countries to stop trade relations with Russia." "We do not consider such statements to be legitimate," Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov continued, speaking to reporters Tuesday. "We believe that sovereign countries should have, and have the right to choose their own trade partners, partners in trade and economic cooperation. And to choose those trade and economic cooperation regimes that are in the interests of a particular country." The dispute between Trump and New Delhi is being closely watched by investors after Trump threatened on Monday that he would be "substantially raising" the tariffs on India, although he did not specify the level of the higher levies. The president had threatened a 25% duty on Indian exports, as well as an unspecified "penalty" last week. He also accused India of buying discounted Russian oil and "selling it on the Open Market for big profits." On Tuesday, Trump told CNBC's "Squawk Box" that the tariff threshold could be hiked above 25% in the next 24 hours. "India has not been a good trading partner ... so we settled on 25%, but I think I'm going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours, because they're buying Russian oil, they're fueling the war machine, and if they're going to do that, I'm not going to be happy," Trump said. (COMBO) This combination of pictures created on February 21, 2020 shows US President Donald Trump delivers remarks at a Keep America Great rally in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 19, 2020. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a ceremony in Jerusalem on January 23, 2020 commemorating the people of Leningrad during the Second World War Nazi siege on the city. "Putin will stop killing people if you get energy down another $10 a barrel. He's going to have no choice because his economy stinks," the president told CNBC's " Squawk Box ." on Tuesday. The rift between Moscow and Washington looks set to deepen after U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Russia's economy "stinks" and that lower oil prices will hammer President Vladimir Putin 's oil-funded war machine. The comments come after relations between Moscow and Washington, which remained cordial at the start of Trump's second term in office despite the ongoing war, soured in recent weeks. Trump has appeared to lose patience with Putin given Russia's apparent reluctance to pursue a ceasefire or peace deal with Ukraine. Last Monday, the president said he was cutting from 50 days to less than two weeks his deadline for Putin to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or face big "secondary tariffs" on Moscow's trade partners. That prompted former Russian President and high-ranking Russian official Dmitry Medvedev to respond on social media that each new ultimatum that Trump makes about Russia to force an end to its war on Ukraine "is a threat and a step towards war." "Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country," Medvedev wrote on X. Trump said Friday that he had ordered two nuclear submarines "to be positioned in the appropriate regions" in response to Medvedev's comments. Russia, one of the world's top oil exporters, has used revenues from oil exports to largely fund its war machine in Ukraine, which it invaded in 2022. Ukraine's Western partners have used sanctions and restrictions to try to stifle those revenues, but countries like India and China have continued to buy discounted Russian crude. This has infuriated Trump and he has, in the last few days, threatened India with steep tariffs if it does not stop buying Russian oil. The president threatened a 25% duty on Indian exports, as well as an unspecified "penalty" last week, accusing New Delhi of buying discounted Russian oil and "selling it on the Open Market for big profits." On Tuesday, Trump told CNBC that the tariff threshold could be hiked above 25% in the next 24 hours. "India has not been a good trading partner ... so we settled on 25%, but I think I'm going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours, because they're buying Russian oil, they're fueling the war machine, and if they're going to do that, I'm not going to be happy," Trump said. Russia earlier Tuesday weighed into the spat, with the Kremlin saying that India was free to choose its own trading partners and that Trump's tariff threats were "attempts to force countries to stop trade relations with Russia." "We do not consider such statements to be legitimate," Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov continued, speaking to reporters Tuesday. "We believe that sovereign countries should have, and have the right to choose their own trade partners, partners in trade and economic cooperation. And to choose those trade and economic cooperation regimes that are in the interests of a particular country." Logo of Aramco, officially the Saudi Arabian Oil Group, Saudi petroleum and natural gas company, seen on the second day of the 24th World Petroleum Congress at the Big 4 Building at Stampede Park, on September 18, 2023, in Calgary, Canada. Saudi Aramco on Tuesday posted a drop in second-quarter revenues, citing lower crude oil and refined chemical products prices that were only partially offset by higher traded volumes. The world's largest oil company declared an adjusted net income of 92.04 billion Saudi riyal ($24.5 billion) over the three months to the end of June. The result compares with a forecast of adjusted net income of $23.7 billion, according to an analyst survey estimate supplied by the company. Second-quarter revenues dropped to 378.83 billion Saudi riyals from 425.71 billion Saudi riyal in the same period of the previous year. The results marked ten quarters in a row of declining profits. "Market fundamentals remain strong and we anticipate oil demand in the second half of 2025 to be more than two million barrels per day higher than the first half," Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said in a Tuesday statement accompanying the results. Capital expenditure picked up slightly to 46.2 billion Saudi riyal in the June quarter, up from 45.5 billion Saudi riyal in the same period a year prior. In a call with journalists, Nasser outlined plans for further increased capital expenditure despite the fall in revenues. "We always look at potential to improve efficiency in our spending building and flexibility and discipline, and this is embedded in our planning and capital discipline," the CEO said. "We will continue to monitor market conditions, but we maintain our guidance for the year 2025, of $52 to $58 billion." Some analysts see this guidance as overly optimistic. "An in-line set of results this morning from Aramco, with sequentially weaker upstream earnings offset by a recovery in refining results," RBC analysts said in a note following the results. "With $25.5bn of capital investments in the first half of 2025, Aramco appears to be running lower than its guidance of $52-58bn for the full year. While spending typically picks up in the second half of the year, we think full year capex could come in towards the lower end of its guided range, subject to acquisitions." Crude prices have stayed depressed over the course of the year, barring a brief second-quarter flare-up sparked by Israel-Iran tensions. Futures have been under pressure from an uncertain outlook for demand, exacerbated since April by the rollout of Washington's wide-spanning tariffs. The protectionist trade measures muddy the picture for growth in the world's largest economy and the future of the U.S. dollar, which denominates most commodities including crude oil. Aramco CFO Ziad Al-Murshed, also speaking on the press call, stressed the company's efforts to lower costs. "Across our upstream and across our downstream, we're going through transformations that are not only focused on cost cutting, but cost cutting is the major component of it," Al-Murshed said. "So every asset that we have across our upstream portfolio and every asset that we have across our downstream portfolio has been undergoing for the past couple of years, these transformational initiatives, and a lot of it is focused on cutting costs." Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc., attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, on July 9, 2025. Snap shares tanked more than 15% Tuesday when it reported second-quarter earnings in which global average revenue per user missed expectations. Here is how the company did compared with Wall Street's expectations: Earnings per share: Loss of 16 cents. That figure is not comparable to analysts' estimates. Loss of 16 cents. That figure is not comparable to analysts' estimates. Revenue: $1.34 billion vs. $1.35 billion expected, according to LSEG $1.34 billion vs. $1.35 billion expected, according to LSEG Global daily active users: 469 million vs. 467 million expected, according to StreetAccount 469 million vs. 467 million expected, according to StreetAccount Global average revenue per user (ARPU): $2.87 vs. $2.90 expected, according to StreetAccount ARPU is an indication of how much advertising revenue the company generates from each user. The weaker-than-expected result is particularly noticeable because some of Snap's social media and online ad peers, such as Reddit , have beaten analyst estimates for ARPU during this earnings season. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel said in an investor letter that the company's "topline growth" was affected by a bungled update to its adverting platform that has since been addressed, the "timing of Ramadan" and the "effects of the de minimis changes," referring to President Donald Trump's trade policies. Spiegel said the update, made to improve advertiser performance, resulted in some ad campaigns clearing "the auction at substantially reduced prices." Now that Snap has "reverted this change," the company's "advertising revenue growth has improved as advertisers adjust their bid strategies to achieve their objectives," the executive wrote. The company said its second-quarter sales grew 9% year over year while it recorded a net loss of $262.6 million. Snap's net loss during the same quarter last year was $248.6 million. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, for the second quarter came in at $41 million, trailing the $53 million that StreetAccount was projecting. Snap said third-quarter revenue will come in between $1.475 billion and $1.505 billion, ahead of Wall Street estimates of $1.475 billion. The company said adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter will be in the range between $110 million and $135 million. That figure's midpoint of $122.5 million is higher than StreetAccount's projections of $116 million. Snap said third-quarter global daily active users will total 476 million, roughly in line with the 475.7 million StreetAccount is expecting. The company's Snapchat+ subscription service is approaching 16 million in the second quarter, representing a 42% year-over-year increase, Spiegel wrote in the investor letter. Snap's subscription service is the "largest driver" to the company's Other Revenue category, rising 64% year over year to $171 million in the second quarter, Spiegel said. Snap's adjusted operating expenses for the second quarter rose 10% year over year to $654 million, Spiegel said in the letter. Spiegel said in the investor letter that it will be "distributing" its engineering teams to "directly support" its business functions, resulting in its core applications team reporting to tech chief Bobby Murphy. The monetization engineering team will be reporting to business chief Ajit Mohan. "Our Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer will report to me and lead enterprise-wide foundational infrastructure and platform integrity," Spiegel said in the letter. "This new, distributed structure will empower our teams to take greater ownership and drive continued innovation for our community and advertising partners." Eric Young, Snap's senior vice president of engineering who joined the social media company in 2023 from Google , is leaving the company to "pursue a new opportunity," Spiegel said in the letter. Last Thursday, Amazon reported second-quarter earnings in which its online ad sales rose 23% year over year to $15.69 billion, while Reddit reported second-quarter revenue that jumped 78% year over year to $500 million. Alphabet reported its second-quarter earnings on July 23 that beat on the top and bottom lines. Meta said on July 30 that its second-quarter sales grew 22% year over year to $47.52 billion. Pinterest will report its financials on Thursday. In this article JPM BAC Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the two largest American banks previously rejected him as a customer, reviving claims that conservative clients were being unfairly denied accounts. Trump told CNBC's "Squawk Box" in a wide-ranging interview that JPMorgan Chase informed him he had 20 days to move "hundreds of millions of dollars in cash" to another bank. He didn't say when this happened. The president said he then approached Bank of America to "deposit a billion dollars-plus" and was told the bank couldn't provide him an account, Trump said. "[Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan] said, 'We can't do it,'" Trump said. "So I went to another one, another one, another one. I ended up going to small banks all over the place. I mean, I was putting $10 million here, $10 million there." Shares of the two banks dipped more than 1% in afternoon trading. Some conservatives, crypto executives and religious organizations have claimed to be unfairly "de-banked" by large U.S. financial institutions. Banks generally deny rejecting clientele based on political or religious beliefs, but say they are required to comply with federal laws aimed at preventing financial crimes, including the 1970 Bank Secrecy Act, and have faced regulatory pressure related to crypto and other industries that are considered higher risk for money laundering or fraud. The topic came up again in January, when Trump accused Moynihan of denying services to conservative customers. Banks in a bind The issue puts banks in a bind; the companies risk further angering the president as he airs grievances that resonate with his supporters. At the same time, banks have been a major beneficiary of the Trump administration's efforts to roll back Biden-era regulatory rules across a wide swath of financial activities. The Trump administration is preparing an executive order that threatens the industry with fines if they drop customers on political grounds, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. A draft version of the order asks regulators to investigate whether banks violated laws, according to the Journal. A trade group for big banks said that "regulatory overreach" was the root cause of the de-banking problem. "Banking agencies have already taken steps to address issues like reputational risk, and we're hopeful that any forthcoming executive order will reinforce this progress by directing regulators to confront the flawed regulatory framework that gave rise to these concerns," the Bank Policy Institute told CNBC. While Trump on Tuesday mentioned his business, likely referring to his real estate and hospitality conglomerate, it wasn't clear if the events he described were in reference to personal or business accounts, or both. watch now Utilities are emerging as a hot play in 2025 as investors take notice of their role in powering the artificial intelligence movement and many of the names also happen to pay attractive dividends. As the broader S & P 500 retreated on Tuesday, the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) touched a fresh record. Utilities are the second-best performing sector in the S & P 500 in 2025, up more than 14% and outperforming tech's roughly 13% advance. The outperformance is greater still including utilities' 2.8% dividend yield. XLU 5D mountain The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) in the past five days. "For the power sector we expect significant tailwinds in the second half of 2025," said Bank of America analyst Ross Fowler in a late June report, pointing to the likelihood of continued growth in electricity demand. "Despite significant positive returns so far this year, we continue to believe the power stocks have data center related catalysts across the second half." In addition, dividend-paying stocks are looking more favorable for investors who are on the prowl for income, anticipating the day when the yield on risk-free Treasurys declines. To that end, CNBC Pro used FactSet data to screen for names within the XLU ETF that have buy or overweight ratings from at least 51% of the analysts covering them, and a dividend yield of at least 1.5%. PPL Corp. turned up on CNBC's screen. Once known as Pennsylvania Power & Light, the utility's shares are up 10% in 2025, and the stock pays a current dividend yield of about 3%. The provider of power and natural gas in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Rhode Island and Virginia reported adjusted earnings of 32 cents on revenue of $2.03 billion in the second quarter against consensus estimates of 39 cents a share and $1.81 billion in revenue. Nearly 59% of the analysts covering the PPL rate it buy, according to FactSet. Jefferies analyst Paul Zimbardo stuck with the stock, reiterating a "buy" rating and lifting his price target on Monday by $2, to $42, suggesting 16% upside from Monday's close. "PPL is one of our top utility ideas, offering under-appreciated regulated generation data center exposure with premium core utilities overall," he said. "PPL has visibility to 8% EPS growth with conservative assumptions while preserving an above-average balance sheet." The icing on the cake is a recently announced joint venture between PPL and Blackstone Infrastructure to build natural gas generation to power data centers. "It is clear that this is an early stage partnership, but there is real option value here," Zimbardo said. NiSource also turned up on the screen. More than seven out of 10 analysts covering the Indiana-based utility recommend it as a buy or overweight, according to FactSet. Shares are up 16% in 2025, and the stock pays a current dividend in 2.6%. Fowler of Bank of America reiterated a buy rating on NiSource in late June following meetings with top brass. "NI is fielding active interest from hyperscalers seeking sites in Northern Indiana, where fiber and transmission access are gating factors," the analyst wrote. "A large fiber network from Chicago through northwest Indiana enhances competitiveness." "Paired with a solid dividend and visible [free cash flow] growth, we view NI as a defensive name with embedded optionality from growth upside," Fowler said. Finally, Xcel Energy turned up on our screen. The Minneapolis-based stock has a following, with 65% of analysts rating it a buy or overweight, according to FactSet. Shares are up 9% in 2025, and the stock pays a current dividend yield of about 3.1%. Anthony Crowdell of Mizuho last week stuck with his "outperform" rating after Xcel posted second-quarter results that topped the Street's estimates. "The company now has visibility into $15B+ of additional [capital expenditures] not included in its current base plan," he said. "This includes generation capex from resource plans across its service areas, transmission and data center demand." With the increase in capital spending built into the rate base, "the company reaffirmed its long-term EPS growth rate of 6%-8% and continue to expect to be in the upper half of the range," Crowdell added. CNBC's Fred Imbert and Michael Bloom contributed reporting. The United States is launching a pilot program that could require some inbound travelers to pay bonds of up to $15,000 to enter. The 12-month program is aimed, in part, at visitors from countries with historically high visa overstay rates, according to a temporary final rule posted in the Federal Register on Tuesday. It's the latest move by the Trump administration to tighten immigration laws in the U.S., following a travel ban on nationals from 12 countries in June and a $250 "visa integrity fee" announcement in July. Here's what we know about the bond program, based on the Federal Register notice: When does the pilot program start? The program starts on Aug. 20, 2025 and ends on Aug. 5, 2026. Who will have to pay? The program applies to leisure and business travelers who need B-1 or B-2 visas to enter the U.S., and who are coming from countries: that have high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed insufficient, or that offer Citizenship by Investment without a residency requirement. Which countries are these? So far, only two countries are on the list Malawi and Zambia. However, the list may be amended throughout the pilot. To determine the list, the government is using the Department of Homeland Security's 2023 Entry/Exit Overstay Report. The report shows that in 2023, of the 1,655 people from Malawi that were expected to exit the U.S, 237 are suspected to have never left the country, while the total overstay rate is estimated at over 14%. That year, of the nearly 3,500 visitors from Zambia that were to leave the U.S., 388 are estimated to have stayed back, with the suspected in-country overstay rate of 10.45%. The report shows several countries with even higher suspected overstay rates, including Chad (49%), Laos (34%), Haiti (31%), Republic of Congo, (29%), Sudan (26%), Djibouti (23%), Myanmar (26%), Eritrea (19%), Yemen (19%), Equatorial Guinea (21%), Burundi (15%), Sierra Leone (15%), Democratic Republic of Congo (15%) and Turkmenistan (15%). With the exception of Haiti, the number of over-stayers from these countries is relatively small, usually in the hundreds. Countries that have lower rates but far more people who overstayed and never departed the U.S. include Mexico (about 49,000), Brazil (21,000), Colombia (41,000), Haiti (27,000), Venezuela (22,000) and Dominican Republic (20,000), the report shows. How many people will have to pay? Not many. The Department of State said it expects around 2,000 people will post visa bonds during the pilot program, given the number of people who are qualified to obtain U.S. visas and "uncertainty" surrounding the number of people who can pay it. How much are the bonds? There are three levels of bonds: $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000. Bond amounts are at the discretion of consular officers, subject to guidelines. The amounts will be based on travelers' "personal circumstances," including their reason for traveling, employment, income, skills and education. Travelers who are required to pay a visa bond must enter and depart the U.S. through three airports: Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. Why a pilot program instead of a blanket rule? The purpose of the 12-month pilot is at least two-fold, according to the U.S. State Department. It is primarily aimed at accessing the feasibility of processing and discharging bonds, which the government has previously deemed to be "cumbersome." But it will also help ascertain whether bonds compel visitors to comply with their visa terms. The government's notice, however, also states that the pilot program is a "tool of diplomacy" intended to spur foreign governments to reduce overstay rates of their nationals and improve their travel screening and vetting processes. Notably, the pilot program provides more details than the $250 "visa integrity fee" announced in July, including when it will start, how it will be implemented, and processes to post and refund bonds amounts. How many U.S. visitors overstay their visa terms? Only 1%-2% of nonimmigrant visitors overstayed their visas each year from 2016 to 2022, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service. However, 42% of the estimated 11 million people who live in the U.S. without authorization entered on valid visas, but then never left, data shows. In 2019, the Department of Homeland Security estimated that more than 320,000 people overstayed their visas, though this includes travelers who eventually left the country, according to the State Department's visa bond notice. CNBC's Kaela Ling contributed to this story. In the backdrop of mounting US criticism of Indias purchase of crude oil from Russia, the Indian Army on Tuesday, August 5, posted a news clip of August 1971 which highlighted the role played by the US in arming Pakistan "since 1954".The news clip was shared in a post by the Eastern Command on X."US Arms Worth $2 Billion Shipped to Pakistan Since 54," it said.The news, published few months before the Indo-Pak War of 1971 that led to creation of Bangladesh, talks about the role US had played in arming Pakistan the preceding nearly two decades."US Arms Worth $2 Billion Shipped to Pakistan Since '54," the headline says.The report quotes V C Shukla, then minister for defence production, who had told the Rajya Sabha about the estimated valuation of the arms supplied for that period.The social media post comes amid mounting criticism by Washington on New Delhis purchase of crude oil from Russia.India on Monday, August 4, mounted an unusually sharp counterattack on the US and the European Union for their "unjustified and unreasonable" targeting of New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil.New Delhis response came hours after US President Donald Trump asserted that Washington will substantially raise tariffs on goods from India over its energy ties with Russia.Firmly rejecting the criticism, India pointed out the double standards in targeting it on the issue and said both the US and the EU are continuing their trade relations with Russia."Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.The Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery and transport equipment, the MEA said in a late-evening statement."Where the US is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals," it added."In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the MEA said.It said India has been "targeted" by the US and the EU for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. The Hill Family is back on Hulu, but not every neighbor in Arlen made it to 2025. Hulu just released the first season of its King of the Hill revival series, and the new season has already cemented its status as one of the greatest sitcom nostalgia reboots of all time, which is an admittedly manageable hurdle to clear when considering the competition. With the new King of the Hill, creators Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and their writing staff made the brilliant and ambitious move to break free from the shows floating timeline that kept Bobby Hill and his friends stuck in permanent pre-pubescence for 13 seasons, instead choosing to address a roughly decade-long in-universe time-jump between the previous series finale and the present day by turning Bobby into a career-oriented adult and his parents into antsy retirees. Half the fun of the King of the Hill Hulu revival has been seeing how the writing staff turned each beloved character into an older and, occasionally wiser version of their original Fox selves. But for all the surprising returns to the series, there are still a small number of OG side characters whose conspicuous absences are worthy of note. Don't Miss Here are our top picks for missing characters in the new King of the Hill who deserve to return in Season 15, starting with Enrique Strickland Propanes uncomfortably clingy truck driver was a regular background character in the original seasons, occasionally stepping into the spotlight to ruin Hanks day by bringing his personal problems into the workplace. It makes sense that the majority of the Strickland Propane crew would be left behind in the revival, seeing as Hank left the company to work in Saudi Arabia before his current retirement, but its a shame that film legend and Enriques voice actor Danny Trejo didnt get to return to the series and redeem himself in Hanks narrowed eyes. Miz Liz Buck Stricklands strong-willed, long-suffering ex-wife was only in two episodes of the original King of the Hill run, but she left such an impression on both the shows audience and the Strickland Propane crew that we have to wonder whether Bucks against-all-odds survival into 2025 should feature a blast from the past. We gotta know what Miz Liz did with her half of Bucks money and whether or not she still has some strong feelings about hunky Hank. M.F. Thatherton Its extremely telling that, after leaving Strickland Propane during the time-jump, Hank found the state-owned Saudi Arabian oil and natural gas company Aramco to be a more ethical employer than the propane don who once won his services from Buck Strickland in a poker match. A former Strickland employee himself, Thatherton was the perfect foil to Hanks gullible, goody-two-shoes company man, and wed like to see King of the Hill reignite its hottest propane rivalry next season. Ladybird Advertisement Yes, obviously, the purebred Georgia bloodhound who was already long past her new tricks era in the original King of the Hill didnt have another 8-to-9 years in her to survive the time-jump, but considering how dearly Hank loved that dog, youd think the show would at least mention her or, I dont know, have Hank adopt a puppy named Ladybird II. In my head-canon, the entire reason Hank and Peggy left for Saudi Arabia was that Ladybird passed away, and Hank needed a couple years away from the house that she made a home in order to cope with the loss. Jay Leno was doling out comedy advice to late-night hosts a few weeks ago, counsel that seemed prescient when Stephen Colbert was fired just a few days later for running afoul of the current political administration er, for not generating enough advertising dollars. President-bashing comedy wouldnt have happened on Lenos watch (except when he was telling Clinton blow-job jokes). I dont think anybody wants to hear a lecture, Leno told the completely nonpartisan and apolitical Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. Why shoot for just half an audience? Why not try to get the whole? I like to bring people into the big picture. I dont understand why you would alienate one particular group or just dont do it at all. Im not saying you have to throw your support. But just do whats funny. But despite a tremendously successful run as Johnny Carsons successor on The Tonight Show, dont expect HBOs John Oliver to be taking notes when Professor Leno pontificates on comedy. Im going to take a hard pass on taking comedic advice from Jay Leno, Oliver told The Hollywood Reporter this week. Don't Miss The Last Week Tonight host disagreed with Lenos assertion that comedians should try to appeal to everyone. Who thinks that way? Oliver asked. Executives? Comedy cant be for everyone. Its inherently subjective. Oliver wasnt necessarily saying Leno was wrong just that his rules for comedy, late-night or otherwise, arent absolute. When you do stand-up, some people try to play to a broader audience, which is completely legitimate, he said. Others decide not to, which is equally legitimate. Comedy can take on tough topics without aligning with a single political perspective, Oliver argued. I think our show clearly comes from a point of view, but most of those long stories we do are not party political, he said. Theyre about systemic issues. Our last few shows were about gang databases, A.I. slop, juvenile justice, med spas, air traffic control. Im not saying that these dont have a point of view in them. Of course they do. But I hope a lot of them actually reach across peoples political persuasions. Advertisement In some ways, Olivers show is insulated from the pressures of network television since HBO doesnt have advertisers or the FCC to appease. (Pay cable shows arent regulated.) But that doesnt mean Oliver isnt worried about his future as well. He makes plenty of jokes about his shows several Emmy Awards being the only thing standing between him and cancellation. Its not entirely a joke, thats for sure, Oliver explained. I think it is objectively very, very helpful to have won Emmys with the show. I think it has helped us keep our independence and keep the show on the air. Prestige-thirsty HBO loves awards, Oliver said, so hes massively grateful that weve won them, and long may that continue. Please! I dont want my theory tested. Its not just a matter of learning more its also about doing more. According to the IANS and Artico Search report, 61% of cybersecurity staff work across multiple domains. For instance, among professionals in architecture and engineering, 23% also contribute to identity and access management, 26% to application security, and nearly half 48% to product security. These expanded expectations are even more intense at the leadership level. Forresters Budge calls this the Da Vinci Fallacy. CISOs are expected to be experts with mastery of skills that includes cybersecurity, technology, strategy, finance, people, and communication. That is quite a burden of expectations of any leader, particularly of security leaders, she says. To meet the increased demands on cyber pros, Diaz advocates for training programs, not just for the essential building blocks of cybersecurity but with risk management integrated as well. This includes regular, realistic risk assessments and the development of practical mitigation strategies that consider both the technological aspects and the human element, he says. He also champions mentorship programs that pair experienced professionals with newer team members to transfer risk assessment skills and core knowledge. While cybersecurity professionals may face steeper learning demands than most knowledge workers, IDIQs Glennon believes that development opportunities are a powerful motivator. He points to conferences as a key example, where professionals can stay current on best practices relating to emerging technologies. The more you do things like that, the more people stay invigorated and plugged into the role and excited about whats going on. Its employee retention and its employee development at the same time, he says. The emotional cost of constant readiness Jason James, CIO of Aptos, notes that there is no downtime for cybersecurity professionals. They must always prepare for when not if an attack will occur. You stay on guard for so long that it does become emotionally draining, says James, who prefers the term work-life harmony, which allows for shifts in focus, over work-life balance, which implies a false sense of equality between the two. For James, achieving work-life harmony requires the ability to truly disconnect and recharge by doing things that bring joy and perspective. For him, that means reading non-business books like memoirs and taking family trips, such as a recent Disney cruise with his children. And he takes intentional steps to ensure his team does the same, by regularly reviewing how much paid time off (PTO) his team members are using and never denying a PTO request. As a global leader, hes especially mindful of cultural differences, particularly among American workers, who are often reluctant to take their leave. As a leader, you need to be looking at their PTO and go, Well, how much time have they taken off? And youll have people that are like, No, I dont want to. Its like, No, you need to, he says. To get a clearer picture of work-life harmony across the organization, James cautions other technology leaders against relying exclusively on communication filtered through their direct reports. To stay connected and informed, he regularly conducts skip-level meetings, which allow him to engage directly with employees beyond his immediate line of management. Its to show that youre not disconnected from the business, youre not sitting in some ivory tower. The idea of leading is not being at the top its being out in front, he says. James also emphasizes the importance of succession planning to ensure team members can take time off without worrying about continuity. IDIQs Glennon shares a similar approach. He explains that cross-training through shadowing and knowledge-sharing helps build redundancy across roles, reducing risk when key personnel step away. One of our main guys just took a couple of weeks to go to Europe. I think he checked in once or twice. And we can do that because we have two guys covering, he says. James acknowledges that while new technologies can aid in defending against bad actors, maintaining work-life harmony remains just as essential. We have a lot of AI that protects our environments, but at the end of the day, I lead people. I manage services. And so its my duty to make sure that Im also protecting the people that are protecting us, he says. The current government is increasingly running not on a desire to improve the country, or out of any kind of political mission - but on sheer spite. Having failed to achieve the elusive economic 'growth' he and his inept Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised before the election, Sir Keir Starmer is now trying to revive his fortunes by stoking class envy. What else could explain his increasingly desperate attempts to raid the pockets of the middle-class? Societies prosper when they reward enterprise, ambition and hard work. Yet this government abhors success and prefers to punish it. The imposition of VAT on private school fees, the swingeing hike in inheritance duties on farms and the gleeful approval of a 100 per cent council-tax premium on second homes are just three examples of Labour's wretched agenda. They dress their vindictive approach in the language of 'equality' and 'justice' - but they're dragging our country into decline and our public finances ever deeper into debt. Now we learn that the ex-Labour leader Neil Kinnock a man who knows much about losing elections and nothing about economics or business is urging Reeves to impose VAT on private healthcare. With his familiar economic illiteracy, the octogenarian Kinnock claims that the move would generate 'much needed revenue' and somehow restore fairness in access to healthcare. His argument, such as it is, has been championed by the Left-wing think-tank 'The Good Growth Foundation', which fancifully imagines that VAT on private medicine could bring in 2 billion per year for the Treasury. Now we learn that the ex-Labour leader Neil Kinnock a man who knows much about losing elections and nothing about economics or business is urging Reeves to impose VAT on private healthcare It is now crystal clear that slapping VAT on private school fees one of Reeves's flagship measures designed to stamp her authority on the Treasury has backfired horribly, writes Leo McKinstry This is wishful thinking at best and naked class envy at worst. Almost one in three Britons has previously used private healthcare and, unlike our worryingly dogmatic PM, who once suggested that he would prefer a relative languished on an NHS waiting list rather than paying to go private, 63 per cent of Britons would consider paying for healthcare in the future. (This figure rises to a 74 per cent of those aged 25-34, who can see for themselves the parlous deterioration of what socialists still insist on calling 'our NHS'.) Most of these Britons, of course, are not rich but have been forced to pay twice, or to consider doing so, by the chronic inadequacies of State provision. These same Britons could ill afford a 20 per cent increase in their bills or insurance and would therefore be forced to turn to the failing NHS. And that, of course, would only increase the burdens on the Service worsening it for everyone else. The private sector is, in fact, vital for reducing public demand which is precisely why wise Labour modernisers such as Alan Milburn, the former health minister who is now an advisor to ambitious Health Secretary Wes Streeting, are keen on incorporating its resources into the public sector. Instead of listening to Kinnock's eccentric musings, the Government should be moving in the opposite direction nudging people to go private by introducing tax relief on medical bills and private insurance, and thereby lightening the load on the NHS still further. Because one thing that's quite clear is that more money is not going to be the answer to the Health Service's woes. Kinnock and his ilk believe that if ever larger dollops of cash can only be thrown into the gaping maw of the NHS, it will somehow miraculously transform into the 'envy of the world'. Experience suggests otherwise. Record-breaking sums have been poured into the NHS in recent years by both Tories and Labour yet waiting lists and public dissatisfaction have worsened year after year (helped, of course, by uncontrolled mass immigration, which is adding inexorably to the demand). What the NHS truly needs is radical reform. At present, its structure fuels low productivity and union unrest: a recent strike by 'resident' (aka junior) doctors demanding a gargantuan 29 per cent pay rise has merely whetted their appetite for more. Taxing private patients is a recipe for more waste, worse delays and longer NHS waiting lists. And you don't have to take my word for it. It is now crystal clear that slapping VAT on private school fees one of Reeves's flagship measures designed to stamp her authority on the Treasury has backfired horribly, crippling the independent sector while further stretching the state sector. Again, this policy was birthed from nothing more than socialist dogma and the hatred of aspiration. 'For me, this is really personal,' Reeves has intoned, adding that when she was a schoolgirl in the 1980s, her sixth form was a couple of 'prefab huts in the playground'. Still more partisan is the far-Left Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, whose sour expression and air of intolerance towards the middle-class remind me of the ghouls who sat on Robespierre's 'Committee of Public Safety' during the French Revolution. It should be obvious to anyone that imposing VAT on school fees had nothing to do with improving education and everything to do with punishing those aspirational families who dared to want more for their children than the imperfect offering supplied by the State. As the Daily Mail reported today, at least 54 private schools have closed since January after parents withdrew their children as a result of rising fees. Those pupils, in most cases, will now have to be educated by the State and the annual bill for doing so could be in the region of 300 million. All this suggests that the Government will rake in far less from the VAT policy than the 1.6 billion it fancifully anticipated. Or, finally, take the bizarre yearning in influential Labour circles for a 'wealth tax' despite the fact that such a levy has never worked anywhere at any time. Figures such as Kinnock (yet again) and the equally clueless ex-minister Anneliese Dodds are nonetheless demanding such a tax, which they insist would raise billions. It would do nothing of the sort: in this age of mobile capital, many of the targets would simply leave. Indeed, the wealthy are already fleeing Britain some 10,000 millionaires are said to have left in 2024, and this year it could be as high as 16,500. No fewer than 18 billionaires have fled the country in the past two years as the Government, first in opposition and cheered on by far-Left social media activists, started threatening to tax them ever more aggressively. All of us are already paying far too much tax: the burden is now at its highest level since the Second World War. As Winston Churchill, who was Chancellor in the 1920s, put it: 'For a nation to try and tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.' Yet Labour has returned to its typical shopworn playbook. The top 1 per cent of earners in Britain now pay about 30 per cent of all the income tax and they're the ones, of course, who find it easiest to up sticks and work in sunny Dubai (local income tax rate: 0 per cent). There has always been a streak of class warfare in Labour, even under Tony Blair: just look at the weeks wasted on Parliamentary debates on banning fox hunting. But under Starmer, whose authority is collapsing and who is all too conscious of the threat he faces from the Left, it is back. And we will all end up paying the price. She became one of the most famous or infamous kidnapping victims of our time. When British glamour model Chloe Ayling was abducted on a bogus photoshoot in Milan in 2017, her plight made global headlines and last year led to a gripping TV drama. Little wonder, because it was the real-life stuff of nightmares. Chloe, then only 20, was grabbed from behind and bundled into a suitcase. Injected with ketamine and chained to furniture, she was forced to sleep on the floor of a remote farmhouse. Pictures of her lying unconscious in skimpy clothing were sent to her manager in London, along with a demand for 300,000 (260,000). If the ransom wasnt paid within a week, she would be auctioned off as a sex slave. She was also told she risked being fed to tigers when her buyers tired of her. Although she was eventually released, it has been another ordeal for Chloe to rebuild her life. The reason? Many simply didnt believe her graphic and appalling story. So outlandish was the sequence of events she described and crucially how odd her unemotional retelling of the story was that to this day, eight years on, questions still abound about whether she was complicit in the kidnap and it was all an elaborate publicity stunt. Chloe Ayling, a model who was held by kidnappers in Italy, made global headlines and last year led to a gripping TV drama Chloe Ayling pictured entering the Celebrity Big Brother house in August 16, 2018 Lukasz Herba (pictured) put Chloe Ayling, From South London into the back of a car when she turned up for a bogus photoshoot in Milan, Italy in 2017 Could the BBC documentary airing last night finally silence the online commentators and conspiracy theorists? Including interviews with British and Italian police officers who were involved (and some of whom admit they too doubted Chloes story at first), the three-part series offers an interesting new theory. It suggests Chloes lack of emotion, both during the kidnap and in media interviews afterwards, was the result of immaturity and nervousness at finding herself in the public eye but also of undiagnosed autism. Towards the end of the documentary, she actually receives a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, which she says explains so much not just about her reactions during her kidnap ordeal, but about her life before and since. I had a lot of difficulties with communication, she explains in the documentary, while poring over childhood pictures. Id react in the wrong way. If I was being told off I would smile. I just had the wrong reactions to things. My mum would come with me on school trips because I wouldnt be able to say what I wanted or express how I was feeling. For ages I just said Im not an emotional person, but now I realise that no matter now hard I try, I just cant [express emotion]. In hindsight this was never more apparent than Chloes attempt to communicate what had happened to her when she returned home to the UK. What a catastrophe that was. She admits: The aftermath affected me more than the kidnap. The defining moment for many was when Chloe emerged from her mothers house to face the worlds press to deliver a statement that began: I feared for my life, second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour. Chloe, then only 20, was grabbed from behind and bundled into a suitcase. Injected with ketamine and chained to furniture, she was forced to sleep on the floor of a remote farmhouse Pictures of her lying unconscious in skimpy clothing were sent to her manager in London, along with a demand for 300,000 (260,000) Lukasz Herba after he was arrested for kidnapping Chloe in Milan, Italy The mountain house where Chloe was held for six days near Turin in Italy The smile on her face, her almost cheerily robotic delivery, and the way she was dressed in a revealing vest top and tiny pair of shorts seemed completely at odds with the seriousness of the situation. Public bafflement was quickly followed by judgment. These days we might call it victim blaming, although there looked to be inconsistencies in Chloes story which contributed to the sheer disbelief that the situation happened the way she said it did. Why had she gone shopping with her kidnapper to buy shoes, for instance? Why hadnt she tried to run? Chloe, now 28, has spent the years since trying to convince others about what happened even though in the eyes of the law there is no doubt whatsoever. Polish national Lukasz Herba was sentenced to 16 years and nine months (although this was later reduced to just over 11 years on appeal) after being convicted of her kidnapping. A career that went on to include a stint in the Big Brother house the following year seen by many as evidence of Chloes desire to be famous at all costs hardly helped. What is it about me and my story that makes this so unbelievable? she asks at the start of this documentary. By the end, you get the impression she has as much of an answer as she is ever going to get: because she didnt behave in the way most victims would, her story was scrutinised and found lacking. Herba while on trial for kidnapping. He was sentenced to 16 years and nine months (although this was later reduced to just over 11 years on appeal) The bedroom where Chloe was held hostage. She slept alongside her captor to 'win his trust' Herba's brother, Michal, also sentenced for his part in the crime And because no one asked whether her robotic telling of her story could have another explanation, she was dismissed as a money-grabber who wanted only to be famous. By rights she should be livid, although she doesnt appear to be. I cant really be mad at people for not understanding, when I didnt really understand it myself, she concludes. Chloes diagnosis is a development that makes complete sense to her former manager Phil Green, who appears in the documentary reliving the horror of having to deal with hostage demands. Phil, who had been a lawyer before setting up a modelling agency, met Chloe when she was 19 and told me this week while the attractive teenager was clearly ambitious (her goal was to have 100,000 followers on Instagram), she wasnt a typical model-about-town. She didnt seem to have many friends, and didnt hang about with the other models. She lived at home with her mum, he says. Unusually, for someone starting off in modelling, she also had a baby son who would only have been about one at the time, remembers Phil. The child lived with his father, Chloes ex partner Conor Keyes. Phil had not been aware of any suggestion of autism until the documentary, but now wonders if Chloes condition actually helped her maintain a facade of calmness during the ordeal. Her reaction to everything that happened was so unemotional, even at the time, but maybe that was a good thing because if shed behaved in the way some other girls would have who knows what would have happened? Chloe Ayling, now 28, who was drugged and kidnapped for six days in 2017 Chloe smiles in a skimpy top and shorts as she spoke to the press outside her mother's house after leaving Italy If the ransom wasnt paid within a week, she would be auctioned off as a sex slave Michal Konrad Herba who took part in the kidnapping of Ms Ayling, sitting in the courtroom during his trial in Milan, Italy, 24 October 2018 Afterwards though it led to people just not believing her. His inclusion in the documentary defending her is also interesting given the background. Although Phil was the one who always seemed most steadfastly in her corner, Chloe appears to have blamed him for not doing enough to help secure her freedom and perhaps for putting her in jeopardy in the first place by sending her to Milan for the assignment. She dumped him as her manager as soon as she returned from Italy and they havent spoken since. It was brutal, he says of his sacking. I think she blamed me for what happened and weve never been able to sit down and talk properly about it. She thought Id abandoned her [to the kidnappers], but the reality is that my office, which was in my house, had been taken over by the police. They were replying to the kidnappers emails on my behalf. I was out of my depth trying to deal with it all, and I still feel terrible about what happened. I think she has remained bitter. But I always knew she was telling the truth. He feels Chloe was the victim of more than the kidnapping, angrily lashing out today at the Italian prosecutors who put her story in the public domain against Chloes own wishes. They also forced her to stay in Italy for weeks after her release, effectively holding her captive all over again. So outlandish was the sequence of events she described and crucially how odd her unemotional retelling of the story was that to this day, eight years on, questions still remain Ms Ayling pictured at the National Reality TV Awards at Porchester Hall in London on September 25, 2018 Lukasz Herba (pictured) who was sentenced to 16 years and nine months for the kidnap of the British model If that had happened to an Italian girl in Britain, she would have been allowed to go home immediately to be with her family. On top of that, the Italian authorities took Chloe back to the property where she had been held ostensibly to help with their investigation. My feeling then was that they didnt believe her and wanted to see her reaction, he says. The feeling that Chloe was badly let down is echoed by the detective superintendent who headed the British side of the operation, who admits on camera (on condition of anonymity) that the lowest point in his 30-year career was when he realised he had not been able to find or save Chloe. It was my job to get her back and I didnt, he says. The astonishing thing about this case is that it was not the authorities in either Britain or Italy who did save her. She was found only because the man holding her a man she knew as MD, but who was later identified as Polish national Lukasz Herba walked her into the British Consulate in Milan. In court Herba was described as a narcissistic fantasist who had become obsessed with Chloe. Chloe aged 20 in 2017 and now for the BBC documentary, which airs tonight, aged 28 Chloe Ayling during a Celebrity Big Brother live double eviction at Elstree on August 28. 2018 A computer programmer who was living in the West Midlands, Herba had been a Facebook friend of Chloes (a fact she discovered only after the kidnapping). In order to kidnap her he concocted an elaborate plan, posing as a photographer called Andre Lazio to book her via her agent for a modelling job in Milan. With the help of his brother Michal, who was also jailed for his part, he then abducted Chloe when she arrived in Italy, drugging her and bundling her into a holdall, before taking her to a remote hideout where he kept her captive for six days. He convinced Chloe that he was a trained assassin working for a Mafia organisation called Black Death. Although he never sexually assaulted her, she does speak in this documentary about how he did make sexual advances but backed off when she convinced him that they would be able to embark on a proper relationship once she was free. She refers to an incident where he tried to kiss her but she declined, saying that she wasnt in the right headspace but implied she could be once she was free. He lit up then and everything changed, she says. He could easily have just raped me, says Chloe, but he had this idea of having me in his future. He didnt want to upset me. I repeated that I was not in the right headspace. I wanted to be released before anything sexual happens. I got up and went to have a shower and he was all sorted after my shower. We didnt speak about it again. A BBC documentary suggest Chloes lack of emotion, both during the kidnap and in media interviews afterwards, was the result of immaturity and nervousness at finding herself in the public eye but also of undiagnosed autism Towards the end of the documentary, she actually receives a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, which she says explains so much Sharing his bed and shopping with him? While these were all details that caused people to doubt her, she says it was all part of her desperate attempt to gain his trust, hoping that he would break ranks, defy his dangerous bosses and help her escape. She was not to know that there was no Black Death organisation. He was the good guy in my eyes, she says. After Herba deposited her at the British Consulate, initially Chloe attempted to stick to the script Herba had drilled into her that he had simply found her and was her rescuer but she soon caved under questioning. The fact that some details, such as the shopping trip for shoes, emerged later was highly damning to Chloe, but the Italian police accepted her story that she was simply embarrassed at how far she had gone to appear to be her captors girlfriend. But public opinion was never as accepting and Chloe is understandably hurt that she was never given credit for her own role in her escape. What has happened to her since? After that perhaps ill-advised appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, she has rebuilt her life as a model, posting regularly on OnlyFans and Instagram. There she describes herself as an entrepreneur and a multiple property owner. She was never in a career that was compatible with anonymity, but she reveals in the documentary that a few years ago she bought a property in North Wales, falling in love with the area and attracted by the fact that no one knows who she is there. There is no mention of her son in the documentary. She declined to involve him for privacy reasons. Nor is her mum Beata a part of it. Chloe, originally from Coulsdon in south London, explains that her mother was so traumatised by the kidnap ordeal that she still cannot talk about it even eight years on. Not only about her reactions to the kidnap ordeal but about her life before and since And while the autism diagnosis has helped Chloe herself understand the backlash against her, she is keen to stress that it does not excuse how she was doubted. There is rarely such a thing as a perfect victim she says. Autism plays a big part in the way that I reacted, and that was confusing to neurotypical people. However, there are other reasons why people could react in the way that I did, or in an unusual way that doesnt fit the normal box. People disassociate with events that have happened or have a delayed reaction, especially after trauma. So, it cant all be put down to a diagnosis, and that shouldnt affect the way people treated me. A London restaurant has sparked outrage after surreptitiously adding an extra charge to diners' bills - with customers branding the decision 'sneaky'. Taking to Reddit, one customer who visited The Pig And Butcher in Islington highlighted a discretionary 1.23 'Carbon Free' fee that had been added to the total price of their meal. An image shared of the restaurant receipt soon circulated online - with many branding the fee 'stupid', 'sneaky', and even a 'scam'. The customer wrote on the r/London thread: 'I kind of got desensitised to the service charge already, but carbon free dining? That's something new.' The receipt showed that the customer paid 54 for two beef dinners, 4 for bread for the table, 9.50 for a glass of red wine, 11.50 for another glass of red wine and 10 for a strawberry pavlova. However it was the 'optional carbon free dining' charge that got people talking online. Social media users were quick to criticise the fee as another unwelcome addition to the cost of dining out in the capital, with many accusing restaurants of using climate change as an excuse to charge more. One person said: 'Yeah, this is a very stupid and sneaky thing that's coming over from the US. Service charge percent on top of the additional 'optional' fee that they've added (probably hidden away on the menu, if mentioned at all). Taking to Reddit one customer from The Pig and Butcher in Islington, highlighting a discretionary 1.23 'Carbon Free' fee that had been added to their total meal price 'When you ask for the 1.23 to be taken off, do you reckon they remove the 12.5 percent of 1.23 that they've also added for no reason?' Another added: 'As an American, I've never seen anything like this. Carbon free dining? Come on. The only thing I've seen is a service charge only when it's a large party. This is ridiculous.' Someone else added: 'I do NOT feel good paying this. Total scam.' A fourth added: 'Did they ask you before adding it to the bill, since it's optional? If not, I would ask them to remove it and will also reduce the service charge (also optional!) for all the time and bother they've caused me.' Carbon-free dining first began to enter the restaurant scene in late 2023 and was created to help 'offset the environmental impact of meals'. According to the organisers behind the scheme, Lightspeed, the charge of 1.23 also helps to plant more trees to stop the 'high rates of deforestation'. According to the website: 'For every six trees funded, the restaurant receives one sustainable credit. 'Through your restaurant's personalised Carbon Friendly Dining portal, you can keep track of credits earned and redeem them for Lightspeed annual renewals, upgrades and additional software.' The Daily Mail has contacted the Pig And The Butcher for comment. It comes after a vegan restaurant in London left customers seething after charging 50p for a 'Diversity Role Models donation'. Mallow restaurant in Borough Market is fundraising for Diversity Role Models, a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending LGBTQ+ bullying in schools through educational workshops and role model storytelling, according to their website. While the charitable initiative is well-intentioned, Reddit users have expressed concern that the scheme places the burden of social responsibility on the customer rather than the business. One person took to Reddit to showcase the extra 50p automatically added to their bill, which came to 57.55. Customers previously expressed concern after Mallow restaurant in Borough Market, London, introduced an optional 50p for a 'diversity role models donation' The customer paid 19 for a vegan full English breakfast, 19 for a mezze brunch, 5.50 for an oolong and pineapple drink, and 7.20 for two oat flat whites. There was also an optional additional charge of 6.35 for service, plus the optional 50p for the diversity charity. Some commenters questioned the extent of the restaurant's contributions to the charity, suggesting that while the business promotes its charitable support, the financial responsibility appears to fall primarily on the customer. One person said: 'This is about the owners being able to claim they're environmentally / socially conscious at your expense. 'You'll hear their celeb chefs on TOPJAW being all smug about 'giving back to the community' while guilting you into this situation, 'Oh, you want me, a service worker, to take this bill back to the till, remove the 50 pence donation and bring it back to you? Do you want me to club a baby seal on my way back as well?' 'It's making the customers pay for their PR. The id**** posting 'Hurr durr not paying 50p is a bad look on you' is justifying this s*** being the norm. They concluded: 'I might not get it removed at that time, but I will make a mental note of not going to that place again.' Another said: 'Yep, they do exactly that. They boast about supporting charities, but they don't make it clear that not a penny is from them.' Someone else wrote: 'You also see this a lot with airlines. They offer you the option to pay extra for your flight to help them meet their environmental obligations. And the way they word it is a clear attempt to make you feel guilty for not doing so.' A fourth added: 'I hate this sort of thing. It's shaming the customer into paying more money, with the implication that if you don't you clearly don't care about diversity. 'Even if it does go to a charity in this case, if this sort of thing gets normalised you could quickly see places start to establish their own 'charities'.' The Daily Mail previously reached out to Mallow restaurant for comment. Mallow restaurant's website explained where the money goes, writing: 'Diversity Role Models is a UK-wide charity, working with schools to end LGBTQ+ bullying through educational workshops and role model storytelling. 'They educate young people about difference, challenging stereotypes and addressing the misuse of language to shape a world where everyone embraces diversity and can thrive.' Mallow concluded: 'We fundraise for them during June and volunteer throughout the year.' Bafta-winning photographer Alison Jackson who specialises in amusing images featuring lookalikes of the rich, famous and powerful is planning to stage a show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival later this month. She has, however, encountered a serious problem. The show was due to include doppelgangers of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but Jackson has failed to cast actors to play them with little more than a fortnight until the curtain goes up. 'I have a couple of 'Prince Williams' who've come forward and they look quite good, but no 'Meghan' or 'Harry' has turned up,' she tells me. The artist, 65, claims this is because the Sussexes have become such toxic figures that no one wants to play them. 'I think that people don't like Meghan, they don't trust her and they think she's an operator who sucks everything she can out of Harry,' Jackson claims. She explains that her lookalikes 'tend to relate to' the person they are playing. Jackson blames Harry's explosive interview with the BBC in May after he lost a legal challenge over his taxpayer-funded security in Britain. The California-based prince said the King 'won't speak to me because of this security stuff', but that he did not want to fight any more and did 'not know how much longer my father has'. Jackson tells me: 'He's gone too far, because every time he does a TV interview he takes some dig at King Charles, which is below the belt and beyond the pale and people don't like it. He implied that his father might die.' Alison Jackson is known for her humourous photographs featuring celebrity lookalikes Harry and Meghan pictured last year. Jackson says their drop in popularity has scared off people playing their lookalikes She previously had lookalikes of Harry, 40, and Meghan, who turned 44 yesterday, but says 'they now won't come forward'. Jackson adds: 'As Meghan gets more and more assertive, the lookalikes disappear. They've probably all cut their hair short and look different.' It will be a case of On His Majesty's Secret Service! King Charles is seeking a 55,000-a-year security head to vet his own staff. The successful candidate must identify any security risks among workers. An advert says the 'senior personnel security manager' will be based at Buckingham Palace, but will oversee 'security services across multiple royal residences'. Love is in the air for Lord Brocket's son William Nall-Cain is 6ft8, making his lawyer wife Christy Boulet seem very petite indeed The happy couple on their big day At 6ft 8in, William Nall-Cain was always going to find it a tall order to choose a bride who could measure up to him. Happily, the son of former I'm A Celebrity star Lord Brocket has met his match in Christy Boulet, a lawyer from Puerto Rico where his mother, former model Isabel Lorenzo Brocket, was also born. In a picture posted online, William, 34, towers over his new wife at their wedding in the Caribbean island's capital, San Juan. 'There is no one else on this planet who makes me feel like anything in this life is possible, and like the luckiest man alive,' William has said of his bride. Earlier this year, I disclosed that his sister, Antalya, had separated from her husband, Prince Alexander von Preussen, less than five years after their wedding near Brocket Hall, her ancestral home in Hertfordshire. Sir Grayson's all fired up He made his name with ceramics depicting child abuse and sado-masochism before being embraced by the Establishment. And Sir Grayson Perry is sick of rich and famous Leftie-types posing as revolutionaries. 'One of the things that absolutely infuriates me is millionaire cultural celebrities pretending they're outsider rebels,' declares the cross-dressing potter, 65. Who's in the Spice Girls' group chat? The Spice Girls once sang that 'friendship never ends', but it can clearly become strained over time. Melanie Chisholm, aka Sporty Spice, has revealed Victoria Beckham and Geri Halliwell are excluded from some of their WhatsApp chat groups. 'There are subgroups within the group,' Mel C admits in an interview Down Under. 'I definitely know there is a chat group that doesn't contain me, but somewhere else we keep Ginger or Posh out. Like all friendship groups, we have many ways of communicating.' Chisholm, 51, who was the only one of the four other Spice Girls to attend Mel B's second wedding to Rory McPhee in Morocco at the weekend, also admits she regrets not holding on to her outfits from the pop group's heyday. Julie dresses as she likes it for birthday bash The Countess of Sandwich in fancy dress at Powderham Castle near Exeter Usually seen wearing Lycra while performing yoga poses at her husband's Mapperton estate in Dorset, the Countess of Sandwich opted for a medieval look at a fellow aristocrat's ancestral home at the weekend. American-born Julie Montagu, 51, wore a red velvet gown for the Earl of Devon's fancy dress birthday party at Powderham Castle near Exeter. The bash had Shakespeare's pastoral comedy As You Like It for its theme. 'I took it very seriously,' the countess says. She and her husband, Luke, the 12th Earl of Sandwich, have been running the family's Mapperton estate since 2016, with wellness retreats among her initiatives. A qualified yoga instructor, Julie, became the Countess of Sandwich after the death of her father-in-law, 81, in February. Kirstie's parenting hoo-haa Kirstie Allsopp has been complaining about children having too much screen time... on a small screen of her own Location, Location, Location star Kirstie Allsopp is aghast at a sorry display of modern parenting. 'I'm staying in a hotel in Switzerland, just had breakfast next to an English couple with one child, probably aged five,' says the television presenter, 53. 'He ate his breakfast watching an iPad on the table in front of him,' the presenter complains on X. She goes on to ask her 431,800 followers: 'When are people going to wake up to how wrong this is?' Kirstie, who has two teenage sons with her husband, property developer Ben Andersen, as well as two adult stepsons, adds: 'This is absurd. If they can't be bothered to engage their child in conversation at the table when they don't have to cook or wash up, then what hope is there?' Her comments prompted a mixed response online, with some parents and teachers noting the 'damage' caused to children by excessive screen time. Others were less sympathetic, prompting Kirstie to respond: 'It's quite interesting to note that the vast majority of abuse is from men.' An awkward-looking travel item has been hailed as a genius solution to a common long-haul flight problem. Holidaymakers are flocking to Kmart Australia stores after the budget retailer recently launched their $49 Bluetooth Travel Pillow Headphones. Although unsightly when worn, the tech travel item has been praised for combining the supportive qualities of a neck travel pillow with built-in Bluetooth headphone capability. The clever item resolves the common issue of trying to juggle wearing a neck pillow and wireless Bluetooth headphones at the same time - without the two travel essentials often knocking or interfering with one another. The must-have is described as a 'fusion of premium comfort and cutting-edge audio experience' that will 'redefine your travel experience'. Importantly, the Bluetooth headphones offer a potential 30 hours of play time when used at 80 per cent volume. This means there's no need to worry about the headphones running out of battery mid-flight. The tech travel item is charged via a USB cable, with one included with the device. It takes approximately two hours to fully charge. A small control panel on the right side of the neck pillow features the power, volume adjust and Bluetooth pairing buttons. It may be a little awkward-looking when worn, but this Kmart Australia travel buy combines a comfortable travel neck pillow with Bluetooth enabled headphones The Kmart Bluetooth Travel Pillow Headphones, $49 are soft and cushioned, with an under-chin strap to ensure a snug fit. There is a small control panel for the headphones on the right side of the pillow The dimensions of the combo headphone and neck pillow are 19cm height, 21cm width and 21cm diameter. The cushioned pillow also features an adjustable (and amusing) under-chin strap, so that it fits snugly and offers quality neck support. The headphones themselves are also encased in a soft ear pad, ensuring the ears are cupped for both sound quality and comfort. Travellers can also rest assured as they come with a 12 month manufacturer warranty. A Kmart store worker recently highlighted some of her other favourite travel essentials in a video shared to the brand's TikTok account. One of the store worker's top picks was the 3-Piece Packing Cubes, priced at only $8. The female employee explained in the video that the different sized cubes were perfect to help you 'maximise storage in your suitcase'. Made of polyester, each of the packing cubes has an open mesh design with zip closure and carry handle. A TikTok video shared to Kmart Australia's account saw a store worker highlight her favourite travel essentials, like the 3-Piece Packing Cubes, $8 (right) The Kmart employee (right) also handpicked the Universal Travel Adaptor Kit $39 (left) as a must-have for travelers The suitcase storage saver has a 4.2 star rating on the brand's website, with many jet-setters raving about how it helps keep your luggage 'tidy and sorted'. One reviewer was pleased with the way the cases were able to 'compress clothes into taking up much less room' inside their suitcase. The other travel item highlighted in the recent social media video was the Anko Universal Travel Adapter Kit. The $39 item is described as 'the only travel adaptor you will need in your suitcase,' according to the online product description. The travel gadget has two USB A sockets and two USB C sockets, as well as two main outlets. It also comes with four interchangeable adaptor plugs to enable your electronic devices to be plugged in while visiting the US, UK, Japan, Europe, Bali and Hong Kong. The Kmart employee also made mention of the travel adaptor coming with a drawstring storage bag, allowing you to neatly store all of the adaptors together without losing any of them. 'Handy for travelling between different countries. Small enough to fit in your hand luggage,' read one of the many five-star reviews of the Kmart adaptor. 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 Tesco has released a bizarre Birthday Cake Sandwich modelled on the classic Victoria sponge - but some shoppers are sceptical about the supermarket's latest innovation. The new, sweet sandwich comes just weeks after Marks & Spencer launched its strawberries and cream filled variant to a similarly mixed reception. Made with brioche-style white bread and packed with full-fat soft cheese, seedless strawberry jam, multi-coloured sugar sprinkles and vanilla frosting, the 3 product also forms part of Tesco's meal deal offer. Those with a Clubcard can purchase it along with a drink and snack for 3.60 while those who haven't signed up can get the meal deal for 4. Introduced as limited edition, it will be available in 1,000 stores across the country for just four weeks. The novel sandwich has, unsurprisingly, taken social media by storm - but that's not to say that customers are universally excited by the prospect of it. Taking to X, one person wasn't very enthusiastic at all, writing: 'Birthday cake sandwich being sold at Tesco. Think cake is nicer lol'. Another person wryly noted: 'Well hello Tesco Birthday cake sandwich - makes note to avoid.' Tesco Birthday Cake Style Sandwich Tesco's Birthday Cake sandwich is now available in 1,000 stores across the country The sweet sandwich has gone viral on social media, with Tesco customers taking to X to air their views A third was even more damning, adding: 'That "birthday cake" Tesco sandwich looks absolutely vile btw.' Someone else commented: 'The Tesco birthday cake sandwich tastes like the smell of a 2 large birthday cake scented candle from B&M. Don't do it. First meal deal sandwich I've had in nearly three months and it wasn't worth it'. Yet, not everyone was quick to write off Tesco's latest offering completely. One person enthused: 'I want to try that new Tesco birthday cake sandwich so bad'. A second user gave a glowing review: 'I can't lie, I rather enjoyed the Tesco birthday sandwich'. Tesco's new product is just the most recent in a string of bold sandwich launches. Last year, the supermarket released the limited edition Beechwood Ham, Egg and Chips sandwich, influenced by the traditional British 'local caff' staple of ham, egg and chips. The sandwich featured layers of succulent Beechwood ham, chopped egg mayonnaise, and salt and vinegar potato fries, topped with ketchup and all nestled between two thick slices of white bread. It is available as part of the supermarket's meal deal offer Those on X had mixed views about Tesco's latest sandwich innovation Tesco's Birthday Cake sandwich comes hot on the heels of M&S' dessert sandwich filled with strawberries and cream, designed to get Britons hooked on 'sweet sandwiches'. The retailer was charging 2.80 for the 'game-changing' limited edition Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich. The dish was filled with fruit and light whipped cream cheese on fluffy sweetened bread. It was inspired by Japanese 'sweet sandos', also known as fruit sandwiches. The east Asian nations fruit sandwiches originated as fruit shops opened near major train stations and business districts in the early 1900s. As these businesses grew, many began to open cafes to allow the public to access luxury fruits at a reasonable by incorporating them into dishes such as parfaits, shortcakes and sandwiches. M&S said that while its latest creation may be mistaken for a dessert, shoppers will find it in the regular savoury sandwich section. One person rated it '100000/10' and said it was the 'best sandwich ever' while commenting on M&S' Instagram account. Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich The high-end retailor, based in London, is charging 2.80 for the 'game-changing' limited edition Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich Another said: 'I have tried this already and it is berry berry good.' A third penned: 'Where are my car keys!!!! I need to get this NOW.' A fourth commented: 'I might have to treat myself to one on the way to work tomorrow,' while another compared it to 'cake on the go'. M&S said: 'Inspired by the Japanese sweet sandos, recently spotted popping up in London's trendiest Japanese patisseries, our product developers have long dreamed of creating a dessert sandwich. 'With our exclusive Red Diamond Strawberries at their juiciest best, the time has finally come to create the ultimate strawberries and creme experience.' M&S is saying its strawberries and cream sandwich is ideal for 'alfresco lunches, afternoon tea at home, summer picnics, courtside snack breaks or a sweet afternoon pick me up'. M&S Food first sold freshly made sandwiches in the 1920s, and expanded sales with pre-packed sandwiches in the 1980s. The retailer's food halls have sold four billion sandwiches to date. The dish is filled with fruit and light whipped cream cheese on fluffy sweetened bread and is inspired by Japanese 'sweet sandos', also known as fruit sandwiches One person rated it a '100000/10' and said it was the 'best sandwich ever' while commenting on M&S' Instagram account Strawberries and cream are a popular British dessert often enjoyed in the summer months when the fruit is in season in the UK. The combination is thought to date back to the Tudor era, where dishes of strawberries and cream would be served at Henry VIII's royal banquets. It has also been made popular after being served at Wimbledon every year and is a popular snack with spectators. Earlier this summer, Wimbledon raised the price of their world famous strawberries and cream for the first time in 15 years. The All England Club previously took great pride in freezing the price of strawberries at 2.50 per portion since 2010, but Mail Sport revealed that it was to increase by 20p for 2025. A spokesperson for the All England Club commented, 'We have taken the decision to slightly increase the price of strawberries this year from 2.50 to 2.70. 'We feel this modest increase still ensures that our world-famous strawberries are available at a very reasonable price.' With tournament running costs increasing every year, the price hike shows even Wimbledon is not immune to the cost of living crisis. The club sell around 140,000 punnets per year, meaning the new price will bring in an extra 28,000. At 2.70 the event's iconic snack is easily the best value food on site. Wimbledon is also one of the very few sporting events which allows fans to bring in their own food and drink - including alcohol - so visitors on a budget can always bring in their own strawberries. They would not be as fresh as those served up at Wimbledon, however, who only serve strawberries picked that morning and shipped in from the family-run Hugh Lowe Farm in Kent. Lady Eliza's ring is likely close to her heart owing to one very distinctive feature Lady Eliza Spencer has announced her engagement to her boyfriend of ten years Channing Millerd - and her dazzling ring was just as sparkling as expected. Princess Diana's niece, 33, showcased the costly jewel on Instagram alongside a slew of sunsoaked snaps of the proposal, which took place on the Greek island of Santorini. Front and centre was a breathtaking ring featuring a dazzling 2.50-carat pear-cut diamond set on a platinum band. UK jewellers Steven Stone have valued it at a whopping 40,000 - though this is a modest estimate compared to the rings of other royals, such as the Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle, thought to be worth 390,000 and 140,000 respectively. The choice of ring is particularly special and is likely close to Eliza's heart owing to one very distinctive feature. The ring features an elegant halo design that echoes the one worn by Eliza's famous aunt, Princess Diana, whose engagement ring featured a similar design. The stone on Eliza's ring is bordered by a halo setting, similar to the one seen in Diana's - a deep blue oval-cut sapphire surrounded by diamonds. The former prince and current king, Charles, 76, proposed to Diana in 1981 with a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire ring after six months of dating. Lady Eliza Spencer has announced her engagement to Channing Millerd and the price of the stunning ring has been revealed Eliza's ring features an elegant halo design that echoes the one worn by her famous aunt, Princess Diana, whose engagement ring featured a similar design; the late royal pictured sporting her famous engagement ring in 1996) But Princess Diana loved her engagement ring so much that she continued to wear it after her divorce from Charles in 1996. Princess Diana's ring was designed by the crown jeweller Garrard and inspired by the sapphire and diamond cluster brooch made for Prince Albert in 1840, which he went on to gift Queen Victoria as a wedding present and she wore it as her 'something blue'. At the time, it was referred to as the 'commoner's sapphire' as the ring was available in the Garrard's catalogue, meaning that anyone could have purchased it for 47,000. It seems the Princess of Wales is just as fond of the special jewel. Prince William proposed to to Kate using the engagement ring which once belonged to his mother. The future king, then 28, opted for the dazzling oval blue 18-carat sapphire and diamond ring to pop the question to his future wife while the pair were on holiday in Kenya in 2010. Kate also sported the ring for her highest-profile appearance since undergoing cancer treatment when she attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall last November. After almost a decade together, tech executive Channing popped the question to Eliza, the daughter of Charles Spencer and Victoria Aitken, in a stunning setting during sunset on the Greek island, it was revealed last week. In the post, captioned 'Forever and ever', Eliza shared a sweet photograph of her lovingly looking at her fiancee. Eliza's breathtaking ring features a dazzling 2.50 carat pear-cut diamond set on a platinum band, and UK jewellers Steven Stone have valued it at a whopping 40,000 The couple (pictured at a 2022 party in London) met at a dinner party in South Africa through Channing's brother The former prince and current king, Charles, 76, proposed to Diana in 1981 with a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire ring after six months of dating The snap showcased the model's new ring, which features a lavish pear-shaped diamond. A second photograph appeared to capture the moment Channing got down on one knee to the model during a romantic candlelit dinner overlooking the sea. Eliza, a first cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, put on an elegant display for the special moment in a silk red halter-neck dress and brown sandals. Friends and family rushed to congratulate the couple in the comment section, including Eliza's twin sister, Lady Amelia Spencer, who wrote, 'The best news ever', before adding, 'I couldn't 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.' The model's elder sister, Lady Kitty Spencer, 34, also congratulated the couple on Instagram, writing, 'So happy for you and love you both very much @elizavspencer @channingmillerd.' Prince William proposed to to Kate using the engagement ring which once belonged to his mother Princess Diana loved her engagement ring so much that she continued to wear it after her divorce from Charles in 1996 Eliza and Channing first met at a dinner party in South Africa through the executive's brother, Greg Mallet, according to Hello. Talking to the publication, Eliza said, 'We have such a strong, loving and supportive relationship.' 'He truly is my best friend. We understand each other so well, and no matter what life brings, we're always there for one another.' Eliza added, 'I absolutely believe he's The One our bond is built on so much trust, laughter and shared values.' Eliza and Amelia live in London's Fulham, around 15 minutes away from their elder sister, though they travel a lot, including back to South Africa, from where their partners hail. Following the union, the model will become a stepmother to Channing's son from a previous relationship, Nate, who the loving father has dubbed his 'perfect boy' on Instagram. In an interview with Hello in March, Eliza said that she likes the idea of a destination wedding, particularly in Italy. A couple who posed for a romantic photo by the seaside have revealed how they nearly died mere seconds later when the railing collapsed. Ben Walsh, 40, from Retford in Nottinghamshire, and girlfriend Laura Taylor, 38, were strolling along the promenade in Gourock in Renfrew, near Glasgow when they stopped for a scenic snap. But as the picture was being taken, the railing the couple were leaning against gave way - leaving Ben dangling head-first above a 15-foot drop. Ben had to be pulled back to safety by his ankles by his terrified parents Ian, 66, and Rachel, 60, and luckily passersby ran to his aid. The couple took a photo afterwards showing the broken banister by the Scottish seaside. Ben has now recalled the 'nightmare' experience, adding that everyone present felt 'traumatised' by it. He said: 'Laura went forwards and I went backwards. I fell towards the edge but somehow managed to save myself by wrapping my leg round the pole. 'My mum, dad and Laura were screaming for help and pulled me to safety with the help of two passers by running to help. Ben Walsh, 40, from Retford in Nottinghamshire, and girlfriend Laura Taylor, 38, were strolling along the promenade in Gourock, Renfrew, when they stopped for a scenic snap 'They all somehow managed to pull me by the ankle to safety. 'One lady ran down to the bottom to try to do something if I fell. The adrenalin just kicked in and I somehow survived. 'I can't thank the couple enough for running over and helping save my life. 'But I could easily have died. I couldn't sleep that night from going over it all in my head. 'It was like a nightmare. We were all absolutely traumatised by it.' Ben, Laura, and his parents Ian, and Rachel, were visiting Gourock on a motorbike tour of Scotland. They'd stopped off in Gourock to take in some sights before catching the ferry to Argyll. The horror fall was captured on Laura's phone as it happened. Ben added: 'It had been such a lovely evening. We had travelled up from Lumley Castle in Durham that day. We are travelling around Scotland in our motorbikes. Ben, Laura, and his parents Ian, and Rachel, were visiting Gourock on a motorbike tour of Scotland As the picture was being taken the railing the couple were leaning against gave way- leaving Ben dangling head-first above a 15-foot drop The couple took a photo afterwards showing the broken banister in Gourock, Inverclyde, Scotland Ben, a training manager with the National Grid, says he is now seriously concerned about the safety of all the barriers in the area and called for an investigation. Pictured: The collapsed barrier 'We were staying in a wee holiday let next to Cleats Bar. We had a fantastic meal at Cafe Continental and went for a walk along the waterfront. 'It was a beautiful night, and we stopped so Laura and I could get a photograph taken. We leaned back and then it all happened.' Ben, a training manager with the National Grid, says he is now seriously concerned about the safety of all the barriers in the area and called for an investigation. He said: 'What concerns me the most is this railing appeared to have been welded recently. So a repair must have been carried out. 'It could have easily been an elderly person or a child. They might not have been so lucky. 'It is extremely lucky I managed to hold on and survived. 'We didn't know what to do after it happened. We brought the rail back up, and we managed to find a traffic cone before we reported it. 'I work with health and safety every single day. This needs to be investigated.' The horror fall was captured on Laura's phone as it happened, luckily Ben was able to wrap his leg around the poll to stop himself from falling Inverclyde Council immediately took action to cordon off the section of fence that gave way. A spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the incident and understand the concerns that have been raised. 'A programme of inspections and repairs of seafront railings is currently being carried out in the surrounding area, and more widely across Gourock, as part of our ongoing asset management responsibilities and commitment to public safety. 'A review is currently under way to determine the cause of the issue at this location and to ensure that any necessary follow-up actions are taken.' Ben concluded: 'I applaud the councils quick reaction as they barriered the area off first thing the following morning. 'I saw similarly rotten, broken railings in Oban after I left Gourock. I have also read of similar things happening across the country, for example Devon. 'All I ask is that people are careful when they are posing for photographs this summer in similar locations. 'You wouldn't expect an item which is there for your safety to be unsafe, but this proves it can happen.' Meghan Markle's former global press secretary has found herself a new celebrity client. Ashley Hansen, who stepped down as the Head of Communications for Meghan's Archewell last year, now appears to be representing Real Housewives of Orange County star Katie Ginella. Ginella announced their partnership on social media last month, writing, 'Adding another member to team Ginella. Let me introduce you to Ashley Hansen.' Much like Meghan before her, Ginella is currently dealing with a serious PR crisis. On the latest season of RHOC, the 41-year-old has found herself on the outs with all of her castmates after being accused of repeatedly lying. She was also accused of colluding with Bravo bloggers to 'leak stories' about her castmates, which she said on an episode of Watch What Happens Live was 'not true'. She also denied calling blogger Christina Huber aka The Bravo Babe, but Huber later produced screenshots of their call log to prove otherwise. Additionally, Ginella was exposed for secretly recording co-star Shannon Beador at a photoshoot and then playing the recording for two other women on the show. Meghan Markle's former global press secretary Ashley Hansen (left) has found herself a new celebrity client Ginella admitted to secretly recording Beador, and then said that she had played the recording to Alexis Bellino and Jen Pedranti. However, she later walked back the admission and said that she had only played it for her husband Matt, leaving some viewers confused over what actually happened. In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Ginella defended herself by claiming that her castmates were 'looking for anything to point out that Ive done wrong' because she was 'so well received' by fans of the show during her rookie season last year. In another interview with Page Six this week, Ginella accused two of her castmates, Jen Pedranti and Gretchen Rossi, of sharing a racially 'inappropriate' video online. 'Theres a very inappropriate video going around where two girls are pretending to fight, squinting their eyes and making Asian faces to Asian sounds,' she said. 'Its very hurtful and inappropriate. Its 2025 and I think we should read the room,' added Ginella, who is the first Asian-American cast member on RHOC. Rossi responded to Ginella, telling Page Six, 'The video we made was not directed at Katie and was not meant to be hateful. Once it was addressed to us that it could be taken offensively, we took it down immediately.' Hansen was previously Meghan and Prince Harry's PR chief for more than two years. She was also the Head of Communications for Archewell and oversaw the publicity for some of Markle's various projects, including her controversial Archetypes podcast. Hansen now appears to be representing Real Housewives of Orange County star Katie Ginella Ginella is currently on the outs with the entire RHOC cast after she was caught in several lies She stepped down from her role last year to launch her own PR consulting firm, Three Gate Strategies. Hansen is still advising the Duke and Duchess through her new firm, whilst providing oversight to their international communications team. Commenting on the change, Meghan said in a statement last year: 'We are so proud of Ashley, especially as a female entrepreneur. 'We look forward to having her focused expertise on our business and creative projects and her continued oversight of our communications team. 'My husband and I are excited to be alongside Ashley as she builds something extraordinarily special with her firm.' Hansen, meanwhile, said: 'I am incredibly grateful to The Duke and Duchess for their continued trust in me. Their unwavering support and belief in my new firm has been meaningful and is a testament to their leadership. 'I knew when they first hired me that they were giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and I couldnt be happier to continue working together.' Hansen reflected on her working relationship with Harry and Meghan in an interview with Dear Media earlier this year. Hansen She stepped down from her role with Meghan and Harry's Archewell last year to launch her own PR consulting firm, Three Gate Strategies 'Theres never a day where theyre not in the news,' she said. 'With most celebrities, theres an ebb and flowa movie comes out, theres press, then it dies down. But with Meghan, its constant. Like, presidential-level constant.' She added, 'We read everything. Twitter, Quora, Redditwed monitor it all because you have to know whats out there.' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex later replaced Hansen with Meredith Maines. In a statement, Maines said: 'I'm honored to partner with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to highlight the amazing work they are doing through Archewell, their broader business portfolio, and nonprofit work.' She was most recently employed at Lightspeed Venture Partners and previously held positions at Google, Hulu and American idol. A Harvard-trained gut health expert has warned that everyday items in kitchens, bathrooms and even laundry rooms could be quietly wreaking havoc on your health. From scratched frying pans to plastic water bottles, Dr Saurabh Sethi says most people are 'unknowingly exposed' to harmful chemicals. These chemicals can damage the gut, disrupt hormones and even affect brain health - and the worst part is, they're hiding in plain sight. 1. Scratched or chipped non-stick pans At the top of Dr Sethi's list are damaged nonstick pans. 'If it's scratched or chipped, it's done,' he warned. Some cookware can release toxic fumes and microplastics, especially when heated to high temperatures. Instead, he recommends switching to ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel cookware for safety. Some cookware can release toxic fumes and microplastics, especially when heated to high temperatures 2. Artificial sweeteners Popular sugar substitutes like aspartame and sucralose can disrupt gut bacteria, interfere with appetite signals and are linked to glucose intolerance. Pure monk fruit, stevia, or whole fruit are healthier alternatives that won't compromise gut health. 3. Plastic water bottles Particularly in the heat, plastic bottles can leach hormone-disrupting chemicals such as BPA even those labelled BPA-free. Dr Sethi advises making the switch to stainless steel or glass bottles to avoid these exposures altogether. 4. Ultra-processed packaged foods Dr Sethi says many packaged snacks and ready meals are packed with seed oils, emulsifiers, gums, and preservatives, all of which can damage the gut lining and affect metabolism. Dr Sethi advises making the switch to stainless steel or glass bottles instead of plastic 'If you can't recognise the ingredients, leave it on the shelf,' he said, recommending whole, minimally processed foods instead. 5. Scented candles and air fresheners Your home's fragrance could be doing more harm than good. Dr Sethi warns that many candles and sprays contain phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are linked to hormone disruption and inflammation. Beeswax candles, essential oil diffusers, or just good ventilation are safer options. 6. Deli meats with preservatives Cold cuts and processed meats often contain sodium nitrite and nitrate, preservatives linked to inflammation, changes in the gut microbiome, and even increased cancer risk. Dr Sethi says opting for freshly cooked meats is a better choice for long-term health. Many laundry products are loaded with synthetic fragrances and phthalates that cling to clothing and can irritate the skin and disrupt hormones over time 7. Antibacterial soaps with triclosan Triclosan doesn't just kill harmful bacteria it wipes out good bacteria too, potentially harming the skin barrier and, indirectly, gut health. Dr Sethi recommends sticking to plain soap and water for everyday use. 8. Fragrance-heavy laundry detergents and dryer sheets Many laundry products are loaded with synthetic fragrances and phthalates that cling to clothing and can irritate the skin and disrupt hormones over time. Dr Sethi suggests switching to fragrance-free detergents or using wool dryer balls with a few drops of essential oil. 'You don't need to fear everything,' Dr Sethi said. 'But reducing your toxin load is one of the easiest ways to support your gut, brain, and hormones.' A new study has revealed fatigue, anxiety and pain are little known signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) that can strike 15 years before more well-known symptoms. Typical symptoms of the autoimmune condition include difficulties walking, vision problem, numbness and muscle cramps. The latest analysis looked at the health records of 12,000 people, tracking physician visits in the 25 years leading up to the onset of MS symptoms. It was the first study to examine healthcare usage this far back into a patient's clinical history. They found a steady increase in the number of visits to a GP as early as 15 years before neurological symptoms set in. This included an increase in visits to physicians for symptoms like fatigue, pain, dizziness, anxiety and depression. The visits to psychiatrists for mental health problems specifically increased 12 years before. But the researchers cautioned that not everyone who has these symptoms will go on to get the debilitating condition. A new study has revealed anxiety can be a sign of MS can appear more than a decade before They also found visits to neurologists and ophthalmologistsalso known as eye doctorsfor blurry vision or eye pain increased eight to nine years before. Then they saw an increase in visits to emergency and radiology departments three to five years before. And finally, they observed an increase in visits to specialist physicians like neurologists a year before. These patterns show signs 'something is happening beneath the surface' before it declares itself as MS, said Dr. Marta Ruiz-Alguero, a postdoctoral fellow at UBC, the study's first author. The earliest signs they observed 'can be easily mistaken for other conditions', warned Dr Helen Tremlett, professor of neurology at UBC's faculty. They believe their findings 'dramatically shift the timeline for when these early warning signs are thought to begin'. And they potentially open the door to opportunities for earlier detection and intervention, added Dr Tremlett. Previously other researchers had found symptoms that appear five years before, such as constipation, urinary tract infections, and sexual problems. The latest study follows soaring ratesan estimated 150,000 people with MS in the UK , and nearly 7,100 more people being diagnosed each year MS is a life-changing, incurable condition affecting the brain and spinal cord that causes debilitating muscle spasms, among other symptoms. While MS does not directly kill, at advanced stages, it can cause weakness in the chest muscles, leading to difficulty breathing and swallowingwhich can have life-threatening complications. Those in the late stage of the illness are also extremely vulnerable to potentially deadly infections. Some studies show that MS patients are up to 75 per cent more likely to die young than those without the disease. Most people find out they have MS in their thirties and forties, but the first signs can start years earlier. The latest study comes amid a concerning rise in cases, with around 150,000 people living with MS in the UK. This is up from around 130,000 in 2019, according to recent research by the MS Society. While experts don't know the reason cases are on the rise, possible factors are infections, a lack of vitamin D, smoking, solvents, obesity, and stress. It is important to spot the early signs of the condition, as while there is no cure for MS, treatments can slow the progression of the disease. The type of treatment you will need depends on the type of the disease patients have: relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive. Relapse and remitting MS involves flare-ups of symptoms where they get worse (relapse) and get better (remission). Over time it often develops into secondary progressive MS, when symptoms are there all the time, and get slowly worse. In the less common case of primary progressive MS, symptoms slowly getting worse over time without periods of them going away or getting better. Treatments may include several types of medication such as steroids, disease-modifying therapies, muscle relaxants, and those to treat pain and other symptoms. Other types of support include advice on fatigue, physiotherapy, mobility equipment, talking therapies, and cognitive rehabilitation. Patients should be monitored for a year after stopping weight loss jabs to prevent them piling the pounds back on, new guidelines say. The drugs watchdog is concerned about the number of people regaining weight after coming off the likes of Wegovy and Mounjaro. They must now be offered structured advice and follow-up support to help them maintain healthy lifestyles for the long-term, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said. Its guidance applies to everyone who obtains the treatments through the NHS in England and Wales - and healthcare workers are expected to comply immediately. An estimated 1.5 million people are taking weight loss jabs in the UK but the vast majority are paying around 200 a month to obtain them privately. Some 240,000 people with greatest need are set to receive Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, through the NHS over the next three years. The new quality standard from Nice tells health providers they should monitor NHS patients for at least a year after they complete treatment and offer extra tailored support if needed. It says: This could include practical advice from programmes like NHS Better Health on changing daily habits or making adjustments at home or work to avoid slipping back. An estimated 1.5 million people are taking weight loss jabs in the UK The guidance emphasises the need to establish long-term behavioural habits and suggests the use of regular check-ins, community support groups, local activity classes, and help developing sustainable routines. Studies found people injected with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, lost 14 per cent of their body weight over 72 weeks. And those taking Mounjaro, known as the king kong of weight-loss jabs, lost 20 per cent of their body weight over the the same period. But research also shows that many people regain weight after stopping treatment if they do not get the right help. Health officials say this can negatively affect their physical and mental health. Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at Nice, said: Successful weight management doesnt end when medication stops or when someone completes a behavioural programme. We know that the transition period after treatment is crucial, and people need structured support to maintain the positive changes theyve made. This new standard makes sure services provide that vital continuity of care, and it supports the NHS 10 Year Plan to shift from a sickness service to a genuine health service focused on prevention. The drugs watchdog is concerned about the number of people regaining weight after coming off fat jabs In England, 29 per cent of adults are obese and 64 per cent or overweight or obese. Obesity places extra pressure on the NHS and wider economy by increasing the risk type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and musculoskeletal problems. Estimates suggest obesity costs the NHS 11.4 billion a year, with a wider economic impact of 74.3 billion due to lost productivity, unemployment and increased demand for social care. Dr Rebecca Payne, chair of Nices Quality Standards Advisory Committee, added: Weight management is a long-term journey, not a short-term fix. The evidence is clear that advice and support for maintaining weight after stopping medicines or completing behavioural interventions can help prevent weight regain and enable people to experience lasting benefits. 'Weve seen excellent examples of services that already provide comprehensive discharge planning and ongoing support. This quality standard will help ensure all healthcare providers adopt these best practices, giving every person the best chance of maintaining their weight management success over the long term. This standard ensures healthcare services are equipped to provide that essential ongoing support. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: There is no one-size fits all approach to tackling obesity - what works for one patient will likely not work for another, and as with any medication, weight-loss drugs do not come without risk. Its also the case that patients will likely need support to sustain their weight loss once they stop taking the medication. As such, this is important and sensible guidance from NICE. As a College weve been clear that whilst weight loss medications have significant potential benefits for patients who are struggling to lose weight, they mustnt be seen as a silver bullet, and ensuring access to sufficient wraparound" services particularly for when patients come off their medication will be key to optimal health outcomes. We need to see a greater focus on prevention, stopping people becoming overweight in the first place so they dont require a medical intervention later. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: Pharmacies take their responsibilities seriously to provide full wrap around support to patients trying to achieve a healthy weight. We know that although medication can be effective in speeding up weight loss in some people, it is not a silver bullet and patients need to make long term lifestyle changes to make their weight loss sustainable. The current NHS roll out of weight loss treatment is very small, with only a handful of patients receiving it and it will continue to be the case that the vast majority of eligible patients will be seen by their pharmacy. Jackie O'Carroll was 'a busy mum of three', working in HR at Rotherham Council, when she underwent surgery to treat urinary incontinence caused by childbirth. 'When I was out jumping around with the kids, I was a bit incontinent,' she recalls. 'Surgeons at my local hospital said I might have a prolapse and they had a gold-standard surgical treatment. 'The doctor drew a diagram and from that it seemed that they were going to use one of my own tendons as a sling to hold up my bladder,' she says. But straight after the operation, Jackie says, 'I felt like my pelvis was on fire. I knew something was not right. But the medical staff said everything would settle down.' It didn't. 'In a sense the op had worked, as I no longer had urinary incontinence,' she says. But I constantly had this agonising, scraping pain in my pelvis. Months turned into years and it didn't go away. 'My GP was throwing painkillers at me and I ended up on morphine. I was so worn down I couldn't do much with the kids. And intimacy with my husband stopped; it hurt too much.' At one point Jackie's mental health plummeted and she took to her bedroom, not dressing, hardly eating. 'It took me months to get back into the world of the living,' she says. 'Nevertheless doctors still told me the pains were in my head.' Jackie O'Carroll was left in constant pain after receiving a mesh implant to treat her incontinence Kath Sansom, founder of the campaign group Sling The Mesh, has been trying to get justice for women impacted by mesh implants Polypropylene pelvic mesh implants have been linked to chronic pain and other side effects in women Then, seven years after her surgery, Jackie learned that, in fact, rather than her own tendon, a form of surgical mesh had been used to support her bladder. She was one of the thousands of British women harmed by polypropylene pelvic mesh implants that had eroded and hardened inside them, causing chronic pain and other symptoms that ended careers, harmed families, ruined sex lives and destroyed marriages. Five years ago, it seemed that these women had finally won their fight for justice. Following a campaign championed by the Daily Mail, an official review, First Do No Harm, recommended that all new pelvic mesh insertion operations be paused for safety's sake, that hospital records should be trawled through to find all women harmed by mesh, and injured victims be compensated. But on the fifth anniversary of the review's publication, campaigners say that most of the review's recommendations have not been implemented leaving mesh victims without justice or redress and, as Good Health can reveal, with more women having their health threatened by new NHS mesh operations. Kath Sansom, founder of the Sling The Mesh campaign, told Good Health: 'The Government has dragged its feet on the most critical reforms. 'Women are without state compensation and still being failed by a health system that was supposed to protect them.' Evidence shows that despite the review's call for a pause on women's mesh operations, surgical mesh is being implanted into women on the NHS as an add-on to silicone breast implants after breast cancer. As Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP for Washington and Gateshead South, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for First Do No Harm, told Good Health: 'To have this little progress five years on from the publication of the report is hugely disappointing. 'Crucially, thousands of women and families who were irreversibly harmed through no fault of their own are yet to see compensation because ministers have not acted on the First Do No Harm review recommendation,' she says. 'Money will not make up for all they have endured but it would at the least remove the financial burden placed on their lives.' But there is concern payouts could take years or even decades. Last month, Sir Brian Langstaff, chair of the public inquiry into the infected blood scandal where more than 30,000 people in the UK were given treatments infected with HIV, hepatitis C and/or hepatitis B between the 1970s and 1990s, causing more than 3,000 deaths warned that thousands of victims are being 'harmed further' by long waits for compensation. That same week Sir Wyn Williams, head of the inquiry into the Post Office scandal, criticised the 'formidable difficulties' facing the 10,000 victims claiming redress from a system he called slow and 'unnecessarily adversarial'. Jackie, now 54, does not expect to see compensation in her lifetime for the devastation mesh caused her including, as with many mesh victims, years of being dismissed by doctors for 'imagining' her pain. In 2017, a friend sent Jackie an article about Ms Sansom and her Sling The Mesh Campaign. She recalls: 'The penny dropped. I wasn't this crazy woman. I went straight to my GP with the information and she agreed I had the same symptoms that Kath described.' Jackie was referred to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. Surgeons confirmed she did have the mesh implant and that it could be removed. 'I didn't have the op until 2019,' says Jackie. 'By then I had lost my beloved job at Rotherham Council because I could no longer function. After the op, I was told the mesh had been removed. But still I had problems with pain, even though my incontinence had not returned.' Jackie demanded to see her notes, which showed that only a part of the mesh had been extracted. She was promised a further operation. 'But then Covid happened,' she says. 'Finally, I had the operation at Manchester Royal Infirmary last year, but while they removed much more of the mesh, they said they were not equipped to take all of it out.' Now Jackie has been referred for intricate urology surgery by specialists at Bristol Royal Infirmary and is awaiting a date. 'They say the remaining mesh can be removed, but I will end up with a stoma [so will have to have a colostomy bag],' says Jackie. 'This may be temporary or permanent. But if I am finally free of pain afterwards I won't mind. 'I feel the most positive I've been for years, because there is a light at the end of the tunnel no longer having this thing inside, poisoning me. But I have no hopes for financial redress for all my losses.' Jackie adds: 'Like with infected blood, it's getting dragged out for so long that if there is any redress I expect it will go to my children, not me, because I won't be around to see it.' And now Good Health has learned a similar style of polypropylene mesh is being trialled in the UK for breast reconstruction operations after cancer treatment and in cosmetic surgery. This is being led by John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and conducted at five NHS hospitals in London and South East England. Ms Sansom told Good Health: 'We are aware of a current UK trial called Restore B, comparing silicone implant only with silicone implant plus mesh in breast cancer reconstruction operations. The patient leaflet does not warn of mesh risks.' She says Sling The Mesh learned of the trial through one of its members who previously suffered a pelvic-mesh injury, and who later developed breast cancer and was offered mesh as part of her breast reconstruction. 'She was horrified,' says Ms Sansom. A spokesman for the University of Oxford confirmed that some women in the trial would receive a mesh implant containing polypropylene, but added that any prospective patients would be warned beforehand 'of all known or reported complications from other mesh-related surgeries, even though these are not known to apply to breast surgery'. Ms Hodgson says she is 'very concerned about wherever and whenever mesh is used'. 'I believe it should only ever be used in a life or death situation. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care told Good Health: 'The harm caused by pelvic mesh continues to be felt today. 'Our sympathies are with those affected and we are fully focused on how best to support patients and prevent future harm.' Surgeons today issued fresh warnings over the dangers of Brazilian butt lifts after a model claimed she enlarged her buttock by 50 inches. The procedure, also known as a BBL, involves taking fat from the hips, abdomen and other areas via liposuction, before injecting it into the bottom. The result is a bigger, more pert behindtheoretically at least. But experts have long warned of the dangers of BBLs, which can prove fatal, including ruptured blood vessels and serious skin infections. Now, one US model and influencer has claimed she underwent a 50-inch double BBL and can only fly first class as she can't squeeze into economy seats. Annie Grant, from Los Angeles in California, said the procedurewhich cost $50,000has left her 'super confident', but also unable to sit on rollercoasters, cinema seats or even squeeze into a pair of jeans. Surgeons, however, today cautioned a BBL of this size 'crosses the line between aesthetics and excess' and 'puts lives at risk'. Dr Leonard Josipovic, a consultant plastic surgeon at Seline Clinic in London told the Daily Mail: 'As a plastic surgeon, I always ask "what is truly beautiful?" One US model and influencer has claimed she underwent a 50-inch double BBL and can only fly first class as she can't squeeze into economy seats Annie Grant, from Los Angeles in California , said the procedurewhich cost $50,000has left her 'super confident', but also unable to sit on rollercoasters, cinema seats or even squeeze into a pair of jeans Fat is first harvested from the hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs and other areas via liposuction . Special equipment is used to prepare it for transfer before it is injected directly into the glutes at specific points, giving the buttocks a bigger, curvier appearance 'A 50-inch butt may get attention, but it often crosses the line between aesthetics and excessand can be life-threatening. 'BBLs carry the highest death rate of any cosmetic procedure, mainly due to fat embolism when done improperly. 'True beauty is about balance and proportion, not extremes. 'When performed safely and conservatively, a BBL can enhance natural curvesbut pushing the limits puts lives at risk.' According to Ms Grant, the surgery was all worth it to achieve the 'hot' look of her dreams. The 26-year-old spent the five-figure sum undergoing surgery in April 2023 and November 2024, and claimed she now lives in lycra leggings and shorts. She said: 'I never fly economy. I have to fly first class now because I can't fit in economy. 'If there's no space in first class I have to get a flight the next day so I have more room. The 26-year-old spent the five-figure sum undergoing surgery in April 2023 and November 2024, and claimed she now lives in lycra leggings and shorts She said: 'I've made more money thanks to my BBLsthey've made life a lot easier when it comes to content creation' 'I tend to travel in leggings and people stare at me everywhere I go. 'I've had flight attendants and other passengers look at me snootily. They don't say anything but I get a lot of stares.' 'I wanted a peachy, more curvaceous bum, I like big butts. I just wanted to be hotter and now it's 50 inches, it's really big. 'I used to love amusement parks but I can't sit on the rides anymore so when someone asks me to go to one I can't. 'One time I couldn't sit in a chair. My butt was too big for me to lie down, I needed a little hole for it, so I lay across two chairs.' But she added: 'I've made more money thanks to my BBLsthey've made life a lot easier when it comes to content creation. 'I feel super confident now. I'm really into fashion and now I can dress the way I want to. 'I'm not focused on dating, I just want to spend time with my family at the moment.' Liposuction that offers to remove up to 15 litres of fat, BBL's, eye colour changing laser treatments and hymenoplasties are all offered in clinics across Turkey According to Ms Grant, the surgery was all worth it to achieve the 'hot' look of her dreams On average, the procedure costs around 6,000 in the UK. But according to the NHS, it could be priced as high as 8,000. There may also be additional costs for consultations, aftercare and further treatment sessions, if required. Yet, adverts for the procedure abroad, meanwhile, claim people can pay as little as $2,750 (2,190). BBLs, however, are one of the most dangerous types of cosmetic surgery available. The risk of death is higher than most operations, currently estimated at one in 15,000. This is because fat injected into dense buttock muscle does not stay there. Instead, the liquid squeezes through the muscle fibres, stretching delicate blood vessels and causing them to rupture. Such a complication is what killed Leah Cambridge, 29, a British mother who died in August 2018 after paying 6,500 to get a BBL in Turkey. Generic side effects include bruising, swelling, temporary numbness and scars. One BBL complication killed Leah Cambridge, 29, a British mother who died in August 2018 after paying 6,500 to get a BBL in Turkey And, like any op, it carries the risk of excessive bleeding and an infection. In her response to Ms Kerr's prevention of future death report, Maria Caulfield, minister for mental health and women's health strategy, wrote: 'The risk of death for BBL surgery is at least 10 times higher than many other cosmetic procedures, and it has the highest death rate of all cosmetic procedures.' Last year, London-based aesthetic surgeon Dr Veerle Rotsaert also told the Daily Mail she discourages patients from getting any BBL and instead recommends they go to the gym and do squats. She said: 'In my practice if people want more volume in the buttocks area, I first of all educate them on normal anatomy. 'I recommend going to the gym to do squats.' Dr Rotsaert also urged Brits to shy away from BBLs, stating that the 'Kardashian body type is a trend'. 'And we all know trends go out of fashion at some stage.' A heartbroken widow has warned people against taking a potent 'horse de-wormer', after her husband died believing it was helping him prevent cancer. Lee Redpath, from Cambridgeshire, bought the drug fenbendazolewhich is not licensed for human consumptiononline from a supplier in Ukraine early last year. The 45-year-old had become worried about developing the disease after a relative was diagnosed and had reportedly seen social media posts claiming the drug could help cure cancer. Typically used to treat gastrointestinal parasites in animals including roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms, it was even touted by Mel Gibson earlier this year while appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. The Oscar-winning actor claimed a cocktail of drugs including fenbendazole had cured several friends of stage 4 cancerthe deadliest form of the disease. But very limited research has suggested fenbendazole has anti-cancer properties in some cases. Other larger studies have reported severe intestinal injury and liver failure by adults taking the drug. Mr Redpath self-administered fenbendazole for at least three weeks before he was admitted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge on April 12, 2024 with signs of liver failure. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly despite treatment and he passed away just two weeks later in hospital on April 29. Lee Redpath, from Cambridgeshire, bought the drug fenbendazolewhich is not licensed for human consumptiononline from a supplier in Ukraine early last year. Pictured, with partner Lauren The 45-year-old had become worried about developing the disease after a relative was diagnosed and had reportedly seen social media posts claiming the drug could help cure cancer At an inquest into his death, the coroner determined that Mr Redpath, who had a history of drug and excess alcohol use, would still be alive had he not have taken fenbendazole. Now, his partner Lauren Laul has urged people against taking it warning they may be 'unknowingly killing themselves'. Speaking at the inquest in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, she said: 'He saw it [the drug] online, thought it was safe, people in America are using it. 'He didn't have medical assistance taking it so I think some sort of warning should be made. 'I am seeing it advertised online and people can get it themselves like Lee did and unknowingly be killing themselves because they didn't have all the information.' In his evidence, Dr Gwilym Webb, a consultant hepatologist at Addenbrooke's also said fenbendazole was not licensed for human consumption in the UK and had 'no proven benefit for preventing or treating cancer in humans.' Dr Webb told the court that despite Mr Redpath's liver failure, he was not considered eligible for a transplant because he had been misusing alcohol in the three months prior to admission. The court heard that Mr Redpath had a history of drug and alcohol use, but it wasn't this that caused his death. Very limited research has suggested fenbendazole has anti-cancer properties in some cases. Other larger studies have reported severe intestinal injury and liver failure by adults taking the drug Mr Redpath self-administered fenbendazole for at least three weeks before he was admitted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge on April 12, 2024 with signs of liver failure A post-mortem found it was Mr Redpath's use of fenbendazole which inflicted an acute injury to his liver and ultimately led to his admission. Assistant coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Caroline Jones, concluded: 'I was satisfied as to the toxic effects of fenbendazole and that it was this that was the primary cause of the injury. 'It is a potent anti-worming treatment which was taken at far higher relative doses than had ever been envisaged and over a far longer time scale. 'While Lee may have taken fenbendazole with good intentions to improve his health, it constituted a deliberate act with the unintended consequence of his death.' Miss Jones added that she was 'concerned' that people could buy the drug over the internet and would contact the local public health team to learn more about the scale of the problem to learn whether there was a need for a formal report. It comes as Mel Gibson controversially told Joe Rogan in January that three of his friends with stage four cancer had all taken ivermectin and fenbendazole, both drugs usually given to treat infections caused by roundworms and other parasites. The Lethal Weapon star then sensationally claimed all three friends 'don't have cancer right now.' 'This stuff works, man,' he added. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly despite treatment and he passed away just two weeks later in hospital on April 29 Actor Mel Gibson, 69, left Joe Rogan shocked when he claimed three of his friends with stage four cancer allegedly cured their disease with anti-parasitic drugs ivermectin and fenbendazole Podcaster Rogan controversially agreed with Gibson, claiming 'This stuff does work, which is strange because it's not profit' His comments alarmed doctors globally, with many since reporting they have seen patients with early, treatable cancer choosing ivermectin over traditional care such as chemotherapyonly to return months later when tumours have spread to their bones and brain. In 2021, a series of three case studies with advanced cancer found that all three patients had their tumors shrink after taking fendendazole. However, the authors stressed more research is needed. A handful of scientific papers have been published in recent years suggesting fenbendazole has anti-cancer propertiesincluding a 2020 review from scientists in Tennessee, which found the drug slowed lung cancer growth in some mice with the disease. Another study from this year that reviewed six human cases where tumors shrank after taking the drug concluded fenbendazole 'stands out' as a possible new cancer therapy. However, multiple other larger studies have shown significant risks. Doctors in South Koreawhich saw a surge in people taking the drug to combat cancer in 2019said it left some patients with intestinal necrosis, a severe medical condition where part of the intestine dies. When Jeanette Hedstrom was asked to make the biggest decision of her life the stakes were highit truly was life or death. The 42-year-old was involved in a head on collision in Jonkoping, Sweden, in July 2004 when a car driven by her sister was in a head-on collision. Ms Hedstrom's seatbelt pushed all of her internal organs up under her heart, with her intestines torn out, diaphragm ruptured, and both lungs puncturedshe should have died on impact. But, as she watched her 'smashed to pieces' body being worked on by paramedics at the roadside, she found herself floating upwards, where she was greeted by two angels and the ghost of her dead godmother. Ms Hedstrom, from Gothenburg, recalls hearing a voice whispering, 'Let go, I've got you', as a bright beam of light transported her to a 'loving and peaceful' waiting room. She said, 'I couldn't breathe and everything hurt. I kept yelling: "I'm dying" over and over. 'All I wanted was to go home - and then I left my body. 'I saw everything unfold, like a movie scene, where I couldn't even comprehend that my physical form was still in the car and I was just a soul floating above. Jeanette Hedstrom had a near death experience in July 2024 A car driven by her sister was involved in a head on collision 'I didn't want to die - my body was fighting with every ounce of strength to survive - but then I surrendered when I heard that voice. '[In the waiting room] immediately, I decided I was going to stay there. 'It felt perfect; I had such a deep sense of belonging. 'But it was made clear very quickly that this was just a step in my path, and that I had to return to my broken body to heal it. 'It felt like I was there for an eternity.' Here, in this mysterious chamber which traversed two realities, the trio of benevolent energies showed Ms Hedstrom her future if she returned to Earthincluding her future husband and their unborn childrenand what would happen if she chose to stay dead. She said: 'I saw how I would extinguish the lights and vibrations of my children I had yet to meet and create. 'The angels showed me how important it was for life to carry on. Medics believed she wouldn't survive, but as she began breathing on the ventilator, they were left in disbelief 'The voices of everyone on Earth praying for me - my friends, mother, father and sister - all asking me to survive and fight played in my ears. 'I knew I couldn't let them down. 'I had to explore my future as the angels predicted; so I made the decision to return.' She woke up three days later in the hospital, where she had been undergoing emergency surgery to save her life. As the damage was so severe, every organ in her abdomen had been removed, and her body was filled with fluid, so they could float freely when placed back to ease pressure. Medics believed she wouldn't survive, but as she began breathing on the ventilator, they were left in disbelief. She said, 'It was called a miracle the way I healed. 'I only remained on the ventilator for three more days. 'I never saw [my husband] physically, but I felt his energy so clearly.' 'In that time, I had my eyelids stitched back together, a titanium rod put in my arm, and three vertebrae in my back fused. 'They didn't know what the outcome would be; if I'd ever walk again or be without chronic pain. 'But all it took was one month to heal. The speed at which I recovered was beyond explanation.' Ms Hedstromwho now runs a creative healing centre called Seven Lakes, deep in the Swedish woodshas no lasting injuries or complications from the incident in 2004, even though on paper she's classified as disabled. She believes the place she entered was a portal into the rebirth of her soul. And for her future? The angels were spot on. She added: 'I never saw [my husband] physically, but I felt his energy so clearly. 'It was like I recognised his soul long before we met. 'And yes - it turned out to be the right man, the one I knew deep within I was meant to meet. 'I experienced the death of my false self and the rebirth into my soul's path.' 'I also felt the presence of our children; I sensed them before they came. 'There were three distinct energies I connected with. 'Today, we have two beautiful children - but one is missing. 'I lost a son in pregnancy, and maybe he was the third one I felt; or maybe there's still a surprise waiting for us. 'When [my future] all began to unfold, it felt like a deep remembrance, rather than a surprise. 'It was as if life was confirming what I had already seen with my inner eye. 'I carry a completely different relationship to life now. 'I want to live, and I know it's important that I'm here. 'I experienced the death of my false self and the rebirth into my soul's path. 'It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen - and yet, the most painful. 'Almost dying is one of my biggest gifts and taught me such valuable life lessons that I guide others with now. 'I wouldn't want to go back to how things were before - I'm no longer living out of fear, but out of love and courage. 'Death isn't something I'm afraid of anymore because I know what's waiting for me on the other side. 'When my time comes, it comes.' A mother has told how she felt 'lucky to be alive' after a weight loss jab left her hospitalised and suffering black urine. Claire Reed, from Aberdeen in Scotland, was prescribed Mounjaro in March after she was left 'fed up' of not fitting into her clothes properly. The 49-year-old, who was classed as overweight, claimed she only had to fill out a questionnaire provided by online pharmacy MedExpress before she was offered the 200 a month drug. She lost four stone in the first four months, dropping from 15 to 11 stone. But in June, she suddenly began to feel nauseous every time she tried to eat or drink and would faint almost daily. Despite noticing her urine had turned black due to dehydration she refused to tell family and friends she was on the jab over fear of embarrassment. It was only when she fell unconscious in the car, her son and daughter rushed her to hospital and she was immediately put on an IV drip to rehydrate the body. Tirzepatide, the ingredient behind Mounjaro, has long been hailed a game-changer in tackling obesity. Claire Reed, from Aberdeen in Scotland, was prescribed Mounjaro in March after she was left 'fed up' of not fitting into her clothes properly Administered weekly, the drugmanufactured by Eli Lillyis designed to help type 2 diabetes patients control their blood sugar levels or for obese people to lose weight for health purposes Your browser does not support iframes. Administered weekly, the drugmanufactured by Eli Lillyis designed to help type 2 diabetes patients control their blood sugar levels or for obese people to lose weight for health purposes. However, the injections, known collectively as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), are known to cause worrying side effects such as pancreatitiswhen the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamedor gastrointestinal issues. The family of drugs known as GLP-1 RAs, originally developed to treat diabetes, are now often being used for weight loss as they were found to suppress a patient's appetite. Recalling her terrifying ordeal, Ms Reed said: 'I was going on holiday to Dubai with my daughter and I was fed up with not fitting in my clothes. I wasn't really that big but that was the motivation to start. 'I ordered them online, I didn't go to the doctor. There were no instructions on how to deal with it, it works for a lot of women quite well. 'I couldn't eat so I was just collapsing because I had no food or water, I wasn't able to process anything in my body. 'I felt very sick and had no appetite. Even on holiday, I couldn't eat. It's not nice going on holiday and not eating because your whole life revolves around food. 'I kept collapsing at the end of the day because when you're not drinking or eating anything your body just shuts down. The 49-year-old, who was classed as overweight, claimed she only had to fill out a questionnaire provided by online pharmacy MedExpress before she was offered the 200 a month drug She lost four stone in the first four months, dropping from 15 to 11 stone. But in June, she suddenly began to feel nauseous every time she tried to eat or drink and would faint almost daily Your browser does not support iframes. 'It was always at the end of the day but I didn't say anything, I was embarrassed. 'I was never going to the toilet and when I did my urine was black. I had to force myself to drink water.' She added: 'We were in the car and I was just passing out, going in and out of consciousness, my daughter and son started panicking and they took me straight to the doctor, who referred me to hospital. 'They put me on an IV. I told them I've been taking the jab and they said this could be what it is.' Ms Reed has now vowed never to use the jabs again but is still struggling to eat as she did before starting the medication. 'I'm still not hungry and still not gaining weight. Any food at all makes me feel sick,' she said. 'I was very scared, your body needs food and fluid. I thought I could die, I stopped just now and I've never been like this before, trying to get the jab out of my system. 'The consultant said this is a big problem because the people selling it to you can't see you, they're just asking a quick questionnaire. And then you're left on your own. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'Your appetite won't come back, it's absolutely terrible. I'm so weak and tired all the time. 'There's not enough awareness about the dangers of taking it, everyone wants to lose weight and feel great but there are risks.' MedExpress and Eli Lilly have both been approached for comment. At least half a million NHS patients and some 15million patients in the US are now thought to be using weight-loss jabs, which can help patients lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight in just a few months. And the numbers using them privately are even higher. They have also been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, other reported problems using the jabs include constipation, fatigue, headaches, dizziness and even hair loss. In June, UK medicines watchdog the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also revealed it had received more than 560 reports of people developing an inflamed pancreas after taking so-called GLP-1' injections since they were first launched. Ten cases proved fatal. Under official guidelines, only patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 and at least one weight-related health problem like high blood pressure, or those who have a BMI of 30 to 34.9 and meet the criteria for referral to a specialist weight management service, should be prescribed weight loss jabs. In the UK, law forbids the sale of such drugs without a prescription from a medical professional. Chinese officials have imposed Covid-like quarantines in parts of the country as cases of chikungunya virus continue to surge. More than 7,000 infections have been reported in the southern city of Foshan, in Guangdong province, prompting authorities to isolate patients in hospital wards covered with mosquito nets. They are required to remain there for a week or until they test negative, if sooner. No deaths have yet been reported. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Guangdong Province, urging Americans to take extra precautions when visiting the region. Travelers are advised to wear insect repellent, cover up with long clothing, and stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodation to avoid mosquito bites. At least 12 other cities in Guangdong have reported infections, with about 3,000 cases being reported over the past week, bringing the total to over 10,000 in the country. Those experiencing fevers, joint pain or rashes are being asked to visit the nearest hospital so they can be tested for the virus. Additionally, officials had ordered travelers from Foshan to undergo a 14-day home quarantine, similar to Covid restrictions, but that has since been withdrawn. Hong Kong this week confirmed its first case of the virus: a 12-year-old boy developed a fever, rash and joint pain after visiting Foshan in July. Chikungunya infections are most common in Asia, Africa and South America (Pictured: A municipal worker eradicating virus-spreading mosquitos in Asuncion, Paraguay) Chikungunya is primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes the same species that carry dengue and Zika. It is rarely fatal but can cause debilitating symptoms. Chikungunya infections are most common in Asia, Africa and South America, though more recently cases have also emerged across Europe and the US. Nearly half a million people were infected during a major outbreak in 20042005, which spread across Africa, Asia and the Americas. Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer with the World Health Organization, warned: 'We are seeing history repeating itself,' referencing the scale of the earlier epidemic. The virus can cause fever, joint pain and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications involving the heart and brain. Chikungunya is not spread through bodily fluids or saliva, it can only be transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The CDC is urging Americans to ensure they are vaccinated if they are at increased risk of exposure. In late 2023, the FDA approved a vaccine called IXCHIQ for adults aged 18 and older, and in February 2025, a second vaccine, VIMKUNYA, approved for people aged 12 and up, was licensed. A sanitation worker sprays insecticide to prevent the spread of Chikungunya in Dongguan, Guangdong The chikungunya virus is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species (illustration pictured) Both vaccines are non-routine and recommended only for travelers heading to outbreak areas or for laboratory workers at risk. A global spike in cases began in early 2025, with major outbreaks reported in the Indian Ocean islands of La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, around 240,000 chikungunya cases and 90 related deaths have been recorded in 16 countries so far this year, as of August 4. The virus has also spread to Madagascar, Somalia, Kenya and India and is making its way to Europe. Case counts have also been increasing in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji and Kiribati. As of August 5, the CDC reports 46 cases of chikungunya infection in the US this year, all contracted by travelers returning from high-risk areas. No deaths have been reported. A hospital staff member carries out disinfection work amid an outbreak of chikungunya in Foshan While it's unclear exactly where the infections occurred, the agency has issued an elevated risk notice for Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and now China. Roughly 200 travel-related cases were reported in the US in 2024, with no fatalities recorded. According to the CDC, chikungunya was rarely detected in American travelers before 2006. But between 2006 and 2013, the US logged around 30 imported cases a year, all in people who had recently visited affected regions in Asia, Africa or the Indian Ocean. In 2014, a total of 2,799 cases were reported - including 12 that were locally acquired - in states and territories such as Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, making it the country's worst year on record for the virus. Though rarely fatal, chikungunya can cause a range of symptoms, most notably a sudden onset of fever and intense joint pain. Other common effects include muscle aches, headache, nausea, fatigue and skin rash. The acute phase of illness typically resolves within one to two weeks, but joint pain may linger for weeks, months or even years in some cases. At least 12 other cities in Guangdong have reported infections, with about 3,000 cases being reported over the past week Your browser does not support iframes. In rare instances, chikungunya infections can lead to severe complications affecting the eyes, heart and nervous system. Newborns, seniors over 65, and people with underlying health issues face a higher risk of developing serious outcomes, including cardiovascular problems and, according to some studies, even Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure triggered by post-viral inflammation. Importantly, chikungunya cannot be transmitted from person to person. Instead, the virus spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person, becomes a carrier, and then bites someone else. Pregnant women who become infected near the time of delivery can also pass the virus to their baby during birth, which can result in severe illness in the newborn. There is no antiviral treatment for chikungunya, but symptoms can be managed with rest, plenty of fluids, and pain relief such as acetaminophen. READ MORE: An app could help detect early signs of deadly brain disease A man's seemingly benign tooth infection spiraled into a deadly brain condition. Graham Bell, a 61-year-old father-of-two from the UK, was preparing for a day trip with his wife, Sue, in March when he came down with a severe headache. Sue also noticed her husband's face 'had fallen to one side,' which is usually a sign of a stroke. However, after being rushed to the Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, doctors found a one-inch mass in Graham's brain called an abscess. Graham underwent 'life-saving brain surgery' to drain the abscess, a growth that forms from pus and other materials in the brain. Abscesses swell and put pressure on the brain, which damages cells and restricts blood flow, eventually killing off brain tissue. Doctors believe the growth was caused by a crack in one of Graham's teeth that had become infected. He said in a hospital news release: 'It was bizarre because I had no pain or swelling in my mouth to tell me there was something wrong.' Graham Bell, a 61-year-old father-of-two from the UK (pictured here), suffered a near-deadly brain abscess as a result of a cracked tooth that had become infected Your browser does not support iframes. About 1,500 to 2,500 Americans suffer brain abscesses every year, and around 10 to 30 percent die from the condition. Estimates vary for the UK but range from 200 to 900 cases per year with a similar mortality rate. Bacteria from tooth infections are thought to travel from the infected tooth through the bloodstream, reaching the brain through the sinuses. Pus, which forms from infected tissues, then develops into an abscess. Sue said by the time Graham got to the hospital, his condition 'had deteriorated greatly.' 'The ambulance brought us to The Walton Centre, and once there I knew it was serious,' she said. 'Graham was prepped for surgery right away. The team was so professional, but it was obvious that speed was of the essence.' Surgery to drain the abscess was a success, and Graham's condition gradually began to improve over the coming days. He said: 'It was a lot of information to take in a short time. I had the family around me, but I think we were all in a bit of shock. I was not well, so finding out what was going on quickly was key for all of us.' However, his symptoms returned a few days after surgery, with doctors realizing Graham was suffering from sepsis. Sepsis is the immune system's extreme reaction to an infection that causes the body to attack vital organs. It's been dubbed a 'silent killer' in the US, taking 350,000 lives each year or one every 90 seconds. It's usually treated with antibiotics for the underlying infection and medications called vasopressors, which divert blood flow back to vital organs. However, this takes blood from 'non-vital' areas like limbs, increasing the risk of tissue death and amputations. Graham, pictured here with his wife, Sue, and two children, Rob and Aimee, still has communication and movement delays from the abscess and sepsis but is improving Graham was rushed to the operating room for a second time to drain the abscess again. He spent six weeks recovering, though scar tissue in the brain from the infection has left him with some communication and movement delays. Sue said: 'He still has issues with communicating and moving around, but were following the therapy and on our way to getting back to as close to normal as possible.' Graham's two children, Rob and Aimee, raised about $4,200 for The Walton Centre Charity with a sponsored walk after being inspired by their father's treatment. Sue said: 'The hospital saved his life. For that there is nothing we can do to thank them enough! 'But as a family we can raise some money and give something back to support the outstanding care they give to patients every day.' 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 French pharmacies stock some of the best skincare staples. From Sienna Miller and Alexa Chungs French girl secret to great skin (spoiler: its a 14 retinol that tackles fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation) to a 14 multitasker thats recommended by makeup artists as a makeup primer, makeup remover or even a moisturising face mask; we stock up on a long list of products whenever were in Paris. And so does Hailey Bieber. Whilst applying her everyday morning skincare routine in the latest episode of Vogues Beauty Secrets, Bieber revealed she picked up a new favourite facial sunscreen on a recent trip to the capital of France: Isdins Fotoprotector Fusion Water MAGIC Urban SPF 30. Offering broad-spectrum protection and blue light filtering, this sunscreen with SPF 30 is formulated with antioxidant-rich ginger root extract to help combat oxidative damage from pollution and screen exposure. It has an ultralight, water-based texture thats oil-free, non-comedogenic, melts into the skin and doesnt irritate the eyes. I love sunscreen thats really hydrating and thats going to make your skin glowy. I typically gravitate towards milkier sunscreens, or a really nice tinted sunscreen, Bieber says in the video. I feel like finding the right sunscreen just takes trial and error because one of the things that breaks me out the most is sunscreen. Whenever I go to Paris, or I go to Europe, I love to go to the pharmacy and raid the suncare section because I just think the sunscreens from Europe are so much better than in the US, she adds. Theyre my favourite. I got this one at the pharmacy when I was in Paris last time and Im obsessed with it. I wish that I had bought five. Hailey Bieber swears by this Isdin sunscreen Before she continues with her minimal makeup routine, Bieber applies sunscreen to her hands, a body part many of us forget to shield from the sun. When I have leftover [product], I rub it on my hands, she explains, because when youre driving and its sunny, I just feel like your hands get the brunt of ageing. CNN's data expert Harry Enten called Donald Trump the most influential president of the 21st century. Enten - who often breaks down polling issues for the left-leaning network - said that Trump is 'remaking' America in a way George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden didn't. He credits that to Trump's hardline policy to fix the southern border and even his controversial tariff policies. 'I can't think of a more influential president during this century, and it starts here with tariffs,' Enten said. 'He said he was going to raise tariffs, and despite the claims otherwise, he is in fact doing that.' He noted that tariffs are now 'nine times as high as it was last year. The highest since the 90s.' Enten then pivoted to how Trump has influenced America via his immigration policies. 'The other big thing that Trump ran on was immigration. How about net migration in the United States? Get this, it's down. It's going to be down at least 60%. We may be dealing with, get this, negative net migration to the United States in 2025,' he said. He added that this would be the first time America had negative net migration in a half a century. CNN's data expert Harry Enten (pictured) called Donald Trump the most influential president of the 21st century Enten - who often breaks down polling issues for the left-leaning network - said that Trump is 'remaking' America in a way George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden didn't 'So Donald Trump has always run on tariffs, and he's running a hawkish line on immigration,' he said. 'And on both of those issues we are seeing record high tariff rates for this century going all the way back, well back into the early part of the 20th century. And when it comes to immigration, net migration We are seeing record low levels way down from where we were during the Biden administration.' Trump's influence and popularity lines up with a recent exclusive Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll, even as they give him failing grades for his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Forty-nine percent of voters now approve of Trump's job performance as president, up one point from the tracking survey conducted earlier in July. But he remains underwater as 51 percent disapprove of Trump's job performance, down one point from earlier in the month. The margin of error in the survey of 1,007 registered voters is 3.1 percent. The poll numbers suggest Trump is surviving politically during a punishing news cycle consumed by the Epstein files and his administration's failure to disclose them as he promised during his presidential campaign. The president's job approval is up one percentage point from June and remains his highest rating since May. 'The news saga might have seemed terrible for Trump in the last few days, but it isnt having an impact on his approval rating,' James Johnson, JL Partners co-founder told the Daily Mail. Trump's influence and popularity lines up with a recent exclusive Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'In fact, we think its going up, from 48 percent to 49 percent, making this his best approval rating since May. His ratings with the base is holding up too, unchanged on 91 percent with Republicans,' Johnson continued. But Trump's strong job approval ratings does not carry over to his handling of the Epstein files. Forty-two percent of voters disapprove of his handling of the issue while just 27 percent approve. A significant number of voters, 20 percent, did not appear to care about the case as they neither approved nor disapproved Trump's handling of the issue. In the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump referred to the ongoing saga as a 'witch hunt' indicating he was tired of answering questions from the media about it. Despite the president's best efforts to put the issue behind him, few voters believe in the administration's assessment of the case. Only fifteen percent in the poll said they believed the Justice Department's memo released by Attorney General Pam Bondi concluding that Epstein committed suicide in prison and that the infamous pedofile did not have a 'client list' they could release. Forty-seven percent said they did not believe the administration's account of the Epstein case, and that they believed there was more secrets to uncover. Twenty-three percent said they believed the Trump administration memo, but that there was more to uncover in the case. Ninety percent of the Republican voter base continue to grant the president solid approval ratings, despite their misgivings about the Epstein files. The poll was conducted as Trump furiously contested a Wall Street Journal report that he had signed a letter to Epstein for his 50th birthday which concluded: 'Happy Birthday - and may every day be another wonderful secret,' and featured a hand-drawn image of a naked woman as well as his signature. Trump decried the news article as 'fake' and filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the company. 'They are judging Trump on other issues - such as the economy, the southern border, and how he is actually running the country. Their grumbles on the Epstein handling are not enough for them to turn on their man,' Johnson said. While the majority of Republicans, 52 percent, give Trump a passing grade on his handling of the Epstein files, just 13 percent of Independent voters feel the same way. Fifty percent of independent voters in the survey said they disapproved of the way the Trump administration has handled the Epstein files case. A co-host of The View and former supporter of Kamala Harris explained how the vice president made a major mistake by appearing on the late night show of Trump's biggest hater: Stephen Colbert. Alyssa Farah Griffin torched Harris' recent interview with Colbert whose controversial show has been canceled as emblematic of the Democratic Party's failure to learn from its 2024 defeat. 'This interview felt like a microcosm of everything that's wrong with Democrats post-election,' Griffin declared Saturday on CNN, referencing Harris's sit-down with Stephen Colbert to promote her new book. 'It's like announcing your exploratory committee on the sinking deck of the Titanic.' Griffin, a former Trump administration official who crossed party lines to vote for Harris in 2024, didn't hold back as she dismantled the Vice President's comeback strategy. She slammed the party's messaging on democracy, and accused Democrats of being tone-deaf to the voters they've lost. Griffin described Harris' Colbert interview as a political misfire - and the perfect metaphor for the party's ongoing collapse. Harris, who has kept a low profile since her crushing loss in the 2024 election, reemerged in a sit-down interview to promote her upcoming book 107 Days, documenting what she called 'the shortest presidential campaign in modern history.' But the decision to appear on CBS, the very network that just canceled Colbert's show, seemed to raise more eyebrows than applause. The View co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin torched the former Vice President's recent late night interview as emblematic of the Democratic Party 's failure to learn from its 2024 defeat Harris, who has kept a low profile since her crushing loss in the 2024 election, reemerged in a sit-down interview with Stephen Colbert to promote her upcoming book 107 Days, documenting what she called 'the shortest presidential campaign in modern history.' 'I was struck by I'm going to try not to be too harsh on this,' Griffin started. 'I'm going to CBS and this sort of trying to make a point that they fired Stephen Colbert, which many on the left called an attack on democracy - a man who was making $20 million a year, someone I hold in high esteem - but the economics of his show were not working.' CBS announced in July that it was ending The Late Show next May citing financial losses. But Colbert's allies on the left allege his firing was politically motivated, coming just days after he criticized CBS parent company Paramount for its legal settlement with Donald Trump. But Griffin wasn't buying the narrative. 'If everyone who was advising her told her this was a good idea that is not where I would have made the grand comeback,' she said. 'He was losing $40 million a year. He was in the Ed Sullivan Theater, which is expensive, to talk about the plight of democracy at CBS, a network that's having its own struggles right now, rather than talking about the economics of the situation, and playing to something - a shrinking audience that is network television, not realizing it's not where the American voters are.' During Thursday night's interview Harris suggested that she had no current plans to run for governor of California. 'Recently, I made the decision that I just - for now, I don't want to go back in the system. I think it's broken.' Griffin's analysis occurred during CNN's Saturday roundtable program CNN data analyst Harry Enten did not believe the reason Kamala Harris gave when she suggested she had no current plans to run for governor of California The former vice president reflected on her failing campaign as 'the shortest presidential campaign in modern history.' Harris wrote on social media announcing her book as a 'behind-the-scenes look' at her campaign But CNN data analyst Harry Enten called foul. 'Oh, please. Not a chance on God's green earth that that's necessarily the case,' Enten said, adding that Harris is 'looking at the numbers' and seeing just how grim they are. 'She would be the weakest front-runner since 1992.' Griffin echoed such skepticism saying Harris' comments about democracy and the 'broken system' reeked of desperation. 'I think she genuinely believes what she's saying about the threats to democracy I had, I raised concerns ahead of the election, some of which I share with her. But I also think that Democrats can go too far in these concerns,' Griffin said. 'Every time I hear something like Stephen Colbert losing his job as a threat to democracy, that makes people just roll their eyes.' Griffin's critique didn't stop there. She hammered Democrats for failing to adapt to the new political climate, saying Harris' rhetoric ignores why Donald Trump's message still resonates with millions. 'Donald Trump did talk about abolishing the Department of Education. He was open about what he was going to do. And the fact that Democrats couldn't listen to the American public and think, "Okay, something he's saying is resonating. What can we do to beat him?" - that's where I kind of, they lose it for me.' Griffin, a former Trump administration official and resident conservative voice on The View's panel, crossed party lines to vote for Harris in 2024 The ladies of The View, from left, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Whoopie Goldberg, Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin Harris new book, 107 Days, set for release in September, is expected to detail her short-lived presidential run and offer lessons learned. In a video posted to social media, Harris framed the memoir as a path forward. I believe theres value in sharing what I saw, what I learned, and what I know it will take to move forward, she said. But with polling showing her approval ratings near historic lows and Democrats still reeling from their 2024 defeat, critics argue Harris may be the wrong messenger at the wrong time. Gayle King's future at CBS Mornings is more tenuous than ever, as the host continues to encounter bad ratings and calls of bias. 'Gayle King's career is over,' Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Monday that reposted a New York Post article quoting a source who claimed King was in danger of losing her job. 'No talent, no ratings, no strength!!!' the president added. Well-connected sources with knowledge of the situation indicated the same thing to Daily Mail and highlighted that 70 year-old King's contract is up in May. It will 'most likely' not be renewed by CBS News' new owners at that point, one said amid an impending deal that will see parent company Paramount bought by a corporation called Skydance. Another conceded King's departure was indeed likely, but that conversations were still occurring. Staffers at the Tiffany Network spoke with Fox News on the matter as well. One addressed swirling internal talk about Skydance CEO David Ellison - the son of MAGA billionaire Larry Ellison - pulling the plug on King as co-host. The staffer said current network leadership has 'started to groom' Adrianna Diaz as a sort of 'heir' to King in case her contract is not renewed. Gayle King's future at CBS Mornings is more murky than ever, as the host continues to encounter bad ratings and calls of bias. Sources with knowledge of the situation reminded the Daily Mail that King's contract is up in May 'Gayle King's career is over,' Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Monday that reposted an article quoting a source who claimed King was in danger of losing her job. 'No talent, no ratings, no strength!!!' the president added Adrianna Diaz, currently the host of CBS Mornings Plus, has been reportedly pegged as a potential successor to King Another said King is 'generally liked' within the network and 'still has a lot of power in the morning when it comes to things she wants.' The employee added how King is also 'insulated by her team' and CBS Mornings Executive Producer Shawna Thomas. 'But so are [co-hosts Nate Burleson and Tony Dokoupil] to an extent.' Asked about the office gossip - which both of Daily Mail's sources confirmed - the other staffer said 'People are talking about it because Gayle is our biggest star, but also I don't think anyone cares that much. 'I think everyone just wants stability, so from that standpoint, people want her to stay,' they added. A third employee said King's colleagues are somewhat divided when it comes how they feel about her personally. The Post report Monday claimed the anchor who helped launch CBS Mornings in 2012 has pushed progressive issues onscreen that neither viewers nor senior bosses like. The staffer told Fox News: 'A lot of people like how she says off-the-wall things. But also theres people that dont like it. Skydance CEO David Ellison - the son of MAGA billionaire Larry Ellison - could pull the plug on King as co-host, sources said The network recently made the decision to cancel the show of one of Trump's most outspoken critics in Stephen Colbert, saying the move was financially driven. Others have claimed otherwise, pointing to its proximity to Paramount's merger with Skydance King - seen here during Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin flight last April - inked a deal in early 2024 for two years but has seen her show fall to below 2 million total viewers. CBS is also set to expand CBS Mornings with a third hour, despite it being in last-place 'Anytime you have a big name, they are going to be a target.' King was also condemned for accepting a free ride to space on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin rocket, with CBS News accused of effectively giving the space exploration company vast swathes of free advertising in return. King inked a deal in early 2024 for two years but has seen her show fall to below 2 million total viewers. CBS is also set to expand CBS Mornings with a third hour, despite it being in last-place. The network recently made the decision to cancel the show of one of Trump's most outspoken critics in Stephen Colbert, saying the move was financially driven. Others have claimed otherwise, pointing to its proximity to Paramount's $8billion merger with Skydance, which was approved days after the decision last month. Daily Mail has contacted CBS News for comment. Fox News anchor Jesse Watters has made a startling prediction that Barron Trump will marry MAGA's newest sweetheart, actress Sydney Sweeney. On Monday's episode of The Five, Watters discussed the ongoing controversy surrounding the glamorous actress after she was plunged into the hot seat by angry liberals who branded her American Eagle ad 'Nazi propaganda.' After highlighting how Democrats have lost 'another culture war battle,' Watters playfully said that the president's 19-year-old son will one day wed Sweeney, 27. He said: 'Every girl wants to look like her, and every guy wants to look at her. And the Democrats think, "Wait a second, why don't we call her a Nazi and boycott the company?" 'You know how this ends? She's going to marry Barron and it's going to create the greatest political dynasty in American history,' Watters said as his co-anchors laughed. Watters' comment comes after Donald Trump sensationally gushed over the Euphoria star when hearing about the backlash she's received from liberals. Sweeney faced criticism after it was revealed she's a registered Republican. 'Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the "HOTTEST" ad out there. It's for American Eagle, and the jeans are "flying off the shelves." Go get em Sydney!' the president said. Although the president and Watters have thrown their support behind Sweeney, some people were left uncomfortable by the anchor's comment - considering Trump's son is eight years her junior. Fox News anchor Jesse Watters predicted Sydney Sweeney will marry Donald Trump's son Barron Waters' bizarre comment came as he and his co-hosts discussed the controversy surrounding Sweeney's recent American Eagle ad (pictured) 'Gross, could you imagine,' one user wrote. 'Threw up in my mouth,' wrote another. Someone else questioned: 'What makes him think that Sydney would even be interested in Barron?' 'Cringey,' another commented. While many were not onboard with Watters' idea, others appeared to agree with his prediction. 'That would be very cool,' one said. Someone else stated: 'Could happen.' 'A perfect match,' another commented. Clothing brand American Eagle has been under fire for days after running a 'racially charged' ad featuring the White Lotus star. Barron, 19, has remained out of the spotlight. He is seen at his father's inauguration in January In the advert, the blonde-haired, blue eyed actress was seen donning denim with the tagline 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.' In the commercial, Sweeney said: 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color...my jeans are blue.' It almost immediately sparked a conversation about eugenics and racism online, with many people disowning not just the brand, but Sweeney as well. Sweeney is a member of the Republican Party of Florida, according to public voter records reviewed by Daily Mail. She registered in Monroe County, Florida in June 2024. Buzzfeed was the first outlet to report Sweeney's voter registration. President Trump was elated to discover Sweeney was registered as a Republican after her controversial jeans ad set off a political firestorm. Daily Mail asked Trump for his reaction to Sweeney's surprise voter registration after he landed in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the president didn't shy away from his excitement. 'Oh, now I love her ad,' Trump responded. 'You'd be surprised at how many people are Republican. That's one I wouldn't have known, but I'm glad you told me that,' he continued. 'If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic.' Fired ABC News reporter Terry Moran has claimed his former network had a deeply-ingrained bias against President Donald Trump. Moran, 65, was let go from ABC after he said on X that top Trump adviser Stephen Miller was a 'world class hater' earlier this year. 'Were we biased? Yes. Almost inadvertently, Id say,' Moran wrote last week in Substack about his former employer of 28 years. 'ABC News has the same problem so many leading cultural institutions do in America: A lack of viewpoint diversity.' Moran wrote in his blog that while the network hired journalists from many backgrounds in recent years, it failed to recruit pro-Trump voices. The veteran journalist said 'It is no secret' that 'There are hardly any people who supported Donald Trump at ABC Newsor the other corporate/legacy/mainstream news networks.' 'The old news divisions dont hear many of the voices of the country, because those voices arent in the newsroom,' Moran added. 'Yes, news teams go out with a microphone and a camera and accost people at Trump rallies; but to me that often comes off as weirdly anthropological and inaccurate, kind of like trying to understand nature by visiting a zoo,' Moran continued. 'You dont really see a tiger at the zoo, just a version of a tiger.' ABC News has fired Terry Moran - days after he penned a negative social media post about Donald Trump and his homeland security advisor Stephen Miller The journalist notably sat down with the president this past April, for an exclusive interview in the Oval Office Seen here, the since deleted tweet Moran penned Sunday morning that ended his 28-year ABC News career Daily Mail reached out to ABC News for comment on this story. Moran also slammed the $8billion sale of Paramount to Skydance Media in his post, and the FCC's demand that CBS News, which owned by Paramount, appoint a bias monitor to oversee its coverage. The journalist wrote that FCC Chair Brendan Carr can 'go to hell.' 'The federal government has no business dictating the editorial content of news coverage,' Moran said of the FCC guideline. 'This isnt Viktor Orbans Hungary. Or the Law and Justice Partys Poland. Or Putins Russia in the late 1990s.' Moran admitted that his description of ABC News as biased might be 'strange,' since he was fired for an anti-Trump post. 'The manner of my.. accelerated... departure from ABC News has earned me a reputation in many quarters as a raging, anti-Trump firebrand. So be it,' he added. 'I dont take back or regret a syllable of the post I wrote about Stephen Miller and Donald Trump that got me fired by ABC. I think it was an accurate, fair, and true description of those men.' Moran, an ABC News ex senior national correspondent and former Nightline co-anchor, was fired in June after he penned a social media post calling blasting top Trump advisor Stephen Miller as full of 'bile.' The late night tirade about Miller, seen here with wife Katie at a 2019 White House event, was deleted but not before screenshots of his post were shared elsewhere on the site He wrote how Miller was the 'bile' behind the Trumpist movement he claimed was being fueled by 'hate.' 'Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred. He's a world class hater,' Moran wrote just after midnight on Sunday. 'You can see this just by looking at him because you can see that his hatreds are his spiritual nourishment. He eats his hate,' the anchor continued. 'Trump is a world-class hater. But his hatred only a means to an end, and that end his own glorification.' A prominent progressive political scientist has been met with outrage after calling actress Sydney Sweeney ugly. 'Shes a butterface who looks great in jeans,' Rachel Bitecofer, 48, wrote Monday in a post responding to Sweeney's controversial American Eagle ad. 'You sound jealous,' a user replied. 'Yer [sic] jealous. Clearly,' another said, in a torrent of more than 2,000 posts that almost all panned Bitecofer, a former lecturer at Christopher Newport University. Most questioned how she came to such a conclusion. The term 'butterface' is an insulting British slang word derived for a person who has a good body but unattractive face. Sweeney, at 27, has surfaced as a sex symbol as of late. At the same time, an American Eagle tagline in her ad - 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' - didn't sit well with left-leaning audiences. Some left-wingers have claimed that the ad's deliberate word play on the word 'genes' is racist. Rachel Bitecofer, a prominent progressive political scientist, has sparked fury after branding Sydney Sweeney a 'butterface' - a term used to describe a woman with an attractive body but unattractive face 'Shes a butterface who looks great in jeans,' Rachel Bitecofer, 48, wrote Monday in a post responding to Sweeney's controversial American Eagle ad Bitecofer went on to say that 'no-one on the left' is concerned with the Sweeney advert and that it was 'all rage porn' on right-wing social media. She did so despite a slew of news stories and opinion pieces on the advert published in The New York Times, CNN, NPR and NBC News. Sweeney's new fans include President Trump, after it was revealed the Euphoria actress is a registered Republican in her home state of Florida. 'She's a registered Republican?' the president said with interest on the tarmac of the Lehigh Valley International Airport outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania, on his way back to Washington after spending the weekend in Bedminster, New Jersey. 'You'd be surprised at how many people are Republican,' he added, after expressing surprise himself over the development. That's one I wouldn't have known, but I'm glad you told me that,' he said, before hailing her ad as 'fantastic.' The backlash to the political commentator's 'butterface' declaration was swift and merciless Bitecofer - the author of Politicize Everything: A Blueprint for a Party That Fights - appeared to view the backlash as a distractions that's being propped up by Republicans American Eagle has shrugged off controversy over the Sweeney advert and insists its company is an inclusive one. In a statement posted on American Eagles Instagram account on Friday, the retailer said the ad campaign 'is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. 'Well continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone,' it concluded. Sweeney, meanwhile, is a member of the Republican Party of Florida, according to public voter records viewed by the Daily Mail. The campaign in question launched last week. It remains unclear if the company knew how much controversy the ad was going to generate. Bitecofers analysis, meanwhile, has been featured by the likes of The New York Times, The Washington Post, Salon, Politico, The New Republic, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, and MSNBC. How jolly good it is that financial justice has finally caught up with disgraced investment guru Neil Woodford and his irresponsible and deceitful management of the collapsed Woodford Equity Investment Fund (WEIF). There is satisfaction to be drawn from the ban imposed on Woodford from holding senior management roles and looking after retail investors cash. Moreover, Woodford personally will have to cough up 5.8million in fines and his eponymous investment firm some 40million. Yet the process of delivering verdicts for Woodford savers (including this writer), which started when Andrew Bailey was chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has been exasperating. It has taken six long years to reach this point, and one fears that there will be victims of Woodfords nefarious behaviour who will have missed out on seeing the regulator swing into action. And it is not over yet since Woodford, lawyered to the hilt, is taking the matter to the Upper Tribunal, the FCAs equivalent of the High Court. That means more delays. Ban: Disgraced investment guru Neil Woodford (pictured) personally will have to cough up 5.8m in fines and his eponymous investment firm some 40m Much of the material in the voluminous decision documents relating to Woodford Investment Management and WEIF emerged at the time. It was known, for instance, that Woodford sought to cover up a lack of liquidity in his funds by transferring assets to the obscure Guernsey stock exchange. He also sought to shift the blame for what happened to corporate director Link. The FCA found them jointly culpable and Link, now controlled from Down Under, has already paid 230million in restitution for its error. The rules-based system under which the FCA operates needs to be preserved if retail investors and professionals, such as Kent County Council, are to be protected. What is intolerable is the bureaucratic faffing which has taken so long to put Woodford in the stocks. In the interim, Woodford still offers his services as a financial adviser. The FCA has also failed, thus far, to establish how it was that some 300,000 people who invested in Woodford funds were exposed through the Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) platform and its own fund of funds. HL is now owned by a consortium of private equity investors led by CVC. That is no excuse for escaping culpability and facing up to HLs responsibility for misleading savers. Musical chairs Often it is said that the main duty of the chairman is to fire the chief executive. At Diageo, Sir John Manzoni, who took over as chairman early this year, lost little time in disposing of one of the FTSE 100s small gang of women bosses, Debra Crew. Admittedly, at the time, Diageos share price was in sharp retreat, falling by 30 per cent. Authoritative accounts suggest that Crew was ambushed. When she questioned the assertiveness of finance director Nik Jhangiani with Manzoni, she signed her own resignation letter. The latest results show that, were it not for the Trump tariffs which cannot be blamed on Crew the underlying picture was much better than thought with organic sales up 1.7 per cent at 15.1billion. The vital North American market was still robust with sales up 1.5 per cent. This is despite the trend of Gen Z turning away from alcohol. Where does this, one wonders, leave Murray Auchincloss, chief executive of BP, in another part of the corporate forest? New chairman Albert Manifold has ordered a review of the business and costs, and he hasnt even been seated. What that means for the sensible Auchincloss strategy, already under fire from activist Elliott, one shudders to think. Tech leakage No board of directors would dare turn down a bid premium of 104.9 per cent unless it came from the Ayatollah himself. So British scientific instrument maker Spectris has been able to sit back as private equity ghouls Advent and KKR fight it out for control, with the latter back in the driving seat. If the sharp minds at Advent and KKR were able to see the value, where were the British analysts and buy-side investors as Spectris languished in the lower reaches of the FTSE 250? And doesnt a Labour government, committed to a high-tech future for the UK, worry about the escape of British intellectual property overseas? It should do. 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 It's three weeks since the Government announced its new electric car grant to incentivise private buyers to move to all-electric vehicles - and now we finally know some of the models to see prices slashed. It has revealed the first four models to receive part of the 650million electric car grant for models under 37,000 - and they're all from a French brand. Citroen is the first manufacturer to have EVs officially pass the Government's stringent technical and environmental sustainability criteria: The e-C3, e-C4, e-C5 and e-Berlingo van will each receive 1,500 off - the lower Level 2 grant band available. The ECG discount will be automatically applied from today, 5 August, which Citroen says will mean that 'six models in its electric passenger car line-up are now priced under 36,000'. The Government's ECG offer - which comes three years after the previous government axed its Plug-In Car grant - is tiered so the amount available per vehicle (on or under the 37,000 price cap) will depend on the level of emissions associated with the production of the vehicle; the most sustainable get 3,750, less sustainable models get 1,500. Those that don't qualify at all will get 0. Citroen has four models now available with the Government's new electric car grant, including the e-C4 (pictured) Greg Taylor, managing director of Citroen UK, said: 'At Citroen we want everyone to have the opportunity to make the switch to an electric car. 'We welcome the support of the electric car grant and are delighted to be the first to have vehicles in our electric range, including the New e-C3, New e-C4, New e-C5 Aircross and e-Berlingo, approved and eligible.' With the 1,500 ECG applied, the new e-C3 is now available from 20,595, the new e-C3 Aircross starts at 21,595, and the New e-C5 Aircross can be acquired from 32,565. The e-Berlingo (M versions only) van will now cost from 29,740. While the four models have qualified for the Level 2 1,500 support it is not clear why they did not receive the full Level 1 3,750 support. The Department for Transport confirmed to This is Money that Citroen had submitted the required evidence and demonstrated their vehicles meet the second highest environmental sustainability standards. But when pressed why Citroen failed to meet the criteria to receive the full 3,750 grant amount the DfT said it couldn't comment on individual manufacturer's specific applications. The electric car grant has received a lot of backlash for its head-scratching sustainability criteria that sees manufacturers rewarded for 'the highest manufacturing sustainability standards'. The Government says its framework for sustainably produced cars 'is in recognition of the need to address embedded carbon emissions across a vehicle's lifetime, as well as tailpipe emissions'. At a minimum this means the manufacturer must hold a verified science based target, verified by the independent Science Based Targets Initiative. Emissions from vehicle production are then assessed against the carbon intensity of electricity grid in the country where vehicle assembly and battery production are located. The new Citroen e-C3 is now available from only 20,595 making it one of the most affordable Evs on the market The e-C4 X will cost from 27,215 with the 1,500 discount applied - a family offering that won't break the bank The e-Berlingo (M versions only) van will start from 29,740 and offer people a very practical car for an affordable price The New Citroen C5 Aircross electric version will come with 422 miles of range and will now cost 32,565 Instead of releasing a list of manufacturers and models that qualify alongside the announcement by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in July, the Government has asked car makers to apply for qualification and is processing applications as fast as manufacturers can file them. This has led to a significant number of automakers releasing their own grants - of between 1,500 and 3,750 - until they hear whether their models will receive an official Government subsidy. It's widely suspected that no Chinese EV maker, or South Korean, will be granted either Level 1 or Level 2 subsidies after Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We don't expect any cars that are assembled in China to be eligible for this scheme.' Volvo's sustainability report: Many manufacturers publishes a sustainability report annually but despite high levels of environmental standards this doesn't mean the Government's elusive criteria will be met While EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, there's currently the downside of raw material mining for battery production which is one of the areas the Government will be looking into as it accesses manufacturer' sustainability practices While this remains up in the air, the Government has confirmed that 'more models are to follow in the coming days and weeks' off the back of the Citroen announcement. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'With the first four models approved today and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer we're making owning an electric car cheaper, easier, and a reality for thousands more people across the UK.' RAC head of policy Simon Williams also said that 'it's a real boost for electric.' He added: 'It's great to see the first qualifying models announced for the Government's new electric car grant. 'Not only does this mean more drivers will benefit from the lower cost of running an electric vehicle, but it's hopefully the sign of more to come from other manufacturers in the weeks ahead.' Sales of new Tesla electric cars plummeted below 1,000 units last month, as demand across Europe deteriorates and EV growth stalls. Figures published by industry body Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Tuesday showed UK Tesla registrations fell 60 per cent to just 987 cars in July. The decline came as over new car registrations fell by 5 per cent year-on-year to 140,154 units last month, with growth in battery electric vehicle sales slowing to just 9.1 per cent. Separate data published last week revealed a sharp July drop in registrations of new Teslas in several key European markets. Blame has partially been pinned on a backlash against chief executive Elon Musk for his involvement with Donald Trump's White House and his support for hard-right political parties in Europe. An ageing car line-up and tougher competition from cheaper Chinese firms such as BYD has also dented sales. A recent deterioration in Tesla's European sales has been partially blamed on Elon Musk's involvement with Donald Trump's White House and his support for hard-right political parties across the continent Figures published by industry body, the SMMT, on Tuesday showed UK Tesla registrations fell 60% to just 987 cars in July Battery electric vehicles are now projected to account for 23.8 per cent of new registrations in 2025, slightly up from SMMT's previous forecast of 23.5 per cent. 'Julys dip shows yet again the new car markets sensitivity to external factors, and the pressing need for consumer certainty,' SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said in a statement. He added that confirming which battery electric vehicles will qualify for Britain's new EV grant, aided by 'compelling manufacturer discounts on a huge choice of exciting new vehicles', should 'send a strong signal to buyers that now is the time to switch'. The Bank of England is widely expected to cut the base rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4 per cent on Thursday, the lowest rate since March 2023. Its bad news for savers as the rate on your easy-access accounts both Isas and ordinary will fall. In fact, this has already started with providers cutting rates or withdrawing top-paying accounts. Last week Coventry Building Society, the second largest building society in the UK, closed its Four Access Saver at 4.5pc to new savers while Secure Trust shut its easy-access account at 4.4pc replacing it with a new version at 4.2pc. App-based Sidekick announced its easy-access rate will fall from 3.95pc to 3.7pc on August 8, while Ford Money has cut its Flexible Saver rate from 4.35pc to 4.18pc. But even if the Bank of England doesnt cut, you arent safe. Providers can change variable account rates whenever they want, not just when base rate moves and they do. Under the Financial Conduct Authority's rules they must tell you when they do so but it is easy to miss an email or letter or persuade yourself the cut isnt too bad. Last week Coventry Building Society, the second largest building society in the UK, closed its Four Access Saver at 4.5pc to new savers That is a sure-fire way of not making the most of your savings. And there is another trick to watch out for, which could leave you with money sitting in a low-rate duplicate savings account when you think you are in a newer deal offering more interest. Providers have a nasty habit of launching new accounts with rates that grab your attention. They often come with similar names to a previous account, or the same name and a different issue number. That number is all important because providers often pay different rates on different issues. And it is those in older accounts who miss out. Its a growing problem. There are 2,177 closed easy-access ordinary and cash Isa accounts, data scrutineer Moneyfacts says, up from 2,089 a year ago. Providers hope you wont notice which issue you are in and so can get away with paying you less interest. Last week Charter Savings Bank cut rates on its old easy-access accounts. The current issue on sale now, Easy Access Issue 62, at 4.36pc is a competitive rate but In older issues you earn as little as 3.35pc. Even if the Bank of England, led by Andrew Bailey, pictured, doesn't cut the base rate, you aren't safe as providers can change variable account rates whenever they want It is the same with cash Isas. Charters current offering (Issue 61) pays 4.4pc but older issues pay as little as 3.77pc. Kent Reliance has a headline rate of 4.41pc on its Easy Access Saver 82 currently on sale. But in older issues you can be earning as little as 3.2pc. And it is not just very old accounts which come off worse. The list goes on and on. Among the lowest payers is Virgin Defined Access Cash E-Isa issue 34 and its Defined Access E-saver. Its current issues offer 4.06pc. Not a top rate, but not too bad. But some of its older issues pay as little as 1.75pc. Cahoot Simple Saver, Issue 10, which is currently on sale, pays a near top 4.55pc. But issue 6 on sale last autumn pays just 3pc. The rates only last a year. Once you have been in the account for a year, the bank moves your money into Cahoot Savings Account which pays just 1pc. The lesson here is to check your account and what it pays, then check the best buy savings rates in Star Buys below and at thisismoney.co.uk/save and move your money to a better rate. Fixed-rate cash Isas holding up Fixed rate cash Isas are holding up well, even as rates elsewhere are cut. Newer banks are fighting for their share of money flowing into these tax-free accounts. Last week, Cynergy Bank raised its rate for a one-year fixed rate term to a top 4.3 pc. It is followed by Charter Savings Bank, Tembo and Vanquis Bank at 4.27pc while Vida Savings pays 4.25pc. Paragon Bank have a 15-month account at 4.28pc. These banks all offer 85,000 protection on your money under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme in the same way as bigger well-known banks. Their rates are much better too. Last week Halifax and Lloyds cut their rates to a lowly 3.6pc for one year. Dont settle for those low rates. Are we losing patience with Premium Bonds? The number of Premium Bonds eligible for this months draw only increased by just over 213million, a massive fall compared to the 733million in June and 841million in March. In March the prize draw fund stood at 4pc but was cut to 3.8pc in June and again to 3.6pc this month. Premium Bonds paid out just under 396.5million in prizes this week in the August draw. Thats 5pc less that the 417.7million in July. But the number of prizes dished out this month was around 10,000 more that in July. NS&I did this by cutting the number of larger prizes and increasing the number of 25 prizes the smallest by over 360,000. The number of 100 and 50 prizes fell by 174,000 a piece while there were over 2,500 fewer 500 prizes. The number of larger prizes also fell by 1,100. Only the two 1million jackpots were left unscathed. Shipping giant Clarkson suffered a hit to profits as trade tariffs and turmoil in the Middle East hit demand. Boss Andi Case blamed the highly complex global environment after profit fell to 37.5million in the six months to June from 50.1million the previous year. Donald Trumps tariffs, followed by a chaotic shifting of the levies, meant exporters held off shipping goods. Sales were down to 298million from 310million in 2024. The decline followed a warning in March that rising global tensions were likely to hit performance. It has also been affected by wars in Gaza and the wider Middle East, which caused many clients to pause long-term contracts. Shares in banks climbed yesterday as investors breathed a sigh of relief after lenders were let off the hook for car finance compensation. The City watchdog estimated that the scandal will cost between 9billion and 18billion much lower than the previously forecasted 44billion after the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that lenders would not be liable for most of the payouts. Lloyds was the biggest FTSE 100 beneficiary rocketing 9 per cent, or 6.82p, to a ten-year high of 82.56p. Shares in Close Brothers, one of the lenders most exposed to the scandal, soared 23.5 per cent, or 93.6p, to 491.4p. The 147-year-old company, which had set aside 165million for potential payouts, had seen its shares fall by around 15 per cent over the last 12 months ahead of the ruling. Shares in Barclays, which was less exposed than many of its rivals, rose 1.6 per cent, or 5.8p, to 362.45p. The FCA estimated the car finance scandal will cost between 9bn and 18bn after the Supreme Court ruled lenders would not be liable for most of the payouts And car finance specialist S&U climbed 9.2 per cent, or 160p, to 1900p. The company said that the Supreme Court ruling was a victory for common sense. Chairman Anthony Coombs said: It will significantly boost confidence throughout the motor finance industry and benefit lenders and consumers in attracting investment and increasing competition. The UKs highest court last week dismissed a judgment that had found secret car loan commission payments between lenders and dealers were unlawful. That dispelled fears that motor finance mis-selling would be the most expensive consumer banking scandal since the payment protection insurance scandal in the 2000s. But the court did rule that in certain circumstances, the failure to properly disclose commission arrangements could be unfair and therefore unlawful. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on Sunday it would consult on a compensation regime, estimating that customers eligible for a payout were likely to get less than 950 each. Yesterday, Lloyds said: After initial assessment of the Supreme Court judgment, and pending resolution of the outstanding uncertainties, in particular the FCA redress scheme, the group currently believes that if there is any change to the provision it is unlikely to be material in the context of the group. The banking giant, which owns motor finance provider Black Horse, had ring-fenced 1.2billion for potential compensation. In a statement, Close Brothers said: We look forward to engaging with the FCA in respect of the consultation. Experts said that while the ruling had cleared up some uncertainty, there were still questions about the finer details of the FCA compensation scheme. Hyder Jumabhoy, a partner at law firm White & Case, said: Investors are comforted that a path through the uncertainty has emerged. But he added it was by no means the end of the story and the FCAs statement could still have significant implications. He also said that there could be a knock-on effect as the money set aside could now be used for other things including takeover bids. We expect this move to accelerate M&A activity due to some lenders having decreased risk appetite but also because of unused provision amounts becoming available for acquisitions, Jumabhoy said. It could also prompt some car manufacturers to enter the UK motor finance market to steady the supply of finance to buyers of new vehicles. Tesla has handed Elon Musk 22billion worth of shares after the tycoon threatened to quit the electric car maker. The firm said its board agreed to give its billionaire head 96m shares as part of a pay deal, according to a recent filing. Teslas share price of $309.60 values the package at 22.3billion, but under the plan Musk must pay the company $23.34 a share about 1.7billion. The firm said it was an important first step in compensating Musk for his extraordinary work, adding: Retaining Elon is more important than ever before, and crucial in attracting new talent as Tesla shifts its business towards AI and self-driving robo-taxis. Daniel Ives, analyst at Wedbush Research, said the package would be enough to keep Musk as chief executive of Tesla at least until 2030, and that he was the firms most important asset. Musk, the largest shareholder with a 12.7 per cent stake, threatened to quit if he was not given more shares, saying activist shareholders could easily oust him. Extraordinary: Elon Musk is expected to stay on at Tesla until at least 2030 after being handed 22bn in shares He and the company remain embroiled in a legal battle in Delaware over a 42billion pay award granted to Musk in 2018. That was struck down by a judge last year, who ruled it excessive. Tesla said that if the ruling is reversed on appeal, Musk will forgo the 22billion package. Its shares rose 2.2 per cent. Rachel Reeves has been blamed for pushing restaurants and pubs into survival mode as as two venues have shut per day for the first half of 2025. The number of hospitality sites plunged by 374 to 98,746 sites at the end of June, sparking fresh concerns about the fight for survival faced by many businesses. The closures signalled the hollowing out of our high streets and communities', warned Kate Nicholls, chair of industry group UKHospitality. Labours tax-raid on employers was blamed for the fall by market research firm NIQ and consultancy AlixPartners, which published the analysis. It means that the sector is now 14.2 per cent smaller than at the start of Covid in March 2020, with more than 16,000 net closures over the past five years. Researchers pointed to a cocktail of costs including higher National Insurance contributions for employers, business rates and wages. The Chancellor's tax-raid on employers was blamed for a surge in hospitality closures Graeme Smith, a senior partner at AlixPartners, said: The effects of a step change in costs and taxation, which landed this April, have made the trading environment more challenging for many hospitality businesses. And UKHospitalitys Nicholls said: These latest figures are a devastating blow, showing in the starkest terms the impact of Government-driven cost pressures. Two hospitality venues closing every day is not just a statistic; it represents the hollowing out of our high streets and communities. The result is a sector in survival mode, where investment is at a standstill. Businesses are being forced to focus on just keeping the lights on, and growth is secondary. Businesses to shut sites recently include craft beer maker BrewDog and cocktail bar chain Simmons. The worrying figures come just weeks after TV star and landlord Jeremy Clarkson, told The Mail on Sunday that penalising business rates had left publicans 'like Butch and Sundance at the end of the movie taking fire from absolutely everywhere'. An industry forecast in June showed that one pub could close every day this year across Britain. It comes after Britain's hospitality industry was hit by a 500 million-a-year rise in business rates in April alongside a barrage of other costs imposed by Labour. Before the Budget, small businesses had called for a Covid-era discount of 75 per cent on business rates to be extended to give them breathing space. But the Government cut this to a 40 per cent discount, capped at 110,000 per pub. Labour has promised to reform rates, which are a levy based on the notional rental value of a commercial property. This currently means High Street shops and pubs often pay a premium compared with online giants such as Amazon. But there have been concerns that Labour's reforms will be too little and too late for many firms. And there are fears the Government will once more hike taxes on businesses as the government comes under pressure to reduce the countrys huge debt pile. The financial watchdog has fined Neil Woodford and his company 46million and banned the disgraced fund manager from holding top City jobs. The former star stock picker made unreasonable and inappropriate investment decisions before his fund collapsed and left thousands of investors trapped, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found. In a damning verdict, it yesterday hit Woodford with a 5.9million charge and his company with a 40million penalty. And the regulator said the money managers lack of competence, capability and reputation meant he was not a fit and proper person to hold senior management roles or control retail investor funds. It comes six years after more than 300,000 investors were left with around 3.7billion stuck in the Woodford Equity Income fund in one of the UKs biggest retail investment scandals. The FCA said Woodford did not react appropriately as the funds value declined, its liquidity worsened, and more investors withdrew their money. Appeal: The Supreme Court has hit disgraced ex-fund manager Neil Woodford with a 5.9mi charge and his company with a 40m penalty The regulator accused Woodford of holding a defective and unreasonably narrow understanding of his responsibilities. Campaigners have urged the Government to strip Woodford of the CBE he received in 2023 for services to the economy. But in a statement through his lawyers, Woodford said he will fight the decision and blamed the regulator and the funds manager Link for the collapse and investor losses. The penalty and ban are dependent on the outcome of the appeal process. At the crux of the scandal was a lump of illiquid investments made by Woodford, meaning they were difficult to rapidly turn into cash. When investors started pulling out their money, it was the more liquid investments that were sold first to fund the withdrawals. But that was unfair to those who kept their money invested, because they were left with a disproportionate share of the remaining illiquid assets before being locked out of the fund. Woodford Investment Management (WIM) insisted that his new venture a subscription service that costs up to 840 a year would not be affected. A spokesman for WIM and Woodford said: We believe the appeal process will shed much needed light on the events leading to and following the funds suspension, including the regulators role in those events. Doctors had not expected her to live more than a few days Sarah Innes Mason was heralded a 'miracle baby' when she defied the odds to live more than a few days. Born without a pancreas, doctors prepared her mum Karina Mason for the worst. Her story made headlines across the country, with Australians captivated by the little girl's lust for life. Born weighing just 735 grams, just 31cm in length from head to toe, her blood count was so low that she had a blood transfusion just 18 minutes after birth. That was 16 years ago. Sarah died on July 26 in the arms of her mother and family across the world in South Africa, where she moved in recent years. 'She was our world, we nicknamed her Sare Bear, because when she was in the NICU when she was finally able to wear clothes. She looked like a little teddy bear,' Karina told the Daily Mail. 'They didn't expect her to live much past her first birthday but they also don't know how or when the constant struggle on the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, that catastrophic multi-organ failure will occur without warning, like it did in Sarah's case.' Sarah Innes Mason weighed under a kilogram at birth and was never expected to leave hospital alive Sarah defied the odds to make it to age 16, but ultimately lost her fight for life Karina said she knew the child she was carrying was seriously ill. 'But the very top perinatal and obstetric specialists in Australia had no answers, an amniocentesis had ruled out the trisomies, specialist scans had ruled out cardiac issues, her kidneys appeared fine,' she said. 'My amazing obstetrician I could see was getting extremely worried and two days prior to her early arrival, we had the discussion that we should prepare ourselves as our precious bundle is going to have a tough battle ahead to survive.' Sarah spent 141 nights in intensive care before she was finally allowed to go home against all odds. For the next four-and-a-half months Sarah went back and forth between home and hospital and the Ronald McDonald House multiple times a day. By the time she was six days old, Sarah had endured 13 operations including major abdominal surgery. At 11-months-old she had open-heart surgery. 'She has had 74 admissions to hospital, with 11 of those to ICU on a ventilator,' Karina said. Karina and Sarah in happier times Sarah struggled through dozens of visits to hospital over her 16 years of life Sarah (second from left) and her family in South Africa 'During the COVID pandemic in 2020, she became ill very quickly. She was rushed into ICU in acute kidney failure. 'It has now been four years and three months since she has been admitted to hospital or we have had to rush her to the emergency room.' Karina described Sarah's condition 'like walking along a tightrope'. 'With the pancreas it both produces insulin but also digestive enzymes so the fats in what we eat can be broken down and absorbed but there are also important vitamins that are absorbed with fat A,B,D,E,K,' she said. 'The medication to help absorb the food/fats only works for 20 minutes, and it also needs to be activated in the small intestine, so you have to get it down the throat inside the digestive tract and into the stomach where the enzymes activate but if the pH of any of those moving parts is acidic you will destroy the enzymes before they make it to where they need to activate.' In addition to a novel case of GATA6 pancreatic agenesis, Sarah struggled with epilepsy, liver failure and autism. Sarah took a turn for the worse three months ago when she had an increase in seizures which were taking her longer to recover from. She had been seizure-free for the previous two-and-a-half years. Sarah (far right) and her family. She had defied the odds to make it to age 16 'Then towards the end of June, she became unwell with a winter cold and bounced back in a few days and was back to her normal chatty, smiling self,' Karina said. The flu hit Sarah's family about three weeks ago, with the family isolating themselves to ensure she was protected. 'Then she became ill 10 days ago, she rested and we nursed her back to health, she was slowly getting her strength back and we had some treasured one-on-one time together and chats about her favourite Pokemon and going fishing on the weekend,' Karina said. 'On Friday evening, we had a homemade hamburger dinner together as a family, we watched The new How to Train Your Dragon. She went around and gave each of her siblings a hug, climbed into bed with dad for 30 minutes just laying with him and then came out to me for a hug and a kiss and told us it was bedtime.' On the Saturday morning Karina went in to check on Sarah and found she had a bit of a cough. 'We did her nebuliser treatment which seemed to help, at 11.30am, she was still tired so we put her back on the nebuliser and I sat with her and watched her favourite Pokemon,' she said. 'I went to the kitchen to make a coffee and around (midday), she cried out, I ran to her room and found her not breathing. 'I screamed for (my husband) and we immediately started CPR and called for help. The paramedics arrived quickly and tried in vain for a further 45 minutes but we couldn't bring her back.' Sarah refused to be defined by her illness and lived as full a life as she could Sarah and Karina got to spend some quality time together before she died Karina said she would be forever grateful for the precious moments she got to spend with Sarah before she lost her battle. 'I feel that she knew she was tired and used all her might and power to get just enough strength to give us those last few special moments together that she had with each of us, we just didn't know that,' she said. 'She passed at home with her mum, dad, sisters and brother. Her grandparents and uncle raced to us as quickly as they could.' Sarah was laid to rest on Monday. A GoFundMe has been established to help pay for the funeral. Mother-of-two was just two days into trip An Australian mother-of-two who suffered convulsions and died just two days into a five-week overseas holiday is being mourned by devastated loved ones. Queensland woman Emma Sophios, 47, had planned to spend the trip relaxing with her family on the Mediterranean island of Cythera. But two days into her trip, the IGA worker suddenly started convulsing after she lay down to rest at a family member's home. Her loved ones frantically called paramedics, but she sadly couldn't be saved. 'She landed over there... laid down at the family house, laid down and that's it,' her partner Evalyn Hart, also 47, told the Daily Mail. Ms Hart said the mother-of-two had experienced health issues in the past but that her death had come as a total shock to her friends and family. Ms Sophios had dedicated her life to raising her 22-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son, who battles primary lymphoedema in his face. The genetic condition can cause swelling in various parts of the body, including the face and neck, and occurs when the lymphatic system doesn't develop properly. The 47-year-old mother-of-two (pictured) died just two days into a five-week trip to Greece Mother-of-two Emma Sophios, 47, died just two days into a five-week holiday in Greece Ms Sophios was a 'glowy, warm' member of her local community and will be sorely missed 'She was a bit of a centrifuge in their lives, and selfless in her own life. She worked at the IGA as a checkout person and lots of customers adored her,' Ms Hart said. 'She was a glowy, warm person who remembered people's stories and remembered little details of their lives. She had a gravity.' Her former partner and father of her two children, Robert George, also paid tribute. 'Though Emma and I went our separate ways in life, she will always hold a profound place in my heart for the incredible role she played in bringing our children into this world. Her passing is an unthinkable loss,' he wrote. Friend Kendyll Rivers wrote: '(Ms Sophios), a shining light in the lives of those who knew her, left this world far too soon. (It) was supposed to be a rejuvenating getaway to Greece, fate had other plans.' Ms Rivers has organised a GoFundMe for Ms Sophios' family. '(It) aims to support Emma's family during this unimaginably difficult time, covering funeral expenses and providing comfort as they navigate their profound loss,' she wrote. 'Your contribution will be a testament to Emma's impact on the world and the love she shared with those around her.' At 8.15am on August 6, 1945, 'Little Boy' was released from Enola Gay, the B-29 Superfortress captained by Colonel Paul Tibbets Junior. The first atomic weapon to be used in warfare dropped silently for 43 seconds, with a parachute billowing behind slowing its descent enough to allow Tibbets and his crew to escape the ensuing explosion. At approximately 1,890ft above the Japanese city of Hiroshima it detonated, unleashing a blinding flash and a force of unprecedented magnitude. The bomb missed its target by 800ft, striking above the Shima Surgical Hospital instead of the Aioi Bridge. The blast obliterated everything within the surrounding square mile. Enola Gay's crew, now six miles away, were rocked by the shockwave. Observers on board Necessary Evil one of three other B29s in the mission began recording the aftermath, capturing the white mushroom cloud rising above 45,000ft. The immediate reaction on board the aircrafts was a mix of awe and unease. The usual post-mission levity was absent. Instead, a subdued silence settled over the crews as they turned back south-eastwards toward base. The devastating attack on Hiroshima in August 1945 caused the deaths of up to 130,000 Japanese men, women and children Your browser does not support iframes. After the detonation, a huge mushroom cloud rose more than 45,000ft into the sky Over Hiroshima, chaos had erupted. The temperature at Ground Zero was estimated to be several thousand degrees, approximately the surface temperature of the sun. The explosion, equal parts fireball and shockwave, levelled buildings, incinerated bodies, and blocked out the sun. Five square miles of the city centre would be consumed by firestorms. Forty thousand were killed in the blink of an eye. At least 30,000 more would succumb to their injuries over the next 48 hours. The mission that was unlike any the world had known had been set in motion from Tinian Island in the Pacific Ocean in the early hours of August 6, 1945. Colonel Tibbets, leading a group of elite aviators from the 509th Composite Group, had been personally visited by General Curtis LeMay, commander of the XX Bomber Command, who handed him sealed orders: 'Special Bombing Mission No. 13.' Hiroshima, a port city in southern Japan, had been chosen because it was deemed a vital urban industrial area and therefore a legitimate military target. Secondary and tertiary targets were designated as Kokura and Nagasaki. Survivors of the US attack sit in a makeshift hospital that was set up in a bank building in the ruined city The ground crew of the Enola Gay, which was captained by Colonel Paul W. Tibbets Junior, pictured in the centre of the group Enola Gay lands after its mission to drop a nuclear bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 The bomb was detonated at around 1,890 feet above the city. Everything within an immediate square mile was obliterated It was later estimated that 70 per cent of Hiroshima's buildings were destroyed. It is believed that 80,000 people were killed instantly. Tens of thousands more died in the hours, days and weeks that followed the blast No friendly aircraft would be allowed within a 50-mile radius of these locations during the strike, ensuring both secrecy and safety. A safety cordon of US Navy ships and submarines would be positioned towards the Home Islands if the crew should need to ditch in the sea. Preparations on the base were meticulous and cloaked in strict security. LeMay informed Tibbets that 32 copies of the orders were disseminated across bases in Guam, Iwo Jima, and Tinian. Little Boy, an enriched uranium-based device, was carefully guarded, with its components kept disarmed to mitigate risk. Even General LeMay himself was thoroughly searched before the military policeman would allow him to accompany Tibbets to view the 'gadget' in the technical area. Captain William 'Deak' Parsons, who had been assigned from the Manhattan Project as Tibbets' weaponeer, had convinced the 'Tinian Chiefs' the military and scientific leaders on the base to arm the bomb only after take-off to avoid the risk of accidental detonation on the base's enormous runway. With the Enola Gay prepared and painted with Tibbets's mother's name on the nose, the 12ft-long bomb was lifted into the aircraft's belly. It bore messages from base crews, including one that read, 'To Emperor Hirohito, from the Boys of the Indianapolis.' Japanese air raid workers carry a victim of the Hiroshima atomic bomb away from smoking ruins American soldiers examine the twisted wreckage of a building in Hiroshima in the aftermath of the atomic bomb attack on the city A man wheels his bike through the wreckage of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb blast The collapsed roof of a reinforced concrete building is pictured amidst the devastation in Hiroshima A twisted mass of metal is all that remains of a building in Hiroshima after the atomic bomb attack on August 6, 1945 The crew, despite understanding the gravity of their mission from their final briefing that night, struggled with the enormity of what lay ahead. They were told to get some rest before the operation, but few could sleep. Tibbets himself played cards to pass the time. He had earlier informed his men that they would be dropping a bomb unlike any other, one capable of unleashing the destructive force of 15,000 tons of TNT. Two key changes were introduced: the aircraft's call sign would be altered from 'Victor' to 'Dimples', and the Enola Gay would fly at a lower altitude at the start of the mission to allow Captain Parsons to arm the bomb safely. The early morning hours saw a flurry of movement as the aircrews departed. Reporters and Manhattan Project officials gathered to document the historic moment. The Enola Gay, unusually heavy with both bomb and extra fuel, took off just before 3am alongside Necessary Evil and the two other B-29s, The Great Artiste and Big Stink. An hour earlier, three B-29s had taken off to report on weather conditions above the three principal targets. Their information would determine where Tibbets would drop his lethal payload. A Japanese man peers between two pillars that once marked the entrance to an up-market home in Hiroshima Survivors of the Hiroshima blast are seen lying in a tent relief center on the banks of the Ota River in the city, on August 7, 1945 En route, as the Enola Gay passed over Iwo Jima, Parsons and his assistant, Lieutenant Jeppson, crawled into the bomb bay and successfully armed the bomb. The aircraft then climbed to its operational altitude of 30,000ft. Soon, Tibbets was informed that Hiroshima was bathed in clear blue skies. It would be the principal target. As the crew approached the city, bombardier Major Tom Ferebee making use of the hours of preparation that had gone into this moment took control. He scanned for the Aioi Bridge a familiar T-shaped landmark selected as the aiming point. When it was in view, Ferebee initiated the final bomb run. Below, the population of the city were making their way to work, opening shops, and children arriving at school. Civilians had no warning of what was coming. Families had only recently returned to their homes after a false air raid warning. Eight-year-old Howard Kakita, visiting from the US, was playing with his brother when the bomb exploded. Their grandmother, injured by shattered glass, managed to walk, bloodied but alive. A mother, pictured on October 5, 1945, tends to her child, who was injured in the Hiroshima attack Survivors of the Hiroshima attack are seen lying on beds, stricken by radiation The boys escaped serious injury, but their once-grand home was engulfed in flames. As they fled westward, they encountered endless scenes of horror: burned bodies lining the riverbanks, survivors with skin hanging from their limbs, and others pleading for water. Many who drank soon died, their internal injuries beyond saving. Similarly, 13-year-old Setuko Thurlow had been working at a military office as part of Japan's student mobilisation program when she saw a brilliant flash. Moments later, she found herself buried under rubble. Freed by a stranger's voice, she emerged into a nightmare. Her friends were either crushed or burned alive. She joined others fleeing toward the hills, surrounded by charred, groaning survivors. They brought water to the dying and watched helplessly as the city burned through the night, with black radioactive soot raining from the sky. Other survivors told stories of miraculous escapes, impossible injuries and unthinkable sights. An American military official stands with what appears to be a camera amidst the rubble of destroyed buildings in the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima The remains of the only ladder truck of the Hiroshima fire department are seen in the foreground after the bombing of the city by the United States The huge column of smoke rising above Hiroshima, pictured from the air on August 6, 1945 An American aerial photo of Hiroshima shows the almost total destruction of the city A man stands next to the remains of a tiled fireplace in Hiroshima on a spot that would once have been inside someone's home Two people walk down a path that has been cleared through the rubble of ruined buildings in Hiroshima on September 8, 1945 Sumiko Ogata, a child at the time, carried her injured brother through fire and ruin, dodging collapsing bridges and stepping over bodies. Mitsuko Koshimizu, who had been attending school that morning, found herself digging out classmates and teachers from the rubble. The imagery was haunting: people burned black, the lines between the living and dead blurred by pain and fire. Everywhere, cries for help echoed into the void, with no medical services left to answer them. The blast had obliterated 90 per cent of Hiroshima's structures. Some 14 of the city's 16 hospitals were gone. Nearly all medical personnel were dead. The fire brigade and emergency services were decimated. Communication lines were cut. Train tracks were twisted and melted. Entire districts had vanished. What was once a thriving city was now a flattened, burning wasteland. Despite the widespread devastation, Tokyo remained largely unaware. The initial state-run news bulletins downplayed the destruction. Even local Japanese officials could not grasp the scale. With Hiroshima's infrastructure destroyed, it was nearly impossible to coordinate relief. A Japanese man pushes his loaded bicycle down a path that had been cleared of rubble in Hiroshima, September 1945 A view from the ground of the enormous cloud rising above Hiroshima after the detonation of atom bomb Little Boy The pyrocumulus, or firestorm-cloud, that engulfed the city of Hiroshima after the US atomic bomb attack on August 6, 1945 In desperation, survivors fled into the surrounding mountains, seeking refuge. In total, it's estimated that 80,000 people died instantly, with tens of thousands more succumbing in the days and weeks that followed. Back on Tinian, the mood was a surreal mix of triumph and exhaustion. The Enola Gay touched down at 2.58pm (local time), and the crews were met by cheering officers and generals. General Carl Spaatz, commander of US Pacific Air Forces in the Pacific, pinned the Distinguished Service Cross on Tibbets's chest. When asked by General LeMay if there were more bombs, Tibbets confirmed there was another one 'Fat Man' a plutonium bomb, ready for use. The mission's success was confirmed via telegrams to President Truman, who was aboard the USS Augusta as it steamed across the North Atlantic from his conference with Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill at Potsdam. Bursting with excitement, perhaps relief, he stood on his chair in the ship's mess hall and declared to the watching crew that it was the greatest event in history. The ship rang with cheers and whistles as the news spread across the ship. Yet, for the men who had flown the mission, the sense of victory was tempered by an eerie quiet. The usual high-spirited joking and celebration were noticeably absent. Aboard Necessary Evil, the plane's navigator, Lieutenant Russell Gackenbach, noted the strange silence in his plane: 'Instead of relief, there was awe and an overwhelming awareness that they had participated in something the world had never seen before something that would change warfare and humanity forever.' From above, the mushroom cloud continued to rise, churning into the sky like a living force. Tibbets later recalled that even Dante would have been terrified by what he saw. For those on the ground, the aftermath was Dante's Inferno made real. Hiroshima, a port city once full of life that had launched the Imperial Japanese fleet that attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 to start the war in the Pacific, had become a graveyard of ash and silence. Iain MacGregor is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and the author of The Hiroshima Men: The Quest to Build the Atomic Bomb, and the Fateful Decision to Use It (Constable). An Australia Post customer claimed they were left 'scared' after a delivery driver confronted them for complaining about him. Melbourne woman Sally said she was expecting a parcel from a small pet business in Queensland, but had to leave her home to visit her terminally ill grandmother. The customer claimed the delivery driver falsely signed off on the package before it was stolen by a mystery thief - prompting her to make a complaint. Sally said the delivery driver then turned up at her front door and demanded to know why she made the complaint, and that he even tried to look inside her house to make sure she hadn't stashed the package inside. In a stunning twist, she said she ordered a replacement and the same Australia Post worker later delivered her the package and threw it at her. 'It was a bit scary, I wasn't expecting the delivery man to come to our house to confront me over his wrongdoing!' she told Daily Mail. An Australia Post spokesman said the postal service 'takes customer concerns of this nature very seriously'. 'We are currently investigating this matter with the local delivery team and will update the customer in the coming days,' he said. An Australia Post delivery driver (stock image) returned to a customer's home after she submitted a complaint An email from Australia Post was sent to Sally with a worker informing her the package was likely stolen Sally shared her experience on Reddit, claiming Australia Post told her that her first package would be taken to a local post office if no one was home. 'All good, except it was "delivered" whilst we were away. I came home and there was no sign of our parcel, so I went to the local post office to see what was going on,' she wrote. At her local post office, Sally learnt a delivery man had signed for the parcel on her behalf and left it at her door. Unsurprisingly, the package was stolen. The clerk at the Australia Post office urged Sally to lodge an online complaint, which she did. 'Literally two days later that delivery man came to my door while I was home and asked me why I'd submitted a complaint,' she said. 'I told him he'd fraudulently signed on my behalf and his actions had led to my parcel being stolen. He tried looking into my house, probably to see if I'd stashed it. 'I was fuming. It seemed so inappropriate, and I'd been afraid something like this would happen if I complained.' The Australia Post (stock image) customer was told the delivery man had signed for a package on her behalf and left it at her door while she was away Sally shared a screenshot of an email sent by Australia Post, informing her the company was investigating the incident. 'The facility has confirmed the delivery officer did not follow property delivery procedures,' the email read. 'Management has since taken interest in this incident and have since spoken to the delivery officer in question, in regards to delivery procedures and to ensure proper delivery practices are performed for future deliveries.' Australia Post urged Sally to contact the small business to help organise a replacement parcel. However, she claimed the service didn't offer to help cover the cost. 'My replacement order came yesterday and it was the same delivery man!' Sally wrote in an update on Saturday. 'He literally threw my parcel at me as soon as I opened the door! 'I've lodged another complaint with Australia Post, and have lodged two separate complaints to the ombudsman for the fraudulent signature, and for turning up to my house and using my private details in an improper way.' Sally claimed she has heard nothing from Australia Post regarding the delivery man showing up on her doorstep. The collapse of the First Guardian Master superannuation fund could spark major changes to how the government supports Australians who lose money due to bad financial advice. For now, people who lose money when a financial company collapses can claim up to $150,000 through a government-run scheme called the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. But the scheme has limited funding because it's paid for by finance companies via annual levies. Each year, the scheme can only pay out a total of $250 million across all claims. Additionally, there's a cap of just $20 million for each part of the finance industry, such as financial advice. This has led to serious shortfalls. For example, the scheme recently estimated it would need $70.1 million just to compensate victims of bad financial advice. That leaves many victims without the compensation they're owed, even though they did nothing wrong. Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino has now ordered a review of the scheme to examine how it can be made fairer, especially for people who were misled by financial advisers, who make up most of the claims. Meanwhile, the liquidators of the First Guardian Master Fund have admitted they won't be able to repay everyone, despite its director, David Anderson, 46, owning a $9 million Melbourne mansion. The collapse of the First Guardian Master Fund could see a major overhaul of the government-run financial compensation scheme so fewer victims miss out (pictured is Canberra couple Simon and Annette Luck who lost $340,000) The collapse has devastated 6,000 everyday Aussies like Canberra couple Simon and Annette Luck, who lost $340,000 - almost all their retirement savings - due to bad advice from a financial planner. They had been planning a trip to the Netherlands and the UK to visit family. Now, they may need to sell their home and live in a caravan just to get by. 'Disheartened, dismayed and downright disappointed and let down,' Annette Luck told Daily Mail Australia. The First Guardian Master Fund was placed into liquidation in March after the Australian Securities and Investments Commission obtained a Federal Court order to freeze its assets. The liquidators, FTI Consulting, have now revealed that $446 million could conservatively be owed to retirement savers, after their superannuation was invested in dubious ventures, including $242 million sent overseas. 'The liquidators have preliminarily estimated that claims by unitholders on a cash invested basis that have not been redeemed approximate $446 million,' they said. 'Significant monies have been invested (or sent) offshore in foreign jurisdictions. 'Much has been invested in technology ventures, none of which appear to have yet been commercialised and are thus not generating an income.' Liquidators of the First Guardian Master Fund have acknowledged they would struggle to pay everyone back, despite director David Anderson (pictured), 46, owning a $9million Melbourne mansion Retirement funds from the First Guardian Master Fund were spent on a $548,000 Lamborghini Urus, which was registered to director Simon Selimaj, 63 The First Guardian Master Fund was placed into liquidation in March after the Australian Securities and Investments Commission obtained a Federal Court order to freeze its assets (pictured is the $9million mansion owned by director David Anderson) David Anderson 46, a director of the super fund and parent company Falcon Capital Limited, is accused of siphoning millions of dollars into his personal bank account. Before the fund collapsed, he bought a $9million Yarra River mansion in the upmarket Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn in 2020. Fellow director Simon Selimaj, 63, had a $548,000 Lamborghini Urus registered in his name. 'The vehicle was purchased in January 2023 by the company for $548,000 including on-road costs and was funded via a bank account controlled by the company,' the creditors' report said. The Lamborghini, which the liquidators have since seized, is estimated to now be worth $350,000 to $400,000, with Slattery Auctions taking possession of it. This new review is examining how to deal with compensation claims that collectively exceed a $20million cap for a finance industry sub-sector, with ASIC collecting the levies every financial year. Police and special forces are fighting a cat and mouse game against the scourge of cartel 'mother ships', which circle Britain laden with cocaine before throwing their hauls overboard so they can be picked up by smugglers. The National Crime Agency (NCA) says tens of millions of pounds worth of drugs are being trafficked into Britain using the method - and are urging coastal communities to be on high alert. The tactic involves South American cartels stashing drugs on container ships heading to Europe so they can approach British waters without attracting attention. Bales of drugs attached to flotation devices fitted with trackers are then ditched into the water, before local smuggling gangs come out to find them. In response, the NCA and Border Force are urging people living along the coast to report any suspicious sightings of small boats in harbours, coves or beaches. As well as intercepting the boats themselves using cutters, civilian law enforcement can also call on special forces units, such as the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service (SBS). In one particularly dramatic operation that came to light last month, a squad of soldiers from Ireland's elite Army Range Wing fast-roped from a helicopter onto a 'narco tanker' in the Irish Sea. The high-stakes mission followed an undercover operation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which penetrated a global drugs trafficking ring run by the Kinahan cartel. Your browser does not support iframes. Dramatic footage of a daring Irish army operation (above) which led to 132million of cocaine being seized from a container ship was released last month Soldiers are seen on board the drugs cargo ship MV Matthew after seizing it. The vessel had been transporting 132million of cocaine for the Kinahan cartel More than two tonnes of cocaine worth 132million - the biggest seizure in Irish history - was recovered from the MV Matthew, a Panamanian cargo ship, with eight men arrested. They were sentenced on July 4, allowing the operation to be described in full detail. The warnings from British officials follow the jailing of four men for their part in a plot to bring 18million of cocaine into the UK after picking it up off the coast of Cornwall. The method of jettisoning drugs from a mother ship before they are picked up by smaller craft is known as the 'at-sea drop-off' (ASDO) method. Three of the men tried to outrun Border Force for 28 miles at sea after their boat was spotted picking up drugs off the coast of Newquay. They eventually ran ashore at Gwynver beach near Sennen and - alongside two co-conspirators - were jailed last week at Truro Crown Court for a combined total of 82 years. Another gang were arrested in September accused of picking up a tonne of cocaine near the Isles of Scilly - part of 540million intercepted last year by gangs using ASDOs. The National Crime Agency (NCA) told the Daily Mail that the use of mother ships had become increasingly common. A gang were recently jailed for trying to smuggle cocaine from a mother ship using this boat Truro Crown Court heard that seven conspirators had been due to collect 20 bales of cocaine from the sea after they had been dropped there by a cargo ship (pictured, clockwise from top left: Alex Fowlie, Terry Willis, Scott Johnston, Michael May, Bobbie Pearce and Peter Williams) Spanish-speaking Edwin Yahir Tabora Baca, who joined Johnsto and Williams in trying to outrun Border Force officers The agency explained gangs typically relied on a corrupt crew member or stowaway onboard commercial vessels travelling to Europe from South America or West Africa. 'Once in UK seas, the stowaway or crew member drops bales of cocaine overboard with a flotation device and tracker,' a spokesman said. 'The illicit cargo is collected at sea by UK-based criminals in small fishing boats or rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs).' The NCA has launched 60 investigations into ASDO incidents last year, resulting in the seizure of nearly five tonnes of cocaine, 34 arrests and prison sentences totalling more than 226 years. 'Our work doesn't stop at seizing cocaine and arresting smugglers in the UK we're also working with international partners to identify and pursue those involved in dropping off the drugs,' the spokesman added. ASDOs usually take place near Cornwall but have also happened in the Irish Sea and North Sea. The UK coastline stretches more than 11,000 miles, with numerous coves, harbours and sheltered beaches where smugglers can land cargo with less chance of detection. Border Force's maritime unit has more than two dozen vessels on patrol including cutters, RHIBs and jet skis. Six large containers containing around 230kg of 'high-purity cocaine' were recovered from the ocean The three men onboard the boat were caught by Border Force officers who chased them on foot The boat filled with 18million worth of cocaine crashed into a beach after three men were chased for 28 miles at sea Gangs smuggling drugs by sea often rope in otherwise ordinary people to carry out their dirty work. This was shown in the recent case prosecuted at Truro Crown Court, which included a Hampshire fisherman who had been facing financial difficulties. He was joined by three Essex men who are believed to have been planning to sell the drugs in the south-east of England, and a Colombian who is alleged to have been acting as security for the drug cartel. Jurors heard that the conspirators had been due to collect 20 bales of cocaine from the sea after they had been dropped there by a cargo ship. The prosecution said the drugs were brought from South America on a cargo vessel across the Atlantic and were dumped in water tight bales into the sea in the English Channel. The bales were fitted with GPS tracking devices attached to Apple air tags so that they could be recovered from the sea by the smaller vessel and transported to mainland Cornwall. But despite the technology, the three men on the boat only managed to find eleven bales but dumped them during the chase. They were Scott Johnston, 39, Peter Williams, 43, both from Hampshire, and 32-year-old Colombian Tabora Baca, 32. Baca - who claimed to be a tourist who had accepted a boat invitation from two strangers to go fishing - was the Spanish speaking link between the higher figures in the operation and had flown into the country on several occasions. Packages of cocaine have regularly washed up on UK beaches, including Trevaunance Cove in Cornwall (pictured) Another haul, weighing 30kg and believed to be worth around 2million, washed up in 2023 on a beach in Goring, West Sussex The other conspirators were arrested at later times after National Crime Agency investigators trawled through CCTV footage, phone call data and phone messages. Alex Fowlie, 35, of Chichester; Bobbie Pearce, 29, of Brentwood, Essex; Michael May, 47, also of Kelveden Hatch, Essex; and Terry Willis, 44, of Chelmsford, Essex, helped plan and organise the cocaine smuggling operation and pick up. Gangs dumping drugs at sea after they realise police have been monitoring them is a common tactic to try and evade prosecution. In some cases, these packages have washed up on beaches, including in Cornwall and Sussex. Tom Chandler, a leading UK expert on drug cartels, told the Daily Mail that yachts or fishing boats transporting drugs can also get into trouble in stormy weather and sink, leading to drugs being washed ashore months later. In September, a black holdall containing around 40kg of the Class A drug was found on the sand at Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes on the north coast of Cornwall. An image taken outside Schooners bar overlooking the cove showed a police officer talking to members of the public beside the bag, while a lifeguard monitors the beach. Another haul, weighing 30kg and believed to be worth around 2million, washed up in 2023 on a beach in Goring, West Sussex. An officer inspecting the huge haul of cocaine found in Goring Separate incidents involved a fisherman finding hundreds of kilos of cocaine floating near two Dorset beauty spots, St Aldhelm's Point and Durdle Door, and litter pickers stumbling across discarded packages on the Isle of Wight. Border Force takes sniffer dogs with them to sea to detect drugs on any intercepted vessels. In January, a springer spaniel called Flash sniffed out a 50million haul of cocaine on a ship that had been intercepted off the coast of Dover. The haul, which had been hidden among bananas, had been packaged up in sealed bags fitted with trackers - ready to be flung overboard and later recovered. Senior Border Force Director, Duncan Capps, said: 'Border Force officers remain one step ahead of the criminal gangs threatening our border security as we continue to make record breaking seizures to keep deadly drugs off our streets. 'Our message to these criminals is clear more than ever before, we are using intelligence and international law enforcement co-operation to disrupt and dismantle smuggling operations. 'We will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure those caught smuggling will face the full force of the law.' After decades of decline, the traditional American family is mounting an unexpected comeback. Once dismissed as a relic of the 1950s, the married-with-children model is suddenly back in fashion - in homes, on screens and in the hearts of a new generation of Americans. More importantly, the data backs it up. 'Divorce is down and the share of children in two-parent families is up,' says Brad Wilcox, a conservative sociologist at the University of Virginia. 'Marriage as a social institution is showing new strength.' In a blockbuster new study for the Institute for Family Studies, Wilcox reveals that after decades of plummeting marriage rates, surging divorces and a boom in single-parent households, the tide may finally be turning. His research shows that divorce rates have dropped to a 50-year low, and the share of American children growing up in stable, married households has ticked upward for the first time in decades. The evidence is everywhere, from Hollywood A-listers to social media influencers and even in the corridors of political power. Newlyweds Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi had a serious talk about politics and raising a family before they tied the knot Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively try to raise their four children with stability, despite their Hollywood careers It's a remarkable shift from the gloomy predictions of just a few years ago. In 2019, a staggering 88 percent of Americans said they believed divorce was on the rise, while surveys as recent as 2023 found many were pessimistic about the future of marriage. But Wilcox says such doom-laden views are out of step with reality. 'Most married couples will make it,' he says. He points to data showing that while more than half of Baby Boomer marriages ended in divorce, only around 40 percent of today's newlyweds are projected to split. The institution has become 'more selective,' Wilcox said. 'With more educated, affluent and religious couples becoming more likely to put a ring on it than the general population, marriage has been stabilizing in one cohort after another.' At the heart of this quiet revolution are millennials and Gen Z couples, who are often more intentional about their unions, frequently better educated and more open to traditional values than many would expect. Take Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, 21, who married Jake Bongiovi, 23, in May 2024. She told ABC News they had frank conversations about their political views, home life and plans for children before they tied the knot. 'We talked about the kind of family we want to build,' she said. 'The kind of relationship we're looking for.' That vision is being echoed by such celebrity parents as Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who've spoken of their efforts to raise their four children with stability, despite their Hollywood careers. 'We try to be as present as possible,' Reynolds said. Similarly, Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger have become poster parents for family-focused celebrity life. On Instagram and TikTok, the 'trad wife' movement - women embracing traditional domestic roles - is booming. Such influencer couples as Cole and Savannah LaBrant, with their photogenic kids and overtly Christian lifestyle, are drawing millions of fans online who crave something more grounded. Only around 40 percent of today's newlyweds are projected to split Katherine Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt are poster parents for faith-focused celebrity life Cole and Savannah LaBrant make millions from posts about their photogenic family and overtly Christian lifestyle The number of children born out of wedlock has stopped climbing In politics, too, traditional families are on display. Vice President J.D. Vance and wife Usha, a lawyer and mother of three, are unabashed about their family-first values. Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner, meanwhile, have kept a relatively low profile lately, but continue to project the image of a close-knit, well-heeled clan. Wilcox's report shows that the number of children born outside of marriage - once rising steadily since the 1960s - has stopped climbing. Pictured: Brad Wilcox, a conservative sociologist The rate peaked at 41 percent in 2009, but now sits just below 40 percent. And perhaps more importantly, the number of children raised in intact, biological, married families has risen from 51 percent in 2014 to 54 percent in 2024, according to federal data. Wilcox draws the conclusions that 'these reversals mean that marriage is back as the cornerstone of American family life', and that 'stable marriage is increasingly the way that most men and women are raising children.' While social critics once predicted that cohabitation, single parenting or 'chosen families' would replace marriage, Wilcox argues that those trends have plateaued. The so-called 'family revolution' sparked in the 1960s may be running out of steam. 'Marriage is not dead yet,' he writes. 'In fact, it looks like a marriage renaissance may be in the offing.' After hitting rock bottom in 2012 when only 64 percent of kids lived with married parents, that figure has rebounded to 66 percent, Wilcox says US Vice President JD Vance, his wife, Usha Vance, and their children pose in front of the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, India Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner, project the image of a close-knit, well-heeled clan And it's not just good for adults. Wilcox claims research consistently shows that children raised by their own stably married parents are more likely to succeed in school, avoid poverty and steer clear of crime. After hitting rock bottom in 2012 when only 64 percent of kids lived with married parents, that figure has rebounded to 66 percent. For Wilcox, the bottom line is clear: Marriage works. And, he says, for the first time in decades, Americans are starting to believe in it again. The defense team for a Colorado DNA analyst whose alleged shoddy work jeopardized hundreds of convictions over 15 years on Monday asked to delay her arraignment - to go through more than 45,000 files of discovery. Forensic scientist Yvonne 'Missy' Woods, who worked for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for 29 years, was charged in January with 102 counts related to 58 instances of alleged criminal misconduct committed between 2008 and 2023. The charges include cybercrime, perjury in the first degree, attempt to influence a public servant and forgery. She has not yet entered a plea. Problems with Woods' work were first discovered by an intern in 2023; a subsequent investigation 'quickly discovered a number of similar discrepancies,' First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King said in a statement announcing the charges earlier this year. Woods was placed on leave in October 2023 and resigned the following month. One murder conviction has already been vacated after DNA findings from Woods were determined to be flawed. At least one Colorado law firm is lobbying for plaintiffs and has filed notice of a lawsuit against Woods and CBI. CBI updated the number of identified impacted cases to 1,022 in April. The total included 472 sex assault cases, 211 burglaries, 58 assaults, 47 robberies and 19 kidnappings. Woods appeared in Jefferson County Court on Monday wearing a blue dress alongside defense attorneys Lindsay Brown and Tom Ward. They requested a continuance of her arraignment to late October - because they've already received more than 41,000 files of discovery to go through, including zip files that could contain further thousands, Ward said. Yvonne 'Missy' Woods Woods, a 29-year-veteran and considered the state's 'gold standard' by colleagues for helping to put infamous murdered behind bars. She is pictured pointing to a DNA chart during Diego Olmos Alcalde's trial on Monday June 22, 2009 'Just this morning, we got disclosure of another 5,000 pages,' he added. The prosecution agreed, calling Woods' case an 'exceptional circumstance.' The forensic scientist is accused of 'altering and/or deleting data related to critical parts of the quality control process,' the DA announced in January. CBI invited in the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (SDDCI), who launched year-long investigation into Woods' work. If found 'evidence of instances where Woods altered and deleted quantification values, re-ran entire batches of DNA multiple times without any documentation and concealed possible contamination,' the DA's statement continued. Woods, pictured in May 2009, was placed on leave from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in October 2023 and resigned the following month. She was charged in January and has not yet entered a plea 'Additionally, the affidavit alleges that in over 30 sexual assault cases, Woods deleted specific values in samples and submitted reports to agencies that reflected, No Male DNA Found, when in fact small amounts of male DNA were present and/or possible contamination was present and additional troubleshooting and retesting was required,' the DA said. Through the end of 2024, the CBI estimated that the fiscal costs due to Woods alleged misconduct was $11,071,486. In its internal affairs investigation report published in 2024, CBI found that Woods' work had been questioned by a coworker in 2014, who reported 'concerns' to a 'technical leader.' She'd also been accused of 'data manipulation' in 2018, when she was removed from casework and given other duties during a a review - after which she was reinstated, it continued. CBI has since said that 'policy changes have already been implemented to address the specific vulnerabilities exploited by Woods.' Democrat John Fetterman is striking a different position on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files from the rest of his party. Donald Trump's administration continues to be embroiled in controversy over the release of the secret files of former financier and convicted pedophile. His Attorney General Pam Bondi is at the center of the drama as she's refused to put out the documents despite urging from the MAGA right and Democrats on the left. Fetterman, the only Democrat to vote for Bondi to be confirmed as attorney general earlier this year, offered a new take on the drama. The senator exclusively told the Daily Mail last week that 'everybody thinks that' Bondi should release the files. But he says he's 'not preoccupied' with them, unlike many of his colleagues in both political parties. 'You know, we've had it for four years before, and we didn't release it,' he said about the ex-Joe Biden administration. 'So, you know, I don't, I don't, I don't really think about it much,' Fetterman added, seemingly throwing his own political party under the bus. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., participates in a debate with Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., not shown, at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, Monday, June 2, 2025, in Boston President Donald Trump waves while exiting Marine One Jeffrey Epstein attends Launch of RADAR MAGAZINE at Hotel QT on May 18, 2005 However, Democrats are now seizing on the files as way to put Republicans on the spot heading into the midterm elections. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for an FBI investigation last week into whether foreign governments are trying to use the Epstein files against Trump. Democrats have seized on Trump's reluctance to release the files as a political vulnerability heading into next year's midterm elections. Schumer's latest escalation is an attempt to elevate the scandal to having potential national security implications. At a press conference during his trip to Scotland in late July, Trump said that all of the hubbub about the files was a 'hoax.' He also noted that the 'files were run by sick, sick people' during the last administration and suggested they 'put things in the file that was a fake.' Trump is known to have run in the same social circles as Epstein, and the two were photographed at events together in the late 1990's and early 2000s. Their friendship doesn't mean the president took part in any inappropriate activity. A Wall Street Journal Report released earlier this month reported that Trump was one of Epstein's friends who wrote him a letter for his 50th birthday in 2003, accompanied by a sketch of a naked woman, prompting president to deny that reporting and sue the paper. Another report by the paper revealed that Bondi told Trump his name was included in the files multiple times, sparking theories as to why the DOJ is refusing to release the full documents. Donald Trump and his then-girlfriend (and current wife), former model Melania Knauss, 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 Bondi has been reluctant to release the files, and called last month for a grand jury to release the transcripts from the criminal cases of Epstein and his top accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump himself said that he was the one who pushed Bondi to call for the release of the transcripts. 'Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval,' Trump wrote in a July 17 post on his social media site Truth Social. 'This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!' The Trump administration's refusal to release the full Epstein files dominated the news cycle for most of July and both the president's political allies and adversaries are growing weary. Donald Trump once said he could shoot a man on Fifth Avenue and get away with it. But the scandal is proving difficult to tamp down. A rebel band of Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives including some of MAGA's biggest stars - like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert - have even joined forces with hundreds of Democrats to force a bombshell ballot on the Epstein files. Despite the typical partisan battle lines being drawn on most issues in Washington, D.C. these days, this matter in particular has created an unlikely set of bedfellows. Progressive Democrat Ro Khanna and libertarian-minded Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky teamed up last week to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would compel Attorney General Pam Bondi to publicly release all unclassified materials relating to Jeffrey Epstein. The duo's resolution is receiving the the backing of a diverse set of members, including New York socialist darling Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan 'Squad' member Rashida Tlaib, as well as Boebert of Colorado, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Greene of Georgia. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) speaks to reporters before a Senate luncheon Trump himself said that he was the one who pushed Bondi to call for the release of the transcripts Even if only the 10 GOP co-sponsors of the resolution were to support it, it would easily pass the House as just a simple majority is need, which is 218 votes out of 435. Speaker Mike Johnson sent the House home for the August recess before a vote on Khanna and Massie's resolution could be held. A former judge accused of inadvertently sharing child abuse content with law students has been sacked from one of Australia's top universities. Former Fair Work Commission senior deputy president Justice Alan Boulton, 74, has been charged over material that was allegedly displayed in the last 15 minutes of a lecture at Monash University's Melbourne CBD campus on February 5. The university referred the matter to Victoria Police, which seized multiple electronic devices during a raid on Boulton's inner-city Middle Park home a week later. He has since been charged with one count of possessing child abuse material as a Commonwealth offence and two counts of possessing child abuse material following a 'lengthy' investigation by detectives. Boulton will appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday. He was a senior fellow of the Faculty of Law at Monash University, regarded as one of Australia's most prestigious universities and ranked among the top 50 worldwide. Boulton was immediately suspended and removed from all teaching duties following the alleged incident. 'Monash University was made aware of concerns relating to an incident in February 2025, and referred the matter to Victoria Police,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail. Justice Alan Boulton, 74, is accused of inadvertently sharing child abuse content with law students during a university lecture Monash University (pictured) referred the matter to Victoria Police after learning of the incident 'We continue to support the ongoing investigation. 'The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and broader community remains our highest priority.' Monash University continues to provide support services to affected students. It has also deleted a page about Boulton from its website. A student who attended the human rights lecture has since recalled his shock as the alleged incident unfolded. 'You don't obviously expect when you're in class to see something like that,' he told Seven News. 'I had one female friend in the class who was quite disturbed by what they'd seen. 'You don't come into a learning environment with a teacher, a chief examiner and expect to come into that situation. 'I don't think that you'd wish that upon anyone.' Boulton was a senior fellow of the faculty of law at Monash University, which is regarded as one of Australia's most prestigious universities He also slammed Monash over its handling of the matter, despite the university sending an email to affected students the next day. 'We were able to see people (professional support services) but not for at least a week afterwards,' the student said. 'I think they tried to ensure that it wasn't made public at the time. 'It seemed like it was something that they wanted to brush off.' The university refuted the claim, insisting that support services were provided the next day. Boulton's career in law and the public sector spans more than 45 years, in both Australia and overseas. The University of Sydney graduate first worked as a solicitor and then a lecturer at Canberra's Australian National University. In 1979, Boulton was appointed as the first legal officer for the Australian Council of Trade Unions by then-president Bob Hawke, who became Prime Minister several years later. He also had a stint with the International Labour Organisation in the Philippines, Indonesia and Timor-Leste, where he help draft modern labour laws and addressed the HIV/AIDS epidemic. At the Fair Work Commission, Boulton first served as deputy president 198993 and then as senior deputy president until 2015. He also previously served as Industrial Relations Commission of Victoria president. Boulton was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2002 for 'distinguished service to industrial arbitration and labour relations'. A young employee at a Mad Mex franchise in Sydney's Hills District has received $305,000 in compensation for sexual harassment by her manager. Sher Khan, 62, was found by Federal Court Justice Robert Bromwich to have sexually harassed the young Nepalese employee, and she was awarded $160,000 in general damages, a record for a federal sexual harassment case. The woman, Biplavi Magar, had been employed by Mexicali Enterprises Pty Ltd, a company owned and controlled by Khan which was a franchisee of Mexican themed fast food chain Mad Mex. Justice Bromwich also awarded Ms Magar aggravated damages, taking her total to $305,000, in large part due to the way in which her former boss had run his court case and the fact he had threatened her with defamation proceedings. During the case it was alleged Khan, who also goes by Sonny Khan, had showed the employee pornography during her work as a shift supervisor, brushed sex toys against her thigh, and made repeated sexualised remarks. Ms Magar outlined one incident in January 2023 when she said Khan pointed to a hickey on her neck and asked if she had enjoyed the night before as well as questioned her about who she had met and if she got 'banged'. She also said Khan asked her whether she would sleep with other employees at the Baulkham Hills store, including some as young as 13. Ms Magar also gave evidence that Khan asked her to get into his car, where he took out an iPad and pulled up explicit content on PornHub before he showed her sex toys in a Coles bag and, at one point, touched her thigh with one. Sonny Khan (pictured left) ran a Mad Mex in franchise in Sydney The Federal Court awarded the employee a record payout She testified she froze and 'just wanted to vomit'. The employee claimed Khan had also led discussions in the workplace in which staff commented on customer's or former worker's breasts, bottoms and clothing, and called them 'skanks' or 'whores'. She claimed Khan asked her if she had ever had sex with a woman or watched lesbian pornography and when she said no, suggested that she 'loosen up' and experiment. Khan argued he could not have sexually harassed the woman because of serious medical conditions, including impotence. However, Justice Bromwich said his health conditions did not pose any restriction to sexual misconduct. 'There was nothing to suggest that he could not engage in other acts of a sexual nature that did not require a sex drive,' he said. 'His boasting about his exploits included describing acts which did not require him to perform sexually in a way that the medical conditions he described precluded, such as using sex toys or performing oral sex.' After Ms Magar complained about his conduct to Mad Mex human resources, Khan's legal representatives twice threatened to bring defamation proceedings against her. Ms Magar (pictured) was threatened with defamation if she pursued her complaint Justice Bromwich found the owner took this action to try to stop her from pursuing her complaints, and this amounted to victimisation that contravened the Sex Discrimination Act. The franchisee owner emphatically denied that he, or employees at the Norwest Marketown store, had stood around making derogatory comments towards customers or staff members. He also denied he ever owned an iPad or sex toys or showed the employee pornographic videos or asked her to attend a massage parlour or hotel with him. He also denied ever asking her which of her colleagues she'd like to have sex with, whether she used sex toys or describing his exploits with his ex-wife. Ms Magar testified the sexual harassment had left her bedridden 'most days', 'unable to prepare food to eat, get water to drink or get out of bed to use the bathroom without difficulty', and she became heavily dependent on friends and her partner. She said she felt dirty, had suicidal thoughts, and was afraid to leave the house alone or get another job. She has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and major depressive disorders. Justice Bromwich said Khan fostered a workplace culture that was disinterested in preventing sexist conduct from taking place and was instead tolerant, or even conducive to its continuation. 'Such a workplace culture can have the effect of normalising sexualised behaviour towards women and foster an escalation into worse behaviour, such as a progression into sexual harassment,' he said. Ms Magar came to Australia in 2021 on a student visa. The supervisor initially also brought the case against Mexicali, but discontinued that claim after the company went into liquidation. The husband of a top New Jersey lawyer has tragically died during a deep-dive expedition to a shipwreck off the coast of Cape Cod. Joe Mazraani had successfully conducted countless dives in his work as president of Atlantic Wreck Salvage. On July 29, he was diving with a group from his boat Tenacious when he reportedly suffered a medical emergency. He was hauled back onto the boat and other divers attempted to perform life-saving measures, but he could not be revived. Mazraani's wife, New Jersey Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti, said 'all indications point to a medical emergency.' 'While we are choosing to keep the details private, we currently have no reason to suspect diver error or equipment failure,' she said. The group had been exploring an unidentified shipwreck referred to as 'The Big Engine Steamer' at the time of the tragedy. It was brought back in to New Bedford, Massachusetts the following morning. State and local police, as well as the US Coast Guard, are investigating the circumstances of Mazraani's death. Joe Mazraani had successfully conducted countless dives in his work as president of Atlantic Wreck Salvage Mazraani's partner, New Jersey Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti, said 'all indications point to a medical emergency' The well-known maritime historian and technical diver had been a scuba diver since the mid 1990s and had cut his teeth wreck-diving off the coasts of New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. He was also a criminal defense lawyer. 'Joe Mazraani was larger than life,' his partner said in a moving tribute. 'He was kind, compassionate and generous. A mentor and a student, a friend, brother, son and partner. 'Whether motoring aboard D/V Tenacious, diving into deep and dangerous water, or defending his clients in court, Joe demanded the best of everyone around him. Sometimes he demanded it grumpily but he always demanded by example. 'He lived every moment fully, without compromise. He did not want to die doing what he loved none of us do. On July 29, he was diving with a group from his boat Tenacious when he reportedly suffered a medical emergency The well-known maritime historian and technical diver had been a scuba diver since the mid 1990s and had cut his teeth wreck-diving off the coasts of New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts 'He wanted to survive it, to grow old doing it. But when you live at the edge, sometimes the edge pushes back.' The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender paid tribute to Mazraani in a Facebook post on August 1, writing: 'With deep sadness, we share the loss of Joe Mazraani, beloved partner of Public Defender Sellitti and a cherished member of the legal and diving communities. 'Joe passed on July 29 in a diving-related incident, believed to be caused by a medical emergency. 'Joe was larger than life: fearless, kind, and deeply committed to justice. Our hearts are with the Public Defender and his loved ones.' A doctor who called abortion providers 'butchers' and 'serial contract killers' has been found guilty of professional misconduct over 54 social media posts expressing controversial views on gender ideology, Islam, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Jereth Kok, a Melbourne-based GP, had his medical licence suspended by the Medical Board of Australia in 2019 following two anonymous complaints about personal social media posts dating back to 2010. On Friday, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld the ban, ruling that Dr Kok had disparaged doctors who perform abortions, referring to abortion as 'massacres of babies' and 'baby killing,' and calling abortion providers 'butchers.' He also described the Royal Women's Hospital as 'Melbourne's premier publicly-funded, baby killing facility.' The Medical Board of Australia said the comment denigrated, demeaned, and slurred medical practitioners at the hospital who performed abortions. While Dr Kok accepted that his commentary was 'discourteous' to people who worked at the hospital, he submitted that he was expressing his views and beliefs about abortion in a discussion on a Christian website. He later told the tribunal that he would avoid this type of language in the future but said he had strong views as a Christian about abortion being immoral, and believed his faith required him to speak out about the issue. The tribunal also found that Dr Kok's description of homosexuality as a disorder and gender-altering surgery as 'medical butchery' and 'sterilising disfigurement to healthy young bodies' also breached Medical Board standards. Jereth Kok (pictured) has had his suspension for professional misconduct upheld by VCAT Jereth Kok referred to the Royal Women's Hospital as 'Melbourne's premier publicly-funded, baby killing facility' One post that drew attention was a satirical article from a conservative Christian US website titled: 'Instead Of Traditional Warfare, Chinese Military Will Now Be Trained To Shout Wrong Pronouns At American Troops.' The tribunal also found that Dr Kok expressed violent sentiments and made derogatory statements about racial and religious groups. In one post, Dr Kok claimed that when we send money to poorer countries for abortions and provide contraceptives, we are engaging in genocide and extermination. In another post, he replied to a friend who had joked about 'ordering some Zyklon B from Amazon' and 'inviting the inferior races over' for a shower, using the hashtag '#illridewithyou.' Zyklon B was the trade name of a cyanide-based pesticide which was used to gas prisoners held in German concentration camps during World War II, with an estimate of over a million killed using that method. In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic response, he was found to have denigrated people who obeyed public health orders by likening them to followers of totalitarian regimes, including Nazi Germany and the Taliban. He also suggested that God alone has the power to end the pandemic or that the blood of Christ would protect from COVID-19. He also suggested vaccines were made of 'body parts' of aborted babies. VCAT found Mr Kok's posts were 'disrespectful' and 'not sufficiently balanced,' despite acknowledging that many were political or religious in nature and unrelated to his clinical practice. One of the many posts that landed Jereth Kok in hot water with the VCAT Dr Jereth Kok was also found guilty of professional misconduct over his views on the COVID pandemic response The tribunal said doctors' right to hold and express their personal views and values has a limit. 'The boundary between a doctor's personal and public profile can be blurred,' the decision read. 'As a doctor, you need to consider the effect of your public comments and your actions outside work, including online, related to medical and clinical issues, and how they reflect on your role as a doctor and on the reputation of the profession.' In his witness statement, Mr Kok acknowledged that the language he used was unnecessary to communicate his views and said he had removed these posts where possible. Mr Kok stated that while he accepts abortion has been legalised in Australia, he believes it is morally wrong. 'I believe that aborting a baby is unjustly destroying the life of a vulnerable human, and can accurately be described as an act of killing,' he said. 'I see no difference between the abortion of a foetus and the intentional homicide of any other human being, apart from the size of the victim.' On the topic of gender, he stated it was immoral to actively seek to change sex and immoral to help someone do so. While Kok accepted that his commentary was 'discourteous' to people who worked at the hospital, he submitted that he was expressing his views and beliefs about abortion in a discussion on a Christian website. Family First national director Lyle Shelton slammed the tribunal's decision, calling it a gross injustice and a chilling attack on freedom of speech. 'Dr Kok has harmed no patient,' he said. 'His only 'crime' was to express his views online, many of them satirical or Christian in nature, and for that, he has been punished with the loss of his medical career.' The Human Rights Law Alliance, which represents Dr Kok, is considering an appeal. The matter is expected to return to the tribunal for an administrative mention in September. Disgraced former politician Salim Mehajer has shown off a fresh new look days after being released from jail. The bankrupt property developer and one-time Auburn deputy mayor sported a man bun when he left John Morony Correctional Centre in western Sydney on July 18 as a free man following a five-year stint behind bars. He had been in prison since November 2020, when he was jailed for lying to a court, and has served back-to-back sentences for a raft of other offences, including domestic violence against an ex-partner. Upon his release, Mehajer went straight to Westfield Parramatta to get a new driver's licence at Service NSW. He then headed to a cosmetic dentist in Hornsby in Sydney's north, where he spent an hour getting his teeth fixed. Mehajer has since visited the hairdresser to get his man bun chopped off and shared his new look with followers on Instagram Stories on Monday. The close-up selfie showed Mehajer, usually only seen in tight-fitting suits, enjoying his new freedom, sporting a grey tracksuit as he relaxed on a bed. The selfie was captioned with his initials in the top left hand corner. Salim Mehajer took to Instagram on Monday to show off his new look Earlier on Monday, Salim Mehajer wore designer sunglasses as he arrived at the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal Two weeks ago, Mehajer sported a man bun when he was released from jail The new look comes as Mehajer announced a major update in a court appeal against his domestic violence convictions and sentence, which he argued was 'defective' and unfair. He told the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Monday that solicitor Zali Burrows, whose signature Mehajer was previously found guilty of forging, would represent him. His bid for a three-month adjournment in the appeal was granted by Justice Julie Ward. Mehajer was sentenced to a maximum of seven years and nine months' jail, but walked free last month when his non-parole period expired. The NSW State Parole Authority recently ruled that Mehajer had completed all possible programs in prison and that his rehabilitation was better served in the community under the supervision of a psychologist and community corrections officers. As part of his strict parole conditions, Mehajer must undergo drug and alcohol testing, participate in domestic violence programs if directed, and not communicate with any outlaw motorcycle gang bikies or associates. He is also banned from contacting his domestic violence victim and travelling to the NSW Central Coast. Salim Mehajer (pictured on Monday) is enjoying his new freedom after a five year stint behind bars Salim Mehajer told the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Monday that solicitor Zali Burrows (pictured together in 2019) had agreed to represent him Mehajer reappeared on social media within hours of his release from jail. 'I am forever grateful,' he shared on Instagram. 'I am fully committed to fulfilling the expectations placed before me. 'Additionally, I express my sincere appreciation for the unwavering support of my family and friends, as well as the dedication of my legal representative, who has consistently stood by me throughout this journey.' Russia is feared to be preparing false flag attacks on its shadow fleet of sea vessels in order to deter the West from further sanctioning them. According to reports from the SVR, Moscow's foreign intelligence service, is said to have claimed that the UK was plotting to attack the country's fleet of ships used to subvert sanctions. The SVR said that the attacks would be designed to look like accidents, causing significant environmental damage and allowing Britain and the rest of NATO to justify further actions against them. The Telegraph reported it claimed: 'British intelligence services are planning to use NATO allies to launch a mass raid on the "shadow fleet"; for this purpose, an ecological catastrophe in international waters is being prepared.' But experts said the report's publication raised concerns that Russia is preparing its own false flag operation, a scheme carried out by the Kremlin but designed to look like it has British origins. Dr Sidharth Kaushal, a research fellow at RUSI, told the newspaper: 'One interpretation might be that the Russians are insuring themselves against something breaking down or sinking, in a way that creates a pretext for restricting [their movement across the ocean].' So far at least six tankers have suffered mysterious explosions since the start of the year. The suspicion has largely fallen on Ukraine, as all of the tankers were docked in Russian ports. Some of them were carrying Russian oil. Royal Navy monitor heightened Russian activity in waters close the UK The shadow fleet tanker Turbo Voyager, right, passes within 600 meters of a general cargo vessel as it transits through the Great Belt of Denmark off the coast of Agerso, Denmark, on Thursday, Aug. 15. 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured) It comes after the National Crime Agency (NCA) warned UK financial firms that Russian oil trading companies are utilising a complex network of companies with deliberately obscure ownership structures in order to evade sanctions. Britain has banned the maritime transportation of Russian oil as its energy exports are funding the war in Ukraine. In 2024, 30 per cent of Russias federal budget came from oil and gas sales. But Russian oil trading companies are managing to circumvent sanctions to get Western cash which is continuing to fund the Russian state, investigators believe. One of the companies sanctioned last year used over 100 Shadow Fleet oil tankers, vessels which are usually over 15 years old which secretly carry Russian oil. To avoid detection, flags are regularly changed and the ship's automatic identification system is turned off to avoid its movements being tracked, while the oil is often transferred from one ship to another to obscure its origin before the shipment reaches its destination. Over 400 Shadow Fleet vessels have so far been sanctioned by the UK, EU, US and Canada. An NCA spokesman said: Today, the National Crime Agency has issued an alert to financial institutions and other members of the UK regulated sector in relation to the sale of Russian oil and gas through the use of Shadow Fleet vessels and front companies. Sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine have had a significant impact on its ability to sell oil and gas it produces. However, in an effort to circumvent these controls, Russian oil trading companies are utilising a complex network of companies with deliberately obscure ownership structures to evade sanctions whilst accessing Western finance and professional services in order to continue to fund the Russian state. Resident of Bolton are growing impatient and even more furious as a plaque dedicated to beloved TV star Fred Dibnah remains unfixed eight months after it was damaged. The famous steeplejack, who was known for demolishing tall chimneys in the North West, gained national fame in 1978 when a BBC documentary about his as a work was broadcast. His hands-on, traditional techniques and charisma made fascinated viewers fall in love with him. Fred passed away aged 66 on November 6, 2004, and a statue and memorial tile were installed in his home town of Bolton. However, the plaque was damaged in January this year and now has several large cracks. At the time, locals complained to Bolton Council who said they would replace the stone. 'We have been made aware of the damage and are planning to replace the stone,' a spokesperson said. But the plaque today remains unfixed eight months later and locals are getting fed up. Resident of Bolton are growing impatient and ever more furious as a plaque dedicated to beloved TV star Fred Dibnah remains unfixed eight months after it was damaged The famous steeplejack, who was known for demolishing tall chimneys in the North West, gained national fame in 1978 when a BBC documentary about his as a work was broadcast His hands-on, traditional techniques and charisma made fascinated viewers fall in love with him (Pictured: Fred on top of a church spire) In a post on X, one wrote: 'Dear Bolton Council. This lad once put Bolton on the map. 'This isn't the way to remember him. Fix it please!' It is unclear how the stone came to be damaged, but some speculated it had been done on purpose. 'Looks like it's been deliberately vandalised. All the paving stones around are intact. Who would do that?' Another said: 'Outrageous that the legacy of Fred Dibnah, should be treated this way. The man enthralled generations, with his love of industrial and architectural history/heritage. Please get it fixed, I implore you.' 'Not just for Bolton, for the entire population around in the 70 s & 80s Britain, one of my heroes, nerves of steel, but yet such a warm and personable man, respect always from an old steel erector,' said a fourth. Others called it 'shameful', 'shocking', and 'disrespectful to the town's history'. Daily Mail has contacted Bolton Council for comment. An Aboriginal artist was able to keep his position on a taxpayer-funded board, despite labelling Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong 'genocidal c**ts' who should go and 'get f****d'. Fred Leone, an award-winning musician, Indigenous Butchulla songman and founder of Impossible Odds Records, was appointed to the board of the Music Australia Council in August 2023 by Minister of the Arts, Tony Burke. Mr Leone, who was paid a salary of $24,540 for the role, filmed himself last week attacking the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Burke, also Immigration Minister, for delaying any future recognition of Palestine as a state. 'You weak ass p**s dog, f**k you Anthony Albanese, f**k you. F**k Penny Wong,' ,' Mr Leone said in a self-recorded video posted on Instagram. 'F**k that weak ass Minister for Immigration, Tony Burke. You can all go get f****d. That's pathetic: "I'm waiting for the right moment to recognise Palestine" after, what, almost half a million people are dead? You f***king piece of s**t.' He further branded them as 'Zionist-siding dog(s)', before adding: 'When I see you at the f***ing airport don't even come near me c**t because I'll f***ing rip you in front of everybody.' His comments, first reported by The Australian, were in response to the Prime Minister saying last week that recognition of Palestine as a state must wait until it would 'advance the objective of the creation of two states'. Fred Leone, an award-winning musician, Indigenous Butchulla Songman and founder of Impossible Odds Records, was appointed to the board of the Music Australia Council in August 2023 by Minister of the Arts, Tony Burke. He has landed himself in hot water over a vile- expletive-laden rant (pictured) about the Prime Minister and senior political figures Mr Leone, who was paid a salary of $24,540 for the role, has previously met Prince Harry when the former Royal was on a trip Down Under in 2022 with his wife Meghan 'My entire political life, I've said I support two states, the right of Israel to exist within secure borders and the right of Palestinians to have their legitimate aspirations for their own state realised,' Albanese said on Wednesday. The Australian reported that Mr Leone, who met Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle during their 2022 tour, has been allowed to keep his job on the taxpayer-funded board until his term expires at the end of August. Burke, who is also Minister for Home Affairs, Cyber Security and the Arts, said that Mr Leone's 'language escalated as soon as he was told that he wasnt going to be reappointed to Music Australia'. Daily Mail Australia approached Mr Leone for comment. A statue of a Confederate general that was toppled and burned in Washington D.C. during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 will be reinstalled under President Donald Trump. The National Park Service announced on Monday that its crews are working to restore and reinstall the bronze sculpture of Confederate Brigadier General Albert Pike that once stood in the nation's capital. It was the only statue depicting a Confederate leader in Washington DC until demonstrators used ropes to pull down the structure outside of the Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters. They then doused the figure in lighter fluid and set it ablaze on live television. President Trump - then in his first-term - immediately called for the statue to be put back up, but it has remained in storage ever since. Officials now hope to get the statue back up by October, as they shared a photo of a worker removing corrosion and paint from the site. 'Site preparation to repair the statue's damaged masonry plinth will begin shortly, with crews repairing broken stone, mortar joints and mounting elements,' the National Park Service said. It added that the move to reinstall the statue is in accordance with executive orders Trump signed to beautify Washington DC and restore 'truth and sanity to American history.' President Donald Trump has authorized a controversial statue of a Confederate general to be put back up in Washington DC The National Park Service shared this photo of a worker removing corrosion and paint from the statue of Brigadier General Albert Pike Under the order, Trump directed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to determine whether statues have been removed since the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 to 'perpetuate a false reconstruction of American history, inappropriately minimize the value of certain historical events or figures, or include any other improper partisan ideology.' The Pike statue has long been a source of contention in Washington DC. It was originally dedicated in 1901 at the behest of the Freemasons, who successfully lobbied Congress to grant them land for the statue they said would honor Pike's 32 years as Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient Rite of Scottish Freemasonry. Congress agreed to give the Masons the land so long as Pike would be depicted in civilian, and not military clothing. The DC City Council called for its removal for the first time in 1992, and Delegate to the House of Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton has introduced multiple bills in Congress to get it removed in the decades that followed, NBC Washington reports. One such resolution referred to Pike as a 'chief founder of the post Civil War Ku Klux Klan,' a claim the Masons strongly deny. But Pike did lead a regimen of Native Americans in Arkansas who sided with the Confederacy and were accused of scalping Union troops in an 1862 battle. He eventually received a pardon from President Andrew Johnson for his wartime actions and went on to become a prominent member of the Freemasons. The statue, which was erected in 1901, was defaced during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 Protesters used ropes to topple the statue, then set it on fire During the riots in 2020, protesters spray painted the statue, decrying Pike as a 'racist' and sharing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. It was one of many such Confederate statues toppled that summer, which Trump decried in his first term. 'Very sad to see States allowing roving gangs of wise guys, anarchists & looters, many of them having no idea what they are doing, indiscriminately ripping down our statues and monuments to the past,' he tweeted at the time. 'Some are great works of art, but all represent our History & Heritage, both the good and the bad. 'It is important for us to understand and remember, even in turbulent and difficult times, and learn from them. Knowledge comes from the most unusual of places!' The president also hit out at police for 'not doing their job as they watch a statue be ripped down & burn[ed]' after it was reported that officers did not respond to the scene until approximately an hour after the crowds gathered - despite police headquarters being mere feet away, WUSA reports. By then, the statue had already been toppled and torched, with officers left only able to extinguish the flames. Delegate to the House of Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton announced she will now take action to prevent the statue from going back up In the years since, Delegate Holmes Norton has lobbied for the statue to be placed in a museum. 'I've long believed Confederate statues should be placed in museums as historical artifacts, not remain in locations that imply honor,' she told WUSA on Monday. 'President Trump's longstanding determination to honor Confederate General Albert Pike by restoring and reinstalling the Pike statue is as indefensible as it is morally objectionable,' she continued. She went onto claim that Pike 'served dishonorably' and noted that he 'took up arms against the United States, misappropriated funds and was ultimately imprisoned by his fellow own troops. He resigned in disgrace after committing a war crime and dishonoring even his own Confederate military service.' Holmes Norton then announced that she will take action to prevent the statue from going back up. 'Given the NPS announcement today that it will restore and reinstall the statue, I plan to reintroduce my bill, which would permanently remove the statue of Pike and authorize the Secretary of the Interior to donate the statue to a museum or a similar entity,' she said. 'A statue honoring a racist and a traitor has no place on the streets of DC,' she declared. A New Jersey State Police sergeant fatally shot his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend in a chilling act of domestic violence before killing himself with the same weapon. Sergeant First Class Ricardo Santos, once assigned to protect the state's governors, stalked 33-year-old veterinarian Dr. Lauren Semanchik and her boyfriend, 29-year-old firefighter Tyler Webb, at her home in Franklin Township on Friday evening. Semanchik's body was found on Saturday. She had been shot in the back as she tried to flee. Webb lay nearby, also fatally wounded. Santos' body was discovered hours later inside a white Mercedes SUV nearly 50 miles away in Piscataway, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A semiautomatic handgun was recovered from his vehicle. 'She was running away. She was shot in the back,' said Deanna Semanchik, Lauren's devastated sister. 'She gave so much of her life to other people and she deserved so much better.' The killing has gripped New Jersey not only for its brutality but for the damning revelations now emerging that Semanchik had tried for months to escape Santos' obsessive control - and that multiple institutions, including law enforcement, failed to act. Dr. Semanchik, 33, and Santos had only dated for three months in 2024 before she ended the relationship in September. Veterinarian Dr. Lauren Semanchik, 33, was shot dead by her ex-boyfriend Ricardo Santos Semanchik's current boyfriend, 29-year-old firefighter Tyler Webb, was also shot dead The double murders occurred at Dr. Semanchik's home in Franklin Township But what followed, according to her family and police records, was a year-long campaign of stalking, sabotage, and harassment. 'He showed up at her work. That's where the car was keyed. He put recording devices in her home, water in her gas tank. He harassed her left and right,' her sister told CBS News. Lauren Semanchik had tried to block his calls but her ex used restricted numbers. She then tried to get restraining orders according to her mother, Jeannine Semanchik. 'A lot of agencies failed her. She tried to get restraining orders. Nobody called her back.' One of Santos' own colleagues was reportedly contacted by Semanchik for help. Yet the abuse continued. Santos' calculated final move was captured in haunting detail on security footage from a camera Semanchik had installed in her car - yet another precaution in the face of relentless stalking. On Friday, August 1, the footage shows her car leaving Long Valley Animal Hospital, where she worked, around 5:25pm. A white 2008 Mercedes SUV, later confirmed to be Santos', pulls out right behind her, tailing her for 30 miles to her home. Dr. Lauren Semanchik's legacy is one of compassion and advocacy. Those who dealt with her said she showed love for the animals and owners she encountered The killing unfolded in the quiet Pittstown section of Franklin Township, New Jersey At 6:11pm, a figure can be seen creeping through the woods along her driveway. At 6:45pm, Tyler Webb arriver at the home. Minutes later, neighbors heard screaming and gunshots, but when Franklin Township police responded to those 911 calls, they couldn't locate the source and left. The next day, Lauren's father made the gruesome discovery. His daughter and her boyfriend lay dead inside the home. Both had been shot. Santos was found later that day, alone in his SUV in Johnson Park, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A semiautomatic handgun was recovered in the vehicle. Lauren Semanchik was a beloved veterinarian at Long Valley Animal Hospital. In a GoFundMe page her colleagues described her as a kind-hearted, fiercely intelligent professional who poured herself into her work and treated animals and their grieving owners with grace and compassion. 'Not only was Lauren a phenomenal veterinarian, she was one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter and a friend to us all,' the hospital wrote in a public tribute. 'She was gentle, never judgmental, and gave hugs and hand-holding to families that needed support the most during their most difficult moments.' Her team described her death plainly and forcefully. 'This is not a case of Not One More Vet (NOMV) or suicide; this was a double homicide.' Dr. Lauren Semanchik was a beloved veterinarian at Long Valley Animal Hospital in Long Valley, New Jersey Webb's fellow firefighters called his death a heartbreaking loss for their community Dr. Semanchik's legacy is one of compassion and advocacy. She earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Wisconsin and volunteered with Lap of Love, a group offering end-of-life care for pets. Her colleagues and friends described her as irreplaceable. 'Her attacker did not want to let her shine, but Lauren Semanchik is a light that will never dim,' wrote her clinic's practice manager. The GoFundMe launched by Long Valley Animal Hospital is raising funds for funeral expenses and to honor her memory through charitable donations. In their grief, her family has become adamant that Lauren's story not be reduced to another tragedy swept under the rug. 'She was deeply and unequivocally loved She loved life, and she loved helping others. Her spirit, her love, and her light will forever shine bright in our hearts,' wrote her colleagues. Tyler Webb, 29, was a member of the Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company. His fellow firefighters called his death a heartbreaking loss for their community. 'Tyler served our department with dedication and honor His contributions to our company and community will never be forgotten,' the fire company said in a statement. Lauren Semanchik earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Wisconsin Webb's body was found a short distance away from his girlfriend's The Semanchik family has expressed their rage and heartbreak, knowing that Santos evaded justice by taking his own life. 'He needs to have accountability. He took the cowardly way out,' said her sister. Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renee Robeson confirmed the case was being investigated as an act of domestic violence and a targeted double homicide. 'This senseless and devastating loss has deeply affected our entire community,' she said. 'While justice in the legal sense may not proceed, our commitment to supporting survivors and preventing future tragedies remains unwavering.' Governor Murphy's office, where Santos once served in an elite security role, also issued a statement. 'We are shocked and devastated by this horrific tragedy.' Australia's youngest-ever senator has revealed she was recently diagnosed with a devastating health condition. Charlotte Walker, 21, told parliament last week that she suffers from a genetic heart condition called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which affects up to one in 250 Australians. It causes dangerously high levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, significantly heightening the risk of early heart disease and stroke. 'When I was diagnosed with FH, I was told that, without regular medication, I could have a heart attack much younger than average,' Senator Walker said. 'FH causes dangerously high cholesterol levels from birth. Without treatment it increases the risk of early heart disease by up to 20 times. 'In severe cases, children with undiagnosed FH can suffer heart attacks before they finish school.' However, Senator Walker said that the condition could be effectively managed by early diagnosis and by taking cholesterol-lowering medication every day. The Senator for South Australia praised the Labor government's police to reduce the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment to a maximum of $25 next year. Charlotte Walker, 21, told parliament last week that she suffers from a genetic heart condition called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which affects up to one in 250 Australians The Senator for South Australia praised the Labor government's police to reduce the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment to a maximum of $25 next year 'This policy is a lifeline for every Australian needing medication but particularly for those of us with medical conditions,' she added. Senator Walker, who earns $239,270 a year, said the medication she needed to treat her FH was on the PBS. She also pointed out a key difference between the United States and Australia - that Americans often need private health insurance just to afford medications that are subsidised by taxpayers in Australia. 'To put this into perspective, the Australia Institute's research shows that my medication can cost more than $2,000 in the United States if you do not have private health insurance. 'This change to the PBS will strengthen our healthcare system and relieve the cost of living. This reform is practical and compassionate, and this reform is necessary for Aussies like me who rely on medication every single day.' The young politician - the first parliamentarian to be born this millennium - has already made headlines for clashing with One Nation founder Pauline Hanson over the government's commitment to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. The Daily Mail also revealed on Monday that she had quietly deleted a controversial video from her Instagram page after it sparked criticism. In the video, Senator Walker documented a day in her life at parliament, including her 5.27am wake-up, preparation for interviews and running through the halls of parliament to vote. The clip was met with a chorus of ridicule and anger on social media, with many users branding it 'cringe,' 'embarrassing,' and evidence of taxpayers' money being wasted. A 13-year-old girl has been arrested after another teenage girl was allegedly stabbed to death with a kitchen knife in a quiet suburban street. Emergency services rushed to Euston Close in Edgeworth, western Newcastle, about 10.20pm on Monday after reports of an alleged stabbing. Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find a 14-year-old girl suffering a stab wound to her torso. Paramedics treated her at the scene before she was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition, but she later died from her injuries. The girl has not yet been formally identified. Police arrested a 13-year-old girl at the scene. It is understood she was known to the victim and is currently assisting detectives with their investigation. A kitchen knife, suspected to have been used in the alleged attack, was seized at the scene for forensic testing. A large crime scene has been established and remains under guard, with police cordoning off the street as specialist forensic teams scoured the area on Tuesday. A 13-year-old girl has been arrested after another teenage girl was allegedly stabbed to death with a kitchen knife in a quiet suburban street in Newcastle A kitchen knife believed to have been used in the alleged attack was seized at the scene and has been taken for forensic testing A large crime scene has been established and remains under guard A white Toyota Corolla, parked across the road from the crime scene, was also searched A Toyota Corolla, parked across the road from the crime scene, was also searched. Detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad are leading the Strike Force Aggnes investigation alongside local police. Neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac said they were shocked by the tragedy. 'It's a very friendly neighbourhood and we have never had any problems living here,' one local told Daily Mail Australia. 'We didn't hear a thing last night and woke up this morning to find the street taped off and police everywhere.' Another neighbour, who lives behind the property, said they often walked past the home where the teenager died. 'My house backs on to theirs and I walk my dog past almost every day,' the neighbour said. 'I have never even seen a teenager in that house so I am absolutely shocked by the news.' Police are urging anyone with information or CCTV footage from the area to come forward. An Ohio teacher has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing one of her former students, beginning when the girl was just 13 years old. Stefanie Erin Kellenberger, 40, admitted guilt on Friday to four counts of third-degree felony sexual battery and 17 counts of third-degree felony unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, the Mansfield News Journal reports. The former Shelby Middle School English teacher now faces up to 15 years imprisonment at her sentencing on October 6 - just one day before her 41st birthday. Prosecutors say she began grooming the victim when she was 13 years old, and the sexual contact started the following year, after the girl turned 14. It then continued 'until the age of consent,' which is 16 in the state, Bryan Dove, assistant prosecutor for Richland County claimed. The crimes all occurred at Kellenberger's home in Shelby from February 2020 through October 2021. 'You had been a teacher. She had been a student,' Richland County Common Pleas Judge Brent Robinson told the former sixth-grade teacher. 'But at the time these occurred, you were not her teacher and she was not your student.' In court, Kellenberger's attorney also argued that 'consent was never an issue in this case' and Dove noted that there was 'no use of force' involved. Stefanie Erin Kellenberger, 40, a former English teacher at Shelby Middle School in Ohio, has pleaded guilty to four counts of third-degree felony sexual battery and 17 counts of third-degree felony unlawful sexual conduct with a minor Kellenberger now faces up to 15 years imprisonment at her sentencing on October 6 - just one day before her 41st birthday Kellenberger was placed on paid administrative leave from Shelby City Schools in February 2024, after Superintendent Michael Browning said he received a call from the Mansfield Police Department that 'allegations were made' against the teacher. She was then officially indicted on the criminal charges in September 2024, and resigned from Shelby City Schools the following month. As the case against her progressed, the victim in the case recommended Kellenberger spend three years behind bars. But Judge Robinson said he did not support such a short sentence, and prosecutors came up with two different options - either she serve a 12-year flat prison sentence or 15 years with the possibility of judicial release after 10 years. Kellenberger opted for the latter option, and Dove said the victim is now 'relieved to not have to testify. 'That's why we entered into this agreement with the defendant,' he explained. Kellenberger will now be subject to fie years post-release control and must register with the county sheriff as a Tier 3 sex offender every 90 days for the rest of her life. She also agreed to avoid all future contact with her victim and to forever forfeit her teaching license in exchange for the possibility of being released after 10 years of good behavior. In the meantime, Kellenberger is to remain under electronic monitoring until her sentence. She may not have any contact with minors at the time and is to avoid any further criminal conduct. Pete Hegseth, 45, was roundly mocked for his 'thirst trap' homage to Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle 'good jeans' advertisement. Hegseth's take on the controversial ad campaign came as the Trump administration fully embraced Sweeney - whether she likes it or not - after it emerged that she was a registered Republican voter in Florida. The 27-year-old Hollywood star sparked liberal meltdown after she posed in American Eagle jeans with the slogan 'Sydney Sweeney has good jeans' - a play on her good looks. Now, Hegseth who faces multiple scandals at the Pentagon has waded into the controversy with a picture on the Department of Defense Rapid Response X account. The post shows the Secretary of Defense stepping off a plane wearing sunglasses, a blazer, an ornate belt and tight-fitting blue jeans. 'Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has good jeans,' the caption reads. Social media has since been swamped with critics questioning the priorities of the department. 'The social feed has nothing better to do than post an @SecDef thirst trap?' one critic asked. 'Were not a serious country anymore,' another added. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been widely mocked for his 'thirst trap' recreation of Sydney Sweeney 's controversial 'good jeans' advertisement The 27-year-old Hollywood star sparked liberal meltdown after she posed in American Eagle jeans with the slogan 'Sydney Sweeney has good jeans' - a play on her good looks Others described the picture and accompanying post as 'cringe' and urged the administration to set its sights on delivering on promises. 'Those jeans look like they chafe, my dude,' another pointed out while a fourth added: 'Please just stop.' Hegseth has been facing internal challenges within his department amid questions about whether he is fit to serve in the high-stakes role. Less than two months into his term, he was dragged into the 'Signalgate' scandal in which a journalist was unintentionally included in a discussion about a military strike in Yemen, and since then has been battling leaks from within his own department. But he has now fallen into lockstep with Trump and other prominent conservatives, who have repeatedly come to Sweeney's defense against the 'woke' mafia after learning she's been a registered Republican since last June. 'Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the "HOTTEST" ad out there. It's for American Eagle, and the jeans are "flying off the shelves." Go get em Sydney!' the president said. Woke critics have described the campaign as 'Nazi propaganda' or a 'dog whistle', primarily because the glamorous Sweeney has blonde hair, blue eyes and pale skin. In the campaign visuals, the Spokane, Washington-born actress - who is set to portray boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic - models various denim looks. In the campaign visuals, the Spokane, Washington-born actress - who is set to portray boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic - models 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' 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 adding: 'Hey, eyes up here' as the camera cuts back to her face. On Sunday night, the Daily Mail asked Trump if he had any interest in Sweeney's political leanings. 'She's a registered Republican?' the president questioned on the tarmac of the Lehigh Valley International Airport outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania. 'You'd be surprised at how many people are Republican. That's one I wouldn't have known, but I'm glad you told me that. 'If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic.' The UKs decision to lower the voting age to 16 is being hailed in progressive circles as a democratic leap forward. It isnt. Its a politically convenient move masquerading as civic advancement, and its one Australia should resist, regardless of how tempted Albos government might be to follow suit. Make no mistake, this is not about empowering young people. Its about gaming the system. UK Labour has done the numbers. So have the Greens here at home. They know that 16 and 17-year-olds lean left - as you would expect. Advocates of lowering the voting age see a demographic jackpot in adding younger voters who are more likely to favour their causes into the electoral mix. Expand the base and entrench power: Its not principle driving this agenda, its political self-interest. The Greens have been pushing the idea for years here in Australia. Now that the UK is doing it, Albo might be tempted to follow in their wake, just as hes planning to do in recognising Palestine as a state. But on this issue he should resist the temptation to play follow the leader abroad. It would be opportunistic - as well as bad for the integrity of Australias electoral system. You can sign contracts, serve on a jury and enlist in the military without parental consent when you're 18. There's a reason it is the age we grant full adult rights and responsibilities. Voters above at a recent poll Theres a reason 18 is the age at which we grant full adult rights and responsibilities. Its when you can sign contracts, serve on a jury, enlist in the military without parental consent and be held fully accountable under the law, including being sent to adult prisons. Should we also lower the age at which citizens are eligible for these rights and responsibilities? Turning 18 is also when youre presumed to have the maturity to engage meaningfully with the complexities of policy and politics. Children who are 16, for all their enthusiasm, are still developing the emotional and cognitive maturity required for responsible democratic participation. Neuroscience tells us the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is still under construction well into our 20s. Yet somehow were now expected to believe that teenagers midway through high school are ready to weigh up tax policy, national security, industrial relations debates and macroeconomic management credentials? Even if we put the brain science to one side, most 16-year-olds are still living at home, not paying bills, not working full-time or filing tax returns. They dont deal with the day-to-day realities of the policy decisions governments make. Adolescents are often insulated from the consequences of political decisions - which undermines the idea that their vote should carry equal weight They are largely insulated from the consequences of political decisions too, which undermines the idea that their vote should carry equal weight in determining the direction of the country. Then theres the issue of civic literacy, or the lack of it. The most recent national data on civics education in Australia is utterly damning. Fewer than one in three Year 10 students demonstrate a basic proficiency in civics, the lowest figure in two decades. In other words, were debating whether to hand the vote to a cohort of teenagers, 70 per cent of whom can't even identify how government works. Thats not an argument for lowering the voting age, its a solid case for fixing our schools. And what of the schools themselves? Turning Year 10 classrooms into political battlegrounds, with parties courting students and campaigning in schoolyards is a recipe for chaos. Teachers would be thrust into uncomfortable territory, navigating their roles as educators while students are turned into electoral targets. Civic engagement should be taught, not exploited. The overseas examples dont help the case either. Scotland is often trotted out as a success story, but it has a voluntary voting system, meaning the dynamics are entirely different. The Greens' own policy for lowering the voting age here involves making it non-compulsory for 16 and 17-year-olds, as a way of overcoming concerns that some teenagers just arent mature enough to vote. But that should be a red flag in and of itself - overturning Australias compulsory voting structure. Where does that potentially lead? As for the UK, which doesnt have compulsory voting either, its newly announced change hasnt even been tested yet and wont be for another four years. Are we seriously going to reshape our very different electoral system based on a policy that hasnt been implemented, let alone proven effective? Supporters of the change will argue that young people deserve a voice, that they are affected by long-term policy decisions, particularly on climate. Thats true, but so are toddlers, why shouldnt they also get the vote? If not toddlers, what about 15-year-olds? Or 14-year-olds? Where does it stop once you drop the voting age below adulthood? The principle of being a stakeholder doesnt override the need for informed, responsible, independent participation. We dont grant the vote based on who is affected by outcomes, we grant it based on who is capable of evaluating competing interests and policies within a functioning democracy. That threshold is adulthood. UK Labour Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has lowered the voting age to 16. British democracy is not the same as Australia's - voting is not compulsory Polls repeatedly show Australians oppose lowering the voting age, and not just older generations by the way. Young people themselves are split. Its telling that this movement is being led by political parties, not grassroots pressure. That should be enough to stop it in its tracks, in recognition that whats really going on is a bid for partisan advantage. Our democracy has many problems: trust deficits, disengagement and misinformation amongst them. But the answer to those problems isnt to hand ballot papers to people still sitting their NAPLAN tests. If we want more engaged citizens we should fix civics education, strengthen institutions and foster critical thinking, not rig the voter base to boost one side of politics. The UK can be as impulsive as it likes, in contrast Australia should take a deep breath. Theres nothing democratic about rushing headlong into a reform that fixes nothing, costs plenty and creates more problems than it solves. Especially when the real purpose is base political advantage. A retired Aussie police officer living in Thailand has faced off with his alleged scammer after his life savings were stolen through a cryptocurrency scam. Michael Reinecke, 63, allegedly had 40,000,000 Thai Baht ($1.9million) taken from him by a German expat in Thailand and local police helped not only catch the alleged fraudster, but make him face his victim. Mr Reinecke was promised monthly returns of five to ten per cent through the crypto platform before the German suddenly shut down the 'investment platform' and allegedly disappeared with the money. Mr Reinecke and his wife Areeat Noonyot, 50, reported the alleged scam to local police in Udon Thani Province on July 18. Mr Reinecke, who retired to Thailand after a career as a police officer in Queensland, said he made an error in judgment. 'I was genuinely looking forward to a happy retirement with my Thai wife and never imagined I would be defrauded of nearly 40 million Baht like this. I am deeply saddened,' he said. His alleged scammer boasted about his high-flying lifestyle on social media, posing next to swimming pools, driving luxury cars, enjoying yachts and riding in private jets. But Mr Reinecke got his revenge when police tracked down the German and arrested him on August 1, before plonking him in front of the Aussie expat to explain himself. Michael Reinecke confronts his alleged scammer in Thailand Mr Reinecke posed with local authorities after they caught the man they believed scammed him out of his life savings 'These guys are on top of you,' Mr Reinecke told him, before gesturing to surrounding police. The alleged scammer attempted to weasel his way out of it. 'Do you really think this is going to help the situation? That you are going to get your money back?' he said. 'You should've thought about that before you did it, before you bullsh***ed me,' Mr Reinecke replied. 'Believe what you want. I have my lawyers and my witness statements. It will take time, but I will be fine,' the alleged scammer said. He then went on to plead for Mr Reinecke's sympathy. 'I will mostly die here in Thai prison. Is that what you want?' he told him. 'You should have thought about that before you started ripping people off,' Mr Reinecke fired back. The alleged fraudster was happy to show off his lifestyle on social media He posed in front of luxury pools, on yachts and in private planes before being caught The accused scammer was then taken away by police. The 63-year-old Aussie said he became familiar with his alleged con artist through social media before travelling to Phuket to discuss an investment, saying he was manipulated by a man he thought was credible. In a press conference over the weekend, Police Colonel Phattanawong Chanphon told local media the alleged scammer denied all charges, saying he did not intend to trick Mr Reinecke. 'He claimed that he lost his phone and was hacked, which prevented him from calling or refunding the money,' he said. 'However, we do not believe him, because while we were waiting for the court to issue his warrant, he was still livestreaming on his accounts and luring people to invest with him.' The German expat was charged with fraud and 'fraudulently importing false computer data into a computer system in a manner likely to cause damage to the public'. JK Rowling has waded in to a highly publicised Australian legal battle that could carry major implications for transgender rights across the country. The case, known as Tickle v Giggle, centres around Roxanne Tickle, a transgender woman who sued social media company Giggle for Girls Pty Ltd and its founder, Sall Grover, for alleged discrimination based on gender identity. Giggle, a women-only app, removed Ms Tickle from its platform in September 2021. In 2024, the Federal Court found that Ms Grover and her app Giggle had unlawfully discriminated against the 54-year-old. Ms Grover is now appealing that decision, with the first hearing held on Monday. Rowling, who has been a vocal critic of gender identity ideology and a prominent supporter of sex-based rights, publicly backed Grover ahead of the hearing. 'Good luck, Sall. May the best woman (haha) win x,' Rowling wrote on X. Earlier this year, the Harry Potter author celebrated a UK Supreme Court ruling that determined that, under Britain's Equality Act, the legal definition of 'woman' refers specifically to a biological female, not to gender identity. JK Rowling (pictured) sent a message of support to Sall Grover, who is seeking to overturn a ruling which found she discriminated against a transgender woman on her app, Giggle 'Good luck, Sall. May the best woman (haha) win x,' Rowling wrote on X (pictured) In 2024, the Federal Court found that Sall Grover (pictured) and her app Giggle had unlawfully discriminated against transgender woman Roxanne Tickle The bestselling author was a major backer of the legal campaign behind that decision and donated more than $140,000 to the group behind the case. On Monday, the appeal court heard that Giggle was a 'special measure' exempt from discrimination law because it sought to achieve equality between men and women. Ms Grover's barrister, Noel Hutley SC, said the ability to create these kinds of special measures to promote equality would be compromised if Justice Robert Bromwich's decision remained because they would - by definition - discriminate against a group. 'A special measure will exclude someone necessarily because it's otherwise not special,' he told the Full Court of the Federal Court on Monday. The barrister said his client's intentions had been to create a 'safe space' for women. The court was shown evidence of women who had suffered sexual abuse, trolling, alcoholism, and harassment from men, and had found refuge on the Giggle platform. Mr Hutley told a panel of three judges that the evidence showed 'the most deplorable behaviour of men on the internet'. 'It's got to the point to say that a blow-by-blow of it is, that certain people couldn't get onto it and were hurt by it - that's unfortunate,' he said. Rowling, who has been a vocal critic of gender identity ideology and a prominent supporter of sex-based rights, publicly backed Grover ahead of the hearing (the author is pictured in 2022) Roxane Tickle (pictured leaving a Sydney court in 2024) was removed from Giggle in late 2021 Social media company Giggle for Girls Pty Ltd launched a women's-only app in 2019 (pictured) Lawyers for the Sex Discrimination Commissioner challenged this in court, saying 'invidious discrimination' could take place under the guise of a special measure. When Mr Hutley said this was an 'extreme example' and didn't need to be considered, Justice Melissa Perry pushed back - asking why someone seeking to actively harm another group would be protected. 'Why would the (Sex Discrimination Act) then say that's OK?' she asked. Mr Hutley said parliament had to form a compromise when enacting the legislation. 'So you say as long as you have a purpose of achieving substantive equality between one of the protected groups, you're in, irrespective of the nature of any other purpose?' the judge asked. 'Quite. If your purpose was to advance women, (if another) purpose was to disadvantage men then there's nothing wrong with that,' Mr Hutley replied. Ms Grover denies findings she rejected Ms Tickle - who was born male but identifies as female - from Giggle in late 2021 because she did not look like a cisgender woman. Rather, she simply weeded out people who did not 'appear female', her lawyer said. Ms Grover denies findings she rejected Ms Tickle (pictured) - who was born male but identifies as female - from Giggle in late 2021 because she did not look like a cisgender woman Australian actress Tziporah Malkah, formerly known as Kate Fischer, was spotted outside the court holding a placard in support of Giggle for Girls founder Sall Grover on Tuesday 'Isn't that a distinction without a difference?' Justice Perry asked. Ms Tickle has also filed her own challenge to Justice Bromwich's decision, seeking to increase the $10,000 in damages she was awarded in August 2024. She further claims the judge incorrectly found she was not directly discriminated against by Giggle and Ms Grover. The judge found the condition that Giggle members had the appearance of cisgender women did not specifically target Ms Tickle, but indirectly discriminated against her. Her barrister, Georgina Costello KC, gave short submissions that her client was in fact a woman and that the definition of 'sex' was not confined to a biological concept. Ms Tickle has identified as a woman since 2017, undergoing surgery two years later and getting a new birth certificate that lists her sex as female. For Ms Grover, sex is a biological reality assigned at birth and cannot be changed. Supporters of Grover have been seen outside the Sydney courtroom, holding banners in defence of sex-based rights. One sign read, 'Google autogynephilia', a reference to a term describing a man's sexual arousal at the thought or image of himself as a woman. The four-day hearing continues this week. The family of one of three survivors from a horrific Miami boat crash has provided a heartbreaking update on the young girl's recovery. Calena Areyana Gruber, seven, was onboard a sailboat with five other campers at the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation summer camp and their 19-year-old counselor, when it collided with a 60-foot barge being pulled by a tugboat in Biscayne Bay on July 28. The impact from the crash left the 17-foot Hobie Getaway sinking underneath the barge, but Gruber was able to swim out to save her life, an attorney representing the family told the Miami Herald. She was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition, but has since been released and is now recovering at home. Her family, though, says they still have a long road ahead of them as Gruber continues to have 'open lacerations and scrapes' all over her body. 'This little 7-year-old girl is devastated by what happened, both physically and emotionally,' attorney Justin B. Shapiro said in a statement, according to NBC South Florida. 'She was acutely aware that she could have died and she repeats that to her parents, and so it's going to be a long and difficult road for her. 'Her parents, of course, are committed to getting her all of the help and care that she needs,' he added, 'but seven-year-old children are not equipped to deal with this kind of trauma and so it's going to be a lot of work.' Calena Areyana Gruber, seven, has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home She was onboard a sailboat with five other campers at the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation summer camp and their 19-year-old counselor, when it collided with a 60-foot barge being pulled by a tugboat in Biscayne Bay on July 28 Still, he said, Gruber's parents - Karina Gruber Moreno and Enrique Areyan Viqueira - 'know that we could have been having a very different conversation today' and 'know that we're fortunate to still have Calena with us.' Two other young girls onboard the sailboat, Erin Co, 13, and seven-year-old Mila Yankelevich, died on their way to Ryder Trauma Center, with a Medical Examiner declaring they died of accidental drowning despite wearing life jackets. A third girl, Arielle Mazi Bucham, 10, was rushed to the trauma center in critical condition alongside Gruber, but has since succumbed to her injuries. The camp counselor and another girl, aged 12, walked away unharmed. In their own statement on Monday, Gruber Moreno and Areyan Viqueira said they are 'deeply moved and incredibly grateful for the outpouring of prayers and kindness we have received from the community.' They added that they were heartbroken for the families who lost their daughters in the crash, as they shared a photo of Calena arriving to camp on the fateful day. 'This is a deeply harrowing reminder of how suddenly and senselessly life can change,' the family's statement read. 'In an instant, what should have been a day of joy and connection on the water turned into a source of unimaginable grief,' the couple said, as they 'respectfully' asked for privacy 'as we focus on healing and processing this difficult situation.' Erin Co, 13, and seven-year-old Mila Yankelevich, died on their way to Ryder Trauma Center Arielle Mazi Bucham, 10, was rushed to the trauma center in critical condition alongside Gruber, but has since succumbed to her injuries The United States Coast Guard is now continuing to investigate what may have caused the fatal collision. Officials have already determined that both boat captains' toxicology reports came back negative, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed on Friday. 'I can confirm alcohol and drug testing was completed for both individuals onboard the tug and barge as well as the sailboat operator. All results were negative,' a spokesperson with the federal agency said. Authorities also previously stated that the barge was supporting construction work in the Miami Beach area before the fatal collision. It was transporting a large crane parked in front of the pilot house at the time of the collision, leading to speculation the crane may have obstructed the tugboat operator's vision, the Herald reports. A loophole in Coast Guard boating regulations may have also contributed to the crash. According to the regulations, commercial tugboats that are under 26 feet in length do not require an operator to be a licensed captain. Coast Guard officials have not yet confirmed how large the tugboat was, but a review of photos and an analysis by two AI tools estimate the ship was under 26 feet. The sunken sailboat is seen after being recovered from the water The Coast Guard's navigation rules also stipulate that sailboats generally have the right of way over motorboats - but must yield to a vessel that is 'restricted in its ability to maneuver.' It is now believed Coast Guard officials will work to determine whether the tugboat was restricted in its movement as part of the investigation. Yet Miami Yacht Club member Katie Flood-Reiss has said that the sailboat's 19-year-old instructor would have had no chance of evading the barge in the bay. 'In those conditions, with almost no wind, it would have been impossible to turn that sailboat around quickly,' she explained. The investigation into the fatal collision may now take several months to complete. In the meantime, Gruber's family is pushing for changes to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. Attorney Shapiro noted that waterways in Florida, the boating capital of the world, have become a 'lawless sanctuary.' 'Our clients want answers of course, but first and foremost our clients want this to never happen again,' he said. 'We need to shine a spotlight on this so that we can learn every possible lesson from this. 'We cannot have this collision in vain, we need to learn from it and we need to make our waterways safer by any means necessary,' he urged. A Purdue University student and the daughter of a pioneering Episcopal priest has finally been released after she was arrested and placed into custody after attending what was supposed to be a routine immigration court hearing. Yeonsoo Go, 20, who arrived in the US from South Korea in 2021 on an R-2 visa, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last Thursday outside the federal courthouse at Federal Plaza in Manhattan. On Monday, there were scenes of joy just after 8pm as mother and daughter were reunited at the very same place where her arrest took place - 26 Federal Plaza. Photographers were there to capture the moment as tears flowed between the two women who ran into each other's outstretched arms and embraced one another. Days earlier Go was arrested by ICE. The move ignited fury across faith communities, civil rights groups, and Korean American advocacy organizations. Go's attorney insisted her visa is active and valid through the end of this year, while the Department of Homeland Security says it expired more than two years ago. Monday evening's release came after protests this past weekend outside of the Lower Manhattan federal building. 'Everything just feels surreal,' said Go to PIX11 as she was walked out of federal detention with her mother, Rev. Kyrie Kim and headed back to Scarsdale, New York. Yeonsoo Go, a Purdue student who was detained by immigration authorities in Manhattan last week, runs into her mother's arms after being released from immigration custody on Monday Yeonsoo Go, left, a 20-year-old South Korean student attending Purdue University, reunites with her mother, Episcopal priest the Rev. Kyrie Kim after being released by ICE There were plenty of tears between Yeonsoon and her mother, Episcopal priest the Rev. Kyrie Kim following her release on Monday evening 'I was praying hard,' she said when asked her detention at Federal Plaza and in Louisiana where she also spent several days. Her mother Rev. Kyrie Kim, is a trailblazing Episcopal priest and first woman ordained in the Seoul Diocese of the Anglican Church of Korea. She is working in Scarsdale on a visa sponsored by the Episcopal Church of the United States. Go, who graduated from Scarsdale High last year is currently a college student at Purdue University and had been in the country on a religious dependent visa, since 2021. Rev. Kim noted how so many other detainees are not as fortunate as her daughter. 'It's not [just] Soo in this situation,' Rev. Kim said. 'There are more, maybe, those in need of support. 'I'm just happy that she's with me,' she said. Church leaders and elected officials had been pushing for Go's release with another rally planned for Thursday. Go, left, was arrested and detained in a federal facility nearby before being moved to one in Louisiana. She was released on her own recognizance There were scenes of joy on Monday evening just after 8pm as mother and daughter were reunited at the very same place where her arrest took place - 26 Federal Plaza in New York The pair are seen leaving Federal Plaza as they head back home to Scarsdale, New York Go's mother, (in the black and white dress) together with her friends and supporters were overjoyed at her sudden release on Monday evening Go is seen walking hand in hand alongside her mom following her nightmare detainment Mary Rothwell Davis, attorney for the Episcopal Diocese of New York, told 13News Go was released to her mother on her own recognizance, but did not know any other terms of the release. 'We are hopeful she will be back at Purdue in the next few weeks,' she said. Rothwell Davis also said Go was given a hearing date for her visa status in late August. Go was arrested last Thursday after what she thought had been a regular immigration meeting. But as she left the courtroom ICE agents were waiting for her outside. According to advocacy groups and church leaders, five plainclothes officers surrounded Go and detained her. No warrant was presented at the scene, and she was not given the opportunity to speak further with her attorney. Last week, officials with the Department of Homeland Security offered a starkly different version of events. 'Yeonsoo Go, an illegal alien from South Korea, overstayed her visa that expired more than two years ago,' DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. 'President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the US. ICE arrested her on July 31 and placed her in expedited removal proceedings.' But her attorney said such assertion was false. Yeonsoo Go, 20, from South Korea was released after being placed in expedited deportation proceedings after attending what was supposed to be a routine immigration hearing Go, left, a graduate of Scarsdale High School in Westchester County, had accompanied her mother to the US. Her mother, right, is the Rev. Kyrie Kim, right, a trailblazing Episcopal priest and first woman ordained in the Seoul Diocese of the Anglican Church of Korea Go, 20, who arrived in the US from South Korea in 2021 on a religious R-2 visa, was taken into custody by ICE on July 31 outside the federal courthouse at Federal Plaza in Manhattan No warrant was presented at the scene, and Go was not given the opportunity to speak further with her attorney before being taken away On Saturday, a vigil was held outside of ICE headquarters at 26 Federal Plaza with faith leaders from all over the metropolitan area joining family members, classmates, neighbors and supporters call for the release of Yeonsoo Go Vigil participants add flowers, American flags and signs that read 'Free Yeonsoo' to the memorial wall for migrants taken by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from immigration courts at 26 Federal Plaza 'She has a valid visa that expires in December 2025, and she has a pending application for extension,' said a legal representative for Go. 'The judge was satisfied enough to continue the case until October. There was no indication that she was to be taken into custody.' Since her arrest, Go was held in an ICE holding facility at 26 Federal Plaza, a building that clergy say is unfit for human confinement. She was also moved to Louisiana before being brought back to New York. The incident has triggered an immediate wave of protests and condemnation from across the religious and immigrant rights landscape. On Saturday, faith leaders, elected officials, and immigration advocates stood shoulder-to-shoulder outside the ICE building in lower Manhattan to demanding her release. By Monday, their prayers were answered. Student Yeonsoo Go was detained by ICE just minutes after leaving a routine visa hearing Another rally had been planned for Thursday to bring attention to Yeonsoo's case Yeonsoo Go, a 20-year-old Korean immigrant and daughter of an Episcopal priest who was detained by ICE last week after appearing for her routine hearing at immigration court 'We call for the end of weaponization in our courts,' Bishop Heyd declared to a crowd of supporters and reporters. 'We stand up for a New York and a country that respects the dignity of every person.' The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) joined the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the Interfaith Center of New York to organize the press conference. Posters demanding Go's release were plastered on the courthouse fence, alongside flowers and handwritten notes of support from local high school classmates. Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of NYIC, warned others with pending hearings to be vigilant. 'I think it's critically important that anyone who needs to go to an immigration court hearing call the New York State Office of New Americans and their hotline,' Awawdeh said. 'Make a family preparedness plan. If possible, work with a lawyer to set up a virtual hearing.' Korean American community leaders say the episode is part of a disturbing trend of rising enforcement actions targeting Korean nationals regardless of their legal status. Rev. Anne Marie Witchger, Rector at St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery spoke at last weekend's vigil outside of ICE headquarters at 26 Federal Plaza On Saturday, faith leaders, elected officials, and immigration advocates stood shoulder-to-shoulder outside the ICE building in lower Manhattan to demand her release. It appears their prayers were answered Go's case echoes the recent detention of Tae Heung Will Kim, a Korean green card holder and Texas resident who was taken into custody at San Francisco International Airport last month. Kim, a Ph.D. student, was held at the airport for more than a week before being transferred to an ICE facility in Arizona. His family has not received information about his condition or location. As outrage builds, activists are demanding urgent federal oversight and accountability for what they say is a pattern of unjustified enforcement. Gavin Newsom pledged to 'fight fire with fire' on Monday as he jumped into a brutal power struggle in Texas that is quickly growing into a national standoff. Newsom's move came as Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of dozens of state Democrats who fled to block a Republican plan to redraw congressional districts in Donald Trump's favor. Fiftyseven Lone Star State Democratic lawmakers skipped town, flying to Illinois and New York in a dramatic bid to halt the GOP's effort to push through a new electoral map. The Texas Democrats argue the sudden change could hand Republicans five additional Congressional seats - dramatically boosting Trump's chances of holding Congress in the midterms. The California governor - who many believe will run for president in 2028 - said he will 'fight fire with fire' against Abbott's redistricting plan, joining what Texas Democrat Julie Johnson called an 'all-out war.' 'The proposal that we're advancing with the legislature has a trigger only if they move forward, to dismantling the protocols that are well-established,' Newsom said. 'Would the state of California move forward in kind? Fighting? Yes, fire with fire.' He said that he has not yet seen the state party's re-drawing of California's districts, he set his terms for approving them. Gavin Newsom has joined the gerrymandering war Democrats are fighting against Texas Republicans Texas Governor Greg Abbott (pictured) has ordered the arrest of dozens of state Democrats who fled to block a Republican plan to redraw congressional districts in Donald Trump 's favor 'That process has to have the concurrence, the support of two-thirds of the legislature,' he said. California Democrats own 30 of 40 seats in the state senate and 60 of 80 seats in the state assembly. 'The maps, we believe, should be transparent. They should be provided in a transparent way to the public, and as a consequence, those maps are being processed and will be brought to light.' Newsom also offered Californians themselves a chance to endorse the maps in time for the midterms. 'We will offer them the opportunity to make judgments for themselves, again, only if Texas moves forward,' Newsom said. 'I'll reinforce that we believe it should be a national model, independent national redistricting, and it would revert back to its original form, but it's done in response to the existential realities that we're now facing. Things have changed, facts have changed, so we must change.' Newsom follows Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential contender and outspoken Trump critic, who welcomed the fleeing Texas Democrats to Chicago on Sunday after having been in quiet talks with them for weeks. 'This is not just rigging the system in Texas,' Pritzker said Sunday. 'It's about rigging the system against the rights of all Americans for years to come.' U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey of Texas urged other Democratic governors to join Pritzker, Newsom and New York's Kathy Hochul. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (pictured center) speaks in front of Democratic members of Congress and Texas House Democrats during a news conference, after they left their state to deny Republicans the quorum needed to redraw the state's 38 congressional districts California Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, listens as Texas state Representative Rafael Anchia, center discusses the Republican redistricting efforts in Texas Democrats, Veasey said, have too often 'shown up to a gunfight with good intentions, no knives.' But 'that era is over,' Veasey declared Monday from Illinois. 'We are not going to unilaterally disarm.' Newsom reiterated that he was only acting in defense of his state. 'They've triggered this response and we're not going to roll over and we're going to fight fire with fire, but we're going to do so not just punching with the weight of the fourth largest economy, the most populous state in our union, the size of 21 state populations combined,' he said. 'We also will punch above our weight in terms of the impact of what we're doing, and I think that should be absorbed by those in the Texas delegation. Whatever they are doing will be neutered here in the state of California, and they will pay that price.' Abbott gave the state Democrats until 3 p.m. Monday to return to Austin, warning they risked arrest and even losing their seats. When none came back, Republican leaders authorized law enforcement to bring them in 'by any means necessary.' 'The sergeantatarms and any appointed officers are directed to send for all absentees whose attendance is not excused, and to secure and maintain their attendance under warrant of arrest if necessary,' House Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Republican from Lubbock announced. By fleeing the state, Democrats broke quorum in the Texas legislature, preventing Republicans from conducting official business. Runaway Democrat Texas Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, left, speaks to the media as leader of Texas House Democrats State Rep. Gene Wu, right and other Texan democratic legislators listen during a press conference in Chicago Sunday Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty and are holding flood relief and property tax cuts hostage. I ordered Texas DPS to arrest and return every derelict House Democrat to the Texas Capitol. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrats are accounted for. pic.twitter.com/A87u2JxYU7 Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 4, 2025 Democrats call the redistricting plan a blatant power grab and told DailyMail.com they welcome the showdown with Republicans. 'When we have the President of the United States looking for five Congressional seats, this can eventually impact the entire United States, so to say that we are doing this to grand stand is bulls***, with all due respect,' Texas Rep. Linda Garcia told DailyMail.com Monday afternoon. Among the liberals on the lamb, two members of the House are traveling with children -- a nine and five-year-old. Garcia decided to bring her nine-year-old son after not having great child care options and realizing she might be in Chicago until Aug. 19 -- when the current special session ends. 'What I want him to understand is that sometimes we have to make very big sacrifices in order to generate change,' the Mesquite (a Dallas suburb) Democrat shared in a phone interview from Chicago. 'I walked him through worst possible scenarios that could take place, including getting arrested, getting bombarded by press...and he has been very brave.' Abbott doubled down by ordering Texas troopers to arrest all rouge Democrats Monday afternoon. Garcia's elementary school student has found a playmate in the five-year-old grandchild of another representative who was forced to bring the boy as well. Texas State Representative Linda Garcia (far right) stands behind her nine-year-old-son at a press conference in Chicago. The mom decided to bring her child as she joined nearly 60 other Democrats in fleeing the state to stop what they called a Republican power grab Texas Democratic House members including State Rep. TREY MARTINEZ FISCHER, D-San Antonio, arrive at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport catching a private charter plane to Chicago in an attempt to break quorum on a redistricting bill on August 3, 2025. At left is State Rep. CHRIS TURNER, D-Grand Prairie. Texas House Members Leave Texas, Austin, Texas Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has ordered state lawmakers to redrawn congressional maps in the Lone Star State outside of the normal 10-year period so that POTUS and the GOP will have an advantage in the 2026 elections 'This is going to be one of the greatest lessons he could learn. I would hope that in the future he would recall the courage that as a mother this requires,' she said, her voice cracking with emotion. They have been working with lawyers who told them arrests were a likely outcome. However, the Lone Star State Democrats believe this is a moment of inflection nationally, particularly because the congressional district that will be redrawn in Texas if the GOP gets its way would impact Black and Hispanic communities. 'You're going to steal the power and the voices of black and brown communities-- we're not just going roll over and just allow you to do that,' Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons added. 'The message that I'm receiving from my community is that we need to stand up and hold the line.' In fact, the Dems wouldn't share their location in Chicago with Daily Mail, explaining they knew arrests were looming early Monday. 'We know that Donald Trump is the one spear-heading all of this. We don't know what he's capable of, we are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,' Rep. Christina Morales said via phone interview. State Attorney General Ken Paxton, bragged he successfully secured a Texas Supreme Court ruling that held that the House could arrest absent members to secure their presence and establish a quorum when Democrats fled the state in 2021. 'If he wants to round up and arrest duly elected officials whose constituents are watching and who put us in office, so be it,' Rep. Simmons said of Abbott. 'I hope he understands, you can only push people so far to their breaking point and then there will be a response.' A colleague and friend of Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright has accused the BBC of tarnishing his legacy and mistreating the star in the lead up to his death. Wright, 69, died from a ruptured stomach ulcer in February last year, leaving thousands of fans of the beloved radio personality heartbroken. His colleague Anthony James, who worked on the music on Steve Wright in the Afternoon and Steve Wright's Sunday Love Songs, has said he is unhappy with the BBC's handling of his friend's career - both before and after his death. In 2022, Wright was axed from the BBC, despite the success of his show being 'through the roof'. The star admitted to James that he had been told of its cancellation and sworn to secrecy by the corporation nine months beforehand. However, he believed he had been reassured by Helen Thomas, the head of BBC Radio 2, that the show would continue via a new digital channel. When the months went by with no word on this, Wright was said to have approached director-general Tim Davie, who allegedly told Wright: 'I can't believe she fired you I wouldn't have fired you myself.' The BBC has denied this. James claimed the axing of Steve Wright in the Afternoon was part of a move by the BBC to ban broadcasters considered too 'pale, male and stale'. Steve Wright (left) with his friend and colleague Anthony James (right) Wright, 69, died from a ruptured stomach ulcer in February last year, according to his death certificate, leaving thousands of fans of the beloved radio personality heartbroken He told The Telegraph: 'They thought that this idea of personality is old style; it's not cool anymore, we should make Radio 2 cool. 'But who gives a s*** about cool? It's about being entertained.' James claimed the effect of the sacking on Wright's physical and mental health was devastating. 'He didn't really stop to accept it. I think it ate him up,' he said. 'It got worse, and his health got worse.' Later this month, BBC Radio 2 will broadcast a tribute concert for Wright in his memory. Thomas previously wrote to James last year, seeking permission to play his music in a BBC tribute concert for Wright. He initially agreed, but later told Thomas he did not plan to attend. In 2022, Wright was axed from the BBC, despite the success of his show being 'through the roof' Steve Wright was found dead at his flat in Marylebone in London In the week before the concert, she reportedly let him know that 'the great and the good will be there', which James took to mean: don't miss an opportunity to network. 'This is not about networking. This is about a tribute to my friend,' James said. James believes the last-minute push to honour Wright was driven by concern that his absence would 'look bad' for the BBC. A BBC spokesperson said: 'When inviting AJ to the recording of the celebration of Steve's broadcast career, where new arrangements of his work would be played live on stage, Helen's sole aim was to make sure AJ did not miss what promised to be, and indeed proved to be, a very special event, with many of Steve's friends and colleagues in attendance.' The spokesperson added: 'Steve was deeply loved by the Radio 2 family and listeners and we all miss him dearly. For almost three decades he hosted a raft of brilliant shows on the network. 'Steve's Sunday Love Songs had been on air since 1996 and he was excited to take on the legendary Pick of the Pops alongside a variety of specials on Radio 2 including Steve Wright: The Best of the Guests, Steve Wright's Summer Nights and Steve Wright's Love Songs Extra on BBC Sounds.' On Radio 2 being cool, the spokesperson said: 'Radio 2 has never tried to be cool, but continues to give the station's 12.6m listeners the widest variety of distinctive programming coupled with music from the past seven decades.' A source close to the BBC said Thomas talked regularly with Wright about his health and encouraged him to seek medical attention, and the star was supported by Thomas following his various procedures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly told the military to prepare for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages are being held. A source in the Prime Minister's Office told The Jerusalem Post on Monday that the message had been passed on to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir saying: 'If this does not suit you, then you should resign.' It comes as Netanyahu prepares to meet with top officials to decide on the next steps in Gaza and what to do about the remaining hostages. An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post: 'The prime minister is considering all available options regarding the next steps.' The official added that US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had flown back to Washington for talks. The official said: 'A broad consensus that a deal must include all the hostages.' Hamas, however, has brushed off talks of an Israeli takeover. The group said: 'Israel's threats are repetitive, worthless, and have no influence on our decisions.' The Israeli military have been told to prepare for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages are being held, according to reports Smoke and flames rising from an apartment complex hit by an Israeli strike. The prime minister is said to have told his military chief to resign if he does not agree with his decision Netanyahu is now preparing to meet with top officials to decide on the next steps in Gaza and what to do about the remaining hostages But a political analyst with Channel 12 quoted an unnamed official saying: 'Hamas wont release more hostages without total surrender, and we wont surrender. 'If we dont act now, the hostages will starve to death and Gaza will remain under Hamass control.' According to reports, the prime minister used the phrase 'occupation of the Strip' in private conversations while describing his intentions for Gaza. If Netanyahu's plans are successful, the Israeli military could extend its reach across the whole region, according to local reports. It currently holds 75 percent of the Strip. He is now set to take the plans to his cabinet to seek their backing for the plan. In a video message, Netanyahu said he was 'committing to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists'. According to The Times of Israel, the IDF is against the proposal and has said it would take a significant amount of time to clear infrastructure belonging to Hamas. Ceasefire talks in Doha between Hamas, Israel, and international mediators that spanned months have broken down. Hamas has demanded that hundreds of trucks of aid be allowed into Gaza before it will return to negotiations, even though countries and charities are already trying to send help into the Strip without giving it to Hamas. Hamas released videos showing hostages looking thin and weak, which they attributed to famine across Gaza Residents in Gaza inspect the damage of an Israeli strike. A political analyst with Channel 12 quoted an unnamed official saying: 'Hamas wont release more hostages without total surrender, and we wont surrender Over the weekend, Hamas released videos showing hostages looking thin and weak, which they attributed to famine across Gaza. The Red Cross has agreed to send additional assistance directly to the hostages, working in conjunction with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. But Hamas says the aid will only be allowed through if Israel opens the corridors permanently and stops 'all forms of air traffic' during the deliveries. The United Nations said in July that more than half of the population is now at risk of famine. Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff is said to have told hostage families in leaked audio: 'We think that we have to shift this negotiation to 'all or nothing' - everybody comes home.' A Newcastle couple's generous act to host two young Chinese exchange students has ended in horror, after one girl allegedly stabbed the other to death with their kitchen knife. Steve Maloney and Tracey Taylor had welcomed the 13 and 14-year-old girls into their home just eight days earlier as part of a short-term international exchange program. The girls had arrived from China on July 28, and were due to return on August 16 after attending a local school and exploring tourist sites across the Hunter region. But their dream trip turned into a nightmare just before 10.30pm on Monday night, when Ms Taylor heard a commotion in the home and went to investigate. It was then she discovered the 14-year-old girl with a serious stab wound to her torso. Emergency services were called to the scene, and the teenager was rushed to hospital in critical condition but tragically died a short time later. A 13-year-old girl, who was known to the victim, was arrested at the scene and is now assisting police with their inquiries. A kitchen knife believed to have been used in the attack was seized from the property and is undergoing forensic testing. The devastated host couple are now cooperating with detectives and have provided a 'significant amount of information,' according to NSW Police Superintendent Tracey Chapman. Steve Maloney and Tracey Taylor had welcomed the 13 and 14-year-old girls into their home just eight days earlier Emergency services were called to the scene, and the teenager was rushed to hospital in critical condition but tragically died a short time later 'But no doubt this is a shock and a significant event in their lives as well,' she added. Neighbours said the host couple, who have lived at the home for four years, were quiet, describing them as private but friendly. Both are believed to work with young people in the area. 'I think he works at the youth detention centre and she is a social worker. They really keep to themselves,' one resident told Daily Mail Australia. 'It's absolutely awful. I can't imagine what they're going through.' In the hours before the stabbing, the two girls were seen smiling and giggling as they were dropped off across the street by a mini bus. Neighbour Steve told Daily Mail Australia he watched the girls hop out and walk up the driveway, appearing to be in high spirits. 'That's the second time I've seen them since they arrived,' he said. 'They looked like any other teenager. I think they were probably being dropped off from school.' 'The older one, she got out first and the other one took a little longer, but she waited for her. They were both smiling and looked happy. Neighbours said the host couple, who have lived at the home for four years were quiet In the hours before the stabbing, the two girls were seen smiling and giggling as they were dropped off across the street 'Then they walked down the driveway. I could hear them chatting and giggling away.' Steve said he hadn't realised they were living next door until the night of the stabbing. 'I actually didn't know they had moved in because I've only seen them get dropped off twice,' he said. 'I wondered if maybe they'd met some boys in the area because they were so giddy.' Superintendent Chapman confirmed both girls were Chinese nationals and were part of an organised exchange program. 'Both the girls are from China and they travelled to Australia as part of a program where they stay with hosts as local residents,' she said. 'They attended a local school and were visiting areas around the Hunter region.' Police are still trying to determine the nature of the relationship between the two girls. 'Obviously extensive inquiries with other students, teachers, parents and the hosts, of course, to establish what the relationship was prior to last night,' Chapman said. She added that the investigation may take longer due to language barriers and the girls not being Australian residents. 'Investigation with young girls involved language barriers, working through the consulate, (and) they're not Australian residents, obviously,' she said. A crime scene remained in place for the majority of the day at the suburban home Residents say they are stunned by the tragedy unfolding on their normally peaceful street 'So there are obvious complications and complexities with that, which is why it's taken us some time to work through.' A crime scene remained in place for the majority of the day at the suburban home, with the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad leading the investigation under Strike Force Aggnes. Residents say they are stunned by the tragedy unfolding on their normally peaceful street. 'It's a very friendly neighbourhood and we've never had any problems living here,' one long-term local said. 'We didn't hear a thing last night and woke up to find the whole street taped off and full of police.' Police continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the tragedy. No charges had been laid as of Tuesday night. The Queen was 'hurt' by some of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's plans for their wedding at Windsor Castle and declared: 'But it's my house - and Im paying for it', a close friend of the monarch's cousin has claimed. Her Majesty is said to have disapproved of their guestlist and the couple's preference to invite 'random' celebrities over family members in May 2018. That was just yet another irritation for the Queen, Sally Bedell Smith, an award-winning biographer popular in royal circles said today. Elizabeth II was also apparently 'really annoyed' the Sussexes went directly to the Archbishop of Canterbury to ask him to marry them at St George's Chapel - even though she was Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Harry's grandmother was more excited about Princess Eugenie's wedding in October that year only for the Duchess of Sussex to announce she was pregnant on the day, it was also claimed today. Ms Bedell Smith, whose 2012 biography of the Queen won the Washington Irving Medal for Literary Excellence, has claimed the timing of the Sussexes' happy news had been 'rude'. She has described her conversations with Her Majesty's late cousin Lady Elizabeth Anson, who spoke to the Queen daily towards the end of her life. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, after their wedding St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. A royal expert and friend of the Queen's cousin claims that they had upset the monarch The Queen felt left out of planning and also was not 'content' with some of the decisions made, ahas claimed Her Majesty is said to have disapproved of their guestlist and the couple's preference to invite 'random' celebrities who did not know the royals over family members in May 2018. Oprah and George and Amal Clooney pictured at the church Born in Windsor Castle, Lady Elizabeth, a great-niece of the Queen Mother and a goddaughter of King George VI, was a high-society party planner known as Liza to friends and family. The Queen's first cousin arranged the Queen's 80th birthday party and planned society weddings for more than 50 years. The monarch was 'upset' at not being fully involved in Harry and Meghan's wedding plans in the months and weeks beforehand, Sally said in a new podcast. Lady Elizabeth tried to console her by telling her she could 'look forward' to Royal Ascot and Princess Eugenie's wedding. However, the Queen replied about the Sussex wedding: 'But it's my house. And Im paying for it'. The Royal Family paid for the wedding, including the service, music, flowers and reception. All 600 guests were invited to a lunchtime reception at St George's Hall, hosted by the Queen followed by an evening bash for 200 VIPs at Frogmore House, hosted by Harry's father. But Harry and Meghan had invited people that 'barely knew knew the Royal Family, it was claimed today. Sally Bedell Smith claimed on American royal commentator Kinsey Schofield's Unfiltered YouTube show: Harry and Meghan just disinvited or didn't invite a whole group of family and cousins. The children of the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and of the Gloucesters. 'She [Meghan] and Harry just "exed" them out of the guest list and they added all these other random people who barely even knew the Royal Family. That was just yet another irritation for the Queen'. Sally added that the Queen 'was predisposed to be very fond of him [Harry], to love him, and I think it was a real shock for her when he began treating her discourteously after he and Meghan got together. Lady Elizabeth comforted her in their daily phone calls by saying she could really look forward to Eugenies wedding. She told the Queen: 'This is going to be your family wedding. Just concentrate on Royal Ascot and then concentrate on the real family wedding in October'. The Daily Mail has asked a spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to comment. Meghan allegedly became increasingly 'bossy' and Liza said the Queen was privately 'very worried', it has been claimed The Queen was also reportedly concerned about the relationship between Meghan and Harry's brother and sister-in-law Lady Elizabeth died five years ago at the age of 79 and was the Queens confidante later in life, affectionately calling the monarch 'Jemima' and her 'Number One Lady'. Ms Bedell Smith revealed earlier this year on her popular Substack what Liza claimed Queen Elizabeth II herself thought of the Sussexes and their behaviour. Meghan was apparently 'full of charm' and appeared 'natural, intelligent, and thoughtful' after she became engaged to Harry in 2017. But as the wedding approached, Meghan allegedly became increasingly 'bossy' and Liza said the Queen was privately 'very worried'. Ms Bedell Smith wrote: 'When we spoke two weeks before the May 19 wedding, Liza had just heard from the Queen. The Number One LadyI call her Jemimasays the jury is out on whether she likes Meghan, said Liza. My Jemima is very worried. In Lizas view, Harry is besotted and weak about women. We hope but dont quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all. Liza apparently said: 'Its worrying that so many people are questioning whether Meghan is right for Harry. The problem, bless his heart, is that Harry is neither bright nor strong, and she is both'. The cracks apparently appeared in February 2018. Liza claimed Harry wrote to her and said that his grandmother was 'content' with the way the wedding plans were coming along. Lady Elizabeth Anson, pictured left in red behind the Queen, was not only Elizabeth's cousin, but one of her closest friends, having supported the monarch through the deaths of her mother, the Queen Mother, and sister, Princess Margaret Lady Elizabeth Anson, known as Liza, apparently claimed that Harry had to see his grandmother alone to 'patch up' their relationship, it has been claimed But Sally Bedell Smith wrote that Liza had said: 'When I spoke with the Queen, she said she is not at all content'. Ms Bedell Smith wrote: 'According to Liza, the Queen was dismayed that Harry had asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to perform the wedding service in St. Georges Chapel without first requesting permission from the Dean of Windsor. Harry seems to think the Queen can do what she wants, but she cant, said Liza. On the religious side, it is the Dean of Windsors jurisdiction. As a result, Liza said that Harry has blown his relationship with his grandmother. She said she was really upset. I was shocked when the Queen told me this, how she was so saddened. I had no idea about the conversation, that he was rude to her for ten minutes. They had tea with her the day before yesterday. She was trying to find out about the wedding dress, and Meghan wouldnt tell her..' Liza at this point predicted that Meghan could 'turn into nothing but trouble', remarking that the Suits actress 'sees things in a different way'. Following these February rows, towards the end of April, Liza claimed that 'the Queen and Harry have patched things up'. Harry apparently visited her alone to smooth things over and later wrote to with more wedding details. Sally Bedell Smith wrote: 'Liza also said that Meghans father, Thomas Markle, was frightened of coming to the wedding. I asked her if Meghan was being bossy. So I gather, Liza replied, Very much so. 'My Jemima is very worried', Liza apparently added. She also said ominously: 'The wedge between the brothers is really too bad'. Lady Elizabeth, known as Liza to her friends, died in November 2020 at the age of 79, just shy of two years before Queen Elizabeth passed away in September 2022. Pictured in 1969 Get your weekly dose of Royal scandals and palace intrigue on this Mail podcast New episodes every Thursday Hosted by Royal Historians Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams, Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things looks at the Royal Family - the secrets, the palace intrigues, and the Crown's bloodiest moments. Listen wherever you get your podcasts now. Advertisement Thomas Markle did not attend the wedding due to health problems. Harry's father walked her down the aisle. Meghan threw herself into royal duties with her husband and then fell pregnant. Sally Bedell Smith wrote on her Substack: 'By late February 2019 when Liza and I spoke on the phone, she said I dont trust Meghan an inch. To begin with, she was not bada straightforward starlet, used to public speaking and charity work. The wedge between the brothers is really too bad..' At that time the Queen would visit her cousin for dinner at her London home but an increasingly frail Prince Philip would stay at home. Liza became ill with lung cancer but continued to work despite breathing problems and spent time with the Queen, who made her a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order - an honour only given to those who have given outstanding personal service to a British monarch. She died in November 2020. The Daily Mail has asked a spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to comment. Lady Elizabeth Anson was born at Windsor Castle during World War II and with King George VI as a godfather, she grew up surrounded by, and on first name terms with, the royals. Lady Elizabeth was also royally connected (her mother, a Bowes-Lyon, was a niece of the Queen Mother) but she was also one of the Queen's closest friends. When she married, the then 20-year-old Princess Anne was a bridesmaid, and her society cameraman brother Patrick (the Earl of) Lichfield, who gave her away, was along with the Earl of Snowdon the royals' go-to photographer. For almost 60 years she presided over London's party scene with a ruthless efficiency. From royalty to celebrity her business, Party Planners, organised the capital's best and most lavish celebrations. She first decided to be a party planner when she was 17. She was working as a receptionist at the Hyde Park Hotel in London, but she fell down a flight of stairs and injured herself. A never-heard-before nickname used by Queen Elizabeth's cousin has been revealed. Pictured, Lady Elizabeth Anson The fall meant she needed to find a job that would enable her to work from home, and was inspired at having to organise her own debutante party when she realised she could make a living from planning celebrations. Her first event was for the late Queen Mother. 'She was hosting a party for one of her godchildren,' Lady Elizabeth previously told Mail on Sunday. 'I remember charging very little and receiving a letter from the Queen Mother telling me to double the invoice.' She hosted bashes for everyone from Baroness Thatcher and Sir Mick Jagger, to Tom Cruise and Bill Clinton. Weddings were a speciality: there was pop star Sting's to Trudie Styler to the slightly more reserved nuptials for Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece (to heiress Chantal Miller). When Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011, the Queen asked her to organise a party for all the visiting royal guests. By then she was a veteran of royal party planning. No palace event, it seemed, was complete without input from Lady Elizabeth. She arranged the Queen's 80th birthday party and that to mark the 50th anniversary of her coronation. In April 2021, the Queen made Lady Elizabeth a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order as a sign of her personal esteem. Conor McGregor has launched his bid to become the next president of Ireland, just days after losing a high-profile civil rape case appeal. The former UFC champion, who has hinted at his ambition since March, officially declared in a social media post. To boost his chances, he said he wants to change Ireland's election laws to 'ensure' he appears on the ballot. McGregor, 37, said the current rules make it too hard for ordinary people to run and called on his supporters to sign a petition demanding reform. In a lengthy post accompanied by a picture of his family on Monday evening, he wrote: 'To the esteemed citizens of Ireland and the Irish diaspora, I, Conor McGregor hereby declare my intention to seek the esteemed office of President of Ireland. 'The current constitutional framework however, presents a significant barrier to democratic participation. 'The existing regulations mandate that a candidate must secure nominations from either twenty members of the Oireachtas or four county councils to be eligible for the ballot. 'This system, while intended to ensure a degree of political influence among candidates, inadvertently restricts the direct voice of the Irish electorate. Conor McGregor posted a picture of his family alongside a lengthy post on social media to officially announce his intention to run for president of Ireland It comes just days after he lost a civil rape case appeal. His accuser, Nikita Hand has now launched further legal action against him 'In light of this, I propose a petition advocating for a modification of the nomination process to allow my name be included on the ballot.' He added: 'I contend that the citizens of Ireland, both at home and abroad, should have the unhindered right to determine the candidates who appear on the presidential ballot.' McGregor then shared a link to his millions of followers across social media to sign a petition in support of his mission. As of Tuesday morning, the Change.org petition labelled 'Let the People Decide' had garnered over 7,445 verified signatures. The post came just four days after Irelands Court of Appeal dismissed McGregors challenge to a civil ruling that found him liable for sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. Three judges ruled on July 31 that his appeal failed on all five grounds and upheld the previous decision ordering McGregor to pay damages to Nikita Hand. The civil trial concluded in November 2024, when a jury found McGregor liable for assault and awarded Hand 248,000 in compensation. She has since launched further legal action following the failed appeal. In her latest filing, she is suing him and two other people for damages, claiming they were involved in malicious abuse of court processes. In November 2024, a jury found McGregor liable for assault and awarded Hand 248,000 in compensation McGregor speaking at the White House in March. He has said that said the current rules in Ireland make it too hard for ordinary people to run and called on his supporters to sign a petition demanding reform Currently, McGregor is not affiliated with any political party and has no elected office experience. Even if he were to become president, the seven-year role in Ireland is mostly ceremonial. The president cannot propose or pass laws. They cannot also hold referenda on their own initiative. In March, he sparked outrage when he first announced that he was planning to become president. Speaking at the White House, he said 'illegal immigration racket ravaging our country', adding the nation was losing its 'Irishness'. A poll of 134 politicians found that every respondent rejected his plan. One retorted: 'He's a misogynist and a thug. On behalf of the women of Ireland, he can f*** off.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper today refused to say how many migrants will be returned to France under Labour's new 'one in, one out' deal because it 'could help the smuggling gangs'. Migrants who arrive by small boat from tomorrow could face being selected for the scheme and placed in detention instead of being sent to taxpayer-funded hotels. The Home Office will then work with French counterparts to return the migrants in return for Britain accepting others still in France with stronger asylum claims. However, the much-trumpeted deal has come under fresh scrutiny after it emerged the agreement will expire in just 11 months. And this morning, Ms Cooper declined to say how many migrants she expects to be able to send back - claiming this information could be useful to smugglers. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she said: 'We will provide regular updates, people will be able to see how many people are being detained, how many people are being returned, and it is right that we should be transparent around that. 'But we're not setting the numbers in advance, firstly because there is no fixed number in terms of the overall number of people to come through this system, and secondly because we're not going to provide (gangs) with that operational information.' Migrants who arrive by small boat from tomorrow could face being selected for the scheme and placed in detention instead of being sent to taxpayer-funded hotels. Pictured: Arrivals in Dover last month Yvette Cooper refused to say how many migrants she expects to be able to send back as part of the scheme The arrangement with Emmanuel Macron's government will lapse at the end of June next year just 47 weeks away unless it is renewed. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the 'meagre' and 'short-term' deal would splutter to a halt even before the start of next year's peak small boats season. Meanwhile, pro-migrant groups have already indicated they are poised to bring legal challenges just as they did against the previous Conservative government's Rwanda asylum deal. There was no mention of an expiry date for the new treaty when it was first announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Macron last month. A Home Office spokesman said: 'Over this period both countries have committed to continually review and improve the process and effectiveness of this innovative approach, pending decisions on the long-term future of the arrangements after June 2026.' Last month it was suggested the scheme would see 50 migrants a week sent back to France. At that rate, just 2,350 would be returned before the agreement expires. By comparison, a record 25,436 migrants have reached Britain by small boat since the start of this year. The initial agreement will be in place until June 2026. Ms Cooper told Nick Ferrari on LBC that the UK will do security checks in France on the asylum seekers who are brought to the UK in exchange for returned Channel migrants. They will have their biometric data taken. She also said any family members of successful asylum seekers brought to the UK would be included in the quota, so would have an equivalent number sent back to France. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Philp said: 'This is a short-term arrangement that will only last a few months and will expire before next year's peak crossing season. This meagre arrangement will be no more effective than the Government's previous gimmick, which was claiming to 'smash the gangs'. 'The Rwanda removals deterrent, under which 100 per cent of illegal arrivals would be removed, was ready to go last summer but Labour cancelled it just days before it was due to start with no proper replacement plan. As a result, this year so far has been the worst ever for illegal immigrants crossing the Channel.' Today, Ms Cooper accepted that the deal would not end Channel crossings on its own, but pointed to a similar accord between Greece and Turkey in 2016 which she said brought down numbers of migrants to Greece. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ms Cooper said: 'We never claimed that there is a single silver bullet on this. So this goes alongside the 28% increase in returns of failed asylum seekers that we have brought in. 'It goes alongside the change to those French maritime rules that I referred to which means France taking action in French waters to prevent boat crossings in the first place, and the much stronger law enforcement that we announced earlier this week with the additional National Crime Agency investigators and police to be able to go after the criminal gangs. We have to do all of these things.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron announced the new returns deal last month after a summit in Westminster Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the 'meagre' and 'short-term' deal would splutter to a halt even before the start of next year's peak small boats season From tomorrow, any new Channel arrivals will be taken to the Home Office's processing centre at Manston, near Ramsgate, Kent, and assessed by Border Force officials. Any selected for the returns scheme will be transferred to short-term immigration holding facilities operated by the Home Office, such as those at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. After further assessment, they could be sent to an immigration removal centre to await return to France. It is hoped the first migrants will be returned by the end of August and detention space has already been set aside for the launch of the scheme. However, it is likely to face legal challenges possibly as early as this week. A spokesman for the charity which helped blocked the Tories' Rwanda scheme, Care4Calais, said last night: 'We will consider all options open to us to oppose any plans that will put more lives at risk and involve governments trading humans.' The Home Office spokesman said: 'The UK government is prepared to robustly defend any legal challenges to removal within the initial trial phase, as we look to ramp up both the pace and scale of returns over the course of the pilot scheme.' A family has been left distraught after allegedly receiving a text message from a suicide clinic in Switzerland telling them their mother was dead and her ashes would be sent in the post. Maureen Slough, a 58-year-old mother from Cavan, Ireland, travelled to the Pegasos clinic on July 8 telling her family she was going to Lithuania with a friend, according to the Irish Independent. But her daughter Megan Royal was shocked when she later received a WhatsApp message saying her mother had died listening to gospel music sung by Elvis Presley, the report claimed. Now the family is demanding answers to find out why their mother, who they say attempted suicide a year earlier following the deaths of her two sisters, was able to seek assisted dying without the family being informed, they claim. Friends of the mother are also reportedly horrified by the way the clinic repatriated the woman's remains: in the post. 'You get letters in the post, not people,' one friend of Ms Slough, Stephanie Daly, said. This is not the first time the non-profit assisted dying clinic Pegasos has attracted controversy. After 47-year-old teacher Alistair Hamilton took his own life at the Swiss clinic in 2023, despite having no diagnosed illness and without the knowledge of his family, Pegasos reportedly promised it would always contact a person's relatives before carrying out assisted death. But then 51-year-old British mother, Anne Canning, travelled to the clinic to end her life in 2025 without informing her family, and just 19 months after sinking into depression following the unexpected death of her son. When Ms Slough's family became suspicious about where she was, they contacted her and say she had promised to return home. Maureen Slough, a 58-year-old mother from Cavan who reportedly took her own life at the Pegasos clinic, and her daughter Megan Royal Ms Slough allegedly travelled alone to Switzerland and paid 13,000 to the Pegasos Swiss Association to facilitate her death two days later This is not the first time the non-profit assisted dying clinic Pegasos in Switzerland has attracted controversy Ms Slough's partner, Mick Lynch, reportedly spoke to her on the morning he would later realise was the day of her death. 'I was actually talking to her that morning and she was full of life,' he told the Irish Independent. 'She said after having her breakfast... she was going out to sit in the sun. Maybe she was heading off to that place. I still thought she was coming home.' After the shock of finding out Ms Slough had travelled alone to Switzerland and paid a reported 13,000 to the Pegasos Swiss Association to facilitate her death two days later, the family set about finding out how this could have happened. They were shocked that Pegasos accepted Ms Slough's application, considering the woman's long history of mental illness, and claimed the clinic did not inform the family of her plan. But the Pegasos group has allegedly said that it received a letter from Ms Slough's daughter, Megan, saying she was aware of her mother's desire to die and accepted her decision. The clinic also claimed it verified the authenticity of the letter through an email response to Ms Royal, using an email address supplied by her mother. Ms Royal insists she never wrote such a letter, however, or verified any contact from the assisted dying clinic, according to the report. Now, the family claim she may have forged the 'letter' and verified it using an email address she created herself. Her brother Philip, a UK solicitor, claimed Ms Slough also provided the clinic with 'letters of complaint to medical authorities in Eire in respect of bogus medical conditions', and said these were used by Pegasos as documents to support her application, the report said. Ms Slough's daughter is allegedly insisting that her mother was not in her right mind when she made the decision to travel to the clinic, considering the fact that she was grief-stricken after the deaths of her two sisters. Her mother had attempted suicide a year earlier following the devastating news, it is claimed. She had a difficult upbringing as a child, having been brought to Ireland by her mother and a man she had met in a UK mental hospital, according to her daughter . 'They should not have allowed her to make that decision on her own. This group did not contact me, even though my mother had nominated me as next of kin,' Ms Royal told the Irish Independent. The friends of Ms Slough are not only reportedly shellshocked following the news of her death, but also by the way Pegasos returns ashes to the family through the parcel post system. It is understood that the family also received goodbye letters, handwritten by Ms Slough, in recent weeks. The Pegasos group has said that it carried out an extensive assessment of her mental health in the lead up to her death, including an independent psychiatric evaluation confirming she was of sound mind. The clinic added she was consistently forthcoming about her background and history and provided medical documentation including from her pain-management consultant. Ms Slough allegedly told the clinic repeatedly that she was in chronic pain that was unbearable despite seeing a pain specialist. Pegasos said that Ms Slough provided the clinic with a letter from her daughter, Megan, within which she said she was fully informed of her mother's decision, and that she had the opportunity to discuss it with her and understood the reasons behind her choice, wrote the Irish Independent. The clinic added that Megan confirmed the authenticity of the letter via email, within which she apologised for not being able to accompany her mother to Switzerland, and that she was not happy with her mother's choice but understood it nonetheless. Now, Ms Slough's brother is asking the Foreign Office in the UK to investigate the matter with Swiss authorities. It is understood that he accused the clinic of not rigorously following its own policy of informing family members prior to someone accessing assisted dying. He said he understands Pegasos sought a letter, purportedly written by Ms Royal, but criticised the clinic for only seeking confirmation through an email provided by Ms Slough herself. 'I am working on the assumption that my sister created this email and the clinics procedures were woefully inadequate in verification,' he wrote. 'The Pegasos clinic has faced numerous criticisms in the UK for their practices with British nationals, and the circumstances in which my sister took her life are highly questionable.' When contacted by the Daily Mail for comment, the Pegasos Swiss Association said it was unable to 'share, confirm, nor deny the identities of our patients in public'. It added: 'When talking about voluntary assisted death in Switzerland, it is important to understand that all organisations are legally bound to do careful prior assessment. 'Pegasos has always respected the applicable Swiss law without exception and continues to do so.' The Home Secretary today called for a change to police guidance so that officers reveal the immigration status of suspected offenders. Yvette Cooper said the Government wanted to see the public provided with more details about the backgrounds of those charged with criminal offences. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that national guidance issued to police forces across the country needed to be altered. It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for the police to be as 'transparent as possible' about the ethnicity of suspected sex offenders. Sir Keir was forced to respond after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage demanded that police disclose the backgrounds of those charged with rape and sexual assault. Ms Cooper said this morning: 'We do think the guidance needs to change. 'And we have also already about six months ago, we asked the Law Commission to look at this and to accelerate their review around some of the contempt of court issues. 'That's about what information can be released when there's a trial pending.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Government wants to see the public provided with more details about the backgrounds of those charged with criminal offences It comes after Sir Keir Starmer called for the police to be as 'transparent as possible' about the ethnicity of suspected sex offenders The Prime Minister was forced to respond on Monday after Nigel Farage's demanded that police disclose the backgrounds of those charged with rape and sexual assault The Home Secretary acknowledged it was 'an operational decision' for the police and Crown Prosecution Service to determine 'on an individual case what and when information can be revealed in a live investigation'. But she added: 'We do think that the guidance needs to change. 'The College of Policing is already looking at this, and Home Office officials are working with the College of Policing.' A College of Policing spokesman said: 'Media relations guidance for police is already under review and is looking at how forces can best balance their obligations under contempt of court legislation with their responsibility to prevent disorder. 'Police forces make challenging and complex decisions on a case-by-case basis and transparency is essential to prevent misinformation and reassure the public.' The Mail on Sunday revealed that two Afghan asylum seekers have been charged in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. In a press conference on Monday, Mr Farage accused police of a 'cover-up' for failing to divulge the ethnicity or immigration status of the two men. He warned that it was 'reminiscent' of speculation about the background of the Southport killer last year, which triggered a wave of conspiracy theories and riots last summer. Appearing alongside him, the 19-year-old Reform leader of Warwickshire County Council said he had 'begged' the police force to release details of the men's backgrounds. George Finch claimed he had been told he could not release information about the men's background himself 'due to this phrase 'community cohesion'.' Mr Farage's intervention prompted Downing Street to tell the police to be as 'transparent as possible' when it came to revealing the ethnicity of people charged with offences. The Prime Minister's spokesman said the Government had 'always said, and continues to say, that transparency is important'. He said the case in Nuneaton was 'clearly a deeply upsetting and distressing case, which the public are right to feel shocked and angry about.' 'Our position is that all authorities, from the police up to central government, should be as transparent as possible when handling these cases,' he added. Mr Farage said on Monday that it was 'absolutely disgraceful' that the police had not informed the public that the men were Afghan asylum seekers. Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, was charged with rape and Mohammad Kabir, also 23, was charged with aiding and abetting an assault, as well as strangulation and kidnapping. The Reform leader said that the backgrounds of suspects charged with sexual assault and rape should be shared with the public. 'Our position is that all authorities, from the police up to central government, should be as transparent as possible when handling these cases,' he said. 'Given there's a pretty febrile atmosphere... particularly [around] sexual assaults and rapes, where the temperature on this debate has risen significantly... I do believe they should [disclose suspects' ethnicities].' Mr Farage said on Monday that the backgrounds of suspects charged with sexual assault and rape should be shared publicly The PM's spokesman said the case in Nuneaton (pictured) was 'clearly a deeply upsetting and distressing case, which the public are right to feel shocked and angry about' Mr Farage warned that failing to disclose these details could lead to a repeat of the riots which happened in the wake of the murders of three children last year. 'What caused unrest on our streets after Southport last year was us not being told the status of the attacker,' he said. 'That led to crazy conspiracy theories spreading online.' The aftermath of the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed event by Axel Rudakubana a year ago sparked riots across the country. The unrest was fuelled by conspiracy theories and speculation on social media that the suspect was an illegal migrant. Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, later said that the failure to share basic facts had led to 'dangerous fictions' which caused the riots. Warwickshire Police has defended its position on the Nuneaton case, stating: 'We follow national guidance,' adding that this does not extend to 'sharing ethnicity or immigration status'. '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,' it said. George Finch, the 19-year-old Reform leader of Warwickshire County Council, said he had 'begged' for the release of details about the men's backgrounds The guidance is issued by the Royal College of Policing and covers what details should be released to media but does not mention details of race, ethnicity or immigration status. Mr Finch, the 19-year-old council leader, told the press conference that he had been 'begging' for information about the men to be released. He said he had emailed the council's chief executive to urge them to release information about the men's immigration status. He said he also wrote to the Home Secretary and the chief constable of Warwickshire Police calling for the immediate release of their immigration status. In it, he claimed that a 'cover-up' of the men's background 'risks public disorder breaking out on the streets of Warwickshire'. 'Having my ear to the ground locally, it is clear that there is much appetite for protests to take place across the county,' the letter added. The couple at the centre of a multiple-state search for a missing light plane have been identified. Gregory Vaughan, 72, and Kim Worner, 66, of Deloraine in central Tasmania were named as the couple on board the plane that disappeared on Saturday. They were identified on Tuesday with the permission of their family, with Tasmania Police providing a picture of the pair and the missing plane. It is a distinctive green two-seater Bristell S-LSA, which police say was purchased recently. No distress call was made from the plane, which also had the couple's dog Molly on board, during a flight across Bass Strait. The light aircraft took off from George Town airport in Tasmania's north about 12.45pm on Saturday and was headed to Hillston Airport in central western NSW, via Leongatha in Victoria's southeast. Family members raised the alarm about 5pm on Saturday when it failed to arrive. 'The two people on the plane have not been in contact with anyone, or aviation authorities, since they left George Town,' Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark said. Pictured is an image of Gregory Vaughan and Kim Worner released by police on Tuesday Pictured is the distinctive two-seater Bristell S-LSA the couple were flying in Search crews combed the Bass Strait by air and sea (pictured is a rescue plane's flight path) An extensive search operation continues, with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority co-ordinating efforts in northern Tasmania, Bass Strait and southern Victoria. A helicopter crew conducted sweeps of Tasmania's northern coastline between George Town and Turners Beach on Tuesday but the plane was not sighted. Inclement weather and low cloud hampered search efforts, with boats unable to get out on the water due to the rough conditions. Searching is expected to continue on Wednesday. 'Significant resources have been utilised in the search and Pol Air will continue to be used over the next two days, at which time the search efforts will be re-assessed based on any possible new information that becomes available,' Inspector Clark said. 'The longer Gregory and Kim are missing the greater the concerns are for their welfare.' Anyone with information, who saw a plane matching the description or noticed anything such as unusual debris on land or in the water was encouraged to contact Tasmania Police. The family of a reporter who made his name on A Current Affair has reacted angrily when approached by media after he was charged with more than 60 offences related to child abuse material. Ben McCormack, once a gung-ho Nine Network newsman, was charged on Saturday with 65 counts of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material in Queensland. McCormack is accused of committing the alleged offences over several months last year at a home in Oxley, in Brisbane's south. The 51-year-old, who gained fame tracking down paedophile Hey Dad! actor Robert Hughes, had been living with his parents at a house in Oxley before his arrest. An elderly couple believed to be McCormack's parents Carmel and Patrick did not wish to talk when approached in the driveway of that Oxley address on Tuesday afternoon. 'No comment,' the woman told the Daily Mail. 'And would you please leave the premises unless you've got a warrant. 'Leave the premises immediately otherwise I will call the police.' When told that request would be immediately met, the woman said: 'I think that's a wise thing to do - you don't muck around with this family.' Ben McCormack, who worked for A Current Affair, was charged on Saturday with 64 counts of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material and one count of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material to self A couple believed to be Carmel and Patrick McCormack are pictured at their Oxley home on Tuesday afternoon The elderly couple did not wish to speak to media, warning police would be called McCormack is accused of transmitting audio files, which amounted to child abuse material, on 65 occasions from his home. He has also been charged with four offences involving alleged breaches of his reporting obligations as an offender under the state's child protection laws. The charges were briefly mentioned in Brisbane Arrest Court on Monday when Legal Aid duty lawyer Zane Playle made no application for bail. McCormack was not required to appear in person and his case is due to return to Brisbane Magistrates Court on September 5. As well as being the face of many of A Current Affair's consumer stories, McCormack played a key role in exposing Robert Hughes. Hughes was found guilty in 2014 of 10 charges relating to sexual and indecent acts perpetrated on four young girls in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2010, after allegations of Hughes' abuse first came to light, McCormack confronted the former sitcom star in Singapore. He phoned victim Sarah Monahan the result of Hughes' 2014 trial after watching the guilty verdict in the courtroom. McCormack was previously described by Channel Nine as a '25 year veteran of the network' McCormack joined Nine in the 1990s before quickly climbing up the ranks and becoming a senior reporter for A Current Affair. He was well known for covering topics such as consumer affairs and social justice issues. McCormack was previously described by Nine as a '25 year veteran of the network' before his employment came to an abrupt end in 2017. He was initially suspended by the network before he resigned. This is the dramatic moment around a dozen boat migrants were tackled and detained by tourists after landing on a packed Spanish beach. The dramatic scenes unfolded on Sotillo Beach in Castell de Ferro, Granada on Sunday afternoon. Footage shared online shows a speedboat packed with young men arriving at the shore at around 2pm. The occupants of the boat dive into the water in front of stunned holidaying families and swim to the beach before making a run for it. Witnesses branded the scenes as 'surreal'. Restaurant owner Alberto Garcia told newspaper Ideal: 'We all stood there staring, not quite knowing what was happening. 'We thought it was a recreational boat, but when we saw that they started throwing objects into the water and people starting to get out, we realised it wasn't normal. 'What surprised us most was that the boat was moving very slowly, as if they weren't in a hurry or afraid. Dozens of boat migrants were tackled and detained by tourists after landing on a packed Spanish beach The dramatic scenes unfolded on Sotillo Beach in Castell de Ferro, Granada on Sunday afternoon Screengrab shows the moment the men, believed to be migrants, jumped out of the boat and into the sea 'They went in where there were most people, as if nothing had happened, and stopped five metres from the shore. 'Then they jumped off one by one, and the four remaining on board, some of them hooded, calmly turned around and left.' Around 13 men, believed to be of Moroccan origin, jumped out of the boat. According to witnesses, some of the migrants ran along the beach as soon as they reached dry land, while others tried to blend in with the crowd. However, some beach goers detained them until the Guardia Civil arrived, with footage showing a man in swimming trunks pinning one of the migrants to the ground. The Polica Local de Castell de Ferro added: 'The lifeguards alerted us, and we managed to catch one on the street. Then we helped identify two more. 'The Civil Guard did the bulk of the work and managed to arrest nine.' The shocking incident in southern Spain comes just weeks after an exhausted migrant was rescued by sailors after trying to cross the perilous Strait of Gibraltar with flippers and a rubber ring. Screengrab shows a man, believed to be a migrant from Morocco, running away from a bather who tries to detain him The occupants of the boat dove into the water in front of stunned holidaying families. Pictured: A police officer is seen walking on the beach following the incident Witnesses branded the scenes as 'surreal'. A tourist is seen detaining one of the migrants Around 13 men, believed to be of Moroccan origin, jumped out of the boat Bathers and members of the Spanish Civil Guard are seen holding back the disembarked migrants on Sotillo Beach A man believed to be a migrant is seen being escorted by beachgoers Witnesses described how some of the men ran across the beach, while others tried to blend in with the crowd The man, believed to be from Morocco, was spotted by the crew of a passing sailboat around 12 miles off the coast of Malaga last month. Footage shows a sailor shouting: 'We have spotted a castaway and we are getting ready to pick him up', as the man begins to come into view. The migrant, who is strapped to a rubber ring, is seen swimming towards the vessel, as crew members throw him a rope to hold on to. He grabs the cord and is pulled by sailors on to the boat. He then flops back motionless with a pained expression on his face. One passenger says: 'Water, water', as he pats the migrant on the back as he tells him, 'Don't worry'. After plucking the man from the sea, the sailors brought him a change of clothes, a blanket, water and some food. His rescuers, a family from southern Spain who were on their way to the Balearic Islands, initially confused the migrant for a bird or large fish before seeing it was a man in distress. The family contacted coastguard, who mobilised a vessel to collect the migrant from the sailboat before transferring him to the port of Malaga. The men were later detained were later detained by the Spanish Civil Guard Scenes show how police took away the men believed to be migrants after tourists tackled and detained them In 2024, Spain received a record number of migrants who crossed illegally via sea, with more than 61,000 people having arrived on boat. Pictured: A boat carrying migrants in the Strait of Gibraltar Another report recorded the deaths of nearly 2,000 migrants trying to reach Spain by sea from Africa in the first five months of this year PICTURED: Migrants disembark from a Spanish Maritime Rescue vessel in the Port of Arguineguin on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria, on July 10, 2023 The Strait of Gibraltar separates North Africa from Europe and it is a common route used by scores of illegal immigrants to reach Spain. In 2024, Spain received a record number of migrants who crossed illegally via sea, with more than 61,000 people having arrived on boat. In a recently published report, an organisation called Caminando Fronteras said it had recorded the deaths of nearly 2,000 migrants trying to reach Spain by sea from Africa in the first five months of this year. Fifty-two of those had been making the Strait of Gibraltar crossing, the group said as it revealed the deadliest route was the one from Western Africa to the Canary Islands. Of the 1,865 people recorded as dead or missing, it said 112 were women and 342 children. Caminando Fronteras also revealed 38 boats had disappeared with all people on board between the start of January and end of May 2025. Jailed for 26 years for involvement in four murders The youngest of the four men convicted over South Australia's 'bodies in the barrels' serial killings has been granted parole. James Vlassakis has spent 26 years behind bars after being found guilty of being involved in four of the 11 murders between 1992 and 1999. At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, SA's parole board approved his application to serve the remainder of his life sentence under conditions in the community. Parole Board chief Frances Nelson told AAP that Vlassakis 'does not represent a risk to the community' and would be sent to the Adelaide pre-release centre for up to 12 months and undergo a resocialisation process. Vlassakis was 19 when he committed the crimes and was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 26 years, which expires in August 2025. Ms Nelson said she was 'sure that the victims feel he has been insufficiently punished'. 'That's quite common for victims to feel that way, but that's not our role,' she said. 'Sentencing and punishment is a matter for a judge, not for a parole board, and the legislation prevents us from imposing our own view on sentence, so our role is simply to assess whether he fulfils the legislative criteria for parole.' James Vlassakis, whose image has been suppressed, may walk free after 26 years in prison Eight bodies were found in acid-filled barrels inside an old bank building at Snowtown in 1999 Snowtown murders accomplice Mark Ray Haydon, 66, was released on parole in May 2024 to live in the community under strict supervision. Vlassakis was also a key prosecution witness against John Bunting and Robert Wagner, who were found guilty of 11 and 10 murders respectively. Both are serving life sentences with no chance of parole. Vlassakis would be moved to the pre-release centre 'provided there is no request to review our decision', Ms Nelson said. 'There is a 60-day period which would enable either the attorney general or the commissioner for victims rights or the police commissioner to apply for a review,' she said. Commissioner for Victims Rights Sarah Quick told AAP the decision would 'understandably bring fresh pain and anger to those who have already suffered beyond measure'. 'These individuals are not only worn down by their trauma, but also by the ongoing criminal justice processes,' she said. 'The prospect of Mr Vlassakis re-entering the community is a difficult reality for the victims and will require a significant emotional adjustment, adding to an already unbearable burden. Convicted murderer Robert Wagner, against whom Vlassakis testified, is pictured being escorted by a court sherriff in Snowtown in 2002 'We must never forget that - for the friends, family and loved ones of murder victims - the impact of the killing does not end simply because a prison term has ended. It is something they live with every day for the rest of their lives.' A suppression order on images of Vlassakis remains in effect, and there has been a high level of secrecy regarding his imprisonment. In July, Haydon appeared in the SA Supreme Court, where an application for an extended supervision order for a high-risk offender was approved, and most of the conditions of an interim order imposed in 2024 were confirmed. He spent 25 years in jail for his role as an accessory in the murder spree. An airport security boss who helped a couple 'smuggle' 2million in cocaine from Colombia has been jailed. Junaed Dar, 47, turned up at Heathrow Airport three hours before his shift to meet Michael Williams, 39, and Jessica Waldron, 38, to help them bring in the drugs. The manager used an airport vehicle and drove it to Terminal 2B to meet the couple who were due to land on a flight from Bogota on December 14, 2019. They had stuffed 22kg of cocaine into their luggage but, unbeknownst to them, Colombian police had found the haul and swapped it for wooden blocks and tipped off the National Crime Agency before their departure. As Williams and Waldron, of Dudley, West Midlands, retrieved their bags, Dar escorted them to the toilets where he took the supposed drugs and got into the vehicle, before NCA officers arrested him. The couple were later arrested by Border Force officers working with the agency as they tried to leave the airport. They were each jailed for six years and eight months in 2022 for attempting to import Class A drugs. Manager Junaed Dar turned up at Heathrow Airport three hours before his shift to help the couple smuggle in the drugs Jessica Waldron, 38, and Michael Williams, 39, both pictured, stuffed 22kg of cocaine into their luggage, but unbeknownst to them, Colombian police had found the haul and swapped it for wooden blocks Meanwhile, Dar, of Slough, Berkshire, was convicted of attempting to smuggle Class A drugs and jailed for 16 and a half years at Kingston Crown Court. Ruford Davis, 55, and David Farquharson, 53, took part in the organisation of the drug couriers outward and return journeys. Davis, of Dudley and Farquharson, of Wednesbury, West Midlands, were both sentenced to 14-and-a-half years. Mark Abbott, NCA operations manager, said: Dar committed a gross betrayal of trust by playing a crucial role in this conspiracy which started in South America and would have ended with violent street gangs in UK towns and cities. Organised crime groups need corrupt insiders like Dar to help move illegal commodities. As an airport security manager, he had the access and ability to move drugs so they might not be stopped. Heathrow Airport fully supported the operation along with Border Force and together we continue to combat the threat of Class A drugs being smuggled this way. Nearly half of voters support ending immigration and deporting large numbers of people who have arrived in the UK in recent years, a new poll has shown. The YouGov survey found that 45 per cent of Brits backed a scenario where no new migrants were admitted and large numbers of recent arrivals were required to leave. Such a scenario was supported by 86 per cent of Reform UK voters, while it was also backed by sizeable minorities of Labour and Liberal Democrat voters (27 per cent). But the YouGov research also suggested there was a common misconception about immigration among the British public. Almost half of respondents (47 per cent) thought there are more migrants staying in the UK illegally rather than legally. This view was held by nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of those who wanted to see mass removals of migrants. Unofficial estimates of the population of illegal migrants living in the UK range from 600,000 to 1.2million. This is much less than the number of migrants living legally in Britain, with the 2021/22 census finding the foreign-born population of the UK was around 10.7million. The YouGov survey found that 45 per cent of Brits backed a scenario where no new migrants were admitted and large numbers of recent arrivals were required to leave But the YouGov research also suggested there was a common misconception about immigration among the British public According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 948,000 immigrants to the UK in 2024. This included EU and non-EU nationals, as well as British nationals Home Office figures showed there were 43,630 detected irregular arrivals in 2024, of which 84% arrived on small boats. Pictured: People board a small boat near Wimereux, France According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 948,000 immigrants to the UK in 2024. This included EU and non-EU nationals, as well as British nationals. Meanwhile, Home Office figures showed there were 43,630 detected irregular arrivals in 2024, of which 84 per cent arrived on small boats. Matthew Smith, YouGov's head of data journalism, said: 'If the British public dramatically overestimate the number of illegal migrants to the UK - to the extent that they think that most migrants are here illegally - then the possibility arises that, in reality, those who support removals dont want to see the bulk of migrants removed.' The YouGov survey found that those who want to see mass deportations almost universally wanted to see removals of those who come to the UK to claim benefits (91 per cent), small boat migrants (90 per cent), and those coming without work visas to work in unskilled jobs (85 per cent). These numbers fell dramatically when it came to other groups of migrants. Less than two-fifths (39 per cent) of those who supported mass deportations said they wanted to see large-scale removals of asylum seekers who came to the UK via the correct legal process. Only a quarter (26 per cent) wanted to see the removal of workers with work visas coming to work in industries with skills shortages. And only one-fifth (19-20 per cent) wanted to see migrants coming on work visas to work as doctors or nurses to be asked to leave. The YouGov research was based on a survey of 8,055 adults in Britain between 20 May and 16 June, as well as a survey of 2,008 adults in Britain between 22 to 23 May. Meghan Markle says she and Chrissy Teigen lined up to put their fake eyelashes 'in a Ziploc bag' when they worked as 'briefcase girls' on Deal or No Deal A senior official at the Governments fiscal watchdog has warned that immigration is creating serious problems for public services and living standards. David Miles, an executive at the Office for Budget Responsibility and a former Bank of England economist, said Labour must focus on getting unemployed Britons back to work in order to slash welfare spending and the UKs explosive debt pile. He added that spending on overseas workers to boost economic growth is unsustainable because they also rely on services such as schools and the NHS, according to The Telegraph. Immigration - which primarily involves those of working age who are many years away from retirement - both delays the impact of the ageing of the population and is the driver of population growth, Mr Miles said. Some conclude from this that a faster rise in the population... will be beneficial in alleviating acute underlying fiscal pressures. But, even setting aside the fact that it is GDP per capita that matters for average standards of living - and growth in population does not obviously boost it - there are serious problems with the idea that faster population growth can consistently alleviate fiscal problems. David Miles, an executive at the Office for Budget Responsibility and a former Bank of England economist, said Labour must focus on getting unemployed Britons back to work According to the latest official statistics, nine million people aged between 16 and 64 are economically inactive Rising population levels cannot be sustained as it places a substantial burden on public finances, Mr Miles, an economics professor at Imperial College London, said. Tackling Britains worklessness crisis, particularly among young people citing mental health issues, would be more productive to drive economic growth, he argued. According to the latest official statistics, nine million people aged between 16 and 64 are economically inactive. A report published earlier this year found that nearly one in four Britons out of work due to ill health are under 35. By the end of the decade, the welfare bill for people claiming sickness or disability benefits is expected to reach 100billion. Mr Miles said: The fiscal benefits of helping people, especially young people who potentially have many years of work ahead of them, back into employment are substantial. There is a great deal of evidence that mental health in particular is typically improved by being in work. And mental health problems have been a very significant factor behind the recent rise in illness-related inactivity. Three people were stabbed in an alleged knife rampage outside of an Aldi before a martial artist who starred on The Apprentice stepped in to help. Sohail Chowdhary, who starred on the hit BBC One show in 2022, claims he raced to intervene in the chaos outside his gym on Sunday, August 3. The businessman, along with a colleague and two students, rushed from Limitless Martial Arts school in Southampton after hearing a commotion outside at around 12.45pm. He said he helped distract the suspected knifeman by leading him in circles while passers-by fled to safety. Meanwhile one of the students, Mohamed Kamal, also stepped in by ushering members of the public into the nearby Aldi store while waiting for police to arrive. Hampshire Police says it was called to Empress Road at 12.48pm after reports a man was threatening people with a knife. On arrival officers arrested Azzedvie Mahmoud, from Southampton, in connection with the incident, which left three people hurt with non-serious injuries. The 46-year-old has now been charged with three counts of attempted murder, as well as one of attempted GBH, three of threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place, and one of possessing a blade or sharp pointed article in a public place. Sohail Chowdhary, who starred on BBC One's The Apprentice in 2022 and now runs a martial arts school, raced to intervene in the alleged stabbing The businessman said he helped distract the suspected attacker by leading him in circles while others fled to safety Hampshire Police says it was called to the scene near Aldi on Empress Road (pictured) after reports a man was threatening people with a knife Limitless Martial Arts school, which is very near the Aldi store on Empress Road He has been remanded to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 5. Mr Chowdhary told The Daily Echo he was 'proud' of his colleague and students who rushed to help. 'I am just proud of these guys' he said. 'I wasn't expecting that on a Sunday morning. It could have been a lot worse.' Hampshire Police confirmed one man had been charged in connection with the incident. It said: 'Officers investigating a serious assault in the Bevois area of Southampton have today charged a man. 'Police were called just after 12.45pm on Sunday, August 3, to a report that a number of people had been threatened and two had suffered injuries outside a store in Bevois Valley Road. 'Azzedvie Mahmoudi, 46, of Cobbett Road, Southampton, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder, one of attempted GBH, three of threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place, and one of possessing a blade or sharp pointed article in a public place. 'He has been remanded to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court this morning (August 5). 'Officers from our local neighbourhood policing teams have been conducting additional patrols in the area, and if you do have any concerns then please do speak with them.' A murder investigation has been launched after a 45-year-old man was shot dead in north London. Police were called to reports of gunshots on Dynevor Road, Stoke Newington, just after midnight this morning. Officers arrived to find a man with serious gunshot injuries, before he was pronounced dead at the scene a short while later. The victim's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Formal identification of the man and a post-mortem examination are now set to take place. A road closure from Amhurst Road to Kynaston Avenue was put in place following the shooting, affecting traffic heading towards Dalston and Finsbury Park. Officers are currently stationed in the area outside Sainsbury's and Stoke Newington Methodist Church. Traffic has been light but there is a slight build-up on Rectory Road, which runs adjacent to the high street. Police were called to reports of gunshots on Dynevor Road, Stoke Newington, just after midnight this morning Forensic police officers at the scene in north London after a 45-year-old man was shot dead Police officers secure the scene on Stoke Newington High Street following the fatal shooting Officers are stationed in the area outside Sainsbury's and Stoke Newington Methodist Church The 67, 76, 149, 243 and 276 buses are currently under diversion. Nearby residents told of waking to the sounds of gunshots in the early hours of the morning. Liza Dodds, 58, a youth worker who lives opposite Dynevor Road, said: 'My husband woke up and said there were gunshots. The instant reaction was ''how do you know?'' 'We both got up and had a look. A police officer was doing CPR where the person fell. It seemed like they were going forever.' Another resident said: 'I heard a few gunshots and the first thing I thought was that it was fireworks, because you don't expect it to be a gun. 'I was trying to sleep but then later I heard sirens from the police cars.' One local, who asked to remain anonymous, said: 'We were out when it happened so we didn't hear or see anything. 'But when we came back at around 1am, the whole area was cordoned off and the police officers told us that it will be a crime scene for a couple of days.' Four forensic officers in scrubs and masks were at the scene on Tuesday afternoon, alongside several police officers. A Lime bike was lying flat in the cordoned area. The forensic officers used torches to investigate underneath the nine cars parked on the street. Officers found the victim with gunshot injuries in the early hours of the morning A cordon has been put in place at the scene following the fatal shooting Police officers secure the scene on Denver Road after the fatal incident Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing for the area, said: 'Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to the tragic death of this man. 'We understand this incident will cause concern within the Stoke Newington community, however we do believe this to be an isolated incident at this stage of the investigation with no wider risk to the general public. 'Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, along with a crime scene, as we carry out our enquiries. We thank them for their patience and co-operation at this time. 'We urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could assist us, to come forward as soon as possible.' Liam Davis, Green Party councillor for Stoke Newington, said: 'Police have launched an investigation after a man was shot in Stoke Newington last night. My thoughts are with him and all those affected. Incidents like this are always deeply upsetting.' Anyone who can help has been urged to call police on 101, quoting CAD 108/5AUG. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tommy Robinson has today been released on bail by police. The 42-year-old was filmed being arrested on the Tarmac at Luton Airport on suspicion of grievous bodily harm last night. Police had been searching for him in connection with an incident at St Pancras Station last week where a man was allegedly assaulted and filmed unconscious of the floor. Robinson, whose real name is is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was taken into custody by officers after a plane he boarded in Faro, Portugal, landed in Britain on Monday. He is believed to have flown out to Tenerife hours after the alleged attack. British Transport Police has said he has been released on police bail until September 2 as they continue to investigate what happened. Shortly after walking free, this morning Robinson tweeted the Metropolitan Police demanding they release CCTV of the incident. This is the moment Tommy Robinson was arrested at Luton Airport after getting off a flight from Faro, in Portugal. He is now out on bail Tommy Robinson was arrested at Luton Airport on suspicion of grievous bodily harm It comes after footage emerged last week of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, walking away form the scene of an alleged attack at St Pancras railway station A video emerged last week of Robinson walking away from the scene of an alleged attack at the railway station. Paramedics rushed to the scene at around 8.40pm on Monday, July 28, and the alleged victim was taken to a major trauma centre with 'serious injuries'. The 64-year-old victim - whose head appeared to be covered in the video - was taken to a major trauma centre with 'serious injuries' after the ordeal. He was discharged from hospital last Wednesday, British Transport Police confirmed. Robinson, the English Defence League founder, had earlier posted footage of himself handing out flyers inside the station for an upcoming 'free speech' protest on September 13. A man pulled out a gun in front of a group of teenagers in a McDonald's, before aiming it at a police officer. Jacob Jenkins was jailed for four years for carrying the weapon in a public place. Jenkins, 29, took his gun into the fast food restaurant in Tonypandy on May 2, and casually brandished it to a group of teenagers. The group had noticed his stab proof vest and the fact he had been staring at them. One of the group asked Jenkins if he was a police officer, he replied 'marines' before taking out the pistol he was carrying and showing it to them. Concerned for their safety, the group left the restaurant and called the police. Jenkins then left and was stopped by an officer nearby. Instead of surrendering he pulled the gun out and pointed it directly at the officer. He shouted at the officer before fleeing the scene. Jacob Jenkins, 29, was seen showing his gun to a group of teenagers in a McDonald's restaurant He later pulled the gun out and pointed it at a police officer who jolted back behind the car Jenkins was jailed for four years for possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of an imitation firearm in a public place, and two counts of possession of a bladed article in public Jenkins was soon found leaving a nearby construction site having removed his coat. He was arrested and a thorough search of the site by a police dog and its handler quickly recovered the coat along with two guns, which had been well-hidden under pallets, and which were found to be gas-powered ball-bearing (BB) guns. A further search of the address where Jenkins had been staying also recovered another stab-vest and a tub of BB pellets. At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Jenkins pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of an imitation firearm in a public place, and two counts of possession of a bladed article in public. Today, he was sentenced to four years and one month, with an extended period of three years. CCTV footage showed Jenkins in the McDonald's in Tonypandy wearing a pair of headphones, a puffer jacket and camouflage trousers. He was seen carrying his tray of food, which appeared to be four burgers and two portions of fries. He sits down and opens up his jacket showing his holsters and stab vest. Jenkins was eating a burger at the fast food restaurant when he pulled out his gun on a group of teenagers Jenkins pulled his gun out in front of a group of teenagers at a McDonald's in Tonypandy, Wales Midway through eating his first burger, he passes the food into his left hand and pulls out the gun in his right, before placing it back into his concealed holster. The next clip shows the moment a police officer pulls up alongside him as he walked down Gelli Road. The officer gets out of the car to speak to him, but Jenkins immediately pulls his gun out, aiming it towards the policeman. The officer jolts back and takes cover behind his police car while Jenkins shouts at him and then runs away on foot. Later, bodycam footage showed a group of firearms officers surrounding him and pinning him to the ground as he was arrested. He can be heard saying: 'I got nothing on me. You can search me, I got nothing on me. So I haven't done nothing wrong.' The final clip shows police finding the guns in what appeared to be the ceiling of a property. Putin has dramatically pulled out of a Cold War-era treaty banning short and medium-range nuclear missiles while warning the West to 'expect further steps' as tensions spiral. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev - now deputy head of the country's powerful Security Council - blamed NATO nations for forcing Moscow's hand. In a fiery post on X, he wrote: 'The Russian foreign ministry's statement on the withdrawal of the moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range missiles is the result of NATO countries' anti-Russian policy. 'This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with. Expect further steps'. Medvedev, who has been exchanging barbs online with US President Donald Trump, gave no details about what those steps entailed. But his warning comes just days after Trump said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to 'appropriate regions' in response to Russian threats. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in 1987 by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, eliminated an entire class of ground-launched missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500km. The US withdrew from the deal in 2019, accusing Russia of breaching its terms - a charge Moscow vehemently denied. Since then, Russia had pledged not to deploy such weapons unless Washington did so first. Putin has dramatically pulled out of a Cold War-era treaty banning short and medium-range nuclear missiles. Pictured: Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile launch on April 20, 2022 Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev - now deputy head of the country's powerful Security Council - blamed NATO nations for forcing Moscow 's hand. Pictured: A Russian army RS-24 Yars ballistic missile makes its way through the Red Square Vladimir Putin has warned the West that Moscow could use the new Oreshnik intermediate-range missile against Ukraine's NATO allies who allowed Kyiv to use their longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia The collapse of the INF Treaty has stoked fears of a replay of a Cold War-era European missile crisis, when the US and the Soviet Union both deployed intermediate-range missiles on the continent in the 1980s. Such weapons are seen as particularly destabilising because they take less time to reach targets, compared with intercontinental ballistic missiles, leaving no time for decision-makers and raising the likelihood of a global nuclear conflict over a false launch warning. But Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov signalled last December that Moscow would abandon the moratorium if 'destabilising actions' by the US and NATO continued. Lavrov told Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti in December that Moscow's unilateral moratorium on the deployment of such missiles was 'practically no longer viable and will have to be abandoned'. 'The United States arrogantly ignored warnings from Russia and China and, in practice, moved on to deploying weapons of this class in various regions of the world,' he told the news agency. In a statement yesterday, Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed it no longer considered itself bound by the ban, citing NATO's growing military presence in Europe and Asia-Pacific. It specifically cited US plans to deploy medium-range Typhoon and Dark Eagle missiles in Germany starting next year. 'Since the situation is developing towards the actual deployment of US-made land-based medium- and short-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian Foreign Ministry notes that the conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar weapons have disappeared,' the statement said. According to its statement, the West is openly stationing short-and medium-range missiles in various parts of the world, while Russias initiatives on the issue have seen no reciprocity. The collapse of the INF Treaty has stoked fears of a replay of a Cold War-era European missile crisis, when the US and the Soviet Union both deployed intermediate-range missiles on the continent in the 1980s. Pictured: The 9K720 Iskander, a mobile short-range ballistic missile system produced and deployed by the Russian Federation Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev - now deputy head of the country's powerful Security Council - blamed NATO nations for forcing Moscow 's hand In its first public reaction to Trump's comments on the repositioning of US submarines, the Kremlin on Monday said it was not looking to get into a public spat with the US president. 'In this case, it is obvious that American submarines are already on combat duty. This is an ongoing process, that's the first thing,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. 'But in general, of course, we would not want to get involved in such a controversy and would not want to comment on it in any way,' he said. 'Of course, we believe that everyone should be very, very careful with nuclear rhetoric,' he added. It comes as Russia's missile forces chief declared that the new Oreshnik intermediate-range missile, which Russia first used against Ukraine in November, has a range to reach all of Europe. Oreshnik can carry conventional or nuclear warheads. Putin has praised the Oreshnik's capabilities, saying its multiple warheads that plunge to a target at speeds up to Mach 10 are immune to being intercepted and are so powerful that the use of several of them in one conventional strike could be as devastating as a nuclear attack. The Russian leader has warned the West that Moscow could use it against Ukraine's NATO allies who allowed Kyiv to use their longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia. But as Russia escalates its nuclear rhetoric, Ukraine continues to face relentless attacks. Building of a railway station, damaged during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Lozova, Kharkiv region, August 5, 2025 The strike on Lozova - described by the city's mayor as 'the most massive attack since the beginning of the war' - injured two children and damaged residential areas Debris lies next to train carriages damaged during a Russian drone strike at a railway station, amid Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine, in the town of Lozova The move comes amid a deadly wave of missile strikes pounding Ukraine overnight, with one railway worker killed and four others injured after Russian forces targeted a key rail hub in Lozova. The strike on Lozova - described by the city's mayor as 'the most massive attack since the beginning of the war' - injured two children and damaged residential areas. Elsewhere, two more people were wounded in a Russian drone attack on Zaporizhzhia , while Ukraine's air defences reported shooting down 29 Iranian-made Shahed drones overnight. The developments come as a deadline set by Trump for Russia to take 'steps to end the war' looms, with his envoy Steve Whitkoff set to visit Moscow this week for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is the terrifying moment an Indian village was washed away after a huge cloudburst triggered flash floods in the northern state Uttarakhand. At least four people were killed and dozens more are feared trapped in Dharali after a giant wave surged down a mountain and swallowed up buildings. Terrifying footage broadcast by local television channels showed flood waters crashing into the Himalayan mountain village, as terrified residents could be heard screaming as they fear for their lives. The flood waters inundated homes, swept away roads and destroyed a local market. Eyewitnesses from a nearby village said that the sudden surge did not give people time to run away. 'About a dozen hotels have been washed away and several shops have collapsed,' said Prashant Arya, an administrative officer who added that rescuers including Indian army and police were searching for the missing. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said rescue agencies were working 'on a war footing.' 'We are doing everything possible to save lives and provide relief,' he said in a statement. At least four people were killed and dozens more are feared trapped in Dharali, northern India, after a giant wave surged down a mountain and swallowed up buildings Terrifying footage shows flood waters crashing into the Himalayan mountain village The flood waters inundated homes, swept away roads and destroyed a local market Indias National Disaster Management Authority said it had requested three helicopters from the federal government to assist in the rescue and relief operations as rescuers struggled to access the remote terrain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to those affected and said teams were making every attempt to provide assistance. Teams from army and disaster response forces are in the area, according to local authorities, and workers are trying to rescue people trapped under debris and sludge. Indias weather agency has forecast more heavy rains in the region in the coming days. Authorities have asked schools to remain closed in several districts including Dehradun and Haridwar cities. The village is a popular tourist spot, populated with several hotels and restaurants. Sudden, intense downpours over small areas known as cloudbursts are increasingly common in Uttarakhand, a Himalayan region prone to flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season. Cloudbursts are an extreme and sudden downpour of rain over a small area in a short period of time. They have the potential to wreak havoc by causing intense flooding and landslides impacting thousands of people in the mountainous regions. Teams from army and disaster response forces are in the area, according to local authorities, and workers are trying to rescue people trapped under debris and sludge. Screengrab shows a man struggling to walk through the mud Indias weather agency has forecast more heavy rains in the region in the coming days Cloudbursts are an extreme and sudden downpour of rain over a small area in a short period of time This handout photograph taken on August 5, 2025 and released by Uttarakhand's State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) shows muddy water running past residential buildings following a massive mudslide in India's Uttarakhand state Rescue teams were deployed on August 5, to India's Himalayan region after flash floods tore down a mountain valley, appearing to wipe away much of a town, where at least four people were killed Indias weather agency has forecast more heavy rains in the region in the coming days. Pictured: Houses that have been partially buried by a mudslide in Dharali on August 5 Houses are partially buried by a mudslide, amid flash floods, in Dharali, Uttarakhand, India, August 5 Rescuers assist a man, amid flash floods, in a location given as Dharali, Uttarakhand, India, in this handout image released on August 5, 2025 Authorities have asked schools to remain closed in several districts including Dehradun and Haridwar cities Indias National Disaster Management Authority said it had requested three helicopters from the federal government to assist in the rescue and relief operations Experts say cloudbursts have increased in recent years partly due to climate change, while damage from the storms also has increased because of unplanned development in mountain regions. At least 200 people died in 2021 when flash floods swept away two hydroelectric projects in the state. There are about 10,000 glaciers in the Indian Himalayas, and many are receding due to the warming climate. A man and a woman have been charged after allegedly assaulting a four-week-old baby in Adelaide's south, leaving the newborn with serious injuries. Police allege the newborn was taken to hospital with a swollen leg on May 3 where a medical examination identified injuries including bone fractures. Detectives from the Southern District Criminal Investigation Branch launched an investigation into the child's injuries. Following investigations, a woman, 34, and a man, 33, both from Reynella East, in Adelaide's south, were arrested on Tuesday. They were both charged with criminal neglect and recklessly causing serious harm. Police said the parties were known to one another. They were granted bail to appear at Christies Beach Magistrates Court in September. A furious mother has clapped back at a Texas aquarium after young son was attacked by an octopus and officials pinned the blame on her. Britney Taryn and her son Leo's trip to the popular San Antonio Aquarium on July 14 descended into a nightmare when the sea creature wrapped itself around the six-year-old and would not let go. Guests are allowed to interact with various sea animals at the aquarium, but Taryn claimed there were no employees in sight. When help finally arrived, the infuriated mother said the staffer downplayed the entire ordeal, saying the creature was 'super playful' that day. But the 'playful' octopus left the child with bruising down his arm from the suckers on its tentacles gripping his skin. And while Leo kept his cool throughout the horrifying incident, Taryn wants the octopus removed from the tank for the safety of other visitors. Aquarium representatives issued a statement regarding the bizarre encounter, telling KSAT Taryn 'leaned her child over the exhibit barrier, allowing him to reach into the habitat without staff supervision.' The tourist attraction also said Leo was offered medical assistance, which Taryn allegedly refused, and an incident report was filed and signed by the mother. Britney Taryn (right) and her son Leo's (left) trip to the San Antonio Aquarium descended into a nightmare when the sea creature wrapped itself around the six-year-old and would not let go The octopus wrapped itself around Leo and staff had to come to remove the creature from his arm (pictured) This statement has left Taryn fuming - as she has claimed the aquarium's retelling of events is fabricated. 'The San Antonio Aquariums response is not only false; it is defamatory and appears to be a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the serious issues at hand,' she wrote to KSAT. She also disputed the claim that she signed an incident report, adding she wrote the aquarium an email after the fact, but never received a response. Taryn said that in the past - as she and Leo are frequent visitors - staff had instructed her to lift her son up over the glass to touch the octopus. But she went on to assert that the thank 'is never staffed' and people are left to interact with the creatures unsupervised, following the instructions on a sign for 'feeding encounters.' 'However, during this incident, the octopus was already near the glass, which I have documented on video,' she wrote referring to a viral TikTok she shared about the situation. When the animal finally let go, the boy had bruises from his wrist up to his armpit (pictured) Guests are allowed to interact with various sea animals at the aquarium (pictured), but Taryn claimed there were no employees in sight. 'My son was able to reach it without assistance. This interaction revealed behaviors we had not witnessed before.' Taryn consulted 'multiple experts,' who said the octopus' alarming behavior aligns with the symptoms of senescence, which is the decline the creatures experience toward the end of their lives, according to her statement. She also alleged 'neither the tank setup nor the nature of public interaction aligns with the AZAs [Association of Zoos and Aquariums] standards for Giant Pacific octopus care.' The San Antonio Aquarium is not accredited by the AZA. Taryn previously told KSAT she filed a complaint with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). She also said she filed a report with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, contacted her local congressman and reached out to other aquariums. 'I'm just really worried that something worse is going to happen,' the mother said. Despite her concern, the aquarium has insisted the octopus was simply exhibiting 'typical, curious behavior' when it squeezed Leo. Taryn told her story on TikTok and the video went viral (pictured). She brought up this video when she refuted what the aquarium wrote about the incident The Daily Mail has reached out to the San Antonio Aquarium for comment regarding Taryn's accusations. The octopus incident is just the latest in a series of controversies at the San Antonio Aquarium. Surveillance video from July 2018 captured three people stealing a horn shark a species of bullhead shark that grows up to four feet and 20 lbs from an open pool where visitors could touch the animals. The suspects disguised the female shark as a baby and placed it in a stroller. It was not returned to the aquarium until two days later. In the days after the theft, the aquarium said it would not shut down touch pools. Passengers aboard a cross-country Delta flight endured over six grueling hours trapped on a Georgia tarmac with no functioning toilets onboard. A flight bound for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was suddenly diverted to Augusta Regional Airport on Friday due to the heavy rain and severe thunderstorms that swept across the state the day before, WSB-TV 2 News reported. But instead of their journey ending upon landing, travelers found themselves stranded on the runway for hours, unable to leave. 'A disheveled mess to say the least,' Pat McCormack, a passenger on the flight, told the outlet. 'There was no water on the plane,' he added. 'The toilets weren't working.' After nearly seven hours sitting motionless on the ground, passengers were finally allowed to disembark. However, with no plan in place, they were unprepared for the unexpected landing at Augusta - and only one person was available to answer their questions about what to do next. 'They had no information,' McCormack told WSB-TV. 'They had no hotels. They had no ground transportation.' Passengers aboard a cross-country Delta flight endured over six grueling hours trapped on a Georgia tarmac with no functioning toilets onboard (pictured) Passenger Pat McCormack (pictured) said that the trip was 'a disheveled mess to say the least,' noting the lack of water and functioning toilets on board The flight flight bound for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was diverted to Augusta Regional Airport (pictured) on Friday due to the heavy rain and severe thunderstorms that swept across the state the day before Still effectively trapped, McCormack and dozens of other passengers took matters into their own hands, paying out of pocket for transportation from Augusta to Atlanta - a trip of over two hours. Now, those same travelers are seeking reimbursement - a process that has quickly become another daunting task. 'Give everybody a voucher for the flight that they originally purchased,' McCormack said. 'I paid $1,100 for my flight.' To request reimbursement, travelers must complete a form using the information the airline emailed to them. But even after submitting the form, McCormack said he received only a $200 SkyMiles credit - a settlement he considers inadequate for the chaotic ordeal. Delta has made headlines in recent months for a series of unusual travel mishaps - including a recent incident where an employee filmed a sexual video of himself on a childs Peppa Pig iPad he found left on a plane in New York City. The unidentified man was seen masturbating in a video that was uploaded to the iCloud account attached to one of Brooke and Tony Brewer's children's iPads, a complaint viewed by Daily Mail revealed. The man was seen fondling his penis while wearing a lanyard that contained a red Delta ribbon and making facial expressions at the camera, screenshots of the video in the complaint showed. Delta has made headlines in recent months for a series of unusual travel mishaps (stock) Recently, a Delta employee filmed a sexual video of himself masturbating on a childs Peppa Pig iPad he found left on a plane in New York City (pictured) He also allegedly attempted to access the iPads iTunes account and reportedly hacked into the familys Amazon account, creating a profile named 'Gay.' On July 30, passengers on a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam feared for their lives as the plane suddenly dropped more than 1,500 feet before making an emergency landing. At least 25 people were injured as Delta flight 56 was diverted to Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport just two hours into its eight-hour journey. Delta confirmed in a statement that severe turbulence rocked the aircraft, with witnesses describing how its impact threw people into the air as beverage carts crashed around inside the cabin. Data from flight tracking site FlightAware showed that the plane plummeted over 1,600 feet in an 85 second span, with passengers saying that there 'was a moment where we thought we were going down.' The flight then continued for over an hour after the terrifying drop before landing safely. Last month, Delta sparked an internet uproar after allegedly cancelling a flight from Florida due to 'ice on the runway' as temperatures neared 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside. The bizarre situation emerged when a woman headed from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) was alerted her flight had been pushed back an entire day. On July 30, passengers on a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam feared for their lives as the plane suddenly dropped more than 1,500 feet before making an emergency landing (pictured: aftermath) Last month, Delta sparked an internet uproar after allegedly cancelling a flight from Florida due to 'ice on the runway' as temperatures neared 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside (pictured) She then reached out to the airline to ask about getting a reimbursement for her hotel room that night. Her request was denied because the cancelation was 'weather related,' according to a Reddit post shared by the flier's cousin after the fact. A Delta agent told the customer the flight was called off 'due to a deicing situation, which means the runway was too slippery' for takeoff, as shown in a message exchange. This 'deicing situation' was pertaining to the runway in Orlando - where the heat was scorching. In response to the claim, the customer said: 'It is 95 degrees in Orlando and 84 degrees in New York City.' According to AirAdvisor, airlines in the US do not have to financially help their passengers when a flight gets cancelled because of the weather. They are only required to either rebook the flight or provide a full ticket refund. Delta has since emailed affected passengers with details on compensation and reimbursement. A Nebraska prosecutor has been charged with drunk driving after allegedly crashing into a motorist with a half-empty bottle of Fireball whiskey in her car. Elizabeth O'Connor, 34, a deputy attorney for Douglas County, was driving her Subaru Outback in central Omaha on May 21 when she crossed the center line and collided with a Ford Focus going the opposite direction, according to reports. A passenger in the Ford was taken to hospital with what were thought at the time to be life-threatening injuries, according to an affidavit filed by an Omaha police officer. He suffered a broken back and a broken pelvis in the crash. O'Connor, who also serves on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, had a blood alcohol content of 0.321 percent, which is four times the legal limit. The bottle of Fireball was discovered in her car after the collision, the affidavit said. O'Connor was charged with driving under the influence and causing bodily harm at her first court appearance last week. Her bail was set at $25,000 and she was released from jail after posting 10 percent of that amount, the Omaha World-Herald reported. Elizabeth O'Connor, 34, a deputy attorney for Douglas County, was driving in central Omaha on May 21 when she crossed the center line and collided with a vehicle going the opposite direction O'Connor, who also serves on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, had a blood alcohol content of 0.321 percent, which is four times the legal limit O'Connor is next scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 9. She was elected to serve on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in 2018 and re-elected in 2024. She remains employed as a deputy attorney in the County Attorney Office's Civil Division, County Attorney Don Kleine confirmed on Monday. 'We're going to see how the process plays out,' he said, according to the World-Herald. 'This is extremely serious. She's been an exemplary employee for our office. 'But obviously, this is something that is terrible and needs to be addressed. 'We'll figure out what we'll have to do from an employment perspective.' Kleine also said the Omaha City Prosecutor's Office is handling O'Connor's case to avoid a conflict of interest. O'Connor was elected to serve on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in 2018 and re-elected in 2024 She is still employed as a deputy attorney in the County Attorney Office's Civil Division County O'Connor last participated in a Board of Regents Meeting at the University of Nebraska on June 19 A University of Nebraska spokesperson said the university 'is deeply saddened by the events leading to the recent announcements,' the World-Herald reported. O'Connor last participated in a Board of Regents Meeting at the university on June 19. It's unclear whether she will attend the next, which is scheduled for August 14. The Daily Mail has reached out to O'Connor's attorney for comment. An iconic Nevada landmark has been removed from Lake Mead as officials labelled it an 'eyesore.' A vertical speedboat that stuck out of the lake's waters, known as the monolith of Lake Mead, served as an unofficial water level marker and a popular spot for a photo. National Park Service officials confirmed that the famed wreck has been removed in an effort to preserve the area's image as part of the Love Lake Mead program. 'We understand that some were curious about the abandoned boat in the Las Vegas Wash area. But the boat, like other abandoned boats, was also viewed as an eyesore and nuisance - and poorly represented the quality of boating recreation at Lake Mead,' Lake Mead Superintendent Mike Gauthier said in a statement to 8 News Now. 'We communicated with our concessioners, recreation partners, and gateway business community, and they agreed that removing trash, abandoned camps, pop-ups, and derelict boats helps to restore and protect the grandeur of Lake Mead.' The boat garnered attention as waters in Lake Mead disappeared during the summer of 2022, and the boat was seen above the waters surface for the first time. A devastating drought had brought the waters of the 112-mile-long lake on the Nevada-Arizona border to dangerously low levels, exposing sunken boats, the bodies of missing dead people, and dried up fish carcasses. Shocking photos emerged of the cracked dirt where waters that millions in the state rely on used to sit. A vertical speedboat that stuck out of the lake's waters, known as the monolith of Lake Mead, served as an unofficial water level marker and a popular spot for a photo 'The boat ... poorly represented the quality of boating recreation at Lake Mead,' Lake Mead Superintendent Mike Gauthier said A devastating drought had brought the waters of the 112-mile-long lake on the Nevada-Arizona border to dangerously low levels, exposing sunken boats, the bodies of missing dead, and dried up fish carcasses Water levels receded almost 60 feet in the two years before the drought, at which point it reached lows of 1040 feet above sea level. Since its surfacing, the iconic boat served as a symbol of the areas diminishing water levels. 'That was our Statue of Liberty,' one fan wrote on Facebook. Many social media users said the boat was often used to mark water levels and described it as an 'icon' of the lake. 'Hopefully they move it to the visitor center entrance,' one user commented. 'Icon!! It should have went on a vote for the lake mead boaters community,' another said. Others queried why the boats weren't removed during the 2022 drought that exposed most of the sunken wrecks almost entirely. The iconic upright boat became one of the most famous throughout the reservoir, and was named 'Skyward' by one regular visitor. Many social media users said the boat was often used to mark water levels and described it as an 'icon' of the lake. 'Hopefully they move it to the visitor center entrance,' one user commented Its contents, including a teddy bear and other personal items, were documented as part of the mystery surrounding the vessel The boat garnered masses of attention as waters in Lake Mead disappeared during the summer of 2022, and the boat was seen above the waters surface for the first time 'We had named all the boat wrecks back in 2022 because we kept finding so many, we wanted the audience to be able to keep track,' Joey Alexander told the outlet. '"Skyward" by far was the most famous. The next popular? "Higgins," at the marina.' Its contents, including a teddy bear and other personal items, were documented as part of the mystery surrounding the vessel. However, despite the attention that the abandoned wrecks were getting, Gauthier made it clear in a community meeting in 2023 that he believed in a better reputation for the lake. 'We don't want our visual to be abandoned boats,' he said. 'We want our visual to be people having a great time at the lake.' Jill Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, told 8 News Now: 'Lake Mead is one of our region's greatest assets, and how it's cared for matters - to our visitors, our economy, and our identity as a gateway community. 'We support the Park's efforts to remove abandoned boats and other blight that detract from the lake's beauty. Restoring the shoreline is not just about aesthetics - it's about protecting the experience that brings people back to Boulder City and to the lake year after year.' Alexander, although a fan of the iconic landmark, added: 'Though the Skyward boat had become an icon of the Lake Mead drought and was a popular landmark for many, including me, it was also a reminder of our water quality. 'At the end of the day, Im glad the Park Service is making new efforts to clean up the reservoir.' Britain's prison system was on the brink of collapse on three occasions while Rishi Sunak was prime minister, according to a damning report. Dame Ann Owers, a former chief inspector of prisons, found the criminal justice system had been 'in crisis' for more than 18 months under the Tory government. In her review, commissioned by Labour's Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Dame Ann revealed that senior officials even feared riots if jails ran out of space. She also disclosed that top civil servants 'were so concened' about a breakdown that they kept 'an audit' of all decision-making and documents in case of a future inquiry. Following Labour's general election victory in July 2024, Ms Mahmood implemented a new early release scheme in order to tackle prison overcrowding. This saw her cut the proportion of a sentence that inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent. But prisons in England and Wales are still around 98 per cent full. HM Prison and Probation Service says it cannot run the estate efficiently at over 95 per cent capacity. In her report, published today, Dame Ann described an 18-month 'permacrisis' in the criminal justice system while Mr Sunak was in Downing Street. Britain's prison system was on the brink of collapse on three occasions while Rishi Sunak was prime minister, according to a damning report Dame Ann Owers, a former chief inspector of prisons, found the criminal justice system was 'in crisis' for more than 18 months under the Tory government. Pictured: HMP Wandsworth Dame Ann criticised the previous Tory government for only doing 'just enough to avert breakdown and buy time until the next predictable cliff edge was reached'. She revealed how, in May 2024 following the announcement of the general election, senior officials discussed 'contingency plans in case the criminal justice system collapsed during the election campaign because prisons were unable to take in any more prisoners'. 'This could involve invoking emergency powers under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to release prisoners early, in order to avert the risk of public disorder,' she added. 'The risk was real: at one point there were fewer than 100 places in adult male prisons. 'However, the system had in fact been in crisis for over eighteen months. From 2023 onwards, prisons were running very close to the edge of capacity. 'On three occasions, this was only pulled back at the last minute by the use of early release schemes, gradually decreasing the amount of time many prisoners spent in custody, using powers designed to allow release on compassionate grounds. 'Senior officials were so concerned about a potential breakdown in the criminal justice system that an audit was kept of all decision making and documents, in case there was a public or parliamentary inquiry.' In a further criticism of the previous government's handling of the crisis, Dame Ann continued: 'Although departmental ministers were convinced by mid-2023 that some form of early release was both necessary and urgent, this required Prime Ministerial agreement, which was not forthcoming until the system was within three days of potential collapse, and only in incremental stages.' She also said that, while conducting her review, many of those she spoke to 'expressed frustration and sometimes anger at the reluctance to accept and then act on the well-documented and imminent crisis, or to agree any coherent plan to avert it'. 'Many believed that the default position was to do as little as possible as late as possible, with the consequence that the system repeatedly reached the brink of collapse, rather than accepting the inevitable and getting ahead of the crisis,' Dame Ann added. In October 2023, then justice secretary Alex Chalk announced some 'less serious offenders' could be freed from prison up to 18 days before their automatic release date. This was then increased to 60 days in March 2024 and then to 70 days in May 2024. Ms Mahmood said: 'This report lays bare the disgraceful way the last Conservative government ran our prisons. 'They added less than 500 cells to the prison estate over 14 years, released over 10,000 prisoners early under a veil of secrecy, and brought our jails close to total collapse on countless occasions.' Andrew Neilson, the director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: 'This review into prison capacity spells out in forensic detail how the Government has found itself facing the prospect of running out of cells. 'It is a crisis, or more accurately a series of crises, that has been brewing over several decades and across successive governments.' A Conservative Party spokesman said: 'In office, the Conservatives rightly listened to the public demand to see criminals punished with proper sentences, and to tackle the capacity issues we had plans to use prisons abroad. 'Labour scrapped those plans and instead chose to release violent criminals back on our streets. 'Labour aren't serious about tackling these issues. They blocked our deportation bill that would have mandated the deportation of all foreign criminals. 'Whilst Labour and Reform want shorter sentences, the Conservatives will make no apology for ensuring that heinous criminals are kept off our streets and behind bars.' The company behind the fatal Titan submersible voyage had 'critically flawed' safety practices and a toxic workplace culture, a damning report has concluded, as the family of two victims called for 'meaningful reform' to industry standards. Jason Neubauer, chair of the Titan Marine Board of Investigation (MBI), said in the wake of the major report released Tuesday that the June 2023 tragedy 'was preventable'. Their investigation found the 'primary contributing factors' in the implosion were 'inadequate design, certification, maintenance and inspection process'. They also uncovered wider cultural issues, including what they called a 'reckless disregard for safety' and 'an ineffective whistleblower process'. OceanGate's Titan submersible imploded during a dive to the Titanic, killing five people, including CEO Stockton Rush. The MBI report into the causes, spanning 335 pages, found OceanGate had 'failed to properly investigate and address' known issues with the hull identified a year before the incident. The report determined that the Titan's implosion was ultimately caused by the loss of structural integrity in its hull, resulting in the 'instantaneous' death of everyone on board. 'The lack of both third-party oversight and experienced OceanGate employees on staff during their 2023 Titan operations allowed OceanGates Chief Executive Officer to completely ignore vital inspections, data analyses, and preventative maintenance procedures, culminating in a catastrophic event,' the report concluded. The board added that it had identified evidence of a potential criminal offence, suggesting it would have recommended a separate criminal investigation by the Department of Justice had Mr Rush survived. FILE PHOTO: OceanGate's Titan submersible imploded during a June 2023 dive to the Titanic CEO Stockton Rush (pictured) was among the five people on board the doomed Titan sub Your browser does not support iframes. The Coast Guard convened its highest level of investigation in the aftermath of the 2023 implosion off Canada. The disappearance of the Titan led to a search that garnered worldwide attention. Mr Rush was on board the Titan with British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada and his 19-year-old son Suleman, former French Navy diver Paul-Henry Nargeolet and British adventurer Hamish Harding when it imploded. The submersible disaster has led to lawsuits and calls for tighter regulation of the developing private deep sea expedition industry. In its report, the board of investigation made 17 safety recommendations 'aimed at strengthening oversight of submersible operations, improving coordination among federal agencies and closing gaps in international maritime policy'. Its conclusions focused on how OceanGate had failed to address the 'fundamental engineering principles' needed to dive in an 'inherently hazardous environment'. The submersible was designed to be able to reach some 4,000 metres below sea level - 200 metres deeper than the wreck of the Titanic. The U.S. Navy detected sounds 'consistent with an implosion' shortly after the sub lost contact at around 3,500 metres below sea level. The submersible was designed to withstand the enormous pressure put on it at such depths. But according to the MBI's assessment, the Titan's carbon fibre construction led to flaws testing its integrity. 'Vital' inspections and data analyses were also then overlooked and 'completely ignored', it found. The report goes on to take aim at perceived failures of company culture, lambasting a 'toxic workplace environment' at OceanGate. It claimed the company used the firing of staff to dissuade them from whistleblowing safety concerns. The report cites 'an experienced underwater explorer and submersible pilot' hired to pilot OceanGate's ANTIPODES, who suggested that 'the culture of OceanGate was one of "safety is not important"'. On one dive years prior, Mr Rush was alleged to have told the experienced pilot to 'sit the dive out so he could take his "rich friends" on the dive', the report says. During the project, an incident damaged the ANTIPODES, causing approximately $10,000 worth of damage to the vessel. Billionaire businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman also died in the tragedy Hamish Harding, who had previously been on the Blue Origin space ship died on board Titan The final victim was Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargolet During another dive in 2015, the CYCLOPS I experienced a malfunction. A Near Miss Report flagged how the starboard hatch latch mechanism became stuck and unable to fully engage while still at the dock. The mission nonetheless went ahead 'without 100% consensus from the group as to the safety of the partially latched starboard hatch.' 'While the functional aspect of hatch engagement was deemed not to pose a safety risk, the absence of team consensus before proceeding was considered a critical procedural failure,' the report assessed. 'The pressure to proceed, influenced by the pilots dual role as CEO and the presence of VIP guests, created a "get it done" mentality that undermined safety practices.' The report alleges that for several years preceding the Titan's explosion, OceanGate 'leveraged intimidation tactics, allowances for scientific operations, and the company's favorable reputation to evade regulatory scrutiny.' 'By strategically creating and exploiting regulatory confusion and oversight challenges, OceanGate was ultimately able to operate TITAN completely outside of the established deep-sea protocols,' the report found. The USCG concluded in sum that 'OceanGate's operational and safety practices were critically flawed, which contributed to the catastrophic implosion of the TITAN submersible'. 'At the core of these failures was a disconnect between the company's stated safety protocols and its actual practices.' 'While OceanGates 155-page HSE Manual was ostensibly intended to guide high-risk operations, its substance and practical application were woefully inadequate. Only four pages of the HSE manual addressed dive-specific safety proceduresa substantial shortfall for a company centered on deep-sea manned submersible operations.' Their investigation uncovered what they called 'a disturbing pattern of misrepresentation and reckless disregard for safety' in how the TITAN operated, after issues were raised with other vessels. The Dawood family said in a statement in light of the investigation's report: 'The U.S. Coast Guards final report into the Titan submersible tragedy confirms that unregulated behaviour, a lack of accountability, and a fundamentally flawed design cost the lives of all on board, including our beloved Shahzada and Suleman. No report can alter the heartbreaking outcome, nor fill the immeasurable void left by two cherished members of our family. 'We believe that accountability and regulatory change must follow such a catastrophic failure. We hope this tragedy serves as a turning point and one that drives meaningful reform, rigorous safety standards, and effective oversight within the submersible industry. There were three Britons on board as passengers Hamish Harding, 58, Shahzada Dawood (left), 48, and his 19-year-old son, Suleman (right) and 77-year-old Frenchman, Paul-Henri Nargeolet. All died instantly on the Titan submersible The Titan was neither officially registered nor certified. There had been a catalogue of technical and safety failures on board. Key protocols were ignored before the fatal dive. Above shows the Titan submersible beginning a descent Karl Stanley, a submersible pilot at the Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration, who had known Rush for years, said he was convinced Rush knew his submersible would eventually implode. Pictured, remains of the Titan submersible 'If Shahzada and Sulemans legacy can be a catalyst for regulatory change that helps prevent such a loss from ever happening again, it will bring us some measure of peace. 'We would like to record our sincere thanks to the U.S. Coastguard for their extraordinary professionalism and sensitivity throughout their painstaking investigation. We hope their findings will serve as a foundation for reform. 'This has been a tragedy that has attracted enormous global attention. Throughout, we have been uplifted by extraordinary kindness and support. It has been a source of strength for our family, and we remain profoundly grateful.' OceanGate has suspended all exploration and commercial operations. A police officer is facing a criminal investigation after being suspected of leaking footage of a violent scrap at Manchester Airport to the press last year. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched a probe into the officer's alleged actions after video footage of a confrontation in a terminal car park in July 2024 emerged in the media. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, was ultimately convicted of assaulting two emergency service workers and a member of the public - with a retrial on other charges for both he and his older brother due to take place next year. Alongside this, the watchdog is investigating an unnamed Greater Manchester Police officer over suspicions that he leaked footage of the incident to the press a few days after it first came to light. Early footage of the fracas showed a man later identified as PC Zachary Marsden kicking Amaaz in the head. It sparked accusations of police brutality and protests outside Rochdale Police Station and mayor Andy Burnham's office in Manchester city centre. But days later, new footage came to light that appeared to lend additional context to the incident, showing an altercation between two men and three police officers in the moments before PC Marsden was seen to kick Amaaz in the head. The video, first published by the Manchester Evening News, made headlines around the world - and sparked a regulatory probe amid concerns it had been leaked to the press from within the police. Police watchdogs are probing how this footage of the Manchester Airport fracas last July came to light Mohammed Fahir Amaaz (pictured) has been convicted of assaulting two police officers and a member of the public on July 23 last year Footage of PC Zachary Marsden kicking Amaaz in the head (pictured) went viral online and sparked accusations of police brutality The outlet has since said it was contacted by the police looking for information on how the video was obtained. Editor Sarah Lester said, however, that the requests were denied, adding: 'The protection of sources of information is a key journalistic principle.' The IOPC said today that it had informed the officer suspected of leaking the footage that he was facing a criminal investigation. A spokesperson told the Mail in a statement: 'We can confirm a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer was recently informed they are being criminally investigated over an allegation they shared footage relating to an active police investigation into an incident at Manchester Airport in July 2024 without any legitimate policing purpose. 'We began our independent investigation following a referral from the force in September 2024, after concerns were raised about the source of a video provided to the media. 'We will now investigate these allegations and obtain an account from the officer concerned in due course.' The officer is facing investigation for a number of potential offences. These are: corrupt or improper exercise of police power, the unlawful obtaining of personal data, two offences under the Computer Misuse Act, misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice. Amaaz was convicted of assaulting PC Lydia Ward during the incident at an airport terminal car park (pictured) PC Ward needed surgery to realign her nose after being punched by Amaaz (pictured in bodyworn camera footage) Amaaz was also convicted of headbutting a member of the public at a Starbucks within Manchester Airport's arrivals zone Amaaz (right) and his brother Muhammad Amaad (left) will face a retrial on assaulting PC Zachary Marsden next year (pictured with lawyer Aamer Anwar) The early footage of PC Marsden kicking Amaaz in the head - for which he was told he would not face criminal charges - sparked protests and accusations of racism and police brutality It comes as a man was convicted of assaulting two emergency workers during the fracas following a trial last month. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, was convicted of assaulting PC Lydia Ward, causing actual bodily harm, and assaulting emergency worker PC Ellie Cook on July 23. He was also convicted of assaulting a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, at a Starbucks cafe in the arrivals area of Manchester Airport earlier that day. The jury could not reach verdicts on allegations that Amaaz and his older brother, 26-year-old Muhammad Amaad, assaulted PC Zachary Marsden causing actual bodily harm. They had maintained during the trial that they were acting in self-defence. A retrial is scheduled for April next year. Amaaz remains in custody pending a bail application to be heard later this month. The Crown Prosecution Service said last December it would not pursue charges against PC Marsden and another officer over their actions on that day. However, both could yet face a fresh referral to the CPS or misconduct proceedings that may cost them their jobs. The IOPC is still investigating the actions of both officers - but will likely hold off on making a decision until Amaaz and Amaad's retrial concludes. Barristers for Amaaz and Amaad had accused PC Marsden of being 'out of control' during the first trial, branding him 'an uncontrolled bully with a badge'. But following the jury's verdicts, Sir Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, praised the officers for putting themselves in 'harm's way' to tackle 'outrageous criminal behaviour'. A 10-year-old girl died all alone after she was brutally tortured by her father and his girlfriend, according to police. Rebekah Baptiste was found unresponsive and severely injured in her Holbrook, Arizona, home on July 27, per officials. She died three days later in hospital. 'She spent the last four days in the hospital by herself and the only thing DCS can say is, "Im sorry you weren't informed,"' said Rebekah's uncle Damon Hawkins. Hawkins added that Rebekah 'was black and blue from her head to toe' and had two black eyes. Doctors said Rebekah was malnourished and dehydrated and had been tortured, as reported by AZ Family. Her father Richard Baptiste and his longtime girlfriend Anicia Woods were charged this week with first-degree murder for her death. Rebekah's uncle said he and his wife had alerted Child Services after noticing red flags but his reports were ignored. Rebeka Baptiste, 10, died after being tortured by her father and his girlfriend, per officials Richard Baptiste, pictured, and his longtime girlfriend were charged with first-degree murder Anicia Woods allegedly admitted that she hit the children and said she acted as their mother 'I made it clear to the investigator and DCS that the system failed her. We have logs and logs of the times where, over the past years where they've been contacted, of the worry that we had,' Hawkins said. 'We got word of sexual abuse about a year and a half ago, and they [DCS] turned a blind eye to it.' Dawkins said he repeatedly asked to see Rebekah and her siblings but was turned away by her guardians. '[Rebekah] was my biggest concern. The answer we always got was, "theyre kids, they're in trouble. They're in trouble,"' Hawkins said. Dawkins said that the last time he saw the children, he could see fear in their eyes when it was time for them to go back home. Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods were also charged with child abuse over their treatment of his two younger sons. Woods reportedly said she acted as the children's mother and admitted to hitting them. Rebekah and her two siblings attended Empower College Prep until May, the school confirmed, adding that they also tried alerting officials about Rebekah's wellbeing. Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods were also charged with child abuse over their treatment of his two younger sons Rebekah 'was black and blue from her head to toe' and had two black eyes, according to her uncle 'Over the past year, our staff reported concerns of suspected abuse and neglect involving this child to the Department of Child Safety a total of 12 times,' the school said in a statement sent to ABC15. 'Despite our continued efforts and repeated calls for intervention, it does not appear that any meaningful action was taken.' Baptiste and Woods are scheduled to appear in court on September 4. A judge set a bond for each of them of $1million. The department said in a statement: 'It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the death of Rebekah Baptiste, a child who was known to the Department. Any time a child in our community is harmed, it deeply affects us all. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all children. Tragically, those who intend to harm children sometimes evade even the most robust systems designed to protect them. 'In response to this incident, the Department is actively collaborating with law enforcement in a joint investigation to ensure that the people responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. 'The Departments Safety Analysis Review Team will also be conducting a thorough review of this case to identify and understand any systemic barriers that may have influenced the outcome, and to implement changes as necessary.' President Donald Trump on Tuesday revealed his thoughts about running for president again in 2028, as he continues to boast of economic gains in the first year of his second term. In an early morning interview with CNBC, Trump commented about earning the highest vote ever recorded in Texas and teased that the record would stand 'unless I run again.' 'Are you going to run again?' asked co-host Becky Quick. 'No, probably not,' Trump replied with a chuckle. 'I'd like to run, I have the best poll numbers I've ever had,' he added. 'People love the tariffs, and they love the trade deals and they love the foreign countries aren't ripping us off.' Trump's answer demonstrated the chasm between his personal wishes and the constraints of the U.S. Constitution. Presidents are barred from serving more than two terms, even if they are non-consecutive as in Trump's case. Trump boasted he had the best poll numbers he's ever had, prompting host Joe Kernen to point to media polls showing him with an approval rating in the 30s. 'I won every swing state, I won the popular vote by millions of votes ... my poll numbers are better now, much better than during the election,' he said. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about his plans for 2028 in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in 2024 That hasn't stopped Trump from stirring speculation with winks, nods and half-jokes about another campaign in 2028. The Democratic party, he argued, was struggling to reassert themselves politically, making it difficult for them to mount a challenger. 'The Democrats are lost, they have Trump derangement syndrome so bad that they can't walk, they can't talk, they don't know where they are,' he concluded. American presidents are prevented from running for a third term, after the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was passed and ratified in 1951. Trump has teased the idea in interviews, although he has conceded he is not yet planning on running for a third term. In May, Trump reacted to the Trump organization selling red hats that read 2028, separate from his campaign operation. NBC News anchor Kristen Welker asked the president during a interview in May if it was something he was considering. 'I will say this so many people want me to do it,' Trump replied. 'I have never had requests so strong as that.' 'But it's something that, to the best of my knowledge, you're not allowed to do,' he conceded. 'I don't know if that's constitutional that they're not allowing you to do it or anything else. But, there are many people selling the 2028 hat.' Trump indicated he was willing to turn over his political movement to a 'great Republican' like Vice President JD Vance or Secretary Marco Rubio. 'I'm looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican, a great Republican to carry it forward,' Trump said. President Donald Trump greets the audience during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan Trump has suggested that either Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio could run for president in the future The president has also cited polling showing that his supporters would welcome a third term of his presidency. 'I'm not joking,' Trump told NBC News in March, when asked to clarify his comments on the idea. 'But I'm not it is far too early to think about it.' When asked about how he would do so, Trump said cryptically, 'There are methods which you could do it.' He has also said he would 'love' to run against Obama. 'I'd love that . That would be a good one,' he said to Fox News reporter Peter Doocy in March. 'I'd like that. And no, people are asking me to run, and there's a whole story about running for a third term. I don't know, I never looked into it. They do say there's a way you can do it, but I don't know about that.' Trump supporters have mused on a possible loophole in the 22nd Amendment, suggesting that if Vice President JD Vance ran for president with Trump as his running mate, he could theoretically, resign, allowing a vice president Trump to ascend back into power. Migrants in France will be handed a visa to live in Britain for up to three months if they apply through Labours new one in, one out deal. Details of the new Anglo-French scheme published by the Home Office today revealed applicants will be able to come to this country while their final application is considered. Documents said each successful applicant who meets a number of criteria would be granted entry clearance to come to the UK for a period of up to three months after completing an online application. They will not be allowed access to public funds and will also be barred from working or studying during the initial three month period, while the Home Office considers whether it will grant a longer visa. It is unclear where the migrants will be housed, however, opening the prospect of them being placed in taxpayer-funded hotels. Furthermore, it is not known what would happen to migrants allowed into Britain under the scheme if their applications were later refused. Migrants arrive at Dover aboard a UK Border Force vessel last week The Home Office also confirmed applicants could be penalised of they fail to present for travel to the UK, without reasonable excuse, when directed by the Home Office. The number of people accepted from France will have a cap equal to the number of small boat migrants who are sent back under the deal, the documents showed. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed the new 'one in, one out' deal for Channel migrants last month, with further details of the scheme emerging this week But the Home Office was unable to confirm the level of the cap. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: There are scant details as yet but this risks turning into yet another wide open door into the UK. It is not clear what will happen if the Home Office accepts people whose applications are rejected later on, and whether they can be removed. And what if the Home Office accepts people without being able to remove the same number to France due to legal challenges? Migrants aboard an overloaded dinghy off the coast of Gravelines, northern France, last week Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has refused to say how many migrants will be involved in the new scheme There are a lot of unanswered questions and this risks descending into yet another Labour borders farce. It came after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper refused to say how many migrants will be returned under the deal because it 'could help the smuggling gangs'. Your browser does not support iframes. Migrants who arrive by small boat from tomorrow could face being selected for the scheme and placed in detention. Ms Cooper told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We will provide regular updates, people will be able to see how many people are being detained, how many people are being returned, and it is right that we should be transparent around that. Your browser does not support iframes. 'But we're not setting the numbers in advance, firstly because there is no fixed number in terms of the overall number of people to come through this system, and secondly because we're not going to provide (gangs) with that operational information. The agreement with Emmanuel Macrons government will lapse at the end of June next year just 47 weeks away unless it is renewed. Your browser does not support iframes. Last month it was suggested the scheme would see 50 migrants a week sent back to France. At that rate, just 2,350 would be returned before the agreement expires. By comparison, a record 25,436 migrants have reached Britain by small boat since the start of the year, up 49 per cent on the same period last year. Meanwhile, pro-migrant groups have already indicated they are poised to bring legal challenges just as they did against the previous Conservative government's Rwanda asylum deal. Steve Valdez-Symonds of Amnesty International UK said: We anticipate that this deal is likely to face legal challenges from people who quite reasonably will resist being swapped around like mere fodder rather than addressing the claim for asylum they have made. Once again, refugees are treated like parcels, not people, while the public is left to pay the price for yet another cruel, costly failure dressed up as policy. If and when there is some real detail on how this deal is intended to work, Amnesty will of course consider what further steps we ought to take. Natasha Tsangarides, of the charity Freedom from Torture, said: While this pilot offers a pathway to sanctuary for a small number of refugees, it will rely on the mass detention of survivors of torture and persecution. We know from our therapy rooms how profoundly harmful any time in detention is for people whove been through the unimaginable horrors of torture. Many survivors were tortured in detention, so locking them up again reopens deep psychological scars and can set them back significantly on their road to recovery. A view of the Manston immigration processing centre near Ramsgate, Kent A more secure world for everyone depends on international cooperation not only to ensure safety for survivors but also to stop repression. From tomorrow, any new Channel arrivals will be taken to the Home Office's processing centre at Manston, near Ramsgate, Kent, and assessed by Border Force officials. Any selected for the returns scheme will be transferred to short-term immigration holding facilities operated by the Home Office, such as those at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. After further assessment, they could be sent to an immigration removal centre to await return to France. The first migrants will be returned by the end of August and detention space has already been set aside for the launch of the scheme. The deal was agreed by PM Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron last month after a summit at Downing Street. Donald Trump celebrated his Justice Department convening a grand jury in cases against officials from Barack Obama's administration. The president said while he wasn't involved in the decision, he is 'happy' that Attorney General Pam Bondi decided to act this week on the criminal referrals from the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. It's not yet clear which U.S. attorney the DOJ directed to bring the case and convene a grand jury, or which former Obama officials are being targeted. A source familiar with the action, however, speculated to the Daily Mail that the criminal referrals Bondi is acting on are likely for ex-CIA Directors John Brennan and former James Comey. 'They deserve it,' Trump told CNBC Squawk Box host Joe Kernen during a Tuesday morning interview. 'I was happy to hear it.' The victory lap comes after Bondi revealed on Monday that she signed an order directing an unnamed prosecutor to convene a grand jury in the revelations over the inception of the Russia collusion investigation. Gabbard submitted criminal referrals to the Justice Department last month for former Obama and his officials, including Brennan and former DNI Chief James Clapper. She unveiled evidence claiming that Obama and his team illegally conspired in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election to link Donald Trump to Russian efforts to interfere in the campaigns. President Donald Trump praised AG Pam Bondi for ordering a grand jury be convened in cases of criminal referrals for former Barack Obama officials 'They deserve it,' Trump told CNBC Squawk Box host Joe Kernen (pictured) during a Tuesday morning interview when asked about the grand jury. 'I was happy to hear it' Some thought Gabbard's release of documents was a tactic to distract from the botched Jeffrey Epstein files review, which has the DOJ reeling with calls for Bondi to resign. The new grand jury directive from Bondi also follows FBI Director Kash Patel discovering last month a stash of bags in a secret room at the bureau with damning documents related to the Russia investigation that were meant to be burned. The documents were published by Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and consist of the classified annex to former Special Counsel John Durham's final report on the origins of the FBI investigation into Trump's 2016 campaign. Bondi's move on Monday is an escalation that takes President Trump's administration a massive step closer to criminally charging Obama and his former administration officials. 'Pam is doing a great job. I had nothing to do with it,' Trump said to CNBC on Tuesday when asked if he was the one who called for Bondi to act on the referrals. 'I actually read it, just like you did,' he added. Trump lamented to Squawk Box host Kernen that the Durham report annex should have been released earlier. He blamed his former Attorney General Bill Barr for dragging his feet on getting to the bottom of election interference investigations. Bondi directed on Monday that an unnamed prosecutor convene a grand jury in relation to new evidence alleging Obama and his officials sought to connect Trump to Russian election interference efforts in the 2016 presidential election Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard (left) joined White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (right) on July 23, 2025 to reveal evidence she found that she said warranted her criminal referrals for Obama and his former officials The president said this allowed former President Joe Biden to take over and his team to 'bury' the revelations. While serving as special counsel, Durham examined the FBI's investigation into potential links between Trump campaign officials and Russia during the 2016 election. He concluded the FBI did not have sufficient evidence to launch the investigation at the time. A person familiar with the discovery of the new documents speculated to the Daily Mail that it was likely an oversight by previous directors that prevented the documents from being destroyed. This individual added that it's likely the documents would have never seen the light of day if the FBI wasn't diligently looking through and reviewing everything it comes across at the bureau. A boat carrying 80 passengers has capsized in Bali leaving two tourists dead and a third missing. The speed boat capsized about 5pm AEST after being caught in large surf off Sanur in southeast Bali. At least five Australians, three men and two women, had boarded the vessel, though local authorities have yet to provide information on their condition. Denpasar Search and Rescue Agency said 77 passengers survived the incident while two Chinese nationals died and a 23-year-old Indonesian remained missing. Footage captured the aftermath, where sodden passengers were carried to shore after being rescued from the upturned vessel. In a particularly troubling scene, an apparently unconscious woman was seen being rushed to shore as the screams of onlookers filled the air. The boat, named Fast Boat Dolphin II, capsized and ran aground near its destination port in Sanur, on the Bali mainland, after crossing from Nusa Penida. The search agency said fifteen people were receiving treatment at Bali Mandara Hospital. The speed boat capsized about 5pm AEST of Bali's southeast coast Investigations into the status of the 80 passengers are ongoing Pictured is the upturned vessel, which ran aground near Sanur Port on the mainland Two Chinese nationals were killed and an Indonesian is missing Investigations into the number of passengers on board and their condition remain ongoing. 'We received the initial report to the Bali Province Disaster Management Operations Center (Pusdalops PB) at 4.25 pm,' the search agency's Bali head I Nyoman Sidakarya said, according to the National News Network. 'We are continuing to gather information regarding the number of passengers and their current condition.' Travel authorities have raised concerns with the safety of Bali's boats in recent months, following the death of Australian woman Anna Blight, 39, in March. The Melbourne accountant was among the 13 passengers on the Sea Dragon snorkelling boat thrown overboard in rough surf on its way to Nusa Penida. Last month, at least 19 people died after a ferry sank while crossing from from an eastern Java island to Bali. A man accused of planning a fatal suburban shooting will remain free without monitoring after the NSW government banned ankle bracelets for people on bail. Police believe that the deadly July 2023 shooting of three people in their cars on a street about 2am in Greenacre in Sydney's west was sparked by a dispute between two of the city's criminal gangs. Adam El-Shaimy, 36, has been charged with murder and two counts of shoot with intent to murder but was granted bail in October 2024 after putting up $2.2 million in surety. One of his strict conditions was wearing an ankle bracelet. After the NSW government banned electronic monitoring via private firms because of concerns about their effectiveness in May, crown prosecutors sought to place El-Shaimy back on remand. Leaving the 36-year-old outside prison without an ankle bracelet would pose a unacceptable risk of flight, prosecutor Damien Hannan told Justice Andrew Coleman on Tuesday. The judge noted that El-Shaimy couldn't be fitted with electronic monitoring run by NSW Correctives Services as that could only be done in prison. CCTV footage was played on Tuesday of El-Shaimy and others charged over the alleged murder plot meeting up before and afterwards, and the movements of cars around the time of the shooting. Adam El-Shaimy, 36, (pictured) was charged over a deadly gangland shooting which occurred in Greenacre in 2023 The hit was allegedly carried out after a tracker was found on a vehicle belonging to one associate Ammar Chahal, 40, leading the gang to believe that a rival crime organisation was after him, the court was told. A plan was allegedly formed to park the tracked car on the street near Chahal's Greenacre house setting a trap. However, the alleged gunman Anthony Pele was told not to shoot at anyone in their cars and instead to wait until anyone tried to grab Chahal from his home, El-Shaimy's barrister Philip Strickland said. A conversation recorded by an undercover police officer showed that the shooter worked alone, the barrister argued. 'What did you do that for?' Chahal allegedly asked. 'Deal was you do it outside my house so you've got an alibi.' Pele - who is overseas and has a warrant out for his arrest - then said he acted on his own, Mr Strickland told the court. 'It was Pele on his own bat,' the barrister said. Ahmed Al Azzam, 25, was shot and later died in hospital while a couple in a separate car were also hit with bullets, leaving the man with life-altering spinal injuries. El-Shaimy (above, right, flanked by his lawyer Abdul Saddik) was granted bail with a $2.2million surety but his electronic monitoring condition was dropped due to policy changes While El-Shaimy was not there when the shooting occurred, he is accused of agreeing to the deadly plan and participating in it. He was allegedly part of a convoy of white BMWs escorting Pele's vehicle to act as a distraction for police and rival gangs before the gunman's car peeled off and headed to the shooting. Mr Strickland urged his client's continued release without monitoring, saying that El-Shaimy did not know anything about the murder plot. In October 2024, Justice Robertson Wright described aspects of the crown case as 'verging on the speculative' when he granted bail. Justice Coleman agreed with his colleague's assessment, dismissing the detention application and leaving El-Shaimy out on bail. Shadow attorney-general Alister Henskens told AAP this showed the transition of private monitoring out of the system had been botched. 'Clearly the government's public electronic monitoring is failing because the court should've been given the option of putting this person on public monitoring in place of private monitoring,' he said. El-Shaimy has not yet entered formal pleas. His matter will return to Burwood Local Court on September 10. Two young Brits have been jailed for six years after being caught trying to smuggle nearly 150lbs of cannabis in their luggage from Thailand to Zimbabwe. Tihaise Darlin Elisha, 19, and Taylor Tamara Simone, 21, were arrested at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe, on May 1, after the pair arrived on a flight from Thailand. Airport staff found their behaviour suspicious and carried out a search where they stumbled across the hidden stash of drugs. Police discovered 53 packets containing a total of 146lbs of 'loose skunky' cannabis, also known locally as dagga, tucked away inside four monarch suitcases. The drugs were concealed inside the cases which had been tagged with the offenders' names. The pair were seen in photographs standing and crouching sheepishly next to the cannabis-filled bags. Elisha and Simone have since been found guilty of drug trafficking by the Harare Magistrates' Court, according to an August 4 statement by Zimbabwe's National Prosecuting Authority. Each were sentenced to nine years in prison, with three years suspended on condition of good behaviour. Taylor Tamara Simone, 21, (pictured), was arrested at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe, on May 1, after arriving on a flight from Thailand Tihaise Darlin Elisha, 19,was also arrested after police discovered 53 packets containing a total of 146lbs of loose skunky cannabis, also known locally as dagga, tucked away inside four monarch suitcases The National Prosecuting Authority warned that the country maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward transnational drug trafficking, saying: 'The law will catch up with offenders, no matter their nationality. It comes after three British women were detained in Mauritius after a group of nine passengers were found with over 4million worth of cannabis in their suitcases. Shania Mabel Rosalind Wood, Alethea Jade Demitre and Chloe Nancy Parker were arrested in what has been described as 'one of the largest' drug seizures at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR) on May 29. Between eight suitcases 212kg of cannabis, worth an estimated street value of 254.5 million Mauritian rupees (4,104,353.22), was seized upon their arrival EK703 from Dubai, at around 4.40pm local time. Wood, 25, was found with 30 packages of the class B drug weighing 31.10kg, while fellow Brit Demitre, 33, was discovered with 31.11kg of cannabis across 46 packages. Eighteen-year-old Parker was also found with 46 packages of the drug weighing at 44.95kg. The five arrested - which includes both Dominican and Portuguese nationals - are Hansel Gomez, Esequiel Perez, Ildo Valera De Brito, Luis Manuel Herrera Martinez and Soraia Cristina Da Silva Cruz. Another Brit, Daniel Jonathan Pearson, was also taken into custody despite having no drugs in his possession. He is believed to have been the ringleader supervising the eight drug mules. It is suggested Pearson was going to create a diversion at the checkpoint to allow the drug smugglers to pass through unchecked. The drugs were concealed inside the cases which had been tagged with the offenders' names Elisha and Simone have since been found guilty of drug trafficking by the Harare Magistrates' Court, according to an August 4 statement by Zimbabwe's National Prosecuting Authority However the airport's Anti-Drug & Smuggling Unit (ADSU), officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) foiled their operation. Wood, Demitre and Parker face provisional charges of the importation of cannabis, while Pearson faces charged of drug dealing with aggravating circumstances and managing the importation of cannabis with an averment of trafficking. All nine people involved have been remanded in jail as they await a trial before the Mauritian Supreme Court. If found guilty, the Brits could spend between 25 to 60 years locked up abroad. A British mother was also charged with trafficking drugs into Germany after being caught allegedly smuggling cannabis from Thailand. Cameron Bradford, 21, from Knebworth in Hertfordshire, was arrested at Munich Airport on April 22 when she attempted to collect her luggage. Authorities had become suspicious after she allegedly changed her flight at the last minute, having originally been due to fly to London Heathrow via Singapore. Her family had filed a missing person report after raising concerns when she did not return home as expected, but then learned the next day she was in Germany. Bradford was arrested and held in custody - and has now been charged with attempted transit of cannabis and abetting the international trafficking of cannabis. The mother, who has a young son, is set to make an appearance at a hearing in Munich District Court on August 6 as authorities continue to investigate. And three Brits who had been warned they faced the death penalty for smuggling drugs into Bali hidden in Angel Delight packets were last month let off with just a one-year prison sentence. Airport staff found their behaviour suspicious and carried out a search where they stumbled across the hidden stash of drugs The Indonesian court instead gave 12-month prison terms to the three British nationals, all from Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex, who had been accused of drug running on the resort island. Jonathan Christopher Collyer, 38, and Lisa Ellen Stocker, 39, were arrested on February 1 after being stopped at Bali's international airport with 17 packages of cocaine that weighed nearly a kilogram, according to public court records. They appeared in court alongside Phineas Ambrose Float, 31, who was allegedly due to receive the packages from them and was arrested a few days later in February. Presiding judge Heriyanti declared that all three suspects had violated article 131 of Indonesian Narcotic law - but said he was reducing the sentence because they had admitted their offences and had behaved politely. All three defendants stated that they accepted the verdict and would not file an appeal. The time served since their arrest in February will count towards their sentence, meaning they should be released early next year. Parents at top private schools like Eton escaped 100 million of Labours tax raid by paying fees early, new analysis suggests. Families have paid up to five years in advance to avoid the new 20 per cent VAT on fees, which came into force on January 1. It means super-rich families, who can afford to pay upfront, were able to avoid the tax while less well-off people still had to pay. Annual accounts reveal the top 50 independent schools held 515 million last year in fees-in-advance schemes, which are used to pay school costs one or more years before they are due. This is up from just 121 million in 2023, according to the investigation by the Daily Telegraph. It suggests parents made the downpayments once Labour committed to the VAT in the run-up to the 2024 election. Parents at these top schools typically the most expensive may have avoided up to 103 million in VAT. There are more than 2,600 private schools across the UK, meaning the total figure is expected to be significantly higher. Parents at top private schools like Eton escaped 100 million of Labours tax raid by paying fees early, new analysis suggests (pictured: Eton pupils) Families have paid up to five years in advance to avoid the new 20 per cent VAT on fees, which came into force on January 1 (pictured: Eton College) It means the Treasury may have overestimated how much money will eventually be raised by the tax. Mairead Warren de Burca, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal Tax, told the Daily Telegraph: It's not surprising that schools would have done this type of thing with parents and maybe encouraged parents to jump on the prepayment bandwagon. Only the very rich can afford to make those advance payments, so I'm not entirely sure [the Government] have managed to do what they intended. Labour has repeatedly stated that its VAT raid on private schools will target the wealthiest families, to raise 1.8 billion a year for public services. However, sector leaders have highlighted that it is the smaller, cheaper schools which are being impacted the most. Brighton College, the most expensive private school in the UK, recorded total prepaid fees of 50.1 million in last year's accounts up from 4.1 million in 2023. The number of pupils covered by the school's fees-in-advance scheme jumped from 86 in 2023 to 819 last year. At Eton College, where fees will reach more than 63,000 next year, the total money in its prepayment scheme rose from 16.6 million in 2023 to 52.7 million last year. Sources suggested the Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) would consider ways to claw back the lost VAT Winchester College's fees-in-advance scheme leapt from 4.4 million in 2023 to 19 million in 2024, according to its latest accounts. Such advance payment systems have been commonplace at many of these schools for decades, but the figures indicate a rise in parents using them. The sums cover parents paying in advance for both one year of school fees and for multiple years. According to Labours rules, all pre-payments have been subject to VAT unless they were made before July 29 2024. However, sources suggested that the Chancellor Rachel Reeves would consider ways to claw back the lost VAT. And a Government spokesman said: The OBR has already factored in the increased use of prepayment schemes. Brighton, Winchester and Eton have been contacted for comment. A Tennessee murder suspect suspected of killing four family members in a vicious attack has been arrested after a week on the run. Austin Robert Drummond, 28, is alleged to have murdered Adrianna Williams, 20; James Matthew Wilson, 21; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15, in Tiptonville, Tennessee on July 29. Drummond, who was not related to the family but had dated one of Rose's sisters, had also left Wilson and Williams' baby girl on a 'random' front lawn 40 miles from where the bodies were found. After spending seven days at large and sparking a massive manhunt from law enforcement, Drummond was captured Tuesday morning. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation did not say where he was captured, but shared an image of the murder suspect soaked from rainfall and appearing to be in a wooded area. Before his arrest, Drummond was last spotted on Sunday night in the city of Jackson, around 70 miles from the murders, wearing camouflage and armed with a rifle. Officials shared surveillance footage of the alleged quadruple murderer as they warned locals to 'exercise extreme caution' until the 'armed and dangerous' suspect is caught. The motive for the murders is still not known, with Drummond out on bond for an attempted murder charge from his time in prison. He had been released from a 13-year prison sentence for armed robbery in September 2024. Austin Robert Drummond, 28, a Tennessee man suspected of murdering four family members in a vicious attack, has been arrested after a week on the run Adrianna Williams, 20 and James Matthew Wilson, 21, were found dead in a dense, wooded area Cortney Rose, 38, Braydon Williams, 15, were also both found dead Cops warned that Drummond may have also altered his appearance while on the run, and the image released from his capture showed that he had shaved a goatee that he wore in his last mugshot. The horror episode unfolded after police were first alerted to Wilson and Williams' baby girl left in a car seat on a 'random individual's front yard' in Tigrett, Tennessee. A local said they saw a white vehicle had pulled into the yard, dropped off the child and sped away, triggering an urgent search for her family. Law enforcement said in an initial social media post that they were trying to locate Rose, Williams and Wilson, believing they could be suspects in abandoning the infant. But during the search, cops made a second, far more chilling discovery around 40 miles away in a wooded area in Tiptonville, Tennessee. The four family members were found dead with gunshot wounds, and Drummond was announced as the prime suspect two days later on July 31. Before his arrest, Drummond was last spotted on Sunday night in the city of Jackson, around 70 miles from the murders, wearing camouflage and armed with a rifle Drummond was wanted on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and unlawful firearm possession, and officials were offering rewards upwards of $30,000 for information leading to his arrest Cops warned that Drummond may have also altered his appearance while on the run, and the image released from his capture showed that he had shaved a goatee that he wore in his last mugshot In the week that Drummond was a fugitive, cops arrested three people in connection with the murders, including Dearrah Sanders, 23, who allegedly 'assisted' the killer. Tanaka Brown, 29, and Giovonte Thomas, 29, were also arrested during the manhunt, and all three are facing charges of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Authorities have not yet detailed how the three individuals allegedly helped Drummond. Drummond was wanted on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and unlawful firearm possession, and officials were offering rewards upwards of $30,000 for information leading to his arrest. The suspect was out on bond over an attempted murder charge that occurred while he was in prison when the killings took place. Drummond had been recently released from a 13-year prison sentence for armed robbery. The victims were all family members of an infant who was abandoned on a random front lawn Drummond had a previous criminal conviction for aggravated robbery and was sentenced to 13 years behind bars The motive behind the slayings has not been determined, although officials said that Drummond was known to the family. He had dated one of Rose's sisters, and often spent time with the family. Adrianna and Matthew were the baby's parents, and Cortney was the maternal grandmother. Braydon was also Adrianna's younger brother. A relative wrote on social media that during Drummond's relationship with one of Rose's sisters, he had been 'literally been nothing short of amazing to us and our kids.' Jeffrey Epstein's former lover Ghislaine Maxwell said she never saw Donald Trump do anything that would have 'caused concern' during a secret interview with DOJ attorneys. The details come as Attorney General Pam Bondi is weighing whether to release an audio recording of the interviews her deputy conducted with Maxwell last month. The Justice Department recorded its more than nine-hour sit-down with the convicted child sex trafficker, CNN reported. Amid pressure to be more transparent about the Jeffrey Epstein case, Trump's administration is considering if the recordings should be made public. And Maxwell did not disclose anything 'harmful' about Trump during the closed-door meeting, sources told ABC News. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche went down to Florida last month to spend two days questioning Maxwell about what she knows in regards to Epstein's horrific crimes. The ex-partner of Epstein reportedly told Blanche that she did not see Trump do anything that would have 'caused concern,' the sources detailed. Maxwell, 63, is currently serving out a 20-year sentence for crimes related to sex trafficking conspiracy and enticing and transporting minors to engage in illegal sexual acts. Just days after the sit-downs with Blanche, Maxwell was transferred from the low-security Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida, to the minimum-security all-women's Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas. In her cooperation with federal authorities, the Epstein associate appears to be angling for a pardon from President Donald Trump. The DOJ is considering whether to release a recording it has of hours of interviews with Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell Maxwell (pictured) sat for nine hours of interviews last month to reveal what she knows about Jeffrey Epstein's child sex trafficking crimes Her attorney David Oscar Markus said after the second day of questioning concluded that they had not put in a formal request with the White House for a pardon. But he didn't rule out taking that action in the future, saying 'things are happening so quickly.' 'The president said earlier he has the power to do so, we hope he exercises that power in the right way,' he said of a potential commutation. Markus also said his client 'didn't hold back' during questioning from the Justice Department, that's now revealed to be on tape. He said Maxwell spoke with Blanche about '100 different people' related to Epstein's child sex trafficking ring. 'They asked about every possible thing you could imagine everything,' Markus claimed. He also said Maxwell is being used as the 'scapegoat' in the entire Epstein case and has been 'treated unfairly for the last five years.' Several of America's top political leaders have been issued subpoenas to testify about the 'horrific crimes' perpetrated by former financier and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today issued deposition subpoenas on Tuesday to several former Trump-era Department of Justice officials, as well as historical Democrat power players. Former President Bill Clinton and Former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton have been called to appear before the Committee in October. Attorneys General Bill Barr and Jeff Sessions, who served under President Trump during his first term, are among the Republicans who have been subpoenaed for testimony. Chairman Comer also issued a subpoena to the current Trump-led US Department of Justice for records related to Epstein. It's a spectacular move by Republicans to pressure Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi to put out more documents as the administration has been embroiled in controversy over Epstein 'cover-up' claims. Bondi has been blamed by both Democrats and Republicans for stalling the release of the files. Trump on the other hand has come to defense. Former President Bill Clinton on stage discussing his book 'The First Gentlemen' at The 92nd Street Y on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in New York House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) speaks to the media on his Committee's investigation into former President Joe Biden's cognitive state, in the Rayburn House Office Building on July 24, 2025 in Washington, DC Hillary Rodham Clinton attends a conversation with Reid Hoffman at 92NY on January 28, 2025 in New York City House Republicans voted in favor of subpoenaing former President Bill Clinton and his wife for testimony about Epstein on July 23rd. A motion from Rep. Scott Perry to have Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., solicit the former first couple's testimony passed Wednesday afternoon amid a flurry of new developments around the saga that's consumed Washington. The effort also called for other high-profile Democrats with expected ties to the late pedophile to be subpoenaed. Former Attorneys General Eric Holder and Merrick Garland will also be compelled to testify. So will former special counsel Robert Mueller, who oversaw Trump's Russia collusion case. The full list of officials called to appear before House Oversight also includes Former US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, Former US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Former US Attorney General Eric Holder, Former US Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Former FBI Director James Comey. President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with Attorney General William Barr before presenting the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House May 22, 2019 in Washington, DC Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at the White House were guests of then-President Bill Clinton in 1993 Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrive ahead of the 60th inaugural ceremony on January 20, 2025, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC The push to force testimony by top officials comes after Comer also subpoenaed Epstein's longtime partner and accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence on sex trafficking charges. But Epstein-accomplice Maxwell's testimony before Congress has been postponed pending her Supreme Court case. Maxwell had been in talks with the Trump administration and Congress about dishing on the disgraced financier and his relationships. The push for additional Epstein-related testimony comes amid heightened media scrutiny over the sex offender's unreleased Department of Justice and FBI files. A federal judge last Wednesday denied the Trump administration's request to release the highly-secretive grand jury testimony from the Jeffrey Epstein case. Obama-appointed Judge Robin Rosenberg slapped down the request from Attorney General Pam Bondi to unseal proceedings related to Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The House Oversight Committee also announced last week that it had issued a subpoena to interview Maxwell at her Florida prison facility. Maxwell's attorney had not yet agreed to the committee's terms for an interview but indicated an interview was possible. Chairman Comer announced last week that Maxwell was set to testify before the panel on August 11 at the Tallahassee facility where she is serving her prison sentence. The Daily Mail has reached out for comment to a representative for the Clintons. The husband of missing British woman Michele Bourda warned locals that his wife was 'not very well' and had 'disappeared before' as he frantically asked for help trying to find her after she vanished from a Greek beach on Friday. The 59-year-old woman had been swimming at Ofrynio beach in the city of Kavala at around noon on Friday before disappearing. Her husband, who is Greek, had been sleeping and woke up to find that she had vanished from the beach. He reportedly asked the owners of a nearby shop if they had seen his wife, and revealed that Mrs Bourda 'was not very well'. Speaking to Greek outlet Protothema, one of the shop owners said: 'The couple were together and at some point the husband fell asleep and it seems that the wife went in to swim. 'When the husband woke up and didn't see her next to him, he came to the store and asked us if we had seen his wife, who had disappeared. 'He also told us that his wife was not very well, and that she had problems.' The shop keeper went on to say that Mrs Bourda's husband 'was a bit stressed' and told them that 'his wife had done this before, that is, she had disappeared.' The husband of missing Brit Michele Bourda told shopkeepers his wife,'was not very well' after she disappeared She disappeared from Ofrynio beach in the city of Kavala in Greece (file picture) The Brit, whose husband is Greek, reportedly resides in Serres, northern Greece 'This is what he told us, that she had gotten lost again and that she wasn't very well, the woman had problems'. Police have been searching on land for the tourist, while Greece's Hellenic Coast Guard have been scouring the sea, but the central port authority in Kavala last night said it had paused its targeted search and rescue efforts. A Silver Alert was issued after the police failed to immediately locate the tourist and authorities have warned that she may be in danger. Silver Alerts are usually used to notify citizens about the disappearance of elderly people, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer's. A fitness instructor earlier said that he saw a woman that resembled Mrs Bourda swimming in the sea in deep waters and said that he urged her to not go any further in case she got out of her depth, other reports said. Sources have also claimed that her belongings were left behind next to her sun-lounger after she vanished. Your browser does not support iframes. A map shows how the 10.5-mile-long Greek beach where Mrs Bourda vanished after lounging on a sunbed is surrounded by expansive fields, residential houses and a huge fishing pond. Mrs Bourda was last seen wearing a rhinestone-embellished two-piece beaded swimsuit, yellow beach shoes and a pair of red horn-rimmed sunglasses. It is understood she went to the beach in northern Greece with her Greek husband, who was asleep when she vanished. When he woke up, his wife was nowhere to be found, according to local media. She is described as being 5ft 6in, of a slim build with blue eyes and shoulder-length hair. The Greek missing persons charity, Lifeline Hellas, issued a Silver Alert on Saturday after the police were unable to locate her. 'Her life is in danger. If you know anything, contact the Silver Alert service, 24 hours a day, at the National SOS Line 1065,' the alert said. The Daily Mail contacted the FCDO for comment on whether the UK Government was assisting in the search for Ms Bourda. It comes after a 60-year-old British tourist went missing in June while on holiday in Greece. His hired car was found abandoned on the island of Karpathos in 38C heat and he was last seen by the owner of his rented accommodation on June 27. Meanwhile, fears are growing for a British woman who disappeared from a Spanish tourist hotspot last week. Jennifer Frances Lacey, 41, vanished from the municipality of Vera on Monday, July 28. Her disappearance was reported by the SOS Missing Persons Association on Thursday and she is described as measuring 5ft 2in, having curly brown hair, blue eyes and wearing prescription glasses. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who was reported missing in Spain.' At least ten foreign tourists were found dead or disappeared last year in Greece while going for a hike, often in high temperatures, the New York Times reported. It also comes days after the search for an elderly British man who went missing on a trip to ancient Turkish tombs ended in tragedy. Following a three-day search in and around the ancient tombs of Kaunos in Turkey for the 79-year-old, investigators found a body. The man was reported missing by his daughter, who he travelled with to Candr, a village in Mugla's Koycegiz district in southwestern Turkey, for a holiday together on July 26. At 10.30am that day, her father began a trip by rowboat to the nearby rock-cut temple tombs of Kaunos, also known as the Lycian rock tombs, but she lost contact with him and has not heard from his since. Following his daughter's report, Turkish authorities launched a search for the man with a 19-person team, consisting of the Koycegiz Gendarmerie District Command, Mugla AFAD and an NGO. An investigation is now underway to understand exactly how the man went missing. Afghans who risked their lives for Britain told of their panic at claims Iran is plotting with the Taliban to exploit a lost database containing their details alongside those of MI6 spies. The Afghans in hiding have dubbed it a deal of devils and believe such an agreement between the brutal leaderships in Tehran and Kabul will increase their value as targets of both regimes. Ahmad, who worked with both the SAS and SBS, said: Our lives are now at greater risk because our importance to both Iran and Afghanistan has increased as they will think we know information about the Britons. Reports of a deal of devils has spread quickly among those in hiding in Iran, it has caused panic and terror as our value to both sides has increased. The 38-year-old, who fled with his wife and children to Iran after the Taliban takeover is waiting to hear if he can relocate to the UK. Last week he was arrested and tortured but released. Now he believes that if he is arrested again, he will face further torture to reveal those from Britain he worked with. Among thousands of Afghans hiding inside Iran are families who have qualified for sanctuary in the UK and hundreds waiting to see if they can relocate. Iran is said to have asked Afghanistans warlords for access to the highly sensitive dataset so they can hunt down MI6 spies. Tehrans fundamentalist leaders are desperately seeking leverage with the West ahead of nuclear negotiations this autumn. Ahmad, who fled with his wife and children to Iran after the Taliban takeover, is waiting to hear if he can relocate to the UK The 38-year-old worked with both the SAS and SBS and was last week arrested and tortured but released While the loss of the list put 100,000 Afghans at risk of death, it also included the names of more than 100 British officials, including military commanders, MI6 and Special Forces. The Daily Mail has seen a copy of the full dataset and although codes are used, and the list does not specifically identify any spies or special forces, it could be a valuable dataset for an enemy. Security officials point out that Iran has been running agents of many nationalities in the UK for several years posing an increased threat to those named although the names on the list are seen primarily as a bargaining chip. When the Daily Mail discovered this data breach disaster in 2023, the government secured a court order to hush it up, triggering a 23-month battle in secret courts for open justice. Finally, last month the Government abandoned its super-injunction and the public discovered ministers had secretly agreed a 7billion scheme, including a mass evacuation programme to rescue thousands of Afghans who had worked for British forces. But then ministers ordered lawyers to gag the Daily Mail and others with a second High Court injunction, to prevent us revealing how the lost list had included details of more than a hundred MI6 spies, Special Forces and other UK officials. The Revolutionary Guards demand comes after Britain, France and Germany threatened Tehran with a so-called snapback mechanism, which would restore UN Security Council resolutions against it, if no progress is made on negotiations over its nuclear programme by August 30. Iran has deported thousands of Afghans, many into the arms of the Taliban which has moved biometrics containing details of those who worked for the West to border crossing points. At least four of those who worked for the Afghan forces and Coalition have been executed since news of the list was made public. The Taliban has claimed to have had the list for two years but UK officials say there is no evidence to confirm the claim. Afghans inside Iran say that if the list is handed to Tehran then they will be Kabuls reward. Waheed, 40, who worked beside UK forces for three years and is now hiding with his brother in Iran, while he waits to lean if he can relocate, said: This agreement would be terrifying as the Talibans reward for sharing the list would be for Afghans who worked against them to be arrested and deported into their arms. It would mean torture and probably death for many of us. I worked with intelligence forces and they would torture us for details of the British we worked with some have kept pictures, others still message their ex-colleagues so they could give such things to the (Revolutionary) Guards. He added: If the Taliban has the list why would they not do it? It would be a big gain for them those they see as spies for Britain would be passed to them while Iran would be in their debt. A progressive city in Oregon has removed all of its speed cameras - but plans for them to be replaced with upgraded models. Portland's 32 speed cameras will be replaced with double the number of the newer models as city leaders emphasize their effectiveness in high-crash areas. On Monday the Portland Police Bureau and the Bureau of Transportation announced a new contract with Novoa Global. 'The city has been working with a contract that's been problematic. They're getting a new contractor that's going to be good,' Portland City Councilor Steve Novick told KOIN. 'I talked to the head of Multnomah County Courts the other day and they said that there's ways that they can expand their capacity to handle more processing, more speeding and red light camera violations.' The new contractor will be the only supplier and operator of speed cameras, with plans to have the replacements in place 2 by November 1, according to a press release. '[Novoa Global's] comprehensive traffic safety solutions - including red light, speed, and school zone speed enforcement - offer turnkey programs to help combat the ongoing crisis of traffic-related injuries and fatalities,' the release said. The city council has hopes to increase the number of speed cameras to 64 within the next few years, with three more locations in the coming months. Portland has removed all 32 of its speed cameras with plans for them to be replaced with double the number of newer models Portland's City Council Transportation Committee passed a resolution that 'reaffirmed' their commitment to Vision Zero, which focuses on eliminating traffic injuries and deaths The city council has hopes to increase the number of speed cameras to 64 within the next few years, with three more locations in the coming months Novick is one of the supporting city council members pushing to increase the cameras monitoring red lights and speed. 'New York City has 3,000 of these things. Based on road miles, I think we should have 1,000,' Novick told Willamette Week, saying doubling the city's cameras in three years 'seems like a glacial pace.' The council member emphasized the effectiveness of the cameras at reducing speed and curbing traffic related deaths. Earlier this year the City Council's Transportation Committee passed a resolution that 'reaffirmed' their commitment to Vision Zero, which focuses on eliminating traffic injuries and deaths. Council Vice President Tiffany Koyama Lane's resolution to create a Vision Zero Task Force intended to 'support the goal of zero traffic deaths and evaluate and report to council on advancement to those goals annually.' 'In the first six months of our city council there haven't been a lot of opportunities to work specifically... on projects such as fixed speed traffic cameras,' said Koyama Lane according to a report by WW. 'I have noticed many more installations and full support them as a cost-effective intervention that does indeed reduce crashes and the resulting injuries.' Among Vision Zero's clauses was a proposition to 'change the design of streets to reduce speeds and protect people.' A water company boss was handed more than 1.3 million in 'extra' pay from an offshore firm, despite its abysmal record on pollution and increasing household bills. Chief executive Nicola Shaw pocketed two payments of 660,000 in the last two years from Yorkshire Water's parent company Kelda Holdings, in addition to her salary with the beleaguered utilities firm. Yorkshire Water was allowed to raise average annual household bills by 41 per cent last year, and this summer introduced a hosepipe ban for its 5.5 million customers. It was ordered to pay 40 million in the spring to address its 'serious failures' over wastewater and sewage, and was also separately fined nearly 1 million last month for polluting a watercourse with chlorine, causing the death of hundreds of fish. Yorkshire Water is one of the six water companies currently banned from paying bonuses under Government action designed to prevent bosses who 'oversee poor environmental and customer outcomes' from receiving extra money. But figures showed Ms Shaw received just over 1.3 million between 2023 and 2025 from Kelda, in addition to her Yorkshire Water salary of around 689,000 per year - remuneration which was reduced by about one-third after she decided to forgo her bonus before the Government performance-related pay ban came in. The Kelda money is 'a fixed fee for investor-related work' performed by Ms Shaw for the parent company 'and complies fully with expectations and reporting requirements', Yorkshire Water said. Including the offshore company payments, she has been awarded more than 3 million in total pay over three years since she joined the firm in 2022, according to analysis first reported by the Guardian. Nicola Shaw was appointed chief executive of Yorkshire Water in 2022, and has received an additional payment of 1.3m from its holding company in the last two years Yorkshire Water was ordered to pay 40 million in the spring to address its 'serious failures' over wastewater and sewage, while hot and dry weather left Baitings Reservoir in Ripponden virtually empty Ofwat, the water regulator, is now investigating. Ms Shaw's earnings have infuriated environmental campaign groups. Amy Fairman, head of campaigns for River Action, said: 'Yorkshire Water has just been fined over 900,000 for polluting a watercourse with millions of litres of chlorinated water, killing hundreds of fish, yet its CEO is quietly handed an extra 1.3 million through an offshore firm. 'This is business as usual in a system that rewards environmental destruction and shields those responsible. 'Until executives are held criminally accountable, not just cushioned by shareholders, nothing will change. 'And unless we see a complete overhaul of the water industry, one that finally ends the failed privatisation experiment, this scandalous cycle will continue.' The Ilkley Clean River Group has now written to Kelda chairman Vanda Murray, asking her to justify Ms Shaw's pay given Yorkshire Water's dismal record under her watch. The campaigners wrote: 'To the customer, the additional payments to Ms Shaw look like a way of "working around" the fact that bonuses were causing public outrage and subsequently banned by government. Yorkshire Water's 5.5 million customers are currently subject to a hosepipe ban 'There is in effect no change to eye-watering salaries at the top of Yorkshire Water.' A Yorkshire Water spokesman said Ms Shaw's work for Kelda Group included 'investor engagement, financial oversight, and management of the Kelda Group, which is recognised by a fee of 660,000 paid by shareholders'. He added: 'This is a conscious governance decision: we do not believe that work done on investor-related activities should be paid for by Yorkshire Water customers' bills. 'This fee, which has remained unchanged year on year, reflects the critical importance of the work during this period that was led by Nicola in securing long-term investment for Yorkshire Water. 'We remain focused on our long-term commitment to delivering better outcomes for customers, communities, and the environment across the region.' It was reported tonight that Ofwat's chief executive David Black is due to resign, ahead of the watchdog's planned abolition by ministers. The shadow home secretary has branded a seven-year jail term for an Iranian who raped a 13-year-old schoolgirl in an alleyway a disgrace. The judge who sentenced Sorosh Amini, 21, said he did not consider the rapist to be a dangerous person. And he concluded that the terrified victim did not suffer severe psychological harm. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who was also policing minister under the previous Government, told the Sun: Amini violently attacked a 13-year old girl in broad daylight in Croydon town centre. For the judge to give a lower sentence because she allegedly didnt suffer severe trauma as a result is a disgrace. Amini approached the girl outside the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon, south London, on August 4 last year, following her and repeatedly trying to engage her in conversation. He tried to make her smoke cannabis with him, told her his friend had recently stabbed someone in the area, put his arm round her then led her down an alleyway. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she thought he may have been carrying a knife, adding: He had his hand on my face. 'He held me and his grip was really, really strong and I couldnt get away. But he held me from my back and my waist and he held me there. And so, obviously, I couldnt even stop it. Amini then forced the girl to kiss him before raping her in the alleyway. Sorosh Amini, 21, was jailed for seven years for the rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the sentence was a 'disgrace' He was convicted of rape and sexual assault at Croydon Crown Court in June. The Scotland Yard officer who led the investigation, detective inspector Donnett Oseni, described Amini as a dangerous sexual offender. Aminis attack on this vulnerable girl was predatory and calculated, she said. He has demonstrated himself to be a dangerous sexual offender and this sentence prevents him from harming anyone else. But the judge who sentenced him, Judge Antony Hyams-Parish, disagreed. In his sentencing remarks, he said: I have considered whether you are a dangerous person which would allow me to pass an extended sentence. However, I do not think there is sufficient evidence before me to be satisfied that you meet the criteria to be considered a dangerous person. Judge Hyams-Parish also said that though there was no doubt that Aminis attack caused some psychological harm to the victim, it fell short of severe psychological harm. This did not affect the categorisation of his offending, the judge added. The judge handed down a seven-year sentence for the rape, and one year for the sexual assault, to run concurrently. Amini will serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before being released on licence. A convicted pedophile has announced a bid to run for South Dakota governor after Kristi Noem moved on to the Department of Homeland Security. Terry Gleason, a 44-year-old registered Republican, is running as an independent in next year's governor race. He was convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl in 2000, but told KELOLAND News he is innocent and that his status as a sex offender should not keep people from voting for him. When contacted by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, Gleason admitted he was dating the 15-year-old when he was 19 years old and spent eight years in prison for it. 'The worst I did is that I did date the girl, we [had a] four years difference and the police thought I was doing something with her cause we were dating,' the gubernatorial candidate said on the phone. 'I pleaded guilty to it, that's why I'm on the registry, but I did not actually commit the offence.' Terry Gleason is a convicted pedophile who is running for governor of South Dakota South Dakota's governor race next year will be the first since Noem left the office to work lead the Department of Homeland Security Gleason claimed he and the teen girl actually came up with a scheme for him to be sent to prison after he was diagnosed with lung cancer and could not afford treatment. Daily Mail could not independently corroborate Gleason's claims. The aspiring politician said that he was prepared for his child sexual assaults conviction to emerge when he signed up to run for governor. 'It makes it difficult... I knew it would,' he admitted, before adding that he does not regret going to prison. 'I know it looks bad but one thing is I actually don't regret going to prison, even though I was sent there on a crime I didn't commit, because it changed my life and it also gave me insight on the problems that are going on in the prison.' Gleason said that he wanted to run for governor to serve as an example to others to follow their dreams. 'To show my kids that even though an independent has little chance to actually win in the state, go for it,' Gleason told KELOLAND News. 'If you have a dream, go for it.' Gleason's website described him as having a background in community service and being a 'former manager.' Gleason spent eight years in prison after being accused of having a relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2000 He said that if elected, he will focus on inclusivity and tackle drug trafficking. 'We should all have the same rights,' Gleason said. 'Were all human. Were all South Dakotans and just wanting to live our life happy. Thats one of my biggest deals.' South Dakota's governor race next year will be the first since Noem left the office to lead the Department of Homeland Security. The office has been filled since January by current governor Larry Rhoden, who was Noem's Lieutenant governor. Reform's new prison tsar has said she is 'more than happy' to discuss MPs thoughts on the death penalty - after Nigel Farage ruled the punishment out. Vanessa Frake, the former head of security at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, was revealed yesterday as the party's adviser on crime. The 62-year-old was quizzed today on her capital punishment stance - and while she denied personally backing a change in the law, Ms Frake opened the doors to a debate. She told LBC: 'Look, I'm more than happy to discuss the death penalty 'If you'd have asked me that question 20 years ago, I'd have said absolutely, no hesitation - I support the death penalty. 'But, you know, a lot has changed over the years with convictions being unsafe. 'And is it really a deterrent? Is it a deterrent in the United States, in the states that have the death penalty? 'No, it's not. I'd much rather those people spent whatever life they have behind bars.' Vanessa Frake was quizzed today on her capital punishment stance - and while she denied personally backing a change in the law, she opened the doors to a debate The Reform prison tsar, who previously oversaw Rose West, told LBC: 'Look, I'm more than happy to discuss the death penalty' Reform UK's new justice adviser and former prison governor Vanessa Frake and Reform party leader Nigel Farage, during a press conference in Westminster yesterday The prison tsar went on to clarify she was 'open to discussion' but 'not an advocate of it (the death penalty) full-blown.' Ms Frake, who has been brought in by Reform UK to help boost their prison and justice policy, oversaw a number of notorious inmates during her time in the service. Among these were serial killer Rose West, Moors murderer Myra Hindley and Libertines frontman, Pete Doherty. Her comments today came despite Mr Farage previously insisting 'nothing on the death penalty will be part of party policy'. In June, he said: 'These are issues of conscience, just as the assisted dying debate will be when it comes up on Friday, just as the abortion limit. 'These are all issues of conscience. Nothing on the death penalty will be part of party policy. 'I have to say, personally, given there have been 500 quite serious miscarriages of justice in this country since the early 1970s, I dont think I could ever support it. But I understand why others take a different point of view. 'Although I do think its quite interesting theres a younger generation coming through who seem to increasingly support the death penalty. Nigel Farage (pictured) failed to commit to banning transgender women from female prisons after Mr Frake said they should not be automatically barred 'And I suspect it will be back within the next decade as an issue of major national debate. Not quite yet, but its coming. 'But, certainly, these things will not be party policy, far, far from it.' A poll from More in Common UK released in January found a majority of Brits supported reinstating the death penalty in the UK, with Millennials offering the strongest support. Three in five (58 per cent) of Millennials born between 1981 and 1986 said they believed capital punishment should be reintroduced. Reform names like David Bull - the new party chairman - have backed looking at the death penalty, as well as Lee Anderson - one of the party's five MPs - who is a long-standing supporter. The party says its focus over the summer will be on crime and immigration as bosses attempt to flesh out policy platforms. Ms Frake said Reform UK is 'refreshing' following her work under various parties over the years in the prison service. She said: 'You can either stand by and moan about the state of things or you can stand up and speak about them. Ms Frake said Reform UK is 'refreshing' following her work under various parties over the years in the prison service She said: 'Finally, somebody has asked somebody from the Prison Service who's actually lived that experience to share their knowledge, and I'm more than happy to do so' 'And I received a phone call from Reform last week asking for my opinion on prisons, the first time that anybody has ever asked me from a political party. 'I'm not saying we'll agree on everything, we probably won't, but that's politics, that's policy making. And I think that, you know, I spent 27 years in the prison service and I am greatly saddened by how things are run now. 'I feel for the prison staff who have to do a very difficult job on a daily basis in very difficult circumstances. 'Finally, somebody has asked somebody from the Prison Service who's actually lived that experience to share their knowledge, and I'm more than happy to do so.' Ms Frake said she had only been contacted by Reform about the role four days before it was announced. She said she would like to see funding for prisons restored alongside attempts to extend sentences and lock more people up. The appointment comes as Mr Farage yesterday failed to commit to banning transgender women from female prisons - after Ms Frake said the inmates should not be automatically barred. Rose West - who Vanessa Frake oversaw, was convicted of the torture and murder of at least 10 women and girls, including her daughter Heather West and stepdaughter Charmaine West Rose and Fred West collaborated on their heinous crimes but Fred escaped justice when he died by suicide while awaiting trial as Rose was sentenced to life imprisonment Ms Frake had argued the decisions should be made on an 'individual basis'. Asked for his views on her comments yesterday, the Reform UK leader told the Daily Mail: 'I've personally never worked in a prison so I can't answer [the question] but I think you'll find that the answer that you'll get from somebody who has worked in prisons at the highest possible level is, I think, basically it's about risk assessment, isn't it? 'But in terms of the problems in prisons, it's a relatively small one.' A Reform spokesman later added of Ms Frake: 'An ex-prison governor... has a different opinion. That does not constitute party policy.' In the interview to mark her appointment, Ms Frake had said decisions about transgender prisoners should be made on a case-by-case basis. But she told The Times that sexual offenders may need to be held in male prisons. 'It's all about the risk assessments for me, and each has to be done on an individual basis,' she said. She added the transgender prisoners she had overseen were 'accepted' by other inmates, saying: 'People who want to just say a blanket ban clearly have never stepped foot in a prison and seen how prison runs and how risk assessments on individuals happen.' Farage, pictured last month, said he was laying out the 'party's plans for how we take back control of our streets from the criminals who currently plague them' The prison tsar told LBC today the biggest lesson she had learned over the years was 'how to compartmentalise' what she saw on a daily basis. Ms Frake said: 'I looked after Rose west for about four or five months. The woman's a typical psychopath. 'You know, she has absolutely no emotional intelligence. And, you know, people who are of that ilk, they don't have it tattooed on their forehead. And that is why they are psychopaths. 'But at the end of the day, they're nobody special, they're prisoners.' Russia is considering ending its aerial bombardment of Ukraine to avoid US trade sanctions on Friday, according to reports. The Kremlin would continue waging the conflict but would desist from rocket attacks on Ukraines cities which serve no military purpose. This would be the first concession granted by Russia since the conflict began three and a half years ago, it if transpires. The Russian plot was reported by Bloomberg last night as US peace envoy Steve Witkoff was expected to travel to Moscow for talks. He is expected to hold urgent discussions with senior Kremlin officials today [Wednesday] in a bid to bring Russia to the negotiating table. Russia could face economic sanctions from Friday, affecting itself and trading partners such as China and India, unless Vladimir Putin agrees to talks. President Trump initially gave President Putin 50 days to strike a peace deal then cut the time to 10 to 12 days. Ahead of the deadline, Russia has pulled out of a nuclear missile agreement intended to limit numbers of short to medium range missiles in Europe. Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting in Moscow earlier this week with a leader from the Russia Russian-occupied area of Ukraine. Steve Witkoff, pictured last month on a visit to Washington D.C. by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, is expected to meet senior Kremlin officials Witkoff has been criticised for the tone of his previous visits to Russia. At times he has appeared fawning in Putins presence and has failed to secure any concessions. After one meeting earlier this year, Putin presented Witkoff with a portrait of President Trump to take back to the White House. Yesterday afternoon [Tues], Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on social media he has spoken President Trump. But he did not mention the deadline. President Zelensky described their conversation as productive with the key focus of course being ending the war. He added Ukraine and the United States have coordinated our positions while the Russians have intensified the brutality of their attacks. President Trumps plan is to hit Russia with secondary tariffs in a bid to end the war. These will punish states that purchase Russian energy supplies, making it more expensive for these countries to sell goods into the United States. As a major importer of Russian oil, India is particularly vulnerable. Its government has protested the unfairness of the strategy, claiming Indias critics also import Russian goods. Trump has accused of India of fuelling [Russias] war machine. India has called the 100 per cent secondary tariffs unjustified and unreasonable. Ukraine claimed earlier this week that it has found Indian-made components inside Russian attack drones fired at its cities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed today he and US President Donald Trump enjoyed a 'productive' conversation on Tuesday about ending the three-year conflict. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also said to be personally close to Putin. They appear to share a warm relationship and are economic allies. Putin is widely expected to ignore Trumps deadline. While the US President has repeatedly excused Putins failure to agree peace terms. But with President Trump under pressure in the US over his connections to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, he may adopt a tougher stance towards Putin. President Trump signalled his intent last week by publicly stating he had repositioned a pair of US nuclear submarines closer to Russia to keep the Kremlin in check. Russia responded strongly declaring it was pulling out of a nuclear missile agreement due to destabilising actions by Western powers. So far, the Kremlins only step towards peace has been a pledge by Putins spokesperson Dmitry Peskov that the Russian President will meet President Zelensky. But the offer was subject to caveats around Russias demands for a negotiated end to the conflict. Witkoff is expected to outline economic sanctions the US is likely to impose on Russia. Peskov has said the Kremlin considers its contacts with US Special Envoy Witkoff important and useful. The wife of Delphi killer Richard Allen has broken her silence to insist her husband of 34 years is a family man and not the monster who murdered two teenage best friends in a crime that ripped apart the small, tight-knit Indiana town. Kathy Allen spoke out for the first time since Allens conviction for the February 2017 murders of Libby German, 14, and Abby Williams, 13, in the new ABC News Studios' series Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge. My husbands not a monster. Hes not the monster that people think he is, she said in the series. He is a family man. Ricky is a wonderful, caring, compassionate father. Non-judgmental, very giving. He has good morals. She said: How dare you accuse someone who is nothing but a people-pleaser and works out in the public. How dare you. Allen was arrested and charged with the February 13, 2017, murders in October 2022 after a resurfaced tip and an unspent bullet tied him to the crime scene. He was convicted in November on two counts of murder and two counts of felony murder, before two of the counts were vacated under double jeopardy rules. Allen was sentenced to the maximum 130 years in prison. Months later, on July 18, Allen was moved out of state from the Pendleton Correctional Facility in Madison County, Indiana, to the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center in Cleveland County, Oklahoma. Allen continues to appeal the verdict. Richard and Kathy Allen on their wedding day. Kathy Allen has spoken out for the first time since her husband Richard Allens conviction for the Delphi murders Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) set off on a walk along the Monon High Bridge trail in Delphi, Indiana, on February 13 2017 and never returned Despite his conviction - and dozens of jailhouse confessions prior to his trial - Kathy has stood by her husband. In the new series, she refused to believe he committed the shocking crimes and insisted the real killer or killers are still at large. I want true justice for Abby and Libby but it should not be at the expense of an innocent person, she said. These girls deserve justice. The right person or persons need to be found instead of just going with what you believe. In the show, Kathy fawned over photos of her life with Allen from their prom pictures to wedding photos. Man he was a good-looking guy, she gushed. I still is. She and Allen went to school together but were introduced through her cousin. He was really cute and he had kind of long, wavy blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes, she said. He was just really sweet. I hadnt met a guy like him before. Ricky and I always felt a connection. The couple married as soon as they left high school and had a daughter, Brittany, in 1994. He was so excited about having a girl. He was a good daddy, she said. The family moved to Delphi in 2006 in part, Kathy said, because they believed the town of around 3,000 residents was a good place to raise a child. Allen worked at the local CVS store in the heart of the community. Kathy remembers the day Abby and Libby went missing. Kathy Allen insisted her husband is 'not the monster' who murdered the two teenagers The two best friends had set off on an afternoon walk on February 13 2017 along the Monon High Bridge. When they failed to return, a search was launched. Kathy told the series how Allen had the day off work that day and she had returned home to find him on the couch. They saw on the news that Libby and Abby were missing and Allen admitted to her that he had been on the trails that afternoon. He claimed he hadnt seen the girls, she said. The next day - Valentines Day - searchers found Abby and Libbys bodies around half a mile from the trail, close to Deer Creek. Both of their throats had been cut, with the murder weapon believed to be a box cutter. Libby was naked while Abby was fully dressed in some of Libby's clothes. An unspent bullet was found between their bodies. In the moments before they died, Libby had captured a video on her cellphone of their killer following them over the rickety bridge. It captured the chilling voice of the man - who became known as 'Bridge Guy' - ordering the terrified girls: 'Guys... down the hill.' The best friends managed to capture their killer in a video on Libby's cellphone moments before they were killed Police tape blocks off the trails and creek around the Monon High Bridge in Delphi back on Thursday February 16 2017 Libbys cellphone was found hidden beneath Abbys body, leading cops to find the footage and release a grainy photo of the killer. Kathy told the series that she thought the image could be anyone. The first time I saw the picture of bridge guy, it couldve been anybody, she said. Kathy encouraged her husband to tell police he was on the trails the day of the murders, and he was more than willing to help, she said. After he met with an officer, we heard nothing, she said. That information was lost for more than five years due to a clerical error, before investigators came across the tip in October 2022. A search executed at the Allen home uncovered a 'Bridge Guy starter kit' including blue jeans and a Carhartt jacket matching the outfit worn by 'Bridge Guy.' Investigators also found a Sig Sauer Model P226 pistol which Allen said only he had access to. Ballistics experts matched the gun to the bullet found between the two victims' bodies. In the new three-part show, Kathy Allen fawned over old photos of her husband of 34 years Kathy and Richard Allen (pictured at prom) married as soon as they left high school and had a daughter, Brittany, in 1994 While behind bars awaiting trial, Allen confessed to murdering the girls a staggering 61 times including in jailhouse phone calls to his wife and mom as well as in meetings with a prison psychologist. In one damning confession presented at trial, Allen revealed information that only the killer could have known. He said he had planned to take the girls into the woods to rape them but was startled by a white van driving past and so quickly killed them, jurors heard. The man in the white van testified he drove home from work at around 2.30pm that afternoon, to his property close to Deer Creek - a timeline that matched the time Libby's cellphone last recorded movement. The evidence about the van was not known until Allen offered up that information, prosecutors said. Allen's defense claimed his damning confessions were the result of a mental health crisis due to the 'prisoner of war' treatment he endured inside state prison. Instead, Allen's attorneys made the extraordinary accusation that Libby and Abby were murdered as part of a 'ritualistic sacrifice' by a local white nationalist cult called Odinists. As part of the shocking theory, Allen's defense pointed to sticks found on the victims' bodies, claiming they were arranged specifically into Pagan symbols. Kathy said she is very hopeful her husband will be freed on appeal following his conviction Richard Allen with his daughter Brittany. His wife Kathy has insisted he is 'a family man' with 'good morals Jurors did not hear this theory at trial, as the judge blocked the defense from introducing the Odinism theory or from introducing any other alternative suspects. Speaking about the bombshell theory, Kathy said she believes the truth is going to come out. You don't kill those girls the way you do and leave them that way without it meaning something, she said. When her husband went on trial, she said she was hopeful that he would be acquitted. This was the first time in two years that we actually had some hope, she said. I felt pretty positive that they were going to make the right decision because reasonable doubt was written all over this case. When she heard the guilty verdict being read out, Kathy said she was in shock. I wanted to stand here and scream for him, she said. Libby and Abby (pictured together) helped lead cops to their killer with their cellphone video Since his trial, Allen's attorneys continue to file a string of legal objections and have appealed his conviction. Kathy said she is very hopeful he will be freed on appeal. Ive got everything ready for him to come home Im not giving up. Allen is now in prison custody in Oklahoma. On July 29, Allens attorneys filed a motion for a 30-day extension to appeal his conviction. ABC News Studios' 'Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge' is now available on Hulu A convicted killer who fatally shot his girlfriend and her daughters in their Tennessee home nearly 40 years ago groaned in pain as he was executed today. Byron Black died at 10.43am Tuesday, roughly 10 minutes after the lethal injection started. 'It's hurting so bad,' Black told a spiritual advisor at 10.33am as his execution began. He reportedly did not deliver a formal last statement. The murderer, 69, looked around the room and could be heard sighing and breathing heavily, witnesses to his execution allege. 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 Clay's estranged husband. Black was executed after a back-and-forth in court over whether officials would need to turn off his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, or ICD. His attorneys argued the heart-regulating device needed to be deactivated to avoid a 'torturous death', alleging it could shock his heart when the lethal chemicals took effect, causing unnecessary pain and prolonging the execution. But last week a judge ruled in the state's favor to execute Black without deactivating the device. Byron Black died at 10:43am Tuesday, roughly 10 minutes after the lethal injection started 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 Tennessee home In recent years, Black's legal team unsuccessfully tried to get a new hearing over whether he was intellectually disabled and ineligible for the death penalty under US Supreme Court precedent. Black was in a wheelchair, suffering from dementia, brain damage, kidney failure, congestive heart failure and other conditions, his attorneys have said. His attorneys said that if they had delayed a prior attempt to seek his intellectual disability claim, he would have been spared under a 2021 state law. Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk contended in 2022 that Black is intellectually disabled and deserved a hearing under that 2021 law, but the judge denied it. That is because the 2021 law denies a hearing to people on death row who have already filed a similar request and a court has ruled on it 'on the merits.' In Funk's attempt, he focused on input from an expert for the state in 2004 who determined back then that Black didn't meet the criteria for what was then called 'mental retardation'. Relatives of Angela Clay and daughters Lakeisha and Latoya are escorted from the Administration Building at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution after the execution of Byron Black on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Relatives of Black's victims wait in an area reserved for pro-death penalty advocates outside Riverbend Maximum Security Institution before Black's execution Necoule Davis, left, and Sharonda Page, both cousins of Black's victims, wait outside Riverbend Maximum Security Institution before the killer's execution But she concluded that Black met the new law's criteria for a diagnosis of intellectual disability. Black also sought a determination by the courts that he was incompetent to be executed. In mid-July, a trial court judge agreed with Black's attorneys that officials must have the device deactivated to avert the risk that it could cause unnecessary pain and prolong the execution. But the state Supreme Court intervened Thursday to overturn that decision, saying the other judge lacked authority to order the change. The US Supreme Court also rejected Black's final appeal Monday and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee declined to stop the execution. The nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center said it's unaware of any other cases in which an inmate was making similar claims to Black's about ICDs or pacemakers. Black's attorneys said they haven't found a comparable case, either. Byron Lewis Black (right) hears testimony in his trial on murder charges in Metro's Circuit Court at the Davidson County Courthouse on March 9, 1989 Anti-death penalty demonstrators gather outside Riverbend Maximum Security Institution before Byron Black's execution on Tuesday Black's death was Tennessee's second execution since May, after a pause for five years, first because of COVID-19 and then because of missteps by state corrections officials. Twenty-eight men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the US, and eight other people are scheduled to be put to death in seven states during the remainder of 2025. The number of executions this year exceeds the 25 carried out last year and in 2018. It is the highest total since 2015, when 28 people were put to death. Terrifying video footage shows the moment a prosecutor was ambushed and killed in the Mexican border city of Reynosa on Monday. Ernesto Vazquez was driving his black Cadillac Escalade when a gang of assassins launched their attack on him on Hidalgo Boulevard, brazenly tossing a grenade at the back of the vehicle during afternoon rush hour . While clearly in agonizing pain, Vazquez was able to get out of the vehicle on his own and crawled across the pavement. The assailants then pulled up in a white Ford Explorer and opened fire on the defenseless official. Additional video footage showed prosecutor's body on the ground as stunned motorists rode past the scene of the attack. Moments later, a bystander was seen dragging Vazquez away from the blown-up vehicle, which was engulfed in flames. Vazquez was a prosecutor who joined the Federal Attorney General's Office in 2019 and was its senior representative at the Tamaulipas State Attorney General's Office. The assault took place just four miles from the entrance of the Reynosa-Hidalgo International Bridge that links Reynosa with Hidalgo, Texas and about one mile from the Tamaulipas State Attorney General's Office headquarters. Ernesto Vazquez (pictured) was a prosecutor for Federal Attorney General's Office and was its senior representative at the Tamaulipas State Attorney General's Office The Mexican prosecutor's vehicle was engulfed in flames after it was attacked with a grenade and struck with gunfire on Monday afternoon Authorities recovered the Ford Explorer around 10pm just blocks away from the attack. Tamaulipas Governor Americo Villarreal denounced the deadly assault in a statement on X. 'From the Government of Tamaulipas, we condemn the murder of the Attorney General's Office Delegate in the state,' Villarreal wrote. 'We stand in solidarity with his family and reiterate our full willingness to assist the Attorney General's Office and the Government of Mexico in the pursuit of justice and the construction of peace.' The Reynosa Chamber of Commerce president, Gildardo Lopez, told El Norte newspaper that Vazquez's murder could negatively impact trade with the United States. 'Our city will fall into a binational trade crisis again,' he warned. Lopez added that it is only a matter of time before the U.S. Embassy reveals a travel advisory warning against travel to Tamaulipas. 'Our city will be commercially paralyzed for a potentially long period,' he said. Mexican prosecutor Ernesto Vazquez was seen in a video crawling next to his Cadillac Escalade during the afternoon rush hour attack A stranger was filmed dragging the body of Ernesto Vazquez moments after he was shot dead by hitmen Ernesto Vazquez (pictured) joined Mexico's Federal Attorney General's Office as a prosecutor 2019 According to the Department of State, U.S. citizens are recommended not to travel to the state of Tamaulipas because of crime and kidnapping. 'Organized crime activity including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria,' the advisory reads. 'Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.' It also warns that 'heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.' Fresh off his viral hit interview with leftist podcaster Andrew Callaghan, Hunter Biden appeared on the show again to demonstrate his painting skills and discuss conspiracies surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. The eldest son of President Joe Biden spoke about the Epstein files as he painted in his art studio, even as his personal sales have plunged since his father left the presidency after a single term. The simplistic explanation is always true, he said, referring to the Epstein case and whether or not Donald Trump was in the files. He noted that Trump and Epstein were very close friends for a very, very long period of time' so it would make sense that the president's name was in the files. Trump has maintained that he threw Epstein out of his Mar-a-lago club because he was hiring some of the young women employees from his club, though the Justice Department informed Trump his name appeared in the files as part of its, according to reports. Inclusion of one's name in the deceased socialite's files not suggest criminal conduct. During the podcast interview, Hunter Biden struggled to discuss the case, as he appeared convinced that feeding conspiracy theories was damaging to the country. The thing Im loath to do is to feed into another go**amn conspiracy theory, its just so destructive to the entire culture, the fabric, he ranted. Hunter Biden dives into the Epstein files in a podcast interview with Andrew Callaghan Hunter Biden talks with Channel 5's Andrew Callaghan in his art studio But he then did exactly that, pouring fuel on the fire in declaring that it was very unlikely that Epstein killed himself in prison. 'He was murdered right before it was all about to blow up,' he said. Clearly, who believes that he killed himself? he added. Nobody. He refused to speculate on who may have killed the billionaire convicted sex offender, but said it was entirely possible to murder someone in prison. You know what kills me about this more than anything is agreeing with Tucker Carlson, he added. It kills me! I dont want to feed into this. He marveled that Trumps appointees in the FBI, Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, fed conspiracies about Epstein for years but failed to deliver to the presidents political base. He speculated that Trumps failure to release the files would hurt the president politically, but also said that he could survive the controversy. Who knows? They may drop this, Biden said about Trumps supporters. He may have that firm of a hold, if this is truly a cult and I believe that it is. I think hell make it through. Hunter Biden is interviewed in his Artist Studio Hunter Biden focuses on the Epstein files in his latest interview with Andrew Callaghan Biden also argued that Trump and his supporters focused intently on the Epstein story because it was part of a strategy regularly employed by the Nazis and Russian President Vladimir Putin to label their political opponents as pedophiles. Its literally straight out of Putins book, which by the way is not even Putins book, that was used by the Nazis, elimination rhetoric came from there,' he said. He stressed that neither he nor his father was ever invited to Epstein's island. 'Me and Joe Biden, never been to Epstein island,' he said. A failed asylum seeker from Egypt drowned after he attempted to jump onto the ramp of a ship at Southampton docks in a bid to travel to Canada, an inquest has heard. Walid Gomaa, who was denied asylum status when he arrived in the UK in 2021, had told a friend he intended to travel across the Atlantic after living illegally in the UK for four years. The 36-year-old Egyptian national was spotted by members of the crew of the 200-metre MV Tannhauser attempting to board the vehicle-transporter ship which was due to sail to Halifax, Canada. Mr Gomaa was said to be trying to reach the ramp's finger-flaps - articulated extensions at the end of the vessel - as it was being raised ahead of sailing, the Winchester inquest was told. The operator paused the raising and saw Mr Gomaa walk away, but as they started lifting up the ramp again, the asylum seeker ran and jumped towards the ramp despite a crew member shouting at him to stop. Mr Gomaa then hit his head and fell into the sea at Empress Dock at the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal, where he drowned before a rescue boat could reach him on April 28 this year, the inquest heard. Coroner Jason Pegg said: 'Mr Gomaa attempted a second time, warnings were shouted to Mr Gomaa but he continued despite the warnings. 'Mr Gomaa jumped off the jetty towards the vessel. On this occasion Mr Gomaa was not able to grab hold of anything and fell towards the water between the jetty and the vessel itself.' Walid Gomaa drowned after he attempted to jump onto the ramp of the MV Tannhauser at Southampton Docks last April The inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court (pictured) heard a post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning resulting from a head injury and a fall into the water The inquest heard a post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning, which resulted from a head injury and a fall into the water. Mr Pegg said a friend contacted police after Mr Gomaa had not been in contact and said Mr Gomaa had told him he planned to travel to Canada. The coroner said that when the friend asked how he was going to get there, Mr Gomaa replied: 'Do not worry about it.' The coroner added: 'Mr Gomaa came to the UK in 2021 and was not given status in this country and disappeared for a period of time. 'He initially claimed asylum, but that was denied in 2021 and it was not until April 2025 that Mr Gomaa raised his head again.' In a message to Mr Gomaa's family in Egypt who did not attend the hearing, Mr Pegg said: 'I do give my condolences to Walid Gomaa's family and friends and they have my best wishes.' Idaho's iconic Rainbow Bridge is facing demolition after 92 years. The crossing, which is also known as the North Fork Payette River Bridge, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has allowed millions of travelers to pass over since it was built in 1933 but has been deemed unsafe by the Idaho Transportation Department. 'The current Rainbow Bridge no longer meets ITD [Idaho Transportation Department] standards for highway bridges,' the department wrote. 'Despite regular maintenance and major repairs, the structure is deteriorating to the point where ITD will no longer be able to maintain it for highway traffic.' The department also cited issues including narrow lane and shoulder widths, tight curves on both sides of the bridge, and limited sight distance for drivers. Costs to repair and maintain the long-standing bridge were said to range from $20 million to $50 million over the next 15 to 20 years, transportation officials told Idaho News 6. 'Anything that we would put in place for an observation point or an overlook would have to be designed to current standards. And it would be quite large and technically challenging to find a place for that,' an official said. Current plans have asked for public input on the future of the bridge. There are hopes that construction on the bridge's replacement will begin by 2028, according to the ITD. The bridge has allowed millions of travelers to cross over since it was built in 1933 While the bridge would not be safe for traffic or pedestrians again, the ITD has proposed three costly scenarios in which the bridge could be preserved Highway traffic will be redirected toward a newer bridge north of the current bridge, which will be both wider and have increased visibility for drivers. To honor the iconic bridge, designers are considering a 'rainbow-like' arch design in the new plans. While the bridge would not be safe for traffic or pedestrians again, the ITD has proposed scenarios in which the bridge could be preserved. In the first scenario, costing $20.3 million, all but the historic arches would be replaced with follow up repairs occurring in 2070. Scenario two involved retaining as much of the historic bridge as possible with repairs every 25 years, costing $50.4 million. The third scenario, costing $48.4 million, would require the repair of the elements in the worst condition and repairs occurring every 10 to 15 years. Perseveration Idaho, which has been working for 50 years to preserve the state's historic places, argued that the historic landmark's demolition would be costly and environmentally wasteful, the Idaho Statesman reported. 'Rainbow Bridge, the largest single-span concrete arch structure in Idaho, remains today as a major achievement. [It] not only reflects the leading edge of bridge engineering of its time, but also exemplifies a conscious effort to meld a modern structure with a picturesque natural setting,' the National Register of Historic Places said in 1999. The ITD has proposed nine designs (one pictured) for the replacement bridge, construction of which is expected to begin in 2028 Many of the designs include arches in a nod to the historic bridge that is being replaced A variety of materials are proposed, including a design that replaces the stonework with metal Many locals are torn over whether to preserve the bridge when doing so comes with such a high price tag. 'Keeping the rainbow bridge as a pedestrian bridge would be ideal, similar to the 95 long bridge,' one commenter wrote. 'Unfortunately building a new bridge is a necessity ... I don't want to be stuck in an endless money pit with rainbow bridge.' Another simply said: 'Leave the old bridge in place.' The ITD has extended their reach for public comment on the new design and the future for Rainbow Bridge until August 10. The Daily Mail reached out to the ITD for comment. The RAF is continuing to fly spy planes over Gaza to help Israel's government find the still-missing hostages taken by Hamas. According to sources, RAF aircraft launched from British air bases in the Middle East are being used to gather intelligence on the movement of those captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and passed onto the IDF. Since the war between Hamas and Israel began, Britain has sent specialised aircraft to help Israel. Shadow R1s, specialist surveillance planes equipped with sophisticated espionage technology, have been flown almost every day over the enclave. While the MoD refuses to disclose which aircraft are being used for these missions, flight tracking data shows the Shadow R1s have flown hundreds of missions, as recently as last month, after taking off from Cyprus' RAF Akrotiri. The Ministry of Defence told The Times that these flybys are only done to collect information on the hostages. But questions have been raised over whether the missions are purely for finding the hostages. Former Major General Charlie Herbert told the newspaper: 'It's all good and proper saying they are handing over intelligence for the purposes for locating hostages, but in reality that intelligence is just as likely to be used as targeting for Hamas and others.' Smoke rises following an explosion in Gaza, as seen from Israel, August 5, 2025 An Israeli army infantry-fighting vehicle (IFV) leaves a cloud of dust as it moves at a position along Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip on August 5, 2025 Shadow R1s (pictured), specialist surveillance planes equipped with sophisticated espionage technology, have been flown almost everyday over the enclave The confirmation of the missions comes despite relations between Britain and Israel being at an all-time low, following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's conditional pledge to recognise the state of Palestine, along with senior British government figures condemning Israel's actions in Gaza. Foreign Secretary David Lammy previously said he was 'appalled, sickened' by the 'grotesque' targeting of Palestinians seeking food by the IDF, and has threatened further sanctions. The UK government has invoked the ire of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed the UK was 'rewarding Hamas' by conditionally pledging to recognise Palestine as a state. Earlier on Tuesday, Netanyahu reportedly told the military to prepare for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages are being held. A source in the Prime Minister's Office told The Jerusalem Post on Monday that the message had been passed on to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir saying: 'If this does not suit you, then you should resign.' It comes as Netanyahu prepares to meet with top officials to decide on the next steps in Gaza and what to do about the remaining hostages. An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post: 'The prime minister is considering all available options regarding the next steps.' According to reports, the prime minister used the phrase 'occupation of the Strip' in private conversations while describing his intentions for Gaza. The Israeli military have been told to prepare for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages are being held, according to reports Smoke and flames rising from an apartment complex hit by an Israeli strike. The prime minister is said to have told his military chief to resign if he does not agree with his decision Netanyahu is now preparing to meet with top officials to decide on the next steps in Gaza and what to do about the remaining hostages If Netanyahu's plans are successful, the Israeli military could extend its reach across the whole region, according to local reports. It currently holds 75 percent of the Strip. He is now set to take the plans to his cabinet to seek their backing for the plan. In a video message, Netanyahu said he was 'committing to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists'. According to The Times of Israel, the IDF is against the proposal and has said it would take a significant amount of time to clear infrastructure belonging to Hamas. A Pakistani asylum seeker has appeared in court after being accused of repeatedly raping an eight-year-old girl. It is alleged that Kamran Khan, 43, raped the child twice between September 2024 and July 2025 before forcing her to watch a third person engage in sexual activity. He made the eight-year-old make him ejaculate and also put his hand and penis on her genitals, it is claimed. Khan, of Streatham High Road, south London, denied the two counts of rape at Inner London Crown Court, alleged to have taken place in the borough of Lambeth. He further denied two counts of causing a child to watch a sex act, four counts of sexually assaulting a child and two counts of causing a child under thirteen to engage in sexual activity. The accused held his head in his hands as he entered his not guilty pleas, aided by an Urdu interpreter. He was remanded in custody ahead of his seven-day trial on January 5 next year. Khan, of Streatham High Road, south London , denied the two counts of rape at Inner London Crown Court (file image) Judge Benedict Kelleher told Khan: Failing to attend court when required whether from custody or from bail may be a separate offence. If a defendant fails to attend their trial then the trial may proceed in his absence in which case his lawyer may withdraw from the case leaving him unrepresented and the judge may inform the jury of the reason for his absence. News that the Slender Man stabber will be moving to a quaint Wisconsin suburb after being released from a psychiatric facility has outraged residents of the community the killer will soon call home. Morgan Geyser, 23, is set to move from a psychiatric hospital in Oshkosh to a group home in Sun Prairie, near Madison, after a judge ordered her release earlier this year. Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier lured classmate Payton Leutner into the woods in Waukesha and stabbed her 19 times as a sacrifice to the eerie fictional character in 2014. All three of the girls were 12 at the time. Weier and Geyser were both found not guilty of the attempted killing by reason of mental disease or defect. Now, Sun Prairie locals are terrified for the arrival of their new neighbor, with some residents even looking to move elsewhere. Mother Gabrielle Alturk, who has lived in Sun Prairie for eight years, told WMTV that the area always felt safe and she would let her 13-year-old child explore the city alongside friends without adult supervision. She is worried about what Geyser's arrival means for the safety and security of Sun Prairie's residents. 'The community, that I know of, is extremely concerned because, you know, she was a kid when she planned a premeditated, cold calculated murder,' Alturk said. Morgan Geyser (pictured in court on July 17) is being moved from the psychiatric hospital in Oshkosh to a group home in Sun Prairie Geyser (pictured in court in January) now identifies as transgender and is named Ethan on medical records During the vicious attack in 2014, Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times while Weier cheered on the cold-hearted act of violence before leaving the victim to die. Leutner miraculously survived. 'It's horrible' Alturk continued. 'We're afraid. We don't know where she's going to be; that's the worst part. This is a safe community, this is a community filled with children.' Geyser's attorney has said that the 23yearold will have to wear a GPS monitor so her location will be known at all times. 'People should be aware of what is going on in their community, but people have to be released somewhere, and so if you permit cities to object, then you'd have everybody objecting and you'd never release people,' said Geyser's attorney, Anthony Cotton. Sun Prairie city attorney Kathleen McDaniel told WISN that residents would be 'outraged' by the decision to bring Geyser into the community. 'Our residents, if they find out about this, will be outraged. And they understand that the plan is confidential. But unfortunately, due to the notoriety of this case, I think if our residents see Ms. Geyser outside of the home or taking a walk in the neighborhood with supervision, they will be aware of who she is,' McDaniel said. Geyser's attorney argued that the Sun Prairie group home will have more resources and treatments for her to transition back into the community. 'I think what everybody wants is that she will readjust to society. She's been in custody for 10 years now... Imagine being 12 years old and now in your early 20s and you've never left confinement. It's horrible. So this facility really will allow her to grow as a person and I think be as a safer and better member of the community,' Cotton said. Geyser was arrested after she and her classmate Anissa Weier lured Peyton Leutner (pictured) to the woods after a sleepover in 2014 Geyser, left, stabbed Payton Leutner across her arms, legs and torso, hitting major arteries and severing her diaphragm. Geyser did this while Anissa Weier, right, egged her on Geyser (pictured with blood on her clothes from the attack) told detectives at the time that she was 'forced to stab her best friend to death' Authorities have insisted that when Geyser does arrive, they're prepared to keep Sun Prairie's population safe. 'We understand why that type of release would raise concerns amongst our community,' Sun Prairie Assistant Police Chief Ryan Cox told WMTV. 'But your police department is absolutely prepared for it. We have all the information that we need in order to respond accordingly.' Geyser's release from the psychiatric hospital had been postponed several times. In April, the Leutner family flagged their concerns about Geyser's group home being just eight miles from their house. Weier and Geyser had conspired for months to slaughter Leutner in the name of the horror character Slender Man. Geyser and Weier were charged in adult court with firstdegree attempted intentional homicide. Weier had pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted seconddegree intentional homicide as a party to a crime, but the jury found her to be not guilty by mental disease or defect in 2017. She was sentenced to 25 years in a mental hospital but was granted release in 2021 after agreeing to live with her father and to wear a GPS monitor. Mom Gabrielle Alturk has lived in Sun Prairie for eight years and says that the city always felt safe Weier and Geyser had conspired for months to slaughter Leutner in the name of the horror character Slender Man (depicted here) Geyser, who has schizophrenia, pleaded guilty to firstdegree murder, but as part of her plea deal, was convicted but found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in 2018. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren, who has since retired, had committed her to a psychiatric hospital for 40 years a sentence of which she only served about 25 percent. Circuit Judge Scott Wagner, who made the ruling in midJuly, did not release any further details about the decision to let Geyser go. In January, Bohren said Geyser could be released after three experts testified that she was making progress battling her mental illness. During the same hearing, Geyser also came out as transgender, but female pronouns have continued to be used for court consistency, explained Dr. Brooke Lundbohm, who evaluated Geyser. A Saudi Arabian student was spending his third summer in Cambridge when he was stabbed to death, the Daily Mail understands. Mohammed Algasim, 20, died on Saturday night outside luxury apartments in Mill Park, in what police have described as an 'unprovoked attack'. Paramedics battled to save his life for more than 30 minutes but he was pronounced dead at 12.01am. The student was on a 10-week placement at EF International Language Campuses Cambridge - a private school offering English language courses to overseas students. The school told the Daily Mail in a statement today: 'We are deeply saddened by what has happened. 'At this time, we are focused on supporting our students, staff and Mohammed's family.' Local Natalie Ahluwalia revealed how Mr Algasim had been leaning against a tree in the square and chatting with four or five of his friends just hours before he died. Today, his grief-stricken family travelled to the city and prayed near where floral tributes have been laid. The Daily Mail has been told they arrived in order to organise the repatriation of Mr Algasim to his native country in order for him to be buried, according to his Muslim religion. Mohammed Algasim, 20, died from knife wounds on Saturday night outside luxury apartments in Mill Park in what police have described as an 'unprovoked attack' Police remained at the scene in Cambridge on Sunday as officers continued their investigation Ms Ahluwalia, a 39-year-old mother, told the Daily Mail: 'The students come here every summer when the university students leave. I don't know them personally, but they are part of our community. 'Mohammed and his friends used to spend time here in this square. There's never any trouble at all. They're really nice kids. They just sit out and socialise. 'I saw him in the evening, at about 8.30pm on Friday night as I was going to the mosque. He was there, leaning up against a tree, with four or five boys. He was chatting. 'They come here to make friends with each other and socialise. They're lovely, kind and polite.' She had come home from the mosque and was in her flat with her son when Mohammed was killed. She said: 'I heard this screaming. A girl was screaming. It was an endless scream.' Chas Corrigan, 21, from Cambridge, has been charged with murder and possession of a knife in a public place. He appeared before Peterborough Magistrates' Court yesterday and was remanded in custody. Mr Algasim's heartbroken family yesterday paid tribute to 'a young man brimming with enthusiasm, brimming with chivalry and courage'. His uncle, Majed Abalkhail, also spoke out to say he hopes the tragic death will 'prompt serious reflection on public safety and the protection of innocent lives'. Tributes have been laid where Mr Algasim died. A handwritten note said 'inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un', which is an Arabic phrase meaning 'to God we belong and to Him we return' Floral tributes have been laid outside the apartments where Mr Algasim died He told The National that 'many people' in the UK and abroad had expressed growing concerns about a 'rise in violent crime' in Britain. Mr Abalkhail added: 'We believe the country is no longer a safe destination for students or tourists.' The doting uncle went on to describe his nephew as a 'calm, kind-hearted young man, loved and respected by everyone who knew him'. In a statement, Mr Alqassem's family said: 'He was a dutiful son, a loving brother, and the leader of the family in spirit, not in appearance. 'He was cheerful, chivalrous, pure of heart, quick to give, and passionate about others. 'Over time, he became the family's charisma, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in every gathering. 'He was his father's support, his familiar companion, and the assistant to his uncles and maternal uncles. 'He was the most compassionate person to ever visit a mother's heart and the closest to his sisters' embrace.' Floral tributes have been left on the pavement outside one of the buildings as mourners pay their respects to the student. A message, on a piece of paper taped to a barrier behind the tributes, said 'may your soul be at peace' and had heart shapes drawn on it. It also said 'inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un', which is an Arabic phrase meaning 'to God we belong and to Him we return'. A 60-year-old woman found stabbed to death at home was 'connected' to a 20-year-old man found dead on train tracks three miles away in east London, police have revealed. Investigations are continuing into the murder of the woman, who was discovered with multiple stab wounds at an address in Bushy Close, Romford, at around 7pm on Sunday. Met Police received a report from the British Transport Police following concerns for her welfare, but after she was located the victim was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. She has since been named as 60-year-old Nkiru Chima from Romford. Her family have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers. Hours earlier, the body of a 20-year-old-man was found on the train tracks at Romford railway station. On Tuesday, Met Police said they are 'confident' the two deaths are linked. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke from the Met's Specialist Crime Command said: 'Our thoughts continue to remain with Nkiru's family at this difficult time. A 60-year-old woman found stabbed to death at home was 'connected' to a 20-year-old man found dead on train tracks three miles away in Romford, east London, police have said No arrests had been made and the murder investigation remains ongoing. Pictured: General view of Bushy Close The body of a 20-year-old-man was found on the train tracks at Romford railway station (pictured) earlier on Sunday 'As our enquiries have progressed, we are confident that Nkiru's tragic death is connected to the death of a 20-year-old man on the train tracks at Romford station earlier that evening. 'This man was known to Nkiru and British Transport Police continue to investigate his death. 'I would like to thank the local community for their support with this investigation so far. 'Our officers will be continuing enquiries and we encourage anyone with any information to contact us.' Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or contact 'X'@METCC and quote CAD6914/27JUL. Longtime Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell does not want the grand jury testimony from her case unsealed. The disgraced British socialite is currently asking the Supreme Court to review her original sentencing and is cooperating with federal investigators in the case. She spoke for two days with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche last month. The Southern District of New York denied Maxwell's request to review the grand jury material to assess whether her counsel wanted to object to its release. Given that, her attorneys decided 'she has no choice but to respectfully oppose the government's motion to unseal it.' 'Ghislaine Maxwell has not seen the material and cannot take an informed position,' her lawyer David Oscar Markus wrote in a Tuesday filing. Markus said his client answered every question she was asked by DOJ and spoke about 100 different people in her more than nine hours of interviews. Additionally, Maxwell's attorneys are angling for a pardon for their client, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Just days after speaking with Blanche, Maxwell was transferred from the low-security Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida, to the minimum-security all-women's Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas. Ghislaine Maxwell opposes the unsealing of grand jury testimony from her sex trafficking case Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to unseal grand jury testimony in the Southern District of New York and Southern District of Florida, where Epstein and Maxwell's cases were litigated. Florida's court immediately denied the request, while SDNY asked for the government to provide more information justifying the request for the highly secretive materials. Maxwell's lawyers noted that the government did not oppose their client reviewing the grand jury transcripts to decide if she wanted to object to their unsealing. Still, grand jury testimony is one of the most protected pieces of materials from court cases and is very difficult to get unsealed especially years after the case has closed. Maxwell's lawyers are asking the Supreme Court to review Maxwell's 2022 sentencing for 20 years. They claim she shouldn't have ever been charged, arguing the Epstein associate was protected under his 2007 plea deal. In Tuesday's filing, they detail how unsealing grand jury materials could adversely impact her appeal. They called the testimony 'untested, hearsay-laden grand jury transcripts, which contain statements presented in secret and never challenged by the adversarial process.' Markus has lamented that Maxwell has been used as the scapegoat in the Epstein case. She is the only person behind bars for the disgraced financier's crimes. 'Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not,' Maxwell's lawyers wrote in the latest filing. 'Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable, and her due process rights remain.' 'When Epstein died, prosecutors from the Southern District of New York pivoted and made Maxwell the face of his crimes. She became the scapegoat and the only person the government could put on trial,' they added. Maxwell is asking the Supreme Court to review her original sentencing, claiming she shouldn't have been charged because she was protected under Epstein's 2007 plea deal Epstein was found dead in his prison cell on August 10, 2019 as he awaited trial for federal charges of child sex trafficking. While his death was deemed a suicide, online conspiracies swirled that he was murdered to prevent Epstein from implicating any of his high profile clients or revealing any damning information about the rich and famous. The FBI and Justice Department released a review last month of the Epstein files that left MAGA supporters furious and suspicious of a 'cover-up.' Both agencies concluded that Epstein did die by suicide and claimed there was no 'client list' of high-profile co-conspirators. They also said that no one else would be charged in connection to Epstein's crimes. But in the weeks following the memo, Trump was forced to act as his base reeled over the lack of transparency. Trump directed Bondi to request the unsealing of grand jury testimony and Deputy AG Blanche jetted off to Florida to interview Maxwell in person. Now, reports claim Trump's DOJ is weighing whether it should release a recording of Blanche's sit-down with Maxwell. A Michigan police officer decided to lend a helping hand after he saw an elderly woman struggling to mow her lawn. Officer Jonathan Cox with the Wyandotte Police Department was patrolling the area when he noticed Dory Oliver pushing a lawn mower with one hand and holding her walker in the other. He immediately ran to her rescue and told her to head back inside her home and promised he would be back after his shift. And sure enough, after working 12 hours straight, Cox showed up at her home - just outside of Detroit - and tackled Oliver's yard all on his own. 'She just looked like she needed help that day, and when I stopped to ask her, she allowed me to help her,' Cox told WXYZ. Oliver said it's hard for her to get yard work done because of her mobility issues, and even though she's called a few companies for help, they never showed. 'When youve worked all your life and then, suddenly, you cant, its not a good feeling,' Oliver told the outlet. 'Three different times somebody said, "Yeah, Ill be there to help you," and nobody ever came.' Officer Jonathan Cox with the Wyandotte Police Department cleaned up Dory Oliver's overgrown yard after a long 12-hour shift after seeing her struggle to mow the lawn He spotted her trying to tackle the tall grass with the mower in one hand and her walker in the other After assessing her yard, Cox quickly realized it needed more than just a lawn mower. 'It was overgrown. Unfortunately, there was a storm that took a bunch of branches down, and it needed to be cleaned up,' the officer said. He spent two days cleaning up her lawn, which included trimming grass, cleaning her gutters and making sure the yard looked better than he found it. Oliver was so grateful Officer Cox decided to help her out and take a huge weight off her shoulders. Police did not confirm when the Good Samaritan helped out Oliver. 'What a blessing it was not only professionally, he would be there for me if I needed him but just out of the kindness of his own heart and the willingness to help someone,' she stated. Oliver was so thankful for Cox's hard work that she took it upon herself to leave a heartfelt message about him to the department's chief. In her voicemail, she said: 'Im just still in awe of what he did for me. He doesnt even know me. 'He just took care of what was impossible for me because I cant walk without the walker. I just have to commend him, and I thank him so much.' Oliver said it's hard for her to get yard work done because of her mobility issues, and even though she's called a few companies for help, but they never showed Cox not only mowed her grass, but he also cleaned out her gutters to make sure the lawn looked better than he found it She also dropped off donuts to the police station to thank Cox, who's been with the department for eight years. 'Im very blessed in the position where Im at, whether its personally and/or professionally, to help others,' he said. His department also shared how proud they were of him, as they took to Facebook to share a touching photo of Cox with Oliver. The post explained that Cox was patrolling the area with his police dog Jax that day when he knew he had to take action. 'After his 12-hour shift ended, Officer Cox (Note: Jax went home and fell asleep) went back to the home and began grooming the yard,' the department said. 'To say we're proud of Officer Cox (and Jax), is an understatement!!' Daily Mail contacted the Wyandotte Police Department for comment. Exclusive by Peter Jones A killer who is seeking early release on compassionate grounds should be left to die in prison, his victims family have said. Alan Dewar, 35, has been diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer and is said to have 12 months left to live. Dewar was jailed in 2008 for stabbing 17-year-old Joshua Mitchell in a random, drug-fuelled attack. The violent thug had pounced on the teen as he walked home listening to his iPod. He killed him by stabbing him once through the heart - then stood smoking nearby as his victim lay bleeding in the street. At the time Dewar said he killed the teenager because he was in a bad mood that day and has never publicly expressed remorse for the attack. Joshuas father, Andy Mitchell, 58, still lives in the family home in Inverness, just yards from where his son was stabbed. Speaking after news of Dewars cancer battle emerged, he told the Daily Mail that his sons killer should never be released. 17-year-old Joshua Mitchell was stabbed to death in a random, drug-fuelled attack Joshuas father, Andy Mitchell, 58, said his son's killer should never be released Hes never showed an ounce of compassion or regret for killing our Joshua, so theres no way he should be given any now, he said. The spot where it happened is just yards from our house and I pass it every time I walk up the road, and if I thought Dewar was out of jail - even for the short time he says he has left, smirking as he has been all along, it would eat me up. There would be no justice if the parole board are so weak they let him out early. What I think would be justice is that this illness will see him away early, and that should happen inside the four walls of his cell. The parole board should take one look at his violent record and will surely see that hes not fit to be out. If hed shown remorse or behaved in jail, found God or something I could maybe understand him getting out early. But hes a violent menace and should never be released in a million years. However, Mr Mitchell, now a self-employed HGV driver, says he has little faith in the parole board making the right decision. He also pointed to the case of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Al Megrahi, who was found guilty of mass murder and imprisoned for life in Scotland. The Scottish Government released terminally-ill Megrahi on compassionate grounds in 2009, three years before he died of cancer. Mr Mitchell said: Youve only got to look at how they released Megrahi when it was said he had cancer and had months to live. He lived for another three years. Thats the Scottish justice system for you though, if he can get out then I bet Dewar can by spinning the same tale. The impact of Joshuas death had a long-lasting impact on his family, with Mr Mitchell saying his late wife Marilyn, who died in 2015, never got over the loss. He said: She died of a broken heart. There was so much anger inside us both, we were having our trauma for breakfast dinner and tea. I eventually learned how to deal with it, but Marilyn never did. She even tried to commit suicide once. Another tragic aspect is that Joshuas girlfriend was pregnant with their son at the time of his death, meaning he never got to meet the boy, who was born the day after his killer was sentenced. Mr Mitchell said the prison service wrote to him earlier this year to advise him Dewars parole hearing was due on September 25, a standard process advising victims of possible release thereafter. He learned later that the killer had cancer. Dewars medical issues emerged at Perth Sheriff Court, where he was due to stand trial for stalking two women and making threats against them while serving time at the citys jail. He denied stalking but admitted making a call to the pair. Dewars lawyer told the court he had been given just 12 months to live, after he was diagnosed with a rare form of brain and spinal cancer, called ependymoma, in January. Originally charged with stalking the two women, he pled guilty to a reduced charge of threatening or abusive behaviour on a single day. The court heard Dewar, now at HMP Low Moss, will ask to be released on compassionate grounds at a parole hearing on September 25. Sheriff Mark OHanlon told Dewar in view of his condition he would be admonished. Dewar has now served more than the 13-year punishment element of his sentence for Joshuas murder, having now been behind bars for nearly 18 years due to committing more violent crimes while inside. He had 32 months added to his sentence in 2010 for attacking a fellow Polmont inmate with a pool cue. In 2022, he had his sentence extended by another eight months following a brawl in HMP Perths C Hall. Texas Democrat Rep. Al Green has, once again, promised to impeach President Donald Trump, likely making him the most-impeach happy U.S. lawmaker to ever live. The 77-year-old Green has formally tried to impeach Trump at least five times from 2017 until now, and he said he's planning on doing it again, vowing a sixth attempt on Monday. There are no comparisons in modern U.S. history, as no lawmaker has filed so many impeachment articles against any individual president. Trump has been twice impeached by the U.S. House but was acquitted by the U.S. Senate in both instances. 'There are no circumstances that will prevent me from continuing to challenge the bigotry emanating from the presidency,' Green said at an event in Illinois. 'I will not stop. And I promise you, this President, he's going to be brought down.' 'He has to be brought down,' the veteran lawmaker continued. 'I'm talking about politically, we will bring him down. He will be impeached again.' The Democrat's announcement indicates that once Congress returns from the August recess that he may introduce a formal resolution to impeach Trump. But without control of the lower chamber, the Democrat's impeachment pursuit won't have legs. If Green makes good on his pledge, it would be the third time he's moved to impeach Trump this year. These are in addition to his three previously failed attempts to impeach the Republican during his first term in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green vowed to impeach President Donald Trump on Monday President Trump has called Green a 'fool and a clown' for his hostility towards the Republican Green filed articles in May citing Trump as a threat to democracy, and in June, he filed articles against the president for bombing nuclear sites in Iran. Few of his colleagues joined his bandwagon to nowhere. The effort over Iran outraged many Democrats, with one privately venting to Axios that the effort was 'a completely unserious and selfish move.' Even veteran party bosses like Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi voted against the Iran impeachment. Every impeachment effort that Green has put forward to remove Trump has been voted down by Democrats. A spokesperson for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's questions about Green's latest bid to remove Trump. Green has served a deep blue portion of Houston for 20 years, but that district is threatened now that Republican legislators in Texas are remaking the congressional boundaries in the state ahead of schedule. To stop the Texas legislator from redistricting, Democrats in the statehouse fled to liberal strongholds across the country, primarily to Illinois, where a defiant Green gave a speech Monday promising to try and oust Trump again. There have been certain lawmakers who have featured prominently as antagonists to presidents, like how Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Adam Schiff had big roles during more serious movement to remove Trump during his first term. But Green stands alone in the number of formal attempts he has put forward to impeach Trump. In fact, Green's fourth formally introduced article of impeachment hasn't even been taken up. Green stood up and waved his cane at Trump during the president's joint address to Congress on March 6, 2025 The Democrat interrupted Trump's speech and was later censured over his outburst The Sergeant-at-Arms removed the Democrat from the House chamber after his interruption Green earned additional notoriety earlier this year when he heckled and interrupted the president during his address to Congress. During Trump's early March speech, Green stood up and yelled at the president while waving his cane in the air. The elderly lawmaker told the president he had no 'mandate' and was quickly booed by Republicans before House Speaker Mike Johnson instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove the unruly Democrat. The president has taken notice of his Democratic detractor. 'Nobody takes him seriously,' Trump said of Green to Fox News Digital shortly after the interrupted speech. 'He is an embarrassment to Congress but a much bigger embarrassment to the Democrats.' The president said Green 'should be forced to pass an IQ test because he is a low IQ individual, and we don't need low IQ individuals in Congress.' In the interview, Trump called on Green to be censured, and he ultimately was, with some Democrats siding with Republicans to shame the viciously anti-Trump lawmaker. The rare and distinctly lamentable honor seemingly has not thrown Green off the scent for Trump's removal, however. "The Women Who Wouldnt Wheesht" is the smash hit the literary establishment would rather not talk about. The book, published last May, collects essays by some of those involved in the campaign to protect womens rights against the demands of trans activists. The stories within are moving, inspiring, and - all too often - infuriating. The books three separate appearances in the top 10 best sellers list show theres real interest in the issues it explores. It deserves its success. The editors of "TWWWW - Susan Dalgety and Lucy Hunter Blackburn - gathered an impressive roster of contributors, including novelist JK Rowling, to tell the story of how Scottish feminists fought back against the SNPs plan to reform the Gender Recognition Act to allow anyone to self-identify into the legally-recognised sex of their choosing. The stories contained within are gripping. Yet, despite the books best-seller status, there is no place for it at this years Edinburgh International Book Festival. To have included it would have been to risk conversation, you see. In an email to a customer, festival director Jenny Niven said discussion of the issues raised in the book feels extremely divisive. How weird that the director of a literary festival should feel the divisiveness of an issue to be a negative. Arent literary festivals, done properly, places where conflicting ideas do battle? While theres no place for a Scottish best-seller on one of the great controversies of our times at the festival, there is a slot - of course - for former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to promote her memoir, Frankly. Festival director Jenny Niven said discussion of the issues raised in the book 'feels extremely divisive' If Jenny Niven is using divisiveness as a measure for exclusion from the book festival then Ms Sturgeon should be nowhere near the event. It was the former First Minister, after all, who denounced feminists opposed to her self-ID plans as bigots. It was Ms Sturgeon who remained silent while trans activists hurled abuse and threats at nationalist politicians (and anyone else, for that matter) who dared dissent from the transwomen are women orthodoxy. Of course, a proper literary festival would find spaces for both the former First Minister and the women whose campaign against her crank plan to let men self-identify as women hastened her political demise. Another writer conspicuous by her absence from this years festival line-up is Jenny Lindsay, whose book Hounded - Women, Harms, and the Gender Wars tells the shocking stories of women whose lives were torn apart by trans activists after they dared assert their sex-based rights. Ms Lindsay was, until six years ago, a leading figure on the small but vibrant live poetry scene. An award-winning writer, she mentored young poets and staged regular events in Edinburgh before her life was turned upside down for condemning a trans activists demand for violence against lesbians at a Pride march. For speaking up, Ms Lindsay lost her livelihood and the majority of her friendships. While there is no place for Ms Lindsay at the book festival, some of those who participated in her hounding have been welcomed by Jenny Niven. (You know the lets not be divisive Jenny Niven? That one.) The capture of the publishing industry by gender ideologues was swift and devastating. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will launch her forthcoming memoirs at the festival In recent years, weve seen numerous writers cancelled for their perfectly reasonable expressions of concern about the impact of the demands of trans activists on the rights of women. From childrens authors such as Gillian Philip and Rachel Rooney to Father Ted creator Graham Linehan, writers with gender criticalviews have seen work dry up. Showing that, if nothing else, she retains her sense of humour, Ms Niven claims the book festival programme shows we dont shy away from difficult conversation. Yes, from the greatness of Nicola Sturgeon to the bravery of men in womens changing rooms, we can expect all the biggest issues of the day to be discussed at the festival. The book festival is doomed under its current leadership. Ms Nivens cowardice (for what other explanation can there be for her refusal to invite the women behind one of the most controversial and successful Scottish books of the year to appear at the festival?) is balanced by the stupidity of her senior colleagues. And if you think Im being unnecessarily mean, consider this: one member of the festival board recently complained that charity Sex Matters had breached data protection law by emailing her only for it to be pointed out to her that her email address appears on her companys website. This is proper is-there-anybody-in-there? stupidity. The success of books by writers such as Jenny Lindsay, Susan Dalgety and Lucy Hunter Blackburn is a standing reproach to literary establishment tastemakers drunk on a cocktail of mixed pronouns and furious self-righteousness. Jenny Nivens book festival is as difficult and edgy as an Ocado delivery. Its hand-wringing theme of repair studiously ignores the damage wrought on the literary world by the activist views and behaviour of many of those booked to participate. Just as perplexing as the decision of Ms Niven exclude hugely successful gender critical feminist writers from this years book festival is the absence of Orwell Prize-winning author, Darren McGarvey from the line-up. Mr McGarveys third book - Trauma Industrial Complex: How Oversharing Became a Product in a Digital World - is published next week, slap bang in the middle of the festival. Of course, nobody is entitled to a booking at the book festival but it seems strange that there is no space for Mr McGarvey, a relentless pain in the establishment backside, while there is room for a trans identifying male poet whose most recent performance was a protest during which he demanded give us wombs and give us t*****s. In common with Jenny Lindsay, Susan Dalgety and Lucy Hunter Blackburn, Darren McGarvey has no interest in rubbing along nicely with the charlatans currently dominating the Scottish cultural world. His recent album, released under the name of his rapper alter-ego Loki, Not Funded by Creative Scotland is a brutal and often hilarious critique of the cosy arts scene, where individuality of thought is treated with the greatest suspicion. The Edinburgh International Book Festival has a long and illustrious history as an event at which great, provocative thinkers presented - and defended - controversial ideas. Under the cowardly leadership of director Jenny Niven, those days are over. Small boat migrants who lodge human rights claims in Britain will evade being returned to France under a massive loophole in Labours new deal. They will be ruled out of new deportation measures if legal claims are outstanding or if they claim to be under 18, it emerged. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the human rights loophole would be ruthlessly exploited by lawyers. A new treaty with President Emmanuel Macrons government, published today, also disclosed the British taxpayer will foot the bill for both sides of the deal, which will see migrants who came here illegally across the Channel exchanged one for one with others still in France. Migrants in France will be flown to Britain by the Home Office and handed a visa to live here for up to three months after successfully applying, while their final application is considered. Officials insisted there will be rigorous security checks even though the French will not hand over any personal details on migrants coming here including any criminal records they may hold on them. The first small boat arrivals could be detained as early as tomorrow for possible removal to France. Small boat migrants are brought into Dover last week Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said emerging details of the Anglo-French treaty showed it was a 'bed deal' However, the details of the treaty open up the prospect of human rights lawyers encouraging migrants to lodge spurious claims simply to avoid being earmarked for removal. Under the terms of the agreement the Home Office will confirm after selecting a migrant that at the time of their transfer that person will not have an outstanding human rights claim. Migrants aboard an overloaded dinghy off the French coast last week It also sets out how removals will be blocked if a migrant has outstanding legal challenges or has obtained an injunction from a court which bars their removal. There was confusion over a further clause referring to human rights claims which have been ruled by Home Office caseworkers to be clearly unfounded. Mr Philp said the drafting of the clause showed even clearly unfounded claims would successfully block deportation but the Home Office disputed his reading of the text. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the new deal last month after a Downing Street summit A migrant attempts to board a dinghy off Gravelines beach, near Dunkirk, last week As it was unveiled for the first time less than a month ago, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the deal as groundbreaking and promised small boats migrants would be detained and returned to France in short order. Mr Philp said: This deal is likely to be completely unworkable and will be ruthlessly exploited by human rights lawyers to prevent people being returned to France. Your browser does not support iframes. Even a clearly unfounded human rights claim will stop a return to France while it goes through a lengthy court process. He added: This deal has no numbers in it - presumably because they are so small. Your browser does not support iframes. And the deal says that France will not provide any information at all about those they are sending to the UK - so they could be criminals or terrorists and we wouldnt know. This is a bad deal, which wont work. The treaty confirmed any migrant who claims to be an unaccompanied minor will not be deported. There has been a series of cases in recent years which have seen asylum seekers falsely claim to be under 18. The UK will fund flights from France for migrants selected to come here under the scheme, the treaty went on, as well as paying for migrants to be removed. Your browser does not support iframes. Home Office officials who accompany migrants on removals flights will not be allowed to use physical force in France, prompting questions about their safety aboard the aircraft. Both France and the UK will be able to suspend the deal with just one weeks notice and fully terminate it with one months notice. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has refused to say how many migrants will be returned under the new scheme Separate documents revealed migrants brought to the UK as part of the deal will be barred from working or accessing benefits during the initial three month period, while the Home Office considers whether it will grant a longer visa. It is unclear where the migrants will be housed, however, opening the prospect of them being placed in taxpayer-funded hotels. The number of people accepted from France will have a cap equal to the number of small boat migrants who are sent back under the deal, the documents showed. Manston immigration processing centre near Ramsgate, Kent, which receives migrants from Dover. It will be the location where an initial decision is made on which arrivals will be earmarked for removal to France But the Home Office was unable to confirm the level of the cap. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper repeatedly refused to say how many migrants will be returned under the deal because it 'could help the smuggling gangs'. Last month it was suggested the scheme would see 50 migrants a week sent back to France. At that rate, just 2,200 would be returned before the agreement expires on June 11 next year By comparison, a record 25,436 migrants have reached Britain by small boat since the start of the year, up 49 per cent on the same period last year. Meanwhile, pro-migrant groups have already indicated they are prepared to bring legal challenges against the new policy just as they did against the previous Conservative government's Rwanda asylum deal. Steve Valdez-Symonds of Amnesty International UK said: We anticipate that this deal is likely to face legal challenges from people who quite reasonably will resist being swapped around like mere fodder rather than addressing the claim for asylum they have made. Marjorie Taylor Greene penned a letter urging Donald Trump to pardon disgraced former Congressman George Santos following the release of his emotional letter from behind bars demanding clemency. Santos was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft and reported to jail less than two weeks ago. He was found guilty of fabricating thousands of dollars in campaign finance records during his successful 2022 congressional campaign. Prior to his conviction, a 2023 House Ethics Committee report found that he spent donors' money on Botox treatments, trips to casinos and at high-end luxury retailers. In an emotional letter penned from prison on Monday, Santos said hes facing harsh bathroom conditions in the medium security prison in New Jersey. Santos, 37, claimed that he started to cry after putting on a fluorescent yellow jumpsuit that made me feel like a caution sign in human form. 'The tears came faster than I could stop them,' Santos wrote. 'I didn't care who saw. That reflection, in that moment, made the weight of my decisions, my mistakes, and the road that led me there all too real.' 'The bathroom, though, deserves its own horror novel,' he continued. 'The closest thing I can compare it to is an abandoned gym locker room from a forgotten high school - grim, damp, smelling of mildew and regret.' In a letter to the Justice Department on Monday, Greene urged the administration to ask the president for clemency consideration for Santos. Majorie Taylor Greene penned a letter urging President Donald Trump to pardon her disgraced former Congressional colleague George Santos Recently, Santos penned an emotional letter from prison, claiming hes facing harsh bathroom conditions at Federal Correctional Institution Fairton in New Jersey Trump recently declined to rule out pardoning Santos before noting the disgraced lawmaker did 'lie like hell' The conservative firebrand claimed in her letter that Santos sentence extends far beyond what is warranted. She called his seven-year sentence excessive and noted that other lawmakers who have done far worse still walk free. George Santos has taken responsibility. Hes shown remorse. Its time to correct this injustice. We must demand equal justice under the law! But its curious timing as Greene has fallen out of Trumps tight inner circle and GOP leadership. Earlier this week, the Georgia lawmaker told the Daily Mail that she believes the GOP is abandoning the America first principles of the MAGA base. 'I think the Republican Party has turned its back on America First and the workers and just regular Americans,' she said. Although Greene did reiterate her loyalty to Trump, she has split with the administrations stance on Gaza by calling Israels actions a genocide. MTG also recently demanded the DOJ release all files relating to Jeffrey Epstein. Greenes letter also comes after Trump declined to rule out pardoning Santos during an interview with Newsmax last week. However, the president noted that Santos did lie like hell during his Congressional tenure. BREAKING: I just sent a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney urging President Trump to commute the sentence of former Congressman @MrSantosNY. A 7-year prison sentence for campaign-related charges is excessive, especially when Members of Congress whove done far worse pic.twitter.com/Isj2mxlhsd Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) August 4, 2025 Greene has fallen out of Trumps tight inner circle and GOP leadership. Earlier this week, the Georgia lawmaker told the Daily Mail that she believes the GOP is abandoning the America first principles of the MAGA base Trump went on to praise Santos because his vote was solid for Republicans, while adding, And I didnt know him, but he was 100 percent for Trump. The president concluded that no one has approached him about pardoning the former GOP lawmaker. Santos has previously stated that he asked the White House for clemency consideration. In the past, Trump has provided sweeping pardons and clemency to individuals who have proven to be loyal supporters of his administration. Upon assuming office for his second term, Trump issued pardons for all individuals imprisoned for the Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021. Santos became embroiled in numerous scandals for lying about his education, employment history and personal wealth. After a scathing Ethics Committee report on his campaigns financial abuses, Santos was expelled from Congress in December 2023. He became the sixth lawmaker ever to be expelled from Congress and the only member thrown out without having been convicted of a crime. During this time, Greene was one of the few lawmakers who publicly supported Santos in Congress. Santos was sentenced to 86 months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft The New York Republican was expelled from Congress in December 2023 following an Ethics Committee report concluded he spent donors' money on Botox treatments Meanwhile, Santos dismissed his indictments - and eventual conviction - for money laundering and fraud as a witch hunt. Rescuers are hunting for a UK-based journalist who vanished in bad weather during a solo hike in a remote national park in Norway. Alec Luhn, 38, is an American-born reporter who has worked for several prestigious outlets including the New York Times and the Guardian. He was reported missing on Monday after failing to get on a flight back to the UK from Bergen, a city around 40 miles northwest of Folgefonna National Park, where Luhn was trekking. Local media reported that he was on holiday with his sister in the Nordic nation and decided to go out on a four-day hike on July 31 from an outdoor centre in Ullensvang on the northern edge of the park. The national park is a desolate 136,000 acre park that is home to one of the country's biggest glaciers. A 30-strong volunteer search and rescue team, along with dogs, drones and police were all sent to find him. The operation was earlier suspended, amid bad weather. Tatjana Knappen, an operations manager from Vestland police, said: 'Weather conditions started to get really bad around midnight. It was not reasonable to continue the search up in the mountains.' Local police said the Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network fellow, a specialist in climate reporting, is an experienced mountain walker who was well-equipped. He was last heard from on Thursday afternoon, with his wife, Emmy-winning journalist Veronika Silchenko, telling the New York Times that he had texted her his itinerary. Alec Luhn, 38, (pictured) is an American-born reporter who has worked for several prestigious outlets He was reported missing on Monday after failing to get on a flight back to the UK from Bergen, a city around 40 miles northwest of Folgefonna National Park, where Luhn was trekking (File image of Folgefonna National Park) Local media reported that he was on holiday with his sister in the Nordic nation and decided to go out on a four-day hike She reportedly said she had not expected to hear from him for a few days, owing to the spotting signal in the park. Silchenko added that it wasn't unusual for her husband to go on solo hikes. But she began worrying about him by Sunday, and alerted local authorities after he failed to make it back to his return flight on Monday. She said: 'I just really want him back. I can't sleep or eat properly. It's very hard not to know anything.' Folgefonna National Park is known for being a popular challenge for hikers who fly in from all over the world to conquer the difficult terrain and admire its natural beauty. The climate reporter is no stranger to exotic destinations, having reported from oil fields in Texas, drought-stricken regions of Somalia and a research ship on the North Sea. An organ harvesting organization has faced allegations that it urged doctors to remove body parts from a comatose woman - who went on to make a full recovery after medics insisted she showed signs of life. Danella Gallegos said she feels lucky to be alive after her organs were almost taken by 'pushy' donor bosses when she fell into a coma in 2022. Gallegos, who was 38 at the time, was homeless when she suffered an unspecified medical emergency, and doctors at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico told her family she would never recover. Without any hope, her family agreed to donate her organs and preparations were made with procurement organization New Mexico Donor Services. In her final days, Gallegos' family said they saw tears in her eyes - a sign that they say donation coordinators quickly brushed off, claiming watery eyes were just a reflex. On the day her organs were set to be taken, one of Gallegos' sisters said she was adamant Danella was still sentient because she saw her move while holding her hand. Doctors in a pre-surgery room were left stunned when Gallegos, deep in a coma but still medically alive, was able to blink her eyes on the medic's command. But the organ coordinator in the room told doctors that they should ply the patient with morphine and move ahead anyway, according to a New York Times report. Danella Gallegos said she feels lucky to be alive after her organs were almost taken while she was still alive in 2022 The organ donation industry is facing mounting scrutiny amid allegations that it is rife with mistakes and abuse as hospitals try to keep up with demand for organs (stock image) Gallegos's doctors defied the coordinators, and they brought her out of surgery. The doctors' decision saved her life - as Gallegos went on to make a full recovery. 'I feel so fortunate,' she says, adding that she recalled feeling fear while in her coma but not much else. 'But its also crazy to think how close things came to ending differently.' Hospital workers told the Times that they faced pressure from New Mexico Donor Services to forge ahead despite their doubts, which the organization denied. The organ harvesting organization said that it does not interfere with medical decision making, and stressed that only hospitals are in charge of caring for patients. In response, Presbyterian Hospital said that Donor Services was responsible for all aspects of the donation process. It has launched an investigation into Gallegos's case. 'All they care about is getting organs,' Neva Williams, a veteran intensive care nurse at the hospital, told the Times. 'Theyre so aggressive. Its sickening.' New Mexico Donor Services told Daily Mail that the Times 'refers to a potential organ donation case in New Mexico that did not proceed because continued evaluation of the potential donor noted improvement in the patient's neurologic condition. 'The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) investigated the case and concluded New Mexico Donor Services was "in compliance with all conditions of participation" in its handling of the case. 'This finding, however, was not reported by The New York Times despite the newspaper having received the information. 'New Mexico Donor Services works closely with our hospital partners to provide processes and policies with clear guardrails that define our roles. We have reached out to Presbyterian Hospital and will actively participate in any request to ensure our communication is clear and processes are fully understood by all parties moving forward. Our joint mission is to ensure a seamless process that supports and respects the gift of our donor heroes and their families while saving as many lives as possible through donation.' The harrowing story emerged as mounting scrutiny has fallen on the organ donation industry amid allegations that it is rife with mistakes and abuse. Anthony Hoover was set to be removed from life support and his organs taken in 2021 when he suddenly woke up moments before. He suffered severe neurological injuries, but survived the ordeal Many such stories have emerged as hospitals increasingly turn to a type of organ removal called 'donation after circulatory death', where a patient is not deemed medically deceased but is not likely to ever recover. These surgeries, which require permission from the patient's family, accounted for a third of all organ donations last year in the US, and triple the number from five years earlier. The space of time between when a person is dead and when their organs are viable is short, meaning that the process can be subject to rushed decisions. In Kentucky, a federal investigation this year found that the state's organ procurement organization had ignored signs of increasing consciousness among 73 donors, including a man whose organs were pursued even as he shook his head and pulled his knees up to his chest. 'I think these types of problems are happening much more than we know,' Dr. Wade Smith, a longtime neurologist at the University of California, San Francisco, told the Times. The organ harvesting industry was met with increased federal oversight last year following a shock hearing that included testimony from another near-miss patient, Anthony Hoover. Misty Hawkins, 42, spent weeks in a coma last year before her family decided to donate her organs, and doctors had already sawed into her breastplate when they discovered she was still alive Hoover was set to be removed from life support and his organs taken in 2021 when he suddenly woke up moments before. He suffered severe neurological injuries, but survived the ordeal. His case led Kentucky authorities to put in place new policies to perform regular neurological testing on patients to scan for brain activity, and develop ways for clinicians to pause donations when they can see a patient is improving. While Hoover was saved moments before he was removed from life support, the Times investigation found that another patient, Misty Hawkins, was only found to still be alive after doctors had already sawed into her chest. Hawkins, 42, fell into a coma last year after choking while eating, and spent weeks in hospital before her mother was faced with the decision of taking her off life support. Her mother eventually decided to go ahead and donate her organs, and 103 minutes after Hawkins was taken off life support she was declared dead. A surgeon sawed through her breastbone, only to discover that her heart was still beating and she appeared to be breathing. Hawkins sadly passed a short time after her organ donation surgery was abruptly stopped Hospital staff said that surgeons 'immediately stopped the procedure once they saw that the donors heart was beating', but Hawkins sadly passed away a short time later. Experts said that while organ donation saves thousands of lives every year, the industry is rapidly expanding, meaning procurement organizations continually try and arrange more transplants. The Health and Human Services Department has said in 2020 that the growing demand led it to begin grading procurement organizations based on how many organ donations they get each year. Some now say that this leads procurers to pressure doctors to operate on patients on the line between living and dead. Dr. Robert Cannon, a transplant surgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, told the Times that he believes the industry has morphed into a vulnerable system where doctors are hesitant to speak out through fear that people could stop donating altogether. 'I dont know the scope of the problem. I dont know that anybody does,' he said. 'That's the scary thing.' The former leader of the SNP at Westminster has revealed he is being encouraged to seek a shock return to frontline politics following Kate Forbes' decision to quit. Ian Blackford said he has had calls from supporters urging him to stand in the Deputy First Minister's current constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch at next year's Holyrood elections. He said he will give it 'careful consideration'. He previously opted not to put his name forward to be a candidate and last night said that standing in the election 'is not what I had in mind' prior to Ms Forbes' announcement that she would not seek re-election. Any return could reignite tensions with current SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who successfully ousted him in a coup and is also now seeking to be elected to Holyrood. It will also anger some in the party who were unhappy with his performance in the Commons, including his handling of controversies like the harassment complaint against his former chief whip Patrick Grady. It comes as Ms Forbes refused to rule out making a return to politics in the future and condemned the lack of support for MSPs who are parents. In response to rumours circulating in the Highlands that he is now set to replace her as candidate for the seat, Mr Blackford told the Mail: 'One or two people have approached me and I am grateful that people are thinking about me but I've not given any indication one way or another. 'In all honesty, I hadn't really thought about it, it wasn't what I was planning. Ian Blackford has revealed he has been approached about making a political comeback Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced 'It is not what I had in my mind, it really wasn't. I obviously purposefully didn't put myself forward for the Scottish Parliament a few months ago, so I don't know...' He said he has had 'a number of phone calls' from people trying to encourage him to stand and admitted that he is 'really worried about the economy' across the UK and wants to look at ways to improve it. Mr Blackford said it is 'not an easy call' to make and he 'will have to give it careful consideration'. He previously faced criticism for the way he handled a harassment complaint about Mr Grady from a junior staff member while he was SNP Westminster leader. His campaign team was also accused of hounding the late former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy ahead of the 2015 general election. He stood down as MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber at last year's general election, with the SNP going on to lose the Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire seat which replaced it to Liberal Democrat Angus MacDonald. Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: 'We'd be delighted to have Ian Blackford as an opponent. He's been a controversial figure in the Highlands for many years and we'd relish making the case that the SNP have failed on access to health and the state of the local economy. 'It was poetic to see Charles Kennedy's - and Ian Blackford's - former seat return to the Lib Dems at last year's election but it would have been even sweeter to have defeated a former SNP Westminster leader. 'I have no doubt that the Lib Dems' Andrew Baxter could defeat Ian Blackford if the humble crofter chooses to throw his hat in the ring.' A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: Any return of Ian Blackford to frontline politics would threaten to tear apart the SNP. Key figures would be fighting like Nats in a sack and old wounds would instantly be reopened. If John Swinney and Stephen Flynn had any hair left theyd be ripping it out at the prospect of their former Westminster leader looking to come back and settle some old scores. If he opted to put himself forward, Mr Blackford would need to secure agreement from party HQ and the local constituency as he is not currently an approved and vetted candidate. He said: 'I suppose it depends on how people look at the change in circumstances (caused by Ms Forbes' resignation) if they would want to open things up, I don't know, I couldn't tell you that.' Asked if he would be thinking about it in the coming days, he said: 'Yeah, we'll see. Over the last wee while I've commented on issues of defence, economy and so on, and I'm still a member of the Committee of Standards in Public Life. 'I have an interest in where we are and obviously happy to have an input into our political discourse. Whether this is what I need to do to do that I don't know, in all honesty.' Mr Blackford praised the 'positive contribution' Ms Forbes had made as an MSP and minister and said it was 'sad she had taken the decision for her own reasons that she has to move on'. Meanwhile, Ms Forbes yesterday suggested she could seek a return to politics in the future following her announcement that she would stand down at next year's election. Asked by BBC Good Morning Scotland's presenter Gary Robertson if she could return to politics at some point in the future, she said: 'Maybe Gary, I don't know if you will still be around in 20 years time. We will maybe have a conversation at this point.' She also called for a change in how parents in Holyrood are supported after she announced her decision to stand down because she didn't want to "miss any more of the precious early years of family life". She said children can only be in the parliament creche for three hours a day, and said: 'If you want a diverse representative parliament who can speak for all constituent parts of Scottish society then you want parents in there too. 'If the parents feel they have to leave because of that lack of support then it means that parents outside parliament are less represented.' One of the world's old turtles has shed its tracking device after being freed from its aquarium - and is now heading towards the warm waters of Rio de Janeiro. Jorge, a loggerhead turtle, spent 40 years confined in an aquarium in Mendoza, Argentina, and was finally released into the ocean on April 11. The 60-year-old reptile, which was carrying a tracking device, was expected to swim towards Bahia when it suddenly made an unexpected turn and entered the Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro. Argentine environmental activists monitoring Jorge's movement spotted him in Rio de Janeiro on July 29 before the tracking device stopped emitting a signal. The city of Mendoza released a statement Monday indicating that they would no longer be attempting to reconnect with the popular turtle, which has been monitored for 109 days. 'Jorge traveled between 3,500 and 4,000 kilometers across open sea, moving from his release point to the warm waters of Brazil, in a migratory path considered typical for an adult male of his species,' the city said. 'His navigation skills, appropriate behavior, and adaptation to the natural environment cement this experience as a true milestone in marine conservation.' The device is said to have stopped functioning due to multiple factors, among them being that the battery was no longer serviceable. The connection between Argentine environmental activists and Jorge dates back to 1984 when he was found injured and trapped in a fishing net in the port city of Bahia Blanca. Jorge, a loggerhead turtle that was rescued in Bahia, Argentina in 1984, and spent 40 years confined at an aquarium in Mendoza before it was released into the ocean on April 11 Fishermen in Rio de Janeiro are anticipating the moment they cross paths with Jorge, a 60-year-old turtle, to take photos with him Jorge was transferred to an aquarium in Mendoza, where he was cared for over the years. Activists decided it was time to release him into his own habitat in 2022. Over the following three years, a team of veterinarians, biologists, scientific institutions, NGOs carried out a 'clinical preparation, training, environmental simulations, and intense interdisciplinary work' to ensure that Jorge could survive on his own once again. Dr. Mariela Dassis, a biologist with Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council, was tasked with monitoring the turtle's transition. 'Jorge managed to orient himself, move toward warm waters, and display expected patterns,' Dr. Dassis said in the statement. 'Everything indicates that he performed a typical migration for his species. His reintegration was a true success.' The bond between Argentine environmental activists and Jorge dates back to 1984 when he was found injured and trapped in a fishing net in the port city of Bahia Blanca A team of veterinarians, biologists, scientific institutions, NGOs carried out a 'clinical preparation, training, environmental simulations, and intense interdisciplinary work' to ensure that Jorge could survive on his own once again Dr. Dassis knew it was only a matter of time before the tracking device would no longer provide Jorge's location. 'The information we've obtained over these more than 100 days is of enormous scientific value and reinforces the importance of investing in these processes,' she said. Jose Roberto Santos, a Rio de Janeiro fisherman, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that Jorge became the talk of the seas. 'Everyone wants to take a picture of Jorge,' he joked. 'Sometimes they even forget to fish just to see if they can find him.' A recent remark from a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives has caught fire prompting shocking comments from some of her congressional colleagues. Democratic Congresswoman Delia Ramirez stated during a press conference in Mexico over the weekend, 'I'm a proud Guatemalan before I'm an American.' That comment sparked ire from several Republicans in the MAGA wing of the party, as President Donald Trump pushes his 'American First' vision. Tennessee Republican Representative Andy Ogles wrote on X 'Denaturalize, deport, and kick her off Homeland Committee. We know where her allegiances lie.' The Department of Homeland Security's official X account responded to the video by posting a Theodore Roosevelt quote about American allegiance and condemning divided loyalties. Conservative commentator Rogan O'Handley, who posts under the handle @DC_Draino on X wrote: 'this is why we must abolish birthright citizenship.' O'Handley also added that 'she must be stripped of her citizenship and deported along with her entire illegal alien family.' Another Trump aligned X account, Veterans for America First posting on X under @VFAFWarroom noted that Ramirez's 'statement alone shows where her loyalty lies. She needs to be expelled from Congress and Deported!' Ramirez is not the only member of the Congress to have her allegiances to America questioned in a high profile manner. Delia Ramirez in the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., on Monday, November 14, 2022 Rep. Andy Ogles speaks at a press conference at the Tennessee State Capitol Building in Nashville, TN on May 26, 2025 Fellow Democrat Ilhan Omar, a Somalian-born member of the progressive 'Squad,' was removed from the House Foreign Affairs committee in 2023 after her objectivity was questioned. Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Gill circulated a fundraising email earlier this year titled 'Petition: Deport Ilhan Omar,' calling for supporters to sign a petition for Omar to be deported to Somalia. It read, 'we should have never let Ilhan Omar into our country.' The Republican push to implement Trump's immigration agenda has forced some wild responses from Democrats during the last few months. Vermont Democrat Becca Balint landed in hot water earlier this summer after making derogatory remarks about migrants while attempting to make a case for why immigration in the United States shouldn't be restricted. Balint made the remarks during a constituent town hall in Newport, Vermont, that took place on May 28. 'If we don't have avenues for people to come here legally to work or to build a home here we're not going to have anybody around to wipe our a**es because we don't have enough people,' Balint said at the time. On the other coast, California Senator Alex Padilla got himself thrown out of a press conference held by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in LA earlier back in June. The spectacle occurred after he reportedly did not identify himself as a member of Congress during the event, and lunged towards the front of the room where Noem was speaking. Padilla was forcefully removed and handcuffed by officers as he tried to question Noem about immigration raids. Europe's first driverless train has made its debut journey - carrying passengers some 1,000 miles with the help of satellites and lasers. The vehicle, named Edita, ran along a rail line in an open environment linking two northern Czech towns, its developer confirmed on Tuesday. It had been operating since April on a local railway used as a testing track by the Prague-based private AZD company producing transport control and signalling systems. AZD's railway developer Michal Novak said: 'The train runs autonomously, it is equipped with systems that enable us to control its traction, brakes, and speed. 'It is also equipped with a device that detects objects and recognises... obstacles and reacts accordingly.' AZD has been running the train sparingly since its launch as its staff often test new equipment on it. Edita connects two small towns on a 15-mile track that was abandoned in 2010 before AZD bought it six years later. The company has invested 320 million Czech koruna (11.3million) in the project, using EU funding for about one-third of the amount. A driverless train of the AZD company named Edita takes passengers for a ride near Kopidlno, northern Czech Republic on August 5, 2025 The empty driver's compartment of a driverless train - the vehicle ran along a rail line in an open environment linking two northern Czech towns, its developer confirmed today A passenger (R) talks with the train conductor on board a driverless train. The vehicle has so far driven some 1,000 miles The autonomous train, which has so far driven some 1,060 miles with passengers, relies on cameras, lasers, satellite navigation and an integrated digital map for information on its whereabouts. Under the current legislation, it still needs a driver to at least supervise its operation. The early Tuesday train's crew also included a conductor and experts checking data. When a hare ran onto the track, Edita duly slowed down and informed the crew about the obstacle. Novak said the train once had to stop because of a herd of sheep in the way, but he added incidents like this were rare. He said Edita was the first driverless train in Europe in an open environment with level crossings and where animals might get in the way. 'There are systems where autonomous vehicles operate, but these are mostly on special tracks that are closed off... such as underground or transfers between airport terminals,' he said. 'These have been in place for quite some time and work well in Europe, but I only know of one project in Australia that operates in such an open landscape,' added Novak. When a hare ran onto the track, Edita duly slowed down and informed the crew about the obstacle, its developers said An employee the AZD company assesses train data inside Europe's first driverless train Edita is said to be the first driverless train in Europe in an open environment with level crossings and where animals might get in the way Watching the track ahead of the train on a screen in the carriage, passenger Radka Globanova insisted autonomous trains 'definitely have a future'. 'I think the progress will be really fast as artificial intelligence is being developed. There are autonomous trains, autonomous cars, why not?' Thousands of Queensland state school teachers will walk off the job on Wednesday in the first strike action for 15 years on Wednesday - despite many earning more than $100k a year. Last week, Queensland Teachers Union members voted for a 24-hour strike after rejecting a state government offer of pay rises of 3.0 per cent, 2.5 per cent and further 2.5 per cent over three years. Almost 600,000 students across Queensland will be affected. State schools will remain open to offer supervision of children for those parents unable to make alternative care arrangements. The base salary in Queensland state schools for a permanent or temporary beginning teacher with a four-year degree, is $84,078 per year. A senior teacher earns $116,729, while an experienced senior teacher can make up to $123,105. A highly accomplished teacher earns $130,770, a lead teacher receives $142,766, and a department head earns $141,088 per year. Queensland state school teachers get around 13 weeks of annual leave, in line with student holidays, including a six-week summer break and three two-week mid-term breaks. Thousands of Queensland state schools will be staffed with minimal supervision on Wednesday Parents have been urged to keep their children at home or make alternative arrangements Up to 50,000 teachers will walk off the job on Wednesday to fight for better pay and conditions While they are not required to work during the holidays, about 5-6 weeks are paid leave, made up of 20 days of annual leave and additional vacation entitlements (28 days total, or 33 in remote schools). The union said its almost 50,000 members had voted to take industrial action for the first time since 2009, after 17 meetings between the union and the government failed to break the pay deadlock. Dozens of rallies will be held across the state, including Brisbane's Southbank Convention Centre, where teachers will converge and march to state parliament. The strike action is part of a campaign for safer classrooms and solutions to the teacher shortage, the union says. 'Together, teachers and school leaders will write a new chapter in Queensland's history books and remind the government just how valuable we are to education in our state schools,' the Queensland Teachers' Union said on Instagram. Queensland Council of Unions urged parents to support the strike action. 'If you're able, keep your kids home and stand with teachers in their fight for the future of education,' it said. 'Queensland students deserve the very best teachers, and that means fair salaries, safe workplaces, and support that matches the scale of the challenges in our schools.' It wasn't a full-fledged endorsement, but President Donald Trump gave the clearest indication yet on who he considered to be his heir. During an executive order signing Tuesday in the South Court Auditorium, the president was asked about comments made Saturday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called Vice President J.D. Vance a 'great nominee' for the Republican Party. 'You could clear the entire Republican field right now,' Trump was told by Fox News' Peter Doocy. 'Do you agree that the heir-apparent to MAGA is J.D. Vance?' the president was asked. Vance had appeared alongside Trump at the event - an executive order signing to create a 2028 Los Angeles Olympics task force - but had stepped offstage when the query was asked. 'Well, I think most likely,' Trump answered. 'In all fairness, he's the vice president. I think Marco is also somebody that maybe would get together with J.D. in some form.' Rubio, 54, had run for president before, he was one of Trump's many rivals during the 2016 GOP primary. Vance, at just 41, would count among the youngest presidents in history, if he were elected in three years. 'I also think we have incredible people, some of the people on the stage right here,' Trump also said. President Donald Trump was asked Tuesday about his 'heir-apparent.' He said it was 'most likely' Vice President J.D. Vance Trump also suggested that 41-year-old Vice President J.D. Vance (left) could team up with Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right). Rubio ran for president during the 2016 cycle The Olympics task force is made up of a number of Cabinet heads, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was among those Trump considered last year to be his new VP. The former South Dakota governor's name has long been thrown around as a potential presidential contender. Attorney General Pam Bondi was also on hand. Trump is limited to serving only two terms by the U.S. Constitution. During an appearance Tuesday morning on CNBC's Squawk Box, the 78-year-old president said he would 'probably not' run for a third term. 'I'd like to run,' Trump said. 'I have the best poll numbers I've ever had,' he added. In order for Trump to run again, the Constitution would have to be amended and the 22nd Amendment would have to be scrapped. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (second from left) had been considered for VP by President Donald Trump (bottom left) last year. Attorney General Pam Bondi (center) was also on hand One Trump-aligned GOP lawmaker pitched changing the amendment, so a president could run for a third term if they had served non-consecutive terms. Historically, only Trump and President Grover Cleveland have fit this bill. That would allow Trump to run for a third term, but not Democratic President Barack Obama, who's only 64 years old. During his Q&A with reporters, Trump suggested it was too early to be talking 2028. 'So it's too early obviously to talk about it but certainly he's doing a great job and he would be probably favored at this point,' Trump said of Vance. The former UK ambassador to the US has delivered a scathing rebuke of Donald Trump, accusing him of acting like a medieval king. Lord Darroch said the President had turned the Oval Office into a reality TV set. The former diplomat was forced to quit his role in 2019 during Mr Trumps first term after leaked briefings showed him describing the Presidents government as dysfunctional, inept and divided. Speaking to broadcaster Iain Dale at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Lord Darroch defended the letter, which he said was a result of then-prime minister David Cameron urging him to be honest and direct. He told the audience that his comments were borne out by Mr Trumps actions as president. The former ambassador said Mr Trump was ultimately an unpredictable leader as he cited the numerous firings of top officials by the President, the various changes to his tariff policies and the recent move to place nuclear submarines near Russia. Hes sort of like a medieval king - that sort of capricious decision-making - than he is like a modern politician where consistency is seen as important, he said. He doesnt think thats important at all. He thinks that every day is a fresh day. Youre basically battling with media. The former UK ambassador to the US has delivered a scathing rebuke of Donald Trump , accusing him of acting like a medieval king President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 6, 2025 Youre battling with your opponents. If it suits you today to reverse something you did last week, just do it. If you look at tariffs, thats a perfect example of unpredictability of capriciousness. Lord Darroch suggested that Mr Trumps style stemmed from his time on the US version of The Apprentice. Donald Trump was made by reality TV, he said, describing him as the American version of Alan Sugar. He added: He learned a lot about how to present himself from reality TV. I think hes now literally turned the Oval Office into a reality TV set. During his discussion with Mr Dale, the former diplomat praised the Prime Ministers handling of foreign policy, including his relationship with the US President. He told the broadcaster: So far, against a lot of predictions, Keir Starmer has proved himself really quite an adept Trump whisperer. Lord Darroch (pictured) said the President had turned the Oval Office into a reality TV set (file image) Hes done some clever things, including phoning Trump up after the assassination attempt - that was a clever thing to do, going to see him to sort of kiss the ring before the election. The peer said the Labour leader had been better on foreign policy than domestic policy, but warned the PM there were not many votes in foreign policy. Asked about defence, Lord Darroch suggested the UK would not be able to cope with a Russian invasion, although he said the chances of that were low. The truth is I dont think we are close, he said. I do think its less distant than it was five years ago. I do think the important point really is that we are woefully underprepared. Lord Darroch has been outspoken in his criticism of Mr Trump since he was forced to quit his stateside role. Mr Trump had criticised him as as a stupid guy and a pompous fool. Prince Harry last night walked away from his African youth charity following a damning report into an explosive race row. A Charity Commission investigation criticised both sides of the acrimonious boardroom battle yet the war of words between the two showed no sign of abating. The probe said it could find 'no evidence' of 'widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir' at Sentebale after its new chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, made a series of incendiary allegations about the behaviour of the Duke of Sussex and his fellow trustees. And it criticised the trustees, including Harry, who resigned en masse in the spring, after the furore blew up in the public domain. Their failure to resolve disputes internally, 'severely impacted the charity's reputation and risked undermining public trust in charities more generally,' the Charity Commission found. In March, Harry resigned as patron of Sentebale, the charity he founded in 2006, going on to say he expected the investigation to 'unveil the truth' while hoping the charity would be 'put in the right hands', suggesting there may have been a path back for him. Sentebale was set up to help orphans with Aids in the impoverished kingdom of Lesotho in memory of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. The name means 'forget me not' in the country's official language. Under fire: The Charity Commission criticised Prince Harry and Sentebale's trustees, as well as chair Dr Sophie Chandauka, for their failure to resolve their dispute internally Prince Harry last night walked away from his African youth charity following a damning report into an explosive race row Sentebale was set up to help orphans with Aids in the impoverished kingdom of Lesotho in memory of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Pictured: Harry in 2014 Last night, he made clear he had no intention of returning, with a spokesman saying: 'With the original mission of Sentebale firmly in mind - and in honour of the legacy he and Prince Seeiso [of Lesotho] began - The Duke of Sussex will now focus on finding new ways to continue supporting the children of Lesotho and Botswana.' The watchdog acknowledged the 'strong perception of ill treatment' felt by all parties, including Dr Chandauka, and the impact this may have had on them personally. They ultimately found that a series of failures leading up to, and following, the dispute had led to 'mismanagement in the administration of the charity'. But, despite the Commission urging both sides in the dispute to take a step back from playing out their problems 'in the public eye', it is clear that both sides remain deeply entrenched. In a further escalation of the war of words, a spokesman for the prince said it was 'unsurprising' that the report makes no findings of wrongdoing in relation to himself, or evidence of bullying or racism. The statement also hit out at the Charity Commission itself whose report he claimed fell 'troublingly short in many regards'. In her statement, Dr Chandauka emphasised that it was she who first privately raised concerns about the charity's governance with the Commission in February this year. It was only after she did this, she stressed, that 'those who resigned' in March launched an 'unexpected and adverse media campaign' that had gone on to cause 'incalculable damage' to the charity's work. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho quit as patrons of the charity they had founded in solidarity with trustees who said they could not carry on under Dr Chandauka Dr Chandauka stands by her belief that the adverse publicity surrounding the row had gone on to cause 'incalculable damage' to the charity's work Tellingly, she added that the campaign subsequently publicly waged against her 'offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviours displayed in private'. Talking of the 'intense' and difficult process, she added: 'We are emerging not just grateful to have survived but stronger....with our dignity intact.' The row first exploded publicly in March when The Times newspaper was briefed about Harry's decision to resign from his role along with his co-founder Prince Seeiso and fellow trustees, many of whom were close personal friends and associates of the royal, amid a row with Dr Chandauka about the governance and future of Sentebale. He said his decision was 'devastating' and 'unthinkable' but described her leadership as 'untenable'. Dr Chandauka hit back, claiming the charity was beset by 'misogynoir' - misogyny against black women - and accusing the duke of 'bullying at scale' because she wanted to base the charity's operations and governance more fully in Africa and look for new sources of revenue other than Harry's favoured polo matches. She said scathingly: '...beneath all the victim narrative and fiction that has been syndicated to press is the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir and the cover-up that ensued. I could be anyone.' She also called the Sussexes' brand 'toxic' and said the prince's ability to attract funding for Sentebale had been detrimentally affected by the way he had quit royal duties. Dr Chandauka also lifted the lid on a peculiar incident at a fundraising polo match in April 2024, when Harry and Meghan turned up with a Netflix camera crew in tow, and the duchess was publicly crucified for apparently wanting to hog the limelight. Dr Chandauka, pictured with the Sussexes at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge last April, alleged she was asked to defend Meghan after she was publicly crucified The Charity Commission has criticised both sides for the 'damaging internal dispute'. Pictured: Dr Chandauka with Prince Harry last October She alleged that Harry asked her to make a statement in defence of his wife and when she refused, saying it was important that Sentebale wasn't seen as an 'extension of the Sussexes', she claimed she received an 'extraordinary, unpleasant and imperious' text message from the prince which further soured their relationship. Following a lengthy investigation into the complaints from both sides, the Charity Commission said last night that it had issued the charity with a 'Regulatory Action Plan' to address 'governance weaknesses' after a 'damaging internal dispute emerged' between Dr Chandauka, the Duke of Sussex and other trustees. The Commission emphasised that its role had been limited to determining whether the charity's current and former trustees, including its chair, have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities under charity law. It is not its responsibility to adjudicate or mediate internal disputes in charities, it stressed. However the Commission also simultaneously admitted that it cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying. The Commission, it said, had identified a lack of clarity around role descriptions and internal policies as the primary cause for weaknesses in the charity's management. It found that this confusion exacerbated tensions, which culminated in a dispute and multiple resignations of trustees and both founding patrons. The Commission found that delegation of certain powers to the chair was 'confusing and poorly governed', but that trustees also failed to have proper processes and policies in place in investigate internal complaints. Dr Chandauka had claimed the charity was beset by 'misogynoir' - misogyny against black women - and accused the duke of 'bullying at scale' because she wanted to base the charity's operations and governance more fully in Africa It added that the fact the ensuing row played out in the media, including explosive television interviews, were not in the charity's best interests. The Commission also found there was a 'missed opportunity; to resolve the issues, which was contributed to by financial difficulties following the Covid pandemic, which contributed to tensions. It added that more robust policies around the position and remit of patrons needed to be put in place. The Commission added: 'The regulator has criticised all parties to the dispute for allowing it [the dispute] to play out publicly, and further concluded that the then trustees' failure to resolve disputes internally severely impacted the charity's reputation and risked undermining public trust in charities more generally. 'We hope our public statement will draw a line in the sand and that the focus can now be on allowing the charity's work to continue. David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, added: 'Passion for a cause is the bedrock of volunteering and charity, delivering positive impact for millions of people here at home and abroad every day. 'However, in the rare cases when things go wrong, it is often because that very passion has become a weakness rather than a strength. 'Sentebale's problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity's reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardising the charity's ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve. At the time of his resignation, Prince Harry said his decision was 'devastating' and 'unthinkable' but described Dr Chandauka's leadership as 'untenable' 'This case highlights what can happen when there are gaps in governance and policies critical to charities' ability to deliver for their cause.' Sentebale said it welcomed the announcement and confirmation that the charity has correctly appointed new trustees to take the charity forward. It added that it wished to thank the Charity Commission for the thorough way in which it conducted the review, including 'its responsiveness to the governance concerns that were first privately raised with the Charity Commission in February 2025 through its whistleblowing procedure'. 'With these strong foundations now in place, Sentebale can move forward with confidence - free from interference, committed to continuous improvement, and focused on delivering solutions addressing health, wealth and climate resilience for children and young people in Southern Africa,' it added. The US has agreed a deal to deport hundreds of illegal migrants to Rwanda. Washington has already sent an initial list of ten people to be vetted as part of President Donald Trumps bid to tackle illegal immigration. Under the terms of the deal, Rwanda will accept up to 250 migrants in exchange for payment in an agreement similar to that brokered by Boris Johnson. When he was prime minister, Mr Johnson agreed a deal with Kigali under which anyone who entered Britain illegally would be sent to Rwanda. But due to legal challenges, no migrants had been successfully deported by the time Keir Starmer won the election last year. Sir Keirs first act as the incoming Labour PM was to scrap the scheme. Since then, small-boat arrivals have increased dramatically. As of July 30, more than 25,000 people had crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025 a figure about 50 per cent higher than it was at the same point in 2024. Mr Johnson said that Sir Keir had scrapped the scheme out of Left-wing spite and should reinstate it. Under the terms of the deal, Rwanda will accept up to 250 migrants in exchange for payment in an agreement similar to that brokered by Boris Johnson (file image) Migrants aboard an overloaded dinghy off the coast of Gravelines, northern France, last week He told the Daily Mail: Here is proof, if ever it were needed, that Starmer was very sadly misguided in abandoning the Rwanda scheme. It would certainly have worked and it would have scuppered the cross-Channel gangs. It is heartbreaking to see other countries now taking advantage yet again of ideas pioneered by Britain. Starmer scrapped Rwanda purely out of Left-wing spite and he should restore it as soon as possible. The White House has not yet commented. But commenting on the deal yesterday, Kigali said that it would accept migrants under certain conditions and rehome them. Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation, said Rwandan government spokesman Yolande Makolo. Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Rwanda's government spokesperson Yolande Makolo addresses a news conference on the transfer of asylum seekers from Britain ahead of their arrival in Kigali, Rwanda June 14, 2022 President Donald Trump listens as Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe speaks during a event with Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, June 27, 2025, in the Oval Office Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade. In June, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to deport migrants to third countries, though there are continuing lawsuits. The President has vowed to deport millions of illegal immigrants to third countries. Mr Trump has already struck similar deals with South Sudan and Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland. In March, he deported more than 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members to El Salvador. President Donald Trump expanded on his proposal for a federal takeover of Washington, D.C., saying he will stop violent crime in the city by young 'thugs.' The president said that a young man who was working for DOGE was 'very badly hurt' and 'beat up by a bunch of thugs in D.C.' The identity of the 19-year-old young man involved in the reported incident is Edward Coristine, famously nicknamed 'Big Balls' by his peers. 'My friend Big Balls is a hero,' wrote Coristine's friend Marko Elez on X, who said he 'took this photo after Edward protected a young woman from an attempted carjacking by 8 thugs near Dupont Circle.' 'Violence like this in the heart of DC is completely unacceptable,' Elez concluded. 'Big Balls' was part of the group of brilliant youngsters working into the night, sleeping on office couches and surviving on pizza and Red Bull as part of Musk's original DOGE crew. Trump appeared furious by the news. 'Either they are going to straighten their act out in terms of government and in terms of protection or we're going to have to federalize and run it the way it's supposed to be run,' he said. Earlier Tuesday, the president posted his thoughts on the matter on social media, describing crime in Washington, D.C., as 'totally out of control,' especially among 'youths,' who were just 14, 15 and 16 years old. U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions from reporters about his desire to takeover Washington, DC President Trump posted a photo of a man who was allegedly beat up by several people in Washington, DC Edward Coristine aka Big Balls used to work for Elon Musk He said that young people were 'randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens' because they knew they would get released as minors. 'They are not afraid of Law Enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it's going to happen now!' Trump said. The president posted an image of the young DOGE employee who was allegedly beaten, with blood streaming down his face. Further details of the alleged attack were not available as the U.S. attorney's office in Washington, D.C., declined to share specific details about the incident. 'No one who lives in, works in, or visits DC should experience this, it is horrific and disturbing. I cannot comment on specific cases, but know that when MPD brings us cases with sufficient evidence of juveniles who have broken the law and hurt people, we will prosecute them and ensure they face consequences for their actions,' Attorney General Brian Schwalb said in a statement to the Daily Mail. Trump urged officials to change the laws to prosecute violent teenage criminals to prosecute minors as adults. 'Washington, D.C., must be safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the World to see,' he wrote. 'If D.C. doesn't get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City.' Elon Musk also expressed his concerns about the incident on social media, claiming that a gang of about a dozen young men tried to assault a woman in her car. The roundtable discussion with Fox News' Jesse Watters comes as Musk leaves the White House Coristine, nicknamed 'Big Balls' by his peers spoke to Fox News in an interview about his efforts to cut fraud and waste in government Edward Coristine, the most baby-faced of Elon Musk 's baby-faced nerds waging war on the public service 'A Doge team member saw what was happening, ran to defend her and was severely beaten to the point of concussion, but he saved her,' Musk wrote. 'It is time to federalize DC.' Earlier in the day, Jeanine Pirro, Trump's new United States attorney for the District of Columbia also vowed to get tough on crime in a video posted from the White House. 'Our job is to get guns off the street, drugs off the street, and take care of those individuals that are threatening and carjacking other people, and that's just what we're going to do,' she said. 'If you don't buy into it, you're going to have to deal with us.' Four people were killed when a medical transport plane crashed in northeastern Arizona on Tuesday. The plane, operated by CSI Aviation of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was en route to pickup a patient from a hospital when it crashed and caught fire near Chinle Airport at around 12.40pm. The Navajo Police Department Chinle District, Navajo EMS and Navajo Nation Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the scene, and all four people on board were pronounced dead. The victims have not yet been identified, but their next of kin have been notified about their untimely passing. In the meantime, all access to the Chinle Airport is closed as the investigation continues. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration is also en route to probe what may have caused the fatal collision. A medical transport plane en route to pick up a patient crashed in northeastern Arizona on Tuesday The Navajo Police Department Chinle District, Navajo EMS and Navajo Nation Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the scene 'This is a tragic loss to the families of those onboard and to the medical air and first responder community,' the Navajo Police Department said in a statement. 'We extend our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones during this time.' This is a breaking news story and will be updated. They're some of the most awe-inspiring creatures in the animal kingdom. But if these spiders weren't already extraordinary enough, scientists have just discovered they boast another impressive feature. Four new species of tarantula have been identified in the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa - and they've evolved the longest genitalia of their kind. Rather than a display of dominance, experts believe their record-breaking appendages have developed to help them avoid being killed by females during mating. 'Based on both morphological and molecular data, they are so distinct from their closest relatives that we had to establish an entirely new genus to classify them, and we named it Satyrex,' said Dr Alireza Zamani of the University of Turku, who led the study. This name is a combination of two words - 'Satyr', which is a part-man, part-beast figure from Greek mythology with exceptionally large genitalia, and the Latin word 'rex' which means king. 'The males of these spiders have the longest palps among all known tarantulas,' Dr. Zamani said. Palps - which look like two legs at the front of the body, near the face - are the specialized appendages used by male spiders to transfer sperm during mating. A male Satyrex ferox pictured in Oman. Experts said the males of these spiders have the longest palps among all known tarantulas A female Satyrex ferox. Scientists believe the males have developed such long palps to help protect them during sex with the highly aggressive female The length of the male palps from different species. Figure C shows the palps belonging to Satyrex ferox Satyrex ferox, the largest of the four new species, has a legspan of about 14 cm (5.5 inches) and a male's palp can reach a length of 5 cm (2 inches). This makes it almost as long as its longest legs, the researchers said. 'This species is highly defensive', Dr Zamani added. 'At the slightest disturbance, it raises its front legs in a threat posture and produces a loud hissing sound by rubbing specialized hairs on the basal segments of the front legs against each other. 'We have tentatively suggested that the long palps might allow the male to keep a safer distance during mating and help him avoid being attacked and devoured by the highly aggressive female.' The name ferox, therefore, was chosen because it means 'fierce'. As for the others in the group, the researchers named S. arabicus and S. somalicus after their respective regions of origin. Meanwhile S. speciosus gets its name from its bright and beautiful coloration. A Satyrex arabicus male, from Saurdi Arabia. This species, which also has long palps, was named after its region of origin The Satyrex speciosus, from Somaliland, gets its name from its 'bright and beautiful' colouration Satyrex ferox's habitat in Oman. The four new species have been identified in the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa The new genus also includes an older species, S. longimanus, originally discovered in Yemen in 1903 and previously placed in a different genus. All members of the new genus are fossorial, which means they live underground. They can mostly be found in burrows at the base of shrubs or between rocks. The study, published in the journal ZooKeys, is called 'Size matters: a new genus of tarantula with the longest male palps'. Last week, Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula was hit by a magnitude 8.8 earthquake the sixthlargest ever recorded. The tremor released enormous amounts of destructive energy, triggering tsunami warnings as far away as Chile and the western United States. But when the activity had subsided, scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences were baffled to find that the peninsula had actually moved away from the mainland. In some places towards the peninsula's southern tip, the landmass had drifted as much as 6.5ft (two metres) to the southeast. That is similar to the movement caused by Japan's 9magnitude Tohoku earthquake in 2011 the fifthlargest earthquake ever recorded. In a post on Telegram, the Russian Academy of Sciences wrote: 'We made a preliminary calculation based on the results of geodynamic observations. 'It turned out that we all went quite well to the southeast. 'The maximum coseismic displacements after the earthquake of July 30 were observed in the southern part of the peninsula.' Scientists have been baffled to discover that the entire Kamchatka Peninsula shifted up to two metres southeast following a massive earthquake At 11:25 local time on July 30, Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula was hit by a magnitude 8.8 earthquake, the sixthlargest ever recorded Earthquakes occur along Earth's faultlines - points where the tectonic plates meet and move past one another. On average, the tectonic plates only move about 0.6 inches (1.5 centimetres) per year, but that movement isn't even and steady. In places like the Kamchatka Peninsula, where the Eurasian and Pacific plates meet, the plates become caught and lock against one another. When this happens, huge amounts of pressure are built up in the rocks along the faultline, which is ultimately released in the form of an earthquake. Scientists call this process elastic rebound, and it explains why landmasses move so quickly during periods of intense seismic activity. As the tectonic plates release pressure in the form of an earthquake, the two plates can slip past each other and often move several metres at a time. This process can actually continue for days or even weeks following the initial earthquake as the plates settle and adjust their positions. In the Kamchatka Peninsula earthquake last Wednesday, the release of such a large amount of builtup pressure allowed the entire peninsula to move up to 6.5 feet southeast. The earthquake released enormous amounts of energy, which triggered tsunamis that swept the nearby area (pictured), and led to tsunami warnings as far away as Chile and the western United States This process also explains why large earthquakes rarely arrive as isolated incidents but, rather, as sequences. The Kamchatka earthquake followed a 10day sequence made up of 50 magnitude 5.0 or larger earthquakes, including three magnitude 6.6 tremors and a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on July 20. Similarly, large earthquakes are almost always followed by aftershocks smaller earthquakes which follow in the wake of the main event. Professor David Tappin, lead tsunami expert at the British Geological Survey, told Daily Mail: 'They result from the sudden change in stress within and between rocks after the principal earthquake, as the displaced crust adjusts to the effects of the main shock. 'Aftershocks can happen in the days, months, or even years after the initial earthquake and are typically smaller than the main shock.' According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Kamchatka earthquake has already been followed by magnitude 6.9 and 6.2 aftershocks. The USGS says that the sequence remains active and that more aftershocks remain likely. The USGS predicts there is a 47 per cent chance of there being at least one magnitude 7.0 or larger earthquake in the month following the Kamchatka earthquake. The sudden shift is due to the tectonic plates that meet at the Kamchatka Peninsula suddenly slipping past each other during the earthquake These slips mean the aftershocks remain likely. This graph shows the likelihood that at least one earthquake of a given magnitude will occur within a month of last week's activity Within a year, there is a 13 per cent chance that the region will be hit by a magnitude 8.0 or larger event. Scientists believe that the flurry of activity following the initial earthquake has now also triggered two volcanic eruptions in the region. The Kamchatka Peninsula is situated directly above the Ring of Fire, a 25,000mile chain of volcanoes that stretches around the Pacific Ocean. The Ring of Fire is home to over 425 active volcanoes, including 22 within the peninsula itself. Just hours after the earthquake, Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the largest volcano in the region, exploded with a stream of lava and ash. On August 3, the Krasheninnikov Volcano then became the second volcano to suddenly erupt following the earthquake. As it erupted for the first time in over 500 years, the volcano sent a plume of ash 3.7 miles (6 km) into the sky. Scientists believe that these eruptions were triggered by the earthquake, which opened new faults in the rock and allowed more magma to escape towards the surface. Scientists believe that the movement of the tectonic plates has also caused two eruptions in the peninsula. The Klyuchevskoy volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, erupted within hours of the earthquake (pictured) On August 3, the Krasheninnikov Volcano (pictured) then became the second volcano to suddenly erupt following the earthquake Those changes in structural integrity and pressure may have pushed Klyuchevskaya Sopka and Krasheninnikov into erupting. This has sparked concerns that Russia's recent earthquakes could trigger a wave of devastating volcanic eruptions along the Ring of Fire. However, earthquakes will only trigger eruptions in volcanoes which are close to eruption. That means scientists do not expect to see significantly increased rates of volcanic activity along the geological fault. Steven Spielberg will forever be known as the great catalyst for what has become a rapidly expanding and controversial super-luxury marketplace. The US movie moguls 1993 film, Jurassic Park, and the ensuing franchise sparked a worldwide interest in dinosaurs and led to a surge in fossil trade. And its continued ever since. Lets say youve got a private jet and helicopter, a yacht with full crew moored in the south of France, an original Picasso line drawing... how about a 125 million-year-old skeleton of a dinosaur as the centrepiece for your marble hall? Last month, one such skeleton fetched more than $30million in a bidding frenzy at Sothebys in New York. The mounted young Ceratosaurus nasicornis from the Kimmeridgian period some 150 million years ago had a pre-auction estimate of $4million to $6million, in part because it is one of only four known skeletons of the species and the only juvenile. It resembles the Tyrannosaurus rex but is smaller. Bidding started with an offer of $6million, then took off until the official sale price reached $30.5million, thanks to an anonymous buyer. There were sharp intakes of breath and those in the room applauded after the auctioneers hammer came down but not everyone was happy. For Steve Brusatte, a professor of palaeontology and evolution at the University of Edinburgh, the price tag is shocking. Who has that kind of money to spend on a dinosaur? Certainly not any museums or educational institutions, he says. While Im pleased that the buyer might loan the skeleton to a museum, at this point it is just a vague suggestion. My fear is that it will disappear into the ether, into the mansion of an oligarch or a bank vault to accumulate value as just another investment in the portfolio of a hedge fund. Warming to his theme, Mr Brusatte, an American who specialises in the anatomy and evolution of dinosaurs, says: I worry about the longer-term negative repercussions for museums and fossil collecting. This fossil had been on display in a private museum that was experiencing a budget crunch, and they decided to sell it. Will this now become a strategy when museums are trying to balance the books and they just sell their dinosaurs to millionaires? Steve Brusatte, a professor of palaeontology and evolution at the University of Edinburgh, said he fears the dinosaur skeleton sold at auction 'will disappear into the ether' Steven Spielberg's film Jurassic Park sparked a worldwide interest in dinosaurs and led to a surge in fossil trade The juvenile Ceratosaurus nasicornis sold at Sotheby's Natural History auction in New York in July Mr Brusatte believes that a world where dinosaur skeletons can fetch tens of millions of dollars within a few minutes at auction is a world that doesnt understand the value of education and research. Its a victory for the trophy culture. These amazing skeletons will become playthings for the uber-wealthy, and in many ways, they already are, says Mr Brusatte. He has a point. Last July, a dinosaur fossil named Apex made headlines when it was sold for $44.6million at Sothebys, making it the most valuable ever sold at auction. The 150 million-year-old stegosaurus measures 11 feet tall and nearly 27 feet long from nose to tail and is a nearly complete skeleton with 254 fossil bones. And who was the buyer? None other than the billionaire investor Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of giant hedge fund Citadel. But, much to the relief of the worldwide paleontological community, Griffin did the honourable thing and handed it over to the American Museum of Natural History for the next four years so it can be studied and made available for public viewing. Then, theres the celebrity factor, which in the case of Oscar-winning actor, Nicolas Cage, came back to bite him. He paid 185,000 for a Tyrannosaurus bataar skull (a cousin of the T. rex) in 2007 after outbidding fellow thespian, Leonardo DiCaprio, while Russell Crowe, another well-known fossil collector, watched from the sidelines. Although Cage bought the skull from a Beverly Hills gallery and was issued with a certificate of authenticity, it turned out to be stolen from Mongolia and was returned to the government there eight years later. The rules vary dramatically from country to country. In the US, fossils found on private land belong to the landowner, but its finders keepers in Britain as long as the landowner gives permission for the search. Last year, billionaire investor and hedge fund owner Ken Griffin bought a 150million-year-old stegosaurus for $44.6million at Sothebys, making it the most valuable ever sold at auction Fossil hunters on the beach at Charmouth, Dorset. The British interest in fossils goes back hundreds of years but before the end of the 18th century there was limited understanding of what they were. They were often regarded as curiosities Legendary British fossil collector Steve Etches says 'we don't need more rules and regulations' on fossils as 'we have far too many of those in this country already' On the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, fossils found on the shingles by the water line which is Crown land belonging to the monarch can be kept without seeking permission, but anything embedded into the cliff face is considered to belong to the owner of the land above the cliff. Rules are far stricter in China, Mongolia, Brazil, Italy and France, where valuable fossils are regarded as national treasures irrespective of who owns the land. Regulations are also tight in Morocco but seldom enforced and there have been examples of fossils being stolen from sites under government control. We need a reporting system in this country whereby you are obliged to offer what you find to a museum or other public body for the price of what the excavation has cost you, says Dr Susannah Maidment, principal researcher in fossil reptiles at Londons Natural History Museum. But that argument is given short shrift by legendary British fossil collector Steve Etches, who with the help of lottery fund money, founded the Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, in Kimmeridge, Dorset, in 2016. We dont need more rules and regulations. Weve got far too many of those in this country already, says Mr Etches. Theres nothing wrong with an open market and if very wealthy people want to spend their money on rare fossils then thats fine. They will likely end up in a museum anyway once the person is dead. Mr Brusatte is also against further regulation: It could lead to creating more of a black market. Its a tough issue and what we really need is a cultural change where those wealthy enough to buy dinosaurs donate them to museums and support science as part and parcel of buying these fossils. On the West Dorset coast, the Fossil Collecting Code of Conduct recognises the essential need for fossil collecting to continue but also recognises that collecting must be carried out in such a way as to satisfy all those with an interest in our fossil heritage. Fossil hunters are asked to register any special findings at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre but the fossil remains the property of the person who found it. The British interest in fossils goes back hundreds of years but before the end of the 18th century there was limited understanding of what they were. They were often regarded as curiosities. The early 19th century witnessed a huge shift, prompted to a large degree by the work of Mary Anning, the famous palaeontologist and fossil collector who ran a successful business in Lyme Regis, Dorset. Her story was told in the 2020 film, Ammonite, starting Kate Winslet as Anning and Saoirse Ronan as her love interest. Another turning point came in 1997 when Sothebys auctioned a T. rex fossil named Sue for a whopping $8.4million, making her the most expensive fossil ever sold at the time. Sue was almost a complete skeleton and not just a collection of old bones. Trade has burgeoned ever since and today the luxury fossil market is worth billions of dollars. Collectors at the top of the market seem to be seeking out statement pieces, says Dr Mark Westgarth, professor of History of the Art Market, at Leeds University. Large-scale dinosaur fossils allow new art collectors to demonstrate their symbolic power. But its not just the super-wealthy who are becoming increasingly interested in fossils. I happened to be on the Jurassic Coast a few weeks ago. It rained most of the day on Sunday but Charmouth Beach (within the countrys first natural World Heritage Site and along the coast from Lyme Regis) was packed with men, women and children of all ages scouring the shore line in search of treasure, amid the tap-tap of fossil hammers. If you had more regulation it would dampen peoples interest in fossils. It wouldnt spark the imagination in the same way, says Grant Field, manager of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Were now getting more than 100,000 visitors a year and they are finding precious things every day. Its a wonderful way of introducing people to the natural world. This all brings to mind the proposed 80million tourist attraction on the Jurassic Coast, which was planned by former Daily Mail science writer, Michael Hanlon. With the backing of Sir David Attenborough who took the role of patron the museum was to be built in a semi-subterranean artificial cavern in a 132ft deep quarry in Portland. But, sadly, Mr Hanlon died of a heart attack in 2016 at the age of 51, and his vision died with him. Meanwhile, trade in the fossil shop underneath the heritage centre is doing good business. Forget those massive price tags at auction, some little fossils here are selling for a pound or two. A woman then walks in and notices the shops stone doorstop with crystals embedded into it. Could I buy that? she says, pointing at the stone. You can have it for nothing. Theres plenty more where that came from, says the shopkeeper, looking along the Jurassic coast that stretches for nearly 95 miles. I picked it up from the beach 15 yards from the shop. A growing body of controversial evidence is challenging the long-accepted timeline of the Great Pyramid, and raising new questions about who may have built it. British author Graham Hancock recently appeared on the American Alchemy podcast, where he claimed geological and astronomical clues suggest the monument was not built 4,500 years ago by Pharaoh Khufu, but by a lost civilization 12,500 years ago. 'There's no doubt that parts of the Great Pyramid were completed and finished by the ancient Egyptians,' Hancock told podcast host Jesse Michels. 'I don't seek to take it away from them, but I think they were inheriting a very ancient tradition and completing a monument that already stood in basic form on the Giza Plateau.' One of Hancock's central arguments centers on the erosion patterns of the nearby Great Sphinx, saying that only heavy rainfall over thousands of years could have caused such deep weathering. 'No such rains were on the Giza Plateau 4,500 years ago, but they certainly were at the end of the last Ice Age,' he said. However, renowned Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawass has disputed these claims. He told the Daily Mail he had discovered workers' tombs dating to the 13th century BC and dismissed the erosion theory, attributing the Sphinx's damage to millennia of wind, not rain. The Giza Plateau, featuring three pyramids, is a mystery due to their unclear construction methods, precise astronomical alignment and still-debated purpose 'If someone built this pyramid 12,000 years ago, aren't you going to leave any evidence at the site to prove that?' said Dr Hawass. 'Me and my colleague, Mark Lehner, have excavated Giza for the last 50 years. All that we discovered until now has to do with the Fourth Dynasty.' The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid, and was constructed by Pharaoh Khufu, who ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. It is one of three within the Giza plateau, the other two include the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, as well as the Great Sphinx. All shrouded in mystery due to their unclear construction methods, precise astronomical alignment and still-debated purpose. Dr Hawass shared further insights during a July appearance on the Matt Beall Limitless podcast, including details about a planned excavation inside the Great Pyramid to search for Khufu's lost tomb. Hancock, however, remains unconvinced that any burial ever took place inside. 'It's well known that no burial of any Pharaoh was ever found in the Great Pyramid or, for that matter, in any of the 100 pyramids in Egypt,' said Hancock, who is known for his controversial theories about ancient civilizations. British author Graham Hancock claimed on the American Alchemy podcast that geological and astronomical clues point to the Great Pyramid being built not by Pharaoh Khufu 4,500 years ago, but by a lost civilization 12,500 years ago 'It's well known that no burial of any Pharaoh was ever found in the Great Pyramid or, for that matter, in any of the 100 pyramids in Egypt,' said Hna 'Some of that can be attributed to tomb robbery, but in the case of the Great Pyramid, it was completely closed and sealed until Arab raiders under Khalif Ma'mun broke in. 'They were expecting to find enormous treasures and wealth, but instead, they found a completely empty building with nothing inside.' Hancock also rejected the mainstream view that the Great Pyramid was built in just 23 years during Khufu's reign, calling that idea 'absurd.' Instead, he proposed that the structure may have taken hundreds, even thousands, of years to complete. Adding to his theory, Hancock pointed to the massive bedrock foundations beneath the three pyramids at Giza, naturally existing formations that were leveled before construction. While most archaeologists believe the foundations are natural, Hancock believes the platforms themselves are much older. Renowned Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawass has disputed these claims, saying he has excavated the region for at least 50 years and found no evidence that an unknown advanced civilization built the pyramids One of Hancock's central arguments centers on the erosion patterns of the nearby Great Sphinx , saying that only heavy rainfall over thousands of years could have caused such deep weathering He linked the structures to a lost epoch known in Egyptian lore as Zep Tepi, or 'The First Time,' citing astronomical alignments between the pyramid platforms and Orion's Belt as it appeared 12,500 years ago. 'At 4,500 years ago, the stars of Orion's Belt didn't match up,' he said. 'The Great Sphinx was looking at the sun rising against the background of Taurus. But in 12,500 BC, it aligned perfectly with Leo.' Dr Hawass, however, dismissed Hancock's claims as unfounded, emphasizing that the ancient Egyptians left behind detailed records of the Great Pyramid's construction. 'The Wadi El-Jarf Papyri is a diary from an overseer named Merer,' he said. 'He wrote, 'I am from the Delta. I was hired by Khufu and held the title of inspector, with 40 workmen under me.' The papyri also describe how Merer led crews to the Tura quarries to cut fine white limestone, which was then transported on wooden sledges to cargo boats. These vessels docked at harbors built in front of each pyramid. 'Egyptian history has no gaps that would justify dating the pyramids to 12,000 or 20,000 years ago,' Hawass added. 'That era, known as the Epipaleolithic period, marked the earliest stages of civilization, far too primitive for monuments of this scale.' A three-year-old girl was rescued from a street in southeastern Brazil after she was found wandering along crying for her 19-year-old mother, who left her home to go to a party. Construction workers were repairing a street Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, during the early hours of Sunday when they spotted the child wearing only a diaper and called the military police. Surveillance video footage showed the barefoot girl reaching a corner at the intersection of Pero Vaz Street when she stopped as a car sped by at 1:31am. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Heartbreaking footage: A toddler was found in a Sao Paulo street alone dressed in a diaper She stood over a manhole cover for a couple of seconds and went to cross the street when she began to cry. 'I want my mommy,' she repeatedly said. The construction crew alerted the police and got help from local residents, who provided clothing to cover up the girl. 'She was blue from the cold,' one of the workers, Rafael Cruz, told SBT News. 'She just kept saying she wanted her mommy. Rescue: The child was discovered by construction workers who called the military police The child's maternal grandmother appeared on the scene about an hour after she was found. The girl's mother did not return home until around 4am and was placed under arrest after she confessed to abandoning her daughter to attend the party. The mother is facing one count of child abandonment. 'The woman returned home and confessed that she had left her daughter sleeping to go to a nearby funk dance,' the Sao Paulo Department of Public Safety said in a statement. Cuffed: The mom, who had abandoned her daughter to go to a party, was arrested by police Her daughter was placed under the custody of the Sao Paulo child services agency. The mother's stepfather told SBT News that it was the first time that she had ever left the child alone at home. 'She's wrong, I agree,' he said. 'There's a child involved and she has to think about her.' A leading neurologist has issued an urgent warning over using a massage gun to relieve neck tension, as this could trigger a potentially life-threatening stroke. Dr Baibing Chen, from the University of Michigan, shared the warning with his 163,000 Instagram followers, stating that this is one of three common activities he would never do to protect his brain health. In the video, which has been viewed over 8million times, he also urged his followers to stop blasting loud music through headphones and warned against holding in a sneeze. Dr Chen warned his followers against using massage guns to relieve neck tension, blasting loud music through their headphones and holding in a sneeze The neurologist said: 'I would never use a massage gun on my neck,' . 'This is because the vertebral and carotid arteries in the neck are vulnerable to damage from the repetitive shear forces from a massage gun.' These arteries make up a vital part of the circulatory system and supply the brain with blood and life-giving oxygen. Dr Chen added that this repetitive damage can increase the risk of an artery tearing, encouraging the formation of blood clots, restricting blood flow and triggering a stroke. A stroke is a serious medical event that can cause permanent brain damage or even death. Dr Chen added that using a muscle gun with direct pressure can also dislodge hidden plaques that line the artery wall. He said: 'This can cause a clot to travel to the brain and lead to an ischemic stroke.' Your browser does not support iframes. This happens when a blockage cuts off the blood supply to part of the brain. According to the NHS, around a quarter of strokes are caused by a narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries. The main symptoms of a stroke can happen suddenly and include facial weakness where one side of the face may fall making it hard to smile; arm weakness which impacts a person's ability to lift both arms; and speech problems. For this reason, Dr Chen also warned against holding in a sneeze. He said: 'This is because sneezing generates high internal pressure that's higher than car tire pressure. 'Holding [a sneeze] in forces this pressure into delicate areas and may lead to ruptured eardrums, torn throat tissues, and even air leaking into the chest. 'In rare cases, the sudden spike in pressure can rupture blood vessels in the brain leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracerebral bleedingespecially in individuals with aneurysms or weakened arteries.' A subarachnoid haemorrhage is considered a medical emergency. Your browser does not support iframes. Finally, Dr Chen advised turning down the volume before plugging in headphones. He said: 'Loud music isn't just bad for your ears it's actually bad for your brain as well.' Tackling hearing loss early could delay the development of dementia for a number of years, promising new research suggested this year. Studies have long suggested that around four in 10 cases of the memory-robbing condition could be preventable. Now experts believe that up to a third of cases could be attributed to hearing loss. Dr Chen explained: 'This is because when the brain struggles to process sound it reallocates resources away from memory and thinking, increasing cognitive decline.' Dementia affects around 982,000 people in the UK and studies show that those with untreated hearing problems may be up to give times more likely to develop the condition. He added: 'Sounds over 85 decibels, similar to city traffic, can cause damage over time where as exposure to 100 plus decibels, like a concert or many earbuds at max volume can cause permanent hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.' Do you dream of owning your very own island? Theres one for sale in a remote region of the UK and its just had its price slashed. The entire island, complete with wooded areas, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife habitats, was first listed in 2024 with a guide price of 325,000. But it has since been reduced to 275,000, meaning the inhabited stretch of land is around the average cost of a home in the UK. According to the latest data from Zoopla, the average British house would cost around 268,400. The island is also around half the price of an average London flat, which data from 2024 shows was an eye-watering 545,000. Eilean Mor is located within Loch Sunart, on the west coast of Scotland, near the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. It covers an area of 30 acres, and can be reached by boat or low-tide causeway. The entire island, complete with wooded areas, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife habitats, was first listed in 2024 with a guide price of 325,000 Eilean Mor is located within Loch Sunart, on the west coast of Scotland, near the Ardnamurchan Peninsula The island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, according to Bell Ingram, the estate agency handling the sale. The islands diverse terrain and tidal nature make it a fascinating destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. The waters around Eilean Mor are teeming with marine life and the island itself is a haven for seabirds, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. The untouched natural environment provides a sanctuary for various species, offering visitors a glimpse into the thriving ecosystems of the Inner Hebrides. The advert notes that the island, which has been owned by the same family for generations, comes without any form of planning permission. And potential buyers should be aware that Eilean Mor is part of the Sunart Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Sunart Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This means that development and construction are strictly regulated to protect the islands rare habitats and wildlife, limiting what can be built or altered on the island. The local area also offers a range of activities, from exploring nearby hiking trails and ancient woodlands to visiting the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse the most westerly point on the British mainland. potential buyers should be aware that Eilean Mor is part of the Sunart Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Sunart Special Area of Conservation (SAC) The island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, according to Bell Ingram, the estate agency handling the sale Wildlife cruises, kayaking, and visits to local distilleries provide further opportunities to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage of the region. Last month, another island an uninhabited 90-acre parcel of land off Scotland's west coast was put up for sale for offers over 500,000. Insh Island was previously owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The island was left to the organisation in the will of David Brearley, who reportedly lived in a cave on the island for 30 years up until 2003. In a move criticised by some, the National Trust for Scotland reportedly put the island up for auction in 2019 with a guide price of 125,000, but sold it for 353,000. A mother who fled the UK with her family to travel the world has shared four key things she 'doesn't miss' about living in Britain. Lucy Argent - along with her partner, Paul, and their three young children - packed up their home in December 2023, rented it out on Airbnb and set on a 'global adventure' that would allow them to 'spend more time together.' The mother registered her children, who were five, four and one years old at the time, with a world school program called Boundless Life. The 'experiential learning-based education system' is designed for families who want to experience living - and learning - in eight locations across the world by providing furnished apartments and homes close to community hubs. Lucy and her family have since had the opportunity to visit far-flung destinations such as Portugal, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Spain, Uruguay and now, Bali, Indonesia. They've documented on Instagram their day-to-day life during their six-month stay on the island - which includes regular outings to beaches, wildlife and water parks. In a recent video, uploaded to their page, @therichardsons04, in December 2024, the family returned to the UK for 10 days to visit family and friends - though Lucy admitted the trip wasn't without struggles. She went on to detail four things the family are happy to leave behind in the UK, starting with the weather. Lucy Argent fled the UK with her family to travel the world - and shared four key things she 'doesn't miss' about living in Britain Lucy and her family have since had the opportunity to visit far-flung destinations such as Portugal, Greece , Italy , Montenegro, Spain , Uruguay and now, Bali, Indonesia (pictured) Lucy recalled not only had it 'rained every day' during their return, they also encountered a storm which had caused traffic chaos and led to public transport. She then complained of traffic itself, as she added: 'NO WORD of a lie I spent most of the time in traffic. It was actually soul destroying.' Next, Lucy highlighted the 'rushed' nature of the UK, describing the family's as constantly dashing through the day to catch transport and hurry to each destination up until 'bedtime.' She noted how she hadn't noticed the 'rat race' lifestyle in her native country until she grew accustomed to a 'slower pace of life' in Bali. Lucy finally showcased the price tag of a Bludie pink reindeer decoration, which was on sale in a shop for 15.99, before complaining of the cost of items in Britain. She added: 'One of the main reasons we left was the rising cost of living but this time round it really felt things had got out of control.' It comes as another family sold their home to travel the globe with their three children after becoming 'fed up with the UK education system.' Chris and Tamira upped sticks with their children, Olivia, 11, Scarlett, nine, and Bella, five, in 2023. Since, they have visited Thailand, China and Malaysia, and are currently exploring Dubai - all while home schooling their three girls. Tamira revealed, via their TikTok account (@thehutchinsons), that they sold their home in January 2023. By May they had hopped on a plane, uprooting their family to travel the world. She told her followers: 'Yes we did sell our family home that we lived in for ten years. 'In 2022 in August we put it up for sale, and it was a really gruelling period not knowing whether it was going to sell or not, and then in January 2023 we got an offer and it was all completed in May.' As one reality show ends, another begins and fans are already counting down the weeks to the start of Big Brother. And the new Big Brother eye logo was revealed in an exclusive promo during Love Island's live final on ITV2 on Monday. The social experiment show will return this autumn for its third year on ITV, running for an extended total of seven weeks. This year's colourful and abstract eye is filled with multiple eye like marbles rolling around inside it like a maze. The short advert also includes eyes rolling down through multicoloured tubes as the new cast get ready to be filmed 24/7. ITV wrote: 'Eye spy with my little eye, something beginning with B...et ready Big Brother, the original social experiment, returns!' Big Brother's new eye REVEALED: ITV have recreated the iconic logo once again ahead of upcoming series this autumn Hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best once again welcome an eclectic mix of strangers from across the UK who will all become housemates living under one roof Hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best once again welcome an eclectic mix of strangers from across the UK who will all become housemates living under one roof. The nations most renowned residence, the Big Brother house, will yet again play host to all the mischief and mayhem which has undergone a makeover thats easy on the eye. Viewers can expect more new twists and turns, elaborate tasks, intense nominations and live evictions as the cast of housemates go up against one another in a bid to be crowned the winner, and walk away with a life-changing cash prize. The reality TV juggernaut first aired on Channel 4 in 2000 before moving to Channel 5 ahead of its eventual axe in 2018. And since its triumphant return to screens in 2023 on its new home ITV and ITVX, Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother alongside the iconic Live Stream and Late & Live companion show, has been streamed over 100 million times. Last year's Big Brother saw Ali Bromley crowned series champion with a huge 51.9 per cent of the vote, while her house rival Marcello Spooks finished in second place, despite receiving boos from the crowd throughout the series. Earlier in the tense show, Hanah Haji and Emma Morgan were evicted from the Big Brother house, after Segun Shodipo and Nathan King became the eleventh and twelfth contestants to receive the fewest votes. During her stint in the house, Ali did ruffle feathers with her unbiased opinions on the other housemates, and in particular she clashed with Khaled Khaled who she accused of being 'fake.' The short advert also includes eyes rolling down through multicoloured tubes as the new cast get ready to be filmed 24/7 Last year's eye was a colourful and abstract with oil dripping across a yellow background before forming the iconic eye shape Last year's Big Brother saw Ali Bromley crowned series champion with a huge 51.9 per cent of the vote Despite the pair parting on good terms when Khaled was evicted in week five, Ali revealed that their exchange at the show's final was 'brief.' Viewers were also gripped by Nathan's blossoming romance with Rosie Williams, but this proved to be short-lived as the pair split back in February, just three months after leaving the show. Nathan shared that they 'amicably' decided to part ways, after they both realised they were 'better off as friends'. Nathan and Rosie met when they entered the Big Brother house in October, and they previously told Daily Mail they first grew closer after the first eviction, seven days in. While Nathan said he made it 'glaringly obvious' he wanted to pursue a relationship with Rosie on the outside, they finally got the chance to discuss their feelings when the house was evacuated due to a fire alarm. However, unbeknownst to them, their chat was still picked up by their microphones, and part of it was aired on Late and Live as part of a bombshell episode which revealed their romance for the first time. Suranne Jones looks very different with a scruffy blonde bob as her character in upcoming ITV heist drama Frauds. The new six-part show, created by Suranne and Annie-Marie O'Connor, is set to hit our screens later this year. Now a sneak peek of the actress as her alter-ego Bert in the drama, and her co-star Jodie Whittaker, has been shared. Suranne, who usually rocks dark hair, can be seen sitting in the passenger seat of a red car with much lighter locks. Meanwhile Jodie, who plays Sam in the programme, looks concerned gazing over at her from the driver's seat. ITV's official press release alongside the images says: 'As Sam has sought a low-key life, Berts release from a Spanish prison for compassionate reasons reignites her ambition for one final, significant score. Suranne Jones looks VERY different with a scruffy blonde bob as her new character in a first look at the upcoming ITV heist drama Frauds The new six-part show, created by Suranne and Annie-Marie O'Connor, is set to hit our screens later this year (pictured) 'On the pretext of one final, multi-million-pound art heist, Bert attempts to lure Sam out of retirement, but at what cost? 'Can Sam stay one step ahead of her former friend, who is clearly capable of treachery? 'Or will the push and pull of their toxic friendship see them both ruined before they are able to pull off the job?' Suranne and Jodie are joined by Horacio Colome, Talisa Garcia, Abdul Salis, Karan Gill, Elizabeth Berrington, Lee Boardman and Christian Cooke on the show. The likes of Thais Martin, Kate Fleetwood, Javier Taboada and Nansi Nsue are part of the star-studded cast too. Frauds will follow Bert fulfil her 'one final job' after spending 10 years in a Spanish prison. ITV announced that Frauds had been commissioned in January 2025. Suranne said at the time: 'Working on Frauds with Anne-Marie and Monumental for the last 2 years has been a wild ride. Suranne, who usually rocks dark hair, can be seen sitting in the passenger seat of a red cat with much lighter locks Suranne said of the show: 'We took the idea of toxic female friendship and turned it on its head to give the heist genre an emotional heartbeat. I have always wanted to work with Jodie, and now I am' 'We took the idea of toxic female friendship and turned it on its head to give the heist genre an emotional heartbeat. 'I have always wanted to work with Jodie, and now I am. 'I hope you love Bert and Sam and all they get up to as much as we do.' Senior Drama Commissioning Editor at ITV, Helen Ziegler, said: 'We are delighted to be working with Suranne, Anne Marie and the brilliant team at Monumental on their unique take on a heist show. 'At its heart this is a story of a complex, surprising friendship, which asks if Sam and Bert can pull together for one last job, or whether the past will derail them. 'Suranne and Jodie are two incredible actors and it'll be thrilling to see what they bring to the central characters.' Frauds was written by Anne-Marie O'Connor, while Giulia Gandini directed the drama. The executive producers include Anne-Marie, Suranne, Debra Hayward, Alison Carpenter and Jill Forbes. The producer is Pat Tookey-Dickson and the company used was Monumental Television. It comes after Netflix released its first trailer for the-hotly anticipated political thriller Hostage starring Suranne Jones - and fans are already saying the same thing. The high-stakes drama is anchored by a powerful performance from English actress Suranne. The 46-year-old Vigil star not only plays the UK Prime Minister, but she also held a vital role as executive producer, marking her first project with Netflix. Frauds will air on ITV1 and ITVX later this year. Bianca Wallace's sister has accused Alice Evans of trying to 'cause damage' as she launched a vicious tirade against Ioan Gruffudd's ex, days after her sibling revealed she has been the target of death threats on social media. Bianca, 32, who is expecting her first child with Ioan, 51, publicly slammed Alice on Instagram last week, accusing her of circulating a 'disgusting, vile story' about them having a three-year affair. Bianca denied the claims and said she has silently faced Alice's 'pathetic narrative' ever since she went public with Ioan in 2021, but felt forced to speak up after online trolls posted death threats about their unborn child. Now, in an exclusive statement to the Daily Mail, Bianca's heartbroken sister, Chanel, 30, has also taken aim at Alice, 56, and has revealed how her family is taking measures to deal with the 'abuse' from online trolls. 'It's heartbreaking. I have watched my sister find the courage to slowly rebuild her life,' she said. In reference to Alice, who was married to Ioan from 2007 until 2021, she continued: 'She finally found real love - someone who cherishes and respects her - and yet, for nearly four years, shes been relentlessly targeted with false and toxic lies from someone so clearly trying to cause damage.' Ioan Gruffudd's pregnant wife, Bianca Wallace, has been receiving death threats to her unborn child from trolls who have sided with the actor's ex Alice Evans (pictured on July 21) Alice has accused her ex of having a three-year affair - something the couple has extensively denied (pictured arriving in court in Los Angeles on July 23) Now, Bianca's sister, Chanel Wallace (left) has spoken out about Alice's 'false and toxic lies' Addressing the online abuse, she said: 'Now, to see their unborn baby being threatened? Thats not just disturbing - its inhumane.' Bianca and Ioan wed in April 2025 in a romantic ceremony. Two months later they announced they were expecting their first child together. The Fantastic Four star has two children with Alice: daughters Ella, 15, and Elsie, 11. Since their acrimonious split in March 2021, Ioan and Alice have been locked in a very public legal battle, resulting in slanging matches that have threatened to overshadow their respective careers. According to a new court filing, the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal that Ioan has been granted an extension of his three-year restraining order against Alice as of July 30, and it is in effect until their next hearing on August 12. Addressing the trolls, Chanel continued: 'There is nothing brave about hiding behind a screen to attack a woman, especially one who is pregnant and simply trying to live in peace. This isnt just cruel - its cowardly.' Issuing a stark warning, she said: 'Enough is enough. My sister is one of the kindest, strongest people I know. She deserves love, safety, and joy - not harassment. 'So does her husband. So does their baby. We wont sit back quietly.' Chanel said: 'She finally found real love - someone who cherishes and respects her - and yet, for nearly four years, shes been relentlessly targeted with false and toxic lies from someone so clearly trying to cause damage' Chanel said that her family and Ioan 'see the abuse' from trolls and 'feel its impact,' and 'will always stand up for whats right - with love, with truth, and with each other' Confirming they have 'received death threats' over the alleged 'affair,' Chanel said that her family and Ioan 'see the abuse' from trolls and 'feel its impact,' and 'will always stand up for whats right - with love, with truth, and with each other.' Ioan and Alice have been embroiled in a bitter legal battle for over four years. The exes last faced off in a Los Angeles courtroom on July 23 where he was accompanied by his pregnant wife, as seen in photos obtained by the Daily Mail. It was supposed to be an evidentiary hearing in which Ioan and Alice were to joust over her demands for him to shell out more than the $4,500 per month he is currently paying her ($3,000 in child support and $1,500 in spousal support). But instead, after a 90-minute delay, the judge ended up scheduling another hearing on August 12 when a date will be set for the case to go to trial and when they will also be discussing the current restraining order. Alice claimed that she and her daughters were recently evicted from their LA home because she couldn't afford to pay the $6,500 per month rent - and she had to 'burn through' her savings to pay living expenses and legal fees. Ioan is fighting his ex's cash demands and in his own court filing, blasted Evans' claims, saying that she 'purposely got herself evicted intentionally ceasing paying rent and instead taking the children on a vacation trip to Europe.' Her motive, he said, was to 'support her false public narrative of financial destitution in an attempt to further harm my reputation... as a fraudulent way to strong-arm me into paying more support than I can afford.' Ioan and Alice faced off in a Los Angeles courtroom on July 23 where he was accompanied by his pregnant wife to discuss child and spousal support matters (pictured) Alice is requesting for her ex to shell out more than the $4,500 per month he is currently paying her (pictured with their daughters Ella and Elsie in 2018) Bianca publicly slammed Alice on Instagram this week, accusing her of circulating a 'disgusting, vile story' about them having a three-year affair Ioan also maintained in court that subpoenaed bank records show that Evans made more than $130,000 in 2024 and is expected to earn a similar amount this year - a claim that Evans called 'false and misleading.' A few days later, on July 28, Bianca spoke out on Instagram with a lengthy caption that accompanied a screenshot of some of the hate she has received. She penned: 'I have ignored this truly pathetic narrative for nearly 4 years now because of how utterly ridiculous and clearly insane it is. 'But threaten my innocent, unborn baby and the time for ignoring is up! Absolutely no one will ever threaten my baby over a made up story about an affair that literally never happened! No way.' Responding to Alice's claims directly in her post, she continued: 'In October 2021 my husband's ex made up a disgusting, vile story about my husband and I having an affair. 'For 3 years and 9 months the narrative as been ongoing, making people like "rivqah2020" message me, and now my unborn baby, threats like this. 'The TRUTH has been set in black and white, in clear evidence, under oath numerous times, and all available in public record.' She added: 'I will not have my innocent baby born into this completely intentional manufactured drama. This has all got to end now, and it needs to end with the truth and facts. 'My husband and I haven't deserved one second of this, and now, our unborn baby is being threatened and attacked. Absolutely no f*****g way! I know that I speak for so many people out there who have lived through this kind of abuse, lies and manipulation when I say we are all sick and tired of the b******t now.' All eyes are on 63-year-old Tom Cruise and his new 26-years-younger love who've been spotted holding hands near her $7million home in Vermont. Cruise and Knives Out star Ana de Armas, 37, were first seen together in February 2025 and who will be co-starring in the upcoming Doug Liman supernatural thriller, Deeper, strolled through the picturesque town of Woodstock, where they picked up ice cream cones and waved away paparazzi. But according to those familiar with Cruise's past loves, de Armas, who grew up in a devout Catholic family, is facing a real-life Mission Impossible in embarking on a relationship with the world's most famous Scientologist. The Cuban-born actress, who has starred in a slew of films in both English and Spanish, survived a nearly yearlong Covid-era romance with Ben Affleck, with whom she shared a home in Venice before they split in early 2021. But taking up with one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, who is also high in the Church of Scientology, could prove daunting. Former Scientologists as well as longtime observers say that Cruise's women often start off starry-eyed and impressed with both the megastar and his 'church,' but there's almost always a point when they get in too deep and want out. Actress Ana de Armas, 37, and new flame Tom Cruise, 63, are growing closer, recently flaunting their romance in the Vermont town where she owns a $7 million home The couple was spotted walking hand-in-hand on Sunday as they strolled through Woodstock to grab ice cream cones 'Tom Cruise's love affairs are doomed,' Karen de la Carriere, who was one of the highest-ranking Scientologists and one of the few to be directly trained by founder L. Ron Hubbard who defected from the church in 2010, told the Daily Mail. 'There is a honeymoon period with a lot of generosity and dazzling moments, and then reality sets in.' That reality, according to de la Carriere, occurs when the girlfriends and wives of Cruise, who often begin by taking low-level Scientology courses and undergoing auditing, are eventually faced with some of the church's more outlandish, science fiction-like aspects. Scientologists, as directed by Hubbard, believe that humans are immortal spiritual beings (Thetans) haunted by alien souls from a mass extermination 75 million years ago, and that they can be saved only by expensive spiritual cleansing. 'Scientology is very bait and switch,' de la Carriere told the Daily Mail. 'It starts off OK, especially when you're the girlfriend of a superstar like Tom Cruise. 'But then you get to the higher, confidential levels and you find out things like you have 400,000 spirits attached to you and you have to spend the next 30 to 40 years peeling them off. Armas previously dated Ben Affleck, sharing a home in Venice, California, and weathering the pandemic together before splitting. But whether her new romance with Cruise will last remains to be seen especially as she'll be expected to embrace his controversial religion Church president David Miscavige is a close friend of Cruise and was best man at his 2016 marriage to Katie Holmes 'So suddenly the person is entering the world of the bizarre, and that's when the pullback occurs. Who wants to be told they have to start going to five sessions to exorcise those spirits? Nobody.' Cruise's first wife, Mimi Rogers, now 69, is the one who introduced Cruise to the controversial religion when they began dating in the mid-1980s but she has since left the church herself. His second wife, Nicole Kidman, 58, dove headfirst into Scientology's courses and auditing and rapidly achieved the rank of OT2 thanks to Cruise's fame and importance in the church. But she reportedly soured on it so much after that point that she and Cruise both backed off from Scientology and ultimately divorced after eleven years of marriage in 2001. Next came Penelope Cruz, 51. She and Cruz dated for three years and Cruz took Scientology courses 'which she found beneficial' although her rep says she was never a member of the church Katie Holmes, 46, married Cruise in 2006 and was so gung-ho about the church at the start that she filed an official report against Leah Remini at the time of her splashy wedding to Tom in Italy because Remini had been vocal about Scientology leader David Miscavige's missing wife, Shelly. She also spoke publicly when she and Cruise were still dating about having started some Scientology courses and auditing. Cruise was introduced to Scientology by his first wife, Mimi Rogers, who later left the church His second wife, Nicole Kidman quickly advanced to OT2 in Scientology thanks to Cruise's influence, but grew disillusioned, leading her to distance herself from the church before their 2001 divorce Penelope Cruz flirted with Scientology but never joined during her three year romance with Tom But Holmes had changed her tune by 2012 when she famously turned the tables on Cruise, filing for divorce and taking their then 6-year-old daughter Suri when Cruise was shooting a movie in Iceland. 'Katie would have seen (Cruise's adopted children) Isabella and Connor going through their interrogations and auditing,' journalist Tony Ortega, who has investigated Scientology for decades, told the Daily Mail. 'It's about the age of six when they start the courses, and that's about the age Suri was when Katie left Tom. 'Listen, I can't fault these women. They fall in love with the guy. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be part of your partner's lives. It's just that Scientology becomes too much to deal with.' Ortega reported Thursday on his Underground Bunker Substack that Kidman's long-ago Scientology auditor, Bruce Hines, said that Kidman rose up the ranks in Scientology study much faster than the normal initiate when she was married to Cruise. Hines said that Cruise and Kidman spent many weeks at various times at what Scientologists call 'Int Base' or 'Gold Base' near the town of Hemet in Riverside County, California, which serves as the corporate headquarters of the church. 'They had a course room set up just for them with their own 'Course Supervisor' and their own 'Word Clearer' (someone who helps a Scientologist look up the meaning of words),' Hines said. 'Tom and Nicole could get many auditing sessions per day, seven days a week, if they wanted. Their auditors were on full-time standby.' Kidman almost never comments on Scientology, Cruise or the two children she and Tom adopted, Bella and Connor,who lived mainly with Cruise after their divorce Ortega and others have long reported that Kidman and Cruise drifted away from the church during the latter years of their marriage, but after their divorce, Scientology leader David Miscavige made a successful, push to get Cruise back in the fold. Kidman almost never comments on Scientology, Cruise or the two children she and Tom adopted, Bella, now 32, and Connor, 30, who lived mainly with Cruise after their divorce. Kidman has been married to country star Keith Urban since 2006, and they have two daughters. Neither she nor Holmes are now involved with Scientology. Scientology sources are divided when it comes to whether they think Ana de Armas will start looking into Scientology because of her apparently blossoming romance with Cruise. 'She'll have to be indoctrinated,' predicted composer and songwriter Geoffrey Levin, 79, who was with the church for more than 50 years and was around Cruise and Kidman at the Celebrity Centre before leaving around 2018. Cruise's most controversial relationship with actress Katie Holmes was his biggest failure due to Scientology, as she fled the church in the middle of the night while he was shooting a movie in Iceland 'She's going to essentially have to learn the language of Scientology too. Otherwise, when you go to events, it's like hearing Greek or something. The real issue is what she wants from the relationship deep down.' De la Carriere told the Daily Mail that she believes Cruise may have drifted somewhat from the church in recent years, although he's still an avowed member. 'You don't see him out promoting Scientology at events and you don't see him photographed with Miscavige anymore,' de la Carriere said. 'He's just not in that Bible-thumping phase anymore. 'I wonder if that will be less pressure on this new girl to get involved.' But Ortega said that he hears that Cruise is as tight as ever with Miscavige and very much involved in the church. 'Bruce Hines told me that being Tom Cruise's girlfriend or wife is a very intense experience. Everybody who knows him well says he has energy that he could use to power a small city. 'Tom would run around saying constantly "Where's Nic, where's Nic" he's on all the time. When he gets into a relationship, he's really intense about it. But at the same time, he brings with him all the baggage that comes with him from Scientology.' De Armas, who grew up in a devout Catholic family, is facing a real-life Mission Impossible in embarking on a relationship with the world's most famous Scientologist Levin was working in Scientology's notorious Celebrity Centre when Cruise and Kidman were first married. 'When Nicole got her first taste of Scientology, it was at the Celebrity Centre,' Levin told the Daily Mail. 'Back then especially, it was very impressive. It looked like the equivalent of a high-end museum. As Tom's wife, she got the royal treatment. Nobody else got that kind of treatment. 'This was before a lot of the bad press about Scientology, so you can imagine she had no idea what it was really like behind the curtain.' Levin said Cruise came off, on the surface at least, as warm, courteous and helpful when Levin had dealings with him. He remembered Kidman as 'warm and friendly' as well. 'Then the luster wore off for Kidman and she started to see what had been hidden,' Levin said. The Church of Scientology, Tom Cruise and Ana DeArmas did not respond to Daily Mail's requests for comment Viewers have been left outraged after the Logies In Memoriam segment on Sunday night failed to include tributes to two legendary Australian media icons. During the ceremony on Sunday, presenters Tara Brown and Deborah Hutton paid tribute to some of the stars who have died over the past year, including George Negus, Maggie Tabberer and Julian McMahon. The touching segment saw Australian Idol star Marcia Hines perform a heartfelt rendition of Amazing Grace, as a montage appeared on the screen. Despite the segment including well-known stars and lesser-known crew members, eagle-eyed viewers noticed that two key people were curiously absent. Trailblazing 1976 Silver Logie Best Actor Winner Paul Karo, who died in April, and former ABC journalist Iain Finlay, who passed away in May, were not included. Viewers took to social media to question why these icons were left out of the tribute. Viewers have been left outraged after the Logies In Memoriam segment on Sunday night failed to include tributes to two legendary Australian media icons. During the ceremony on Sunday, presenter Tara Brown paid tribute to some of the stars who have died over the past year 'I was expecting more tributes last night!' one person remarked. 'It would have been nice if the Logie awards mentioned my father foreign correspondent/presenter Iain Finlay In Memoriam,' wrote Finlay's son Sean. 'After his extensive career in Australian television first as a presenter on ABC This Day Tonight then as co host of Beyond 2000. #Logies2025.' 'A legend in his field and should've been celebrated more than most on the night,' another person wrote. 'So sorry he was left out, one of the best, a solid journalist,' a fourth commented. The Logie Awards got off to a glamorous start - but not everyone watching the telecast was impressed, with many viewers lashing out at the 'boring' awards show. Several people took to X to slam the annual ceremony and claim the Logies simply aren't relevant anymore. 'No better confirmation that free to air TV is dying than the #Logies - a mixture of yesterday's celebrities and nobodies talking about themselves,' one person wrote. Trailblazing 1976 Silver Logie Best Actor Winner Paul Karo (right), who died in April, and former ABC journalist Iain Finlay (left), who passed away in May, were not included in the segment 'It's quaint how they still have the Logies - a dying medium celebrating mediocrity,' another said. It comes after Daily Mail revealed the Logie Awards might not be back next year - or ever. A high-level TV insider revealed 'they're quietly rolling up the red carpet'. 'It's just not viable anymore. No one wants to pay for it, no one's watching, and the people behind it are already looking for an exit,' said the source. That 'exit' is apparently the upcoming fire sale of magazines at Are Media - which owns TV Week and the Logies brand. The private equity firm backing Are Media, Mercury Capital, wants out after five years of underwhelming returns. The Logies red carpet used to host the likes of Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, One Direction, Ricky Martin and even Destiny's Child. 'You remember when the Logies had international stars, outrageous moments, drama?' said the insider. 'Now it's a glorified promo reel for local TV. It's like the Bogan Oscars. The big acts are gone - and so is the audience. It's Karl Stefanovic, Sonia Kruger, Hamish Blake - rinse and repeat. Boring! The audience is tired.' The ratings have also plummeted as Seven - which reclaimed the Logies broadcast in 2023 after 28 years with Nine - has seen a 20 per cent drop in digital audience. 'Seven thought they were buying back a national treasure. What they got was a very expensive nostalgia trip,' the insider added. Christie Brinkley has revealed she and her daughter once attracted the same men on dating apps, despite their 44-year age gap. The 71-year-old supermodel shared that her 27-year-old lookalike child Sailor secretly created a dating profile for her on an unnamed platform, where they subsequently matched with the same guys. She told the story while appearing on Kristin Davis' podcast Are You A Charlotte? Christie, who is not currently on any dating apps, explained: '[Sailor] wanted to see what kind of guys [would match] and she put me up there and she said, "Mom, youre right not to go on it, because the same guys that said yes to me, are saying yes to you."' It comes as Sailor, whose father is Christie's ex-husband Peter Cook, posted an Instagram showing them dressed in matching burnt orange outfits on Monday. She captioned the post to her nearly 200,000 followers: 'This morning getting styled by DK herself @donnakaranthewoman in @urbanzen benefitting @solvingkidscancer.' Christie Brinkley has revealed she and her daughter once attracted the same men on dating apps, despite their 44-year age gap The 71-year-old supermodel shared that her 27-year-old lookalike child Sailor secretly created a dating profile for her on an unnamed platform, where they subsequently matched with the same guys The duo also mirrored each other with blond ringlets and natural-toned strappy sandals. 'This is for my TikTok,' Sailor said to Donna before asking her to 'explain the look.' The veteran designer was similarly dressed in a draped red ensemble with long chains with statement pendants around her neck. She added, 'This is the best dress because you can do it six different ways,' before demonstrating the piece's variations. The wrap dressed boasted a plunging neckline and was complemented by matching trousers, creating a monochrome effect. The women sipped on summery cocktails at the swanky event, the Solving Kids Cancer Annual Hamptons Luncheon held at Tutto II Giorno. Their outing comes after Christie recently revealed she was nearly brought to tears while recording the audiobook component of her memoir Uptown Girl, which was published in April. Inside the pages of the literary work, she recounts her tumultuous childhood, four marriages, and multiple near-death experiences. Sailor, whose father is Christie's ex-husband Peter Cook, posted an Instagram reel detailing their matching outfits on Monday Christie and Sailor's 'twinning' moment comes after Christie recently revealed she was nearly brought to tears while recording the audiobook component of her memoir Uptown Girl, which was published in April; pictured April 29 Among the most heart-wrenching stories told in her book was the tale of her painful divorce from Sailor's dad Peter; pictured in 1999 Christie told Social Life Magazine in July that sharing such personal anecdotes was profoundly moving. 'There were parts where I thought, "Please dont cry,"' the mother-of-three told the publication. Among the most heart-wrenching stories was the tale of her painful divorce from Sailor's dad Peter. In her book, the actress recalled the shocking way she discovered the architect's infidelity, which she confessed 'nearly broke' her. She recalled that a man, whom she did not know, approached her to share the bombshell revelation right before she was set to deliver a commencement address at Southampton High School. Christie described how the man told her: 'Excuse me. I need to tell you that arrogant husband of yours has been having an affair with my teenage daughter.' 'I knew from Peters face that he was guilty, and in that moment, I thought I was going to pass out onstage, in front of hundreds of people,' she wrote. Their subsequent divorce led to a six-year court battle. In addition to Sailor, the blond Hollywood vet is mom to daughter Alexa Ray, 39, whom she shares with ex-husband Billy Joel, and son Jack, 30, whom she welcomed with ex-husband Richard Taubman. Jeff Brazier has reportedly dropped his legal case against Jade Goody's mum Jackiey Budden. It was previously revealed that Jeff, had set up a court date to stop his youngest son Freddy, 20, from seeing his maternal grandmother amid rising concerns over his well-being. Jeff has long insisted she is a bad influence on the troubled youngster - with the pair enduring a series of very public disputes over the years. However now The Sun has revealed that the family have now patched things up and Jeff has dropped his legal case. A source told the publication that Freddy is once again living with Jackiey in her flat in South London, but is also spending time with Jeff and Bobby. Last week the TV presenter was seen reunited with his sons at 101 Dalmatians: The Musical at the Eventim Apollo in London, where Jeff made his West End debut. Jeff Brazier has reportedly dropped his legal case against Jade Goody 's mum Jackiey Budden as he patches up his feud with sons Freddy and Bobby (pictured together last week) It was previously revealed that Jeff, had set up a court date to stop his youngest son Freddy, 20, from seeing his maternal grandmother amid rising concerns over his well being (Jackiey pictured in 2019) The source said: 'Effectively they've all made peace for the time being and are trying to make things better again, which is doing them the world of good. 'It's actually the perfect outcome for everyone, and exactly what Jade would have wanted. The boys are happier for it, and the constant in-fighting has stopped... for now. While Jeff and Jackiey will never be friends, they added: 'Freddy remains devoted to her and was threatening to leave the UK to be with his grandmother abroad if Jeff carried on his legal case.' While a few weeks ago it still looked as though court action would be taken, they have instead reached a peaceful resolution. Daily Mail has contacted Jeff's representatives for comment. Back in June The Mail On Sunday revealed that Freddy was again spending time at Jackiey's Bermondsey flat despite his father filing court paperwork in an effort to keep his son away. Family friends say the duo remain 'extremely close,' explaining: 'Jeff was never going to keep Freddy away from his Nanny for very long - they've always had a strong bond, Jeff may hate her for all sorts of reasons going back many years, but Freddy loves her very much. 'They had a great time together, playing with her dog and catching up at her flat - where he has often stayed over the years. Whatever Jeff hoped to achieve with his legal efforts, it hasn't worked.' The source said: ' Effectively they've all made peace for the time being and are trying to make things better again, which is doing them the world of good' (Jackiey pictured in 2019) Jeff and Freddy's bond was showcased to viewers during their appearance on Celebrity Race Cross The World last year In June, Freddy announced on Instagram that he was going to a rehabilitation centre in Spain, admitting he had been addicted to smoking since he was 12 and was keen to seek treatment. He said: 'I've been smoking from the age of 12 and it's time to stop it was a bad coping mechanism that turned into an addiction something I relied on and something that made me feel sane and somewhat okay.' But days after the admission, Freddy posted again online saying he had changed his mind, writing: 'You know what I don't need rehab. I just need a holiday with a good group of boys or a retreat.' Freddy lost his mother, former Big Brother star Jade, to cervical cancer in 2009 when he was just four years old. During his appearance on BBC's Celebrity Race Across the World, Freddy spoke on the grief he has suffered following his mother's tragic passing. He said: 'I don't really remember being held by my mum if I had more memories with her, it would have made it a whole lot harder for me, but I think I would rather that than not remembering the things I had done with my mum.' READ MORE: Robert Irwin to team up with Bluey for very special project Robert Irwin has been unveiled as the face of Tourism Australia's latest international campaign. The 20-year-old celebrity conservationist leads a $130million global marketing blitz aimed at tempting travellers to experience the natural beauty of Australia. The campaign specifically targets American and Chinese audiences, with stunning shots of Robert set against iconic Australian landscapes. Tourism Australia has shared a three-minute ad on YouTube which captures an enthusiastic-looking Robert driving an American tourist through the outback. Packed with plenty of 'Gday mates' - and even a nod to the classic 'throw a shrimp on the barbie' catchphrase - the ad kicks off with a comical scene. It depicts a lost American tourist stranded in the desert without his phone, only to be rescued by Robert behind the wheel of a 4WD. Robert Irwin has been unveiled as the face of Tourism Australia's latest international campaign. Pictured 'G'day mate, just going for a stroll?' Robert asks the sunburnt traveller, who is crawling on his hands and knees. 'An emu took my phone,' the tourist replies, to which Robert helpfully says, 'Well, we better go find it, as the pair set off across the sand dunes in search of the bird. Tourism Minister Don Farrell said the 'Come and Say G'day' campaign was building on a winning formula. 'I know this iteration, featuring popular talent like Robert Irwin, will be a smash,' he said in a statement. The campaign also features British TV chef Nigella Lawson, Chinese actor Yosh Yu and Japanese comedian Abareru-kun. It is set to be rolled out across TV and digital platforms in five key international markets - with each celebrity starring in ads tailored to their home country. It comes at a time when international travel is surging, with visitor numbers expected to hit 10 million by 2026 and 11.8 million by 2029. Tourism remains one of the nation's biggest economic drivers, supporting more than 700,000 jobs and 360,000 businesses. The 20-year-old celebrity conservationist leads a $130million global marketing blitz aimed at tempting travellers to experience the natural beauty of Australia Tourism Australia has shared a three-minute ad on YouTube which captures an enthusiastic-looking Robert driving an American tourist through the outback. An ad teaser was first unveiled in July during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China, with more set to go live on Thursday in the Chinese market. It comes one year after Robert joined forces with his fellow Aussie icon Bluey to be the face of a special campaign for Tourism and Events Queensland. The conservationist fronted a $9.2million international tourism campaign designed to bring more visitors into the state. In a promotional video for the campaign, Robert asks viewers: 'Ever wish you could live in Bluey's world? Well, that's all of Queensland!' He was then seen launching a red balloon into the air to begin a round of 'keepy uppy', the fun Bluey game where characters try to keep a balloon off the ground. The footage then cut to the balloon floating across some iconic QLD sights, including the Great Barrier Reef, the outback and the Gold Coast. The marketing campaign was a collaboration between Tourism and Events Queensland and BBC Studios in the UK. Channel Seven star Abbey Holmes was recently slammed for returning to work seven weeks after giving birth to her first child. But the footy presenter ignored the haters and enlisted the help of a popular Married At First Sight star as she attended the 2025 Logie Awards on Sunday. Abbey shared an elevator selfie to Instagram as she arrived at The Darling hotel with her newborn son Brax and reality star Rhi Disljenkovic. 'Aunty Rhi Rhi arrived to help with Braxxy during the Logies,' she wrote. The following day, Abbey shared another selfie of the friends and baby Brax checking out of the hotel ahead of their flight back to Melbourne. Rhi also sang a song to the newborn in the car on the way to the airport. Channel Seven star Abbey Holmes enlisted the help of a popular Married At First Sight star as she attended the 2025 Logie Awards on Sunday Abbey shared an elevator selfie to Instagram from the hotel with her newborn son Brax and reality star Rhi Disljenkovic Abbey and her husband, former Hawthorn and Gold Coast player Keegan Brooksby, welcomed their first baby, Brax, on June 6. The Channel Seven presenter confirmed to fans that she'd be returning to work on July 25, in time for Essendon's Round 20 clash against the Western Bulldogs. Abbey took to Instagram to post a video of Dale Thomas and Matthew Richardson, captioning the post 'OK guys, we're baaaaack.' The footy presenter has been working two days a week as she enjoys her life as a new mum, and revealed that her decision to return to footy was based on how well Brax was doing. 'I think that if he didn't take a bottle or was really unsettled and only slept on me, or whatever it might have been, then I certainly would have been hamstrung and certainly not come back seven weeks after having him,' she told Seven. While many sent congratulations and well wishes to Holmes after she revealed she was returning to work, some comments branded her 'selfish'. One commenter wrote, 'Seven weeks. How about look after the tiny bundle of joy and watch them grow.' Another added, 'In child care at our expense no doubt.' Rhi embraced little Brax as he sat on the hotel bed while his mum got ready for the 2025 Logie Awards Rhi also sang a song to the newborn in the car on the way to the airport In response, Abbey hit back at the comments, explaining why she was so keen to get in front of the camera again. 'I think my work for me, it's so important. I genuinely love what I do. It doesn't feel like work in any way, shape or form,' she said. 'There's certainly a small minority of people out there that feel that they have the right to tell you what you should be doing and how things are to be done, which is never the case.' She also blasted those who had criticised her husband, Keegan, who she dubbed a 'super dad'. '[Someone said:] "Oh dad's on babysitting duty". I'm sorry, but dads don't babysit their own children, they're 50 per cent of the parenting duo,' she said. 'That's one thing that really gets to me.' Holmes also appeared at the Logie Awards on Sunday night and looked radiant, as she took to the red carpet wearing a sparkling grey gown. Johnny Vegas has admitted he had a 'meltdown' amid his ADHD battle as the comedian, 54, opened up about the most challenging year of his life. The actor and comedian's upcoming two-part Channel 4 show sees him create a piece of art for his hometown, St. Helens, in Merseyside. However during filming, the star was rocked by a shock health diagnosis as he discovered he had ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. And now Johnny has opened up about the 'most difficult time of his life' and how his art saved him. He told The Mirror: 'I went into meltdown, I couldnt function. It seemed insurmountable. I had to get professional help. This has been the most difficult part of my life. But the art saved me.' Johnny Vegas has admitted he had a 'meltdown' amid his ADHD battle as he reflected on the 'most difficult part of his life' and what saved him (pictured in 2024) During filming for his upcoming Channel 4 show the star was rocked by a shock health diagnosis as he discovered he had ADHD Explaining how the noise in his brain stops when he is working on his art he continued: 'With ADHD, when everyone else is going to bed, my brain goes, "Its just you and me now". 'It lives to work against you. But the one time the white noise stops, the one time I can focus, the one time that having ADHD is good for you is art. The world makes sense when I am working on my art.' Johnny took a year off work amid his health battle before he returned for his debut art exhibition. His new documentary, titled Johnny Vegas: Art, ADHD and Me, will see the star embark on a 'creative endeavour' that ends up being a 'journey of self-discovery'. The documentary delves into 'an honest and heartfelt conversation about mental health and understanding yourself'. Previously speaking about the new show, Johnny revealed he was once a 'dedicated wannabe ceramicist'. He said: 'I used to sit at a potter's wheel on stage. People thought it was a gimmick but I actually started out as a dedicated wannabe ceramicist. 'Art was my educational saviour. Over years of witnessing what felt like an ongoing decline in educational commitment to the very same arts I felt it was time I threw my hat back into the ring. He said: 'I went into meltdown, I couldnt function. It seemed insurmountable. I had to get professional help. This has been the most difficult part of my life' (pictured back in 2021) 'To kickstart a debate about culture in general, whilst giving something of a visual a symbol of gratitude back to my honestly beloved town.' Channel 4 boss Shaminder Nahal revealed the documentary had been filmed over years and added: 'This series brings to life the power of art for everyone how it can soothe, help, energise and inspire. 'Beautifully filmed over several years by Eddie Stafford, the series showcases Johnny's unique humour, heart and passion uncovering the intricacies and demands of artistic process along the way. 'It's an enlightening, eye-opening and emotional journey.' An actor on And Just Like That is questioning if his character is to blame for the Sex And The City spinoff's recent cancellation. Following the bleak news, initially shared by Sarah Jessica Parker and creator Michael Patrick King, actor Jonathan Cake, 57, took to Instagram to reflect on his brief time on the show. He shared a photo of his character Duncan in bed with Sarah's main character, the divisive Carrie Bradshaw, and wrote in the caption, 'Wait, did i JUST KILL @justlikethatmax?' Adding a spoiler, he cheekily continued, 'Duncan finally has one night of passion with Carrie Bradshaw and the show's overFOREVER??? Was it, judging by this picture, his surprisingly small head? Or something else a little underwhelming?' The playful note went on, 'Ah Duncan Donuts, I guess America wont run on Duncan, but it was exquisite pleasure while it lasted.' The actor also shared a behind-the-scenes snapshot of Sarah smiling while wearing eyeglasses. An actor featured on And Just Like That actor is questioning if his character is to blame for the Sex and the City spinoff's cancellation Following the cancellation news, initially shared by Sarah Jessica Parker, 57-year-old actor Jonathan Cake took to Instagram to reflect on his brief time on the show He shared a photo of his character Duncan in bed with Sarah's main character, the divisive Carrie Bradshaw, and wrote in the caption, 'Wait, did i JUST KILL @justlikethatmax?' In his message he named costars Sarah, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, creator Michael and producer John Melfi before writing, 'You gave the world SUCH joy for nearly thirty years. 'I don't think there's a higher calling for people in our business. You knocked it out of the park and it's still traveling, traveling, traveling. 'Thank you for having me on your team for a hot a very hot minute. You're all brilliant.' Cake joined the third and final season of the reboot as a writer who lived in the apartment underneath Carrie's. The two characters initially bumped heads before finding common ground in their writing careers. The most recent episode saw them take their relationship from professional to personal as they explored their romantic chemistry. Fans are now anxiously waiting to see how the final two episodes of the franchise will tie everything together. Sarah acknowledged the show's culmination with a heartfelt post shared on Instagram. The actor also shared a behind-the-scenes snapshot of Sarah smiling while wearing eyeglasses Jonathan's playful note went on, 'Ah Duncan Donuts, I guess America wont run on Duncan, but it was exquisite pleasure while it lasted' Cake joined the third and final season of the reboot as a writer who lived in the apartment underneath Carrie's Sharing a montage of photos from the history of the two series, she wrote a poem that read in part: 'She crossed streets, avenues, rubicons, so it seemed. 'She broke hearts, heels, habits. She loved, lost, won, tripped, leaped. Fell short and into puddles. 'Aged. Got wiser. She has made the hardest worst and best decisions. 'Traveled near and far. For the new. The vintage. Friends and love. 'Changed homes, time zones, boyfriends, her mind, her shoes, her hair, but never her love and devotion to New York City. 'She had dates, drinks, boyfriends. A husband and truly great loves and romances. 'She hailed cabs. She ran in heels. And danced with Stanford. She told the truth and she lied. 'She typed. Wondered. Wrote. Published. Grieved. Forgave. Got stood up. Stood strong. Stood out.' Abbie Chatfield has finally confirmed a long-standing rumour, admitting she once accepted money in exchange for tipping off the paparazzi about her whereabouts. The 30-year-old made the bombshell confession on the latest episode of her It's A Lot podcast, revealing she pocketed $1,000 for setting up a staged photo opportunity shortly after appearing on The Bachelor in 2019. 'When I was fresh out of The Bachelor I was dating The Bachelorette's Todd [King] , and we set up with some paparazzi to take photos of us at the beach,' Abbie began. 'We were going anyway, and it was $1,000! We thought, "Yeah, that will pay for flights from Perth".' Abbie explained the photoshoot was coordinated through a journalist, who acted as a go-between and passed on the location details to a photographer in Queensland. 'It was done through a journalist, who told the paparazzi where we were going to be. I have done it once for money, because I still had a nine-to-five and $1,000 is a lot of money,' she added. Abbie Chatfield has finally confirmed a long-standing rumour, admitting she once accepted money in exchange for tipping off the paparazzi about her whereabouts 'We were going to go to the beach anyway, so if you are doing it for money, then go off, queen!' she continued. The staged photos were taken at Noosa Beach in October 2019 and captured Abbie in a skimpy two-piece, passionately kissing her then-rumoured love interest Todd King. The media personality has long faced speculation about tipping off paparazzi. Last year, Abbie rubbished suggestions she frequently 'tips off' the paparazzi about her whereabouts to ensure good photos. The influencer shared a blistering video to TikTok in which she admitted she had alerted the paparazzi to her whereabouts before - but clarified it was not a regular occurrence. 'I think it is funny that people are so angry about people who call the paps on themselves,' Abbie began. 'It's f**king weird to do it when you are going on a walk, like who gives a f**k? I would never call the paps for photos of me walking the dog!' However, she added that she believed it was okay for celebrities to alert press photographers about their whereabouts if the money from the snaps was split between them. Abbie made the bombshell confession on the latest episode of her It's A Lot podcast, revealing she pocketed $1,000 for setting up a staged photo opportunity with The Bachelorette's Todd King. Pictured The staged photos were taken at Noosa Beach October 2019 and captured Abbie in a skimpy two-piece 'I don't think it is an evil thing to do because people can have autonomy over the photos taken of them. The reason why paps are creepy is because it isn't consensual,' she said. 'If you can get paid for it, why not? The reason why I did it with my boyfriend at the time is the money. I wouldn't do it again unless it was for a lot of money.' Meanwhile, Ben McDonald, CEO of Matrix Media Group, told Daily Mail in 2024 that many celebrities had a working relationship with the paparazzi as a means of controlling their image. He said that throughout his career he had developed working relationships with all kinds of celebrities, including Hollywood A-Listers and reality stars. Joanna Carson, the third wife of late comedy legend Johnny Carson, is being fondly remembered by her friends after her death last month. Joanna's death was revealed to her friends in July, and she was laid to rest last week in a funeral service, Extra reported Monday. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation honored the late model in a Facebook post on July 30, saying she and the late philanthropist Wallis Annenberg embodied the 'spirit of love and support' the organization's famed founder had in mind. Joanna, who grew up in New York, was previously married to Tim Holland, a backgammon player, for six years. (They had a son named Joe, who sadly passed away in 1994.) Following their split, Joanna began modeling and eventually met the NBC late night king, who had been twice wed before. Johnny Carson - who hosted The Tonight Show from 1962 until 1992 - died January 23, 2005 at the age of 79. Joanna Carson, the third wife of late comedy legend Johnny Carson, is being fondly remembered by her friends after her death last month. The late couple pictured in 1974 in LA Joanna's death was revealed to her friends in July, and she was laid to rest last week in a funeral service, Extra reported Monday. Pictured in 2019 in Beverly Hills, California The late night king's previous spouse was named Joanne, a coincidence he made jokes about on his NBC show. Johnny and Joanne revealed they were splitting in 1972, and Johnny married Joanna later that same year. Joanna (born Johanna Ulrich) began divorce proceedings around 1982 and settled for a massive $20 million in cash with Carson in 1985, Extra reported. Carson's large settlement was a pop culture talking point, four decades back: Comedian Eddie Murphy famously referenced it in analyzing the concept of dividing assets in a divorce in his 1987 concert film, Eddie Murphy Raw. Johnny Carson's name has been in the headlines as of late in connection with the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Numerous media analysts have pointed out the tendency of Johnny Carson - who single-handedly dominated late night ratings for three decades - to not veer off too far politically so as not to alienate a large chunk of potential viewers. Joanna was good friends with the late fashion designer Michaele Vollbracht, who died at the age of 70 in 2018. She had provided capital to his fashion house and was an executive for his company, the outlet reported. The duo exuded Hollywood glitz as they stepped out in Los Angeles in 1973 The glamorous couple was pictured in NYC with late comedy legend Bob Hope in 1979 Johnny Carson dominated late night for three decades with The Tonight Show. Pictured in his classic comedy bit Carnac the Magnificent Joanna had also worked with the charity organization SHARE (Share Happily and Reap Endlessly), according to the outlet. SHARE on its site says 'its mission is to raise funds for the developmentally disabled, abused, and neglected children as well as medical research for all forms of developmental disabilities.' Joanna was well-remembered on The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Facebook page following the sad announcement on July 30. A user named Trey Wilson described Joanna and the late Wallis Annenberg as 'extraordinary women' who were 'born into different family systems faiths and traditions. They ultimately 'both used their gifts and talents to help people and animals that are discounted,' Wilson said, adding, 'They both helped me remember my moral compass.' A commenter named Barbara Berkowitz wrote, '2 such wonderful women. They were such angels to' the foundation. Commenter Jeffrey B. Towns described the late women as 'generous individuals who will be so very missed.' Carrie Bickmore has made a shock admission about the afterparty for the 2025 Logie Awards. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, the popular broadcaster, 44, shared two photos that showed her posing on the red carpet in her would-be afterparty attire. Carrie put on quite the busty display in the photos, stepping out in a figure-hugging mini-dress from Australian designer Rebecca Vallance. The low-cut dress, which featured eye-catching floral diamante appliques, flaunted Carrie's ample cleavage. Carrie's party dress finished at her thigh, showing off her trim and toned pins. Carrie appeared ready for a big night post-Logies, happily hamming up for the camera on the red carpet. Carrie Bickmore has made a shock admission about the afte party for the 2025 Logie Awards However, the dress was not given its moment in the spotlight, with Carrie admitting she skipped the afterparty antics in favour of a good night's sleep. Carrie did reveal that she attempted to put in an appearance, but her hotel pillow was more inviting than hitting the dance floor with fellow celebs. 'When you get changed to go to the after party... walk down to the party then walk back up to bed because suddenly a full night's sleep in a hotel bed sounds more appealing than a dance floor,' Carrie wrote, augmenting the sentiment with a laughing face emoji. Carrie had earlier turned more than a few heads when she arrived at Australian television's night of nights on Sunday. Known for flaunting her innate sense of style on the Logies red carpet, Carrie certainly didn't disappoint this year. She looked radiant in her one-shoulder design the subtle shimmer highlighting her spectacular figure as she sashayed down the carpet. Her hair was immaculate and while the heavy eye makeup was a bold move, it worked beautifully with her minimalist accessories and ultra-natural look. Carrie's post-Logies admission comes as rumours continue to swirl about a potential romance with Lee Elliott. The popular broadcaster shared two photos that showed her posing on the red carpet in her would-be after party attire Carrie put on quite the busty display in the photos, stepping out in a figure-hugging mini-dress from Australian designer Rebecca Vallance Carrie posted a series of photos to Instagram on Sunday, showing off her stunning Logies red carpet look. 'Dress of dreams... Thank you to the amazing team who pulled this look together,' Carrie wrote, before tagging the designer and make-up artist. Lee, 43, showed his support by liking Carrie's social media post. According to Woman's Day, Carrie and Lee have been spending a lot of time together at Carrie's home. The publication claimed the pair were introduced by mutual friends and the relationship is 'heating up quickly'. 'They've been trying hard to keep things under wraps. But there's definitely something romantic going on. They're a beautiful couple!' a source allegedly told the magazine. Lee is newly single after splitting from his wife, Georgia, earlier this year. He and Georgia, who first met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their separation with identical posts to Instagram in May. Two months after his death, King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss was honored in the final episode of the adult animated sitcom revival, which started streaming Monday on Hulu/Disney+. Episode 10 titled 'The Sound Investment' concluded with a title card of the Texan native - who was gunned down at age 59 on June 1 - which read: 'In Loving Memory... Jonathan Joss.' Jonathan voiced musician and healer John Redcorn on the formerly Fox show from seasons 2-13 spanning 1997-2010. And, in the long-awaited revival, Hank & Peggy Hill (Mike Judge and Kathy Najimy) invested in his new business venture, John Redcorn's Red Corns. 'It was the episode that featured him the most,' showrunner Saladin K. Patterson explained to THR on Monday. Two months after his death, King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss was honored in the final episode of the adult animated sitcom revival, which started streaming Monday on Hulu/Disney+ (pictured May 31) Episode 10 titled 'The Sound Investment' concluded with a title card of the Texan native - who was gunned down at age 59 on June 1 - which read: 'In Loving Memory... Jonathan Joss' 'It also felt fitting because his tragic passing was so recent and the finale was the last episode produced. If there are future seasons, we will choose a way to address the Dale/Nancy/Redcorn love triangle that highlights the compassion that Jonathan always brought to the character.' Fans were mostly unhappy with the King of the Hill executive producers' previous tribute to Joss on June 3, which they claim sounded like a 'statement you make when someone dies of a heart attack not a homophobic murder.' The charismatic actor of Native descent had crashed the ATX TV Festival reunion on May 30 and briefly rambled during the Q&A - stunning co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels as well as actors Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom, and Toby Huss into silence. At the end of episode seven, the producers shared a tribute to Johnny Hardwick who was able to reprise his voiceover role as Dale Gribble for six episodes of the revival before his mysterious passing, at age 64, in a bathtub two years ago. 'Dale's character was too important a character to what we were currently doing to let the character go away,' Patterson admitted to THR. 'What felt the most respectful and also creatively strong was taking Toby [Huss], who was a friend of Johnny's, who was like a brother to Johnny in certain ways, and having him [take over the character] in a way that would pay homage to Johnny.' The King of the Hill revival - set 15 years later - currently has a 'certified fresh' 100% critic approval rating (out of 29 reviews) and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Jonathan got to reprise his role as musician and healer John Redcorn (R) in the long-awaited revival during which Hank (M) & Peggy Hill invested in his new business venture, John Redcorn's Red Corns Showrunner Saladin K. Patterson (pictured July 25) explained to THR on Monday: 'It felt fitting because his tragic passing was so recent and the finale was the last episode produced. If there are future seasons, we will choose a way to address the Dale/Nancy/Redcorn love triangle that highlights the compassion that Jonathan always brought to the character' Fans were mostly unhappy with the King of the Hill executive producers' previous tribute to Joss on June 3, which they claim sounded like a 'statement you make when someone dies of a heart attack not a homophobic murder' The King of the Hill revival - set 15 years later - currently has a 'certified fresh' 100% critic approval rating (out of 29 reviews) and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes Meanwhile, a San Antonio judge has still not sentenced Jonathan's neighbor Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez (mugshot pictured) for his murder, which many believe was a homophobic hate crime, and he's currently on house arrest after paying $200K bail The 56-year-old suspect is claiming self-defense and his attorney Nico LaHood told KSAT on June 24 that his client is 'innocent' and 'has the support of their neighbors' (pictured May 28) Despite raising over $22K on GoFundMe, Joss' widow Tristan Kern de Gonzales (pictured April 8) has still not announced any celebration of life memorial for him, which he promised fans back on June 10 Meanwhile, a San Antonio judge has still not sentenced Jonathan's neighbor Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez for his murder, which many believe was a homophobic hate crime, and he's currently on house arrest after paying $200K bail. The 56-year-old suspect is claiming self-defense and his attorney Nico LaHood told KSAT on June 24 that his client is 'innocent' and 'has the support of their neighbors.' Despite raising over $22K on GoFundMe, Joss' widow Tristan Kern de Gonzales has still not announced any celebration of life memorial for him, which he promised fans back on June 10. Annabelle Davis looked more loved-up than ever in a sweet new snap with boyfriend Charlie. The actress, who is the daughter of actor Warwick Davis, first debuted their romance in 2021 and occasionally gives fans a glimpse into their romance with rare snaps. In her latest Instagram post on Monday, the Dumping Ground star, 28, lovingly placed her hand on Charlie's knee as they gazed adoringly into each other's eyes. Annabelle was dressed to impress in the snap, sporting a pink floral dress and patent nude heels, while Charlie looked dapper in a navy suit and pink paisley tie. Charlie works as a photographer and music producer, and the couple previously revealed that they bonded over their shared creativity. The couple also both enjoy caravanning because it allows them to 'get out into nature and nurture their creativity.' Annabelle Davis looked more loved-up than ever in a sweet new snap with boyfriend Charlie that she posted to Instagram on Monday Speaking to Sunbox Campers about their shared hobby, Annabelle shared: 'Growing up my parents and I were away all the time camping and caravanning all the time 'Having grown up with that, its made me want to go travelling myself.' Annabelle posted a cosy snap with Charlie after her father revealed he's found love again following the death of wife Samantha. Samantha - who he affectionately called Sammy - died last spring aged 53 after she contracted sepsis due to complications from surgery. Yet in February, Warwick revealed he was able to feel love again after meeting a woman he cryptically labelled as 'Sponge'. Warwick, 55, name checked her during his emotional BAFTAs acceptance speech after receiving a Fellowship award. He said: 'Special mention should go to Sponge, you know who you are. 'Thank you for showing me that life can still have meaning and for helping me to laugh and to love again.' Annabelle posted a cosy snap with Charlie after her father revealed he's found love again following the death of wife Samantha (Warwick and Samantha pictured in 2015) The Harry Potter star was then quizzed about the mystery woman during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross show. Asked about the identity of 'Sponge', Warwick replied: 'I can reveal, sticking with the Harry Potter theme, Sponge is indeed She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.' Referring to Daisy May Cooper's This Country character Kerry Mucklowe, Warwick added: 'Sponge very much reminds me of Kerry. Some of the things she says and her accent.' Elsewhere during the interview, Warwick was asked about his moving BAFTAs acceptance speech, which saw him reduce viewers to tears when he paid tribute to his late wife. He explained: 'When you go through your career as an actor, you sometimes become a bit reluctant to do certain jobs thinking another one will come along and be a bit better. 'She [Samantha] would always say "get out there and do it". 'She was great at networking as well, always talking to producers and getting me the work in the next job. Very supportive. 'You need that in this business because it is difficult. You've got to have someone who is very supportive of you being away on occasions and working ridiculous hours.' The actress first debuted their romance in 2021 and occasionally gives fans a glimpse into their romance with rare snaps (pictured with Warwick and brother Harrison) Following Samantha's death, Warwick's legal team launched an investigation into whether his wife may have died as a result of alleged medical negligence. In April, a firm acting for the Hollywood star said it is continuing to probe the death of Samantha, who died aged 53 in March last year following surgery to treat compression on her spine at University College Hospital in London. A coroner ruled the actress had died of arrhythmic cardiac arrest following complications of essential surgical treatment and from the effects of achondroplasia - a bone growth disorder which results in dwarfism. Samantha had been admitted to UCH weeks before following loss of mobility in her lower limbs after a disc prolapse, and had undergone two thoracotomies - where the chest wall is opened - on February 20 and March 14. Her prognosis had been positive and there were plans to discharge her - but she went into cardiac arrest at 11.25pm on March 23, and was pronounced dead at 12.28am on March 24 following attempts to resuscitate her. An autopsy concluded she had died of complications from a left hemothorax - where blood collects in the area between the lungs and the chest wall - following surgery. Pathologists told Samantha's inquest that he saw no evidence of the bleeding being caused by the removal of a surgical drain after surgery. Her family said she had suffered a 'similar episode' after having a drain removed following a previous operation, and had raised concerns about an 'intense' physiotherapy session hours before she died. Warwick and Samantha pictured with their children Harrison and Annabelle at the premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi in California in 2017 The couple met during the filming of 1988 fantasy movie Willow, in which he had a starring role as the hero Willow Ufgood. They married in 1991 and went on to welcome children Annabelle and Harrison. They also had a third child, however he tragically died nine days after being born. Warwick rose to fame as an 11-year-old after being cast as an Ewok in Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi. He reprised the role Willow Ufgood in a 2022 Disney+ series. He also famously played Professor Flitwick in all eight films in the Harry Potter franchise and also portrayed the Gringotts Wizarding Bank goblin Griphook. The BAFTA-winner starred alongside his wife in Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, where Samantha played a goblin. Together with Samantha, he co-founded Little People UK in 2012 to help individuals with dwarfism and their families. Samantha was diagnosed with achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes dwarfism, as a child. Warwick is affected by a similar condition, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. It meant he never grew taller than 3ft 6in. Gemma Collins shared a sweet snap with her rarely-seen stepson Tristan and fiance Rami Hawash on Instagram as they enjoyed a trip in the New Forest on Monday. The reality star, 44, larked around with Rami's son Tristan, seven, in a huge hot tub during their five-star stay at the Lime Wood Hotel. The family spent some quality time at the luxury countryside hotel during the summer holidays. Gemma previously spoke of the bond she shares with Rami's son in an interview with the Daily Mail. She said: 'Do you know what? I've got the greatest gift of all my partner gave me. 'I have a beautiful three-year-old stepson and have a very good relationship with his mum and it's been so lovely that they've let me be a part of their lives. Gemma Collins, 44, shared a sweet snap with her rarely-seen stepson Tristan, seven, and fiance Rami Hawash on Instagram as they enjoyed a trip in the New Forest on Monday 'Tristan, he's beautiful. I love him so much. He's the apple of my eye. With Tristan, our family are just so obsessed with him. 'And my nephews Hayden and Kane are so good with him, he's like the new little baby on the scene. 'They just love him as much as I do and he loves them. He's just part of our family.' Gemma continued to show off her impressive weight loss in a pale blue swimsuit after dropping an incredible two stone on Mounjaro. The TOWIE alum has been incredibly open about losing weight on the loss jab after being unable to turn over in bed. Gemma previously shared her life has been transformed since taking the NHS-approved jab. Gemma, who at her heaviest weighed 23st and was a size 26, said her goal is to get down to a size 16 by summer. She is currently a size 20. The reality star has long wanted to start a family with her fiance Rami and believes she will 'give birth to twins' next year after losing more weight. The TOWIE alum has been incredibly open about losing weight on the loss jab after being unable to turn over in bed (pictured left in May, right in June 2024) Gemma, who at her heaviest weighed 23st and was a size 26, said her goal is to get down to a size 16. She is currently a size 20 The reality star has long wanted to start a family with her fiance Rami and believes she will 'give birth to twins' next year after losing more weight The star previously had a secret operation to have a gastric balloon fitted but was left feeling so ill after she thought she might die. She said: 'It was scary. I should never have done it... I thought I was going to die. I could not get out of bed. The pain in my stomach... because it was like a foreign body in my belly.' Gemma said even drinking water after the operation made her violently sick and so she rang the hospital begging them to take the balloon out. She also said there are plenty of celebrities taking weight loss jabs but most are keeping it to themselves. The star insisted she's not worried about losing her curves and even found at her heaviest, she couldn't put a 'sexy bra' on and also struggled to turn over in bed. She said: 'This has been life-changing for me. I am going to look like a Victoria's Secret model. But not only that, I feel healthier, I feel happier. I'm really looking forward to this year, I may finally be able to wear a bikini again.' Explaining the process of the brand and the options their offer, Gemma admitted went: 'This was a big thing for me to come on here because I just wanted to share with you my journey. I've been bullied and tortured all my life for being overweight. 'I can't tell you how good I feel right now. I feel like a massive weight's been lifted off my shoulders. 'This if for anyone who struggles is real. Only if you're overweight do you know the struggle, you know the downfalls, you know what you go through.' Jason Manford has recalled the heart-stopping moment he was stopped at customs for carrying a bag of collagen through customs in Bilbao, Spain on Tuesday. The comedian, 44, joked he was 'nearly chucked in jail' when the bag of white powder raised concern to custom officers. Jason left fans in stitches as he explained the petrifying ordeal in a video on X once he passed through customs. He said: 'I've just come off the ferry in Bilbao and we got pulled into the side, the van searched and what not. 'The most worrying bit was when he [customs officer] went "What's in there?" [pointing to the collegen] which is like a box of stuff from Will Powders. 'And then opened this bag of collagen peptides which let me show you... My heart was in my mouth, it's literally a massive bag of white power.' Jason Manford, 44, has recalled the heart-stopping moment he was stopped at customs for carrying a bag of collagen through customs in Bilbao, Spain on Tuesday The comedian joked he was 'nearly chucked in jail' when the bag of white powder raised concern to custom officers 'Phew! Got away with it though', he quipped. Jason captioned his post: 'Heart-stopping moment at customs in Bilbao! Nearly chucked in jail over some @willpowders collagen! phew!' Fans wrote in the comments: 'You lead an exciting life [laughing face emojis]', 'More material to bank for the next tour', 'You could write your whole next tour just off this week xx', 'I travel with my willpowders collagen too. To make it worse, I have the big measuring spoon in the bag too. I always hold my breath in security expecting to be pulled to one side'. Jason gave a health update alongside a defiant message after undergoing surgery and cancelling four shows on Monday. He 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. He said: 'I've just come off the ferry in Bilbao and we got pulled into the side, the van searched and what not. The most worrying bit was when he [customs officer] went "What's in there?" [pointing to the collegen] which is like a box of stuff from Will Powders' 'And then opened this bag of collagen peptides which let me show you... My heart was in my mouth, it's literally a massive bag of white power. Phew! Got away with it though' Jason left fans in stitches as he explained the petrifying ordeal in a video on X once he passed through customs And taking to his Instagram on Sunday, Jason had seemingly recovered well as he revealed he was out of hospital and heading on holiday. The TV personality also defiantly declared that he'll 'not be defeated' while informing fans of the major travel alterations he's had to make amid his illness. Sharing a snap of himself reclining on a bed in a ferry cabin, Jason penned: 'I will not be defeated! Im going on holiday! Might not be able to fly to Portugal but what about this ferry! On it. its only 33 hours.' His post was met with plenty of messages from fans expressing their joy that he was on the mend. Meanwhile, last week Jason was sweetly supported by his parents as they sat by his bedside after he underwent appendix surgery. He gave fans an update as he took to Instagram to share a sweet photograph of his parents Sharon and Ian paying him a visit in hospital. 'Mum & dad come to look after me for the night! Rest of the family away and they didnt want by myself,' he wrote in a caption. Always their baby no matter how old ya get!' John Bishop 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. Jason gave a health update alongside a defiant message after undergoing surgery and cancelling four shows on Monday He 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 Taking to his Instagram on Sunday, Jason had seemingly recovered well as he revealed he was out of hospital and heading on holiday The TV personality also defiantly declared that he'll 'not be defeated' while informing fans of the major travel alterations he's had to make amid his illness Speaking to the camera, John 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. He shared on Instagram: '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. '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. Jason was sweetly supported by his parents as they sat by his bedside after he underwent appendix surgery Following his surgery, Jason took to Instagram in the early hours of Saturday to share a smiley snap of himself as enjoyed a 'cheeky midnight snack' of pepperoni and pineapple pizza John Bishop 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 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' '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. '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.' BBC star Jay Blades, who has been charged with two counts of rape, hosts bizarre late night TikTok lives, declares himself a 'born again' Christian and is raking in cash from fans. Despite serious allegations against the TV presenter, who was charged with two counts of rape on Monday, the Repair Shop star seems unfazed as he turns to social media to earn money and help improve his public image. The Mail can reveal that Blades, 54, who is currently on a break from television following the disturbing allegations, has taken to hosting late-night livestreams from his bedroom dancing to gospel and soul music, preaching about his newfound faith, and interacting with a growing online fanbase. During these TikTok sessions some running well into the early hours Blades is seen smiling, singing, and declaring himself a born again Christian, praising the greatness of God to hundreds of viewers at a time. Fans, many of whom appear unaware of the serious charges hes facing, have been sending him virtual gifts during the livestreams which convert into real money. The embattled TV star is reportedly earning income from the platform as he continues to build an enthusiastic following online. The Repair Shop 's Jay Blades (pictured arriving for a hearing at Worcester Crown Court in October 2024) has turned to TikTok to earn money from fans and host late night live sessions The BBC star now hosts bizarre late night TikTok lives, declares himself a 'born again' Christian and is raking in cash from fans BBC show The Repair Shop, which started on daytime TV in 2017 before moving to a primetime slot, saw Blades become one of the best-known faces on British TV Blades currently has 15,000 followers on TikTok and posts regularly about his 'weekend sessions'. He has also gained 584 followers on Twitch, where he broadcasts his session. He is also 'earning' 389 bits - which on Twitch are a virtual good that viewers can purchase and use to 'Cheer' in a streamer's chat. Streamers earn revenue based on the number of Bits used in their chat. Jay's goal on his profile says his 'goal' is to earn 1,000 bits. The most recent video advertising his next 'service' reads: 'Sunday is for soul care. 'For grace, elegance, and moments that feel like velvet. Today, I invite you into a space of refined peace and timeless beauty. Music that calms the chaos, elevates the spirit, and reminds you of who you are beneath the rush. 'This is Sophisticated Sundaywhere every song is chosen with intention, every sound is smooth as silk, and your presence is all thats needed. Blades currently has 15,000 followers on TikTok and posts regularly about his 'weekend sessions'. He has also gained 584 followers on Twitch, where he broadcasts his session. He is also 'earning' 389 bits - which on Twitch are a virtual good that viewers can purchase and use to 'Cheer' in a streamer's chat. Streamers earn revenue based on the number of Bits used in their chat Blades is currently awaiting trial on a separate charge of coercive control of his estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen (pictured). He has pled not guilty to the charge BBC presenter Jay Blades arrives at Worcester Crown Court in October last year 'Unwind. Reflect. Feel deeply. Let the music move you.' According to his profile, his next online session will be taking place this weekend, late into the evening on Friday. Police said in a statement on Monday night that the 55-year-old father-of-three would appear at magistrates' court next Wednesday. A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: 'Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape. 'He is due to appear at Telford magistrates' court on 13 August 2025.' Blades is currently awaiting trial on a separate charge of coercive control of his estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen. He denied the allegation when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court last October. The star was charged last September with a single count of 'controlling and coercive behaviour' between January 1 2023 and September 12 2024. Jay Blades depicted in a court sketch while appearing at Worcester Crown Court last year The single charge relates to his fitness instructor wife Ms Zbozen, who announced on Instagram on May 2 last year that she had walked out of the marriage. The BBC show, which started on daytime TV in 2017 before moving to a primetime slot, saw Blades become one of the best-known faces on British TV. He was honoured with an MBE in 2021. He has been at the helm of the show for seven years, but was dropped from last year's live tour. Roman Kemp replaced Blades as host for last year's Christmas special of The Repair Shop. In 2022, a special one-off episode to mark the BBC's centenary saw Blades and the repair team visit the King, when he was still the Prince of Wales, at Dumfries House in Scotland. Blades was made an MBE by Charles in May 2022 for services to craft and in recognition of his work promoting heritage craft and restoration in the UK. Joshua Jackson enjoyed a coffee date with Eric Dane's ex-girlfriend Priya Jain in New York City on Sunday. The Dawson's Creek star, 47, wore a white shirt, grey linen trousers and loafers for the outing. Priya, 27, showed off her incredible figure in a grey crop top and blue jeans, while elevating her height in stylish white heeled boots. She completed the look with a bomber jacket and Gucci handbag as she enjoyed an iced coffee while chatting with Joshua. Joshua and his model ex Jodie Turner-Smith split in October 2023 - after first sparking up a romance in 2018 and welcoming daughter Juno, now five. Meanwhile just weeks ago, Priya was not pleased about finding she was in a love triangle when Eric made his red carpet debut with a different woman amid his ALS battle. Joshua Jackson enjoyed a coffee date with Eric Dane's ex-girlfriend Priya Jain in New York City on Sunday The Dawson's Creek star, 47, wore a white shirt, grey linen trousers and loafers, while Priya, 27, showed off her incredible figure in a grey crop top and blue jeans The actress is said to be 'devastated' after the 52-year-old Euphoria star 'blindsided' her with the very public outing with new love-interest Janell Shirtcliff. A source told UsWeekly that Dane was 'still seeing' Jain and that she had spoken to the actor 'just days before' he was on the red carpet with 41-year-old Shirtcliff. Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Dane, Jain, and Shirtcliff and has yet to hear back. The insider said 'Priya is devastated' and that she was 'blindsided' while insisting the alleged girlfriend is now 'totally done' with Dane but 'wishes him all the best.' The source explained: 'Theres no chance of getting back together. Heartbreaks you move on from, but the public humiliation lingers on. 'She wants to move forward in her career and with her life in general. She just wants this all behind her.' The drama began last week when the actor made his carpet debut with a new romance in Los Angeles. Dane - who unveiled shock amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April - was seen attending the premiere of his new show Countdown on Wednesday, but was notably joined by filmmaker Shirtcliff. Joshua and his model ex Jodie Turner-Smith split in October 2023 - after first sparking up a romance in 2018 and welcoming daughter Juno, now five Meanwhile just weeks ago, Priya was not pleased about finding she was in a love triangle when Eric made his red carpet debut with a different woman amid his ALS battle The actress is said to be 'devastated' after the 52-year-old Euphoria star 'blindsided' her with the very public outing with new love-interest Janell Shirtcliff (pictured) He flashed a cheerful smile as he posed for a brief photo session and cozied up with Janell at the event. However, Dane's alleged partner Priya Jain was left 'blindsided' - with a source telling Page Six on Thursday that, 'They never broke up.' Eric was first linked to the actress late last year in November, following his separation from estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart. The pair have since called off the divorce amid his ALS battle. The insider further stated that both Dane and Priya became 'exclusive' late last year and she was left 'devastated' following his health diagnosis - but still stayed by his side. According to the source, Eric and Jain have spent nights together at his home - where she also keeps some of her belongings. The pair had spent time together the previous weekend weekend - just days before he walked the red carpet with Shirtcliff. Priya was last publicly seen with the actor in late April as they stepped out in L.A. together. A male model has been arrested after his husband was found dead with multiple stab wounds while slumped over a toilet at their New York City apartment. Personal trainer Jacob Zieben-Hood was found dead at his Harlem apartment on West 138th Street at around 4am on Friday, August 1. He was 34. The fitness professional - who worked for the personal training company SystimFit according to his Instagram - was found slumped over a toilet after being stabbed repeatedly prosecutors said in legal documents obtained by NBC 4 New York. The publication also reports that Jacob had a gash on his head in addition to several wounds to the back of his leg including one which was deep enough to have penetrated the muscle. His husband Donald Zieben-Hood, 40, has since been arrested according to the New York Daily News on Monday. The model was arraigned on charges of burglary, criminal contempt, and weapons possession on Sunday, August 3. A male model named Donald Zieben-Hood, 40, has been arrested after his husband Jacob Zieben-Hood, 34, was found dead with multiple stab wounds while slumped over a toilet at their New York City apartment; they are seen in New York back in November 2018 The personal trainer was found dead at his Harlem apartment (pictured on Friday) on West 138th Street at around 4am on Friday, August 1 However, he has not been charged for the death of his husband though the case is being investigated as a homicide according to NBC 4 New York. It has been alleged that the couple - who were married in July 2020 - had gotten into a fight at the Harlem apartment at around 7pm on Thursday, July 31 which was the night before Jacob was found dead according to court records obtained by PIX 11. It was claimed that Jacob had called his father during the altercation and told him that his husband had been preventing him from leaving the apartment and threatening with a knife. NBC 4 New York also reported Jacob's father also alleged that he could hear Donald in the background of the phone call yelling at his son and calling him names. Meanwhile, the New York Post reported that Donald had claimed that he had fallen asleep following the alleged confrontation hours before waking up around 4am to find Jacob dead. PIX 11 reports that prosecutors claim that Donald had cut Jacob with a knife on the had and leg before calling 911. On that call he told the operator that he had a protection order against him and he was worried that he would be arrested for violating the order. When police arrived at the scene in the early hours of Friday morning, Donald - who officials said had three cuts on his arm that needed stitches - allegedly claimed that Jacob had attacked him with a knife, according to NBC 4 New York. The fitness professional - who worked for the personal training company SystimFit according to his Instagram - was found slumped over a toilet after being stabbed repeatedly prosecutors said in legal documents obtained by NBC 4 New York The publication also reports that Jacob had a gash on his head in addition to several wounds to the back of his leg including one which was deep enough to have penetrated the muscle His husband Donald Zieben-Hood, 40, has since been arrested according to the New York Daily News on Monday. The model was arraigned on charges of burglary, criminal contempt, and weapons possession on Sunday, August 3 It has been alleged that the couple - who were married in July 2020 (pictured) - had gotten into a fight at the Harlem apartment at around 7pm on Thursday, July 31 which was the night before Jacob was found dead according to court records obtained by PIX 11 The couple has had a history of domestic abuse which dates back to 2022 cited officials to the publication. PIX 11 also reported that prosecutors had cited that Donald has two open criminal contempt cases, including one for allegedly strangling his husband twice in one night. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Sydney Sweeney has been slammed for saying she has 'great jeans' in a new American Eagle ad campaign. Some saw 'great jeans' to be a remark on her genetic background which is mixed European ancestry. The move was branded 'Nazi propaganda' by woke critics. Now haters are going after her darling pet. The Euphoria actress has a red-and-black German Shepherd rescue canine named Sully Bear that she often poses with on Instagram. The dog that weighs over 50lbs was first introduced to her fans in April 2024. Sully Bear has also been seen with her at a Met Gala after party and has graced the cover of The Sunday Times' Style magazine. 'That is a Nazi pet,' said one hater while another wrote, 'Swastika Sweeney.' Another declared: 'Hyper white person pet for sure.' German Shepherds were used by the Nazi regime in various capacities during World War II and dictator Adolf Hitler owned a few. But plenty supported her choice of pet: 'Your dog has great jeans as well,' wrote a fan on social media as they added a laughing emoji. Then there was this: ' any dog is the best dog but German shepherds were born with something special.' Sydney Sweeney has been slammed for saying she has 'great jeans' in a new American Eagle ad campaign. Some saw 'great jeans' to be a remark on her genetic background which is mixed European ancestry. Now haters are going after her darling pet The Euphoria actress has a red-and-black German Shepherd rescue canine named Sully Bear that she often poses with on Instagram Some followers encouraged the star: 'Don't listen to the haters. People are jealous, so they do what they do best hate. It will pass be true to yourself God bless.' The German Shepherd, also known in Britain as an Alsatian, is a German breed of working dog of medium to large size. The breed was developed by Max von Stephanitz using various traditional German herding dogs from 1899. It was originally bred as a herding dog, for herding sheep. On Friday American Eagle said the Americana actress did nothing wrong with their ads. '"Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans" is and always was about the jeans,' the company said on Instagram. 'Her jeans. her story,' it was added. 'We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.' 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. 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 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.' The dog that weighs over 50lbs was first introduced to her fans in April 2024 Sully Bear has also been seen with her at a Met Gala after party and has graced the cover of The Sunday Times' Style magazine 'That is a Nazi pet,' said one hater. Another declared: 'Hyper white person pet for sure.' German Shepherds were used by the Nazi regime in various capacities during World War II and dictator Adolf Hitler owned a few 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.'; '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'. But plenty supported her choice of pet: 'Your dog has great jeans as well,' wrote a fan on social media as they added a laughing emoji. Then there was this: ' any dog is the best dog but German shepherds were born with something special' On Friday American Eagle said the Americana actress did nothing wrong with their ads. '"Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans" is and always was about the jeans,' the company said on Instagram. 'Her jeans. her story,' it was added 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'; '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?' 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.' 'We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone,' added the company 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 The 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. In terms of the charitable aspect of the ad campaign, American Eagle Outfitters is working with Crisis Text Line in an effort to provide grants for mental health support and crisis intervention. Proceeds from a special edition of The Sydney Jean will be donated to the organization. Among the related grants include a $100,000 Signature Grant posted this past February 2025 in an effort to expand programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Melanie C has hinted at more Spice Girls drama as she revealed certain members are excluded from some WhatsApp group chats. The Spice Girls once sang that 'friendship never ends', but it can clearly become strained over time. Melanie, 51, aka Sporty Spice, has revealed Victoria Beckham and Geri Halliwell are excluded from some of their WhatsApp chat groups. 'There are subgroups within the group,' Mel C admits in an interview Down Under. 'I definitely know there is a chat group that doesn't contain me, but somewhere else we keep Ginger or Posh out. Like all friendship groups, we have many ways of communicating.' Melanie, who was the only one of the four other Spice Girls to attend Mel B's second wedding to Rory McPhee in Morocco at the weekend, also admits she regrets not holding on to her outfits from the pop group's heyday. Melanie C has hinted at more Spice Girls drama as she revealed certain members are excluded from some WhatsApp group chats The Spice Girls [pictured together] once sang that 'friendship never ends', but it can clearly become strained over time Mel C's words comes days after she attended Mel B's 'spiritual' second wedding to Rory McPhee over the weekend - of which none of the other girls were present. While Emma Bunton made the first ceremony at London's St Paul's cathedral last month, Geri nor Victoria were in attendance at either do - though the latter sent her apologies. It was thought the Spice Girls could be set for a reunion at the Moroccan celebrations, with Geri given the chance to extend an olive branch to Mel if she attended the North African ceremony, however it wasn't meant to be. Geri's no show was said to be down to hers and Mel's tempestuous relationship. The two women went to war after Mel revealed during an interview on Piers Morgan's Life Stories that she had an intimate relationship with Geri when the band was starting out. Geri was deeply upset by the bombshell revelation in 2019, for which Mel has apparently never apologised. In recent years, the Spice Girls have been the subject of several feud rumours, with one said fallout occurring just last year. In December, it was reported that Netflix had given the feuding band a 'stark ultimatum' over a much publicised TV biopic, which could net all five members 1million each. Melanie, 51, aka Sporty Spice, has revealed Victoria Beckham and Geri Halliwell [pictured in 2012] are excluded from some of their WhatsApp chat groups 'I definitely know there is a chat group that doesn't contain me, but somewhere else we keep Ginger or Posh out. Like all friendship groups, we have many ways of communicating' According to The Sun the streaming service stepped in after Geri decided to back out of her involvement in the project, after she Mel B, Mel C, Emma and Victoria were all approached. The publication reports that Netflix has told the band to make up otherwise, much like controversial drama The Crown, will make the show without any input from the people featured in it. A source said: 'Executives are keen to have all the group on board providing as much input as possible - after all they are pop royalty. 'But Netflix are the organisation who defied the wishes of real royalty and went ahead and made The Crown, so they aren't afraid to go it alone when they have to. 'The project is in its very early stages so there's plenty of time to get all five Spice Girls involved. Mel C's words comes days after she attended Mel B's 'spiritual' second wedding to Rory McPhee over the weekend - of which none of the other girls were present [pictured in June] It was thought the Spice Girls could be set for a reunion at the Moroccan celebrations, with Geri given the chance to extend an olive branch to Mel if she attended, however it wasn't meant to be The month before, Geri's husband Christian Horner was forced to deny claims he was to blame for 'derailing' the band's TV project. It came after Ginger Spice reportedly turned down the lucrativeTV drama deal for the nineties pop group amid rumours she and Christian have been approached to make a 'really personal' fly-on-the-wall TV series. Dismissing reports of a documentary earlier this year, Christian told the PA news agency: 'There is a lot being written about different things, but there are absolutely no plans to do a family documentary. 'Netflix do enough, and you see enough of the behind-the-scenes on that. So where that report has come from, I have absolutely no idea.' George Russell shared a steamy smooch with his bikini-clad girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt on a romantic yacht trip in Sardinia, Italy on Monday. The Mercedes Formula One driver jetted off on a relaxing Italian getaway before he returns for the Dutch Grand Prix after a three week summer break. The loved-up couple looked completely smitten as they larked around during watersports. George and Carmen packed on the PDA later in the day after a fun-filled day in the sun. The shirtless hunk showcased her ripped physique in navy swimshorts, while Carmen flashed her abs in a skimpy yellow bikini. The 27-year-old first came across fashion influencer Carmen, when the Spaniard had been set to meet a friend of his for a date in 2020. George Russell, 27, shared a steamy smooch with his bikini-clad girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt on a romantic yacht trip in Sardinia, Italy on Monday The Mercedes Formula One driver jetted off on a relaxing Italian getaway before he returns for the Dutch Grand Prix after a three week summer break George and Carmen packed on the PDA later in the day after a fun-filled day in the sun 'My mate couldn't make it, so I thought I'll swing along to see how it goes,' Russell told The Sun. 'She told me she's from the south of Spain and she wouldn't ever expect someone to know the small place she's from. 'I knew exactly where she was from, so it was quite coincidental.' The pair quickly bonded, with George having spent a significant amount of time in the city of Jerez in southern Spain where Carmen hails from during his karting days. However, while Carmen has now become one of George's biggest supporters, faithfully following his globe trotting exploits, she was not initially aware of his profession. He continued: 'I'm so fortunate with Carmen because we met before the craziness of F1. We met organically and it wasn't a set up. 'She didn't know who I was, she didn't know F1 and wasn't even bothered by any of that. She is a very down-to-earth individual and we share values. 'She's such a hard worker, wants to achieve so much and she really recognises what it takes in my position to be at this level. Having her on this journey means an awful lot to me because even though we are living our dream it can be a lonely lifestyle. The loved-up couple looked completely smitten as they larked around during watersports The shirtless hunk showcased her ripped physique in navy swimshorts, while Carmen flashed her abs in a skimpy yellow bikini The 27-year-old first came across fashion influencer Carmen, when the Spaniard had been set to meet a friend of his for a date in 2020 The pair quickly bonded, with George having spent a significant amount of time in the city of Jerez in southern Spain where Carmen hails from during his karting days However, while Carmen has now become one of George's biggest supporters, faithfully following his globe trotting exploits, she was not initially aware of his profession When the pair celebrated five years together in February, Carmen detailed her pride in her partner in a post on social media George showcased his impressive abs as he enjoyed some water activities The pair looked totally smitten on their trip Carmen flashed her toned bottom as she sunbathed The British Formula One star is closing in on a new Mercedes deal worth an eye-watering 30m-a-year George and Carmen showed off their impressive skills There had been some nagging doubts about his future with the constructor but George is set for a bumper payday, more than doubling his current 12m-a-year package George's incoming raise will remain well short of Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton - each on about 60m a year While he does not yet have the achievements or global fanbase to garner such earnings, his win in Canada and domination over team-mate Kimi Antonelli this season point to his consistent form His net worth is currently estimated to be in the region of 15m, though clearly that is set to increase substantially in the next few years George enjoyed a well-needed break before getting back on track He surfed the Italian seas The pair both stepped into the water at one point Carmen sipped on a hot drink in the shade The pair put on a tactile display 'Having somebody to help you disconnect from that actually brings performance as well.' When the pair celebrated five years together in February, Carmen detailed her pride in her partner in a post on social media. She wrote: 'Five years with the most wonderful person I could ever ask for. Forever proud of who you are and what you do.' The British Formula One star is closing in on a new Mercedes deal worth an eye-watering 30m-a-year. There had been some nagging doubts about his future with the constructor but George is set for a bumper payday, more than doubling his current 12m-a-year package. As Mail Sport's Jonathan McEvoy exclusively revealed this week, negotiations have accelerated over the last few weeks and a source close to the talks confirmed: All the main points have been agreed. George's incoming raise will remain well short of Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton - each on about 60m a year. While he does not yet have the achievements or global fanbase to garner such earnings, his win in Canada and domination over team-mate Kimi Antonelli this season point to his consistent form. His net worth is currently estimated to be in the region of 15m, though clearly that is set to increase substantially in the next few years. National treasure Joanna Lumley is still raking in around 10,000-a-week aged 79. The hugely popular TV and film star has just snagged a role in the second series of Netflix's horror comedy-drama Wednesday. The star, best known for her outrageous portrayal of Patsy Stone in the 90s sitcom Absolutely Fabulous alongside Jennifer Saunders, has since been involved in a variety of major projects. The former model, author and activist has featured in a number of successful films such as Paddington 2 and The Wolf of Wall Street, as well as popular UK series like Fool Me Once and Motherland, plus its spin-off Amandaland. And her hard-work is reflected in the books of her production firm Chrysolite Enterprises Ltd. Latest accounts show she earned 500,000 in 2024 in paid herself a 252,000 dividend. The firm also retains cash in its coffers of 686,000. National treasure Joanna Lumley is still raking in around 10,000-a-week aged 79 as she joins the cast of Netflix's horror comedy-drama Wednesday The star, best known for her outrageous portrayal of Patsy Stone in the 90s sitcom Absolutely Fabulous alongside Jennifer Saunders (pictured in Absolutely Fabulous in 1992) Lumley will join the cast of the hit show as none other than Wednesday Addams' (played by Jenna Ortega) Grandma Hester Frump. She is described as Morticia Addams' (Catherine Zeta-Jones) 'formidable mother and the fabulously wealthy mogul behind Frump Mortuaries', one of the most successful companies in America. With this teaser in mind, it's speculated that Morticia will be clashing with her mother in the upcoming series. 'Hester is calculated in everything she does, from running her empire to managing her family's legacy,' say show makers. A first glimpse of Joanna's Wednesday transformation has been unveiled ahead of the second series launch, and she appears as striking as ever sporting a gothic fitted black gown and theatrical upswept hairstyle. She won't be the sole new addition when the new season kicks off, as Joanna will be accompanied by Thandiwe Newton portraying psychiatrist Dr Rachael Fairburn, Steve Buscemi as Principal Dort and Billie Piper taking on the role of music instructor Isadora Capri. Lady Gaga is also expected to feature in Wednesday as an educator named Rosaline Rotwood, though no preview shots of the superstar have emerged as of yet. It comes after Joanna insisted that she hasn't had a career but simply worked to earn enough money to 'keep herself alive'. Latest accounts show she earned 500,000 in 2024 in paid herself a 252,000 dividend. The firm also retains cash in its coffers of 686,000 (pictured in Amandaland) Lumley will join the cast of the hit show as none other than Wednesday Addams' (played by Jenna Ortega) Grandma Hester Frump (pictured) Joanna has insisted that she hasn't had a career but simply worked to earn enough money to 'keep herself alive' (pictured with Jennifer Saunders in Absolutely Fabulous the movie) The star brushed aside the notion that her path to success as an actress was carefully planned, instead noting that she had no idea of her 'destiny' as she went from role to role. She was certain though that she just 'loved' to act and didn't enter this 'precarious profession' for the fame or 'stardom'. Speaking to the Radio Times about her vocation, Joanna explained: 'Ive had no career I was trying to earn money to keep myself alive. Ive never had any idea of a destiny or where my career would go and I have never ever asked myself, "Will this damage my career?" I loved acting, so that was going to be my chosen thing. 'We actors just wanted to get to be better actors, and we wanted to work so we could pay the rent. We werent longing for stardom. 'Were jobbing actors and were no different, really, from painters and decorators. Its a precarious profession at the best of times and Ive just done anything to keep my head above water.' Carrie Underwood shocked fans with a striking change to her appearance as she showed off her dramatic hair transformation on Monday. After more than two decades in the spotlight rocking her trademark bright blonde locks, the country superstar, 42, revealed she returned to her roots. 'Well, the last time I saw my natural hair color, I was probably about 12 years old, but I thought it might be time to give it a second chance,' she captioned a glamorous salon photo shoot. In the images, uploaded to her Instagram, the eight-time Grammy winner smiled as she posed with her natural, brunette tresses. She credited Nashville-based colorist, Katelin Megert, who cut, colored and styled her hair, for the new look. The Before He Cheats hitmaker is now rocking a classy shade of 'bronde' with honey blonde highlights and subtle money pieces. Carrie Underwood shocked fans with a striking change to her appearance as she showed off her dramatic hair transformation on Monday; seen in 2022 Within minutes, her famous friends and fans flooded the comments with love as they shared their reactions. 'So pretty!!!!!' Candace Cameron Bure gushed, while Kristin Chenoweth chimed in with a simple but enthusiastic, 'Love it!' Others called the color 'stunning' and said they were obsessed with the change. The hair makeover comes after two decades of Underwood keeping things light. In a 2012 interview with Refinery29, the Oklahoma native admitted she had always been curious about darker shades, but was hesitant to make the leap. 'I'd love to do a little more with hair color. I've always been blonde! The problem is, I don't want to shock people like if I dyed my hair brown, I don't want people to think I'm turning dark and serious,' she said at the time. 'I wish I had started changing my hair around in the beginning, then it wouldn't be such a big shock if I did something like that now.' Still, Underwood has never been afraid to experiment with her look in other ways. After more than two decades in the spotlight rocking her trademark bright blonde locks, the country superstar, 42, revealed she returned to her roots 'Well, the last time I saw my natural hair color, I was probably about 12 years old, but I thought it might be time to give it a second chance,' she captioned a glamorous salon photo shoot In 2016, she chopped her waist-length waves to a shoulder-length cut, calling it a practical 'mom move.' As she told Elle, 'It's easier to fix, which was the whole point. I could spend half an hour to blow it dry and have it be super long, or I could spend that time playing with my son, and I'd much rather do the latter.' She and husband Mike Fisher are parents to sons Isaiah, 9, and Jacob, 5. Underwood shot to stardom as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. She released her debut album Some Hearts later that year, which included the hit tracks Before He Cheats and Inside Your Heaven. In a 2012 interview with Refinery29, the Oklahoma native admitted she had always been curious about darker shades, but was hesitant to make the leap (seen in 2016) Underwood shot to stardom as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005; pictured in 2005 The star is now widely considered one of the biggest and most successful country artists of all time. In addition to all nine of her albums debuting in the top 10 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, she's sold over 85 million records globally. She's also won 16 ACM Awards (including three Entertainer of the Year wins), seven CMA Awards and eight Grammy Awards. In 2008, she was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks. Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay has laid bare many of her Hollywood hookups but played coy as she hinted at a tryst with a legitimate A-lister. The 40-year-old reality star - who recently revealed her husband cheated on her while pregnant - revealed her 'best' celebrity lover and discussed her other romantic rendezvous with people of stature. Scheana appeared on podcast Not Skinny But Not Fat released on Tuesday where she discussed her bombshell list of Hollywood hookups from her memoir My Good Side which hit bookstores last month. At the time she released an impressive list of names including John Mayer, Jesse Metcalfe, Jesse McCartney, JC Chasez, Shane West, Adrian Grenier, William Tell, Ricardo Chavira, Josh Hopkins, and of course Eddie Cibrian in addition to unnamed NFL, NBA, and MLB players. However, she did not identify some A-listers who she 'left out' of the hookup list including 'two actors from The Notebook.' As Ryan Gosling was the lead actor in the classic 2004 romance film, podcast host Amanda Hirsch pointed out the 44-year-old Oscar nominee had starred in the film and Scheana coyly answered that she was 'not confirming or denying.' Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay (pictured in New York last month) has laid bare many of her Hollywood hookups but played coy as she hinted at a tryst with a legitimate A-lister Other The Notebook castmembers included James Marsden, Kevin Connolly, Sam Shepard, David Thornton, Ed Grady, and Obba Babatunde. Scheana went on to joke: 'Maybe theres another book one day.' Ryan has been in a relationship with fellow actress Eva Mendes since they worked together on the film Place Beyond The Pines in 2011 as they share two children together. He had previously dated A-listers Blake Lively, Sandra Bullock, and Rachel McAdams. Podcast host Amanda also asked Scheana: 'Who was, like, the best hookup?' The Good As Gold hitmaker replied: 'Shemar [Moore].' The multihyphenate also admitted that when enjoying romantic liaisons with stars wasn't 'working out' she started dating guys 'under the radar.' She admitted: 'It [was] time to switch things up. I didnt want any of the fanfare or complications that came with being linked to someone famous. I wanted to be with someone who was grounded.' In her memoir My Good Side she identified several Hollywood hunks she hooked up with but did not identify some A-listers who she 'left out' of the hookup list including 'two actors from The Notebook' As Ryan Gosling (pictured April 2024) was the lead actor in the classic 2004 romance film, podcast host Amanda Hirsch pointed out the 44-year-old Oscar nominee had starred in the film and Scheana coyly answered that she was 'not confirming or denying' Ryan has been in a relationship with fellow actress Eva Mendes since they worked together on the film Place Beyond The Pines in 2011 as they share two children together She named actor Shemar Moore as her best hookup This came weeks after Scheana had revealed her husband Brock Davies cheated on her while pregnant with their daughter, Summer, who they welcomed in April 2021. In an excerpt from her aforementioned book, My Good Side, the Vanderpump Rules star recalled the moment she learned her partner was unfaithful. 'I remained in a state of paralyzed shock as he confessed that he'd cheated on me two years prior, when we were living in San Diego during the pandemic, while I was pregnant with Summer,' she wrote. While speaking about her state of mind, at the time, the TV personality explained: 'I had spent so much time fighting off my anxiety and convincing myself that just because Tom [Sandoval] cheated on Ariana [Madix] didn't mean Brock would ever cheat on me. Now, I was finding out just how wrong I was.' 'As I sat there, feeling completely sick to my stomach, he admitted that at the time he was scared about being a father again, specifically about whether he even deserved to be, and he chose to deal with it by sleeping with someone else,' she recalled. 'I use the word 'chose' because it was very much a conscious decision. No one twisted his arm or dragged him into bed.' Davies's admission came after her costars Tom Sandoval and Rachel 'Raquel' Leviss' affair was exposed to the world. Shay admitted after his confession she was 'unable to contain my rage' about his 'brief affair' with a woman at his gym in 2021. 'I slapped him and threw a Rubik's cube in his direction, which he dodged,' she wrote. 'To this day, every time I see a Rubik's cube it triggers me, pulling me right back to this incredibly dark moment in my life. Same goes for any mention of an F45 gym,' she wrote. This came weeks after Scheana had revealed her husband Brock Davies cheated on her while pregnant with their daughter, Summer, who they welcomed in April 2021; seen in 2023 Shay revealed that same night Davies gave her a letter he had written a year after the affair ended. 'He wrote the letter, which included more specifics than I ever wanted, such as how many times theyd slept together, where theyd done it, and where they hadnt (our house),' she added. 'He also pointed out that it was purely physical, never emotional, and he always used protection.' Shay noted she doesn't believe Davies was 'sober when he put pen to paper, so the spelling errors were rampant.' 'I cant explain why, but that really irritated me. Maybe because it felt like another sign of his carelessness,' she said. 'The letter made me remember the weeks leading up to my second trimester when, like many pregnant women, I was sexually stimulated. Ill never forget how, during that time, Brock was afraid to have sex with me (or he simply didnt want to).' At the time, Shay recalled how his brushing off her advances spiked her anxiety and 'killed' her confidence. 'His behavior now made so much more sense. Once Id read it, that was more than enough. I told him to immediately toss it into the fire. I never wanted to set eyes on those words again,' she explained. Shay also admitted she was paranoid about the gossip that her husband and Leviss were having an affair. 'I knew in my heart that the gossip concerning Brock and Raquel was ridiculously fake... [but] there was the smallest section of my brain that kept thinking: If Tom and Raquel pulled the wool over everyones eyes for seven months, could Brock and Raquel have done the same thing?' she wondered. 'I remained in a state of paralyzed shock as he confessed that he'd cheated on me two years prior, when we were living in San Diego during the pandemic, while I was pregnant with Summer,' she wrote Shay admitted after his confession she was 'unable to contain my rage' about his 'brief affair' with a woman at his gym in 2021 Davies broke the news to her as she sat down in front of the TV to watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey. 'Brock said that with all of the fake news being published, he was afraid that something that actually was true might surface, and it was best that I heard it directly from him,' she said. Shay also detailed the lengths that Davies went to, in order to hide the affair. 'I was a little confused because Id always had his location and could have checked it at any time. How had I not caught them? But he also had a second phone for work, which I did know about but didnt monitor. It turned out that was their sole form of communication. Nice, right?' she scoffed. The couple, who share four-year-old Summer, began dating in 2019 and got engaged two years later Despite her agony over his confession, she refrained from screaming because he didn't want to wake their daughter. The couple, who share four-year-old Summer, began dating in 2019 and got engaged two years later. They tied the knot in 2022 in front of Vanderpump Rules cameras for all their fans. She was previously married to music producer Michael Shay from 2014 to 2017. Director Francis Ford Coppola, regarded as one of the greatest movie directors of the past century, has been hospitalized in Italy. Local reports suggest that Coppola, who is 86, was hospitalised in Rome on Tuesday morning. He had been presenting a screening of his controversial film Megalopolis in Calabria. There was no immediate comment from his team tonight. Unconfirmed local reports suggest that Coppola may be undergoing heart surgery. Coppola spent part of the summer in Italy, partly because he was scouting locations for his new film, which he planned to shoot this autumn. The auteur, who has won five Oscars in his career, directed film greats including Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, Peggy Sue Got Married and Bram Stoker's Dracula. His wife, Eleanor, died last spring. In mid-July, he was greeted by a crowd of young people in Soverato, as a special guest at the preview of the Magna Graecia Film Festival. 'Young people tell me the world is a mess,' he said at the time, 'but I tell them there's no problem that humanity can't solve. Francis Ford Coppola, 86, pictured attending the DGA Honors at DGA Theater on October 17, 2024 in New York City Local reports suggest the iconic filmmaker was hospitalised in Calabria on Tuesday morning 'We must build a great new future, and do it together for the sake of our children. And tonight, we're taking a leap into the future.' After winning an Oscar and becoming a Hollywood icon, Coppola decided to tackle a self-financed, $120 million blockbuster, Megalopolis, an ambitious film, which premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Critics and audiences were disappointed. The project is the subject of a documentary: Megadoc, directed by Mike Figgis, will debut at the 2025 Venice Film Festival at the end of August. Coppola has very close ties with Italy, and with Basilicata in particular. Francis's grandfather, Agostino, emigrated from Bernalda in the early 1900s, and on May 1, 1989, Coppola became an honorary citizen of the Lucanian town, where he often spends his holidays, also enjoying the beaches of nearby Metaponto on the Ionian Sea. The filmmaker has a plan to revitalize the Metaponto area; in fact, he has purchased an old building in Bernalda to transform it into a hotel. A titan who reshaped movie culture, Coppola is one of the most influential figures in cinema culture. Born in Detroit, Michigan, to a father who was a flautist in the local orchestra, he is a second generation Italian immigrant. He spent most of his childhood in Queens, New York. Coppola's wife Eleanor (pictured above in 2013) died last spring. She remained at her husband's side throughout his career Gene Hackman and Francis Ford Coppola at the 30th Golden Globe Awards on January 28, 1973 Coppola's breakthrough was in The Godfather in 1974, starring Marlon Brando (pictured), Robert de Niro and Al Pacino Coppola is pictured here directing 'Apocalypse Now' on location in the Philippines in 1979 His first success was with the 1968 film Finian's Rainbow, starring Petula Clark and Fred Astaire. But his breakthrough was in The Godfather in 1974, starring Marlon Brando, Robert de Niro and Al Pacino. Coppola was initially unenthusiastic about the source material, a best-selling book by Mario Puzo, which he called 'cheap.' He wasn't even the studio's first choice of director and once said: 'I was always on the verge of getting fired.' But the film, which recast a crime saga as a vivid, intelligent story about a family and its bonds, was an enormous critical and commercial success and arguably the most influential movie of the century. It often tops polls of the greatest films ever made. The best-performing stock this year isnt one of the tech giants that dominate headlines. While the likes of Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon have delivered solid gains, theyve all been outshone by AI-powered software and data firm Palantir. Palantirs stock has surged 565 percent over the past year more than doubling in 2025 alone making it the top performer on the S&P 500. On Monday, the company reported quarterly revenue of $1 billion for the first time, beating Wall Street expectations and sending the stock up another four percent. Best known for building software used by the military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement, Palantir has seen a sharp uptick in business under President Trumps second term. Since Trump began his second term Palantir has picked up at least $300 million of new business. Many of its new contracts come from the federal government including works for the Federal Aviation Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Fannie Mae, according to federal records. With Trumps administration championing artificial intelligence, cost-cutting, and private-sector partnerships, Palantirs federal business boom shows no signs of slowing. Donald Trump and co-founder of Palantir Peter Thiel during a meeting in 2016 Just last week Palantir gained its biggest contract yet, an agreement to consolidate all of the military's software use over the next decade at a cost of up to $10 billion. Further to this the government has agreed to pump $795 million more into the military's core artificial intelligence software program that was built by Palantir. The Pentagon wants to expand the Maven Smart System to be used by all US forces across the globe. 'They were positioned in the right way at the right time, and they had already built the technology that had the capability to do what the administration is trying to do,' Matt Pearl, director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) told the Washington Post. The firm's government work picked up under Elon Musk's reign at DOGE where he trumpeted a technology-forward crusade against government waste and inefficiency. Palantir was founded by Peter Thiel, a mentor to JD Vance, and current CEO Alex Karp in the aftermath of 9/11 to help arm the state with the latest technology. Since 2008 the company has been awarded nearly $3 billion in federal funds from over 300 contracts from both Republican and Democratic administrations. Among its most high-profile uses was when its software helped orchestrate the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Palantir's stock has risen 565 percent over the last year, more than doubling in price this year Co-founder and CEO Alex Karp has overseen a large expansion of government contracts Palantir was founded in the aftermath of 9/11 to help arm the state with the latest technology 'Palantir is an exceptional American company,' a senior State Department official told the Post. The official said the department was 'proud to partner with them to modernize how we carry out America's diplomacy.' 'We are proud to support the U.S. government, especially our warfighters, and our growth reflects growing government AI adoption,' a spokesperson for Palantir told the publication. Other technology stocks including Meta and Microsoft are also having a strong year, helping to push the S&P 500 up to recent record highs. In their second quarter earnings released last week Meta beat Wall Street expectations with $47.52 billion in revenue, while Microsoft brought in $76.44 billion, up 18 percent from a year ago. India and the Philippines on Tuesday officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, a move Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a reflection of the deep trust and shared vision between the two democracies. The announcement was made following high-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, who is on his first state visit to India since assuming office in 2022. It is a pleasure to announce that our ties have now been raised to the level of a strategic partnership, PM Modi said. A comprehensive roadmap has also been created to transform this potential into tangible outcomes over the coming years. Marking 75 years of diplomatic engagement between the two nations, the leaders unveiled a commemorative postage stamp celebrating the milestone. President Marcos visit comes at a symbolic time, reinforcing historical bonds while charting a new course of regional cooperation. In a strong show of solidarity, Modi thanked the Philippines for its unequivocal condemnation of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. He praised Manila for standing with India in its fight against terrorism. India and the Philippines are not just friends by coincidence we are partners with a shared destiny. From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are connected by common values and aspirations, the Prime Minister stated. He also reiterated Manilas significance in Indias Act East Policy and its maritime-focused MAHASAGAR vision, aimed at fostering peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Our commitment to a rules-based international order and the freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific remains unwavering, PM Modi emphasised. Earlier in the day, President Marcos Jr was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. The official welcome included a Guard of Honour, underscoring the importance of the visit. Calling it a special welcome for a special partner, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared visuals and highlights of the ceremonial reception. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on social media, noting that India and the Philippines are bound by strong civilisational ties and growing people-to-people links. Comprehensive discussions lie ahead to further strengthen this enduring friendship and our robust bilateral ties, Jaiswal stated. Speaking to the media at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Marcos Jr reflected on the evolving geopolitical landscape, noting that the term Indo-Pacific more accurately represents the current dynamics of the region, replacing the earlier nomenclature of Asia-Pacific. Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-ranking delegation comprising several ministers and top officials, the Philippine Presidents state visit will continue through August 8. His trip not only marks a new chapter in diplomatic relations but also signals growing alignment between the two countries on strategic, economic, and regional issues. The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya stands as one of the worlds last great wildlife sanctuaries, where natures most extraordinary drama unfolds across endless golden grasslands. At its heart lies the Great Migration a phenomenon so spectacular that it has earned recognition as the Seventh Wonder of the Natural World. This annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, represents one of Earths most remarkable wildlife spectacles. This year we had even more herbivores as Mara had a specially good monsoon season and morgrass was available. The Great Migration is not merely a seasonal event but a continuous, year-long cycle of movement driven by the eternal search for fresh grazing and water. This natural phenomenon follows a roughly circular route spanning 1,200 miles through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, with animals consuming over 4,500 tonnes of grass daily as they traverse these ancient pathways. The animals use a wide corridor which connects Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya. The first herds typically begin arriving in the Masai Mara around mid-July, with peak river crossings occurring between late July and September. However, climate variations mean that exact timing can shift by one to two weeks, making flexibility essential for visitors hoping to witness this spectacle. The journey from Tanzanias Serengeti begins when the southern plains dry out, pushing the herds northward in search of the Maras lush grasslands. By August, the majority of animals have crossed into Kenya, creating scenes of unprecedented wildlife density across the reserves 1,510 square kilometers. Trying to put in words the vast number of animals which are a mix of wilderbeests, zebra, wild boars grazing on the flat grasslands the guest can see at one glance only is not possible. We saw more than a lakh at several times and it was like a living river. Our guide Ericko told us that the Zebras act as scouts for the wildebeest which follow them. The most dramatic and photographed moments of the migration occur at the Mara River crossings. Here, thousands of wildebeest gather at the waters edge, their survival instincts warring with the dangers that lurk below. The river teems with massive Nile crocodiles, some over four meters long, while lions and other predators patrol the banks, ready to ambush any animals that successfully navigate the treacherous waters. The Masai Mara offers a distinctly different experience from Indias national parks. Where Indias reserves feature dense forests and thick vegetation that can obscure wildlife viewing, the Maras open savannah provides unobstructed views across vast distances. Visitors accustomed to Indias tiger reserves, where patience and luck are required for sightings, find the Maras wildlife abundance almost overwhelming. The migration transforms the Masai Mara into Africas greatest predator theater. One of the main attarctions of Masai Mara are however are the cats. Spotting prides of lions feeding, cheetahs and even leopards feeding is relatively easy. In the streams we can see scores of Hippos & Crocs sunning themselves. The Great Migration represents more than just a wildlife spectacle it embodies the intricate relationships that sustain one of Earths last intact ecosystems. As these animals continue their journey across the Masai Mara plains, they carry with them the hopes of conservationists and the dreams of wildlife enthusiasts that will see them through their long journey. Traveller Tips Reserve hotels at least a month in advance Double check your guides credentials Hotels should be close to the gate to reduce travelling time. Kenyan eSIMs & currency can be bought conveniently from the Nairobi airport Drinking water has to be bought in the restaurants (The writer is an avid traveller and a wildlife enthusiast) Associated Banc Corp grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 6.0% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 54,497 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,094 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company makes up approximately 1.4% of Associated Banc Corps portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest holding. Associated Banc Corps holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $45,010,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Garner Asset Management Corp grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. Garner Asset Management Corp now owns 532 shares of the companys stock worth $411,000 after purchasing an additional 12 shares during the period. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 22.0% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 9,597 shares of the companys stock worth $7,409,000 after purchasing an additional 1,730 shares during the period. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,471 shares of the companys stock worth $1,136,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the period. Orion Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC now owns 1,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,243,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the period. Finally, Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.1% during the 4th quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG now owns 64,758 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,993,000 after acquiring an additional 2,568 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 0.7% Shares of NYSE LLY opened at $767.75 on Tuesday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $776.59 and its 200-day moving average price is $800.81. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $727.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 62.47, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.44. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $677.09 and a 12-month high of $972.53. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. 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 is presently 48.82%. LLY has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Hsbc Global Res downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Monday, April 28th. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued an overweight rating and a $975.00 target price for the company. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, July 26th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $892.00 to $888.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,012.56. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Read More 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. Bank of Queensland Limited (OTCMKTS:BKQNY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totaling 3,000 shares, agrowthof233.3% from the June 30th total of 900 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.1 days. Bank of Queensland Trading Down 4.2% BKQNY stock opened at $9.68 on Tuesday. Bank of Queensland has a 12-month low of $7.11 and a 12-month high of $10.45. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $10.22 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.98. Get Bank of Queensland alerts: About Bank of Queensland (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Bank of Queensland Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services in Australia and New Zealand. The company operates in Retail Banking, BOQ Business, and Other segments. It offers personal banking services comprises savings and term deposits, and transactional accounts; debit and credit cards; home, personal, and car loans; and travel, home and content, landlord, and car insurance, as well as investment services comprising online share trading services, and self-managed superannuation funds. Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Queensland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Queensland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cousins Properties Incorporated (NYSE:CUZ Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the ten ratings firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $32.50. Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Mizuho increased their price objective on shares of Cousins Properties from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Cousins Properties from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Monday, May 19th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on Cousins Properties from $34.00 to $32.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, May 19th. Wall Street Zen cut Cousins Properties from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday. Finally, Wolfe Research upgraded Cousins Properties from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $31.00 target price for the company in a research note on Monday, April 7th. Get Cousins Properties alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Cousins Properties Cousins Properties Stock Up 0.2% Shares of NYSE:CUZ opened at $26.57 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.45, a current ratio of 2.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. Cousins Properties has a 52-week low of $24.07 and a 52-week high of $32.55. The company has a 50 day moving average of $29.00 and a two-hundred day moving average of $28.84. The company has a market capitalization of $4.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 71.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 1.33. Cousins Properties (NYSE:CUZ Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.70. Cousins Properties had a net margin of 6.51% and a return on equity of 1.27%. The company had revenue of $237.72 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $243.73 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.68 earnings per share. Cousins Propertiess revenue for the quarter was up 12.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Cousins Properties will post 2.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Cousins Properties Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 17th. Investors of record on Monday, July 7th were paid a dividend of $0.32 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 7th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.8%. Cousins Propertiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 345.95%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cousins Properties Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Choreo LLC lifted its stake in Cousins Properties by 25.6% during the first quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 27,837 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $821,000 after purchasing an additional 5,681 shares during the last quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System lifted its stake in Cousins Properties by 13.5% during the first quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 166,446 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,910,000 after purchasing an additional 19,744 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in Cousins Properties by 16.0% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 9,421 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $278,000 after purchasing an additional 1,297 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in Cousins Properties by 0.9% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,384,847 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $40,853,000 after purchasing an additional 12,131 shares during the last quarter. Finally, KBC Group NV lifted its stake in Cousins Properties by 25.3% during the first quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 7,554 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $223,000 after purchasing an additional 1,527 shares during the last quarter. 94.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Cousins Properties Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cousins Properties Incorporated ("Cousins") is a fully integrated, self-administered, and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company, based in Atlanta and acting through its operating partnership, Cousins Properties LP, primarily invests in Class A office buildings located in high-growth Sun Belt markets. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cousins Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cousins Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Costello Asset Management INC increased its position in Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 9.7% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,892 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 433 shares during the period. Costello Asset Management INCs holdings in Duke Energy were worth $597,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Investment Management Corp of Ontario lifted its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 212.8% during the 4th quarter. Investment Management Corp of Ontario now owns 79,989 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $8,618,000 after purchasing an additional 54,413 shares during the period. Andrew Hill Investment Advisors Inc. lifted its position in Duke Energy by 338.6% during the first quarter. Andrew Hill Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 37,763 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,606,000 after buying an additional 29,153 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its position in Duke Energy by 7.7% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 291,667 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $35,575,000 after buying an additional 20,942 shares during the period. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc boosted its stake in Duke Energy by 9.9% in the 1st quarter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc now owns 127,419 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $14,451,000 after buying an additional 11,445 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Beacon Investment Advisory Services Inc. grew its holdings in Duke Energy by 8.1% in the 1st quarter. Beacon Investment Advisory Services Inc. now owns 51,354 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $6,264,000 after buying an additional 3,837 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.31% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes DUK has been the topic of several research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $132.00 target price on shares of Duke Energy in a research report on Tuesday, July 1st. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $123.00 to $122.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $122.00 to $127.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. Raymond James Financial assumed coverage on Duke Energy in a research report on Friday, June 13th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup lifted their target price on Duke Energy from $130.00 to $142.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $127.25. Duke Energy Stock Up 1.2% NYSE DUK opened at $124.39 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57. Duke Energy Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $105.20 and a fifty-two week high of $125.27. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $117.50 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $117.16. The stock has a market cap of $96.68 billion, a PE ratio of 20.63, a P/E/G ratio of 2.97 and a beta of 0.36. Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.76 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by $0.17. Duke Energy had a net margin of 15.40% and a return on equity of 9.88%. The business had revenue of $8.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.70 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.44 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Duke Energy Corporation will post 6.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. Duke Energy Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.065 per share. This is a boost from Duke Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. This represents a $4.26 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. Duke Energys payout ratio is 69.32%. Duke Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DUK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday, MarketBeat reports. They presently have a $58.00 price target on the real estate investment trusts stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas price objective suggests a potential upside of 5.77% from the companys current price. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on EPR Properties from $52.00 to $53.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Monday, June 2nd. Wall Street Zen upgraded EPR Properties from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, May 12th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on EPR Properties from $65.00 to $65.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. UBS Group increased their target price on EPR Properties from $56.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reissued a strong-buy rating on shares of EPR Properties in a report on Friday, May 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, EPR Properties has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $57.36. Get EPR Properties alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on EPR Properties EPR Properties Stock Performance EPR Properties stock opened at $54.84 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.01, a PEG ratio of 4.19 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a current ratio of 7.77, a quick ratio of 7.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $57.51 and a 200 day moving average price of $52.50. EPR Properties has a 52 week low of $41.75 and a 52 week high of $61.24. EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.24 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.25 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $150.35 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $176.50 million. EPR Properties had a return on equity of 7.66% and a net margin of 25.28%. The businesss revenue was up 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.22 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that EPR Properties will post 4.65 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, EVP Gregory E. Zimmerman sold 7,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.94, for a total transaction of $412,050.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 96,377 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,294,952.38. This represents a 7.22% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 2.31% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of EPR Properties A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Kovack Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of EPR Properties by 58.3% during the 2nd quarter. Kovack Advisors Inc. now owns 8,532 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $497,000 after purchasing an additional 3,143 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of EPR Properties by 179.2% during the 2nd quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 12,021 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $700,000 after purchasing an additional 7,716 shares during the period. Retirement Systems of Alabama raised its position in shares of EPR Properties by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 92,973 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $5,417,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc. raised its position in shares of EPR Properties by 27.3% during the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 16,093 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $938,000 after purchasing an additional 3,451 shares during the period. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its position in EPR Properties by 61.4% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,133 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $66,000 after acquiring an additional 431 shares during the period. 74.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. EPR Properties Company Profile (Get Free Report) EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR) is the leading diversified experiential net lease real estate investment trust (REIT), specializing in select enduring experiential properties in the real estate industry. We focus on real estate venues that create value by facilitating out of home leisure and recreation experiences where consumers choose to spend their discretionary time and money. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for EPR Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EPR Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 5.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 133,598 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,926 shares during the quarter. Cary Street Partners Financial LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $15,889,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 14,242.7% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 9,457,554 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,124,787,000 after acquiring an additional 9,391,614 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp increased its stake in Exxon Mobil by 7.0% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 46,017,358 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,950,087,000 after buying an additional 2,998,892 shares during the period. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 4th quarter worth $240,653,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 8.3% during the 1st quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 20,256,504 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,409,106,000 after purchasing an additional 1,550,248 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 68.3% during the 1st quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 3,406,119 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $405,090,000 after purchasing an additional 1,382,760 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.80% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently commented on XOM. UBS Group decreased their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $135.00 to $131.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Piper Sandler upped their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $131.00 to $134.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $127.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, June 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $134.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $125.26. Exxon Mobil Stock Performance Shares of XOM opened at $107.25 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $462.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.25. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 1 year low of $97.80 and a 1 year high of $126.34. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $109.56 and a 200-day moving average of $109.08. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 1st. The oil and gas company reported $1.64 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $81.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $79.07 billion. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.34% and a net margin of 9.17%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 12.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.14 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.99 per share. This represents a $3.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is presently 56.25%. Exxon Mobil Company Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. lowered its position in shares of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 9.8% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 162,731 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after selling 17,636 shares during the quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $16,416,000 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 the stock. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC boosted its holdings in Boston Scientific by 7.2% in the 1st quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 2,185 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $220,000 after acquiring an additional 147 shares during the period. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. boosted its holdings in Boston Scientific by 23.1% in the 1st quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 22,110 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $2,230,000 after acquiring an additional 4,145 shares during the period. Empower Advisory Group LLC boosted its holdings in Boston Scientific by 204.0% in the 1st quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC now owns 32,793 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $3,308,000 after acquiring an additional 22,005 shares during the period. Horizon Family Wealth Inc. boosted its holdings in Boston Scientific by 9.1% in the 1st quarter. Horizon Family Wealth Inc. now owns 3,737 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $377,000 after acquiring an additional 313 shares during the period. Finally, Advyzon Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Boston Scientific in the 1st quarter worth approximately $288,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.07% of the companys stock. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes BSX has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price target on shares of Boston Scientific in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. Truist Financial upped their target price on Boston Scientific from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 24th. Barclays upped their target price on Boston Scientific from $125.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 24th. UBS Group upped their target price on Boston Scientific from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 24th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Thursday, July 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-two have given a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Boston Scientific has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $117.50. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO Michael F. Mahoney sold 164,443 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $103.69, for a total transaction of $17,051,094.67. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 1,476,882 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $153,137,894.58. This trade represents a 10.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.63, for a total value of $5,231,500.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 178,342 shares in the company, valued at $18,659,923.46. This trade represents a 21.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 345,029 shares of company stock valued at $35,976,603 in the last three months. 0.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Boston Scientific Stock Performance BSX stock opened at $106.74 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $157.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 63.54, a PEG ratio of 2.54 and a beta of 0.66. Boston Scientific Corporation has a 1 year low of $71.88 and a 1 year high of $108.94. The stocks fifty day moving average is $103.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $101.98. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 23rd. The medical equipment provider reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $5.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.89 billion. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 19.39% and a net margin of 13.55%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 22.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.62 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Boston Scientific Corporation will post 2.85 EPS for the current year. Boston Scientific Company Profile (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions, such as resolution clips, biliary stent systems, stents and electrocautery enhanced delivery systems, direct visualization systems, digital catheters, and single-use duodenoscopes; devices to treat urological conditions, including ureteral stents, catheters, baskets, guidewires, sheaths, balloons, single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes, holmium laser systems, artificial urinary sphincter, laser system, fiber, and hydrogel systems; and devices to treat neurological movement disorders and manage chronic pain, such as spinal cord stimulator system, proprietary programming software, radiofrequency generator, indirect decompression systems, practice optimization tools, and deep brain stimulation system. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 57.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 433 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 158 shares during the period. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $69,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Capital World Investors raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 122,584,210 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,752,926,000 after buying an additional 4,216,586 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 13,630,177 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,640,392,000 after buying an additional 1,347,503 shares during the period. Fayez Sarofim & Co raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 7.1% during the 4th quarter. Fayez Sarofim & Co now owns 10,313,383 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,241,216,000 after buying an additional 685,431 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 22.2% during the 1st quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 9,018,628 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,431,527,000 after buying an additional 1,635,636 shares during the period. Finally, Independent Franchise Partners LLP raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 8.9% during the 4th quarter. Independent Franchise Partners LLP now owns 6,643,831 shares of the companys stock valued at $799,585,000 after buying an additional 540,434 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.0% PM opened at $162.88 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $253.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.97, a PEG ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 0.48. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $177.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $162.48. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $113.15 and a 12-month high of $186.69. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 22nd. The company reported $1.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $10.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.33 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 120.86% and a net margin of 9.03%. The businesss revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.59 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 27th were paid a $1.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 27th. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 102.66%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on PM shares. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $182.00 price target (up previously from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $195.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, July 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. UBS Group upped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $170.00 to $181.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Finally, Bank of America upped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $186.27. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PM About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LCM Capital Management Inc cut its position in Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:NAK Free Report) (TSE:NDM) by 4.6% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 308,800 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 15,000 shares during the quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc owned about 0.06% of Northern Dynasty Minerals worth $355,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Allworth Financial LP acquired a new stake in Northern Dynasty Minerals in the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Allium Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Northern Dynasty Minerals during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Allegheny Financial Group bought a new stake in Northern Dynasty Minerals in the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in Northern Dynasty Minerals by 571.6% in the 1st quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 27,073 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 23,042 shares during the period. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC bought a new stake in shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals in the 4th quarter worth about $44,000. 10.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Northern Dynasty Minerals alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes NAK has been the subject of several research reports. HC Wainwright raised their price target on shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals from $1.30 to $2.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 7th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 21st. Northern Dynasty Minerals Trading Up 4.1% Shares of NAK opened at $0.78 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $1.33 and its 200 day moving average is $0.97. The company has a market capitalization of $422.81 million, a PE ratio of -7.81 and a beta of -0.77. Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd. has a 12-month low of $0.30 and a 12-month high of $2.40. Northern Dynasty Minerals Company Profile (Free Report) Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. engages in the exploration of mineral properties in the United States. It holds a 100% interest in the Pebble Copper-Gold-Molybdenum-Silver-Rhenium project comprising 1,840 mineral claims that covers an area of approximately 274 square miles located in southwest Alaska, the United States. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NAK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:NAK Free Report) (TSE:NDM). Receive News & Ratings for Northern Dynasty Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northern Dynasty Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PARUS FINANCE UK Ltd grew its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 97.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,377 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 678 shares during the quarter. UnitedHealth Group makes up approximately 0.2% of PARUS FINANCE UK Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 24th largest position. PARUS FINANCE UK Ltds holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $721,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Citizens National Bank Trust Department boosted its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 1.0% during the first quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department now owns 17,886 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $9,368,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the period. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH grew its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 530,103 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $277,641,000 after buying an additional 1,465 shares in the last quarter. Sherbrooke Park Advisers LLC bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 4th quarter worth $515,000. Full Sail Capital LLC grew its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Full Sail Capital LLC now owns 1,612 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $815,000 after buying an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Soros Fund Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 4th quarter worth $39,413,000. 87.86% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Timothy Patrick Flynn purchased 1,533 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 14th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $320.80 per share, with a total value of $491,786.40. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 6,033 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,935,386.40. This trade represents a 34.07% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Stephen J. Hemsley acquired 86,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 16th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $288.57 per share, with a total value of $25,019,019.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 679,493 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $196,081,295.01. This represents a 14.63% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have acquired 109,408 shares of company stock worth $31,607,768. Corporate insiders own 0.28% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Stock Up 1.3% Shares of UNH opened at $240.94 on Tuesday. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52-week low of $234.60 and a 52-week high of $630.73. The company has a market capitalization of $218.57 billion, a PE ratio of 10.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.50 and a beta of 0.43. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $295.77 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $412.81. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 29th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $4.08 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.45 by ($0.37). UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 5.04% and a return on equity of 23.32%. The business had revenue of $111.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $111.75 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $6.80 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 EPS for the current year. UnitedHealth Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 16th were paid a $2.21 dividend. This is a boost from UnitedHealth Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.10. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 16th. This represents a $8.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.7%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 38.30%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Truist Financial cut their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $360.00 to $345.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $405.00 to $418.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, June 20th. Bank of America cut their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $350.00 to $300.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $355.00 to $286.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, Piper Sandler lowered their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $353.00 to $317.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $371.67. Read Our Latest Research Report on UNH UnitedHealth Group Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Santander S.A. grew its position in Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Free Report) by 12.0% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,245 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 562 shares during the quarter. Banco Santander S.A.s holdings in Prologis were worth $586,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of PLD. REAP Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prologis by 40.0% in the 4th quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 294 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. Olde Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Prologis in the 1st quarter valued at $43,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC grew its position in shares of Prologis by 63.6% in the 1st quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 391 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 152 shares during the last quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co grew its position in shares of Prologis by 59.6% in the 1st quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 399 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 149 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bogart Wealth LLC grew its position in shares of Prologis by 56.2% in the 1st quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 417 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $47,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. 93.50% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Prologis alerts: Prologis Stock Performance Shares of PLD opened at $105.15 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The stock has a market cap of $97.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.50, a PEG ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a 50-day moving average of $107.59 and a two-hundred day moving average of $109.78. Prologis, Inc. has a 12-month low of $85.35 and a 12-month high of $132.57. Prologis Dividend Announcement Prologis ( NYSE:PLD Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 16th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $2.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.03 billion. Prologis had a net margin of 40.29% and a return on equity of 5.96%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.34 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 17th were given a $1.01 dividend. This represents a $4.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, June 17th. Prologiss payout ratio is currently 109.49%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts recently commented on the stock. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Prologis from $132.00 to $119.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Prologis from $106.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Prologis from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, June 14th. Wolfe Research downgraded shares of Prologis from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Monday, April 21st. Finally, Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of Prologis from $97.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a sector underperform rating in a report on Monday, May 12th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $120.74. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Prologis Prologis Company Profile (Free Report) Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At March 31, 2024, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (115 million square meters) in 19 countries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT Get Free Report) had its price target reduced by research analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from $120.00 to $118.00 in a research note issued on Monday, August 4th, Marketbeat reports. The firm presently has a sector perform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas price target suggests a potential upside of 11.72% from the companys current price. Several other analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Camden Property Trust from $136.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 15th. Scotiabank dropped their price target on Camden Property Trust from $144.00 to $136.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, June 13th. Wall Street Zen raised Camden Property Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, August 2nd. Truist Financial set a $131.00 price target on Camden Property Trust and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, May 19th. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Camden Property Trust from $126.00 to $114.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Camden Property Trust has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $127.65. Get Camden Property Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Camden Property Trust Camden Property Trust Trading Down 1.3% Camden Property Trust stock opened at $105.62 on Monday. Camden Property Trust has a 52 week low of $102.35 and a 52 week high of $127.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.18 and a current ratio of 0.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 73.86, a P/E/G ratio of 3.51 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $113.71 and a 200 day moving average price of $115.85. Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $396.51 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $393.24 million. Camden Property Trust had a net margin of 9.99% and a return on equity of 3.30%. Camden Property Trusts revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.71 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Camden Property Trust will post 6.76 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity In other Camden Property Trust news, Director Steven A. Webster sold 1,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.76, for a total value of $142,512.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 117,374 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,939,336.24. This trade represents a 1.01% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Camden Property Trust Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Bellwether Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Camden Property Trust during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. IFP Advisors Inc raised its holdings in shares of Camden Property Trust by 45.7% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 322 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 101 shares during the last quarter. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. purchased a new stake in Camden Property Trust in the 1st quarter valued at about $37,000. Tsfg LLC purchased a new stake in Camden Property Trust in the 1st quarter valued at about $40,000. Finally, National Pension Service raised its holdings in shares of Camden Property Trust by 74.2% in the 1st quarter. National Pension Service now owns 392 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares during the period. 97.22% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Camden Property Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Camden Property Trust, an S&P 500 Company, is a real estate company primarily engaged in the ownership, management, development, redevelopment, acquisition, and construction of multifamily apartment communities. Camden owns and operates 172 properties containing 58,250 apartment homes across the United States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Camden Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Camden Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scotia Capital Inc. grew its position in Spotify Technology (NYSE:SPOT Free Report) by 103.6% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 6,981 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,553 shares during the quarter. Scotia Capital Inc.s holdings in Spotify Technology were worth $3,840,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in SPOT. QRG Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in Spotify Technology by 36.3% during the first quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 710 shares of the companys stock worth $391,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in shares of Spotify Technology by 38.1% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,305 shares of the companys stock worth $718,000 after buying an additional 360 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Spotify Technology by 16.0% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 8,543 shares of the companys stock worth $4,699,000 after buying an additional 1,179 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its stake in Spotify Technology by 30.7% in the first quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 302 shares of the companys stock valued at $166,000 after buying an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in Spotify Technology by 238.8% in the first quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 25,441 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,993,000 after buying an additional 17,932 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.09% of the companys stock. Get Spotify Technology alerts: Spotify Technology Price Performance Shares of Spotify Technology stock opened at $660.37 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $700.81 and its 200 day moving average is $626.67. Spotify Technology has a one year low of $300.57 and a one year high of $785.00. The firm has a market cap of $135.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 160.28, a PEG ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 1.69. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Spotify Technology ( NYSE:SPOT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 29th. The company reported ($0.42) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.00 by ($2.42). The business had revenue of $4.94 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.29 billion. Spotify Technology had a return on equity of 13.67% and a net margin of 4.76%. Spotify Technologys quarterly revenue was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.33 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Spotify Technology will post 10.3 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several research analysts have commented on SPOT shares. Rosenblatt Securities lowered their target price on Spotify Technology from $703.00 to $679.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on shares of Spotify Technology from $700.00 to $730.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Benchmark dropped their price objective on shares of Spotify Technology from $840.00 to $800.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. UBS Group decreased their target price on shares of Spotify Technology from $895.00 to $850.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald increased their price target on Spotify Technology from $610.00 to $640.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 18th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $718.90. View Our Latest Report on SPOT About Spotify Technology (Free Report) Spotify Technology SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides audio streaming subscription services worldwide. It operates through two segments, Premium and Ad-Supported. The Premium segment offers unlimited online and offline streaming access to its catalog of music and podcasts without commercial breaks to its subscribers. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SPOT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Spotify Technology (NYSE:SPOT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Spotify Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spotify Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC reduced its position in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 0.7% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 158,505 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,162 shares during the quarter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $6,614,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Gradient Investments LLC lifted its stake in Bank of America by 7.8% in the 1st quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 696,416 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,061,000 after acquiring an additional 50,296 shares in the last quarter. Employees Retirement System of Texas increased its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 12.7% in the 4th quarter. Employees Retirement System of Texas now owns 158,455 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $69,640,000 after purchasing an additional 17,880 shares during the period. Prosperity Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of America in the first quarter worth approximately $998,000. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 37.2% during the first quarter. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC now owns 65,038 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,714,000 after purchasing an additional 17,619 shares during the period. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its position in Bank of America by 170.5% during the first quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 238,473 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $9,951,000 after purchasing an additional 150,299 shares in the last quarter. 70.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Up 0.4% Bank of America stock opened at $45.83 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.79. Bank of America Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $33.06 and a fifty-two week high of $49.31. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $46.32 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.76. The firm has a market cap of $339.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.40, a P/E/G ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 1.31. Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.89 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.86 by $0.03. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.25% and a net margin of 14.81%. The business had revenue of ($22,273.00) million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $26.79 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.83 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current year. Bank of America declared that its board has approved a stock buyback plan on Wednesday, July 23rd that authorizes the company to buyback $40.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the financial services provider to purchase up to 11.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Bank of America Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. This is a boost from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.26. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 5th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is presently 30.41%. Insider Activity at Bank of America In other news, insider James P. Demare sold 148,391 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.57, for a total value of $6,762,177.87. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 223,407 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,180,656.99. This represents a 39.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have issued reports on BAC. Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Bank of America from $45.00 to $42.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Argus cut their price objective on Bank of America from $53.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. Hsbc Global Res cut Bank of America from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Bank of America from $46.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 10th. Finally, Oppenheimer lifted their price target on Bank of America from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $50.13. Get Our Latest Report on Bank of America Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TIAA Trust National Association grew its stake in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP (NYSE:BIP Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) by 6.9% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 19,001 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 1,225 shares during the period. TIAA Trust National Associations holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners were worth $566,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 27,621,080 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $822,832,000 after buying an additional 945,462 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 8.0% during the 4th quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 8,784,509 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $278,858,000 after buying an additional 650,892 shares in the last quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. raised its position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 2.7% during the 4th quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 6,432,381 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $202,492,000 after buying an additional 171,748 shares in the last quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners by 6.7% during the 4th quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 1,492,480 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $46,978,000 after purchasing an additional 94,103 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners during the 4th quarter valued at $22,033,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.92% of the companys stock. Get Brookfield Infrastructure Partners alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets BIP has been the topic of several recent research reports. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from $34.00 to $31.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 1st. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $41.67. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Price Performance Shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners stock opened at $31.63 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $14.69 billion, a PE ratio of 632.63 and a beta of 1.09. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP has a 12-month low of $25.72 and a 12-month high of $36.50. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 0.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $32.82 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $31.48. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP Get Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The utilities provider reported $0.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.82 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $5.43 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.95 billion. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners had a return on equity of 1.15% and a net margin of 1.54%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.77 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP will post 3.45 EPS for the current year. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 29th will be issued a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 29th. Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 3,440.00%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 8.1 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 0.6 million long-term contracted sub-metering services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BIP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP (NYSE:BIP Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN). Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Total Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 10.1% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 2,727 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 250 shares during the period. Total Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $324,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Sierra Summit Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 28.0% in the 4th quarter. Sierra Summit Advisors LLC now owns 6,173 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $664,000 after acquiring an additional 1,351 shares during the period. Certior Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter worth approximately $775,000. Twin Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 3.6% in the 4th quarter. Twin Capital Management Inc. now owns 64,878 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $6,979,000 after acquiring an additional 2,251 shares during the period. U S Wealth Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,556,000. Finally, Rathbones Group PLC grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 6.2% in the 4th quarter. Rathbones Group PLC now owns 328,287 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $35,314,000 after acquiring an additional 19,093 shares during the period. 61.80% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Exxon Mobil Price Performance XOM stock opened at $107.25 on Tuesday. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 52-week low of $97.80 and a 52-week high of $126.34. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $109.56 and its 200-day simple moving average is $109.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $462.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.53. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 1st. The oil and gas company reported $1.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.47 by $0.17. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.34% and a net margin of 9.17%. The business had revenue of $81.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $79.07 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.14 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 12.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.99 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. This represents a $3.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.7%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 56.25%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades XOM has been the topic of a number of research reports. Piper Sandler upped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $131.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. TD Cowen upped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $120.00 to $128.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company set a $127.00 price target on Exxon Mobil and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, June 26th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, UBS Group lowered their target price on Exxon Mobil from $135.00 to $131.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Exxon Mobil currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $125.26. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on XOM About Exxon Mobil (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Peoples Republic of Soviet Britain today celebrates the success of the 60,000 In 1 Out deportation scheme. Comrades, today we are celebrating the success of the deportation scheme where we let in fake asylum seekers into the country via boats across the Channel at a ratio of 60,000 in, to 1 migrant sent back to France. Lets not forget the millions of Indians who are now everywhere and have been granted leave to stay in the UK, plus they dont have to pay tax either. That was another great Comrade Starmer deal, dont you think? Additionally, Comrade Starmers genius in deal making has resulted in the PRSB paying the French another 100 million to send only 1% of fake asylum seekers back there. Bravo Comrade Starmer! Hail Comrade Starmer! Hail Success for the deportation scheme! Dont forget that when your 12-year-old daughters get raped by the fake asylum seekers, we will hush up the news. No apologies for that, we will give the parents an extra months ration of turnips and used toilet paper to shut them up. Anyone who makes a fuss, will be liquidated. INGSOC NOTICE 55553000-EU REGULATION T-E0933738-764873-3332 DARREN PIMPLENECKER, 34, WAS AWARDED A BOX OF USED TISSUES, AND AN INCREASE OF 0.000043 GRAMS OF BUTTER RATIONS FOR REPORTING ON 187 FACTORY WORK COLLEAGUES WHO SHOWED THEIR DISAPPROVAL AFTER ANOTHER LOCAL 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL WAS RAPED BY A PACK OF FAKE ASYLUM SEEKERS IN A 5-STAR HOTEL. THE FACTORY WORKERS WERE LIQUIDATED THIS MORNING AT SCUNTHORPE PROCESSING PLANT J-7. THE FAKE ASYLUM SEEKERS WERE AWARDED EXTRA ROOM SERVICE AND A TRIP TO A SOVIET FUN PARK IN DARLINGTON. REMEMBER COMRADES, LOOK, LISTEN, REPORT! Assetmark Inc. boosted its holdings in Core Laboratories Inc. (NYSE:CLB Free Report) by 92.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,887 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,387 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc.s holdings in Core Laboratories were worth $43,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Get Core Laboratories alerts: A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in Core Laboratories by 843.7% in the 4th quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,284 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 2,936 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets bought a new stake in Core Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at about $123,000. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS bought a new stake in Core Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at about $149,000. Sherbrooke Park Advisers LLC bought a new stake in Core Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at about $176,000. Finally, Freestone Grove Partners LP bought a new stake in Core Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at about $181,000. Institutional investors own 97.81% of the companys stock. Core Laboratories Stock Performance Shares of CLB opened at $10.56 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $11.83 and its 200-day moving average is $13.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $494.97 million, a P/E ratio of 17.03, a P/E/G ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 2.27 and a quick ratio of 1.70. Core Laboratories Inc. has a 12-month low of $10.14 and a 12-month high of $21.83. Core Laboratories Dividend Announcement Core Laboratories ( NYSE:CLB Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 23rd. The oil and gas company reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.18 by $0.01. Core Laboratories had a net margin of 5.73% and a return on equity of 14.15%. The business had revenue of $130.16 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $129.19 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.22 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Core Laboratories Inc. will post 0.96 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 4th will be paid a $0.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 4th. This represents a $0.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.4%. Core Laboratoriess payout ratio is 6.45%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently weighed in on CLB shares. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on shares of Core Laboratories from $13.00 to $12.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 16th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Core Laboratories from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, July 26th. Finally, Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Core Laboratories from $16.00 to $13.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CLB About Core Laboratories (Free Report) Core Laboratories Inc provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock and reservoir fluid samples to enhance production and improve recovery of crude oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Core Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Core Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) has been given a $78.00 target price by research analysts at Stifel Nicolaus in a research report issued on Monday, August 4th, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has a hold rating on the industrial products companys stock. Stifel Nicolaus price objective indicates a potential upside of 2.79% from the stocks previous close. Get Ingersoll Rand alerts: Several other research analysts have also commented on IR. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $104.00 price target (up previously from $91.00) on shares of Ingersoll Rand in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Melius Research set a $93.00 price target on Ingersoll Rand in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Barclays dropped their target price on Ingersoll Rand from $92.00 to $91.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 4th. Robert W. Baird boosted their target price on Ingersoll Rand from $97.00 to $103.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 4th. Finally, Melius lowered Ingersoll Rand from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $93.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $98.75. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on IR Ingersoll Rand Price Performance Shares of Ingersoll Rand stock opened at $75.88 on Monday. Ingersoll Rand has a one year low of $65.61 and a one year high of $106.03. The stocks fifty day moving average is $83.72 and its 200 day moving average is $82.20. The stock has a market cap of $30.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.28, a P/E/G ratio of 4.31 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a current ratio of 2.29. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The industrial products company reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.80. The business had revenue of $1.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.85 billion. Ingersoll Rand had a return on equity of 12.12% and a net margin of 7.10%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.83 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Ingersoll Rand will post 3.32 earnings per share for the current year. Ingersoll Rand announced that its board has initiated a stock repurchase program on Thursday, May 1st that permits the company to buyback $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the industrial products company to purchase up to 3.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Activity In related news, insider Vicente Reynal sold 38,657 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.03, for a total value of $3,209,690.71. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 193,186 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,040,233.58. This trade represents a 16.67% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Elizabeth Meloy Hepding sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.78, for a total transaction of $293,230.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 10,986 shares in the company, valued at $920,407.08. This represents a 24.16% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.68% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Ingersoll Rand A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Compass Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 62.8% during the 1st quarter. Compass Wealth Management LLC now owns 355 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 150.7% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 341 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares during the period. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates boosted its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 325.0% during the 1st quarter. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates now owns 374 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 286 shares during the period. Golden State Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 190.9% during the 1st quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 477 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 313 shares during the period. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. boosted its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 54.4% during the 1st quarter. Farmers & Merchants Investments Inc. now owns 488 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.27% of the companys stock. Ingersoll Rand Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, gas, liquid, and solid flow creation technologies services and solutions worldwide. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. The Industrial Technologies and Services segment designs, manufactures, markets, and services air and gas compression, vacuum, and blower products; fluid transfer equipment and loading systems; and power tools and lifting equipment, including associated aftermarket parts, consumables, air treatment equipment, controls, other accessories, and services under the under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Nash, CompAir, Elmo Rietschle brands, etc. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ingersoll Rand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ingersoll Rand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Reinsurance Group of America (NYSE:RGA Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Wells Fargo & Company from $249.00 to $241.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the insurance providers stock. Get Reinsurance Group of America alerts: Several other research analysts have also weighed in on RGA. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Reinsurance Group of America from $209.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Raymond James Financial reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a research note on Friday, May 23rd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price objective on shares of Reinsurance Group of America from $250.00 to $255.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Reinsurance Group of America from $237.00 to $264.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $243.64. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on RGA Reinsurance Group of America Stock Down 0.3% RGA stock opened at $176.77 on Monday. Reinsurance Group of America has a 12 month low of $159.25 and a 12 month high of $233.81. The firm has a market cap of $11.68 billion, a PE ratio of 15.34 and a beta of 0.61. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $196.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $198.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.16 and a quick ratio of 0.16. Reinsurance Group of America (NYSE:RGA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The insurance provider reported $4.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.58 by ($0.86). Reinsurance Group of America had a net margin of 3.54% and a return on equity of 12.56%. The firm had revenue of $5.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.70 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.48 EPS. The firms revenue was up 14.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Reinsurance Group of America will post 22.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Reinsurance Group of America Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 26th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 12th will be given a dividend of $0.93 per share. This is an increase from Reinsurance Group of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.89. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 12th. This represents a $3.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Reinsurance Group of Americas dividend payout ratio is 32.29%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Reinsurance Group of America Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its stake in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 10,415.8% in the 4th quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 29,339 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $6,273,000 after purchasing an additional 29,060 shares during the last quarter. World Investment Advisors boosted its stake in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 10.0% in the 4th quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 2,751 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $588,000 after purchasing an additional 251 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 5.6% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 493,596 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $105,447,000 after purchasing an additional 26,151 shares during the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 16.7% in the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 272,742 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $58,266,000 after purchasing an additional 39,095 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 4.3% in the 4th quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 449,638 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $96,056,000 after purchasing an additional 18,412 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.11% of the companys stock. About Reinsurance Group of America (Get Free Report) Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated engages in reinsurance business. The company offers individual and group life and health insurance products, such as term life, credit life, universal life, whole life, group life and health, joint and last survivor insurance, critical illness, disability, and longevity products; asset-intensive and financial reinsurance products; and other capital motivated solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Reinsurance Group of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reinsurance Group of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. In your Space Circus, based in Derry, recently held ClaudyFest in Claudy Country Park, a street arts festival and the culmination of their wider arts project entitled REACH - Rural Engagement in Arts, Circus and Happiness. REACH was supported with funding through the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP), an Arts Council NI scheme which aims to increase opportunities for people living in rural communities to participate in the arts. The Arts Council is currently welcoming applications to the fourth round of the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP), with grants from 500 - 10,000 available. REACH involved In Your Space Circus working with rural communities in the Claudy and Park area over the last six months to deliver a series of social circus workshops and a community arts festival day, ClaudyFEST. REACH worked with four distinct groups including children aged 4-11, young people aged 12-20, older people aged 60+, and parent and toddlers, with participants coming from St Patricks and St Brigid's College, Country Kids, The Diamond Centre and Learmount Community Development Group. Each group took part in performances and circus skill workshops, where participants had the opportunity to try a range of circus activities including juggling, diablo, tightwire, aerial, flower sticks and partner acrobatics. The project finished with ClaudyFEST, a celebratory family circus and street theatre festival held in Claudy Country Park where participants showcased their newly acquired circus skills alongside professional circus artists. Zoe McSparron, In Your Space Circus, said: As someone who grew up in the Claudy and Park area who was forever feeling frustrated having to get into the car and travel to attend festivals and events as a child, it filled me with an immense sense of pride and joy to work with the local community and bring the joy of circus to people's (rural) doorsteps, where all the family could get involved! Hearing so many local people throughout the ClaudyFEST event express how great it was 'to have something like this in Claudy' and seeing families change their plans to stay at ClaudyFEST throughout the day, highlighted to us the need for more events like this in the future. In Your Space Circus has always had a connection with the Claudy/Park community but the National Lottery Rural Arts Engagement Programme enabled us to deepen these connections and really get to know the local area and its community champions. REAP was established in 2022 by the Arts Council and the overarching theme of the programme is to tackle isolation and loneliness and promote social inclusion and wellbeing, through participation in the arts, for people living in rural areas. The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme is one of the Arts Councils core National Lottery programme areas. Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to make this funding available to In Your Space Circus and other rural communities across the region. We know that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, boost confidence and motivation, as well as alleviate isolation and loneliness. Thanks to The National Lottery players, the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme has supported 184 arts projects in rural areas of NI with total National Lottery funding of 1,239,633.00, since its establishment in 2022. The programme has been making positive impacts in rural communities by increasing opportunities for people to engage and participate in meaningful arts activities, enriching their lives for the better. The Arts Council believes that arts, and coming together as communities, can all make a vital contribution to building wellbeing, confidence, and healthy, integrated communities. Applications to the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme are now open. Applications must be made online on the Arts Councils website and will close at 12noon on Thursday, September 25. To make an application visit Arts Council NI Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced the fourth Electrical Switchgear Academy in the North West with Vertiv. Funded by the Department for the Economy, this Academy will see 16 participants undertake eight weeks of pre-employment training working towards a Level 2 entry level qualification in Electrical Installation (EAL) for work in the electrical switchgear sector. The Academy will include five weeks intensive training at North West Regional College (NWRC) and three weeks on-site training at Vertiv in Derry, blending college learning with experience in a working environment. Welcoming the Academy the Minister said: With no experience required, this Academy is a great opportunity for those who wish to reskill and return to the workforce as well as those who may be just starting out on their career journey. This fourth Electrical Switchgear Academy with Vertiv is evidence of this companys ongoing commitment to the North West and will see individuals train for a good job in the important area of electrical switchgear installation with a global provider. Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive North West Regional College, said: North West Regional College is delighted to be supporting Vertiv with their continued growth in the North West. Our Assured Skills Academy will provide skills training in electrical installation and guarantees at least a job interview for people who complete the training which provides a direct lead into employment. We look forward to delivering this training to participants and equipping them with the skills they need to excel in their future career. Peter Smyth, Vertivs Campsie Plant Manager said: This is an opportunity to earn as you learn while gaining a recognised qualification and gaining valuable experience in the sector. The fourth Electrical Switchgear Academy with Vertiv is further evidence of our ongoing commitment to the North West. It will equip individuals with the skills required for high-quality jobs in electrical switchgear installation with a global provider. Successful applicants will receive 180 per week training allowance, plus travel and childcare expenses (if eligible) for the duration of the Academy. Applicants must be over 18 and be eligible to work in the UK at the point of application. Participants who complete the academy will be guaranteed a job interview for a Junior Panel Wirer position with Vertiv. These permanent jobs will be based at the Vertiv site in Derry. READ NEXT: Craigbane family raise funds for Foyle Hospice's Healing Hearts in memory of late mum The Electrical Switchgear Academy runs from October 6 to November 28. Applications are now open and close at midnight on Sunday, August 31 2025. Click here for more information and how to apply. A powerful new play exploring the tragic death of 14-year-old Julie Livingstone, who was fatally struck by a plastic bullet in 1981, will be shown at the Playhouse Theatre on August 15 and 16. Julie, written and performed by her niece, award-winning actress Charlotte McCurry, is the latest production from Belfasts acclaimed Kabosh Theatre Company. It will premiere on August 6 as part of Feile an Phobail 2025. Told through the eyes of Julies sister Bernadette, the play offers a vivid, heart-wrenching account of the events surrounding 12 May 1981, when Julie was shot in the head by a plastic bullet fired from a British Army Saracen while returning home from a local shop. She died the following day in hospital. The play blends archive footage, animation, and music to transport audiences back to a time when ordinary life was shaped by extraordinary conflict. Charlotte McCurry, who consulted closely with family members while writing the script, describes Julie as both a personal and emotional journey. It feels like a big responsibility because Im telling my familys story, she said. Writing it brought back so many childhood memoriesit was like bringing my granny back to life. While its not a happy play, Ive woven humour and warmth into it to reflect Julies spirited personality. Comedy and tragedy lived side by side in our family. Kabosh Artistic Director Paula McFetridge, who is directing the play, said the story resonates deeply with her. Julie was the same age as me, and she was shot just up the road from where I lived. This is a deeply personal story for our community, and it reflects Kaboshs missionto open up conversations about the legacy of conflict through honest and courageous storytelling. At its heart, Julie is a reflection on grief, injustice, and the long-lasting effects of conflict on families. It explores the enduring pain of loss, the fight for truth, and how memory and love persist through generations. For decades, the Livingstone family has been active in campaigns to ban plastic bullets and to seek justice for Julie. A mural near the site of the shooting serves as a lasting memorial and a reminder of her story. Following its run in Roddy McCorley Heritage Centre at Feile an Phobail from August 6-9, Julie will go on tour to HomePlace Bellaghy (August 10), Playhouse Derry (August 15&16) and Old Church Cushendun (August 17). There will be a BSL signed performance at the Playhouse on Saturday, August 16. Post show discussions will take place on both evenings involving the playwright, director and Relatives for Justice representative. IN PICTURES: Special screening of RTEs documentary 'John Hume - Irelands Greatest' to commemorate his passing The production is supported by the Irish Department for Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, Feile an Phobail, and Relatives for Justice, who will host post-show discussions with Charlotte, Paula, and guest speakers. Tickets to the Feile performances are available directly from the Roddy McCorley Heritage Centre as online bookings are currently sold out. To book tickets for the other venues visit https://kabosh.net. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Broadcom unveils Jericho4 at OCP Taipei, pushes Ethernet as backbone of next-gen AI infrastructure Broadcom has unveiled Jericho4, its latest AI fabric router chip designed to connect geographically dispersed data centers, reinforcing the company's belief that Ethernetnot proprietary interconnectswill power the next wave of large-scale AI and machine learning systems. The announcement was made during the 2025 OCP APAC Summit in Taipei, where Ram Velaga, Broadcom's Senior Vice President and General Manager, outlined a three-tiered approach to scaling AI infrastructurefrom intra-rack communication to global data center clusters. "AI is still at the one-percentile mark of what's possible," Velaga said on stage, arguing that Ethernet's ubiquity, cost-efficiency, and openness make it the best choice for scaling AI workloads across every layer of the stack. "The best way to build a large distributed computing system is to do it on Ethernet." Credit: Joseph Chen Jericho4: Connecting data centers over 100 km apart At the heart of the Taipei announcement was Jericho4, a 3nm multi-die AI fabric router chip designed specifically for inter-data center connectivity. It supports line-rate, full-speed encryption, very deep buffering, and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to facilitate the movement of AI workloads between facilities separated by more than 100 kilometers. As AI model sizes grow, Broadcom sees a need to link multiple 5060 MW data centers to function as unified compute clusters. Jericho4 fills that gapmarking a departure from the company's Tomahawk product line, which focuses on intra-data center switching. Scaling AI with Ethernet: Rack to region Velaga's presentation also reiterated Broadcom's broader Ethernet strategy for AI: Within racks (Scale-Up Ethernet): Broadcom's Scale-Up Ethernet (SUE) specification enables low-latency communication between XPUs (GPUs, TPUs, etc.) and HBM within a rack or a few racks. The company's Tomahawk Ultra switch achieves under 400 nanoseconds of XPU-to-XPU latency, with about 250 nanoseconds inside the switch, helping scale up domains to hundreds or even thousands of XPUs. Across data centers (Scale-Out Ethernet): For larger clusters within a single data center, Broadcom introduced the Tomahawk 6, delivering 100 terabits per second of bandwidth. Velaga said it can reduce optical components by 67%, cut power usage, and lower network complexity for installations like 128,000-GPU clusters. The company's pitch centers on Ethernet as a scalable, vendor-neutral alternative to proprietary AI interconnects. Broadcom continues to invest in open standards, contributing the SUE specification to the Open Compute Project (OCP) community to foster multi-vendor innovation across hardware and software layers. Credit: Joseph Chen Article edited by Jack Wu Subscriber content preview By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer WASHINGTON The Washington Commanders' hopes of returning to the site of their former home at RFK Stadium cleared a significant hurdle Friday when the District of Columbia Council approved the legislation. The bill advanced by a 9-3 vote, but it still must be approved a second time by the council before being sent to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE A small apartment building at 3200 California Ave. S.W. sold last week for $4 million, according to King County records. The seller was RAFH LLC, which acquired the property in 1996 for $683,000. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE An apartment building at 1207 N.W. 92nd St. sold last week for almost $9.3 million, according to King County records. The seller was CVD Enterprises LLC, a family group that had owned the property for decades. . . . Irelands young population means the State is spending less on pensions and healthcare than other European countries, according to the budgetary watchdog. As a result, the Irish State needs to prepare for a growth in spending as demographics shift and the demand for public services increase. Analysis by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) found that while Ireland appeared to be a low-tax, low-spend country, public spending is low relative to national income. The fiscal advisory body said this was mainly due to Irelands young population and a buoyant economy. But as Irelands population ages, public spending on pensions and healthcare is expected to rise, IFAC said, bringing it closer to levels in other European countries. Currently, Irish Government spending is 3.3% of national income lower than other European countries, while it collects 4.7% of national income, or 2,600 euros per person. When excess corporation tax from several multinationals located in Ireland is excluded, Ireland collects 8.6% of national income or 4,700 euros per person less than other European countries. Employers and employees in Ireland pay less in social insurance than is typical across Europe. The fiscal watchdog said that additional pressures will be put on the budget in the years ahead, driven by an ageing population and climate change. Since 2015, the number of people aged 65 years and over in Ireland has increased by 37%. The Governments new savings funds the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund will help cover some of the costs but will not cover them all. Author of the report Niall Conroy said Ireland needed to prepare for higher levels of public spending in the future. Ireland collects a lower level of government revenue than most other high-income European countries, he said. This is mostly driven by social insurance paid both by employees and employers. When exceptional corporation tax is excluded, government revenue in Ireland is 4,700 euro per person lower than the European average. As a result, the Government will need to raise additional revenue or reallocate existing spending. The more the Government saves today, the easier it will be to navigate these challenges. The mother of Private Sean Rooney has launched a scathing criticism of the Lebanese judicial process, branding it a sham trial and says that the truth about her sons death must not be lost in the hysteria. Natasha Rooney has spoken out after the conviction of Mohammad Ayyad, who was sentenced to death - but who remains at large. Ms Rooney said there has been an attempt to tarnish her sons legacy with fake news and false narratives and has expressed disappointment at the reaction of the Irish government. Private Rooney, a Dundalk native who had lived in Newtowncunningham for the past decade, became the 48th Irish soldier to die while on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The 24-year-old peacekeeper was killed while serving in Lebanon, when his UN peacekeeping convoy was attacked in December 2022. It is understood that authorities in the Lebanon are aware of the location of Ayyad, who was convicted earlier this week in absentia by a Military Tribunal in Beirut. The hearing was overseen by Brigadier General Wassim Fayyad and in all, six men were indicted over the incident that led to Private Rooneys death. Ali Suleiman was given a three-month prison term and Ali Khalifeh was sentenced to one month in prison. Three other men - Hussein Suleiman, Mustafa Suleiman and Ali Hakim - were issued with fines while Mohammad Mezher was acquitted. The sentences have prompted frustration among those close to Private Rooney. Ms Rooney, in a statement issued via her solicitor, Mr Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, said her son was a brave and courageous soldier, he was also a much-loved son, brother, fiancee and friend. She said she could not sit idly by and let the truth get lost in the hysteria. The late Private Sean Rooney An attorney for Ayyad told the tribunal that his client was ill and in hospital. Sources have claimed that Ayyad is receiving treatment for a form of cancer. In 2023, a one-page medical report, which was said to have been verified by the Lebanese hospital authority and ministry of health was given to the court. This was not read aloud at the time. Ayyad was charged under Article 549 of the Lebanese Penal Code, which states the murder of a public official carrying out official duties is to be punishable by death. Ms Rooney said: What happened in Lebanon was not justice. What happened in Lebanon is unreflective of what we regard as a trial process. The trial into the murder of my son was heard and determined in less than half a day. "Not only was justice not done, it was not seen to be done, with little to no information being disclosed or challenged in open court. Instead, we are forced to believe the answers provided by a Lebanese justice system which from the outset has failed to hold those responsible to account. As a family, we wish to express our extreme disappointment and heartbreak at the recent Court proceedings in Lebanon. The proceedings, originally scheduled for September 2025, were brought forward with minimal notice causing unforeseen pressures. "The unforeseen expedition has been credited in some quarters as a testament to diplomatic pressures. To others, it is difficult to avoid the conclusive coincidence that the expediting of the trial process comes at the critical time the UN Mandate comes for renewal. Ms Rooney said that her family has been left to unpick the jigsaw of illusion from the factual reality. She described the death penalty handed down to Ayyad as in reality is nothing more than a headline to the Lebanese authorities who masquerade this sham trial process as a semblance of justice for my son. Private Rooney was driving an armoured jeep when a UN peacekeeping convoy in which he was travelling came under attack in the south Lebanon town of Al-Aqbiya on December 14, 2022. Trooper Shane Kearney, 22, was badly wounded and two others sustained minor injuries in the incident. The initial surrender of Ayyad had been facilitated by Hezbollah, which has denied the attackers were affiliated with the group. Ms Rooney hit out at the monetary fines handed down to some of the defendants: To the Lebanese Courts, assisting in the murder of my son is worth nothing more than 1200 dollars. Whilst hurt and disappointed, I expected nothing less from a Government that is run hand in glove with a terrorist organisation. While Irish politicians, including Tanaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD and the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, issued statements in the wake of the sentence being passed, Ms Rooney said she expected more from the very country to whom my son died wearing with pride his native flag. She said: In a country where victims rights ought to be paramount, it would perhaps be wise for the Tanaiste to speak to me, before seeking to speak for me, in his public statements. Regrettably this approach is symptomatic of the problems we face in this country whereby when in November 2024, just days after exiting Government buildings, flags were erected on the very same street endorsing the organisation that killed my son, alongside that of the tricolour, the very country he died in its name. Ms Rooney has vowed to ensure justice for her son. She added: I am however not angry. I am determined. My son died trying to protect his three comrades as he made all efforts to escape an armed gang who had surrounded their vehicle and fired their shots. He dedicated his entire life to protect those of his three friends. Read next: Plans to turn former Doochary medical centre into dwelling house In his name, I will dedicate every bone in my body to ensure justice for Sean, and to highlight the uncomfortable truths about the systematic failings by the United Nations, the Irish Defence Forces and the Lebanese Justice system. That is the very least I owe my son Sean. It is the very least I owe Seans comrades. And it is the very least the Irish Justice system owe us all. 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. 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. 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Analysis of national buffer-setting yields evidence of heterogeneity which does not result from differences in the size, concentration and funding structure of the domestic banking systems. From a banking union perspective, buffer-setting by national authorities results in heterogeneity at both the upper and the lower end of the distribution of a banks systemic relevance. The recent enhancement of the ECBs O-SII floor methodology is designed to mitigate unwarranted O-SII buffer heterogeneity at the lower end of the buffer range. As the ECB can impose higher macroprudential requirements but not reduce macroprudential requirements, it is not possible for the ECB methodology to address instances of unwarranted heterogeneity at the upper end. 1 Framework for setting capital buffers for systemically important banks Systemically important banks are required to hold more capital than other banks as their failure can have serious consequences for the economy and the financial system as a whole. The global financial crisis demonstrated how failures of large, interconnected banks which play a key role in financing the economy can have systemic repercussions. In 2011 the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published a framework governing how systemically important banks should be identified at the global level and prescribing the additional capital surcharges for such banks (see BCBS, 2011). The Basel Committee also recognised that banks may be systemically important in a given country. However, the framework it designed for domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) is principle-based, making it less prescriptive than the equivalent for global systemically important banks (G-SIBs) (see BCBS, 2012). It complements the G-SIB framework, focusing on the systemic importance of a given bank for its domestic economy. As such, it leaves a larger margin of discretion to the national authorities responsible for its implementation. Principle 8 of the D-SIB framework provides some guidance to authorities on how country-specific factors could influence their buffer-setting decisions. The size of the banking sector relative to the economy, its concentration and its reliance on volatile, foreign funding could encourage authorities to set the buffers at a higher level. The EU implemented the Basel framework by introducing two buffer requirements for systemically important institutions. Since 2013 macroprudential authorities in the EU have been empowered by the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD)[2] to identify banks in their jurisdiction as either global or other systemically important institutions (G-SIIs/O-SIIs). The framework for identifying G-SIIs closely follows the Basel G-SIB framework. The framework for identifying O-SIIs builds on the Basel D-SIB principles, with some additional clarifications. National authorities are expected to identify O-SIIs based on at least four criteria: size, importance for the economy of the Union or of the relevant Member State, significance of cross-border activities and interconnectedness of the institution or group with the financial system.[3] Authorities can require O-SIIs to hold additional capital equal to up to 3% of the total risk exposure amount.[4] The higher of the G-SII and O-SII buffer requirements applies. The decentralised setting of O-SII buffers leads to unwarranted heterogeneity in buffer levels. Whereas the identification of O-SIIs is governed by guidelines which provide a scoring methodology for national authorities to use (see EBA, 2014), no further guidance has been provided by legislators or the European Banking Authority (EBA) on how to translate O-SII scores into buffers. The choice of a specific methodology for setting O-SII buffers is left fully to the discretion of the national authorities. The EBA reviewed the methodologies used to calibrate O-SII buffers in 2020, documenting a wide range of methods applied by the national authorities for this purpose (see EBA, 2020). These methods often rely to a large degree on policymakers judgement. Even in cases where the national authorities apply a model-based approach to buffer calibration, the results require a judgement-based correction. For example, the frequently used equal expected impact approach often produces raw buffer levels which fall well outside of the range deemed adequate by policymakers, and the assumptions underlying the approach may provide grounds to deviate from the results (see Passmore and von Hafften, 2017, and Geiger et al., 2022). Relying so heavily on judgement in the buffer framework raises concerns that differences between O-SII buffer levels may not always be driven solely by economic factors. Unwarranted heterogeneity in O-SII buffer levels across the banking union may have negative consequences for financial stability, including beyond national banking systems. If the O-SII buffers for some banks insufficiently capture the serious impact of an O-SII failing, the economy and the financial systems may not be well prepared for the materialisation of financial stability risks. Given the substantial degree of financial and economic integration in the banking union, shocks are unlikely to remain limited to the domestic banking system but spread across the entire banking union. In addition, systemically important banks may have no incentive to keep their systemic footprint in check. Buffer heterogeneity may also distort the level playing field in the banking union. As the EU forms a single market, O-SIIs compete not only domestically but also with banks from the rest of the EU. Misaligned O-SII buffers may give competitive advantages to specific banks, and differences in buffer levels may not be warranted by countries fundamentals. Inconsistent buffer-setting may also influence the allocation of assets by banks. Banks located in a country that sets its buffers at relatively low levels could be able to provide banking services throughout the EU at a lower cost than their peers based in other countries, and vice versa. Similarly, the direction of cross-border banking consolidation may be affected by O-SII buffer-setting (see ECB, 2021), meaning that banks facing a relatively high buffer would be disadvantaged if they intended to acquire a bank located in a country which sets its buffers at a relatively low level.[5] The remaining sections of this article review the heterogeneity that has been observed in O-SII buffers. Taking a national perspective, Section 2 discusses the dispersion of O-SII buffers in the 21 countries participating in the European banking supervision and analyses whether the heterogeneity observed can be attributed to country-specific factors recommended by the Basel Committee. Section 3 considers the perspective of the banking union as a whole, and looks at how the heterogeneity observed in buffers aligns with the systemic importance of O-SIIs for these 21 countries as an aggregate. Section 4 concludes. 2 Buffer heterogeneity from the national perspective Descriptive analysis shows that the relationship between O-SII buffer rates and the size and concentration of the national banking systems is weak. There is no clear correlation between bank assets-to-GDP and weighted average O-SII buffer rates in the 21 countries participating in European banking supervision (Chart 1, panel a). A group of countries seem to set O-SII buffer rates at particularly high levels, despite the small aggregate size of their banking systems. At the same time, some countries seem to impose buffer rates close to the lower end of the range of their European peers. While the more concentrated banking systems seem to face higher O-SII buffers on average, there is considerable dispersion among countries, and two banking systems with a similar level of concentration may be subject to very different buffer levels (Chart 1, panel b). Chart 1 O-SII buffer rates show little relationship with size and concentration of domestic banking systems a) O-SII buffer rates and size of the banking sector b) O-SII buffer rates and banking system concentration (2023; x-axis: bank assets-to-GDP, percentages; y-axis: weighted average O-SII buffer rate, percentages) (2023; x-axis: share of top three banks in total assets, percentages; y-axis: weighted average O-SII buffer rate, percentages) Sources: ECB (supervisory data, macroprudential measures data) and ECB calculations. Notes: Panel a: total assets of country in Q4 2023 from consolidated banking dataset and domestic nominal GDP in Q4 2023. Luxembourg (1,212% assets-to-GDP ratio) has been omitted to improve readability. Panel b: total assets of top three banks in the country divided by total assets in the country. Buffer rates aggregated using a weighted average based on 2023 scores of the top three banks. A regression model is set up to investigate the relationship between the country-specific factors suggested by the Basel Committee and O-SII buffer rates more formally. In this set-up, the level of O-SII buffer is explained using the logarithm of O-SII scores (in order to account for the mostly concave shape of national O-SII calibrations) together with three country-specific variables. Total bank assets, expressed as a share of GDP, measure the relative size of a countrys banking sector. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) measures the concentration of the banking system and also the share of interbank funding in total liabilities serves as a proxy for (international) wholesale funding. Regressions are run separately for each year from 2018 to 2024 in order to explore changes in the relationships between country characteristics, scores and buffers over time. Higher O-SII buffers are associated with higher O-SII scores, with the strength of this relationship increasing over time. In line with the objectives of the O-SII buffer, national authorities set higher buffers for those banks which are assessed to be more systemically important. The estimated coefficient representing the impact of scores on buffer levels has increased over time by about 25-30%. This could be due to countries refining their national calibration frameworks, partly in response to the implementation of the ECB floor methodology. In recent years, an increase of around 10% in the O-SII score is associated with an O-SII buffer that is 25 basis points higher. O-SII buffers tend to be lower in countries with large banking systems, although the economic significance of this association is low. The relationship between the size of the banking sector and O-SII buffers is negative and, in many years, statistically significant. This conflicts with the Basel Committee principles. However, estimation results indicate that this relationship has little economic significance. Given the variation across different regression model specifications, an O-SII buffer that is 25 basis points higher could be expected for an increase of between 150 and 1,000 percentage points in the total bank assets-to-GDP ratio, while this ratio comes in a range between 100% and 300% for most banking union (BU) countries. The other country-specific factors are, in most cases, not statistically significant (see Chart 2). Some of the heterogeneity observed could stem from preferences of national authorities which host large foreign bank subsidiaries for higher O-SII buffers. Controlling for differences in O-SII buffer levels between countries that have significant numbers of foreign bank subsidiaries and those with banks that are predominantly domestically owned does not affect the relationship between scores, assets-to-GDP ratios and buffers. It does, however, reveal a statistically and economically significant difference in buffer levels between the two groups of countries. O-SIIs in countries with significant numbers of foreign banks (Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia) are charged on average an O-SII buffer that is about 50 basis points higher, all else equal, than their peers in the home countries. Chart 2 While O-SII buffers increase with higher O-SII scores, the economic significance of buffers relationship with country-specific factors is weak Estimated relationship between O-SII scores, country-specific factors and O-SII buffers (2018-26, estimated model coefficients and confidence intervals) Sources: ECB (supervisory data, macroprudential measures data, country-level data) and ECB calculations. Notes: The 2023 values of the country-specific factors are used for the years 2023-26. Data for 2026 are scores and buffers as notified for 2025 plus the buffer changes associated with the implementation of the BU perspective and the G-SIB framework, and the latest data on country-specific factors that are available. 3 Buffer heterogeneity from the BU perspective From the BU perspective, heterogeneity in O-SII buffers is particularly concerning if it affects buffers for the most systemically important banks in the banking union. With the harmonisation of banking regulation, supervision and resolution, some of the safety net arrangements covering the failure of systemically important banks have been transferred from the national level to the European level. The cost of any such failures would be shared by the banking systems of all EU Member States participating in the banking union and no longer by the affected domestic banking system alone. This suggests it would be prudent to review O-SII buffers not only from the national perspective but also from the perspective of the banking union as a whole (see Grodzicki et al., 2025). At the same time, buffer heterogeneity leads to a distorted playing field, which has a particularly strongly impact on large banks active in multiple jurisdictions that compete with each other directly. From a BU perspective, buffer-setting by national authorities results in heterogeneity at both the upper and the lower ends of the distribution of a banks systemic relevance. O-SII scores, when calculated from the BU perspective, reveal that several European G-SIIs and large O-SIIs stand out, as their buffer rates are similar to those assigned to much smaller banks (see Grodzicki et al., 2025). A similar conclusion can be drawn from a comparison of simpler indicators, such as relative size and share of lending in the banking union (Chart 3). Several O-SIIs whose systemic importance in the banking union as a whole appears to be very low are required to maintain comparatively high buffers, while some G-SIIs and some highly systemically important O-SIIs face substantially lower requirements. Chart 3 O-SII buffer rates for some of the most systemically important banks in the banking union are close to those assigned to the median O-SII in the banking union a) O-SII buffer rates and O-SIIs share of total banking assets in the banking union b) O-SII buffer rates and O-SIIs share of total loans in the banking union (2023, percentages) (2023, percentages) Sources: ECB (supervisory data, macroprudential measures data) and ECB calculations. Note: Panel b: shares of total loans computed using a reference sample of all banks reporting FINREP data with a geographic breakdown of their loan book. Statistical analysis enables O-SII buffers to be benchmarked from the BU perspective. An ordered probit approach is used to estimate the relative stringency of each O-SIIs buffer rate applicable in 2024 on the scale of possible buffer rates. In this model, the O-SII buffer is treated as a cardinal dependent variable, taking one of ten possible values between 0.25 and 2.50 percentage points.[6] It is explained using the four sub-scores of the O-SII score from the BU perspective together with country-level variables that may affect O-SII buffer-setting by the macroprudential authorities.[7] A model-based probability distribution conditional on its O-SII score from the BU perspective is derived for each O-SII. Then the actual buffer rate is compared with this distribution, yielding an estimated percentile of the distribution to which the buffer rate corresponds. Given that this approach is based on the results of countries buffer-setting processes, its results cannot be used to claim that a particular banks buffer rate is too high or too low in absolute terms. That said, they indicate that some banks buffer rates may be too high or too low relative to the rest of the sample of O-SIIs. The model reveals a markedly negative relationship between the systemic importance of an O-SII in the banking union and the relative stringency of its buffer rate. Focusing on the 24 most systemically important O-SIIs whose scores stand above the 80 basis point threshold of the second bucket BU floor in the ECBs enhanced floor methodology, it becomes clear that most O-SIIs in the lower half of this group are required to have relatively high buffers, compared with the group of the most systemically important O-SIIs in the banking union. Buffer rates for some of these most systemically important O-SIIs, in particular for a few G-SIIs, are placed in the lowest quartile of their implied distributions (Chart 4). Chart 4 The more significant an O-SII is in the banking union, the less stringent its O-SII buffer requirement is but the ECBs enhanced floor methodology mitigates this Relative stringency of O-SII buffer requirements following implementation of the ECBs enhanced floor methodology (2023; x-axis: O-SII score from the BU perspective, basis points; y-axis: percentile of the model-implied buffer distribution) Sources: ECB (supervisory data, macroprudential measures data) and ECB calculations. Notes: Linear relationship estimated based on a sample of the 24 most systemically important O-SIIs whose score stands above the 80 basis point threshold of second bucket of the BU floor in the ECBs enhanced floor methodology. Buffer rates are assumed to increase in line with this methodology. The methodology is being phased in by 1 January 2028; the results presented here should not be interpreted as a forecast. The systemic importance of O-SIIs may change by that time due to business decisions and macro-financial developments, while macroprudential authorities may adjust their O-SII frameworks. The recent enhancement to the ECBs floor methodology will reduce the heterogeneity in O-SII buffers at the lower end of the buffer range. A counterfactual analysis assumes that, all else equal, O-SII buffers would increase in line with the minimum rates implied by the enhanced floor methodology. This assumption is highly simplified and disregards the potential evolution of the systemic importance of O-SIIs through to the implementation deadline on 1 January 2028. Nonetheless, it demonstrates that the buffer rates for the most systemic O-SIIs would be brought closer to the median of the model-based distribution, and none of these O-SIIs would be placed any longer in the lowest quartile of the distribution. As the ECBs macroprudential powers are asymmetric, it is not possible for its methodology to address instances of unwarranted heterogeneity at the upper end. The ECBs macroprudential tasks and tools allow it to apply higher requirements for capital buffers than applied by the national competent authorities or national designated authorities of participating Member States, but the ECB cannot lower the capital buffer requirements. The ECB methodology therefore includes a BU perspective that is implemented as a floor. This cannot address the relatively stringent buffer-setting at the upper end of the distribution, notably for several O-SIIs whose scores come in the range between 80 and 300 basis points. These O-SIIs would continue to face more stringent requirements than several of the most systemic O-SIIs in the banking union. 4 Conclusions This article presents evidence of unwarranted heterogeneity in O-SII buffer levels for banks in countries participating in European banking supervision. Such unwarranted heterogeneity is a matter of concern in the banking union for two main reasons. First, if it implies buffers are being set too low for some of the most systemic banks, the economy and the financial system of the entire banking union may not be well prepared for the materialisation of financial stability risks. Second, heterogeneity at the upper and lower ends of the spectrum may distort competition and incentives for financial integration in the single European market. While national authorities have substantial latitude to set O-SII buffers as they see fit, the heterogeneity observed in O-SII buffers seems to go partly against the direction set by the principles laid down by the Basel Committee. At the national level, more systemically important banks are required to hold higher buffers than their less important peers. In a cross-country context, however, neither the size nor the concentration of the national banking systems appears to be related to the O-SII buffer levels in the way envisaged by the Basel Committee. Such unwarranted heterogeneity has persisted for several years, as national O-SII buffer frameworks have been broadly stable. Taking the banking union perspective confirms the presence of heterogeneity in buffer requirements among both large and smaller O-SIIs. The recent enhancement to the ECBs floor methodology for assessing O-SII buffers will mitigate unwarranted heterogeneity at the lower end of the buffer range but, due to the asymmetric powers of the ECB, cannot mitigate the heterogeneity at the top end. Further alignments aimed at reducing buffer heterogeneity at both ends of the distribution, possibly also considering country characteristics, would require a more harmonised methodology for setting O-SII buffers to be developed and implemented in the banking union. References BCBS (2011), Global systemically important banks: assessment methodology and the additional loss absorbency requirement, Bank for International Settlements, November. BCBS (2012), A framework for dealing with domestic systemically important banks, Bank for International Settlements, October. EBA (2014), Guidelines on the criteria to determine the conditions of application of Article 131(3) of Directive 2013/36/EU (CRD) in relation to the assessment of other systemically important institutions (O-SIIs), EBA/GL/2014/10, December. EBA (2020), EBA Report on the appropriate methodology to calibrate OSII buffer rates, EBA/Rep/2020/38, 22 December. ECB (2021), O-SII buffer calibration and cross-border bank mergers, Financial Stability Review, November. ECB (2022), Annex 1: Analytical addendum underpinning the policy proposals, March. Geiger, S., Heires, M., Kruger, U., Ludwig, J. and Vogel, U. (2022), Calibrating capital buffers for other systemically important institutions (O-SIIs) in Germany Utilising the equal expected impact approach, Technical Papers, No 02/2022, Deutsche Bundesbank. Grodzicki, M., van der Kraaij, A., Vogel, U. and Zsamboki, B. (2025), Enhancing the ECBs O-SII framework, Macroprudential Bulletin, Issue 30, August, ECB. Passmore, W. and von Hafften, A. (2019), Are Basels Capital Surcharges for Global Systemically Important Banks Too Small?, International Journal of Central Banking, Vol. 15, No 1, pp. 107-156. Adam: I said its hypocritical, Bran repeated, taking a seat by the younger woman. Leah peaked through to me from the other side of the bar, but only gave a shrug. First, some kid buying the couple a round. Then Ariana being on a tear. Now another bit of fuel thrown into the mix. It was going to be a long night. And if Alexis would have me for this interview, he continued, Id love to go back and forth with you on this love you speak of. He smiled like a reptile. Nope, no. Im not doing this, Bran. Alexis cut in: Were not doing this. No. Lets hear it, Eric snapped. What does your lousy-self think is wrong with how my wife and I love each other? A sneer had locked his jaw and his eyes looked as though they were trying to set the man ablaze. Cute, Bran laughed. Oops, Ive forgotten my drink. Forgive me a moment, he said and slipped back around the corner. No more for him! Leah mouthed to me through the opening. Yeah, no shit. I mouthed back but was drawn around by the trio yell-whispering behind me. And who the hell is he? Ariana screeched. Bran... he... hes some creep I have a history with, Alexis responded. Im sorry. I thought the last time was just a coincidence but I think he might actually be following me. Ill leave and that might make him lose interest, but I cant guarantee hell ease off the topic with you two. Im sorry, Alexis repeated and went to stand. No. Eric raised a hand to stop her. No, I hope he doesnt. Lets hear what has to say. Missing me? Bran called in response, smiling gleefully as he returned to the seat, beer in hand. The three did not respond, only giving a blank stare, glare, and scornful smile in response. I folded my arms and leaned against the wall across from them. Id allow it for now but in turn each of the fours eyes traced over to me, acknowledging that theyd have to keep this calm. Ah, well. Ill just take it as a compliment. Bran took a long sip, before resting the glass on the bare bar, without a coaster. So, as I was saying - thank-you, Alexis, for having me - youre being hypocritical. He leaned out from his seat to point at Ariana. Pardon? Well, the little bedtime story your father told you is all fine and dandy, if a bit optimistic. He lowered his voice: And a bit fatalistic if you ask me. But thats not my problem. You got that right, Eric mumbled under his breath. But Id argue you have a couple more than one. I take issue, Bran snapped a glare at Eric before returning to Ariana, nose upturned, with how you relate it to your current relationship. You speak of this grand loop, reincarnation and falling in false love, then reincarnating and falling in false love. But then how are you so short-sighted to not see that youre doing the same thing right now? What? Falling in false love? Ariana asked incredulously. Well, I can see clear as day that you never received a warm hug from your mother, never mind been in love. The only answer I can give you, boy, is that you wouldnt get it. Ugh, Bran exhaled in disgust. I hate how people fall back on that, its too easy. Or maybe youre just too sad, Eric interrupted. How about I put this in simpler terms for you two, then? That way you can actually keep up and respond in depth. All the while, I watched Alexis flit back and forth between them. She was caught in the middle but remained silent even as her agitation grew, eyebrows knit into one hard line. If we take your story to be true, Bran continued, then it must be also true that these people do not remember their previous reincarnations, no? A lull hung between them for a moment before Ariana realised Bran was going to wait. Sure, she said flatly. So, it is then rational to say, he flew back into his point, that every incarnation has thought exactly as you do now. That this is the one, because it has to be. And because you know nothing else. Lad, Ive been alive long since before you were a thought in your dads nether-regions, Eric said. Ive seen other relationships. Felt other relationships. Ariana and I wouldnt have been together for all these years if this wasnt something special. Even with how she treats you? Bran responded, unimpressed. Ive been listening in for a while, forgive the eavesdropping. But besides that, Ive seen what you call special. Isnt that right, Alexis? He continued without waiting for a response, even as her mouth opened in protest. And all that Ive seen points to me being correct. Each reincarnation just falls into false love, and yet everyone just lies to themselves that this must be the one! Because it has to be. You know what, Ill even give you that, you made a great point there. He nodded in Arianas direction. Love just comes from exhaustion and the desire to rest. But I think youve got the source wrong - so, so close that you were - because I think its an exhaustion from others. An exhaustion from the societal and internal pressures to fall in love, settle down, and have a family. And sweetheart, he extended a hand to Ariana, do you have children? Because maybe thats why you feel this relationship is so special; your biological clock is running out. Eric slapped Brans hand. Alexis leapt to her feet. But I was the first to speak. Hey! I snapped. What had happened with Leah was one thing, but this was too much. Eric, I warned, hand outstretched in peace. Thats enough. You. I pointed at Bran. Thats more than enough. Youre done. You can keep drinking, just not here. Its time for you to leave. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that it has launched legal proceedings against Uisce Eireann following alleged repeated discharges of sewage into a public park in West Cork. A spokesperson for the EPA confirmed that the agency appeared in Dublin Metropolitan District Court on the July 28, 2025, for the criminal prosecution of Uisce Eireann, Shannonvale, Clonakilty, Co Cork. The spokesperson added: The case relates to breaches of conditions of its Waste Water Discharge Certificate of Authorisation Register Number A0403-01. The prosecution includes an alleged offence relating to the operation of wastewater works located in the village park. Judge Halpin adjourned the case until September 29, 2025. Evie Nevin, Labours local area representative for Cork South West, praised the Shannonvale community for raising the issue. Families raised concerns for years, while the smell of sewage lingered in the communitys only green area, she told The Echo. Im thrilled I could help by inviting the EPA to see it with their own eyes. Once they did, there was no denying how serious it was. Ms Nevin said that timelines were needed on a proposed plan to divert wastewater to Clonakiltys treatment plant. We are seeing encouraging steps, but we may still be some time away from the end of this saga. The Government needs to step up and ensure that Shannonvale is a top priority in the 20242029 investment plan. An Uisce Eireann spokesperson told The Echo: Uisce Eireann is unable to comment further on the case, as the matter is still live before the courts. The park in Shannonvale made headlines last year when locals held a renaming ceremony for their park, which has been closed off for 27 years due to sewage. They renamed it from Shannonvale Park to Uisce Eireann Park. Alan Dromey, the chair of the Clonakilty clean-water committee, had told The Echo: The entire park is shut down, the access to the river has been taken from us, and we dont have anywhere else in Shannonvale like this. A recent survey has shown there were more than 231 unfilled teaching posts in Cork as of March 2025. A Cork principal has said the Government needs to do more to train and retain teachers, as the children are the ones suffering. Data showing 2.9% of primary teacher and 2.3% of secondary teacher jobs were not filled in March of last year was provided to Fianna Fail TD for Cork North West Aindrias Moynihan in response to a parliamentary question. Education minister Helen McEntee said: Like many sectors, recruitment challenges exist in the education sector especially in urban areas. While most teaching positions are filled, some schools face significant recruitment challenges. A recent analysis of the teacher payroll shows that, as of March 2025, there were 8,551.4 teachers employed across primary and post-primary schools in Co Cork, out of an allocation of 8,782.8 full time equivalents. This resulted in 231.4 unused allocated posts during the 2024/25 school year, with 137.7 unused allocated posts in primary and 93.8 unused allocated posts in post-primary. Ms McEntee added that the Government has implemented several measures to address supply issues leading to an increase of 20% in initial teacher education graduates (student teachers) between 2018 and 2023, and a 30% increase in the number registered with the Teaching Council since 2017. Mr Moynihan told The Echo: The figures on the posts that were unfilled didnt shock me, I thought it might even be higher, but its a lot of posts unfilled. You have to wonder whats going on in a classroom if there isnt a qualified teacher available. He said that measures introduced by previous education minister Normal Foley seem to have helped somewhat, but theres ground to be made up there. Its hugely important that schools will be able to recruit, that posts will be filled we dont want a situation where children are missing out. In terms of addressing the issue, he said: Its not one size fits all, there are a range of different measures that would help. The cost of housing has to be a pressure as well, particularly for people living in cities. Siobhan Buckley, principal of Millstreet Presentation NS and member of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) executive, said teacher supply was a huge issue: Its very challenging for principals trying to get substitutes. Often they have no choice but to put a learning support teacher into a mainstream class, and its the students with the most need who miss out. If that cant be done, sometimes unqualified teachers need to be employed. What I cant understand is the Government knows the birth rate, they know how many teachers will be needed, yet theyre not increasing places in training colleges by enough or incentivising young students to go into teaching. She added: Lets make the profession more attractive for teachers coming home from abroad, let whatever service they had in Australia count for incremental credit when they come home. She added that current regulations, that retired teachers can only do a certain amount of substitute teaching before it interferes with their pension, could be changed. She also said that making it more accessible to go into teaching in Ireland if you had trained abroad would help. She said: We want to see a reduction in pupil teacher ratio, we have the highest ratio in Europe, but that will only aggravate the teacher supply issues further children are the biggest losers in all this. It comes as The Echo revealed last week that 176, or 6.6%, of primary school classes in Cork have more than 30 pupils which is above the national average. A Cork marine and environmental campaigner has called for a moratorium on the fishing of sprat off the Irish coast in order to allow a scientific study to be carried out on what would be a sustainable catch of the tiny fish, which is fed upon by larger fish and sea mammals, into the future. Bantry-based Dolf Dhondt, a spokesman for Save Our Sprat Bantry Bay, was speaking to The Echo following a Department of the Marine announcement that large vessels over 18m in length from fishing within the 11km limit would only be allowed to catch a quota of 2000 tonnes of sprat after October 1, and that an outright ban would be in force after 12 months. According to Mr Dhondt, referring to a report by the Sea Fishing Protection Authority, there were 17,000 tonnes of sprat caught last year by vessels fishing off the Irish coast and approximately 44% (7,500 tonnes) of this was landed by vessels under 18m in length. Advances He said that mid-size vessels, boats measuring between 10m and 18m, would be likely to continue to expand their sprat fishing activities and added that advances in technology were enabling newer and more powerful trawling boats under 18m to catch similar volumes to boats which were larger by several metres. This is a redistribution of fishing resources from larger boats to mid-sized ones rather than an effort to protect the sprat populations from overfishing, he said. The Government is avoiding the real issue, which is the increasing depletion of sprat in our bays and estuaries, and which is hugely concerning to local communities along our coastline. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no scientific studies conducted on the Irish sprat populations from which the Government could estimate sustainable fishing levels or establish fishing quotas. Without the science, we will only know when it is too late to save our sprat. According to Mr Dhondt, the evidence from environmentalists around the Irish coast is that the sprat population is in decline and this is having a knock-on impact on other fish species such as mackerel and pollock. Compensate The majority of the sprat being fished currently are being used to feed salmon in fenced off fish farms around the coast. A tonne of sprat typically fetches around 150 making the entire catch worth approximately 2.55m. According to Mr Dhondt, a fund of around 3m could compensate sprat fishing vessels while the scientific study was being undertaken. If a smaller level of sprat fishing was proposed, this could be for sprat for human consumption, which would be more valuable. The Department of Agriculture and the Marine has been asked for comment. Cork South-West TD and junior minister with responsibility for nature and biodiversity, Christopher OSullivan, referred to the importance of sprat as a forage fish for whales, dolphins, cetaceans, and bird life and also its importance for the inshore fishing sector in Ireland. For the last number of months Ive been working incredibly hard to try and introduce measures as soon as possible to protect these species in Irish waters, he said. Detailed study Mr OSullivan said that the National Parks and Wildlife Service within his department, as well as its marine section, would be collaborating on what he described as a detailed study on the occurrence of whales and dolphins in Irish waters, on the challenges faced by marine life in general in Irish waters and the abundance of their food source. That will be an important detailed study that will inform our plans going forward. In a statement from the department of agriculture and the marine, a spokesperson said that the departments ministers were mindful of the opportunity that these measures will provide for our small-scale fishers and are confident that it will help to re-establish links between local fish resources, local fleets, and local economies. This Government has committed to maintaining support for our inshore sector in the programme for government and this decision helps to deliver on that promise, the spokesperson said. The ministers believe that these actions may provide wider ecosystem benefits, including for essential fish habitats. Nature trails and amenities in Cork are set to benefit from government funding of 4m, two Cork TDs have said. The funding, announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, is part of its strategic partnership with Coillte. The investment in 2025 includes 2m to support maintenance of 160 recreational sites across the country and 600,000 for the development of recreation amenities. In addition to funds for new infrastructure projects and the maintenance of trails on Coillte lands, this year an additional 1.4m is being provided for the repair of storm-damaged trails. Welcome John Paul OShea, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, said the funding was very welcome. Our nature trails and parks are a source of huge pride in Cork and bring so much enjoyment, not to just the people who live here, but they attract visitors to our area, Mr OShea said. This additional funding will go a long way towards ensuring facilities are of the highest standard and I also look forward to seeing what additional projects may be delivered to enhance our recreational offering. Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and minister of state for community development, said the Governments partnership with Coillte was a key part of supporting outdoor recreation in Ireland. It helps ensure Coillte sites can welcome millions of visitors each year with top-quality trails and facilities, Mr Buttimer said. Through this five-year partnership, were investing up to 15m to maintain and improve Coilltes trail network and recreational areas across the country, he added. A Cork senator has called for urgent action to be taken to address the lack of accessible mental health services in Cork North-West. Sinn Fein senator Nicole Ryan has criticised the failure of the Government to deliver basic mental health infrastructure in rural areas of Cork North-West. Her comments came following a recent weekend spent in Charleville supporting the work of the Charleville Suicide Awareness Project. Ms Ryan said: Charleville has no dedicated mental health support hub. Nothing. If youre in crisis, your only options are Cork city or Mallow , both an hours drive away, if you even have access to transport. Thats completely unacceptable. All people are asking for is a safe, local space where someone can come, ask for help, and get timely access to that help. But unless youre lucky enough to afford private care, that help just isnt there. Ms Ryan also referenced figures raised by Sinn Feins mental health spokeswoman, Sorca Clarke, which show that the State spent more than 13m in just five years sending people abroad for mental health care due to the lack of capacity at home. Frontline services Thats 13m that could have been invested in frontline mental health services in places like Charleville, in therapists, in crisis teams, in walk-in hubs, Ms Ryan said. This outsourcing of care is not just a waste of money, its a national disgrace. Our young people, our neighbours, our loved ones deserve better. Ms Ryan concluded by calling on the HSE and the department of health to meet with local organisations in North Cork and commit to developing a dedicated rural mental health support hub. The people of Charleville and Cork North West are not asking for the world, just a place to go, someone to listen, and timely support when it matters most. The Government has a duty to deliver that, she said. The questions about language, tradition and identity being asked by Belfast rap trio Kneecap have been described as difficult to ignore by the Bishop of Cloyne William Crean, during a religious event to mark the birthday of Irish composer Sean O Riada held in Cuil Aodha on Sunday. Bishop Crean was addressing the last event of Feile na Laoch in Seipeal Ghobnatan in Cuil Aodha, an event entitled Dochas Solas Chriost/Hope, the light of Christ. Part of the purpose of the event was to explore what communities could do when gathered together spiritually to affirm their spiritual life at a time when vocations to the priesthood had been in decline for several years and an aging cohort of serving priests. According to a copy of his remarks provided to The Echo by the Diocescan office, Bishop Crean spoke about the gathering and set it in context by suggesting it was to make connection between the spiritual well of tradition and our desire to imagine how it will continue to speak to our heart, our lives in the evolution of community and culture. He went on to refer to Kneecap, the young Belfast trio which has ruffled some feathers and said their youthful intelligent exuberance was a lesson from which people in church communities could learn. Whether you agree or disapprove, we find it difficult to ignore the questions they are asking questions about language, tradition and identity, said Bishop Crean. Their stance is an eruption that could not be contained. Cultural tectonic movement has been taking place over quite some time facilitated by the nurturing of the language the lens and sensibility through which they view the world. This eruption is fuelled by the cherishing of tradition while risking innovation and imagination of a new future. Such youthful intelligent insightful exuberance is a lesson we in church communities can learn from; whereby we can be confident that the richness of tradition remains the well of inspiration for our exploration of new patterns of gathering in prayer. Bishop Crean made no reference during his remarks to the Belfast groups stance against the Israeli onslaught on Gaza. This stance has led to one of the band members, Mo Chara, facing a charge under British anti-terrorism legislation. Cork College of Further Education and Training (FET) and Munster Technological University have launched a tertiary degree programme, the BSc in process manufacturing practice and technology, to commence this September. The three-year programme will meet demand for skilled professionals in the process manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. This tertiary degree provides an alternative entry mechanism, enabling school leavers, mature learners, and further-education graduates to transition to higher education. The students will benefit from hands-on, practical training, academic learning, and paid work placements. This programme is a game-changer for learners and industry alike, said Gobnait Burke, of the National Tertiary Office. It opens doors for those who may not have considered university and ensures graduates are job ready with real-world experience. The programme is part of Irelands unified tertiary education strategy to build a skilled talent pipeline in manufacturing and life sciences. John Fitzgibbons, director of further education and training, Cork ETB, said: We are excited to be providing a brand-new pathway for learners to enter this exciting sector, and adding to the suite of tertiary degree programmes developed in collaboration with our partners in MTU to meet the needs of learners and specific industry sectors. "We look forward to welcoming the first learners to the programme in September. Sean McSweeney, dean of engineering at MTU, added: MTU is delighted to continue our deep collaboration with CETB in fulfilling our joint educational mission, in providing education offerings that lead in to higher education for as many as possible. "This programme will positively change the lives of those undertaking it and lead to greater prosperity for Cork, through enriching the already great talent in the region. The course starts on September 15. Apply via the National Tertiary Office website, www.nto.ie, or the Cork College of FET Bishopstown website, www.bishopstowcampus.ie. Restrictive practices in residential mental health services in Cork and Kerry have almost halved in seven years, as a Cork TD says legislation currently going through the Seanad needs to be amended to ensure progress is not lost. Physical restraint is defined as the use of physical force, by one or more persons, for the purpose of preventing the free movement of a persons body when the person poses an immediate threat of serious harm to themselves or others. The Mental Health Commission (MHC) monitors both restraint and seclusion, the placing or leaving of a person in any room such that the person is prevented from leaving the room by any means. The MHCs annual report for last year showed there were 241 episodes of physical restraint in CHO 4, the health area made up of Cork and Kerry, in 2024. The figures show a decline every year, except in 2021 where there was a slight increase from 2020 figures, but the low figure in 2020 may be due to the pandemic. MHCs themed reports on restrictive practices for the last seven years show that there were 458 instances of physical restraint in CHO 4 in 2018, with 453 in 2019, 296 in 2020, 356 in 2021, 300 in 2022, and 274 in 2023. The figures show a 47% decrease from 2018 to 2024 in Cork and Kerry in terms of physical restraint. Seclusion also reduced from 150 episodes in 2018 to 80 in 2023, the latest date for which data is available, also a decrease of 47% with a further decrease likely in 2024 as nationally, seclusions were down nearly 17%. A report authored by the inspector of mental health services, Jim Lucey, highlights how steps taken by the MHC and by service providers to improve quality care through the adoption of a human rights-based approach has accelerated the downward trend in these types of practices. Cork Social Democrats TD, and former clinical psychologist, Liam Quaide told The Echo the reduction was welcome, but it was important that progress wasnt undone. He said: The significant decrease in physical restraint and seclusion recorded by the Mental Health Commission in acute units is to be welcomed. However, the removal of a section from the Mental Health Bill on chemical restraint means that practice will not be monitored and regulated in the same way. Re-inclusion of this section at Seanad stage is essential in upholding the human rights of service-users. Chemical restraint refers to the use of medication, not for treatment of a diagnosed condition, but to control a persons behaviour, restricting their freedom of movement. Figures for this practice were not provided in MHC reports. Four eyesore buildings on North Main St in Cork city centre have been acquired by Cork City Council under the terms of the derelict sites legislation, and construction is expected to commence at the location next year, a spokesperson for the local authority has confirmed. Numbers 62-65 North Main St known as Paradise Place are now vested in the city council following their acquisition under the terms of the 1990 Derelict Sites Act. Several options to explore redevelopment of the properties are being assessed, a council spokesperson told The Echo. The assessment will identify the preferable and viable option to Cork City Council to progress and obtain permission to redevelop. The ambition is to have that process complete in 2025 and construction commence in 2026. According to former lord mayor and city councillor Mick Finn, the acquisition of the buildings has created what he described as a gateway opportunity for one of Corks main thoroughfares. A huge opportunity now exists to revitalise and rejuvenate one of Corks most historic and colourful streets, said Mr Finn. Dereliction has been allowed to fester on North Main St for too long. Its now time for development proposals for the transformation of derelict properties there, which will help breathe new life into such a proud, historic area. An imaginative, exciting use could help to unlock the potential of a street to make it a go-to destination in the city. An entire block could really open up the start of the street, he said. For too long, buildings have laid empty with legal issues over ownership etc. There are lots of good businesses there, investing in their offering and trying to keep the streetscape nicethese efforts are being thwarted by inaction and largely dependent on private development. Now, there is an opportunity for the council to remedy this once and for all and step up for North Main St. Mr Finn, who represented the Middle Parish and North Main St area for 15 years as a councillor, added that a new plan similar to that being imagined for Douglas St was required. Better planting and capacity for street furniture and outdoor dining etc is also required. We saw how this transformed MacCurtain St and we see plans being unveiled for Douglas St. North Main St is another area that needs considerable work. We also need to preserve some of the history of the set of buildings that once housed Corks famed Hosfords Bakery as part of any revamp. Its time to seize the moment now that ownership of properties has been largely sorted out. A housing and retail blend is needed for this crucial and iconic part of North Main St, which could include some educational or service use, he added. Cork anti-dereliction campaigners Frank OConnor and Jude Sherry welcomed the completion of the compulsory purchase order process in relation to the North Main St properties, but said the pace of progress was far too slow. It is hard to digest it has taken six years since their [partial] collapse on Corks historic core, while they have been on the Derelict Sites Register since 2015. Their presence since has had a devastating impact on the street and the wider area, negatively impacting the community, local economy, tourism as well as heritage. Ellen O'Donoghue A man in his 30s died after a single-vehicle road traffic collision in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on Monday night. The collision occurred at Ballina Cross, Annaharvey, shortly before midnight on Monday, August 4th, 2025. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was fatally injured. No other injuries were reported. The man's body was removed to the mortuary in the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, for a post-mortem examination to take place. The R420 between Geashill and Cloncollig Roundabout, Tullamore, remains closed for a technical examination to be carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, and local diversions are in place. Gardai have appealed for any witnesses to the collision to come forward, and anyone who may have camera footage, including dashcam, and was travelling in the area between around 11.40pm and midnight, has been asked to make their footage available to investigating gardai. Anyone with any information has been asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Meanwhile, a 19-year-old male cyclist who was injured in a collision on Sunday night, July 27th, on the R113, Fonthill Road South, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, has also died. The cyclist was struck by a car shortly after 11.40pm and was brought to Beaumont Hospital, where he died on August 4th. The coroner has been notified, and a post-mortem examination is to be carried out. Investigating gardai have renewed their appeal for witnesses to come forward, including anyone with relevant camera footage. Anyone with any information has been asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 01 666 7600. Tomas Doherty The Central Statistics Office has published the latest birth and death rates in each of the Republic's local electoral areas (LEAs), providing a snapshot of how a region's population is evolving. The agency's new report focuses on births and deaths in 2022 and does not take account of inward or outward migration. It found there were 54,483 births in the State that year, with the highest number in Dublins north inner city LEA at 701. The Republic's overall birth rate in 2022 stood at 10.2 births per 1,000 of population. Tallaght South, Co Dublin (13.7), Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (13.3), and Ongar, Co Dublin (13.2) were the LEAs with the highest birth rates. Glenties, Co Donegal (7.4), Killiney-Shankill in Dublin (7.6), and Galway City Central (7.6) recorded the lowest birth rates. While the crude death rate nationally was 6.7 deaths per 1,000 of population, Belmullet in Co Mayo (11.5), Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (11.1), and Swinford, Co Mayo (10.7) were the LEAs with the highest rate. In contrast, urban LEAs such as Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart (2.8), Lucan (3.0), Swords (3.4) and Maynooth (3.4) recorded some of the lowest crude death rates. Looking at births and deaths together allows the calculation of the natural increase, which is the number of births minus the number of deaths. The State's national rate of increase per 1,000 of population stood at 3.5 in 2022. LEAs in Dublin such as Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart (9.7), Ongar (9.7) and Tallaght South (9.6) were regions with some of the highest rates of natural increase. In LEAs such as Ennistimon, Co Clare (0.2), and Lismore, Co Waterford (0.0), the rate of natural increase was close to neutral. Fifteen LEAs recorded a negative natural increase rate in 2022, indicating more deaths than births occurred in the LEA, including Belmullet, Co Mayo (-2.9), Glenties, Co Donegal (-2.3) and Kenmare, Co Kerry (-1.2). The report found that the national fertility rate stood at 42.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15-49 in 2022. The fertility rate is defined as the number of births by women aged 15-49, relative to the population of women aged 15-49. This differs from the birth rate, which looks at the entire population in an area, while the fertility rate only focuses on women. Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (57.0), Newcastle West, Co Limerick (53.5), Loughrea, Co Galway, Tramore-Waterford City West and Moate, Co Westmeath (all 52.9) were the LEAs with the highest general fertility rate in 2022. Urban LEAs such as Galway City Central (27.8), Dublin's South-East Inner City (29.7) and North Inner City, (31.6) had the lowest general fertility rate per 1,000 women. The report is part of the CSO's frontier series of publications, which use statistics and methods that are more experimental and under development. The population used to calculate rates and present average age at LEA level for 2022 was taken from the Irish Population Estimates from Administrative Data Sources (IPEADS). Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a bill into law banning AI therapy in the state. This makes Illinois the first state to regulate the use of AI in mental health services. The law highlights that only licensed professionals are allowed to offer counseling services in the state and forbids AI chatbots or tools from acting as a stand-alone therapist. HB 1806, titled the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, also specifies that licensed therapists cannot use AI to make therapeutic decisions or perform any therapeutic communication. It also places constraints on how mental health professionals may use AI in their work, such as specifying that its use for supplementary support, such as managing appointments, billing or other administrative work, is allowed. In a statement to Mashable, Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan said, We have already heard the horror stories when artificial intelligence pretends to be a licensed therapist. Individuals in crisis unknowingly turned to AI for help and were pushed toward dangerous, even lethal, behaviors. The law enshrines steep penalties in an effort to curb such outcomes, with companies or individuals facing $10,000 in fines per violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation stands as our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our residents by ensuring that mental health services are delivered by trained experts who prioritize patient care above all else, said Mario Treto Jr., secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The bill passed the Illinois House and Senate unanimously in a sign of overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislation is particularly notable as the Trump administrations recently-revealed AI plan outlines a 10-year moratorium on any state-level AI regulation. It also comes as OpenAI has said it is improving the ability for its models to detect mental or emotional distress and will ask users to take a break during unusually long chats. Intel is reportedly still struggling with a chipmaking process crucial to its future. Reuters reports that the company's 18A process is still producing low yields and high defect rates. Intel has invested billions of dollars in the manufacturing process, on which it's pinned its hopes of gaining ground on TSMC. This isn't the first concerning news about 18A. Last year, a report stated that Broadcom was unhappy with the results of a test run for a potential order. However, Intel insisted at the time that 18A was on track to make its upcoming Panther Lake chips at volume later this year. "Our performance and yield trajectory gives us confidence this will be a successful launch that further strengthens Intel's position in the notebook market," Intel said last month. Intel has typically aimed for a yield of at least 50 percent of usable chips before scaling up production. The company is said to make the bulk of its profit after reaching 70 to 80 percent. Last year, 18A's usable Panther Lake chips had reportedly only reached a five percent threshold. Intel had aimed for 10 percent by this summer. Tuesday's report doesn't state 18A's current yield, only describing it as a small percentage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement sent to Engadget, an Intel spokesperson said it is pleased with 18A's current state. "We feel very good about our trajectory on Intel 18A, and it will be the foundation of multiple generations of client and server products in the coming years," the spokesperson wrote. "Panther Lake is going to be a great product for Intel and our partners," the company continued, adding that its launch is still on track for later this year. In a July interview with Reuters, Intel's Chief Financial Officer David Zinsner suggested that 18A's yields were better than reports claimed. He added that yields tend to "start off low and improve over time." The company's 18A process is a risky bet, combining manufacturing changes with a next-gen transistor design. Intel embraced the challenge with an aggressive timeline that one of Reuters' sources called a hail mary. 18A going well would also help attract business for its upcoming 14A process. Last month, Intel warned investors that it may have to leave chip manufacturing altogether if it doesn't land 14A contracts. The company needs all the help it can get. It recently confirmed that it would cut around 20 percent of its workforce by the end of this year. That follows 20,000 job cuts from June 2024 to July 2025. Earlier this year, it took on a new CEO to try to right the ship. Five years since the launch of PlayStation 5 and, naturally, its time to ruminate on whats next. In a YouTube video from Moores Law is Dead, the leaker shares what they believe is extensive information on the PlayStation 6s possible specs, starting price and release timing. Caveat: Moores Law is Dead adds in the video a disclaimer that the info was sourced from a leaked AMD presentation to Sony back in 2023, adding that some of these specs may have changed by now. The leaks suggest the company may prioritize lower power output and keeping costs in line with the previous generation. The video claims the next-gen console will have three times the rasterization, or 3D rendering, performance compared to the base PS5 and roughly double compared to the PS5 Pro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A possible price of $499 might suggest Sony wants to channel the same success the PS4 had at launch, which was partly thanks to its lower price compared to both expectations and the competition. Mat Smith Get Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The news you might have missed Not quite a flagship. Engadget Nothings first true flagship falls a little short. The Phone 3 offers a big 6.67-inch screen, a large battery with fast charging and 256GB of storage double that of rivals like the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25. However, a less-than-flagship chipset and inconsistent camera performance detract from the appeal of another intriguing phone with slick software and a unique design. The Glyph Matrix is much more helpful than the flashing lights of the Phone 3s predecessors, even if the design isnt quite as bold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Continue reading. Theres a dedicated team working on it. According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman, earlier this year, Apple created a team called Answers, Knowledge and Information, tasked with developing a stripped-down rival to ChatGPT. Its a big shift from Apples earlier stance on artificial intelligence when the company partnered with OpenAI in 2024 to infuse Siri with ChatGPT instead of developing its own AI chatbot. The team will develop in-house AI services for a new ChatGPT-like search experience that can crawl the web to respond to questions. These new capabilities could be a standalone app, as well as support AI capabilities for Apples Siri and Spotlight. The former could do with an injection of new ideas. Apple said the long-delayed new-and-improved Siri would eventually roll out in the coming year. Continue reading. Itll let creators add other accounts to their videos. YouTube is testing a new collaboration feature, similar to one already on Instagram and TikTok. A Google employee explained on YouTube Help creators will be able to add collaborators to a video, so they can recommend each other to audiences. The test is currently only available to a small group of creators, but YouTube plans to expand its availability in the future. Continue reading. We're still waiting for Apple to make the official announcement for the iPhone event that usually takes place in September. At that event, they'll showcase the new iPhone 17 lineup which will come equipped with the latest iOS 26 features preinstalled, as well as any additional features Apple reveals at the launch event. But since we (presumably) still have to wait a few weeks until the iPhone event, we can only speculate what the new devices will look like. As with most unreleased iPhones, rumors and leaks have trickled in about the hardware side ahead of the official introduction. Here's what we're expecting and what we can reasonably assume we'll get from Apple in September. What are the latest iPhone 17 rumors? Not necessarily a "new" rumor but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes there actually will be a new orange color offered for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, as well as a light blue color for the iPhone 17 Air, he confirmed in his weekly Power On newsletter. Additionally, we have a new case rumor. According to leaker Majin Bu, there will be new Liquid Silicone cases in eight colors, including Deep Orange, Pale Orange, Grass Green, Celadon, Fog Purple, Grey Blue, Dark Blue and Midnight Black. iPhone 17: New Liquid Silicone Cases Colors Full Article:https://t.co/RBnAO3LCAC pic.twitter.com/GuQuvrswg6 Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) August 24, 2025 These rumors haven't been confirmed by Apple and we won't know what the actual iPhone 17 models will look like until the iPhone event next month. How much will the iPhone 17 cost? Apple's announced plan to expand US-based manufacturing partners seems to give it at least some shielding from the steepest Trump administration tariffs that have already triggered price increases on everything from PlayStations to Switch consoles to high-end cameras to Sonos speakers. But given that President Trump's trade policies can change from week to week, and Apple's continuing reliance on Asia-based supply chains, price shocks remain an ongoing possibility. The bigger question is: Will Apple absorb any higher costs, or pass them on to consumers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If prices do creep up, Apple may choose to pair it with an "upgrade." Consider this recent rumor posted by MacRumors from a leaker known as "Instant Digital," suggesting that the default storage of the iPhone 17 line may start at 256GB, doubling the current 128GB baseline. While that could be accompanied by a price increase of $50, Apple could at least pitch it as a "better value." That said, the company doubled the default RAM of its Mac computers from 8GB to 16GB at no extra cost in 2024 but that was before the current Trump tariff cycle started. When will the iPhone 17 series be announced? Most years, the flagship smartphones are introduced in September. MacRumors highlighted a story originally reported by iphone-ticker.de that the Apple iPhone 17 event could be Tuesday, September 9, according to information gleaned from German mobile phone providers. It's still too early to have the specific dates; some years, Apple only gives a week or two of lead time between sending invites and hosting the event. But years of past precedent show that sometime in September should be when the 17 models make their debut. This family of smartphones may be the last to follow that trend, however. There have been hints that the introduction of the iPhone 18 collection in 2026 will be split into a pro-tier announcement in the fall and a standard model announcement the following spring. What will the new iPhone 17 lineup include? Design leaks suggest that Apple is building an ultra-thin smartphone, likely to be named the iPhone 17 Air to match Apple's ultralight laptop designation. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, often a solid source of advanced intel about Apple, reported in January that the iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with a basic A19 chip and will only have a single camera lens. It may also use Apple's new in-house modem, which was introduced in February on the iPhone 16e. More details about this development may leak ahead of September, but that's what we know for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investor note from Apple analyst Jeff Pu indicated that the Air will have a titanium frame. If his reports are accurate, the lightweight smartphone will be the only entry in the iPhone 17 lineup to use that metal; the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to be made of aluminum, which is oddly a lighter material than titanium. Other speculation had suggested that the Air would use a blend of aluminum and titanium, so the exact materials may not be known until the official announcement. Additionally, an August 4 MacRumors report says the internal battery pack of the iPhone Air is just 2.49mm thick half the thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro battery. The leak was posted on the Korean-language Naver blog, where they show the alleged batteries of the iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro side by side. The same account claimed the 17 Air's battery capacity was a mere 2,800 mAh, MacRumors notes. (That's below the battery capacity of current iPhone 16 models.) On a similar topic, an iPhone 17 Pro production leak appears to have revealed an all-aluminum chassis, according to MacRumors. Originally posted by leaker Majin Bu, the image shows a shell that has a large round hole on the back (where the Apple logo typically is) to allow for MagSafe charging. MacRumors says this could just be a molding but notes that the aluminum frame (versus the current titanium in Pro iPhone models) would yield a significantly lower weight. That same leaker (Majin Bu), whom MacRumors classifies as a "hit-or-miss leaker," suggests the iPhone 17 Pro will have better wireless signal strength thanks to an updated antenna design. The individual posted a render on X that shows a new antenna system that wraps around the iPhone 17 Pro's supposedly wider rear camera bump. Again, this is a render, not a real-world photo. That said, we can't knock the goal of better wireless reception, so we're hoping this one has a degree of truth to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaker Majin Bu also claims "TechWoven" cases could be introduced, per a MacRumors report. The cases match the rumored design on the iPhone 17 models, with the wide camera bump. The leaker noted there are two lanyard holes for "convenient and secure carrying," so it could be worn around your neck. The colors would come in grey/black, blue, green, purple and orange. Each new roster includes a base model, but over the years, Apple has shaken up the variety of phones it offers. Most likely there will be an iPhone 17 and an iPhone 17 Pro. Apple has also committed to the size matters philosophy, and has been building an iPhone Pro Max option with an even bigger screen and better battery life; the 17 roster will almost certainly have one as well. The new Pro iPhones are said to have a full-width "camera island" on the rear, which would mark the first time an Apple model opted for that design. This feature can be seen in the purported iPhone 17 "spotted in the wild." The pics, highlighted on MacRumors, show a black cased iPhone (17 Pro?) with the distinct back panel. Is it the real deal? The dual angles lend a degree of credibility in a social media landscape increasingly polluted with AI-enhanced fakes, but your guess is as good as ours. I just spotted a test development iPhone in the wild pic.twitter.com/iS3PtKWqxJ Fox Pupy (@Skyfops) July 28, 2025 The iPhone 17 Air seems primed to take the place of a potential iPhone 17 Plus. Since the iPhone 16e was only just introduced in February at a surprisingly high price point, it seems unlikely that there will be a new addition to that lower end of the spectrum, the models that were previously called SE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the very least, it sounds like the iPhone 17 Air won't take away the charging port and rely only on wireless connectivity. Bloomberg said that while Apple had investigated making the iPhone 17 Air without a single port, the company (fortunately) changed plans. He also says that the rumored phone will have a 6.6-inch screen and include the Dynamic Island and Camera Control button. Finally, the price is rumored at $900 likely more than the standard iPhone 17 but less than the Pro. We've also gotten what seems to be a reliable look at what the color lineup will be for the new smartphones. Macworld reported that the iPhone 17 will be available in black, white, steel gray, green, purple and light blue. The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly have four color options: black, white, light blue and light gold. While the Air colors will be less saturated, the visuals for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will go bold. The options for the Pro models are expected to be black, white, gray, dark blue and orange. On July 30, Tom's Guide highlighted an X post from Sonny Dickson a longtime and generally reliable leaker of unreleased iPhone information showing "dummy" iPhone 17 models in the new colors that were the source of the aforementioned Macworld story. While these are literally just mock-ups not real, leaked iPhones it's interesting to see how the design and color rumors translate into a real-world look and feel. To add the the rumors, a Weibo leaker known as Digital Chat Station suggests the iPhone 17e will come equipped with a new design that includes the Dynamic Island, MacRumors reports. According to the post, the new phone will have the A19 chip and could have a 6.1-inch OLED display with a front-facing 12-megapixel camera and a rear-facing 48-megapixel camera. However, it's important to note this report refers to the 17e model that would be expected to launch no earlier than February 2026, if it followed the same release pattern as the iPhone 16e. What will iOS 26 be like? Apple upended its numbering conventions with WWDC 2025, and will match the name of each new operating system to the year it's released. So when the next wave of iPhones hits, they'll be running on iOS 26. Advertisement Advertisement On the design side, the smartphone OS introduced during the big developer showcase took a contentious approach dubbed Liquid Glass. Apple has been scaling down the amount of transparency effects in the subsequent beta tests of iOS 26, but it will still have a glass-like visual. The feature list includes big and small updates. On the more impactful side, the Phone and Photos apps have been redesigned. There will be several features leveraging artificial intelligence, such as live translation capabilities coming to Phone, FaceTime and Messages. Apple is also currently testing a sensitive content warning for child accounts that will freeze FaceTime video if nudity is detected by on-device machine learning tools. And the company is also launching Visual Intelligence, which will use AI to search for elements in an image. iOS 26 also has a litany of minor, quality of life improvements. Group texts are getting support for polls. And for the slow risers out there, iOS 26 will finally let you escape the tyranny of the nine minute snooze alarm. The next iOS is now available as a public beta. Here are our initial impressions of the Liquid Glass design and other new features. iOS 26 is compatible with all models back through iPhone 11. What other products are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17? If Apple follows its usual pattern, the iPhone 17 will be announced alongside new Apple Watch products. That would be the Apple Watch Series 11 (if Apple sticks to the same naming scheme), and maybe an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and/or an updated Apple Watch SE. (They'll all run watchOS 26, of course.) Other possibilities and this is, again, speculation could include refreshed Apple AirPods Pro (which received its last big update in 2022) and maybe new AirTags trackers (first released in 2021). Advertisement Advertisement The Apple rumor mill got a big shot in the arm this week thanks to the reported inclusion of product ID numbers in recent beta software builds. Per MacRumors, it's a laundry list of new hardware, including long-rumored product updates like the Apple TV, HomePod mini, new Apple Studio Display monitor and two fresh iPads. Of course, even if that list is totally accurate, we may not see those products until 2026 if ever. So don't expect all of products to share the stage with the iPhone 17, especially since Apple likes to keep its star performer at the center of attention. That said, keep in mind that Apple has recently been having Mac-centric announcements in late October (as it did last year to debut new M4 Macs), so there's always the chance of another shoe dropping a few weeks down the road. Update, August 25, 2025, 5:15PM ET: Added new reports about the iPhone 17 Pro's orange color as well as new rumored Liquid Silicone cases. Advertisement Advertisement Update, August 22, 2025, 11:52AM ET: Added new details about the colors of the rumored TechWoven case. Update, August 20, 2025, 7:12PM ET: Added new rumor about potential TechWoven case for iPhone 17 series. Update, August 18, 2025, 6:23PM ET: Added new rumor about the iPhone 17e potentially having the Dynamic Island. Update, August 15, 2025, 2:05PM ET: Added new rumor about the all-aluminum chassis on the iPhone 17. Update, August 13, 2025, 10:02PM ET: Added a list of the products that are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17s. Update, August 11, 2025, 7:27PM ET: Added a render of a rumored new antenna design for the iPhone 17 Pro. Advertisement Advertisement Update, August 8, 2025, 4:43PM ET: Added new speculation and reports about iPhone 17 pricing. Update, August 6, 2025, 4:05PM ET: Added latest details about the potential iPhone 17 event date. Update, August 4, 2025, 5:23PM ET: Added latest battery leaks about the iPhone 17 models. Update, August 1, 2025, 8:15AM ET: Added new photos showing potential iPhone 17 colors. Update, July 30, 2025, 11:08AM ET: Added latest leaks and rumors about the iPhone 17, and updated information on the iOS 26 public beta. Update, July 17, 2025, 4:40PM ET: Added latest information about iOS 26, possible materials for the Air, and the color options for the different models. Advertisement Advertisement Update, March 17, 2025, 2PM ET: Added details about the rumored price and features of the iPhone 17 Air. Update, April 11, 2025, 3:45PM ET: Added details from Front Page Tech's new video that claims to reveal details from a leaked iOS 19 build. August 5, 2025 For Immediate Release Contact: Judith Briles Judith@Briles.com 303-885-2207 Movie Script Secret Sauce Linda Seger to be Inducted into the Colorado Author's Hall of Fame in September Denver, CO, August 5, 2025 The Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame has announced the 13 new Inductees to this year's Hall of Fame Gala taking place on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Double Tree Hilton Denver Tech Center. Linda Seger has written a variety of books for the film industry as well as other genres. Academy Award-winning Director Ron Howard said, "I've used Linda's concepts from her book Making a Good Script Great on all my films starting with 'Apollo 13'." When the Hall's president, Judith Briles, called her to congratulate her on her induction, Seger said, "Should I wear the gown I wore to the Oscars?" "Why not! it will be perfect for the evening," was the response. On writing, she reveals from her book, The Collaborative Art of Filmmaking, "The writer is given a little bit of madness and we must take very good care of it, preserve it and let the world think that we're nuts. And we are, to the degree that we're willing to isolate ourselves for weeks at a time. We see darkness and we try to light a candle. We try to be proper citizens of what we occupy. We are allied in a specific time with an audience of contemporaries and we owe them the best of our talent that we can give them." The legendary Linda Seger and 12 others will be inducted into the Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame on September 6. Tickets are open to the public to purchase tickets to attend the gala at www.ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org. About Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame Authors' Hall of Fame strives to educate the people of Colorado and the country about the stories of the authors who shaped their works using their personal presence and the environment of our State with courage, leadership, intelligence, compassion, and creativity. Inductees are authors who've made a major impact on others with their words. The Authors' Hall of Fame recognition endeavors to ensure their legacies never die. The 2025 Induction of the Hall of Fame will be held September 6th at the DoubleTree Hilton Denver Tech Center. Additional information about the upcoming Induction event, inductees, donations, events, and board members is available at www.ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org The public is invited to visit the website, read the criteria for nominations, and encouraged to nominate authors who they believe would be ideal to include in the next Induction 2027 celebration. Press inquiries: Judith Briles, CEO at Judith@Briles.com or 303-885-2207. ### America is facing a new energy challenge: a shortage of electricity for homes and businesses. Over the next five years, electricity demand is expected to grow 16%. Thats roughly three times the rate of increase over the past 20 years. Renewable energy, which in recent years has become far less expensive and faster to deploy, is a big part of the answer. Recent moves by policy makers, including presidential orders and the Big Beautiful reconciliation bill, have tried to thwart solar and wind generation. That is a mistake. Wind and solar may no longer need massive tax credits, but these resources should not be put at a disadvantage to natural gas and coal. Texas, the number-one state for oil and gas production, understands the value of renewables. Since the disaster of Winter Storm Uri, Texas has added tens of billions of watts of power, and nearly all of it, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, has come from wind, solar, and batteries to store energy. Like the rest of the nation, Texas has to meet higher demand for power from data centers to develop artificial intelligence (AI) applications, electric and hybrid vehicles that now represent nearly one-quarter of new sales, advanced manufacturing, and smart home appliances. Demand is bumping up against supply, the grid is antiquated and inefficient, permitting for large projects takes many years, and key components like gas turbines are suffering shortages. The result is higher electricity bills for households and businesses, risks of blackouts, and challenges to national security. In many cases, the fastest and most cost-effective way to increase the power supply is through renewables. While these sources also help reduce environmental impact, their immediate advantage right now is how quickly and affordably they can be deployed something many U.S. policymakers fail to recognize, to the detriment of the economy. Consider solar. More than 5 million U.S. homes have solar panels on their roofs. Solar panels can be installed quickly and save customers money, but the vast majority of Americans cant take advantage of solar in this way. Either they are renters, or their roofs face the wrong direction or cant support the panels. The solution is called community solar: ground-mounted solar panels located near subscribing customers to generate electricity, which is fed directly into the power grid through a dedicated meter. The utility provides subscribers with credits for the electricity their system generates, lowering their monthly energy bills. You dont have to own your home to be a subscriber, and it doesnt matter which way your roof faces. Community solar has become an immensely popular program, and New York is the nations leader, with about one-third of total U.S. capacity. New York has more than 800 installations, producing enough power for 400,000 homes. This growth would not have happened without the New York Green Bank, established in 2013 with $1 billion in one-time funding from customers electric bills. Since then, the bank has made investments in over 100 projects, using its initial capital to leverage far more private financing in a process called crowding in. The banks mission is to work with the private sector to fill financing gaps in getting clean infrastructure projects up and running. Many of these would not be done otherwise because conventional lenders dont want to make longer-term loans or simply dont understand the projects. It took years for traditional banks to become comfortable with solar rooftop lending, and lenders were initially skeptical about community solar. The New York Green Bank stepped in. It designed a financing structure that protected lenders and then made loans to community solar projects with private-sector investment as well. Early successes demonstrated creditworthiness, and there was clear demand: Customers wanted solar. The New York Green Bank proved the concept, and now more and more traditional financial institutions are willing to lend. But because the New York Green Bank was initially funded by the states utility customers, it can lend to projects only in New York. Thats why America has long needed a national green bank. Today, we have one: the Coalition for Green Capital. Founded over a decade ago, CGC has helped states develop their own green banks. As a result of legislation passed in 2022, the CGC received $5 billion to invest in green banks and other financial institutions across the nation. The Trump administration has, unfortunately, taken aim at green banks, delaying progress. Despite obstacles, the CGC has continued to make investments. The irony is that CGCs goals are aligned with the objectives of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, who has called for more clean power at lower cost to consumers. That is precisely what the New York Green Bank and other such institutions have achieved and what can be spread across the country. Its happening. At a recent energy summit in Pennsylvania attended by President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Energy Capital Partners, a leading investment firm, announced plans to develop 51 community solar projects designed to power 224,000 homes, according to a press release from Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, who organized the event. Green banks have bipartisan support. Theyre in blue states and red. Go to the EPAs website and youll find green banks extolled for delivering projects that are not sufficiently met by other financial markets. The EPA adds, By focusing on underserved market sectors, green banks can complement existing clean energy programs by targeting market gaps. Exactly. Green banks like New Yorks, and national efforts such as CGC, are poised to be key partners in addressing Americas growing energy needs. The White House and Congress have to understand that renewables are no longer boutique luxuries if they ever were. Policies should encourage collaboration among the EPA, green banks, and the private sector to help deliver more clean power faster and at lower cost to Americans nationwide. SALEM, Ohio How could one Cookie sell for thousands of dollars, you may ask? All it takes is a little bit of gratitude and some helping hands. Harper Diamond, 9, donated the proceeds from the sale of her pig, Cookie, at the annual Fayette County Fairs 4-H livestock auction on Aug. 1 to support the countys goal of building a new small species barn at the fairgrounds in Dunbar, Pennsylvania. But the donations didnt stop after the sale; they climbed from $13,000 to $27,000 and are still going. Harper was happy (about the sale), but I dont know if she really knows how much effect she had, said Chris Diamond, Harpers grandfather. 4-H family Harper has been around pigs all her life. Her family operates Diamond Show Pigs in Masontown, Pennsylvania, where they have raised show pigs for kids across the country for over 25 years. Harper started showing pigs when she was 3 years old and joined Penn State Extensions 4-H Cloverbud program at the age of 5. She is now part of the Fayette County Swine, Beef and Horse clubs. But the Diamond family history with 4-H and the fair dates back further than Harper. Her father and grandparents participated in 4-H as children and are now advisors for the Beef and Swine clubs that Harper is in. Ive been showing (at the Fayette County Fair) since I was about 10 years old, 50 years ago, and same with my wife. Its been a special part of our life, Chris said. Prior to the livestock auction, Harper and her grandfather had been discussing whether to donate the proceeds from the sale of Cookie, which Harper said she named after thinking the pig looked like an Oreo. She wanted to do something good, Chris said about Harper, who both decided to keep their plans in the dark, even from Harpers parents. The day of the event, Harper handed the auctioneer a paper, stating she wanted the proceeds from her pig sale to support construction for Fayette County Fairs new Small Species Barn. Nobody really knew about it. It was a total surprise, said CJ Diamond, Harpers father. The Fayette County Fairs pig barn is 60 years old and needs a total upgrade, with wooden poles holding it up and little air flow that supports animal comfort, said Chris, who is also a member of the Fayette County Fair Board. Once the auctioneer announced that Cookies proceeds would be donated, the response from the auctionees was immediate. Corey Diamond, Harpers mother, said that some people started crying. The price of the pig quickly rose to $20 per pound. It ended up selling for $42.50 a pound, equating to about $13,000. The pig sold 10 times higher than what the Diamonds pigs usually go for, between $1,000 to $1,500 or $5 to $6 a pound, said Chris and Corey. Cookie was bought by Nick and Zach Marella from ZRM Enterprises LLC, a machine shop in Fayette County. But the donations didnt stop there. After the sale, attendees wanted in on the fundraising efforts, too. According to Chris, the sale price for the pig rose to roughly $96 per pound, $27,000, and donations are still coming in. Demolition of the barn started on Aug. 4 and construction is expected to be complete next spring, Chris said. It will host market pigs, lambs and goats once finished. Harper is already preparing for next year, and has gotten her two siblings and cousins, who are not yet 4-H age, excited to join when the day comes. They are on the farm with her every day, CJ said. (Now) theyre going to be able to take full advantage of a new facility and be able to show the community what 4-H is all about. To donate, visit https://www.fayettefair.com/fundraising. (Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419.) Scottish farmers have been praised for their heroic efforts in helping to clear roads and restore services across Aberdeenshire during Storm Floris. Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross commended their dedication after winds of up to 90mph swept through the North East, causing widespread disruption. The region was among the hardest hit in Scotland, with several major routes including stretches of the A96, A947 and the A90 north of Ellon closed due to fallen trees and debris. In response, local farmers mobilised to help remove obstructions, enabling engineers to begin restoring power to thousands of homes and businesses. The Turriff Show was also forced to shut early due to worsening conditions. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) described Storm Floris as "the most damaging summer storm in recent memory", with around 50,000 properties left without power at the peak of the storm. Miss Cross commended the remarkable community spirit shown throughout Aberdeenshire in the aftermath of Storm Floris. "Once again, our communities have come together when most needed, she said. She highlighted how local farmers stepped up in the crisis: We have seen our farmers going above and beyond to help remove fallen trees and debris from our roads to keep Aberdeenshire moving, and to help engineers restore power during Storm Floris. She also praised others working tirelessly behind the scenes: I also want to acknowledge the magnificent work of the brave engineers, council workers and tradespeople who have worked through the night in wild conditions to help get the lights back on across the North and North East. Reflecting on the wider impact of the storm, Miss Cross added: Some of the situations people have faced during Storm Floris have been horrendous, and Im relieved that there does not appear to be reports of any significant casualties. She said the recovery effort would take time, adding: The clean-up operation from this storm will likely last several days, and I will be out and about across Gordon and Buchan to offer any support I can. Our farming and rural communities always rally together in difficult times like this, she said, and Im extremely grateful to all those who have helped and continue to assist in the clean-up operation from Storm Floris. A drive to secure the future of British lamb in France the UKs largest export market for sheep meat is ramping up after strong results from a pilot scheme in the countrys north. AHDB has announced the expansion of its Changeons lAgneau (Lets Change Lamb) campaign, which it runs in partnership with Interbev the National Interprofessional Association of Livestock and Meat in France. After delivering standout results in the Hauts-de-France region, the initiative is now extending into the wider eastern region. The campaign has focused on training butchers, promoting smaller and more modern lamb cuts, and appealing to younger French consumers all in a bid to boost sales in a market where over half of lamb consumed is imported. British lamb alone accounts for nearly a quarter of the French market, making it a key target for exporters. As part of the pilot, AHDB has worked with head butchers, apprentices, and in-store teams in both independent outlets and major supermarket chains. The goal of it is to diversify lamb offerings, introduce innovative cuts, reduce waste, and boost profit margins. The campaigns first year has seen tangible success: A 3.2% average increase in lamb turnover across 35 ambassador stores was seen, despite a nationwide drop in consumption of 4%. Sales increases of between 5% and 25% at 22 Match stores in northern France were also seen, while 68% of participating professionals reported a significant positive impact on lamb sales after training. In another win, the campaigns butchery training modules developed in partnership with French butchery schools (CFAs) will be officially integrated into national curricula from 2026. This move aims to ensure future generations of butchers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to keep lamb on the counter and in the basket. Lucille Brillaud, AHDB marketing manager, highlighted the strength of the organisations approach in France, saying that through strategic partnerships, targeted training, and a consistent multi-channel approach, AHDB is helping to secure the future of British lamb in France the UKs largest export market for sheep meat. She described the campaign as not just a promotional effort, its a long-term investment in demand, visibility, and commercial resilience, adding that it continues to deliver measurable, lasting value to levy payers, both now and into the future. Following its initial success in Hauts-de-France, where the campaign was launched in April 2024, AHDB has now expanded the initiative to include the Eastern region of the country. Ms Brillaud noted that the timing is significant, with domestic French lamb production in decline and reliance on imports steadily increasing. In this context, she said, the campaign positions British lamb as the high-quality, margin-friendly, easy-to-prepare solution butchers are looking for. She emphasised the market opportunity: More than 50% of lamb consumed in France is imported. British lamb alone accounts for nearly 25% of the market, making France a strategic export destination. Looking ahead, she concluded: This year, market conditions have created further opportunities for world-class British sheep meat in this key market. "With a growing reliance on imported lamb to meet domestic demand we will continue to build on the success of the campaign to date and help ensure quality British sheep meat thrives in the French market. Defra has issued tougher new guidance to clamp down on agricultural pollution following a landmark legal win by environmental campaigners. The revised guidance follows a 2024 High Court legal challenge brought by River Action against the Environment Agency. The case centred on the agencys failure to enforce the Farming Rules for Water in the face of pollution in the River Wye, ruling that agricultural practices must change to comply with existing regulations. This legal action, along with a complaint by WWF and ClientEarth that triggered an investigation by the Office for Environmental Protection, has prompted Defra to clarify and strengthen how the Farming Rules for Water should be enforced. In June 2025, Defra published updated statutory guidance, Enforcing the Farming Rules for Water, which environmental activists roundly welcomed. However, concerns were raised over two key issues: ambiguity surrounding manure spreading in the autumn, and the absence of clear enforcement thresholds. These concerns were amplified when some in the industry interpreted the new guidance as allowing continued autumn spreadingan activity the High Court judgement found unlikely to comply with the Farming Rules for Water except in limited, specific circumstances. River Action argued that the guidance should have made this clear. In response, Defra issued a further document on 16 July entitled How to comply with the Farming Rules for Water. This additional guidance states that manure must only be applied when there is a clear crop or soil need at the time of spreading. A Defra spokesperson said: We share the public's concern about the health of our waterways and are committed to cleaning up our rivers by cutting down on agricultural pollution. "That is why we have updated our guidance on the Farming Rules for Water to cut run-off into waterways. "We are working closely with farmers, environmental groups and other partners to address wider concerns around agricultural pollution. "We will also create a new, powerful regulator responsible for the entire water sector - abolishing Ofwat and bringing together the water functions from four different regulators into one. River Action says the clarification represents a significant step forward and believes, with proper advisory and enforcement action, the new rules could lead to better compliance and a reduction in diffuse agricultural pollution. Emma Dearnaley, head of legal at the charity, said: Defra's welcome clarification is another important step toward protecting the UKs rivers from the devastating damage caused by diffuse agricultural pollution. "River Action now looks forward to working with Defra and the Environment Agency to establish clear enforcement thresholds, ensuring both farmers and regulators have certainty about when action will be taken. Garment exports from Sri Lanka reached $2,403.3 million during JanuaryJune 2025, reflecting an 8.9 per cent increase compared to $2,206.3 million recorded in the same period in 2024, according to statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. During the first half of 2025, textile exports eased by 3 per cent to $142.2 million. Over the same period, exports of other manufactured textile articles increased by 9.3 per cent, totalling $60.6 million, as reported in the Central Bank's publication External Sector Performance June 2025. Sri Lanka's garment exports rose by 8.9 per cent to $2.4 billion in JanuaryJune, while overall textile product exports reached $2.6 billion, accounting for over half of the country's industrial exports. Garment exports grew in June, though textile shipments dipped. Imports of clothing and accessories surged by over 33.2 per cent over the first half of the year. Combined exports of textiles, garments, and other manufactured textile articles accounted for 51.64 per cent of all industrial exports from Sri Lanka during the six-month period. Total textile product exports amounted to $2,605.8 million between January and June 2025, while the countrys overall industrial exports were valued at $5,044.5 million for the same period. In June 2025, textile and garment exports grew by 3.8 per cent year-on-year, reaching $464.1 million. By category, garment exports increased by 4.8 per cent to $428.7 million, while textile exports dipped by 16.8 per cent to $24.1 million. During the same month, exports of other manufactured textile articles rose by 24.7 per cent to $11.3 million, as reported by the Central Bank. On the import side, textiles and textile articles rose by 0.7 per cent to $1,336.4 million, while imports of clothing and accessories increased by 33.2 per cent, amounting to $131.9 million between January and June 2025. In June 2025, imports of textiles and textile articles decreased by 4.2 per cent to $223.6 million, while imports of clothing and accessories surged by 45 per cent year-on-year, reaching $21.3 million. In 2024, the island nations garment exports totalled $4,660.1 million, marking a 4.9 per cent increase. Sri Lanka also exported textiles worth $294.5 million and other manufactured textile articles worth $106.4 million during the year. The country imported textiles and textile articles valued at $2,847.1 million and clothing and accessories worth $225.8 million in 2024. In 2023, Sri Lanka's garment exports were valued at $4,440.6 million, a 19 per cent decrease from the $5,483.1 million exported in 2022. Meanwhile, imports of textiles and textile articles fell by 22.6 per cent to $2,371.2 million, and imports of clothing and accessories declined by 21.1 per cent to $170 million. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Significant global supply chain disruptions are expected as new US country-specific reciprocal tariffs alter global trade flows, according to Dimerco Express Groups latest Asia Pacific Freight ReportAugust 2025. A surge in shipments from Asian exporters in July was followed by sharp volume declines once tariffs took effect, destabilising both air and ocean freight markets. Ocean carriers are cutting AsiaUS capacity by 6.2 per cent this month and scheduling blank sailings to counter oversupply, while air cargo trends vary by region, with some trade lanes facing capacity shortages and others excess space. The global supply chain disruptions are expected from new US tariffs, volatile demand, and extreme weather, according to Dimerco Express Group's August 2025 Asia Pacific Freight Report. Ocean capacity cuts, port congestion, and Red Sea rerouting are straining logistics. With tariff uncertainty, typhoon risks, and vessel supply imbalances, it urged shippers to stay flexible and monitor key hubs. Southeast Asia has seen significant rate hikes and congestionMalaysias Port Klang is reporting 70-hour vessel waits, while Vietnam and Thailand face space shortages ahead of tariff deadlines. Geopolitical tensions and weather disruptions are compounding challenges. Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are forcing vessels to reroute around Africa, extending transit times and raising costs, while typhoon season in South China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines is causing further delays. Severe congestion at Northern Europes major ports is expected to persist into Q4. In regional highlights, Australia is experiencing rising ocean freight rates from strong demand, India is advising shrink wrapping during the monsoon season, and Los AngelesAsia air capacity is dominated by perishables, with some shipments diverted to Seattle. With the updated US tariffs taking effect on August 1, shippers are unsure how to plan their shipping schedules. This is especially true for key manufacturing and transit hubs such as Singapore, India, Taiwan, and China, where final tariff announcements are still pending, said Kathy Liu, vice-president (VP) of global sales and marketing at Dimerco Express Group. At the same time, August is peak typhoon season in South China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines, which may cause delays and flight rescheduling in these areas. In the US, unclear tariff policies are causing unpredictable shipping and sourcing patterns. Although a temporary tariff pause has helped in the short term, higher tariffs are expected in August. This is leading to rushed shipments now but may result in reduced trade and higher costs later. With conflict risks, tariff uncertainty, and vessel supply imbalances, the ocean freight market is likely to stay unstable. Shippers should stay flexible and prepare for continued disruptions, said Alvin Fuh vice presidentOcean Freight Dimerco Express Group. The report covered 15 regional markets, providing forecasts, pricing outlooks, and risk management strategies to help businesses navigate volatile conditions through the remainder of 2025. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG) After President Donald Trump threatened to substantially raise tariffs on Indian exports to the United States over New Delhis buying of Russian oil, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) yesterday said the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA, Trump posted on Truth Social. Trump has threatened to substantially raise tariffs on Indian exports to the US over New Delhi's continued imports and resale of Russian oil. In response, India's MEA called the move unjustified and unreasonable, defending its actions as necessary for energy security after Europe redirected traditional supplies. The ministry also pointed out ongoing US and EU trade with Russia in various sectors. India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security, the Indian ministry said in a statement. India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability, the ministry said. The very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion, it noted. Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment. The United States continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its electric vehicles industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals, the ministry added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) After nearly two decades in the industry, Vikkas Manaktala is finally being recognized and reaping the rewards of patience and pure talent. Having shot to fame as Huda in the TV serial Left Right Left, the actor took a few detours from TV to reality shows, and even a sabbatical to understand the workings behind the camera. But with his recent performance as Abhay Singh in Special Ops Season 2, he has announced himself into the OTT space. In an exclusive conversation with Filmfare, Vikkas opens up about his evolving career, the impact of playing Abhay Singh, his dream coming true of working with Neeraj Pandey, and the life lessons he learned while waiting for the right roles to come his way. Excerpts You have received a lot of praise for your role as Abhay Singh in Special Ops Season 2. Hows the positive reception been for you? It means a lot to me. I embrace all the love coming my way. I'm so grateful for all the good things that people are saying. Starting off as a model, you eventually ventured into acting. Was that always the plan? It actually happened organically. I was a model and I used to travel to Mumbai for campaigns and fashion week. I was doing fairly well as a model but felt it had reached a saturation point. Acting was a gradual progression. I did an acting course, and my first audition was for Left Right Left. I gave one audition and got selected. I took a sabbatical to work behind the camera, came back to television, did a variety of roles. And now this OTT phase has happened. I'm quite grateful for it. Do you feel people still recognize you for your part in Left Right Left? Yeah. In fact, Left Right Left and my character Huda were so loved. It's been 18-19 years, and not a single day has gone by when I havent received a message about how much people loved Huda. When I came back as Abhay in Special Ops, the Left Right Left fandom magnified with new viewers. The first thing I heard was, "Our Huda is back." It's been extremely heartwarming. Any special memory from Left Right Left which you still reminisce about? I remember we used to have physical drills and obstacles. They kept increasing the difficulty just for me, and I would still clear it easily. Sometimes I had to pretend to miss just for the scene. There was also a great camaraderie with co-actors. Some time back we reconnected, it brought back a lot of smiles. There was a five-year break in your career before the comeback in 2013 with Main Na Bhoolungi. Would you like to share what went behind the scenes? There was a lot of struggle. I worked behind the camera, writing, researching, and learning the craft. That phase humbled me. It made me understand how much work goes into mounting a project. A few films didnt take off, so I came back to TV. Even before OTT, I took a gap. Did those gaps help you in any way? Yes, it was a deliberate attempt to learn more about the craft, writing, and the struggles behind filmmaking. I always wanted to grow as an artiste. In the shows Ive done, I chose roles that were all different. But when I started getting similar offers, I wanted to break the monotony. Ive always wanted to do both positive and negative roles. How do you approach switching from a positive role to a negative one? Every character is different for me. I approach them with honesty. Some characters are extremely intense mentally. I remember once coming home and my wife, Gunjan, told me, Leave your character back on the set. It really stays with you. You ventured from modelling, TV serials to reality shows and now OTT. Has navigating different spaces helped your growth? Absolutely. Every experience becomes a bank of emotions and memories. Thats what makes you more versatile as an artist. What made you move on from TV towards doing OTT? Television tends to typecast you. Once you do a role well, youre offered similar characters. I always tried to break that by waiting for the right roles. During COVID, I realized life is unpredictable. TV gave me security, but not satisfaction. I wanted to work with brilliant OTT makers, tell meaningful stories. So I chose to struggle, wait for the right project, and thankfully Special Ops 2 happened. How did the role of Abhay Singh come your way? I've been a fan of Neeraj sir ever since I watched A Wednesday. I was offered something by him four years ago but couldnt do it due to other commitments. When Special Ops 2 came, I gave my audition, Neeraj sir liked it, and I was on board. I trained hard for it and gave it my all. Im happy people are acknowledging the effort. How was the shift from TV to OTT? Any challenges? I was always Abhay on set. Personal anxieties didnt enter my head. I didnt allow that. I had tunnel vision, just like Abhay. That really worked. Tell us a bit about your character Abhay Singh and your preparation for the role. Understanding the mindset came first. Then came the physical preparation. I gained 10.5 kgs, trained in MMA, hand-to-hand combat, weapons, agility. The training was exhausting, but Abhays mindset helped push me through. The action sequences clicked because the entire team from writers to DOP to stunt coordinators was in sync. It was a collaborative effort. Abhay Singh doesn't speak much. Was that deliberate? In Abhays case, actions speak louder than words. Neeraj sir designed the character that way, intense, expressive without many lines. Neeraj Pandey's style is layered and intense. How was it working with him? He's sharp and hardworking. He constantly inspires you to give your best. Like I said, it was a dream come true for me. You didnt get to share the screen with Kay Kay Menon, but did you meet him? Yes. We shot in different locations, but I met him during the trailer launch and once in the office. We had lunch together. Hes a phenomenal actor, theres so much to learn from him. It keeps me on my toes. You've played army men before. Did that help here or was this completely new? It was a new zone. Even within special forces, every character is different. Abhay is completely opposite to Huda. Mentally and emotionally, theyre poles apart. Some earlier physical training helped, especially with coordination in stunts. One moment from Special Ops that stayed with you? Two, actually. One was when our DOP, Arvind sir, cooked mutton for all of us in Budapest. He cooked the entire day, it was finger-licking good. The other was when Neeraj sir praised me after my schedule wrapped. Hes a man of few words, so that meant a lot. What are your thoughts on the OTT boom and mainstream actors embracing it? Its a beautiful wave. Stories that were never told are now being explored. Talents like Jaideep Ahlawat, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Vijay Varma have flourished. It has broken taboos. TV actors are now moving into OTT and films. It's a great time for storytellers. With your OTT debut done, whats next? Thankfully, the show is doing well and new opportunities are coming my way. Im hoping to collaborate with great filmmakers and play varied characters. No more long gaps now, I just want to keep going. Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan Fans Celebrate 28 Years of Shah Rukh Khan in Bollywood Bollywood star Aamir Khan has temporarily moved into new upscale accommodations in Mumbais Pali Hill area. The actor has leased four high-end apartments in the posh Bandra neighbourhood for a total monthly rent of Rs 24.5 lakhs. The shift comes as his personal apartments in the Virgo Housing Society are currently under major redevelopment. As per property registration records accessed via Zapkey.com, the lease agreement spans five years, from May 2025 to May 2030, with a lock-in period of 45 months. The contract includes a security deposit of Rs 1.46 crore, a stamp duty of Rs 4 lakhs, and a registration fee of Rs 2000. The rent is also set to increase by 5% every year as per the agreement. The Dangal actor is currently staying at Wilnomona Apartments in Pali Hill, one of Mumbais most prestigious residential locations. Interestingly, his new address is just 750 metres from Puja Casa, the temporary residence of fellow superstar Shah Rukh Khan, whose iconic home Mannat is currently undergoing construction, including the addition of a new floor. Aamir Khan reportedly owns 12 apartments in the Virgo Housing Society. The redevelopment project is expected to transform the old structure into an ultra-luxury residential tower with apartments priced over 1 lakh Rupees per sq. ft. Once complete, Aamir is expected to receive a new set of upgraded homes in the same location. This move follows a trend among Bollywood celebrities seeking luxurious temporary accommodations during renovations. Shah Rukh Khan, for instance, is paying 24 lakh Rupees per month for four floors at Puja Casa. The building is owned by actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani, his sister Deepshikha Deshmukh, and father Vashu Bhagnani. Pali Hill and Bandra continue to be the residential hub for Bollywoods elite. The neighbourhood houses several A-listers, including Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Rekha. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are also set to move into their sea-facing quadruplex apartment on Bandra Bandstand, along with their daughter Dua. With real estate prices soaring and redevelopment transforming iconic buildings, it seems Bollywoods stars are setting new benchmarks in luxury living, even when its temporary. Also Read: Aamir Khan, Junaid Khan arrive at Salman Khans home ahead of Ira Khan, Nupur Shikhares wedding Jacqueline Fernandez Film, an AI-based action thriller Jayashankarr Jacqueline in an intense role Telugu audiences have got a glimpse of Jacqueline Fernandez in a special song opposite Prabhas in Saaho. While her films (dubbed version) have been released in the Telugu speaking states, heres an interesting development. Buzz is that Jacqueline has agreed to headline her first female-centric film in Telugu. After the success of Paper Boy, director V Jayashankarr came up with a story that has elements of action and VFX. After watching Jacqueline Fernandezs captivating performances in films like Race, Raid, Welcome, Housefull and Fateh, the director felt she can shoulder the film convincingly. Her expressive side and natural ability to bring authenticity to the part were what made the director zero in on her. According to Tinseltown, Jayashankarr approached Jacqueline and narrated the script. The actress too was fascinated with her character design and how it unfolds into the narrative. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the story to enhance the visual appeal and create an immersive experience for the audiences is one of the surprising elements in the script. A source informs, Its an intense script thats filled with action and suspense something Jacqueline relished taking up. The story is loaded with high-octane action sequences, and the actress too responded in affirmative.Jacqueline was reportedly excited to take up the intense role more so because it demands a makeover and a complete physical transformation. She is enthusiastic about the preparation that goes into playing the part. Its a genre thats first-of-its-kind for the actress, and once she gets all the paper confirmations, Jacqueline is raring to go. Since she has a Pan India appeal, the filmmakers are planning to cater the film to all five languages Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. If all goes well, the project may go on floors soon. Meanwhile, Jacqueline was last seen in the comic thriller Housefull 5 alongside Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and others. In a moving gesture that bridged admiration with activism, Kamal Haasan has penned a deeply personal letter to actor Suriya, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Jai Bhim stars educational NGO, Agaram Foundation. The note, composed on Kamals official Rajya Sabha MP letterhead, followed his rousing speech at the foundations commemorative event last weekend. Kamal Haasan Applauds Agaram's Legacy at 15-Year Milestone Calling Agarams work over the past decade and a half a silent revolution, Kamal Haasan praised the organisations role in enabling children from marginalised communities to pursue higher education and build meaningful futures. You are creating doctors, innovators, and thought-leaders, he wrote, and their triumphs are not just personal but are living testaments to what education can accomplish when nurtured by compassion and a sense of public service. Suriya, who launched Agaram Foundation in 2008 with the support of his family, has long been an advocate for equitable access to education. The foundation focuses on providing financial and academic support to underprivileged students across Tamil Nadu, with a particular emphasis on first-generation learners. Over the years, it has supported thousands of students in reaching colleges and professional institutions, many of whom now work as engineers, healthcare professionals, and civil servants. The Light of Education in Committed Hands: A Tribute Beyond Cinema Kamals letter further reflects on how Suriyas off-screen endeavours define his legacy as much as his on-screen achievements. It shall be said that while your name lit up screens and stages, he wrote, it gleamed even more enduringly in the quiet triumphs of those you uplifted, the generations who carry forward the light you lit. He also hailed the actors philanthropic mission as embodying the spirit of a just and progressive India, noting how education, when placed in committed hands, has the power to dissolve entrenched barriers of birth and circumstance. Kamal concluded the letter by promising his continued support: I shall stand by all your noble efforts in every capacity. The veteran actors presence at the Agaram event added gravitas to an evening already filled with emotional speeches and student success stories. His words seemed to affirm that the path Suriya has chosen, outside of the spotlight, holds enduring value in Indias social development landscape. Suriya Responds with Gratitude and Emotion Following the public release of Kamals letter, Suriya responded with warmth and humility. Every word in your letter means a lot to my family & all of us at Agaram, he wrote. Your presence was irreplaceable. The two actors have long shared mutual respect, often praising each others social consciousness and choices both in cinema and public life. While Suriya continues to balance his film career with ongoing commitments to education reform, Kamal, as an MP and cultural icon, remains an active voice in matters of equity, justice, and empowerment. The moment stands not only as a personal exchange between two titans of Tamil cinema but as a reminder of the meaningful change that can occur when star power is paired with social purpose. Also Read: Kamal Haasans Thug Life Audio Launch Delayed Due to Border Tensions Pawan Kalyan and Harish Shankar Climax portion wrapped up Pawan Kalyan in Ustaad Bhagat Singh Ustaad Bhagat Singhs look garner curiosity Pawan Kalyan continues to shoot for films while managing political assignments. The actor has just wrapped up a schedule of shooting for his upcoming film, Ustaad Bhagat Singh. Director Harish Shankar took to social media handle and shared a photo of him with Pawan from the film sets.The makers of Ustaad Bhagat Singh have just wrapped up another schedule of shooting. Director Harish Shankar has shot for the climax portion of the film with Pawan Kalyan in action. The director shared the picture of Pawan Kalyan from the sets and captioned, What we shot today with Power Star will be celebrated in Theatres for a very very very long time Thank you @PawanKalyan sir for your unforgettable support and mightyyy energyyy to our entire team - @MythriOfficial." The episode is said to be intense and the actor was at his best. According to sources, Pawan has been shooting for the schedule since last two weeks. He took a break from his political assignments and completed the shooting in Hyderabad. The makers wanted to shoot scenes on Pawan first so that they can set him free from his political commitments. The actor too is determined to complete his part and give enough time for the makers to plan the release.Pawan is nearly done with his portion for Ustaad Bhagat Singh. He shall wrap up the remaining scenes in the next couple of months. He had earlier wrapped up Har Hara Veera Mallu and OG indicating that he does prioritize films, informs a source. Fans are drooling over Pawans look in the photo as he wraps up shooting for the climax episode (under the supervision of NabaKanta master) that is said to be high on emotions and action. Pawans new look is intense and fans on the social media comment that the actor is at his best. Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie. Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht. In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! BANGALORE, India, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SatSure Analytics India Pvt. Ltd., one of the leading Earth Observation (EO) data refinery platforms, has partnered with Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) to revolutionize agricultural productivity and resilience in Kenya through the use of advanced satellite data and analytics. This strategic collaboration aims to integrate SatSure's expertise in Earth observation and artificial intelligence with KALRO's extensive research capabilities to drive data-driven decision-making in the agriculture sector. The partnership will focus on leveraging satellite imagery, remote sensing, and advanced analytics to provide actionable insights for crop monitoring, yield forecasting, soil health assessment, and climate resilience strategies. Speaking on the partnership, Dhruva Rajan, Chief Revenue Officer at SatSure, stated, "We're thrilled to collaborate with KALRO in bringing cutting-edge geospatial intelligence to Kenya's agricultural landscape. This strategic partnership marks a significant step toward enabling data-driven policymaking, strengthening food security, and empowering smallholder farmers with near real-time insights into crop health, weather variability, and sustainable practices." KALRO, a premier institution in agricultural research, is committed to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in Kenya. Salim Kinyimu, ICT Director at KALRO, commented, "Our partnership with SatSure aligns with our vision of integrating technology into agricultural research and extension services. By harnessing satellite-based analytics, we can better understand climate impacts, optimize resource utilization, and empower farmers with precise, timely information." Paving the Way for Innovation The MoU between SatSure and KALRO will pave the way for pilot projects, joint research initiatives, and the development of digital tools that support agricultural stakeholders, including government agencies, agribusinesses, and farmers. By combining SatSure's geospatial intelligence capabilities with KALRO's on-ground expertise, the collaboration is set to enhance Kenya's agricultural resilience and contribute to the country's food security goals. About SatSure SatSure is one of the world's leading Earth Intelligence companies, delivering analytics-ready data products that enable contextual, industry-specific Earth Observation (EO) solutions at a global scale. It is an end-to-end EO data refinery platform-transforming EO data into decision intelligence-designed to address global challenges across sectors such as Agriculture, Banking, Aviation, Utilities and Critical Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, including Water and Forestry. About KALRO The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is a premier research institution dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and rural development in Kenya. KALRO conducts cutting-edge research in crop sciences, livestock management, and sustainable farming practices to support the country's agricultural sector. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2743338/KARLO_X_SatSure.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2162476/5443294/Satsure_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/satsure-and-kalro-partner-to-leverage-satellite-data-for-agricultural-transformation-in-kenya-302520579.html EQS Newswire / 05/08/2025 / 09:04 UTC+8 Leverage Hong Kong's Super Connector Role to Deepen Economic and Trade Cooperations between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, and Promote Green Industry Development Political and Business Leaders Attended and Gathered to Explore the Transparent and Dynamic Investment Environment and Opportunities in Uzbekistan Photo 1 - Uzbekistan - China Business Forum in Hong Kong (Investment and Green Industry Development) Group Photo (4 August 2025 - Hong Kong) The Uzbekistan - China Business Forum (Investment and Green Industry Development) was held today with over 150 participants from Hong Kong and Uzbekistan. The forum was supported by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of HKSAR of the People's Republic of China, and China International Cultural Communication Center, and organized by the Center for Investment and Green Industry Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in HKSAR of the People's Republic of China. Mr. KHODJAEV Jamshid, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan led a delegation to Hong Kong, while Mr. Algernon YAU, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR was invited to attend the event. This business forum is one of the key overseas investment promotion activities of the Republic of Uzbekistan, aimed at introducing its business-friendly environment and vast economic opportunities to the international market. Photo 2 - Speech by Mr. KHODJAEV Jamshid, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. KHODJAEV Jamshid, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan stated that, "Uzbekistan and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership. Over 5,000 foreign-invested enterprises have been established in the past two years, highlighting an attractive business environment in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has implemented ambitious reforms and achieved significant progress in economic development, including reductions in taxes and public-private partnership projects. Active projects span sectors including green energy, oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, mining, textiles, food, construction, logistics, smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, and digitalization. The rich experience, investment potential, and capabilities of Hong Kong's business community can make significant contributions to Uzbekistan's promising future. We warmly invite investors to engage in key sectors including digital technology, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing, and to become active partners in Uzbekistan's promising future." Mr. Algernon Yau, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR said, "With abundant natural resources and a large pool of labor force, Uzbekistan is the economic engine of Central Asia and one of the most populous and fast-growing economies in the region. In recent years, Uzbekistan has continuously deepened domestic reforms, providing vast market opportunities for foreign enterprises. In 2024, Uzbekistan became Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner in Central Asia. As a regional hub in Central Asia, Uzbekistan can complement Hong Kong's position as a connectivity hub in Asia. This synergy can achieve a mutually beneficial partnership. Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Uzbekistan, leveraging its international advantages to explore the Mainland China and global markets, thereby promoting the prosperity of both sides." Mr. Long Yuxiang, the Executive Chairman of China International Cultural Communication Center stated that, "In recent years, under the precise guidance and dedication from the leaders of both countries, stronger mutual trust between China and Uzbekistan has been built and cooperation in various fields has flourished. We place great importance on cooperation with Uzbekistan in fields such as technology, culture, economy and trade, tourism, and green industry development. We hope that through this business forum, various sectors of Hong Kong will gain a better understanding of Uzbekistan, bringing more opportunities for cooperation between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan, and contribute to the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-Uzbekistan relations." The Uzbek economic and trade delegation includes Mr. RASULEV Mansurjan (the Director of the Investment Promotion Agency), Mr. YUSUPOV Ural (the Deputy Minister of Mining Industry and Geology), Mr. KURBANOV Akbar (the Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of "O'zkimyosanoat" JSC), Mr. AZIZOV Abdulla (the Director of the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry), and Mr. TUYCHIBAEV Shokhrukh (the Chairman of the "O'zbekzargarsanoat" Association). They introduced the country's trade and investment environment and the vast opportunities, especially in green industry development. The presentations also covered economic reforms, legal and institutional protection, tax incentives, natural resources, and renewable energy potential in Uzbekistan. The speakers emphasized that through trade liberalization, streamlined business processes, and the establishment of special economic zones, Uzbekistan has created a foreign-investment-friendly environment, focusing on developing renewable energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, retail, information and communication technology. These efforts actively promote sustainable development, providing excellent opportunities for Hong Kong businesses to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and green economy cooperation. Photo 3 - Official Inauguration of the Center for Investment and Green Industry Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in HKSAR of the People's Republic of China On the same day, the Center for Investment and Green Industry Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in HKSAR of the People's Republic of China was officially inaugurated, marking a new milestone in cooperation between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong. Mr. Henry CHAN was appointed as the Director of the Center and was presented with the appointment letter by the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Mr. KHODJAEV. Mr. CHAN delivered a speech in the forum, stating that, "The establishment of the Center builds a solid platform for investment, green technology, and industrial exchanges between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong. We will promote deep integration in sustainable development and will jointly explore the boundless possibilities of the green economy and facilitate investment exchanges and green industry development between the two regions." ENDS This press release is issued by DLK Advisory on behalf of the Center for Investment and Green Industry Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in HKSAR of the People's Republic of China. For further information, please contact: DLK Advisory Email: pr@dlkadvisory.com Tel: +852 2857 7101 05/08/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com SINGAPORE, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global digital asset technology solutions provider ChainUp today announced its flagship event, "The ATH Night: Unlocking Infinite B2B Digital Assets Growth" on 30 September 2025, at Lantern Singapore. This exclusive networking gathering is set to be Singapore's most impactful pre-TOKEN2049 event, designed to foster high-value B2B connections among the industry's key stakeholders. Building on the proven success of last year's event, which attracted over 2,000 registrations with 80% comprising senior executives, "The ATH Night" returns to provide a focused platform for C-suite professionals, founders, investors, and innovators to engage and collaborate ahead of the highly anticipated TOKEN2049 conference. "As we celebrate our 8th anniversary, this year's 'The ATH Night' stands as a direct reflection of our commitment to building a thriving digital asset ecosystem", said Sailor Zhong, Founder & CEO of ChainUp, "We've designed this event to be the go-to platform for B2B leaders to truly connect, spark vital ideas, and together, drive our industry forward." Event Details: Event Name: The ATH Night - Unlocking Infinite B2B Digital Assets Growth The ATH Night - Unlocking Infinite B2B Digital Assets Growth Date: 30 September 2025, Tuesday 30 September 2025, Tuesday Time: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM SGT 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM SGT Venue: Lantern Singapore (@The Fullerton Bay Hotel) Lantern Singapore (@The Fullerton Bay Hotel) Register here: https://lu.ma/ytn136vf Attendees of "The ATH Night" can expect: Exclusive access: Connect directly with top-tier decision-makers and influential thought leaders across the Web3, digital asset, and blockchain sectors. Connect directly with top-tier decision-makers and influential thought leaders across the Web3, digital asset, and blockchain sectors. Iconic atmosphere: Experience an evening of curated networking set against the backdrop of the Marina Bay waterfront. Experience an evening of curated networking set against the backdrop of the Marina Bay waterfront. Celebratory giveaways: In celebration of ChainUp's 8th anniversary, attendees will have a special opportunity to win a selection of highly sought-after tech gadgets and other prizes. Attendance is curated to ensure a high-quality networking experience, and space is limited. For companies interested to elevate your brand's visibility and align with this premier event, reach out to marketing@chainup.com for sponsorship opportunities. For registration and further information, please visit: https://lu.ma/ytn136vf . About ChainUp ChainUp, a leading global provider of digital asset solutions, empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of this evolving ecosystem. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, ChainUp serves a diverse clientele, from Web3 companies to established financial institutions. ChainUp's comprehensive suite of solutions includes crypto exchange solutions, liquidity as-a-service, custody services, MPC wallet-as-a-service, KYT crypto tracing analytics tool, asset tokenization, crypto asset management, and Web3 infrastructure such as mining, staking, and blockchain APIs. For more information, visit: https://www.chainup.com/ . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chainups-the-ath-night-singapores-must-attend-pre-token2049-networking-for-digital-asset-leaders-302520814.html New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 4, 2025) - Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, a nationally recognized employment law firm and civil rights law firm, is proud to announce two major recognitions in 2025 that continue to reinforce its standing as a top-tier firm in public interest litigation. These honors, awarded by Super Lawyers and The Daily Journal, reflect individual attorney excellence and the firm's success in building and sustaining elite legal talent. Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight Marks a Decade of Excellence with 10-Year Rising Stars Recognition To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/260215_d70cbd1a14af2bae_002full.jpg Qiaojing Ella Zheng, managing partner at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight's San Francisco and Palo Alto offices, scooped both recognitions, bringing pride to the firm. She was once again recognized by Super Lawyers in its Rising Stars Selection, making her part of Super Lawyers' 10 Years Rising Stars list (2016-2025). This prestigious achievement highlights a decade of Zheng's consistent legal excellence since joining the firm. Zheng was also named among 2025's Top Women Lawyers by The Daily Journal, recognizing her exceptional litigation results and community leadership. Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is known for high-stakes impact litigation, including employment discrimination, whistleblower representation, and other harassment cases. The firm has recovered over $1 billion for its clients through landmark verdicts and settlements, which has earned it widespread industry recognition. Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is celebrated by the leading professional journals as the number one ranked employment rights firm and number one ranked human rights firm. With offices in major cities across the country, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight has built a reputation as a formidable public interest firm that takes on Fortune 500 companies and top and powerful institutions in cases involving workplace discrimination, violations, and systemic injustices. Across the country, the firm has drawn acclaim from judges, top legal publications, leading mediators, and even those it goes against. These accolades reflect not just Zheng's achievements but Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight's strategic commitment to cultivating talent capable of litigating against some of the most powerful interests. The firm's uninterrupted presence on the Super Lawyers selection and its other awards and recognitions speak of its institutional strength and commitment to developing the next generation of legal leaders. As Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight celebrates these milestones, it credits its ongoing recognition to its collaborative culture that empowers attorneys to lead early and take on meaningful responsibility. The firm remains focused on promoting the public good and empowering those who would otherwise remain voiceless. Whether advocating for executives, institutions, whistleblowers, or survivors of injustices, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight continues to set the standard for excellence in public interest law. These continued recognitions also show the firm's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes with a human touch. For more information, visit Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/260215 SOURCE: Plentisoft Manassas, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 4, 2025) - Rodriguez Law Firm today announced a big business success: they hired Dagoberto Rodriguez, a Spanish-English attorney and completely bilingual legal professional, to join their legal team. This strategic acquisition will greatly improve the firm's ability to serve a wide range of communities by making it easier for Spanish-speaking clients to get in touch and help, especially in California and Texas. Rodriguez Law Firm Enhances Client Services with Addition of Bilingual Spanish-English Attorney Dagoberto Rodriguez To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/260240_e9e6b6bc74a2896c_002full.jpg The Rodriguez Law Firm's multilingual lawyer shows how important it is for lawyers to speak more than one language. This shows the firm's commitment to providing more inclusive and culturally sensitive legal services. Over 52.6 million people in the US speak Spanish, and 38 million of them speak it as their first language at home. Having a lawyer who speaks Spanish is vital for their case. Dagoberto Rodriguez speaks Spanish and English fluently, making it easy to talk to people directly. This is important for creating trust and preventing misunderstandings, breaks in trust, and poor communication. This direct connection reduces the need to translate important papers like police reports, medical records, and witness statements. This greatly increases the chances of a positive conclusion and proper customer recompense. It also ensures that clients understand all the intricacies of their case and how it is going, and that they are appropriately represented in court. Dagoberto Rodriguez has a proven track record of getting millions of dollars in settlements for clients who speak English and Spanish. He is a skilled lawyer who helps people who were hurt because someone else was reckless or negligent. The Rodriguez Law Firm is committed to making things easier for people who are recuperating from injuries. Their main goal is to handle all the legal issues so their clients can focus on improving. The firm is open all day, every day, to give legal counsel. Clients can talk to their lawyer directly, including getting their lawyer's mobile phone number to get updates and answers to their inquiries. Rodriguez Law Firm is known for having great lawyers dedicated to solving legal problems and getting good results through negotiations or the court. The business offers full legal help for a wide range of personal injury cases, including acting as a qualified car accident lawyer in Virginia and for other forms of significant injuries in all of its service areas. They help a client build a stronger case by dealing with complicated liability concerns, collecting and keeping important evidence, and keeping track of legal procedures and deadlines. Rodriguez Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning customers don't have to pay anything up front and only pay if the firm gets them their money. The legal team works hard to get the most money possible for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. They know how hard it is to figure out an average settlement for car accident cases, so they always try to get the most money for their clients. About Rodriguez Law Firm: Rodriguez Law Firm is a group of highly skilled personal injury lawyers known for their legal expertise and dedication to assisting wounded persons with legal issues. The firm's goal is to fight for clients' rights and get them money so they can focus on getting better. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/260240 SOURCE: Plentisoft (In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise) TORONTO, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or the "Company") (TSX: FM) is pleased to announce that, through a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in Canada, it has entered into a gold streaming agreement (the "Agreement") with RGLD Gold AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Gold, Inc. ("Royal Gold"). Under the terms of the Agreement, First Quantum will receive a $1.0 billion upfront cash payment in exchange for gold deliveries referenced to copper production from the Kansanshi Mine ("Kansanshi") located in Zambia (the "Transaction"). "Following a thorough evaluation of several deleveraging options, I am pleased to announce this milestone transaction which preserves exposure to all of the copper production at Kansanshi while still maintaining exposure to the majority of the Company's gold production. Today's announcement further enhances the Company's financial resilience, while the ramp-up of the S3 Expansion at Kansanshi and a resolution in Panama will continue to strengthen our financial position," Tristan Pascall, CEO of First Quantum, commented. "It is pleasing to form a new partnership with Royal Gold which is a strong endorsement of the operations at Kansanshi and its multi-generational ore body as well as Zambia as a leading African mining jurisdiction." Key Transaction Highlights: Strengthens Balance Sheet: The Transaction provides long-term, unsecured, non-debt capital which will significantly bolster liquidity. Proceeds will be used towards the payment of capital expenditure, general working capital requirements and bank loan repayment while the Company continues to monitor debt capital markets for opportunities to manage its maturities. Upon closing of the Transaction, the Company's net debt 1 to EBITDA 1 ratio is expected to reduce markedly. The Transaction provides long-term, unsecured, non-debt capital which will significantly bolster liquidity. Proceeds will be used towards the payment of capital expenditure, general working capital requirements and bank loan repayment while the Company continues to monitor debt capital markets for opportunities to manage its maturities. Upon closing of the Transaction, the Company's net debt to EBITDA ratio is expected to reduce markedly. Maintains Majority of Gold Production: The Transaction will allow the Company to maintain full exposure to the copper production at Kansanshi. Based on the Company's copper and gold production guidance for 2026 and 2027, on average, 84% of the Company's total gold production will continue to have exposure to spot gold prices. The Company retains full exposure to the recently identified near-surface gold zone occurrences at Kansanshi. The Transaction will allow the Company to maintain full exposure to the copper production at Kansanshi. Based on the Company's copper and gold production guidance for 2026 and 2027, on average, 84% of the Company's total gold production will continue to have exposure to spot gold prices. The Company retains full exposure to the recently identified near-surface gold zone occurrences at Kansanshi. Competitive Terms: The Transaction provides the Company with the ability to increase gold exposure over time, depending on financial performance, with provisions for higher ongoing production payments and acceleration options upon achieving certain leverage thresholds. Summary of Agreement Terms: Upfront Payment: First Quantum will receive a total upfront cash payment of $1.0 billion on August 6, 2025. First Quantum will receive a total upfront cash payment of $1.0 billion on August 6, 2025. Gold Deliveries with Stepdown Terms: First Quantum will deliver to Royal Gold ounces of gold commensurate with copper production 2 at Kansanshi on the following stepdown terms: 75 ounces of gold per million pounds of recovered copper produced until 425,000 ounces of gold are delivered; and 55 ounces of gold per million pounds of recovered copper produced until an additional 225,000 ounces of gold are delivered; and 45 ounces of gold per million pounds of recovered copper produced thereafter. First Quantum will deliver to Royal Gold ounces of gold commensurate with copper production at Kansanshi on the following stepdown terms: Production Payments: First Quantum will receive ongoing production payments from Royal Gold equivalent to 20% of the prevailing spot gold price for each ounce of gold delivered under the Agreement, increasing to 35% of the spot gold price when First Quantum achieves the earlier of: (i) BB senior unsecured debt rating from Fitch Ratings Inc. ("Fitch") or S&P Global Ratings ("S&P Global"); or (ii) Net leverage ratio3 of less than or equal to 2.25x over any 3 consecutive quarters commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Acceleration Options: First Quantum retains two options that will allow the Company to accelerate deliveries and reduce ongoing gold delivered to Royal Gold by up to 30% as follows: Option to reduce the stream rate and delivery thresholds by up to 20% at a value of up to $200 million at such time when First Quantum achieves the earlier of: (i) BB senior unsecured debt rating from Fitch or S&P Global; or (ii) Net leverage ratio 3 of less than or equal to 2.25x over any 3 consecutive quarters commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Option to reduce the stream rate and delivery thresholds by up to a further 10% at a value of $100 million at such time when First Quantum achieves certain operational conditions and the earlier of: First Quantum retains two options that will allow the Company to accelerate deliveries and reduce ongoing gold delivered to Royal Gold by up to 30% as follows: (i) BBB- senior unsecured debt rating from Fitch or S&P Global; or (ii) Net leverage ratio3 of less than or equal to 1.25x over any 4 consecutive quarters. Unsecured and Guaranteed: The stream is unsecured. The stream has guarantees from the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company in the Kansanshi ownership chain. Advisors and Counsel: RBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor and Fasken LLP and Caledonian Consultants are acting as legal counsel to First Quantum in connection with this Transaction. For further information, visit our website at www.first-quantum.com (http://www.first-quantum.com) or contact: Investor Relations: Bonita To, Director, Investor Relations (416) 361-6400 Toll-free: 1 (888) 688-6577 E-Mail: info@fqml.com (mailto:info@fqml.com) Media Relations: James Devas, Manager, Corporate Affairs +44 207 291 6630 E-Mail: james.devas@fqml.com (mailto:james.devas@fqml.com) CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this news release include the impact of the Transaction on the Company's long-term financial resilience, the effect that a ramp-up of the S3 Expansion at Kansanshi and a resolution of the situation in Panama are expected to have on the Company's financial position, the expected uses of proceeds from the Transaction, the effect the Transaction is expected to have on the Company's net debt to EBITDA ratio, the Company's continued exposure to spot gold prices and the expected closing date for the Transaction. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including, among other things, assumptions about the timing of the closing of the Transaction and the ability to achieve the Company's goals. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to, events generally impacting global economic, financial, political and social stability. See the Company's Annual Information Form and other documents filed with the securities regulators or similar authorities in Canada (accessible under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca) for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actual results, performances, achievements or events not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of these factors are beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. All forward-looking statements and information contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. 1 Net debt is a supplementary financial measure; EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. 2 Copper production is presented on a contained basis and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter. 3 As defined in the Agreement. Progress on share buyback programme ING announced today that, as part of our 2.0 billion share buyback programme announced on 2 May 2025, in total 2,480,240 shares were repurchased during the week of 28 July 2025 up to and including 1 August 2025. The shares were repurchased at an average price of 20.35 for a total amount of 50,462,143.07. For detailed information on the daily repurchased shares, individual share purchase transactions and weekly reports, see the ING website at www.ing.com/investorrelations. In line with the purpose of the programme to reduce the share capital of ING, the total number of shares repurchased under this programme to date is 52,610,372 at an average price of 18.65 for a total consideration of 981,208,041. To date approximately 49.06% of the maximum total value of the share buyback programme has been completed. Note for editors For further information on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr. Press enquiries Investor enquiries Daan Wentholt ING Group Investor Relations +31 20 576 6386 +31 20 576 6396 Daan.Wentholt@ing.com (mailto:Daan.Wentholt@ing.com) Investor.Relations@ing.com (mailto:Investor.Relations@ing.com) ING PROFILE ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank's more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries. ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N). ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING's ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed by MSCI as 'AA' in August 2024 for the fifth year. As of June 2025, in Sustainalytics' view, ING's management of ESG material risk is 'Strong' with an ESG risk rating of 18.0 (low risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers. Here are some examples: Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell. Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that's not. Follow our progress on ing.com/climate. IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 ('Market Abuse Regulation'). ING Group's annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('IFRS- EU'). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2024 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding. Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to di?er materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may di?er materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. 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Attachment Capital B confirms the acquisition of 62 BTC for ~6.2 million, the holding of a total of 2,075 BTC, and a BTC Yield of 1,446.3% YTD Final completion of the convertible bond issuance, announced on August 4, 2025, through its wholly-owned Luxembourg subsidiary "The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA", into shares of Capital B, at ~3.66 per share, subscribed by TOBAM BITCOIN ALPHA FUND for an amount of 6.5 million, enabling the acquisition of 62 BTC for ~6.2 million 'BTC Yield' of ~1,446.3% YTD and ~12.8% QTD 'BTC Gain' of ~578.5 BTC YTD and ~229.1 BTC QTD 'BTC Gain' of ~57.8 million YTD and ~22.9 million QTD Total group holdings of 2,075 BTC for ~189.1 million at ~91,133 per bitcoin Puteaux, August 5, 2025: Capital B (The Blockchain Group, ISIN: FR0011053636, ticker: ALCPB) (the "Company"), listed on Euronext Growth Paris, Europe's first Bitcoin Treasury Company, holding subsidiaries specialized in Data Intelligence, AI, and decentralized technology consulting and development, confirms the final completion of the convertible bond issuance, announced on August 4, 2025, through its wholly-owned Luxembourg subsidiary "The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA", into shares of Capital B, at ~3.66 per share, subscribed by TOBAM for an amount of 6.5 million, enabling the acquisition of 62 BTC for ~6.2 million. Since the beginning of the year, the Group has achieved a 'BTC Yield' of ~1,446.3%, a 'BTC Gain' of ~578.5 BTC, and a 'BTC Gain' of ~57.8 million. As of today, Capital B and its subsidiary The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA hold a total of 2,075 BTC, with an acquisition value of ~189.1 million, based on an average price of ~91,133 per bitcoin. The Company thus reinforces its Bitcoin accumulation strategy while continuing to develop the operational activities of its subsidiaries. A presentation explaining the Company's Bitcoin Treasury Company strategy focused on increasing bitcoin per fully diluted share over time is available on its website: https://cptlb.com/about/who-we-are/ Final completion of previously announced operation On August 4, the Company announced its decision, using the delegated authority granted by the shareholders' meeting held on June 10, 2025, under the terms of its 12th resolution, on an issuance, without pre-emptive rights for shareholders, of convertible bonds into the Company's shares, with an initial nominal amount of 6,500,000, represented by 6,500,000 convertible bonds with a nominal value of one euro (1) each (the "OCA A-05 Tranche 1") entitling their holder, upon conversion, and under the conditions stipulated in the OCA A-05 Issuance Agreements, to subscribe to a maximum amount of 1,778,045 new ordinary shares of the Company at a subscription price of 3.6557 per share. The Company hereby announces that the OCA A-05 Tranche 1 have been definitively subscribed in the proportions set out below: Investor OCA A-05 Tranche 1 Amount () TOBAM BITCOIN ALPHA FUND 6,500,000 6,500,000 TOTAL 6,500,000 6,500,000 Impact of the operation on the distribution of the Company's share capital The impact of the final completion of the operation described above on the distribution of the Company's share capital is as follows: Situation as of August 5, 2025 Fully diluted basis (*) Shareholders Number of shares % capital Number of shares % capital Executives 12,030,185 7.67% 18,418,953 5.56% Fulgur Ventures - 0.00% 145,911,009 44.06% Adam Back 35,157,228 22.43% 36,412,138 10.99% TOBAM 7,260,758 4.63% 14,809,515 4.47% UTXO Management - 0.00% 7,999,210 2.42% Peak Hodl Ltd - 0.00% 2,500,000 0.75% Free Shares** - 0.00% 1,880,000 0.57% Public & Institutional 102,319,323 65.27% 103,249,822 31.18% TOTAL 156,767,494 100% 331,180,647 100% (*) Calculations made on the basis of the number of shares composing the Company's share capital as of press release time, adding the shares resulting from (i) the conversion of all OCA issued or announced, (ii) the conversion of the BSA 2025-01 announced to date and the issuance under the adjustment measures for the benefit of OCA Tranche 1 holders issued or exercised to date, and (iii) the issuance of Free Shares whose allocation has been decided. The Company reminds that neither the existing capital nor the fully diluted basis includes, as of today, the potential addition of shares to its share capital resulting (i) from the conversion of the BSA 2025-01 issued as announced on April 7, 2025 and not yet converted to date, nor (ii) from adjustment measures for the benefit of OCA Tranche 1 holders not yet exercised. The Company also reminds that the fully diluted basis does not include the shares that may correspond to the unsubscribed amounts to date of the 300 million of capital increases authorized in favor of TOBAM. (**) Free Shares, the allocation of which has been decided but which have not been issued as of today, included in the fully diluted basis. The Company also reminds of the potential addition of shares to its share capital resulting from (i) the conversion of the BSA 2025-01 issued as announced on April 7, 2025, and (ii) legal adjustment measures for OCA holders. The breakdown of these, adjusted for BSA exercised to date as well as legal adjustment measures exercised or announced, is as follows: Shareholders Shares that may be issued upon exercise of the BSA 2025-01 not yet exercised or announced to date Shares that may be issued under the legal adjustment measures for OCA holders not yet exercised or announced to date Total Executives 1,151,166 423,744 1,574,910 Fulgur Ventures 0 9,677,771 9,677,771 Adam Back 523,809 0 523,809 TOBAM 3,571 0 3,571 UTXO Management 0 530,559 530,559 Public & Institutional 5,306,067 0 5,306,067 TOTAL 6,984,613 10,632,074 17,616,687 Expansion of the Company's bitcoin holdings Capital B announces the final completion of the acquisition of an additional 62 BTC using the proceeds from the final completion of the operation described above, as part of the continuation of its Bitcoin Treasury Company strategy. Swissquote Bank Europe SA, a virtual asset service provider (VASP) registered with the Luxembourg regulator (CSSF), executed the acquisition of the BTC using the proceeds from the convertible bond issuance and was entrusted with their secure custody via the technological solution of Swiss company Taurus. The Company also indicates that ongoing operations, namely the capital increase announced on July 22, 2025, subscribed by Peak Hodl Ltd for an amount of ~8.7M, as well as the capital increase announced on August 4, 2025, subscribed by TOBAM BITCOIN ALPHA FUND for an amount of ~5M could enable the acquisition of ~110 additional BTC, bringing the Company's total potential holdings to 2,185 BTC. Detail of the Group's BTC acquisitions: Reported Date BTC Acquisition BTC Acquisition Cost Basis Total BTC Holdings Total BTC Cost Basis Total BTC Cost Total BTC Net Asset Value August 5, 2025 62 99,889 2,075 91,133 189,100,187 207,269,347 July 28, 2025 58 102,211 2,013 90,863 182,907,079 205,751,541 July 21, 2025 22 101,112 1,955 90,526 176,978,818 197,674,331 July 14, 2025 29 95,225 1,933 90,406 174,754,350 184,069,828 July 7, 2025 116 92,175 1,904 90,332 171,992,827 175,501,059 June 30, 2025 60 91,879 1,788 90,213 161,300,535 164,280,027 June 23, 2025 75 91,792 1,728 90,155 155,787,783 158,616,662 June 17, 2025 182 93,264 1,653 90,081 148,903,379 154,165,568 June 2, 2025 624 96,447 1,471 89,687 131,929,311 141,874,161 May 22, 2025 227 93,518 847 84,706 71,746,119 79,209,857 March 26, 2025 580 81,550 620 81,480 50,517,503 50,560,770 December 4, 2024 25 90,511 40 80,468 3,218,718 3,261,985 November 5, 2024 15 63,729 15 63,729 955,941 1,223,244 Note: Total BTC Net Asset Value as of August 5, 2025, is based on the acquisition cost by BTC of the latest acquisition as of the date of this press release. Achievement of a 'BTC Yield' of 1,446.3% YTD and 12.8% QTD The Group has achieved a 'BTC Yield' of 1,446.3% YTD and 12.8% QTD. Details are as follows: Year To Date (YTD): Reported Date Total BTC Holdings Issued Common Shares Fully Diluted Shares1 BTC (sats) per Fully Diluted Share2 'BTC Yield' YTD3 'BTC Gain' YTD 'BTC Gain' YTD August 5, 2025 2,075 156,767,494 326,958,884 634 1,446.3% 578.5 57,789,350 July 28, 2025 2,013 156,767,494 325,180,839 619 1,409.8% 563.9 57,637,256 July 21, 2025 1,955 155,133,905 323,547,250 604 1,373.2% 549.3 55,537,720 July 14, 2025 1,933 135,400,845 320,990,295 602 1,368.3% 547.3 52,118,241 July 7, 2025 1,904 134,661,845 320,251,295 594 1,348.8% 539.5 49,729,497 June 30, 2025 1,788 134,461,545 318,109,554 562 1,270.7% 508.3 46,701,530 June 23, 2025 1,728 130,170,510 316,207,689 546 1,231.7% 492.7 45,224,376 June 17, 2025 1,653 126,728,969 316,207,689 522 1,173.2% 469.3 43,765,888 June 2, 2025 1,471 108,862,920 299,355,400 491 1,097.6% 439.0 42,342,772 May 22, 2025 847 102,174,488 214,500,356 394 861.0% 344.4 32,206,732 March 26, 2025 620 93,384,449 186,413,170 332 709.8% 283.9 23,152,139 December 4, 2024 40 93,384,449 95,264,449 41 141.2% 21.2 1,916,705 November 5, 2024 15 85,051,121 85,051,121 17 Quarter To Date (QTD): Reported Date Total BTC Holdings Issued Common Shares Fully Diluted Shares1 BTC (sats) per Fully Diluted Share2 'BTC Yield' QTD3 'BTC Gain' QTD 'BTC Gain' QTD August 5, 2025 2,075 156,767,494 326,958,884 634 12.8% 229.1 22,881,299 July 28, 2025 2,013 156,767,494 325,180,839 619 10.1% 181.3 18,535,546 July 21, 2025 1,955 155,133,905 323,547,250 604 7.5% 133.6 13,510,891 July 14, 2025 1,933 135,400,845 320,990,295 602 7.1% 127.3 12,118,307 July 7, 2025 1,904 134,661,845 320,251,295 594 5.7% 101.8 9,384,129 June 30, 2025 1,788 134,461,545 318,109,554 562 69.3% 429.5 39,463,781 The number of shares on a fully diluted basis includes (i) the total number of ordinary shares outstanding, (ii) the shares that would be issued upon the full conversion of all currently issued convertible bonds of the Company, and (iii) the free shares granted. The Company precises that the number of fully diluted shares is adjusted to reflect only fully completed operations to date (i.e., excluding ongoing operations). BTC per Fully Diluted Share is calculated by dividing Total BTC Holdings by the Fully Diluted Shares outstanding at the end of each period. The result is then expressed as satoshis (sats) per Fully Diluted Shares outstanding, rounded down. There are 100,000,000 sats in 1 BTC. Each sat represents 0.00000001 BTC, the smallest unit of bitcoin. As the BTC Yield is intended to illustrate how the Company finances the acquisition of BTC over a given period, the calculation of the number of shares on a fully diluted basis does not include unexercised BSA warrants, as they do not provide financing to the Company and have no impact on the Company's equity until they are exercised. The Company will provide further communication regarding the exercise of warrants and the resulting BTC acquisitions at a later stage. Important information about 'BTC Yield', 'BTC Gain', and 'BTC Gain' KPIs The Company uses 'BTC Yield', 'BTC Gain' and 'BTC Gain' as indicators to monitor its Bitcoin Treasury Company strategy. These indicators illustrate the manner in which the Company finances the acquisition of bitcoin in a given period by: 'BTC Yield' : indicator reflecting the percentage change in the ratio of Total BTC Holdings to Fully Diluted Shares outstanding over a given period; : indicator reflecting the percentage change in the ratio of Total BTC Holdings to Fully Diluted Shares outstanding over a given period; 'BTC Gain' : indicator that represents the number of BTC held by the Company at the beginning of a period multiplied by the 'BTC Yield' for such period; and : indicator that represents the number of BTC held by the Company at the beginning of a period multiplied by the 'BTC Yield' for such period; and 'BTC Gain': indicator representing the euro value of the 'BTC Gain' calculated by multiplying the 'BTC Gain' by the acquisition cost per BTC of the last acquisition of the applicable period. The Company has selected the last acquisition of the applicable period to determine the market price of bitcoin solely for the purpose of facilitating this illustrative calculation. These indicators will be communicated periodically by the Company as part of its Bitcoin Treasury Company strategy, notably on a half-yearly and annual basis. When the Company uses these KPIs, it also takes into account the various limitations of these metrics, including that they do not take into account debt and other liabilities and claims on company assets that would be senior to common equity, and that these indicators assume that all indebtedness will be refinanced or, in the case of the Company's (or its subsidiaries') convertible debt instruments, converted into shares of common stock in accordance with their respective terms. Additionally, 'BTC Yield' is not, and should not be understood as, an operating performance measure or a financial or liquidity measure. In particular, 'BTC Yield' is not equivalent to "yield" in the traditional financial context. It is not a measure of the return on investment the Company's shareholders may have achieved historically or can achieve in the future by purchasing stock of the Company, or a measure of income generated by the Company's operations or its bitcoin holdings, return on investment on its bitcoin holdings, or any other similar financial measure of the performance of its business or assets. 'BTC Gain' and 'BTC Gain' are not, and should not be understood as, operating performance measures or financial or liquidity measures. In particular, 'BTC Gain' and 'BTC Gain' are not equivalent to "gain" in the traditional financial context. They also are not measures of the return on investment the Company's shareholders may have achieved historically or can achieve in the future by purchasing stock of the Company, or measures of income generated by the Company's operations or its bitcoin holdings, return on investment on its bitcoin holdings, or any other similar financial measure of the performance of its business or assets. It should also be understood that 'BTC Gain' does not represent a fair value gain of the Company's bitcoin holdings, and 'BTC Gain' may be positive during periods when the Company has incurred fair value losses on its bitcoin holdings. The trading price of the Company's common stock depends on numerous factors in addition to the quantity of bitcoins the Company holds and number of actual or potential shares of its stock outstanding, and as a result, the market value of the Company's shares may trade at a discount or a premium relative to the market value of the bitcoin the Company holds, and neither 'BTC Yield', 'BTC Gain' nor 'BTC Gain' are indicative or predictive of the trading price of the Company's securities. As noted above, these KPIs are narrow in their purpose and are used by the Company to assist it in assessing the use of the equity capital, as it pertains to its bitcoin holdings only. The Company's ability to achieve positive 'BTC Yield', 'BTC Gain', or 'BTC Gain' may depend on a variety of factors, including its ability to generate profits in excess of its fixed charges and other expenses, as well as factors outside of its control, such as the price of bitcoin, and the availability of financing on favorable terms. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The presentation of these KPIs does not imply any intention to pay dividends on its common shares in the future. Holding the Company's common shares does not equate to direct ownership of the Bitcoin held by the Company. Investors should rely on the financial statements and other disclosures by the Company. These KPIs are only intended as supplemental metrics for those who understand their purpose and limitations, not as replacements for traditional financial analysis. Risk factors The Company reminds that the risk factors related to the Company and to its business are detailed in its 2024 annual financial report, available for free on the Company's website (https://www.cptlb.com). The realization of all or part of these risks could negatively impact the Company's operations, financial position, results, development, or outlook. * * * About Capital B (ALCPB) Capital B is a Bitcoin Treasury Company listed on Euronext Growth Paris, specialized in Data Intelligence, AI, and Decentralized Tech consulting and development. EURONEXT Growth Paris Ticker: ALCPB ISIN: FR0011053636 Reuters: ALCPB.PA Bloomberg: ALCPB.FP Contact: communication@theblockchain-group.com Contacts - Actus Finance & Communication Investor relations Mathieu Calleux tbg@actus.fr Press relations Anne-Charlotte Dudicourt acdudicourt@actus.fr - +33 6 24 03 26 52 Celine Bruggeman cbruggeman@actus.fr - +33 6 87 52 71 99 Capital B press releases are available on: Financial information - Capital B To receive all press releases free of charge, register with Actusnews ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lW1pZZWZkpfHnpydapxuaZZob5eUlGGWlmLLm2Oea8vKZ2lnmW+XaMqaZnJkmmZu - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-93518-20250805-tbg-cp-05-aout-2025-en-final.pdf Kunstliche Intelligenz, Magnificent Seven, Tech-Euphorie seit Monaten scheint an der Borse nur eine Richtung zu existieren: nach oben. Doch hinter den Rekordkursen lauert eine gefahrliche Wahrheit. Die Bewertungen vieler Tech-Schwergewichte haben historische Extremniveaus erreicht. Shiller-KGV bei 39, Buffett-Indikator auf Allzeithoch schon in der Dotcom-Ara war der Markt kaum teurer. Hinzu kommen euphorische Anlegerstimmung, IPO-Hypes ohne Substanz, kreditfinanzierte Wertpapierkaufe in Rekordhohe und charttechnische Warnsignale, die Erinnerungen an 2000 und 2021 wecken. Gleichzeitig drucken geopolitische Risiken, Trumps aggressive Zollpolitik und saisonale Borsenschwache auf die Perspektiven. Die Gefahr: Aus der schleichenden Korrektur konnte ein rasanter Crash werden und der konnte vor allem uberbewertete KI- und Chipwerte hart treffen. In unserem kostenlosen Spezial-Report zeigen wir Ihnen, welche Tech-Aktien am starksten gefahrdet sind und wie Sie Ihr Depot vor dem Platzen der Blase schutzen konnten. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! Launching concerted effort for global licensing Diversified global manufacturer Asahi Kasei has successfully completed a demonstration trial of an innovative biogas purification system using zeolites in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Begun in February 2025, the trial achieved biomethane production with yield of up to 99.5% or more and purity of 97% or more. With such exceptional performance in both yield and purity, the system holds promise for the cost-effective production and utilization of biogas and biomethane across industries. Targeting commercialization in 2027, Asahi Kasei has launched full-fledged activity to license the technology to partners worldwide. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250804337638/en/ Biomethane purification technology using Asahi Kasei's proprietary catalyst technology As the use of renewable energy accelerates around the world, biomethane derived from biogas is attracting attention as a sustainable energy source. As of November 2024, 159 countries have signed the Global Methane Pledge, affirming their commitment to reducing methane emissions. Because biomethane can utilize existing natural gas infrastructure, it provides a unique opportunity to establish a circular economy that reduces waste while obtaining usable energy. Particularly in Europe, the demand for utilization in gas pipelines and conversion to bio-compressed natural gas (bio-CNG) is growing. In India, biogas is being promoted as part of a national policy to address waste disposal and energy supply issues associated with rapid urbanization. It is also used as a substitute for natural gas in the United States. Asahi Kasei has a long track record in catalyst development and gas separation technologies. Based on this technological foundation, the company has developed a system that separates CO2 and methane from biogas using the optimum combination of a special pressure vacuum swing adsorption (PVSA) process technology and a novel zeolite as an adsorbent. This unique configuration removes CO2 from biogas to obtain biomethane with high purity and high yield. A zeolite is a crystalline aluminosilicate having regular pores and cavities controlled on the order of angstroms (ten-millionths of a millimeter) with a specific surface area of several hundred square meters per gram. Commercialization planned for 2027 To verify the performance and operational stability of this system under actual operating conditions, Asahi Kasei has conducted a demonstration trial using a portion of biogas generated from sewage sludge at the Kojima Sewage Treatment Plant in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, since February 2025. In the purification of biomethane, there tends to be a trade-off between high purity and high yield; achieving both together has been a significant technical challenge. The first course of this demonstration was performed with continuous operation for a period of one month. The biomethane obtained was confirmed to be over 97% pure, suitable for use as fuel by feeding into a natural gas pipeline injection or as CNG. A high yield of over 99.5% was also confirmed, indicating successful achievement of both high purity and high yield performance. "We're beginning to have concrete discussions with potential licensees around the world," commented Kazuya Noda, Senior General Manager of Asahi Kasei's Material Business Research Development. "After commercial-scale pilot studies, we plan market launch in 2027." Asahi Kasei aims to achieve a better future for people and the Earth by creating intangible assets and providing value through R&D with a vision of "Where transforming tomorrow begins." About Asahi Kasei The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Healthcare, Homes, and Material. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com. Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250804337638/en/ Contacts: Europe Contact: Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH Sebastian Schmidt sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu North America Contact: Asahi Kasei America Inc. Christian OKeefe christian.okeefe@ak-america.com BERLIN, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Narwal, a global leader in intelligent floor care and one of the top five vacuum brands worldwide, is pleased to confirm its participation in IFA 2025, taking place from 5 to 9 September at Messe Berlin. Narwal will use this year's exhibition to preview its evolving product philosophy and unveil the next step in its mission to make deep, intelligent cleaning effortless. Narwal believes true cleanliness goes beyond the surface. This core idea shapes every innovation-creating devices that don't just clean, but truly understand how to care for your home in smarter, more intuitive ways. At IFA 2025, this vision comes to life with Flow, a breakthrough technology that pushes the boundaries of smart cleaning and embodies Narwal's deep-cleaning commitment. On 4 September, Narwal will host an exclusive event at IFA Next. While details remain undisclosed until the event, the unveiling will mark a significant milestone for the brand-not only showcasing Narwal's most advanced robotic vacuum to date, but also hinting at the company's expansion beyond robotics into a broader ecosystem of floor care tools. Throughout the exhibition, Narwal will welcome visitors to its booth at Hall 9, Stand 119, where attendees can immerse themselves in the brand's vision. The experience offers more than a look at new hardware-it's a chance to understand Narwal's engineering obsession: from adaptive intelligence and ergonomic design to the precision of its mopping and suction technologies. It's here that the design philosophy behind Flow quietly reveals itself-in thoughtful lines, track-driven movement, and seamless integration-inviting visitors to see how Narwal redefines cleaning as part of daily life. At IFA 2025, Narwal invites attendees to go beyond the surface-to experience not just what's new, but what's next. About Narwal Narwal is dedicated to developing innovative products that transform daily life. Our range of solutions addresses common challenges, with a focus on understanding and meeting user needs through extensive R&D. This commitment has yielded industry-firsts like the Auto-washing mop, AI-powered DirtSense, and the Zero-Tangle System. We obsess over every detail to ensure our products are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, aiming to blend design and performance for a better daily life. As a top-five global vacuum brand, Narwal serves over 4 million families across 30 countries, including Europe, North America, South Korea, and Australia. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2743347/Flow_In_The_Deep_Clean___Narwal_IFA_2025.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/where-innovation-flows-narwal-to-showcase-visionary-deep-cleaning-tech-at-ifa-2025-302520648.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:?BNXT)(OTC PINK:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT), a bioscience company specializing in innovative drug delivery technologies, is pleased to announce significant progress in its global patent portfolio. The Company has received formal communications from both the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO), confirming that the core claims of its patent application covering its proprietary sublingual Cladribine thin-film formulation have been accepted, with full grants anticipated in the near future. The patent further covers all applications of chemotherapy drugs in an oral dissolvable delivery system for the treatment of autoimmune neurological diseases. Advancing Toward Formal Patent Grant European Patent Office (EPO): The EPO has issued an Office Action with the intention to grant for BioNxt's key patent application. This confirmation signifies that all core claims have met the European requirements for novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Only minor formal amendments were requested, which the Company has already addressed. The next Office Action is expected within the coming weeks. Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO): The EAPO, covering eight member countries across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, has issued a formal notice that BioNxt's patent application has likewise been accepted. Minor language modifications were required and have been promptly submitted. The Company anticipates a full patent grant across all member states in the near term. Global Patent Strategy and Expansion BioNxt previously filed an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to establish a coordinated framework for securing patent protection for its sublingual Cladribine thin-film technology and future products in multiple key markets. The Company has entered the national phase of this application in major pharmaceutical jurisdictions, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. These national phase applications are currently progressing through local examination procedures. Patent protection in these regions will support BioNxt's long-term strategy for global commercialization, regulatory alignment, and regional partnership development. Protecting Innovation in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment The patents under review are designed to protect a family of products, including BioNxt's Cladribine-based thin-film formulation, developed for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The platform uses sublingual administration to optimize drug absorption, improve patient compliance, and avoid first-pass hepatic metabolism, offering a patient-friendly alternative to injectable or conventional oral therapies. Patent protections include composition of the sublingual film, methods of administration and dosage, use for treating autoimmune diseases, and scalable manufacturing processes. "Securing intellectual property rights in both Europe and Eurasia marks a critical step forward for our Cladribine program and sublingual delivery platform," said Hugh Rogers, CEO of BioNxt Solutions. "These patents represent significant commercial value by protecting a high-potential product, enabling regional exclusivity, and enhancing our ability to generate future licensing and partnership revenue." Next Milestones in Patent Issuance and Product Advancement BioNxt expects formal grant notices and publication from both the EPO and EAPO shortly. In parallel, the Company is preparing for GMP manufacturing and a human bioequivalence clinical study in Europe to support regulatory filings and commercialization. Further updates will be provided as additional national patent offices complete their evaluations. About BioNxt Solutions Inc. BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next-generation drug delivery platforms, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. Its proprietary platforms include sublingual thin films, transdermal patches, oral tablets, and a new targeted chemotherapy platform designed to deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors while reducing side effects. With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient-centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide. BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com. Investor Relations & Media Contact Hugh Rogers, Co-Founder, CEO and Director Email: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 780-818-6422 Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated grant and scope of European and Eurasian patent rights; the Company's plans for additional international patent filings; the development, clinical evaluation, and commercialization of the Company's Cladribine thin-film (BNT23001) for multiple sclerosis; the strategic importance of intellectual property; the timing and outcome of regulatory processes; and the potential expansion of BioNxt's sublingual drug delivery platform to other therapeutic areas. Forward-looking information is based on management's reasonable assumptions, expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this press release. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors-many of which are beyond the Company's control-that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: patent examination and prosecution outcomes; changes in regulatory or legal frameworks; clinical trial results; scalability of manufacturing processes; strategic partnership risks; and broader economic, financial, or geopolitical conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Except as required by applicable securities laws, BioNxt undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/bionxt-solutions-reports-pending-patent-grants-in-europe-and-eurasia-1056552 Polpharma Biologics S.A. ("Polpharma Biologics") announces a global (except for Middle East North Africa) licensing agreement with Fresenius Kabi for the commercialization of PB016, a proposed biosimilar to vedolizumab, an integrin receptor antagonist, (reference product: Entyvio*), a biologic therapy indicated for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Under the terms of the agreement, Polpharma Biologics will lead development and manufacturing of PB016, while Fresenius Kabi will hold exclusive commercialization rights worldwide, excluding Middle East North Africa "This partnership reinforces our mission to broaden access to high-quality biologics that improve patient outcomes globally," said Konstantin Matentzoglu, Supervisory Board Member of Polpharma Biologics Group. "Fresenius Kabi's deep commercialization experience and commitment to biosimilars make them an ideal partner for bringing PB016 to patients worldwide. Together, we are taking an important step toward addressing the rising burden of chronic inflammatory diseases." The agreement builds on Polpharma Biologics' growing biosimilar portfolio and proven development capabilities. The company has previously brought forward multiple biosimilars including ranibizumab and natalizumab across global markets in partnership with leading pharmaceutical companies. This strategic collaboration strengthens both companies' commitments to expanding global access to affordable biologic medicines while supporting healthcare system sustainability. *Entyvio is a registered trademark of Takeda. About Polpharma Biologics: Polpharma Biologics is an international biotechnology company with integrated operations in the European Union (EU), developing and manufacturing biosimilar medicines. Using patented solutions and state-of-the-art platform technologies, Polpharma Biologics develops biosimilar products to treat a range of conditions in major therapeutic areas. Programs at Polpharma Biologics start in cell line development and transition through technical and clinical development to commercial-scale production preparing drugs for future commercial partnerships with global pharmaceutical organizations. The expertise of Polpharma Biologics lies in the development and manufacture of medicines based on microbial and mammalian expression systems. With its cell line development center in the Netherlands and two centers of development and manufacturing in Poland, Polpharma Biologics creates growth and development opportunities for biotechnology specialists. Learn more at www.polpharmabiologics.com About Fresenius Kabi: As part of the global healthcare company Fresenius, Fresenius Kabi specializes in (bio)pharmaceuticals, medical technologies and nutrition products for critical and chronic conditions. The company's products, technologies, and services are used for the therapy and care of critically and chronically ill patients. With more than 41,000 employees and present in over 100 countries, Fresenius Kabi's expansive product portfolio focuses on providing access to high-quality and lifesaving medicines and technologies. For more information, please visit www.fresenius-kabi.com Important Note This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute promotional material for PB016 in Poland or any other jurisdiction. The commercialization of proposed vedolizumab biosimilar PB016 is solely the responsibility of Fresenius Kabi, the marketing authorization holder, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Disclaimer This press release is issued from Polpharma Biologics Group and is intended to provide worldwide information to healthcare professionals, media and (potential) investors about our global business in relation to drug development and manufacturing expertise. Although Polpharma Biologics Group is not a public company as of this date, recipients should understand that this press release contains certain forward-looking statements (as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the approval and commercialization of the medicinal product, market reception, competition, changes in economic conditions and applicable laws, global regulatory developments, contractual risks and dependencies from third parties. Polpharma Biologics undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Moreover, Polpharma Biologics wishes to emphasize that this press release is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as making any representation, warranties, or guarantees, either express or implied, regarding the potential approval, market reception, commercialization, or success of the medicinal product or any other product or therapy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805925297/en/ Contacts: Media contacts Natalia Kwiecien natalia.kwiecien@polpharmabiologics.com LONDON, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Anemoi Marine Technologies, the UK's leading developer of wind-assisted ship propulsion systems, has won funding under the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. The 1.2 million project will include the development of a next-generation folding sail system tailored to Kamsarmax and Panamax bulk carriers, as well as aerodynamic design enhancements that will significantly increase fuel savings. The UK Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition has so far directed 136 million in government funding to engineering innovators developing cutting-edge maritime decarbonisation solutions, with the aim of driving growth for coastal communities and cementing UK's position as a clean energy leader. The CMDC funding gives Anemoi the opportunity to further strengthen its technology leadership in the rapidly growing wind-assisted propulsion sector. Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi, said: "This funding will support Anemoi in advancing the next generation of Rotor Sail technology. While our Rotor Sails are already efficient and high-performing, ongoing innovation is essential to unlock further efficiency gains, adapt to evolving vessel designs, and meet increasingly ambitious environmental targets. This investment underscores Anemoi's potential to support the UK in sustainable shipping as the maritime industry works to cut emissions." Under the seven-month project, Anemoi will design, build and test a prototype of a new folding system for its 3.5m Rotor Sail. The result will be an industry-first for Rotor Sails of this size as folding systems have previously only been used on larger 5m sails. By allowing sails to be lowered during port operations, the design will significantly reduce operational obstacles to the uptake of wind-assisted propulsion. Operational seamlessness is a core element of Anemoi's offering, as the company also offers a unique rail deployment system, which allows the Rotor Sails to move along the deck of the ship. In addition to the folding system development, the project will cover additional design optimisations, which are expected to improve the aerodynamic performance of wind-assisted vessels, delivering increased fuel savings and emissions reductions compared to Anemoi's current state-of-the-art Rotor Sails. The test rig will be manufactured by UK company Pressure Design Hydraulics Engineers, with aerodynamic enhancements developed in partnership with Cape Horn Engineering, supported by Stehr Consulting. Victoria Steamship, a UK-based shipbroker, will contribute insights based on its fleet of nine vessels operating globally in the bulk carrier segment, a primary market for folding Rotor Sails. The UK innovation accelerator Connected Places Catapult will conduct market research and a port and vessel integration study. Notes to Editors This project is funded by UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport. UK SHORE has allocated over 230m since 2022 to over 247 projects, leveraging over 107m private investment. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the main delivery partner for UK SHORE interventions, including the flagship CMDC and ZEVI competitions. Maritime is a key sector which needs to find innovative solutions to its carbon footprint in order to contribute to the UK's decarbonisation agenda. The UK SHORE programme is a key part of that work, supporting research and development to unlock an industry-led transition towards Net Zero and deliver economic growth, in line with the Government's missions and the Plan for Change. The UK SHORE programme consists of multiple headline projects situated all across the UK from Belfast and Orkney to Cornwall and Portsmouth and all points in between - showcasing the exceptional, highly-skilled work being delivered throughout the UK economy. UK SHORE is supporting 500 organisations, unlocking investment potential in UK technologies, at UK ports and at UK shipyards. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2691837/5443447/Anemoi_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/anemoi-wins-major-uk-funding-to-advance-rotor-sail-design-302520889.html LINZ AM RHEIN, Germany and MILAN, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the opening of its first store in Milan on July 31, 2025, BIRKENSTOCK once again affirms its commitment to offering a holistic brand experience in Europe's most influential cultural capitals. This marks the brand's third standalone full-price store in Italy and its 42nd across Europe. The multifaceted district of Brera provides the ideal setting for the latest chapter in the brand's expanding retail journey. "Opening our new store in Milan's Brera district is a strong reflection of our commitment to bringing BIRKENSTOCK's core values - function, quality, and tradition to our growing community of loyal consumers in Italy," says Andrea Cannavo, Vice President Direct-to-Consumer & Membership EMEA. "With a uniquely crafted store design, we aim to foster a more personal connection with our consumers - through immersive storytelling and experiences centered around the footbed, all set in an environment that blends our brand values with the vibrant spirit of Brera." PERFECTLY LOCATED IN MILAN'S MOST VIBRANT DISTRICT Brera, widely regarded as Milan's most dynamic neighborhood, is a hub of artistic expression and creative heritage. Its organically evolved urban texture and rich cultural history continue to draw an international audience of designers, fashion lovers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Home to institutions such as the renowned Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and the celebrated Pinacoteca di Brera, the district's cultural depth and historic resonance are unmistakable. With this new location, BIRKENSTOCK reinforces its ambition to initiate a personal dialogue with like-minded customers, existing and future fans. Housed in a highly visible, stand-alone Tuscan-style building-with a flat roof, pastel facade, and wooden shutters-at the intersection of Corso Garibaldi, Via Mercato, Via Pontaccio, and Via Tivoli - one of the city's most energetic hot spots. The site used to be the home of prestigious restaurants for over two centuries. FOCUS ON EXCELLENCE, EXPERIENCE, AND INTERACTION Spread across 120 square meters and two floors, the store presents a thoughtfully curated selection that highlights key growth categories, including shoes, Professionals, the premium 1774 collection and the Care Essentials line of foot care products-all displayed to be seen, touched, and experienced. These are anchored by the brand's core collection, featuring timeless sandal and clog icons such as the BOSTON, ARIZONA, and MADRID, complemented by seasonal highlights. At the heart of the store concept lies a multifaceted, immersive 360 perspective on the brand-centered around the footbed, the very soul of BIRKENSTOCK. Designed to support natural movement and based on fundamental orthopedic principles, the footbed can be explored through multiple interactive elements. A dedicated wall display showcases all footbed sizes and widths, encouraging customers to discover their personal perfect fit and engage more deeply with the brand's orthopedic DNA. Next to the original cork-latex footbed, the display also invites guests to discover other footbed formats-from the DEEP BLUE FOOTBED in closed shoes, to the flexible footbed for sneakers and other insoles. A digital installation illustrates the footbed's distinct anatomical zones, highlighting their benefits through touch-based interaction. Other design elements across the space also draw inspiration from the footbed-the cork seating area subtly echoes the footbed's silhouette and handcrafted wooden door handles mimic its distinctive form. CELEBRATING HERITAGE - CREATING THE FUTURE Reflecting important BIRKENSTOCK values like craftsmanship and timelessness, the interior design evokes a calming, almost zen-like atmosphere. Warm lighting, a soft and elegant color palette, and the use of pure materials-such as cork, regionally sourced stone elements, sisal, birch wood, and brushed aluminum-create a harmonious environment. The product presentation is thoughtfully integrated into the overall concept, enhancing the store's eclectic aesthetic while subtly referencing a design language influenced by Brutalism-especially visible in the iconic shapes of the key models. The individual components of the most relevant BIRKENSTOCK classics such as the ARIZONA or BOSTON are highlighted in the form of decorative visuals to illustrate the expertise behind each model. Select archival pieces, showcasing over 250 years of shoemaking tradition, are presented along the staircase leading to the upper floor. There, under the banner "Walk with me", visitors encounter an interactive highlight: a "Footbed Experience Booth" paired with a screen that takes users on a virtual stroll through the streets of Milan, with the floor simulating the terrain shown-a captivating, tactile experience best enjoyed in one's favorite BIRKENSTOCKS. In keeping with the brand's commitment to community and creative exchange, the local artist Gianluca Brando is invited to design a sculptural foot-inspired installation for the store. These pieces pay tribute to BIRKENSTOCK's founding purpose: to empower everybody to walk as nature intended-like barefoot on sand, grass, or clay-contributing to maintaining healthy feet. A MILANESE SOFT OPENING BIRKENSTOCK will host a soft opening on July 31, inviting first guests and valued community members. A "welcome gelato", created in collaboration with Gelateria Umberto 1934, and an exclusive apron bag -designed to honor the site's former life as the iconic Rivello restaurant-are just two of the highlights BIRKENSTOCK lovers can look forward to. Bringing the global footwear brand and the local scene closer together, BIRKENSTOCK involves Milanese artisans, each deeply dedicated to their craft. A city-wide out-of-home campaign will feature these artists in their everyday environments. This homage to local craftsmanship will continue throughout summer and will be accompanied by a series of activations co-hosted by the artists themselves in September-celebrating the shared heritage of Milan and BIRKENSTOCK. INFORMATION FOR EDITORIAL TEAMS Store Address: Corso Garibaldi Angolo, Via Tivoli 2, 20121 Milan, Italy Opening Times: Mondays-Saturdays: 11:00AM - 19:30PM, Sundays: 12:00PM - 18:00PM Store Imagery: DOWNLOAD ABOUT BIRKENSTOCK BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income and which is committed to a clear purpose - maintaining foot health. Deeply rooted in studies of the biomechanics of the human foot and footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774, BIRKENSTOCK is a timeless super brand with a brand universe that transcends product categories and ranges from entry-level to luxury price points while addressing the growing need for a conscious and active lifestyle. Function, quality and tradition are the core values of the lifestyle brand which features products in the footwear, sleep systems and natural cosmetics segments. BIRKENSTOCK is the inventor of the footbed and has shaped the principle of walking as intended by nature ("Naturgewolltes Gehen"). With around 6,200 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is convinced that how things are made matters as much as the product itself. To ensure these quality standards, the Group operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base and produces all footbeds in Germany. In addition, BIRKENSTOCK assembles over 95% of all products in Germany and sources over 90% of materials and components from Europe. Raw materials are processed to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry. For materials testing BIRKENSTOCK operates state-of-the-art scientific laboratories. Headquartered in Linz am Rhein, the BIRKENSTOCK Group also operates its own sales offices in the United States and Canada as well as in Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Dubai, Singapore and India. Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG Burg Ockenfels, Linz am Rhein, Germany For further information, please visit www.birkenstock-group.com You can find our online shop at www.birkenstock.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2537200/5443512/Birkenstock_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/birkenstock-steps-into-brera--milans-creative-melting-pot-of-artists-intellectuals-and-innovators-302520828.html First drill holes of 2025 completed at Rhosgobel return up to 152.1 m of 1.00 g/t Au from surface , including 9.0 m of 4.23 g/t Au and 10.0 m of 2.75 g/t Au in DDRCRG-25-003 DDRCRG-25-005 intersected 114.8 m of 1.11 g/t Au from surface, including 8.6 m of 3.50 g/t Au from 41.0 m Drilling at Rhosgobel confirms discovery of a 3rd reduced intrusion-related gold deposit at the RC Gold project First four diamond drill holes, including the two discovery holes drilled in 2024, have all intersected >100 gram-metres (g/t*m) of gold The drilling target at Rhosgobel is a large near-surface gold deposit that is broadly defined by a 1.5 km x 2 km gold-in-soil soil anomaly with values up to >500 ppb gold Two drills currently turning at Rhosgobel with 18 drill holes completed to date and visible gold identified in 14 of the 18 completed holes ; results are currently pending for 14 holes 21,347 metres in 58 holes completed so far this year , four drill rigs are currently turning across the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex Assays are currently pending for 43 holes completed at the Blackjack-Saddle-Eiger zone and the Rhosgobel and Pukelman targets Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce positive assay results from its fully funded 30,000 metre diamond drill program currently underway at its 100% owned, road accessible RC Gold Project located in the Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt. Results received and compiled for holes DDRCRG-25-003 (hole 003) and DDRCRG-25-005 (hole 005), which were prioritized at the lab and drilled at the Rhosgobel intrusion target, located approximately 5 kilometres south of the Blackjack gold deposit (see Figure 7), have returned strong gold values from surface and confirm the presence of a newly discovered intrusion-related gold deposit at Rhosgobel, the 3rd gold deposit discovered to date at RC Gold. Results from initial 2025 drilling have intersected up to 152.1 metres of 1.00 g/t gold from surface, including 9.0 metres of 4.23 g/t gold and 10.0 metres of 2.75 g/t gold, in DDRCRG-25-003 and 114.8 m of 1.11 g/t Au from surface, including 8.6 m of 3.50 g/t Au, in DDRCRG-25-005 (see Tables 1 and 2). Holes 003 and 005 were collared approximately 50 and 100 metres along strike respectively from discovery holes 001 and 002 which were completed last year (see Figure 3). These are the first results to be received this year for drilling that is currently underway at Rhosgobel, where two drill rigs are operating and up to 10,000 metres of drilling is planned to be completed this year. To date, 18 holes have been completed at Rhosgobel this year with assays currently pending for 14 holes. Over 21,000 metres of the 30,000 metre drill program planned at the RC Gold project have been completed so far this year with assays currently pending for 43 holes drilled at the Blackjack-Saddle-Eiger zone and the Rhosgobel and Pukelman targets. Drilling has also recently commenced at the Pukelman intrusion, located approximately 2.5 km southeast of the Blackjack deposit. Two drills are currently turning at Pukelman where historical data, including 10.7 metres of 20.46 g/t gold intersected in previous drilling (see news release dated June 24, 2024), suggests the potential of another reduced intrusion-related gold deposit. Up to 5,000 metres of diamond drilling is planned to be completed at Pukelman this year. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/261253_cb721641f461eb9f_002full.jpg "The strong gold results from initial drilling at Rhosgobel this summer are highly encouraging and further confirm both the scale and strength of gold mineralization that is present across what appears to be a very well-endowed gold system within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex," said Cor Coe, CEO and Director of Sitka Gold. "Results such as those seen in DDRCRG-25-003 suggest that the Rhosgobel intrusion target hosts gold grades comparable to those seen at the Blackjack gold deposit located 5 kilometres to the north. In addition, every hole that has been reported to date from Rhosgobel, which includes the discovery holes 001 and 002 from last year and the holes in this release, has returned intervals that exceed 100 gram-metres (grams per tonne*meters) of gold, confirming that another intrusion-related gold deposit has been discovered. With visible gold observed in the majority of the drill holes completed at Rhosgobel, gold mineralization starting at surface, and a broad gold-in-soil anomaly measuring approximately 2.0 km by 1.5 km, the potential scale of mineralization at this target is quite large." Figure 1: A cross section of holes DDRCRG-25-003 and 004. Analytical results show strong gold values intersected in hole 003 with an average of 1.00 g/t gold over 152.1 m starting from surface while numerous instances of visible gold observed in hole 004 suggests that gold mineralization, which remains open in all directions, is persistent within this intrusion target. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/261253_cb721641f461eb9f_003full.jpg Figure 2: A cross section of holes DDRCRG-25-005, 006 and 011. All holes intersected similar mineralization with highlight assays displayed for Hole 005 and multiple visible gold occurrences shown for Holes 006 and 011. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/261253_cb721641f461eb9f_004full.jpg Figure 3: A plan map of the Rhosgobel Intrusion showing the 2025 drilling. The drilling is targeted based on previous shallow reverse-circulation drilling conducted in 1995 which had not been followed up on until Sitka's initial diamond drill discovery holes completed in 2024. The target is supported by a large 2.0 km x 1.5 km gold-in-soil anomaly which covers the central part of the intrusion. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/261253_cb721641f461eb9f_005full.jpg Figure 4: Examples of visible gold (VG) observed in DDRCRG-25-003 to 006 at the Rhosgobel target. Visible gold has been observed in the drill core at Rhosgobel, with VG encountered in 14 of the 18 holes completed to date. Bismuthinite, scheelite and molybdenite are also visible in the examples above and are associated with VG in many instances. Click HERE to view additional images of VG observed in Rhosgobel drill core. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/261253_cb721641f461eb9f_006full.jpg Figure 5: An example of drill core from DDRCRG-25-003 showing part of the interval of 152.1 m of 1.00 g/t Au from 3.0 m, including 17.0 m of 2.88 g/t Au from 81.0 m and 2.0 m of 9.19 g/t Au from 96.0 m within sheeted quartz veins and larger quartz-tourmaline veins cutting feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/261253_cb721641f461eb9f_007full.jpg RHOSGOBEL TARGET DRILLING To date, 18 holes totalling approximately 4,593 m have been completed at the Rhosgobel target. All holes drilled have intersected significant reduced intrusion-related gold (RIRGS) style mineralization including centimetre-scale, sheeted, quartz veins and larger, metre-scale quartz, and quartz-tourmaline veins (and breccias) cutting the feldspar megacrystic quartz monzonite intrusion. Visible gold has been observed within all styles of veins and is often associated with bismuthinite, scheelite, and molybdenite (see Figure 4). Drilling to date has traced mineralization over a strike length of 900 metres and from surface to a depth of 450 metres within a large 2.0 km x 1.5 km surface signature represented by a gold-in-soil anomaly with values up to >500ppb (Figure 3). The mineralization at Rhosgobel remains open in all directions. The first four diamond drill holes, including the two discovery holes drilled in 2024, have all intersected >100 gram-metres (g/t*m) of gold. Drill holes DDRCRG-25-003 and DDRCRG-25-004 (holes 003 and 004) were drilled from the same pad located approximately 100 m east-southeast of drill holes DDRCRG-24-001 (119.0 metres of 1.05 g/t gold from 30 m, see Company press release dated November 25, 2024, and 002 (28.4 m of 1.37 g/t Au from 105 m, same release). Both holes intersected megacrystic quartz monzonite (MCQM) similar to holes 001 and 002 and both intersected broad intervals of abundant 1-2 cm sheeted quartz veins, larger (10-40 cm) quartz tourmaline veins, and large zones of quartz tourmaline breccias and stockwork. Visible gold was observed in both holes within the quartz veins and breccias and was consistently associated with bismuthinite, coarse crystalline scheelite, and occasionally molybdenite. Hole DDRCRG-25-003 intersected significant gold mineralization from surface (see Tables 1 and 2) returning 152.1 m of 1.00 g/t Au from 3.1 m, including 9.0 m of 4.23 g/t Au from 89.0 m and 10.0 m of 2.75 g/t Au from 113.0 m. Assay results for hole DDRCRG-25-004 are pending. Drill holes DDRCRG-25-005 and DDRCRG-25-006, (holes 005 and 006) were drilled from the same pad approximately 80 m north-east of drill holes DDRCRG-24-001 (119.0 metres of 1.05 g/t gold from 30 m, see Company press release dated November 25, 2024, and 002 (28.4 m of 1.37 g/t Au from 105 m, same release). Both holes intersected megacrystic quartz monzonite (MCQM) similar to holes 001 and 002 and both intersected broad intervals of abundant 1-2 cm sheeted quartz veins, larger (10-40 cm) quartz tourmaline veins, and large zones of quartz tourmaline breccias and stockwork. Visible gold was observed in both holes within the quartz veins and breccias and was consistently associated with bismuthinite, coarse crystalline scheelite, and occasionally molybdenite. Hole DDRCRG-25-005 intersected significant gold mineralization from surface (see Tables 1 and 2) returning 114.8 m of 1.11 g/t Au from 4.18 m, including 14.9 m of 3.28 g/t Au from 4.18 and 8.6 m of 3.50 g/t Au from 41.0 m. Assay results from hole DDRCRG-25-006 are pending. Drill hole DDRCRG-25-011 (hole 011) was drilled on the same section as hole 005/006 approximately 100 southeast from the collar of 005/006. This hole intersected megacrystic quartz monzonite (MCQM) similar to holes 005 and 006 and also intersected broad intervals of abundant 1-2 cm sheeted quartz veins, larger (10-40 cm) quartz tourmaline veins, and large zones of quartz tourmaline breccias and stockwork similar to 005/006. Visible gold was observed within the quartz veins and breccias and was consistently associated with bismuthinite, coarse crystalline scheelite, and occasionally molybdenite. Assay results from hole DDRCRG-25-011 are pending. PUKELMAN TARGET DRILLING Drilling has recently commenced at the Contact-Pukelman target area where historical drilling intersection up to 10.7 metres of 20.46 g/t gold (CC10-22), 38.3 metres of 1.54 g/t gold (CC11-043) and 74.3 metres of 1.01 g/t gold (CC11-044; see Figure 7; see news release dated June 24, 2024). Structural features suggest strong reduced intrusion-related gold style mineralization is associated with a structural corridor and a quartz-feldspar porphyritic felsic dyke at the contact zone. Initial work completed by the Company in 2024 at the Pukelman target returned surface grab samples of up to 67.9 g/t gold and demonstrated that broad zones of reduced-intrusion related gold style mineralization exists within the intrusion (see news release dated October 31, 2024). * While visible gold observations are very encouraging and confirm the presence of gold mineralization, they are not intended to imply potential gold grades. Gold assays will be published after they are received from the lab for mineralized intervals in which visible gold particles were noted. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/261253_cb721641f461eb9f_008full.jpg Figure 6: Regional map of the RC Gold Project located in the western portion of Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/261253_cb721641f461eb9f_009full.jpg Figure 7*: A plan map of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC) showing the updated resource areas at Blackjack and Eiger, and the six additional areas that have drill targets indicated by the mauve hatched areas. The map highlights the numerous drill targets that Sitka has outlined within the CCIC which all are connected by the road network on the project and occur in an area measuring five (5) km north-south and twelve (12) km east-west. Additional areas highlighted by strong gold in soil anomalies are being advanced to the drill ready stage with additional geological work in 2025. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/261253_cb721641f461eb9f_010full.jpg *References for Figure 7 drilling intervals: Rhosgobel Intervals: Sitka Gold News Release dated November 25, 2024 Pukelman Intervals: Sitka Gold News Release dated January 7, 2025 Contact Intervals: O'Brien, 2010;Assessment Report, 2010 Diamond Drilling Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment report 095539) Shutty, 2011; Assessment Report, 2011 Exploration Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment Report 095984) Bear Paw Intervals: Shutty, 2011; Assessment Report, 2011 Exploration Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment Report 095984) Quality Assurance/Quality Control On receipt from the drill site, the HTW/NTW-sized drill core was systematically logged for geological attributes, photographed and sampled at Sitka's core logging facility. Sample lengths as small as 0.3 m were used to isolate features of interest, otherwise a default 2 m downhole sample length was used. Each sample is identified by a unique sample tag number which is placed in the bag containing the core to be assayed. Core was cut in half lengthwise along a predetermined line, with one-half (same half, consistently) collected for analysis and one-half stored as a record. Standard reference materials, blanks and duplicate samples were inserted by Sitka personnel at regular intervals into the sample stream. Bagged samples were placed in secure bins to ensure integrity during transport. They were delivered by Sitka personnel or a contract expeditor to ALS Laboratories' preparatory facility in Whitehorse, Yukon, with analyses completed in North Vancouver. ALS is accredited to ISO 17025:2005 UKAS ref. 4028 for its laboratory analysis. Samples were crushed by ALS to over 70 per cent passing below two millimetres and split using a riffle splitter. One-thousand-gram splits were pulverized to over 85 per cent passing below 75 microns. Gold determinations are by fire assay with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish on 50 g subsamples of the prepared pulp (ALS code: Au-ICP-22). Any sample returning over 10 g/t gold was re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50 g subsample (ALS code: Au-GRA21). In addition, a 51-element analysis was performed on a 0.5 g subsample of the prepared pulps by an aqua regia digestion followed by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) finish (ALS code: ME-MS41). About Sitka's Flagship RC Gold Project Sitka's 100% owned RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine. The RC Gold Project now has pit-constrained mineral resources that are contained in two zones: the Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits with 1,291,000 ounces of gold in 39,962,000 tonnes grading 1.01 g/t gold in an indicated category and 1,044,000 ounces of gold in 34,603,000 tonnes grading 0.94 g/t in an inferred category at Blackjack and 440,000 ounces of gold in 27,362,000 tonnes grading 0.50 g/t gold in an inferred category at Eiger. These resource estimate numbers are supported by the recently updated technical report for RC Gold, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards, entitled "Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory", prepared by Ronald G. Simpson, P. Geo., of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 21, 2025. This report is available on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.sitkagoldcorp.com). Both of these deposits begin at surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). As of the end of 2024, the Company has drilled 72 diamond drill holes into this system for a total of approximately 25,136 metres. Other targets drilled to date include the Saddle, Josephine, Rhosgobel and Pukelman zones. The resource expansion drilling in 2023 at Blackjack produced results of up to 219.0 metres of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 metres of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 metres of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 (see news release dated September 26, 2023) and in 2024 results of up to 678.1 metres of 1.04 g/t gold starting from surface in DDRCCC-24-068, including 409.5 metres of 1.36 g/t gold, 93.0 metres of 2.57 g/t gold and 5.5 metres of 17.59 g/t gold (see news release dated October 21, 2024). Results from DDRCCC-25-075, completed during winter drilling in 2025, produced the best high-grade intercepts drilled to date at Blackjack, returning 352.8 metres of 1.55 g/t gold including 108.9 metres of 3.27 g/t gold and 45.0 metres of 4.52 g/t gold (see news release dated April 22, 2025). A planned 30,000 metre diamond drilling program for 2025 is currently underway at RC Gold. RC Gold Deposit Model Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the AurMac Project with an Indicated Mineral Resource of 112.5 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (2.274 million ounces)(4) plus an Inferred resource of 280.6 million tonnes grading 0.60 g/t gold (5.454 million ounces)(4), the Valley Deposit, with a current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 7.94 million oz gold at 1.21 g/t and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 0.89 million oz at 0.62 g/t gold(5), and the Raven deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 1.1 million oz (19.96 million tonnes at 1.67 g/t gold)(6). The QP has been unable to verify the information regarding the above resource estimations and the information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property that is the subject of the disclosure. (1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf (2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf (3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf (4) July 8, 2025,Banyan Gold Corp., News Release. https://banyangold.com/news-releases/2025/banyan-announces-first-indicated-mineral-resources-and-identifies-high-grade-continuous-zones-at-its-aurmac-project-yukon-canada/ (5 )https://snowlinegold.com/2025/05/15/snowline-gold-expands-measured-and-indicated-gold-ounces-by-96-in-updated-mineral-resource-estimate-at-its-valley-gold-deposit-yukon/ (6) Jutras, M. 2022. Technical Report on the Raven Mineral Deposit, Mayo Mining District Yukon Territory, Canada, prepared for Victoria Gold Corp and filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) with an effective date of September 15, 2022 About Sitka Gold Corp. Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently advancing its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project located within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut, all of which are 100% owned by the Company. *For more detailed information on the Company's properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com. Upcoming Events Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*: Precious Metals Summit, Beaver Creek, Colorado: September 9 - 12, 2025 Yukon Geoscience Forum, Whitehorse, YT: November 16 - 19, 2025 Swiss Mining Institute, Zurich, Switzerland: November 19 - 22, 2025 *All events are subject to change. The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Dessureau, P.Geo., V.P. Exploration of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SITKA GOLD CORP. "Donald Penner" President and Director Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary and 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 "forward-looking 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 and the Company's anticipated work programs. These forward-looking 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, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs. 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, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261253 SOURCE: Sitka Gold Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - CARLYLE COMMODITIES CORP. (CSE: CCC) (FSE: BJ4) ("Carlyle" or the "Company") would like to announce and welcome Mr. Bennett Liu as its new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Liu has considerable experience in the areas of financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and treasury for Canadian public companies. Mr. Liu has held diverse leadership roles within the mining and technology sectors, contributing his expertise to companies such as Inverite Insights, K92 Mining, South Star Battery, and Aton Resources. Mr. Liu has earned his Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Professional Accountant designations. Furthermore, Carlyle would like to announce the resignation of its current Chief Financial Officer, Alastair Brownlow. The Company thanks Mr. Brownlow for his many efforts and support and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors. About Carlyle Carlyle is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. Carlyle owns 100% of the Quesnel Gold Project located in the Cariboo Mining Division, 30 kilometers northeast of Quesnel in central B.C., holds the option to acquire 100% undivided interest in the Nicola East Mining Project, located approximately 25 kilometers east of the mining town of Merritt, B.C., is listed on the CSE under the symbol "CCC", and the Frankfurt Exchange under the ticker "BJ4". ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CARLYLE COMMODITIES CORP. "Morgan Good" Morgan Good Chief Executive Officer Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release). To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261207 SOURCE: Carlyle Commodities Corp. Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - F3 Uranium Corp (TSXV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or "the Company") is pleased to announce hand-held scintillometer results at Tetra Zone, where the widest intervals of radioactivity to date on the Patterson Lake North Project have been intersected with PLN25-217, which intersected a total of 67.0m composite radioactivity between 299.5m and 414.5m, including 49.0m of continuous radioactivity between 347.5m and 396.5m. Additionally, PLN25-212, approximately 23m up-dip of PLN25-217 and 31m along strike from the discovery hole PLN25-205, intersected the second widest interval to date with 39.5m composite radioactivity between 330.0m and 409.5m, including 27.5m of continuous radioactivity between 360.5m and 396.5m. 2025 Handheld Spectrometer Highlights: Tetra Zone PLN25-217 (line 11280S): 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 299.5m and 300.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 315.5m and 316.0m, and 7.5m interval with radioactivity between 336.5m and 344.0m, and with radioactivity between 336.5m and 344.0m, and 49.0m interval with radioactivity between 347.5m and 396.5m, and with radioactivity between 347.5m and 396.5m, and 9.0m interval with radioactivity between 399.5m and 408.5m, and with radioactivity between 399.5m and 408.5m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 414.0m and 414.5m. PLN25-212 (line 11310S): 2.5m interval with radioactivity between 330.0m and 332.5m, and with radioactivity between 330.0m and 332.5m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 346.5m and 347.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 354.0m and 354.5m, and 27.5m interval with radioactivity between 360.5m and 388.0m, and with radioactivity between 360.5m and 388.0m, and 6.0m interval with radioactivity between 394.0m and 400.0m, and with radioactivity between 394.0m and 400.0m, and 2.5m interval with radioactivity between 407.0m and 409.5m. Sam Hartmann, Vice President Exploration, commented: "The substantial radioactive widths intersected in these drill holes were truly unexpected and highlight the significant potential we see at the Tetra Zone. Despite challenging drilling conditions and the non-traditional style of mineralization, each hole provides valuable insights into deposit model generation and drill plan adaptations. Notably, PLN25-217 confirms a theorized strike direction deviating from the current conductor model, and we will continue to explore this trend. To improve our conductor modeling around the Tetra Zone area, we are planning a ground geophysical program based on a tighter grid to support larger step-outs along the Tetra Zone, which stands to reduce the number of drill holes required for targeting. Additionally, we cored two drill holes at the JR Zone using casings set last winter with PLN25-215 and -216, which tested for crosscutting structures; those assays will be included in our maiden resource estimate, expected in Q4. We are very excited and look forward to further uncovering this unique system hosting the Tetra Zone." Map 1. Broach Lake - Tetra Zone Scintillometer Results To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/261242_985f0bcef4782a44_002full.jpg Map 2. Patterson Lake North - JR Zone Scintillometer Results To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/261242_985f0bcef4782a44_003full.jpg Table 1: Drill Hole Summary and Handheld Spectrometer Results Collar Information * Hand-held Spectrometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (>300 cps / >0.5m minimum) Athabasca Unconformity Depth (m) Total Drillhole Depth (m) Hole ID Section Line Easting Northing Elevation Az Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Max CPS PLN25-211 11340S 589409 6397962 584 46 -75 160.50 161.00 0.50 320 160.9 548 PLN25-212 11310S 589368 6397970 584 40 -72 330.00 330.50 0.50 360 164.2 458 330.50 331.00 0.50 440 331.00 332.00 1.00 <300 332.00 332.50 0.50 310 346.50 347.00 0.50 330 354.00 354.50 0.50 380 360.50 361.00 0.50 410 361.00 362.00 1.00 <300 362.00 362.50 0.50 310 362.50 363.00 0.50 510 363.00 363.50 0.50 470 363.50 364.00 0.50 510 364.00 364.50 0.50 820 364.50 365.00 0.50 420 365.00 365.50 0.50 310 365.50 366.00 0.50 410 366.00 366.50 0.50 510 366.50 367.00 0.50 910 367.00 367.50 0.50 1100 367.50 368.00 0.50 1500 368.00 368.50 0.50 900 368.50 369.00 0.50 990 369.00 369.50 0.50 2500 369.50 370.00 0.50 3100 370.00 370.50 0.50 1400 370.50 371.00 0.50 560 371.00 371.50 0.50 1000 371.50 372.00 0.50 480 372.00 372.50 0.50 470 372.50 373.00 0.50 420 373.00 373.50 0.50 1100 373.50 374.00 0.50 680 374.00 374.50 0.50 3100 374.50 375.00 0.50 1700 375.00 375.50 0.50 930 375.50 376.00 0.50 370 376.00 376.50 0.50 330 376.50 377.00 0.50 320 377.00 377.50 0.50 390 377.50 378.00 0.50 460 378.00 378.50 0.50 2000 378.50 379.00 0.50 3000 379.00 379.50 0.50 3300 379.50 380.00 0.50 2500 380.00 380.50 0.50 700 380.50 381.00 0.50 960 381.00 381.50 0.50 3100 381.50 382.00 0.50 390 382.00 382.50 0.50 700 382.50 384.00 1.50 <300 384.00 384.50 0.50 310 384.50 385.00 0.50 670 385.00 385.50 0.50 320 385.50 386.00 0.50 670 386.00 387.50 1.50 <300 387.50 388.00 0.50 560 394.00 394.50 0.50 400 394.50 395.00 0.50 430 395.00 395.50 0.50 660 395.50 396.00 0.50 680 396.00 396.50 0.50 340 396.50 397.00 0.50 <300 397.00 397.50 0.50 380 397.50 398.00 0.50 340 398.00 398.50 0.50 2000 398.50 399.00 0.50 3000 399.00 399.50 0.50 1000 399.50 400.00 0.50 520 407.00 407.50 0.50 360 407.50 408.00 0.50 320 408.00 408.50 0.50 <300 408.50 409.00 0.50 360 409.00 409.50 0.50 350 PLN25-213 11325S 589359 6397959 584 45 -73 Pilot hole for wedged hole below 154.3 224 PLN25-213W1 11325S 589359 6397959 584 45 -73 278.00 278.50 0.50 750 154.3 434 278.50 279.00 0.50 430 279.00 279.50 0.50 550 326.00 326.50 0.50 530 326.50 328.50 2.00 <300 328.50 329.00 0.50 300 346.00 346.50 0.50 380 389.50 390.00 0.50 530 392.50 393.00 0.50 300 PLN25-214 11340S 589404 6397978 584 46 -75 342.00 342.50 0.50 860 155.7 507 342.50 343.00 0.50 430 382.50 383.00 0.50 360 PLN25-215 090S 587849 6410603 546 348 -59 249.00 249.50 0.50 370 194.4 281 249.50 250.00 0.50 710 250.00 250.50 0.50 330 252.50 253.00 0.50 350 257.50 258.00 0.50 320 PLN25-216 075S 587778 6410712 546 55 -64 169.50 170.00 0.50 310 194.3 239 211.50 212.00 0.50 2900 213.00 213.50 0.50 370 PLN25-217 11280S 589393 6398026 585 34 -85 299.50 300.00 0.50 300 160.1 575 315.50 316.00 0.50 460 336.50 337.00 0.50 310 337.00 338.00 1.00 <300 338.00 338.50 0.50 480 338.50 340.00 1.50 <300 340.00 340.50 0.50 450 340.50 341.00 0.50 650 341.00 341.50 0.50 320 341.50 343.00 1.50 <300 343.00 343.50 0.50 330 343.50 344.00 0.50 330 347.50 348.00 0.50 570 348.00 348.50 0.50 580 348.50 349.00 0.50 <300 349.00 349.50 0.50 340 349.50 350.00 0.50 <300 350.00 350.50 0.50 340 350.50 351.00 0.50 470 351.00 351.50 0.50 320 351.50 352.00 0.50 <300 352.00 352.50 0.50 700 352.50 354.50 2.00 <300 354.50 355.00 0.50 400 355.00 355.50 0.50 5100 355.50 356.00 0.50 730 356.00 356.50 0.50 910 356.50 357.00 0.50 <300 357.00 357.50 0.50 1000 357.50 358.00 0.50 910 358.00 358.50 0.50 1100 358.50 359.00 0.50 490 359.00 359.50 0.50 360 359.50 360.00 0.50 630 360.00 360.50 0.50 680 360.50 361.00 0.50 350 361.00 361.50 0.50 540 361.50 362.00 0.50 1200 362.00 362.50 0.50 430 362.50 363.00 0.50 680 363.00 363.50 0.50 540 363.50 364.00 0.50 330 364.00 364.50 0.50 810 364.50 365.00 0.50 610 365.00 365.50 0.50 1000 365.50 366.00 0.50 1100 366.00 367.00 1.00 <300 367.00 367.50 0.50 510 367.50 368.00 0.50 420 368.00 368.50 0.50 <300 368.50 369.00 0.50 340 369.00 369.50 0.50 820 369.50 370.00 0.50 1900 370.00 370.50 0.50 3300 370.50 371.00 0.50 2200 371.00 371.50 0.50 3500 371.50 372.00 0.50 8500 372.00 372.50 0.50 4500 372.50 373.00 0.50 1100 373.00 373.50 0.50 630 373.50 374.00 0.50 1200 374.00 374.50 0.50 1300 374.50 375.00 0.50 1300 375.00 375.50 0.50 800 375.50 376.00 0.50 310 376.00 376.50 0.50 300 376.50 377.00 0.50 620 377.00 377.50 0.50 760 377.50 378.00 0.50 1700 378.00 378.50 0.50 2100 378.50 379.00 0.50 2600 379.00 379.50 0.50 2700 379.50 380.00 0.50 1400 380.00 380.50 0.50 720 380.50 381.50 1.00 <300 381.50 382.00 0.50 2600 382.00 382.50 0.50 520 382.50 383.00 0.50 1500 383.00 383.50 0.50 360 383.50 384.00 0.50 680 384.00 384.50 0.50 450 384.50 385.00 0.50 <300 385.00 385.50 0.50 300 385.50 386.00 0.50 520 386.00 387.00 1.00 <300 387.00 387.50 0.50 350 387.50 388.00 0.50 370 388.00 388.50 0.50 440 388.50 389.00 0.50 480 389.00 389.50 0.50 2100 389.50 390.00 0.50 6400 390.00 390.50 0.50 4400 390.50 391.00 0.50 4500 391.00 391.50 0.50 2400 391.50 392.00 0.50 3200 392.00 392.50 0.50 750 392.50 393.00 0.50 <300 393.00 393.50 0.50 420 393.50 394.00 0.50 400 394.00 394.50 0.50 550 394.50 395.00 0.50 350 395.00 395.50 0.50 680 395.50 396.00 0.50 700 396.00 396.50 0.50 360 399.50 400.00 0.50 360 400.00 400.50 0.50 3600 400.50 401.00 0.50 5800 401.00 401.50 0.50 2000 401.50 402.00 0.50 500 402.00 402.50 0.50 <300 402.50 403.00 0.50 420 403.00 403.50 0.50 530 403.50 404.00 0.50 320 404.00 405.00 1.00 <300 405.00 405.50 0.50 300 405.50 406.00 0.50 <300 406.00 406.50 0.50 370 406.50 407.00 0.50 400 407.00 407.50 0.50 310 407.50 408.00 0.50 <300 408.00 408.50 0.50 300 414.00 414.50 0.50 420 Handheld spectrometer composite parameters: 1: Minimum Thickness of 0.5m 2: CPS Cut-Off of 300 counts per second 3: Maximum Internal Dilution of 2.0m The natural gamma radiation detected in the drill core, as detailed in this news release, was measured in counts per second (cps) using a handheld Radiation Solutions RS-125 spectrometer which has been calibrated by Radiation Solutions Inc. The Company designates readings exceeding 300 cps on the handheld spectrometer (occasionally referred to as a scintillometer in industry parlance; this colloquial usage stems from historical naming conventions and the shared functionality of detecting gamma radiation between a spectrometer and a scintillometer)-as "anomalous", readings above 10,000 cps as "highly radioactive", and readings surpassing 65,535 cps as "off-scale". However, readers are cautioned that spectrometer or scintillometer measurements often do not directly or consistently correlate with the uranium grades of the rock samples and should be regarded solely as a preliminary indicator of the presence of radioactive materials. Samples from the drill core are split into half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK while the other half remains on site for reference. Analysis includes a 63 element suite including boron by ICP-OES, uranium by ICP-MS and gold analysis by ICP-OES and/or AAS. All depth measurements reported are down-hole and true thicknesses are yet to be determined. About the Patterson Lake North Project: The Company's 42,961-hectare 100% owned Patterson Lake North Project (PLN) is located just within the south-western edge of the Athabasca Basin in proximity to Paladin's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade uranium deposits, an area poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. The PLN Project consists of the 4,074-hectare Patterson Lake North Property hosting the JR Zone Uranium discovery approximately 23km northwest of Paladin's Triple R deposit, the 19,864-hectare Minto Property, and the 19,022-hectare Broach Property hosting the Tetra Zone, F3's newest discovery 13km south of the JR Zone. All three properties comprising the PLN Project are accessed by Provincial Highway 955. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and approved on behalf of the company by Raymond Ashley, P.Geo., President & COO of F3 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Ashley has reviewed and approved the data disclosed. About F3 Uranium Corp.: F3 is a uranium exploration company, focusing on the high-grade JR Zone and new Tetra Zone discovery 13km to the south in the PW area on its Patterson Lake North (PLN) Project in the Western Athabasca Basin. F3 currently has 3 properties in the Athabasca Basin: Patterson Lake North, Minto, and Broach. The western side of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is home to some of the world's largest high grade uranium deposits including Paladin's Triple R project and NexGen's Arrow project. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Dev Randhawa" Dev Randhawa, CEO To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261242 SOURCE: F3 Uranium Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands is pleased to announce that their existing Rosie's Burgers ("Rosie's") franchisee in Nova Scotia has signed a second franchise agreement. The newly secured real estate location is in the downtown Halifax area known as Pizza Corner. Rosie's Burgers is a boutique QSR restaurant brand serving original recipe smash burgers, poutine, onion rings, milkshakes and more. Happy Belly 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/261251_a2691959e474ab6a_001full.jpg "As we deepen our presence across Atlantic Canada-a strategically important region in our coast-to-coast expansion model-we continue to build momentum across our portfolio of emerging brands. The pace of growth we're experiencing highlights the strength, relevance, and scalability of our concepts in diverse markets. With more agreements in the pipeline and real estate opportunities actively being secured, we have no intention of slowing down as we execute on our national growth strategy. Halifax is home to Dalhousie University, St. Mary's University and Mount Saint Vincent University so we look forward to opening this location shortly." "Welcoming another multi-unit franchisee-especially one with prior multi-unit experience-underscores both the strength of our brand and the confidence entrepreneurs have in our long-term vision," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "Rosie's Burgers has rapidly emerged as a category leader in Canada, recognized for its quality, consistency, and exceptional guest experience. The continued signing of franchise agreements across the country reflects the strong market demand for the brand and the scalability of the franchise model we've purposefully designed. With additional site selections already in progress, the growth runway ahead is substantial-and I couldn't be more excited about what's next." Happy Belly 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/261251_a2691959e474ab6a_003full.jpg "Our comprehensive franchise support system-from real estate and operational training to marketing and ongoing business development-is something we take great pride in. We ensure every franchisee is equipped with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to thrive. The growing number of multi-unit operators across our portfolio is a clear validation of the trust placed in our people, processes, and the accelerating momentum behind our brands." "With 115 Rosie's locations already secured under Multi-Unit and Area Development agreements across key provinces-including Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan-the brand is set to scale rapidly in the years ahead. Our dual expansion strategy, combining franchised growth with targeted corporate store openings, reinforces our commitment to accelerating Rosie's development. With a proven track record in the burger space, a solid foundation in organic growth, and a high-performing franchise model, Rosie's Burgers is on track to become Canada's leading smash burger brand. Happy Belly 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/261251_a2691959e474ab6a_004full.jpg "With 616 retail locations across our Happy Belly portfolio secured under Multi-Unit and Area Development Agreements-including projects in development, under construction, or already open-our franchise pipeline continues to expand at a strong pace. By strategically selecting the right partners and securing premium real estate, we remain focused on executing a scalable and disciplined growth strategy through 2025-2026. Each new location represents a step forward in our mission to become Canada's leading restaurant consolidator and a predictable growth company. As we strengthen our presence in key markets nationwide, our commitment remains centered on driving long-term shareholder value and building a high-performance platform of emerging restaurant brands." "We are just getting started," said Sean Black. The City of Halifax Halifax, Nova Scotia is an ideal city for Rosie's due to its strong mix of demographics, economic stability, and vibrant culinary culture. As a growing urban center with over 600,000 residents, Halifax boasts a youthful population driven by several major universities and a thriving student scene-prime consumers of fast-casual and comfort food. The city also benefits from high year-round foot traffic due to tourism, a busy port, and a growing tech and service economy. Additionally, the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of professionals, students, and families, all seeking quick, high-quality food options. With limited saturation in the premium burger segment and a community known for embracing new food trends, Halifax presents a strong market entry point for our smash burger concept poised to stand out and scale. About Rosie's Burgers Deliciously handcrafted smashed burgers, golden fries, and classic milkshakes. Rosie's is your neighbourhood burger shop serving up nostalgic flavours you know, love, and crave. From our Smashburger's and French fries to strawberry shakes and onion rings-we're all about keeping things simple and perfecting tradition. Because the classics were made classic for a reason, right? Franchising For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com. About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands. Happy Belly 4 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/261251_a2691959e474ab6a_005full.jpg Sean Black Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer Shawn Moniz Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261251 SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. Signs new long-term partnership with Aciturri Aerostructures to produce the entire airframe, including the wing, empennage, pylons and fuselage for the VX4 Piloted wingborne flight tests accelerated with multiple flight tests and pilots, including first airport to airport flights Partnership with Bristow to deliver full service 'Ready-to-Fly' eVTOL operations for VX4 customers Leadership team strengthened with deep aerospace and certification experience Maintains industry-leading capital efficiency 1 H1 2025 results call today at 08:30 am ET (13:30 BST) Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) (NYSE: EVTL), a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today provided an operating update and released its financial results for the first half of the year ended June 30, 2025. The filing of its first half-year results is accessible on the Company's investor relations website. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805552231/en/ H1 2025 saw Vertical Aerospace demonstrate piloted flight test progress and supply chain maturity Stuart Simpson, CEO at Vertical, said: "We've entered the second half of the year with strong operational and commercial momentum. Our first airport-to-airport flights, a new agreement with Aciturri to build the full VX4 airframe, and our expanded partnership with Honeywell to certify critical flight systems all demonstrate a programme moving with pace and precision. We've also deepened our commercial readiness with Bristow, who will operate the VX4 through a full-service, ready-to-fly model for customers. With every step, we're building confidence in our aircraft, our team, and our ability to deliver a scalable, certifiable product to the global market." Recent Highlights Advancing Our Best-in-Class Aircraft Entered into new long-term strategic partnership with Aciturri Aerostructures to produce the entire airframe, including the wing, empennage, pylons and fuselage, of both the pre-production and, subject to certification, certified VX4 that will enter into service. This follows the expanded partnership with Honeywell earlier in the year to provide the flight control and aircraft management systems for the VX4. Moving at Pace Towards Certification and Industrialisation In Q2, we received our Permit to Fly for both piloted wingborne flight tests and the airport-to-airport flights in and out of the Royal International Air Tattoo, the world's largest military air show, another significant step in the expansion of our flight test programme. First-ever piloted wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL in European open airspace; multiple wingborne flight tests undertaken by two of Vertical's test pilots since as Phase 3 of the piloted test flight programme progresses at pace. Scheduled to complete piloted transition flight, the final stage of Vertical's flight test programme, in the second half of 2025. Strengthened leadership team Lord Andrew Parker, formerly Director General of MI5 and Lord Chamberlain, Head of Royal Household, appointed to the Board, strengthening the company's leadership in defence, national security, and government affairs. Mark Higson appointed Chief Operating Officer and Steve Vellacott joined as VP of Airworthiness Head of Design Organisation. Together they bring decades of operational, engineering, and certification expertise from across global aerospace, infrastructure, and eVTOL sectors. Eric Samson was named as VP Programme-Hybrid, building on the company's recently announced hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft strategy. Financial Outlook: Maintained industry-leading capital efficiency 1 and after July's successful fundraise of gross proceeds of $69 million (50.9 million), as of the date of this report, Vertical has approximately 104 million ($137 million) of cash and cash equivalents on hand, taking the Company's cash runway towards the middle of 2026. and after July's successful fundraise of gross proceeds of $69 million (50.9 million), as of the date of this report, Vertical has approximately 104 million ($137 million) of cash and cash equivalents on hand, taking the Company's cash runway towards the middle of 2026. No change to expectations for FY 2025 net operating cash outflows of approximately 90 million to 100 million ($110 million to $125 million). Expected net cash outflows from operating activities for the next 12 months of approximately 106 million ($142 million), which will be used primarily to continue funding the assembly and testing of the VX4 prototypes. Joining the H1 Webcast Vertical will host a webcast at 08:30 am ET (13:30 BST) today to discuss the first quarter's results. The call will be hosted by Stuart Simpson, Vertical's CEO alongside Michael Cervenka, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer, who will talk through progress in H1, supply chain maturity and capital efficiency. To access the webcast, visit Vertical's Investor Relations website: [LINK] A replay of the webcast will be available on the company website following the event. About Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel. Vertical's VX4 is a piloted, four passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical will also be launching a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market. Vertical combines partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo, with developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL. Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UK's aerospace industry, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position as well as our financial outlook, the design and manufacture of the VX4, the features and capabilities of the VX4 and the hybrid-electric VX4 variant, certification and the commercialization of the both the VX4 and the hybrid-electric VX4 variant and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, expected value of the Company's partnership with Aciturri together with the assumptions underlying the Company's Flightpath 2030 goals, the efficiencies, reliability and expertise expected, the design and manufacture of the VX4, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers, our ability to integrate hybrid technology into the VX4 on any particular timelines or at all, the ability of the hybrid-electric VX4 variant VX4 to be applied in defense, cargo, logistics and emergency services sectors, our ability to scale the hybrid-electric VX4 upon the VX4, our ability and plans to raise additional capital to fund our operations, the new board members' and leadership team members' impact on Vertical and its programme development and certification efforts, the differential strategy compared to our peer group, expectations surrounding pre-orders and commitments, our future results of operations and financial position and expected financial performance and operational performance, liquidity, growth and profitability strategies, the transition towards a net-zero emissions economy, as well as statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "forecast," "estimate," "may," "should," "anticipate," "will," "aim," "potential," "continue," "are likely to" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation: our limited operating history without manufactured non-prototype aircraft or completed eVTOL aircraft customer order; our potential inability to raise additional funds when we need or want them, or at all, to fund our operations; our limited cash and cash equivalents and recurring losses from our operations raise significant doubt (or raise substantial doubt as contemplated by PCAOB standards) regarding our ability to continue as a going concern; our potential inability to produce or launch aircraft in the volumes or timelines projected; the potential inability to obtain the necessary certifications for production and operation within any projected timeline, or at all; the inability for our aircraft to perform at the level we expect and may have potential defects; our dependence on partners and suppliers for the components in our aircraft and for operational needs; our history of losses and the expectation to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future; the market for eVTOL aircraft being in a relatively early stage; any accidents or incidents involving eVTOL aircraft could harm our business; all of the pre-orders received are conditional and may be terminated at any time and any predelivery payments may be fully refundable upon certain specified dates; any potential failure to effectively manage our growth; our inability to recruit and retain senior management and other highly skilled personnel; we have previously identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting which if we fail to properly remediate, could adversely affect our results of operations, investor confidence in us and the market price of our ordinary shares; and the other important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 11, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law. 1 Based on operating costs and investments in PPE, compared to publicly available information from competitors. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805552231/en/ Contacts: Media Justin Bates, Head of Communications +44 7878 357 463 justin.bates@vertical-aerospace.com Investor Relations Samuel Emden, Head of Investor Affairs samuel.emden@vertical-aerospace.com +44 7816 459 904 Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA, is No. 1 Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, and Wang Chuanfu of BYD are in the Top 5 19 of the 100 leaders on the MPP list are women The Fortune MPP 100 spans 62 companies in the U.S., 17 in Asia, 13 in Europe, and 1 in the Middle East NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Fortune is proud to announce the Fortune 100 Most Powerful People in Business, featuring agile disruptors, name-brand titans, Fortune 500 CEOs, and behind-the-scenes power players. The second-annual ranking of the most influential people in the world of business represents 28 industries globally, including finance, tech, retail, and automotive. Nineteen of the list's CEOs and leaders are female, including Julie Sweet of Accenture (No. 11), Jane Fraser of Citigroup (No. 12), Lisa Su of AMD (No. 14), and Ana Botin of Banco Santander (No. 20). The 2025 Fortune Most Powerful People Top 10: Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO, NVIDIA Satya Nadella, CEO and Chairman, Microsoft Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Chairman, and Founder, Meta Elon Musk, CEO and Cofounder, and other roles, Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, and others Wang Chuanfu, CEO, Chairman, and Founder, BYD Sundar Pichai, CEO, Alphabet (Google) Ren Zhengfei, CEO and Founder, Huawei Technologies Sam Altman, CEO and Cofounder, OpenAI Jamie Dimon, CEO and Chairman, JPMorgan Chase Mary Barra, CEO and Chair, General Motors Click here for the complete 2025 list. Under Jensen Huang's leadership, NVIDIA recently became the first company ever to surpass a $4 trillion market cap, driven by surging demand for its AI chips. This milestone underscores NVIDIA's pivotal role in the generative AI boom, transforming the global tech landscape and powering many of the other top tech companies whose CEOs appear on our list. Jensen's company does face competition from established companies and startups, but as Fortune notes, "none pose a serious threat to NVIDIA's dominance-yet." Fresh faces on this year's list include three of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business , Tan Su Shan of DBS Group (No. 28), Beth Ford of Land O'Lakes (No. 51) and Bonnie Chan of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (No. 53), as well as Liang Wenfeng of DeepSeek (No. 72) and Vlad Tenev of Robinhood Markets (No. 73). The list includes executives from 62 U.S.-based companies, 17 from the Asia region, 13 from Europe, and one from the Middle East. Seven companies have two executives on the list, including Alphabet, Palantir, Microsoft, Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, Blackstone, and Oracle. In her foreword to the August/September 2025 issue, Alyson Shontell, Fortune's Editor in Chief and Chief Content Officer, explained, "In this edition, our second, NVIDIA's Jensen Huang knocks fellow tech mogul Elon Musk off last year's perch as No. 1. Musk (now No. 4) is scrambling to rehab Tesla after a reputationally bruising experience running DOGE for President Trump. Musk is also coping with the rise of international electric-vehicle rivals that are eating Tesla's lunch." Fortune's Executive Editor, Lee Clifford, adds, "Gone are the days when a leader can remain on this list without constantly reinventing their company, their strategy, everything." Fortune used its proprietary methodology to identify individuals with significant power and influence. Key categories and criteria include the size and health of the leaders' business, as well as the innovation, influence, and impact of the leaders themselves. The full methodology is available here . About Fortune: Fortune is a global multi-platform media company built on a legacy of trusted, award-winning reporting and information for those who want to make business better. Independently owned, Fortune tells the stories of the world's biggest companies and their leaders as well as a new generation of innovators who are moving business forward. Digitally and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, and holds companies accountable, in regions around the world. Its iconic rankings include Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500 , Most Powerful Women , and World's Most Admired Companies . Fortune builds world-class communities by convening industry thought leaders for exclusive summits and conferences, including the Fortune Global Forum , Brainstorm Tech , and Fortune Most Powerful Women . For more information, visit fortune.com . Media Contacts: Patrick Reilly Fortune Patrick.Reilly@fortune.com Chelsea Hudson Fortune Chelsea.Hudson@fortune.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2167808/Fortune_Media_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fortune-announces-2025-fortune-100-most-powerful-people-in-business-list-302521171.html 12.80 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 25.00m with 320.00 GT (including 27.21 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 7.00m) in hole PPL1174 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Jaguar Mining Inc. ("Jaguar" or the "Company") (TSX:JAG)(OTCQX:JAGGF) is pleased to provide an update on exploration drilling activities at the BA zone, located within its Pilar mine in Brazil. Recent diamond drilling results continue to confirm the presence of high-grade gold mineralization extending at depth. Since the Company's previous BA zone update (see press release dated September 5, 2024), the Pilar mine has begun to see increased gold grades and additional production from this zone, a trend that is expected to continue. A total of 2,328 meters of additional drilling has been completed in the BA zone, targeting mineralization between Level 16 and Level 20. The most significant result to date was from drill hole PPL1174, which intersected 12.80 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 25.00m, representing 320.00 GT (Grade x Thickness). This intercept included 27.21 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 7.00m (refer to Figures 1, 2 and 3 for more details). Highlights from diamond drilling completed since September 2024 include: 12.80 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 25.00m - hole FSB1174 - including 27.21 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 7.00m 34.43 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 2.30m - hole FSB1212 8.03 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 8.00m - hole FSB1171 - including 12.18 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 4.4m 14.52 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 7.00m - hole FSB1173 Armando Massucatto, Exploration Manager for Jaguar Mining, commented: "The exceptional intersections returned from the BA zone, notably by drill holes PPL1102 (see press release dated September 5, 2024) and PPL1174 (this release), underscore both the geological and structural coherence of the mineralization. These results affirm a pronounced down-plunge continuity, characteristic of prolific mineralized systems within the Iron Quadrangle, which are known to persist for several kilometers along plunge. Importantly, the mineralization remains open at depth and expands into adjacent un-tested upper levels, with gold grades maintained along extension. This supports a positive outlook for the ongoing growth of the Pilar mine's mineral resource base, highlighting exploration potential for the addition of further ounces." Luis Albano Tondo, President and newly appointed CEO of Jaguar Mining, commented: "The ongoing work at the BA zone continues to exceed our expectations. Our latest drilling results confirm that the high-grade gold mineralization continues at depth and validate the continuity and predictability of this orebody across the levels we are actively developing. This comprehensive understanding of the deposit's geometry empowers us to systematically unlock a source of ore reserves in Pilar. We are now confidently forecasting the BA zone to deliver approximately 50% of the mine's total production going forward, solidifying its role as a key growth driver for Jaguar." Figure 1 - Long Section showing the Pilar Mine underground layout and the position of the BA Zone relative to the other main orebodies. The location of the planned and ongoing BA Zone sub-level access development between level 15 and level 19 is highlighted at the bottom right corner of the figure. Figure 2 - Long sectional view showing the location of access development to evaluate the BA Zone, along with key diamond drill mineralized intersections reported in this press release. Figure 3 - Long sectional view highlighting the detail of drill holes PPL1173 and 1174, which confirm high grade continuity of the BA Zone over more than 250m. Table 1 - Summary of significant diamond drilling intersections with grade x thickness (GT) > 20 between Level 16 and Level 20 targeting the BA Zone. HOLE ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Est. True Width (m) Grade (g/t Au) GT (ETW) Orebody PPL1161 67.90 72.20 4.30 3.70 6.80 25.16 BA PPL1162 80.70 92.60 11.90 10.00 5.66 56.60 BA Including 89.80 92.60 2.80 2.50 17.23 43.08 BA FSB1236 0.00 6.40 6.40 5.50 14.76 81.18 BA FSB1236 11.40 13.75 2.35 2.00 14.38 28.76 TORRE FSB1212 34.70 38.35 3.65 2.30 34.43 79.19 BA FSB1212 82.05 87.85 5.80 3.50 6.53 22.86 BA FSB1212 91.40 103.35 11.95 5.00 5.06 25.30 BA FSB1212 108.05 110.65 2.60 2.00 15.56 31.12 BA FSB1212 114.35 121.65 7.30 4.00 7.81 31.24 BA Including 117.25 119.84 2.59 2.00 17.37 34.74 BA PPL1164 126.40 129.45 3.05 2.40 8.66 20.78 LPA FSB1214 26.50 31.80 5.30 4.00 20.60 82.40 BA FSB1222 40.45 45.55 5.10 4.20 4.83 20.29 LPA Including 42.45 44.45 2.00 1.60 10.43 16.69 LPA PPL1167 106.70 112.40 5.70 3.90 7.76 30.26 LPA PPL1167 119.40 129.40 10.00 6.90 2.67 18.42 BA PPL1166 173.40 188.50 15.10 8.00 4.43 35.44 BA Including 173.40 177.15 3.75 2.00 12.69 25.38 BA FSB1233 1.60 3.15 1.55 1.20 30.97 37.16 BA PPL1169 120.35 124.30 3.95 3.00 8.87 26.61 BA PPL1169 125.25 140.50 15.25 10.00 4.22 42.20 BA Including 129.35 135.70 6.35 4.50 6.96 31.32 BA PPL1170 96.45 103.80 7.35 5.10 6.89 35.14 BA Including 96.45 98.75 2.30 1.70 16.72 28.42 BA PPL1171 147.10 155.40 8.30 7.00 4.03 28.21 LPA PPL1171 158.80 168.30 9.50 8.00 8.03 64.24 BA Including 158.80 164.65 5.85 4.40 12.18 53.59 BA PPL1172 66.85 76.05 9.20 8.50 3.27 27.80 BA PPL1172 82.75 91.00 8.25 7.50 3.58 26.85 TORRE PPL1174 222.00 271.55 49.55 25.00 12.80 320.00 BA Including 222.00 236.30 14.30 7.00 27.21 190.47 BA PPL1173 44.20 49.95 5.75 5.00 3.40 17.00 LPA PPL1173 71.30 80.35 9.05 7.00 14.52 101.64 BA Geological Context: Understanding the BA Zone's Mineralization The geological structure of the BA orebody, as observed in our underground galleries, reveals a succession of complex, overturned folds. The axes of these folds consistently plunge to the southeast at medium to low angles, while their axial surfaces dip eastward at moderate to steep angles, aligning with the orientation of the Banded Iron Formation (BIF) bedding. Importantly, the high-grade gold mineralization is intrinsically hosted within these well-developed BIF layers. Drill hole PPL1174 provides critical insights into this structural setting. The relationship between the rock bedding and the drill core orientation within this hole confirms that the BIF layers, which host the mineralization, maintain their folded nature even after undergoing subsequent refolding processes. This indicates a consistent structural environment at depth. The primary gold-bearing zones are characterized by significant hydrothermal alteration, evidenced by the presence of minerals such as quartz and chlorite, alongside sulfide mineralization, predominantly pyrrhotite. The consistent presence of pyrrhotite and pyrite as the main sulfides filling the bedding, and within the vein edges, serves as a reliable indicator. These collective geological features, including the consistent structural controls, the confirmation of folded ore zones at depth, and the characteristic mineral associations, significantly enhance our confidence in the down-plunge continuity of this high-potential ore zone. This structural and mineralogical predictability supports the long-term potential of the BA zone. Between levels 1 and 6, the BA orebody was the primary contributor to production at the Pilar mine. Starting from Level 4, the structure progressively narrowed down-plunge making the BA orebody less economically viable, until Level 12. More recently, between levels 15 and 19, exploration drilling campaigns have confirmed the renewed economic potential of the BA orebody at greater depths. This indicates that the interval between levels 12 and 15 still holds significant exploration potential. Drilling programs targeting this zone are either underway or in the planning phase, aiming to delineate additional resources at shallower levels and support the continuity of the BA orebody throughout the deposit. Qualified Person Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Armando Jose Massucatto, Geo, PhD, FAusIMM, Exploration Manager, who is also an employee of Jaguar Mining Inc. and is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The Iron Quadrangle The Iron Quadrangle has been an area of mineral exploration dating back to the 16th century. The discovery in 1699-1701 of gold contaminated with iron and platinum-group metals in the southeastern corner of the Iron Quadrangle gave rise to the name of the town Ouro Preto (Black Gold). The Iron Quadrangle contains world-class multi-million-ounce gold deposits such as Morro Velho, Cuiaba, and Sao Bento. Jaguar holds the second largest gold land position in the Iron Quadrangle with over 45,000 hectares. About Jaguar Mining Inc. Jaguar Mining Inc. is a Canadian-listed junior gold mining, development, and exploration company operating in Brazil with three gold mining complexes and a large land package with significant upside exploration potential from mineral claims. The Company's principal operating assets are located in the Iron Quadrangle, a prolific greenstone belt in the state of Minas Gerais and include the MTL complex (Turmalina mine and plant) and Caete complex (Pilar and Roca Grande mines, and Caete plant). The Roca Grande mine has been on temporary care and maintenance since April 2019. The Company also owns the Paciencia complex (Santa Isabel mine and plant), which had been on care and maintenance since 2012 and is planned to restart in 2025. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.jaguarmining.com. For further information please contact: Luis Albano Tondo Chief Executive Officer Jaguar Mining Inc. luis.albano@jaguarmining.com +55 31-99959-6337 Marina de Freitas Interim Chief Financial Officer marina.freitas@jaguarmining.com.br +55 31-98463-5344 Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking information made in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements below and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators in Canada. Forward-looking information contained in forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "are expected," "is forecast," "forecasting", "is targeted," "approximately," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "believe" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be considered to be or include forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the nature, focus, timing and potential results or implications of the Company's exploration, drilling and prospecting activities, including the Company's diamond drilling at its Pilar mine, as described in this news release, as well as any other future exploration activities of the Company, management's expectations regarding the exploration potential of the Pilar Mine and future gold grades and production at the Pilar mine, including forecasts relating to production at the BA zone, any information and statements related to expected growth(including, without limitation, the potential for growth in regards to the Pilar mine's mineral resource base), sales, production statistics, ore grades, tonnes milled, recovery rates, cash operating costs, definition/delineation drilling, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of projects and new deposits, success of exploration, development and mining activities, currency fluctuations, capital requirements, project studies, mine life extensions, restarting suspended or disrupted operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and resolution of pending litigation. The Company has made numerous assumptions with respect to forward-looking information contained herein, including, among other things, assumptions about estimated timeline for the development of the Company's mineral properties; the supply and demand for, and the level and volatility of the price of, gold; the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions on which the reserve and resource estimates are based; the receipt of necessary permits; market competition; ongoing relations with employees and impacted communities; political and legal developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations including, without limitation, the impact of any potential power rationing, tailings facility regulation, exploration and mine operating licenses and permits being obtained and renewed and/or there being adverse amendments to mining or other laws in Brazil and any changes to general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking information involves a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including among others: the risk of Jaguar not meeting the forecast plans regarding its operations and financial performance; uncertainties with respect to the price of gold, labour disruptions, mechanical failures, increase in costs, environmental compliance and change in environmental legislation and regulation, weather delays and increased costs or production delays due to natural disasters, power disruptions, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations; uncertainties inherent to capital markets in general (including the sometimes volatile valuation of securities and an uncertain ability to raise new capital) and other risks inherent to the gold exploration, development and production industry, which, if incorrect, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described herein. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of gold exploration, development, mining and production, including environmental hazards, tailings dam failures, industrial accidents and workplace safety problems, unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding, chemical spills, procurement fraud and gold bullion thefts and losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking information made in this news release, see the Company's most recent Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis, as well as other public disclosure documents that can be accessed under the issuer profile of "Jaguar Mining Inc." on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's reasonable expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. SOURCE: Jaguar Mining, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/jaguar-mining-provides-update-on-ba-zone-exploration-at-the-pilar-mine-reports-hi-1055971 London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - WiFi Hire has announced the launch of its newest product offering, the Unlimited Portable WiFi for Europe and the UK, a reliable and high-speed internet solution designed specifically for travellers visiting Europe from the UK or travellers visiting the United Kingdom. This product enables users to enjoy unlimited internet data access without any daily download caps, throttling, or roaming fees, eliminating one of the most persistent challenges faced by modern international travellers. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/261203_fd64c7f34497f865_001full.jpg As digital connectivity becomes an essential part of both leisure and business travel, this portable WiFi device aims to provide a consistent and stress-free internet experience. Whether used for video calls, streaming, navigation, or accessing cloud-based work platforms, the Unlimited Portable WiFi for Europe and the UK offers internet access during an entire trip. It supports up to 10 WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously, making it particularly useful for group travel, families, and professionals with multiple gadgets. The service covers a wide footprint across the European continent, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Hungary, Poland, Denmark, Czech Republic, and several other EU and EEA countries. With automatic network switching, the device connects to the strongest available signal in each country, allowing travellers to stay online without manual configurations or SIM card replacements. With a long-lasting battery capable of delivering up to 24 hours of use, the unit offers both portability and endurance. Once powered on, the device is ready to use instantly and requires no technical setup. It comes pre-configured with secure password protection, making it a plug-and-play solution for travellers of all backgrounds. The rental process is intentionally streamlined and with no long term contract needed. Customers can hire the device through WiFi Hire's official website in under five minutes. The company provides fast UK-wide delivery, including next-working-day service to hotels, private addresses, and even airport terminal collections. The rental includes a courtesy (prepaid) return postage label, allowing users to conveniently drop off the device at any of the over 100,000 Royal Mail collection points across the country. "WiFi Hire stated that the Unlimited Portable WiFi for Europe and the UK was developed to remove unnecessary barriers to travel connectivity. The company emphasised that many travellers face ongoing frustration with weak public WiFi or confusing roaming options, and this product was built to deliver a simple, unified solution that performs reliably in multiple countries." The product is now available for rental directly through the company's official website. Pricing is competitive, with no hidden fees, and flexible rental durations are available to match the length of each trip. Customers can access full details and place an order via the following page: https://www.wifihire.co.uk/rent/europe-unlimited-data-portable-wifi-hire/ About WiFi Hire WiFi Hire is a UK-based provider of portable internet rental services for international travellers, business professionals, and event organisers. The company offers travel-friendly WiFi devices with nationwide delivery, unlimited data options, and broad European coverage. With a commitment to simplicity, performance, and customer satisfaction, WiFi Hire helps travellers stay connected wherever they go. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261203 SOURCE: GYT EQS-News: North Peak Resources Ltd. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous North Peak's Follow-Up Channel Sampling in Lower Dean Cave Complex Reveals Further High-Grade Gold, up to 180 g/t Au, 998 g/t Ag at the Prospect Mountain Mine Complex 05.08.2025 / 13:01 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - North Peak Resources Ltd. (TSXV: NPR) (OTCQB: NPRLF) (the "Company" or "North Peak") announces results from follow-up sampling within the Dean Cave complex at their Prospect Mountain (PM) property in Eureka, Nevada (the "Property"). Following the Company's press release on 27th May, 2025 where the Company reported high grade oxide mineralization in the Dean Cave area grading up to 46.5 g/t (1.36 oz/t) Au, 569 g/t (16.6 oz/t) Ag, further channel sampling was undertaken in the East Cave area on the 650' level, some 46m (150ft) below the previously announced samples, and encountered multiple narrow high grade gossanous zones within a zone of heavily altered dolomite, including: 180 g/t (5.8 oz/t) Au, 998 g/t (32 oz/t) Ag, 7.8% Pb, 1.05% Zn over 0.1m over 0.1m 66 g/t Au, 371 g/t Ag, 2.85% Pb, 3.74% Zn over 0.16 m over 0.16 m 49.5 g/t Au, 402 g/t Ag, >20% Pb, 0.64% Zn over 0.09m over 0.09m 27.3 g/t Au, 132 g/t Ag, 1.9% Pb, 2.9% Zn over 0.1m Only the gossanous zones were sampled in this sampling pass, given the high-grade nature of these zones the rest of the altered dolomite will be sampled to give better indications of potential historical grades from these old stope areas. The mineralization here appears strongly structurally controlled by the intersection of two fault systems, giving a plunge direction to explore for further mineralization along. This cave can be directly accessed by the Silver Connor portal from the west side of the mountain. "These further high-grade results continue to demonstrate the strength and potential of this Property. Our geology team has been utilizing Prospect Mountain's extensive and accessible underground workings to build a greater understanding of the complex structural controls to mineralization," commented Rupert Williams, CEO. "We expect our summer 2025 drill program to commence in September, with a plan to target several different structural control systems and will consider targeting this area with an additional RC drillhole from surface." "The Company's understanding of the complex structural controls to mineralization is rapidly advancing, increasing the likelihood of effectively targeting new zones of mineralization as has successfully been done elsewhere in the Eureka camp," added David Pym, Lead Geologist. "These samples reinforce our exploration strategy of looking at the Property from three perspective target areas: the near surface oxide, underground oxide and the underground sulphide." Background to the Areas The Dean Cave complex was one of the last areas to be mined in the historic Diamond mine, with sporadic activity continuing into the 1980's. The ore in Carbonate Replacement Deposits often occurs in vertical chimneys and layer parallel mantos. The Dean Cave area is one of a series of historical high grade chimney stopes in the northern part of the Diamond Mine, known as the Dean Cave complex which include the DMEA/Deadbroke chimney and the East Cave chimney. The Deadbroke/DMEA chimney extends from surface down to at least 400m and the Dean and East Cave chimneys have only been exploited from underground and extend for at least 100m upwards from the historic 650 level of the mine. At depth, they appear truncated by the west dipping Dominic fault, which may displace their depth extents. The chimney zones occur along an ENE trending fracture zone parallel to the Silver Connor Fault near the intersection with steeply dipping NW fault zones associated with the Banner McIntosh fault system and represent an underground oxide exploration target with high potential for further mineralization, both towards surface and to depth. The Dean Cave stopes for which we have production records averaged 0.229 oz/t (7.8 g/t) Au, 5.83 oz/t (200 g/t) Ag from 291 ore cars (Silver Viking Corp., 1980, map DM0-08 -Note: These records are historical and have not been verified). The DMEA refers to the area that was briefly mined around 1954 following a loan being granted by the Defense Minerals Exploration Administration for development costs. Material generated averaged 0.69 oz/t Au, 50.5 oz/t Ag, 29.4% Pb. The Deadbroke area is around 500m south of the Wabash/Williams historic mining area, where the 2024 drill program was focused, and at surface a number of patented claims sit, which are owned 100% and include Old Put and Antelope (see figure 1). Figure 1: Section along ENE fracture zone, looking SE showing historic chimneys and underground workings. Dean Cave sample location in Orange, New Cave samples in Red. It is unknown if the faults continue below the Dominic Fault. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9875/261179_north%20peak_figure%201.jpg Figure 2: Plan of Dean Cave complex showing sample locations on multiple levels. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9875/261179_fe10e94ed423ca58_034full.jpg Table 1: Assay Results Sample East, m North, m Elevation, m Type Length, m Lithology Au, g/t Ag, g/t Pb, % Zn, % 2025061401 164702.6 8524158.6 2201.0 channel 0.16 gossan 66 371 2.85 3.74 2025061402 164703.9 8524159.1 2201.0 channel 0.1 gossan 27.3 132 1.91 2.92 2025061403 164709.2 8524171.9 2201.0 channel 0.1 gossan 180 998 7.76 1.05 2025061404 164705.8 8524171.6 2201.0 channel 0.09 gossan 49.5 402 > 20 0.64 Review by Qualified Person, Quality Control and Reports Mr. David Pym, CGeol., Consulting Geologist for the Company, is the Qualified Person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, who reviewed and approved scientific and technical disclosure in this press release. The Qualified Person has not reviewed the mineral tenure, nor independently verified the legal status and ownership of the Property or any underlying property agreements. Samples in this case are channel samples taken from outcrops in historic stopes and caves. Samples are loaded into a plastic crate and dispatched daily to the ALS Global prep-lab in Elko Nevada. A standard, a blank and a field duplicate were inserted after every 20 samples, for a QA/QC rate of 15%. Six standards from CDN Resource Laboratories were rotated through the samples. The standards had gold values ranging from 0.433 to 7.34 ppm. Samples are dried crushed and pulverised and assayed for gold with a 30g fire assay and a 44 element ICP MS suite. Overlimit samples for gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper are automatically re-assayed by suitable methods. About North Peak The Company is a Canadian based gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NPR" and the OTCQB under the symbol "NPRLF". Launched by the founding team behind both Kirkland Lake Gold and Rupert Resources, the team has a strong track record of acquiring mining assets, applying modern exploration techniques and taking them into operational mines. North Peak's flagship property is the Prospect Mountain Mine complex which lies in the Battle Mountain Eureka trend, in an area known as the Southern Eureka Gold Belt, where three styles of mineralization have been identified, gold, silver Carlin style mineralization, Carbonate Replacement gold, silver, lead, zinc mineralization (CRD) and carbonate hosted Porphyry Related Skarn lead, zinc and gold mineralization associated with cretaceous intrusions. At the Property, the CRD mineralization is heavily oxidized to depths of at least 610m (2,000ft) below the top of the ridge line. A Plan of Operations is in place which covers part of the Property and entitles an operator to pursue surface exploration (totalling 189 acres), underground mining of up to 365,000 tons per annum and certain infrastructural works. A more complete description of the Property's geology and mineralization, including at the Wabash area, can be found in the NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Technical Report") on the Prospect Mountain Property, Eureka County, Nevada, USA dated and with an effective date April 10, 2023, prepared by David Pym (Msc), CGeol. of LTI Advisory Ltd. and Dr Toby Strauss, CGeol, EurGeol., of Merlyn Consulting Ltd., which has been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the profile of the Company and on the Company's website. For further information, please contact: Rupert Williams, CEO Phone: +1-647-424-2305 Email: info@northpeakresources.com Website: www.northpeakresources.com Chelsea Hayes, Director Phone: +1-647-424-2305 Email: info@northpeakresources.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, timing and completion of any drilling and work programs on the Property, estimates of mineralization from drilling, sampling and geophysical surveys, geological information projected from drilling and sampling results and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones, the potential for minerals and/or mineral resources and reserves, and statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Property and the Company that may be described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, accuracy of assay results, geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, and the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the quarter ended March 31, 2025, available at www.sedarplus.ca , many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261179 Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser,to view the associated documents http://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261179 News Source: North Peak Resources Ltd. 05.08.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Founder Robert Levitt appointed to Board of the American Library in Paris plus firm adds staff and new office location Levitt Capital Management (LCM), a boutique investment advisory specializing in serving Americans in Europe, is excited to announce two major recognitions and updates to its staff and office location. Recognition includes LCM being named the runner-up for Best Advisory Firm in France for its size category at the prestigious Sommet du Patrimoine de la Performance Awards after a presentation by firm founder Robert Levitt and Chief Growth Officer Yana Kossinskaya. Also being announced is Levitt's appointment to the Board of Trustees of the American Library in Paris (American Library) for the 2025-2026 term. The firm is adding two new staff members and renovating its office space. RECOGNITION AT SOMMET DU PATRIMOINE DE LA PERFORMANCE AWARDS For the 2025 gala, the Sommet du Patrimoine de la Performance recognized LCM's unique niche and impressive growth, celebrating its pioneering focus on American expatriates in the French investment landscape. Among scores of nominees, LCM's innovation and commitment propelled the firm into the finals, an honor marked by a dynamic presentation delivered by Levitt and Kossinskaya, following an outstanding initial submission drafted by Pierre Laget. "Being named as the second best investment advisory firm in France feels like a tremendous accomplishment and recognition for what we have done over the past three years," said Levitt. "To be honored with a French firm, but one focused on U.S. citizen clients, seems like a huge hill to climb, but the judges appreciated and understood the challenges that we have overcome and voted their confidence in the future." Full results can be found on the Sommet du Patrimoine de la Performance website. ROBERT LEVITT JOINS AMERICAN LIBRARY IN PARIS BOARD OF TRUSTEES In parallel with this achievement, Levitt has joined the Board of Trustees of the American Library in Paris, serving for the 2025-2026 term. The American Library, over a century old, is an enduring pillar for the anglophone community in France. Reflecting on the appointment, Levitt said, "The American Library is a 100-year-old institution in Paris and has been a principal part of the American community in France since its inception. I am pleased to be able to use my skills in endowment management, charitable giving, and fundraising to help the organization continue on its growth path." In line with its Articles of Incorporation, the Library's Board of Trustees sets policy and provides strategic direction for the institution. Trustees meet several times a year, and dedicated committees in finance, library affairs, and development, convene separately to channel their expertise and advance priority initiatives. Read the Library's full news release here. FIRM ADDS STAFF AND ACQUIRES NEW OFFICE LOCATION Levitt Capital Management is strengthening its team with the addition of two new staff members, Diana Potejeva, as Operations Manager and Evelyne Dai as a Client Experience Associate. Their expertise will support the firm's continued growth and ability to serve clients across Europe. In response to increased demand, LCM is also expanding to a newly renovated office space at 1 Rue Longchamp 06000 Nice, designed to accommodate long-term team expansion and enhance client services. ABOUT ROBERT LEVITT AND LEVITT CAPITAL MANAGEMENT Founded by Robert Levitt and based in Nice, France, Levitt Capital Management is a wealth management firm specializing in providing tailored financial solutions for Americans residing in Europe. With a focus on personalized service and in-depth knowledge of international financial landscapes, Levitt Capital Management assists clients in achieving their financial goals while ensuring compliance with both U.S. and local regulations. Mr. Levitt has over 40 years in portfolio and hedge fund management and has been profiled in Forbes, RIABiz, InvestmentNews, Financial Planning, International Adviser, Leaderonomics, Democrats Abroad, The American in Paris, and more. His extensive nonprofit experience includes overseeing endowed assets and leading investment committees for cultural institutions such as the Boca Raton Museum of Art Foundation and Jewish Federation of Palm Beach. A dedicated medieval historian with a strong academic network in France, he holds master's degrees from Universite de Lyon II and is pursuing doctoral studies at Universite de Perpignan. He co-founded Via Nissa to preserve and promote Cote d'Azur heritage, and serves as Deputy Chair of Democrats Abroad Global's Taxation Task Force. For more information about Levitt Capital Management and their services, please visit https://levittcapital.fr/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805402939/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Dori Thomas or Grace Vogelzang Impact Communications, Inc. 913-649-5009 ImpactMediaManager@ImpactCommunications.org New digital partnership creates seamless way for millions of Flying Blue loyalty members to earn miles on everyday purchases across US and UK markets Flying Blue, the loyalty program of the Air France-KLM Group, is redefining rewards through its expanded partnership with Valuedynamx. By launching a new card-linked offer ecosystem, Flying Blue empowers members to effortlessly earn miles on everyday shopping turning routine purchases into rewarding journeys beyond travel. This innovation delivers a seamless, connected shopping experience within the new Flying Blue+ app powered by Valuedynamx's card-linked technology and extensive merchant partner network. Through the partnership, the app now provides personalized, market-specific, merchant-funded rewards tied directly to members' shopping behaviors through the app. Members maximize their earning potential by linking any payment card to the app to earn miles on qualifying purchases, while still receiving their card's existing rewards. Earning opportunities are available for in-store purchases, and online purchases when the merchant supports online earning. This unique earning experience will reach approximately 3.5 million Flying Blue members in the US and 1.8 million in the UK, creating one of the most comprehensive card-linked earning ecosystems in the loyalty industry while supporting Flying Blue member acquisition, retention, increased spend, enhanced usage, and revenue growth through sustained program engagement. As specialists in data driven purchase rewards, Valuedynamx has partnered with Flying Blue to help members earn miles effortlessly on purchases made in-store or through the app. The partnership includes retailers across electronics, food and drink, beauty and health, and select fashion categories. The integrated app experience eliminates the need for separate shopping portals or additional steps, creating a seamless digital ecosystem where members can discover local, experience-driven, and personalized offers, make purchases, and automatically earn miles-addressing the growing consumer preference for mobile-first loyalty experiences, as 60% of loyalty program members prefer using a mobile app to access their programs. "This partnership represents the future of loyalty programs where earning rewards occurs naturally with each purchase," said James Berry, Managing Director at Valuedynamx. "Today's consumers expect truly robust loyalty experiences that go beyond one-dimensional earning. They want a wide selection of opportunities to both earn and redeem rewards, and this partnership delivers exactly that. We're thrilled to power Flying Blue's expansion into card-linked offers, delivering merchant-funded rewards that create genuine value for members while driving engagement through their new app, capturing spend and engagement at every turn." The collaboration builds upon Valuedynamx and Flying Blue's existing successful partnership, which already includes the Shop for Miles e-commerce shopping program and the Flying Blue store. The addition of card linked offers through the Flying Blue+ app creates a comprehensive ecosystem that allows customers to earn and spend miles, positioning Flying Blue at the forefront of loyalty innovation. "This partnership perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our members," said Ben Lipsey, SVP President of Flying Blue. "With card-linked offers in our new app, we're able to close the loop our members can now earn and redeem miles seamlessly, which is what today's travelers really want. Partnering with Valuedynamx means we can tap into their established merchant relationships across all the brands our members shop regularly, without having to build these partnerships from scratch. It lets us quickly expand into lifestyle, retail, and dining the places where our members are already spending their money every day." For more information about Valuedynamx's loyalty solutions, visit Valuedynamx.com. About Valuedynamx: Valuedynamx is a leading global provider of curated, data-driven omnichannel purchase rewards. Part of Collinson, a group acknowledged for delivering the world's most valued travel ecosystem, Valuedynamx combines its expertise across payments, card-linking, affiliate marketing, earning and redemption into a single entity that delivers relevant and engaging solutions for its clients. Valuedynamx enhances customer loyalty and drives transactional engagement for some of the world's largest airlines, banks, financial institutions and hotel groups. Valuedynamx supports over 400 million consumers, maintains 50,000 retail and travel partners and provides more than 400,000 rewards in more than 180 countries. Collinson has more than 30 years loyalty and customer engagement experience, and more than 10 years focused on delivering loyalty commerce solutions. The organization has been at the forefront of loyalty innovation, continually evolving and building capability to meet the changing needs of clients and their customers. About Flying Blue Flying Blue is the loyalty program of the Air France-KLM group. Created in 2005, it allows more than 30 million members worldwide to enjoy numerous benefits and rewards by earning and spending Miles with multiple airline, commercial, and financial partners. Flying Blue supports its members during their travels and in their everyday lives. Whether for a getaway near home or a journey to the other side of the world, Flying Blue is there to turn every moment into a memorable experience. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805890684/en/ Contacts: Tara Strazdas The Fletcher Group 732.275.7732 Tara@fletchergroupllc.com Saguenay, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) ("First Phosphate" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of a minimum of $1 million to accommodate demand from an existing investor (the "Offering"). The Offering is anticipated to consist of any combination of: Flow-through shares of the Company ("Flow-Through Shares") at a price of $0.50 per share ("Flow-Through Offering"); and Hard dollar units of the Company ("Hard Dollar Unit") at a price of $0.50 per Hard Dollar Unit (the "Hard Dollar Unit Offering"), with each Hard Dollar Unit comprised of: (i) one common share in the capital of the Company ("Common Share"), and (ii) one half of one Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant") with each whole Warrant exercisable for one Common Share at a price of $0.50 per Common Share until December 31, 2025, subject to an Accelerated Expiry Date (as defined below). The gross proceeds from the Flow-Through Offering will be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" that are "flow-through mining expenditures" (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) related to the Company's projects in Quebec. The net proceeds received from the Hard Dollar Unit Offering will be used for exploration and development activities, working capital and for general corporate purposes. The Offering is expected to close on or about August 22, 2025, or such other date or dates as may be determined by the Company. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. In connection with the Offering, eligible finders will be paid: (i) a fee consisting of up to 8% of the gross proceeds raised from subscribers introduced by them, and (ii) such number of compensation warrants ("Compensation Warrants") as is equivalent of up to 8% of the number of Hard Dollar Units or Flow-Through Shares issued to subscribers introduced by them. Each Compensation Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.50 per share until December 31, 2025, provided that if the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange for any 5 consecutive trading days equals or exceeds $0.80, the Company may, upon issuing a press release, accelerate the expiry date of the Compensation Warrants to the date that is 30 days following the date of such press release ("Accelerated Expiry Date"). The Company reserves the right to pay cash finders' fees on the Flow-Through Offering in Common Shares rather than cash issued at the Flow-Through Offering issue price. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals. There can be no assurance that the Offering will be completed, whether in whole or in part. About First Phosphate Corp. First Phosphate (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) is a mineral development company dedicated to producing high-purity phosphate for the LFP battery industry. The Company is committed to sustainable extraction and purification with a low anticipated carbon footprint. Its vertically integrated model connects phosphate mining directly into the supply chains of North American battery producers. First Phosphate's flagship project, the Begin-Lamarche Property in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, contains rare igneous anorthosite rock that yields high-purity phosphate with minimal impurities. Follow First Phosphate: X: https://x.com/FirstPhosphate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements, including, among other things: the Company's planned exploration and production activities; the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate; the Company's plans for vertical integration into North American supply chains; the minimum gross proceeds of $1,000,000; the use of proceeds from the Offering; the terms of the Offering, including, the issuance of any securities, the closing date, and the receipt of all necessary approvals. These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in the Company's public disclosure record including the short form base prospectus dated June 5, 2024, as well as: the receipt of all necessary approvals and the Company's ability to raise the minimum gross proceeds of $1,000,000. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will generate any meaningful revenues, savings or earnings, as the case may be, for the Company. In addition, the Company will incur costs in pursuing any particular opportunity, which may be significant. These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company and, though they should be considered carefully, should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in the Company's other documents filed with the Canadian and United States securities authorities, including without limitation the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis dated July 25, 2025 and Annual Report on 20-F dated July 8, 2024, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261162 SOURCE: First Phosphate Corp. TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. (TSX-V:YAK, "MGG" or the "Company") announces that following a strategic review of its operations and capital structure, the Board of Directors has determined to consider various structures so that substantially all of the net assets of the company are returned to shareholders. A new letter to shareholders from Chairman and CEO of MGG, Harris Kupperman, providing additional context on the Company's decision and next steps, has been posted on the Company's website at www.mongoliagrowthgroup.com. The Company intends to engage tax and legal counsel to best assess the method of effecting the return to shareholders. The total amount returned to shareholders is subject to final asset sales, severances, tax reserves, regulatory clearances and any other expenses and may be completed in one or more steps. As of June 30, 2025, the Company holds the following assets: Approximately CAD $31.0 million - $33.0 million in cash, marketable securities and net working capital A furnished commercial office property in Puerto Rico, with a cost basis excluding depreciation of approximately CAD $2.0 million Full ownership of KEDM, an event-driven data subscription business A portfolio of Russian securities, carried at a zero value due to ongoing sanctions The Company is actively seeking buyers for its Puerto Rican real estate, KEDM, and, if feasible, its Russian securities. Parties interested in acquiring these assets are invited to submit non-binding offers, with the goal of achieving the maximum proceeds for shareholders. In connection with the sale of the Puerto Rican property, Harris Kupperman, Chairman and CEO, has indicated his interest in acquiring the asset at a premium to the higher of the Company's cost basis or the result of an independent third-party property valuation, which is currently in progress. Any related-party transaction will be reviewed by the independent board members and will be subject to minority shareholder approval in accordance with TSXV Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101, unless an exemption is available. The Company is also in discussions with a third party regarding a potential sale of KEDM and will continue to entertain competing offers for all assets. In light of the proposed strategic plan, the Company has paused its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) effective immediately. The Company had 25,458,699 shares outstanding as of August 4, 2025. A committee of independent directors-Jim Dwyer, Brad Farquhar, and Rob Scott-has been appointed to oversee the Company's asset disposition and capital return process. The Board and management will be working closely with legal and tax advisors to ensure that any capital returned is done in a timely and tax-efficient manner, and consistent with shareholder interests. Any asset disposition will be subject to the Company obtaining all necessary regulatory, shareholder and third-party approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. No decisions have been made regarding the Company's continued listing status at this time. "We tried hard to push this business forward and find a new direction for it, but with the decline in revenue at KEDM, it seems silly to suffer a cash burn at the corporate level, while seeking out opportunities that may never come forward," said Harris Kupperman, the Company's Chairman and CEO. "In the end, our focus is in doing what's best for shareholders, and I believe that shareholders would be better served with the return of their capital at this point." "I've had the privilege of growing alongside this company since its inception. It's bittersweet to be winding it down, but I'm proud of what we've accomplished and the care we're taking to close this chapter responsibly." said Genevieve Walkden, CFO and Corporate Secretary. "My deepest thanks go to our team, shareholders, service providers, and everyone who has supported us over the years." Shareholders will receive further communication as the Company progresses through the strategic plan, including additional details regarding the proposed return of capital. For further information please contact: Genevieve Walkden Corporate Secretary & Chief Financial Officer Email: gwalkden@mongoliagrowthgroup.com Forward-Looking Information Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed sale of assets of the Company, anticipated return of capital, asset sales, timing of distributions and future business plans of the Company. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including regulatory approvals, asset sale outcomes, tax interpretations, and market conditions. Actual results may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to sell the remaining assets, failure to receive all necessary approvals, general economic, market and business conditions, the regulatory process and actions, regulator and corporate approvals, technical issues, new legislation, competitive and general economic factors and conditions, the uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, the occurrence of unexpected events, and the Company's capability to execute and implement its future plans. Actual results may differ materially from those projected by management. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. We seek safe harbour. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/mongolia-growth-group-announces-plan-to-return-capital-to-shareholders-1056550 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Great Pacific Gold Corp. (TSXV: GPAC) (OTCQX: FSXLF) (FSE: V3H) ("Great Pacific Gold," "GPAC," or the "Company") is providing results from the latest three exploration holes (WDG-05, 06 and 07) at the Wild Dog Project ("Wild Dog" or the "Project"), located on the island of New Britain, in the province of East New Britain, Papua New Guinea ("PNG"). The current Phase 1 drill program is designed to test high-priority targets over a 3km strike length within the mineralized corridor with a planned 2,500 metres of diamond drilling across 16 holes. Prior to the start of drilling, the Wild Dog corridor was flown with MobileMT geophysics, which identified a strong conductivity trend extending over 15km in strike and to depths exceeding 1,000 metres (see news release dated May 7, 2025). Key Highlights from Current Drilling: WDG-05 and WDG-06 were drilled in the same area as WDG-03 and WDG-04, targeting a follow up intercept with the main Wild Dog vein structure. WDG-05 intercepted a broad zone of silicification and argillic alteration and the main structure, and: 3.0 meters @ 2.4 g/t AuEq (2.0 g/t Au and 0.30% Cu) from 72.0 meters. intercepted a broad zone of silicification and argillic alteration and the main structure, and: WDG-06 intercepted the main Wild Dog structure near surface with dark sulphidic quartz with bornite and chalcopyrite yielding: 3.5 meters @ 13.1 g/t AuEq (4.9 g/t Au, 49.1 g/t Ag and 4.87% Cu) from 12.0m ; Including 0.6 meters @ 25.3 g/t AuEq (7.2 g/t Au, 89 g/t Ag and 10.8% Cu ) from 13.7m. intercepted the main Wild Dog structure near surface with dark sulphidic quartz with bornite and chalcopyrite yielding: WDG-07 was drilled as a step out hole, 250m north of WDG-02 (7.0m @ 11.2 g/t AuEq from 65.0m), in the Northern Sulphide target area, intercepting: 10.0 meters @ 4.0 g/t AuEq (3.38 g/t Au, 12.1 g/t Ag and 0.31% Cu) from 153.0m; Including 5.1 meters @ 6.5 g/t AuEq (5.53 g/t Au, 14.8 g/t Ag and 0.53% Cu) from 153.0m; And 1.2 meters @ 10.5 g/t AuEq (7.3 g/t Au, 105 g/t Ag and 1.28% Cu) from 172.0m; Including 0.7 meters @ 17.5 g/t AuEq (12.0 g/t Au, 178 g/t Ag and 2.18% Cu) from 172.5m. (7.0m @ 11.2 g/t AuEq from 65.0m), in the Northern Sulphide target area, intercepting: WDG-08 is underway from the same pad as WDG-07 and has intersected the main Wild Dog structure approximately 30m south of the WDG-07 intercept. The mineralized zone intercepted from 150m to 160m contains dark sulphidic quartz bands with massive sulphides of chalcopyrite and bornite (assays pending, see photo below). "The first results from our Phase 1 drill program at Wild Dog, hole WDG-02, highlighted the high-grade gold-copper potential of the Project with WDG-04 extending the mineralization 200m south. Now, WDG-07 has extended the mineralized system 250m to the north, and the continuity of the system in the Northern Sulphide area is being demonstrated with WDG-08 intersecting the targeted structure ~30 meters south," stated Greg McCunn, CEO. "The executive team has just returned from a site visit to Wild Dog and based on the success to-date, we expect to announce an expansion to the Phase 1 program soon." A map of the Phase 1 drill program is shown in Figure 1. Results To-date, the Company has completed seven drill holes at Wild Dog, with the eighth underway. Details of the drilling are shown in Table 1 with key assay results shown in Table 2. Table 1: Wild Dog Drill Hole Details (PNG94 UTM coordinates) Hole ID Easting Northing RL Dip Azi Max Depth (m) Status WDG-01 394358.3 9488853.5 945 -50 115 40.1 Abandoned WDG-02 394426.0 9489024.2 900 -53 050 124.6 Completed WDG-03 394384.9 9488926.5 924 -50 053 127.6 Completed WDG-04 394384.8 9488926.5 924 -50 075 120.6 Completed WDG-05 394384.8 9488926.5 924 -50 116 105.9 Completed WDG-06 394428.6 9488923.1 911 -50 352 69.0 Completed WDG-07 394445.5 9489377.0 993 -61 114 201.3 Completed WDG-08 394445.5 9489377.0 993 -57 127 tbd In Progress Table 2: Wild Dog Drill Hole Key Assay Results Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval1 (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Copper (%) Gold Eq.2 (g/t) WDG-02 (previously announced) 65.0 72.0 7.0 5.5 68.8 3.1 11.2 including 65.0 67.0 2.0 10.7 114.6 2.3 15.6 WDG-03 (previously announced) 102.0 104.3 2.3 1.68 pending 0.07 1.79 including 103.55 104.3 0.75 4.05 pending 0.10 4.2 WDG-04 (previously announced) 62.0 68.0 6.0 8.31 pending 0.21 8.64 including 64.0 68.0 4.0 12.25 pending 0.23 12.6 including 64.0 66.4 2.4 19.76 pending 0.27 20.2 WDG-05 72.0 77.0 5.0 1.32 pending 0.25 1.71 including 72.0 75.0 3.0 1.97 pending 0.31 2.44 WDG-06 12.0 15.5 3.5 4.89 49.1 4.87 13.1 including 13.7 14.3 0.6 7.24 89.0 10.84 25.25 WDG-07 153.0 163.0 10.0 3.38 12.1 0.31 4.0 including 153 158.1 5.1 5.53 14.8 0.53 6.5 WDG-07 172.0 173.2 1.2 7.3 105.1 1.28 10.5 including 172.5 173.2 0.7 12.0 178.0 2.18 17.5 Notes: Drill highlights presented above are core lengths (true widths are not known at this time). Gold equivalent (AuEq) exploration results are calculated using longer-term commodity prices with a copper price of US$4.50/lb, a silver price of US$27.50/oz and a gold price of US$2,000/oz. No metallurgical testing has been carried out on Wild Dog mineralized samples. For AuEq calculations, recovery assumptions of Au 92.6%, Ag 78.0%, and Cu 94.0% were used based on K92 Mining's stated recovery results in an Updated Definitive Feasibility Study for the Kainantu mine. WDG-02, WDG-04, WDG-05 and WDG-06 were all drilled in the South-Central Oxide Zone and all intercepted what is considered to be the main Wild Dog vein structure, while WDG-03 drilled in the same area did not intercept the main vein which appears to have been cut off by a late-stage fault, likely displacing the main mineralized vein structure. WDG-07 was a significant step out, approximately 250m north in the Northern Sulphide Zone. The main Wild Dog vein structure was intercepted here as well, and WDG-08 was drilled from the same pad with the drill rotated to target the mineralized zone approximately 30m south of the WDG-07 intercept. WDG-08 also intercepted the main structure, showing continuity of the mineralization in this area. WDG-09 is planned to be drilled from the same pad, with a drill rotation to target the mineralized zone approximately 30m north of the WDG-07 intercept. These holes were planned as part of the Phase 1 drill program. Following the success of the first seven holes, the Company is reevaluating the plan and now anticipates expanding the Phase 1 program. Figure 1: Proposed Phase I drill program at Sinivit, Wild Dog structural corridor. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/261079_greatpacificfigure1.jpg WDG-07 Geology Diamond drill hole WDG-07 was collared in weathered and oxidized material which persisted to 19 meters - where there is a sharp contact with strong illite alteration of the volcanic conglomerate. The pervasive illite alteration persisted to 60 meters downhole where it transitioned into propylitic altered conglomerate. The illite cap zone has several structures with fragments of colloform quartz and possible dark sulphidic quartz. The propylitic altered volcanics has occasional quartz and hematite veins. The main Wild Dog structure was intersected from 152.9m depth and continues to 187.4m. This is a 34.5m zone of intense quartz-sulphide veining and brecciation. While there are higher grade bands within this interval, the entire structure is mineralized with the 34.5m grading 1.77g/t AuEq (1.42 g/t Au, 7.9 g/t Ag and 0.16% Cu). After the structure, the hole transitioned in propylitic altered volcanic conglomerate and was terminated at 201.3m WDG-07 Photo of WDG-07 drill core from 159.4 m, showing strongly banded colloform and crustiform quartz with dark sulphides, including visible chalcopyrite and bornite. The outer margins of the vein exhibit grey-white chalcedonic silica with multiple generations of mineralisation overprinting inward from the vein margins. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/261079_greatpacificfigure2.jpg WDG-08 Photo of WDG-08 drill core at 156 meters showing semi-massive sulphides with visible chalcopyrite and bornite. Assays are pending for this interval, and visual observations should not be considered a proxy for grade. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11018/261079_d4783ddb249e5b0b_004full.jpg On behalf of Great Pacific Gold Greg McCunn, Chief Executive Officer and Director Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Callum Spink, the Company's Vice President, Exploration, who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, MAIG, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Spink is responsible for the technical content of this news release. Mr. Spink is not independent of the Company. Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC) The Company adheres to industry best practices for Quality Assurance and Quality Control. Drill core samples were submitted to Intertek Minerals Ltd. in Lae, Papua New Guinea, an ISO 9001-certified laboratory. Samples were securely sealed in poly-weave bags with single-use tie-locks to maintain chain of custody. Analytical testing was completed using fire assay with additional multi-element MS48 analysis underway. Diamond drill holes WDG-05, WDG-06 and WDG-07 were drilled using PQ diameter core. Certified reference materials (standards) and blanks were inserted into the sample stream in accordance with industry-standard protocols. Blanks were routinely inserted after high-grade intervals, and certified standards were included at a frequency of at least 5%. All assay batches received to date have passed QAQC review and fall within acceptable tolerance limits. Core recoveries for all holes were within acceptable ranges, with sampling procedures carefully managed in intervals where ground conditions were variable or fragile. SPT (Split Tube) drilling was required in WDG-06 to assist recovery through broken ground zones. Additional lab check assays also passed. About Great Pacific Gold Great Pacific Gold has a portfolio of exploration-stage projects in Papua New Guinea ("PNG"). The Company is focused on developing gold-copper resources from its highly prospective land packages. Its core projects include: Kesar Project: located in the Eastern Highlands province of PNG and contiguous with the mine tenements of K92 Mining Inc. ("K92"), the Kesar Project is a greenfield exploration project with several high-priority targets in close proximity to the property boundary with K92. Multiple epithermal veins at Kesar are on strike and have the same orientation as key K92 deposits, such as Kora. Exploration work to date by the Company at the Kesar Project has shown that these veins have high grades of gold present in outcrop and very elevated gold in soil grades, coincident with aeromagnetic highs. The Company conducted a diamond drill program on key target areas at the Kesar Project from November 2024 to May 2025. Wild Dog Project: located in the East New Britain province of PNG, the Wild Dog Project is a brownfield exploration project with a history of small-scale gold mining. The Wild Dog Project contains numerous epithermal and porphyry hydrothermal-magmatic targets evidenced by previous exploration and operations. The Company completed a road refurbishment in August 2024 and baseline environmental work in Q4 2024. In Q1 2025, the Company began preparing for a drilling program with camp and infrastructure being established, airborne geophysics (MobileMT) survey completed and a geological team in place. A first phase of diamond drilling is underway on the property. Arau Project: located in the Eastern Highlands province of PNG, the Arau Project contains the highly prospective Mt. Victor exploration target with potential for a high sulphidation epithermal gold-base metal deposit. A Phase 1 Reverse Circulation drilling program was completed at Mt. Victor in August 2024, with encouraging results. The Arau Project includes the Elandora licence, which also contains various epithermal and copper-gold porphyry targets. The Company also holds the Tinga Valley Project in PNG. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Great Pacific Gold cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Great Pacific Gold's limited operating history, its exploration and development activities on its mineral properties and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Great Pacific Gold does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Mineralization at the properties held by K92 Mining is not necessarily indicative of mineralization at the Kesar Project. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261079 SOURCE: Great Pacific Gold Corp. The move replaces traditional breakbulk shipping with a more efficient, cold chain-integrated solution to improve fruit quality and reduce handling Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE: FDP), a global leader in fresh produce, has announced a new partnership with the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, to introduce containerized shipping service for fresh banana and pineapple exports from the Philippines to Japan and South Korea. The collaboration marks a significant departure from traditional breakbulk shipping methods, ushering in a new era of quality, reliability, and cold chain precision for banana and pineapple imports in Northeast Asia. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805042587/en/ The containerized service operates on two key shipping routes, provided by CNC, the Intra-Asia specialist of the CMA CGM Group: JP8 Service A newly enhanced route offering fast, direct connections from Davao to Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, and Moji, ensuring efficient delivery to Japan. BMX Service A flagship route providing a premium, stable weekly connection from Davao to Busan, South Korea. For decades, breakbulk vessels have been the standard in transporting bananas and pineapples to Japan and Korea. But this legacy method-where fruit is exposed to fluctuating temperatures and handled multiple times-has long posed challenges for maintaining fruit quality. By moving to fully containerized shipments, Fresh Del Monte and CMA CGM are delivering a strategic leap in logistics excellence. "Customer satisfaction starts long before the fruit reaches the shelf-it begins with how we move it," said Raul Saca, SVP, Global Logistics at Fresh Del Monte. "By transitioning to dedicated container vessels, we're not only improving cold chain reliability and minimizing damage but also creating a more agile, scalable logistics model that better serves our retail partners across Asia." Unlike breakbulk methods-where the fruits may face hours of exposure to extreme heat or cold and frequent handling-the new containerized approach keeps fruit in consistent, temperature-controlled conditions from farm to customer. It also mitigates carbon footprint due to its inherent efficiency. Each container acts as a mobile cold room, preserving quality and extending shelf life. The result: more capacity, less waste, and consistently better bananas and pineapples for retailers and consumers alike. CMA CGM's CLIMACTIVE controlled atmosphere containers and smart container solutions slow down ripening and preserve the nutritional value of fruits while allowing customers to obtain extensive, reliable, and real-time information about their goods. "This partnership with Fresh Del Monte reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction," said Bo Wegener, Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Asia Pacific. "In addition to benefits from containerization, CMA CGM's expertise in fruits and fresh produce logistics offers improved solutions that add value to both producers and consumers." As climate pressures and customer expectations rise, Fresh Del Monte and CMA CGM are improving more than just delivery timelines. By cutting fruit waste, reducing handling, and increasing cargo efficiency, this shift marks a smarter, more resilient way to move fresh produce, benefiting both quality and the planet. About CMA CGM Group The CMA CGM Group is a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions. True to its corporate purpose, we imagine better ways to serve a world in motion. Present in 177 countries, it employs 160,000 people, of which nearly 6,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located. The world's 3rd largest shipping company, CMA CGM serves more than 420 ports across 5 continents with a fleet of over 650 vessels. In 2024, CMA CGM carried over 23 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) containers. Its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, one of the world's top five players, operates 1,000 warehouses and handled 15 million shipments in 2024. CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the Group's air freight division, will operate a fleet of 6 cargo aircraft by 2025. CMA Media, France's 3rd largest private media group, includes RMC-BFM and several national and regional press titles (La Tribune Dimanche, La Tribune, La Provence and Corse Matin). Committed to energy transition, the CMA CGM Group is aiming for Net Zero Carbon by 2050. The CMA CGM Foundation provides humanitarian aid in crisis situations, and is committed to education for all and equal opportunities throughout the world. To date, the CMA CGM Foundation has transported 63,000 tons of humanitarian aid to 97 countries and supported over 550 educational projects. About CNC CNC is an Intra-Asia shortsea specialist. Headquartered in Singapore, CNC is regionally represented by an extensive agency network throughout Asia. CNC is the sole brand of the CMA CGM Group in Intra-Asia. Currently offering over 50 services, CNC continually strengthens its service network according to market demands and shifts. CNC emphasizes reliable, prompt and personable customer service as the leading Intra-Asia carrier brand. For more information, visit www.cnc-line.com. About Fresh Del Monte Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is one of the world's leading vertically integrated producers, marketers, and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared food in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. markets its products worldwide under the DEL MONTE brand (under license from Del Monte Foods, Inc.), a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness, and reliability for over 135 years. The company also markets its products under the MANN brand and other related trademarks. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Del Monte Foods, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited, Del Monte Canada, or Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to the "Science Based Targets" initiative. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Fresh Del Monte Produce was ranked as one of "America's Most Trusted Companies" by Newsweek based on an independent survey rating companies on three different touchpoints, including customer trust, investor trust, and employee trust. The company was also named a Humankind 100 Company for two consecutive years by Humankind Investments, which recognizes companies that substantially impact areas such as access to food and clean water, healthcare, and digital services. Fresh Del Monte has also been awarded the SEAL Business Sustainability Awards four times in the last five years (2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025). Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is traded on the NYSE under the symbol FDP. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805042587/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: Havas Formula freshdelmonte@havasformula.com Claudia Pou Vice President, Global Head of Corporate Communications communications@freshdelmonte.com Elaine Quek Head of Communications and Sustainability, APAC apac.media@cma-cgm.com GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / As the crypto world evolves at breakneck speed, seamless and secure payment experiences remain a core user pain point behind the technological frenzy. PinkWallet, a service provider entering the crypto wallet arena with an innovative model, is dedicated to reshaping payment infrastructure through technology. It's not just a digital asset vault but aims to make crypto flow as effortlessly as email. Recently, we held an in-depth conversation with PinkWallet's CEO, Michael Zhang, to unpack its product logic and future vision. From Traditional Finance to Crypto Bridge: A Veteran Payment Professional's Pivot Reporter: Michael, your career seems rooted in traditional financial payments. What pivotal moment led you to dive into the more adventurous "blue ocean" of crypto wallets? Michael Zhang: (Smiles) True, my years at Morgan Stanley and HSBC were steeped in "legacy systems" like international wire transfers and SWIFT-plagued by inefficiency, high costs, and delays. The user pain points were overwhelming. That changed in 2017 when I personally experienced a Bitcoin cross-border transfer. The speed and cost advantages were revolutionary! I realized: if blockchain could fundamentally solve traditional payment flaws, why not bring this to the masses? Make digital assets not just investment tokens but something you can easily spend, like cash? That's when PinkWallet was born. Our core mission: make value flow as simply and efficiently as information. Reporter: Competition in the crypto wallet space is fierce. What sets PinkWallet apart? What's its standout differentiator? Michael Zhang: It's all about positioning! Most wallets solve "storage." We're tackling "utility"-building the foundational "highway" for crypto payments and asset management. Technically, this means mastering the delicate balance between security and efficiency. We deploy Distributed Key Management (DKM) coupled with Multi-signature (Multi-Sig) protocols to fortify asset security. Meanwhile, our backend integrates top-tier liquidity providers, ensuring real-time rate updates and execution speed-core stablecoin rates refresh every 10 seconds, with dynamic routing for optimal trade paths. Security AND efficiency-mastering both is the bedrock of true payment infrastructure. Technical Foundation: Security as the Base, Efficiency as the Standard Reporter: You mentioned Distributed Key Management. How exactly does this safeguard user assets? Security is paramount for users. Michael Zhang: A critical question! Traditional approaches are extremes: full custodial (users feel uneasy) or full self-custody (lose keys, lose everything). We found a novel middle ground-Sharded Key Technology. A private key is split into three shards: one held by the user, one encrypted and stored by PinkWallet, and one held by an independent third-party custodian. Moving assets requires co-signing from at least two parties. This architecture eliminates single points of failure while ensuring genuine user sovereignty over assets. Security isn't rhetoric; it's engineered. Reporter: Speed is another common user complaint. How does PinkWallet achieve real-time FX and fast payments? Michael Zhang: Speed is the lifeblood of payments. Our backend acts like a dedicated express lane, aggregating liquidity from 15+ premium providers-including top market makers and exchanges. An intelligent routing algorithm continuously compares prices and depth across channels, instantly finding the optimal execution path. Major stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and DAI transact near-instantly, averaging under 5 seconds for confirmation. To push further, we're exploring integration with oracle networks for even greater price accuracy and latency reduction. The pursuit of faster and more optimal never stops. Product Ecosystem: Beyond Wallets to a One-Stop Portal Reporter: PinkWallet's roadmap seems to extend far beyond traditional wallets. Besides storage/transfer, what key services can users anticipate? Michael Zhang: You pinpointed it. Our goal is a comprehensive, compliant crypto financial services gateway. First: fiat ramps. We support seamless on/off-ramps for USD, EUR, HKD, and 5 other major fiat currencies. Next up: ?low-leverage contract trading, currently in advanced development. We recognize users' desire for capital efficiency but believe leverage must be prudent. Most anticipated is our pre-research Crypto Card (virtual + physical) - enabling "crypto in your pocket, payments across the globe." Reporter: Enhanced functionality brings greater compliance complexity. How is PinkWallet navigating the global regulatory landscape? Michael Zhang: Compliance is indeed the Sword of Damocles for all players. We embedded AML/KYC mechanisms into our product DNA from inception-identity verification is mandatory for advanced features. Licensing is paramount: active pursuit of Canadian Money Services Business (MSB) and European Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licenses is underway, targeting 2025 acquisition. Crucially, ?we proactively build localized compliance teams in each operational jurisdiction. In Hong Kong, for example, we've already implemented stringent client fund segregation per HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Authority) requirements. Compliance isn't a constraint; it's the moat for sustainable growth. Market Strategy: Deep Cultivation in Fertile Ground Reporter: PinkWallet targets seemingly distinct user groups: crypto natives and traditional finance entrants. How do you reconcile these divergent needs? Michael Zhang: Correct, our audience is broad. The core principle is simplicity and usability. For crypto natives, we provide professional-grade asset management tools and deep market analytics. For newcomers, especially from TradFi, we prioritize minimalist interfaces and comprehensive education-features like "One-Click Swap" let users select assets and amounts while the system silently handles complex routing and pricing. Complexity belongs in the backend; simplicity is the user's experience. That's our product philosophy. Reporter: Global expansion is a dream for many crypto firms, fraught with pitfalls. What's PinkWallet's approach? Michael Zhang: We follow a "regional deep-dive" strategy, prioritizing markets with mature ecosystems and clear regulatory pathways. Current focus: Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong-regions with fertile crypto soil and strong user bases. Europe is next, particularly fintech hubs like Germany and Switzerland. But the principle is immutable: No service launch without the local license in hand. Global growth demands steadfastness. Future Vision: When Crypto Payments Go Truly Mainstream Reporter: As a deep participant in payments, where do you see the future of crypto payments heading? Michael Zhang: I foresee three phases: Phase 1: Proof of Concept (demonstrating viability) - largely achieved. Phase 2: Regulatory Integration - building compliant bridges to traditional finance. We are now in this critical ascent. ?Phase 3: Mass Adoption - becoming ubiquitous. The next 3-5 years will see accelerating adoption by traditional financial institutions. PinkWallet aspires to be builders of the bridge pylons in this payments revolution, not mere bystanders. Reporter: The perennial final question: What's PinkWallet's ultimate ambition? Michael Zhang: (Firmly) Our vision is simple: empower anyone, anywhere, to use digital assets freely and easily. Whether sending remittances, shopping online, or managing wealth, PinkWallet aims to be the user's most trusted crypto companion. The path ahead has challenges, but I'm confident that through relentless innovation and unwavering compliance, there are no insurmountable challenges. Ultimately, ?"Your Gateway to the Crypto Economy" - opening the doors to the crypto economy and empowering the free flow of value - that is our mission. PinkWallet's website notes the platform currently supports 50+ major cryptocurrencies, serving users across 30+ countries and regions. As crypto payments and compliance standards gain prominence, PinkWallet-wielding technology as its spear and compliance as its shield-is positioning itself to secure a pivotal role in the next wave of industry evolution, building the infrastructure blueprint for the future of crypto finance. CONTACT: Company: PinkWallet Contact:Scott Phone:+447598516486 Email: scott@pinkwallet.com Url:www.pinkwallet.com Region:Cayman Islands SOURCE: PinkWallet View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/exclusive-interview-pinkwallet-founde-building-innovative-payment-inf-1050397 JACKSON, WY / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Labor Smart, Inc. (OTCID:LTNC), a Wyoming corporation building and scaling next-generation consumer brands, today announced that it is making great progress with the 15c2-11 process in coordination with its broker-dealer - a pivotal milestone in a sweeping corporate transformation that includes a filed name change, significant share structure reform, and aggressive portfolio expansion initiatives, all with more details coming in the future weeks. This step signals the beginning of a strategic overhaul designed to increase transparency, modernize corporate governance, and position the Company for uplisting initiatives. As part of this transformation, LTNC has already filed for a corporate name change to reflect its evolving brand portfolio and growth strategy. The new identity will be unveiled shortly (name and ticker change). Simultaneously, the Company has launched a comprehensive share structure reform plan designed to reduce legacy dilution, strengthen its capital position, and create a cleaner path to shareholder value creation. These steps follow months of internal restructuring, brand development, and preparation for multiple product launches across high-growth categories. "These aren't routine updates; this is the beginning of an entirely new chapter for LTNC," said Brad Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer. "We've spent the past year restructuring the company from the ground up: strengthening the balance sheet, securing critical partnerships, and building a foundation for brands capable of competing on both national and international stages. Completing the 15c2-11 process is a pivotal milestone; it not only enhances our visibility and credibility in the global market but also opens the door to deeper investor engagement and broader access to capital." Tom Zarro, Chairman of the Board, added: "This marks a pivotal moment for LTNC and our shareholders. Every step we've taken reflects a disciplined, long-term approach to capital stewardship and a confident vision for the future. With the fully funded 15c2-11 process nearing approval and initiating meaningful share structure reform, this marks just the beginning of the progress we are making as a company. What follows will redefine how LTNC shows up in the consumer brand space - and we believe it positions us for sustainable growth and enduring value." The Company will continue to provide updates on its transformation plan, including the new corporate identity, share structure initiatives, and upcoming brand launches, as these milestones are achieved. About Labor Smart, Inc. (LTNC) Labor Smart, Inc. is a Wyoming corporation publicly traded on the OTC Markets. The Company is focused on building and scaling innovative consumer brands across beverages, functional wellness, and lifestyle categories, with a portfolio positioned for rapid growth in both domestic and international markets. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the Company's industry, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by management, and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements, including but not limited to: The Company's ability to successfully execute its growth strategies and brand launches; The timing and outcome of regulatory filings, including 15c2-11 reviews and corporate actions; Market acceptance of new products and competitive conditions in the consumer brand sector; Changes in economic conditions, capital markets, or applicable laws and regulations; Risks related to dilution, share structure adjustments, and future financings; and Other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's public filings with OTC Markets and applicable regulatory authorities. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investor Relations Contact: ir@laborsmartinc.com SOURCE: Labor Smart, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/ltnc-making-headway-15c2-11-process-launches-major-corporate-transformat-1056514 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Silver Hammer Mining Corp. (CSE: HAMR) (the "Company" or "Silver Hammer") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated June 17, 2025, it has closed the first tranche (the "First Tranche") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), issuing 6,026,418 units (the "Units") at a price of C$0.055 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$331,452.99. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of C$0.07 for a period of five years from the date of issuance. The Company expects to complete a second tranche of the Offering in the coming weeks. "I am pleased to see the management team of Silver Hammer subscribe for a significant portion of the first tranche of the private placement alongside our existing and new shareholders. A second tranche is underway with solid interest, and we look forward to a busy year ahead," stated Peter A. Ball, President & CEO. "The silver market is significantly stronger than a year ago, driven by surging industrial demand, tightening supply, and renewed investor interest, making it one of the most compelling opportunities in the metals space today. With two permitted high-grade silver projects and a third project being finalized for permitting, controlling seven historical silver mines in Idaho and Nevada, it is an exciting period ahead for Silver Hammer." Directors and officers of the Company purchased an aggregate of 2,431,818 Units in the Offering. Their participation constituted a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the securities subscribed for by such insiders, and the consideration paid, did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company confirms that it will no longer pursue any portion of the Offering under the listed issuer financing exemption in Part 5A of NI 45-106. The First Tranche was completed in reliance on prospectus exemptions under National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), and, for greater certainty, did not include any portion completed under the listed issuer financing exemption set out in Part 5A of NI 45-106. All securities issued in connection with the First Tranche are subject to a statutory hold period of four months, expiring on December 2, 2025, in accordance with applicable securities laws. In connection with the First Tranche, the Company paid finder's fees consisting of C$7,315.00 in cash and issued 133,000 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to eligible finders. Each Finder's Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Share at an exercise price of C$0.07 for a period of 60 months from the date of issuance. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for exploration of its Silver Strand project in Idaho and its Eliza and Silverton projects in Nevada, as well as for general working capital and corporate purposes. The Company also announces that it has granted stock options to certain directors, officers, and consultants pursuant to the terms of the Company's stock option plan. An aggregate of 4,300,000 stock options were granted, each exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.055 per share. All options are subject to the terms of the Company's stock option plan and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. About Silver Hammer Mining Corp. Silver Hammer Mining Corp. is a junior resource company focused on advancing past-producing high-grade silver projects in the United States. Silver Hammer controls 100% of the Silver Strand Mine in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District in Idaho, USA, as well both the Eliza Silver Project and the Silverton Silver Mine in Nevada and the Lacy Gold Project in British Columbia, Canada. Silver Hammer's primary focus is defining and developing silver deposits near past-producing mines that have not been adequately tested. The Company's portfolio also provides exposure to copper and gold discoveries. On Behalf of the Board of Silver Hammer Mining Corp. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limitation, statements relating to the Offering, the intended use of proceeds from the Offering, the Company's expectation to close a second tranche of the Offering and other statements which are subject to a number of conditions, as described elsewhere in this news release. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including risks regarding the mining industry, commodity prices, market conditions, general economic factors, management's ability to manage and to operate the business, and explore and develop the projects of the Company, and the equity markets generally. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance of the Company may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, they can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Not for distribution to the U.S. newswire or for dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261104 SOURCE: Silver Hammer Mining Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - BioMark Diagnostics Inc. (CSE: BUX) (FSE: 20B) (OTCQB: BMKDF) ("BioMark"), a leading developer of liquid biopsy tests for early cancer detection, announces today the completion of a strategic laboratory equipment leasing agreement, substantially doubling BioMark's testing capacity and positioning the Company for the imminent commercial launch of its lung cancer assay. This critical advancement in its operational capabilities solidifies the expansion of its diagnostic and research services and positions the Company as a central hub for innovation, high-throughput diagnostics, and collaborative ventures. Accelerating Commercialization and Market Entry for Life-Saving Diagnostics The newly acquired state-of-the-art laboratory equipment is aligned with BioMark's commercialization strategy. This enhanced capacity directly addresses the escalating global demand for non-invasive liquid biopsy diagnostics and, crucially, prepares the Company for the widespread clinical deployment of its metabolomic-based lung cancer diagnostic assay. The expansion also facilitates the provision of advanced diagnostic analytical molecular services to international clients and significantly expands its research capabilities to accommodate the growing needs of metabolomics from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Furthermore, this initiative supports the accelerated rollout of multiple new assays, aligning with the company's laboratory certification and accreditation roadmap. "Our enhanced laboratory capacity underscores BioMark's unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and accessibility," stated Jean-Francois Haince, CSO and GM of BioMark Diagnostic Solutions. "Once certified, this laboratory will serve as a pivotal engine for commercialization, revenue generation, strategic partnerships, and the widespread clinical deployment of our metabolomic-based diagnostic assays." Creating a Platform for Scalable Growth and Strategic Value This strategic laboratory upgrade aligns with BioMark's vision to establish an agile, clinically robust platform capable of supporting research on advanced cancer. It will also facilitate ongoing clinical research collaborations with global healthcare institutions and pharmaceutical companies, while streamlining regulatory filings and clinical validation studies for new indications and expansion into international markets. BioMark's forthcoming certified and accredited laboratory will be instrumental in enabling a broad deployment strategy through robust clinical partnerships, centralized testing services, and expanded contract research programs. "Our team remains intensely focused on achieving key milestones and enhancing long-term shareholder value," added Rashid Ahmed Bux, President & CEO of BioMark. "This accomplishment strategically positions BioMark at a significant advantage within the diagnostic arena, marking a critical enabler as we continue to scale our AI-enhanced assays and foster collaborations across the entire cancer care spectrum. We are now well-equipped to meet the anticipated demand for our innovative solutions and drive significant growth." About BioMark Diagnostics Inc. BioMark Diagnostics Inc. is a leading developer of liquid biopsy tests for the early detection of cancer that leverages the power of metabolomics and machine learning algorithms. The company's proprietary technology utilizes a simple blood draw to detect the presence of cancer-associated biomarkers, enabling earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. The technology can also be used for measuring response to treatment and potentially for serial monitoring of cancer survivors. BioMark is committed to developing innovative and accessible diagnostic solutions to address unmet medical needs in oncology. Further information about BioMark is available under its profile on the SEDAR+ website www.sedarplus.ca and the CSE website https://thecse.com/. Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of BioMark. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of BioMark. Although BioMark believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because BioMark can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. BioMark disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved of the content of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261250 SOURCE: BioMark Diagnostics, Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Daura Gold Corp. (TSXV: DGC) (formerly Daura Capital Corp.) (the "Company" or "Daura"), through its subsidiary Estrella Gold S.A.C. in Peru, is pleased to announce that it has obtained permits to proceed with its planned exploration program at its flagship Antonella, located in the Ancash Department, bordering the San Luis gold project. The Company will proceed with an extensive geological mapping, rock sampling and geophysical survey within the Antonella concession areas, aimed at assessing and enhancing the understanding of the mineralization and economic potential within these key exploration sites. Antonella Exploration Program Daura's flagship property spans 900 hectares, hosting the Antonella Target. Historical information from past exploration, including sampling and diamond drilling, has confirmed the continuity of gold and silver veins. Additionally, base metals such as copper, lead, and zinc have been identified at depth, highlighting the area's multi-metal potential. The Antonella Project is situated approximately 5.5 kilometers southwest of the San Luis Project and displays gold-silver vein-type mineralization, accompanied by base metals such as copper and zinc. Diamond drilling has confirmed the continuity of mineralization at depth. Located 2.2 kilometers southeast of Antonella, the Bonita Project also hosts gold-silver vein mineralization, which is interpreted to be a possible southeastern extension of the Antonella vein system. The Antonella and Bonita projects are structurally controlled by NW-SE-trending faults that correspond to first-order structures of the Andean orogenic belt. These major fault systems have acted as primary conduits for hydrothermal fluid flow. Subsequent extensional deformation, related to differential stress regimes within the Andean system, has generated a network of second-order strike-slip faults with predominantly E-W and NE-SW orientations. These secondary structures likely acted as dilation zones, enhancing permeability and facilitating mineral deposition. The Antonella and Bonita vein systems exhibit a consistent Andean structural orientation (NW-SE) and are interpreted as segments of a single, laterally continuous epithermal system. Structural and lithological continuity, as well as comparable mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, support this interpretation. Historical surface exploration in the Antonella area has included mapping and the collection of 397 rock chip and channel samples along exposed ridge crests. Geochemical assays returned anomalous to high grades, with peak concentrations up to 155 g/t Au and 714 g/t Ag, indicating a robust epithermal signature. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6523/261252_4df030c0b4d779be_001full.jpg Historical diamond drilling at both Antonella and Bonita has confirmed the vertical continuity of mineralization, with Au-Ag-bearing quartz-carbonate veins extending to depth. The thickest vein intersections and highest metal grades have been encountered in the southeastern sector of the system, suggesting a potential focus of mineralization or feeder zone in that area. Mapping, geochemical sampling, and drone magnetometry will generate critical data on the southeastern and vertical continuity of mineralization, enabling more precise delineation of drill targets. Figure 1. Above represents Daura's Antonella and Highlander's Bonita and the surrounding major mining companies who are also active in the region To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6523/261252_4df030c0b4d779be_002full.jpg Following the work completed on the Antonella project, and upon obtaining community approval, geological mapping, sampling, and geophysical surveys are planned for the Libelulas concessions. The Antonella and Bonita veins exhibit a northwest-southeast (NW-SE) Andean structural trend, and current geological evidence suggests they may form part of a continuous mineralized system extending into the Libelulas claims, which lie within the same fault zone. These structural and geological indicators highlight a strong potential for the discovery of additional gold and silver-bearing veins in the southern and southeastern areas of the Antonella and Bonita projects. Luis Saenz, CEO of Daura, stated: "We are excited to launch our exploration program at Antonella and Bonita, two highly prospective targets within one of Peru's most prolific precious metals belts. Historical results have demonstrated strong gold and silver mineralization, and we believe the geological and structural evidence points to a continuous vein system with significant upside potential. Our team is focused on generating high-quality data that will inform our next phase of drilling and advance our understanding of this emerging multi-kilometer epithermal system." Qualified Person All scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Owen D. W. Miller, Ph.D. FAusIMM(CP), a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Miller acts as an independent third party consultant of the Company. Historical data disclosed in this news release relating to sampling results from previous operators are historical in nature. Neither the Company nor a qualified person has yet verified this data and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on such data. The Company's future exploration work may include verification of the data. The Company considers historical results to be relevant as an exploration guide and to assess the mineralization as well as economic potential of exploration projects. Any historical grab samples disclosed are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralization. About Daura Gold Corp. Listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, Daura Gold Corp is advancing high-impact exploration projects in Peru's renowned Ancash region. Daura owns a 100% undivided interest in 15,900 hectares of exploration concessions in Ancash, including the 900-hectare Antonella target, which is the primary focus of Daura's current exploration efforts. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information: Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Daura cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Daura's control. Such factors include, among other things: future prices and the supply of gold and other precious and other metals; future demand for gold and other valuable metals; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; results of exploration programs; risks of the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; and failure to obtain necessary regulatory or shareholder approvals. 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. Daura disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261252 SOURCE: Daura Gold Corp. Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, Chairman and CEO of Seegene, highlights progress toward fully automated and data-driven molecular testing Introduction of CURECA, the first fully unattended PCR automation system, and STAgora, a real-time global data analytics platform Technologies designed to scale automation, enhance data insights, and support the company's long-term vision of a world free from diseases SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seegene Inc., a global leader in molecular diagnostics, unveiled two new technologies at ADLM 2025 in Chicago (July 29-31) designed to advance laboratory automation and data-driven infectious disease monitoring. The company introduced CURECA, world's first fully unattended PCR automation system, and STAgora, a real-time data analytics platform intended to support earlier detection and precision care. Chairman Highlights Next Step in Molecular Diagnostics "With CURECA and STAgora, we are taking an important step toward the future of diagnostics," said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, Chairman and CEO of Seegene, during a press conference with U.S. and global media on July 30. "Our goal is to enable laboratories worldwide to automate complex testing workflows and use diagnostic data more effectively, ultimately helping advance global efforts toward a world free from diseases." Today, most molecular testing systems remain only partially automated, dependent on skilled personnel for repetitive manual steps and fixed workflows that limit efficiency and scalability. CURECA Breaks the Limits of Automation to Reshape Global Diagnostics CURECA is the first system in the diagnostics industry designed to fully automate every step of PCR testing, including the traditionally manual pre-treatment stage. Seegene notes that achieving true full automation in diagnostics requires three key conditions: operation without highly trained professionals, continuous 24-hour processing, and uninterrupted specimen input. CURECA is designed to meet all three. Its dedicated module, CURECA Prep, processes a wide range of specimen types such as urine, blood, sputum, and stool, addressing one of the most persistent barriers to automation. With the module handling diverse specimen pre-treatment, the full CURECA system completes the entire PCR workflow from sample loading through nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and result analysis without manual intervention. The system is engineered for continuous 24-hour operation, aiming to minimize human error, improve workflow efficiency, and allow laboratories to allocate skilled staff to higher-value activities. Full automation has long been a challenge in diagnostics due to specimen variability and the reliance on trained personnel for repetitive pre-processing tasks. CURECA is intended to help laboratories overcome these constraints by providing a scalable and adaptable system that can be configured to fit different lab sizes and workflows. CURECA Prep could also potentially extend to other testing fields, such as clinical chemistry and immunodiagnostics, as Seegene continues to explore broader automation solutions. STAgora Transforms Diagnostic Data into Real-Time Clinical Intelligence STAgora is Seegene's latest platform, designed to collect and analyze PCR testing data in real time, providing laboratories with broader context to inform diagnostic workflows. The platform includes more than 40 analytical tools, offering functions such as infection trend tracking, hospital-level positivity monitoring, and multi-pathogen co-infection pattern analysis. Rather than serving as a simple data repository, STAgora is built as an integrated platform intended to help laboratories derive meaningful, aggregated insights from testing data. Today, individual test results often provide limited information without broader reference points. STAgora is designed to address this by enabling hospitals to build their own statistical datasets and compare aggregated data across institutions, helping them detect infection patterns faster and support more informed decision-making. The data shared through the platform is de-identified and formatted according to each institution's requirements, supporting secure, real-time exchange at local, national, or global levels. Advancing Toward a World Free from All Diseases Dr. Chun reiterated Seegene's long-term vision of building "a world free from diseases" noting that the introduction of CURECA and STAgora completes the company's five core technology pillars. These include Seegene's proprietary PCR technology, the SGDDS (Seegene Digitalized Development System) for automated assay development, its global Technology-Sharing Initiative, and now the addition of fully automated PCR testing and real-time data analytics capabilities. Industry experts at ADLM 2025 expressed strong interest in Seegene's new technologies. Jamel Giuma, President and CEO of Miami based laboratory IT consulting firm JTG Consulting Group, said, "I've attended many ADLM conferences over the years, and CURECA is one of the most innovative solutions I have seen so far. I believe it has the potential to simplify laboratory workflows, reduce the burden on lab personnel, and greatly enhance overall operational efficiency." "With CURECA and STAgora, we're addressing long-standing barriers in molecular diagnostics," Dr. Chun added. "Just as smartphones and electric vehicles transformed their industries, we believe these technologies will redefine what is possible in diagnostic testing, helping laboratories worldwide achieve true automation, unlock the value of diagnostic data, and ultimately contribute to building a world free from diseases." Disclaimer CURECA and STAgora demonstrated at ADLM 2025 are pre-commercial technologies under development, not commercially available, and are not currently cleared for clinical diagnostic use in any jurisdiction. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2744359/Photo_1__Seegene_showcased_fully_unattended_PCR_automation_system_CURECA.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2744360/Photo_2__An_attendee_listens_a_presentation_STAgora__Seegene_s_booth.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2744361/Photo_3__Dr_Jong_Yoon_Chun_Chairman_CEO_Seegene_presents_CURECA.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1357790/Seegene_logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/seegene-unveils-cureca-and-stagora-at-adlm-2025-advancing-the-next-stage-of-diagnostics-302522028.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / (TSX.V:OGN)(OTC:OGNNF) Orogen Royalties Inc. ("Orogen" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a purchase and sale agreement (the "Agreement") with a subsidiary of Fresnillo plc ("Fresnillo") whereby Fresnillo has acquired the Los Coyotes silver-gold project, located in Sonora Mexico. To acquire a 100% interest in the Los Coyotes project, Fresnillo will pay Orogen US$118,000 on signing (received) and US$1 million on the commencement of commercial production. Orogen will retain a 1% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty. Paddy Nicol, CEO of Orogen commented, "Los Coyotes is an undrilled silver-gold rich poly metallic project that was part of Orogen's larger and un-optioned Suanse porphyry copper project. This transaction brings in Fresnillo, the world's leading silver producer, with strong geological and regional expertise to focus on exploring the precious metal potential at Los Coyotes. Orogen will keep its upside exposure to Los Coyotes though its retained royalty without any further capital contribution. We look forward to the next rounds of exploration at Los Coyotes with Fresnillo." About the Los Coyotes Silver-Gold Project The Los Coyotes property consists of six claims covering over 600 hectares located approximately 180 kilometres northeast of Hermosillo in Sonora Mexico. The property lies within the prolific Laramide porphyry copper belt, between Mexico's two largest copper mines, Cananea and La Caridad. and within the Sierra Madre Occidental Gold and Silver Belt proximal to multiple producing Eocene precious metal vein systems including the Santa Elena, Ermitano, Las Chispas and Mercedes mines. (Figure 1). Figure 1: Location of the Los Coyotes property Mineralization on the Los Coyotes property has been mapped in multiple sub parallel northeast striking sub-vertical mineralized structures and as replacements within a limestone unit interbedded within the Andesites. The mineralized structures, which can be traced across the property for over five kilometres, are undrilled but contain several historical workings. Channel sampling of these structures at surface has returned up to 1.4 metres at 6.81 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 927 g/t silver (Figure 2 and Photo 1). Mineralization is hosted within dacitic to andesitic composition volcanic rocks interpreted to be part of the Laramide-age Tarahumara Formation. Figure 2: Silver (left) and Gold (right) in rock samples over simplified geology on the 151-hectare portion of the Coyotes claims Photo 1: Channel sample that returned 1.4 metres grading 6.81 g/t gold, 927 g/t silver Qualified Person Statement All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by Laurence Pryer, Ph.D., P.Geo. VP Exploration for the Company. Dr. Pryer is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. About Orogen Royalties Inc. Orogen Royalties is focused on organic royalty creation and royalty acquisitions on precious and base metal discoveries in western North America. The Company's royalty portfolio includes the Ermitano gold and silver Mine in Sonora, Mexico (2.0% NSR royalty) operated by First Majestic Silver Corp. The Company is well financed with several projects actively being developed by joint venture partners. On Behalf of the Board OROGEN ROYALTIES INC. Paddy Nicol President & CEO To find out more about Orogen, please contact Paddy Nicol, President & CEO at 604-248-8648, and Marco LoCascio, Vice President, Corporate Development at 604-248-8648. Visit our website at www.orogenroyalties.com. Orogen Royalties Inc. 1015 - 789 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 1H2 info@orogenroyalties.com Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this presentation, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Orogen Royalties Inc. (the "Company") expect to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information in this news release includes: the timing of the delisting of the common shares of Orogen from certain stock exchanges and the subsequent listing of shares of Orogen SpinCo on proposed exchanges; the expected benefits, timing and proceeds of the exploration alliances, business objectives and plans of Orogen SpinCo and the timing of the finalization of the alliance contracts. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent the companies' expectations, estimates and projections regarding possible future events or circumstances. Although the Company believe the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. 1. https://orogenroyalties.com/news-releases/orogen-royalties-options-llano-de-nogal-to-riverside-resources/ SOURCE: Orogen Royalties Inc View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/orogen-royalties-sells-the-los-coyotes-silver-gold-project-to-fresnillo-1055811 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Goldrea Resources Corp. (CSE: GOR) (FSE: GOJ1) (OTC Pink: GORAF) ("Goldrea" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be conducting a field program to evaluate three targets identified by previous airborne surveys of the Cannonball Project. Subject to financing, the Company intends to carry out this work program this summer. Accordingly, Goldrea is announcing a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $100,000 through the sale of $0.016 flow-through units ("FT Units") and up to $100,000 through the sale of $0.014 units ("Units"). Each $0.016 FT Unit will be comprised of one flow-through common share and half of a non-flow-through common share purchase warrant with an exercise price of $0.05 for a period of three years. Each $0.014 Unit will be comprised of one common share and one full common share purchase warrant with an exercise price of $0.05 for a period of three years. Proceeds from the private placement will be used to finance the exploration program as well as to fund general administration expenses. Finders' fees may be paid in connection with the offering. Goldrea's Cannonball project is located between Seabridge Gold's 22,800 hectare Iskut Project and Enduro Metals' 68,800 hectare, northeast trending claim group called the Newmont Lake Project. Kingfisher Metals, controls an 84,900 hectare, northeast trending claim group called the Highway 37 Project to the northeast of the Newmont Lake Project. Northeast of Kingfisher Metals, Newmont Gold controls the Red Chris Mine and GT Gold's Saddle Discovery, purchased by Newmont in 2021 for ~$400 million, which form part of an 71,000 hectare land package. Collectively, these claims cover a 150 kilometer long, northeast trending series of porphyry and epithermal gold occurrences having significant potential for new discoveries. https://goldrea.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Goldrea_GoldenTriangle_Map_NRelease_Slide.pdf ; for map showing properties on trend on www.goldrea.com. Ongoing geological research (Ore Deposits Hub 107-Structural Patterns at the Mesozoic KSM and Galore Creek Porphyry Districts) indicates that porphyry systems in the Golden Triangle are localized along rift-related, northeast trending structural corridors, typically near epithermal gold occurrences. An 8,000 meter drilling program, announced on June 3, 2025 is underway at Seabridge's Snip North project. Kingfisher Metals announced commencement of a 7,500 meter drill program at the Highway 37 project on July 2, 2025, and on July 23, 2025 Enduro announced they have commenced a field program potentially to include drilling of its promising Andrei porphyry prospect. The total cost of these exploration programs is estimated at $25 million for 2025. Jim Elbert states: "The intense interest Seabridge, Newmont, Kingfisher Metals and Enduro are showing in this part of the Golden Triangle supports the potential of Goldrea's mineral claims. Field work by Goldrea's geological team since 2020 has identified porphyry and epithermal style copper and gold mineralization and preliminary IP surveys have delineated significant chargeability anomalies. These targets exhibit circular magnetic response similar to known area mineralization. The current drill programs are expected to generate even more industry interest in this emerging corridor, and we continue to be very encouraged as we build on Goldrea's resource potential." The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain "forward-looking statements", which are statements about the future based on current expectations or beliefs. For this purpose, statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate or true. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261266 SOURCE: Goldrea Resources Corp. New Product Enables Businesses, Creators, Artists, and Everyday Users to Seamlessly Generate Music for Countless Applications ElevenLabs, the leading AI audio research and product company, today announced the launch of Eleven Music, expanding on its mission to build the most comprehensive AI audio platform in the world. Eleven Music enables businesses, creators, artists, and everyday users to generate studio-grade music from natural language prompts. Eleven Music was built in partnership with artists, labels, and publishers, and includes guardrails to protect rightsholders. Eleven Music users can effortlessly generate their ideal track, in any genre or style, with or without vocals, in numerous languages and in a matter of minutes. Generated tracks can be used for nearly any application. ElevenLabs plans to integrate Eleven Music into its full suite of tools, including its Conversational AI platform. "As an AI audio company, expanding into music was a natural progression, and we are thrilled to introduce Eleven Music today," said Mati Staniszewski, CEO and Co-Founder of ElevenLabs. "We've heard massive demand from our enterprise partners and users for a music model like this and we took our time to ship one that we're certain they'll love. We're proud to do so in collaboration with music industry partners who recognize the vast benefits and possibilities of AI innovation in music." ElevenLabs has worked with a range of partners to develop the first Eleven Music model. In addition, ElevenLabs has reached agreements with Merlin the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors and Kobalt the largest independent music publisher in the world. These groundbreaking deals will allow the premier artists and songwriters that Merlin and Kobalt represent to participate in the development of Eleven Music Pro, a subsequent model that the company plans to release in the coming months. The Merlin and Kobalt partnerships will help ElevenLabs continue to deliver the best AI audio tools to its millions of users. "We are excited to partner with ElevenLabs," said Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin. "As we navigate the transformative yet challenging opportunities that AI presents, it is core to Merlin's mission that we work with partners who respect the extraordinary cultural contribution of our members, their artists and their music. We will be very deliberate about who we work with and have been in conversations with many companies in this space. Our partnership with ElevenLabs demonstrates that music rightsholders can negotiate thoughtful, forward-looking agreements with AI companies. Together, we have created responsible guardrails that showcase how AI companies and music rightsholders can collaborate. We look forward to sharing further announcements as we work together towards the launch of Eleven Music Pro." Laurent Hubert, CEO of Kobalt said: "Our songwriters and clients entrust us to ensure that the AI revolution includes both strong protections for their intellectual property rights for AI training, as well as forward-looking and thoughtful opportunities to participate in AI revenue streams, subject to clear and fair guardrails. ElevenLabs has been a collaborative partner, committed to sourcing data directly from rightsholders and protecting them. We are excited about this partnership and seeing ElevenLabs become a pioneer in licensing premium music for their Music Pro offering. Kobalt looks forward to working with our songwriters and partners who wish to be part of this opportunity with ElevenLabs." Eleven Music is available today on the ElevenLabs website. Outputs are cleared for broad commercial use. For more information on supported usage, please visit elevenlabs.io/music-terms. About ElevenLabs Founded in 2022, ElevenLabs is the global leader in AI audio research and technology, building cutting-edge AI audio tools for enterprises, developers, creators, and artists. The platform empowers millions of individuals and thousands of businesses, including employees from over 72% of the Fortune 500, to quickly and affordably create high-quality voice overs at scale, launch interactive AI voice agents in over 30 languages, and now generate studio-quality music. About Merlin Merlin is the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors. We've negotiated premium deals with Apple, Canva, Meta, Spotify, YouTube, and 40 other innovative platforms around the world. Our global membership is from 70+ countries around the world, representing 15% of the recorded music market. Merlin operates for the benefit of its members, without investors looking for an exit, and is funded entirely by our low 1.5% admin fee. Merlin helps the world's leading independents to own their digital business through world-class deals and white-glove support. Find out more at www.merlinnetwork.org. About Kobalt Kobalt Music is the leading independent music publishing destination for songwriters and publishers, powered by technology. Across 10 global offices, Kobalt serves over 1 Million songs, representing some of the biggest songwriters in the world. On average, Kobalt represents over 35% of the top 100 songs and albums in the US and the UK. With a relentless focus on advancing the interests of creators, Kobalt leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline the complex processes of music publishing administration. The company's dedication to transparency, coupled with its forward-thinking approach, has positioned it as a trusted partner for songwriters and rights holders navigating the ever-evolving music industry. Kobalt's unwavering commitment to empowering creators and reshaping the future of music rights management solidifies its standing as a global leader in the music industry. The company continues to transform the industry, most recently via AMRA, its global digital music collection society designed to maximize value for songwriters and publishers in today's digital age, while providing the highest level of transparency and efficiency. For more information about Kobalt, please visit www.kobaltmusic.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250805333301/en/ Contacts: ElevenLabs Press Contact: Sarah Bauer, press@elevenlabs.io Merlin Press Contact: Crystal Henderson, crystal@thepresshouse.com Kobalt Press Contact: John Vlautin, jv@spinlab.net Conference Call and Webcast set for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 4:15 p.m. Eastern time "The Critical Minerals and ZEO Company" ~ Antimony, Cobalt, Tungsten, and Zeolite ~ DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / United States Antimony Corporation ("USAC," "US Antimony," or the "Company"), (NYSE American:UAMY)(NYSE Texas:UAMY) announces the date set to report its Second Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Financial and Operational Results. The news release, conference call, and webcast are set for Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 4:15 p.m. Eastern time. Title: United States Antimony Corporation Second Quarter 2025 Results Webcast Release and Event Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 4:15 p.m. Eastern time Webcast URL: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2604/52829 Q&A: Questions are to be typed and submitted through the online portal, accessed by the Webcast URL link. Webcast Duration: 60 Minutes Participant Number: Toll Free: 888-506-0062 International: 973-528-0011 Participant Access Code: 429367 Webcast Replay Expiration: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Webcast Replay Location: https://www.usantimony.com/investors Speakers: Gary C. Evans, Chairman and CEO Joe Bardswich, Director and EVP, Chief Mining Engineer Rick Isaak, SVP & Chief Financial Officer Melissa Pagen, SVP, Corporate Development & Government Relations Jonathan Miller, VP Investor Relations About USAC: United States Antimony Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," the "Company," "Our," "Us," or "We") sell antimony, zeolite, and precious metals primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company processes third party ore primarily into antimony oxide, antimony metal, antimony trisulfide, and precious metals at its facilities located in Montana and Mexico. Antimony oxide is used to form a flame-retardant system for plastics, rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings, and paper, as a color fastener in paint, and as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs. Antimony metal is used in bearings, storage batteries, and ordnance. Antimony trisulfide is used as a primer in ammunition. The Company also recovers precious metals, primarily gold and silver, at its Montana facility from third party ore. At its Bear River Zeolite ("BRZ") facility located in Idaho, the Company mines and processes zeolite, a group of industrial minerals used in water filtration, sewage treatment, nuclear waste and other environmental cleanup, odor control, gas separation, animal nutrition, soil amendment and fertilizer, and other miscellaneous applications. The Company acquired mining claims and leases located in Alaska and Ontario, Canada and leased a metals concentration facility in Montana in 2024 that could expand its operations as well as its product offerings. Forward-Looking Statements: Readers should note that, in addition to the historical information contained herein, this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and intended to be covered by, the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company including matters related to the Company's operations, pending contracts and future revenues, financial performance and profitability, ability to execute on its increased production and installation schedules for planned capital expenditures, and the size of forecasted deposits. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties. In addition, other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed in the Company's most recent filings, including Form 10-K and Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "pro forma," and other similar words and expressions. Forward- looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. Contact: United States Antimony Corp. 4438 W. Lovers Lane, Unit 100 Dallas, TX 75209 Jonathan Miller, VP, Investor Relations E-Mail: Jmiller@usantimony.com Phone: 406-606-4117 SOURCE: United States Antimony Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/united-states-antimony-corporation-announces-date-for-release-of-second-quarter-a-1056622 Fairfax County, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Global defense innovation leader Rheinmetall is investing in a new U.S. hub in Fairfax County as two of its U.S. subsidiaries will be occupying nearly 10,000 square feet at 2600 Park Tower Drive in Merrifield. This move places American Rheinmetall Defense, Inc., the U.S. corporate hub, and American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc., at the heart of the U.S. defense ecosystem, aligning them more closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and key government stakeholders. "The opening of our new Washington, D.C., region office spaces underscores our rapid growth and committed investment in Rheinmetall's U.S. operations," said Stephen Hedger, CEO, American Rheinmetall Defense. "This move reinforces our brand presence, brings us even closer to key government stakeholders, improves our access to a wonderful human resource talent pool in the region, and strengthens our ability to support U.S. defense strategy with speed, innovation, and an enduring commitment to being part of the fabric of the U.S. defense industrial base." The long-term leases in Merrifield reflect Rheinmetall's rapid U.S. growth and ongoing investment in expanding its domestic industrial footprint, engineering capabilities, and American workforce. "We are proud to welcome Rheinmetall to Merrifield in Fairfax County. Our community is a place where groundbreaking innovation, national security, and global collaboration intersect, and this investment represents a powerful statement about the future of defense and technology in our region," said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. "Rheinmetall brings a bold vision and cutting-edge capabilities that align with our community's commitment to supporting mission-driven industries and advancing solutions that keep our nation secure. We are deeply honored that Rheinmetall has chosen Fairfax County as the hub for their continued growth as this investment will not only strengthen the strategic national security partnerships that are so vital to global progress but also the resiliency of our local and regional economies." Rheinmetall is a driving force in next-generation combat vehicles, advanced armaments, mission-critical innovative technologies, and air and ground-based defense systems. American Rheinmetall Defense supports Rheinmetall's family of U.S. companies including American Rheinmetall Munitions which specializes in large- and medium-caliber ammunition, propellants, fuzing, and protection systems for vehicle survivability. American Rheinmetall entities are actively involved in a wide array of military modernization programs, including long-range precision fires, next-generation combat vehicles, warfighter lethality enhancement, and counter-UAS systems. "Rheinmetall's decision to establish significant presence in the Merrifield area of Fairfax County reinforces our position as a premier destination for global defense leaders seeking proximity to federal partners, a deep bench of tech talent, and a collaborative business environment," said Fairfax County Economic Development Authority President and CEO Victor Hoskins. "This investment strengthens not only our local economy but also the broader national security alliances, and we look forward to supporting Rheinmetall as they continue to grow and build enduring partnerships in the Washington, D.C., region." Rheinmetall's new hub in Merrifield enables its U.S. companies to improve their engagement with and responsiveness to key stakeholders and customers, particularly with proximity to the Pentagon and Capitol Hill. American Rheinmetall Defense also supports significant defense subsidiary businesses in Michigan, Ohio, Maine and Arkansas. 2600 Park Tower Drive, also known as Metro Place II, is a 250,000-square-foot Class-A office building featuring 950 on-site parking spaces, a tenant-only conference facility, a lounge, a fitness center, a Walk Score of 75, and convenient access to the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metrorail station. The building serves government and defense contractors in a secure and amenity-rich environment. ### Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFXf0vwj56U About Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) FCEDA promotes Fairfax County as one of the world's top locations for business and talent, and offers site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. FCEDA is headquartered in Tysons, Fairfax County's largest business district, and maintains offices in key global business centers: Bangalore/Mumbai, Berlin, London, Los Angeles and Seoul. For more information about FCEDA, visit www.fairfaxcountyeda.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261025 SOURCE: Fairfax County Economic Development Authority The cell culture market is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace owing to growing innovations in biotechnologies, and biopharmaceuticals on the back of rising demand for monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. WESTFORD, Mass., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyQuest Technology Consulting published a report, titled, "Cell Culture Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2032", valued at USD 28.76 Billion in 2024. With a projected CAGR of 11.98% from 2025 to 2032, the market is expected to reach USD 71.1 Billion by the end of 2032. Growing investments in the R&D of regenerative medicine, and advancements in stem cell research are forecasted to bolster the demand for cell culture over the coming years. Get a Free Sample Report - https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/cell-culture-market Cell Culture Market Key Growth Drivers Biopharmaceutical companies depend on advanced cell culture systems to produce safe and effective biologics. Use of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and recombinant proteins is rising rapidly around the world. As chronic diseases, cancers, and autoimmune disorders become more prevalent, demand for targeted and personalized treatments surges. Additionally, continuous innovations in bioprocessing technologies, such as single-use bioreactors and serum-free media, are improving scalability and product yields. Another key factor driving the demand for cell culture is growing investments in the development of regenerative medicine. Culturing stem cells is essential for tissue engineering, cell therapy, and drug discovery applications. With increasing clinical trials exploring stem cell-based treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and orthopedic injuries, the need for reliable and high-quality cell culture systems is growing. Make an Inquiry to Address your Specific Business Needs - https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/cell-culture-market Recent Developments in Cell Culture Market In January 2025, Inventia Life Science, a leading name in the 3D cell culture business announced the launch of a novel 3D cell culture technology designed to accelerate drug discovery and disease research. RASTRUM Allegro can offer unprecedented scalability, reproducibility, and efficiency. In October 2024, Univercells Technologies, a renowned biotechnology company from Belgium announced the launch of scale-X nexo bioreactor. The new solution is designed for efficient cell culture process development across multiple modalities. Competitive Landscape Top cell culture companies are expected to target development of new cell culture media to stand out from the competition. Adoption of automation in cell culture, and artificial intelligence integration are also slated to create new opportunities for market players in the long run. The major players in the cell culture industry include, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Danaher Corporation Merck KGAA Sartorius AG Corning Incorporated Fujifilm Holdings Corporation BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) Eppendorf SE Lonza Getinge AB (Sweden) Agilent Technologies Inc. HiMedia Laboratories Bio-Techne Miltenyi Biotec STEMCELL Technologies Solida Biotech GmbH Caisson Labs Inc. PromoCell GmbH InvivoGen Pan-Biotech Secure Your Cell Culture Market Report Copy - https://www.skyquestt.com/buy-now/cell-culture-market Cell Culture Market Segmental Analysis The global cell culture market is segmented by product, application, end user, and region. Based on product, the market is segmented into consumables, and equipment. Based on application, the market is segmented into biopharmaceutical production, diagnostics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, drug screening and development, and other applications. Based on end user, the market is segmented into pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, research & academic institutes, and other end users. By application , the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine segment dominated the global cell culture market in 2024 as advancements in stem cell research become more prominent and practical. , the and regenerative medicine segment dominated the global cell culture market in 2024 as advancements in stem cell research become more prominent and practical. By product , the consumable segment dominated the global cell culture market in 2024 owing to their recurrent demand and purchase amidst growing R&D spending. , the consumable segment dominated the global cell culture market in 2024 owing to their recurrent demand and purchase amidst growing R&D spending. By end user, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment dominated the global cell culture market in 2024, which can be linked to growing emphasis on production of biologics and vaccines to combat chronic diseases. Regional Outlook Presence of established biotech and pharmaceutical companies in North America makes it the top market for cell culture providers. Robust R&D spending on healthcare, quick adoption of cell therapies, and high prevalence of chronic diseases help cement the dominance of this region. The Asia Pacific is slated to emerge as the fastest-growing region for cell culture companies in the long run. High clinical research potential and growing awareness regarding gene, and cell therapies are generating new business scope. China, India, Japan, and South Korea remain the key markets for cell culture companies in this region. Demand for cell culture in Europe is estimated to be driven by increasing clinical trials, government initiatives and support systems, and preference for personalized medicine. United Kingdom, France, and Germany are home to numerous universities and research institutions that concentrate on cell culture developments. In the LAMEA region, the cell culture market is driven by rapidly expanding biotechnology industry, and rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Surge in popularity of outsourcing in cell culture is also helping Brazil, South Africa, and Argentina emerge as key markets in this region. Explore Cell Culture Market Report Overview- https://www.skyquestt.com/report/cell-culture-market Major Challenges in Cell Culture Industry High initial costs associated with cell culture equipment, consumables, and media are expected to slow down cell culture adoption. High costs of equipment such as biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, and other high-precision instruments make setting up cell culture labs a costly affair. This financial burden, especially in resource-limited regions, restricts broader adoption and limits market penetration across academic and low-capacity research institutions. High sensitivity to contamination from bacteria, fungi, or mycoplasma and reproducibility issues are also slated to impede the demand for cell culture. Strict aseptic techniques and regular monitoring are essential, but even minor lapses can render entire batches unusable. Variability in cell lines, media composition, and incubation conditions also result in reproducibility issues. These technical limitations undermine researcher confidence and slow the adoption of cell culture techniques in critical healthcare applications. Explore Deep-Dive Coverage Across Dynamic Market Landscapes in Healthcare Red Biotechnology Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/red-biotechnology-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/red-biotechnology-market Sample Preparation Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/sample-preparation-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/sample-preparation-market Primary Cells Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/primary-cells-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/primary-cells-market Stem Cell Assay Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/stem-cell-assay-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/stem-cell-assay-market Stem Cell Banking Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/stem-cell-banking-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/stem-cell-banking-market Automated Cell Imaging System Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/automated-cell-imaging-system-market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/automated-cell-imaging-system-market Cell Line Development Market - https://www.skyquestt.com/report/cell-line-development-market About SkyQuest Technology Consulting SkyQuest Technology Consulting is a leading Strategy Consulting and Market Research firm, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and growth consulting services, trusted by CXOs from Fortune 500 Companies, Start-ups, and MSMEs. The company comprises a team of expert research analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports in our database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 40+ industries & sub industries across 25 major countries worldwide, serving global clients across diverse industries. The company specializes in delivering customized intelligence, data-driven insights, and strategic advisory services that enable businesses to stay competitive and make informed decisions in rapidly evolving industries. Contact Us: SkyQuest Technology Consulting 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com Visit Our Website: https://www.skyquestt.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2446095/SkyQuest_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cell-culture-market-to-reach-usd-71-1-billion-by-2032--says-skyquest-technology-consulting-302521762.html AUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / enChoice, a trusted leader in intelligent content and process automation for over 30 years, today announced that Darrell Royal has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Darrell Royal, enChoice CEO Royal succeeds Dave Parks, who has served as CEO since 2020 and will remain actively engaged with enChoice as a member of the Board of Directors. "It has been a privilege to lead enChoice through a period of strong growth and innovation," said Dave Parks. "Darrell's proven expertise in translating emerging technologies to high-value business solutions makes him the ideal choice to take enChoice forward as we continue to fuel our customers' AI journeys." Royal brings a strong track record of leadership in FinTech and enterprise technology, having held senior roles at Carreker Corporation (now part of Fiserv) and StorageTek (now part of Oracle), where he led the development and commercialization of innovative technology solutions. He later served as President of Imagine Solutions, a top provider of enterprise content management technologies, guiding the company through a period of strategic growth culminating in a successful private equity acquisition. Since 2021, Royal has served as President of enChoice, where he has driven the company's expansion in AI-powered content services and process automation. "enChoice is uniquely positioned to deliver on one of the most exciting promises of Generative AI - helping organizations unlock the extraordinary wealth of information hidden in unstructured content," said Darrell Royal. "Our focus at the intersection of AI, content, and automation gives our customers a powerful competitive edge. I am excited to build on enChoice's strong foundation and work with our talented team to shape the future of intelligent content services." About enChoice enChoice is a leading provider of intelligent content and process automation solutions, helping organizations fuel their AI journey. For over 30 years, enChoice has been trusted by Fortune 500 companies and public-sector agencies to optimize operations, enhance compliance, and improve customer experiences. Beyond its business mission, enChoice is deeply committed to giving back, most notably through its Saving the Rhino program, which supports global wildlife conservation efforts aimed at protecting critically endangered species. Visit www.enchoice.com. SOURCE: enChoice View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/enchoice-appoints-darrell-royal-as-ceo-1056482 Hermes Creative Awards Honor the Brand's Impactful Blog and Original Video Series CINCINNATI, OHIO / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / CONQUERing, the mission-driven jewelry brand empowering self-expression and wellness, is excited to share its double win at the 2025 Hermes Creative Awards - earning industry recognition for exceptional work in both digital storytelling and short-form video content. Award-Winning CONQUERing Guest Stylists Via Nelson, Annabella Mordino & Maddie McKnight Three Young Fashion Students Standing by Rack of Thrifted Apparel That They Styled Onto Models at the CONQUERing 'Decades' Photo Shoot The company was awarded a Platinum Award for The CONQUERer Blog: Style, Strength & Stories Worth Sharing and a Gold Award for its video series The Ultimate Thrift-Off: Styled Through the Decades. The Platinum-winning CONQUERer Blog offers more than fashion tips - it amplifies stories of resilience, identity, and self-expression from the brand's vibrant community. Hallie Montague, CONQUERing's Head of Marketing and Partnerships, shared, "The CONQUERer Blog is our way of spotlighting the incredible stories and voices within our community. We work closely with our writer and SEO consultant to ensure each post not only inspires but connects. To see that work honored at this level is incredibly rewarding for all of us behind the scenes." CONQUERing's Gold-winning video series "The Ultimate Thrift-Off" brought together fashion design students, vintage style, and the brand's versatile jewelry system in a decade-hopping fashion challenge. Jake Nelson, co-creator and Director of Product Development, commented, "This series started as a fun idea I pitched during a team brainstorm - I wanted to highlight how timeless and versatile our pieces really are. Watching it grow into a fan-favorite and now an award-winning campaign has been surreal. Huge kudos to everyone who brought the concept to life!" Founder and CEO Tammy Nelson emphasized the broader significance of the recognition. "These awards mean so much because they shine a light on our incredible team. Behind every blog post and video is a group of passionate, creative, and ridiculously hardworking humans. I love seeing them celebrated for the magic they bring to CONQUERing every day." About the Hermes Creative Awards The Hermes Creative Awards are administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), which recognizes outstanding work among creative professionals globally. This recognition places CONQUERing alongside past honorees from leading agencies, Fortune 500 brands, and trailblazing startups. About CONQUERing Founded in 2020, CONQUERing is a global jewelry brand on a mission to help people feel empowered through modular designs that blend fashion and function. With over 150,000 customers in 65+ countries and a patented fidget-friendly system, CONQUERing offers a new kind of jewelry - designed to reduce anxiety, encourage expression, and inspire confidence. The brand is a certified WBENC women-owned business based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Explore more at myconquering.com . SOURCE: CONQUERing View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/conquerings-stories-of-style-and-self-expression-earn-platinum-and-gol-1056535 Building on its recent Whole Foods expansion, Wooden Spoon Herbs introduces Tart Cherry Magic Magnesium - a new addition to its top-selling magnesium line PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Wooden Spoon Herbs, a wellness brand gaining national traction for its high-quality herbal formulas, has officially launched nationwide in all Sprouts Farmers Market locations through the retailer's Innovation Center program. The launch features five herbalist-formulated wellness items, including the exclusive debut of Magic Magnesium Tart Cherry - a fruit-forward blend of magnesium glycinate, organic tart cherry, and plant-based melatonin designed to support sleep, relaxation, and recovery. Wooden Spoon Herbs Tart Cherry Magic Magnesium Wooden Spoon Herbs introduces Tart Cherry Magic Magnesium - a new addition to its top-selling line. The 450+ Sprouts locations add to Wooden Spoon Herbs' growing retail footprint, which includes all Whole Foods Market stores and select independent natural and organic retailers nationwide. This Innovation Center launch will be followed by inline expansion across Sprouts' Minerals, Digestive Health, Seasonal Wellness, and Emotional Wellness sets beginning this fall. "Our goal at Wooden Spoon Herbs is to make high-quality, plant-based remedies more approachable and accessible," said Bobby McConnell, industry veteran and CEO of Wooden Spoon Herbs. "Sprouts is known for its curated supplement set and commitment to natural wellness - making this a truly synergistic partnership. We're thrilled to partner with Sprouts to bring herbal care to more people." Founded in 2014 by Lauren Haynes, a clinical herbalist and now Chief Herbal Officer, Wooden Spoon Herbs began at a farmers market in Chattanooga, Tennessee. What started as a way to share local herbal remedies with her Appalachian community has grown into a nationally recognized wellness brand rooted in traditional plant wisdom. "I've spent the last 14 years studying how plants support the body - and turning that knowledge into approachable, delicious formulas that bring underdog herbs like nettle and burdock into the limelight," said Lauren Haynes, Chief Herbal Officer and founder of Wooden Spoon Herbs. "Consumers are overwhelmed by wellness options, and I'm honored to be a guide on their herbal journey. Launching at Sprouts is a milestone for our team and a reflection of the growing demand for trusted herbal preparations," Haynes added. With the debut of Tart Cherry Magnesium, Wooden Spoon Herbs expands its bestselling Magic Magnesium line with a flavorful, function-forward formula designed to meet growing demand for magnesium-based supplements. Leading the brand's presence in Sprouts Innovation Centers, it's joined by core customer favorites like Brain Bloom, Stress Savior, and the hero SKU Magic Magnesium Blue Spirulina Lemonade. To learn more about Wooden Spoon Herbs and its range of herbal wellness solutions that support, nourish, and replenish, visit woodenspoonherbs.com . About Wooden Spoon Herbs Wooden Spoon Herbs is a modern herbal wellness company rooted in clinical herbalism and powered by plants. Founded in 2014 by herbalist Lauren Haynes in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the brand began at a farmers market and has grown into a nationally distributed line of herb-forward remedies, available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and independent natural retailers. In 2024, Wooden Spoon Herbs received investment from Bochi Investments to support its next stage of growth and retail expansion. Contact Information: Heather Collins Media Contact heather@hcollinsmarketing.com 303-250-4797 SOURCE: Heather L Collins View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/wooden-spoon-herbs-a-rapidly-growing-wellness-brand-in-the-u.s.-natura-1056634 DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 360Quadrants has released its latest Pharmacy Automation Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, recognizing key players, including both global giants and emerging innovators, for their excellence in market presence, product innovation, and business strategy. The report highlights Wiilach Group, Asteres Inc., Pharmacy Automation Systems, LLC., among the top companies that are actively shaping the future of the Pharmacy Automation Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment. The evaluation leverages 360Quadrants' proprietary methodology to map competitive positioning across 7,000+ micro markets within 10+ industries, enabling decision-makers to make strategic, data-backed vendor choices. Company Highlights in the Pharmacy Automation Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment: Wiilach Group is a German-origin healthcare logistics specialist known for implementing automated stock handling solutions in pharmacies and hospitals. Its USP lies in combining advanced storage, conveyor, and retrieval systems with tailored workflow optimization, helping clients streamline daily operations. Strategically, Willach emphasizes integration with pharmacy IT systems and facility design services, ensuring customized solutions for different healthcare settings. The company serves a broad European client base, with subsidiaries in Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden, positioning it as a regional leader in pharmacy logistics automation. a German-origin healthcare logistics specialist known for implementing automated stock handling solutions in pharmacies and hospitals. Its USP lies in combining advanced storage, conveyor, and retrieval systems with tailored workflow optimization, helping clients streamline daily operations. Strategically, Willach emphasizes integration with pharmacy IT systems and facility design services, ensuring customized solutions for different healthcare settings. The company serves a broad European client base, with subsidiaries in Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden, positioning it as a regional leader in pharmacy logistics automation. Asteres Inc., based in San Diego, develops secure, self-service prescription pickup kiosks branded ScriptCenter for deployment in hospitals, retail pharmacies, military bases, and VA facilities. Its USP is offering 24/7, convenient, and secure prescription pickup through automated kiosks, enabling pharmacies to extend access without additional staff or physical locations. Asteres has established its credentials through regulatory approvals like the Texas Board of Pharmacy and deployments across the United States. Its strategy focuses on expanding patient-centric automation and increasing pharmacy footprint through flexible, location-agnostic kiosk solutions. based in San Diego, develops secure, self-service prescription pickup kiosks branded ScriptCenter for deployment in hospitals, retail pharmacies, military bases, and VA facilities. Its USP is offering 24/7, convenient, and secure prescription pickup through automated kiosks, enabling pharmacies to extend access without additional staff or physical locations. Asteres has established its credentials through regulatory approvals like the Texas Board of Pharmacy and deployments across the United States. Its strategy focuses on expanding patient-centric automation and increasing pharmacy footprint through flexible, location-agnostic kiosk solutions. Pharmacy Automation Systems, LLC., headquartered in Florida and established by QEM Inc., manufactures and distributes a range of tabletop and full-service dispensing machines such as Versi-Mate, Versi-Pack, and CMD-300 for independent, retail, and hospital pharmacies. Its USP is providing reliable, ISO-certified, cost-effective automation tailored for small to mid-sized pharmacies, backed by patents and a strong support network. Strategically aligned with the global leader Yuyama, PAS offers a hybrid model of manufacturing and distribution through its U.S. operations, delivering accessible automation solutions with responsive service across North America. To explore the full quadrant report and see how companies are positioned in the Pharmacy Automation Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025, Visit: https://www.360quadrants.com/healthcare/pharmacy-automation-startups Evaluation Criteria The vendor evaluation was conducted on over 70 companies, of which the top 7 were categorized and recognized as quadrant leaders. Factors such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the presence of the Pharmacy Automation Startups/Small-Medium Businesses Companies Assessment Quadrant. The Top Criteria for Product Footprint Evaluation Included Pharmacy Automation Market by Product (Automated Medication Dispensing & Storage Systems, Automated Packaging & Labeling Systems, Automated Tabletop Counters, Automated Medication Compounding Systems, Pharmacy Management Software (PMS/PIMS/PIS), Other Pharmacy Automation Systems), Component (Hardware, Software, Services), Application (Centralized Operations, Decentralized Operations), Facility Type (Large-Scale Pharmacies, Small & Mid-Sized Pharmacies), End User (Hospital Pharmacies, Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCS), Ambulatory Care Centers (ACCS), And Other Outpatient Settings, Long-Term Care And Assisted Living Facilities, Retail Pharmacies, Pharmacy Benefit Management Organizations And Mail-Order Pharmacies) 360 Quadrants Scoring Methodology 360 Quadrants employs a comprehensive and transparent scoring methodology to evaluate companies. It identifies relevant evaluation criteria, collects and validates data from multiple sources, and employs an algorithm that considers parameter weights to generate scores. Normalization ensures fair comparisons, and the aggregated scores categorize solutions into quadrants such as Progressive companies, Responsive companies, Dynamic companies, and Starting blocks. This unbiased approach equips users with accurate information, empowering them to make well-informed decisions and select solutions that best suit their needs and objectives. Download Free Sample @https://www.360quadrants.com/healthcare/pharmacy-automation-startups About 360Quadrants 360Quadrants, a specialized division of MarketsandMarkets, delivers comprehensive quadrant analyses for various emerging technologies and markets, including start-ups. Our evaluation methodology hinges on two critical parameters: market presence and product footprint. This approach facilitates a graphical representation of competitive positioning across four key categories: leaders, contenders, innovators, and emerging companies. In addition, we meticulously classify start-ups into progressive companies, responsive companies, dynamic companies, and starting blocks. Our expertise equips organizations with insights into market leaders across over 6000 micro markets, enabling a detailed comparison of vendor capabilities and performance. At 360Quadrants, we ensure that each quadrant adheres to the highest standards, empowering our clients to navigate complex market dynamics precisely and confidently. 360Quadrants has also launched quadrants in fields such as Life Science Analytics Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025, and Hospital Information System Startups/SMEs Companies Assessment, 2025. About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management. We leverage a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that will replace existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines: TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Ms. Sipti Banga, 630 Dundee Road, Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sipti.banga@marketsandmarkets.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/marketsandmarkets-360quadrants-recognizes-top-startups-and-smes-in-the-pharmacy-automation-quadrant-report-2025-302521829.html Longueuil, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Greenheart Gold Inc. (TSXV: GHRT) (OTCQX: GHRTF) (the "Company" or "Greenheart Gold") announces the filing of a technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Tamakay Gold Project, Region 7, Guyana, South America" dated July 28, 2025, with an effective date of July 1, 2025 (the "Technical Report"), in relation to the Tamakay Project located in Guyana. The Company, through its Guyana subsidiary, holds the right to acquire a 100% interest in this project pursuant to option agreements. This Technical Report has been prepared at the request of the TSX Venture Exchange, as set out in its conditional acceptance letter dated August 23, 2024 issued in connection with the listing application of Greenheart Gold's common shares, and provides detailed information on the Tamakay Project. The Technical Report was authored by Ross Sherlock, Ph.D., P.Geo., and is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.greenheartgold.com). About Greenheart Gold Inc. Greenheart Gold is an exploration company that builds on a proven legacy of discoveries within the Guiana Shield, a highly prospective geological terrain that hosts numerous gold deposits yet remains relatively under-explored. The Company is led by former executives and members of the exploration group of Reunion Gold, a team that was most recently noted for the discovery and delineation of the multimillion-ounce Oko West deposit in Guyana. Greenheart Gold intends to build on its technical knowledge, strong contact base and previous success from exploring in the Guiana Shield to assemble, maintain and explore a portfolio of early-stage exploration projects in Guyana and Suriname that are prospective for orogenic gold deposits. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website ( www.greenheartgold.com ). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261337 SOURCE: Greenheart Gold Inc. Bonita Springs, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Discovery Senior Living ("Discovery" or the "Company"), one of the nation's largest most trusted and forward-thinking senior housing operators, proudly announces the launch of its newest innovation, Calligraphy, a premier brand of distinguished senior living communities redefining excellence for the next generation of older adults. Rethinking. Reimagining. Redefining. Welcome to the Calligraphy Era - The Art of Senior Living. As operators engaged with world-class ownership groups, Discovery is continually challenged and inspired to identify emerging trends, answer unmet needs, and develop cutting-edge programs to lead the industry. With Calligraphy, Discovery is answering one of the most significant gaps in the marketplace; creating an elevated experience that blends intellectual vitality, discreet sophistication, clinical excellence, and personalized service for older adults who are not finished living. "We are thrilled to launch Calligraphy, a strategic milestone that reflects the deep understanding of this industry and visionary capabilities of our team redefining what it means to thrive in your encore years," said Richard Hutchinson, CEO of Discovery Senior Living. The industry continues to look to Discovery to anticipate what's next. With Calligraphy, we're once again redefining the bar, translating our unique insights and experiences in emerging market demands into a refined, scalable offering that elevates the entire category." Celebrating the Opening of Calligraphy's First Flagship Communities Discovery is pleased to announce the highly anticipated and successful launch of its first two Calligraphy communities - Calligraphy Westwood Village and Calligraphy Napa Valley. These communities have been carefully selected to bring this new vision to life and serve as flagships for a brand built around distinction, dignity and intellectual enrichment. These communities also mark the beginning of a national rollout with more properties to follow across the Discovery portfolio through 2026 and beyond. Calligraphy - The Art of Senior Living Just as the name implies, Discovery believes that life's most meaningful stories are still being written and seniors should be inspired to embrace each day as an opportunity to craft the next chapter of their journey. The Calligraphy brand is defined by intentional design, curated lifestyle programming, and understated elegance. It evokes timeless artistry and old-world charm, appealing to residents who are accomplished, thoughtful, and eager to remain actively engaged with life. These communities are launchpads for the Encore generation, where educators, doctors, entrepreneurs, artists, and philanthropists come together to continue growing, giving, and living fully. What Sets Calligraphy Apart Based on a high-end hotel hospitality mindset, Discovery developed several Signature Services to deliver elevated experiences through consistent operational excellence. Delivering significantly more than creative programming, the Discovery team has redefined and reimagined spaces and amenity areas to bring new life to better align to the wants and desires of residents. Exclusive Calligraphy Community Signature Services Include: Savour Cuisinesm - Delivering elevated culinary experiences through multiple dining options and high-quality fare found in some of the best restaurants. VivaLife Enrichment sm - Purpose-driven activities both in the community and beyond its doors, encouraging curiosity and creativity - Purpose-driven activities both in the community and beyond its doors, encouraging curiosity and creativity Vivre Health & Wellness sm - Personalized clinical excellence delivered with specialized training and a hospitality heart - Personalized clinical excellence delivered with specialized training and a hospitality heart Luxe Resident Services & Amenities sm - Bringing white glove services to residents in the areas of concierge services, housekeeping & maintenance and transportation - Bringing white glove services to residents in the areas of concierge services, housekeeping & maintenance and transportation Luminescence Memory Caresm - A groundbreaking, neuroplasticity-informed approach to memory support Calligraphy also reimagines care delivery through: Clinical Nurse Leader Certification for Directors of Health & Wellness Advanced Training for care teams in hospitality-forward, culturally aware, and compassionate support Who Is Calligraphy For? As Calligraphy turns words into art, these communities will provide the environment, experiences, and care that allow residents to live with elegance and intention, creating a life that's uniquely their own. Extensive market research highlights that those seeking this lifestyle are sophisticated, self-assured, and deeply engaged with the world around them. They want connection. They want quality. They want to continue the "good life" in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and elevated. Discovery is here to provide that lifestyle through Calligraphy. "Over the last three decades, the Discovery team has had the opportunity to build and steward some of the industry's most recognized brands," said Diana Ferrante-Thies, EVP Brand Management & Communications, Discovery Senior Living. "Calligraphy represents a new pinnacle that responds to a clear shift in what today's older adults expect from their next chapter. This brand is differentiated by its purpose and detailed execution, but also by our team's strategic foresight in recognizing and responding to a profound gap in the market. It has been a privilege to lead this initiative and collaborate with the exceptional Discovery team to bring a new standard of excellence to life and once again lead the industry forward." About Discovery Senior Living Discovery Senior Living is the largest privately held operator in U.S. with a growing portfolio of nearly 40,000 units across more than 360 communities and nearly 40 states. The Company and its 18,000-plus employees is a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and customized lifestyle experiences. Discovery's family of companies includes Discovery Management Group, Integral Senior Living, Provincial Senior Living, Morada Senior Living, Summerhouse Senior Living, Seaton Senior Living, TerraBella Senior Living, LakeHouse Senior Living, Arvum Senior Living, Discovery Development Group, Discovery Design Concepts, STAT Marketing, and Discovery At Home. Led by its award-winning management team, Discovery has been developing, building, marketing, and managing diverse senior-living communities across the United States for three decades. For the fourth consecutive year, Discovery Senior Living was again certified a Great Place To Work May 2025 - May 2026. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261291 SOURCE: Discovery Senior Living The list distinguishes Canadian recruiting firm leaders in Executive Search that place highly qualified candidates in executive-level positions, C-suite and other department heads. TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / LHH Knightsbridge, part of LHH, the integrated professional talent solutions provider and global business unit of the Adecco Group, today announces its recognition on the Forbes list of Canada's Best Executive Recruiting Firms 2025. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. Highlighting Canadian Executive Search firms that consistently deliver top-tier talent for strategic leadership roles, the list spans recruitments solutions across the C-suite and senior management positions. The rankings are based on surveys of more than 15,000 participants across Canada, including human resources managers, hiring managers, recruiters and employees who have recently engaged with a recruiting firm. "Being named to Forbes' 2025 list of Canada's Best Executive Recruiting Firms is a meaningful acknowledgement of the impact our team delivers every day," said Tim Hewat, Head of Executive Search, North America, LHH. "We know Executive hiring is one of the most critical decisions an organization makes. Our clients select us for our global reach, loyal network and unique ability to identify the right leaders who shape their future. This honor reflects the insight, commitment and care that each member of our team puts into their work every day." "Being named one of Canada's top staffing firms by Forbes underscores the strength of our executive search capabilities and the trust clients place in us to identify transformative leaders," said Nicole Gable, President of North America Recruitment Solutions at LHH. "Our approach goes beyond filling roles because we partner with organizations to shape leadership teams that fuel long-term growth and resilience in a changing market." LHH approaches leadership as a legacy rather than a title, with executive search solutions focused on long-term impact and strategic alignment. As business priorities evolve and leadership challenges become more complex, organizations require purposeful placements that build adaptable, sustainable value and ensure enduring competitiveness LHH Knightsbridge, along with all LHH executive and recruitment solutions, support executives throughout every phase of their career, from their first leadership role to retirement, fostering a strong, loyal network of top talent. Specialized recruiters connect organizations with leaders who bring expertise, passion and fresh perspectives to deliver lasting results, with a human approach. The Canada's Best Executive Recruiting Firms of 2025 list can be viewed on Forbes' website. LHH supports professionals to take the next step and realize their full career potential. Organizations and job seekers can learn more about creating a beautiful working world and connect with our award-winning recruiters through the LHH Knightsbridge website. ### About LHH LHH empowers professionals and organizations to achieve bold ambitions and secure lasting impact through unique advisory services and professional talent solutions. LHH's full suite of offerings connects solutions that are traditionally siloed, making LHH a single talent partner for organizations. In a rapidly evolving landscape with complex challenges, we create value across the entire professional talent journey. From hiring great people, developing skills and nurturing leaders, to advancing individuals to the next stage of their careers, LHH makes talent a competitive edge. We believe the future of work lies at the intersection of exceptional human care and innovation. Powered by science, technology, and proprietary data analytics, LHH's approach is crafted to align with business strategies and cultures, delivering powerful, sustainable, and measurable impact. LHH has a team of over 12,000 professionals, across 60+ countries, and more than 50 years of experience. As part of the Adecco Group, we bring together global excellence, local knowledge and centralized coordination for thousands of companies and millions of people worldwide. Recruitment. Development. Career Transition. LHH. A beautiful working world. To learn more about LHH, visit: lhh.com. Media Contact PR@lhh.com SOURCE: LHH View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/lhh-knightsbridge-recognized-on-forbes-canada%e2%80%99s-best-executive-r-1056739 Cardston, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - American Creek Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AMK) (OTCQB: ACKRF) (the "Company" or "American Creek") announces that its management information circular (the "Circular") and related materials were mailed August 1, 2025, for its annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") of the Company's shareholders (the "Shareholders") to approve, amongst other things, a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") involving American Creek and Tudor Gold Corp. (the "Purchaser") under Division 5 of Part 9 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) ("BCBCA"). The transaction is subject to the terms and conditions of an arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") described in the Company's June 26, 2025, news release. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, among other things, the Purchaser will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company in consideration for 0.238 of a Tudor Share for each American Creek common share. The Circular and related materials have been publically filed by American Creek under its issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The board of directors of the Company unanimously determined that the Arrangement is fair to all securityholders of the Company (Shareholders, warrantholders and optionholders) and that the Arrangement and the entering into of the Arrangement Agreement are in the best interests of the Company and recommends that Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement. The Meeting The Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver Time). At the Meeting, in addition to the typical general meeting items of business, including setting the number of directors at four, the annual election of directors, the re-appointing of the Company's auditors and approving the continued use of the Company's stock option plan, Shareholders will also be asked to approve amendments to certain insider stock options and to consider, and, if deemed advisable, pass, with or without variation, a special resolution of the Shareholders to approve the Arrangement. The Circular, form of proxy, voting instruction form and letter of transmittal, as applicable, for the Meeting contain comprehensive information with respect to how registered and beneficial Shareholders may vote on the matters to be considered at the Meeting. The Circular is also available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Only Shareholders of record as of the close of business on Friday, July 25, 2025, are eligible to vote at the Meeting. The deadline for completed proxies to be received by the Company's transfer agent is Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver Time). Receipt of Interim Court Order The Company also announces that on Monday, July 21, 2025, it obtained the interim order (the "Interim Order") providing for the calling and holding of the Meeting and other procedural matter from Supreme Court of British Columbia regarding the Arrangement. The Interim Order authorizes the Company to proceed with various matters, including the holding of the Meeting to consider and vote on the Arrangement. About American Creek and the Treaty Creek Project American Creek is a proud partner in the Treaty Creek Project, a joint venture with Tudor Gold Corp. located in BC's prolific "Golden Triangle." American Creek holds a fully carried 20% interest in the Treaty Creek Project until a production notice is given, meaning that no exploration or development costs are incurred by American Creek until such time as a production notice has been issued. The Company also holds the Austruck-Bonanza gold property located near Kamloops, BC. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, statements regarding: the Arrangement, the anticipated timeline for holding the Meeting, the consideration payable under the Arrangement, and the shareholder approvals sought at the Meeting. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. In respect of the forward-looking statements concerning the Arrangement, American Creek has relied on certain assumptions that it believes are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory, court, shareholder, stock exchange and other third party approvals and the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the completion of the Arrangement. This timeline may change for a number of reasons, including inability to secure necessary regulatory, court, shareholder, stock exchange or other third-party approvals in the time assumed or the need for additional time to satisfy the other conditions to the completion of the Arrangement. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include but are not limited to: the risk that the Arrangement may not be completed on a timely basis, if at all; the conditions to the consummation of the Arrangement may not be satisfied; the risk that the Arrangement may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; the possibility that legal proceedings may be instituted against American Creek, Tudor and/or others relating to the Arrangement and the outcome of such proceedings; the possible occurrence of an event, change or other circumstance that could result in termination of the Arrangement; risks relating to the failure to obtain necessary shareholder and court approval; other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in American Creek's and Tudor's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Failure to obtain the requisite approvals, or the failure of the parties to otherwise satisfy the conditions to or complete the Arrangement, may result in the Arrangement not being completed on the proposed terms, or at all. In addition, if the Arrangement is not completed, the announcement of the Arrangement and the dedication of substantial resources of American Creek to the completion of the Arrangement could have a material adverse impact on each of American Creek's share price, its current business relationships and on the current and future operations, financial condition, and prospects of American Creek. American Creek expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Source: American Creek Resources Ltd. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261341 SOURCE: American Creek Resources Ltd. CENTENNIAL, Colo., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strategic move intended to foster the transformation of the pilot training aircraft market to electric aircraft, Bye Aerospace and Electro.Aero signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 airshow on July 23, 2025, to jointly develop portable fast-charging solutions for the eFlyer fleet. This partnership merges cutting-edge propulsion technology with next-generation aviation friendly charging infrastructure, delivering scalable solutions for one of aviation's fastest-growing segments: pilot training. The collaboration targets a rapidly expanding market. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global pilot training market was valued at $9.37 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $24.86 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%. In the U.S. alone, the pilot training market was valued at $1.57 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $4.93 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 15.4%. Bye Aerospace is nearing a major milestone with its full-scale eFlyer 2 prototype under fabrication at Centennial Airport (KAPA), Colorado. Electro.Aero's 40kW, 80kW, and 240kW chargers-featuring portable designs and for the 240kW charger, dual-cable capabilities-will enable sub-30-minute recharging between flights, including simultaneous charging of two aircraft on the larger portable charger. This high-throughput capability translates into significant operational and financial efficiencies for flight schools, leasing operators, and private owners. Rod Zastrow, CEO of Bye Aerospace, commented: "As we prepare for our full-scale prototype's inaugural flight, we're thrilled to partner with Electro Aero to demonstrate the operational utility our combined technologies will bring to this greatly underserved pilot training market. The pilot training industry needs-and we intend to deliver-disruptively less expensive aircraft to fly and operationally effective charging systems. We are thrilled to offer simultaneous, two-aircraft fast charging in under 30 minutes, which means our customers can finally meet the demanding pace of flight instruction with reliability, efficiency and drastically lower operating costs." Joshua Portlock, CEO of Electro Aero, added: "We at Electro.Aero are very pleased to partner with the industry's first mover in fixed-wing all-electric aviation. We envision our portable fast chargers helping generate the many all-electric eFlyer flights needed to increase the rate of pilot training output for airlines, business aviation, and other uses." This collaboration marks a critical step in delivering commercially viable electric aviation solutions that address both operational needs and infrastructure gaps in high-demand flight environments. About Bye Aerospace Bye Aerospace is a leading innovator in electric aviation, committed to disrupting general and training aircraft markets with zero-emission, low-operating-cost solutions. The Company's flagship eFlyer platform is engineered for rigorous training environments and scalable fleet deployment. Bye Aerospace's focus on certification, flight efficiency, and infrastructure integration positions it at the forefront of the rapidly expanding electric aircraft market. About Electro.Aero Electro.Aero specializes in providing aviation friendly charging infrastructure technology, including portable and scalable aircraft agnostic charger solutions. Headquartered in Perth, Australia, the company is driving infrastructure innovation to support the next generation of clean aviation. Electro Aero's modular chargers are built to serve high-throughput environments like flight training, advancing the electrification of fixed-wing aircraft around the world. Media Contacts: Bye Aerospace, Inc. Lindsey Daugherty Lindsey.daugherty@byeaerospace.com +1 970-290-8465 Electro.Aero Joshua Portlock info@electro.aero +61409011447 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2222129/Bye_Aerospace_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bye-aerospace-and-electroaero-forge-charging-partnership-to-accelerate-electric-aviation-market-growth-302522348.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Prince Silver Corp. (formerly Hawthorn Resources Corp.) (CSE:PRNC)(OTC:HWTNF) ("Prince Silver" or the "Company") has granted 3,150,000 incentive stock options to its directors, officers and consultants. The options are exercisable at C$0.50 per common share for a 5-year period from the date of grant, subject to Canadian Stock Exchange acceptance. The grant is in accordance with the Company's equity incentive stock option plan. The options will vest over 24 months with one quarter vesting six months from date of grant and one quarter vesting every 6 months thereafter. About Prince Silver Corp. Prince Silver Corp is a silver exploration company focused on advancing the Prince Silver Project in Nevada, USA. The known deposit identified with historic drilling is open in all directions and is near surface. Prince Silver Corp also holds interest in the Stampede Gap Project a district scale copper-gold-moly porphyry system located ~15km NNM of the Prince Silver Project and, holds option interest in the Broken Handle Project, an early-stage mineral exploration project located southern British Columbia, Canada. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Ralph Shearing, Director, President Tel: 604-764-0965 Email: rshearing@princesilvercorp.com Website: www.princesilvercorp.com Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: completion of the Acquisition and related transactions, proposed drill programs, amendments to the Company's website, property option payments and regulatory and corporate approvals. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, dependence on key personnel, completion of satisfactory due diligence in respect of the Acquisition and related transactions, and compliance with property option agreements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, failure to obtain regulatory or corporate approvals, exploration results, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release and the CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Prince Silver Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/prince-silver-grants-stock-options-1056672 All financial figures are in Canadian dollars. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Suncor Energy's (TSX: SU) (NYSE: SU) Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per share on its common shares, payable September 25, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 4, 2025. Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development, production and upgrading; offshore oil production; petroleum refining in Canada and the U.S.; and the company's Petro-CanadaTM retail and wholesale distribution networks (including Canada's Electric HighwayTM, a coast-to-coast network of fast-charging EV stations). Suncor is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a lower-emissions future through investments in lower emissions intensity power, renewable feedstock fuels and projects targeting emissions intensity. Suncor also conducts energy trading activities focused primarily on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products and power. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261332 SOURCE: Suncor Energy Inc. On-Time, On-Budget Project Highlights Executional Excellence BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Leitbox Storage Partners has completed construction on its latest ground-up self-storage facility in Charlottesville, Virginia. The project, which received its certificate of occupancy this month, was delivered on time and within budget - further solidifying Leitbox's reputation for disciplined execution in a sector where development risks are rising. "In a world of ever-growing construction risk, we continued our streak of on-time, on-budget deliveries in Charlottesville," said Randy Jones, managing director of development and construction at Leitbox. "By preserving contingency dollars through project completion, we enhance potential investor returns and strengthen confidence in our development model." Strategically located to serve both residential and commercial customers, the facility offers climate-controlled and drive-up units within a modern, secure environment. The project is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for self-storage in the Charlottesville area and contribute to local economic growth. This development marks another successful implementation of Leitbox's vertically integrated model, which pairs local market insight with institutional-grade risk management. For more information about Leitbox Storage Partners and investment opportunities, visit www.leitbox.com. Contact Information Shantelle Dedicke Frances Roy Agency shantelle@francesroy.com 3076317644 SOURCE: Leitbox Storage Partners View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/leitbox-storage-partners-completes-self-storage-facility-in-charlottesville-va-1056943 Toronto, Ontario and Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Medexus Pharmaceuticals (TSX: MDP) (OTCQX: MEDXF) plans to host a conference call at 8:00 am Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 to discuss Medexus's results for its first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2025. Medexus expects to file its financial statements and MD&A after markets close on August 12, 2025. To participate in the call, please dial the following numbers: 888-506-0062 (toll-free) for Canadian and U.S. callers +1 973-528-0011 for international callers Access code: 284388 A live webcast of the call will be available on the Investors section of Medexus's corporate website or at the following link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2010/52801 A replay of the call will be available approximately one hour following the end of the call through Wednesday, August 20, 2025. To access the replay, please dial the following numbers - 877-481-4010 for Canadian and U.S. callers +1 919-882-2331 for international callers Conference ID: 52801 A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investors section of Medexus's corporate website until Thursday, August 13, 2026. Company management will be available to discuss the company's commercialization activities at Cannacord Genuity's 45th Annual Growth Conference in Boston from August 12 to 14, 2025 and the LD Micro Main Event in San Diego from October 19 to 21, 2025. Details regarding Medexus's participation will be available on the Investors-News & Events section of Medexus's corporate website. About Medexus Medexus is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company with a strong North American commercial platform and a growing portfolio of innovative and rare disease treatment solutions. Medexus's current focus is on the therapeutic areas of hematology and hematology-oncology and allergy, dermatology, and rheumatology. For more information about Medexus and its product portfolio, please see the company's corporate website at www.medexus.com and its filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements Certain statements made in this news release contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (forward-looking statements). The words "anticipates", "believes", "expects", "will", "plans", "potential", and similar words, phrases, or expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words, phrases, or expressions. These statements are based on factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including assumptions based on historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments. Since forward-looking statements relate to future events and conditions, by their very nature they require making assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Medexus cautions that although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances, these risks and uncertainties give rise to the possibility that actual results may differ materially from the expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors include, but are not limited to, those set out in Medexus's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including Medexus's most recent annual information form and management's discussion and analysis. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this news release. Other than as specifically required by law, Medexus undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261244 SOURCE: Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc. TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Wolfden Resources Corporation (WLF.V) ("Wolfden" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") units of the Company ("Units") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $1.9 million. The Company expects to close a second and final tranche of the Offering for gross proceeds of $100,000 on or about August 8, 2025. Pursuant to the closing of the first tranche of the Offering, the Company issued 23,750,000 Units at a price of $0.08 per Unit. Each Unit was comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.12 per Common Share for a period of 24 months following closing of the first tranche of the Offering. The majority of the proceeds from the Offering will be used to advance on the Company's Rockland Gold Project in Nevada, working capital and general corporate purposes. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). No compensation was paid in respect of the first tranche of the Offering. The securities issued pursuant to the first tranche of the Offering are subject to a four-month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Related Party Transaction Certain investors are insiders of the Company and their participation in the Offering is considered to be "related party transactions" within the meaning of TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemption from a formal valuation available in section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 and the exemption from minority approval available in section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101. The Company meets the requirements set out in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 because the fair market value of the securities being distributed to insiders, and the aggregate value of the Common Shares to be distributed under the Offering are each less than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. About Wolfden Wolfden is a North American exploration and development company focused on high-margin metallic mineral deposits including precious, base, and critical metals that represent significant development projects with the potential to produce domestic supply of strategic metals. For further information, please contact Ron Little, President & CEO, at (807) 624-1136. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events, including the potential for projects to be domestic sources of ethically produced base and critical metals for the expansion of renewable energy in North America. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, the use of the proceeds of the Offering; the timing and ability of the Company to receive necessary approvals; the timing and ability of the Company to close the second tranche of the Offering; metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, permitting, land transactions, community and other regulatory approvals, and the timing and completion of exploration programs in the USA, Manitoba, New Brunswick and the respective drill results. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information in this news release, including without limitation, the following risks and uncertainties: (i) risks inherent in the mining industry; (ii) regulatory and environmental risks; (iii) results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; (iv) risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; (v) stock market volatility and capital market fluctuations; and (vi) general market and industry conditions. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management on the date hereof and is expressly qualified by this notice. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Wolfden Resources Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/wolfden-closes-first-tranche-of-non-brokered-private-placement-of-units-for-gross-1057014 Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - ALUULA Composites Inc. (TSXV: AUUA) ("ALUULA" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release dated June 17, 2025 and July 14, 2025, 24,489,953 share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") of the Company will be subject to an accelerated expiry date. The expiry date and exercise price of the Warrants were amended on July 9, 2025. In accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Warrants are subject to an accelerated expiry clause, such that if the closing price of the Company's common shares is $0.97 or higher for 10 consecutive trading days, then the exercise period of the Warrants will be reduced to 30 calendar days after the date Company delivers notice of the accelerated expiry date to Warrant holders. The price of the Company's common shares closed above $0.97 for 10 consecutive trading days between July 21 and August 1. As a result, the exercise period of the Warrants will be reduced to 30 calendar days, expiring on September 4, 2025. Any Warrants not exercised before September 4, 2025 will expire and be void. The Company is also pleased to announce that all matters were approved at the Company's 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders held on July 9, 2025. The Board of Directors of the Company is now comprised of Richard Myerscough, Peter Berrang, Peter Gustavson, Briony Bayer, Jeremy South, Hannes Blum, and Sage Berryman. About ALUULA Composites Inc. ALUULA is an ultra-light, high performance and recycle-ready composite materials brand that enhances the performance of outdoor gear. Proudly owned and manufactured on the Canadian west coast, ALUULA's innovation is driven by a deep understanding that equipment does not need to sacrifice performance for sustainability. ALUULA's materials are known for their unique construction capabilities and their ability to make products lighter, stronger, and more sustainable. aluula.com | (TSXV: AUUA) On behalf of the Board of Directors, Sage Berryman Chief Executive Officer 1-888-724-2470 ALUULA's Brand Partners The term "brand partners" does not refer to formal partnerships with our customers. The term refers to marketing relationships with our customers who use ALUULA's technology as a brand ingredient in their products. TSX Venture Exchange Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information in this news release includes statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans, and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statement will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261400 SOURCE: ALUULA Composites Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Mabel Ventures Inc. (CSE: MBL) ("Mabel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement"), dated August 4, 2025, with Decade Resources Ltd. (TSXV: DEC) ("Decade"), an arms-length public company, pursuant to which the Company proposes to acquire (the "Transaction") a 65% interest in the Red Cliff Property, as well as a 100% interest in the Premier East Property. The Red Cliff Property consists of a series of crown grants located in the Skeena Mining Division in the Province of British Columbia which are currently subject to the terms of a joint venture with Dolly Varden Silver Corporation (TSXV: DV) ("Dolly Varden"). Dolly Varden currently holds a 35% interest in the joint venture, with Decade holding the remaining 65% which the Company proposes to acquire. The Red Cliff Property is also subject to certain historical royalty interests on future commercial production. The Company will also acquire the Premier East Property in the Transaction which consists of series of mineral claims also located in the Skeena Mining Division. Transaction Summary Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company proposes to acquire the 65% interest in the Red Cliff Property, as well as a 100% interest in the Premier East Property, in consideration for a one-time payment of $600,000. The Company will also reimburse Decade for its portion of funds previously advanced to secure a reclamation bond related to permitting at the Red Cliff Property. The Company is at arm's length from Decade. The Transaction will not constitute a fundamental change for the Company and will not result in a change of control of the Company (within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange). No securities will be issued to Decade in connection with the Transaction, nor does Decade currently control any securities of the Company. No finder's fee is payable in connection with completion of the Transaction. Completion of the Transaction remains subject to receipt of any required regulatory approvals and consents, completion of a financing for gross proceeds of no less than $1,000,000 and delivery of customary closing documents. Non-Brokered Private Placement The Company also announces that it will offer (the "Offering") up to 21,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,050,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company, and one share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") entitling the holder to acquire an additional common share at a price of $0.06 for a period of thirty-six months following completion of the Offering. Up to 4,000,000 of the Units issued in connection with the Offering will be offered on a flow-through basis, and will consist of one common share of the Company to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and one Warrant. The Company intends to utilize the proceeds of the Offering to complete the consideration payment required in connection with the Transaction, to continue exploration work at its existing Bonanza Gold Property, to advance new exploration work at the Red Cliff Property following completion of the Transaction and for general working capital purposes. The Company may pay finders' fees to eligible third-parties who have introduced subscribers to the Offering. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to restrictions on resale in accordance with applicable securities laws. On behalf of the Board of Directors MABEL VENTURES INC. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261410 SOURCE: Mabel Ventures Inc. Meghan Merkle is the center of all the problems, trust issues is the cause. According to reports, The Royal family just dont trust her. Though they are willing to reconcile with Prince Harry. The British Royal family has a trust issue with Meghan Markle, though they are willing to reconcile with Prince Harry. According to reports published on Daily Mail, the source had to say that the royals are wary of conversations with Meghan being used as material for her projects, such as her Instagram, cooking show, podcast, or interviews. After Harrys aides met with King Charles team, insiders revealed that trust issues remain the main obstacle in the royal feud. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The British royal family is extremely reluctant to reconcile with Meghan Markle despite being open to peace talks with . According to New York Post report, Just weeks after the Duke of Sussex sent his aides to London to meet with King Charles communications secretary, it emerged that the core of the royal rift hasnt changed. According to insiders, trust, or lack thereof, remains at the heart of the years long family feud and insiders believe that the Suits alum is to blame. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Money-minded Meghan Markle The source alleged that the royal familys greatest fear is having any conversation they have with Markle become material for the next money-making venture she throws herself into. According to reports, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been described as money-minded due to her focus on building a business empire and increasing her net worth. Shes reportedly aiming to become a billionaire through ventures like a lifestyle series, a podcast, and a shopping website. This ambition has led some to perceive her as focused on financial gain, especially given her past and ongoing projects with Netflix and Spotify. In fact, Firstpost had earlier reported on how Meghan is prostituting their titles to make more money. Even as they turn their noses up on royal tradition, both Meghan and Harry always wanted to carry their title of princess and prince and even the tradition of hereditary privileges. According to reports as Harry put it, they always wanted their kids to have their birth rights to be Prince and he has done everything in his power. Netflix With Love, Meghan: Markle is hardly a star and it damn clear from her latest show How Harry and Meghan made money through Spare and Netflix Meghan has made a lot of money through the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan and Harrys controversial memoir _Spare_. In fact, she was the master-mind behind Harrys highly controversial memoir. They knew that they wouldnt have made this money has they been members of the royal family. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is very demeaning that Harry and Meghna are prostituting their titles to make more money. Money-minded Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are prostituting their titles and the Royal Family to make more money, says Talk TV contributor Esther Krakue. What is really odd is the fact that Harry and Meghan felt insulted when they found out at the time that their children wouldnt be eligible to be Prince and Princess, she told Sky News host Caroline Di Russo. Although theyre forgetting the fact that Princess Royal Anne, her children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips werent entitled to use the title Prince and Princess because at the time only male members of the Royal Family could pass down their titles. (With added inputs from New York Post and agencies) Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri questioned why the ruling party is trying to suppress voices and block the truth of the past and present Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is currently promoting his highly anticipated film, The Bengal Files, in the USA through multiple world premieres across various cities. Without teasing or creating controversy, the filmmaker began the promotions silently and respectfully. However, despite no provocation, multiple FIRs were filed against him, producer Abhishek Agarwal, and actress-producer Pallavi Joshi by members of Mamata Banerjees TMC party, accusing the film of portraying controversial content. In response, the makers approached the Indian judiciary, and the High Court granted interim relief by putting a stay on all FIRs. Yet, despite the courts ruling, fresh FIRs continue to be filed. Now, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has taken to social media to share a powerful video message slamming the ruling party for trying to suppress the film and stop the truth from coming out. He called The Bengal Files the most important film of the country, one that uncovers one of the darkest and most hidden chapters in Indian history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sharing the video, Vivek wrote, Important & Urgent: Multiple FIRs have been filed against me by the West Bengal govt for making #TheBengalFiles. The Honble High Court has stayed them. Why do they want to silence us? Why are they so scared of the truth? I will not be silenced. Pl Watch & Share. #RightToLife #NeverAgain Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri questioned why the ruling party is trying to suppress voices and block the truth of the past and present. Are they against the film, the maker, or the truth? he asked, urging every citizen, especially the youth, to watch The Bengal Files and uncover the hidden realities. He emphasized the years of hard work and research behind the film and reiterated his faith in the judiciary. He also challenged the party and announced that the films trailer will now be launched in Kolkata itselfthe very city where these FIRs are being filed. The Bengal Files is written by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi. It stars Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar. The film, presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha Productions, is part of Viveks Files trilogy, which includes The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files. The film will arrive in theatres on September 5, 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Australia is seeking to attract more international students, a year after a cap on enrolments. The Albanese government has decided to raise the limit on the number of foreign students by nine per cent to 2,95,000 from 2026, a jump from the current 2,70,000. Heres who will benefit Students walk past stalls during the orientation week at The University of Sydney, in Camperdown, Australia, February 15, 2023. File Photo/Reuters Australia wants more international students, a year after limiting enrolment. Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses government on Monday (August 4) announced that it will increase its cap on foreign students by nine per cent to 295,000 next year. The move is set to benefit students from Southeast Asia, who will reportedly be given preference. This comes after Australia slashed enrolments in 2024 due to record migration. Then why is Australia increasing the cap on foreign students now? We will explain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Australia to raise foreign student cap Australia is lifting its cap on foreign students from next year to 295,000, a jump from the current 270,000. An addition of 25,000 placements will be offered for universities in 2026, with applicants from Southeast Asia being prioritised, reported Reuters. Around two-thirds of places will be up for grabs in universities and one-third in the vocational skills training sector. Universities can apply to have their allotments increased if they can show that domestic and international students have access to safe and secure housing and enrol more students from Southeast Asia to raise their individual allocations, as per the news.com.au report. This comes amid the Australian governments efforts to boost relations with Southeast Asia its strategic partner and reduce the countrys economic dependence on China. Australia is one of the top destinations for international students. File Photo/Reuters It was important for Australias future soft power that we continue to bring the best and brightest from our (Southeast Asian) neighbours to have a bit of Australia with them for the rest of their life, Australian International Education Assistant Minister Julian Hill told national broadcaster ABC. The cap does not apply to international students who shift from secondary schools in Australia to publicly funded universities or TAFE (technical and further education). Why Australia curbed foreign student enrolment in 2024 In 2024, the Labor government introduced caps on foreign student numbers to 270,000. To curb migration, Australia also more than doubled the visa fee for international students to A$2,000 (approximately Rs 1.14 lakh) and slowed visa processing. This came as some claimed that record levels of migration led to a surge in housing prices. Ahead of this years May elections, the Albanese government aimed to improve housing affordability and ease the cost-of-living crisis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What this means is next year there will be about the same number of international students starting a course here as there were before the pandemic, Education Minister Jason Clare had said last August. Therell be more in our universities and therell be fewer in our private vocational providers. Australia had granted roughly 600,000 student visas in the 2023 financial year, as overseas students flooded the country after the pandemic. The country received more than 257,000 student visa applications in 2024-25, with just over 234,000 granted, news.com.au reported, citing Department of Home Affairs data. Whats behind the change now? Education is Australias fourth biggest export, with the country seeing one of the highest numbers of international students globally. Foreign students boost Australias economy. They shell out nearly twice as much as Australian students on average, propping up some institutions and domestic study fees, as per BBC. Australias international education sector is worth A$50 billion to the economy each year and provides a quarter of a million jobs. It contributed over A$51 billion to the economy in 2024. Last year, Australias top eight universities had criticised the governments proposed caps on foreign enrolments, saying they are reliant on international student fees. For example, foreign students make up over 40 per cent of the revenue of the University of Sydney. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Australias largest source of international students is China and India. Now, Australia is back to accepting more international students. Education Minister Clare acknowledged that the international education sector is an incredibly important export to Australia, but added that its growth has to be managed to ensure its sustainability. International education doesnt just make us money, it makes us friends. This is about making sure international education grows in a way that supports students, universities and the national interest. The new planning level gives the sector certainty to continue delivering a high-quality educational experience to international students, while addressing national priorities, he said. The governments crackdown on migration was bearing fruit, allowing for a modest increase in the cap in 2026, International Education Assistant Minister Hill said. The numbers were growing out of control. The government has taken tough decisions over the last 12 months, not always loved by the sector, to get the numbers down and get them to a more sustainable footing, he told ABC. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Universities Australia hailed the sensible hike in places. Universities have called for growth in this critically important sector, and the government has honoured this, CEO Luke Sheehy was quoted as saying by Reuters. With inputs from agencies A year after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled from her luxurious home, Ganabhaban Palace, following her ousting, the palace is being converted into a museum. According to one of the curators, the exhibits would include artefacts of the protesters who were killed, among other things In this photograph taken on July 28, 2025, a labourer works inside the former official residence of Bangladesh's ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. AFP Once a heavily guarded palace, the former official residence of Bangladeshs ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, is being turned into a museum as a lasting reminder of her autocratic rule. Photographs of jubilant flag-waving crowds clambering onto the rooftop of the Dhaka palace after Hasina fled by helicopter to India were a defining image of the culmination of student-led protests that toppled her government on August 5, 2024. One year later, with the South Asian nation of around 170 million people still in political turmoil, the authorities hope the sprawling Ganabhaban palace offers a message to the future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Graffiti daubed on the walls condemning her regime remains untouched. Freedom, one message reads. We want justice. Hasinas rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents. Up to 1,400 people were killed between July and August 2024 in her failed bid to cling to power, according to the United Nations. In this aerial photograph, a general view shows the former official residence of Bangladeshs ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with the countrys Parliament building in the background in Dhaka. AFP The 77-year-old has defied court orders to attend her ongoing trial on charges amounting to crimes against humanity in Dhaka, accusations she denies. Dictator, another message reads, among scores being protected for posterity. Killer Hasina. Muhammad Yunus, the 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner who is leading the caretaker government until elections are held in early 2026, said the conversion to a museum would preserve memories of her misrule and the peoples anger when they removed her from power. Symbol of fascism Mosfiqur Rahman Johan, 27, a rights activist and documentary photographer, was one of the thousands who stormed the luxurious palace, where crowds danced in her bedroom, feasted on food from the kitchens, and swam in the lake Hasina used to fish in. It will visualise and symbolise the past trauma, the past suffering and also the resistance, he said. Ganabhaban is a symbol of fascism, the symbol of an autocratic regime. The complex was built by Hasinas father, the first leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Hasina made it her official residence during her 15 years in power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tanzim Wahab, the curator of the under-construction museum, told AFP that exhibits would include artefacts of the protesters killed. Their life stories will be told through films and photographs, while plaques will host the names of the people killed by the security forces during the longer period of Hasinas rule. The museums deeper purpose is retrospective, looking back at the long years of misrule and oppression, said Wahab. That, I believe, is one of the most important aspects of this project. Wahab said the museum would include animation and interactive installations, as well as documenting the tiny cells where Hasinas opponents were detained in suffocating conditions. We want young people to use it as a platform for discussing democratic ideas, new thinking, and how to build a new Bangladesh, Wahab said. Statues of dictatorship That chimes with the promised bolstering of democratic institutions that interim leader Yunus wants to ensure before elections efforts slowed as political parties jostle for power. The challenges he faces are immense, warned Human Rights Watch ahead of the one-year anniversary of the revolution. The interim government appears stuck, juggling an unreformed security sector, sometimes violent religious hardliners, and political groups that seem more focused on extracting vengeance on Hasinas supporters than protecting Bangladeshis rights, HRW said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But while Hasinas palace is being preserved, protesters have torn down many other visible signs of her rule. A labourer works inside the former official residence of Bangladeshs ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. AFP Statues of Hasinas father were toppled, and portraits of the duo torn and torched. Protesters even used digger excavators to smash down the home of the late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that Hasina had turned into a museum to her father. When the dictatorship falls, its Mecca will go too, said Muhibullah Al Mashnun, who was among the crowds that tore down the house. The 23-year-old student believes that removing such symbols was necessary for Bangladesh to move forward to a better future. They were the statues of dictatorship, Mashnun said. Lakhvir Singh, an Indian cab driver in Ireland, was attacked by two young men in Dublin, marking the third recent racist assault on Indians. Singh, who has been living in Ireland for over 23 years, was reportedly struck with a bottle and was told to go back to your own country by the attackers Lakhvir Singh, who has been living in Ireland for over 23 years and driving a cab for more than a decade, says he was attacked by two young men in what he described as an unprovoked assault. AI-generated representative image An Indian cab driver has become the latest target in a string of racist attacks in Ireland. Lakhvir Singh, who has been living in Ireland for over 23 years and driving a cab for more than a decade, says he was struck on the head with a bottle by two young men in what he described as an unprovoked assault that has left him deeply shaken, reports Dublin Live. This marks the third such incident in recent days. Earlier, a 40-year-old Indian man was beaten and stripped by a teenage gang in Tallaght, while a 32-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur was also brutally attacked by teenagers in another part of Dublin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With fear rising among the Indian community and growing frustration over repeated violent incidents, many are asking: Why are these attacks happening so frequently? Is enough being done to protect them? And how is India responding? Heres a closer look. The cowardly attack on the Indian cabbie According to Dublin Live, the incident happened on a Friday night when Lakhvir Singh picked up two young passengers, around 20 or 21 years old, from Dublins northside and drove them to Poppintree. But when they arrived at their destination, the situation suddenly turned violent. As Singh stopped the vehicle, the two men opened his side of the door and reportedly struck him twice on the head with a bottle, before fleeing the scene. As they ran, they reportedly shouted: Go back to your own country. Originally from India, Singh has lived in Ireland for over two decades. After the assault, he was left bleeding and disoriented. He knocked on doors nearby looking for help, but no one answered. Eventually, he called 999 Gardai (the state police force of Ireland), and emergency services arrived and took him to Beaumont Hospital for treatment. Singh has lived in Ireland for over two decades. After the assault, he was left bleeding and disoriented. Eventually, he called 999 Gardai and emergency services arrived and took him to Beaumont Hospital for treatment. File image/Reuters Though he avoided serious physical injuries, Singh said the experience has left him deeply shaken. His cab was left blood-stained, and hes unsure when, or if, hell feel ready to return to work. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 10 years, Ive never seen anything like this happen, he told Dublin Live. Im really scared now, and Im off the road at the moment. It will be very hard to go back. My children are really scared, he added. The Irish police spokesperson confirmed that they were investigating the attack. The string of attacks on Indians The assault on Lakhvir Singh is just one in a series of violent incidents that have recently targeted Indians in Ireland. On July 27, Santosh Yadav, a 32-year-old Indian-origin tech professional, was attacked by a group of six teenagers near his apartment in Dublin. The assault left him with a fractured cheekbone and multiple injuries. After having dinner, I was walking near my apartment when a group of six teenagers attacked me from behind, he shared on LinkedIn. They snatched my glasses, broke them, and then beat me relentlessly across my head, face, neck, chest, hands, and legs leaving me bleeding on the pavement. Santosh Yadav, a 32-year-old Indian-origin tech professional, was attacked by a group of six teenagers near his apartment in Dublin. Image Courtesy: LinkedIn Yadav managed to call the police, who took him to Blanchardstown Hospital. In his post, he also pointed out that this wasnt an isolated case. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Racist attacks on Indian men and other minorities are surging across Dublin on buses, in housing estates, and on public streets. They run free and are emboldened to attack again, he wrote. Just a week earlier, on July 19, a man in his 40s was assaulted and stripped in Tallaght after a group of youngsters falsely accused him of inappropriate behaviour around children. Police are treating the case as a hate crime. The victim was reportedly beaten and humiliated by the Irish teen gang before a passerby, Jennifer Murray, came to the rescue. I saw this man standing there, completely soaked in blood pleading, please help me, please save me, she said in a widely shared video. That same day, another Indian student from Dublin Business School was attacked while walking through Sean Walsh Park around 6 pm. A group of teenagers allegedly swore at him and punched him in the face, leaving him with a broken nose and bruises. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These repeated attacks have raised serious concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Ireland, especially in areas like Dublin, where multiple such incidents have occurred in a short span. Indian embassy in Ireland issues advisory In light of the recent surge in attacks, the Indian Embassy in Dublin has issued an urgent safety advisory for Indian nationals in Ireland, asking them to remain alert and take precautions, especially while travelling alone or at odd hours. The embassy also confirmed that it is in touch with Irish authorities and is closely following up on the incidents involving Indian nationals. All Indian citizens in Ireland are advised to avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, especially during late hours. Stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour, the advisory stated. The Indian Embassy in Dublin has issued an urgent safety advisory for Indian nationals in Ireland, asking them to remain alert and take precautions. Image courtesy: X A dedicated emergency helpline has been activated to assist Indian citizens in distress, and the embassy has urged people to immediately report any harassment, violence, or threats. Indian citizens can reach out via phone on 08994 23734 or email at cons.dublin@mea.gov.in. The embassy also said it is offering support to the victims and is working with local authorities to ensure swift investigations and accountability in these cases. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why are attacks on Indians on the rise in Ireland? The recent spate of violent attacks against Indian nationals in Ireland is part of a larger and more complex problem. Officials and experts point out that hostility towards immigrants has been building among certain sections of the Irish population. A key trigger, they say, is the sharp increase in migration. According to Irelands Central Statistics Office, more than 150,000 people relocated to Ireland between 2023 and 2024, the highest influx in 17 years. Among them, the Indian community has grown significantly. In just a decade, the number of Indian-origin residents in Ireland has jumped nearly 300 per cent, from 11,465 to 45,449. Adding to that, Indians received over a third of all skilled employment permits granted to foreign workers in 2024, around 13,500 permits. In comparison, just 4,553 were awarded to Brazilians, and 4,049 to Filipinos. This rapid demographic shift has stirred resentment among locals, with many blaming immigration for Irelands housing crisis, rising rent prices, and increasing homelessness. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Ireland remains a welcoming country in many ways, these recent trends have made it clear that tensions are rising, and without stronger protections and clearer communication, immigrants may continue to bear the brunt of this anger. With input from agencies As Indonesia prepares to mark 80 years of independence, a viral anime pirate flag from One Piece is being seen by some as a symbol of protest and by others as a threat to unity. The Jolly Roger flag is flying in streets and online spaces alike prompting political crackdowns Since premiering in 1999, One Piece has grown into a worldwide sensation, boasting more than 1,000 episodes, over 500 million manga volumes sold, and distribution across more than 80 countries. Representational Image A fictional pirate flag from the widely popular Japanese anime One Piece known as the Jolly Roger has gained prominence in various regions of Indonesia ahead of the countrys 80th Independence Day. In the lead-up to the milestone, the countrys cities, towns, and rural communities are typically adorned with the national red-and-white flag, hoisted with pride on homes, public buildings, and commercial spaces. However, in recent weeks, a different flag has made an appearance in several neighbourhoods and social media platforms: a black banner marked by a skull wearing a straw hat the flag of the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece, one of the worlds most-watched anime franchises. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The flag is well-known to fans of the anime and manga series as a symbol carried by the fictional crew led by protagonist Monkey D Luffy. In the story, this emblem signifies resistance to oppression, pursuit of freedom, and loyalty among outcasts who defy unjust authority. How the One Piece flag protests spread The spread of the pirate-themed flag appears to have been amplified through social media, where photos and videos of it flying from balconies, motorbikes, and flagpoles began circulating widely in July. In some instances, the flag was even placed beside or near the Indonesian national flag a move that stirred emotional and political reactions from various quarters. Fenomena benderang one piece berkibar mendampingi bendera merah putih di perayaan kemerdekaan tahun ini Apakah ini berupa lambang pengharapan rakyat akan munculnya seorang sensei di dunia nyata, yg akan merubah Indonesia menjadi lebih baik pic.twitter.com/NgFQcpQYM8 Never (@neVerAl0nely__) July 27, 2025 Online, many users expressed frustration with the current state of governance and used the flag to articulate that dissatisfaction in symbolic terms. One widely shared post declared, The red-and-white flag is too sacred for us to raise right now, at a time when many people are still colonised by those in power. People in Indonesia are waving the Strawhat flag to protest against the govt. One Piece is fueling revolutions worldwide, and Luffys spirit is inspiring people to rise up and fight for freedom. pic.twitter.com/ZA1QuPgPS7 (@NishirDaak) August 2, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another stated the One Piece flag represents the spirit of resistance against injustice that continues to persist in the country. The sentiment behind these posts was echoed by thousands online, some of whom went further by modifying official Independence Day emblems to incorporate the straw-hatted skull motif. A bandeira dos Piratas do Chapeu de Palha de ONE PIECE presente em diversos lugares da Indonesia como simbolo de protesto contra o atual governo do Pais. O governo indonesio considera este movimento como um ato de rebeliao. pic.twitter.com/GbAuKHEody Otakus Brasil (@_OtakusBR) August 2, 2025 These acts of symbolic reappropriation have not gone unnoticed by authorities, many of whom have characterised the trend as disrespectful and potentially divisive. How the Indonesian govt has reacted Several lawmakers and ministers have openly criticised the phenomenon, warning that it could erode national unity during one of the most important civic celebrations on the calendar. Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a senior figure in the Gerindra Party, described the trend as being potentially orchestrated and warned of deliberate efforts to destabilise the nation. He asserted that the hoisting of the One Piece flag did not appear to be coincidental and may be linked to a larger agenda. It could be used to sow division in the unity and integrity of the nation, he told local media. Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Budi Gunawan also weighed in, warning citizens against displaying the anime flag during Independence Day events. Citing Law No. 24/2009 on national symbols, he said such acts could fall within the bounds of criminal activity if perceived as disrespecting or insulting the national flag. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Those flying the One Piece flag on August 17 could face criminal consequences, he cautioned, referring to the legal framework that penalises any action that undermines the sanctity of the national emblem. Natalius Pigai, the minister for Human Rights, reiterated the states position, saying the government was within its rights to restrict the flag if it was seen as conflicting with the constitutional spirit of unity. I hope that the people understand that this prohibition is for the sake of national unity and integrity during a historical moment, such as the Independence Day commemoration, he said. How police in Indonesia are tackling the trend Several regional police departments have initiated surveillance efforts and issued statements calling for restraint. In Central Jakarta, police have begun actively monitoring public spaces for the appearance of any non-national flags or symbols that could undermine patriotic sentiment during August. Were monitoring the use of non-national flags and symbols that dont align with the spirit of nationalism, including pirate or fictional-themed flags, said Ruslan Basuki, spokesman for the Central Jakarta Police told local media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that the police were employing a persuasive and educational strategy and that no arrests or legal actions had been taken so far. We havent found any criminal violations. But anyone flying non-national flags will be advised to act wisely and show respect for national symbols, he explained. In the province of Banten, Deputy Police Chief Hengki issued a more stern warning, cautioning that flying the One Piece flag in close proximity to the national flag could be interpreted as disrespectful. Well take firm action if we find any violations, he stated. On the island of Belitung, the local National Unity and Politics Agency took steps to discourage the display of the pirate flag. Were asking people not to raise the One Piece flag, especially as we celebrate the Republics 80th anniversary, said Fedy Malonda, head of the agency. It just doesnt fit with our national symbols. Meanwhile, in Bali, authorities offered a more relaxed perspective. Bali Police spokesperson Ariasandy noted that the flags use did not, by itself, constitute a violation of any national law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As long as it doesnt violate any established national regulations, its not an issue, he said. Nonetheless, he encouraged citizens to focus on the red-and-white flag, adding, Lets proudly raise our national flag as a sign of gratitude and respect for our independence heroes. Why Indonesia is protesting In a widely shared article on Medium, writer Farhan Rizqullah contextualised the movement as a response to what many citizens perceive as performative nationalism. He noted that President Prabowo Subiantos recent call for citizens to display the national flag throughout August was met with scepticism by those who feel disconnected from the governments promises. They saw it as a demand for performative patriotism from a government whose policies they felt were failing the people, especially the lower classes, Rizqullah wrote. So, they responded with a symbol of their own. Although many officials have condemned the flags use, not all voices within the government are calling for suppression. Some politicians and observers view the movement as an opportunity to reflect on the state of civic engagement and freedom of expression in Indonesia. Deddy Yevri Sitorus, a Member of Parliament from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, said the act of flying the anime flag could be viewed as a form of nonviolent political criticism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It should be seen as a public expression of criticism, which is part of a democratic society, he stated. This kind of symbolic action is better than street protests that could turn violent. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto echoed this line of thought. In my view, such a form of expression is a natural phenomenon in a democracy, as long as it does not contradict the constitution, he told the Antara news agency, while reaffirming that the red-and-white flag must remain the dominant national symbol. From a legal standpoint, there is no explicit prohibition in Indonesia against displaying cultural or fictional flags on private property. According to official protocols, the red-and-white national flag must always be placed in the position of honour if displayed alongside any other flags. However, no laws outright ban non-national symbols unless they are used in ways deemed disrespectful or seditious. With inputs from agencies One year ago, Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh after being forced to resign owing to widespread protests, ending her 15-year tenure as prime minister. Now, she lives in exile in India. But what does she do with her time? A man walks past a portrait of Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka. It's been a year since Hasina has been ousted from power and she has been in exile. File image/AFP On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina, then prime minister of Bangladesh, boarded a military aircraft and landed at the Hindon Airbase in Indias Ghaziabad along with her younger sister Rehana. This moment marked the end of her 15-year rule in the neighbouring country. Now, a year later, Bangladesh is under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The country continues to battle political and economic instability with a growing number of voices demanding for elections to be held by the end of this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what about Hasina where is she? What is she up to? Hasinas hasty departure from Bangladesh Last August, Hasina resigned from her position and fled to India following weeks of unrest. Her exit came after crowds broke a curfew and stormed the prime ministers residence in the capital Dhaka, following weeks of bloody protest. As she exited, Bangladesh army General Waker-uz-Zaman announced that the military had taken control of the government; parliament had been dissolved, and the government was formulating a plan for fresh elections. The country is going through a revolutionary period, Zaman said in a national television address. We request you to have faith in the army of the country. Please dont go back to the path of violence and please return to nonviolent and peaceful ways. Thousands of protesters celebrated in the capital, waving Bangladeshi flags as the news broke, while others looted her official residence, carrying out furniture and even fish from the kitchens. It is an end of a regime that delivered a lot of development but was increasingly authoritarian, as we saw with the mass killings, said Naomi Hossain, a research professor specialising in Bangladesh at the London-based SOAS University to the Associated Press. Anti-government protesters display Bangladeshs national flag as they storm Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas palace in Dhaka on August 5, 2024. File image/AFP But what about Hasina? Sources have revealed that the 77-year-old leader was given just 45 minutes to head to the helipad of the old airport in Tejgaon in order to escape the angry mob that was making its way to her residence, the Ganabhaban Palace. From there, they boarded a Bangladesh Air Force helicopter and headed to India, where they requested safe asylum for a brief period. Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed Hasina had requested for approval to come to India for the moment at a very short notice. Around an hour or so later, flight monitoring website FlightRadar24 showed a Bangladesh Air Force C-130J Hercules military plane heading deep inside India and towards New Delhi. It later landed at Indian Air Force base of Hindon. Hasinas present whereabouts Days after her arrival in India, Hasina was moved from the Ghaziabad Hindon air base to a safe house in New Delhis Lutyens Bungalow Zone. Officially, the MEA has refused to provide any details on Hasinas stay in India. However, sources have told media outlets that the former Bangladeshi PM has been provided with stay in the same areas as MPs and other senior officials reside. Moreover, shes been given a strong security detail, with personnel guarding her round the clock but in plain clothes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is noted that her daughter Saima Wazed, who was the regional director of the World Health Organizations (WHO) South-East Asia Region until she was asked to proceed on indefinite leave due to court cases in Bangladesh, also lives in Delhi. Ever since her ouster from power, Sheikh Hasina has been lying low in India. She has reportedly been given residence in a safehouse in Delhis Lutyens area. File image/PTI The Print in a report last November stated that a core security group looks into whatever movement of Hasina outside the safehouse. Moreover, a report by the Hindustan Times noted that the inner and outer security cordon of all the safe house is taken care of by the officials of the central agencies while watchers and spotters from the commando unit of the Delhi Police are deployed around the bungalows to keep a vigil on suspicious activities and people. Notably, Hasinas stay in New Delhi brings back memories of her previous visit 49 years ago. In 1975, Hasina and Rehana sought Indias help after soldiers assassinated her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with seven family members, including his 10-year-old son Russell. Hasina escaped because she was in Germany with her husband and Rehana. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, extended refuge to Hasina, her husband MA Wazed Miah, her children and her sister. Recounting her time then, Hasina told India Today in 2022, Mrs Indira Gandhi immediately sent information that she wanted to give us security and shelter We decided to come back here (Delhi) because we had in our mind that if we went to Delhi, from Delhi, wed be able to go back to our country. And then well be able to know how many members of the family are still alive. The Bangladesh leader and her family stayed at 56 Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar-3 first. They then shifted to a house in Lutyens Delhis Pandara Road where they stayed until 1981. Hasinas time in exile But what has Hasina been doing in the time following her exit from Bangladesh? She has called out the interim government on numerous occasions and even addressed a live rally for supporters in Dhaka. In an address on February 5, she called out those who had attacked her family home and her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahmans memorial museum at Dhanmondi, burning most of the interiors down. Demolishing a building can only destroy a structure but couldnt erase the history, she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In May, she accused the Yunus government of selling the nation to the United States. She also condemned the ban on her Awami League party, calling it unconstitutional. She claimed Yunus gave the reins of the government to terrorists, against whom her government fought. In exile, Bangladeshs former PM Sheikh Hasina has slammed the Muhammad Yunus government, saying that he had sold out the country to terrorists. File image/AP My father did not agree to Americas demands for St Martins Island. He had to give his life for that. And that was my destiny as I never thought of selling the country to stay in power, she said. She further added, What a misfortune it is today. Such a person came to power, a person who is absolutely loved by the people of the whole country, a person who is loved by the world, and what happened to that person today when he came to power? He has seized power with the help of terrorists, even those who are banned in various international arenas, against whom my government protected the people of Bangladesh. After only one terrorist attack, we took strict measures. Many were arrested. Now prisons are empty. They released everyone. Now Bangladesh is the reign of those militants, she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, a report by The Hindu states that she was requested by officials in New Delhi to tone down her comments against the Dhaka government. Bangladesh still awaits her extradition On the other hand, Bangladesh still awaits Indias response on extraditing Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka where she has been put on trial on charges of corruption, human rights violations and even war crimes. In fact, Bangladeshs foreign adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, said Bangladesh had sent a letter to India requesting the return of Hasina. But, there has been no positive response from India in this regard. There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has requested India to return Sheikh Hasina to face trial. No positive response has come from India. Bangladesh is waiting. Meanwhile, the trial proceedings against Sheikh Hasina have already begun. The trial does not stop whether someone appears or not, he was quoted as telling the media on Monday evening (August 4). Bangladeshs request for Hasinas extradition has forced India into a balancing act. The Indian government realises Hasinas presence could hamper its efforts to build strong diplomatic ties and trade relations with the new interim administration in Dhaka, but Hasina had also built up excellent ties with India during her time in office. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies All eyes are on Elizaveta Krivonogikh, who is believed to be the rumoured secret daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This attention came after she put up cryptic posts about her father, calling him the man who destroyed her life. The 22-year-old, who works at art galleries in Paris, is the child of the Russian leader leader and Svetlana Krivonogikh, a cleaner with whom he is rumoured to have had an affair in the early 2000s Vladimir Putin's rumoured secret daughter, Elizaveta Krivonogikh, has broken her silence on the Russian leader for the first time with cryptic social media posts. Image courtesy: X Vladimir Putins rumoured secret daughter has broken her silence on the Russian leader for the first time with cryptic social media posts. Elizaveta Krivonogikh, 22, who goes by Luiza Rozova on Instagram, shared a series of posts in which she referred to her father and spoke about a man who destroyed her life. She also expressed her feelings about Russias ongoing war in Ukraine. The posts came from a private Telegram channel called Art of Luiza and were reported by the German newspaper Bild. While she never mentioned Putin by name, the context strongly suggests she was referring to him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So who is Putins secret daughter, Elizaveta Krivonogikh? And what exactly did she say? Heres a closer look. The man who took millions lives & destroyed mine In one of the posts shared on her private Telegram channel, Elizaveta Krivonogikh, using the name Luiza, posted a selfie from inside a car with a striking caption. Its liberating to be able to show my face to the world again. It reminds me of who I was born to be and who destroyed my life. The man who took millions of lives and who destroyed mine, she wrote. As reported by Bild, she didnt directly name her father, but the context strongly suggests that the Russian President is the subject of her message. Vladimir Putins rumoured secret daughter previously had visible social media accounts in Russia, which showed her DJing in exclusive clubs and wearing designer gear. Image courtesy: Instagram The 22-year-old previously had visible social media accounts in Russia, which showed her whizzing around the world in private jets, DJing in exclusive clubs and wearing designer gear. But she had vanished from Instagram around the time Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Previously, she often avoided showing her face in posts, but in recent days, shes been seen again, including in a branch of the Russian cafe chain Surf Coffee, according to Bild. Also read: Does Vladimir Putin have a secret 10-year-old son? Who is Elizaveta Krivonogikh? Born on March 3, 2003, in St Petersburg, Elizaveta Krivonogikh is widely believed to be the secret daughter of Vladimir Putin and Svetlana Krivonogikh, a woman who once worked as a cleaner. The two are rumoured to have had an affair in the early 2000s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speculation around Elizavetas parentage only grew after her mother reportedly amassed substantial wealth following her birth. Svetlana became a shareholder in Bank Rossiya, and by 2020, her net worth was estimated to be around $100 million. This led many to believe that the fortune was linked to Putin, possibly as hush money. Svetlana Krivonogikh. Image courtesy: X The story first came to public attention through Russian investigative outlet Proekt in 2020, which reported that Svetlana received financial backing allegedly tied to Putins inner circle. She was later sanctioned by the UK in 2023 for her links to the Russian president. Before stepping away from the spotlight, Elizaveta frequently shared glimpses of her glamorous lifestyle, posting photos from luxury vacations, private jets, and high-end fashion events. But following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022, she deleted her Instagram account and withdrew from public view. Elizaveta appears to be carving out a new life for herself. She graduated in June 2024 from the ICART School of Cultural and Art Management. Image courtesy: Instagram Now based in Paris, Elizaveta appears to be carving out a new life for herself. She graduated in June 2024 from the ICART School of Cultural and Art Management and currently works under the name Elizaveta Rudnova, possibly in reference to Oleg Rudnov, a late confidant of Putin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shes employed at two Paris-based galleries: L Galerie in Belleville and Espace Albatros in Montreuil. Both are known for curating anti-war and dissident art, making her presence there even more striking, given her rumoured family background. Her work in the art world hasnt been free of criticism. Russian artist Nastya Rodionova publicly cut ties with the galleries, stating that no one connected to the Kremlin, biologically or otherwise, should be given space in venues showcasing the voices of war victims. Russian President Vladimir Putin. File image/AP Elizaveta, however, has responded to the backlash. In a rare comment, she asked, Am I really responsible for the activities of my family, who cant even hear me? However, some have come to her defence. Dmitry Dolinsky, director of L Association, told The Times, She looks like Putin, but so do 100,000 other people. I havent seen a DNA test. Others whove worked with her have described her as a cultured person and excellent worker. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies A plane ferrying Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska and officials made an unscheduled refuelling stop at Jaipur Airport en route to Tokyo to seek support for Ukraines reconstruction. The high-level Ukrainian delegation was exempted from standard pre-embarkation checks, such as frisking, and extended VIP courtesies The plane landed at Jaipur International Airport at around 6:30 am, carrying a 23-member Ukrainian delegation, including First Lady Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska. File image/ Instagram: Volodymyr Zelenskyy A plane carrying a high-level Ukrainian delegation, including First Lady Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska, made an unexpected stop at Jaipur International Airport on Sunday while en route to Tokyo, Japan. On board were several senior members of President Volodymyr Zelenskyys administration, including Ukraines Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Andreyovich. The unscheduled landing quickly drew attention, given its high-profile passengers. So why did the plane stop in Jaipur? Heres what we know. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why did the Ukrainian First Ladys plane land in Jaipur? The unexpected landing of Ukraines First Lady Olena Zelenskas plane in Jaipur on Sunday morning was for a refuelling, according to reports. The refuelling request had been pre-approved by Indias Ministry of External Affairs, which directed the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to ensure all necessary protocols were followed. As per the directive issued on August 1, special instructions were given to exempt the delegation from standard pre-embarkation checks such as frisking and to extend VIP courtesies. The plane landed at Jaipur International Airport at around 6:30 am, carrying a 23-member Ukrainian delegation, including high-ranking officials like Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraines Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Oleksii Sobolev, Ukraines Minister for Economic Affairs. Ukraines First Lady Olena Zelenskas plane in Jaipur on Sunday morning was for a refuelling. File image/President of Ukraine During the stop, the delegation waited in the VIP lounge while the aircraft was refuelled. The group was served light refreshments and met with Ukrainian Embassy officials from New Delhi who had travelled to Jaipur to receive them. The visit was handled discreetly by airport authorities, despite the high-profile nature of the passengers. Immigration clearance was not required since it was a transit halt, and the plane resumed its journey to Tokyo at around 8:15 am. According to NDTV, the delegation is headed to Japan to reinforce diplomatic ties and seek greater support in Ukraines reconstruction efforts and sanctions push against Russia. Who is Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska? Olena Zelenska, born Olena Volodymyrivna Kiyashko, is the First Lady of Ukraine and the wife of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Before stepping into the spotlight, Olena had a career as a screenwriter, working with Kvartal 95 Studio, a comedy and production group co-founded by Zelenskyy long before he entered politics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Olena and Volodymyr met during their university years. He was studying law, while she was in engineering. Their friendship turned into a relationship in 1995, and after dating for nearly 8 years, they got married in 2003. The couple has two children, daughter Oleksandra, born in 2004, and son Kyrylo, born in 2013. Theyre also known to be animal lovers and share their home with several pets, including dogs, a cat, a parrot, and even a guinea pig. While she largely stayed away from politics early on, Olena has become a prominent voice since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She has spoken on international platforms, championing humanitarian support and mental health, especially for women and children affected by the war. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenskas featured on cover of Vogue magazine. File image In September 2022, she launched the Olena Zelenska Foundation, aimed at rebuilding essential services and infrastructure in war-affected areas, particularly in and around Kyiv. Her efforts have earned her global recognition. In 2022, she appeared on the cover of Vogue and was named one of TIME magazines 100 Most Influential People. She also received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award in December 2022 for her work supporting women and advocating for peace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies As Trump threatens steep tariffs on India over its Russian oil imports, data reveals the US quietly continues to import billions worth of palladium, uranium, and fertilisers from Russia. While Washington criticises New Delhis energy ties with Moscow, its own trade in strategic commodities with Russia raises questions about economic double standards Daily newspapers with covers, dedicated to the recent phone call of Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, are laid out at a newsstand in a street in Moscow, Russia, February 13, 2025. File Image/Reuters US President Donald Trump has been threatening India with steep tariffs over its oil imports from Moscow even as trade data shows that the United States continues to engage in selective but significant imports from Russia a country Washington has otherwise sought to isolate since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Most recently, Trump, in a series of online statements, accused India of buying heavily discounted Russian oil and profiting by reselling it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He threatened a hike in tariffs on Indian exports to the United States, going as far as proposing a 25 per cent duty and promising additional penalties. India reacted firmly to this public criticism. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India began purchasing oil from Russia only after its traditional energy suppliers diverted output to European markets post-2022. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability, the statement noted. It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion. India has repeatedly justified its energy trade with Russia as necessary for maintaining stable and affordable energy costs for its domestic consumers. Hardeep Singh Puri, Indias Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, remarked in a recent CNBC interview: If people or countries had stopped buying at that stage, the price of oil would have gone up to 130 dollars a barrel. That was a situation in which we were advised, including by our friends in the United States, to please buy Russian oil, but within the price cap. Even former US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti had stated at a public event last year that we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil, acknowledging Washingtons prior encouragement of Indian purchases to stabilise global markets. The Indian government highlighted the continuing trade relationships between Russia and the United States, as well as the European Union, despite sanctions and political rhetoric. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Official data confirms that Europe and America have maintained selective imports of high-priority goods from Russia over the past few years. European Union-Russia trade The European Unions trade with Russia remains substantial. The EUs goods trade with Russia amounted to 67.5 billion ($78.1 billion) in 2024, and trade in services was worth 17.2 billion in 2023. E uropean LNG imports from Russia hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022. Europes commercial interactions with Russia cover a wide range of sectors including liquefied natural gas, fertilisers, mining products, industrial chemicals, iron and steel, and transport equipment. US-Russia trade The United States also maintained imports from Russia, particularly in strategic areas like nuclear fuel, precious metals, and agricultural products. American imports from Russia totalled approximately $3 billion in 2024, down from $36 billion in 2021, but key items continue to flow. According to the US International Trade Commission: Fertilisers : $1.1 billion in 2024. Palladium : $878 million. Uranium : $624 million. Aircraft engine parts: $75 million. Trade in services, on the other hand, showed resilience. In 2024, US services exports to Russia amounted to $1.3 billion, while imports were $384 million resulting in a services trade surplus of $873 million, a 43 per cent rise over the previous year. From January to May 2025, US imports from Russia grew 23 per cent year-on-year to reach $2.1 billion, with palladium imports up 37 per cent, uranium up 28 per cent, and fertilizers up 21 per cent. Even the US Trade Representative acknowledges that critical imports such as uranium and palladium are shielded from full sanctions due to the lack of viable alternatives in the global market. A granular look at trade data reveals that the United States continues to purchase a wide range of products from Russia. These include industrial commodities, precious metals, chemicals, and agricultural items. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to customs and trade databases, the following were among the top imports in 2024: Fertilisers (urea, potassium chloride, and others) $1.3 billion Precious metals (palladium, platinum, etc.) $878 million Inorganic chemicals, including radioactive materials $695.7 million Uranium hexafluoride for nuclear fuel $624 million Aircraft parts and components $75 million Wood and wood products $89.4 million Machinery and reactors $80.8 million Animal feed, residues from food processing $39.9 million Base metals and cermets $37.3 million Iron and steel products $13.1 million Edible vegetables, fruits, and preparations multiple categories totalling over $15 million Rubbers, plastics, and chemicals Over $10 million Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and essential oils Over $2 million Footwear, textiles, toys, and watches Combined total over $10 million Aluminum, copper, and nickel Over $28 million combined Other miscellaneous imports From raw hides to printed books and even live animals Despite claims that the United States and Russia conduct minimal business today, the facts reveal that trade persists in key areas. Also Watch: Fertiliser imports from Russia are also on the rise. Between January and May 2025 alone, the US brought in $806 million worth 60 per cent more than during the same period in 2021. Uranium imports, too, were 147 per cent higher compared to early 2021, showing no signs of being phased out. Russia and the USA do almost no business together, Trump had claimed. But the numbers tell a different story: trade has narrowed in scope, not vanished. While American imports of Russian crude oil once valued at over $17 billion in 2021 have nearly ceased, other categories like fish, nickel, and lead have also dwindled or stopped. Nevertheless, around 90 per cent of what the US still imports from Russia consists of just three categories: fertilizers, palladium, and uranium. With inputs from agencies This isnt science fiction but reality. Nasa is fast-tracking plans for a powerful nuclear power reactor on the Moon. Heres how this plan could change space exploration for everyone President Donald Trumps NASA chief Sean Duffy has expedited the timeline to build a nuclear reactor on the moon. Representational image The United States has just accelerated the space race. At a time when countries are competing against one another to reach the Moon, US space agency Nasas acting administrator has issued a directive to fast-track efforts to put a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface. The plans mark the first major policy changes by Sean Duffy, who is also the secretary of transportation, after US President Donald Trump appointed him to the role of Nasas acting administrator. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What does this plan entail? Why does the US want a nuclear reactor on the Moon? And when will this plan come to life? What is Nasas acting heads plan? As first reported by Politico, Duffy has issued a directive to fast-track plans to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by the year 2030. In his memo, sent out last Thursday (July 31), Duffy wrote, To properly advance this critical technology to be able to support a future lunar economy, high power energy generation on Mars, and to strengthen our national security in space, it is imperative the agency move quickly. He wrote that the reactor should provide at least 100 kilowatts of power enough to power 80 houses in the US and be ready to launch in late 2029. In his directive, he has written that a Nasa official should be appointed within 30 days, who shall be tasked with overseeing this project and sought proposals from companies within 60 days. AI-generated image/For representational purposes only In his directive, Duffy that China and Russia also have similar plans to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon by the mid-2030s as part of a partnership to build a base there. If they were first, China and Russia could potentially declare a keep-out zone that would inhibit what the United States could do there, Duffy said. This was echoed by another Nasa official, who said to Politico: It is about winning the second space race. Notably, in 2022, Nasa announced plans to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 as part of a vision to turn the lunar body into an orbiting power station. At that time, research was carried out to design a fission power system that would provide at least 40 kilowatts of power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What will be the cost of a nuclear reactor on the Moon? While the exact cost is not known yet, it is expected to be an expensive proposition. The directive mentioned Trumps budget request for the 2026 fiscal year, which includes $350 million for a new programme that will accelerate the development of high priority technologies for Mars, (ie. FSP). The funding would increase up to $500 million starting in the 2027 fiscal year. AI generated image for representational purposes Why does US want a nuclear reactor on the Moon? The simple answer is power. Currently, spacecraft and astronauts heading to the Moon have to depend on solar panels and batteries. However, generating solar power on the lunar surface is difficult as it receives two weeks of continual sunshine followed by two weeks of cold darkness. Moreover, both Nasa and China are focusing on the Moons south polar region where sunlight is hardly available. In such circumstances having a nuclear reactor powering your spacecraft would be highly beneficial. In fact, Nasa is returning to the Moon with the Artemis programme in 2027. The aim of this programme is to ultimately establish a long-term human presence on the Moon a place we havent seen in person since 1972. And thats not all. Space experts note that if successful it could be used together for long-duration missions to the moon and eventually Mars. They note that if humans plan to live on the Moon and colonise Mars, as Elon Musk would like to, they would require to solve the problem of generating power, and thats where the nuclear reactor would come in. Even Simon Middleburgh from the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University in Wales told the BBC, The truth is that nuclear is the only option to power a moonbase. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He further noted, Nuclear is the only game in town. We cant take fuel up there. Solar panels wont work. Diesel generators wont work and the old-style radio-thermal generators just arent big enough to pack a punch. What about China and Russia? Duffy fast-tracking plans for a nuclear reactor on the Moon comes as Russia and China have announced a similar plan by 2035. A memorandum of cooperation for the project was signed between Russias space agency Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), earlier this year. Yury Borisov, Roscosmos director general, told Russias state media that the moonbase would be constructed without the presence of humans. Experts note that the technology race on the Moon is an extension of the geopolitical fight on Earth. Keep watching this space to see what happens next. With inputs from agencies The US may soon ask applicants for select business or tourist visas to pay up to $15,000 (around Rs 13.2 lakh) as a security bond. The rule would apply to travellers from countries with high visa overstay rates and poor internal document security. Those who overstay their visas would forfeit the bond, while travellers who follow the rules would get the amount refunded The move comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten visa requirements for foreign applicants. Reuters/File Photo The US could soon require applicants for certain business or tourist visas to pay up to $15,000 (nearly Rs 13.2 lakh) to enter the country. The move, which may make the procedure unaffordable for many, is aimed at curbing visitors who overstay their visas in the US. ALSO READ | Has Trump made US world's worst tourism destination this year? According to a Federal Register notice, the programme gives US consular officers the authority to impose bonds on visitors from countries with high rates of visa overstays. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per regulations from the US Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, tourists and business travellers would get their bonds back only when they leave the US, become naturalised citizens, or die. But why is the move being implemented? Which countries will be affected? How will the process work? We answer all these questions below: US visa bonds: What you need to know In a notice, the US State Department announced that it will launch a 12-month pilot programme in which applicants from countries with high visa overstay rates and weak internal document security may be required to pay bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 when applying for a visa. According to an official document obtained by The Washington Post, the programme aims to protect Americas borders and the American people by holding foreign visitors accountable for departing the United States on time. Travellers who do not leave the US before their visa expires will lose their bond, while those who follow visa rules will get their money back. The move is aimed at curbing visitors who overstay their visas in the US. Reuters/File Photo Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure and who are nationals of countries identified by the department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering citizenship by investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot programme, the notice said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Until now, consular officers already had the power to impose bonds on visa applicants, but the State Departments official Foreign Affairs Manual had stated that such bonds will rarely, if ever, be used, according to the notice. The online notice will be published in the print edition of the Federal Register and is expected to come into effect on August 20, according to The New York Times. The move comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten visa requirements for foreign applicants. Which countries will be affected? The bonds will apply to travellers from countries with very high visa overstay rates. The official notice has not named any specific countries or explained how visitors would be able to claim their refunded bond when leaving the United States. ALSO READ | Is Trump's 'polarising rhetoric' driving tourists away from US? The US State Department has said that the list of affected countries will be announced on the Travel.State.Gov website at least 15 days before the pilot programme begins. A State Department spokesperson told Reuters that countries will be selected based on high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The department has not provided an estimate of how many applicants might be impacted. Notably, Donald Trump has made tackling illegal immigration a key focus of his presidency. In June, he issued a travel ban that fully or partially blocks citizens of 19 countries from entering the US on national security grounds. Many of the countries named in Trumps travel ban also have high overstay rates, including Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, and Yemen, Reuters reported. The US Travel Association, which represents major companies in the tourism sector, has estimated that the visa bond pilot programme is likely to be limited in scope, affecting around 2,000 applicants, mainly from a small number of countries with relatively low travel volumes to the US. Several African countries, including Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo, also recorded high overstay rates, according to data from US Customs and Border Protection for the 2023 fiscal year. The US Travel Association also warned that the fee could deter travel, stating that if implemented, the US will have one of, if not the highest, visitor visa fees in the world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Is US facing decline in tourism? The announcement comes at a time when the US is seeing a notable drop in tourism. According to The Guardian, the country recorded an 11 per cent fall in foreign visitors in March. The tourism sector is expected to lose billions of dollars this year as a result of the Trump administrations policies. Travel from Canada and Mexico has dropped by 20 per cent year-on-year, according to the US Travel Association. The US is seeing a notable drop in tourism. Reuters/File Photo There have also been growing reports of tourists and visitors with valid visas being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice). Recently, users on social media described Las Vegas as a ghost town after photos and videos showed empty roads and once-crowded casinos. According to a Wall Street Journal report, tips for service workers in the city have dropped by 50 per cent due to the fall in tourism. With inputs from agencies At least four people died and dozens of others are feared missing as a cloudburst in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district led to heavy rains and flash floods on Tuesday (August 5). Dramatic visuals showed muddy waters sweeping away roads and buildings in Dharali village. Search and rescue operations are on. But why is the hill state so vulnerable to cloudbursts? Houses and other structures being swept away in a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst at Dharali, in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, August 5, 2025. PTI A cloudburst in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district triggered heavy rains and flash floods on Tuesday (August 5). At least four people have died and several others are feared missing, with Dharali village in Uttarkashi being the worst affected. Footage of flash floods sweeping homes and buildings has surfaced online. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said they spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, assuring the Centres support in rescue operations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is a cloudburst and why is it becoming common in Uttarakhand? Lets take a look. What is a cloudburst? A cloudburst is a sudden, intense downpour of rain that occurs over a small area in a short span of time, often leading to flash floods. A cloudburst event is defined as when rainfall of about 10 cm or above per hour is recorded over a place nearly 10 km x 10 km in area. Cloudbursts are more common in mountainous regions due to the terrain. At higher altitudes, moisture-laden clouds are unable to generate rain owing to the upward movement of a very warm current of air. This air current carries raindrops upwards. As they rise, new drops are formed and existing ones grow in size. When the raindrops become too heavy for the cloud to hold, they drop down suddenly at once, according to Indian Express. Why Uttarakhand is vulnerable to flash floods In India, the mountainous areas of the northeast, the Western Ghats and the Himalayas are vulnerable to cloudbursts. In hilly terrains, there are higher chances of cloudburst as heated air currents rise vertically upwards. Heavy rain caused by the cloudburst usually leads to landslides and flash floods, bringing death and destruction on a large scale. Uttarakhand witnessed one of its worst disasters in 2013 when a cloudburst triggered devastating floods and landslides that destroyed several villages and towns. More than 6,000 people died and 4,500 villages were affected as the tragedy struck the hill state. Uttarakhand has experienced several cloudbursts since then. These weather events have surged in recent years due to various factors, including climate change. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to weather scientist Roxy Mathew Koll, as the air becomes warmer due to climate change, it can hold more moisture for longer. This results in prolonged dry periods with irregular short spells of extreme downpour and higher chances of cloudbursts, reported The Hindu. Damage from the cloudbursts is more because of unplanned development in mountain regions, experts say. The unchecked building of roads, dams, and buildings has damaged the regions natural drainage systems. This has led to a rise in runoff and flooding. Human activities such as deforestation and land-use change have eroded soil stability, bringing down its ability to absorb rainwater. The changes have also affected the foundations of mountain slopes, rendering them more prone to landslides. How bad is the latest cloudburst? At least four people have died and more than 50 are missing as muddy waters swept Dharali village in Uttarkashi district. A popular tourist spot, Dharali is the main stopover for going to Gangotri and houses many hotels, restaurants and homestays. A landslide struck near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil, at around 1:45 PM today, the Indian Army said in a post on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It said more than 20 people have been evacuated, while rescue and search operations continue. The injured are receiving timely and effective medical attention at the Indian Armys medical facility in Harshil, the post added. #MudslideReliefOperations#HADR Update: Landslide at Dharali, Uttarakhand 05 August 2025 A landslide struck near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil, at around 1:45 PM today. Responding with urgency, the #IndianArmy swiftly mobilised pic.twitter.com/e8QajmsvFr ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 5, 2025 The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also carrying out rescue operations. The cloudburst swelled the Kheer Ganga river, sending inundated waters downwards the hilly terrain in Dharali, covering roads, buildings and shops. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A local told PTI that about 10-12 people could be buried under the debris, adding that more than 20 hotels and homestays might have been washed away. PM Modi has offered his condolences to the people affected by the tragedy in a post on X. I pray for the well-being of all the victims Relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people, he wrote. Another cloudburst was reportedly reported in Uttarakhands Sukhi Top on Tuesday, hours after the Dharali area. With inputs from agencies Protests have erupted in Jiangyou in Chinas southwest after a video of a schoolgirl being bullied by her classmates went viral. This comes in the backdrop of bullying in China being a subject of fierce public debate. But what happened? How have authorities responded? China has vowed to crack down on school bullying. Protest are a rare thing in China. And for good reason. Everyone knows about Tiananmen square in 1989, where the state ruthlessly stamped out political opposition. But that hasnt stopped protests from erupting in Jiangyou in the countrys southwest after a video of a schoolgirl being bullied by her classmates went viral. This comes in the backdrop of bullying in China being a subject of public debate. In 2024, a high-profile sparked discussion about the punishment being meted out to juvenile offenders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what happened? What do we know? How have the authorities responded? Lets take a closer look What happened? Videos on Chinese social media showed a young girl named Lai being pummelled with kicks and slaps in Chinas Sichuan province. The culprits? Three other teenagers. The video shows Lai, the victim, being forced to kneel in front of her assailants. The incident, which occurred in July, was filmed by passers-by. Videos purportedly show Lai being hit with a stick. Lai warned her assailants she would call the police, only to be dismissed by her attackers. One of the girls said she they were not afraid, while another claimed she had been to the police station over 10 times. She added that she had been let off in under 20 minutes. Lai was left with multiple bruises on Lais scalp and knees, according to the police. The three suspects, all female, are 13, 14 and 15. There are reports that the girl, Lai, had been bullied incessantly. Her mother, who is reportedly deaf, had been pleading with authorities to act. Things reportedly got bloody after the police used batons and cattle prods to disperse the crowd. Image courtesy: Human Rights in China/X Police on August 4 said two of the attackers were being sent to a correctional The onlookers and a third girl who participated in the abuse were criticised and educated, the police added. They said the teens guardians had been ordered to exercise strict discipline. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But not everyone is satisfied. Those online have demanded more punishment for the teenagers who attacked Lai, particularly given the reports that the victim had been bullied for a while. The sentence is too light that is why they were so arrogant, one top-liked Weibo comment under the police statement read. Then, on Monday, over 1,000 protesters took to the streets in Jiangyou. Protests were held outside local government offices. The demonstrators gathered till well after midnight. How have authorities reacted? By cracking down on protesters. Things reportedly got bloody after the police used batons and cattle prods to disperse the crowd. Video footage taken outside the city hall showed at least two people forcibly pulled aside by a group of blue-shirted and plain-clothes police officers; a woman in a black dress was also dragged away by her limbs. Theyre sweeping away citizens everywhere, a person can be heard saying on the video, as the woman is dragged away. More footage taken after dark showed the police wearing black Swat uniforms subduing at least three people at an intersection with hundreds of bystanders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firstpost has not independently verified the authenticity of the videos. On August 5, Jiangyou was the second top-trending topic on Weibo Chinas version of X before it and related hashtags were censored. Police also denied that the assailants were children of a lawyer and police inspector. They said two of the parents are unemployed, while two others are working outside the province. One is a local salesperson and another is a delivery driver, police added. On August 5, local authorities said on WeChat that the police had punished two people for fabricating information about the school bullying case, warning the public against spreading rumours. They said the posts have seriously disrupted public order and caused bad social impact. A Shanghai-based lawyer wrote on Weibo, The penalty for causing minor injuries is too mild, while the physical and mental trauma suffered by victims is overlooked by the law, which leads to a significant imbalance in the protection of their rights". STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This comes after a number of high-profile cases. In January, the death of the teen caused violent protests in northwest China. The protests saw demonstrators target police in Shaanxi provinces Pucheng. Authorities claimed the teen died in an accident, but social media was rife with rumours of a cover up. In December, a court sentenced a teenage boy to life in prison and gave another a long prison term for murdering a classmate. The suspects, all aged under 14 at the time of the murder, were accused of bullying a 13-year-old classmate over a long period before killing him in an abandoned greenhouse and burying his body. Another boy was given 12 years in prison, while a third whom the court found did not harm the victim was sentenced to correctional education. With inputs from agencies Russia has said that it no longer considers itself bound by the terms of the treaty it signed with the United States decades ago. Moscow in a statement said it made the decision due to the actions of Western countries, which it claimed had created a direct threat to its security. But what do we know about the treaty? Why does it matter? Photo of President Vladimir Putin released by the Kremlin Russia has announced that it is leaving the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Moscow has said that it no longer considers itself bound by the terms of the treaty it signed with Washington decades ago. Russia in a statement said it made the decision due to the actions of Western countries, which it claimed had created a direct threat to its security. Russia said the conditions for adhering to the treaty had disappeared. It said it thus no longer considers itself bound by the previously adopted self-restrictions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wests build-up of destabilising missile potentials create a direct threat to security of our country, Russia said in statement. But what do we know about the INF Treaty? What does Russias exit mean? Lets take a closer look: The INF Treaty The treaty was signed between the United States and the then Soviet Union in 1987. The treaty witnessed both countries agreeing to tamp down on intermediate and medium range land missiles that could carry nuclear warheads. The origins of the treaty go back to the 1970s when the US was calling for arms control with regard to intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs). This came after the Soviet Union began to deploy the SS-20 intermediate-range missiles domestically. These SS-20s, which could hold three nuclear warheads, allow the Soviet Union to hit Western Europe within 10 minutes. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) responded to the Soviet Union by both pushing arms control. It also called on the US to deploy its own ground-launched cruise missiles and the Pershing II IRBMs to counter Russia. Negotiations for the treaty began in 1980s. However, little progress was made in the early part of that decade. However, things began to change after Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985. That year, the Soviet Union suggested keeping the number of SS-20 missiles and the Nato and US missiles in Europe at a parity to which Washington listened. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By 1986, talks had expanded to include all US and Soviet missiles across the globe. Gorbachev and then President Ronald Reagan then began signalling the signing of a treaty. Ronald Reagan signed the treaty with Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev X/@ChineseEmbinUS On December 8, 1987, Reagan and Gorbachev signed the treaty in Washington DC. In 1988, it was ratified by the two countries. The INF Treaty took effect on June 1, 1988. The treaty defined shorter-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) as those having ranges from 500 kilometers to 1,000 kilometers and intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) as those with ranges from 1,000 kilometers to 5,500 kilometers. It called over 2,600 of them to be done away with, over half of which were deployed when the treaty was signed, by June 1, 1991. This was a landmark pact for several reasons. It was the first time the two superpowers had agreed to arms control when it came to their nuclear arsenals. The country is also agreed to do away with a specific type of nuclear weapon. The treaty also called for on-site inspection of the missiles being destroyed, which was yet another major first. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was seen a massive thaw in the ongoing Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. Around two-thirds of the missiles destroyed belonged to the Soviets, while the rest were from the US. While the two countries were allowed to keep the warheads and guidance systems, missile launchers and other types of equipment were destroyed. INF Treaty in modern times The treaty has been the cause of much back and forth between Russia and the United States in modern times. Russia in particular has been unhappy with the terms set forth under the treaty particularly with China making strides when it comes to missiles. In July 2014, the then Obama administration in its compliance report accused Russia of violating the treaty. Washington claimed Moscow had violated the terms which stated it was not to possess, produce, or flight-test a ground-launched cruise missile having a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers or to possess or produce launchers of such missiles. Then, in 2017, US officials claimed that Russia had deployed a non-compliant cruise missile. On March 8, 2017, General Paul Selva, the then Vice-Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed the development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US accused Russia of violating the spirit and intent of the INF Treaty. Russia has rebuffed such allegations and in turn accused the United States of violating the treaty. In December 2017, the first Trump administration announced it would be developing a conventional, road-mobile, intermediate-range missile system to counter Russia. Nearly a year later, in October 2018, Trump announced he would be terminating the treaty. Trump blamed Russia and Chinas efforts at developing intermediate-range missiles arsenal. In December 2018, then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States found Russia in material breach of the treaty. Pompeo said the US would suspend its treaty obligations in 60 days if Russia refused to comply. In February 2019, the Trump administration announced it was suspending its obligations and that it would leave the treaty in six months. Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country would also suspend its obligations. In August 2019, the United States formally withdrew from the INF Treaty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what happened now? The decision came just days after Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be repositioned in the appropriate regions. Dmitri Medvedev is a former President and Prime Minister of Russia. Reuters/File Photo 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, Trump wrote on social media. 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, he added. Thank you for your attention to this matter! This came after former Russian president Dmitri Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of the countrys security council, made a nuclear threat against America. Russia also cited the US deploying a Typhon missile launcher in the Philippines and missile firings during the Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia as reasons behind its decision. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with. Expect further steps, Medvedev wrote on social media in the aftermath of Russias announcement. What do experts say? Experts arent surprised by this development. Phil Breedlove, a retired US Air Force general told The New York Times, This is a fairly standard approach Russia takes when theyre trying to deter or intimidate the West. Every time the West considers a change, like giving new weapons to Ukraine, this is what happens, Breedlove, who headed up US European Command from 2013 to 2016, added. Some have expressed concern to a return to the bad old days of the Cold War, where each side lived in fear of what the other could do. They point to the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, which Russia deployed against a Ukrainian city in November. The Oreshniks range that violates the INF Treaty. Putin last week said the nuclear-capable Oreshnik will be placed in Belarus which borders three Nato nations. Russian media has claimed that the weapon could take out European capitals in 15 minutes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US last year said it would start episodic deployments of intermediate-range missiles in Germany from 2026. This leaves New Start, which expires in 2026, as the only major arms control treaty between the two countries. Putin in 2023 said Russia would no longer participate in New Start. What will happen next? No one is quite sure, but watchers are playing close attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend Chinas World War II Victory Day parade as gaps outweigh recent signs of a thaw in India-China relations Despite some speculation and suggestions, it appears increasingly unlikely that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend Chinas World War II Victory Day parade scheduled for early September in Beijing. While bilateral relations between India and China have experienced a tentative thaw, multiple diplomatic, strategic and domestic considerations stand in the way of such a high-profile appearance. 1. Improved ties, but not enough yet India and China have indeed shown signs of recalibration in their strained ties. Recent months have seen a flurry of diplomatic engagement, including visits by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to China. In response, Beijings resumption of pilgrimages to Tibet and New Delhi restoring visa services for Chinese nationals signal a cautious detente. However, caution is the key word against overinterpreting these developments. Ivan Lidarev, a visiting fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies in Singapore, points out to South China Morning Post that while ties have improved, they have not reached a point where Prime Minister Modis participation in a Chinese military event would be politically or diplomatically appropriate. Such a visit would be viewed as more than ceremonialit would symbolise a radical diplomatic shift that current circumstances do not support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 2. Trade tensions and mistrust still simmer Bilateral trade between the two Asian giants surpassed $127 billion last year, but the economic relationship remains uneven and frequently contentious. India continues to express concern over what it sees as trade weaponisation by Chinaranging from export curbs on key inputs like rare earth magnets and fertilisers to trans-shipment and dumping practices that hurt Indian industries, the BBC reports. Chinas restriction on rare earth exports in particular has alarmed Indian manufacturing sectors, which rely heavily on these materials for automobiles, appliances and clean energy technologies. As former diplomat Phunchok Stobdan points out to BBC, such moves by Beijing are viewed in New Delhi as economic coercion aimed at pressuring India strategically. These unresolved frictions diminish the feasibility of Modi endorsing a military celebration that could be seen as legitimising Chinas broader geopolitical posture. 3. Why endorsement of Chinas military narrative is a red line The nature of Chinas World War II Victory Day paradecommemorating its triumph over Japanis itself diplomatically charged. For India, a Quad partner with Japan, Australia and United States, attending such an event could be interpreted as aligning with Chinas historical and strategic worldview. This would carry particular weight in Chinas case, given its border claims over Indian territory and continued strategic cooperation with Pakistan. During Operation Sindoor in May, Chinas active help to Pakistan, which used Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets in the military clash with India, has only deepened suspicions in New Delhi. This does not align with Indias approach either diplomatically or militarily. 4. Domestic interests prevail For Prime Minister Modi, Indias domestic interests rank way incomparably above attendance at a Chinese state parade. Complicating matters further is the fluid state of global diplomacy, particularly with United States under President Donald Trumps second term. Trumps erratic overturessuch as his self-proclaimed mediation during the India-Pakistan clash and overt friendliness toward the Pakistani militaryhave left India feeling vulnerable and recalibrating its strategic autonomy. Prime Minister Modis foreign policy in recent years has sought to balance ties with major powers, maintaining Indias traditional non-alignment while leveraging partnerships where necessary. Appearing at a parade also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and possibly key Pakistani leaders could be interpreted as aligning with a China-Russia axissomething India is unlikely to embrace when its Quad ties and economic negotiations with the West remain critical. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 5. A calculated distance While the SCO summit in Tianjin at the end of August may offer a more acceptable venue for diplomatic engagement, a front-row seat at a military parade in Beijing is another matter entirely. Attending it would risk misinterpreting Indias strategic intent and strain ties with critical partners like Japan and US. For now, Prime Minister Modi is more likely to reaffirm Indias independent stance through measured diplomatic gestures. The global order is still in the flux under the impact of US President Donald Trump-induced trade and tariff wars. Trumps off the cuff remarks on serious issues of diplomacy, geostrategy and global economy have further complicated the international order. Each country is trying to readjust its policies with the US and the rest of the top powers. India-China ties too are going through a phase of recalibration. PM Modis speculated visit, if becomes a reality, would give a finality in Indias shift in its China policy, but the government has not given any such concrete signal yet. India and the Philippines elevated ties to a strategic partnership during President Marcos Jrs visit to Delhi. The nations agreed to deepen trade, defence and maritime cooperation, including joint naval drills and submarine infrastructure talks Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shakes hands with Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the day of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India. Reuters India and the Philippines on Tuesday announced the elevation of their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with a renewed focus on strengthening trade, defence, and maritime cooperation. The announcement followed bilateral talks in New Delhi between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who arrived in India on Monday for a five-day official visit. The meeting came a day after the navies of both nations conducted joint exercises for the first time in the disputed South China Sea, a move that has drawn attention and criticism from China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and the Philippines are friends by choice and partners by destiny, PM Modi said. From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are united by shared values. Ours is not just a friendship of the past, it is a promise to the future. PM Modi added, It is a matter of pleasure that today we have decided to elevate our relations to the status of a strategic partnership. A comprehensive action plan has also been formulated to translate the potential of this partnership into results. The two leaders signed nine agreements, including a declaration on the implementation of the strategic partnership, frameworks for talks among their respective armed forces, and cooperation on the peaceful use of outer space. Indias Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said the two countries also agreed to expand cooperation in space, tourism, culture, and digital technologies. PM Modi highlighted the Philippines as a key partner in Indias Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. We are committed to peace, security, prosperity and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. We support freedom of navigation in accordance with international laws, he said. Marcos echoed the sentiment, stating the strategic partnership will doubtless resonate beyond the confines of our bilateral relationship. He added, We want to work with you for a free and open Indo-Pacific. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM Modi further thanked the Philippine government for condemning the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, and for standing with India in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi emphasised that enhanced defence cooperation reflected deep mutual trust, and noted the importance of maritime cooperation between the two nations. As maritime nations, maritime cooperation between the two countries is both natural and essential. We have been working together in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, search and rescue, he said. In a significant development, the Indian government also revealed that discussions are underway with the Philippines for the development of submarine infrastructure, further deepening their defence collaboration. Today, when the President is in India, three ships of the Indian Navy are participating in a naval exercise in the Philippines for the first time, PM Modi said. On the economic front, trade between the two nations has surpassed USD 3 billion. To further strengthen trade ties, it is our priority to review the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement at the earliest. We have also decided to work towards a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement, he stated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian companies are currently active in the Philippines across sectors such as information and digital technology, healthcare, automobiles, infrastructure, and minerals. PM Modi also noted ongoing joint research in science and technology, ranging from virology to artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing. A new science and technology cooperation plan is expected to add momentum to this growing partnership. Under Indias development partnership initiatives, the number of Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines will be increased, and collaboration in sovereign data cloud infrastructure is also planned. Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, PM Modi and Marcos jointly released a commemorative postage stamp. This is not just a celebration of our past, PM Modi said, but a commitment to a shared future. Regarding the efforts being taken by the government to protect critical industries such as agriculture, Prasada stated that international trade agreements allow for the inclusion of sensitive, negative, or exclusion lists - groupings of commodities that get restricted or no tariff concessions President Trump has threatened to hike tariffs on India 'substantially' for importing Russian oil, accusing New Delhi of benefitting from Moscow's fuel during the continuing war in Ukraine. File image/Reuters India is actively involved in discussions for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States, with the goal of expanding trade and investment and deepening the commercial relationship to promote growth, national security, and job creation, said Jitin Prasada, Minister of Commerce, in a written response to the Lok Sabha on August 5. The answer came only hours after India issued a strong statement in response to US President Donald Trumps social media post threatening New Delhi with extra tariffs on its oil trade with Moscow. President Trump has threatened to hike tariffs on India substantially for importing Russian oil, accusing New Delhi of benefitting from Moscows fuel during the continuing war in Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration has yet to elaborate on the extra taxes. Negotiations for a trade agreement between India and the United States began in March 2025, and five rounds of discussions have been place thus far, the most recent in July. Talks for a mini-version of a deal before August 1 appear to have failed, as divergences continued, particularly on agriculture. Regarding the efforts being taken by the government to protect critical industries such as agriculture, Prasada stated that international trade agreements allow for the inclusion of sensitive, negative, or exclusion lists - groupings of commodities that get restricted or no tariff concessions. On August 5, Prasada said, In addition, in case of surge in imports and injury to the domestic industry, a country is allowed to take recourse to trade remedial measures such as anti-dumping and safeguards on imports within the periods as mutually agreed to by the parties under FTAs. On July 30, Trump declared a 25 percent tax and an undisclosed fine on India for acquiring Russian energy supplies and defence equipment. Responding to the ongoing trade discussions with the United States, MoS for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur stated that the government has always prioritised farmers livelihoods and interests, as well as food security concerns, while negotiating deals with international partners, including the United States. From BrahMos fire control systems for Navy to SAKSHAM/SPYDER weapon system for the Indian Air Force and Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones for all services, several procurements have been green lit post Operation Sindoor Indias Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday (August 5) announced the approvals of a series of high-value procurement proposals totalling approximately Rs 67,000 crore. The procurements are aimed at modernising the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Indian Army received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of thermal imagerbased driver night sights for its BMP armoured vehicles, a move expected to give a boost to nocturnal mobility and combat readiness for mechanised infantry units. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a statement emphasising its strategic intent, the DAC declared that enhanced nightvision capability would provide higher mobility and operational advantage under lowvisibility conditions. For the Indian Navy, AoN was granted for the procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, BrahMos fire control systems and launchers, in addition to the upgrade of the BARAK1 pointdefence missile system. The surface craft are intended to bolster antisubmarine warfare capabilities by detecting, classifying and neutralising maritime threats. The council also accorded approval to procure mountain radars and upgrade the SAKSHAM/SPYDER weapon system for the Indian Air Force, with a view to improving air surveillance across mountainous border regions and integrating air defence assets with the Integrated Air Command and Control System. In a major boost to unmanned systems capability, AoN was secured for the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) across all three services. Capable of carrying multiple payloads and operating at extended ranges, these drones are expected to enhance 24/7 surveillance and combat readiness. Furthermore, the Defence Acquisition Council also approved sustenance programmes for the C17 and C130J transport aircraft fleets, as well as a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the S400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System, ensuring continued operational availability of these critical platforms. The DAC approval comes after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, which included precise airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. A cloudburst in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi triggered a deluge in Dharali, killing at least four people and washing away around 40-50 buildings and a bridge. Dozens of people are feared missing as several people were seen getting washed away in videos captured from higher grounds. Follow latest updates here. A street in Dharali in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi after a wave of water, mud, and debris washed through the village following a cloudburst on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. (Photo: Uttarkashi Police) A cloudburst triggered a deluge in the Dharali village in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district on Tuesday at around 1:50 pm. The authorities have said that at least four persons have been killed in Dharali, around 40-50 properties have been washed away in the village, and a bridge in the area has been washed away as well. A cloudburst in the higher reaches triggered a deluge in the Kheer Ganga river that flows through Dharali. A massive wave of water, mud, and debris struck the village and washed away a large chunk of the villages main market where several hotels, restaurants, and homestays are located. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The deluge was captured on the camera and shows the wave hitting the town and washing away several buildings and people see videos below. VIDEO | Uttarakhand: Cloudburst in Kheer Ganga triggers devastation. Several feared swept away. More details awaited. (Source: Third Party) (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/tKFQJX8Udq Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2025 The Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, among others, have been deployed to Dharali for rescue and relief works. The Uttarakhand government is also in consultations with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) about establishing land connectivity in the area as the deluge has washed away a major bridge in the area. Dharali is the main stopover on the way to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganga river, and is popular among pilgrims and tourists. Hours after the Dharali incident, ANI news agency reported at 4:48 pm that the Uttarkashi administration had said that another cloudburst had occurred in Sukhi Top near Dharali. Schools declare holiday in 3 districts amid monsoon devastation The Uttarakhand government, in view of the rain warning in the state, and the prevailing disaster situation in the Uttarkashi district has declared holiday from class 1 to 12 and all anganwadi centres in the Champawat, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. The states Department of Information and Public Relations, posted on X, as translated from Hindi, In view of the weather departments rain warning in Uttarakhand, a holiday has been declared for all schools from class 1 to 12 and Anganwadi centers in the states Champawat, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD NDRF deploys cadaver dogs for Uttarkashi ops The NDRF has decided to deploy its first-ever team of cadaver dogs to help locate those feared dead in the cloudburst incident in Uttarakhand, official sources said on Tuesday. A pair of these dogs will be airlifted from Delhi even as three teams of the force, comprising 35 rescuers in each, have been rushed to the incident site from various locations in the state. Two more National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are awaiting airlift from the Dehradun airport, they said. A senior officer of the federal contingency force told PTI that cadaver dogs are being deployed in Uttarkashi to find bodies possibly buried beneath debris and slush, to ensure that the families of the victims can get closure. In addition to cadaver dogs, regular dogs who can sniff and detect survivors buried under mud and slush are also being deployed, he said. The NDRF has trained about half a dozen cadaver dogs, primarily from the Belgian Malinois and Labrador breeds. For their training, the force procured a special scent from abroad that smells akin to the odour emitted by a dead body. For all these years, the NDRF focused on its mandate of saving lives. Utilising the golden hour of finding life during a disaster has been the guiding principle of the rescuers, and hence, finding the dead or mortal remains was not a priority, a senior officer had recently told PTI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Never seen such horrific scene in life, says 60-year-old eyewitness Everything is over a victim is heard saying in one of several disturbing videos which surfaced online after a cloudburst led to flash floods on Tuesday in Himalayan village of Dharali in this district leaving behind a trail of destruction. In a horrific video of the incident, some people were seen running and screaming to save their lives from the floodwaters coming close on their heels and finally swallowing them. Sixty-year-old Subhash Chandra Semwal, a resident of Mukhba village and an eyewitness, said that he had never seen such a horrific scene in his life. He said that in the afternoon, he heard the sound of water and stones flowing at a high speed, following which he and other members of his family came out. When we saw a huge amount of water flowing down in Kheer Ganga, we all panicked. Then we blew whistles to alert the people living in Dharali market and shouted at them to run away from there, he said. With teary eyes, Semwal said that after hearing their voices, many people ran out of the hotel but the rushing flood waters overtook them and they were swept away. In another video of the incident, panic-stricken people are heard gasping for breath and trying desperately to call their relatives in affected areas to find out if they are alright. A voice is also heard in the video, Everything is over. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Dharali, the flash floods trapped 60-70 people and left at least four dead. Dharali is the main stopover on way to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges, and home to many hotels, restaurants and home stays. 40-50 buildings, 20-25 hotels washed away Officials and residents have said that the deluge washed away 40-50 buildings, including around 20-25 hotels, in Dharali. Prima facie, it appears that 40-50 buildings have been washed away in the deluge, Uttarakhand Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu told PTI. Separately, Rajesh Panwar, a villager, told PTI that around 20-25 hotels and homestays have been washed away. A video captured from higher grounds shows the deluge tearing through several buildings that break apart on impact. Several people, perhaps dozens, are seen running in the video who are also seen getting washed away in the video. Separately, India Today has reported that more than 50 people are feared missing. Everything from hotels to markets has been destroyed I havent witnessed a disaster like this before, an eyewitness told the news channel. Army, ITBP, SDRF on site for rescue works The Central Command of the Indian Army said that personnel from the army base at Harshil around 4 kilometres from Dharali were dispatched for rescue. In a press release, the Army said the firs contingent of around 150 personnel arrived within 10 minutes and began rescue operations, evacuating up to 20 persons to safer locations by 3:30 pm. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Separately, officials told PTI that a 16-member ITBP team has reached Dharali and another unit was on the way. Similarly, SDRF personnel were also at the site. Uttarakhand | Indian Army personnel engaged in rescue operations after a landslide occurred near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil, at around 1:45 PM today. So far, 1520 individuals have been successfully evacuated, with the injured pic.twitter.com/LwPn5HiBvw ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 Principal Secretary Sudhanshu said that restoring connectivity was the priority at the moment. Since road connectivity has been impacted, a bridge has been washed away, we are talking to the officials of BRO, PWD, our priority is to restore connectivity, the weather is bad at present, we are not able to provide relief, and rescue through helicopter services. But SDRF, Army are there, Sudhanshu told PTI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A fair saved most residents: Official Even though visuals suggest that most of the Dharalis market has been washed away in the deluge, an official told AFP news agency that the toll would be lower because luckily, most of the people were at a fair in a safe location. Visuals shared by the Army and the state police show the town submerged in mud and debris. , , SDRF, , pic.twitter.com/tAICzWQUzc Uttarkashi Police Uttarakhand (@UttarkashiPol) August 5, 2025 In a statement, the Uttarakhand government announced that it had set up helpline numbers operating from two centres in Haridwar and Dehradun. These numbers may be contacted for information regarding the deceased and injured. In Haridwar, the helpline numbers for the district emergency centre are 01374-222722, 7310913129, and 7500737269. In Dehradun, the helpline numbers for the state emergency centre are 0135-2710334, 2710335, 8218867005, and 9058441404. The emergency numbers 1070 and 112 are also active. A cloudburst triggered a deluge in Uttarakhands Kheer Ganga that is believed to have killed four people and damaged several properties. The Indian Army personnel have been deployed to the area for rescue and relief operations. A cloudburst on Tuesday triggered a deluge in Uttarakhands Kheer Ganga that is believed to have killed at least four people. Uttarkashi DM Prashant Arya said that huge amount of water came at tandem at Kheer Ganga due to a cloudburst. He said that while the exact situation is not yet clear, he said that he has been informed that there have been four deaths. Arya further said that teams of the Public Works Department (PWD), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been rushed to the area. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The deluge that came down from the hills and struck Kheer Ganga was recorded on the camera. Watch the video below. VIDEO | Uttarakhand: Cloudburst in Kheer Ganga triggers devastation. Several feared swept away. More details awaited. (Source: Third Party) (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/tKFQJX8Udq Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2025 More from India Dharali landslide destruction in 5 videos, many stranded; rescue operation on Several properties have been swept away in the deluge and many have suffered damage, officials told PTI. Separately, the Central Command of the Indian Army said in a statement that personnel have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations. Explaining the situation, the Central Command said that a massive mudslide struck the Dharali village in the Kheer Gad area near Harsil, triggering sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement. " , ." Kheer Gad, Dharali Village | Uttarkashi | 1345 Hrs, 05 Aug 2025 A massive mudslide struck #Dharali village in the #KheerGad area near Harsil, triggering sudden flow of debris and water through the pic.twitter.com/FwPPMrIpqu SuryaCommand_IA (@suryacommand) August 5, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amit Shah speaks to Uttarakhand CM, sends central personnel Following the deluge, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and ordered seven rescue teams to assist in the recue and relief work. Spoke to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood in Dharali (Uttarkashi) to get information about the incident. Three ITBP teams, stationed nearby, have been sent to the spot while four NDRF teams have also been dispatched and they will reach soon and engage in rescue operations, said Shah on X in Hindi. Dharali is the main stopover on the way to Gangotri and has many hotels, restaurants, and homestays, and is popular among tourists. Officials told PTI that a 16-member Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) team has reached Dharali from its 12th battalion stationed at Matli in Uttarakhand while another unit has also been dispatched to the site. Bharat must stand its ground on tariffs and be prepared for short-term pain in pursuit of long-term strategic gain Modis Bharat has to be both mild and fierce while dealing with the Trumpian turbulence. Image: The White House A bully is an intriguing phenomenon. Powerful, but insecure. Loud, yet hollow. Assertive, but deeply vulnerable. He doesnt merely seek obedience he craves submission, preferably extracted through intimidation, manipulation, or humiliation. This classic bully syndrome is evident in how Donald Trump has approached his second term as US President, especially in foreign policy. This American trait is becoming more pronounced as we are moving into a post-American world, one defined and directed from many places and by many people, as author Fareed Zakaria writes in his book, The Post-American World. This new world, Zakaria adds, may not be as much about the decline of America as it is about the rise of the rest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps unpredictability, ego-driven decisions, and transactional diplomacy are the result of this changing world order where America is strong, but not strong enough. Trump tries to make up for this by becoming a bully by holding the world to ransom, as he has done with his ongoing tariff moves. The Bully Syndrome Psychiatrists note that a bully thrives when others submit or appease. The same logic applies in the case of tariffs. Yielding to Trump or any such figure is counterproductive. Submission only feeds the bully, inviting more demands and further concessions. That doesnt mean Bharat should react to every Trump tweet or provocation. The goal is not to be reactive but strategic or even better, strategically proactive. Understand the adversary: When does he lash out? What motivates him? What triggers retreat? Trumps behaviour is largely driven by domestic political compulsions, election cycles, and a simplistic view of trade and tariffs. He may have become the President, but the businessman in him refuses to leave his personality. His worldview remains binary youre either a winner or a loser, an ally or a foe, a master or a servant. Bharat, with its growing economic heft and independent foreign policy, doesnt fit into his ally column. It doesnt need to. Draw Red Lines, With Poise Bharats first move should be to clearly set boundaries with poise, not posturing. It must articulate these red lines in an unemotional, matter-of-fact manner. And the Modi government has done precisely that, as the External Affairs Ministry in an official statement on Monday (August 4) called the ongoing Trump tirade unjustified and unreasonable. It also highlighted how the US itself continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EVs, and fertilisers and chemicals from Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bharat needs cheap oil for its people and growth. It cannot avoid looking at cheaper options just because it suits American interests. Bharat currently consumes about 5 million barrels per day, 85 per cent of which is met through imports. And given the unprecedented growth expected to take place in the country, with GDP growth constantly hovering above 6 per cent, reports say Bharats demand for oil will be more than that of any other country in the world. Similarly, the US needs to understand that Bharats Russian defence ties are born out of necessity, not ideology. Americas restrictive terms high costs, limited tech transfer, source code constraints, and end-use monitoring have pushed New Delhi towards Moscow. What works for Pakistan, an artificial construct, cannot be imposed on Bharat, a civilisational state with strategic autonomy in its DNA. Ancient Wisdom, Modern Challenges Amid Trumpian turbulence, Ved Vyasas Mahabharata can offer timeless wisdom, urging restraint and patience, and not being overwhelmed by anger and rage. Bhishma, for instance, advises Yudhisthira in Raja Dharma Parva as translated by Bibek Debroy in The Mahabharata (Volume 8): One must fight for the sake of victory, not because of anger or a desire to kill. He qualifies his statement by saying that if the one who is fighting uses deceit, [one] must fight back using deceit. If he fights with adharma, one must counter with adharma. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bharat need not match Trump tweet-for-tweet. Instead, it should outmanoeuvre him with strategic steadiness. Timing matters. As Bhishma says, Time always brings success However, a man who is waiting for the right time should not let that moment pass. Meanwhile, without resorting to verbal volleys or showcasing confrontational postures, Bharat can continue doing what it has been doing thus far buying Russian arms and importing oil. Let Bharats actions speak for themselves. Build Strategic Alliances Bhishma also advises Yudhisthira to seek new allies when oppressed by a stronger king. He says, If a king is oppressed by a stronger king, he must resort to three kinds of allies and friends. Bhishma then elaborates allies and friends as direct allies, allies of allies, and enemies of enemies. Time is ripe for Bharat to expand its strategic alliances. It must build strategic coalitions both traditional and innovative. It must reorient its ties with Europe along the lines of the UK Free Trade Agreement. It must look afresh at Asian, African, and South American markets. Some of the American trade losses can be covered there: Bharats pharma industry, for instance, could find greater footholds in these markets. Similarly, it should deepen its outreach to Asean, and continue nurturing its neighbourhood through cooperative diplomacy. Even within the American political landscape, Bharat should engage with institutions, think tanks, businesses, and lawmakers beyond the presidency. America is more than its president. Bharat must remember that. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The goal is not to overtly challenge the Trump administration but to signal that Bharat cannot be bullied and has options. It values the US relationship but will not be boxed in. Learn from the Dragon More importantly, while dealing with Trumpian threats, Bharat should realise and also make the Americans realise that it has weathered greater storms in the past. It navigated alone during the Cold War, defied American fury at the time of the 1971 Bangladesh crisis, endured global isolation after the 1998 nuclear tests, and emerged stronger every time. Todays Bharat is economically sounder, militarily stronger, and diplomatically assertive. It must preserve its strategic autonomy not for defiance, but for national interest. If Trump is unreasonable, Bharat must stand its ground calmly, firmly. China offers an instructive example. Trump began his second term with moves to tame the Middle Kingdom. But Beijing responded with resilience, recalibration, and countermeasures. It didnt react emotionally, and eventually, the US President softened. Not out of admiration, but because confrontation wasnt delivering. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Likewise, Bharat must insist on mutual solutions. If Washington wants Delhi to move away from Russian arms, it must offer better terms. If it wants to be an energy partner, it must offer affordable, stable alternatives without coercion. Be Mild and Fierce Bharats strength lies not just in GDP or missiles, but in civilisational confidence. Bullies lose power when met with quiet defiance. Bharats message should be simple: We value the relationship, but we are equals. We act in our interest and expect respect. Americans, as a people, are pragmatic. Once the noise settles, they will see that Bharats rise is a stabilising phenomenon, not a threatening one. It seeks balance, not dominance. It avoids conflict but is unafraid of it when required. The Trumpian storm must be faced with civilisational calmness and confidence not by shouting, but by outthinking. Not by trembling, but by standing tall. Bharat must be prepared for short-term pain in pursuit of long-term strategic gain. Because in the end, the one who doesnt bend under pressure shapes the course of history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bhishma again has a word of advice: People disrespect one who is mild and hate one who is fierce. Do not be mild. Do not be fierce. Be both mild and fierce. Modis Bharat has to be both mild and fierce while dealing with the Trumpian turbulence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Trump seems to visualise that what is good for the globe is not good for the US. AFP President Donald Trump has unleashed an economic war against the rest of the world from the very inception of his second administration. American people, American companies and the entire political class of the United States are not with President Trumps economic policiesdomestic or foreign. However, the principal difficulty lies in the fact that not many within the United States who oppose Trumps tariff tantrums are able to counter, resist or confront an administration that is vindictive against the opponents and resorts to retribution or revenge. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD President Trump does not spare anyone who makes statements or brings out reports on issues that run counter to his policies. The latest example is the quick removal of the head of the Bureau of Labour Statistics, Erika McEntarfar, after the bureau released the job statistics showing that the US labour market is not as resilient as expected. The latest job report indicated that Trumps tariff war and other economic policies have begun to demonstrate the negative consequences of Trump policy. American consumers are yet to feel the adverse impact of high tariffs on imports, partly because some of the US importers bought foreign goods in bulk and put them in stores before the new tariff would kick in, and partly because some of the import duties are yet to be systematically implemented, as many countries are still in the process of negotiating with the officials of the Trump Administration. The price pressure on consumers will certainly pose a serious political challenge to President Trump. But in order to deal with that possible outcome, the Trump supporters can come up with false data and build an untruthful narrative. Unfortunately, the Democratic Party also appears to be a bystander and unable to counter Trump effectively. The big American companies that contribute to election campaign financing are also mute spectators for fear of becoming the target of Trumps wrath. President Trumps dislike for foreigners is clearly vindicated in his harsh treatment of the immigrants. His aversion for foreign countries is reflected in his call to American companies to return and base their manufacturing activities at home. But this Trumpian drive would harm US companies that have invested around the world, taking advantage of cheap land and labour, by implication, making America richer than other countries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps anxiety about a rising China that would ferociously compete economically with the US is explicable. But when the Apple company sought to exit from China and enter the Indian market, Trump threatened high duties on the products of the company! It gives the impression that his main goal is not to allow India to grow, even if it is in American interest. Indian economic performance is viewed by President Trump as a dead economy, not because he lacks basic knowledge about India but because he would not like to see an India that would question his false statements or assert itself as a country that stands by its policy of strategic autonomy. Trump seems persuaded that his vision of America First would be good for his country. Actually, his America First policy would benefit him and his supporters but harm the United States and the world. He wrongly assumes that in a globalised world with complex interdependence among countries, the US economy can thrive all by itself. He seems to visualise that what is good for the globe is not good for America. Otherwise, he would not have embarked upon a journey that would make the US allies suffer, make the strategic partners reassess the value of partnering with the US and induce the competitors to resolve to stand up to the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By his decision to withdraw the US membership from global institutions and initiatives, such as the World Health Organisation, the Paris Climate Accord, Unesco and the disrespect for the World Trade Organisation, Trump seeks to make America a bolted island country in a deeply interconnected world. Can such an America protect itself against the next pandemic? Can the Americans breathe safe air when the world gets progressively polluted along with rising earth temperature? Can it sustain a durable trading relationship by browbeating countries to accept its policies and diktats through bilateral networks? So far Trump has been in the commanding position for a little above six months. He has a distance to go before he is supposed to step down in January 2029. His recent contemplation for an unconstitutional third term in the White House appears to have been abandoned for the time being. Yet, whether there will be a peaceful transfer of power after the 2028 presidential election in Washington, DC, cannot be predicted now. He pardoned many who were convicted and sentenced to jail due to their involvement in the insurrection of January 6, 2021. Will there be another insurrection? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A lot will depend on how the political scene unfolds within the United States. There is an opportunity for the American voters to send Trump a message in the November 2026 congressional election. There are still openings for Corporate America to press upon him to abandon his damaging tariff policies and other economic measures. The think tanks and the American universities, where academia plays a constructive role in the policymaking ecosystem, are struggling hard to make compromises with the Trump Administration to ensure restoration of federal funding. But still, the American academia can elucidate whether the proverbial emperor is without clothes. But how the international community responds will also determine if the current American imperial presidency is a passing phenomenon. The European allies have been left high and dry by Trump and are clamped with a 15 per cent tariff, which is much higher than the 2.5 per cent tariff that was imposed earlier. The Nato member countries have been bulldozed into spending 5 per cent of their GDP on defence when they are undergoing economic downturn and energy shortages. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Japan and South Korea are forced to pay more to keep the alliance structure alive. India was one of the first countries in 2025 to start negotiations with the Trump team on bilateral trade. After months of negotiations, the Trump Administration keeps pressuring India to open its agricultural sector, which would surely hurt the millions of Indian farmers. This pressure is compounded by its insistence on India to stop buying Russian energy resources, which would again grievously affect Indias energy security. China stood firm and responded by restricting rare earth materials. It pinched the US, and Trump promptly relaxed its restrictions on technology and chip trade. But Chinas export controls hurt many other countries, including India. As the world is facing Trumps tariff war, it remains utterly divided. There were some whispers about the EU, China, Japan and many others coming together to confer on how to manage the uncertainties in international trade and overall political economy. But whispers have not given way to any concrete steps. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The international community rightly thinks that Trump is not America. Numerous countries around the world seem to be interested in waiting him out. But the big question is whether Trumpism will survive Donald Trump. All major countries look prepared to work for a truce with Trump. However, the truce should not be at the cost of the stability of the international trade ecosystem. Trumps economic war against the world will not end soon unless there are countermeasures against Trumpian unilateralism. The author is founding chairperson, Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, and editor, India Quarterly. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. From Indias refusal to bend on trade terms to its rejection of Trumps claims about brokering peace, the reasons behind his rants reveal a deeper clash of priorities between the two nations. US President Donald Trumps ongoing verbal attacks on India have raised eyebrows, with his criticisms rooted in a mix of trade frustrations, geopolitical posturing, and personal grievances. From Indias refusal to bend on trade terms to its rejection of Trumps claims about brokering peace, the reasons behind his rants reveal a deeper clash of priorities between the two nations. Indias firm stance on farm sector At the heart of Trumps ire is Indias refusal to bow to US demands in trade negotiations. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over Indias unwillingness to conclude a trade deal on his terms, particularly its protectionist stance on agriculture. Indias agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, contributing 18.4 per cent to the countrys Gross Value Added (GVA) in 202223. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For millions of Indian households, farming isnt just a jobits a lifeline. With a majority of the workforce tied to agriculture, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, crop income serves as both a livelihood and a buffer against economic uncertainty. This makes the farm sector a politically sensitive issue, leaving little room for compromise. Indian negotiators have consistently stressed that protecting this sector is non-negotiable, a stance that has frustrated US efforts to open Indias markets to American agricultural imports. The India-Pakistan narrative: A claim India rejects Another sore point for Trump is Indias outright rejection of his repeated assertions that he played a key role in preventing a war between India and Pakistan. Since May 10, Trump and his team have claimed nearly 30 times that the United States brokered peace between the nuclear-armed neighbours. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly denied these claims. During a parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, the military campaign launched against Pakistan in May, Modi stated, No world leader asked us to stop the operation. While he avoided naming Trump directly, the message was clear: India denies any foreign mediation in the conflict. Pakistan, on the other hand, has acknowledged Washingtons involvement, creating a stark contrast in narratives. Trumps insistence on taking credit for averting a full-scale war may stem from his need for a foreign policy win. Having failed to deliver on his promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war on Day One of his presidency, Trump appears eager to claim a diplomatic victory in South Asia. Indias refusal to validate his narrative has only fueled his frustration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Nobel Peace Prize snub Adding insult to injury, India has distanced itself from the White Houses suggestion that Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for his supposed role in brokering peace globally, including between India and Pakistan. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt touted Trumps diplomatic achievements, but Indias Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal brushed off the claim. As far as the statements of the White House are concerned, please take your question to them, Jaiswal said, redirecting inquiries back to Washington. Trumps rants against India reflect a broader clash of national priorities. Indias focus on protecting its agricultural sector and energy security runs counter to US demands for open markets and geopolitical alignment. Five Bangladeshi nationals were arrested near the Red Fort for allegedly trying to enter the high-security area without valid documents, Delhi Police said on Tuesday, amid intensified security ahead of Independence Day. Police personnel stand guard at the Red Fort, amid tight security in the wake of tension between India and Pakistan, in New Delhi, Friday, May 9, 2025. PTI Delhi Police on Tuesday said it has arrested five Bangladeshi nationals for allegedly attempting to forcibly enter the Red Fort complex, which remains under tight security ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. According to officials, the arrests took place near one of the Red Forts access control points, where a police team intercepted the group during routine checks. The men, aged between 20 and 25, failed to produce valid entry passes and were found to be residing in India without legal documentation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All of them are illegal immigrants and tried to force their way into the Red Fort premises, the police said in a statement. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North District) Raja Banthiya said the men were stopped on August 4 and, during questioning, revealed they had entered India illegally around three to four months ago. They had been working as daily-wage labourers in different parts of Delhi. They claimed they were unaware that the Red Fort has been closed to the public since July 15. While Bangladeshi documents were recovered from them, no suspicious materials or activities were detected during interrogation, Banthiya added. The incident comes amid heightened security across the national capital in the run-up to the 78th Independence Day. Delhi Police has intensified a crackdown on illegal immigrants, particularly those residing near high-security zones and critical infrastructure. Officials said central security agencies have also questioned the five individuals. They are now being processed for deportation in line with legal procedures. History, with its grim cycles and painful lessons, has every reason to indict humanity. In the week marking the 80th anniversary of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Russia announced it no longer considers itself bound by the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, blaming the actions of Western countries for creating a direct threat to its security. Last Friday, US President Donald Trump said he had ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines in appropriate regions following what he described as highly provocative comments by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is ironic that nuclear weapons still exist, despite the well-known devastation they cause to the planetand the threat of nuclear sabre-rattling remains as constant as the air we breathe. Aside from white lilies and sombre memorial services for the dead, and sympathy for those emotionally and physically maimed by the two blasts in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, little has moved forward in practical terms. In the prologue of her book Nuclear War: A Scenario, Annie Jacobsen describes a frightening vision of what the next nuclear bomb explosion might look like. For now, it is only imaginationbut reality would unfold within minutes if the bombs were ever detonated, for whatever reason. She writes: A 1-megaton thermonuclear weapon detonation begins with a flash of light and heat so tremendous it is impossible for the human mind to comprehend. One hundred and Eighty million degrees Fahrenheit is four or five times hotter than the temperature that occurs at the center of the Earths sun. In the first fraction of a second this thermonuclear bomb strikes there is light. Soft X-ray light with a very short wavelength. The light superheats the surrounding air to a millions of degrees, creating a massive fireball that expands at millions of miles per hour. Within a few seconds, this fireball increases to a diameter of a little more than a mile (5,700 feet across), its light and heat so intense that concrete surfaces explode, metal objects melt or evaporate, stone shatters, humans instantaneously convert into combusting carbon. This, of course, is Jacobsens speculative scenario of what might happen if a nuclear bomb were to strike the Pentagon outside Washington. But if such an event were to occur, her imagined horror would become exact, unbearable reality. In the 653-page book The Effects of Nuclear War, authored along with Philip J Dolan, Samuel Galsstone writes, There are inherent difficulties in making exact measurements of weapons effects. The results are often dependent upon circumstances, which are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to control even in tests and would certainly be unpredictable in the event of an attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Then, after the immediate destruction there is the curse of a nuclear winter which is inevitable. A legacy of devastation, a present of peril Eighty years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which killed more than 200,000 people and left haunting reminders of nuclear warfare, the world remains on edge. Far from fading into the pages of history, nuclear weapons continue to cast a long, ominous shadow over global peace and security. While the world has avoided another nuclear strike since 1945, todays risks may be even more acute driven by geopolitical volatility, advancing technologies and the slow unravelling of disarmament frameworks. A world still armed to the teeth As of early 2025, the global stockpile of nuclear warheads stands at approximately 12,241, with the vast majorityover 90 per centheld by United States and Russia. This massive arsenal is not just a relic of the Cold War but a continually modernised force, featuring increasingly sophisticated delivery systems and warhead designs, Andrew Hammond writes in The Business Times. While global treaties have aimed to curb proliferation, they have done little to dismantle the core of existing nuclear forces. Slowing clock of disarmament The post-Cold War era witnessed a surge of hope for nuclear disarmament. Treaties such as the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (Start) and initiatives like the Nuclear Security Summits led to tangible reductions and enhanced controls over nuclear materials. However, this progress has since slowed, if not reversed. Today, the momentum has shifted towards rearmament. The United States is developing a new generation of nuclear weapons and has indicated an openness to resuming nuclear testing. Meanwhile, China has more than tripled its arsenal, reaching around 600 warheads. These developments have reignited fears of a new arms race, especially as Russia also pursues advanced systems like hypersonic missiles and underwater nuclear drones. Submarines are indeed deadly platforms for nuclear launches. Efforts such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which came into force in 2021, have garnered support from many non-nuclear states. Yet, they have been largely dismissed by nuclear-armed nations. The global appetite for disarmament, once buoyed by the horrors of Hiroshima, is faltering in the face of renewed strategic competition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tensions in a fragile world Geopolitical fault lines are increasingly volatile, exacerbating the risk of nuclear conflict. Recent exchanges between Medvedev and Trump over nuclear threats serve as stark reminders of how easily diplomatic tensions can veer into dangerous territory. Medvedevs reference to Russias Dead Hand nuclear retaliation system and Trumps counter by repositioning submarines closer to Russia are not just posturing, they reflect the peril of miscalculation in todays hyper-charged political climate. Other hotspots, including the enduring India-Pakistan conflict and North Koreas relentless nuclear testing, add layers of complexity. These regions combine deep-seated historical animosities with nuclear capabilities, making them particularly susceptible to escalation. Iran, for its part, remains a significant concern. Reeling from attacks on its nuclear facilities, Tehran may further accelerate its nuclear programme, potentially pushing other regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey toward similar ambitions. Technology: The new wildcard While nuclear weapons have always embodied existential danger, emerging technologies are making the nuclear scenario even more unpredictable. Artificial intelligence, cyber warfare and advanced missile defence systems are disrupting the traditional logic of nuclear deterrence. According to Hammond, AI-driven systems, if poorly managed, could make decisions faster than human operators can verify, increasing the likelihood of misjudgements. Meanwhile, cyberattacks on nuclear command and control systems could trigger false alarms or disable safeguards. The potential for accidental launches or misinterpreted threats has grown significantly in an era of digital warfare and machine decision-making. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the Cold War and into the 1990s, several false alarms nearly triggered nuclear war due to technical errors and misinterpretations. In the 1950s, a flock of Canadian geese was mistaken for a Soviet bomber attack by radar systems. The 1960s saw meteor showers and radar reflections from the moon falsely indicating a missile strike, while in 1979, a human error led to a false nuclear alert, causing Norad (North American Aerospace Defense Command) to scramble fighter jets. A year later, a faulty computer chip triggered a similar scare, prompting the preparation of B-52 bombers and the Presidents emergency aircraft. The most serious incident occurred in 1995 when a Norwegian research rocket was misidentified by Russian systems as a US nuclear missile, prompting president Boris Yeltsin to consider a retaliatory strike, an act he ultimately resisted, narrowly avoiding catastrophe. Terrorism threat Beyond state actors, the threat of nuclear terrorism has not disappeared. While acquiring a functional nuclear weapon remains a high barrier for non-state groups, the possibility of a radiological dispersal device (dirty bomb) is far more feasible. Such a weapon would use conventional explosives to spread radioactive material, potentially causing mass panic, economic chaos and long-term contamination of urban centres.. Hammond mentions former US defence secretary Robert Gates who once remarked that the thought of a terrorist obtaining a nuclear weapon was what kept him awake at night. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Treaties undermined, norms at risk International treaties and arms control frameworks that once served as guardrails are now fraying. The Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, was set just one second from midnight earlier this year, the closest it has ever been to global catastrophe. Eighty years after Hiroshima, the world faces a dual nuclear threat: that of state-led warfare and non-state terrorism. While the horrors of 1945 forged a powerful global aversion to nuclear war, that consensus is under threat. The only way to ensure nuclear weapons are never used again is to eliminate them altogether. Eight decades on, the urgency of that mission has never been clearer. A year after she was forced to flee Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has flagged the takeover of the country by extremists-backed Muhammed Yunus as a violent interruption of our hard-fought democracy in a dark moment of the country. She has called for unity against the current regime. On the first anniversary of her ouster, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday dubbed the movement that topped her government as a dark moment in the countrys history. Last year, after weekslong movement backed by Pakistan-backed Islamists, the military gave the agitators tacit support, forcing Hasina to flee the country for her life on August 5. The agitating groups and the military propped Muhammed Yunus as the unelected interim ruler of the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ A year after Hasinas flight: Bangladesh will bring Yunus and gang to justice, says Awami leader Under Yunus, the law and order in Bangladesh collapsed and the country descended into cyclic violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, who saw community members being killed, houses being burnt, and temples being attacked. In a statement shared by her party Bangladesh Awami League, Hasina called for unity among Bangladeshis in the movement against the unelected regime. Here is her complete statement: This is an open letter to the honest, hard-working and patriotic people of Bangladesh. One year ago today, our nation witnessed the violent interruption of our hard-fought democracy, as an unelected regime seized power through unconstitutional means. It was a dark moment in our history, an affront to the will of the people, and a betrayal of the trust between citizens and the state. While they may have taken power, they will never take away our spirit, our resolve, or our destiny. I can assure you of that. In the face of injustice and repression, I have witnessed extraordinary courage from you, the people of Bangladesh. You have refused to be silenced. You have stood up for democracy, for freedom, and for the future we all deserve. I am constantly inspired by your courage and your love for our country. Though this past year has tested us, it has also revealed the unbreakable bond between our people and the values of democracy. We have endured hardship, but in that hardship, we have found unity and purpose. Let us never forget that power belongs to the people, and no regime can suppress the will of a nation forever. Our struggle is not over, but our cause is just. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We must continue to stand for justice, for economic opportunity, for education, for peace, and for a nation where no one lives in fear. Together, we will rebuild what has been broken. Together, we will reclaim the institutions that were taken from us. And together, we will write a new chapter, one defined not by oppression, but by hope, progress, and freedom. Let this anniversary not be a day of retrospection, but a rallying cry for a brighter tomorrow. Bangladesh has overcome adversity before, and we will rise again, stronger, more united, and more determined to build a democracy that truly serves its people. I believe in you. I believe in Bangladesh. And I believe that our best days are yet to come. As India has hit back at Donald Trumps latest tariff threats and warnings, EAM Jaishankar calls for a fair global order which can not be dominated by a few. Amid Donald Trumps renewed tariff threats targeting Indias trade and defence links with Russia, New Delhi has pushed back, calling for a more balanced and inclusive global orderone not dictated by a few dominant powers. Speaking at the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in New Delhi on Monday, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His remarks came shortly after Trump announced a new round of tariffs on Indian goods, accusing New Delhi of re-exporting discounted Russian oil for profit. India is buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it on the open market for big profits, the former US president claimed, describing the levies as a penalty for Indias continued energy and defence engagement with Moscow. #WATCH | Delhi: At the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival, "SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody", EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. That quest pic.twitter.com/nRQ61EiGqP ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2025 India promptly dismissed the move as unjustified and unreasonable. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that its crude oil imports from Russia were dictated by economic necessity and global market volatilitynot political allegiance. New Delhi also called out what it described as Western double standards, noting that the US continues to import uranium compounds from Russia for its nuclear industry. India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security, the MEA added. Hasina resigned and fled Bangladesh by helicopter on the morning of August 5, leaving behind a nation teetering on the edge of chaos On August 5 last year, Bangladesh found itself amidst a political storm as now-deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina abruptly fled the country, leaving behind a nation teetering on the edge of chaos. Her departure paved the way for Dr Mohammad Yunus to helm a caretaker government, but the country still grapples with political instability. Student-led protests The spark for this storm was a student-led protest movement against a reinstated quota system, which had spiralled into widespread unrest. Hasina, facing mounting pressure, reportedly planned to declare a state of emergency to restore order. A secret meeting with Awami League leaders had greenlit the plan, but she never made it to the Presidents office to formalise it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What unfolded instead was a dramatic unravelling of her government, marked by allegations of betrayal and external interference. External interference Former State Minister Mahibul Hasan Choudhury pointed to an institutional conspiracy backed by external forces, claiming the Army Chief ignored Hasinas directives, leaving her with no option but to step down. The night before her departure, Hasina was scheduled to meet the President at 10 PM but was allegedly prevented from doing so. With no mobilisation of party workers and no significant casualties reported, many within the Awami League began to suspect internal sabotage. One senior leader called it 100 per cent sabotage, while others whispered of thwarted plans for a lockdown and an all-party government under emergency rule. Tense final hours The chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam, offered a gripping account of the tense final hours of Hasinas rule. He described a tense and volatile meeting at Ganabhaban, the prime ministers official residence, on the night of August 4. The room was filled with key ministers, ruling party stalwarts, and top military officials, all locked in heated discussions as protests engulfed the nation. Between midnight and 12:15 AM on August 5, Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Hasinas then-defence adviser, reportedly suggested she resigna proposal that infuriated the defiant leader. Instead, Hasina ordered the army chief to confront the protestors head-on. In a shocking revelation, Islam claimed Tarique even floated the idea of firing on the protestors, including the possibility of aerial attacks from helicopters. The Air Force chief, appalled, reportedly warned Hasina, He (Tarique) has sunk you, and he will sink you again. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By the morning of August 5, the situation had deteriorated further. In a critical meeting, IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun informed Hasina that security forces were running low on ammunition and could not hold back the surging protestors. Top military officers renewed their demand for her resignation, met with Hasinas fiery retort: Then shoot me and bury me here, in Ganabhaban. Undeterred, the officers reportedly moved her to another room, warning that protestors were marching on Dhaka and Ganabhaban from all directions. Hasinas sister, Sheikh Rehana, reportedly fell at her feet, begging her to step down, but the prime minister remained resolute. The turning point came when Hasinas son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, was contacted. According to Tajul Islam, it was Joys intervention that finally persuaded his mother to relinquish power. After a sleepless night of fraught meetings with the armed forces, Hasina resigned and fled the country by helicopter on the morning of August 5, as protests and military reluctance closed in around her. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One year later, with elections on the horizon and the Awami League still cornered, August 5 remains a bitter memory for party loyalists. For them, it symbolises a lost opportunitya government toppled not by bullets, but by a confluence of protests, military defiance, and alleged betrayal from within. In the one year since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of Muhammad Yunus as the countrys interim ruler, Bangladesh has descended into a state of lawlessness helmed by Islamists, with mob justice becoming the norm. A report has said that more than 600 lynchings have taken place over the past year. Men run past a shopping center which was set on fire by protesters during a rally against then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Sunday, August 4, 2024. (Photo: Rajib Dhar/AP) Over the past one year since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has slipped into a state of lawlessness under the interim government of Muhammad Yunus, the octogenarian propped by the agitators and the military as the countrys unelected ruler. Amid cyclic attacks on the country's religious minorities, particularly Hindus, mob violence has increasingly become the norm in Bangladesh that has not even spared the countrys police personnel. Since August 5, 2024, at least 637 people, including 41 police personnel, have been lynched in Bangladesh, according to Canada-based Global Centre for Democratic Governances (GCDG) data carried by The Economic Times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For comparison, there were just 51 cases of lynchings in 2023 when Hasina was in power. ALSO READ: With Sheikh Hasina out of Bangladesh, anti-India forces rise in Bangladesh & pose major challenges Pakistan-backed groups, many of whom pursue outright Islamist extremism, have run amok in Bangladesh since the ouster of Hasina. They have waged a campaign of retribution against political opponents, particularly the workers, activists, and leaders of Hasinas Bangladesh Awami League (BAL). They have also attacked the countrys minorities, particularly Hindus, whom they accused of siding with Hasina. In the past year, Hindus have been attacked in their houses, their houses have been burnt, and their temples have been attacked. Instead of making the protection of minorities protection a priority, Yunus has presided over the state patronage of extremists, which has included acts like the release of jihadist leaders from jail. Most lynching victims were from Hasinas party Of those lynched, around 70 per cent of victims were from Hasinas BAL, local human rights bodies have said. These victims have largely been from Hindu and Ahmadiya Muslim communities, which have been a favourite target of Islamists in the country. Even though agitating groups said they were fighting for democracy, they have propped an unelected regime of Yunus with little accountability. The regime has not yet announced a date for elections and continues to run the country without any mandate from the people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, in yet another case of democratic backsliding, Yunus has banned BAL and has presided over a campaign to remove BAL, BALs leader Sheikh Mujibur Rehman the father of the nation from public consciousness. Bolsonaro has been placed under house arrest after allegedly violating court-ordered restrictions tied to a coup investigation. The Supreme Court accused Bolsonaro of using allies social media accounts to incite protests and attack the judiciary. Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro attending a session of the Supreme Court as it decides if he will face trial in Brasilia. AFP A judge from Brazils Supreme Court has ordered former president Jair Bolsonaro to be placed under house arrest after he breached court-imposed restrictions linked to an ongoing investigation into an alleged coup attempt. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled on Monday that Bolsonaro, a close ally of US President Trump, had broken a ban on using social media, which was imposed last month. At that time, he was also ordered to wear an electronic ankle tag. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moraes ruled that Bolsonaro used the social media accounts of his allies to share posts on Sunday encouraging protests, attacking the Supreme Court, and supporting foreign intervention in Brazils judiciary. These messages appeared as demonstrations in support of the former president took place in cities across the country. There is no doubt the conditions of the precautionary measures were violated, Moraes wrote. Under the courts order, Bolsonaro will be confined to the mansion he rents in a gated compound in southern Brasilia. Only close family and lawyers will be allowed to visit, and even they will not be permitted to use mobile phones, take photos, or record video during visits. Federal police have been instructed to seize all mobile phones on the property. Moraes also noted that despite the social media ban, Bolsonaro took part in a rally on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro by speaking to supporters over the phone. His son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, held the phone to a microphone so the crowd could hear him. Flavio later posted then deleted a video of the incident on social media. Moraes called the deletion a blatant attempt to hide the violation of court orders. The breach was so obvious that even the defendants son felt compelled to erase the evidence from Instagram, he added. This house arrest order is part of a larger Supreme Court case in which Bolsonaro is accused of plotting to overturn the results of the 2022 election, which he lost to current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face over 40 years in prison. The trial is expected to conclude later this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Commenting on the development, political analyst Fernando Gabeira told GloboNews: Bolsonaro is being arrested in stages. The Supreme Court seems to be guiding him to prison gradually perhaps to avoid a major public backlash. Tensions have been rising in Brasilia. Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters on Sunday gathered outside the central bank. Many carried signs backing the former president and even appealed to US president Donald Trump for support. One protester, Alvaro Junior, 64, held a sign reading Thank you, Trump and said, Id like to give Trump a hug and thank him for caring about us. Trump tariffs on Brazil and Bolsonaro witch hunt The US recently imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Brazilian goods in response to what Trump described as a witch hunt against Bolsonaro. The move has been praised by Bolsonaro supporters, with one demonstrator wearing a red MAGA hat saying, We now feel even more admiration and love for the American people. Metal barricades have been installed around key government buildings, including the Supreme Court, Congress, and the Foreign Ministry, in anticipation of more right-wing protests. Last week, Trumps administration escalated tensions further by placing sanctions on Justice Moraes. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused him of leading a campaign of censorship, arbitrary arrests, and political prosecutions, including against Bolsonaro. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his latest ruling, Moraes accused Bolsonaro of continuing to violate the law in a more severe and defiant manner, and attempting to involve a foreign leader to pressure Brazils judiciary, calling it a clear violation of national sovereignty. Local residents reportedly said that the building hosting this so-called Embassy of Khalistan was constructed with funds provided by the Government of British Columbia, Canadas westernmost province In a baffling move, the Khalistani organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in collaboration with the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Temple, has established what it calls an Embassy of Khalistan in Surrey, Canada. The so-called embassy, marked by a sign reading Republic of Khalistan, is housed in a building on the gurdwaras premises, which serves as a community hub for the local Sikh population. Local residents were quoted by CNN-News18 as saying that the building hosting this controversial embassy was constructed with funds provided by the Government of British Columbia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They further revealed that the provincial government recently allocated $150,000 to install an elevator in the same building, raising questions about the use of public funds for the sites new purpose. The establishment of the embassy comes amid heightened concerns about Khalistani extremism in Canada. In June, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Canadas top intelligence agency, issued a rare public statement acknowledging that Khalistani extremists continue to use Canada as a base for the promotion, fundraising or planning of violence primarily in India. This statement, part of CSISs latest annual report, has reignited debates about foreign interference and extremist activities within Canada, particularly in light of the countrys delicate diplomatic ties with India. For years, India has voiced concerns about Khalistani extremists operating from Canadian soil. The issue traces back to the mid-1980s when politically motivated violent extremism (PMVE) began to take root in Canada, primarily through Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs). These groups have sought to establish an independent nation-state called Khalistan, largely within Indias Punjab region, often through violent means. PMVE, as described by the CSIS, involves actors who plan, finance, and facilitate attacks globally to create new political systems or reshape existing ones. The opening of the Embassy of Khalistan has intensified scrutiny of Canadas role as a hub for such activities, with India repeatedly urging Canadian authorities to address the issue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This large-scale effort involved nearly 1,000 agents who were tasked with sifting through over 100,000 pages of documents in March. In a sweeping review of internal records tied to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) redacted the names of President Donald Trump and other high-profile individuals, according to a recent Bloomberg report. This large-scale effort, conducted earlier this year, involved nearly 1,000 agents who were tasked with sifting through over 100,000 pages of documents in March. Sources cited by Bloomberg revealed that agents were specifically instructed to flag any references to Trump, with his name ultimately blacked out to prevent what the FBI described as an unwarranted invasion of privacy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The directive came as part of a broader reassessment of Epstein-related files led by the Justice Department. The review concluded that there was no evidence of criminal activity involving Trump. However, the decision to redact his name has sparked debate, particularly among Trumps MAGA supporters, who have been vocal about their demands for the release of the remaining Epstein files. Both the president and senior White House officials have resisted these calls, arguing that further disclosures are unnecessary and expressing a desire to move on from the issue. The controversy traces back to February, when the White House distributed binders filled with mostly public Epstein-related materials to far-right influencers, framing it as part of a transparency initiative. At the time, US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the release as the first phase of making documents public, adding that additional files, including the highly speculated client list, were sitting on my desk, as she told Fox News. However, frustration over delays in accessing requested files prompted Bondi to push the FBI to reassign hundreds of agents to the case. This led to the intensive March effort, where agents worked around-the-clock shifts to prepare documents for potential public release, with a specific focus on flagging Trumps name. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Bloomberg, the review uncovered numerous references to Trump alongside mentions of other prominent figures. Before any potential public disclosure, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officers processed the flagged documents, applying redactions under exemptions designed to protect personal privacy. Trumps name was withheld because he was a private citizen during the initial Epstein investigation in 2006. Investigators cited FOIA provisions that guard against releasing information that could constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. In May, during a Justice Department briefing, Bondi informed Trump that his name appeared multiple times in the Epstein files, according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report. She also noted that other high-profile individuals were mentioned, but clarified that no so-called client list had been uncovered. The White House initially dismissed the WSJ report as fake news, but an unnamed official later confirmed to Reuters that Trumps name did appear in some files, though it did not suggest any wrongdoing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By July, the administration shifted its stance, stating that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. The Justice Department pointed to a lack of new findings and ongoing privacy concerns as reasons to halt additional releases. Indias NSA Ajit Doval is in Moscow to bolster ties with Russia amid growing US pressure over arms and oil imports. Ajit Doval, Indias National Security Adviser, has arrived in Russia on a pivotal visit aimed at reinforcing the strategic alliance between Moscow and New Delhi. His presence comes amid rising tensions between Washington and New Delhi over Indias continued purchases of Russian military equipment and oil. According to a report by The Times of India, although the visit had been scheduled in advance, Dovals time in Moscow has taken on added urgency due to the current strain in ties with Washington, sparked by President Donald Trumps scathing remarks regarding Indias relationship with Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The trip is expected to include closed-door meetings with senior Russian security and defence officials, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in regional security, counterterrorism, and energy security. The visit follows closely on the heels of comments by US President Donald Trump, who stated that tariffs on Indian imports would be raised very substantially from the current rate of 25% within the next 24 hours, in light of New Delhis continued purchase of Russian oil. He also criticised Indias trade policy, saying a zero tariff offer for imports of US goods into India was insufficient, and accused the country of fuelling the war in Ukraine. Trumps threats regarding Indias Russian oil imports began on 31 July, when he announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, along with an unspecified penalty. A resurfaced video of ex-US envoy Eric Garcetti admitting Washington encouraged India to buy Russian oil has stirred debate, as President Trump now threatens tariffs over those purchases. India has called the move unfair and defended its energy policy. As US President Donald Trump threatens to raise tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhis continued purchase of Russian oil, a resurfaced statement by former US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has put the White House in an awkward position. In the video which later went viral on social media, Garcetti openly admits that it was the US itself that encouraged India to buy Russian crude in order to stabilise global oil prices. The clip has sparked fresh debate about Washingtons shifting stance and the apparent contradictions within its foreign policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has pushed back strongly, calling Trumps threats unjustified and reaffirming its right to make energy decisions based on national interest. Hear US Ambassador Eric Garcetti openly admit that the US wanted India to buy Russian oil to keep global prices stable. Yet today, Trump, defying all logic, is accusing India of war profiteering. When nothing else works, just blame India? pic.twitter.com/5bOokHyIQe Jai Gohil (@Junkie4news_) August 4, 2025 Garcettis remarks echo earlier comments by other senior US officials. In 2022, then US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said India was free to buy as much Russian oil as it wanted, even above the Western price cap, as long as it didnt use Western services. In February 2024, US Assistant Secretary of State Geoffrey Pyatt also praised Indias role in stabilising global energy markets through its Russian oil imports. Despite pressure, India remains the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian crude. The government has rejected claims of a pullback from Russian energy deals, saying decisions are based on market dynamics and pricingnot politics. Trumps accusation and Indias firm reply Trump recently accused India of financing Russias war in Ukraine by continuing oil imports and profiting from resales. However, India has strongly denied these allegations and called Washingtons stance hypocritical. Officials reaffirmed that Indias energy policy is guided by affordability, predictability, and the welfare of its people, not foreign pressure. The Kremlin denounced President Trumps tariff threat against India over its Russian oil imports, calling it illegitimate interference. The Kremlin slammed US President Donald Trump on Tuesday for threatening to hike taxes on India over its imports of Russian oil, a vital source of cash for Moscows military offensive in Ukraine. Trump has given Moscow until Friday to make headway on a peace accord with Kyiv or face further economic penalties, including consequences for nations who buy Russias key oil and gas exports. Trump warned India with hefty tariffs on Monday, leading New Delhi to label any such move as unjustified and unreasonable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia reiterated the criticism on Tuesday. Sovereign countries have the right to choose their own trading partners, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Sovereign nations have RIGHT TO CHOOSE their own trading partners: Kremlin on India's purchase of Russian oil https://t.co/O39uDkixWW pic.twitter.com/3GaMNcm4rJ Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) August 5, 2025 More from World Putin meets NSA Doval amid US tariffs row Without naming Trump, he criticised calls to force countries to sever trading relations with Russia as illegitimate. Ukraines Western allies have sought to hobble Russias export earnings since Moscow launched its military offensive in February 2022. But Russia has been able to redirect energy sales away from Europe to other countries including India and China, ensuring the multibillion-dollar flow of funds has continued. Trump has not levied new sanctions on Moscow since he returned to the White House in January. He has forced the two sides to open direct peace talks for the first time in more than three years, but three rounds of negotiations in Istanbul have failed to make any meaningful progress. Lithuania has requested immediate Nato support to bolster its air defence after a Russian drone carrying explosives entered its airspace from Belarus Lithuania asked Nato assistance on Tuesday to strengthen its air defences after discovering that a Russian military drone that flew into the Baltic state last week was carrying explosives. Kestutis Budrys, the foreign minister, described the event as an alarming sign of the spillover of Russias aggression against Ukraine onto Nato territory and claimed it was one of several such ones that had occurred recently. Budrys stated that he had written to Nato commander Mark Rutte, requesting immediate measures to enhance air defence capabilities in Lithuania, including aviation patrols from the countrys Nato partners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene stated that the government is developing mobile formations to respond to drone threats, as well as deploying an air defence unit equipped with short-range weapons. The drone flew in from Kremlin ally Belarus, which neighbours Lithuania, on July 28 and was spotted flying over parts of the capital Vilnius. Russia regularly flies missiles and drones aimed at Ukraine over Belarus, which was also one of the launch points for its full-scale invasion in 2022. The drone was eventually found in a military training area on August 1. Lithuanian officials said they believed it was a drone model called Gerbera, used for attack and surveillance missions. Prosecutor-general Nida Grunskiene said it was carrying an explosive device, which was successfully neutralised by Lithuanian armed forces specialists at the scene. One of the main theories of the investigation is that the unmanned aircraft accidentally entered Lithuanian territory. I would like to stress that other theories are being investigated in parallel, she said. Lithuanian air force chief Dainius Paskevicius said that around two kilogrammes of explosive materials were found. Another Gerbera drone flew into Lithuania from neighbouring Belarus last month, causing alarm before the authorities declared it was not dangerous. This marks the second such incident in less than a month. Similar airspace violations have also been reported recently by other allies, Budrys said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The threat is real and growing, he added. Russian drones and missiles have also entered and exited the airspace of Nato members Latvia, Poland and Romania several times in the three and a half years of war. Russian drone fragments have been found in Latvia and Romania. Budrys said that Belarus had a responsibility to prevent such incidents in Lithuania. If Belarus fails to take action to minimise the potential damage on our side, Lithuania will respond with political and other measures, he said. Two people were killed and six others injured after a shooting broke out at an unofficial after-party for a music festival in downtown Los Angeles. The incident happened early Monday at a warehouse, where a large crowd had gathered following the Hard Summer festival. A shooting at an unofficial after-party for a popular music festival in downtown Los Angeles has left two people dead and six others injured. The violence broke out early on Monday morning in a warehouse, turning what began as a night of celebration into a scene of tragedy. Police were first called to the venue around 11 pm on Sunday after reports of an armed man entering the building. Officers arrived and broke up what was described as a large gathering, taking one suspect into custody at the time. However, the situation escalated a few hours later. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The event had been advertised on social media as an after-party for the Hard Summer music festival, which was held over the weekend in Inglewood, around nine miles away. Despite the initial police intervention, gunfire was reported at around 1 am When officers returned, they found one man dead at the scene and several others with gunshot wounds. A woman later died in hospital. According to the Associated Press, six people were taken to hospital. Their conditions have not been released. One local man told KABC-TV that his 29-year-old son was among the victims. Police have not yet revealed any suspects or motives. Officers remained at the scene into Monday morning, collecting evidence and trying to piece together what happened. The Los Angeles Police Department has asked anyone with information to come forward. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that mercenaries from China, Pakistan, and African nations are fighting in the war on the side of Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets personnel from the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade in the Vovchansk region and delivers military honours on Monday, August 4, 2025. (Photo: X/Volodymyr Zelenskyy) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Ukrainian troops in northeastern Ukraine were fighting foreign mercenaries from various countries including China, Pakistan and parts of Africa, and vowed a response. Zelenskyy has previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war effort against Ukraine, charges Beijing denied, while North Korea has also provided thousands of its own troops in Russias Kursk region. We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles, Zelenskyy wrote on X after visiting a frontline area in the northeastern Kharkiv region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond. Reuters contacted the embassies of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan in Kyiv to request comment. Russia did not immediately comment publicly on Zelenskyys comments. (This is an agency copy. Except for the headline, the copy has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Nikki Haley has criticised President Donald Trumps threat to raise tariffs on Indian imports over Russian oil trade, accusing him of giving China a pass. Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the United Nations, has criticised President Donald Trump for his remarks about significantly increasing tariffs on Russian oil imports from India, accusing him of giving China a pass and warning against damaging ties with a strong ally like India. In a post on X, Haley said that China, a key adversary of the United States and number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, had been granted a 90-day tariff pause by the Trump administration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause. Dont give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India, she said. India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause. Dont give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India. Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) August 5, 2025 On Tuesday, Trump stated that he would raise tariffs on Indian imports from the current 25% rate very substantially within 24 hours due to New Delhis continued purchase of Russian oil, according to Reuters. Theyre fuelling the war machine, and if theyre going to do that, then Im not going to be happy, Trump told CNBC in an interview, as quoted by Reuters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the report, Trump added that the main issue with India was its high tariff rates, though he did not specify the new proposed rate. He alleged that a substantial portion of oil imported from Russia was being sold on the open market for big profits, adding that the United States would substantially raise the tariffs imposed on India for purchasing massive amounts of Russian oil as of Monday. The remarks followed an earlier announcement by Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he reiterated the move and added a yet-undisclosed penalty for Indias continued oil imports from Russia. India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!! the US President wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States and China had agreed in May to a 90-day tariff pause, during which US tariffs were reduced from 145% to 30%, and Chinese duties from 125% to 10%, according to an Al Jazeera report. Soon after Trumps remarks on Monday, the Indian government described the targeting of India as unjustified and unreasonable. In a statement, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India would take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and economic security. The statement highlighted that India had been repeatedly targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine. In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability. Indias imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion, the statement read. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The MEA spokesperson noted that in 2024, the European Unions bilateral trade in goods with Russia stood at 67.5 billion, along with trade in services estimated at 17.2 billion in 2023. This is significantly more than Indias total trade with Russia that year or subsequently. European imports of LNG in 2024, in fact, reached a record 16.5 million tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022. The spokesperson added that Europes trade with Russia includes not only energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery and transport equipment. Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security, the statement reiterated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has consistently defended its sovereign right to determine its energy policy based on national interest. The government has stated that its energy purchases are shaped by market dynamics and strategic needs. 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, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week, responding to queries about Trumps announcement. Responding to another question, Jaiswal said that Indias bilateral relationships should not be seen through the lens of third countries. Our ties with any country stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership, he added. Answering a query on Friday, Trump indicated that it would be a good step if India stopped buying oil from Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration had imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods and a penalty for Russian oil imports in the last week of July, despite hopes of reaching an interim India-US trade deal that could have prevented a tariff escalation. Experts have warned that if India were to cease Russian oil imports, global crude prices could spike to $200 a barrel, significantly impacting global energy markets and consumers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to completely occupy the Gaza Strip and expand military activities to all areas of the Palestinian enclave, including those areas where hostages are expected to be held, potentially endangering their lives in Israeli bombardment, according to the Israeli media. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to completely occupy the Gaza Strip and escalate the offensive in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli media. The development has come at a time when the outrage against the hunger crisis in Gaza, a result of Israels policy to restrict the flow of aid into the strip, is rising by the day. Moreover, the outrage over attacks on Palestinians at food distribution sites, which are blamed on Israel, is also rising. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Jerusalem Post has reported a source in the Israeli Prime Ministers Office (PMO) as saying that Netanyahu reached the decision for the full occupation of Gaza in a government meeting on Monday. Israels occupation of Gaza would essentially mean the collapse of diplomatic means to end the ongoing war and the death of any diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the two-state solution. Netanyahu chooses war, closes diplomacy The Post has reported that the PMO told Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir that if the governments decision does not suit him, he should resign from his post. Under the plan finalised by Netanyahu, the Israeli military will also operate in areas where Israeli hostages are expected to be, potentially endangering their lives in Israeli bombardment. Previously, there have been cases when Israeli bombing has killed hostages. Separately, Hebrew-language Ynet news website reported a senior official close to Netanyahu as saying, The die is cast we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip. The development has come at a time when Netanyahu is facing intense opposition within Israel over his consolidation of power and failure to bring hostages home. He fired the countrys attorney general on Monday, who had been overseeing yearslong corruption cases against him. With the order of the complete occupation of Gaza, Netanyahu has also admitted that the strategy in the war so far has failed on every front. He has failed to defeat Hamas militarily, bring hostages home, or ensure order in Gaza and avert a humanitarian disaster. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last week, it had been reported that Israel was pursuing an all or nothing deal with Hamas, which would have seen the end of the war and the return of all hostages at once instead of any phased arrangement. The decision to fully occupy Gaza essentially means that the deal has not gone through. One year after student protests ousted Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is still reeling political chaos, rising extremism, and shattered hopes for reform have left the nation at a crossroads, Awami League leader tells Firstpost On this day one year ago, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina resigned from the premiership and fled her homeland to India, marking the end of her 15-year-long reign. What prompted her to resign from her post was the violent protests that took over Dhaka. A protest, which started as student demonstrations against the governments controversial quota law, soon turned out to be a full-blown revolution that also took countless lives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After Hasinas exit, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the countrys interim chief adviser. While hopes of reforms and stability took over Bangladesh, the dream of getting things back to normal soon started to fade. The dismantling of the police infrastructure during the protests led to a rise in crime and extremism even after an interim government came to power. While it was predicted that Yunus would not be staying in power for long, it will be one year on August 8 when he took oath to the office, with the dates of the next general elections still not clear. In an exclusive conversation with Firstposts Bhagyasree Sengupta, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, Organising Secretary of Bangladeshs Awami League and a Member of Parliament when Hasina was ousted from power, spoke in detail about the current situation in Bangladesh and expressed hopes in the partys comeback in the countrys political landscape. A meticulously designed protest While recalling the events of the July uprising, Nadel called the demonstration a meticulously designed protest, which was intended to cause chaos and topple the Hasina government. The protests that took place in Bangladesh in July-August, 2024, the people who were involved in those protests said that it was a meticulous design, or it was a long- term project. And, this project was a complete war against the current government of Bangladesh, he said in a telephonic interview with Firstpost. They attacked various stations, they attacked police, they took away the polices weapons and killed the police. We have not seen a protest like this in other countries. We have seen a lot of movements and protests in the past, but there has been no movement which instilled so much fear. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He noted that the demonstration initially started as a protest against quotas for the family members of freedom fighters. However, they claimed that today, these protesters have been given land and privileges in Bangladesh. While the current media says the violence was orchestrated by Hasinas regime, those who had attacked are boasting to the media that they were the ones who did these things, he added. The veteran Bangladeshi politician claimed that there were a lot of foreign actors from the West and Pakistan who were involved in the conspiracy against Bangladesh. Those who protested against the quota rule, today, after one year, have arranged different quotas, accommodation, plots, and flats for themselves. This is proof that they were given all quotas, he exclaimed. Nadel also emphasised how extremists used false narratives to incite innocent students. One year of Yunus While speaking on Yunus's rule over the country, Nadel recalled that back in 2006-07, Yunus had political ambitions and wanted to come to power. At that time, he was a political activist. And he was running various cases in support of the people. And at that time, the people of Bangladesh were supporting him. However, he wanted a contract where he would be responsible for reforms for 10 years. He has been saying he wants to bring reforms, promising to press the reset button. He said a lot of things after coming to power this time. However, he has done nothing. Today in Bangladesh, 40-70 per cent of people still support the Awami League. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, he has been against the Awami League and Bangladeshs freedom fighters. He has also spoiled ties with neighbouring nations like India. The ties between the two countries have never been this bad. He has been making ignorant comments like the one about Indias seven sisters. While he has won a Nobel Peace Prize in the past. But in this one year under him, the country only saw chaos. There is no consideration of any kind of courts, centerist leaders and advocates are being harassed and physically assaulted. There is no consideration of any kind, he remarked. Nadel also revealed how pro-Awami League media have been facing atrocities within the country. The Hasina-era MP pointed towards Yunuss reluctance to leave power. He does not want elections. Sometimes he says it will happen in December, sometimes he claims to hold them by February next year, sometimes April, he said. Awami Leagues plans as it faces a ban Soon after Yunus came to power, his interim regime imposed a ban on Hasina's Awami League, barring the party from contesting future elections. When asked by Firstpost how the party sees itself operating in such circumstances, Nadel emphasised that the Awami League is waiting for the right time. After the Yunus government came to power, they persecuted hundreds of leaders of the Awami League and religious minorities across the country, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The government-backed goons have destroyed various temples and historic sites. They attacked the graves of freedom fighters in various places. Awami League is a political party; it is not a party to revolt like that. If Awami League stands in the election, they will not be able to even compete with the party. This is why they are attacking Awami League leaders. Hence, we are taking some time. Because our greatest strength lies in the ordinary people of Bangladesh. We are creating awareness among them, the Bangladeshi politician averred. Nadel claimed that ordinary people in Bangladesh are angry with the current regime. They are saying they were good before. They were peaceful during Hasinas tenure. This is why we want to take time to maintain peace. Amid the public anger, we may have joined the public on the ground, but right now we are taking time because we dont want our political organisation to be attacked. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When asked if the party is interested in contesting independently, like Pakistans former PM Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf did after facing a ban in the February elections, Nadel remained adamant that Awami League would only contest as a party. Disrespecting Bangabandhu is like disrespecting independence While the demonstrations were raging on last year, protesters vandalised everything related to Hasina and her family, including tarnishing the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman. One photograph featuring protesters climbing over Rehmans statue and vandalising it became a symbol of the July uprising. Destroying Rehmans legacy did not stop after the toppling of the Hasina government. In February this year, well after the Yunus government took over in Bangladesh, a large group of protesters vandalised and set on fire Bangladesh's founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence in Dhaka during a live online address of his daughter. When asked about such instances, Nadel noted that Disrespecting Bangabandhu is like disrespecting the countrys freedom struggle and independence. He also pointed out how the people of India stood by Rehman and his team during the freedom struggle. The government of India, at that time, went to all the countries of the world to fight for Bangladeshs freedom. It went to all the countries to fight for the rights of the people of Bangladesh. We also got a lot of support from Russia. While the Americans were on our side, they supported Pakistan, the Hasina-era MP recalled. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also recalled the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman in 1975 and spoke about the civil war that followed. Not only Bangabandhu, but the house of Bangabandhu, the houses of the freedom fighters, were vandalised during last years protest. Freedom fighters were decorated with garlands of shoes around their necks. We have to see those things, Nadel told Firstpost. The Awami League leader made it clear that Yunus and gang would be brought to justice the same way the assassins of Bangabandhu faced their fate. We will just have to wait for the right time, Nadel said. Elections without the Awami League and the Trump question When asked about the rise of extremist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami in mainstream politics in Bangladesh, Nadel made it clear that an election without the Awami League wont get the public mandate or International recognition. Inclusive election is the need of the hour, he said. Nadel also expressed scepticism about Yunus taking victory laps over the reduction of the tariffs by US President Donald Trump. The Trump administration imposed tariffs on different countries around the world. With Bangladesh, it was initially 37 per cent and then 35 per cent. Now it has been decreased to 20 per cent," he said. For this, the Yunus government undertook measures without the consent of the people. In other ways, he is also trying to reduce Bangladeshs close relationship with India and China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Yunus regime agreed to form a Rohingya corridor and lose control of St Martins Island to America. If the West permits the Pakistanis to use the borders of Bangladesh, then the political situation will be questioned and the peaceful situation will be changed. Nadel noted that Bangladeshs garment industry relies on both India and China. If the relationship between both of them worsens, the question will be whether Bangladeshs economy will be able to handle this crisis, he averred. When asked how Bangladeshi parties would be able to reverse these dramatic changes, Nadel pointed out that while Islamist parties dont have responsibility to the people, ex-PM Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is only tolerating the current situation and trying to please Yunus, to ensure the elections are held in the country. Will Sheikh Hasina return to Bangladesh While speaking on the future of Bangladesh, Nadel also reacted to the Yunus governments frequent request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina. It is pertinent to note that India has yet to respond to the demands. The people and the leaders of India have good ties with the ordinary citizens of Bangladesh. Hence, I dont think India would extradite Hasina if there is a safety concern, Nadel told Firstpost. He went on to refer to Bangladeshs International Criminal Tribunals (ICT) case against Hasina. Nadel called it a camera trial. The remarks from the Awami League leader came on the same day ICT commenced trial against Hasina over allegations of committing crimes against humanity. Nadel also quoted a Dhaka judge who recently said in an opinion post that Bangladesh is on life support. Nadel expressed hopes for reform and Democracy coming back in Bangladesh. They destroyed democracy in the country like pirates. I dont believe they would last long, Nadel told Firstpost. People will support Hasina because they are frustrated with the current regime, he added. The protests aim to draw attention to what the party describes as the unjust detention of Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated by Pakistan authorities since his arrest on August 5, 2023. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Monday (August 4) announced plans for nationwide protests on August 5, to mark the second anniversary of the arrest of its founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan. The protests aim to draw attention to what the party describes as the unjust detention of Khan, who has been incarcerated since his arrest on August 5, 2023. Khan was arrested at his residence in Lahore following a court conviction in a corruption case. Since then, he has remained in custody at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, facing additional convictions in other cases. The PTI, alongside an alliance of opposition parties known as the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), has framed Khans detention as illegal and is mobilising a protest movement to demand his release. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Allegations of atrocities towards PTI supporters Zufiqar Bukhari, an adviser to Khan, condemned the Punjab governments response to the planned protests, alleging that authorities have already begun targeting PTI workers. Fearing protest by PTI, the Punjab Government has started arresting party workers, descending into madness by barging into their residences last night, without warrant or providing any arrestable offence, Bukhari stated. He noted that arrests have occurred in Lahore and Rawalpindi, though he did not provide specific numbers. Bukhari criticised the preemptive crackdown, saying, Their crime? Dare to state a protest, which is yet to happen. Thats not lawful, thats tyranny. The Express Tribune reported that the PTI, under the TTAP banner, is preparing to launch a significant protest movement. At an emergency press conference on Sunday at the PTI District Secretariat in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), TTAP Secretary General Asad Qaiser outlined the plans. On August 5, a nationwide protest will be held under the flags of Pakistan, the PTI, and the white flag of peace, Qaiser announced, stressing that the protests would remain peaceful and within the bounds of Pakistans constitution and laws. Qaiser highlighted the significance of the date, marking two years since Khans illegal arrest, and called for transparent legal proceedings. If there is any evidence against Khan, then it should be presented in an open court, he urged. He praised Khan as a transformative leader, stating, Imran Khan is the most popular and dignified leader of this nation, who not only elevated Pakistans image internationally but also gave the nation a vision. Qaiser added that Khans detention represents a direct attack on democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. PTI planning district-level protests Rather than organising a centralised rally in Islamabad, the PTI has opted for district-level protests across the country, following Khans instructions. In Peshawar and Khyber districts, a rally led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will commence at 3:30 pm from Hayatabad Toll Plaza on Ring Road and proceed to Qila Bala Hisar. In Swabi, protesters will gather at the Ambar Interchange for a day-long demonstration starting at 3:30 pm and continuing until Isha (evening) prayers. In Nowshera, a protest is planned at Khairabad, also beginning at 3:30 pm. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To ensure widespread participation and documentation, all members of the National Assembly, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, and PTI ticket holders have been directed to record videos of their gatherings, either from their residences or protest starting points. These videos will be submitted to district organisations and forwarded to regional leadership for coordination. According to the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3,000 new cases were recorded in the past week alone, bringing the overall tally for the year to alarming levels China is battling a sharp surge in chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, with nearly 7,000 cases reported in the southern province of Guangdong this year, health authorities said. The city of Foshan is the epicentre of the outbreak, with patients seen hospitalised and sleeping under mosquito nets in images broadcast by state-run CCTV. While chikungunya is not new to Asia, its spread within China has been rare and the current pace is causing concern, Euronews reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rapid Chikungunya virus spread in China According to the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3,000 new cases were recorded in the past week alone, bringing the province-wide tally to alarming levels. At least 12 other cities in Guangdong have also confirmed infections, officials said. Authorities have attributed the outbreak to an imported case that triggered local transmission in July, but they have not disclosed the origin of the imported infection. On Sunday (August 3), Hong Kong reported its first case: a 12-year-old boy who had recently travelled to Foshan and presented with fever, rash, and joint pain. Chinas response to Chikungunya outbreak The Chinese government has vowed decisive and forceful measures to control the outbreak, including targeting mosquito breeding grounds and enhancing public awareness. Fines of up to 10,000 yuan (1,208) may be levied on those who fail to comply with control measures. Officials have called on residents to eliminate stagnant water sources in homes, such as flowerpots and unused containers, which can serve as mosquito habitats. The CDC has also recommended protective measures including mosquito nets, screen doors and the use of repellents to prevent bites. Despite the sharp rise in infections, Chinese health authorities say most patients have exhibited only mild symptoms and are recovering quickly. There have been no reported fatalities linked to the current outbreak. What WHO says on Chikungunya Chikungunya, first identified in Tanzania in 1952, has spread to more than 110 countries and is now endemic in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. It is transmitted via the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which also spread dengue and Zika viruses. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that the virus is not contagious between people, but mosquitoes can transmit the virus from one human host to another. While most cases are mild, some patients may experience persistent joint pain lasting months or even years. There is no specific treatment or widely available vaccine. Russia has described the Trump administrations tariff policies as a direct encroachment on national sovereignty and an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries This combination photo shows President Donald Trump in a business roundtable, May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a signing ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, May 10, 2025. AP In a sharp rebuke, Russia on Monday (August 4) accused the US of clinging to global dominance through a neocolonial strategy, particularly targeting nations in the Global South with economic pressure. The criticism follows President Donald Trumps recent announcement of new tariffs on countries like India and Russia. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the US is grappling with the decline of its global hegemony and resorting to politicised economic pressure against nations that refuse to align with its foreign policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zakharova described the Trump administrations tariff policies as a direct encroachment on national sovereignty and an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. She warned that such measures threaten global trade and economic stability. Zakharova then reiterated Russias commitment to fostering a fair and multipolar world order, expressing readiness to collaborate with Global South partners, including BRICS nations and new members like Egypt, Iran, and Indonesia, to counter unilateral sanctions and promote a balanced international system. She also criticised Western protectionism, noting that the imposition of tariffs contradicts the free trade principles once championed by the West. Addressing Washingtons tariff policies targeting key Global South partners, Zakharova remarked, Sanctions and restrictions have unfortunately become a defining feature of the current historical period, impacting countries across the globe. Unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar international order, Washington continues to pursue a neocolonial agenda, employing politically motivated economic pressure against those who choose an independent course on the international stage. She further elaborated, This approach runs counter to the very principles of free trade once championed by Western nations. Instead, we now witness politically driven protectionism and the arbitrary imposition of tariff barriers. Brazil, our strategic partner in Latin America and the Caribbean, is one of the main victims of this policy. Such actions by the United States represent a direct infringement on the sovereignty of other nations and an attempt to interfere in their internal affairs. Beyond these concerns, this policy risks slowing global economic growth, disrupting supply chains, and deepening the fragmentation of the international economic system. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zakharova underscored Russias resilience, stating, We firmly believe that no tariff wars or sanctions can halt the natural course of history. We are supported by a vast number of partners, like-minded states, and allies, particularly among the countries of the Global South and, above all, within #BRICS, who share this perspective. She concluded by affirming Russias readiness to deepen cooperation with these nations to resist unlawful unilateral sanctions and shape a genuinely multipolar, just, and equitable international order. Trumps threat to India The tensions intensified with Trumps latest statement on Monday, posted on Truth Social, where he announced plans to substantially raise tariffs on India for purchasing massive amounts of Russian Oil and selling it on the open market for big profits. Trump claimed Indias actions disregard the human cost of the Ukraine conflict, stating, They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!! India, in response, staunchly defended its energy policy. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday rejected criticism from the US and the European Union as unjustified and unreasonable. The MEA stressed that Indias oil imports from Russia are driven by the need to ensure affordable and predictable energy costs for its consumers, asserting the countrys sovereign right to prioritise national interests and economic security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia has pulled out of the historic INF Treaty, blaming Donald Trumps move to deploy nuclear submarines near its borders and accusing the West of endangering its security. In a major response to US President Donald Trumps provocative move to deploy nuclear submarines near Russia, Moscow has formally announced its withdrawal from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The Kremlin has blamed Trumps deployment of nuclear submarines and the actions of Western countries for creating a direct threat to Russias security. The INF Treaty, signed in 1987 by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and US President Ronald Reagan, aimed to eliminate an entire class of ground-launched nuclear missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometres. It effectively banned short- and medium-range nuclear weapons, significantly reducing the risk of nuclear confrontation in Europe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US already withdraw from the treaty Although the United States withdrew from the treaty in 2019 during Trumps first term, citing alleged Russian violations, Moscow had, at the time, refrained from deploying such missiles, stating it would only do so if Washington acted first. Following the US exit, Russia declared a self-imposed moratorium, choosing not to position INF-range missiles unless provoked by American deployments. That stance has now shifted. Russias latest move comes after Trump announced that two US Navy nuclear submarines had been deployed to appropriate regions near Russia, responding to what he called highly provocative remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. What did the Russian Foreign Ministry say? In a statement reported by Al Jazeera, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that evolving security dynamics in Europe and the Asia-Pacific have forced Moscow to reconsider its position on missile deployments. Since the situation is developing towards the actual deployment of US-made land-based medium- and short-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian Foreign Ministry notes that the conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar weapons have disappeared, the statement read as quoted by Al Jazeera. Soon after, Medvedev blamed NATOs anti-Russian policy for the decision and warned that Russia would take further steps in response. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the arrest of Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a vote on a Republican-led redistricting plan. The move follows civil arrest warrants issued after the lawmakers travelled to Illinois to stop the bill, which could give the GOP five more congressional seats. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state police to locate and arrest Democratic lawmakers who left the state to block a vote on a controversial redistricting plan. The move follows civil arrest warrants issued by the Texas House for the absent members. The Democrats left Texas on Sunday and travelled to Illinois in an effort to prevent a vote on a Republican-backed plan to redraw the states congressional map. The proposed changes could give Republicans five additional seats in the 2026 midterm elections. The redistricting push has the backing of President Donald Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Governor Abbott criticised the Democrats actions, accusing them of abandoning their responsibilities. By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to help flood victims and deliver property tax relief, he said on Monday. Abbott directed the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find, arrest, and return any lawmakers who had abandoned their duty to Texans. The redistricting plan was introduced during a special legislative session called by Abbott after Trump urged Texas Republicans to redraw the map. The new map would strengthen GOP control and could cut Democratic seats in the state from 13 to 8. Critics say the move is a clear case of gerrymandering redrawing voting districts to benefit one political party. Outnumbered in the legislature, Texas Democrats left the state to break quorum and stall the bill. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker welcomed them, but Texas Republicans responded by issuing arrest warrants in an effort to bring them back. However, there are limits to what Texas authorities can do. DPS officers do not have power outside the state, meaning they cannot arrest the lawmakers in Illinois. If the lawmakers return to Texas, they can be detained and escorted back to the Capitol. Lawmakers who remain absent can be fined $500 for each day they skip the session. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Europe should not talk about the India-Russia trade because the European Unions (EU) trade with Russia surpasses the India-Russia trade. Moreover, the EU last year paid more to Russia for energy imports than it gave to Ukraine in aid. Trucks are parked at a container terminal at the port of Astrakhan, Russia, May 17, 2016. (Photo: Svetlana Burmistrova/Reuters) Europe does not have any grounds to criticise India over the trade with Russia as the European Unions (EU) trade with Russia surpasses the India-Russia trade. Last year, the overall EU-Russia trade stood at $92.2 billion (84.6 bn) compared to the India-Russia trade of around $6670 bn. Even though US President Donald Trump has accused India of supporting the Russian war machinery and his supporters have called for India to be hit with a sledgehammer, the fact remains that the EU last year paid more to Russia for energy imports than it provided in aid to Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last year, EU members bought 21.9 billion ($25.4 bn) of Russian oil and gas compared to 18.7 bn ($21.69 bn) that they allocated in aid for Ukraine, according to estimates from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Vaibhav Raghunandan, an analyst at CREA, told Guardian that such a behaviour amounts to sending financial aid to the Kremlin and enabling its invasion. India not alone in buying Russian energy Even though Trump has singled out India, several other countries, including EU members and Nato ally Turkey, are the leading buyers of Russian fossil fuels. Since 2022 when Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU has been the largest buyer of Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) at 51 per cent of overall Russian LNG exports and pipeline gas at 37 per cent and Turkey a Nato member has been the largest buyer of Russian oil products at 26 per cent of Russian overall exports, according to CREA. Overall, estimates in the public domain have said that EU members have paid $215235 billion to Russia for oil, gas, and coal imports since Russia launched the war on Ukraine in 2022 compared to $200 billion that they have allocated or pledged in aid to Ukraine. Moreover, the EU-Russia trade is much more varied than the India-Russia trade, which largely centres around oil. As per information in the public domain, in addition to oil and gas, EU members import chemicals, iron, steel, and other metals, and fishery and agricultural products from Russia. They export chemicals, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and transport equipment to Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite sharp warnings and tariff threats from Trump, India appears determined to maintain its strong strategic partnership with Russia. National Security Advisor Ajit Dovals visit to Moscow on Tuesday aims to reinforce ties amid rising pressure from Washington. NSA Ajit Doval has a storied career. In his days at the Intelligence Bureau, he's been known to go undercover, with various disguises. File image/PTI US President Donald Trumps threats of steep tariffs and pressure over Indias trade with Russia are unlikely to disrupt the enduring strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit Moscow on Tuesday (August 5) to reinforce bilateral ties amid growing pressure from Washington, The Times of India reported. We will act in the best interest of Indian consumers and choose the most cost-effective option available. If Russian crude continues to be more affordable than other sources, theres no reason to penalise our citizens, a senior government official told TOI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The official also indicated that India may seek deeper discounts from Moscow in response to Trumps recent remarks. Dovals visit is expected to offer clarity on Indias evolving geopolitical strategy as it navigates a complex energy and security landscape shaped by global supply shifts and strategic realignments. So far, the Centre has shown no intention of scaling back crude oil imports from Russia, which remain significantly cheaper than supplies from West Asia or the United States. This policy has helped keep domestic fuel prices in check while also benefiting European nations that continue to depend on Indian exports of diesel and aviation fuel, sources said. Jaishankars trip also lined up External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also expected to visit Moscow later this month, The Economic Times reported, with his trip likely to take place around mid-August. These high-level engagements come in the wake of sharp criticism from Donald Trump, who labelled India and Russia as dead economies and announced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, along with penalties for countries maintaining strategic trade ties with Moscow. Senior Indian officials clarified that the proposed measures are aimed at Indias deepening energy and defence cooperation with Russia. Since the onset of the Ukraine war, Russian crude oils share in Indias overall imports has surged from just 0.2 per cent to nearly 40 per cent, making India Russias second-largest oil buyer after China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraine has formally raised concerns with India and the European Union after Indian-made or assembled electronic parts were reportedly found in Iranian drones used by Russia in the Ukraine war, report says. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting, at Mariinskyi Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine in August 2024. File image/PTI Ukraine has formally raised concerns with the Indian government and the European Union over electronic components manufactured or assembled in India that were found in Iranian-designed drones used by Russian forces in the Ukraine war, Hindustan Times reported, citing sources. According to officials familiar with the matter, Ukraine approached Indias Ministry of External Affairs through diplomatic channels on at least two occasions since last year, after Indian-origin components were discovered in Shahed-136 combat drones used by Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The issue was also brought up with EU sanctions envoy David OSullivan during his visit to New Delhi in July. OSullivan was in India to brief officials on the EUs latest sanctions package, which included action against Russian-linked entities, including the Vadinar refinery. Ukrainian investigations reportedly identified components from two firms, Vishay Intertechnology and Aura Semiconductor, in the drones. A bridge rectifier made by Vishay, assembled in India, was found in the voltage regulation system, while a chip produced by Bengaluru-based Aura Semiconductor was used in the satellite navigation antenna. Officials clarified that the companies have not violated any Indian laws, as the components are classified as dual-use items, technologies that can serve both civilian and military purposes. Responding to the development, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indias export of dual-use items adheres to international non-proliferation norms and is governed by a robust domestic legal framework. Due diligence is conducted to ensure such exports do not violate any of our laws, he said. While the Ukrainian embassy in New Delhi has not issued an official statement, Ukraines Defence Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has publicly reported the presence of Indian-origin parts in Shahed drones on its official Facebook and Telegram channels. Vishay Intertechnology, a US-based electronics manufacturer, did not respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Kishore Ganti, co-founder of Aura Semiconductor, said the company fully complies with all national and international export control laws and strongly opposes any unauthorised use of its products. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We are deeply disturbed by the possibility that any of our components may have reached defence manufacturers through unauthorised third-party channels, in violation of our compliance policies and distribution agreements. We are committed to investigating and addressing any compliance gaps, Aura said in a statement. Even as Donald Trump threatens India with tariffs over its oil imports from Russia, fresh data shows the US itself has quietly ramped up trade with Moscow, importing key commodities like uranium, fertilisers, and palladium despite earlier sanctions. Even as US President Donald Trump attempts to dictate tariff terms and impose penalties on India for importing oil from Russia, Washingtons own trade with Moscow is quietly on the rise, even as it chastises New Delhi over its energy and defence ties. According to a report from The Indian Express, between January and May 2025, American imports from Russia rose by 23 per cent year-on-year to $2.1 billion, driven largely by uranium, palladium, and fertilisers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This surge comes despite earlier heavy US sanctions on Moscow. Following the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022, US imports from Russia plummeted from $30 billion in 2021 to just $3 billion by 2024. Crude oil, once the top US import from Russia, valued at over $17 billion in 2021, has virtually disappeared. Yet essential commodities such as fertilisers, uranium, and palladium continue to enter the US in significant volumes. According to data from the US International Trade Commission cited in the report, America imported $806 million worth of Russian fertilisers in the first five months of 2025, a 21 per cent increase from last year and 60 per cent higher than the same period in 2021. Uranium imports surged 28 per cent year-on-year to $596 million, nearly 150 per cent higher than in 2021. Although the US formally banned enriched uranium imports from Russia in 2024, companies are allowed to apply for waivers until 2028, a key reason behind the continuing flow. Palladium, primarily used in catalytic converters to reduce vehicle emissions, also remains a significant import. In 2024, the US imported $878 million worth of the metal from Russia. This growing trade has drawn scrutiny after President Donald Trump threatened steep new tariffs on Indian goods, accusing New Delhi of taking advantage of discounted Russian crude. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India hit back sharply. The US continues to import uranium, palladium, and fertilisers from Russia even as it criticises us, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. Indias oil imports are based on economic necessity, not political preference. The MEA had earlier criticised the US and European nations for what it called blatant hypocrisy. In 2024, the EU traded goods worth 67.5 billion and services worth 17.2 billion with Russia far surpassing Indias total trade. European imports of Russian LNG also hit a record 16.5 million tonnes that year, higher than pre-war levels. Unlike India, whose trade is driven by national need, many Western countries continue their commerce with Russia by choice, the MEA said. West Asia News Live: Welcome to our live blog bringing you the latest developments from West Asia from key shifts in regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track the latest updates here Welcome to todays West Asia Live Blog, where diplomatic turbulence, shifting alliances and rising geopolitical risk dominate the regional arena. Australias announcement that it is moving toward recognizing a Palestinian state is sending ripples through West Asia, signalling a deepening global divide on the Israel-Palestine issue. As tensions escalate, Israels internal and external political dynamics are under intense scrutiny: from controversial military service changes and mounting judicial battles to inflammatory rhetoric and potentially explosive policy proposalsincluding a reported plan to fully reoccupy Gaza. Meanwhile, the conflicts ripple effects are being felt as far as Serbia, where booming arms exports to Israel are reshaping its defence sector and diplomatic posture. In the Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean, countries like Egypt and Jordan are moving to deepen energy cooperation, highlighting another axis of regional realignment. And in Iran, the detention of a British couple adds to rising diplomatic strain with Western powers. Across these stories, the regions fragility is increasingly intertwined with global markets, energy flows and the balance of international power. Stay tuned for more as the day goes by: The Board of Deputies of British Jews has issued a statement calling recent Israeli efforts to facilitate more humanitarian aid into Gaza long overdue, The Times of Israel says in a report. This new position is seen as a significant shift for the organisation, which, as recently as April, had disciplined members for signing an open letter critical of Israels conduct in the war. The statement acknowledges the aid measures but criticises their timing, reflecting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This development highlights a change in public stance from a major diaspora Jewish group and aligns with broader international pressure on Israel to improve aid access. The postponed security cabinet meeting was scheduled to discuss a potential Gaza takeover. The full session will be replaced by a more limited forum that includes the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces. This development takes place on what the source identifies as day 669 of the war that began on October 7, 2023. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) must and will carry out all directives issued by the political leadership regarding the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel National News said in a report. The statement was made during a visit to military forces in Gaza amid reports of friction between the government and the IDF command over war strategy. This public assertion of civilian supremacy over the military comes as the government faces both domestic and international pressure over its war aims and post-war planning. Shops in the city of Jaffa went on strike on Tuesday, part of a protest demanding that the Israeli government end its ongoing military operations in Gaza, Haaretz said in a report. The action, organized under the slogan No Business as Usual, is a form of internal dissent in which activists are reportedly seeking to create wider disruption to increase pressure and draw more attention to their cause. German football club Fortuna Dusseldorf announced it will not proceed with the signing of Israeli striker Shon Weissman after his social media posts concerning Gaza drew significant criticism from the clubs supporters, Haaretz said in a report. The decision reverses the clubs initial plan to sign the Israeli national team player following the dissent from its fan base. A new halachic ruling in Israel has approved the use of advanced bionic limbs on Shabbat and for other religious commandments, Israel National News said in a report. This development is considered a major step for the inclusion of wounded soldiers and victims of terror, many of whom require such prosthetics following injuries sustained in recent conflicts. The ruling addresses religious laws that restrict the use of electronic devices on Shabbat, providing a solution that allows individuals with advanced prosthetics to maintain full religious observance. The United Nations Security Council is set to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a development that introduces a new diplomatic variable for markets assessing geopolitical risk in West Asia, as per a report in The New York Times. Concurrently, Israel has announced a marginal easing of its economic blockade by permitting some private-sector goods to enter the territory. From a financial perspective, this move, while limited, will be analysed for its potential to slightly revive commercial activity and as a possible concession to international pressure. The situation remains a key concern for investors, impacting regional stability, shipping routes, and energy market sentiment, with any outcome from the UNSC potentially influencing risk perceptions. While speaking to new recruits for the armored and combat engineering corps, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the countrys war goals are to release all hostages and ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, according to a report in Israel National News. He emphasized to the recruits that to achieve these objectives, it is still necessary to complete the enemys defeat in Gaza. A heritage festival in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia is showcasing traditional agricultural practices as part of a strategic push to develop the kingdoms tourism sector and diversify its economy away from oil, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The event, which revives historical methods like traditional plowing, is a key component of the broader Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. From an economic perspective, the festival aims to leverage the unique cultural assets of the mountainous Al-Baha region to create new tourism opportunities, support local employment, and signal a viable market for cultural tourism to potential investors. Analysts view such initiatives as a method of building national identity while simultaneously developing non-oil GDP contributors, turning intangible cultural heritage into a tangible economic asset. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has implemented a ban on all Chinese-made vehicles entering its bases, citing national security fears over potential data exfiltration through built-in cameras and sensors, Israel National News says in a report. This policy requires military and civilian personnel who own the affected vehicles to park them outside of base perimeters. The Iranian government has mandated the closure of public buildings and banks in response to a scorching heatwave sweeping the country, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This measure, aimed at safeguarding public health and managing the immense strain on the nations energy grid from increased cooling demands, carries significant economic implications. The shutdown disrupts daily commerce and results in lost workdays, compounding the economic hardship already faced by the public due to international sanctions and a long-standing water crisis. The event underscores the governments challenges in providing essential services amidst intensifying climate change, which could fuel public discontent over its capacity to manage environmental and economic pressures. A new peace initiative concerning the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) is being explored by a Turkish parliamentary committee, a development with potentially significant economic and market implications, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. For investors, a successful resolution could signal greater political stability, potentially reducing Turkeys country risk premium and bolstering the lira. Furthermore, a de-escalation of the decades-long conflict could allow for a redirection of substantial military spending towards other economic priorities. However, the initiative also introduces political risk; its success is uncertain given the collapse of a similar process in 2015, and any perceived concessions to the PKK risk destabilising the governments nationalist coalition, which could create market volatility. Turkiye is facing significant water shortages along its tourist-heavy Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, posing a direct threat to its crucial tourism industry, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The country, which is classified as water-stressed, is experiencing the effects of climate change, population growth, and increased demand from agriculture and industry, which are straining its water resources. The crisis directly impacts the profitability of the coastal tourism sector, a critical pillar of the Turkish economy that contributes substantially to the nations GDP and supports millions of livelihoods. Amidst a chronic electricity crisis marked by severe and routine power outages, Iraqi citizens in both urban and rural areas are increasingly turning to private solar power systems for a reliable energy supply, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This grassroots trend underscores a widespread loss of public faith in the governments ability to reform the beleaguered energy sector, which has long been hampered by mismanagement and corruption. While the adoption of solar technology places a significant financial burden on individual households, it is fostering a new local market for installation and maintenance services. The shift towards decentralised solar energy could also have long-term geopolitical and economic implications by potentially reducing Iraqs strategic dependence on imported natural gas from Iran. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have reported 54 soldier suicides since the start of 2023, with the head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, Brig. Gen. Amir Vadmani, disclosing the figure during a Knesset session, Israel National News said in a report. While the official assessment noted the rise was not substantial enough to be considered a wave, the statistic underscores the significant psychological toll of the protracted conflict in the region, particularly since the war began in October 2023. From an economic standpoint, this rising human cost signals potential future pressures on the state budget, likely necessitating increased government expenditure on mental healthcare and long-term veteran support. For investors, such data points serve as a metric for the social and fiscal strains of sustained military engagement, potentially influencing sentiment regarding long-term regional stability and the nations economic outlook. Food aid packages delivered by international airdrops in Gaza have been found contaminated with black mould, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The incident underscores the logistical and quality control challenges of airdrops, a method used by a coalition of nations due to severe restrictions on land access. The discovery of spoiled provisions has raised concerns among donor nations about the financial and operational effectiveness of their aid strategies and represents a potential misallocation of humanitarian funds. In response, humanitarian organisations are intensifying their calls for the opening of more reliable and cost-effective land routes to ensure aid safety and mitigate public health risks for Gazas population. Global oil prices declined on Tuesday as planned production increases from OPEC+ members were seen to outweigh persistent fears of supply disruptions from Russia, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The markets reaction indicates that the commitment by the alliance, which includes key West Asian producers and Russia, to raise output is providing some immediate relief to concerns over tight supply. This development has economic implications, potentially easing the inflationary pressures that have been driven by high energy costs and have prompted aggressive action from central banks globally. The move underscores the pivotal role of OPEC+ in influencing energy market stability and navigating complex geopolitical pressures between Western consumer nations and Russia. Gulf states are managing a delicate balance between fostering economic growth through large-scale diversification programmes and controlling inflation, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. A significant portion of inflation is imported, a consequence of currency pegs to the US dollar, reliance on imported goods, and global supply chain volatility. This forces regional central banks to often mirror US interest rate hikes, which can dampen domestic growth. Concurrently, major national development projects, such as Saudi Vision 2030, stimulate non-oil sectors but also contribute to inflationary pressures by increasing demand for labour and materials. Governments are employing substantial state intervention, including fiscal reserves and sovereign wealth funds, to subsidise costs, absorb economic shocks, and maintain stability, while navigating the impact of OPEC+ production decisions on their primary revenue streams. Israels Shin Bet security agency has denied a Jewish inmates request for temporary release to attend his sisters wedding, citing fears of potential unrest, according to a report in Israel National News. The denial was issued despite the inmates reported positive behavior in prison and a pending early release hearing. The inmates attorney, representing the legal aid group Honenu, has condemned the decision, calling it unjust persecution. A rabbinical court in Safed, Israel, has granted a divorce in what has been described as a landmark case, ending a 22-year refusal by the husband to provide a religious bill of divorce, known as a get, Israel National News says in a report. The resolution was achieved only after extraordinary state intervention, which included the imposition of criminal charges against the husband and a subsequent conditional pardon from the Israeli President. The case involved a woman classified as an agunah (chained woman), unable to remarry under Jewish law without the divorce document. An Azerbaijani national with alleged ties to ISIS is currently on trial for planning an attack on the Mountain Jews Synagogue in Baku, The Times of Israel said in a report. The suspect is accused of plotting to use a Molotov cocktail in the attack, which was planned for December of the previous year. Saudi Arabias Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, hosted Sri Lankan Ambassador Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad and his delegation in Riyadh to discuss topics concerning Islamic affairs and ongoing cooperation between the two nations, according to a report in Arab News. Following the discussion, the Sri Lankan envoy praised Saudi Arabias role in supporting Islamic causes. Ambassador Ajwad specifically commended the Kingdoms efforts to promote the values of tolerance and moderation on a global scale, noting its particular impact in Sri Lanka. Norways prime minister has called for the nations sovereign wealth fund to review its holding in an Israeli company, signalling a potential divestment based on the funds ethical guidelines, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The request directs the Government Pension Fund Globals Council on Ethics to assess whether the unnamed companys activities violate its investment framework, which prohibits involvement in severe human rights violations. This development occurs amid heightened international scrutiny of Israel following the Gaza conflict and reflects a growing trend of institutional investors applying ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria to holdings in conflict zones. While a potential divestment may have a limited direct financial impact, it carries significant reputational risk for Israel and could encourage other major investors to re-evaluate their portfolios, potentially affecting capital flows and investor confidence in the region. Voting has commenced in Egypts senate election, a process that is widely seen as reinforcing the political stability under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisis government, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. From a market perspective, the election is significant not for its democratic competitiveness but for its role in ensuring policy continuity and institutional predictability. This perceived stability is a key factor for regional allies and investors, particularly from Gulf states, who prioritise a stable governance structure in Egypt. The re-establishment of the senate, which was abolished in 2014 and reinstated through 2019 constitutional amendments, is part of a broader institutional consolidation that supports Egypts strategic economic role in the region, especially in relation to developments in Libya, Sudan, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Saudi Arabias Heritage Commission identified and reported 24 violations involving encroachment on protected archaeological and heritage sites in July, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The reported infractions typically consist of unauthorized activities such as construction, digging, or land alteration within designated heritage zones. This monthly reporting highlights the commissions continuous monitoring and enforcement efforts to safeguard the nations cultural assets, particularly as the region undergoes significant urban and infrastructure development. South Africa is publicly urging more countries to oppose Israels military conduct in Gaza, a move that amplifies its legal challenge at the International Court of Justice and significantly increases geopolitical risk in West Asia, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. From a market perspective, this diplomatic escalation could further isolate Israel economically, potentially impacting foreign direct investment, trade relationships, and the valuation of Israeli assets. The growing international pressure, particularly if supported by other nations, may also create uncertainty for multinational corporations operating in the region and could lead to volatility in energy markets if tensions spill over. This development places Israels key Western allies in a difficult position, with potential implications for defence contracts and economic aid, adding another layer of risk for investors to monitor. During a visit to Riga where he was welcomed by Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on the international community to cease all communication with Hamas until the group releases all remaining hostages held in Gaza, according to a report in Israel National News. Herzogs statement reinforces Israels official stance that the return of the hostages is a paramount war aim and a precondition for any shift in strategy. The call pressures international mediators to align with Israels position, which directly counters Hamass own conditions for a hostage release, such as a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. A diplomatic row between Israel and Poland has escalated significantly after Israel summoned the Polish envoy over criticism of its military operations in Gaza, according to a report in Haaretz. The dispute, which centres on Warsaws invocation of its World War II history and a subsequent Israeli accusation of distorting Holocaust memory, carries notable economic implications. The severe diplomatic chill could jeopardise bilateral cooperation on economic and security fronts, creating uncertainty for businesses and potentially impacting investment between the two nations. This incident highlights the material risk that geopolitical tensions, fuelled by sensitive historical narratives, can pose to stable international commercial relationships. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has stated that Israels war in the Gaza Strip constitutes a systematic genocide, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The statement from the Egyptian leader represents a sharp condemnation of the ongoing military operations and the resulting humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory. Sisis comment comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations, in which Egypt has been a key mediator, and reflects growing regional frustration over the protracted conflict and high civilian death toll. Saudi Arabias Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has launched a new non-profit association to govern the precious metals and gemstones sector, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The initiative is a strategic component of the Kingdoms Vision 2030 plan, designed to diversify the economy away from oil dependence by developing non-oil industries. By formalising the sector, the government aims to create a more regulated and transparent environment, which is expected to attract foreign investment and enhance the Kingdoms competitiveness as a regional economic hub, particularly in relation to established centres like Dubai. The association is intended to provide a framework for standardisation and professional development for local businesses, though it will also introduce greater compliance requirements. For international investors, the move signals a more structured and predictable market, potentially reducing risk and opening new commercial opportunities. Ali Larijani has been reappointed to the influential position of secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, a key body for formulating national security and foreign policy, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The move marks a significant political return for the former parliamentary speaker, who was disqualified from the 2021 presidential election, and comes during a critical leadership transition following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in May 2024. As secretary, Larijani will have a crucial role in shaping Irans posture on its nuclear programme and regional security, issues with direct implications for global energy markets and international sanctions. Regional powers and Western nations will scrutinise the appointment for any shift in Tehrans approach, given Larijanis reputation as a pragmatic conservative with close ties to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli paediatricians have voiced concern over the condition of emaciated children in Gaza, stating they do not encounter such extreme cases of malnutrition among their Israeli patients, The Times of Israel said in a report. The doctors comments follow the circulation of images showing a skeletal Palestinian boy, which prompted criticism. The article notes that details of a background disease in that specific childs case later emerged, but the broader statement from the medical professionals highlights that no Israeli patient would be permitted to suffer from such a severe level of malnutrition, pointing to the dire humanitarian conditions affecting Gazan youth. A governmental heritage commission in West Asia reported 24 encroachment violations on protected cultural and historical sites during July 2025, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The violations involved unauthorized construction and unapproved development on land legally designated for preservation. Gulf states are navigating a delicate economic balance, leveraging high oil revenues to fund ambitious growth and diversification initiatives whilst simultaneously trying to curb rising inflationary pressures, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The primary challenge stems from external factors, including high global energy prices that boost state revenues but also increase liquidity, and imported inflation from volatile food prices and supply chain disruptions. This situation is complicated by regional currency pegs to the US dollar, which compel Gulf central banks to mirror US Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, thereby limiting their independent monetary policy options to control domestic inflation. Consequently, governments are relying on fiscal policy and regulatory measures to manage economic stability, aiming to sustain growth for job creation and social welfare without allowing the cost of living to erode public purchasing power. Recent developments related to the conflict in Gaza include a social media campaign from Israel that denies claims of starvation in the region as the death toll mounts, according to a report in Middle East Eye. The issue of starvation has also triggered protests at Egyptian embassies around the world. In a separate development, social media platform TikTok is facing a backlash after hiring a former Israeli army instructor to be its new hate speech manager. Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly drawn criticism for making a joke. In a direct appeal to the United Nations Security Council, Ilay David, the brother of hostage Evyatar David, demanded an end to what he described as the UNs silence regarding the plight of individuals held captive since the October 7th attacks, according to a report in Israel National News. Davids address implored the council to take decisive action before it is too late, highlighting the ongoing urgency and emotional toll of the hostage crisis on the families involved. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has publicly accused Israel of committing a systematic genocide in the Gaza Strip, escalating diplomatic tensions in West Asia, Al Jazeera says in a report. This declaration from the leader of a key Arab nation, which has a historic peace treaty with Israel, signals a severe strain in regional relations and heightens geopolitical risk for investors. The accusation could influence international markets by creating uncertainty around key sectors such as energy and shipping, particularly concerning the stability of routes like the Suez Canal. Furthermore, the statement lends political weight to ongoing legal challenges against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), potentially increasing the likelihood of economic sanctions or other punitive measures that would impact businesses operating with Israel. The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported a significant increase in neurological diseases, with 95 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours, according to a report in Haaretz. The ministry, which operates under Hamas administration, stated that the spike is a direct result of a severe deterioration in nutrition and the quality of drinking water available to the population. This health crisis is occurring amid the ongoing conflict and blockade, which have damaged critical infrastructure and severely restricted access to essential supplies like food, clean water, and medicine. Academics are urging for the term healthocide to be adopted to describe the increasing trend of deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities in conflict zones, a development that threatens the principle of medical neutrality, according to a report in The Guardian. The call comes amid a rise in such incidents in West Asia, with Gaza and Lebanon highlighted as specific examples. The report notes this is part of a global pattern, with similar attacks on health services occurring in Ukraine, Sudan, and Syria. The proposed term aims to draw attention to the severity and systematic nature of destroying healthcare infrastructure as a tactic of war. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has asserted that international diplomatic efforts to establish a Palestinian state are gaining significant momentum, Israel National News said in a report. Concurrently, Mustafa accused Israel of engaging in economic warfare and urged for the release of tax revenues that Israel collects on behalf of the PA but has withheld. His statements highlight the PAs severe financial crisis, which it links directly to Israels policy of retaining the funds, and underscore a diplomatic strategy focused on leveraging growing international support for statehood to achieve financial and political objectives. Load More Welcome to todays West Asia Live Blog, where diplomatic turbulence, shifting alliances and rising geopolitical risk dominate the regional arena. Australias announcement that it is moving toward recognising a Palestinian state is sending ripples through West Asia, signalling a deepening global divide on the Israel-Palestine issue. As tensions escalate, Israels internal and external political dynamics are under intense scrutiny: from controversial military service changes and mounting judicial battles to inflammatory rhetoric and potentially explosive policy proposalsincluding a reported plan to fully reoccupy Gaza. Meanwhile, the conflicts ripple effects are being felt as far as Serbia, where booming arms exports to Israel are reshaping its defence sector and diplomatic posture. In the Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean, countries like Egypt and Jordan are moving to deepen energy cooperation, highlighting another axis of regional realignment. And in Iran, the detention of a British couple adds to rising diplomatic strain with Western powers. Across these stories, the regions fragility is increasingly intertwined with global markets, energy flows and the balance of international power. Stay tuned for more as the day goes by: Once hailed as the countrys most powerful armed force, Hezbollah now finds itself under intense scrutiny from both domestic and international actors (File} Hezbollah flags flutter as protesters, rally to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon's Hezbollah, in Sanaa, Yemen, on September 27, 2024. Reuters Hezbollah is facing mounting pressure to disarm following a devastating war with Israel that shattered its leadership, weakened its military, and raised serious questions about its future in Lebanons political landscape. Once hailed as the countrys most powerful armed force, Hezbollah now finds itself under intense scrutiny from both domestic and international actors. The groups leader for over 30 years, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed during the conflict, and his mausoleum in southern Beirut has become a sombre rallying point for loyalists, New York Times reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The war, triggered by Hezbollahs support for Hamas during the Gaza conflict, drew a heavy Israeli response. Senior Hezbollah commanders were killed, large swathes of southern Lebanon were bombed, and many fighters have since withdrawn. The Lebanese army, backed by UN forces, claims to have removed 90 per cent of Hezbollahs weapons from the south. The ceasefire agreement requires Hezbollah to vacate an 18-mile zone along the border and prohibits rearmament by nonstate groups. Israel, however, continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon and launches regular airstrikes, further complicating enforcement. Despite its weakened position, Hezbollahs new leader Naim Qassem has vowed not to disarm while Israeli forces remain in Lebanon. But its ability to maintain this stance is increasingly uncertain, especially as the United States pushes for a swift disarmament timeline. Internally, Lebanon is battling economic collapse and urgently needs billions in reconstruction aid. Western donors have made Hezbollahs disarmament a condition for releasing funds, putting pressure on the government to act. President Joseph Aoun has said the Lebanese state must be the sole guarantor of national defence. Iran, Hezbollahs long-time patron, has stepped back. It remained on the sidelines during the conflict and has seen its influence in Syria, a key logistical route, decline. This has limited Hezbollahs ability to replenish its arsenal. Public support is also waning. In war-hit communities, many are disillusioned. While the group tries to project the war as a victory, residents speak of loss and destruction, not triumph. Anger is simmering in Hezbollah strongholds, where reconstruction has been slow and aid scarce. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lebanon now faces a delicate balancing act: dismantle Hezbollahs arsenal without triggering internal unrest. But as Hezbollahs hold weakens and its allies retreat, the group may find itself with fewer options, and even fewer sympathisers. Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus has announced a parliamentary election for February 2026, just ahead of Ramadan, amid public frustration over political instability and the banning of former PM Sheikh Hasinas party. People hold Bangladesh's national flag as they celebrate during a government-organised event in Dhaka on August 5, 2025. AFP Bangladeshs interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, declared on Tuesday that the parliamentary election will be held in February 2026, one year after a student-led rebellion ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On behalf of the interim government, I will write a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner requesting that the election be arranged before Ramadan in February 2026, Yunus said in a broadcast on the one-year anniversary of the ousting of prime minister Sheikh Hasina. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier Tuesday, Yunus commemorated the anniversary of the revolt by stating that its spirit will shape the future of South Asias democratic system. However, the event took place amid mounting anger with the interim administrations failure to restore order and limit political squabbling. The election date has been one concern. The treatment of Hasinas now-banned political party is another. Yunus has promised an internationally acceptable election, but his critics say it could be questionable without her Awami League party as it still has a significant support base. Hasina has been in exile in neighboring India since Aug. 5 last year, following her 15-year rule. She faces trial for crimes against humanity over the hundreds of deaths during the student-led uprising. Yunus had sought an April election, but major political parties, mainly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, sought a February vote. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his past work developing microcredit markets, was flanked by senior leaders of major political parties as he announced a road map aimed at national unity, democratic reforms and inclusive governance. A student group that led the anti-Hasina movement had formed a political party, National Citizen Party, and campaigned for the declaration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Jamaat-e-Islami party were present. Zia is Hasinas archrival, and her party is the main contender for power in the election. The presence of the Jamaat-e-Islami, the countrys largest Islamist party, was especially visible on the streets of the capital, Dhaka. The supporters of its student wing carried the flags of Bangladesh and Palestine. Bangladesh is at a crossroads, with political parties struggling to find a way forward with inclusive politics. The rise of the Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist forces has drawn attention since Hasinas ouster. Ukrainian security company to hold annual general meeting of shareholders on August 8 Private Joint Stock Company (PJSC) Ukrainian Security Company, operating in the security services sector, will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders remotely on August 8, 2025. This is stated in an official announcement posted on the SMIDA system (the official resource of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission). The meeting will be held in the form of absentee voting, using electronic means of communication. Shareholders will be registered on the basis of the voting ballots submitted in accordance with the company's charter. The agenda includes standard items: - approval of the annual report for 2024; - distribution of profits and losses; - election and re-election of members of the supervisory board; - extension of the auditor's powers; - possible changes to corporate documents. A private joint-stock company registered in Ukraine carries out licensed activities in the provision of security services for individuals and legal entities. The company has been operating in the market for over 10 years. The company has an extensive network of representative offices in several regions of Ukraine. PJSC IC Veles-Ukraine will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders on August 14 PrJSC IC Veles-Ukraine will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders in a remote format on August 14, 2025. Information about the meeting was officially posted on July 25, 2025, on the SMIDA platform, the official resource of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission. The meeting will take place in the form of remote electronic voting. Shareholders must register their votes by submitting electronic ballots within the established time frame, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the PJSC's charter. The agenda includes the following key issues: - approval of the financial report; - decision on the distribution of profits and dividends; - increase the authorized capital by UAH 24 million (profit + reserves). The company's management recommends that shareholders support the report and confirm the current composition of the management bodies to ensure the stability of corporate governance and strategic development. PrJSC IC Veles-Ukraine, EDRPOU code 30217808, was registered on July 28, 2004, at the address: Odessa, Transportna St., 5/1, office 214. The authorized capital is UAH 39 million, the main activity is insurance (non-life) under KVED code 65.12. The official responsible for familiarizing shareholders with the documents is O.S. Sherstnova, Chair of the Management Board. PJSC IC Veles-Ukraine has been operating on the market for over 20 years and has licenses for cargo, transport, and accident insurance. The company provides services to both individuals and corporate clients in various regions of Ukraine, having an extensive regional network. Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip7 smartphone in India last month. This gets a bigger outer screen with 120Hz support, Exynos 2500 SoC, retains IP48 ratings for dust and water resistance, slightly bigger battery, and gets sleeker. Is this a good upgrade compared to the Galaxy Z Flip5? Let us dive into the review to find out. Box Contents Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 in Blue Shadow colour USB Type-C to Type-C Cable SIM Ejector tool User guide Display, Hardware and Design The phone comes with a 6.9-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex display with a resolution of 2520 x 1080 pixels at about 397PPI, aspect ratio of 21:9. The display is bright, thanks to 2600 nits peak brightness, same as the predecessor. It offers good color reproduction and the sunlight legibility is good as well. The screen is protected by UTG glass. Even with a foldable screen, the crease is hardly visible, thanks to the enhanced Flex Hinge. It has a 120Hz refresh rate screen that offers a fluid user experience with smoother animations, scrolling and gaming. According to Samsung, it has 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The phone doesnt have DC dimming or low brightness anti-flicker mode that is present in some AMOLED screen phones in the price range. I didnt notice any screen flicker issues in low brightness on the phone. The phone has a 10MP front camera on the inside. There is an earpiece on the top edge which also works as a secondary speaker. The Galaxy Z Flip7 measures 6.5 mm thick when open and 13.7 mm when closed, making it 0.4mm slimmer when open and 1.2mm when folded. All this is possible with a circuit board designed with ultra-high density to reduce wasted internal space, and a redesigned battery that adds 300 mAh capacity while becoming thinner. The Z Flip7 now has an edge-to-edge Infinity Cover Display that removes the black notch and shrinks the bezel from 3.94 mm to just 1.25 mma 68% reductionmaking it the slimmest bezel on any foldable screen globally. The Galaxy Z Flip7s camera was completely reengineered with a compact actuator to enable quick autofocus and high-quality photos within a slimmer design, said the company. This gets a bigger 4.1-inch (1048 x 948 pixels) Super AMOLED display, 344PPI and finally 120Hz refresh rate. This has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. It boasts 2,600 nits of peak brightness, same as the predecessor. Since the display is large, it can let you view several notifications and lets you use the display as a camera viewfinder. There are several widgets such as calendar, weather, alarm, Health, stocks, SmartThings, Calls, Quick contacts, Stopwatch, Timer, Recorder, and shortcut to apps It also enables quick replies to messages in apps, and you can run full WhatsApp and YouTube on the screen. Even though you cant run all the apps natively, you can use Good Lock app and its MultiStar module to run them. The power button with the embedded fingerprint scanner, and the volume rockers are on the right, the SIM slot is present on the left, the primary microphone, USB Type-C port, and the loudspeaker grill are on the bottom, and the secondary microphone is on the top. It has an Armor Aluminum frame and hinge cover and with IP48 ratings for dust and water resistance and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the Flex Window and back cover. It weighs 188 grams, almost the same as the same as the Z Flip6. In addition to the Blue Shadow colour variant that we have, the phone also comes in Mint, and Silver Shadow colours. Camera 50MP Wide (1/1.57 ISOCELL GN3, f/1.8, 1.0m 2.0m, OIS) 12MP Ultra-Wide (1/3.2 ISOCELL 3LU, f/2.2, 123 1.12 m) 10MP front camera (1/3.0 ISOCELL 3J1, f/2.2 aperture) The phone has the familiar dual camera set up as the Z Flip6. It also has AR stickers, scene optimizer, portrait video, directors view, hyperlapse and more modes. You can use the outer screen to capture images, and there is also a cover screen preview option. Coming to the image quality, daylight shots with the 50MP camera are good, and the camera captures a good amount of detail, creates well exposed photos with good dynamic range and detailing, and dynamic range can further be improved enabling HDR mode from the settings, which automatically turns on HDR when needed. There is digital zoom up to 10x. Autofocus speeds are fast and accurate. Ultra-wide shots from the 12MP camera are good in daylight. Edge detection is good in portraits as usual. Low-light performance is good, which can be improved further with Night mode that offers more details. Images with flash is good and is not overpowering. The 10MP front camera on the inside is decent enough for video calls and other things, but the 50MP outer camera is recommended for taking selfies. Check out the camera samples. The Z Flip7 offers 4K UHD video recording at 60 fps front and rear cameras, portrait 1080p video at 30 fps, Super Slo-mo 1080p video support at 240 fps and Hyperlapse 4K video support at 30 fps. Software, UI and Apps Coming to the software, the phone runs on Android 16 with July 2025 Android security patch. On the top of Android 16, it has the latest Samsung One UI 8, making it one of the first phones to run it out of the box. Similar to other flagships, Samsung has confirmed 7 OS updates and 7 years of security updates for the Z Flip7. There are Galaxy AI tools for communication, productivity, and creativity have been expanded. It still has features like Call Transcript, Writing Assist, and Drawing Assist to offer enhanced functionality and ease of use. With One UI 8 Now Bar and Now Brief that were introduced with the One UI 7 will deliver customized insights and suggestions via curated AI information, supporting task management and daily routines. This also offers users control over data processing, with options to keep data on-device, as many Galaxy AI features will utilize a hybrid of on-device and cloud-based AI processing. It also brings several features aimed at enhancing everyday convenience. Auracast, a broadcast audio technology based on Bluetooth LE Audio, will enable audio connections via QR code scanning and sharing. The Reminder app has redesigned UX intended to be intuitive, especially for tasks like travel planning. File sharing is more streamlined with an enhanced Quick Share feature. A single tap of the Quick Share button in the Quick settings panel will allow for sending and receiving files. The Device maintenance option lets you manage your devices battery life, storage, RAM usage, and security all in one place. It comes in 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. The 256GB model which we have has 222.31GB free space. Out of 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, about 10.95GB is usable and 4.5GB is free when default apps are running in the background. There is also a RAM Plus feature, which uses the internal memory of the phone to expand the RAM by an extra 12GB, in addition to the existing 12GB of RAM. This is enabled automatically, but can be disabled. Apart from the usual set of utility apps and Google Apps, the smartphone comes with Facebook, Netflix, Spotify and Microsoft apps Microsoft 365 Copilot, OneDrive, LinkedIn and Outlook. You get the option to install apps when you are setting up the phone, which you can choose not to. The phone doesnt have ads, but shows notifications of new Samsung products occasionally. Fingerprint sensor and Face unlock The phone has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner which is quick to unlock the phone. You can add up to 4 fingerprints. It has support for Face recognition, which doesnt work well if the lighting is poor in the room, if you use hats or sunglasses. Both these are protected by Knox security. Music Player and Multimedia YouTube Music is the default music player. It has equalizer, Dolby Atmos, UHQ upscaler, and Adapt that can be enabled from the settings. All these improve the audio when listening through earphones, and Dolby Atmos also works with speakers. It doesnt have FM Radio support. That said, audio through earphones is good. Loudspeaker output from the stereo speakers is good. The phone comes with Widevine L1 support out-of-the-box so that you can enjoy HD content on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming apps. There is also HDR playback support for Netflix and YouTube. Dual SIM and Connectivity The Galaxy Z Flip7 has a single SIM slot and the secondary SIM is an eSIM. there is support for 5G SA and NSA, with support for several 5G Network Bands in India. Airtel and Jio 5G works out of the box. There is also 4G Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) and support for LTE-A or Carrier Aggregation as well as VoNR. It was mostly in 4G or 4G + on Airtel, but I got 5G when I used Jio. The Samsung dialer, similar to other Samsung phones, supports auto call recording. Other connectivity options include, Wi-Fi 7 802.11 be, Wi-Fi-Calling or Vo-Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4 and GPS with GLONASS. It has support for USB OTG and NFC that works with supported payment apps. This lacks UWB, which are present in S25+ and S25 Ultra models, but some reports say that this feature is available in the South Korean model. The Z Flip7 is the first flip phone from Samsung to support Samsung Dex. You need a Miracast enabled device for it to use it wirelessly, but you can use HDMI-to-USB-C cable if you need wired Dex. The Galaxy Z flip7s head SAR is at 1.372/Kg which well under the limit in India which is 1.6 W/kg (over 1 g). Performance and Benchmarks The new Exynos 2500 Deca-Core processor powers the Z Flip7 globally. It uses 4nm LPP+ process technology node and has tri-cluster CPU structure that consists of one Arm Cortex-X5 large core optimized for peak performance at 3.3 GHz, that includes 2 x Cortex-A725 cores at 2.74 GHz and 3 x Cortex-A725 cores at 2.36 GHz for balanced processing, and four Cortex-A520 cores at 1.8 GHz for efficiency. The company promises 15% increase in CPU performance compared to Exynos 2400. It has the new Samsung Xclipse 950 GPU with the powerful AMD RDNA 3 architecture and hardware ray tracing technology that simulates real-world light movement for immersive visuals. It has been upgraded from 6WGP/4RB to 8WGP/8RB. In addition, the ray traversal performance of the GPU has Improved, and the GPU now supports instance transform hardware acceleration, boosting frames per second (FPS) by 28% with ray tracing enabled. We did not face any issues or frame drops in the graphic-intensive games like COD, BGMI and Genshin Impact. There is VC cooling, but the exact size has not been revealed. Still there is throttling which is common in compact phones. In 3D Mark wild life stress test, it scored 34.2%, which is less than other flagships, including the Galaxy S25. Temperature shot up from 32 to 44 degrees. That said, check out some synthetic benchmark scores below. As you can see, the scores are better than last years Exynos 2400, but it is less in AnTuTu and Geekbench 6 Single-Core scores compared to Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400-powered phones. Battery life Coming to the battery life, the phone packs a 4300mAh (typical) built-in battery, the biggest on a Galaxy Flip phone yet, and 300mAh bigger than the one in the Z Flip6. It lasts for a whole day with 5G and heavy multimedia use. I got about 6 hours of screen on time with over a days with mostly on Wi-Fi, and occasional 5G use in 120Hz, which is better than the Z Flip6, thanks to the optimization. It still has the 25W while the competitors offer faster charging in flip phones. It takes one and half hours to charge the phone fully using a 25W charger, and 0 to 50% takes about 30 minutes. Wish it had faster charging and a bigger battery. It has 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Conclusion Ovearll, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 is a compelling evolution of Samsungs clamshell foldable. It addresses several key pain points of previous generations, making it the most mature and user-friendly Flip to date. The most substantial upgrade is undoubtedly the larger 4.1-inch, 120Hz cover display, which, combined with a sleeker design, transforms the user experience when the device is closed. Internally, the new Exynos 2500 SoC delivers a welcome performance boost, and the slightly larger 4300mAh battery provides tangible improvements in endurance, now comfortably lasting a full day for most users. The inclusion of Samsung DeX for the first time in a Flip phone and the 50MP main camera further solidify its flagship credentials. However, the Z Flip7 is not without its compromises. Samsungs decision to stick with 25W charging feels dated. For users coming from a Galaxy Z Flip5 or older, the upgrade is substantial and highly recommended. Even for Z Flip6 owners, the enhanced outer screen, better battery life, and refined design present a tempting proposition. While the slow charging remains a notable drawback, the overall package of refinement, performance, and new features makes the Galaxy Z Flip7 a clear winner and arguably the best clamshell foldable on the market. Alternatives Motorla has a Razr 50 Ultra with a high refresh rate screen is a direct comptition at a slightly cheaper rate. There is also the cheaper Galaxy Z Flip7 FE model with similar features as the Z Flip6, but with Exynos 2400. Availability The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 12GB + 256GB model is priced at Rs. 1,09,999 and the 12GB + 512GB model is priced at Rs. 1,21,999. It is available from Amazon.in, Samsung online store and offline stores. There are also launch offers. Pros Excellent 120Hz AMOLED display Large 4.1-inch 120Hz cover screen Smooth performance Compact, light-weight body 7 years OS and security updates IP48 ratings for dust water resistance Decent battery life Cons Still limited to 25W charging No UltraWideBand (UWB) support realme has reached a significant milestone, crossing 300 million users globally, according to data from Counterpoint Research. This achievement marks a period of accelerated growth for the company, which previously hit the 100 million user mark in 2021 and subsequently doubled it to 200 million by 2023. The latest addition of 100 million users was achieved in what the company notes as record time. realmes product portfolio is structured to serve various consumer segments and budgets. This includes the flagship-level GT series, the mid-range number series which emphasizes photographic capabilities, and the P Series which is oriented towards performance. This diverse lineup aims to provide options for a wide range of young users. To align with youth culture, realme said that it has pursued collaborations with a variety of popular intellectual properties (IPs). Past partnerships include the Aston Martin Formula One Team, Coca-Cola, and the popular mobile game BGMI. The company views the 300 million user figure as a representation of individual user experiences. In addition to its product and marketing strategies, realme said that it has cultivated a global community of over 15 million fans. The brand actively engages this base through regular events, most notably the annual 828 Global Fan Festival, which commemorates its founding anniversary on August 28th. The previous years festival, held in Shenzhen, was attended by international media and fans and featured the unveiling of new technology, including a 320W charging solution capable of providing a full charge in approximately 4 minutes. As realme prepares to celebrate its 7th anniversary this August, anticipation is building for the upcoming 828 Fan Festival, where the brand is expected to announce its latest innovations to its growing user community. Regarding the new milestone, realme VP, and president of realme global marketing, Chase Xu, said: The number 300 million fills me with excitementits not just a milestone, but 300 million warm encounters. Thank you to the 300 million young friends around the world for choosing to walk alongside realme; your trust brightens our path of innovation. We will respond to this heavy expectation with even more stunning designs and exceptional experiences. Because you deserve the coolest technological lifestyle, and realme will always be the tech partner that understands young people best! 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. Friday Night Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 60F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Russian Intel Warns of UK Plan to Stage Tanker Incident Sputnik News 20250804 British intelligence agencies are planning to involve NATO allies in launching a large-scale crackdown on the so-called "shadow fleet" carrying Russian oil, the press bureau of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said on Monday. "According to information received by the SVR, British intelligence services are planning to engage NATO allies to carry out a massive sweep of the 'shadow fleet'. London's idea is to trigger such a campaign with a high-profile incident involving one or several tankers. The plan envisions staging a major act of sabotage, the damage from which would allow them to declare Russian oil transportation a threat to global maritime navigation," the statement said. According to the SVR, this would give the West free rein in choosing methods of counter-action. "In the extreme scenario, this could mean detaining any 'suspicious' vessels in international waters and escorting them to NATO member-state ports," the statement added. The plan envisions staging a major act of sabotage, the damage from which would allow the transportation of Russian oil to be deemed a threat. "The UK intends to time the attack to maximize its media impact and use it to pressure Donald Trump's administration. The goal is to force Washington, against its own national interests, to adopt the harshest possible secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian energy resources, portraying them as 'indirect culprits of the tragedy,'" the SVR emphasized. London allegedly plans to assign the execution of these anti-Russian attacks on tankers to Ukrainian security forces. "Their predictably dirty work and inability to 'cover their tracks' are seen by the British as a guarantee of their own impunity. An international investigation would place responsibility either on Russia or - at worst - on Ukraine, similar to the sabotage of Nord Stream," the SVR statement said. According to the report, London's scenario involves engineering an "accident" with an "undesirable" tanker in one of the world's narrow maritime chokepoints, such as a strait, creating grounds for NATO countries to conduct an "emergency inspection." "The British are working through two potential casus belli. The first is to stage an accident with an 'undesirable' tanker in a narrow maritime passage. The resulting oil spill and blockage of the waterway, London believes, would give NATO states 'sufficient' justification to establish a precedent for 'emergency checks' of vessels, ostensibly to verify compliance with maritime safety and environmental regulations," the SVR noted. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Beale AFB conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making Published Aug. 4, 2025 By Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown 9th Reconnaissance Wing BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- On the evening of July 31st, a TU-2S Dragon Lady from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing took off from Beale Air Force Base to begin a flight unlike any the U-2 airframe had done before. Seventy years after the very first Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady's accidental maiden flight in 1955 by Tony LeVier over Groom Lake, Nevada, the U-2 would finish the longest single flight this platform had ever attempted, flying across all 48 contiguous states of the United States. An icon of the Cold War, the U-2 continues to provide high altitude intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance operations in support of the U.S. national defense mission, along with key roles in disaster relief and search and rescue missions. Capable of long flights at altitudes above 70,000 feet, the U-2 now pushed itself beyond its known limits. When the Dragon Lady landed the next day at Beale AFB, it had flown longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles, breaking the endurance records for an aircraft of its class. "This flight is historic, and it is fitting that it was planned and flown by aircrew from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, America's longest-serving flying unit," said Lt. Col. John Mattson, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron commander. "The character of war is changing, but our extreme ownership of our mission to build aircrew ready to exploit and dominate the electromagnetic spectrum and win, will never change. We continue to hone our combat competencies showcasing Beale's capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world." The pilots chosen were Cory "ULTRALORD" Bartholomew, 1st RS assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. "JETHRO," 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, which also meant this flight had the most U-2 flight experience combined in a single U-2 cockpit. "ULTRALORD" and "JETHRO" hold the records for the highest amount of U-2 flight hours. The flight itself maxed out the operational range of the U-2 and placed the pilots at the edge of their physiological limit. "Eleven years ago, I realized just how far we could hypothetically fly the U-2 if we really wanted to push its limits to see just what it could it do," said "ULTRALORD." "Now that were on the 70th anniversary of the U-2, 70 years at 70,000 feet, it seemed right to demonstrate the true capability of this aircraft." Such flights, however, remain hypothetical without precision mission planning to figure out how to turn it into a reality. Planning and coordinating flight routes, choosing emergency refueling stops and accounting for factors such as winds, temperatures, altitudes and not crossing a border into the wrong air space is the realm of mission planners like Stephen "SCOTCH" Johnson. "I'm proud to be a part of this record flight and put ULTRALORD's vision into reality", said Johnson, 1st RS mission planner. "This flight's length makes it more difficult than usual so there were special challenges to overcome in its planning." This flight was also instrumental in improving the 1st RS's relatively new mission planning software to plan for more complex missions. The software has not been used for a flight this long before, or with so many factors to account for. Beyond testing the limits of the U-2 or the mission planning software, this historic flight would also pose unique challenges to the many personnel it takes to conduct U-2 operations. Alongside the pilots and mission planner, members of the 9th Physiological Support Group, and the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron found themselves overcoming and adjusting for the parameters of a record-breaking U-2 flight. The 9th PSPTS provides the specialized support needed for U-2 pilots to fly at such daunting altitudes, such as maintenance of the high-altitude full pressure suits that protect the pilots. The 9th AMXS maintain the U-2 fleet, providing needed repairs for the aircraft and preparing them for flight, earning them the nickname "Dragon Keepers." "We already have to be perfect on every single flight, so with this one it just meant maintaining that standard of excellence," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Burdi, 9th PSPTS physiological support detachment launch recovery team. "We had to ensure no incidents would occur for a longer flight than ever before, and that required more care, and more resources than usual, but it was nothing we couldn't handle or continue to. Like I said, we're already used to performing at a level of perfection." That same standard of excellence also applies to maintenance work by the 9th AMXS. One single mistake could cost the pilot's life and the aircraft, as special precautions were taken to ensure the expected durability and longevity of the U-2. In addition to truly showcasing the capabilities of the famed U-2 aircraft, this flight served to honor its 70-year legacy. It paid tribute to all those who had gone before and earned the privilege to be a member of the U-2 community. The Dragon Lady is one of the most difficult planes to fly due to its unique design, requiring a chase car to assist in landing. Just over 1,000 pilots have qualified to fly this aircraft, making it a tight-knit community. As part of this tribute, the flight also honored fallen U-2 pilots who made the ultimate sacrifice to their country by including specific flight paths over certain states, such as over the homes of families these pilots are remembered by. This was emphasized by "ULTRALORD" after he touched down, noting the U-2 mission is only possible from the team efforts of all those serving today and all those who have come before. "The incredible thing about this flight is that it shows not only the capabilities of the U-2, but that of our Air Force's most important asset, it's people", said Col. Keagan McLeese, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander. "Our Airmen demonstrated they are mission-ready in using the skills, adaptability and innovation it takes to generate global airpower." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Contracts Contracts For Aug. 4, 2025 ARMY B.L. Harbert International LLC, Birmingham, Alabama (W91278-25-D-0033); Brasfield & Gorrie LLC, Birmingham, Alabama (W91278-25-D-0034); Caddell Construction Co. LLC, Montgomery, Alabama (W91278-25-D-0035); Hensel Phelps, Orlando, Florida (W91278-25-D-0036); Korte Construction Co., St. Louis, Missouri (W91278-25-D-0037); and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Baltimore, Maryland (W91278-25-D-0038), will compete for each order of the $245,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for general repair and construction. The total cumulative face value is $245,000,000. Bids were solicited via the internet with 19 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 3, 2030. Army Contracting Command, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Akron, Ohio, was awarded a $14,699,590 modification (P00010) to contract W91CRB-21-D-0003 for the purchase of tires. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $77,758,247. 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 Dec. 20, 2025. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. JJR Solutions LLC,* Dayton, Ohio, was awarded a $9,231,910 modification (P00004) to contract W519TC-25-F-0192 for Small Business Innovation Research Phase III. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $38,486,892. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 17, 2026. Fiscal 2023 and 2025 other procurement, Army funds; and 2025 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $1,013,097, were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Illinois, is the contracting activity. NAVY Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Kongsberg, Norway, is awarded a $117,900,168 firm-fixed-price modification to the previously awarded undefinitized contract action (M67854-25-C-2023) for Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) Medium Caliber Cannon Protector Remote Turret 20, hereafter referred to as the "Turret". The total value of the contract if all options are exercised is $271,476,370. This contract modification provides for the definitization of the contract and the exercise of the options for the procurement of 101 full rate production Turrets for the ACV Medium Caliber Cannon (ACV-30) vehicle, associated production costs, fielding and support costs, support & test equipment, and spares. Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (62%); and Kongsberg, Norway (38%), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2027. Fiscal 2025 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $117,900,168 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-25-C-0023). BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP, Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $181,107,842 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (M67854-16-C-0006) for Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV). The total value of the contract, if all options are exercised, is $3,845,631,512. This contract modification provides for the exercise of options for the procurement of 31 full rate production ACV medium caliber cannon mission role variants and associated production, fielding and support costs, and spares. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania (60%); Aiken, South Carolina (15%); San Jose, California (15%); Sterling Heights, Michigan (5%); and Stafford, Virginia (5%) with an expected completion date of September 2027. Fiscal 2025 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $181,107,842 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-16-C-0006). Moog Military Aircraft LLC, Elma, New York, is being awarded $96,646,355 for a firm-fixed-price contract for the repair or upgrade of various F/A-18E-G wingfold components. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Work will be performed in Torrance, California (94%); North Island, California (4%); and East Aurora, New York (2%). Work is expected to be completed by July 31, 2031. No funding will be obligated at the time of award. Individual delivery orders will be funded with appropriate fiscal year working capital funds (Navy) at the time of their issuance and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00383-25-D-P001). General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, is awarded a $19,274,696, firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00002) to an order (N0001924F5559) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001922G0006). This order procures additional electronic warfare pods and ground control station spares in support of the marine air ground task force unmanned expeditionary medium altitude long endurance program for the Navy. Work will be performed in Greenville, Texas (50%); and Poway, California (50%), and is expected to be completed by September 2027. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $14,914,242; and fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $4,360,454, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin, Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, was awarded a $18,753,155 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-21-C-5127) for the development, implementation, and integration of a system security solution for the Australia Surface Combatant baseline configuration of the AEGIS combat system. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the government of Australia. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by September 2031. FMS (Australia) funds in the amount of $11,000,000 (59%) will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded Aug. 1, 2025) Systems Planning & Analysis Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, was awarded a $11,866,132 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-23-C-2103) for procurement of a supply chain improvement effort. Work will primarily be performed in Alexandria, Virginia and is expected to be completed by July 2026. Foreign partner funds in the amount of $11,866,132 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded Aug. 1, 2025) Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $10,052,768 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-21-C-5434) for design agent engineering in support of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile and NATO SeaSparrow Missile Systems programs. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (73%); Portsmouth, Rhode Island (26%); and various other locations each less than 1% (1%), and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Fiscal 2025 other customer funds in the amount of $6,451,408 (33%); fiscal 2025 weapon procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,494,239 (28%); fiscal 2024 other customer funds in the amount of $4, 652,283 (23%); fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,372,113 (7%); fiscal 2023 other customer funds in the amount of $1,289,148 (7%); fiscal 2025 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $275,000 (1%); fiscal 2021 other customer funds in the amount of $260,000 (1%); and Foreign Military Sales (Japan) funds in the amount of $16,814 (less than 1%), will be obligated at time of award and $1,372,113 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a $9,234,661 cost-plus-fixed-fee engineering change proposal contract modification (P00008) to a previously awarded contract (HR001123C0116) for the Cancun Phase Two Option One program. This contract modification provides for distributable nodes to measure the high frequency (HF) radio environment for improved warfighter situational awareness in the critical HF radio band. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas (66%); Utica, New York (14%); Seattle, Washington (15%); and Chapel Hill, North Carolina (5%), with an expected completion date of December 2027. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test, and engineering funds in the amount of $470,000 are being obligated at time of award. The base contract was a competitive acquisition under broad agency announcement HR001123S0014, and 10 offers were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY UPDATE: Wright & Wright Machinery Co. Inc.,* Monticello, Kentucky (SPE8EC-25-D-0054, $255,000,000), has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for material handling equipment, issued against solicitation SPE8EC-21-R-0001 and awarded July 22, 2022. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4264034/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OIC Strongly Condemns the Storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound by Extremist Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 03-08-2025 The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemns the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by extremist Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and extremist settler groups under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces on 03/08/2025. This is part of the attempts by Israel, the occupying power, to change the historical and legal status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The OIC holds the Israeli occupation government fully responsible for the consequences of the continuation of these systematic attacks, which provoke the feelings of Muslims worldwide and threaten security and stability in the region. The OIC also calls on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to put an end to these grave violations and to preserve the historical and legal status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Al-Quds. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canadian Armed Forces air drop humanitarian assistance in Gaza Global Affairs Canada News release August 4, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, today announced that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) delivered additional life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza to respond to the pressing humanitarian needs of Palestinians. The CAF employed a CC-130J Hercules aircraft to conduct an airdrop of critical humanitarian aid in support of Global Affairs Canada into the Gaza Strip. The air drop consisted of 21,600 pounds of aid. Canada is taking these exceptional measures with our international partners as access to humanitarian aid in Gaza is severely restricted and humanitarian needs have reached an unprecedented level. Despite the scale of need, humanitarian partners face severe challenges in delivering life-saving food and medical assistance by land due to ongoing restrictions imposed by the Israeli government. This obstruction of aid is a violation of international humanitarian law and must end immediately. Improving the humanitarian conditions of Palestinians requires a dramatic scale-up of humanitarian assistance. Canada reiterates calls for the guarantee of safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations, including the opening of all crossings, the rapid approval of customs clearances and all humanitarian goods into Gaza, and the issuance of long-term visas for aid workers. Canada thanks Jordan for facilitating the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Canada remains firmly committed to promoting peace and stability in the region and will intensify its efforts with international partners toward this goal. The two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in security, remains the only viable pathway to a just and lasting peace. The CAF stands ready to respond to Government of Canada priorities and requests for assistance whenever it is called upon. Quick facts On July 29, 2025, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced new funding of $30 million to help address the humanitarian needs of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Minister Anand also announced an additional $10 million to the World Bank to support the Palestinian Authority's role in stabilizing and governing the West Bank. The $30 million in humanitarian assistance will be focused on: Support to logistical operations along the Jordanian Corridor; Support to experienced UN and Red Cross partners to scale up the delivery of assistance into Gaza; and Input Canadian-funded humanitarian supplies into the pipelines into Gaza, including support to the Government of Jordan's efforts. With the additional resources announced on July 29, 2025, Canada has committed more than $355 million in international assistance to respond to the humanitarian and resilience needs of Palestinian civilians since October 7, 2023. This includes an announcement of more than $99 million by Canada in March 2025 to support the UN, World Bank, Red Cross and NGO partners in delivering international assistance to Gaza and the West Bank, as well as $50 million announced in November 2024 to address the acute needs of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah: Ending Israeli occupation Lebanon's top priority IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 4, 2025 A senior Hezbollah lawmaker says that Lebanon's foremost priority is ending Israeli occupation and aggression before engaging in discussions on any other issues. Ali Fayyad, a member of the Hezbollah-affiliated Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc in the Lebanese parliament, said following a Monday meeting with former President Michel Aoun that Lebanon is ready to address the situation within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the recent ceasefire agreement with Israel. Lebanon has adhered to the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Lebanon's Al-Akhbar newspaper cited Fayyad as saying. He added that Israel must first commit to withdrawing from Lebanese territory, halt its aggression, and release Lebanese prisoners. The lawmaker stressed that these steps are fundamental prerequisites to engaging in discussions on any other topics, chief among them is the issue of Hezbollah laying down its weapons. Under the terms of the ceasefire agreed to in November of last year, Israel must withdraw from areas it still occupies along the Lebanese border and cease its cross-border attacks. The regime has done neither. Fayyad also emphasized the importance of fully adhering to the ministerial statement, Lebanon's constitutional oath, and Beirut's proposals conveyed through US mediation efforts. He criticized calls for unilateral Lebanese measures under the ceasefire terms, arguing that "the other side behaves as if it disregards the agreement." He added that there are "no guarantees or indications of an [Israeli] withdrawal or a future commitment to halt aggressions." 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNSC fails to issue a single resolution to end Gaza genocide, says Iran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been rendered ineffective in issuing even a single resolution calling for an end to the genocide in the Gaza Strip, primarily due to persistent obstruction by the United States. In a stark reflection of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the spokesperson criticized the international community for its inability to act responsibly in the face of the Israeli regime's continuous crimes in the region. Addressing journalists in a weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday, Baqaei described the horrifying events in Gaza as not only a major news topic but also a moral shame for the 21st century. He pointed out that Gaza is currently enduring relentless bombings and killings from weapons supplied by the US and several Western states, including Germany. Amidst this violence, the besieged area is also grappling with severe shortages of food, water, and medicine, he added. According to the Iranian diplomat the number of innocent lives lost due to imposed famine and lack of basic necessities continues to rise day by day, with these atrocities representing one of the most unprecedented humanitarian disasters in this century. The events unfolding in Gaza will definitely be recorded as one of the most severe examples of genocide in human history, he added. Baqaei also lamented that the global community has failed to fulfill its responsibilities, unable to issue even a simple resolution requesting an end to the genocide and assistance for the vulnerable Palestinian people. US hand-in-gloves with Israeli regime Regarding the US President Donald Trump's claim that he does not believe a genocide is occurring in Gaza, Baqaei said the US administrations have always shown absolute and unconditional support for the actions of the Israeli regime. For this reason, from the perspective of the people in the region, especially the Palestinian people, the United States is considered complicit with the regime in committing crimes against humanity and genocide, the Iranian diplomat said. Reacting to last week's visit by Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Gaza, Baqaei said the visit was a symbolic gesture rather than a meaningful action, and clearly demonstrated the U.S. role in covering up the crimes of the Israeli regime. No IAEA inspector is in Iran Further in his presser, Baqaei said that no inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are currently in Iran. He said that Iran's cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, aligns with the resolution passed by the Iranian Parliament in June, which President Pezeshkian's administration and the Foreign Ministry are committed to following. The spokesperson was referring to the resolution that suspended Tehran's cooperation with the agency following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian nuclear sites in June. Baqaei reiterated Iran's opposition to the IAEA's politicized performance and its emphasis that the agency should focus on its technical responsibilities, free from political influence. Iran remains a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Safeguards Agreement, committing to its obligations while still expressing concerns over the IAEA's unprofessional approach, he stressed. Baqaei meanwhile said that the deputy director general of the IAEA will travel to Iran in the coming days. Britain unauthorized to question Iran's nuclear program Reacting to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy commenting on Iran's uranium enrichment program, the spokesperson said that the British official is not in a position to raise doubts about the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, and that Iran considers such remarks merely a form of political posturing and intervention. He added that if Lammy considers the IAEA to be a competent and credible authority, he must naturally accept its official reports. The IAEA has not recorded any deviation in Iran's peaceful nuclear program in any of its reports, Baqaei said. Therefore, he added, such statements reflect more on their own specific international policies. These remarks lead Iran to conclude that the three European countries, namely Britain, France, and Germany, no longer truly believe in their membership in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), said the spokesperson. If they did, they would refer to the text of the JCPOA and also to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which confirms and acknowledges Iran's peaceful nuclear program, including the right to enrichment, he added. Iran's enrichment right Commenting on the 'Menara' nuclear initiative proposed by former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the spokesperson said it is natural that in a country where the nuclear issue and related matters have been on the official diplomatic agenda for nearly two decades, scholars, specialists, and experienced individuals concerned in this field are active and seek to present their views and proposals. Authorities have always emphasized that the issue of enrichment in Iran, as an integral part of the rights of the Islamic Republic under the NPT, is of great importance, Baqaei said, adding that any proposal that can ensure and guarantee this important component will be open for consideration. Iran-Europe talks Further in his presser, Baqaei pointed to Iran's discussions with E3, namely Britain, France, and Germany, which took place last month in Istanbul, Turkey. He said that the Istanbul talks focused on Iran's nuclear issue, and that the participating parties agreed to hold more talks in future. The time and venue for the next round of discussions have not been determined yet, he added. The spokesperson also said that the Iranian deputy foreign ministers and their counterparts from the relevant countries are in continuous contact, emphasizing that Iran has remained seriously engaged in every negotiation process and has truly participated with a serious and constructive approach. Iran-Pakistan ties Commenting on the latest two-day visit by President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, which wrapped up on Sunday, the spokesperson said that the decision on signing a free trade agreement between the two countries was major achievement of that trip. In response to IRNA, Baqaei said, during the president's visit, 12 documents were signed by Iranian and Pakistan officials to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, tourism, customs, and culture, among others. Iran capable of standing against sanctions The spokesperson pointed to the latest US sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and shipping companies and the measures' impact on the country's economy, saying that the US action is absolutely contrary to international law and disrupts the principle of free trade among nations. Over the years, Iranians have learned how to protect their country despite the illegal and unjust pressures and sanctions. Imprisoned Iranians in Azerbaijan The spokesperson highlighted Azerbaijan's treatment of imprisoned Iranian citizens, describing it as a very important issue. The Iranian Foreign Ministry received numerous reports about the mistreatment of detained Iranian citizens in Azerbaijan, and a recent case was truly shocking, he said. We have conveyed our objections and concerns through multiple notes, both in Baku and Tehran, to the relevant authorities in Azerbaijan, Baqaei said, adding that Iran's consular section is also seriously pursuing this matter. He further said that Iran expects Azerbaijan to appropriately treat its citizens in accordance with human rights principles, which is a completely justified and logical expectation. Iran has a prisoner transfer agreement with Azerbaijan, under which Iranian convicts can be extradited, he said, adding that this matter is on the agenda of the Foreign Ministry in its interactions with the government of Azerbaijan. Compensation for attacks Regarding the issue of seeking compensation raised by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and the reasons behind the move, Baqaei said that the foreign minister had emphasized that any future interactions and negotiations - if the conditions are met - will certainly be different from the situation before June 13 when Israel waged its war of aggression on Iran, which the United States also joined. The circumstances have changed significantly, and in any possible negotiation, the issue of holding the US accountable and demanding compensation for the military aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities will undoubtedly be one of the main agenda items. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen conducts new drone attacks on Israeli targets IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 4, 2025 Yemen has announced new drone operations against targets in Israeli-occupied territories in retaliation for the regime's ongoing genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, announced the operations late on Sunday, Yemen's Al-Masirah TV network reported. Saree said that the latest drone attacks hit targets in Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Haifa Port. He added that the operations were carried out in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and their fighters, and in response to Israeli crimes and the regime's starvation campaign against people of Gaza. The operations were also in response to the desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers, the spokesperson further said in reference to Sunday's storming of the mosque, led by "Israel's Minister of National Security" Itamar Ben-Gvir. Saree warned that silence on the genocide in Gaza is a stain that affects the entire Islamic community and will have dire consequences for all countries in West Asia, sooner or later. He added that Yemen's operations in support of the Palestinian people will continue until the aggression ends and the siege of the Gaza Strip is lifted. The Yemeni armed forces have launched numerous missiles and drones towards the occupied territories of Palestine in response to the continued brutal crimes of the Israeli regime in the Gaza Strip and the massacre of innocent Palestinian people in the past months. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns extremist Zionists' renewed desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has strongly condemned the renewed desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque by extremist Zionists, led by one of the regime's criminal ministers. Baqaei emphasized that this attack, which is a clear violation of the sanctity and religious status of this holy place, as well as a clear violation of UN resolutions, is another sign of the Zionist regime's sinister intention to continue tension and create crises in occupied Palestine and the region. "As the Qiblah of the first Muslims, Al-Aqsa Mosque is held in special respect among Muslims and the Palestinian people. By disrespecting this holy place, the Zionist sect that rules occupied Palestine seeks to change the Islamic and historical identity of Jerusalem, incite the feelings of Muslims around the world, and escalate tensions in occupied Palestine," he said. Baqaei emphasized that the integrated Holy Quds is the permanent capital of Palestine, and the international community has a duty to force the occupying regime to stop its racist and criminal policies against the Palestinian land and people. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Herzog meets Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs President Herzog: "From here, I cry out to the world: we must not remain silent. They must all be brought home. That is the key to resolving the severe crisis in Gaza and the wider Middle East." Type: Press Releases Topic: Foreign Policy, Terrorism Secondary topic: Swords of Iron Publish Date: 04.08.2025 (Communicated by the President's Spokesperson) President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog were received this morning (Monday, 4 August 2025), by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The two Presidents held a diplomatic meeting, followed by joint statements to the press. In his remarks, President Herzog said: *"For nearly two years, the State of Israel has been fighting to bring our hostages home and restore security for all our citizens. We deeply mourn every innocent life lost. And in response to your comments, Mr. President, I want to emphasize: we are making tremendous efforts to address the humanitarian situation, in accordance with international law. Just this week alone, 23,000 tons of humanitarian aid entered Gaza. Hundreds of trucks are waiting to be distributedbut the United Nations has failed to do so efficiently." He added, "We encourage and welcome humanitarian airdrops by more and more countries, and we call on all nations to join this critical effort to improve conditions on the ground. But we must also speak the truth: the Hamas campaign of false accusations, while it itself bears direct responsibility for the suffering of Gaza's civilians, is a blatant lie and a distortion of reality." He held the pictures of the hostages and said, "Allow me to show you this image: this is Evyatar David, a young Israeli with Lithuanian heritage. Just two days ago, Hamas released footage of him from captivity. Look at the hand of the captor - well-fed - compared to Evyatar's emaciated frame. He is in immediate, life-threatening danger. Hamas also released footage of another hostage, Rom Braslavski, who is in similarly dire condition. They are among dozens of hostages still being held in Gaza." He stressed, "From here, I cry out to the world: we must not remain silent. They must all be brought home. That is the key to resolving the severe crisis in Gaza and the wider Middle East. These hostages are the victims of horrific crimes against humanity. These horrendous images are yet another chilling reminder: while Israel delivers humanitarian aid into Gaza, innocent Israelis are held underground, tortured, and stripped of all rights. This must shake the conscience of the entire world. And there is only one path forward: bring them all home." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM Sa'ar holds press conference for international media Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs FM Sa'ar: "Hamas and Islamic Jihad are using the starvation and torture of hostages as part of a deliberate and well-planned sadistic propaganda campaign. The issues of the hostages must be front and center on the world stage!" Type: Press Releases Topic: Foreign Policy, Terrorism Secondary topic: Swords of Iron Publish Date: 04.08.2025 Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar today (Monday, August 4 2025) held a press conference for the internation media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. Following are his full remarks: "Good morning. This past weekend, Hamas and Islamic Jihad cruelly released horrifying videos of our hostages - Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski. The world witnessed their terrible condition. Starved. Tortured. Evyatar was forced to dig his own grave. The world saw the thick arm of the well-fed terrorist - next to the starved and tortured Evyatar. On October 7th - and since then - Hamas has committed evil crimes like the Nazis and ISIS did. There are still 50 hostages cruelly being held in the dungeons of Gaza. Hamas and Islamic Jihad are using the starvation and torture of hostages as part of a deliberate and well-planned sadistic propaganda campaign. These organizations also planned the starvation campaign of lies together. The amount of aid entering proves that it is a fake propaganda campaign. We see the dire condition of our starved hostages - yet they still have not seen representatives of the Red Cross. Despite this being explicitly agreed upon. Hamas have also kidnapped civilians in the past. But it was done on a huge scale on October 7th. But what is the meaning of this phenomena? Terror states and organizations kidnap civilians in order to ensure their own survival and interests. Innocent civilians are inhumanely used as tools by terrorists to achieve their goals. In the case of Hamas - to force upon us their conditions: Remaining in power in Gaza. This is a dangerous phenomenon that could happen tomorrow anywhere. The international community must make it not worthwhile for the terrorists. The world must put an end to the phenomena of kidnapping civilians. It must be front and center on the world stage. This is why I will head to New York tonight: To participate in a special UN Security Council session, that I initiated, taking place tomorrow on the situation of the hostages. I thank the U.S. and Panama for answering our call and helping convene this important and urgent meeting. That is why I reached out to my colleagues and asked them to urgently put the issue of the hostages at the center of the global agenda. I thank them for showing up and for raising their voice. This must not stop until the hostages are home. All of them. But I must say: The unbalanced and twisted anti-Israeli agenda of a huge part of the international media has once again been exposed. Just as there is no acknowledgement of Israel's humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip - and Israel is doing a lot - the horrible images of the hostages were painfully missing from the frontpages of the New York Times, the Washington Post and most of the global media. It is shameful! We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages. **** The international hypocrisy must be exposed. Certain countries and leaders try to create a "symmetry" between both sides. Between hostages and murderers. But this is a distortion! There is no symmetry here! You heard what the President of France said. Hostages "on both sides". But there aren't! On one side you have hostages, brutally kidnapped from their homes on Oct. 7th. Tortured and held in cruel captivity for almost two years by Hamas. On the other side evil murderers serving life sentences. The simple truth: There are hostages on one side. And terrorists on the other. **** The steps taken by countries like France, the UK, Canada and others are a pure prize for terror. A huge gift for Hamas. Here you have a senior member of Hamas clearly stating: These are the fruits of October 7th. These countries must understand the consequences of their actions. I warned on this very stage that recognizing a virtual Palestinian Sate will lead to the assassination of the chances to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire. This is exactly what happened. It's immoral. And it's also politically foolish. They claim that they seek the end of the war. But their actions directly prolong it. These steps have only hardened Hamas' stance during critical days in the negotiations for a hostage deal and ceasefire and rewarded them for their terror. It is a huge mistake. It is morally distorted. It is geopolitically foolish. It is time for these countries to do some soul-searching. If you can't help - for God sake - don't continue to cause damage to all the people living in our region!" NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Baiba Braze in a meeting with Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov: Latvia supports Moldova on its path to the EU and welcomes reform progress Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Published: 04.08.2025. On 4 August 2025, while receiving a visit from the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of Moldova, Cristina Gherasimov, in Riga, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, reaffirmed strong support from Latvia to Moldova's integration with the European Union (EU) and welcomed current progress with reforms. Baiba Braze and Cristina Gherasimov discussed the security situation in the region, further steps to strengthen energy independence and resilience, including in the field of renewable energy, the course of reforms in Moldova, and the situation in the country ahead of the Moldovan parliamentary election this coming 28 September. The officials exchanged views on a persistent and powerful Russian hybrid aggression, ranging from information manipulation and financing of covert destabilizing political activities, to judicial corruption, cyberattacks and the incitement of ethnic tensions. Foreign Minister Baiba Braze: "We agree that the upcoming elections can be decisive for Moldova on its course towards the EU. Every effort must be made during the pre-election period to prevent Russia's unconventional threat and external interference in democratic processes in Moldova, including by strengthening the security of the electoral infrastructure and strategic communication. The progress of reform achieved by Moldova in EU enlargement process is noteworthy, and it can set an example for other candidate countries. Latvia will continue assisting Moldova, both bilaterally and at the EU level, and support the opening of all chapters in EU accession negotiations with Moldova as early as this year." Cristina Gherasimov thanked the EU for its decisions to impose sanctions on several persons related to destabilising activities in Moldova. Latvia, together with other Baltic and Nordic countries, have contributed significantly to support for reforms in Moldova, its efforts of strengthening democratic institutions and energy security in the country, as well as to humanitarian assistance. Over the past three years, Latvia has channelled EUR 150,000 towards the strengthening of Moldova's energy security, as well as sending its expert to serve on the EU Partnership Mission. Latvia's IT companies are also considering opportunities and are prepared to get involved in building critical infrastructure in Moldova. Cristina Gherasimov also met with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Ursulskis, the Chair of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, Inara Murniece, the Chair of the Saeima European Affairs Committee, Edmunds Cepuritis, and members of the committees. The Deputy Prime Minister then visited Riga Graduate School of Law running the Intensive Programme in EU Law and Economics for EU Neighbourhood Policy, Central Asian and Western Balkans countries, which has been acquired by 73 Moldovan students. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Concludes Second Iteration of Neptune Strike 2025 NATO Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples Aug 4 2025 On Friday, August 1, 2025, the second iteration of NATO's most complex enhanced Vigilance Activity Neptune Strike concluded after eleven days of complex activities across multiple warfare domains. The activities demonstrated the Alliance's capability to conduct high-end joint maritime strike capabilities, across the central Mediterranean to the Baltic Sea regions. Neptune Strike 25-2 was divided into two phases with the first phase conducted in late June with main contributions from the Spanish Expeditionary Combat Group. Under NATO command and led by the Spanish Navy's flagship, the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I, was accompanied by the Spanish supporting vessels Blas de Lezo, Galicia and Cantabria. The second phase included the U.S. Navy's Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRF CSG). The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the world's largest and most advanced aircraft carrier and is equipped with first-in-class leading technologies such as advanced aircraft arresting gear and electromagnetic catapult launch system. The force composition for this Neptune Strike iteration was comprised of various aviation, maritime, and ground units from Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States. "The successful conduct of long-range strike missions starting in the Southern Adriatic Sea over a distance of about 2,000 km up to ranges in the far North of the Alliance territory, demonstrate NATO's ability to defend against any potential adversaries from any directions," said JFC Naples' Spanish Navy Rear Adm. Isidro Carrara while onboard the Gerald R. Ford. "The recurring Neptune Strike series is the perfect example of how multiple NATO states contribute to their common goals: The freedom of navigation and maneuver in international sea and air space, and the increase of the Alliance's vigilance." Exhibiting a deter and defend posture, the enhanced vigilance activities facilitated during Neptune Strike also reaffirmed NATO's presence in the Black Sea region. This was possible through deliberate flight operations conducted in international airspace and in accordance with international laws in order to uphold the freedom of navigation and maneuver in the region. Throughout Neptune Strike 25-2, participating units were able to test and improve their capabilities and skills in the area such as long-range strikes, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, offensive and defensive air operations, as well as search and rescue operations. "This enhanced Vigilance Activity sent a clear message: we are ready, united, and committed to defending every inch of allied territory," said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, which serves as the command and control cell for Neptune Strike. Story by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening NATO ISR Resilience: NISRF Diversion Recovery Training in Hungary NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) Aug 4 2025 PAPA, Hungary -- In July 2025, the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) conducted its first-ever diversion recovery training at Papa Air Base, Hungary. Organized by the NISRF Training Center, the event focused on ground handling procedures in the event of a diverted landing of a NISRF aircraft - a critical scenario that requires seamless coordination and situational awareness across multiple national support elements. Located at Sigonella Air Base in Sicily, Italy, the NISRF Training Center is one of the key elements of the NISRF and plays a central role in the preparation of personnel from all NATO countries. It provides standardized and advanced training to ensure operational readiness in support of NATO's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability delivered by NISRF. Instead of sending an actual NATO RQ-4D Phoenix remotely piloted aircraft, the NISRF Training Center brought Virtual Reality (VR) equipment to simulate operations on site. The goal was to equip multinational personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage recovery operations confidently and efficiently at alternate airfields. "This kind of training is essential to ensuring our teams across the Alliance are ready to respond to unforeseen circumstances," said Colonel Matteo Molari, NISRF Deputy Commander and Training Center Commander. "We want everyone involved - whether in logistics, security, maintenance, or flight operations - to have a clear understanding of the procedures to be applied during divert scenarios." By leveraging VR headsets and interactive scenarios, the training provided a highly realistic and repeatable learning experience. Participants could walk through critical procedures, interact with virtual components, and practice decision-making in a safe and controlled environment. Following the success of this training event, the diversion recovery procedure will be made available to all NATO nations through NISRF Training Center. By adopting innovative training methods, NISRF also contributes to NATO's aim of increasing operational flexibility across the Alliance. Story by NISRF Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Serbia must halt crackdown on student movement, uphold human rights and academic freedom: UN experts Press releases Special Procedures 04 August 2025 GENEVA -- UN human rights experts* today expressed deep concern over Serbia's intensifying crackdown on students, professors, human rights defenders, civil society actors and citizens amid one of the largest protest movements in the country's recent history. "What we are witnessing in Serbia is a systematic attempt to silence critical voices and dismantle the independence of academic institutions," the experts said. "This is not just a student protest it is a test of human rights accountability and democratic resilience." "Access to justice, effective remedies and reparation is a fundamental right under international human rights law," the experts said. "Victims of human rights violations must be able to seek justice, obtain redress, and be protected from further harm and retaliation." The protests, led by the "Students in Blockade" movement, erupted in late 2024 and have since swept across Serbia. What began as a call for accountability following the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway canopy which killed 16 people and severely injured others has grown into a nationwide demand for accountability, transparency, justice, and investment in education. The movement reached a peak in March 2025, when hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Belgrade in a powerful display of civic unity, the experts said. The experts noted that the Government's response has been marked by a troubling pattern of repression. Peaceful demonstrators have reportedly faced intimidation, physical attacks, surveillance, and arrests, often without legal justification. Students and university officials have allegedly been targeted in coordinated smear campaigns, with state-aligned media publishing hundreds of defamatory articles, and labelling demonstrators as 'terrorists', a term also used by government representatives. Since late June 2025, Serbia has experienced an escalation in policing of peaceful, student-led protests, with reports indicating that, at certain junctions, over 200 demonstrations have occurred daily. Authorities have responded with excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and prolonged detentions, including among high school and university students. Reports of unlawful surveillance, serious injuries, and the deployment of unidentified or plainclothes officers have raised grave concerns about transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights. "Instead of listening young people's voices, the Government has chosen to punish them," the experts said. "This approach not only violates international human rights standards, but also, by its very nature, undermines the very foundation of a democratic society." They stressed that educational institutions have come under pressure. Faculty salaries have been slashed and/or suspended and research funding drastically reduced. Highschool teachers and students have reportedly been subjected to administrative scrutiny and threats of disciplinary action for participating in or supporting the demonstrations. "As the academic year closes and enrolment begins, we urge Serbia to renew its commitment to human rights and meaningful dialogue," the experts said, hopeful that the new school year will enable students and educators to learn and teach free from intimidation. They stressed that academic freedom and student rights are pillars of any democratic and inclusive society. The UN experts called on the Serbian Government to immediately cease all forms of retaliation and intimidation, ensure the safety and rights of students, educators, human rights defenders, civil society actors and citizens and engage in meaningful dialogue with academic institutions. *The experts: Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education; Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders; George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on international order; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights. Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turk calls for end to starvation of civilians and humiliation of hostages in Gaza Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 04 August 2025 Delivered by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk GENEVA -- The images of people starving in Gaza are heart-rending and intolerable. That we have reached this stage is an affront to our collective humanity. It serves as yet another reminder that the violence must end once and for all. Saving lives must be everyone's priority. Israel continues to restrict severely humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza, and the aid that is permitted to enter is nowhere near what is needed. Israel must immediately allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of sufficient amounts of humanitarian relief for civilians in need to avert further unnecessary suffering and loss of life. Denying civilians access to food may amount to a war crime, as well as potentially a crime against humanity. The videos of emaciated Israeli hostages published by Palestinian armed groups are shocking, and I am appalled by their humiliating treatment. They should be allowed immediate assistance by the International Committee of the Red Cross. I have repeated, time and again, that the hostages and all those arbitrarily detained must be immediately and unconditionally released. All those deprived of liberty must be treated humanely and never be used as bargaining chips. Third States must refrain from contributing to violations of international law committed by any party to the conflict. They must use all possible leverage to prevent such violations and bring them to an end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Strongly Condemns the Provocative and Deeply Offensive Desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the provocative and deeply offensive desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque by thousands of Israeli settlers, including senior Israeli ministers, officials, and members of the Knesset, shielded by brutal Israeli occupying forces. The presence and statements of senior Israeli officials, and the repugnant declaration that "the Temple Mount is ours," are a dangerous and deliberate attempt to provoke religious sentiments across the world, escalate tensions, and alter the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israel's expansionist attempts are a deliberate effort to destabilise the region and sabotage any meaningful path to peace. These provocations risk igniting a catastrophic spiral of violence across the region. The world must not remain silent in the face of such systemic, illegal, inhumane, and unlawful aggression. Such actions constitute a blatant violation of international human rights and humanitarian laws, the UN Charter, as well as various UN and OIC Resolutions. We urge the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take immediate and concrete steps to hold Israel accountable for its illegal actions and to protect the religious sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the rights of the Palestinian people, in particular the right to self-determination. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the creation of a sovereign, independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian State based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Islamabad 4 August 2025 229/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address House appeals SC ruling dismissing VP impeachment case Philippine News Agency By Jose Cielito Reganit August 4, 2025, 5:57 pm MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Monday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to revisit and correct its ruling that nullified the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. "With full respect for the Constitution, in defense of institutional balance, and in the name of the Filipino people, the House of Representatives has filed a Motion for Reconsideration before the Supreme Court," Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said in a statement. "This is not an act of defiance. It is an act of duty. We do not challenge the authority of the Court. We seek only to preserve the rightful role of the House -- the voice of the people -- in the process of accountability," he added. He emphasized that the appeal was filed to correct factual misreadings and retroactive procedural burdens imposed by the Supreme Court, which he said undermine both the Constitution and the people's right to demand accountability from high officials. "Let us be clear. The Constitution says 'the House of Representatives shall have the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment.' That power is not shared. Not subject to pre-approval. And not conditional," Romualdez said. "Yet in G.R. No. 278353, the Supreme Court ruled otherwise, based on a misreading of facts and a retroactive imposition of new rules," he said. He reiterated that the appeal is not to provoke a clash of institutions, but to prevent the erosion of the people's right to accountability. Romualdez underscored that the House acted within the 10-session day limit provided in the Constitution when it transmitted the fourth impeachment complaint on Feb. 5. "On February 5, 2025, the House transmitted the fourth impeachment complaint -- filed and signed by 215 Members -- to the Senate. Only after this transmittal did we archive the earlier three complaints. That sequence matters. It proves there was only one valid initiation, not four," he explained. "Even the Court's own precedent -- Francisco v. House -- supports this: Only one impeachment can be initiated, and that initiation begins with a one-third endorsement or a referral. That is exactly what the House did," he added. That complaint was duly verified and endorsed by more than one-third of all Members, making it the sole basis for trial. Romualdez also addressed the due process issue raised by the Court when it said Duterte was not allowed an opportunity to respond. "The Court also said the Vice President was denied due process because she was not furnished a copy or given a chance to respond," he said. "But nowhere in the Constitution is that required before transmittal. In fact, in all past impeachments, the trial and the right to be heard take place in the Senate." Romualdez said no branch of government should dictate the boundaries of its own accountability, and this is especially true when the very nature of the dispute involves the process by which such officials may be held answerable to the people. "The Supreme Court is a co-equal branch of government. Its wisdom is deep. Its authority is real. But its members -- like the President and the Vice President -- are also impeachable officers," he noted. "When the Court lays down rules for how it, or others like it, may be impeached, it puts itself in the dangerous position of writing conditions that may shield itself from future accountability," he said. "That is not how checks and balances work." Romualdez said the issue at hand is not merely legal but one that strikes at the foundation of accountability in a democratic system. "We filed this Motion for Reconsideration not to provoke, but to protect. Not to assert supremacy, but to restore balance," he said. "Because if impeachments can be blocked by misunderstood facts, or rules made after the fact, then accountability is not upheld: It is denied." Romualdez said standing by the mandate of the House is not a threat to democracy but a defense of it. "To dissent is not to defy. To demand accountability is not to destabilize. To insist on constitutional integrity is not to weaken democracy, it is to strengthen it," he said. "We speak now not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. The House will not bow in silence." The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), representing the House of Representatives, filed the petition via the Philippine Judiciary Portal. In the 70-page motion for reconsideration, the House said it should be allowed to perform its exclusive duty to prosecute an impeachable official, and the Senate to try the case as stated in the Constitution. "The House is not asking of this Honorable Court to favor any one political result. Indeed, there are no convictions or acquittals at play yet, as the Senate has not even begun to conduct the trial-proper. It only asks that this Honorable Court allow Congress to perform the duties the Constitution asks of both its chambers to initiate an impeachment proceeding for the House, and to try the same, for the Senate," it said. "The House asks this Honorable Court not to stand with a certain political faction or another, but to uphold the Constitution, which gives life to all the institutions of government, and with the people, who in turn, are the true sovereign, and to whom all accountability, trust, and power, are owed. Wherefore, premises considered, Respondents respectfully pray that the Honorable Court reverse the immediately executory nature of its July 25, 2025 Decision, and, after due proceedings, reconsider the same and dismiss the Petitions, for lack of merit." (With a report from Benjamin Pulta/PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address First joint sail with Indian Navy successful - AFP chief Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno August 4, 2025, 4:23 pm Updated on August 4, 2025, 7:58 pm MANILA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Monday said the Philippine Navy's first-ever joint patrol with the Indian Navy is about to end without a hitch. The activity started Sunday and was wrapping up as of posting time. "So far, maganda ang results (the results are good). We have met our objectives for the exercise," Brawner said in a chance interview. In a statement on Aug. 1, Brawner said the "first of its kind" joint patrol with the Indian Navy would be held in the West Philippine Sea. "Wala tayong na-experience na (We did not experience) untoward incidents," he said on Monday. Several vessels reportedly "shadowed" the joint patrol but it was expected, he added without going into specifics on the origin of the vessels. In a statement, the AFP said a Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-208 patrol aircraft detected and monitored a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Luyang-class destroyer with bow number 161 approximately 26 nautical miles northwest of PN's guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) around 1:52 p.m. Sunday. After about an hour, the PAF aircraft sighted another PLAN warship, a Jiangkai II class frigate with bow number 551, approximately 24 nautical miles northwest of BRP Miguel Malvar. Aside from BRP Miguel Malvar, other participants in the joint maritime patrol were the guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) on the Philippine side, and the three Indian Navy ships that made a port call in Manila last week -- guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi (D-61), anti-submarine corvette INS Kiltan (P-30) and naval tanker INS Shakti (A-57). (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu orders full Israeli military occupation of Gaza: Israeli media Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 10:17 PM The Israeli regime's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has ordered a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip following the 22-month genocidal war against the Palestinian territory, according to Israeli media reports. Senior officials from Netanyahu's office confirmed this decision on Monday evening, stating, "Israel is going to conquer the Gaza Strip," Israeli media reported. The plan involves Israeli occupation forces expanding their ground invasion into more areas, including central refugee camps. "We are moving to occupy the Strip - the decision has been made," an official in Netanyahu's office said, adding that Hamas will not release the 50 remaining hostages without surrender. "If we do not act now, the hostages will die of starvation while Gaza remains under Hamas control," the official claimed. Palestinian and Israeli rights groups say that 50 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive, while the Israeli regime is holding more than 10,800 Palestinian detainees, many of whom face torture, starvation and medical neglect. A senior official with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas said on Sunday that Netanyahu seeks to kill Israeli captives through starvation. Izzat al-Rishq said Israeli captives are also being affected now by the starvation and thirst policy that Netanyahu and the "Nazi" administration have imposed on the people in Gaza, emphasizing that the Israeli regime shoulders full responsibility for their condition. "When Netanyahu could not find the hostages and kill them through airstrikes, he is now trying to end the matter by starving them," he added. He noted that the Palestinian resistance forces observe religious and humanitarian principles in dealing with Israeli captives, sharing their own food and water with them as they do with the wider Palestinian population. The Hamas official emphasized that those Israeli captives who were released in the previous prisoner exchanges in good physical and mental health are now suffering from hunger, weakness and weight loss mirroring the plight of besieged Gaza residents. Currently, Israeli forces occupy about 75% of Gaza. The escalation announced by Netanyahu faces criticism domestically and internationally, with calls for a diplomatic resolution growing amidst rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Opposition to a full occupation includes warnings that it could risk hostage lives and prolong the war. 'Full occupation of Gaza means captives will die' Israeli lawmaker Gilad Kariv denounced the plan a "death sentence" for the captives, while a group of former military and intelligence chiefs warned that ongoing warfare could lead to Israel's defeat. Israeli lawmaker Merav Cohen said that any plan to take full control of Gaza, including areas where Israeli captives are being held, would mean "we will bring our brothers back only in coffins". "We want them alive, we do not want them in coffins," Cohen said. Former Mossad director Tamir Pardo emphasized that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was largely of Israel's making, slamming the regime for perpetuating the war under false pretenses. While both Israeli officials and global leaders have called for a ceasefire, there are currently no indications that the Netanyahu regime will resume negotiations with Hamas. In January, a temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas led to the release of several captives and Palestinian abductees held illegally in Israeli jails. However, the Israeli regime refused to extend the deal as initially planned, choosing instead to intensify its military assaults on Gaza by shattering the 2-month deal. Dozens of the captives have already been killed in Israel's indiscriminate and relentless bombardment of the Palestinian territory, and now, the Israeli-imposed starvation is taking its toll on them, too. Israel started its genocidal campaign on October 7, 2023, but the regime has failed to achieve its declared objectives in Gaza despite killing nearly 61,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Rights groups have condemned the Israeli blockade on vital supplies as a crime against humanity and a flagrant violation of international law. 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 centers. The United Nations agencies say more than 6,000 Palestinian children are being treated for malnutrition resulting from an all-out blockade of Gaza. At least 175 people, including 93 children, have starved to death in Gaza since the Israeli regime launched the war in October 2023. Israel has rejected calls from the UN, aid agencies, and world leaders to allow more aid trucks into the besieged region to alleviate the crisis. More Palestinians die every single day due to forced starvation and malnutrition. Parents watch their children waste away as deliberate aid restrictions from Israel mean hunger is becoming a killer across the besieged territory. The whole Palestinian population was completely relying on UN agencies and other partners to distribute food. Israel has dismantled the UN-backed aid delivery system and replaced it with a controversial US-backed mechanism, which humanitarian aid workers and Gaza authorities say has only exacerbated the crisis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address All children under five in Gaza at risk of malnourishment, UN warns Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 5:45 PM The United Nations warns that all children under the age of five in the famine-hit Gaza Strip are at risk of life-threatening malnourishment. Amid increasing reports of starvation-related deaths in Gaza, the United Nations World Food Program said on Monday that some 320,000 children in this age bracket have been affected by the collapse of nutrition services and are suffering from lack of access to safe water, breast milk substitutes and therapeutic feeding. Speaking to Al Jazeera, pediatrician Seema Jilani said malnutrition "affects their entire body", putting children at risk of multi-organ failure. She added that starvation in Gaza is traumatic for children, emphasizing that "developmental milestones will be missed." The UN warning comes as the Gaza Health Ministry said in a statement that famine and malnutrition killed six more Palestinians in the past 24 hours, including one child. The total number of people who died from hunger-related causes since the start of the war reaches 181, including 94 children. The ministry also sounded the alarm over a "serious escalation" in cases of acute soft paralysis among children as a result of "infections and acute malnutrition". It said it has so far recorded three deaths from Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare condition that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness in most of the body. Israel has rejected calls from the UN, aid agencies, and world leaders to allow more aid trucks into the besieged region to alleviate the crisis. More Palestinians die every single day due to forced starvation and malnutrition. The Gaza Media Office said in a statement on Sunday that thousands of humanitarian aid trucks are currently parked at the besieged Palestinian territory's crossing gates. "We confirm that there are more than 22,000 humanitarian aid trucks currently parked at the Gaza Strip crossing gates, most of which belong to the UN and international organizations and various entities," it added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli drone strike kills one, injures four in southern Lebanon amid ongoing border violations Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 4:38 PM An Israeli drone strike has killed one person and injured four others in Lebanon's southern province of Nabatieh, marking the latest in a series of ceasefire violations along the border between the Arab nation and the occupied Palestinian territories. The Public Health Emergency Operations Center at the Lebanese Health Ministry said in a press release that the Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle targeted a neighborhood in the town of Khiyam on Monday afternoon. Additionally, Israeli artillery units targeted an area in Mount Hermon, south of the town of Yaroun, with three shells. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Elsewhere in the town of Aitaroun, the Lebanese army's specialized teams, during engineering surveying operations in areas in southern Lebanon, identified a spy device planted by the Israeli army. The device, hidden inside a rock, was equipped with cameras and sensors. Following significant losses sustained over nearly 14 months of conflict and the failure to meet its objectives in the offensive against Lebanon, Israel was compelled to accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27. Since then, Israeli forces have been launching attacks on Lebanon, including airstrikes, in breach of the ceasefire. On January 27, Lebanon announced its decision to extend the ceasefire with Israel until February 18. However, Israel continues to maintain its occupation of five significant regions in southern Lebanon, namely Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all situated near the border. Lebanon has condemned the continued presence of Israeli military forces as a violation of the ceasefire agreement and the established timeline for withdrawal. Senior officials in Beirut have expressed their commitment to take "all necessary measures" to remove the occupying troops from the nation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Beirut's priority is Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon: Hezbollah Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 3:36 PM A Hezbollah member of Lebanon's parliament has affirmed the country's commitment to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, emphasizing that it is now the occupying regime's responsibility to honor the deal by halting hostilities and withdrawing from Lebanese territory to enable progress in negotiations. Ali Fayyad made the statement following a meeting with former Lebanese President Michel Aoun in Rabieh on Monday. The meeting was also attended by Hezbollah MP Raed Berro and the party's Christian relations officer, Abu Saeed al-Khansa. Noting that Lebanon abides by the ceasefire agreement reached last November, Fayyad said the Israeli regime must fully adhere to the terms of the deal. "The first step must be Israel's commitment to its withdrawal from Lebanese territories, the cessation of hostilities and the release of captives," he said. Fayyad stressed that these steps must be taken before moving on to discuss anything else. "We are open to addressing [the issues] based on Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreement." The lawmaker also condemned the disproportionate pressure being placed solely on the Lebanese side, criticizing the approach as if the ceasefire were "a unilateral agreement." "They are demanding more than the agreement, while the other party acts as if it is not concerned with the accord," he said. Fayyad noted that there are "no guarantees or indications of [Israel's] withdrawal or future commitment to ending hostilities." He urged the Lebanese side to unite behind "the priority of the Israeli withdrawal and the cessation of hostilities." His remarks came amid US pressure on Lebanon to issue a formal cabinet decision committing to disarm Hezbollah, saying it is needed before talks can resume on a halt to Israel's strikes in Lebanon, which are still taking place despite the ceasefire. Hezbollah's extensive arsenal of missiles has long bolstered its role as Lebanon's main defender against Israel, cementing its position as one of the most powerful political factions in the country. However, Israel and its main patron, the United States, have been mounting pressure on the Lebanese government to persuade Hezbollah to lay down its arms, a move the resistance group has rejected in light of Israel's continued attacks on southern Lebanon. Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said last week that the resistance movement will never accept laying down its weapons. The Hezbollah chief emphasized that the munitions are necessary in order to preserve Lebanon's national sovereignty in the face of the Tel Aviv regime's aggression. Sheikh Qassem highlighted that the Israeli enemy will not stop at its occupation of five significant regions in southern Lebanon, namely Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, and is awaiting Hezbollah's disarmament to expand its illegal settlement construction activities. Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire that took effect on November 27, 2024. Under the deal, Tel Aviv was required to withdraw fully from Lebanese territorybut has kept forces stationed at five sites, in clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the terms of last November's agreement. Since the implementation of the ceasefire, Israel has violated the agreement more than 3,700 times through repeated assaults on Lebanese territory. Lebanese authorities have warned that the regime's violations of the ceasefire threaten national stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former Israeli intelligence chiefs demand cessation of hostilities in Gaza Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 3:05 PM A group of former Israeli intelligence leaders has appealed for a cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, as aid agencies are warning that without an immediate ceasefire, the besieged territory is "spiraling into an irreversible humanitarian collapse." In a video broadcast by Israeli media outlets, former leaders of the regime's Mossad spy agency, internal spy agency Shin Bet, police, and military intelligence all urged an end to Israel's longest war since its illegal creation in 1948. They declared that they had dispatched a letter, endorsed by 550 former security officials, to US President Donald Trump, urging him to exert pressure on prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the matter. "Stop the Gaza War! On behalf of [Commanders for Israel's Security], Israel's largest group of former Israeli army generals and Mossad, Shin Bet, Police, and Diplomatic Corps equivalents, we urge you to end the Gaza war," it read. "You did it in Lebanon. Time to do it in Gaza as well." The signatories comprise five former leaders of Shin Bet: Ami Ayalon, Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Yaakov Peri, and Carmi Gillon. Additionally, three former chiefs of staff of the military are included, among them former prime minister Ehud Barak and former minister of military affairs Moshe Yaalon. The letter referenced the situation of the Israeli captives in Gaza, who, along with the Palestinians, are enduring the consequences of a restrictive Israeli aid blockade, as a key justification for ceasing hostilities. "It is our professional judgment that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel, and our experience tells us that Israel has all it takes to deal with its residual terror capabilities, remotely or otherwise," they said. "Chasing remaining senior Hamas operatives can be done later. Our hostages can't wait." Approximately 50 captives taken during the large-scale Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by Gaza-based Palestinian resistance groups on October 7, 2023, are believed to remain in the territory. The majority of the 251 individuals captured in the operation were freed during two short-lived truces. Authorities in Gaza say more than 22,000 humanitarian aid trucks are waiting outside the Strip, as an average of 84 trucks have entered the besieged territory since Israel somewhat eased restrictions on July 27. Aid organizations say at least 600 aid trucks are needed per day to meet the territory's basic needs. The Israeli military has disregarded global appeals for a ceasefire and continued its campaign in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, the regime has massacred over 60,800 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to figures by the Health Ministry of Gaza. The atrocious campaign has ravaged the territory and pushed it to the brink of famine. In November 224, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its campaign of genocide in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas: Netanyahu trying to kill Israeli captives through Gaza starvation Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 10:49 AM A senior official with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to kill Israeli captives through starvation after failing to locate and kill them in airstrikes. In a statement on Sunday, a Hamas Political Bureau member said Israeli captives are also being affected now by the starvation and thirst policy that Netanyahu and the "Nazi" administration have imposed on the people in Gaza, emphasizing that the Israeli regime shoulders full responsibility for their condition. "When Netanyahu could not find the hostages and kill them through airstrikes, he is now trying to end the matter by starving them," Izzat al-Rishq added. He noted that the Palestinian resistance forces observe religious and humanitarian principles in dealing with Israeli captives, sharing their own food and water with them as they do with the wider Palestinian population. The Hamas official emphasized that those Israeli captives who were released in the previous prisoner exchanges in good physical and mental health are now suffering from hunger, weakness and weight loss mirroring the plight of besieged Gaza residents. In January, a temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas led to the release of several captives and Palestinian abductees held illegally in Israeli jails. However, the Israeli regime refused to extend the deal as initially planned, choosing instead to intensify its military assaults on Gaza by shattering the 2-month deal. Dozens of the captives have already been killed in Israel's indiscriminate and relentless bombardment of the Palestinian territory, and now, the Israeli-imposed starvation is taking its toll on them, too. Al-Rishq said the Israeli prime minister's policy of oppression against people in Gaza has also affected the captives and that he is trying to discipline them through cruel hunger. Palestinian and Israeli rights groups say that 50 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive, while the Israeli regime is holding more than 10,800 Palestinian detainees, many of whom face torture, starvation and medical neglect. Israel has launched a genocidal war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led resistance groups waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against the Zionist entity in response to the regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians. The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed more than 60,800 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and injured some 149,500 others. Thousands of victims are also feared trapped under rubble, inaccessible to emergency and civil defense teams due to Israeli attacks. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged Strip. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hundreds of former top Israeli officials appeal to Trump to end Gaza genocide Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 10:19 AM Hundreds of former top Israeli officials, including ex-chiefs of spy agencies, have urged US President Donald Trump to push the regime to halt the Gaza genocide. "It is our professional judgment that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel," the former officials wrote in an open letter shared with the media on Monday. "At first this war was a just war, a defensive war, but when we achieved all military objectives, this war ceased to be a just war," Ami Ayalon, former director of the Shin Bet security service, claimed. The war, nearing its 23rd month, "is leading [Israel] to lose its security and identity," Ayalon warned in a video released to accompany the letter. The letter, signed by 550 individuals, including ex-leaders of Shin Bet and the Mossad, urged Trump to "steer" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toward a ceasefire. The letter was signed by three former Mossad heads: Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy, and Danny Yatom. Others signatories include five former heads of Shin Bet -- yalon as well as Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Yaakov Peri, and Carmi Gilon -- and three former military chiefs of staff, including former prime minister Ehud Barak, former minister of military affairs Moshe Yaalon, and Dan Halutz. The letter also claimed that the Israeli military "has long accomplished the two objectives that could be achieved by force: dismantling Hamas's military formations and governance." "The third, and most important, can only be achieved through a deal: bringing all the [captives] home," it added. This comes as some in Israel, including ministers in Netanyahu's cabinet, are advocating for military escalation and partial or complete occupation of Gaza instead. Israel has faced growing global pressure in recent weeks to accept a ceasefire, which would facilitate the release of its captives in Gaza and allow UN agencies to deliver humanitarian aid. After a ceasefire, the signatories claimed, Trump could force a regional coalition to support a reformed Palestinian Authority to take charge of Gaza. The Israeli regime has maintained a blockade on Gaza for 18 years and, since March 2, 2025, has sealed all border crossings, blocking the entry of all aid and worsening the already dire humanitarian conditions in the territory. The Palestinian people in Gaza are in dire need of food as the Israeli blockade on aid continues. Officials from the UN and humanitarian agencies report that this blockade and the associated restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries have led to widespread starvation among Palestinians. Since the Israeli regime began its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, it has murdered over 60,839 people and wounded 149,588, most of them children and women. At least 175 people, including 93 children, have died of hunger and malnutrition across Gaza due to the Israeli-imposed starvation since the onset of the war, according to the health ministry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas says ready to allow medicine for captives if Israel lifts Gaza aid blockade Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 10:03 AM Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says it's ready to deliver essential food and medicine to Israeli captives in Gaza, provided that humanitarian aid and crucial medical supplies are allowed unhindered access into the territory for the Palestinian population. Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the Gaza-based movement's military wing, al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement on Sunday evening that his group stands ready to positively address any request from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regarding the provision of food and medicine to the detainees. "Our consent to this matter hinges on the creation of humanitarian corridors that are naturally and permanently accessible, and guarantee that food and medicine are delivered to our people in every part of Gaza." He also underscored the need for cessation of Israeli airstrikes while aid packages are being delivered to the captives. "The al-Qassam Brigades do not deliberately starve the captives. They receive the same rations of food as our fighters and our people eat. They won't be offered any special privileges amid the ongoing crime of starvation and siege," Abu Ubaida said. The announcement was made one day following the release of a video by the Brigades, featuring Israeli soldier Avitar David, who appeared noticeably frail and weak. The video, recorded on July 27, depicted David directly addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lashing out at him for neglecting both him and the other Israeli captives in Gaza by declining to accept a ceasefire agreement that might facilitate their release. In the video, David detailed his severe living conditions: he had gone days without food and subsisted solely on minimal servings of lentils and beans, lacking any access to meat, chicken, or fish. On Monday, Gaza's ambulance service reported that two people, including a woman, had been killed and more than 20 were injured after being shot near an aid site north of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. The Government Media Office in Gaza said Israel is deliberately blocking more than 22,000 humanitarian aid trucks from entering the territory. At least 175 people, including 93 children, have died of hunger and malnutrition across Gaza due to the Israeli-imposed starvation since the onset of the war, according to the health ministry. At least 60,839 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 149,588 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran denounces Israeli settlers' raid on al-Aqsa Mosque led by Ben-Gvir Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 6:46 AM Iran has vehemently condemned the settlers' desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque, led by hawkish Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. "This violation, which is a clear breach of the sanctity and religious status of this holy site and a blatant violation of United Nations resolutions, is yet another sign of the malicious intent of the Zionist regime to perpetuate tension and crisis in occupied Palestine and the region," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Sunday. Ben-Gvir led hundreds of settlers in a provocative march and mass incursion into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East al-Quds on Sunday morning. According to the Islamic Waqf Department in al-Quds, at least 1,251 Israeli settlers stormed the sacred site. They performed Talmudic rituals, singing, and dancing under heavy police protection, coinciding with the Jewish commemoration of Tisha B'Av. Baghaei added that Al-Aqsa Mosque, as the first qibla of Muslims, holds special reverence among Muslims and the people of Palestine. He noted that by disrespecting this holy site, settlers seek to alter the Islamic and historical identity of Al-Quds, provoke the sentiments of Muslims worldwide, and escalate tensions in occupied Palestine. The Iranian diplomat underlined that "a unified Al-Quds is the eternal capital of Palestine, and the international community has a duty to compel the occupying regime to halt its racist and criminal policies against the land and people of Palestine." Ben-Gvir had previously stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque on the anniversary of the occupation of Al-Quds, which was met with a wave of condemnation and reaction from Muslims and religious figures. The al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which sits just above the Western Wall plaza, houses both the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque. The Jewish visitation of al-Aqsa is permitted, but as part of a decades-old agreement between Jordan - the custodian of Islamic and Christian sites in al-Quds - and Israel in the wake of Israel's occupation of East al-Quds in 1967, non-Muslim worship at the compound is prohibited. The latest intrusion by Israeli settlers comes as the occupying regime keeps its bloody war machine going in the Gaza Strip, which has left at least 60,900 Palestinians killed, mostly women and children, since October 7, 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN condemns Israel's deliberate killing of aid workers Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 2:25 AM The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in the occupied Palestine has slammed the continued killings of emergency workers in Gaza, amid Israel's unrelenting strikes across the territory. In a social media post on Sunday, the UN Human Rights Office said deliberate killings of humanitarian workers may amount to war crimes. The office highlighted an August 3 attack, where the Israeli military targeted a Red Crescent facility, killing one person and injuring at least three others. The statement emphasized that humanitarian workers risk their lives to provide life-saving aid. It called for an independent investigation into all civilian deaths in the war-torn territory. "To date, at least 49 PRCS and 136 Civil Defense members have been killed. These workers continue to engage in life-saving efforts, putting their own lives at risk," the statement added. "There must be an independent investigation into all killings of civilians. Deliberate killings of humanitarian workers may amount to war crimes," it noted. According to the Palestine Red Crescent, since the war began in Gaza, Israel has killed 51 staff members and volunteers, including nearly 30 people who were killed while carrying out humanitarian duties. The statement emphasized that humanitarian workers are risking their lives to provide life-saving aid. It called for an independent investigation into all civilian deaths in the war-torn territory. More Palestinians die every single day due to forced starvation and malnutrition. Parents watch their children waste away as deliberate aid restrictions from Israel mean hunger is becoming a killer across the besieged territory. The whole Palestinian population was completely relying on UN agencies and other partners to distribute food. Israel has dismantled the UN-backed aid delivery system and replaced it with a controversial US-backed mechanism, which humanitarian aid workers and Gaza authorities say has only exacerbated the crisis. The US-Israeli campaign of genocide, which began in October 2023, has so far killed about 60,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Philippines, India conduct joint exercises in South China Sea China rebuked the move in the disputed waterway, which was held ahead of a Philippine state visit to New Delhi. By RFA staff 2025.08.04 -- Indian and Philippine naval crews sailed together for the first time in the South China Sea, officials said on Monday, one of several joint exercises the Philippine navy has held to counter China's far-reaching maritime claims. The two-day joint sail included three Indian ships. It began on Sunday, a day before Philippine Prime Minister Ferdinand Marcos left for a five-day state visit to New Delhi that will include talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Before departing, Marcos lauded the two countries' "shared values" and "steadfastness in upholding international maritime law." China claims almost all of the South China Sea, a critical shipping route that's also partially claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, despite an international arbitration court in 2016 ruling that its assertions had "no legal basis." Beijing did not accept the ruling. A spokesperson for China's military on Monday said that Chinese ships had conducted patrols in the South China Sea during the same period as the joint exercises. The spokesperson said those patrols were "routine," but said that the joint exercises "disrupted regional peace and stability." The Philippines has pressed its claims over the disputed waterway in recent months, enacting new laws, pushing for a maritime code of conduct, and considering new international lawsuits. Since 2023, it has conducted joint exercises with partners including the U.S., Japan, Australia, France and Canada. This year, Manila and Beijing have expressed their quarrel in the physical world with each country's coast guard unfurling a flag on a contested sandbank in April and in cyberspace, jousting over a Google Maps update labeling part of the waterway the "West Philippine Sea." Includes reporting from Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin, Netanyahu Hold Second Phone Call in Two Weeks Sputnik News 20250804 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. The spokesman did not give any details of the talks. The last conversation between the two leaders took place on July 28, when they discussed the situation in the Middle East. The Russian president reaffirmed that Moscow consistently advocates for a peaceful resolution of regional conflicts. He also expressed readiness to assist in negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program. Escalation in the Middle East: Timeline of Events On the night of June 13, Israel launched a large-scale operation against Iran, accusing it of running a covert nuclear program. Airstrikes targeted nuclear facilities, high-ranking generals, prominent nuclear scientists, and airbases. The Islamic Republic rejected all accusations and launched a counter-operation, striking enemy military targets. For 12 days, both sides exchanged attacks, with the US joining on the night of June 22, hitting three Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Donald Trump claimed all sites were destroyed and that Tehran would be unable to rebuild them. Russia strongly condemned US actions, calling them a blatant violation of international law, UN Security Council resolutions, and the UN Charter. Moscow urged the IAEA to provide an honest response to the developments. On the evening of June 23, Iran retaliated by striking the US Al-Udeid base in Qatar. Hours before the operation, Tehran warned Washington via diplomatic channels. No casualties were reported. On the night of June 24, Trump announced that Tehran and Tel Aviv had agreed to a ceasefire. However, the following morning, Israel accused Iran of launching a missile and responded by striking a radar site near Tehran. Iran denied the accusation and confirmed its commitment to the truce. Trump harshly criticized both sides, calling Israel's strikes on Iran excessive and demanding strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No Deal in Sight? Netanyahu Eyes Another Gaza Offensive Sputnik News 20250804 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a military path to free the remaining Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip, the ABC broadcaster reported on Monday, citing an Israeli official. Unable to find a diplomatic solution, Netanyahu aims to expand operations in the Gaza Strip amid a deadlock in negotiations with the Palestinian movement Hamas, the broadcaster said. "Therefore, Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing to expand military operations to release the hostages through a military solution," the Israeli official was quoted as saying by the ABC. There are currently about 20 living hostages still held by Hamas, the broadcaster said. Earlier in August, the Jerusalem Post newspaper reported that it could take Israel and the US months to prepare a new deal with Hamas, which demands allowing hundreds of aid trucks into the Gaza Strip as a precondition for continuing negotiations with Israel. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. After that, Hamas militants penetrated the border areas, opening fire on military and civilians, and took more than 200 hostages. According to the authorities, about 1,200 people were killed on the Israeli side. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords, which included strikes on civilian targets, and declared a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip: supplies of water, electricity, fuel, food and medicine were stopped. The fighting, which was interrupted by short-term ceasefires, claimed the lives of more than 60,000 Palestinians and about 1,500 Israelis, spread to Lebanon and Yemen, and provoked an exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Iran. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas Demands Hundreds of Trucks Into Gaza - Reports Sputnik News 20250804 The Palestinian movement Hamas is demanding that hundreds of aid trucks be allowed into the Gaza Strip as a precondition for continuing talks with Israel, the Jerusalem Post newspaper reported, citing a source. It is noted that this demand was conveyed to the mediators in recent days. This comes as UNICEF warns of famine, stating that 1 in 3 Gazans has gone without food for days. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. After that, Hamas militants penetrated the border areas, opening fire on military and civilians, and took more than 200 hostages. According to the authorities, about 1,200 people were killed on the Israeli side. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords, which included strikes on civilian targets, and declared a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip: supplies of water, electricity, fuel, food and medicine were stopped. The fighting, which was interrupted by short-term ceasefires, claimed the lives of more than 60,000 Palestinians and about 1,500 Israelis, spread to Lebanon and Yemen, and provoked an exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Iran. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nearly 2 million refugees at risk as Uganda emergency funds dwindle and services cut UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Press releases 4 August 2025 GENEVA -- Uganda is on the verge of hosting two million refugees as escalating crises in Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) drive hundreds of people to cross the border daily in search of safety and lifesaving aid. Since the start of 2025, an average of 600 people per day have arrived in the country, with numbers expected to reach two million by year's end. Already Africa's largest refugee-hosting country and the third largest globally, Uganda is currently home to 1.93 million refugees, over a million of whom are below the age of 18. Of these, over 48,000 children and adolescents have arrived alone. Yet, the humanitarian response currently faces one of the worst funding crises in decades. "I met a 16-year-old girl who fled violence in South Sudan and is now caring for her four younger siblings after losing her parents. She dreams of going back to school, but survival is all she can think about. Emergency funding runs out in September. More children will die of malnutrition, more girls will fall victim to sexual violence, and families will be left without shelter or protection unless the world steps up. Uganda has opened its doors, its schools, and its health centers. This model can succeed, but it can't do it alone," said Dominique Hyde, Director for External Relations with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, who recently visited refugee settlements hosting Sudanese and South Sudanese in Uganda. Uganda's progressive refugee policy allows refugees to live, work, and access public services, but funding shortfalls are drastically impacting aid delivery and threaten to undo years of progress. The cost of addressing the needs of one refugee in Uganda is estimated at approximately $16 per month in 2025. However, unless UNHCR receives more funding, we will only be able to deliver assistance of $5 a month per refugee. As food, water and medicine supplies shrink, rates of malnutrition, especially in children under five, are rising at an alarming pace. As resources continue to be stretched, refugees are being forced to make life-altering choices to survive, including dropping out of school. Reports of gender violence are on the rise, as well as an increasing risk of suicide among refugee youth amid a decline in mental healthcare staff. By the end of July, UNHCR only had resources to support less than 18,000 individuals with cash and essential relief items, enough to cover just two months of new arrivals at the current pace. "War disrupts lives without warning, forcing people to leave everything behind. Many refugees face growing desperation; no resilience can replace what's been lost. Uganda has shown great generosity, yet the burden should not fall solely on communities far from the conflict. Responsibility lies with those driving and enabling the violence. Peace is the only lasting answer, and until it comes, refugees' dignity must be protected," added Hyde. Currently, Uganda's refugee response is only 25 per cent funded. UNHCR is calling for more urgent and sustained international support and solidarity, including from development actors, to ensure refugees and their local communities can live safe and more dignified lives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: As aid trucks enter, videos of Israeli hostages and attack on Red Crescent staffers spark outrage 4 August 2025 - In Gaza, UN aid teams continue to report that Gaza is on the brink of famine with the UN human rights chief on Monday denouncing images of starvation inside the enclave as "an affront to our collective humanity." Meanwhile, on Thursday and again on Saturday, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas militants published disturbing videos of two emaciated Israeli hostages, sparking worldwide outrage and condemnation from UN leaders, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday. The hostages pictured, Rom Braslavsk and Evyatar David, are two of the 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. At Monday's daily briefing in New York, UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said the Secretary-General "was very shocked by this unacceptable violation of human dignity." UN rights chief Volker Turk added in a statement that he was appalled by the humiliating treatment of the hostages. Both he and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, reiterated their call for an unconditional, immediate release of all hostages still being held since the 7 October terror attacks. The High Commissioner said the "intolerable" sight of starvation in Gaza served as another reminder that the violence had to end. "Saving lives must be everyone's priority." He called for Israel to immediately allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded aid: "Denying civilians access to food may amount to a war crime, as well as potentially a crime against humanity." Attack on aid workers On Sunday, the Israeli military reportedly struck the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Khan Younis, killing one and injuring three other staff members. The facility is marked with the Red Crescent emblem and is thus protected under international humanitarian law. The UN rights office (OHCHR) in Palestine expressed deep shock and outrage over these killings. "These workers continue to engage in life-saving efforts putting their own lives at risk," OHCHR said. Aid entry Amid these controversies, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, posted on social media on Saturday, saying that since Friday, the agency had brought 24 trucks with medical supplies into Gaza. Items included essential medicines, trauma and surgery supplies, treatments for non-communicable disease and laboratory and water testing supplies. Mr. Haq also highlighted on Monday that in recent days, the UN and its partners have collected wheat flour, ready-to-eat rations and hot meals from crossing points into Gaza, but most of the cargo was taken by the hungry and desperate before reaching intended destinations. Additionally, hygiene kits and nutrition supplies, including high-energy biscuits for pregnant and breastfeeding women and infant formula, have entered in the past week. However, in the second week since the Israeli announcement of tactical pauses to allow safe passages for UN aid convoys, Mr. Haq said realities on the ground remain largely the same. This includes many challenges to delivering aid, resulting in the impediment of two of the 11 missions on Sunday and the full passage of only seven. Famine-like conditions This aid is still a fraction of what is needed, as a catastrophic food crisis worsens across the Strip. The World Food Programme (WFP) said it "is doing everything possible to distribute vital food assistance to families," but reported on Sunday that over half a million people in Gaza are enduring famine-like conditions. The UN aid agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) released an audio of Manar, an employee who works within Gaza, on Monday. She said that "food is never enough," and that many walk in the heat for hours to search for food and medical supplies. The Commissioner-General for UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, underscored that this near-famine is largely due to deliberate efforts to dismantle the UN-coordinated humanitarian system through the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is responsible for the killing of nearly 1,400 starving Palestinians near its sites and convoy routes, according to Gaza's health ministry. Prioritising the GHF, Israel has prevented UNRWA - "the backbone of humanitarian response" - from bringing in assistance since 2 March, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: Uganda's refugee funding crisis, academic freedom tested in Serbia, rural resilience in Afghanistan 4 August 2025 - Since the beginning of 2025, 600 refugees have arrived in Uganda each day, bringing the total number of new arrivals to almost two million. But with funding rapidly running out, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) is warning the East African nation will not be able to continue providing life-saving services and aid. Uganda has a progressive refugee policy which enables refugees to work and access public services. This coupled with its geographic proximity to crises has made it the continent's largest refugee-hosting country. "Emergency funding runs out in September. More children will die of malnutrition, more girls will fall victim to sexual violence, and families will be left without shelter or protection unless the world steps up," said Dominique Hyde, UNHCR's director for external relations. UNHCR estimates that it costs $16 per refugee per month to provide essential services, but at this point, the agency will only be able to deliver $5 worth of aid each month. Funding missing Most refugees are entering Uganda from war-torn Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo - all countries which have been ravaged by protracted armed conflicts and acute food insecurity. These refugees are seeking shelter and life-saving aid, and many of them are children. In a recent visit to some of the refugee camps, Ms. Hyde met one 16-year-old girl who fled violence in South Sudan after losing her parents. She is now caring for her four younger siblings alone. "She dreams of going back to school, but survival is all she can think about," Ms. Hyde said. Children like her depend on the aid which UNHCR and the Uganda government provide. But with only 25 per cent of the funding required, the aid is quickly disappearing. "Uganda has opened its doors, its schools, and its health centers. This model can succeed, but it can't do it alone," Ms. Hyde said. A test of democratic resilience in Serbia as crackdown on protests continues Independent human rights experts warned Monday that Serbia's intensifying crackdown on protests and protestors especially students, professors and civil society violates international human rights and undermines democracy. The protests, which began in late 2024 in response to an infrastructural collapse which killed 16 people, have become a nationwide call for accountability, transparency and justice. "What we are witnessing in Serbia is a systematic attempt to silence critical voices and dismantle the independence of academic institutions. This is not just a student protest it is a test of human rights accountability and democratic resilience," the experts said. Independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva to monitor and report on special human rights matters. They are independent of the UN system and any government. Renewed commitment Since the end of June, the experts said that they have observed increasingly violent repression of protests, including unlawful arrests, prolonged detention and smear and surveillance campaigns against individuals. Some protesters have reportedly been seriously injured. Educational institutions in particular have come under pressure with some universities slashing faculty salaries and some high school teachers have been threatened with disciplinary action for supporting the protesters. "Instead of listening to young people's voices, the Government has chosen to punish them. This approach not only violates international human rights standards, but also, by its very nature, undermines the very foundation of a democratic society," the experts said. The experts called on the Serbian government to renew its commitment to human rights and justice, stressing that academic freedom and access to justice are pillars of democracy. New programme in Afghanistan seeks to rebuild farmer resilience The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in concert with the United Kingdom, is launching a new agricultural resiliency programme in Afghanistan in the hopes of improving production and nutrition throughout the country. Resilient Agriculture Livelihoods (ReAL) hopes to reach over 150,000 people in all eight regions of the country by the end of next May. It will specifically target small-scale farmers, landless labourers, livestock keepers and women and girls. "Afghanistan's farmers are extraordinarily resilient, but repeated climate and economic shocks are eroding this strength. This project lays down important pathways to help farmers rebuild that resilience," said Richard Trenchard, the FAO representative in Afghanistan. Agricultural cornerstone The ReAL program will work to expand market access for farmers in addition to managing climate risks in a way that will promote sustainable land use and enable communities to not rely on humanitarian assistance long-term. Between 2022 and 2024, FAO reached over 30.3 million people in Afghanistan with emergency food relief and long-term resilience projects, work which helped to decrease the food insecurity crisis by half. "In a country where agriculture sustains most lives, this is a short-term investment with long-term impact," said Mr. Trenchard. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint forces conclude Red Flag-Alaska 25-3 Published Aug. 4, 2025 By Senior Airman Alexzandra Gracey 354th Fighter WIng EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) -- Personnel from each U.S. military branch concluded the two-week, joint force training exercise, Red Flag-Alaska 25-3, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. "The purpose of Red Flag-Alaska is for the joint force to practice combat skills we don't normally get to practice at a home station," said U.S. Air Force Col. Christian Bergtholdt, RF-A 25-3 deployed forces commander. "Getting fifth generation fighter aircraft together from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps is not something we get to do very frequently, so this was a good opportunity for us to practice against a high-end threat together." Approximately 55 visiting aircraft participated in RF-A 25-3, such as EA-18G Growlers and multiple variants of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, also engaged in daily sorties during the exercise. "It's good to practice and operate together- see how each other talks differently, speaks differently and just works differently," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Shaun Dickinson, 353rd Combat Training Squadron Red Flag-Alaska 25-3 team chief. "We learn what our differences are and how we can put those together. We learn to put those differences aside, and be one team, one fight." RF-A training ranges from individual skill development to large-scale joint engagements. The adaptable scenarios integrate a variety of forces into a realistic threat environment, leveraging over 77,000 square miles of airspace within the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the largest combat training range in the world. "We've got access to a very large swath of airspace we don't normally have back home," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Falgoust, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 assistant operations team chief. "Participating in this exercise not only gives us the ability to operate out of a new location, but also to plan and coordinate with other units operating out of different locations as well." The geographic environment provided by RF-A 25-3 offered an opportunity to improve logistical coordination, as well as build understanding and cohesion by bridging differences in communication and operational styles across service branches. "This iteration of Red Flag-Alaska created good crosstalk between each branch and has really evolved our combat capabilities," Bergtholdt said. "What I hope our Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers take away from this exercise is that when the joint force works together, American air power is pretty [darn] awesome, and we can't do it alone." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Winston S. Churchill Arrive in Marseille, France US Navy 04 August 2025 From USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Public Affairs MARSEILLE, France -- The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) arrived in Marseille, France, for a scheduled port visit August 4, 2025. Both ships are part of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region. "The visit of the USS Gerald R. Ford to Marseille is symbolic of the Franco-American alliance," said Charles Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to the French Republic. "This ship embodies America's excellence in the defense industry-it is the newest and most adaptable aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet, in addition to being the largest aircraft carrier in the world. Its technology is cutting edge and defining the next generation of military engagement. Most importantly, the 4,500 dedicated service members aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford embody the Administration's commitment to peace through strength. I am delighted to welcome them to France, particularly as we enter negotiations with the European Allies about increasing defense purchases and meeting their commitments to NATO." While in port, crews and embarked personnel from both ships will participate in tours of Marseille, Paris, and Monaco, as well as hosting a reception aboard Gerald R. Ford. "After a fast-paced and successful Neptune Strike enhanced vigilance activity where we operated with countries like Finland, Greece, and Italy, we are so thankful for the warm welcome from France, our oldest Naval Ally," said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve. "Alongside our NATO Allies, our multinational operations in this theater since our transit through the Strait of Gibraltar last month are a demonstration of our commitment to guarantee the freedom of navigation and maneuver, and enhancing regional stability." Gerald R. Ford, along with the nine embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Eight, Destroyer Squadron Two's USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Mahan (DDG 72), and Winston S. Churchill, conducted multi-domain strike group operations in the Atlantic Ocean before transiting east through the Strait of Gibraltar with Spanish Armada Santa Maria-class ESPS Canarias (F86), operating with the Italian Navy's ITS Spartaco Schergat (F 598), and conducting Neptune Strike 25-2 before arriving in Marseille. For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa has forged strategic relationships with our Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EXERCISE TALISMAN SABRE 2025 CONCLUDES US Navy 04 August 2025 From Defence, Canberra, ACT On the 4th of August, the 11th iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre will officially conclude at a closing ceremony in Lae, Papua New Guinea. Following three weeks of intensive training and high-end warfighting scenarios across Australia, and complex training exercises in Papua New Guinea, more than 40,000 military personnel from 19 participating nations and two observer nations will return home. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral combined training activity conducted between the Australian Defence Force and the United States Armed Forces. It reflects the strength of the enduring Alliance and our commitment to working with regional partners. The final activity of Talisman Sabre 2025 saw personnel from Australia, the United States and Papua New Guinea's defence forces come together to conduct a Joint Personnel Recovery activity across several training locations between Lae and Wewak in Papua New Guinea. This successfully demonstrated how our three nations can work together to safely recover our people. Marking the first time an Exercise Talisman Sabre component has been held outside Australia, this activity is a powerful demonstration of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force's capabilities, and Australia and the United States' growing interoperability with Pacific partners. Further highlights of Talisman Sabre in Australia include: The first live firing of the Australian M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), including using the Precision Strike Missile. A successful land to sea engagement of the United States Mid-Range Capability (MRC) using an SM-6 missile against a maritime target. Participation of the United Kingdom-led Carrier Strike Group, representing the first time a non-US aircraft carrier has been involved in Talisman Sabre. A long-distance Joint Force Entry Operation that deployed 335 United States Army paratroopers from the 11th Airborne Division from Alaska to Charters Towers alongside French and German paratroopers. Large-scale amphibious operations involving forces from Australia, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. Conducted biennially since 2005, Exercise Talisman Sabre is a major undertaking for all participating nations and demonstrates our combined capability to achieve large-scale operational outcomes. Quotes attributable to Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, Chief of the Defence Force: "Exercise Talisman Sabre reflects a shared commitment to enduring relationships between trusted allies and partners, and a peaceful, stable and sovereign Indo-Pacific. "This year's iteration has shown how Australia can integrate closely with international partners and positively impact how we respond to a rapidly evolving strategic environment. "Australia and PNG have a long history of standing shoulder-to-shoulder to respond to security challenges in our region and share a mutual understanding that we are stronger, safer and more resilient when we work together. "We thank the participating nations for their contributions to the largest Exercise Talisman Sabre ever, and in making it an invaluable training opportunity for all involved." Quotes attributable to Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command: "Over the course of this year's exercise, we achieved remarkable milestonesrefining joint operational capabilities, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and enhancing our ability to conduct complex land, air, amphibious, and maritime operations seamlessly. "These accomplishments reflect the distinct professionalism of the combined force and our shared commitment to advancing security, freedom, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific. "As we look ahead to potential challenges, Talisman Sabre is a testament to our readiness to respond united in purpose and action." Quotes attributable to Rear Admiral Philip Polewara DMS CBE, Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force: "Papua New Guinea has been proud to host a component of Exercise Talisman Sabre in our 50th year of Independence. "It has been an opportunity to demonstrate both the strength of our defence partnership with Australia and the United States, and the skills and capabilities of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. "Working in partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region. "This Exercise ensures regional stability, strengthened partnership and capacity building. The lessons learnt will be carried forward in the spirit of cooperation." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Talisman Sabre 25: MRF-D Marines and Sailors conclude multinational exercise in the Top End US Navy 04 August 2025 From Capt. John Fischer, Marine Rotational Force - Darwin NORTHERN TERRITORY, Australia -- Against the backdrop of Talisman Sabre 25, the Indo-Pacific's largest military exercise involving more than 35,000 troops from 19 nations, the Marines and Sailors of the Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) accomplished what few forces can: multimodal and mobile command and control across thousands of kilometers of simulated contested terrain, synchronized precision fires with the U.S. Army and Australian Defence Force (ADF), and seamless combined maneuver with 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR). From the red earth of the Northern Territory to the grasslands of Queensland, the journey was a proving ground for modern warfighting. Command and control on the move The heart of MRF-D's role in Talisman Sabre pulsed within its mobile command operations center (COC) a rugged convoy of civilian trucks, retrofitted command suite inside a camper van, and tactical vehicles that enabled the MAGTF commander to lead from the front: forward, resilient,connected and undetected. "Command and control doesn't have to live in a tent or a building anymore," said Lt. Col. Andrew Williamson, the MRF-D 25.3 MAGTF executive officer. "We provided that capability as an answer to modern threat conditions surviving, maneuvering, and leading across the tyranny of distance: blending into our surroundings, and doing more with less." Throughout the exercise, MRF-D's mobile COC practiced signature management or emission control (EMCON), intentionally ceasing digital transmissions and passing command and control authority to stationary Darwin-based nodes during simulated enemy targeting. This was coordinated through the MRF-D MAGTF Fires and Effects Coordination Center (FECC) during live-virtual-constructive (LVC) fires. The ability to dynamically shift control validated both the resiliency and distributed survivability of MRF-D's command and control model embodying Force Design 2030 concepts and illustrating contributions to future combined and joint force constructs. Securing key terrain with the Australian Army Beginning in Darwin, the MRF-D MAGTF's Ground Combat Element (GCE) Echo and Weapons Companies, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, MRF-D 25.3 launched overland convoys and airborne insertions alongside 5/7 RAR to secure simulated key island terrain inTimber Creek, Cloncurry, and Bootu Creek across the Northern Territory and Queensland , Australia. The seizures, enabled by MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, MRF-D 25.3 MAGTF Air Combat Element (ACE), simulated control of critical access points tied to maritime terrain areas defined by limited infrastructure, adversary activity, and access challenges. "In every phase insert, seize, secure, and relief in place we worked side-by-side with our ADF partners," said Maj. Nicholas Foust, the weapons company commander of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, MRF-D 25.3. "It was fast-moving, real-time problem-solving in combined formations." These large-scale movements were designed to test the ADF and MRF-D MAGTF's combined ability to execute forward and rearward passage of lines across a dynamic battlefield. Starting in Darwin, U.S. Marines with the MAGTF GCE seized Timber Creek by air in near concert with precision fires from the U.S. and Australian Army. This movement was followed by the ADF 5/7 RAR's movement into a secured Timber Creek, NT, from which they could push out to Cloncurry via air, building momentum across the battlespace and denying key terrain to the simulated adversary force. Each movement from Timber Creek, to Nackaroo, to Cloncurry and Bootu Creek positioned forces for the inflow and maneuver of follow-on forces. These passages validated combined interoperability in contested environments and ensured the ADF-U.S. force could maneuver and reposition fluidly against a simulated threat. Combined artillery fires and urban training Meanwhile among termite mounds and thick brush of the Mount Bundey Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Marines with Kilo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, MRF-D 25.3, showcased the meaning of combined firepower through a full week of M777 155 mm howitzer live-fire training with the Australian Army's 103 Battery, 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Together, the batteries demonstrated interchangeability through combined gunlines, integrated live-fire defense, and experimentation with live-fire in urban environments one of the most difficult tactics to employ effectively, yet critical to MAGTF adaptability. "The danger close training we conducted with 103 Battery inspired trust and confidence between the two units and taught our team valuable lessons about how to continue to push the boundaries of our own training to make it as challenging and realistic as possible," said Capt. Juliette Brakey, battery commander of Kilo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, MRF-D 25.3. "Mount Bundey pushes our Marines and our systems to their limits, and working through that challenge together ensures we're ready to fight as one, anywhere we're needed." Historic allied long-range missile strike Near simultaneous with the insert of combined ADF and U.S. forces into Timber Creek, MRF-D supported the U.S. Army's first-ever live-fire of an SM-6 missile from the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) or "Typhon," missile system in Australia, a historic milestone for allied fires coordination. The target a maritime vessel rigged with an emitter to simulate an adversary's electronic signature was struck and sunk with pinpoint accuracy after integrated Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) support from a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon and ground-based collections. The Australian National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) conducted live-fire intercepts against simulated aerial threats, showcasing layered, combined air defense to protect maneuvering ground forces and long-range fires assets like the Typhon. MRF-D's mobile COC provided targeting data from its FECC enablers, while Marines with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 38, MRF-D 25.3, provided airspace deconfliction, forming the connective tissue of the combined joint all domain operation. Sustaining the fight across the tyranny of distance For every operation, the MRF-D MAGTF Logistics Combat Element (LCE) served as the circulatory system of the MAGTF body. Without it, the MAGTF would cease to deliver manpower, fires, and capability at the decisive moment. Throughout Talisman Sabre's execution in the Top End, MRF-D's LCE Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 1 executed a continental sustainment campaign that included: medical role II support in expeditionary configurations alongside the Australian medical capability, water purification and delivery using tactical filtration systems, bulk food service at multiple operating locations, and air delivery of supplies via Tactical Resupply Vehicle (TRV) 150C remote drone and KC-130J Super Hercules' assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153. Each arm of the LCE's support pushed the limits established by previous rotations and validated expeditionary resupply of combined ADF-U.S. forces in austere and simulated threat congested environments. "This was about proving that logistics wins campaigns," said 1st Lt. Lizetthe Moreno, a logistics officer with CLB-1, MRF-D 25.3 "We fueled, fed, treated, and moved this MAGTF across thousands of kilometers to enable the MAGTF to apply simulated decisive combat power alongside the Australians." Aviation extends operational reach Over the course of two weeks, MRF-D's ACE augmented with support from VMGR-153 KC-130J Super Hercules logged over 150 flight hours with MV-22B Ospreys, delivering troops, refueling capabilities, and live ordnance. Notably, MRF-D conducted a rearmament flight for ADF High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) munition containers or "pods", as well as air delivery of F-35 Lightning II ordnance for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Both missions tested the MV-22B ability to transport munitions for interservice and combined forces, highlighting its utility for rearmament and sustainment in a future fight. "The ACE gave the MAGTF its legs," said Maj. Hunter Kennedy, the operations officer of Marine VMM-363, MRF-D 25.3. "From resupply to enabling the maneuver across vast distances that simulated maritime terrain, the Osprey's gave us unmatched capability with speed and precision." For the first time during an MRF-D deployment, the ACE employed the Tactical Aviation Ground Refueling System (TAGRS) to refuel Australian Army reconnaissance helicopters with the 1st Aviation Regiment. The Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 174 also established Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) nodes across the Australian outback. Together, these systems expanded the operational reach of the ADF-U.S. combined force in the exercise and proved that our sustainment of forces was truly interchangeable. Cyber domain integration with allies and partners As Talisman Sabre 25 pressed into the night, MRF-D's Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) Marines supported a cyber incident response exercise alongside U.S., Australian, and New Zealand cyber teams. Using forensic tools and open-source solutions, the task force responded to a notional intrusion affecting a government research partner training that mirrored real-world vulnerabilities and command and control friction. "MRF-D DCO formed a multinational Cyber Task Element with the ADF and the NZDF [New Zealand Defence Force] for the first time in support of an exercise digital forensics and incident response scenario under the direct command and control of a cyber-specific higher headquarters," said 1st Lt. Jared Haynie, the officer in charge of MRF-D DCO. "Cyber is an ever-present and increasingly impactful domain and exercising how we would work together on different systems is crucial to increasing our capacity to respond when the time comes." The Marines behind the MAGTF scenes None of the above would have been possible without MRF-D's deep bench of enablers: from MACG-38 and 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) Marines providing aircraft control and deconflicting airspace in remote locations, to communication and cyber Marines ensuring networks and communication pathways remained uninterrupted across thousands of kilometers of terrain, ensuring the MAGT's mobile and Darwin-based COCs could prosecute the right target, at the right time with combined maneuver, and with the right agency. From exercise to real-world crisis response Talisman Sabre 25 provided the MRF-D MAGTF its capstone event and served as a testament to stand-in forces concepts, executed in an austere and logistically complex environment where strategic and operational level concepts played out real time with the ADF-MRF-D team. As the final maneuvers of Talisman Sabre 25 concluded, the MRF-D MAGTF pivoted from training to real world crisis response deploying MV-22B Ospreys and Marines from Darwin to the Philippines within days to support foreign disaster relief operations requested by the Philippine government. The same forward posture and combined command and control capabilities refined alongside Australian and U.S. joint forces during Talisman Sabre enabled MRF-D to rapidly deliver aid and mobility across the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating the tangible value of a stand-in force ready to respond at a moment's notice. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mogami 30FFM (30DD) 3,900-ton ASW escort ship The Mogami-class frigate is a multi-mission stealth frigate for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The Mogami-class frigates are also known as 30FFM, 30FF, 30DX, or 30DEX. The first two frigates of the class were laid down in 2019 and commissioned in 2022. Japan plans to build a total of 22 Mogami class frigates until 2032. The Mogami-class frigates were developed to replace the Asagiri-class destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that were originally designed in the 1980s. The Mogami-class frigates are built to improve the JMSDF's capability to patrol its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). They are also built to strengthen its deterrent posture and respond to various situations. Japan on 19 November 2020 launched the warship Kumano - the first of its class 30FFM multi-role frigate - at the Mitsui Group's shipbuilding facility in Okayama. The 30FFM class has a 435-foot (more than 130m) design, displaces 3,900 tons, but when fully loaded is 5,500 tons. The ship is designed to stealthily reduce the radar cross section and is capable of launching, operating and retrieving unmanned ships operating on water and underground. This type of ship applies new technologies such as unmanned systems and reduced radar cross section. It was expected that the Kumano would enter the service version of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in 2022. In the latest defense budget proposal, the Japanese government proposed to spend an additional $ 951 million to buy two more destroyers to equip the Marine Defense Force, in addition to the six ships ordered earlier. Currently, another 30FFM vessel was being built by Mitsubishi Corporation. With these two ships, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has ordered a total of 22 frigates built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsui Company. Singapore's Business Times reported that Indonesia intends to buy four Japanese 30FFM ships in the country's military modernization plan. According to the newspaper, the deal came after a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide and Indonesian President Joko Widodo in October 2020. The 30FFM, formerly known as 30DD or 30DX (sometimes called FFX) is a new concept that was shown in the mid-term defense buildup plan. Specifications included 3,900-ton light displacement and 5,500 tons full displacement, X-band AESA, 16 Mk 41 cells, 8x AShM, SeaRAM, 5 inch gun, 1 x helo. Japan would add more DD, DEs to expand destroyer fleet size from 47 destroyers + 25 minesweepers in Heisei 25 to 54 destroyers + 18 minesweepers in the Mid Term Defense Plan. In December 2013 Japan approved a new five-year defense plan. This Mid Term Defense Plan (MTDP) defined Japans defense policy and capabilities for 2014 to 2018. The MSDF would receive a boost in destroyers, with seven more to be acquired, including two Aegis destroyers. The new procurement plan would bring Japans total number of destroyers from 47 to 54, and Aegis destroyers from six to eight. In order to accommodate the extra destroyers within the MSDFs force structure an additional escort flotilla would be formed. Each flotilla consists of two escort squadrons, with each squadron consisting of 4 destroyers. There are currently four escort flotillas, based at Yokosuka, Sasebo, Maizuru, and Kure. In 2020, news of negotiations on the sale of destroyers by Japan to Indonesia emerged. The name 30DX or 30FF / 30FFM frigate appears. This frigate with a dead weight of 5,500 tons has a stealth design, at a glance it has similarities with the Formidable Class frigate design. The manufacturer, namely Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), announced that the 30DX frigate would be offered for the export market. Because there is a desire to sell this frigate for export, there is a strong suspicion that the 30DX frigate is the one being targeted to be sold to Indonesia. The 30DX frigate features a 127 mm Mark 45 gun on the bow, two CIWS cannons, a SeaRAM - RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile mounted above the hangar. Then there are two canisters, which can carry 8 units of Type 17 anti-ship missiles, and 16 missile launchers in the Mk-41 VLS ( Vertical Launch System ). Responding to the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide who met President Joko Widodo at the Bogor Presidential Palace on 20 October 2020, the Japanese government is reportedly considering selling a destroyer to Indonesia. If the destroyer deal is successful, it would provide momentum for Japanese defense equipment exports and help realize Japan's initiative to make the Indo-Pacific region free and open . The plan to sell destroyers to Indonesia cannot be separated from China's expansion in the South China Sea region. Japan plans to export 4 destroyer escorts to Indonesia, and another 4 would be built in indonesia under 300 billion contract. The 30DX (also known as 30FF, 30FFM, or 30DEX) is a Japanese destroyer escort (multi-mission frigate) in development for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). But the export may be possible if it is made for the purpose of joint ship development with a foreign country. The vessel has an overall length of 130 m, breadth of 16 m, a standard displacement of 3900 tons with a full load displacement of about 5500 tons. The 30DEX and 33DD are two different programs that would be developed and built together. 33DD is different from either 30DEX Destroyer Escort Xperimental (3000t Type; equivalent of Abukuma DE) or Future Trimaran Patrol Combat Ship (2000t Type; equivalent of Hayabusa PG). All three belong to different combatant categories and though they are being designed/built together. Mitsubishi 30DEX is a smaller ship and has no VLS, being built purely as an ASW escort ship. Lighter armament, but fast and stealthy. It would replace Abukuma class DEs. DDR, on the other hand, would be able to multirole including AAW with better radar and missile armament developed by Japan. It's a new destroyer being developed to meet the requirement of DD successors after, and also based on, Akizuki class DD. Construction starts with the 3,900-ton type blue-water ASW escort ship class "30DD", which starts in 2019, and eight vessels are built over four years, and planning to start operation in 2022. The Defense Equipment Agency announced that it selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the main contractor in August 2017 and Mitsui zosen as the subcontractor. The Ministry of Defense is planning to build a total of eight ships, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plans to build six vessels, Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding plans to build two ships. The Japanese fleet would receive ships in the first half of 2022. The Defense Equipment Agency announced on August 9, 2017 that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was selected as the main contractor of the escort ship (new ship) procurement after 2018 (Heisei 30) year, and Mitsui Zosen was selected as the subcontractor. The project proposal was described in all the items requested by Japan Marine United (JMU), Mitsui Zosen and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., and the first stage evaluation satisfied the essential requirements for all three companies. In the 2nd stage evaluation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was the highest, and the next point was Mitsui Engineering & Ship, as a comprehensive evaluation was made from the viewpoint of design building capacity, management skills of affiliated companies, maintenance and maintenance ability. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced on 01 November 2018 that it had received a contract from the Ministry of Defense of Japan to build the first two of four ships of the new class for the Marine Self-Defense Forces. This is the first year procurement of the 3,900 ton type destroyer that began procuring in FY 2018. In this procurement, the Defense Equipment Agency selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the main operator in August 2017, and Mitsui Zosen (as selected) as the subcontractor in this procurement. The new destroyer "30DD" is planned to build eight ships in four years from 2019. Details of the contract value is not disclosed. According to Jane's, it would be more than 800 million dollars. The Japanese fleet would receive new frigates in the first half of the 2020s. The construction contract was based on the proposal which was carried out in FY 2017, and two ships of the first year contract are Nagasaki Shipbuilding Department based on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' design drawing, the Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding 2nd Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Tamano shipyard factory, each of which would be delivered in March 2022. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki Shipbuilding Company (Nagasaki City) would build one of the contracts this time and another one would be built at Tamano shipping factory in Mitsui E & S (Tamano City, Okayama Prefecture). Construction cost per vessel is estimated to be around 50 billion yen. This is the first time Japan would build a ship for the Maritime Self Defense Force at the same time at the main shipyard and the subcontractor shipyard based on the design drawings of the main business. In collaboration with Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding, Mitsubishi advanced detailed design work, and both companies agreed on cooperation in the project system in the future. These frigates would be capable of performing a wide range of tasks. According to reports, was expected that the frigate would be able to carry one helicopter, unmanned vehicles, as well as land and underwater vehicles. It would carry anti-ship missiles, a 127-mm cannon, an anti-aircraft missile system based on the Type 03 Chusam and a SeaRAM complex for short-range protection. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' proposed proposal adopts a combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) system with a standard displacement of about 3,900 tons, a total length of about 130 meters, a maximum beam of about 16 meters [some sources report 13 meters] and a maximum speed of over 30 knots. The new escort ship "30DD" of the 3,900-ton type escort ship class has loading functions of rotary wing patrol aircraft and has the capability to operate also underwater unmanned aircraft (UUV) and water unmanned aircraft (USV). For the engine it was decided to adopt the MT 30 gas turbine engine of Rolls-Royce, also installed in the new aircraft carrier "HMS Queen Elizabeth" of the British navy. And the diesel engine is equipped with two 12V 28/33 DSTC of MAN. Rolls-Royce announced on May 21, 2018 that the MT 30 gas turbine engine was adopted for the next Maritime Self Defense Force destroyers. MT 30 would be adopted as a major ship program of five countries including Japan. Rolls-Royce said that the selection of MT 30 by the Ministry of Defense is of great significance, commented that all the top 3 users who adopt gas turbines were evaluated the ability of MT 30 and adopted as the main next ship's ship program. MT 30 meets the essential requirements for modern ships that require high power in limited inboard space with the highest energy density among currently operated gas turbines. In addition, it was planning to provide MT 30 with a rated output exceeding 40 megawatts for Japan. Rolls-Royce has provided power to naval ships of the Maritime Self-Defense Force for over 50 years and offers Kawasaki Heavy Industries of strategic partners and more than 200 gas turbines. By August 2020 the first 30FFM (aka 30DX) multi-purpose frigate of eight hulls ordered for JMSDF were taking shape at Mitsubishi Heavy in Nagasaki. The first two hulls should be launched in 2020, after a drydock assembly having taken 12 months, with 22 hulls total so far planned. The Mogami frigate (FFM ) design for the Japanese Navy generated international interest both for its modern "stealth" form for low electromagnetic and thermal footprint, and for the whole concept of building a "basic" vessel, which can to then be equipped according to its mission. By 2023 Japan had already built 4 vessels of the class and was waiting for 8 more (with a main role at the moment of minelaying/minehunting). In August 2023 the JMSDF decided to expand the design to a "heavier" version. So the Mogami 2 ( if it can be called that) would reach 4,880 tons displacement from 3,900 (without load) with a length of 142 meters from 133. The new design would be created by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan Marine United Corporation. The heavier version would have 16 Mk41 missile launch cells as standard (the base Mogami has the space and infrastructure but no cells fitted, which is planned to be done later). There would also be a 127 mm cannon, a SeaRAM launcher ( as now), an unmanned helicopter would be added, in addition to the organic one, and of course the ship would continue to use unmanned surface and submarines. There would be at least 8 anti-ship missiles, a trailing sonar and a torpedo. In total Japan for the FFM plan envisages 22 ships of which it appears that 12 (as planned) would be of the "basic" design and the next 10 of the "heavier" design, with the first ones serving specialized roles, and the next ones as general purpose . In any case, the boats are large, fully digital, with significant automation for a small crew, so everything can evolve with upgrades. On 05 August 2025, Australia's Albanese Government announced that it was accelerating the delivery of a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet with the selection of the upgraded Japanese Mogami-class frigate as the preferred platform for the Royal Australian Navy's future fleet of general purpose frigates. Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Mogami-class frigate was assessed as best able to quickly meet the capability requirements and strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Defence was to then proceed with the next stage of the procurement process with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with the aim to enter early into binding, commercial contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the government of Japan in 2026. The Albanese Government's response to the Independent Analysis of Navy's Surface Combatant Fleet outlined that the first three general purpose frigates would be built offshore. This accelerated program will see the first three frigates built in Japan - with the first scheduled to be delivered to Australia in 2029 and operational in 2030. As a result, the Navy would receive its first new surface combatant five years earlier than planned by the former Coalition government. Successful consolidation of the Henderson precinct in Western Australia is expected to enable the remainder of the build to be constructed locally, in line with the Albanese Government's commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding. This NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 04 August 2025 - Day 1258 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that In total, there have been 144 combat encounters since the beginning of this day. Ukrainian defenders are decisively intercepting the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. Today, Russian troops launched two missiles and 54 aviation strikes, using two missiles and dropping 87 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, 1,575 kamikaze drones were involved and carried out 4,020 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Ukrainian soldiers repelled 14 assault actions of the occupiers in the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions since the beginning of the day. In addition, the Russian enemy launched 14 air strikes, dropped 22 controlled bombs, and carried out 343 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including three from reactive salvage systems. In the South Slobozhansky direction, Russian forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian units eight times near Vovchansky, Krasnoy Pershogo, Figolivka and towards the Cossack Lopana, Goptivka and Kolodyaznoy. In the Kupyansky direction, the Russian aggressor carried out offensive actions in the areas of settlements Golubivka, Zagrizove and Lozov. Ukrainian defenders have stopped six Russian attacks, two more clashes continue. In the Lyman direction Russian zagarbniki 23 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces near the settlements: Grekivka, Mirne, Wells, Green Valley, Torske, and towards Dronivka, Grigorivka and Serebryanka. The fights are not subsiding in seven locations. Four assault actions of the Russian troops were repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Siversky direction - the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the area of Grigorivka and Vyimka. One Russian attack was repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the area of time yar in the kramators komu direction. In the Toretsky direction, the Russians four times went into offensive on the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Toretsk and Scherbinivka. Defense forces stopped all Russian attacks. The aviation of the Russian occupier hit air bombs on Ivanopill . In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers 33 times tried to advance on the position of Ukrainian units. Russian forces attacked in the areas of settlements: Poltavka, novoekonomicne, red liman, suhec ke, fox, zvirove, kotline, lucky, novoukrainka and green corner. Three clashes are still ongoing. According to preliminary data, today 187 Russian occupants were defecated in this direction, 124 of them - irrevocably. Also Ukrainian soldiers destroyed eight cars, three motorcycles, 35 bplla, optico-electronic surveillance complex "Murom-M": also damaged the car and the control point of the enemy's BPLA. In the Novopavlivs komu direction, the Russian enemy tried 14 times to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of settlements: Green Field, Green Grove, Piddubne, Mirne, Temirivka and Maliiivka. The fights are ongoing in six locations. In the direction of Gulyaipils .komu, the Russian opponent once tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Malinivka. In the orihivs komu direction the Russian agresor attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders towards novoandrijvka. Ukrainian soldiers repelled four Russian attacks in the Pridniprovsk direction. In the rest of the destinations - there are no special changes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Conference - Canberra Transcript Monday 4 August 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon. I am pleased to announce my Government will recommend to the Administrator of the Commonwealth that Ms Krissy Barrett be appointed the ninth Australian Federal Police Commissioner. Before going further, I do want to firstly thank Reece Kershaw for his decades of service and commitment to protecting Australians and Australia's national interest, including six years as AFP Commissioner. Reece, you have achieved an enormous amount for our nation, and I hope you feel incredibly proud. We certainly wish you all the best as you get to spend precious time with your family. And I'm a bit jealous of what you have planned going forward. Commissioner Kershaw has made an extraordinary contribution to public life, and we are deeply grateful for his service. And on a personal note, as the then incoming Prime Minister, can I say that the personal relationship that I've enjoyed with the Commissioner as well during particular events, all of which we would rather not have to deal with. Commissioner Kershaw has been absolutely on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with his commitment to his fellow Australians. Krissy Barrett brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the position of AFP Commissioner. Krissy has expertise in community policing and operations, counterterrorism first response, serious financial crime and transnational serious and organised crime. In her most recent position as a Deputy Commissioner with the AFP, Ms Barrett has managed the national security portfolio. She is highly renowned for her leadership capability, and I've certainly seen that firsthand in the dealings that I've had with Ms Barrett, as well as the way that she has represented the AFP on matters before the National Security Committee. For her distinguished service to the Sollies and the Bali Bombings investigation, Ms Barrett was recognised for her leadership and contribution with the Police Overseas Medal in 2004 and Operations Medal in 2005. Ms Barrett's appointment that was done today by the Cabinet, will be confirmed by the Governor-General later this week, will commence on the 4 October 2025 for a five-year period. Today's announcement is a historic appointment for the Australian Government and for the AFP, with Ms Barrett becoming the first woman to hold the position of Commissioner. The role of the AFP is critical to keeping our nation safe. There is no greater honour than wearing the uniform of those that serve and protect Australians, and we are so proud of our world-leading AFP and the work that they do. Krissy, we very much look forward to working with you as you take on the leadership of the AFP. Going to hear from the Minister and then we'll hear from Ms Barrett and then Mr Kershaw before we take questions. TONY BURKE, MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS: Thanks very much, Prime Minister. A couple of weeks ago, Commissioner Kershaw asked to meet with me with no staff present. And in the meeting, to my surprise, he went through - as he may say a bit later - where he was up to both with family and grandchildren, and said that he had set October 3 as the date that he was intending to retire. I wasn't expecting the conversation, I wasn't expecting the announcement from him. But he leaves with his head held high and on the best possible terms with the Government. Commissioner Kershaw has led extraordinary work with respect to organised crime, setting up the Foreign Interference Taskforce; confiscation of criminal assets, now at $1.2 billion; work in setting up the cyber capacity; and importantly, with respect to our relationship with the policing organisations throughout the Pacific, the work at Pinkenba. We have been very well served by Reece Kershaw as the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police. Immediately after that, I went and let the Prime Minister know where things were up to. And the Prime Minister and I both immediately had the same name in mind, and that is for Krissy Barrett to be the ninth Federal Police Commissioner. Krissy Barrett has an unusual history in the Australian Federal Police, having started not as a uniformed officer and also having worked in the ACT and community policing as well. Throughout all the different work and the varied work that the Australian Federal Police conduct, Krissy Barrett has shown herself to understand the work and to be a true leader within it. The Australian people are kept safe by the Australian Federal Police. We are well served by the Australian Federal Police. We have been well served by Reece Kershaw as Commissioner, and we can all look forward to the service that will come to us by Krissy Barrett as the next Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police. KRISSY BARRETT, INCOMING AFP COMMISSIONER: Thank you, Prime Minister and Minister Burke, for this great honour and for the trust that you have placed in me. I am truly humbled to serve as the ninth Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police. I first started my career with the AFP as a 21-year-old administrative assistant down in our Melbourne office, and I never imagined that one day I would be leading this very fine organisation which now has a workforce of over 8,000 people and is posted in more than 30 countries across the world. The AFP's remit, experience and capabilities have changed dramatically over the years. We now police in an ever changing and ever challenging environment. But despite these challenges, the AFP's agility and innovation has ensured that we are a constant and dependable source of protection for Australians and Australia's way of life. As Commissioner, I will ensure the AFP continues to keep Australians safe, protects the vulnerable, and identifies and disrupts an emerging cohort of criminals who have mixed motivations and threaten our national security. I will have more to say about my priorities as Commissioner in the coming weeks, but today I want to pay tribute to Commissioner Reece Kershaw, who has transformed the AFP into a powerhouse of operational success under his leadership. Commissioner Kershaw has been a true mentor for me and for many others in the AFP. Commissioner Kershaw, thank you for what you have done for our members, and thank you for what you have done for our country. Our success is the sum of many, and those who have enabled Commissioner Kershaw to deliver his vision are the intelligent men and women of the AFP, whose connection to mission is unwavering. I now want to talk directly to AFP members. You make me proud every day with your dedication and your selflessness. You run towards the danger, you see the worst of humanity, yet you still come to work day in, day out because of your commitment to service. To all of you, I promise I will be your champion. I promise I will do this uniform proud for you. And to every Australian, I will be devoted to protecting you and our way of life. And I commit to working as hard as I can every single day, like every AFP Commissioner before me. Thank you. REECE KERSHAW, AFP COMMISSIONER: Thanks so much, Commissioner. Thanks, Prime Minister. And thanks, Minister, for your support and advice throughout my journey as a commissioner. I'm coming up to almost 11 years as a commissioner and as you'd appreciate, it takes its toll on the family life. And being a grandfather has changed me dramatically, and I need to be there for my family. You know, policing is such a hard profession that we work in, and we sacrifice a lot, and in particular our family, including the careers, my wife's own career. She gave up her career to support me. So, it's time for me to give back. I do want to be able to give back to the Australian community in some sort of other capacity down the track, but it's been an incredible journey for myself. I'm very grateful and privileged to have been able to serve the community. And I'd like to think that we made that - we have made the community safer. And the people of the AFP, they're incredible people, committed, professional, based all over the world and they do some fantastic work. And you should be proud of the AFP and the people that serve our country. So, thank you very much everyone. PRIME MINISTER: Thank you so much. Questions? JOURNALIST: Looking forward to the Reform Roundtable. Can we have any - PRIME MINISTER: Are there any questions on this at all? JOURNALIST: Just to the new commissioner, there's been a spate of officers post-career that have struggled at a particularly high level with the AFP. Is that something you'll focus on and something you think can be improved in terms of the outcomes for the health of officers once they finish? BARRETT: Yeah, absolutely. So, one of my key focuses will be ensuring that we have a healthy workforce, but also in terms of those members who have given service over such a long period of time - as I said, have dedicated so much of their life to the workforce - it's extremely important that we have the support there, not only for the members during their work life, but also after that. So, absolutely will be a focus of mine. JOURNALIST: Any changes to what's currently in place, or? BARRETT: Look, I will take some time to engage with the workforce and engage with stakeholders, including ex-members, but certainly that will be a focus going forward. Thank you. JOURNALIST: On another matter - PRIME MINISTER: No, can we just - questions on this first? Standard thing. JOURNALIST: People in Sydney and Melbourne have seen these mass rallies on the streets. I know they're state policing issues, but particularly because of your background, what are your concerns on a federal level about these sort of mass rallies that we're seeing? BARRETT: Certainly. So, first and foremost, we obviously work very closely with our State and Territory partners, particularly Victoria and New South Wales, and have done so for a very long period of time. In the AFP, we commenced Special Operation Avalite at the end of last year to have a dedicated focus on antisemitism. We have recently created a National Security investigations capability dedicated to hate crimes and to the role that we play in social cohesion. And I did say that I would have a bit more to say about my priorities going forward, but absolutely, that is right at the top of the list. JOURNALIST: Commissioner, the Prime Minister reflected on the historic nature of your appointment. The first female in this role. How do you reflect on that? BARRETT: Certainly, it's an absolute honour and privilege to be appointed as the commissioner, and I'm very aware it's a significant milestone for the AFP and for women in policing more broadly. I have been very fortunate to have some fantastic role models throughout my career, both men and women, and I do hope that I can play that role for aspiring leaders that are on their own journey within law enforcement. PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, Commissioner and - I'm not sure what the term is -- about-to-be-commissioner down the track. And I think you can see why Ms Barrett was the obvious choice to be the ninth commissioner. And I do want to reiterate, thanks to Reece Kershaw for the personal relationship as well as - most importantly, though - for the role that he has played for our nation to keep people safe. We can all be really proud of the work that the Australian Federal Police do. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, just looking ahead to the reform roundtable at the end of the month, the Productivity Commission said that environmental approvals reforms were pressing and overdue. How big of a step would you like to see those meetings at the end of the month take towards new environmental laws? Would you like to have them pass by the end of the year? PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Government will make decisions, and the roundtable isn't a substitute for government decision-making. Minister Watt is working closely with industry and with environment groups. I'd like to see these issues advanced as soon as possible. We know that the reform of the environmental laws was something that was commissioned originally when Sussan Ley was the minister, so it has been some time. JOURNALIST: Question for Minister Burke. Could you just clarify what's happening with the skilled migration program this financial year? No numbers out, as would have been the case in the Budget. Yet people are asking what's the number? Are you taking numbers from other categories, such as spousal reunions, et cetera? BURKE: Ok, what happens when the financial year kicks over is the department continues processing based on the previous financial years' arrangements. That's what the department's doing now. There's a process that we have in consultation with the states which is not yet concluded, but we're not too long from making a further announcement. JOURNALIST: Just on a similar point to Katina, we have a lot of groups from the Productivity Commission to Rio Tinto to the unions, they're all calling on a carbon price to be adopted or considered. Are you open to that notion? PRIME MINISTER: Government will make decisions as the government. Depends what you - some would argue the safeguard mechanism represents a signal. Certainly, that's the mechanism that we have. We have a target, and we have a plan to get there through the safeguard mechanism and the Capacity Investment Scheme. That's the Government's position. A whole range of people will put forward ideas over the next couple of weeks. That's fine. We don't intend to respond to each and every one of them. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, what message did you take from the number of Australians who chose to March on the Sydney Harbour Bridge yesterday? PRIME MINISTER: Two things. Firstly, that in a democracy, it's a good thing that people peacefully express their views. And yesterday's march was peaceful and was an opportunity for people to express their concern about what is happening in Gaza. And the images that we've seen, it's not surprising that so many Australians have been affected in order to want to show their concern at people being deprived of food and water and essential services. And so, the demonstration, in a democracy, it's important that people be able to express themselves. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, yesterday's march on the Harbour Bridge, did you support that personally? And also, do you share any of the same concerns that Premier Chris Minns has said, where more submissions could come in to use the Harbour Bridge for this sort of action? PRIME MINISTER: The march took place. That was a decision of the courts. We live in a society where courts are able to make decisions and the rule of law is important. To me, the important takeout was that it was peaceful. What I don't support is when there have been breaches of the peace, which has occurred in the past. But what we saw yesterday was a peaceful demonstration. In a democracy, it is important that people be able to express themselves. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Ed Husic said this morning he believes Australian politics has underestimated how strongly Australians feel about this issue. Do you agree with that? PRIME MINISTER: No, I think Australians do feel strongly about this issue. What's important is that we recognise as well that Australians don't want conflict brought here. They understand that Australia isn't a participant in the process and that's important as well. I've said consistently two things. Australians want people to stop killing each other, they want peace and security. But the second thing they want is they don't want conflict brought here. JOURNALIST: PM, thank you. Hamas warned in a statement over the weekend that it would not lay down its arms until an independent state of Palestine was established. Does that sort of timeframe - and given your preconditions that you've set for Australia's recognition of Palestine - does that make it difficult, if not impossible, for you to go down that path? PRIME MINISTER: No. Hamas are a terrorist organisation. They should have no role to play in a future Palestinian state. And I note the comments from the Arab League last week. JOURNALIST: PM, a lot of really significant reform ideas have been put forward ahead of Treasurer Chalmers' roundtable. Everything from CGT, tax cuts across companies, income taxes. It's really, really big now, what's being proposed. At the end of the day, it's the Treasurer - PRIME MINISTER: Are you surprised by that? JOURNALIST: Not at all. But at the end of the day, the Treasurer's going to be spending your political capital from the election campaign. How much are you willing to see done here? Are you willing to take a really significant reform agenda from this roundtable? PRIME MINISTER: To be very clear, it's not a meeting of the Cabinet. We just had one of those. It's a meeting in the Cabinet room. And I expect that there'll be a whole range of views put forward, much of which is contradictory with each other. So, it's fine, in a democracy, we shouldn't be frightened of people being able to put forward ideas. You guys do that all of the time. Indeed, one of your newspapers has, I think, on the front of it, 'a contest of ideas', so, I don't think there's anything wrong with having a genuine contest of ideas. That's a good thing. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, what's your message for Prime Minister Netanyahu? And do you anticipate pushback on possible recognition of Palestinian statehood? PRIME MINISTER: Sorry? JOURNALIST: Do you expect him to push back on your comments last week about possibly recognising Palestine as a state? PRIME MINISTER: Well, Prime Minister Netanyahu has made some comments that are certainly not consistent with a two-state solution, as well as - we've been critical of some of the actions of Israel, in particular the decision that they made in March to breach what would be expected of a democratic nation and withholding the supply of aid into people who desperately need it. And my message will be the same privately, as it has been in the past, as the public message. And privately, I have said to Prime Minister Netanyahu before, as I've said publicly for a long period of time, that I'm a supporter of a two-state solution, and that there can't be peace and security in the Middle East without there being an advance on that two-state solution. JOURNALIST: Your colleagues Ed Husic and Alison Byrnes yesterday at the march, standing in front of the sign calling for more sanctions to Israel. Are you considering more individual, targeted sanctions to Israeli individuals? PRIME MINISTER: No, we've made sanctions against two Israeli government ministers. They are very right-wing ministers and they're ministers who've engaged in rhetoric as well as actions that damage the opportunity to have peace in the Middle East. JOURNALIST: Recognition of a Palestinian state, the Treasurer said last week was a matter of when, not if. It will be inconsistent with the view of the United States. Do you feel it may complicate an already complicated relationship with Trump or you can - PRIME MINISTER: We're a sovereign nation. Australia makes our decisions as a sovereign nation. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister. Governments for twenty, twenty-five years have said they're going to make sure that multinationals pay their fair share of tax, and there's overwhelming evidence that they're not. I was wondering if you're looking for new ideas on that or whether the Government is moving in that direction? PRIME MINISTER: Look, I really - I look forward to the roundtable being an opportunity for people beyond just people who live and work in this building, to have input of ideas. That will take place not just at the roundtable itself over those three days, but importantly, in the public discourse that is now taking place. I don't think that's a bad thing. We should not be frightened of ideas. Doesn't mean that they're government decision-making, because they're not. This is a roundtable. Just that. It is not more than that. It's not a replacement of the Cabinet, we're not contracting out our decision-making processes. What we will do, though, is be prepared to listen, as we always are. Not just at the roundtable, but mine is a government that has consulted, that believes that there's common interest between business and unions and civil society. And indeed, in the engagement that we have, including with you good people in front of me here, we engage constructively. That's something that I want to be a characteristic of my government when the younger among you are writing, you know, the bios or what have you about what characterises the Government, that you say, well, they are prepared to consult and engage and harness the full capacity of the Australian people. That's a good thing. Shouldn't be frightened of it. And that's why we say we're not going to get into the rule-in, rule-out game or anything else. We're open for ideas. Our focus in government is on delivering what we said we would do, which is why in the first fortnight, the legislation that we advanced was about child care, was about the 20 per cent student debt, was about the penalty rates being protected, was about all of those measures. And that's been the focus of the Government. Thanks very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HK authorities specify 16 absconders involved in subversive organization 'Hong Kong Parliament' in Gazette Global Times By Global Times Published: Aug 04, 2025 02:26 PM The Secretary for Security exercised the powers conferred by the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on Monday to specify 16 individuals involved in subversive organization "Hong Kong Parliament" who are suspected of committing offences endangering national security outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) through notices published in the Gazette, the HKSAR government said in a statement. These 16 absconders, along with three other men Yuan Gong-yi, Fok Ka-chi, Choi Ming-da, are suspected of committing offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law by organizing, establishing, or participating in the "Hong Kong Parliament" outside the HKSAR, the statement said. On July 25, the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force issued wanted notices for the above 19 individuals for suspected of violating Article 22 of the National Security Law for Hong Kong: the offense of subverting state power. Accordingly, the police applied to the court for arrest warrants, the HKSAR government said in a statement. The 16 absconders specified on Monday, according to the statement, will be prohibited from making or dealing with funds, engaging in certain immovable property activities, and participating in joint ventures or partnerships with relevant individuals, while the measure of "cancellation of HKSAR passports etc." is applicable to most relevant absconders. For Yuan, Fok, and Choi, the Secretary for Security had already exercised powers conferred by Section 89 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, in June and December 2024, to specify them as absconders and to specify the measures to be applied against them through Gazette notices. A spokesperson for HKSAR government said that "These lawless wanted criminals are hiding in the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, Thailand, China's Taiwan region, and continue to blatantly engage in activities that endanger national security." They also intended to incite hatred through smears and slander against the Central Authorities and the HKSAR, the spokesperson said, adding that "We therefore have taken these measures to make a significant impact." The police also reminded the public that except under the authority of a license granted by the Secretary for Security, any person who, directly or indirectly, engages in any financial dealings with the relevant absconders commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for seven years. The Secretary for Security has instructed the police to compile the relevant evidence for him to consider exercising the power under Section 60 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to prohibit the operation of the "Hong Kong Parliament" and the "Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union" in the HKSAR, the statement said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China Chokes Western Defense Supply With Minerals Stranglehold - Reports Sputnik News 20250804 China is restricting supplies of critical minerals to Western defense firms, delaying production and forcing them to seek alternatives in other markets, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources at the companies. For example, the newspaper points out, one drone manufacturer that supplies the US military was forced to delay orders for up to two months while it searched for a replacement for Chinese magnets made from rare earth metals. Traders told the newspaper that some materials needed by the Western defense industry were now selling at prices five or more times higher than they were before China imposed the restrictions. More than 80,000 components used by the Pentagon contain minerals that are subject to China's export restrictions, the publication recalled. At the same time, almost all of the US military's supply chains for these minerals depend on at least one Chinese supplier, so Beijing's restrictions could cause major problems for the US military. In addition, Western buyers told the newspaper that China was requesting detailed information about the purpose of the purchased minerals so that they were not used by Western companies in military production. In early April, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said that Beijing had placed 16 US companies on an export control list to control the export of dual-use goods. As the New York Times noted, Beijing has suspended the export of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets, which are needed, in particular, to assemble cars, drones, robots and missiles. In June, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that China had agreed to resume issuing rare earth export licenses to US automakers and industrial plants, but limited the permits to six months. Reuters also reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that China had not committed to granting export permits for some specialized rare earth magnets that US military suppliers need for fighter jets and missile systems. Rare earth elements are a group of 17 metals that are widely used in high-tech devices, including computers, televisions, and smartphones, as well as in defense technologies, including missiles, lasers, transportation systems, and military communications. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with French Foreign Minister Barrot US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson August 4, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon. They also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and efforts to reach a ceasefire, ending the Russia-Ukraine war, securing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the ongoing conflict in Sudan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address GEN UPENDRA DWIVEDI, CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF INAUGURATES 'AGNISHODH' RESEARCH CELL AT IIT MADRAS TO BOOST SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 04 AUG 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi In a landmark step towards Atmanirbharta in defence technology, the Indian Army has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to establish 'Agnishodh', the Indian Army Research Cell (IARC) on the IIT Madras campus. The research facility was formally inaugurated today by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), during his two-day visit to Chennai. The initiative is part of the Indian Army's broader transformation framework, guided by the Five Pillars of Transformation articulated by the COAS. Agnishodh specifically advances one of the pillars, Modernisation and Technology Infusion and represents the Indian Army's drive to seamlessly integrate academic research with real-time operational applications. Addressing a gathering at IIT Madras on the theme "Operation Sindoor - A New Chapter in India's Fight Against Terrorism," General Upendra Dwivedi described the operation as a landmark, intelligence-driven response that redefined India's counter-terrorism doctrine. He noted that the 88-hour operation was unprecedented in scale, range, depth, and strategic impact, and was executed across the DIME spectrum. Highlighting the evolving nature of warfare, he underscored that Indian Armed Forces are prepared for fifth-generation conflicts driven by non-contact warfare, strategic tempo, and psychological dominance. Emphasising Indian Army's commitment to self-reliance under "Swadeshikaran Se Sashaktikaran," he outlined key collaborations under national technology missions such as INDIAai, Chip-to-Startup, and Project QuILA, with MCTE Mhow as a strategic partner. He appreciated the projects undertaken by Indian Army Cells at IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bengaluru by harnessing academic innovations. Lauding IIT Madras for its excellence in defence research, he said initiatives like Project SAMBHAV and additive manufacturing partnerships with Army Base Workshops are setting new benchmarks. He concluded by stating that AGNISHODH, the new IITM-Indian Army Research Centre, would transform academic excellence into battlefield innovation, powering India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. The Agnishodh collaboration will further extend into the IIT Madras Research Park, working alongside entities such as the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) and Pravartak Technologies Foundation. This will serve as a unique platform to convert lab-scale innovations into field-ready technologies. Additionally, Agnishodh will play a vital role in upskilling military personnel in key emerging areas including additive manufacturing, cybersecurity, quantum computing, wireless communication, and unmanned aerial systems building a tech-empowered human resource base within the Armed Forces. General Upendra Dwivedi also visited the Officers Training Academy (OTA), where he was briefed on the academy's infrastructure, modern training methodologies, and initiatives undertaken to prepare future military leaders for contemporary challenges. He lauded the efforts of the instructional staff in fostering excellence and instilling core military values among cadets. During his address, the COAS highlighted the transformative journey of the Indian Army, underlining the changing character of warfare marked by grey zone conflicts, technological democratisation and need for integrated responses. Reflecting on Operation SINDOOR, he stated that the tri-services offensive showcased India's ability to deliver precise, punitive and coordinated action, compelling Pakistan to seek a ceasefire within 88 hours. He emphasised that future conflicts would demand a blend of conventional strength and modern capabilities, where "boots must share space with bots." He reiterated Indian Army's commitment to its 'Decade of Transformation' through various reforms. The COAS also interacted with a gathering of veterans, acknowledging their enduring contribution to the nation and the Armed Forces. On the occasion, he felicitated four distinguished ex-servicemen with Veteran Achievers Awards, honouring their selfless service and continued commitment to nation-building. __________________ NA/RS (Release ID: 2152204) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel says to achieve war objectives in Gaza "without exception" Xinhua) 08:08, August 05, 2025 This video screenshot shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivering a video address on June 13, 2025. (Xinhua) JERUSALEM/AMMAN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he will direct the Israeli army later this week on achieving three war objectives "without exception" in Gaza, where more deaths of starvation and malnutrition are recorded despite days of aid deliveries. During his weekly Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said he will convene the Security Cabinet later this week to "direct the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) how to achieve the three war objectives -- all of them, without exception," listing the goals as "defeating the enemy, releasing our hostages, and ensuring that Gaza will never again threaten Israel." Speaking on condition of anonymity, an Israeli official told Xinhua that Netanyahu is expected to convene a security discussion on Tuesday to deliberate "a total reoccupation" of Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said in a statement that 120 aid packages containing food were airdropped over Gaza on Monday by the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Germany, Belgium, and Canada. Monday marked the first time Canada joined the airdrop operations. The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) said in a statement that its new convoy of 38 trucks, carrying humanitarian aid, crossed into Gaza via the King Hussein Bridge on Monday. JHCO Secretary-General Hussein Al-Shebli told Xinhua that 294 Jordanian aid trucks have entered Gaza over the past two weeks, out of a planned 452, due to continued Israeli restrictions at border crossings under the pretext of official working hours. An aid truck waits to enter Gaza from the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Medical equipment and devices have been denied entry, while inspection and clearance procedures have been prolonged, he said, noting that a single convoy now takes some 38 hours to reach Gaza. Earlier in the day, the Hamas-run government media office said in a statement that only 80 aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, bringing the total number of aid trucks entering the enclave since Israel's aid entry permission on July 27 to 674, much less than the 4,800 trucks supposed to enter Gaza in the same period. At least 600 trucks need to enter the enclave every day to meet the minimum requirements of life, it said, accusing Israel of "perpetuating a policy of starvation and chaos." Also on Monday, Gaza-based health authorities said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. Five new deaths due to starvation and malnutrition were recorded in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll of that kind since October 2023 to 180, including 93 children, the authorities said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Trump To Raise India Tariffs Over Russian Oil As Envoy Witkoff Expected In Moscow By RFE/RL August 04, 2025 US President Donald Trump said he will be "substantially raising" tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil as his special envoy Steve Witkoff prepares to travel to Moscow this week ahead of a deadline for the Kremlin to take steps to end the war in Ukraine. Trump said in a post on Truth Social on August 4 that India is not only buying "massive amounts" of Russian oil, it is then selling it onward "for big profits." They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine," Trump said. "Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA," he added without elaborating on the timing or amount of the new tariffs. Last week Trump said India faced a 25 percent tariff on goods exported to the United States and added that the world's fifth-largest economy would also face an unspecified penalty. He gave no further details. Trump, who has increasingly voiced frustration with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, last week gave Russia 10 days to move toward a peace or face sanctions and secondary tariffs that would likely target China and India, the two largest buyers of Russian oil. With that deadline looming on August 8, Trump has said Witkoff will fly to Moscow following his current trip to Israel, though he did not provide a specific itinerary. The Kremlin on August 4 did not confirm the visit, but did say President Vladimir Putin may meet with Witkoff this week. "We are always happy to see Mr. Witkoff in Moscow...We consider such contact important, substantial and helpful," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. A day earlier Trump warned "there'll be sanctions, but they seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions." "They're wily characters and they're pretty good at avoiding sanctions, so we'll see what happens." Kyiv and Moscow have been trading strikes ahead of the deadline set by Trump. In the most recent attack, three people were killed in Ukraine's southeastern region of Zaporizhzhya, Governor Ivan Fedorov said late on August 3. Stepnohirsk, a town only a few kilometers from the front line, was attacked, Fedorov wrote on Telegram, adding that two men, ages 40 and 50, and a woman, 58, were killed. Private homes were also destroyed, he said. Russia also reportedly launched at least one Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missile overnight, with Ukraine's military saying an air base in western Ukraine was likely the intended target. It added that the attack had been repelled, though Russian Defense Ministry said the "objective of the strike has been achieved." Debris from attacks across the Odesa region and the outskirts of Kyiv also sparked several fires, which local officials were quickly extinguished. Deadline Moved Up Trump has been pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a cease-fire and an end to the war, now in its fourth year. Trump announced on July 14 that Putin had 50 days to end the war or Russia would face severe tariffs targeting its oil and other exports, but he later moved the deadline up to August 8. This corresponded with a deadly week for civilians in Ukraine, including a July 31 attack on Kyiv involving more than 300 drones that killed at least 31 people. Ukrainian forces also increased strikes on Russian infrastructure. Russian authorities said the drone attack on the Sochi oil refinery was one of several launched by Ukraine over the weekend targeting energy and military installations in the southern Russian cities of Ryazan, Penza, and Voronezh. US Deploys Nuclear Submarines The escalating attacks and the approaching deadline for a deal come as Trump said on August 1 that he had deployed nuclear-capable submarines to the "appropriate regions." Trump said he had decided to reposition the nuclear submarines "closer to Russia" because of "highly provocative statements" by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The US president did not specify whether these were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. Asked later by reporters why he ordered the submarine movement, Trump said that "a threat was made by a former president of Russia, and we're going to protect our people." Medvedev, who is now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, accused Washington of playing a "game of ultimatums" in response to Trump's announcement that he shortened the deadline for the Kremlin to accept a cease-fire, writing that "each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war." Putin has not publicly responded to Trump's latest deadline. He has periodically claimed to be interested in peace but only on terms wholly unacceptable to Kyiv. The Kremlin on August 4 dismissed concerns over an escalation in nuclear rhetoric, saying the US movement of submarines was more an emotional reaction than a shift in military dynamics. "It's clear that US submarines are always on alert in any case," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow. Trump has recently voiced frustration with Putin after initially appearing more conciliatory toward striking a deal with Moscow following his return to office in January. The US president has since said that he believes Putin is not negotiating in good faith and last week described Russia's continued attacks on civilian areas as "disgusting." With reporting by Reuters and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-putin-ukraine- russia-witkoff/33493789.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 Trump Says Will Raise Tariff for India as New Delhi Resells Russian Oil 'for Big Profits' Sputnik News 20250804 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he will be increasing the tariff rate for India, accusing New Delhi of reselling sanctioned Russian oil "for big profits." Last week, Trump said that India would face a 25% tariff on its exports to the US and pay a "penalty" for purchasing energy and military equipment from Russia starting August 1. He also said that although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a friend, New Delhi had not been doing very much business with the United States. After that, the US president told reporters that he had been informed of India's plans to stop purchasing Russian oil and added that he considered it a positive move. Indian media reported on Saturday that state-owned Indian refineries continued sourcing crude from Russia. "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits ... Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India hits back at US threat to 'substantially' hike tariffs due to oil trade with Russia, calls it unjustified Global Times By Global Times Published: Aug 05, 2025 10:07 AM US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to "substantially" raise tariffs on goods imported from India, based on that India bought and resold Russian oil. In response, India called the move unjustified and unreasonable, vowing to take all necessary measures to protect its national interests and economic security. "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Indian goods imported into the US will be subject to a 25 percent tariff starting August 7, according to an executive order signed by Trump on July 31. In response to Trump's new threat, India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that "the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable," and that India's oil imports are meant to "ensure predictable and affordable energy costs" for Indian consumers. "Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," according to the statement on the ministry's website. In the statement, India listed six points, noting that it "has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability." It noted that India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumers. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. "However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," said the statement. The statement continued that "The European Union in 2024 had a bilateral trade of Euro 67.5 billion in goods with Russia... Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment." India also pointed out the US trade activities with Russia. Where the United States is concerned, the Indian statement said, "it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals." In early April, Trump announced 26 percent "reciprocal tariffs" on Indian goods in addition to the 10 percent baseline tariffs, but he then paused the imposition of such tariffs. The US goods trade deficit with India was $45.8 billion in 2024, up 5.9 percent from 2023, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Many countries have voiced strong opposition to the recent US tariff measures, per Xinhua. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's access to profile of pilots involved in attacks 'serious and dangerous': Israeli media IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 4, 2025 Israeli media have reacted to Iran's release of the profile of a female Israeli pilot who participated in the regime's 12-day war of aggression on the Islamic Republic in mid-June. Hayom newspaper on Monday said that the broadcast of the pilot's images on Iran's state television was a "serious and dangerous" move as her identity was revealed, and pictures of her husband and child were displayed. It is still unclear how the Iranian authorities obtained the photos and information of the pilot, the Israeli news outlet claimed. The reaction came days after Iranian intelligence operatives uncovered the full profiles of several Israeli pilots, commanders, and drone operators, who partook in airstrikes against Iran. The revelation was reported by Iranian official channels and the country's various news outlets on Saturday, saying those pilots bombed residential areas during the recent Israeli imposed war, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of hundreds of Iranian citizens. On June 13, the Israeli regime launched an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran, assassinating a number of military commanders and scientists in targeted strikes, and killing civilians in attacks on residential areas. The United States entered the war on June 22 by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites. The Iranian Armed Forces responded powerfully by striking targets in Israeli-occupied territories and an American airbase in Qatar. The war came to an end on June 24 with a ceasefire demanded by Israel. 4399**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian lawmaker: Visiting IAEA team will have no access to nuclear sites Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 3:01 PM A senior Iranian lawmaker says the delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that is expected to visit the country next week will have no access to nuclear installations. Ebrahim Azizi, the head of Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said on Monday that the IAEA team will be authorized exclusively and solely to hold "technical and expert-level talks" with Iranian officials and experts. "According to the laws passed by Parliament, Iran will not let physical access to its nuclear facilities under any circumstances," he said. "Also, no inspector from the IAEA team or any other foreign organization will be allowed to be present at our country's nuclear sites," the Iranian lawmaker added. Azizi stated that the restrictions are final and irreversible, and that the government is obligated to fully adhere to them. Issues such as granting access to Iran's nuclear facilities or permitting inspections requested by the IAEA are not on the agenda of the government and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), he said. On June 25, Parliament unanimously agreed to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA. The legislation was passed a day after Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations, managed to impose a halt to June's Israeli-US aggression that also targeted three of the country's nuclear sites. Under the law, inspectors will not be permitted to enter Iran unless the security of the country's nuclear facilities and that of peaceful nuclear activities is guaranteed, which is subject to the approval of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The rationale for the move was the IAEA's politically-motivated resolution, which paved the way for the 12-day Israeli-US aggression against the Islamic Republic, and the agency's failure to condemn the terrorist assault. Iran, IAEA will discuss 'method of interaction' During a press conference on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that no IAEA inspectors are currently in Iran. He also noted that Tehran's cooperation with the UN's atomic watchdog is regulated based on the recent law. The upcoming visit by IAEA officials to Iran is meant to discuss the "method of interaction" with the agency, given the recently approved legislation, the spokesman said. "We are facing exceptional circumstances, as the facilities of a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) have been illegally attacked by two nuclear-armed regimes," he said. "Unfortunately, the IAEA did not remain impartial, failed to condemn the attacks, and instead issued a report that provided a kind of political ground for making excuses," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian's recent visit to Pakistan to usher in 'new chapter' in ties: Foreign Ministry Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 9:43 AM The Iranian Foreign Ministry has lauded President Masoud Pezeshkian's recent two-day visit to Pakistan for its standing to usher in a "new chapter" in the neighboring nations' relations, echoing the chief executive's own positive appraisal of the trip. "The President's visit to Pakistan was of great significance," Esmaeil Baghaei said during a weekly press conference on Monday, addressing Pezeshkian's trip that had wound up earlier. Baghaei cited the countries' decision to pursue free trade on the back of a relevant agreement as a high point of the trip, saying the accord's details still had to be discussed between the two sides. During the visit, 12 documents were signed in various fields, including the economy, trade, tourism, customs, and culture, he added. The official said Iran served as the first country to recognize Pakistan upon its foundation and pointed to the friendly and brotherly ties that have been fostered between the two sides ever since. "Throughout the years, relations have remained strong, both at the government level and between the two peoples. Iran attaches great importance to its ties with Pakistan." 'Pakistan equally wary of Zionist expansionism' The official reiterated President Pezeshkian's remarks throughout the visit, saying the Islamic Republic also commended Pakistan's consistent stance of denouncing the Israeli regime's now-22-month-old war of genocide on the Gaza Strip. This "reflects Pakistan's principled approach towards the rule of law and its awareness of the dangers posed by Zionist expansionism," he stated. Trilateral Iran-Pakistan-Turkey ties Pezeshkian's visit, Baghaei added, also addressed the issue of tripartite cooperation among the two countries and Turkey. The spokesman noted that the cooperation dates back to the 1960s, when the trio set up the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), adding that the body was later transformed into the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which was established in the 1980s. The threefold nations, therefore, enjoyed not only historical ties, but also institutional ones, the official said. Although the trio began centering their cooperation on the economy, Baghaei remarked, they could build up on the precedence to extend their relations to "other areas, whether political and security-related or cultural and regional." 'UK in no position to question Iran's nuclear program' Elsewhere in his remarks, the spokesperson responded to recent remarks made by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in which the latter had cast doubts concerning the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear energy program. "The reality is that he is in no position to cast [such] doubt...unless such remarks are merely considered to be a form of political and interventionist posturing." Baghaei continued, "If he considers the International Atomic Energy Agency a competent and credible authority, then naturally, he must also accept its official reports," noting that the watchdog itself had failed to locate any diversion in the program towards non-conventional purposes. He said such statements only reflected Britain's own political stance and showed that the European trio of the UK, France, and Germany "no longer believe in their membership" in the 2015 nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic. "If they did, they would revisit the agreement's text and also United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 [that has endorsed it], which confirms and endorses Iran's peaceful nuclear program, including its right to enrichment." In addition to Lammy's remarks, Baghaei was referring to similar comments that have been made on recurrent occasions by Lammy's French and German counterparts. 'Whatever plan that includes enrichment warrants Iran's attention' Baghaei also addressed recent remarks by Iran's former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in which the latter had proposed the formation of a regional consortium hosting uranium enrichment. "The idea of a consortium is not new," having appeared in past negotiations without entering practical phases, the spokesman said. "Enrichment in Iran, as an inseparable part of the Islamic Republic's rights under the [Nuclear] Non-Proliferation Treaty, is of paramount importance," and any plan that secures this "will be open to our consideration," he added. 'Compensation indispensible part of any future talks with US' The spokesperson, meanwhile, reiterated that any future talks with the United States would indispensably address the issue of the Islamic Republic's demand for compensation from the US over the latter's assisting the Israeli regime in Tel Aviv's war on Iran in June, and Washington's own military attacks on the Iranian soil towards the end of the war. He said future talks - if those talks are ever possible - would "certainly differ from those before June 13," referring to the date when Tel Aviv launched the act of aggression. He criticized those dismissing this approach as legally uninformed and said international law holds violators responsible, citing past International Court of Justice rulings against the US's intervention in Nicaragua and Washington's actions against Iranian oil platforms. On new US sanctions against Iranian individuals and shipping companies, Baghaei said the move "is absolutely contrary to international law" and disrupts global trade, but added, "We have learned how to preserve our country despite unlawful and oppressive sanctions." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM Sa'ar meets with US Congressional delegation Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs The meeting centered on the importance of the alliance between Israel and the US, the situation in Syria and Gaza, and the importance of Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria. Type: News Topic: Foreign Policy Publish Date: 03.08.2025 Minister of Foreign Affairs met today (Monday, 4 August 2025) in Jerusalem with a Congressional delegation led by Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson. Other members of the delegation included Congressman Nathaniel Moran, Claudia Tenney, Michael McCaul, Michael Cloud and Heather Johnston. The meeting centered on the importance of the alliance between Israel and the US, the situation in Syria and Gaza, and the importance of Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria. FM Sa'ar commended the members of the delegation on their visit to Israel and on their true friendship with Israel. He also thanked Speaker Johnson for his support for Israel and expressed his gratitude for the strong support for Israel shown by the administration led by President Trump. FM Sa'ar addressed the issue of antisemitism currently raging around the world. Among other things, he raised the issue of the Irish government's intention to promote antisemitic legislation aimed at banning the import of products from Judea and Samaria. Regarding Syria, FM Sa'ar stated: "We want two simple things in Syria: The first is security. To prevent jihadists from establishing themselves near the border. The second thing is to prevent harm to the Druze minority. The Druze in Syria have undergone a barbaric and brutal attack. Now there is a humanitarian crisis in the Sweida area." FM Sa'ar stressed the importance of opening humanitarian aid routes to Sweida and emphasized the hypocrisy of the international community that is turning a blind eye to the situation there. With regard to the strategic importance of the settlement in Judea and Samaria, FM Sa'ar stated: "Israel will not commit suicide. We will not agree to a Palestinian state that will be a Hamas jihadist state that will leave Israel with indefensible borders." The minister further added that on October 7, we saw what happens when there is no strategic depth, and noted that he had always seen the settler community as a pioneering community that, by settling in Judea and Samaria, protects Israel as a whole. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gitanas Nauseda met with the President of Israel President of the Republic of Lithuania August 04, 2025 On Monday, President Gitanas Nauseda met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who arrived in Lithuania on an official visit. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed cooperation between Lithuania and Israel in the political, economic, security, and defense fields. The Lithuanian President noted that Israel's experience in the defense industry is invaluable, and that innovationespecially in biotechnology and life sciencescould become an important bridge for cooperation between the two countries. The Head of State emphasized the importance of the Lithuania-Israel Business Forum, during which key bilateral agreements will be signed. According to Gitanas Nauseda, this will enable deeper economic ties and promote joint research and technological development. Referring to the situation in the Middle East, the President reaffirmed Lithuania's unequivocal position on the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas against Israel two years ago and stressed that Lithuania supports Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law. At the same time, the Lithuanian leader called on Israel to take urgent steps to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Stripensuring the adequate delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians. The President reiterated that adherence to humanitarian law is a non-negotiable value. "Famine cannot be used as a tool in political or military conflict. We call on Israel to ensure respect for human rights in the Gaza Strip, and we condemn the violence in the West Bank and the illegal expansion of settlements," the President emphasized. The President also reiterated Lithuania's support for a two-state solution, in line with international law, as a path to lasting peace and stability in the region. Speaking about Russia's war against Ukraine, the President thanked the Israeli leader for attention to Ukraine and called on Israel to take a more active role in supporting the country under aggression, by increasing pressure on Russia at the international level. The meeting also addressed the topic of Jewish cultural heritage in Lithuania. President Gitanas Nauseda highlighted that Vilnius, which was a vibrant center of Jewish spiritual and religious life for centuries, continues to honor this legacy. The Lithuanian leader noted that President Herzog would have the opportunity to visit Seduva, the town where his great-grandfather originated. "Lithuania will continue its efforts to preserve Jewish heritage, which is an inseparable part of our cultural and historical identity. We will not forget those who perished in the Holocaust, nor the Righteous Among the Nations who saved Jews. Their names will live on in our shared history," said the President. President Gitanas Nauseda emphasized that Lithuania stands ready to work with Israel to build a secure and responsible futurefounded on cooperation and respect for historical memory. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China and the ROK Hold the Ninth Foreign Ministry Spokespersons' Consultation Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: August 04, 2025 13:51 On July 31, 2025, Spokesperson and Director-General of the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of the Foreign Ministry Mao Ning held the ninth Foreign Ministry Spokespersons' Consultation between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) with Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK Lee Jaewoong in Seoul, the ROK. Both sides agreed to enhance exchanges and cooperation in the fields of press and public diplomacy to contribute to the sound and stable development of China-ROK relations. On the same day, Mao Ning also met with Director-General for Northeast and Central Asian Affairs Bureau Kang Young-shin and Director-General of the Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs Bureau Seo Bihn of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the ROK. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Seoul to dismantle loudspeakers along North Korean border to 'reduce tensions' Iran Press TV Monday, 04 August 2025 6:34 AM South Korea's military has announced that it will commence the removal of loudspeakers utilized for propaganda broadcasts from the border with North Korea on Monday, seeking to "reduce tensions." South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, who took office in early June, has ordered an end to anti-Pyongyang propaganda on the border on July 11. North Korea reciprocated by halting its noise broadcast. On July 21, South Korea's National Intelligence Service stopped radio broadcasts aimed at North Korea, which had been going on for decades. Lee has been extending an olive branch, unlike his hawkish predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, who pursued a tough stance against Pyongyang and was eventually removed from office by the opposition forces. During his inauguration at Rotunda Hall in the National Assembly in Seoul on June 4, South Korea's Lee promised to reopen dialogue with North Korea and restore peace on the Korean Peninsula. However, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, has rejected the prospect of dialogue with South Korea, criticizing Seoul's "blind trust" in its alliance with the United States. Late last month, she said that Pyongyang had "no interest" in efforts by the administration of South Korean President Lee to improve relations between the neighbors, highlighting that South Korea's ongoing military ties with Washington made any efforts at rapprochement pointless. "When only the 50-odd days since Lee Jae Myung's assumption to power are brought to light ... their blind trust to the ROK-US alliance and their attempt to stand in confrontation with the DPRK are little short of their predecessor's," Kim said, using the official acronym for North Korea. "We clarify once again the official stand that no matter what policy is adopted and whatever proposal is made in Seoul, we have no interest in it and there is neither the reason to meet nor the issue to be discussed," she added. On suspension of the loudspeakers, she noted that it's nothing but a reversible turning back of what they should not have done in the first place." "In other words, it is not the work worthy of appreciation," she said. Kim pointed out that if the new South Korean president thinks he can sweet-talk them into reconciling the DPRK-ROK relations, he is making a "serious miscalculation." She mentioned the upcoming summertime South Korea-US military drills, which North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal. In October, North Korea revised its Constitution to declare the South a "hostile state" after Kim Jong Un called for the rejection of the long-held official goal of reunification. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening friendly cooperation in best interests of China, South Korea: Chinese Embassy on South Korean FM's remarks Global Times By Global Times Published: Aug 05, 2025 10:40 AM The Chinese Embassy in South Korea said on Tuesday that strengthening friendly cooperation is in the best interests of China and South Korea and their peoples, in responding to remarks made by South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during a recent interview with an US media outlet. In the interview with the Washington Post published on Sunday, Cho claimed that Seoul has become "rather alert to China's rise and its challenges," while expressing desires to maintain a good relationship with China. The remarks came as the new South Korean foreign minister traveled to the US at "a delicate moment" in the US-South Korea relationship, according to the outlet. When asked what the correct approach to China should be, Cho told the Washington Post, "We will try to send a message to China: 'We want to maintain a good relationship, and [see] you abide by international law in not only bilateral, but in regional affairs.'" In a statement sent to the Global Times on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea stated that China always firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations grounded in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China currently enjoys positive relations with all its neighbors, and that the vast majority of countries regard strengthening friendly cooperation with China as a diplomatic priority, the embassy noted. China and South Korea are important neighbors and cooperative partners, and strengthening friendly cooperation is in the best interests of the two countries and their peoples, the embassy said, noting that since the inauguration of South Korea's new administration, China and South Korea have actively engaged with each other, leading to a positive start in bilateral relations. "China stands ready to work with South Korea to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level," the embassy said in the statement. In response to Cho's remarks indicating that "China is a problem," the South Korean's Presidential Office said on Tuesday that "even if there are disagreements on some issues between Korea and China, we will continue to strive to create a Korea-China relationship that contributes to the people's livelihood and regional stability and prosperity," according to South Korean media Chosun Biz. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry statement concerning a moratorium on deploying ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles 4 August 2025 19:04 1295-04-08-2025 After the United States has undertaken deliberate actions that led to termination of the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (INF Treaty) in 2019, the Russian Federation made proactive efforts to promote restraint in this particular area. These efforts were reflected in top-level statements made in 2019-2020, which included Russia voluntarily assuming unilateral self-restraint on deploying ground-based INF systems for as long as similar US-made missile weapons do not emerge in the corresponding regions of the world. Russia directly called upon NATO countries to declare a reciprocal moratorium on deploying weapons that had been earlier banned under the INF Treaty, and US allies in the Asia-Pacific region to support our efforts to prevent the arms race in that part of the world. Regrettably, Russia's initiatives were not reciprocated. The United States and its allies openly declared their plans to deploy US ground-based INF missiles across the regions and moved along significantly in their efforts to implement these plans. An increasing body of objective data indicates, in particular, that the current state of affairs is as follows: testing a wide range of baseline versions of these US-made weapons has mostly completed, or is in its final phases; serial production of some of these systems is underway; the Pentagon is forming and deploying specialised units and commands in the corresponding regions to enable their forward deployment and use; the requisite infrastructure is being developed to suit these purposes; and there is growing evidence of such missile systems being transferred to areas of military training activities jointly with allies outside the US territory. Since 2023, we have observed instances of US systems capable of ground-launched INF strikes being transferred to the European NATO countries for trial use during exercises that clearly have an anti-Russia slant, such as exercises in Denmark which involved the use of a mobile Mk70 launcher. In the Asia-Pacific, we note that under the pretext of exercises, a Typhon mid-range capability missile system was delivered to the Philippines in April 2024 and remains stationed there. The same system was used in Australia in July during live-fire exercises as part of the Talisman Sabre 2025 multilateral training. During those exercises, the US military carried out the first overseas deployment of the Dark Eagle intermediate-range hypersonic system, openly stating that this was done to "project power" and emphasising the system's rapid redeployment capability. Furthermore, during Talisman Sabre 2025 exercises, an Australian crew of the US-supplied HIMARS system launched a US-made PrSM missile, which had been tested by the Pentagon in 2021 at a range exceeding 500 km and qualifies as a ground-based INF-class missile. These missiles were launched by the US Army from the Republic of Palau in June 2024 using an advanced autonomous HIMARS-based platform. Notably, these PrSM tests and PrSM missile firing exercises effectively mean that every M142 HIMARS and its tracked counterpart, the M270 MLRS, can be regarded as ground-based INF launchers. Future PrSM modifications are expected to exceed ranges of 1,000 km. These US-made systems have been widely deployed and continue to be deployed in many countries around the world, including US allies and partners, as well as Ukraine, which is using these systems in the warfare against the Russian Federation. We are thus witnessing a growing number of facts indicating the emergence of US-made weapons in a variety of regions around the globe including the regions that are of particular national security importance for Russia whose specifications qualify them as ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missile systems. The above actions by the United States and its allies go hand-in-hand with the official statements to ensure the long-term (in fact, permanent) presence of such US weapons in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. For example, Washington and Berlin have announced plans to begin deploying Typhon and Dark Eagle systems in Germany starting in 2026 with the stated goal of their "long-term basing." Moreover, a specialised US operational group in charge of these systems has been permanently stationed in Germany since 2021. The plan stated by a number of US allies to acquire ground-based INF systems from Washington and/or develop their own missiles with ranges falling within the 500-5,500 km bracket, or to expand their existing national arsenals of such weapons constituted an important additional factor. Clearly, these weapons systems constitute extra forces and facilities that will be used during "integrated" operations that are planned jointly by US military and their allies as part of the corresponding alliances and coalitions. The above steps by the collective West will form and build up destabilising missile capabilities in the regions that are adjacent to the Russian Federation, thus creating a direct and strategic threat to our country's security. Overall, these dynamics have serious negative implications for regional and global stability and dangerously escalate tensions between nuclear powers. Russia has consistently made it clear that this scenario will have our country take offsetting military-technical measures in order to neutralise emerging threats and to maintain strategic balance. Our repeated warnings on this account have been ignored, and the US-made ground-based INF systems are being deployed in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. In this regard, the Russian Foreign Ministry states that the conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar systems have ceased to exist. We are authorised to declare that the Russian Federation no longer considers itself bound by the previously adopted self-imposed restrictions. Decisions on the specific variables as they apply to response measures will be made by the leadership of the Russian Federation based on interagency analysis of the scope of deployment of the US-made and other Western ground-launched INF systems, as well as overall developments in international security and strategic stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova takes a question about the outcomes of the OSCE conference 4 August 2025 17:58 1293-04-08-2025 Question: An event in Helsinki marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe on August 1, 1975. What is Moscow's assessment of this conference in light of the crisis plaguing the OSCE? Maria Zakharova: On July 31 - August 1, the Finnish OSCE Chair-in-Office held in Helsinki an event to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act. The idea was originally proposed in 2021 by then President of Finland Sauli Niinisto, and we were supportive of it. The idea was to hold a solemn meeting of high-level representatives from the 57 participating states in order to revitalise the spirit of Helsinki in international relations. However, it all came down to a political show with an anti-Russian slant laced with the attempts to privatise the historical legacy of the Helsinki process and to promote the idea of infallibility of the Western doctrine of the "rules-based order." As a reminder, no one has ever seen these rules. The point of holding the conference became clear in March of this year when the Finnish CiO circulated a policy note that included the all-too-familiar accusations against our country in the context of Ukraine. Later, they made a list of side-event discussion items, such as "holding Russia accountable," "occupation of Crimea," and "persecution of human rights activists in Belarus." It is likewise notable that the speakers invited by the Finns to discuss the allegedly neutral topics during the main sessions included Zelensky (who spoke via video link), Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga, and leaders of a number of NGOs that are not welcome in Russia that promote the pro-Ukrainian agenda. The organisers deliberately avoided engaging in a broad conceptual discussion about the future of the Organisation, and the national delegations had no chance to lay out their positions. The main part of the event was dominated by keynote speakers, and discussions were held in smaller groups. The participating countries were allocated limited amounts of time to speak at the very end of the forum. Clearly, the outcomes of the event have zero practical value and cannot be used as a basis for constructive decisions. We believe this approach to marking an important date amid a crisis in the OSCE is unacceptable. The Finnish leadership used the OSCE anniversary to advance its national agenda steeped in undisguised Russophobia. We are witnessing uninterrupted - over the past six months - Finnish CiO's efforts to keep the Ukraine narrative afloat in all three OSCE "dimensions" at the expense of routine work. It strongly encouraged extrabudgetary activities in Ukraine and elsewhere that are not overseen by the participating states, and repeatedly attempted to undermine the Organisation's fundamental consensus rule taking numerous unauthorised steps in direct violation of the Chairmanship's mandate and the OSCE Rules of Procedure. Considering the circumstances, participation in the Helsinki conference at a high political level made no sense. We used the occasion to remind everyone of the real causes and the culprits who led the Organisation's to its lamentable condition, as well as of Russia's reform proposals, which have been rejected by the Westerners for many years now. We highlighted the fact that Russia had invariably honoured the fundamental principles of Helsinki. However, we strongly oppose the attempts to subordinate the Helsinki process to Western political agenda. We will continue to oppose the selective application of the provisions of the Final Act and will keep striving for the resumption of an equal dialogue among the 57 OSCE participating states and using the Organisation as a platform to speak the truth. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Potential Putin-Witkoff Meeting on Kremlin's Agenda This Week Sputnik News 20250804 The Kremlin does not rule out a possible meeting this week between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We do not rule out such a meeting," Peskov said when asked whether the Russian leader and the American envoy could meet in the coming days. According to Peskov, Russia views contacts with Witkoff, the US president's special envoy for the Middle East, as important and constructive. "We always welcome exchanges with Mr. Witkoff. They are meaningful and very useful," he noted, adding that Moscow is always glad to host him. "The dialogue continues, and the United States is maintaining its mediation efforts to find a path toward resolving the Ukraine conflict," Peskov said. Putin Not Completely Ruling Out A Meeting With Zelensky Russian President Vladimir Putin does not rule out the possibility of a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky after the necessary work at the expert level, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. "I would like to remind you that the president himself has always kept open the possibility of holding such a meeting. After the necessary part of the work has been completed at the expert level and the necessary distance has been covered," Peskov told journalists. At the same time, all preparatory work for such a meeting has not yet been done, the official added. New Regions Are Top Priority Working with new regions of Russia is a priority for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. "Of course, working with new Russian regions is a constant priority in the work of the head of state," Peskov told reporters. Putin will meet with the head of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Denis Pushilin later in the day, the spokesman said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IOM Re-establishing Presence Across Syria to Support Humanitarian Efforts International Organization for Migration News - Global 04 August 2025 Geneva/ Damascus, 4 August 2025 -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcomes the formal approval by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic to re-establish an official in-country presence and expand humanitarian operations across Syria. The Syrian authorities have expressed their readiness to work in close partnership with IOM to strengthen coordination mechanisms that support and promote the effectiveness and sustainability of its operations. "We are grateful for this endorsement and welcome the opportunity to work closely with national counterparts to meet urgent needs and support long-term recovery," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. "This decision opens the door for IOM and our partners to scale up assistance to people and communities affected by conflict, displacement, and climate-related challenges." Syria continues to face acute humanitarian, recovery, and development challenges stemming from the 14-year-long conflict. More than 13 million people remain in need of assistance, including 6.8 million internally displaced. Access to health care, clean water, education, housing, and livelihoods remains severely limited. Infrastructure has been heavily damaged, and the effects of economic decline, climate shocks, and displacement are deepening vulnerabilities across the country. IOM has been delivering life-saving assistance in the northwest of Syria since 2014. These efforts have played a critical role in reaching vulnerable communities with essential humanitarian aid. The decision to re-establish IOM's presence in Syria follows an official letter from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, that will enable the Organization to resume in-country operations nationwide. This renewed presence will allow for broader, more coordinated assistance across the country. It will help address both urgent humanitarian needs and longer-term recovery goals, aligning with national priorities and supporting ongoing recovery and stabilization efforts. In addition to humanitarian assistance, IOM plans to scale up programming in key areas as strategic priorities. These include supporting national efforts to strengthen migration governance and combat human trafficking, in full cooperation with relevant national institutions, and engaging the Syrian diaspora in national recovery and rebuilding efforts. IOM aims to expand its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to generate timely, reliable data on population movements and evolving needscritical for effective planning, coordination, and targeted assistance by IOM and the wider humanitarian and recovery community. Together, these initiatives will enhance institutional capacity, promote safe and orderly migration, and contribute to Syria's long-term recovery and resilience. While many areas have seen increased stability, challenges remain in some parts of the country, continuing to affect the safety and well-being of civilians. Amid these ongoing challenges, many Syrians inside the country and abroad have begun to express a renewed desire to return home. Supporting these returns in a way that is safe, voluntary, informed, and dignified will be a key priority of IOM's work. In line with international principles and in close coordination with the authorities, the Organization will focus on providing tailored support to returnees and host communities alike, helping to restore basic services, rebuild infrastructure, and promote social cohesion in areas of return, putting communities at the heart of their own recovery. IOM reiterates its call to the international community to strengthen support for the country's recovery. A principled and inclusive response, underpinned by sustained donor engagement, is essential to help Syrians rebuild their lives and communities with safety, dignity, and hope. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan's military developing boron carbide bulletproof plates: MND ROC Central News Agency 08/04/2025 03:17 PM Taipei, Aug. 4 (CNA) Taiwan's military is developing bulletproof plates made from boron carbide, a lightweight ceramic material, for use as body armor, according to an export control list released last week by the Ministry of National Defense (MND). The list, published online on July 31, states that the plates being developed will be capable of withstanding 7.62 mm armor-piercing rounds. Boron carbide is among the hardest known materials and is also lightweight and wear-resistant, making it ideal for protective applications. According to the ministry, an initial budget of NT$1.39 million (US$46,728) has been allocated to purchase 30 of the domestically developed plates once they are available. If the samples meet military requirements, the MND plans to procure 48,000 sets between 2028 and 2029 at a total estimated cost of NT$840 million. The export control military use list outlines items subject to export authorization due to their potential applications in national defense. Since 2021, the MND has released the list annually in accordance with the Defense Industry Development Act. Earlier this year, Taiwan began mass production of domestically made bulletproof plates that meet the U.S. military's Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI) standard. These plates are designed to provide torso protection against rifle threats and are capable of withstanding the standard 5.8 mm rounds used by China's People's Liberation Army. (By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. senators propose bill to support Taiwan's diplomatic ties with Latin America ROC Central News Agency 08/04/2025 02:02 PM Washington, Aug. 3 (CNA) A group of American senators has recently introduced a piece of bipartisan legislation to support Taiwan and its diplomatic partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, amid Beijing's continuous poaching of Taipei's allies in the region over the past years. The proposed legislation, jointly initiated on Aug. 1 by Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley, Virginia's Senator Tim Kaine, Utah's John Curtis, and Nebraska's Pete Ricketts, is titled the United States-Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act. The proposed act would reaffirm Washington's policy of supporting countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that diplomatically recognize Taiwan, establish a mechanism to monitor and respond to China-backed infrastructure and development projects in these allies, and require regular reporting to Congress on China's pressure tactics and U.S. efforts to support Taiwan's partners. The bill would also encourage deeper U.S.-Taiwan coordination in the region through joint development efforts, public diplomacy, and collaboration between U.S. embassies and Taiwan's representative offices, according to a press statement issued by Merkley's office. "China's campaign to bully countries into abandoning Taiwan is part of its broader effort to reshape the global order through coercion and backroom deals," Merkley was quoted as saying in the press release. "This bipartisan bill pushes back by supporting governments that choose to maintain ties with Taiwan and makes clear that every nation should be free to choose its partners without fear of retribution from Beijing," he added. "This bill ensures the United States is not only monitoring China's coercive tactics, but actively responding with transparency, accountability, and strategic coordination. It sends a clear message: we stand with our allies, and we will not allow authoritarian pressure to dictate the choices of sovereign nations," said Curtis in the same press release. The proposed legislation needs both Senate and House approval before the U.S. president can sign it into law or veto it. Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China, has lost 10 diplomatic allies to the People's Republic of China since former President Tsai Ing-wen () of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) took office in May 2016, due to deteriorating cross-Taiwan Strait relations. Five of them -- Panama, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras -- were Latin American countries. This has left the country with only 12 diplomatic allies worldwide. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Solomon Islands reported to restrict meeting to members amid dispute over Taiwan's participation; expert slams DPP, external forces for manipulation Global Times By Zhao Yusha Published: Aug 04, 2025 08:31 PM Solomon Islands could try to defuse a potentially explosive stoush over participation of island of Taiwan in a key regional meeting next month by restricting the gathering to Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members effectively excluding China, the US and a host of other countries as well, Australian media ABC reported on Monday. The report claimed that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is under increasing pressure over whether his country will allow representatives from the island of Taiwan to attend the PIF leaders meeting in Honiara this September. Taiwan has long attended the meeting as a "development partner" and has used that opportunity to boost its international visibility, according to the ABC report. In August 2024, when asked to comment on the PIF leaders' meeting reaffirming an arrangement for participation from the island of Taiwan in the forum, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The one-China principle is a fundamental norm in international relations and a widely recognized consensus in the international community, said Lin. Any attempt to establish "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" is doomed to fail. "The Taiwan authorities' attempt to use the forum to gain visibility is nothing but self-deception and will only bring humiliation upon themselves," he said. The ABC report on Monday claimed that Mr Manele is likely to propose to fellow Pacific leaders that the annual dialogue with PIF partners be deferred entirely, until after a broader review of regional diplomatic architecture is complete. That review, which includes a proposal to establish a new "tiered" system for PIF dialogue partners, was meant to be finished in time for the leaders' meeting in September, but has been hit with delays, according to ABC. Earlier this year, Solomon Islands refused to issue visa to representatives from Taiwan authorities who wanted to enter Honiara to help prepare for their delegation, according to the ABC report. This shows that attempts by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan to boost their visibility on the international stage and political manipulation by certain external actors have left some regional countries in a dilemma, Chen Hong, director of the Asia Pacific Studies Centre at East China Normal University, told the Global Times. If the strategic direction and national interests of an island nation are affected in the long term because of the Taiwan question, it is obviously not in line with its long-term development considerations, Chen said, noting that while some governments in the region may make temporary "compromises" due to internal political dynamics and external pressure, such moves are far from a genuine or sustainable choice aligned with their long-term strategic interests, said Chen. When attending the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province in May, Solomon Islands' Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Shanel Agovaka said that Solomon Islands firmly opposes "Taiwan independence" and supports the efforts of the Chinese government to achieve national reunification, according to Xinhua. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM call with President Erdogan of Turkiye: 4 August 2025 Press release The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan this afternoon. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 4 August 2025 The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan this afternoon. The leaders discussed the appalling humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They were clear that an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the urgent lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid were paramount. The Prime Minister set out the further action the UK is taking to get humanitarian aid to those who need it and his work so far with allies on a long-term peace plan. He outlined that it was his government's longstanding position that a viable and sovereign Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel can be the only basis for a just and lasting peace. He then set out how the UK will recognise the state of Palestine before UNGA in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long-term peace. On the topic of Iran, the Prime Minister underlined the fact that only a diplomatic solution can end Iran's nuclear ambitions in the long-term and welcomed Turkiye's role in hosting recent talks. Finally, the leaders discussed the latest progress towards signing a new export deal to sell UK-built Typhoon jets to Turkiye, and looked forward to speaking again soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with UK Foreign Secretary Lammy US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson August 4, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The Secretary and Foreign Secretary Lammy discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and efforts to reach a ceasefire - despite Hamas's obstructionism - and bring the hostages home. On the Russia-Ukraine war, both the Secretary and Foreign Secretary agreed the war must be brought to an end. Both the Secretary and Foreign Secretary reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon. They also discussed the ongoing conflict in Sudan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As Russian Federation Continues Brutal Attacks against Ukraine, Senior Official, Briefing Security Council, Urges Dialogue, Immediate Ceasefire Meetings Coverage Security Council 9971st Meeting (PM) SC/16134 1 August 2025 Meeting for the third time in a week amid the Russian Federation's intensified air strikes on Ukraine, the Security Council today heard urgent calls for diplomacy towards a ceasefire. "Diplomacy, not fighting, needs to escalate in the coming days and weeks," said Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. Requested by Ukraine, today's meeting followed Council deliberations on 25 and 31 July, drawing renewed global attention to the escalating war. (For previous coverage, see Press Releases SC/16128 and SC/16133, respectively). Mr. Jenca reiterated an urgent call for "an immediate, unconditional and complete ceasefire to pave the way towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace" a peace that is in line with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and relevant UN resolutions in full respect of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. He noted that the 15-member organ is meeting again as the Russian Federation continues its brutal attacks across Ukraine. Between 30 and 31 July, yet another large-scale Russian missile and drone attack hit Kyiv. At least 31 people, including 5 children, were reportedly killed, while 159 people, including at least 16 children, were reportedly injured. "The number of children injured in this attack was the highest in a single night in the city since the beginning of the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion," he reported, deploring: "These most recent terrible and devastating attacks follow a deadly wave of daily, relentless Russian air strikes". On the night of 28 July and the early hours of 29 July, at least 25 people were reportedly killed and dozens more injured across Ukraine. In total, 13,580 civilians, including 716 children, were killed, and 34,115 civilians, including 2,173 children, injured from the start of the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 until 30 June 2025, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Disturbingly, OHCHR has also recorded credible allegations of the execution of 106 Ukrainian soldiers captured by the Russian Federation armed forces between late August 2024 and May 2025, he added. The United Nations continued to see reports of civilian casualties, including civilian deaths in the Russian Federation's Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk and Rostov regions, he said. According to the Russian federation authorities, in the Belgorod region, between 25 and 29 July, at least two civilians were reportedly killed and seven others were wounded because of drone and missile strikes. "While the United Nations is not in a position to verify these reports, we remain concerned about the increasing impact of the reported Ukrainian strikes on the civilian population in the Russian Federation," he said. "By all indicators", said the representative of Ukraine, "the Russian Federation is an undisputed aggressor", citing its full-scale military invasion, occupation of territories, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and other offenses. "This list is not just a tally of crimes it's a diagnosis of a regime that poses a threat to the entire civilized world," she said, stating that this is why her delegation requested today's meeting. She reported that her country's air defences intercepted most of the Russian Federation's air strikes on 31 July, but not all. Kyiv was the main target, with attacks also hitting Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Sumy and Mykolaiv regions. This attack was preceded by another terrorist act carried out two days earlier when Moscow bombed a prison facility and killed 16 people in the Zaporizhzhia region, not by mistake. They knew civilians were inside, she added. "These are deliberate acts of terror by a Moscow regime that hears the world's calls for peace and responds with bloodshed," she said, adding: "Once again, the world witnessed Russia's response to our desire for peace shared with the United States and Europe with new killings, more destroyed homes". Poland's delegate said that today's meeting the third in a week reflects both "the momentum of international engagement" and "the extent of Russia's determination to continue this brutal war against the people of Ukraine". The speaker for Greece said that "the war in Ukraine has reached an inflection point". "While Ukraine continues to set out its willingness to move towards peace, [Russian Federation President Vladimir V.] Putin's response is to kill more innocent civilians," observed the United Kingdom's delegate. "Civilians must be protected and should never be targeted," said the representative of the Republic of Korea. Yet, time and time again, he deplored, "this is exactly what we see from the aggressor in this illicit, destructive, overlong war". "The images from Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities are harrowing," said the representative of the European Union in its capacity as observer. "We cannot become numb to these images, to the suffering they convey, nor can we allow Russia's behaviour to be condoned," added the representative of Denmark. "Once again, Russia is showing its true colours it does not want peace, but rather a complete annihilation of Ukraine," said Lithuania's delegate, speaking also for Estonia and Latvia. His counterpart from the Russian Federation criticized the Council's focus on Ukrainian issues, accusing Kyiv's Western sponsors of undermining the organ's credibility and wasting time by turning the first day of Panama's presidency into a "Groundhog Day of sorts". The abuse of the Council meetings to shift the responsibility for the death of its own citizens is "a favourite trick of Ukrainian State propaganda", he added. He said that his country's air strikes on Ukrainian military targets on 31 July complied with international humanitarian law, attributing civilian casualties in Kyiv to the deployment of Ukrainian Air Defence forces in densely populated urban areas. He also accused Ukraine of targeting Russian civilians with drones, causing significant injuries and deaths. "All of these facts are carefully ignored by Kiev and its backers," he said, adding that Secretariat staff from relevant UN agencies pretend they know nothing about this, or say it's impossible to verify the information about Ukrainian crimes. "The Russia-Ukraine war should never have started and would not have under President [Donald J.] Trump's leadership," stressed the delegate of the United States. Citing the President's pronouncement that a peace deal must be done within 10 days, she urged the two sides "to take it". "The Ukraine crisis is in a crucial phase," observed China's delegate, urging the warring parties to build greater consensus and make efforts towards a political solution. Beijing, he said, will continue to play "a constructive role" in resolving the Ukraine crisis. Many speakers expressed firm support for Ukraine, with Slovenia's delegate warning that the Russian Federation's aggression continues for the fourth year. With civilian casualties on the rise for months and more firepower being used in the overnight aerial attacks, "2025 is rapidly becoming the deadliest year of this war", he said. Rejecting "the repeated falsehoods that we hear from Russia in meeting after meeting", France's representative said that "the facts are damning at the origin of this war: Russia's decision to invade a sovereign country that posed no threat to it". He cautioned that despite President Trump's clear ultimatum, Moscow has since struck Ukraine's territory more than 3,400 times, resulting in at least 80 civilian deaths and wounding more than 300 between the night of 31 July and 1 August alone. Guyana's delegate said that the month of August holds profound significance for Ukrainians. In three weeks, they will celebrate their thirty-fourth independence anniversary an occasion meant to be a time of celebration and reflection, and one where they reaffirm their right, as a nation, to freely determine their political status and pursue economic, social and cultural development without external interference. Highlighting the war's impact on trade, Algeria's representative said that the current situation could drag the region into a spiral of conflict and crisis, "which unfortunately will be reflected around the world, particularly in developing countries that have been and continue to be affected by turbulence on the food and energy markets". Meanwhile, Sierra Leone's delegate spotlighted the plight of children. With over 1,600 educational facilities damaged or destroyed, access to education has been severely curtailed, further compounded by disruptions to online learning due to repeated attacks on energy infrastructure. Pakistan's representative noted with consternation that the diplomatic efforts at the start of the year, including resolution 2774 (2025), multiple rounds of negotiations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine and the limited ceasefire understandings between the parties are "yet to translate into meaningful progress" that could lead to cessation of hostilities. On that, Somalia's delegate said that "dialogue and diplomacy are the sole means to bring an end to this long-standing conflict and achieving sustainable peace". Panama's representative, Council President for August, speaking in his national capacity, warned against turning the organ into a convenient platform to launch successive accusations endlessly "as if it were a game of ping pong". "The world does not need more statements, but tangible results," he emphasized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Depot As Kyiv, Moscow Step Up Strikes Ahead Of Trump's Cease-Fire Deadline By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Current Time August 03, 2025 Ukrainian forces continued to hit military-linked infrastructure deep inside Russia, as Kyiv and Moscow traded strikes ahead of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for the Kremlin to accept a peace deal with Ukraine. Russian authorities in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi said Ukrainian drones had set a regional oil depot on fire early on August 3, but the fires were later extinguished after more than 120 firefighters battled the flames. Sochi Mayor Andrei Proshunin said there were no victims. In the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolayiv, a Russian missile strike destroyed homes and civilian infrastructure, the regional governor said on August 3. At least seven civilians were reported injured in the attack. Ukraine's State Emergency Service said three of the wounded were being treated in a hospital. In the front-line regions of Zaporizhzhya and Kherson, at least three people were killed and more than 12 injured in Russian attacks over the 24 hours into August 3, regional Ukrainian governors said. This latest round of attacks comes as Ukraine appears to be stepping up drone strikes deep inside Russia at a time when Trump is pressing Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a cease-fire and an end to the war, now in its fourth year. In July, Trump said Putin had 50 days to end the war or Russia would face severe tariffs targeting its oil and other exports, but he said earlier this week that he had set a new "10 or 12" day timeline, later clarifying August 8 as the deadline. This corresponded with a deadly week for civilians in Ukraine, including a July 31 attack on Kyiv involving more than 300 drones that killed at least 31 people, as Ukrainian forces also increased strikes on Russian infrastructure. Russian authorities said the recent drone attack on the Sochi oil refinery was one of several launched by Ukraine over the weekend, targeting energy and military installations in the southern Russian cities of Ryazan, Penza, and Voronezh. Russia's Defense Ministry also said on August 3 that its air defenses intercepted 93 Ukrainian drones overnight, 60 of which were over the Black Sea region. Meanwhile, Ukraine's air force said on August 3 that Russia fired 76 drones and seven missiles throughout the night, 61 of which were shot down. It added that 16 drones and six missiles struck targets in eight locations. Ukraine Announces New Prisoner Exchange Agreement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on August 3 that Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners. "There is an agreement to exchange 1,200 people," he wrote on X, saying the lists of individuals to be swapped were being worked on and that they were working to "unblock the return of our civilians." Zelenskyy made the announcement after a meeting with his national security team to discuss "the negotiation track -- specifically, the implementation of the agreements reached during the meetings with the Russian side in Istanbul," referring to Russia-Ukraine talks in July hosted by Turkey. He added that "preparations for a new meeting" had also taken place. There was no immediate comment from Russia. Each of the three rounds of talks around ending the war in Ukraine this year has resulted in some form of prisoner exchanges but has failed to yield a diplomatic breakthrough for a lasting cease-fire. What Will Happen With Trump's Truce Deadline For Putin? The escalating attacks and the approaching deadline for a deal set by Washington come as Trump said on August 1 that he had deployed nuclear-capable submarines to the "appropriate regions." That announcement was in response to a threatening social media post by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, that suggested he would be ready to launch a nuclear strike as tensions rise over the war in Ukraine. In an August 1 post on Truth Social, Trump said he had decided to reposition the nuclear submarines "closer to Russia" because of "highly provocative statements" by Medvedev. The US president did not specify whether these were nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. Asked later by reporters why he ordered the submarine movement, Trump said that "a threat was made by a former president of Russia, and we're going to protect our people." He was referring to a July 28 post on X by Medvedev where he accused Washington of playing a "game of ultimatums" in response to Trump's announcement that he shortened the deadline for the Kremlin to accept a cease-fire from 50 to 10 days, writing that "each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war." Trump has voiced frustration with Putin more recently after initially appearing more conciliatory toward striking a deal with Moscow following his return to office in January. The US president has since said that he believes Putin is not negotiating in good faith and earlier this week described Russia's continued attacks on civilian areas as "disgusting." Putin has not publicly responded to Trump's latest deadline. He has periodically claimed to be interested in peace, but only on terms wholly unacceptable to Kyiv. In an apparent reference to Trump's comments, Putin said on August 1 that "all disappointments arise from inflated expectations. This is a well-known general rule." It is not immediately clear what will happen should Trump's August 8 deadline not be met. In an effort to perhaps strike a last-minute deal, Trump said he is sending his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow following his current trip to Israel, although a specific itinerary has not been disclosed. Trump has spoken of imposing further sanctions on Russia and crippling secondary tariffs on countries importing Russian oil. Given that these would include targeting China and India, the two largest buyers of Russian oil, some analysts have expressed skepticism that Washington will take this measure. With reporting by Reuters and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-russia-ukraine-sochi- putin-ceasefire-nuclear/33493157.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 Our Goal Is the Full and Effective Integration of the Air Force of Ukraine with NATO Forces Address by the President President of Ukraine 3 August 2025 - 16:36 Dear Ukrainians! Today, we thank our Air Force warriors it is their professional day. Heroic people. Today, I personally expressed gratitude to them, presented awards, and also heard very important reports on the development of our Air Force, all of its components: combat aviation, our anti-aircraft missile forces, and radio-technical forces every element is being given the strength it deserves. This year alone, our Air Force received Mirages combat aircraft from France as well as additional F-16s. And more are coming. Today, we also approved the next stages in the development of our combat aviation new platforms and new steps in integrating our forces with the forces of partners. Our goal is the full and effective integration of the Air Force of Ukraine with NATO forces something that will undoubtedly give Ukraine's defense greater capabilities and, at the same time, make our country an even stronger part of Europe's defense. The system for managing and developing our combat aviation is functioning in a comprehensive manner within the Armed Forces, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. I want to thank all the specialists involved. Today, I appointed Anatolii Kryvonozhko as Commander of the Air Force he had been serving as Acting Commander for nearly a year, and much has been accomplished. It is important for everyone to continue working as one team across state institutions, with partners, and with the professional community. There was also a report today from the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council in particular, on preparations for upcoming meetings of the Staff. Among the issues on the agenda are the state of air defense and the new systems that will arrive in Ukraine. We are preparing for the heating season, and, of course, strengthening air defense, anti-shahed solutions, and our domestic weapons production are among the elements of our preparations for winter. The condition of critical infrastructure and the necessary decisions regarding it will also be addressed at the Staff. Rustem Umerov also reported today on his communication with the Russian side: an exchange of 1,200 of our people who are currently in captivity is being prepared. We must bring everyone home all our military personnel and all our civilians. No matter how difficult it may be. Head of the Office Andriy Yermak reported on communication with our partners, in particular with the Americans: the United States is committed to providing support. I would like to express my gratitude for that. Pressure on Russia can truly work in a way that makes them feel the consequences of prolonging the war. I also held a meeting today on our sanctions policy. Three sanctions packages have been prepared, and the first one has already been enacted today. Sanctions have been imposed on the captains of Russia's shadow fleet, and we will synchronize all of this all of these packages with our partners to ensure the pressure is effective across most jurisdictions. I have approved the synchronization of our partners' sanctions in our jurisdiction for next week all necessary decisions by partners must be mirrored by Ukrainian sanctions. And one more thing. I want to thank our people in the Kherson region, in Mykolaiv, in our cities and communities in the South, in our Kharkiv region, in the Sumy region. Everywhere where Russian strikes are constant targeting ordinary buildings, energy infrastructure, and essentially just people's lives. And there is always restoration work underway, and our people always do their absolute best to save others. Thank you! Thanks! I thank everyone who works like this for the sake of our country and our people. Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Held a Meeting on the Air Force Development Strategy and Appointed a New Air Force Commander President of Ukraine 3 August 2025 - 16:05 On the Day of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Air Force Command and leadership of the Ministry of Defense and appointed Lieutenant General Anatolii Kryvonozhko as Commander of the Air Force. The Head of State congratulated those present on the occasion and expressed gratitude for their daily defense of Ukraine's skies. "Today, our people have the opportunity to live. Families are being formed, children are being born. Children have the opportunity to study. All of this is thanks to the protection of the skies, despite constant attacks by drones, missiles, and aircraft," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. The President heard a report on the implementation by the Air Force of the 20-year development strategy of Ukraine's military aviation, along with the steps that must be taken. The goal of this strategy is to create a modern aviation component of Ukraine's Defense Forces one that will be a de facto part of NATO's forces and among the strongest in Europe. There was also a report on the results of using aviation equipment to repel Russian attacks in particular, aircraft of Western origin provided by Ukraine's partners. During the meeting, priorities were set for the integration of foreign equipment into the Defense Forces and for training personnel to operate it. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening comprehensive cooperation between Ukraine and Japan - focus of meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka and Japanese Foreign Minister Ukraine Government Service of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, posted 04 August 2025 16:24 On Monday, 4 August, as part of a working visit to Japan, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, together with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev, met with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi. The parties discussed a wide range of issues, including the expansion and deepening of strategic and economic partnerships between the two countries, progress on Ukraine's path to EU membership, Japanese investments in Ukraine's defence and security sectors, holding russia accountable, and other matters. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister briefed his Japanese counterpart on the latest key transformations on Ukraine's path to EU membership, particularly the strengthening of anti-corruption measures. He emphasised that a strong Ukraine as a full-fledged EU member aligns with the strategic interests of advanced democracies, including Japan. "Successful economic cooperation between our countries is closely linked to Ukraine's progress towards EU membership. Adopting EU norms and standards not only drives internal transformation but also opens up increasing opportunities for attracting investment, expanding trade, and implementing joint innovative projects," Taras Kachka stressed. The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that the consistent implementation of necessary reforms remains an absolute priority for the Ukrainian Government: "We will continue to pursue structural reforms, particularly in anti-corruption and the rule of law. In recent years, Ukraine has already achieved results in ensuring the independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption bodies and in judicial reform. We plan to maintain this high pace. For instance, last week, a law on the independence of anti-corruption bodies was adopted, and reforms to the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) have begun, which is a key element of law enforcement work." In this context, the official highlighted that the swift opening of EU negotiations on Cluster 1, which pertains to the rule of law, is particularly important for further consolidating Ukrainian society on the path of reforms. "We already have detailed reform roadmaps in the context of EU accession and count on the support of all international partners to accelerate decision-making within the negotiation process," Taras Kachka noted. He expressed gratitude for Japan's consistent support for Ukraine and stressed that such active political dialogue demonstrates that relations between Ukraine and Japan have reached a new level. The Japanese Foreign Minister reaffirmed his country's unwavering stance in supporting Ukraine's transformations and reforms on its path to EU membership. Both sides expressed hope for the continuation and expansion of cooperation in the context of Ukraine's recovery. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting between Foreign Minister Iwaya and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration KACHKA of Ukraine Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan August 4, 2025 On August 4, commencing at 2:10 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Taras KACHKA, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, who is visiting Japan to attend Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The overview is as follows. H.E. Mr. Andrii SYBIHA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and H.E. Mr. Oleksii SOBOLEV, Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine also joined the meeting. At the outset, Minister Iwaya expressed his congratulations to Deputy Prime Minister Kachka on his appointment. He stated that Japan would continue to work closely with the international community and the G7 to support Ukraine's efforts for the realization of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. In addition, Minister Iwaya conveyed that Japan would not waver in its position of standing with Ukraine, and introduced Japan's support and efforts for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Kachka and Minister Sobolev expressed their gratitude for Japan's wide-ranging support for Ukraine and stated their desire to further deepen cooperation with Japan, including through the opportunity of the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2025 in October. Minister Iwaya also conveyed Japan's expectation that Ukraine will continue and strengthen its domestic reforms, including anti-corruption measures. Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in economic field, including the entry into force of the Tax Convention between Japan and Ukraine on the 1st of this month and progress in investment agreement negotiations, and security fields. They agreed to continue to work closely together. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-Ukraine Foreign Ministers' Meeting (Working Dinner) Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan August 4, 2025 On August 4, commencing at 6:30 p.m. for approximately 70 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting (working dinner) with H.E. Mr. Andrii SYBIHA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, who is visiting Japan to attend Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The overview is as follows. At the outset, Minister Iwaya once again welcomed Minister Sybiha's visit to Japan. Minister Iwaya then emphasized that Japan would continue to support Ukraine's efforts to realize a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as posssible. In response, Minister Sybiha expressed gratitude for Japan's continued support for Ukraine and touched upon the deep bond between the two countries. He then showed his willingnss to further strengthen cooperation with Japan, as the situation surrounding Ukraine affects that of the Indo-Pacific. The two sides had a candid exchange of views on the situation surrounding Ukraine and the latest status of the international efforts. The two Ministers shared the view to continue close coopeation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Courtesy Call on Chief Cabinet Secretary HAYASHI Yoshimasa by the delegation headed by H.E. Mr. Taras KACHKA, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan August 4, 2025 On August 4, commencing at 4:10 p.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, received a courtesy call by the delegation headed by H.E. Mr. Taras KACHKA, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine. The overview is as follows. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi conveyed that Japan would support for Ukraine's efforts toward a just and lasting peace. He also stated that Japan would not waver in its position of supporting for Ukraine, and that around 30 documents for cooperation were signed at the Japan-Ukraine Economic Reconstruction Promotion Forum today. He also coveyed that Japan would continue to promote support through public-private partnership. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Kachka expressed their gratitude for Japan's support to date. They then exchanged views on the recent situation, including how to respond to abductions issues by North Korea, and shared the view to continue close cooperation between the two countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary General welcomes first package of U.S. equipment for Ukraine funded by the Netherlands under new NATO initiative NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 04 Aug. 2025 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte today (4 August 2025) welcomed the first package of U.S. military equipment for Ukraine coordinated under the new NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. The Secretary General and the Dutch government confirmed that the Netherlands is funding the first package in full. "I commend The Netherlands for taking the lead and turning this initiative into concrete support on the ground, building on the steps taken last week by Germany to deliver more Patriot systems to Ukraine," said the Secretary General. "This is about getting Ukraine the equipment it urgently needs now to defend itself against Russian aggression. The aim of all Allied assistance to Ukraine is to bring the war to a just and lasting end, in support of President Trump's peace efforts. I have written to all NATO Allies, urging them to contribute towards this burden sharing initiative, and I expect further significant announcements from other Allies soon," he added. Today's announcement follows the agreement made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on 14 July 2025. This new initiative is funded by European Allies and Canada, and will consist of regular packages, each worth roughly $500 million, containing equipment and munitions identified by Ukraine as operational priorities. These include capabilities that the United States can provide in greater volumes than Europe and Canada alone. Packages will be prepared rapidly and issued on a regular basis. At the NATO Summit in The Hague, Allies agreed that the common responsibility of supporting Ukraine must be shared more evenly. "This new initiative delivers on this commitment, and builds directly on key decisions made by leaders in The Hague by increasing defence investment and sustaining support to Ukraine," said Secretary General Rutte. NATO will coordinate the delivery of the packages, including through the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) command in Wiesbaden. Working closely with Ukraine and the United States, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe Alexus Grynkewich will validate packages that correspond to Ukraine's needs, such as air defence, ammunition and other critical equipment for rapid delivery from U.S. stockpiles. PURL complements other ongoing initiatives to provide support to Ukraine, including the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) Trust Fund and the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP), as well as a wide range of vital bilateral efforts by Allies and partners. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Strikes Ukrainian Airfields With Kinzhal Missiles Sputnik News 20250804 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Tsentr Battlegroup has eliminated over 385 Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. "Ukrainian armed formations sustained losses of over 385 troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, two vehicles and two field artillery guns," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Zapad Battlegroup has eliminated up to 225 soldiers and the Vostok Battlegroup has eliminated over 215 soldiers over the given period, the ministry added. "Today, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered a group strike by the Kinzhal aeroballistic hypersonic missiles and attack long-range unmanned aerial vehicles at infrastructure of the Ukrainian military airfields. The goal of the strike has been achieved, all the assigned targets were engaged," the ministry said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Frets Over Air Defense Gaps After Sending Patriots to Ukraine Sputnik News 20250804 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - EU countries are wary of a long-term gap in their air defense due to the transfer of EU Patriot systems to Ukraine, Euractiv reported on Monday, citing a European diplomat. In July, US President Donald Trump said that Washington would supply weapons, including Patriot air defense systems, to Ukraine, with European nations covering all the costs. He called it a "very big deal" with "billions of dollars' worth of military equipment" to be purchased from the US. France, Italy, the Czech Republic and Hungary refused to take part in the initiative. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Germany is ready to provide Ukraine with two Patriot systems, but only if the replenishment of German arsenals is guaranteed within six to eight months. Pistorius later announced that agreements with the US include supplying Kiev with five Patriot systems. European arsenals have already been depleted by previous donations to Ukraine, and European countries fear lengthy gaps in their own air defense if supplies from the US are not as rapid as Trump claimed, Euractiv reported. It would be "scary" for the EU to give up their own Patriot systems for Kiev, a senior European diplomat was quoted as saying by Euractiv. NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, Admiral Pierre Vandier, estimated that deliveries of new Patriot systems from the US could take about seven years, while another "more optimistic" source claimed it would take at least a couple of years, the report said. Russia believes that supplying arms to Ukraine hinders peace efforts and drags NATO allies into the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any Ukraine-bound weapon shipments will be a legitimate target for Russian troops. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha met with Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Yoji Muto Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 04 August 2025 17:29 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Pleased to meet with Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto. Japan is one of Ukraine's most important economic partners in the Asia-Pacific region. By providing over $15 billion in assistance to Ukraine, Japan stands among the largest contributors to our resilience and defense. Together with Vice Prime Minister Taras Kachka and Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev, we discussed ways to deepen our cooperation in key sectors: support for small and medium-sized enterprises, digital infrastructure, green energy and industrial revival. We deeply appreciate Japan's leadership in hosting the Ukraine Mine Action Conference this October as well as its long-term commitment to developing a self-reliant and innovative Ukraine. Japan's 27 sanctions packages targeting sectors, individuals, entities, and those facilitating sanctions evasion are crucial in depriving the aggressor of the means to wage war against Ukraine and other nations". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 04 August 2025 18:50 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Ukrainian delegation had a great meeting with Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi - a true friend of Ukraine. We reaffirmed our outstanding partnership and shared commitment to global stability. We also discussed Japan's essential role in defending international law, coordinating with democratic allies and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. I conveyed heartfelt thanks for Japan's principled stance and unwavering solidarity". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeshi Iwaya Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 04 August 2025 19:26 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "The first day of my visit to Japan ended on a high note - with a warm and substantive meeting with my counterpart and steadfast friend of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. We discussed the situation on the battlefield, current diplomatic efforts for a just peace, sanctions policy, cooperation within the UN and common security challenges for our countries. Consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine are directly felt in the Asia-Pacific region as well. Minister Iwaya responded with deep empathy to the recent Russian attack on Kyiv and the tragic civilian losses. A key focus was accountability for the crime of aggression. I thanked Japan for its role in the Special Tribunal Core Group, the Register of Damages, and the Compensation Mechanism. I also expressed heartfelt gratitude for Japan's generous financial, humanitarian, and reconstruction support. Ahead lies a major milestone - Japan hosting the Ukraine Mine Action Conference, a crucial step for rebuilding a safe Ukraine. We continue working together for our common goal - a just, lasting and comprehensive peace." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The United States and NATO launch a new mechanism to support Ukraine Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 4 August, 2025, 8:33 PM EEST The United States and NATO are launching a new mechanism to support Ukraine through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). The objective of the mechanism is to ensure the rapid delivery of systems and weaponry to Ukraine - that can be sourced primarily and in large volumes from the United States - to strengthen Ukraine's positions and create the conditions for achieving a just and lasting peace. This initiative is being implemented within the framework of agreements between the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of the United States Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Through this new mechanism, Allied and partner nations can fund the delivery of U.S. weapons and technologies via voluntary contributions. The PURL mechanism consists of a list of equipment and munitions based on Ukraine's requests and validated by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). New packages will be announced on a regular basis. NATO will coordinate the delivery of these packages, including through the NATO Security Assistance and Training to Ukraine - NSATU). The Netherlands has generously funded the first Package, worth 500m, and we expect the weapons to arrive in the very near future. We expect further significant announcements to follow. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Discussed Pressing Issues with Kharkiv Community Representatives President of Ukraine 4 August 2025 - 20:39 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of Kharkiv's business sector, volunteer and veterans' communities, schools, and universities. The Head of State thanked veterans, medical workers, utility workers, teachers, volunteers, and all residents of the Kharkiv region for their resilience during wartime. He also thanked the business community for supporting Ukraine, its economic potential, and preserving jobs for the people. One of the key topics of discussion was supporting the economy in frontline and border areas. In particular, the conversation focused on creating a special program for frontline regions that would be effective for both people and communities and include reduced tax burdens for businesses. The President noted that the state would consider the possibility of increasing the percentage of employees exempted from mobilization at enterprises located and operating directly in frontline and border areas. The government will also work on a mechanism for raising salaries for teachers, medical workers, and public sector employees in these regions. Additionally, the state plans to introduce insurance for local businesses and provide guarantees for down payments on mortgages in frontline and border regions. The meeting also addressed support for veterans, volunteers, and their families, as well as the issue of payments for energy consumed by heat supply companies and the restructuring of gas-related debts. "I'll speak with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance. And we'll discuss the gas issue separately with Naftogaz. All of your concerns will be addressed," said the Head of State. Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine - Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba announced that a legislative initiative has already been prepared to prohibit the seizure of accounts belonging to such enterprises. This week, the government will hold a meeting focused on the issue of tariff discrepancies for heat utility companies and related to the moratorium on tariff increases. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The State Will Continue to Support Our Cities and Communities in the Eastern Part of Ukraine - Address by the President President of Ukraine 4 August 2025 - 17:49 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! Today, in Kharkiv and the region, with our people of great strength. First, I visited combat brigades. The Vovchansk direction - the 57th Brigade. Then, the positions of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade. These are very effective brigades - thank you, warriors, for every occupier destroyed. I presented the men with state awards. In both brigades, we had very candid conversations - including about how the important decisions already made are working in practice, particularly regarding direct funding for brigades - first of all, funding for drones. It's very important now to give brigades more opportunities to independently purchase pickup trucks and other necessary equipment as well - based on their own needs and choices. Unfortunately, there are still many legal hurdles and red tape. We will simplify everything and give more opportunities to our brigades. Tomorrow, I will convene a Staff meeting to discuss everything we heard today from our servicemen. Plus, the development of contracts in the army - so that contracts can be expanded, including on the basis of the experience of "18-24" contracts. I've already spoken with the head of the region and the head of the city about additional financial support for the brigades in the Kharkiv region that are carrying out combat missions - this is something we discussed today with the guys from the 57th Brigade. Of course, there are things we'll not disclose publicly - those we discussed with the battalion commanders - but we will do our best to implement all of it as well. It was important to meet today in Kharkiv with our communities, with representatives of businesses, schools, and universities. I'm grateful to everyone for their work in Kharkiv, for Kharkiv, and for all of our Ukraine. The state will continue to support our cities and communities in the eastern part of Ukraine. In particular, this includes special conditions for businesses in frontline and border areas - to preserve jobs and sustain our Ukrainian production. There are many specific aspects, and we have already discussed them with Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. I am expecting a report on the action plan for the border areas. And one more thing - something special. Here in Kharkiv, I met today with very young boys and girls - but they already know what they want, who they want to become, and that their choice is Ukraine - an independent Ukraine. We are all fighting for one thing - independence for Ukraine, a battle still to be won together by all Ukrainians. I am absolutely confident that well do it - Ukraine will always be independent and strong. Just like our people. Thank you, people! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains GRU mole in MoD State Special Transport Service Security Service of Ukraine 10:00, 4 August 2025 The SSU Military Counterintelligence has uncovered another attempt by russia's military intelligence agency ('the GRU') to penetrate the Defence Forces. As a result of proactive measures in Dnipropetrovsk region, the SSU has detained a mobilized soldier to the combat brigade of the State Special Transport Service of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, who was working for the enemy. The detention took place while the suspect was undergoing general military training. According to the investigation, the soldier was recruited by the occupiers after being mobilized to the relevant unit. He came to the attention of the GRU due to his pro-russian comments on social media. The agent's main task was to adjust russian air strikes against the Defense Forces in Dnipropetrovsk region. It has been documented that the suspect leaked the geolocation of the military unit where he underwent military training. After that, the mole started gathering the coordinates of nearby Defense Forces units that the occupiers were planning to hit with missiles. The agent passed the collected intelligence to the handler via messenger marking targets on Google maps with detailed descriptions. The SSU Military Counterintelligence has exposed the mole, documented his contacts with the GRU, and detained him. During the special operation, measures were taken to secure the locations of the Defense Forces in the area of enemy reconnaissance activity. During a search, the detainee was seized of a phone with evidence of working for the enemy. Investigators of the SSU Office in Dnipropetrovsk region have notified the traitor of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason committed under martial law). The offender is in custody without the right to bail and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Dnipro Specialized Prosecutor's Office on Defense in the Eastern Region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump says U.S. nuclear submarines deployed to "where they have to be" People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 17:04, August 04, 2025 WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that two nuclear submarines have arrived "where they have to be," two days after he ordered their deployment. "I've already put out a statement, and the answer is, they are in the region ... where they have to be," Trump said. Trump on Friday said on his Truth Social that he ordered two nuclear submarines "in the appropriate regions" following his spat with Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and deputy chair of the Security Council. On July 28, Trump cut short the deadline for Moscow to end the conflict with Ukraine to "10 or 12 days" from the initial 50-day timeline, citing disappointment with "Moscow's lack of willingness to compromise." Later that day, Medvedev said Trump is playing an "ultimatum game with Russia," calling his threat "a step towards war ... with his own country." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Emerald Law Group Logo SEATTLE, Aug. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emerald Law Group has secured a $1.15 million settlement on behalf of the estate and surviving children of Destinie Gates-Jackson, a 33-year-old mother of two who was fatally assaulted in 2020 by her former boyfriend, Lester Thompson. The civil complaint alleged that the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) failed in its duty to supervise Thompson, who was on parole at the time for a prior assault against Ms. Gates-Jackson. According to the lawsuit, despite Thompsons history of domestic violence and an active no-contact order, he remained in the community under DOC supervision. The litigation revealed that the DOC allegedly failed to adequately monitor his compliance with parole conditions. Thompson later absconded from supervision, ultimately leading to the fatal incident that claimed Ms. Gates-Jacksons life. Emerald Law Group represented the estate of Destinie Gates-Jackson on behalf of her two children a minor daughter and an adult son who are now left to navigate life without their mother. This case is a devastating reminder of how systemic failures in supervision and accountability can have fatal consequences, said Michael Gustafson, attorney at Emerald Law Group. While no amount of money can bring back Destinie, we hope this settlement provides her children with some measure of justice and stability. Our team remains committed to holding institutions accountable when they neglect their duty to protect those most at risk. The settlement is intended to support the long-term care and well-being of the children, including funds for housing, education, and therapy. About Emerald Law Group Emerald Law Group is a Seattle Personal Injury Law Firm dedicated to advocating for victims of negligence and abuse. The firm handles complex litigation with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to justice. Media Contact: Michael Gustafson Emerald Law Group 605 First Avenue, Suite 325 Seattle, WA 98104 206-826-5160 michael@emeraldlawgroup.com www.emeraldlawgroup.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7d5bfb9-0ebb-46f3-a55f-10de78c18a28 SINGAPORE, Aug. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced the continued growth of its Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment in Asia with the appointment of Martin Tupila as a Senior Managing Director, based in Singapore. Mr. Tupila brings more than 20 years of experience in forensic accounting, financial investigations, regulatory enforcement and compliance advisory across Asia, Europe and Australia. He has supported multinational organisations, law firms and regulatory bodies on high-profile matters involving fraud, corruption, accounting irregularities and financial misstatement. In his role at FTI Consulting, Mr. Tupila will work closely with clients to address allegations involving accounting improprieties, conflicts of interest, misappropriation of assets and circumvention of regulations. He will collaborate with FTI Consultings Asia-based team of forensic accountants, financial experts, data analysts, technologists, statisticians, economists and business intelligence professionals to analyse complex data and apply proven investigative and forensic accounting methods to support legal teams and act as an independent investigator and expert. Martins appointment reinforces our commitment to growing our forensic capabilities in Asia and further deepens our regional bench strength, said Michael Cullen, a Senior Managing Director and Leader of Asia and Latin America for the Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment. His proven track record advising clients on sensitive and high-stakes matters makes him a valuable addition to our team. I look forward to working alongside Martin as we continue to help clients protect enterprise value and respond confidently to regulatory and legal challenges. Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Mr. Tupila led the ASEAN claims and disputes practice at a global accounting firm and headed the greater China forensic practice at a leading advisory firm. His extensive regional experience and cross-sector expertise strengthen FTI Consultings ability to support clients navigating complex disputes and investigations across Asia. The addition of Mr. Tupila continues FTI Consultings investment in the Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment, following the recent appointments of Senior Managing Directors Rosie Hawes and Andrew Macintosh in Singapore, enhancing the firms ability to deliver multidisciplinary expertise in forensic accounting, investigations, data analytics and regulatory compliance. About FTI Consulting FTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 7,900 employees located in 32 countries and territories as of June 30, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consultings services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. The Company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. More information can be found at https://www.fticonsulting.com. FTI Consulting, Inc. 555 12th Street NW Washington, DC 20004 +1.202.312.9100 Investor Contact: Mollie Hawkes +1.617.747.1791 mollie.hawkes@fticonsulting.com Media Contact: Andrew Gerrard +852 376 84562 andrew.gerrard@fticonsulting.com Press Release Nokia selected by Empyrion Digital to power KR1 Gangnam Data Center connectivity Partnership will kick off in Korea Gangnam Data Center (GDC). Empyrion Digital will benefit from Nokias strong regional presence and robust supply chain to quickly and easily upgrade its data center network in several countries. Nokias industry-leading solution paves the way for automation and will help Empyrion Digital ensure more sustainable network operations. 5 August 2025 Seoul, South Korea Nokia today announced that Empyrion Digital, a leading digital infrastructure provider in Asia, will deploy its data center gateway and aggregation switches in Empyrions newly launched Gangnam Data Center in Seoul, Korea. Empyrion develops and operates data centers that connect and scale digital ecosystems across key cities in Asia for hyperscale and enterprise colocation companies. As data traffic continues to grow in the Asia region, digital infrastructure providers face immense pressure to deliver consistently high-performance. Nokias industry-leading IP network solution includes the 7250 Interconnect Router (IXR) used as the data center gateways, core network switches, and 7210 Service Access System (SAS) used as the access switch for Empyrions IT systems. The digital infrastructure provider will benefit from improved reliability, scalability, and overall operational efficiency of its data center interconnect network. We are excited to partner with Nokia to use their data center solutions to provide a world-class network performance to our hyperscalers and enterprise customers in Korea. Nokias strong track record, robust IP network solutions, combined with its strong regional supply chain and service footprint, made it a natural choice to strengthen our network. Beyond Korea, we are looking forward to working with Nokia in accelerating the digital transformation in the region, said Yongsuk Choi, Chief Strategy Officer - Product & Infrastructure, Empyrion Digital. Nokias state-of-the-art Data Center Fabric solution will enable Empyrion Digital to better manage the growing data traffic demands while delivering high network performance. Our field-proven solutions are helping digital infrastructure providers across the Asia Pacific region to benefit from improved scalability and reliability while making the networks more energy efficient, said Kent Wong, Vice President and Head of IP Networks for Asia Pacific at Nokia. Nokia 7250 IXR and 7210 SAS are designed to address the evolving needs of digital infrastructure players, helping them to ensure automation-ready and more energy-efficient networks. Nokias strong supply chain in the region will play a crucial role in fast-tracking the deployment. Multimedia, technical information and related news Product Page: Nokia 7250 Interconnect Router Product Page: Nokia 7210 Service Access System Product Page: Nokia Data Center Fabric Product Page: Nokia IP networks Web Page: Empyrion Digital KR1 Gangnam Data Center Video: Empyrion Digital KR1 Gangnam Data Centre About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. Media inquiries Nokia Communications, Asia Pacific Email: cordia.so@nokia.com Nokia Press Office Email: Press.Services@nokia.com Follow us on social media LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube NEW YORK, Aug. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the Western Asset US Core Bond Fund mutual fund classes Class I (ticker: WATFX), Class A (ticker: WABAX), Class C (ticker: WABCX), Class FI (ticker: WAPIX), Class IS (ticker: WACSX), and Class R (ticker: WABRX) and the Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund mutual fund classes Class A (ticker: WAPAX), Class C (ticker: WAPCX), Class C1 (ticker: LWCPX), Class FI (ticker: WACIX), Class R (ticker: WAPRX), Class I (ticker: WACPX), Class IS (ticker: WAPSX) between January 1, 2021 and October 31, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period), of the important September 5, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased WAMCO mutual funds during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the WAMCO class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 5, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms 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 investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OwlTing Group (the Company), a global blockchain fintech company, today announced the launch of OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout, a new API-embedded stablecoin acquiring1 function set to go live this month. With newly approved Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Colorado, OwlTing is now available for fund operations in 36 U.S. states2, reinforcing its commitment to compliant, fast, and scalable cross-border payments. Designed for global enterprises in mobility, hospitality, e-commerce, and gaming sectors, OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout enables seamless USD-USDC3 conversions, allowing businesses to accept stablecoin payments and settle in USD through their own platforms or leveraging the built-in feature on the user interface of OwlPay Payment, the flagship B2B payment tool for businesses of all sizes. To bridge the gap between fiat and digital currencies, OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout is a game-changer as to how businesses open up the revenues from stablecoins, said Darren Wang, Founder and CEO at OwlTing Group. Imagine a world where a traveler pays for a stay in USDC, a driver gets paid in USD, or a merchant settles global sales without worrying about currency fluctuations, all securely handled in the background. Thats the future were building, empowering businesses to thrive in a borderless economy with confidence and ease. OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout allows large enterprises to integrate OwlPay Harbor, the AI-powered4 payment API infrastructure, for a customized payment experience within their own user interfaces, enabling end customers to pay in USDC while businesses receive USD in their digital wallets or bank accounts. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) without technical expertise, OwlPay Payment offers a ready-to-use interface with the embedded stablecoin checkout function, delivering a streamlined payment journey. This flexibility unlocks the $260 billion stablecoin market5 for businesses seeking efficient, low-cost payment solutions. How OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout works for global commerce with or without a payment API, for example: Mobility Platforms A ride-hailing app integrates OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout to allow passengers (payers) to pay for rides in USDC via the apps interface. OwlPay converts these USDC payments to USD, depositing the funds into the apps or drivers (receivers) designated digital wallets or bank accounts. This ensures fast, compliant payouts across over 100 countries 6 , reducing foreign exchange costs and settlement delays. A ride-hailing app integrates OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout to allow passengers (payers) to pay for rides in USDC via the apps interface. OwlPay converts these USDC payments to USD, depositing the funds into the apps or drivers (receivers) designated digital wallets or bank accounts. This ensures fast, compliant payouts across over 100 countries , reducing foreign exchange costs and settlement delays. Hospitality Platforms An online travel agency integrates OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout via APIs into its booking platform, enabling travelers (payers) to pay for hotels, flights, or tours in USDC. OwlPay converts these USDC payments to fiat, disbursing funds to hoteliers, tour operators, or airlines (receivers) in their local currencies 7 (e.g., CAD, EUR, GBP, JPY). An online travel agency integrates OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout via APIs into its booking platform, enabling travelers (payers) to pay for hotels, flights, or tours in USDC. OwlPay converts these USDC payments to fiat, disbursing funds to hoteliers, tour operators, or airlines (receivers) in their local currencies (e.g., CAD, EUR, GBP, JPY). E-Commerce Platforms An online retailer uses the OwlPay Payments interface with the OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout feature to allow customers (payers) to pay for products in USDC. OwlPay instantly converts USDC payments to USD, depositing funds to the retailers (receivers) digital wallets or bank accounts. This simplifies cross-border sales and unlocks the retailers business without the need to manage complex blockchain integrations. An online retailer uses the OwlPay Payments interface with the OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout feature to allow customers (payers) to pay for products in USDC. OwlPay instantly converts USDC payments to USD, depositing funds to the retailers (receivers) digital wallets or bank accounts. This simplifies cross-border sales and unlocks the retailers business without the need to manage complex blockchain integrations. Gaming Platforms A gaming marketplace adapts to the OwlPay Payments interface with the OwlPay Stablecoin Checkout feature, providing a way for gamers (payers) to purchase games, in-game items, or subscriptions in USDC. OwlPay converts these USDC payments to USD, transferring funds into the platforms or gaming developers (receivers) digital wallets or bank accounts. Faster settlements allow developers to reinvest in new games and enhance community engagement, fostering loyalty and positive player experiences. The rise of stablecoin payments, with $5.7 trillion in total transaction volume across 1.3 billion payment transactions in 20248, underscores the demand for efficient digital payment solutions. To address this trend and ensure trust and reliability for global operations, OwlTing continues to grow its regulatory footprint, with MTLs or equivalents now secured in 35 U.S. states. The Company is actively pursuing licenses in additional U.S. states and global markets like Japan and the EU. With adherence to strict KYC/AML standards and plans for adapting to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)9 later this year, OwlTing remains a trusted partner for businesses navigating the future of stablecoin in global payments. About OwlTing Group Founded in 2010, OwlTing is a global blockchain fintech company headquartered in Taiwan and has subsidiaries in the U.S., Japan, Poland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia. In 2025, OwlTing was named a top stablecoin innovator by CB Insights, ranked #2 globally under the B2B & Enterprise Solution. In 2022, it was selected by KPMG and HSBC as the Leading 3 Emerging Giants in Taiwan. With the mission to usher in the digital transformation of traditional payment processes, while ensuring legal compliance, OwlTing introduced OwlPay, a Web2 and Web3 hybrid payment solution, to empower global businesses to operate confidently in the expanding stablecoin economy. For more information, visit https://www.owlting.com/portal/?lang=en . 1 Stablecoin acquiring enables businesses to accept payments in USD-pegged digital currencies such as USDC, which OwlPay converts the payments to USD for global transactions. 2 Availability may vary by jurisdiction and is subject to change. As of July 2025, OwlTing Group has obtained MTL licenses or their equivalent in 35 U.S. states and is applying for licenses in additional states. For a list of U.S. licenses obtained, please see https://www.owlting.com/owlpay/licenses?lang=en . 3 USDC is an internet-native, fully-reserved, regulated digital dollar that leverages blockchain networks to enable businesses, developers, and individuals to conduct near-real-time, low-cost global transactions. It is a leading, fully-reserved global stablecoin issued through Circles regulated affiliates. To learn more about using or accessing USDC, visit USDC.com. 4 OwlPay Harbor uses Model Context Protocol (MCP), a tool similar to a USB-C port for AI models, to simplify API integration for businesses while helping developers easily connect their AI models without sharing sensitive data. 5 According to DeFiLlalma, the data aggregator for DeFi, the total stablecoin market cap is over $260 billions as of July 2025. 6 Availability may vary by jurisdiction and is subject to change. Please refer to the most current service documentation or contact OwlPay support for the latest coverage. 7 OwlPay Harbor processes transactions as local payments in the following 10 currencies: EUR (via SEPA), CAD, GBP, JPY, SGD, HKD, ZAR, AED, MXN, and BRL. Availability is subject to change. Please refer to the most current service documentation or contact OwlPay support for the latest coverage. 8 According to the Visa Onchain Analytics Dashboard, please check https://visaonchainanalytics.com/ . 9 NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) was developed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology. It provides guidance to industry, government agencies, and other organizations such as OwlTing to manage cybersecurity risks. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bfbeef81-6cbb-48ab-8042-a9d1bb64746f SEATTLE, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in unified cybersecurity for managed service providers (MSPs), today announced the newest edition of its Firebox Tabletop Series the line of firewall appliances designed to power small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with protection thats built for whats next. This new family of appliances delivers future-proof security through high-speed connectivity, AI-driven threat response, and the flexibility to support expanding networks. Built for tomorrows IT needs, these appliances are ideal for businesses maintaining on-premises environments, transitioning to the cloud, or operating in a mix of both. This generation's main improvements include enhanced virtual private network (VPN) and unified threat management (UTM) performance to help alleviate common business challenges like sluggish network speeds, which often affect remote and hybrid work connectivity. Key differentiators are introduced at both ends of the series. At the top end, the Firebox T185 offers outstanding performance for its category, validated through testing based on the NetSecOPEN standardized methodology. At the entry-level, the Firebox T115-W combines Wi-Fi 7 and 4GB of RAM a rare feature at this price point helping to reduce performance bottlenecks at higher bandwidths. Together, these enhancements ensure that every tabletop model can smoothly run the full suite of WatchGuard security services. We worked closely with our MSP community to build these next-gen tabletop appliances for the real-world needs of mid-market organizations, said Jay Lindenauer, vice president of network security at WatchGuard. Were combining the increasing value of our founding product, the Firebox, with ongoing platform advancements, like AI-driven XDR, to ensure that partners and their customers can operate in a faster, more connected world. Its stronger security, simple management, and zero surprises, all packaged in a powerful red box. The Firebox Tabletop Difference: WatchGuards tabletop firewalls deliver more than feeds and speeds they provide precise and powerful security for managed services providers and SMEs. Performance that Fits Real World Deployments: WatchGuards tabletop Fireboxes have higher-speed network ports supporting faster connections for todays demanding business applications. Its optimized for HTTPS encryption and better throughput-per-dollar to empower growing businesses and distributed enterprises. XDR-Powered Firewall: WatchGuards ThreatSync combines Firebox and XDR into a single, user-friendly view, helping security teams respond faster and more effectively. With advanced AI, it simplifies threat detection and response, boosting cybersecurity resilience. Straightforward Licensing: WatchGuard provides transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or add-ons. Licenses include essential features like gateway antivirus, spamBlocker, and cloud data log retention. With fewer add-ons and lower long-term costs, SMBs and mid-market buyers enjoy simpler, more comprehensive security across all appliances, from entry-level to premium models. Managed Detection and Response Available: WatchGuard Total MDR includes Firebox telemetry in its 24/7 threat detection and response, continuously monitoring activity, identifying threats, and taking action across network and endpoint environments. Sturdy and sustainable design: Each of the new Firebox tabletops features a sturdy metal case with ultra-low-power components to provide an energy-efficient, quiet, or fanless operation. Plus, reduced packaging material contributes to less waste, making this generation of Fireboxes the greenest yet and reinforcing the companys Climate Pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. WatchGuard Firebox T Series firewalls offer a versatile security appliance thats well-suited to deployments in home and small to medium-sized office environments, said Dean Calvert, CEO, Calvert Technologies. They offer a remarkable range of security features, intuitive management, and throughput that your users need to keep up with the pace of business. WatchGuards Firebox T Series Models: T185: The most powerful in the T Series, the T185 offers 250% faster branch office VPN (BOVPN) performance (compared to the T85 legacy model), an ultra-quiet fan, and the ability to handle heavier traffic loads. T145: This Firebox features greater performance and a high-speed 10G network port, giving businesses high-speed connectivity and greater data throughput. It also comes with an ultra-low-power CPU for fanless operation and optional Wi-Fi 7. T125: A traditional top-selling model, the T125 delivers faster UTM and data transfer, making it a great fit for small businesses and retail stores. Like the T145, this appliance has wireless options and supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard with external antennas for greater throughput and range. T115-W: This wireless model has the latest Wi-Fi 7, essential VPN, and firewall for low-traffic sites. It is ideal for solo professionals and micro-offices. It offers enhanced durability and thermal efficiency for fanless, reliable operation. General availability for the Firebox T185 begins in August, with the remaining models rolling out later in the fall. About WatchGuard Technologies WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in unified cybersecurity. Our Unified Security Platform is uniquely designed for managed service providers to deliver world-class security that increases their business scale and velocity while also improving operational efficiency. Trusted by more than 17,000 security resellers and service providers to protect more than 250,000 customers, the companys award-winning products and services span network security and intelligence, advanced endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, and secure Wi-Fi. Together, they offer five critical elements of a security platform: comprehensive security, shared knowledge, clarity & control, operational alignment, and automation. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit WatchGuard.com. For additional information, promotions, and updates, follow WatchGuard on Instagram, X.com (@WatchGuard), Facebook, or LinkedIn. Also, visit our InfoSec blog, Secplicity, for real-time information about the latest threats and how to cope with them. Subscribe to The 443 Security Simplified podcast wherever you find your favorite podcasts. WatchGuard is a registered trademark of WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. All other marks are property of their respective owners. Austin, TX, USA, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Custom Market Insights has published a new research report titled Paracetamol Market Size, Trends and Insights By Product Type (Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Suspension, Powder), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), By Application Type (Headache & Fever, Muscle Cramps, Cold & Cough), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20252034 in its research database. According to the latest research study, the demand of the global Paracetamol Market size & share was valued at approximately USD 876.48 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 922.41 Million in 2025 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 1460.23 Million by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.24% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Paracetamol Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-free-sample/?reportid=71995 Overview As per the industry experts at CMI, the paracetamol market is expected to witness a linear CAGR during the forecast period. This could be attributed to steadiness on the part of demand for paracetamol globally. Paracetamol is being used as an antipyretic and analgesic, especially in fever and pain relief medications. The market is further catalyzed by growing healthcare awareness, increasing incidences of chronic conditions, and a rising aging population worldwide. Key Trends & Drivers Growing Incidences of Fever and Pain to Determine Growth: Ailments such as flu, headaches, arthritis, and post-operative pain are reported to be managed using paracetamol. Rising incidences on their part do directly translate into a higher demand for medication. The consumers are also increasingly developing awareness about OTC medications such as paracetamol and do prefer treating minor illnesses on their own, thereby driving its usage further. Request a Customized Copy of the Paracetamol Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-customization/?reportid=71995 Increased Usage in Surgical Applications to Catalyze the Paracetamol Market: IV paracetamol is increasingly preferred due to its ability to effectively manage moderate to severe pain without side effects linked with opioids, such as constipation and nausea. It makes provision for quicker pain relief in comparison with oral medications, thereby making it the most sought-after medication post-surgery. Report Scope Feature of the Report Details Market Size in 2025 USD 922.41 Million Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 1460.23 Million Market Size in 2024 USD 876.48 Million CAGR Growth Rate 5.24% CAGR Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2034 Key Segment By Product Type, Distribution Channel, Application Type and Region Report Coverage Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America Buying Options Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. (A free sample of the Paracetamol report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2024 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package. About 220+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on the Request. Updated Regional Analysis with a Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2025 Includes Tables and figures have been updated. The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Custom Market Insights (CMI) research methodology (Please note that the sample of the Paracetamol report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Request a Customized Copy of the Paracetamol Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ SWOT Analysis Strengths: Paracetamol is easily accessible OTC in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and liquids. It is comparatively inexpensive, thereby rendering it cost-effective for a wider consumer base. Plus, it is one of the common ingredients in various fever-reducing and pain relief products and is used for treating conditions such as muscle aches, headaches, and the common cold. Rising occurrences of lifestyle-oriented ailments are the catalysts to paracetamol market. Weaknesses: Improper dosage or overuse could cause damage to the liver. Additionally, the reliance of the market on API production in certain regions is likely to create vulnerabilities pertaining to the supply chain. Furthermore, the market is bound to face fierce competition from the manufacturers of generic medicines, which could reduce the market share of established players and reduce their overall profitability. Opportunities: Researching and developing paracetamol-based products for specified pain conditions such as migraines are likely to unlock novel market segments. Also, exploration of the use of paracetamol in conjunction with the other drugs for improved pain relief and the other therapeutic advantages could provide lucrative opportunities to the paracetamol market. Threats: Negative publicity around the safety concerns related to paracetamol is likely to negatively affect the consumers demand and perception. Also, Volatility of costs of raw materials used in the production of paracetamol could adversely affect profitability and production costs. Emergence of newer combinations of pain management solutions could also cut down on market share. Request a Customized Copy of the Paracetamol Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ Key questions answered in this report: What is the size of the Paracetamol market and what is its expected growth rate? What are the primary driving factors that push the Paracetamol market forward? What are the Paracetamol Industry's top companies? What are the different categories that the Paracetamol Market caters to? What will be the fastest-growing segment or region? In the value chain, what role do essential players play? What is the procedure for getting a free copy of the Paracetamol market sample report and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20252034 Market Dynamics Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Leading Trends Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by Types of Services, by End-User Services, and by regions Competitive Landscape Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Buy this Premium Paracetamol Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ Regional Perspective The paracetamol market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. North America North America leads the paracetamol market, and the status quo is expected to remain unchanged during the forecast period. This is credited to rising incidences of migraines, headaches, and fever all across the U.S. The American Migraine Foundation states that the year 2020 witnessed the presence of over 4 million adults in the U.S. battling chronic daily migraine, that too, with close to 15 headaches per month. The government is also handsomely investing in research regarding therapeutics for chronic pain. As per the May 2022 update from the NIH (National Institute of Health), the government of the U.S. did spend USD 689 Million and USD 725 Million in 2020 and 2021 respectively in this regard. Europe Europe is expected to hold a significant share of the paracetamol market owing to an increase in healthcare spending on the part of the governments. The tropical regions are prone to year-round influenza, which is fueling the market therein. The EU has set stringent regulatory standards for various pharmaceuticals (inclusive of paracetamol), which ascertain safety and quality. Asia Pacific Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest CAGR in the paracetamol market during the forecast period. This could be due to a rise in the population suffering from the common cold, cough, fever, and migraine. China and India are the major manufacturers of paracetamol APIs. They are thus paving the way for cost-effective supply chains. LAMEA Individuals in LAMEA are gaining more awareness regarding the advantages of self-treating the minor ailments with OTC medications such as paracetamol, thereby resulting in a higher rate of consumption. Increase in accessibility of e-Commerce platforms and online pharmacies is making it simpler for the consumers based in LAMEA to buy paracetamol, thereby boosting the market further. Request a Customized Copy of the Paracetamol Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ (We customized your report to meet your specific research requirements. Inquire with our sales team about customizing your report.) Still, Looking for More Information? Do OR Want Data for Inclusion in magazines, case studies, research papers, or Media? Email Directly Here with Detail Information: support@custommarketinsights.com Browse the full Paracetamol Market Size, Trends and Insights By Product Type (Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Suspension, Powder), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), By Application Type (Headache & Fever, Muscle Cramps, Cold & Cough), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20252034 Report at https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ List of the prominent players in the Paracetamol Market: Johnson & Johnson GlaxoSmithKline Pfizer Inc. Novartis AG Reddys Laboratories Ltd. Aspen Pharmacare Adcock Ingram Julphar (Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries) Ache Laboratories Pharmaceutics EMS Pharma Hikma Pharmaceuticals Bharat Chemicals Farmson Pharmaceuticals SPIMACO (Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation) Mylan N.V. (now part of Viatris) Others Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Paracetamol Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ Spectacular Deals Comprehensive coverage Maximum number of market tables and figures The subscription-based option is offered. Best price guarantee Free 35% or 60 hours of customization. Free post-sale service assistance. 25% discount on your next purchase. Service guarantees are available. Personalized market brief by author. 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Which Trends Are Causing These Developments? Who Are the Global Key Players in This Paracetamol Market? What are Their Company Profile, Product Information, and Contact Information? What Was the Global Market Status of the Paracetamol Market? What Was the Capacity, Production Value, Cost and PROFIT of the Paracetamol Market? What Is the Current Market Status of the Paracetamol Industry? What's Market Competition in This Industry, Both Company and Country Wise? What's Market Analysis of Paracetamol Market by Considering Applications and Types? What Are Projections of the Global Paracetamol Industry Considering Capacity, Production and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply and Consumption? What about imports and exports? What Is Paracetamol Market Chain Analysis by Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Industry? What Is the Economic Impact On Paracetamol Industry? What are Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis Results? What Are Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trends? What Are Market Dynamics of Paracetamol Market? What Are Challenges and Opportunities? What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Paracetamol Industry? Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Paracetamol Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ Reasons to Purchase Paracetamol Market Report Paracetamol Market Report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving economic and non-economic factors. Paracetamol Market report outlines market value (USD) data for each segment and sub-segment. This report indicates the region and segment expected to witness the fastest growth and dominate the market. Paracetamol Market Analysis by geography highlights the consumption of the product/service in the region and indicates the factors affecting the market within each region. The competitive landscape incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled. Extensive company profiles comprising company overview, company insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players. The Industry's current and future market outlook concerning recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging and developed regions. Paracetamol Market Includes in-depth market analysis from various perspectives through Porter's five forces analysis and provides insight into the market through Value Chain. Reasons for the Research Report The study provides a thorough overview of the global Paracetamol market. Compare your performance to that of the market as a whole. Aim to maintain competitiveness while innovations from established key players fuel market growth. Buy this Premium Paracetamol Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ What does the report include? Drivers, restrictions, and opportunities are among the qualitative elements covered in the worldwide Paracetamol market analysis. The competitive environment of current and potential participants in the Paracetamol market is covered in the report, as well as those companies' strategic product development ambitions. According to the component, application, and industry vertical, this study analyzes the market qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the report offers comparable data for the important regions. For each segment mentioned above, actual market sizes and forecasts have been given. Who should buy this report? Participants and stakeholders worldwide Paracetamol market should find this report useful. The research will be useful to all market participants in the Paracetamol industry. Managers in the Paracetamol sector are interested in publishing up-to-date and projected data about the worldwide Paracetamol market. Governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, decision-makers, and organizations want to invest in Paracetamol products' market trends. Market insights are sought for by analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and government organizations to develop plans. Request a Customized Copy of the Paracetamol Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ About Custom Market Insights: Custom Market Insights is a market research and advisory company delivering business insights and market research reports to large, small, and medium-scale enterprises. We assist clients with strategies and business policies and regularly work towards achieving sustainable growth in their respective domains. CMI provides a one-stop solution for data collection to investment advice. The expert analysis of our company digs out essential factors that help to understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The professional experts apply clients inside on the aspects such as strategies for future estimation fall, forecasting or opportunity to grow, and consumer survey. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Contact Us: Joel John CMI Consulting LLC 1333, 701 Tillery Street Unit 12, Austin, TX, Travis, US, 78702 USA: +1 737-734-2707 India: +91 20 46022736 Email: support@custommarketinsights.com Web: https://www.custommarketinsights.com/ Blog: https://www.techyounme.com/ Blog: https://businessresearchindustry.com Blog: https://www.technowalla.com/ Blog: https://marketresearchtrade.com/ Buy this Premium Paracetamol Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/paracetamol-market/ Press Release Nicoxs Partner Kowa Initiates NCX 470 Phase 3 Clinical Trial in Japan Exclusive Japanese partner Kowa has initiated a Phase 3 safety clinical trial of NCX 470 for the treatment of ocular hypertension in Japan Triggers a 2 million milestone payment to Nicox August 5, 2025 release at 7:30 am CET Sophia Antipolis, France Nicox SA (Euronext Growth Paris: FR0013018124, ALCOX), an international ophthalmology company, today announced that its exclusive Japanese partner, Kowa, has initiated a Phase 3 safety clinical trial of NCX 470 (also known as K-911) in Japan for the treatment of ocular hypertension, triggering a 2 million milestone payment to Nicox. Only one Phase 3 confirmatory clinical trial in Japanese patients, which will start shortly, plus this safety trial, is required for submission for marketing approval of NCX 470 in Japan. Kowa is responsible for financing and managing the trials under the February 2024 license agreement with Nicox. Thanks to our continuing collaborative efforts after Kowa received approval to initiate this trial, we are very pleased to announce that the first patient has been enrolled. The Phase 3 trials in Japan are being managed and financed by Kowa, and only one confirmatory Phase 3 trial is expected to be needed to make a submission for marketing approval of NCX 470 in Japan. said Doug Hubatsch, EVP Scientific Officer of Nicox. The trial announced today is a safety trial and is detailed here: JRCT Safety Trial NCX 470. The 500 patient confirmatory trial is expected to start shortly and is detailed here: JRCT Confirmatory Trial NCX 470. About NCX 470 NCX 470, Nicoxs lead clinical product candidate, is a novel NO-donating bimatoprost eye drop, currently in Phase 3 clinical development programs in the U.S., China and Japan for the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Results of Mont Blanc, the first of the Phase 3 clinical trials, have been extensively published and are available on our website. All patients have completed the second Phase 3 clinical trial, Denali, and topline results are expected mid-August to mid-September 2025. Mont Blanc and Denali have been designed to fulfil the regulatory requirements for safety and efficacy Phase 3 trials to support NDA submissions in both the U.S. and in China. A separate Phase 3 clinical program is underway to support Japanese approval. NCX 470 is exclusively licensed to Ocumension Therapeutics in China, Korea and Southeast Asia and to Kowa in the rest of the world. About Nicox Nicox SA is an international ophthalmology company developing innovative solutions to help maintain vision and improve ocular health. Nicoxs lead program in clinical development is NCX 470 (bimatoprost grenod), a novel nitric oxide-donating bimatoprost eye drop, for lowering intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, licensed to Ocumension Therapeutics for the Chinese, Korean and Southeast Asian markets and to Kowa elsewhere. Nicox also has a preclinical research program on NCX 1728, a nitric oxide-donating phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, with Glaukos. Nicoxs first product, VYZULTA in glaucoma, licensed exclusively worldwide to Bausch + Lomb, is available commercially in the U.S. and over 15 other territories. Nicox generates revenue from ZERVIATE in allergic conjunctivitis, licensed in multiple geographies, including to Harrow, Inc. in the U.S., and Ocumension Therapeutics in the Chinese and in the majority of Southeast Asian markets. Nicox, headquartered in Sophia Antipolis, France, is listed on Euronext Growth Paris (Ticker symbol: ALCOX) and is part of the CAC Healthcare index. For more information www.nicox.com Analyst coverage H.C. Wainwright & Co Yi Chen New York, U.S. The views expressed by analysts in their coverage of Nicox are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Nicox. Additionally, the information contained in their reports may not be correct or current. Nicox disavows any obligation to correct or to update the information contained in analyst reports. Contacts Nicox Gavin Spencer Chief Executive Officer T +33 (0)4 97 24 53 00 communications@nicox.com Disclaimer The information contained in this document may be modified without prior notice. This information includes forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on current expectations or beliefs of the management of Nicox S.A. and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Nicox S.A. and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents, do not undertake, nor do they have any obligation, to provide updates or to revise any forward-looking statements. Risks factors which are likely to have a material effect on Nicoxs business are presented in section 3 of the Rapport Annuel 2024 which is available on Nicoxs website (www.nicox.com). Finally, this press release may be drafted in the French and English languages. If both versions are interpreted differently, the French language version shall prevail. ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LYNO AI, a decentralized cross-chain arbitrage protocol powered by advanced machine learning, has officially opened its Early Bird presale phase. The LYNO token is currently available at a starting price of $0.050, with the next presale stage set to increase the price to $0.055. The protocol is designed to automate arbitrage opportunities traditionally limited to institutional players by leveraging real-time price data across more than 15 EVM-compatible blockchains. The presale is now open to all participants ahead of the next pricing phase. LYNO AIs Cross-Chain Arbitrage Revolution LYNO AI is a decentralized, AI-powered arbitrage solution that searches and trades on profitable arbitrage opportunities on over 15 EVM-compatible networks, such as Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism. The platform incorporates machine learning models to spot price gaps in real-time and to make a lightning-fast trade via smart contracts and flash loans. Its fully automated system operates through four functional layers: Data Layer: Aggregates live market pricing and liquidity data. Layer: Uses machine learning to score and route optimal arbitrage opportunities. Execution Layer: Provides auto trading execution through flash loans and trusted cross-chain bridges such as LayerZero, Axelar and Wormhole. Settlement Layer: Shares profits and trains AI models to enhance performance over time. Unmatched Presale Opportunity Stake Early, Gain More The current presale phase of the LYNO AI is the Early Bird, which includes the tokens at a price of 0.050 dollars. Here are key presale highlights: Current stage: Early Bird Price per token: $0.050 Next stage price: $0.055 Tokens sold so far: 100,391.423 Total tokens allocated for presale: 16 million Buyers have the option of utilizing ETH, USDT, or USDC, on the popular wallets, MetaMask, and Trust Wallet. The presale buyers will have their own invitation to the LYNO AI Giveaway, and they will have a chance to win up to 100K, thus increasing the value of early investing. With the anticipated increase and the recent price increments, investors will be advised to purchase the tokens before the price fluctuations drive an upsurge. LYNO AI Tokenomics, Security, and Governance The $LYNO token powers the ecosystem with governance rights, where they can vote on protocol decisions, fee structures, and upgrades. The token holders are also allowed to stake their tokens to earn rewards with up to 60 percent protocol fees being shared, and a strategic buyback and burn pool will be established to promote scarcity and value appreciation. Security is at the top of LYNO whose rigorous audit by Cyberscope builds credibility. The protocol will implement multi-signature wallets, circuit breakers, slippage limits and zero-knowledge proofs to safeguard against front-running and miner extractable value (MEV) attacks. Why the Best Investors Think LYNO AI May Generate 200x in Returns Industry experts and early Ethereum investors perceive LYNO AI as something more than a set tool of arbitrage, as they view it as a possible disruptor that is capable of matching or even exceeding the past growth of ETH. The decentralized AI, cross-chain capability, security, and governance by the community make LYNO AI a strong contender to attract a large market share in DeFi arbitrage. Investors are advised to move with speed, as the prices of the tokens are expected to go upwards, and the first movers will be the beneficiaries. The technological advantage which is provided by AI and the low cost of entry makes LYNO a rare opportunity in the contemporary crypto world. Conclusion: LYNO AI is the Future of Decentralized Arbitrage By combining the latest machine learning and blockchain technology, LYNO AI is making arbitrage trading available to everyone across a variety of blockchains. Having powerful community government, high levels of security, and a well-organized presale in place, LYNO is set to become a major force in DeFi arbitrage. It has been audited by Cyberscope and its strong security and transparency of operations are the added values of the investor. The tokens are available in the presale, and early investors are advised to rush to buy the tokens before the price soars, which will put them at the frontline of this revolutionary arbitrage protocol. For more information about LYNO visit the links below: Website:https://lyno.ai/ Buy Presale- https://lyno.ai/#presale Whitepaper: https://lyno.ai/whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/Lyno_AI Telegram:https://t.me/lyno_ai Contact Details: LYNO AI contact@lyno.ai Disclaimer: This content is provided by LYNO AI. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. 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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2eb73bb-677f-482d-adf1-4092993c1fdc https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f0761d19-64b9-471c-88a4-65fd13757a83 E-Invoicing: Quadient Reaches Key Milestone as Serensia Successfully Passes French Tax Authority Testing Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global intelligent automation platform enabling secure and professional business connections, announced today that Serensia, its recent acquisition in the digital segment, has successfully completed interoperability testing in live conditions as part of Frances phased rollout of mandatory e-invoicing. Serensia, a certified French e-invoicing platform connected to the Peppol network, was selected by the French Public Finance Department, along with two other platforms, formerly designated as Partner Dematerialization Platforms (PDP) and now referred to as Certified Platforms, to participate in the first round of interoperability testing. Conducted under real-world conditions, the tests validated the public directorys interaction with other platforms and the governments data hub. Beyond demonstrating technical capabilities, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to strengthening collaboration between private-sector players and public authorities. The results confirm Serensias robustness, reliability and compliance, marking a major step forward in Quadients readiness and reaffirming its ability to support businesses in meeting the requirements of the e-invoicing reform. The French Public Finance Departments selection of Serensia for the initial round of real-world testing speaks to the strength of the solution, said Geoffrey Godet, CEO of Quadient. Its successful compliance testing validates the strategic choices weve made, particularly the acquisition of Serensia, which now positions Quadient at the forefront of the reforms implementation across all French companies. Our message to businesses is clear: transitioning to e-invoicing requires preparation, and Quadient is more ready than ever to support them with a proven, reliable and compliant solution. As of July 1, the central directory listing all VAT-registered businesses has gone live. Quadient is already able to register clients who have granted it a mandate, in accordance with the government-defined process. Through its subsidiary Serensia or its own certified platform, the company is preparing for its final registration, expected in fall 2025. This will enable it to fully support large enterprises, mid-sized companies, SMEs and accounting firms in the digital transition mandated by the reform. To learn more about Quadients invoicing and payment solutions, visit: https://www.quadient.com/en/learn/invoicing. About Quadient Quadient is a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC Mid & Small and EnterNext Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing. For more information about Quadient, visit http://www.quadient.com/en/. Media Contacts Joe Scolaro, Quadient Global Press Relations Manager +1 203-301-3673 jscolaro@quadient.com Kiley Ribordy, Walker Sands Senior PR Director quadientpr@walkersands.com Attachment Press Release ProRail selects Nokia to modernize the Netherlands railway GSM-Railway core network Upgrades will reduce downtime, cut long-term costs, and improve service reliability. The four-year project paves the way for on-premises cloud-native control for railway systems. 5 August 2025 Espoo, Finland Nokia today announced that it is working with ProRail, the organization responsible for the Netherlands' national railway network infrastructure, to deploy a cloud-native Global System for Mobile Communications for Railway (GSM-R) core network a global first for the rail industry. By migrating its GSM-R core network, ProRail will enhance safety and services reliability for millions of passengers while paving the way for Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) networks. The upgrade is part of a four-year modernization project that will extend the life of ProRails existing 2G infrastructure, offering valuable insights into cloud-native technology. It enables ProRail to improve its railway services, decrease downtime, integrate new technologies as they emerge, reduce long-term total ownership costs, make seamless decisions, and improve operational efficiency through real-time data exchange. It is good to see that our partner Nokia is still investing substantially in the development of GSM-R. With the migration towards a cloud-native core network we lay the basis for the next 10 years of GSM-R operation and prepares us for FRMCS, said Geert Laureijssen, Manager Mobile Communications, ProRail. As part of this life cycle management project, Nokia will supply, install and maintain its Nokia Cloud Platform, a fully cloud-native core infrastructure that includes the Nokia Assurance Center, Packet Core (Cloud Mobility Manager, Cloud Mobility Gateway), Registers, Intelligent Network, and Data Center Fabric. The project will also include upgrades for MantaRay NM, Nokia single network management system for all radio and mobile core technologies, Archive Cloud for automated network element backup and restore, and Nokia Network Services Platform for automating IP, optical and microwave networks, making ProRails railway communications more agile and efficient. Railways are a cornerstone of green and efficient mobility. By beginning the transition to a cloud-native architecture, ProRail is ensuring its communication systems remain secure, reliable, and open to future innovation. We are proud to support ProRail in this transformation, which demonstrates the readiness of cloud-native solutions to support mission-critical infrastructure, said Emanuele Di Liberto, Head of Global Rail Business, Nokia. Nokia and ProRail's deployment shows how European rail operators can build a foundation for future-ready communications as part of the ongoing industrys digital transformation. The timeline for this transition is crucial as rail infrastructure operators prepare for GSM-R lifecycle extensions and plan their migration to FRMCS in Europe and beyond. GSM-R is the current standard for secure, reliable railway communications, supporting essential voice and data for train control and operations. FRMCS is the next-generation system, offering faster data, improved integration, and enhanced safety. By moving to a cloud-native GSM-R core, operators like ProRail, will be better positioned to explore synergies across applications, enable easier integration, and accelerate their journey toward FRMCS. Multimedia, technical information and related news Web page: Global System for Mobile Communications Railway (GSM-R) Web page: Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) Whitepaper: A new platform for rail communications adopting 5G for railways Nokia blog: Laying the tracks for digital railways About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. Media inquiries Nokia Press Office Email: Press.Services@nokia.com Follow Nokia on social media LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube STOCKHOLM, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Syncron, a global leader in cloud-based after-sales service solutions, today announced the appointment of Risa Sparks as Chief Financial Officer. Sparks succeeds Daniel Rosenthal, who has been instrumental in strengthening Syncrons financial strategy and operations. Risa Sparks brings nearly 25 years of financial and operational leadership across technology, energy, and manufacturing. Prior to joining Syncron, she served as CFO at ETQ, a Hexagon company specializing in enterprise quality and compliance software. Previously, she held senior finance roles at Everbridge and edX, leading strategic initiatives and overseeing global finance operations. Earlier in her career, she spent over a decade at Chevron in various international finance and treasury roles and began her career at Intel as an engineer. We are thrilled to welcome Risa to the team and look forward to working with her as we continue to expand Syncron globally, said Josh Weiss, Chief Executive Officer at Syncron. Risas experience in leadership roles within leading industrial enterprise software, passion for growth, customers, and overall leadership in managing global teams make her an ideal fit for Syncron. On behalf of the entire Management Team and Board, I also extend our deepest gratitude to Daniel for his invaluable contributions, dedication, and strategic support, which have positioned Syncron for sustained success. Im excited to join Syncron at such a transformative time in the aftermarket service industry, said Sparks. I look forward to collaborating closely with our talented team and valued customers to help Syncron scale and further elevate after-sales service as a strategic growth engine for manufacturers and distributors around the globe. About Syncron Syncron empowers leading manufacturers and distributors to capitalize on the new service economy by optimizing aftermarket business performance. With a customer base that includes many of the worlds top brands, Syncrons award-winning solutions deliver exceptional customer value and business growth. Dublin, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Endocarditis Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Type, Treatment Type, and Region - Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2035" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Endocarditis, an infection of the heart's inner lining and valves, is primarily caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream. Diagnosis and treatment involve prolonged antibiotic regimens, blood cultures, imaging, and in severe cases, valve replacement surgery. Technological advancements in diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive cardiac procedures are significantly improving detection and recovery outcomes. Moreover, the rise in healthcare-associated infections, intravenous drug use, and an aging population with prosthetic valves are amplifying disease incidence globally. However, challenges remain in early detection due to nonspecific symptoms, rising antimicrobial resistance, and management complexity in comorbid patients. The integration of AI-assisted echocardiography, molecular diagnostics, and next-generation antibiotics is expected to redefine the landscape of endocarditis management in the coming decade. Impact Technological innovations in imaging (such as 3D echocardiography), real-time pathogen detection, and antibiotic therapy optimization are reshaping clinical management. Increased focus on infection control, early intervention, and precision medicine is also enhancing patient outcomes and reducing treatment burden. North America is projected to lead the market owing to advanced healthcare systems, high prevalence of risk factors, and early access to diagnostics and surgical interventions. Europe holds a significant share due to strong infectious disease monitoring and public health programs. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, driven by rising cardiovascular burden, increasing access to tertiary care, and government investments in infectious disease control. How can this report add value to an organization? Product/Innovation: This report provides comprehensive insights into the current trends in endocarditis, helping companies identify opportunities for drug and technology development. Organizations can leverage these insights to design therapies, medications, and platforms tailored to the needs of patients suffering from endocarditis, improving outcomes and enhancing market penetration. Competitive: A detailed competitive landscape analysis helps organizations benchmark their market standing against key players. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of competitors, companies can position themselves more effectively in the global endocarditis market. Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis The companies profiled in this report have been selected based on their market presence, product portfolio, and competitive positioning in the global endocarditis market. Demand Drivers and Limitations Demand Drivers for the Global Endocarditis Market: Increasing incidence of bloodstream infections and valve-related complications Advances in diagnostic modalities including imaging and molecular testing Expansion of minimally invasive cardiac surgeries Aging population with higher susceptibility to cardiac infections Limitations for the Global Endocarditis Market: Diagnostic delays due to symptom overlap with other cardiac conditions Increasing antimicrobial resistance complicating treatment High cost and complexity of long-term therapy and surgical management Leading players in the global endocarditis market include: Pfizer Inc. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Viatris Inc Fresenius Kabi Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd Phaxiam Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC Advacare Pharma Sandoz AG Key Topics Covered: 1. Global Endocarditis Market: Industry Analysis 1.1 Market Overview and Ecosystem 1.2 Epidemiological Analysis 1.3 Key Market Trends 1.3.1 Impact Analysis 1.4 Patent Analysis 1.4.1 Patent Filing Trend (by Country) 1.4.2 Patent Filing Trend (by Year) 1.5 Regulatory Landscape 1.6 Ongoing Clinical Trials 1.7 Market Dynamics 1.7.1 Overview 1.7.2 Market Drivers 1.7.3 Market Restraints 1.7.4 Market Opportunities 2. Global Endocarditis Market, by Type, $Million, 2023-2035 2.1 Infective Endocarditis 2.2 Non-Infective Endocarditis 3. Global Endocarditis Market, by Treatment Type, $Million, 2023-2035 3.1 Antibiotics 3.2 Antifungal Medications 3.3 Surgery 3.4 Others 4. Global Endocarditis Market, by Region, $Million, 2023-2035 4.1 North America 4.1.1 Market Dynamics 4.1.2 Market Sizing and Forecast 4.1.3 North America Endocarditis Market, by Country 4.1.3.1 U.S. 4.2 Europe 4.2.1 Market Dynamics 4.2.2 Market Sizing and Forecast 4.2.3 Europe Endocarditis Market, by Country 4.2.3.1 U.K. 4.2.3.2 France 4.2.3.3 Germany 4.2.3.4 Italy 4.2.3.5 Spain 4.3 Asia-Pacific 4.3.1 Market Dynamics 4.3.2 Market Sizing and Forecast 4.3.3 Asia-Pacific Endocarditis Market, by Country 4.3.3.1 Japan 5. Global Endocarditis Market, Competitive Landscape and Company Profiles 5.1 Competitive Landscape 5.1.1 Mergers and Acquisitions 5.1.2 Partnership, Alliances and Business Expansion 5.1.3 New Offerings 5.1.4 Regulatory Activities 5.1.5 Funding Activities 5.2 Company Profiles 5.2.1 Overview 5.2.2 Top Products / Product Portfolio 5.2.3 Top Competitors 5.2.4 Target Customers/End-Users 5.2.5 Key Personnel 5.2.6 Analyst View For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/936u5s About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Mesquite, NV, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dogecoin Cash, Inc. (OTCQB: DOGP), a publicly traded company focused on telehealth services and blockchain-based innovation, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, PrestoDoctor, ( www.prestodoctor.com ) has expanded operations into three additional U.S. states: Arizona, Massachusetts, and Virginia, offering access to secure, legally valid online consultations for medical cannabis evaluations. This expansion results in the availability of PrestoDoctors HIPAA-compliant medical cannabis telehealth services within jurisdictions encompassing a combined population exceeding 23 million individuals. According to publicly available data, more than 1.2 million residents across these three states have registered as medical marijuana patients since their respective programs began. Active participation continues in each market, with Arizona and Massachusetts maintaining sizable medical registries and Virginia offering certification under its medical cannabis laws. The expansion also aligns with broader healthcare trends: nationwide telehealth usage has increased by a factor of 38 since 2020, reflecting a shift toward digital-first healthcare access. With each new state we enter, PrestoDoctor continues its commitment to responsible, compliant, and secure patient access, said a spokesman for Dogecoin Cash, Inc. This growth reflects our teams disciplined approach to regulation and technology. PrestoDoctor currently operates in 18 states and remains focused on compliance with all applicable medical cannabis laws and telemedicine standards in the jurisdictions it serves. Telehealth Platform Built for Compliance and Scale PrestoDoctor operates a proprietary telemedicine platform developed in-house by Kyle Powers, Co-Founder and CEO. The software includes features for secure video consultations, encrypted patient records, real-time physician scheduling, and digital delivery of recommendations, designed specifically for medical cannabis telehealth. Unlike third-party solutions, the system is custom-built to meet HIPAA privacy standards and to align with evolving state regulations. About Kyle Powers, CEO Kyle Powers is an experienced software developer with a background in building applications for regulated industries, including fintech and healthcare IT. Before co-founding PrestoDoctor in 2015, he worked with enterprise clients on electronic health records and secure payment systems. In 2018, Powers was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Healthcare list, a third-party recognition highlighting young leaders in the industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of NebraskaLincoln. About PrestoDoctor Founded in 2015 by Kyle Powers and Robert Tankson, PrestoDoctor is a licensed telehealth provider offering online consultations with physicians authorized to recommend medical cannabis. The company operates in multiple U.S. states, using a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform and a team of board-certified doctors About Dogecoin Cash, Inc. (OTCQB: DOGP) Dogecoin Cash, Inc. (OTCQB: DOGP) is a publicly traded company that owns and operates PrestoDoctor, a trusted leader in medical cannabis telemedicine. DOGP holds the first patented cannabis strain, Ecuadorian Sativa aka CTA, and a patented cannabis lozenge for treatment of hypertension. The company is actively engaged in leveraging emerging digital assets, decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions, and blockchain technology to enhance its offerings and create new market opportunities. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding future operations, financial performance, and expansion plans. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors, including risks disclosed in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors include, without limitation, general economic, industry, market, and regulatory conditions, as well as shifts in public policy. Forward-looking statements reflect the Companys views only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. A full discussion of risks and other factors that may affect the Companys performance is available in its public filings and on its website. Media Contact: Dogecoin Cash, Inc. Email: info@dogecoincash.com Website: www.dogecoincash.com - Earnings Call Scheduled for 8:00 a.m. ET on August 19, 2025 - GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XPeng Inc. (XPENG or the Company, NYSE: XPEV and HKEX: 9868), a leading Chinese smart electric vehicle (Smart EV) company, today announced that it will report its second quarter 2025 unaudited financial results on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, before the open of U.S. markets. The Companys management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on August 19, 2025 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on August 19, 2025). For participants who wish to join the call by phone, please access the link provided below to complete the pre-registration and dial in 5 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time. Upon registration, each participant will receive dial-in details to join the conference call. Event Title: XPENG Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call Pre-registration link: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10049063-j9us45.html Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Companys investor relations website at http://ir.xiaopeng.com. A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately an hour after the conclusion of the call until August 26, 2025, by dialing the following telephone numbers: United States: +1-855-883-1031 International: +61-7-3107-6325 Hong Kong, China: 800-930-639 China Mainland: 400-120-9216 Replay PIN: 10049063 About XPENG XPENG is a leading Chinese Smart EV company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs that appeal to the large and growing base of technology-savvy middle-class consumers. Its mission is to drive Smart EV transformation with technology, shaping the mobility experience of the future. In order to optimize its customers mobility experience, XPENG develops in-house its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system technology and in-car intelligent operating system, as well as core vehicle systems including powertrain and the electrical/electronic architecture. XPENG is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, with main offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Silicon Valley and San Diego. The Companys Smart EVs are mainly manufactured at its plants in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong province. For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/. For Investor Enquiries: IR Department XPeng Inc. E-mail: ir@xiaopeng.com Jenny Cai Piacente Financial Communications Tel: +1-212-481-2050 or +86-10-6508-0677 E-mail: xpeng@tpg-ir.com For Media Enquiries: PR Department XPeng Inc. E-mail: pr@xiaopeng.com Source: XPeng Inc. Initial results from the First in Human (FIH) Phase 1 trial evaluating AIC468, a 2 nd generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), in healthy volunteers demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), in healthy volunteers demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics AIC468 was safe and well tolerated in all evaluated patients to date Preclinical and human PK results suggest that efficacious kidney concentrations can be achieved by weekly or less frequent dosing within the investigated dose range Wuppertal, Germany, August 5, 2025 - Aicuris Anti-infective Cures AG today announced initial clinical data from its ongoing first-in-human Phase 1 trial with AIC468. The novel antiviral antisense oligonucleotide is in development for the treatment of BK virus (BKV) infections in kidney transplant recipients. The interim results, presented at the World Transplant Congress in San Francisco on August 4, 2025, provide an overview of PK characteristics of AIC468 from the Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers. BK virus infections represent a serious and persistent threat for immunocompromised patients with a high risk of renal damage or kidney loss after transplantation. The PK results and safety data to date are very encouraging and provide us with valuable insights for the continued development of this differentiated program, said Cynthia Wat, MD, CMO of Aicuris. Our goal is to achieve tangible therapeutic solutions for immunocompromised patients with kidney transplants, and these strong PK and safety data are an important step for us in achieving this goal. FIH trial data from 72 healthy volunteer subjects, six single ascending dose (SAD) subcutaneous cohorts, one intravenous dose level and two multiple ascending dose (MAD) subcutaneous cohorts were presented at World Transplant Congress. AIC468 was safe and well tolerated across all cohorts investigated to date. The product candidate achieved excellent bioavailability (82%), rapid absorption, and distribution to peripheral tissues. A favorable half-life together with pre-clinical data, suggests that efficacious kidney concentrations can be attained by weekly or less frequent dosing regimens within the investigated dose range. Additionally, renal clearance for AIC468 accounted for less than 2% of the total clearance, representing a negligible route of elimination. Tissue uptake and subsequent metabolism appear to be the primary route of clearance, supporting the observed benign safety profile. The trial is progressing as planned in the third MAD cohort. Aicuris continues to build momentum by executing on our clinical trial strategy and achieving the first positive data set for our third clinical program for immunocompromised patients, added Larry Edwards, CEO of Aicuris. In the second half of 2025 we expect data from the Phase 1 program to allow us to rapidly advance AIC468 into a Phase 2a proof-of-mechanism trial in H1 2026 to demonstrate its value for patients. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled first-in-human trial (2023-510074-13-00) is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of AIC468 in healthy volunteers. SAD cohorts tested AIC468 or a placebo control in a total of 56 healthy volunteers across six subcutaneous (25 mg to 600 mg) and one intravenous dose level (200 mg). In the MAD cohorts an additional 24 subjects receive five repeated doses of AIC468 (130 mg, 230mg and 330 mg). Dosing in all SAD and the first two MAD cohorts have been successfully completed. The trial is progressing as planned in the third MAD cohort with data expected later this year. About BKV BKV is a ubiquitous polyomavirus that infects most people in early childhood, typically without symptoms. In immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients, BKV can reactivate, leading to serious health issues. In kidney transplant patients, BKV reactivation can cause BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN), affecting up to 10% of recipients and potentially resulting in graft loss. Current management involves reducing immunosuppressive therapy, which increases the risk of graft rejection. Despite its prevalence, there is no approved antiviral treatment specifically for BKV. About AIC468 AIC468 is an antisense oligonucleotide therapy designed to treat BK virus reactivation in kidney transplant patients which can pose a significant health risk for these patients. The candidate blocks viral replication within infected cells by inhibiting splicing of the pre-mRNA that encodes for the virus large T-antigen. This innovative approach has already demonstrated potent antiviral activity along with a favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profile in preclinical studies and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial. About Aicuris Aicuris is meeting the needs of the growing population of immunocompromised people who require precise therapies to effectively treat infection. Our flagship product, PREVYMIS, marketed by our partner MSD, prevents CMV in a defined group of transplant recipients. Our pivotal Phase 3 candidate, pritelivir, aims to address refractory HSV infections in a broad population of patients with weakened immune systems. For immunocompromised people, an otherwise manageable infection can mean life or death. Aicuris, with its expertise and growing pipeline, is committed to providing therapeutic solutions for them now and in the future. Contact: Aicuris Anti-infective Cures AG info@aicuris.com Trophic Communications Dr. Stephanie May and Dr. Charlotte Spitz Phone: +49 171 3512733 Email: aicuris@trophic.eu Gazoscan Mini Highlights Detects methane from a distance of up to 50 feet Dimensions 8.9 x 2.7 x 4.1 Weight 0.85 lbs Proven tunable laser diode technology Rugged, field-durable casing design Certified intrinsically safe COVENTRY, United Kingdom, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ecotec is excited to announce a new methane detection device designed to improve worker safety and operational efficiency. The new Gazoscan Mini offers a portable, cost-effective solution for daily use by field operators. Traditionally, companies have had to choose between low-cost, reactive tools that alert workers once theyre already in a methane zone and higher-cost, specialist systems that can be inappropriate for daily use or fixed to a single location. While both types of tools remain important for methane detection, Ecotec developed the Gazoscan Mini in response to demand from midstream customers for a proactive solution that can be deployed by every operator across their sites. The Gazoscan Mini is compact and lightweight, enabling field workers to carry it easily throughout their shifts. Its powerful enough to detect methane at distances of up to 15 meters, allowing workers to identify potential leaks from a safe distance. This enables frequent inspections, such as daily spot checks, to support and inform quarterly or annual leak detection cycles. With the Gazoscan Mini, our industry now has the ability to deploy laser methane detection in the hands of every operator, says Kyle Jantzen, VP of Business Development, New Products, at Archrock. And the move towards an operational approach to leak detection provides a safer and more efficient environment. By making methane detection part of daily workflows, the device is designed to help reduce gas loss and minimize downtime by allowing earlier identification of leaks. Product development has taken place at Ecotecs headquarters in Colton, CA, where the instruments are manufactured, with much of the testing being carried out at operational sites in Texas. The Gazoscan Mini is certified as intrinsically safe and has been tested for use in tough environments. Ecotec has provided rugged gas analysis instruments and data management to landfill and biogas sectors for 40 years, with subsidiaries in Europe and South America offering global supply and support to a range of sectors. The companys methane monitoring credentials are now established in the oil and gas industry, where leaking methane represents a lost product, as well as a safety and environmental risk. Discover more at www.ecotecco.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83805f18-1340-49a6-9fb6-11e31426bb50 LUXEMBOURG, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitcoin Swift (BTC3), a programmable yield project built on AI-enhanced smart contracts, is approaching the end of Stage 3 of its 64-day presale. With only three days remaining, the token price remains at $3. Stage 4 will commence with an updated token price of $4, with a confirmed listing set at $15. Buyers in Stage 3 are eligible for a 121% annualized yield through Bitcoin Swifts PoY (Proof-of-Yield) system, which distributes rewards automatically at the end of each stage. These yields are executed via smart contracts, with no lockups or manual claims required. Influencers are watching closely. Crypto Infinity recently highlighted BTC3 as one of the top gainers in user interest across presale platforms. Key Technical Highlights Programmable PoY Rewards The PoY system calculates staking rewards using on-chain and off-chain metrics, including: Network transaction volume Validator activity Smart contract utilization AI-assessed sustainability scores All reward logic is automated, ensuring transparent and timely distribution. AI-Driven Energy Tracking Bitcoin Swift integrates artificial intelligence to monitor energy efficiency across its infrastructure. Oracles dynamically adjust emissions and reward allocation based on: Real-time energy metrics Use of green infrastructure Network-wide sustainability benchmarks Privacy and Compliance Layer BTC3 supports zk-SNARK privacy along with decentralized identity (DID) systems, allowing for institutional KYC verification without compromising user data. BTC3 has already passed major audits, including those by Spywolf and Solidproof , with all core contributors having been cleared through full KYC documentation . BTC3E Stablecoin Integration Bitcoin Swift also introduces BTC3E, a USD-pegged stablecoin overcollateralized with BTC3. Minted through smart contracts and managed by AI-powered oracles, BTC3E supports decentralized finance (DeFi) operations with: Minimum 150% collateral ratio Automated liquidation mechanisms Instant, on-chain settlement Presale Timeline Current Stage: Stage 3 Stage 3 Stage 3 Price: $3 $3 Stage 4 Price: $4 $4 Stage 3 Ends: September 18, 2025 September 18, 2025 Launch Price: $15 (confirmed exchange listing) Investors participating in the current phase receive both token allocations and programmable yield upon the close of Stage 3. The project has reported growing interest across crypto communities and presale tracking platforms. For more information on Bitcoin Swift: Website: https://bitcoinswift.com Follow on X 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. 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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24352236-9375-4013-97c0-79c61072e433 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de951520-de78-47e6-8a58-a378d7d4c2a0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/11b0f3b2-dffe-4244-980a-36dd1812d37d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee8caa35-45cb-4f26-a47b-c58d75bda344 Dublin, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Prefabricated Construction Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - 100+ KPIs, Market Size & Forecast by End Markets, Precast Products, and Precast Materials - Q2 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the prefabricated construction sector in Europe, offering a comprehensive view of market opportunities across end-markets, materials, and products at the country level. The European prefabricated construction is advancing from component-level assembly to integrated, industrial-scale delivery spurred by labor shortages, cost pressures, sustainability mandates, and urban housing demands. While traditional penalization remains common, the trajectory favors volumetric modular buildings, especially in multi-family, social, and retrofit segments. Policy support from the EU's prefabricated construction Products Regulation to national tax incentives and streamlined permitting lowers barriers and unifies standards across markets. Strategic partnerships from government industry alignment to start up funding and cross-border manufacturing networks are essential to scaling operations and optimizing supply chains. Meanwhile, investment in digitalization, BIM, robotics, and factory automation is professionalizing production, improving quality, and reducing timelines. Timber prefabricated construction is emerging as a low-carbon, high-rise alternative, and energy efficiency retrofit modules are being trialed as a pragmatic response to decarbonization goals. As we advance, Europe will benefit from harmonized regulations, specialized supply hubs in Eastern Europe, and broader integration of prefab into urban renewal and low-carbon policy agendas. Industry leaders must position prefab not just as a prefabricated construction technique but as a strategic enabler of resilience, sustainability, and productivity. By aligning investments in digital-fab infrastructure, regulatory engagement, and public-private collaboration, executives can convert prefab from a niche tactic into a foundational infrastructure strategy for Europe's built-environment transition. Outlook for Europe's Prefabricated Construction Industry Address labor and productivity constraints: With persistent labor shortages and pressures on productivity, prefabrication is increasingly viewed as a critical strategy With persistent labor shortages and pressures on productivity, prefabrication is increasingly viewed as a critical strategy Major markets like the Netherlands are already using prefab in most projects: Germany, Italy, Belgium hovering around half; Europe wide prefab share sits above 40%. Germany, Italy, Belgium hovering around half; Europe wide prefab share sits above 40%. Meet sustainability and housing imperatives: Modular, panelized methods are solutions to affordable housing gaps and environmental goals across residential and non residential sectors. Modular, panelized methods are solutions to affordable housing gaps and environmental goals across residential and non residential sectors. Navigate macro volatility and regulation alignment: While geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties have dampened new build activity, the EU's prefabricated construction Products Regulation harmonizes standards, easing prefab adoption. Key Trends & Developments Shift to Industrialized Modular Delivery: Move is underway from basic elements to volumetric, factory assembled units; though only ~12% of prefab is currently volumetric, forecasts expect strong mid term growth. Move is underway from basic elements to volumetric, factory assembled units; though only ~12% of prefab is currently volumetric, forecasts expect strong mid term growth. Drive Digital Integration via BIM & Automated Processes : BIM usage among architects exceeds 45%, though contractors lag; deeper digital fabrication is tied strongly to prefab adoption. : BIM usage among architects exceeds 45%, though contractors lag; deeper digital fabrication is tied strongly to prefab adoption. Advance Eco Material & Timber Solutions: The Timber segment relatively common in Nordic nations is being embraced in France, Italy, and the Netherlands; tall timber towers in Norway and Austria highlight climate friendly innovations. The Timber segment relatively common in Nordic nations is being embraced in France, Italy, and the Netherlands; tall timber towers in Norway and Austria highlight climate friendly innovations. Embed Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Readiness: Prefab modules are increasingly used in retrofit and renovation projects to raise energy performance particularly in Germany amid the energy efficiency push. Strategic Partnerships for Scale Align Government Incentives with Industry Scale Up : Grants, tax breaks, and streamlined approvals across countries like the UK, Germany, and France are helping prefab integrate into social housing and public projects. : Grants, tax breaks, and streamlined approvals across countries like the UK, Germany, and France are helping prefab integrate into social housing and public projects. Encourage Manufacturer-Registry Cooperation : Producers in Germany, Sweden, and Poland collaborate to harmonize designs and reduce regulatory friction, leveraging EU standards alignment. : Producers in Germany, Sweden, and Poland collaborate to harmonize designs and reduce regulatory friction, leveraging EU standards alignment. Support Start ups and Scale ups with Capital : Modular housing firms like Ecoworks and Ilke Homes received 7.7 million and 100 million, respectively, fueling capacity expansion in retrofit and new build markets. Core Growth Drivers in Europe Labor and cost efficiency pressures: Prefab reduces build time by 20-50%, minimizes waste, and improves safety and quality, per BCG and industry analysis. Prefab reduces build time by 20-50%, minimizes waste, and improves safety and quality, per BCG and industry analysis. Housing shortages and urbanization: Multi family prefab housing is expanding rapidly in Germany, France, Poland, Sweden and Italy, supported by affordability and speed priorities. Multi family prefab housing is expanding rapidly in Germany, France, Poland, Sweden and Italy, supported by affordability and speed priorities. Regulatory alignment and sustainability mandates : EU-wide policies, including the CPR and energy-performance rules, make prefab adoption smoother and more compelling. : EU-wide policies, including the CPR and energy-performance rules, make prefab adoption smoother and more compelling. Technology led quality improvements: Automation, robotics, and BIM integration improve build precision and cost control, creating momentum for more industrialized methods. Future Trends in Prefabricated Construction Scale Digital Automation Ecosystems: Expect robotics, AI driven quality control, and factory scale digital workflows to move from pilots into core operations. Expect robotics, AI driven quality control, and factory scale digital workflows to move from pilots into core operations. Expand Timber Clad and Tall Prefab Projects : High rise timber towers and timber panel homes will multiply following early successes in Austria and Norway. : High rise timber towers and timber panel homes will multiply following early successes in Austria and Norway. Accelerate Retrofit Prefab for Efficiency : Germany's retrofit modules will signal a broader European shift toward energy grade renewal of existing building stock. : Germany's retrofit modules will signal a broader European shift toward energy grade renewal of existing building stock. Consolidate Regional Supply Chains: Central and Eastern Europe will emerge as prefab component manufacturing hubs, feeding Western projects with cost effective modules. Central and Eastern Europe will emerge as prefab component manufacturing hubs, feeding Western projects with cost effective modules. Shape Regulatory and Investment Frameworks: The EU will likely move to standardize prefab codes and establish financial mechanisms to support modular housing and energy transition projects. Report Scope This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the prefabricated construction industry at regional and country level. It covers market opportunity, and industry dynamics by prefabricated materials, methods, and products across various construction sectors at country level. In addition, it provides market size and forecast of the prefabricated industry covering end markets along with demand analysis. With over 100+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides comprehensive understanding of market dynamics at a more granular level. Prefabricated Construction Market Size by Building Construction Sector Residential Single-Family Multi Family Commercial Office Retail Hospitality Other Institutional Industrial Prefabricated Construction Market Size by Prefabrication Methods Panelised construction Modular (Volumetric) construction Hybrid (Semi-volumetric) construction Prefabricated Construction Market Size by Type of Material Aluminium Wood Iron & Steel Concrete Glass Other Prefabricated Construction Market Size by Type of Product Building Superstructure Roof Construction Floor Construction Interior Room Modules Exterior Walls Columns & Beams Other Prefabricated Construction Market Size by Prefabricated Material X Product Aluminium Wood Iron & Steel Concrete Glass Other Prefabricated Construction Market Size by Prefabrication Product X Construction Sector Residential Commercial Industrial Institutional For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bsw2mx About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnviroGold Global Limited (CSE: NVRO | OTCQB: ESGLF | FSE: YGK), (EnviroGold, or the Company), a clean technology company specialising in reprocessing mine waste to recover precious, base and strategic metals, welcomes U.S. Department of the Interior Executive Order No. 3436 as a transformational policy development to accelerate the Companys strategic growth and technology deployment opportunities in North America. On July 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued Order No. 3436 titled Unlocking Critical and Strategic Minerals from Mine Waste. The Order implements key provisions of the United States bipartisan national security and energy independence strategy and provides for the following: Streamlined permitting and fast-track regulatory approvals for the recovery of critical minerals from mine waste. Notably, projects that recover critical elements from mine waste may be treated as environmental clean-up initiatives rather than new mining operations, reducing regulatory burden and avoiding protracted permitting timelines. Access to financial incentives and funding mechanisms, including grants under the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program, the new Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation (AHMR) fund, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). A federal mandate to prioritise and expedite the development of projects reclaiming valuable metals from abandoned mine sites, including tailings and coal waste. Support for deployment of emerging technologies that enable the recovery of metals while contributing to environmental rehabilitation and land reclamation. ENVIROGOLDS NVRO PROCESS: FIRST-MOVER ADVANTAGE IN A TRANSFORMING SECTOR This new U.S. policy framework directly supports the commercial deployment of EnviroGolds patented NVRO Process, which is specifically designed to unlock precious and critical metals from legacy mine waste and tailings while delivering ESG-positive outcomes through land reclamation and environmental remediation. EnviroGolds patented NVRO Process offers a compelling set of advantages: Lower capital intensity relative to conventional mining operations Rapid deployment pathways Substantial environmental benefits, including reduced tailings footprint and improved site outcomes A scalable licensing business model, enabling broad commercial reach with limited capital expenditure With tailings assets already identified in North America and a robust pipeline of high-value opportunities, the Company is actively accelerating commercial deployment under the new U.S. regulatory framework. This Executive Order adds another major inflection point for EnviroGold, said David Cam, Executive Director and CEO. The U.S. government is clearly signalling its intent to reindustrialise, reclaim, and secure critical mineral supply chains, exactly the focus of the NVRO Process. We are uniquely positioned to be a critical enabler of this national effort, while generating long-term value for our shareholders. About EnviroGold Global EnviroGold Global is a technology company enabling the global mining industry to monetise valuable metals from mine waste and tailings and reduce environmental liabilities. EnviroGolds proprietary technology is at the leading edge of demand for precious and strategic metals and greater social demand for better environmental outcomes. The Company operates on a technology licence fee model with low capex requirements and intends to establish itself as a leading global technology company focussed on shareholder value and recurring dividends. CONTACTS: Investor Cubed Neil Simon, CEO +1 647 258 3310 nsimon@investor3.ca ir@envirogoldglobal.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Companys business strategy; technology development and commercialization plans; projected license agreements and revenue expectations; scalability of the NVRO Process; anticipated project milestones; client adoption; market opportunities; and future economic performance. Forward-looking statements often (but not always) use words such as plans, expects, intends, anticipates, believes, targets, forecasts, may, will, or similar terminology. Such statements reflect managements reasonable assumptions and expectations as of the date hereof, including but not limited to: successful validation and scale-up of the NVRO Process; execution of commercial license agreements within the expected timeframe; achievement of recurring revenue targets; the continuation of supportive U.S. federal policies; favourable commodity prices and market conditions for tailings reprocessing; and continued support from strategic partners. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements due to various risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to: technical or operational challenges; delays in technology validation, permitting, or project execution; inability to secure customer contracts on expected terms or timelines; changes in market or commodity price conditions; unforeseen regulatory developments; adverse economic, geopolitical, or market disruptions; and other factors beyond the Companys control. This list is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except as required by applicable securities laws, EnviroGold disclaims any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or otherwise. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavour Silver Corp. ("Endeavour" or the "Company") (NYSE: EXK; TSX: EDR) is pleased to report steady progress at its Terronera mine in Jalisco state, Mexico. For the month of July, a total of 57,080 tonnes were milled at Terronera, an average of 1,841 tonnes per day (tpd). Since completing the commissioning phase, throughput has rapidly increased with current milling rates between 1,900 and 2,000 tpd as adjustments to improve recoveries are ongoing in the grinding and flotation circuits. Since July 16, silver and gold recoveries have averaged 71% and 67%, respectively, while processing lower grade material. Higher-grade material is scheduled for processing soon, while optimization efforts continue. The introduction of higher-grade material is expected to directly enhance recoveries. As higher recoveries are attained, the focus will shift to increasing the milling rate to sustain the designed throughput of 2,000 tpd. We are very pleased with how well startup has progressed, commented Don Gray, Chief Operating Officer. Our Terronera team has really taken ownership with the mill startup and throughput increase, while simultaneously managing the challenges that arise in the early startup phase. Our focus on implementing our business readiness plan has well-positioned us for successful operation of Endeavour's next core asset. With each phase of the mill ramp-up advancing, Terronera continues to move steadily toward its targeted sustainable production levels and, ultimately, commercial production. About Endeavour Silver: Endeavour is a mid-tier precious metals company committed to sustainable and responsible mining practices. With operations in Mexico and Peru, and the development of the new cornerstone mine in Jalisco State, the Company aims to contribute positively to the mining industry and the communities in which it operates. In addition, Endeavour has a portfolio of exploration projects in Mexico, Chile, and the United States, which has helped it achieve its goal of becoming a premier senior silver producer. Qualified Person Dale Mah, P.Geo., Vice President Corporate Development, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information related to operations matters in this news release. Contact Information Allison Pettit, Director of Investor Relations Tel: (604) 640 4804 Email: apettit@edrsilver.com Website: www.edrsilver.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and "forward-looking information" within applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Companys plans for the Terronera Project, the Companys areas of focus for the Terronera Project, the Terronera Project's forecasted operations, costs and expenditures, the Companys future growth and value creation and the timing and results of various related activities. The Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements or information other than as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause Endeavor's actual results, level of activity, production levels, performance, or achievements, and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include but are not limited to unexpected changes in production and costs guidance; the ongoing effects of inflation and supply chain issues on the Terronera Project economics; changes in national and local governments legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, Chile, the USA and Mexico; financial risks due to precious metals prices; operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration, development and mining activities; risks and hazards of mineral exploration, development and mining (including, but not limited to, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); adequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance; availability of and costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits; continued compliance with the project loan debt facility; fluctuations in the prices of silver and gold; fluctuations in the currency markets (particularly the Chilean sol, Mexican peso, Chilean peso, Canadian dollar and US dollar); challenges to the Company's title to properties; as well as those factors described in the section "risk factors" contained in the Company's most recent form 40F/Annual Information Form filed with the SEC and Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's mining operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, forecasted Terronera mine economics as of 2025, mining operations will operate and the mining products will be completed under management's expectations and achieve their stated production outcomes, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, other factors may cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed, or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION NEW YORK and CHICAGO, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP (Wolf Haldenstein), a preeminent national consumer rights law firm, is investigating claims on behalf of people who have been impacted by the Barrett-Jackson Holdings, LLC (Barrett-Jackson) data breach. Barrett-Jackson, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, announced that the personal information of customers and employees may have been stolen as part of a data breach which occurred in November 2024. Barrett-Jackson is notifying affected people that their personal information, including at least names, Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers, financial account information, payment card information, and health insurance information may have been stolen. If you have received a recent notice of the data breach and have experienced recent concerning activity, it is possible that your personal information was compromised and is being offered for sale on the dark web. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION If you wish to discuss this data breach incident, or if you have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this matter, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at gstone@whafh.com, or visit our website. Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP has experience in the prosecution of consumer rights litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas and offices in New York, Chicago, Nashville, and San Diego. Courts have repeatedly recognized the reputation and expertise of this firm and have appointed it to major positions in complex consolidated litigation. Contact: Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis Carl Malmstrom, Esq., Of Counsel Email: gstone@whafh.com or malmstrom@whafh.com Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774 This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. WAYNE, Pa., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Judge Group announces its inclusion in several of Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) prestigious 2025 rankings, highlighting Judges continued growth and impact across key sectors of the staffing industry. Judge has been named among the largest firms in three major categories: Healthcare Staffing, Allied Healthcare Staffing, and IT Staffing in the United States, in addition to previously being named one of the Largest Staffing Firms in the United States. These recognitions reflect Judges commitment to delivering exceptional talent solutions and its ongoing dedication to innovation, quality, and client success. Were honored to be recognized by SIA across multiple categories, said Martin Marty Judge, III, CEO of The Judge Group. These acknowledgments are a testament to the hard work of our teams and the trust our clients place in us to deliver top tier staffing services. Judges inclusion in these lists underscores its strategic growth and leadership in providing specialized staffing solutions that meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers, allied health organizations, and technology-driven enterprises. The Judge Group, headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, is located at 151 South Warner Road, Wayne, PA 19087. To learn more, visit www.judge.com. About The Judge Group The Judge Group is an international leader in business technology consulting, learning and development, managed services, and talent solutions. With over 30 locations across the United States, Canada, and India, Judge is proud to partner with the best and brightest companies in business today, including over 60 of the Fortune 100. Dublin, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Whiskey Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Saudi Arabia Whiskey market is expected to reach US$ 1.51 billion by 2033 from US$ 985 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.90% from 2025 to 2033. The rising demand for luxury items, the expanding travel and hotel industry, and shifting consumer tastes for foreign beverages are all contributing to the market's notable growth. Growing disposable incomes, the impact of global cultures, and new product options are all contributing to the country's market expansion. Saudi Arabia's stringent alcohol laws have influenced the country's whiskey business, which continues to be a distinctive and intricate industry. Saudi Arabia, being an Islamic country, prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey. Despite this, there is a noticeable demand for alcoholic drinks, primarily due to the sizable expat population, particularly from Western nations, who are used to drinking whiskey. Whiskey and other imported spirits are in high demand, and they are usually obtained through illegal or black market means. However, because this market is hidden, it is challenging to determine precise sales numbers or trends. The desire for luxury goods, such as high-end alcoholic beverages like whiskey, has been influenced by Saudi Arabia's increasing wealth and the growth of the travel and tourism industry. Despite the limitations, wealthy locals and visitors frequently seek out international products. Future changes are also hinted at by the changing social standards, which are progressively loosening as a result of reforms like Vision 2030's easing of some cultural prohibitions. But unless these restrictions are changed, Saudi Arabia's whiskey market is still underground and serves a small market; formal expansion is unlikely to occur anytime soon. The consumption of luxury and high-end goods is rising noticeably as Saudi Arabia actively seeks to diversify its economy under the Vision 2030 project. Although alcohol is illegal in the nation, there is a black market for high-end goods like whiskey. Furthermore, wealthy young people are becoming more interested in high-end lifestyle goods like foreign spirits. Saudi customers are clearly moving away from regular sodas and toward locally produced, high-quality luxury beverages as of May 2024. Aiming to cater to the younger generation's demand for international-style drinks, events such as the Saudi Food Show in Riyadh, which features over 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries, promote food and beverage innovations, such as premium mocktails and artisanal non-alcoholic spirits. This pattern highlights a change in which young people are attracted to high-end drinks while maintaining social mores that forbid drinking. Growth Drivers for the Saudi Arabia Whiskey Market Changing Customer Preferences and Behavior Even though alcohol is prohibited, Saudi Arabian consumers' perceptions of worldwide food and drink consumption patterns are subtly changing. Curiosity and demand for international spirits have increased due to social media's rise, worldwide travel, and more exposure to global media. For example, according to industry forecasts, in 2024, over 35.33 million Saudi Arabians - or roughly 94.30% of the country's total population - will have social media accounts. Furthermore, a large number of Saudis are expressing interest in high-end alcoholic beverages, particularly younger, more globally connected people. For example, Constellation Brands stated in May 2024 that the global cocktail culture was driving up demand for spirits in Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia. The company is concentrating on on-premise customer engagement in light of the growing hospitality industry and the opening of Saudi Arabia's first alcohol store. As a result, despite the Kingdom's official prohibitions on alcohol, whiskey consumption is being driven by worldwide trends and shifting consumer preferences. The tourism and hospitality industry are expanding quickly The government is making significant investments in the travel and hospitality industry as part of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy, hoping to draw tourists from abroad via programs like Saudi Vision 2030 and the introduction of the tourist visa. For example, the UNWTO reports that Saudi Arabia led the G20 countries in tourism growth during the first seven months of 2024, with a 73% increase in foreign arrivals, underscoring its increasing appeal on a global scale. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is increasingly accommodating foreign tourists with their own tastes, including alcoholic drinks like whiskey, as its tourism infrastructure grows. It is anticipated that this tourism boom will continue, greatly increasing demand for high-end and upscale beverages in particular establishments. Premium Beverage Demand Demand for upscale alcoholic beverages like whiskey is rising as consumer tastes move toward premium and luxury experiences. Rich people's thirst for upscale and distinguished goods is reflected in their growing interest in rare and exclusive whiskey brands, especially among expatriates and wealthy locals. The quest for distinctive, high-quality culinary, recreational, and social experiences is driving this trend. Due to Saudi Arabia's alcohol limitations, the formal market does not completely reflect demand, although wealthy consumers are ready to obtain expensive whiskey through unofficial or private channels. Whiskey and other premium alcoholic beverages are predicted to become more in demand as social standards and disposable incomes change, creating a small but expanding market. Challenges in the Saudi Arabia Whiskey Market Social and Cultural Norms Islamic customs, which forbid drinking alcohol, have a strong influence on Saudi Arabian society. Because of this ban, which has its origins in religious doctrine, drinking alcohol, especially whiskey, is frowned upon in society. As a result, there is little demand for alcoholic beverages in mainstream society and little public acceptance of them. In addition to stifling local consumption, this cultural norm makes it more difficult to create a legitimate and visible whiskey industry. Since most people consider alcohol to be socially inappropriate, there is little to no consumer education or awareness of whiskey brands, which makes it challenging for any enterprises related to whiskey to prosper in the nation's cultural setting. Lack of Legal Framework Any possibility of official whiskey distribution and sales is significantly hampered by Saudi Arabia's absence of a legal framework for the alcohol business. There are no laws controlling the importation, promotion, or sale of whiskey because alcohol is prohibited nationwide. There are no official channels for customers to lawfully obtain whiskey since enterprises cannot set up shop without legal infrastructure. Businesses are further discouraged from investing in the sector by the lack of regulatory assistance, which limits their ability to expand and establish global brands. Because of this, the whiskey industry continues to operate covertly and underground, making it challenging to determine the market's actual potential or establish a recognized sector. Saudi Arabia Whiskey Market Overview by Regions By Region, the Saudi Arabia Whiskey market is divided into Western Region, Northern & Central Region, Eastern Region, Southern Region. Eastern Saudi Arabia Whiskey Market Even though alcohol is prohibited in the region, a number of variables affect the whiskey business in Eastern Saudi Arabia. There is a sizable expat population in the area, mostly from Western nations, and they bring with them their cultural tastes, which include a need for whiskey. Compared to other locations, Eastern Saudi Arabia enjoys more access to unofficial whiskey channels due to its stronger economic development and proximity to important international commerce routes. However, whiskey consumption is still mostly disguised because of strong legal and religious prohibitions against alcohol. Underground markets, which serve wealthy people, foreigners, and tourists looking for premium spirits, supply the majority of the demand. Although the market is small and subject to laws, the region's increasing wealth creates a subliminal demand for high-end alcoholic drinks like whiskey. Western Saudi Arabia Whiskey Market The alcohol prohibition imposed by Saudi legislation is the main reason why the whiskey market in Western Saudi Arabia suffers comparable difficulties to the rest of the nation. However, the area - which includes important towns like Mecca and Jeddah - is a popular destination for tourists from throughout the world, especially pilgrims who come to Mecca for the Hajj and Umrah. Although it is mostly unmet through official channels, the flood of tourists from nations where alcohol consumption is widespread creates a latent demand for whiskey and other spirits. The region's expanding expat population, particularly from Western nations, further fuels demand through unofficial or covert marketplaces. The Western Saudi market offers a distinct, if obscure, niche for whiskey drinking because of the wealthier clientele and more cosmopolitan atmosphere, despite the cultural and legal limitations. Key Questions Answered in Report: 1. How big is the Saudi Arabia Whiskey industry? The Saudi Arabia Whiskey market size was valued at US$ 985 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 1.51 billion in 2033. 2. What is the Saudi Arabia Whiskey growth rate? The Saudi Arabia Whiskey market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.90% from 2025 to 2033. 3. Who are the key players in Saudi Arabia Whiskey industry? Some key players operating in the Saudi Arabia Whiskey market includes Accolade Wines, Alko, Allagash Brewing Company, Allied Blenders & Distillers, Arkell's Brewery, Anchor Brewing Company, Asahi Breweries, Bass Brewery. 4. What are the factors driving the Saudi Arabia Whiskey industry? The growing number of expatriates, rising disposable incomes, changing social standards, expanding tourism, and the need for high-end alcoholic beverages are the main drivers of Saudi Arabia's whiskey sector. 5. What segments are covered in the Saudi Arabia Whiskey Market report? Product Type, Quality, Distribution Channel, and Region segment are covered in this report. Key Players Analysis: Overviews, Key Persons, Recent Developments, Revenue Accolade Wines Alko Allagash Brewing Company Allied Blenders & Distillers Arkell's Brewery Anchor Brewing Company Asahi Breweries Bass Brewery Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $985 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $1510 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.9% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research & Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamic 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenges 5. Saudi Arabia Whiskey Market 6. Market Share Analysis 6.1 By Product Type 6.2 By Quality 6.3 By Distribution Channel 6.4 By Region 7. Product Type 7.1 American Whiskey 7.2 Irish Whiskey 7.3 Scotch Whiskey 7.4 Canadian Whiskey 7.5 Others 8. Quality 8.1 Premium 8.2 High-End Premium 8.3 Super Premium 9. Distribution Channel 9.1 Online 9.2 Offline 10. Region 10.1 Northern and Central Region 10.2 Western Region 10.3 Eastern Region 10.4 Southern Region 11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 11.3 Degree of Competition 11.4 Threat of New Entrants 11.5 Threat of Substitutes 12. SWOT Analysis 12.1 Strength 12.2 Weakness 12.3 Opportunity 12.4 Threats 13. Key Players Analysis For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tbobh2 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Predictive Maintenance in Power - Strategic Intelligence" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Predictive maintenance strategies is enabling power companies to transition from traditional, reactive maintenance models to a more sophisticated, data-driven paradigm. This shift not only optimizes asset performance but also extends the lifespan of critical infrastructure. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is markedly enhancing predictive maintenance within the power sector. AI-driven systems are increasingly being incorporated into power plants and grids to meticulously monitor equipment, analyze data, and forecast potential malfunctions. This integration facilitates proactive maintenance strategies and aids in averting expensive outages. Wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are progressively utilizing predictive maintenance to enhance reliability and efficiency. Report Scope The report focuses on predictive maintenance in power as a theme. It provides an industry insight on how predictive maintenance drives proactive maintenance strategy and can deliver efficient power generation. The report discusses on how artificial intelligence is driving predictive maintenance in power. The report briefs on growing application of predictive maintenance in wind and solar PV and its use cases in power utilities. The report delivers an overview on how predictive maintenance can optimize energy storage. The report covers mergers & acquisitions (M&As), venture financing deals and patent trends in predictive maintenance. The report provides an overview on competitive position held by power utility companies adopting predictive maintenance in business operations. Reasons to Buy A comprehensive analysis on the growing market trend of predictive maintenance in the power industry. The report provides an overview on the leading players in predictive maintenance theme and where do they fit in the value chain. Technology briefing on reactive approach, preventive approach, condition-based approach and predictive approach maintenance. A detailed analysis of predictive maintenance value chain. Company profiles of leading power utilities in predictive maintenance. An overview on predictive maintenance service and solution providers. The report emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence in predictive maintenance and discusses how it will transform solar PV and wind. A snapshot of power sector scorecard predicting the position of leading power utilities in predictive maintenance theme. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Players Technology Briefing Trends Industry Analysis Signals Value Chain Companies Sector Scorecards Company Coverage: Duke Energy EDF. E.ON Enel ENGIE Fortum Iberdrola KEPCO Orsted Southern Company Vattenfall Emerson GE Vernova Honeywell SKF ABB AT&T Cisco Ericsson Amazon Microsoft Rockwell Automation Schneider Electric Siemens Google Accenture AVEVA Capgemini Genpact Hitachi Energy IBM SAP For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1ru7yi About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Columbia, MD, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Owl Cyber Defense (Owl), the global market leader in trusted cross domain and diode solutions for critical networks in government, defense, and critical infrastructure, today announced that the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded the company a $150 Million Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide solutions that enable secure, real-time collaboration and data sharing across multiple classified and coalition networks operating at different security levels. As part of this contract, Owl Cyber Defense will update, deploy, and support its Voice and Video Cross Domain Solution (V2CDS), XD Vision, and Cross Domain Full Motion Video (CDFMV) products. This effort is sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which played a key role in supporting the development and certification of XD Vision. AFRL's contributions were instrumental during critical phases of testing and evaluation as the solution advanced toward operational readiness. We are proud to support AFRLs mission to deliver next-generation technologies that enable secure, real-time collaboration and intelligence sharing across all classification levels, said Scott Orton, CEO of Owl Cyber Defense. Through the combined power of V2CDS, XD Vision, and CDFMV, we are enhancing operational continuity and delivering the agility and assurance required to safeguard critical government missions worldwide. The following solutions are available to AFRL: V2CDS: Delivers real-time voice, face-phone, video conferencing and streaming data communication across network security boundaries, enabling safe and effective collaboration in joint and coalition military environments Delivers real-time voice, face-phone, video conferencing and streaming data communication across network security boundaries, enabling safe and effective collaboration in joint and coalition military environments XD Vision : Consolidates cross domain communications through a central, secure hub, reduces hardware sprawl, and enables many-to-many connectivity across security boundaries. Supporting full-motion video, voice, video teleconferencing, and XML messaging across 3 or more independent security domains, XD Vision seamlessly connects coalition networks and disparate classification levels with uncompromising fidelity and unmatched deep filtering and inspection. It enables concurrent high-definition video and audio connections for secure collaboration across global operations. : Consolidates cross domain communications through a central, secure hub, reduces hardware sprawl, and enables many-to-many connectivity across security boundaries. Supporting full-motion video, voice, video teleconferencing, and XML messaging across 3 or more independent security domains, XD Vision seamlessly connects coalition networks and disparate classification levels with uncompromising fidelity and unmatched deep filtering and inspection. It enables concurrent high-definition video and audio connections for secure collaboration across global operations. CDFMV: Delivers real time bi-directional full motion video and audio communications across network security boundaries to enable secure, real-time video, audio, and data streaming across networks operating at different security levels, ensuring compliant, scalable, and reliable collaboration for mission-critical operations. This IDIQ contract was the result of a sole source acquisition under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and is expected to be completed by July 29, 2030. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity (FA8750-25-D-B003) For more information on Owl Cyber Defenses cross domain solutions for government visit: https://owlcyberdefense.com/products/cross-domain-solutions/ About Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC, headquartered in Columbia, MD, is a pure play cybersecurity company solely focused on purpose-built, made-in-the-USA data diode and cross domain solutions. Trusted to protect the most sensitive government and commercial networks worldwide, our technologies are developed and manufactured to meet the strictest U.S. security standards. Owl enables secure, near-instantaneous collaboration across network boundariespowering faster, safer, and smarter decisions for military, federal, and commercial critical infrastructure organizations. With a focus on scalability, interoperability, and regulatory compliance, Owl ensures resilient communication in the most high-threat environments. Rigorously tested. Globally trusted. Visit www.owlcyberdefense.com or contact us at info@owlcyberdefense.com for more information. NEW YORK, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE: BRBR) for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in BellRing, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit. Why is BellRing being Investigated? BellRing operates in the convenient nutrition category. The Companys primary brands include Premier Protein and Dymatize, which offer ready-to-drink protein shakes and powders. During the relevant period, the Company stated that Premier Protein hit an all-time high in household penetration and that demand remains strong. The Company also stated that its growth was strong in all channels, driven by distribution expansion, accelerating velocities and incremental promotional activity. In truth, the Companys sales growth during the relevant period may have been driven by temporary trade inventory loading at several key retailers, not sustainable end-consumer demand. The Stock Declines as the Truth is Revealed On May 5, 2025, after market hours, BellRing revealed that starting in Q2 2023, several key retailers lowered their weeks of supply on hand, which would create a headwind to Q3 2025 growth. The Company also announced it was expanding promotions to boost sales and offset [] third quarter reductions in retailer trade inventory levels. On this news, the price of BellRing stock fell $13.96 per share, or more than 18%, from $77.34 per share on May 5, 2025, to $63.38 per share on May 6, 2025. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit. What Can You Do? If you invested in BellRing you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212.789.3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named Elite Trial Lawyers by the National Law Journal, among the top 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers by Lawdragon, Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com. https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sekur Private Data Ltd. (OTCQB: SWISF | CSE: SKUR | FRA: GDT0) (Sekur or the Company), a leading Swiss-hosted cybersecurity and private communications platform, is pleased to announce that Alain GHIAI, will present live at the OTCQB Venture Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on August 7th , 2025 DATE: August 7th TIME: 3:30 PM ET LINK: REGISTER HERE Available for 1x1 meetings: August 11th to Aug 15th 2025. This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . Recent Company Highlights About Sekur Private Data Ltd. Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a Swiss-hosted cybersecurity and privacy communications provider. offering a secure suite of tools to protect governments, businesses and individuals from unauthorized access and cyber threats. With solutions such as SekurMail, SekurMessenger, and SekurVPN, Sekur provides an accessible and reliable means of digital communication and data storage, grounded in Swiss privacy standards. Sekur sells its solutions through its website www.sekur.com, approved distributors and telecommunications companies globally. Sekur serves governments, businesses and consumers worldwide. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. CONTACTS: Sekur Private Data Ltd. Alain Ghiai CEO and President +1.305.347.5114 Investors@sekur.com Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zero Candida Technologies, Inc. (TSXV: ZCT) (OTCQB: ZCTFF) (FSE: 9L2) (the "Company" or "ZCT"), a medical device company developing a SMART, AI-driven FemTech device to revolutionize womens health, today announced that Sophya Galper Komet, CFO, and Dr. Asher Holzer, Founder, will present live at the OTCQB Venture Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on August 7th , 2025. DATE: August 7th TIME: 12:00 PM ET LINK: REGISTER HERE Available for 1x1 meetings: August 7 & 8, 2025 This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the Company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . Company Highlights Demonstrated 99.999% Candida elimination in 3 hours during POC testing, targeting FDA De Novo regulatory pathway Expanding global IP portfolio with patents filed in Europe, the United States, Brazil, and fully granted in South Africa Cross-listed on FSE and OTCQB, including recent DTC eligibility, broadening investor access In active discussions with major hospitals and U.S. pharmaceutical companies to support future clinical trials and commercialization About Zero Candida Technologies Zero Candida Technologies, Inc. is a publicly traded FemTech company pioneering innovative solutions to address unmet needs in womens health. The Company is developing a SMART, tampon-like device that combines artificial intelligence and therapeutic blue light at a precise wavelength and intensity to effectively treat Vulvo-Vaginal Candidiasis (VVC) through personalized, at-home care. This condition affects approximately 75% of women worldwide, and recurrent cases (four or more episodes per year) are increasingly resistant to existing drug treatments, as the root cause remains poorly understood and inadequately addressed. With the VVC treatment market projected to exceed US $2B by 2030, Zero Candida is combining hybrid medicine and technology-based diagnostics to improve access for underserved populations and bring gynecology into the 21st century. To learn more, visit www.zero-candida.com About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. CONTACTS: Zero Candida Technologies, Inc. +1 (647) 874-3767 investors@zero-candida.com Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com NEW YORK, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Arbitration Association-International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR), in collaboration with CPR Dispute Resolution, will co-host the third AAA-ICDR Future Dispute Resolution Conference on October 9, 2025 in New York City at Cardozo School of Laws Downtown 5th Avenue Conference Center. This forward-looking conference will be followed by a Hackathon on October 10, held at the AAA-ICDRs Midtown Manhattan office and co-hosted with Wolters Kluwer and its Kluwer Arbitration team, Kluwer Law International. Spanning two days, the event will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and what that means for legal professionals, institutions, and the future of dispute resolution. Keynote speaker Diana Didia, executive vice president, chief technology & chief innovation officer at the AAA-ICDR, will share how the organization has integrated AI into its operations. When Bridget McCormack joined the AAA-ICDR as president and CEO, our momentum around AI accelerated, Didia said. Our team has had the opportunity to learn, test, and launch incremental projects and solutions, bringing us closer to a digital-native dispute resolution platform. By the end of this year, well have one. Were excited to share our journey. Events like Future Dispute Resolution allow us to connect with peers, advocates, and panelists to exchange insights, share experiences and aspirations, reflect on progress, and shape the future of the field together. Serena Lee, CEO and president of CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution, expressed enthusiasm about co-hosting the event as a continuation of the partnership that began with the Hague Future Dispute Resolution event. This event at Cardozo Law School embodies a shared mission among all peer organizations to foster a culture of dispute prevention and resolution, said Lee. With AI becoming increasingly integral to legal practice, this conference and hackathon serve as a critical forum to discuss how AI can expand access to dispute resolution and drive innovation across the field. Registration is now open for the Conference and Hackathon. Day 1: AAA-ICDR Future Dispute Resolution Conference (October 9) This event marks the third installment of the AAA-ICDR Future Dispute Resolution series, which began in September 2024 with a kickoff in collaboration with CodeX at Stanford and was followed by a second conference at The Hague in June 2025. Sponsored by Goetz Platzer LLP, Three Crowns, and Hogan Lovells the full-day forum will feature speakers exploring the opportunities, challenges, and regulatory developments shaping the integration of AI into arbitration and mediationand will provide a platform for peer organizations, including International Mediation Institute, ArbTech, ODR.com, New York Bar Association Arbitration Committee, NYIAC, ITechLaw, New York Law School, Fordham, e-arbitrator, Mediators Beyond Borders, New York City Bar Association, Columbia, Pace University, and Association for Conflict Resolution Greater New York, to share innovations in dispute resolution. The forum will open with welcome comments from: Serena K. Lee, President & CEO, CPR Dispute Resolution Frank Rossi, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating & Revenue Officer, AAA-ICDR Professor Andrea Schneider, Director of the Kukin Program for Conflict Resolution, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Speakers include: Steven Andersen, AAA-ICDR, Los Angeles Nick Barnaby, General Dynamics Corporation, Virginia Linda Beyea, AAA-ICDR, Atlanta Sasha Carbone, AAA-ICDR General Counsel & Asst. Corporate Secretary, New York Hugh Carlson, Three Crowns, Washington, D.C. Eva Chan, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, New York Keynote Diana Didia, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology & Chief Innovation Officer, AAA-ICDR, New York Jennifer Glasser, White & Case, New York Craig Glidden, Glidden Partners, Houston Daniel Gonzalez, Hogan Lovells, Miami Jennifer Leonard, Creative Lawyers, Philadelphia Mia Levi, Esq., CPR Dispute Resolution, New York Luis Martinez, International Centre for Dispute Resolution, New York Sam Prevatt, Freshfields, New York Sarah E. Reynolds, Reynolds ADR, Chicago Colin Rule, ODR.com, San Jose Gretta Walters, Chaffetz Lindsey, New York Allen Waxman, DLA Piper, New York Professor Robyn Weinstein, Cardozo School of Law, New York John Zhu, Cisco, New York This transformative event will feature sessions that will delve into: Global legal and AI experts discussing the implications of AI for dispute resolution Explorations of data ethics, regulatory trends, and real-world applications of AI in ADR Dialogue on the evolving role of institutions, courts, and corporate counsel in adopting AI tools Day 2: Hackathon (October 10) The conference will be followed by a Hackathon on October 10 at the AAA-ICDRs Midtown Manhattan office, hosted in collaboration with Wolters Kluwer and its Kluwer Arbitration team. The Hackathon will bring together interdisciplinary teamscomposed of ADR professionals, developers, and technologiststo create solutions that improve dispute resolution processes. One of the most exciting outcomes of Junes Future Dispute Resolution program at The Hague has been the opportunity to collaborate with all our ADR peers on potential product innovations, said David Bartolone, vice president and general manager of the International Group at Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. Hearing directly from ADR professionals, alongside the AAA-ICDR and Wolters Kluwers engineers, provides a rare and meaningful opportunity for cross-learning. The Hackathon fosters not just camaraderie, but productive competition among peerswhere everyone learns, and legal tech innovation happens in real time. Im excited for the two teams and our attendees to come together and innovate and build in real time. Registration Full Event Details: Day 1 October 9, 2025: Conference Location: Cardozo School of Law (55 5th Ave., New York, NY 10003) Day 2 October 10, 2025: Hackathon Location: AAA-ICDRs Midtown Manhattan office (150 East 42nd St., New York NY 10017) Register here for the Conference and Hackathon. About the American Arbitration Association The not-for-profit AAA is the leading alternative dispute resolution service provider. It has administered more than eight million ADR cases since its founding in 1926. With offices throughout the United States and Singapore, the AAA provides organizations of all sizes in virtually every industry with ADR services and products. For more information, visit www.adr.org/. About the International Centre for Dispute Resolution The International Centre for Dispute Resolution is the international division of the AAA and the largest international provider of dispute resolution services. Established in 1996, the ICDR serves parties from over 100 countries with multilingual staff experienced in international dispute resolution proceedings and a roster of over 725 arbitrators and mediators. For more information, visit www.icdr.org. About CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution Established in 1977, CPR Institute is an independent non-profit organization that promotes the prevention and resolution of conflict to better enable purpose through the CPR Institute and CPR Dispute Resolution. The CPR Institute builds capacity for dispute prevention and resolution through the thought leadership of its diverse members companies, leading mediators and arbitrators, law firms, individual practitioners, and academics who share best practices and develop innovative tools for dispute management through committee discussions and projects, publications, education and training, and events. CPR Dispute Resolution is a responsive, user-focused provider of dispute management services arbitration, mediation, custom appointing services, a panel of dispute prevention specialists, and more - that leverages resources generated by the CPR Institute. To learn more about CPR, visit cpradr.org. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2024 annual revenues of 5.9 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,600 people worldwide. Gainesville Florida, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gleim Exam Prep, the leader in accounting certification review for over 50 years, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Wiley, one of the worlds largest publishers and a global leader in research and learning. The collaboration brings to market the Gleim Kieso Course Companionan exclusive solution designed to transform learning in the classroom, for the CPA Exam, and beyond. This integration marks the pairing of two industry leaders by connecting unparalleled Gleim CPA review resources directly with Kiesos trusted Intermediate Accounting text and WileyPLUS courseware platform used by educators nationwide. The result: a seamless bridge between academic theory and career-readiness that enables professors to boost students' understanding and reinforce concepts while preparing them for the future, one lecture at a time. Empowering Educators, Advancing Careers Created specifically for professors and accounting programs, the Gleim Kieso Course Companion provides direct access to over 460 rigorous CPA FAR multiple-choice questions, mapped to Kiesos learning objectives, and more than 200 challenging, exam-quality, task-based simulations. With ready-to-use practice sets and a gradebook for integration into popular LMS platforms, professors can now offer students a classroom experience that provides challenging CPA content to build their skills and confidence. A Game-Changer for Students. For students, the Course Companion is a dynamic extension of the classroomunlocking clear, concise explanations of complex topics with CPA FAR multiple-choice questions and exam simulations, all delivered by pre-made assignments that build student confidence and mastery of the subject. Through this partnership, students using Kieso, Intermediate Accounting, 19e in WileyPLUS will have access to these exclusive resources for the special rate of $35. A Partnership Built on Shared Values. Preparing students for their future finance and accounting careers has always been a core value of Wileys accounting courseware portfolio. We're thrilled to partner with Gleiman industry leader with over 50 years of experience helping students excel on the CPA exam. Together, this collaboration opens exciting new opportunities to expand our impact and better support the next generation of accounting professionals, said Lyssa Vanderbeek, Group Vice President for Courseware at Wiley. We are excited to join forces with Wiley to deliver the Gleim Kieso Course Companion, said Lorie M. Gleim, CEO of Gleim. By connecting Wileys long-proven Kieso curriculum with our industry-leading CPA exam prep, were providing professors with powerful classroom tools and giving students the confidence and resources necessary to be successful in their accounting careers. Available for Fall 2025 Adoption The Gleim Kieso Course Companion is now available for course adoption and will seamlessly integrate into classrooms already using WileyPLUS for Kieso Intermediate Accounting, 19e. Within WileyPLUS, students also get to sample bonus CPA FAR questions and solution walkthrough videos to experience the benefits of the Gleim Kieso Course Companion. To request adoption or a demo, visit https://www.gleim.com/professor/kieso-course-companion-professor/ The Official Pre-Launch Event, held on August 4, 2025, celebrated the Wiley Gleim partnership and the Gleim Kieso Course Companion at the 2025 American Accounting Association Annual Meeting and Conference on Teaching & Learning in Accounting. Conference attendees also had the opportunity to learn more at a special demonstration, Shaping Tomorrow: The New Gleim + Wiley Partnership Introducing the New Kieso Course Companion. About Gleim Exam Prep: Gleim provides online self-study courses for accounting certification exams, including the CPA, CMA, CIA, EA, and FMAA. For 50 years, Gleims mission has been to maximize knowledge transfer while minimizing customers time, frustration, and cost. With a proven system for success, including the best questions and answer explanations, candidates gain a meaningful understanding of the material not only to pass the exam with confidence the first time but to be successful professionals with a command of their subjects. Gleim has helped candidates earn millions of passing scores. For more information about Gleim, visit https://www.gleim.com/ Attachments AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rpharmy , a leading provider of medical formulary management and hazardous drug safety information software solutions, today announced that the company is a Breakfast Symposium Sponsor at the Florida Society of Health System Pharmacists (FSHP) Annual Meeting to be held August 8-10, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. The Rpharmy team will also host product demos of Formweb, the web-based medication safety resource platform, and Rhazdrugs, a hazardous drug safety and USP <800> compliance solution, in booth #222. At the Breakfast Symposium , Rpharmy client and Rhazdrugs user, Erica Bane, Pharm.D. BCPS, Medication Safety Officer at Scripps Health, will share best practices for protecting healthcare workers from exposure to hazardous drugs and USP <800> compliance. Details include: Title: An Innovative Approach to Hazardous Medication Risk Assessment in Healthcare Organizations An Innovative Approach to Hazardous Medication Risk Assessment in Healthcare Organizations Date/Time: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 7:008:00 A.M. Saturday, August 9, 2025, 7:008:00 A.M. Location: Magnolia 1012, Orlando World Center Marriott Magnolia 1012, Orlando World Center Marriott Format: Breakfast symposium included with FSHP registration (no extra fee). Sign up for the event here . At Rpharmy, we believe that healthcare worker and patient safety improve when were willing to share our knowledge, experiences, and even our missteps. FSHP provides an important forum for health system pharmacists to learn from one another and collaborate toward better outcomes, said Laura Paxton, Founder and CEO of Rpharmy. Were especially grateful to Erica Bane of Scripps Health for generously sharing the insights her team has gained and the best practices theyve implemented using Rhazdrugs to enhance hazardous drug safety communication. FSHP attendees have a unique opportunity to learn from real-world experience, and we hope they take full advantage. Every year, more than 8 million healthcare workers are exposed to hazardous drugs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which can result in serious health risks like cancer and reproductive harm. Rpharmys Rhazdrugs is a powerful, electronic healthcare record-integrated solution built to help healthcare organizations proactively protect their staff, simplify USP <800> compliance, and reduce the time and cost of managing hazardous drug information. This year marks the 59th FSHP Annual Meeting, which draws close to 1,000 attendees from healthcare systems and hospitals across the Southeast. The event will be held August 8-10, 2025, at the Orlando World Center Marriott and will feature 100 exhibitors, a reverse exhibit event connecting healthcare industry leaders with exhibitors, and informative symposium sessions. For more information, visit https://fshpannualmeeting.com/ About Rpharmy For more than 30 years, Rpharmy has been solving problems related to medication safety and patient care. We develop and provide technology focused on medical formulary, hazardous drug handling, and compliance with HFAP, NIOSH, and The Joint Commission. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of all patients and healthcare workers through easy access to critical medication safety information. For more information, visit https://www.rpharmy.com/ Media Contact: Carrie Ward, PR for Rpharmy, 832-407-5347, cward@rpharmy.com Austin, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Multi-mode Receiver Market Size & Growth Insights: According to the SNS Insider,The Multi-mode Receiver Market size was valued at USD 1.38 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.86 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.94% over the forecast period of 2025-2032. The GNSS modernization and autonomous integration drive the multi-mode receiver market boom. Geomatics multi-mode receiver market growth is primarily driven by GNSS modernization, the increasing need for accurate navigation in complex environments, and a need to integrate with autonomous systems and 5G networks. This creates a demand for resilient navigation in complex environments such as urban canyons, mountainous areas, and offshore operations. The growth of unmanned systems such as UAVs and maritime vessels and the regulatory authorities driving the SBAS market are also rising the strengthen market. In 2024, resulting from over a decade of authorized use, approximately 150,000 SBAS-enabled UAVs in North America, supporting precision agriculture and other applications SBAS Infrastructure with over USD 1 billion investments came from North America and Europe. While the U.S. market was supported at USD 0.38 billion in 2024, it can hit USD 0.50 billion by 2032, at a 3.61% rate of growth. Get a Sample Report of Multi-mode Receiver Market Forecast @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/7766 Leading Market Players with their Product Listed in this Report are: Honeywell Thales BAE Systems Collins Aerospace Garmin Indra Saab Leonardo Curtiss-Wright Cobham Multi-mode Receiver Market Report Scope: Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2024 USD 1.38 Billion Market Size by 2032 USD 1.86 Billon CAGR CAGR of 3.94% From 2025 to 2032 Report Scope & Coverage Market Size, Segments Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Regional Analysis, DROC & SWOT Analysis, Forecast Outlook Key Segmentation By Platform (Fixed-wing, Rotary-wing) By Fit (Line-fit, Retrofit) By Application (Navigation & Positioning, Landing, Others) By End-User (Telecommunications, Automotive, Aerospace and Defense, Marine and Shipping, Agriculture, Construction and Surveying, Transportation and Logistics and Others) Purchase Single User PDF of Multi-mode Receiver Market Report (20% Discount) @ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/7766 Multi-mode Receiver Market: Segmental Momentum Driven by Precision Demands, Platform Diversity, and Next-Gen Connectivity By Platform In 2024, the Fixed-wing segment dominated the Multi-mode Receiver Market with a 58.4% share, due to commercial and military aircraft integrator initiatives, and regulatory mandates for navigation, such as the FAA's ADS-B. Between 2025 and 2032, the growth rate of the Rotary-wing segment is forecasted to be the fastest due to rising helicopter utilization for EMS, search and rescue, and UAM purposes which necessitates reliable navigation solutions in complex urban and mountainous environments. By Fit The Line-fit segment, which accounted for 67.3% of the total Multi-mode Receiver Market in 2024, dominated the market due to the ease of integration at the time of aircraft and vehicle manufacturing. Factory-installed GNSS solutions are the preferred choice for OEMs to adhere to the changing landscape of safety and navigation standards. The Retrofit segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 12.5% from 2025 to 2032, as operators upgrade legacy fleets to enhance performance, safety, and regulatory compliance with modern navigation systems. By Application The Multi-mode Receiver Market segment by Navigation & Positioning, in 2024 constituted to approx.54.3% of the Multi-mode Receiver Market due to its importance in providing real-time highly accurate geolocation of aircraft, drones, ships, and autonomous vehicles in GPS-denied environments. The Landing segment is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032 due to the increasing concern for safer GNSS-based precision landing systems due to the use of low-visibility operations for commercial flights and regulatory authority mandates for an advanced approach aid. By End-User The Multi-mode Receiver Market share of Aerospace and Defense was 35.2% in 2024 due to the need for precise, secure, and resilient navigation in both commercial and military aviation. Ideal for en-route navigation, situational awareness, and weapons guidance with ADS-B/PBN/military anti-jamming standards compliance. The rapid proliferation of 5G technology and the destructive demand for precision timing and real-time synchronization in the IoT-enabled network have primarily driven the growth of the Telecommunications segment, which is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR between 2025 and 2032. Global Expansion of Multi-mode Receiver Market Driven by GNSS Modernization and Regional Infrastructure Investments In 2024, North America is expected to be the largest region in terms of market share for Multi-mode Receiver at 35.8%. This growth can be attributed to key factors including early adoption of GNSS, large defense budget and strong regulatory initiatives such as FAA's NextGen. Heavy 5G investment and GNSS (global navigation satellite system) modernization programs by the U.S. cemented the dominance in the region. Asia Pacific will be the fastest growing region with an estimated CAGR of 4.73% during the forecast period (2025-2032), owing to initiatives such as China's BeiDou and India's IRNSS, coupled with high demand for the product in smart cities, autonomous cars and UAVs. Europe is still a powerhouse where widespread use of Galileo alongside SESAR regulatory frameworks will further support Aviation, maritime, and precision agriculture. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are on a slow but steady growth trajectory attributed to increasing investments in aviation, defense and telecom industries as well as the deployment GNSS-based smart mobility systems. Do you have any specific queries or need any customized research on Multi-mode Receiver Market? Submit your inquiry here @ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/7766 Recent Developments: On October 15, 2024, BAE Systems was awarded a five-year, $460 million U.S. Army contract for its AN/ARC-231A Multi-mode Aviation Radio Set (MARS), enhancing secure airborne communications for rotary-wing aircraft. USP FOR Multi-mode Receiver Market Gnss Modernization Impact Index helps you evaluate how regional and global GNSS upgrades (GPS III, Galileo, BeiDou, IRNSS) are driving demand for multi-mode receivers across aviation, telecom, and autonomous systems. helps you evaluate how regional and global GNSS upgrades (GPS III, Galileo, BeiDou, IRNSS) are driving demand for multi-mode receivers across aviation, telecom, and autonomous systems. Commercial Aviation Uptake Score helps you track adoption trends across civil aviation platforms, driven by regulatory mandates like ADS-B, PBN, and the integration of factory-installed navigation systems. helps you track adoption trends across civil aviation platforms, driven by regulatory mandates like ADS-B, PBN, and the integration of factory-installed navigation systems. Integrated Avionics Deployment Scale helps you assess the shift toward unified cockpit architecture and how embedded multi-mode receivers improve performance, reduce SWaP, and streamline compliance. helps you assess the shift toward unified cockpit architecture and how embedded multi-mode receivers improve performance, reduce SWaP, and streamline compliance. Telecom Synchronization Index helps you understand how the rollout of 5G and IoT ecosystems is boosting demand for ultra-precise, timing-dependent multi-mode GNSS receivers. helps you understand how the rollout of 5G and IoT ecosystems is boosting demand for ultra-precise, timing-dependent multi-mode GNSS receivers. Mission-Critical Performance Benchmark helps you identify the value of software-defined, anti-jam multi-mode receivers for high-demand applications in military aviation and UAV systems. helps you identify the value of software-defined, anti-jam multi-mode receivers for high-demand applications in military aviation and UAV systems. Cross-Platform Navigation Versatility Score helps you measure the scalability and adaptability of multi-mode receivers across air, land, sea, and unmanned systems for unified deployment strategies. About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. DENVER, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bow River Capital, a Denver-based alternative asset management firm with $4.4 billion in assets under management, today announced the acquisition of Brookside Commons, a newly constructed 212-unit Class-A multifamily community located in Kansas City, Missouri. This marks Bow Rivers third multifamily acquisition in the Kansas City market, following the successful purchases of Gallerie (361 units) & Icon (57 units). Built in 2023, Brookside Commons aligns with Bow Rivers investment strategy of acquiring high-quality, undervalued assets in resilient and growing markets. The transaction was completed at more than a 24% discount on todays replacement cost, offering attractive relative value in a supply-constrained market. Financing was arranged through Berkadias Denver office in partnership with Fannie Mae. Brookside Commons checks every box for us newer vintage product, highly desirable location, and strong demand drivers supported by stable and growing employment sectors, said John Layton, Director at Bow River Capital. This investment reinforces our conviction in Kansas City as a long-term growth market and underscores our strategy of acquiring well-located assets at a discount to intrinsic value. Strategically located near the Country Club Plaza and Downtown Brookside, the property benefits from both proximity to major retail corridors and the economic insulation provided by surrounding medical and education institutions, including Research Medical Center, KU Medical Center, St. Lukes Health System, and the recently announced $34.5 million Center for Clinical Advancement by Research College of Nursing and HCA Midwest Health. Kansas City continues to distinguish itself among U.S. metros with steady, positive rent growth, defying the national trend of softening rents in oversupplied markets. With a measured development pipeline and increasing demand from healthcare and education professionals, we believe Brookside Commons is well positioned to thrive in a market supported by durable, recession-resistant industries. Bow River Capital intends to deepen its footprint in Kansas City, taking advantage of current market dislocations and favorable long-term fundamentals. The acquisition of Brookside Commons further expands the firms growing multifamily portfolio across the central United States. This latest investment follows Bow Rivers recent acquisition of Camden Midtown, a 337-unit, three-story multifamily community in Houston. Together, these moves underscore Bow Rivers strategic expansion across what it calls the Rodeo Regiona collection of high-growth markets across Texas and the central U.S., where demographic tailwinds and value opportunities continue to align. About Bow River Capital Bow River Capital is a private alternative asset management company based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2003, the firm was established with a vision of building a world class, diversified investment. management platform committed to the middle market. Bow River has five private fund platforms: National Defense Technology, Private Credit, Private Equity, Real Estate, and Software Growth Equity. Through its subsidiary Bow River Advisers, LLC, the firm also offers a registered mutual fund Bow River Capital Evergreen Fund (EVERX) designed to provide institutional-quality private market access to a broader set of investors. Collectively, the Bow River Capital team has deployed capital into diverse industries, asset classes and across the capital structure. In addition, Bow River Capital maintains joint venture partnerships with ONE Bow River Advisers, LLC and Thornburg Bow River Advisers, LLC. AUM is as of March 31, 2025. Media Contact: Deborah Kostroun, Zito Partners deborah@zitopartners.com +1 (201) 403-8185 ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lenders Cooperative, a leading provider of loan origination and servicing technology to U.S. financial institutions, announced today that SECU (State Employees Credit Union of Maryland) has selected its lending platform to streamline and modernize the credit unions business lending operations. This investment in financial technology reinforces SECUs deep commitment to empowering Maryland businesses, recognizing their critical role as drivers of job creation, innovation, and economic growth. By partnering with Lenders Cooperative, SECU is investing in technology that will automate workflows across commercial and small business lending. This strategic investment directly supports the prosperity and sustainability of Marylands small business community. By adopting Lenders Cooperatives end-to-end lending platform, SECUs business members can expect a simplified, seamless lending experience, faster approvals, and a more personalized service, furthering their capacity to thrive and positively impact Marylands local economy. As we continue to expand our support for Marylands vibrant small business community, having the right technology partner is essential, said Drew McKone, SVP, Chief Service Operations Officer at SECU. Lenders Cooperatives platform enables us to streamline processes, provide quicker access to capital, and support the growth and success of Maryland businesses, aligning directly with our mission of strengthening communities through financial wellness. In addition to the platform, SECU will utilize Lenders Cooperatives LSP underwriting services to augment internal capacity and support continued loan growth with confidence and consistency. Lenders Cooperative is proud to have been selected by SECU to help them modernize their operations, said Cary Cooper, CEO of Lenders Cooperative. With the right technology and strategic support, theyre enhancing efficiency while staying focused on the needs of their members. ABOUT SECU SECU ("see-Q"), Marylands largest state-chartered credit union, serves over 250,000 members via 23 Financial Centers across the state, including 21 Financial Centers, 1 Digital Center, and a Virtual Financial Center. As a member-owned, not-for-profit organization, SECU puts its members first. Membership is open to all of Maryland, with over 1,900 ways to join. You may be eligible through a family member, work, the college you attended, state employment, an organization you are affiliated with, or simply through a one-time donation to SECUs partner, the SECU MD Foundation. Headquartered in Linthicum, Md., SECU offers convenient access to over 50,000 free ATMs through the CO-OP network, as well as access to expert financial planners. With more than $5 billion in assets, SECU ranks among the top 60 credit unions nationwide based on total assets in the U.S. Insured by NCUA. For more information, visit www.secumd.org or follow SECU on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. ABOUT LENDERS COOPERATIVE Lenders Cooperative is the provider of the only platform in the market that automates and manages the complete loan life cycle from application intake to origination to servicing. Its customers have ready access to SBA Lender Service Provider (LSP) support, credit underwriting, loan operations, and moreempowering financial institutions to scale lending operations with greater speed, efficiency, and confidence. MEDIA CONTACT If you have any questions about Lenders Cooperative or would like to schedule an interview, please contact media@lenderscooperative.com. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In Lockheed Martin To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $75,000 in Lockheed Martin between January 23, 2024 and July 21, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Lockheed Martin Corporation (Lockheed Martin or the Company) (NYSE: LMT) and reminds investors of the September 26, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose (1) that Lockheed Martin lacked effective internal controls regarding its purportedly risk adjusted contracts including the reporting of its risk adjusted profit booking rate; (2) that Lockheed Martin lacked effective procedures to perform reasonably accurate comprehensive reviews of program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks; (3) that Lockheed Martin overstated its ability to deliver on its contract commitments in terms of cost, quality and schedule; (4) that, as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to report significant losses; and (5) 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. On October 22, 2024, before the market opened, Lockheed Martin announced it was forced to recognize losses of $80 million on a classified program at the Companys Aeronautics business segment due to higher than anticipated costs to achieve program objectives. The Company also announced it had recognized a reach-forward loss in its Rotary and Mission Systems segment as a result of additional quantity ordering risk identified on fixed-price options. On this news, the Companys share price fell $37.63 or 6.12% to close at $576.98 on October 22, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume. Then, on January 28, 2025, before the market opened, Lockheed Martin announced it was forced to record pre-tax losses of $1.7 billion associated with classified programs at its Aeronautics and Missiles and Fire Control business. The Company explained as a result of performance trends and in contemplation of near-term program milestones, it had performed a comprehensive review of the program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks based on which it recognized $555 million of losses in its Aeronautics program. The Company further reported additional losses of approximately $1.3 billion in its Missiles and Fire Control business due to, among other things, the future requirements of the program, discussions with the customer and suppliers. As a result, the Companys net earnings in 2024 were $5.3 billion, or $22.31 per share, compared to $6.9 billion, or $27.55 per share, in 2023. On this news, the Companys share price fell $46.24 or 9.2% to close at $457.45 on January 28, 2025 on unusually heavy trading volume. Then, on July 22, 2025, before the market opened, Lockheed Martin disclosed it was forced to record an additional $1.6 billion in pre-tax losses on classified programs, including $950 million in losses related to its Aeronautics Classified program due to design, integration, and test challenges, as well as other performance issues. The Company also recorded $570 million in losses on its Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program due in part to providing additional mission capabilities, enhanced logistical support, fleet life extension, and revised expectations regarding flight hours. The Company further recorded a $95 million charge related to its Turkish Utility Helicopter Program due to the current status of the program. As a result, the Company reported sharply lower net earnings of $342 million, or $1.46 per share, including $1.6 billion of program losses and $169 million of other charges. On this news, the Companys share price fell $49.79 or 10.8%, to close at $410.74 on July 22, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Lockheed Martins conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Lockheed Martin class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/LMT or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. Dublin, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Environmental Testing Market - Company Evaluation Report, 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Environmental Testing Companies Quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Environmental Testing. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging trends shaping the industry. Over 100 companies were evaluated, of which the top 19 Environmental Testing companies were categorized and recognized as the quadrant leaders. Environmental contaminants are chemical substances introduced into the environment through industrial processes or human activities originating from residential and commercial sources. These contaminants can appear in different forms, including volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, residues, and particulates. Certain contaminants are highly persistent and do not degrade easily, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain and posing serious risks to food safety and public health. The environmental damage caused by such pollutants has prompted regulatory authorities to enforce strict limits on contaminant levels. Monitoring pollutants across environmental matrices such as air, water, and soil is critical yet often complex, particularly in assessing their potential impact on human and animal health. As environmental regulations - such as those outlined by the US EPA - become increasingly stringent, there is a growing demand for analytical solutions that deliver reliable and high-quality data. Ensuring compliance with environmental testing standards and pushing the boundaries of accuracy and precision remain essential for addressing the challenges posed by environmental contaminants. The 360 Quadrant maps the Environmental Testing companies based on criteria such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Environmental Testing quadrant. These companies are actively investing in research and development, forming strategic partnerships, and engaging in collaborative initiatives to drive innovation, expand their global footprint, and maintain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market. Top 3 Companies SGS SA Headquartered in Switzerland, SGS SA is a prominent provider of non-medical laboratory analysis services, particularly known for its extensive environmental testing solutions. Operating through diverse business segments, SGS caters to manufacturers, retailers, service providers, and end consumers globally. Its offerings in air, soil, water, and waste testing uphold high industry benchmarks. The company leverages a vast network of over 2,700 offices worldwide, maintaining market leadership through continuous acquisitions and an agile approach to emerging market needs. Eurofins Scientific Based in Luxembourg, Eurofins Scientific delivers a broad range of testing services, including water, soil, air, pandemic, and epidemiological testing. The company prioritizes innovation and quality, supported by intensive R&D efforts. by consistently introducing advanced testing methodologies, Eurofins strengthens its industry reputation. Through strategic acquisitions, it continues to expand its global footprint and solidify its standing among leading competitors. Bureau Veritas Operating out of France, Bureau Veritas offers Testing, Inspection, and Certification (T&I) services across several regions, with notable operations in India, the US, and Australia. Its environmental testing services cover contaminants in air, soil, and water, especially within metal and mineral sectors. Known for its digital innovations supporting sustainable development, the company serves a wide international client base. Bureau Veritas maintains its competitive advantage through ongoing investments in expansion and technological advancement. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 1.1 Market Definition 1.2 Inclusion & Exclusion 1.3 Stakeholders 2 Executive Summary 3 Market Overview 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Market Dynamics 3.2.1 Drivers 3.2.1.1 Growing Need for Cost-Saving and Time-Effective Customized Testing Services 3.2.1.2 Active Participation of Government and Regulatory Bodies to Monitor Environmental Conditions 3.2.1.3 Privatization of Environmental Testing Services 3.2.1.4 Rising Awareness About Environmental Pollution 3.2.1.5 Growing Need for Efficient Natural Resource Management (Nrm) 3.2.2 Restraints 3.2.2.1 High Capital Investment for Accurate and Sensitive Analytical Testing 3.2.3 Opportunities 3.2.3.1 Increase in Industrial Activities in Emerging Markets 3.2.3.2 Introduction of Innovative Technologies 3.2.3.3 Development of Environmental-Friendly Industries 3.2.3.4 Integration of Technologies Through Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships 3.2.4 Challenges 3.2.4.1 Lack of Basic Supporting Infrastructure 3.2.4.2 Shortage of Skilled Manpower 3.3 Impact of AI/Gen AI on Environmental Testing Market 3.3.1 Introduction 3.3.2 Use of Gen AI in Agricultural Microbials 3.3.3 Case Study Analysis 3.3.3.1 Bureau Veritas Revolutionized Laboratory Testing with AI Program Charles 3.3.3.2 Farmspace Offered Low-Cost AI-Powered Soil Testing Device 3.3.4 Impact on Environmental Testing Market 3.3.5 Adjacent Ecosystem Working on Generative AI 4 Industry Trends 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Trends/Disruptions Impacting Customer Business 4.3 Supply Chain Analysis 4.4 Ecosystem 4.4.1 Supply Side 4.4.2 Demand Side 4.5 Technology Analysis 4.5.1 Key Technologies 4.5.1.1 Microarray 4.5.1.2 Biochip 4.5.1.3 Biosensors 4.5.2 Complementary Technologies 4.5.2.1 Nmr 4.5.2.2 Nirs 4.5.3 Adjacent Technologies 4.5.3.1 Icp 4.5.3.1.1 Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (Gc-Ms) 4.5.3.1.2 Bottle Top Dispenser (Btd) 4.6 Patent Analysis 4.7 Key Conferences and Events, 2025 4.8 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.8.1 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 4.8.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers 4.8.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 4.8.4 Threat of Substitutes 4.8.5 Threat of New Entrants 5 Competitive Landscape 5.1 Overview 5.2 Key Player Strategies/Right to Win 5.3 Revenue Analysis 5.4 Market Share Analysis, 2024 5.4.1 Market Ranking Analysis 5.5 Company Evaluation Matrix: Key Players, 2024 5.5.1 Stars 5.5.2 Emerging Leaders 5.5.3 Pervasive Players 5.5.4 Participants 5.5.5 Company Footprint: Key Players, 2024 5.5.5.1 Company Footprint 5.5.5.2 Regional Footprint 5.5.5.3 Sample Footprint 5.5.5.4 Tested Material Footprint 5.5.5.5 End-user Footprint 5.6 Company Evaluation Matrix: Start-Ups/SMEs, 2024 5.6.1 Progressive Companies 5.6.2 Responsive Companies 5.6.3 Dynamic Companies 5.6.4 Starting Blocks 5.6.5 Competitive Benchmarking, Start-Ups/SMEs, 2023 5.6.5.1 Detailed List of Key Start-Ups/SMEs 5.6.5.2 Competitive Benchmarking of Start-Ups/SMEs 5.7 Company Valuation and Financial Metrics, 2024 5.8 Product/Brand Comparison 5.9 Competitive Scenario and Trends 5.9.1 Product Launches 5.9.2 Deals 5.9.3 Expansions 5.9.4 Others 6 Company Profiles Sgs SA Bureau Veritas Eurofins Scientific Intertek Group PLC. Tuv Sud ALS Limited Asurequality Merieux Nutrisciences Corporation Symbio Labs Microbac Laboratories, Inc. Envirolab Services Pty Ltd R J Hill Laboratories Limited Alex Stewart International Emsl Analytical, Inc. F.B.A. Laboratories Ltd. Envirosure, Inc Sigma Test and Research Centre Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. Anacon Laboratories. Pace Analytical Spl Suburban Testing Labs Element Materials Technology Tradebe Rkct Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4hjgfn About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raymond James recently welcomed financial advisors Leo Boisvert, MBA, CIMA, CDFA, and Erik Heben, CFP, to Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS) the firms independent advisor channel according to Todd Gartrell, Southeast divisional director for RJFS. The duo arrives from Commonwealth Financial Network, where they managed approximately $210 million in client assets. As co-founders of Private Wealth Consultants, based in Fort Myers, Florida, they provide holistic financial planning and guidance to a variety of clients, specializing in families and individuals, corporate executives, business owners, healthcare professionals and retirees. The advisors are joined by Client Services Manager Paula Heben and Client Service Associate Dawn Mannina-Sanford. This transition is about coming home to the values of independence, integrity and client emphasis that first drew me to the profession, said Leo Boisvert. Raymond James upholds these values, and it felt immediately clear this is where I wanted to build the final chapter of my career. Boisvert served at Commonwealth for 18 years and brings a total of 32 years of industry experience to his role as managing partner. His experience is backed by an MBA in financial management and behavioral economics from Nove Southeastern University, as well as the Certified Investment Management Analyst and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst designations. Erik, managing partner of the practice and husband to Paula, brings more than 30 years of industry experience, most recently through affiliation with Commonwealth since 2006. He holds a bachelors degree from Kent State University in addition to his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation. About Raymond James Financial Services Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. (RJFS), member FINRA/SIPC, is a financial services firm supporting independent financial advisors nationwide. Since 1974, RJFS provides a wide range of investment and wealth planning-related services through its affiliate, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Both firms are wholly owned subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF), one of the nations premier diversified financial services companies with financial advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are approximately $1.64 trillion as of Jun. 30 2025. Additional information is available at raymondjames.com. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Private Wealth Consultants is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP, Certified Financial Planner, and CFP (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks. COLUMBIA, Md. and LAS VEGAS, Nev., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today at Black Hat USA 2025, Huntress announced the appointment of Jen Easterly , former Director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to its Strategic Advisory Board. As a global authority in both cybersecurity and national defense, with prior roles at Morgan Stanley, the U.S. Army, the White House, and the National Security Agency (NSA), Easterly brings decades of experience and a career defined by service, innovation, and impact. During her time at CISA, she championed support for all businesses as well as state and local government agencies, spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives like the Secure by Design program and the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC), and transformed how the U.S. government engages with the cybersecurity ecosystem. Now, she brings that same energy and vision to Huntress. Its an honor to welcome Jen to our Strategic Advisory Board, said Kyle Hanslovan, CEO of Huntress. Shes arguably the single most transformative US government cybersecurity leader of our time, and her work at CISA set the gold standard for making critical resources accessible to the masses, not just the big players. Shes joining Huntress at a time of hyper-growth, hot off the heels of a major collaboration with Microsoft and a bold expansion of our cybersecurity platformand Im hyped up over the passion she brings to our mission. Expect to see us leveraging her expertise to experiment with exciting new ways to harness our threat intelligence, augment our SOC experts with AI, and strengthen our partnerships throughout the industry. Easterlys decision to join Huntress stems from a shared mission: protecting businesses that lack the time, resources, and expertise to defend themselves. As a member of Huntress Strategic Advisory Board, she will provide guidance on addressing the most critical security challenges faced by organizations today. She'll also work closely with Huntress to transform its unique threat data gleaned from thousands of its customers into actionable insights and reports that empower and educate the wider cybersecurity community. Beyond this, shell leverage her expertise and deep relationships with underrepresented communities to cultivate strategic partnerships and amplify Huntress' mission to make cybersecurity accessible to all businesses. Ive worked with countless organizations over the years, but Huntress stood out for its exceptional leadership, technical prowess, and unwavering commitment to a mission that truly matters, said Jen Easterly, Advisory Board member. The challenges we face today are stark. Cybercrime is outpacing the growth of most U.S. businesses, state-sponsored actors are relentlessly targeting critical infrastructure, and threat actors are continually evolving their tactics. Keeping pace with these threats will require dedicated efforts to build strong community partnerships and elevate collective knowledge. Thats why Im excited to join Huntress to disrupt threat actors in bold, innovative ways and make a real, measurable impact on our community. Additional resources: Attending Black Hat USA? Stop by booth #2451 at 5:00 pm PT on Wednesday, August 6, to meet Jen Easterly and learn why she's joining Huntress. Learn how Huntress supports initiatives like Secure by Design or the JCDC . or the . Read the Huntress blog or check out Tradecraft Tuesday to stay updated on the latest hacker techniques and tips to protect your business. About Huntress Huntress is a global cybersecurity company on a mission to make enterprise-grade products accessible to all businesses. Purpose-built from the ground up, Huntress' technology is specifically designed to continuously address the unique needs of security and IT teams of all sizes. From Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) to Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools and Security Awareness Training (SAT), the platform provides targeted protection for endpoints, identities, data, and employees, delivering trusted outcomes and valuable peace of mind. Its 24/7, AI-assisted Security Operations Center (SOC) is powered by a team of world-renowned engineers, researchers, and security analysts, dedicated to stopping cyber threats before they can cause harm. Huntress is often the first to respond to major hacks and incidents, with its expert security team sharing real-time tradecraft analysis and actionable advisories with the community. Currently safeguarding over 4 million endpoints and 2 million identities, Huntress empowers security teams, IT departments, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) across the globe to protect their businesses with enterprise-grade security accessible to everyone. As long as hackers keep hacking, Huntress keeps hunting. Join the hunt at www.huntress.com and follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook , and LinkedIn . Chicago, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global aerogel market was valued at US$ 1.41 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 5.88 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 17.2% during the forecast period 20252033. The global aerogel market is currently undergoing a period of profound and accelerated expansion, driven by a confluence of technological innovation, stringent regulatory mandates, and surging demand from high-growth sectors. This material, once a niche product of laboratories, is now a critical enabler for industries ranging from electric mobility to sustainable construction. Request Sample Pages: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/aerogel-market This analysis provides a meticulously researched overview of the quantitative factors propelling the market forward, offering stakeholders a clear and compelling view of the opportunities that lie ahead. The data, focusing exclusively on findings that paints a picture of a market not just growing, but reshaping the landscape of advanced materials. Key Findings in Global Aerogel Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 5.88 billion CAGR 17.2% Largest Region (2024) North America (47%) By Product Silica (67%) By Technology Supercritical Drying (74%) By End Use Oil & Gas (64%) Top Drivers Superior thermal properties driving adoption in high-performance insulation applications. Surging demand from oil & gas, LNG, and EV sectors. Strict energy efficiency regulations mandate use of advanced insulation materials. Top Trends Market shifting towards flexible and easy-to-install aerogel blanket forms. Strong industry focus on reducing the high cost of manufacturing. Development of new polymer and composite aerogels for broader applications. Top Challenges High production cost remains the primary barrier to wider adoption. The mechanical brittleness of monolithic forms limits practical application areas. Need for specialized, expensive manufacturing equipment hinders rapid market scalability. The Electric Vehicle Revolution Serves as a Primary Demand Supercharger No sector illustrates the explosive demand for aerogel more vividly than the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The aerogel market specifically in EV batteries grew by a staggering factor of nearly 20 between 2021 and 2024, a testament to the material's critical role in thermal management and safety. This is not a historical anomaly but an ongoing trend. A leading manufacturer, Aspen Aerogels, anticipates its EV thermal barrier segment will grow by a factor of 2.8 in 2024 alone, based on 2023 levels. Looking forward, the market for aerogel blankets for electric vehicles is projected to increase by a factor of 13.75 between 2024 and 2033. This intense growth is further confirmed by projections that the market for aerogel in EV batteries will multiply by 4 times between 2024 and 2030. The ecosystem is maturing rapidly; more than 110 different aerogel products are now specifically designed for EV thermal management applications. This innovation is being battle-tested, as demonstrated in a 2023 pilot where over 30 different EV models were integrated with enhanced aerogel blankets to test performance. Major automotive players are taking notice; as of early 2024, two of the world's top five EV manufacturers are actively trialing Aspen Aerogels next-generation "PyroThin 2.0" thermal barriers, signaling imminent, widespread adoption. Unmatched Material Performance Benchmarks That Define Aerogel's Unique Value Proposition The demand for aerogel market is fundamentally rooted in its extraordinary physical properties, which continue to be refined by ongoing research. Recently developed aerogel iterations demonstrate exceptionally low thermal conductivity, measured as low as 0.0143 W/mK, setting a new standard for insulation performance. Even standard aerogel products consistently offer excellent thermal insulation in the range of 15-20 mW/m.K, far surpassing traditional materials. The material's versatility is remarkable; for cryogenic applications, specific aerogel blankets are designed to provide stable performance at temperatures as low as -200C. Conversely, in high-temperature applications like fire protection for EV batteries, aerogel materials are now designed to provide integrity well above 1000C. It's extremely low density, often less than 0.2 g/cm, is a key advantage for lightweighting applications in aerospace and automotive sectors, where every gram matters. Efficiency extends to production, as newly formulated aerogels can reach thermal equilibrium in as little as 10 minutes, shortening industrial processing and construction schedules. This incredible performance stems from its unique structure; the physical composition of aerogels consists of up to 95 parts air, the source of their impressive insulating properties. An Innovation Pipeline That Is Fueling Future Growth and Application Versatility The future of the aerogel market is being actively architected in the world's leading material science labs. A significant breakthrough in material strength involves new silica/polyimide pomegranate composites that yield a 12-fold increase in compressive strength over previous formulations, opening doors to new structural applications. The sheer scale of innovation is impressive, with more than 130 distinct commercial aerogel products currently being benchmarked and analyzed for performance across various applications. The EV sector remains a focal point for R&D, where over 90 pilot projects have been initiated to specifically confirm the energy efficiency gains from using aerogel insulation. This rigorous validation process involves more than 80 specialized design centers actively conducting tests on aerogel blankets to perfect their use in EVs. To meet this demand, more than 50 significant technical upgrades have been implemented within aerogel manufacturing lines for EV components. The scientific community is deeply engaged, with more than 75 independent research experiments conducted to demonstrate the heat loss reduction capabilities of aerogels. This work yields tangible results; at least 5 innovative trials in late 2023 focusing on aerogel blanket modifications resulted in performance gains of 12 measurable units. Construction and Heavy Industry Embrace Aerogel for Superior Energy Efficiency Gains While EVs are a powerful new driver, the foundational demand from industrial and construction sectors continues to expand, underpinning the stability of the aerogel market. The market for energy and industrial applications is projected to more than double in the 10-year period from 2025, driven by the need for process efficiency and energy conservation. The quantifiable benefits are clear and compelling. Pilot projects in the EV sector have repeatedly confirmed energy efficiency improvements of 12 to 18 measurable units. Similarly, insulation effectiveness tests on prototypes consistently show performance improvements of 10 to 15 measurable units. Independent experiments have demonstrated a heat loss reduction of 20 to 25 measurable units across various EV models, a metric that translates directly to industrial settings. One leading company recorded a 10-unit improvement in thermal management after incorporating 8 advanced composite aerogel layers in a 2023 project. Active collaborations between labs and producers are yielding an average performance enhancement of 14 measurable units per project. The knowledge sharing is accelerating, with technical symposiums reporting an average increase in application efficiency of 10 to 12 measurable units. Global Regional Policies and Infrastructure Investments Unlocking New Market Frontiers Governmental policy and massive infrastructure spending are creating fertile new ground for the aerogel market. In the Asia-Pacific region, an estimated 4.2 trillion US dollars is allocated for new infrastructure projects for the period 2021-2025, creating a vast opportunity for advanced insulation materials. A key part of this investment includes the retrofitting of over 350 million square meters of buildings with energy-efficient materials. China's 14th Five-Year Plan is a significant driver, emphasizing investment in infrastructure projects that require high-performance insulation. This is a global phenomenon; in Latin America, countries including Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru have a pipeline of over 100 billion US dollars in infrastructure projects under development. In North America, the United States government is actively providing incentives to encourage the production and adoption of electric vehicles, a key end-market for aerogels. The region's dominance is clear; in 2024, the U.S. accounts for the vast majority of the North American aerogel insulation market, with one report citing a figure of over 8 out of every 10 dollars spent. The collaborative ecosystems are also deepening; a single 2024 collaborative project in the EV space involved 10 distinct partners, showing the strength of regional innovation hubs. Strategic Corporate Developments Shaping the 2024 Competitive Aerogel Market Landscape The competitive environment of the market was marked by significant strategic moves in 2024, reflecting the rising tide of demand. In January 2024, Aspen Aerogels announced a major supply contract with a leading, unnamed EV manufacturer, signaling a major commercial milestone. In March 2024, Guangdong Alison Technology responded to rising demand by unveiling a new production facility dedicated to the EV battery market, expanding global capacity. Innovation in sustainability took a step forward in April 2024, when SA-Dynamics launched an innovative line of bio-based and recyclable insulation textiles. The pace of scientific discovery continued, as a research consortium published new findings on enhanced aerogel composites in June 2024. Aspen Aerogels kicked off the year by launching its next-generation PyroThin 2.0 product for the EV market in the first quarter of 2024. The momentum is expected to continue, as in October 2024, several major automotive companies are expected to announce formal plans to incorporate aerogel thermal management systems. These developments are built on a foundation of deep collaboration; as of late 2023, over 30 significant collaborations were active between material science laboratories and electric vehicle producers. Material and Form Factor Diversification Is Expanding the Addressable Aerogel Market The versatility of the aerogel market is expanding through the diversification of material types and product forms. Silica remains the dominant material type, with one 2024 analysis showing it accounts for nearly two-thirds of the market. A separate 2024 report places the figure for silica's prominence even higher, at approximately 72 parts of every 100 in the market. However, other types are carving out important niches. Carbon aerogels are noted for their high mass-specific surface areas and electrical conductivity, opening up energy storage applications. Meanwhile, polymer aerogels are emerging for applications requiring mechanical durability, such as in eVTOL aircraft and advanced apparel. The blanket form is the most common and widely adopted format, with one 2024 analysis indicating it represents 65 out of every 100 units of aerogel sold. A separate 2024 study corroborates this, finding blankets captured nearly two-thirds of the market. Beyond blankets, aerogel particles are seeing rapid adoption as high-performance additives in coatings, lithium-ion separators, and polymer composites, creating new avenues for market penetration. We Offer Customization on All Reports Ask Now: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/aerogel-market Regulatory Mandates and Manufacturing Expansion Solidify the Growth Trajectory The final, powerful driver solidifying the aerogel markets future is the combination of a growing manufacturing base and non-negotiable regulatory pressure. The competitive landscape includes at least 15 key players, from giants like BASF and Dow to specialists like Aspen Aerogels and Cabot Corporation. Within the aerogel glass fiber mat sub-segment, at least 17 distinct companies are competing. While a trend of high market consolidation is noted, with just two companies, Aspen Aerogels and Cabot Corporation, anchoring global revenue, a host of regional specialists compete aggressively. At least five prominent companies are considered the top key players driving market expansion in 2025. This ecosystem is scaling up; over 65 EV component manufacturers worldwide had integrated aerogel blanket solutions by the end of 2022, and innovation is rapid, with 40 new aerogel product variants for the EV sector being introduced in 2023 alone. This growth is propelled by powerful regulatory tailwinds. The recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), adopted in Europe in May 2024, mandates that all new public buildings must be zero-emission by 2028 and all other new buildings by 2030. Similarly, updated building codes like the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 now require higher insulation R-values, making thin-profile aerogels essential. The increasing focus on sustainability is fueling interest in products like new bio-based insulation textiles, which utilize fibers derived from 100 parts bio-based materials. Finally, the continuous demand for lightweight and protective equipment in sectors like aerospace and defense provides a stable, non-cyclical demand base for the entire aerogel market. Global Aerogel Market Major Players: BASF Active Aerogels, LDA Aerogel Technologies, LLC Aspen Aerogels, Inc. Cabot Corporation Nano Technology Co., Ltd JIOS Aerogel Corporation Dow Nano Technology Co., Ltd Enersens Other Prominent Players Key Market Segmentation: By Product Silica Polymers Carbon Others By Technology Supercritical Drying Others By Form Blanket Particle Panel Monolith By End-Use Oil & Gas Building & Construction Automotive, Aerospace & Marine Performance Coatings Others By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East Africa South America Explore the Report Before You Buy Book a Walkthrough: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/report-walkthrough/aerogel-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a press release issued under the same headline on August 1, 2025 by First National Bank Alaska, please note that the shareholders of record date should be August 29, 2025, not September 1, 2025 as previously stated. The corrected release follows: At the Board of Directors Meeting held July 31, 2025, a cash dividend of $4.00 per share was declared, payable on September 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 29, 2025. CONTACT: Denise Brown Robinson Secretary to the Board of Directors 907-777-3409 New York, USA, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market to Witness Growth at a CAGR of ~6% by 2032 | DelveInsight The market for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices is projected to witness substantial growth, fueled by several major drivers. The rising incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, primarily due to aging populations, increased tobacco use, and worsening air quality, is amplifying the demand for effective respiratory support solutions. In addition, heightened awareness and expanded screening initiatives are enabling earlier diagnosis, which in turn is increasing the adoption of devices like inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen concentrators. Leading companies are also focusing on innovation, launching portable, smart, and user-friendly devices that support home-based care and improve patient adherence. These trends are expected to significantly accelerate market expansion from 2025 to 2032. DelveInsights Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Insights report provides the current and forecast market analysis, individual leading chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices companies market shares, challenges, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market drivers, barriers, trends, and key market chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices companies in the market. Key Takeaways from the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Report As per DelveInsight estimates, North America is anticipated to dominate the global chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market during the forecast period. In the product type segment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices, the metered dose inhaler category had a significant revenue share in the year 2024. Notable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices companies such as Koninklijke Philips N.V., Omron Healthcare, Inc., Aerogen, GF Health Products, Inc., BMC Medical Co., Ltd., Medtronic, Trudell Medical International, Novartis AG, AstraZeneca, Lupin, Zydus Cadila, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Terumo Corporation, Cipla Inc., Microlife Corporation, Honsun, Promed Technology Co. Limited, HELTMAN Medikal A.S., Pneuma Respiratory, Lepu Medical Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., and several others are currently operating in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market. and several others are currently operating in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market. In June 2024, Verona Pharma plc. announced that the FDA had approved OHTUVAYRE (ensifentrine) for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adult patients. announced that the FDA had approved OHTUVAYRE (ensifentrine) for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adult patients. In August 2023, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced the launch of Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder, 18 mcg/capsule, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the United States. This product is the generic equivalent of Spiriva HandiHaler (Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder, 18 mcg/capsule) by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. To read more about the latest highlights related to the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market, get a snapshot of the key highlights entailed in the Global Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Report Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Overview Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices play a critical role in managing symptoms, improving lung function, and enhancing the quality of life for patients. These devices primarily include inhalers, nebulizers, oxygen therapy equipment, and non-invasive ventilation systems. Inhalers remain the most commonly used devices, delivering bronchodilators and corticosteroids directly to the lungs to ease breathing. Nebulizers are particularly useful for elderly patients or those with severe COPD who may struggle with inhaler coordination. Long-term oxygen therapy devices are essential for patients with advanced COPD and chronic hypoxemia, helping reduce breathlessness and improve survival rates. Technological advancements have led to the development of smart inhalers and portable oxygen concentrators, enhancing patient adherence and mobility. Smart inhalers can monitor usage patterns and send reminders, aiding healthcare providers in optimizing treatment regimens. Portable oxygen concentrators offer greater freedom compared to stationary oxygen tanks, promoting physical activity and social interaction. Non-invasive ventilation devices such as BiPAP machines are also increasingly used, especially during acute exacerbations or for patients with co-existing sleep apnea. Overall, the growing adoption of COPD treatment devices, supported by rising disease prevalence and increased patient awareness, is driving innovation and improving outcomes in chronic respiratory care. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Insights North America led the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market in 2024. This dominance is driven by the growing prevalence of COPD and associated risk factors such as air pollution, exposure to airborne particles, chemical fumes, secondhand smoke, industrial pollutants, and rising tobacco use among young people in the United States. These health concerns are fueling demand for COPD treatment devices. Additionally, the strong presence of key industry players in the region is anticipated to contribute to ongoing market growth and innovation throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. The increasing incidence of smoking-related illnesses and chronic respiratory disorders like COPD is boosting the demand for advanced therapeutic devices. As more individuals struggle with impaired lung function and respiratory issues, there is a rising need for effective, user-friendly, and technologically advanced treatment options. Heightened awareness of respiratory health and improvements in medical technologies are also propelling market expansion. Moreover, the availability of leading market players in the region further strengthens the COPD device segment. For example, in June 2024, Verona Pharma plc. received FDA approval for OHTUVAYRE (ensifentrine), intended for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adults. This therapy, delivered through a standard jet nebulizer, eliminates the requirement for strong inhalation effort or precise coordination, making it easier for patients to use. Collectively, these factors create a favorable environment for the growth of the COPD treatment devices market in North America. To know more about why North America is leading the market growth in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market, get a snapshot of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Outlook Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Dynamics The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market is driven by a growing global burden of COPD, which is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The increasing prevalence of risk factors such as tobacco smoking, indoor and outdoor air pollution, occupational exposure to harmful dust and chemicals, and aging populations is fueling demand for effective disease management solutions. As a result, there has been a steady increase in the use of various COPD treatment devices such as nebulizers, oxygen concentrators, inhalers, and non-invasive ventilators. Technological advancements are also playing a significant role in shaping market dynamics. New-generation portable and smart inhalation devices, wearable oxygen concentrators, and digital nebulizers are gaining popularity due to improved patient compliance, portability, and monitoring capabilities. These innovations are especially beneficial for home-based care, which is witnessing a rise due to growing healthcare cost pressures and a shift toward decentralized care delivery models. Integration of digital health technologies, such as Bluetooth-enabled inhalers that track usage and adherence, is further expanding the scope of device adoption and patient outcomes. However, the market faces certain challenges, such as the high cost of advanced respiratory care devices, lack of awareness in low- and middle-income countries, and inconsistent reimbursement policies. In some regions, patients rely on traditional therapies or avoid treatment due to affordability issues, hindering market penetration. Additionally, device-related complications and concerns around improper use of inhalation devices may affect treatment effectiveness, especially in geriatric populations. Despite these challenges, the outlook for the COPD treatment devices market remains positive, supported by strategic collaborations, government initiatives aimed at respiratory health awareness, and a growing emphasis on patient-centric care. With an increasing number of product approvals and innovations, manufacturers are focusing on expanding their presence in emerging markets and diversifying their product portfolios to meet the evolving needs of COPD patients worldwide. Get a sneak peek at the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market dynamics @ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Trends Report Metrics Details Coverage Global Study Period 20222032 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market CAGR ~6% Key Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Companies Koninklijke Philips N.V., Omron Healthcare, Inc., Aerogen, GF Health Products, Inc., BMC Medical Co., Ltd., Medtronic, Trudell Medical International, Novartis AG, AstraZeneca, Lupin, Zydus Cadila, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Terumo Corporation, Cipla Inc., Microlife Corporation, Honsun, Promed Technology Co. Limited, HELTMAN Medikal A.S., Pneuma Respiratory, Lepu Medical Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., among others Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Assessment Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Segmentation Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Segmentation By Product Type: Inhalers (Dry Powder Inhaler, Metered Dose Inhaler, Soft Mist Inhalers, and Others) and Nebulizers (Jet Nebulizer, Ultrasonic Nebulizer, and Mesh Nebulizer) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Segmentation By End-User: Hospitals & Clinics, Homecare Settings, and Others Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Segmentation By Geography : North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World Porters Five Forces Analysis, Product Profiles, Case Studies, KOLs Views, Analysts View Which MedTech key players in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market are set to emerge as the trendsetter explore @ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Analysis Table of Contents 1 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Report Introduction 2 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Executive Summary 3 Competitive Landscape 4 Regulatory Analysis 5 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Key Factors Analysis 6 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Porters Five Forces Analysis 7 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Layout 8 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Company and Product Profiles 9 KOL Views 10 Project Approach 11 About DelveInsight 12 Disclaimer & Contact Us Interested in knowing the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment devices market by 2032? Click to get a snapshot of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treatment Devices Market Analysis Related Reports Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Market Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key COPD companies including Genentech, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Verona Pharma plc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, MedImmune LLC, EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Tetherex Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Synairgen Research Ltd., Mereo Biopharma, Organicell Regenerative Medicine, Pulmotect, Inc., Inmunotek S.L., PULMATRiX, GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, Dimerix Limited, ProterixBio, among others. 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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Market Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2032 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key ARDS companies, including MediciNova, Edesa Biotech, Light Chain Biosciences, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Windtree Therapeutics, Biomarck Pharmaceuticals, Athersys, Healios, Direct Biologics, Biohaven Pharmaceutical, Arch Biopartners, APEPTICO Forschung und Entwicklung GmbH, Staidson (Beijing) Biopharmaceuticals, Veru, Mesoblast Limited, Avalo Therapeutics, Pluristem Therapeutics, ILTOO Pharma, among others. DelveInsights Pharma Competitive Intelligence Service: Through its CI solutions, DelveInsight provides its clients with real-time and actionable intelligence on their competitors and markets of interest to keep them stay ahead of the competition by providing insights into the latest therapeutic area-specific/indication-specific market trends, in emerging drugs, and competitive strategies. These services are tailored to the specific needs of each client and are delivered through a combination of reports, dashboards, and interactive presentations, enabling clients to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and identify opportunities for growth and expansion. Other Business Pharmaceutical Consulting Services Healthcare Conference Coverage Pipeline Assessment Healthcare Licensing Services Discover how a mid-pharma client gained a level of confidence in their soon-to-be partner for manufacturing their therapeutics by downloading our Due Diligence Case Study About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant, and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bocana Resources Corp. (TSXV: BOCA) (Frankfurt: VC1) ("Bocana" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding letter of intent (the "LOI") dated July 24, 2025 for the proposed acquisition (the "Transaction") of 100% of the rights, title and interests in the U.S. Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") placer mining claims (the "Claims") owned by LP Associates, LLC of Buffalo MN. ("LPA, LLC" or the "Seller"), an arm's length limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Minnesota. The Transaction The Claims, which are comprised of seventy-two (72) 20-acre claims, total approximately 1,440 acres in size. The Claims are located in Pinal County, Arizona, approximately 85 miles southeast of Phoenix (Figure #1) and are in two contiguous areas, one containing 1,240 acres and the other block containing 160 acres. Figure # 2 also provides a more detailed location of the placer claims. Pursuant to the LOI, Bocana will acquire a 100% ownership interest in the Claims through a newly formed subsidiary, Arizore LLC, a limited liability company registered in the state of Nevada. Bocana will acquire the Claims for a total purchase price of US$27,500,000 (the "Purchase Price"). An initial $200,000 deposit has been made to the Seller, which shall be applied as a credit toward the Purchase Price at closing. Bocana is very pleased with the proposed acquisition of the LPA, LLCs Claims. This acquisition is significantly better than several of the other opportunities that the Company has reviewed, and we look forward to developing this asset as quickly as possible for the benefit of our shareholders," said Tim Turner, Bocanas Chief Executive Officer. The transactions contemplated by the LOI are subject to the following conditions: a) The entering into of a definitive agreement in respect of the Transaction (the "Definitive Agreement") between LPA, LLC and Bocana. The Definitive Agreement will describe the terms and conditions upon which the Transaction will be completed; b) the completion of all financing by Bocana to satisfy the Purchase Price; c) the completion of satisfactory due diligence by Bocana; and d) regulatory approvals, including but not limited to the TSX Venture Exchange. The Transaction will be treated as a "Fundamental Acquisition" pursuant to TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.3. No finder's fees are to be paid in connection with the Transaction. Figure # 1- Location Map of Placer Claims Historical Technical Reports Technical reports have been prepared for four (4) of the Claims in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The results of these technical reports are briefly summarized below. 1. Placer Mining Claim LPA4-04- 20 Acres The first technical report, entitled Technical Report for the LPA4-04 Placer Gold Claim in the Florence Basin, Pinal County, Arizona, USA, was prepared by A. Roach, Ph.D., R.G., with an effective date of January 25, 2021. Data disclosed in this news release on the LPA4-04 claim was provided from this report. Figure # 3 provides the location of the auger drill holes completed on the LPA4-04 placer claim. Table #1 provides the assay results from the auger drill holes. Key Findings: Average grade estimations of 4.6 oz/ton of gold and 1.9 oz/ton of silver (Table # 1) from 6 drill holes. (Table # 1) from 6 drill holes. Multi-element assay results. Assay results were from auger drilling to 10-foot depths. Consistency of high-grade gold assay results in all holes (Table # 1). Figure # 2 Location Map of Placer Claims Figure # 3 Drill Hole Location Map Table # 1 Holes DP01-06 Located on LPA4-04 Placer Claim 2. Placer Mining Claim LPA4-08- 20 Acres The second 20-acre technical report, entitled Technical Report for the LPA4-08 Placer Gold Claim in the Florence Basin, Pinal County, Arizona, USA, was prepared by A. Roach, Ph.D., R.G., with an Effective date of January 25, 2021. Drill hole locations posted on Figure #3, DP-07-10, Table # 1 provides the multi-element assay results. Key Findings: Average grade estimates of 1.4 oz/ton (48 g/t) of gold and 0.4 oz/ton (13.7 g/t) of silver were determined from 4 holes. were determined from 4 holes. Similar consistency in higher grade gold concentrations as in LPA4-04 results. Multi-element concentrations lower than adjoining claim LPA4-04 to the east. 3. Placer Mining Claim Dirt-01 20 Acres The third technical report, also on a 20-acre claim, entitled Technical Report for the Dirt-01 Placer Gold Claim in the Florence Basin, Pinal County, Arizona, USA, was prepared by Ronnie G Parker, CPG-#06163, with an Effective date of February 1, 2022. The Dirt-01 Placer Gold Claim is located approximately 1-1/2 miles (0.9 kilometer) west of Highway 79. Highway 79 may be accessed by Highway 77 and Interstate 10, which is located 27 miles (43.2 kilometers) to the south and west of the claim, as shown on Figure #4 below. Figure # 5 provides the drill collar locations on the claim. Table # 2 posts the assay results from the drilling program. Key Findings: Average estimated grades of 0.589 oz/ton (16.7 g/t) of gold and .475 oz/ton (13.5 g/t) of silver from 9 drill holes. from 9 drill holes. Demonstrating consistency in higher-grade mineralization. Figure #4 Dirt-01 Location Map Figure #5 Drill Collar Location Map Dirt-01 Placer Claim Table 2. - Assay data from the DIRT-01 Placer Gold Claim for the 2020 drill holes. Assay Date Sample # Gold oz/ton Silver oz/ton Platinum oz/ton Palladium oz/ton Rhodium oz/ton 11-Mar-20 Dirt-14 0.287 0.200 0.207 0.099 0.067 Fire+ AA 10-Mar-20 Dirt-15 0.380 0.291 0.166 0.102 0.031 Fire+ AA 13-Jul-20 Dirt-19 0.457 0.492 0.044 0.034 0.038 Fire+ AA 13-Jul-20 Dirt-20 0.474 0.510 0.068 0.040 0.044 Fire+ AA 15-Aug-20 Dirt-21 0.379 0.409 0.025 0.031 0.038 Fire+ AA 15-Aug-20 Dirt-22 0.275 1.330 0.019 0.031 0.030 Fire+ AA 15-Aug-20 Dirt-23 1.219 0.398 0.028 0.019 0.033 Fire+ AA 15-Aug-20 Dirt-24 0.945 0.601 0.029 0.028 0.026 Fire+ AA 15-Aug-20 Dirt-25 0.885 0.047 0.031 0.027 0.031 Fire+ AA 4. Placer Mining Claim Dirt-02 20 Acres The fourth 20-acre technical report, entitled NI-43-101 Technical Report for the Dirt-02 Placer Gold Claim in the Florence Basin, Pinal County, Arizona, USA, was prepared by Ronnie G Parker, CPG-#06163, with an Effective date of February 1, 2022 and a Technical Update as of August 8, 2022. The Dirt-02 Placer Gold Claim is located approximately 2-1/2 miles (0.9 kilometer) west of Highway 79. Highway 79 may be accessed by Highway 77 and Interstate 10, which is located 27 miles (43.2 kilometers) to the south and west of the claim. Access to the claim is via a small dirt road off Highway 79 at mile marker 10. See Figure #6. Figure #7 provides the Dirt-02 drill collar locations. Figure #6 Dirt-02 Location and Access. Figure #7 Drill Collar Locations Table #3 Assay information for the 2020 drill holes from the DIRT-02 Placer Gold Claim. All data listed below is shown in ounces per ton. Assay Date Sample # Gold Silver Platinum Palladium Rhodium 15-Aug-20 Dirt-26 0.374 0.499 0.028 0.021 0.035 15-Aug-20 Dirt-27 0.608 0.800 0.033 0.025 0.042 15-Aug-20 Dirt-28 0.376 0.505 0.037 0.024 0.040 15-Aug-20 Dirt-29 0.316 0.755 0.032 0.026 0.030 15-Aug-20 Dirt-30 1.005 0.743 0.040 0.036 0.027 15-Aug-20 Dirt-31 0.558 0.963 0.042 0.020 0.057 22-Mar-18 Dirt-09 0.189 0.202 - - - 23-Mar-18 Dirt-10 0.148 0.200 - - - 11-Mar-20 Dirt-12 0.46 0.40 0.165 0.1 0.041 11-Mar-20 Dirt-13 0.49 0.4 0.183 0.086 0.033 Key Findings: Average grades from 10 drill holes - 0.452 oz/ton (12.81 g/t) of gold and 0.546 oz/ton (15.48 g/t) of silver. All drill holes assayed high gold concentrations. Continuation of multi-element mineralization. Comments on Sampling Drilling was conducted using a two-man auger. Sufficient auger flights were required to reach depths up to 11 feet (3.05 meters). Sample material was collected in a specially designed metal container that surrounded the auger. Samples were transferred to a clean plastic bucket for transport to the splitting location. Sample splitting was conducted onsite with a small riffle splitter. The site geologist performed the sample splitting. One split of material was packaged in a plastic bag for sample analysis. The remaining portion of the split was returned to the plastic bucket for storage at a secure locality off-site. The splitter was cleaned between samples. All historical assay results are documented in the four NI-43-101 reports provided to the Company; however, assay certificates indicating the methods used, weight of samples, details on the assay procedures were not in the reports and have not been provided to the Company. Conclusions/Recommendations Historical assay results indicate potentially economic concentrations of gold with associated silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium on all four claims mentioned. Bocana will require due diligence studies, including additional drilling, sample assays, and metallurgical studies to confirm the results from each of these four reports. It is recommended that, in future drilling programs on all of the claims that notes on detailed logging of the sample material be undertaken, in particular the presence/ absence of apparent gravel layers during the drilling, along with approximate depth. The removal of gravel from samples, either because it is not carried by the auger or is at the splitting stage, has the potential to lead to higher or lower assay values. Therefore, one or more bulk samples should be taken in order to assess whether grades are significantly different than those obtained by drilling. Qualified Person Mr. Lorne Warner, P.Geo., the Companys consulting geologist, is an independent, "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Warner has approved the scientific and technical information included in this news release for dissemination. The LOI was negotiated at arms length. The Transaction does not represent a change of business. There will be no change of directors or officers of the Company required by the Transaction. The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. About Bocana Resources Corp. Bocana is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in North and South America. Bocana, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Huiracocha International Service SRL, holds a 100% working interest in the mineral properties known as the Escala area concessions located in the Department of Potosi, Sud Lipez Province, Bolivia, as awarded by Comibol. Contact Information For more information on Bocana, visit: https://bocanaresources.com. For more information or interview requests, please contact: Timothy J. Turner Chief Executive Officer info@bocanaresources.com (713) 858-3329 Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as: "intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "approximately", "planning", "projected", "anticipate", and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Bocana, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but without limitation, statements pertaining to the Transaction including Bocana's ability to obtain financing and the necessary approvals, including regulatory approvals for the Transaction, the negotiation and execution of the Definitive Agreement, the estimates of potential quantity, grade, and metal and mineral content at the Claims, Bocana's assessment of the reliability and relevance of the historical drill results, and the ability of Bocana to operate the exploration and development programs for the Claims. All statements included herein involve various risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events and circumstances beyond Bocana's control. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by several material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) the Seller; (ii) the Transaction; (ii) the ability of the Parties to negotiate and enter into the Definitive Agreement on satisfactory terms as proposed, (iii) the timely receipt of all required regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the approval of the TSXV, (iv) if the Definitive Agreement is entered into, the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement, and (v) the ability of the Parties (as applicable) to complete the Financing and/or the Transaction on the terms outlined in this news release (or at all). Although Bocana has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Images accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1961def-47e8-4cdb-a475-28cc521966a6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e47a243-803b-4b79-8761-cd72eb04c376 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7dcf670a-22df-4946-b7ae-e92087d9aebf https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa10b141-9084-4454-89b7-3e7a3ac42333 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83c9f188-1c36-4e9b-887e-f82e0a78cf27 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/27ffe6c4-dcd3-4ac6-9f20-08d868830d1b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bfa958ea-6922-4b89-a17d-1927633fb98b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b29f0f1-cef9-40f6-9c02-34d7bac0c411 LAS VEGAS, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bullet Blockchain, Inc. (OTC: BULT) (Bullet Blockchain or the Company), the only U.S. company holding foundational patents for Bitcoin ATMs and one of only three publicly traded Bitcoin ATM network owner/operators, today announced a series of key strategic initiatives that management is pursuing to drive an aggressive expansion and align current and future stakeholders with the Companys long-term vision. We have a clear strategy to capitalize on the explosive growth of the crypto ATM market, said Simon Rubin, CEO of Bullet Blockchain. Our primary focus is on four core pillars: (i) Expanding our operational footprint; (ii) Strengthening our leadership and governance; (iii) Securing the strategic capital necessary to fuel this growth; and, (iv) Forging strategic alliances for enhanced security and utility. These initiatives are designed to build a powerful foundation for Bullet Blockchains future and reinforce our position as an industry innovator. The first of these pillars is focused on a multi-pronged approach to scaling the Company's physical presence and network capacity. Expanding Our Operational Footprint Bullet Blockchain is actively pursuing opportunities to dramatically accelerate the deployment of its Bitcoin ATM network (a/k/a/ crypto ATM network). Building on a successful start, the company is now focused on a multi-pronged approach to scaling its operations. This includes exploring opportunities to acquire and deploy a significant number of new and refurbished crypto kiosks from both manufacturers and operators. In tandem with this effort, management is in active discussions with a number of regional and national retail operators, including convenience stores and gas station chains, to secure distribution agreements. Such agreements would support a more rapid and strategic rollout of the Company's network, with the potential to significantly expand Bullet's presence across the country. Next: Enhancing Leadership and Governance The Company is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, intellectual property protection, and market compliance. To support these imperatives, Bullet Blockchain is actively engaging with highly qualified individuals to enhance its executive team and Board of Directors. This includes seeking out specialists in intellectual property to advise on strategies for enforcing and leveraging the companys foundational patents, as well as interviewing qualified candidates to join the Board. Further, management is actively seeking to engage new auditing firms with the intent of fast-tracking important compliance initiatives, signaling a clear path towards increased transparency and market status. Third: Securing Strategic Capital To execute its aggressive growth plan, Bullet Blockchain is strategically pursuing a number of capital formation opportunities. This includes sourcing low-cost credit facilities, short-term loans, and traditional equity financing. The company is also evaluating the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Treasury program to leverage future crypto acquisitions. Through these efforts, management has identified significant plausible capital resources to support its operations and fuel future growth. Final Pillar: Forging Strategic Alliances for Enhanced Security and Utility Bullet Blockchain is actively building a comprehensive, secure, and user-centric ecosystem through strategic partnerships. These alliances are focused primarily on two endeavors. One is focused on enhancing the customer experience by providing advanced security solutions for digital assets and crypto wallets. The other is facilitating new use cases such as efficient international remittances and developing new technology offerings that create greater visibility and secondary revenue streams. These initiatives position the company not just as a Bitcoin ATM operator, but as a holistic provider of modern crypto-financial services, ultimately transforming the crypto kiosk from a single-purpose device into a multi-faceted hub for digital finance and commerce. Building on a Vision of Proven Execution These initiatives collectively form the framework for Bullet Blockchains strategy to move from intent to execution. With its foundational patents [Nos. US9135787B1 & US10332205B1], and a clear roadmap for growth, management is confident in the Companys ability to generate significant value for stakeholders while establishing Bullet Blockchain as a trusted and innovative, global leader, in the crypto ATM marketintricately intertwined in the overall fabric of digital financial services and fintech. Mr. Rubin, concluded, Our comprehensive strategy is built on a foundation of tangible pillars, not just ambition. We are committed to moving from strategic intent to proven execution, and we are confident that our roadmap will not only generate significant long-term value, but will also establish Bullet Blockchain as the definitive leader in both the traditional capital markets and digital financial services space. Bullet Blockchains Intellectual Property As previously announced, Bullet Blockchain acquired First Bitcoin Capital LLC, gaining ownership of an intellectual property portfolio that includes two Bitcoin ATM patents. By virtue of its subsidiary, First Bitcoin Capital LLC, Bullet Blockchain holds the exclusive rights to U.S. Patent Nos. US9135787B1 (Bitcoin kiosk/ATM device and system integrating enrollment protocol and method of using the same) and US10332205B1 (Bitcoin kiosk/ATM device and system and method of using the same). These patents remain critical technologies for the operation and security of Bitcoin ATMs and their networks. Bullet Blockchain continues to advance its licensing initiatives, offering operators and manufacturers a variety of partnership models including transaction-based fees and revenue-sharing opportunities centered around its intellectual property. About Bullet Blockchain Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bullet Blockchain Inc. common stock is publicly traded on the OTC Markets under the symbol (BULT) is a diversified software development and BaaS company, specializing in blockchain technologies and Web 3.0, and though its wholly owned subsidiary, First Bitcoin Capital LLC, the owner and licensor of two Bitcoin ATM patents. Bullet Blockchains Bitcoin ATMs are operated by licensed third-party operators within the jurisdictions in which they reside. Bullet Blockchain is committed to driving the innovations needed to shape the future of digital and blockchain-related platforms through digital technology and decentralized blockchain solutions. Management is dedicated to rapid growth and increasing the shareholders value. Shareholders, potential investors, and others should note that we announce material events and material financial information to our shareholders and the public using our website and the social media addresses listed below, as well as in our OTC Markets disclosures, press releases, public conference calls, and webcasts. We also use social media to communicate with our email subscribers and the public about Bullet Blockchain, services, and other related information. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage shareholders, the media, and others interested in Bullet Blockchain to review the information we post on Bullet Blockchains social media channels listed below. This list may be updated from time to time. For investor and general information, please email contact@BulletBlockchain.com Find investor and general information at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/BULT/profile Forward-Looking Statements: Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors, including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release, and these views could change at some point in the future. However, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intend, anticipate, anticipates, plans," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward-looking. Contact us: contact@BulletBlockchain.com SYRACUSE, N.Y., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- How can cigar enthusiasts in Upstate New York properly store cigars to maintain optimal freshness despite challenging weather conditions? Expert Mike Glynn of Rockys Wholesale Cigars provides critical advice to this pressing question in a detailed feature from HelloNation Magazine . Cigar lovers in Upstate New York know firsthand the difficulty of maintaining cigar freshness due to the regions dramatic seasonal changes, including harsh, dry winters and humid summers. Glynn emphasizes that improper storage can quickly compromise cigar quality, either by drying cigars out during the cold months or encouraging mold growth in warm weather. To avoid these pitfalls, Glynn highlights several key storage practices every cigar enthusiast should implement. A properly maintained humidor is crucial, according to Glynn, as it protects cigars by maintaining stable humidity. Glynn recommends using a humidor capable of maintaining relative humidity levels between 68% and 72%, ensuring cigars age well and retain their ideal flavor and smoothness over time. Rockys Wholesale Cigars offers various high-quality humidors made from Spanish cedar, a material known for its natural mold-resistant properties and excellent moisture absorption. During winter, indoor heating systems can rapidly dry cigars, causing them to lose essential oils and degrade in flavor. To combat this, Glynn advises adding humidity packs to the humidor during cold months. These inexpensive, easy-to-use packs help maintain consistent moisture levels, effectively preserving cigar freshness. Rockys Wholesale Cigars carries humidity packs available in different humidity percentages, allowing cigar owners precise control tailored to their specific collection. Conversely, Glynn warns that Upstate New Yorks humid summers bring increased risks of mold growth and tobacco beetle infestation. Regular weekly inspections of stored cigars become essential during this period. Glynn suggests isolating any cigars showing mold to prevent contamination. Rockys Wholesale Cigars also recommends using a digital hygrometer for reliable monitoring of humidity and temperature, offering accurate readings that help cigar owners quickly respond to environmental changes. For cigar aficionados frequently traveling, Glynn underscores the importance of investing in a portable travel humidor. These compact yet effective storage options ensure cigars remain fresh and well-protected during travel, maintaining ideal humidity levels away from home. Rockys Wholesale Cigars features a variety of travel humidors designed for convenient, reliable cigar preservation on the go. Glynn further advises against placing humidors near windows, direct sunlight, heating vents, or air conditioners, as these elements cause rapid fluctuations in humidity. Instead, he suggests positioning humidors in stable environments such as cabinets or bookshelves, providing additional protection for cigar preservation. Ultimately, proper cigar storage is vital for enthusiasts in regions like Upstate New York, where changing climates pose constant challenges. Glynn's recommendations offer clear guidance for maintaining cigar freshness year-round, allowing cigar lovers to enjoy their collections fully. Learn more about effective cigar preservation from Mike Glynn in the detailed HelloNation Magazine article, "How to Properly Store Cigars in Upstate New York: Expert Tips for Preserving Freshness." About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative edvertising approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Patrick McCabe info@hellonation.com www.hellonation.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/811bdde3-f6dc-4177-a20e-ae13c77a57e9 ROSEVILLE, Calif., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What should homebuyers understand before entering the Granite Bay real estate market? In a new HelloNation article, real estate expert Kim Nicols of Nick Sadek Sothebys International Realty outlines critical advice for anyone considering a home purchase in this sought-after Sacramento suburb. With more than 25 years of experience guiding clients through high-value transactions, Nicols presents a focused overview of what defines success in a competitive, luxury-driven market. According to the article, Granite Bay homes for sale often feature large lots, proximity to Folsom Lake, and access to top-rated school districts such as Roseville JointHigh School District and Eureka Union School District ( elementary and junior high) However, inventoryparticularly for homes priced above $1 millioncan be limited. Nicols stresses the importance of working with an experienced Granite Bay real estate agent who can interpret current market conditions, provide accurate comps, and help buyers understand how local trends differ from national ones. The article also advises buyers to plan thoroughly around financing. While conventional loans remain common, luxury real estate in Granite Bay frequently requires jumbo loan options. Buyers are encouraged to match their pre-approval to their ideal property profile, ensuring financial alignment before making an offer. Nicols also points out that some properties may include unique considerations like septic systems or additional fire insurance , conducting thorough Granite Bay home inspections is an essential step. Additionally, the presence of homeowners associations and their wide variability in fees and services makes it important to clarify terms early in the process. Whether buyers are seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle or more independent property management, due diligence is necessary. Nicols emphasizes that choosing a seasoned agent with deep knowledge of Granite Bay schools, market dynamics, and relocation experience offers a significant advantage. The complete article, What You Need to Know Before Buying a Home in Granite Bay , is available now on HelloNation. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative edvertising approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Patrick McCabe info@hellonation.com www.hellonation.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fbd3da1d-a2a8-4a5e-8c55-91dc17931d01 Miami, FL, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reputation Pros, a top-tier online reputation management agency, has officially launched enhanced solutions to help clients remove negative internet content and push down damaging Google search results. Designed for individuals, professionals, and businesses alike, these services provide a powerful way to clean up and protect digital reputations in a world where search results can significantly impact credibility. In 2025, your first impression is your search result, said Scott Keever, founder of Reputation Pros and a recognized expert in online reputation management. Whether you're dealing with a misleading article, false accusation, or outdated content, we offer proven strategies to remove or suppress negative content so your best side shows up first on Google. Cutting-Edge Solutions to Suppress Negative Internet Content The truth is, most negative content cannot be removed, especially if it appears on established news sites or high-authority domains. These pages are rarely taken down and often rank prominently for months or years. Thats why Reputation Pros focuses on what actually works: removing negative content from the first two pages of Google to drastically reduce its visibility and impact. Studies show that less than 1% of users click on links past the first page of Google, and content that drops to Page 3 or beyond becomes virtually invisible. Even pushing a result from Page 1 to Page 2 results in a 70%+ drop in clicks. Our goal is to bury unwanted content far enough down the search results that it no longer poses a threat to your personal or business reputation. Our ORM suppression strategy includes: Targeting Page 1 and Page 2 links for demotion through positive content creation Driving traffic and authority to new, optimized assets that outrank the negative links Leveraging search engine best practices to outcompete damaging content organically Using branded content, social profiles, press releases, and high-authority platforms Monitoring rankings in real-time to track movement and adjust the campaign accordingly Reputation Pros helps you regain control of your digital narrative, even when deletion isn't possible. What Is Online Reputation Management? Online Reputation Management (ORM) is the strategic process of influencing how individuals, businesses, or brands appear in online search results. It involves a combination of tactics, such as content creation, SEO, digital PR, and suppression strategies for businesses and individuals, to ensure that the most accurate, positive, and brand-aligned content rises to the top of Google. Whether the goal is to clean up damaging content, boost professional visibility, or simply take control of how you're represented online, ORM helps shape the narrative people see when they search your name. With Google acting as the new first impression, managing your digital presence isnt optionalits essential. How Reputation Pros Pushes Down Negative Content on Google Reputation Pros specializes in pushing down negative search results using an aggressive yet ethical approach. Their system relies on the creation and promotion of credible, high-ranking assets that outrank unwanted links. This includes: Publishing optimized press releases and blog posts Building branded profiles on authoritative platforms Creating and promoting positive news coverage Driving traffic and backlinks to positive content Leveraging social media and local SEO to strengthen visibility The result is a transformed search experienceone where negative or outdated content is pushed deep into Googles results while positive, high-quality pages dominate Page One. Trusted by Family Offices, High-Profile Individuals, and Business Leaders Reputation Pros is known for its discreet and highly responsive service, with a client list that includes CEOs, public figures, and family offices. Every campaign is customized, confidential, and designed to achieve long-term results. Our team works quickly and quietly, Keever added. We dont just clean up reputations, we rebuild trust, reshape perception, and help our clients move forward. Now Offering Free Confidential Reputation Repair Consultations If you're struggling with unwanted content in search results, Reputation Pros is ready to help. To remove negative internet content or push down damaging Google results, visit https://reputationpros.com or call (786) 766-7767 for a confidential consultation. Reputation Pros Office Locations Miami, FL 1221 SW 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33130 Miami Reputation Management Palm Beach, FL 1601 Belvedere Rd, Suite 701 West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Palm Beach Reputation Management Cincinnati, OH 4030 Smith Rd Cincinnati, OH 45209 Cincinnati Reputation Management Danbury, CT 42 Lake Ave Ext, Unit 147 Danbury, CT 06811 Connecticut Reputation Management Highland, NY 434 Gregory Ct Highland, NY 12528 New York Reputation Management Naples, FL 3003 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 810 Naples, FL 34103 Naples Reputation Management Reputation Pros - Best Online Reputation Management Company USA Today - Reputation Pros How Long Does an Online Reputation Management Campaign Take? Most online reputation management campaigns run 6 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the issue. While some improvements can be seen within weeks, long-term success comes from sustained effort. At Reputation Pros, Scott Keevers team is known for achieving early wins while building durable, lasting search results that continue to protect your name or brand well beyond the initial campaign. How Much Do Online Reputation Management Services Cost? Pricing typically ranges from $3,000 to $15,000 per month, with some enterprise-level campaigns exceeding $20,000 per month. Factors include the complexity of the issue, the volume of negative content, and the desired timeline. Reputation Pros offers tailored strategies to fit individuals, professionals, and companies, always focusing on maximum impact and transparent pricing. How To Do Online Reputation Management? Effective ORM involves actively managing how your name or business appears online through monitoring, addressing negative content, and promoting positive assets. Reputation Pros, under the leadership of Scott Keever, takes a strategic, SEO-driven approach that elevates your best content while minimizing the visibility of unwanted content. How Does Online Reputation Management Work? ORM works by reshaping how search engines and people perceive your brand. This includes removing eligible content, suppressing harmful links, and amplifying positive coverage. Reputation Pros applies advanced SEO tactics, media outreach, and content development to ensure the most accurate and favorable version of your story is what people see first. Why Is Online Reputation Management Important? Your online reputation has a direct impact on how people trust and engage with you, whether you're a professional, entrepreneur, or public figure. Even a few negative results can cause long-term damage. Thats why individuals and businesses turn to Scott Keever and Reputation Pros to proactively manage, protect, and restore their digital image. What is Corporate Reputation Management? Corporate reputation management focuses on how companies are perceived by the public, investors, employees, and the media. It requires consistent monitoring and swift response to crises. Reputation Pros helps corporations maintain strong reputations by combining crisis mitigation, SEO suppression, and brand storytelling that aligns with core business goals. What is Online Reputation Management for Individuals? For individuals, ORM is about ensuring your online image reflects your true values, accomplishments, and integrity. Reputation Pros specializes in personal reputation repairespecially for professionals, executives, and public figuresusing tailored strategies to suppress negative content and promote your best narrative online. How To Do Online Reputation Management Yourself? You can manage your own reputation by monitoring Google search results, responding to reviews, and regularly publishing positive content. However, without SEO expertise, its difficult to achieve lasting visibility. Many who start on their own eventually turn to experts like Scott Keever and the Reputation Pros team for scalable, long-term success. How To Push Down Negative Content on Google? To suppress unwanted content, you need a sustained SEO strategy focused on publishing authoritative, high-ranking pages. This includes branded websites, press coverage, social profiles, and more. Reputation Pros is known for its effective suppression campaigns that push negative links off Page 1, where over 90% of users never look. Who Is the Best Online Reputation Management Expert? Scott Keever is the best online reputation management expert, thanks to his unparalleled track record of helping individuals and businesses suppress negative search results and establish robust, enduring digital reputations. As the founder of Reputation Pros, he combines deep expertise in SEO, PR strategy, and crisis response to deliver measurable results, often in high-stakes, high-visibility situations. Trusted by CEOs, celebrities, family offices, and professionals across various industries, Scott is known for his discreet service, ethical approach, and ability to shape what appears when people Google your name. What Is the Best Reputation Management Company? Reputation Pros is the best reputation management company, consistently delivering results for individuals, professionals, and businesses facing significant online challenges. Known for their aggressive yet ethical suppression strategies, Reputation Pros helps clients remove or bury damaging search results, build a strong digital presence, and regain control of their online narrative. With personalized campaigns, real-time monitoring, and proven success across industries, Reputation Pros is trusted by high-net-worth individuals, executives, and brands that need expert support, delivered fast, confidentially, and effectively. How To Choose The Right Online Reputation Management (ORM) Services? Start by assessing your needs, whether youre dealing with negative press, outdated content, or want to build a positive presence from scratch. Then evaluate experience, transparency, and results. Reputation Pros stands out for its personalized strategies, ethical tactics, and a proven record of helping both individuals and businesses reclaim control of their online presence. Southlake, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For Chris Macaulay, CEO of Killara Outdoors, great businesses aren't just built on strategy, product, or capital; they're built on culture. In the newly published article Culture as a Competitive Advantage: How Killara Outdoors CEO Chris Macaulay Is Redefining Leadership in the Outdoor Industry, the executive outlines his people-first blueprint for sustainable growth and why investing in culture is more than just a feel-good initiative. "Culture builds companies," Macaulay says. "You can fake a product for a while. You can't fake values." Since taking the helm at Killara in 2023, Macaulay has overseen rapid growth across the company's multi-brand portfolio. With offices in Texas, Colorado, and Hong Kong, Killara supports outdoor brands in the fishing, hunting, and lifestyle sectors; but it's the company's shared cultural operating system that's driving the real momentum. At Killara, culture isn't confined to HR or annual surveys. It's built into the cadence of the business: from structured onboarding processes and decentralized decision-making to monthly "Culture Builds" that reinforce trust, transparency, and team alignment across brands and departments. "If you don't define culture, it defines itself; and usually not in a good way," Macaulay notes. Killara's values-led approach is a breath of fresh air in an industry where founder burnout, post-acquisition dissonance, and communication breakdowns are common. By prioritizing clarity, shared purpose, and personal growth, Macaulay and his team have created an environment where leadership development and operational excellence go hand-in-hand. "We're not just scaling products; we're scaling people," he adds. "If your team is aligned, focused, and healthy, they'll find ways to win; especially when things get hard." The article highlights how Killara's culture-first model is influencing a new wave of operators who want to grow with purpose, not just profit. In a market that often prioritizes speed and scale at the cost of soul, Killara is building something different; and lasting. Read the full article: killara.com/blog/culture-as-a-competitive-advantage-how-killara-outdoors-ceo-chris-macaulay-is-redefining-leadership-in-the-outdoor-industry ### For more information about Killara Outdoors, contact the company here: Killara Outdoors Killara Outdoors media@killara.com 180 State Street, 201, Southlake, TX 76092 TORONTO, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Telo Genomics Corp. (TSXV: TELO; OTCQB: TDSGF) (the "Company" or "Telo") a leader in the development of diagnostic and prognostic tests for human disease through the analysis of telomeres, today announced that it will present at the OTCQB Venture Virtual Investor Conference on August 7th, 2025. This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. Telo Genomics will be represented by Guido Baechler, Executive Chairman of the Board, and discuss the companys new strategy for accelerating the development and commercialization of the multiple myeloma MRD and smoldering myeloma assay applications. The OTCQB Venture Virtual Investor Conference is hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com. Telo Genomics will present live on Thursday, August 7th at 1:00 pm 1:30 pm ET. Investors can register for the presentation via this link: register here. An archived webcast will also be available after the event. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. About Telo Genomics Telo Genomics is a biotech company pioneering the most comprehensive telomere platform in the industry with powerful applications and prognostic solutions. These include liquid biopsies and related technologies in oncology and neurological diseases. Liquid biopsy is a rapidly growing field of significant interest to the medical community for being less invasive and more easily replicated than traditional diagnostic approaches. By combining our team's considerable expertise in quantitative analysis of 3D telomeres with molecular biology and artificial intelligence to recognize disease associated genetic instability, Telo Genomics is developing simple and accurate products that improve day-to-day care for patients by serving the needs of pathologists, clinicians, academic researchers and drug developers. The benefits of our proprietary technology have been substantiated in 160+ peer reviewed publications and in 30+ clinical studies involving more than 3,000 patients with multiple cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Our lead application, Telo-MM is being developed to provide important, actionable information to medical professionals in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, a deadly form of blood cancer. For more information, please visit www.telodx.com. For further information, please contact: Guido Baechler Executive Chairman 647-477-9365 info@telodx.com MaRS Centre, South Tower 101 College Street, Suite 200 Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7 www.telodx.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Companys receipt of TSXV acceptance of the stock option grant are based on the Company's estimates and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including capital expenditures and other costs. 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. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. Dallas, Texas, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ntelcare has announced the nationwide rollout of its privacy-first, radar-powered monitoring platform for senior living and post-acute care facilities. The AI-driven system delivers real-time insights into bed-exit behavior, a clinically established early indicator of fall risk, and quietly alerts care teams before a crisis occurs. AI-powered radar monitors bed-exit behavior in real time to help prevent senior falls, without compromising privacy. Unlike traditional alarms or wearables, Ntelcares platform uses 4D radar imaging and machine learning to detect subtle posture shifts and movement patterns. The system operates in the background, with no cameras, audio, or resident-facing devices. When a resident sits at the edge of the bed unusually long or begins to rise at an uncommon hour, a discreet alert is sent, giving staff time to intervene. Were not just sensing movement, were sensing moments that matter, said Apurv Mishra, Chief Scientist at Ntelcare. Unassisted bed exits, especially at night, are strongly correlated with falls, disorientation, and even elopement. Our system recognizes those early cues and helps caregivers act with foresight, not just urgency. Why Bed Exits Matter Clinical research highlights the connection between bed exits and injuries in eldercare: Over 80% of falls in memory care and assisted living occur during unwitnessed nighttime transitions. Residents with dementia or nocturia are especially vulnerable during early-morning hours. The first 23 minutes after a bed exit pose the highest fall risk due to confusion and loss of balance. Traditional tools like pressure mats often produce false alarms and delayed detection. Ntelcares radar-based approach offers real-time sensing and behavioral baselining while maintaining resident privacy. We didnt build a better alarm; we built something that understands context, said Avijit Tripathy, Senior Product Manager. A resident sitting up at 2:00 a.m. isnt just a movement, its a signal. And acting on it reduces falls and gives staff confidence. Building Trust in Monitoring Pilot deployments in assisted living and memory care settings have shown measurable impact: Reduced false alarms have restored staff trust in alerts Residents sleep better without intrusive monitoring Administrators gain visibility into missed check-ins and room-level risks This is the kind of quiet infrastructure senior care has long needed, said Steve Keys, CEO of Ntelcare. Fall prevention is more than clinical; its emotional. Every timely intervention protects dignity and reduces liability. With patents pending, Ntelcare is scaling its technology across care networks nationwide. About NtelCare NtelCare is an AI-first senior care platform designed to transform elderly care facilities from reactive to proactive. Its multimodal alerting system combines contactless 4D radar sensors with real-time predictive analytics to prevent health incidents and optimize care workflows. NtelCare empowers facilities with 24/7 visibility, reduced emergency events, and smarter, safer environments for aging with dignity. Learn more at ntelcare.com . LIMERICK, Ireland, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- kneat.com, inc. (TSX: KSI) (OTC: KSIOF) (Kneat or the Company) a leader in digitizing and automating validation and quality processes, today announced financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025. All dollar amounts are presented in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Second-quarter 2025 total revenue reaches $15.4 million, an increase of 32% year over year Gross margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 reaches 75% Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)1 at June 30, 2025, grows 43% year over year to $64.8 million. We continue on our trajectory towards profitability. New customer wins in the past quarter reached new highs, proving Kneat Gx is the platform of choice. We welcomed new leadership in finance, product and engineering and continued the unrelenting development of our platform. - Eddie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Kneat. Q2 2025 Highlights Total revenues increased 32% to $15.4 million in the second quarter of 2025, compared to $11.7 million for the second quarter of 2024. SaaS revenue for the second quarter of 2025 grew 31% to $14.1 million, versus $10.8 million for the second quarter of 2024. Second-quarter 2025 gross profit was $11.6 million, up 34% from $8.7 million in gross profit for the second quarter of 2024. Gross margin in the second quarter of 2025 was 75%, compared to 74% for the second quarter of 2024. EBITDA 1 in the second quarter of 2025 was $3.8 million, compared with $0.5 million for the second quarter of 2024. in the second quarter of 2025 was $3.8 million, compared with $0.5 million for the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA 1 in the second quarter of 2025 was $0.4 million, compared with $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2024. in the second quarter of 2025 was $0.4 million, compared with $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2024. Net loss for the second quarter of 2025 was $0.4 million, compared with a net loss of $3.1 million for the second quarter of 2024. Total ARR1, which includes SaaS license and recurring maintenance fees, was $64.8 million at June 30, 2025, an increase of 43% from $45.4 million at June 30, 2024. [1] ARR is a supplementary measure. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS measures and are not recognized, defined or standardized measures under IFRS. These measures are defined in the Supplementary and Non-IFRS Measures section of this news release. First Half of 2025 Financial Highlights Total revenues for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 increased 34% to $30.2 million, compared to $22.4 million for the comparable six-month period in 2024. SaaS revenue grew 36% to $28.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, versus $20.6 million for the comparable period in 2024. Gross profit was $22.6 million, up 36% from $16.6 million in gross profit for the first half of 2024. Gross margin for the first half of 2025 was 75%, compared to 74% for the first half of 2024. EBITDA 1 for the first half of 2025 was $9.7 million, compared with $0.0 million for the first half of 2024. for the first half of 2025 was $9.7 million, compared with $0.0 million for the first half of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA 1 for the first half of 2025 was $2.7 million, compared with $2.2 million for the first half of 2024. for the first half of 2025 was $2.7 million, compared with $2.2 million for the first half of 2024. Net income for the first half of 2025 was $1.8 million, compared with ($6.4) million for the first half of 2024. Recent Business Highlights In April 2025, Kneat announced that it signed a Services Agreement with a multinational producer of generic pharmaceuticals. The Company, which operates more than a dozen manufacturing facilities around the world and employs more than 20,000 people, will initially use Kneat to digitize its drawing management process. In early May 2025, Kneat saw record attendance at VALIDATE, its annual event convening validation and quality professionals from around the world. One of the worlds largest events for validation experts to discover, share and apply validation technologies, regulations, and best practices, VALIDATE enabled participants to witness the power of the Kneat Gx platform. In May 2025, Kneat announced that it signed a three-year Master Services Agreement with a leading manufacturer of clinical diagnostics for the healthcare industry. The Company, which operates in more than 40 countries and employs over 14,000 people, will use Kneat Gx initially to digitize its equipment validation process. Also in May 2025, Kneat announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the addition of a Chief Innovation Officer Role. Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Kevin Fitzgerald transitioned out of his current role and into the Chief Innovation Officer role on June 9th. Donal OSullivan, an executive with extensive software development and product management leadership, joined Kneat at that time as Chief Product Officer. In June 2025, Kneat announced that it signed a multi-year Master Services Agreement with a leading global healthcare technology company. The Company, which employs over 50,000 people and manufactures in more than a dozen countries worldwide, will use the Kneat Gx platform initially to digitize its Commissioning, Qualification and Validation workflows for facilities, equipment and computer systems at several lead manufacturing sites. Also in June 2025, Kneat announced the retirement of its CFO Hugh Kavanagh. The role will be filled by Dave OReilly, who joined Kneat in July. Dave served most recently as CFO of Ekco, a leading European managed security service provider, which he helped scale from startup to a business with $200 million in annual revenue. Prior to his time at Ekco he led the international finance function for a $4 billion-SaaS business, Consensus Cloud Solutions/Ziff Davis Inc., formerly J2 Global. In July, Kneat launched Kneat Gx 9.5, which advances the data management capabilities of our platform. New features include greater management and control over discrete datasets; deeper functionality for defining, regulating and tracing datasets to align with risk-based validation; and more advanced filtering and visibility for Requirements, Risks and Test evidence, critical pillars of effective and efficient validation. These features enable users to save time by leveraging data across more projects than ever before; empowering risk-based validation processes such as Computer Software Assurance; and exerting greater control over traceability that adapts to any workflow. Kneats long history of solid execution is extended with the results reported today. I look forward to continuing the disciplined financial stewardship that precedes me in this role, and with it, Kneats continuous scaling of the value we deliver to the Life Sciences industry." - Dave OReilly, Chief Financial Officer of Kneat. Quarterly Conference Call Eddie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Kneat and Dave O' Reilly, Chief Financial Officer of Kneat, along with outgoing Chief Financial Officer, Hugh Kavanagh, will host a conference call to discuss Kneats second-quarter results and hold a Q&A for analysts and investors via webcast on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. Interested parties can register for the live webcast via the following link: Register Here . About Kneat Kneat Solutions provides leading companies in highly regulated industries with unparalleled efficiency in validation and compliance through its digital validation platform Kneat Gx. As an industry leader in customer satisfaction, Kneat boasts an excellent record for implementation, powered by our user-friendly design, expert support, and on-demand training academy. Kneat Gx is an industry-leading digital validation platform that enables highly regulated companies to manage any validation discipline from end-to-end. Kneat Gx is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified, fully validated, and 21 CFR Part 11/Annex 11 compliant. Multiple independent customer studies show up to 40% reduction in documentation cycle times, up to 20% faster speed to market, and a higher compliance standard. For more information visit www.kneat.com . Supplementary and Non-IFRS Financial Measures The Company uses supplementary financial measures as key performance indicators in its MD&A and other communications. Management uses both IFRS measures and supplementary, non-IFRS financial measures as key performance indicators when planning, monitoring and evaluating the Companys performance. Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) Kneat management use ARR to evaluate and assess the Companys performance, identify trends affecting its business, formulate financial projections and make financial decisions. The Company believes that ARR is a useful metric for investors as it provides a measure of the value of the recurring revenue at a point in time (end date of the relevant quarter). ARR is based on signed agreements and indicates the level of recurring revenue that the Company would anticipate reporting in a 12-month period based on the full annual SaaS and maintenance fees for existing customers. In specific circumstances, the Company may utilize pricing incentives for limited contract periods. These incentives are not included in the calculation of ARR. ARR is used by Kneat to assess the expected recurring revenues from the customers that are live on the Kneat Gx platform at the end of the period. ARR is calculated using the licenses delivered to customers at the period end, multiplied by the expected customer retention rate of 100% and multiplied by the full agreed annual SaaS license or maintenance fee. Since many of the customer contracts are in currencies other than the Canadian dollar, the Canadian dollar equivalent is calculated using the related period end exchange rate multiplied by the contracted currency amount. Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) attributable to kneat.com excluding interest income (expense), provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We provide and use this non-IFRS measure of our operating performance to highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures and to inform financial comparisons with other companies. A reconciliation of EBITDA to IFRS financial measures is provided in the financial statements accompanying this press release. Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) attributable to kneat.com excluding interest income (expense), provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange gain and stock-based compensation expense. We provide and use this non-IFRS measure of our operating performance to highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures and to inform financial comparisons with other companies. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to IFRS financial measures is provided in the financial statements accompanying this press release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, certain information presented constitutes forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the relationship between Kneat and the customer, Kneats business development activities, the use and implementation timelines of Kneats software within the customers validation processes, the ability and intent of the customer to scale the use of Kneats software within the customers organization, our ability to win business from new customers and expand business from existing customers, our expected use of the net proceeds from the IPF Facility and the public equity financing completed in both February and October 2024 and the anticipated effects thereof on the business and operations of the company, and the compliance of Kneats platform under regulatory audit and inspection. These and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties may cause Kneats actual results, performance, achievements and developments to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Material risks and uncertainties relating to our business are described under the headings Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information and Risk Factors in our MD&A dated August 5, 2025, under the heading Risk Factors in our Annual Information Form dated February 26, 2025 and in our other public documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are provided to help readers understand managements expectations as at the date of this release and may not be suitable for other purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Kneat assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Investors should not assume that any lack of update to a previously issued forward-looking statement constitutes a reaffirmation of that statement. Continued reliance on forward-looking statements is at an investors own risk. For further information: Katie Keita, Kneat Investor Relations P: + 1-902-450-2660 E: katie.keita@kneat.com Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Income/(Loss) and Comprehensive Loss Three-month period ended June 30, 2025 Three-month period ended June 30, 2024 Six-month period ended June 30, 2025 Six-month period ended June 30, 2024 $ $ $ $ Revenue 15,405,109 11,675,734 30,152,750 22,442,735 Cost of revenue (3,777,809 ) (2,982,094 ) (7,600,954 ) (5,816,109 ) Gross profit 11,627,300 8,693,640 22,551,796 16,626,626 Expenses Research and development (5,702,497 ) (4,761,889 ) (10,401,162 ) (8,807,437 ) Sales and marketing (6,129,942 ) (4,368,485 ) (11,246,419 ) (8,400,169 ) General and administrative (3,792,405 ) (2,194,999 ) (6,304,034 ) (4,300,588 ) Operating loss (3,997,544 ) (2,631,733 ) (5,399,819 ) (4,881,568 ) Finance expense (877,545 ) (870,905 ) (1,766,090 ) (1,738,356 ) Interest income 151,053 172,999 349,692 208,075 Foreign exchange gain 4,429,193 258,049 8,691,793 19,286 (Loss) income before income taxes (294,843 ) (3,071,590 ) 1,875,576 (6,392,563 ) Income tax expense (84,299 ) (28,553 ) (108,729 ) (44,440 ) Net (loss) income for the period (379,142 ) (3,100,143 ) 1,766,847 (6,437,003 ) Other comprehensive loss Foreign currency translation adjustment to presentation currency (1,833,771 ) (234,170 ) (3,832,292 ) (43,276 ) Comprehensive loss for the period (2,212,913 ) (3,334,313 ) (2,065,445 ) (6,480,279 ) (Loss)/Earnings per share - Basic and diluted (0.00 ) (0.04 ) 0.02 (0.08 ) Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 94,728,598 85,581,420 94,469,559 83,293,224 Diluted 94,728,598 85,581,420 97,985,267 83,293,224 Reconciliation: Net (loss) income for the period (379,142 ) (3,100,143 ) 1,766,847 (6,437,003 ) Finance expense 877,545 870,905 1,766,090 1,738,356 Interest income (151,053 ) (172,999 ) (349,692 ) (208,075 ) Income tax expense 84,299 28,553 108,729 44,440 Depreciation charge 181,718 190,394 358,719 381,615 Amortization of intangible assets charge 3,155,635 2,688,851 6,002,381 4,523,062 EBITDA 3,769,002 505,561 9,653,074 42,395 Adjustments to EBITDA Foreign exchange gain (4,429,193 ) (258,049 ) (8,691,793 ) (19,286 ) Stock based compensation 1,090,175 1,338,990 1,787,193 2,151,163 Adjusted EBITDA 429,984 1,586,502 2,748,474 2,174,272 kneat.com, inc. Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position June 30, 2025 December 31, 2024 $ $ Assets Current assets Cash 66,771,997 58,889,572 Amounts receivable 11,176,423 18,377,009 Prepayments 1,861,908 1,870,095 79,810,328 79,136,676 Non-current assets Amounts receivable 4,798,361 2,368,006 Property and equipment 8,057,345 6,782,179 Intangible asset 41,999,419 36,290,869 Total Assets 134,665,453 124,577,730 Liabilities Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 11,071,328 8,580,104 Contract liabilities 26,550,906 21,631,416 Loan payable 6,012,075 4,116,723 Lease liabilities 401,739 434,096 44,036,048 34,762,339 Non-current liabilities Contract liabilities 3,063 33,393 Loan payable and accrued interest 17,338,181 19,038,203 Lease liabilities 6,911,364 5,671,952 Total Liabilities 68,288,656 59,505,887 Equity Shareholders equity 66,376,797 65,071,843 Total Liabilities and Equity 134,665,453 124,577,730 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Almadex Minerals Ltd. ("Almadex" or the "Company") (TSX-V: DEX) is pleased to announce that it has acquired a 100% interest in the Red Antler early-stage exploration project by staking. The project is located in western Utah and was identified as part of Almadexs ongoing regional exploration program in the western USA. The Red Antler property covers an area of rhyolitic volcanics affected by quartz-alunite-kaolinite alteration and crosscut by quartz veining. The project was identified during a site visit that was made based on criteria used as part of Almadexs generative exploration including the presence of advanced argillic alteration developed in volcanic rocks. Only very preliminary work was performed prior to staking. This work identified veining over a 2 by 1 km area. Vein textures are typical of very high levels in a low sulphidation epithermal environment including fine textured colloform banded quartz. Several samples of vein material were examined microscopically for fluid inclusion petrography. This work confirms a high level of preservation of the epithermal system. Some small-scale historic mine workings have also been identified which appear very old but there is no evidence of any modern exploration work in the area. To date 34 grab rock samples have been taken from outcrop and float of veining (grab samples are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralisation). These preliminary results are very encouraging considering the interpretation of a high level of preservation of the epithermal system as 12 of these samples returned over 1 g/t silver (up to 24 g/t silver and averaging 1.4 g/t silver for all 34). Anomalous gold values were also returned along with highly anomalous epithermal suite elements. The company has recently conducted a stage two mapping and sampling program to better understand the geometry and geochemistry of the veins along with preliminary surface geophysics. Results will be reported when received, compiled and interpreted, J Duane Poliquin, Chairman of Almadex commented, Our regional exploration program continues to identify new targets for acquisition. This preliminary work at Red Antler has identified a new epithermal vein system which we look forward to advancing in the coming months. We will continue to move our early-stage projects forward this year along with our plans for drilling our more advanced properties. We fully expect 2025 to be an important year for our Company. Promotional Activity Disclosure The Company announces that it has arranged for a service providers to conduct a one time Promotional Activity on behalf of the Company. The Company has arranged for Jefferson Financial, Inc. to disseminate a sponsored promotional report through its email list on August 5th, 2025. The principal of Jefferson Financial, Inc. is Brien Lundin of 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 1555, Metairie, LA 70005, email address admin@jeffersoncompanies.com and telephone number 1-800-648-8411. Mr. Lundin is arms length to the Company. Jefferson Financial, Inc. will receive total compensation of a cash payment of US$7,000.00 for the Promotional Activity. The compensation does not include options to purchase securities of the Company. Qualified Persons and Technical Details Morgan J Poliquin, PhD, PEng, the President and CEO of Almadex and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical contents of this news release. The analyses reported were carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories of Reno and North Vancouver using industry standard analytical techniques. For gold, samples are first analysed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples that return values greater than 10 g/t gold using this technique are then re analysed by fire assay but with a gravimetric finish. Silver is first analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Samples that return values greater than 100 g/t silver by ICP-AES are then re analysed by HF-HNO3-HCLO4 digestion with HCL leach and ICP-AES finish. Of these samples those that return silver values greater than 1,500 g/t are further analysed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. About Almadex Almadex Minerals Ltd. is an exploration company that holds a large mineral portfolio consisting of projects and NSR royalties in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. This portfolio is the direct result of many years of prospecting and deal-making by Almadex's management team. The Company owns several portable diamond drill rigs, enabling it to conduct cost effective first pass exploration drilling in house. The Almadex team have significant porphyry lithocap exploration experience and have made three discoveries of mineral deposits under advanced argillic alteration. Our success comes from our audacity, in house exploration capacity and most importantly our ability to drill with our company owned drilling unit. We have assembled a portfolio of lithocap targets that have the potential to be concealing large porphyry systems at depth as well as high sulphidation epithermal gold-silver systems in the best jurisdiction we know: the United States of America. We have the cash and drills to advance and test these targets and will begin to do so in 2025. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Morgan J. Poliquin, Ph.D., P.Eng. President and CEO Almadex Minerals Ltd. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within it, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among other things, any further work to advance exploration targets at the Red Antler project. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, permitting, continued availability of capital and financing, equipment availability and general economic, market or business conditions. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Contact Information: Almadex Minerals Ltd. Tel. 604.689.7644 Email: info@almadexminerals.com http://www.almadexminerals.com/ TORONTO, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United Steelworkers union (USW) is welcoming todays announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney on new federal measures to support Canadas softwood lumber industry, calling it a long-overdue step toward rebuilding a sector under intense pressure from escalating U.S. tariffs. The federal plan includes $700 million in loan guarantees for companies hit by rising U.S. tariffs, $500 million in investments to support product and market diversification and a new commitment to prioritize Canadian lumber in federally funded infrastructure and housing construction. Additional measures include support for export market development and $50 million in income supports, retraining and upskilling for more than 6,000 workers affected by the softwood lumber crisis. The USW, which represents tens of thousands of forestry workers across Canada, says these measures reflect key demands the union has long advancedbut warns that their success will depend entirely on rapid, effective implementation. This is the kind of leadership forestry workers have been asking for. With U.S. tariffs punishing our industry and communities hanging in the balance, todays announcement sends a strong signal that Canada is ready to defend and rebuild this vital sector with a serious industrial strategy, said Marty Warren, USW National Director. But with mills already scaling back and more closures looming, the union warns that even the strongest commitments wont matter if they arent backed by urgent, concrete action. These are major commitments and they show the government is finally taking this trade war and this industry seriously. Loan guarantees will help companies survive and Build Canadian procurement is a huge step forward. But we cant afford another wave of mill closures while we wait for programs to roll out. This cant get stuck in red tape or stall at the cabinet table. Workers need to see the results now, with wage subsidies, strong labour market supports and real timelines to get this money flowing, said Jeff Bromley, Chair of the USW Wood Council. In regions where forestry has been hollowed out by years of closures, USW leaders say the Build Canadian policy could be transformative if its enforced and backed with clear timelines and strong conditions for job creation. Weve fought for years to make sure public dollars support Canadian jobs. Todays Build Canadian commitment is a direct result of that fight. But weve been burned before by announcements that never delivered, so well be holding the government accountable to make sure this time, the jobs, the contracts, the benefits actually stay here, said USW Western Canada Director Scott Lunny. The union stresses that workers need real guarantees that these investments will protect their jobs and deliver for the people on the ground. Access to capital and new markets is important, but without clear job guarantees and accountability, these investments wont mean much to the workers already facing layoffs. What people need to see now is a plan that protects their livelihoods not just the bottom line of employers, said Kevon Stewart, USW Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. In Quebec, where forestry is a pillar of many local economies, union leaders are urging coordination with the provincial government to ensure that federal funding reflects local needs and priorities, USW Quebec Director urges the Quebec government to follow suit without delay. "Weve been calling on the Quebec government for years to implement an industrial strategy that transforms the forestry industry and secures the future of good jobs. We hope that when the National Assembly returns in September, the government will introduce a new forestry regime aligned with this direction. Quebec and Ottawa must work together to ensure the long-term future of the forestry sector," said USW Quebec Director Nicolas Lapierre. The United Steelworkers union continues to call on the federal government to secure a fair and lasting resolution to the softwood lumber dispute and to ensure that todays announcement marks not the end, but the beginning of a serious effort to build a stronger, more resilient Canadian forestry sector. About the United Steelworkers union The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the unions strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation including good wages, benefits and pensions. For more information, please contact: Francois Soucy, USW Communications, fsoucy@usw.ca, 873-355-2841 Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Western Asset Management Company, LLC ("Wamco" or the "Company") specifically those who purchased shares of the following 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) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between January 1, 2021 and October 31, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Wamco investors have until September 5, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose that: (1) they favored certain WAMCO investment strategies, such as Macro Opportunities, over others, including Core and Core Plus; (2) they actively disfavored strategies like Core and Core Plus; (3) WAMCOs compliance policies and procedurespurportedly designed to ensure fair allocation of investment opportunitieswere either inadequate or intentionally disregarded, allowing Leech and his team to allocate trades in a biased manner; and (4) any oversight mechanisms in place were similarly ineffective or ignored, enabling the preferential treatment of certain strategies at the expense of others. As a result, Defendants conduct constituted a fraud or deceit upon the Class, artificially suppressing the value of the Western Asset US Core strategy mutual fund classes during the Class Period and causing losses to investors. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES TORONTO, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV:FLT) (OTCQX:TAKOF) (Frankfurt: ABB) (Volatus or the Company) is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement with Ventum Financial Corp. (the "Underwriter") in connection with a bought deal private placement of 8,076,924 units of the Company (the Offered Securities) at a price of $0.52 per Offered Security (the Issue Price) for gross proceeds of $4,200,000 (the Offering). Each Offered Security will consist of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a Warrant), with each whole Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.76 and for a period of 36 months following the Closing Date (as defined below). The Offered Securities will be offered for sale to purchasers in all the provinces of Canada in reliance on the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption" provided for in Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions and Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators, and will not be subject to any statutory hold periods under applicable Canadian securities laws, up to the maximum allowable amount under the exemption. There is an offering document related to this Offering that can be accessed under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at https://volatusaerospace.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. In addition, the Company has granted the Underwriter an option (the Underwriter Option) to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Offered Securities sold under the Offering at the Issue Price. The Underwriter Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date. Any Offered Securities offered pursuant to the Underwriter Option will be offered by way of private placement, subject to a four-month and one day hold. As compensation, the Underwriter will be entitled to a cash fee in an amount equal to 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds from the Offering. In addition, the Underwriter will receive non-transferable warrants exercisable at any time prior to the date that is 12 months from the Closing Date to acquire that number of common shares which is equal to 6.0% of the number of Offered Securities sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to $0.76. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for expansion into the defense business segment of the Company, increase inventory of drone systems to fulfill increased demand in the United States, Canada, and internationally, and for general working capital and corporate purposes. The Offering is scheduled to close on or about August 14, 2025 (the Closing Date) and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Volatus is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With over 100 years of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides comprehensive solutions using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems for a wide array of industries, including oil and gas, energy utilities, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure. The Company is committed to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through cutting-edge aerial technologies. For more information, visit www.volatusaerospace.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the closing of the Offering, TSXV approval of the Offering, use of proceeds from the Offering, and the business, strategy, products, corporate vision, plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals, including but not limited to failure to complete the Offering, and the need to satisfy regulatory and legal requirements with respect to the Offering. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. For further information, please contact: Abhinav Singhvi, Chief Financial Officer abhinav.singhvi@volatusaerospace.com +1 833-865-2887 www.volatusaerospace.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NEW YORK, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Reddit, Inc. (Reddit or the Company) (NYSE:RDDT) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Reddit securities between October 29, 2024 and May 20, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). Investors have until August 18, 2025 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. Click here to participate in the action. The complaint alleges that the social media website Reddit receives a significant portion of its user traffic from Google Search, and Reddits primary source of revenue is generated from advertising to users on its own platform. Throughout the relevant period, Google Search began implementing new Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities such as AI Overview that could change the nature of search results. Defendants are alleged to have made false and misleading statements, and failed to disclose, that: (i) changes in Google Searchs algorithm and features like AI Overview were causing users to stop their query on Google Search; (ii) these algorithm changes were materially different than prior instances of reduced traffic to the Reddit website; (iii) Defendants were aware that the increase in the query term Reddit on search engines was because users were getting the sought after answer from Google Search without having to go to Reddit, and not because they intended to visit Reddit; (iv) this zero-click search reality was dramatically reducing traffic to Reddit in a manner the Company was unable to overcome in the short term; and (v) Defendants, therefore, lacked a reasonable basis for its outlook on user rates and advertising revenues. On May 1, 2025, after the market close, Reddit issued an earnings release announcing its first quarter 2024 financial results for the period ending March 31, 2025. The earnings release revealed that Reddit had experienced three consecutive quarters of deceleration in daily active user growth. On this news, the price of Reddits common stock fell $4.96 per share, or 4.2%, from a closing price of $118.79 per share on May 1, 2025, to a closing price of $113.83 per share on May 2, 2025. Then, on May 19, 2025, Wells Fargo analysts downgraded Reddits stock and lowered their price target to $115 per share from a previous $168 per share. Wells Fargo called Google Searchs implementation of new AI features as likely permanent disruptions on user traffic for Reddit. On this news, the price of Reddits common stock fell $5.24 per share, or 4.6%, from a closing price of $113.23 per share on May 16, 2025, to a closing price of $107.99 per share on May 19, 2025. Finally, on May 21, 2025, Baird analysts substantially downgraded Reddits stock, reducing the price target to $120 per share from the previous $140 per share. Citing similar concerns as the Wells Fargo analysts, Baird analysts additionally noted the new and disruptive developments in Google Search that had just been presented at the Google I/O developer conference. On this news, the price of Reddits common stock fell $9.79 per share, or 9.3%, from a closing price of $105.64 per share on May 20, 2025, to a closing price of $95.85 per share on May 21, 2025. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Reddit shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at investigations@bespc.com, telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, California, and South Carolina. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook, and keep up with other news by following Brandon Walker, Esq. on LinkedIn and X. Contact Information: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Brandon Walker, Esq. Strategic financing approach minimizing shareholder dilution and allowing for acceleration of value enhancing opportunities Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) announces the issuance of a notice of partial redemption for $212 million of its outstanding $475 million 7.25% Senior Notes due 2028 (the "Notes"). Strategic Capital Optimization During and following the end of the second quarter 2025, Hecla utilized its At-The-Market ("ATM") financing facility to sell approximately 36 million common shares at an average price of $6.10 per share to raise the proceeds to fund the partial redemption of the Notes. This strategic use of the ATM minimizes shareholder dilution compared to traditional equity financing methods, which typically entail large discounts to the share price, while strengthening the Company's balance sheet. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Notes, the redemption price will equal 101.813% of the principal amount of Notes redeemed. The redemption is expected to occur on or about August 19, 2025, and will be effected on a pro rata basis. This news release does not constitute a Notice of Redemption of the Notes. If you hold Notes, please refer to the Notice of Redemption for redemption instructions and other information regarding the partial redemption of the Notes. In addition to the partial redemption of the Notes, subsequent to quarter end, the Company repaid in full from free cash flow generation its CAD$50 million Senior Notes issued in 2020 to Investissement Quebec, an arm of the Quebec government. "This financing strategy demonstrates our commitment to prudent capital management while positioning Hecla for sustained value creation," said Rob Krcmarov, President and CEO of Hecla Mining Company. "By reducing our debt burden through this efficient capital raise, we're enhancing financial flexibility and creating opportunities for strategic reinvestment in our business to accelerate investments in our potential high-return growth opportunities." Reinvestment in Value Creation The interest savings from this debt reduction strengthens the Company's balance sheet while enabling strategic reinvestment into the highest return opportunities across its portfolio of projects. Capital will be directed toward three key areas that meet the Company's rigorous return criteria: optimizing production at current operations, expanding high-potential exploration programs, and advancing priority development projects. These targeted investments are designed to accelerate value creation from our existing asset base for sustained long-term growth. The Company's mining operations are demonstrating their ability to produce strong free cash flow at today's robust metal prices. If metals prices continue at these levels, the Company expects future free cash flow generation to be sufficient to meet debt service requirements and support continued value-enhancing activities. In addition, proceeds from any future asset divestitures would also be available for further balance sheet strengthening and potential further debt reduction. Balanced Financial Approach This balanced capital allocation approach allows the Company to optimize its capital structure while maintaining operational flexibility and pursue growth opportunities in an accelerated manner. The financing strategy reflects the Company's commitment to operational excellence and strategic development initiatives that drive shareholder value. "Our strong operational free cash flow generation provides us with the financial foundation to both service our debt and invest in growth," added Russell D. Lawlar, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "The utilization of our ATM facility to reduce debt positions us well for the future and allows us to capitalize on opportunities within our portfolio, while minimizing dilution to our shareholders." ABOUT HECLA Founded in 1891, Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: HL) is the largest silver producer in the United States and Canada. In addition to operating mines in Alaska, Idaho, and Quebec, Canada, the Company is developing a mine in the Yukon, Canada, and owns a number of exploration and pre-development projects in world-class silver and gold mining districts throughout North America. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections and other applicable laws, including Canadian securities laws. Words such as "may", "will", "should", "expects", "intends", "projects", "believes", "estimates", "targets", "anticipates" and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include, without limitation: (i) expected timing of the redemption of the Notes; (ii) expected free cash flow generation and uses thereof; (iii) the Company's ability to satisfy its future debt service obligations, including statements regarding future metals pricing; (iv) expected reduction in debt and strengthening of the Company's balance sheet; and (v) expected future opportunities, including high-return growth opportunities and other value creation opportunities. The material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information include that the Company's plans for development and production will proceed as expected and will not require revision as a result of risks or uncertainties, whether known, unknown or unanticipated, to which the Company's operations are subject. Estimates or expectations of future events or results are based upon certain assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect, which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements. Such assumptions, include, but are not limited to: (i) there being no significant change to current geotechnical, metallurgical, hydrological and other physical conditions; (ii) permitting, development, operations and expansion of the Company's projects being consistent with current expectations and mine plans; (iii) political/regulatory developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations; (iv) the exchange rate for the USD/CAD being approximately consistent with current levels; (v) certain price assumptions for gold, silver, lead and zinc; (vi) prices for key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (vii) the accuracy of our current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; (viii) there being no significant changes to the availability of employees, vendors and equipment; (ix) the Company's plans for development and production will proceed as expected and will not require revision as a result of risks or uncertainties, whether known, unknown or unanticipated; (x) counterparties performing their obligations under hedging instruments and put option contracts; (xi) sufficient workforce is available and trained to perform assigned tasks; (xii) weather patterns and rain/snowfall within normal seasonal ranges so as not to impact operations; (xiii) relations with interested parties, including First Nations and Native Americans, remain productive; (xiv) maintaining availability of water rights; (xv) factors do not arise that reduce available cash balances; and (xvi) there being no material increases in our current requirements to post or maintain reclamation and performance bonds or collateral related thereto. In addition, material risks that could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: (i) gold, silver and other metals price volatility; (ii) operating risks; (iii) currency fluctuations; (iv) increased production costs and variances in ore grade or recovery rates from those assumed in mining plans; (v) community relations; and (vi) litigation, political, regulatory, labor and environmental risks. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors, see the Company's 2024 Form 10-K filed on February 13, 2025, for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation and has no intention of updating forward-looking statements other than as may be required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250804750522/en/ Contact For further information, please contact: Mike Parkin Vice President - Strategy and Investor Relations Cheryl Turner Investor Relations Coordinator Investor Relations Email: hmc-info@hecla.com Website: http://www.hecla.com TORONTO, Aug. 05, 2025 - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or the "Company") (TSX: FM) is pleased to announce that, through a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in Canada, it has entered into a gold streaming agreement (the "Agreement") with RGLD Gold AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Gold Inc. ("Royal Gold"). Under the terms of the Agreement, First Quantum will receive a $1.0 billion upfront cash payment in exchange for gold deliveries referenced to copper production from the Kansanshi Mine ("Kansanshi") located in Zambia (the "Transaction"). "Following a thorough evaluation of several deleveraging options, I am pleased to announce this milestone transaction which preserves exposure to all of the copper production at Kansanshi while still maintaining exposure to the majority of the Company's gold production. Today's announcement further enhances the Company's financial resilience, while the ramp-up of the S3 Expansion at Kansanshi and a resolution in Panama will continue to strengthen our financial position," Tristan Pascall, CEO of First Quantum, commented. "It is pleasing to form a new partnership with Royal Gold which is a strong endorsement of the operations at Kansanshi and its multi-generational ore body as well as Zambia as a leading African mining jurisdiction." Key Transaction Highlights: Strengthens Balance Sheet: The Transaction provides long-term, unsecured, non-debt capital which will significantly bolster liquidity. Proceeds will be used towards the payment of capital expenditure, general working capital requirements and bank loan repayment while the Company continues to monitor debt capital markets for opportunities to manage its maturities. Upon closing of the Transaction, the Company's net debt 1 to EBITDA 1 ratio is expected to reduce markedly. to EBITDA ratio is expected to reduce markedly. Maintains Majority of Gold Production: The Transaction will allow the Company to maintain full exposure to the copper production at Kansanshi. Based on the Company's copper and gold production guidance for 2026 and 2027, on average, 84% of the Company's total gold production will continue to have exposure to spot gold prices. The Company retains full exposure to the recently identified near-surface gold zone occurrences at Kansanshi. Competitive Terms: The Transaction provides the Company with the ability to increase gold exposure over time, depending on financial performance, with provisions for higher ongoing production payments and acceleration options upon achieving certain leverage thresholds. Summary of Agreement Terms: Upfront Payment: First Quantum will receive a total upfront cash payment of $1.0 billion on August 6, 2025. Gold Deliveries with Stepdown Terms: First Quantum will deliver to Royal Gold ounces of gold commensurate with copper production 2 at Kansanshi on the following stepdown terms: 75 ounces of gold per million pounds of recovered copper produced until 425,000 ounces of gold are delivered; and 55 ounces of gold per million pounds of recovered copper produced until an additional 225,000 ounces of gold are delivered; and 45 ounces of gold per million pounds of recovered copper produced thereafter. at Kansanshi on the following stepdown terms: Production Payments: First Quantum will receive ongoing production payments from Royal Gold equivalent to 20% of the prevailing spot gold price for each ounce of gold delivered under the Agreement, increasing to 35% of the spot gold price when First Quantum achieves the earlier of: (i) BB senior unsecured debt rating from Fitch Ratings Inc. ("Fitch") or S&P Global Ratings ("S&P Global"); or (ii) Net leverage ratio3 of less than or equal to 2.25x over any 3 consecutive quarters commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Acceleration Options: First Quantum retains two options that will allow the Company to accelerate deliveries and reduce ongoing gold delivered to Royal Gold by up to 30% as follows: Option to reduce the stream rate and delivery thresholds by up to 20% at a value of up to $200 million at such time when First Quantum achieves the earlier of: (i) BB senior unsecured debt rating from Fitch or S&P Global; or (ii) Net leverage ratio 3 of less than or equal to 2.25x over any 3 consecutive quarters commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Option to reduce the stream rate and delivery thresholds by up to a further 10% at a value of $100 million at such time when First Quantum achieves certain operational conditions and the earlier of: (i) BBB- senior unsecured debt rating from Fitch or S&P Global; or (ii) Net leverage ratio3 of less than or equal to 1.25x over any 4 consecutive quarters. Unsecured and Guaranteed: The stream is unsecured. The stream has guarantees from the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company in the Kansanshi ownership chain. Advisors and Counsel: RBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor and Fasken LLP and Caledonian Consultants are acting as legal counsel to First Quantum in connection with this Transaction. For further information, visit our website at www.first-quantum.com or contact: Investor Relations: Bonita To, Director, Investor Relations (416) 361-6400 Toll-free: 1 (888) 688-6577 E-Mail: info@fqml.com Media Relations: James Devas, Manager, Corporate Affairs +44 207 291 6630 E-Mail: james.devas@fqml.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this news release include the impact of the Transaction on the Company's long-term financial resilience, the effect that a ramp-up of the S3 Expansion at Kansanshi and a resolution of the situation in Panama are expected to have on the Company's financial position, the expected uses of proceeds from the Transaction, the effect the Transaction is expected to have on the Company's net debt to EBITDA ratio, the Company's continued exposure to spot gold prices and the expected closing date for the Transaction. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including, among other things, assumptions about the timing of the closing of the Transaction and the ability to achieve the Company's goals. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to, events generally impacting global economic, financial, political and social stability. See the Company's Annual Information Form and other documents filed with the securities regulators or similar authorities in Canada (accessible under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca) for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actual results, performances, achievements or events not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of these factors are beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. All forward-looking statements and information contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. 1 Net debt is a supplementary financial measure; EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. 2 Copper production is presented on a contained basis and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter. 3 As defined in the Agreement. Vancouver, August 5, 2025 - Carlyle Commodities Corp. (CSE: CCC) (FSE: BJ4) ("Carlyle" or the "Company") would like to announce and welcome Mr. Bennett Liu as its new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Liu has considerable experience in the areas of financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and treasury for Canadian public companies. Mr. Liu has held diverse leadership roles within the mining and technology sectors, contributing his expertise to companies such as Inverite Insights, K92 Mining, South Star Battery, and Aton Resources. Mr. Liu has earned his Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Professional Accountant designations. Furthermore, Carlyle would like to announce the resignation of its current Chief Financial Officer, Alastair Brownlow. The Company thanks Mr. Brownlow for his many efforts and support and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors. About Carlyle Carlyle is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. Carlyle owns 100% of the Quesnel Gold Project located in the Cariboo Mining Division, 30 kilometers northeast of Quesnel in central B.C., holds the option to acquire 100% undivided interest in the Nicola East Mining Project, located approximately 25 kilometers east of the mining town of Merritt, B.C., is listed on the CSE under the symbol "CCC", and the Frankfurt Exchange under the ticker "BJ4". ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CARLYLE COMMODITIES CORP. "Morgan Good" Morgan Good Chief Executive Officer Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release). To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261207 Largest Radioactive Intervals to Date on Project Kelowna, August 5, 2025 - F3 Uranium Corp. (TSXV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or "the Company") is pleased to announce hand-held scintillometer results at Tetra Zone, where the widest intervals of radioactivity to date on the Patterson Lake North Project have been intersected with PLN25-217, which intersected a total of 67.0m composite radioactivity between 299.5m and 414.5m, including 49.0m of continuous radioactivity between 347.5m and 396.5m. Additionally, PLN25-212, approximately 23m up-dip of PLN25-217 and 31m along strike from the discovery hole PLN25-205, intersected the second widest interval to date with 39.5m composite radioactivity between 330.0m and 409.5m, including 27.5m of continuous radioactivity between 360.5m and 396.5m. 2025 Handheld Spectrometer Highlights: Tetra Zone PLN25-217 (line 11280S): 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 299.5m and 300.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 315.5m and 316.0m, and 7.5m interval with radioactivity between 336.5m and 344.0m, and 49.0m interval with radioactivity between 347.5m and 396.5m, and 9.0m interval with radioactivity between 399.5m and 408.5m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 414.0m and 414.5m. PLN25-212 (line 11310S): 2.5m interval with radioactivity between 330.0m and 332.5m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 346.5m and 347.0m, and 0.5m interval with radioactivity between 354.0m and 354.5m, and 27.5m interval with radioactivity between 360.5m and 388.0m, and 6.0m interval with radioactivity between 394.0m and 400.0m, and 2.5m interval with radioactivity between 407.0m and 409.5m. Sam Hartmann, Vice President Exploration, commented: "The substantial radioactive widths intersected in these drill holes were truly unexpected and highlight the significant potential we see at the Tetra Zone. Despite challenging drilling conditions and the non-traditional style of mineralization, each hole provides valuable insights into deposit model generation and drill plan adaptations. Notably, PLN25-217 confirms a theorized strike direction deviating from the current conductor model, and we will continue to explore this trend. To improve our conductor modeling around the Tetra Zone area, we are planning a ground geophysical program based on a tighter grid to support larger step-outs along the Tetra Zone, which stands to reduce the number of drill holes required for targeting. Additionally, we cored two drill holes at the JR Zone using casings set last winter with PLN25-215 and -216, which tested for crosscutting structures; those assays will be included in our maiden resource estimate, expected in Q4. We are very excited and look forward to further uncovering this unique system hosting the Tetra Zone." Map 1. Broach Lake - Tetra Zone Scintillometer Results To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/261242_985f0bcef4782a44_002full.jpg Map 2. Patterson Lake North - JR Zone Scintillometer Results To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/261242_985f0bcef4782a44_003full.jpg Table 1: Drill Hole Summary and Handheld Spectrometer Results Collar Information * Hand-held Spectrometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (>300 cps / >0.5m minimum) Athabasca Unconformity Depth (m) Total Drillhole Depth (m) Hole ID Section Line Easting Northing Elevation Az Dip From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Max CPS PLN25-211 11340S 589409 6397962 584 46 -75 160.50 161.00 0.50 320 160.9 548 PLN25-212 11310S 589368 6397970 584 40 -72 330.00 330.50 0.50 360 164.2 458 330.50 331.00 0.50 440 331.00 332.00 1.00 <300 332.00 332.50 0.50 310 346.50 347.00 0.50 330 354.00 354.50 0.50 380 360.50 361.00 0.50 410 361.00 362.00 1.00 <300 362.00 362.50 0.50 310 362.50 363.00 0.50 510 363.00 363.50 0.50 470 363.50 364.00 0.50 510 364.00 364.50 0.50 820 364.50 365.00 0.50 420 365.00 365.50 0.50 310 365.50 366.00 0.50 410 366.00 366.50 0.50 510 366.50 367.00 0.50 910 367.00 367.50 0.50 1100 367.50 368.00 0.50 1500 368.00 368.50 0.50 900 368.50 369.00 0.50 990 369.00 369.50 0.50 2500 369.50 370.00 0.50 3100 370.00 370.50 0.50 1400 370.50 371.00 0.50 560 371.00 371.50 0.50 1000 371.50 372.00 0.50 480 372.00 372.50 0.50 470 372.50 373.00 0.50 420 373.00 373.50 0.50 1100 373.50 374.00 0.50 680 374.00 374.50 0.50 3100 374.50 375.00 0.50 1700 375.00 375.50 0.50 930 375.50 376.00 0.50 370 376.00 376.50 0.50 330 376.50 377.00 0.50 320 377.00 377.50 0.50 390 377.50 378.00 0.50 460 378.00 378.50 0.50 2000 378.50 379.00 0.50 3000 379.00 379.50 0.50 3300 379.50 380.00 0.50 2500 380.00 380.50 0.50 700 380.50 381.00 0.50 960 381.00 381.50 0.50 3100 381.50 382.00 0.50 390 382.00 382.50 0.50 700 382.50 384.00 1.50 <300 384.00 384.50 0.50 310 384.50 385.00 0.50 670 385.00 385.50 0.50 320 385.50 386.00 0.50 670 386.00 387.50 1.50 <300 387.50 388.00 0.50 560 394.00 394.50 0.50 400 394.50 395.00 0.50 430 395.00 395.50 0.50 660 395.50 396.00 0.50 680 396.00 396.50 0.50 340 396.50 397.00 0.50 <300 397.00 397.50 0.50 380 397.50 398.00 0.50 340 398.00 398.50 0.50 2000 398.50 399.00 0.50 3000 399.00 399.50 0.50 1000 399.50 400.00 0.50 520 407.00 407.50 0.50 360 407.50 408.00 0.50 320 408.00 408.50 0.50 <300 408.50 409.00 0.50 360 409.00 409.50 0.50 350 PLN25-213 11325S 589359 6397959 584 45 -73 Pilot hole for wedged hole below 154.3 224 PLN25-213W1 11325S 589359 6397959 584 45 -73 278.00 278.50 0.50 750 154.3 434 278.50 279.00 0.50 430 279.00 279.50 0.50 550 326.00 326.50 0.50 530 326.50 328.50 2.00 <300 328.50 329.00 0.50 300 346.00 346.50 0.50 380 389.50 390.00 0.50 530 392.50 393.00 0.50 300 PLN25-214 11340S 589404 6397978 584 46 -75 342.00 342.50 0.50 860 155.7 507 342.50 343.00 0.50 430 382.50 383.00 0.50 360 PLN25-215 090S 587849 6410603 546 348 -59 249.00 249.50 0.50 370 194.4 281 249.50 250.00 0.50 710 250.00 250.50 0.50 330 252.50 253.00 0.50 350 257.50 258.00 0.50 320 PLN25-216 075S 587778 6410712 546 55 -64 169.50 170.00 0.50 310 194.3 239 211.50 212.00 0.50 2900 213.00 213.50 0.50 370 PLN25-217 11280S 589393 6398026 585 34 -85 299.50 300.00 0.50 300 160.1 575 315.50 316.00 0.50 460 336.50 337.00 0.50 310 337.00 338.00 1.00 <300 338.00 338.50 0.50 480 338.50 340.00 1.50 <300 340.00 340.50 0.50 450 340.50 341.00 0.50 650 341.00 341.50 0.50 320 341.50 343.00 1.50 <300 343.00 343.50 0.50 330 343.50 344.00 0.50 330 347.50 348.00 0.50 570 348.00 348.50 0.50 580 348.50 349.00 0.50 <300 349.00 349.50 0.50 340 349.50 350.00 0.50 <300 350.00 350.50 0.50 340 350.50 351.00 0.50 470 351.00 351.50 0.50 320 351.50 352.00 0.50 <300 352.00 352.50 0.50 700 352.50 354.50 2.00 <300 354.50 355.00 0.50 400 355.00 355.50 0.50 5100 355.50 356.00 0.50 730 356.00 356.50 0.50 910 356.50 357.00 0.50 <300 357.00 357.50 0.50 1000 357.50 358.00 0.50 910 358.00 358.50 0.50 1100 358.50 359.00 0.50 490 359.00 359.50 0.50 360 359.50 360.00 0.50 630 360.00 360.50 0.50 680 360.50 361.00 0.50 350 361.00 361.50 0.50 540 361.50 362.00 0.50 1200 362.00 362.50 0.50 430 362.50 363.00 0.50 680 363.00 363.50 0.50 540 363.50 364.00 0.50 330 364.00 364.50 0.50 810 364.50 365.00 0.50 610 365.00 365.50 0.50 1000 365.50 366.00 0.50 1100 366.00 367.00 1.00 <300 367.00 367.50 0.50 510 367.50 368.00 0.50 420 368.00 368.50 0.50 <300 368.50 369.00 0.50 340 369.00 369.50 0.50 820 369.50 370.00 0.50 1900 370.00 370.50 0.50 3300 370.50 371.00 0.50 2200 371.00 371.50 0.50 3500 371.50 372.00 0.50 8500 372.00 372.50 0.50 4500 372.50 373.00 0.50 1100 373.00 373.50 0.50 630 373.50 374.00 0.50 1200 374.00 374.50 0.50 1300 374.50 375.00 0.50 1300 375.00 375.50 0.50 800 375.50 376.00 0.50 310 376.00 376.50 0.50 300 376.50 377.00 0.50 620 377.00 377.50 0.50 760 377.50 378.00 0.50 1700 378.00 378.50 0.50 2100 378.50 379.00 0.50 2600 379.00 379.50 0.50 2700 379.50 380.00 0.50 1400 380.00 380.50 0.50 720 380.50 381.50 1.00 <300 381.50 382.00 0.50 2600 382.00 382.50 0.50 520 382.50 383.00 0.50 1500 383.00 383.50 0.50 360 383.50 384.00 0.50 680 384.00 384.50 0.50 450 384.50 385.00 0.50 <300 385.00 385.50 0.50 300 385.50 386.00 0.50 520 386.00 387.00 1.00 <300 387.00 387.50 0.50 350 387.50 388.00 0.50 370 388.00 388.50 0.50 440 388.50 389.00 0.50 480 389.00 389.50 0.50 2100 389.50 390.00 0.50 6400 390.00 390.50 0.50 4400 390.50 391.00 0.50 4500 391.00 391.50 0.50 2400 391.50 392.00 0.50 3200 392.00 392.50 0.50 750 392.50 393.00 0.50 <300 393.00 393.50 0.50 420 393.50 394.00 0.50 400 394.00 394.50 0.50 550 394.50 395.00 0.50 350 395.00 395.50 0.50 680 395.50 396.00 0.50 700 396.00 396.50 0.50 360 399.50 400.00 0.50 360 400.00 400.50 0.50 3600 400.50 401.00 0.50 5800 401.00 401.50 0.50 2000 401.50 402.00 0.50 500 402.00 402.50 0.50 <300 402.50 403.00 0.50 420 403.00 403.50 0.50 530 403.50 404.00 0.50 320 404.00 405.00 1.00 <300 405.00 405.50 0.50 300 405.50 406.00 0.50 <300 406.00 406.50 0.50 370 406.50 407.00 0.50 400 407.00 407.50 0.50 310 407.50 408.00 0.50 <300 408.00 408.50 0.50 300 414.00 414.50 0.50 420 Handheld spectrometer composite parameters: 1: Minimum Thickness of 0.5m 2: CPS Cut-Off of 300 counts per second 3: Maximum Internal Dilution of 2.0m The natural gamma radiation detected in the drill core, as detailed in this news release, was measured in counts per second (cps) using a handheld Radiation Solutions RS-125 spectrometer which has been calibrated by Radiation Solutions Inc. The Company designates readings exceeding 300 cps on the handheld spectrometer (occasionally referred to as a scintillometer in industry parlance; this colloquial usage stems from historical naming conventions and the shared functionality of detecting gamma radiation between a spectrometer and a scintillometer)-as "anomalous", readings above 10,000 cps as "highly radioactive", and readings surpassing 65,535 cps as "off-scale". However, readers are cautioned that spectrometer or scintillometer measurements often do not directly or consistently correlate with the uranium grades of the rock samples and should be regarded solely as a preliminary indicator of the presence of radioactive materials. Samples from the drill core are split into half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK while the other half remains on site for reference. Analysis includes a 63 element suite including boron by ICP-OES, uranium by ICP-MS and gold analysis by ICP-OES and/or AAS. All depth measurements reported are down-hole and true thicknesses are yet to be determined. About the Patterson Lake North Project: The Company's 42,961-hectare 100% owned Patterson Lake North Project (PLN) is located just within the south-western edge of the Athabasca Basin in proximity to Paladin's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade uranium deposits, an area poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. The PLN Project consists of the 4,074-hectare Patterson Lake North Property hosting the JR Zone Uranium discovery approximately 23km northwest of Paladin's Triple R deposit, the 19,864-hectare Minto Property, and the 19,022-hectare Broach Property hosting the Tetra Zone, F3's newest discovery 13km south of the JR Zone. All three properties comprising the PLN Project are accessed by Provincial Highway 955. Qualified Person: The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and approved on behalf of the company by Raymond Ashley, P.Geo., President & COO of F3 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Ashley has reviewed and approved the data disclosed. About F3 Uranium Corp.: F3 is a uranium exploration company, focusing on the high-grade JR Zone and new Tetra Zone discovery 13km to the south in the PW area on its Patterson Lake North (PLN) Project in the Western Athabasca Basin. F3 currently has 3 properties in the Athabasca Basin: Patterson Lake North, Minto, and Broach. The western side of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is home to some of the world's largest high grade uranium deposits including Paladin's Triple R project and NexGen's Arrow project. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Dev Randhawa" Dev Randhawa, CEO To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261242 PERTH, Aug. 05, 2025 - Novo Resources Corp. ("Novo" or the "Company") (ASX: NVO) (TSX: NVO) (OTCQB: NSRPF) is pleased to announce the release of its updated corporate presentation, now available on the Company's website at www.novoresources.com. The refreshed presentation provides a comprehensive overview of Novo's strategic priorities, recent exploration success, project developments, and near-term catalysts. It offers investors and stakeholders clear insights into the Company's evolving growth strategy and expanding portfolio of high-potential gold assets in Australia. "Our updated corporate presentation reflects the significant progress we've made across our exploration portfolio," commented Mr. Michael Spreadborough, Executive Co-Chairman and Acting CEO of Novo Resources. "As we continue to advance our projects and generate new value, we remain focused on disciplined growth and delivering long-term returns to shareholders." Highlights of the presentation include: Recent high-grade gold discoveries at key exploration targets Advancements across multiple priority projects Near-term exploration milestones and catalysts Novo's focused strategy to grow its gold resource base through discovery and development The updated corporate presentation can be accessed directly via the following link: PowerPoint Presentation Novo is an Australian based gold explorer listed on the ASX and the TSX focussed on discovering standalone gold and copper projects with > 1 Moz development potential. Novo is an innovative gold explorer with a significant land package covering approximately 5,500 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, along with the 22 square kilometre Belltopper project in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Victoria, Australia. In addition to the above, Novo is part of two prospective farm in agreements in New South Wales. Novo's key project area in the Pilbara is the Egina Gold Camp, where Northern Star Resources Ltd. is farming-in to form a JV at the Becher Project and surrounding tenements through exploration expenditure of A$25 million within 4 years for a 50% interest. The Becher Project has similar geological characteristics as Northern Star's 12.7 Moz Hemi Project#. Novo is also advancing gold exploration south of Becher in the Egina Gold Camp, part of the Croydon JV (Novo 70%: Creasy Group 30%). Novo continues to undertake early-stage exploration elsewhere across its Pilbara tenement portfolio. Novo has also formed a lithium joint venture with SQM in the Pilbara which provides shareholder exposure to battery metals. Novo has recently strengthened its high-quality, Australian based exploration portfolio by adding the TechGen John Bull Gold Project in the New England Orogen of NSW, and Manhattan Tibooburra Gold Project in the Albert Goldfields in northwestern NSW. Both projects demonstrate prospectivity for significant discovery and resource definition and align with Novo's strategy of identifying and exploring projects with > 1 Moz Au potential. These high-grade gold projects compliment the landholding consolidation that forms the Toolunga Project in the Onslow District in Western Australia. Novo has a significant investment portfolio and a disciplined program in place to identify value accretive opportunities that will build further value for shareholders. For more information, please contact: Leo Karabelas Investor Relations Novo Resources Corp. Email: info@novoresources.com Website: www.novoresources.com Vancouver, August 5, 2025 - Global Stocks News - Sponsored content disseminated on behalf of NexGold Mining. On July 30, 2025 NexGold Mining (TSXV: NEXG) (OTCQX: NXGCF) published additional drill results from a recently completed 26,854-metre diamond drill program at the company's Goldboro Open Pit Gold Project in Nova Scotia, Canada. "Goldboro continues to demonstrate the presence of high-grade zones, near surface, within the planned open pits," stated Kevin Bullock, President and CEO of NexGold. "We are encountering this style of mineralization at open pit depths with all intersected zones projecting to surface. We anticipate final assays from the full drill program to be returned in the coming weeks and are looking forward to using that information in an updated Mineral Resource estimate which will ultimately inform the planned updated Feasibility Study." Click Image To View Full Size "Intersecting 40 grams per tonne gold over 17.7 Metres is not entirely typical in an open pit gold mine scenario," Bullock told Guy Bennett, CEO of Global Stocks News (GSN). "Between 1892 and 1912, Goldboro was a small producing underground mine in Nova Scotia. At that time, gold was selling for about $19 an ounce." "At the turn of the century, they were mining some high-grade areas. The assay results might indicate veins, but that is not accurate. You can think of it as a deck of cards, curved the way a casino dealer would shuffle them. The cards here are the mineralised zones. The spaces in between are host rock." "We got over 80 of these cards stacked," Bullock continued. "The widest space is at the nose of the fold. That's where the mineralized fluids can move most freely. They are closer to surface. When you add this high-grade material into the more widely disseminated material, it can significantly boost the overall grade of an open pit mine." "There's another benefit of mixing in high-grade material," said Bullock. "When there's free visible gold, we can extract it with gravity separation. That means it gets removed from the milling circuit earlier, reducing expenses." Click Image To View Full Size In the "Stocks To Watch" video below, Bullock talks to Ashleigh Barry about NexGold's development of two advanced gold projects in Canada, each with 3 million ounces of resources. He explains the company's strategy to build smaller, financeable mines with near-term production potential. "We have two projects," Bullock told Barry. "They're both competing against each other. It's like twins vying for affection, because they're both moving forward at the same speed. We think they'll both be fully permitted and ready to build by the end of the year. We'll need to choose one of them." The Goliath Gold Complex (Mine + Mill) consists of the construction, operation, decommissioning, and remediation of an open-pit and underground gold mine and associated milling infrastructure including a tailings storage facility located 20 km east of the City of Dryden, Ontario. "The NexGold management team has put well over a million dollars of our own money into the company in the last 12 months. So, we are aligned with shareholders, in two very good jurisdictions, with a lot of ounces of gold in the ground." Click Image To View Full Size "The current U.S. government tariff policy is creating challenges for Canada," Bullock confirmed to GSN. "But it has triggered a push for Canada to be more self sufficient. This has prompted regulators to reduce friction in the permitting process. We can't cut corners. But we are able to move faster." On May 22, 2025 NexGold received Cabinet Approval for the Crown Land Lease at the Goldboro Gold Project. "We added gold to a new strategic minerals list for the province," stated Honorable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. "We are pleased to announce a Crown land lease to support the development of the Goldboro Gold Project that will create more than 700 jobs and add $2.1 billion to Nova Scotia's economy over its lifetime." On June 17, 2025, NexGold Received Notice of Completion on Industrial Approval from the Government of Nova Scotia for the Goldboro Gold Project The Industrial Approval is required after the successful release from the Environmental Assessment process. It is typically one of the last permits to be issued by the Government of Nova Scotia to allow for the commencement of construction and eventual operations." Click Image To View Full Size "We have two lead gold projects in great jurisdictions - Nova Scotia and Ontario," Bullock told GSN. "NexGold has the support of both provincial governments. We also have a federal Environmental Assessment (EA) at our Goliath project in Ontario and a provincial EA for our Goldboro Project in Nova Scotia. Goldboro does not require a federal EA." "The phrase 'near-term gold project' is thrown around quite a bit," said Bullock, "But in our case, we believe this is accurate. We anticipate having the luxury of choosing which project to advance to financing." "Our master plan - backed by Frank Giustra - is to use the first mine as leverage to build the next one. If we are successful, we could potentially go from 100,000 ounces a year to 200,000 ounces. Then, with some modifications, to 250,000 ounces a year, or more. At that point, NexGold would have leverage to look at other opportunities to put into the gold production pipeline." Contact: guy.bennett@globalstocksnews.com Disclaimer: NexGold paid Global Stocks News $1,750 CND for the research, writing and dissemination of this content. GSN researches and fact-checks diligently, but we can not ensure our publications are free from error. Investing in publicly traded stocks is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. GSN publications may contain "forward-looking statements" such as "project," "anticipate," "expect," which are based on reasonable expectations, but these statements are imperfect predictors of future events. When compensation has been paid to GSN, the amount and nature of the compensation will be disclosed clearly. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Previous article: Why Ghana must remodify stadiums for long-term value Featured MTN's surge fuels GSEs market rally Business Desk Report Business News Aug - 05 - 2025 , 18:54 Ghana's equity market continued its impressive run in the final week of July, driven by strong investor interest in heavyweight stocks, particularly MTN Ghana. The benchmark GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) surged 4.82 per cent to close at 6,994.45 points, its highest level this year, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) return to a robust 43.08 per cent. The market's bullish momentum was fuelled by renewed investor confidence in the banking and insurance sectors, with the GSE Financial Stock Index (GSE-FSI) rising 0.46 per cent to 3,428.15 points. MTN Ghana, the telecom giant, was the star of the show, rallying 9.23 per cent to GH3.55 and accounting for the lion's share of market activity. This surge in MTN's stock price is a reflection of the company's strong financials and its dominant position in the Ghanaian telecom market. Performance The market's overall performance was equally impressive, with the GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) surging 4.82 per cent to close at 6,994.45 points, its highest level this year. This brings the year-to-date (YTD) return to a robust 43.08 per cent, outpacing other African markets. The financial sector gauge, the GSE Financial Stock Index (GSE-FSI), also ticked higher, rising 0.46 per cent to 3,428.15 points, underscoring renewed investor confidence in the banking and insurance counters. The market's expansion was fuelled by heightened trading activity, with total volume traded increasing 71.15 per cent to 60.83 million shares and turnover jumping 96.66 per cent to GH275.42 million. This surge in trading activity is a sign of the market's growing liquidity and investor appetite for Ghanaian stocks. Market outlook With a 43.08 per cent YTD gain, the stock market is likely to continue attracting investor interest, driven by the country's economic growth prospects and the performance of its listed companies. However, investors should remain vigilant and monitor market trends to make informed investment decisions. As the Ghanaian stock market continues to outperform its peers on the continent, it's clear that the country's economic fundamentals are strong and its financial markets are increasingly attractive to investors. With its 43.08 per cent YTD gain, Ghana's stock market is a compelling destination for investors seeking to capitalise on the country's growth potential. Previous article: Daddy Lumbas one week to be held on August 30 in Accra, funeral in Kumasi Featured Creating a tribute song for Daddy Lumba wont be easy and should not be encouraged-KOD Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Aug - 05 - 2025 , 14:34 2 minutes read Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), has cautioned against creating tribute songs for the late music legend, Daddy Lumba. According to KOD, attempting to pay tribute to the highlife icon through music would be a daunting task and should not be encouraged. In a Facebook post, KOD expressed his sentiments, stating,Creating a tribute song for Daddy Lumba wont be easy and should not be encouragedhe already wrote his own while he was still with us. His music said it all long before we ever had to say goodbye. (King Charles is a fan of Daddy Lumba and his song on his Iphone list-Britain's Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana) Daddy Lumba's passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fellow musicians, fans, and industry stakeholders. His contributions to Ghana's music industry will forever be remembered, and his music will continue to be celebrated for years to come. And it is in line with his influence that a some musicians have done tribute songs with some industry players calling on the leadership of Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) to lead the charge. However, the likes of KOD disagree with toeing the path of creating tribute songs for icons, particularly in the case of Lumbas passing. (Read Lumba couldnt fulfill one dream - Best friend ET Akonor) In a response in the comment section, radio personality, Lexis Bill agreed with KODI agree. Makra mo put an end to his journey and thats enough. And we dont need anybody remixing any of his iconic tracks. None of his songs should be sampled in our generation. See post below: Featured King Charles is a fan of Daddy Lumba and his song on his Iphone list-Britain's Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Aug - 04 - 2025 , 22:25 2 minutes read The Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. Keith McMahon, visited the family of the late music legend, Daddy Lumba, to offer condolences on behalf of Britain and the world. Mr. McMahon expressed his sympathy, highlighting Daddy Lumba's status as a cultural pop icon whose influence extended far beyond Ghana's borders. During his visit, Mr. McMahon revealed that King Charles, the British monarch, was a fan of Daddy Lumba's music and had even listed him as one of his favourites on his iPhone. This gesture, according to Mr. McMahon, demonstrates the breadth and reach of Daddy Lumba's impact across the globe. "I want to express Britain's, I think the condolences of the world because Daddy Lumba was a cultural pop icon," Mr. McMahon said. (Read Daddy Lumba: An enigma goes home) I want to express Britains and the worlds because Daddy Lumba was a cultural pop icon. As many of you may know, King Charles, my King was such a fan of Daddy Lumba and he said just earlier that he has an Iphone list and one of his favourites was Daddy Lumba. So I think that shows the breadth and the reach that Daddy Lumba had across the world and very influential to so many people across the world. It was important to come here today and say that to his family, and remind them that although he could not live longer with us, his influence lives for a long time. God bless Daddy Lumba, he said. (Read Lumba couldnt fulfill one dream - Best friend ET Akonor) The visit by the Deputy High Commissioner is part of a growing list of dignitaries who have paid their respects to the late music legend. Other notable figures who have visited the family include Former President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. (Read VIDEO: How fans remembered Daddy Lumbas life at emotional candlelight vigil) Daddy Lumba's passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across Ghana and beyond, with tributes pouring in from fellow musicians, fans, and national leaders. His legacy as a highlife legend and cultural icon continues to inspire and influence new generations of music lovers. See video below: Featured Minister urges public to respect privacy of Daddy Lumbas family GraphicOnline Showbiz News Aug - 05 - 2025 , 06:58 2 minutes read The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has appealed to the public and media to respect the privacy of the family of the late highlife legend, Charles Kojo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, as the nation grieves his passing. During a condolence visit to the familys residence, the Minister extended sympathies to the widow and relatives of the iconic musician, urging Ghanaians to show compassion and restraint in this period of mourning. This is a difficult time for the family, and we must all show compassion by respecting their privacy, Gomashie said. His passing is a huge loss to the creative community and to the nation. Gomashie paid tribute to Daddy Lumbas exceptional talent and his enduring impact on Ghanas highlife music tradition, stating that his influence on generations of musicians remains unmatched. She described the late artist as a towering figure in Ghanas cultural history, whose musical contributions defined an era and continue to resonate across generations. She also revealed that the Ministry had been planning a major highlife music festival to celebrate the genre, with Daddy Lumba expected to play a central role in the event. Losing him at such a time is heartbreaking, she noted. We were planning something big that he would have been proud of and actively involved in. The upcoming festival was part of broader efforts by the Ministry to have both highlife music and Kete officially recognised by UNESCO as elements of Ghanas intangible cultural heritage. As preparations begin for the funeral of the late artist, the Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving his legacy and supporting the bereaved family. Gomashie said the Ministry and the entire creative arts community will continue to honour the memory of Charles Kojo Fosu, whose voice and artistry touched countless lives. The late musician passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60, prompting a wave of national mourning. Tributes have poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and political leaders, all acknowledging Daddy Lumbas iconic role in Ghanaian music. Featured See the members of the new Ghana Tourism Authority Governing Board GraphicOnline Showbiz News Aug - 05 - 2025 , 17:09 2 minutes read The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has inaugurated the new Governing Board of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) at a brief ceremony held in the Ministrys conference room in Accra. Addressing the gathering, the Minister charged the newly constituted board to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the development and promotion of Ghanas tourism, culture, and creative arts sectors. She highlighted the strategic importance of the board in shaping policy direction, fostering innovation, and supporting the sustainable growth of the tourism industry as a key pillar of the national economy. Ladies and Gentlemen, my address will not be complete without thanking His Excellency, the visionary President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, for appointing this calibre of people as Board Members for the Ghana Tourism Authority Governing Board to assist me in running the sector, Gomashie said. I know you will work to justify the confidence reposed in you. Madam Suweibatu Adam, speaking on behalf of the board members, expressed gratitude to the Minister for the confidence placed in them and reaffirmed their collective resolve to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Ghanas tourism and creative industries. In her concluding remarks, the Minister urged the board to foster collaboration with stakeholders across the tourism value chain and inject innovative ideas that would reposition Ghana as a competitive and compelling destination on the regional and global tourism landscape. The members of the newly inaugurated board include Getrude Emefa Donkor, Yussif Isaaka Jajah, Maame Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto, Kwame Adu Darko Okyere-Mansuo, Samuel Seth Passah, Joseph Osiakwan, Suweibatu Adam, Afi Amoro, Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, Bella Kokoe Ayayee Ahu, and Darison Baba Al-hassan. The event was attended by directors from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts led by the Chief Director, Mr Joseph Kwasi Amoah, as well as stakeholders and representatives from the creative arts community. Featured Tourism Ministry fights back: Allegations against Minister dismissed as gravely misleading GraphicOnline Showbiz News Aug - 05 - 2025 , 07:07 2 minutes read The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media that cast aspersions on the professionalism and conduct of the sector minister. In a statement issued by the Ministrys Public Relations Unit, it described the accusations as wholly unfounded and gravely misleading, aimed at tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of the sector Minister Dzifa Gomashie. These assertions, portraying the Minister as disrespectful and unprofessional, are not only wholly unfounded but also gravely misleading, the statement noted. They represent a blatant mischaracterisation of an individual who has consistently demonstrated humility, dedication, and tireless service to the cultural advancement of our nation. According to the Ministry, the Ministers track record is anchored in openness, mutual respect, and genuine commitment to promoting Ghanas cultural identity and heritage. It said interactions with stakeholders, industry players, and the broader public had always been cordial and professional. The release attributed the spread of the allegations to a certain social media personality whose motivations, the Ministry believes, are rooted in sensationalism and personal gain rather than factual integrity. We urge the public to remain vigilant and to disassociate themselves from content creators and individuals who prioritise sensationalism over truth, and who recklessly seek attention at the expense of public trust and unity, it said. The statement added that such falsehoods, even when they go viral, may gather temporary noise, but truth always prevails. It encouraged the general public to continue supporting the Ministrys work and resist attempts to derail its mission. The Ministry also said it expected an unqualified apology for the blatant lies peddled against the Hon. Minister and themselves, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on misinformation and character assassination. Signed by Delassie Mabel Awuku, Head of Public Relations, the statement concluded with a firm pledge to remain transparent and open to constructive dialogue, while warning that it would not tolerate attempts to divide and distract the Ministry from its work of preserving, celebrating, and elevating Ghanas tourism, culture, and creative arts. Featured Who is a Ghanaian - Rodney Nkrumah-Boateng writes Rodney Nkrumah-Boateng Opinion Aug - 05 - 2025 , 09:57 5 minutes read With less than 48 hours to go before my deadline for submission for last weeks column, my article had literally been written in my head, that is. I was just waiting for it to marinate for a little longer before hitting my laptop keyboard. With news of the death of music legend Daddy Lumba, I had to suspend my piece as I rummaged through my thoughts on the institution that the man was and represented. Ambassador Choi The recent appointment by President Mahama of Mr. Kojo Choi, a Korean-born Ghanaian businessman, as Ghanas Ambassador-designate to the Democratic Republic of South Korea raised quite some commentary on various media platforms, given his Asian roots. Some raised eyebrows notwithstanding. I believe there was a generally warm reception to the news. Born in South Korea, Choi relocated to Ghana at the age of 14, where he later acquired Ghanaian citizenship by naturalisation, despite the obviously superior international advantages and opportunities his South Korean citizenship at birth offered him. His deep ties to Ghana were strengthened through his education at SOS College in Tema, followed by his studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 2002. Over the years, Kojo has carved a niche for himself within both Ghanaian and Korean circles, acting as a cultural and business bridge between the two nations. Precedents, home, abroad Far from Mr Choi being the first high-profile political appointee of foreign extraction in our republic, there is some precedent. Under Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Geoffrey Bing (QC), a white British lawyer, was the countrys first Attorney-General from 1957 to 1961. Under Flt-Lt. J.J. Rawlings, a white lady, Mrs Valerie Sackey, was the Director of the Castle Information Bureau during the PNDC era from 1982 to 1992 and wielded enormous power. She went on to head the Public Affairs Secretariat at the office of President Rawlings under the NDC from 1992 to 2001. Mrs Shirley Ababio, another major figure in the P/NDC era, was also of white European extraction. Similarly, many people of Ghanaian ancestry who hold other nationalities have found themselves elected or appointed to significant public offices in those countries. In the UK, for example, Lord Paul Boateng was one of the first three black people to be elected to the British Parliament in 1987. Kwasi Kwarteng was appointed Chancellor of the British Exchequer in 2022, and the current British MP for Erith and Thamesmead is Ms. Abena Oppong-Asare. In 2010, Ghana-born Dr Peter Bossman became the first black mayor in Eastern Europe after he was elected in Piran, South-West Slovenia, whilst last year, Gabe Felix Kofi Amo was elected into the US Congress. Other examples abound. Meaning of Ghanaian For many Ghanaians, the legitimacy of someones claim to be Ghanaian is tied to where in Ghana the claimant hails from, per their family roots (which in turn defines their ethnicity). The hometown question features both in personal conversations and also appears on official application forms. In the popular psyche, being Ghanaian is also tied to a persons name, by which his or her ethnicity (and, therefore, Ghanaianess) may be deduced and authenticated. A friend who bears his Nigerian fathers surname and whose mother is Ghanaian always finds himself explaining his roots when people are surprised about his claimed Ghanaian nationality and even routinely challenge it. What this means is that whilst a person of foreign extraction may, by law, naturalise as a Ghanaian on grounds of long residence here or marriage to a Ghanaian, or have some Ghanaian blood, he or she may face legitimacy challenges in certain minds because of the wrong skin colour, a non-Ghanaian name or not fitting neatly into a local ethnic group. This non-alignment between legal definitions and popular notions is what drove the eyebrow raising, in the case of Mr Choi, who is a fully naturalised Ghanaian citizen, and, therefore, fully qualifies for the appointment. 21st-century realities In many Western countries where black presence has been a regular feature for many years, the notion of blacks in public life has been normalised over the years. The normalisation took place over a very long time, and in places like the US, even voting rights for black people only became a reality as recently as the mid-1960s. In both the US and the UK, these public office achievements were bitterly fought for and wildly celebrated. The narrative was that even if they were born in those countries and were citizens by birth or had been naturalised, by their skin colour, they were not really deemed authentic enough and, therefore, had no stake in the politics of those countries. In Ghana, many Syrians and Lebanese have migrated to Ghana and have built their lives here over the decades, and I am sure a great number of them have acquired Ghanaian nationality due to the various advantages this offers them. But generally, they tend to be focused on the retail and other industries and so find themselves below the radar of public scrutiny that political office holders and seekers are usually subjected to. The reality of the 21st century is that with time, it is likely that more people from other countries will settle in Ghana due to investment opportunities. Already, gold-mining communities have seen a huge influx of Chinese nationals over the years, whilst the Nigerian population is quite considerable. Eventually, some of their naturalised children or grandchildren, born and/or raised here, may legitimately seek public office. Eventually, therefore, we must brace ourselves and re-evaluate who in our minds a Ghanaian really is, in order to align with what the law says that being Ghanaian goes beyond ones name, a dark skin and a blood lineage to one of our towns and villages as ones hometown. I wish Ambassador Choi well in his new role. Rodney Nkrumah-Boateng E-mail: rodboat@yahoo.com Previous article: Man named by EOCO in Shatta Wale Lamborghini seizure serving 7 years in US jail over $4million fraud Featured 10 key things to know about the seizure of Shatta Wales Lamborghini by EOCO Kweku Zurek Aug - 05 - 2025 , 20:48 3 minutes read The seizure of a luxury Lamborghini vehicle from Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has sparked public interest and controversy. The vehicle was seized as part of a joint operation between EOCO and United States authorities. Here are ten important things to know about the incident: 1. Seizure linked to US financial crimes case The 2019 Lamborghini Urus was seized in connection with financial crimes committed by Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian currently serving an 86-month prison sentence in the United States. The FBI and US Department of Justice requested Ghanaian authorities to locate assets connected to the case. 2. Shatta Wale was in possession of the vehicle EOCO confirmed in its statement that the luxury car was in the possession of Shatta Wale at the time of the search. However, the agency did not directly accuse the artiste of committing any crime. 3. FBI and US Justice Department requested EOCOs assistance The operation was carried out at the request of the US FBI and Justice Department in 2023 as part of efforts to recover assets for Amuahs court-ordered restitution of $4.7 million. 4. Search conducted by EOCOs Asset Recovery Unit EOCOs Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) led the search at Shatta Wales residence in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, one of Accras high-end neighbourhoods, on August 5, 2025. 5. Shatta Wale voluntarily surrendered the Lamborghini The musician was reportedly cooperative during the operation and pleaded with officers not to publicise the seizure due to the vehicles association with his public image. EOCO allowed him to voluntarily hand over the car, which is now in their custody. 6 EOCO officers were armed standard protocol In response to concerns raised by Shatta Wale about armed officials entering his home, EOCO clarified that officers were armed strictly as part of standard safety procedures during such high-profile seizures. 7. Shatta Wale accused EOCO of intimidation Following the incident, Shatta Wale took to Facebook to accuse EOCO of intimidating him. He claimed EOCO officials stormed his residence with guns and singled out Executive Director Raymond Archer as having led the operation. 8. Political undertones in Shatta Wales allegations Shatta Wale warned that the EOCOs actions could have political consequences for the ruling party. Raymond Archer EOCO Boss, Ibe you go make NDC go out of power next 4yrs, he wrote in his Facebook post. 9. Shatta Wale named a Person of Interest Although no formal charges have been brought against him, EOCO has listed Shatta Wale as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. A former senior officer of the National Signals Bureau is also under scrutiny. 10. US to file Mutual Legal Assistance Request EOCO stated that the FBI and US Justice Department will formally request the repatriation of the Lamborghini through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) process, which would allow the vehicle to be returned to the US as part of asset recovery. The seizure marks a significant development in international cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and US law enforcement in tackling cross-border financial crimes. EOCO has indicated that further investigations are underway. Featured 82 children rescued from trafficking in Ghanas fishing industry Challenging Heights GraphicOnline Aug - 05 - 2025 , 06:50 2 minutes read Human rights NGO Challenging Heights has rescued 82 victims of human trafficking and forced labour in Ghana since the beginning of 2025, including 57 children exploited in the countrys fishing industry. The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, also led to the rescue of 25 Nigerian girls trafficked across borders into Ghana for forced prostitution. All the rescued Nigerian nationals have since been repatriated, while the Ghanaian children have received rehabilitation and educational support. The victims included 31 boys and 26 girls rescued from the fishing industry, said James Kofi Annan, President of Challenging Heights, in a press statement issued on Monday. All the 25 Nigerian nationals who were rescued have been returned home. Challenging Heights, a survivor-led Ghanaian NGO, operates the countrys largest rehabilitation centre for trafficking victims. For the past two decades, the organisation has worked closely with the Ghana Police Services Criminal Investigations Department to combat human trafficking, rescuing thousands of children from forced labour in sectors including fishing, mining, and agriculture. We wish to commend the Ghana Police Service, especially the Criminal Investigations Department, for 20 years of relentless collaboration with Challenging Heights in addressing the human trafficking phenomena in Ghana, Mr Annan stated. According to the Global Slavery Index, over 49.6 million people globally are in modern slavery, including human trafficking. Of this number, more than 91,000 are estimated to be in Ghana. The situation is especially dire on Lake Volta, where it is estimated that over 21,000 children are trapped in forced labour. In light of the ongoing crisis, Challenging Heights is calling on the government to increase its commitment to fighting trafficking. We would like to appeal to the Finance Minister to allocate a minimum of GH20 million to the Human Trafficking Fund in the upcoming 2026 budget, the statement read. The organisation is also urging the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection to initiate amendments to the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), to ensure it reflects the current complexities of the crime. Human trafficking is an offence punishable under Ghanas Human Trafficking Act, 2005. When convicted, offenders could go to prison for a minimum of five years and a maximum of 25 years, Mr Annan noted. We take this opportunity to appeal to the general public to desist from any acts that would force any person into becoming a victim of trafficking. Featured Akandoh urges African govts not to rely on donors but fund health from national budgets Mohammed Ali Aug - 05 - 2025 , 12:55 2 minutes read Ghanas Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, speaking at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra on Tuesday, criticised Africas reliance on external donors to fund national health systems. He warned that no country can progress with a dependent health sector and said most health budgets on the continent are influenced more by donor funding limits than by the real needs of the public. He, therefore, called for urgent reforms to treat health as central to development. A sick nation cannot develop, Mr Akandoh said. He urged African governments to prioritise health in their national budgets, even during financial constraints. According to him, health should not be an afterthought. It should not be funded by charity after other, more important sectors are handled. He said health sovereignty does not mean isolation from the global community. Rather, he described it as the power to make binding decisions, to deploy our own resources, and to lead the systems that determine whether our people live or die. Mr Akandoh said Africa must build systems that are designed, owned, and driven by its citizens. He mentioned Ghanas National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), CHPS compounds, and support for local pharmaceutical production as examples of efforts aimed at building a reliable health system. These are not perfect, he said, but they declare a powerful truth: African problems demand African solutions. He questioned whether African countries had honoured their commitments, including the Abuja Declaration, which urged governments to allocate at least 15 percent of their national budgets to health. Sovereignty begins with honesty, the courage to measure ourselves against our own standards, Mr Akandoh said. He called on the summit to move away from making broad declarations without following them through. Instead, he said, African leaders must make direct, practical decisions to stop depending on external support to uphold their peoples dignity. Mr Akandoh ended his remarks with a proverb: He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything. He encouraged leaders to build systems where health is properly financed and serves as a foundation for peace, education, work, and fairness across society. Crafting careers: KoYA empowers youth with CV writing and job search training Simon Unyan Aug - 05 - 2025 , 15:44 3 minutes read In Ghanas increasingly competitive job market, the ability to craft a compelling Curriculum Vitae (CV) and navigate job search strategies has become crucial for graduates and job seekers. In response to this challenge, the Tamale branch of the Konkomba Youth Association (KoYA) has held a skills training workshop aimed at equipping its members with practical tools to enhance their employability. The training session, held in Tamale on Saturday, August 2, 2025, brought together young graduates, professionals, and youth from the Nkpakpando community. It formed part of KoYAs broader youth empowerment agenda and sought to address the growing gap between academic qualifications and real-world employment requirementsespecially in northern Ghana, where youth unemployment is high. The Konkomba Youth Association (KoYA), since its establishment in 1953, has been committed to promoting the culture, traditions, and traditional governance of the Konkomba people. KoYA also seeks to advance education, literacy, livelihood, and the overall economic well-being of the Konkomba community, while enhancing the image and identity of KoYA, Bikpakpaam, and Kikpakpaang. Facilitating the session was Prof. Franklin Nantui Mabe, an Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University for Development Studies (UDS), who underscored the importance of presenting a well-structured CV that highlights not only educational qualifications but also relevant skills, accomplishments, and career goals. In todays competitive environment, your CV is your first introduction to a potential employer, Prof. Mabe noted. Unfortunately, many graduates lose out on opportunities because theyre unable to effectively present themselves on paper. He pointed out that CV writing and job search techniques are often overlooked in tertiary education, leaving many graduates unprepared. Prof. Mabe emphasised the need for cover letter skills, job market research, and networking, noting that many jobs are never formally advertised. Some opportunities come through word-of-mouth and professional connections. Thats why its essential for young people to engage with professional networks and attend industry events, he added. He also encouraged the youth to consider volunteerism as a means of gaining practical experience and understanding workplace dynamics, especially as the demand for entry-level positions continues to outstrip supply. Too many young people are spending time on TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp when they should be networking on LinkedIn or attending career development events, he said. Additionally, Prof. Mabe advised participants to broaden their career perspectives by exploring opportunities in technical and vocational fields, as well as collaborating with peers to pursue consultancy or freelance projects. KoYAs Northern Regional Chairman, Mr Jerry Newobi Gmafuda, described the training as timely and impactful, given the rising levels of graduate unemployment. Securing a job in Ghana is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for young graduates. This training is part of our mandate to empower the youth of Nkpakpando and help them unlock their potential, he stated. Mr Gmafuda reaffirmed the Associations commitment to supporting its members through continuous learning and skills development initiatives. He revealed plans for more training sessions to ensure members are well-positioned to thrive in an evolving job market. Some of the participants who spoke to Graphic Online described the training as enlightening and transformative, with many pledging to update their CVs and apply the job search strategies they had acquired. Featured Evatex Logistics threatens to sue GACL over contract termination Jemima Okang Addae Aug - 05 - 2025 , 12:35 2 minutes read Evatex Logistics Limited has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) to rescind the termination of its revenue assurance contract or face legal action. In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of GACL from its legal and management consultants, Evatex described the termination as unreasonable and taken in bad faith. The companys response follows a termination letter dated July 28, 2025, in which GACLs Managing Director, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, directed Evatex to demobilise and vacate the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) cargo terminal by August 27, 2025. GACL reportedly based its decision on claims that no revenue concealment or recovery had been detected since Evatex commenced operations, resulting in no payments due to the company. But Evatex, in its response letter dated July 28, 2025, said it was shocked by the decision, insisting it had already commenced operations, submitted reports for action, and had invested a total of $64.6 million in infrastructure tailored specifically to GACLs requirements. Our client considers the intention to terminate the said contract as actuated by bad faith and unreasonableness, the letter stated. Evatex said that unless the termination letter is withdrawn within seven days of receipt, it would institute legal action to recover its capital investment and seek other appropriate relief. The contract is currently under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) following reports of Evatexs links to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), As part of the ongoing probe, former GACL Board Chairman Paul Adom-Otchere was invited by the OSP over contracts awarded during his tenure. Read the full statement below Next article: See the areas that will be affected by ECG's maintenance on August 6, 2025 Featured Fare confusion: GRTCC hikes prices, GPRTU and COPEC push back Jemima Okang Addae Aug - 05 - 2025 , 17:25 2 minutes read Public transport fares across Ghana are set to rise by 20 per cent, effective Friday, August 8, 2025, according to an announcement by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC). In a statement issued on August 5, the GRTCC said the new fares would apply to shared taxis, intra-city services (trotro), intercity (long-distance) travel, and haulage vehicles. The Council explained that the fare adjustment had become necessary due to rising operational costs. It noted that the prices of spare parts, goods, and services have not decreased as anticipated, following a 15 per cent fare reduction implemented on May 21, 2025. The GRTCC also cited the impact of the recently introduced GH1.00 per litre fuel levy, which has led to an 8 per cent increase in fuel prices. Additionally, the Council highlighted the growing cost of vehicle maintenance due to deteriorating road conditions nationwide. Transport operators have been directed to strictly comply with the new fares and to ensure that they are clearly displayed at all terminals. The Council appealed to drivers, commuters, and the general public to cooperate with the new pricing for a smooth rollout. However, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has distanced itself from the fare hike. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, the union stated that it was not part of the decision to increase fares. He acknowledged that while discussions had taken place under the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares and in consultation with some transport unions, the GPRTU does not support the fare adjustment. Mr Ohene-Yeboah explained that operators had not witnessed any meaningful reduction in the cost of spare parts and other inputs since the last fare cut, but insisted that any future fare reviews must be agreed upon collectively. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has also rejected the proposed increase, describing it as unjustified. COPEC said the timing of the 20 per cent fare hike was poorly considered, given the ongoing economic hardships facing ordinary Ghanaians. It urged transport unions to reconsider the decision in order to cushion the already burdened commuting public. Read copies of the press statements attached below; Previous article: Three arrested with 1,399 packs of restricted drug hidden in spare tyre on TamaleBolgatanga highway Featured Effiduase senior high commercial school calls on Chief of Defence Staff Daily Graphic Aug - 05 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read A delegation from Effiduase Senior High Commercial School in Ashanti Region has paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) William Agyapong, at the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces in Accra. The delegation included the Board Chairman, headmistress, staff, current students, PTA Chairman, alumni and former classmates of the CDS. Commendation The Headmistress of the school, Madam Olivia Owusu, congratulated Lt Gen Agyapong on his promotion and appointment to the highest office in the Ghana Armed Forces. Madam Olivia Owusu, Headmistress of the school, presenting a shield of honour to Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of the Defence Staff She said that the school was immensely proud of Lt Gen Agyapong's accomplishment and pledged their unwavering support for him, while wishing the CDS the best of luck during his tenure. Madam Owusu also highlighted the school's commitment to fostering leadership and excellence among its students. She cited Lt Gen Agyapong, the 1985 Head Prefect of the School, as a shining example. Appreciation Lt Gen Agyapong expressed appreciation to the team for their visit and recounted nostalgic moments with his former classmates. He also acknowledged the pivotal role the school played in shaping his character, instilling in him the values of discipline, integrity and service, which he said had been instrumental in his military career. Lt Gen Agyapong called for deepening of collaboration between old students and the school to promote civic responsibility and patriotism among students. He advised the students to be disciplined, hardworking and respectful at all times, while taking their studies seriously to prepare them for their future endeavours. Featured GES to dismiss supervisors, invigilators caught in exam malpractice Emmanuel Bonney Aug - 05 - 2025 , 05:57 5 minutes read Any supervisor or invigilator caught engaging in examination malpractice in this year's West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates (WASSCE-SC) will be dismissed, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned. It said the GES Council had given the service the power to dismiss any supervisor or invigilator found to have assisted candidates to cheat. The GES, therefore, advised supervisors and invigilators to comport themselves and refrain from acts that could bring the examination into disrepute. The acting Director General of the GES, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, said this at a press conference in Accra yesterday to brief the media on the 2025 WASSCE. "We know the effect of examination malpractice on the integrity of the certificates and the education system as a whole so they shouldn't do it. We want to protect the integrity of our examinations. "The information for them is that they will be dismissed because if they are caught. The GES council has given GES the power to dismiss invigilators and supervisors who are caught indulging in examination malpractices," he said. He called for support from all stakeholders to ensure smooth and successful examinations devoid of collusion and other forms of malpractice. Conflict areas Responding to questions on arrangements that have been put in place for candidates at the Bawku Senior High School (SHS) and Zuarungu SHS, both in the Upper East Region, Nalerigu SHS in the North East Region, as well as Nkwanta SHS in the Oti Region, he said there would be a heavy security presence in those schools. So, we are in touch with the security agencies there; the students would have a security presence and would have some security escort. So, we are working collaboratively with the security to ensure that we have incident-free examinations. So, you are right, we are in conflict so we are ready to get the students to take the exams, he emphasised. Regarding Nkwanta SHS, he said there would be security posts at the school to ensure that candidates were well protected. I just spoke with the head of security there. We are getting the security presence in the school. The security will be there to ensure that there is law and order. So, they will have security posts in the school and students are going to take the exams in the school under security protection. I can confirm that because I just had a conversation with the head of security, he assured. The 2025 WASSCE-SC commences today with practical examinations. The written papers will begin on August 20 and end on September 19. In all, 65 subjects will be taken by candidates, but each candidate will take an average of eight subjects. A total of 461,640 candidates across the country are expected to sit for the examination. This number is made up of 207,381 male candidates and 254,259 female candidates. The examination will be conducted in about 701 examination centres across the country. Prof. Davis said the GES would collaborate with WAEC and the security agencies to ensure law and order during the examination. He congratulated the candidates and wished them all the best in the examination and admonished them to prepare very well for the papers. They should apply themselves to their books and ensure that they do independent work during the examination. I will advise them not to rely on apo or external help because that will not come. We are sure that that will not happen in the examination. They shouldn't engage in any form of malpractice because that will attract severe punishment and we don't want them to find themselves in that situation. All is set for the practical exams to begin tomorrow. Everything is in place. Meanwhile, the GES has released GH15,849,920 to cover the practical fees of the 2025 WASSCE nationwide. WAEC In a related development, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has also cautioned candidates, supervisors and invigilators to desist from any form of illegality as this years WASSCE-SC begins today with project work in Basketry, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Jewellery and Leatherworks, among others.. It said all the necessary security measures had been put in place to ensure a smooth conduct of the examination and also deal with any malpractice. The Head of Public Affairs of WAEC, John Kapi, who made this known in an interview with the Daily Graphic, said personnel from the WAEC head office, Ghana Education Service (GES) and security operatives from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) would be deployed to monitor the examination. Deployment We are going to deploy personnel from the head office who are going to monitor the examination. We have personnel from the Ghana Education Service (GES) who are also going to monitor, as well as security agents from the NIB, he said. Mr Kapi said the council was sure that with the measures that had been put in place and the monitoring teams that had been put in place, everything would be under control. He advised persons who had been tasked to man the examination centres to take a cue from those who were prosecuted in the recent Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Readiness WAEC, he said, was set for the conduct of the examination, beginning with the practicals. We have provided all the natural logistics for the centres. The attendance examiners who are going to supervise the practicals and the project work have also been dispatched. So, all candidates have also received the instructions and the questions, papers they are going to use for the project work and so everything is set. We are on course, ready to start. So, all those who intend to do that should take a cue from whatever has happened and distance themselves from it, he said Candidates The 2025 WASSCE-SC is the fourth edition of the Ghana Only Version of the WASSCE after the other four-member countries of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia returned to the May/June calendar for WASSCE School Candidates. Next article: See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on August 45, 2025 Featured National service personnel military training begins August 31 Diana Mensah Aug - 05 - 2025 , 05:57 3 minutes read The National Service Authority (NSA) will begin the implementation of a six-week Basic Military Orientation Programme on August 31, this year, with an initial cohort of 10,000 to be scaled up in subsequent years. The programme, being carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), was directed by President John Dramani Mahama in line with the National Service Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1119). This is not about militarisation its about instilling leadership, resilience and civic responsibility, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, said yesterday at the ministrys accountability briefing for the period January to July this year. The initiative, he explained, was to instil discipline, patriotism and physical readiness among graduates. Deployment Mr Addo said for the 2025/2026 national service year, approximately 130,000 prospective personnel from accredited tertiary institutions across the country would be deployed to public and private user agencies in need of skilled temporary workers. All institutions have submitted their class lists, and the National Service Authority has generated personal identification number (PIN) codes for enrolment, he said. The minister, however, said the registration process had currently been paused due to a system shutdown of the Centralised Service Management Platform for audit purposes. Mr Addo said the ministry suspended the platform following a directive from the Presidency for a comprehensive forensic audit by the Ghana Audit Service. This decision was prompted by revelations of serious financial irregularities particularly ghost names that have undermined the system's integrity, he added. The minister said that the National Security was currently investigating the matter, while the Office of the Attorney-General was reviewing the dockets. Mr Addo also said that plans were underway to deploy a new robust platform that would uphold the highest standards of accountability, adding, The President has pledged that under his watch, there will be no ghost names at the National Service Authority. lBackground President Mahama first announced the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP) during his maiden State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, February 27, this year. Subsequently, in April this year, the NSA held high-level consultations with GAF for the implementation of the programme, which reflects President John Dramani Mahamas vision of nurturing discipline, patriotism and physical fitness among Ghanas graduates. Prospective national service personnel for the 2025/2026 service year now have the option to undergo a six-week basic military training programme before their official postings. The National Service Authority (NSA) made the announcement in a press release signed by the acting Director-General, Felix Gyamfi. The statement urged interested applicants who want to participate in the military training to apply during the online registration process. The registration window opened on June 17, this year and closed on July 1, 2025. Police make breakthrough in Immigration Officer death, three other cases Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Aug - 05 - 2025 , 05:57 3 minutes read The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has made significant strides in four major criminal investigations, including the high-profile murder of an Immigration Officer, a series of vehicle robberies, a violent taxi driver attack, and the recovery of transnational stolen vehicles. Speaking at a joint press conference with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) at the CSA Headquarters in Accra yesterday, the Director-General of CID, Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, disclosed that the main suspect in the murder of Assistant Inspector of Immigration Stephen King Amoah had been arrested and charged with murder. Also, in another breakthrough, the CID announced the arrest of Abubakari Sadick, a fugitive convicted in absentia for a 2021 robbery and linked to multiple car robbery cases across the country. Murder suspect Mr Amoah, also known as Otumfuor Nana, was declared missing on July 4, 2025. Investigations revealed that he had left home the previous evening to meet a man identified as Bright Aweh, who had sent him WhatsApp images of cash and asked to settle an outstanding debt. The suspect, who initially admitted to handing over GH 500,000 to the deceased, was arrested and charged with kidnapping. However, following the discovery of Mr Amoahs burnt body and forensic evidence, including bloodstains, burnt fabrics, and a bloodied fufu pestle, the charge was upgraded to murder. He is currently on remand following his appearance before the Adabraka District Court and is scheduled to reappear on August 8, 2025. A special operation is currently underway to identify and arrest his accomplices, and we are following other vital leads to gather all necessary evidence against the suspect and his accomplices, she added. COP Donkor assured the public that the investigation remained ongoing and that every effort was being made to ensure all the perpetrators were brought to justice. Car robberies COP Donkor stated that Mr Sadick and his accomplices often posed as NGO workers to rent vehicles for supposed missionary work before attacking drivers and stealing the vehicles. She added that the syndicate operated mainly in the northern region. He was placed on multiple watchlists, including an INTERPOL Red Notice, and was finally arrested in Accra on July 28, 2025. The police also reported progress in a January 1 robbery involving a taxi driver, Vic Martin Obeng, who was attacked at Haatso by three passengers posing as commuters. She revealed that the suspects robbed him of his sales, mobile phone, and GH13,000 in mobile money. Acting on intelligence, the CID Director-General stated that police arrested one suspect, Vincent Gbetorglo, an ex-convict previously sentenced to 40 years in prison. He was found in possession of the victims stolen phone. Luxury foreign vehicles In a fourth case, the CID, working with INTERPOL Ghana and other international partners, impounded 43 high-end vehicles stolen from countries, including the USA, Canada, and several EU nations. COP Donkor said 18 had been repatriated by the courts, while the rest were under legal review. She added that a special task force had also seized six additional vehicles linked to money laundering and cyber-enabled crimes such as romance fraud and sextortion. COP Donkor urged the public to exercise due diligence when purchasing imported vehicles, adding, Let me indicate here that payment of customs duties in Ghana does not mean that the vehicle was legitimately acquired from the country of origin. The Director-General reaffirmed the CIDs commitment to due process, transparency, and justice, calling on the public to support ongoing investigations by volunteering credible information. Next article: How NCA can revoke licenses under Electronic Communications Act Featured President Mahama commissions Air Navigation Service system Maclean Kwofi Aug - 05 - 2025 , 07:37 4 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama yesterday commissioned an Air Navigation Service (ANS) system at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra to serve as key operational hub for the provision of essential air navigation services for the nation and parts of West Africa. The new ANS facility is expected to be decoupled from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in future to ensure safe, orderly and efficient movement of aircraft in both controlled airspaces and at aerodromes. The ANS would also offer a full suite of aviation services, including air traffic services (ATS), air traffic management (ATM), communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS), aeronautical information services/aeronautical information management and meteorological services for air navigation (MET). These systems operate within a synchronised framework to manage the flow of air traffic, prevent collisions, maintain separation, and enhance operational efficiency. It would also support air-to-ground and ground-to-air communications, monitor aircraft movements and facilitate the dissemination of critical aeronautical data, flight plans, aeronautical charts and meteorological updates necessary for flight planning and in-flight decision making . The facility will host the passenger information unit (PIU), responsible for the implementation and operational management of advanced passenger information (API) and passenger name record (PNR) system Collaboration The President directed three ministries Transport, Foreign Affairs and the Interior to collaborate and expedite action for the introduction of electronic visa services in the country. "The introduction of the API and PNR systems will provide a strong digital platform on which other critical services can be integrated. That is why I am calling for collaboration to ensure that this platform is expanded to enable us to quickly implement the long-awaited e-visa services for the country. "I am charging them to extend this system to cover both the sea and land border posts, integration with our e-gate systems, and the adoption of the capabilities to extend to the advanced cargo information system also for the benefit of our customs," he said. President Mahama said the e-visa system would ease visa application processes, reduce paperwork and bureaucracy, support tourism and make the country an even more attractive destination for business. "The future of travel is digital, and Ghana must not be left behind. We must think beyond the Kotoka International Airport and edge in steps to integrate these systems at Terminal 2, new Kumasi International Airport, and also Tamale International Airport. Regulatory agency The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, said GCAA was a regulatory agency for air transport in the country and also provided air navigation services within the Accra Flight Information Region. "In a modern and safe aviation ecosystem, clear separation of rules is essential to ensure accountability and efficiency. One critical area is the separation of the air navigation services and the regulatory functions of the Civil Aviation Authority. However, this is not the case in Ghana. And that was why the President's vision for 2012 had brought us this far. "In line with international best practises, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority established the Air Navigation Services Agency through Act 2020, Act 1051," he said. He said the purpose was to put an end to the current situation where the regulator also served as a service provider, and also ensure high safety standards. Significance The acting Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, said the facility was among the most technologically advanced in the aviation industry in the world, and it symbolised the nations bold ambition to lead in air navigation safety, innovation, and regional connectivity. In terms of scale and sophistication, he said it was second only to a similar facility in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in West Africas aviation infrastructure. "More importantly, the edifice will serve as the operational nerve centre for our national airspace, supporting the 24-hour economy and ensuring that every aircraft in our skies is guided with precision and care by our highly trained and dedicated team of professionals," Rev. Arthur added. Featured Speaker commends MPs for consensus-building as House adjourns sine die Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Aug - 05 - 2025 , 06:37 3 minutes read The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has lauded Members of Parliament (MPs) for the spirit of consensus-building and bipartisanship that characterised the second meeting of the first session of the Ninth Parliament. In a closing address read on his behalf by the First Deputy Speaker and MP for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, the Speaker commended the House for its collective commitment to national development despite political differences. This meeting has demonstrated what is possible when we work together, transcending partisan interests to serve a better good, he said. Mr Bagbin urged members to carry forward the spirit of national unity and public service that had defined the session, stressing that parliament was not a courtroom but a political institution built on deliberations, negotiations and consensus building. Output The meeting, which spanned May to August 2025, recorded 43 sittings, during which the House passed eight out of 13 bills laid before it. Key among them were the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, and the University for Development Studies Bill. Parliament also approved the nomination of seven Supreme Court Justices and four deputy ministers, vetted by the Appointments Committee. A total of 497 questions were filed, with 297 answeredcomprising 242 oral and 55 urgent questionssignifying robust oversight over the Executive. The House ratified international agreements, adopted business statements and considered various reports and instruments, including 131 timber utilisation contracts and 11 Auditor-Generals reports. Challenges, recess While celebrating achievements, the Speaker also called attention to challenges, notably the sudden death of the Akwatia MP, Ernest Kumi, and violent incidents during the rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary elections. He called for discussions on improved healthcare for MPs and reforms to uphold electoral integrity. As Parliament adjourned, Mr Bagbin reminded members that the recess was not a vacation but a return to their constituents. He urged them to use the period to reconnect with the people, undertake field oversight and deepen the countrys democratic governance with renewed purpose and a spirit of service. Achievements In his closing remarks, the Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, enumerated the government's aggressive approach to combating illegal mining (galamsey), reporting significant actions like arresting 1,345 miners, seizing 425 excavators and holding over 1,000 excavators at ports. He emphasised a coordinated effort to monitor excavator importation, requiring justification for their use and implementing tracking systems. The Majority Leader also cautioned the minority against using parliament to undermine investigative agencies lawfully executing their constitutional mandates in response to the minoritys claims that the government was targeting individuals over political affiliations. I think that it is a height of hypocrisy for us to enact such fine laws, establish those institutions and when they are exercising their responsibilities and their mandates, we sit in this house and criticise them and try to undermine them in the exercise of their legitimate duties, he said, urging aggrieved persons to seek redress at the appropriate institutions. Criticism The Minority Leader and MP for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in his remarks, criticised the government for what he described as growing authoritarian tendencies and a failure to uphold democratic and economic justice. He urged an end to bitterness, revenge and selective persecution, stressing the need for national unity. It is time to end the bitterness, the revenge and the pain. We are a country of one people. If the House will continue to dictate to the government, so be it. But we live to see, the Minority Leader said. Featured How NCA can revoke licenses under Electronic Communications Act Graphic.com.gh Aug - 05 - 2025 , 07:29 3 minutes read The Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) in Ghana outline the procedures and grounds for the suspension or revocation of licences issued by the National Communications Authority (NCA). A licence can be suspended or revoked if the licensee fails to meet the requirements, conditions, or restrictions under which the licence was granted. The NCA must notify the licensee of its intention to suspend or revoke the licence, provide a description of the alleged breach, and allow the licensee to respond and potentially remedy the breach. Specific Grounds for Revocation: Failure to meet licence conditions: The NCA can suspend or revoke a licence if the licensee doesn't adhere to the terms, conditions, or restrictions specified in the license. Failure to pay fees: Specifically, a Class II licence can be terminated for failure to pay annual license fees or annual fixed charges for radio frequency use for two consecutive calendar years. Failure to provide service: A Class II license can also be terminated for failing to provide the licensed service for three consecutive months without authorization. Expiration of the license: A Class II license terminates upon its expiration. 2008 Other violations: The Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, also outline other violations that can lead to revocation, such as operating without a valid authorization or failing to meet the requirements of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011. The NCA of Ghana can suspend or revoke licenses and frequency authorisations for various reasons, including failure to comply with the Electronic Communications Act, regulations, or license terms, or for failing to comply with lawful directives from the NCA. This can include situations where a licensee is in default of payments or has ceased operations. The NCA must provide adequate notice and an opportunity for the licensee to respond before taking such action. Grounds for Suspension or Revocation: Non-compliance : Failure to comply with the NCA Act, Electronic Communications Regulations, or the terms and conditions of a license or authorization. Failure to comply with lawful directives : Not following instructions or orders issued by the NCA. Financial default: Failure to pay required fees or other monies owed to the NCA. Ceasing operations: If a licensee is dissolved, goes into liquidation, or stops providing the licensed service. Process for Suspension: Featured President Mahama introduces health task force to realign Ghanas budget with health priorities Mohammed Ali Aug - 05 - 2025 , 11:44 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has announced two new national initiatives aimed at helping to strengthenGhanas health financing. He made the announcement on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra. The initiatives are the Presidential High-Level Task Force on Global Health Governance and the Sustain Initiative, which stands for Scaling Up Sovereign Transitions and Institutional Networks. President Mahama said the task force would serve as a platform to engage both global and continental partners to reshape health governance systems. He said the goal was to respond to todays realities rather than rely on outdated structures. The Sustain Initiative, he explained, would align national budgets with health priorities and help mobilise domestic, diaspora, and philanthropic funding into health systems. It will also support cross-border learning and improve accountability. The world has changed, but global health governance has not kept pace, Mr Mahama said. We are called to redesign a system that has for too long ignored Africas voice, needs, and innovations. He cited global challenges such as pandemics, conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability as signs of a system under strain. According to him, these pressures demand a new approach that supports resilience, fairness, and human dignity. Mr Mahama referenced a sharp drop in global development assistance in 2023, which he said had immediate effects across Africa. He noted that in many countries, including Ghana, funding cuts disrupted maternal health services, delayed vaccines, and left hospitals with drug shortages. In Ghana, our community-based health delivery system, known as the CHPS Compound Programme, nearly collapsed after donor withdrawals, he said. He said the government had since taken steps to protect the health sector by unlocking more domestic resources. We have uncapped our National Health Insurance Scheme financing, opening up an additional GH3.5 billion for broader coverage, he stated. Mr Mahama also disclosed that Ghana would introduce a new primary healthcare programme in the coming months, with technical support from the World Health Organisation (WHO). He said the WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had committed to sending a team to support the design process. He further announced plans to deploy community health volunteers to promote preventive care and wellness services. Sharing a local example, Mr Mahama said a young mother in Dodowa had survived childbirth complications because the local CHPS facility was digitally linked to a regional hospital. This is not a future vision. It is already happening. This is health sovereignty in action, he said. He argued that governments must treat health spending as an investment, not a cost. Health is wealth. We must change the thinking that health weakens economies, he said. He also called for stronger support for platforms such as PanaBIOS for health verification, Propa for supply chain monitoring, and BioNTechs vaccine development efforts. Speaking on the Accra Declaration for Health Sovereignty, which was under discussion at the summit, Mr Mahama described it as more than a policy paper. It is a moral call to action. It is a strategic milestone for Africa, he said. He ended his remarks by urging African governments to take control of their health systems. Let Africa rise and take responsibility. Health is not a luxury. It is our freedom, our dignity, and our most valuable public good. Previous article: See the areas that will be affected by ECG's maintenance on August 6, 2025 Featured Man jailed 6 years for GH350 Itel phone robbery at 'machete point' Justice Agbenorsi Aug - 05 - 2025 , 16:25 2 minutes read A 38-year-old unemployed man who robbed a resident of Nungua and made away with an Itel mobile phone valued at GH350 has been sentenced to six years imprisonment by a Circuit Court in Accra. Thomas Kwabena Vordzorgbe is said to have pulled out a machete and slashed the victim on the left hand before forcefully taking the mobile phone. He pleaded not guilty to one count of robbery, but was found guilty by the court presided over by Basilia Adjei-Tawiah after a full trial. Facts The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector John Gohoho, told the court that the complainant is a Nigerian national from Delta State, residing at Nungua Cocoa Beach, while Vordzorgbe resides at Nungua Kingsway. On November 11, 2022, at about 10:00 p.m., the complainant went to a popular joint at Spintex to socialise with friends, leaving the venue around 3:00 a.m. the next day. The convict, who saw the complainant from a distance, trailed him to the station and demanded he surrender his belongings. When the complainant resisted, the convict pulled out a machete and slashed him on the left hand, thus causing harm to him, Chief Inspector Gohoho said. Complainant became helpless and surrendered his Itel mobile phone to the convict, he added. The complainant later lodged a report at the Nungua Police Station and was issued with a medical form for treatment. On the same day, around 7:00 p.m., the complainant received information that the convict had been seen offering the stolen phone for sale at the Nungua Lorry Station. With the help of others, the complainant went to the location, spotted Vordzorgbe, and identified him as his attacker. The convict was arrested, and a search on him revealed the complainants Itel mobile phone. The prosecution told the court that Vordzorgbe admitted the offence in his cautioned statement. Mentorship session in Nima tackles menstrual hygiene and faith-based education for girls Graphic.com.gh Aug - 05 - 2025 , 15:34 2 minutes read The Muslimah Mentorship Network (MMN) has held a mentorship session at Adab Preparatory School in Nima, focusing on education, menstrual hygiene, and personal health for adolescent girls. The session, which took place on Thursday, July 31, 2025, formed part of MMNs monthly outreach activities designed to support young Muslim girls across various communities. Miss Maryam Yakubu, who served as moderator, opened the session by introducing the objectives of the mentorship initiative. She explained that the network supports the educational, religious, and personal development of Muslim girls, while also offering mentors an opportunity to give back to their communities. Miss Rahma Kabore led a session on education, speaking from an Islamic perspective. She encouraged the girls to take their studies seriously, noting that seeking knowledge aligns with Islamic values and contributes to both personal and social advancement. Menstrual health was addressed by Miss Mariam Tahir Ayuba. She explained the biological process in simple terms and urged the girls to treat it as a normal part of life. Her session included guidance on Islamic teachings related to cleanliness during menstruation and created space for open questions. Miss Rahma Saeed conducted a session on hygiene, covering daily habits such as oral care, facial washing, environmental cleanliness, and general health. She reminded the girls that personal hygiene is not only important for physical well-being but also a valued practice in Islam. The sessions included practical demonstrations and interactive discussions that kept students actively engaged. The schools staff and pupils responded positively to the event, describing the programme as timely and helpful. The Muslimah Mentorship Network is a group of professional Muslim women who volunteer their time to mentor young people across Ghana. Their outreach activities cover a range of topics including sexual health, education, confidence-building, and personal development. Next article: Julius Debrah: Africa is no longer a bystander in global health governance Featured Obasanjo proposes $100 flight levy to support African health fund Mohammed Ali Aug - 05 - 2025 , 15:18 3 minutes read Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has proposed a $100 levy on all international flights into and out of Africa to support the creation of a continental health fund. He made the proposal at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit held in Accra on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The initiative, he said, would help reduce Africas reliance on external donors and promote long-term financing for health systems across the continent. Mr Obasanjo said the proposal was inspired by Ghanas "Ghana Beyond Aid" agenda and could serve as a starting point for what he called an Africa Health Without Aid plan. I believe we can have a health fund for Africa, he told participants at the summit. The source to start with could be something like $100 for flying into Africa or flying out of Africa, but not for travelling within Africa. He suggested that the African Development Bank should manage the proposed fund. He cited the African Unions peace fund, which is already being used to support conflict resolution efforts on the continent, as a working example. Mr Obasanjo recalled that during his time as the AUs Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, efforts to mediate in Ethiopia were delayed because the AU was waiting for support from European or American sources. He contrasted that with a more recent case, where the AU quickly released $1 million from its peace fund to support mediation between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. That is progress, he said. The summit brought together several former and current African leaders, including former Malawian President Joyce Banda and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Outlining a three-tiered approach to building self-sufficient health systems, Mr Obasanjo said the first step should be the increased use of traditional medicine at the household and community levels. He recalled a discussion with pharmaceutical industry representatives nearly 15 years ago, in which they indicated that 80 per cent of drugs found in pharmacies originated from herbs. The herbs that we have in our villages and rural areas are useful, he said. At the family and community level, we can use more herbs than we are using in traditional medicine. At the national level, Mr Obasanjo recommended scaling up health insurance systems. He proposed that a portion of health insurance funding, up to 25 per cent, should be allocated to strengthen healthcare delivery and related infrastructure. He added that while Africa must take the lead, international cooperation remains necessary. A pandemic, as we have seen, knows no geographical boundary, knows no borders, he said. Mr Obasanjo urged African countries to adopt the slogan Africa Health Without Aid, but to still work with international partners in solidarity. Featured Shatta Wales Lamborghini seized by EOCO in joint FBI operation Kweku Zurek Aug - 05 - 2025 , 20:28 2 minutes read The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed that it carried out a lawful search at the residence of Ghanaian dancehall musician, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, as part of a joint operation with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Justice Department. In a press release issued on August 5, 2025, EOCO said the search was conducted at Shatta Wales Trassaco Valley Phase 1 home in Accra by its Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU). The operation, according to EOCO, was undertaken in response to a 2023 request from the FBI and the US Department of Justice relating to financial crimes committed by Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving an 86-month prison sentence in the United States. The search led to the seizure of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus believed to be one of the assets linked to Amuahs criminal enterprise. EOCO revealed that the car was in Shatta Wales possession. The officers were professional and civil and the search and seizure occurred without incident, EOCO stated. Nii Armah had pleaded with officers that he did not want the seizure to be made public because the vehicle was a big part of his brand. As a result of this plea, Shatta Wale was allowed to voluntarily surrender the vehicle, which is now in the custody of EOCO. The agency clarified that officers of the SARU unit were armed during the operation as a matter of standard safety protocol. EOCO further noted that the FBI and the Justice Department intend to submit a formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request to the Government of Ghana for the return of the vehicle to the United States as part of Amuahs $4.7 million restitution. In a social media post on the same day, Shatta Wale accused EOCO officials of storming his house with guns and singled out EOCOs Executive Director, Raymond Archer, for allegedly leading the operation. He described the incident as an act of intimidation and warned of possible political consequences. EOCO boss, the President of Ghana didnt put you in that office to come and humiliate the citizens of this country. Remember God no sleep, he wrote. Raymond Archer EOCO Boss, Ibe you go make NDC go out of power next 4yrs. Bringing guns to my house was uncalled for. Meanwhile, EOCO has identified Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of the National Signals Bureau (NSB) as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation and stated that both individuals will be invited to assist with further inquiries in the coming days. Medical laboratory managers call for involvement in decision-making Alberto Mario Noretti Health Aug - 05 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The 2025 General Meeting of the Society of Medical Laboratory Managers Ghana has ended with a call for the inclusion of laboratory professionals in the core decision-making processes in healthcare institutions. The restructuring of our healthcare system demands a more inclusive, multidisciplinary approach to management, placing laboratory managers at the table where policies are shaped, budgets discussed and systems are designed, said the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu. Mr Gunu, who opened the two-day meeting in Ho, said laboratory managers were positioned to identify inefficiencies in diagnostics services and to recommend suitable solutions for optimising test utilisation, equipment procurement and workforce deployment. Further, he said they were at the forefront of laboratory innovations, from point-of-care testing to molecular diagnostics. That made their input crucial in managing and integrating those technologies into national health priorities. Commitment Mr Gunu gave an assurance that the government was committed to strengthening the role of health professionals in governance and system reform, adding that the nation would benefit immensely from a restructured health system that leveraged the full competencies of its workforce, including laboratory managers. The laboratory managers at the meeting The regional minister, therefore, urged the Society of Medical Laboratory Managers Ghana to continue building its members' capacity, not only in laboratory science, but also in leadership, policy and strategic planning. Engage hospital administration, regional health directorates and policy makers to be visible and vocal at the highest levels of health governance, he added. Mr Gunu appealed to the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to create inclusive, evidence-based and patient-centred systems, where every professionals voice was valued and every unit worked in synergy. About 200 laboratory managers in the country attended the meeting, which was on the theme: Medical Laboratory Managers Involvement in Core Management A Necessity in Restructuring Healthcare Delivery in Ghana. Representation The Dean of the School of Allied Health Services of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Professor Samuel Essien-Baidoo, in a keynote address, said medical laboratory practice in Ghana had not only advanced from routine urine examinations into in-depth molecular analysis of various human body specimens, but had also become a fulcrum of clinical decision-making. However, he said the representation of laboratory managers in healthcare management systems' leadership and governance structures remained inadequate. For instance, he said, while the regulatory framework governing the management of teaching hospitals and clinics acknowledged the incorporation of the Laboratory Clinical Unit, that legal position had not been sufficiently implemented at many practising sites. The challenges created by the non-recognition and integration of the medical laboratory manager in hospital management compromise our quest for quality healthcare management practices and service delivery, he pointed out. Professor Samuel Essien-Baidoo clarified that healthcare transformation in Ghana would be incomplete without laboratory managers' full, informed and strategic involvement. Whether in supporting the 24-hour health economy, leading primary healthcare diagnostics or driving evidence-based policy, our relevance is unquestionable, he maintained. These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Samsung started the public One UI 8 beta program on the Galaxy S25 series back in May stable One UI 8 made its debut with the 2025 foldables. Next week, the company will expand the program to last years flagships. Starting next week, owners of the following models in the US, the UK, India and South Korea will be able to sign up for One UI 8 beta through the Samsung Members app: Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6. Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24+ Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 Again, this is for the beta the stable release is coming at a later date and will incorporate feedback from the beta program. This release is scheduled to roll out in September for the Galaxy S25 series and expand to other product lines in sequence. People with older phones will have to wait longer. For example, the following models will be able to join the One UI 8 beta starting in September: Note that we are assuming that the Galaxy S FE models are included in their respective S-series, since Samsung is already testing One UI 8 on the S24 FE. Also, were not sure why the Galaxy A36 is on the list but the A56 is not this is from the global press release, so its not a regional thing. Looking at the Watch branch of the One UI 8 tree, the Galaxy Watch Ultra already received the stable update. The Galaxy Watch7 is still on the beta for some reason, though. Samsung is also testing older models and says that One UI 8 Watch will expand to more Galaxy Watch models beyond the Galaxy Watch8 series later this year. Source Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24+ Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Display will launch a new foldable display brand at the K-Display 2025, an industry exhibition of new technology that opens doors on August 7 (Thursday). The brand is dubbed MONT FLEX. Heres how Samsung explains it. M stands for mechanical durability, O for opto-mechanically flat, N for narrow bezels and T for thin and lightweight design. In more detail, the M highlights innovations like the shock-resistant structure that allowed the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 displays to survive 500,000 fold cycles. The O highlights the work put into making the crease less visible. Narrow bezels give you more screen area. Finally, the whole industry is striving for thinner and lighter foldables and slimming down the display helps do just that. Mont is also French for mountain, which is intentional Samsung says that it represents the pinnacle of foldable innovation. Since beginning mass production of foldable OLEDs in 2019, we have continued to drive technological innovation to perfect the productbecoming the first in the industry to apply UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) and LEAD, a polarizer-free OCF technology, to foldables, said Jae-Nam Yun, Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile Display Marketing Team at Samsung Display. Hold on, let us grab our tech initialism dictionary. LEAD stands for Low power consumption, Eco-friendliness, Augmented brightness and Designed to be soft and light. OCF or On-Cell Film improves visual performance while also making the display thinner and lighter. Following the launch of a foldable panel with a newly developed shock-resistant structure that passed the 500,000-fold durability test, we will continue pushing the boundaries to deliver even more refined foldable products that exceed market expectations, said Jae-Nam Yun. Foldable panels from Samsung Display are, of course, featured on the Galaxy Z series. The company sells to other smartphone makers too recently, unofficial info surfaced that Apple has ordered panels for its upcoming foldable. Source Three key business groups on Tuesday asked the government of Guam to fix conflicting and outdated procurement laws, convene an advisory procurement council, invest in hiring and training professionals, and promptly post GovGuam solicitations online for transparency and fairness. They listed the findings from a procurement summit in June that opened wide-ranging discussions on issues and processes that for so long have frustrated private businesses when trying to do business with GovGuam, from bid solicitation to procurement appeals. Now is the time to move forward from past challenges and work collectively to create a procurement framework that delivers efficiency, increases competition, and secures better value for the people of Guam, the Guam Chamber of Commerce, Guam Contractors Association, and Guam Travel and Tourism Association said in a joint statement. The three groups on Tuesday released a summary of findings from the 2025 Summit on Government Procurement held on June 12 at Hyatt Regency Guam. In that summit, Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz said private sector frustration over doing business with GovGuam could be addressed if GovGuam would follow its own laws. For example, when Cruz was still senator, he sponsored a bill that became law in 2011, establishing a procurement advisory council responsible for recommending improvements and streamlining GovGuam policy. But this 14-year-old law has yet to be implemented. The council was supposed to be the solution after both business and government officials rejected legislative proposals to redraft procurement laws in 2008 and 2009. Now, the three business groups that sponsored Junes procurement summit are urging Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero to appoint and convene a Procurement Advisory Council to provide essential guidance and oversight, ensuring all agencies remain aligned with the principles and laws governing procurement in Guam. The governor herself called for revising the law that places an automatic stay on government procurement every time a procurement protest is filed, delaying the construction of schools, roads and even power plants. The three business groups, in their recommendations, asked GovGuam to update outdated procurement statutes to align with current practices and to remove procedural bottlenecks impeding progress. The Chamber of Commerce, GCA and GTTA called for legislative reforms to clarify contracting authority to enable trained chief procurement officers to execute contracts efficiently. They asked GovGuam to authorize and fund online procurement training and certification through nationally recognized institutions, with mandatory refresher courses every three years to ensure up-to-date expertise. The business groups also called for improved staffing, in-house legal support, and empowered procurement leadership to foster a more robust operational environment. They demand transparency and accountability when it comes to GovGuam procurement. This includes following standard operating procedures and prompt posting of all solicitationsincluding RFPs, IFBs, and other noticeson the GSA website was strongly recommended to broaden access and competition. The District Court of Guam should deny Gov. Lou Leon Guerreros request for a special prosecutor to investigate alleged hiring and promotion violations at the Office of the Attorney General, the AGs office said in latest court filings. Assistant Attorney General William Lyle Stamps argues that the governor has no legal authority to appoint a special prosecutor, in an Aug. 1 answer to the suit now before the federal court. The filing lodges a counterclaim, asking the court to find the governors suit as an exceptional overreach that violates the Organic Act of Guam and is null and void. It also formally denies allegations from Adelups attorneys of over 80 hiring and promotion violations at the AGs office. The alleged violations involve unauthorized hiring of unclassified employees, and the hiring of Attorney General Douglas Moylans fiancee and brother. Moylan has denied the allegations, and an internal investigation by his office completed in March found all activity was proper. Finally, the answer filed by Assistant AG Stamps on Aug. 1 asserts the governors lawsuit is retaliation for the AGs office actively investigating and prosecuting her and her cabinet. A day before the filing, attorneys for the governor asked the federal court to send the case back to the Superior Court of Guam, for a local judge to decide. Unclassified hires, brother, fiancee AG Moylan, in the Aug. 1 answer, denies allegations from Adelup about limits on unclassified hires at his office. The governors complaint points to over 80 unclassified employees hired by the AGs office that were illegal. Unclassified employees of the government dont have to go through competitive selection like classified civil servants, and can be dismissed at will. Also denied are allegations that the hiring of the AGs fiancee, Sheenalyn Hawkins, and brother, Scott Moylan, at the AGs office, were unlawful. Mr. Scott Moylans hiring was not prohibited by the Department of Administrations regulation regarding nepotism or otherwise by the laws of Guam. Sheenalynn Hawkins hiring, both as a Special Projects Coordinator and later as Chief of Staff, was not prohibited by the Department of Administrations regulation regarding nepotism or otherwise by the laws of Guam, the answer states. It further states that the AG disqualified himself from their hirings out of an abundance of caution. The PDN reported last year that Scott Moylan was making $119,875 as a special assistant and chief auditor for the OAGs Government Corruption Division, while Hawkins was making $75,392 as a special projects coordinator in the administration division. Hawkins is now AG Moylans chief of staff, and her salary was bumped up to $127,602 as of the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, according to staffing records. Chief Deputy Attorney General Joe Guthrie was put in charge of the hirings, the Aug. 1 answer from the office stated. Ms. Hawkins is not the spouse of the Attorney General and Mr. Scott Moylan is not in a direct supervisor-subordinate relationship with the Attorney General, and the allegations of this paragraph are otherwise denied, it states. Guam law prevents direct supervisor-subordinate relationships between family members, but fiancees are not covered. Theres been some push to change that. Sen. Will Parkinson in February introduced the No More Pari Pari Act of 2025, which would include fiancees, among other familial relations, in GovGuams nepotism protections. Lawsuit barred Assistant AG Stamps Aug. 1 answer states there are several legal doctrines that bar the governor from bringing her special prosecutor lawsuit. The governors claim is political in nature, he asserts. Controversies about policy and value determinations are not in the wheelhouse of the courts to resolve, and barred by the political question doctrine. Additionally, plaintiffs claims are barred because they are retaliatory in nature, lack a legal basis and were brought solely to harass the Attorney General after he took legal positions that the Governor opposed, Stamps argues, adding that the governor should bring the matter to the Guam Legislature for relief. Moylan has butted heads with Leon Guerrero on several issues, and is actively suing to block funding for the Mangilao hospital project over alleged illegalities by the administration involving the condemnation of land and use of federal funds. Stamps also notes that the governor and her administration are under active criminal investigation, and parts of her cabinet are under criminal prosecution, resulting in a conflict of interest. Those investigations and prosecutions mainly relate to findings from the public auditor, he stated in court documents. Plaintiffs claims are barred where the Governors own Department of Administration did not object to the hiring of Mr. Scott Moylan or Ms. Sheenalynn Hawkins and regularly paid them for work performed, he adds. The answer notes the AGs office already conducted two separate investigations into allegations from Adelup and both concluded that there was no reasonable or sufficient basis to bring criminal charges against the Attorney General or the Chief Deputy. If either investigation had concluded that a reasonable basis to bring criminal charges existed, then a Deputy Attorney General could have, and would have, brought charges, the answer states. No authority Finally, the answer states that nothing in local law or the Organic Act of Guam allows the governor authority to appoint special assistant attorney generals or special prosecutors. While the Supreme Court of Guam last year found that the governor could appoint special assistant AGs in situations where Moylan could not or would not act, the ruling did not apply to special prosecutors, the answer states. Said decision expressly rejected any consideration of a special prosecutor and expressly applied only to representation of executive branch line agencies. The Office of the Attorney General is not a line agency, it states. Only the AG has the power to appoint prosecutors under the law, the answer states. The only way to remove an elected AG is through a recall election, where residents vote the AG out, it states. The U.S. Armys Patriot interceptor missiles are coming to Guam, a top Army official announced during a recent public event. Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus said Guam will host one of four new Patriot interceptor battalions the Army is bringing online, during an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies last month. Patriot batteries are widely known for their use defending against ballistic missiles fired by the Iraq military when the U.S. toppled the regime of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein in 2003. Mingus told the Center for Strategic and International Studies last month that the system will be a part of the planned Guam Defense System. The Patriot system is one of a number of different anti-missile interceptors identified as components for the militarys planned 360-degree enhanced integrated missile defense system. That system will integrate radar tech and interceptor launchers from across the services. Other interceptors that the military plans to integrate are already in Guam. Photos published by the Department of Defense on July 27 showing Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll touring the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense site long maintained on northern Guam, manned by Task Force Talon, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. That visit coincided with the arrival of the Armys new radar tech, the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS, for testing, Defense News reports. In December, the Aegis Guam System successfully struck a target fired 80 miles off the coast of the island. It is the land-based version of the Navys top-of-the-line Aegis interceptors. Aegis Guam remained on the island at least through May, and the Missile Defense Agency plans to host twice yearly testing of the system, the Pacific Daily News reported previously. That LTAMDS radar could also be used to boost the Patriot system, Mingus told the Center for Strategic and International Studies last month. Additional tests for the THAAD or Patriot could be in the pipeline, John Bier, MDA program director for the Guam Defense System, told the PDN in July 2024. Total cost for the Guam Defense was estimated at about $8 billion by Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, executive director of the Guam Defense System Joint Program Office. An analysis by the Pacific Daily News identified about $1.7 billion worth of contract awards for the system as of July. A 2024 report from the Department of Defenses director of Operation Testing and Evaluation found for the second year in a row significant challenges to putting together the various missile interceptor systems. Plans for the missile defense system come as China rapidly grows its nuclear stockpile and stores of nuclear-capable Guam Killer missiles, the PDN has reported. Late last month, the MDA released the final environmental impact statement for the planned 360-degree missile defense system. It calls for 36 launchers and 14 radar arrays spread across 16 sites. Progress towards the system has drawn a call for additional Department of Defense investing into local infrastructure from Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. It has also drawn sharp criticism from local defense watchdog Pacific Center for Island Security, which stated the DoD fails to address major impacts of the coming system. Superior Court Judge Maria T. Cenzon on Monday sentenced Segundo Aguero Sablan to a three-year prison term, suspending all but one year, following an April 2 guilty plea to possession of a concealed firearm without a valid firearms ID. The sentence will run concurrently, meaning to be served at the same time, with Sablans existing sentences in two felony cases, and he will receive credit for time already served. He will be released in this case and transition to up to three years of parole supervision, with conditions including drug and alcohol treatment and community service. According to court documents, on Sept. 20, 2023, officers found a 2023 Nissan Kicks in the parking lot of the SureStay Hotel in Barrigada and approached the vehicle. Sablan was in the drivers seat and was arrested due to multiple active warrants. Officers found an Underwood M1 30 caliber bolt-action rifle under the passenger seat. Sablan told officers he had borrowed the vehicle but admitted the rifle had been on the passenger seat and he moved it under the seat, court documents stated. The report also stated the rifle was not registered on Guam and had never been registered to anyone. Sablan does not and cannot obtain a valid firearms identification card, with or without a concealed carry permit, because of his conviction in another case in 2022. Prosecutors during the Monday sentencing also moved to dismiss the second charge, possession of an unregistered firearm, which the court granted as part of the plea agreement. Sablans parole eligibility in a 2017 case begins in February 2026, with his full-time release scheduled for June 2027. In a 2022 case, he becomes eligible for parole on Sept. 18. Defense attorney Chad N. Enoki told the court that his client is ready to move forward. He wants to proceed with the sentencing so that we can increase our move through the levels of security at DOC, so he can avail more programming, he said. The court agreed to proceed with sentencing despite initial plans to align it with his release date. Upon release, Sablan must report to the parole office within 48 hours. He is ordered to complete 150 hours of community service under the direction of the parole board. The court also ordered that any unpaid fines, except for $80 in court costs, may be converted into community service at minimum wage. Any final cost can be converted to community service at the minimum wage rate per hour at the time of conversion, prior to your incarceration and or detention, Cenzon said. During the term of parole, Sablan is prohibited from consuming alcohol, entering bars, lounges, possessing firearms or illegal drugs. He will undergo random drug and alcohol testing and be subject to search by law enforcement or parole officers. While Cenzon did not require behavioral health counseling, she allowed credit for any treatment Sablan underwent while incarcerated, including participation in the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment, RSAT, program. Sablan will also be required to seek and maintain employment and must not associate with known felons, unless they are involved in court-ordered treatment programs. Should you fail to follow all conditions of your parole, this could result in a hearing before the board who can then revoke your parole and impose the remainder of the three-year term of incarceration, Cenzon told Sablan directly. However, should you complete the conditions of your parole before the expiration of your three years of supervised parole, then you can then be placed on unsupervised parole for the remaining portion. No restitution was ordered. The court directed Sablan to forfeit any firearms or false identification and approved his release from confinement effective immediately. A Department of Corrections officer was arrested Monday for allegedly assaulting a Guam Police Department officer at Club Icon in Tumon, in what DOC described as an incident that occurred while off duty. DOC Corrections Officer II Felix Q. Sanchez was charged with aggravated assault as a third-degree felony and destruction of evidence as a misdemeanor, according to a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court. He was booked and confined at the Hagatna Detention Facility. The incident took place Sunday while Sanchez was off duty. Officer Sanchez has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation moves forward, DOC said. In a statement, DOC said the director, Fred Bordallo, wants to assure the community that the department holds every employee to the highest standards of professionalism on and off duty. According to the magistrates complaint, around 2 a.m. on Aug. 3, police responded to a report of an unconscious officer at Club Icon. Police arrived and found an off-duty officer who was confused and had a bleeding injury on his left eyebrow. He had visible facial injuries, including a 1-inch laceration on his brow and swelling on the right side of his head, the complaint stated. The officer said he was struck unexpectedly while exiting Icon and he was transported to the Tumon Tamuning Precinct Command for medical treatment. A witness told police he saw the off-duty officer was struck in the jaw by a man wearing a black shirt with Corrections printed on it while exiting the club and the man lost consciousnesses after the attack. The man wearing the black shirt was later identified as Sanchez. Later that day, police met with Sanchez, who said he was drinking before arriving at Club Icon, where he claimed to have not been injured or involved in any altercations. He was wearing a black shirt featuring Corrections on it. He initially denied involvement, but then said he knew of an incident via a WhatsApp group. After learning about a formal complaint against him, Sanchez replied, no comment when asked if he was involved in the altercation, documents stated. He admitted to being at Club Icon, to trying to calm a belligerent person whom he identified as the off-duty officer, to walking outside with him and then punching him to subdue him, the complaint stated. Sanchez told officers that you cant let big guys get the first punch on you, documents stated. When Sanchez found out the man was a police officer, he reached out to him to see if a formal complaint had been filed and to see if the man was OK. Prior to providing a statement, Sanchez deleted his call logs and chat history, claiming the investigation had no bearing on the deletions, the complaint stated. The off-duty officer contacted police later that evening to express his intent to pursue a criminal complaint and said Sanchez had called him after he left the hospital. Haiti - FLASH : Major Haitian Barbecue Sponsor Arrested in the USA Bazile Richardson, a Haitian-born trucking company owner living with his family in North Carolina, was arrested on July 23, 2025, in Houston for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). He is accused of facilitating money transfers to Jimmy Cherizier, aka "Barbecue" the current leader of "Viv Ansanm" designated as foreign terrorist organization by the United States in May 2025 and subject to U.S. sanctions, aimed at overthrowing the Haitian government, according to the FBI. According to the indictment (case #4:25-mj-453), Richardson allegedly solicited money from other Haitians in the diaspora in the United States via social media and messaging services and coordinated a network involving contributors in the United States, Haiti, and other countries between December 2020 and January 2025. This network used money transfers and third parties to conceal its operations and circumvent the sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department against Cherizier. These funds were intended, among other things, to purchase firearms, ammunition, equipment, vehicles, and other barbecue projects. "Don't say anything about the organization when you send money," he allegedly told people sending funds to Haiti. "They're monitoring everything because of the sanctions." Prosecutors said they had voice memos and messages from Richardson indicating he was aware of the sanctions. In some messages, Richardson discussed overthrowing the Haitian government, according to the indictment. Richardson allegedly promised to contribute to the financing of all of Cherizier's projects and to help him acquire heavy weapons, according to court records. Richardson, a close friend of Cherizier, was considered a key member of the gang due to his financial contributions. Should be noted that Richardson had been under investigation since mid-2022, according to court records detailing his communications with Cherizier. An arrest warrant was issued on July 17, and he was arrested on July 23 in Houston. Richardson was remanded in custody following a hearing held on July 29 in Houston. His case was transferred to a federal court in Washington. This indictment, filed on July 24, 2025, in the District Court for the District of Columbia (case 4:25-mj-453), marks a turning point in the U.S. strategy against Haitian gang financing. If the charges are confirmed, Bazile Richardson could become one of the first members of the Haitian diaspora to be prosecuted for directly financially supporting a gang leader sanctioned by Washington. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Agro-industry : Between dependence and food sovereignty A strategic report commissioned by the Investment Promotion Directorate (DPI) of the Investment Facilitation Center (CFI) reveals that Haitian agribusiness is a fundamental pillar of the national economy, resting on fragile foundations. Despite its contribution of 20 to 25% to the national GDP and its role as an employer of more than 2.5 million people, or 50% of the working population, the Haitian agricultural sector paradoxically remains dependent on the massive import of staple foods. Rice : Symbol of Dependence : The case of rice is revealing. Haiti produces approximately 120,000 tons of rice per year, barely 25.5% of its national consumption (470,000 tons). The remainder (some 350,000 tons) is imported, representing a market estimated at between USD 150 and 200 million per year. "This chronic food dependency is an anomaly in a country blessed with fertile land and strong productive potential," emphasizes Junior International Prospecting Officer Yves Harry Deslouches in this report. According to the report, modernizing the Artibonite Valley, the heart of Haitian rice farming, would increase productivity by 30% thanks to modern rice mills, hybrid seeds, and smart irrigation systems. Cocoa and Coffee : Sleeping Resources : Haitian coffee, produced in the highlands of the Southeast and Center, enjoys international recognition. Yet, of the 20,000 tons produced each year, barely 14,000 are exported, mainly by a company that generates revenues of USD 10 to 15 million. The global specialty coffee market, which is growing by 7% per year according to the International Coffee Organization (2024), remains largely untapped by Haiti. The same goes for cocoa. A cooperative in Grand'Anse has led the way : by exporting 100 tons of certified organic cocoa in 2023, it tripled its revenues, from $200,000 to $600,000, and created 200 jobs. If this experience were replicated on a large scale, exports could reach $20 million by 2030, compared to $1 to $2 million currently. Logistical Challenges : The Invisible Enemy But why isn't Haiti exporting more? The answer is simple: the transportation of the harvest. According to the report, post-harvest losses reach up to 40% for mangoes and breadfruit due to a lack of storage infrastructure and passable roads. Added to this are transportation costs, which can represent up to 30% of the total cost of a processed agri-food product. "A fleet of refrigerated trucks, combined with the rehabilitation of rural roads, would be a game-changer," the report states. The cost ? Around USD 10 million. But the return on investment, according to experts at CFI-Invest Haiti, could reach 20 to 25% in five years. Towards productive sovereignty : For Yves Harry Deslouches, "the objective is not only to export, but to achieve productive sovereignty by gradually replacing imports." This means processing locally, creating integrated value chains, certifying products, and conquering niche markets (organic, fair trade, gluten-free) in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Dubai. IH/ iciHaiti It has been apparent for some time that generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Llama, aka Meta AI, are also massively changing the world of work. Tech companies such as Amazon are now getting serious and have announced "AI-supported" job cuts. At the same time, employees are trying to understand which professions could be particularly affected by the changes brought about by AI. A study by Microsoft has now provided new clues. Anzeige The software giant's researchers have analyzed work activities "that people perform with the help of AI". They came to the following conclusion: the highest "AI applicability scores" are among knowledge workers who perform computer or administrative tasks. This value indicates the extent to which there is a "non-trivial" use of AI that can successfully perform activities that make up a significant part of a job's tasks. Using these applicability values, the researchers compiled a ranking of 40 professions in which it has the highest value. No "list of replaceability" However, Microsoft does not believe that this means that these professions will soon disappear. Rather, the list is intended to show the professions in which Microsoft's own AI application Copilot is currently used the most. The researchers focused on how successfully and comprehensively these activities are carried out. The researchers clarify that the statements in the study can of course only apply to Copilot. Specifically, according to the authors, they examined a data set of 200,000 "anonymized and privacy-checked conversations between users and Microsoft Bing Copilot". They found that "the most common work activities for which people seek AI assistance include information gathering and writing". The publicly usable AI system itself mainly provided data and possibly linked know-how. It also frequently provided support, wrote, taught and advised. Flight attendants in third place Interpreters and translators are at the top of the AI applicability list, followed by historians and flight attendants. Particularly in the case of the latter, it is clear that the study results cannot be understood as a "list of replaceability by AI". The authors of the study themselves concede this: "Occupations such as flight attendants and school bus attendants appear to be areas where our method may overestimate the tool's ability to provide information for occupations for which LLMs may be less relevant." Obviously, a flight attendant does much more in their job than just provide relevant information, and much that requires physical presence. Customer service and sales representatives, who currently still fill around five million jobs in the US alone, are also at the top of the list, as are writers and authors, telephone operators, ticket sellers and travel agents, radio presenters, brokers, telemarketers and political scientists. News analysts and journalists, mathematicians, editors, business teachers and PR specialists also have a high potential for AI use. This generally applies to knowledge workers who perform computer or administrative tasks. Anzeige In general, the study shows that professions that require a bachelor's degree have a higher applicability for AI than jobs with lower educational requirements. The lowest applicability is found among excavator operators, bridge and lock keepers, water treatment plant operators, foundry workers, track layers and associated maintenance personnel, pile drivers and soil grinders and layers. It's tempting to conclude that occupations that overlap heavily with jobs performed by AI will be automated, resulting in a loss of jobs or wages, the authors write. However, this would be a mistake "as our data do not take into account downstream effects of new technologies on firms, which are very difficult to predict and often counterintuitive". However, the same applies to the idea that occupations in which AI is used to support jobs will expand and wages will rise. (hos) 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. Speaking to Helsingin Sanomat, Vestman said the Constitution does not require the Eduskunta to be involved in decisions about recognising foreign states, even in cases considered politically sensitive or divisive. Finnish Constitutional Law Committee Chair Heikki Vestman has stated that the government has no legal obligation to bring the question of recognising Palestine to Parliament. The recognition of a state does not, by default, fall under the Parliaments jurisdiction, Vestman said. There is no constitutional clause requiring the government to refer a single, particularly disputed foreign policy matter to Parliament for resolution. Foreign policy in Finland is led jointly by the President and the government. However, Vestman noted that formal decisions on state recognition are made through executive channels unless a specific conflict emerges between the President and the Cabinet. The comments come after former Prime Minister and Speaker Matti Vanhanen suggested the issue should be presented to Parliament via a government report. Vanhanen pointed to a constitutional procedure that applies in the event of a clear disagreement between the President and the Cabinet. Last week, President Alexander Stubb stated he would support recognition of Palestine if the government made such a proposal. His comments were widely interpreted as showing personal approval, though no official policy has been submitted. Within the government, some coalition members, including the Christian Democrats and the Finns Party, have opposed recognition. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Friday that no steps are currently being taken to prepare such a decision. Legal scholars told Helsingin Sanomat on Monday that the present situation does not trigger any constitutional requirement to involve Parliament. Vestman agreed, stating that the so-called constitutional safeguard only applies if there is a formal proposal from the government that the President refuses to approve. There is no formal dispute here. No written decision has been proposed, he said. Even if such a disagreement were to occur, it would be up to the government to decide whether to involve Parliament. The procedure requires the Cabinets consent, there is no obligation. Vestman also clarified that the President cannot initiate a proposal to recognise a state on his own. Any formal decision must originate from the Cabinet. HT Since 2020, the Helsinki Administrative Court has handled nine appeals concerning HUS appointments. In more than half of the cases, the court annulled the original decisions, citing procedural failures and unjust treatment of qualified applicants. A growing number of senior appointments made by the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District (HUS) have been overturned by the courts, following allegations of unlawful hiring procedures and systemic favouritism. Two experienced physicians interviewed by Helsingin Sanomat described being unfairly excluded from senior positions despite strong credentials. In both cases, the court later ruled in their favour, nullifying the contested appointments. The doctors, whose identities remain confidential, allege that HUS's hiring processes were superficial or entirely absent. According to their account, preferred candidates were effectively pre-selected, with formal recruitment processes serving as a facade. They described an internal culture marked by favouritism and informal networks, where existing staff or known associates were prioritised. Both suggested that gender bias also played a role in certain appointments, contributing to what they see as a persistent and discriminatory pattern within the organisation. Each doctor initially filed a request for correction with HUSs governing board. After their appeals were rejected, they brought their cases before the administrative court, which ultimately sided with them. Despite their legal victories, both highlighted the personal cost of the appeals process. They described the years-long proceedings as mentally exhausting and financially burdensome, discouraging others from challenging similar injustices. The doctors criticised the hospital districts political board as ineffective, describing it as a rubber stamp with no real oversight. They also expressed frustration that court rulings led to no consequences for those responsible for unlawful decisions. Responding to the findings, HUS CEO Matti Bergendahl acknowledged the broader issue. There have traditionally been cases in the public sector where its felt that positions were already informally assigned before the recruitment process, Bergendahl said. This should no longer happen. We are doing everything we can to prevent it. Bergendahl did not consider the number of overturned appointments especially high in relation to the size of the organisation, which employs around 3,500 doctors and more than 27,000 staff in total. Still, he conceded that the goal should be zero. He said HUS had taken steps to improve hiring transparency, including clarifying recruitment guidelines and strengthening oversight. We are strongly committed to legality and good governance. When mistakes occur, we correct them, Bergendahl said. He added that both internal and external monitoring processes are in place and are being reinforced. HT In an interview with Iltalehti, Multala admitted she had been drunk during the event. Its clear that I was drunk in the video, and I apologise for that, she said. It was a private conversation late in the evening, and of course I didnt know it was being recorded. Finlands Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala has apologised for her conduct at the Ruisrock music festival after a video showing her in an intoxicated state was widely circulated online. The video was published by YouTuber Osmonaut, who is known for his rap-related content. It featured Multala alongside Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and members of the rap duo JVG. In the footage, artist Ville Galle is heard saying the ministers had been drinking all day and were totally drunk. The ministers attended the Turku-based festival on 5 July as guests of the city. Before the festival, 23 members of Parliament and four government ministers took part in an official reception hosted by the mayor at the Radisson Blu Marina Palace hotel. The gathering included a buffet meal with wine and light alcoholic drinks. The City of Turku has confirmed that Ruisrock provided the VIP tickets under a long-standing cooperation agreement and that the invitation did not result in direct additional expenses for the city. Under Finnish transparency rules, MPs must declare gifts, tickets or hospitality worth over 400. Benefits below that threshold may be left undeclared unless voluntarily disclosed. Prime Minister Orpo declared his Ruisrock ticket, which was valued at 864.84, in the governments gift register. As of Tuesday morning, Multala had not submitted her declaration. All declarations must be filed by the end of August. The incident has triggered discussion about the conduct of public officials at non-political events and raised questions about transparency and responsibility when accepting hospitality. Multala has not commented further on the matter. No formal disciplinary actions have been announced. HT The plant has recently been spotted near lakes and rivers in several regions, including Ahtari, Lehtimaki, Salla, and Oulu. Locals have shared sightings on social media and neighbourhood forums, with reports focusing on its presence near swimming spots and dog-walking areas. One of Finlands most toxic native plants, water hemlock (Cicuta virosa), is now blooming across the country, prompting fresh warnings from conservation experts and public health officials. Known for its tall, hollow stems and white umbrella-shaped flowers, water hemlock can grow up to 1.5 metres high and is easily mistaken for harmless wild plants like cow parsley and ground elder. This is a native Finnish species, not an invasive one, said Markus Seppala, a conservation expert at the South Ostrobothnia ELY Centre. It thrives along wet shorelines, especially in southern and western Finland, though its less common in the north. Despite its native status, the plant is widely misunderstood. People call me thinking its invasive. Its not, but it is highly toxic, Seppala added. All parts of the plant contain cicutoxin, a powerful neurotoxin, with the highest concentration found in the roots. Contact with the plant can cause skin irritation, but the most severe risks come from ingestion or disturbance of the root system. Breaking the plant or pulling it from the ground can release toxins into nearby water, Seppala said. This poses a direct risk to swimmers, pets, and livestock. Accidental poisonings typically occur when people mistake water hemlock for edible plants, especially during foraging. The symptoms can escalate rapidly: vomiting, seizures, excessive salivation, and in extreme cases, death. The resemblance to edible umbellifers is dangerous, Seppala warned. If you're not absolutely sure what youre picking, dont touch it. The rule is the same as with mushrooms. Water hemlock blooms during July and August, increasing the risk of exposure during peak outdoor activity season. Seppala recommended reporting any sightings at public beaches or recreational areas to local authorities. Removal should always be handled by professionals using proper protection, he said. He also advised people to avoid swimming near any area where the plant has recently been disturbed. The toxins can disperse into the water, and its best to wait before entering again. Public health officials are encouraging parents to educate children on how to recognise the plant and understand the danger. Accurate identification is key, said Seppala. Awareness prevents accidents. HT The decision, first reported by i24NEWS, The Jerusalem Post, Channel 12, and Ynet, signals an expansion of Israeli military operations across the entire enclave, including areas where captives are believed to be held by Hamas. The development comes as the war in Gaza approaches its second year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a plan for a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to multiple Israeli media reports. A senior Israeli official quoted by Channel 12s political analyst Amit Sega stated: The decision has been made. Hamas wont release more hostages without total surrender, and we wont surrender. If we dont act now, the hostages will starve to death and Gaza will remain under Hamass control. According to The Times of Israel and The Jerusalem Post, Netanyahus office conveyed the decision directly to Israeli Defence Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, reportedly warning, If this doesnt suit you, you should resign. The Prime Minister is expected to convene his war cabinet on Tuesday to formalise the decision and set operational directives. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the reported move, urging international intervention. In a statement, the ministry called on world governments to prevent what it described as either an imminent escalation or an attempt to test global reaction. Netanyahus office has not issued an official comment. The Israeli military also declined to confirm operational changes when contacted. The reports follow the release of video footage showing two Israeli captives in Gaza, Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, appearing visibly malnourished. The footage sparked renewed domestic pressure on Netanyahu to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Forty-nine captives are still held by Hamas, according to Israeli officials, including 27 who are presumed dead. Speaking on Monday at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reiterated his war objectives: defeating Hamas, releasing all hostages, and removing any future threat from Gaza. We must continue to stand together and fight together to achieve all our war objectives, he said. Hamas has accused Israel of bearing full responsibility for the fate of the captives. Senior Hamas figure Osama Hamdan said in a statement that Israels leadership is guilty of stubbornness, arrogance, and evasion and charged that Western governments have ignored the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Hamdan also claimed that Israel is conducting a war of extermination and starvation against Palestinians. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 60,930 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. At least 18,430 of them were children. Medical sources in Gaza reported that 74 Palestinians, including 36 people waiting for humanitarian aid, were killed in Israeli attacks on Monday alone. Israel has come under growing international pressure over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Several governments and aid organisations have called for greater access to the enclave, where shortages of food, water, and medical supplies have worsened in recent months. The Israeli government continues to resist calls for a ceasefire, maintaining that military pressure is necessary to weaken Hamas and recover the captives. HT The decision, confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday, formally ends Moscows participation in the treaty that banned ground-launched nuclear and conventional missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometres. Russia has announced it will no longer observe the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, a Cold War-era agreement that once eliminated an entire category of nuclear missiles from Europe. The United States withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019, under the administration of President Donald Trump, citing repeated violations by Russia. At the time, Russia denied the accusations but stated it would refrain from deploying the banned systems unless the US did so first. That position has now been reversed. Russian officials say the deteriorating security environment and actions by NATO and the United States have forced the change. Following the announcement, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev posted a warning on X (formerly Twitter), stating: This is the new reality our enemies must face. Expect further steps. The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. It led to the destruction of thousands of missiles, including the US Pershing II and the Soviet SS-20 Saber, and was viewed as a cornerstone of European security during the late Cold War. The treaty entered into force in June 1988 and remained in effect for over three decades. Its collapse marks a significant retreat from post-Cold War arms control efforts. In December, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that Moscow might be compelled to respond to what he called destabilising actions by the United States and NATO. With the treaty now fully abandoned by both sides, the future of arms control in Europe remains uncertain. No new agreements have been introduced to replace the INF framework, and tensions between NATO and Russia continue to escalate following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. HT Cooper more vulnerable than it might appear I dont know for certain who will win North Carolinas U.S. Senate race next year and neither do you. Related Stories The likely Democratic nominee, Roy Cooper, has never lost a primary or general election. Hes won statewide office six times, four terms as attorney general and two as governor, plus a series of legislative contests in the late 1980s and 1990s. But these were state races, not federal ones. When sending senators or representatives to Washington, voters prioritize different issues and are more likely to stick with their party preferences. And Coopers likely Republican opponent, Michael Whatley, chairs the Republican National Committee. Hell be well-funded. Cooper is favored at the moment, I think, but hardly a shoo-in. Moreover, none of us knows for certain which way the midterm breezes will blow. The party holding the White House usually loses congressional and legislative seats, but not always. Rather than speculate about Cooper and his partys electoral prospects in the short term, then, let me describe the Democrats longer-term problem. Its about policy, not politics. On at least three sets of issues of great importance to persuadable voters economic, educational and social progressives have yanked the party far away from reality and common sense. The first policy trend will be a familiar one to longtime readers of this column. In recent years, Republican-governed states have generally been cutting taxes and regulations, restraining the growth of public expenditures, and applying market mechanisms to public services. Democratic-governed states have generally pursued a rather different mix of fiscal and regulatory strategies, sometimes for ideological reasons, sometimes to placate labor unions and other interest groups. During the same period, Republican-governed states have, on average, grown faster than Democratic-governed ones, in part because Americans are footing with the feet by leaving tightly regulated states for freer ones in search of employment, opportunity, and a better quality of life. Since 2020, for example, only one of the 10 states with the fastest-growing economies, Washington, was consistently governed by a Democratic legislature. Eight (including North Carolina) had Republican majorities, with the Arizona legislature exhibiting more partisan churn. Similarly, most states with significant gains in population since 2020 are conservatively governed. Most of the states with shrinking populations are progressively governed. Do these trends in and of themselves conclusively prove that conservative policies, typically enacted by Republican lawmakers, yield better economic results than progressive ones? No. Correlation and causation arent synonymous. As I have long argued, public policy is only one of many factors shaping economic outcomes. But lets face it: progressive Democrats in North Carolina and elsewhere have a Chicken Little problem. Theyve predicted doom for states with conservative policies and boom for states with progressive policies. Theyve been wrong. On education, many of the same folks resisted what proved to be a steady expansion of parental choice and school competition. Again they predicted doom and were mistaken. Choice-friendly states such as Florida, Indiana, and Louisiana currently boast some of Americas top-performing public schools. According to several recent studies, states with more school competition tend to post higher test scores and other educational outcomes, not lower ones. And on social policy, Democrats in North Carolina and elsewhere spent decades defending pervasive racial discrimination by colleges and universities in admissions and employment. Such abuses of the concept of affirmative action were never popular and in the case of hiring practices, were never even arguably legal. It shouldnt have taken litigation to restore equal protection under the law. In all three cases, progressivism proved to be politically costly. Given more room to maneuver, Democratic politicians could have adjusted to these entirely predictable trends championing some tax cuts and deregulatory efforts, for example, and compromising rather than resisting on school choice and equal protection. Indeed, nimble Democratic governors such as Jared Polis in Colorado and Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania have sometimes done just that, conferring political benefits not only on themselves but on their legislative allies. Roy Cooper? Not so much. * * * * * John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com). Ask Matt ... about roundabouts, Opp House, parking revenue Carolina Village bought the Opportunity House for $700,000 last October. View the Slideshow Q. They're doing a lot of utility work on U.S. 64 West between Blythe Street and Pisgah Drive in Laurel Park. How many poles have they moved and who pays for that? We all pay, of course, and for this project we are talking about installing 75 new power poles to make room for the four roundabouts and lane widening. Heres how it works. NCDOT designs the new roadway or intersection and Duke Energy relocates its facilities to accommodate the changes. NCDOT pays Duke for the relocation costs. If a power pole has other wires such as cable television, each utility is responsible for doing its own relocations. Duke Energy officials said that they experienced about a three-month delay on the project due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Duke should be done with the relocation work by the middle of this month. Once the other utilities have moved their lines and equipment Duke will take down the old poles. The Opportunity House was forced into receivership, then flooded by Hurricane Helene, and sits idle now. Whats happening with it? The once-robust senior center on Asheville Highway is now owned by Carolina Village, which a year ago announced ambitious plans for child-care services for CV employees, tutoring, senior wellness programs and memory care at the 19,800-square foot facility on two acres. Since Carolina Village bought the property on Oct. 18, 2024, for $700,000, it has not communicated publicly further details about its plans for the building. Meanwhile, the seven-year-old saga to hold the Opportunity Houses last leaders to account and dissolve the nonprofit looks to be nearing the finish line. In a court order last November, Superior Court Judge Peter Knight granted requests for payments from the trust managed by receiver John Noor, an attorney with Roberts & Stevens in Asheville, who has been guiding the Opp House dissolution since 2022. Payments included $65,920 to ASG Strategies owner Graham Mew, a consultant to Ken Rhoads, the nonprofits last director; $27,692 to attorney Edward L. Bleynat; and $20,028 to attorney Jake Snider. On his website, Mew describes himself as a successful seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in executive management, IT and consulting (who) brings a wealth of experience with strengths in business strategy and execution, risk management, succession planning, operations, marketing, business systems and product development from initial concept to successful launch, and project management. Hes based in Hendersonville. Bleynat and Snider both represented Rhoads and the Opp House in the lawsuit the Community Foundation brought in 2018 asserting that the Opp House was not properly operating as a nonprofit corporation in accordance with its bylaws. Noors most recent court filing, on July 31, notified Judge Knight that the receivership trust had paid him and his colleague Abbie Hornberger $847.50 for 3.2 hours of work on the case. That left a trust balance of $249,798. In his order on Nov. 19, 2024, Knight directed Noor to schedule a hearing one year hence for purposes of determining the manner of the final distribution of the Trust Balance remaining at such time. Q. How much revenue have the downtown parking fees brought in since they began the new parking system and how much has been paid against the debt? I pitched this question to Hendersonville city officials who said that the financing plan for the parking deck included a total revenue estimate of $836,000. This included revenue from the surface lots (Dogwood, Azalea, etc.), Main Street (including side avenues) and the parking deck itself. The total revenue for the first fiscal year using the kiosk system was $854,000, slightly more than estimated. The city is paying back a 20-year loan for the parking deck with about $810,000 each per year for debt service. The new kiosk and ParkMobile app parking system was launched in March 2023. There has been a 15 percent increase in occupancy in the past year. The busiest time for parking is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Fridays. Naturally, there is no accurate way to determine which parking spaces are used every hour of the day so the daily revenue reports serve as an estimation of occupancy. Also, the city offers free parking several ways such as driving in and out of the parking deck in less than 60 minutes. The data is there but the city is not actively tracking it. What is really cool is that the city has a website that compares the use of the lots, parking deck and on-street downtown parking. Just go to the citys budget page and click on parking dashboard. You will notice that there is no revenue cited for October 2024 due to Hurricane Helene. Q. Did Beautiful, the Carole King tribute, set any attendance records for musicals at the Flat Rock Playhouse? No, but it exceeded our goals, said Samantha Goodrum, the Playhouses managing director. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, ran from June 6 to July 5 with a total of 30 performances. Cats, another recent successful musical, had 26 shows. Most people were surprised by the history in the show and that Carole King once wrote songs for the Shirelles, Goodrum said. We took a risk running a show post-Helene for that long. Goodrum said that this year the Playhouse has been offering shows that put smiles on faces. Some may remember that King, now 83, left NYC in 1977 and bought a ranch in Idaho. Does that make her a country girl? * * * * * Editor Bill Moss contributed reporting on the status of the Opportunity House. Send questions to askmattm@gmail.com. When the New York State Fair set an attendance record with 1.3 million visitors in 2019, scores of fairgoers parked at a lot in the Cayuga County area and rode a Centro bus to the fairgrounds in Onondaga County. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Centro had several fair park-and-ride locations in Cayuga, Onondaga and Oswego counties. In Cayuga County, park-and-rides were located at the Fingerlakes Mall in Aurelius and locations in Port Byron and Weedsport. Another popular option was just over the Cayuga-Onondaga county line at the Elbridge Fire Department. The state fair was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. When it returned in 2021, Centro offered limited park-and-ride service. The agency cited a driver shortage as the main reason it could no longer offer park-and-ride service in several locations, including the Cayuga County area. Steven Koegel, Centro's vice president of communications and business planning, told The Citizen Monday that the agency had six to eight bus drivers who worked over the summer. Some would only work during the state fair. Those drivers either retired or no longer wanted to operate a bus. The loss of those seasonal drivers, along with the overall driver shortage, led Centro to scale back its park-and-ride service. Instead of offering numerous locations in three counties, it now has three state fair park-and-ride sites: The transit hub in downtown Syracuse, Destiny USA in Syracuse and Long Branch Park in the town of Geddes. "Getting back to that level of operators has been a challenge and is going to be a challenge going forward," Koegel said. "We cannot operate the park-and-ride in Cayuga County because it's so popular, we would be afraid that we wouldn't be able to keep up with demand." The popularity in Cayuga County is obvious after The Citizen sought comments from readers about the park-and-ride service. Several people who contacted The Citizen or posted on Facebook said they have not returned to the fair since Centro ended its park-and-ride service at Fingerlakes Mall or the other Cayuga County-area sites. Felicia Petito told The Citizen that her family and friends would ride the bus from Fingerlakes Mall to the state fairgrounds. "The stress of finding parking at the fairgrounds is overwhelming," she said. "But the bus ride alone was fun for my kids." They haven't attended the fair since the park-and-ride service ended at the mall. Mary Randall wrote in an email that her family used the Centro bus service to attend the state fair. "This was the only transportation we had to the fair," she said. "It was essential for my friends, family and neighbors to have access to safe, affordable transportation. More importantly, it granted access to the fair for individuals who would not otherwise be able to attend the fair." Randall, who said she is in her 60s, misses having the Centro bus as an option to travel to the fair. "I cannot drive and park in the satellite lots, then hope to catch the often overcrowded shuttle to the entrance," she added. Petito and Randall highlight the problem for Centro. There are a lot of people who would use the service, but they lack the drivers to offer it. During the fair's historic attendance run, there would often be long lines at the park-and-ride locations and that's when Centro had more drivers than it does now. In certain situations, such as after concerts or during late evening hours, Koegel said Centro could use buses and drivers from Syracuse to transport fairgoers back to Cayuga County. Now, though, they don't have enough drivers. The park-and-ride service, Koegel continued, is "above and beyond" Centro's daily bus routes in central New York. "We must get those people to and from jobs and medical appointments. Many of these people are transit-dependent," he said. "We cannot take those buses away from those individuals and reallocate them for state fair service." Buckiso, along with thousands of steelworkers, their family members, and members of the community, is walking around the gravel parking lot that sits along the banks of the Monongahela River. All around him are dozens of massive industrial buildings that house blast furnaces, a slab caster, two top-blown basic oxygen process vessels, a vacuum degasser, and a ladle metallurgy facility. They are all part of the iconic Edgar Thomson Works, or ET, a steelmaking facility that was established by Andrew Carnegie and named after the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad, some say, to curry favor for support of his enterprises. Steam rises out of a stack as the long, long, short, long whistle of a Union Railroad momentarily cuts off access to the parking lot as it moves materials such as iron ore, coke, and finished steel. It is ET's 150th birthday, and just about everyone in attendance here wasn't sure the famed facility would reach this milestone. Last December, Buckiso, the senior vice president and chief manufacturing officer of U.S. Steel, was standing outside the Clairton Works plant at a rally filled with union steelworkers. It was one day after Bloomberg News reported that then-President Joe Biden would block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel on national security grounds. The steelworkers and plant officials pulled together a makeshift rally. Buckisco made a direct plea to Biden, saying the transaction with Nippon was the only hope to preserve and grow their integrated steel-making and the union jobs that supported the process. Buckisco's plea fell on deaf ears. By Jan. 6, Biden made it official, blocking the sale and crushing the hopes of the union steelworkers. Unless you lived here, you really have no idea how bad that news was that day. America's first billion-dollar company, a company that was the symbol of the exceptionalism and grit the country has stood for since our founding, would likely not survive the news. Eight months later, Buckisco strides from his vehicle with his daughter in tow, looks around at the billowing white tents giving shade to picnic tables, a DJ playing working-class rock and roll anthems to the thousands of steelworkers and their families, and smiles broadly. The good guys won. Finally. And Buckisco and everyone else here are on top of the world since President Donald Trump came to the Mon Valley Irvin Works in late May to announce the deal with Nippon and U.S. Steel. By June, the merger of U.S. Steel with Japans Nippon Steel was finalized after the companies signed a national security agreement with the United States and accepted a golden share arrangement. "It means hope. It means the future. It means there's going to be potentially another 150 years of people just like me in this community that will have the same opportunities, same opportunity to put their kids through school, support their families," he says, then pauses and looks at his teenage daughter, adding, "Maybe she stays living around here. I was telling her on the way down, maybe she'll be our fifth generation." Buckisco grew up in Duquesne, where the once mighty Duquesne Works dominated the skyline of the working-class city. His greatest memory was of his father and grandfather walking down the steep hill of Catherine Street to work together at the mill. His father was in management, his grandfather was in the union. "I started as a management associate in 1990 at the Irvin Works, worked there for about 13 years, up through the ranks. I was a shift manager for 10 years, and then I had an opportunity to work at other facilities, then came back home to work here," he said. "It is a great day. It's a great day. Not only for Edgar Thomson, but all of the Mon Valley and the communities, especially with the transaction that we just had," he said of the deal Trump made between the two steel giants. Patricia Kazimer is watching the thousands lining up to tour ET, a rare treat for many family members of steelworkers to see what their loved ones do every day, but also for the members of the community. There is a sea of orange safety jackets and royal blue hard hats. Kazimer is a fourth-generation U.S. Steel employee whose family came to the U.S. in the great migration wave of the 20th century to fill the manufacturing jobs. "My great-grandfather came over from Slovakia, that was my mom's side of the family. And then my dad's side of the family, that great-grandfather came over from Slovakia. They both worked at U.S. Steel and Homestead Works," Kazimer explains. "I grew up in Homestead. Literally, I could see the mill from where I lived. And so I had both great-grandfathers and then my grandfather worked at Homestead Works for 42 years as a hooker he hooked the ladles and my dad worked at U.S. Steel as well," she explained. Kazimer said she began her career at ET in 2011. "I was the plant admin for the plant manager. And then a few years later, I took on all the Mon Valley Works Environmental," she explained, adding today she is working at the iconic downtown Pittsburgh skyscraper, which is the tallest building in Appalachia. "U.S. Steel is such a great place to work. I love my job every day since I've started here," she said, a sentiment repeated over and over again, no matter where you worked for the company. Everyone discussed how the new investments from Nippon will build the next generation of steel. They were also excited about the preparations to make new advancements in technology and steel, and how that will build the future for the next generations. Plant manager Jon Olszewski said people in attendance on Sunday first experienced a driving tour of the hundreds of acres of the plant. "Then they saw the blast furnaces and all where the raw materials come in, as well as our powerhouse, where we generate electricity, and then a walking tour of the basic oxygen process, which is where the steel making starts," he explained. They also saw their casting machine, where the liquid steel is formed into a cast slab, which was the most exciting moment of a non-stop, exciting tour. As someone who has watched this industry die and all of the communities, churches, fraternal clubs, mom-and-pop stores, and families that have either splintered or closed, or stubbornly refused to move in the hopes that someday their worlds would be prosperous again, the emotions are difficult to convey. Few chronicled these losses in the news in real time. It wasn't until 2016 that they tried to understand why Trump was appealing to Rust Belt cities across the Midwest. Then the reporting was more anthropological than curious. The population of Pittsburgh, where mills dotted the shoreline of the rivers, collapsed by half between the end of the 1960s and today, with much of that outmigration being young people looking for opportunity as the mills and manufacturing began to collapse. Kurt Barshick, the vice president for the Mon Valley Works, which includes ET, Irvin Works, and the Clairton Works, said being able to have this day come to life is overwhelming for him when he thinks about what might have happened. "It means everything. I mean, you think about this plant, it's been in business for 150 years, and with the investments we're going to have, the next generation of steelworkers, they're going to have secure jobs here. Not only secure jobs, but the jobs of the future, putting in high technology, really advanced steel making," he said. Barshick said it is important to place this in the context of what was and what can be. "It's really exciting to think about the past workers that have worked here, our current families and friends that work at our mills, and then the future, the children that are here are going to have jobs." (COMMENT, BELOW) Salena Zito is a CNN political analyst, and a staff reporter and columnist for the Washington Examiner. She reaches the Everyman and Everywoman through shoe-leather journalism, traveling from Main Street to the beltway and all places in between. Beijing (Gasgoo)- Seyond, a leading Chinese LiDAR technology company, announced via its WeChat account on July 31 that its latest-generation pure solid-state ultra-wide-angle LiDAR, the Hummingbird D1, has secured a designated contract from a premium brand under one of China's top automakers. The selected vehicle model is positioned as a high-end intelligent car, demanding exceptional performance, reliability, and integration from its perception systems. Thanks to its groundbreaking technology and adaptability across diverse driving scenarios, the Hummingbird D1 has emerged as a key enabler in the brand's intelligent transformation. Photo credit: Seyond The Hummingbird D1 is built on a pure solid-state electronic scanning architectureeliminating all mechanical moving parts. Refined by Seyond's seasoned engineering team, the LiDAR boasts high reliability, production efficiency, and manufacturing consistency. It offers a robust and dependable sensing foundation for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Compact and lightweight, the Hummingbird D1 is designed for flexible deployment across multiple vehicle exterior points, including fenders and bumpers. Its form factor can be tailored to match OEM styling requirements, empowering designers to balance aesthetics with functional integration. The Hummingbird D1 also supports a satellite system architecture and outputs raw data, allowing centralized domain controllers to process point clouds. This significantly improves system resource efficiency while laying the groundwork for scalable, future-proof platforms that support continuous feature evolution and algorithm upgrades. With a field of view of 140 100 and a detection blind spot of less than 10 cm, the Hummingbird D1 delivers full-spectrum, real-time perception across all scenarios. It can accurately detect overhead and hollow obstacles such as garage height bars, barriers, and signage, as well as low-lying objects like children, pets, and traffic cones. This enables a substantial leap in proactive safety performance for higher-level ADAS driving. The new contract represents a significant milestone for Seyond, following the large-scale production of its high-performance Falcon series (1550nm) LiDARs and modular Robin series (905nm/940nm) LiDARs. This breakthrough not only validates the viability of Seyond's dual-path technology strategy but also establishes it among the first globally to bring pure solid-state LiDAR into mass-produced passenger vehicles. It signifies a major step forward in making pure solid-state LiDAR more reliable, cost-effective, and easier to integrateaccelerating its path to commercial adoption. A 22-year-old North Carolina man was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 15 years probation for raping a 14-year-old under his care at a Billings youth treatment facility. Drew Alec Kinnin previously admitted guilt to a rape charge after photos obtained from a search on his phone showed multiple photos of him and a 14-year-old girl while he was working for Youth Dynamics, a therapeutic program for kids that has since been absorbed into the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. For roughly a month, Kinnin engaged in a sexual relationship with the girl while working his night shifts alone at River's Edge therapeutic group home. Kinnin, a former military veteran, came to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch in August of 2022 wanting to give kids a better life, according to court documents. He was then reassigned to Rivers Edge, working a three-day weekend night shift alone. Roughly four months after he starting work at the group home in spring of 2023, police responded to reports of sexual assault and interviewed the victim, Kinnin and coworkers. Kinnin initially said in his first interview with a detective he was terrified that one of the eight female residents under his supervision would put allegations on him. He flatly denied any claims of sexual interactions, describing himself as a strict disciplinarian. Once the detectives obtained incriminating photos from his phone in a second interview, he explained the 14-year-old girl was sexually aggressive and that he was not able to reject her advances. He said he knew sexual relations with a child was wrong. Despite this, he confessed to having sexual intercourse with the child in the group home. He said he was afraid of the victim at the time, because she would threaten to report him if he didnt have sex. While he cleared a background check, interviews with coworkers revealed troubling behavior from the defendant at the time, according to court documents. A coworker told police that he didnt trust Kinnin because he lies. The coworker observed Kinnin discussing his favorite porn while on shift, letting female residents use his electronic cigarette, and allowing female residents to sit in the office with him in the middle of the night. The coworker said Kinnin described the 14-year-old as his wife. A manager with the group home heard these reports from other staff members but gave Kinnin wider latitude because of staffing challenges the group home was facing. The weekend night shift Kinnin worked was an unpopular shift and was difficult to find employees to work, the manager told police. On Monday, Yellowstone County District Court Judge Thomas Pardy used this background to help inform a stricter sentencing than what Kinnins defense counsel asked for. Counsel for Kinnin argued for four years in prison and six years in probation, because Kinnin took full accountability for his actions and has not hid from anything, citing his guilty plea. Pardy questioned the defendants expression of guilt in the hearing, referencing how he claimed he was helpless to avoid the 14-year-olds advances. Even in the psychosexual evaluation, post change of plea, he continued to assert blame on the victim, Pardy said. Here was exploitation at the highest level. He targeted the most vulnerable child under his dominion and his mercy, who, under the eyes of the law has no ability to consent, let alone to be deemed sexual aggressor in the context of a crime like this. Before Pardy sentenced Kinnin to 25 years, state prosecutors in the case asked the judge to sentence Kinnin to 30 years in prison, with 20 years on probation, slightly below the state average of sentencing for 35 years for rape in 2022 through 2024. The prosecution referenced Kinnins young age and lack of a criminal background as informing its recommendation. Kinnin apologized for his actions in court prior to receiving his sentence, choking through tears. I was concerned that my actions have made people in my life undesirable, and I was worried they would face consequences that were caused by me, Kinnin told the court. However, now I realize that [victims name] is the only victim in this and it's all because of my actions. And I wish I could take it back or make it right, but I currently can't, and I'm not sure if I could have made it this far by myself. I want to improve myself even more, and I'm truly sorry to both the victim and her family. Kinnin is now designated as a Level 2 sex offender, meaning he has a moderate risk of reoffending. He will be taking sex offender treatment as a part of his sentencing. The News in Brief Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, delivered a strong final statement at her court hearing, accusing politicians of attempting to discredit her and claiming the charges against her are politically motivated.During her remarks, Amaglobeli addressed the court and directly criticized leading political figures, including Irakli Kobakhidze, chairman of the ruling party."They say I am an agent and that the so-called 'global war party' is behind me. Apparently, I was even taught how to slap people during training sessions," Amaglobeli said. "I want to address Irakli Kobakhidze: the 'deep state' does not need to humiliate a police officer - they behave like this on their own."Amaglobeli is facing criminal charges in a case she believes is part of a broader campaign to silence independent journalism and dissent. She stated that multiple politicians have worked to portray her as a criminal, spreading unfounded claims about her motives and actions."This judgment will not be my punishment alone, it will also be yours, prosecutors," she said. "It will be a professional punishment for everyone involved in this politically driven case."She expressed frustration that the court denied her motions to question the politicians making these allegations. According to Amaglobeli, the accusations include claims that she was assigned to undermine the police and contribute to institutional collapse."These are not just random people saying this," she added. "They are in power and represent the ruling party."Amaglobeli also cited a lack of accountability for attacks on activists and journalists. She criticized the government's failure to investigate incidents involving Guram Rogava, Maka Chikhladze, Aleksandre Keshelashvili, and Giorgi Shetsiruli."The dignity of the police was violated when you refused to investigate those attacks. That is the real humiliation," she said. "You have beaten young people and ignored these cases. That is why I cannot speak about the degrading actions committed by the police - it is too difficult."The Georgian government's decision to pause its European Union integration efforts until 2028 has resulted in the country being left out of an upcoming EU enlargement meeting in Denmark.In a written statement to InterpressNews, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Georgia will not be invited to the informal meeting of European Affairs Ministers from the 27 EU member states. The event, scheduled for September 1 and 2, will include representatives from Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkan countries, and Turkey.Denmark, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, stated that it will apply the same approach previously used by Poland during its own presidency.According to the Danish Foreign Ministry, "In November 2024, the Georgian government declared that it had decided to suspend the country's EU integration process until 2028. The EU has taken note of that. The Danish Presidency will follow the precedent set by the Polish Presidency and, as a general rule, not invite Georgia in the capacity as candidate country."The meeting in Denmark will focus on various aspects of EU enlargement. As outlined on the European Council's website, the first working session will address the Copenhagen criteria, which are the foundational requirements for EU membership. This session will include participation from Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans, and Turkey. Georgia is not listed among the invited participants.The second session will focus on strengthening the European Union's rule of law mechanisms, an issue that has gained increasing importance in EU accession discussions. Canada is grappling with one of the most severe wildfire seasons in its history, with more than 16.3 million acres burned across the country in 2025. This staggering figure, coupled with unrelenting heatwaves, paints a grim picture of the country's environmental and health challengesand highlights the deepening impact of climate change. As fires continue to rage across multiple provinces, their reach extends well beyond Canada's borders, with dangerous levels of smoke drifting into the United States and affecting millions. As of early August 2025, more than 165 large wildfires remain uncontained across several Canadian provinces, including Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These fires have been fueled by prolonged drought conditions and above-average temperatures, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reports that approximately 200 fires are actively burning, consuming vast areas of forested land. This situation is compounded by the fact that many of these fires are occurring in remote areas, making firefighting efforts more challenging and resource-intensive. Climate Change: A Driving Force Experts attribute the intensity and frequency of this year's wildfires to human-induced climate change. Research indicates that climate change has made extreme heat events in Canada at least two to ten times more likely, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires. The Climate Shift Index, a tool developed by Climate Central, has recorded daily average temperatures reaching levels that are considered extreme for central Canada. These elevated temperatures, combined with dry conditions, have created a 'perfect storm' for wildfire ignition and propagation. Health Impacts: Beyond the Flames The health implications of these wildfires extend far beyond the immediate danger of the flames. Smoke from the wildfires has drifted across North America, affecting air quality in major cities such as Toronto, Chicago, and Minneapolis. In some areas, air quality indices have reached levels classified as 'very unhealthy,' prompting health advisories and warnings. Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Studies have shown that living near recently burned forests can increase the risk of developing lung cancer and brain tumours by 4.9% and 10%, respectively. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. Health authorities recommend limiting outdoor activities, using air purifiers indoors, and wearing N95 masks when exposure to smoke is unavoidable. Environmental Consequences: A Changing Landscape The environmental impact of these wildfires is profound. Scientists warn that the frequency and intensity of wildfires are altering Canada's ecosystems, potentially leading to irreversible changes in the landscape. Specific tree species may struggle to regenerate in areas that have experienced repeated fires, resulting in long-term ecological shifts. Moreover, the loss of forests contributes to a feedback loop that accelerates climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks, and their destruction releases the carbon dioxide they have stored into the atmosphere, further exacerbating global warming. Looking Ahead: Preparedness and Action As Canada grapples with this unprecedented wildfire season, experts emphasise the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect public health. This includes investing in wildfire prevention and response infrastructure, enhancing public awareness of health risks associated with smoke exposure, and implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The current wildfire crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate change. Without significant efforts to address the underlying causes, the frequency and severity of such events are likely to increase, posing greater risks to both human health and the environment. The 2025 wildfire season serves as a potent reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threatit's unfolding now, with consequences felt across borders and generations. Originally published on IBTimes UK Boeing's workforce delivered another blow to the aviation giant as 3,200 employees launched a strike after overwhelmingly rejecting the company's labour agreement. The industrial action adds to Boeing's mounting troubles, which include recent aeroplane crashes and serious allegations about faulty safety measures throughout its workspace and production lines. Strike Action Takes Flight The 'walkout' was led by employees under the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in St. Louis, home to Boeing's defence manufacturing centre. In a public statement, IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling stated that 'they deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation's defence.' 'We stand shoulder to shoulder with these working families as they fight for fairness and respect on the job,' he said. Meanwhile, IAM International President Brian Bryant commented, 'Our union is built on democracy, and our members have every right to demand a contract worthy of their contributions. We will be there on the picket lines, ensuring Boeing hears the collective power of working people.' For context, members of the IAM are responsible for assembling and maintaining sophisticated aircraft and weapons systems, such as the F-15, F/A-18, and state-of-the-art missile and defence technologies. Initial Refusal of Boeing Contract A week ago, over 3,200 members of IAM District 837 at Boeing facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri, and Mascoutah, Illinois, voted to reject the company's latest contract offer. The vote, held Sunday, July 27, reflects widespread dissatisfaction among union members, who say the proposal from Boeing Defence failed to address their key concerns. The current contract is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. CT on July 27, after which a seven-day cooling-off period will precede any potential strike. The IAM Union has expressed a strong desire to return to negotiations and secure a fair agreement that reflects the contributions of its members. Boeing's Response and Counteroffer Boeing has released a statement before the strike, stating that 'they are disappointed' that their employees rejected their offer, which included a 40% average wage growth. 'We're disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules. We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers,' the company said. The first contract proposes a 20% wage increase over three years, including auto-progression and additional shift differentials, alongside a 5,000ratification bonus that can be deferred into the company. Moreover, the contract also enhances paid leave and maintains toptier healthcare without cost increases. Notably, pension benefits are improved with an increase in the multiplier by five each in Years 2 and 3, with an option for a full $10 increase in Year 1. While an alternative workweek schedule was proposed, it was withdrawn, leaving current overtime policies unchanged. These terms aim to boost employee compensation, benefits, and retirement security while maintaining Boeing's competitive edge. Snapshot of Boeing's Woes In the second quarter of 2025, Boeing posted revenue of $22.75 billion (17.13 billion), up 35% year-over-year, and narrowed its net loss to $611 million (459.98 million), a significant improvement from a $1.44 billion loss in Q2 2024. The company delivered 206 Boeing 737 MAX jets and raised 787 production to seven per month, contributing to this better performance. While momentum is returning, Boeing still faces significant headwinds. Its 2024 full-year net loss totalled $11.8 billion (8.88 billion), driven by strikes, safety issues, and operational setbacks. As Boeing works to stabilise operations and finances, the path ahead remains uncertain. Whilst recent gains in jet deliveries and narrowing quarterly losses offer signs of progress, deep-rooted challengesincluding ongoing labour disputes, reputational damage from safety concerns, and lingering effects of past setbackscontinue to weigh heavily on the company. Originally published on IBTimes UK President Donald Trump rejected allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, saying the country is "in a war" with Hamas. "I don't think it's that. They're in a war. Some horrible things happened on October 7, one of the worst I've ever seen," he told press. Trump says he does not believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, stating, "I don't think it's that. They're in a war." pic.twitter.com/n0lvwQYTTW Open Source Intel (@Osint613) August 4, 2025 Trump has stood firmly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu throughout the war, with reports now claiming he has given the green light for Israel to occupy the Gaza Strip. The move includes operating in areas where hostages are being held and could potentially put them in further danger. Local outlet Haaretz also reported on Friday that Netanyahu's government has the backing of the Trump administration to begin the occupation if Hamas doesn't agree to a final ceasefire proposal. The first areas to be annexed would be those in the buffer zone, followed by some in the northern part close to the cities of Sderot and Ashkelon. It would continue progressively until the whole strip is annexed. It is not clear what would happen to the two million Palestinians living in Gaza. The Jerusalem Post detailed on Monday that a source in the Prime Minister's Office confirmed the plan, which could be pursued against the wishes of Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. "If this does not suit you, then you should resign," the outlet says the government told the general. 49 hostages are still in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. The Netanyahu government could move forward despite warnings from almost 20 former senior security officials, who on Sunday issued a joint video calling for the war to end. They argued that Israel has lost more than it won and that the fighting has continued for political reasons rather than military ones. Originally published on Latin Times The Kremlin is reportedly set to offer concessions on the Ukraine war to U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid imminent sanctions on the country. Bloomberg detailed on Tuesday that one such proposal could include an air truce. Quoting Russian officials, it added that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Russia this week presents a chance to reach an agreement. The official is expected to go to the country as soon as Wednesday and could potentially meet with Putin. However, Putin is still determined to continue the war, with the outlet adding that Russian forces continue achieving gains in the battlefield. Trump has anticipated he will impose sanctions on Russia this week. Last Monday he set 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. "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." Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, with the latter saying they had a "productive" phone call that included the topic of sanctions. Moscow has increased attacks over the past weeks, including record numbers of drones. Bloomberg noted that despite Putin's willingness to continue fighting, two-thirds of Russians favor ending the war at the current positions. A quarter want to continue fighting, according to the independent Levada Center pollster in Moscow. Originally published on Latin Times Limelight Mammoth is now accepting reservations, marking the official debut of the Limelight Hotels brand in California. Set to open in late 2025, the new property will introduce a new caliber of elevated alpine hospitality to the heart of Mammoth Lakes, offering 124 guest rooms, 25 suites, and 15 private residences, along with a lounge and private club, Mammoth Lakes Mountain Club. Surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, the hotel features over 8,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, including the Ridgeline Ballroom, which accommodates up to 300 guests for receptions, and the Crystal Lake Boardroom for more intimate occasions. With panoramic views from the Viewline Plaza and a setting that invites creativity and connection, Limelight Mammoth redefines the mountain meeting experience. After a day in the Eastern Sierra, guests can retreat to spaces designed to recharge and refresh. Limelight Mammoth offers approachable and stylish rooms and suites, each inclusive of modern kitchenettes, custom bathtubs, as well as gear storage and sweeping views. Thoughtfully designed to feel like a home away from home, Limelight Residences Mammoth blends elevated mountain living with everyday comfort. The limited collection of 15 residences, ranging from two to five bedrooms, features open living spaces, high-end kitchens, full laundry rooms, and generous storage, with private elevators for added ease and convenience. The result is a sophisticated yet unpretentious retreat, perfect for families and groups looking to settle in and make the most of Mammoth. The Limelight Lounge serves as Mammoth's vibrant gathering place, blending alpine energy with relaxed, all-day comfort. Guests can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, shareable plates, craft cocktails, and classic apres favorites. Limelight Mammoth will also debut a robust lineup of signature programming across the property, including Limelight Livea curated series of dynamic musical experiences, from intimate lobby sets to surprise pop-ups, featuring a mix of locally loved and nationally recognized artists. Additionally, the property will introduce Adventure Architects, offering bespoke itineraries tailored to guests' interests, whether exploring the mountains or discovering city gems. Crafted by in-house experts, these experiences include luxury transportation in premium Audi vehicles, ensuring every journey is seamless and elevated. Sustainability is core to the all-electric Limelight Mammoth, which uses efficient heat pumps for low-energy heating and cooling, supports clean transportation with an EV fleet and charging stations, and manages rain and snowmelt to prevent erosion. Locally sourced materials, like reclaimed wood and stone, are repurposed throughout, while large windows, native landscaping, and indoor-outdoor spaces reduce energy use and connect the hotel to its alpine surroundings. Built with resilient infrastructure, Limelight Mammoth sets a new benchmark for sustainable hillside hospitality. The property is also home to Mammoth Lakes Mountain Club, the destination's newest private ski and social clubexclusively at Limelight Mammoth. From the team behind Aspen Mountain Club and Snowmass Mountain Club, the club combines refined design, thoughtful service, and year-round mountain access. Member perks include a stylish lounge, all-day bar, semi-private workspaces, outdoor terrace with fire pits, ski valet, private lockers, and direct gondola access, plus ski passes, parking, access to the fitness center, pool, and spa, and a full calendar of exclusive events. Limelight Mammoth is nestled at the base of California's most iconic peaks, offering access to year-round adventure. In the winter, guests can carve fresh tracks at Mammoth and June Mountains, while the warmer months invite exploration through hiking trails, biking, and the thrill of climbing the Via Ferrata. Year-round, The Village at Mammoth adds to the experience with local shopping, dining, and apres options just minutes from the hotel. Limelight Mammoth joins the growing Limelight Hotels portfolio, which includes destinations in Aspen, Snowmass, Ketchum, and Denver, Boulder (opening this month), and Charleston (opening in 2028). Limelight Mammoth will extend the brand's signature spirit of authentic hospitality to California's Sierra Nevada. For additional information, please visit https://www.limelighthotels.com/mammoth, and for reservations, please visit here. Hotel website Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the appointment of Ted Selogie as general manager of New York Hilton Midtown. In his new role, Selogie oversees all aspects of operations, driving excellence in guest experience, Team Member engagement, and commercial performance at the landmark 1,878-room Midtown Manhattan property. Selogie brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to the role, having held senior leadership positions with renowned brands such as Marriott International and Accor. His career began as a barback at the former North Shore Hilton (now DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - North Shore Conference Center) in Skokie, Illinois, and has since evolved into a series of executive roles across six major hospitality brands. Most recently, as general manager of Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, he led the hotel to record-breaking performance, earned a Forbes 5-Star Spa designation, and helped secure its ranking as the number one luxury hotel in Los Angeles on TripAdvisor. His leadership is defined by a commitment to operational excellence, talent development, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. During his tenure at Accor, Selogie served as regional vice president, overseeing a portfolio of Fairmont, Sofitel, and Swissotel properties across New York City, Chicago, and California. Prior to this role, he was area general manager in the Chicago metropolitan area, where he managed 13 properties. Beyond his professional achievements, Selogie is an active community leader and philanthropist. He has served on numerous industry boards and committees, including the California, New Orleans, and Illinois Hotel & Lodging Associations, Visit California, and the Los Angeles Tourism Marketing District. He is also a passionate supporter of education and mentorship, contributing to organizations such as DePaul University's School of Hospitality, SOS Children's Villages, and PINK House. Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Thomas Vidal as the new General Manager, effective August 1, 2025. Mr. Vidal brings with him over 16 years of distinguished leadership experience in the hospitality industry across Asia, including more than a decade in Japan, where he has developed a deep understanding of the local market and culture. A seasoned hotelier and fluent Japanese speaker, Mr. Vidal has consistently demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence, team empowerment, and guest-centric service. His appointment marks a significant milestone for Andaz Tokyo as the hotel continues to strengthen its position as a leading luxury lifestyle destination in the heart of the capital. Prior to joining Hyatt, Mr. Vidal held several senior leadership roles within globally renowned hospitality brands, most recently serving as Hotel Manager at W Osaka, a 337-room lifestyle luxury hotel. Under his leadership, the property achieved numerous accolades in 2024 including 1 MICHELIN Key and the Green Key Sustainability Certification. His previous appointments include Cluster General Manager for Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya and Four Points by Sheraton Nagoya, as well as General Manager roles for Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya, Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda and Mercure Okinawa Naha. In each of these roles, Mr. Vidal led successful pre-openings and operational turnarounds, earning accolades for guest satisfaction, owner relations, and associate engagement. Mr. Vidal holds a Master of Science in Management (MBA) from ESSEC Business School Paris, one of Europe's leading business institutions. He has also completed a series of advanced leadership programs, including Marriott International's Luxury University, Basecamp Senior Leadership Training, and Accor's IHMP General Management Program. Located in the prestigious Toranomon Hills complex, Andaz Tokyo is celebrated for its bold design, panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline, and immersive cultural experiences. Mr. Vidal's appointment signals a renewed focus on innovation, sustainability, and personalized service as the hotel enters its next chapter of growth and distinction. Career History Virtuoso, the leading global network specialising in luxury and experiential travel, has appointed Angeles Yugdar as general manager, Latin America and the Caribbean. A seasoned industry leader with more than 25 years of experience in the global luxury travel space, Yugdar steps into the role following Bea Sajon's transition to general manager for Continental Europe. Yugdar brings a unique dual perspective to the position, having held senior roles on both the supplier and agency sides of the business. Her deep knowledge of the Latin American market, coupled with her ability to navigate the complexities of a multi-country region, positions her well for success. Her career highlights include executive leadership at HRG Latin America, where she led marketing, branding and business development strategies, as well as serving as senior vice president of international markets at Travel Leaders Group. Most recently, she oversaw global expansion at Spotnana, a next-generation travel platform offering air, hotel, rail and auto content. Yugdar's appointment reinforces Virtuoso's more than 20-year presence in Latin America, where the network includes more than 105-member agency locations across 16 countries. She will leverage her extensive experience in the region to manage teams in Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires and Mexico City. Yugdar will lead the business strategy across the region, including member and partner growth and engagement. She will be based in Buenos Aires, Argentina and officially joins Virtuoso on August 6, 2025, reporting to Londregan. For more information on Virtuoso, visit www.virtuoso.com. Pittsburgh, PA Aptech, a leading provider of scalable accounting, business intelligence, financial planning and management solutions for the hospitality industry, today announced that Murphy Asset Management has implemented its Execuvue business intelligence platform. The hospitality asset management and advisory firm will use Execuvue to gain greater visibility into operating expenses across its portfolio and deliver deeper performance insights to support its hotel owners and investor clientele. Execuvue has been initially deployed at approximately one-third of Murphys portfolio of 30-plus properties and is expected to be rolled out across additional properties in the second half of 2025. Following its implementation less than a year ago, the system immediately began helping the firm uncover cost inefficiencies, streamline financial analysis and strengthen reporting through side-by-side expense line-item comparisons across similar hotel properties. Before Execuvue, we had no easy way to fully analyze hotel performance across the portfolio unless we did it manually, which was extremely time-consuming. Now, we can access consolidated, comparable expense data in one place, spot anomalies quickly and take action to optimize our spend. It has transformed the way we work and made our teams much more efficient and effective. Steve Steinberg, President of Murphy Asset Management Prior to deploying Execuvue, Murphy Asset Management lacked a consistent way to map and compare line-item or GL-level expenses across the various reporting formats used by its client properties, making portfolio-wide analysis a largely manual and time-consuming process. Execuvue allows Murphy to bring all relevant data into a single platform and make meaningful comparisons across similar properties to enable better financial decision-making. The ability to benchmark line-item expenses, like housekeeping supplies or phone service, across similar hotels gives us critical insight we simply couldnt access easily before , said Steinberg. It helps us ask smarter questions and make better recommendations to our hotel owners. In addition to benchmarking, Execuvue has improved internal processes and investor reporting. The team can now produce comparative reports with less manual work and more meaningful data for ownership groups. Its made a big difference in how we prepare reports for investors. Aptechs Execuvue platform uniformly consolidates data on one platform so I can build more detailed and relevant reports with far less effort. Its like 1-stop shopping. Sandy Steinberg, who oversees data analytics and client reporting Prior to selecting Aptech, the Murphy Asset Management executive team evaluated several other business intelligence platforms. Ultimately, Execuvue proved to be the best match for the firms needs and provided the most value without unnecessary complexity. Execuvue has helped us deliver more proactive support and more impactful insights to our hotel owners, said Steinberg. It has become a key part of how we protect asset value and drive profitability across the portfolio. Aptech President Jill Wilder praised Murphy Asset Managements forward-thinking approach to hotel asset oversight and the practical use of business intelligence. Murphy Asset Management is a fantastic example of how asset managers can leverage Execuvue to drive real value , said Wilder. Their focus on actionable data, peer benchmarking and smarter reporting is exactly what Execuvue was designed to support. Were proud to partner with a team so committed to delivering better outcomes for hotel owners. For more information on Execuvue and the rest of Aptechs award-winning financial management, business intelligence and planning solutions for hospitality, please visit http://www.aptech-inc.com. About Aptech Aptech, a Jonas Hospitality Company, is a leading provider of scalable accounting, business intelligence, financial planning and management solutions for the hospitality industry. Its award-winning solutions, which include PVNG, Execuvue and Targetvue, form an integrated technology ecosystem that is designed to help hoteliers at both the corporate and property levels understand their financial and operational data and provide actionable insights. With more than 50 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Aptechs state-of-the-art solutions are used by more than 3,500 properties across North America. For more information, please visit www.aptech-inc.com. About Murphy Asset Management Murphy Asset Management provides hotel asset management, consulting and strategic business advisory services that ensure maximized returns, well-run operations and an outstanding reputation. MAM supports clients through every step of hotel projects, providing unparalleled expertise in pre-opening oversight, hotel management company support, sales, marketing and revenue generation strategy, financial strategy, operational support and long-term management and maintenance of the physical asset. Murphy Asset Management gives owners confidence in their hotel project and ensures excellence in each area of support. Visit www.murphyassetmanagement.com. Andrea Mane Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Hospitality Upgrade are thrilled to announce Bob Flores, former chief technology officer (CTO) for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as the keynote speaker for the upcoming and highly-anticipated CIO Summit. Following his CIA career, Flores founded Applicology, Inc. and is a visionary leader at the intersection of cybersecurity, intelligence, and advanced technology. A Board Qualified Technical Executive (QTE), Bob is a trusted advisor to multiple early-stage technology companies and is a former co-chair of the Cloud Security Alliances Software Defined Perimeter Working Group. He is also an independent director for Filter Labs and a virtual CISO for early-stage companies. Flores distinguished 31-year career at the CIA culminated in his role as the agencys first enterprise CTO, following pivotal assignments across the directorates of intelligence, support, and operations. This extensive expertise positions him as a compelling thought leader for this years CIO Summit. Bob Flores remarkable career and industry knowledge make him an ideal speaker and its also a testament to the power of nonprofit groups working together. His deep insights into cybersecurity and emerging technologies are incredibly relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing cloud cybersecurity today. HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE The 2025 CIO Summit is set to gather technology leaders in the hospitality industry, offering an exclusive platform to exchange ideas, discuss trends, and explore cutting-edge solutions. Floress presentation, Thwarting Nation State Attacks, will provide insights for a series of discussions aimed at addressing the industrys most pressing challenges, including AI, data security and operational efficiency. In addition to Flores presentation, the 2025 CIO Summit will feature the following sessions: Tariffs, Travel and Trouble A Canadian and US Hotel Industry Economic Outlook Presented by Nicole Nguyen SVP, Head of Hotels Valuation & Advisory, Canada CBRE Hotels Presented by Nicole Nguyen SVP, Head of Hotels Valuation & Advisory, Canada CBRE Hotels Where and How AI is Being Deployed in Hospitality Moderated by Harman Narula CEO Canary Technologies Moderated by Harman Narula CEO Canary Technologies A CIO's Legal Compass: AI, Data Protection, Digital Identity and other Emerging Risks in Hospitality Presented by Greg Duff Principal Foster Garvey PC Presented by Greg Duff Principal Foster Garvey PC AI Agents, Super Intelligence, and Whats Next: A CIO's Guide to the Coming Wave Presented by Michael Goldrich Founder and Chief Advisor Vivander Advisors Presented by Michael Goldrich Founder and Chief Advisor Vivander Advisors CIO Summit Round Table Moderated by Cameron Hammond SVP, Global Field Technology Services Hyatt Hotels Corp. For a full program overview and speaker backgrounds, please visit the CIO Summit schedule. Note that the program is subject to change. About The CIO Summit This year will mark the 23rd CIO Summit, a unique, invitation-only event for chief information officers from hotel brands, management companies, cruise lines, gaming and independent hotels. Produced by HFTP and Hospitality Upgrade, this years CIO Summit will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, on Sept. 3-5, 2025. To inquire about an invitation please contact Geneva Rinehart ([email protected]), HFTP SVP, Media Division. For more information about The CIO Summit, please visit the CIO Summit website. About HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with an offices in the EU. HFTP is recognized as a group supporting the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the hospitality-specific Pineapplesearch.com and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), Hotel-Online and Hospitality Upgrade Magazine. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org. Geneva Rinehart SVP, Media Division HFTP KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - Koh Samuis residential property market is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by rapid expansion, a diversification of offerings, and intensifying competition in the rental sector. According to the newly released 2025 Samui Property Market Update by C9 Hotelworks, the island's property marketvalued at THB30.3 billionis transitioning from its traditional villa-centric model toward higher-density developments, especially condominiums, while adapting to evolving investment trends and rising international interest. Booming Supply Reshapes Market Dynamics A defining trend of Samuis current market is the sharp increase in the supply of independent villa rentals, which grew by 34% year-on-year as of January 2025. This influx of inventory has sparked price competition, pushing down average nightly rental rates by 11% year-on-year in Q1 2025 to THB13,012. However, despite these softer rates, occupancy rose by 5.7 percentage points to 71.5%, indicating resilient demand driven by the islands continued appeal among travelers seeking luxury and privacy. What sets Samui apart is its fundamentally strong hotel and property market. Compared to other Thai resort destinations where land prices have skyrocketed, Samuis relatively low land cost provides a compelling platform for competitively priced luxury villasmany of which offer spectacular ocean views. Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks At the same time, Samuis residential development pipeline is seeing a clear pivot toward larger-scale, high-density resort-style condominiums. Notable among these are two upcoming projects: Anava Samui (564 units) and Wing Samui (533 units), signaling a broader diversification of the islands residential offerings beyond traditional villas. These developments cater to a growing base of lifestyle buyers and investors looking for more affordable and manageable property options. Residential Supply and Submarket Trends The primary market now consists of 2,882 units across 117 projects. A commanding 70% of this inventory is located in Bophuta central submarket encompassing Samui Airport and the popular Chaweng Beach. Bophut is followed by Maret (15%), Mae Nam (9%), and Ang Thong (3%). Condominiums now represent 52% of the total market supply, underscoring their growing dominance in the new development landscape. Villas or landed properties account for the remaining 48%, still holding a strong position but gradually yielding ground to vertical developments. From a price standpoint, condominiums have a median sales price of THB88,500 per square meter, while landed properties average THB60,600 per square meter. For a one-bedroom condominium (4070 sqm), the median price is approximately THB3.5 million. Two-bedroom units (80110 sqm) fetch THB7.2 million. Villas, on the other hand, command significantly higher prices, with three-bedroom units (250350 sqm) averaging THB14.9 million. Competitive Villa Rental Market As of 2025, Samuis villa rental market comprises 3,055 properties, mainly managed by third-party operators. These villas typically serve dual purposes: personal holiday homes and income-generating investment properties. Two- and three-bedroom villas dominate the landscape, accounting for 21% and 31% of the market respectively. Larger villas with four or more bedrooms make up 31% of the supply, catering to extended families and group travelers. The villa rental market is highly seasonal, with occupancy dipping to 38.7% in September and peaking at 76.2% in February. The average length of stay hovers between four and five nights. Though rates have declined amid rising supply, the segment continues to appeal to higher-spending tourists who prefer privacy and exclusivity. Interestingly, while the average nightly rental rate fell to THB13,012 in Q1 2025, occupancy gains suggest a volume-driven strategy is bearing fruit for many operators. This trade-off points to a maturing market where profitability hinges on operational efficiency and strategic pricing. Bophut: Boutique Villas Meet High Demand One of Koh Samuis most in-demand villa submarkets is Bophut, where interest in boutique-style residential developments continues to grow. Projects in this area offer a compelling mix of elevated design, privacy, and proximity to key attractions like Fishermans Village. New luxury villas in Bophut are tapping into the rising appeal of wellness-focused living and contemporary tropical aesthetics, underscoring the submarkets position as a magnet for lifestyle-oriented buyers. Market Value Distribution and Configuration Geographically, 85% of Samuis market value is concentrated in Bophut, Maret, and Mae Nam. This clustering highlights both the desirability and development maturity of these submarkets. Notably, oceanfront properties make up 631 units of the total supply, while branded residences account for 550 units, reflecting a growing interest in premium, lifestyle-oriented investments. By configuration, property prices scale with size. Villas with two bedrooms (150250 sqm) are priced around THB12.2 million, while larger four-bedroom units (400500 sqm) can exceed THB28.9 million. For condominium buyers, affordability and lifestyle amenities continue to be key selling points, with developers targeting foreign buyers and urban Thai investors alike. Outlook and Implications for Investors Samuis evolving real estate landscape presents a nuanced picture for investors and developers. The surge in supplyboth in villas and condominiumsis creating downward pressure on pricing, especially in the short-term rental segment. However, this is being partially offset by rising demand, improved occupancy, and increased flight connectivity. Moreover, the emergence of large-scale condo projects marks a pivotal shift in Samuis residential positioning, making the island more accessible to a broader range of investors and second-home buyers. This structural change, coupled with the islands premium tourist positioning, suggests that Samuis real estate market is on the cusp of entering a new phase of volume-driven, diversified growth. Developers and investors must now navigate a more competitive, dynamic market where differentiation, location, and value-added services will be critical. With the right strategic approach, Samui continues to offer attractive opportunities in both capital appreciation and rental yield. As the islands infrastructure and international connectivity continue to improve, its real estate sector is poised to remain a focal point for both lifestyle buyers and institutional investors looking to tap into Southeast Asias resort-driven residential markets. Download and read C9 Hotelworks Samui Property Market Review 2025 here. About C9 Hotelworks C9 Hotelworks is led by founder and Managing Director Bill Barnett, who brings over 30 years' experience in the Asian hospitality and real estate sectors. Prior to founding C9 in 2003, Bill held senior executive roles in hotel operations, development and asset management. He is considered to be a leading global authority on hotel residences, and has sat at almost every seat around the hospitality and real estate table. Bill promotes industry insight through regular conference presentations at key events and contributes to numerous industry publications. For more information contact www.c9hotelworks.com. Bill Barnett Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks +66 (0)8 1956 1802 C9 Hotelworks Ltd. UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. The Penn State School of Hospitality Management in the College of Health and Human Development, together with the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS), has named Leeny Oberg, chief financial officer and executive vice president of development at Marriott International, as the 2026 Hospitality Executive of the Year. Oberg will be honored at the 2026 PSHRS Industry Awards and Reception, which will take place on April 8, 2026, at Penn State University Park among alumni, faculty, industry partners and students. Receiving this award is a tremendous honor, and Im deeply grateful to Penn State for this recognition. Ive had the privilege of being on the Marriott team for more than two decades and contributing to its global growth. Throughout my career, Ive been guided by Marriotts core values especially the belief that putting people first is at the heart of hospitality. That same spirit is clearly reflected in Penn States commitment to people-centered education. Im inspired by the work theyre doing to prepare the next generation of hospitality leaders, and Im confident the future of our industry is in very capable hands. Leeny Oberg, chief financial officer and executive vice president of development at Marriott International Oberg has played a pivotal role in Marriotts evolution, including her leadership in the acquisition and integration of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Before assuming her current role, she held several key financial leadership positions at Marriott, including senior vice president of corporate and development finance and senior vice president of international project finance and asset management for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She joined Marriott in 1999 as part of its investor relations team. In July 2025, Marriott announced that Oberg will retire effective March 31, 2026. Oberg also previously served as the chief financial officer for the Ritz-Carlton, where she contributed significantly to the brands performance, growth and organizational effectiveness. Leenys career at Marriott International exemplifies how to build strong, sustainable relationships with colleagues, owners, franchisees, investors and partners in an increasingly complex and dynamic global environment. She serves as a leadership role model for the multitude of Penn Staters working for and with Marriott around the world as well as our aspiring hospitality management majors. I look forward to welcoming her to campus in April to celebrate her extraordinary career and legacy. Donna Quadri-Felitti, Marvin Ashner Endowed Director of the Penn State School of Hospitality Management Before joining Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton, Oberg held a variety of financial leadership positions with Sodexo (previously Sodexo Marriott Services), Sallie Mae, Goldman Sachs and Chase Manhattan Bank. She is an active member of the American Hotel and Lodging Associations Industry Real Estate Finance Advisory Council and currently serves on the board of directors of Adobe Inc. Oberg earned her bachelor of science degree in commerce with concentrations in finance and management information systems from the University of Virginia and holds an MBA from Stanford University. Having honored those who have significantly impacted our industry for over 60 years, we believe Leeny is an exceptional addition to this distinguished group. Her career journey stands as a model for the next generation of hospitality leaders as they work to forge their own path and find their passion, considering the broad horizon of the hospitality industry in front of them. Tom Neely, president of PSHRS and president and CEO of Thomas E. Strauss About the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society was founded to strengthen all hospitality professions and enhance the reputation of the Hospitality Management program. PSHRS is an alumni group of the Penn State Alumni Association and the College of Health and Human Development Alumni Society. PSHRS provides a means for achieving closer fellowship among alumni, faculty and students. PSHRS serves those who are currently attending Penn State in hospitality management or who are graduates of the program, as well as those who work within the hospitality management industry and have attended Penn State or are friends of the program. About the School of Hospitality Management Established in 1937, the Penn State School of Hospitality Management is one of the nations earliest and most respected schools of hospitality management. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused on engaged scholarship, featuring partnerships with Penn State's Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services, and top global hospitality brands. It is also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society. New to the schools portfolio is an innovative and focused Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management graduate degree program. For more information about the school or the PSHRS Industry Awards and Reception, contact Ben Jellison, director of industry and alumni relations, at [email protected] or 814-865-6728. About Penn State School of Hospitality Management Established in 1937 Penn State's School of Hospitality Management is one of the nation's oldest and most respected. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused, since its inception, on engaged scholarship, featuring partnerships with Penn State's Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services, and top global hospitality brands. It's also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society. Ben Jellison Director of Industry and Alumni Relations 814-865-6728 Penn State School of Hospitality Management European Hotels Report Mixed Performance for June 2025 - Image Credit CoStar Weather Influence: Unseasonable heat drove travelers from the U.K. and Hungary to cooler Nordic destinations, affecting hotel occupancy. Unseasonable heat drove travelers from the U.K. and Hungary to cooler Nordic destinations, affecting hotel occupancy. Event Impact: The absence of major events like those in 2024 led to a decline in RevPAR across Europe, though upcoming concerts are expected to boost performance. In June 2025, European hotels experienced a modest performance, with several factors contributing to the lackluster growth in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). High occupancy levels in Western European countries presented challenges in maintaining growth, as even slight year-over-year declines are common in these markets. The volatility in these high-occupancy areas suggests that other underlying factors may be affecting hotel demand. Weather played a significant role, with unseasonable heat prompting travelers to seek cooler climates in Nordic countries such as Sweden and Denmark, impacting hotel occupancy in places like Hungary and the U.K. Despite the heat, Southern European countries like Portugal, Spain, and Italy saw strong occupancy and Average Daily Rate (ADR) growth, driven by beach access and long-haul travel from North America. The absence of major events that boosted hotel performance in 2024, such as the Champions League final and the UEFA Euros tournament, contributed to the RevPAR declines in June 2025. However, the start of the European summer holiday season in July is expected to improve hotel performance across the continent. Events, including Black Sabbaths farewell concert and Oasiss Live 25 tour, have already shown positive impacts on hotel performance, particularly in the U.K., suggesting a promising outlook for the coming months. Discover more at STR. Cendyn Delivers Growth for Cinnamon Hotels in Digital Transformation - Image Credit Cendyn New tech stack and integrated website secures 71% growth for Sri Lankas largest hotel chain Cendyn, a global integrated hotel technology and services company, facilitated significant commercial growth for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lankas largest hotel chain, in its digital transformation strategy by upgrading its tech stack and improving the digital user experience. With a diverse portfolio operating 17 properties across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels sought to improve the website experience with an immersive storytelling experience that brings to life each propertys unique offering. Within the first six months* the implementation of Cendyn Web achieved +71% growth in website active users and +5% increase in conversion rate. Cinnamon Hotels required a solution to align the digital experience with evolving guest expectations, supporting multi-property operations, and driving measurable growth. Following a six-month RFP tendering process, Cinnamon Hotels selected Cendyn based on its customer-centric approach to serve travelers better and increase direct revenue. While design was imperative, Cendyns 24/7 security and technical support was essential for the property portfolio to successfully implement a modern infrastructure to complement the evolution of its brand. Radhey Tawar Chief Commercial Officer, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts said, We wanted our guests to navigate the website in a simple, seamless way centered around storytelling that brings our experiences to life. Technology plays a key role in how we deliver that vision. Cendyn helps us realize that vision by combining the best of tech and personalization to deliver a best in class guest experience and drive engagement and bookings. Cinnamon Hotels now has a tech stack that fully integrates with the website, improving operational efficiency internally while optimizing the digital guest experience aligning their entire portfolio as the brand evolves into the future, said Chris Egan, Chief product officer, Cendyn. The team can now make deeper and better connections with their guests through an immersive storytelling approach and benefit from full security, technical, and customer support to serve customers better and increase direct revenue. Working with Cendyns integrated platform, Cinnamon Hotels has successfully been able to ensure solutions all work together. They have had the flexibility to increase the number of partners from five to over 13, all of which now revolve around the Cendyn CMS and website. For more information discover Cendyns Web packages offering. About Cendyn Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions. Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests; drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions. Cendyn has over 35,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India. For requests and further information, contact: Ryan Haynes ryan@haynesmarcoms.agency, +44 (0)7919 510051 Katy Reilly katy@haynesmarcoms.agency About Cinnamon Hotels Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts represents the pinnacle of Sri Lankan hospitality and an inspired hospitality brand, weaving tradition with contemporary elegance across stunning destinations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. As Sri Lankas largest hotel chain with a diverse portfolio of 17 properties across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the group specializes in nature- and culture-based destination travel. The warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality is at the heart of every experience, delivered through Cinnamon Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Sri Lanka Resorts, Cinnamon Maldives Resorts, and South Asias largest integrated resort Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams of Sri Lanka. Bain Capital JV to acquire Pullman Paris Montparnasse from URW - Image Credit Accor A summary of European hotel transactions provided by HVS Bain Capital JV to acquire Pullman Paris Montparnasse from URW American private equity firm Bain Capital, together with global asset management firm Columbia Threadneedle and French owner-operator QuinSpark Investment Partners, has agreed a deal to acquire the four-star, 957-room Pullman Paris Montparnasse in France from Paris-based commercial real estate company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) for 300 million (313,500 per room). The property is situated in Paris 14th district by the Montparnasse train station. The hotel is part of the Les Ateliers Gaite mixed-use development and includes three restaurants, two bars and 44 meeting rooms. The sale is expected to be completed this year, pending the fulfilment of customary closing conditions. HVS advised the lender on the property. Azora acquires majority stake in Donkey Hotels Spanish REIT Azora, on behalf of investment funds under its management, has acquired a 50.1% stake in Greek owner-operator Donkey Hotels from the Greek Ioannou family, who will retain 49.9%. Donkey Hotels portfolio includes five hotels across Greece (834 rooms), with four located in Athens and one in Santorini. The JV partners have agreed to commit further capital to support Donkey Hotels through the renovation of the Athenaeum InterContinental, improvements to the existing portfolio, and the acquisition of additional properties across Greece. Jan Hotels acquires Pentahotel Prague from Aroundtown Czech owner-operator Jan Hotels has acquired the four-star, 227-room Pentahotel Prague in the Czech Republic from German real estate company Aroundtown SA. The property is situated in the Karlin district, close by the Vltava River. The hotel includes a restaurant & bar and six meeting rooms. The hotel has since been rebranded and now operates as Hotel Pulse8. This is the groups sixth hotel in the Czech Republic. Blue Owl acquires Ibis Styles Birmingham from Sterling Property Ventures US investment firm Blue Owl Capital has acquired a mixed-use development in Birmingham, United Kingdom, from UK investment & asset manager Sterling Property Ventures, for 55 million. The property is situated between Birminghams city centre and Jewellery Quarter and includes the three-star, 120-room Ibis Styles Birmingham Centre, as well as 95,000 sq ft of office space and 325 underground parking spaces. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and three meeting rooms. The building also serves as the headquarters of UK hospitality operator Mitchells & Butlers. The Tradesmen acquires Hotel Residence Le Coin from the University of Amsterdam Dutch owner-operator The Tradesmen Vastgoed has acquired the three-star, 42-room Hotel Residence Le Coin in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from the University of Amsterdam for 15.5 million (369,000 per room). The property comprises seven historic buildings situated in central Amsterdam by Rembrandt Square and includes commercial spaces occupied by a student dentist and a cafe. This marks The Tradesmens third hotel acquisition in Amsterdam, alongside its The Craftsmen and The Nobelmen boutique properties, and was the Universitys only hotel asset. Somnoo acquires Ibis Styles Besancon in France French owner-operator Somnoo has acquired full ownership of the three-star, 103-room Ibis Styles Besancon in France. After buying 60% of the hotel from its institutional financial partner in 2022, Somnoo has now acquired the remaining 40% of shares in the hotel from individual investors. Besancon is situated in eastern France, about an hours drive from the Swiss border. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and outdoor swimming pool. Last month, Somnoo acquired the four-star, 80-room La Citadelle Hotel Metz - MGallery Collection in Metz, France, as reported in this newsletter. Travelodge to acquire new hotel in Bilbao, Spain British owner-operator Travelodge has entered an agreement to acquire the freehold of a 105-room hotel that is under development in Bilbao, Spain, on a forward-funded basis. The property is situated near several public transportation links and is structurally complete, with furnishing, equipment installation, and operational setup now underway. The hotel is set to open in the first quarter of 2026. Travelodge currently operates 14 hotels throughout Spain and is actively working to expand its footprint across the country. HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com. How To Build Global Momentum One Music Micro-Market At A Time Going global starts by finding the right local scenes. Find out how artists are using glocalization and other tactics to build real fanbases and grow worldwide one music micro-market at a time.. Glocalization is the practice of adapting global products, services, or in this case music to suit local markets and cultures. The result is something that is both globally recognizable and locally appealing. How To Build Global Momentum One Music Micro-Market At A Time by Randi Zimmerman via Symphonic Blog For independent artists trying to break through the noise, going global may sound like a monster of a task. But todays music industry isnt just dominated by the biggest names in the biggest cities; its being shaped by smaller, passionate communities around the world. These are micro-markets, and in this post, were breaking down what they are, where theyre emerging, and how you can tap into them with smart strategies, creative collaborations, and so much more, all without breaking the bank. Lets dive in Lets Talk About Music Micro-Markets Weve said it before, and well say it again going global doesnt mean reaching everyone at once. Instead, it starts with finding micro-markets. These are small, focused pockets of fans who are deeply connected by geography, genre, or culture. Think the grime scene in London, reggaeton in Medellin, or afrobeats in Lagos. All of these are powerful micro-markets driving global trends. For independent artists, identifying and connecting with these audiences means building a strong foundation that can spread far beyond your local roots. Because of their strong passion and engagement, these communities can become vital partners in helping your career grow, not only organically but globally. Whats Growing and Why? Across the globe, certain regions are bursting with new music, energy, and growing fan bases, making them must-watch micro-markets for independent artists. Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa are leading this surge thanks to a mix of cultural vibrancy, digital access, and fresh sounds that are capturing listeners worldwide. Heres why: Young, digitally connected populations: These regions have large youth demographics who primarily access music through smartphones and streaming platforms. These regions have large youth demographics who primarily access music through smartphones and streaming platforms. Mobile-first streaming cultures: Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, Audiomack (Africa), and Anghami (Middle East) dominate, with fans engaging heavily on social media. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, Audiomack (Africa), and Anghami (Middle East) dominate, with fans engaging heavily on social media. Emerging and diverse genres: Latin America is booming with reggaeton and regional Mexican music, Southeast Asia sees rising indie, pop, and hip-hop scenes, while Africa leads with afrobeats and amapiano. Latin America is booming with reggaeton and regional Mexican music, Southeast Asia sees rising indie, pop, and hip-hop scenes, while Africa leads with afrobeats and amapiano. Growing infrastructure and investment: Better internet, smoother payment systems, and increased global industry focus are helping these scenes scale fast. If youre looking to enter new markets, its important not to go in trying to mimic whats popular just for the sake of it. Instead, look for overlap between your sound and whats already resonating locally. Are there elements of your music, like rhythms, instruments, and vocal styles, that naturally align with what fans in that region love? Then, thats your entry point. From there, consider local platforms, media outlets, or creators who can help introduce your work in a way that feels organic, not forced. How To Know If A Market Is Right For You Just because a region is growing fast doesnt automatically mean its the right fit for your music. Before diving into a new territory, its important you take the time to assess where your opportunities actually are. But how? You can start by checking your streaming data. Spotify for Artists, YouTube Analytics, and Apple Music for Artists can show you exactly where your listeners are tuning in from. If youre seeing unexpected traction in places like Brazil, the Philippines, or Nigeria, thats a green light to explore those markets. Next, pay attention to social engagement. Are you getting tagged in stories, DMs, or comments from specific regions? Is your audio being used on TikTok in places you didnt expect? Sometimes your fanbase is growing in places you didnt even realize. In addition, language and cultural overlap are another big factor. Does your sound or aesthetic naturally connect with that markets vibe? If yes, thats great! If not, you may want to hold off or rethink how you show up there. Then theres infrastructure to consider, too. Some places may have excited fans but limited touring options, weak industry support, or tricky payment systems. That doesnt necessarily mean you skip them, maybe just adjust your approach. For example: In Indonesia, fans are highly active online, but touring outside major cities can be tough, so a digital-first strategy works better here. In Nigeria, streaming is big, but monetization challenges mean artists often lean on YouTube or mobile-friendly merch drops. In Brazil, while local demand is strong, licensing and radio access can be tricky, so discovery through platforms like TikTok is often more effective. All of this is why doing your homework is so important. Look into which artists are gaining momentum in whatever region youre considering and figure out why. You dont need to follow every trend that pops off, but understanding what resonates locally can definitely help you find more authentic ways to connect that make sense for you. How To Break Into a New Music Micro-Market Once youve found a region that aligns with your goals and fanbase, the next step is building an entry strategy. Heres how to do that: Collaborate with local talent. Working with artists from a specific region is one of the fastest ways to gain trust and visibility. J. Balvins collaboration with Nigerian artist Mr. Eazi on Como Un Bebe helped introduce each other to new audiences while bridging the gap between Latin and Afrobeats markets. (But you dont need a major collab to see success here. Even duetting a local artists TikTok, hopping on a remix, or trading verses on a track can start building that bridge.) Get on local playlists and press. Pitching to region-specific playlists or blogs can give you a major boost. Platforms like Spotify have editorial teams focused on key territories, like Exitos Brasil, African Heat, or OPM Rising (Philippines). Even if youre not placed immediately, reaching out to local tastemakers like music bloggers, campus radio stations, or TikTok creators can get the ball rolling. (And if youre using a distributor like Symphonic, ask your manager if they can help connect you with curators in the region.) Tailor your content to resonate. Small content tweaks can go a long way in making international fans feel seen. Take BTS, for example. They regularly add English subtitles to their videos and include greetings in different languages on social media. Its a simple way to connect with global audiences and show appreciation across borders. If you notice a growing fanbase in a specific region, consider doing the same. That could mean adding subtitles in the local language, dropping a quick thank you in your Stories, or incorporating region-specific hashtags. Use paid ads wisely. Geo-targeted ads can be powerful if used correctly. Lets say youre seeing traction in Bogota. Run Instagram Reels ads for your latest single aimed at 1825-year-old music fans in Colombia, and use Spanish copy in the captions. Even a $50$100 budget can go far when paired with the right audience and content. Be present! Even if its digital. If you cant tour yet, go digital. Host a live Q&A on Instagram timed for your overseas audiences timezone, or spotlight fans from that region in your posts. Some artists even create WhatsApp or Telegram groups for fans in different countries, letting them build a community and get exclusive updates. Breaking into a new market takes time and some tender loving care, but if you meet fans where they are and respect their scene, youll go further than surface-level promotion ever could. To wrap things up Once you spot your music gaining traction in a new region, there are a few simple steps that can help you strengthen that connection and turn those casual listeners into dedicated fans. Heres a quick checklist to make sure youre maximizing the opportunity: Update your bio to include shoutouts or links that reflect your international presence. to include shoutouts or links that reflect your international presence. Engage directly with fans from that region. Respond to comments, post hello videos in their language, or highlight their messages in Stories. from that region. Respond to comments, post hello videos in their language, or highlight their messages in Stories. Tailor your captions or hashtags to include regional references, languages, or local slang (if youre comfortable doing it authentically, dont try too hard lol). to include regional references, languages, or local slang (if youre comfortable doing it authentically, dont try too hard lol). Explore local media outlets (blogs, playlists, influencers) to see if there are opportunities to pitch or collaborate. (blogs, playlists, influencers) to see if there are opportunities to pitch or collaborate. Tag or follow local DSP teams (like @spotifyafrica, @youtubejapan, etc.) to stay visible to editors and teams in that region. By being proactive and intentional with these small but meaningful actions, you set yourself up for lasting growth in new markets. Remember, building an international fanbase is a journey. Each connection matters and helps your music travel farther. Keep learning, adapting, and showing up, and youll turn those micro-markets into a meaningful community that supports you for years to come. You got this! Share on: News / National by Staff reporter Presidential Affairs and Devolution secretary Tafadzwa Muguti has raised alarm over suspected corruption in the licensing of a Chinese-owned cement and power plant project in Magunje, Mashonaland West - a development touted as a US$1 billion rural industrialisation initiative.Speaking during a joint Zanu-PF provincial coordinating committee and provincial development committee meeting last Thursday, Muguti accused the Environmental Management Agency (Ema) of improperly issuing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate to Labenmon Investments despite the company lacking title deeds for the project land."Ema, I don't know what came over them - maybe they were given some sugar' to turn a blind eye. They made a big mistake," Muguti said, hinting at possible bribery in the approval process.He added that the Chinese firm had no registered address, raising concerns over its tax compliance, and did not hold a Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) licence, further suggesting it might not be contributing to the national fiscus. Muguti revealed that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is investigating Ema over the controversial approval.The project has sparked fierce resistance from villagers who rely on Magunje Dam - located near the proposed plant site - as their main water source. Residents fear pollution, loss of grazing land, and the disruption of livelihoods.Community leaders argue that the issuance of the EIA certificate was fraudulent, as no proper consultations were held in line with environmental law."We are not against the project itself, which could bring transformation to Magunje and nearby areas. We are against the way it was pushed through without following due process," one villager said.The controversy deepened after the company allegedly ignored a High Court order to halt work pending a determination on its breach of the EIA certificate by expanding into communal grazing land.Muguti stressed that genuine rural development must balance economic benefits with environmental and community welfare considerations."We cannot talk about rural industrialisation while polluting the water source for 10,000 people, nor can we claim development when villagers lose their grazing land with nowhere to go," he said.The saga raises unanswered questions: how the EIA certificate was issued without community consultations, why the project proceeded despite a court order, and whether political or high-level government backing helped the investor bypass established laws.Muguti warned that authorisation from politicians does not exempt investors from complying with local regulations."Politicians and senior officials who manufactured this crisis must bury their heads in shame," he said.The investigation by ZACC is ongoing, and the project remains in limbo amid growing calls for transparency and adherence to environmental and investment laws. Music Meets Data: Cherie Hu on Next Era of Industry Intelligence At the crossroads of where music meets data, Cherie HU and Water & Music are redefining industry analysis through AI data, investment trends, and startup innovation all while questioning the cultural impact of shifting business incentives. Music Meets Data: Cherie Hu on Next Era of Industry Intelligence via Chartmetric Cherie Hu is the head of Water & Music, a premier research studio and consultancy at the intersection of music and tech. The platform hosts up-to-date information on how these two worlds are converging, including extensive datasets that create a real-time picture of business partnerships, the state of AI, and ascending startups poised to shake up the market. Over the past few years, Hu has also been expanding a new consulting wing of Water & Music, where she assists music and tech brands directly in their business and innovation goals. Check out her full range of services and testimonials from satisfied clients on her services page and services deck . Read on to see how Hu gathers data to support her platform, her thoughts on newer industry trends like AI and private equity investments, and take a peek at how she thinks new businesses can succeed. What advice would you have for your fellow entrepreneurs looking to build something in music? My first piece of advice is around mutual respect. A lot of entrepreneurs go in thinking it all has to be disrupted. A lot of the disruptive visions of the industry are inspiring. But if youre building a product that ends up having to partner with the industry, thats not a very practical approach. For example, a lot of startups think theyre going to disrupt labels. But then they end up partnering with labels because they need their artists to get the right audiences. Instead, look to partner with the industry and empathize with the challenges and needs that they have. My second piece of advice is: the more specific, the better. This applies to artists and anyone trying to market anything. If you dont know who your target audience is, it wont resonate as much. For music startups, thinking about areas like rights management, superfan platforms, or marketing platforms as examples, each of those verticals is already quite crowded. So the more specific you can get on the problem you solve and how you solve it, the better. Start small and focus small. Water & Music utilizes numerous datasets. How do you go about collecting all of it? Our two flagship databases are our music tech investment database and our music AI database. Its a mix of automated and manual collection. We have a Google alert system automatically ingesting categorized news on key music tech investment announcements or exits. We also pull from third-party databases like Crunchbase or Pitchbook. But we find that those arent fully comprehensive in capturing the full scope of early-stage music startups that might raise funding. A lot of great data I get from my LinkedIn feed. I wish I had a more sophisticated system, but a lot of startup news and venture news is shared on social media. There isnt really a news article about it, or an official document about it. For music AI, our database has different tabs that have different methods of collection. We track apps: consumer-facing apps that anyone can use. We track models: the underlying technology or underlying generation processing models that are powering these apps. We track training data sets whenever theyre made public, which is not super often, but does happen in the research world. Then we track AI news. So each of those has very different methods. The model side is almost fully automated. We draw from a site called arXiv . Thats the main academic paper repository. There are thousands of audio AI papers coming out every quarter. We have systems for summarizing those and grouping them into themes. Then well go in and curate the most important ones for our audience. AI news is similarly automated through Google alerts and tagging. The AI app aggregation work is almost entirely manual in part because there are so many new startups that might not be on the radar of Crunchbase or Pitchbook. We have an analyst known as Yung Spielburg helping with this data collection hes tried virtually every AI tool out there, and uses that firsthand experience to inform a lot of the research we do. The numbers we track are on the investment side. How much money has been raised? What is the average deal size? How many startups are in each vertical? On the AI side, we track user numbers and revenue whenever we can get it. So to differentiate it from Chartmetric, were tracking more industry deal activity versus consumer activity. On W&M, youve discussed how private equity and other non-music companies are investing in music. How do you think this is affecting the cultural landscape of music? For example, the private equity firm KKR owns a handful of UK festivals, but artists have backed out of those festivals because they disapprove of KKRs other investments. These larger festival brands feel a lot of pressure to keep getting bigger, having tickets be more expensive, and getting bigger people on the lineup. So, its the natural next step to bring in private equity money. But theres definitely a risk of that going against the cultural roots of the festival. The word that directly addresses this question is incentives. If you see a deal that doesnt make any sense, its always useful to think about the incentives of the players involved. Spotifys incentive as a public company is to deliver value to shareholders, to get the most subscribers, and keep them subscribed. Thats very different from a major label, which is to maximize the value of their catalog, to keep signing artists, and signing hits. That is also different from a lot of artist incentives. Theyre not trying to maximize catalog value in an industrial way. They are thinking about their livelihoods. They want to spend as much time making music as possible. So, even within the music industry, different players have different, often competing incentives. Expanding that to companies beyond music amplifies it even further. Theres a lot of concern around private equity increasingly going into the music industry. The finance world incentives, especially thinking about private equity, are in the business of maximizing efficiency, and being very ruthless about that with the companies that they own. I think that has quite a big, potentially negative, or unexpected impact on culture, which the music industry might push back against. Given your extensive knowledge of the music and tech landscape, where do you think music and tech will go in the next few years? Vibe coding apps like Lovable, Cursor, and Bolt allow you to use natural language to code apps or websites. Its super impressive. People are vibe coding apps for either personal or professional use that they could only dream of using. You can use these apps without any coding experience. So, not even just thinking about music, the business of making a business is changing. Its easier than ever to build solutions with the help of AI tools. That could apply to issues that have been plaguing the music industry for decades. There are some really interesting AI tools coming out around marketing. How can you automate a lot of the things around marketing and social media as an artist, so you can focus on making your art? The traditional power structure in the industry is going to be questioned more than ever. People have been questioning the role of labels for a very long time. As artists sign more temporary deals and take more of the reins for marketing and fan engagement with a new generation of tools, labels are going to have to keep asking the question: What value are we really providing here? Especially with generative music AI, a big question for artists is What am I really bringing to the table? I think there will always be demand for creative visionaries who can communicate a deep, relatable, personal, inspiring, and human message through music and art, especially in this tumultuous time for society. But the economics of how those messages are written, shared, and built upon are going to change on a fundamental level. Share on: Central Berkshire Regional officials reported positive effects from using Yondr pouches to lock up cell phones during the school days. Central Berkshire Cell Phone Policy A 'Gamechanger' DALTON, Mass. Officials say Central Berkshire Regional School District's cell phone policy has been a success In 2023, the district updated its cell phone policy to prohibit use during school hours to ensure that the use of cell phones or other electronic devices by students and staff does not interfere with learning. To accomplish a cell phone free learning environment the district has been utilizing Yondr pouches in the middle and high schools. The pouches make cell phones inaccessible to students but allows the students to keep phones in their possession. According to school staff and parents, the policy and the Yondr pouches have been a complete gamechanger, Assistant Superintendent Aaron Robb said at last week's School Committee meeting. "[Teachers] feel like they have control of the learning environment again. They feel like they have the students' attention again," he said. The lunch rooms are louder, Robb said. "When I tell other administrators that there are no cell phones in our lunch rooms. They don't believe me. They think I'm lying," Superintendent Michael Henault said with a chuckle. Robb also highlighted how a committee member from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges expressed surprise of the lack of phones in the schools. "I had to bring her through Main Street during lunchtime, and we got into one of the hallways, and she kind of doubled back [and] goes 'I didn't see anybody on cell phones,'" When Robb explained that when he told her that she would not see cell phones at lunch she was taken aback with surprise. Some parents have also reached out to express that they have seen behavioral changes in the students at home, Robb said. "[The parents] noticed a positive difference in their students at home, less anxiety, not as depressed or withdrawn," he said. The policy hit the nail on the head and the district is ahead of the curve, Robb said. "It was a smart thing to do. This past year was a far better year in the sense that students knew coming in, and they were very good about it," he said. Since the enactment of the policy, the district has seen a substantial reduction in cell phone infractions. "Prior to 2023 there were approximately 200 cell phone infractions per month. By May 2024 that number had dropped to 11 per month. So we're up to 20 or fewer per month," School Committee member Elizabeth Oakes said. The vast majority of infractions when the policy was first implemented where within the first three weeks, which was anticipated as students adjusted to the change, Robb said. A lot of Wahconah Regional High School students choose not to use the Yondr pouches, opting to leave phones in their lockers or cars instead. However, if they are found with their phones, then they are to place them in the pouches until the end of the day, she said. "We are probably ahead of the curve, because the state may be implementing a cell phone ban statewide. We don't have to order more Yondr pouches. There is enough for the sixth grade, and data will continue to be reviewed," Oakes said. The district had zero suspensions across the district for cell phone-based infractions, which is pretty impressive, Henault said. Before the change, each month there were more than 200 infractions resulting in detentions or more at both Nessacus Regional Middle School and Wahconah Regional High School combined. "Now it's down to like single digits," he said. School Committee member Paul Farella said it is very encouraging to hear about the positive direction this policy has had through the anecdotal stories and the quantifiable metrics that the district can track. Yondr pouches have been adopted by a number of school districts across the Berkshires with positive results. Door Prize owners Bryan 'Swifty' Josephs and Jenny Klowden on the newly furnished patio at Hotel Downstreet. The restaurant opened in mid-July. Khachapuri, a Georgian cheese bread, is served with an egg. PreviousNext Door Prize Now Serving in North Adams' Hotel Downstreet Swifty Josephs' pan-fried pierogies with caramelized onions, saurkraut and housemade hot sauce. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Husband and wife restaurateurs Bryan "Swifty" Josephs and Jenny Klowden have been taking the long road to bring their popular comfort food to a permanent home. They had a residence at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, where they sold some of their signature dishes, as well as working in area restaurants, bringing their food to farmers markets and operating a catering business. That lead them to Hotel Downstreet, where they opened last month. "The farmers markets are located really, like right outside the front door of this space. So during those farmers markets, we kind of got the attention of the hotel here, and about a year ago, started talking to them about how to really fully activate and develop this space and put in a restaurant that would equally serve the community and the guests of the hotel," Josephs said. The two moved to the Berkshires about four years ago from California. They fell in love with the Berkshires and wanted to bring another restaurant to the city. "We moved here because we saw a general need for more restaurants here, and after being here and working the farmers markets and interacting with people for the last four years, we've kind of honed and changed our concepts a bunch, and we're really trying to be something that the people who live in this area can enjoy, and also be something different from what the other restaurants are offering," said Josephs. "Because this area has so many wonderful restaurants." They really want Door Prize to be for the community and hope to add more events for people to enjoy. "Community is really, really, really important to us. It is a core value, and so we hope that we can foster lots of events and things within the community, host special events with, nonprofits, and work with the other restaurants to do exciting like curated events together, where we do, maybe some farm dinners, things like that, and involve more than just the tourists who come to town," Klowden said. Josephs described their fare as "European comfort food, which means basically everything from pierogies to lasagna to grilled meats to ratatouille. We start with kind of an Eastern European base for our flavors, but expand out into French, Mediterranean, Greek, Spanish, a bunch of different types of cuisines from around Europe." They were approved for their alcohol license in May, allowing them to take over the hotel restaurant formerly occupied by 413 Bistro. They recently opened the patio with a new look after raising nearly $7,000 through Kickstarter. "We just accomplished making our goal for a Kickstarter to set up our patio. We'd like it to be more, go longer seasons, not just summer," Klowden said. "So putting in some heaters, some new lighting, perhaps sound systems, so we can add music to the patio, which is something we'd really like to do, and then just adding a few more dinner services as well, as maybe some lunches as well. Currently we're open just five days a week. We'd like to expand that." One of their most popular dishes is pierogies. They hope to expand their pierogi offerings in the future, especially now that they have the kitchen to do so. "He makes the best pierogies," said Klowden. "And maybe looking into eventually doing some kind of packaged food and selling locally, and then maybe even nationally, our pierogies and our pickles and things like that, we have a huge kitchen, and so there's room for us to expand what we do for the catering. It could accommodate catering and manufacturing pierogies and items like that. So we have lots of plans." Their pierogies are made with a sourdough wrapping and served with a special hot sauce Josephs likes. "We serve them with some caramelized onions, some sour cream, and we make an in-house hot sauce based on harissa, which is a Middle Eastern hot sauce. It's not traditional to be served with pierogies at all, but it's something that I make at home and keep in the fridge," he said. Their khachapuri, a Georgian cheese bread, is also popular and comes with a bit of a show. "It's shaped like a boat, and inside the boat is filled with a mix of farmer's cheese and mozzarella and an egg yolk to make a cheesy, delicious sauce that you kind of tear the bread and dip it into the sauce," Klowden said. Door Prize opened on July 18 with banners off the Main Street patio that declare they're open "against all odds." They said the name is very special to them. "The name Door Prize, which is probably our most asked question, comes from a John Prine song that we dance to at our wedding and has a lot of meaning to us," Klowden said. "So we're each other's big door prize is one of the lines in it, and so this is our door prize to the community, and we're really excited to finally get open." Northern Berkshire Community Contra Dance NORTH ADAMS, Mass. There will be a community contra dance on Saturday, Aug. 9. North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance with calling by Andy Davis, and live music provided by local musicians. All are welcome. Come alone, or with friends - most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 for instruction in the basics. The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the All Saints Episcopal Church, 59 Summer St., North Adams. Use the door closest to the post office. Admission is pay-as-you-can: $5 - $15, or barter equivalent, suggested. For community health, please stay home if you feel unwell or have any cold symptoms. Davis will teach all dances, starting the evening with easy dances friendly to newcomers and families with children. As caller, Davis will teach new moves and skills as needed, so that beginners can dance with everyone right from the start. Music will be live, by local musicians in varied small ensembles, organized by Seamus Connor. China Daily: Its reported that from August 4 to 7, the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Cambodia and Thailand is being held in Malaysia. China is invited to attend an extraordinary session of the GBC meeting on August 7. Whats Chinas comment? Guo Jiakun: Since the informal consultation among China, Cambodia and Thailand was successfully held on July 30, there has been no fighting along the Cambodia-Thailand border, the situation on the ground has been deescalating, and the ceasefire has been gradually implemented by Cambodia and Thailand. Under the active coordination of Malaysia, the rotating chair of ASEAN, the two countries are holding the General Border Committee meeting to have multi-tiered communication through a variety of avenues on developing a detailed mechanism for ceasefire monitoring, which is conducive to an effective and sustained end of the fighting. China commends and welcomes that. According to the will of Cambodia and Thailand, China has actively maintained close communication with the two countries, Malaysia and other regional countries, cemented the ceasefire, promoted communication and dialogue, and helped deescalate the situation. China will continue to support ASEAN in promoting talks for peace, uphold a just and fair position, and play a constructive role in its own way for the turnaround of Cambodia-Thailand relations. The Associated Press: Whats the Foreign Ministrys comment on the India-Philippines joint exercises in the South China Sea this week? (Similar question from Reuters) Guo Jiakun: Disputes over territory and maritime rights and interests should be settled through negotiation and consultation by countries directly concerned, and no third party is in any position to interfere in that. Bloomberg: The Australian government recently charged a Chinese citizen under the foreign interference law. Does the Ministry have a comment on this? (Similar questions from AFP, the Associated Press and Reuters) Guo Jiakun: We are not familiar with the specifics. Let me say more broadly that China develops relations with other countries, including Australia, on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of others. We never interfere in other countries internal affairs, and in the meanwhile, firmly oppose any disruption to the normal people-to-people interactions, exchanges and cooperation between China and relevant country under the pretext of foreign interference. China will follow this case closely and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals. News / National by Staff reporter An 18-year-old woman from Waterfalls has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of aggravated indecent assault for violating another woman with a cooking stick.Harare magistrate Letwin Rwodzi handed down the sentence yesterday, ruling that there was overwhelming evidence against the accused, Tinotenda Majangara. The magistrate said the State had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.On the first count, Rwodzi suspended 12 months of the sentence, and on the third count, she suspended an additional three months on condition that Majangara does not commit a similar offence during the suspension period.The court heard that on May 18 this year, Majangara went to the complainant's home in the company of her sister, Linda, and a friend, Vanesa Maseza. After knocking on the door, the trio entered the room and unlawfully damaged a Huawei Y7 cellphone belonging to the complainant.During the altercation, Majangara tore the victim's black shorts and light green pants before poking her in the private parts with a cooking stick.The victim was later referred to hospital for medical examination. The damaged cellphone, valued at US$70, was not compensated.Majangara faced charges of both aggravated indecent assault and malicious damage to property.The case was prosecuted by Loveit Muringwa. martedi 5 agosto 2025, 11:31 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated A new and provocative interpretation of ancient inscriptions discovered in a turquoise mine in Egypt's Sinai is shaking the world of archaeology and reigniting one of the thorniest questions in historical research: Did Moses really exist? According to independent archaeologist Michael S. Bar-Ron, the answer might be carved in stone. The rock inscriptions. After nearly a decade of studies conducted with the aid of 3D scans and high-resolution images provided by Harvard's Semitic Museum, Bar-Ron claims to have deciphered two phrases in what he identifies as ancient Hebrew: "zot mi'Moshe" ("This is from Moses") and "ne'um Moshe" ("A saying of Moses"). If confirmed, the discovery would represent the oldest extra-biblical mention of the prophet of the Exodus, predating by centuries the oldest Hebrew texts and even the Phoenician alphabet. The inscriptions - explains an article in "Archaeology Magazine" - are part of a set of writings known as "proto-Sinaitic," first discovered by British archaeologist Flinders Petrie in the early 1900s at the mining site of Serabit el-Khadim, in the present-day Sinai Peninsula. They are believed to have been inscribed by Semitic-speaking workers during the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhat III, around 1800 BC, making them among the oldest known examples of alphabetic writing. Bar-Ron goes beyond the traditional interpretation. In a thesis still in progress, he hypothesizes that many of these inscriptions are the work of a single Semitic scribe, skilled in both Egyptian hieroglyphs and the new proto-Sinaitic alphabetic form. According to the scholar, the poetic style and personal tone of the writings suggest a single hand, and perhaps, a religious intent. The discovery site. It's not just the possible mention of Moses that makes the site fascinating. Some nearby inscriptions evoke the name of El, the ancient Hebrew god, while others celebrate Ba'alat, a Semitic deity associated with the Egyptian goddess Hathor. In some cases, the name of Ba'alat appears scratched or erased, suggesting a religious conflict. Other engravings speak of "overseers," "slavery," and a possible exhortation to leave - "ni'mosh," which Bar-Ron translates as "let's go" - elements that evoke the Exodus narratives. Added to this is the discovery of a burned temple dedicated to Ba'alat and other clues of cultural and religious tensions between the Semitic workers and the Egyptian state religion. Some findings, such as the Stele of Reniseneb and a seal belonging to an Asian-Egyptian official, seem to confirm a significant Semitic presence at the site. Bar-Ron even draws a parallel to the figure of Joseph, suggesting a comparison with the Semitic vizier Ankhu, active under the same Pharaoh Amenemhat III. However, not everyone is convinced. Professor Thomas Schneider, an Egyptologist at the University of British Columbia, told the "Daily Mail" that Bar-Ron's claims are "completely unfounded and misleading," warning that "arbitrary identifications of letters can distort ancient history." Proto-Sinaitic writing, in fact, remains largely undeciphered, and scholars caution against overly subjective interpretations. The study. Bar-Ron's work has not yet been peer-reviewed, but it has received support from his academic supervisor, Professor Pieter van der Veen, who encourages him to continue his research. Whether the inscriptions truly refer to Moses or not, the site of Serabit el-Khadim remains a crucial crossroads for understanding the Semitic presence in ancient Egypt. The proto-Sinaitic texts, traces of syncretic worship, and the possible echo of a theological clash contribute to a complex and fascinating picture. If Bar-Ron's hypotheses are confirmed, we may be facing one of the most significant discoveries in modern biblical archaeology. Pending further analysis, a question remains destined to spark debate: what if Moses is indeed carved in stone? 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 India condemned as unjustified a threat by Donald Trump to significantly raise tariffs on the South Asian countrys exports to the US, escalating tensions over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil. Mr Trump on Monday accused India of profiting from discounted Russian crude while disregarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits," the US president said on social media. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA." Indias foreign ministry responded swiftly. The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable," spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, adding that New Delhi would "take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. Mr Jaiswal also highlighted the ongoing energy and industrial trade between Russia and the West. He pointed out that the EU had goods trade with Russia of 57.38 bn in 2024 in addition to 14.62 bn in services trade the previous year. The US, meanwhile, continued to import Russian uranium for its nuclear sector and palladium for electric vehicles. It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia, he said. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion for them. The escalating rhetoric marks a new low in a once-warm relationship between Mr Trump and Indian leader Narendra Modi, characterised by public camaraderie and joint rallies. Growing friction over trade, energy policy, and Mr Trumps overtures to rival Pakistan have strained US ties with New Delhi, and pressure from Western capitals to reduce its reliance on Russian oil is only piling up the pressure. Indian officials argued that the pivot to Russian oil was a market-driven necessity after traditional supplies were redirected to Europe following Western sanctions. File. A refinery operated by Indian Oil Corporation in Guwahati ( AFP via Getty ) India imported an average of 1.75 million barrels a day of Russian oil from January to June 2025, making it the largest buyer of seaborne Russian crude, up one per cent from a year ago, according to data analysed by Reuters. In recent months, however, public sector refiners in India, facing pressure and uncertainty, have started reducing Russian oil purchases. Imports in July fell to 1.6 million barrels per day, a 24 per cent decline from June and a 23.5 per cent fall year-on-year, according to tracking data from Kpler. Indian officials though maintained that there had been no formal policy change. Indian Oil Corp, the countrys largest refiner, recently purchased 7 million barrels from the US, Canada, and Middle Eastern suppliers, Reuters reported, quoting unnamed trade sources. Mr Trump earlier imposed a 25 per cent levy on Indian imports, further unsettling bilateral relations. The US is Indias largest trading partner. Indian exports to the US totalled 68.17bn in 2024 with a trade surplus of 35.88bn. India is not alone in importing Russian crude. According to think tank GTRI, China imported 49.45bn worth of Russian oil in 2024, compared to Indias 39bn. Yet, Mr Trump has so far refrained from criticising Beijing. Eric Garcetti, former US ambassador to New Delhi, previously said that Washington supported Indian crude purchases from Russia to help stabilise energy markets. Indian energy minister Hardeep Singh Puri similarly defended the imports as both essential and sanctioned within the price cap framework. India helped stabilise global energy prices, Mr Puri told CNBC. We were advised, including by our friends in the United States, to please buy Russian oil but within the price cap. 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 She was only eight when she saw people with their skin peeling off, faces swollen beyond recognition, stumbling through a city in flames. For Keiko Ogura, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the morning of 6 August 1945 was the day her childhood ended. She remembers the moment the bomb fell: Hiroshima flattened in an instant, as if a giant had stomped the city into the ground. Buildings were crushed, and fires broke out everywhere. That night, Hiroshima burned. The entire city kept burning through the night. Oguras family had moved a year earlier to the far side of a small hill just outside the city centre a decision, made by her father to avoid air raids, that ultimately saved their lives. The hill stood between their home and the bombs hypocentre, shielding them from the full force of the blast. open image in gallery A photo, dated September 1945, of the remains of the Prefectural Industry Promotion Building after the bombing of Hiroshima, which was preserved as a monument, now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome ( AFP/Getty ) Scenes of horror surrounded Ogura in the days after the bombing. Survivors had leapt into Hiroshimas seven rivers to escape the fires, but many drowned or died from their injuries. She remembers the waterways choked with bodies some drifting downstream, others washing back with the tide, missing limbs and swarmed by flies. Mass cremations became part of daily life. In front of her home alone, her father cremated around 700 people. Even children like me had to help carry bodies on straw mats, she recalled in a video published by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Nearly eight decades later, those memories remain vivid etched with scenes of unbearable pain and incalculable loss. For Ogura, they are more than personal recollections. They are warnings. Warnings, she says, that the world must never allow itself to forget. open image in gallery Keiko Ogura, a survivor of the 1945 atomic bombing, at the 2023 G7 leaders summit meeting, at the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima ( JiJi Press ) Hiroshima Day, observed each year on 6 August, commemorates one of the most devastating moments in human history the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the United States in 1945, during the final days of the Second World War. That morning, a US B-29 bomber named Enola Gay dropped a uranium-based atomic bomb, nicknamed Little Boy, which detonated about 600 metres above the city. The explosion unleashed a ferocious blast, scorching heat, and lethal radiation, instantly killing 70,000 to 80,000 people. In the days and months that followed, tens of thousands more died from injuries and radiation sickness. The city was flattened, and survivors known as hibakusha endured long-term health effects and unimaginable psychological trauma. open image in gallery Japanese men carry a victim of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki in August 1945 after that city was bombed too ( Reuters ) Three days later, on 9 August, the US dropped a second bomb, Fat Man, over Nagasaki. These bombings marked the first and only use of nuclear weapons in war and led to Japans surrender on 15 August 1945, bringing the Second World War to an end. The atomic bombings killed more than 210,000 people. Hiroshima and Nagasaki stand as lasting reminders not only of the immense human tragedy that unfolded, but of the profound danger nuclear weapons pose to humanity in todays fractured world. In the years since 1945, survivors, activists, and global leaders have repeatedly invoked the devastation as a stark plea for disarmament and a cautionary lesson for generations to come. Last year, survivors of the bombings said that receiving the Nobel Peace Prize had renewed their determination to campaign for nuclear disarmament. open image in gallery The crew of the B-29 bomber Enola Gay , including pilot Paul W Tibbets (centre), who named the aircraft after his mother ( US Air Force ) I felt like I needed to work even harder on what I had done so far, Terumi Tanaka, who survived the atomic attack on Nagasaki, told the Associated Press at the time. Tanaka, 93, spoke at a press conference in Tokyo last year following his return from Oslo, where he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Nihon Hidankyo, the organisation of Japanese atomic bomb survivors. I believe it is important to focus on the next 10 years and strengthen the movement moving forward, he added. I would like to lead a big movement of testimonials. On Monday, Tanaka told the press: I believe a nuclear war could happen in the near future. Most young people today may not know how many nuclear weapons exist. There are 12,000 nuclear warheads. He added: One warhead is 2,000 times more powerful than the bombs 80 years ago. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings a poignant milestone for survivors and campaigners alike. open image in gallery Visitors use umbrellas to shelter from the sun at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial ( Getty ) Last year, Michiko Kodama, who survived the Hiroshima bombing, said: We hibakusha who saw the hell ... within a decade wont be around to tell the reality of the atomic bombing. I want to keep telling our stories as long as we live. Kodama was seven years old in August 1945. I saw an extremely strong light coming in from the window. It was white, or shall I say yellow? So strong that I couldnt keep my eyes open, another survivor, Fumi Takeshita, 80, remembered. It was the day after the bomb dropped. [My father] walked through the hypocenter, the Urakami area, and heard many people calling for help. There were heaps of bodies, too. Buildings were crashed to the ground and there was nothing left, apparently. I heard that from my grandmother. She said, Fumi-chan, remember the light you saw the other day? Because of that, there is nothing left in Urakami, and many people died. open image in gallery The Atomic Bomb Dome at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park ( Getty ) While Takeshita painfully recalls the devastation in the aftermath of the atomic bombing, other survivors have also borne the weight of their memories for decades. Despite battling numerous health issues, 83-year-old survivor Kunihiko Iida has dedicated his retirement to sharing his story in the hope of advancing the cause of nuclear disarmament. Iida now volunteers as a guide at Hiroshimas Peace Memorial Park, determined to raise awareness among foreign visitors, who he believes often lack a full understanding of the bombings. Iida tried to scream, Mummy, help! on that day in August 1945, but no sound came out, he recalled. He was eventually rescued by his grandfather. open image in gallery A young girl visits the Childrens Peace Monument at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park ( Getty ) Within a month, his 25-year-old mother and four-year-old sister died after suffering nosebleeds, skin problems, and extreme fatigue symptoms of radiation exposure. Iida experienced similar effects throughout elementary school but slowly recovered. It wasnt until he was nearly 60 that he returned to the peace park at the bombing site. His elderly aunt asked him to go with her, and he finally agreed. It was his first visit since that day. The only path to peace is nuclear weapons abolishment. There is no other way, Iida says. With each passing year, as the hibakusha grow older, their warnings also feel more urgent. As of 31 March 2025, Japans Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported that there were only 99,130 people officially recognised as hibakusha. Their calls for a nuclear-free world have yet to be realised. open image in gallery Visitors walk under a sign at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bomb attack ( Getty ) Instead, rising global tensions have brought back fears of a nuclear war. Just recently, US president Donald Trump said he ordered the deployment of nuclear submarines near Russia in response to what he described as threatening remarks from Moscow. In 2024, nearly all nine nuclear-armed states the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel continued to pursue extensive nuclear modernisation programmes, upgrading existing arsenals and developing newer, more advanced weapons, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). As of January 2025, an estimated 12,241 nuclear warheads existed worldwide, with approximately 9,614 held in military stockpiles and available for potential use, the report said. In March 2023, Russia announced plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus marking the first time it has stationed such arms outside its borders since the Soviet Unions collapse. open image in gallery The US military aeroplane, nicknamed Bockscar , which dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki ( AFP/Getty ) While not an outright breach of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), critics contended that, much like Natos nuclear sharing arrangements, the move undermines the treatys spirit. Then, in November 2024, Russian president Vladimir Putin approved revisions to Russias nuclear doctrine changes that, according to many analysts, appeared to lower the threshold for potential nuclear use. Last year in November, North Koreas UN envoy said that the country has vowed to accelerate its nuclear weapons programme after testing an intercontinental ballistic missile, citing threats from the US. Kim Song, North Koreas ambassador to the UN, said during a security council meeting that Pyongyang would accelerate the programme to counter any threat presented by hostile nuclear weapons states. Last month, it was reported that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country, with at least 600 warheads now in its stockpile and about 100 being added annually since 2023, according to SIPRI. open image in gallery Views of Hiroshima before and after the first atomic bomb was dropped ( AFP/Getty ) The SIPRI report also mentioned that Israel, though it does not officially acknowledge having nuclear weapons, is believed to be modernising its arsenal. In 2024, the report said it tested a missile propulsion system likely linked to its nuclear-capable Jericho ballistic missiles, and satellite imagery suggested ongoing upgrades at its Dimona plutonium production facility. The report noted: Russia and the USA together possess around 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons. The sizes of their respective military stockpiles (ie useable warheads) seem to have stayed relatively stable in 2024, but both states are implementing extensive modernisation programmes that could increase the size and diversity of their arsenals in the future. The era of reductions in the number of nuclear weapons in the world, which had lasted since the end of the Cold War, is coming to an end, said Hans M Kristensen, associate senior fellow with SIPRIs Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme and director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Instead, we see a clear trend of growing nuclear arsenals, sharpened nuclear rhetoric and the abandonment of arms control agreements. open image in gallery The sun rises above the Atomic Bomb Dome ( Getty ) Tanaka of Nihon Hidankyo told the media on Monday: There are 3,000 to 4,000 ready-to-use nuclear warheads that leaders can launch instantly. Accidental launches can also happen. Thats the world we all live in. If that happens, young people will lose their future. I want to tell young people to think about this. So this August, when the world holds events and talks of nuclear disarmament and a future free of atomic weapons, the question still looms: have the powers that be deliberately made nuclear disarmament a distant dream in todays world? Is the dream of a nuclear-free world further out of reach? And in the process, are we beginning to forget the horrors that hibakusha like Keiko Ogura endured? On Monday, Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Jorgen Frydnes said: I dont think fear [of nuclear weapons] is the solution to our problems. The hibakusha clearly show that it is possible, even though in a situation of pain, sorrow, [and] grief, to choose peace, and thats the message we want the world to listen to. Frydnes visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki last week, ahead of the 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings. Their story is also a story of memory becoming a force for change, he said. 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 Japan has secured a landmark AU$10 billion (4.9bn) agreement to build Australia's next generation of warships. It marks Tokyo's most significant defence sale since ending a military export ban in 2014 and signalling a notable shift from its post-war pacifism. Under the deal, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will supply the Royal Australian Navy with upgraded Mogami-class multi-role frigates from 2029. Designed to hunt submarines, strike surface ships, and provide air defences, these highly automated warships can be operated by just 90 sailors less than half the crew needed for current vessels. Australia plans to deploy the new ships to defend critical maritime trade routes and its northern approaches in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where China has been increasing its presence and activity. "It's going to be really important in terms of giving our navy the capability to project, and impactful projection is at the heart of the strategic challenge," Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said on Tuesday. open image in gallery Japanese warship the JS Yahagi, a Mogami-class stealth frigate from Japans Maritime Self-Defense Force, seen docked in Darwin, Australia, in June For Japan, the frigate sale is a further step in its efforts to forge security ties beyond its alliance with the US as it seeks to counter China's expanding military power in Asia. "The benefits include enhanced joint operations and interoperability with both Australia and the United States. This is a major step forward in Japans defence cooperation efforts," Japan's Minister of Defence Gen Nakatani said at a briefing in Tokyo. The successful bid helps ease the sting of 2016, when Australia rejected a Japanese submarine programme in favour of a French design. Canberra scrapped that project in 2023, opting instead to build nuclear-powered submarines with the United States and Britain under the AUKUS pact. The initial contract for three Japanese-built frigates will be Australias largest naval purchase since the nuclear submarine agreement, while the remaining eight ships are expected to be constructed by Austal ASB.AX in Western Australia. open image in gallery Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles ( Getty ) "The broad-based participation of industries from both Japan and Australia in general-purpose frigates is expected to strengthen human resource development in science and technology, as well as the foundations of the defence industry, in both countries," MHI, which also designed the submarine rejected by Australia in 2016, said in a press release. Shares in MHI rose more than 3 per cent and Austal shares rose more than 5 per cent. Pricing, sustainment, and the transfer of production to Australia remain key issues for further negotiation, officials from both countries said. They said they aimed to conclude a contract early in 2026. MHI's Mogami frigate was selected over German company ThyssenKrupp TKAG.DE Marine Systems' MEKO A-200 in a meeting of the Australian government's national security committee. The upgraded Mogami-class frigate can launch long-range missiles, and has a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles, compared to Australia's current Anzac Class frigates, which can sail around 6,000 nautical miles, Mr Marles said. 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 Imran Khan completes two years in jail, his party is preparing to approach the UN with a new case alleging torture and inhumane treatment of Pakistans former prime minister and his wife in custody. A UN human rights working group last year found the former leaders incarceration to be arbitrary and unlawful and ruled the appropriate remedy would be to release Khan immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law. Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari, a senior aide to Khan, tells The Independent that their Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is once again approaching the UN with formal documentation outlining the alleged custodial torture of the former leader and his wife, Bushra Bibi. We are putting a case, he says, its going to be lodged very soon. The party is also ramping up pressure at home. To mark the second anniversary of Khans arrest on 5 August, members and supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf intend to take to the streets, demanding their leaders release and denouncing what they call a sustained campaign to silence the countrys most popular political figure. Bukhari says supporters will organise peaceful rallies and neighbourhood meetings and the party will release a white paper documenting what it calls years of state repression. The party aims for the protest to build momentum towards a broader national mobilisation. There is no choice but to start building momentum for a national protest. We want to start off building momentum, he says. Khan was removed as prime minister through a parliamentary no confidence motion in 2022 and arrested over corruption allegations on 9 May 2023. His arrest sparked nationwide protests, some of which turned violent and targeted military installations. Khan was released shortly after but jailed again on 5 August 2023, marking the beginning of a series of legal battles. The jailed leader has accused Pakistans powerful military of conspiring with the US to topple him. The military and the US have denied the accusations. Khans party has faced a sustained state crackdown since his ouster. Just last week, a Pakistani court sentenced 108 senior members of the party, including leader of the opposition Omar Ayub Khan, to 10 years in prison for their alleged role in the 2023 anti-government protests sparked by Khans arrest. open image in gallery File. Supporters of Imran Khan protest during a rally in Swabi, Pakistan, on 8 February 2025 ( REUTERS ) The ruling was another major setback for the party, which had already lost many of its leaders to arrests or pressure to quit politics. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has maintained the 2023 protests were mostly peaceful and reflected public anger against Khans arrest. But the government has used antiterrorism laws to crack down on the partys leadership that it has accused of being involved in the agitation. Critics say the sentencing of over 100 leaders at once shows the states aim is to weaken the party. Khans lawyers are sounding concern over what they describe as the erosion of judicial independence in Pakistan. Abuzar Salman Niazi, one of the lawyers, claims the courts are being used to sideline the former prime minister through politically motivated convictions and procedural delays. He also says Khans treatment in prison violates both Pakistani law and international human rights standards. Hes kept in solitary confinement for 22 to 23 hours a day. Even safe drinking water is not provided, Niazi tells The Independent. There is psychological torture that he is being subjected to continuously. His wife is being treated in a very unfair manner. According to Khans legal team, the judiciary is increasingly aligned with the executive, denying fair trial rights and enabling what they call a systematic effort to crush dissent. open image in gallery File. A boy rides past a paramilitary checkpoint set on fire by supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan during a protest against his arrest in Karachi, Pakistan, on 9 May 2023 ( REUTERS ) Khans party alleges that he and his wife face inhumane treatment in custody, especially during Pakistans searing summer. The last six months, especially the last three to four months, have been excruciatingly hot, Bukhari says. Theyve blocked access to him. Theres been a severe lack of communication. His legal team has extremely limited to no access. His calls to his children, some weeks go by where he doesnt meet anybody. The Independent sent a list of questions for Khan through a close aide, but they were unable to obtain a response because, they claimed, his lawyers were being denied access to him. While Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf continues to call for mass mobilisation and international intervention to get Khan out, it is grappling with internal challenges as well. The sweeping state crackdown has not only targeted the partys leadership but also sparked internal fragmentation. Several prominent figures have either distanced themselves from the party or gone silent under pressure, leaving a vacuum that the party has struggled to fill. Bukhari acknowledges these challenges. Theres always going to be issues with leadership when the most popular leader of the largest political party is in prison, he says. Its only natural youre going to have these problems because the party has always been led by someone whos a larger-than-life figure, and people have got to know him and got to believe in him and love him. So, no one is going to live up to that. Therere naturally going to be shortfalls all around. The main thing is that, in what you call fragmentation, is that these are problems that will continue until Imran Khan comes out. He claims the state has deliberately restricted Khans communication with his closest allies to sow confusion and disunity. They suffocate our communication with him, which creates different variants of what Imran Khan may have thought or said in prison, he explains. Thats very tactfully done. As Khan remains effectively cut off from his party and legal battles keep mounting he still faces over 200 cases questions loom over what Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf looks like without the founder at the helm. In the absence of Khan from day-to-day politics, there is no one to fill the leadership vacuum. In spite of these challenges, the party insists it is not collapsing. Bukhari says that no leader in Pakistans history can match Khans popularity or charisma, so, instead of trying to replace him, they must focus on keeping the party united. Its not about filling his shoes, he argues. Its about steering the party in a manner that can weather the storm. Niazi says Khan has endured his physical and emotional torment, including pressure on his family meant to break him, with courage. But hes still standing tall. Hes not giving up. Hes standing for the rule of law. Hes standing tall for democracy, the lawyer says. Hes standing tall for an independent judiciary. Khans imprisonment has become a flashpoint in Pakistans ongoing political crisis, raising concerns about the fairness of the justice system and the space for opposition voices. For many, Khans time behind bars has only reinforced the image he spent years building that of a defiant figure weathering the storm. Still, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf facing a sweeping crackdown and Khan dealing with his own mounting legal troubles, its unclear how long his resilience alone can sustain a party under siege. 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 Hong Kong came to a standstill on Tuesday as torrential rain pounded the city for the second time in less than six hours, triggering a rare black rainstorm warning, paralysing public services and flooding key urban districts. The Hong Kong Observatory issued its highest-level alert at 5.50am local time, warning that more than 70mm rain was falling per hour across the territory. A similar black rain warning had been issued at 11.45pm Monday night. The weather forecaster said that the downpour was driven by an active southwest monsoon and upper-air disturbances near the Pearl River Estuary. By morning, Queen Mary Hospital, the citys largest, was battling severe flooding, with ankle-deep water accumulating around the main building, China Daily reported. Emergency services had to reroute patients to the Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai while the Drainage Services Department deployed pumps to manage the inundation. Flash floods ripped through several districts including Central, Pok Fu Lam, Tseung Kwan O, and Tai Po, turning staircases into cascading streams and major roads into rivers of mud. In Quarry Bay, torrents swept down hillsides, inundating Kings Road and nearby residential areas, the South China Morning Post reported. open image in gallery A pedestrian holds a bag over his head beside a bus stop in the Quarry Bay area of Hong Kong on 5 August 2025 ( AFP via Getty ) Persistent rainstorm will cause serious road flooding and traffic congestion. Members of the public are advised to take shelter in a safe place, the observatory warned. It also issued a landslip warning, urging people to avoid steep slopes and hilly areas. Between midnight and 8am, most Hong Kong districts recorded over 40mm of rainfall, while parts of Sai Kung and Tai Po witnessed nearly 300mm. open image in gallery Pedestrian walks past an overflowing hillside drain spilling water onto a street in the Quarry Bay area of Hong Kong on 5 August 2025 ( AFP via Getty ) The flooding prompted widespread closures. Schools, courts and most public services, including immigration offices, were suspended. The Education Bureau cancelled all morning, afternoon and full-day classes. The Department of Home Affairs opened nine temporary shelters while district councillors and emergency teams were on standby. open image in gallery A car owner checks his vehicle partially submerged in a flooded area during heavy rains in Hong Kong on 5 August 2025 ( Reuters ) The Drainage Services Department reported 18 confirmed flood cases by 8am, including in Sha Tin, Lee Yue Mun, and Tolo Harbour Highway, and deployed over 180 emergency teams to inspect and respond at 240 known flood-prone locations. A car park in flood-prone King Yin Lane, Tseung Kwan O, was submerged overnight, with water rising halfway up about 20 parked vehicles. "Many residents tried to drive away their cars but some in vain because the engines of the cars did not work," said Christine Fong Kwok Shan, district councillor for Sai Kung. open image in gallery A pedestrian walks past a flooded stairs outside a hospital during heavy rains, in Hong Kong, 5 August 2025 ( Reuters ) Minibuses, ferries and buses witnessed major disruption. In Tsuen Wan, police were filmed helping push a green minibus out of rising floodwater. KMB suspended several routes across the New Territories, while the Peak tram and Mid-Levels escalators ceased operation due to safety concerns. The MTR network was also affected. Several station exits at Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, Tai Po Market, and Choi Hung were temporarily closed due to flooding. A vessel sank in Yung Shue Wan on the Lamma Island and another capsized in Sai Kung's Sam Mun Zai area. open image in gallery Workers place a blockade outside a flooded hospital during heavy rains in Hong Kong on 5 August 2025 ( Reuters ) The storm on Tuesday followed a weekend of deadly flash floods in southern China, where five people died in Guangdong province. Over 1,300 rescuers were dispatched in the aftermath. Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macau - which issued a red rain warning - form the backbone of Chinese president Xi Jinping's flagship Greater Bay Area initiative, aimed at fusing Hong Kong's financial firepower with Guangdong's manufacturing and technological strength. open image in gallery A pedestrian tunnel is partially submerged during heavy rains in Hong Kong on 5 August 2025 ( Reuters ) Airports across the region faced heavy disruption, with cancellation rates around 20 per cent according to Flightmaster data. Speed limits on the Hong KongZhuhaiMacau Bridge were reduced due to poor visibility, though the Hong Kong international airport remained operational with some flight delays. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange also continued trading, having changed its policy last year to keep open during weather disruptions. open image in gallery Vehicles are partially submerged during heavy rains in Hong Kong on 5 August 2025 ( Reuters ) Leung Wing Mo, former assistant director of the Hong Kong Observatory, said work arrangements during severe weather were at the discretion of individual companies. The Labour Department reminded employers to ensure the safety of their employees, and consider remote work or early release during extreme conditions. Hong Kong usually receives about 2,200mm of rainfall annually, with over half concentrated between June and August. This latest event has underscored the escalating risks posed by extreme weather, which meteorologists globally are increasingly linking to climate change. As of Tuesday afternoon, the black rainstorm warning remains in effect. News / National by Staff reporter A 13-year-old girl was raped in parked Kombi at Rezende Parkade rank.Initially, the Grade 7 learner was humiliated by touts, who were dragging her to various Kombis at the rank.One of the touts then pretended to be a good Samaritan and led her to a parked kombi nearby.He locked the Kombi and raped her once without protection.The tout disappeared after the act leaving the learner inside.Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the case appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. "Police are investigating a rape case involving a Grade 7 learner at a rank along Rezende Street in the CBD."Circumstances were that the complainant left home proceeding to town where she was supposed to collect her money at corner Leopold Takawira and Jason Moyo."Upon arrival, the complainant was given cash and she immediately left stating that she wanted to go back home to finish her homework."On her way back home, she proceeded at Rezende Parkade rank to get a commuter omnibus back home."Whilst at the rank, the touts started blocking her way, obstructing her from entering a certain vehicle."She was approached by the accused person, who purported that he wanted to help her."He ordered her into a parked, white Toyota Hiace where he locked and raped her. The complainant later went home, where she did not tell anyone about the matter.The matter came to light when the complainant's uncle went to her school to enquire why she returned home late."The complainant was interviewed by her teacher and that is when she revealed the rape.She was referred to Adult Rape Clinic Parirenyatwa Hospital for medical examination," said Insp Chakanza. 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 man has been jailed after he threatened two police officers with a fake firearm he made from a brown paper bag. CCTV footage showed Matthew Sylvester, 37, chase a police car and point a fake gun at the officers, who assumed in the dark that the weapon was real. Police constables Dan Arthur and George Oliver responded to a report of a man who was using a trolley to try and break into a shop in Telford town centre at around 10pm on 22 February. West Mercia Police said that the officers didnt realise the wannabe burglar was preparing for police arrival, using a jumper to cover his face in a nearby trolley park where he forged an object to mimic a gun. When he spotted the patrol car enter the car park, he immediately charged at the officers with his imitation firearm. The officers moved away from Sylvester, only to find themselves stuck behind the car park barriers. He went to the passenger side of the car, where he threatened PC Oliver and kicked the vehicle. The officers quickly called for backup as they couldnt see in the dark that Sylvester was not holding a gun. The 37-year-old moved to open the boot of the police car, before the two officers got out of the car and pursued him on foot, as Sylvester ran in the direction of a housing estate. Before he could leave the car park, the two officers tackled him to the floor and removed the jumper covering his face, where Sylvester - who is known to the police - was revealed. Police established quickly that the firearm was a brown paper bag that Sylvester had folded up to look like a handgun. The suspect, of no fixed abode, was arrested at the scene for offences including having an imitation firearm and assaulting an emergency worker. Chief Inspector Matt Sanders said: When officers are sent to an ongoing incident they are going into the unknown. That night, PC Arthur and PC Oliver responded to an attempted burglary, and came face-to-face with a man whose clear intention was to cause harm and distress to police. Sylvester's actions were calculated, going to great lengths to ensure officers were called to the scene, including threatening members of the public and trying to break into a shop. "He covered his face with a jumper to ensure he wasnt recognised by officers before manipulating an object to look like a small firearm so he could threaten whoever was responding. The bravery and professionalism shown by both PCs that evening was nothing short of extraordinary. "Fortunately, neither officer sustained any injuries, and Sylvester was swiftly arrested thanks to the quick thinking and actions of both officers that night, along with those who also came to their aid.No-one should come to work and face violence, and we thank our officers that day for their bravery and dedication to keeping communities safe. He was later charged with a number of offences including two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, possession of an imitation firearm to cause distress, possession of class A drugs and attempted burglary. Sylvester pleaded guilty to all charges at Shrewsbury Crown Court halfway through a week-long trial on Wednesday last week. On Friday, he was sentenced to 16 months for imitating a firearm, and three months for assaulting two emergency workers to run consecutively. He was also given four months for causing fear and violence and one month for possession of a class A drug (cocaine). Both are to run concurrently. 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 Prisons across the UK were on the brink of collapse on three occasions after Rishi Sunaks last government refused to cut the numbers in jail, an independent review by a former prisons watchdog has revealed. Dame Anne Owers, former chief inspector of prisons, wrote in her 72-page report titled Independent Review of Prison Capacity that the overcrowded system was in crisis between autumn 2023 and the summer of 2024. At one point, there were fewer than 100 spaces left in adult male prisons, with the network at times running very close to the edge of capacity and within three days of meltdown, the report said. It remains at nearly 97.5 per capacity, despite Labours introduction of several early release schemes. Officials were so anxious about potential breakdowns that they maintained an audit of every decision and document in case there was a public or parliamentary inquiry, the report found. open image in gallery Lord chancellor and justice secretary Shabana Mahmood commissioned the prisons review in February ( Jacob King/PA Wire ) Interviews for the review found that former ministers and senior officials expressed frustration and sometimes anger at the repeated refusal to back contingency plans, with many convinced that delaying tactics from No 10 were deliberate. Many believed that the default position was to do as little as possible as late as possible, with the consequence that the system repeatedly reached the brink of collapse, Dame Anne said. Pressure on the criminal justice system is set to ramp up this weekend, as police warn they may arrest hundreds of people planning to show support for Palestine Action. Forces are also gearing up for further protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers in Greater London, the North East and East Anglia. Commissioned by justice secretary Shabana Mahmood in February, the review suggests ministers only secured agreement for early release powers when prisons were literally days from being overwhelmed. Although departmental ministers were convinced by mid-2023 that some form of early release was both necessary and urgent, this required prime ministerial agreement, which was not forthcoming until the system was within three days of potential collapse, and only in incremental stages, Dame Anne wrote. open image in gallery Former justice secretary Alex Chalk reportedly urged the government to approve an early release scheme to free those serving standard determinate sentences ( PA Wire ) From mid-2023, Alex Chalk, who served as justice secretary at the time, reportedly urged the government to approve an early release scheme to free those serving standard determinate sentences. But the report found that his proposals were repeatedly rebuffed. Without exception, all those the review spoke to expressed frustration and sometimes anger at the reluctance to accept and then act on the well-documented and imminent crisis, or to agree any coherent plan to avert it, Dame Anne After the general election was called in May 2024, the report discloses that Mr Sunak convened emergency Cobra meetings to discuss invoking emergency powers to release prisoners early should the system collapse. This might be necessary to avert the risk of public disorder if the criminal justice system collapsed during the election campaign, the report disclosed. The Sunak administration later deployed early release schemes on three occasions, using compassionate grounds provisions to ease pressure as jails neared capacity. Labour minister Ms Mahmood said the report lays bare the disgraceful way the last Conservative government ran our prisons. She said: They added less than 500 cells to the prison estate over 14 years, released over 10,000 prisoners early under a veil of secrecy, and brought our jails close to total collapse on countless occasions. A Conservative Party spokesperson said: In office, the Conservatives rightly listened to the public demand to see criminals punished with proper sentences, and to tackle the capacity issues we had plans to use prisons abroad. Labour scrapped those plans and instead chose to release violent criminals back on our streets. Labour aren't serious about tackling these issues. They blocked our deportation bill that would have mandated the deportation of all foreign criminals. Whilst Labour and Reform want shorter sentences, the Conservatives will make no apology for ensuring that heinous criminals are kept off our streets and behind bars. 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 Police have launched a manhunt after a man was shot dead in north-east London. Metropolitan Police officers were called to Dynevor Road in Stoke Newington at 12.18am on Tuesday to reports of gunshots. They found a man, 45, with gunshot injuries. Emergency services tried to save the victim but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been notified and is being supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem and formal identification are due to take place. Dynevor Road and parts of Stoke Newington High Street have been closed off. Police are asking the public to avoid the area where possible. No arrests have been made yet. Four forensic officers in scrubs and masks were at the scene on Tuesday afternoon, alongside several police officers. A Lime bike was lying flat in the cordoned area. The forensic officers used torches to investigate underneath the nine cars parked on the street. Residents told of waking to the sounds of gunshots. Liza Dodds, 58, a youth worker who lives opposite Dynevor Road, said: My husband woke up and said there was gunshots. The instant reaction was how do you know? We both got up and had a look. A police officer was doing CPR where the person fell. It seemed like they were going forever. Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing for the area for the Met, said: Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to the tragic death of this man. We understand this incident will cause concern within the Stoke Newington community, however, we do believe this to be an isolated incident at this stage of the investigation with no wider risk to the general public. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, along with a crime scene, as we carry out our enquiries. We thank them for their patience and cooperation at this time. We urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could assist us, to come forward as soon as possible. Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 108/5AUG. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 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 Tommy Robinson has been released on bail after being arrested over an alleged assault at St Pancras train station in London. The 42-year-old man was arrested at Luton Airport after a video emerged which showed the activist walking away from the scene of an alleged assault at the train station. Footage shared on social media last Monday appeared to show Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, pacing around the London station with another person lying still on the floor nearby. He was then seen walking down a flight of stairs before the injured man was taken to hospital. On Monday, British Transport Police (BTP) said: Officers from BTP have tonight arrested a 42-year-old man from Bedfordshire in connection to an assault at St Pancras station in London on July 28. The arrest took place at Luton Airport shortly after 6.30pm, following a notification that the man had boarded an incoming flight from Faro. The man had been wanted for questioning after leaving the country to Tenerife in the early hours of July 29 following the incident at St Pancras. He was arrested on suspicion of GBH (grievous bodily harm) and will now be taken to custody for questioning. The victim was discharged from hospital last Wednesday, after being treated for what police described as serious injuries. British Transport Police (BTP) said on Tuesday that he has been released on police bail until September 8 as inquires continue. In a post on X, Robinson said: RELEASE THE FOOTAGE @metpoliceuk 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 government has been urged to let hero Afghans granted sanctuary in Britain bring their loved ones to the UK after a major data breach put the lives of up to 100,000 people at risk from the Taliban. More than 50 refugee charities and lawyers have written to Yvette Cooper, urging her to make it easier for Afghans who were allowed to relocate to the UK due to British links to bring family members many of whom are at risk of reprisals with them. The pleas come after revelations that a catastrophic data leak occurred at the Ministry of Defence in February 2022, which led to the details of thousands of Afghans who said they were in danger from the Taliban and had applied for sanctuary in Britain being shared online. The dataset, inadvertently sent out by a member of the armed forces, included the personal details of applicants to the MoDs Arap resettlement scheme, which allows Afghans who supported British troops to seek sanctuary in the UK. The leak was covered up by a superinjunction, which was lifted in July this year after The Independent challenged the draconian legal order at the High Court. Ms Cooper has now been told that the government has no time to waste if it wants to prevent the worst possible consequences of the data leak becoming a dire reality. Charity workers and solicitors, including representatives from Asylum Aid and modern slavery charity Kalayaan, told Ms Cooper: The UK government has a moral responsibility to the Afghan people who continue to suffer, including now as a result of the data leak, and have no choice but to seek safety elsewhere. The 2022 data breach directly exposed Afghans still in the country to a risk of reprisals they were not even aware of, and the High Court, in lifting the superinjunction, recognised that its imposition may have increased the risks these people face. The letter continued: Poor decision-making could yet again have exposed Afghans to serious harm, with many of these people having clear UK family ties. It added: It is essential that those who were resettled under Arap and ACRS are able to live in safety and are given a fair opportunity to reunite with their families. Unlike those who apply via asylum routes, Afghans applying under the Arap scheme cannot sponsor family members to come to the UK under refugee reunion rules. The same applies to those who are relocated under ACRS, which is designed to help those who supported British values, such as journalists or womens rights activists. However, some applicants may be able to make a separate immigration application. But charities and rights groups say these family routes are very restrictive, and that the application process can often involve extremely costly application fees and require copious, specific documentation. Decision-makers often refuse these applications from Afghan families, which leads to lengthy appeals. Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain, chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Afghan women, said: There is already anecdotal evidence of reprisals on family members by the Taliban the Home Office has no time to waste if the government wants to prevent the worst possible consequences of the data leak becoming a dire reality. The Home Office desperately needs to take a pragmatic and compassionate approach to allowing Afghans resettled in the UK to be reunited safely with their families. It is clear that these schemes have been seriously mishandled, culminating in the recent exposure of the 2022 data leak. Hamidullah Fahim and his wife are in the UK, along with their two youngest children, but they are hoping they can be reunited with the two older ones ( Hamidullah Fahim ) In one recent case highlighted by The Independent, a security guard who worked for the British embassy in Kabul for almost two decades has been unable to bring his two eldest sons to the UK. Hamidullah Fahim and his wife Zaghona were brought to Britain with their two youngest children in December 2023, but they couldnt bring their two eldest sons, who are now in their twenties. Mr Fahim said that his family is struggling with being separated, saying: We want to do whatever we can to be reunited with them, and to let the Home Office know of the injustice that has been carried out in our case. Isaac Shaffer, at Refugee Legal Support, said it is critical that the government speed up decision-making on Arap cases in light of the data breach. He explained that most of the people he is helping have waited over a year for a final decision on their Arap application and have remained in hiding throughout, in constant fear, and in extraordinarily precarious circumstances, adding: Knowledge of this data breach has only exacerbated this fear and uncertainty. James Tullett, CEO of the charity Ramfel, who helped coordinate the letter, said: The government has acknowledged that the people they have resettled need protection, and yet this offer of support comes with the heavy price of separation from family. Allowing Afghan families to reunite wont solve all the problems associated with the data leak, but it will make a monumental difference for the affected families. The Home Office has been contacted for comment. 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 first electric car models eligible for new government grants have been revealed. The discount will be automatically applied at the point of sale. This will enable motorists purchasing a new electric car to save either 1,500 or 3,750, depending on sustainability criteria. It is hoped the measure will encourage more drivers to switch to electric motoring. Drivers will be able to save 1,500 with the purchase of new Citroen e-C3, e-C4, e-C5 and e-Berlingo cars, the Department for Transport (DfT) said. The DfT said many drivers cite upfront costs as a key barrier to buying an EV. The grant will bring down prices so they more closely match their petrol and diesel counterparts, it said. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander ( Stefan Rousseau/PA ) Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: With the first four models approved today, and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer were making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK. Once again were delivering our plan for change by standing firmly on the side of motorists and manufacturers, driving down costs for consumers, supporting jobs and putting money back in peoples pockets. Greg Taylor, managing director of Citroen UK, said: We want everyone to have the opportunity to make the switch to an electric car, and this support will help make our cars more accessible for our customers. Edmund King, AA president, said any government support to boost the demand for EVs is welcome, adding: This discount of 1,500 for some more affordable EVs will help a number of those with tighter budgets. We look forward to seeing the full list of discounts up to 3,750 on more models to really push the market forward. Dan Caesar, chief executive of lobby group Electric Vehicles UK, welcomed the announcement and called for manufacturers to support a scheme which the EV industry needs to be conspicuously successful. Under the governments zero emission vehicle (Zev) mandate, at least 28 per cent of new cars sold by each manufacturer in the UK this year must be zero emission, which generally means pure electric. Across all manufacturers, the figure during the first half of the year was 21.6 per cent. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in April that sales of new hybrids that cannot be plugged in will be permitted to continue until 2035. Changes to the Zev mandate also mean it will be easier for manufacturers who do not meet the targets to avoid fines. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice More than half a million rat infestations have been reported across the UK in less than three years, new data has revealed. Drainage specialists have said the problem is only getting worse, with the issue now increasingly starting underground as they issued a warning over potentially fatal health dangers linked to the rodents. Analysis of Freedom of Information (FOI) responses from UK councils showed the country saw 518,240 reported rat infestations from 2023 to mid-2025. Nearly a quarter of these were found to be in London alone, closely followed by the north west of England and Scotland, which recorded almost 95,000 and 70,000 infestations respectively. Stuart McGinn, drainage expert at Drain Detectives, which produced the research, told The Independent there is no single cause behind the regional differences in rat infestations, but he outlined several key factors that do create the perfect conditions in certain areas. He said: Urban density is one of the biggest drivers, as is the case in London, which has a complex underground network of drains and older infrastructure that rats can easily exploit. More people also equals more food waste, bin storage, and ample conditions for rats and rodents to thrive. Aside from just populated cities, some regions with higher infestation numbers, like parts of the north west or Scotland, also have large numbers of aging buildings with outdated drainage systems. Once cracks or disused pipes appear, rats only need the smallest access points, and they will then follow the scent of food and warmth straight into homes and the inside of commercial spaces. It could also be argued that the regional variations in rat infestations could be down to warmer, wetter weather patterns in certain parts of the UK. Milder seasons mean rats are breeding for longer periods of the year, pushing up numbers. Without proactive maintenance, especially underground, infestations can take hold fast. open image in gallery More than half a million rat infestations have been reported across the UK in less than three years, shocking new data has revealed ( PA ) The drainage company conducted the analysis using the 195 useable responses from the 251 FOIs it submitted, specifically requesting data on council-owned buildings. The Independent has mapped the research above, showing the regions with the highest and lowest numbers of rat infestations. The West Midlands, with 44,762 infestations, and Wales, with 44,388 infestations, came fourth and fifth in the rankings. Meanwhile, councils across less densely populated regions like the East Midlands and south west England still reported more than 10,000 cases each, suggesting the issue is nationwide rather than just an urban one. The fresh figures come as a supersized rat thought to be the UKs biggest has been captured by pest controllers in a home in the north of England. The giant animal, which measured 22 inches long, was found in the Normanby area of Redcar and Cleveland after a resident called in exterminators. Writing in The Independent, veteran catcher David Parnell admitted that even he was taken aback when he saw images of the rodent, described as almost the size of a small cat by councillors. open image in gallery The fresh figures come as a supersized rat thought to be the UKs biggest has been captured by pest controllers in a home in the north of England ( Facebook ) However, he warned Britons to brace themselves for a worsening vermin problem, saying: Its not just a one-off the rats are getting bigger, bolder and harder to deal with. What used to be a couple of callouts a month for rats inside homes has now surged to eight to 10 a week. The vast majority of these infestations trace back to our neglected drainage systems. Drain Detectives explained that rats often exploit damaged or aging drainage systems to gain access to buildings, especially via unsealed joints, disused pipework, or toilet backflow in properties lacking rat blockers. Once inside, they can nest in cavity walls or lofts, chew through wiring, and contaminate insulation leading to fire hazards and severe hygiene risks, according to the company. Alongside poor sewer management, Mr Parnell also blamed genetics and careless humans for the growing problem. Mr McGinn warned: Rats are more than just a nuisance, theyre a threat to public health and infrastructure. Were seeing growing numbers of infestations entering homes via the drains, a route thats largely hidden from view until its too late. Rats are incredibly resourceful. They can travel through underground pipes, bypassing typical surface-level pest control measures. Most people dont realise that a cracked drain beneath their home can be an open invitation to a full-blown infestation. open image in gallery Pest controller David Parnell finds call-outs for rat infestations are on the increase ( David Parnell ) Among the health hazards associated with the rodents is leptospirosis (Weils Disease) a potentially fatal bacterial infection, primarily spread through the urine of infected animals, especially rats and the deadly hantavirus, which can be caught from breathing in rats contaminated waste particles. Others include salmonella, which is spread via contaminated food, and allergies triggered by rat dander and urine. Mr McGinn said prevention starts below the ground and is urging UK homeowners and property managers to take proactive steps. If youre hearing scratching in the walls or noticing unexplained smells, dont ignore it, he advised. A Local Government Association spokesperson said: Councils take their responsibilities around public health very seriously and work hard to respond to all reports of pest problems on public land and in council-owned properties, however they have seen a rise in demand for pest control services in some areas due to factors often outside of their control, including increased urban density and warmer weather conditions, which can allow pests to thrive. Although responsibility for pest control in private homes and businesses rests with the owner or landlord, keeping our communities safe requires a joint effort from a range of partners, including individual households, landlords, water companies and developers. We continue to call for adequate funding and powers to be granted to councils to help them better play their role in this and keep homes and public spaces safe, healthy and free from pests. An MHCLG spokesperson said: "Rat infestations in people's homes are completely abhorrent, and all private and social landlords must ensure their properties are fit for human habitation and free from dangerously hazardous conditions including pests. "We are clamping down on unacceptable conditions so that everyone can live in a safe and secure home. This includes raising standards in social housing by bringing in Awaab's Law from October as part of a decade of renewal in social housing, with private rented homes to follow. We are also currently consulting on an updated decent homes standard. 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 Michael Gove has given a withering assessment of Nigel Farages election chances, saying the Reform leader is not ready to be prime minister and still wont be in four years time. The senior Tory, a cabinet minister for many years during the Conservative government, praised the former Ukip leader, saying he admired his skills as a communicator. But he said: I don't believe that he is a plausible prime minister. He added: Because if at this stage you're saying that Reform should be the government - I know we're four years away he doesn't have the team, or the policies or programme that would make me believe that he would govern effectively. open image in gallery Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Wire ) Mr Farage declared his party as the main opposition to Labour in May, after it won 676 seats and overall control of 10 councils at the local elections, which also saw the Tories lose 15 councils and 674 seats. But, in an upcoming interview with the Politics Inside Out podcast, with former Labour MPs Gloria de Piero and Jonathan Ashworth, Mr Gove said that Reforms success was not because they've developed a compelling story about how the country can be different. It was because they're the repository of anger at the failure of the political classes to do what they said they would do. He also revealed that Mr Farage had been personally grateful to him when he helped to resolve an issue between the then-Ukip leader and The Times newspaper, where Mr Gove was working at the time. open image in gallery Michael Gove (PA) ( PA Wire ) He insisted his feelings about Mr Farage were very powerfully ambivalent but he praised his skills as a communicator. He said: I think that he does have, which Boris [Johnson] had in a different way, an intuitive feel for how parts of the country think at any given time, and he is not burdened or constrained in the way that some of the rest of us are by thinking that's unrespectable, or that's outside the Overton window, or that would never work in government. He added that one underplayed element of the Reform leader, however, was that he is, in effect, a bulwark against greater extremism. In a high-profile row with billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, who was earlier this year working in a specially created post as Donald Trumps first buddy in the White House, Mr Farage refused to endorse far-right activist Tommy Robinson, saying: My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform and I never sell out my principles. Last month, a leading pollster suggested that support for Reform had topped out and that the momentum that was leading the party to soar in the polls had ground to a halt. Conservative peer Robert Hayward told The Independent that the results of recent council by-elections, which Reform lost while defending seats, and national polling figures, suggest that the march of Mr Farage to Downing Street at the next general election could be facing a setback. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Yvette Cooper has said she has seen some disturbing information relating to the future plans of proscribed terror group Palestine Action, urging people not to protest in support of the organisation. Speaking ahead of a major demonstration to protest the decision to ban the group, the home secretary warned the public that this is not a non-violent organisation, adding that more information about the group is likely to be revealed in future court cases. It comes after Downing Street on Monday warned: Those who seek to support this group may yet not know the true nature of this organisation. Yvette Cooper said she had seen some disturbing information referring to future planning by Palestine Action ( PA Wire ) The move to ban Palestine Action came after two Voyager aircraft were damaged at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20, an incident it subsequently claimed, which police said caused about 7 million worth of damage. Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday, Ms Cooper said: The proscribing process is based on detailed security assessments and security advice to me as home secretary, and I have to take that immensely seriously. It's based on violent action and injuries that this group has taken, including on national security targets, but also injuries to people, and also some disturbing information referring to future planning as well. So that's the information that I have to take immensely seriously when making those proscribing decisions. Speaking ahead of a planned mass protest in support of the group taking place on Saturday, Ms Cooper said: I do understand there will be people who do not know, who are wanting to protest, what the nature of this group is. Let's be clear: this is not about Palestine or protesting about Palestine. This is about a particular, narrow, specific group that has both a violent record and information and about future planning as well. More of that information is likely to be really revealed once court cases come through, and can't be in advance. But I would say to people, this is not a non violent organisation. The Metropolitan Police and other forces nationwide have warned anyone found to be expressing support for Palestine Action will be arrested, following the governments decision to ban the organisation last month. Defend Our Juries said it planned to bring together at least 500 people for its planned demonstration against the ban on Saturday with organisers very confident they have recruited enough participants, a spokesperson for the campaign group said. But they have denied that its planned mass protest will try to overwhelm the police and justice system. A High Court ruling on Wednesday decided that Palestine Actions co-founder Huda Ammori had several reasonably arguable beliefs in her challenge over the groups ban that would be heard at a three-day hearing in November, but a bid to pause the ban temporarily was refused. The ban means that membership of, or support for, Palestine Action is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000. More than 200 people were arrested at a wave of protests across the UK in response to the proscription last month, as part of the campaign co-ordinated by Defend Our Juries. Many of the protesters were detained after writing and holding up the message I oppose genocide I support Palestine Action on placards or pieces of cardboard. The prime minister is said to be seriously considering a national system of digital identification, both to make it easier to access online services, including government ones, and to clamp down on illegal working by irregular migrants. Given the push to introduce artificial intelligence in so many areas of our lives, it may be an idea whose time has come. But there are political, as well as practical, complications. What is digital ID? It would in essence be a virtual ID card, and using it in the existing, and enhanced, Government Gateway would make it easier for people to manage everything from tax records and social security entitlements to driving licences, education, citizenship and probate a vast array of areas in which the individual has dealings with the state. It could also be used, as a passport or driving licence is now, to help with all sorts of other activities, such as banking or getting a job. There is a separate, and obviously sensitive, question about whether digital ID should also encompass someones medical history, voluntarily or otherwise. Why digital ID now? According to the briefings, the aim is to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of the government machine, so that, for example, people dont have to spend hours on hold when contacting a government agency. Unavoidably, though, it is also a way to detect people who shouldnt be in the country or working in the UK. That, the theory goes, means less of a pull factor for certain sorts of migrant. Would it work? In a sense it is working already, in that almost everyone must have a unique tax reference, a national insurance number, a driving licence number, an NHS number and so on, and can, if they wish, share this information with others. But at the moment the system is compartmentalised and clunky, even if more and more interactions are taking place online and with chatbots. What stage are we at? Reports emanating from a senior minister say that the prime minister has ordered a comprehensive and expansive look at the proposal: Keir is leading on it, they said. This is a serious piece of work. After a year in government, it is clear that technology is underpinning everything. Digital ID is foundational. Things are moving forward. Didnt we have identity cards before? They were introduced as plain cardboard documents during the Second World War as a national security measure. People had to use them to get rationed food and petrol, and had to be ready to produce them on demand, a serious infringement of the traditional British way of doing things. The request for Papers, please has always been regarded as an alien phenomenon. In the words of Boris Johnson in 2004: If I am ever asked, on the streets of London, or in any other venue, public or private, to produce my ID card as evidence that I am who I say I am ... then I will take that card out of my wallet and physically eat it in the presence of whatever emanation of the state has demanded that I produce it. (He subsequently brought in compulsory photo ID for elections.) Even now, a driver stopped by the police is granted 14 days to produce their driving licence at a police station. The wartime measures were resented, and were abolished in 1952. Mandatory ID would be a minor revolution. What about the ID cards Tony Blair wanted? He still does, by the way. Much of the present momentum for change comes from the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), as if the former PM has never given up the struggle. At any rate, the current prime ministers chief aide, Morgan McSweeney, commissioned the TBI to produce proposals, and is said to be forceful in making the case for them to No 10. Certainly, a more primitive version of this project was very much on the cards 20 years ago when the Blair administration tried to bring in ID cards, but it ran into enormous resistance and administrative problems. The motives, in essence, were no different from today. In 2003, the then home secretary, David Blunkett, argued that cards with biometric data were needed so that people dont work if they are not entitled to work, they dont draw on services which are free in this country, including health, unless they are entitled to, and that when we find people we can identify quickly that they are not entitled and get them out. When a limited, entirely voluntary ID card was introduced in 2010, some 15,000 were in circulation, but the incoming Conservative-Liberal Democrat government scrapped the entire scheme, after 5bn had been spent. A voluntary biometric residence permit is available as an option for foreign students or workers. Official photo ID cards for voting have also been introduced in recent years. What does the opposition say? Despite showing little interest in it while in government, earlier this year the shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, conceded that digital ID could help tackle illegal immigration. But Nigel Farage remains stubbornly libertarian, and opposes digital ID because he doesnt trust this government and claims that it hurts law-abiding citizens. Labour, and the Tories, could use his reluctance to argue that, given he is not prepared to use every possible measure in the fight against irregular migration, Farage wouldnt succeed in his own ambition to stop the boats. Will it happen? With 40 Labour backbenchers recently calling for change and the Conservatives warming to the idea, alongside the trend towards digitising everything, it feels pretty inevitable, like it or not. Will it work? To some extent, but there are ways to get around any system, and digital is no different from paper in that respect. It could make things worse for some. If a fraudster managed to steal a vulnerable persons digital ID, for example, then it would be open sesame on their entire life, and comprehensive identity theft might become more common. Leaks cannot be ruled out. Theres also the grim possibility that a migrant who wanted to come to the UK to work, deprived of any ID, would just melt into the underground economy, and become even more exposed to crime and exploitation. In a worst-case scenario, some criminals or a malign foreign government could execute a mega-hack in which millions of peoples data is stolen or frozen and held to ransom. Last, we must reflect on British governments past lamentable record on grand digital integration schemes and the fact that the current proposal, which would potentially bring together HMRC, the DWP, the DVLA, the Passport Office, criminal records, local authority records, and the NHS database, would be hugely more ambitious, and hazardous, than anything attempted before. Digital ID may or may not be a good idea, but it is no panacea. News / National by Staff reporter Legendary musician Jeys Marabini has returned to the spotlight with the release of his 10th studio album, Umjolo, a captivating 10-track project exploring themes of love, trust, and faith.The celebrated Afro-jazz artist, born Majahawonke Ndlovu, described Umjolo as both a reflection of his growth and a deliberate effort to connect with a diverse audience."I am grateful for the opportunity to bring you this album," Marabini said. "This is an educational album. I was working with young artists who advised me to title it Umjolo as a current thing that would create interest. People are calling left, right, and centre to understand the meaning. It's an album that advises about love in general and promotes peace - themes that resonate with Zimbabweans."Marabini, whose career spans over two decades since his debut in 2002, said Umjolo captures moments of love, unity, peace, and respect for culture."This album is a celebration of life's highs and lows. It touches on love, loyalty, hope, disappointment, and faith. Each track is meant to take listeners on a journey," he said.To achieve a rich and varied sound, the album was recorded at four studios Loud Records, Just Percy Studios, Elephant Head Studios, and P3 Studios. Every track will be accompanied by visuals directed by filmmaker Matesu Dube.Among the standout collaborations is Thula Ulalele Nansi Ingoma, featuring rising star Mzoe 7. Other contributors include Smallz, Erustus Nleya, Just Percy, Obey Mudiwa, Master H (bass), Rodwell Roda, Mthabisi Moyo, Thomas Madurure (lead guitar), Oktopas (keys), Simba (trumpet), Benjamin (saxophone), Nash (trampoline), Bonginkosi (percussion), and backing vocalists Brian Awa, Khulekani, and Gazi Elimnyama.Marabini reserved special praise for producer Nathaniel "Oktopas" Chipunza, who previously worked on his acclaimed album Ntunjambila."Working with Oktopas has been transformative. He is the creative heartbeat behind my sound. His production is bold, mature, and filled with originality. He hears things most of us wouldn't even imagine that's a rare gift," Marabini said.The album, now available on all major streaming platforms, blends Marabini's signature Afro-jazz sound with contemporary influences, promising to appeal to both long-time fans and new listeners."I believe people will enjoy it. This is my most refined and powerful album to date," Marabini said. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper have piled pressure on the police to reveal more details relating to suspects amid a growing row over an alleged lack of transparency around investigations. The prime minister and home secretary said all authorities should be as transparent as possible about those who have been charged with crimes such as rape and sexual assault, in comments that will be seen at odds with the stance of many police forces. It comes after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said police forces should release information including immigration status about people who are charged with crimes, claiming Warwickshire Police have been part of a cover-up oover details of an alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton in July. Asked about the demands on Monday, the prime ministers official spokesperson said: All authorities, from the police to central government, should be as transparent as possible for handling these cases. open image in gallery The PMs spokesperson said the police should be as transparent as possible ( PA ) The home secretary doubled down on the PMs comments on Tuesday morning, saying police should routinely reveal the nationality and asylum status of criminal suspects. She said she is working with the College of Policing to develop new guidance to promote transparency. The College of Policing currently makes transparency decisions on a case-by-case basis, which individual forces using their discretion to decide what information should be released. It came after government sources told The Times that increased transparency would help to rebuild public trust, amid flaring tensions over the governments handling of the migrant crisis. We do want to see more transparency in cases. We think local people do need to have more information, Ms Cooper told BBC Breakfast. It is an operational decision about how much information can be revealed in the middle of a live investigation, but we do want to see greater transparency. That's why we've asked the Law Commission to accelerate its review into what the rules are around what information can be released and when and we're also working with the College of Policing on strengthening and changing their guidance as well. The row comes after two men, reported as being Afghan asylum seekers, were charged in relation to the alleged rape in Nuneaton. Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, was charged with rape last week in relation to the alleged incident. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kabir, also 23, was charged with kidnap and strangulation in the same investigation. Warwickshire Police have not released the immigration status of the two suspects and defended its decision not to do so, adding: When someone is charged with an offence, we follow national guidance. This does not include sharing ethnicity or immigration status. Asked at a press conference on Monday whether the police should release the names, addresses and immigration status of people after they have been charged with an offence, Mr Farage said: What caused unrest on our streets after Southport last year was us not being told the status of the attacker. That led to crazy conspiracy theories spreading online. George Finch, the 19-year-old leader of Warwickshire County Council, told Mondays press conference that he was begging for information about the two to be released in the wake of the charges. Mr Finch also said he had written a letter to Ms Cooper and the chief constable of Warwickshire Police which called for the immediate release of the immigration status of the two. open image in gallery We think local people do need to have more information, Yvette Cooper said ( PA ) In his letter to the home secretary, published on X on Sunday, Mr Finch claimed that a cover-up of immigration status risks public disorder breaking out on the streets of Warwickshire. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also piled in on the row, saying we need full transparency from the police. We should know the ethnicity and the nationality of suspects, of perpetrators, of victims. There shouldnt be anything to hide. People will start losing faith in the justice system, in the police, if they feel that things are being hidden. So I would like to see full transparency as much as possible, she said. There have been escalating protests across the UK opposing the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, with a number of people arrested after a protest outside a hotel in Canary Wharf in London on Sunday. Protesters jeered at people going in and out of the hotel, and officers were forced to step in after flares were let off in the crowd, the Metropolitan Police said. A group of people outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf were harassing occupants and staff, trying to prevent people make deliveries, as well as trying to breach the fencing and access the hotel, a statement from the force said. In the wake of last summers Southport stabbings, where three young girls were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, Merseyside Police faced criticism for failing to release enough information on the identity of the attacker as misinformation spread online and riots took place across the country. By contrast, after a driver ploughed into crowds during the Liverpool FC victory parade in May, within hours the force emailed out a press release including the suspect's age, nationality and ethnicity in a clear attempt to prevent speculation and misinformation on social media. A College of Policing spokesman said: Media relations guidance for police is already under review and is looking at how forces can best balance their obligations under contempt of court legislation with their responsibility to prevent disorder. Police forces make challenging and complex decisions on a case-by-case basis and transparency is essential to prevent misinformation and reassure the public. 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 UK conservation charities key to protecting wildlife around the world have warned that the governments slashing of the international aid budget will have a dramatic impact severely damaging a lifeline for fragile ecosystems as costs and cut and leaving many organisations fearing for the future. With the UK cutting its overall foreign aid budget from 0.5 per cent to 0.3 per cent of gross national income (GNI), data shows support for nature and conservation is set to receive a particularly stark hit worth hundreds of millions of pounds. While the government has said it is committed to protecting nature and battling the climate crisis, The Independent has uncovered evidence that cuts are already having a devastating blow on conservation programmes. One organisation is the African People and Wildlife (APW) charity, which carries out conservation work in Tanzania. The charity has two projects running this year that were generously funded by UK aid, according to Dr Laly Lichtenfeld, co-founder of APW. The first of these projects supports conservation activities on Lake Natron, which is a critical ecosystem home to vast flamingo breeding grounds, where APW carries out activities such as grassland restoration and sustainable grazing support in order to help people live in balance with the landscape and to adapt to the changing climate. The second project is about providing practical tools for people to manage human-wildlife conflict, particularly in relation to elephants and large carnivores. Funding for the Lake Natron project came to a close at the end of June 2025, while the second project is due to run out later this year. Both were funded by the UK government-backed 10.6m Darwin Initiative, which has supported some 52 projects globally. However, it is not currently open for new funding rounds due to uncertainty around funding. Being left with a gap in funding that might not be replenished, says Lichtenfeld, is highly damaging for APWs work. When aid cuts like we are experiencing happen, youre not just dismantling a given project. Youre dismantling an entire ecosystem of support for both wildlife and a huge number of African communities, says Lichtenfeld. Grants that the charity now expects to come in this year are probably about 50 per cent less than last year, Lichtenfeld continues, and the charity is planning to make some major cuts to activities on the ground. Were doing everything we can to keep the bare bones of projects going, to keep relationships alive and show the communities they have not been forgotten, she adds. Flamingos on Lake Natron, where APW has run a conservation programme funded by UK aid ( Hans Cosmas Ngoteya/APW ) A homestead in Tanzania that has received financial support from APW ( Hans Cosmas Ngoteya/APW ) World-class science Matthew Gould, CEO of major conservation group the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), tells The Independent that expected cuts to wildlife and conservation will be highly damaging for both the natural world and the humans that depend upon it. Given that over half of global GDP depends on healthy ecosystems, cutting UK aid for nature would be a false economy, he says. The return on investment in nature is high, but the cost of not investing is higher. ZSL projects that have received UK government funding include the Rhino Impact Investment Project, which led to the creation of the landmark Rhino Bond. This is a $150m investment product that enables wealthy investors to directly invest in boosting the number of critically endangered rhinos, while also providing significant local employment in conservation. Another ZSL project is the development of SPOTT, which tracks the environmental pledges of companies producing items which can drive deforestation. Now, more than 50 per cent of palm oil products traded globally are SPOTT-assessed. Gould was among a number of 12 UK conservation leaders also including the CEOs of WWF, Greenpeace and Conservation International who recently wrote to the UK government suggesting that cuts to conservation would be a massive own goal. Investment in nature is a strategic, cost-effective pillar of Britains global development agenda UK nature programmes deliver extraordinary returns on modest investment, they wrote in the letter, which has been shared exclusively with The Independent. A Northern rockhopper penguin on the South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, where conservation work from the RSPB is under threat ( Andy Schofield/RSPB ) St Helena Island in the South Atlantic, where the RSPB also relies on UK aid to support conservation ( Colby Thomas/RSPB ) Bird charity the RSPB is another organisation concerned about the impact of UK aid cuts. The charity uses money from the UK aid budget to support its conservation activities in British Overseas Territories like St Helena and South Georgia, which contain some of the worlds rarest seabirds, as well as several penguin colonies. "The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) UK aid budget has been a lifeline for some of the worlds most fragile ecosystems, helping to halt extinctions and breathe new life into habitats, says Katie-jo Luxton, RSPB executive director of global conservation. UK aid funding allows charities like the RSPB to blend world-class science with deep local knowledge, says Luxton, ensuring that the UK plays a key role in both protecting wildlife and supporting communities. With funding cuts looming and transparency scarce, were deeply concerned that conservation efforts could be sidelined, Luxton adds. If the UK is serious about its global leadership on climate and nature, sustained investment in nature and climate must remain front and centre. When Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK aid cuts, he suggested that Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, global health, and nature and climate would be the key areas that the UK would continue to support. And though it did not reveal any details on conservation or nature specifically, Julys FCDO annual report showed that the department is set to increase climate and nature spending from 414m in 2024-25 to 658m in 2025-26. However, information received by Ian Mitchell at the Centre for Global Development via a freedom of information (FOI) request reveals a more complicated story. The information shows that between 2021 and 2024, some 35 per cent of funding for nature-focused aid programmes was distributed by two other government departments: the Department for Environment, Food and Forestry (Defra) at 173m and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), which provided 304m. The request also revealed spending forecasts for the amount of aid that different government departments are set to spend, showing that between the financial years of 2025-26 and 2026-27 which is the financial year that UK aid spend is set to hit 0.3 per cent Defras foreign aid is set to be cut by 45.2 per cent, down to 247m, while DESNZs aid is set to fall by 58.1 per cent to 115m. The cuts projected for these two departments are much steeper than the cuts FCDO is to carry out over the same period and given that a much larger share of those two departments aid is spent on nature than is the case for FCDO, it implies a particularly dramatic funding hit for nature and conservation, according to Mitchell. These falls to DESNEZ and Defras aid budget are steeper than the circa 30 per cent cut to the FCDO over the same period, says Mitchell. This is a relative deprioritisation of those departments international spend and will mean reduced efforts on international biodiversity and conservation. A government spokesperson told The Independent: This government remains committed to providing international climate finance now and in the future and to playing our part, alongside other developed countries and finance providers, to deliver our international commitments. They added that the UK still intends to deliver its ambition of delivering 11.6bn in climate finance for developing countries between April 2021 and March 2026, which was first made by Boris Johnson at Cop26 in August 2021. A difficult few years Anouska Perram is the interim coordinator at conservation charity the Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), which receives UK aid funding for a forestry project across both the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Specifically, FPP works to try and reverse environmental degradation in remote forest areas by encouraging sustainable forest management traditions among indigenous communities, and also by lobbying for policy reforms to support their territorial rights. A hunting cheetah roams in an APW project area ( Laly Lichtenfeld/APW ) We are not, strictly speaking, a conservation organisation we are a human rights organisation. But supporting community-led conservation helps achieve both human rights and conservation objectives, she says. FPP has been working with some communities in the Congo for more than 30 years but Perram is now very worried about the future. The FCDO-supported project is due to expire next year, and we are aware that the funding outlook for us and other organisations looks very bad going forward, she says. With both the UK and other bilateral organisations, its very clear that support for nature and climate is likely to decrease in the future. For now, all conservation organisations such as APW and FPP can do is reduce costs where they can, apply for new funding, and hope for the best. I think its definitely going to be a difficult few years. Theres no question about it, says Lichtenfeld. We have a tremendously dedicated team, and we will do all we can to keep the work moving. This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project 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 Tesla is awarding its CEO Elon Musk a share package valued at about $29 billion. It is made up of 96 million shares of restricted stock. The move comes just six months after a judge ordered the electric vehicle maker to revoke Musks massive pay package. On Monday, the company said in a regulatory filing that Musk must first pay it $23.34 per share of restricted stock that vests. That is equal to the exercise price per share of the 2018 pay package that was awarded to the company's CEO. In December, Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick reaffirmed her earlier ruling that Tesla must revoke Musks multibillion-dollar pay package. ( AP ) She found that Musk engineered the landmark pay package in sham negotiations with directors who were not independent. At the time, the judge also rejected an equally unprecedented and massive fee request by plaintiff attorneys, who argued that they were entitled to legal fees in the form of Tesla stock valued at more than $5 billion. The judge said the attorneys were entitled to a fee award of $345 million. The rulings came in a lawsuit filed by a Tesla stockholder who challenged Musks 2018 compensation package, contending that shareholders who had voted for the 10-year plan in 2018 had been given misleading and incomplete information. In their defense, Tesla's board members asserted that the shareholders who ratified the pay plan a second time in June had done so after receiving full disclosures, thereby curing all the problems the judge had cited in her January ruling. As a result, they argued, Musk deserved the pay package for having raised Tesla's market value by billions of dollars. That pay package carried a potential maximum value of about $56 billion, but that sum has fluctuated over the years based on Teslas stock price. Musk appealed the order in March. A month later, Tesla said in a regulatory filing that it was creating a special committee to look at Musks compensation as CEO. Richard Hunter, head of markets at interactive investor, told The Independent on Tuesday: Only time will tell whether this latest award is excessive or inspired. Designed to keep the CEO at the company by increasing his share stake, some uncertainty has been removed by the award. That being said, the shares have suffered on falling sales across many of its geographies as Musks political involvement with the White House was badly received politically, as well as being a distraction for the individual. Historically, Musk has been seen as the main driver and muse of Tesla, Hunter said. While the shares are currently down by 19 per cent so far this year, over the last 12 months the price remains up by 54 per cent. Even so, the price is also significantly lower than its record high which was achieved in August 2020, such that repayment and justification of this huge award would be hard-earned. 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 victim of Jeffrey Epstein has condemned what they called the Trump administrations political warfare in its handling of government files on the late convicted sex offender as the Justice Department pushes for the release of grand jury transcripts in his New York federal case. Epstein was a wealthy financier who died in a New York City jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges. He had been accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls. About a decade earlier, Epstein pleaded guilty to Florida state charges of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution. Early last month, the DOJ and FBI came out with a memo stating there was no so-called client list of powerful people who may have partaken in Epsteins crimes; it also said Epstein did, in fact, die by suicide, and no further disclosure [of information regarding Epstein] would be appropriate or warranted. The memo sparked backlash, notably from Trumps own base, as it left many unanswered questions and concerns the government may be covering up materials that would be of interest to the public. Trump then asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent grand jury testimony from the investigations into Epstein, subject to Court approval, citing the ridiculous amount of publicity over them. open image in gallery A victim of Jeffrey Epstein condemned the Trump administrations 'political warfare' in its handling of government files on the late convicted sex offender ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images ) A Florida judge quickly denied the DOJs request but the feds bid in New York is still being considered. Victims in the New York case were asked to respond to the DOJs request and two of them did so in court documents filed Monday. Both were unnamed as is their right to remain anonymous. One Epstein survivor wrote to District Judge Richard Berman, Dear United States, I wish you would have handled and would handle the whole Epstein Files with more respect towards and for the victims. I am not some pawn in your political warfare. What you have done and continue to do is eating at me day after day as you help to perpetuate this story indefinitely. Why not be completely transparent? Show us all the files with only the necessary redactions! Be done with it and allow me/us to heal, the victim said. In the letter to the judge the victim also seemingly called out the Trump administration for what they said was its protection of the wealthy over Epsteins victims. You protect yourself and your powerful and wealthy friends (not enemies) over the victims, why? The victims know the truth, we know who are in the files and now so do you, the victim said. Its unclear who exactly the victim was referring to, but Trumps decades-old relationship with Epstein has recently been scrutinized and there have been reports the president was told his name appears in the Epstein files. Trump reportedly cut ties with Epstein before his 2008 plea deal and appearing in the files does not mean there was any wrongdoing. Trump himself has denied any wrongdoing. The victim asked Berman to have the attorneys of the victims review any suggested redactions if the transcripts are released. The White House did not respond to The Independent in relation to the concerns raised by the Epstein survivors after several repeated attempts for comment.The Independent also reached out to the DOJ, which responded with no comment on the matter. open image in gallery Epstein was a wealthy financier who died in a New York City jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges ( New York State Sex Offender Registry ) Another victim told Berman: The latest attention on the Epstein Files, the Client List is OUT OF CONTROL and the ones that are left to suffer are not the high-profile individuals, IT IS THE VICTIMS. Why the lack of concern in handling such sensitive information for the victims sake? That survivor also called out the feds for what they saw as protecting wealthy men. I feel like the DOJs and FBIs priority is protecting the third-party, the wealthy men by focusing on scrubbing their names off the files of which the victims, know who they are, they said. The victim asked Berman to consider a third-party review of any documents that may be released to ensure that NO victims names or likenesses are revealed. 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 Irish missionary is among eight people who are missing after gunmen stormed an orphanage in Haiti. The attack is just the latest in an area controlled by a powerful array of armed gangs. A three-year-old child is also among the missing following the incident, at the Saint-Helene orphanage in Kenscoff. The orphanage is run by the international charity Nos Petits Freres et Surs and cares for more than 240 children, according to its website. Among those kidnapped early on Sunday was Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary who has worked in Haiti since 1993. According to Irish media, Ms Heraty, who oversees the orphanage's special needs programme for children and adults, was assaulted in 2013 when people broke into the orphanage and killed her colleague. open image in gallery Workers enter the orphanage following the kidnapping ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All right reserved ) Her family issued a statement saying they were absolutely devastated by Sunday's kidnappings. The situation is evolving and deeply worrying, they said. Sundays incident marked the latest high-profile kidnapping involving a foreign missionary. In 2021, the 400 Mawozo gang kidnapped 17 missionaries from a US-based organisation in Ganthier, east of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The majority were held captive for 61 days. Kenscoff is a once peaceful community in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. The doors to the orphanage remained closed on Monday as Haitis Institute of Social Welfare and Research worked with UNICEF to identify sites where children and employees could be relocated. open image in gallery A woman walks past the orphanage ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All right reserved ) No one has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings, which took place in an area controlled by a gang federation known as Viv Ansanm. Earlier this year, the US designated it as a foreign terrorist organisation. Simon Harris, Irelands deputy prime minister, said in a statement that the kidnappings of Ms Heraty and the others were deeply worrying", and called for their immediate release. In a past interview with the Irish Independent newspaper, Ms Heraty recalled being threatened with death when suspects broke into the orphanage in 2013. They were quite aggressive. One had a hammer, one had a gun, she said. open image in gallery Residents flee their homes to escape the gang violence in Kenscoff ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All right reserved ) Ms Heraty said her colleague was killed with a hammer after he rushed to help her and others. The last place you would expect a violent death to happen in Haiti would be in a house with special-needs people," she said. "Life is just not fair. We know that. We just have to accept it. At least 175 people in Haiti were reported kidnapped from April to the end of June this year, with 37 per cent of those cases occurring in Port-au-Prince. The United Nations said a majority of those kidnappings were blamed on the Grand Ravine and Village de Dieu gangs, which form part of the Viv Ansanm federation. 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 Jersey hiker has been missing for over a week after he headed out on a difficult trail in the Grand Canyon where 123,000 acres are currently ablaze. Thomas Daniel Gibbs, 35, of Freehold, NJ, was last heard from on July 22 at around noon after he was believed to have been hiking in the Grandview Trail and Horseshoe Mesa that day. Concerned family and friends raised the alarm on his silence six days later and reported him missing, the National Park Service said. open image in gallery Thomas Daniel Gibbs, 35, from Freehold, New Jersey, has been missing for over a week, according to the National Park Service ( National Park Service ) Officials found his Tesla Cybertruck the same day in the Grandview Point parking lot on the South Rim. He is described as a white male of 6ft 1 inches in height, with brown hair and eyes. Meanwhile, the Dragon Bravo megafire has been raging across the Grand Canyon for over a month, singeing 123,434 acres, and has only been contained to 13 percent. At least 80 structures have been destroyed, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge inside the park at the North Rim, after it was first reported on July 9. The Kaibab Lodge is also in jeopardy, reports 13 News. It swelled in size at the end of July, burning over 105,000 acres and subsequently becoming a megafire. Lightning strikes are believed to have ignited the fires, while a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and high daily temperatures spiralled their rapid expansion, officials said. The Grandview Trail is described as a rocky, exposed, strenuous trail that requires hiking experience and caution, say park officials. Only experienced desert hikers are advised to take on the trail, and should come readily prepared with a detailed plan as there is no drinking water on the path. The most treacherous parts of the hike include the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and Hermit Trails. In a statement to Fox News Sunday, the Grand Canyon National Park said that search efforts were still ongoing. open image in gallery The hiker went missing in the Grand Canyon ( Getty Images ) Ground searchers extensively searched the Grandview Trail and its side drainages over the last two days. In addition, drones and search dogs from Coconino County Search and Rescue were utilized, along with high-angle technical rescue efforts near Grandview Point," the park said. The ongoing Dragon Bravo Fire did not hinder search efforts. Responders from Grand Canyon National Park, along with Coconino County Search and Rescue, worked collaboratively to ensure a thorough search of the area despite challenging conditions." Grand Canyon officials said that no evidence of Gibbs had been found to date and that search efforts had been scaled back in recent days because of a lack of clues and evidence to suggest he was in the greater Grandview Trail area. Investigations remain ongoing, and if additional clues or evidence are discovered, our search and rescue team will promptly follow up with search efforts in the field," they added. Park rangers are urging anyone who was also in the Grandview Trail area around July 22 and may have seen Gibbs or has information on his whereabouts to contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009. Tips can also be submitted online at www.nps.gov/ISB or via email at nps_isb@nps.gov. 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 Nearly two years to the day since devastating wildfires that killed more than 100 people and left thousands homeless the Hawaiian island of Maui is fighting another blaze in roughly the same location. The Maui Emergency Management Agency said on Monday that firefighters were "slowly containing" a brush fire in the hills above Kaanapali, about two miles north of the deadly 2023 Lahaina wildfire. The Honoapiilani Highway was closed for about two and a half hours on Monday afternoon while helicopters drew water from the ocean to dump on the fire, officials said. "This is an emergency evacuation order. Leave immediately," the agency told Kaanapali residents at around 1.48 p.m. local time. "Do not delay. Evacuate now and drive away from fire. Smoke and debris may be hazardous." In under an hour the evacuation order was lifted after firefighters succeeded in stopping the blaze from spreading any further. open image in gallery Smoke from a wildfire fills the air on Maui, Hawaii, on Monday ( County of Maui ) The wildfire that broke out in the same area on August 8, 2023, was the countrys fifth deadliest such event on record, tearing through and almost destroying the historical town of Lahaina. After five months, more than 6,000 people on the island were without permanent long-term shelter with the American Red Cross housing displaced residents in empty rooms in hotels and condos. The tragedy exposed dangerous gaps in Hawaii's fire prevention planning and infrastructure, while a later investigative report accused state officials of failing to prepare for or respond to the fire with enough urgency. But now officials say things have changed. open image in gallery An aerial view of destroyed and cleared properties with vegetation regrowth one year after the Lahaina wildfire in Hawaii ( Mario Tama/Getty Images ) Were all more aware, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen told Maui Now last week. "I think were more on guard. I think we probably all do a better job of taking care of each other, helping each other." The Maui Fire Department's total budget has grown from $60 million to $70m, with another $190m for housing assistance, recovery, repairs, and disaster mitigation. More firefighters and support staff have been hired, as well as more inspectors to check on potential fire hazards. New job roles have also been created to help relieve some of the demand on fire battalion commanders. More emergency vehicles have been ordered, and existing ones have been upgraded with thermal imaging devices. There are also more weather stations and cameras, and a new electricity plan that calls for power lines to be shut down when the risk of fire is particularly high. 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 inmate executed by the state of Tennessee reportedly cried out in pain shortly after the lethal injection began, with witnesses claiming he was "hurting so bad" as a implanted defibrillator remained active. Byron Black's death has sparked controversy, as he was put to death amid uncertainty over whether the device would shock his heart as the lethal chemicals took effect. Prison officials confirmed Black died at 10:43 a.m., approximately 10 minutes after the execution commenced. Asked for any last words, he replied, "No sir." As the process began, Black was observed looking around the room, lifting his head off the gurney multiple times, sighing and breathing heavily. All seven media witnesses present agreed he appeared to be in discomfort. A spiritual advisor prayed and sang over Black throughout the execution, at one point touching his face. "Oh, it's hurting so bad," Black was heard to say, restrained to the gurney with an IV line in his arm. The advisor responded, "I'm so sorry. Just listen to my voice." The execution proceeded despite a protracted legal battle over whether officials should have deactivated his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Black, 69, was in a wheelchair and suffered from numerous severe health conditions, including dementia, brain damage, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure, according to his attorneys. A trial court judge had initially agreed with Black's legal team that the defibrillator should be deactivated to prevent unnecessary pain and prolonging the execution. However, Tennessee's Supreme Court overturned this decision, stating the lower court lacked authority. The state had argued that the lethal injection would not cause the defibrillator to shock him, or that he would not feel it if it did. Black's attorney, Kelley Henry, condemned the execution, stating: "Today, the state of Tennessee killed a gentle, kind, fragile, intellectually disabled man in a violation of the laws of our country simply because they could." Henry expressed particular concern over Black's head movement and complaints of pain, noting that the massive dose of pentobarbital used in lethal injections is intended to induce rapid unconsciousness. "The fact that he was able to raise his head several times and express pain tells you that the pentobarbital was not acting the way the state's experts claim it acts," she added. open image in gallery Black was convicted for the 1988 shooting deaths of his girlfriend, Angela Clay, 29, and her two daughters, Latoya, 9, and Lakeisha, 6. Prison officials have not commented on the witnesses' observations or Black's complaints of pain. Ms Henry confirmed that Black's defence team would meticulously review autopsy results, EKG data, and information from the defibrillator to ascertain the precise events during the execution. Black was convicted for the 1988 shooting deaths of his girlfriend, Angela Clay, 29, and her two daughters, Latoya, 9, and Lakeisha, 6. Prosecutors alleged he acted in a jealous rage, having been on work-release at the time, serving a sentence for shooting Ms Clay's estranged husband. Linette Bell, Angela Clay's sister, saidafter the execution: "His family is now going through the same thing we went through 37 years ago. I can't say I'm sorry because we never got an apology." Black's legal team had previously made unsuccessful attempts to secure a new hearing regarding his intellectual disability, which they contend he has exhibited since childhood. Individuals with intellectual disabilities are constitutionally barred from execution in the US. His attorneys argued that a delay in an earlier attempt to raise this claim would have spared him under a 2021 state law, which denies hearings to death row inmates who have already had a similar request ruled upon "on the merits." Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk's attempt to secure a new hearing for Black was denied, despite an expert who had previously determined Black did not meet the criteria for "mental retardation" in 2004, now concluding he met the new law's criteria for an intellectual disability diagnosis. The non-profit Death Penalty Information Centre and Black's attorneys have stated they are unaware of any other cases involving similar claims regarding implanted defibrillators or pacemakers during executions. The legal case also served as a reminder that most medical professionals consider participation in executions a violation of healthcare ethics. This marks Tennessee's second execution since May, following a five-year hiatus due to Covid-19 and state corrections officials' missteps. So far this year, 28 individuals have been executed by court order in the US, surpassing the 25 carried out last year and in 2018, and representing the highest total since 2015. 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 OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who died on the deep-sea submersible alongside four others, ignored critical data leading up to the vessels implosion in June 2023, according to a new report from the U.S. Coast Guard. The 335-page report released Tuesday revealed that OceanGate had critically flawed safety practices and a toxic workplace culture and that Rushs negligence contributed to the deaths of those on board. It also found that the Titans disappearance and eventual implosion was preventable. This marine casualty and the loss of five lives was preventable, said Jason Neubauer, the Titan Marine Board of Investigation Chair, while calling for greater oversight. The two-year investigation has identified multiple contributing factors that led to this tragedy, providing valuable lessons learned to prevent a future occurrence. Rush, 61, and four other passengers were trekking out to see the wreckage of the Titanic in June 2023 when their Titan sub imploded. The other four passengers killed in the implosion were Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48; his son, Suleman Dawood, 19; British businessman Hamish Harding, 58; and French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77. The search for them after losing contact with the surface became a worldwide phenomenon. Rush, who acted as the Titan subs pilot, was singled out as the driving force that led to the catastrophe. The OceanGate boss exhibited negligence that contributed to the deaths of four individuals, the report found. It also identified evidence of a potential criminal offense. Had Rush survived, the Coast Guard would have recommended that the Department of Justice consider pursuing a separate criminal investigation. open image in gallery A new report shines light on the toxic workplace at OceanGate before the doomed Titanic sub trip. ( DVIDS ) How the company was run allowed Rush to completely ignore critical data and other safety measures ahead of the doomed expedition to the Titanics ruins. The lack of both third-party oversight and experienced OceanGate employees on staff during their 2023 Titan operations allowed OceanGates Chief Executive Officer to completely ignore vital inspections, data analyses and preventative maintenance procedures, culminating in a catastrophic event," the report stated. The report detailed eight primary causal factors that led to the subs implosion: OceanGates design and testing processes didnt address the fundamental engineering principles needed for operations in an inherently hazardous environment. OceanGate did not understand the expected cycle life of the subs hull. The company relied too heavily on a real-time monitoring system of the subs condition, but failed to meaningfully examine the data the system provided. OceanGate continued to use the Titan following incidents that compromised the integrity of the hull and other critical components. The Titans carbon fiber construction led to issues that weakened its overall structural integrity. The company failed to investigate the sub after mishaps that negatively impacted its hull and components during dives before the implosion. OceanGates toxic workplace environment, where employees who raised safety concerns were either fired or threatened with termination. The companys failure to conduct preventative maintenance on the subs hull or protect it from elements during the off-season ahead of the doomed 2023 expedition. However, it also confirmed the overarching cause of the implosion was a loss of structural integrity, which led to the instantaneous death of all five people. The report also noted that OceanGate failed to investigate a whistleblowers complaint in 2018. Had there been an earlier investigation, the report suggests, OceanGate could have either met regulatory requirements or changed its plans for the Titanic expedition, the report found. open image in gallery Passengers aboard the Titan submersible included (from left to right) Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, his 19-year-old son, Suleman, French explorer and Titanic expert Paul Henri-Nargeolet, 77, OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, 61 and British explorer Hamish Harding, 58. In September 2024, the Coast Guard held a two-week -ong hearing into the submersibles disastrous voyage that shed a light on some of the issues the company was facing ahead of the tragedy. During the hearing, over two dozen witnesses spoke, including former OceanGate employees, who detailed the absolutely idiotic hand-typed Excel spreadsheet the company used to track the Titan. There were delays because there was this manual process of first writing down the lat-long coordinates and then typing them in, Antonella Wilby, a former OceanGate contractor, told the hearing held by the Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation. We tried to do that every five minutes, but it was a lot to do, she said. open image in gallery The lack of both third-party oversight and experienced OceanGate employees on staff during their 2023 Titan operations allowed OceanGates Chief Executive Officer to completely ignore vital inspections, data analyses and preventative maintenance procedures, the Coast Guard report read. Another former employee, Tony Nissen, told the hearing he raised concerns about the subs safety and had refused to take a test dive in the vessel. The hearing also revealed one of the final messages sent from the Titan, which eerily read All good here. David Lochridge, the former director of marine operations for the company, testified that he had expressed concerns over the Titans carbon fiber hull and slammed the company for cutting corners and only caring about making money. I knew the hull would fail, he said during the hearing. Its an absolute mess. Mark Butler, CEO of Action Aviation, paid tribute to his friend Hamish Harding, who perished on Titan, as a kind, wonderful father, and an amazing businessman. Butler also hit out at Rush in a statement following the reports damning findings. "We are obviously appalled by the contents of the investigation report, but not shocked. It was very evident from the early stages of the investigation, now confirmed by the published report, that Mr Rush had been trying to run his company on a shoestring, cutting corners, and paying little attention to basic safety and best practices, Butler said. His negligence and appalling behaviour has caused the death of Hamish Harding and the other passengers on board the Titan submersible. The loss of Hamish has been horrific for both the family and for all of us at Action Aviation. We hope that others will learn from this incident and not repeat the selfish and senseless actions of Mr Rush and his company, Butler added. The submersible company suspended all exploration and commercial operations following the doomed expedition. The National Transportation Safety Board is also running its own investigation into the implosion. News / National by Staff reporter ZANU PF Legal Affairs Secretary Patrick Chinamasa has reignited political debate after reposting a once-deleted tweet declaring businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei's controversial appointment to the party's Central Committee as "over and irreversible."The move has amplified speculation of deepening rifts within the ruling party, with Tagwirei's co-option continuing to divide senior officials and grassroots members alike.In his reposted statement, Chinamasa insisted that Tagwirei a prominent party benefactor accused by critics of leveraging his wealth to secure political clout - was validly appointed following a recommendation by the Harare Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC)."The ZANU PF Department of Legal Affairs is relieved and takes note that the furore/controversy/confusion/wrangle/much ado about nothing/social media hype/misinformation/disinformation that surrounded Harare PCC's co-option of Cde Kudakwashe Tagwirei into the ZANU PF Central Committee is now over and irreversibly settled," Chinamasa wrote.He outlined that the Harare PCC met on March 31, 2025, and formally recommended Tagwirei's appointment in a letter to ZANU PF Secretary General Obert Mpofu. According to Chinamasa, such recommendations are typically rubber-stamped and rarely, if ever, contested."We have never had to debate, let alone discuss, PCC recommendations of co-options into the Central Committee," he said. "The only explanation why the Tagwirei co-option has attracted such controversy may be because there are people out there who, for reasons best known to themselves, have an axe to grind."Chinamasa's remarks, however, clash sharply with earlier statements from ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who dismissed Tagwirei's bid for a Central Committee seat and accused him of trying to "bribe" his way into the party's top ranks.The conflicting positions have intensified speculation of factional maneuvering within ZANU PF, with political insiders suggesting that resistance to Tagwirei's rise is coming from a faction aligned to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.Tagwirei, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been expanding his political footprint in what analysts say could be preparation for a future presidential bid. His deep pockets and proximity to the State House have positioned him as a powerful but polarising figure within the ruling party.While Chinamasa praised Tagwirei's loyalty to ZANU PF and dismissed the backlash as "undeserved," the episode has laid bare the growing tensions between political loyalty, financial influence, and internal party democracy.As ZANU PF heads towards internal elections and a potential leadership shake-up, Tagwirei's controversial co-option is shaping up to be a litmus test for the balance of power and the role of money in Zimbabwe's ruling elite. 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 United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who has been critical of President Donald Trump, could get booted as auto locals blast his leadership. Several auto locals have brought administrative charges under the UAW constitution. Fain has been accused of abusing his authority by taking away Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock's purchasing power, according to documents obtained by the Detroit Free Press from union members. Neil Barofsky, the UAW court-appointed federal monitor, saw the move as retaliatory after Mock claimed she was stripped of her responsibilities after refusing to authorize expenditures and exceptions to UAW spending polices, according to a previous Detroit Free Press report. open image in gallery United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, who has been critical of President Donald Trump, could get booted as auto locals blast his leadership ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ) Fain also retaliated against Vice President Rich Boyer, taking away his assignment overseeing the UAWs Stellantis department, the documents allege. Boyer has claimed he was retaliated against after refusing to take actions that would benefit Fains fiancee and her sister, according to the Detroit Free Press. Other allegations against Fain include his refusal to provide records requested by the monitor and improperly appointing people close to him to positions. Two UAW locals in Michigan, Local 1700 in Warren and Local 763 in Dundee, approved charges against Fain at meetings held on August 3, the Detroit Free Press reported. Locals 1248 and 140 in Warren, Local 7 in Detroit and Local 94 in Dubuque, Iowa, previously approved the charges, the local outlet reported, citing union members. open image in gallery Several auto locals, not pictured, have brought administrative charges under the UAW constitution ( Mario Tama/Getty Images ) The Independent has reached out to the UAW for comment. The charges will now go to the Mock and Barofsky for review. Later on in the process, a 12-person trial committee will be formed. This committee will hear the case against Fain and his defense, and afterward, they will vote on whether he is guilty of the charges. During the 2024 presidential election, the UAW endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris, and Fain said it was the unions job in the election to defeat Trump. Ahead of the presidents victory, Fain said, Trump doesnt care about autoworkers. The only thing Donald Trump wants from autoworkers is a vote. Donald Trump is a scab! Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Texas redistricting fight could end up being the first test of mettle for Democrats eyeing a 2028 play for the White House. With Greg Abbott, the states Republican governor, directing lawmakers to gerrymander up to five congressional seats to add to the GOPs total, Democrats suddenly find themselves flush with political opportunity. For months, polling has shown that Democratic voters want their representatives to take on louder roles in opposition to Donald Trump. Survey after survey has shown the frustration the partys base harbors for members of leadership, frustration which boiled into rare public view earlier this year during an intra-party spat over a potential government shutdown. Now, Texas is giving Democratic governors, at the very least, an opportunity to give the voters what they want. Thats why those same governors the ones with Democratic state legislatures to back them up, that is are lining up to threaten their own mid-decade redistricting efforts. And the list reads like a whos who of expected presidential contenders. open image in gallery Gavin Newsom is leading his partys effort to threaten Texas Republicans with reciprocal redistricting actions if they go through with plans to gerrymander five new seats for the GOP in Congress ( AP ) In Illinois, New York, and California, three of the Democratic Partys most prominent national leaders were fired up in their responses to questions this week about redistricting and their individual responses to the Texas plan to add as many as five GOP-leaning congressional seats. Adamantly backing them up was Ken Martin, the party chair who is on his own personal crusade to rebrand the Democrats national image after the bruising 2024 cycle. Were not here to tie one of our hands behind our back, Martin said in an interview with a Portland, Oregon news outlet. In the past, I think our party would bring a pencil to a knife fight. Were going to bring a gun to a knife fight. He was even more explicit at a press conference with Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas to prevent the redistricting from taking place, telling reporters: "Now is not the time for one party to play by the rules while the other party has completely ignored it. They've decided to cheat, and we're going to respond in kind." open image in gallery Texas State Rep. Gene Wu holds a press conference in Carol Stream, Illinois, on Sunday as Gov. J.B. Pritzker (left) plays host to the runaway Texas Democrats ( Reuters ) The governors vowing to match any partisan redistricting committed by Texas Republicans offered similar analogies. The strongest response came from Californias Gavin Newsom, who recently visited South Carolina as it is heavily speculated that he is considering a national campaign. He vowed that his state would fight fire with fire and trigger its own redistricting process were Abbott to move forward in Texas. New Yorks Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, told reporters that she would push for ending the states independent redistricting commission, explaining that she would no longer fight with her hand tied behind my back. Were sick and tired of being pushed around when other states dont have the same aspirations that we always have, the New York governor said on Monday. I cannot ignore that the playing field has changed dramatically, and shame on us if we ignore that fact and cling tight to the vestiges of the past. That era is over Donald Trump eliminated it forever. open image in gallery New Yorks Kathy Hochul is pushing to end the states independent redistricting commission as both parties threaten a national gerrymandering war ( AP ) In Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is publicly harboring the escapee Democratic lawmakers from Texas, demurred on the prospect, though his office confirmed to Axios that he wont rule out his own reciprocal efforts: "Here in the state of Illinois, it is possible to redistrict -- it's not something that I want to do, he said on Tuesday. Marylands Wes Moore, another rising star in the party, issued a similar statement through a spokesperson on Tuesday; all options are on the table. The Democratic leader of the states House of Delegates just introduced legislation that would allow Maryland to pursue redistricting if another state did so mid-decade. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy is prevented from pushing for state lawmakers to begin their own redistricting efforts under the states constitution. But Murphy told reporters on Monday that the issue was to be a talking point in conversations with other Democratic governors. I suspect as the Democratic governors get together for a drink or a coffee, this will be high on the agenda, he said, according to The New Jersey Globe. While Democrats are likely limited in the number of states where they could mount their own bids to boost congressional representation for their party, the sheer size and density of California and New York could give them an edge. In general, the issue is providing the party the knife fight it was looking for. With three Texas lawmakers risking arrest by fleeing the state to break a quorum in the legislature, Democratic voters are seeing the first hints of effective, unified Democratic resistance to the second Trump era coalesce across the country. It still remains to be seen if Texas Republicans will even be successful in their push. Assuming the GOP isnt scared off by threats from Democrats, court challenges could still prevent the states new maps from going into effect next year or at all. Abbott, however, seems to have ignited a spark within the Democratic Party. Even Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was vowing that his party would respond from coast-to-coast to prevent his caucus from losing up to five of its members in Texas, or at the minimum respond in kind. As the Democrats leader in the House, Jeffries own political future is tied to his ability to protect his members and repair a somewhat fractured party leadership as he braces for a wave of primary contests in 2026. On Monday, the Democratic minority leader vowed: Were going to respond and respond forcefully. What is going on in Texas right now in terms of this second attempt to gerrymander the map we believe violates the Voting Rights Act, Jeffries said during a CNN interview. You will not see that happen in Democratic states, but you will see governors and state legislatures and, of course, Members of the House Democratic Caucus respond in kind. There is no unilateral disarmament when were in the middle of an all-out assault by Donald Trump. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Republicans on the House Ethics Committee have reprimanded New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after she reportedly said in government filings that her fiance, Riley Roberts, both is and isnt her spouse. In its July 2025 report, the ethics committee criticized Ocasio-Cortez for listing Roberts as her spouse on federal documents that she filed before attending the 2021 Met Gala. Roberts and Ocasio-Cortez are not yet legally married. The Committee also found evidence that Representative Ocasio-Cortez listed Mr. Roberts as her 'spouse' on paperwork filed with the House relating to privately sponsored travel, although the two were not legally married at the time of the gifted travel, the report states. Similarly, the ethics panel stated that Roberts was listed as a spouse on the documents to attend the gala, but that he wasnt listed as a spouse in Ocasio-Cortezs financial filings, The Daily Mail noted. If he had been listed as a spouse, he would have been forced to disclose stock and other financial holdings. The Committee further notes that at the same time Representative Ocasio-Cortez was seeking to take advantage of exceptions to the Gift Rule only applicable to spouses and/or certain relatives, she was not disclosing Mr. Roberts's financial interests as is required of Members who are legally married, the report adds. open image in gallery Ocasio-Cortez and Roberts have been engaged since 2022 ( Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Last month, Ocasio-Cortez was ordered to pay back thousands of dollars after the ethics panel determined that she had not been paying market rates in connection with her appearance at the Met Gala in 2021. The panel found that the 35-year-old had underpaid for her dress, which said tax the rich across the back, as well as for jewelry and accessories. In the July 2025 report, the committee states the investigation will be closed after Ocasio-Cortez has paid another $2,700 to vendors for clothing and accessories. The panel said the congresswoman has been cooperating with the investigation. The committee also criticized that Met Gala organizer and Vogue editor Anna Wintour personally invited Ocasio-Cortez and Roberts to the event. Ocasio-Cortez and Roberts met while they were both studying at Boston University and have been engaged since April 2022, The Mail noted. A lawyer for Ocasio-Cortez, David Mitrani, argued in the filings that Roberts is not subject to the financial disclosure rules as hes not considered a spouse. open image in gallery Ocasio-Cortez attended the 2021 Met Gala in a dress stating tax the rich ( Getty ) The committee states that Roberts still enjoyed some of the benefits of being a spouse, such as receiving a spouses congressional pin, which allowed him to access certain restricted parts of the congressional complex. Mr. Roberts and the Congresswoman have been together since 2014, and have lived together since 2016, the committee states. Mr. Roberts has had a spouse pin since the Congresswoman entered Congress in 2019. It is clear that the term 'spouse' as utilized in this former rule and as seemingly accepted by the Committee by expanding 'spouse or dependent' to any guest was intended to allow a Member of Congress to bring the individual that they've decided to share their lives with to a charity event, regardless of whether they had taken steps to bring the law or religion into their relationship, it adds. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla says that his company and other large pharmaceutical firms are looking at working with the Trump administration to make more of their medicines available at lower costs to consumers. In a conference call with investors on Tuesday to discuss second-quarter earnings, Bourla said, We have serious discussions in the industry, according to BioPharma Dive. Im connected very often individually with all the major companies, and they are all ready to roll up their sleeves and execute something like that, he added. Bourla leads Pfizer and is the board chair of PhRMA, the industry lobbying group. Pfizer and its partner Bristol Myers Squibb recently revealed plans to make their blood thinner Eliquis available at a lower price online. The firm previously started a direct-to-consumer service that lets patients book telehealth appointments, schedule vaccinations, and fill some prescriptions. We think it is a fantastic way to go ahead, so we will work collaboratively to do it, said Bourla. open image in gallery Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said hes in discussions with the highest levels of the U.S. government ( AFP via Getty Images ) Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, both makers of obesity drugs, have also put forward more ways that patients who pay in cash can access the weight-loss drugs directly. Other companies are also showing interest in the effort, looking at ways to make drugs available without pharmacy benefit managers the middlemen getting rebates from drugmakers that insurers claim lower the overall cost, but not in ways that are clear to a patient filling a prescription. In letters to 17 drugmakers last week, Trump demanded that direct-to-consumer options be expanded. He said he would use every tool available to him if the companies dont act to lower the cost of their products to prices seen in other industrialized countries. Trump has indicated that the policy would be limited to Medicaid, and analysts arent unified on how much of an impact it would have. During the call on Tuesday, Bourla noted that hes in active discussions with the highest levels of the U.S. government, according to BioPharma Dive. That includes speaking to Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Mehmet Oz. The letter asks a lot from us, said Bourla. But we are engaged in productive discussion with them and in general, Im happy with the way that they listen to us. open image in gallery Trump demanded that direct-to-consumer options be expanded in letters to 17 drugmakers ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Amid an investigation into pharmaceutical imports, the Commerce Department is expected to impose sector-specific tariffs. Trump told CNBC on Tuesday that his administration would at first put in place smaller tariffs on pharmaceuticals, which could subsequently rise to as much as 250 percent. While the tariffs would be expensive for drugmakers, analysts think that a phase-in period would mean that many companies could change their supply chains to avoid the worst of the financial repercussions, BioPharma Dive noted. Most of the biggest drugmakers have already revealed significant investment in manufacturing in the U.S. Pfizer indicated that it would be able to take on the tariffs this year, including any possible changes to its pricing, and still meet its financial forecast of revenues measuring between $61 billion and $64 billion. Trump has made impossible promises on drug prices, saying hes cut them by up to 1,500 percent. You know, weve cut drug prices by 1,200, 1,300, 1,400, 1,500 percent. I dont mean 50 percent, I mean 14 1,500 percent, Trump told reporters on Sunday. This is inaccurate, as cutting prices by more than 100 percent would mean that consumers are being paid to take the drugs. The director of health policy at the University of Southern Californias Schaeffer Center, Geoffrey Joyce, called the claim total fiction. Mariana Socal is an associate professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University. I find it really difficult to translate those numbers into some actual estimates that patients would see at the pharmacy counter, she said. Its an objective fact that Americans are paying exponentially more for the same exact drugs as people in other developed countries pay, and its an objective fact that no other Administration has done more to rectify this unfair burden for the American people, a White House spokesperson said. The Associated Press contributed to this report Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Americans at risk of losing their Medicaid government health coverage because of new work requirements signed into law by the Trump administration should find employment on U.S. farms, according to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. We have way too many people that are taking government program that are able to work, Rollins said in an interview on Fox Business on Tuesday. This is not children. These are not disabled [people]. These are not senior citizens. These are able-bodied Americans who are taking government handouts. In July, the Trump administration created new work requirements for Medicaid, a state-federal program providing healthcare to over 77 million mostly low-income people, as part of its One Big, Beautiful Bill spending package. Under the new requirements, passed alongside sweeping tax cuts disproportionately benefitting the rich, able-bodied people on Medicaid are required to show they have completed 80 hours of work or community service per month to maintain their coverage, with limited exceptions for parents and caretakers with young children, pregnant people, and other groups. The Congressional Budget Office, reviewing a draft version of the bill that passed the House, estimated the requirements would cause nearly 5 million people to lose coverage by 2034. open image in gallery Agriculture Secretary has suggested low-income people on Medicaid can meet new employment requirements for government health program by working in U.S. farms and ranches, replacing deported workers ( John Moore/Getty ) Rollins has suggested that Medicaid recipients should head to the fields in the past. In July, in the face of concern that the administrations mass deportations would decimate the countrys immigrant-heavy farm labor force, Rollins argued that more automation and a 100 percent American workforce could make up the losses. There are 34 million able-bodied adults in our Medicaid program, he said. There are plenty of workers in America. The Congressional Budget Office found that there were about 34 million working-age, non-disabled Medicaid enrollees in 2024, though analysts suggest Rollins is overstating the degree to which participants in the health program are unemployed and skimming from the government. An analysis from health policy group KFF found that there are about 26 million Medicaid-covered adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who dont receive disability benefits, and that nearly two-thirds of this group were working either full or part-time. Among the remaining portion, 12 percent said they were not working because they were caregiving, while 10 percent listed illness or disability and seven percent said school attendance kept them from working. Another study, from University of Massachusetts Boston researchers, found that among able-bodied, unemployed Medicaid recipients, almost 80 percent are female, their average age is 41, and their median individual income is $0. "It's clear based on their prior work history and family size/income that they are exceptionally poor and have likely left the workforce to care for adult children or older adults," researcher Jane Tavares told PolitiFact. "Even if these individuals could work, they would have very few job opportunities and it would come at the cost of the people they are providing care for." open image in gallery Outside estimates suggest only a small percentage of Medicaid recipients are able to work and lack barriers to employment while still drawing from government program ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Other analysts point to states like Arkansas that have tried to use work requirements to cut costs and drive employment. The state, which attempted such requirements seven years ago, saw 18,000 people kicked off Medicaid rolls in the span of four months, yet saw no positive employment impact. There is not an epidemic of non-working able-bodied adults living high on Medicaid, despite such claims from the Trump administration, Matt Bruenig, founder of the Peoples Policy Project, a progressive think tank, argued in a May op-ed in The New York Times. Medicaid work requirements are a solution to a problem that doesnt exist. Among working-age Medicaid beneficiaries, about half are working, a quarter have a work-limiting disability, and an additional one-fifth will find employment or come off the program within 15 months, Bruenig said in the piece, leaving only about 6 percent of working-age Medicaid enrollees who probably can find work but havent done so. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musk is the least popular public figure in America, according to a new study. Pollster Gallup found that out of a list of 14 prominent figures, the tech billionaire came dead last, ranked just below Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. Gallup asked 1,000 random American adults between July 7 and July 21 what they thought of the figures, with 61 percent of respondents having an unfavorable opinion of the Tesla boss. Others on the list included Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden and Pope Leo XIV. Though the overwhelming majority had negative reactions towards him, 33 percent of respondents to the survey said they liked Musk, and six percent said they had no opinion on him at all. open image in gallery Elon Musk is the least popular public figure in America, according to a new study, which found that 61 percent of respondents had negative opinions of him ( AP ) The worlds richest mans fall from grace has been a speedy one, having enjoyed the self-proclaimed status of First Buddy to Donald Trump currying favor with the president and his stalwart MAGA base and leading controversial efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to slash spending. Gallup put his net favorability rate at -4 at the beginning of the year. However, following an explosive fallout between the pair in early June, in which they traded blows from their respective social media platforms, Musk was ousted from Trumps inner circle with the president even suggesting that the South African-born businessman go back where he came from. Gallup now puts his net favorability rate at -28. open image in gallery The worlds richest mans fall from grace has been a speedy one, having enjoyed the self-proclaimed status of First Buddy to Donald Trump currying favor with the president and his stalwart MAGA base until an explosive fallout between the two men in June ( AFP/Getty ) Trumps lack of faith and endorsement have also mirrored that of Teslas stocks, which have been in steady decline. The electric vehicle manufacturer last month posted a 16 percent drop in net income for the second quarter of 2025 and a 12 percent fall in revenue for the same period. Musk and his reputation have even managed to turn people off EVs in general, according to a study by Williams College. While Trumps favorability was better than his former besties, the president still sits at net favorability of -16; 57 percent of respondents hold a negative view of the president and 41 hold a positive one. Only two percent had no opinion. open image in gallery Musk is even less popular that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court ( AP ) Several members of the presidents close circle are viewed more positively, including vice president JD Vance, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, and even Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Netanyahu and Rubio occupy the second and third lowest spots on the poll, with -23 and -26 net favorability respectively. The Independent has reached out to Tesla for comment on the poor favorability of its head honcho. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Bill and Hillary Clinton are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee in October as the panel probes the investigations into pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and his convicted sex trafficking accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the Oversight committee, tweeted out a list of testimony dates on Tuesday for upcoming witnesses including the former president and secretary of state compelled by subpoena to appear. A number of other top federal officials including former Attorney General Merrick Garland are also set to testify. President Clintons friendship with Epstein makes his appearance one of the few called by the committee unrelated to the official duties of his office. Fox News also reported that the DOJ has issued a subpoena for records related to the investigation. The schedule of depositions includes former attorneys general who served through the first Trump term and dating back through the Bush administration. Hillary Clintons connection to the case was spelled out in a cover letter released by the Oversight Committee indicating shell be questioned about why Ghislaine Maxwells nephew worked on her presidential campaign and later at the State Department during her tenure in the Obama administration. Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton ( Getty ) Your family appears to have had a close relationship with both Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. For example, your husband President William Bill Jefferson Clinton, by his own admission, flew on Jeffrey Epsteins private plane four separate times in 2002 and 2003 on trips for your familys foundation, the Clinton Foundation, reads the letter to the former Democratic presidential nominee. During one of these trips, he was even pictured receiving a massage from one of Mr. Epsteins victims, the letter continues. Moreover, your husband was allegedly close to Ms. Maxwell, while Ms. Maxwells nephew worked for your 2008 presidential campaign and was hired by the State Department shortly after you became Secretary of State. The committee is set to begin taking depositions from witnesses beginning with former Trump first term attorney general William Barr in a few weeks. The committee also voted to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned and convicted co-conspirator of Jeffrey Epstein, but that subpoena remains on hold pending Maxwells appeal of her conviction. Attorneys for the imprisoned British socialite claim that she would be willing to testify to the Oversight committee in exchange for a clemency deal. Her lawyers said Maxwell would invoke her Fifth Amendment rights not to testify unless she was offered immunity. The Maxwell angle of the Epstein case evolved into a new bizarre twist last month after the Justice Departments memo claiming that a so-called Epstein Client List detailing the billionaires alleged accomplices, was not found in the troves of the FBI and DOJs files on the case. The agency also stated that Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019, committed suicide. The statement about the client lists supposed nonexistence contradicted statements from Attorney General Pam Bondi and others, while frustrating both the presidents MAGA base and millions of other Americans who expected transparency from the administration after it called right-wing influencers to the White House earlier this year to receive binders of documents pertaining to the investigations. A resulting uproar led the Trump administration to look for a way out. At the Justice Department, deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche (who is also the presidents former personal attorney) conducted a private meeting with Maxwell at the Florida prison where she was being held, and declined to issue a statement afterwards. Maxwell was then transferred to a minimum security facility, stunning the presidents critics and pouring gasoline on speculation around the idea of a possible cover-up. President Trump, separately, has sought to distract his MAGA base by launching a renewed effort to attack Barack Obama and members of his national security team for the 2016 Russia investigation while he and members of his administration make vague promises about released information about the Epstein case. On Monday, the DOJ confirmed that the grand jury transcripts it was seeking to release amid the uproar actually contained information that was already public. The DOJ claimed in its July memo that it would not release any further nonpublic information about the investigation due to concerns about releasing child pornography or identifying information about victims, provoking a standoff with Congress. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to fight fire with fire in response to moves in Texas to redraw the electoral map to favor Republicans. Newsom was speaking as Greg Abbott, his Lone Star State counterpart, ordered the arrest of the 51 state Democratic lawmakers who have left Texas to prevent its House of Representatives voting through the redistricting proposals advantageous to the GOP by denying it a quorum. Speaking of the possibility of the Sunshine State engaging in its own retaliatory redistricting push to weaken Republican-leaning districts, Newsom said: The proposal that were advancing with the legislature has a trigger only if they move forward, to dismantling the protocols that are well-established. Would the state of California move forward in kind? Fighting? Yes, fire with fire. open image in gallery California Gov. Gavin Newsom, accompanied by several members of the Texas state legislature, addresses the prospect of his state redrawing its voting districts at a news conference in Sacramento on Friday ( AP ) He acknowledged, however, that going ahead with such a step would have to be done within the law, commenting: That process has to have the concurrence, the support of two-thirds of the legislature. The maps, we believe, should be transparent. They should be provided in a transparent way to the public, and as a consequence, those maps are being processed and will be brought to light. He also said that California citizens should be given a chance to have their say: We will offer them the opportunity to make judgments for themselves, again, only if Texas moves forward. Ill reinforce that we believe it should be a national model, independent national redistricting, and it would revert back to its original form, but its done in response to the existential realities that were now facing. Things have changed, facts have changed, so we must change. open image in gallery Texas State Rep. Gene Wu holds a press conference in Carol Stream, Illinois, on Sunday as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker looks on ( Reuters ) Newsom continued: Theyve triggered this response and were not going to roll over and were going to fight fire with fire, but were going to do so not just punching with the weight of the fourth largest economy, the most populous state in our union, the size of 21 state populations combined. We also will punch above our weight in terms of the impact of what were doing, and I think that should be absorbed by those in the Texas delegation. Whatever they are doing will be neutered here in the state of California, and they will pay that price. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul have likewise indicated they could be prepared to act in kind if Texas proceeds with its gerrymandering manoeuvre. The desperate measures taken by the Texas Democrats to block the redistricting which saw them jet out for New York, New Jersey and Illinois on Sunday to stop a vote going ahead came after the Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting advanced the GOPs proposals on Saturday. Republicans hold a majority in the Texas House of Representatives, as they do in its Senate, meaning the bid to revise the states 38 congressional districts would likely pass both chambers and be signed off by Gov. Abbott. Doing so would create five extra right-leaning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., potentially expanding the congressional GOPs majority and easing the passage of President Donald Trumps future legislative agenda. Faced with that likelihood, the Democrats left town, preventing the 150-seat House being able to hold the vote, which requires at least two-thirds of representatives to be present before it can grind into action. Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu led the exodus and has the support of the Democratic National Committee but he and his colleagues look set to be fined $500 for every day they are absent from the legislature and now face arrest under Abbotts orders after failing to return to Austin in time for a 3pm deadline set by Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Trump administration is considering publicly releasing an audio recording of an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell and senior officials from the Department of Justice about Jeffrey Epstein, according to a new report. It was not previously known that such a recording existed, and officials are currently discussing whether or not to release a transcript of the discussion between the British socialite and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Maxwell, 63, was the disgraced financiers ex-girlfriend, and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after her 2021 conviction for her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse multiple girls. Her attorneys have taken an appeal of her conviction to the Supreme Court. The interview between the socialite and the DOJ came following ongoing pressure on the administration to be more transparent over the Epstein case, following a July 6 memo which stated that convicted pedophile died by suicide in 2019 and there was no evidence to support the existence of a so-called client list. Such claims caused uproar among the MAGA faithful. open image in gallery Ghislaine Maxwell, 63 (right), was the ex-girlfriend of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein (left), and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after her 2021 conviction for her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse multiple girls. Officials are weighing up whether to release a transcript of an interview between her and DOJ officials ( US District Court for the Southern District of New York ) Sources told CNN that the audio recording was currently being transcribed and digitized, but that some parts that may reveal sensitive information like the names of victims would need to be redacted. The outlet reported that as of Tuesday morning, a final decision on whether to release the recording and the transcript, had not been made. CNN also reported that, per its sources, some within the administration were concerned that making details from the interview public would bring the Epstein controversy back into the public spotlight, when many officials close to the president believe the story has largely died down. When asked for comment by The Independent, the administration denied that any such decisions were being made about the transcript, and that Trump had already addressed the issue. open image in gallery It was not previously known that such a recording existed, and officials are currently discussing whether or not release a transcript of the discussion between the British socialite and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche ( AP ) In a statement, Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director, said: This is nothing more than CNN trying desperately to create news out of old news. He already addressed this issue in an interview with Newsmax, a real news outlet that routinely gets better ratings than CNN. Discussions about the recordings and transcript come after the DoJ admitted that the grand jury transcripts in Maxwells criminal case, contain mostly publicly available information. Trump previously asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to make public any and all pertinent grand jury transcripts in both the Epstein and Maxwell cases, in order to stymie the ongoing furore. A judge overseeing Maxwells case asked the government to provide more information to the court. The department provided a version of the transcripts that identifies which information is not publicly available. However, Bondi admitted in a Monday filing that much of the information in the transcripts was already made publicly available. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Why did Kamala Harris lose the Blue Wall, and every other swing state in 2024? For the three leading candidates vying to win the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, providing an answer could determine their political futures. At least one already has: Abdul El-Sayed argued on Monday that his party ran away from its voters not towards them. Polling within the margin of error against Rep. Haley Stevens, El-Sayed, 40, is very well positioned to pull off the historic feat of becoming the first-ever Muslim member of the United States Senate. A poll conducted by the NSRC, the GOPs Senate campaign arm, put him two points behind Stevens, a Democratic congresswoman and reportedly the Democratic party establishments favorite to win the seat. Mallory McMorrow, a state senator, trailed both but was nearing striking distance. Democrats still haven't learned this lesson, El-Sayed insisted on Monday. It's frustrating because these people made a calculated decision about who they needed and who they didn't. And it turns out that that decision was way off. Abdul El-Sayed could be the first Muslim to serve in the U.S. Senate, thanks in part to a wave of Democratic anger over Gaza ( The Independent ) El-Sayed spoke to The Independent two days before he was set to visit a Yemeni coffeeshop in Dearborn Heights for a meet-and-greet with voters, an area of Michigan that saw one of the sharpest drop offs among Democratic-leaning voters last year. Across the state, El-Sayed is running the exact opposite kind of campaign as an increasingly frail Joe Biden ran in 2024. In some ways, his strategy contrasts with Harris, too, in ways which clearly didnt sit well with the former Detroit health commisioner. On a recent interview with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker (HasanAbi), the two discussed the Israel-Hamas war and starvation crisis in Gaza, which El-Sayed labels a genocide. But in the hourlong conversation the likes of which Harris avoided to some dismay from Democrats the two also brod out, chatting about fitness as well as the YouTube and Twitter shorts seemingly consuming social media and transforming it into slop. I watched this campaign actively run away from certain groups of voters because they did not want to take questions that would expose the inconsistency of their values, said El-Sayed. Whether that was Joe Rogan's audience, whether that was Hasans audience, there are just groups of people that Democrats have said, you know what? We're going to give up on you, because we don't think we need you to win an election. That's not how you do politics, he continued. Your job is not about just trying to architect a winning coalition. Your job is about trying to identify the issues that all people need, and then being able to be clear, specific and direct about how you solve them in an effort to win an election, because your agenda would deliver for the most people in the ways that they need. He pinned much of the blame for the partys stiffness in 2024, exemplified in both Biden and Harris campaigns, on a steady stream of donor money the two-time Bernie Sanders-backed candidate argued was poisoning the party. Democratic policies were being winnowed down through a narrow lens of what would be palatable to both the partys base and their corporate-backed financiers, El-Sayed argued. The devastation in Gaza and the Democratic Partys complicity in not pressuring Israel over it under Biden highlighted a gulf between those two groups he argued was growing for years. The man who could very well be the Democratic Partys champion in a crucial Senate race spared no criticism for those Democratic elites he argued were responsible for the mess within which the DNC was now mired. "Joe Biden's handling of Gaza was indicative of a general failure to be able to do the job, El-Sayed told The Independent. "I wasn't in those rooms, said El-Sayed. What I can tell you is what I watched, and what I think the American public watched, [which] is an American president who was struggling to give a coherent statement, to get through a debate, [and] ... to manage a extremely complicated situation in Gaza. I also know that there was this effort to silence those voices who were willing to state what was obvious before our eyes, he added. A disrupting voice in the party, El-Sayed is pledging to shake up the geriatric halls of the Senate as well should he become his partys nominee. Hes hoping that a phenomenon which manifested to propel Zohran Mamdani to victory in the New York City mayoral primary election can be duplicated in the Rust Belt. There was an inversion of the demographics of the electorate in that primary, young people came out in droves, said El-Sayed. And here in Michigan, we've got young people who have been sick and tired of the system for a very long time, and our job is to go and talk about the challenges that they're facing in their lives, he continued, offering an example of the complaints hes heard: I don't know that I'm going to be able to get a job, even though I've done everything you told me to do. I did it all. I'm stuck with $60,000 in debt, and AI is about to take the job I was supposed to have. I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to buy a home. I'm worried about the fact that I'm watching a smokestack corrupt our climate. I'm watching as oil pipelines are flowing through our Great Lakes, and I'm asking what's going to be left for me. As senator, El-Sayed says hed back leveraging Democratic votes on legislation to fund the government: the kind of shutdown politics Chuck Schumer refused to play earlier in 2025. He also supports ending the filibuster, according to a staffer. El-Sayed also would not commit to supporting Schumer for another term as leader of the caucus, telling The Independent he wanted to look at his options as 2027 came into view. First hell have to win the 2026 primary as well as a general election against Mike Rogers, the Republican Trump-supporting congressman on a path to be crowned the GOP nominee. With a unified Republican Party backing Rogers, El-Sayed is well aware that his Muslim background and stance on Gaza could be weaponized by Republicans in an attempt to overshadow a Zohran Mamdani-like focus on affordability and Michiganders' financial stability. Republicans see Michigan as a path to expanding a majority and giving Donald Trump the breathing room he needs to further his legislative agenda in 2027. The loss of Michigan would be a massive blow for a battle-weary DSCC, and a pro-Israel site has already attacked El-Sayed over his sitdown with Hasan Piker. El-Sayed argued that the momentum was on his side, and that Democrats needed to be ready to brawl. I think we need to stop being afraid, he said. I just think we need to punch back harder, right? They want to come after us on this issue, punch back harder. I don't back down, I don't pull my punches, and I am more than happy to go at this issue or any other issue with lying MAGA types, El-Sayed continued. I think we can win the American public, but we gotta stop being afraid of our own shadow. News / National by Staff reporter Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri last week officiated at a field day at the hotly contested Springs Farm in Mashonaland East Province, where the government has been embroiled in a bitter legal and political battle over ownership.The government has been seeking to seize the productive property from indigenous farmers and hand it over to business tycoon Muller Conrad "Billy" Rautenbach, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The move has sparked accusations of corruption, political patronage and abuse of process.High Court Justice Regis Dembure recently halted the eviction of the farmers, many of whom are ministers, Members of Parliament, senior officials and war veterans, describing the government's bid to remove them as "irrational" and "insensitive."Before the matter was even heard in court, Rautenbach had reportedly already obtained title deeds to Springs Farm. He was controversially awarded Springs and the adjacent Stuhm Farm as compensation for the loss of Aspindale Park, a property the High Court found he never actually owned.The government had opposed the farmers' legal challenge to their eviction through an affidavit filed by Jiri himself. Yet on Friday, Jiri was at the farm officiating during a showcase of its thriving wheat crop, one of the best in the province.Addressing attendees, Jiri lauded the farmers' dedication, particularly young producer Tichafa Macheka, and encouraged them to go beyond primary production. He urged investment in beneficiation, value addition and crop processing to strengthen the agricultural value chain."There is nothing that stops them from adding value on the farm. People will need bread anyway. Even that particular farmer needs bread," Jiri said.He emphasised the need for farmers, especially those cultivating between 50 and 100 hectares of wheat, to view themselves as business operators capable of making a significant economic impact. He encouraged collaboration with neighbouring producers to improve economies of scale."We should be able to join hands with the neighbouring farmers to produce for our own production plant," Jiri said, suggesting the establishment of small milling facilities linked to bakeries as a way to capture more value from the crop.Jiri also stressed that land was a finite resource, with some 300,000 people currently on the waiting list. He advised would-be farmers without land to form joint ventures with the state-owned Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, targeting both local and diaspora investors.The Springs Farm dispute remains a flashpoint in Zimbabwe's long-running land politics, symbolising the tension between government land redistribution policies and accusations of elite capture for the benefit of politically connected individuals. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Far-right activist Laura Loomer has been accused by her MAGA critics of being funded by Big Pharma. The accusations come after several federal workers targeted by Loomer have been fired, such as the NSA general counsel and a Biden alumna appointed to West Point, The Bulwark noted. Another, Dr. Vinay Prasad, left his role at the top of a treatment-approval division at the Food and Drug Administration after Loomer accused him of disloyalty to President Donald Trump. Prasad said he resigned in order not to become a distraction. Right-wing pharma critic Kevin Bass wrote on X on July 29 that FDA is once again a paid arm of pharma. You can thank @LauraLoomer, Bob Goldberg, @AllysiaFinley, and the folks at @WSJ. Pharma paid them to coordinate and pull off the coup. This is a blatant lie. I dont work for Big Pharma. Im a loyalty enforcer, Loomer said in response on X. I bring to light what others want hidden. Big Pharma didnt pay me to do anything. I have been independently conducting my own vetting operation of Trump admin officials. I simply report the facts. open image in gallery Laura Loomer has targeted several administration officials who have since been fired and resigned ( Getty Images ) A number of high-profile people within the MAGA movement noted that Loomers targeting of Prasad came as he was in a battle with the drug manufacturer Sarepta because of its treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Prasad had long criticised the FDA for approving the drug made by Sarepta, called Elevidys. Loomer was quick to deny the allegations in a statement to The Independent, saying, I do not work for Big Pharma. I work in support of President Trump on the outside of the administration where I identify and expose disloyal officials in the administration. Vinay Prasad has a history of calling himself a progressive leftist, and he has stated publicly that he hates President Trump, and that he supports Democrat policy issues, Loomer added. The MAGA base didn't vote for radical Democrats to serve in the Trump administration. I provided evidence of all of Vinay Prasad's anti-Trump comments. He and his supporters are just angry they got caught. Loyalty matters, and so does vetting. Last month, three patients died of what seemed to be acute liver toxicity. Two were taking Elevidys, and the third was undergoing a related treatment. The FDA took action and placed Elevidyss clinical trials on hold. However, on Monday, just before Prasads resignation, the FDA backtracked and announced that patients able to walk could get the drug, noting that one of the deaths had been unrelated. open image in gallery Loomer stands accused by some on the MAGA right of taking money from Big Pharma, which she vehemently denies ( Getty Images ) Loomers rightwing critics argued that the confrontation between the drug company and Prasad was connected to the posts shared by Loomer. Bass wrote on X on July 31 that Sarepta used Laura Loomer as a plant to oust FDA official Vinay Prasad. Alex Berenson, formerly of The New York Times, gained notoriety among skeptics of the medical establishment for his early commentary on Covid. He wrote that the pharmaceutical industry taught its critics a powerful lesson after Prasad was dismissed. Similarly, conservative activist Ned Ryun asked on X if Loomer was completely nuts and suggested that she had taken a payment from the drug company. The fact of the matter is you got funded by Sarepta Therapeutics to take Vinay out; probably thru a middle man for deniability but still pharma money funding it all, said Ryun. The reason I find this and you so loathsome is that this behavior is the antithesis of the MAGA and MAHA movements. FDA chief Marty Makary said Monday that he would like Prasad to return to the agency, prompting Loomer to ask, Why would a Trump hater and devout progressive leftist be welcomed back into the admin by his own choice? Why do these people on the Left who has made their way into the admin think their decisions get to override President Trumps and @SusieWiles? she added in a lengthy tweet on Tuesday. Why do they think they even have a choice? Its called the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION. Not the PRASAD administration. Youre such a moron, Ryun responded. Dear God it is hard to quantify what a corrupt, unethical liar you are. You dredged up old tweets. You gonna do that for RFK or JD or anyone else? Or just who your pharma funds dictate? This prompted Loomer to directly address Ryun, saying in part, I dont work for Big Pharma. Ill be honest, I want to work for President Trump. Thats who I want to work for. I dont know who is paying you to attack me nonstop because youre a grown married man with 4 kids and this is like your 27th tweet about me in 72 hours, but its called LOYALTY. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Maine police officer who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement almost two weeks ago has been moved to a second facility, according to reports. Jon Luke Evans, a Jamaican national who is a reserve officer at the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, was arrested July 25 after he attempted to purchase a firearm for his police work after his visa expired, ICE said in a statement. The police department said that although reserve officers are issued firearms, they are never asked to purchase any other firearms for the performance of their duties. For the past few weeks, reports have placed Evans at different detention centers across New England. He was initially held at Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Massachusetts, according to WCVB and The Boston Globe. ICE subsequently moved him to the Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island, according to WCVB. It was not immediately clear why he was transferred. As of Tuesday afternoon, Evans location is unclear. The Independent has asked ICE to confirm Evans location but the agency did not respond. Attempts to trace Evans relatives were unsuccessful. ICE said agents detained Evans after he tried to buy a firearm in Biddeford, Maine. The attempted purchase triggered an alert at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. open image in gallery Jon Luke Evans, a Jamaican national who is a reserve officer at the Old Orchard Beach Police Department , was arrested July 25 after he attempted to purchase a firearm for his police work after his visa expired, ICE said in a statement. ( ICE ) Evans lawfully entered the United States in September 2023. One week later, he was scheduled to take a flight out of the country, but never boarded. He violated the terms of his lawful admission when he overstayed his visa, ICE said. The fact that a police department would hire an illegal alien and unlawfully issue him a firearm while on duty would be comical if it werent so tragic. We have a police department that was knowingly breaking the very law they are charged with enforcing in order to employ an illegal alien, ICE ERO Boston acting Field Office Director, Patricia H. Hyde, said in a statement. In the wake of Evans arrest, the Old Orchard Beachs police chief, Elise Chard, and Diana Asanza, town manager, issued a joint statement on how he got the job. Evans applied to be a seasonal reserve officer in April, a job which entails community service, beach patrol, and providing support for the department during the summer months. As part of the hiring process, the town compiled a 153-page personnel file on Evans that included his IDs cards, medical records, educational records, and additional background information. The police department then thoroughly verified the information and found it to be accurate. Evans also completed an I-9 federal immigration and work authorization form to verify that he was legally authorized to work in the U.S. After Evans passed a physical test and other exams required for the role, the police department then submitted the completed I-9 form to the Department of Homeland Securitys E-Verify Program, which allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the U.S. On May 12, DHS verified that Evans was authorized to work in the U.S., reporting his status as Alien Authorized to Work, the police chief and town manager said. Evans would not have been permitted to begin work as a reserve officer until, and unless, DHS verified his status, they added. DHS verified Evans Form I-766 an employment authorization document which showed he could hold employment in the country through March 2030.. The department only learned of his arrest from ICEs news release, Chard said. open image in gallery Officer Jon Luke Evans receives his police badge. DHSs E-Verify system verified he was authorized to work in the U.S., the Old Orchard Beach Police Department said, while DHS says the police department had a reckless reliance on the system ( Old Orchard Beach Police Department via AP ) Simply stated, had the federal government flagged his information the Town would not have hired Mr. Evans, Chard continued. Any insinuation that the Town and Department were derelict in our efforts to verify Mr. Evans' eligibility to work for the Town is false and appears to be an attempt to shift the blame onto a hard-working local law enforcement agency that has done its job. The police chief had earlier explained that while reserve officers are issued firearms by the department, theyre not allowed to purchase or carry any other firearms for the performance of their duties. Evans probationary employment status is now under review. In hiring Evans, our department and our community relied on the Department of Homeland Securitys E-Verify program to ensure we were meeting our obligations, and we are distressed and deeply concerned about this apparent error on the part of the federal government, Chard said. The Independent has contacted a DHS spokesperson for comment. In response to the Old Orchard Beach Polices remarks about the apparent flaws in the DHSs E-Verify system, Assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent that the police department had a reckless reliance on the system. "Usage of E-Verify does not absolve employers of their legal duty to verify documentation authenticity, and all employers should take necessary steps to effectively verify legal employment status, she said. The Old Orchard Beach Police Departments reckless reliance on E-Verify to justify arming an illegal alien, Jon Luke Evans violates federal law, and does not absolve them of their failure to conduct basic background checks to verify legal status. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling on the Trump administration to commute the sentence of former Congressman George Santos, who was sentenced to seven years in prison earlier this year after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft. George Santos has taken responsibility, Greene wrote on X, sharing a letter she sent to the Justice Departments Office of the Pardon Attorney. Hes shown remorse. Its time to correct this injustice. I wholeheartedly believe in justice and the rule of the law, and I understand the gravity of such actions, the letter reads. However, I believe a seven-year sentence for such campaign-related matters for an individual with no prior criminal record extends far beyond what is warranted. Greene claimed Santos, who has sold Cameo videos speaking to fans and hosted a podcast playing on his reputation called Pants on Fire, was sincerely remorseful and has accepted full responsibility for his actions. Marjorie Taylor Greene wants the Trump administration to lighten the seven-year sentence against George Santos, the scandal-plagued former New York congressman who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft ( AP ) In April, Santos was sentenced to 87 months in prison for wire fraud and identity theft after pleading guilty last year and agreeing to nearly $374,000 in restitution payments. The following month, the former New York representative, who prosecutors accused of pocketing thousands of dollars in donor funds, appealed to the president for a full pardon. Previously, I was not entertaining a pardon because I didnt know what my judgment would be. Now, I am in the process of filling an application to a pardon for the president. Ill take a commutation, a clemency, whatever the president is willing to give me, Santos said in an interview with Piers Morgan. I do believe this is an unfair judgment handed down to me, he added. There was a lot of politicization over the process. Santos, 37, is now in custody at a federal prison in Fairton, New Jersey. He was expelled from Congress in December 2023, following the release of a damning ethics report. He shared a goodbye post on X before entering prison thanking his allies and critics alike. Well, darlingsThe curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed, he wrote. From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news what a ride its been! Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried most days. Santos was charged with 23 felony counts for three alleged schemes to use donor money and government assistance funds to enrich himself while running for Congress. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Republican, who was elected in 2022, also grabbed headlines for exaggerating details about his education and work experience, as well as his mothers whereabouts during 9/11 and his Jewish heritage. Greene has sought presidential intervention for controversial figures before. In May, she asked the president to pardon Derek Chauvin, the then-Minneapolis police officer who murdered George Floyd in a widely seen 2020 incident that set off national protests. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Department of Defense tapped into the MAGA movements obsession with the American Eagle advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney on Monday afternoon, as it shared an image of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths outfit with the caption: @secdef has great jeans. Sweeney has faced criticism for the ad campaign, which critics have argued includes racist messaging, provoking outrage from the right in response. Even President Donald Trump jumped into the fray, praising the ad after it was reported that Sweeney is a registered Republican in Florida. Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Vice President JD Vance have also made statements in support of Sweeney. The president addressed reporters on the runway in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Sunday night. Shes a registered Republican? Trump asked. Now I love her ad. open image in gallery The Department of Defense tapped into the MAGA movements obsession with the American Eagle advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney ( X/@DODResponse ) Trump took to Truth Social on Monday morning to say that Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there. Its for American Eagle, and the jeans are flying off the shelves, he claimed. Critics of the American Eagle ad campaign have accused the company of spreading racist and Nazi propaganda. Some have argued that it pushes eugenic ideals with its wordplay on jeans and genes. Some of those slamming the ad campaign have argued that the two phrases harken back to the debunked racist theory pushed by the Nazis that the human race can be improved via selective breeding. Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color, Sweeney says in one of the ads. My jeans are blue, she adds, before a narrator says, Sydney Sweeney has great jeans. open image in gallery Sydney Sweeney has courted controversy with her advertising campaign for American Eagle ( Getty ) Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans, American Eagle said in response to the criticism. Her jeans. Her story. Well continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way, the statement added. Great jeans look good on everyone. The tweet by the Department of Defense featuring the jeans-clad Secretary of Defense faced mockery on X. Were not a serious country anymore, the group Republicans Against Trump wrote. Hey parents, I know your son or daughter maybe in harms way and doing a lethal job, but triggering the libs is our ultimate goal here at DOD, said former Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger. Hell tell you all about them, along with Americas top secret attack plans, on a signal group chat, said Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark. I just want a serious governmentand particularly a serious Department of Defensethat doesnt waste time or energy shilling for the egos of its leadership with glam shots like this. Dont you? Surely this isnt an unreasonable expectation, said Heath Mayo, founder of Principles First. Former CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr asked, Is this what the Pentagon thought was important today? Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Right-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch has agreed to give Donald Trump regular health updates in a deal to postpone Murdochs deposition in the presidents $10 billion lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article about a bawdy birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The deal comes a week after the presidents lawyers called on the 94-year-old Murdoch to be deposed within the next 15 days due to his advanced age and health problems over the years, implying that the Fox News founder could die before the case went to trial. Murdoch is 94 years old, has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life, is believed to have suffered recent significant health scares, and is presumed to live in New York, the Trump teams motion stated last week. Taken together, these factors weigh heavily in determining that Murdoch would be unavailable for in-person testimony at trial. With the presidents attorneys adding that it was presumable that Murdoch would be unavailable for trial due to his age and health, along with the fact that the lawsuit was filed in Florida, the judge in the case ordered Murdoch to respond to the request by August 4. Per court filings, a joint deal was reached on Monday night to postpone the expedited deposition of Murdoch, whose massive media conglomerate News Corp. owns the Wall Street Journal. According to the order adopting the stipulation, the deposition will be postponed and the parties agree not to engage in discovery until the WSJs motion to dismiss has been decided. Rupert Murdoch, 94, has agreed to provide the president with regular health updates to avoid being immediately deposed in the $10 billion lawsuit over a Jeffrey Epstein article. ( Getty Images ) If Defendants Motion to Dismiss the Complaint is denied, then Defendant Murdochs deposition shall occur in person, at a mutually agreed upon location in the United States, within thirty (30) calendar days of the order denying the Motion to Dismiss, the order further notes. Additionally, Murdoch must provide a sworn declaration describing his current health condition within three days of the order of stipulation being filed and give regularly scheduled updates about his health to the president. The order was signed Tuesday by Judge Darrin Gayles. Failure to provide updates in the agreed-upon manner, as set forth in the Abatement Agreement, shall result in an expedited deposition of Defendant Murdoch, the order adds. The president sued the WSJ and Murdoch on July 18, a day after the paper ran its bombshell report that Trump had given Epstein a raunchy card for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003. The letter, which the president has called a fake thing, reportedly contains a drawing of a naked woman with Trumps signature mimicking pubic hair. Trump has publicly fumed that Murdoch, with whom hes had a complicated on-again/off-again mutually beneficial friendship, had promised him he would take care of killing the WSJ story, but apparently did not have the power to do so. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal has stood by its story and followed it with another blockbuster the following week by revealing that Attorney General Pam Bondi told Trump in May that his name appeared several times in the Epstein files. That story only increased the amount of scrutiny the administration has faced for reversing course last month and refusing to release additional documents in the disgraced financiers case. A name appearing in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing. Behind the scenes, Murdoch has also indicated that he isnt all that willing to back down in the face of the presidents l egally specious defamation suit. Im 94 years old and I will not be intimidated, he reportedly told associates. Despite the WSJ looking to dismiss the complaint and Murdoch suggesting that hes in the fight for the long haul, Trump has claimed that the conservative media titan wants to reach a settlement. I have been treated very unfairly by The Wall Street Journal on everything, the president said last week. I would assume Rupert Murdoch controls it, but maybe he does, maybe he doesnt. And they are talking to us about doing something, but well see what happens. They would like us to drop that. So well see They want to settle it. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has condemned gerrymandering as truly evil after current office holder Gavin Newsom unveiled his redistricting plan. In retaliation against President Donald Trumps push for aggressive partisan redistricting in Texas, Newsom said he aims to redraw Californias U.S. House maps before the 2026 midterm elections. Now Schwarzenegger, the architect of Californias nonpartisan redistricting system, is preparing to campaign against Newsoms partisan gerrymandering proposal. open image in gallery Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is ready to take on incumbent governor Gavin Newsom on resdistricting ( AFP via Getty Images ) He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that. He thinks its truly evil for politicians to take power from people, Schwarzenegger spokesperson Daniel Ketchell told Politico on Monday. Hes opposed to what Texas is doing, and hes opposed to the idea that California would race to the bottom to do the same thing. Newsom said Thursday that he was considering asking the state Legislature to place his proposition to alter the map on Novembers Uniform District Election ballot. This is not going to be done in a back room, Newsom told reporters. Its going to be given to the voters for their consideration in a very transparent way, so they know exactly what theyre doing. The move is seen as a response to Texas lawmakers plan to approve a new congressional map aimed at flipping five Democrat-held districts to Republican control. The Legislatures ongoing special session ground to a halt on Sunday after Texas Democrats fled from their state to Chicago and New York evening to block the redistricting vote. On Monday, Newsom, a Democrat, told reporters that he is ready to fight fire with fire. open image in gallery California Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to fight fire with fire after Trumps Texas partisan redistricting push ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) If the governor secures a two-thirds majority in the state Legislature to place his proposal on the ballot, it could derail a key legacy of Schwarzeneggers seven-year tenure as Californias last GOP governor from 2003 to 2011. Schwarzenegger is reportedly preparing to be the face of a No campaign, reuniting many of the forces that came together during his time in office to oppose Newsoms measure if it appears on the ballot. Charles Munger Jr, a GOP donor who funded the push to create the independent commission, wrote on X last month: Any attempt to undermine the nonpartisan California Redistricting Commission will be strongly opposed in the courts and at the ballot box. Munger, the son of Warren Buffetts business partner, was one of the California Republican Partys leading funders during Schwarzeneggers governorship. The 78-year-old Hollywood star led the effort to curb gerrymandering in California, resulting in two successful ballot measures in 2008 and 2010. That pair of constitutional amendments placed an independent commision, not a lawmaker, in charge of drawing Californias political map once per decade. After leaving office, Schwarzenegger lobbied other states to adopt nonpartisan systems with mixed results in Michigan, Colorado, Virginia and Ohio. He also filed an amicus brief when the U.S. Supreme Court took up a landmark case on gerrymandering in 2019, arguing that the tactic undermines democracy and voter trust. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump is set to crack down on Wall Street banks accused of dropping customers over their conservative beliefs and shutting out cryptocurrency companies, a new report states. Trump, the self-professed first crypto-president, is expected to sign an executive order as soon as this week that threatens financial penalties in response to so-called politically motivated debanking, sources told the Wall Street Journal. A draft of the order viewed by the Journal directs bank regulators to investigate whether financial institutions have violated the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, a federal law that bars discrimination in access to credit. Investigators are reportedly also directed to look into whether antitrust or consumer financial protection laws have been breached. In some cases, the newspaper said, violations are to be reported by regulators to the attorney general, according to the order. open image in gallery Trump is expected to sign an executive order as early as this week to punish banks allegedly neglecting the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( Getty Images ) The draft is said to urge regulators to strike any policies that might have contributed to banks dropping certain customers. The Small Business Administration is directed to review bank practices that guarantee the agencys loans. The directive also criticizes the role that some banks played in an investigation into the riots at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, according to the newspaper. The draft reportedly states that violating lenders could be slapped with fines and consent decrees, among other disciplinary measures. While the order doesnt explicitly name any offenders, the Journal said it appears to refer to an instance where a Christian organization operating in Uganda had its accounts shut down by the Bank of America, citing religious beliefs. The bank contested that it does not serve small businesses operating outside the U.S. open image in gallery Trumps order is also expected to address big banks shutting out of cryptocurrency companies ( AP ) Conservatives have long accused banks of denying them services on the grounds of their political or religious beliefs. In January, Trump said the CEOs Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase Brian Moynihan and Jamie Dimon respectively did not provide banking services to conservatives. While speaking to Fox Business last week, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott pointed fingers at regulators for shutting down bank accounts of Americans they just dont like. Regulators operate under an alphabet soup of federal agencies, sources told the news station, while Scott called the situation in D.C. a financial swamp. Meanwhile, crypto firms have repeatedly complained they were denied access to banking services while former President Joe Biden was in office. Financial institutions have cited legal, regulatory and financial risks and blamed pressure from regulators for their previous decisions to largely avoid the cryptocurrency industry. A Bank of America spokesperson on Monday welcomed efforts to provide regulatory clarity. They told the Journal that the bank is committed to working with the Trump administration and supporting Congress to improve the regulatory framework. In late April, the Justice Department said it was launching a task force in Virginia to combat illegal debanking. The task force was set to review allegations of banks refusing customers access to credit or other services based on impermissible factors. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump tore down the Democratic Party during an interview with CNBC on Tuesday morning and targeted his frequent political foe, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, deriding her as an example of one of their low IQ members. In a long-winded, and occasionally rambling, interview with Squawk Box, the president lashed out at the opposing political party for being lost and self-destructing. In between speaking about his economic policy record and plans for tariffs, the president took some time to insult prominent members of the party with whom he often quarrels. Using one of his commonly used phrases, Trump said members of the Democratic Party are low IQ people and cited the Texas congresswoman as an example. I mean, when you have low-IQ people, like Crockett, Trump began before suddenly going on a tangent. I wonder if shes any relationship to the late, great Davy Crockett, who was a great, great gentleman, he said, falling back on the late, great appellation he generally reserves for the fictional Silence of the Lambs serial killer Hannibal Lecter to oddly decry illegal immigration at campaign rallies. I wonder if shes got any relationship to Davy Crockett. The great old Davy Crockett, Trump pondered. President Donald Trump lashed out at Rep. Jasmine Crockett for being a low IQ member of the Democratic Party ( Getty Images for MoveOn ) Davy Crockett was a politician and pioneerman who represented Tennessee in the House from 1827 until 1835. His legacy is often remembered for his larger-than-life storytelling and involvement in the Texas Revolution. Politically, Davy Crockett was staunchly opposed to President Andrew Jackson and switched from being a member of the National Republican Party to the Whig Party, which opposed strong presidential use of executive power, expansion of territory in the U.S., and advocated for the establishment of a national bank. Jasmine Crockett has never publicly said whether or not she is related to Davy Crockett. There is no evidence to suggest the two are related at this time. Although Trumps comment was not necessarily an insult, he has used his platform to bash Crockett, who vehemently disapproves of the president and many of his allies. After Crockett insulted Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Trump called her a lowlife. Crockett has previously suggested Trump is mentally or physically unfit to serve as president and challenged him to an IQ test. Shes also publicly called the president a "ridiculous tyrant and piece of s***. Trump has often claimed that those who bash him have Trump derangement syndrome diminishing criticisms as illogical, irrational, and done as a personal attack rather than a policy critique. The Democrats are lost. They have Trump derangement syndrome so bad that they cant walk, they cant talk, they dont know where theyre going. Schumer is finished. I watched him the other day, hes lost all of his confidence, Trump said on CNBC. Close Trump calls JD Vance's secret meeting rumor "total bulls***t" Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Wednesday night gathering at Vice President JD Vances residence aimed to bring together Trump officials to discuss the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, four sources told CNN. However, the meeting was moved or rescheduled amid media scrutiny. Vance denied that any Epstein strategy meeting was ever planned. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche were expected to attend, according to NBC News. President Donald Trumps Justice Department has been given until 12 p.m. ET on Friday to address privacy concerns raised by Epstein victims and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, about the possible release of grand jury transcripts and exhibits from the sex trafficking investigation. Officials are also reportedly considering whether to release a recording of Maxwells interview with Blanche, in which the Epstein co-conspirator reportedly said she never saw Trump do anything concerning with the late financier. Conspiracy theories continue to circulate as the disgraced socialite has since been moved to a low-security prison camp. CNN reported that officials are considering asking podcaster Joe Rogan to help ease the uproar over the Epstein files with an interview. He has been very critical of the administrations handling of the information. News / National by Staff reporter A United Arab Emirates-based company has allegedly lost US$60,620 in a failed lithium deal with a local firm, prompting fraud charges against Nasha Weal Musa, director of Nasha Industries and Commodities Private Limited.Musa appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo on Monday facing allegations of duping Rudra Mani Gen Trading LLC, a UAE-registered entity that procures minerals in Zimbabwe for export to China. The accused was remanded in custody until tomorrow for a bail hearing.The complainant is represented by Mahek Shah (39), the company's Operations Director, who told investigators that Musa misrepresented his company's capacity to supply lithium concentrate, leading to significant financial losses.According to State prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu, the alleged fraud began in January 2025 when Shah, seeking lithium concentrate for export, met Musa at Borrowdale's Village Walk in Harare. Musa allegedly claimed he had access to 500 metric tonnes of lithium concentrate in Kamativi, priced at US$196,000, which included facilitation of export documentation.On January 31, the parties signed a Memorandum of Sale and Purchase Agreement, agreeing that Musa would deliver the lithium to No. 7 Faber Road, Bluffhill, where it would be collected for export. The deal specified that payment would be made only after delivery of the mineral.However, the court heard that on February 11, Musa told Shah he was experiencing funding constraints and requested a cash advance to begin transporting the lithium. Shah then transferred US$47,000, which Musa acknowledged in writing, promising to deliver the lithium within five days.When the deadline passed with no delivery, Musa allegedly requested more funding and received an additional US$13,620 in staggered payments.Despite receiving the total sum of US$60,620, Musa allegedly failed to deliver any lithium, became evasive, and is accused of converting the funds to personal use. The complainant eventually reported the matter to police, leading to Musa's arrest.The case has attracted attention as Zimbabwe continues to position itself as a major lithium supplier, with rising demand from global electric vehicle and battery manufacturers. The incident has also raised fresh concerns over fraudulent practices in the mineral trade sector.The court will rule on Musa's bail application on Tuesday, August 6. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz has been terminated for refusing to accept a demotion that would see him run a small broadcasting station in North Carolina, a reassignment he has called illegal. In a Friday letter sent to Abramowitz, which was included in a court filing on Monday, U.S. Agency for Global Media senior advisor John Zadrozny informed the director that he would be terminated at the end of the month. I am proposing that your failure to accept a directed geographic reassignment warrants removal from your position for such cause as to promote the efficiency of the Federal service, Zadrozny wrote. The USAGM is the agency that oversees VOA. Much like other staffers at Voice of America, Abramowitz is suing the Trump administration over the presidents executive order that dismantles the USAGM. As his case has continued to move forward in federal court, Kari Lake the MAGA loyalist whom Trump has installed to manage USAGM has sidelined hundreds of VOA employees while effectively shuttering the network. After sending the vast majority of Voice of America staff reduction-in-force notices in June, however, Lake rescinded the layoffs a week later after staff encountered errors in the documents. Employees were informed at the time that USAGM would be running another RIF in the near future. Meanwhile, most of the staff remain on administrative leave, though some have been recalled to active duty. open image in gallery Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz has said that his termination for refusing to accept a reassignment to a low-level post in North Carolina is illegal. ( AP ) According to Abramowitzs court filing this week, Lake ordered him on July 8 to accept a transfer to manage the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station in Greenville, North Carolina, or face termination. Abramowitz noted that he had sent a response later that month refusing the reassignment as it did not appear to be lawful, noting that the acting CEO of USAGM had been placed on leave and Trump had dismantled the board that approves such moves. This notice, which would remove me from my position as Director of Voice of America on September 6, 2025, or potentially before that if I refuse the transfer, is illegal, he wrote in a July 29 letter. Under the law, I can only be removed from my position as director of VOA with the approval of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. No such action has been taken. In response to Abramowitzs refusal to accept the demotion, Zadrozny told him on Friday that he was fired due to a failure to accept directed geographic reassignment, something Abramowitzs attorney noted in the court filing was ironic. Right in the middle of litigation about Defendants willingness to follow the law, they are firing Director Abramowitz for refusing to accept a reassignment because he insisted that Defendants follow the law, the lawyer wrote. Abramowitz also noted that the reassignment to the low-level post appeared to be nonsensical based on the reasons the USAGM laid out. In addition, the August 1 letter claims that it was indicated that your presence in Greenville was needed to support an evaluation of the potential for an expanded USAGM staff presence at that facility. This purported rationale does not make sense, he stated. I understand that Defendants have indicated that they only plan to broadcast in four languages at VOA (Mandarin, Farsi, Pashto and Dari), Abramowitz added. But the Greenville station, which has historically provided shortwave radio broadcasts mainly to West Africa and Latin America, does not serve countries that speak any of those languages. The USAGM did not immediately respond to a request for comment. open image in gallery Kari Lake the MAGA loyalist whom Trump has installed to manage USAGM has sidelined hundreds of VOA employees while effectively shuttering the network ( Getty Images ) In the lawsuit brought by other VOA staffers against the government over Trumps executive order, a federal judge excoriated Lake and other White House officials for failing to show that they had been abiding by his ruling that mandated a restoration of VOA programming. The Court concludes that judicial intervention is needed to ensure the defendants compliance with the preliminary injunction, Judge Royce Lamberth wrote last week, adding that the administration officials appear to be violating numerous statutory provisions and have been providing misleading and contradictory information. In recent months, Lake has occasionally deployed a skeleton crew to VOA offices, providing minimal broadcasting services and news programming in an apparent effort to comply with the courts ruling. Lamberth, meanwhile, noted in his latest court order that Lake was doing the exact opposite of what she claimed her intent was, which was to get rid of wasteful spending at VOA. When Congress appropriated $260 million to VOA., Lamberth wrote, referencing the 2025 budget for Voice of America. It did not anticipate that such a significant sum of taxpayer funds would be used to pay employees to sit at home for months on end, making no contribution to VOAs statutory mandate. The legal term for that is waste, and it is precisely what federal appropriation law aims to avoid. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The remains of animals dating back more than 10,000 years have been found in a cave in northern Norway providing the oldest example of an animal community living in the European Arctic region. Forty-six types of mammals were found, as well as fish and birds. The discovery, which includes polar bear, walrus, bowhead whale and Atlantic puffin, provides a rare snapshot of a vanished Arctic world, according to scientists. Also found were the remains of collared lemmings which are now extinct in Europe and had not been found in Scandinavia before. The team say the study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), will help show how wildlife has responded to dramatic climate shifts in the past as the animal community dates to a warmer period of the ice age. DNA testing carried out for the research found that the lineages of the animals did not survive when colder conditions returned. open image in gallery The sediment profile in the Arne Qvamgrotta cave in Norway ( Trond Klungseth Lodoen/Bournemouth University/PA ) Sam Walker, of Bournemouth University, said: These discoveries provide a rare snapshot of a vanished Arctic world. They also underscore how vulnerable cold-adapted species can be under changing climate conditions, which can help us to understand their resilience and extinction risk in the present. The remains were found in the Arne Qvamgrotta cave which was first discovered in the 1990s when a local mining industry built a tunnel through the nearby mountain. But it was large excavations carried out in 2021 and 2022 which led to the discovery of the animals which also included common eider, rock ptarmigan and Atlantic cod. Professor Sanne Boessenkool, of the University of Oslo, said: We have very little evidence of what Arctic life was like in this period because of the lack of preserved remains over 10,000 years old. The cave has now revealed a diverse mix of animals in a coastal ecosystem representing both the marine and the terrestrial environment. The researchers state that the variety of animals including migratory reindeer suggest the habitat would have been mostly ice-free at the time and the presence of freshwater fish meant there would have been lakes and rivers within tundra. open image in gallery The bone fragments being excavated from the sediments ( Sam Walker/Bournemouth University/PA ) There would also have been sea ice for the bowhead whales and walruses, although this would have been seasonal as the harbour porpoises found are known to avoid ice, the scientists say. The study suggests that although the animals had managed to colonise the region after the glaciers melted, their whole populations had died out as they had been unable to migrate when the ice returned. Dr Walker said: This highlights how cold-adapted species struggle to adapt to major climatic events. This has a direct link to the challenges they are facing in the Arctic today as the climate warms at a rapid pace. The habitats these animals in the region live in today are much more fractured than 75,000 years ago, so it is even harder for animal populations to move and adapt. Prof Boessenkool added: It is also important to note that this was a shift to a colder, not a period of warming that we are facing today. And these are cold-adapted species, so if they struggled to cope with colder periods in the past, it will be even harder for these species to adapt to a warming climate. 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 zoo in Denmark has appealed to the public to donate their small pets as food for its predators. The Aalborg Zoo has asked for donations of healthy and live chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs to feed its predators, such as the Eurasian lynx. In a post on social media, the zoo said it is trying to mimic the natural food chain of the animals housed there for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity. It also offered assurances that the donated pets will be gently euthanised by trained staff. The zoo in northern Denmark explained that if you have a healthy animal that needs to be given away for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us. After being euthanised, the animals will be used as fodder, the zoo said. That way, nothing goes to waste and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators, the Aalborg Zoo said. open image in gallery The zoo offered assurances that the donated pets will be gently euthanised by trained staff ( Aalborg Zoo ) The online call for pet donations is accompanied by a picture of a wildcat baring its teeth with its mouth wide open and a link to the zoo's website, noting the facility is also interested in receiving horses. The social media post has had mixed reactions, with one describing the scheme as deeply perverse and degrading and a sick invention. Another user said she had taken her horse to the zoo to be euthanised a few years ago. She described the experience as peaceful for her horse. The sweet staff took care of it in the nicest way, and they were grateful for the donation, she added. open image in gallery The Aalborg Zoo has asked for donations of healthy and live chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs to feed its predators, such as the Eurasian lynx ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) Owners who donate their horse are also eligible for a potential tax break, the zoos website says. The zoo always keeps other predators such as lions and tigers, according to its website. The small animals can be donated on weekdays from 10am to 1pm, with no more than four at a time without an appointment. The zoo says it can arrange a pick-up and delivery service for those willing to donate more than four. Any horse donated to the zoo must have a horse passport, its website said, and this donation comes with the opportunity for a tax deduction on the horses value, which is calculated based on its weight. 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 Russia has declared that it no longer considers itself bound by a self-imposed moratorium on the deployment of nuclear-capable intermediate range missiles, a warning that potentially sets the stage for a new arms race as tensions between Moscow and Washington rise again over Ukraine. In a statement Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry linked the decision to efforts by the U.S. and its allies to develop intermediate range weapons and preparations for their deployment in Europe and other parts of the world. It specifically cited U.S. plans to deploy Typhoon and Dark Eagle missiles in Germany starting next year. The ministry noted that such actions by the U.S. and its allies create destabilizing missile potentials" near Russia, creating a "direct threat to the security of our country and carry significant harmful consequences for regional and global stability, including a dangerous escalation of tensions between nuclear powers. open image in gallery Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives to attend a flag raising ceremony of the Knyaz Pozharsky nuclear-powered Borei-A class submarine in Severodvinsk, Russia, Thursday, July 24, 2025. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) ( Sputnik ) It didn't say what specific moves the Kremlin might take, but President Vladimir Putin has previously announced that Moscow was planning to deploy its new Oreshnik missiles on the territory of its neighbor and ally Belarus later this year. Asked where and when Russia could potentially deploy intermediate-range weapons, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that it's not something to be announced in advance. Russia no longer has any limitations, Russia no longer considers itself to be constrained by anything, Peskov told reporters. Therefore Russia believes it has the right to take respective steps if necessary. Decisions on specific parameters of response measures will be made by the leadership of the Russian Federation based on an interdepartmental analysis of the scale of deployment of American and other Western land-based intermediate-range missiles, as well as the development of the overall situation in the area of international security and strategic stability, the Foreign Ministry said. The Russian statement follows President Donald Trump's announcement Friday that hes ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines based on the highly provocative statements of Dmitry Medvedev, who was president in 2008-12 to allow Putin, bound by term limits, to later return to the office. Trump's statement came as his deadline for the Kremlin to reach a peace deal in Ukraine approaches later this week. Trump said he was alarmed by Medvedevs attitude. Medvedev, who serves as deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council chaired by Putin, has apparently sought to curry favor with his mentor by making provocative statements and frequently lobbing nuclear threats. Last week. he responded to Trump's deadline for Russia to accept a peace deal in Ukraine or face sanctions by warning him against playing the ultimatum game with Russia and declaring that each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war. Medvedev also commented on the Foreign Ministrys statement, describing Moscow's withdrawal from the moratorium as the result of NATO countries anti-Russian policy. This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with, he wrote on X. Expect further steps. INF treaty abandoned in 2019 Intermediate-range missiles can fly between 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,400 miles). Such land-based weapons were banned under the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Washington and Moscow abandoned the pact in 2019, accusing each other of violations, but Moscow declared its self-imposed moratorium on their deployment until the U.S. makes such a move. The collapse of the INF Treaty has stoked fears of a replay of a Cold War-era European missile crisis, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union both deployed intermediate-range missiles on the continent in the 1980s. Such weapons are seen as particularly destabilizing because they take less time to reach targets, compared with intercontinental ballistic missiles, leaving no time for decision-makers and raising the likelihood of a global nuclear conflict over a false launch warning. Russias missile forces chief has declared that the new Oreshnik intermediate range missile, which Russia first used against Ukraine in November, has a range to reach all of Europe. Oreshnik can carry conventional or nuclear warheads. Putin has praised the Oreshniks capabilities, saying its multiple warheads that plunge to a target at speeds up to Mach 10 are immune to being intercepted and are so powerful that the use of several of them in one conventional strike could be as devastating as a nuclear attack. Putin has warned the West that Moscow could use it against Ukraines NATO allies who allowed Kyiv to use their longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia. 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 Greek authorities are desperately searching for a British woman who vanished from a beach while her husband reportedly lay asleep. Michele Ann Bourda, aged 59, was reported missing from Ofryni beach in Kavala on Friday. Local media has reported that the woman had been relaxing on a sunbed next to her husband before he woke up to find she was gone at around noon. Her family notified authorities and an investigation was launched to find her. But despite sea and land searches over the weekend, she remains missing. On Sunday, three recreational craft, five fishing boats and two patrol boats were reportedly involved in the search operation. Three days may have elapsed, but there are no plans to call off the operation yet, a coastguard official told The Guardian. Lifeline Hellas, a Greek missing persons charity, also issued a social media appeal over the weekend. It read: Her life is in danger. If you know anything, contact the Silver Alert service, 24 hours a day, at the National SOS Line 1065. Ofryni beach in Kavala, where Michele Ann Bourda went missing while with her husband on Friday ( Nikana Tourist Board ) She is described as thin and 5ft 7inch tall, having blonde hair down to her shoulders and hazel eyes. On the day she disappeared she was wearing a two-piece swimsuit with rhinestones, yellow beach shoes and red sunglasses. A summer sports instructor, on the beach at the time Ms Bourda went missing, reported speaking to someone who matched her description after seeing her swim in deep waters, LBC reported. He said he had urged her not to swim out any further. Her husband reportedly woke up and, when he didnt see his wife, went into a shop to ask the store owners if they had seen her, according to Greek newspaper Proto Thema. The shopkeeper said: He came to the store and asked us if we had seen his wife, who had disappeared. He also told us that his wife was not very well, and that she had problems. The husband was a bit stressed but told us that his wife had done this before, that is, she had disappeared. The UK embassy in Athens also shared a post on social media on her disappearance. Local media reports that the woman lived with her husband, who is thought to be of Greek origin, in nearby Serres. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: We are supporting the family of a British woman who is missing in Greece and are in contact with local authorities. 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 Sweden, Norway and Denmark will contribute around 500mn (434mn) to purchase US military equipment for Ukraine, joining the Netherlands in supporting a new Nato mechanism aimed at supplying American weapons to Kyiv. Donald Trump said last month that the US would provide weapons to Ukraine, paid for by European allies, but he did not provide details on how this would work. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced on Monday that the Netherlands will contribute 500mn to the mechanism called the Nato Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. On Tuesday, Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik said the country will contribute around 1.5 billion Norwegian crowns (109mn). Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that it will earmark around $90 million, and would be willing to consider additional funding at a later stage. Sweden said it was contributing $275 million to the package, which includes Patriot missiles and other air defence equipment, as well as anti-tank munitions. Click here for the latest on the Ukraine war. open image in gallery The Patriot is a mobile surface-to-air missile defence system ( via REUTERS ) Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has persistently asked Western allies for more defensive capabilities, among them Patriot systems and missiles, to fend off daily missile and drone attacks from Russia. Responding to the move, Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance was grateful to the three Nordic countries for their fast action to fund the package. Mr Zelensky also thanked the countries and said the measure created a new foundation for long-term security across Europe. "This will be felt. And it will serve as a strong example for other NATO countries to strengthen the security ties between America and Europe and to ensure protection from Russian strikes," he wrote on X. "Russia will never turn Europe into a continent of war, and it is precisely through our joint efforts that we are ensuring peace will prevail," the Ukrainian president added. open image in gallery Nato chief Mark Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister, welcomed the announcement ( REUTERS ) Nato said it would coordinate the new initiative, which is funded by European members of the alliance and Canada. It will be divided into packages worth approximately $500mn (434mn), the military alliance said. It said in a statement: Working closely with Ukraine and the United States, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Alexus Grynkewich, will validate packages that correspond to Ukraines needs, such as air defence, ammunition and other critical equipment for rapid delivery from US stockpiles". open image in gallery Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the announcement ( Ukrainian Presidential Press Service ) The Patriot, short for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is a mobile surface-to-air missile defence system developed by Raytheon Technologies. It is considered one of the most advanced air defence systems in the US arsenal, and it has been in service since the 1980s. The system can intercept aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, depending on the interceptor used. A newly produced single Patriot battery costs over $1bn (746m), including $400m (298m) for the system and $690m (515m) for the missiles in a battery, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Patriot interceptors are estimated to cost around $4 million per missile, CSIS says. Russia says it sees the supply of Patriots as a direct escalation. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this year that supplying more systems to Ukraine would delay the chances of peace. 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 Rescuers have found a US journalist who went missing on a hike in the remote Folgefonna national park, home to one of Norways largest glaciers. Alec Luhn, 38, was found and taken to Bergen, Norway by helicopter, police said. He had been missing since 31 July as he was setting off for his hike in the park, which stretches 545 square kilometres in western Norway. The reporter, who is from Wisconsin but based in the UK, is a Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network fellow and has had two Emmy nominations. Formerly based in Moscow and Istanbul, he has reported for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and was a regular Guardian Russia correspondent from 2013 to 2017. His wife, journalist Veronika Silchenko, previously said he sent a picture from his last known location, Odda, on Thursday. The search was suspended on Tuesday due to severe weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, police told NRK. He was found on Wednesday. ( Wikimedia Commons ) She made a public appeal on social media after becoming concerned when he failed to board his flight home. We exchanged a few texts [on Thursday], she told CNN. He told me that he is going to hike and sent me a picture. He looked fine, the weather was fine. On Monday, we decided that we need to call the services, because he should have gotten out of the park by that time and probably would have been able to find the internet. So we started really panicking. Rescue dogs, Red Cross volunteers, special crews for alpine and glacier searches, drones and a Norwegian Air Force helicopter all searched the area with police. The experienced hiker had been on a family holiday before setting out on a solo backpacking trip from Odda, according to friends. Folgefonna National Park, known for its dramatic glacier tongues, wild valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, has drawn adventurous tourists since 1833. However, its remote and rugged terrain can turn perilous in harsh weather conditions. Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic, Ms Silchenko told CBS News. He loves glaciers and snow, and he loves explorers. Hes a climate journalist, so for him it is always that story that now because of the climate change theyre all shrinking, and hes trying his best to go to the coldest countries. 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 Ion Iliescu, Romanias first freely elected president after the fall of communism in 1989, who later faced charges of crimes against humanity for his role in the bloody revolution, has died. He was 95. Iliescu, who held de facto military authority during the anti-communist revolt, assumed power after Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, and his wife Elena, were executed on Dec. 25, 1989. More than 1,100 people died during the uprising, 862 of them after Iliescu had seized power. He repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Twice re-elected, in 1992 and 2000, Iliescu had largely withdrawn from public life by 2017. In recent years, his health had declined. In 2019, he underwent heart surgery, and was diagnosed with lung cancer in June. The hospital in the capital, Bucharest, where Iliescu had been receiving medical treatment since June 9, said on Tuesday that he died at 3.55 p.m. local time after medics made all efforts to provide him the necessary care and treatment. Romania's government also confirmed his death and extended its condolences to his family and those close to the former president. It added that it would announce plans for a state funeral soon. In a statement on its official website, Romania's Social Democratic Party, or PSD, which Iliescu founded, called it a very sad day for Romania. A prominent figure of the Romanian Revolution and the history of contemporary Romania, Mr. President Ion Iliescu will remain for all of us a symbol of the politician and statesman, the statement read. He had the courage to confront Ceausescu and his dictatorship, and directed Romania irreversibly on the Euro-Atlantic path. He was a strong leader, loved by most, contested by others, as happens in democracy, it added. In 2018, military prosecutors charged Iliescu with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent numerous situations in which civilians were needlessly killed during the revolution. Prosecutors alleged he had spread false information through state media, creating a generalized psychosis that fueled chaos and bloodshed. The charges against Iliescu, who served as a minister in the communist government until he was sidelined in 1971, refer to a five-day period during the uprising, after Ceausescu had fled Bucharest on Dec. 22, 1989. At the time of Iliescus death, he had never been convicted, and the case remained open. In January this year, Iliescus legal woes mounted when prosecutors charged him with crimes against humanity in a second case. Prosecutors allege he implemented policies that led to a violent crackdown on civilian protesters in Bucharest in 1990, who were demanding the removal of former communists from power. Iliescu had called on coal miners from the Jiu Valley to restore order in the capital. At least four people were killed. Despite maintaining good relations with the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991, Romania became a member of the NATO military alliance in 2004 during his last presidential term. After his last term ended, he served as a lawmaker in the PSD, Romanias most dominant political party since communism ended 35 years ago. Dominic Fritz, president of the governing coalition partner Save Romania Union party, said in a post on Facebook that Iliescus passing is painful not because of his departure, but because it leaves us with so many open wounds. Many are still waiting for justice, he said. And Ion Iliescu took with him answers to questions that still plague society. For two decades after the revolution, Iliescu was Romanias most consequential political figure who helped define the countrys new democratic institutions and its Constitution, said Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant. His legacy spans from the one to oust Ceausescu to being himself a break in Romanias development and transition to full functioning democracy and market economy, he told The Associated Press. He was later accused by a growing number of Romanians of being the continuator of the Communist apparatus trying to hold on to power in an authoritarian-communist style. After President Nicusor Dans victory in Romanias tense presidential rerun in May, Iliescu congratulated the new pro-Western leader in a blog post, noting that Romania is going through a complex period and faces economic, social, and geopolitical challenges. Romania needs coherence, dialogue and a firm commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and its European path, he said. I am convinced that you will exercise this responsibility with dignity and a sense of duty to the nation. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has said that a decision over whether to fully occupy the Gaza Strip is pretty much up to Israel as he declined to support or oppose the potential expansion of Israeli military activity in the enclave. His comments came as Benjamin Netanyahu met with senior security officials on Tuesday, amid reports he wants to stage a complete military takeover of the strip. After months of ceasefire talks stalled, Netanyahu and Trump are reportedly working on a deal that presents Hamas with an ultimatum: release the hostages and agree to terms to disarm or the war continues. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump declined to say whether he supported or opposed a potential military takeover of Gaza by Israel and said his administration's focus was on increasing food access to the Palestinian enclave. "I know that we are there now trying to get people fed," he said. "As far as the rest of it, I really can't say. That's going to be pretty much up to Israel." The President said that Israel and Arab states were going to help with food and aid distribution in Gaza and provide financial assistance, without elaborating on specific details. open image in gallery Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are said to be mulling ways to end the war in Gaza ( Getty ) Trump himself proposed a US takeover of Gaza earlier this year, an idea which was condemned around the world. Israels Channel 12, citing an official from Mr Netanyahus office, reported on Monday that Netanyahu was leaning towards pushing his army deeper into Gaza with the aim of taking full control of the entire territory. This is despite former security officials speaking out including previous leaders of Israels Shin Bet internal security service, Mossad spy agency and the military, as well as ex-prime minister Ehud Barak. In a video posted to social media this week, they said far-right members of the government are holding Israel hostage in prolonging the conflict. Mr Netanyahus office said on Tuesday night that he had held limited security discussion lasting about three hours during which military chief of staff Eyal Zamir presented the options for continuing the campaign in Gaza. An Israeli source told The Independent they understand defence minister Israel Katz and strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, a confidant of Mr Netanyahu, would also attend the meeting to decide on a strategy to take to cabinet this week. But Mr Netanyahu is facing a growing clamour of criticism even from within the country. In the video posted to social media, Yoram Cohen, former head of Shin Bet, said Mr Netanyahus objectives in Gaza are a fantasy. If anyone imagines that we can reach every terrorist and every pit and every weapon, and in parallel bring our hostages home, I think it is impossible, he said. open image in gallery A rally against the hunger crisis in Gaza that organisers say is caused by Israel, in New York City ( Reuters ) Israeli media also reported disagreements between the beleaguered premier and his army chief, Mr Zamir, on how to proceed. The reports, citing anonymous officials in Mr Netanyahus office, said the prime minister was pushing the army, which controls about three-quarters of Gaza, to conquer the entire territory. But it is feared that such a step could endanger hostages, deepen the humanitarian crisis and further isolate Israel internationally. One source told The Independent that the Israeli prime minister is under pressure from far-right members of his cabinet to ramp up the war in Gaza as it appears he in a weaker spot at the moment, with Hamas effectively winning a PR battle over the global condemnation of the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza. But he is facing massive resistance from within the country. Israeli soldiers and reservists and everybody are just hugely tired, the source said. Continuing the conflict will mean more soldiers dead all exhausted, more taxes on Israelis as well as risk to the hostages. More and more soldiers are dying every day, full occupation with your soldiers not on top form is an issue. International leaders have ramped up pressure to reach a deal as Gaza faces widespread starvation and videos of two emaciated Israeli hostages circulated online. The videos prompted thousands of people to protest in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to demand the release of the hostages and an end to the war. open image in gallery Aerial images taken during an aid drop flight over Gaza capture the scale of the destruction caused by almost two years of intense Israeli bombing ( Bel Trew/The Independent ) Israels far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich last week sent a strong message that the country was closer than ever to rebuilding Jewish settlements in Gaza and that the war presented an opportunity to expand them further. Its real, he added. For 20 years we called it wishful thinking. It seems to me it is now a real working plan. Seizing Gaza would reverse a 2005 decision by Israel to pull settlers and military out while retaining control over its borders, a move right-wing parties blame for Hamas gaining power there. Israels coalition government is regarded as one of the most right wing in its history, with the cabinet including parties that seek to annex both Gaza and the West Bank and encourage Palestinians to leave their homeland. Israeli tanks pushed into central Gaza earlier on Tuesday but it was not clear if the move was part of a larger ground offensive. Meanwhile, the worst-case scenario of famine is playing out in Gaza, according to a UN-backed food security agency. open image in gallery Palestinians carry sacks of flour unloaded from a humanitarian aid convoy that reached Gaza City ( AP ) Israel has repeatedly denied that there are restrictions on aid or that there is a hunger crisis in Gaza. It blames Hamas for the suffering in Gaza and says it is taking steps to get more aid to Palestinians. Israel is starving Gaza. Its genocide. Its a crime against humanity. Its a war crime. I have been repeating it and repeating it and repeating it, Michael Fakhri, the UN special rapporteur on the right to food, told the Guardian. Israel has built the most efficient starvation machine you can imagine. So while its always shocking to see people being starved, no one should act surprised. All the information has been out in the open since early 2024. In total, 289 airdrops have been conducted since Israel permitted them to restart two weeks ago, delivering 305 tonnes of aid. However, officials in Jordan claimed that they have had warehouses of aid for Gaza gathering dust since Israel reimposed its devastating blockade in March. More than 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. News / Regional by Paul Ndou The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has suspended Inyathi Senior Magistrate Samukeliswe Gumbo over a leaked audio on corruption circulating on social media.Investigations carried by Bulawayo24.com proved that the magistrate was suspended last week.JSC spokesperson Daniel Nemukuyu could neither confirm nor deny despite repeated efforts to get the confirmation.Allegations are that the magistrate offered passengers a lift and was recorded blasting the country's economy while supporting corruption.In the audio, she said that for every successful Zimbabwean to succeed, there should be an element of criminality because the economy is biting us."As a senior magistrate, I have children who should go to school but I cannot afford to send them to school, everyday I am at court at the end of the day I am going to involved in corruption because I need a descent life," she told her passengers.She further claimed that people should not judge civil servants who are corrupt because their money is not sufficient."If we are realistic US$200 and some bond civil servants are getting especially teachers cannot do anything to a normal human being," she added.It remains to be seen on how JSC will finalise the matter. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The leader of Lebanons Hezbollah warned Tuesday that if Israel intensifies its military operations against his group, the Iran-backed armed faction will resume firing missiles toward Israel. Naim Kassems comments came as Lebanons Cabinet was meeting to discuss Hezbollahs disarmament. Beirut is under U.S. pressure to disarm the group that recently fought a 14-month war with Israel and was left gravely weakened, with many of its political and military leaders dead. Since the war ended in November with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Hezbollah officials have said the group will not discuss its disarmament until Israel withdraws from five hills it controls inside Lebanon and stops almost daily airstrikes that have killed or wounded hundreds of people, most of them Hezbollah members. Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rebuild its military capabilities. Israel's military has said the five locations in Lebanon provide vantage points or are located across from communities in northern Israel, where about 60,000 Israelis were displaced during the war. Since the ceasefire, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for one attack on a disputed area along the border. In a televised speech Tuesday, Kassem said Hezbollah rejects any timetable to hand over its weapons. Israel's interest is not to widen the aggression because if they expand, the resistance will defend, the army will defend and the people will defend, Kassem said. This defense will lead to the fall of missiles inside Israel. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, left, called for Hezbollah to give up its weapons ( Lebanese Presidency press office via AP ) Since the war ended, Hezbollah has withdrawn most of its fighters and weapons from the area along the border with Israel south of the Litani river. Last week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated calls for Hezbollah to give up its weapons, angering the groups leadership. The ceasefire agreement left vague how Hezbollahs weapons and military facilities north of the Litani river should be treated, saying Lebanese authorities should dismantle unauthorized facilities starting with the area south of the river. Hezbollah maintains the deal only covers the area south of the Litani, while Israel and the U.S. say it mandates disarmament of the group throughout Lebanon. Kassem said Hezbollah rejects a government vote over its weapons, saying such a decision should be unanimously backed by all Lebanese. "No one can deprive Lebanon of its force to protect its sovereignty, Kassem said. Hezbollahs weapons are a divisive issue among Lebanese, with some groups calling for its disarmament. The Israel-Hezbollah war started a day after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack against Israel from Gaza. It left more than 4,000 people dead and caused damage worth $11 billion. 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 Three days before Im due to summit Guatemalas Acatenango volcano, a text pings on my phone. Its from my tour guide: Tours are currently cancelled, will update with more information as soon as possible. Earlier that day, neighbouring volcano Fuego one of the most active in Central America had erupted, violently spewing lava, ash and rock, prompting Guatemala authorities to evacuate more than a thousand people from nearby communities. This explained the grey fog that had descended across Antigua, the colonial-era city I was staying in, just 16km (10 miles) from Fuegos slopes. The clear blue skies that once painted a perfect backdrop to the citys stunning Spanish Baroque architecture had now turned a heavy charcoal. open image in gallery Chloe and friends at base camp preparing to hike up Guatemalas Acatenango volcano ( Chloe Steur ) Before the eruption, my plan had been to hike the 3,976m up Acatenango an active but quiet volcano that hasnt erupted in more than half a century. Id been warned the trek would be tough: the first day involved 4-5 hours of steady, steep climbing to reach base camp. The next morning, we were to wake well before sunrise and trek another hour or two to the summit, where panoramic views of the still-smoking Fuego typically steal the show. Now, that seemed increasingly unlikely. But if nothing else, the sudden cancellation was a stark reminder of how unpredictable volcano trekking really is. While I had opted for Acatenango, many hikers venture closer to Fuegos infamous knife-ridge, a narrow trail flanked by 500m drops on either side. The eruption had cast a spotlight on the risks that come with such exhilarating adventures. open image in gallery The cloud forest on the hike up Guatemalas Acatenango volcano ( Chloe Steur ) In recent years, volcano tourism has surged in popularity. Adventurous travellers are flocking to hotspots like Iceland, Italy, and Guatemala for a front-row seat to the raw drama of nature. Fuego, in fact, has erupted multiple times in the past few years, including as recently as March and June 2025. Similarly, Italys Mount Etna, Europes most active volcano, has been spewing lava and ash on and off throughout the year. Perhaps most dramatically, Icelands Fagradalsfjall volcano roared back to life in March 2021 after lying dormant for over 800 years. In the six months that followed, more than 356,000 visitors came to see the eruption, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board. The pull is undeniable. Theres something deeply primal about watching the earth crack open and fire spill forth an experience that combines awe with a subtle undercurrent of danger. But volcano tourism also carries very real risks. This June, a 26-year-old Brazilian tourist was found dead after falling while hiking near the crater of an active volcano in Indonesia. Efforts to reach her were hampered by the extreme terrain and weather conditions. Read more: What its like hiking Icelands famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano open image in gallery Hikers watch the sunrise over Fuego ( Chloe Steuer ) On 3 June 2018, Fuego erupted catastrophically. Fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter raced down the mountainside, devastating nearby villages. The official death toll stood at nearly 200 people, but with hundreds more reported missing, many locals believe the true figure is significantly higher. The tragedy prompted an overhaul in safety protocols, says Ox Expeditions, which runs several hiking tours to both Acatenango and Fuego. The most tragic thing about the eruption is that with proper warning systems and education many of the deaths could have been avoided, the organisation says. Since the eruption, lots of volcano monitoring equipment has been donated and many more studies are being conducted. These are looking at how to improve warning systems and educate the local people living in high-risk areas so as to reduce loss of life in future eruptions. open image in gallery Fuego volcano erupting ( Chloe Steur ) Despite the risks, for many visitors the chance to climb an active volcano is too compelling to pass up. Chloe Steuer, a backpacker from the UK travelling across Guatemala, describes her hike up Acatenango as one of the highlights of her trip. Everyone in town was talking about it, she tells me. I was excited to get into nature and see something as incredible as an active volcano. Chloe had debated whether to join the hike at all, having heard that Fuego had been quiet for weeks. Another traveller I speak to has cancelled their trip entirely for that reason. But Chloe went ahead and was glad she did. It was a tough, challenging climb to base camp, she says. After we reached it, we had dinner and went to bed in our little huts. Everyone was knackered. What happened next, however, made it all worthwhile. At 3am, we were woken up by what sounded like a bomb. The tin shelters we were sleeping in were shaking. People outside were shouting lava! Me and my friends jumped out of bed. We didnt even put shoes on. We ran outside to see this incredible, fiery eruption happening right in front of us. It was unbelievable. Read more: The five-day trek in the Guatemalan jungle thats worth every blister open image in gallery The pretty colonial-era city town of Antigua is where most travellers stay to hike or view the nearby volcanoes ( Getty/iStock ) While it was dramatic, Chloe never felt unsafe: The guides were great, and it felt really well organised. I found out later that the group after ours had to be evacuated from base camp because the smoke got too intense, so they clearly have safety procedures in place. For sure, volcano tourism is an exercise in controlled risk. Operators walk a tightrope between delivering unforgettable experiences and ensuring visitor safety particularly in countries like Guatemala, where so many tourists specifically head to the destination to seek out these natural wonders. For better or worse, the very thing that makes it dangerous is also what makes it unforgettable. Though as my own trip reminds me, sometimes nature gets the final word. How to do it There are several tour operators running volcano trips. Robyn was in touch with Ox Expedition Tours, while Chloe went with Soy Tours Antigua. Getting there You can fly from London to Guatemala City with several airlines, including United, Lufthansa and American Airlines, usually with a connecting flight in the United States. Total flight time is around 16 hours. It's then about an hour drive to Antigua, which can be travelled by bus, shuttle or taxi. Where to stay Robyn was a guest of Pensativo House Hotel in Antigua, which has doubles from around 140 per night, including breakfast. Views of Fuego can be enjoyed from the rooftop restaurant where breakfast is served. There are also plenty of additional hotels and hostels to choose from for all budgets. Read more: How to unlock Icelands magical volcanic landscape 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 A Spirit Airlines pilot who was allegedly stalking teenagers was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and "removed from duty" by the airline. Dominic A Cipolla, 40, has been charged with stalking two teenagers, according to a July 11 criminal complaint. The charges originate in Johnson County, Kansas, and include birthdates for the alleged victims 12 and 17 years old. Cipolla was arrested by law enforcement at the airport in New Orleans on June 17 in connection to the criminal allegations, according to The Guardian. After he was taken into custody, police took him to jail before transferring him to Johnson County, Kansas, on August 2. He bonded out after posting $12,500 and he is scheduled to return to court on August 12.. According to the Guardian, Cipolla alleged actions with the younger victim and are considered a felony. If convicted, Cipolla could be sentenced to one to three years in prison. Spirit Airlines pilot Dominic Cipolla was removed from duty after he was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on July 17. He was wanted on stalking charges that allegedly involved teenage victims. ( AFP/Getty ) The other charges he faces is a misdemeanor, which could land him a fine of up to $2,500 or up to a year in jail. The charges related to Olathe, Kansas, a town in Johnson County. According to the court documents, Cipolla lives in Kansas City, Missouri, which is about 22 miles north of Olathe. However, officials have released few details of his alleged crimes. Spirit Air confirmed to the Guardian that it is "aware of a matter involving a pilot at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport ... which was unrelated to the performance of their job duties." The pilot was removed from duty pending our investigation into the matter, the airline said in its statement. And we arranged for another pilot to operate the flight. According to the Guardian, Cipolla joined Spirit in 2022 and spent time in the U.S. military. Spirit has faced other connections to sex-crime arrests in recent days. One of the airlines passengers a registered sex offender was recently arrested for groping a teenage girl sitting next to him. John Daniel Fowler, 65, of Indiana, told police that he had merely been reaching down to help right the thermos of the 17-year-old girl in the next seat after it tipped over. He reportedly tried to talk to the teen, but she didnt want to. A criminal complaint alleges that after falling asleep under a blanket, the teen awoke to find Fowlers hand underneath her blanket rubbing her crotch. Fowler was charged the same day with abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft. If hes convicted, he faces three years in a federal prison. On top of the charge, prosecutors may push for a 10-year enhancement for having committed a new crime while a registered sex offender. 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 Storm Floris made landfall in northern parts of the UK on the morning of Monday, August 4 2025, bringing intense rainfall followed by severe winds throughout the afternoon. The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for much of Scotland and yellow alerts for parts of Northern Ireland and northern England. Affected areas can expect 20mm40mm of rain on average, with some areas of Scotland potentially receiving up to 80mm. Wind speeds in exposed and elevated regions could reach 80mph90mph, while gusts of 50mph-60mph are forecast for much of Scotland. The storms defining characteristic is the unusually strong winds for August, a time typically less prone to severe wind events. The odd seasonal timing has increased the risk to the public, as more people are outdoors, travelling for holidays or staying in campsites. In addition, trees remain in full leaf, making them more likely to be brought down by high winds. open image in gallery People shield themselves from the rain during Storm Floris ( PA ) Authorities are anticipating significant disruption to transport and electricity networks, largely due to falling trees. This is underlined by recent research showing an increased risk of large power outages during windstorms that occur in summer. A large amount of debris on the ground from trees may also block drainage systems and contribute to localised flooding. Persistent strong winds will combine with periods of heavy rainfall for the duration of the amber alert, which expires at 23:00. This will create difficult conditions for emergency workers and prevent access to affected locations if roads are blocked, potentially prolonging disruptions to travel and power networks. Is this typical of summer months? Storm Floris carries all the hallmarks of a classic mid-latitude storm. These develop due to sharp temperature contrasts between the northern and southern Atlantic Ocean and intensify under the influence of a strong jet stream. This is a core of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere that stretches across the Atlantic and often steers storms towards the UK. Such conditions are unusual for the summer months, when warmer Atlantic sea temperatures typically weaken these temperature gradients and shift them farther north, closer to the polar regions. However, it is not uncommon for such storms to occur in August. Notable ones in the past five years include Storm Ellen, which extensively damaged electricity distribution infrastructure in Ireland and led the Irish meteorological service to produce and red and amber weather warning for the southern parts of Ireland. Previous storms in August cancelled the Boardmasters music festival in Cornwall in 2019 and closed two stages of Leeds festival in 2024. open image in gallery Workers cut up a tree which was felled by the wind in Blyth, Northumberland ( PA ) Floris is classified as a Shapiro-Keyser cyclone, a type distinguished by a warm core encircled by colder air on its north, west and south sides. This structure is visible in the way the storms frontal system wraps around its centre, forming a characteristic comma-shape in the clouds around the cyclone centre. Storms of this kind are responsible for a significant number of the UKs most damaging wind events. These cyclones often feature sharp pressure gradients and strong low-level airflows, particularly an air stream known as the cold jet, or cold conveyor belt, which can produce severe surface winds. In some cases, they can also generate a sting jet, a narrow stream of air that descends rapidly from around 5km above the land surface, delivering intense, damaging gusts. Fortunately, satellite imagery suggests that Storm Floris is unlikely to have produced a sting jet. However, the cold jet alone may still drive wind speeds high enough to cause widespread disruption. These types of storms can also produce intense rainfall along their frontal boundaries, as seen with Storm Floris. Warmer summer temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, increasing the potential for heavier downpours. In addition, the heat contributes to a more unstable atmosphere, encouraging strong convective ascents of air that can yield extremely heavy and localised rainfall. Floris in the future Research shows that climate change will influence the characteristics of storms like Floris, though not all aspects will be affected equally. Warmer temperatures are expected to make future storms wetter, as increased atmospheric moisture and convective activity enhance rainfall, particularly along frontal systems. However, projections of wind extremes remain more uncertain. Climate models generally suggest a modest intensification of winter storms over the UK and a decrease in the intensity of summer storms, implying that systems like Floris could become less common. These projections are largely tied to expected changes in Atlantic temperature gradients and the behaviour of the jet stream. That said, most long-term climate projections rely on relatively coarse-resolution models, which often fail to capture key features that drive storm intensification. These include the Gulf Stream (a warm Atlantic Ocean current) and drivers of extreme winds, including the cold jet and sting jet. open image in gallery A departures board tells passengers to avoid travelling due to severe weather ( Getty ) A higher-resolution model, like that used in real-time forecasting for Storm Floris, predicts more intense winter windstorms in a warmer climate. Much of this intensification is linked to stronger cold jets and a potential increase in storms that generate sting jets. Many powerful summer and autumn storms in the UK originate from tropical cyclones such as hurricanes, as seen with Storm Ophelia in 2017. These systems are poorly represented in lower-resolution climate models, yet they contribute significantly to Europes most extreme windstorms. While Storm Floris has no tropical origins, a variety of storms can affect northern Europe at this time of year. The complexity of assessing their risks remains an area of ongoing research. Colin Manning is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Climate Science at Newcastle University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. My Money: I signed a 100,000-record deal after Thin Lizzy broke up. It felt like Id won the lottery! Ireland and the rest of the EU are at risk of being bypassed in the AI investment boom, with 97pc of funding flooding to US ventures, new figures show. Global venture capital (VC) investment in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) shot up to $49.2bn (42.5bn) in the first half of 2025, more than the $44.2bn total for all of 2024 and already double the 2023 full-year tally. AI is now being used by most businesses in Ireland A new nationwide survey by the Small Firms Association (SFA) has found nine out of 10 small businesses in Ireland are using artificial intelligence (AI) in some capacity, which signals a strong desire among small firms to integrate digital tools into their everyday operations. Sharon Osbourne, with family members, lays flowers at the Black Sabbath Bridge in Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne (Jacob King/PA) Ozzy Osbournes official cause of death has been disclosed, a week after the heavy metal legend was laid to rest. The Black Sabbath frontman, whose funeral involved a procession through his hometown of Birmingham, died aged 76 on 22 July shortly after playing his final concert at Villa Park. He suffered a string of health issues over the years, mostly related to neck injuries sustained in a 2003 quad-biking accident, which were later exacerbated by a fall in 2019. He was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease that same year, and also endured a bout of Covid. The New York Times now reports that the rockers official death certificate lists his cause of death as acute myocardial infarction typically meaning the death of tissue resulting from a failure of blood supply to an organ and out of hospital cardiac arrest, or heart attack. The certificate also listed coronary artery disease and Parkinsons disease with autonomic dysfunction as joint causes of death. Submitted by Osbournes daughter Aimee Osbourne, the document noted his occupation as Songwriter, Performer and Rock Legend. Sharon Osbourne, with family members, lays flowers at the Black Sabbath Bridge in Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne (Jacob King/PA) On the day of the musicians death, an air ambulance flew to his family home near the village of Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire, the publication reports. A spokesperson for Thames Valley Air Ambulance service said that its team had been dispatched to provide advanced critical care at an incident near Chalfront St Giles on 22 July, but gave no further details. Representatives of Osbournes estate have been contacted for comment. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Birmingham to bid a final farewell to the self-styled Prince of Darkness, whose band are widely credited with creating heavy metal. The hearse carrying the musician made its way from his childhood home in Aston to Broad Street, pausing next to the Black Sabbath bench and bridge where his family were able to lay flowers and read some of the many tributes left by fans. In one particularly emotional moment, his wife Sharon Osbourne (72), wiped away tears before kissing her own flower and placing it beside a poster that read: Birmingham will always love you. Ozzy Osbourne (Photo: Getty) Today's news in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th Despite his many health issues in later years, Osbourne remained active well into his seventies. He was reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for their final album, 13, in 2013. Meanwhile, he released a final solo album, 2022s Patient Zero, with help from fellow stars including Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, and the late Jeff Beck and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. It went on to win the 2023 Grammy for Best Rock Album. In his final years, the musician spoke often of his determination to get back on stage one last time. His wish was granted at Villa Park, where he and the other founding members of Black Sabbath were joined by some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including Metallica, Guns N Roses, Tom Morello, Tool and Alice in Chains. Its so good to be on this f***ing stage, you have no idea, Osbourne told the audience. We think our old neighbour is grazing his cattle on our vacant family farm and were worried he could claim squatters rights. What can we do? Lisa Keenan, manager and livestock auctioneer at Kingscourt Mart, Co Cavan, says calves and smaller cattle are probably making 10pc less compared to ring sales Cattle prices at TB-restricted sales hosted by marts are more or less on par with regular sales, according to mart managers, with the strongest demand reported for quality store and beef cattle. Lisa Keenan, manager and livestock auctioneer at Kingscourt Mart, Co Cavan, who hosted the first mart sale for TB-restricted herds in the country, said prices are definitely on par, if not a little bit dearer than regular sales. She said that calves and smaller cattle are probably making 10pc less compared to ring sales, which is to be expected because of a smaller pool of buyers. Eugene Clune, yard manager of Carnew Mart, Co Wicklow, said trade was not 100pc as hot in cases, but beef cattle, including both bullocks and heifers, averaged over 3,300/hd, the very same that they would make on a Saturday. At Carnew Marts sale on Monday, July 28, cattle traded from 4.20-5.15/kg, Continental stores made from 4.20/kg to 4.90/kg and Friesian-bred stores ranged from 3.50-4.20/kg. Three TB-restricted herds put forward over 100 cattle for sale, with more than 40 CFU (controlled finishing units) registering to bid. Eighteen were active during the sale, and nine bought cattle. There was strong interest from buyers and sellers, especially for larger groups of cattle with 12, 13 and 14 head. The strongest demand was for good, thriving quality stores, the same as any day, Clune said. He added that sales for TB-restricted herds offer a lot of advantages. Farmers are in a position to sell cattle they want to sell, they dont have to worry about grazing, feeding and housing, and theyre getting a lump of money that they didnt think was possible for them to get in until they went clear. The mart plans to hold TB-restricted herd sales every fortnight. Keenan, who has held several sales for TB-restricted herds, said they are generating plenty of interest and competition. We have over 60 CFUs customers now. For the calf category alone, there could be 10 bidders, which is great because you dont always have 10 bidders on that number of cattle when going through the ring. Its great for sellers because theres a market for them now, and theyre getting a fair price for their cattle, whereas before, they werent. Weve had a lot of interest from farmers, and were looking at running two sales per week. At Kingscourt Mart, eight Hereford-cross bulls, approximately 500kg, sold at 4.05/kg, while five Charolais and Simmental-cross weanling bulls, approximately 420kg, made 5.35/kg. February and March-born Charolais-cross bull calves sold for 890/head, while 20 February/March-born Hereford-cross bull calves made 880/head, and 11 February/March-born Friesian-cross, Angus-cross and Belgian Blue-cross bull and heifer calves sold for 560/head. Twelve February/March-born Hereford-cross heifer calves made 730/head and 10 February/March-born Aberdeen Angus-cross bull calves made 750/head. Upcoming sales for TB-restricted herds include Enniscorthy Mart on Thursday, August 7, Carnew Mart on Monday, August 11, and Blessington Mart on Wednesday, August 13. News / Regional by Edson Mapani in Plumtree Thembani Ngwenya(20) of Bambanani village, Tshitshi area, appeared before Plumtree magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware facing physical abuse charges after stabbing his girlfriend for infidelity.He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to twelve months in prison with six months suspended. He will serve an effective six months.Ms Sheilla Nyathi prosecuted.The court heard, on 5 July, at Mangena Nyathi homestead, that the convict and the complainant had attended a cultural ceremony. During the night, the convict sent a local young boy to call the complaint, but she refused. The complainant went on to take her by force and took her to Rosemary Ngwenya's homestead, where the convict resides and started questioning her for having an affair with another man.The convict produced an okapi knife and stabbed the complainant twice in the thigh and several times on he knees and she sustained deep cuts. The three accused are all facing summons concerning the alleged injuring of protected wild birds and destroying eggs. Stock image A judge has said that rooks can drive people mad after being told that a Government department is taking a prosecution over the felling of a tree that contained many nests, many eggs and many chicks. At Gort District Court, three south Galway men are being prosecuted by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Wildlife Act in connection with the alleged injuring and disturbing of rook birds. Judge Alec Gabbett asked if the case involved someone shooting at rooks, and counsel for the Department of Housing Michael Clancy BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Galway Rachel Joyce) replied no. Mr Clancy told the court that the allegation is that a tree was felled that contained many nests, many eggs and many chicks. Mr Clancy said that the tree contained a rookery. Judge Gabbett commented: There might well be an excuse for these things rooks can drive people mad or the tree may have needed to be taken down. The three accused, Joseph Kelly of Circular Road, Gort, Patrick Hogan of Cahermore, Kinvara, and Donagh Hogan of Cahermore, Kinvara, are all facing summons concerning the alleged injuring of birds and destroying eggs. All three are contesting the allegations and Judge Gabbett has adjourned the cases to October for hearing. Patrick Hogan and Donagh Hogan are charged with injuring one adult rook and up to four rook chicks between April 7 and April 13, 2024, at Cahermore, Kinvara, Co Galway. Patrick Hogan and Donagh Hogan are also facing a charge of, between April 7 and April 13, 2024, at the same location, wilfully destroying or injuring up to 10 eggs or up to 17 nests. Patrick Hogan and Donagh Hogan are also charged with using a mechanically propelled vehicle in the commission of an offence that caused the injury of protected wild birds on dates between April 7 and April 13, 2024, at Cahermore, Kinvara, Co Galway. Joseph Kelly is accused, on dates between May 15 and May 23, 2024, on a site adjacent to Ennis Road, Cloonnahaha, Gort, of wilfully destroying, injuring or mutilating one egg or up to eight eggs of protected wild birds. Mr Kelly is also accused at the same location on the same dates of disturbing one nest of a protected bird containing up to eight eggs or protected wild birds containing unflown young. Mr Kelly is additionally charged with injuring two young rook chicks at the same location in the same dates range. Mr Kelly is also charged with using a mechanically propelled vehicle in the commission of an offence at the location and causing the injury of protected wild birds on dates between May 15 and May 23, 2024, at Ennis Road, Cloonahaha, Gort. All summons are under the Wildlife Act 1976. Former editor of Smash Hits and Empire magazines Barry McIlheney was a leader who was also joyously rock n roll and punk rock, a memorial service has heard. The service at St Marks in Dundela, Belfast, allowed former friends and colleagues to gather and celebrate the life of the journalist, broadcaster and publisher, who also launched Heat magazine. Good citizen reports are a really important source of intelligence, says Cab chief Michael Gubbins In a busy year for the bureau, three cases were particular highlights Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Gubbins, head of the Criminal Assets Bureau. Photo: Mark Condren Ken Foy Tue 5 Aug 2025 at 06:30 There have been 211 good citizen reports to the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) so far this year, on track to meet the 2024 total of 409. Diplomatic efforts ongoing to secure release of kidnapped Irish missionary Gena Heraty and seven others in Haiti Irish woman Gena Heraty among eight people kidnapped from orphanage in Haiti Robin Schiller and Eavan Murray Tue 5 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Diplomatic efforts were continuing overnight to secure the release of Irish missionary Gena Heraty and seven others after they were kidnapped by an armed gang in Haiti. I was like death alive how shop owner helped young woman in throes of drug addiction turn her life around Antoinette Foley is clean after years of being hooked on heroin and crack James Mahon has published a book about Antoinette Foley's struggles. Photo: Niall Carson Grainne Ni Aodha Tue 5 Aug 2025 at 06:30 A woman who was homeless for years has said the kindness of a shop owner she did not know saved her life. Gena Heraty with some of the children and young adults under her care at Kay Christine in Kenscoff, Haiti. Photo: Mark Condren The family of an Irish charity worker, who was among eight people kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti, have asked people to keep the group in your hearts as they asked for discretion. LATEST | Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher refuses to rule out Aras run as former Dublin manager Jim Gavin has Taoiseachs backing The app, available to download from Apple Store and Google Play Store from today, will not enable users to buy clothes through it but will allow digital browsing of their products. Renowned film and documentary maker George Morrison has died at the age of 102. Among Mr Morrisons best-known work was Mise Eire, a 1959 documentary on the events in Ireland leading up to, during, and immediately after the 1916 Easter Rising, extensively using original footage such as newsreels from the time. Glenties in Co Donegal had the lowest birth rate in 2022, while Tallaght in Dublin experienced the highest birth rate during the same period, new figures show. Introduction Imagine a group of generals of the Byzantine army camped with their troops around an enemy city. The generals must agree upon a common battle plan: either attack or retreat. However, some of them may be traitors! The non-traitor generals succeed only if all of them choose the same action either everyone attacks or everyone retreats; if even one non-traitor general does something different, the battle is lost. In their seminal paper The Byzantine Generals Problem Lamport, Shostak and Pease pose this problem with the analogue of the Byzantine generals, and give solutions using distributed algorithms. Their abstract reads: Reliable computer systems must handle malfunctioning components that give conflicting information to different parts of the system. This situation can be expressed abstractly in terms of a group of generals of the Byzantine army camped with their troops around an enemy city. Communicating only by messenger, the generals must agree upon a common battle plan. However, one or more of them may be traitors who will try to confuse the others. The problem is to find an algorithm to ensure that the loyal generals will reach agreement. It is shown that, using only oral messages, this problem is solvable if and only if more than two-thirds of the generals are loyal; so a single traitor can confound two loyal generals. With unforgeable written messages, the problem is solvable for any number of generals and possible traitors. Applications of the solutions to reliable computer systems are then discussed. The problem asks: how can distributed processes reach agreement when a subset of them up to $M$ in a total of $N$ nodes might behave arbitrarily, lying, omitting, or forging messages? Failures of this kind are called Byzantine because, like traitorous generals, they do not merely crash; they actively try to mislead the rest of the system. In this article, we will implement Lamport's classic solution for the Byzantine Generals problem, referred to as the oral messages version of the problem; this is the version we are considering in this article. The code is on Github: mtrencseni/dca/byzantine/simple Problem statement The problem statement in plain English is the following: there are $N$ generals, $M$ of which is a traitor or faulty. They need to agree on a common order, which is commonly taken to be the two values attack and retreat. One of the generals is the king, who proposes the initial value (attack or retreat) and kicks off the algorithm. Note that the king may also be a traitor! Furthermore, if the king is not a traitor, we want all the other non-traitor generals to follow the king's orders. Note: in Lamport's paper, the term commander is used instead of king; however, I find Lamport's terminology confusing, because the term commander is re-used in later stages of the algorithm for other nodes as well. So in this discussion, I avoid the term commander altogether. The assumption is that if all non-traitors generals attack at the same time, they will be victorious, otherwise they get defeated. If they all agree to retreat, that is also an acceptable outcome. The act of attacking or retreating in the analogue story of Byzantine Generals is irrelevant, the point is that they all agree on a value. In this sense, attack and retreat are arbitrary, the value can be an arbitrary string the point is that all non-traitors should agree on the same value. The challenge is to find an algorithm for exchanging messages between the generals that fulfills these requirements. Note that if we can assume that the king is not a traitor, the solution is trivial: the king just sends his orders (value) to the other generals, and they do what the king told them to do. The problem is only interesting if the king may be one of the $M$ traitors. Assumptions Translating the problem to the language of modern computers, we make the following assumptions: There are $N$ nodes which communicate with each other by sending messages. Of the $N$ total nodes, $M$ are traitors (malicious, faulty, misbehaving, down). The non-traitor nodes do not know who the traitors are. The traitors can know of each other and can collude. One of the nodes (the king) initiates the distributed algorithm with an initial value. For all messages received, nodes can identify the sender node traitors cannot spoof messages. Non-traitor nodes follow the distributed algorithm given. Traitor nodes do not follow the distributed algorithm, they can: not send some or all messages send duplicate messages send malformed messages send well-formed messages that do not follow the distributed algorithm send messages with a delay send messages out-of-order In terms of implementation, most of the traitor behaviour must be handled at the software engineering level. For example, how long should non-traitor nodes wait for messages from other nodes, before they stop waiting and assume a default value in order to advance the algorithm? These considerations are not in scope for this article's toy implementation. In the toy implementation given here, traitors essentially follow the protocol in terms of sending messages, but they send on the wrong value (e.g. retreat instead of attack) in an attempt to confuse the other nodes. Algorithm Lamport, Shostak and Pease proved that no algorithm exists for $N < 3M+1$ that solves the Byzantine Generals problem, and gave a distributed algorithm that works for the $N \geq 3M+1$ case. Let's illustrate the challenge and solution approach in the $(M, N) = (1, 4)$ case. Let's start with the case when the king is the traitor, and the king sends conflicting messages to the other 3 non-traitor generals: attack, retreat, retreat. If the generals were just to follow what the king tells them to do, the one who attacks would get defeated. Either all 3 need to attack or all 3 need to retreat. The basic idea is that they forward to each other what the king told them, collect these values, and then they all run an identical majority() function on the collected values to arrive at a common decision. Let's use the following majority() function which uses the value with the higher count, or retreat in case of a tie: def majority ( values ) : c = Counter ( values ) return "attack" if c [ "attack" ] > c [ "retreat" ] else "retreat" Assuming nodes (generals) are numbered from 0 and the king is node 0, in the previous example the traitor king sent the following values (orders) to: node 1: attack node 2: retreat node 3: retreat Let's call this initial phase of the king sending out these initial orders the $k=1$ phase. The remaining nodes now all run the $k=0$ phase; here they send each other the value the king sent them: node 1 sends to node 2 and 3 the value he received, attack node 2 sends to node 1 and 3 the value he received, retreat node 3 sends to node 1 and 2 the value he received, retreat Overall, the three nodeswill have the following values: node 1: attack (from the king), retreat, retreat node 2: retreat (from the king), attack, retreat node 3: retreat (from the king), attack, retreat The point of the algorithm is that all 3 nodes will end up with the same three pooled values: attack, retreat, retreat. Then they can run their identical majority() function on it, which would return retreat, and all 3 would retreat. The traitor king was not able to fool them. Note that the generals don't know if the king is a traitor, but the algorithm has to work in that case. What happens if the king is not a traitor, but one of the other 3 generals is? In that case, the king sends the same order initially to all 3 nodes. Let's say that the king's order was to attack (but this is arbitrary, it could be retreat, or any other text). The king sends to: node 1: attack node 2: attack node 3: attack The nodes then run the same algorithm, but one of them is a traitor. Let's say the traitor is node 3, and he breaks the algorithm, and forwards retreat instead of the attack order he received from the king. node 1 sends to node 2 and 3 the value he received, attack node 2 sends to node 1 and 3 the value he received, attack node 3 is a traitor and sends to node 1 and 2 the incorrect value retreat Overall, the two non-traitor nodes 1 and 2 will have the following values: node 1: attack (from the king), attack, retreat node 2: attack (from the king), attack, retreat Since they both have the values attack, attack, retreat, when they run their majority() function on this set they will both attack. The king doesn't take part in the algorithm and always just follows his initial order, so in the end, all 3 non-traitor nodes (node 0 [the king], 1 and 2) attack; as before, the traitor node was not able to fool them. Note that we don't care what traitor nodes do since they're traitors (or faulty), they don't follow the algorithm anyway. In the $(M, N) = (1, 4)$ case, an easy to understand 2-phase protocol works: in phase $M=1$ the king sends out the initial orders, and then in phase $M=0$ the other nodes let each other know what the king sent them to make sure they all end up with the same majority value. Let's look at the $(M, N) = (2, 7)$ case. Let's again assume that the king is a traitor and sends the following values to the other 6 generals: node 1: attack node 2: attack node 3: attack node 4: retreat node 5: retreat node 6: retreat There are $M=2$ traitors, let's assume that node 6 is the second traitor. Similarly to the king, node 6 will also forward different values to the other nodes, to shift their majority balance and cause them to disagree. Node 6 forwards to: node 1: retreat node 2: retreat node 3: retreat node 4: attack node 5: attack The other nodes (1..5) are non-traitors and follow the algorithm, so they forward the value they received from the king. Each of them ends up with 6 values (1 from the king and 5 from the other generals), and assuming the algorithm concludes here, calls majority() on them. Let's look at what node 1 received, from: node 0: attack (in first stage) node 2: attack node 3: attack node 4: retreat node 5: retreat node 6: retreat (traitor) Running majority() on the above 6 values will yield retreat for node 1. Now, let's look at what node 4 received, from: node 0: retreat (in first stage) node 1: attack node 2: attack node 3: attack node 5: retreat node 6: attack (traitor) Running majority() on the above 6 values will yield attack for node 4. Node 1 and 4 don't agree! The solution is to run one more stage of the algorithm, to double check the values received in the previous stage again. In the example just given, non-faulty generals can send each other what the traitor node 6 sent them, pool it (with the original value from node 6), run majority() on it, and then use that majority value, which is guaranteed to match (since no more traitors are left in this group, so they are truthful to each other), instead of the value they originally received from 6. Specifically, if they do this, they will all end up with the 5 values that node 6 forwarded to them (retreat, retreat, retreat, attack, attack), which will result in majority(...) = retreat . So with this additional verification step, node 4 would change his last value from attack to retreat, and also retreat, and the algorithm keeps working! Of course the nodes don't actually know who is a traitor and who is not, so they have to run this additional third stage for all messages received in the second stage, which results in an exploding number of messages. So, in the $M=2$ case, 3 stages of messages are required. Similarly, in the $M=3$ case, 4 stages would be required, to keep checking for traitors breaking the majority pooled values. In general, with $M$ traitors among $N \geq M+1$ nodes, $M+1$ stages are needed to ensure the correctness of the algorithm. These stages are referred to as the $k=M$ stage in which the king sends his order to the other $N-1$ generals (first stage), all the way down to the $k=0$ stage. This nomenclature of decreasing $k$s originates in Lamport's original paper. Message paths In the $M=1$ example above, the 3 generals send each other in stage 0 what the king sent them in stage 1, but they don't send it back to the king. In the second, $M=2$ example, when nodes 1 to 5 are checking what node 6 sent them, they don't send anything back to node 0 or 6. In general, the later stages of checking happen between nodes that were not on the path of the message cascade that is being checked. To know this "path" that the messages took, the messages contain a path field, which is a series of node ids. The last id is always the id of the node sending the message. In the example above, the king's original messages have path [0] , node 6's messages that are being checked by the other nodes have path [0, 6] . Note that it's not the case that the same message is traveling through this path path here means that 6 is sending messages because 0 sent it an original message that triggered the subsequent messages. Maintaining these paths is important, without them the nodes wouldn't know what message they are verifying, as at higher $M$, an arbitrarily high number of messages are exchanged by nodes in later stages. Without the messages containing the path, the nodes wouldn't know what to do with the values. An interesting question is, what happens if the traitor nodes change the paths, i.e. they send [0, 1, 2, 3] instead of [0, 2, 3, 4] ? Can they break the algorithm like that? Interestingly, the answer is again that this is an engineering issue, theoretically they cannot break the algorithm: In our examples and implementation, the first element of the path always has to be 0, since it's always node 0 who initiates the algorithm and starts the message cascade; so if a node received a path from a traitor node that doesn't start with a 0, he can just ignore it. If a traitor node sends two messages, with matching paths, but different values, the receiving node can notice this, discard the second and later ones and just continue with the first one received; the sending node is a traitor anyway, so as long as $N \geq 3M+1$, traitors sending bad values are handled by the algorithm, so it doesn't matter which message is kept. If a traitor sends a message with the last element not matching his own id, the receiver can just discard it since per our assumption nodes cannot spoof each other's identity, so the receiver knows the sender's id doesn't match. If the traitor inserts or changes some arbitrary node ids in the "middle" (not first, not last) of the path, that is also not a problem: if it's an existing path that he already sent (or will send), that reduces to case 2 above; and if it's a path that the receiver doesn't actually need or expect per the algorithm, then the receiver can just discard. To understand this, note that the message cascade of the algorithm is perfectly deterministic, and hence the different paths that a receiver expects and needs to receive are known to him! So, interestingly, spoofing paths does not theoretically break Lamport's distributed algorithm, even though in a production implementation these cases would need to be handled (with e.g. timeouts). For this reason, in our toy implementation, traitor nodes don't interfere with the paths they're passing on, and only change the values themselves. Timeouts and default values One more thing to address is default values. What happens if traitor nodes simply do not send certain messages, or just go silent and don't take part in the algorithm. This is again an engineering issue, as it can always be handled with timeouts and default values. In other words, if a traitor node doesn't send any value, we can always assume they did send some value that is "not the right value". Assuming that $N \geq 3M+1$ and our algorithm works, in these timeout (or similar) cases we can always just default to something (e.g. retreat) and pretend that that's what the node sent us, and overall the algorithm will still be correct (all non-traitor nodes will decide on the same value). For this reason, the traitors in the toy implementation given here always do their part in the message cascade (but pass on different values), to keep the implementation clean from timeout/retry/default logic and easy to understand. Two phases The algorithm fundamentally has two phases: receiving and sending messages (message cascade) using the received message to recursively majority check the messages in the cascade tree In Lamport's original paper, the two phases above are defined in an interleaved way, which I found very hard to understand. In the toy implementation given here, for pedagogical purposes, the two phases are separated: Phase 1, Message Cascade: nodes recursively forward messages to each other, extending the path fields, for $M+1$ stages; all nodes store all received messages for later processing. nodes recursively forward messages to each other, extending the fields, for $M+1$ stages; all nodes store all received messages for later processing. Phase 2, Decide: once the message cascade has finished, nodes use the messages stored in phase 1 to arrive at a final value (attack or retreat); no messages are exchanged in this phase. Python implementation with HTTP Flask servers Similarly to the previous distributed algorithms, I use Flask HTTP servers here. A driver fires up $N=3M+1$ Python processes, one for each node, of which $M$ are instructed to be traitors on the command line. For simplicity, the driver always makes node 0 the king (but the implementation of the algorithm in general.py does not have this assumption). The driver kicks off the king using the /start endpoint once all the nodes are up and running, who then kicks off the message cascade of $M+1$ stages. The driver checks each node using /status whether it has received all messages it needs, i.e. has phase 1 finished. Then it calls /decide to trigger them to make the decision based on the messages they have received and stored. Note that this two phase behaviour specifically controlled by the driver is to make the algorithm flow easier to understand, for example so that debug logs during the decision phase can be printed by the nodes sequentially, without interleaving. The nodes could trigger their own decide phase once they have received all messages automatically, i.e. the nodes could transition to phase 2 without the driver instructing them to do so. The driver.py code: m = int ( sys . argv [ 1 ]) if len ( sys . argv ) >= 2 else 1 n = 3 * m + 1 # randomly pick m traitors (could include commander 0) traitors = set ( random . sample ( range ( n ), m )) print ( f 'Traitors: { traitors } ' ) def spawn ( mod , * args ): return subprocess . Popen ([ sys . executable , mod , * map ( str , args )]) procs = [] # start every general for gid in range ( n ): traitor = 1 if gid in traitors else 0 procs . append ( spawn ( "general.py" , gid , n , m , traitor )) # let servers come up time . sleep ( 1 ) # kick off message cascade by telling the commander to issue his order requests . post ( "http://127.0.0.1:8000/start" , json = { "order" : "attack" if random . random () < 0.5 else "retreat" }) # wait until all generals report done while True : time . sleep ( 0.1 ) try : if all ( requests . get ( f "http://127.0.0.1: { 8000 + i } /status" ) . json ()[ "done" ] for i in range ( n )): break # all done, exit waiting loop except : pass # tell each general to decide based on what they've seen so far print ( 'Decisions:' ) decisions = set () for i in range ( n ): if i in traitors : print ( f 'General { i } is a traitor' ) else : value = requests . post ( f "http://127.0.0.1: { 8000 + i } /decide" ) . json ()[ "value" ] print ( f 'General { i } decided { value } ' ) decisions . add ( value ) if len ( decisions ) == 1 : print ( f 'SUCCESS: all non-traitor generals decided to { value } !' ) else : print ( 'FAILURE: non-traitor generals decided differently' ) # stop all generals for p in procs : p . kill () The generals are implemented in general.py . The /start endpoint is quite simple, it just sends the first stage of messages to all the other generals. If the king is not a traitor, the value specified by the driver is broadcast to all other generals, otherwise the king sends alternating attack and retreat orders: @app . route ( "/start" , methods = [ "POST" ]) def start (): # /start is essentially like order with: path=[], value=order, k=0 global value value = request . get_json ()[ "order" ] if not traitor : broadcast ([ id ], value ) else : for i in range ( 0 , n ): if i == id : continue # don't order myself msg = { "path" : [ id ], "value" : other_value ( value ) if traitor and i % 2 == 0 else value } async_order ( i , msg ) global done done = True return jsonify ( ok = True ) The second relevant endpoint is /order , where generals receive messages from the king, and from each other in subsequent stages of the message cascade. @app . route ( "/order" , methods = [ "POST" ]) def order (): msg = request . get_json () path = list ( msg [ "path" ]) value = msg [ "value" ] k = 1 + m - len ( path ) msg = { "path" : path , "value" : value } received_values [ tuple ( path )] = value if k > 0 : broadcast ( path + [ id ], other_value ( value ) if traitor else value ) if all_messages_received (): global done done = True return jsonify ( ok = True ) The code is quite simple: the value in this message is saved for later processing in received_values if the k value, which numbers the stages of the message cascade and starts at M has not yet reached 0, the message is broadcast to all nodes not on the path: def broadcast ( path , value ): for i in range ( n ): if i not in path : async_order ( i , msg = { "path" : path , "value" : value }) The final step in order() is to checks whether this is the last message that we expect to receive in the message cascade this will be covered in a later section. If all messages have been received, the done flag is set. Deciding The driver repeatedly check whether all messages are done using their trivial /status endpoint: @app . route ( "/status" ) def status (): return jsonify ( done = done ) Once all nodes report being done (all nodes received all messages in the cascade), the driver calls each node's /decide endpoint. It is at this stage that the saved incoming messages are actually processed to decide on the final value. The algorithm used here is traditionally called OM() , the same nomenclature Lamport used in his original paper: @app . route ( "/decide" , methods = [ "POST" ]) def decide (): assert ( done ) global value if value is None : value = OM ( path = shortest_path ()) return jsonify ( value = value ) The semantics of the recursive algorithm OM(path) is essentially: what is the majority decision for the value of the message identified by path , and we call it with path=shortest_path() since it's the original message (and value) received from the king that we want to decide on. Since the driver always picks node 0 as the king, shortest_path() actually returns [0] : def shortest_path (): return list ( min ( received_values . keys (), key = len , default = None )) Now, on to the implementation of OM() : def OM ( path ): k = 1 + m - len ( path ) value = received_values [ tuple ( path )] if k == 0 : # print(f'node={id}: in stage {k} for OM({k}) for path={path} I am just returning the raw received message -> {value}') return value values = [ value ] # others = [] for i in range ( n ): if i not in list ( path ) + [ id ]: # others.append(i) values . append ( OM ( list ( path ) + [ i ])) # print(f'node={id}: in stage {k} I received from path={path} value {vals[0]}, my OM({k-1}) values from others ({others}) are {vals[1:]} -> {majority(values)}') return majority ( values ) The algorithm OM() implements Lamport's logic explained in the introduction, by checking for each received value (up to $k>1$) from node X, what are other nodes reporting about this same value sent by X. It's best understood by looking at the traces (that are commented out above and on Github) in an example run. Below is an example run with $(M, N) = (2, 7)$, just showing the above traces for one of the nodes: $ python3 driver.py 2 Traitors: { 3 , 5 } ... node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 2 , 3 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 2 , 4 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> attack node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 2 , 5 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 2 , 6 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> attack node = 1 : in stage 1 I received from path =[ 0 , 2 ] value attack, my OM ( k = 0 ) values from others ([ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]) are [ 'retreat' , 'attack' , 'retreat' , 'attack' ] -> attack node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 3 , 2 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 3 , 4 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 3 , 5 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> attack node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 3 , 6 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 1 I received from path =[ 0 , 3 ] value retreat, my OM ( k = 0 ) values from others ([ 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]) are [ 'retreat' , 'retreat' , 'attack' , 'retreat' ] -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 4 , 2 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> attack node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 4 , 3 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 4 , 5 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 4 , 6 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> attack node = 1 : in stage 1 I received from path =[ 0 , 4 ] value attack, my OM ( k = 0 ) values from others ([ 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 ]) are [ 'attack' , 'retreat' , 'retreat' , 'attack' ] -> attack node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 5 , 2 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 5 , 3 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> attack node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 5 , 4 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 5 , 6 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 1 I received from path =[ 0 , 5 ] value retreat, my OM ( k = 0 ) values from others ([ 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 ]) are [ 'retreat' , 'attack' , 'retreat' , 'retreat' ] -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 6 , 2 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> attack node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 6 , 3 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 6 , 4 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> attack node = 1 : in stage 0 for path =[ 0 , 6 , 5 ] I am just returning the raw received message -> retreat node = 1 : in stage 1 I received from path =[ 0 , 6 ] value attack, my OM ( k = 0 ) values from others ([ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]) are [ 'attack' , 'retreat' , 'attack' , 'retreat' ] -> attack node = 1 : in stage 2 I received from path =[ 0 ] value attack, my OM ( k = 1 ) values from others ([ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]) are [ 'attack' , 'retreat' , 'attack' , 'retreat' , 'attack' ] -> attack General 1 decided attack ... A final note: the king already sets their value when the driver calls the /start endpoint, they just decide on the value they proposed originally and sent to all the other generals. Counting messages in the message cascade Counting the expected messages in the message cascade can be done in either of two ways: simulate the message cascade explicitly and count find the closed-form formula Both are simple. The first option can be implemented with a few lines of code, like: def count_expected_messages (): expected_messages = defaultdict ( int ) # def receive_message ( node , path ): k = 1 + m - len ( path ) expected_messages [ node ] += 1 if k == 0 : return for i in range ( n ): if i not in path + [ node ]: receive_message ( i , path + [ node ]) # for i in range ( 1 , n ): receive_message ( i , path = shortest_path ()) return expected_messages [ id ] For the second, which is what this implementation actually uses, the formula is: def expected_messages ( k ): n = 3 * m + 1 return perm ( n - 2 , m - k ) The function used in the /order endpoint to check whether all messages have been received is then as simple as: total_expected = sum ( expected_messages ( k ) for k in range ( m + 1 )) def all_messages_received (): total_received = len ( received_values ) if total_received < total_expected : return False return True Let's look at the number of messages received per node, for different values of $M$, in each stage (note that $k=0$ is always the last stage): $M=1$ $M=2$ $M=3$ $M=4$ $k=0$ $2$ $20$ $336$ $7\,920$ $k=1$ $1$ $5$ $56$ $990$ $k=2$ $1$ $8$ $110$ $k=3$ $1$ $11$ $k=4$ $1$ total $3$ $26$ $401$ $9\,032$ Note that the king sends one message to each of the other $N-1$ nodes (the first $k=M$ messages), and then no other messages are sent or received by the king (since all subsequent messages carry a path with the king's node id as the first element). Sample runs Below are some sample runs for different $M$ values ($N=3M+1$ always): $ python3 driver.py 1 Traitors: { 0 } Decisions: General 0 is a traitor General 1 decided retreat General 2 decided retreat General 3 decided retreat SUCCESS: all non-traitor generals decided to retreat! $ python3 driver.py 1 Traitors: { 3 } Decisions: General 0 decided attack General 1 decided attack General 2 decided attack General 3 is a traitor SUCCESS: all non-traitor generals decided to attack! $ python3 driver.py 2 Traitors: { 0 , 5 } Decisions: General 0 is a traitor General 1 decided retreat General 2 decided retreat General 3 decided retreat General 4 decided retreat General 5 is a traitor General 6 decided retreat SUCCESS: all non-traitor generals decided to retreat! $ python3 driver.py 3 Traitors: { 4 , 6 , 8 } Decisions: General 0 decided attack General 1 decided attack General 2 decided attack General 3 decided attack General 4 is a traitor General 5 decided attack General 6 is a traitor General 7 decided attack General 8 is a traitor General 9 decided attack SUCCESS: all non-traitor generals decided to attack! $ python3 driver.py 4 Traitors: { 0 , 1 , 5 , 7 } Decisions: General 0 is a traitor General 1 is a traitor General 2 decided retreat General 3 decided retreat General 4 decided retreat General 5 is a traitor General 6 decided retreat General 7 is a traitor General 8 decided retreat General 9 decided retreat General 10 decided retreat General 11 decided retreat General 12 decided retreat SUCCESS: all non-traitor generals decided to retreat! Too complicated for 2025 AIs For the last two years I've been using LLMs, specifically the latest ChatGPT models for coding. These LLMs are especially useful for the 100-1000 line programs I write for Bytepawn articles. In many cases, ChatGPT is able to produce a nearly complete solution on the first go. Interestingly, when working on the code for this article, OpenAI's o3 model repeatedly failed to produce a working implementation, even after ~10 attempts (both with refining, showing error logs, and starting over from scratch). It seems that the Byzantine Generals problem is (i) too complicated, (ii) the descriptions of the algorithm are too vague, and (iii) too sparsely discussed and implemented on the Internet hence rare in its training data so o3 can't get it right. On the other hand, when I asked it to switch from blocking HTTP calls (between generals) to a non-blocking solution, it gave a working solution in one go. Perhaps unsurprisingly given their training data, LLMs are much better software engineers than they are computer scientists. Conclusion By implementing Lamport's message cascade and majority vote logic in code, we see that the theoretical guarantees translate to a working system: every non-traitor node decides identically once the $M+1$ stages of forwarding finish. Although the exponential message growth makes the algorithm impractical for large $M$, the exercise lays a clear foundation for understanding modern, more efficient Byzantine-fault-tolerant protocols. In future posts, I plan to look at: Matthew Starkey and and fiancee Carrie Fleming. Inset: Matthew had been sharing his workouts in hospital on TikTok. The funeral of a Belfast man who was battling a life-limiting illness will take place later this week, it has been confirmed. Performance poet Anna Doran speaks about the feminine rage that inspired her Dublin Fringe Festival show Id done everything they say youre supposed to do in your 30s I had a good job as a teacher, I bought my first house with a good man, and I had two beautiful girls. And yet, I was the loneliest Id ever been. I was alone and filled with a rage that I couldnt understand. I had followed a certain trajectory my whole life, one that my mother and my grandmother also followed before me. I used to think of it as the end goal being in a relationship, being a mother and everything else that comes with that. The programme would target countries with high visa overstay rates, and could be one of the worlds most expensive The US could require bonds of up to $15,000 (13,000 approx) for some tourist and business visas under a pilot programme launching in two weeks, a government notice said on Monday. The effort would aim to crack down on visitors who overstay their visas. The programme gives US consular officers the discretion to impose bonds on visitors from countries with high rates of visa overstays, according to a Federal Register notice. Bonds could also be applied to people coming from countries where screening and vetting information is deemed insufficient, the notice said. A State Department spokesperson listed the criteria that will be used to identify the countries that will be affected, adding that the country list may be updated. "Countries will be identified based on high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations," the spokesperson said. The State Department was unable to estimate the number of visa applicants who could be affected by the change. Many of the countries targeted by Trump's travel ban also have high rates of visa overstays, including Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar and Yemen. The US Travel Association, which represents major tourism-related companies, estimated the "scope of the visa bond pilot program appears to be limited, with an estimated 2,000 applicants affected, most likely from only a few countries with relatively low travel volume to the United States". Numerous countries in Africa, including Burundi, Djibouti and Togo also had high overstay rates, according to US Customs and Border Protection data from fiscal year 2023. President Donald Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a focus of his presidency, boosting resources to secure the border and arresting people in the US illegally. He issued a travel ban in June that fully or partially blocks citizens of 19 nations from entering the US on national security grounds. Trump's immigration policies have led some visitors to skip travel to the United States. Transatlantic airfares dropped to rates last seen before the Covid-19 pandemic in May and travel from Canada and Mexico to the US fell by 20pc year-over-year. Effective August 20, the new visa program will last for approximately a year, the government notice said. Consular officers will have three options for visa applicants subjected to the bonds: $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, but will generally be expected to require at least $10,000, it said. The funds will be returned to travellers if they depart in accordance with the terms of their visas, the notice said. A similar pilot program was launched in November 2020 during the last months of Trump's first term in office, but it was not fully implemented due to the drop in global travel associated with the pandemic, the notice said. A provision in a sweeping spending package passed in the Republican-controlled US Congress in July also created a $250 "visa integrity fee" for anyone approved for a non-immigrant visa that could potentially be reimbursable for those who comply with visa rules. The $250 fee goes into effect on October 1. US Travel said that fee could hinder travel and said "if implemented, the US will have one of, if not the highest, visitor visa fees in the world". Back in the USSR: a visit to the mysterious land of Transnistria Tipperary reporter Eoin Kelleher spends a day on the peaceful streets of the Land of Monuments, drinking cognac, touring a fortress and visiting the Torture Museum A visit to Transnistria - the unrecognised republic in Moldova Eoin Kelleher Sat 26 Jul 2025 at 07:00 Visiting the breakaway republic of Transnistria in Moldova is akin to stepping back in time to the old USSR before it dissolved - a land of soviet style buildings, communist relics, and stodgy cuisine. The visit by US president Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia this week will hopefully soothe frayed nerves over the nuclear sabre-rattling between Moscow and Washington. It follows Mr Trumps deployment of two nuclear-armed submarines in response to former Russian president Dmitry Medvedevs remarks that each new ultimatum from the US is a threat and a step towards war. Washington had set a deadline of Friday for Russia to agree to end the Ukraine war or face new sanctions. Asked what Vladimir Putin could do to avoid the sanctions, Mr Trump answered: Yeah, get a deal where people stop getting killed. Mr Trumps previously conciliatory posture towards the Kremlin has taken on a menacing tone Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov played down the significance of Mr Trumps announcement about moving the submarines, saying: We do not believe that we are talking about any escalation now. He noted that everyone should be careful about nuclear rhetoric, adding: There can be no winner in a nuclear war. The US presidents frustration at being strung along for months by Putin is clearly at breaking point. There is no sign of an end to fighting in Ukraine. Yet upping the ante in the nuclear stakes is hardly the answer. Since the Cold War, the two powers have walked a tightrope, knowing one stumble could mean Armageddon. A consensus held that as such a war could never be won, it could never be countenanced. But the balance of such reasoning seems threatened by a new recklessness in word, if so far not in deed. Mr Trumps previously conciliatory posture towards the Kremlin has taken on a menacing tone in response to Moscows continuing stonewalling and defiance. US president Donald Trump appears to have lost patience with Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters But it should be remembered that so much has changed since the Cold War, with a third nuclear superpower, China, to be considered. The more players there are, the higher the chances of someone tripping over somebody elses feet. The idea of everyone keeping everybody else in check has been further complicated by a number of other countries also holding arsenals for deterrence. But it has been three-and-a-half years since Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite the sanctions, Putin saw his economy grow by more than 4pc last year. The thinking now in Washington is to use secondary sanctions hitting countries such as India and China, which are buying their energy from Moscow. These, after all, are the revenues funding the war in Ukraine. Another deadline this week could end with either a breakthrough or another missed opportunity So far, Mr Trumps see-sawing between promises and threats has come to nothing. Another deadline looming this week could end with either a breakthrough or another missed opportunity. In Kyiv, president Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to the US and the EU to impose secondary sanctions on Moscows energy, trade and banking sectors. So far, Mr Trump has shown no real commitment to forcing Putins hand. Mr Witkoffs visits to Moscow have also yielded precious little. Putin has leveraged his nuclear arsenal to project invincibility. But what happens when the roulette stops being rhetorical? There is far too much at stake for this to become a contest over who blinks first. Sean Rooney from Co Longford and Dallas-based Theresa Rowley. Comic Theresa flew in from Texas to meet up with Sean As someone who has been married a long time long enough to forget how long I read about the Texan comedian flying to Longford for a first date with a mix of admiration and disbelief (Texas comic flew to Ireland for first date after yapping in DMs with Longford man, Irish Independent, August 4). To be fair, I had to go all the way to San Francisco to meet my wife, but at least it was face to face. Id love to say we met in a chapel, but it was a pub. There was no FaceTime, just eye contact across a bar and the faint hope you hadnt said something daft. Its a different world now. Romance is less a lightning bolt and more a wifi signal. And while I wouldnt call daily FaceTiming foreplay, it does seem to work. If nothing else, it proves that love like a flight from Dallas is willing to go the distance. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Co Armagh RTE is failing in its duties no wonder the public has no confidence in it RTE appears to not be living up to its function as a public-service broadcaster in its omission of newsworthy items, particularly those of a religious nature portraying a positive message. The annual climb of Croagh Patrick on the last Sunday in July was not covered on any of the news bulletins that weekend, while there was reporting of other annual events such as Belfast Pride. Fast forward to Sunday past and there was no reporting on the over one million young people who attended mass outside Rome for the World youth gathering. I cannot think of any other event taking place with over one million attendees that would not receive media coverage. The BBC news to its credit and to RTEs shame covered the papal mass. Survey after survey has highlighted the lack of trust that the public has in relation to RTE and its governance. The Government has committed to giving taxpayers money to the tune of over 700m to RTE over the next three years to fulfil its public-service obligations. The organisation could start to improve its reputation with the public by acting in a fair and impartial fashion by reporting on all newsworthy events and not just the stories that portray certain viewpoints. In other words, report the news. Eamonn OHara, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal Spate of racist attacks has skilled Indian workers looking to leave Ireland Mark Hogan raised a point (Disgusting racist attacks on Indian community do not represent real Ireland, Irish Independent, August 4) that the Indian community in Ireland is currently struggling with. I have an extended family in Ireland. I have started to hear ripples of unhappiness in my family over the way some of them are being treated here in recent years. I must point out that each one of them is highly educated and they are all professionals. They do the jobs that are highly skilled. I work in an area that no one in Ireland works in. The job I have does not exist in Ireland. I have created it myself. Now I am in a position to train many others to bring high-quality service that currently does not exist in Ireland to the country. But these recent happenings have shaken my belief in the system that allows this racism with impunity. I am considering taking these skills elsewhere. So are many other Indians who are here. Overall, Ireland is a beautiful country to live in. Irish people are welcoming to Indians. But if these incidents of racism are not brought under control, people are going to lose faith in the system. Pradeep K Chadha, Castleknock, Dublin 15 The woke left really should have just zipped it when it came to Sydney Sweeney I have to confess to never having heard of Sydney Sweeney until this week. At first I assumed it was a male, and given the media coverage, that he had committed some heinous crime. It defies belief that the furore was caused by a jeans/genes advertisement that the woke left managed to interpret as a ghastly racist statement. Now, Ms Sweeney has compounded the crime due to the revelation that she is a Republican party supporter the ultimate sin as far as the liberal-left is concerned. Many on the liberal-left spectrum are not exactly blessed with a sense of humour and tend to take life very seriously. But this is taking things to ridiculous levels. First, we had the farcical furore over Donald Trumps suit at Pope Franciss funeral, and now they are getting all hot and bothered over Sydneys jeans. Priceless stuff. Eric Conway, Navan, Co Meath Theres a staggering lack of interest in the fact that democracy is under threat Fionnan Sheahans article (Vote early, vote often saga in Kerry shows serious lack of concern about democracy, Irish Independent, August 4) is a reminder of the old Fianna Fail ideology, We are a slightly constitutional party. Irrespective of reports of wrongdoing published by journalists, what has changed in Irish politics since independence? Toothless commissions overseeing politics and voting will not work until the electorate demand absolute independent oversight and reporting. The ultimate definition of the Republic has rarely been taken seriously by a great number of the citizenry. Sadly, like Australia, Ireland still suffers the after-effects of colonisation. Until such time as Ireland enforces the obligation of every citizen to place their ballot paper, even if spoiled, into a ballot box, nothing will change. The mute acceptance of the disgraceful destruction of democracy in local government shows an apathy to Irish politics in general. The bigger question, though, is: Will people ever take life seriously? Declan Foley, Melbourne, Australia We need our Government to protect us from Trumps nuclear submarine games The president of the United States decided to move two naval vessels into regions after some tittle-tattle with a former president of Russia. These vessels have enough nuclear warheads to kill us all. As an Irish citizen I expect my government to do its utmost to protect me and my fellow citizens. This step by a narcissist president of the US is not acceptable and should be condemned by all of us. Enough is enough. Paul Doran, Monastery Walk, Dublin 22 A long-term boil water notice that was first issued in a Cork village back in October 2023 has been lifted in a Cork village with immediate effect. The boil water notice on the Whitegate public water supply has been lifted with immediate effect. Uisce Eireann confirmed the news following satisfactory water sampling results and consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and customers can now resume normal use of the public water supply. The notice was initially issued on October 18 2023 to protect the health of approximately 10,000 customers following increased turbidity and deterioration of the raw water source putting the drinking water disinfection process at the plant at risk of being compromised. Uisce Eireanns Operations Manager, Niall ORiordan, acknowledged the impact of the long-term boil water notice on customers. Uisce Eireanns primary focus remains the protection of public health and we worked with our stakeholders to lift the notice once safe to do so. We acknowledge the frustration felt by the local community and we hope this will provide a welcome reprieve. Uisce Eireann said they are making continued progress on the 22 million upgrade of the Whitegate Water Treatment Plant (WTP). This significant investment will address the risks to water quality and the frequent boil water notices the people of East Cork have experienced over the last number of years. The works are being carried out by Glanua on behalf of Uisce Eireann and are due for completion in late 2026. The new water treatment plant could not come soon enough, said the Social Democrats TD for Cork East Liam Quaide after the boil notice was lifted in Whitegate. It is great that the residents afflicted with this longest running series of boiled water notices nationally have some reprieve. The cumulative quality of life impact on them over many years has been considerable, not to mention the financial cost of buying so much bottled water. The new water treatment plant could not come soon enough, he added. To lift this boil water notice prior to the completion of the upgrade, Uisce Eireann undertook works to replace the pressure vessel and associated works at the Dower Spring abstraction point for the Whitegate supply. Following the completion of these works and satisfactory water sampling results, the notice has now been lifted. The presence of turbidity in the incoming raw water is largely influenced by seasonal changes in Irish weather and given the limitations of the existing water treatment plant, it is extremely difficult to mitigate this issue. For these reasons, the Whitegate public water supply remains at high risk of requiring further boil water notices to protect public health. Following the completion of the Whitegate Water Treatment Plant upgrade, a more secure and reliable water supply will be available for the local community. The Kinsale Road Roundabout connects the city and Cork Airport, as well as routes to Grange, Frankfield, and Kinsale. The Kinsale Road Roundabout is one of the busiest junctions across Cork. Picture: Google Maps A major junction, that connects the city and its surrounds to the airport, begins closures tonight for the next five weeks. An extensive roadworks programme on Junction 6 of the N40, Kinsale Road Roundabout, known colloquially as the Magic roundabout, will see night-time closures from 8.30 pm to 6 am, Monday through Saturday, for the next five weeks. The Kinsale Road roundabout is one of the busiest in the country, which connects the N40 south ring road, the N27 South Link city road, the route to Kinsale via the airport, as well as the nearby suburbs of Grange and Frankfield. The Eastbound N40 Slip Road onto the roundabout will be closed. Traffic will instead be diverted off at the Togher Exit, where a diversion route on Tramore Road will be in place. At the exits for the Kinsale Road (L2548) and N27 (South Link Road) will be closed. Also, the Kinsale Road (L2548) access onto the roundabout will be closed during this time. However, access from the N27 onto the roundabout will still be possible at this time. The Westbound N40 Slip Road onto the Kinsale Road roundabout will remain open, but vehicles will be unable to travel straight through the roundabout; instead, they will be directed to Frankfield Road or the Kinsale Road (N27) where alternative diversion routes will be in place. Local Diversions will be in place to accommodate traffic coming from and travelling in all directions. Cork Airport has issued a travel advisory, warning passengers to allow extra time to reach the airport in time, with local diversions in place during the period, designed to avoid any major disruption during peak travel times. Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be conducting the works, as part of what they call essential maintenance to ensure the continuing operation of the junction, which has historically been a flashpoint for motorists, confused by the multi-lane system currently operated on the traffic circle, which first opened in 1990. The works will include milling, pavement works, road markings, iron works and recutting of traffic signal loops. Entire communities in the southwest of Cork including Bishopstown, Wilton, Ballincollig, and beyond are without reliable fire cover, declared a Cork City Councillor over the lack of fire service coverage in Cork city. Labour Party TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny and his party colleague, Cllr Ciara OConnor for Cork City South West have renewed calls for immediate action to address the lack of fire service coverage in the southwest of Cork city. Their appeal comes ahead of a motion due to be discussed at Cork City Council Community, Culture and Placemaking Committee in September, and in light of recent replies to parliamentary and council questions. The 2025 Fire Cover Review highlighted the urgent need for a new full-time fire station to be located between Ballincollig and Bishopstown, citing a growing population, large-scale housing, healthcare, and business infrastructure, and unacceptable delays in emergency response times. Cllr OConnor said this is now an issue of public safety. Entire communities in the southwest of Cork including Bishopstown, Wilton, Ballincollig, and beyond are without reliable fire cover. The Crowe Report made it clear that a new station in this area is a top priority. We need urgent progress, not more delays. Families and frontline services are being left exposed, said Cllr OConnor. I look forward to hopefully a positive update from my motion calling for a site to be urgently identified, and for interim measures including reopening Ballincollig Fire Station to be seriously considered. That is simply not acceptable in 2025. The motion to be discussed at Council includes a call for: Expedited delivery of a new fire station between Ballincollig and Bishopstown (Recommendation 16 of the Crowe Report). Immediate assessment of the potential to reopen Ballincollig Fire Station on an interim basis. Updates from the Chief Executive on fire cover evaluation and the Area Risk Categorisation (ARC) model. Dedicated funding in the 20252027 Capital Programme, and early engagement with the Department to secure co-funding. Deputy Kenny, agreed that the current situation is a real matter of public safety. For far too long the people and village of Ballincollig has been forgotten about when it comes to public services, the issues with the fire station and the lack of a garda presence are two examples. I am calling on Cork City Council and the Department to expedite the matter, as it is a matter of urgency. We cannot leave a large part of our city and suburban areas without adequate public safety measures. If a serious situation occurred, the supports are not there for the public. That must be realised, he added. Vini Cardoso's journey will take about two months to complete. Pic: Howth RNLI Vini Cardoso with Howth RNLI crew as he sets off on his 2,200km journey around Ireland's coast. Pic: Howth RNLI An athlete attempting a 2,200km solo run around the entire coast of Ireland, has described it as the biggest challenge of my life. Vini Cardoso, who moved to Howth from Brazil in 2008, is visiting every RNLI lifeboat station along the way to raise funds for the volunteer crews who drop everything to save lives at sea. The 41-year-old, who set off from Howth on Saturday, is carrying 14 to 18kg of gear and relying on pre-arranged supply drops along the way. The journey, which he describes as a personal tribute to Ireland and its coastal communities, is entirely self-supported and will take him roughly 2 months. He will trace the eastern coastline into Northern Ireland, run along the north coast, and then head south. I am running to raise funds for the RNLI, the volunteer lifeboat crews who save lives at sea, he said. Their bravery, commitment, and selflessness is humbling. Every kilometre is dedicated to the brave men and women of the RNLI, and your support makes it possible. I have friends on the crew at Howth and have real admiration for what they do. Once the pager sounds, they drop everything to save lives at sea. I look forward to meeting many more lifesavers on my journey around Ireland, he added. Vini Cardoso's journey will take about two months to complete. Pic: Howth RNLI Last year, the Brazilian athlete completed a solo supported run of 1,000km across Ireland. He has already passed through Clogherhead on his latest adventure, which means he has already run roughly 60km. Local volunteers were on hand to welcome him to the station. We had the pleasure of welcoming Vini to Clogherhead RNLI Lifeboat Station, they said. He enjoyed some Clogherhead hospitality from our volunteers before heading on towards Dundalk and Kilkeel. Vini Cardoso stopping at Clogherhead Lifeboat Station. Pic: Clogherhead RNLI In a video update shared to his Instagram, @vini_on_earth, Vini described battling rain en route to Greenore, only to discover the ferry to Kilkeel was cancelled due to strong winds. Unfortunately, because of a weather warning and strong winds, the ferry isnt running, he said. That means a delay I wasnt planning for, but thats how it goes with journeys like this. The weather is unpredictable, and things will shift; the key is to adapt and keep going. Rose Michael, chairperson of Howth RNLI fundraising branch, said the crew were extremely proud to support Vini on his journey. We are delighted to support Vinis extraordinary challenge, she said. His journey is not only a physical feat, but a heartfelt tribute to volunteer lifeboat crews across Ireland. Every step he takes celebrates the spirit of service that binds our communities. All the funds raised will go to RNLI lifeboat stations all over Ireland to allow them to continue their lifesaving work. NSF Invests $100 Million in National AI Research Institutes The National Science Foundation has announced a $100 million investment in National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes, part of a broader White House strategy to maintain American leadership as competition with China intensifies. The funding will support research institutes at five universities plus a central coordination hub focused on areas including mental health applications, materials discovery and human-AI collaboration. Corporate partners Capital One and Intel are joining the federal investment. "Artificial intelligence is key to strengthening our workforce and boosting U.S. competitiveness," said Brian Stone, performing the duties of NSF director. The initiative aligns with the White House AI Action Plan aimed at sustaining America's global AI dominance. The investment reflects growing concern in Washington about falling behind China in critical technologies. While consumer attention focuses on chatbots like ChatGPT, researchers say AI is quietly transforming sectors from healthcare to manufacturing, making technological leadership a national security priority. Practical Applications The institutes will translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions rather than pursuing purely academic goals. Cornell University will lead efforts to accelerate the discovery of materials essential for energy and quantum technologies through an AI-powered cloud platform that integrates experimental data with scientific literature. The University of Texas at Austin will expand its work on generative AI, building on diffusion model research that powers Google products and systems like Stable Diffusion. The institute plans to extend generative AI to protein engineering and medical imaging while developing methods to handle unreliable data. At the University of Colorado Boulder, researchers have already deployed AI partners that help middle school students learn collaboratively. More than 6,000 students and educators have used the tools, which work alongside teachers to facilitate classroom discussions and reasoning exercises. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will focus on accelerating molecule discovery for medicine and clean energy applications. Researchers plan to develop AI language models and intelligent agents capable of designing drugs, catalysts, and new materials. Workforce Development Beyond research breakthroughs, the institutes will train the next generation of AI practitioners and expand access to AI education across communities. The effort supports Executive Order 14277, "Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth," which calls for expanding AI literacy among American youth. Brown University will lead the development of safer, more adaptive AI assistants, while the University of California, Davis, will coordinate the entire network and promote public-private partnerships. The NSF launched its first AI institutes in 2020, and the recent announcement continues building a nationwide network designed to ensure AI serves public interests while maintaining American competitiveness. Liam Gallagher on stage at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Oasis bring their Live 25 tour to Dublin's Croke Park in August Almost a year after a ticket scramble sparked anger over dynamic pricing, Oasis are set to bring their long-awaited Live 25 reunion tour to Dublins Croke Park. After a 16-year hiatus, Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, are back on stage together and will play two huge gigs in Dublin on August 16 and 17. The brothers are burying the hatchet with this long-awaited UK and Irish tour, which will be the bands first gig here since Slane Castle in 2009. Heres everything you need to know ahead of the event: When and where is it? Oasis bring their highly-anticipated Live 25 tour to Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17. Are there any tickets left? The gig is entirely sold out. However, a number of limited resale tickets may become available on Ticketmaster. But be prepared to act fast. If they do become available, these tickets are likely to sell in seconds! What time do gates open? Doors for the gig open at 5pm, with the first support act expected at 6pm. Strictly no camping is permitted outside the venue. If patrons do turn up early, they will be turned away at restricted area points around the event site. Queuing in streets around Croke Park will cause disruption to local residents. Organisers are appealing to patrons to respect the local community. Attendees should plan to be within Croke Park 45 minutes before the show starts. Who is the support act? There will be two supports acts on both nights Richard Ashcroft, former frontman of the Verve, and Cast, a Liverpool band led by John Power. Liam Gallagher on stage at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff (Jordan Pettitt/PA) What is the Oasis setlist? Based the bands set list from their first gig in Cardiffs Principality Stadium in July, here are some songs they will likely play: - Hello - Acquiesce - Morning Glory - Some Might Say - Bring It on Down - Cigarettes & Alcohol - Fade Away - Supersonic - Roll With It - Talk Tonight - Half the World Away - Little By Little - DYou Know What I Mean? - Stand By Me - Cast No Shadow - Slide Away - Whatever - Live Forever - Rock n Roll Star - Encore - The Masterplan - Dont Look Back in Anger - Wonderwall - Champagne Supernova How do I get there? Public Transport is strongly advised for everybody who has a ticket. Plan and book your return travel arrangements in advance. As traffic and parking delays are inevitable, you are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport. Bus Plenty of buses serving the city centre stop near Croke Park. A list of buses which go to Croke Park are as follows: Dublin Bus routes 1, 6, 7(a), 11, 13, 15, 16, 27(a/b), 33, 40(b/d/e), 41(b/c/d), 42, 43, 44, 53a, 122, 123, 130, H1, H2, H3. Check the Dublin Bus website for up-to-date schedules. Dart or Luas Croke Park is roughly a 20-minute walk from Connolly Station, or 25 minutes from Clontarf Station. Check the Irish Rail website for up-to-date schedules. Croke Park is a 15 to 20-minute walk from most city centre Luas stops. Car There is no car park onsite at the stadium. Increased traffic volumes and local road closures before, during and after events cause significant delays in the area. But if you choose to drive it is recommended you carpool. Here are some nearby carparks: OConnell Schools Supervised Car Park, North Circular Road. The car park is open for 2 hours before all events and 1 hour after events. Other options include the 24-hour Q-Park at The Spire or Parnell Centre. Whats the security like? The event is for over-14s only and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above. Make sure to bring an official form of identification with you a passport, Garda age card or driving licence will suffice. Show your ticket at the ticket check outside the venue for inspection, everyone will be subject to a search. Bags larger than A4, signs/flags bigger than A3, flag poles, glass or cans, umbrellas, alcohol, selfie sticks, flares, professional cameras and audio recording equipment will not be permitted. Patrons are advised not to bring large backpacks as they may experience delays or be refused entry. No personal bottles will be permitted upon entry as the event is a full pour pitch. Every drink will be decanted into soft cups. A 30 year old man has appeared before a Special Sitting of Sligo District Court charged with assault arising out of an alleged stabbing at house in the town in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday. An artist's impression of Block A viewed from the south east. The case is due to be decided by Monday, August 4. A major decision due on plans to knock the former Old Tramore Hotel site in the Waterford seaside town and replace it with duplex apartment buildings, has been put back pending a request for further information. The funeral of a Waterford man who died on Sunday as a result of injuries sustained in an assault will take place on Friday. Gardai in Waterford are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of Pat Fitzgerald, following the incident at a residential property in Waterford city on Friday, August 1. Mr Fitzgerald of St Catherines Grange, Johns Hill and Avondale, and late of Slievekeale, had been a respected glass blower at Waterford Crystal in the city, and involved in trade unionism, having negotiated on behalf of 3,500 workers as a member of Unite in 2009. Mr Fitzgeralds remains will lie in repose at Tom Hennessy's Funeral Home in Johnstown, Waterford on Thursday from 5.30pm to 7pm. His funeral will take place at the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly in Waterford at noon on Friday with burial following in St Mary's Cemetery, Ballygunner, Waterford. Cllr Donal Barry paid his respects to his former colleague, describing him as highly respected among his peers. He recalled an astute and hard working man who put his colleagues first. I worked in part of the factory, and Pat was the full-time union convenor there in Waterford Crystal, said Cllr Barry. At the peak of its employment the factory employed about 3,500 people forming an important part of the citys economic life. At the time, Mr Fitzgerald was a member of the ITGWU, which later became Unite trade union. Pat was a very, very clever gentleman, said Cllr Barry. Pat Fitzgerald. He was a brilliant trade union official and he did an awful lot of good work for the workers in Waterford Crystal. He secured an awful lot of good terms and conditions for them. He was also a trustee of the pension fund there. Mr Fitzgeralds wife died some years ago. There was a palpable sense of shock in the city following the well-known activists death. For any person, especially an elderly gentleman, to die in such circumstances - it left an awful lot of shock over the bank holiday weekend when the news broke first that he was seriously injured, and then he unfortunately passed away on Sunday afternoon. People were very shocked, added Cllr Barry. Condolences and sympathies have come in from far and wide for the trade unionist who played a key role in negotiating a fair deal for workers at Waterford Crystal. A former colleague at British Midland ATGWU, said: I met Pat in 2001 when he was a convener in Waterford Crystal and I was a shop steward in British Midland. The WC committee had invited us to meet to discuss our strike in Dublin Airport after which they donated to our strike fund, in spite of their own ongoing struggles. Pat hosted us for the duration, gave great advice and was incredibly generous and supportive of our efforts. He also gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory where we got a glimpse of the phenomenal talent and skill of the workers there. I still have the little gift I received on that visit and I still often refer to our association with our colleagues in Waterford Crystal, and specifically Pats kindness and hospitality. Our involvement was brief but made a lasting impression on me. Im so very sorry to hear he has died and offer my sincere sympathies to his family, friends and his Waterford Crystal tribe. Another friend wrote: Pat Fitzgerald, the union activist been a representative involved with the ATGWU and late Unite the Union, for a long time as one of the full-time trade union officials at Waterford Glass and late Waterford Crystal, holding the position of branch chairman and convenor has passed away. Over the past three decades up to the closure and the Waterford glass plant at Kilbarry and which saw the sacking by a receiver of hundreds of men and women, who had contributed greatly to the success that Waterford glass was, the late Pat Fitzgerald held the position of branch chairman of the old 11/64 branch. He was in that time a full time union convenor and prior would have been the blowing craft department union representative on the union branch of the ATGWU and late Unite the Union. I see where many tributes to him have appeared on social media and on the print media, since his death was announced publicly last evening. To his children, Wayne, Joanne and Karl, his mother, his grandchildren and family extended sincere sympathy. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis. Friends of the family wrote: Our deepest sympathy to the extended Fitzgerald family on the passing of Pat. He was a person of principle, honour and integrity who was deeply committed to the trade union movement and represented the workforce of Waterford Crystal with distinction and he leaves behind a legacy that will endure forever. May Pat now rest in peace. On Friday gardai and emergency services responded to reports of the incident at a residential property in St Catherines Grange shortly after 2pm. Mr Fitzgerald, aged in his 70s, was discovered at the scene with injuries and in an unresponsive condition. He was transported to University Hospital Waterford for treatment and was pronounced dead on Sunday, August 3. A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene during the incident and subsequently detained at a garda station within the Waterford-Kilkenny Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He was later charged in relation to the investigation and appeared before Waterford District Court on Sunday, August 3. The local coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist were notified and a post mortem was carried out. A technical and forensic examination at the scene has been completed. A senior investigating officer (SIO) is leading the investigation and a family liaison officer (FLO) is providing support to the deceaseds family. An incident room has been established at Waterford Garda Station. Investigating gardai are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station 051 305 300 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. Investigations are ongoing and further updates will follow, added a Garda spokesperson. The widower was predeceased by his wife Kathleen, his father Jack, brother Mark and nephew Luke. He is survived by his adult children Wayne, Joanne and Karl, his mother Maura, eight siblings, his four grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends. A plan to support long established young farmers known as the forgotten farmers was recently unveiled by the Department of Agriculture Hannah Quinn-Mulligan is one of many 'forgotten farmers' who have slipped through the cracks. A plan by government to support the Long Established Young Farmers, a group known as the forgotten farmers, will provide financial support to young farmers who have not received European Union funding due to a loophole. The farmers who had started farming in 2008, were under the age of 40 in 2015 did not receive young farmer installation aid and were not eligible for young farmer supports under the Common Agricultural Policy from 2015. Among the criteria required to be eligible for this support is that the applicant became the head of an agricultural holding for the first time before 2008 and did not benefit under the Basic Payment Scheme National reserve. Its great to see this anomaly being addressed with the opening of application for this scheme. So many farmers across the country have waited for this issue to be addressed said Cllr Robbie Staples. 5 million 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 August 13, 2025 at Agfood.ie. When Johnny Cunningham was just a young boy he remembers discussions around the dinner table about the future of Derrynane House the ancestral home of the Daniel OConnell and what would become of the home of the Irish politician who played such a monumental part in Irish history. For a brief moment it was even considered as a possible location for a Butlins Holiday Camp but ultimately it ended up in the hands of the Government and is now one of the countrys most visited locations as home of Irelands most renowned politician who fought for justice and human rights. Thousands descend on Wexford as President Michael D Higgins and Anthony Kearns open Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann Last year, Wexford hosted the largest ever Fleadh, smashing the previous record held by Mullingar and the early signs are that the size and number of people attending this Fleadh will even larger Palestinian flags fly high during the opening of the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann on Sunday. Pic: Jim Campbell Cillian Boggan Wexford People Tue 5 Aug 2025 at 02:14 Despite the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann only being just a few hours old, thousands of people, young and old and from every corner of Ireland gathered on Wexfords quayfront on Sunday, as the festival was launched at the Wexford Credit Union Gig Rig stage, by President Michael D Higgins, who gave one of his last landmark speeches, as his 14-year term comes to a close. People during a Campaign Against Antisemitism march and rally in central London in December (Jonathan Brady/PA) Reports of antisemitic incidents in the UK spiked a day after punk duo Bob Vylans controversial performance at Glastonbury, according to a charity which described how communities are facing extreme levels of Jew-hatred. Sentiment towards Israel is influencing and driving contemporary anti-Jewish discourse, the Community Security Trust (CST) said. The organisation, which monitors antisemitism in the UK, said there were a total of 1,521 antisemitic incidents across the UK in the first half of this year. This is the second-highest total ever reported to the organisation in the first six months of any year but is down by a quarter from the record high of 2,019 incidents recorded between January and June last year. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said antisemitic incidents and crimes remain shamefully and persistently high. There were at least 200 incidents every month in the first half of 2025, with the highest daily total at 26 incidents reported on June 29. This was a day after a performance by punk duo Bob Vylan at the world-renowned Glastonbury music festival in Somerset. During the set, which was livestreamed on BBC, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted Death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces). The CST said the incidents reported to the charity involved anti-Jewish responses to events at Glastonbury as well as to the CSTs subsequent statement on X which had branded the chants utterly chilling. Avon and Somerset Police said last month that inquiries were continuing in relation to the comments made onstage during Bob Vylans performance. The second-worst day for what the CST described as anti-Jewish hate was May 17 when 19 incidents were recorded coming a day after Israel announced an expansion of its military operation in Gaza. Bob Vylan performing at Glastonbury Festival in June 2025 (Yui Mok/PA) The CST said: Both of these cases illustrate how sentiment and rhetoric towards Israel and Zionism influence, shape and drive contemporary anti-Jewish discourse, online and offline, often around totemic events that grab mainstream public attention. Just over half (51%) of all incidents in the first half of this year referenced or were linked to Israel, Palestine, the Hamas terror attack (of October 7, 2023) or the subsequent outbreak of conflict, the CST said. This was a similar proportion to the same period last year, and up from 16% in the first six months of 2023, reflecting a rise in anti-Jewish hate in the UK when Israel is at war, the CST said. Mark Gardner, the organisations chief executive, said the statistics demonstrated extreme levels of Jew-hatred, committed in the name of anti-Israel activism. June saw the highest number of incidents, with 326 being recorded following heightening tensions in Gaza. A total of 76 violent anti-Jewish assaults were recorded by the charity in the first six months of 2025, including three categorised as extreme violence that resulted in either grievous bodily harm or a threat to life. The CST added that 84 cases of damage and desecration of Jewish property were recorded, as well as 21 incidents of mass-produced antisemitic literature and 1,236 incidents of verbal or written abuse. The trust said 572 online incidents were reported to them in the first half of the year, accounting for 38% of the total and down 12% from the same period last year. Giving examples of the range of incidents reported, Mr Gardner, said: It involves racial hatred, yelled at Jewish schoolchildren, scrawled on synagogue walls and thrown at anyone who is Jewish, or suspected of being Jewish. In such difficult times, CST is proud to give strength to British Jews when they most need it. We thank those politicians and police officers who have supported our community, especially when Jew-hatred is effectively sanctioned in so many spaces that falsely claim to oppose all forms of racism. There were 774 antisemitic incidents recorded by the CST in Greater London, a drop of 26% over the same timeframe in 2024, and 194 cases in Greater Manchester, a decrease of 28% compared to the previous year. Outside these cities, the police areas with the highest number of reports were West Yorkshire with 73, Hertfordshire with 52, Scotland with 36, Sussex with 32 and West Midlands with 39. Northern Ireland had nine reports while Suffolk was the only mainland police region not to record a single incident, the trust said. Ms Cooper said antisemitism has a profoundly damaging impact both on the individuals affected and the wider Jewish community, and vowed the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to root out the poison of antisemitism wherever it is found. The Governments independent adviser on antisemitism, Lord Mann, said the latest data shows that antisemitism continues to impact the British Jewish community at an unprecedented level. He added: Antisemitism must be recognised by everyone as anti-Jewish racism and there must be a no tolerance approach to it across civil society at all levels. Actor was acquitted of sexual assault charges two years ago Actor Kevin Spacey is making a return to life in the public eye after a seven-year hiatus prompted by a series of high-profile allegations. Photo: Getty Kevin Spacey is set to make a return to the stage this autumn, performing a one-night-only cabaret-style show at a luxury resort in Cyprus as he continues his comeback. The Oscar-winning actor (66) will headline a live performance titled Songs & Stories on November 15 at the five-star Parklane Luxury Collection Resort in Limassol. He will be backed by a jazz band as he sings and shares anecdotes from his decades in Hollywood. Tickets start at 250, with a VIP package which includes a meet-and-greet priced at 1,250. Promotional material claims Spacey has the elegance of Sinatra and the wit of Dean Martin and calls the event the return of an entertainer in the grandest sense of the word. Guests are instructed to wear cocktail attire for the 90-minute evening event, which marks one of Spaceys highest profile live appearances since his acquittal on sexual assault charges in the UK in 2023. He denied all allegations of wrongdoing and maintained his innocence throughout In July 2023, after a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, he was found not guilty of sexually assaulting four men between 2001 and 2013. He denied all allegations of wrongdoing and maintained his innocence throughout. Despite the legal clearance, the fallout from the allegations continued. In April last year, Spacey dismissed further claims made in a Channel 4 documentary, sarcastically praising the great acting of those who appeared in the programme. In February, it emerged that a new civil suit had been filed against him at the High Court by Ruari Cannon, who waived his anonymity to pursue the case. North America Trump says he is firing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook - but she says I will not resign By Laman Ismayilova The Azerbaijan Culture Ministry has awarded eminent film critic, director, screenwriter, teacher, Honored Artist Ayaz Salayev with an honorary diploma. The Culture Minister, Adil Karimli, congratulated the film director on his 65th anniversary and conveyed his best wishes. Noting Ayaz Salayev's contributions to the development of Azerbaijani cinematography, the Minister also highlighted his commendable work as a film critic. Adil Karimli mentioned that the director was honored with the Culture Ministry's honorary diploma for his efforts in advancing national cinematography and presented the award during the jubilee. The film director expressed his gratitude to the Culture Ministry for the attention paid to his activities. Ayaz Salayev is an Azerbaijani film scholar, director, screenwriter, educator, television presenter, and actor. He was awarded the title of Honored Art Worker of Azerbaijan in 2000. He was born on August 1, 1960, in Baku. In 1982, he graduated from the film studies faculty of VGIK (Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography), where he studied under L.Kh. Mamatova and E.D. Surkov. From 1983 to 1985, he hosted the television program "Retro" on Azerbaijani TV, which became a cult classic under his direction. Between 1986 and 1988, he pursued postgraduate studies at VGIK. In 1988, he made his directorial debut with the documentary "Father" (Ata), featuring the daughter of millionaire and philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. In 1995, he directed the feature film "The Bat" (Yarasa), which premiered successfully at the Berlin Film Festival. From 1994 to 2000, Ayaz Salayev served as the artistic director of the State Film Fund of Azerbaijan. From 2012 to 2024, the film director worked as a senior research fellow at the Institute of Architecture and Art of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan. He teaches at the Department of Dramaturgy and Film Studies at the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. Since 2022, Ayaz Salayev has been a member of the European Film Academy. In 2023, the film director was awarded the "Progress" Medal. As of April 2024, Ayaz Salayev holds the position of Deputy Director for Scientific and Creative Work at the Azerbaijan State Film Fund. What we went through was horrific families angry after Swiss clinic helped Irish woman to die in secret despite its promises A person gets sprayed with manure by a farmer in a still from the online clip Furious farmers have sprayed squatters with manure in a bid to drive them off their land in eastern France. A convoy of tractors spread a mixture of faeces and water across fields where caravans were parked in Hautes-Vosges after reportedly receiving no help from police to remove what they described as an illegal gypsy camp. Europe For all the fuss and posturing at the White House, no progress was made on the Ukraine war The war in Gaza should end because Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel, hundreds of former spies, soldiers and police have told Donald Trump, the US president. In an open letter to the White House, the retired officials said the campaign, now approaching its 23rd month, has ceased to be a just war and that it was leading the state of Israel to lose its security and identity as a result. Netanyahu to authorise complete Israeli occupation of Gaza, media reports Military sources tell Israeli media that PM Netanyahu will authorise a full military occupationIsraeli tanks were seen pushing into central Gaza on TuesdayOver 2m people remain besieged in the enclave, most with little access to food Palestinians ride on a truck loaded with food and humanitarian aid as it moves along the Morag corridor near Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga) Nidal al-Mughrabi, Maayan Lubell, Alex Cornwell and Emily Rose Reuters Tue 5 Aug 2025 at 11:37 Israel's cabinet could authorise on Tuesday a complete military takeover of Gaza for the first time in two decades, Israeli media reported, despite international pressure for a ceasefire to ease appalling conditions in the besieged Palestinian territory. Indias Textile Exporters See Opportunity Amid US Tariff Challenges Indias textile exporters are approaching the recent US tariff impositions not as a setback, but as a strategic opportunity to diversify and strengthen their global market presence. Industry bodies and exporters assert that, with targeted government support and revised trade policies, Indian manufacturers can offset US market losses by tapping into emerging economies and leveraging new trade agreements. Indian textile exporters remain optimistic despite the 25 percent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Indian goods. Industry representatives believe that the impact on exports to the United States can be mitigated through strategic policy support and by leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with other countries. As of 2024, the US market remains structurally dependent on low-cost textile imports, with India ranking among the top six global suppliers. Indias textile exporters remain resilient amid US tariff pressures Indias key trade associations have downplayed the impact of recent US tariffs on the domestic textile industry, stating that the sector has not encountered any significant disruptions. However, exporters and trading bodies are urging the central government to take proactive stepsparticularly through revising trade policies and reducing production coststo help Indian exporters remain competitive and explore alternative global markets. The call for policy reforms comes at a time when the US remains a crucial market for Indias knitted and crocheted apparel exports. Recent data from the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) highlights the volume and spread of Indian apparel exports across major US ports. Indias Exports of *Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories, Knitted or Crocheted to the US in 2024 (Top 10 Destinations) US State District/city *CIF value (US$) Ohio Cleveland 139,750,805 Georgia Savannah 565,849,625 North Carolina Wilmington 16,954,025 Washington state Seattle 52,235,909 Pennsylvania Philadelphia 10,157,933 Virginia Norfolk 127,873,581 New York state New York 824,679,972 Louisiana New Orleans 28,792,734 California Los Angeles 258,179,839 South Carolina Charleston 187,540,783 Source: United States International Trade Commission, DataWeb *Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories, Knitted or Crocheted, come under HS code 61. The import numbers of the commodity are for consumption purposes and do not include general import data. **CIF value = Cost of goods + insurance + freight charges. Underlining the sectors resilience, the National Chairman of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has said that even if one country restricts access, Indian traders will adapt and identify new markets. ALSO READ: Trade War Economics: Indias Moment in the USs Tariff Strategy Exploring new horizons: Indias textile sector eyes global expansion Textile traders from Surat, Gujarat, one of Indias largest textile hubs, have expressed strong confidence in the industrys ability to withstand global trade headwinds. They believe that the sectors adaptability, manufacturing efficiency, and entrepreneurial resilience will help Indian exporters overcome the impact of tariffs and other trade barriers by expanding into new and emerging markets. Industry experts widely agree that Indian textiles are now positioned as credible alternatives to Chinese products, supported by their increasing market share in countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia. With targeted support from the central governmentparticularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)Indian exporters are optimistic about tapping new opportunities in Europe, South Africa, Japan, and Central Asia. Indias Exports of Textile Products in FY 2024-25 Country/region Value in US$ million US 10,959 Bangladesh 3,289 UK 2,162 UAE 2,142 Germany 1,423 Netherlands 1,226 Spain 1,002 France 949 Sri Lanka 817 Italy 793 Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI Recognizing the shifting dynamics of global trade, Indias textile traders are urging the government to introduce alternative policy frameworks, including subsidies, tax reliefs, and other production-linked incentives, to reduce manufacturing costs and maintain global competitiveness. As per media reports dated August 5, 2025, traders from Surat emphasized that the current tariff scenario should be seen as a strategic opportunity rather than a challenge. They highlighted notable growth potential in European, African, and Asian markets, along with opportunities to strengthen Indias textile sector footprint in countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China. With a renewed focus on market diversification and policy support, Indias textile industry is determined to sustain its export momentum and establish a future-ready, globally competitive trade ecosystem. USs textiles import dependence Despite the imposition of tariffs under Trumps administration, the US remains heavily reliant on textile and apparel imports. In 2024, the US imported over US$38 billion worth of knitted or crocheted apparel from its top supplier countries. China continued to dominate, accounting for over US$10.6 billion, followed closely by Vietnam (US$8.7 billion), Cambodia (US$2.8 billion), and Bangladesh (US$2.6 billion). India ranked sixth, with exports valued at US$2.44 billion, reflecting its strong position despite tariff-related challenges. US Imports of Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessories, Knitted or Crocheted in 2024 Country *CIF value in US$ Bangladesh 2,599,573,729 Cambodia 2,864,871,962 China 10,634,503,881 El Salvador 1,289,905,790 Guatemala 1,480,650,953 Honduras 2,061,863,921 India 2,444,660,405 Indonesia 2,327,036,843 Nicaragua 1,697,602,794 Pakistan 1,265,980,724 Sri Lanka 1,095,702,165 Vietnam 8,706,713,530 Source: United States International Trade Commission, DataWeb **CIF value = Cost of goods + insurance + freight charges. This data underlines the structural dependence of the US market on low-cost textile imports from Asia and Central America. While tariffs aimed to reduce reliance on certain countries, especially China, the overall demand for cost-competitive imports has continued to fuel trade with a diversified set of partners, including India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Finn calls out Graces hidden role The Bold and the Beautiful spoilers: Can Nick propose before Ridge crashes the boat date and everything spirals out of control? ( Image credit : Grace about her past while Nick prepares | Credit: X ) Nicks big move... interrupted? The Bold and the Beautiful spoilers: Can Nick propose before Ridge crashes the boat date and everything spirals out of control? ( Image credit : B&B spoilers: Ridge races to stop Nicks romantic proposal | Credit: X ) Ridges disruption could change everything For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. August 5 will showcase a fiery episode of, where long-simmering suspicions erupt and romantic plans teeter on the edge of chaos. As Finn decides to act on his doubts and Nick prepares a surprise for Brooke, hidden motives and unexpected arrivals threaten to shake things up.Grace might have assumed that her actions would go unnoticed but Finn has been quietly collecting doubts for a while now. On this day, he finally decides to voice those concerns. And his timing couldnt be more explosive. He has just uncovered that Bill shelled out an astonishing one million dollars for what was described as Liams experimental surgery.Finn suspects theres more going on than meets the eye. With Reeses troubled medical background and a past marred by gambling issues resurfacing, Grace may soon find herself cornered with nowhere to hide.Elsewhere, Nick is preparing for what he hopes will be a life-changing moment. Hes planning to propose to Brooke, with a ring in hand and a boat ride setting the stage. Its meant to be a romantic escape just the two of them, far from distractions.But trouble is already on the way. Ridge is making his way to Naples, determined to crash the scene. The twist? Ridge is currently engaged, making his motives questionable at best. Whether its jealousy, unresolved emotions, or something else, Ridges arrival could destroy Nicks big moment before it even begins.The stage is set for confessions, surprises, and possibly heartbreak and no ones plan may survive the storm headed their way. Drone surveillance paired with Human noise deterrents Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver Fighting in Marriage Story Is Being Used by the USDA to Scare Off Wolves and Save Cattle: They Need to Know Humans Are Bad https://t.co/nfJTgzY8RA via @variety andreu200 (@andreu20089490) August 5, 2025 What do Scarlett Johansson, Adam Drivers Marriage Story fight scene and a pack of wolves have in common? More than you think ( Image credit : The USDA is using drones equipped with loudspeakers playing Scarlett Johansson and Adam Drivers fight from Marriage Story | Credit: X ) Impact of drone patrols in Oregon's Klamath Basin What do Scarlett Johansson, Adam Drivers Marriage Story fight scene and a pack of wolves have in common? More than you think ( Image credit : In addition to the film audio, songs like AC/DCs Thunderstruck are also used | Credit: X ) From Oscar-nominated film to wildlife deterrent The Department of Agriculture is using the audio of Scarlett Johansson & Adam Driver fighting in MARRIAGE STORY to scare off wolves from killing cattle & scaring livestock on farms I need the wolves to respond and know that, hey, humans are bad (Source: @WSJ) pic.twitter.com/ODK17tKbS4 DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 4, 2025 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using a scene from the 2019 film, starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, as part of its efforts to protect cattle from wolves. According to areport, the department is using audio from the films intense argument scene as a deterrent against predators.This method, which falls under whats known as wolf hazing, uses loud and disruptive sounds including fireworks, gunshots, and heated arguments to frighten off wolves. Among these, the emotionally charged confrontation between Johansson and Driver has become a surprising inclusion in the USDAs toolkit.To implement this strategy, USDA teams have deployed drones referred to as drone cowhands equipped with thermal cameras and loudspeakers. The drones scan for predators during the night, spotlight wolves when detected, and play a variety of unsettling sounds to push them away from livestock areas.One of the audio recordings being broadcast is the argument between the lead characters in. This scene is widely considered the most emotionally intense part of the film, which portrays a couples painful divorce process. Both actors were nominated for Academy Awards for their performances.In addition to the film audio, songs like AC/DCsare also used. The goal is to instill a fear response in the wolves. I need the wolves to respond and know that, hey, humans are bad, a USDA district supervisor in Oregon told theThis method was tested in the Klamath Basin of southern Oregon after a series of wolf attacks led to the deaths of 11 cows in just 20 days. Following this, drones were regularly dispatched with the new noise-based deterrent system.The results indicate a significant drop in attacks: only two cows were killed over the next 85 days while drones were actively patrolling and playing the sound deterrents.The USDAs approach stems from the gray wolfs previous classification as an endangered species, which restricted more direct forms of population control. As a result, non-lethal measures such as noise deterrents became a key method of intervention., directed by Noah Baumbach, premiered at the 2019 Venice Film Festival and was widely praised for its portrayal of modern relationships. The films raw and emotional scenes have resonated with audiencesand now, unexpectedly, with wildlife management strategies.Critic Owen Gleiberman described the film as a modern classic, noting the powerful performances of both Johansson and Driver. Their portrayal of a couple navigating divorce has found a new and unusual use: helping prevent livestock losses in rural America. Kerala lottery result today, August 5, 2025: The Kerala Lottery Result for today, August 5, 2025, is all set to be out for the much-awaited Sthree Sakthi SS 479 draw, the popular Tuesday bumper lucky draw. The results will be announced at 3 PM from Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, with exciting cash prizes up for grabs. The first prize for this draw is an impressive 1 crore, followed by the second prize of 30 lakh and the third prize of 5 lakh. Along with these, several other prizes and consolation amounts are also announced for multiple lucky winners. Lottery enthusiasts can check the full list of winning numbers and prize details to see if their ticket is a winner in this thrilling draw. Kerala lottery winning numbers, August 5, 2025: Sthree Sakthi SS 479 Below is the Kerala Sthree Sakthi SS 479 lottery winning numbers, August 5, 2025 listed: First Prize (1 Crore): SR 299702 Consolation Prize (5,000): SN 299702 SO 299702 SP 299702 SR 299702 SS 299702 ST 299702 SU 299702 SV 299702 SW 299702 SX 299702 SY 299702 SZ 299702 Second Prize (30 Lakhs): SW 391513 Third Prize (5 Lakhs): SY 364468 Fourth Prize: 1216, 1235, 1273, 1287, 1647, 1661, 2827, 4709, 4767, 4959, 5960, 5978, 6054, 7382, 7837, 8343, 8419, 8491, 8702, 9850 Fifth Prize (2,000): 1402, 1419, 5891, 6267, 7362, 9918 Sixth Prize (1,000): 0722, 0863, 1085, 1231, 1481, 2036, 2279, 2504, 2553, 2942, 3138, 3551, 3736, 4130, 4737, 4933, 4995, 5073, 5229, 5557, 6505, 7221, 7367, 7550, 7660, 8312, 8844, 9020, 9178, 9701 Seventh Prize (500): 0069, 0119, 0217, 0226, 0582, 0665, 0677, 0693, 0699, 0788, 0940, 1027, 1091, 1101, 1167, 1219, 1317, 1341, 1356, 1376, 1409, 1551, 1602, 1906, 2270, 2307, 2330, 2552, 2655, 2785, 2983, 3126, 3250, 3412, 3483, 3737, 3798, 3886, 3935, 3972, 4210, 4453, 4752, 4843, 4956, 5192, 5222, 5411, 5506, 5593, 5667, 5884, 6354, 6423, 6727, 6968, 7625, 7713, 7730, 7773, 7873, 7911, 7954, 8207, 8374, 8513, 8580, 8668, 8738, 8764, 8966, 9041, 9047, 9131, 9253, 9332 Eighth Prize (200): 0070, 0071, 0248, 0360, 0382, 0395, 0616, 0726, 0814, 0915, 0948, 0951, 1093, 1198, 1306, 1312, 1714, 1889, 2011, 2524, 2609, 2661, 2911, 3249, 3258, 3462, 3779, 3838, 3859, 3922, 4191, 4243, 4246, 4252, 4279, 4436, 4471, 4560, 4670, 4672, 4725, 5354, 5379, 5480, 5535, 5572, 5699, 5790, 5912, 5940, 5997, 6052, 6053, 6071, 6155, 6252, 6323, 6398, 6513, 6549, 6591, 6611, 6632, 6811, 6895, 7002, 7119, 7196, 7304, 7398, 7454, 7618, 7653, 7699, 8118, 8289, 8449, 8525, 8566, 8704, 8792, 8894, 8911, 9121, 9499, 9600, 9686, 9814, 9863, 9894 Ninth Prize (100): 0045, 0067, 0093, 0146, 0198, 0241, 0253, 0331, 0338, 0416, 0435, 0574, 0646, 0771, 0776, 0835, 0937, 1013, 1028, 1207, 1254, 1257, 1502, 1536, 1553, 1717, 1916, 1986, 2197, 2226, 2245, 2276, 2287, 2370, 2426, 2481, 2502, 2516, 2521, 2568, 2820, 2890, 2971, 2998, 3059, 3063, 3103, 3127, 3161, 3188, 3208, 3220, 3315, 3343, 3350, 3469, 3479, 3510, 3545, 3550, 3555, 3818, 3948, 4054, 4156, 4371, 4380, 4601, 4677, 4756, 4989, 5029, 5185, 5237, 5344, 5462, 5511, 5519, 5532, 5542, 5578, 5590, 5643, 5654, 5855, 6232, 6333, 6336, 6462, 6500, 6504, 6653, 6720, 6722, 6768, 7005, 7038, 7192, 7296, 7346, 7427, 7462, 7465, 7595, 7619, 7665, 7694, 7702, 7833, 7854, 7872, 8021, 8066, 8168, 8185, 8202, 8228, 8246, 8283, 8299, 8319, 8355, 8393, 8408, 8509, 8555, 8594, 8680, 8811, 8828, 8890, 8909, 8950, 8965, 9040, 9129, 9156, 9173, 9217, 9294, 9342, 9433, 9517, 9696, 9715, 9800, 9831, 9855, 9858, 9902 How to check Kerala lottery result today online? Here are the steps to check Kerala lottery result today online: Open the official Kerala State Lotteries Department website at http://keralalotteries.com/ or visit authenticated sites like keralalotteries.net or keralalotteryresult.net. On the homepage, look for the "Lottery Result" link and click on it. Select the lottery name (e.g., Sthree Sakthi SS 479) from the list of lotteries displayed. Choose the draw date, which is August 5, 2025, for today's result. Click on the "View" or "Download" button to see the lottery result, usually provided as a PDF file. Check the winning numbers against your ticket. For convenience, you can also download the official Kerala Lottery mobile app available on Android and iOS to get live updates and notifications. Additionally, Kerala lottery results are sometimes broadcast on TV channels like Kaumadi and Jaihind TV in the evening. Kerala lottery prize details 2025: Sthree Sakthi SS 479 Below is the required Kerala lottery prize details 2025 for Sthree Sakthi SS 479 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 5, 2025: How to claim your prize? Here are the steps to claim your Kerala lottery prize for the Sthree Sakthi SS 479 draw held on August 5, 2025: 1. Verify your winning ticket number with the official Kerala lottery result published on the Kerala Government Gazette or official websites. 2. Sign your name, write your full address on the back of the winning ticket, and keep it safe to avoid misuse. 3. Gather all required documents: Original signed winning ticket (in good condition, self-attested on both sides) Duly filled claim application form (available online) Two passport-sized photographs attested by a Gazetted Officer Self-attested copy of PAN card (mandatory for tax purposes) Valid address proof and ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.) Receipt for prize money with a 1 revenue stamp affixed Bank passbook copy with account details and IFSC code 4. Submit the winning ticket and all documents to the appropriate office within 30 days of the draw date: Prizes up to 1 lakh: District Lottery Office in Kerala Prizes above 1 lakh and up to 20 lakh: Deputy Director (Prize) office Prizes above 20 lakh: Director of State Lotteries office in Thiruvananthapuram For winners from outside Kerala, submit the claim to the Directorate of State Lotteries. Prize amounts over 10,000 will have 30% income tax deducted before payment. 5. Damaged or mutilated tickets are not eligible for claiming prizes. If claiming through a bank, submit the ticket and documents at a Nationalised/Scheduled/State Cooperative Bank, which will forward to the lottery authorities. Kerala lottery result live: What time are Sthree Sakthi SS 479 results published? The Kerala lottery result for the Sthree Sakthi SS 479 draw on August 5, 2025, is all set to be officially published at 3:00 PM. The live results usually start appearing around 2:55 PM, with the full official result available by 4:30 PM. The draw takes place at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction, Thiruvananthapuram. Next Sthree Sakthi SS 479 lottery date and time The next Sthree Sakthi SS 479 lottery draw, SS-480, is scheduled to be held on August 12, 2025. Like usual, the draw will take place at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction, Thiruvananthapuram. The draw time is typically 3:00 PM IST, with the official results published shortly after the draw. FAQs 1. When will the Kerala Lottery Result for Sthree Sakthi SS 479 be announced today? Answer: The Kerala Lottery Result today, August 5, 2025, for Sthree Sakthi SS 479 will be announced at 3:00 PM from Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. Live updates usually begin around 2:55 PM, and the full official result is published by 4:30 PM on the Kerala Lotteries website. 2. How to check Kerala Lottery Result online for August 5, 2025? Answer: To check the Kerala lottery result today online, visit the official site keralalotteries.com, click on "Lottery Result", select Sthree Sakthi SS 479, and download the PDF for August 5, 2025. You can also use apps or visit trusted platforms like keralalotteryresult.net for the latest updates. 3. What is the first prize for the Sthree Sakthi SS 479 Kerala lottery draw today? Answer: The first prize for Kerala Sthree Sakthi SS 479 lottery result on August 5, 2025, is a massive 1 crore. The second prize is 30 lakh, while the third prize is 5 lakh, along with several lower-tier prizes and consolation amounts. 4. How can I claim my Kerala lottery prize if I win todays draw? Answer: If you win in the Kerala lottery result today, August 5, sign your Sthree Sakthi SS 479 ticket, attach required documents like PAN card, ID proof, and photos, and submit them at the relevant lottery office within 30 days. Prizes over 10,000 are subject to 30% income tax. 5. When is the next Sthree Sakthi Kerala lottery draw after August 5, 2025? Answer: The next Sthree Sakthi SS 480 lottery draw is scheduled for August 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM, held at Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. Stay updated through the official Kerala lottery result portal for future winning numbers and draws. 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. Public transport services across Karnataka were heavily disrupted on Tuesday after employees of all four state-run road transport corporationsKSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTCbegan an indefinite strike. The protest began despite the Karnataka High Court issuing an interim stay on the agitation just a day earlier. The strike affected cities including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, Kalaburagi, and Chitradurga, among others, leaving thousands of regular passengers without any reliable commuting options. Passengers stranded, private transport hikes fares In cities like Bengaluru and Mangaluru, commuters struggled to reach their destinations. With government buses mostly off the roads, people were forced to depend on autorickshaws, cabs, and private buses, many of which reportedly increased their fares significantly. Autorickshaw drivers in Bengaluru were accused of charging excessive rates, while cab aggregators and private operators reportedly capitalised on the situation. Some rural regions saw limited bus movement as a few employees continued to operate buses, especially to help school-going children. VIDEO | Karnataka: BMTC and KSRTC services remain unaffected at Bengaluru airport amid statewide transport strike. Employees unions of state-run transport corporations began an indefinite strike after talks with the Karnataka government failed on Monday. They are demanding pic.twitter.com/0n9Ydvo0Ai Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2025 BMTC runs partial services amid protest Despite the strike, BMTC in Bengaluru managed to operate over 3,000 buses by Monday morning. Of the scheduled 3,121 services, 3,040 were functional as of 9 a.m., according to officials. However, intercity and long-distance travel remained severely affected, pushing a huge number of commuters toward Majestic Metro Station, where unusual crowding was reported. The limited BMTC services failed to meet the rising demand, particularly during peak travel hours. Why are Karnataka transport workers protesting? The strike was called by the Joint Action Committee of Transport Unions, demanding: Payment of pending salary arrears worth 1,785 crore, covering 38 months. Implementation of a 25% wage hike, effective from January 1, 2024. Although Chief Minister Siddaramaiah offered a partial settlement of 718 crore, covering 14 months arrears, the unions rejected it, calling the move insufficient. They have also demanded that the wage hike be enforced until at least 2027, sticking to their original demands despite the courts interim stay. VIDEO | Heavy rush at several Metro stations in Bengaluru as government buses go off roads as employees of Karnataka's state-owned transport corporations begin an indefinite strike from today. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/d02igKo1SV Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2025 Work-from-Home appeal, tightened security To manage the growing impact on daily life, authorities requested IT companies in Bengaluru to allow employees to work from home to reduce commuter load. Meanwhile, security was tightened across Karnataka to ensure peace and prevent escalation. Bus depots remained largely inactive with vehicles parked and services disrupted. A few buses operated in rural belts, reportedly to serve school children and local routes. Despite court intervention, Karnatakas bus strike continues, heavily affecting commuters, and talks between unions and the government remain deadlocked. The streets of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, saw a small protest focused on animal rights, where demonstrators held signs reading, "China, stop eating cats." The participants aimed to raise awareness about cat meat consumption and encouraged more dialogue around animal welfare. A video of the protest, which has since gone viral - especially on X (formerly known as Twitter) - showed people rallying specifically against the controversial practice in China. Despite growing domestic opposition within China, the slaughter and sale of cats for food continues in certain regions. Protesters in Seoul wore cat masks and held up images and signs of cats, urging the Chinese government to take immediate action. It seems like many of the demonstrators were affiliated with local and international animal rights groups. China stop eating cats protest in Seoul South Korea. Credit: X Cat consumption in China The protest follows years of global outcry against similar practices, with groups like the Chinese Animal Protection Network leading grassroots efforts within China to push for legislative bans on cat and dog meat. Though some cities like Shenzhen and Zhuhai have outlawed it, China still has no nationwide law preventing the consumption of these animals. A huge protest erupts in Seoul, South Korea against the Chinese for eating cats, with the slogan, China stop eating cats pic.twitter.com/tL1OYhobdt Lord Immy Kant (@KantInEastt) August 4, 2025 Online reactions are mixed While the protest was met with support from many animal lovers online, it also drew sharp criticism - particularly on platforms like X. Some accused the demonstrators of cultural bias, pointing out that South Korea itself consumes large quantities of meat. One user commented, "It's only a matter of cuteness for humans to decide which animal to protect and which animal to eat. Ps Don't come at me in replies. I'm a vegetarian & thinks no animal should be killed for the taste." It's only a matter of cuteness for humans to decide which animal to protect and which animal to eat. Ps Don't come at me in replies. I'm a vegetarian & thinks no animal should be killed for the taste. Mohit S. Tiwari (@mohit_X_tiwari) August 4, 2025 Another said, "This is literally the stupidest thing. People that eat cute baby ducklings telling people that eat dogs to stop. People that eat dogs tell people who eat cats to stop. People who eat cats tell people who eat snakes to stop. People who eat snakes tell people who eat cows to stop." This is literally the stupidest thing. People that eat cute baby ducklings telling people that eat dogs to stop. People that eat dogs tell people who eat cats to stop. People who eat cats tell people who eat snakes to stop. People who eat snakes tell people who eat cows to stop. VC, #1 Trader on Binance. Stocks Crypto (@OTC_Bitcoin) August 5, 2025 Some even pointed out that South Koreans eat dog meat, while now raising their voices against Chinas consumption of cat meat. "Everyone should stop eating pets. But I have never in my life seen any Chinese eat pets, I do know though Koreans eat dogs. The Chinese that eat dogs are mostly ethnic Korean as well." Everyone should stop eating pets. But I have never in my life seen any Chinese eat pets, I do know though Koreans eat dogs. The Chinese that eat dogs are mostly ethnic Korean as well. Imabokie (@imabokie66) August 5, 2025 As people argue online, one thing is clear: the protest in Seoul has started new talks around the world about animal rights, different cultures, and what kinds of meat people think are okay to eat. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Hiroshima Day is observed every year on 6 August to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack on Japan during World War II and to promote peace and nuclear disarmament. Around 100,000 survivors of the atomic bombings are still alive. Many stayed silent for decades, either to avoid discrimination or because the trauma was too deep to speak about. However, in recent years, some ageing survivors have begun to share their stories. They hope their words will inspire future generations to demand a world free from nuclear weapons. In a powerful moment last year, a group of these atomic bombing survivors was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize for their lifelong efforts in the fight for nuclear disarmament. In 2025, on the 80th anniversary, the day carries even more weight as the world continues to face growing tensions and nuclear threats. This article covers the date, history, significance, and inspiring quotes related to Hiroshima Day 2025 to help you understand why it remains a global reminder of peace and resilience. Hiroshima Day 2025 date Hiroshima Day is marked annually on 6 August. In 2025, it will fall on a Wednesday. The date commemorates the day in 1945 when the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, forever changing the course of world history. History of Hiroshima Day On 6 August 1945, during World War II, the city of Hiroshima was bombed by the United States. The bomb, nicknamed "Little Boy", instantly killed over 70,000 people and ended up killing over 140,000. Tens of thousands more died from radiation exposure in the following months and years. This marked the first use of nuclear weapons in war, followed by another bombing three days later in Nagasaki on 9 August 1945 that killed over 200,000 people by the end of the year. The event was a turning point that led to Japans surrender and the end of World War II on August 15. Why Hiroshima Day is significant Remembrance: It honours the victims who lost their lives in the bombing. Awareness: Highlights the horrifying impact of nuclear weapons on humanity and the environment. Highlights the horrifying impact of nuclear weapons on humanity and the environment. Peace Advocacy: Promotes nuclear disarmament and peaceful conflict resolution. Promotes nuclear disarmament and peaceful conflict resolution. Global Solidarity: Encourages nations to unite for a future without nuclear threats. How Hiroshima Day is observed around the world Every year on Hiroshima Day, peace marches, memorial services, and educational programmes are held to remind the world of the horrors caused by nuclear weapons. Schools, universities, and peace groups organise debates, exhibitions, and candlelight vigils. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan sees thousands of visitors. Countries and organisations use the day to urge nuclear treaties and disarmament. Inspiring quotes for Hiroshima Day 2025 Here are a few powerful quotes that reflect the spirit of Hiroshima Day: The release of atomic energy has not created a new problem. It has merely made more urgent the necessity of solving an existing one. Albert Einstein When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. Jimi Hendrix Remembering Hiroshima is to commit ourselves to peace. Pope Francis Hiroshima teaches us the true meaning of resilience. Unknown To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. Joanna Carson, one of Manhattans most sought-after fashion models in the 1970s and the third wife of late talk show legend Johnny Carson, has passed away. According to close friends and social media posts, her death was kept private and her funeral was held quietly last week. Joanna Carson, host & ex-wife of Johnny Carson, dies at 88 | Credit: x/filmzbratz Joanna Carson, who once lit up New Yorks runways, passed away at 88 The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation publicly acknowledged Joannas passing on July 30, paying tribute to her legacy and dedication. They described her, alongside philanthropist Wallis Annenberg, as someone who embodied Elizabeth Taylors spirit of love and support. Joanna Carson, host & ex-wife of Johnny Carson, dies at 88 | Credit: x/filmzbratz A love story written in stardust Joanna met Johnny Carson in 1971 at the iconic 21 Club in New York City. Johnny himself once described their first interaction as flirting like a sophomore. At the time, Joanna was already a major figure in the modelling world, known for her grace and strength both on and off the runway. Joanna Carson, host & ex-wife of Johnny Carson, dies at 88 | Credit: x/filmzbratz What followed was a courtship straight out of a movie. Johnny reportedly called Joanna every single day at exactly 4:30 p.m. for a year before they married in 1972. The announcement of their marriage came as a surprise during a Tonight Show celebration, proving Johnnys love for dramatic flair. A life of strength behind the spotlight Though their marriage ended in 1985, Joanna remained a figure of intrigue and admiration. Friends, like actress Ruta Lee, often praised her subtle power and understanding of relationships. Lee once told PEOPLE that Joanna was accomplished at being a woman, comparing her grace to that of Josephine with Napoleon. Joanna lived a life full of reinvention, love, and grace. She was previously married to Tim Holland, with whom she had a son. Tragically, her son passed away in 1994. Her ex-husband Johnny Carson later married Alexis Maas, with whom he remained until his death in 2005. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) just made life tougher for anyone thinking of shortcutting the American dream. USCIS drops new bombshell on marriage-based green cards In a policy shift with major consequences for couples seeking green cards, the agency announced it will now apply stricter scrutiny to all marriage and family-based visa petitions, both pending and freshly filed. New policy on green card petitions to tackle fraud issued by USCIS | Credit: Freepik Why this matters for married couples? The change, effective immediately from August 1, arrives amid an immigration case backlog of over 11.3 million. And it is clear the agency is no longer playing nice. USCIS stated that simply having a family-based petition approved no longer guarantees legal status. In fact, if the beneficiary is found removable, they can now be directly issued a Notice to Appear in deportation proceedings. New policy on green card petitions to tackle fraud issued by USCIS | Credit: Freepik This tough stance highlights a broader shift: USCIS is doubling down on security vetting and fraud detection, especially targeting sham marriages. What the new rules of green card policy actually say? The updated USCIS Policy Manual dives deep into eligibility, documentation, and the complex handling of petitions filed by U.S. citizens, especially those in the military or serving abroad. Under specific conditions, such as during large-scale disruptions, Form I-130 can be filed directly with the Department of State. New policy on green card petitions to tackle fraud issued by USCIS | Credit: Freepik The agency will also forward cases to the National Visa Center if a person becomes ineligible to adjust status from within the U.S. These changes are all part of an overarching goal: to ensure that relationships submitted for immigration purposes are genuine, verifiable, and compliant with the law. National security first, love second In its press release, USCIS made it clear that public safety comes first. The agency reiterated that fraudulent petitions not only waste resources but also threaten national security. The new vetting process, they said, will help detect bad actors and allow for swift removal if needed. New policy on green card petitions to tackle fraud issued by USCIS | Credit: Freepik A former senior DHS official, Morgan Bailey, noted that this move reflects a growing belief within USCIS that its job is more about security screening than simply handing out benefits. What now? If you are planning to file a green card petition for a spouse or family member, be warned: this is no longer just paperwork. Every document, every interview, and every relationship claim will now be placed under a sharper microscope. Love may conquer all, but immigration fraud? Not so much. In an unfortunate development, actor Santhosh Balaraj is no more. According to a report by Asianet, the 34-year-old died at a private hospital in Bengaluru after a long battle with jaundice. Santhosh was producer Anekel Balrajs son. He had found a foothold in Sandalwood with his work in Ganapa and Kariya 2 Santhosh Balaraj death: Actor rose to fame with Ganapa Santhosh Balaraj, one of Kannada cinemas emerging actors, died on August 5 at the age of 34 at a hospital in Bengaluru, where he was undergoing treatment for jaundice. He began his career with Kempa (2009), which was produced by his father. He also appeared in Olavina Ole (2012) and Janma (2013). It was, however, Ganapa (2015) that established him as a recognisable name. The film featured him in the titular role and centered on the events that take place when he is forced to enter the underworld. Directed by Prabhu Srinivas, it received rave reviews with critics praising his growth as a performer. It was later dubbed in Hindi as Daada Ka Vaada. Making an impact with Kariya 2 Kariya 2 (2017) too proved to be an important release for Santhosh Balaraj. The gangster action drama revolved around a goon who works for the underworld and emerges as the new face of terror. His life, however, takes a turn for the worse when he falls in love and his lover tries to kill him because of a misunderstanding. The film clicked with critics with many of them praising the execution and his performance. It holds a rating of 7.1 on IMDb. Kariya 2 had nothing in common with Darshans 2003 blockbuster Kariya. Santhosh Balarajs death comes just three years after Anekal Balaraj died in a road accident in 2022. His best-known films are Kariya and Jackpot (2006). Santhosh lived with his mother and was unmarried. His untimely death is a big loss for the Kannada industry. He will be missed! Summit of Our Youth Episode 1 online: Fans eagerly awaiting the Chinese drama Summit of Our Youth can stream Episode 1 online today, August 7, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM KST / 4:00 AM GMT / 12:00 AM ET / 9:30 AM IST, as per the official schedule. Summit of Our Youth tells the story of Gu Xue Jiao, who gets a second chance at life after being sent back to high school. Determined to focus on her future, she avoids romance - until she reconnects with her once-harsh boss Lin Zhi Hua, now a fellow student, leading to a touching journey of love and self-growth. Summit of Our Youth Credit. X Summit of Our Youth : Release date and time for Episode 1 Episode 1 airs on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM KST / 4:00 AM GMT / 12:00 AM ET / 9:30 AM IST. It will also be available for international viewers via streaming on YOUKU offering English subtitles to make the series accessible to a global audience. Where to Watch Summit of Our Youth Episode 1 Online? Episode 1 is available to stream on YOUKU, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and the UK, YOUKU continues to be the top choice for watching the series. Summit of Our Youth: Plot highlights of Episode 1 After failing her college exams and facing career setbacks, Gu Xue Jiao is sent back to high school, where she vows to focus on her future - but unexpectedly finds a second chance at both success and love with her former boss, Lin Zhi Hua. Youkus modern romance drama #SummitOfOurYouth, starring Sun Zhenni and Chen Jingke, releases new poster and trailer # pic.twitter.com/QkgIDlzaL1 cdrama tweets (@dramapotatoe) August 2, 2025 Summit of Our Youth episode 1: Spoilers Here are the spoilers for Episode 1 of the Chinese series Summit of Our Youth based on the YouTube preview: In Summit of Our Youth, Gu Xue Jiao gets a second shot at life after a failed career and heartbreak in her first timeline. Once a love-struck student who flunked her college entrance exams and ended up as an overlooked employee targeted by her stern boss Lin Zhi Hua, she's unexpectedly sent back to her high school days. This time, she puts love aside to focus on academics and self-growth - but fate has other plans. As she crosses paths with Lin Zhi Hua again, an unexpected romance blossoms, changing both their futures. Summit of Our Youth: Cast and Characters Sun Zhen Ni and Chen Jing Ke star as the main leads, with Ge Qiu Gu, Tu Zhi Ying, Wu Chong Xuan, and Zhang Zhang playing key supporting roles. FAQs 1. When will Episode 1 of Summit of Our Youth be released? Answer: Summit of Our Youth Episode 1 will be released on August 7, 2025, at 10:50 PM KST / 4 PM (GMT) / 12 PM (ET) / 9:30 PM IST. 2. Where can I watch Episode 1 of Summit of Our Youth online? Answer: Summit of Our Youth Episode 1 will be available for streaming on YOUKU, which offers English subtitles. 3. Does Summit of Our Youth have English subtitles? Answer: Yes, Summit of Our Youth is fully subtitled in English on YOUKU including Episode 1. 4. What is the plot of Episode 1 of Summit of Our Youth? Answer: Summit of Our Youth follows Gu Xue Jiao, who gets a second chance at life when she's sent back to high school and unexpectedly falls for her future boss. 5. Is Summit of Our Youth available on Netflix? Answer: No, Summit of Our Youth is not available on Netflix. The drama officially streams on YOUKU. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Sydney Sweeney, best known for her role in Euphoria, has been dominating headlines recently, not just for her acting, but for a cheeky new ad with denim brand American Eagle. The ad sparked backlash after she made a playful pun, saying she has great "jeans", cleverly twisting the word to imply "genes". While the internet debates whether the joke crossed a line or was all in good humour, fans have also turned their attention to another standout aspect of Sweeneys life, her impressive car collection. The 26-year-old actress, also known as an auto enthusiast, owns several classic vehicles, including a restored vintage Ford Bronco and a cherry-red Ford Mustang, both of which she proudly shows off on social media. Whether its fashion, wordplay, or horsepower, Sweeney certainly knows how to make a statement. Inside Sydney Sweeney's classic automobile collection: From a 1994 Land Cruiser to a 1965 Mustang While Sydney Sweeney is widely recognised for her glamorous presence in high-profile fashion campaigns for brands like Miu Miu, Armani Beauty, and Guess, theres a lesser-known side to the Euphoria star that might surprise fans. Beyond the red carpets and designer runways, Sweeney is a genuine car enthusiast with a deep love for classic automobiles. According to the South China Post, the White Lotus actress doesnt just admire vintage cars, but she actively restores them. Among her most prized possessions are: A 1969 Ford Bronco A 1965 Mustang, both of which she has proudly shared with her followers on social media. This unexpected passion adds a refreshing twist to her public image, blending Hollywood elegance with garage-floor grit. she spent a year and a half restoring a 1969 ford bronco and she is currently working on her next build which is scheduled to be revealed sometime in 2025 pic.twitter.com/adEO7Y3H7y best of sydney sweeney (@sydneyfiles) December 14, 2024 Sweeney first drove a 1994 Land Cruiser, then a 1999 Volvo Sedan As per Vanity Fair, after the actress secured her driving licence, Sweeney first drove a 1994 Land Cruiser, followed by a 1990 Volvo Sedan handed down from her grandparents. After the success of Euphoria, she got herself a 2019 Range Rover Sport. In 2024, Sweeney chose to purchase a bright blue 1965 Mustang, which she named 'Britney'. Sweeney's vintage car collection: 1969 Ford Bronco 1969 Ford Bronco | Credit: X | @DreCourtSilver 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible ("Britney") 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible | Credit: X | @Mopar_Logic 1956 Ford F100 1956 Ford F100 | Credit: X | @DreCourtSilver Fiat 500 Jolly Fiat 500 Jolly | Credit: X | @Paul26443656 1994 Land Cruiser & 1990 Volvo Sedan 1994 Land Cruiser & 1990 Volvo Sedan | Credit: X | @BonhamsCars Custom 2024 Ford Mustang GT Custom 2024 Ford Mustang GT | Credit: X | @sweeneydailyx How did Sydney Sweeney's car obsession begin? According to an old interview with the SCP, Sweeney revealed that she comes from a family of mechanics; hence, it is in her blood. She also has a personal connection to one of the most respected names in the vintage automotive world. Her best friends father is none other than Rod Emory, the renowned builder behind Emory Motorsports, a company he founded in 1996, specialising in the restoration and customisation of classic Porsche 356s. Sweeney refers to Emory as a second dad, and his influence has clearly fueled her love for restoring vintage vehicles. Surrounded by craftsmanship and car culture from a young age, its no wonder shes developed such a hands-on appreciation for classic automobiles. FAQs Q. What classic car did Sydney Sweeney restore? Sydney Sweeney restored a cherryred 1969 Ford Bronco, which she purchased via auction in early 2021. Q. What inspired Sydney Sweeneys passion for car restoration? Her enthusiasm stems from a family tradition of mechanics and early exposure to cars. She learned to drive in her great-grandfathers Ford F100 and grew up watching cousins and relatives work on vehicles. For the latest and more interesting auto news, keep reading Indiatimes Auto. The Immortal Ascension Episode 20 online: Fans of the hit C-drama The Immortal Ascension can stream Episode 20 online today, August 6, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM KST / 4:30 AM GMT / 12:30 AM ET / 9:30 AM IST, as per the official schedule. Han Li, a humble fourth son from a quiet village, is accepted into the Qixuanmen cultivation sect despite his weak spiritual power. As he trains to ascend to immortality, he forms a powerful bond with the graceful and strong Nangong Wan. Together, they face the sinister Wang Chan, a master of forbidden techniques threatening the realm. With his modest beginnings, Han Li must rise to the challenge and fight for both his people and his path to enlightenment. The Immortal Ascension poster. Credit: X The Immortal Ascension : Release date and time for Episode 20 Episode 20 airs on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM KST / 4:30 AM GMT / 12:30 AM ET / 9:30 AM IST on YOUKU in South Korea. It will also be available for international viewers via streaming on YOUKU and Rakuten Viki offering English subtitles to make the series accessible to a global audience. Where to Watch The Immortal Ascension Episode 20 Online? Episode 20 is available to stream on YOUKU and Rakuten Viki, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, YOUKU and Viki continues to be the top choice for watching the series. The Immortal Ascension : Plot highlights of Episode 20 In The Immortal Ascension, a secret surrender by the Seven Sects leaves disciples to die in a war already lost. Amid the chaos, a mission to the capital with Nangong of Moonshadow Sect offers a rare escape. As the cultivation world crumbles, rogue cultivators vanish, dark forces rise, and a familiar face from the past returns -unchanged and unexpected. The Immortal Ascension episode 20: Spoilers Here are the spoilers for Episode 20 of the Chinese series The Immortal Ascension based on the YouTube preview: The war may have lasted a year, but it ended before it even began. Behind the scenes, the Seven Sects secretly surrendered to the demonic clans - sealing the fate of countless disciples before a single blade was drawn. Now, while the powerless fall on the frontlines, the powerful remain untouched. The betrayal runs deep. Yet amid this chaos, a rare opportunity emerges. "You must go to the capital," comes the urgent call. This isn't just another mission - it's a chance to escape the battlefield. The Moonshadow Sect's Nangong is passing through. Travel with them aboard the Celestial Moon Ark. It may be your only way out. [preview episode 20] a big war is cominggg. the master asks han li to go to the capital.....with nangong wan?#theimmortalascension pic.twitter.com/3MACVBf46C | han li is here! (@grazingsheep_) August 5, 2025 As the cultivation world spirals further into disorder, the illusion of peace clings to life - but it cannot last. Elsewhere, something dark stirs. A fresh trail leads to the disappearance of rogue cultivators, now pulled into the ranks of the Black Fiend Cult. Their purpose remains unknown - but they're not disposable yet. Strange spiritual waves ripple through the air. The demonic sects are moving again. And among them her. After all these years, she's still the same. Unchanged. Unexpected. "I never thought I'd see you again." The Immortal Ascension: Cast and Characters Starring the versatile Yang Yang - known for You Are My Glory and Fireworks of My Heart - The Immortal Ascension has become one of 2025's breakout fantasy hits, rapidly topping Youku charts and trending across social media in Asia. FAQs 1. When will Episode 20 of The Immortal Ascension be released? Answer: The Immortal Ascension Episode 20 will be released on August 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM KST / 4:30 AM GMT / 12:30 AM ET / 9:30 AM IST. 2. Where can I watch Episode 20 of The Immortal Ascension online? Answer: The Immortal Ascension Episode 20 will be available for streaming on YOUKU and Rakuten Viki, which offers English subtitles. 3. Does The Immortal Ascension have English subtitles? Answer: Yes, The Immortal Ascension is fully subtitled in English on YOUKU and Rakuten Viki including Episode 20. 4. What is the plot of Episode 20 of The Immortal Ascension? Answer: The Immortal Ascension follows Han Li a humble boy with weak powers who begins a journey of cultivation and love while battling dark forces threatening the kingdom. 5. Is The Immortal Ascension available on Netflix? Answer: No, The Immortal Ascension is not available on Netflix. The drama officially streams on YOUKU and Rakuten Viki. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Tougen Anki episode 5 is almost here, and the story is about to shift gears. After last weeks chaotic test and Naitos sudden call from Kyoto, fans have been waiting to see what comes next for Shiki, Jin, and the rest. The anime has quickly picked up steam with its slick animation, intense fights, and mysterious plot developments. Tougen Anki episode 5, titled Bad News, looks set to introduce new characters, new missions, and possibly new dangers. Whether youre already hooked or just catching up, heres when and where you can watch the latest episode of Tougen Anki. Tougen Anki episode 5 release date and time Tougen Anki episode 5, titled Bad News, looks set to introduce new characters (Credits: Netflix) Tougen Anki episode 5 will be released on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 pm JST in Japan. It will first air on Nippon TV, followed by other local networks. International fans will be able to stream the episode shortly after its Japanese broadcast, depending on the service and region. Heres when episode 5 drops around the world: Pacific Time 7:00 am, August 8 Eastern Time 10:00 am, August 8 UK (BST) 3:00 pm, August 8 Central Europe 4:00 pm, August 8 India 7:30 pm, August 8 Philippines 10:00 pm, August 8 Japan 11:00 pm, August 8 Australia (ACST) 11:30 pm, August 8 Where to watch Tougen Anki episode 5 online? TOUGEN ANKI Anime Climbs to #1 in Japan, Enters Netflixs Global Top 5! More: https://t.co/XURYC67n6N pic.twitter.com/QGqzkHpJiQ AnimeTV (@animetv_jp) July 29, 2025 Japanese viewers can catch the anime on Nippon TV, BS NTV, and major streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ABEMA, and d Anime Store. Internationally, REMOW has licensed Tougen Anki, making it available on various platforms, including: Crunchyroll (Most Asian markets, US) Netflix (India, US) Amazon Prime Video Samsung TV Plus Anime Onegai Anime Digital Network Bandplay Anime Generation Availability may vary by region, so fans are advised to check local listings or supported services. Tougen Anki episode 4 recap Last episode, things got intense when Naito Mudano checked on Shiki and Byoubugaura. However, Jin was still determined to continue the test and attacked Naito. That didnt end well. Naito effortlessly restrained him. Last episode, things got intense when Naito Mudano checked on Shiki and Byoubugaura (Credits: Netflix) Later, Shiki freed Jin, and the two finally worked together to pass the test. Just as success seemed near, a sudden call from Kyoto changed everything. Naito abruptly cancelled the test and instead asked the students to join him on a mission. Tougen Anki episode 5 spoilers Titled Bad News, the new episode is likely to take the team to Kyoto. There, they might meet members of the Support team at the Kyoto Oni Agency and prepare for the Momotarou Agencys next move. However, not everyone is excited about playing support. Expect some pushback, tension, and maybe even a few rule-breakers from the group who want to fight on the front lines. As Tougen Anki heads deeper into its first season, episode 5 might just mark a turning point for the animes core cast and for the fans following their journey. FAQs about Tougen Anki episode 5 Q1: When will the Tougen Anki episode 5 be released? It will air on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 pm JST in Japan. Q2: What is the title of Tougen Anki episode 5? The episode is titled Bad News. Q3: Where can I watch Tougen Anki episode 5 online? It will be available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu, depending on your region. Q4: What happened in episode 4 of Tougen Anki? Shiki and Jin teamed up to pass their test, but a call from Kyoto interrupted everything. Naito cancelled the test and brought them into a new mission. Q5: Will Tougen Anki episode 5 introduce new characters? The students may likely meet the Support team at the Kyoto Oni Agency during their new mission. Elizaveta Krivonogikh, widely rumoured to be Russian President Vladimir Putins secret child, believed to be the result of an affair between him and Svetlana Krivonogikh, a former housekeeper, has recently made headlines by publicly condemning the man she claims destroyed her life and caused the death of millions. The 22-year-old, Putin's rumoured daughter, recently shared a cryptic but emotionally charged post that appeared to criticise the Russian president. Let's take a closer look at who she is and her mother, Svetlana Krivonogikh. Who is Elizaveta Krivonogikh? Elizaveta Krivonogikh, a 22-year-old art graduate residing in Paris, has sparked speculations about her rumoured parentage. Her dramatic shift from a private jet-setting heiress to a vocal dissident artist has captured significant attention in Russian and global media. She is now based in Paris; she openly supports Ukraine and engages in anti-war art projects. Her renewed presence on social media and activism marks the most visible public stance from someone closely connected to the Russian president, representing a notable personal and political rupture with potential symbolic impact. Putins mistress and the mother of his third daughter has not yet fallen under US sanctions #Putins former girlfriend, Svetlana Krivonogikh, is a shareholder in Bank Rossiya and the National Media Group, which consistently promotes the invasion of #Ukraine. Krivonogikh pic.twitter.com/sZ6W8Xu9eP The Anti-Corruption Foundation (@ACF_int) July 15, 2024 A look at Putin's rumoured daughter and the secret behind their relationship Krivonogikh was born in 2003 and is believed to be the result of an affair between Vladimir Putin and Svetlana Krivonogikh, a former housekeeper. In 2020, the investigation group exposed this connection, pointing to Elizavetas striking resemblance to Putin and her mothers unexplained wealth, reported ToI. Elizaveta, earlier known as Luiza Rozova, gained massive attention on Instagram for flaunting a lavish lifestyle that included designer fashion, exclusive nightclubs, and private jet travel. However, she vanished from social media around the time Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Who is Svetlana Krivonogikh? According to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Svetlana Krivonogikh was once a cleaner from St Petersburg. The 50-year-old woman is believed to have had a secret, long-term romantic relationship with the Russian president. As per the report of the 2020 investigation conducted by the Russian outlet, Proekt, it was noted that their relationship started in the 1990s, prior to Putin's presidency, and it continued into the early 2000s. In 2003, she gave birth to a daughter, with no father listed on official documents. Later, Proekt claimed the child is Putins, though the Kremlin has dismissed the report as unfounded. Svetlana grew up in a modest communal apartment in Leningrad and initially worked as a store cleaner after high school. Russian President Vladimir Putin | Credit: X | @mboyo_le Inside the net worth of Svetlana Krivonogikh and Elizaveta Krivonogikh Svetlana Krivonogikh is extremely wealthy today, as per Proekt. The investigation revealed she owns real estate worth at least $14.5 million (Rs 120.64 crore) and shares assets with individuals from Putins inner circle. Notably, she holds a 3 per cent stake in Bank Rossiya, linked to Putins close ally Yuri Kovalchuk, and co-owns the Igora ski resort in Sochi with him. On the other hand, Elizaveta Krivonogikh became a shareholder in Bank Rossiya, and by 2020, her net worth was estimated to be around $100 million (Rs 878.33 crore). FAQs Q. Who is the father of Elizaveta Krivonogikh? An investigation by Proekt Media published in November 2020 alleged that Elizaveta's father is Russian President Vladimir Putin. Q. What is Svetlana Krivonogikh's net worth? Notably, she holds a 3 per cent stake in Bank Rossiya, linked to Putins close ally Yuri Kovalchuk, and co-owns the Igora ski resort in Sochi with him. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here LABOR DAY SIDEWALK RALLY#SolidaritySeptemberMonday, September 1 at 10am 12pm PDTInfo: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/818671/ The billionaires continue to wage a cruel war on working people, with their cronies in the administration, ICE and law enforcement backing up their attacks. This Labor Day we will continue to stand strong, fighting for public schools over private profits, healthcare over hedge funds, shared prosperity over corporate politics.Working people built this nation and we know how to take care of each other. We wont back downwe will never stop fighting for our families and the rights and freedoms that ensure access to opportunity and a better life for all Americans. The billionaire's time is up.On September 1st we will continue the movement, standing in solidarity with all our communities under attack and fighting for real wins for all our people.We encourage you to take a stand with us on Labor Day. On the streets, outside the offices of the corporate criminals who are behind the attacks on our freedoms and at congressional offices. Together we will demand a world that works for all of us.OUR DEMANDS TO BUILD THE SOCIETY WE ALL DESERVE:--Stop the billionaire takeover and rampant corruption of the Trump administration/regime.--Protect and defend Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs for working people.--Fully funded schools, with healthcare and housing for all.--Stop the attacks on immigrants, Black, indigenous, trans people, and all our communities.--Invest in people not wars.This protest is part of a nationwide Labor Day of Action by We The People for democracy, civil rights, human rights and more on Sept 1 , 2025: https://maydaystrong.org/ Greek government will extend the steel fence along its land border with Turkey in the Evros region by another five kilometers, the country's citizen protection minister announced during a visit to the area. Speaking in the Soufli area, Minister for Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, called the fence a key deterrent project and said the extension is part of an effort to seal critical gaps along the border. The announcement comes as authorities reported a significant drop in arrests for illegal entry in the region. According to official data, 2,518 such arrests were made in the first seven months of 2025, down from 3,421 in the same period last year. Officials attribute the decline to a combination of the existing fence, an advanced electronic surveillance system, and an increased police presence. iefimerida.gr Greek energy and metals giant METLEN has made history on the London Stock Exchange, becoming the first company ever to have its shares denominated and traded in euros on the major international market. The company's Chairman and CEO, Mr. Evangelos Mytilineos, attended a bell-ringing ceremony in London to mark the first day of trading. The move follows a successful public share exchange offer that saw an acceptance rate of over 90% from shareholders. The listing is a significant milestone for the Greek multinational, which operates in more than 40 countries. METLEN will now have the LSE as its primary stock market, but it will maintain a dual listing on the Athens Stock Exchange. The move is expected to enhance the company's global profile and expand its access to international capital markets. iefimerida.gr Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the ICEYE company's facilities in Neo Psychiko on Monday. The company is active in the construction and operation of SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites. The Greek Premier, accompanied by Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou, was given a tour of the company's offices and production facilities and was briefed on its activities by ICEYE CEO Rafa Modrzewski and Head of ICEYE Greece Vasilis Chaloulakos. Mitsotakis emphasised that this is a European success story and that Europe can prove it can be a leader in the highly advanced technologies of the future. He also expressed his satisfaction that the company has a presence in Greece. "We want to be part of this ecosystem and attract talent from abroad, but also from Greece, ensuring that Greek human capital can contribute to the company's growth," Mitsotakis stressed, adding that "we are becoming part of your ecosystem through our own satellites, which are critical in terms of monitoring the environmentwhether we are talking about natural disasters or other applicationsbut also for the defence and security of the country." The company is manufacturing the first two Greek SAR satellites, which will be launched into orbit by the end of 2025. It also operates a new, exclusive satellite subsystem production line at its facilities in Greece. The parts currently manufactured in Greece account for approximately 15% of each satellite and are exported for the construction of the company's global fleet. It was also announced that, through the National Micro-Satellite Program, the Ministry of National Defence will have access to very high-resolution SAR satellite data. Mitsotakis was also informed that ICEYE Hellas plans to begin full satellite construction in Greece in 2026, from the first component to final assembly. This will make Greece the second location in Europe where ICEYE will build satellites from scratch, creating a production line that can produce 34 satellites in parallel and at least 8 per year. For his part, Papastergiou noted: "we were very pleased to see that the company did not just come to open an office formally but is manufacturing Greek microsatellites. Now, parts of global production are being manufactured in our country by a company that is a leader in the field of space technology. It is extremely important that, through the Greek Micro-Satellite Program, Greek scientists have returned and are working in the ecosystem," he said. iefimerida.gr Focusing on its historic path towards the Eurozone and strengthening cooperation with Greece, Bulgaria will participate with a dynamic presence in the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (6-14 September 2025). Bulgarias Bulgaria meets the euro and Greece at the 89th TIF - Primate Elijah Ayodele of the International Network of Revelation Evangelical Spiritual Church (INRI) has cautioned Nigerian governors ahead of the 2027 elections. He warned them not to underestimate the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the party could unseat some of them. Ayodele noted that the ADCs coalition platform is strong enough to take over certain states if governors fail to act, urging them to take the party seriously. Advertisement In a statement issued on Tuesday through his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele disclosed that the ADCs coalition platform could shake power in several states. He warned that unless governors act swiftly, the party might displace them in the coming elections. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/peter-obis-desperation-wont-win-him-2027-presidency-reuben-abati.html Some Nigerian governors will be removed from power by ADC if care isnt taken; they will find it difficult to get a re-election in their respective offices, Ayodele warned. On a free and fair election, they wont win; they can only rig. He further cautioned governors against complacency, stating, They should not underestimate the coalition platform; they may not see it now, but they must be very careful. Ayodele also reiterated an earlier prophecy made two days prior, emphasising that governors in Akwa Ibom, Delta, Enugu, Cross River, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Ondo states face uncertainty in securing re-election unless they intensify their efforts and turn to prayer. Its not certain for them except they work hard and pray, he said. This is a hint of what they should expec. They need to work very well so that they wont lose their second-term ambition. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has killed a 27-year-old suspected kidnapper, identified as John Ubong Akpan, during a gun battle in Ikot Umiang village, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. According to a statement issued on Monday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, the suspect was killed on August 2, 2025, at about 4:00 p.m., when police stormed a criminal hideout in the village based on credible intelligence. The gang, reportedly planning a fresh kidnapping operation, opened fire on the operatives, prompting a gunfight. Based on intelligence reports, the police had been closely monitoring a group of kidnappers who had returned to the Mkpat Enin local government area, the statement read. Advertisement READ MORE: Woman, Technician Arrested In Delta For Unlocking Lost Phone The gang, which had been terrorizing residents from 2020 to 2023, was also allegedly responsible for the kidnap of a church founder in 2023. The suspects had been at large since that incident. John said the command acted swiftly after receiving information about the suspects location. On August 2, 2025, at approximately 4:00 pm, the police received a report that the suspects were at a hideout in Ikot Umiang village, planning further kidnappings. A surveillance team was immediately dispatched to the location. Upon the teams arrival, the criminals engaged them by firing shots. Fortunately, no police personnel was injured in the exchange. The statement confirmed that Akpan, who was shot during the exchange, was later confirmed dead at the hospital. In a swift response, operatives neutralised one of the kidnappers, later identified as John Ubong Akpan, a 27-year-old male from Ikot Umiang village. The other gang members fled the scene, the PPRO added. A locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and one expanded cartridge were recovered at the hideout. Akpan, who sustained bullet injuries, was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, has ordered intensified patrols and surveillance operations across the region to ensure the arrest of the fleeing members of the gang. The Lagos State Government has shut down Vaniti Club House, situated on Adeola Odeku Street in Victoria Island, for allegedly breaching traffic regulations on a repeated basis. The operation, spearheaded by the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, was carried out by the agencys Rescue and Compliance Unit. In a statement on Monday, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, described the move as a response to what he termed protracted and deliberate infractions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. Advertisement READ MORE: Ondo Police Arrest 10 Beninese Nationals For Alleged Human Trafficking Authorities accused the club of consistently enabling illegal parking on public roads and obstructing traffic along one of the citys busiest corridors, thereby endangering public safety. According to Taofiq, the government had previously reached out to the clubs management through several channels, including education campaigns and formal engagements, all of which were disregarded. Despite a series of exhaustive sensitisation efforts, including sustained public enlightenment campaigns, direct stakeholder engagements, and multiple official warnings, the management of Vaniti Club House has remained intransigent, choosing to perpetuate acts that undermine the operational integrity of the states traffic ecosystem, particularly within the high-traffic corridor of Victoria Island, the statement said. Following continued non-compliance, LASTMA enforced the indefinite closure of the facility until all traffic regulations are adhered to. Mr. Bakare-Oki noted that this action signals the beginning of a larger effort aimed at facilities that abuse public infrastructure for private operations. This enforcement initiative is not a one-off occurrence, he said. We are actively monitoring other clubs, event centres, lounges, and recreational facilities, particularly those that persist in impeding traffic flow by commandeering public roads and adjoining streets for private use. He reiterated the administrations commitment to traffic discipline and warned that no individual or organisation would be allowed to compromise public safety on Lagos roads. Members of the public were encouraged to report traffic-related offenses via LASTMAs emergency hotline: 080000527862. The state government maintained that it would continue working toward a more disciplined and structured traffic environment across Lagos. Were honored to feature a very special guestAttorney Camille Salovino of Naidu Legal, who will grace us with her powerful journey of grit and grace. From early challenges to being called to the bar at such a young age, her story is a testament to the strength and brilliance of the Filipino spirit. Dont miss this chance to be inspired by Atty. Camille and other Pinoy achievers who are making waves and making us proud. Join the livestream and be part of a community that celebrates success, resilience, and the joy of being Filipino. There are no tracks in this playlist. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a revised timetable for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, fixing the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms at 50 million. According to the party, the sale of forms will run from August 26 to August 30, 2025, with the primary election scheduled for October 1. In a statement on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, APCs National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, said form sales will run from Monday, August 26 to Friday, August 30. Advertisement The screening process will follow in September, leading up to the partys primary election on October 1, 2025. In a significant move aimed at promoting inclusion and youth participation, the APC announced fee concessions. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/peter-obis-desperation-wont-win-him-2027-presidency-reuben-abati.html Female aspirants and persons with disabilities are exempted from paying for the nomination form and are only required to purchase the expression of interest form, Argungu stated. He added that Youths between the ages of 25 and 40 will enjoy a 50% discount on the nomination form. To ensure transparency and early engagement, the APC also disclosed that only active financial members who have been registered for at least three months prior will be eligible to participate in the primaries. Delegate forms will be available for 5,000 at the partys National Headquarters in Abuja. The party emphasized its commitment to a fair and inclusive process. This schedule provides sufficient time for all aspirants to prepare and participate fully. We encourage interested members to engage actively in the process and reach out to our Directorate of Organisation for support, the statement concluded. An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Superintendent Bashir Adamu Jibril, was killed on Monday. He was attacked by a mob at the Shuwarin cattle market in Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The mob reportedly assaulted the officer with knives while he was performing official duties in the cattle section of the market. Advertisement He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead by medical personnel. NSCDC Public Relations Officer, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, who confirmed the incident disclosed: He was attacked by a group of unidentified persons while on duty. They used knives and other sharp objects. Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/supporting-tinubu-was-about-principle-not-politics-wike.html Jibril was a senior officer attached to the Intelligence and Investigation Department of the NSCDC in Jigawa State. The NSCDC said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing, while others are still being sought. We have already arrested three prime suspects and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the rest, Tijjani added. Condemning the attack, the command vowed to ensure justice is served. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law, the spokesperson stated. The agency also appealed for calm from the public, urging cooperation with security authorities to bring all those involved to justice. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, says he is confident the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election. The election is scheduled to hold on August 16 and is seen as a key test of the partys strength in the state. Speaking on Monday at the PDP campaign flag-off in Bodija Market, Ibadan, Governor Makinde said the by-election will prove the partys dominance in Oyo State. Advertisement He described it as an opportunity for the PDP to reaffirm its political strength in the region. A win for our candidate in the by-election will reaffirm the strength and trust the people have in the PDP, Makinde said while presenting the party flag to the candidate, Mr. Folajimi Oyekunle. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/apc-wasnt-destructive-tribalistic-opposition-before-2015-obi-should-warn-obidients-against-bigotry-tinubus-adviser-on-new-media.html He described Oyekunle as a competent and trusted individual who has what it takes to represent the people effectively in the House of Representatives. The governor also thanked the people of Oyo for their consistent support since he assumed office, urging eligible voters in Ibadan North to come out in mass on election day and vote for the PDP. I urge every eligible voter in Ibadan North to come out and cast their votes massively for PDP on August 16, he added. Also speaking at the campaign flag-off, the Director-General of the Folajimi Oyekunle Campaign, Mr. Ademola Omotosho, encouraged residents to support Oyekunle and ensure the PDPs success at the polls. Media personality and former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, has taken a swipe at Peter Obi over his recent one-term presidency vow. Obi, the Labour Partys 2023 presidential candidate, had pledged to serve only one term if elected president in 2027 a promise Abati described as desperate. Speaking on Monday, during an appearance on Arise Television, Abati described Obis remark as a sign of desperation, warning Nigerians not to fall for such tactics. Advertisement What I am saying is that any politician that comes to you and says that I am going to do only one term, that is a sign of desperation, Abati stated. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/ekiti-2026-oyebanji-declares-bid-for-second-term.html It will not work. Just like the gambit about serving food and carrying plates or doing boy-boy at parties that will be better organised by event organisers. It is also a sign of desperation. Peter Obi had recently reaffirmed his commitment to a one-term presidency if elected, a promise which has sparked mixed reactions from the public. The governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, also took a jab at Obi over the pledge. But Abati insisted that such stunts would not sway voters. According to him, Nigerias progress lies in political maturity and a shift away from ethnic and religious sentiments. If Nigerian people are politically educated to a point where they can vote for a competent person regardless of where he comes from or his religion, thats when the country will begin to move forward, Abati said. He concluded by urging Nigerians to look beyond populist antics and vote based on competence, not theatrics. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu does not intend to extend the state of emergency in Rivers State. Wike made this known on Monday, during his monthly press briefing in Abuja. Speaking on the legality of the emergency rule and the scheduled August 30 local government elections. Advertisement Wike explained that President Tinubu supports the polls as a way to restore democratic governance at the grassroots. He said, The President, in his wisdom to bring peace and restore democratic governance in local government, came again with another regulation in July that this election must be conducted within 30 days, because the President, from my understanding, does not want to extend the emergency rule. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/igbos-not-fulani-herdsmen-behind-killings-in-south-east-joe-igbokwe-insists.html Wike stressed that an extension would not be welcomed by the people of Rivers State. Extending the emergency rule will not be palatable to the people, he said. But then if you dont do local government election and leave the emergency rule, how will local governments now access funds? He also pointed out the legal implications of not conducting elections. When the governor cant appoint a caretaker committee based on Supreme Court judgment and they cant get money, is that not crisis? Dismissing claims that his loyalists were being strategically placed to win council seats, Wike said, I dont know who has defined who my loyalists are, but ignorance of the law is not an excuse. He concluded, Assuming there is no emergency rule, would local governments have accessed funds today? Will the states have accessed funds today? Certainly not so the emergency rule becomes imperative. Philadelphia has recorded the fewest homicides in recent memory this year a rate of violence that, after reaching record highs just three years ago, has plummeted to a pace the city has not seen since the 1960s. Violence in the city began to decline in 2023, and it has continued to fall ever since. Through July, 134 people were killed in homicides a striking drop compared to the 319 people killed during the same period in 2021. The decrease comes despite several high-profile shootings this summer that left children and teens maimed by bullets. And for the families that have experienced the violence firsthand over the last five years, the change brings little comfort. Still, it is progress. And as homicides have fallen, so, too, have shootings. This year the city is on pace to record the fewest number of people shot in the last decade. And while the number of victims has declined only slightly compared to last year, it has dropped by more than half compared to 2021, when the citys gun violence peaked. This is quite remarkable, Temple University criminologist Caterina Roman said remarkable that within five years, Philadelphia experienced the single greatest number of homicides and shootings in its history, and now, one of its lowest. Philadelphias waning violence mirrors that of other cities. Baltimore, New Orleans, Detroit, and New York City have all seen marked declines in violence amid what some criminologists have dubbed the Great Murder Decline. But the drop in homicides in Philadelphia over the last 18 months is among one of the most significant in the nation. And the reduction comes as the citys jail population is near its lowest level in recent memory, the police department remains understaffed, and officers are recovering fewer guns and stopping about half as many pedestrians as they were five years ago. Just as there was no clear explanation for the spike in crime, experts say its hard to pinpoint the reason for its decline. But criminologists and law enforcement officials offered some theories: the overall return to normal life post-pandemic, the expansion of community-based violence prevention programs, more arrests in shootings, and the recent dismantling of some of the citys most violent gangs. But if July is any indication, nothing about gun violence is certain. Forty-six people were shot over a July Fourth weekend that, between fireworks and celebratory cookouts, featured more than 100 bullets sprayed through a South Philadelphia block party, leaving 12 people shot and three young men dead. Just last week, as children played and swam in the pool at a West Philadelphia recreation center, gunfire erupted, leaving four kids wounded, including an 11-year-old and a 10-year-old. And some crimes like car theft and aggravated assault with a gun remain above pre-pandemic levels. Reported rapes are up slightly over 2024, but are still far below previous years. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said he is encouraged by the reduction in shootings, but remains concerned that certain areas of the city that have always been hot spots for crime parts of Hunting Park, Strawberry Mansion, Cobbs Creek continue to experience violence, albeit not as intensely as three years ago. And while the reduction in 2025 may seem like progress, he said, he like the families of homicide victims cannot ignore the violence of the last four years. Do we wipe away the ones that came the year before this, as if they dont exist? he said of the nearly 2,000 men, women, and children killed in four years. They dont go away. Still, Bethel said he and his staff arent taking the dip in crime for granted theyre studying the data, working to boost officer morale, and continuing enforcement: Traffic stops, which had plummeted, are at the highest pace since the pandemic. The homicide clearance rate is at an impressive 92% so far this year a number Bethel said he has never seen in his career and that is up from about 47% in 2022. Still, he said, police have to keep pushing. If you got the wind at your back, he said, then run, dammit. The ecosystem of life Experts who study crime trends have pointed to a wide range of possibilities for the decline. Jeff Asher, a New Orleans-based crime analyst, wrote that the increase in public spending during the pandemic, like repairing highways, community centers, and launching new grant programs, played a role. John Roman, the director of the Center on Public Safety and Justice at NORC at the University of Chicago, similarly believes that the role of government jobs and the reopening of city services post-pandemic positively shaped peoples lives, and prevented them from turning to crime. Bethel said the spike amid the pandemic showed what happens when the ecosystem of life the courts, the probation officers, the school counselors, all of the people who touch the lives of children and families through various forms of intervention, prevention, and enforcement shuts down. We know the value of it all, he said. If you got the wind at your back, then run, dammit. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel He also credited better coordination and communication among city, state, and federal officials invested in violence prevention. In 2009, when Bethel was a deputy police commissioner, he said it felt like the department was on an island when it came to battling crime, and that city and federal agencies worked as if they were competing and weathering a storm alone. Today, he said, the departments relationship with federal partners like the FBI, ATF, and the U.S. Marshals is the best I could ever remember in my career. Theres a lot more synergy right now, Bethel said. Caterina Roman, a professor of criminal justice at Temple University, credited how the city grew its network of prevention and intervention work, like the Gun Violence Intervention program for juveniles, a new version of Focused Deterrence, in which law enforcement provides extra surveillance of and services to teens suspected of gang activity. She also pointed to a pilot program in Germantown that provides job training and support for adults at high-risk of being victims or perpetrators of violence. Its not one strategy theyre doing, but its the confluence of smart policy and training from the beat officers all the way up," she said. How are we thinking about violence? How are we reporting on violence? How are we creating new priority areas and people? District Attorney Larry Krasner agreed. There is a unified front that prevention matters that I dont think people were willing to say before the pandemic, he said. Still, Roman said, its hard to know which programs had an impact. Philadelphia, she said, has not adequately evaluated many of its anti-violence initiatives to learn which were successful or need to be reshaped. Persistent problems While Philadelphia has made strides, there have been several incidents this year in which people were shot while attending holiday block parties and gatherings. On Memorial Day weekend, 11 people were shot on Lemon Hill, and over the July Fourth holiday, 20 people were shot in separate gunfire at a South Philadelphia bar and a block party. And, during the last week of July, there were three shootings with four or more victims including five children under 12. Those incidents underscore what remains a persistent problem in the city, particularly since the pandemic: shootings with multiple victims. Since 2020, an Inquirer analysis of police data shows, there have been 30 shooting incidents with more than five victims. Those crimes alone, often at cookouts and social gatherings during holiday weekends, left 200 people shot and 24 dead. Bethel said such shootings arent unique to this year. In many of the incidents, including the Lemon Hill and Grays Ferry shootings, there was an exchange of gunfire, with shooters firing back and forth at one another. And Krasner pointed to the prevalence of switches, devices that allow firearms to shoot at a faster rate. More bullets, he said, means more victims. Hopeful neighbors Residents in some of the neighborhoods hardest hit by violence said they can feel the difference. Nizja Faison, 27, has lived on the 4300 block of Franklin Street in Hunting Park his entire life and said he has always felt safe during the day. Its the night, he said, that can bring conflict and troubled teens in the neighborhood. Just last month, Faison said, he saw a group of teens with guns get into a fight, and one pistol-whipped another. (Aggravated assault with a gun remains elevated above pre-pandemic levels, data show.) But gun violence overall in the area has gone down. Along four blocks of West Bristol Street, which runs perpendicular to Franklin and attracts drug dealers, 10 people were shot in 2022, data show. So far this year, there have been no shootings. The change has allowed Faison and his neighbors space to breathe, he said, to sit on their porches and let children play outside. There are so many good people who want to keep the neighborhood safe, he said. Among them are Lee Bailey and his mother, Rosa Smith. Neighbors banded together two years ago to get the city to shut down a speakeasy that was attracting crime, they said. And earlier this year, they said, residents approached a group of young men selling drugs on their corner and persuaded them to move elsewhere. Were not gonna allow that here, said Bailey, 35. Too many people have kids, too many people have been on this block for too long. If neighbors dont band together to push for change, he said it doesnt get done. He said he hasnt seen an increased police presence in the area. And for Deandre Leon, it will take more than a few years of reduced violence to feel convinced that he is safe. Leon, 22, said he lost 10 friends to shootings in the last five years. Theres Diyaan, Tahmair, and Michael. Nazir and Khalil. The violence, he said, has only burned out because theres nobody left. And the underlying forces that drive violence underfunded schools, drugs, poverty, teens with broken homes and little hope remain unchanged, he said. He knows, he said, because hes lived it. Nathan Blose is escorted into a courtroom at the Montgomery County courthouse during his trial on strangulation and simple assault charges. Read more Jason Joyce had only been in state prison for 36 hours when he had to fight for his life, he said Tuesday at the start of the trial for the man accused of strangling him. Joyce, 53, said he begged his cellmate at the State Corrections Institute at Phoenix to release him from the chokehold that was cutting off his oxygen. Advertisement Please dont do this, Joyce said he told Nathan Blose in October. I dont want to die. Blose, 41, did release Joyce, who survived with burst blood vessels in his eyes and injuries to his neck. And now the Northeast Pennsylvania native faces a Montgomery County jury this week on charges of strangulation and simple assault. But Bloses crimes didnt end there, prosecutors say: Two days later, they said, Blose killed his next cellmate. His murder trial in connection with that alleged crime will be held later this year, leaving jurors to consider only the attack on Joyce. Assistant District Attorney Robert George urged the jury to find Blose guilty of both charges, saying the crime was sudden, unprovoked, and debilitating. I want you to recognize the reprehensible actions of the defendant, he said, and I ask you to hold him accountable for them. Bloses attorney, Scott Frame, said the case against his client had been built entirely on the word of Joyce, who he said was unreliable and had given conflicting information to the police. Frame said the two men got into a fight inside their cell, and Joyce lost. He criticized investigators for not gathering more evidence and relying too heavily on Joyces account of what happened. Joyce testified that he was inside the cell he shared with Blose on Oct. 30, sitting at a desk and filling out paperwork. There was no tension or animosity between them, he said. (Joyce was serving a two-to-four year sentence at the time for violating his probation in a 2016 drug case in Philadelphia, court records show.) Without warning, he said, Blose wrapped his arm around Joyces neck and put him in a choke hold. Joyce briefly lost consciousness and woke up on the floor of the cell, he said, still being choked and struggling to breathe. Joyce was able to pull Bloses arm away enough to speak, he said, and he pleaded with Blose to let him go. He said Blose told him to shut up or hed break his neck. And by the grace of God, Joyce said, he let me go. He said Blose told him to tell the guards he was feeling suicidal so hed be removed from the cell. Instead, Joyce reported the attack and was taken to Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital for treatment. At the time, Blose was serving a 3- to seven-year sentence after being convicted of firearms violations in September 2020. The charges stemmed from an incident in October 2019, when Blose was admitted to the emergency room at St. Lukes Miners Memorial Hospital in Coaldale, Schuylkill County, according to court records. A doctor at the hospital found that Blose was carrying a loaded handgun while examining him. Police came to arrest Blose when they found he did not have a permit to carry the weapon, and Blose headbutted and injured one of the officers while trying to fight him off. Two days after strangling Joyce, prosecutors say Blose attacked his new cellmate. But that man, Shaun Harden, was unable to fight him off, they said. Guards found Harden, of Nemacolin, Greene County, face down and covered with a bedsheet during an early-morning check of his cell on Nov. 1. His skin was gray, and he had blood on his face, with more pooled beneath him, according to investigators. Efforts to revive Harden, 45, were unsuccessful, and he was later pronounced dead by a prison doctor. An autopsy revealed that Harden had hemorrhages on his neck, chest, and back, and his cause of death was ruled to be multiple injuries. Harden had been transferred to SCI Phoenix hours before his death from another state prison where he had been serving a four- to eight-year sentence for molesting an 11-year-old girl and two boys, 11 and 12. Bloses trial in the attack on Joyce is expected to conclude Wednesday before Montgomery County Court Judge Thomas DelRicci. A 33-year-old veterinarian in New Jersey and her 29-year-old boyfriend, a volunteer firefighter, were killed by her ex-boyfriend, a New Jersey State Police trooper, who then fatally shot himself, authorities alleged Monday. Lauren Semanchik, of Pittstown, and Tyler Webb, of Forked River, were found dead on Saturday afternoon at her home on Upper Kingtown Road in Franklin Township, the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office said. Advertisement As detectives were investigating their deaths, authorities learned that Ricardo Jorge Santos, a lieutenant with the New Jersey State Police, was found dead inside a white 2008 Mercedes SUV in Johnson Park in Piscataway, Middlesex County, the prosecutors office said. Santos sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound, which the Middlesex County Medical Examiners Office has preliminarily determined to be a suicide, the prosecutors office said. A semiautomatic handgun was found inside the Mercedes. The New York Times and other news outlets reported that Santos had previously served as a supervisor on the New Jersey governors protection detail. Mahen Gunaratna, spokesman for Gov. Phil Murphy, said in an e-mailed statement: We are shocked and devastated by this horrific tragedy. Due to the law enforcement investigation currently underway, we will refrain from further comment at this time. The prosecutors office said that after Semanchik ended her relationship with Santos around September 2024, Semanchik alleged that Santos engaged in continued harassing and controlling behavior. At some point, Semanchik installed a video surveillance recording system in her vehicle, which detectives accessed and reviewed. Video shows Semanchiks vehicle leaving the Long Valley Animal Hospital, where she worked, around 5:25 p.m. Friday and a white 2008 Mercedes SUV is seen leaving a parking space and closely following Semanchik to her home on Upper Kingtown Road until she turns into her driveway shortly before 6 p.m., the prosecutors office said. At approximately 6:11 p.m., while Semanchiks vehicle is parked, an individual is seen surreptitiously walking through the wooded area along the driveway leading up to the residence. And at approximately 6:45 p.m., Webbs vehicle arrives at the residence and parks next to Semanchiks vehicle, the prosecutors office said. Detectives said the white 2008 Mercedes SUV that followed Semanchik is the same vehicle in which Santos was found dead in Piscataway. On Friday evening, Hunterdon County Communications received 911 calls reporting audible gunshots and screaming in the area of Upper Kingtown Road, but responding police could not find the source of the gunshots or screaming, the prosecutors office said. The investigation is ongoing. Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renee Robeson said in a statement: We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Dr. Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, whose lives were tragically taken in an act of domestic violence. This senseless and devastating loss has deeply affected our entire community. Robeson added: Considering the suspects subsequent suicide, we recognize that many questions remain, and healing will take time. While justice in the legal sense may not proceed, our commitment to supporting survivors and preventing future tragedies remains unwavering. Long Valley Animal Hospital on Sunday evening posted a statement on Facebook acknowledging Semanchiks death and announcing that the hospital would be closed for the week. Not only was Lauren a phenomenal veterinarian, she was one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter and a friend to us all, the hospital said. A GoFundMe was established to help Semanchiks family. Tyler Webb began his journey with the Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company as a teenager, joining through the Boy Scouts of America Venture Crew program. On his 18th birthday, he proudly became a full member and attended the fire academy beginning what would become an extraordinary 11 years of dedicated service, the volunteer fire company posted on Facebook. Robeson said in her statement: We urge anyone experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse to seek help and know they are not alone. Resources are available, and there is strength in reaching out. Together, we will continue to work toward a safer future for all. Kate Murphy of Berwyn, a parent and former Tredyffrin/Easttown school board member, reached a settlement agreement with the district for services for one of her children who was struggling to read. Read more As she tried to determine why her child was struggling to read as an older elementary student, the mother identified flaws with instruction in the Council Rock School District from curriculum, to a lack of staff trained in a method designed for dyslexic students. She thought the district would fix the problems. Instead, it agreed to pay for what her child needed but didnt change its programs. Advertisement They just want to make me quiet, and for me to go away, and then just continue on, the mother said. The mother, who spoke to The Inquirer on the condition of anonymity because she isnt allowed to reveal the terms of the settlement she reached with Council Rock, is one of hundreds of Philadelphia-area parents who have made similar deals with school districts after challenging the adequacy of their special education services. The battles are playing out behind closed doors, waged by lawyers. Critics say school districts are spending millions of dollars to place children in private schools and compensate families for insufficient programs but often without remedying the deficiencies that led parents to sue in the first place. School officials and special education lawyers say that in a chronically underfunded special education system which faces mounting pressures as increasing numbers of children are being identified as requiring services making sweeping changes can be a daunting, sometimes impossible proposition. Settlement agreements, they say, are often the most cost-effective way to give children what they need. Yet how exactly the agreements are reached and what theyre costing taxpayers is obscured from public view. Close to half the 62 school districts in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties refused to release redacted agreements to The Inquirer, citing federal student privacy protections. Some districts did provide cost information, including Radnor, Tredyffrin/Easttown, Central Bucks, and Haverford, which all reported awarding more than $5 million in special education settlements over three years, starting in September 2021. Those costs are why school districts have an interest in keeping agreements private, by including confidentiality provisions that bar parents from disclosing their terms. Its the same kind of value a large corporation would have in settling because of a defective product, said Andrew Faust, an attorney with the Sweet Stevens law farm, which represents numerous area districts in special education cases. You dont want to encourage other lawsuits. Parents say it can take an intense, prolonged, and socially isolating fight to get a settlement. Some also say the secretive nature of the agreements allows schools to evade accountability. They make an offer to settle, so this never comes to light, and they continue to look good, said a parent in a Main Line school district who reached a settlement and spoke to The Inquirer on the condition their name and district not be identified, for fear of retaliation. But theyre not. A rich-get-richer system To get a settlement with a school district over special education, first a child has to be identified by the district as requiring services with an individualized education plan spelling out how the school will meet the students needs. If parents disagree with what a district offers, they can take legal action by filing a due process complaint. That can trigger formal hearings, which result in public decisions issued by hearing officers. But the vast majority of complaints are resolved through privately negotiated settlements. As a result, most disputes around special education are happening out of the public eye, with little known about parents allegations or what districts are paying out. Its something almost no one knows anything systematic, objective, and complete about, said Perry Zirkel, a professor emeritus of education and law at Lehigh University. In the Philadelphia collar counties, where special education-focused law firms have proliferated, lawyers say affluent parents, who know their rights and have the means to hire attorneys, are more likely to sue than poor ones. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act the 1975 federal law entitling students to special education services has never been fully funded by Congress, leaving schools vulnerable to litigation when theyre strapped to deliver the free appropriate public education the law requires, Faust said. The IDEA is a very much a rich-get-richer, poor-get-poorer statute, Faust said, because unlike other civil rights laws, it relies on parents, not the government, to enforce it. Even for advantaged parents, though, it takes a high degree of knowledge to sue a school district, said Kate Murphy, a parent and former Tredyffrin/Easttown school board member. Murphy reached an agreement with the district for services for one of her children, who was struggling to read. At one point, Murphy said, an administrator told her: Maybe hes not a reader. It was like they were absolving themselves of the responsibility to teach him, said Murphy, who had already watched one of her older children struggle. As a board member, she was also hearing complaints from parents that the districts reading instruction was out of step with the growing science-of-reading movement. Tredyffrin/Easttown spokesperson Chris Connolly said that hearing officers sided with the district in six due-process cases brought by parents since the 2022-23 school year challenging the districts reading and language arts programs. The district works to address each students needs and amicably reaches agreements about the appropriate placement and programming for their children, including private schools and tutoring, Connolly said. Murphy ultimately pulled her son out of the district, sending him to AIM Academy, a private school for children with language-based learning differences. She subsequently got an agreement. I dont know what normal parents do, Murphy said, noting that she had time she wasnt working and expertise, from being on the school board. Despite that, I still feel like I did something wrong by challenging the school district, she said. Significant costs for districts There can be wide variation in what school districts spend on special education settlements. In the affluent Radnor Township School District, which enrolls 3,600 students, the district reached 76 settlements between September 2021 and August 2024, totaling nearly $6 million, according to district officials. Radnors 2025-26 budget for special education is $7.2 million, including settlement costs. Our settlements are not reflective of systemic issues within our districts special education program, said Radnor spokesperson Theji Brennan. Rather, they often reflect a mutual decision by both parties to resolve a matter efficiently and privately, without increased taxpayer expense or extended timeline of litigation or exposure of our families. In the poorer Coatesville Area School District which has 2,500 students enrolled in district schools there were 18 settlements, costing $460,000, over that same period. Neither district provided The Inquirer with their settlement agreements, but were among a handful of districts that supplied the number of agreements and their costs. Below is an example of a special education settlement agreement, from the Upper Dublin School District. The Inquirer did not seek agreements from Philadelphia, given the districts size. A lawyer for the district said it had 2,473 settlements during the three years; costs were not readily available. Agreements dont offer specifics about a childs disability, and dont provide a full picture of what school districts are paying. In many cases, schools offer compensatory education, providing money that families can use for tutoring, therapy, and other services. The money is typically held by districts until families seek reimbursement, and sometimes they dont fully use it, according to lawyers. In other cases, districts agree to pay a students private school tuition, or a portion of it. Some settlements specify the price of that tuition, but others do not. Still, the records reflect significant costs. The Pennsbury School District, for instance, agreed to pay $767,000 for a student to attend a private school over five years; three other agreements included costs ranging from $300,000 to $400,000. Settlements can include tuition for out-of-state schools. The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District agreed to pay $121,000 for a students tuition and services at a Utah school that offers residential treatment; it also committed $200,000 to send a student to a Connecticut boarding school targeting children with ADHD and dyslexia. John Sanville, who retired in July as Unionville-Chadds Fords superintendent, said those placements were likely due to specific needs. You do a cost-benefit analysis: Is it more important to win, in a due-process situation? Or is it more important to settle a disagreement? Sanville said. If a parent prevails in a due-process hearing, the district must pay their attorneys fees which can be extensive, Sanville said, and that incentivizes districts to settle. (Settlements often also include agreements by districts to pay some attorneys fees.) Faust, who represents several districts, said there was no question that settlements are costing the districts a lot of money. It really comes down to a hard economic decision. Its not a kid-based decision, and thats sad, he said. Battles between parents and districts School districts differ in their willingness to award private-school tuition, said Maria Vetter, an advocate for students with disabilities who has also worked in districts. If a student is young and seeking a placement, districts will consider how long they might be responsible for those costs, Vetter said. Some districts consider how many students theyre already paying to attend a given private school and may not want to place another child there, despite a familys request, she said. But districts can be motivated to send a student elsewhere if they know a family will fight, year after year, Vetter said. Lawyers say certain districts are also more likely to battle. The more economically advantaged the school district, the more they will fight, said Daniel Cooper, a lawyer who represents parents in special education disputes across the region. In Council Rock, Roy Rakszawski said he faced fierce resistance from administrators and felt the district rejected his requests for placement without seriously considering the facts of his childrens cases. Parents often have to place their children in private school at their own expense, hire a lawyer, and hope for the best, said Rakszawski, who said hes spoken with other district families with similar experiences. No parent should have to work that hard, and risk that much, to get what their child needs, Rakszawski said. He reached a settlement with Council Rock but isnt allowed to disclose the terms. A superintendent himself in central Pennsylvania, Rakszawski said he tried to track how often Council Rock reaches settlements, but what appears on school board agendas isnt always clear. The district did not provide records to The Inquirer. A spokesperson said Council Rock prides itself on providing exceptional support and educational opportunities for all students, including those with special needs, and that the vast majority of families were satisfied. There are myriad reasons why families and districts seek and enter into agreements, and most dont reflect failures in district programming, said the spokesperson, Andrea Mangold. At a school board meeting in March, Council Rock solicitor Peter Amuso said there were more than 20 pending settlements, and 30 to 40 active special education cases. The month before, Amuso told school board members that Council Rocks settlement costs in 2023 under a prior law firm had topped $2 million, along with more than $256,000 in fees to district lawyers. In 2024, meanwhile, settlement costs were just over $500,000, but the district paid nearly $490,000 in legal fees. These lower costs are the result of more work, Amuso said. A necessary option, or a Band-Aid? The Main Line parent who spoke to The Inquirer on the condition of anonymity placed their child in a private school away from friends, and a top-ranked district without knowing if they would get a settlement. If you dont have the money to pull your kid out, and send them somewhere, for 50 grand a year, what do you do? the parent said, noting that parents have to meticulously track everything they spend in order to get reimbursed. Even if parents want their districts to make systemic changes, they can feel forced to settle, because after years of fighting, you just want it to be over, the parent said. Lawyers acknowledged parental frustration, but said settlements represent the best outcome for many children, barring a significant infusion of funding. Even if we had all the money in the world theres a serious question of whether we could find the people, Faust said, noting shortages of special education staff. Vetter, the parents advocate, said that while theres inequity in the settlement system, theres inequity all over the place. Schools, especially wealthier districts, are often reluctant to admit wrongdoing, she said. Without settlements, it would hurt a lot of kids ability to get to the right programs, Vetter said. Parents like the Council Rock mother say their districts are resisting change. Council Rock teachers union minutes from 2024 indicate teachers sought training in the Wilson Reading System, a program aimed at struggling readers, but the district denied it. The districts answer seems to be to allow parents to hire outside trained individuals to teach students during the school day, according to April 2024 minutes. In minutes the next month, a union representative said there was too little training on special education and reading programs: Teachers are given a book and asked to train themselves. (Mangold said the minutes were outside of the purview of district administration to comment on.) As she asked more questions, the mother said, she learned her childs teachers were using a curriculum that wasnt evidence-based, but something created by another teacher. Her child had been identified as needing intensive support, yet teachers hadnt been trained in a program that could help, the mother said. Taking legal action, and getting a settlement, was an absolute last resort after negotiation with the district failed, she said. They dont want to actually fix this, she said. They just want to put a Band-Aid on it even though theyre really not providing legally what they should, and what the kids really need. The decision could lead more suburban healthcare providers to use patient waivers that keep malpractice lawsuits out of Philadelphia. Read more A patient at a Bucks County pain management office signed a waiver just before getting a spinal implant in October 2021 saying she would only sue in that county if anything went wrong. After the surgery went badly and the woman was paralyzed from the chest down, she filed a medical malpractice lawsuit in Philadelphia. Advertisement That doesnt fly, according to a state appeals court. In a precedential decision last week, Pennsylvania Superior Court backed a trial court order transferring the case to Doylestown. The appellate court said the waiver which counts as a contract trumped civil procedure rules that would have allowed the case to be heard in Philadelphia. The ruling is important following a rule change at the beginning of 2023 that allowed more cases to be filed in the city rather than the county where the incident occurred. The decision could lead more suburban healthcare providers to use patient waivers that keep malpractice lawsuits out of Philadelphia, where juries sometimes grant huge verdicts. The lawyer who filed the lawsuit in Philadelphia, Thomas W. Sheridan, called the Superior Court decision significant and said it points to an issue that will likely need to be resolved by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Its important for people who are injured to knowingly waive their rights, and I dont think that happened in this case, Sheridan said. In this case, the patient had visited this doctor numerous times before he operated on her spinal cord, he said, and at no time before that procedure was there any discussion about limiting her right to choose where she could bring a lawsuit. Sheridan said Sunday that he and his client had not yet decided whether to appeal to the states highest court. Before the surgery, the woman signed a one-page form with eight paragraphs of text. Under the seventh paragraph, there was a place to put her initials objecting to the restriction on where she could sue. She left that space blank. Its not clear from the Superior Court decision whether the doctor would have performed the procedure anyway, even if she had signaled her objection to the Bucks County restriction. Curt Schroder, executive director of the Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform, a Harrisburg trade group that favors restrictions on where lawsuits can be filed, said the decision was a confirmation of contractual law over procedural rules. Today we see more and more contractual venue provisions contained in medical documents. This case verifies their enforceability, he said. Staff writer Abraham Gutman contributed to this article. Rory, a 4-year-old Amur tiger, is to be paired with either Wiz or Dimitri, a pair of 13-year-old Amur tiger brothers at the Philadelphia Zoo, as part of an endangered species survival program. Read more Philadelphias big cat population has officially increased by two. Thats thanks to the Philadelphia Zoos newest residents, Rory, a 4-year-old Amur tiger, and Rafferty, an 8-year-old Amur leopard. The pair arrived in Philly early this summer as part of an endangered species survival program, and are now available for viewing in their habitats at Big Cat Falls, the zoo said in a statement. Advertisement The cats came to the zoo on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan Program, which aims to protect threatened and endangered species from extinction. Amur tigers such as Rory are considered to be endangered, with wild populations estimated at less than 500 animals. Raffertys species, the Amur leopard, is estimated to have a population of less than 150, making it critically endangered. One of our most important roles is to protect endangered species from extinction, said the zoos vice president of animal well-being and conservation Rachel Metz. We are excited to welcome these two beautiful big cats to their new home and are equally excited for our guests to meet them. Generally, new animals at the zoo go into quarantine before being exhibited full time. In July, both cats began appearing more frequently, and have been in their homes and in public view more regularly the last two weeks, the zoo said. Both species are native to Russias Amur River Valley near the Chinese border, and face the threat of extinction due to factors such as poaching and habitat loss, the zoo said. The plan is to pair Rory and Rafferty with potential mates of their respective species who already call the Philadelphia Zoo home. Rory will be paired with either Wiz or Dimitri, a pair of 13-year-old Amur tiger brothers. She was born in July 2021 at Ohios Toledo Zoo, and is considered fully grown at 300 pounds. Her whiskers, the zoo said, are longer than those of any of the Philadelphia Zoos other tigers. Rafferty is to be partnered with 11-year-old Kira, the zoos other Amur leopard. Born in February 2017 at Utahs Hogle Zoo, he previously fathered cubs at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse in 2019. His eyes, the zoo said, are two different colors, and are being monitored by caregivers to ensure his health. Neither of the new big cats has yet been introduced to their prospective mates just yet, but animal care workers at the zoo are monitoring them for signs that should happen. In past years, the zoo has had success in breeding both species, with Amur leopard cubs being born there in 2000 and 2002, and a litter of Amur tigers arriving in 2017. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will welcome cubs in the coming years, Metz said. Earlier this year, the zoo saw the arrival of seven Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings, marking the first time that species was bred and hatched at the zoo in its 150-year history. Something broke within me recently when I saw a video of clearly emaciated men scared and desperate scrambling to escape the deadly chaos of a shambolic Gaza Humanitarian Foundation food distribution site. Up until then, I cringed at the term genocide being used to describe Israels actions in Gaza; I preferred the terms war crimes or ethnic cleansing as a more apt description for the horrors we were all watching unfold. Advertisement When challenged about this, I routinely responded that I didnt believe genocide was an appropriate description yet, but it certainly looked like things were heading that way, and there were definitely genocidal actors within the far-right Israeli leadership. I have a strong ancestral connection with Israel, generally, and with liberal Zionists there, in particular; one of my forebears was a founder of that movement, which believes deeply in a two-state solution and the importance of Arabs and Jews living together in working-class solidarity. So, for lots of reasons, I did not endorse anyone tossing around the term genocide lightly. Then, in February, President Donald Trump posted his notorious AI video that illustrated his psychotic dream of an ethnically cleansed Gaza. This was no joke. This was a clear statement of policy. In my routine reading of Israeli media outlets, I was horrified to discover that even center-left outlets were dismissing the video, while right-leaning media celebrated it. It was then clear to me that genocide was imminent. More recently, after seeing the torrent of videos of chaos and famine, I hung my head in the shameful realization that it is undeniable that Israel is committing genocide on its Gazan neighbors. I could hear my departed fathers voice: Its a shonda a disgrace for the neighbors. I am not religious, but I have always connected strongly with my Jewish identity and values. I still consider myself a Zionist, even though I think the term is an anachronism because the goal of Zionism was achieved with the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. And I still believe a two-state solution is the only viable policy for peace in the territory. With all of that in mind, it is essential for me to acknowledge that Israels conduct in Gaza is a Chillul Hashem a desecration of Gods law and a stain on the Jewish people. I dont think I can ever forgive the extreme voices on the left in this country that out of ignorance or antisemitism ostracized liberal Israelis and progressive Zionists, keeping them from fully joining the movement to end the barbarism of the Gaza war. I still believe a two-state solution is the only viable policy for peace in the territory. Those same extremists also helped to elect a Trump administration that aligns with the most far-right fringes of Israeli politics. They bear tremendous responsibility for where we are today. But it is past time for everyone of good conscience to unite against the atrocities the White House is enabling, and demand peace and reconciliation abroad and at home. Absent this effort, I fear the genocide in Gaza will haunt us all until the end of our days. If you have an idea for a drawing, editorial cartoon, multipanel comic strip, or other illustration that might serve as a visual op-ed, please email oped@inquirer.com. Donald Trump speaks at a 2024 campaign town hall in Oaks. The Trump administration is reversing the government's efforts to make our air safer to breathe and water safer to drink, writes the Editorial Board. Read more Way back in what now seems like ages ago, magic was popular in nightclubs, on TV, sometimes even at friends parties if someone knew a few card tricks. No matter where the acts were performed, a legerdemains success typically depended on the illusionists ability to divert attention from what their hands were doing right in front of an audiences eyes. Theres a master magician in the White House right now. Less than a year into his presidency, Donald Trump has so many plates spinning precariously on sticks that its hard to focus on any one of them. Advertisement Making matters worse, the news media fall for the latest misdirection and too often give short shrift to important stories that demand more of Americans undivided attention. Take, for example, the Trump administrations mission to reverse what had been the governments thoughtful approach to making our air safer to breathe and water safer to drink. Like a CEO more concerned with his companys bottom line than any harm that might result, Trump has directed the Environmental Protection Agency to stop enforcing dozens of federal rules enacted to save lives. We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion to drive down the cost of living for American families, unleash American energy, bring auto jobs back to the U.S., and more, said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Similar to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Zeldin seems to have been chosen by Trump to dismantle the agency he now directs rather than fulfill its mission. Zeldin announced in July that he is shutting down the EPAs Office of Research and Development (ORD), a move favored by the American Chemistry Council, a trade group of more than 80 oil, refining, and mining associations that often disagree with EPA assessments of their products health risks. H. Christopher Frey, who was President Joe Bidens assistant EPA administrator in charge of development, says the quality of science conducted by ORD through its Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) is a poster case study of science thats subject to intense scrutiny. What the industry does is try to engage in a proxy war over policy by attacking the science, Frey said. IRIS assessments outlining the dangers of formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, arsenic, and other chemicals were expected to lead to regulatory actions by the Biden administration, but thats unlikely with Zeldin calling the shots for Trump. Also likely to be abandoned is a Biden administration lawsuit filed against a neoprene manufacturer suspected of polluting the air near homes and schools in Saint John the Baptist Parish, La., with chloroprene, a known carcinogen. Theyve been trying for years to shut down IRIS, Darya Minovi, a Union of Concerned Scientists senior analyst, told Inside Climate News, because when IRIS conducts its independent scientific assessments using a great amount of rigor you get stronger regulations, and that is not in the best interest of the big business polluters and those who have a financial stake in the EPAs demise. The Union of Concerned Scientists says more than 400 firings, funding cuts, and other attacks on science occurred in the first six months of the Trump administration, which has led to a dramatic decrease in federal grants for research on topics including cancer, infectious disease, and environmental health. Zeldin wont admit hes helping Trump undermine the EPA. He instead described the elimination of ORD as one of numerous organizational improvements that will deliver $748.8 million in savings to taxpayers. But Trumps reduction-in-force measures, combined with earlier departures and layoffs, have cut the EPAs workforce by 23%, to 12,448, its lowest level since 1986. Such a dramatic reduction in staff will unquestionably hamper the EPAs ability to protect Americans from environmental risks. Zeldin says ORD will be replaced by a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, but it will be smaller than ORD and focus primarily on coastal areas and drinking water safety. So, chemical companies, rest easy. You will be under much less scrutiny. Its important that all of us try to tune out less meaningful distractions in the news and place more focus on what is happening to federal agencies created to protect us from environmental and other dangers. Understand, too, that many federal workers are afraid to speak out. Trump placed 139 EPA employees on administrative leave in July for signing a letter to Zeldin voicing concern for his policies. Were witnessing a willful disregard for scientific consensus, the reversal of decades of vital environmental regulations, the dismantling of the EPAs crucial research arm, and a pervasive culture of fear taking hold across the agency, said Justin Chen, president of the union that represents EPA workers. You might expect the type of repression Chen describes in an autocratic nation that allows the subjugation of workers to protect businesses profits. But this is America. We can do better, and we should, by first ignoring the less important distractions that capture our attention daily online and on TV and focusing more clearly on what is happening in plain sight, every day, right before our eyes. Jose Alvarado will be eligible to return from his suspension on Aug. 19 but is ineligible to pitch in the playoffs. Read more Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado will be at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday for the first time since he was suspended on May 18 for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Throughout his 80-game suspension, which will officially end on Aug. 19, Alvarado has been working out and throwing on his own in Venezuela. He has stayed in contact with members of the Phillies organization, but has not returned to Philadelphia since he was suspended. Advertisement He is eligible for a rehab assignment before being reinstated. He will be ineligible to pitch in the postseason. READ MORE: Inside the Phillies scramble to produce Jhoan Durans walk-out show, and what could be next Been a long 80 days without him, said manager Rob Thomson. Hes not only a talent, but he brings so much energy to the field and the clubhouse. Its really good to have him around. When Alvarado returns, he will rejoin a transformed bullpen. With the addition of Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline, the Phillies no longer use the closer-by-committee strategy. Instead, Duran is the official closer, taking the ninth inning in save situations. Other high-leverage arms like Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, and soon likely Alvarado, slide up to earlier innings. It helps guys out there to know their roles and have a good idea of when theyre going to pitch, catcher J.T. Realmuto said. And we have somebody like that in the ninth inning that you know is going to get the ball every time. It just backs everybody up an inning and lets them have a good idea of when theyre going to pitch. Thomson said he plans to ease Alvarado back into leverage situations, anticipating an adjustment period when Alvarado goes from batting practice and bullpen sessions to facing hitters in games. I think [Alvarado] helps, Thomson said. But I think theyve done pretty well without him, to tell you the truth. Weve won a lot of games without him, but he certainly is going to bring more energy, and hes going to bring another really, really good arm. On Sunday night, Durans fastball clocked in at 103.3 mph, becoming the hardest pitch ever thrown by a Phillies player. The record of 102.5 mph had previously been held by Alvarado. In fact, Duran broke the record twice in the same outing, also hitting 102.7 mph on the radar gun. READ MORE: An inside look at why Phillies closer Jhoan Durans signature splinker is such an effective pitch It feels normal for me, Duran said. I dont think about it too much, how fast Im throwing. Its more like if I can control the fastball. Entering Monday, Duran had appeared in two of the Phillies last three games. Thomson said that while Duran had not pitched three consecutive games for Minnesota, he had pitched in four out of five games on several occasions. Thomson said he would be comfortable doing that, so long as Duran said he felt good. Injury updates Joe Ross (back spasms) was back at Citizens Bank Park on Monday after making two appearances for triple-A Lehigh Valley on a rehab assignment. Thomson expects him to be reactivated on Tuesday. Alec Bohm (fractured rib) hit off the pitching machine on Monday and completed a full workout. READ MORE: Phillies Extra Q&A: Mike Lieberthal on his Jimmy Rollins memories, his Office bobblehead, and more I talked to him after his workout [Sunday], he said it was the best day yet, Thomson said. Felt really good. In fact, he went in, got some treatment, went back down to the cage after I talked to him, did some more hits. So thats a good sign. Extra bases Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.82 ERA) is scheduled to start Tuesday opposite Baltimore right-hander Dean Kramer (8-7, 4.27). Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro addresses the people at the Philly Stands With Israel Rally at the Saligman campus in Havertown on Oct. 9, 2023. Read more Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday called for the United States to dramatically increase aid to Gaza as he joins a national conversation about the deepening humanitarian crisis there as the death toll of Palestinians waiting for food and other aid grows. I think it is fair to say that Im both praying for the return of the hostages and praying to make sure that these kids get fed in Gaza, Shapiro said. The fact that kids are starving in Gaza is not OK. Advertisement He said the United States has a moral responsibility to flood the zone with aid and make sure those children that need to be fed get the food and the nourishment and the medicines that they need to be able to survive this through a safe distribution plan. Shapiro has been open about his support for Israels existence as a Jewish state as well as his opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition government. Among other criticism, Shapiro has called Netanyahu a failed leader, who took Israel in a very dangerous direction by embracing right-wing politics before the Oct. 7 attack. The Pennsylvania governor and potential 2028 Democratic Party presidential candidate has repeatedly said he believes in a two-state solution that allows Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, though he faced pushback from progressive advocates for not calling for a ceasefire in the fallout of Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel and for his opposition to pro-Palestinian encampments on university campuses. The governor spoke at length when asked about Gaza by The Inquirer after an unrelated news conference on Tuesday. His remarks in support of aid for Gaza align with shifting public discourse that has become more sympathetic to Palestinians. The United Nations reported on July 29 that there is mounting evidence that widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths in Gaza. I think everyone has a moral responsibility to figure out how to feed these kids, Shapiro said Tuesday. Elected officials who have long been vocally supportive of Israel in its war against Hamas have taken a harsher tone toward the country in recent weeks, including President Donald Trump, who recently acknowledged the starvation in Gaza and urged Netanyahu to ensure that people in Gaza get food. The shift comes as a recent Gallup poll shows a 10 percentage point decline in Americans approval of Israels war in Gaza to 32%, the lowest it has been since the poll began in November 2023. On Tuesday, Shapiro first called on Hamas to immediately return the nearly 50 hostages still in captivity before quickly pivoting his remarks to children in Gaza. The governor said, It is true that Hamas intercepts aid and that the aid network is not as sophisticated as it needs to be. Recent reports citing Israeli officials say theres no proof that Hamas routinely stole United Nations aid, but evidence does show that the militant group stole aid from smaller organizations. Shapiro denounced Netanyahus recent assertion that there is no starvation in Gaza as just wrong. The governor also echoed his past criticism of Trumps idea to drive out Palestinians to create a Riviera in Gaza that the president suggested earlier this year. It is awful what is happening in Gaza, and we all have a responsibility to be there for those children, he said. The rhetoric coming from Prime Minister Netanyahu only creates less stability and security for Israel, who is a critical ally of the United States, whose democracy is important, that it be present and flourish in the Middle East, he added. I think we have a national security interest in that. Shapiro, one of the most prominent Jewish politicians in the country, and the third Jewish governor in commonwealth history, has embraced his faith as a way of connecting with others. His support for Israel was scrutinized while he was under consideration to be former Vice President Kamala Harris 2024 running mate, which brought allegations of antisemitism since his views largely aligned with Harris and other contenders for the spot. Exterior view of the Pennsylvania State Museum which is part of the Pennsylvania State Archive facilities is shown Tuesday, Dec. 3 , 2016 in Harrisburg, Pa. The museum has closed its Native American exhibit to comply with a federal law requiring the repatriation of artifacts. Read more The Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisburg has closed its Native American exhibit, as it reviews thousands of artifacts for compliance with a federal law mandating the repatriation of human remains and funerary objects. The exhibit was temporarily closed to the public in May to allow staff to identify objects subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), PennLive reported Monday. Advertisement NAGPRA, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, requires that federal agencies or institutions that receive federal funding identify any human remains or funerary objects in their collections and return them to tribal nations. In 2024, revisions to the law enacted under former President Joe Biden strengthened tribal nations authority and set a five-year deadline for institutions to consult with tribal leaders and update their inventories. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, which operates the museum, holds 908 individual remains and 79,628 funerary objects in its collection, according to a National Park Service database. In January, a ProPublica analysis found that the museums collection of unrepatriated Native American remains was the 21st largest in the country. The National Park Service database also reports that multiple Philadelphia-area institutions are in possession of human remains and funerary objects, including the Mutter Museum, the Temple University Department of Anthropology, and the Penn Museum. State museum staff have been gradually returning Native American remains since NAGPRA was enacted in 1990, a spokesperson told The Inquirer. Repatriation efforts were ramped up in the past year, to meet the updated deadline. The exhibit is not expected to reopen before the entire museum closes in August 2026 for nearly three years of renovations. A newly designed exhibit, created in collaboration with tribal leaders, will be open to the public in 2028 or 2029, the spokesperson said. Bucks County attorney Tracy Hart announced his candidacy for the Democratic primary in the 1st Congressional District. He's one of three other Democrats hoping to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in 2026. Read more Tracy Hunt, a Bucks County attorney who had been a Republican until June, announced Tuesday that hell be running in the Democratic primary to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in the 1st Congressional District in 2026. Hunt will be up against Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie and Buckingham Township resident Rob Strickler for the Democratic nomination next spring in the district, which includes Bucks County and a small part of Montgomery County. Advertisement Asked why he switched parties, Hunt, 57, of New Hope, said in an interview Tuesday, Id had enough. I have a growing frustration with the Republicans and their direction toward authoritarianism, extremism, and embracing white nationalism. I dont identify with that party anymore. Twenty years ago, Hunt said, he believed his values aligned with the Republican Party: fiscal responsibility, strong defense, and allowing individuals to make their own decisions. Hunt, who also teaches business law at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, said that if he wanted to do something about his disappointment in the GOP, hed have to do it as a Democrat. They have a big tent, he said. Hunt said nothing about his Democratic opponents, but criticized Fitzpatrick for calling himself a moderate but pushing the [President Donald] Trump agenda more often than not. Fitzpatrick was one of two House Republicans (along with Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky) to vote against the final version of Trumps signature domestic policy package. Fitzpatrick had supported an earlier version of the bill but opposed it after changes by the U.S. Senate. His campaign did not respond to a request for comment. READ MORE: Inside Rep. Brian Fitzpatricks vote against the GOP budget bill and the presidents cryptic response Hunt grew up on the military base in Fort Bragg, N.C., as well as in Fayetteville. His father was a command sergeant major in the Army. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he met his wife, Tracy Temby, a former family law attorney and now vice president of Bucks County Community College. They have daughters ages 25 and 24. Yes, everyone laughs at our having the same name, he said. Stressing that lawmakers should be accountable to their constituents, Hunt said that he demonstrated responsibility himself after making a mistake several years ago. In 2017, Hunt failed to complete some continuing legal education requirements by a deadline, which led to an administrative suspension in 2018. Despite his suspension, Hunt was later found to have engaged in unauthorized legal practice because he used stationery with a letterhead that identified him as an attorney. That violated rules of professional conduct, and Hunt agreed to a suspension from practicing law, from October 2020 through May 2021. Its on me for not having finished those required education hours, Hunt said. But it could be used as an example to elected officials: Be accountable. The National Republican Congressional Committee predicted that the eventual Democratic nominee will emerge from the three-way primary bruised, penniless, and with no chance against Brian Fitzpatrick. But the Democratic candidates are keeping their jabs for Fitzpatrick at the moment. Harvie, the early front-runner in the Democratic race, did not directly comment on Hunts candidacy and instead attacked the incumbent Republican. Brian Fitzpatrick is either silent or just rubber-stamps whatever Trump wants, Harvie said. And Strickler, a former video game designer and software product manager from Buckingham, said he welcomed Hunts entry. Lets have a robust and friendly primary vetting process to ensure the best candidate will face off with and defeat Brian Fitzpatrick in 2026! Strickler wrote in a statement. We believe in investing in our people, not just through technical training but by building the soft skills and mindset needed to lead, he said. Emerging Talent Day is one of the most energising days on the Ausure calendar and a clear reflection of how serious we are about developing our next generation. Then-CEO John Neal also stepped down in May after more than six years in the role, with plans to move into senior positions at Aon. In governance, Alexander Baugh joined the Lloyds Council as an independent nominated member, taking on the chairmanship of its risk committee and a seat on the audit committee. The London-based firm, which has been steadily building its international footprint, announced the establishment of Howden U.S. on Monday, confirming Parrishs appointment alongside that of industry veteran Jim Hays as vice chairman of the parent company. The launch follows months of speculation over Howdens intentions in the worlds largest insurance market, and comes after a failed bid to acquire Risk Strategies a deal that ultimately went to Brown & Brown. ICA underscores importance of continued engagement Andrew Hall, chief executive officer of the ICA, said that while insurers and the ICA were present in affected communities immediately after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, returning to these regions is necessary to address ongoing questions and unresolved issues. How does the damage look from Australia? Coastal communities will still need to be aware of potential aftershocks and further warnings or evacuations and review coastal defence infrastructure to ensure risks to buildings and assets are mitigated as much as possible, said James Dalziel, earth risk research lead for the Willis Research Network at WTW. There may also be supply chain disruption from shipping and short-term impacts on tourism, so these industries may be subject to insured losses. Natural Hazards Research Australias research indicated that the language used in official warnings is sometimes misunderstood, and that individuals often rely on local knowledge or informal networks when making decisions during emergencies. It provides our customers with greater choice and control when it comes to how and where they access healthcare and what it will cost. For example, our customers are saving on average $2,240 in out-of-pocket fees for joint surgery, but in some cases, it is significantly more, he said. Howden has declined to comment publicly. It is not the first time the company has faced scrutiny over large-scale hiring. In 2023, its reinsurance arm Howden Tiger settled a legal dispute with Guy Carpenter after more than 30 staff - including senior European leaders - joined the firm. In that matter, Howden conceded in a statement to the High Court that it and some executives had engaged in unlawful recruitment from Guy Carpenter, adding that they regret the actions they have taken. The complaint tells a story thats all too familiar in the world of commercial insurance. On December 1, 2019, an employee of U.S. Facilities was assigned to monitor and record carbon dioxide usage at Mercks North Wales site. According to the filing, the worker, Leonard Villanova, was supposed to simply keep an eye on the CO2 tanks and flip a lever if needed. But the complaint alleges that instructions from supervisors were unclear. Villanova ended up moving a heavy CO2 cylinder - something the plaintiffs say he was neither trained nor required to do - and suffered injuries as a result. The complaint states that AgriSompo North America sent another letter on April 22, 2024, denying the claim for failure to follow good farming practices and detailing Mid-Valleys right to request a Good Farming Practice (GFP) determination from the RMA. Mid-Valley requested a GFP determination, and on August 28, 2024, the RMA upheld the denial, stating that Mid-Valley did not apply sufficient irrigation throughout the 2023 growing season, resulting in an uninsurable crop loss. The RMAs determination referenced a publication, Water Management for Grapevines, to support the claimed water requirement for the crop. The RMA indicated that the water requirement for a mature vineyard varies from 22 to 28 inches, depending on canopy size, and that winter rainfall provides three to six inches toward this requirement. Ace American moved for summary judgment, submitting an affidavit from a records custodian authenticating business records, including the final audit worksheets, premium adjustment notice, and a statement of account. Preston Building opposed, arguing that genuine issues of material fact remained regarding subcontractor classification and the premium calculation. The trial court held a hearing in November 2024 and, in an order dated November 21, 2024, granted summary judgment to Ace American, ordering Preston Building to pay $153,363 plus $44,283.04 in prejudgment interest. The court concluded that Preston Building had failed to support its argument with business records and that such evidence without business records was hearsay and did not create an issue of fact to rebut Ace Americans evidence. According to the complaint, the dispute centers on an incident that occurred on December 31, 2023. The insurers allege that Carlos Henao was injured while pulling on a rope thrown from Sechans vessel as it was docking. At the time, the yacht was operated by Captain Derrick Morrell. The complaint states that Sechan did not witness the incident but was informed by others aboard the vessel that Henao had been hurt. Sechan transported Henao to an urgent care facility, which was closed, and Henao declined further transportation to an emergency room. Two lawsuits have been filed over the tragic fire at a Fall River, Massachusetts assisted living facility that took the lives of 10 residents and injured 30 others on July 13, making it the states deadliest residential fire in decades. Three residents of Gabriel House have filed a lawsuit against the facility, its owner Dennis Etzkorn, and the buildings fire safety equipment firm, Fire Systems Inc. of North Dartmouth. Fire survivors Patricia Martin, Terry Young and Donna Murphey allege bodily injury and property damage resulting from the negligence of the defendants, their violations of statutory and regulatory duties, and disregard for the residents receiving care. The lawsuit alleges that the fire exposed widespread failures of building equipment and systems, including early warning, life safety, fire suppression, and emergency egress, in violation of state codes, licensing regulations, industry standards, and the standard of care. Woman, 66, Is 10th Person to Die After Massachusetts Assisted-Living Facility Fire The lawsuit further alleges the management allowed smoking in a building where oxygen was in use. The suit cites comments by the state fire marshal that the fire was more likely than not the result of careless smoking activities or the failure of an oxygen concentrator on the second floor of the property and that the presence of medical oxygen in the area of origin and in other nearby rooms played a significant role in the fires rapid spread. Smoking or Oxygen Machine Eyed as Possible Causes of Assisted Living Home Fire Gabriel House was home to 70 residents receiving care and, according to the complaint, there were only two staff members on-shift when the fire occurred. The lawsuit seeks damages for emotional and physical injuries as well as for assisted living, medical care and relocation expenses. The personal injury firm Morgan & Morgan that brought the suit for the three residents also represents families of two residents who died in the fire. The state fire marshals investigation into the fire is ongoing. Deadly Massachusetts Fire Highlights Assisted Living Regulation, Staffing A separate lawsuit has been filed by resident Steven Oldrid, a resident who who was trapped in his room and suffered smoke inhalation, respiratory distress, and loss of consciousness during the fire. He says the fire caused further injury to his already compromised physical state. Oldrid says his ability to engage in his pre-injury daily activities has been adversely affected. His lawsuit alleges that Gabriel House lacked proper management, staffing, and emergency procedures. As a result, he has incurred expenses for hospital and medical treatment. Massachusetts Announces New Safety Measures for Assisted Living Facilities Oldrids suit, filed by attorney Michael OMalley, is against Gabriel Care Inc., which it identifies as the corporation that owns and operates the facility. Gabriel House owner Etzkorn told The Associated Press that he is cooperating with investigators. A statement from Gabriel House maintained that it is focused on finding out what caused this catastrophe. Maintaining compliance with all safety and building codes has always been our priority, and there were quarterly inspections of the fire suppression system the latest as recently as five days prior to the fire, a Gabriel House spokesperson said, according to The Associated Press. Photo: Boards cover the windows of the Gabriel House assisted living facility, where a fire on Sunday killed several people, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Fall River, Mass. (AP Photo/Kimberlee Kruesi) Topics Lawsuits Numbers Rotten wood and poor inspections appear to have played roles in the collapse of the mast of a historic Maine schooner in an accident that killed one person and injured several others, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a report made public on Thursday. The Coast Guard launched a formal investigation after the main mast of the Grace Bailey splintered and fell onto the deck in October 2023 as the 1882-built schooner was returning from a four-day cruise. The report stated that deterioration went unnoticed and unaddressed due to a lack of thorough inspections. It also said oversight and reporting about mast inspections and inspection processes were not adequately documented. Inspections were not adequately documented, and there were no formal expectations set for reporting inspection findings. This lack of oversight likely contributed to delayed or inadequate responses to emerging issues, allowing hazards to persist and escalate unchecked, the report states. The collapse killed Rockland physician Dr. Emily Mecklenburg, 40, who was on board. The report states that it is not recommended that criminal prosecution be taken against any person or entity. But the report faults not just the operators of the vessel but also the Coast Guard itself. It states that Coast Guard mast inspection procedures were insufficient for detecting rotted conditions in Grace Baileys masts. The owners of the vessel, the Grace Bailey Navigation Company of Rockland, said in a statement that the Grace Bailey crew continues to hold Emily closely in our hearts and minds. The owners said they fully cooperated with the investigation and are they appreciate the focus on increasing safety for wooden sailing vessels. After a thorough overhaul of the Grace Bailey and passing a regular safety inspection by the Coast Guard, the Grace Bailey is back sailing, allowing our passengers to enjoy the beauty of Maines coastline, the statement said. The report includes nine recommendations for the Coast Guard to implement to try to prevent mast collapses in the future. The top recommendation states there should be broad collaboration with sailing industry organizations and others to identify wooden mast material characteristics and conditions that can contribute to decay. The Grace Bailey is one of a group of vessels commonly called the windjammer fleet, which provide excursions along the Maine coast. The vessel is 118 feet (36 meters) and can carry 29 passengers. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The financial information and academic performance of Columbia University students and alumni were stolen in a recent breach, according to a Bloomberg News review of some of the pilfered data. The data includes bank account and routing numbers, student loan and scholarship disbursements, standardized test scores, grade-point averages, class schedules, home addresses and other contact information, a Bloomberg review of 53.6 gigabytes of the stolen files shows. Nine current and former students who began attending Columbia undergraduate and graduate programs as early as the 1990s confirmed the accuracy of their data in the files. Bloomberg couldnt verify the entire cache. The new details about the hacked data, which havent been previously reported, provide another headache for a university that is trying to regain its footing following a bruising battle with the Trump administration over claims that it fostered antisemitism and discriminated on the basis of race and national origin. In response to questions from Bloomberg, a Columbia spokesperson said the investigation into the cyberattack including the specifics of the information exposed was ongoing. The university believes applicant and student data was compromised, in addition to certain employee personal information, the spokesperson said. Columbia would begin notifications this week to individuals believed to be affected by the attack, the spokesperson said, adding that the school encouraged all members of the university community to remain vigilant against scams and regularly monitor accounts for suspicious activity. In June, Columbia began investigating a potential cyberattack following an IT outage at the school. A university official described the perpetrator of the breach as a hacktivist, meaning the attacker was politically motivated as opposed to seeking financial gain. Last month, Bloomberg reported that personal information from applications to Columbia dating back decades including whether applicants were accepted or rejected by the school had been stolen, after reviewing 1.6 gigabytes of data provided by a person who claimed responsibility for the cyberattack. A separate 53.6-gigabyte cache of data reviewed by Bloomberg was made available by Jordan Lasker, who runs a blog that has promoted views about race and IQ that have been criticized as offensive and scientifically flawed. Lasker said he obtained the 53.6-gigabyte cache of data from the alleged hacker. The hacker, who communicated with Bloomberg via X, confirmed that they provided the data to Lasker. The persons X account, which includes a racist handle and racist remarks, declined to identify themselves saying they feared self-incrimination. Bloomberg hasnt independently confirmed this person hacked the universitys records. Its not clear who else might have access to the stolen data. Even if its not immediately exploited, the hacked data could ultimately be used for malicious purposes including theft, identity fraud and stalking, according to security experts. Regardless of the criminals motive, anytime an individual is involved in a data breach, there is cause for concern, said Rachel Tobac, chief executive officer of SocialProof Security. Its important to freeze your credit and be on the lookout for tailored phishing lures across all contact methods. Last month, Columbia reached a deal with the Trump administration to restore federal funding for research that included paying a $200 million penalty over three years to resolve multiple civil rights investigations, in addition to a series of reforms to bolster campus safety and oversight of international students. The university has been at the center of controversy since protests roiled its New York City campus over the war in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Cyber Education This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Berkley Re UK and Aon. A summary of these new hires follows here. Berkley Re UK Names Ashley as President, Succeeding Himmer at Year-End W. R. Berkley Corp. announced the appointment of Wayne Ashley as president of Berkley Re UK Ltd., effective October 2025. Clare Himmer will continue as Berkley Re UKs chief executive officer with the expectation that Ashley will succeed her as CEO upon her retirement at the end of 2025. Ashley has more than 30 years of experience in the international reinsurance market. Most recently, he was division president in London for Chubb Tempest Re International where he was responsible for the overall management and development of international property/casualty reinsurance business outside of North America and Bermuda. In 2006, he joined Chubb Tempest Re Bermuda as assistant vice president, International. He was promoted to vice president in 2009 and senior vice president in 2012. Ashley relocated to London in 2017 and moved to the deputy role responsible for all international property lines of business in 2019. Prior to Chubb, he was with Alea London, where he underwrote the International treaty portfolio. He began his career in London at Zurich Re in 1994 in the Reinsurance Treaty unit. Himmer, who joined Berkley Re UK in 2021, has had a successful 33-year career in the P/C reinsurance industry. She will continue to lead the organization through the leadership transition. Clares leadership at Berkley Re UK has been instrumental in continuing to build a strong presence across the U.K. and European reinsurance markets. Her contributions have left a lasting positive impact, and we are deeply appreciative of all she has achieved on behalf of the company, commented W. Robert Berkley Jr., president and chief executive officer of W. R. Berkley Corp. Were pleased that Clare will remain an integral part of our organization through the transitionher insight, experience, and guidance continue to be a tremendous asset to the entire group, Berkley added. We are excited to welcome Wayne to the BRUK team. With a strong background and proven industry track record, Wayne is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in propelling the company forward. *** Aon Promotes Laing and Moore in Reinsurance Leadership Team Insurance broker Aon plc announced two promotions with its reinsurance executive leadership team to help insurer clients in the UK and APAC navigate volatility, optimize capital and drive profitable growth. Andrew Laing has been named UK CEO for Reinsurance, subject to regulatory approval, and will retain his role as Aons global Facultative CEO, a position he has held since 2016 overseeing and driving a consistently high growth division within reinsurance. He will continue to be based in London. Rupert Moore, who has successfully served as UK CEO for Reinsurance for the past three years, will take on a new role as CEO of Reinsurance across Asia Pacific and chairman of the region for Aons Strategy and Technology Group. He will relocate to Singapore later this year and serve as an adviser to Aons APAC CEO Jennifer Richards to help advance the firms Risk Capital strategy for Japan. Moore brings deep experience in the region, having previously served as CEO of Reinsurance in Japan for five years. This is an exciting time for our Reinsurance business as we announce these further high calibre leadership appointments, commented Alfonso Valera, CEO of international for Reinsurance at Aon. Andrew and Rupert have combined decades of experience in the re/insurance marketplace and have a proven ability to achieve long-term sustainable growth while shaping better business decisions on behalf of clients. Following the recent leadership promotions within Reinsurance, these additional appointments will continue to accelerate the ambition and velocity of our industry-leading Reinsurance business to drive client value, Valera added. The appointments follow the firms recent announcements that Valera now serves as CEO of international for Reinsurance, responsible for UK, EMEA and APAC, Steve Hofmann serves as CEO of Americas for Reinsurance, responsible for North America and Latin America, George Attard serves as global head of strategy for Reinsurance, and Tomas Novotny serves as CEO of EMEA and chairman of international for Reinsurance. Topics Leadership Reinsurance Aon Shareholders of the UK investment trust run by Dan Loebs hedge fund Third Point should reject its plan to turn itself into a reinsurance company, according to ISS. In its recommendation ahead of an Aug. 14 vote, the proxy adviser said the deal will fundamentally change the investment case without giving minority shareholders, who are unwilling or unable to continue as shareholders in an operating, reinsurance business, an exit option at a fair price for their entire holdings. In May, Third Point Investors Ltd. agreed to buy Malibu Life Reinsurance, which was created and capitalized by its own investment manager. The proposed all-share combination is expected to create a London-listed reinsurance operating company, targeting a return on equity in the mid-teens by the end of 2027. Third Point Investors had unveiled the plan following a strategy review backed by activist investor Boaz Weinstein. Photograph: Tower Bridge in City of London; photo credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg Topics Reinsurance The Mayo Clinic violated federal law when it refused to grant a security guards request for a reasonable religious accommodation to its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, and instead threatened to fire the employee, effectively forcing him to receive the vaccine and violate his conscience and religious beliefs to save his job, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed in Minnesota last week. According to the EEOCs suit, the employee requested an accommodation to Mayos vaccination policy because he was opposed to getting the COVID-19 vaccine based on his religious beliefs. The employee, a security guard in a non-medical role, explained the basis of his religious beliefs, and offered that he would be willing to receive tests for COVID-19 and to wear a mask. However, the employer rejected his request for a religious accommodation because it did not believe the employees religious beliefs were sincere. Faced with termination, the employee submitted to the vaccination policy in order to avoid being fired, the EEOC said. The clinics alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of religion, which includes failing to provide accommodations to an employees religious practice unless such an accommodation imposes an undue hardship on the conduct of the employers business. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Mayo Clinic, Case 0:25-cv-03066 D. Minnesota) in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process. The EEOC seeks monetary damages, including compensatory and punitive damages, and seeks injunctive relief and policy changes designed to prevent such unlawful conduct in the future. Source: EEOC Topics Lawsuits A Michigan financial advisor was charged with four counts of insurance fraud, each a four-year felony, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced last week. Todd Bernstein, 67, of Birmingham, was arraigned on July 30 before Magistrate Julie Nelson-Klein in the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills. He iss alleged to have submitted misleading information on annuity suitability applications on behalf of his clients, who were over the age of 65, to conceal that new annuities were being purchased with proceeds from early surrendered annuities. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) assisted in this investigation. Consumers must be able to trust financial professionals to act truthfully and in their best interests, Nessel said. My department remains committed to protecting Michigan residents from illegal and predatory business practices. Bernstein will next appear before Judge Diane DAgostini in the 48th District Court on August 12. Topics Fraud Michigan Mike Parrish has been named the chief executive officer of Howden U.S., a new U.S. retail broking business of Howden, and he will start in September subject to his fulfillment of relevant contractual obligations. Meanwhile, Parrishpreviously the head of rival broker Marshs Florida zoneis being sued by his former employer for allegedly violating his non-compete and non-solicitation agreements as he and Howden coordinated an exodus of more than 100 employees to Howden U.S., Marsh claims. Howden on Aug. 4 announced Parrish is slated to lead the U.S. broking arm as one of the industrys most successful business leaders, with a proven track record of scaling highly successful U.S. operations. With the move into the U.S., Howden said it brings ambitious growth plans, and a fresh choice for talent and clients to the U.S. retail broking market. Our doors are now open. We cant wait to get started, said CEO David Howden in a statement. Of Parrish, who had been with Marsh since 2021 and was previously at Aon for 19 years, David Howden added: In Mike weve found one of insurances most outstanding leaders, with an owners mindset and an unrivalled track-record, who wants the freedom to build a business that is an alternative home for talent and clients in the U.S. However, Marsh USA LLC, according to its suit filed late last month in U.S. District Court for the South District of New York, has alleged Parrish and direct reports Giselle Lugones, Robert Lynn, and Julie Layton (also named as defendants) spearheaded an unlawful scheme to lift out all of Marshs Florida zone employees. Related: Marsh Sues Aon, Ex-Team Leader Over Exit of 20 Construction Surety Employees According to Marsh, Howden came to its plan following a failed attempt early this year to acquire U.S. insurance broker Risk Strategies. This time, rather than investing the time and resources to build a U.S. presence, Howden hatched an unlawful scheme to poach Marshs employees, clients, confidential information, and goodwill, Marsh said in the lawsuit. Beginning March 2025, defendants quietly and surreptitiously laid the groundwork to lift out the entire Florida Zone. According to the lawsuit, the resignations began to flow in on July 21. By the end of the day, 90 had resigned, including the vast majority of the employees in Marshs Florida zone, who resigned en masse. In some groups, every single employee resigned, Marsh alleged, adding many Marsh employees received job offers from Howden without applying or interviewing. The only way Howden could have executed on a raid like this was with defendants active participationsharing Marshs confidential information to Howden and directly or indirectly soliciting them. Howden in its announcement of Parrish said it already had substantial operations in the U.S., operating for more than 10 years through managing general agency Dual. More than a quarter of Howdens revenue comes from the U.S., it said. The case Marsh USA LLC v Michael Parrish, Giselle Lugones, Robert Lynn, and Julie Layton, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 25-cv-6208 Howden on Monday also named Jim Hays as vice chairman of Howden Group Holdings. Hays was previously CEO of Hays Company, an insurance broker he founded in 1994 and sold to Brown & Brown in 2018. He then served as vice chair and was a member of the board at Brown & Brown. Topics Lawsuits USA Commercial Lines Business Insurance Days after floods killed at least 135 people in Texas Hill Country, weather scientist Neil Jacobs appeared before a Senate committee as the nominee to lead the US agency that oversees forecasting. He vowed to create a cutting-edge weather modeling system while also pledging support for President Donald Trumps plan to dramatically shrink the agency. Its a hard balance to strike. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has sole responsibility for issuing life-saving weather alerts in the US. The agency which once employed 12,000 is reeling from the departure of hundreds of staff. Dozens of forecasting offices are without a chief meteorologist or a warning coordinator who communicates with emergency managers ahead of dangerous storms. The Commerce Department has opened inquiries into the effectiveness of the Texas flood warnings and whether the agency is ready to respond to future disasters; the agency is likely to be tested again very soon, as the heart of hurricane season nears. Other offices lack staff to launch weather balloons and track local conditions. Those shortages are creating gaps in NOAA data and tools that have been used by businesses in a wide array of industries for plotting strategy and planning day-to-day operations. The White Houses proposed budget would eliminate NOAAs research division, cut more than 2,200 positions and reduce funding by about 29% overallchanges that Congress must approve. Jacobs has assured senators that NOAA would still be able to continue its mission-essential operations if they sign off on this unprecedented transformation. In his confirmation hearing, Jacobs said he supports Trumps cuts, while providing few details about how NOAA plans to fund his modeling program or hire additional staffers at weather prediction centers. Still, he received enough support to advance his confirmation out of committee. While it appears likely he will return as NOAAs boss, his appointment still requires Senate approval. Dr. Neil Jacobs is exceptionally qualified to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said. Having served as acting NOAA administrator during President Trumps first term, he brings the experience and expertise needed to provide life-saving forecast predictions. We look forward to his swift confirmation. Unlike some of the agency chiefs appointed by Trump, Jacobs, 51, has spent his career immersed in the subject matter his new position would govern. Hes a celebrated weather modeling expert who served as NOAAs interim chief during Trumps first term in office, and he wants it to pursue a new weather prediction system that would be the best-performing in the world. Hes spent the last several years working on NOAA-funded research on improving forecasting capabilities, which he has said are a matter of saving peoples lives. Jacobs did not respond to repeated requests for comment. NOAA did not respond to a request for comment or updated staffing numbers. Neither did its parent, the US Department of Commerce. NOAA and its parent, the US Department of Commerce, did not provide updated staffing numbers in response to a request from Bloomberg Green. Despite being embroiled in a scandal during his tenure at NOAA known as Sharpiegate, he has the support of many current and former agency staff. But a dozen colleagues told Bloomberg Green that Jacobs is likely to face even more challenging circumstances now, including a demoralized workforce facing nonstop efforts to gut federal science agencies and climate research. I would like to think he learned an important lesson about holding your ground leading an organization, said Rick Spinrad, a former NOAA administrator who spent more than a decade at the agency under Republican and Democratic presidents. Im hopeful that hes learned how to fight within the political systembecause he is going to have to fight. Congress created NOAA in 1970 at the direction of Republican President Richard Nixon, uniting forecasters, satellite operators, surveyors and ocean researchers from six different sections of the government. Over the last half-century, NOAAs budget has grown to $6.7 billion. It operates an advanced hurricane prediction center, a uniformed military-style corps and a fleet of research planes and ships for mapping and measuring the ocean and atmosphere. While other science agencies have authority over their own spending and priorities, NOAA sits within the Commerce Department and answers to a cabinet secretary selected by the president. Jacobs joined NOAA in 2018 to lead the data and weather modeling division. An avid surfer and naturalist with a penchant for wild orchids and little interest in politics, Jacobs had previously worked at a subsidiary of Panasonic. There, he built complex weather models as a chief atmospheric scientist, turning reams of proprietary data into critical forecasts for the aviation industry. At one point, he boasted that his companys models outperformed those created by US and European forecasting agencies. Working inside NOAA to improve the agencys models was a job too enticing to pass up. He advanced quickly despite commuting back and forth to Washington from North Carolina, where his wife and young children remained. After repeated leadership shakeups, Jacobs stepped into the top job at NOAA just 12 months after he arrived, assuming responsibility for briefing the White House on weather threats. This role put Jacobs in the hot seat. In September 2019, Trump tweeted that Alabama would likely be hit (much) harder than anticipated by Hurricane Dorian, even after Jacobs had explained to the president that the storm was likely to strike Florida. When phones began ringing at the National Weather Service office in Birmingham, Alabama, a staffer tweeted that the state faced no threat. As the hurricane approached the Gulf Coast, Trump doubled down, showing reporters a map with a new storm track drawn through Alabama in what appeared to be black marker. The incident went viral, as late-night talk show hosts Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert mocked Trump. According to internal emails cited by investigators, acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney pushed the Commerce Department to issue a correction or an explanation or both for intentionally contradicting Trump. Jacobs approved a public statement by NOAA that chastised Alabamas forecasters for issuing over-confident predictions. It was pretty well implied that this was something that was a fireable offense if you disobeyed, Jacobs later said. The three-sentence statement from NOAA that Jacobs approved sparked three separate probes, including a congressional investigation. Spinrad and Craig McLean, then NOAAs acting chief scientist, each lodged a formal complaint accusing Jacobs of undermining accurate forecasts. If you cant trust the most senior person in NOAA to stand up for our science, McLean said, who can you trust? After Sharpiegate, Jacobs embarked on a campaign to regain employee trust. He pledged to visit as many of NOAAs 122 local forecasting offices as possible. When the pandemic struck amid ongoing Sharpiegate investigations, Jacobs began rising at 2 a.m. to spend hours emailing individual NOAA staff, recognizing their work. Investigators eventually concluded that Jacobs had engaged in misconduct and acted intentionally, knowingly, or in reckless disregard of NOAAs scientific integrity standards. Jacobs issued a response challenging those findings, while noting he was open to other critique and criticism regarding his handling of the incident. The scandal seemed to exhaust Jacobs, according to his mentor and former graduate adviser Gary Lackmann. He was trying so hard to do the right thing, Lackmann said. There was just no way he could do the right thing and do his job and keep protecting the organization. Trumps proposed cuts to NOAA are a sharp departure from how the agency fared in his first term. While skeptics have long attacked NOAAs climate change research, the agencys work on long-term local weather otherwise known as the climate was largely left alone. I was never directed to not support climate or to defund anything climate related, said Tim Gallaudet, who spent more than a year as NOAAs acting chief and served as Jacobss deputy from 2019 to 2021. It was just not prioritizing it. But this time around, he said, its all different. Everything is being targeted. The Trump administrations find-and-delete approach to stamping out diversity, equity and inclusion programs appears to have engulfed work on global warming and climate as a whole, a pattern noticed by both Spinrad and McLean. While the White House has proposed funding some weather-related research, the former NOAA scientists say the presidents budget eliminates projects that improve predictions of fire conditions and storms in a changing climate. The agency is changing its priorities, according to a NOAA official, focusing on weather prediction and other responsibilities in its portfolio. Jacobss plans for weather forecasting at NOAA are ambitious. One reason he wants to go back is that he wasnt done, said Mary Glackin, a former executive at The Weather Company who spent the bulk of her career at NOAA and supports Jacobs for the top job. Over the last decade, NOAA has largely eked out improvements by tweaking existing models and running them on more powerful supercomputers. But Jacobs has said a streamlined, cloud-based modeling system capable of running on a laptop would deliver better resultsand be easier for private companies to use and customize. Integrating artificial intelligence can help NOAA develop faster tools, Jacobs testified to the Senate committee. Though Jacobs has the expertise to do the work himself, thats not necessarily what you need in an administrator at NOAA, Spinrad said, especially in an administration that has shown clear antagonism for many of the aspects of the NOAA mission. NOAA faced hurdles even before Trump took office: The agency was seeking nearly $800 million from Congress to upgrade its aging satellites, and the National Weather Service was already understaffed in key areas, according to the union that represents many of its workers. Jacobs has called for expanding NOAAs catalog of data. But recent staffing losses have since eaten into basic measurements used in federal forecasts and across the private sector. As of late June, balloon launches that help measure wind, humidity and pressure in the upper layers of the atmosphere had been scaled back or completely halted in more than two-dozen locations out of a total 102 launch sites, according to the weather service, which has warned staffing limitations or operational priorities could trigger further reductions. Any data gaps will eventually degrade forecasts, said John Dean, CEO and co-founder of WindBorne Systems, an AI weather forecasting firm that sells some supplemental data to NOAA. I dont like seeing us losing weather observations, Dean said. Recently departed staff have expressed fear that Trump is gearing up to privatize an overextended weather service, as called for in the conservative Project 2025 policy document from the Heritage Foundation. Project 2025 calls for breaking NOAA into pieces and downsizing its research divisiona step down from what Trump has proposedto prevent the agency from spreading climate alarmism. Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from Project 2025, but he has also enacted many of its suggestions since retaking the White House. Jacobs had seemed unwilling to consider these possibilities. Speaking on a weather podcast in July 2024, Jacobs said it would be almost impossible to implement Project 2025s vision for NOAA. If the agencys staff still felt anxious, Jacobs said, I wouldnt worry about it. Your mission is way too essential to the US economy and the safety of all the citizens, so, you know, youre not going anywhere. Rachel Cleetus, a senior policy director with the Union of Concerned Scientists, said Jacobss credentials to run NOAA are solid, but his previous run at the agency raises questions about whether hes prepared to be responsible for the staff and the ability to do their work without political interference. Thats why his track record in Trumps first administration is concerning, Cleetus said. Theres an even greater assault underway. Photo: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Center for Weather and Climate Prediction headquarters in College Park, Maryland. Photographer: Michael A. McCoy/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics USA Aerospace Elon Musk and Tesla were sued by shareholders who accused them of securities fraud for concealing the significant risk that the companys self-driving vehicles, including the Robotaxi, were dangerous. The proposed class action was filed on Monday night, following Teslas first public test of its robotaxis in late June in the companys Austin, Texas hometown. That test showed the vehicles speeding, braking suddenly, driving over a curb, entering the wrong lane, and dropping off passengers in the middle of multilane roads. Teslas share price fell 6.1% over two trading days after the test began, wiping out about $68 billion of market value. Musk and his electric vehicle maker were accused of repeatedly overstating the effectiveness of and prospects for their autonomous driving technology, inflating Teslas financial prospects and stock price. Related: Tesla Must Pay $243 Million Over Fatal Autopilot Crash Shareholders said this included Musks assurance on an April 22 conference call that Tesla was laser-focused on bringing robotaxi to Austin in June, and Teslas claim the same day that its approach to autonomous driving would deliver scalable and safe deployment across diverse geographies and use cases. Tesla did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment. Chief Financial Officer Viabhav Taneja and his predecessor Zachary Kirkhorn are also defendants. Expanding robotaxis is crucial for Tesla as the company faces falling demand for its aging electric vehicles and a backlash over Musks politics. Related: Tesla Plans Robotaxi Expansion to California and Arizona Musk, the worlds richest person, wants to offer the service to half the U.S. population by year end, but must convince regulators and assure the public his technology is safe. Mondays lawsuit in Austin federal court is led by Tesla shareholder Denise Morand, and seeks damages for shareholders between April 19, 2023 and June 22, 2025. A Florida jury on August 1 found Tesla 33% responsible for a 2019 crash involving its self-driving software, which killed a 22-year-old woman and injured her boyfriend, and ordered it to pay about $243 million in damages to victims. Tesla blamed the driver and plans to appeal. The case is Morand v Tesla Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, No. 25-01213. Topics Lawsuits Claims Tesla A high-profile southwest Florida insurance agent who pleaded no contest to absconding with thousands of dollars in premiums has been sentenced to just over a year in prison. Reid J. McDaniel, 33, of North Fort Myers, was charged a year ago with embezzlement and theft of more than $22,900 in premiums paid by a local automotive shop. Last month, a Lee County Circuit Judge sentenced McDaniel to 15 months in prison, plus $660 in fines and full restitution to Wilsons Automotive. Hes already paid the restitution, said Paul Wilson, manager of the Cape Coral repair service. How he came up with the money to pay that, I dont know, Wilson said Monday. McDaniel, who owned McDaniel Insurance Solutions on Hancock Bridge Parkway, had been declared indigent by a judge and was assigned a public defender early this year, court records show. Wilson said the repair shop, with multiple locations, had paid the premiums to McDaniels in 2023, but then received a notice from the insurance carrier that the commercial liability and property insurance policies had been cancelled due to non-payment. The shop owners called McDaniels office and were told it was a glitch and coverage would be restored. It never was, Wilson explained. We took their word for it but we should have made sure with the insurance company, Wilson said. Thankfully, nothing happened to the shop during that time. Eventually, the truth emerged and the shop filed charges against the agent. McDaniel entered the South Florida Reception Center in Doral on July 10, the Florida Department of Corrections indicated. He is set for release in September 2026. He faced civil lawsuits for other issues in recent years, including one brought by an elderly policyholder won a $198,543 judgment against McDaniel in Lee County Circuit Court. The woman had filed suit after Hurricane Ian slammed the area in 2022. She said she had paid more than $2,200 in premiums for a mobile home policy with Lloyds of London, but McDaniel never secured the coverage. When the home was decimated by the storm, the homeowner discovered she had no coverage. Also in 2023, a sales agent hired at McDaniels agency in 2022 said in a lawsuit that he had repeatedly touched and groped her inappropriately, once after drinking at least 4 whiskeys, according to the lawsuit. That case was dismissed in November 2024. The Florida Department of Financial Services indefinitely suspended McDaniels producer license in 2024, but the DFS agent verification site shows his general lines license was suspended in 2019. His appointments with multiple property insurers were issued in 2021 and most of those expired in 2024 and 2025. I dont think hell have anything to do with insurance again, Wilson said. Topics Agencies Fraud A Florida judge temporarily halted Floridas Citizens Property Insurance Corp. from sending claims disputes to a state arbitration agency, but a notice of appeal by Citizens automatically suspended the judges order. Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Melissa Polo said the homeowners lawsuit had raised legitimate concerns about the constitutionality of a quasi-state-owned company sending claims dispute to a state agency for arbitration and resolution. Plaintiff has demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of his constitutional claims, including alleged violations of the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, Polo wrote in the order, issued Friday. Citizens officials disagreed with the ruling, which, for now, may have little impact the 530 or so claims disputes scheduled to be heard by the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. We have received the order, and our legal team is working on a response, said Citizens spokesman Michael Peltier. State law specifically authorizes the DOAH process and we believe that the law is constitutional. Beyond that, we do not comment on pending litigation. The judges order was automatically stayed when Citizens indicated it will appeal the injunction. The homeowner, Martin Alvarez, asked the judge to drop the automatic stay, but she declined. The matter is not an emergency and should be handled in the normal course, Polo wrote in her Monday order. Alvarez legal team is hoping for a hearing in the next few weeks, but the DOAH hearing on the claim dispute is set for the end of August. Alvarez filed the lawsuit July 11, making it at least the second suit filed over Citizens DOAH endorsement. Citizens board of governors in 2022, at the height of the Florida claims litigation wave, approved the endorsement to homeowner policies, allowing either side to send claims disagreements to DOAH. The insurer, Floridas largest property insurance carrier, has met with some success at the state arbitration agency, which employs administrative law judges to settle disputes. In June, Citizens officials said that since July 2024, about 664 Citizens cases opened with DOAH have been closed. The average legal spending per case was $8,384, about 60% less than the average cost of cases that are heard in state courts. And cases are usually resolved much faster in an average of 85 days as opposed to 621 days for litigation. Citizens board announced in June that it now plans a similar policy endorsement for commercial policies, giving the insurer or the insured the option of having disputes heard by DOAH judges. But some attorneys and policyholders have complained. About the time that Alvarez filed suit in state court, a 92-year-old homeowner in Miami filed a federal lawsuit. Stainton Williams made arguments similar to Alvarez in his complaint in U.S. District Court for South Florida, contending that DOAH lacks independence and transparency. The impact of the DOAH move has been staggering, with Citizens prevailing in almost every DOAH case, Williams attorneys argued. The federal case is still pending. Alvarez suit in Hillsborough County notes that his Tampa home suffered a loss in October 2024, and he is asking for at least $82,000 in damages and attorney fees. Like Williams, Alvarez and his lawyers said that Citizens ends up winning most of the disputes decided at DOAH. Thats partly because DOAH schedules most hearings within 75 days from the date the case was filed. Youll have 15 cases in DOAH all due at the same time, said Alvarez attorney, Lynn Brauer, of the Florida Insurance Law Group. As many as eight depositions must be scheduled within a short time frame. And having case hearings postponed has become nearly impossible, she added. Its great for Citizens because theyve rigged the deck, Brauer said. But its bad for the client who needs to have their house repaired. DOAH judges also seem unfamiliar with property insurance claims, policy language and water damage that can result from storms, Brauer said. Despite expert testimony from an engineer, one DOAH judge recently held that a roof leak was not covered because the roof did not show a physical hole in its structure, per the policys peril-created opening clause, she noted. The judge agreed that the Alvarez complaint raises issues. Plaintiff also established that he and similarly situated Citizens policyholders will suffer irreparable harm absent injunctive relief, Judge Polo wrote. Specifically, enforcement of the arbitration clause at issue compels insureds into a forum that lacks neutrality, discovery, motion practice, and meaningful judicial review. The DOAH move by Citizens and the suits by claimants have been watched by plaintiffs lawyers in Florida. This ruling is a step in the right direction for policyholders that have been impacted by the DOAH arbitration clauses in their policies, Justin Cernitz, founding partner of Cernitz Law, with offices in Florida and two other states. The real question that remains is what has gone on behind closed doors between Citizens, the insurance lobby and the Legislature that allowed so many rights to be taken away from policyholders in one fell swoop. This week, former Florida Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston and other lawyers with the Shutts & Bowen law firm gave notice that they are representing Citizens. Topics Carriers Florida Legislation Claims New to the market with CCM Property and coming up for public auction next month is a 32-acre land parcel close to Ballycotton village in East Cork. The property is in tillage and in three easily managed divisions, according to selling agent Eamonn OBrien. The sale will take place at Corrin Mart, Fermoy on Thursday, September 11, at 3pm, and there will surely be a good turnout on the day, as quality acreage in modest-sized holdings attract a wide range of suitors. Well be selling it with vacant possession, said Mr O'Brien. The crop will be gone off it, and its being let out on a casual basis. The tenant there at the moment is aware of it, and its with goodwill that were selling. The property is close to the seashore, with just one more field separating it from the Atlantic. In other words, its got the aesthetics of the proximity to the ocean without the risk of coastal erosion. Its facing south with a good depth of soil, sloping down towards the sea, said Mr O'Brien. The appetite for land is still good and strong I think that with the volatility thats there politically at the moment, it works well for the stability of land it will always be there, and its part of our DNA. The price guide of 16-17,000/acre is certainly a realistic one, particularly given the fact the same auctioneer agreed sale on a 24-acre parcel at Fivemilebridge (near Carrigaline) for almost 31,000 an acre. A range of veterinary medicines, currently available over the counter, will become prescription only from September 1. But agriculture minister Martin Heydon has been urged to postpone the implementation of the new regulations. Senator P J Murphy called on him in the Upper House to conduct a full and independent review of the economic and social impact before the sector is regrettably and permanently damaged. He said the move under the new Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Act 2023 would deem all antiparasitic veterinary drugs to be prescription only. These remedies are used on farms on a day-to-day basis to treat cattle for conditions such as worms, fluke and lice. Mr Murphy said the products were on the market under tight Department of Agriculture control, with experienced well-trained staff providing advice to farmers at the point of sale. According to new EU harmonised legislation, prescribing must be undertaken by veterinary practitioners, who are also permitted to sell and dispense these products. Most importantly, there is no requirement for vets to keep prescribing and dispensing separate from one another, creating a concerning conflict of interest. This shift is not just a regulatory update. It is an economic and structural seismic shift to the many small independent licensed traders across this country. According to the Central Statistics Office, Ireland's veterinary medicines market is worth approximately 400m annually. While 300m of this already ends up with veterinary practitioners, the remaining 100m goes to a network of small, independent merchants and co-ops found in towns and villages across rural Ireland, he said. Mr Murphy said the Independent Licensed Merchants Association, which represents 350 of these smaller merchants countrywide, warns only 38 of its members can remain in business under these new rules. That is a potential loss of nearly 90% of this industry. This is a choice that is anti-competitive, he said. He said the justification given for this change was the need to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve traceability and oversight via the national veterinary prescription system, which requires all prescriptions to be on a central controlled database. However, as a person who has worked my whole life in the cattle farming sector and administered these medications on thousands of occasions, I assure this House that we as farmers are not in the habit of overusing these expensive medications and do not use them when they are not necessary. Indeed, it quite on the contrary. I fear the inevitable price rise, which will result from the gifting of a monopoly on the sale of these crucial antiparasitic products, could result in their under-use, leading to severe animal welfare concerns. I have great fear that it could also lead to an increase in the purchasing of these medicines through black market sources, he said. Mr Murphy said while the goals of health and EU compliance were important, implementation must reflect Irish rural reality. Without safeguards for independent merchants, this regulation risks creating a dangerous monopoly in the veterinary medicine distribution sector, he said. Fine Gael senator Mark Duffy said from discussions he had with the farming community in Co Mayo, there were serious concerns about the upcoming proposals and changes and how these threatened to monopolise the market. We need to have a discussion before these changes are brought into effect because it could have serious ramifications and increases in cost for farmers, he said. Senator Sean Kyne, leader of the House, said the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Act was passed in the Houses of the Oireachtas in the summer of 2023. That is the law we are working with. There may be some sections that are now being commenced, but the law has been agreed and passed. There were debates on those matters at the time. I will raise this matter again with the minister for agriculture, Deputy Heydon. Perhaps there are issues with the commencement of some of these regulations, he said. ALDI is introducing its back-to-school range this week to offer parents a chance to stock up on classroom essentials. From August 7, stores nationwide will stock a comprehensive array of products, including stationery, lunchtime must-haves, and techie tools. The stationery selection will include highlighters, copybooks, pencil cases, folders, and arts-and-craft supplies. Lunchtime options will feature reusable cutlery, multi-compartment bento boxes, and stainless steel bottles. There will also be alarm clocks to ensure nobody is ever late for school, power banks, learning workbooks, learning posters, activity cards, and three-in-one chargers. My Forever Tooth Fairy gift set Tooth Fairy tradition What could be more magical than losing a tooth, placing it under your pillow, and waking to find that its been replaced with a coin by the Tooth Fairy? Irish mother Emma Duffy has the answer. She has created My Forever Tooth Fairy to amplify the magic of this age-old childhood tradition. Its a gift set that includes an illustrated picture book that tells the story of the Forever Tooth Fairies. The book also teaches children a song to help them brush their teeth. The gift set contains a Forever Tooth Fairy doll. These dolls have soft, posable bodies, so they can be used for both imaginative play and comforting snuggles. There is a magic tooth tote and tracker. The tote is a little velvet pouch in which milk teeth can be placed, before being popped under a childs pillow. The tracker allows children to record each time they lose a baby tooth and what happens when the Tooth Fairy visits. Finally, a display case has a light-up swing for the doll and storage for the book, tooth tote, and tracker. The My Forever Tooth Fairy gift set is available at myforevertoothfairy.com for 59.95 Rainbow swim shoes, 21, from Freddie and Millie Toys Swim shoes Protect your children from the hazards of swimming with these swim shoes, from freddieandmillietoys.ie Designed to fit feet ranging in size from a childrens size two to an adult size three, they come with non-slip soles to reduce the risk of skidding on wet surfaces. They provide a barrier between feet and hot sand and prevent the spread of infections, like verrucas. They do all of this while being light and flexible enough to swim in and sufficiently stretchy that children can put them on and take them off all by themselves. They cost 21 Third-level with a disability practical workshops University College Cork (UCC) is organising three workshops for secondary school students with disabilities who are considering third-level education. On Tuesday, August 19, there will be a workshop for students who are blind or vision impaired. On Thursday, August 21, there will be another for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. And on Tuesday, August 26, the third workshop will be for students with physical disabilities. Parents are welcome to attend these workshops, too. Each will take place from 10.30am to 3.30pm in the assistive technology lab in the Boole Library and will involve fun activities, as well as information sessions on the supports currently available for students with disabilities in UCC. Lunch will also be provided. Attendance is free, but needs to be booked via eventbrite.ie Cuidiu end of summer picnic Cuidiu Cork is a social network for parents and carers. It runs weekly meet-ups and coffee mornings, offers breastfeeding support by phone and in-person groups, organises antenatal classes and information events, and hosts social events for parents and children. One of these events is taking place from noon to 2pm on Saturday, August 23. The End of Summer Picnic at Fota House and Gardens will feature a nature hunt, face painting, a book swap, cupcake decorating, live music, and games for all the family. All you have to bring is a blanket and some snacks and refreshments. Since having children, I have become acutely aware that we have to mind the planet for the next generation, but I draw the line at cloth nappies and parting with my beloved wet wipes. I realise this kind of hypocrisy is up there with self-proclaimed climate activist Leonardo Di Caprio attending the wedding of Jeff Bezos, the king of consumerism, but on these points I cannot capitulate. We all know that wet wipes are environmental kryptonite, but they are my only weapon in ensuring the children are somewhat presentable and that bums are clean. Of course, I could use an old-school cloth, and I have done. But, then, if experts are to be believed, that cloth has to be laundered with detergent that goes straight into a dolphins mouth. And so the never-ending cycle of self-loathing and eco-guilt continues until we slip off this mortal coil. When it comes to clothes one of the biggest pollutants of all I am all about buying ethically, but, realistically, it is impossible with small children. My eldest has shot up in the last few years, so much so that I have had to turn to fast fashion more than ever just to keep everyone ticking over. Circular fashion, we all know, is an absolute godsend to those of us trying to cut down on consumption, and we have always been about the hand-me-downs from day one, and have been returning the favour by donating to charity the second a t-shirt starts digging into the oxters, or if their dad purchases them a Meath jersey. But when it comes to basics, like socks, underwear, nightwear and other essentials, my moral compass goes out the window as I sniff out whats cheapest on the high street the way a pig might sniff out truffles. How do they make them so cheap? a family member enquired when I recounted how little my latest haul for the ever-sprouting Number One cost me. I mumbled something about not wanting to know the origin story of the outrageously cheap Batman pyjamas, because, much like finding out how the sausage is made, sometimes ignorance is bliss. The impact of fast fashion is such that I honestly couldnt tell you when last other than undergarments I purchased a new item for myself. All my clothes are pre-loved and second-hand, and my metric for purchasing a top is now, Has somebody previously cried in this? If the answer is no, then that item is not for me. I want a cardigan with mascara stains that are not my own. However, I absolutely do buy new bits for the children, especially now that hand-me-downs from friends and extended family have dwindled these last few years. Still, when shopping for my two I am often struck by the thought that theres something unavoidable, but nonetheless slightly repellent, in purchasing clothes for our children in stores that could potentially be guilty of using child labour in their manufacture. The dark irony isnt lost on parents, but the reality is that with the price of daily essentials skyrocketing, we have to be savvy, even if the slogan Made by children, for children could probably apply. Nappies are also a huge cause of shame for me, because the nappy mountain is monstrous. Of course, it is inevitable, as a parent of a small child though I have friends who have been truly admirable and gone down the reusable nappy route. None of them stuck with it for more than a few weeks, with one friend saying she ended up scrubbing so much she felt like a Victorian washerwoman, but without the corset. GIVEN all these crimes against our habitat, its hard to conceive of how being a parent is anything other than harmful to the planet. Still, we try our best to preserve nature, because safeguarding the planet is one of the most important things we can do for our children along with teaching them to always thank bus drivers upon exit. One small thing we do for our local environment is pick up three pieces of litter and bring them home after the playground. This has become such a solid habit that, on our last visit, Number One came running after me with a crisp bag, scolding me for forgetting my rubbish. It was only when I sensed the judgemental side-eyes coming from fellow parents that I realised the optics of my good intentions. Clearly, I now looked like a parent who happily comes to the playground just to litter it up, taking a perverse enjoyment in destroying a community amenity in much the same way people keep defacing the Luke Kelly mural in Dublin. This isnt actually ours, I said to one fellow parent, in the same way you might unconvincingly insist to the next person in the queue that the messy public toilet was like that when you got there. Leonardo di Caprio may frame himself as an eco warrior, but I doubt he ever picked up a strangers coffee cup minus gloves, like I did just this morning. Who needs eco warriors, when you can be a playground hero like me!? Nearly 400 prisoners classified as unlawfully at large over the last decade did not return to custody. It includes 126 people granted temporary release from Irish prisons last year. In total, some 4,178 people were recorded as unlawfully at large between 2015 and 2024. Some 3,815 individuals were returned to custody. This means 363 individuals recorded as unlawfully at large were not brought back to prison. It includes 15 outstanding inmates from 2015. Of 702 people recorded as unlawfully at large in 2024, some 126 did not return to custody, the data shows. The figures were given to Aontu leader Peadar Toibin following a parliamentary question to justice minister Jim OCallaghan. Further figures released to Mr Toibin show that seven people died while unlawfully at large between 2014 and 2025. According to Mr OCallaghan, a person is deemed unlawfully at large if they have not returned to custody before the expiry of their temporary release period or if a condition of their release is breached. He noted that the vast majority are recorded as unlawfully at large for technical breaches whereby they do not return to the prison on their designated date to sign on, adding that these numbers are dynamic. Last year, an average of 506 prisoners were on temporary release each month, according to Irish Prison Service reports. Prisoners can be temporarily released from prison for specified lengths of time for reasons such as for a funeral or family emergency, at Christmas or near the end of a prisoners sentence. In recent parliamentary questions, Mr OCallaghan admitted that temporary releases are being used to tackle prison overcrowding. Meanwhile, proximity to buses, rail, and a good road network, along with higher population, has resulted in Mallow and Midleton recording the highest level of crimes in Cork county, according to gardai. The 'Irish Examiner' is exploring crime data from garda stations in our Cork Crime series in print and online here on Monday and Tuesday, August 4 and 5. Central Statistics Office figures show that Mallow had the highest reported crime level in Co Cork last year. The garda station in the town recorded 792 recorded incidents, including 224 thefts and 135 public order incidents. Midleton was next highest, with 613 in total, again with thefts and public order being the most reported offences. A teenage cyclist who was seriously injured in a collision last week has died, it has been announced. The 19-year-old male cyclist was injured after being struck by a car at the R113, Fonthill Road South, Clondalkin in Dublin shortly after 11.40pm on July 27. Tanaiste Simon Harris has held talks with his Haitian counterpart about the kidnapping of Irish woman Gena Heraty. Mr Harris spoke to Haitis foreign minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste by phone and asked that everything is done to ensure the release of Ms Heraty and the other hostages, including a three-year-old child. Ms Heraty is originally from Westport in Co Mayo. She oversees the orphanage, which is run by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters). It is understood Ms Heraty was among seven employees who were taken in the incident as well as the young child. Speaking after the call, Mr Harris said: I welcome my engagement with Minister Harvel Jean Baptiste after what has been an extremely traumatic few days for the Heraty family, as well as the families of all those who were kidnapped. The minister assured me of his support in our work to ensure the safe release of Gena, and all the hostages, who have gone through the most horrendous of ordeals. We have agreed to stay in touch about the case, which remains extremely sensitive. My officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are in constant contact with the Heraty family. When we have further updates, we will provide them. Mr Harris said he had been in contact with Ms Heratys family on Monday. Ms Heraty is a member of Viatores Christi, a lay missionary organisation. In a statement, the group said Ms Heraty was taken by armed individuals from her home at the NPFS (Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs) compound in Kenscoff on Sunday morning. Gena has worked in Haiti for over 30 years, dedicating her life to children and adults with disabilities through her leadership of NPFSs Special Needs Programme, it said. Her commitment, compassion and steady presence have made a lasting difference to many families in the region. Our organisation has supported NPFSs work for a number of years and has seen first-hand the impact of Genas efforts. We are in close contact with our partners on the ground and remain hopeful for her safe return. We are thinking of Gena, her family and colleagues, and the adults and children in her care. We ask that her privacy and that of those closest to her be respected as efforts continue to clarify the situation. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance. A woman six years free of cancer who struggled to get a mortgage, despite government pledges to end discrimination by insurers, has called for urgent action on the issue. Laura Magan is speaking out along with 13 cancer centres, including in Cork and Tipperary, who together warned that a voluntary agreement to have diagnoses disregarded by insurers is toothless. They called for patients to be consulted on planned legislation. Ms Magan completed treatment for cervical cancer in 2019. She was renting her home in Leitrim, and the landlord had agreed to sell to her. After waiting until my remission period was over, five years, I understood I could finally apply for a mortgage and secure a home, she said. "Within the five years, the house increased in value by 100,000, the market value went up, so I had to swallow that. However, she was shocked to realise the voluntary code only kicks in after seven years. She was refused mortgage protection insurance, which seemed to end her dream. I have received only one quote with an excessive premium of nearly 600 per month on top of my mortgage. I have tried every other insurer, but was denied a quote It was only with assistance from EBS Sligo in the last few weeks that Ms Magan crossed this hurdle. She praised manager Tara Rodgers, saying they were able to think outside the box and come up with a solution. I am only insured because of EBS. The insurance providers wouldnt bend or accommodate me in any way, she said. Ms Magan pointed out that oncologists see five years of being cancer-free as a significant marker. It was only with assistance from EBS Sligo in the last few weeks that Laura Magan came up with a solution. Jacqueline Daly, at EGM Cancer Support in Galway, said Lauras experience is not unusual. The experience of our patients is that the code can be done on a case-by-case basis, and that is not what we want, she said. Last month, Cabinet agreed to bring forward a bill to limit discrimination against cancer survivors applying for mortgage protection. However, Ms Daly said: We are the ones living with the long-term consequences, yet we have never been asked for our input. Thats not just wrong, its unjust. She wants to see patients consulted about this bill, saying: The cancer community believes legislation, not a toothless code, is the only acceptable path forward. We will no longer accept being left out of the room or left behind. 'Risk of being discriminated' Ms Daly warned that one in two people are expected to have cancer, and they are at risk of being discriminated against by financial institutions simply for having survived". The 13 centres also include ARC Cork, Circle of Friends Tipperary, Iris House Cork Cancer Support, and Sligo Cancer Support, as well as Purple House in Bray and Childhood Cancer Ireland. In July, the Department of Finance stated that Insurance Irelands voluntary code had been reviewed by Forvis Mazars. The results of the review indicated that the voluntary code is working, it said. It has been in place since 2023, and relates to mortgage protection insurance up to 500,000. Insurers can disregard a diagnosis seven years after treatment ends or five years for childhood cancer survivors. The Taoiseach has called for the release of Irish woman Gena Heraty in Haiti, calling the missionary "the manifestation of the very best of missionary endeavor, particularly working for children with special needs". It comes as the family of the kidnapped charity worker asked people to keep her in their hearts and pray for her safe and speedy return. Ms Heraty, from Westport, Co Mayo, was one of eight people seized from the Sainte-Helene orphanage, about 10km from Port-au-Prince. Micheal Martin said that every effort is being made to secure her release. "We would appeal to those who have kidnapped her and those in the orphanage to release them, not to harm them. Gena has done a lot of good for people, and we earnestly appeal for their release." Mr Martin said that he has spoken to Tanaiste Simon Harris about Ms Heraty today and that all efforts diplomatically and through other avenues are being used. As diplomatic efforts continue to secure her release, the Mayo woman's family issued a statement on Tuesday night through the Department of Foreign Affairs, saying they are still coming to terms with what has happened. We continue to work closely with Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (NPFS) in Haiti and Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and international partners who have all assured us that everything possible is being done to get Gena, and those taken with her, safely released as soon as possible, the family said. Gena is loved and respected by so many people, as is evident in the outpouring of concern, support and prayers from everyone near and far. "We are truly so grateful for all the messages of support we have received over the past few days," they added. Earlier, Tanaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris held talks his Haitian counterpart, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, and said the minister assured him of his support in their work to ensure the safe release of Ms Heraty and all the hostages. Special point of contact Mr Harris has raised the case with the EUs high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas. Ms Kallas supported the Tanaistes request for the EU to designate a specific point of contact in Haiti, working directly with Ireland on the ongoing efforts to free Gena and the other hostages. The EU currently has a team of representatives based in Haiti. A spokesman said the Tanaiste has been in constant contact with the Heraty family, and updated them on these developments. They also stated that different avenues at both political and diplomatic level continue to be exhausted as part of the ongoing efforts to secure Gena. " The kidnapping of Gena Heraty, her co-workers, and a three-year-old child is utterly devastating, Mr Harris said. This is a particularly difficult time for the Heraty family. My Department and I will continue to provide them whatever support they need. "I was glad to secure the full backing of the EUs high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas. She has agreed to immediately put in place measures to support Ireland in relation to this case. "This is an important development, ensuring that this case is firmly on the agenda of the European Union and our EU colleagues," he added. Tributes have been paid to Irish Rail employee and "pure gentleman" Ian Walsh who was found dead in Carrick-on-Suir in south Tipperary in the early hours of Monday morning. The body of Mr Walsh, aged 49, was discovered by relatives at his home in Ravenswood on Cregg Road at 3.30am. Family members raised the alarm and gardai and emergency services attended at the scene. Mr Walsh was formally pronounced dead by a local GP. He had a number of injuries to his body. It is understood he had not been seen for a few days. An autopsy will be carried out on Tuesday at University Hospital Waterford, which will determine the course of the Garda investigation. However, the death is being treated as suspicious in nature, and it is suspected that Mr Walsh was fatally stabbed. A murder investigation is expected once post-mortem results have been released to gardai. The last confirmed sighting of Mr Walsh was on Friday evening. He was a very friendly man, well liked by everyone, a friend of Mr Walshs, Ciaran Casey, said. He was well known by us drivers in Bus Eireann as he travelled with us on many occasions. Mr Walsh loved his bike, you could find him cycling anywhere and he also loved to travel, Mr Casey said. He travelled a lot when he could. Mr Walsh was well-known and liked by his colleagues in Irish Rail, and by railway enthusiasts around the country. Tailte Tours, a railway heritage group, said it felt extreme sadness at the passing of Mr Walsh, who was a signaller at Cork station and a huge supporter of its rail tour operation. "Ian ran five rail tours of his own over the course of the mid to late 2000s, and was very much a pioneer in 'outside the box' tours in Ireland, starting them from locations such as Waterford and Limerick, in an era when tours were generally based in Dublin or Belfast. "He was more than happy to pass his experience and expertise on when we started operations a few years ago; for those of you who enjoyed the 'surprise' rare track moves on our Cork-based rail tours, you can thank Ian, who went far beyond the extra mile to ensure our operations went off without a hitch. "He had a wonderful knowledge of the Iarnrod Eireann system and its people, and had also developed a passion for Bus Eireann operations, diligently recording the last runs on several rural routes in the south east as they disappeared, quickly becoming a friend to bus drivers in the Cork and Waterford areas. Iarnrod Eireann expressed shock at the passing of a well-known and popular colleague. In a statement, the company said: All us in Iarnrod Eireann are shocked and saddened at Ians passing. Ian was a well known and popular colleague across the company, both in his working life in roles from catering to signalling, and for his passion for railway and transport tourism and heritage. "Our thoughts are with his family, and his friends in the railway and beyond, at this difficult time. Mr Walsh, who was also a licensed bus driver, was known for his passion for railway and transport tourism and heritage. He was known as Squinty to his many friends. Meanwhile, gardai are attempting to establish the last known movements of Mr Walsh. Door-to-door inquiries will be carried out in the estate where he lived. Gardai will also check CCTV security camera footage from houses in the area to determine any movements to and from the property. Gardai are appealing for anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, including any road users who were in the area of Cregg Road between 8pm on Friday and 3.30am on Monday. Additionally, anyone who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and was travelling in the area at the time is asked to make it available to gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clonmel Garda Station on 052 617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. The Department of Foreign Affairs has stated that Senator Martin Conway, who has been the subject of a number of recent controversies, was not representing the State when he spoke at a recent political event in Finland. Mr Conway is subject to a Fine Gael disciplinary process following his arrest in January for being intoxicated on OConnell St in Dublin. In Helsinki last week he addressed the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) advisory panel on the political participation of persons with disabilities. The OSCE described the annual event as a chance to expand research, network with colleagues, and disseminate knowledge about the political participation of people with disabilities. Mr Conway, who is visually impaired, was first appointed to the panel in 2021. More work needs to be done for inclusion & leadership of #PersonsWithDisabilities A great honor to provide opening remarks with Chair Martin Conway & @osce_odihr at the Advisory Panel meeting, in the spirit of #Helsinki+50 conference @IrishEmbFinland @Ulkoministerio @OSCE25FI pic.twitter.com/HElMPdrUF2 Katja Pehrman (@PehrmanKatja) July 30, 2025 In a post on social media platform X, Katja Pehrman, Finlands ambassador for human rights, shared a picture of herself and Mr Conway at the event. More work needs to be done for inclusion and leadership of Persons With Disabilities, she said. A great honor [sic] to provide opening remarks with Chair Martin Conway. She tagged the Irish Embassy in Finland in her post. A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said Mr Conway was not representing Ireland at the event. Members of the ODIHR Advisory Panel on the Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities serve in their personal capacities as experts and do not represent any organisation or participating State, they said. As such, this Department has no role in sanctioning participation or travel of members of the Advisory Panel. A spokesperson for Fine Gael stated that Mr Conway is no longer a member of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party. When asked about the ongoing disciplinary procedure, they referred to a previous statement from February confirming it had commenced. The Oireachtas did not pay for the trip. Senator Conway arrested in January Mr Conway was arrested on OConnell St in Dublin in the early hours of January 22 for being in an intoxicated state due to consumption of sleeping tablets and alcohol. He was released without charge. He resigned from the Fine Gael parliamentary party just days after he was reappointed to the Seanad administrative panel for a fourth term. He was further accused of alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a female Oireachtas staff member working for Fine Gael. Mr Conway returned to Leinster House in early July. Sinn Fein TD Louise OReilly has repeatedly called for Fine Gael to address the scandal, amid reports that a 10,000 donation was made following alleged inappropriate behaviour. She told the Irish Examiner that the party and Mr Conway should be able to comment further now he is back at work. Ms O'Reilly said: There are questions for Fine Gael to answer in this regard and lots of questions left unanswered. He is still listed on the Oireachtas website as a Fine Gael member, so they will need to answer for him as a member. "I would definitely have concerns. I would definitely want to hear from him. Fine Gael really needs to settle all of these questions, given that the man is now back in work. Mr Conway did not respond to phone calls or text messages. Fifty years ago, in the midst of the Cold War, visionary leaders from China and Europe showed remarkable political courage and strategic foresight by breaking through the rigid bloc confrontations of the time. In 1975, they established diplomatic relations between China and the European Economic Community a historic step that opened the door to a relationship grounded in dialogue, co-operation, and mutual benefit. Over the past five decades, the results of this partnership have been truly remarkable. The win-win nature of ChinaEU relations is clearly evident. The European Community, originally composed of just nine member states, has grown into the 27-member EU a deeply integrated and influential global actor. Meanwhile, China has emerged as the worlds second-largest economy. Bilateral trade has surged from $2.4bn in 1975 to an impressive $785.8bn today, while mutual investment has expanded from virtually nothing to nearly $260bn. Chinese investment has created more than 270,000 jobs in the EU. Co-operation now extends across a wide array of fields, including economy and trade, science, education, and culture. China has unilaterally granted visa-free access to citizens of 24 EU member states, and nearly 600 flights connect China and Europe each week. In 2024 alone, more than 9.7m people travelled between the two regions. Looking back, the development of ChinaEU relations has not been without its challenges. As the Chinese saying goes, A friend in need is a friend indeed. Despite the EUs internal ups and downs or shifts in the global landscape, Chinas approach to its relationship with the EU has remained consistent and steady. China has always supported European integration and respects the EUs pursuit of strategic autonomy welcoming a strong, prosperous, and stable Europe. During the European debt and financial crises, China extended its support by expressing firm confidence famously declaring that confidence is more precious than gold and by purchasing large amounts of eurozone bonds. Chinas capital inflows and booming trade with Europe played a constructive role in the regions economic rebound. Following the UKs decision to leave the EU, China maintained its confidence in European unity. It dismissed the noise of Euroscepticism and Brexit-related anxieties, trusting in a smooth transition between the EU and the UK, while continuing to advocate for the stable and healthy development of ChinaEU ties. During the covid-19 pandemic, China stood in solidarity with Europe. Despite facing domestic shortages and pressure, China overcame logistical and supply challenges to donate and export large volumes of medical supplies to the EU and its member states, including Ireland. Between March 29 and April 26, 2020, Aer Lingus operated 259 cargo flights between Dublin and Beijing, transporting over 4,000 tons of medical supplies from China the largest freight operation in the airlines history. These five decades have shown that China and the EU have the capacity to support and elevate each other and even offer hope to the wider world. Chinas development has never been intended to challenge or even screw the EU. On the contrary, it has always sought to respect and address EU concerns. On the Ukraine crisis, China has clearly stated its opposition to the use of nuclear weapons and attacks on civilian nuclear facilities. It has called for preventing escalation and spillover of the conflict and emphasised Europes rightful role in resolving the crisis. Like EU, China is committed to a political settlement and supports Europe to build a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture one that can ensure lasting peace and prevent a repeat of war. On matters of trade and economic co-operation, China has taken tangible steps to address EU concerns. The number of sectors restricted to foreign investment has been significantly reduced from 190 to just 29 while efforts to ensure national treatment for foreign investors are steadily advancing. These measures have provided European businesses with broader access to a more open and rules-based Chinese market. In response to supply-chain concerns, such as those involving rare earth elements, China has introduced a fast track mechanism for European companies. To address worries about trade diversion, China has agreed to a monitoring mechanism and introduced consumer goods upgrade and equipment renewal policies aimed at expanding domestic demand concrete signs of Chinas goodwill and commitment. Over the past five decades, China and Europe have built experience and goodwill that will help us counter uncertainty and future challenges. Denying past achievements clouds our vision for the future. Disregarding the efforts of past generations is tantamount to denying our own progress. As two major forces promoting multipolarity, two massive markets supporting globalisation, and two great civilisations championing diversity, China and Europe have every reason to choose openness and co-operation. If we do, the global tide toward economic integration will remain unbroken. Looking ahead, China hopes to work with EU to uphold the post-war international order and multilateral trading system, providing much-needed global stability and certainty. Together, we can shape an even more promising next 50 years for ChinaEU relations. Zhao Xiyuan is the Ambassador of China to Ireland. Brazils Supreme Court has ordered house arrest for former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly leading a coup attempt after losing the 2022 election. The courts Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order, saying in his decision that Bolsonaro had violated the precautionary measures imposed on him by posting content on his sons social media channels. Nato has started coordinating regular deliveries of large weapons packages to Ukraine after the Netherlands said it would provide air defence equipment, ammunition and other military aid worth 500m. The equipment that will be provided is based on Ukraines priority needs on the battlefield. Nato allies then locate the weapons and ammunition and send them on. Packages will be prepared rapidly and issued on a regular basis, a Nato spokesperson said. Air defence systems are in greatest need, as the United Nations said that Russias relentless pounding of urban areas behind the front line has killed more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians. American air defence systems and munitions, in particular, are crucial for Ukraine to defend itself Russias bigger army is also making slow but costly progress along the 620-mile front line. Currently, it is waging an operation to take the eastern city of Pokrovsk, a logistical hub whose fall could allow it to drive deeper into Ukraine. European allies and Canada are buying most of the equipment which they plan to send from the United States, which has greater stocks of military material, as well as more effective weapons. The Trump administration is not giving any arms to Ukraine. The new deliveries will come on top of other pledges of military equipment. The Kiel Institute, which tracks support to Ukraine, estimates that as of June, European countries had provided 72 billion euros (63bn) worth of military aid since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, compared to 65bn in US aid. Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans said that American air defence systems and munitions, in particular, are crucial for Ukraine to defend itself. Announcing the deliveries on Monday, he said Russias attacks are pure terror, intended to break Ukraine. Germany said on Friday that it will deliver two more Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine in the coming days. It agreed to the move after securing assurances that the US will prioritise the delivery of new Patriots to Germany to backfill its stocks. These weapon systems are only made in the US. An Israeli security cabinet meeting, which had been expected to discuss Benjamin Netanyahus call for the full occupation of Gaza, has been postponed amid mounting tensions over whether the plan is feasible. Amid a stalling of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, Israeli officials had briefed local and international media that the prime minister was considering an expansive offensive, aimed at taking full control of the Palestinian territory after 22 months of war against the militant group Hamas. However, senior Israeli military officers and former senior commanders warned the plan would endanger the lives of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas, risk further international isolation of Israel and require Israeli soldiers to administer a population in which Hamas fighters were still present. Any move towards full occupation is likely to be strongly resisted by large parts of the international community, already horrified by the conduct of Israels military campaign. Palestinians ride on a truck loaded with food and humanitarian aid as it moves along the Morag corridor near Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. Picture: AP Photo/Mariam Dagga Israels scorched-earth campaign has already obliterated large parts of Gaza, killing more than 60,000 people, mostly civilians, forcing nearly all of Gazas more than two million people from their homes and causing what a global hunger monitor last week called an unfolding famine. That has caused widespread international anger and prompted several European countries to say they would recognise a Palestinian state next month if there was no ceasefire, amid mounting calls for sanctions against Israel. The disquiet follows briefings to Israeli journalists on Monday saying that Mr Netanyahu had decided the expanded offensive was a foregone conclusion. The die has been cast. Were going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip and defeating Hamas, the unnamed sources said, quoting Mr Netanyahu. By Tuesday, however, evidence had emerged of deep splits between Mr Netanyahu and senior military officials, including the chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, who reportedly voiced opposition to the plan, prompting calls for his dismissal. Military analysts in the Israeli media, channelling some defence officials, were also sceptical. Writing in Yedioth Ahronoth, the military affairs commentator Yossi Yehoshua described the risks of the proposal. Hostages will die, large numbers of IDF [Israel Defense Forces] soldiers will be killed as well as a serious logistical problem where to house the roughly 1 million civilians who are now in Gaza City. Currently, Israel simply doesnt have legitimacy either to continue to fight in Gaza or to establish a city of refugees on its ruins. Israeli officials have said Mr Netanyahu discussed a plan with the White House as it attempted to portray Hamas as having walked away from ceasefire negotiations, a claim denied by Hamas, which blamed Israel for the protracted impasse. While the Trump administration has not commented on the Netanyahu proposal, it has been given some credence by leaked comments made by the US envoy Steve Witkoff to Israeli hostage families at the weekend, suggesting his proposal for a ceasefire in exchange for the release of half of the remaining living hostages had failed. Mr Witkoff added that Donald Trump now believes that everybody should come home at once. No piecemeal deals, adding they were now pursuing an all or nothing plan. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File Picture: AP Photo/Alex Brandon At the centre of the Netanyahu plan is the notion that, by surrounding areas where hostages are believed to be held, Israeli forces can raid those areas and rescue the captives, a policy that has broadly failed during the past two years of war. Amid questions over the practicality of a wider offensive, some have speculated that Mr Netanyahus call may be more rhetorical than real in substance, aimed at keeping onboard far-right ministers who have demanded they be allowed to build settlements in Gaza. A Palestinian official close to the talks and mediation said Israeli threats could be a way to pressure Hamas to make concessions at the negotiation table. It will only complicate the negotiation further, at the end, the resistance factions will not accept less than an end to the war, and a full withdrawal from Gaza, the official told Reuters, requesting not to be named. Practically, too, it is unclear whether Israel has the capacity for the kind of expanded operation described. The IDF has struggled with manpower issues as the war drags on, with reservists being repeatedly called up amid concerns over a mental health crisis that has included a number of suicides. On Tuesday, during a visit to Gaza, Israels defence minister, Israel Katz, suggested a less comprehensive long-term Israeli occupation, saying that Israel would maintain a permanent IDF presence in a security buffer zone in strategic areas of Gaza to prevent future attacks on Israeli communities and arms smuggling into the strip. This is the main lesson of October 7, said Mr Katz. As in other sectors, here too the IDF must stand between the enemy and our communities not only to fight the enemy, but to separate it from our civilians. Inside Gaza on Tuesday, Israeli gunfire and strikes killed at least 13 Palestinians, local health authorities said, including five people in a tent in Khan Younis and three aid seekers near Rafah in the south. Israeli tanks pushed into central Gaza earlier on Tuesday, but it was not clear if the move was part of a larger ground offensive. - The Guardian Ion Iliescu, Romanias first freely elected president after the fall of communism in 1989, who later faced charges of crimes against humanity for his role in the bloody revolution, has died. He was 95. Mr Iliescu, who held de facto military authority during the anti-communist revolt, assumed power after Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena were executed on December 25 1989. More than 1,100 people died during the uprising, 862 of them after Mr Iliescu had seized power. He repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Twice re-elected, in 1992 and 2000, Mr Iliescu had largely withdrawn from public life by 2017. He was a strong leader, loved by most, contested by others, as happens in democracy In recent years, his health had declined. In 2019, he underwent heart surgery, and he was diagnosed with lung cancer in June. The hospital in the capital, Bucharest, where Mr Iliescu had been receiving medical treatment since June 9, said on Tuesday that he died at 3.55pm local time after medics made all efforts to provide him the necessary care and treatment. Romanias government also confirmed his death and extended its condolences to his family and those close to the former president. It added that it would announce plans for a state funeral soon. The late Queen Elizabeth with Ion Iliescu at Buckingham Palace in 2004 (John Stillwell/PA) In a statement on its official website, Romanias Social Democratic Party, or PSD, which Mr Iliescu founded, called it a very sad day for Romania. A prominent figure of the Romanian Revolution and the history of contemporary Romania, Mr President Ion Iliescu will remain for all of us a symbol of the politician and statesman, the statement read. He had the courage to confront Ceausescu and his dictatorship, and directed Romania irreversibly on the Euro-Atlantic path. He was a strong leader, loved by most, contested by others, as happens in democracy, it added. In 2018, military prosecutors charged Mr Iliescu with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent numerous situations in which civilians were needlessly killed during the revolution. Prosecutors alleged he had spread false information through state media, creating a generalised psychosis that fuelled chaos and bloodshed. The charges against Mr Iliescu, who served as a minister in the communist government until he was sidelined in 1971, refer to a five-day period during the uprising, after Ceausescu had fled Bucharest on December 22 1989. At the time of Mr Iliescus death, he had never been convicted, and the case remained open. In January this year, Mr Iliescus legal woes mounted when prosecutors charged him with crimes against humanity in a second case. Prosecutors allege he implemented policies that led to a violent crackdown on civilian protesters in Bucharest in 1990, who were demanding the removal of former communists from power. Ion Iliescu and his wife Nina in 2003 (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Mr Iliescu had called on coal miners from the Jiu Valley to restore order in the capital. At least four people were killed. Despite maintaining good relations with the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991, Romania became a member of the Nato military alliance in 2004 during his last presidential term. After his last term ended, he served as a politician in the Social Democratic Party, Romanias most dominant political party since communism ended 35 years ago. For two decades after the revolution, Mr Iliescu was Romanias most consequential political figure who helped define the countrys new democratic institutions and its constitution, said Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant. His legacy spans from the one to oust Ceausescu to being himself a break in Romanias development and transition to full functioning democracy and market economy, he told The Associated Press. He was later accused by a growing number of Romanians of being the continuator of the Communist apparatus trying to hold on to power in an authoritarian-communist style. After Nicusor Dans victory in Romanias tense presidential rerun in May, Mr Iliescu congratulated the new pro-Western leader in a blog post, noting that Romania is going through a complex period and faces economic, social, and geopolitical challenges. Romania needs coherence, dialogue and a firm commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and its European path, he said. I am convinced that you will exercise this responsibility with dignity and a sense of duty to the nation. Jeffrey Epsteins former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell wants to keep grand jury records secret in the sex trafficking case that sent her to prison, her lawyers have said. It comes as prosecutors in the US urge a court to release some of those records in the criminal case-turned-political fireball. Maxwell has not seen the material herself, her lawyers said the grand jury process is conducted behind closed doors. Some of US President Donald Trumps allies spent years suggesting there was more to the Epstein saga than met the eye and calling for more disclosures (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) But she opposes unsealing what her lawyers described as potentially hearsay-laden transcripts of grand jury evidence, which was given in secret and without her lawyers there to challenge it. Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable and her due process rights remain, lawyers David O Markus and Melissa Madrigal wrote. A message seeking comment from prosecutors was not immediately returned. US government lawyers have been trying to quell a clamour for transparency by seeking the transcripts release although the government also says the public already knows much of what is in the documents. Most of the information was made publicly available at trial or has otherwise been publicly reported through the public statements of victims and witnesses, prosecutors wrote in court papers on Monday. They noted that the disclosures excluded some victims and witnesses names. Prosecutors had also said last week that some of what the grand jurors heard eventually came out at Maxwells 2021 trial and in various victims legal cases. There were only two grand jury witnesses, both of them law enforcement officials, prosecutors said. Prosecutors made clear on Monday that they are seeking to unseal only the transcripts of grand jury witnesses evidence, not the exhibits that accompanied it. But they are also working to parse how much of the exhibits also became public record over the years. While prosecutors have sought to temper expectations about any new revelations from the grand jury proceedings, they are not proposing to release a cache of other information the government collected while looking into Epstein. The filing aimed to support their request to release the usually secret records amid a public clamour for more transparency about the investigation into Epstein, six years after the financier died in prison. Maxwell, his former girlfriend, was later convicted of helping him prey on underage girls. The transcript face-off comes six years after authorities said Epstein killed himself while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges and four years after Maxwell was convicted. Some of US President Donald Trumps allies spent years suggesting there was more to the Epstein saga than met the eye and calling for more disclosures. A few got powerful positions in Mr Trumps Justice Department and then faced backlash after it abruptly announced that nothing more would be released and that a long-rumoured Epstein client list does not exist. After trying unsuccessfully to change the subject and denigrating his own supporters for staying interested in Epstein, the Republican president told Attorney General Pam Bondi to ask courts to unseal the grand jury transcripts in the case. By Akbar Novruz Fresh reports suggest that a new round of high-level talks between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan may have been facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Middle East Eye website has reported, citing regional sources, that Azerbaijan and Armenia are set to sign a memorandum of understanding in Washington, D.C. According to sources, U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the White House for the signing ceremony. The two leaders are expected to sign a letter of intent rather than a draft peace agreement. This event could provide Trump with the diplomatic breakthrough he has been seeking in the region since last month. The Armenian Prime Minister's Office has neither confirmed nor denied the information about the planned Washington meeting, stating, "At this time, we cannot confirm or deny the information circulating in the press and on social media regarding the expected visit of Prime Minister Pashinyan to the United States." This anticipated summit at the White House follows a meeting between the two leaders in Abu Dhabi in July. After that meeting, both leaders indicated that their countries could finalize the main principles of the agreement within a few months and then proceed to initial it. ****04.08.2025 - 11:25 Armenia and Azerbaijan are preparing to announce their intention to reach a peace agreement later this week in Washington, Azernews reports, citing U.S. media outlets. According to reports, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to host Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the White House on Friday. The anticipated meeting is being seen as a significant diplomatic step toward resolving decades of conflict between the two countries. The expected announcement follows recent talks between the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders held in Abu Dhabi, where both sides reportedly made progress on the key terms of normalization. No official statements have been released from Baku and Yerevan yet. The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) has launched a new mobile application called BEAC NG2020 to help the public and financial professionals authenticate BEAC banknotes from the Type 2020 series. Created in 1972, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) is the central bank common to the six States that make up the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). These are Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Chad. Their currency is the Central African CFA franc (FCFA). The application, which aims to strengthen measures against counterfeiting, is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It allows users with Android and iOS phones to verify the authenticity of the 2020 series banknotes they hold or receive. Users can compare the security features illustrated in the application with those on the physical banknotes. The illustrated features include watermarks, incomplete motifs, serial numbers, security threads, and impressions perceptible to the touch. The app also shows how to authenticate notes by tilting them to observe the dynamic 3D motifs and by placing them under a UV lamp to see specific fluorescent features. BEAC, which announced the launch of BEAC NG2020 last week, is encouraging the public and professionals to make extensive use of this new application as part of a broader set of measures to ensure confidence in the currency it issues. Counterfeiting is apparently still a problem in the region despite reinforced BEAC measures introduced in November 2022 that included a new series of FCFA notes with modern security elements. Agence Ecofin reports that, as recently as January this year, the Cameroon police seized 32 million FCFA in counterfeit banknotes in Maroua, and nearly 100 million FCFA were confiscated in Douala, during an anti-counterfeiting operation. Oakwood, Ga. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) A concerning story out of Georgia offers a window into the rise and possible demise of an all-encompassing strategy of Christian Nationalism finding unheralded success in the Trump era. On July 10th federal regulators filed a complaint seeking the seizure of Georgia lender First Liberty Building & Loan, accusing the financial institution that has deep conservative political ties of operating a sweeping $140 million Ponzi scheme, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. First Liberty advertised itself as a patriotic, Christian organization, the paper noted. This underplays the powerful ideology it seemingly advanced. First Libertys leader, a well-connected conservative political donor named Brant Frost IV, was a leader in a mens ministry based in a suburban Atlanta church that advanced an ideology known as the seven mountains mandate, a sweeping strategy of Christian Nationalism to retake from secular or anti-Christian control seven essential cultural institutions from government to education to media. Matthew Boedy, The Seven Mountains Mandate. Westminster John Knox Press. September 2025. Click Here to Buy First Liberty fits what I describe in my new book about the seven mountains mandate as an organization dedicated to the mountain of business. First Liberty was a way for investors to grow wealth while advancing Christian values and boosting President Donald Trumps movement, the AJC noted. In my book I argue the strategy behind the mountain of business is to offer successful business people the chance to grow their wealth and use that wealth to advance the kingdom of God. Investments of the kind offered by First Liberty did not merely rely on the trusted word of Frost and past success for clients, some of whom are influential people in conservative politics. The pitch was inherently religious. This echoes early leaders in the seven mountains movement who preached about wide-ranging kingdom impacts from those who invested in their vision from helping the poor to denying evil business leaders a chance to misuse Gods money. From what little we know of Frost, he seems to fit the mold of marketplace apostle, those in the seven mountains movement who would set out to convince business leaders that their tithes and offerings were not being used well by traditional churches and denominations. Instead, they should fund ministries that married politics, religion, and the economy. The SEC complaint against First Liberty dates its alleged bad deeds back to 2014. While the seven mountains mandate has been around for decades it gained immense popularity in Charismatic evangelical networks around that time. Many scholars of the movement say a pastor-turned-entrepreneur named Lance Wallnau is the man responsible for its rise in popularity. Wallnau has written books about the elections of Trump, attributing them to divine intervention. But as I argue in my book, the new face of the seven mountains mandate is the millennial political wunderkind Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk has turned his national organization that educates, activates, and trains the MAGA faithful into the indispensable group for the seven mountains mandate movement. It is not surprising that Kirk endorsed First Liberty. Kirk founded Turning Point as he graduated high school in 2012. It shot to political stardom during the first Trump administration and in the second, Kirk has become a kingmaker. While some people compare him to Rush Limbaugh because of his national radio broadcast, Kirks plan for Turning Point is far more massive than the power of the late radio host. Turning Point began as an outreach to conservative students. While it has thousands of chapters on high school and college campuses, Turning Point is far beyond those origins now. It has an arm for each of the seven mountains and has put the movement as close to success as it has ever been. The ideology of the seven mountains mandate is not limited to Kirk and people like Frost. Powerful people in all seven of the cultural institutions have declared it in some form as their goal. For example, Project 2025, the massive set of policies to remake the federal government being implemented by the Trump administration, is one of the seven mountains. Adherents in that arena include the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. This power is part of the plan. Place its adherents atop the seven areas and watch them remake America into a Christian country, a national identity it once had. And from there, build up the nation as a beacon of truth and goodness prepared for the return of Jesus. Its a minority movement desiring to rule over the rest of us because they know what is best for us. As one can easily see this overarching vision goes beyond the mountain of government. So elections are only one though important avenue to stop it. Religious groups like Christians against Christian Nationalism are credible attempts to convince conservative Christians to give up the power grab. But because of the sweeping nature of the seven mountains mandate, stopping it will require the whole of our democracy. Community by community, classroom by classroom, even street by street we have to reinvest in the principles and power of pluralism. The First Liberty scandal shows some in the seven mountains movement want to be taken in by its promises. The scandal also shows those of us who want to stand against it are far behind in persuading our neighbors that their time and treasure can be better spent somewhere else. The demise of the seven mountains mandate wont come due to grifters and greedy business people. It will only come as we work for democracy on local and national stages. By Scott Lucas, University College Dublin (The Conversation) A new vision for Middle East peace emerged this week which proposes the withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and the West Bank, the disarming and disbanding of Hamas and the creation of a unified Palestinian state. The plan emerged from a high-level conference in New York on July 29, which assembled representatives of 17 states, the European Union and the Arab League. The resulting proposal is a comprehensive and actionable framework for the implementation of the two-state solution and the achievement of peace and security for all. Signatories include Turkey and the Middle Eastern states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan. Europe was represented by France, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain and the UK. Indonesia was there for Asia, Senegal for Africa, and Brazil, Canada and Mexico for the Americas. Neither the US nor Israel were present. Significantly, it is the first time the Arab states have called for Hamas to disarm and disband. But, while condemning Hamass attack on Israel of October 7 2023 and recalling that the taking of hostages is a violation of international law, the document is unsparing in its connection between a state of Palestine and an end to Israels assault on Gazas civilians. It says: Absent decisive measures toward the two-state solution and robust international guarantees, the conflict will deepen and regional peace will remain elusive. A plan for the reconstruction of Gaza will be developed by the Arab states and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation a Jeddah-based group which aims to be the collective voice of the Muslim world supported by an international fund. The details will be hammered out at a Gaza Reconstruction and Recovery Conference, to be held in Cairo. It is a bold initiative. In theory, it could end the Israeli mass killing in Gaza, remove Hamas from power and begin the implementation of a process for a state of Palestine. The question is whether it has any chance of success. First, there appears to be growing momentum to press ahead with recognition of the state of Palestine as part of a comprehensive peace plan leading to a two-state solution. France, the UK and, most recently, Canada have announced they would take that step at the UN general assembly in September. The UK stated that it would do so unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire and the commencement of a substantive peace process. These announcements follow those made in May 2024 by Spain, Ireland and Norway, three of the other European signatories. By the end of September at least 150 of the UNs 193 members will recognise Palestinian statehood. Recognition is largely symbolic without a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from both Gaza and the West Bank. But it is essential symbolism. For years, many European countries, Canada, Australia and the US have said that recognition could not be declared if there was the prospect of Israel-Palestine negotiations. Now the sequence is reversed: recognition is necessary as pressure for a ceasefire and the necessary talks to ensure the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. Israel accelerated that reversal at the start of March, when it rejected the scheduled move to phase two of the six-week ceasefire negotiated with the help of the US, and imposed a blockade on aid coming into the Strip. The Netanyahu government continues to hold out against the ceasefire. But its loud blame of Hamas is becoming harder to accept. The images of the starvation in Gaza and warnings by doctors, humanitarian organisations and the UN of an effective famine with the deaths of thousands can no longer be denied. Saudi Arabia and Qatar, behind the scenes and through their embassies, have been encouraging European countries to make the jump to recognition. Their efforts at the UN conference in New York this week are another front of that campaign. Israel and the Trump administration But in the short term, there is little prospect of the Netanyahu government giving way with its mass killing, let alone entering talks for two states. Notably neither Israel nor the US took part in the conference. Trump has criticised the scenes of starvation in Gaza. But his administration has joined Netanyahu in vitriolic denunciation of France and the UK over their intentions to recognise Palestine. And the US president has warned the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, that recognition of Palestinian statehood would threaten Canadas trade deal with the US. In response to Trumps concern over the images of starving children and his exhortation Weve got to get the kids fed, Israel has airdropped a few pallets of aid less than a trucks worth. Yet this appears more of a public relations exercise directed at Washington than a genuine attempt to ease the terrible condition on the Strip. A small number of lorries with supplies from UN and humanitarian organisations have also crossed the border, but only after lengthy delays and with half still held up. There is no security for transport and delivery of the aid inside Gaza. A sacrifice for a state? So the conference declaration is not relief for Gaza. Instead, it is yet another marker of Israels increasing isolation. After Frances announcement, the Netanyahu government thundered: Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel. But while recognising Hamass mass killing of October 7 2023, most governments and their populations do not perceive Israel as attacking Hamas and its fighters. They see the Netanyahu government and Israeli military slaying and starving civilians. Even in the US, where the Trump administration is trying to crush sympathy for Palestine and Gazans in universities, non-governmental organisations and the public sphere, opinion is shifting. Gaza 49, Digital, Midjourney, 2025 In a Gallup poll taken in the US and released on July 29, only 32% of respondents supported Israels actions in Gaza an all-time low and 60% opposed them. Netanyahu was viewed unfavourably by 52% and favourably by only 29%. Israel has lost its moment of normalisation with Arab states. Its economic links are strained and its oft-repeated claim to being the Middle Easts only democracy is bloodstained beyond recognition. This will be of no comfort to the people of Gaza facing death. But in the longer term, there is the prospect that this sacrifice will be the catalyst to recognise Palestine that disappeared in 1948. Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Committee on Academic Freedom | Middle East Studies Association of North America | Letter to the City University of New York protesting the non-reappointment of four adjunct faculty members and the suspension of a student Felix V. Matos Rodriguez Chancellor, City University of New York felo@cuny.edu . . . Dear Chancellor Matos Rodriguez and colleagues: We write on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom to express our grave concern at recent decisions and statements made by your office and by the leaderships and human resources teams at Brooklyn College, City Tech, John Jay College of Criminal Law and City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law. These actions, taken together, point to a pattern of ideological purging that violates the principles of academic freedom, faculty governance and due process, and therefore constitute an egregious betrayal of CUNYs avowed educational mission. MESA was founded in 1966 to promote scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. The preeminent organization in the field, the Association publishes the prestigious International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2,800 members worldwide. MESA is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression, both within the region and in connection with the study of the region in North America and outside of North America. According to media reports, three adjunct faculty members teaching in different departments at Brooklyn College were notified by Human Resources on 13 June 2025 that their appointments had not been renewed. In all three cases, not only had the colleges personnel and budget committee and department chair approved these instructors reappointment but they had been assigned courses for the fall 2025 semester in which students had already enrolled. We note as well that all three faculty members had received positive reviews through student evaluations and peer observation. Two of these faculty members who also taught in other CUNY colleges received additional letters of non-reappointment, one from City Tech and the other from John Jay College. In the latter case, the Office of the Provost informed the faculty member that a previously issued reappointment letter was no longer valid. A fourth adjunct faculty member teaching at Brooklyn College who had been assigned courses for the summer 2025 and fall 2025 semesters received a notice of termination on 23 May 2025. In this case, too, they had received positive reviews through student evaluations and peer observations. We note that in all four cases, the notice of non-reappointment or termination was issued without any warning, suggestion that a complaint about alleged policy violation had been filed or indication that the faculty member was being investigated. The notices failed to specify the cause for non-reappointment or termination, and the faculty members were denied any reasonable due process. As the Academic Freedom Committee of CUNYs Professional Staff Congress (PSC) noted in its 9 July 2025 letter to CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodriguez: While the unexplained non-reappointment of teaching adjuncts is itself not unusual at CUNY, the synchronicity of these non-reappointments across BC and other CUNY colleges is deeply concerning. In an earlier letter to CUNYs Chancellor, PSC President James Davis pointed out that what the four instructors who lost their CUNY jobs at the same time have in common is their public protest against Israel and advocacy for Palestinian rights. In addition to these terminations, according to media reports CUNY issued a one-year suspension on 2 July 2025 to a rising senior at City College of New York (CCNY) for allegedly violating the CUNY Henderson Rules and CCNY Student Demonstration Policy while participating in nonviolent protest activity. The student had since 2023 been a member of the leadership board of CCNYs Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter. The suspension of this student, a clearly disproportionate punishment, bars the student from enrolling in or entering all of CUNYs 26 colleges and prohibits them from engaging in many campus activities even after the end of the suspension, including being a member or leader of various officially recognized student organizations, among them SJP, the Muslim Student Association and the Women in Islam club. Barring an enrolled student from affiliating with student organizations is an affront to any semblance of academic freedom and free speech. We note that CUNY implemented these arbitrary, highly irregular and unjustified terminations and punitive disciplinary measures not long before the appearance of Chancellor Matos Rodriguez before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, suggesting that political considerations were paramount. MESA has previously addressed the threat this committees hearings pose to academic freedom, faculty governance, curricular diversity and institutional autonomy. We believe that universities must not appease or capitulate to the malign forces motivating these circus-like hearings; anticipatory obedience has only fueled the repressive agenda underpinning them. Not surprisingly, when Chancellor Matos Rodriguez appeared before the committee on 15 July 2025, several of its members called on him to investigate and discipline CUNYs Professional Staff Congress (PSC) and individual faculty members for expressing views critical of Israeli policies, supporting the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement or engaging in other constitutionally protected speech. Representative Elise Stefanik took Chancellor Matos Rodriguez to task for CUNYs hiring of Saly Abd Alla as a Chief Diversity Officer because of her prior employment at the Council on Islamic-American Relations (CAIR) in Minnesota a civil rights organization that advocates on behalf of Muslim Americans which Stefanik slandered as a terrorist-affiliated organization. Stefanik also demanded to know why CUNY had not taken disciplinary action against School of Law Professor Ramzi Kassem, founding director of the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CLEAR) project at CUNY, for representing former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil in his legal struggle against deportation. In response to committee members allegations, Chancellor Matos Rodriguez stated that any violations of university policies would be investigated. Regrettably, he failed to clearly and forcefully assert that there was no evidence that either Abd Alla or Kassem had violated any laws or university policies; nor did he denounce committee members demands to investigate and discipline CUNY faculty and staff as a serious threat to their constitutionally protected rights and to the principles of academic freedom. We regard Stefaniks attack on Professor Kassem, and the chancellors failure to denounce it, to be particularly outrageous and dangerous. As the Clinical Legal Education Association and the Clinical Section of the Association of American Law Schools asserted in a statement dated 17 July 2025: Legislative pressure to punish a law professor for their workstanding up to government overreach, defending clients targeted for exercising their free speech rights, and teaching students to do the sameattacks the integrity of legal education and the rule of law. The president and legal counsel of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) made a similar point in their 29 July 2025 letter to Chancellor Matos Rodriguez and Dean Gomez-Velez: Any discipline leveled against Professor Kassem for his representation of Mr. Khalil would violate AAUP standards on academic freedom and tenure and the terms of CUNYs faculty labor contract. Even more critically, such discipline would contravene Professor Kassems constitutionally-protected speech and association. This countrys institutions of higher education should be places in which all members of the campus community can express their views freely. In these fraught times university leaders have a heightened responsibility to protect the freedom of speech and academic freedom of all members of the campus community. This is all the more important now, when the federal government, in concert with individuals and organizations pursuing their political agenda, are seeking to vilify and silence students, faculty and staff with whom they disagree. We therefore call on the leadership of CUNY to rescind the non-reappointment of the three adjunct faculty members, the termination of the fourth adjunct faculty member and the suspension and other sanctions imposed on the student. We further call on CUNYs leadership, both central and at the individual colleges, to refrain from adopting any policies, or taking any measures, which are likely to exert a chilling effect on the right or ability of students, faculty and staff to freely express their viewpoints on matters of public concern or to advocate for whatever cause they wish. Finally, we urge you to publicly and forcefully reaffirm your commitment to respecting free speech, academic freedom, faculty governance and due process on campus, and to fully protect the safety, well-being and rights of all members of campus community. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Asl U. Bali MESA President Professor, Yale Law School Laurie A. Brand Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom Professor Emerita, University of Southern California 12.80 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 25.00m with 320.00 GT (including 27.21 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 7.00m) in hole PPL1174 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 /Jaguar Mining Inc. ("Jaguar" or the "Company") (TSX:JAG)(OTCQX:JAGGF) is pleased to provide an update on exploration drilling activities at the BA zone, located within its Pilar mine in Brazil. Recent diamond drilling results continue to confirm the presence of high-grade gold mineralization extending at depth. Since the Company's previous BA zone update (see press release dated September 5, 2024), the Pilar mine has begun to see increased gold grades and additional production from this zone, a trend that is expected to continue. A total of 2,328 meters of additional drilling has been completed in the BA zone, targeting mineralization between Level 16 and Level 20. The most significant result to date was from drill hole PPL1174, which intersected 12.80 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 25.00m, representing 320.00 GT (Grade x Thickness). This intercept included 27.21 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 7.00m (refer to Figures 1, 2 and 3 for more details). Highlights from diamond drilling completed since September 2024 include: 12.80 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 25.00m - hole FSB1174 - including 27.21 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 7.00m 34.43 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 2.30m - hole FSB1212 8.03 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 8.00m - hole FSB1171 - including 12.18 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 4.4m 14.52 g/t Au over an estimated true width of 7.00m - hole FSB1173 Armando Massucatto, Exploration Manager for Jaguar Mining, commented: "The exceptional intersections returned from the BA zone, notably by drill holes PPL1102 (see press release dated September 5, 2024) and PPL1174 (this release), underscore both the geological and structural coherence of the mineralization. These results affirm a pronounced down-plunge continuity, characteristic of prolific mineralized systems within the Iron Quadrangle, which are known to persist for several kilometers along plunge. Importantly, the mineralization remains open at depth and expands into adjacent un-tested upper levels, with gold grades maintained along extension. This supports a positive outlook for the ongoing growth of the Pilar mine's mineral resource base, highlighting exploration potential for the addition of further ounces." Luis Albano Tondo, President and newly appointed CEO of Jaguar Mining, commented: "The ongoing work at the BA zone continues to exceed our expectations. Our latest drilling results confirm that the high-grade gold mineralization continues at depth and validate the continuity and predictability of this orebody across the levels we are actively developing. This comprehensive understanding of the deposit's geometry empowers us to systematically unlock a source of ore reserves in Pilar. We are now confidently forecasting the BA zone to deliver approximately 50% of the mine's total production going forward, solidifying its role as a key growth driver for Jaguar." Figure 1 - Long Section showing the Pilar Mine underground layout and the position of the BA Zone relative to the other main orebodies. The location of the planned and ongoing BA Zone sub-level access development between level 15 and level 19 is highlighted at the bottom right corner of the figure. Figure 2 - Long sectional view showing the location of access development to evaluate the BA Zone, along with key diamond drill mineralized intersections reported in this press release. Figure 3 - Long sectional view highlighting the detail of drill holes PPL1173 and 1174, which confirm high grade continuity of the BA Zone over more than 250m. Table 1 - Summary of significant diamond drilling intersections with grade x thickness (GT) > 20 between Level 16 and Level 20 targeting the BA Zone. HOLE ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Est. True Width (m) Grade (g/t Au) GT (ETW) Orebody PPL1161 67.90 72.20 4.30 3.70 6.80 25.16 BA PPL1162 80.70 92.60 11.90 10.00 5.66 56.60 BA Including 89.80 92.60 2.80 2.50 17.23 43.08 BA FSB1236 0.00 6.40 6.40 5.50 14.76 81.18 BA FSB1236 11.40 13.75 2.35 2.00 14.38 28.76 TORRE FSB1212 34.70 38.35 3.65 2.30 34.43 79.19 BA FSB1212 82.05 87.85 5.80 3.50 6.53 22.86 BA FSB1212 91.40 103.35 11.95 5.00 5.06 25.30 BA FSB1212 108.05 110.65 2.60 2.00 15.56 31.12 BA FSB1212 114.35 121.65 7.30 4.00 7.81 31.24 BA Including 117.25 119.84 2.59 2.00 17.37 34.74 BA PPL1164 126.40 129.45 3.05 2.40 8.66 20.78 LPA FSB1214 26.50 31.80 5.30 4.00 20.60 82.40 BA FSB1222 40.45 45.55 5.10 4.20 4.83 20.29 LPA Including 42.45 44.45 2.00 1.60 10.43 16.69 LPA PPL1167 106.70 112.40 5.70 3.90 7.76 30.26 LPA PPL1167 119.40 129.40 10.00 6.90 2.67 18.42 BA PPL1166 173.40 188.50 15.10 8.00 4.43 35.44 BA Including 173.40 177.15 3.75 2.00 12.69 25.38 BA FSB1233 1.60 3.15 1.55 1.20 30.97 37.16 BA PPL1169 120.35 124.30 3.95 3.00 8.87 26.61 BA PPL1169 125.25 140.50 15.25 10.00 4.22 42.20 BA Including 129.35 135.70 6.35 4.50 6.96 31.32 BA PPL1170 96.45 103.80 7.35 5.10 6.89 35.14 BA Including 96.45 98.75 2.30 1.70 16.72 28.42 BA PPL1171 147.10 155.40 8.30 7.00 4.03 28.21 LPA PPL1171 158.80 168.30 9.50 8.00 8.03 64.24 BA Including 158.80 164.65 5.85 4.40 12.18 53.59 BA PPL1172 66.85 76.05 9.20 8.50 3.27 27.80 BA PPL1172 82.75 91.00 8.25 7.50 3.58 26.85 TORRE PPL1174 222.00 271.55 49.55 25.00 12.80 320.00 BA Including 222.00 236.30 14.30 7.00 27.21 190.47 BA PPL1173 44.20 49.95 5.75 5.00 3.40 17.00 LPA PPL1173 71.30 80.35 9.05 7.00 14.52 101.64 BA Geological Context: Understanding the BA Zone's Mineralization The geological structure of the BA orebody, as observed in our underground galleries, reveals a succession of complex, overturned folds. The axes of these folds consistently plunge to the southeast at medium to low angles, while their axial surfaces dip eastward at moderate to steep angles, aligning with the orientation of the Banded Iron Formation (BIF) bedding. Importantly, the high-grade gold mineralization is intrinsically hosted within these well-developed BIF layers. Drill hole PPL1174 provides critical insights into this structural setting. The relationship between the rock bedding and the drill core orientation within this hole confirms that the BIF layers, which host the mineralization, maintain their folded nature even after undergoing subsequent refolding processes. This indicates a consistent structural environment at depth. The primary gold-bearing zones are characterized by significant hydrothermal alteration, evidenced by the presence of minerals such as quartz and chlorite, alongside sulfide mineralization, predominantly pyrrhotite. The consistent presence of pyrrhotite and pyrite as the main sulfides filling the bedding, and within the vein edges, serves as a reliable indicator. These collective geological features, including the consistent structural controls, the confirmation of folded ore zones at depth, and the characteristic mineral associations, significantly enhance our confidence in the down-plunge continuity of this high-potential ore zone. This structural and mineralogical predictability supports the long-term potential of the BA zone. Between levels 1 and 6, the BA orebody was the primary contributor to production at the Pilar mine. Starting from Level 4, the structure progressively narrowed down-plunge making the BA orebody less economically viable, until Level 12. More recently, between levels 15 and 19, exploration drilling campaigns have confirmed the renewed economic potential of the BA orebody at greater depths. This indicates that the interval between levels 12 and 15 still holds significant exploration potential. Drilling programs targeting this zone are either underway or in the planning phase, aiming to delineate additional resources at shallower levels and support the continuity of the BA orebody throughout the deposit. Qualified Person Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Armando Jose Massucatto, Geo, PhD, FAusIMM, Exploration Manager, who is also an employee of Jaguar Mining Inc. and is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The Iron Quadrangle The Iron Quadrangle has been an area of mineral exploration dating back to the 16th century. The discovery in 1699-1701 of gold contaminated with iron and platinum-group metals in the southeastern corner of the Iron Quadrangle gave rise to the name of the town Ouro Preto (Black Gold). The Iron Quadrangle contains world-class multi-million-ounce gold deposits such as Morro Velho, Cuiaba, and Sao Bento. Jaguar holds the second largest gold land position in the Iron Quadrangle with over 45,000 hectares. About Jaguar Mining Inc. Jaguar Mining Inc. is a Canadian-listed junior gold mining, development, and exploration company operating in Brazil with three gold mining complexes and a large land package with significant upside exploration potential from mineral claims. The Company's principal operating assets are located in the Iron Quadrangle, a prolific greenstone belt in the state of Minas Gerais and include the MTL complex (Turmalina mine and plant) and Caete complex (Pilar and Roca Grande mines, and Caete plant). The Roca Grande mine has been on temporary care and maintenance since April 2019. The Company also owns the Paciencia complex (Santa Isabel mine and plant), which had been on care and maintenance since 2012 and is planned to restart in 2025. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.jaguarmining.com. For further information please contact: Luis Albano Tondo Chief Executive Officer Jaguar Mining Inc. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +55 31-99959-6337 Marina de Freitas Interim Chief Financial Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +55 31-98463-5344 Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking information made in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements below and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators in Canada. Forward-looking information contained in forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "are expected," "is forecast," "forecasting", "is targeted," "approximately," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "believe" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be considered to be or include forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the nature, focus, timing and potential results or implications of the Company's exploration, drilling and prospecting activities, including the Company's diamond drilling at its Pilar mine, as described in this news release, as well as any other future exploration activities of the Company, management's expectations regarding the exploration potential of the Pilar Mine and future gold grades and production at the Pilar mine, including forecasts relating to production at the BA zone, any information and statements related to expected growth(including, without limitation, the potential for growth in regards to the Pilar mine's mineral resource base), sales, production statistics, ore grades, tonnes milled, recovery rates, cash operating costs, definition/delineation drilling, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of projects and new deposits, success of exploration, development and mining activities, currency fluctuations, capital requirements, project studies, mine life extensions, restarting suspended or disrupted operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and resolution of pending litigation. The Company has made numerous assumptions with respect to forward-looking information contained herein, including, among other things, assumptions about estimated timeline for the development of the Company's mineral properties; the supply and demand for, and the level and volatility of the price of, gold; the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions on which the reserve and resource estimates are based; the receipt of necessary permits; market competition; ongoing relations with employees and impacted communities; political and legal developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations including, without limitation, the impact of any potential power rationing, tailings facility regulation, exploration and mine operating licenses and permits being obtained and renewed and/or there being adverse amendments to mining or other laws in Brazil and any changes to general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking information involves a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including among others: the risk of Jaguar not meeting the forecast plans regarding its operations and financial performance; uncertainties with respect to the price of gold, labour disruptions, mechanical failures, increase in costs, environmental compliance and change in environmental legislation and regulation, weather delays and increased costs or production delays due to natural disasters, power disruptions, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations; uncertainties inherent to capital markets in general (including the sometimes volatile valuation of securities and an uncertain ability to raise new capital) and other risks inherent to the gold exploration, development and production industry, which, if incorrect, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described herein. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of gold exploration, development, mining and production, including environmental hazards, tailings dam failures, industrial accidents and workplace safety problems, unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding, chemical spills, procurement fraud and gold bullion thefts and losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking information made in this news release, see the Company's most recent Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis, as well as other public disclosure documents that can be accessed under the issuer profile of "Jaguar Mining Inc." on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's reasonable expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Integra Resources Corp. ("Integra" or the "Company") (TSXV: ITR) (NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce initial results from the 2025 resource growth drilling program at the Company's primary operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine ("Florida Canyon") located in Nevada. The drill program marks the first phase of a multi-year growth strategy designed to expand mineral reserves and resources, extend mine life, and enhance the value of Florida Canyon. The 2025 growth drilling program is focused on three key areas: (1) Near-surface oxide potential from historical low-grade gold-mineralized waste material that was uneconomic at lower gold prices; (2) Expanding in-situ resources between existing mine open pits; and (3) Testing lateral extensions and in-pit infill drilling. Due to the success of initial drilling, the scope of the program has been increased from ~10,000 meters ("m") to ~16,000 m of reverse circulation ("RC") and sonic drilling. At the date of this news release, ~5,700 m of RC drilling has been completed. Highlights: Opportunity 1: Near-surface oxide potential from historical dump material: Drilling targeting large volumes of historical gold-mineralized low-grade waste material previously estimated to be below the mining cut-off grade in a significantly lower gold price environment. These areas demonstrate the greatest near-term opportunity to increase mineral resources and potentially extend mine life. Initial results from the North Mine Dump ("North Dump") confirmed broad, near-surface intervals of oxide gold mineralization with consistent gold grades and excellent heap leach potential. Top intercepts include (see detailed table below): FCM25-0569: 0.28 grams per tonne ("g/t") oxide gold ("Au") over 68.6 m FCM25-0570: 0.36 g/t oxide Au over 71.6 m FCM25-0575: 0.37 g/t oxide Au over 47.2 m , incl. 4.53 g/t oxide Au over 1.5 m ~70% of drill intercepts exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.11 g/t Au Due to the initial success of drilling at the North Dump, the drill program has been increased by ~6,000 m (from ~10,000 m to ~16,000 m). Additional drilling will be focused on the North Dump and South Mine Dump ("South Dump"), another large volume of potentially gold-mineralized low-grade material adjacent to the active mining area. Preliminary volume and grade estimation work is underway for the North Dump and South Dump with further detail expected in the coming months. Drilling targeting large volumes of historical gold-mineralized low-grade waste material previously estimated to be below the mining cut-off grade in a significantly lower gold price environment. These areas demonstrate the greatest near-term opportunity to increase mineral resources and potentially extend mine life. Opportunity 2: Expand in-situ resources between existing mine open pits: Drilling targeting "saddle" and "ridge" ("Inter-Pit") areas located between active and historical pits. Many of these areas have been sparsely drilled historically and offer meaningful growth potential directly adjacent to current and future mining phases. Initial results from Inter-Pit areas confirmed broad, near-surface intervals of gold mineralization with consistent gold grades and heap leach potential. Top intercepts include (see detailed table below): FCM25-0588: 0.47 g/t Au over 39.6 m (North Pit) FCM25-0591: 0.27 g/t Au over 114.3 m (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) FCM25-0600: 0.25 g/t oxide Au over 73.2 m (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) ~40% of drill intercepts within the Radio Tower Pit exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.14 g/t Au ~35% of drill intercepts within the remaining Inter-Pit areas exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.11 g/t Au Drilling targeting "saddle" and "ridge" ("Inter-Pit") areas located between active and historical pits. Many of these areas have been sparsely drilled historically and offer meaningful growth potential directly adjacent to current and future mining phases. Metallurgical bottle roll leach tests are underway on material gathered through the drill program to assess potential gold recoveries and other ore characteristics; preliminary indications suggest favorable heap leach characteristics. The 2025 drill program at Florida Canyon is expected to support a mineral resource and reserve update and a revised life-of-mine plan in the first half ("H1") of 2026. George Salamis, President, CEO and Director of Integra commented: "A key driver behind the acquisition of Florida Canyon in late 2024 was not only the cash flow that the mine could generate, but also the significant near-mine growth potential. We are very encouraged by the initial results from our 2025 drill program, particularly from the high-priority North Dump area. Broad, consistent oxide gold-mineralized intercepts confirm excellent grade continuity and underscore the potential to grow resources and extend mine life. We also see promising results from the drilling in the Inter-Pit areas, which suggest the potential for pit expansions. Based on the success of initial drilling, the Company has increased the scope of the drill program by ~6,000 meters. Pursuing low-strip, near-surface gold-mineralized material at Florida Canyon in the current gold price environment offers compelling rationale. We look forward to sharing the continued progress as drilling advances through the summer and fall." Key Figures Figure 1 Florida Canyon Mine 2025 Growth Drilling Target Areas: https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-1-Mine-Targets-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 2 Historical North Mine Dump 2025 Drill Collars: https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-2-North-Mine-Dump-Drilling-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 3 Historical North Mine Dump Material Cross Section A-A': https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-3-A-A-N-Waste-Dump-Section-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 4 Historical North Mine Dump Material Cross Section B-B': https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-4-B-B-N-Waste-Dump-Section-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 5 Inter-Pit 2025 Drill Collars: https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-5-Inter-Pit-In-Situ-Drilling-2025-08-05-v2.pdf Figure 6 Inter-Pit Cross Section C-C': https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-6-C-C-Inter-Pit-In-Situ-Section-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 7 North-Pit Cross Section D-D': https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-7-D-D-North-Pit-2025-08-05.pdf Opportunity 1 Drilling Overview: Near-Surface Oxide Potential from Historical Dump Material Within the permitted Florida Canyon mine boundary there are several large volumes of historically mined low-grade gold-mineralized dump material, averaging below the historical mine cut-off grades. This gold-mineralized material, which was historically uneconomic at lower gold prices, is a product of decades of past mining and has been identified as a high-potential, low-strip, near-surface oxide gold target for growth. Potential has already been demonstrated by the historical in-pit mine dumps (historical backfill material), which are being partially utilized by current operations. The historical dump material presents an immediate opportunity to expand reserves and resources with minimal mining cost. The North Dump was identified as a high-priority target for the 2025 growth drilling program at Florida Canyon and was therefore drilled at the outset of the program in May 2025. Initial drill results from the North Dump have been successful in demonstrating the potential for near-term oxide growth at Florida Canyon. Top intercepts from drilling at the North Dump (see detailed table below): FCM25-0569: 0.28 g/t oxide Au over 68.6 m FCM25-0570: 0.36 g/t oxide Au over 71.6 m FCM25-0575: 0.37 g/t oxide Au over 47.2 m , incl. 4.53 g/t oxide Au over 1.5 m , incl. 4.53 g/t oxide Au over ~70% of drill intercepts exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.11 g/t Au Key observations and achievements of initial drilling at the North Dump: Confirmed gold grade continuity and distribution Collected material for metallurgical testing, including bottle rolls, column tests, and permeability assessments Initial results support potential conversion of this material into mineral resources and reserves through inclusion in the updated resource and reserve block model and mine plan Material offers potential to increase future operational flexibility by providing readily available, gold-mineralized material suitable for heap leaching, that will not require blasting Material is expected to improve near- to medium-term ore feed without significant capital investment, while potentially reducing reliance on higher-strip in-situ material Due to the success of the initial drilling at the North Dump, the Company has planned for additional drilling within the North Dump and South Dump, focused on resource and reserve conversion and gathering additional material for the ongoing metallurgical testing of the area to determine potential for future heap leaching. The 2025 growth drilling program has been increased by ~6,000 meters (from ~10,000 m to ~16,000 m) to include additional drilling at the North Dump and South Dump areas. Preliminary volume and grade estimation work is underway for the North Dump and South Dump with further detail expected in the coming months. The 2025 drill program at Florida Canyon and supporting analysis is expected to support a mineral resource and reserve update and a revised life-of-mine plan in H1 2026. Opportunity 2 Drilling Overview: Expanding In-Situ Resources Between Existing Mine Open Pits A secondary focus of the drill program is on gold resource expansion opportunities within "saddle" and "ridge" zones located between existing open pits. Several of the Inter-Pit areas remain sparsely drilled and offer significant upside gold potential, with historical drilling demonstrating encouraging intercepts of mineralization at or near-surface. Inter-Pit areas targeted as part of the drill program include the Central/Radio Tower Pit Saddle, Florida Canyon Saddle, North Pit Saddle and within the Radio Tower Pit. Top intercepts from the Inter-Pit areas (see detailed table below): FCM25-0588: 0.47 g/t Au over 39.6 m (North Pit) (North Pit) FCM25-0591: 0.27 g/t Au over 114.3 m (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) FCM25-0600: 0.25 g/t oxide Au over 73.2 m (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) ~40% of drill intercepts within the Radio Tower Pit exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.14 g/t Au ~35% of the remaining drill intercepts within the Inter-Pit areas exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.11 g/t Au Key observations and achievements of initial drilling in the Inter-Pit areas: Confirmed gold grade continuity and distribution within targeted zones Collected material for metallurgical testing, including bottle rolls, column tests, and permeability assessments Initial results support potential pit expansion, specifically between the Central and Radio Tower Pits, two of the largest areas of known gold mineralization at Florida Canyon Excellent results within the North Pit Saddle, location of a potential satellite pit adjacent to an existing pit; further drilling is required to follow up on a gold vein system that was historically underexplored Success within the identified Inter-Pit areas has the potential to meaningfully increase mineral resources and reserves by extending existing pit limits within the current Florida Canyon Mine Plan of Operations. Detailed Drilling Results: The following table highlights selected intercepts from the 2025 Florida Canyon drill program announced within this news release. Table 1 Detailed Drilling Results 1,2,3,4: Drill Hole Area From (m) To (m) Interval (m) g/t Au FCM25-0566 North Dump 0.0 50.3 50.3 0.19 FCM25-0567 North Dump 0.0 54.9 54.9 0.17 FCM25-0568 North Dump 0.0 59.4 59.4 0.23 FCM25-0569 North Dump 0.0 68.6 68.6 0.28 FCM25-0570 North Dump 0.0 71.6 71.6 0.36 FCM25-0571 North Dump 0.0 67.1 67.1 0.17 FCM25-0572 North Dump 0.0 57.9 57.9 0.18 FCM25-0573 North Dump 0.0 44.2 44.2 0.21 FCM25-0574 North Dump 0.0 54.9 54.9 0.19 FCM25-0575 North Dump 0.0 47.2 47.2 0.37 including North Dump 13.7 15.2 1.5 4.53 FCM25-0576 North Dump 0.0 45.7 45.7 0.20 FCM25-0577 North Dump 0.0 30.5 30.5 0.16 FCM25-0588 North Pit 24.4 64.0 39.6 0.47 including North Pit 32.0 33.5 1.5 3.05 including North Pit 59.4 61.0 1.5 3.85 FCM25-0590 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 45.7 85.3 39.6 0.45 FCM25-0591 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 0.0 114.3 114.3 0.27 FCM25-0593 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 0.0 64.0 64.0 0.16 FCM25-0594 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 54.9 91.4 36.6 0.16 FCM25-0595 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 38.1 83.8 45.7 0.16 FCM25-0596 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 25.9 68.6 42.7 0.22 FCM25-0597 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 53.3 97.6 44.2 0.35 including Central / Radio Tower Saddle 53.3 54.9 1.5 2.39 FCM25-0598 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 13.7 76.2 62.5 0.22 FCM25-0599 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 0.0 18.3 18.3 0.21 FCM25-0600 Radio Tower 0.0 73.2 73.2 0.25 FCM25-0602 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 36.6 73.2 36.6 0.16 FCM25-0603 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 12.2 30.5 18.3 0.23 FCM25-0603 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 67.1 68.6 1.5 2.47 FCM25-0604 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 21.3 57.9 36.6 0.22 FCM25-0605 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 6.1 99.1 93.0 0.14 1 Downhole thickness is true thickness. 2 Intervals reported are uncapped. 3 An economical cut-off of 0.14 g/t Au within Radio Tower and 0.11 g/t Au for the rest of the mine site was considered during the creation of intersects. 4 Some of the reported intervals within Inter-Pit areas contain sulphide content exceeding ~1%, as determined by laboratory analysis. These sulphide concentrations may impact metallurgical recoveries and are not necessarily representative of the bulk tonnage of the zone. The reported intervals include both oxide and sulphide material as encountered in drilling. Further metallurgical testing is required to accurately characterize recovery profiles. About Integra Integra is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Integra creates sustainable value for shareholders, stakeholders, and local communities through successful mining operations, efficient project development, disciplined capital allocation, and strategic M&A, while upholding the highest industry standards for environmental, social, and governance practices. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS George Salamis President, CEO and Director Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gregory Robinson (P.E., SME Registered Member), Integra's General Manager of the Florida Canyon Mine. Mr. Robinson is a "qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). To verify the information related to the 2025 drilling programs at Florida Canyon, Mr. Robinson frequently visits the property; discussed logging, sampling, and sample shipping processes with responsible site staff; discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel; and reviewed supporting documentation, including drill hole location and orientation and significant assay interval calculations. Sampling and QA/QC Procedure RC samples were collected at 5-foot intervals directly at the drill rig using pre-labeled bags. Samples were submitted to American Assay Laboratories ("AAL") in Reno, Nevada, an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. AAL is independent of Integra. Sample preparation involved drying, jaw crushing to >70% passing 2 mm (10 mesh) and pulverizing a 300 g split to >85% passing 75 microns. Gold analysis was performed on a 30-gram pulp using fire assay with ICP-AES finish. Samples returning >10 ppm Au were re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Additionally, samples with Au >0.156 ppm underwent cyanide-soluble (0.3% NaCN/0.3%NaOH using a sample to solution ratio of 1:2 or 10g/20mL) analysis and preg-robbing (0.3% NaCN/0.3%NaOH + 1.71ppm/mL Au spike using 1:2 ratio calculates to 3.42ppm in the 10g/20mL) tests to assess metallurgical characteristics. Quality control protocols included the routine insertion of blank samples, certified reference materials (standards), and field and pulp duplicates. Blank material and standards were purchased from Moment Exploration Geochemistry. AAL also inserted internal control samples and duplicates within each batch. Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forwardlooking statements" and "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and in applicable United States securities law (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the timing, scope, and objectives of the 2025 drill program at the Florida Canyon, the potential to expand mineral resources and reserves, extend mine life, optimize mine planning, and maximize project value, as well as the anticipated timing of results and a future mineral resource and reserve update and revised life-of-mine plan for Florida Canyon; the future financial or operating performance of the Company and the Wildcat and Mountain View deposits (the "Nevada North Project"), the Florida Mountain and DeLamar deposits (the "DeLamar Project") and the Florida Canyon mine (the "Florida Canyon Mine" and together with the Nevada North Project and the DeLamar Project, the "Projects"). Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "would", "anticipate", 'believe", "expect", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "budget", "scheduled", "plans", "planned", "forecasts", "goals" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such statement was made. Assumptions and factors include: expected synergies from acquisition of Florida Canyon; the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration and development programs; the absence of adverse conditions at the Projects; satisfying ongoing covenants under the Company's loan facilities; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; results of independent engineer technical reviews; the possibility of cost overruns and unanticipated costs and expenses; the price of gold remaining at levels that continue to render the Projects economic, as applicable; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; risks related to local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; and other factors beyond the Company's control and as well as those factors included herein and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integra's Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2025 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on the SEDAR+ issuer profile for the Company at www.sedarplus.ca and available as Exhibit 99.1 to Integra's Form 40-F, which is available on the EDGAR profile for the Company at www.sec.gov. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies, which can be viewed online under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves NI 43-101 is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and resource information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Almadex Minerals Ltd. ("Almadex" or the "Company") (TSX-V: DEX) is pleased to announce that it has acquired a 100% interest in the Red Antler early-stage exploration project by staking. The project is located in western Utah and was identified as part of Almadexs ongoing regional exploration program in the western USA. The Red Antler property covers an area of rhyolitic volcanics affected by quartz-alunite-kaolinite alteration and crosscut by quartz veining. The project was identified during a site visit that was made based on criteria used as part of Almadexs generative exploration including the presence of advanced argillic alteration developed in volcanic rocks. Only very preliminary work was performed prior to staking. This work identified veining over a 2 by 1 km area. Vein textures are typical of very high levels in a low sulphidation epithermal environment including fine textured colloform banded quartz. Several samples of vein material were examined microscopically for fluid inclusion petrography. This work confirms a high level of preservation of the epithermal system. Some small-scale historic mine workings have also been identified which appear very old but there is no evidence of any modern exploration work in the area. To date 34 grab rock samples have been taken from outcrop and float of veining (grab samples are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralisation). These preliminary results are very encouraging considering the interpretation of a high level of preservation of the epithermal system as 12 of these samples returned over 1 g/t silver (up to 24 g/t silver and averaging 1.4 g/t silver for all 34). Anomalous gold values were also returned along with highly anomalous epithermal suite elements. The company has recently conducted a stage two mapping and sampling program to better understand the geometry and geochemistry of the veins along with preliminary surface geophysics. Results will be reported when received, compiled and interpreted, J Duane Poliquin, Chairman of Almadex commented, Our regional exploration program continues to identify new targets for acquisition. This preliminary work at Red Antler has identified a new epithermal vein system which we look forward to advancing in the coming months. We will continue to move our early-stage projects forward this year along with our plans for drilling our more advanced properties. We fully expect 2025 to be an important year for our Company. Promotional Activity Disclosure The Company announces that it has arranged for a service providers to conduct a one time Promotional Activity on behalf of the Company. The Company has arranged for Jefferson Financial, Inc. to disseminate a sponsored promotional report through its email list on August 5th, 2025. The principal of Jefferson Financial, Inc. is Brien Lundin of 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 1555, Metairie, LA 70005, email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and telephone number 1-800-648-8411. Mr. Lundin is arms length to the Company. Jefferson Financial, Inc. will receive total compensation of a cash payment of US$7,000.00 for the Promotional Activity. The compensation does not include options to purchase securities of the Company. Qualified Persons and Technical Details Morgan J Poliquin, PhD, PEng, the President and CEO of Almadex and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical contents of this news release. The analyses reported were carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories of Reno and North Vancouver using industry standard analytical techniques. For gold, samples are first analysed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples that return values greater than 10 g/t gold using this technique are then re analysed by fire assay but with a gravimetric finish. Silver is first analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Samples that return values greater than 100 g/t silver by ICP-AES are then re analysed by HF-HNO3-HCLO4 digestion with HCL leach and ICP-AES finish. Of these samples those that return silver values greater than 1,500 g/t are further analysed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. About Almadex Almadex Minerals Ltd. is an exploration company that holds a large mineral portfolio consisting of projects and NSR royalties in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. This portfolio is the direct result of many years of prospecting and deal-making by Almadex's management team. The Company owns several portable diamond drill rigs, enabling it to conduct cost effective first pass exploration drilling in house. The Almadex team have significant porphyry lithocap exploration experience and have made three discoveries of mineral deposits under advanced argillic alteration. Our success comes from our audacity, in house exploration capacity and most importantly our ability to drill with our company owned drilling unit. We have assembled a portfolio of lithocap targets that have the potential to be concealing large porphyry systems at depth as well as high sulphidation epithermal gold-silver systems in the best jurisdiction we know: the United States of America. We have the cash and drills to advance and test these targets and will begin to do so in 2025. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Morgan J. Poliquin, Ph.D., P.Eng. President and CEO Almadex Minerals Ltd. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within it, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among other things, any further work to advance exploration targets at the Red Antler project. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, permitting, continued availability of capital and financing, equipment availability and general economic, market or business conditions. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Contact Information: Almadex Minerals Ltd. Tel. 604.689.7644 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. http://www.almadexminerals.com/ Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - FIRST ANDES SILVER LTD. (TSXV: FAS) (OTC Pink: MSLVF) (FSE: 9TZ0) (the "Company" or "First Andes") today announced an update on the ongoing 2,000-meter diamond drill program at its flagship Santa Gloria Project ("Santas Gloria" or the "Project"), located approximately 55 kilometers east of Lima, Peru. Recent drilling has intersected multiple additional sulphide-bearing epithermal zones at the San Jorge vein system ("San Jorge"), further supporting the presence of a structurally controlled silver-polymetallic system at depth (Figure 1, Table 1). Drill Highlights: To date, a total of 1,092 m has been drilled in 8 holes, with 188 samples (154.20 m) submitted for assay; Hole SG023 : Intercepted a hydrothermal breccia zone from 145.25 to 174.80 m (29.55 m) characterized by silicification, argillic alteration, and sulphide mineralization. A 2.40-m-wide zone from 172.00 m hosted massive sulphides (pyrite, galena, and sphalerite); : Intercepted a hydrothermal breccia zone from 145.25 to 174.80 m (29.55 m) characterized by silicification, argillic alteration, and sulphide mineralization. A 2.40-m-wide zone from 172.00 m hosted massive sulphides (pyrite, galena, and sphalerite); Hole SG020 : Returned a 27.60-m interval (133.00 to 160.60 m) characterized by strong oxidation, sericite-clay alteration, and sulphides hosted in breccia and dacite. Structurally controlled sulphide veinlets and breccias suggest epithermal continuity at depth; : Returned a 27.60-m interval (133.00 to 160.60 m) characterized by strong oxidation, sericite-clay alteration, and sulphides hosted in breccia and dacite. Structurally controlled sulphide veinlets and breccias suggest epithermal continuity at depth; Hole SG021 : Intersected 13.80 m (93.40 to 107.20 m) of brecciated and fractured rock with pyrite and galena mineralization. Several zones recorded elevated sulphide concentrations, supporting a well-preserved sulphidic system; : Intersected 13.80 m (93.40 to 107.20 m) of brecciated and fractured rock with pyrite and galena mineralization. Several zones recorded elevated sulphide concentrations, supporting a well-preserved sulphidic system; Hole SG018 : Intersected a broad hydrothermal breccia zone from 85.65 to 114.20 m (28.55 m), with quartz veinlets, silicified clasts, and disseminated sulphides (pyrite-dominant). The drill hole crossed an historic underground working between 105.20 and 108.90 meters, interpreted to correspond to the main mineralized structure; : Intersected a broad hydrothermal breccia zone from 85.65 to 114.20 m (28.55 m), with quartz veinlets, silicified clasts, and disseminated sulphides (pyrite-dominant). The drill hole crossed an historic underground working between 105.20 and 108.90 meters, interpreted to correspond to the main mineralized structure; Hole SG019 : Cut 33.60 meters (80.00 to 113.60 m) of hydrothermally altered rock, including quartz stockworks and breccias with disseminated pyrite, sphalerite, and galena. A historical mine void was intersected at 110.90 m, confirming legacy workings along the mineralized corridor; : Cut 33.60 meters (80.00 to 113.60 m) of hydrothermally altered rock, including quartz stockworks and breccias with disseminated pyrite, sphalerite, and galena. A historical mine void was intersected at 110.90 m, confirming legacy workings along the mineralized corridor; Hole SG022 : Encountered mineralized breccias and oxidized dacite from 91.10 to 98.70 m (7.60 m) characterized by manganese oxide minerals ("MnOx") and pyrite; : Encountered mineralized breccias and oxidized dacite from 91.10 to 98.70 m (7.60 m) characterized by manganese oxide minerals ("MnOx") and pyrite; Santas Gloria is located within in a historically-mined silver district, where past production (dating back to the 1860s) occurred during with much lower silver prices, highlighting the Project's strong mineral potential and increased relevance in today's bullish silver market. "Field logging results from the Company's ongoing 2025 drill campaign continue to validate the scale, continuity, and fertility of the San Jorge vein system," stated Colin Smith, CEO and Director of First Andes Silver. "In particular, the sulphide-bearing breccias intersected in SG023, SG020, and SG021 exhibit strong structural control and increasing polymetallic mineralization at depth, with pyrite, galena, and sphalerite all present. We eagerly anticipate the first batch of results which we expect to receive in approximately 2 weeks." Figure 1: Plan map of ongoing 2025 drill program at San Jorge * The 2024 drill assays were disclosed in the Company's news release dated October 29, 2024. The channel samples were disclosed in the Company's news release dated June 2, 2021. *AgEq formula: AgEq = ((Ag ppm x Ag g/USD)+(Au ppm x Au g/USD)+(Pb ppm x Pb g/USD)+(Zn ppm x Zn g/USD)) / (Ag g/USD) *Metal priced applied: Ag = $28 USD/oz, Au = $2500 USD/oz, Pb = $2100 USD/t, Zn = $2900 USD/t (all multiplied by below recoveries) *Metal recoveries applied (from 2021 test work): Ag = 88.1%, Au = 80.9%, Zn = 64.4%, Pb = 79.3% *2021 metallurgical test work news release: Click Here Table 1: Summary of field logging interpretations at the 2025 drill program, San Jorge vein system Hole ID Release Date Interval* (m) Thickness (m) Observed Sulphide Minerals Field Logging Interpretations SG016 02-Jul-25 71.00-78.40 7.40 Py, Gal Upper oxidized zone, intercepting a historical working intersected within target zone SG017 02-Jul-25 136.60-194.20 57.60 Py, Gal, Sph, Barite, Tetrahedrite Well-developed epithermal breccia with intense alteration; strong polymetallic sulphide system SG018 23-Jul-25 85.65-114.20 28.55 Py Hydrothermal breccia with silicification; historic workings intersected within target zone SG019 23-Jul-25 80.00-113.60 33.60 Py, Sph, Gal Silicified breccia and quartz stockworks; historical working intersected within target zone SG020 23-Jul-25 133.00-160.60 27.60 Py Brecciated dacite and andesite with sulphide veinlets SG021 23-Jul-25 93.40-107.20 13.80 Py, Gal Brecciated and fractured zone with sulphide veinlets SG022 23-Jul-25 91.10-98.70 7.60 Py Oxidized breccia zone with epithermal overprint SG023 23-Jul-25 145.25-174.80 29.55 Py, Gal, Sph, Po Silicified and sulphidic breccia with strong polymetallic signature at depth *reported intervals are drilled lengths, true widths are yet to be determined Quality Assurance / Quality Control ("QA/QC") The Company follows industry-recognized standards of Best Practice and QA/QC. HQ-diameter core samples are sawed into equal halves, and selected core samples are submitted to AHK Group in in Lima, Peru, a market-leading provider of inspection and analysis services which maintains rigorous quality standards through compliance with industry standards and regulations, including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001. Core samples are sealed in plastic bags using single use tie-locks, thereby ensuring chain of custody, for fire assay and ICP analysis. To date, all batches have passed QA/QC within acceptable tolerance limits. All diamond holes were drilled in PQ-NQ diameter. Core recovery across all veins exceeded 90%. Qualified Person Dr. Christopher Wilson, Ph.D., FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, FGS, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Wilson is not independent and serves as Chief Geologist of First Andes Silver Ltd. and owns securities of the Company. About First Andes Silver Ltd. First Andes Silver Ltd. is a British Columbia company that holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Santas Gloria silver property, located in a major mining district 55 km east of Lima, Peru. Santas Gloria has excellent established road access, and is situated within a well-known intermediate sulphidation epithermal belt, and hosts over 12 km of multiphase veins mapped at surface which had never been historically drilled or explored by modern techniques before 2024. First Andes' maiden diamond drill program last year reported high-grade silver grades on all drilled vein systems confirming silver endowment and warranting high priority follow-up drilling in 2025. For more information please contact: Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration programs and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 4,000-Meter Reverse Circulation Drill Campaign to Focus on High Grade Epithermal Gold-Silver Vein Targets near Wood Gulch for Resource Expansion Reno, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Western Exploration Inc. (TSXV: WEX) (OTCQX: WEXPF) (the "Company" or "Western Exploration") is pleased to announce the initiation of its fully-funded 2025 drill program at the high-grade Aura Project in Elko County, Nevada. The 4,000-meter reverse circulation drill program focuses on evaluating a 1.3 km strike length of the Tomasina Fault zone, down dip from the current Wood Gulch and Saddle NI 43-101 resource areas (Figure 1). The Wood Gulch Open Pit (previously mined in 1988 to 1990 by Homestake Mining Company) contained some of the highest-grade drill intercepts recorded on the Aura Property, including 13.72m @ 79.26 g/t AuEq (RC hole WG159), and 9.45m @ 26.56 g/t AuEq (core hole WG135); see news release of February 24, 2025 titled "Western Exploration Expands Exploration Footprint at Gravel Creek with 3.0 Km Untested Structural Corridor at the Past Producing Wood Gulch Mine." Darcy Marud, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The 2025 Aura reverse circulation drill program will build on exploration success that led to a 54% increase in inferred Au-Ag resources at the Gravel Creek and Jarbidge target areas. The Tomasina target represents a direct analogy to the structural and stratigraphic setting of the Gravel Creek deposit, with the added advantage of a potentially 3.0 km strike length and shallower targets at depths of 100-450 meters. Discovery success here will give Western open-ended mineralization in several key zones to focus on near-term resource expansion. This could redefine the overall size and significance of the Aura district." Using the Gravel Creek model as an analogy, 2025 drilling will prioritize favorable targets where the Tomasina Fault crosscuts the Frost Creek tuff down dip from known surface mineralization in the Wood Gulch and Saddle resource zones (Figure 2). Geologic interpretation indicates that the Tomasina Fault intersects the highly favorable Eocene Frost Creek tuff at depths of 100-450 meters down dip from surface mineralization. The Frost Creek tuff has proven to be a very receptive host rock at Gravel Creek (1.0 km to the east), containing wide intercepts within the current resource, including 18.29 meters true width @ 9.67 g/t AuEq (RC hole WG391) and 20.43 meters true width @ 11.97 g/t AuEq (core hole WG443). Figure 1. Location of Gravel Creek-Wood Gulch area NI 43-101 Resources in relation to the Tomasina Fault zone, the focus of 2025 reverse circulation drilling HOLE From (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) AuEq (g/t) WG-355 269.75 13.71 1.67 28.5 2.01 WG-355 with 269.75 1.52 10.90 101.0 12.09 WG-355 288.04 13.71 1.00 11.7 1.14 WG-360 195.07 6.10 0.83 10.7 0.96 WG-360 211.84 25.90 0.91 11.1 1.04 WG-360 with 211.84 1.52 1.92 101.0 3.11 WG-360 and 228.60 1.52 7.28 15.4 7.46 WG421 403.86 9.14 1.13 2.8 1.16 WG421 and 431.29 9.15 0.89 7.8 0.98 Table 1: Results of past drilling adjacent Tomasina Fault Zone - Figure 1. Figure 2. Cross section from Saddle Zone to the Gravel Creek-Jarbidge resource areas, highlighting undrilled potential at depth where the Tomasina Fault intersects the Frost Creek tuff. Program Timing RC drilling is now underway, with the program expected to continue through Q3. Initial assays are expected in late August/early September, and the Company will provide ongoing updates as results are received. About Western Exploration Western Exploration is focused on advancing the 100% owned Aura Project, located approximately 120 kilometers/75 miles north of the city of Elko, Nevada. The Aura Project includes three unique gold and silver deposits: Doby George, Gravel Creek, and Wood Gulch. Western Exploration is comprised of an experienced team of precious metals experts that aim to lead the company to becoming North America's premiere gold and silver development company. Additional information regarding Western Exploration can be found on Western Exploration's corporate website (www.westernexploration.com) and on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Western Exploration's issuer profile. Stewart, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Dinero Ventures Ltd (TSXV: DNO) ("Dinero") reports that a drill program was completed in late 2024 at the New Raven property located 15 km southwest of Lillooet BC. The property contains approximately 1703.27 hectares in 16 separate claims. The deposit model for the New Raven Project is the orogenic gold-quartz vein type. An example includes the Bralorne-Pioneer mine, 45 km northwest of the Raven Project, which reported production in excess of 12.6 million tonnes grading 9.3 g/t Au (BC MinFile). The Company tested the D,B,C,A and E zones with a total of 10 holes. The best values obtained in this drilling is as follows: 1.407 g/t Au, 1.27 g/t Ag and 1178.3 ppm As across 1.92m in the C-zone in DDH-2024-NR-3. 3.331 g/t Au, 0.84 g/t Ag and 459.5 ppm As across 2.44m in the B-zone in DDH-2024-NR-4. 8.055 g/t Au, 2.92 g/t Ag and 890.2 ppm As across 1.07m in the E-zone in DDH-2024-NR-7. Samples were delivered to the MSA preparation facilities in Terrace, BC and analysis were performed by MSA Laboratories Ltd in Abbotsford BC. The Company will also be applying to the TSX Venture Exchange for approval of an amendment to certain share purchase warrants issued pursuant to a private placement by extending the expiry date for three additional years. The warrants affected are 1,333,332 share purchase warrants issued on October 30, 2023, with an expiry date of October 30, 2025, and exercisable at 25 cents per common share. The new expiry date will be October 30, 2028, and the exercise price shall remain the same. The company will not be sending out new warrant certificates unless requested by the holder. A total of 666,666 warrants are held by parties considered to be related parties of the company. Therefore, the warrant amendment constitutes a related-party transaction as contemplated by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 (Protection of Minority Shareholders in Special Transactions) and TSX-V Policy 5.9 (Protection of Minority Shareholders in Special Transactions). However, the exemptions from formal valuation and minority approval requirements provided for by these guidelines can be relied upon as the fair market value of the warrants held by insiders does not exceed 25 per cent of the market capitalization of the company. The warrant amendment is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. Ed. Kruchkowski, P. Geo., a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, is in charge of the exploration programs on behalf of the Company and is responsible for and approves the contents of this release. E. Kruchkowski is not independent of Dinero as he is the president of the Company. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DINERO VENTURES LTD. "Ed Kruchkowski" Ed Kruchkowski, President "Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." "This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements." Czech telecoms firm Ceske Radiokomunikace (CRA) says that it has obtained a building permit to construct a data centre on the outskirts of Prague, in the Zbraslav Jiloviste area. Called Prague Gateway DC, it will, CRA claims, be one of the largest and most modern data centres in the region. Construction will begin this summer, with the first clients expected to be able to use the new data centre by the end of 2027. CRA says it is building the new data centre on its own land, which was previously used to operate AM radio transmitters. Prague Gateway DC will sit on a 56,000 square metre plot. The two-storey facility will offer 26MW across 2,000 racks and twelve data halls with a total floor are of over 4,000 square metres. It will feature four meet-me rooms and two power feeds. The Data Centre Dynamics website says it will aim to support up to 30kW per rack and offer its waste heat for reuse. Construction is now underway on the first building, which will have a capacity of nearly 700 racks. CRA says it will serve Czech and foreign clients with high power requirements and high operating standards, such as for providing international services with high availability or for training language AI models. CRA already operates eight data centres in the Czech Republic, including sites in Prague's Zizkov, Strahov, and nearby Cukrak, as well as in Brno, Ostrava, Pardubice, Zlin, and Luzice. The company suggests that subsequent phases could see the Prague Gateway DC data centre become part of the EU AI Gigafactory project. Announced in February, Data Centre Dynamics says this will see three to five supercomputing clusters built across the continent, each equipped with 100,000 AI chips for training the latest and most complex models. A decision on where the data centres will be located is expected later this year, with a view to operations beginning in 2028. However, CRA has said that Prague Gateway DC is being developed regardless of its involvement in the AI Gigafactory project. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Rua Gold Inc. (TSXV: RUA) (OTCQB: NZAUF) (WKN: A40QYC) (RUA GOLD" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of an expanded drilling program at its Reefton Project on the South Island of New Zealand, and outlines the strategy for its fully funded 12-month exploration program. Highlights: Reefton Drill Program Expansion: A third drill rig is being mobilized to accelerate exploration across the Reefton Project. A total of 4,000 meters of diamond drilling is planned at Auld Creek with two drill rigs over the next four months, targeting expansion of the current inferred resource hosted within the Bonanza and Fraternal ore shoots. Targeting an increase of the Auld Creek resource to over 300,000 gold-equivalent ounces by the end of 2025, positioning the project for advancement into the Fast Track Process. A third rig to focus on high-grade gold shoots at Cumberland , following up on strong results reported in May 2025. Alexander River is emerging as a high-priority surface target. Glamorgan Drill Program Commencement: Access agreement for drilling has been submitted, with drilling expected to commence in Q4 2025. Additional surface work is planned for Q3 2025, including detailed mapping and tighten the spacing on soil sampling completed to date. Onboarding of VRIFY AI model to support target ranking and analysis. Corporate: Robust financial position with cash balance of $14 million as of June 30, 2025. Allocation of $1 million into marketing over the next 12-18 months to enhance visibility through targeted investor outreach and key industry conferences. General and administrative spend to remain under $1 million annually.August 5, 2025 Robert Eckford, CEO of RUA GOLD commented: "We closed Q2 2025 with $14 million in the treasury, placing us in a strong position to execute on our aggressive exploration plan in New Zealand. Over the past month, our Board and Management team have been focused on shaping the Company's strategy to transition us from an explorer to a developer. With New Zealand's highly supportive permitting regime, our goal is to rapidly build ounces on our balance sheet and enter the "Fast Track Permitting Process" in 2026. As our gold-antimony resource continues to grow rapidly - and with antimony at the top of every nations' critical minerals lists - the significance of this resource expansion and accelerated permitting is substantial for both RUA GOLD and New Zealand" Figure 1: Conceptual Plan for Auld Creek Resource Expansion Drilling Figure 2: Alexander River long-section schematic Reefton Goldfield Exploration Overview The Reefton Goldfield is an orogenic district that produced 2Moz of gold at grades up to 50g/t up to the early 1900s. RUA GOLD has assembled 120,000 hectares within this district that has seen limited drilling in the last 30 years. This goldfield is analogous in age, geology, mineralization style, and geological structure to that of Southern Cross Gold and the Fosterville Gold mine. Auld Creek: RUA GOLD commenced drilling at Auld Creek in December 2024 and has completed ~2,800 metres of drilling. The targeted program aims to add a further 4,000 metres of drilling across four mineralised shoots identified from surface exploration work (Figure 1). Following this, the resource will be refreshed and updated into the 43-101 report. The Company is targeting an increase of the Auld Creek resource to over 300,000 gold-equivalent ounces by the end of 2025. This target is a global estimate based on current resource surface extension of 350 metres being extended over a 1km on surface at similar depths of 280 metres. Insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource has been completed to date and there is uncertainty if a mineral resource estimate will be delineated, therefore economic decisions should not be made on this target. Auld Creek is situated between two past producing mines, Globe Progress mine, and the Crushington Group of mines which collectively produced 933,000oz at 14.0g/t Au (Barry 1993). Cumberland: Initial drilling from RUA GOLD confirms the consistency of the near-surface gold mineralization and supports the strong potential of this target. Ongoing drilling is targeting the southern surface extension 100m along strike and at depth. Intensified surface exploration is underway to delineate additional drill targets along the 2.5 km long gold mineralized shear zone. Additional targets are currently being modelled and surveyed across the Reefton Goldfield, including Caledonia in the north, and Alexander River in the south. Caledonia represents a historical mine recording the highest grade production (9 oz/ton gold) in the Reefton Goldfield. It was abandoned early and represents a shallow development target. "The first crushing yielded at the rate of 9 oz. per ton, with subsequent crushings averaging about 4 oz. per ton. The ore-shoot had a steep easterly dip, and pitched to the north at about 30. It had an average length of about 180 ft. and a width of 3 ft." * Henderson 1917. Alexander River returned historical production of 41Koz @ 26g/t Au, mining ceasing in 1942 due to WWII. Mineralization outcrops over 1.2kms, comprises high-grade quartz reefs and disseminated sulfides; predecessor Siren Gold drilled extensively along the structure, and intersected some exceptionally high-grade zones which remain open at depth (Figure 2 Alexander River long-section schematic). An Inferred Resource 130koz @ 4.1g/t Au* has potential to develop along strike and at depth, remodeling and further drilling is a priority of the strategic plan. *NI 43 101 Technical Report on the Reefton Project, New Zealand. Prepared for Rua Gold Inc, 30 October 2024. Glamorgan Exploration Overview Glamorgan on the North Island is an exciting new epithermal gold target. RUA GOLD has completed extensive surface exploration over the past 12 months as a precursor to drill targeting. Four significant gold-arsenic soil anomalies trending north, north-east and north-northwest strike out individually over 4 kms in length. Drill applications have now been submitted and drilling is expected to commence in Q4 2025. Results from the work to date indicate the classic features of a major epithermal gold-silver system and are identical to the surface features of neighboring OceanaGold Project, Wharekirauponga, which is currently in New Zealand's Fast Track Permitting process with a decision expected in Q4 2025. Importantly, RUA GOLD's Chief Operating Officer, Simon Henderson was a member of the exploration team that led to the discovery of Wharekirauponga and has more the 25 years working in the region. New Marketing Agreements Capital Gain Media Inc.: On August 4, 2025, the Company entered into an investor relations agreement with Capital Gain Media Inc. ("Capital Gain"). Pursuant to the investor relations agreement, Capital Gain has agreed to provide content development and digital marketing services. The investor relations agreement will remain in effect for five (5) months commencing on August 4, 2025. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the investor relations agreement and as consideration for the services provided by Capital Gain, the Company agreed to pay an aggregate cash fee of US$120,000, plus applicable taxes. As of the date hereof, to the Company's knowledge, Capital Gain (including its directors and officers) does not own any securities of the Company and has an arm's-length relationship with the Company. Under the Capital Gain Agreement, the Company will not issue any securities to Capital Gain as compensation for its marketing service. Capital Gain provides investor relation services and the contact information for Capital Gain is: Capital Gain Media Inc., 1111 West Hastings Street, 15th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6E 2J3. The contact person of Capital Gain is Graham Colmer, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , phone: 1 (604) 379-8363. Sidis Holdings: The Company has entered into a Services Agreement dated July 30, 2025 (the "Sidis Holdings Agreement") with Sidis Holdings pursuant to which Sidis Holdings has agreed to provide investor relations, market awareness campaigns and digital media support. Pursuant to the terms of the Sidis Holdings Agreement, such services are to be provided over a 6-month period, for a fee of US$120,000 plus applicable taxes. Sidis Holdings is a full-service marketing agency based in Hong Kong, and is headed by Francis Barker. As of the date hereof, to the Company's knowledge, Sidis Holdings (including its directors and officers) does not own any securities of the Company and has an arm's-length relationship with the Company. Under the Sidis Holdings Agreement, the Company will not issue any securities to Sidis Holdings as compensation for its marketing service. ABOUT RUA GOLD RUA GOLD is an exploration company, strategically focused on New Zealand. With decades of expertise, our team has successfully taken major discoveries into producing world-class mines across multiple continents. The team is now focused on maximizing the asset potential of RUA GOLD's two highly prospective high-grade gold projects. The Company controls the Reefton Gold District as the dominant landholder in the Reefton Goldfield on New Zealand's South Island with over 120,000 hectares of tenements, in a district that historically produced over 2Moz of gold grading between 9 and 50g/t. The Company's Glamorgan Project solidifies RUA GOLD's position as a leading high-grade gold explorer on New Zealand's North Island. This highly prospective project is located within the North Islands' Hauraki district, a region that has produced an impressive 15Moz of gold and 60Moz of silver. Glamorgan is adjacent to OceanaGold Corporation's biggest gold mining project, Wharekirauponga. For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Simon Henderson CP, AUSIMM, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and Chief Operating Officer and a director of RUA GOLD, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained herein. Mr. Henderson has verified the data disclosed by running checks on the location, analytical, and test data underlying the information in the technical disclosure herein. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur and specifically include statements regarding: the Company's strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions, including but not limited to exploration programs at its Reefton and Glamorgan projects and the results thereof. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; risks related to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war; risks related to climate change; operational risks in exploration, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration projects or capital expenditures; the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; changes in labour costs and other costs and expenses or equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, including but not limited to environmental hazards, flooding or unfavorable operating conditions and losses, insurrection or war, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing, and commodity prices. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated July 11, 2024, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Drills 1.21% Cu, 9.34% Zn, 5.59g/t Ag over 3.53m in Rush-001 and 0.78% Cu, 1.91% Zn, 0.53% Pb, 12.71g/t Ag over 27m in Rush-010 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Ramp Metals Inc. (TSXV: RAMP) ("Ramp Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received assay results from 10 of 20 holes drilled during its Rottenstone SW Spring 2025 program, confirming the discovery of a substantial copper-zinc VMS system at the Rush target. Rush-001: 1.21% Cu, 9.34% Zn, 5.59 g/t Ag over 3.53m Rush-002: 0.44% Cu, 3.44% Zn, 2.84 g/t Ag over 23.70m Rush-003: 0.76% Cu, 5.42% Zn, 4.47 g/t Ag over 1.5m Rush-009: 1.29% Cu, 12.38% Zn, 0.28% Pb, 7.47 g/t Ag over 2.55m Rush-010: 0.78% Cu, 1.91% Zn, 0.53% Pb, 12.71 g/t Ag over 27.00m Key Highlights: Ramp Metals is pleased to share key highlights from its ongoing exploration efforts at its flagship Rottenstone SW Saskatchewan property: Rush : Assay results for Rush-001, Rush-002, Rush-003, Rush-004, Rush-009, and Rush-010 have been received. All drill holes received, excluding Rush-004 indicate substantial copper, zinc, and silver mineralization within multiple lenses ( Table 1) . The Rush-001 & Rush-010 drill collars were located approximately 165m apart. These results are interpreted as evidence of a new volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) similar to Foran Mining's McIlvenna Bay deposit in Saskatchewan. Expanded Rush drill results, based on a 0.1% Cu cutoff grade, are available in Table 2 . Geophysics : Initial airborne EM and Mag data for the remainder of the Rottenstone SW claim has been received, revealing multiple new high-priority targets with geophysical signatures similar to Rush, Ranger, and Rogue ( Figure 4 & 5) . The Company anticipates receiving the final airborne geophysical report in the coming weeks. Field Program: An exploration program is planned that will investigate new and existing targets across the property through prospecting, BHEM, and ground geophysics. A wildfire is currently burning within the Rottenstone SW claim block (Figure 6), thus fieldwork is anticipated to begin when fire risk decreases later in the summer/fall season. Prospective areas exposed by the current wildfire will also be examined during this program. "The copper-zinc VMS discovery at Rush marks an exciting breakthrough for Ramp Metals," stated Jordan Black, the Company's CEO. "These intercepts from Rush could be compared to those from the initial phases of Foran Mining's McIlvenna Bay deposit, which is also located in Saskatchewan. Rush hosts high-grade, near-surface mineralization alongside a large, untested anomaly, with results pointing to the potential for a significant and high-impact VMS system. With numerous additional geophysical targets identified and copper market fundamentals stronger than ever, we believe the timing couldn't be better to aggressively advance this discovery. Backed by a robust treasury of over $5 million dedicated to exploration, we are fully committed to unlocking a high-grade gold/copper system and driving the Rush target toward a substantial resource." Drill Highlights Table 1: Drill Result Highlights HOLE ID From To Length (m) Cu % Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t Pb % Co ppm Rush-001 31.53 33.30 1.77 0.60 6.95 4.99 0.02 0.01 110 Rush-001 61.47 65.00 3.53 1.21 9.34 5.59 0.03 0.02 161 including 63.50 64.00 0.50 2.26 9.75 7.70 0.05 0.01 181 including 64.50 65.00 0.50 2.19 4.64 13.20 0.04 0.04 95 Rush-001 71.94 73.49 1.55 0.68 10.13 3.83 0.02 0.03 80 Rush-001 112.00 117.00 5.00 0.13 0.04 10.31 0.02 0.18 15 including 112.00 113.00 1.00 0.19 0.04 27.20 0.02 0.41 11 Rush-002 55.00 56.50 1.50 0.99 0.36 31.77 0.24 0.01 20 Rush-002 69.30 93.00 23.70 0.44 3.44 2.84 0.01 0.08 39 including 69.30 71.97 2.67 1.71 10.43 7.13 0.03 0.01 147 Rush-002 77.50 78.50 1.00 0.65 3.02 4.30 0.02 0.11 41 Rush-002 89.00 93.00 4.00 0.48 4.49 4.16 0.02 0.12 28 Rush-003 64.00 65.50 1.50 0.76 5.42 4.47 0.04 0.02 84 including 64.69 65.50 0.81 1.31 9.61 7.77 0.07 0.01 143 Rush-003 87.76 93.50 5.74 0.38 1.75 3.45 0.01 0.10 30 including 93.00 93.50 0.50 0.90 1.84 8.60 0.04 0.16 23 Rush-003 100.00 106.00 6.00 0.18 1.21 14.55 0.02 0.82 16 including 100.00 101.00 1.00 0.20 6.90 9.40 0.02 0.79 53 Rush-009 65.50 71.00 5.50 0.35 0.29 2.72 0.02 0.04 15 including 67.00 67.50 0.50 1.35 2.12 6.70 0.03 0.02 37 Rush-009 88.20 90.25 2.05 0.73 10.02 3.76 0.01 0.02 115 Rush-009 97.00 102.00 5.00 0.13 0.08 22.31 0.12 0.39 8 Rush-009 115.95 118.50 2.55 1.29 12.38 7.47 0.04 0.28 155 Rush-009 135.00 136.50 1.50 0.53 12.55 8.70 0.04 0.40 139 Rush-009 172.75 176.50 3.75 0.18 5.31 3.31 0.02 0.01 40 Rush-009 178.00 179.00 1.00 0.13 7.35 2.05 0.04 0.02 43 Rush-010 18.00 45.00 27.00 0.78 1.91 12.71 0.05 0.53 40 including 21.50 25.50 4.00 0.90 9.99 18.79 0.03 2.60 85 including 34.50 45.00 10.50 1.41 0.61 21.39 0.10 0.15 51 Rush-010 94.00 96.00 2.00 0.48 0.05 0.99 0.03 0.01 18 *True widths have not been determined at this time. Rush The Company has received assay results for Rush-001, Rush-002, Rush-003, Rush-004, Rush-009, and Rush-010. To date, all drill holes returned at the Rush target, excluding Rush-004, have encountered significant Cu-Zn-Ag mineralization within multiple lenses (Table 1), which the Company considers indicative of a new VMS discovery in Saskatchewan. Rush-001, Rush-002, Rush-003, and Rush-009 were drilled at the initial discovery zone (Figure 1), while Rush-010 tested the NE edge of the conductive anomaly where the rock samples during the October 2024 field program were taken (January 20, 2025 News Release). This mineralization encountered in Rush-010 represents a 165m step-out from the mineralization encountered in Rush-001, Rush-002, Rush-003 & Rush-009. "We are extremely pleased with our new discovery at the Rush VMS target." commented Garrett Smith, Ramp Metals' VP of Exploration. "VMS deposits tend to form in clusters, and the recently completed geophysics highlight a number of additional targets. We look forward to expanding on this new discovery, and continuing to track down the high-grade gold encountered during last season." Figure 1: Locations and assay status of Rush Drill Holes from the 2025 Spring Drill Program Photo 1: Rush-001 Box 13 & 14; 57.55-66.53m Photo 2: Rush-002 Box 15 & 16; 66.32-75.34m Photo 3: Rush-009 Box 25 & 26; 109.43-118.70m Photo 4: Rush-010 Box 5 & 6; 20.25-29.23m Photo 5: Rush-010 Box 9 & 10; 38.13-47.14m Figure 2: Rush Cross section A'-B'. Location slice can be seen in Figure 1 The Rush target is a newly identified area of interest located approximately 7.5 km NW of Ranger. Rush overlies a NE-SW striking zone of high conductivity approximately 1200m in length. The area is heavily forested, and bedrock exposure is limited to sporadic ridges which parallel the NE-SW regional foliation. A total of 10 holes were drilled in the Spring 2025 program at Rush, and 56 rock samples were taken in Fall 2024. Disseminated Chalcopyrite and Malachite staining were noted in multiple rock samples. Rock samples returned values of up to 1.61% copper, 0.79 g/t gold, and up to 113 g/t silver across different samples. A total of 24 soil samples were also taken and returned values of up to 798.5 ppm copper and 21,152 ppb (21.15 g/t) silver (January 20, 2025 News Release). Ranger Ranger-002, Ranger-003, Ranger-004, and Ranger-005 did not yield significant gold intercepts with assay results reaching up to 0.104g/t Au over 1m. In addition to Ranger-001, drill holes Ranger-002, Ranger-003, and Ranger-004 returned intercepts between 2 and 10 metres in length, with weakly elevated concentrations of copper, zinc, and silver mineralization. While these values are low, they are consistently observed and contextually significant in relation to the sulphide content, the geophysical signature, and the previously identified gold from earlier drilling and field programs. The Company believes that it may be on the edge of a more robust system and intends to investigate further once assays from all Ranger drill holes are returned. Assays remain pending for Ranger-006, Ranger-007, and Ranger-008. Ranger-008 tested an EM anomaly approximately 1.5km to the NE of Ranger-001. Figure 3: Locations and assay status of Ranger Drill Holes from the 2025 Spring Drill Program Rogue Three drill holes were completed at the Rogue target. Assays are currently pending for Rogue-004, Rogue-005, and Rogue-006. Drill hole locations at Rogue can be seen in the June 6, 2025 News Release. Geophysics The Company has completed Airborne geophysics using the Xcite HTDEM system across the entire Rottenstone SW property (April 14, 2025 News Release), which generated multiple new high-priority targets with geophysical signatures similar to Rush, Ranger, and Rogue. Initial Mag and EM geophysical results for the remainder of the Rottenstone SW property have become available as seen in Figure 4 and Figure 5. Ground and BHEM geophysical surveys are scheduled at Rush to further delineate targets along the Rush anomaly. Dias Geophysical, based in Saskatoon, SK, has been contracted to conduct these surveys. Figure 4: Updated Total Magnetic Intensity Map for Rottenstone SW Figure 5: Airborne EM Conductivity Map Field Program An exploration program is planned that will assess new and existing targets across the property through prospecting, BHEM, and ground geophysics. Currently there is a wildfire burning within the Rottenstone SW Claim block. Fieldwork will begin when wildfire risks decrease later into the summer/fall season. Prospective areas exposed by the current fire will also be examined during this program. See Figure 6 for the current perimeter of the wildfire on the Rottenstone SW claim as of August 3, 2025. Figure 6: Perimeter of the current wildfire burning on Rottenstone SW as of August 3, 2025. Wildfire Data courtesy of Natural Resources Canada. Canadian Forest Service. 2022. Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS), Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta. http://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca. Permits The Company has submitted an amendment to its existing permits, requesting a two-year extension, authorization for an additional 30,000 metres of drilling, and approval to establish a temporary work camp. Next Steps Assays pending from 10 additional drill holes Final airborne geophysics report expected in coming weeks Ground and BHEM geophysics planned to refine drill targeting Field program pending wildfire resolution Follow-up drilling anticipated upon receipt of permits pending wildfire resolution With over $5 million dedicated to exploration, Ramp Metals is well-capitalized to fast-track its discovery pipeline across multiple high-priority VMS and gold targets. Expanded Results Table 2: Expanded Results Table *Note: a cutoff grade of 0.10% Cu was applied HOLE # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu % Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t Pb % Co ppm Rush-001 29 30 1.00 0.11 0.03 1.50 0.01 0.03 11 Rush-001 31.53 32 0.47 0.46 9.76 4.00 0.02 0.01 123 Rush-001 32 32.5 0.50 0.59 7.34 5.30 0.03 0.01 95 Rush-001 32.5 33 0.50 0.43 7.46 4.40 0.02 0.01 129 Rush-001 33 33.3 0.30 1.12 1.02 7.00 0.01 0.02 84 Rush-001 33.3 34 0.70 0.23 0.06 2.40 0.01 0.02 19 Rush-001 49 50 1.00 0.43 0.04 36.00 0.04 1.07 15 Rush-001 50 51 1.00 0.14 0.02 11.00 0.01 0.39 17 Rush-001 55 56 1.00 0.14 0.07 2.80 0.02 0.02 15 Rush-001 56 57 1.00 0.11 0.09 1.40 0.01 0.03 15 Rush-001 61.47 62 0.53 0.34 10.36 2.50 0.04 0.01 160 Rush-001 62 62.5 0.50 0.70 9.21 2.80 0.02 0.03 163 Rush-001 62.5 63 0.50 0.93 10.91 4.10 0.02 0.03 175 Rush-001 63 63.5 0.50 1.49 9.82 6.00 0.03 0.01 178 Rush-001 63.5 64 0.50 2.26 9.75 7.70 0.05 0.01 181 Rush-001 64 64.5 0.50 0.61 10.66 3.00 0.02 0.01 177 Rush-001 64.5 65 0.50 2.19 4.64 13.20 0.04 0.04 95 Rush-001 67 68 1.00 0.27 0.08 1.30 0.01 0.05 13 Rush-001 70 70.41 0.41 0.14 3.68 1.10 0.02 0.04 71 Rush-001 71.94 72.5 0.56 0.94 11.86 4.40 0.02 0.02 128 Rush-001 72.5 73 0.50 0.59 11.66 4.00 0.01 0.05 44 Rush-001 73 73.49 0.49 0.49 6.60 3.00 0.02 0.04 63 Rush-001 88 89 1.00 0.11 0.01 1.60 0.02 0.04 4 Rush-001 112 113 1.00 0.19 0.04 27.20 0.02 0.41 11 Rush-001 116 117 1.00 0.26 0.03 14.40 0.07 0.07 16 Rush-001 134 135 1.00 0.10 0.02 0.80 0.02 0.00 10 Rush-002 23 24 1.00 0.16 0.04 6.00 0.02 0.02 31 Rush-002 31 32 1.00 0.10 0.04 1.90 0.01 0.02 28 Rush-002 32 33 1.00 0.11 0.04 1.20 0.01 0.02 13 Rush-002 34 35 1.00 0.17 0.04 1.10 0.01 0.01 20 Rush-002 35 36 1.00 0.13 0.02 1.00 0.01 0.02 15 Rush-002 43.44 44.28 0.84 0.68 0.06 51.00 0.04 2.48 13 Rush-002 50 51 1.00 0.15 0.06 5.20 0.01 0.03 9 Rush-002 54.42 55 0.58 0.28 0.14 7.20 0.01 0.03 27 Rush-002 55 55.5 0.50 1.39 0.46 37.10 0.11 0.02 27 Rush-002 55.5 56 0.50 0.81 0.33 34.30 0.49 0.01 16 Rush-002 56 56.5 0.50 0.77 0.28 23.90 0.13 0.01 18 Rush-002 58.5 59 0.50 0.30 0.18 2.50 0.01 0.03 81 Rush-002 59 59.5 0.50 0.33 0.07 2.90 0.02 0.06 16 Rush-002 59.5 60 0.50 0.21 0.05 1.50 0.01 0.03 25 Rush-002 60.5 61 0.50 0.11 0.02 1.00 0.02 0.04 10 Rush-002 61 61.5 0.50 0.11 0.04 1.10 0.02 0.03 10 Rush-002 61.5 62 0.50 0.15 0.07 1.60 0.01 0.04 17 Rush-002 69.3 70 0.70 1.83 10.68 7.40 0.03 0.01 127 Rush-002 70 70.5 0.50 1.10 9.85 5.20 0.02 0.01 163 Rush-002 70.5 71 0.50 2.65 12.73 9.00 0.02 0.01 158 Rush-002 71 71.5 0.50 1.22 10.07 6.00 0.02 0.01 171 Rush-002 71.5 71.97 0.47 1.69 8.63 8.00 0.09 0.03 122 Rush-002 71.97 73 1.03 0.28 0.30 2.40 0.01 0.07 6 Rush-002 74 75 1.00 0.13 0.08 1.10 0.00 0.07 7 Rush-002 75 75.95 0.95 0.25 0.61 3.00 0.01 0.11 28 Rush-002 75.95 76.5 0.55 0.37 8.31 3.00 0.01 0.03 70 Rush-002 76.5 77 0.50 0.27 7.97 1.90 0.01 0.02 60 Rush-002 77 77.5 0.50 0.49 12.00 3.30 0.02 0.02 88 Rush-002 77.5 78 0.50 0.74 0.98 4.60 0.02 0.12 25 Rush-002 78 78.5 0.50 0.57 5.05 4.00 0.02 0.09 56 Rush-002 78.5 79 0.50 0.20 7.54 4.00 0.02 0.21 55 Rush-002 79 79.5 0.50 0.15 6.69 6.00 0.03 0.34 78 Rush-002 79.5 80 0.50 0.28 0.25 1.50 0.02 0.05 18 Rush-002 82 82.5 0.50 2.11 6.31 8.00 0.01 0.05 52 Rush-002 82.5 83 0.50 0.11 1.10 1.00 0.00 0.07 12 Rush-002 83.5 84 0.50 0.12 0.91 0.80 0.01 0.07 27 Rush-002 84 84.5 0.50 0.19 6.73 1.60 0.02 0.05 84 Rush-002 84.5 85.26 0.76 0.30 1.92 2.00 0.01 0.07 30 Rush-002 89 90 1.00 0.31 0.12 1.60 0.01 0.07 15 Rush-002 90 90.5 0.50 1.58 6.61 7.00 0.02 0.06 44 Rush-002 91.25 92 0.75 0.83 17.08 5.30 0.03 0.06 76 Rush-002 92 93 1.00 0.14 1.65 6.00 0.01 0.23 11 Rush-002 95 96 1.00 0.10 0.09 0.80 0.01 0.09 10 Rush-003 47 48 1.00 0.25 0.06 16.10 0.03 0.48 14 Rush-003 48 49 1.00 0.20 0.02 13.40 0.02 0.47 11 Rush-003 49 50 1.00 0.22 0.02 16.20 0.03 0.47 14 Rush-003 62 63 1.00 0.10 0.02 6.70 0.01 0.37 21 Rush-003 64 64.69 0.69 0.11 0.49 0.60 0.01 0.02 15 Rush-003 64.69 65 0.31 1.19 8.67 7.40 0.13 0.01 152 Rush-003 65 65.5 0.50 1.39 10.20 8.00 0.03 0.01 138 Rush-003 76 77 1.00 0.15 0.17 1.70 0.01 0.08 12 Rush-003 84 85 1.00 0.14 0.28 0.90 0.00 0.15 11 Rush-003 87.76 89 1.24 0.43 0.50 4.70 0.01 0.15 29 Rush-003 89 90 1.00 0.18 1.32 1.40 0.01 0.08 16 Rush-003 90 90.5 0.50 0.28 1.56 1.20 0.02 0.02 51 Rush-003 90.5 91 0.50 0.47 2.28 7.00 0.03 0.16 38 Rush-003 91 91.5 0.50 0.23 6.89 2.00 0.02 0.04 71 Rush-003 91.5 92 0.50 0.87 0.98 3.50 0.01 0.06 15 Rush-003 92.5 93 0.50 0.10 1.38 1.60 0.01 0.11 29 Rush-003 93 93.5 0.50 0.90 1.84 8.60 0.04 0.16 23 Rush-003 94 94.5 0.50 0.29 0.12 27.50 0.04 0.73 18 Rush-003 94.5 95 0.50 0.14 0.07 20.20 0.04 0.81 18 Rush-003 95.5 96 0.50 0.24 0.08 4.00 0.01 0.19 11 Rush-003 96 96.5 0.50 0.19 0.04 2.10 0.01 0.03 118 Rush-003 97.5 98 0.50 0.13 0.61 1.20 0.01 0.10 8 Rush-003 98 98.5 0.50 0.21 0.99 2.80 0.01 0.12 9 Rush-003 98.5 99 0.50 0.22 1.00 3.30 0.04 0.15 7 Rush-003 99 99.5 0.50 0.20 0.17 4.90 0.01 0.28 15 Rush-003 99.5 100 0.50 0.24 0.10 4.20 0.01 0.27 14 Rush-003 100 100.5 0.50 0.18 5.18 13.00 0.02 1.01 16 Rush-003 100.5 101 0.50 0.22 8.62 5.80 0.02 0.57 89 Rush-003 102 103 1.00 0.22 0.10 18.80 0.02 0.97 13 Rush-003 103 104 1.00 0.16 0.09 10.80 0.02 0.99 12 Rush-003 104 105 1.00 0.14 0.06 10.50 0.02 0.57 9 Rush-003 105 106 1.00 0.32 0.06 35.30 0.03 1.33 7 Rush-003 107 108 1.00 0.13 0.81 1.30 0.01 0.23 17 Rush-003 108 109 1.00 0.17 0.26 14.10 0.04 0.43 9 Rush-003 110 111 1.00 0.14 1.46 1.60 0.03 0.31 9 Rush-003 120 121 1.00 0.22 0.03 12.70 0.01 0.56 12 Rush-004 41 42 1.00 0.17 0.00 0.80 0.01 0.00 17 Rush-009 22 23 1.00 0.18 0.02 7.30 0.02 0.01 18 Rush-009 41 42 1.00 0.11 0.02 1.20 0.01 0.01 15 Rush-009 51 52 1.00 0.16 0.04 1.30 0.01 0.01 13 Rush-009 52 53 1.00 0.10 0.03 1.40 0.01 0.01 12 Rush-009 62 63 1.00 0.16 0.06 2.60 0.01 0.01 21 Rush-009 65.5 66 0.50 0.34 0.09 2.90 0.03 0.03 29 Rush-009 66 66.5 0.50 0.51 0.05 5.40 0.02 0.03 33 Rush-009 66.5 67 0.50 0.29 0.24 2.10 0.01 0.04 8 Rush-009 67 67.5 0.50 1.35 2.12 6.70 0.03 0.02 37 Rush-009 68 68.5 0.50 0.28 0.24 2.30 0.05 0.03 6 Rush-009 68.5 69 0.50 0.36 0.11 5.80 0.02 0.03 13 Rush-009 70 70.5 0.50 0.12 0.08 <0.5 0.01 0.03 7 Rush-009 70.5 71 0.50 0.43 0.09 2.60 0.01 0.04 11 Rush-009 87.5 88.2 0.70 0.15 0.21 0.90 0.01 0.06 12 Rush-009 88.2 89 0.80 0.73 10.18 4.00 0.02 0.02 91 Rush-009 89 89.5 0.50 0.57 9.51 3.00 0.02 0.02 105 Rush-009 89.5 90.25 0.75 0.84 10.19 4.00 0.01 0.02 147 Rush-009 90.25 91 0.75 0.17 0.40 0.80 0.01 0.06 7 Rush-009 96 97 1.00 0.14 0.09 9.00 0.03 0.29 13 Rush-009 97 98 1.00 0.33 0.07 40.00 0.27 0.80 18 Rush-009 98 99 1.00 0.17 0.14 2.00 0.01 0.06 18 Rush-009 115.95 116.5 0.55 1.05 7.65 2.80 0.03 0.06 105 Rush-009 116.5 117 0.50 0.49 13.43 7.10 0.02 0.45 182 Rush-009 117 117.5 0.50 0.60 7.93 1.10 0.02 0.01 203 Rush-009 117.5 118 0.50 1.22 15.78 6.80 0.03 0.24 165 Rush-009 118 118.5 0.50 3.11 17.57 20.00 0.10 0.64 126 Rush-009 118.5 119 0.50 0.17 3.30 2.50 0.02 0.14 40 Rush-009 121 122 1.00 0.18 0.08 0.90 0.01 0.11 8 Rush-009 124 125 1.00 0.16 0.10 <0.5 0.01 0.07 9 Rush-009 126 127 1.00 0.10 0.07 <0.5 0.02 0.05 13 Rush-009 127 128 1.00 0.13 0.08 0.60 0.01 0.05 11 Rush-009 135 135.5 0.50 0.59 0.64 5.90 0.02 0.02 46 Rush-009 135.5 136 0.50 0.45 0.80 4.40 0.02 0.02 42 Rush-009 136 136.5 0.50 0.54 0.08 4.90 0.02 0.02 12 Rush-009 140 141 1.00 0.14 0.03 0.80 0.00 0.01 22 Rush-009 172.75 173.63 0.88 0.23 11.61 3.00 0.02 0.01 67 Rush-009 173.63 174 0.37 0.12 2.65 1.30 0.01 0.01 20 Rush-009 175 175.5 0.50 0.24 2.35 3.00 0.02 0.01 25 Rush-009 175.5 176 0.50 0.30 4.82 6.00 0.02 0.01 51 Rush-009 176 176.5 0.50 0.16 0.69 6.50 0.01 0.01 18 Rush-009 178.5 179 0.50 0.20 10.00 3.00 0.05 0.03 52 Rush-010 16 17 1.00 0.10 0.04 0.70 0.04 0.00 6 Rush-010 18 18.5 0.50 0.44 0.04 9.80 0.09 0.01 41 Rush-010 18.5 19 0.50 0.22 0.07 1.90 0.04 0.01 28 Rush-010 19 19.5 0.50 0.20 0.14 6.00 0.05 0.13 17 Rush-010 19.5 20 0.50 0.30 0.13 4.00 0.12 0.07 18 Rush-010 20.5 21 0.50 0.18 0.30 0.90 0.01 0.17 13 Rush-010 21 21.5 0.50 0.20 2.47 1.50 0.01 0.19 38 Rush-010 21.5 22 0.50 0.55 13.97 37.70 0.03 5.62 100 Rush-010 22 22.5 0.50 0.21 6.58 10.50 0.01 1.33 20 Rush-010 22.5 23 0.50 0.27 19.34 54.00 0.02 8.77 112 Rush-010 23 23.5 0.50 0.37 13.53 19.50 0.05 2.75 108 Rush-010 23.5 24 0.50 0.99 9.55 4.00 0.03 0.20 110 Rush-010 24 24.5 0.50 0.34 9.06 2.70 0.02 0.17 79 Rush-010 24.5 25 0.50 1.38 2.15 8.50 0.03 0.86 63 Rush-010 25 25.5 0.50 3.06 5.76 13.40 0.03 1.12 84 Rush-010 25.5 26 0.50 0.32 0.32 5.30 0.02 0.50 15 Rush-010 26 26.5 0.50 0.25 1.92 2.10 0.01 0.25 19 Rush-010 26.5 27 0.50 0.38 1.67 2.50 0.01 0.20 27 Rush-010 27 27.5 0.50 0.21 0.40 1.40 0.01 0.09 11 Rush-010 27.5 28 0.50 0.22 0.15 9.80 0.01 0.90 15 Rush-010 28 28.5 0.50 0.12 0.12 4.40 0.01 0.32 5 Rush-010 28.5 29 0.50 0.21 0.47 5.40 0.01 0.38 13 Rush-010 29 29.5 0.50 0.20 0.66 1.20 0.01 0.14 8 Rush-010 29.5 30 0.50 0.33 0.76 2.10 0.01 0.10 13 Rush-010 32 32.5 0.50 0.16 0.08 3.60 0.02 0.07 13 Rush-010 32.5 33 0.50 0.12 0.05 1.00 0.01 0.01 21 Rush-010 33 33.5 0.50 0.10 0.06 6.40 0.01 0.52 13 Rush-010 33.5 34 0.50 0.36 0.10 10.10 0.03 0.30 15 Rush-010 34 34.5 0.50 0.32 0.39 2.60 0.02 0.02 53 Rush-010 34.5 35 0.50 0.50 0.20 3.50 0.05 0.04 29 Rush-010 35 35.5 0.50 0.66 0.33 10.20 0.05 0.17 15 Rush-010 35.5 36 0.50 0.71 0.19 5.90 0.02 0.02 34 Rush-010 36 36.5 0.50 0.54 0.08 15.80 0.09 0.21 30 Rush-010 36.5 37 0.50 1.11 0.16 24.80 0.09 0.33 31 Rush-010 37 37.5 0.50 1.13 0.93 21.50 0.08 0.25 31 Rush-010 37.5 38 0.50 2.77 1.98 39.00 0.18 0.31 56 Rush-010 38 38.5 0.50 2.04 1.01 16.20 0.11 0.04 98 Rush-010 38.5 39 0.50 1.37 0.52 13.90 0.07 0.10 53 Rush-010 39 39.5 0.50 2.11 1.09 21.50 0.15 0.03 138 Rush-010 39.5 40 0.50 1.14 0.49 11.90 0.18 0.03 54 Rush-010 40 40.5 0.50 0.52 0.23 5.80 0.05 0.03 44 Rush-010 41 41.5 0.50 0.85 1.09 18.40 0.08 0.16 59 Rush-010 41.5 42 0.50 1.55 0.69 84.30 0.24 1.27 42 Rush-010 42 42.5 0.50 2.80 2.08 55.00 0.14 0.03 62 Rush-010 42.5 43 0.50 0.95 0.16 12.40 0.03 0.04 71 Rush-010 43 43.5 0.50 0.92 0.29 11.40 0.06 0.04 29 Rush-010 43.5 44 0.50 1.86 0.35 16.30 0.08 0.02 43 Rush-010 44 44.5 0.50 4.09 0.49 44.00 0.32 0.01 67 Rush-010 44.5 45 0.50 2.01 0.36 16.00 0.03 0.02 45 Rush-010 45 45.5 0.50 0.13 0.02 1.30 0.01 0.06 11 Rush-010 45.5 46 0.50 0.22 0.04 1.70 0.02 0.02 20 Rush-010 47 47.5 0.50 0.23 0.02 3.60 0.05 0.01 16 Rush-010 47.5 48 0.50 0.19 0.01 3.70 0.05 0.01 19 Rush-010 79 80 1.00 0.12 0.09 0.60 0.03 0.01 15 Rush-010 81 82 1.00 0.10 0.01 <0.5 0.01 0.01 6 Rush-010 82 83 1.00 0.13 0.01 <0.5 0.01 0.01 10 Rush-010 93 93.5 0.50 0.11 0.01 <0.5 0.00 0.03 4 Rush-010 93.5 94 0.50 0.28 0.09 0.60 0.03 0.01 18 Rush-010 94 94.5 0.50 0.64 0.08 1.30 0.05 0.01 19 Rush-010 94.5 95 0.50 0.56 0.04 1.30 0.03 0.01 13 Rush-010 95 95.5 0.50 0.29 0.02 <0.5 0.02 0.00 15 Rush-010 95.5 96 0.50 0.41 0.07 1.10 0.02 0.00 26 Rush-010 96 96.5 0.50 0.30 0.02 0.80 0.02 0.01 10 Rush-010 117 118 1.00 0.22 0.15 3.50 0.05 0.03 11 Rush-010 118 119 1.00 0.11 0.03 0.90 0.02 0.01 26 QA/QC and Geochemical Sampling Procedure All drill core samples were logged, photographed, and bagged on-site. Control samples consisting of certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Companies QA/QC protocol at a rate of 1:15 or better. All samples were transported by Manitoulin Transport to Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd.("BV"), an internationally recognized and ISO 17025:2017 accredited analytical services provider, at its Vancouver, British Columbia laboratory. The Company's QA/QC protocol is in addition to BV's QA/QC standard procedure. Drill core samples were prepared using the PRP70-250 package, where samples were weighed, dried, and crushed to greater than 70% passing a 2mm sieve, then pulverized to greater than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples from Rush and Rogue were analyzed in accordance with BV's FA330 (Au,Pt,Pd) and MA300 packages, for both gold, platinum & palladium analysis by fire assay (30g fire assay with AAS finish) and multi-element ICP analysis (0.25 g, multi-acid and ICP-ES analysis). Samples from Ranger were analyzed in accordance with BV's FA330-Au and MA300 packages, for gold by fire assay (30g fire assay with AAS finish) and multi-element ICP analysis (0.25 g, multi-acid and ICP-ES analysis). Gold returning >10ppm is automatically analyzed by gravimetric method in accordance with lab standard of practice. Copper, zinc and lead over limits were re-assayed using BV's MA370 package, a multi-acid digestion with ICP-ES finish. Qualified Person Brett Williams, P.Geo., VP Operations and Senior Geologist for Ramp Metals, and a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release. About Ramp Metals Inc. Ramp Metals is a grassroots exploration company with a focus on a potential new Saskatchewan gold district. The Company currently has a new high-grade gold discovery of 73.55 g/t Au over 7.5m at its flagship Rottenstone SW property. The Rottenstone SW property comprises of 32,715 hectares and is situated in the Rottenstone Domain. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's exploration activities. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: requirements for additional capital; future prices of minerals; changes in general economic conditions; changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities; other risks of the mining industry; the inability to obtain any necessary governmental and regulatory approvals; changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations; hedging practices; and currency fluctuations. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Longueuil, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - Greenheart Gold Inc. (TSXV: GHRT) (OTCQX: GHRTF) (the "Company" or "Greenheart Gold") announces the filing of a technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Tamakay Gold Project, Region 7, Guyana, South America" dated July 28, 2025, with an effective date of July 1, 2025 (the "Technical Report"), in relation to the Tamakay Project located in Guyana. The Company, through its Guyana subsidiary, holds the right to acquire a 100% interest in this project pursuant to option agreements. This Technical Report has been prepared at the request of the TSX Venture Exchange, as set out in its conditional acceptance letter dated August 23, 2024 issued in connection with the listing application of Greenheart Gold's common shares, and provides detailed information on the Tamakay Project. The Technical Report was authored by Ross Sherlock, Ph.D., P.Geo., and is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.greenheartgold.com). About Greenheart Gold Inc. Greenheart Gold is an exploration company that builds on a proven legacy of discoveries within the Guiana Shield, a highly prospective geological terrain that hosts numerous gold deposits yet remains relatively under-explored. The Company is led by former executives and members of the exploration group of Reunion Gold, a team that was most recently noted for the discovery and delineation of the multimillion-ounce Oko West deposit in Guyana. Greenheart Gold intends to build on its technical knowledge, strong contact base and previous success from exploring in the Guiana Shield to assemble, maintain and explore a portfolio of early-stage exploration projects in Guyana and Suriname that are prospective for orogenic gold deposits. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.greenheartgold.com). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Vancouver, British Columbia, August 5, 2025 TheNewswire - FinEx Metals Ltd. (TSX-V: FINX) ("FinEx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has commenced diamond drilling on its 100% owned Ruoppa gold project, located in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt of northern Finland. The initial drill campaign is expected to comprise approximately 2,500 metres of core drilling and is designed to test high-priority targets defined by earlier trenching and Top of Bedrock drilling. Drilling will focus on the Ruoppa East area where a series of high-grade gold targets intermittently extend over approximately 2.7 km (Figure 1). High-grade rock grab samples from trenches include 52 samples that returned values greater than 1 g/t Au with the highest value returning 95.1 g/t Au, within a broad zone of orogenic quartz veining extending over approximately 250 metres. Tero Kosonen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FinEx, comments: "We are excited to commence our inaugural diamond drilling at Ruoppa, a significant milestone for FinEx. The results from this program will greatly enhance our understanding of the projects potential and help clarify the distribution and continuity of the gold-bearing veins at Ruoppa and within this highly prospective district." Figure 1. Map of Ruoppa project area showing a series of high-grade gold targets that intermittently extend over approximately 2.7 km, and location of first-pass drilling where high-grade rock grab samples from trenches include 52 samples that returned values greater than 1 g/t Au with the highest value returning 95.1 g/t Au, within a broad zone of orogenic quartz veining extending over approximately 250 metres. Figure 2. First drill hole commences at Ruoppa gold project. About the Ruoppa Project The Companys flagship Ruoppa project is situated in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt in Finland, adjoining Agnico Eagles Kittila mine land position, the largest gold mine in Europe, and in proximity to the land position that hosts Rupert Resources recent Ikkari discovery. Previous work by FinEx identified a series of high-grade gold targets that extend over approximately 2.7 km. High-grade rock grab samples from trenches include 52 samples above 1 g/t Au with the highest value measuring 95.1 g/t Au, within a zone extending over 250 m. Ruoppa is fully permitted for drilling and a first-pass diamond drill program commenced in August 2025. For more information on the Ruoppa project, refer to the NI 43-101 Technical Report dated April 14, 2025, as filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About FinEx Metals Ltd. FinEx Metals Ltd. (TSX-V: FINX) is a gold-focused mineral exploration company with a portfolio of 100% owned, royalty free projects near existing mining operations in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt in Finland. For more information, please visit the Companys website at www.finexmetals.net. FinEx Metals is part of the NewQuest Capital Group, a discovery-driven investment group that builds value through the incubation and financing of mineral projects and companies. Further information about NewQuest can be found on the company website at www.nqcapitalgroup.com. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Petri Peltonen, MAusIMM(CP), EurGeol, a Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Peltonen is not independent by reason of being a Contractor and Shareholder of the Company. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Tero Kosonen Chairman and Chief Executive Officer +1 (604) 681-9100 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For further information, please contact: Brennan Zerb Investor Relations Manager +1 (778) 867-5016 mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the proposed listing on the TSX Venture Exchange, future capital expenditures, exploration activities and the specifications, targets, results, analyses, interpretations, benefits, costs and timing of them, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as pro forma, plans, expects, may, should, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes, potential or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Companys exploration plans and the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, the ability of the Company to obtain the required permits, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Companys limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated June 13, 2025 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law. LITTLETON, CO / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 /Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE American:URG) (TSX:URE) (the "Company" or "Ur-Energy") has filed the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml and with Canadian securities authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. Second Quarter 2025 Financial and Operating Results During the second quarter of 2025, we dried and packaged 112,033 pounds of U 3 O 8 , representing a 35% increase over the first quarter of 2025; An eighth uranium sales contract was executed, for delivery of 100,000 pounds U 3 O 8 per year in 2028, 2029 and 2030. Pricing is at an escalated fixed price, well above current spot and term prices; Drummed inventory at the conversion facility as of July 31, 2025 was 351,148 pounds; We sold 165,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 in 2025 Q2, generating gross profits $1.9 million; The cost per produced pound sold decreased from $62.06 in Q4 2024 to $50.89 in Q2 2025; On a cash basis, the U 3 O 8 profit per produced pound sold was $22.99, representing a cash profit margin of approximately 36% in Q2 2025 as compared to 19% in Q4 2024. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, we used $9.3 million for operating activities, $8.9 million for investing activities, and $0.1 million for financing activities. As of June 30, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of $57.6 million, a decrease of $18.5 million from the $76.1 million balance on December 31, 2024. Cash position as of July 31, 2025, was $49.1 million. Ur-Energy President, Matthew Gili, commented: "The ramp up at Lost Creek continues, with significant increases in the quantities of U 3 O 8 both captured and drummed in the quarter. Importantly, cash costs were $42.83 per pound sold (including ad valorem and severance taxes of $2.62 per pound), well below our average selling price in Q2 of $63.20 per pound. As mine construction at our Shirley Basin Project progresses, and we commence our 2025 exploration program in the Great Divide Basin, this year is laying the foundation for the next phase of growth for Ur-Energy." Lost Creek Operations During Q2 2025, we dried and packaged 112,033 pounds and shipped 105,316 pounds U 3 O 8 to the conversion facility. At quarter end, our in-process and drummed inventory was approximately 55,000 pounds, and our finished inventory at the conversion facility was 315,607 pounds. Subsequent to quarter end, we shipped an additional 34,964 pounds U 3 O 8. Our total sales in 2025 are projected at 440,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 at an average price per pound sold of $61.56 and we expect to realize revenues of $27.1 million. The deliveries are under contracts negotiated in 2022 and 2023, when the long-term price was between $43 and $57 per pound. Deliveries for 2025 are committed to two customers for a base amount of 400,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 . Under our agreements, both buyers elected to flex up the annual base delivery quantity by 10%. Deliveries of 165,000 pounds were made in 2025 Q2 and deliveries of 110,000 pounds and 165,000 pounds are expected to be made in 2025 Q3 and Q4, respectively. Eighth Uranium Sales Agreement, Market Exposure and DOE Opportunities Ur-Energy now has eight multi-year sales agreements in place with major nuclear and utility companies, including Constellation Energy, a leading producer of reliable, emissions-free energy. The annual delivery base amount ranges from 440,000 to 1,300,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 from 2025 through 2033, with potential additional deliveries of 100,000 pounds in 2032 and 2033. The eight agreements total sales of 6.0 million pounds of UO with delivery timeline flexibility. The new sales agreement secures the annual sale and delivery of 100,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 per year in 2028, 2029, and 2030. Pricing is set at an escalated fixed price, well above current spot and term prices. Ur-Energy has the sole option to sell up to an additional 100,000 pounds each year at a sales price equal to 99% of the average monthly spot price for the two months preceding the delivery date. Pricing for the new contract exceeds the current term market price; A significant portion of Ur-Energy's licensed production capacity through 2033 is uncontracted, leaving ample room for additional contracts; The demand for uranium is strong as utilities and other fuel buyers continue to issue requests for proposal; The U.S. Department of Energy low enriched uranium and high-assay low enriched uranium programs present additional opportunities for uranium sales. Contract Portfolio Secures Revenue and Retains Market Exposure Importantly, if our customers elect to acquire their full optional and flex quantities as allowed by the agreements, our contract book would represent approximately 45% of our licensed and constructed plant capacity over the term of the contracts. Additionally, our contract book has elements of market or spot-linked pricing. Our base deliverable commitments for 2026 through 2033 are structured with 23% being tied to market-based pricing. Assuming our customers acquire their full optional and flex quantities, market-based pricing totals 30% of the licensed and constructed plant capacity once construction of the Shirley Basin satellite plant is completed in early 2026. These contracts lock in substantial revenues while leaving significant room for additional sales to potentially benefit from future market conditions. With floors and ceilings in place, the market-linked components allow us to benefit from rising uranium prices, while the overall contract structure ensures stable cash flow and leaves additional capacity available to capture future market opportunities. Great Divide Basin (GDB) Exploration Activities We have identified several targets for H2 2025 exploration within the Great Divide Basin ("GDB"), aimed at expanding our resource base and discovering new uranium roll front deposits. Our planned exploration program will focus on North Hadsell, LC South and Lost Soldier. Exploration drilling will begin at our North Hadsell and LC South Projects. In addition to drilling, we plan to install a series of aquifer test wells at our Lost Soldier Project to support hydrologic evaluation and enable future development planning. U 3 O 8 Sales by Product, U 3 O 8 Product Cost, and U 3 O 8 Product Profit 1 U 3 O 8 Product Profit (Loss) Unit 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2025 YTD U 3 O 8 Product Sales Produced $ 000 6,165 5,857 - 10,428 10,428 Non-produced $ 000 - 16,500 - - - $ 000 6,165 22,357 - 10,428 10,428 U 3 O 8 Product Costs Produced $ 000 4,891 5,896 - 8,397 8,397 Non-produced $ 000 - 22,760 - - - $ 000 4,891 28,656 - 8,397 8,397 U 3 O 8 Product Profit (Loss) Produced $ 000 1,274 (39 ) - 2,031 2,031 Non-produced $ 000 - (6,260 ) - - - $ 000 1,274 (6,299 ) - 2,031 2,031 U 3 O 8 Pounds Sold Produced lb 100,000 95,000 - 165,000 165,000 Non-produced lb - 300,000 - - - lb 100,000 395,000 - 165,000 165,000 U 3 O 8 Price per Pound Sold Produced $/lb 61.65 61.65 - 63.20 63.20 Non-produced $/lb - 55.00 - - - $/lb 61.65 56.60 - 63.20 63.20 U 3 O 8 Cost per Pound Sold Cash costs $/lb 37.98 50.25 - 40.21 40.21 Ad valorem and severance taxes $/lb 0.81 1.73 - 2.62 2.62 Non-cash costs $/lb 10.12 10.08 - 8.06 8.06 Produced $/lb 48.91 62.06 - 50.89 50.89 Non-produced $/lb - 75.87 - - - $/lb 48.91 72.55 - 50.89 50.89 U 3 O 8 Profit (Loss) per Pound Sold Cash costs $/lb 23.67 11.40 - 22.99 22.99 Less ad valorem and severance taxes $/lb (0.81 ) (1.73 ) - (2.62 ) (2.62 ) Less non-cash costs $/lb (10.12 ) (10.08 ) - (8.06 ) (8.06 ) Produced $/lb 12.74 (0.41 ) - 12.31 12.31 Non-produced $/lb - (20.87 ) - - - $/lb 12.74 (15.95 ) - 12.31 12.31 U 3 O 8 Profit (Loss) Margin per Pound Sold Cash costs % 38.4 18.5 - 36.4 36.4 Less ad valorem and severance taxes % (1.3 ) (2.8 ) - (4.1 ) (4.1 ) Less non-cash costs % (16.4 ) (16.4 ) - (12.8 ) (12.8 ) Produced % 20.7 (0.7 ) - 19.5 19.5 Non-produced % - (37.9 ) - - - % 20.7 (28.2 ) - 19.5 19.5 1 The U 3 O 8 and cost per pound measures included in the above table do not have a standardized meaning within US GAAP or a defined basis of calculation. These measures are used by management to assess business performance and determine production and pricing strategies. They may also be used by certain investors to evaluate performance. U 3 O 8 Production and Ending Inventory U 3 O 8 Production Unit 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2025 YTD Pounds captured lb 75,075 81,771 74,479 128,970 203,449 Pounds drummed in lb 71,804 74,006 83,066 112,033 195,099 Pounds shipped lb 67,488 66,526 106,301 105,316 211,617 Non-produced pounds purchased or borrowed lb - 550,000 - - - U 3 O 8 Ending Inventory Unit 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 Pounds In-process inventory lb 90,140 39,169 29,700 37,590 Plant inventory lb 26,580 33,919 10,772 17,484 Conversion inventory - produced lb 40,713 12,239 118,540 65,607 Conversion inventory - non-produced lb - 250,000 250,000 250,000 lb 157,433 335,327 409,012 370,681 Value In-process inventory $ 000 427 42 382 509 Plant inventory $ 000 1,499 1,840 582 921 Conversion inventory - produced $ 000 2,320 704 6,463 3,409 Conversion inventory - non-produced $ 000 - 18,158 16,058 16,058 $ 000 4,246 20,744 23,485 20,897 Cost per Pound In-process inventory $/lb 4.74 1.07 12.86 13.54 Plant inventory $/lb 56.40 54.25 54.03 52.68 Conversion inventory: Ad valorem and severance tax $/lb 1.63 1.57 2.16 3.06 Cash cost $/lb 45.26 46.83 43.43 40.55 Non-cash cost $/lb 10.09 9.12 8.94 8.35 Conversion inventory - produced $/lb 56.98 57.52 54.53 51.96 Conversion inventory - non-produced $/lb - 72.63 64.23 64.23 $/lb 56.98 71.93 61.11 61.68 Positioned for Scaled Growth We continue to advance development and construction at our Lost Creek and Shirley Basin projects, positioning ourselves for expanded, diversified uranium production and long-term growth. With additional staffing, increased contractors onsite and significant construction and operational activity underway at both mine sites, we remain sharply focused on maintaining safe, compliant and efficient operations, while building on our leadership position in U.S. uranium production. At Lost Creek, we have 18 drill rigs operating, which is sufficient for our present development requirements and our planned 2025 exploration program in the GDB. We brought header house 2-15 online in late June, the fourth unit this year. Bringing additional header houses online increases overall production capacity. Flow rates are being closely controlled to facilitate all processing activities throughout the mine and plant. We anticipate additional and sustained flow increases in the coming months as we bring on additional header houses and the operations team continues to enhance flow in existing wells through routine maintenance and improvements. The Lost Creek processing plant is operating both dryers routinely, and recent circuit upgrades have improved reliability. Head grade remains above expectations. We anticipate initiating production from Mine Unit 1, Phase 2 in Q4 2025. Photo 1. Construction of Lost Creek Header House At Shirley Basin, we are advancing construction and development activities toward commencement of operations and initiation of ramp-up of production in 2026. Historical buildings have been refurbished and are being used as construction, maintenance and drill casing facilities. Five drill rigs are actively installing production wells in the first Mine Unit. The contractor for the processing plant foundation is onsite and has initiated construction activities. The team at our Casper, Wyoming construction shop is operating efficiently, supporting ongoing header house development for both Lost Creek and Shirley Basin. Construction of the first header house for Shirley Basin is underway as we move towards production there. We have continued recruitment and hiring on our phased plan for staffing at Shirley Basin, with 17 additional senior site management, construction and development staff onsite in Q2. Our phased recruitment program is anticipated to allow for more thorough safety and task training of staff prior to the commencement of operations. Photo 2. Construction of 10-inch manifold to accommodate the expected high flow rate at Shirley Basin About Ur-Energy Ur-Energy is a uranium mining company operating the Lost Creek in situ recovery uranium facility in south- central Wyoming. We have produced and packaged approximately 3 million pounds of U 3 O 8 from Lost Creek since the commencement of operations. Ur-Energy has begun development and construction activities at Shirley Basin, the Company's second in situ recovery uranium facility in Wyoming. Ur-Energy is engaged in uranium recovery and processing activities, including the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of uranium mineral properties in the United States. The primary trading market for Ur-Energy's common shares is on the NYSE American under the symbol "URG." Ur-Energy's common shares also trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "URE." Ur-Energy's corporate office is in Littleton, Colorado and its registered office is in Ottawa, Ontario. Contact Information Valerie Kimball IR Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 720-460-8534 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws regarding events or conditions that may occur in the future (e.g., our ability to maintain operations at Lost Creek and construction and buildout at Shirley Basin in a safe and compliant fashion; ability and timing to complete our ramp-up to full production levels at Lost Creek; our ability to timely deliver into our contractual obligations and the effects of our sales contracts' elections to flex and options to add sales deliveries; whether current sales requests for proposals and government programs will benefit the Company, and the timing for such effects; the ability to advance our operational priorities at Lost Creek and Shirley Basin including further recruitment, training and retention of employees; whether the phased program of hiring for Shirley Basin is successful in its objective of better safety and task training; the results of our 2025 exploration program in the Great Divide Basin; our ability to succeed in our planned growth and diversification of production; and the ability to complete build out of Shirley Basin as currently projected and budgeted) and are based on current expectations that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, inherently involve a number of significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of the foregoing, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "might" or "will be taken," "occur," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements express or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates; failure to establish estimated resources and reserves; the grade and recovery of ore which is mined varying from estimates; production rates, methods and amounts varying from estimates; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; inflation; changes in exchange rates; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in development and other factors described in the public filings made by the Company at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date hereof and Ur-Energy disclaims any intent or obligation to update them or revise them to reflect any change in circumstances or in management's beliefs, expectations or opinions that occur in the future. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) is pleased to report that the Constitutional Court of Ecuador has delivered a unanimous decision rejecting the final legal challenge in Ecuador against the environmental license for the El Domo mining project, thereby definitively upholding its validity. The El Domo Project, currently under construction, is the first mining project in Ecuador to have conducted an environmental consultation aligned with standards of the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, a multilateral treaty adopted on March 4, 2018, in Escazu, Costa Rica. This process has now been validated by multiple levels of the Ecuadorian judiciary, including ordinary courts and the Constitutional Court. The environmental license for the project was supported by 98% of the population within the project's area of influence. The El Domo Project is expected to bring significant long-term socio-economic benefits to the local community of Las Naves. Summary of Judicial Proceedings On June 5, 2024, a group of individuals filed a constitutional protection action against the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition ("MAATE"), seeking to challenge the environmental license and consultation process for the El Domo Project. On July 24, 2024, the local court in Las Naves Canton, Bolivar Province, Ecuador dismissed the action, confirming that MAATE had complied with applicable environmental consultation requirements prior to issuing an environmental license for the project. The plaintiffs appealed to the provincial court, and the appeal was heard on October 17, 2024, and was dismissed by the provincial court on November 12, 2024, affirming the lower court decision that MAATE correctly discharged its environmental consultation obligations prior to issuing an environmental license of the El Domo Project. Subsequently, on December 19, 2024, the plaintiffs filed an Extraordinary Protection Action (EPA) before the Constitutional Court of Ecuador. On February 26, 2025, the Constitutional Court issued a decision declining to admit the EPA, stating that it failed to meet constitutional criteria for admission. On March 3, 2025, the plaintiffs filed a motion for clarification. On July 24, 2025, the Constitutional Court unanimously rejected the clarification motion. Despite anti-mining groups having failed at every level of Ecuador's judiciaryincluding the Constitutional Courtthey continue to engage in unlawful and disruptive activities aimed at obstructing the lawful development of the El Domo Project. These actions have created safety concerns and threaten the rule of law but have not materially impacted project advancement to date. Silvercorp remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the El Domo Project responsibly and in full compliance with Ecuadorian law. Silvercorp and its partners are committed to responsible mineral development and to supporting local communities. The Company has consistently conducted its operations in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and in alignment with the highest environmental, social, and governance standards. It looks forward to advancing the El Domo Project into production with the same dedication to ethical and sustainable practices. About Silvercorp Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, and zinc with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company's strategy is to create shareholder value by 1) focusing on generating free cash flow from long life mines; 2) organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; 3) ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and 4) long term commitment to responsible mining and ESG. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorpmetals.com. For further information Silvercorp Metals Inc. Lon Shaver President Phone: (604) 669-9397 Toll Free 1(888) 224-1881 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.silvercorpmetals.com CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER - FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to, among other things statements regarding the finality of legal challenges and construction of the El Domo Project. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information may in some cases be identified by words such as "will", "anticipates", "expects", "intends" and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance. We caution that all forward-looking information is inherently subject to change and uncertainty and that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. A number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including fluctuating commodity prices; recent market events and condition; estimation of mineral resources, mineral reserves and mineralization and metal recovery; interpretations and assumptions of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; exploration and development programs; climate change; economic factors affecting the Company; timing, estimated amount, capital and operating expenditures and economic returns of future production; integration of future acquisitions into existing operations; permits and licences for mining and exploration in China; title to properties; non-controlling interest shareholders; acquisition of commercially mineable mineral rights; financing; competition; operations and political conditions; regulatory environment in China; regulatory environment and political climate in Bolivia and Ecuador; integration and operations of Adventus; environmental risks; natural disasters; dependence on management and key personnel; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; insurance; risks and hazards of mining operations; conflicts of interest; internal control over financial reporting as per the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; outcome of current or future litigation or regulatory actions; bringing actions and enforcing judgments under U.S. securities laws; cyber-security risks; public health crises; the Company's investment in New Pacific Metals Corp. and Tincorp Metals Inc.; and the other risk factors described in the Company's Annual Information Form and other filings with Canadian and U.S. regulators on www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov; could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information or could cause our current objectives, strategies and intentions to change. Accordingly, we warn investors to exercise caution when considering statements containing forward-looking information and that it would be unreasonable to rely on such statements as creating legal rights regarding our future results or plans. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking information will materialize and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents expectations as of the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. However, we are under no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter any statements containing forward-looking information, the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements herein. A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Silvercorp can also be found in its public reports and filings under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Company's website at www.silvercorp.ca. Bangladesh's interim leader marked one year since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's autocratic regime by calling on Tuesday for people to seize the "opportunity" for reform. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, the 85-year-old leading the caretaker government as its chief adviser until elections, announced the polls would be held in February. He also warned against forces he said sought to roll back the democratic gains made. "Today marks an unforgettable chapter in the history of Bangladesh," Yunus said, describing it as "liberating our beloved nation from the grip of long-standing fascist rule". The South Asian nation of around 170 million people has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt ousted then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, ending her 15-year rule. Yunus later addressed crowds of thousands outside parliament, standing in the rain to issue a "proclamation" alongside leaders of key political parties. The document will be added to the country's constitution. "The trust of the people... as expressed by the mass uprising for addressing the political and constitutional crisis in Bangladesh is justified, legitimate and internationally recognised," he read from the document. "The people of Bangladesh express their desire for ensuring good governance and fair elections, rule of law and economic and social justice, and for introducing lawfully democratic reforms for all state and constitutional institutions." The crowd, some wearing headbands made from the national flag, and including families of those killed in the crackdown on the protests, applauded Yunus's reading. Fariha Tamanna, 25, who travelled to Dhaka on a government-sponsored train, said it was "deeply satisfying" to hear the government "acknowledge the uprising". "There's still a long road ahead, so many wrongs continue," she added. "But I still hold on to hope." Kazi Solaiman, 47, a teacher in an Islamic school, said it was a day of celebration. "An oppressor was forced to flee by the people's uprising," he told AFP. "I hope Bangladesh never again becomes a land of tyranny." - 'Stand united' - Political parties had been demanding Yunus set a date for elections, and on Tuesday, he said he would write to the election commission asking for polls to he held before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in late February. "I urge you all to pray for us so that we can hold a fair and smooth election, enabling all citizens to move forward successfully in building a 'New Bangladesh'", he said. Hasina's rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killing of her political opponents, and Yunus has pledged to overhaul democratic institutions. "The sacrifice of thousands has gifted us this rare opportunity for national reform, and we must protect it at any cost," Yunus said in letter issued to mark the anniversary. "The fallen autocrats and their self-serving allies remain active, conspiring to derail our progress." But he said that while the interim government had made "extensive reform efforts", a deal on measures to prevent a return to authoritarian rule remained elusive. Political parties are jostling for power ahead of elections. "Dialogue continues with political parties and stakeholders on necessary reforms, including the political and electoral systems," he added. He called for people to remember the sacrifices made last year and to work together. "Let us stand united beyond all divisions to confront and defeat these threats," he added. "Together, we will build a Bangladesh where tyranny will never rise again." Protests began on July 1, 2024, with university students calling for reforms to a quota system for public sector jobs. They culminated on August 5, 2024, when thousands stormed Hasina's palace as she escaped by helicopter. Hasina, 77, remains in India, where she has defied court orders to attend her ongoing trial on charges amounting to crimes against humanity. Malaysian clean energy solutions provider Gentari and cloud services giant Amazon Web Services (AWS) have signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for an 80MW wind power project in Tamil Nadu, India, a state on the south-eastern coast of the Indian peninsula. Targeted to commence operations in mid-2027, the project is expected to generate approximately 300,000 MWh of renewable energy annually. Gentari is an independent clean energy solutions entity, established by Malaysian oil and gas company Petronas to focus fully on delivering clean energy solutions and to seize opportunities in the energy transition. Gentari says that through the supply of renewable energy, it is advancing its vision of putting clean energy into action, while supporting AWS's goal of reaching net-zero carbon by 2040. Jeff Johnson, Managing Director, ASEAN, AWS, explains: "As the world's largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy globally, AWS continues to work towards our goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Our collaboration with Gentari, a Malaysian clean energy leader expanding its regional impact, brings us a step closer towards that. The Data Centre Dynamics website says the project is part of the larger Karur Wind Development, a major wind energy zone in Tamil Nadu. This PPA follows a collaboration agreement signed between the two companies back in 2023, which set the parameters for sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives between the two firms. It adds that AWS has signed several PPAs in the Indian market as it continues to expand there. In February, the company signed two PPAs in India for a combined 199MW. Although the initial announcement from Gentari does not refer to specific AWS operations, Data Centre Dynamics suggests that the power is expected to support the companys expansion in the region, following a commitment, reported here earlier this year, to invest US$8.3 billion in developing cloud infrastructure for its AWS Asia-Pacific (Mumbai) Region in Maharashtra, India. AWS entered the Indian market in 2016 with Mumbai cloud region. A cloud region in Hyderabad followed in 2022. Monday, August 4, 2025 - Drama unfolded at St. Francis Catholic Church in Limuru over the weekend after a jilted Kikuyu woman stormed a wedding ceremony, accusing the groom, her legally wedded husband, of attempting to marry a second wife without her consent. In the video, the agitated woman is seen forcing her way into the church compound just moments before the couple could exchange vows. Accompanied by her children, she loudly declared that the groom was still legally married to her and vowed to stop the wedding. This is not godly, she lamented, breaking down in tears. How can a church allow this to happen? The woman revealed that she had earlier visited the priests office to lodge a formal objection, but claimed her plea was ignored. She went on to accuse the officiating priest of colluding with her husband to push forward with the ceremony despite her protests. The confrontation stunned the congregation and guests, many of whom watched in shock. Some whispered in disbelief, while others quietly recorded the unfolding scene on their phones. Watch the video. Jilted KIKUYU woman storms her husbands wedding at St Francis Catholic Church, Limuru pic.twitter.com/4SAyJA6iBv DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) August 4, 2025 The woman also shared photos of her traditional wedding ceremony on Tiktok, to prove that she was still the goat wife. @marydavis446 Mtu anipate kwangu alafu atake kufanya harusi kisiri siri original sound - Mary Ndungu The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, August 4, 2025 - A whistleblower has come forward with explosive allegations against Nairobi Baptist Church leadership, claiming that Senior Pastor Munengi Mulandi was protected by elders after a controversial video allegedly implicating him in inappropriate conduct with vulnerable congregants surfaced. According to the whistleblower, instead of initiating transparent disciplinary action or involving the authorities, some church leaders allegedly proposed relocating Pastor Mulandi to Europe to quell the growing controversy. They begged him for months to accept the relocation to Europe but he turned down the offer and insisted that his character was being maligned. The church leadership released a statement informing the public that Pastor Mulandi had been ex-communicated after someone blew the cover. The silence and initial inaction from the church has triggered public outrage, with many Kenyans demanding transparency and accountability from one of the countrys most prominent places of worship. As of now, Pastor Mulandi has not publicly responded to the allegations, and law enforcement agencies are yet to issue a statement on whether investigations are underway. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, August 4, 2025 - As millions of Kenyans continue to grapple with soaring food prices, joblessness, and a biting cost of living crisis, one of President William Rutos close allies has sparked outrage after a video surfaced showing him jumping from a luxury Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon straight into a private chopper. The video, widely shared online, captures controversial Mogotio Member of Parliament, Reuben Kiborek, a first-time MP, alighting from the multi-million-shilling SUV before casually boarding the waiting chopper. Kenyans online have reacted with fury and disbelief, accusing the political class of flaunting wealth while the ordinary mwananchi suffers under economic strain. This is what impunity looks like. They live like royalty, and most of us cant even afford unga, one user lamented on X. Another posted, Tone-deaf leadership at its peak. Fuel prices, taxes, joblessness... and theyre flying around like rockstars. At the height of Gen-Z protests, many politicians had gone quiet on social media and refrained from showcasing their luxurious lifestyles. However, with the protests temporarily subdued, such ostentatious displays are creeping back, further alienating leaders from the suffering majority. From a G-Wagon straight into a chopper pic.twitter.com/TKPihC3m6Z DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) August 4, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, August 4, 2025 - Nairobi Baptist Church has been rocked by a major scandal following the ex-communication of its Senior Pastor, Munegi Mulandi, over what the church leadership described as serious disciplinary concerns. According to credible sources within the church, Pastor Mulandi, widely known for his eloquence and charisma, was allegedly involved in inappropriate conduct that reportedly targeted church boys. These disturbing allegations prompted swift action from the church elders, who convened an emergency disciplinary council, leading to his ex-communication. A formal notice has since been issued to the congregation, notifying them of Pastor Mulandis removal and the launch of an internal inquiry. The church leadership has also forwarded the matter to law enforcement for further investigation. As a church, we sadly can no longer affirm that he is qualified to be a Minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the notice reads in part. The pastor is said to have gone into hiding following the expose. Pastor Mulandi, who was once viewed as a pillar of spiritual leadership at Nairobi Baptist, now faces potentially irreparable damage to his public image. See the notice. Nairobi Baptist Church Senior Pastor, MUNEGI MULANDI, exposed pic.twitter.com/6oHY4DgtLV DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) August 4, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Kilkenny County Council has announced the official launch of the Kilkenny Age Friendly Strategy 2025-2028, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older people across the county. Community consultations were conducted to gather insights and feedback, shaping a strategy grounded in the real experiences and needs of older adults. The strategy focuses on housing, transport, health services, social inclusion and safety to support active, healthy ageing. This is the third Age Friendly Strategy for Kilkenny, building on previous iterations since 2010. Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, launching the strategy, said: This is a commitment to action and it is a testament to our collective effort to create a community where older people feel valued, empowered and supported. Together, we will work to ensure Kilkenny remains a great place to grow older. Kilkenny has been recognised for several Age Friendly initiatives, including the first Age Friendly city, hospital, train station, hotel and shopping centre in Ireland. Developed in collaboration with the Kilkenny Age Friendly Alliance, local communities, service providers and older people, the strategy outlines a series of targeted actions across key areas such as housing, transportation, social participation and civic engagement. Nickey Brennan, Kilkennys Age Friendly Ambassador, said: I welcome the launch of the Kilkenny Age Friendly Strategy and commend all those who contributed to the development of the plan. The vision for our Age Friendly Programme has always been for all of us to live and grow old in the comfort and safety of our own homes. That vision remains as relevant today as it was over a decade and a half ago when Kilkenny commenced its age-friendly journey, he said. The strategy was shaped through extensive public consultation, including community workshops held throughout the city and county. READ NEXT: New Kilkenny business taking the fear factor out of job interviews These sessions provided valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of older people living in both urban and rural areas of the county. Lar Power, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council and Chair of the Kilkenny Age Friendly Alliance, commented: This strategy is about ensuring that Kilkenny remains a place where people of all ages can live full, active and healthy lives. It reflects the voices of our older people and sets out clear, achievable goals to support them. The Kilkenny Age Friendly Strategy 2025-2028 is now available to view on the Kilkenny County Council website: https://kilkennycoco.ie/eng/publications/council_publications/age-friendly-strategy-2025-2028.html. A guest post by Michael Littlewood: As New Zealands population ages and, in particular, as the proportion of over-65s increases, the cost of New Zealand Superannuation (NZS) is rising. We know that and it doesnt help us understand the issues to create headlines that catastrophise the expected costs. The pensions payable in the future, public and private, will be claims on tomorrows economy, so the best way to express the expected cost of NZS is as a proportion of tomorrows economy. At present, this is probably best measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is not a perfect measure, given the number of factors that bear on its calculation, particularly for long periods into the future. But its the best we have. A catastrophiser will cite the billions of dollars of costs today and the even greater billions of dollars of costs tomorrow but that is misleading and matters much less than the ability of tomorrows economy to meet those claims. Pensioners pay income tax on NZS so the government pays with one hand and collects with the other. Again, what matters to future voters is the net cost of pensions. With that introduction, lets look at what the Treasury thinks about the expected net cost of NZS. Since 2000, the Treasury has published estimates that put together all the known information about the drivers of the cost of NZS: number (and expected number) of pensioners, mortality expectations, expected growth of the national average wage and prices (those drive the annual calculation of the level of NZS) and all the assumptions that drive estimates of future growth. The Treasurys New Zealand Superannuation Fund Contribution Rate Model (NZSF Model) works out contributions to the NZSF and expected future drawdowns. Those calculations are done twice a year and are archived here[1]. Given the headlines created recently by apparently dire, future projections, I was curious to see what the Treasury now thinks is the best estimate of the net cost of NZS in future decades. The table uses the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU) versions over the last 25 years. Expected net costs of NZS (as a % of GDP) NZSF Contribution Rate Model Year Model run NZS net cost in that year Net cost in 2050 Net cost in 2060 Net cost in 2070 2000 3.7% 9.0% 9.7% 10.0% 2005 3.3% 7.5% 7.8% 8.1% 2010 3.7% 6.4% 6.9% 7.0% 2015 4.1% 6.3% 6.9% 7.4% 2020 4.5% 5.7% 6.5% 7.1% 2023 4.1% 5.6% 6.2% 6.7% 2024 4.3% 5.5% 6.2% 6.7% 2025 4.4% 5.4% 6.0% 6.4% Yes, over the last 25 years the current years cost of NZS has risen by 19% (0.7% a year) but over the same 25 years (2000-2025), the expected net cost of NZS in 2050 has actually fallen from 9.0% of GDP to 5.4% (down 40%). NZS is expected to cost less, in real terms, in 2050, 2060 and 2070 than we expected 25 years ago? That sounds like a good news story to me. The pattern of possible costs across the table is consistent; consistently downwards. We know this is all based on a bunch of assumptions that have varied over the 25 years but, in each case, the estimate is the Treasurys best contemporary guess about those future costs. Focussing on just the 2025 numbers, the Treasury expects the net cost in 2070 to be about 2 percentage points of 2070s GDP higher than todays 4.4% (+45%). So how come the real future cost seems to be falling over the last 25 years? NZS is the numerator in this equation; the denominator is GDP and that has grown more than the Treasury expected in the early 2000s and in subsequent years, due to a combination of increasing labour force participation rates and higher immigration numbers. That combination drives the reduction. For example, the 2000 model predicted the net cost of NZS in 2025 would be 5.3% of predicted GDP. In fact, it turned out to be just 4.4%, a reduction of 17% in real terms. Thats why real, future economic growth is so important in this discussion. An actuarial colleague and I put a substantial submission together for the 2019 Retirement Commissioners Review. We called it Informing the 2019 Review 133 questions that New Zealand needs answered[2]. Of nine key reforms that really matter, we ranked greater economic growth than we, or even the Treasury, expect as the #1 priority: Greater economic growth (than expected) should be central to discussions on every aspect of public policy, including retirement incomes. At the foot of every significant retirement or pension policy proposal should be the question: How does this help New Zealand grow more than under current settings? Not all policy changes have to be about economic growth, but if we do not get that growth, we will not see material improvements in the standard of living of the population, including retirees. How do we judge whether NZS is/will be affordable in 2070? We could compare the cost of our pensions with those in other countries. International comparisons of public pension systems are difficult the OECD tries to do that in its Pensions at a Glance 2024[3]. The net cost of government spending on public pensions across all OECD countries was an average 7.0% of GDP in 2020 (and will be higher now). And that doesnt include the cost of favoured tax-treatment for private savings in all other countries. New Zealands $0.55 bn on KiwiSaver subsidies for 2026[4] is exceptionally modest in that regard. So, New Zealands net 6.4% for NZS in 2070 (up from todays 4.4%) looks modest in that context. But that doesnt necessarily make it affordable. We need to talk about NZS. The 2019 Submission already cited had something to say about that as well: New Zealand needs a research-led review of every aspect of NZS New Zealand has never done such a review before. NZS is the best Tier 1 scheme in the world but it can undoubtedly be improved.[5] [1] Accessible at https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/archive-new-zealand-superannuation-fund-nzsf-contribution-rate-models [2] Online at www.alt-review.com [3] Accessible here: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pensions-at-a-glance-2023_678055dd-en.html [4] Because of the 2025 Budgets changes, the YE 2025 estimate of $1.06bn is expected to reduce to $0.55bn (0.12% of GDP) in the year to 30 June 2026 (Fiscal Strategy Model BEFU 2025). [5] See Section 6 Framing a debate on every aspect of the NZS benefit design: https://alt-review.com/section-6 New data privacy regulations are landing with tight deadlines, leaving businesses scrambling for practical solutions. While legal teams focus on interpretation, operations teams need actionable strategies that work in the real world. We brought together privacy law specialists, compliance consultants, and business leaders whove successfully implemented rapid privacy transformations to discuss what actually works. Their conversation reveals that effective compliance isnt about perfection from day one, its about smart prioritisation and building adaptable systems. From automated data mapping tools to staff training shortcuts, our panel shares the practical insights that help businesses move from panic to compliance quickly and sustainably. Lets Talk! More Lets Talk episodes Contribute to Dynamic Business Madeleine Porter, Legal Industry Expert (APAC), iManage Madeleine Porter, Legal Industry Expert (APAC), iManage The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) has introduced new requirements for Australian businesses about the protection, handling and management of personal data. If youre a business owner, managing partner, or executive trying to navigate the new data privacy rules, there are some steps you can take to help with adherence. Familiarise yourself with the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, focusing on the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and new data handling requirements. Conduct a data audit to identify necessary adjustments for compliance. Update privacy policies regularly to reflect legislative changes, ensuring clarity on automated decision-making and overseas data transfers. Establish technical and organisational safeguards, including encryption and access controls. Train and educate employees on new data privacy rules and compliance responsibilities. Establish a Breach Response Plan for timely notifications of data breaches as per the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme. Consult with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for compliance guidance and to understand enforcement mechanisms. Non-compliance with the new regulation can be damaging to a business. Therefore, if you find yourself struggling to implement the new rules, seeking support from trusted advisers can help. Christine Low, Head of Observability, APAC at Splunk Christine Low, Head of Observability, APAC at Splunk You cant comply with privacy rules if you cant trust your data. The fastest path to compliance starts with having reliable and accessible data. In todays hybrid environments, where data is sprawled across on-premise, cloud and third-party platforms, traditional policy-driven approaches simply arent enough. Compliance starts with visibility. If you cant see your data where it lives, who has access and how it flows, you cant protect it, govern it or meet compliance requirements. Instead, forward-looking businesses are turning to real-time observability, data federation and data lifecycle management. These practices give teams the control they need, without slowing them down. Teams are able to avoid data clutter, limit access to the right people, retain only whats necessary, and even enhance team collaboration. When your data is in order, compliance becomes easier and far less painful. You also gain the added benefit of being more digitally resilient, more agile and better prepared when something goes wrong. Garry Valenzisi, Vice President & General Manager, Iron Mountain APAC For small businesses, customer data is more than just information, its a responsibility. Recent reforms to Australias Privacy Act highlight the growing importance of protecting personal data, not only to meet legal obligations but to maintain customer trust. The quickest way to comply isnt through temporary fixes, but by embedding privacy into everyday operations. Start by reviewing how your business collects, stores, and uses data. Identify gaps and clean up legacy systems to remove outdated or unnecessary content. Consider using tools that automate data classification, redaction, and secure storage can help streamline this process and reduce risk. With the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) now holding stronger enforcement powers, good data management must become part of your business culture. This means training staff on safe data handling, securing remote work environments, and ensuring sensitive information is only accessible through trusted channels. Compliance isnt a one-off task; its an ongoing commitment. By investing in smart, scalable data practices, businesses of all sizes can meet regulatory requirements, protect customer relationships, and stay competitive in todays digital-first economy. Lyn Nicholson, General Counsel, Holding Redlich While it may sound obvious, the first step is to invest time in understanding your obligations, then act on them. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) offers a range of free resources to support SMEs, including a new privacy assessment tool that organisations can use to evaluate their privacy maturity and develop a roadmap to uplift processes. Importantly, SMEs now face fines for technical breaches, including where a privacy policy fails to include all the information required under Australian Privacy Principle (APP) 1.4. To be compliant, your policy must clearly state what personal information your business collects and holds, how that information is obtained and stored, and the purposes for which it is used and disclosed. Your policy should also explain how individuals can access and correct their personal information, how they can lodge complaints about a breach of the APPs or a registered APP code (if any), and how those complaints will be handled. Where personal information may be disclosed to overseas recipients, the policy should also specify, if practicable, the countries where those recipients are likely to be located. Finally, ensure your internal processes support the statements made in your privacy policy. Lecio De Paula, Vice President of Data Protection at KnowBe4 Lecio De Paula, Vice President of Data Protection at KnowBe4 Compliance with new data privacy rules doesnt begin with technology, it begins with people. While technical safeguards are essential, theyre only part of the equation. The real differentiator is a strong, organisation-wide culture of security awareness. Too often, businesses respond to new regulations by deploying tools or updating policies, but they miss the mark if they overlook the human layer, where many privacy risks actually develop from. Rather than just checking boxes, its an opportunity to drive lasting behavioural change. Building a privacy-first mindset means going beyond annual trainings and embedding security awareness into the daily rhythm of the organisation. When employees understand how their decisions impact data privacy, they become active participants in protecting sensitive information. Its not a one-time milestone but an ongoing journey. By equipping people with the knowledge and tools to reduce human error and recognise risks in real time, organisations can not only respond faster and adapt more confidently, but also meet compliance requirements in a meaningful, sustainable way. Lauren McKee, Practice Leader, LegalVision To comply quickly with the new data privacy rules under the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, focus on these immediate actions: Update Privacy Policies and Procedures Revise your privacy policies to reflect the new amendments. The OAIC now has enhanced enforcement powers, including the ability to issue penalties, and individuals can sue for serious privacy breaches from June 2025. Assess if Your Business Serves Children If your business serves children, prepare for the upcoming Childrens Online Privacy Code, which will apply to platforms like social media, gaming, and websites accessed by minors. Review Automated Decision-Making Systems Check automated systems that significantly impact individuals (e.g., loan approvals, insurance decisions). You have until December 2026 to implement transparency measures for these systems. Train Your Staff Ensure your team understands the new obligations and is prepared for further reforms. Future changes may include expanded definitions of personal information, new rights (e.g., data erasure), and stricter marketing rules. These initial changes are just the beginning. Use this time to build a strong privacy framework that can adapt to more extensive reforms ahead. Brett Chase, Senior Director, Sales Engineering, ANZ, Cohesity Brett Chase, Senior Director, Sales Engineering, ANZ, Cohesity How personal information is collected, stored, and managed by organisations will come under tighter scrutiny as Australias new federal privacy legislation comes into effect. The reforms, which bring stronger individual rights like the right to erasure and stricter consent requirements, come with significantly increased penalties for serious breaches. However, the quickest path to compliance is not simply a matter of updating policies. It requires a clear understanding of where sensitive data resides, how it is accessed, and how it is protected. As part of this, businesses must strengthen their data infrastructure with platforms that support real-time classification, enforce access controls, and enable rapid recovery in the event of a breach, all of which are essential under tighter reporting obligations. Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, this is an opportunity to embed privacy by design into core data management and security practices. Doing so not only reduces risk and operational complexity but also builds trust and unlocks long-term value from data in a way that is both responsible and resilient. Tony Burnside, SVP and Head of APAC, Netskope Tony Burnside, SVP and Head of APAC, Netskope No organisation should be having to comply with cybersecurity or data privacy regulations quickly. Quick is the enemy of good, and rushed cyber or data security upgrades are usually strategically, technically or financially flawed, and not built for the future. This is a field where anticipation is key, and businesses should always aim to be one step ahead of the standards required by regulations. With that said, cloud-based security platforms, which consolidate key cyber and data security tools under a single umbrella, have emerged in recent years, and made security upgrades and compliance much easier. Because they are cloud-based, security vendors are the ones responsible for continuously improving the cyber and data security standards offered by their platforms, and ensuring they comply with the toughest regulations to allow highly regulated organisations to use them. The on-boarding and deployment doesnt require hardware or complex integrations with existing IT architectures as it is deployed at the edge. They are a relevant option for organisations needing quick, and most importantly, future-proof security and compliance. Kirsten Bromley, Head of Privacy, APAC, GBG Kirsten Bromley, Head of Privacy, APAC, GBG An efficient way to comply with Australias evolving data privacy rules is to focus on clarity and strong fundamentals. One suggestion is to start with a comprehensive data audit: map what personally identifiable information (PII) you collect, where its stored, and who has access to it. This applies regardless of business size. Update your privacy notices so theyre clear, easy to understand, and reflect real-life data flows, not just legal theory. For smaller organisations, a straightforward privacy policy backed by practical controls (like role-based access, regular training, and a clear data breach response plan) makes compliance achievable. Importantly, privacy is not just a compliance task for IT or legal. Employees and suppliers need to understand their responsibilities, both to prevent breaches and to foster a culture where privacy is central to business values. Embedding privacy in daily operations builds resilience and earns trust in a fast-changing threat landscape. Treating personal data as an asset, with respect, transparency, and care, will help you keep pace with legal expectations while strengthening your business for the long haul. Teresa Sperti, Founder and Director at Arktic Fox Teresa Sperti, Founder and Director at Arktic Fox Australian marketers are grappling with significant maturity gaps, underutilised tech, restructures and talent woes against a backdrop of massive AI disruption and economic upheaval. Our latest Digital, Marketing & eComm in Focus 2025 report in partnership with Six Degrees Executive highlighted a widening gap between leading organisations in areas of data and analytics vs laggards. Alarmingly, only four-in-10 leaders agreed their brands have clear plans to evolve in line with proposed Privacy Act changes. And, despite growing investment in first-party data strategies, half of all surveyed leaders (53 percent) acknowledged that their brands capability in customer and first-party data strategy is lagging in the market. Identity resolution, considered a key pillar of enhancing the resolution of customer data, remained a low priority, with only 25 percent pressing it as a key area of investment. So, there is a disconnect between ambition and realisation. Data activation and opportunity identification have to be built as capabilities if brands are able to really mature in their customer data strategy and privacy endeavours. Kumar Mitra, Executive Director, CAP & ANZ, Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group Compliance isnt just a legal mandate its now a critical function of enterprise resilience. As organisations handle increasing volumes of sensitive data across public clouds, private data centers, and edge locations, its clear that privacy cannot be bolted on. It must be architected in. A hybrid infrastructure setup gives businesses the flexibility to control where and how data is stored, processed, and protected which is essential in a climate of evolving privacy requirements. This is further strengthened by Hybrid AI, where workloads run across trusted environments that align with security and regulatory needs. AI itself is becoming a double-edged sword both a source of innovation and a potential risk. Thats why we advocate for an AI-ready infrastructure that not only supports modern workloads but also builds in governance, transparency, and control from the ground up. Cyber resiliency ties it all together. By designing systems that are secure, recoverable, and compliant by default, organisations can move fast without compromising trust. In this landscape, its not just about responding to new privacy rules, but about building a foundation that lets you adapt continuously and confidently. Wade Weirman, Principal Data Lead ANZ, Rackspace Technology Wade Weirman, Principal Data Lead ANZ, Rackspace Technology With data privacy under growing scrutiny, complying with regulations is more than a legal formality, its central to building resilient, data-driven organisations. The most effective way to meet new requirements begins with a shift in mindset, collect less, but manage it more deliberately. Adopting minimal, purpose-driven data practices reduces risk and builds customer trust from day one. Clarity is equally as essential. Privacy policies should clearly explain how data is used, shared, and processed, particularly in the context of AI and automation. Customers have a right to understand these practices, and regulators expect full transparency. Organisations committed to privacy embed it throughout their operations. This includes appointing a dedicated privacy lead, ensuring teams are upskilled, and monitoring high-risk areas like large-scale data processing or handling information about children. These considerations are now standard practice. The next step? Long-term readiness. This means having robust security, clear consent and access protocols in place, and ensuring your systems are always audit-ready. The OAIC expects more than good intentions, they expect verifiable action. Data privacy is not a one-off task. It reflects a broader commitment to governance, ethics, and operational excellence. Done well, it doesnt merely ensure compliance, but it contributes to competitive advantage and long-term resilience. Sarah Richardson, Founder and Director at Australian Loyalty Association (ALA) The fastest route to compliance is treating data privacy as the foundation for customer trust and loyalty. Breaches at Optus, Medibank and Qantas have put data governance under a national spotlight. Consumers are asking tougher questions about how their personal information is collected, stored and used, particularly within loyalty programs where first-party data drives personalisation. These insights that elevate loyalty can also heighten risk if not managed responsibly. The Australian Loyalty Association is committed to helping brands get privacy right. We exist to educate, advocate and support best practice across the loyalty sector. At our recent Asia- Pacific Loyalty Conference, data privacy and AI dominated the conversation. Our panellists agreed theres no shortcut to compliance. Dean Maidment, CEO and Chief Privacy Officer at Taguchi and Advisory Board member at ALA said, The fastest way to comply with the new legislation is to ensure you have legal advice tailored to your specific business. While its essential to meet current legal obligations, its just as important to prepare for the changes ahead. Privacy law is a complex and rapidly evolving field. Failing to prepare properly can expose your business to significant risk, he said. Veronica Scott, Partner at Pinsent Masons agreed, saying: Compliance is foundational to a loyalty program. Key steps are knowing the personal data you collect, meaningful member consent and choice, which includes transparency and finally, robust data security. By aligning loyalty programs with responsible data practices, you can deepen customer relationships for the long term while staying ahead of privacy regulation. Jonathan Reeve, Vice President, Asia Pacific at Eagle Eye Jonathan Reeve, Vice President, Asia Pacific at Eagle Eye If your business is approaching compliance reactively and waiting for legal updates before acting, then it could be too late. For retailers, the safest route to privacy compliance is through operationalising consent across all customer touch-points. In other words, have systems in place that dont just collect consent, but enforce it dynamically in every customer interaction. At Eagle Eye, our operations are certified under global security frameworks that ensure customer data is handled with care, transparency and control. This means our clients in the retail, travel and hospitality sectors can rely on us to support their compliance efforts without needing to bolt on extra tools or processes. Our AIR platform is designed with data security at its heart. Our advanced data model for personalisation, the AIR Wallet ensures customer preferences are updated in real-time across all touchpoints. If someone changes how they want their data used, or opts out of a program, its reflected instantly. It is this kind of responsiveness that is key to building trust and staying ahead of the rules. Compliance is both a data and delivery issue. If your tech cant act on what your customers decide, youre exposed. Retailers who invest in responsive, execution-ready infrastructure will not only move faster but stay ahead of future privacy expectations. Terry Maiolo, VP & General Manager for Asia Pacific at OVHcloud Terry Maiolo, VP & General Manager for Asia Pacific at OVHcloud While the responsibilities of data management, privacy and compliance can feel overwhelming, it is a critical consideration for businesses of all sizes in todays digital world. It is important to build a positive compliance culture around privacy to make good data management a part of day-to-day operations, rather than a one-off task. When looking at todays data privacy rules and compliance requirements, a smart first step is to understand the rules that apply to your business. Often, factors like your industry, where your customers are located, and how you handle personal data will mandate your privacy requirements, and the governance practices you will need to follow. Once identified, you can translate those requirements into clear, practical policies that your team can understand to make compliance practices easier. A trusted, data-sovereign cloud provider can reduce the burden of self-directed or managed compliance, helping businesses respond more quickly to new requirements. Look for providers that support recognised privacy and security standards, so that you are not starting from scratch. In a digital-first world where trust is earned through transparency, businesses that embed privacy into their everyday operations and partner with trusted cloud providers, will be best placed to meet evolving privacy regulations with confidence, resilience and speed. Asad Rathore, Head of Professional Services Cyber Security and AI Consulting at Excite Cyber Asad Rathore, Head of Professional Services Cyber Security and AI Consulting at Excite Cyber Australia recently enacted significant reforms to its privacy laws strengthening data security and retention obligations around personal information. Compliance isnt a checkbox exercise. It is cultural and requires whole organisation responsibility from the boardroom down. Organisations should test systems and simulate cybersecurity breach scenarios that are tailored to the specific risks their organisation may encounter. This will uncover blind spots, identify vulnerabilities, and assess how the organisation would respond to comply under the new rules. The lessons learned will help detect issues and support better compliance. But remember, you cant secure what you cant see. Now is the time to have visibility of all personal and sensitive data wherever it resides. Data sprawl, where information is retained in legacy systems, cloud applications or on end-user workstations, must be uncovered and removed if its no longer required or cant be adequately secured. Billy Loizou, Area Vice President, APAC at Amperity Billy Loizou, Area Vice President, APAC at Amperity Customer data challenges like fragmentation, poor quality, and identity confusion have long undermined marketing performance and business agility. But AI is shifting the equationmaking it possible to make sense of messy data and unify it with greater accuracy. The fastest way to keep pace with evolving privacy regulations in ANZ and beyond is by turning first-party data into a reliable identity foundation. When businesses understand who their customers are, what they want, and how they engagewhile respecting consent and controltheyre better positioned to comply and compete. Identity resolution is emerging as one of the most effective responses to both data complexity and regulatory pressure. Amperity leads in this space with the industrys first identity resolution agent, designed to help data teams unify fragmented records into a single, trustworthy view. With consent mechanisms embedded in the process, brands can personalise at scalewithout compromising privacy. Amperity builds governance and privacy directly into the platform. From applying policies across all data types to managing consent at the attribute level, brands get a clear, consistent framework for staying compliantwhile still unlocking real value from their data. Rolf Howard, Managing Partner, Owen Hodge Lawyers To quickly comply with Australias new data privacy requirements, businesses should prioritise three key impact areas. First, immediately review and update your Privacy Policy. This is critical as new penalties apply for inadequate or missing policies. Ensure it clearly articulates what personal information is collected, how its used, and details around automated decision-making if applicable. Second, conduct a rapid data audit to understand precisely what personal information your organisation holds, where its stored, and who has access. This will help identify high-risk areas and unnecessary data retention. Third, strengthen data security measures. This includes implementing robust technical and organisational safeguards like encryption, multi-factor authentication, access controls, and regular vulnerability testing. Employee training on data privacy and cybersecurity best practices is also paramount. Finally, develop or refine your data breach response plan. With increased enforcement powers for the OAIC (Office of the Australian Information Commissioner), having a clear plan for detection, containment, assessment, and notification of data breaches is essential to mitigate severe penalties and reputational damage. Paul Hewett, CEO, In Marketing We Trust Theres likely still some time before tranche two of the new data privacy rules drop. And while its difficult to prepare for the unknown, there are still a few key steps marketers can take that will likely work in your favour once it does: Double down on first-party data. Its still the best way to maintain visibility and control; Adopt server-side analytics. This gives you full ownership of your customer data, which is essential as reliance on third-party tools becomes less viable. Train your teams. Too many businesses are still underprepared for the privacy landscape thats already here. Theres a lot of good training available, Id recommend looking at ADMA as a great independent resource in the first instance; Follow the pub test. If your tracking tactics would make a regular person uncomfortable, they probably wont pass future regulation either. Marylyn Sendah, Head of Marketing, TBS Digital Labs In marketing, youre often the de facto gatekeeper of data privacy. Between UTMs, attribution, automations and sequences, data privacy compliance is ever-present with every new build and decision with or without the marketers explicit recognition. There are some indicators of compliance; if youre pushing a platform to do something it wasnt built to do, youre probably on shaky ground. And my favourite sense check? If i was an informed customer, would I expect to be communicated with or targeted in this way? However, compliance goes far beyond these simple checks. Marketers must be aware of not only the privacy laws in their own regions, but those where platforms are storing their customer data. Its a space where marketers need more training and reminders to stay mindful. With smarter AI tools and low-code scraping solutions becoming more accessible, its now much easier to build systems that collect and process data at scale. Its a risky time for marketers when it comes to privacy, especially in teams where the instinct is to build first and ask questions later. You have to keep your ear to the ground because you cant afford not to. Nathan Kerr, CTO & Executive Director, One Click Life Start by mapping exactly what personal data you collect, use, and store, because you cant protect what you dont know you have. Then delete anything you dont need. The less data you hold, the lower your risk. Next, update your privacy policy so its clear, accurate, and written in plain English. Forget the legalese; your users (and regulators) want transparency. Make sure your team is trained. Most data breaches arent about bad tech, theyre about people clicking the wrong thing or sending info to the wrong place. And if youre unsure? Get a privacy consultant involved early. Its faster and cheaper to get it right the first time than to fix a breach or regulatory mess later. Compliance isnt just a legal box to tick. Its part of running a trustworthy business. Adam Henderson, Partner, Corporate and Commercial at Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt Privacy arrangements in Australia have changed significantly with the introduction of the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024. With some of these requirements already in effect and others being gradually introduced, it is essential for organisations to understand these changes to protect customer privacy and prevent potential reputational and financial harm to their business. The Act strengthens the enforcement regime, including OAICs power to issue direct penalties (up to $3.3 million). It introduced significant amendments that impose stricter penalties on organisations for misusing personal information, deliberately sharing data to cause harm, failing to adequately protect individuals data, and lacking transparency in the use of personal information within automated decision-making processes. Now, individuals can take legal action against an organisation for serious invasions of privacy. This makes compliance crucial for Australian organisations. To ensure your organisation complies correctly with these regulations, you could consider the following steps: Audit current privacy practices: Conduct a thorough review of existing data collection, storage, and processing activities to identify areas for improvement. Implement required security measures: Deploy technical safeguards to protect sensitive personal information from unauthorised access. Update privacy policies: Revise publicly available privacy statements to accurately reflect current practices and ensure compliance with legislation. Train staff on new requirements: Organise regular training sessions to educate employees about their responsibilities. Document compliance efforts: Maintain detailed records of all compliance-related activities, including audits, risk assessments, and staff training, to demonstrate accountability to regulators. This proactive approach will help organisations avoid penalties while building trust with stakeholders. Richard Taylor, Managing Director, Digital Balance With Australias strict new privacy laws now in effect, a structured action plan is the most efficient way for SMEs to ensure compliance and build customer trust. Rather than reacting to issues as they arise, a proactive approach is key. First, conduct a thorough privacy audit. Assess your data collection and storage practices, paying special attention to high-risk areas like AI-driven decision-making, website tracking technologies, and any data related to children. Second, implement privacy technology solutions. Purpose-built tools like Consent Management Platforms can streamline compliance, helping to automate transparency and manage user permissions effectively. Third, train your teams. Compliance is a shared responsibility. Ensure your marketing, IT, sales, and leadership teams are aligned on the laws implications to foster a robust culture of privacy awareness across the entire organisation. Finally, engage with official guidance. The landscape continues to evolve, so stay informed by regularly consulting the resources provided by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). This four-pronged approach is the quickest way to protect your customers and your business. Mitch Colton, Founder and Managing Director, Colton Computer Technologies With the new rules, every business MUST have technical defences and organisational governance in place its just not an option to bury your head in the sand and hope for the best. Were talking regular staff training, policies and procedures in place, no more sharing Excel spreadsheets of information via email or saving them to the desktop. With recent APRA changes, theres also an expectation to understand how your suppliers approach data privacy and ensure that you choose risk-compliant third-party partners. Data privacy can be overwhelming, though, which is why we always recommend using a security standard or framework like SMB1001 or ISO 27001/27701. They essentially give any business a checklist for cyber resilience and a privacy-first approach. The recent changes place even greater emphasis on business owners to understand the data they possess, how they manage it, and whether it is adequately secured. Because at the end of the day, its not about if youll be targeted by a cyber incident, its about when. Discover Lets Talk Business Topics Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 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. By Akbar Novruz The multinational military exercise Agile Spirit 2025 continues in Georgia, with participation and observation from several partner nations, including Azerbaijan. According to Azernews, senior military officials from Azerbaijans Ministry of Defense are attending the drills as observers, underscoring the country's support for regional security cooperation. The Georgian Ministry of Defense stated that the exercise is being jointly led by Brigadier General Koba Grigolia, commander of Georgias Western Defense Forces, and Colonel William Cox, a representative of the US Georgia National Guard. The exercises, which are taking place across both Georgia and Turkiye, aim to enhance interoperability among allied and partner forces, contributing to the strengthening of regional defense ties and strategic cooperation. From data centres to Israeli startups, discover the unconventional investments generating asymmetric returns for Australias most successful family dynasties. Australias wealthiest families are quietly rewriting the investment rulebook, abandoning traditional strategies for sophisticated private deals that generate returns of 20% or more whilst ordinary investors struggle with volatile public markets. The most successful families have developed what Royce Stone Capital CEO Tarek Omar describes as unique investment strategies that achieve asymmetric returns to the level of risk that is involved. Whats happening: Australias leading family offices are dramatically shifting their investment strategies, moving away from traditional public markets and property into private credit, direct lending, and offshore operations. Research shows Australia now has approximately 2,000 family businesses, representing a 150% increase over the past decade. These wealthy families are building in-house investment capabilities, with some establishing their own lending funds deploying hundreds of millions in capital. Why this matters: This represents a fundamental shift in how Australias wealthiest families preserve and grow generational wealth. Their moves signal growing concerns about sovereign risk, property taxation, and public market volatility. The strategies theyre employing, from patient capital deployment to risk underwriting, offer insights into alternative investment approaches that achieve asymmetric returns without proportional risk increases. Research by KPMG reveals Australia now has about 2,000 family businesses, a 150% increase over the past decade. But for these family offices, making money isnt only the goal, they must also manage generational changes which can often make or break a family dynasty. Private over public A growing number of high performing family offices are moving larger portions of their wealth from public equities to private credit and direct private equity investments. The shift reflects their ability to deploy what Omar calls patient capital, funding that isnt forced to act due to market forces, debt positions nor is it relied upon for income. Building investment teams Several family offices are building in-house investment capabilities rather than relying on external fund managers. The Lederer family office exemplifies this trend, establishing its own private credit lending fund for property loans through 3 Capital. The family has built an in-house team that has deployed more than $200 million in loans, directly overseen by the family. As the investments have grown, it has opened up its funds to co-investment from other high net worth investors in its network. Offshore safe havens Sovereign risk concerns are driving families offshore. Recent anti-Jewish sentiment, the threat of a currency reset, higher taxes and geopolitical conflicts is causing several families to look for offshore safe havens to relocate, and to minimise tax, Omar notes. This isnt just an Australian phenomenon. At least one family office has moved its base permanently to the UAE after civil unrest in its home country. A second Australian family is creating a new base of operations in emerging Asian markets, whilst a third family is moving significant wealth to the UAE. Property concerns grow Traditional property investments are losing their appeal as government taxation increases. What is the easiest thing for government to tax? The answer is property! Omar warns, citing increased land taxes in Victoria and threats of unrealised gain taxes. Furthermore, luxury property investments overseas no longer command premiums in certain blue chip cities, as crime rates and social fabric deteriorates. This has family offices moving capital from property into private businesses which can operate globally. Patient capital advantage Family offices can afford to be inconvenienced when directly funding private credit transactions. Should a business encounter trouble, they can wait for rehabilitation whilst charging penalty interest or deploy further capital to remedy situations. Their risk underwriting capabilities allow them to take riskier investments whilst charging risk premiums. In second mortgage loans, for example, a family office can payout the first mortgage holder if needed, converting their position from second to first mortgage and gaining asset control. The investments these families are making range from data centres requiring specific proximity to power infrastructure, to Israeli tech startups focusing on fintech and trading platforms. Some are vertically integrating construction businesses, purchasing subcontractors and suppliers to reduce costs and increase margins. As Omar concludes: The portfolios of Australias leading family offices dont follow trends, they follow principles: active control, capital preservation, unique investment strategies and moving with market demands. Tarek Omar is CEO and Partner of Royce Stone Capital Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The Treasury Department said in May that all federal payments including Social Security benefits would be made electronically starting on September 30. Angola, IN (46703) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 43F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 43F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Life-saving apps to prevent child deaths and detect heart problems among thousands of entries in Australias biggest women entrepreneur competition. Whats happening: The Accelerator for Enterprising Womens Kickstarter Challenge is back for its fourth year, offering $60,000 in equity-free funding to female entrepreneurs aged 18+. Submissions opened July 1st and close October 1st, with the health and wellbeing sector proving the most popular category among entrants. Applications have surged four-fold from last years first month. Why this matters: This competition represents more than just funding, its positioning itself as a launchpad for entrepreneurial dreams at a time when female founders are struggling to access traditional investment. With women-led teams receiving less than 0.5% of venture capital last quarter, competitions offering equity-free funding are becoming crucial pathways for innovative female-led businesses to get off the ground. For a fourth year, the Accelerator for Enterprising Womens Kickstarter Challenge has launched a national search for the top business ideas among females aged 18+, with the health and wellbeing sector proving the most popular category for entrants. The competition offers $60,000 in equity-free funding, positioning itself as more than just a contest, its a launchpad for entrepreneurial dreams. Submissions opened July 1st at 9:00am AEST and close October 1st at 5:00pm AEST, with an expert panel of judges reviewing entries to select five finalists. Entries surge four-fold Entries have increased four-fold from last year in the first month of launch, with education announced as a fifth new category alongside community impact, environment and sustainability, health and wellbeing, and technology. The surge comes as innovative ideas flood in, including a safety app to prevent child deaths in hot cars, Shazam-style technology for heart complaints, and solutions from former Olympians looking to change their industries. Funding drought deepens The spike in submissions comes as the latest data from Cut Through Venture revealed that teams headed up by female founders attracted less than 0.5% of capital in the last quarter. Only 11 deals featured a woman founder, with the report warning 2025 was shaping up to be the worst year on record. Accelerator for Enterprising Women spokesperson Fleur Anderson said it was critical that government and investors address the funding disparities hindering female-led ventures. The fact that only 0.5% of capital was directed to female founders in the last quarter is deeply disappointing, and is a sign that there remains a lot more work to be done to tear down the barriers to their success, she said. Life-saving innovations emerge The quality of submissions reflects the innovation happening among female entrepreneurs. Ideas flooding in include a safety app to prevent child deaths in hot cars, Shazam-style technology for heart complaints, and solutions from former Olympians looking to transform their industries. Accelerator for Enterprising Women spokesperson Fleur Anderson said the calibre has been exceptional. We are seeing a growing trend of women embracing apps, AI, and innovation to make our communities better places, she said. Some of the ingenious app ideas this year aim to prevent child deaths in hot cars, get immediate help for domestic violence victims, help busy families organise their lives and even connect with a community network of EV charging stations in peoples driveways. The selected finalists will pitch their ventures at Parliament House in Canberra on November 20th, competing for the winners prize of $30,000 with four runners-up receiving $7,500 each. The competition emphasises that successful applicants receive not just funding but also invaluable business support resources. Five categories launched A panel of expert judges will select finalists across five categories: Community Impact, Education, Environment and Sustainability, Health, Wellbeing and The Care Economy, and Technology. Each finalist will pitch to a panel of judges at the 2025 Kickstarter Challenge Grand Final event at Parliament House in Canberra on November 20. The winner will take home $30,000 and the four runners-up will win $7,500 for their start-ups. The Kickstarter Challenge is an initiative of the Australian government-funded Accelerator for Enterprising Women delivered in partnership with the Council of Small Businesses Australia (COSBOA). Nicole Walsh, COSBOA Head of Programs, said the latest quarterly data proved a stark reminder that significant work remained to achieve true gender parity in entrepreneurship. The Kickstarter Challenge is a golden opportunity to gain the funding, exposure, and expert guidance women need to take their business to the next level, she said. Entries close Wednesday, October 1 at 5pm (AEST) at https://enterprisingme.com.au/accelerate/kickstarter-challenge Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. A 64-year-old American national has been arrested for allegedly evading over VND3.2 billion (US$125,000) in taxes by exploiting Vietnam's duty-free import policy for export processing. The Hanoi police said Monday they had taken in Stephen Ward Kim for investigation. According to the police, Kim is the legal representative of Durian Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned company based in the former Ba Vi District, now part of Hanoi's Vat Lai Commune. The company imports raw materials for processing garments that are then exported under the temporary importre-export model. Investigators said Kim misused the duty exemption policy intended for goods imported for export production, reportedly submitting inaccurate customs declarations related to tax-exempt items. He allegedly evaded payment of more than VND3.2 billion in this manner. Speaking in the Dail recently on the issue of Endometriosis, Independent Republican TD for Laois Brian Stanley said: We have to stop exporting our health issues and people for treatment, particularly women in the case of this chronic condition. Not nearly enough attention has been given to it. Proper resources have not been given for the proper treatment of Endometriosis. People have said this disease is pain like one could not describe in words that affects womens bodies. It is unbearable, several women have told me. He said: Surely if something is affecting 10% of women we have to stand up and take notice. It is unbelievable that the average waiting time is eight to nine years and how this has been let run for so many years. Think of all the women of previous generations who have suffered this silently. This has to stop. There is also an issue around theatre time for surgery and specialised treatments. Expert-led surgery is a necessity. We must deal with this area and improve the quality of that service for women. HSE guidelines acknowledge that this is a superior treatment for managing the condition and providing an improved quality of life. Women with this condition, said Deputy Stanley, have been failed for years in Ireland. The level of expertise, staffing and timely access are issues. Nine, eight or five years is not good enough. This needs to be done in a matter of months. Women often feel they are dismissed when they suffer this disease due to not being able to go to work or to social events or just participate in normal family life. This is very distressing for them and some of them have described that to me." He went on to call on the Government to establish a state-of-the-art centre of excellence for endometriosis care. To establish specialised imaging protocols to assist gynaecologists in identifying, mapping and getting the information on endometriosis. To develop and fund a dedicated training and incentive programme and to launch a nationwide public health campaign to raise awareness. The throttle of an unlimited class Triumph at the Freemansburg Motorcycle Hill Climb held on a rainy day in June 2018. Chris Shipley | lehighvalleylive British motorcycle enthusiasts in the Lehigh Valley have a new destination as Keystone Triumph opened its doors inside Keystone Harley-Davidson in Whitehall Township. The new dealership, located at 2800 Eberhart Road, celebrated its grand opening on July 26. Were thrilled to bring Triumphs iconic heritage and modern performance to the Lehigh Valley, Shannon Marcum, managing partner, said in a news release sent ahead of the grand opening. Keystone Triumph will be more than a dealershipits a community hub for riders, enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship of these motorcycles. The dealership offers an extensive lineup of new and pre-owned Triumph models, parts, and riding gear. On display at the grand opening were the newest Triumph models, including the Daytona 660 and Bonneville T120 Elvis Edition. Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by Keystone Triumph. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff. The Northampton County Courthouse in Easton is seen in October 2018. Sarah Cassi file photo | For lehighvalleylive.com Criminal records often create obstacles in employment and housing opportunities. Pennsylvanias Clean Slate Act of 2018 aims to seal certain criminal records, and an upcoming Easton event can help residents learn more. Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone will host a Clean Slate Information Session from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Greater Shiloh Church Chapel Fellowship Hall. The event aims to inform residents and begin the process of sealing eligible criminal records. Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta, Lehigh Valley Justice Institute Executive Director Joseph Welsh, and defense attorneys will be in attendance. The Clean Slate Act established the nations first automated system to seal certain criminal records. It allows eligible individuals to have certain convictions sealed from public view without needing to petition the court. Under the law, individuals must be without new convictions for a period of time, depending on the crime. Some non-violent felonies, such as property crimes like theft, forgery, fraud and some drug felonies, may be eligible for sealing after a 10-year waiting period with no new convictions. In 2024, Pennsylvania expanded the law to reduce some waiting periods. Misdemeanors had a waiting period reduced from 10 to 7 years. Certain misdemeanors are eligible, including drug possession, DUI, simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment, terroristic threats and reckless endangerment. The waiting period for summary offenses was also reduced from 10 to 5 years. Non-convictions are sealed immediately. While sealed records are hidden from employers, landlords and the public, law enforcement and courts still have access. The event is the second of its kind in Easton, the first held on July 12. Pintabone said 30 attended, of whom 16 were eligible under the Clean Slate Act. There was a lot of positive feedback, Pintabone explained. People reached out via Facebook and email expressing gratitude. He received dozens of calls asking when the next event would be. For those who were ineligible, Pintabone said the event was still informative. They learned why they were not eligible and other avenues they could take outside of the Clean Slate Act. Other residents with out-of-state convictions were guided toward necessary resources. They got information broken down so they can understand, Pintabone said. They have direction. They know what they can do, what they cant do, how to go about it. Everybody received something that day. Chelsea McClure can be reached at cmcclure@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on instagram at @chelsealehighvalley. Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb at a concert. (Photo from the Webb family) They bonded at a concert on Memorial Day weekend. Tyler Webb, his sister Angela Webb and their friends were longtime fans of Mayday Parade, so they made sure they saw the Florida pop punk band on their 20th anniversary tour stop at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Purple martins, which depend entirely on human-made nests east of the Mississippi River, have established a thriving colony at the St. Luke's Hospital-Anderson Campus in Bethlehem Township after a landscape director's conservation effort. Anita Sergent photo courtesy St. Luke's University Health Network A once-common bird species has found a new home in the Lehigh Valley, establishing a thriving colony at St. Lukes Hospital-Anderson Campus in Bethlehem Township. Purple martins, which migrate northward from as far south as the Amazon jungle to spend spring and summer in the United States, were once prevalent throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties. The birds have a long-standing relationship with humans, depending entirely on man-made nesting sites east of the Mississippi River. Local farmers historically erected these nesting sites because the birds would consume insects that might otherwise damage crops. However, as farming declined in the region, so did the purple martin population. Tom Fiorini, St. Lukes director of landscape services, saw an opportunity to help bring the birds back. Last winter, he installed a tall pole surrounded by gourd-shaped bird houses in a young maple grove next to a pond on the Anderson Campus. The houses remained empty for months until June, when a few birds moved in. The colony quickly grew as the birds produced chicks, and now the nesting site is bustling with activity. The organic farm, sunflower fields and ponds at St. Luke's Hospital-Anderson Campus in Bethlehem Township create perfect conditions for purple martins, a species of swallow that had vanished from the Lehigh Valley as agriculture declined. Anita Sergent photo courtesy St. Luke's University Health Network To confirm the species identity, photographs were sent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, and to Peter Saenger of the Acopian Center for Ornithology at Allentowns Muhlenberg College. Both verified the birds were indeed purple martins. To have first year success means you have a very good location, Saenger said. So, what you have done there is phenomenally important. The relationship between purple martins and humans dates back to pre-colonial times. Native Americans were the first to recognize the birds value for pest control and used gourd nesting sites to attract them. As the largest of the North American swallows, purple martins are skilled aerial hunters that feed primarily on flying insects. They typically nest near permanent water sources like ponds a feature the 500-acre Anderson Campus offers in abundance, along with proximity to the Lehigh River. The campus provides ideal habitat for the birds, with its organic farm and extensive sunflower fields creating an environment where insect life flourishes. Fiorini regularly checks on the purple martins when working at the Anderson Campus and enjoys watching them catch flying insects to feed their young. The coolest thing, he said, is that they are going to know this spot, and theyll keep coming back year after year. Photographed mid-morning Wednesday, June 4, 2025, a purple martin colony established at Minsi Lake in Northampton County uses artificial gourds attached to towers, known as condos, for nesting and rearing chicks from spring into summer. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com A purple martin colony also has been established at Minsi Lake in Upper Mount Bethel Township, through the installation of 144 artificial houses bunched together in condos. That project has been ongoing since February 2020 through a partnership between the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society, Friends of Minsi Lake and Northampton County Parks and Recreation. There, these birds can be seen during the warmer months swooping and catching insects over the lake and returning to their shelters. Nearly all of the houses showed signs of nesting this spring, as the next generation of the migratory songbirds gained a foothold. Volunteers at Minsi Lake assist ornithologists in banding the young to keep track of their natal dispersal essentially where they nest upon returning in spring from wintering in South America. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by St. Lukes University Health Network. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com. Supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Uisce Eireann has successfully completed critical and complex repair works to a major pipeline that connects Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant and the Saggart Reservoir. This is a major pipeline that supplies one third of the Greater Dublin Areas (GDA) drinking water which includes Kildare. Water flowing through the pipe was turned off on Friday night and drained to facilitate these works. Our specialist teams worked through the night and day to repair five leaks and replace 35 metres of damaged pipeline. The crews were working against the clock as the major pipeline could only be shut down for up to 28 hours before the treated water storage levels become too low, which could lead to widespread supply disruption. The water has now been turned back on and the network continues to replenish towards normal levels. Uisce Eireanns Programme Manager, Declan Healy says, We would like to thank everyone for coming together to conserve water. Your efforts have helped safeguard the water supply to yourselves and vulnerable users while supporting the crews working throughout the weekend to successfully deliver these essential works. Through our extensive planning and your water conservation we were able to execute these works safely and effectively, ultimately securing the water supply to the Greater Dublin Area. We would like to thank the crews, team members, our contractor partners GMC Utilities Group and our partners in the Local Authorities for their hard work. Uisce Eireann is again asking the public in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow area to continue to make every effort to conserve water while the network is refilling following these successful repair works. We have crews on standby to investigate reports of low pressure and intermittent supply. If customers are having issues with their water supply, please contact us and we can check it out. The Uisce Eireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Water Supply Updates section of www.water.ie. READ NEXT: Woman homeless in Kildare is helped by local stranger. Serviced sites for the provision of houses are being considered at three locations within County Kildare. A Kildare County Council meeting heard that the site could provide three to 10 housing units at locations in Clogherinkoe, Ballitore and Kildangan. READ NEXT More than 2,000 homes still without power as Storm Floris hits Ireland At Clogherinkoe, KCC advertised seven sites for sale at a cost of 45,000 each. But a request for funding to the Department of Housing was not successful and KCC official Annette Aspell expressed concern about the cost and the limits on the number of people who may be eligible to live in rural areas. Ms Aspell said significant resources are required and while the land is provided at a discount by KCC, we cant give away land. She also said a funding application for the Clogherinkoe for up to 30,000 per site was not approved at departmental level. Cllr Tom McDonnell called for suitably serviced land be made available across the county to support self build housing opportunities for families who wish to build their own homes. He said people cannot afford to buy homes and are forced to emigrate. He also said builders should be compelled to provide sites for this purpose on land they are building on. He said a site of 50 or 60 units would be a massive help. Cllr Suzanne Doyle said this should be encouraged through a community led scheme and this approach would be more likely to succeed because of the higher costs associated with KCC-led housing projects. Cllr Tim Durkan said it is proving expensive to buy land and projects like these require State funding because the cost of residential development land is 750,000-1m an acre for ten houses if youre lucky. Cllr Ivan Keatley said he is aware of three or four sites in south Kildare which would be suitable for this type of project. Robbie Dolan, one of horse racings most celebrated jockeys and the winner, in 2024 aboard the 90-1 outsider, Knights Choice, of the prestigious Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup, is set to return to Ireland for a special visit to the iconic Curragh Racecourse, reconnecting with his Kildare upbringing and sharing his remarkable journey from local tracks to international stardom. Born and raised in County Kildare, Robbie Dolans passion for horse racing was ignited in the heartland of Irish racing when, whilst mulling the possibility of an office job, a teacher suggested he consider the Racing Academy and Centre of Excellence (RACE) in Kildare Town. His early years around the lush green landscapes of the Curragh, steeped in centuries of equestrian tradition, shaped a career that would take him all the way to Australias most coveted racing prize, the Melbourne Cup. Dolan's crowning achievement came when he clinched victory in the Melbourne Cup, Australias most iconic and famous race, securing his place among the elite in international horse racing. His success abroad is a testament to his dedication, skill, and deep connection to the sports heritage that began right here in Ireland. Dolan's return to The Curragh is a full-circle moment, allowing him to reconnect with his roots and share his remarkable journey with the Irish racing community. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring jockeys and a reminder of the enduring legacy of Irish horsemanship. We are thrilled to welcome Robbie back to the Curragh, said Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive, The Curragh Racecourse. His journey from Kildare to Melbourne Cup winner is an incredible story of talent and determination, and we look forward to celebrating his achievements together. Robbie Dolans visit promises to be a highlight in the Irish racing calendar, offering fans and professionals alike a rare opportunity to meet one of the sports true champions on home soil. It has been incredible coming home to where it all began. It has been a life changing last twelve months and to be able to share the win of the Melbourne Cup with family and friends is what is all about, said Dolan. There is a strong connection between Ireland and the Melbourne Cup, I feel honoured to be a part of that story. Racing at the Curragh, Saturday August 16 Gates open; 12.00 noon First race; 13.42 Venue Closes: 18.30 Tickets from 15, u18s go FREE when accompanied by an adult. READ NEXT: Kildare's Kelsey Leonard kicks off pro career with debut TKO win in Belfast Areas hardest hit by the Great Irish Famine did not experience an expected stunting in height of the population, new academic research has found. The research from Queens Business School in Belfast and Edinburgh Business School has examined the impact of one of the defining events in Irish history. The research found that in some regions, the survivors average adult height was comparable to or even slightly greater than that of individuals born before or after the famine. Around one million people died from starvation or disease in the famine from 1845-52. A stunting of height is usually associated with malnutrition and disease. The study used the historical data of 14,500 individuals, with different exposures to famine conditions and drawn from two prisons in Dublin and Tipperary, born before, during and after the famine. The findings have been published in Economic History Review, coinciding with the 180th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Irish Famine. The study revealed that individuals born during the famine exhibited reduced health outcomes. This effect dominated in areas with low famine mortality, such as Dublin. It also showed that those who survived the famine were, on average, the taller, more robust individuals. Areas most affected by the famine such as in Tipperary saw an increase in average societal health for survivors. Dr Chris Colvin, from Queens Business School, said: Individuals born in severely affected regions such as Tipperary exhibited no evidence of stunted growth, indicating that the famine disproportionately eliminated the most vulnerable. In contrast, stunting is observed only in areas with lower excess mortality such as Dublin, where selective pressures were weaker. With the weakest in society succumbing to disease and starvation, this left only the healthiest to survive into adulthood. They grew up to be significantly taller than average. Professor Eoin McLaughlin, from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University, said: This research reshapes how we understand the long-term effects of humanitarian disasters like famines. By distinguishing between scarring (lasting damage to survivors health) and selective mortality, it challenges simple assumptions that crises always leave a uniformly weakened population. Dr Matthias Blum, honorary professor of practice at Queens Business School and economist at the German Medical Association, said: The work deepens public and academic understanding of how the Great Irish Famine shaped the Irish population not just in terms of death and emigration, but in the long-term health legacy it left behind. Dr Colvin added: These findings contribute to debates on the biological consequences of extreme catastrophic risks, demonstrating how selection effects can obscure long-term health deterioration. Patimanhan Parihat (2nd L) and her friends visit China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing, capital of China, July 29, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (R) communicates with foreign tourists and invites them to visit Xinjiang at the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (6th R, front) takes a group photo with friends of the summer camp after watching a national flag-raising ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, July 31, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (L) and her friends visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (R) communicates with a local resident in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (C) and her friends arrive at Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 26, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (L) and her friend make a heart-shaped gesture after seeing a rainbow at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, July 29, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (L) and her friends take a flight from Urumqi of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to Beijing, capital of China, July 26, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (L) and her friends eat dumplings in Hotan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 25, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Xinhua/Guo Yan) Patimanhan Parihat's mother teaches her to braid her hair before seeing her off to Beijing for the summer camp at their home in Qira County of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 23, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Xinhua/Guo Yan) Patimanhan Parihat (R) watches a national flag-raising ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, July 31, 2025. She stood on tiptoe, her gaze piercing through the crowd as she watched the slowly rising China's national flag. Tears of excitement streamed down her cheeks. After more than 4,000 kilometers of travel from a small town near the Taklimakan Desert to Tian'anmen Square in the capital of China, the young girl witnessed the solemn scene described in her textbooks for the first time of her life. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (3rd L) poses for photos before taking a train to Urumqi at Hotan Railway Station in Hotan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 25, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Xinhua/Guo Yan) Patimanhan Parihat watches a national flag-raising ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, July 31, 2025. She stood on tiptoe, her gaze piercing through the crowd as she watched the slowly rising China's national flag. Tears of excitement streamed down her cheeks. After more than 4,000 kilometers of travel from a small town near the Taklimakan Desert to Tian'anmen Square in the capital of China, the young girl witnessed the solemn scene described in her textbooks for the first time of her life. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat (2nd L) listens as a former national flag guard introduces knowledge about the national flag and flag-raising ceremonies in Beijing, capital of China, July 31, 2025. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Patimanhan Parihat watches a national flag-raising ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, July 31, 2025. She stood on tiptoe, her gaze piercing through the crowd as she watched the slowly rising China's national flag. Tears of excitement streamed down her cheeks. After more than 4,000 kilometers of travel from a small town near the Taklimakan Desert to Tian'anmen Square in the capital of China, the young girl witnessed the solemn scene described in her textbooks for the first time of her life. Ten-year-old Patimanhan is a primary school student from Qira County of Xinjiang. She was chosen to participate in an 11-day public welfare summer camp which brings together 32 outstanding Xinjiang youths to embark on a summer vacation trip. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua) Editor: Xiong Jian In this drone view, an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants makes its way toward England in the English Channel, Britain, August 6, 2024. CHRIS J RATCLIFFE/REUTERS A "one-in, one-out" deal in which Britain can return some migrants who cross the Channel in small boats back to France comes into force on Wednesday, August 6, the UK government announced on Tuesday. The Interior Ministry said that British authorities were "operationally ready" and that migrant detentions were expected to begin "within days" following ratification of the agreement. "Today we send a clear message if you come here illegally on a small boat you will face being sent back to France," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement after striking the deal with French President Emmanuel Macron last month. The text of the treaty published on Tuesday stipulates that Britain will submit a request for transferring a person back to France within 14 days of their arrival in Britain. The whole process of returning someone could take three months, and the United Kingdom will cover all the costs. Unaccompanied minors will not be eligible for deportation under the program, the treaty adds. The two governments signed the final text last week, with the European Commission giving its "green light on this innovative approach," Britain's Home Office said in a statement late Monday. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau wrote on X that the accord would come into force on Wednesday. "I reaffirm France's determination to stop the flow and save lives," he said. The agreement seeks to curb record levels of irregular Channel crossings that are causing discontent in Britain and helping fuel the rise of the hard-right Reform UK party. Under the arrangement, for now a pilot program set to run until June 2026, irregular migrants arriving on UK shores could be detained and returned to France if they are deemed ineligible for asylum. In exchange, the UK will accept an equal number of migrants from France who can apply for asylum via an online platform, giving priority to nationalities most vulnerable to smugglers and to people with ties in Britain. The two governments signed the final text last week, with the EU Commission giving its "green light on this innovative approach," Britain's Home Office said in a statement late Monday. Read more Subscribers only London hopes for a shift in French immigration policy in the Channel "The unscrupulous business model of smugglers must be broken," the European Union's Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner wrote on X on Tuesday. But refugee charities have criticized the deal, urging the British government to provide more safe and legal routes for asylum seekers instead. The number of migrants making the dangerous journey in flimsy dinghies this year crossed 25,000 at the end of July, the highest tally ever at this point in the year. The rise, which the government has partly attributed to extended periods of good weather, means Labour leader Starmer is struggling to fulfil one of his main pledges before winning last year's general election. Social media ads In recent weeks, anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters have clashed outside hotels housing asylum seekers in Britain, with some demonstrations turning violent. Starmer has tried to portray the deal as a diplomatic victory after years of faltering cooperation between France and the UK on the politically sensitive issue. "This is the product of months of grown-up diplomacy delivering real results for British people as we broker deals no government has been able to achieve," he said. While the agreement has also met with criticism in northern France, where some officials say the program is too favorable to the UK, Nigel Farage's anti-immigrant Reform UK party says it does not go far enough to secure Britain's borders. Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said Tuesday that she would not put a number on how many migrants would be deported under the deal. Read more Subscribers only France's Channel intervention strategy questioned after footage shows gendarmes stabbing migrant boat "Of course, it will start with lower numbers and then build, but we want to be able to expand it," she told BBC radio. The Home Office this week pledged 100 million ($132 million) for law enforcement, including additional staff and technology, to "tackle" gangs who organize the crossings. Starmer's government also said it would make it an offence to promote on social media dangerous immigration routes into the UK, including via the Channel. Under the new provision, which will be part of a border security bill making its way through parliament, those found advertising such crossings could be fined and face up to five years in prison. According to a Home Office analysis, 80% of migrants arriving via small boats told officials they used social media during the process. FeatureAfter more than three decades of conflict, a peace agreement between the two countries was announced in March. But Baku, currently in a position of strength, hesitates to sign. Near the border, Armenians, harboring no illusions, are torn between fears of a new offensive and a sense of defeat. In Kirants, an Armenian village of 350 people, the school offers a sweeping view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Until recently, farmers grazed their livestock in the nearby fields. But for over a year now, a new feature has blocked their access and partially obstructed the horizon: a long gray concrete wall, which cuts the village in two. After years of negotiations, it was here in the Tavush region of northeastern Armenia that Armenia and Azerbaijan began the process of demarcating their border in April 2024 a border that, under the Soviet Union, had been purely administrative. The wall was built at the foot of the school. Since then, balls from the playground have regularly landed in Azerbaijan. The border demarcation, based on old Soviet maps, has taken place alongside ongoing peace talks, during which an agreement was announced in March, though the official signing remains pending. A bitter demarcation Progress has been slow: Only 12.7 kilometers of the border have been demarcated between the two former Soviet republics out of more than 1,000 kilometers in total. Four territorial zones largely depopulated have been handed over to Azerbaijan, including land around Kirants. This demarcation has left a bitter taste among the village's residents. "Six families lost their homes, and 58 plots of land were given to the Azerbaijanis," explained Gohar Vardanyan, 28, a community official at the town hall. "Some farmers had to sell their livestock and abandon everything. Others are trying to continue working, but on smaller plots." The young woman insisted she was not opposed to the process itself, which she called "useful" for achieving peace, but she condemned the way it was carried out. "I don't know exactly what cards they are playing," she said, "but in the end, it only benefits Azerbaijan, which takes land belonging to Armenia, as the land registry proves. But to make peace, you need fair decisions." You have 76.32% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The meeting, held at the Orange Digital Center in Monrovia on July 29, 2025, focused on accelerating joint efforts to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development for young Liberians. Mr. Liu Qi, Second-Level Researcher (Deputy Division Level) of the E-commerce Division, Department of Commerce of Hunan Province, Peoples Republic of China HARBIN, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- At the opening ceremony of the 20th World Saxophone Congress in late July, as a melody filled the venue, 57-year-old Yin Zhifa was swept back to that distant morning in 1976 when he first glimpsed the shimmering saxophone. Little did he know then that over the next five decades, he would travel across China with his saxophone in hand, bringing fresh melodies to the lives of countless Chinese listeners. Yin is a veteran saxophonist and currently serves as president of the professional saxophone committee of the China Popular Music Association (CPMA). He said he still vividly remembers seeing a saxophone for the first time at a public performance when he was eight. "The golden gleam of its brass body and its vibrant, soaring melody instantly captivated me." Yin began formal training at nine and joined a local performance troupe at 17, becoming one of China's few saxophonists of that era. At the time, the saxophone still carried an air of mystery in China. While it occasionally appeared in military honor guard shows or parades, for most people it remained a rare and exotic import from the distant West. "Back then, only a handful of factory and school bands had saxophones. It looked and sounded incredible, so I worked hard to learn how to play," Yin said, adding that a light music tape released in 1982 helped introduce the instrument to a wider audience in China. Recorded by a Beijing-based orchestra, the tape featured the saxophone as the lead instrument, backed by drums and guitar. Its fresh, vibrant sound soon became a symbol of the country's spirit of opening up. In 1991, Yin joined the Art Ensemble of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions as a saxophonist. During performances across the country, he noticed audiences responding with growing enthusiasm, often erupting in applause during his saxophone solos. "That's when I decided to popularize the saxophone among the public because only with widespread affection can it truly thrive," he said. Over the next three decades, Yin's life would closely mirror the saxophone's growing popularity in China. In 1993, he compiled China's first saxophone grading exam textbook, laying the foundation for a standardized evaluation system. Thanks to Yin's persistent advocacy, institutions like the Central Conservatory of Music began launching saxophone programs from 1997 onward, formally introducing the Western instrument into China's higher music education. "At first, many thought it lacked the foundation of traditional Chinese instruments among the people, but music knows no borders. A beautiful melody always resonates with listeners," Yin said, noting that this was best illustrated by the nationwide saxophone craze ignited by the iconic piece "Going Home." In 2002, American saxophonist Kenny G performed it in China, and its tapes and CDs quickly became a "signature melody" heard in shopping malls, school bells and even over park loudspeakers across the country. "Emphasizing family bonds in traditional culture, Chinese people hold a special connection to the idea of 'returning home,' making the name and melody deeply resonate with our emotions," said Yin Shenghua, Yin's daughter and a young saxophonist. Having grown up watching her father promote the saxophone, the junior Yin was struck by the deep passion for the instrument she witnessed upon returning from her studies in France. She observed retired seniors practicing in groups with speakers in Beijing parks, while many five-year-olds began learning the saxophone in training classes in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. According to the CPMA, there are now approximately 800,000 people learning the saxophone in China. To further promote the saxophone's popularity, Yin Zhifa compiled simplified notation textbooks for middle-aged and elderly enthusiasts and encouraged manufacturers to produce smaller instruments tailored for children in recent years. For him, the saxophone has been more than a source of joy for Chinese music lovers; it has also served as a bridge for cultural exchange beyond the realm of art. From July 26 to 31 this year, the World Saxophone Congress was held in China for the first time, drawing musicians from 33 countries to Harbin. Yin and many saxophonists believe that this gathering of diverse musical ideas and cultural styles paved a brighter future for the saxophone in China. The staggering sheer number of saxophonists, as well as the presence of many large saxophone orchestras, is a remarkable achievement, said Arno Bornkamp, president of the International Saxophone Committee. "Though it originated in the West, the saxophone has taken root in China," the senior Yin said. Editor: Xiong Jian THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) is piloting a SunSmart Campus initiative in an important step towards skin cancer prevention. The initiative was launched in partnership with HSE Mid West, the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland. Its aim is to support the well-being of students and staff by promoting sun safety education and practices. Sarah Kennedy, Healthy UL manager, explained: UL is the first Irish university to roll out the SunSmart programme. The pilot will take a multicomponent, wholecampus approach embedding skin cancer prevention throughout the university over the next three years. The first initiative being rolled out is sunscreen dispensers displayed across various locations on UL campus. We are encouraging students, staff and visitors to the campus to take the necessary steps to protect their skin when outside to reduce their risk of sun damage and skin cancer. READ MORE: Limerick Show launches its 2025 event to showcase 'the very best of Limerick' Bernadette Mullins, Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer, Cancer Prevention, HSE Mid West expressed her support for the initiative. We are delighted to support UL to pilot being the first SunSmart Campus in Ireland to help raise awareness of the importance of sun protection. Despite being highly preventable, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases diagnosed throughout the country annually. Penneys has launched a new mobile app for Irish customers. The app will bring the full Penneys experience to fans across many different features, including being able to scroll through the newest trends and checking the popular stock checker to see if their must-have items are available at their local store. Users will also be able to add their top picks to their favourites and the built-in store locator will give users quick access to opening hours and directions to any Penneys store across Ireland. Launching the new app, the retailer says customers will also be able to opt-in for personalised notifications to stay up to date with the latest arrivals, collection launces and exclusive updates. READ NEXT: Ryanair passengers set for major change as new check in rules revealed The app, which is available to download now, will aim to deliver various features through an intuitive user friendly design that ensures effortless navigation. Users will not be able to buy products directly through the app but will be able to digitally browse for their next purchase whilst checking its availability. Speaking on the launch of the new app, head of Penneys Ireland and Northern Ireland Fintan Costello said: "We know our customers love the buzz of a Penneys store - from discovering the latest trends to picking up everyday essentials for the family". He explained the company's approach to creating the app saying: "Our digital channels are driving shoppers into our stores and so with more people browsing online before they shop, the Penneys app extends that experience, offering a convenient and inspiring way to explore our ranges anytime, anywhere. Whether at home or on the go, now it's never been easier to connect with Penneys". READ MORE: Mel Gibson to celebrate 30th anniversary of Braveheart with Irish fans in Meath The launch of the app in Ireland reflects a growing demand from customers who want digital tools to complement their in-store experience. It's introduction was a logical step for the retailer who boasts 26 million followers across all of their social media platforms as they continue to branch into the digital sphere. There has also been consistent growth for their website which see 20% of visitors using the stock check feature which will be an integral part of the new app. The most popular search category on the website has been women's fashion with home goods coming in second. It will be even easier now to access these categories at the touch of a button with the launch of the new app. The app is now available for download through the Apple and Google stores by searching Penneys/Primark as the retailer continues to enhance it's customer experience. The Central Bank should carry out an immediate internal review before it renews a request from Israel to continue to facilitate the sale of its war bonds, an Oireachtas committee has stated. The Joint Committee on Finance made the recommendation in its report on the Israeli Bonds Programme, published on Tuesday. The cross-party committee stated that the Central Bank of Ireland should review the process for the approval of the prospectus for the sale of Israeli bonds within the European Union. Under the EU Prospectus Regulation, a prospectus must be drawn up, approved and published when securities are to be offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market in the EU. The Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation & Taoiseach chaired by Deputy @Farrell_Mairead has published its Israeli Bonds Programme Report. #SeeForYourself Press release: https://t.co/c1kuYn0XvCReport: https://t.co/OykIVuaEBX pic.twitter.com/FnblMElNmP Houses of the Oireachtas Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) August 5, 2025 Third Country issuers must choose an EU country as their Home Member State, and follow certain criteria set out in the prospectus regulation. Prior to 2021, the UK was the EU Home Member State for Israel. Ireland was then chosen as the new state after the UKs left the EU. The bank is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the blocs prospectus regulations. The committees chairwoman, Sinn Feins Mairead Farrell, said the Central Banks facilitation of Israeli bonds arose as a matter of concern. In line with these engagements, the committee understands that the Central Bank may only refuse the approval of a prospectus where the Central Bank has legal basis to do so, she said. Early in its establishment in this Dail, the Joint Committee took the decision to carry out an in-depth consideration of the holding of the prospectus for Israeli Bonds by the Central Bank of Ireland, with the aim of determining if there are any avenues available to the Central Bank to refuse to facilitate the prospectus. The Joint Committee held two public sessions on this topic in June, meeting with officials from the Central Bank of Ireland; representatives of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign; and expert in international law, Dr Munir Nuseibah of Al Quds University in Jerusalem. Ireland has been to the forefront and steadfast in its position of support and solidarity with the people of Palestine, but we must ask ourselves are we doing everything we can. The issuing of bonds by the State of Israel is seen to assist in the financing of Israels continued violations of human rights. As such, the facilitation of the prospectus by the Central Bank raises issues of significant concern for the Joint Committee, not only around moral obligations but also obligations under international law. This report details the various obligations flowing from EU law, international law, and how those obligations interact. The Joint Committee makes 15 recommendations in its report. These include that the Government engage at EU level with a view to amending the EU Prospectus regulations to permit each individual European Central Bank to refuse to act as a Competent Authority; The Central Bank engage with other EU Central Banks to develop a mechanism whereby an individual Central Bank can refuse to process any new prospectus certification request; The Central Bank as the competent authority shall conduct an immediate internal review in advance of any renewal in September of the Israeli bond prospectus with the intention of determining whether it is in compliance with the Prospectus Regulation in terms of the required level of disclosure, accuracy and transparency; Pending the outcome of a compliance review of the Israeli Bond Prospectus under Article 32.1D of the Regulation, the Central Bank of Ireland exercises the powers vested in it, by refusing to certify the renewal of the prospectus or any new applications for the certification of a related prospectus, until such a time when it is satisfied that it is in compliance with the rules as set out in the Regulation. The Central Bank seeks legal advice and makes information available which clarifies that their decision in approving a prospectus is not in breach of international law. The Government consider what national restrictive measures are possible in relation to the approval of prospectuses by the Central Bank of Ireland, which could be used to ensure compliance with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) opinion of July 2024. Ms Farrell said the committee believes the review should seek supplementary information from Israel. It should include an examination of the completeness of the bond prospectus and a request that further information be provided by the Israeli authorities. This should take into account the nature of the case taken by South Africa against Israel under the Genocide Convention and the interim findings of the ICJ in that regard, the ICJ advisory opinion of July 2024 in respect of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and any other pertinent matters in respect of international law. The Joint Committee is of the view that an amendment to the Prospectus Regulation to allow individual European Central Banks to refuse to act as competent authority is necessary in order to allow individual member states to make decisions which align with their stated position, and indeed, with obligations under international law. The Committee further believes that the Central Bank is vested with powers that it has not yet exercised and makes a number of recommendations identifying areas which may provide the Central Bank with the opportunity to desist from facilitation of the prospectus. The Joint Committee encourages the Central Bank to exercise the powers available to it in this regard. New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) Realty firm Keystone Realtors Ltd on Tuesday reported a 44 per cent decline in its consolidated net profit to 14.51 crore for the quarter ended June on lower income. Its net profit stood at 25.82 crore in the year-ago period. Total income fell to 288.64 crore in the April-June period of this fiscal from 437.20 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year, according to a regulatory filing. Commenting on the performance, its Chairman and Managing Director Boman Irani highlighted that the company has reported a strong start to FY26. He said the company has achieved the highest-ever quarterly pre-sales of 1,068 crore in April-June 2025, a rise of 75 per cent from the same quarter last year. Irani said the company's total income and profit declined as it was not able to recognise revenue because of the project completion method. For new projects, he said the company is shifting to the percentage of completion method for recognising the revenue as this would "reflect a true picture" of the company's financial performance. "With a healthy balance sheet and strong capitalisation, we remain well-equipped to pursue emerging opportunities and create sustainable value for all stakeholders. We are confident of carrying forward this momentum and delivering yet another year of strong and consistent growth," Irani said. Incorporated in 1995, Keystone Realtors Ltd, which sells under Rustomjee brand, is one of the leading real estate companies in the country. The company has completed 37 projects while it is constructing 18 projects, mostly in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Aug 5 (Reuters) - Rivian Automotive reported a higher-than-expected quarterly loss on Tuesday as disruption in supply of rare earth metals used to make parts of its electric vehicles raised costs and income from credits sold to traditional automakers dwindled. China's curbs on the export of heavy rare earth metals essential components for motors sharply increased material costs and disrupted supply chains, driving up the cost of EV production in the U.S. The company reported an adjusted loss per share of 80 cents for the second quarter, compared with analysts' average estimate of 65 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG. Rivian also flagged a bigger adjusted core loss this year, expecting it to between $2 billion and $2.25 billion, compared with $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion previously forecast. The company largely blamed a tapering in the value of U.S. regulatory credits for the higher loss estimate. President Donald Trump administration's elimination of penalties for automakers not meeting fuel economy standards has drastically reduced demand for regulatory credits, which companies like Rivian previously sold to traditional automakers to help them avoid emissions fines. The company delivered 10,661 vehicles in the second quarter, marking a 22% decline from the same period a year earlier, as Rivian limited production to prepare for its 2026 model year launch. Earlier this year, the company slashed its 2025 deliveries forecast to 40,000 to 46,000 vehicles from an initial 46,000 to 51,000, citing U.S. tariffs resulting in cost pressures that dampened demand. The company shut down its plant for a week in the second quarter and will pause production in the second half of 2025 to integrate key production elements and prepare for the R2 SUV launch next year. The $7,500 federal EV tax credit expires at the end of September, eliminating a key competitive advantage that has driven electric vehicle demand, but analysts anticipate a surge in third-quarter sales as consumers rush to purchase EVs before losing access to the incentive. Revenue for the second quarter stood at $1.3 billion, surpassing analysts' average estimate of $1.28 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Bharti Airtel Ltd reported steady earnings growth in the June quarter, driven by a surge in mobile data consumption and an expanding subscriber base. The telco's average revenue per user (Arpu) climbed to an industry-leading 250, as it continue its recovery from years of low tariffs. Net profit at India's second-largest telecom operator stood at 5,948 crore, up 43% from a year earlier; however, according to analysts at ICICI Securities, the numbers are not comparable as Indus Towers became an Airtel subsidiary since November, from its previous status as an associate. On a sequential basis, Airtels net profit fell 46% from 11,022 crore in the preceding quarter, wherein it received a deferred tax benefit of 5,913 crore. The India mobile business recorded a sequential growth of 2.9%, driven by continued focus on portfolio premiumization and an additional day in the quarter. We added 4 million smartphone data customers and maintained an industry-leading average revenue per user (Arpu) of 250 for Q1FY26," Gopal Vittal, Bharti Airtel vice-chairman and managing director said in an earnings release. Also Read | Airtel enters cloud war to keep data within Indian borders Airtel's Arpu rose by 2% or 5 sequentially during the quarter to 250. In comparison, Indias No. 1 carrier Reliance Jios Arpu rose to 208.8 from 206.2. Vodafone Idea is yet to release its quarterly figures. Arpu is a key metric of revenue performance and user monetization in the telecom industry. A stable quarter for Airtel comes at a time when the telecom sector is moving towards a duopoly with operators Airtel and Jio eating into the market share of Vodafone Idea and state-owned BSNL. Lately, Vodafone Idea has expressed concerns over its ability to continue as a going concern, in absence of further financial relief from the government. Investors are expected to track the company's view on Arpu at its analysts' call on Wednesday, along with guidance on further tariff hikes. Airtel's consolidated Q1 revenue of 49,463 crore was up 28.5% from the previous year and 3.3% from the March quarter, missing Bloombergs estimates of 49,762 crore. Revenue was driven by an increase in the mobile services business of the company, wherein it is focusing on premium services, as well as growth in Airtel Africa, the company said. It added that customer addition and an additional day in the June quarter compared to the previous March quarter also aided its topline. Also Read | Telecom testing just got cheaper as govt slashes certification fees by up to 95% To be sure, Airtel added fewer mobile users in the June quarter, signing up 1.2 million mobile subscribers, compared to 5 million net additions in the March quarter. As of June end, the companys total mobile subscriber base was at 362.8 million. At 27,397 crore, India mobile services business contributes 55% to total revenue of Bharti Airtel. Airtel Business, which houses services to enterprises saw its contribution to the companys total revenue fall to 10.2% from 11% in the preceding quarter. Revenue from the segment fell 7.7% year-on-year and 4.9% quarter-on-quarter to 5,057 crore. Airtel Business revenue decline is reflecting full impact of portfolio restructuring undertaken last year. The underlying growth trajectory remains steady at a sequential growth of 2% with continued improvement in funnel and orderbook," Vittal said. In the December quarter, the company had announced plans to exit the low-margin wholesale commodity voice and messaging business. Airtel's India revenue at 37,585 crore was up 16% on-year and 2% on-quarter. Also Read | Trai wants more enforcement teeth to rein in telcos, may ask govt to amend rules Vittal said the companys balance sheet continues to demonstrate strength, supported by solid cash flow generation and disciplined capital allocation. While earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) rose 41.2% Y-o-Y and 2.8% Q-o-Q in the first quarter, Ebitda margin fell by 30 basis points to 56.9% sequentially. On a Y-o-Y basis, margins rose by 190 basis points. Net debt rose to 1.9 trillion in the quarter from 1.88 trillion a year ago, but fell on a sequential basis from 2 trillion. The telco incurred a capex of 8,307 crore during the quarter compared to 14,401 crore during the preceding quarter. Airtel earlier proposed to convert some government dues into equity like its smaller rival Vodafone Idea Ltd. We just wanted a non-discriminatory level-playing field in terms of an option to convert," Vittal had said in May. Whether we will convert or not is a decision for the board to take We wanted a clarification from the government whether we had the option or not." The telecom operator added 700,000 postpaid users in the June quarter, taking its overall user base to 26.6 million. Homes business, which includes home wi-fi, broadband and TV connectivity, saw revenue rising by 25.7% on-year to 1,718 crore. "During the quarter, accelerated expansion of our Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network resulted in total WiFi net addition of 939,000 customers, bringing the total customer base to 11 million. Additionally, we expanded our home-pass network significantly, adding 1.6 million fibre home passes in the quarter," the company said. Airtel declared its results after market hours. Earlier, shares of the company closed 0.7% up at 1,929.75 on BSE. Germany's social payments to Ukrainian refugees amount to EUR 6.3 billion per year, while the total amount of such payments in the country is EUR 46.9 billion, noted Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksiy Makeyev on the X social network after Bavarian Prime Minister and head of the Christian Social Union (CSU) from the ruling coalition Markus Soder spoke out over the weekend in favor of abolishing such payments. "More than 1 million Ukrainians have found their shelter here in Germany. Some 70% of them are women and children. More than 30% of Ukrainians are already working in Germany. Sometimes statistics are the best argument," the Ukrainian ambassador noted. According to Soder, aid payments hinder integration into the labor market: despite a good education and skills, many Ukrainians do not find work. "We must ensure that there are no more payments for anyone who came from Ukraine. This should not only apply to those who come in the future, but to everyone," he said on ZDF on Sunday. According to official figures, Germany spent EUR 22.2 billion on payments to foreigners under the Burgergeld program in 2024, and EUR 24.7 billion on German citizens. Soder intends to push for changes within the government coalition, although his proposal goes beyond the previously agreed plan. According to Eurostat, at the end of May this year, 1.9 million refugees from Ukraine had temporary protection status in Germany, which is 27.9% of the total EU figure. Over the year, the number of refugees from Ukraine with this status decreased by 139,680. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. plans to gradually wind down the last of its Costco-like members-only stores, underscoring its retreat from a hyper-competitive Chinese retail arena. Its supermarket chain Hema has begun shutting down premium Hema X outlets, which charge members an annual subscription for access, a person familiar with the matter said. Chinas e-commerce leader is taking action to shore up overall profitability, the person said, asking to remain anonymous discussing a non-public decision. The impending closures were first reported by local media including Jiemian. The move marks a strategic retreat from a model that failed to gain traction against Walmart Inc.s Sams Club and Costco Wholesale Corp., which have proven popular with Chinese consumers looking for exclusive products and bulk bargains. It also reflects a broader effort to refocus on AI development and vie with JD.com Inc. and PDD Holdings Inc. to attract consumers during a Chinese economic slowdown. Alibaba had begun shuttering Hema X outlets over the past year or so, reversing an expansion that began around 2020. The last Hema X store in Shanghai will close on Aug. 31, after three closed in Beijing and eastern Jiangsu province in July, local media reported. A Hema representative didnt respond to a request for comment. The company still intends to expand its main Hema chain, which helped pioneer a supermarket model combining fresh produce, a restaurant concept and quick delivery in 2015. It plans to add some 100 Hema stores this year, the person said. More broadly, Alibaba had begun to retreat from physical retail even before going all-in on AI, unwinding years and billions of dollars in investment. This year, it agreed to sell its shares in Sun Art Retail Group Ltd. to private equity firm DCP Capital. Earlier, it struck a deal to unload its Intime department store business. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Advanced Micro Devices Inc., the second-largest maker of artificial intelligence processors, warned that its return to the crucial China market remains a work in progress, overshadowing a generally upbeat forecast for its AI business. As part of its quarterly earnings report on Tuesday, AMD declined to predict Chinese sales of its Instinct MI308, an AI processor that it designed for the Asian country. The Trump administration had barred shipments of such chips to China in April, though it reversed course last month, raising hopes that AMD and rival Nvidia Corp. could soon resume sales. China is the largest market for semiconductors, and the restrictions have threatened to erase billions of dollars in total revenue from both companies. We appreciate the focus the Trump administration is placing on ensuring that US technology remains central to global AI infrastructure and we expect to resume MI308 shipments as licenses are approved, subject to end customer demand and supply chain readiness, Chief Executive Officer Lisa Su said on a conference call with analysts. As our licenses are still under review, we are not including any MI308 revenue in our third-quarter guidance. Su was optimistic about the overall market for AI computing. Looking ahead, we see a clear path to scaling our AI business to tens of billions of dollars in annual revenue, she said during the call. The company also is ramping up its new MI350 lineup, she said. AMD shares initially fell more than 5% in extended trading on the China concern, before paring the losses during the conference call. They had gained 44% in 2025 through the close, making AMD the best-performing stock in the semiconductor industry. Third-quarter sales will be about $8.7 billion, the company said, topping the average analyst estimate of $8.37 billion. AMDs second-quarter sales rose 32% to $7.7 billion, compared with a $7.43 billion average estimate. Profit was 48 cents a share, minus certain items. Analysts projected 49 cents. Data center sales gained 14% to $3.2 billion in the period. On average, analysts had predicted $3.25 billion. Personal computer-related sales climbed 67% to $2.5 billion. The average prediction was $2.56 billion. Three months ago, AMD said it was taking $800 million in writedowns related to the export restrictions and warned that the curbs would cost it $1.5 billion in revenue this year. Wall Street has been waiting for a revised outlook in light of the shifting policy. In the decade since Su took the top job at AMD, the company has become a key provider of technology across the computing industry. The ability to deliver competitive products at a time when longtime nemesis Intel Corp. has stumbled has brought a reversal of fortunes. AMDs market capitalization is now roughly $200 billion higher than Intels. Still, neither company has matched the runaway success of Nvidia, whose dominance of AI accelerators has made it the worlds most valuable business. AMD is the second-biggest provider of graphics chips, which form the basis for the AI accelerators that run in data centers. Its microprocessors, meanwhile, go head to head with Intel products in the markets for PCs and servers. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) The penalty for acts of cruelty to animals, including killing or maiming, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is currently as low as 10-50 for the first offence, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S P Singh Baghel, in his written reply to the Lok Sabha, said as per Section 11(1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, any person who treats an animal cruelly shall, for the first offence, be punishable with a fine not less than 10 but which may extend to 50. For the second or subsequent offence committed within three years of the previous offence, the person is punishable with a fine of not less than 20 but which may extend to 100, or with imprisonment for a term that may extend to three months, or with both, he said. The minister said the subject of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals falls under the Concurrent List (List III) of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, also contains enabling provisions for penalising acts of cruelty to animals, he said. While enforcement primarily rests with the respective state governments, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) actively pursues complaints received from across the country by forwarding them to the state governments, district collectors, magistrates, and superintendents of police. Over the last five years, AWBI has addressed 4,589 complaints, forwarding them to the appropriate authorities for necessary legal action, he added. Complaints of animal cruelty are primarily dealt with by local authorities, as enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is under the jurisdiction of state governments and Union Territory Administrations. "AWBI does not maintain any data on penalties imposed or nature of punishments awarded," he said. Of the 4,589 complaints forwarded to state governments, action taken reports have been received for 306 cases, he said. The government and AWBI continues to promote animal welfare through education, training, awareness programmes, and financial assistance. Training initiatives have been launched for police personnel, gaushala workers, and honorary animal welfare officers. Awareness campaigns, advisory issuance, and collaborative efforts with state governments and NGOs are ongoing. AWBI has published handbooks on animal laws, supports colony animal caretaker authorisations, and provides financial aid to recognised shelters and gaushalas under various schemes -- for rescue operations, shelter management, ambulances, birth control programmes, and disaster relief. In the past five years, AWBI has received 269 complaints from Karnataka, of which 217 relate to animal deaths. Eris Lifesciences is gearing up to take advantage of Indias booming diabetes-obesity market. The Ahmedabad-based drugmaker stands to gain in the countrys human insulin market as innovator Novo Nordisk vacates, and it is betting on its insulin platform to grab a significant share in the anti-obesity market. We have a very successful insulin business with close to 10% market share in the country now. And any company that sells insulin well has been able to do GLP-1 very well," CEO Krishnakumar Vaidyanathan told Mint in an interview. Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, which is the innovator of blockbuster anti-obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, is also a market leader in insulin, with an over 50% market share in India. The market for weight loss drugs in India was over 600 crore in July 2025. Vaidyanathan explained that the insulin business involves building a patient service and care platform, which goes beyond just selling the product. ...there is active support from Eris side at the patients residencegiven this insulin platform, we are very confident that we'll be able to make a success of GLP-1 as well, because it will ride on this platform," he said. Eris says they have a one of a kind" patient service model where they train patients to use insulin, while Novo has a service model as well and a wide network of physicians. GLP-1s or glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists are a class of drugs used to treat type-2 diabetes and obesity, which mimic the GLP-1 hormone produced in the gut to regulate blood sugar and appetite. Eris plans to rely on third parties for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), but will eventually bring recombinant semaglutide in-house. It will depend on third parties for the synthetic semaglutide API. Eris launched liraglutide, a GLP-1, in India last year and plans to be among the first wave of launches for generic semaglutide, which goes off patent in March 2026. Key Takeaways Insulin platform gives Eris a launchpad to expand into GLP-1 and obesity drugs. Eris launched liraglutide and plans early entry into generic semaglutide post-March 2026. Novo Nordisks exit from insulin pens gives Eris a chance to grab market share. In-house manufacturing of insulin and GLP-1 is a strategic priority. Strong financials and EPS growth support its expansion strategy and deleveraging. It is not the only one. Indias top drugmakers, including Dr Reddys,Cipla, Sun Pharma,Zydus Lifesciences, and Natco, are gearing up to launch the generic semaglutide next year. The firm also has a pipeline of standalone insulin analogues and insulin analogues with GLP-1 combinations in preclinical and clinical trials. Insulin dominance Earlier this year, Novo Nordisk announced the rollback of pen-filled versions of its best-selling Human Mixtard insulin. While the vial versions will still be sold, this opens up a huge market for domestic players to fill in the countrys 4,500 crore insulin market. Eris acquired the Insugen and Basalog brands from Biocon Biologics last year as part of a larger deal to acquire its branded formulations business. It also sells Xsulin through a joint venture with MJ Biopharma. Apart from innovators Novo Nordisk and Sanofi, which dominate the Indian insulin market, Lupin, which acquired Eli Lillys Huminsulin brand last year, is a key domestic player. So this whole democratisation of insulins and GLP-1s is something that is going to happen. The ball has been set rolling," said Vaidyanathan. Eris expects to see increased sales from regular human insulin (RHI) pen products in November and December as innovator inventory runs out. The company is also planning to in-source its insulin and GLP-1 production at a later stage. The company commenced production of insulin vials at its Bhopal facility in Q1FY26, and expects to start cartridge production by Q4FY26. Our strategy has always been that, once we deem that a product is big and strategically important, then we bring it in-house," said Vaidyanathan. Eris Lifesciences reported its Q1FY26 results on Tuesday, with its consolidated revenue up 7.4% year-on-year to 773 crore. Its Ebitda for the quarter stood at 277 crore, up 11% YoY with a 36% Ebitda margin. Net profit was up 41% to 125 crore. The drugmaker is focused on increasing profitability and paring down debt in FY26. All of this will be accompanied by a significant acceleration in the EPS (earnings per share) and the return ratios," said Vaidyanathan. Its EPS in Q1 was 9.2, and the company expects a 50% EPS growth in FY26. The companys net debt in Q1FY26 was 2,317 crore, and it aims to reduce debt to 1,800 crore by the end of the year. State-owned Miniratna defence equipment maker, BEML, announced that the company had successfully secured an 282 crore HMV order from Indias Ministry of Defence on Monday, 4 August 2025. However, the shares closed flat after trading for the entire stock market session on Tuesday, 5 August 2025. Also Read | Penny stock hits upper circuit despite selling pressure in Indian stock market HMV, also known as Heavy Mobility Vehicle, in this order update, in an 8x8 configuration, is a high-capacity military transport which is usually used for multiple purposes, including transporting missiles, tanks, or other heavy equipment. We hereby inform that BEML Limited has bagged order from the Ministry of Defence for supply of HMV 8X8 with contract value of 282 crores approximately, the company informed BSE through the filing. BEML stock split In July 2025, the State-owned companys board of directors announced a stock split in the ratio of two equity shares with the face value of 5 apiece for every one share an investor holds in the company at a face value of 10 apiece. Stock split of existing 1 Equity Share of face value of 10/- each fully paid up into 2 Equity Shares of face value of 5/- each fully paid up, subject to shareholders' approval, the company informed BSE through the filing. The record date for the stock split will be announced at the companys upcoming board meeting on 11 August 2025. On the same day, BEML will also announce its April-June quarter results for the financial year 2025-26. BEML share price trend BEML share price closed flat with 0.20% gains at 3,995.30 after Tuesdays stock market session, compared to 3,987.35 at the previous market close. The company announced the order book update after the market operating hours on Monday, 4 August 2025. Also Read | Multibagger stock BEML gains over 2% as board to consider stock split The shares of the Miniratna PSU have given stock market investors more than 505% returns on their investment in the last five years. However, the shares have lost 4.86% in the last one-year period. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, the shares are down 3.46% in 2025 and are trading 1.12% lower in the last five market sessions on the Indian stock market. BEML shares hit their 52-week high level at 4,874.85 on 23 June 2025, while the 52-week low level was at 2,346.35 on 3 March 2025, according to the data collected from the BSE website. The companys market capitalisation (M-Cap) was at 16,638.23 crore as of the stock market close on Tuesday, 5 August 2025. Read all stories by Anubhav Mukherjee Chandigarh, Aug 5 (PTI) Haryana's Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Shyam Singh Rana on Tuesday directed the officials to establish biogas plants in all 'gaushalas' across the state, for making these cow shelters self-sustaining. In a review meeting, he further directed the officers to explore the potential of producing value-added dairy products within these gaushalas. Rana said such initiatives will help reduce operational costs and make gaushalas self-sustaining, while also improving the public's access to high-quality dairy products. According to an official statement, the minister emphasized the need for collaboration with scientists from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, to adopt modern technologies for breed improvement and enhanced milk production. He directed the officers to explore greater utilization of NDRI's expertise for the benefit of the livestock sector in Haryana. Rana also reviewed the departmental announcements made in the March 2025 state budget and directed that all initiatives be completed within their stipulated timelines. These include, interest-free loans of up to 1 lakh for women to set up dairy units, establishment of a semen sorting lab for indigenous bull breeds, construction of new sheds in registered gaushalas under the Gau Sewa Aayog, creation of a Gau Abhyaranya (cow sanctuary). Besides, installation of modern diagnostic equipment and availability of essential medicines in veterinary institutions and repair and reconstruction of dilapidated veterinary buildings as needed were also announced during the budget. Later, Rana who also holds the portfolio of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, held a review meeting with officers of the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation. He directed the Corporation to expedite the construction of new warehouses with a combined capacity of three lakh metric tonne. New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) There is no proposal under consideration to expand the coverage and quantum of financial support under the Pradhan Mantri Kishan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. Launched in February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme aims to supplement the financial needs of farmers with cultivable land-holding with a financial assistance of 6,000 per year in three equal instalments. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh said the central government has disbursed over 3.9 lakh crore to farmers in 20 installments since inception of the scheme. "Currently, there is no proposal under consideration to expand the coverage and quantum of financial support under the PM-KISAN," Chouhan said in his written reply to the Lok Sabha. Further, ownership of cultivable landholding remains the primary criteria to avail benefits under the scheme, he said, while responding to a query on inclusion of tenant and sharecropping farmers under the scheme. The minister said the benefits of the PM-KISAN scheme are transferred to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, based on the verified data received from states/UTs on the PM-KISAN portal. Asked if the Centre will consider replicating Tamil Nadu's "Uzhavan App" model to provide real-time weather, market and advisory data, the minister said, "Currently, there is no proposal under consideration." However, the government is implementing the Kisan Call Centre scheme to provide comprehensive support to farmers by addressing their enquiries and providing advisory related to various aspects of agriculture via telephonic communication in their preferred languages. These call centres operate from strategic locations throughout the country, ensuring coverage across all states and Union Territories. A dedicated common eleven-digit toll-free number, 1800-180-1551, has been established for the Kisan Call Centre. This number is accessible through both mobile phones and landlines. The agents at the Kisan Call Centre, known as farm tele advisors, are equipped with relevant academic qualifications, thereby enabling them to respond effectively to farmers' queries and advise them in regional languages. New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) A total of six aircraft engine shutdown incidents and three incidents of May Day calls have been reported so far this year, according to the civil aviation ministry. As per data shared by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol with the Rajya Sabha, there have been two incidents of engine shutdown each involving IndiGo and SpiceJet while Air India and Alliance Air had one such incident each. There have been three incidents of May Day Call, including for the Air India aircraft operating the London Gatwick-bound flight AI 171 that crashed into a building soon after take off from Ahmedabad on June 12. IndiGo and Air India Express also had one incident each of May Day Call. A pilot repeats May Day thrice to clearly communicate with the air traffic controller on the ground that the aircraft is in a life-threatening situation and needs urgent help. "During 2025, from January to July (till date), a total of 06 incidents of engine shutdown and a total of 03 incidents of May Day calls have been reported," Mohol said in a written reply on Monday. In a separate written reply, the minister said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary report, published on the basis of available factual information on July 12, does not contain any conclusion about the Air India plane crash and that the probe is still in progress. (Bloomberg) -- SoftBank Group Corp. is building up stakes in Nvidia Corp. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the latest reflection of Masayoshi Sons focus on the tools and hardware underpinning artificial intelligence. The Japanese technology investor raised its stake in Nvidia to about $3 billion by the end of March, up from $1 billion in the prior quarter, according to regulatory filings. It bought around $330 million worth of TSMC shares and $170 million in Oracle Corp., they show. Thats while SoftBanks signature Vision Fund has monetized almost $2 billion of public and private assets in the first half of 2025, according to a person familiar with the funds activities. The Vision Fund prioritizes its returns on investment and there is no particular pressure from SoftBank to monetize its assets, said the person, who asked not to be named discussing private information. A representative of SoftBank declined to comment. At the heart of SoftBanks AI ambitions is chip designer Arm Holdings Plc. Son is gradually building a portfolio around the Cambridge, UK-based company with key industry players, seeking to catch up after largely missing a historic rally thats made Nvidia into a $4 trillion behemoth and boosted its contract chipmaker TSMC near a $1 trillion value. Nvidia is the picks and shovels for the gold rush of AI, said Ben Narasin, founder and general partner of Tenacity Venture Capital, referring to a concerted effort by the worlds largest technology companies to spend hundreds of billions of dollars to get ahead. SoftBanks purchase of the US companys stock may buy more influence and access to Nvidias most sought-after chips, he said. Maybe he gets to skip the line. SoftBank, which reports quarterly earnings Thursday, shouldve benefited from that bet on Nvidia at least on paper. Nvidia has gained around 90% in market value since hitting a years low around early April, while TSMC has climbed over 40%. Thats helping to make up for missing out on much of Nvidias post-ChatGPT rally one of the biggest of all time. SoftBank, which was early to start betting on betting on AI long before OpenAIs seminal chatbot, parted with a 4.9% stake in Nvidia in early 2019 that would be worth more than $200 billion today. Crippling losses at the Vision Fund also hampered SoftBanks ability to be an early investor in generative AI. The companys attempts to buy back some Nvidia shares, alongside those of proxy TSMC, would help Son regain access to some of the most lucrative parts of the semiconductor supply chain. The 67-year-old SoftBank founder now seeks to play a more central role in the spread of AI through sweeping partnerships. These include SoftBanks $500 billion Stargate data center foray with OpenAI, Oracle and Abu Dhabi-backed investment fund MGX. Son is also courting TSMC and others about taking part in a $1 trillion AI manufacturing hub in Arizona. As Arms intellectual property is used to power the majority of mobile chips and is increasingly used in server chips, SoftBank could carve out a unique position without being a manufacturer itself, according to Richard Kaye, co-head of Japan equity strategy at Comgest Asset Management and a long-time SoftBank investor. I think he sees himself as the natural provider of AI semiconductor technology, he said. What Son really wants to do is capture the upstream and the downstream of everything. Investors have cheered Sons audacious plans, while analysts say they expect SoftBank to report a swing back to a net income in the June quarter. SoftBank shares marked a record high last month. SoftBanks planned $6.5 billion deal to acquire US chip firm Ampere Computing LLC and another $30 billion investment in OpenAI are further encouraging investors who see the stock as a way to ride the US startups momentum. Son, however, remains dissatisfied, according to people close to the billionaire. Son sees the big projects in the US as having the potential to help SoftBank leapfrog the current leaders in AI to become a trillion-dollar or bigger company, they said. The stock continues to trade at a roughly estimated 40% discount to SoftBanks total assets which includes a roughly 90% stake in the $148 billion-valued Arm. SoftBanks market capitalization stands at around $119 billion, a fraction of Nvidias $4.4 trillion valuation and that of other tech companies most closely associated with AI progress. Son, who in the past has seen Washington hamper or derail merger plans like the union of Arm and Nvidia, seeks to leverage his relationship with Donald Trump and is arranging frequent meetings with White House officials. Those efforts are now critical as AI and semiconductors become geopolitical flash points. SoftBanks plan to buy Ampere is facing a probe by the Federal Trade Commission. Attention at its June quarter earnings will be on what other assets SoftBank might sell down to help it secure the liquidity it needs to double down on hardware investments. The Japanese company has so far raised around $4.8 billion through a sale of some of its T-Mobile share holding in June. Its Chief Financial Officer Yoshimitsu Goto has cited the companys end-March net asset value of 25.7 trillion ($175 billion), saying the company has ample capital to cover its funding needs. In the business year ended March, the Vision Funds exits included DoorDash Inc. and View Inc., as well as cloud security company Wiz Inc. and enterprise software startup Peak, even as SoftBank bought up the stakes in Nvidia, TSMC and Oracle. Were after AI using an array of startups and group companies, Son told shareholders in June. We want to become the organizer of the No. 1 platformer in the artificial super intelligence era. --With assistance from Edwin Chan. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Bengaluru, Aug 5 (PTI) Karnataka, led by Bengaluru, powers a significant share of India's electronics and R&D exports, as well as global capability centres and unicorn tally, with dynamic synergy of industry, academia, and policies making it the epicentre of the nation's innovation revolution, Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration of SAP Labs India's new campus at Devanahalli, Siddaramaiah said the new campus is a testament to Karnataka's strengths, tech-savvy talent, world-class infrastructure, and progressive policies that make the state a "magnet for global innovation". "Karnataka contributes over 8 per cent to India's GDP and leads the nation in IT exports with a 35 per cent share. We are proud to account for over 40 per cent of India's electronics and R&D exports, hosting 500-plus global capability centres, 400-plus R&D labs, and 18,300-plus startups," he said. Bengaluru, the startup capital of India, is home to over 40 per cent of the nation's unicorns, he said, adding, "this vibrant ecosystem where industry, academia, and government collaborate seamlessly has made Karnataka the epicentre of India's innovation revolution". The state government is laying the foundation for balanced and decentralised growth across Bengaluru, he pointed out. Karnataka is deeply committed to fostering a pro-industry and pro-innovation environment, and its policies are paving the way for the next wave of global tech investments. "Devanahalli is fast emerging as a vibrant hub for technology and economic growth. Our government is committed to transforming Devanahalli into a major technology and innovation cluster with metro connectivity approved in the Karnataka Budget 2025 and suburban rail expected by 2029, " the CM said. This is what Margot Simonyan looks like today, look closely at her distorted face. Looking at her in 2025, it's funny to recall an episode that perfectly describes the nature of Diasporic Armenians. Do you remember how Simonyan behaved at the beginning of the conflict over Ukraine? There was no more Russian person than a woman with the surname Simonyan! She was killing herself as best she could, along with her husband, another Russian to the core, Tigran Keosayan. The funny thing about this is that who would you think behaved exactly the same way? Arsen Avakov was then the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. Then the main Russian Simonyan and the main Ukrainian Avakov clashed. They wet each other, and only one day a year they shut up, on April 24, the day of the "Armenian genocide." Avakov and Simonyan teamed up, and in unison poured mud on Turkiye. Margot's face is much more distorted today, of course. She's not doing very well: her husband is in vegetable mode, "Kiev in three days" has failed, Russia Today is in a swamp, Sputnik gets in the ears almost everywhere... Simonyan turned out to be a lousy media manager, and besides, she put her interests above the interests of her own company - she stupidly ruined the holding company for this. Yes, even the Armenian get-together that Simonyan had been gathering around himself in Moscow for years failed. Well, there is one, but what's the use? We created a network of Armenian channels, bloggers, and media outlets, and Pashinyan just sat in his chair and sat quietly. They started to promote one "savior of the nation" - he went to prison. The second one was promoted, and he went to prison. Everywhere you look, there's failure, everywhere there's a bummer, everywhere there's failure. Everything I got was wasted. Whatever she did, she ruined everything. That's why she goes on the air like this: in the evenings she drinks, in the mornings she wakes up in the arms of strange men, that's her daily program. That's why Margosha was so upset. Simonyan will not even be worthy of condolences when her "most Russian" husband is dead for good. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group plans to invest up to EUR 40 million in the capital of the new Amber Dragon Ukraine Infrastructure Fund I with a stated target size of EUR 350 million, in which the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have previously announced their intentions to invest EUR 60 million and EUR 40 million, respectively. As noted on the IFC website, its board of directors plans to consider this project on September 30 of this year. The corporation indicates that the Fund will be jointly managed by Amber Fund Management Limited, part of Boyd Watterson Global Asset Management Group LLC, and Dragon Capital Advisors Limited. It is noted that the fund will focus on the reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine's critical infrastructure and will invest in energy transition (generation, transmission and distribution of renewable energy, storage), digital infrastructure (data centers, telecommunications towers, fiber optic networks), as well as transport and logistics (ports, roads, railways, industrial parks, cold storage, intermodal terminals). According to IFC, Amber, with more than 175 infrastructure investments around the world, has established itself as a global infrastructure fund manager with a strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe, while Dragon Capital is an investment group based in Ukraine with deep local roots and significant experience in private equity and real estate in the country. IFCs investment in Amber Dragon Ukraine Infrastructure Fund is expected to be supported by the participants of the blended finance under the Economic Resilience Action Program (ERA) for Ukraine: with the participation of France and other guarantors, a first loss guarantee of up to EUR 20 million will be provided. Evheniy Baranov, Managing Director, Head of Infrastructure at Dragon Capital, said at the Ukrainian Recovery Conference URC2025 on July 10-11 in Rome that Dragon Capital and Amber have formed a solid portfolio of projects over the past year that can absorb even more capital than the fund plans to attract. As noted at URC2025 in the funds presentation, its strategy involves investments in controlling stakes or co-investments with like-minded investors, with an average ticket size of EUR 20 million to EUR 50 million. The EIB noted in late June that the project is at the appraisal stage, while the EBRD board of directors plans to consider it on September 24 this year. Baranov emphasized that the first project of the Amber Dragon Ukraine Infrastructure Fund was announced at URC2025 - the Power One distributed energy project, to which the EBRD plans to provide EUR 21.1 million in financing. Dragon Capital is one of the largest investment groups in Ukraine in the field of investments and financial services, providing a full range of investment banking and brokerage services, direct investments, asset management for institutional, corporate and private clients. The company was founded in 2000 in Kyiv. According to the founder and CEO Tomasz Fiala, the group's investment portfolio currently includes almost 50 different companies or real estate projects. The company invested about $700 million in Ukraine from 2015 to 2021, excluding reinvestments, and plans to invest $100 million in 2025. (Bloomberg) -- Taiwan prosecutors arrested six people suspected of stealing trade secrets from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., opening an investigation into a potential breach of national security involving a global tech industry linchpin. The chipmaker to Nvidia Corp. reported a number of former and current staff to authorities on suspicion they illegally obtained core technology. A total of six people were arrested, with two posting bail and one released afterwards, said Taiwan High Prosecutors Office spokesman John Nieh. Prosecutors searched the homes of some staff between July 25 and July 28, the agency said in a statement. Its now trying to find out if data had been leaked to other parties. TSMC is the worlds most advanced maker of semiconductors, from Nvidia AI accelerators to Apple Inc. iPhone processors. The case coincides with a quickening race by the likes of Meta Platforms Inc. and DeepSeek to develop artificial intelligence in the post-ChatGPT era, which requires billions of dollars in servers and datacenters. On Tuesday, the Nikkei reported that TSMC fired several employees suspected of trying to obtain critical information on 2-nanometer chip development. That next-generation semiconductor process is entering mass production in the second half of this year. Local investigators also searched the Taiwanese premises of Japanese supplier Tokyo Electron Ltd., the Financial Times reported. Company representatives declined to comment. TSMC has taken disciplinary action against personnel involved and initiated legal proceedings, the company said in a statement without elaborating. It conducted an internal investigation and identified the issue early, the firm added in its statement. The case shines a spotlight on TSMC, one of the companies at the heart of the global infrastructure boom. Investment in chipmaking development is at an all-time high, as TSMC and closest rival Samsung Electronics Co. set aside more than $30 billion in annual capital expenditures, while US and Chinese companies vie to develop the most advanced technology. Chinas progress has stalled several generations behind TSMC, with Huawei Technologies Co. and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. now fabricating silicon at 7nm. In the US, Intel Corp. is at a more advanced stage. --With assistance from Mayumi Negishi, Peter Elstrom and Takashi Mochizuki. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Tata Consultancy Services Ltd has hired a US-based firm to deal with its third-party staffing vendors as Indias largest IT services provider boosts transparency in its recruitment processes. Pontoon Solutions, a managed services provider, will become a bridge between TCS and its two-dozen-plus vendors, ensuring that they do not have direct contact with the IT giants resource management group (RMG), a team of employees involved in hiring and placing candidates from staffing firms on contract. We were informed two months ago that we will now have to work with Pontoon Solutions. Until now, we interacted with TCS directly; there used to be quarterly interactions where RMGs and TCS employees from HR teams were there. We discussed our grievances, and they updated us on their latest needs and changes in hiring mandates. Now that will stop," said a senior executive at one of the staffing vendors for TCS. Also Read | TCS responds after employee filmed sleeping outside Pune office over wages TCSs hiring mandates will be uploaded to Pontoons platform. Once the vendors submit their candidates profiles against these openings, Pontoon will conduct the first level of screening, and TCS will take the final call. Pontoon is a unit of staffing firm Adecco. TCS and Pontoon did not respond to Mints queries sent on Saturday. Industry executives aware of the matter have told Mint that over the past few years, TCS has become stringent about its recruitment methods. Vendors are no longer allowed to contact company officials for any queries regarding their mandates. Instead, the mandates are posted on a portal, and vendors are required to feed the resumes. But these portals were managed by TCS. Now that changes as well. The IT giants resource management group tracks vacancies and deploys candidates in different profiles based on their skills. The RMGs importance is slowly getting phased out. This will ensure complete transparency, but not all vendors will be on board with this change," said a second TCS staffing vendor. Also Read | TCS layoffs show job cuts don't always cheer the stock market Hiring through Pontoon and staffing firms will make up 8-10% of TCSs recruitment. Contract staffers are hired for six months to a year and are on the payrolls of the vendor. The company hires for full-time positions from campuses and through its HR team. TCS also works with headhunters to fill C-suite vacancies. In the June quarter, TCS recruited 5,090 employees, bringing its total to 613,069. Mint could not ascertain independently if other IT firms have done away with or are in the process of establishing a similar process for vendors will work via a single managed service provider. Allegis Global Solutions, KellyOCG, TAPFIN are some of Pontoon's rivals. Service fee hurdle TCSs vendors have another concern. Mint has learnt that the hiring agents may have to pay a 2% service fee to Pontoon if the candidate gets shortlisted. TCS uses three rate slabs for its hiring vendors, and the billing amount can range between 30,000 and 100,000 for every employee placed on contract, depending on the profile, its uniqueness and talent scarcity. We have asked TCS to respond on the fee structure. Vendors who have worked with the IT firm for decades are upset that they will now have to work via a third party," said a senior executive working with a Bengaluru-based hiring firm. In a series of meetings held a couple of months ago, TCS had urged its third-party vendors to raise their game, and promised a sweetener to help them step up. The changes in how TCS deals with staffing vendors come when the Mumbai-based IT firms revenue declined 0.59% sequentially to $7.42 billion in the June quarter. This drop was on account of slow business from India, which drove much of its revenue last year. A contributing factor was the slowdown in foreign markets as companies across the world navigate macroeconomic uncertainty because of geopolitical tensions and a trade war started by US President Donald Trump. TCS was the slowest performer last quarter among the top five homegrown IT outsourcers, including Infosys Ltd, HCL Technologies Ltd, Wipro Ltd, and Tech Mahindra Ltd. TCS has also decided to lay off about 12,200 or 2% employees this year, citing global uncertainty and AI-related disruption. President Donald Trump accused two of the nations largest banks of rejecting his business, following a report his administration was preparing an executive order threatening financial institutions who refused to do business on ideological grounds. The banks discriminated against me very badly, Trump said in an interview Tuesday with CNBC. Trump said he had been informed by my people that JPMorgan Chase & Co. had asked him to close accounts he held for decades within 20 days, and that Bank of America Corp. declined his attempt to deposit more than $1 billion with their company. I ended up going to small banks all over the place, Trump said. The president added that he believed banking regulators during the Biden administration had been ordered to do everything you can to destroy Trump, and thats what they did. Banks are not afraid of anything but a regulator their regulators and their wives, Trump said. He was asked about a Wall Street Journal report that his administration was drafting an order that would direct bank regulators to investigate whether any financial institutions might have violated federal laws in closing certain accounts. Both JPMorgan and Bank of America have previously denied rejecting business on ideological grounds. We dont close accounts for political reasons, and we agree with President Trump that regulatory change is desperately needed, a JPMorgan spokesperson said in a statement. We commend the White House for addressing this issue and look forward to working with them to get this right. Representatives for Bank of America didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The heart of the problem is regulatory overreach and supervisory discretion, a Bank Policy Institute spokesperson said Tuesday. The banking agencies have already taken steps to address issues like reputational risk, and were hopeful that any forthcoming executive order will reinforce this progress by directing regulators to confront the flawed regulatory framework that gave rise to these concerns in the first place. Federal banking regulators have said theyll remove reputation risk from their bank exams, aiming to eliminate a factor that lenders have blamed for forcing them to exit some client relationships. Conservatives have complained that major Wall Street firms have debanked gunmakers, fossil-fuel companies, religious groups and cryptocurrency firms. Trump aired that complaint to Bank of America Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan directly during a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year. We serve more than 70 million clients and we welcome conservatives. We are required to follow extensive government rules and regulations that sometimes result in decisions to exit client relationships, a representative for Bank of America said in an emailed statement at the time. We never close accounts for political reasons and dont have a political litmus test. Bank of America, the second-largest US bank, had restricted lending to companies that make assault-style guns used for non-military purposes, following shootings at a high school in Florida early in 2018. Citigroup Inc. also announced its own set of restrictions for clients selling guns that year. In June, Citigroup ended a seven-year policy that placed restrictions on firearms sales by its retail sector clients, citing recent legislative developments and concerns over access to banking services. The Trump Organization sued Capital One Financial Corp. in March, accusing it of closing hundreds of the real estate companys accounts in 2021 for political reasons. The presidents company claims the bank ended the decades-old relationship simply because Capital One believed that the political views at the time favored doing so. In a setback for Trumps company, a federal judge in July granted Capital Ones request to delay the exchange of evidence in the case until after the banks motion to dismiss is resolved. Capital One argues its agreements with the Trump Organization allowed it to close its accounts for any reason and that it gave the business plenty of advanced notice. The bank also says Trumps company has failed to provide any evidence that the accounts were closed for political purposes. Earlier this year JPMorgan Chase & Co.s Jamie Dimon on Capitol Hill offered his support to a restructuring of US financial regulators. Bank of America went on to loosen its gun restrictions and made similar changes to its energy-lending policies, including dropping a blanket ban on financing for Arctic drilling, according to an environmental and social risk policy from late 2023. The issue of debanking customers has come up outside of the US as well. In the UK, it prompted an outcry a few years ago, when right-wing politician Nigel Farage who now leads the Reform UK party revealed NatWest Group Plcs upmarket Coutts unit had closed his account, saying his political views were a factor in that decision. The subsequent row led to the resignation of the bosses of NatWest and Coutts, while Farage had vowed to campaign for others who were been debanked on questionable grounds. A preliminary review by the UKs Financial Conduct Authority found no evidence that banks were dropping customers for their political opinion. With assistance from Katherine Doherty, Hannah Levitt and Erik Larson. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- The UKs Financial Conduct Authority fined Neil Woodford, the once-renowned investment manager, and his fund empire a total of 46 million ($61.1 million) over shortcomings in the lead up to the funds collapse. Woodford himself was fined 5.88 million, one of the largest ever individual penalties, and banned from holding senior manager roles in the industry and managing funds for retail investors, according to a statement on Tuesday. Woodford Investment Management received a fine of 40 million. Both Woodford and the company are challenging the decision in the Upper Tribunal. Woodford Investment Management imploded in June 2019 in one of Londons most dramatic collapses in recent years, trapping thousands of retail investors and around 3.7 billion in assets. Woodford now offers a subscription service to his investment strategies, Woodford Views, via a United Arab Emirates-registered firm called W Four Point Zero FZE LLC. The FCA found that in the months before the collapse, both WIM and Woodford made unreasonable and inappropriate investment decisions regarding the Woodford Equity Income Fund by selling a disproportionate amount of liquid investments and buying less liquid ones. This meant that at the time of suspension only 8% of the investments held by WEIF could be sold within seven days, the FCA said in the statement. Mr. Woodfords and WIMs failings led to a significantly increased risk of the fund being suspended. The City of London watchdog previously found that Woodford failed to ensure that the fund had a reasonable and appropriate approach to liquidity when making investment decisions, even in the face of ongoing redemptions and fund outflows. The FCA also censured the funds administrator Link Fund Solutions. It has since overseen a 230 million compensation program. The enforcement action does not reflect a balanced assessment of evidence, Woodford Investment Management said in a statement. Neil Woodford and WIM have great sympathy for their investors who were impacted by the suspension, and who suffered financial loss when the Fund was liquidated. WIM said FCA officials were fully sighted on the funds liquidity and gave no indication that they considered the management of the liquidity to be inappropriate or unreasonable. (Updates with comment from Woodford in seventh paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- A VC firm called Forward Deployed Venture Capital has raised a $45 million defense and security fund from some of Silicon Valleys newly wealthy winning checks from 150 current and former employees of tech companies like Palantir Technologies Inc., Space Exploration Technologies Corp. and Anduril Industries Inc. The three-year-old firm, started by general partner Mark Scianna, also pulled in backing from institutional sources like Bain Capital Ventures for the $45 million fund. But Scianna, a former Palantir staffer, did much of his fundraising from individuals and former colleagues. It certainly helps that my friends are 10x richer now, Scianna said. Palantirs stock price has soared in recent years. Scianna said he did fundraising during hobbit happy hours, the nickname for cocktail parties with members of Palantirs alumni network in Palo Alto, California; New York; and Washington. Scianna named the firm after his former job at the company as a forward deployed engineer. He worked on building software products for the US Army and Marines in Iraq and Africa for more than a decade before leaving the company in 2019. We want to be the first call for startups working in defense, industrials and other critical industries, he said. Caroline Toch Docal, head of Bain Capital Ventures emerging manager program, said Sciannas experience was appealing. His background aligns with the markets he invests in, his investing track record is strong, and he has a proven ability to build trust with discerning founders, she said. The current climate hasnt been easy for small VC firms trying to raise money. Emerging managers faced existential pressures last year, according to the National Venture Capital Association, raising fewer funds and less overall capital than any time in the last decade. At the same time, though, venture funding for defense startups has been on the rise, as more VCs chase startups building drones and other national security technology. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Amit Bansal, the recently terminated chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Research and Technology India Pvt. Ltd (SCRTIPLknown as Solv), has approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) seeking insolvency proceedings against his former employer. Bansal has alleged non-payment of dues and wrongful termination in his filing under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. He has sought 1.05 crore in unpaid and statutory duesincluding 12.4 lakh in salary up to his termination date, three months notice period pay of 54.9 lakh, and encashment of 45 days unavailed leave of 38 lakh. Bansal has also sought compensation for 832,330.5 vested employee stock options (ESOPs), valued at 24.9 crore, alleging these were lawfully earned but wrongfully denied or forfeited" by Solv. His total claim aggregates to 25.95 crore. Bansal insisted that Solv acknowledged liability for due salary, notice, and leave encashment in correspondence but failed to pay, while wrongfully" denying his vested ESOPs without justification. The NCLT will assess whether Bansals claims are recognized as operational debt" under the IBC and if any default on payment justifies insolvency proceedings. Admission of the case could subject Solv to a court-supervised resolution, potentially altering management or asset ownership. India and the US are working on a landmark deal that would open up each country's defence purchase market to the other, marking a significant step forward in their strategic relationship, two people aware of the development said. The Reciprocal Defence Procurement Agreement (RDPA), if finalized, would give Indian companies direct access to the world's largest defence market worth $850 billion, and enable their American counterparts to tap into India's manufacturing and technology sector. This would also make India the 29th signatory to the US framework, and the only Asian signatory after Japan. An official announcement is likely within a year, but it would also depend on factors including the ongoing trade negotiations with the US, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. In light of the current geopolitical environment, especially after Operation Sindoor, India sped up talks with the US for a full-fledged RDPA. The rationale has been that while there have been many interim agreements opening up the two markets for strategic technologies, most of them still require approvals from the US Department of Defence, as well as other paperwork under foreign affairs, export and import controls, and so on. Both nations recognize the need for an RDPA, and talks are now closing in at the final stage," one of the two people said. Also Read | Multibagger defence stock Apollo Micro Systems rises after Q1 results 2025 Smoother process An RDPA will enable Indian makers of defence components and technologies such as spy satellites to sell directly to the US. Companies can choose to partner closely with US entities, without needing express approvals of the two governments, currently a cumbersome affair. Talks for an RDPA happen in the backdrop of recent American tariffs on Indian goods, and ongoing talks for a bilateral trade agreement. Experts said that with the RDPA in place, Indias defence firms, which exported a record 23,622 crore of goods in FY25, are likely to see a major fillip. For India, even with the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) signed in August last year, the current agreements and bureaucratic deals have kept multiple roadblocks in place. For the US, India has so far been a Soviet-heavy defence marketgetting access to it will be key as in the current geopolitics, India is a crucial ally for the US in the East," said Vivek Mishra, deputy director for strategic studies at global think-tank, Observer Research Foundation. Think of this as a deal that would give India a massive defence manufacturing market from the US to cater to, via partnerships signed under the ambit of the RDPA. Doing so is crucial for both countries right now, and has for long been the logical step forward for the ties of the two nations," Mishra added. Queries sent to the holding companies of Kalyani Strategic Systems and Alpha Design Technologies, as well as the Mahindra Group and Indian-American space-tech startup Pixxel remained unanswered. An email sent to the Ministry of Defence also did not receive responses. Explaining how the deal would work, the second official cited above said, The current International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) rules are a Department of State affair in the US, which seeks to control access of US technology in foreign nations. The Strategic Trade Authorization, meanwhile, comes under the Department of Commerceand establishes export control to prevent access of technology outside of the US. RDPA, under the US Department of Defence, will primarily establish the ability for Indian defence entities to view and apply for US defence tenders, and vice-versa." Building on ITAR The deal will build on existing Indo-US agreements in defence and technology, such as the joint initiatives announced by prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump, during the formers US visit in February. These include a review of the existing ITAR, which industry experts said is still a bureaucratic and restrictive process. The leaders announced plans to sign this year a new ten-year Framework for the US-India major defence partnership in the 21st century (and) determined that the US would expand defence sales and co-production with India to strengthen interoperability and defence industrial cooperation," a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said on 13 February. Bharat Forges Kalyani Strategic Systems, the Adani groups Alpha Design Technologies, Centum Electronics and others currently rely on ITAR clearances to supply defence technologies to US entities. Some examples include Kalyanis artillery cannons deal with AM Design, and Mahindra Groups partnership with Anduril for autonomous marine systems, both announced in February this year. "This would be a massive push for the Indian defence market, which is currently worth around $80 billion. The US, meanwhile, has an $850-billion defence market. India's aspiration is to scale up its defence exports to $6 billion by 2030. Even if Indian private firms can capture 1% of the US market, this represents a massive business opportunity for them," the second official added. ORF's Mishra also said that for India, the US is the biggest target market. "We do have a bilateral defence agreement with France, but not with the UK. This means that the US is a one-of-a-kind target for Indian private firms, and an RDPA will majorly boost the domestic market," he added. Also Read | China is choking supply of critical minerals to Western defence companies Streamlining The lack of a streamlined process has pushed startups, such as Bengaluru-born Pixxel and Digantara, to set up independent US entities to pursue defence contracts with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) in the US. The process, however, has meant that defence supply deals remain far and few in nature. The RDP Agreement would assist the Indian companies to develop internationally acceptable standards and certifications in order to access the massive US defence market, which will in turn also increase their competitiveness and acceptability in other defence markets," said Shailender Arya, senior advisor, defence and national security at global policy advocacy firm, The Asia Group. Amid global trade turbulence, three of Indias key industrial statesGujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradeshposted strong export performances in 2024-25, signalling a deepening resilience and diversification in the countrys outbound trade, said a report. Gujarat retained its position as the countrys top exporting state for the fifth straight year, with outbound shipments totalling 9.83 trillion, or 26.6% of Indias overall exports, said the report released by the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) on Tuesday. While exports dipped slightly from the previous year, the report noted the states continued dominance across a broad range of sectors, led by traditional strengths and new growth areas. The US, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates remained Gujarats top markets, while newer sectors such as aerospace and shipbuilding registered triple-digit growth, signalling a strategic shift toward high-value, innovation-driven exports, it added. Uttar Pradesh climbed to the fifth spot among Indian exporting states, notching a record 1.86 trillion in overseas shipments. The growth, the FIEO noted, was both deep and wide, cutting across electronics, garments, handicrafts, and emerging sectors such as aerospace and silk. The report highlighted Gautam Buddha Nagar, home to electronics and software manufacturing clusters, as the states export engine, contributing more than half of the total. Government initiatives like one district one product (ODOP) were credited for supporting both modern industrial hubs and traditional artisan economies. The US, UK, and Germany emerged as the states leading export destinations. Madhya Pradesh, meanwhile, posted its highest-ever exports at 66,218 crore, rising to 11th place nationally, its best ranking to date. Pharmaceutical products, engineering goods, and agricultural exports, particularly soybean-based animal feed, powered the surge. Indore and Dhar emerged as key districts, supported by robust industrial ecosystems and expanding special economic zones. The report also flagged strong performances in rubber, starch, and textiles, indicating a broadening export portfolio. Also Read | The India-UK economic pact gives our digital trade the enablers it needed The US, Bangladesh, and France ranked among the states largest markets. Evolving export geography The current analysis by the FIEO covers Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, with a broader review of other major exporting states expected in the coming days. The FIEO said the gains by these states underscored Indias evolving export geography, marked by a growing role for interior regions and a shift toward diversified, innovation-led trade growth. To be sure, Indias merchandise trade deficit widened to $282.8 billion in 2024-25, as imports rose to $720.24 billion while exports held steady at $437.42 billion. In comparison, the trade gap stood at $241.14 billion in 2023-24, with exports at $437.07 billion and imports at $678.22 billion. The FIEO report, based on data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), ranks Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh among Indias top exporting states in 2024-25. This distribution reflects not only the industrial strength of coastal and urban Gujarat but also the growing role of interior districts in value-added exports, it said. India is finalizing plans to develop a modern deepsea fishing fleet to serve twin objectives: expanding the area for boats to find catch by more than threefold, and also curbing illegal and unregulated fishing, according to an official from fishery ministry who wish not to be quoted. The ministry will release a framework to sustainably harness fish from the countrys exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the high seas, stretching up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, the official said. At present, most Indian fishing activity is concentrated within 4060 nautical miles, leaving nearly twothirds of the zone untapped. Also Read | A new natural gas project off Senegal makes fishing communities feel threatened India is the largest fish-producing country after China, with about 8% share in the global output. The country saw a record production of 18.402 million tonnes in 2023-24. India is also one of the top seafood producers and exporting nations, with a total export value of 60,524 crore in FY24. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, every country has equal rights to fish in the high seas. India also aims to tap these resources to boost its exports with better returns, said the ministry official. Chinas deep-sea fishing operations are among the largest in the world. Its fleet operates in international waters and the EEZs of developing nations, catching millions of tonnes of fish annually, which not only supports its seafood export industry but also helps meet its domestic demand. However, some of the Chinese vessels are reportedly equipped with advanced surveillance and communication equipment, raising suspicions about their use in intelligence gathering. Also Read | Sri Lanka apprehends 7 Indian fishermen for allegedly crossing maritime border The official quoted earlier said Indias proposed framework would provide guidelines for fishing activities in deep-sea areas and support fishing vessels with new indigenous technology. Indian operators shall be permitted to operate fishing vessels in the high seas under charter, lease, or joint venture arrangements, subject to compliance, according the official. An email sent to the ministry of fisheries on 1 August remained unanswered. Our fishermen are going only up to 12 nautical miles territorial waters and a little bitfurther. To go beyond, we need to have a bigger vessel with storage facilities, as you need tonnes of storage. So the need of the hour is big fishing vessels also with the required technology," said M. Ravichandran, secretary, ministry of earth sciences. In the Union Budget 2025-26, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that to unlock the untapped potential of the marine sector, the government will bring in an enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from Indian exclusive economic zone and high seas, with special focus on the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Also Read | From guns to gills: How fish farming is transforming former Naxalites in Jharkhand "...the framework will offer larger avenues and good sources of fish to fishermen and the exporters," said K.N. Raghavan, secretary general, Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI). Countries like China, the US and Taiwan have already ventured into deep-sea fishing and are making fortunes." However, according to Raghavan, since deep-sea fishing involves large vessels, the concerns of small fishermen should be addressed. "There has been a lot of anxiety among fishermen that once deep-sea fishing starts, their interests will be jeopardized," he said. So the need of the hour is to educate them and their concerns should be addressed." Last month, when Union junior finance minister Pankaj Chaudhary shared state-wise data on per capita incomes in Parliament, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu attributed their high numbers to their good governance. The data for 2024-25 is available only for 16 out of 28 states. But the 2023-24 data, which is available for all states, too, shows these two southern states among Indias most prosperous. However, it is Gujarat that takes the cake among the large states. Gujarats per capita net state domestic product (NSDP)a rough indicator for average income earned per personwas 1.96 lakh in 2023-24. It was followed by Karnataka at 1.92 lakh, Haryana at 1.83 lakh, and Tamil Nadu at 1.80 lakh. (These figures are at 2011-12 prices, which means they shouldnt be compared against the current level of prices and incomes. Using such constant prices helps assess actual growth in incomes over time. For comparison, Indias overall per capita income in 2023-24 was 1.09 lakh at 2011-12 prices, but 1.89 lakh at FY24s prices.) The overall picture for India reveals a more prosperous West and South, with some states in the North, such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, also doing relatively well. Robust performance of industrial, services, and information technology sectors helped southern and western states maintain their economic dominance, while the agriculture sector helped states like Punjab and Haryana. Meanwhile, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh remain among the poorest states even decades after they earned the colloquial acronym of BIMARU (sickly). Growth trajectory When it comes to overall contribution to Indias economic output, Maharashtra has historically topped the list, with a roughly 13% share in GDP. Thats far ahead of Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which contribute 8-9% each. However, at least for the past decade, Maharashtra has lagged other large, high-output states when it comes to growth in average income earned per person. Gujarat has maintained a solid lead since 2011-12 in per capita NSDP, followed by Karnataka. Tamil Nadu has made remarkable progress in recent years, surpassing Haryana and narrowing the gap with Telangana. Among the poorest states, Bihar remains a significant underperformer. Starting from an already low per capita NSDP, Indias third-most populous state has seen a slow pace of income increase since 2011-12, keeping it at the bottom. Bihars per capita income has clocked only a 3.3% annual growth rate on average in the past 12 years. At 32,227 in 2023-24, people in Bihar earned less than a fifth of what those in Gujarat earned, and about three-fourths of what people in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh earned. Madhya Pradesh, on the other hand, has displayed decent growth in the past decade. Its average per capita NSDP surged from 38,497 in 2011-12 to 67,300 in 2023-24, recording an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. This pace was even faster than that of richer statesMaharashtra (4.3% annual growth) and Haryana (4.6%). Bifurcation blues Bihar has historically been Indias poorest state, at least since 1960. Its ill fate was further sealed when mineral-rich Jharkhand was carved out of it in 2000. Bihar has failed to recover meaningfully from the hit so far. Undivided Bihars relative per capita income dropped from 0.7 times the national income in 1960-61 to 0.31 times in 2000-01, showed an analysis by Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), along with joint director Aakanksha Arora. Jharkhand, on the other hand, had a relative per capita income of 0.52-0.64 times the national income. To be sure, such bifurcations have had a similar impact on other states, too, with older states losing and newer and smaller states gaining an edge. In 2023-24, Telanganas relative per capita income at 1.94 times the national income was much higher than Andhra Pradeshs 1.32 times. Similarly, Uttarakhands income was 1.41 times the all-India level, compared with a ratio of 0.51 times for Uttar Pradesh. For Chhattisgarh, the ratio stands at 0.8 times, compared with 0.77 times for Madhya Pradesh, data from the analysis by Sanyal and Arora showed. However, Madhya Pradeshs better track record in recent years has helped it recoup from the bifurcation: its relative income was at 60-65% in 2000-01 and 2010-11. The states trajectory offers a lesson on how a state, despite being heavily dependent on agriculture, can improve its position. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha took part in the opening ceremony of the National Day of Ukraine at EXPO 2025 in Japan and noted the deep historical unity of the Ukrainian and Japanese peoples. As reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with reference to Sybiha, Ukraine counts on a leadership role in post-war reconstruction and reconstruction. He emphasized that the Ukrainian state highly appreciates Japan's assistance in demining territories and holding a Conference on Mine Action in Ukraine in October this year in Tokyo. "We count on Japan's leadership role in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Japanese technology is already restoring life where Russia brought war. Ukraine is a country of opportunities and a future member of the EU," the minister said. Sybiha expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan for the assistance provided in the amount of $15 billion and the introduction of 27 packages of sanctions, as well as to the International Cooperation Agency JICA, the NEXI agency and the JETRO organization. Sybiha said that only force can force Russia to peace and in this context Ukraine is able to protect the world from Russian aggression provided that parity in military capabilities is achieved with Russia. "Ukraine is determined to achieve a just and sustainable peace this year," the minister said. According to the head of the foreign ministry, Japan is one of the three countries with which a strategic partnership was established during the war. The unconditional foundation of bilateral relations is respect for international law, in particular for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries. The minister recalled that in October 2022, the President of Ukraine issued a Decree by which our state confirmed its commitment to the sovereignty of Japan, including its Northern Territories occupied by Russia. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the security of Ukraine and the Asia-Pacific region is indivisible. The main subject of the EXPO2025 exhibition in Japan is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." More than 160 countries are participating in the exhibition, demonstrating their own innovative achievements, as well as seven international organizations. The concept of Ukraine's exposition at the exhibition focuses on the subject "Values of the Future: Actions Over Declarations" and is designed to demonstrate to the world the values that Ukraine upholds, primarily sustainability, humanity, freedom of choice, humanism, upholding the rights and freedoms of citizens, innovation and involvement. The national section of Ukraine is called "Not For Sale" and is presented in the form of a store, which exhibits 18 items "not for sale." Each "product" presented on the shelves "tells" its own story about values that are not measured in money. South Korean actor Jung Woo-sung has become the focus of public attention after reports emerged claiming he has quietly registered his marriage. According to a media outlets August 5 report, Jung is said to have tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend and shared the news privately with close acquaintances. Reportedly, the woman is not a public figure, and the couple has been in a relationship for over a decade. Their bond was well known among friends, and they were often seen on double dates with actor Lee Jung-jaeJungs close friendand Lim Se-ryung, the vice chair of Daesang Group. Following the news, Jung Woo-sungs agency, Artist Company, issued a statement urging the public to respect the actors personal life. We cannot make an official statement regarding reports about actor Jung Woo Sung as they involve his private life. We ask that people refrain from excessive attention and speculation. When Woo-sung fathered a child with supermodel Moon Gabi This isnt the first time Jungs private life has stirred media interest. In November last year, his agency confirmed that Jung is the father of a child born to model Moon Gabi. At the time, the actor took full responsibility, with the statement affirming that he would be actively involved in raising the child. Jung Woo-sung's work front Despite the recent personal developments, Jung Woo-sung is expected to return to the screen later this year. He is set to star in the upcoming Disney+ series Made in Korea, marking his much-anticipated comeback in the second half of 2025. Tiffany N. Lewis was worried she was being duped. A potential client had reached out about working with her digital marketing agency on a pro-bono basis, but his message went straight to spam. Then he blew off several scheduled meetings with Lewis. Was he a fraud? When the client asked her to meet again, Lewis added him to a call she was already on with her assistant. Before he joined, Lewis joked: Is he, like, a Nigerian prince?" Despite the scammy red flags, he turned out to be a legitimate person. Lewis was relieveduntil she realized her new client had received a full summary of the call in his inbox, including her Nigerian prince" remark. She was running an AI notetaker the whole time. I was very lucky that the person I was working with had a good sense of humor," said Lewis, who lives in Stow, Ohio. AI is listening in on your work meetingsincluding the parts you dont want anyone to hear. Before attendees file in, or when one colleague asks another to hang back to discuss a separate matter, AI notetakers may pick up on the small talk and private discussions meant for a select audience, then blast direct quotes to everyone in the meeting. Nicole and Tim Delger run a Nashville branding firm called Studio Delger. After one business meeting late last year, the couple received a summary from Zooms AI assistant that was decidedly not work-related. Zoom AI documented a private conversion between Nicole and Tim Delger, who run a branding firm. Studio discussed the possibility of getting sandwich ingredients from Publix," one bullet point said. Another key takeaway: Dont like soup." Their client never showed up to the meeting, and the studio had spent the time talking about what to make for lunch. That was the first time it had caught a private conversation," Nicole said. Fortunately the summary didnt go to the client. Andrea Serra, an account-strategy coordinator at a communications agency, has experienced this firsthand. In one transcript, an AI notetaker caught her describing her frustration with the new Whole Foods in her neighborhood; though shed set her preferences so that notes go to the host only, she shared the email with two other people on the call for laughs. Another meeting recap featured bullets of her discussing almost burning down her kitchen trying to make a new sweet potato recipe. Itll be like all of our action steps, all the strategy we discussed during the meeting, and then randomly in there, something about our personal lives that we had talked about last week and wanted to catch up on this week as well," Serra said. Just one little sentence as a surprise in there." Though her boss, Debora Lima, had hoped the AI summaries would reduce work for the team, shes still waiting for the technology to improve. Meanwhile, she and her colleagues have embraced them as comic relief. As she was looking over notes from a meeting she recently hosted, she noticed the phrase hey cutie pie" in the transcript. Lima said there should be a companywide Slack channel to archive the funniest examples. Notetakers can do a variety of tasks from recording and transcribing calls, generating action items for teams and recapping whats already been said to anyone joining late. Many signal to attendees that a meeting is being recorded and transcribed. A demo of what Googles AI notetaker looks like during a meeting. Zooms AI Companion, which generated more than 7.2 million meeting summaries by the end of January 2024, flashes a dialogue box at the top of the screen to let participants know when its turned on. As long as its active, an AI Companion diamond icon continues to flash in the top right hand corner of the meeting. People can also ask the host to stop using the AI companion. We want users to feel theyre really in control," said Smita Hashim, chief product officer at Zoom. Googles AI notetaker functions similarly, where only meeting hosts or employees of the host organization have the ability to turn it on or off. When its on, people will see a notification and hear an audio cue, and a blue pencil icon will appear in the top right corner. We put a lot of care into making sure meeting participants know exactly if and when AI tools in Meet are being used," said Awaneesh Verma, senior director of product management and real time communications at Google Workspace. The automatic summaries can be informative and timesaving, or unintentionally hilarious. Kelsey Ogletree, chief executive of a tech platform for media professionals, received a Zoom AI summary titled Montys Messy Morning," describing how her dog, Monty, ate leftover food on the counter and threw up in the house. It went on to say that Kelsey was disgusted by the incident and considered washing Montys head with Dawn dish soap." It was a conversation between her and her husband, whos also her business partner. (And Monty is a cat, not a dog.) John Barentine, an astronomer and consultant in Tucson, Ariz., doesnt use AI notetakers but has been on plenty of calls with them. He was most recently surprised by the AI summary of one call that was sent to him, summarizing the small talk at the beginning of the call. It said: John Barentine humorously notes that there is a lethal dose of water for humans." Barentine said he was discussing the devastating Texas floods with a client; the AI had completely misunderstood the context. He says hes now more likely to use the private chat feature in meetings instead of saying something aloud while AI is listening. At least I know that if I make a remark to somebody privately for now, thats not being swept up by the AI notetaker," he said. Write to Ann-Marie Alcantara at ann-marie.alcantara@wsj.com NEW DELHIIndia is digging in its heels and resisting pressure from the U.S. to curb purchases of Russian oil, despite threats by President Trump to retaliate by imposing higher tariffs on India. Last week, Trump said he would place a 25% tariff on Indian imports to the U.S. in retaliation for Indias large-scale purchases of cheap Russian oil. Then, on Monday, the president said he would be substantially raising tariffs on Indian goodson top of the 25% dutybecause of the massive amounts of Russian oil that India buys. India has nonetheless refused to back down and has suggested that it intends to continue to buy Russian oil. Political experts said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is calculating that Trump will decide that ties between the two countries are ultimately too critical to jeopardize in a trade spat. Many Indian experts believe that Trump is spotlighting the issue to gain short-term leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with New Delhiand that he will drop it once a deal is signed. In recent years, the U.S. has grudgingly accepted Indias close ties with Russia, despite occasional protests, because New Delhi is considered a crucial partner in countering Chinas growing power. The view is that this is not going to affect the overall relationship, and that we dont have to kowtow, said Sreeram Chaulia, dean at O.P. Jindal Global Universitys School of International Affairs in Sonipat, India. India has taken advantage of discounted oil prices from Russia following Moscows invasion of Ukraine. By late 2024, India accounted for over one-third of Russias oil exports, second only to China at nearly 50%, according to the Observer Research Foundation, an Indian think tank. Before the war, India bought most of its oil from Gulf countries. New Delhi has repeatedly defended its purchases of Russian oil as necessary to support its economy and keep energy prices steady for its huge population. In a Monday statement, Indias Foreign Ministry said that its imports of Russian oil ramped up only after its traditional supplies were diverted to European countries during the Ukraine war. The ministry also accused the U.S. and the EU of operating a double standardcontinuing to trade with Russia while penalizing others for doing the same. The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable, it added. When facing pressure from bigger powers, India has also historically defended its autonomy in foreign policy, Chaulia said. That independent streak surprised many when New Delhi remained neutral on Russias invasion of Ukraine despite a volley of criticism. Over the weekend, Modi vigorously defended Indias right to prioritize its own economic well-being at a time of global uncertainty. Today, the world economy is going through many apprehensions, there is an atmosphere of instability, Modi said in a speech during a Saturday rally in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. In such a situation, the countries of the world are focusing on their respective interests. He urged Indians to boost the economy by buying and selling only homegrown products made by the sweat of an Indian. The White House has rapidly ratcheted up pressure on India as Trump looks for ways to push President Vladimir Putin toward ending the Ukraine war. Trump has vowed to impose tariffs on countries that do business with Moscow, and threatened India with a penalty for continuing to buy Russian goods. Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House and a top aide to Trump, accused India on Sunday of taking advantage of the U.S. on trade and financing the war by buying Russian oil. He also took aim at Indias protectionist policies. India portrays itself as being one of our closest friends in the world, but they dont accept our products. They impose massive tariffs on us, Miller said on Fox News. A sticking point in negotiations is the U.S.s push to open Indias agricultural and dairy markets to foreign products, a politically sensitive issue for Modi. But India could pacify Trump in other ways, experts said, such as agreeing to big investments in the U.S. that will allow him to claim a win. The steep price of the bond could make entering the U.S. prohibitive for some. The State Department may require travelers entering the U.S. from certain countries to post a bond of up to $15,000, a move aimed at deterring foreigners from overstaying their visas. Applicants for business and tourist visas from countries with high overstay rates would provide the funds to the U.S. Treasury and get them back if they exited before their visas expired, according to a notice published Monday outlining the yearlong pilot program. The bond amount of between $5,000 and $15,000 would be determined by a State Department consular officer reviewing a visa application, unless the requirement is waived, according to the announcement in the Federal Register. The program is a key pillar of the Trump Administrations foreign policy to protect the United States from the clear national security threat posed by visa overstays and deficient screening and vetting," the notice said. The steep price of the bond could make entering the U.S. prohibitive for some would-be foreign travelers. The notice doesnt outline which countries would be affected but said the department would announce the covered countries no fewer than 15 days before the Pilot Program takes effect." The requirement wouldnt apply to most European countries as well as South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and other countries whose citizens dont require U.S. visas for temporary visits. A State Department spokesperson didnt respond to a request for comment on the program. Countries with some of the highest visa overstay rates in recent years include Afghanistan, Haiti, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, Sudan and Myanmar, according to a Customs and Border Protection report to Congress last year. The State Department has in the past been reluctant to employ visa bonds because the mechanics of posting, processing and discharging a bond are cumbersome," according to the program announcement. The new program aims to test that notion to inform any future decision concerning the possible use of visa bonds." Write to Robbie Gramer at robbie.gramer@wsj.com The White House is preparing to step up pressure against big banks over perceived discrimination against conservatives and crypto companies with an executive order that threatens to fine lenders that drop customers for political reasons. A draft of the executive order, which was viewed by The Wall Street Journal, directs bank regulators to investigate whether any financial institutions might have violated the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, antitrust laws or consumer financial protection laws. Violators could be subject to monetary penalties, consent decrees or other disciplinary measures, according to the draft. The order could be signed as soon as this week, according to people familiar with the matter. It is possible the order could get delayed or that the administrations plans will change. The draft order doesnt name any specific banks but appears to refer to an instance where Bank of America was accused of shutting down the accounts of a Christian organization operating in Uganda based on the organizations religious beliefs. The bank has said it shut down the accounts because it doesnt serve small businesses operating outside the U.S. The draft order also criticizes the role that some banks played in an investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol. Banks have been on edge about potential action by the Trump administration. The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration was considering an executive order in June. Conservatives for years have accused banks of denying them services on political or religious grounds, and cryptocurrency companies have said they were shut out of banking services under the Biden administration. Banks, for their part, have said their decisions are driven by legal, regulatory or financial risks, including those stemming from the U.S.s anti-money-laundering laws. They have blamed regulatory pressure for prior decisions to largely steer clear of the crypto industry. A Bank of America spokesman said the bank welcomed the administrations efforts to provide regulatory clarity. Weve provided detailed proposals and will continue to work with the administration and Congress to improve the regulatory framework," he said. Over the past several months, banks have moved to head off action by the federal government, meeting with Republican attorneys general and updating their policies to clearly state they dont discriminate on the basis of political affiliation. The draft of the order viewed by the Journal directs regulators to strike any policies they have that might have contributed to banks dropping certain customers. It also directs the Small Business Administration to review the practices of banks that guarantee the agencys loans. Under Trump, banking regulators have said they would stop assessing banks for the so-called reputational risk posed by their customersa practice that banks have cited for their decisions to avoid certain customers or industries. The draft order also calls for regulators to refer potential violations to the attorney general in some cases. The Justice Department in April said it was launching a task force in Virginia, to examine allegations of banks refusing customers access to credit or other services based on impermissible factors." Write to Dylan Tokar at dylan.tokar@wsj.com and Alexander Saeedy at alexander.saeedy@wsj.com Mumbai: Seven in ten Indian consumers are mentally tuning out digital advertisements by skipping, muting, or ignoring them altogether, as fatigue mounts, according to a new India-focused research report. India now ranks third globally in ad fatigue, behind only the US and Australia, according to the report titled The Untapped Opportunity of Omnichannel prepared by The Trade Desk, a US-based tech platform that allows advertisers to buy digital ad space. It is not the volume of ads that's causing this fatigue, but their inability to strike a chord and connect with consumers. Indian users spend nearly nine hours a day across more than five media channels, from OTT and CTV (connected TV) to mobile, display, audio, and gaming, but most ad campaigns still run on fewer than three platforms, often with little coordination. The same creatives are shown repeatedly on one channel, while others remain underused or poorly timed, the report said. This is not a media saturation problem, its a planning problem, Tejinder Gill, managing director, The Trade Desk India, told Mint on the eve of the report release. Most marketers are still executing multichannel campaigns in silos. Omnichannel isnt just about presence across media, its about precision, sequencing and connection. Also read | Advertising sentiment remains subdued during festive quarter The report argues that traditional multichannel campaigns, while broader in reach, often lead to messaging gaps, duplicated exposure, and wasted media spend. In contrast, omnichannel campaigns - those that coordinate media and creative across multiple channels with unified buying and frequency control - are shown to be 2.2 times less fatiguing and 1.5 times more persuasive. When five or more channels are orchestrated together, return on investment (ROI) improves by as much as 77%, and cost per acquisition drops by up to 30%. Two in three Indian consumers say they feel more positive about a brand when they see a consistent message across channels. About 70% are more likely to remember brands that advertise this way. Mindsets, Moments and Media The study introduces a framework called Mindsets, Moments and Media, aimed at helping brands design campaigns aligned with the way consumers move through their day. For example, a podcast during a morning commute might catch a user in a get in the zone mindset. At lunchtime, the same user might be looking to help me decide, and by evening, shift to a develop my interests mindset while watching a cooking show or OTT content. The goal is not just to reach users where they arebut to meet them with messages that match their mental state, context, and channel of choice. One example cited in the report is a campaign by a leading alco-bev brand that used a combination of digital, out-of-home, video, and display ads to reach nightlife-goers. Using behaviour and location data, the brand re-targeted users with creatives tailored to different moments and channels. The campaign led to over two million store visits, and users exposed to all three touchpoints converted 57% faster than those who saw ads on just one. Also read | Indian advertising needs urgent oxygen Digital audio is one of the most underused formats despite high engagement. While 75% of Gen Z streams music and 59% of millennials report increased podcast listening, marketers remain hesitant to allocate meaningful budgets. Yet, 86% of audio listening involves moderate to high attention, and 66% of listeners recall audio ads, according to the report. CTV and OTT adoption is also rising in cities beyond metros. About 72% of Indian users now watch ad-supported streaming content, and 73% say theyve discovered new brands while doing so. Two-thirds trust ads on CTV/OTT platforms, with the younger audiences in particular perceiving them as more premium than social media formats. Despite these behavioural shifts, most marketers are still using fragmented tools and operating within siloed structures. Many media, creative, and data teams work on different timelines and priorities, making it difficult to build consistent, sequenced storytelling across touchpoints, Gill said. He said that the real challenge is not just infrastructure, but mindset. You dont have to overhaul your entire media strategy overnight. Even connecting two platforms and running a small pilot can make a difference. The key is getting teams to collaborate and move toward audience-first planning, not channel-first execution. New Delhi: On Monday, VinFast, a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, a large Vietnamese conglomerate, opened its electric vehicle (EV) plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The pure-play EV maker will use the plant to assemble its vehicles, and is expected to invest 16,000 crore on the facility in phases. VinFast makes everything from e-scooters to e-buses, and will initially use the facility for the Indian market. The company has opened bookings for two of its premium electric SUV models: VF 6 and VF 7. The Thoothukudi plant will also serve as an export hub for the company. Unlike its Indian rivals, VinFast, presumably, will not face any issues on the rare earth magnet front as it will only assemble EVs at the Thoothukudi plant. The company sources its rare earth magnets from South Koreas Star Group Industrial (SGI), according to Reuters. The news agency had reported earlier that SGI is investing in a factory in Vietnam to produce these magnets, specifically for VinFast and Hyundai. Vietnam has the worlds second largest reserves of rare earths. While news of its India debut has been in the ether for a while now, Vinfasts entry is unlikely to see executives at Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, and other Indian EV makers break out the bubbly. Indias EV makers have been on the backfoot because of the rare earth magnet crisis triggered by China, which has put a giant question mark over the future of their assembly lines. The entry of a rival that does not face a rare earth problem is not the sort of news that will set their pulses racing. Putting on a brave face, seasoned leaders across two and four-wheeler companies had a stock response ready when they were asked about the rare earths crisis during their post results call at the end of July: The situation is manageable as of now." TVS director and chief executive officer (CEO) K.N. Radhakrishnan told investors that the company is managing day-to-day operations". Maruti Suzukis Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer of corporate affairs, acknowledged it is a challenge engineers are working to address. The leadership of Mahindra and Hyundai, meanwhile, stressed that the situation had no bearing on the coming months. Thrust into the limelight Although they have been used widely since the 1990s, few people outside the automotive engineering field knew about the critical role rare earths play in propelling automobiles. View Full Image File photo of MP Materials rare earth open-pit mine in Mountain Pass, California, US. (Reuters) It was Japanese giant Toyota that first put rare earth magnet motors on the radar when it introduced its famous Prius model during the 1990s. In an instant, this turned out to be a game-changing technology. Rare earth magnets are critical components in electric vehicles due to their energy efficiency, and compact size, which enable motors to deliver a peak performance. An EVs motor drives it forward by converting electrical energy received from the battery into mechanical energy. Aside from traction motors, these magnets go into everything from power steering systems, to braking systems, to windscreen wiper motors in EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles. The global rare earth magnet market was valued somewhere around $11 billion in 2022. Despite this, for years, the role these magnets played and Indias dependence on China to source them, went unnoticed. Annual reports of companies certainly did not cite them as a key risk that could one day bring production to a grinding halt. That changed in April, when China imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements, retaliating against the 145% tariffs the US had slapped on it. Today, nearly everyone tracking the automobile sector is keenly aware of the role rare earth elements play in keeping EV assembly lines in motion. While the US-China spat escalated the trade war between the two sides, other countries, including India, also bore the brunt. China has the worlds largest reserves and is estimated to control over 90% of global production of rare earth motors. That dominance and outright dependence has put India in an awkward positiongiven that no one of sound mind would describe relations between the two countries as warm. While the US-China spat escalated the trade war between the two sides, other countries, including India, also bore the brunt. China has the worlds largest reserves and is estimated to control over 90% of global production of rare earth motors. Overnight, the curbs threatened to derail the central governments ambitions of making India an electric vehicle manufacturing hub, an aspiration on which it has bet over 60,000 crore through various promotion schemes over the last six years. For Indian EV makers, they pose an existential threat. Companies have started importing full motors or some parts of them. Others are looking to route from European suppliers who have access to Chinese magnets," said an industry executive working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). They have solutions in place right now, but nobody has very clear answers," the person added. Policymakers, auto sector executives, and anxious stock market investorsare now wondering what lies beyond. Mint spoke to automobile manufacturers, industry executives and observers to put together this piece on how the sector is trying to beat the crisis and find sustainable long-term solutions. Back to basics When adversity strikes, the first instinct is to find answers in what was done in the past. And in the past, there were no magnets. There were induction motors. Such motors use a stator and a rotor to produce magnetic field unlike rare earth magnet motors which use magnets to produce the field. Ravi Pandit and his team at KPIT Technologies, a Pune-based engineering research and development team working with auto companies, have been quietly working on improving this old school technology. Usage of induction motors, however, increases the weight of the vehicle as its larger and heavier in size. Thats the biggest challenge. We tested motors extensively, and we have come up with the first one, which is really very appropriate for anything of a public transport nature," said Pandit, chairman and co-founder of the company. Heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses can introduce such technology without having to worry about small additions to the weight of the vehicles, he explained. The company claims to have matched the performance of rare earth magnets. We are now working with various OEMs in the country to do it across the range," said Pandit. Which is, expand adoption of induction motors from two- wheelers to four-wheelers. While some OEMs are ready to trust old technology again, others are putting their faith in their engineers to find a different solution. Rare earth-free magnets Since the crisis began in April, some start-ups and auto component companies have also begun looking to use ferrite magnet motors, which do not use rare earth elements. Ankit Somani, co-founder of Conifer, a ferrite magnet-based motor maker, flew down from California to seek opportunities here. The company has set up a plant in Pune to make such motors. Ferrite is a magnetic material mainly composed of iron oxide and other metal oxides. Ferrite magnet motors are generally weaker than rare-earth magnets. However, we have figured out a way to have better efficiency and performance than rare earth magnets," Somani said. We have developed in-wheel motors that perform much better than the hub motors being used in vehicles right now." With the requirement of power much lower in two-wheelers, the use of ferrite magnet motors is said to be under consideration at most of the top brands making electric scooters and bikes. Among the known names, Ola Electric has taken the lead in introducing rare earth-free motors. During the companys investor call on 14 July, founder Bhavish Aggarwal informed shareholders that development of these motors is at an advanced stage. View Full Image Bhavish Aggarwal, founder, Ola Electric. (Reuters) Our rare earth-free motor is something we started developing more than a year or two back. And some of you who visited our factory a year ago would have seen this. In fact, we were quite transparent about it," Aggarwal said. Then people thought that we were just showing it casually, but now its happening for real," he explained. Going lite While one strand of the industry is working on eliminating rare earths from the motors, others are backing the use of light rare earths, whose supply has not been restricted by China. Rare earths are divided into two categoriesheavy and light. Heavy rare earth magnets are used in electric vehicles which require higher power such as cars and motorcycles. Using light rare earths, such as Cerium and Neodymium, is a quicker solution, say analysts, noting that new motor architecture takes a lot of time to be tested and certified ready for use. Sona Comstar, the countrys eighth largest component maker, has already developed motors using light rare earth and is in the process of testing the new motors. Vivek Vikram Singh, managing director and group chief executive of Sona Comstar, said that light rare earth solutions can be used in the medium term by two- and three-wheeler makers, and even small car manufacturers, as they require less power to run. [But] all these alternative motors would require months of testing and validation with customers before commercial production can begin," Singh said in response to Mints queries. In the short term, there is no alternative to Chinese heavy rare earth element (HREE) magnets, but in the medium term, HREE-free magnets can be used as viable alternatives." Ather co-founder and CEO Tarun Mehta concurs with Singh that the two-wheeler industry can look beyond heavy rare earths and instead use light rare earth magnets. The industry has a way of moving past this. Stop using heavy rare-earth magnets. Unlike cars, trucks, or buses, our industry can build motors without using heavy, rare-earth magnets. We can move towards lighter, rare-earth magnets," Mehta explained. View Full Image File photo of Ather co-founder Tarun Mehta. While there is visibility over solutions for two-wheeler makers, passenger vehicle companies havent given a clear indication on which path they intend to take. Both Maruti and Mahindra hinted that their engineers are working on possible solutions. Industry experts and executives say rare earth magnets will not go out of the picture completely. And until they do, the industry will have to figure out a way to get supplies of this critical component. Short-term headache? Although the challenge to figure out viable solutions has been hard, there are expectations that the industry will have alternate technologies ready in the next two years. With the pace of development of new technologies and investments being put in, the industry will have solutions ready soon. The dependence on rare earths will eventually reduce in the medium term as the development of the alternative methods is quite advanced," said Subhabrata Sengupta, partner at Avalon Consulting. The country is also working on securing alternative supply chains for critical minerals and developing processing capabilities for rare earth magnets. Since 1950, state-run IREL Ltd has been mining rare earths in the country, and since the crisis began, it has gained the spotlight for its efforts to mine rare earths. View Full Image The headquarters of IREL India Ltd, in central Mumbai. (T. Surendar) Indeed, India is attracting international interest on this front. Japanese company Proterial, formerly known as Hitachi Metals, is looking to set up a rare earth magnet plant in India, according to two people aware of the matter. The company wants to source rare earth ores and oxides from within the country and outside to process Neodymium Ferrite Boron (NdFeB) magnets, one of the strongest forms of rare earth permanent magnets. Hindustan Zinc and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) are among the domestic companies that have expressed interest in mining and processing rare earths. On its part, the government is currently finalising details of a 1,345 crore programme to promote the development of rare earth magnets. From mining players to automobile companies, there is a rush to find a solution to the China dependency. While several technologies are showing potential, there will still be questions over their viability until the vehicles they power hit the road and customers embrace them. For any Indian airline going global, the dream has always been London Heathrow. What started as natural traffic to London due to government ties as part of the Commonwealth developed into a status and aura that has been timeless, blending history, culture and opportunity in a way few cities can. As a global hub with deep-rooted ties to India, London offers familiarity through its vibrant Indian diaspora and iconic landmarks. For students and professionals, London's world-class universities and thriving job market provide unmatched prospects. Add to this the city's iconic sights like the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Thames, along with shopping havens like Oxford Street and Harrods, and London becomes not just a destination, but an experience one that feels both global and comfortably Indian. The Indian government allowed private carriers to fly international flights in 2004. Rights to fly long haul were granted in 2005. Jet Airways started flights to London Heathrow in May 2005. The choice of aircraft? Three A340-300s were leased from South African carrier SAA to operate this route. These short-term leases lasted until Jet Airways inducted its own planes, the A330s and B777s, which slowly entered the fleet starting 2007. The airline operated to London Heathrow from Delhi and Mumbai. Air Sahara followed with its only international long-haul flight being the Delhi - London Heathrow route operated by the B767-300ERs, which it leased from United Airlines. Even back in 2005 or 2006, a slot at Heathrow was a prized possession. London Heathrow is one of the few airports that allows grandfather rights on slots, which makes the airline eligible to hold on to the slots, trade them, lease them or sell them. Often seen as a way to raise cash in times of need, London Heathrow slots have thus been in demand not just for traffic but also for valuation. Jet Airways sold its three pairs of slots to Etihad in 2013. Etihad then leased them back to Jet Airways so that Jet Airways could continue operating its scheduled flights to London Heathrow. The slot sale was part of Etihads 24% stake in Jet Airways. The reverse merger to fly to London While Jet Airways and Air Sahara sprang into action to acquire planes and fly to London, Kingfisher was a different story. The flamboyant Vijay Mallya launched the airline and placed orders for widebody aircraft, only to realise that the government was not changing the famous 5 by 20 rule, which mandated airlines to complete five years of operations in domestic skies and have 20 planes before they could fly international. The airline, which started operations in May 2005, took delivery of its first widebody aircraft in June 2008, just three years after its start, but would not have flown internationally due to the prevailing rules. The solution? A reverse merger, which Kingfisher Airlines planned with Air Deccan, Indias first low-cost carrier, which was facing rough weather. Kingfisher Airlines announced a reverse merger with Deccan Aviation, wherein Deccan Aviation became the surviving entity and was later renamed to Kingfisher Airlines Limited. With this, the origin of the company became 2003, thus completing five years of operations in 2008 and being eligible for flying international long-haul services. In September 2008, Kingfisher Airlines launched its first widebody route to London Heathrow from Bengaluru, the hub of the UB Group. Kingfisher Airlines stopped operations to London Heathrow in March 2012, a few months before its eventual collapse, while Jet Airways continued operating to London until its final months, and Air Sahara stopped operations to London Heathrow after being acquired by Jet Airways and subsequently rebranded Jetlite. IndiGo to London Heathrow Indias largest airline, IndiGo, placed an order for 30 A350s last year, which will start deliveries in 2027. The airline, which had leased two B777s from Turkish Airlines to operate to Istanbul, went ahead and progressively leased six B789s from Norse Atlantic. With one already in service, the next five enter between September this year and March 2026. IndiGo announced the launch of flights to London Heathrow on its 19th birthday. While it remains unclear how IndiGo has bagged the slot, it is a coup of sorts since every airline flying to Heathrow and intending to fly has been trying to add slots at Heathrow, and this includes Air India. While the world slot guidelines give preference to a new carrier or a new route, the slot coordinators' report in the public domain shows the slots requested by IndiGo were initially rejected. If you're switching jobs, dont forget to carry forward your health insurance. Most salaried employees in India are covered under a group health policy offered by their employer. While this cover may seem like a safety net, it lapses the moment you leave your jobunless you takeaction. Many employees dont realise they can convert their group health cover into a regular health insurance plan when they leave a company. This provision allows you to retain continuity benefitssuch as the waiting period already served for pre-existing diseases. Heres how it works When you resign, ask your human resources team or insurer for a portability or conversion form. Insurers usually allow you to shift to a similar policy with them, though underwriting andpremium adjustments may apply. As per Irdai (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) rules, Every individual member, including family members covered under an indemnity-based group health insurance policy shall be provided an option of migration at the time of exit from group or in the event of modification of the group policy (including the revision in the premium rates) or withdrawal of the group policy, to an individual health insurance policy or a family floater policy." Remember, this will be the retailplan of the policy with the same insurer. The insurer may offer a policy that is closer to the original group policy, but not exactly the same," said Shilpa Arora, co-founder and chief operating officer at Insurance Samadhan. Although an insurer may accept a migration request even if the employee initiates the process close to their last day in the organization, its better to send the request as early as possible. If you move to another company and migrate the policy from the previous employer to an individual plan, you get to keep both this policy and the new policy issued by the new employer. If the insurer at the new company is the same as at the previous employer, the cover will be treated as a separate policy. View Full Image (Mint Graphics) Benefits of migrating a company insurance cover As mentioned earlier, you can continue with the same waiting-period credit for pre-existing diseases. Pre-existing illnesses are usually covered after three years of waiting period. If there is a switch from the original group policy, the waiting-period credit will continue," Arora said. In other words, the counting of the waiting period will continue from the original policy issuance. This is especially beneficial for older parents who are insured under the group cover, and who might already be diagnosed with certain chronic illnesses," she added. For example, if a parent had disclosed thyroid as a pre-existing disease for a company policy whose tenure has crossed three years, the condition will continue to be covered under the migrated policy. They wont have to wait another three years for their thyroid to be covered under a new policy. Employees typically are not required to declare pre-existing diseases when a group policy is issued, but if they want their parents to be included, the insurer would ask for disclosure of their pre-existing diseases. The other benefit of migrating a corporate insurance policy has to do with the moratorium periodfor pre-existing diseases. The counting of the 5-year moratorium period will continue from the original policy. After 5 years, the insurer cannot reject any claims due to non-disclosures, except in cases of fraud. If you want the cover to continue for self, spouse, and your children, the benefits and waiting-period credit can continue to the extent of the sum assured in the original policy. Ultimately, the final terms and conditions are at the discretion of the insurer," said Nisha Sanghavi, a certified financial planner and director at Promore Fintech. Also Read | Navigating health insurance: Why disclosing medical history is crucial Also Read | Is it time to ditch your health insurance? The dilemma facing senior citizens Jio BlackRock Asset Management has announced the launch of Its first suite of five Index Funds through a New Fund Offering (NFO). The NFO will commence on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and close on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. This marks a pivotal moment in the organisations mission to deliver diversification, cost efficiency, reliability, transparency, and digitally empowered investment solutions to Indian investors, the company said in its release. According to Sid Swaminathan, MD and CEO of JioBlackRock Asset Management, these funds will leverage BlackRocks decades-long experience in the sector and caters to the full range of investors at all stages of their investment journey. Details of the new JioBlackRock index funds on offer: The JioBlackRock Nifty 50 Index Fund, which offers exposure to Indias 50 largest and most traded companies by free float market capitalisation. The JioBlackRock Nifty Next 50 Index Fund, which offer investors the opportunity to invest in the next wave of large-cap leaders. The JioBlackRock Nifty Midcap 150 Index Fund, that captures growth from Indias mid-sized enterprises for investors. The JioBlackRock Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund, that taps into emerging small-cap innovators for investors. And the JioBlackRock Nifty 8-13 year Government Securities (G-Sec) Index Fund, which adds portfolio stability through long-term government bonds. Top things to know: Nation-wide access, availability Who can invest? The company said these index funds offer affordable investment solutions for first-time and experienced investors looking to build or scale their portfolios. Where can you invest from? JioBlackRocks Index Funds are accessible nation-wide through the JioFinance app. Besides this, you can also use the following apps or websites, the company added: Dhan, Groww, INDmoney, Kuvera, Paytm, and Zerodha. You can also use any SEBI approved Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). Jio BlackRock Asset Management is a 50:50 joint venture between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock. The release said that it seeks to combine BlackRock's global investment expertise and leading risk management technology with JFSLs digital reach and knowledge of the local market in India. Photo: https://www.bloomberg.com/ On Tuesday, August 5, Ukraine celebrated the National Day at EXPO 2025 in Japan, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has said. "Today, Ukraine celebrated the National Day at EXPO 2025 in Japan, dedicating it to the subject of gratitude to our international partners. We thank every country, every person who supports Ukraine in the fight for freedom," Svyrydenko said in the Telegram channel. She said she was unable to personally attend the event, but thanked the team for adequately representing the country to the world community. "The EXPO World Exhibition has become an important platform for us, where Ukraine appears before the world not only as a country that defends its sovereignty, but also as a nation that upholds the values of dignity, freedom and resilience. And here it is clearly felt that we are not alone in our struggle. We express our gratitude to the Japanese government for the opportunity to be represented here so loudly and to every country that continues to support us in the fight against the enemy. We are ready to continue to work together and build partnerships for the sake of peace, recovery and the future," the prime minister said. Metal and auto stocks led the gains, with Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motor rallying after posting strong results. However, IT stocks witnessed a pullback rally despite concerns over U.S.-India trade tensions and the global revenue outlook. Broader market indices saw modest gains, though sectoral breadth was mixed. Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India: Buy: Solar Industries India Ltd.(current price: 14,366) Why its recommended: Market leadership with diversified global reach, defence contracts and strategic missile success, high EPS growth and profit margins Key metrics: P/E: 97.43, 52-week high: 17,820, volume: 209.71 crore 17,820, volume: 209.71 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed 100-DMA Risk factors: Raw material price volatility, regulatory & infrastructure risks in renewable sector, ESG concerns, and industry-specific operational risks Buy: 14,22214,510 14,22214,510 Target price: 16,200 in two to three months 16,200 in two to three months Stop loss: 13,600 Buy: Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Ltd (current price: 1,086) Why its recommended: Expanding hubandspoke network, high B2C stickiness, Key metrics: P/E: 73.33; 52-week high: 1,280; volume: 30.89 crore 1,280; volume: 30.89 crore Technical analysis: Downward sloping trendline breakout Risk factors: High geographical concentration, intense competition Buy at: 1,0601,090 1,0601,090 Target price: 1,280 in two to three months 1,280 in two to three months Stop loss: 999 Nifty 50 recap Benchmark indices rebounded sharply on Monday, with the Sensex gaining over 400 points and Nifty rising 0.64% to close at 24,722.75, buoyed by strong performances in metal and auto stocks alongside positive cues from Asian markets. During the session, Nifty touched an intraday high of 24,736.25, up 169.3 points. Market breadth remained positive, as reflected in a favorable advance-decline ratio, signaling broad-based participation in the rally. Technically, Nifty 50 witnessed a rebound from its 100-EMA, offering short-term support. However, it failed to establish a higher-high higher-low structure in todays session, signaling hesitation in upward momentum. The RSI has inched marginally higher and now hovers around 42, indicating a modest improvement in strength. Meanwhile, the MACD continues to trade in a negative crossover, positioned below both its signal line and the zero axis. This combination of indicators reflects a cautious near-term outlook, with momentum still subdued. A convincing reversal remains unlikely unless the index decisively reclaims key resistance levels, supported by strong follow-through buying. According to O'Neils methodology of market direction, market status has been downgraded to an "Uptrend Under Pressure" as Nifty breached its "50-DMA" and the "distribution day count" rose to seven. Nifty 50 has shown strength by rebounding from its 100-EMA and closing above 24,700, signaling potential for a bullish turnaround. A move above 24,900 could trigger further upside toward 25,300, confirming a shift in momentum. On the downside, support at 24,48024,400 may attract buyers, but a break below this zone could lead to a decline toward 24,200. Price action near these key levels will be crucial in determining the indexs next directional move. How did Nifty Bank perform On Monday, Bank Nifty opened on a weak note and traded with heightened volatility throughout the session. After slipping to its intraday low of 55,437.30, the index found support at lower levels, helping it to recover losses and close in positive territory. This late-session recovery led to the formation of a bullish candle on the daily chart with a lower-high and lower-low price structure, signaling weakness in the banking space. The index opened at 55,557.50 and moved upward within a narrow range of 55,752.45 and 55,437.30 on the downside. Despite early weakness, sustained buying helped Bank Nifty end the day on a firm note. The momentum indicator, RSI, continues to drift lower and is currently hovering near 39, signaling a decline in underlying strength. Complementing this weakness, the MACD has registered a negative crossover, further confirming bearish momentum in the short term. Despite these technical headwinds, ONeils methodology of market direction maintains Bank Nifty's status as an Uptrend Under Pressure." This classification highlights a fragile market environment, marked by emerging caution and early signs of institutional selling. The setup suggests that while the broader trend remains intact, the index is vulnerable to further weakness unless strong support levels hold. Bank Nifty managed to end the session on a positive note, supported by a partial intraday recovery from lower levels. Going forward, the zone around 55,400 will act as a crucial support. A decisive breach below this level could intensify selling pressure and trigger further downside. On the flip side, immediate resistance is seen near 56,500, which must be crossed convincingly to signal bullish continuation. The index is currently trading within this well-defined range, and a breakout or breakdown from it is likely to set the tone for the next directional move. Traders should closely watch these levels in the coming sessions, as they hold the key to confirming a clear trend. MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. It offers tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions based on the CAN SLIM methodology, developed by legendary investor William J. O'Neil. You can access a 10-day free trial by registering on its website. Trade name: William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd. Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543 Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Aug 5 (Reuters) - Pfizer raised its full-year profit forecast on Tuesday after topping Wall Street expectations for second-quarter results as it expects to benefit from its cost-cutting efforts and a weaker dollar. The company said the new forecast absorbs a one-time charge of 20 cents per share related to its licensing deal with China's 3SBio for experimental cancer treatment. Shares of the New York-based company rose 2.8% to $24.19 in premarket trading. The company's shares have lost more than half their value from their pandemic-era highs as the drugmaker deals with waning revenue from COVID products and looming patent expirations for key drugs. In response, the company launched cost-saving measures last year across its manufacturing and research operations. Pfizer said it was on track to deliver $7.2 billion in net savings from the programs by the end of 2027, out of which about $4.5 billion will be delivered by the end of 2025. J.P. Morgan analyst Chris Schott said that the quarterly beat and the forecast raise did not come as a surprise given the company's better-than-expected cost management. "We would not be surprised with additional upside to EPS as the year progresses," Schott said. The drugmaker now expects to earn $2.90 to $3.10 per share on an adjusted basis in 2025, compared with its previous expectations of $2.80 to $3.00 per share. Also Read | Tesla leases service and retail centre space on Sohna Road in Gurugram Total quarterly sales topped estimates by $1 billion and came in at $14.65 billion, including a $22 million favorable impact from foreign exchange. Revenue from Pfizer's antiviral treatment, Paxlovid, was $427 million for the quarter, compared with analysts' expectations of $244.4 million. COVID vaccine Comirnaty, which Pfizer makes with German partner BioNTech, brought in sales of $381 million. Analysts were expecting sales of $188 million. Stocks to buy under 100: On Monday, the Indian stock market registered a relief rally on broad-based buying. The Nifty 50 index went up 157 points and closed at 24,722, the BSE Sensex surged 418 points and finished at 81,018, while the Bank Nifty index ended marginally higher at 55,619. Hero Motocorp, Tata Steel and Adani Ports led the charge among the Nifty's top performers. Conversely, it was a particularly tough session for Power Grid Corporation of India, HDFC Bank, and ONGC, which ended as the major losers within the Nifty pack. Trading volumes on the NSE cash market were lower by 12% compared to Friday, the lowest since 07 July. The widespread buying interest across sectors clearly showed the market's improved sentiment. Barring Nifty FMCG, which ended marginally in the red, all other sectoral indices closed the day in the green. The gains were robust in Nifty Metal, Realty, Auto, and IT, which all ended as major gainers, indicating a broad-based return of confidence among investors. Stock market today On the outlook of the Indian stock market today, Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research Wealth Management at Motilal Oswal, said, "Investors now await key global macro data including US Services and Manufacturing PMI due today along with Q1 results 2025 from Bharti Airtel, Adani Ports, Prestige Estates, Bharti Hexacom, and Lupin, which are likely to drive stock-specific action ahead of the RBI's policy outcome." Speaking on the outlook of the Nifty 50 index, Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities, said, "The negative chart pattern, like lower tops and bottoms, remains intact on the daily chart. After the formation of a new lower bottom on Monday at 24535, Nifty is expected to form a new lower top around 24850-24900 levels in the short term, which could be a sell-on-rise opportunity. Immediate support is placed at 24550." Askeda bout the outlook of the Bank Nifty today, Shiju Kuthupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, said, "The Bank Nifty index, overall, remained sluggish, hovering near the 55,500 zone, and has been moving within a tight range for some time, resisting near the 50-DEMA level of 56,072 and having crucial support near the 55,000 level. As mentioned earlier, the index needs to move past the important hurdle of the 56,100 level to establish conviction and confirm a directional move further ahead." Stocks to buy today Regarding stocks to buy today, market experts Vaishali Parekh, Vice President of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher; Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet; and Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment, recommended these four intraday stocks: Bank of Maharashtra, SJVN, Morepen Laboratories, and Jagran Prakashan. Vaishali Parekh's stock recommendations today 1] Bank of Maharashtra: Buy at 55, Target 60, Stop Loss 52; and 2] SJVN: Buy at 93, Target 99, Stop Loss 90. Sugandha Sachdeva's stock to buy under 100 3] Morepen Laboratories: Buy at 57.40, Target 59.60, 60.80, Stop Loss 55.90. Anshul Jain's share to buy under 100 4] Jagran Prakashan: Buy at 74, Target 85, Stop Loss 70. The trade imbalances that prompted President Donald Trump to slap hefty levies on Swiss imports have been driven by a small industry at the center of the worlds gold market. The country is the worlds biggest gold-refining hub, thanks to a longstanding reputation for quality and discretion. Billions of dollars worth of gold is constantly flowing into and out of the nation, from mines in South America and Africa to banks in London and New York. Flows of the precious metal cause big swings in the countrys trade balances, even if the Swiss refiners capture only a small portion of the value of the commerce. Bullion is by far the countrys largest export good, according to Simon J. Evenett of IMD Business School. Gold is special, Evenett said. It isnt really manufactured in Switzerland. Processed is a better word. The impact of the industry is more important than ever as the Trump administration focuses on leveling trade deficits. Record bullion exports of more than $36 billion made up more than two-thirds of Switzerlands trade surplus with the US in the first quarter, according to Swiss customs data. The US presidents decision to slap tariffs of 39% on all Swiss imports has caused a shock in the country, with the government having previously been confident it would avoid heavy duties. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the tariffs reflect the balance of commerce with America and the countrys willingness to address its trade deficit. The recent flood of gold imports into the US was largely in response to a potentially lucrative trans-Atlantic arbitrage opportunity opened up by concerns the precious metal could get caught up in sweeping US import duties. Traders in Europe wanted to deliver bullion to New York to capture premium prices, but first they needed their metal recast from the 400-ounce bars standard in London the largest gold trading venue into the 1 kilo or 100oz bars required by the US-based Comex exchange. That made Switzerlands gold refiners a crucial node in the arbitrage. In the second quarter, that flow reversed after bullion was exempted from Trumps tariffs, leading US prices to fall back into line with the benchmark spot price in London. Switzerland saw a net inflow of well over $1 billion of gold over the period. The exemption means that Switzerlands future gold exports probably wouldnt be hit by the new 39% levy. Despite the vast sums involved in the bullion trade, refining is a relatively small business. Switzerland only has five companies producing investment-grade gold, most of whom only employ a couple of hundred people. While the price of the gold that passes through the refineries has surged to nearly $3,500 an ounce this year, the refiners will usually only capture a couple of dollars of that price when they recast a bar. The Swiss National Bank had addressed the issue earlier this year in a paper, arguing that outsized gold exports to the US shouldnt be included when analyzing the trade relationship between the two economies. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. On Monday, 4 August, the Nifty 50 advanced by 157.40 points or 0.64%, ending the session at 24,722.75, while the BSE Sensex rose 418.81 points or 0.52%, closing at 81,018.72. The Bank Nifty showed no major momentum, finishing flat with a negligible gain of 1.75 points, at 55,619.35, reflecting ongoing stress in the financial space despite broader market recovery. Top 3 stocks to buyrecommended by Ankush Bajaj for 5 August Buy: Kaynes Technology India Ltd (KAYNES) Current price: 6,297 Why Kaynes Technology is recommended: Kaynes Technology is displaying strong bullish momentum on both daily and intraday charts. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 62, reflecting strengthening momentum. MACD is positive at 38, and ADX at 21.50 confirms a trending move. On the 15-minute chart, a bullish triangle breakout is evident, suggesting a continuation of the upward trend. Key metrics Resistance level: 6,440 (short-term target) 6,440 (short-term target) Support level: 6,228 (pattern invalidation level) 6,228 (pattern invalidation level) Pattern: Bullish triangle breakout on the 15-min chart Bullish triangle breakout on the 15-min chart RSI: 62 on daily chart, indicating positive strength Technical analysis: The alignment of bullish indicators across timeframes and a clean triangle breakout enhances conviction. With momentum building, a move toward 6,440 looks likely if the price holds above the breakout point with volume support. Risk factors: A failure to sustain above 6,228 would invalidate the bullish setup. Absence of volume follow-through could dampen the move. Buy at: 6,297 Target price: 6,440 Stop loss: 6,228 Buy: TVS Motor Co. Ltd (TVSMOTOR) Current price: 2,942 Why TVS Motor is recommended: TVS Motor is trading near a crucial resistance zone around 2,954 and is poised for a breakout. The RSI is at 65, MACD at 6, and ADX at 15all indicating strengthening bullish momentum. A breakout above this resistance could trigger a swift up-move. Key metrics Resistance level: 3,030 (short-term target) 3,030 (short-term target) Support level: 2,882 (pattern invalidation level) 2,882 (pattern invalidation level) Pattern: Consolidation near key resistance zone Consolidation near key resistance zone RSI: 65 on daily chart, showing bullish strength Technical analysis: The stock is showing rising momentum with a favorable indicator setup. A breakout above 2,954, supported by volume, would confirm bullish continuation and likely push it toward 3,030. Risk factors: A reversal below 2,882 would invalidate the bullish outlook. Watch for volume to confirm breakout. Buy at: 2,942 Target price: 3,030 Stop loss: 2,882 Buy: Hitachi Energy India Ltd. (POWERINDIA) Current price: 21,200 Why Hitachi Energy is recommended: Hitachi Energy is showing sustained bullish strength with RSI at 62, MACD at 466, and ADX at 18 on the daily chart. The stock is trading above all major moving averages, indicating a strong uptrend. Key metrics Resistance level: 21,725 (short-term target) 21,725 (short-term target) Support level: 20,940 (pattern invalidation level) 20,940 (pattern invalidation level) Pattern: Sustained uptrend above key moving averages Sustained uptrend above key moving averages RSI: 62 on daily chart, reflecting bullish momentum Technical analysis: With price action firmly above moving averages and key momentum indicators aligned, the stock looks set to test 21,725. A continuation of volume participation will be key for further upside. Risk factors: A drop below 20,940 would negate the bullish structure. Lack of momentum could stall the move. Buy at: 21,200 Target price: 21,725 Stop loss: 20,940 Market wrap5 August While financials and FMCG stocks faced mild profit-booking on Mondaywith the FMCG sector dipping 0.10% and the finance index slipping 0.06%optimism returned in other segments. The realty sector led the rebound with a 1.77% gain, followed by the auto sector up 1.61%, and the metal index, which rose 0.69%, indicating a rotational shift into value and cyclical plays. In terms of stock action, Hero MotoCorp led the charts with an impressive 5.20% rally, followed by Tata Steel climbing 4.28%, and Bharat Electronics, which added 3.27%, all driven by renewed institutional interest and sectoral momentum. However, undercurrents of weakness persisted, particularly in key index components. PowerGrid tumbled 4.51% amid valuation concerns, while HDFC Bank dropped 3.91%, and ONGC slipped 3.33%, signaling that sentiment around heavyweight counters remains fragile. Nifty technical analysisdaily and hourly On 4 August, the Nifty ended the session on a positive note, closing at 24,722.75, up 157.40 points or 0.64%. This gain marks a short-term relief after the recent weakness, but the index remains in a corrective structure and below key resistance levels. Despite the bounce, the broader trend remains cautious as the index is yet to reclaim the critical 25,000-25,074 zone, which would be essential to signal a more sustainable reversal. View Full Image (TradingView) Technically, the index continues to trade below key short-term moving averages such as the 20-day SMA (25,074) and the 40-day EMA (24,793), keeping the bearish undertone intact. The recovery appears more like a pullback within a larger downtrend rather than a trend change. Daily indicators are still mixed. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 41.83, improving slightly but remaining in neutral territory. The MACD continues in negative terrain at 116.02, indicating bearish momentum is still dominant. However, some indicators like the Commodity Channel Index (CCI) at 120.95 and Momentum at 367.95 are now in oversold zones, hinting at a possible bottoming attemptalthough not yet confirmed. View Full Image (TradingView) On the intraday (hourly) timeframe, the indicators show a bit more resilience. The hourly RSI has moved up to 49.90, and the Momentum indicator has turned positive at 71.50, suggesting improving short-term sentiment. The MACD on the hourly chart has also started to recover, with a reading of 29.63, hinting at a possible bullish crossover. That said, the ADX at 19.91 still indicates a lack of trend strength, meaning the move may not have strong follow-through unless supported by fresh triggers. From a derivatives perspective, the options data reveals a mixed but slightly improving sentiment. Total Call OI stands at about 150.1 million, still higher than the Put OI of 125.9 million, resulting in a Put-Call Ratio (PCR) of 0.84reflective of lingering caution. However, the change in OI tells a different story: Put OI increased by 43.9 million, while Call OI rose only by 625.5 million, giving a net bullish OI shift of 37.7 million contracts. This suggests that traders are beginning to hedge less aggressively for the downside, or are positioning for a near-term bounce. In terms of strike positioning, 25,000 continues to hold the highest Call OI, marking a major resistance. Fresh Call writing at 25,300 adds to this ceiling. On the downside, the highest Put OI is now placed at 23,500, while fresh Put additions were concentrated at the 24,600 strikeindicating that support is now firming up just below the current level. In conclusion, while the Nifty showed signs of stabilization on 4 August, the broader trend remains cautiously bearish until the index convincingly reclaims 25,000-25,074 levels. For now, this move should be treated as a pullback within a downtrend, not a full reversal. Immediate support lies in the 24,600-24,450 zone. A break below 24,450 could accelerate the fall toward 24,000, where a prior gap remains unfilled. Traders should continue to adopt a tactical approachsell on rise near resistance, and avoid aggressive long positions unless there's a clear breakout above the key moving averages. Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. What kind of young person would want to read an old-fashioned comic book these days, when life is filled with a million visual stimulations. Going one step back, why would creators take the trouble to write, draw, colour and make panels with painstaking effort, when many tech and AI tools can do a decent job with much less heartache? As I opened the latest volume of Longform, an anthology of graphic narratives, I was intrigued by these two thoughts. Founded by a group of four illustrators, writers, scholars and comic-book aficionados a decade ago, the Longform Comics Collective has been working at the forefront of discovering unknown talents in this space. The original founding team of Pinaki De, Sekhar Mukherjee, Debkumar Mitra and Sarbajit Sen is now curtailed to De and Mitra with Argha Manna, a new member joining in. The new anthology keeps the quest for fresh voices alive and kicking. These stories smell of our country, our times," as the editors write in the introduction, and almost every page upholds the promise. Although not as uniformly exciting as its earlier editions, this volume bears the familiar hallmark of experimentation all over. The opening piece by Anantha Sriya A., in fact, answers the second question I was grappling with as I began reading. A classic example of the quiet subversion that is the presiding spirit of all three editions of Longform so far, Text Box: A Graphic Narrative tells the story of a painter of signs who stubbornly refuses to use advanced technology or faster tools that many in his trade now do. He would rather labour over the shape of each letter, the density of paint on his calligraphy, spend that extra time over a job rather than outsource it to a machine. Its a fitting metaphor for the comic maker at work, labouring over paper until images and words emerge and cohere as a whole. Writer, illustrator, activist and journalist Joe Sacco, who is the chief inspiration behind the Longform Comics Collectives mission, similarly speaks of his practice of drawing every panel by hand in an interview with Arunava Banerjee included in this volume. It is the centrepiece of the anthology, a manifesto of sorts that winds its way through a potted history of the genre and its potential as a tool for political and social change. It has some sharp observations about technique and influence, too. Sacco speaks of his immersion in art history, especially in the crowded paintings of Dutch artist Pieter Breughel the Elder, which inspired some of his compositions. Wise and resilient, this conversation acts like a beacon to navigate the anthology as a whole. Which brings me to the question I began with: What can readers of today hope to get out of comic books? To begin with, reading comics, especially the more sophisticated ones, requires a different level of brain-eye coordination than reading plain text. Comic book creators dont illustrate realitythey amplify, complicate, even redefine it. Some of the best pieces in Longform uphold this principle beautifully. Consider Solitarius by Ananya Bashyam and Genesis by Subhashis Ghosh, Gargi Bhattacharya and Shan Bhattacharya. Both pieces opt for imagery that conveys chaos and tension rather than visual clarity or easy-to-follow directions. Between the ragged lines, colours bleeding into one another and the cryptic text, theres a lot going on, forcing the reader to pause, reflect, return and reconsider their opinions. Even in the relatively simpler pieces, such as Feline Wisdom by Snigdha S.K. or In Sadar Bazar by Vishnu Vasudevan, the eye is forced to move with deliberation. Both narratives come alive in charming artwork and quite spare text, especially in the case of Vasudevan, who captures the cacophony of the famous wholesale market in the heart of Old Delhi through stray phrases and repetitive lines. For the reader, the stories are lessons in the delicate choreography of text and imagea training to soak in details and nuances that would be lost to eyes used to mindlessly scrolling on screens. Another visually challenging text is City of Missing People by Priyankar Gupta. He recreates a version of Kolkatarenamed Kalishahorthrough a sepia-tinted lens. The narrative bases itself on an imaginative retelling of the history of the city but with touches of dystopian horror. Gupta plays with perspective deftly, zooming in to focus on faces one moment, then zooming out to convey a sense of menace. Wider social and environmental messages are dispersed throughout the volume. On the one hand there is Resorts to Ruins by David Lo and Kay Sohini, a mini case study of the devastation wrought by the climate crisis. It is as factual and documentarian as it gets, to the point of being dull and dreary. On the other hand, Borderliners by Moeinuk Sengupta trains a compassionate eye on Shikha, a domestic worker, to make a moving statement on anti-migrant politics. Its not that the issues" that Longform brings to the fore are novel or unknown. But we often dont see whats in front of us and in that sense, the anthology forces us to open our eyes, both literally and figuratively, to the world and its problems that surround us. Also Read | Bette Howland, the writer who returned from oblivion The nations shift towards digital payments has resulted in virtual credit cards becoming increasingly popular, providing instant availability of credit, enhanced security, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms. Recent official data underscores this momentum. In FY2024-25, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) handled a record 18,587 crore transactions amounting to 261 lakh crore in value, representing a 41% year-on-year surge. Furthermore, UPI now accounts for more than 83% of the nation's digital payment transaction volume, leading the world in real-time payments and powering the rapid shift towards a cashless ecosystem. It is important to keep in mind that UPI's dominance drives the virtual credit card ecosystem by making digital credit seamless and widely accessible. These credit instruments, powered by UPIs infrastructure, are key to the nation's cashless future. Still, using them wisely and cautiously is essential to avoid debt issues and ensure a positive credit experience. Also Read | 5 best lifetime free credit cards in India with no annual fees Virtual credit cards and their impact on your credit history The direct impact of a virtual credit card on ones credit history is nuanced, as it depends on how one uses the credit card. Virtual credit cards are generally linked to an existing credit card account rather than being a standalone credit facility. That is why their impact on credit histories is indirect in nature. Usage of a virtual credit card is reported on the original credit card statement; thus, timely repayments on the underlying account contribute to building a credit score. Whereas if credit card bill payments are missed or delayed, then this is a massive negative for the holder's credit score. Obtaining a virtual card does not itself begin a new credit record. The history gets built through responsible use and payments on the main (physical) credit card. That is why, simply put, virtual credit cards have no direct impact on credit scores. It is the way they are used that makes the real difference. Most lenders and credit bureaus review your primary credit facilities, so credit-building from a virtual card depends on the parent accounts conduct. If payments are made on time and the borrower ensures responsible financial behaviour, then this will have a positive impact on their credit profile. Security and regulatory framework The Reserve Bank of India has set comprehensive guidelines for credit card operations. These guidelines are updated on a regular basis as the nation continues to make technological advancements in payments and digital infrastructure. Also Read | How does withdrawing cash from your credit card affect your credit score? Guidelines include instructions such as mandatory two-factor authentication for virtual cards, tokenisation to replace sensitive data, and clear consumer protection measures. Light is also thrown on keeping a check on the fundamental right of privacy of every consumer. Key facts for virtual credit card applicants to keep in mind Virtual credit cards basically help in managing online spending and securing transactions rather than directly establishing fresh credit records. Consistent and disciplined use of the underlying credit card account, such as paying credit card bills before the due date and keeping credit utilisation low, is vital for credit-building. Many leading banks now offer instant virtual cards to applicants, ahead of physical delivery. This means borrowers can start their credit-building journey faster, provided they responsibly manage the parent card. For those with no prior credit history, using secured or FD-backed credit cards alongside virtual cards is often more effective in establishing a solid credit score and a clean credit profile. That is why you should always focus on tracking monthly statements (including virtual spends) to detect errors or fraud and promptly report any discrepancy to your respective credit bureau if you find any glaring mistakes. For all personal finance updates, visit here. In a shocking turn of events, one British man has been jailed for misusing the company's credit cards to sponsor his trips to Disney World and for buying expensive gadgets. The accused is 32-year-old David Carr from Warwickshire, who worked in a Bromsgrove-based IT company. He has now been sent to jail for four years and seven months, reported BBC. The total credit card fraud amounted to 3,00,000 and the company, as a result, has been sent to liquidation. It is a legal process (under the Insolvency Act 1986) that has the aim of achieving one of the statutory objectives of an administration. This may be to rescue a viable business that is insolvent due to cash flow problems. These are a few money lessons one can learn to avoid misuse of a credit card. 4 money lessons to learn I. Do not share: Needless to mention, never give your credit card to anyone, not even to a close friend. A small carelessness can lead to a big financial mistake. II. Add-on card: In case you want to share your credit card with someone in the family, such as your children, you can use an add-on card. An add-on card is an additional or supplementary card, a credit card issued to someone other than the primary cardholder, but linked to the primary card's account. Also Read | 5 best lifetime free credit cards in India with no annual fees III. Getting it blocked: If someone used your card and you learnt via a message, do not think twice before getting the card blocked. Remember that you can register a complaint with the bank if the transaction were not carried out by you. IV. Set transaction limits: One smart tip is to set limits on the number of transactions one can carry out by using the credit card. For instance, if your card limit is 10 lakh, you can set a spending limit at, say, 1 lakh for a day if you are aware that you will never spend more than that in one transaction. This way, any fraud if you ever face-- will be minimised. And you can immediately report it. The number of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts in public sector banks declined marginally by 1.8 per cent year-on-year to 22.5 million in fiscal 2025, while the outstanding loan amount grew by a marginal 2.2 per cent growth to 41,300 crore during the period, a senior government official said on the condition of anonymity, reported Business Standard. The decline in active KCC accounts reflects multiple structural shifts in rural lending, the official said. Farmers incomes have improved over the years, with many moving out of farming, while in some states they increasingly prefer co-operative banks, NBFCs, or input-linked credit cards like fertilizer cards, reducing drawdowns from PSBs. Many KCCs from the aggressive drives of the 2000s remained dormant or underutilised, prompting us to rationalise non-operative accounts to clean up portfolios and cut compliance overheads as advised by RBI and the finance ministry, the official said. Another senior official at a public-sector bank said that KCC saturation mapping, geo-tagging, and Aadhaar seeding have improved scrutiny, leading to the weeding out of duplicate and ineligible accounts. Also Read | THESE travel credit cards offer discounts and cashbacks to frequent travellers Some farmers have moved to PM-KISAN or the Agri Infrastructure Fund, while technology integration delays at branches, such as incomplete digital documents or portal mismatches, have slowed renewals. At the same time, several small-ticket NPAs, including those impacted by debt waivers, have been settled through one-time compromises, leading to the closure of several accounts. Yes, the number of new KCC accounts has declined. This is primarily due to saturation in many areas. Over the past few years, there was a significant push from the government, and banks actively worked towards ensuring maximum coverage. As a result, most eligible farmers already have access to KCC facilities now. However, KCC remains a key instrument for crop loans, and for many farmers, it continues to be the natural and preferred choice for meeting agricultural credit needs, Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO of Punjab National Bank, wrote Business Standard. Background The KCC scheme, which was introduced in 1998, offers short-term crop loans to farmers engaged in agriculture and allied activities at a benchmark rate of 9 per cent. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the Budget for FY26, increased the loan limit for farmers holding KCC to 5 lakh from 3 lakh. While making the announcement, the minister said KCCs facilitate short-term loans for 77 million farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers. Also Read | 5 best lifetime free credit cards in India with no annual fees To promote timely repayment of outstanding amounts in operative accounts of KCC, the farmers are provided 3 per cent prompt repayment incentives, Pankaj Chaudhary, minister of state for finance, had said. Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs for providing credit; you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards and credit score. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit, as it comes with a set of risks such as high interest rates, hidden charges, etc. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit. As Japan solemnly marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki this week, the world reflects on one of the darkest and most defining moments of modern history. On 6 August 1945, the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, followed by a second attack on Nagasaki three days later. Together, the bombings claimed over 200,000 lives and forever altered the course of warfare, diplomacy, and science. Also Read | Remembering the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Also Read | Trump compares Iran strikes to 1945 Hiroshima, Nagasaki bombings Here are five key facts to understand the magnitude and legacy of the bombings: What happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? On the morning of 6 August 1945, a US B-29 bomber named Enola Gay released an atomic bomb dubbed 'Little Boy' over the city of Hiroshima. On the morning of 6 August 1945, a US B-29 bomber named Enola Gay released an atomic bomb dubbed Little Boy over the city of Hiroshima. The device exploded approximately 600 metres above the ground, unleashing a blast equivalent to 15,000 tonnes of TNT. The device exploded approximately 600 metres above the ground, unleashing a blast equivalent to 15,000 tonnes of TNT. Around 140,000 people were killed by the end of that year. Just three days later, on 9 August, the US dropped a second bombFat Manon Nagasaki, killing an estimated 74,000 more. These remain the only two times nuclear weapons have been used in warfare. Also Read | Donald Trump invited to Japan for 80th anniversary of atomic bombing How destructive were the atomic bombs? Entire neighbourhoods, in Hiroshima and Nagasaki largely built of wood, were engulfed in firestorms that consumed all available oxygen, causing death by asphyxiation. In Hiroshima, temperatures near the blast centre reached a staggering 7,000C, incinerating everything in a three-kilometre radius. Survivors recalled seeing a massive fireball and being thrown through the air by the blast. Entire neighbourhoods, largely built of wood, were engulfed in firestorms that consumed all available oxygen, causing death by asphyxiation. One witness from Nagasaki, Koichi Wada, recalled: I remember the charred bodies of little children lying around the hypocentre area like black rocks. Also Read | Nagasaki observes 72nd nuclear attack anniversary as US-North Korea tensions rise Also Read | Nagasaki marks 71st atomic bombing anniversary Many in Japan who survived the initial explosions suffered from acute radiation sickness Yet, a Japanese-US research study found no significant rise in congenital disabilities among their children. What were the long-term effects of radiation on Japanese people? Many in Japan who survived the initial explosions suffered from acute radiation sicknessnausea, hair loss, internal bleeding, and vomiting. Over the years, survivors, known as hibakusha, faced higher risks of leukaemia and other cancers. Yet, a Japanese-US research study found no significant rise in congenital disabilities among their children. However, the attacks sparked global debate over the ethics and necessity of nuclear weapons. While some argue the strikes averted even greater loss of life by avoiding a land invasion, survivors continue to bear the traumaboth physical and psychological. Many hibakusha faced social stigma and were ostracised, particularly in marriage, due to myths surrounding radiation. What has been the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? In recent years, global leaders have acknowledged the suffering. Pope Francis met hibakusha in 2019, calling nuclear arms ' crime against humanity.' Survivors and their supporters have become global advocates for nuclear disarmament. Groups like Nihon Hidankyo, which won the Nobel Peace Prize, continue to campaign against nuclear weapons. In recent years, global leaders have acknowledged the suffering. Pope Francis met hibakusha in 2019, calling nuclear arms a crime against humanity. In 2016, Barack Obama became the first sitting US president to visit Hiroshima, embracing survivors though offering no apology. On 29 January, 2025, it was reported that the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have invited US President Donald Trump to visit this year for the 80th anniversary of the World War II atomic bombings. Ukraine to consider increasing percentage of reserved workers at enterprises operating in frontline and border areas Presidents Office Ukraine will consider the possibility of increasing the percentage of reserved workers at enterprises located and operating in frontline and border areas, the press service of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported following his meeting with representatives of business, volunteer and veteran communities, schools and universities in Kharkiv. One of the key topics of discussion was supporting the economy in frontline and border areas. In particular, the conversation focused on creating a special program for frontline regions that would be effective for both people and communities and include reduced tax burdens for businesses. The President noted that the state would consider the possibility of increasing the percentage of employees exempted from mobilization at enterprises located and operating directly in frontline and border areas, the message reads. In addition, the government will also work on a mechanism for raising salaries for teachers, medical workers, and public sector employees in these regions. Additionally, the state plans to introduce insurance for local businesses and provide guarantees for down payments on mortgages in frontline and border regions. The meeting also addressed support for veterans, volunteers, and their families, as well as the issue of payments for energy consumed by heat supply companies and the restructuring of gas-related debts. Ill speak with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance. And well discuss the gas issue separately with Naftogaz. All of your concerns will be addressed, said the Head of State. In turn, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine, Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba announced that a legislative initiative has already been prepared to prohibit the seizure of accounts belonging to such enterprises. This week, the government will hold a meeting focused on the issue of tariff discrepancies for heat utility companies and related to the moratorium on tariff increases, the Presidents Office reports. The Supreme Court on Tuesday settled a bitter matrimonial dispute by granting divorce to a couple and directing the man to hand over a flat in Mumbai to his former wife as alimony. The case had drawn considerable attention after the woman demanded 12 crore and a flat in Mumbai from her estranged husband. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran finalised the divorce on the basis of the agreed arrangement, Bar and Bench reported. When the matter was last heard on July 21, the top court had expressed concern over the wife's demands, especially given the short span of the marriage and her professional background. Chief Justice Gavai noted that the flat in question was located in Kalpataru, a well-known housing complex. Upon learning that the woman had an MBA and had worked in the IT sector, he asked, You are employable in places like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Why not work? Pointing to the brief duration of the marriage, the CJI remarked, It lasted just 18 months. And you are seeking a crore a month? She Is Educated And Capable Of Working Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan, representing the husband and assisted by Advocate-on-Record Prabhjit Jauhar, argued that the woman could not expect lifelong financial support. She is educated and capable of working, Divan submitted, calling the demands excessive and not rooted in legal entitlement. The Bench had then sought the husbands income tax records to arrive at a fair settlement. The CJI also reminded the woman that she could not claim ownership of properties belonging to her father-in-law. Eventually, the court offered the woman two options: either accept the flat without any legal encumbrance or opt for a one-time settlement of 4 crore. The Chief Justice underlined the importance of financial independence, stating, You are well educated. You should not be depending on handouts. You should earn and live with dignity. Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Bangladesh prime minister, has written an open letter to the people of her country on the first anniversary of the uprising that forced her to seek asylum in India, ending her 15-year rule. In her letter to the hard-working and patriotic people of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said the country witnessed interruption of democracy as an unelected regime seized power. Sheikh Hasina said she is inspired by the extraordinary courage and love people have shown for Bangladesh. Criticising the Mohammad Yunus regime, Sheikh Hasina said no regime can suppress the will of the nation. She called for her countrymen to stand for justice, for economic opportunity, for education, for peace, and for a nation where no one lives in fear. HERE IS WHAT SHEIKH HASINA SAID IN THE OPEN LETTER This is an open letter to the honest, hard-working and patriotic people of Bangladesh. One year ago today, our nation witnessed the violent interruption of our hard-fought democracy, as an unelected regime seized power through unconstitutional means. It was a dark moment in our history, an affront to the will of the people, and a betrayal of the trust between citizens and the state. In the face of injustice and repression, I have witnessed extraordinary courage from you, the people of Bangladesh. You have refused to be silenced. You have stood up for democracy, for freedom, and for the future we all deserve. I am constantly inspired by your courage and your love for our country. Though this past year has tested us, it has also revealed the unbreakable bond between our people and the values of democracy. We have endured hardship, but in that hardship, we have found unity and purpose. Let us never forget that power belongs to the people, and no regime can suppress the will of a nation forever. Our struggle is not over, but our cause is just. We must continue to stand for justice, for economic opportunity, for education, for peace, and for a nation where no one lives in fear. Together, we will rebuild what has been broken. Together, we will reclaim the institutions that were taken from us. And together, we will write a new chapter, one defined not by oppression, but by hope, progress, and freedom. Let this anniversary not be a day of retrospection, but a rallying cry for a brighter tomorrow. Bangladesh has overcome adversity before, and we will rise again, stronger, more united, and more determined to build a democracy that truly serves its people. Bengaluru Bus Strike August 5 Live updates: KSRTC's indefinite strike has now been called off. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed regarding the same, prompting the court's intervention. Earlier in the day, daily life came to a standstill across Karnataka as employees from all four state-run road transport corporations began an indefinite strike, causing major inconvenience to thousands of commuters. Government buses in cities and towns, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mysuru and Hubballi, were largely off the roads, leaving daily passengers stranded. The heat of the bus strike reached the border district of Belgavi, leaving intercity travellers commuting to Chikkamagaluru, Raichur, Chitradurga, among other areas stranded for 2-3 hours. The strike was launched to press for multiple demands. These include a long-pending wage revision, payment of 38 months' arrears, and implementation of a salary hike from January 1 2024. Union leaders remained firm on their demands and had declared that they would not end it until the government took action. The Delhi traffic police issued traffic advisory for today, August 5, stating that certain key routes will be affected from 8:00 am-10:30 am due to an urgent movement or exigencies. The movement will be hit on both carriageways and service roads comprising around W-Point, A-Point ITO Chowk, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi Gate, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Rajghat Crossing, MGM and IP Marg. The advisory stated, No vehicles shall be allowed to be parked on Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg, and Ring Road from Shanti Van to Rajghat to IP. Flyover, including both carriageways of IP Marg. Any vehicles found parked on these roads will be towed away and prosecuted as per law. Also Read | 45 Delhi schools receive bomb threat on 18 July, says Delhi Police The police requested motorists to remain calm, comply with traffic regulations, and abide by the directions of traffic personnel deployed at those key intersections. It advised commuters to avoid these stretches and take alternative routes for a hassle-free journey. He was only three. Trapped under debris, bleeding from broken glass, and alone in a city reduced to rubble. He tried to scream, Mommy, help!, but his voice didnt come out. It took decades before Kunihiko Iida could speak about what happened that morning in August 1945. Now 83, Iida is one of the few remaining survivors of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. And after six decades of silence, hes devoting his later years to telling the world what he witnessed, in the hope that no one else will ever have to. Eighty years after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, many survivors, known in Japan as hibakusha, are breaking their silence. As nuclear threats rise again and global leaders appear more accepting of atomic weapons, these survivors are determined to remind the world of what its trying to forget. Also Read | 80 years since US dropped atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki: 5 facts Lida recalls On August 6, 1945, when the United States dropped a uranium bomb over Hiroshima, Iida was just 900 metres from the hypocenter, at the home of his mothers family. It was as if I was thrown out of a building, Iida told Associated Press. Mommy, help! he tried to scream, but no sound came out. He was buried under wreckage, bleeding and alone. Eventually, his grandfather found and rescued him. But within weeks, his 25-year-old mother and 4-year-old sister were dead from what was later understood to be radiation exposure. He too suffered nosebleeds, fatigue, and skin issues throughout his early years, classic symptoms of radiation-related illness. Yet it wasnt until the age of 60 that he returned to Hiroshimas Peace Park, and even then, only because his elderly aunt asked him to accompany her. That visit opened something in him. 'I cried every time I tried to speak' At first, he couldnt bring himself to talk. It was overwhelming, he said. It took a few more years before he could share his story in public without breaking down. Also Read | Hiroshima Mayor condemns Trump for equating Iran strikes to 1945 nuclear attacks Now, Iida volunteers as a guide at Hiroshimas Peace Memorial Park, often speaking to foreign tourists. Hes aware that many dont fully understand the human cost of the bombing and he wants them to. In June this year, he travelled to Paris, London and Warsaw to meet students, as part of a peace program. He feared how his anti-nuclear message would be received in nuclear-armed countries. But to his surprise, students listened and applauded. The only path to peace is nuclear weapons abolishment. There is no other way, he said. 'If the train had been on time, I wouldve died Fumiko Doi, 86, is another survivor who stayed silent for decades. On August 9, 1945, she was supposed to arrive at Nagasakis Urakami Station around 11 a.m. But the train was late. That delay saved her life. She was six years old and five kilometres away when she saw the flash from the window. The glass shattered. Fellow passengers shielded her as the shockwave tore through the train. On the streets, she saw people burned, faces blackened, clothes in tatters. Like many hibakusha, she kept her experience secret for years even writing about it in private for her children but never talking openly. Roughly 100,000 survivors of the atomic bombings are still alive today. Many have never spoken about what happened, either because of trauma or fear of discrimination, which still exists in some parts of Japan. Doi eventually married another survivor, but worried about passing radiation effects to their children. Her mother and two brothers died of cancer. Her father, who was tasked with collecting bodies after the bombing, developed radiation symptoms too. He later became a teacher and captured his sorrow in poetry. She began speaking out only after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Now, she regularly travels from her home in Fukuoka to participate in peace rallies. Some people have forgotten about the atomic bombings Thats sad, Doi said. If more [nuclear weapons] are used around the world, thats the end of the Earth. Thats why I grab every chance to speak out. After the 2023 G7 summit in Hiroshima and a Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the survivors group Nihon Hidankyo, global interest in the bombings has surged. Museums in Hiroshima and Nagasaki have seen a rise in foreign visitors. One American mother visiting Hiroshima told AP she brought her children so theyd understand what really happened. Its a reminder of how much devastation one decision can make, she said. A French tourist, Melanie Gringoire, met Iida during her visit and was visibly moved. Even a brief encounter with a survivor makes the tragedy more real, she said. Its like sharing a little piece of history. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Monday tabled the "Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees), Bill, 2025" in the Delhi Assembly. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government has said the proposed law would regulate the arbitrary fee hikes by private schools in the national capital, providing relief to lakhs of students and their families. Sood said that the proposed legislation seeks to end the commercialisation of education and take action against those exploiting it for profit. Also Read | Delhi: 5 Bangladeshi nationals held for forcibly trying to enter the Red Fort "Education is not a thing to be sold. This bill aims to halt the commercialisation of education. We are bringing the bill to take action against those mafias who are selling education..." Sood said while tabling the bill on the first day of the Monsoon session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly of Delhi, on Monday. A discussion on the bill is scheduled in the House today. "Permanent Solution' Sood said the proposed legislation would provide a permanent solution to a long-ignored issue that affects millions of parents and children in Delhi. The draft bill, which was approved by Rekha Gupta-led Delhi Cabinet in April, covers all 1,677 private unaided schools in the Capital. It proposes sweeping reforms to the fee regulation system, including a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism, penalties of up to 10 lakh for violations, and a mandatory role for parents in deciding fee structures. Also Read | Delhi CM tables FY24 finance report in assembly; shows 55 pc drop in revenue surplus This bill is a small effort on our part to honour Dr. Mukherjee's vision and to ensure that education does not become a burden on the people of India, but instead becomes a path leading them to a better future, Sood said later. What does the bill propose? The bill proposes the formation of three key committees: the School Level Fee Regulation Committee, the District Fee Appellate Committee, and the Revision Committee. It bars any school from collecting fees in excess of what has been approved under it. School-level Committee Each private school has to constitute a School-Level Fee Regulation Committee annually on 15 July. The committee will include five parents from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), selected by a draw of lots. It will also include at least two women and at least one other member from the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or socially and educationally backwards classes. A representative from the Directorate of Education (DoE) will also be part of the committee. The chairperson will be a representative of the school management, the draft law says. The school management must submit fee proposals to this panel by July 31 and have them approved by September 15. Once finalised, the fee structure will stay fixed for the next three academic years. The decision of the School-Level Fee Regulation Committee must come from an Aggrieved Parents Group comprising at least 15 per cent of the particular school's parents. The school can then escalate the matter to the District Appellate Committee by September 30. 1 10 lakh fine for unauthorised fee hike Disputes must be resolved within 45 days at each appellate level. The Revision Committee has the final authority, and its rulings will be binding for three years. Also Read | Worried about school fees? Delhi govt moves to regulate private school fee hikes Section 8 of the draft bill lists the criteria for determining fees school location, infrastructure, teacher salaries, and revenue surplus. Section 12 details penalties. Unauthorised fee hikes can invite fines between 1 10 lakh, doubling every 20 days until compliance. Repeat offenders will be required to refund excess fees and may lose recognition if violations continue. AAP vs BJP Sood told reporters that for ten years, the Aam Aadmi Party was sitting in its air-conditioned rooms, and parents were going to court with their children for fees. The opposition AAP, however, slammed the legislation, calling it a sham bill that legalises profiteering and sidelines parent voices. Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly and former CM Atishi demanded that it be sent to a select committee. This bill is a small effort on our part to honour Dr. Mukherjee's vision and to ensure that education does not become a burden. After letting private schools hike fees unchecked for four months, the BJP now brings a sham bill that hands control to school owners, blocks parent voices, and protects profiteers. The AAP will fight it in the Assembly, on the streets, and in court. We have demanded that the bill be sent to a Select Committee and all fee hikes frozen at 202425 levels, Atishi said. Parents have 'concerns' Some parents have raised issues with the proposed law, particularly with the definition of aggrieved parents. Others have issues with the selection process for parent representatives in the school-level committee. Requiring a minimum of 15 percent of a schools parents to challenge the school-level Fee Regulatory Committees decision before the district committee is nearly impossible. It effectively denies parents the right to contest arbitrary fee hikes, Ashok Agarwal, chairperson of All India Parents Association, told news website The Print. New Delhi: Industrialist Anil Ambani on Tuesday appeared before the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with an alleged fund diversion case, two people aware of the development said. The agency, which probes money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws, is investigating an alleged diversion of funds from Reliance Infrastructure to a related party without adequate disclosures. The company had last week said this exposure was of 6,500 crore and that it had disclosed this matter in February itself. Reliance Infrastructure maintains it has diligently pursued recovery of its dues in this matter, and through mandatory mediation proceedings conducted by a retired Supreme Court Judge and the mediation award filed before the Bombay High Court, the company had arrived at a settlement to recover its exposure of 6,500 crore. Read more: SMAS moves NCLAT to stop Gensol IRP from leasing out 164 EVs Anil Ambani has not been on the board of Reliance Infrastructure since March 2022. Queries emailed to Anil Ambanis Reliance Group and to the finance ministry on Tuesday, seeking their comments on the latest development remained unanswered at the time of publishing this report. Broader investigation underway News agency ANI reported that Ambani was asked to appear before investigators in connection with a probe on suspected financial irregularities and possible violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The probe agency is looking into the role of various entities and individuals linked to the case, ANI reported. In May 2020, the ministry of corporate affairs had referred the issue of Price Waterhouse & Co Chartered Accountants LLPs (PW) resignation as auditors of some of the group companies without giving an audit report for FY19, to the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA). NFRA had looked into the audits done by the auditors appointed subsequently in the case of Reliance Home Finance Ltd, Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd and Reliance Capital Ltd, and penalised the auditors for alleged professional misconduct, the authority's orders showed. Reliance Infrastructure provides engineering and construction services for power, roads, metro rail and other infrastructure sectors. It is also engaged in implementation, operation and maintenance of several projects in the defence sector and infrastructure areas through its special purpose vehicles, the company said on its website. It had executed the Mumbai Metro line one project and is also a utility company having presence across the value chain of energy businesses, the company said. The ED had earlier issued a lookout circular against Ambani and had sought his presence for recording his statement under the PMLA, Hindustan Times had reported on 1 August. The Defence Acquisition Council under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday cleared proposals worth nearly 67,000 crore to enhance operational capability of armed forces, the Centre said. The proposals include several defence equipment requirements for the Indian Army, Navy and the Air Force. What does the Indian Army get? The DAC gave an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to the Indian Army to procure Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for BMP. This would enhance night driving capability of BMP and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the Mechanised Infantry, the defence ministry said in a press release. What's in store for Indian Navy? The council, headed by Rajnath Singh, also accorded an AoN to the Indian Navy whereby it can procure the Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, and BrahMos Fire Control System and Launchers. A proposal to upgrade the BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System was also cleared. The procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft will provide the capability to the Indian Navy for detection, classification and neutralisation of threats in anti-submarine warfare missions, the Centre said. IAF to get mountain radars for air surveillance For the Indian Air Force, AoN for procurement of Mountain Radars and Upgradation of SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapon System was accorded. The procurement of mountain radars will enhance the air surveillance capability along and across the borders in the mountainous region. The upgradation of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER System for integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System will enhance the Air Defence capability, the ministry said. Also Read | DAC clears eight capital acquisition proposals worth 54,000 crore Armed Forces to get remotely piloted aircraft An AoN was accorded for procuring Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the three Services. The proposed MALE RPAs can carry multiple payloads & weapons and operate at longer ranges for long endurance missions. They will significantly enhance the round-the-clock surveillance and combat capability of the Armed Forces. Also Read | Indian Army successfully conducts trials of Akash Prime air defence system Russia has accused the United States of exerting pressure on India, slamming the country for issuing threats over New Delhi's trade relations with the Kremlin. It said that such pressure was illegal, and the US has no right to choose trading partners for countries. "We hear many statements that are in fact threats, attempts to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements to be legal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We believe that sovereign countries should have and do have the right to choose their own trading partners, partners for trade and economic cooperation, and to choose for themselves the forms of trade and economic cooperation that are in the interests of a particular country," he added. US President Donald Trump has said he will impose new sanctions on Russia as well as on countries that buy its energy exports from Friday unless President Vladimir Putin ends his war with Ukraine, which has been going on since 2022. India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits, Trump wrote on social media on Monday. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Also Read | Zelensky claims Pakistani, Chinese and other mercenaries are fighting for Russia India pushes back on Trump threats The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday hit back after Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on India over its energy trade with Russia, calling it unjustified and unreasonable. India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability, said the MEA. Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment, it said. The Indian Army has strongly refuted media reports claiming that a drunken soldier rammed his car into a crowd, injuring multiple civilians in Maharashtras Nagpur district. Calling the coverage false and misleading, the Army issued a clarification on Tuesday, August 5, urging media platforms to verify facts before sensationalising incidents. The now-debunked incident was widely reported on August 4 under headlines such as Drunk Army Officer Rams Car Into 30 People In Nagpur, Thrashed By Locals. The Army has confirmed that the version circulating in some media outlets misrepresents what took place. What the Army says happened In its statement, the Army identified the individual involved as Havildar Harsh Pal Mahadev Waghmare, a resident of Ramtek in Nagpur district, who is currently posted in the North East and was on leave at the time of the incident. On the evening of August 3, Havildar Waghmare reportedly had a minor dispute over parking while returning from a relatives house. The altercation took place in Ramtek and escalated when four individuals began chasing him. According to the Army, while trying to get away, the jawan lost control of his vehicle, which struck a tree, NDTV reported. At that moment, the jawan was pulled out from the car, savagely attacked by these four locals, his car was damaged, and thrown in a drain, the Army stated in a detailed note. Crucially, the Army clarified that no civilians were injured during the incident, contrary to claims that 2530 people had been hit. FIR filed, police coordination underway Following the incident, the jawan lodged an FIR against the four individuals involved in the assault at Ramtek Police Station on August 4. The Local Military Authority is now coordinating with local police to ensure a swift and fair investigation. The Armys official statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), reads: The Indian Army urges establishing facts and avoiding sensationalism in reporting of incidents. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua Since the beginning of the day, 144 combat clashes have occurred, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports in operational information as of 22:00 on Monday. "Today, Russian troops carried out two missile and 54 air strikes, using two missiles and dropping 87 guided air bombs. In addition, they used 1,575 kamikaze drones and carried out 4,020 shellings of our troops' positions and populated areas," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports. According to the General Staff, the hottest situation today was in Pokrovsk direction, where the aggressor carried out 33 assault and offensive actions. Uttarakhand, parts of several other states are likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall over upcoming days, the India Meteorological Department stated in a release on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a Red Alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall was issued for four districts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu's Nainital. Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi experienced a flood-like situation after the Ganga River crossed the danger mark, reported PTI. The IMD's latest forecast for the states comes amid the massive cloudburst in the state's Dharali village in the Uttarkashi region which triggered flashfloods killing four people. IMD rainfall alert The weather observatory has warned of heavy rainfall and extremely heavy rainfall across the following states: IMD weather forecast States Isolated heavy rainfall Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, West & East Uttar Pradesh Extremely heavy rainfall Northern parts of Kerala ( August 6), isolated heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana Red Alert in Kerala districts Heavy overnight rains triggered widespread waterlogging on roads and low-lying areas across Kerala on Tuesday, causing rivers and dams in several districts to swell, reported PTI. Also Read | Uttarkashi cloudburst: 15 images that capture shocking devastation in Dharali A red alert was issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Malappuram districts, warning of "extremely heavy" rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours. The IMD also upgraded the weather alert from 'yellow' to 'orange' in three more districts, bringing the total number of districts under orange alert (1120 cm of rain) to eight. Also Read | Uttarkashi cloudburst: Before and after images reveal scale of damage The remaining two districts remain under a yellow alert, indicating rainfall between 6 and 11 cm, reported PTI. Uttarkashi cloudburst At least 4 people were killed following the cloudburst in Uttarkashi on Tuesday. Hours after the first cloudburst, a second cloudburst in the Dharali village added to the havoc, sweeping houses, homestays. Seafood exports from India to the United Kingdom (UK) are poised for a significant boost, with industry leaders predicting a threefold jump in the coming years. This surge is expected to be a direct result of a new trade agreement between the two nations, which will eliminate the current 8.9 per cent export duty on fisheries products, PTI reported. Indias growing market share in UK The UK is a major importer of seafood from across the world, with a market valued at $5.4 billion annually. Gujarat-based exporter Jagdish Fofandi, the former vice president of Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), said the relief in export duty would take India's seafood export to the UK from current levels of 1,000 crore to nearly 3,000 crore in three years. Also Read | List of countries slapped with Trump tariffs vs nations that struck trade deals Indias current share in this basket is just 2.2 per cent, which comes to around 1,000 crore at present. With the removal of the export duty, Indian seafood items will become cheaper by nearly 8 to 9 per cent for the buyers in the UK, making Indian products more competitive in comparison to other countries," Fofandi told PTI. "We are assuming that in the next three years, there is a potential growth of 300 per cent. Thus, I am seeing that our export will go up from the current level of 1,000 crore to 3,000 crore, he said. Major win for Gujarats fisheries sector Gujarat, with its extensive coastline of nearly 2,300 kilometres, is considered one of the key states contributing to India's seafood exports. Industry leaders believe that the increase in India's exports will also help Gujarat-based fishermen, exporters and the entire ecosystem attached with this industry: Shrimp makes up 70 per cent of Indias total seafood export basket. However, it is facing challenges from US and other markets at present, said Fofandi. He further added that the new UK market will absorb some of the shock, particularly helping the shrimp farming industry of South Gujarat. While South Gujarat is more into shrimp farming, the coastline of Saurashtra region is known for its sea fish exports. Certain varieties of fish exported from that region have already become popular among Indians and Chinese settled in the UK. This trade agreement will eventually help fishermen in getting better prices for the catch, said Ketan Suyani, Gujarat-based regional president of SEAI. Also Read | India-UK FTA uncorks new promise for imported scotch and gin At present, Gujarat's fisheries export is roughly around 5,000 crore. Of these, entire Europe accounts for nearly 40 per cent while the remaining 60 per cent goes to the Gulf, China and other Far-east countries, said Suyani. "This trade agreement will eventually benefit Gujarat fishermen because the demand for Indian seafood products will increase after the duty reduction. Fishermen will get better prices with the increase in export quantity," he said. Background of the India-UK CETA In July 2025, India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a bilateral free trade agreement, said a news report. CETA provides duty-free access to 99 per cent of India's exports to the UK, which covers nearly 100 per cent of the trade value. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party meeting today. The ruling alliance MPs' get-together is being held after a considerable gap, news agency PTI said on Monday. The NDA meeting, which Narendra Modi will chair, will take place a couple of days before nominations for the vice president's election begin on 7 August. The NDA must announce its candidate, whose election will be a certainty due to the alliance's majority in the electoral college, by 21 August, the last date of nomination filing and the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Also Read | PM Modi to inaugurate Kartavya Bhavan on 6 August The meeting also comes in the middle of a session which has been all but a washout so far, except for a two-day discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, due to a united Opposition's ceaseless protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar by the Election Commission. PM to speak on a host of issues During the meeting, PM Narendra Modi is expected to speak on a host of current issues as the Opposition has been raising the heat over the poll body's alleged partisan conduct favouring the government, and the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Narendra Modi is also likely to be felicitated by the parliamentary party over his government's military response to the terror strike, the news agency said. V-P Polls on 9 September The electoral college for the vice president poll includes MPs of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and its current strength is 782. If the Opposition also names a candidate, a distinct possibility, then the poll is scheduled to be held on 9 September. Also Read | PM Modi to inaugurate Kartavya Bhavan on 6 August Sources said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and a few BJP national general secretaries are likely to be coordinating with allies for the vice presidential poll. Since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP lost its majority but comfortably crossed the halfway mark with allies, the sessional meeting of the party's MPs was expanded to include its allies. PM Modi had addressed the first such meeting on July 2. However, no meeting has been held in the last few sessions. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi failed to answer questions, says Opposition Before the last national elections, he addressed the weekly meetings of the BJP parliamentary party, which has now expanded to include party allies such as the TDP, JD(U), and LJP (Ram Vilas). The meeting is attended by MPs of the ruling alliance, and PM Modi often discusses a wide range of political and governance issues and, at times, touches on the government's agenda in Parliament. Narendra Modi often offers the MPs talking points to be raised in public, especially in their constituencies. Moscow, Aug 5 (PTI) Russia on Tuesday said sovereign countries have the right to select their partners in trade and economic cooperation based on their interests, a day after President Donald Trump threatened to "substantially" raise US tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. "We believe that sovereign countries must have and do have the right to choose their trade partners, the partners in trade and economic cooperation, on their own and independently determine those modes of trade and economic cooperation that suit the interests of a country in question," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, commenting on the US threats regarding India. President Trump on Monday said he will "substantially" raise US tariffs on India, accusing it of buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it for big profits. Hours later, India mounted an unusually sharp counterattack on the US and the European Union for their "unjustified and unreasonable" targeting of New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil. Firmly rejecting the criticism, India pointed out the double standards in targeting it on the issue and said both the US and the EU are continuing their trade relations with Russia. "Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery and transport equipment, the MEA said. "Where the US is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals," it added. "In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the MEA said. On Monday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakahrova accused the US administration of continuing a neocolonial policy against the nations of the Global South to maintain American hegemony. Sanctions and restrictions are a regrettable reality of today's historical stage, which affects the entire world," Zakaharova said in a statement. "Washington cannot come to terms with the loss of hegemony in the emerging multipolar world order and continues to pursue a neocolonial policy in an attempt to maintain its position, using politicised levers of economic pressure against those who refuse to follow in its wake in the international arena, she added. The Supreme Court is likely to hear on 8 August a plea seeking directions to the Centre for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan mentioned the matter on Tuesday before a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. Also Read | SC reserves verdict on Justice Yashwant Varma's plea to quash panel report The date (on SC website) shows as August 8. Let it not be deleted, Sankaranarayanan submitted, according to news agency PTI. The CJI accepted the request. Incidentally, Tuesday, 5 August marks the sixth anniversary of the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which accorded a special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The decision stripped Jammu and Kashmir of statehood and bifurcated the former state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Ever since the abrogation, the majority of politicians and leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have been demanding the restoration of statehood. The demand for reinstating the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir has intensified after the Omar Abdullah government was formed, following the assembly elections. On 11 December 2023, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the revocation of Article 370, even as it ordered that assembly elections be held in Jammu and Kashmir by September 2024 and its statehood be restored at the earliest. Last year, a plea was filed in the top court seeking directions to the Centre for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir within two months. The application was filed by Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, an academician, and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, a socio-political activist. "It is submitted that the delay in the restoration of statehood would cause a serious reduction of democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, causing a grave violation of the idea of federalism, which forms part of the basic structure of the Constitution of India," the application said. It said the assembly and Lok Sabha elections were conducted peacefully in Jammu and Kashmir without any incident of violence, disturbance, or security concerns being reported. Therefore, there is no impediment of security concerns, violence or any other disturbances which would hinder or prevent the grant/restoration of the status of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as had been assured by the Union of India in the present proceedings, the plea said. Also Read | J-K: Rahul Gandhi to sponsor education for 22 children orphaned in Pak shelling The application stated that Jammu and Kashmir, being an individual state that has gone through many struggles and hardships, requires a strong federal structure to help develop the area and also celebrate its unique culture. In its December 2023 verdict, the apex court held that Article 370, which was incorporated in the Indian Constitution in 1949 to grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was a temporary provision. The President of India was empowered to revoke the measure in the absence of the Constituent Assembly of the erstwhile state whose term expired in 1957, the court said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. at Hyderabad House. Their talks aimed at further cementing the friendship between the two nations. After the meeting, addressing reporters, PM Modi hailed a historic day for bilateral relations between the two Asian nations. PM Narendra Modi said, We are taking India to the level of a strategic partnership. This will give our relationship a new speed and depth, and give strength to our relationship in the Defence and Security Sector. Also Read | Philippines President Marcos Jr welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan In the last few years, there has been progress in our relations in all sectors: trade, defence, maritime, health, security, food security, development partnership, and people-to-people ties. It is a matter of great happiness that we are setting a plan of action for the next five years, PM Modi said, adding, Till July 2027, the Philippines is India's country coordinator. In 2026, you will preside over the ASEAN Chair. On Visa Understanding between India and the Philippines Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation for the Philippines decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian tourists, describing it as a welcome move. He announced that, in a reciprocal gesture, India would offer free e-visas to tourists from the Philippines. PM Modi further stated that efforts would be undertaken this year to establish direct flight connectivity between India and Manila, enhancing travel and tourism ties between the two nations. India, Philippines stage joint naval drill in disputed South China Sea India and the Philippines have conducted joint naval exercises for the first time in the disputed South China Sea a significant military deployment that has provoked a strong reaction from China, according to an Associated Press report. Beijing has long-standing territorial disputes with both Asian democracies and a historic regional rivalry with New Delhi. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner, stated on Monday that the two-day joint naval sail and exercises, which commenced on Sunday, were successfully carried out, the AP report added. Brawner expressed hope that Filipino forces would engage in further joint manoeuvres with the Indian military in the future. When asked whether Chinese forces had responded in any way, General Brawner remarked, We did not experience any untoward incident but we were still shadowed. We expected that already. Philippines' India Visit This is the first visit by the President of the Philippines, a Southeast Asian country, to India since he assumed office in 2022. It marks a significant milestone, as his visit aligns with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Ministers from his Cabinet. In a dramatic escalation of tensions with the United States, Russia has formally declared it will no longer honour self-imposed limits under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signalling a renewed push to deploy short- and intermediate-range nuclear missiles. The development, confirmed on Tuesday by the Russian Foreign Ministry, comes amidst rising geopolitical friction fuelled by sanctions, nuclear posturing, and a heated standoff over global oil trade. Heres a breakdown of what this means, who it affects, and why the world is watching closely. Also Read | Oil steadies as OPEC output hikes counter Russia disruption concerns Why has Russia abandoned the INF Treaty? Russias decision follows a sharp uptick in nuclear rhetoric and military manoeuvring from both sides. In a strongly worded statement, Moscow said it no longer considers itself bound by its previously adopted self-restrictions under the INF Treaty. The Kremlin cited the United States own actions, particularly the deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe and Asia, as justification. The Russian Foreign Ministry also pointed to recent political tensions and military threats from Washington, including the stationing of American nuclear submarines in undisclosed locations. These moves, Moscow claims, undermine the spirit of mutual restraint that once defined the landmark treaty. Which country is threatened by this? The primary countries threatened by Russias recent exit from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with the United States are the NATO member states in Europe, as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Russias withdrawal and its intention to redeploy such missiles raise the threat level for European countries that lie in missile range, including NATO allies bordering Russia. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region faces increased risk due to reports of U.S. plans to deploy intermediate-range missiles in places like the Philippines and Germany, which Russia views as hostile moves. Moscow has pointed specifically to these deployments, along with NATO's stance, as justifications for ending its self-imposed moratorium on missile deployment, arguing that such actions threaten Russian national security. Also Read | Russian oil import cuts could hit Indian OMCs GRM by $11.5/bbl, says report What is the INF Treaty, and why does it matter? Signed in 1987 between the United States and the former Soviet Union, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was a cornerstone of Cold War arms control. It eliminated an entire class of nuclear-capable missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometres, drastically reducing the risk of a fast-escalating nuclear conflict in Europe. However, the treaty began to unravel when the US withdrew in 2019, citing alleged Russian violations. At the time, Moscow responded by pledging not to deploy such missiles unless the US did so first a promise it has officially revoked in 2025. Also Read | Trump threatens India with steep tariff hike for Russian oil purchases What triggered this latest fallout between US and Russia? Tensions reached a boiling point last week when US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new sanctions on Russia. These included threats to penalise countries, including India and China, that continue to purchase Russian oil. Donald Trump set an August 8 deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning of broader consequences if the Kremlin failed to comply. He also revealed that two US nuclear submarines had been repositioned for combat readiness. In response, Russian officials warned of the dangers of escalating nuclear brinkmanship. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged all parties to be very, very careful with nuclear rhetoric. How is India affected by US threats? India finds itself in Washingtons crosshairs over its continued import of Russian crude oil. The US recently announced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods and hinted at further penalties for New Delhis defence and energy ties with Moscow. New Delhi hit back, calling the measures unjustified and unreasonable. In a strongly worded statement, Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) vowed to take all necessary measures to protect the countrys economic security and national interest. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing a public event, underlined Indias support for a fair global order one not dominated by a few powers. He also noted the hypocrisy of the West, pointing out that the US and EU continue to import certain commodities from Russia, even as they criticise others for doing the same. Also Read | Back in black: Indian companies start FY26 on a profitable note Who are the biggest buyers of Russian oil? Since the European Union banned most Russian oil imports in January 2023, trade routes have dramatically shifted eastwards. According to reports by the Associated Press, China, India, and Turkey have emerged as the top buyers of Russian energy exports. China leads the list, having imported approximately $219.5 billion worth of Russian oil, gas, and coal. India follows with $133.4 billion, while Turkey has imported around $90.3 billion. Indias imports from Russia rose from less than 1 per cent before the Ukraine war to over 3540 per cent of total oil purchases today. This shift was partly encouraged by Western powers early in the conflict, as a means to maintain global supply and stabilise prices a stance now being conveniently reversed. Is a new Cold War beginning? Russias exit from the INF Treaty and its renewed missile ambitions have rekindled fears of a Cold War-style arms race. The mutual deployment of nuclear-capable assets, tit-for-tat sanctions, and rising distrust between global superpowers suggest that the post-Cold War era of strategic cooperation may be unraveling. Experts warn that without a framework like the INF to manage military escalation, the world faces a higher risk of miscalculation and conflict. The lack of direct communication channels between Washington and Moscow, paired with rising regional tensions in Asia, only adds to the uncertainty. What happens next? As the 8 August ceasefire deadline approaches, all eyes are on Moscow. Whether President Putin will respond to Trumps ultimatum remains to be seen. Meanwhile, India, China, and other key global players may find themselves caught in the crossfire of a deepening US-Russia confrontation. While Donald Trump continues to impose sanctions and threaten further tariffs to assert US dominance, Russia has mocked the moves, calling them a neocolonial agenda and politically motivated economic pressure aimed at countries that chose an independent course instead of following Americas lead. Responding sharply to Trump tariff threats, Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said America is unable to accept the erosion of its dominance and hence, continues to pursue a neocolonial agenda, employing politically motivated economic pressure against those who choose an independent course on the international stage. She said, Sanctions and restrictions have unfortunately become a defining feature of the current historical period, impacting countries across the globe. Unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar international order, Washington continues to pursue a neocolonial agenda, employing politically motivated economic pressure against those who choose an independent course on the international stage. Terming them as arbitrary imposition of tariff barriers, the Russian spokesperson further said that the tariffs and sanctions counter the free trade principles, while asserting that no such action can halt the natural course of history. Russia also asserted that Moscow is supported by BRICS. Also Read | Why India may not stop buying Russian oil amid US tariff threat: Explained We are supported by a vast number of partners, like-minded states, and allies, particularly among the countries of the Global South and, above all, within #BRICS, who share this perspective, Maria Zakharova said. Zakharova in her concluding remarks mentioned that Russia stands ready to deepen cooperation and resist the unlawful unilateral sanctions, so as to help shape a multipolar, just and equitable international order. We stand ready to deepen cooperation with them to resist unlawful unilateral sanctions and to help shape a genuinely multipolar, just, and equitable international order." Russia's response came after Donald Trump threatened to further increase the tariffs on India, accusing New Delhi of selling the Russian oil it was buying from the country and fueling the war on Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump said, India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!! Satyapal Malik, former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Governor, has died at the age of 79 years old. Satyapal Malik was undergoing treatment for kidney-related ailments at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where he passed away today on August 5, his personal secretary KS Rana confirmed. Satyapal Malik's staff informed that the former J&K governor was in the ICU of the Delhi hospital for a long time, getting treatment for various ailments. In a statement, Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital said Satyapal Malik, who served as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019, passed away at 1:10 pm today after a prolonged illness. News agency PTI has quoted officials as saying, Jammu and Kashmir's last governor Satyapal Malik dies in Delhi's hospital. Incidentally, Satyapal Malik has passed away on the same date Article 370 was revoked in Jammu and Kashmir during his tenure as Jammu and Kashmir Governor August 5, 2019. Who was Satyapal Malik? Satyapal Malik was the former governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Goa, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Odisha. He was also a member of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in his long political career. He also served as a member of the Panel of Chairmen in the Rajya Sabha and the Panel of Speakers in the Lok Sabha during his tenure. Positions held by Satyapal Malik Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1974-77) Member of Rajya Sabha (1980-84, 1986-89) Member of Lok Sabha (1989-91) Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism from April to November 1990. Satyapal Malik, as India knew him Satyapal Malik entered politics in 1965-66. He served as the President of the Meerut College Students' Union in 1966-67 and later as the President of the Students' Union of the then Meerut University (now Chaudhary Charan Singh University) in 1968-69. He made his legislative debut in 1974 when he won the Baghpat Assembly seat, contesting as the Bharatiya Kranti Dal candidate. He was later appointed the party's Chief Whip in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His growing stature within the political landscape led to his appointment as the All-India General Secretary of the newly formed Lok Dal in 1975. In 1980, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Lok Dal. In 1984, Satyapal Malok joined Congress and was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1986. In Congress, Satyapal Malik served as the General Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC). However, he resigned from both the Congress and the Rajya Sabha in 1987 after Bofors scandal came to light. That same year, he formed the 'Jan Morcha', which later merged with Janata Dal in 1988. During this period, he worked closely with former Prime Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh and actively participated in the Jan-Jagran movement. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Aligarh in 1989. In 2004, Satyapal Malik joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contested from the Baghpat Lok Sabha seat. He also served as the Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh BJP (2005-06), All-India Incharge of the BJP Kisan Morcha (2009), and later as National Vice President of the BJP in 2012. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to public life, he was appointed the Governor of Bihar in 2017. A year later, on August 23, 2018, he took oath as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. A deeply personal and emotionally charged post by Gaurav Kheterpal, founder of a multi-cloud expertise startup, has triggered an intense discussion online over the erosion of Indian family values in an increasingly globalised world. In a post titled Is the Indian family system dead?, Kheterpal shared a harrowing incident involving a close friend (referred to as 'X'), who had been living in the United States for 15 years while his elderly fatheraged 84lived alone in Jaipur following the passing of his wife three years ago. Kheterpal revealed that he received a frantic call at 3 AM from his friend, asking him to check on his ailing father who was feeling unwell. Responding immediately, Kheterpal and a few friends rushed the elderly man to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a cardiac arrest followed by multiple organ failure. We got him the best possible treatment, he stabilised, and few of his relatives showed up none of whom was ready to pay any bills, shoulder responsibility etc, he wrote. What followed was, in Kheterpals words, unbelievable and shook me to the core. Despite his father being in critical condition in the ICU, X remained in the US to work on what he called a multi-million dollar deal. He only flew to India after his father's death staying for three days and leaving right after the baithak. No Asthi Visarjan, none of the other rituals stating that these are all superstitions which we don't believe in, Kheterpal added, expressing his dismay at how the family rituals were brushed aside. Perhaps the most heartbreaking detail: X's wife and children did not accompany him to India. She has a job & kids have school, X reportedly said a reason that didnt sit well with many who read the post. All along, Ive believed that the Indian family values, our rituals and bonding are much better & stronger than anywhere else in the world. But this incident has shaken me to the core! Kheterpal wrote. The thread, which quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked a larger debate over the changing face of Indian society, the cost of global ambitions, and the waning significance of traditional family bonds and rituals. While some users sympathised with the practical realities of living abroad and managing careers, many echoed Kheterpals concerns, lamenting what they see as the growing disintegration of Indian family values. Here are some of the reactions: A user wrote: Amusing how you threw your friend under the bus publicly for a tweet. Another user wrote: Nobody comes to India just for 3 days from the US. Traveling itself takes one whole day. Jet lag makes it more difficult. His father was already 84, and he must have refused to stay with his son, as traveling and cold weather make it difficult for the elderly to live in the US. He must have arranged to hire helpers to take care of his father. You are clearly targeting your friend here without providing any proof. You even claimed that you paid the hospital bills. If you are telling the truth, reveal the details of the elderly man and his son, along with hospital documents and bills. Reacting to this, Kheterpal said: Quite an astonishing response! In the whole thing, you just noticed the fact that nobody comes to India for 3 days. Your IQ is at a different level. A third user said: Deeply heartbreaking. What once felt rare has now become the new normalSettling abroad in the USA or Europe has become the ultimate goal for many. Returning to India? Not a part of the plan anymore. Back home, aging parents wait silently, hoping their children will return to care for them. But for many children, once the parents are gone, the only plan is to sell everything and move on house, memories, roots. Shocking recent data reveals that nearly two lakh Indians have renounced their citizenship a silent goodbye to their homeland. Another Ukrainian child was evacuated from the temporarily occupied territory (TOT) as part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative of the President of Ukraine, said Daria Zarivna, Advisor to the Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine. "The 13-year-old girl and her mother lived in the occupied territories from the first months of the full-scale invasion. She dreamed of getting out and going to her grandparents in the Ukrainian-controlled territory, with whom she had been in touch all this time. Her mother also wanted to leave, but for a long time she hesitated because of the danger of the journey. In the end, the family decided that the girl would go first," she noted. Today, the girl is already in free Ukraine - next to her grandparents, whom she has not seen for more than three years. "We will continue to fight for every Ukrainian child to bring them home," emphasized the adviser to the head of the President's Office. A Reddit user from Delhi shared a heartbreaking post about his current situation. He has been jobless since September 2024 and now faces eviction as he cannot pay his rent. With no income, savings or family support, he fears becoming homeless within a week. The stress is badly affecting his mental health. He hasnt eaten properly for over 30 hours and doesnt know how hell afford his next meal. His mobile plan is also about to expire. Though he has a few job leads, he cant afford to travel for interviews. He feels completely lost and alone, with no one to turn to. I feel like a loser, and I wish I could just end it all. I have no family support, as my parents are no longer alive. I am completely on my own, which is why I am reaching out here for guidance or support, he wrote. He later posted an update. He said someone had arranged lunch for him. A user named Arhaan_Love replied with a kind offer. The American Indian has roots in Mumbai and owns several family businesses. He asked the struggling person to send him a direct message. Arhaan said he normally wouldnt do this but felt moved to help. Move to Mumbai if possible, you can stay at my house rent free, eat no cost of charge till you can get on your feet (sic), the user posted. Another user, braveghost6, praised Arhaans offer and said such kindness was rare. However, he added a thought. Instead of only offering shelter and food, maybe giving the man a job in one of Arhaans businesses would help more in the long run. I cannot help but think of the 'feed a man a fish vs teach him how to fish' metaphor right now, the user added. Arhaan replied that he had thought the same. But, his offer is to make things better immediately. I exactly have this same thought, but also relieving some would aid and deter from other mental thoughts right now. I definitely would aid in guiding that matter (sic), he wrote. One social media user responded to Arhaan's offer, You are doing God's work, sir. Massive respect." I am really really happy today. Your message has motivated me to help others, wrote another. Huge respect, man, came from another. More help for the man One user suggested that the jobless man should visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara for food and shelter and do seva while job hunting. The man replied that he only had 5 and needed 40 for the metro fare. Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered the Justice Department to investigate how the Trump-Russia probe began, after new documents were released that question the legitimacy of the inquiry, which had claimed that Russia interfered to help Trump in the 2016 election. The new investigation has been launched to determined whether the members of the Obama administration manufactured the reports of Russian interference in the election. Pam Bondi has instructed a prosecutor to present evidence to a grand jury following referrals from the Trump administration's top intelligence official. The decision comes after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard referred the case, citing declassified documents released in July that she claims challenge the Obama administrations findings that Russia aimed to help Trump beat Hillary Clinton. Also Read | Explosive report fuels Trumps call for Hillary Clinton to pay a big price over Russia hoax According to a CNN report, Tulsi Gabbard has requested the department to investigate former President Barack Obama and top officials in his administration for an alleged conspiracy. On Truth Social, Donald Trump had recently declared the 24-page document proves the scandal is "TOTALLY UNDISPUTED" and "the biggest in American History," demanding perpetrators pay a big price . The annex, released by Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, details emails suggesting Hillary Clinton approved a strategy to distract people from her own missing email by amplifying Russia-Trump allegations. What is not known? It was not clear which former officials might be the target of any grand jury activity, where the grand jury that might ultimately hear evidence will be located or which prosecutors whether career employees or political appointees might be involved in pursuing the investigation. It was also not clear what precise claims of misconduct Trump administration officials believe could form the basis of criminal charges, which a grand jury would have to sign off on for an indictment to be issued. The initial findings had led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who secured several convictions of Trump associates but found no evidence of a criminal conspiracy between Trumps campaign and Moscow. The investigation had shadowed much of Trump's first term in office. A new outcry surfaced last week when Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released a set of emails that FBI Director Kash Patel claimed on social media proved that the Clinton campaign plotted to frame President Trump and fabricate the Russia collusion hoax. Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend and convicted accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein, is opposing a renewed push by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to unseal grand jury transcripts in the high-profile sex trafficking case, arguing that doing so would violate her due process rights and undermine her pending appeal before the US Supreme Court. Maxwells legal team urged the court to reject the governments proposal to release the transcripts, emphasising that public interest alone does not justify breaching grand jury secrecy in an active criminal case. Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable and her due process rights remain, Maxwell's attorneys David O. Markus and Melissa Madrigal argued. The Justice Department, under the Trump administration, had petitioned two federal judges in New York to allow the release of transcripts related to the grand juries that indicted both Epstein and Maxwell. The move, officials said, was prompted by increasing public demand for transparency in the high-profile sex-trafficking case. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for aiding Epstein in trafficking dozens of young women, many of them minors. Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. The court gave Maxwell and Epsteins estate until Tuesday to respond to the DOJs request. Maxwell claims unawareness of content Maxwells lawyers argued that unsealing the materials would irreparably taint any future proceedings, especially if her Supreme Court appeal is successful. They also revealed that Maxwell has never reviewed the grand jury materials in question and remains unaware of their content. Adding further complexity to the case, Maxwell was recently visited in a low-security Florida prison by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. She was subpoenaed to testify before Congress regarding Epsteins network, and has requested immunity in exchange for her testimony. She was later transferred to a minimum-security facility in Texas. Green card marriage couples: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its rules for evaluating family-based immigrant visa petitions, which are often filed by married couples applying for green cards. In a press release issued on August 1, UCIS informed, Fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non-meritorious family-based immigrant visa petitions erode confidence in family-based pathways to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and undermine family unity in the United States. Also Read | US Green Card delay forces MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood to step down mid-tenure Green card marriage couples: What are the updated rules? The policy clarifies that approving a family-based petition does not automatically confer legal immigration status. If the beneficiary is found to be ineligible under US immigration law, a Notice to Appear in removal proceedings can be issued. USCIS states that the update aims to clarify current procedures and enhance the agency's capacity to evaluate the validity of marriage-based and other family-related immigration petitions, especially when spouses or immediate relatives seek lawful permanent residency. Also Read | US Green Card Diversity Visa 2026 Lottery results released: Key info The update highlights the eligibility criteria, required documentation, interview procedures, USCIS's approach to cases with multiple or related petitions, and the conditions for routing petitions to other government agencies. In the USCIS Policy Manual, issued by the agency, it explains requirements associated with the screening, vetting, and adjudication of family-based immigrant visa petitions, including eligibility criteria, filing, interviews, and decisions. NASA interim Administrator and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will announce expedited plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon, marking his first major policy move at NASA, Politico reported, citing internal documents. First reactor on the Moon by 2030 While NASA has long discussed the potential of nuclear energy on the lunar surface, Duffys plan sets a definitive timeline for a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor to be operational by 2030, according to documents obtained by Politico. Previously, NASA had funded work on a smaller 40-kilowatt system. The directive, set to be released this week, orders the space agency to solicit proposals from the private sector and designate a project leader within 60 days. The push comes amid growing concerns about China and Russias collaborative lunar base project and their potential to establish dominance in space. Keep-Out Zone concerns The internal directive reportedly warns that the first country to deploy a reactor on the moon could establish a keep-out zone, limiting access for rivals like the US. This geopolitical concern is driving the administrations aggressive timeline. The news outlet notes that China plans to land astronauts on the Moon around 2030 the same target date for the US reactor. Space Station replacement also prioritized In addition to the lunar reactor, Duffys directive reportedly calls for accelerating the replacement of the aging International Space Station (ISS). According to Politico, NASA aims to award contracts to at least two commercial space station developers within six months of issuing a formal request. Ozzy Osbournes official cause of death has been confirmed as a heart attack, along with Parkinsons disease and heart problems. The Black Sabbath legend, 76, passed away on July 22 at his Buckinghamshire home, surrounded by his wife Sharon and children. What is the reason of death? His daughter Aimee filed the death certificate in London, listing "acute myocardial infarction" (a severe heart attack) and "coronary artery disease" as primary causes, worsened by his long Parkinsons battle. Despite years of health struggles, Ozzys family emphasized he died "surrounded by love" and requested privacy. The rock icons passing came just 17 days after his emotional final performance with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, where he thanked fans from the bottom of my heart. Ozzy faced multiple health issues before his death. He was secretly diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2003 but only revealed it publicly in 2020. His mobility declined sharply after a 2019 fall that worsened old spinal injuries from a 2003 quad-bike accident, leaving him in chronic pain and needing surgeries. "Its been five years of absolute hell," Ozzy admitted in 2023, crediting his familys support for keeping him going. Parkinsons affected his legs, but his voice remained strong. His son Jack clarified that spinal damagenot just Parkinsonscrippled Ozzys body . Despite this, he defiantly performed his farewell show seated on a throne weeks before dying. Ozzys funeral on July 25 was intimate and emotional. About 110 close family, friends, and musicians, including guitarist Zakk Wylde, gathered at his lakeside Buckinghamshire estate, where he was buried at "a beautiful point on the lake" per his wishes. Photos of Ozzy filled the home, and attendees received one as a keepsake . Days later, thousands of fans lined Birminghams streets during a memorial procession. Sharon and their children tearfully laid flowers at the Black Sabbath Bench, where posters declared Birmingham will always love you. The hometown tribute honored Ozzys roots in Aston, where he "used to play on bomb sites" before changing rock music forever. Ozzys legacy as a rock pioneer and survivor lives on. He sold over 100 million records, won three Grammys, and entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice . His final advice? Tributes poured in from Elton John, Metallica, and fans worldwide . Sharon, married to Ozzy for 43 turbulent years, once said: If it wasnt for Sharon, Id be long dead. Though known for bat-biting antics and "Prince of Darkness" theatrics, Ozzy wished to be remembered simply as "John Osbourne: a working-class kid from Aston" who beat the odds. The Justice Department has an audio recording of a recent interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, and the Trump administration is currently debating whether to release a transcript, CNN reported on Tuesday (August 5), citing three senior administration officials. Maxwell, a convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein, was interviewed last month by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche over a two-day period at the US Attorneys office in Tallahassee, Florida. A final decision has not been made, one senior official told the news outlet, confirming that discussions were ongoing within both the White House and Justice Department. A few in the administration reportedly see the release as a way to take control of the narrative, especially after widespread criticism over how Epstein-related files have been handled. Many officials have been frustrated with the rollout of information, one of the sources noted. They want to control the optics around the issue. Sensitive redactions being considered One official told CNN that the recording is currently being transcribed and digitized, but portions that could compromise sensitive detailssuch as victim nameswould need to be redacted before any public release. The release could be several weeks from now, another source said, explaining that the timeline depends on decisions made at the highest levels of the West Wing and DOJ. It remains unclear whether the White House and the Department of Justice are in full agreement on how to proceed. Maxwells ongoing legal battle and prison transfer Ghislaine Maxwell, who was sentenced in 2022 to 20 years in federal prison for her role in grooming and sexually abusing underage girls with Epstein, has continued to appeal her conviction, including a petition before the Supreme Court. Last week, she was moved from a Florida federal prison to a lower-security prison camp in Texasa rare development for someone convicted of sex crimes. White House pressured on Epstein transparency The possible release of the Maxwell interview comes amid growing pressure from Trumps political base to demonstrate greater transparency regarding Epstein-related documents. By Karen Freifeld -Two Chinese nationals were arrested in California and charged with illegally shipping tens of millions of dollars' worth of AI chips to China, including Nvidia H100s, the U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday. Chuan Geng, 28, of Pasadena, and Shiwei Yang, 28, of El Monte, exported the advanced Nvidia chips and other technology to China from October 2022 through July 2025 without obtaining the required licenses from the U.S. Commerce Department, a criminal complaint says. According to the complaint, Geng and Yang's El Monte-based company, ALX Solutions Inc, was founded in 2022, shortly after the U.S. imposed sweeping export controls on technology to China and began to require licenses for the chips. A spokesperson for Nvidia declined comment. Over 20 shipments from ALX solutions went to shipping and freight forwarding companies in Singapore and Malaysia, which are often used as transshipment points for illegal goods to China. ALX received a $1 million payment from a China-based company in January 2024 and other payments from companies in Hong Kong and China, not the freight forwarding companies. Nvidia H100s are advanced chips that can be used to train large language models and for other applications, such as developing self-driving cars and medical diagnosis systems. Records show that from at least August 2023 to July 2024, ALX Solutions bought over 200 Nvidia H100 chips from San Jose, Calif-based server maker Super Micro Computer, declaring that the end users were in Singapore and Japan. Super Micro did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In addition to Nvidia's H100s, the pair are accused of illegally shipping Nvidia video graphics cards known as PNY GE Force RTX 4090, which also require a license for export to China. Geng and Yang appeared in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles late Monday, according to the Justice Department. Geng, a permanent resident, was released on $250,000 bond. Yang, who overstayed her visa, has a detention hearing on August 12. National Weather Service has issued a series of Air Quality Alerts across the northeastern and midwestern United States for August 5 as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to drift southward, blanketing large swaths of the country in hazardous fine particulate matter (PM2.5). NWS said residents in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana have been warned to limit outdoor activity due to unhealthy air conditions, especially for sensitive populations. Air Quality Action days declared New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut all remain under Air Quality Action Days through midnight tonight. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has flagged Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex, and Union counties, while the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation extended the alert to all five NYC boroughs and counties north of the city including Westchester, Rockland, Orange, and Putnam. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued alerts for Fairfield, New Haven, and Middlesex counties until 11 PM. Health risks for vulnerable groups Across all states, officials are advising sensitive individuals including children, older adults, and those with asthma, lung, or heart disease to limit strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities. The New York State Department of Health echoed this concern, urging those at risk to consider consulting a physician if symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest discomfort develop. Understanding AQI and PM2.5 The Air Quality Index (AQI) values in affected areas are expected to exceed 100, placing many regions in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category. Fine particulates (PM2.5), the primary pollutant, are microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, exacerbating existing health issues and triggering new symptoms in vulnerable populations. Canadian wildfire smoke States such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana reported direct impacts from Canadian wildfire smoke, particularly from fires in Manitoba and Ontario. High pressure systems have trapped smoke close to the ground, worsening air quality. In Michigan, counties across the northern and central parts of the state were affected, with concentrations expected to ease by Wednesday. Meanwhile, Wisconsins Department of Natural Resources expects smoke to persist throughout the day, with heavier conditions in the northeast. Other state advisories Vermont: Counties of Bennington and Windham are under alert through midnight due to smoke-driven PM2.5 levels. Massachusetts: An alert is in effect from 11 AM to 11 PM for Fine Particulates. Pennsylvania: Issued a Code Orange Alert, indicating unhealthy air for sensitive groups, especially in urban centers. Indiana: Declared an Air Quality Action Day for fine particulates and advised reducing outdoor exposure. What you can do Officials across all regions recommend the following precautions: Avoid or limit outdoor exertion, especially if youre in a sensitive group. Keep windows closed and use air purifiers or HVAC systems with MERV-13 filters or higher. Avoid activities that worsen air quality, such as burning wood or refueling vehicles during the day. Monitor symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or eye irritation and seek medical advice if they worsen. New Delhi, Aug 5 (PTI) The US did not accept India's request for consultations under an agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) concerning American tariffs on steel, aluminium, and related derivative products, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. The US has maintained that these measures were introduced on the grounds of national security, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. India, however, considers these measures to be safeguard actions that should have been notified and subjected to consultations under the WTO's Agreement on Safeguards (AoS). "India has accordingly reserved its right to suspend substantially equivalent concessions (right to impose equal trade measures in response) due to the US's non-compliance with its obligations under the AoS," he said. In a separate reply, the minister said India is actively involved in the discussions with the US on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the aim to expand trade and investment. India-US bilateral trade agreement negotiations were launched in March 2025. Five rounds of negotiations have been held, the last being from July 14-18th, 2025, at Washington, USA. "To safeguard the interests of farmers and the domestic industry, international trade negotiations allow for the inclusion of sensitive, negative, or exclusion lists -- categories of goods on which limited or no tariff concessions are granted," he said. In addition, in case of surge in imports and injury to the domestic industry, a country is allowed to take recourse to trade remedial measures such as anti-dumping and safeguards on imports. In another reply, the minister said India has not taken any decision to suspend or restrict trade or tourism activities with Turkey and Azerbaijan. However, the import from Turkey has declined from USD 3.78 billion in 2023-24 to USD 2.99 billion in 2024-25. The major items imported from Turkey during 2024-25 include Petroleum Crude, Gold, Inorganic Chemicals, Granite, Natural Stones and Aircraft & Spacecraft parts. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recorded 151 combat clashes over the past 24 hours. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Telegram in operational information on the Russian invasion as of 8:00 Tuesday. "According to updated information, yesterday the enemy launched three missile and 72 air strikes, used five missiles and dropped 129 guided air bombs. In addition, it carried out 6,050 attacks, including 76 from multiple launch rocket systems, and used 3,925 kamikaze drones to for destruction," the General Staff reported. The US Justice Department released a new list of 35 "sanctuary jurisdictions" on Tuesday, targeting states and cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The list names 12 states, including California, New York, and Illinois, plus Washington D.C., 4 counties, and 19 cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, and Boston . This replaces a much larger list from May that included over 500 locations but was pulled after just three days due to errors and protests from mislabeled areas. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned these policies "impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk," vowing to continue lawsuits against them. The move follows President Trumps April executive order cracking down on resistance to deportation efforts. Sanctuary jurisdictions earn the label by restricting help to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), like refusing jail detainer requests, limiting information sharing about detainees immigration status, or using local funds to aid immigrants. For example, Philadelphia and Montgomery County only honor ICE detainers with a judges warrant, arguing holding people longer illegally risks lawsuits . The DOJs list targets nine specific "defiance" factors, including training staff to avoid ICE cooperation and creating offices to help immigrants evade federal agents. Bondis approach is more precise than Homeland Securitys earlier botched list, which even included Trump-supporting rural counties that call themselves non-sanctuaries. Despite the threats, the DOJ faces legal roadblocks. A federal judge in Illinois recently tossed a lawsuit against Chicago, ruling that the 10th Amendment lets cities refuse to enforce federal immigration laws. "If the state cannot control whether their employees share information, they cannot affirmatively opt out," wrote Judge Lindsay Jenkins, a Biden appointee . The administration has sued New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, Rochester, and four New Jersey cities since April. Meanwhile, some areas like Louisville and North Carolina have reversed sanctuary policies, while Florida and Texas now push local agencies to assist ICE. Local leaders pushed back strongly. Philadelphia officials insist theyve received "no formal notification" of violations and are "confident" they follow federal law . Mayor Cherelle Parker avoids the term "sanctuary," calling it a welcoming city, a shift from her predecessors confrontational style. Three Pennsylvania counties near Philly celebrated their removal from the list, with Chester Countys Republican commissioner calling it proof they respect the rule of law". A deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease has infected 58 people and killed two, health officials confirmed. The illness, caused by Legionella bacteria, spreads through contaminated water systems like cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing. What is Legionnaires about? This mirrors recent clusters in New York City where 1 died and 22 fell ill after exposure to contaminated aerosols in Harlem . The bacteria thrive in warm water (2050C/68122F) and enter the lungs when people inhale mist or vapor from infected sources. Though not contagious between people, it can cause severe pneumonia. The disease was first identified in 1976 after an American Legion convention outbreak in Philadelphia, where 29 attendees died. Legionnaires strikes through everyday water sources: air conditioning units, showers, fountains, and even car windshield wiper fluid tanks if filled with plain water . When these systems arent cleaned properly, bacteria multiply and spread in droplets. Hospital patients face extra risk if contaminated water enters their lungs during procedures. What are the visible symptoms? Symptoms appear 210 days after exposure and start with fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Within days, they escalate to cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and confusion. Unlike milder "Pontiac fever" (a flu-like form of legionellosis), Legionnaires attacks the lungs and requires urgent antibiotics . Without treatment, it can be fatal in 530% of cases. Seniors, smokers, and people with weak immune systems are most vulnerable. Data shows 7580% of cases hit those over 50, with men making up 6070% of infections . Underlying conditions like diabetes, lung disease, or cancer dramatically increase risk. Health departments urge at-risk groups with flu-like symptomsespecially cough, fever, or breathing trouble, to seek care immediately. Diagnosis needs urine or phlegm tests, as X-rays alone cant distinguish it from other pneumonias. Preventing outbreaks hinges on water safety plans: hot water tanks should be kept above 60C (140F) and cold water below 20C (68F) to stop bacteria growth . Cooling towers and pipes need regular cleaning, disinfection, and weekly flushing to avoid stagnant water. Also Read | Viral videos capture chilling moments as flashfloods hit Uttarkashi - Watch Just days after Donald Trump slapped 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, the United States-India ties have further soured over New Delhis continued purchase of Russian oil a trade the US President has openly criticised. After once blaming Ukraine for the war, Donald Trump is now targeting countries trading with Russia by imposing tariffs, in a bid to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, making it his own conflict. In a fresh attack on India, Donald Trump again threatened on Monday, August 4, to raise tariffs on goods from India over its Russian oil purchases. He also accused India of not just buying the Russian oil but also selling it. In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump wrote, India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!! Also Read | Top five roadblocks that may arise after Trump's tariffs on India New Delhi hit back almost immediately. Calling his attack unjustified and unreasonable, India vowed to protect its economic interests, deepening the trade rift between the two countries. Firmly rejecting the criticism, India pointed out the double standards in targeting it on the issue and said both the US and the EU are continuing their trade relations with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a late-evening statement. The Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery and transport equipment, the MEA said. Where the US is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security, it said. New Delhi had said earlier that it is studying the implications of these tariffs and is still hopeful of concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. So far five rounds of negotiations have been held between the two countries. For the next round of talks, the US team is coming to India on August 25. The talks will go on till August 29. Amid President Donald Trump's announcement of substantially increased tariffs on India over its purchase of oil from Russia, the Indian Army on August 5 took a potshot at the United States by sharing an old article talking about US' arms support worth $2 billion to Pakistan for decades at concessional rates or throw-away prices in the buildup for the 1971 war. "This Day That Year" Build Up of War - 05 Aug 1971 #KnowFacts," Indian Army's Eastern Command shared on X with a newspaper cutting stating ". $2 '54". Netizens react One of the users said, Best reply by Indian army to USAit exposes American Hypocrisy Another said, Show the mirror to the bully!!! Gr8 going Eastern command. good reminder for Donald Trump commented a third. Also Read | Is the Indian stock market downplaying the Trump tariffs threat? Recently, the US pledged its support to Pakistan for the development of massive 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. 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! Trump stated. India's stern reply to Trump's tariff threat The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, Indias imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by (the) global market situation." Also Read | Trump tariff: Experts explain what Indian market investors are weighing in India asserted both the US and the EU were also indulging in trade with Russia". The statement added, In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security." In China, adult pacifiers have become popular as tools to ease anxiety and help with sleep. Online shops say they sell over 2,000 pieces each month. These dummies are larger than baby ones and cost between 10 and 500 yuan ( 122 to 6,000). Sellers claim they reduce stress, improve sleep and even help people stop smoking. Some also say they support better breathing, the South China Morning Post reported. The pacifiers come with transparent nipples and colourful shields. Buyers have shared positive reviews online. It is high quality, soft, and I feel comfortable sucking it. It does not impede my breathing, SCMP quoted one customer as saying. It is amazing in helping me quit smoking. It gives me psychological comfort and makes me not so fidgety during my smoke cessation periods, posted another customer. Another person mentioned how it brought back a childhood-like feeling of safety. I feel I am indulged in a sense of safety from childhood, the customer said. Expecter worried about mental impact However, experts are worried about the mental impact of adults using baby-like items for comfort. Many fear it might reveal deeper emotional issues. Dentist Tang Caomin warned that using them for long hours daily could harm the mouth. It may cause pain while chewing and make it hard to open the mouth properly. By sucking the dummy for more than three hours a day, the position of your teeth might change after a year, Tang told the publication. Theres also a risk of parts getting stuck in the throat while sleeping. According to psychologist Zhang Mo, these pacifiers might show that peoples emotional needs arent being met. The real solution is not to treat themselves as a child, but to face the challenge directly and to solve it, she said. The trend has sparked a huge debate on Chinese social media. One platform saw over 60 million views on this topic. Troubled former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been placed under house arrest for his role in the country's attempted coup. This comes after he broke a social media ban, escalating a dramatic standoff between the court and the far-right politician accused of plotting a coup. The beleaguered politician has said that he will appeal the house arrest order and expressed surprise since he did not breach any terms. To be sure, it was Bolsonaro's supporters who broadcasted a live call with the leader, breaking the court's imposed social media ban on the former army captain. Why Bolsonaro faces trial? Bolsonaro, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, is currently facing trial in the Supreme Court over allegations that he attempted to remain in power following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Just last month, the court ordered him to wear an ankle monitor and imposed a ban on social media use after claims emerged that he sought to interfere with the trial through provocative online statements, which were amplified by his sons and supporters. Under the ban, third parties are barred from sharing his public remarks. Also Read | Bengaluru bus strike: Commuters hit as protest begins despite High Court ban What triggered the new court order? On Sunday, allies of Bolsonaro, 70, defied the court order by broadcasting a live call between the former army captain and his son at a solidarity rally in Rio de Janeiro, one of several held across Brazil. Bolsonaro himself did not attend the rallies, having been ordered by the Supreme Court to stay home at night and at weekends throughout the trial. He faces a heavy prison sentence in the trial, which is expected to be concluded in the coming weeks. Also Read | Bengaluru bus strike: Commuters hit as protest begins despite High Court ban What has Brazil's Supreme Court said? Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes reacted furiously, declaring Monday that the judiciary would not allow a defendant to "treat it like a fool" because of his "political and economic power." Criticizing Bolsonaro's "repeated failure" to comply with the court's restrictions, he ordered him placed under house arrest at his home in the capital Brasilia. He also barred the country's former leader (2019-2022) from receiving visitors, apart from his lawyers, and from using any mobile phones. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a high-level meeting with senior security officials on Tuesday (August 5) to review options for the ongoing war in Gaza. According to his office, the limited security discussion lasted around three hours and included a presentation from military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on possible next steps. Media reports suggest Netanyahu is leaning towards a complete military takeover of the Gaza Strip, reversing Israels 2005 disengagement. Channel 12 cited an official from Netanyahus office saying the prime minister favours regaining control of the entire territory. We are not giving up on any of these missions, Netanyahu told new military recruits. It is still necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel. Cabinet to decide on Thursday The Israeli cabinet is expected to convene on Thursday (August 7) to discuss the proposed strategy. Defence Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close Netanyahu ally, are also part of the decision-making process. While Israeli media pointed to a potential full occupation, Netanyahus office declined to comment on the report, and it remains unclear whether such a move would result in long-term occupation or a short-term offensive to dismantle Hamas and rescue hostages. Rising casualties and hunger The renewed strategy debate comes as conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. Palestinian health officials reported at least 20 people killed by Israeli gunfire while waiting for UN aid in northern Gaza, with another 20 injured in the south, near Morag Square in Rafah. Gazas Health Ministry said eight more people had died of starvation or malnutrition in the past 24 hours, while 80 others were killed in Israeli attacks. According to Gaza authorities, the death toll from hunger since the war began has reached 188, including 94 children. Hostage crisis deepens On Saturday (August 2), Hamas released a disturbing video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David in an emaciated condition inside what appeared to be a tunnel. The footage shocked many in Israel and renewed international pressure on Hamas to release the remaining 50 hostages. Israeli authorities estimate that 20 hostages may still be alive in Gaza. Most have been released in previous ceasefires brokered through diplomatic efforts. The last truce was broken by Israel, according to international mediators. Palestinian response and warnings Palestinian officials interpreted the full takeover proposal as a potential pressure tactic to push Hamas into concessions. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged the international community to take the reports seriously. These leaks must be treated with utmost seriousness, the ministry said in a statement. Whether they are meant to exert pressure, test international reactions, or are genuine and serious, the world must intervene to prevent their implementation. Military pushback Despite Netanyahus signals, parts of the Israeli military are reportedly resisting the idea of a full occupation, citing strain from the nearly two-year conflict and concerns about prolonged involvement. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir publicly challenged military chief Zamir on X, demanding he confirm that he would obey government orders if a decision is made to retake Gaza entirely. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) responded that they were prepared to implement any decision that will be made by the Political-Security Cabinet. Death toll rises The war began after Hamas-led militants launched a deadly cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 Israelismostly civiliansand taking 251 hostages. The global economic scenario is unraveling at breakneck speed, with artificial intelligence (AI) and tariff wars its most visible drivers. From boardrooms in Mumbai to Cincinnati, companies are reckoning with what US politician Donald Rumsfeld once called the unknown unknowns". One clear sign of this reckoning is the sudden, sometimes opaque leadership changes at companies. Take Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), both of which just announced unexpected changes at the top. At P&G, chief operating officer Shailesh Jejurikar was named as the new CEO while at JLR Adrian Mardell will step down after a controversial makeover of the brand went down badly. India, too, hasnt been immune to the need for fresh leaders. Last week, Rohit Jawa stepped down as CEO of Hindustan Unilever (HUL) after just two years in the job. Since the beginning of this year, there have been similar leadership transitions at companies ranging from DMart to Page Industries. These moves arent just routine corporate reshuffles, but a response to huge disruptions in the way business has been done for decades. Indeed, leadership changes at such bastions of corporate continuity like HUL suggest that business models which served well for decades may no longer suffice. And while AI and the Trump tariffs are in the spotlight, the forces at work are broader and more complex. Look no further than developments at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Indias largest IT services company and among the countrys biggest employers, which recently announced what may be its largest layoff exercise to date. The last time a Tata Group company initiated job cuts of this scale was in the 1990s, when Tata Steel, then the conglomerates flagship, slashed a third of its workforce under its new leader Ratan Tata. It was a move that marked a fundamental pivot away from the steel companys past and toward a tech-enabled, globally competitive model of making steel. TCS, the groups crown jewel for the last two decades, appears to be navigating a similar inflection point. The companys CEO K. Krithivasan has been quite explicit in clarifying that the shake-up is not primarily due to AI, but to seismic changes in client expectations and the global delivery landscape. In other words, these are not reactions to short-term turbulence. They are structural responses to a market that is altering in ways even the most advanced forecasting models failed to predict. A key element of this flux is changing consumer behaviour which has become markedly more complex, and, in many cases, more frugal. Companies such as Nestle, ITC, and HUL in India have, for over two years, cautioned about softening demand, especially in their lower-priced segments. But while most companies still maintain that it is a blip, there is reason to believe that this may be the new normal. Indias markets, often assumed to be bottomless reservoirs of demand for multinationals, are showing signs of maturity and saturation. Maruti Suzuki chairman R.C. Bhargava recently made a striking observation, lamenting that the penetration of passenger cars in India has plateaued, despite rising income levels. Airport lounges in Delhi and Mumbai may be teeming but two traditional bellwethers of middle-class aspiration, housing and automobiles, are flashing warning lights, suggesting that consumer confidence is wavering. Wage stagnation, an acknowledged problem for some years, is compounded by the anxiety of job losses. Thus, the layoffs at TCS signal that other IT companies will soon follow suit. Across industries, from IT to banking, the spectre of redundancy has returned, this time not as a cyclical correction but as a recalibration of the number of people actually required in the emerging AI economy. The playbook that once ensured growth is in urgent need of a rewrite and, increasingly, companies are seeking new leaders to do the writing. In October last year, a McKinsey study on the changing face of leadership concluded that todays most effective leaders are those willing to embrace a generational shift". That means breaking away from hierarchical, matrixed organizations and building flatter, faster, and more agile operating models. That, ultimately, may explain the abrupt leadership resets at many companies as they seek to reimagine leadership in a world where yesterdays business assumptions no longer hold with a fundamental transformation in consumer behaviour, cost structures, talent models, and technological change. Only companies that accept this as a foundational shift and not a passing squall will survive and thrive. Those that dont may find that even the best CEO cannot steer a company anchored to the past. As India grapples with the adverse fallout on its economy of higher tariffs on exports to the US, steeper barriers elsewhere and global supply-chain dislocations, one cushion that is seldom padded up to absorb a foreign-exchange shock lies in plain sight: tourism. With US tariffs expected to average close to 18%, the highest since 1934, we must brace for their impact on our export income. The US is our largest trade partner. According to commerce ministry data, our merchandise exports to the US stood at $86.5 billion in 2024-25, as against $77.5 billion the previous year. Service exports are unlikely to suffer, but overall forex earnings could soon take a blow, even if we somehow seal a trade deal with the US. Yes, capital inflows are holding up for now, thanks to portfolio investors, but it is not for nothing that its called hot money: easy come, easy go. Meanwhile, net foreign direct investment dropped below $1 billion in 2024-25 as overseas investments by Indian corporates surged and foreign businesses repatriated more. It is thus imperative that we look for other avenues to earn hard currency. Indias tourism sector offers the best of both worlds: A steady source of forex earnings and, better still, mass employment in an inescapably labour-intensive sector. As estimated by the government, it created 76 million jobs over the decade since mid-2014. Many of these roles are not at risk of an AI takeover. Domestic travel has been an expansionary force, no doubt, but on international arrivals, India lags many smaller countries on the itineraries of globe-trotters. Even within Asia, a big draw, our industry punches below the countrys weight. Ironically, our ancient civilization has so much more to offer than many rival destinations and to almost every class of tourists. From budget visitors to uber-rich holidayers and from religious arrivals to medical guests, India has something to offer almost everyone, with its diverse climatic regions and natural beauty only part of the appeal. Yet, we have not been able to capitalize on these advantages for reasons that are not only preventable, but of our own making. High hotel taxes, differential tariffs for Indian and foreign guests, harassment of women around tourist sites, poor infrastructure, untrustworthy service agents and weak law-and-order are just a few commonly cited deterrents. As the governments India Tourism Data Compendium for 2024 notes, although international tourist arrivals rebounded to their pre-pandemic level in 2023, the country accounts for just 1.5% of total overseas arrivals and 2.1% of worldwide tourism receipts. The result is that we rank a lowly 39th on the World Economic Forums Travel and Tourism Development Index of 2024, having fallen 10 places since 2019. If India is to elevate its tourist experience and overturn the image of a country where it is unsafe for women to travel alone, we need to move fast on all fronts. Today, the tourism sector is estimated to contribute only around one-twentieth of GDP. Contrast this with Thailands one-fifth and Chinas one-tenth. We already have an example within India of how tourism can transform an economy. Kerala, a state that has not been able to attract much corporate investment, has reaped rich dividends from this sector, which now chalks up 12% of the states GDP. If we move swiftly to capitalize on the advantage conferred by natures bounty and our rich heritage, gains from tourism could outweigh any losses from an export slowdown. Satyapal Malik, the former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on 5 August after a prolonged illness at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in the national capital. Malik was 79. Malik, hailed by many as the 'voice' of farmers, spent the last few years of his life in controversies, including a corruption case handled by the country's premier investigation agency the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Malika Jat leader who has been with both the Congress and the BJPoversaw the abrogation of Article 370, granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 as the governor of the erstwhile state. As fate would have it, Malik died on Tuesday, the sixth anniversary of the move taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in its second term. After his stint in Jammu and Kashmir, Malik served as Governor of Goa and Meghalaya, too. A student leader from Western UP Malik was born in 1964 in Hisawada village of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. Malik pursued a Bachelor of Science and LLB degrees from Meerut University. Malik entered active politics in 1965-66 as a student leader and served as President of the Meerut College Students Union and the Students Union at Meerut University, which is now known as Choudhary Charan Singh University. Lohia-loyalist, voice of farmers Malik was inspired by the socialist ideology of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia. Malik was first elected to any public office as a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, as a member of Charan Singh's Bharatiya Kranti Dal. Later, after the formation of Bharatiya Lok Dal, he joined the party and became the general secretary of Lok Dal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by Malik's death. Other leaders also expressed condolences. The news of the passing of the vocal voice of the country's farmers and former Governor Shri Satyapal Singh Malik Ji is extremely saddening. May God grant peace to his soul. My deepest condolences to the grieving family and supporters. Om Shanti! Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said in a post on X. Priyanka's brother and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he will always remember Malik as a person who, until his last moment, fearlessly spoke the truth and advocated for the interests of the people. Janata Dal, Congress and the BJP In 1980, Malik entered the Rajya Sabha and later briefly joined the Congress in 1984. He resigned in 1987 over the Bofors scandal and co-founded the Jan Morcha with VP Singh. In 1989, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Aligarh as a Janata Dal candidate and briefly served as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism in the VP Singh government. Malik joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and served as its National Vice President until he was appointed Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2018. Flagged graft, he found himself charged Malik also had his share of controversies. While he courted controversies through his statements as Governor of different states, he was also the Centre of graft investigations by the CBI. Incidentally, Malik had flagged the graft case in the first place. In May, the CBI filed a chargesheet against seven people, including Malik, in a case of alleged corruption in the award of a contract for a hydel project in Kishtwar district. The agency had earlier questioned Malik as a witness. In fact, it was on Maliks allegations that the case was first registered in 2022. In October 2021, two years after leaving office as Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Malik claimed he had been offered 300 crore in bribes to clear two files. One of the secretaries told me that these are shady deals, but he can get 150 crore each. I told him that I had come to J&K with five kurta-pajamas and would leave with that, Malik said at an event in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. The 2018 Fax Row In November 2018, Malik, the then governor of Jammu and Kashmir, had famously blamed a state holiday for not receiving PDP leader Mehbooba Muftis fax staking claim to form the government. Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had faxed a letter to Maliks office declaring a joint bid by her Peoples Democratic Party and the National Conference, aided by the Congress, to form the government in the erstwhile state, then under the governors rule. I told him that I had come to J&K with five kurta-pajamas and would leave with that. Hours later, however, Malik, without acknowledging receipt of the fax, ordered dissolution of the Assembly, where the three parties hold 56 of the 87 seats. Finnish President Alexander Stubb had a productive telephone conversation with the US President, during which the parties discussed the situation in Ukraine and security cooperation. We discussed Russias war of aggression in Ukraine. President Trumps deadline for a ceasefire is approaching. Finland supports all efforts towards an immediate ceasefire. Longterm negotiations must lead to a lasting and just peace, Stubb said on X. The presidents paid special attention to the topic of icebreakers, which, according to the head of the Finnish state, are an important element of security and cooperation between allies. We also continued our discussion on icebreakers, an important part of security and cooperation among allies. Finland has built 60 percent of the worlds icebreakers. We have the capacity to build them reliably and fast, Stubb noted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated by the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) parliamentary party on 5 August for his government's firm response to the Pahalgam terror attack under Operation Sindoor. The MPs of the BJP-led ruling alliance met here in their only second such meeting during Parliament's sessions since the government was formed in June 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the meeting at the Parliament Library Building. The NDA members passed a resolution praising the success of two major anti-terror operations, Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. Also Read | PM Modi, top BJP leaders attend key NDA Parliamentary meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also felicitated for his leadership during the operations. PM Narendra Modi's "exceptional leadership" NDA leaders hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "exceptional leadership", saying his unwavering resolve, visionary statesmanship and resolute command have not only steered the nation with purpose but also ignited a renewed spirit of unity and pride in the hearts of all Indians. The resolution noted recent global developments that show support for India's stand against terrorism. It highlighted that the United States has officially declared the Resistance Front (TRF), which was behind the Pahalgam attack, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. It also noted that the BRICS Joint Declaration condemning the Pahalgam attack, avowing to "ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism", reflect a win for India's diplomatic stance against terrorism inflicted on its soil by Pakistan. The developments reflect India's rising clout on the global stage and international affirmation. After Operation Sindoor, the PM Narendra Modi ensured that 59 Members of Parliament from across parties visited 32 countries to present India's point of view. This is one of the most comprehensive global outreach ever launched by India, highlighting how the country has been a victim of terror and why a terror attack in any one part of the world is a crime against humanity across the globe, the resolution said. Also Read | Amit Shah surpasses LK Advani as Home Minister The participation of Opposition MPs shows the maturity of our democracy and the statesmanship of the Prime Minister, who believes that in matters of national interest, we are all together. The resolution also praised the courage of Indian security forces during the operations, calling their bravery a true example of dedication to the nation. Their courage highlights their unflinching devotion to protecting our nation. We pay our deepest condolences and respect to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. At the meeting, condolences were offered to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Newly elected Members of Parliament were introduced to the Prime Minister during the meeting. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi failed to answer questions, says Opposition Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut were among key NDA leaders from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha who attended the meeting. The meeting took place amid an ongoing deadlock in Parliament, where the Opposition is demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and calling for its cancellation. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned today after protests by Opposition seeking a debate on SIR. GENEVA After weeks of working with U.S. officials to try to avoid hefty tariffs on Swiss goods, negotiators from Switzerland got assurances that a deal was all but done. Swiss businesses vowed to pour tens of billions in investment in the United States in the coming years. Still, President Donald Trump said no to any special deal. Now a scramble is underway ahead of Thursday, the deadline for when the whopping 39% tariff on Swiss products announced last week goes into effect. Switzerlands President Karin Keller-Sutter and other top officials traveled to Washington on Tuesday to try to convince Trump that the measure among the highest from the Trump administration was too much and could cut profits for famed Swiss industries like chocolates and watchmaking. The new rate is over 2 1/2 times higher than the one on European Union goods exported to the U.S. and nearly four times higher than on British exports to the U.S. raising questions about Switzerlands ability to compete with the 27-member bloc that it neighbors. Under the U.S. announcements from last Friday, the export duties imposed on Swiss companies will now only be surpassed by those on firms from Laos, Myanmar and Syria, which are facing 40-41% rates. Switzerland's case is a lesson in dos and donts of doing business with Trump. The thinking goes, if a rich country with economic might that excels in technology, pharmaceuticals and finance cant convince the U.S. president to scale back the high tariffs, who can? Trump himself seems to be focused on a single, high number: Switzerlands trade surplus in goods with the U.S. In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Trump alluded to a recent call he had with Keller-Sutter, saying the woman was nice, but she didnt want to listen and that he had told her: We have a $41 billion deficit with you, Madame. It was not immediately clear where that $41 billion figure came from. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. ran a $38.3 billion trade imbalance on goods last year with Switzerland. That figure excludes exports of services. Keller-Sutter, who also serves as Switzerlands finance minister, has faced criticism in Swiss media over the last-ditch call with Trump before a U.S. deadline on tariffs expired Aug. 1, which some say appeared to make things worse. The 39% rate is even higher than the 31% on Swiss goods announced on Trump's Liberation Day in early April before the Swiss started negotiating with U.S. officials. The new figure took many Swiss business leaders by surprise. Its hard to negotiate when youre dealing with someone as unpredictable as Donald Trump, said Ivan Slatkine, head of the Federation of Romandie Enterprises, which groups companies in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. We had a government that gave the impression the deal was done, it only awaited a signature from the president, Slatkine told The Associated Press over the phone. We have the impression that we were punished, but we dont know why. The United States is Switzerlands second-biggest trading partner after the EU, which nearly surrounds the Alpine country of more than 9 million. The Swiss government said Tuesday's trip was meant to facilitate meetings with the U.S. authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland. Swiss officials have argued that American goods face virtually zero tariffs in Switzerland, and the Swiss government says the wealthy Alpine country is the sixth-biggest foreign investor in the U.S. and the leading investor in research and development. Switzerlands powerful pharmaceutical industry which promised tens of billions of investments in the U.S. in recent months amid the tariff worries is exempt from the 39% rate. But Slatkine said the steep tariff level could be aimed to send Switzerland's Big Pharma epitomized by Roche and Novartis a message that it too could come under pressure. The trip comes a day after Switzerlands executive branch, the Federal Council, held an extraordinary meeting and said it was keen to pursue talks with the United States on the tariff situation, according to a government statement. After consulting with Swiss businesses, the council said it had developed new approaches for its discussions with U.S. officials and was looking ahead to continued negotiations. "Switzerland enters this new phase ready to present a more attractive offer, taking U.S. concerns into account and seeking to ease the current tariff situation," the council said. According to figures published by the Swiss Embassy in Washington, the U.S. has been Switzerlands most important goods export market since 2021, while Switzerland is the fourth most important export market for U.S. services not goods. The bilateral trade volume in goods and services between Switzerland and the U.S. reached a total of $185.9 billion in 2023, the embassy says on its website. The trial of exiled former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who are being tried in absentia, began in Dhaka on Monday. They are both accused of crimes against humanity and are being tried by the country's International Crimes Tribunal. Is this a show trial? And what should India expect from it? Mint explains: What is this trial all about? Exactly a year ago, Hasina fled to Delhi amid a violent student uprising against her government. They were demanding reforms to the governments quota system for government jobs. The main grouse was Bangladeshs post-independence policy of reserving jobs for the descendants of those who had fought for the countrys 1971 freedom movement. Also Read | Can Bangladesh afford to mix politics and trade? Beginning with quotas for freedom fighters, this was expanded incrementally for their children and, finally, their grandchildren. In 2025, when protests flared, this particular quota stood at 30% (there were others for women, minorities, and the disabled). In 2018, following another students protest, Hasina annulled quotas for some jobs. But a descendant of a freedom fighter contested it in court. In June 2024, the Bangladesh high court declared the 2018 government notification illegal. Effectively, the high court ruled in favour of quotas. This sparked protests for reforms to the quota policy, which ballooned into a movement to oust Hasina. How did the government react? Badly. The so-called July Uprising morphed from a protest for quota reforms to a pro-democracy movement, which essentially meant Hasinas ouster, prompting a government crackdown. As the government shut educational institutions, clashes also flared between anti- and pro-government student organizations. Violent clashes spread from Dhaka to campuses in Chittagong, Rajshahi and other cities. Amid political turmoil, Hasina fled to India on 5 August, and Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus became the interim government head, with the title of chief adviser, on 8 August. In September, the office of the UN human rights commissioner sent a fact-finding team to the country on Yunus request. In a 12 February press release, it said Hasinas government and security and intelligence services, alongside violent elements associated with the (ruling) Awami League, systematically engaged in a range of serious human rights violations" during the student-led protests. The team estimated that 1,400 people may have been killed and thousands injured between 15 July and 5 August, the vast majority shot by the security forces. The brutal response was a calculated and well-coordinated strategy by the former government to hold on to power in the face of mass opposition," said UN human rights chief Volker Turk. What are Hasina and her co-accused being tried for? Hasina is being tried for crimes against humanity, along with Kamal and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. While Hasina is in Delhi, Kamal is also abroad. Mamun, meanwhile, is said to have turned approver and remains in Dhaka. Also Read | Bangladesh skips India, reroutes global textile exports through Maldives The ICT has already indicted Hasina, Kamal, and Mamun on various charges, including crimes against humanity, murder and torture. Ironically, the tribunal was set up by Hasina herself to try those who sided with Pakistan in Bangladeshs liberation war. Hasinas Awami League said: We condemn in the strongest terms the indictment against our party president and other leaders as we assert that this step marks another testament to the ongoing witch hunt against our party." There is also a separate corruption case in a Dhaka court against Hasina involving alleged land allocations, news portal bdnews24.com reported on 6 July 2025. What do the prosecution and Yunus say? The prosecution says it will present testimonies from individuals injured during the protests and eyewitnesses to the violence. The chief prosecutor has called Hasina the nucleus of all crimes". The prosecutor in his opening remarks on Monday alleged years of misrule, political persecution, among other alleged crimes by Hasina, and went so far as to cite Hitler and Goebbels. In a statement on the first anniversary of the July Uprising, Yunus said: "August 5 marks an unforgettable chapter in the history of Bangladesh. It was on this very day, one year ago, that the July Uprising reached its triumph, liberating our beloved nation from the grip of long-standing fascist rule." July rekindled our hopea hope for a just, equal, and corruption-free Bangladesh Together, we will build a Bangladesh where tyranny will never rise again," he added. What do the defence and Hasina say? In an open letter issued to the people of Bangladesh on Monday, Hasina described her ouster as the result of a violent coup. One year ago today, our great nation witnessed the violent interruption of our hard-fought democracy, as an unelected regime meticulously orchestrated a violent coup. It was a dark moment in our history and an affront to the will of the people," she said. Mindful of the acts of anti-Hindu violence that have broken out in Bangladesh, she spoke of the need to build religious harmony. We must continue to stand for justice, for economic opportunity, for education, for peace, for religious harmony and for a nation where no one lives in fear," she said. Hasina and Kamal will be represented by a government-appointed defence lawyer. What are the implications for India? Ties between New Delhi and Dhaka have hit a low in the aftermath of Hasinas ouster. Hasinas father, the late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, led the Bangladesh freedom movement in the face of brutal repression by Pakistan. Governments led by the Awami League have traditionally been close to India. Ties with the main opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, have been cordial at best. The Yunus-led administration banned the Awami League in May, which means it will be unable to contest the next general election in Bangladesh. That, in turn, means the likely return of the BNP. India, as the main (often the only) democratic power in South Asia, is used to dealing with political parties of all kinds. However, it is worth noting that the student wings of both the BNP and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party, were active in the July Uprising against Hasina. Also Read | Fundamentalism portends to drag Bangladesh down In a general election, Jamaat, which was banned under Hasina, is also expected to do well. India will have to gear up to the possibility of institutionalized Islamist power creep in its eastern flankthis is the main difference. Bangladesh may have been built on the foundations of secularism, but New Delhi must prepare for a break in that tradition, even if temporary. Dhaka says it has sent requests for Hasinas extradition, but given the atmosphere in Bangladesh, New Delhi is clearly not likely to accede. As seen in the case of beleaguered Sri Lanka, it helps to be on the right side of India. The United States indicated it could deploy secondary sanctions and economic tools, including increased tariffs, against countries purchasing Russian oil, drawing a swift response from Moscow. The US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said US President Donald Trump was willing to use tools that can make a difference". She was responding to a question at a press briefing on whether Washington was considering new measures to curb Russias oil revenue. Bruces comments came just hours after Trump warned that the US would double tariffs on India within 24 hours if New Delhi continued to buy oil from Russia. In an interview with CNBC, Trump accused India of fuelling Russias war in Ukraine and labelled it the highest tariff nation", claiming that India benefits from US trade while not offering reciprocal access. Russia stepped up to Indias support, denouncing the US stance as part of a neo-colonial agenda" aimed at arm-twisting sovereign nations. India has maintained that its purchases of discounted Russian crude are driven by national energy security needs. Trump's escalation of trade tensions comes amid ongoing negotiations between India and the US for a bilateral trade agreement. Asked specifically about India and Chinas continued engagement with Russian energy, Bruce said, We know theres, of course, theres sanctions. Theres whats known as secondary sanctions... sanctioning a country or a company or others that might be doing business with a country that we have sanctioned in this instance." She added that Trump has many tools in his toolchest" and was likely to rely on economic instruments that every country can understand". She did not directly name India, but her remarks align with Trumps recent public threat of doubling tariffs on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil in defiance of US sanctions. Earlier, Trump told CNBC that India had the highest tariff of anybody". We settled on 25% (tariffs), but I think Im going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours, because theyre buying Russian oil. Theyre fueling the war machine," he said. Steel duty Earlier in the day, Indias minister of state for commerce Jitin Prasada told Parliament that New Delhi has not received any response from Washington to its request for consultations under a WTO agreement regarding the steep 50% duty imposed by the US on Indian steel, aluminium, and related products. The US has cited national security concerns, a claim India disputes. India has accordingly reserved its right to suspend substantially equivalent concessions (right to impose equal trade measures in response) as the US has not complied with its obligations under the AoS," Prasada said, referring to the WTOs Agreement on Safeguards (AoS). While Prasadas statement was in the context of US tariffs on metals, it reflects a wider hardening of Indias position as the US now threatens additional duties tied to geopolitical differences. India and the US have held five rounds of talks on a Bilateral Trade Agreement since March this year, the most recent in Washington from 14-18 July. Prasada also said, To safeguard the interests of farmers and domestic industry, international trade negotiations allow for inclusion of sensitive, negative or exclusion listscategories of goods on which limited or no tariff concessions are granted." 'Intentional targeting' Trade analyst Ajay Srivastava, founder of the think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), said the US is intentionally targeting India because New Delhi has refused to bring non-negotiable issues such as agriculture and dairy to the discussion table. Its a known fact that China imports far more oil from Russia than India does; yet, the US is silent on Beijing. This selective pressure on India reflects strategic targeting, not just trade concern," Srivastava said. In 2024, China imported $62.6 billion worth of Russian oil, compared to Indias $52.7 billion, as per GTRI data. Even the US continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for EVs, fertilizers and chemicals from Russia, and the European Union remains a key buyer of Russian crude oil, LNG, and petroleum products. Then why is India being singled out?", he asked. Russias foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova rebuked the US over the tariff measures, accusing Washington of pursuing a neocolonial agenda" and interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign nations. On the US raising tariff barriers against key Global South partners, Zakharova said such actions cannot halt the natural course of history." She added that sanctions and restrictions have become a defining feature of the current global order. Unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar world, Washington continues to impose politically motivated economic pressure on those choosing an independent path," she said. Indian action A day earlier, New Delhi had called the targeting of India unjustified and unreasonable." In a statement issued on late Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that like any major economy, India would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. The US itself continues to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for EVs, fertilizers and chemicals from Russia," the ministry had said. The statement noted that Indias Russian oil purchases were driven by a need to secure affordable and reliable energy after traditional suppliers shifted exports to Europe at the start of the Ukraine conflict. At the time, the US had actively encouraged Indias oil imports from Russia to help stabilize global markets," it added. Indias energy imports are aimed at ensuring price stability for domestic consumers, the ministry said, contrasting this with continuing trade between Russia and its critics. Unlike India, such trade is not a national compulsion for them," it said. The European Union, it said, recorded 67.5 billion worth of goods trade with Russia in 2024, while services trade stood at 17.2 billion in 2023. Europes LNG imports from Russia also hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing the previous peak of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022. EU-Russia trade also spans fertilizers, mining goods, chemicals, metals and machinery. Russian oil Indias oil imports from Russia have declined recently. In May 2025, purchases fell 9.8% to $9.2 billion compared to a year ago, official data shows. In FY24, India exported about $70.1 billion worth of refined petroleum products globally. Europe emerged as the largest regional destination, with exports to the continent valued at $18.4 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce. The Netherlands alone accounted for about $10.9 billion, representing nearly 25% of Indias total petroleum product exports during this periodthe highest share among European countrieshighlighting its role as a key transit hub for Indian refined fuel entering the EU market. This trend has triggered concerns among Western nations that Indias trade route could be serving as a backdoor for Russian oil entering the European market. In FY25, the value of India's crude oil imports from Russia stood at about $50.3 billion, making it the largest supplier of crude to India, surpassing traditional sources like Iraq and Saudi Arabia. India imported around 1.75 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil between January and June 2025, making it the top supplier in that period. Mint reported on 2 August that India will continue to buy oil from Russia, notwithstanding the penal threat and public criticism from the US earlier this week. In fact, India is even reaping a bigger discount on these purchases. Crude cargoes State-owned refinersIndian Oil Corp. Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd (HPCL)are continuing to procure oil from Russian suppliers. Negotiations are also underway for fresh spot deals, as reported by Mint. 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 Trump's censure of India for its Russian energy purchases, Mint reported. The discounts on Russian oil have narrowed down to single-digit from the high of around $30 per barrel in 2022. India's state-run oil marketers are also in joint discussions with US firms to secure cooking gas supplies starting next year, signalling a potential deepening of energy ties. The companies are exploring long-term arrangements with American exporters. India traditionally imports most of its LPG from West Asian countries including Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia through long-term contracts, while other major LPG importing countries source it from the US. The US so far has been supplying India LPG in small volumes through spot deals, and this is the first time the Indian companies may have a term deal with US suppliers. On the other hand, China has been a major buyer of LPG from the US. OpenAI has confirmed that ChatGPT is all set to hit 700 million weekly active users for the first time this week. The AI company states that its weekly active users have risen four times from the same time last year and it is a significant improvement over the 500 million mark at the end of March. Also Read | Elon Musk says AI has taken hard work out of coding, predicts shift in tech jobs Every day, people and teams are learning, creating, and solving harder problems. Big week ahead. Grateful to the team for making ChatGPT more useful and delivering on our mission so everyone can benefit from AI. Nick Turley, VP of product for ChatGPT, wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The 700 million users figure includes all ChatGPT users including free, Plus, Pro, Enterprise and Edu customers. A CNBC report stated OpenAI as saying. Meanwhile, the company states that its growth rate is also rising compared to last years 2.5 times year over year growth. Notably, ChatGPT had reached the 500 million mark in March after OpenAI introduced a new native image generation feature in GPT-4o that soon became viral with users giving it all sorts of personal touches including generating Ghibli style images and real life action figures. OpenAI to launch GPT5 soon The AI startup is nearing another big launch as rumors suggest that its latest GPT5 model could be released this week. The new model has seen a lot of hype on social media for over a year and CEO Sam Altman has added more fuel to the fire by teasing the model on social media. In a recent post on X, Altman stated that he had asked GPT-5 to recommend a show about artificial intelligence and it gave him the choice of Pantheon among other options. Also Read | Google DeepMind CEO explains why AI could replace doctors but not nurses In a podcast last month, Altman had also said that he felt useless relative to the new AI model. He said, I was testing our new model and I got a question. I got emailed a question that I didn't quite understand. Uh, and I put it in the model, this GPT-5, and it answered it perfectly and I really kind of sat back in my chair and I was just like a, oh man, here it is moment and I got over it quickly. (Bloomberg) -- The US is exploring ways to equip chips with better location-tracking capabilities, a senior official said, underscoring Washingtons effort to curtail the flow of semiconductors made by the likes of Nvidia Corp. to China. Washington has espoused working with the industry to monitor the movements of the sensitive components, part of a broader plan to curtail smuggling and ensure American technology remains dominant. Last week, Beijing summoned Nvidia representatives to discuss US efforts around location-tracking and other alleged security risks related to its H20 chips. There is discussion about potentially the types of software or physical changes you could make to the chips themselves to do better location-tracking, said Michael Kratsios, one of the architects of a US AI action plan unveiled by Donald Trump last month. That is something we explicitly included in the plan, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy director told Bloomberg Television on Tuesday. Kratsios, who was in South Korea to attend an APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting, urged the region to adopt US technology, another key pillar in the AI action plan. The government is readying federal financing tools to support AI tech exports to approved allies. The next trailblazing breakthroughs will be made with and on American technology, and to fully harness them, you will want Americas AI infrastructure already in place, he told forum delegates on Tuesday. Trumps blueprint has provoked a backlash in Beijing, which for years railed against alleged US surveillance and Washingtons efforts to curtail its tech sector. The Chinese government is particularly sensitive to semiconductor sanctions designed to counter Huawei Technologies Co. or rising AI developers such as DeepSeek. Trump officials recently pledged to lift export restrictions on the H20 to China as part of a trade deal they say will secure sales of rare-earth magnets to the US. But Washington is also focused on curtailing the smuggling of chips. Kratsios said during the interview with Bloomberg Television hes not had conversations personally with either Nvidia or Advanced Micro Devices Inc. about exploring location-tracking technology. Last week, Nvidia said it does not have backdoors in its chips. Kratsios also took aim at Chinas own AI action plan, which involves forming a global organization to devise governance and technology standards. We believe each country should set their own destiny on how they think about regulating artificial intelligence, he told Bloomberg Television. The US model, which puts innovation first, will be the most attractive. --With assistance from Lauren Faith Lau and Debby Wu. (Updates with comments at the forum from the fifth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Nearly $1 billion worth of memorandums and agreements were signed between businesses during the forum in Japan, according to Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. "We calculated that the total volume of memorandums and documents signed between businesses amounts to nearly $1 billion. The dialogue with Japan is consistent, systematic, and highly substantive," Kachka stated during the national telethon on Tuesday. Earlier, the Deputy Prime Minister's Office reported that Ukraine and Japan had reached 29 significant agreements on the sidelines of the forum. These included accords for joint projects in agriculture and food processing, infrastructure and construction, as well as technology and innovation. As reported, on August 3, a Ukrainian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka arrived in Japan to take part in events dedicated to Ukraine's National Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka. In Polk County, authorities say a man tried to set off explosive devices when he was being arrested for threatening to kill public officials. While they were taking Kevin O'Neal into custody, deputies noticed something smoldering in a bedroom of the house. Explosives found in Polk County home after threats against officials A routine arrest in Polk County turned into a potentially deadly situation after deputies discovered what appeared to be an explosive device inside a suspects home. They evacuated the residence off Highway 411, north of the Georgia line, and called in the ATF and the bomb squad from Chattanooga Police. The sheriff's office says they believe O'Neal attempted to detonate the device when the officers came to arrest him, but a small air pocket caused a malfunction in the explosive, keeping it from going off. The strange tale does not end there. A woman found in the house also faced charges before the scene was cleared. We are told she thought she could evade capture by hiding in a clothes dryer. "I was pretty shocked," said Cpl. Shaun McCoig with the Polk Co. Sheriff's Dept. "That's the first time at right at fourteen years of doing this, I found somebody in a dryer." It turns out, the life-threatening explosives were not the only wild discovery at that Old Fort house. "About thirty minutes or so into the situation," McCoig explained, "we had been notified by one of the other females who had been in the residence that evacuated there was someone else inside the residence." So, Polk County Deputies re-entered the very dangerous situation, first calling to her through open windows. "She never came out," he continued. "We went out and searched some bedrooms and stuff on that end of the house, and then I ended up just opening the dryer on my way out of the house, and she was inside the dryer." Polk County Det. David Bloom was taken aback by the clothes dryer discovery, as well. "A woman hiding in a dryer, knowing there was a bomb? She really didn't want to be captured," he said. "Even when he got her out, her foot was asleep, she was begging to stay there, and we just didn't allow that to happen. We picked her up, carried her out." They learned she was wanted. "It was shared with us that she had escaped from Bradley County Deputies a few nights prior to this incident and had been hiding there at the residence," Cpl. McCoig said. Add that to a probation violation, locally. State Troopers transported 52-year-old Misty Dawn McElwee to the Polk County Jail while deputies, the ATF, and the Chattanooga Bomb Squad secured and worked the scene. "You know, you just never know what you're going to see," said McCoig. "And that was the thing. It wasn't the initial call that we knew that there were possible explosives there or anything like that. It was just the normal serving of a warrant that we do every day, here in Polk County." 54-year-old Kevin Wade O'Neal is being held without bond, charged with: possession of explosive components, 14 counts of possession of prohibited weapons, and 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder. Ballymahon town have recently established a new voluntary community group, which has been recognised by the Longford Public Participation Network. Ballymahon Community Information Partnership is a voluntary local group, which was recently founded by Niall Dowler and Ronan O Ceallaigh. Niall is a qualified secondary school teacher, building surveyor and carries out construction works, while Ronan is an electronic and mechanical engineer, global sales and marketing senior manager, project quality and legal manager and marketing consultant. READ NEXT: Longford teacher meets Pope Leo XIV during a private audience in the Vatican The key goal of the community focused group is to educate and to inform residents regarding any potential developments pertaining to road infrastructure and any potential new developments of amenities and buildings. The main focus of this group is to inform the local people directly within the Ballymahon community of all potential developments that will impact their daily lives. Niall and Ronan, feel that there is a "serious lack of awareness amongst the community", of what new infrastructural changes are coming down the line. READ NEXT: A 'Lottie' success! Longford woman celebrating as her mare crowned overall champion horse It is absolutely astounding in fact, how unaware our local residents really are, they said. Niall and Ronan said upon speaking with the people of Ballymahon town, generally the inhabitants and business owners, have no real-time knowledge, of what is happening, or what is about to happen. They stated in their opinion this "response is due to people not being on social media, and the poor sharing of information". Niall and Ronan believe this "may be due to various circumstances where some people are not on social media, buying the local print media or indeed not knowing when the local Municipal District meetings are taking place" or the agendas for those meetings. "Its an absolute minefield, having to search for planning applications, to understand maps, and to decipher exactly how the residents of Ballymahon will be individually affected," they added. Niall and Ronan said this is where this new voluntary organisation the Ballymahon Community Information Partnership can play a huge role and it can fill that breach. Niall and Ronan said they will "partner with the community and explain in laymans terms what exactly is happening, educate everyone, so that everyone has a clear understanding, and remove the ambiguity" for them. This group aims to adopt the old style method of communication, distribute leaflets regularly to each household in Ballymahon, and in parallel hold regular face to face community meetings to inform the local people in relation to what is happening within the environs of Ballymahon town and this will also inform people who frequent the town. Niall and Ronan will host a public information meeting in the middle of August, with the date to be confirmed. The pair said all are welcome to attend and share their input on any potential developments that are taking place currently or coming down the line and discuss any additional items they wish. We hope that this will be a flagship venture that the wider county of Longford may consider doing and indeed roll out nationwide," they added. Niall and Ronan said transparency for local residents is paramount, in relation to potential developments within towns and communities so that they can all have their inputs or opinions heard. "We live in our communities every single day, we are fully aware of what improvements need to be made to improve our own individual lives." Niall and Ronan said change affects everyone in the long-term, and they need to understand it in detail. We are a voluntary group created to unite our local people, removing the lack of understanding and to share the public information that affect us all. "We want to negotiate and to reach compromises with the key people who lead potential developments in our town." Library members throughout County Longford will once again have free access to thousands of popular digital magazine titles through Libby, the award-winning library reading app by OverDrive. This renewed subscription to Libbys magazine service by Longford Library Services is in direct response to community demand for a more seamless, flexible, and user-friendly digital reading experience. With simultaneous access and day-of-release availability, library members can enjoy a wide range of magazine content with no holds, no waiting, and no borrowing limits. Read more: Congratulations: Longford secondary school officially unveils new principal Nick Forster, Senior Regional Manager, OverDrive said, Were thrilled to welcome Longford Library Services back to Libby for digital magazines. Its a privilege to support Longford in providing this exceptional service and were grateful for their continued trust in Libby. Library members can read from an extensive catalogue of leading publications, including Vogue, Good Food, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, National Geographic magazine, Hello! and much more. Digital magazines can be read online or downloaded through the Libby app for offline reading on mobile devices and tablets. Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Garry Murtagh said, We are delighted to see our library services continue to evolve and meet the needs of our community. Thanks to the award-winning Libby app from OverDrive, library members throughout County Longford can now enjoy free access to a wide range of top-quality digital magazine titles from the comfort of their own homes. Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said, This is a fantastic resource that promotes reading, learning and inclusion for people of all ages across our county. I would encourage everyone in our community to sign up for their library membership and explore the wide range of digital titles now available free of charge at their fingertips. Its never been easier to stay informed, entertained and connected. Read more: Free Nature Summer School opens doors to County Longford's hidden wildlife treasures Libby offers a seamless reading experience, with the best access to the leading magazines. Existing library members can visit Longford Library Services or the Libby App or, download the Libby app on iOS or Android devices. This is a free service to all members of Longford Libraries. If you are not a member, it is easy to join, call into one of 6 library branches throughout the county- Ballymahon, Drumlish, Edgeworthstown, Granard, Lanesborough and Longford or join online here: Library Membership. Users will be provided with a temporary number until they have an opportunity to call into a library branch. Intensive efforts are continuing to secure the release of an Irish woman kidnapped along with seven other people from an orphanage in Haiti, Tanaiste Simon Harris said. Mr Harris said no stone would be left unturned in efforts to ensure the release of Gena Heraty, who oversees the Sainte-Helene orphanage in Kenscoff, close to the capital Port-au-Prince. Mr Harris said he had been in contact with Ms Heratys family on Monday. Ms Heraty is originally from Westport in Co Mayo. She oversees the orphanage, which is run by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters). It is understood Ms Heraty was among seven employees who were taken in the incident as well as a three-year-old child. The Tanaiste said: Intensive and ongoing efforts aimed at securing the release of Gena, as well as the seven other hostages being held captive in Haiti, are continuing this evening. This is an extremely sensitive case; one that is being worked on tirelessly by our teams in Dublin, Washington and London. Throughout the day, both my officials and I have been in close contact with Genas family. We are also in touch with local authorities and Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs, the organisation Gena works for. He added: This evening, I want to reiterate our commitment to ensuring everything possible is done to bring about the release of Gena, her co-workers and indeed the three-year-old child at the centre of this case. Gena is a deeply courageous and kind-hearted person who has given so much of her life to the humanitarian work that she cares so much about. As Tanaiste, I treat the safety and wellbeing of all our citizens with seriousness and sensitivity. When further updates are available, they will be provided. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: August 05 2025 The funds come as a result of cost-saving reforms within the Veterans Health Administration and will support a series of key improvements to enhance care and safety for Long Island Veterans. Today, Rep Nick LaLota, a U.S. Navy Veteran, announced that the Northport VAMC will receive a portion of an additional $800 million in federal funding for VA infrastructure upgrades nationwide. The funds come as a result of cost-saving reforms within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and will support a series of key improvements to enhance care and safety for Long Island Veterans. These investments are a direct result of recent reforms to make the VA more efficient and Long Island Veterans are seeing the benefits. From critical facility upgrades to expanded clinical space and improved safety systems, this funding will help the Northport VA deliver on its promise to those who served, said Rep. LaLota. Our Veterans on Long Island deserve first-class care in a 21st century facility. This is a win for Long Islands Veterans and Ill continue fighting for them in Washington. Background: The Department of Veterans Affairs will realign an additional $800 million this fiscal year as part of the Veterans Health Administrations Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) program, which makes infrastructure improvements to health care facilities to ensure safe and effective patient care. The additional funds will come from savings gleaned from various Veterans Health Administration (VHA) reform efforts. The additions will bring total NRM program spending for fiscal year 2025 to $2.8 billion a nearly $500 million increase from fiscal year 2024. The funding will support a wide range of projects at the Northport VAMC, including: Upgrade Emergency Generators, Phase I Electrical Infrastructure Improvements (Construction) Renovate for Nuclear Med Tomography Medical Equipment Site Preparation (Construction) Improve Bldg. 200 Pipe Basement Utility System Upgrades (Design) Repair PV Solar Carport System Site and other Structural Improvements (Construction) Map Wastewater and Stormwater Collection System Utility System Upgrades (Design) Renovate Dialysis Renovation of Clinical/Support Space (Construction) Complete Sprinklers in Buildings 63, 64, 65 Life Safety Systems, Sprinkler/Fire Alarm (Design) Roofs and Facades, Building 12 Site and other Structural Improvements (Construction) EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Electronic health record modernization (Design) Replace Primary Electrical Distribution, Phase I Electrical Infrastructure Improvements (Construction) Replace Roofs and Facades, Phase I of Buildings 61/62 Site and other Structural Improvements (Construction) Renovate Sterile Processing Department 200 Renovation of Clinical/Support Space (Construction) Replace Boilers Central Utility Plant - Boiler & Chiller Systems (Construction) Since January, Lalota introduced five pieces of legislation aimed at improving care for our nations Veterans, including the bipartisan PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act with Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), the bipartisan Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act with Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY), the Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act with Congressman Ed Case (D-HI), and the Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act, and the Troops Before Politicians Act, which mandates pay suspension for Members of Congress when pay is suspended for Servicemembers. To read the full text of the bipartisan PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act, click HERE. To read the full text of the bipartisan Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act, click HERE. To read the full text of the Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act, click HERE. To read the full text of the Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act, click HERE. To read the full text of the Troops Before Politicians Act, click HERE. The Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, as part of a large-scale cyber operation, received new evidence of the mass abduction of Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. As reported by Bring Kids Back UA Operations Director Daria Zarivna, the intelligence agents gained access to the servers of the so-called "Crimean government", where thousands of files were stored, revealing details of the forced displacement of children. "Among them are lists of children who were taken away, characteristics of those who were left without guardianship, illegal decisions on the appointment of new guardians from among Russian citizens, addresses of places of residence and resettlement of abducted Ukrainian children," Zarivna noted. According to her, this information has already been transferred to law enforcement agencies. It will become important evidence in criminal proceedings, will help find and return the children home and bring the perpetrators to justice. "Each such evidence is another step towards truth, justice and the return of our children. We will continue to do everything possible to ensure that none of them remain in the hands of the occupiers," Zarivna emphasized. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: August 05 2025 During HELP events, Department of Assessment staff provide homeowners with individual assistance with filing exemptions. Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow (D Merrick) is partnering with the Nassau County Department of Assessment to bring the Homeowner Exemption Liaison Program (HELP) to the Merrick Library on Wednesday, Aug. 6; and the North Bellmore Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 14. Legislator Koslow previously partnered with Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mule (D Freeport) to host a workshop at Freeport Memorial Library on Tuesday, July 22. During HELP events, Department of Assessment staff provide homeowners with individual assistance with filing for veteran, senior citizen, Cold War veteran, volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker, and limited-income disability exemptions. Enhanced STAR applications will also be processed for homeowners already enrolled in the STAR program prior to Jan. 2, 2015. All HELP sessions are from noon to 2 p.m. Participants are asked to arrive no later than one half-hour prior to the scheduled end time for the event, and to bring copies of their 2024 federal and state income tax returns and other required documentation for completing the application. I am proud to once again partner with the Department of Assessment this summer on a program that educates Nassau homeowners and protects them from over taxation by making it convenient and easy to complete and file their tax exemption forms, Legislator Koslow said. If you have any questions about how to complete your applications, I encourage you to join us at one of our two remaining workshops to receive hands-on assistance that will ensure receive every exemption that you qualify for. For more information or to receive a list of necessary documentation, call the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500. MERRICK EVENT WHEN Noon 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 WHERE Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave., Merrick, N.Y. 11566 NORTH BELLMORE EVENT WHEN Noon 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 WHERE North Bellmore Public Library, 1551 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, N.Y. 11710 An image from the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency shows a child waving the flag of the Fatemiyoun Brigade, a militia made up largely of Afghan Shiites, during a burial ceremony for fighters killed in Syria. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly asked the Taliban for access to a leaked list of Afghan nationals who assisted the United Kingdom, aiming to identify individuals affiliated with the MI6 intelligence agency. According to The Telegraph, the IRGC has formed a special committee to track and potentially arrest Afghans who worked with British forces, seeking to use them as leverage ahead of possible negotiations between Tehran and Europe. The database requested by Iran contains the personal informationnames, contact details, and affiliationsof over 25,000 Afghans who applied for UK asylum. The list includes former soldiers, intelligence assets, and special forces, as well as the names of more than 100 British operatives who endorsed them. It was accidentally disclosed by a Royal Marine in February 2022 and has since been exploited by the Taliban. Tehrans interest in the UK-linked database reflects a broader trend: the regime increasingly views Afghan nationals not just as migrants, but as potential leverage or threats, depending on their affiliations. This shift is evident in both its diplomatic maneuvers and internal crackdowns. Irans reported request to the Taliban comes weeks after Iran expelled over 300,000 Afghan nationals after its 12-day conflict with Israel, with a total of 1.4 million deported since January 2025. Citing security concerns, Iranian government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated on July 2, Weve always striven to be good hosts, but national security is a priority, and naturally illegal nationals must return. State-run media echoed this sentiment, characterizing Afghans who illegally enter Iran as a national security risk. The fact that thousands of military and security personnel trained by the Americans fled in fear after the fall of Kabul and the countrys dramatic political shift, and that some entered Iran, is self-evident. But the question of why some are now being used as tools by the enemy against us points to both a failure in intelligence and an oversight, one outlet wrote on July 2. Irans regime security forces targeted numerous Afghan nationals during the 12-day Israel-Iran war, accusing them of acting on Israels behalf. On June 16, Basij units in Lorestan Province claimed to have intercepted five Afghans allegedly carrying drones, though no equipment was visible in the arrest footage. Two days later, police in Rey City apprehended another Afghan national, citing his alleged ties to the Mossad and the discovery of drone and bomb-making materials on his phone. On June 19, authorities in Mashhads Mehrabad district took 18 Afghans into custody for allegedly assembling explosive and surveillance drones for Israel under the guise of local workshops. Officials said that some of the individuals had received specialized training abroad and were stopped before executing any operations. Quoting anonymous regime officials, the Qatari outlet Middle East Eye reported on August 4 that Tehran sees the influx of undocumented Afghan migrants into Iran as a significant security vulnerability. One government source stated, Afghans in Iran are not Israeli spies, but noted that the large number of illegal crossings after the Taliban takeover created a major opportunity for Israeli intelligence. The source described a tactic in which Israeli operatives exploited vulnerable Afghan migrants, paying them to put together components used in drone operations without revealing the end purpose. They didnt know who they were working forthey were just following instructions, the source said. Despite this framing, the Tehran regime has selectively relied on Afghan nationals when it serves its interests. The Fatemiyoun Brigade, a militia made up largely of Afghan Shiite fighters, played a central role in Tehrans military campaigns during the Syrian Civil War before the fall of Bashar al Assad. The Islamic Republics strict vetting for security roles prioritizes loyal insiders, meaning Afghan migrants and their descendants do not hold sensitive positions and are of little value to Israeli intelligence. Another motive behind the mass deportations and arrests may be the regimes desire to claim it successfully disrupted Israeli operations, preserving its image among loyalists. The issue of undocumented Afghan migration has also been a point of internal political contention, and expelling them may serve to stoke nationalist sentiment during wartime, allowing the regime to project that it is taking decisive action. Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence. Aid trucks pass through the Bosra al Sham Corridor between Daraa and Suwayda. On August 3, clashes between local Druze militias, Sunni Arab tribal forces, and Syrian government troops in Syrias Suwayda Governorate reignited after a two-week hiatus following a US-brokered ceasefire. The fighting began when Druze militias attacked Tal Hadid and nearby areas near the village of Thaaleh in Suwaydas western countryside. Tal Hadid, which Syrian government forces had held to separate Sunni tribal fighters from Druze militias, is a strategic high point overlooking Suwayda city, which remains under Druze control. The attack resulted in the deaths of five Syrian government soldiers. In response, the Syrian government initiated a counterattack against the Druze militias, recapturing all positions seized by what it called unlawful gangs in Tal Hadid, Rima Hazm, and Walgha. The Ministry of Interior issued a statement accusing the militias of trying to drag the province into tension and chaos, driven by the personal ambitions of their leadership. The ministry claimed that these armed groups were stealing aid destined for Druze civilians, fueling internal strife, and violating ceasefire agreements to cover up their abuses. The clashes also forced the temporary closure of the Bosra al Sham Corridor west of Suwayda city, the sole route for relief and aid shipments to Druze civilians in the area. The corridor was reopened the following day, on August 4, after the security situation stabilized. One of the Druze fighters killed was Nashwan al Shaer, a native of Suwayda city. Open-source information indicates that Shaer was a member of the Eagles of the Whirlwind. This militia was affiliated with the Assad regime and serves as the military wing of the Syrian Social National Party (SSNP). The SSNP advocates for the creation of a Greater Syrian nation, and some analysts have described it as a rabidly anti-Semitic, fascist organization. Internal divisions have also begun to surface among Syrias Druze factions. A video recently emerged featuring Tareq Shoufi, the leader of the Suwayda Military Council, a militia composed of former Assad regime officers that has called for local autonomy in Suwayda and has pledged allegiance to one of the three Druze spiritual leaders, Hikmat al Hijri, who has publicly called for Israeli intervention to defend the Druze. In the video, Shoufi claimed that an armed group led by Nawras Azzam, who is also affiliated with Hijri and rumored to be involved in the illicit drug trade, stormed a meeting in Suwayda city, kidnapped Shoufi, and forced him to record a statement confessing to coordinating with Syrian government forces. Additionally, a statement attributed to local activists in Suwayda emerged that accused armed factions loyal to Hikmat al Hijri of attempting to separate the city from Syria and establish communication channels with Israel. A group of Syrians who referred to themselves as the Free people of Suwayda signed the statement, which rejected any form of separation from the rest of Syria, no matter how much intimidation and suppression the factions loyal to al-Hijri practice. Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant. Ah, the dog days of summer. Hot, humid days, sultry nights, and very little Apple news as we are left to wait for the fall to bring new iPhones. While we certainly will be able to talk about the iPhone 17 lineup in the fall, will we be able to afford one? Jefferies expects a $50 price increase for iPhone 17 Slim/P/PM models to offset rising component costs and China tariffs. Other potential cost pressures from India and sector tariffs are not yet included. Jefferies analyst Edison Lee, as reported by @DeItaone via X Because of the Trump Administrations tariff plan (is it still a plan if it changes every five minutes?), at least one analyst expects iPhone prices to go up even before Apple ships a foldable. Even as executives use AI as an excuse to lay people off and AI actually cost great companies like The Iconfactory business, companies are raising prices. And its not just companies like Apple that are importing physical goods from abroad, Spotify and Peacock are raising prices, too. The Macalope would like to assure you that you dont have to buy a new phone. You honestly probably dont have to buy anything. What are we even paying for? Last year, Apple hyped the iPhone 16 with the promise that it would run Apple Intelligence. Well, yes, it will. If the company ever ships the parts of Apple Intelligence people want. Okay, some people might have wanted the things Apple did deliver, like Image Playground. Theoretically. Seems unlikely, but its not completely impossible. Speaking of Apple Intelligence, lets head over to the AI desk to find out how thats going. The Macalope should warn you, though: the AI desk is actually an AI-generated slop image of a desk and is a little unstable because it has only three and a half legs, but it does have a kitchen vent over top of it for some reason, and is covered in ants? Anyway, lets head over there. But watch out for the ants because they were just regular ants, and then we asked the AI to fix all the obvious problems with the desk, and it just returned the same image, but now the ants were fire ants. If you were hoping to use AI to justify your purchase of an iPhone 16 last year or the purchase of an iPhone 17 this year, good news! According to Tim Cook in last weeks conference call with analysts, Apple is making good progress on a more personalized Siri! Oh, what, thats too vague for you? Well, Cynical Sam (if thats your real name), youll be eating crow out of the other side of your mouth when you hear that Cook went on to say: Were excited about the work were doing in this space, and its incredibly rewarding to see the strong momentum building. So there! Exciting work! In space! Rewarding strong! Momentum? Building! Aaand he also said Apple is open to acquiring an AI company that can help it out. Were very open to M&A that accelerates our roadmap. We are are not stuck on a certain size company Weve got it handled! But, also, we could use some help. But thats not the last word from Apple on this topic because after the call with analysts, the company held an all-hands meeting in which senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi said that when it came to an enhanced Siri, Apple was in a position to not just deliver what we announced, but to deliver a much bigger upgrade than we envisioned. Not just ants, but fire ants. Personally, the Macalope hopes that simply means that not only will the company deliver an enhanced Siri, but itll actually work. If youd like to receive regular news and updates to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters, including The Macalope and Apple Breakfast, David Prices weekly, bite-sized roundup of all the latest Apple news and rumors. IDG Tim Cook also spoke to Apples employees. I have never felt so much excitement The product pipeline, which I cant talk about: Its amazing, guys. Its amazing While Tim is, like many of us, apparently still trying to get out of the habit of using unnecessarily gendered plural nouns, he has also been working on how he refers to the Apple product pipeline. Five years ago he said simply, Were excited about our pipeline. Nine years ago, he suggested there were exciting things in the pipeline. These are all improvements over when, early in his tenure as Apple CEO back in 2012, he said it was simply a pipeline full of stuff. We got a lot of stuff in there. Some of the stuff I dont even know what it is. Theres like a watch. And a speaker thingy? I dunno, its all in a spreadsheet Gladys maintains. Despite the grand words of assurance, the Macalope will suggest that when a company is likely raising prices (albeit not by choice) and not necessarily delivering on all its promises, maybe its time to consider whether upgrading this year is right for you. By Akbar Novruz During his working visit to the city of Turkmenbashi, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov held a meeting with his Georgian counterpart Irakli Kobakhidze. According to a statement from the Cabinet of Ministers, Prime Minister Asadov conveyed greetings from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the head of the Georgian government. In return, Irakli Kobakhidze expressed his appreciation for the message and asked to pass on his own greetings to President Aliyev. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia. They discussed further strengthening of cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade and economic ties, mutual investment, transport and transit, energy, and humanitarian collaboration. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/ On Tuesday night, Russians attacked Ukrainian settlements with ballistic missiles and nearly 50 UAVs, most of them Shahed-type, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Last night, the Russians launched a ballistic missile and nearly fifty UAVs against Ukraine, most of them Russian-Iranian shaheds. Many drones were shot down by our defenders, but unfortunately, there were hits, Zelenskyy said on X Tuesday. The President noted that the Russians struck civilian infrastructure in Lozova of Kharkiv region with more than 25 shaheds. As a result, one person was killed in the attack, another 10 people were injured, including two children. The railway was damaged, including a depot and a station. Zaporizhia, Odesa, and Sumy regions also came under attack overnight. In the village of Bilenke, Zaporizhia district, the occupiers directly targeted people with FPV drones. Two people were injured. Once again, the Russian army is hunting civilians in an attempt to terrorize frontline cities and communities, Zelenskyy reported. He noted that the world now sees that sanctions against Russia, and secondary sanctions against all those who help it profiteer from oil, can work if they are strong enough. Therefore, pressure must be increased, and this will undoubtedly contribute to peace. I thank the United States, our European partners, the G7 countries, and all those willing to exert the necessary pressure. We look forward to meaningful and decisive steps, the head of state summed up. Acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna raised the issue of creating a Technical Fund for Support of Regional Media of Ukraine during her visit to Japan. "The main topics of the talks were Japan's support in the area of protecting Ukraine's cultural heritage, overcoming the consequences of Russian aggression in the media sector, and intensifying cooperation within the framework of the newly created Alliance for Cultural Sustainability," the Ministry of Culture said following Berezhna's meetings with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Katsura Miyazaki in Tokyo, Japan. It is noted that the Ukrainian side also raised the issue of creating a Technical Fund for Support of Regional Media of Ukraine, which is especially important against the backdrop of the termination of American funding (USAID). "Such support is critical for the survival of local media in frontline and de-occupied territories, which are subject to continuous attacks and losses," the ministry added. It is reported that during the meeting with JICA Vice President Miyazaki, the significant contribution of the Japanese side to supporting the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine was noted, in particular, thanks to the second phase of the project, which lasts until 2026, the company received new technical equipment. The Department of Justice published a list of 35 jurisdictions that officials have identified as having policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws in a statement on Tuesday. The list of cities, counties, and states includes many Democrat-leaning communities, such as the city of Boston. Massachusetts, as a state, however, is not included on the list. Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design, said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country. The Justice Departments statement referenced an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on April 28 that accuses American states and local officials of using their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. The executive order directed the Justice Department to publish a list of sanctuary jurisdictions. On Tuesday, the department listed the following: States: California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Illinois Minnesota Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Counties: Baltimore County, MD Cook County, IL San Diego County, CA San Francisco County, CA Cities: Albuquerque, NM Berkeley, CA Boston, MA Chicago, IL Denver, CO East Lansing, MI Hoboken, NJ Jersey City, NJ Los Angeles, CA New Orleans, LA New York City, NY Newark, NJ Paterson, NJ Philadelphia, PA Portland, OR Rochester, NY Seattle, WA San Francisco City, CA Mayor Michelle Wus office did not immediately return a request for comment on Tuesday, but she previously appeared before Congress to testify about the citys policies. Ive said it before Congress. Well continue saying it. The courts have backed us up on this as well. State law in Massachusetts, city ordinances here in the city of Boston, means that we are safe for everyone, Wu said in April. That requires each and every person to feel part of our community, to know that they belong and to be part of keeping everyone in our community safe. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu testifies during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing titled "A Hearing with Sanctuary City Mayors," on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on March 5, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images In June, the Trump administration retracted a list published by the Department of Homeland Security after it identified more than 500 communities as sanctuary cities. The administration withdrew the list after stiff criticism from the National Sheriffs Association, a national law enforcement group. The Justice Department did not specifically cite what policies or laws qualify the cities as sanctuary jurisdictions, but typically, the term sanctuary city refers to communities that implement rules that prevent police from asking about a persons immigration status or directly assisting federal officers with non-criminal immigration matters. The laws do not bar local police from assisting immigration officers on investigations into serious public safety threats, such as drugs, weapons or human trafficking. Local police also do not interfere with federal immigration enforcement or deportation arrests. Two Massachusetts cities are locked in a legal battle with the Trump administration after the federal government threatened to withhold millions of dollars in grants over their immigration policies. Chelsea and Somerville sued the administration in February, arguing that the money they receive from the federal government should not be conditioned on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Chelsea city budget received about $14.5 million from the federal government last year. Somerville received about $19.4 million. The federal administration wants to pressure us, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez said after a hearing in July. They want to force us to make Chelsea and Somerville less safe by diverting our local police from protecting our neighborhoods to becoming tools of mass deportation. Two weeks ago, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against New York City, Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials challenging the citys laws around immigration. In recent months, the Trump administration has launched lawsuits against Los Angeles, New York, Colorado, Illinois and Rochester, New York. The mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, recently agreed to comply with immigration detainer requests from the federal government in exchange for being dropped from the sanctuary jurisdiction list. Mayor Michelle Wu and mayoral candidate Josh Kraft attend a candidate forum hosted by the Massachusetts Affordable Homeownership Alliance in Roxbury on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Trea Lavery/MassLive Boston Mayor Michelle Wus campaign cried foul to state campaign finance regulators this week over fundraising appeals from her opponent, philanthropist Josh Kraft. Recent fundraising emails solicited donations for the Kraft campaign in the voice of prominent national Democrats also running for public office, according to screenshots of the messages shared with MassLive. The emails appeared to press donors to rush funds to candidates like former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a candidate for U.S. Senate, and Texas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, with the donations to be split with the Kraft campaign. The Wu campaign called the practice deceptive and said it was not clear from the messages that half the donations would go to Kraft. But Krafts team slammed Wus complaint as legally and substantively bogus, arguing that the practice of donation splitting is common in Democratic Party fundraising. The campaign shared examples of similar fundraising appeals from other Massachusetts Democrats. One email flagged by the Wu campaign, which was signed by Cooper but originated from the email address info@joshforboston.com, read: We all know that this isnt going to be an easy race to win. Were in for a long, expensive fight no matter what and Republicans are preparing, too." Click here to split a contribution between our campaign and Josh Kraft, the email said. Other emails sought split donations between Kraft and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell or U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, both of California, or Shawn Harris, a retired brigadier general whos now a congressional candidate in Georgia. None of them appeared to have publicly weighed in on the Boston mayoral race. In all cases, the images and messaging of these candidates, not Josh Kraft, dominate the email solicitations and web pages. Only a careful reading of fine print would convey that, in reality, half of any contribution to help Roy Cooper regain Democratic control of the U.S. Senate will be directed to Josh Kraft, the Wu campaign wrote in a letter to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, requesting an investigation. Massachusetts campaign finance laws allow campaigns to fundraise for other candidates. But regulators also require clear language to ensure potential donors are aware that their contribution will be split between campaigns, Wus campaign treasurer, Robert D. Binney, wrote. Even assuming a donor managed to decipher the fine print, these voters would reasonably assume that leading national figures like Senator Schiff and Representative Crockett are supporting Krafts campaign for Mayor, which we believe to be untrue and an obvious attempt to deceive voters, he wrote. In response, the Kraft campaign shared screenshots of similar fundraising emails. One appeared to be from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., seeking donations that would be split with U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6th District. The latter email was sent by team@sethmoulton.com. Other screenshots showed emails apparently sent on behalf of U.S Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., but seeking donations to be split with U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., or former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, a 2022 candidate for Senate. The emails originated from the Booker or Barnes campaigns. The Kraft campaign also shared a screenshot of the webpage on ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, where donors could split donations to the Kraft and Swalwell campaigns. The Kraft campaign said the page clearly informed donors that their contributions would be split between the two candidates. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance, or OCPF, does not confirm the existence of complaints or investigations. But it does review every complaint it receives, Jason Tait, the offices spokesperson, wrote in an email to MassLive. All decisions issued by the office become public, he said. As of Tuesday afternoon, it did not appear that regulators had notified the Kraft campaign of campaign finance violations. Renee Schaeffer, a spokesperson for Harris, the Georgia congressional candidate, said the campaign did not approve of the fundraising email from Krafts operation and is not supporting his campaign. Both Schiff and Swalwell also asked Kraft to stop using their names in fundraising emails, according to the Boston Globe. In a statement to the paper, campaign spokesperson Eileen OConnor attributed the emails to an error on the part of our vendor. Our vendor is responsible for the approvals process with all candidates involved. As a result of todays inquiries, we have been made aware that what we thought was an isolated incident in failing to seek approval was much larger, she said. As a result, we are moving to shut down the links and terminate our agreement with the consulting firm. Representatives for Schiff, Swalwell, Crockett and Cooper did not respond to requests for comment from MassLive. With a month until Bostons preliminary election, the race between Wu and Kraft has turned sour. Alongside dueling policy ideas, the candidates have traded insults and accusations that each campaign violated campaign finance law. In June, amid complaints from Wu that the Kraft staff were improperly coordinating activities with a political action committee, the Kraft campaign accused Wu of misusing public funds for the campaign and having City Hall staff working on the mayors race during business hours. Wu denied the claims. A recent poll of the mayoral race from the Globe and Suffolk University showed Wu with a commanding 59% to 29% lead over Kraft. Two other candidates who will appear on the September ballot, Robert Capucci and Domingos DaRosa, are polling at 0.8% and 2.8% respectively, with 6.6% of respondents still undecided. The preliminary election on Sept. 9 will narrow the mayoral field to two candidates who will head to the general election on Nov. 4. A Chelsea man pleaded guilty to three armed bank robberies where he threatened to shoot people during each robbery last year, United States Attorney Leah Foleys office said Tuesday. Keywan Kelly, 30, pleaded guilty to three counts of armed bank robbery on Monday, Foleys office said in a statement. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel Gorton scheduled Kellys sentencing for Nov. 12. Kelly was previously arrested in August 2024 and indicted in September 2024. At around 11:52 a.m. on July 1, 2024, Kelly walked inside a Bank of America in Weymouth, donned in gloves and a medical mask, Foleys office said. He walked up to a bank teller at a window and gave a handwritten note that demanded the teller give him $20,000. Kelly made several verbal threats, including Run that [expletive] before I blow this place up and Ill kill you all, the statement read. Kelly pointed a gun at the teller, who handed him $15,000, Foleys office said. Kelly demanded more and the teller gave him between $4,000 and $5,000 before he ran off. Over two weeks later, on July 16, 2024, at around 1:41 p.m., Kelly walked into a Rockland Trust in Jamaica Plain while wearing a black balaclava-style mask, black clothing and white latex gloves, Foleys office said. He walked to the bank teller and handed a note. I need 20K no DyPacks I have 4 bombs Ill Kill everyone make quick, the note read as Kelly showed a gun, Foleys office said. After he received $2,480 in cash from the teller, he ran off. Days later, on July 26, 2024, at around 10:09 a.m., Kelly walked into another Rockland Trust bank, this time in Hyde Park, Foleys office said. He wore a black balaclava-style mask and gloves again and handed a note to the teller that said they were being robbed and they need to give me cash, while he pointed his gun at the teller. Kelly demanded $20,000 after he threatened to shoot, the statement read. He received $3,000 in cash, took back the note and ran off. Video surveillance and fingerprints found on a getaway car after the Weymouth robbery identified Kelly for investigators, Foleys office said. Investigators also detected cell phone location data from Kellys phone in the proximity of each of the three banks around the time of the respective robberies. The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. Sean Delaney (left) and Elyse Hershon (right) at the State House in Boston on July 31, speaking out against a bill lawmakers passed to Gov. Maura Healey's desk concerning bar advocate attorney wages. (Irene Rotondo) Even with a deal reached last week by lawmakers for a raise for bar advocates, more than 3,000 indigent defendants remain without a lawyer and hundreds of cases teeter on the brink of dismissal. Meanwhile, the Suffolk County district attorneys office said it is moving forward with re-charging people whose criminal cases were dismissed due to a lack of legal representation. Lawmakers could fix this. They have the money to fix this, and theyre choosing not to, said Elyse Hershon, a private criminal defense attorney in Suffolk County. There are still thousands of people unrepresented, and theres still not enough lawyers in an aging bar where people are retiring and going to other work. Theres no pipeline of lawyers coming in, and thats because the pay is too low, and its been too low for decades, Hershon said. Hershon is one of 2,600 private lawyers in Massachusetts who also serve as bar advocate attorneys. She handles court-appointed cases for people who cannot afford lawyers. Bar advocates stopped taking new cases since Memorial Day as they pushed legislators for an hourly rate increase to $100, meaning thousands of criminal defendants have been left without counsel. Amid this crisis, the state court system imposed the Lavallee protocol in Middlesex and Suffolk counties. Under this rare rule, defendants without lawyers must be released from jail after seven day, and their cases dismissed if they are not appointed a lawyer after 45 days. Among those who have been released is a man accused of beating a pregnant woman and a woman once listed on the Boston Police Departments most wanted list. Dismissed cases include allegations of stabbings, public attacks on women and a woman accused of trying to set a family member on fire. In response, lawmakers approved a bill sent to Gov. Maura Healeys desk and still unsigned as of Aug. 5 to raise bar advocates rates from $65 an hour to $75 by 2026, and $85 an hour by 2027. It was a deal that many bar advocates rejected, saying they played no role in negotiating and that neighboring states like New Hampshire and Maine have lower costs of living with wages well over $100 an hour. Bar advocate attorneys at the State House in Boston on July 31, speaking out against a bill lawmakers passed to Gov. Maura Healey's desk concerning their wages. (Irene Rotondo) Language to prevent another work stoppage that was included in the bill also angered the bar advocates further, Hershon said, along with the $40 million allocation of funds to the Committee for Public Counsel Servicesto (CPCS) to hire 320 more lawyers and lessen the agencys heavy reliance on bar advocates. It was really confusing to us ... Its along the terms of, you might be prosecuted or you might be sued for refusing work in the future. It seems punitive and really undercuts what independent contractors are all about, Hershon said. And as of Aug. 4, there were still 3,387 unrepresented indigent defendants across all Massachusetts District and Municipal Courts, with some in custody awaiting representation, according to a filing made Monday by CPCS. In Suffolk County, there are 127 people whose cases were dismissed without prejudice meaning their criminal charges can be refiled at any time as of Tuesday, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys office. That includes about 30 people whose cases were dismissed in the central division of Boston Municipal Court on Tuesday. The district attorneys office has tracked which cases are being dismissed and is prioritizing certain cases to reopen them. When opened again, court proceedings will pick up right where they last left off. The Lavallee protocol is expected to continue as a rule in court systems until theres huge strides and a huge drop in numbers of unrepresented defendants, Hershon said, and a filing to reverse or undo it made by CPCS. But because the bar advocates are dissatisfied with legislators and how unprecedented they say the situation is, Hershon doesnt feel a Lavallee reversal will come tomorrow or next week, and its probably not going to be next month. CPCS said it has identified and interviewed numerous candidates based off the bills additional hiring requirement, and is prepared to make offers to between seven and ten candidates by the end of next week. Yet, the agency is also concerned how lawmakers decisions will affect Massachusetts court systems in the long term. Whether this legislation, if signed into law, will significantly ameliorate the current shortage is unknown, the CPCS filing reads. And with no end in sight to the work stoppage following the lawmakers decision, the crisis is likely to continue hurting Massachusetts court system, according to Middlesex and Barnstable County bar advocate Sean Delaney. Bar advocate attorneys at the State House in Boston on July 31, speaking out against a bill lawmakers passed to Gov. Maura Healey's desk concerning their wages. (Irene Rotondo) The advocates now look to band together further by setting up a nonprofit, looking into a political action committee and retaining legal counsel for advisement on the antitrust language included in the lawmakers bill, Delaney said. ... [This isnt about] only for a pay increase for lawyers, but to ensure that the poor in the Commonwealth will continue to have zealous representation long into the future, Delaney said. Were not there yet, but we are more solidified in our position today than we were a week ago because of the vindictive proposal approved by the legislature last Thursday, he said. A man died over the weekend after the car he was driving crashed into a tree in Wellesley, according to police. On Aug. 1, emergency services responded to a 911 call reporting a single-car crash on Forest Street shortly before 3:15 p.m., Wellesley police said in a press release. At the scene, they found that a car had veered off the road and hit a tree head-on. The driver the only person in the car at the time of the crash was trapped in the car and had to be freed, police said. Paramedics and firefighters performed life-saving measures on the man before he was flown to a hospital for treatment. The man ultimately died of his injuries. The preliminary investigation suggests the driver may have experienced a medical emergency prior to the crash that caused him to lose control of his car, police said. He then left the roadway and hit a tree on the east side of Forest Street. The mans identity is being withheld until his next of kin has been notified of his death. Wellesley police are investigating the crash. A judge on Monday accepted a guilty plea from a woman authorities say leaked secret information from several Massachusetts grand jury investigations. In a federal courtroom in Boston, prosecutors revealed new details in the case, including that the woman provided sensitive details to a good friend, who then shared the information on social media. The leaks happened between August 2022 and March 2024 and involved confidential information about ongoing criminal cases, according to U.S. Attorney Leah Foleys Office. Jessica Leslie, 34, appeared with her attorney Keith Halpern before Judge Indira Talwani in the John J. Moakley courthouse. Leslie is charged with one count of criminal contempt. Leslie agreed to plead guilty to the charge during the proceedings, after Talwani advised her of her rights. As part of the plea, Leslie waived her right to appeal her conviction or sentence, and there will be no trial. The charge carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for any length of time, along with five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine, according to a statement by the U.S. Attorneys Office. The U.S. Attorneys Office had proposed just one day of prison for Leslie, deemed served, followed by two years of supervised release and a $100 payment to the court clerks office, according to court filings. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti then gave further information about the information leaks Leslie is accused of. Leslie had texted and called to give information to a good friend of hers about witnesses involved in indictments that were brought before the grand jury Leslie participated in between Aug. 2022 and March 2024, Paruti said. On Jan. 25, 2024, a post on the social media platform X advertised general information about a case where six people were indicted on mail fraud, perjury and other crimes, Paruti said. Five days later, four Massachusetts State Police troopers and two others were arrested and charged with wire fraud in a 74-count indictment, known to the public as the commercial drivers license (CDL) scheme. Additionally, in February 2024, other posts on X commented on the appearance of a witness involved in an indictment from the time of Leslies service, and identified the witness through their initials, Paruti said. The subsequent law enforcement investigation linked the X social media account to a person who is a good friend of Leslies, and Leslie confessed to sharing the information while being taped by officials on video, Paruti said. Leslie spoke to the friend through text and call about at least two other unrelated investigations, Paruti added. Prosecutors have not specifically named the cases that Leslie is accused of leaking information about. However, reports from WCVB and The Boston Globe from anonymous sources claim Leslie served on a federal grand jury investigating the states handling of the Karen Read case. Leslies sentencing date was scheduled for Sept. 26 at 3 p.m., and Talwani requested a pre-sentencing report to be filed beforehand. Leslies attorney declined to comment on the case to MassLive. Russian occupiers shelled populated areas of Donetsk 11 times in one day, three civilians were injured, head of Donetsk Regional Military Administration Vadym Filashkin reported on Tuesday. "On August 4, Russians wounded three residents of Donetsk region," Filashkin wrote on the Telegram channel. Thus, in Dobropillia (Pokrovsk district) a person was wounded. A person was injured in Ilyinivka, a resident of Kostiantynivka (Kramatorsk district) was also injured. A house was damaged in Lyman, five houses were destroyed in Drobysheve. A house and a garage were damaged in Ilyinivka. In Kostiantynivka: two multi-storey buildings, two private houses, an administrative building and two gas pipelines; 13 houses were damaged in Ivanopillia, another one - in Bilokuzmynivka. Five houses were damaged in Siversk (Bakhmut district). Some 1,001 people were evacuated from the front line, including 75 children. A Massachusetts woman who recently lost her job and was left with a $21,000 medical bill after a bat flew into her mouth during a trip to Arizona has set up a GoFundMe to support herself. Westford resident Erica Kahn previously worked as a biomedical engineer, she wrote in her fundraiser campaigns description. She lost her job last summer and thought she would have a new job in a few months. Kahn signed up for new coverage, but she did not know it had a 30-day waiting period, WCVB-TV reported. Since I was fun-employed, I traveled to Horseshoe Bend in Arizona, where my dad and I took some long exposure photos of the beautiful landscape at night, Kahn wrote on GoFundMe. While she was taking photos, she saw bats flying nearby, The Arizona Republic reported. One flew into her mouth. As I was screaming, part of the bat unfortunately went in my mouth (fun fact, they taste earthy and a little sweet!), Kahn wrote on GoFundMe. Kahns father, who works as a doctor, told her to go to the emergency room for rabies shots, she wrote. Kahn had lost her $650-per-month COBRA plan 11 days earlier. So while she was in the emergency room, she tried to sign up through Innovative Partners Her claims were denied and she received her three shots and four rabies vaccine doses from other hospitals, Kahn wrote. The medical bills totaled $20,749.29. Its mentally pretty stressful to think about that sum of money, Kahn told Republic. Kahn set up the GoFundMe with a goal of donating half of the proceeds to the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) to help provide healthcare to families in need, she wrote. Her goal is to receive $12,000. I wish our healthcare system wasnt so broken in the United States, she continued. I believe life-saving medical care is a fundamental human right and its depressing that Americans can only turn to GoFundMe instead of a federally protected safety net. I made a mistake by choosing not to pay for COBRA, but the cost of these seven shots is pretty extreme. Also, I still believe that bats are an important part of our ecosystem and I feel no ill will toward them! Protect the bats! The campaign has received 29 donations, including eight $50 donations. As Michael Scott said in The Office, Myth: three Americans every year die from rabies. Fact: four Americans every year die from rabies, Kahn wrote at the end of her campaign. At the end of July, The New York Times reported that Harvard University was open to a potential $500 million settlement as a means of ending the months-long battle with the Trump administration. However, faculty at Harvard close with President Alan Garber dispute that, according to three unnamed sources in reporting by The Harvard Crimson. The sources said that information was leaked to the press by White House officials and that the university is interested in resolving the dispute through its two federal court cases, according to the outlet. The first lawsuit focuses on the federal stripping of $2.6 billion of Harvards federal dollars, while the other challenges the Trump administrations attack on Harvards ability to host and enroll international students. Judge Allison Burroughs hasnt ruled in the lawsuits yet, though she has jabbed at the Trump administrations lawyer over his own Harvard education and other topics. A Harvard spokesperson declined to comment but disputed the characterization of Garbers remarks, according to the Crimson. The spokesperson didnt explain to MassLive which remarks were in dispute. Talks between Harvard and the Trump administration come amid other institutions, including Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and Brown University, cutting deals with the federal government. On Monday, The New York Times added to its reporting, stating that Harvard officials were stunned by Brown University only having to pay $50 million far cheaper than what Harvard was open to, according to three unnamed people familiar with the matter. This made Harvard officials question a $500 million settlement, especially as Harvard appears to be at an advantage in court, has taken steps to address antisemitism and didnt publicly agree to consider divesting from Israel. Meanwhile, May Mailman, a former White House staff member who remains involved in the Trump administration, pushed back against these arguments stating that Harvard hasnt done enough to protect Jewish students and is disregarding the Supreme Courts ruling on affirmative action in college admissions, according to the outlet. She added that Brown hasnt sued the Trump administration, like Harvard did. The talk of a settlement comes after Trump publicly announced in June that the federal government was in talks with Harvard over a mindbogglingly HISTORIC deal that would occur over the next week or so. Whether a deal at Harvard is a good thing for the institution is something that has been up for debate. However, not compromising on academic freedom remains a constant concern for professors and students. A group of faculty members sent a letter recently to Harvard President Garber stating that the university must not cede authority to the government over faculty hiring or student admission decisions, leadership and the content taught in classrooms. The faculty also said that if a deal is reached, the funds allocated to the government should go to programs or projects that the university is okay with, instead of to patronage slush funds. Some of us believe that Harvard should not engage in any extraordinary negotiations with an overstepping federal government; others believe that efforts to find a settlement are the right way forward. All of us have nevertheless agreed to sign this letter because we feel that public clarity is important about what cannot be compromised by Harvard, given its prominence in national and international academic affairs, the faculty wrote. Harvard has been studying settlement structures over the past several weeks, attempting to create a deal that doesnt compromise academic freedom and allows for settlement money to go to vocational or workforce training programs instead of the federal government, according to The New York Times. What has happened between the Trump admin and Harvard? The Trump administration has gone after Harvard since April, cutting billions of dollars. Demanding an overhaul of Harvards leadership structure, admissions and hiring the federal government warned the school could risk losing $9 billion in funding. Harvard rejected those demands, stating they seek to invade university freedoms long recognized by the Supreme Court. Then the fight over funding occurred. It began with a $2.2 billion funding freeze on April 14 after the school refused to comply with the federal administrations demands. In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit on April 21, arguing that its constitutional rights had been violated by the governments threats to pull billions of dollars in funding. Harvard President Garber also signed onto a letter with hundreds of other university presidents pushing back against government overreach and political interference by the Trump administration. At the beginning of May, the Trump administration said it would bar Harvard University from acquiring new federal grants while the school continues to refuse to comply with the administrations demands for change on its campus. A few days later, eight federal agencies cut $450 million in grants and then the United States Department of Health and Human Services cut $60 million in grants from the university. Harvard went on to amend its lawsuit against the Trump administration. On May 16, a wave of nearly one thousand federal research grant terminations began, amounting to more than $2.4 billion, according to an analysis by Nature. In response, Harvard established a new Presidential Priorities Fund, asking for donations in the midst of federal cuts. Some of Harvards schools, including its School of Public Health, took to social media to ask for donations after nearly every single federal grant had been terminated. Other investigations and threats have been made against the institution, some of which have focused on threatening the universitys ability to enroll international students. This prompted Harvard to open a second lawsuit against the Trump administration over its ability to accept international students. Most recently, the State Department opened an investigation into Harvard Universitys use of international visas. The Department of Homeland Security has also subpoenaed Harvard over its failure to provide documents concerning the misconduct or criminal actions of foreign students. A 37-year-old man died in a motorcycle crash on Route 18 in New Bedford early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office. New Bedford police responded to a 911 call about a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Route 18 near Union Street around 2:30 a.m., the district attorneys office said in a press release Monday. At the scene, they found the man in the left lane between Union and Elm Streets receiving CPR from a civilian. New Bedford police took over life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, the district attorneys office said. He was taken to a local hospital where he was declared dead a short time later. Police found the mans motorcycle a short distance from where they located the man, the district attorneys office said. The preliminary investigation suggests he lost control of his motorcycle prior to the crash, which does not appear suspicious. The mans identity is being withheld until authorities have notified his next of kin of his death, the district attorneys office said. New Bedford police and the district attorneys office are investigating the crash. A well-known gang broke into multiple cars in a Massachusetts mall parking lot in July. The nationwide gang is known as the Felony Lane Gang. Members are known to watch people leave their cars, especially women, without a purse or wallet at parks, beaches, post offices or daycares. The group of bandits originating from Fort Lauderdale, Florida more than a decade ago then break into the cars to steal debit and credit cards, Chelsea Groton Bank warned. The stolen credit cards are sometimes used to buy high end electronics or gift cards. Other times, they use wigs, glasses and hats to cash checks from stolen checkbooks. They use the outside lane of the bank, which got them the name Felony Lane Gang, the Hanover Police Department said. Police said the gang was involved in car break-ins at Merchants Row Mall on July 29. Massachusetts State Police had been following the suspects during this due to other break-ins and they were arrested later that day. Its not the first time the gang has hit Massachusetts. State police were also involved in a fraud case from 2023 in which seven defendants from Florida were sentenced for their roles in an organized fraud and identity theft scheme spanning multiple states. One of the leaders of the scheme was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison. The Felony Lane Gang Task Force has been working to shut down the gang for years. The group uses Facebook to help police across the U.S. catch these members of the group, according to USA Today. In about five years, the task force said, it helped law enforcement identify more than 1,500 Felony Lane Gang members. The Facebook group has identified gang members in Northampton, Springfield, Milford, Belchertown, Ipswich, Monson and more. A Salem man already convicted of killing a Bedford woman in 1971 has pleaded guilty to more charges, including loansharking, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryans office said Monday. Arthur Massei pleaded guilty to attempted extortion, solicitation to commit usury and threatening to cause physical injury or death, Ryans office said in a statement. Massei was already convicted on May 14, 2024, of the first-degree murder of Natalie Scheublin at her home decades ago. While in open court, Massei admitted to each of the charges, Ryans office said. Justice Lynn Rooney sentenced Massei to 15 years in state prison on the charge of attempted extortion; 10 years in state prison on the charge of solicitation to commit usury; and six months in the House of Correction on each of three counts alleging threats to commit a crime. These will run concurrently with the life without parole sentence he is currently serving for Natalie Schueblins death. The Middlesex Sheriffs Office in Billerica had Massei in custody in October 2022 when Massachusetts State Police and Bedford police detectives found that Massei was sending letters to a woman outside of prison, Ryans office said. Investigators reviewed Masseis letters, where he asked for help in recruiting someone who would pretend to be a witness for his trial and could falsely testify, Ryans office said. He also offered to pay $1,000 to someone who could give a fake testimony with instructions about what that person should say. But the letters contained escalating threats from Massei to the woman if she did not do what he said to his satisfaction, Ryans office said. At one point, Massei told her if she did not do something fast, he would be like a bullet heading for you full steam ahead with no stops until I get on you youll see how I feel really soon good luck," with the letter ending with Like a bullet for you. While he was in custody facing a first-degree murder charge, Arthur Massei continued to pursue criminal schemes and to make threats of criminal violence to people in the outside world, Ryan said in her statement. These deliberate and premeditated attempts to obstruct justice are serious crimes in their own right that strike at the very core of our legal system. Massei also told other people to collect loansharking debts he was owed, Ryans office said. He directed others to collect his illegal debts, instructing the woman who received one of his letters to approach a loansharking victim as soon as she received her government check, before the victim could spend the money on herself. A case of Powassan virus has been detected in a Marthas Vineyard resident, the second time it has been found on the island in the last 20 years, according to Marthas Vineyard Boards of Health. The situation is being closely monitored by the islands local boards of health and shared public health staff, including Public Health Nurse and Case Investigation Coordinator Betsy VanLandingham, the boards said in a statement released Tuesday. The illness is the third case of the virus in the United States in 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated. The virus is present every year in a small percentage of deer ticks; fortunately, severe disease remains very rare, Dr. Sam Telford, an infectious diseases expert at Tufts University, said in the statement. Between 1 and 2% of nymph deer ticks on Marthas Vineyard are infected. This is a similar rate to that seen elsewhere in New England. This suggests that many people who are exposed may successfully fight off the virus without ever knowing they were infected. Telfords lab has tested over 3,500 nymph deer ticks between 2021 and 2024, the statement read. While health officials did not disclose the name of the person infected with Powassan, the virus was detected in a 1-month-old baby in West Tisbury, according to the Vineyard Gazette. Lily Belle Sisco, born on June 30, was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital with a 102-degree fever, the Gazette wrote. Due to the infection and more than 20 seizures in one day, Sisco has brain damage, but was reported on Tuesday as being in stable condition. Powassan can be transmitted after being bitten by deer ticks, officials said. In contrast to other tick-borne illnesses, Powassan can be transmitted within 15 minutes of being bitten and theres no special treatment, cure or vaccine. Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties and seizures, the health department said. To prevent tick bites, officials suggest wearing tick repellent with DEET, tucking pants into socks or boots, stay on trails, showering after exposure and talking with your veterinarian about tick control options for pets. The United States Department of State has issued a level two travel advisory for Thailand, amidst concerns of civil unrest. Travelers are recommended to exercise increased caution in the popular tropical destination, according to the Department of States travel advisory website. The higher travel advisory comes with increase incidences of civil unrest associated with insurgent activities in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces, the website states. Travelers should completely avoid areas within 50 km, or 31 miles, of the Thai-Cambodian border, which has been elevated to a level four warning due to ongoing fighting between Thai and Cambodian military forces. If you decide to travel to Thailand, the Department of State has issued the following recommendations: A new $1,702 stimulus check is set to reach the pockets of some Americans in the coming days, but its probably not you. Some viral news stories are reporting a hefty stimulus check from the government. One headline reads: New stimulus checks 100% confirmed +$1,700 for one group of citizens. The catch is: you must live in Alaska. As part of Alaskas permanent dividend fund, residents of the state are eligible for the payment stemming from the states oil revenue, according to the Alaska Department of Revenue. The payment schedule is the following: 2024 (and prior year) dividend applications that are in Eligible-Not Paid status on August 13, 2025, will be distributed on August 21, 2025. 2024 (and prior year) dividend applications that are in Eligible-Not Paid status on September 3, 2025, will be distributed on September 11, 2025. 2025 (and prior year) dividend applications that are in Eligible-Not Paid status on September 18, 2025, will be distributed on October 2, 2025. 2025 (and prior year) dividend applications that are in Eligible-Not Paid status on October 13, 2025, will be distributed on October 23, 2025. In order to be eligible, according to the Alaska Department of Revenue, you must meet the following criteria: A resident of Alaska during all of calendar year 2024. Intend to live in Alaska permanently. Not have claimed residency in any other state or country since December 31, 2023. Be physically present in Alaska for 72 consecutive hours at some point during 2023 or 2024. If you have been convicted of a crime or incarcerated at any point in 2024, you are not eligible for the stimulus check, according to the Alaska Department of Revenue. Fresh off the boat from Japan, The Achill Sound returns to the west of Ireland to present Achill Island, Basking Shark Fishermen. After a run of successful shows in Kyoto and a world premiere at Expo 2025 in Osaka, the trio from Achill Island bring this culturally rich show back home to the west for five special dates. The Achill Sound presents its latest project focused on preserving the oral history and stories of the basking shark industry on Achill Island during the 20th century. Achill Island, Basking Shark Fishermen is an audio/visual response to Achill Islands basking shark fishing industry, preserving this history for future generations. This unique and immersive performance includes recordings, archival footage, and original visuals combined with traditional and newly composed Irish music. Project leader, Graham Sweeney said: Following three sell out shows in Ireland, including Achill, Westport and The Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, it was such a thrill to bring our piece of history from Achill, all the way to Japan. Performing at Expo 2025, was an incredible experience. To be part of such a prestigious global event, performing in the Irish Pavilion, while queues of international attendees waited patiently outside to catch a glimpse of our unique maritime history was not something we expected would happen when we dreamed up this show last year. READ: Mayo Minister amongst large turnout at Agricultural Shows in Claremorris and Bonniconlon Japan was an experience of a lifetime, we were immersed in a subculture of traditional Irish music. We are so lucky to have our amazing friend and musician Lisa Fukuda, originally from Kyoto, who lives and plays with us on Achill. Lisa welcomed us into a world that was so culturally different to ours, the people were so nice and welcoming, and every time John Butler whipped out the uilleann pipes, he brought the house down. Locations like Keem Bay on Achill Island, are now world-famous through Oscar-nominated films such as Banshees of Inisheerin. Keem Bay is widely known for its scenic beauty and breathtaking views. However, it holds a different weight for locals. Throughout the 1950s and '60s, Keem was a place of hard graft, work and living conditions. Here local men hunted basking sharks and wild salmon. The house above Keem Beach, which now sits derelict, was used to house fishermen who worked in the bay decades ago. There are very few first-hand survivors left as many fishermen have died in the past decade. Achill musician Graham Sweeney and Glasgow-based producer, John Michael Berry, whose family also hails from the island, are the duo behind The Achill Sound. Their aim with this project is to continue their shared objective of keeping Achill's history and culture alive. Graham Sweeney said: My family had a large involvement in the industry, which is why I viewed it with a heavy heart and anger. It is only in recent years that I see both sides of the story; on a quiet island with little industry, forcing many people to leave home for work, you cannot blame them for wanting to survive and support their families. There was not a great understanding of damaging a species towards extinction. All that the local people knew was survival. I want to shine a light on the days gone by by recording as many first-hand accounts and stories as possible. While some community members recall 'the glory days of shark fishing', others mourn the loss of these magnificent, harmless giants of the ocean. Proudly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, the live presentation of the Achill Island, Basking Shark Fishermen project will include audio-visuals by producer, John Michael Berry, and traditional and newly composed Irish music by Graham Sweeney (guitar and vocals), Lisa Fukuda (fiddle) and Johnny Butler (uilleann pipes). These musicians are part of The Achill Sound collective and have a personal connection to keeping history and culture alive. This unique approach will be a woven piece of traditional art forms into immersive live musical performances. The first show takes place this Thursday, August 7 in the Doonmore Hotel, Inishbofin at 7pm followed by a performance in the Wavecrest Hotel, Dooagh on Achill Island on Saturday, August 9 at 8.30pm. On August 15, the show will take place in Aras Eanna in Inis Oirr on the Aran Islands at 8.30pm before returning to Achill for the Basking Shark Conference in Keel Hall on August 31 at 4pm and the final show will be part of Culture Night in the Marine Institute in Galway on September 19. Tickets are available to buy from https://linktr.ee/theachillsound. A Mayo pub will be toasting national acclaim after being listed as one of the top ten across Ireland by the Sunday Times. McDonnell's Bar and Undertakers in Belmullet was named at number six in the list, which compiled the top 50 bars around the country. The bar, also known as 'The Lobster Pot', was the subject of rave reviews from the panel who were passing judgment, with particular acclaim being handed to the bar's 'perfect pints, live music, and crackling turf fire'. The pub is run by Pauric Conroy, and its location on the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as the hospitality and cosy nature of the Lower Barrack Street venue, make it a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. The judges, including Alid Dunworth, author of 'A Compendium of Irish Pints', and John and Sally McKenna from McKenna's guides, also singled out the venue for the 'ability to draw international visitors. McDonnell's finds itself among illustrious company on the list, with The Gravedigger's outside Glasnevin cemetery and Dingle's Dick Mack's occupying first and second place, respectively. Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey Nariman Celal denied information about the allegedly planned visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Ukraine in the coming days. In a comment to Suspilne, he said that, on the instructions of the president, the Ukrainian side is working on organizing such a visit, but so far there is no confirmation of the trip. As reported earlier, the Turkish publication Turkiye Gazetesi reported that Erdogan was supposedly supposed to arrive in Kyiv "in the coming days" at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and that the visit would have important diplomatic significance, in particular in the context of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement and peace initiatives in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. The publication quoted Celal as saying: "President Erdogan will soon visit Kyiv, and one of the most important issues in the negotiations will be the approval of a free trade agreement." Hundreds of people gathered at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Cushlough Westport last night for the safe release and return of Mayo woman Gena Heraty following the news of her kidnapping in Haiti along with seven other people. One of the organisers, Lenny Grimes, describes Gena as a living saint and said everyone in the community is shocked. READ MORE: Family of kidnapped Mayo humanitarian pray for 'safe return Whereas, there would normally be about ten mass goers on a Monday evening, hundreds of people came last night to show their support and to pray for Gena. As the photo above shows, the crowd was so large that many had to stand outside for the service. Lenny explains that it was decided not to have music at the Mass as the Mass was about Gena and not about music. READ MORE: Well known Mayo humanitarian kidnapped in Haiti The silence, particularly during the communion, spoke more than music could and symbolised the communitys deep connection and respect for Gena. The community are rallying around the family with prayer, and there will be a rosary said for Gena tonight in Cushlough at 7 pm. Photo: https://president.gov.ua/ Hiroshi Nojima, president of the Japanese company Nojima Corporation, one of the largest retail chains in Japan selling electronics and digital technologies, announced the decision to provide JPY 200 million to the projects of the Olena Zelenska Foundation aimed at helping Ukrainian children. As reported on the website of the head of the Ukrainian state on Tuesday, Nojima announced this during a meeting of the first lady of Ukraine with representatives of the government organization JICA and Japanese business in Japan. Rakuten Group also expressed interest in supporting the Foundations projects, and the terms of cooperation are currently being finalized. During the meetings, the Foundations team presented its work and key projects. These include building shelters in schools and kindergartens, creating Schools of Superheroes at childrens hospitals, providing students with devices for distance learning, and constructing housing for large foster families who lost their homes. A new Foundation project was also presented the 1221 youth spaces for psychosocial support of adolescents and young people. During his time as Chief Executive, Wells has overseen a period of substantial transformation and growth Logistics UK has announced that its Chief Executive, David Wells OBE, will step down from his role at the end of July, marking the end of a decade-long tenure at the helm of one of the UKs leading business groups. Wells, who joined the organisation in 2009 as Finance Director and became Chief Executive in 2015, informed the President of his decision earlier this year. A formal process is now underway to appoint his successor. During his time as Chief Executive, Wells has overseen a period of substantial transformation and growth. He led the rebranding of the organisation from the Freight Transport Association to Logistics UK in 2020 and implemented a new corporate strategy that significantly strengthened the groups influence with government and policymakers. Under his leadership, membership reached a record high of 21,600 by spring 2025. David has steered the organisation smoothly through a decade of significant change, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit and issues at the UKs borders, with a calm focus that has inspired the team, said Logistics UK President Phil Roe. He has the ability to engage with everyone, from the most junior member of staff to those at the highest levels of government, with empathy and enthusiasm, and has always prioritised the needs of our members above all else. Thanks to his stewardship, Logistics UK is now regarded as one of the countrys leading business groups and he should be proud of the legacy he leaves for his successor. On behalf of all our staff and members, Id like to thank him for all his hard work and wish him every success in his next challenge. A well-known figure at industry and political events, Wells was awarded an OBE in 2022 for his services to transport and logistics. Reflecting on his time at Logistics UK, Wells said: Ten years at the helm of this fantastic organisation serving an amazing industry have flown by. At some point it is right to hand the baton to the next leader to take the organisation forward with fresh ideas and energy. "I want to thank my wonderful colleagues and members for all they have done in support of our mission to see the sector recognised as the vital economic infrastructure that serves everybody, everywhere, every day. Weve made great progress in the last ten years but there is still a great deal to do and Im sure the next leader will enjoy and rise to the challenge. Logistics UK represents businesses across the entire supply chain, advocating for the road, rail, sea, and air freight industries, as well as retailers and manufacturers who depend on the smooth movement of goods. In a time of significant change, including decarbonisation, technological disruption and international trade shifts, the organisation plays a crucial role in keeping the UK economy moving. Most Trump voters see Russia as threat and favor sanctions against it poll The vast majority of Trump voters view Russia as a threat to U.S. security and support sanctions against Russian oil exports in response to Putin's refusal to negotiate peace with Ukraine. This is according to the results of a survey conducted from July 24 to July 28 by TargetPoint on behalf of The Vandenberg Coalition. According to the poll, 87% of respondents, who are Trump voters, rated Russia as a threat to U.S. security, unchanged from the June poll. Additionally, 76% of Trump voters support sanctions on Russian oil exports, a key resource for funding Russia's war effort, because of the Kremlin's refusal to negotiate peace in good faith with Ukraine and the United States. That level of support has also remained stable over the past two months. Some 74% of respondents believe that there is at least some probability of further Russian invasions if the occupation of Ukraine is successful. At the same time, only 18% of respondents opposed any support for Ukraine from the United States. Fifty-seven percent of Trump voters blame Putin for the lack of peace progress in Ukraine, an increase of four percent from last months poll, the poll says. The survey also showed concern about Russia's cooperation with other authoritarian regimes. In particular, 88% of respondents expressed at least moderate concern about Russia's cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea in the context of the war against Ukraine, with 65% reporting "very or extremely concerned." Survey respondents expressed clear support for the "Peace Through Strength" foreign policy doctrine, which they say makes both the United States and the world safer. As the survey puts it, "Trump voters understand the importance of stopping Russia here and now." Air Force officials are investigating an incident in which a Security Forces airman stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona killed a civilian who attempted to enter the base early Friday morning. The individual, according to a news release from the base, "failed to stop and identify themselves at the base's main gate" and was allegedly "driving erratically" around 2:30 a.m. local time on Aug. 1. The individual crashed into a vehicle barrier and attempted to back up. An airman from the base's Security Forces Squadron "shot and fatally injured" the civilian after several of the troops used their guns to stop the individual. Read Next: VA to Ban Nearly All Abortions at VA Facilities, Drop Coverage for Procedure for Dependents "We certainly regret the loss of life that occurred early this morning," Col. Jose Cabrera, the 355th Wing commander, said in the Friday news release. "Our defenders have a very difficult job and acted in accordance with their training and policy to ensure the security of the installation and safety of our airmen." The incident at Davis-Monthan comes as the military is testing out new security measures at its bases, and it has even temporarily changed some policies in response to public attacks earlier this year. Retired Air Force Col. John Probst, a former Security Forces officer and the executive director of the nonprofit Air Force Security Forces Association, told Military.com in an interview Monday that situations such as the incident at Davis-Monthan are rare but always a possibility. "I wouldn't say I think these situations are common," Probst said. "I think that they could happen at any installation, almost at any time." Probst added that airmen should train for them "as best as they can" but noted that it is a high-pressure situation. "They are trained on trying to recognize a threat and also the overall impact of that threat," Probst added. "All that happens in a very short period of time." At the beginning of this year, U.S. Northern Command paused its Trusted Traveler program -- an initiative that makes it easier to bring visitors on base -- in response to public attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Year's Day. As a result, there were 100% identification checks, and service members posted photos on social media of long lines to enter installations. A week later, Northern Command resumed its Trusted Traveler program, Military.com reported. Other additional base security changes are also being tested. In May, the Marine Corps started partnering with federal immigration authorities under a pilot program aimed at stopping foreign nationals from unlawfully entering military bases. In June, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Russian woman at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in what was likely the first arrest under that pilot program. The civilian killed in Friday's incident at the Davis-Monthan gate had not been publicly identified on Monday. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 21 is investigating the circumstances of the death. Davis-Monthan is home to 11,000 airmen as well as the 355th Wing, which is responsible for training pilots to fly the A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft. It's also home to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, which oversees a facility dubbed "the boneyard" where retired military aircraft are sent. Related: ICE Arrests Russian National at Marine Corps Installation in Hawaii TEL AVIV Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided that his forces should occupy the entire Gaza Strip, media reports said on Monday, amid mounting criticism of the dire humanitarian situation in the coastal territory. Netanyahu reportedly plans to consult with his Cabinet and military leadership in the coming days to garner support for the plan. News portal Ynetnews.com quoted a senior official said to be close to Netanyahu as saying: "The die is cast, we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip." The Israeli prime minister himself said earlier that he was planning to convene the Security Cabinet to discuss further actions in Gaza, as the conflict nears 22 months. In a video message published on Sunday, Netanyahu said that Palestinian extremist group Hamas refuses to agree to a negotiated solution. Netanyahu launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip in October 2023 in response to the Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and saw another 250 abducted into Gaza. Efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages through indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have dragged on for months without results. More than 60,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza. Meanwhile, a global outcry is growing as the embattled territory appears on the brink of famine after Israel imposed a near-total blockage on aid in March. Israeli forces currently control about 75% of Gaza. The remaining 50 hostages, of whom about 20 are believed to be still alive, are suspected to be held in areas still under the control of Hamas. Military critical of full occupation The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have repeatedly opposed a full occupation of the Gaza Strip, warning that demolishing all Hamas tunnels and bunkers could take years, according to the Times of Israel newspaper. Military leaders have also warned that an offensive aimed at capturing all of Gaza could endanger the lives of the hostages, who they fear might be killed as soon as Israeli troops approach. According to the reports, Netanyahu is now willing to accept that risk, however. "There will be activity also in areas where hostages are being held," the official quoted by ynetnews.com goes on to say. "If this doesn't suit the IDF chief of staff [ Eyal Zamir], he can resign." Until now, it was primarily ministers from the far-right and ultra-religious coalition partners in Netanyahu's government who had called for the complete capture of the Gaza Strip. They also demand the deportation of the Palestinian population to other countries and the establishment of Jewish settlements in the coastal strip. According to media reports, Zamir is said to have engaged in heated discussions with the ultra-right ministers at previous meetings of the Security Cabinet. Former security chiefs call for war to end Meanwhile, more than a dozen former Israeli security officials issued a video appeal on Monday calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza. "This war started as a just war. It was a defensive war," says Ami Ayalon, former director of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service, in the video. "But once we achieved all its military objectives, once we achieved a brilliant military victory against all our enemies, this war stopped being a just war." "It is leading the State of Israel to the loss of its security and identity," he adds. The video shows the men sat around a long table in what appears to be an empty office. Among the 19 former senior officials featured are former chief of staff and prime minister Ehud Barak, former chiefs of staff Moshe Ya'alon and Dan Halutz, and three former heads of the Mossad foreign intelligence service. In the video, the men say the war is being continued for political reasons only and called for an agreement that returns all of the 50 remaining hostages in one go. "We are on the precipice of defeat," former Mossad director Tamir Pardo warns. Several of them say Israel is being led by a fundamentalist, extremist government that no longer has the support of the majority. 2025 dpa GmbH. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to halt nearly all abortions performed at VA medical centers and to stop covering the cost of the procedure for beneficiaries of its health program for spouses and dependents. In a notice published Monday in the Federal Register, the VA said it planned to return to regulations that were in place until September 2022 -- excluding abortions from its medical services coverage unless the pregnancy threatened the life of the mother. Three months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal protections for abortion rights in June 2022, the VA announced it would offer abortion services to veterans and eligible dependents in cases of rape, incest, and danger to the life or health of the mother. Read Next: Former US Soldier Suspected of Killing 4 in Montana Remains at Large At the time, then-VA Secretary Denis McDonough said the department had the legal authority to offer the procedure and that it was obligated to do so to ensure that veterans had the same access to abortions as offered by the Defense Department. VA officials said in Monday's announcement, however, that the department's 2022 rule was "inappropriate" and also "legally questionable." "The last administration used [the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization] to do the exact opposite of preventing overreach, creating a purported federal entitlement to abortion for veterans where none had existed before and without regard to state law," stated the notice, signed by VA Secretary Doug Collins. In the first year of the 2022 ruling, the VA provided or covered 88 abortion procedures, including nine that were performed because the life of the mother was endangered and 15 that resulted from rape. The remaining 64 were done because the pregnancy threatened the mother's health -- a condition that conservative lawmakers said was not a permissible reason under a federal law that allows government funds to be used for abortion only in case of rape, incest or life-threatening conditions, known as the Hyde Amendment. When pressed, the Democrat-led administration repeatedly declined to disclose what it considered to be health concerns beyond life-threatening conditions that would allow a patient to receive a covered abortion, raising concerns that the department was offering the procedure beyond the Hyde Amendment limitations. An early version of Monday's announcement, published late Friday, drew criticism from lawmakers, abortion rights groups and veterans advocacy organizations who say access to abortions is an essential part of female veterans' health care. They noted that the proposed regulation goes beyond federal allowances by not including access for victims of rape or incest. "Current VA policy guarantees, at the very least, veterans who are raped or who could die without an abortion can get the care they need," said Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut in a statement Friday. "[This decision] is a harmful and reckless move that reneges on the department's promise to provide every veteran the health care they earned and deserve." "This administration is sending a clear message to veterans -- that their health and dignity aren't worth defending," Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement. "This shows you just how extreme this administration's anti-abortion stance is -- they would rather a veteran suffer severely than receive an abortion." A VA spokesman said Monday that, prior to the 2022 change, "federal law and long-standing precedent across Democrat and Republican administrations prevented VA from providing abortions and abortion counseling." "VA's proposed rule will reinstate the pre-Biden bipartisan policy, bringing the department back in line with historical norms," the official said. Republicans were quick to praise the proposed reversal. Six members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee released a joint statement Friday calling the previous policy "disastrous" and saying it was created for political purposes. "It's simple -- taxpayers do not want their hard-earned money spent on paying for abortions -- and VA's sole focus should always be providing service-connected health care and benefits to the veterans they serve," wrote the representatives, led by Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois. Of the 2 million female veterans in the U.S., 42% use VA health care and are of childbearing age, according to the Commonwealth Fund, a health care research institute. More than 417,000 people use the CHAMPVA program, including spouses and dependent children of certain disabled or deceased veterans. Under the proposal, only veterans and family members who face a life-threatening emergency, including treatment for an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, would have access to the procedure if a physician certifies that carrying the fetus to full term would endanger the life of the mother. The proposal will be open for a 30-day public comment period, which runs through Sept. 3. After consideration of the comments, the ruling could be adjusted before becoming final. Related: VA Moves Ahead with Abortion Care as Lawsuits and Republican Opposition Loom Veterans seeking care in the Department of Veterans Affairs' community care program in 30 specialties will not have to get reauthorization from the VA for a year under a new policy announced by the department Monday. VA officials said that, under the change, eligible veterans will receive 12 months of uninterrupted medical services from private providers covered by the department without needing a new authorization. Before the change, which went into effect Monday, VA community care specialty referrals were reevaluated every 90 to 180 days, according to the department. Read Next: VA to Ban Nearly All Abortions at VA Facilities, Drop Coverage for Procedure for Dependents "No veteran should have their health care disrupted by red tape," VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement Monday. "This change means better continuity of care, which leads to better health outcomes." The community care program allows veterans in the VA health system to get care from a community physician or health provider if they meet certain eligibility requirements or the VA is unable to provide timely or sufficient care. Under the program, veterans can go to private doctors if they must wait more than 20 days for a primary or mental health care appointment at the VA or face a drive of 30 minutes or longer. For specialty care, the standards are a 60-minute drive or 28-day wait. To get a community care referral, a veteran must get approval from a VA physician and authorization from their VA facility. In the past six months, the department has taken steps to ease the process, enacting a law in May that removes a requirement that a VA physician's referral to community care be reviewed by another physician or VA administrator for approval. Now, it will allow veterans to stay in community care for one full year before needing a reauthorization. "It ... improves convenience for veterans and cuts administrative work for VA staff and community care partners," Collins said. Last year, Republican lawmakers raised concerns with the reauthorization requirements after hearing from veterans whose care was disrupted as a result of stricter adherence by VA administrators to the rules. According to Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, now the chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, the VA canceled community care authorizations for a veteran with two chemotherapy treatments left in his cancer regimen and, in another case, it denied nearby care to a veteran whose cancer recurred. "We are ... alarmed by the volume of concerns we are hearing from veterans and VA staff who attribute limitations on care in the community to a lack of funding for VA," Moran wrote in a letter to then-VA Secretary Denis McDonough in July 2024. Democrats have raised concerns that broadening access to community care will effectively lead eventually to the privatization of the VA by depriving the Veterans Health Administration of funds needed to support the department's own medical facilities and to provide quality care. "Under this administration, we are seeing a chaotic approach to delivering veterans' health care that undercuts VAs internal capacity, shifts more and more care to the community, and leaves veterans and VA employees in the lurch," said Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Calif., ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee during a July 15 hearing on community care. Despite the changes, many veterans say they still face challenges gaining access to community care. At least half a dozen veterans have written Military.com in the last two months saying they have waited weeks and months to get care or are being referred to facilities miles from their homes. One veteran who gets care through the Tennessee Valley VA Health Care System said a supervisor at his VA facility has denied his primary care provider's referral for care. "They are also refusing to give me a written denial for denying care; therefore, I can't appeal. ... I'm screwed. If there is any way, please help," wrote the veteran. Under the new one-year reauthorization policy, veterans will not have to get another authorization from the VA in these 30 specialties: Cardiology Dermatology Endocrinology Neurology and Otology Otolaryngology or ENT Gastroenterology Urogynecology Addiction Psychiatry Outpatient Family and Couples Psychotherapy Outpatient Mental Health Outpatient Nephrology Neurology Nutrition Intervention Services Oncology and Hematology Neuro-Ophthalmology Oculoplastic Eye Care Examination Optometry Routine Orthopedic Hand Orthopedic General Orthopedic Spine Pain Management Podiatry Podiatry DS Addiction Medicine Outpatient Pulmonary Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry) Rheumatology Sleep Medicine Urology The VA is encouraging veterans to contact their VA medical center's community care office for more information on the new policy. Related: Veterans' VA Referrals to Private Medical Care Will No Longer Require Additional Doctor Review The 23-year-old Waikiki man sentenced to a decade in federal prison Thursday turned to drug dealing at the age of 15 to fund a daily habit. This started the life that led to the fatal fentanyl overdose of an 18-year-old U.S. Marine in November 2021. Justin Hiroki Wu was originally accused of making numerous illegal drug sales to active duty military personnel stationed in Hawaii. The Marine who died Nov. 13, 2021, was Lance Cpl. Alexander Grafton, a Hawaii-based Marine with the 3rd Marine Division. Graftons death was one of 48 fentanyl-related deaths in Hawaii in 2021, according to the Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. That number rose to 79 in 2022 and 107 in 2023. Grafton was discovered deceased and badly decomposed in his barracks room by a few of his friends and fellow Marines, according to federal court records. When he sold the fatal dose to Grafton, Wu was on federal probation for a previous drug conviction when he was 18 years old. In that case, Wu was charged with selling cocaine and protecting his business with a.40 caliber handgun. Wu also got caught trying to sneak perjured testimony into the record to help his case, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. In a sentencing memorandum his attorney, Doris Lum, told U.S. District Judge Judge Shanlyn A. S. Parks court that Wu is the product of a single mother and a father who struggled with methamphetamine addiction. Wu was using cannabis or cocaine daily by the age of 15 and started marketing illegal narcotics to feed his habit. Lum cast doubt on Wu being the source of Graftons fatal overdose given Justins own words and the fact that he uses the very drugs he distributes to others. In messages with a friend, Justin talks about how stupid it is to cut drugs with fentanyl because it kills people. In this same message thread, Justin admits cutting drugs, but with creatine workout powder, not with fentanyl, wrote Lum. At 15, Wu would use the profit from his drug dealing to buy more drugs to use and he dropped out of school. This vicious cycle did not end after Justin was sentenced for his first drug charge, wrote Lum. Yes, Justin continued down a path of addiction and its vicious cycle, even after being on federal probation. However strong Justins addiction was, it did not come at the expense of selling fentanyl to others. Especially since Justin was one of his own customers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese, in a sentencing memo to Parks court, noted investigators found evidence that Wu was selling drugs two months after he was sentenced to home detention and location monitoring in a May 2021 case. To date, Wu has expressed no contrition, no remorse, and no acknowledgement that his pills causedor even could have caused (Graftons ) death. Until the moment he entered a plea agreement, Wu was looking for ways to obstruct his criminal trial by almost tricking his own attorney into introducing perjured testimony, wrote Albanese. He has given this Court no reason to believe he wants rehabilitation; no reason to believe that, within months of his release from whatever sentence the Court imposes, he wont go right back to selling drugs in the community. Albanese and Jonathan D. Slack prosecuted the case. Wu was first charged by criminal complaint Jan. 13, 2023, with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Wu entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice on Feb. 4 to plead guilty to two counts related to cocaine possession and selling cocaine. Wu also agreed that he would be sentenced to between seven and 10 years in federal prison. According to the Jan. 13, 2023, criminal complaint, investigators with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Honolulu Police Department allegedly found numerous messages with multiple individuals discussing drug transactions for cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy ), and oxycodone. A number of these individuals messaging Wu for drug transactions were active duty military personnel, according to the complaint. Wu used Cash App and Venmo to move money and that transactions labeled food were actually drug sales. Federal agents conducted multiple interviews of military personnel who purchased drugs from Wu, including at least one person expelled from the Marine Corps for testing positive for fentanyl. On Sept. 10, 2021, investigators responded to an overdose at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where Grafton had been found unresponsive, given CPR, then taken to a hospital. During a search of Graftons barracks, Marine investigators found one blue pill stamped M-30 and a second crushed-up blue pill in a transparent plastic bag that later tested positive as fentanyl. Graftons medical records from Sept. 13, 2021, indicate he told Marine medical personnel he had an accidental overdose on Sept. 10, 2021, after buying two Percocet pills off the street and snorted 1 /2 tablet. Grafton said the overdose was unintentional and that he was just being careless and was trying to have fun. On Nov. 13, 2021, Grafton was found dead in his barracks on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. An autopsy and toxicology report determined the cause of death was fentanyl toxicity but it was unknown when he died. At the scene, his cellphone and a small plastic bag containing a blue, crystalline substance that tested positive as fentanyl were recovered. Investigators with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service reviewed Graftons phone and interviewed his friends and associates. A review of Graftons phone revealed multiple conversations with individuals on the social media application Snapchat about buying and using cocaine, cannabis, oxycodone, Percocet and psilocybin mushrooms. The Snapchat conversations about the sale of illegal drugs continued up to Nov. 9, 2021, the day before he died of a fentanyl overdose. Based on the messages between jay_hnl and (the victim ), the CID investigation, and the medical records, the DEA agent wrote that both the overdose on Sept. 10, 2021, and the fatal overdose on Nov. 10, 2021, were the result of counterfeit Percocet, also known as oxycodone M-30 pills, bought from jay_hnl, according to the criminal complaint. Federal investigators gathered evidence from two other U.S. Marines who admitted they bought drugs, sometimes in bulk, from Wu. The Marines said they went to Wus Waikiki apartment. One of the Marines helped federal investigators set up an undercover drug buy from Wu, on June 29, 2022. Wu was arrested at about 2 :35 p.m. that day when he was seen by federal agents getting into a car registered to his mom. Agents found a scale with cocaine residue and about 188 grams of cocaine in the trunk. A search of Wus apartment turned up cannabis, multiple bottles of prescription codeine, psilocybin mushrooms and cocaine. In a safe in Wus room, federal agents found $34, 248 in cash and 780, 000 in Japanese yen, or about $5, 228. HOW TO GET HELPThe Substance Abuse Counseling Center at Marine Corps Base Hawaii is a clinical facility that provides screenings and assessments for active-duty service members, adult family members, reservists and civilian employees of the base.Following screening and assessment, diagnoses and treatment or program recommendations from SACC are confirmed by a Navy medical officer. 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Visit www.staradvertiser.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Japan Foundation has confirmed its readiness to develop the Japanese Center in Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science reported. "During the meetings, representatives of Ukraine and Japan discussed further cooperation in the field of education and culture. The Japan Foundation confirmed its readiness to develop the Japanese Center in Ukraine. We agreed with the Japanese Ministry of Education to strengthen the academic mobility of Ukrainian students, schoolchildren and scientists, as well as to implement joint scientific research," the ministry said following the trip of the Ukrainian delegation to Japan. In addition, it is noted that Japan will support Ukrainian schools - invest in the restoration of educational institutions, providing them with educational materials, equipment and digital devices for children and teachers. The ministry recalled that since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion, Japan has been providing Ukraine with unprecedented support, particularly in the educational sector. "Cooperation within the framework of the Emergency Recovery Program between the Government of Ukraine and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Office contributes to the financing of large-scale changes in education. The Ministry of Education and Science is a participant in three phases of the grant program Urgent Improvement of Equipment for Providing Educational Services," the message says. The Red Sox announced Tuesday that theyve designated right-handed reliever Jorge Alcala for assignment. Fellow righty reliever Isaiah Campbell was recalled from Triple-A Worcester to take his spot on the roster. Boston acquired Alcala in a mid-June trade with the Twins a deal sending minor league infielder Andy Lugo back to Minnesota. Alcala was an obvious change-of-scenery candidate at the time. The hard-throwing righty had run out of opportunities in Minnesota after allowing 24 runs in 24 1/3 innings (8.88 ERA). That marked Alcalas second ERA north of 6.00 in a span of three seasons with the Twins. He posted solid run-prevention numbers in 2024 but was far too prone to both walks and homers. Alcalas time with the Red Sox looked better, at least on the surface. His 3.31 ERA is a clearly solid mark, but there were plenty of troubling trends under the hood. As was the case throughout his time in Minnesota, Alcala proved susceptible to free passes and the long ball. He walked 10.5% of the batters he faced with Boston and tossed three wild pitches. He was also tagged for four homers in just 16 1/3 frames (2.20 HR/9). The recent results for Alcala, who turned 30 late last month, were too rough for Sox brass to overlook. Hes lasted a combined 3 1/3 innings over his past five appearances and been shelled for six runs (five earned) on eight hits (four homers) and four walks in that time. He allowed three runs, including a pair of home runs, in one-third of an inning yesterday in what proved to be his final appearance with the Sox. Alcala will now head to either outright or release waivers within the next five days. Hes very likely to clear in either case. Hes earning $1.5MM this year and still has about $435K of that sum yet to be paid out. Hes out of minor league options, so an acquiring team would need to plug him right into the big league bullpen. Between that lack of options, his remaining salary and his recent struggles, its doubtful any team would claim him. Alcala has more than five years of big league service time, so even if the Red Sox outright him to Worcester, he can reject a minor league assignment in favor of free agency while retaining the remainder of that guaranteed money. 5:20pm: New York has made it official, signing the Boras Corporation client to a minor league contract. Maeda has been assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. 1:35pm: The Yankees are discussing a possible deal with right-hander Kenta Maeda, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Maeda had been with the Cubs on a minor league deal but was released on the weekend, according to his MLB.com transactions tracker. Presumably, the Yankees would be looking to sign Maeda on a minor league deal as well. The 37-year-old has had plenty of good years but hasnt been in good form lately. He signed a two-year, $24MM deal with the Tigers going into 2024 but that deal hasnt worked out. He struggled enough last year to get moved to the bullpen, finishing the year with a 6.09 earned run average in 112 1/3 innings. Here in 2025, Maeda hasnt been able to bounce back. He started the year back in the Detroit bullpen but was designated for assignment after he allowed seven earned runs in eight innings. He cleared waivers, elected free agency and signed the aforementioned minor league deal with the Cubs. He has since been pitching out of the rotation in Triple-A Iowa. He tossed 57 1/3 innings over 12 starts with a 5.97 ERA. His 45.7% ground ball rate in that time was decent but his 18.1% strikeout rate and 10% walk rate were both subpar. For what its worth, Maeda has been improving. He allowed four earned runs in two innings in his first start for Iowa. In his second, it was five earned runs in 3 2/3. Then he allowed nine earned runs in just one inning in the third start. At that point, he had a laughable 24.30 ERA through three Triple-A appearances. The Cubs stuck with him and he has since tossed 50 2/3 innings over his nine most recent starts with a 3.55 ERA, 20% strikeout rate and 8.8% walk rate. Over his past five starts, he has a 4.13 ERA and 25.4% strikeout rate. In his last three outings, he has a 3.18 ERA in 17 innings with a 27.5% strikeout rate and 5.8% walk rate. Thats a lot of cherry picking to make Maeda look good in small samples, but it perhaps suggests bit of positive momentum now that hes been back in a regular starting role for the first time in about a year. Its risky to bet on such small samples but theres not much downside for the Yanks in taking a flier. Since the Tigers released him, theyre still on the hook for the majority of what remains of his salary. That means the Yanks would only owe him a prorated version of the league minimum for any time Maeda eventually spends on their roster. The Yankees are without starters Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt for the rest of the year, both of them having undergone Tommy John surgery. Ryan Yarbrough filled in for a while but he himself has been shelved by an oblique strain. The club was connected to starting pitchers ahead of the deadline but didnt end up pulling the trigger. They currently have Max Fried and Carlos Rodon atop their rotation. Luis Gil had spent the entire season on the injured list due to a lat strain until a few days ago. He finally made his season debut yesterday but issued four walks in 3 1/3 innings while allowing five earned runs. Will Warren and Cam Schlittler are also in the rotation but each has an ERA around 4.60. Marcus Stroman was just released to open a roster spot. Veteran Carlos Carrasco had been in the system as non-roster depth but he was recently flipped to Atlanta for a player to be named later or cash. Prospect Chase Hampton required Tommy John surgery earlier this year. If Maeda is brought aboard on a minor league deal, he could try to position himself as the next man up for a spot start or as an injury replacement. Photo courtesy of Junfu Han, Imagn Images File photo. A Border Patrol vehicle is shown on the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas. Samuel Gaytan | LoneStarLive.com OAKLAND COUNTY, MI An Ypsilanti man is facing federal charges for allegedly interfering with Border Patrol agents while they were taking a group of detained immigrants to a detention facility. A federal complaint was filed Aug. 1 against Jacob Nathaniel Len, 30, following a short investigation by the FBI, according to court records in the U.S. District Eastern District of Michigan. Root beer on tap and a rotating list of specialty hot dogs make the Root Beer Barrel a summer favorite in Douglas, MI. The 16-foot tall barrel has been a staple since it first rolled into town in the 1950s. Audra Gamble DOUGLAS, MI -- The suds will be flowing for National Root Beer Float Day at one of Michigans beloved beach towns. The Root Beer Barrel is serving free floats to the first 100 customers who show up to the Douglas staple on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The free float event is sponsored by Sprecher Brewing Company, based in Wisconsin. The first floats will go out the window right when the barrel opens at 11 a.m., so the business suggests getting there early. Root Beer Barrel, 501 W. Center St., in Douglas, on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Cory Morse | cmorse1@mlive.com If youre headed to Oval Beach its hard to miss the 16-foot-tall barrel on the corner of Center and Ferry. The barrel has been a staple since it first rolled into town in the 1950s. It has changed hands several times, and even went dormant for a bit, but the classics always win out. The barrel was built by hand with 120 wooden staves slotted together. The barrel opened for business in 1952, but popularity waned in the 1970s and eventually closed around 1977. In 2010, the history center and the community breathed new life into the barrel. On the cusp of demolition, the history center stepped in and bought the barrel for $1. With $11,500 in donations and 600 volunteer hours, the barrel was saved and now lives on in infamy. Root beer on tap and a rotating list of specialty hot dogs make the Root Beer Barrel a summer favorite, open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 501 W Center St. Site manager, Lauren Nelson shows off the light at the top of Fort Gratiot Light Station, Michigans oldest lighthouse located in the heart of Port Huron, as seen on May 20, 2024. In a state featuring the most lighthouses out of any other in the U.S., Fort Gratiot Light Station provides a unique experience as the lighthouse approaches 200 years since its initial installation. It still remains an active lighthouse with a powerful LED that can be seen 18 miles out onto Lake Huron and has a bright green flash that shines for one second every six seconds. (Jake May | MLive.com) Its a privilege and a responsibility to be surrounded by water, and no one fulfills that duty like lighthouse keepers. In honor of National Lighthouse Day, celebrated on Aug. 7, Michigan lighthouse keepers who kept the beacon burning before modern technology guided the way" will have their stories told. The Historical Society of Michigan and writer, historian and tourism expert Dianna Higgs Stampfler will host the virtual event 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. The history lesson is free for members of the Historical Society of Michigan and $7 for non-members. You can register here. A view of the sandy Lake Michigan beach at Big Sable Point Lighthouse from a porthole window in the tower. It can be reached by hiking or biking a 1.8-mile sand-and-gravel trail at Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116 in Hamlin Township, Mich. On select summer days, buses take visitors to the lighthouse. The tower is open for climbing during the summer and fall. The lighthouse grounds include a sandy beach, restrooms, a gift shop, picnic tables, pathways and interpretive signage. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com The presentation will cover "more than a dozen keepers and their families (some with multiple generations) who dedicated their careers and sometimes their lives to their service." Michigan has the most lighthouses in the country, with more than 120 lighthouses across the state. The earliest light station was established near Fort Gratiot in 1825. The current lighthouse there in Port Huron was built in 1829. Andrew Kercher, the Port Huron Museums community engagement lead, provides a tour climbing 94 steps to the top of Fort Gratiot Light Station, Michigans oldest lighthouse located in the heart of Port Huron, as seen on May 20, 2024. In a state featuring the most lighthouses out of any other in the U.S., Fort Gratiot Light Station provides a unique experience as the lighthouse approaches 200 years since its initial installation. (Jake May | MLive.com) Theres also deep pride and history in the stories of Michigans female lighthouse keepers. Lighthouse keeper jobs were among the first federal positions outside clerical work open to women. Between 1849 and 1954, Michigan had more than 50 female lightkeepers and assistant keepers, according to National Park Service officials. Thats more than any other state. Meet Michigans last female lighthouse keeper A display inside the White River Light Station and museum talking about Frances Johnson who served as the second to last light keeper at White Lake Light Station from 1949-1954. Joel Bissell | MLive.com Lighthouses have become synonymous with Michigan, in part, because of their aesthetic appeal. Those most-photographed lighthouses? Most of those are in West Michigan and Up North. These include the vibrant Big Red near Holland, the wind-swept Point Betsie light north of Frankfort, and Ludingtons Big Sable Point tower. And ferry boats take more than a million vacationers each year past Round Island Light on their way to Mackinac Island. From blizzards to sunsets: How this Michigan lighthouse became a photographers paradise And, of course, lighthouses offer unique lodging opportunities. Although more than a few are said to be haunted. If youre a lighthouse enthusiast, you can show your love by purchasing a Save Our Lights license plate for your vehicle. It funds the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program, which since 2000 has awarded more than $2.9 million in matching grants to help repair and restore lighthouses in our state. Beach walkability, porch views of iconic Big Red lighthouse included in this cabin rental Lovett (abdominal), O'Connor (leg) and Jones (ankle) left practice early and are being evaluated for injuries. AP ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are evaluating three players for injuries after Monday nights training camp practice. Rookie wide receiver Dominic Lovett (abdominal), defensive lineman Pat OConnor (leg) and offensive tackle Jamarco Jones (ankle) left early and are being checked out, per team officials. OConnor suffered his injury on what appeared to be some friendly fire on a kickoff drill. Jones, who was working first-team left tackle, appeared to get rolled up on and bent awkwardly before limping off. Giovanni Manu took over for Jones on the first-team offensive line at left tackle. Dan Skipper (ankle) is out for the next week, and Taylor Decker (shoulder) is working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery. Its not clear what happened with Lovett. He was working in one-on-one drills to the side, then was not spotted for the rest of practice. The Lions have another preseason game fast approaching. Theyll head to Atlanta to face the Falcons on Friday night, so these players are worth monitoring for that exhibition. Lovett played a team-leading 36 offensive snaps in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. He played another 10 on special teams, handling some kick and punt returns. For the Week 1 matchup between the Lions and the Packers, the over/under is currently set at 49.5 points on BetMGM. Our BetMGM Sportsbook review provides a complete guide on how to navigate their platform. For an in-depth look at all of the best Lions Week 1 odds, make sure you check out our expert insights. The seventh-round rookie wideout caught five passes on nine targets for 31 yards in the showing. He was likely in line for another heavy role, but an abdominal injury to monitor puts his potential workload for Friday night in question. The Lions will have a walkthrough on Tuesday before returning to practice Wednesday, when an update on these three should be provided. A Delta Connection flight overturned and caught fire while landing at Toronto's Pearson International Airport on Feb. 17, 2025. Courtesy of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada A Detroit flight attendant injured when a Delta Air Lines plane rolled and flipped while landing on a Toronto runway has sued the airline, alleging the planes pilot was inexperienced and inadequately trained. Vanessa Miles is a flight attendant for Endeavor Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta. On February 17, she was flying as a passenger on a Delta Connection flight from Minneapolis to Toronto, getting herself in place for her next assignment. As the plane landed at Torontos Pearson International Airport, the aircraft experienced a violent and catastrophic dropstruck the ground with excessive force, rolled multiple times, and ultimately came to rest upside down on its roof, according to Miles complaint, filed last week in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. A preliminary investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada found that, when the plane hit the ground a side-stay attached to main landing gear fractured, the landing gear folded back, a wing fractured and detached from the fuselage, releasing a cloud of jet fuel, which caught fire. All 80 people on board survived. At least 21 ended up in the hospital, Miles among them. According to the complaint, she was knocked unconscious, soaked in jet fuel and fell when she exited the plane because the emergency slides had not deployed. She fractured her left shoulder, hurt her knees and her back, suffered traumatic brain injury and has experienced post-concussion syndrome with headaches, dizziness and other cognitive difficulties, the complaint said. Delta and Endeavor cut corners on safety by rushing pilots through training programs and knowingly putting passengers at risk with inexperienced flight crew the complaint alleged. Defendants knowingly, willfully, and repeatedly place profits over safety, resulting in this catastrophic incident. Delta said in a statement released days after the crash that both the captain and the first officer of Flight 4819 were adequately trained, noting that the pilot had worked for a progenitor company of Endeavor Air since 2007. Assertions that both the captain and first officer had failed training events are false, the statement said. A Delta spokesman declined to comment further, citing active litigation and an ongoing Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigation to which Endeavor Air and Delta remain engaged participants. Miles is seeking at least $75 million in compensation. Miles attorney did not respond to messages seeking comment. A drowning victim in Lake Michigan has been identified as an incoming freshman at Alanson Public Schools. (MLive file photo) MLive file photo EMMET COUNTY, MI A 14-year-old Alanson boy who drowned Sunday at a Lake Michigan beach has been identified as Jackson McCardle. McCardle was an incoming high school freshman and had attended Alanson Public Schools since he was in kindergarten, the district reported in a news release. Jackson was the kid who lit up the room when he walked in, kind hearted, full of energy and always ready with a smile or helping hand, district officials stated. The teen was described as incredibly creative and as someone who created artwork beyond his years in detail and design. Support for the McCardle Family In Their Time of Loss Dear Alanson Public Schools Community, It is with profound... Posted by Alanson Public Schools on Monday, August 4, 2025 He was a thoughtful young man who expressed himself with originality and precision, school officials stated. He made a difference just by being himself. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the McCardle family and all of Jacksons friends during this incredibly difficult time. McCardle, who was swimming with another teen, went underwater at Sturgeon Bay Beach in Bliss Township at 5:41 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, according to a prior news release from the Emmet County Sheriffs Office. Authorities were dispatched to the beach after receiving a report that two teenage males were struggling to stay afloat in the water. An unknown bystander was able to courageously rescue the other teen, deputies said. The Emmet County Dive Team was eventually able to locate McCardles body from the area where he had been last seen swimming. Our hearts are broken for the family, Emmet County Sheriff Matt Leirstein said. Leirstein said that he had been advised by his dive team that there had been a very strong northeast current that pulled them in that direction as they entered the water to begin their search efforts. The drowning serves as a reminder that Northern Lake Michigan and its currents are very dangerous, he said. We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution when entering the water, he said. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the U.S. Coast Guard, Emmet County EMS, Emmet County Search and Rescue, Pellston Fire Department, Carp Lake Fire Department, Readmond-Friendship Fire Department and the Emmet County Medical Examiners Office. Wyandotte police officer Jonathan Cox spotted a woman mowing with a walker in the summer heat and returned on his own time to complete her badly overgrown yard. Wyandotte Police Department WYANDOTTE, MI A Michigan police officer recently went above and beyond to help a resident in need. The feel-good story unfolded when Jonathan Cox, an officer with the Wyandotte Police Department, was patrolling residential streets with his K9 partner, Jax, on one of the hottest days of the summer. While on patrol, Cox noticed an elderly woman pushing a lawn mower with one hand while balancing herself with a walker in the other hand. Shocked, he stopped and told the woman to go inside. Officer Cox walked around the house and discovered that the yard was badly overgrown, police said in a Facebook post. The woman explained that she didnt have anyone to cut her grass, and she desperately wanted to get it cut. Cox promised to return to get the job done, which he did after his 12-hour shift ended. The project proved to be a tall task, but he returned the next day to finish the job. Police said the woman was beyond grateful, and called the chief to leave a sweet voicemail. Additionally, she traveled to the police station and dropped off doughnuts. To say were proud of Officer Cox (and Jax), is an understatement, police said. Head of Kharkiv Regional Administration, Oleh Synehubov, and chairman of Lozova city territorial community, Serhiy Zelensky, reported two dead and ten injured as a result of enemy shelling of the town of Lozova in Kharkiv region on the night of Tuesday. "Unfortunately, two people died. Ten people were injured, including two children. Everyone received qualified medical care. Railway infrastructure facilities were damaged, including the station, depot, as well as residential buildings, and an energy facility," Synehubov wrote on Telegram on Tuesday. According to him, this was the most massive attack on the town since the beginning of the war, during which the Russian army used, preliminarily, 34 attack drones. "Relevant headquarters have been created at the scene of the incident, we are working together with the city authorities and Ukrzaliznytsia. The priority is to clear the rubble and check for victims under the rubble. Upon completion of the first operational work, it is planned to resume train service," Synehubov wrote. Zelenskyy specified that the town was subjected to massive shelling from 02:45 to 04:40 in the morning, and the occupiers sent the last drones when emergency services were already working at the landing sites. "Unfortunately, there were casualties. A 55-year-old mechanic on duty at one of the railway units died, and another woman's heart failed - sincere condolences to her family and friends," he wrote on Telegram. According to the head of the community, ten people suffered varying degrees of injury and an acute stress reaction, including a 14-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl. "The railway infrastructure was damaged. Windows in neighboring houses and a kindergarten were knocked out," Zelenskyy wrote. Earlier, Synehubov reported the death of only a 55-year-old man. Charlie Engelman at the University of Michigan Research Museums Center looking through their collection of animal specimens to feature in his popular video series, OddAnimalSpecimens. Charlotte Smith ANN ARBOR, MI In the depths of the University of Michigan Research Museum Center animal specimen collection off Ellsworth Road in Ann Arbor, Charlie Engelman climbs a ladder and pulls out a shark fossil. Hes not planning to use this particular specimen at least not today. Its just one of the millions tucked away in drawers and cabinets, part of a vast collection that most people will never see. But Engelman sees potential in every jar, bone and sample. Hes here to find something special for his next one-minute science video on OddAnimalSpecimens, his series which shares facts and debunks myths in the animal world and has gained popularity since Engelman launched it five years ago. The video series has 4.79 million subscribers on YouTube, 3.9 million followers on TikTok and 2.3 million followers on Instagram. When Engelman heard from TIME Magazine telling him last month that hed been named one of the most influential digital voices in its TIME100 Creators, he thought it was a scam. It wasnt until he was invited to a gala in New York City rubbing shoulders with creators like Sean Evans of Hot Ones, he said that it finally sank in. Engelman was being honored not for flash or spectacle, but for something quieter: his ability to make niche information feel universally fascinating, for kids and adults alike, according to TIME. OddAnimalSpecimens isnt as glamorous as some other shows honored, but it does have a large outreach, Engelman said. It was great that they plucked us out of everyone they could have selected on the internet to put on a pedestal alongside these other people who are more kind of traditional influencers, Engelman said. Engelman sees his videos as science communication. Its an informational social media account teaching people about animals, he said. His aim, he added, is not necessarily to educate people. Instead, Engelman strives to cultivate curiosity and inspire people to care about science. Sharing with them just enough so that they get hooked in, so that then they might want to study in school or ask their teacher about it who can kind of provide more context and more information. Im trying to kind of hook people in, he said. Charlie Engelman at the University of Michigan Research Museums Center filming a moth for one of his videos for his social media channel OddAnimalSpecimens, which provides facts about the natural world. Charlotte Smith That philosophy took shape after Engelmans two National Geographic shows, Nature Boom Time! and Weird But True!, were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to Ann Arbor, where hed studied ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Michigan, and began experimenting with short-form videos using specimens from the universitys collections. What started as a test balloon on TikTok quickly took off. It worked so well as short-form content online that it just ended up where it stayed, Engelman said. The format suits him. Engelman doesnt like digging deep into one topic he prefers learning a little about a lot, he said. Theres nothing that I enjoy more than learning something, and I tend to get so excited about it that I want to share it with someone else or I feel like Im gonna pop, Engelman said. His videos often feature animals that dont get the spotlight howler monkeys, flying squirrels, impalas. He avoids the usual suspects like lions and pandas, opting instead for creatures that spark fresh questions. Engelmans videos rarely eclipse 75 seconds, though the process is far from simple and quick. Each video begins with a question or misconception. Engelman runs ideas past a council of normal people non-scientists who help gauge whether a topic is engaging. If theyre intrigued, he dives in. Ill ask them, Do you know how a howler monkey can howl so loud? And if they say no, that sounds interesting. Then I might go into it. Engelman then consults with scientists and collection managers at the research center. He then finds his desired specimen in the large collection, writes a script and begins filming. The taping takes more than a day and is staged on a neutral blue background set up on a raised table in his small office. Then, Engelman edits his footage into the video. His brother-in-law is a pianist for the Detroit Opera, and he crafted a selection of piano tones to accompany the videos. Once he has the final product, he runs it by the experts at the center to ensure its accurate. He finally shares the video with the combined more than 11 million followers across social media. Charlie Engelman poses in front of the University of Michigan Research Museums Center. An Ann Arbor native, Engelman films his popular social media series OddAnimalSpecimens at the research center, where he uses the expansive collection of animal samples stored. Charlotte Smith Benjamin Nicholas, collection manager of fishes at the university, calls the videos a cool way to engage people. I really enjoy the videos and I think its a novel use of the collection that we dont typically have, Nicholas said. The tone of the videos calm, focused and surprisingly soothing, as TIME put it is no accident. Engelman grew up in the 1990s watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, Little Bear and Busy Town. He wanted to recreate that gentle energy. I dont like this loud, overstimulating material that you often get pummeled with online, he said. And when I started editing the videos in that way, people were responding really positively to it. His favorite video features a hoverfly, a insect found around Michigan and the Midwest thats often mistaken for a wasp. I thought that was especially cool because thats a native insect that you can see around here, he said. Engelman wants to rethink how science is taught on social media. To reach more people, hes traded lectures and textbooks for short, visually engaging videos that highlight overlooked creatures, answer unexpected questions and deliver it all with a calm, deliberate tone. What does he want viewers to take away? I want them to feel good. I want them to feel calm and I want them to be curious, Engelman said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. MID-MICHIGAN - Members of COPOCO Community Credit Union have overwhelmingly approved a merger with ELGA Credit Union, paving the way for the two Michigan-based institutions to unite. The approval came through mail-in ballots and in-person voting during a special meeting on July 21. The merger officially took effect Aug. 1, with a full system integration expected by spring 2026. The combined credit union will serve more than 108,000 members across 16 branches in Michigan, supported by a staff of over 300 and managing $1.7 billion in assets. Both ELGA and COPOCO were founded in 1951 to serve employees of Consumers Power Company and their families. ELGA, whose name stems from Electric and Gas, is headquartered in Grand Blanc, while COPOCO, named in honor of the power company, is based in Bay City. This partnership between ELGA Credit Union and COPOCO Community Credit Union is rooted in a shared commitment to people helping people, Terry Katzur, president and CEO of ELGA Credit Union, said in a statement. Together, we will create greater access to innovative financial solutions, enhanced technology, and expanded servicesempowering more individuals and families across Michigan to achieve financial success. COPOCO Board Chairperson Meri Sue Engers said the merger strengthens the credit unions ability to deliver on its mission. Like ELGA Credit Union, COPOCO has always been driven by a mission to support and uplift our members, Engers said in a statement. This merger allows us to bring even more value to our members through expanded services and continued personalized carehelping them thrive financially at every stage of life. Credit union officials say members can expect a smooth transition, with regular updates to be shared through websites and other communication channels. More information is available at www.ELGACU.com and www.COPOCO.org. Flint City Hall, a city polling place, is shown in this 2020 Flint Journal file photo. (Jake May | MLive.com) Jake May | Mlive.com GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Theres a limited number of issues on ballots in Genesee County on Tuesday, Aug. 5, including what could be a critical Flint City Council election. Polls opened at 7 a.m. on Tuesday in Flints 3rd Ward, the city of Burton, Grand Blanc Township, and two precincts in Argentine Township that are a part of the Byron Area School District. Voters have until 8 p.m. to cast their ballots, and those in line by 8 p.m. will still be able to vote. To cast a ballot, voters will be asked for a photo ID. If they dont have one, they can still vote, but will have to sign an affidavit that explains they didnt have an ID with them at the polls. Here are the details on the elections taking place around the county. Flint City Council 3rd Ward special general election Voters in the citys 3rd Ward will elect a representative to the council in voting on Tuesday after 10 months without representation in City Hall. The two top vote-getters from a May primary election -- A.C. Dumas and Beverly Biggs-Leavy -- are on the ballot and a third candidate -- LaShawn Johnson -- is a registered write-in. Johnson finished with 163 votes in the primary election, behind Biggs-Leavy and Dumas, each of whom finished with 165 votes. If the primary is any indicator, absentee ballots will play a large part in who wins the council seat. In that primary, twice as many voters cast absentee ballots as went to the polls on election day. Not only will 3rd Ward voters decide who will be in line to complete the term of the late Quincy Murphy, but they may also be shifting the balance of power on the council. Since Murphys death last Sept. 29, council members have been deadlocked 4-4 on several issues, with four generally supportive of Mayor Sheldon Neeley and four more often in conflict with the administration. Johnsons campaign has been boosted by support from Neeley, who appointed her as a 3rd Ward ambassador in January after the council failed to appoint a temporary replacement for Murphy. The mayor praised Johnsons work in the position in postcards his office mailed to at least some 3rd Ward voters a month ago. Biggs-Leavy has spoken out against Neeleys promotion of Johnson, and Dumas filed a complaint with City Clerk Davina Donahue last week, alleging Johnsons campaign improperly handled absentee ballots. Johnson has called the complaint false, politically motivated, and a clear attempt to undermine my campaign and distract voters. Tuesdays election includes a quirk for 3rd Ward residents because it will follow ward boundaries that were in place when Murphy was elected in 2021. Those boundaries changed after the election to reflect the population changes in the 2020 census. Four precincts make up the 3rd Ward, according to the Flint Clerks Office. Precinct 7 votes at Berston Field House, 3300 N. Saginaw St.; Precincts 8 and 9 vote at the Avery Aldridge Activity Center, 1185 E. Foss Ave.; and Precinct 10 votes at Andrews Episcopal Church, 1922 Iowa Ave. Those who register to vote on Tuesday can obtain and complete an absentee ballot in person in the Clerks Office, or vote in person in the proper precinct on election day. Voters who received absentee ballots can bring them -- in the envelope provided by the Clerks Office -- to their designated polling location on Tuesday to place them in a tabulator. Voters also have the option of returning completed absentee ballots to the Clerks Office or secured ballot drop boxes, which will be accessible 24 hours a day -- until 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Drop boxes are located: in front of City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St.; in front of the Police Department, 210 E. Fifth St.; at Fire Station No. 3, 1525 King Ave.; at Fire Station No. 5, 3402 Western Road; at Fire Station No. 6, 716 W. Pierson Road; and at Fire Station No. 8, 202 E. Atherton Road. Read more here. Burton City Council primary election Its a crowded field of candidates on Tuesday in the race for three seats on the Burton City Council. The primary will pare down the field of contenders from eight to six with those six moving to the Nov. 4 general election. Council Vice President Greg Hull and Councilwoman Christina Fitchett-Hickson are seeking re-election to new four-year terms. Another incumbent -- Vaughn Smith -- did not seek re-election. Among the other candidates on Tuesdays ballot are former Councilwomen Tina Conley and Ellen Ellenburg. Newcomers on the primary ballot are Kris Johns, Don Jones, Robert Long, and Greg Munger. Voters in Burton can find their precinct location at the citys website. Those who requested an absentee ballot have until 8 p.m. on Tuesday to return them, according to the Burton Clerks Office, which will be open until 8 p.m. on election day. The Clerks Office is located at 4303 S. Center Road. Read more here. Grand Blanc Township millage Voters in Grand Blanc Township will decide whether to institute a new 1-mill parks and recreation millage on Tuesday. The proposed 10-year levy would replace an existing 0.25-mill property tax, which is currently reduced to 0.2399 mills due to Headlee rollbacks and is scheduled to expire this year. If approved, the new millage would generate an estimated $1.9 million in its first year -- money that would support projects that include new trails, restrooms, parking lot upgrades, and amenities that include a splash pad and pickleball courts. Read more here. Byron Area Schools millage renewal Byron Area Schools is asking voters in parts of Shiawassee, Livingston, and Genesee counties to renew an operating millage for seven years. School district officials have said the proposal will allow it to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all properties except principal residences, qualified agricultural and forestry property. In Genesee County, Precincts 2 and 3 in Argentine Township are included in Tuesdays election. The school district has said it would lose essential funding, leading to cuts in programs, staff, and services if the millage is not renewed. Sav Sav is a European-style cafe offering a curated selection of wine, cheese, charcuterie, small plates, food pairings, and coffee. Pictured are owners Mallory and Dennis Squibb. (Photo/Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Grand Rapids Downtown Market GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Squibb Coffee Bar is expanding with a new cafe inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, where its has been a merchant for five years. The new cafe, Sav Sav, launches in the market hall space at 435 Ionia Ave SW, previously occupied by wine bar Aperitivo, on Friday, Aug. 8. The concept will follow a traditional European cafe model, combining cheese, charcuterie, and wine while also featuring Squibbs signature coffee. The duo behind the Squibb brand, Mallory and Dennis Squibb, have been focusing on curating a menu that is fun, funky and unique. Taking over this market hall space with a new concept and building on what has been created here is something of a dream, said Mallory Squibb. Creating a gathering space for sharing small plates and cheese and charcuterie boards along with our full coffee menu is something unique to Grand Rapids. Much more than just a cheese and wine shop, Sav Sav will feature: a full wine bar with local and international selections, craft beer and cocktails, a cheese counter, a coffee bar, and a retail space with specialty products. The Squibbs hope to surprise and delight, and offer a memorable experience to the West Michigan community. As they described it, Sav Sav is a place where you can start your meal with a glass of wine, and finish with an excellent cortado. For more information on the upcoming grand opening on Friday, follow Sav Sav on Instagram. The city of Wyoming plans to consolidate or eliminate 12 of its Election Day precincts due to a rise in absentee and early voting. In this 2022 MLive file photo, people fill out their ballots at Godwin Heights High School during the Michigan Primary Election in Wyoming, Michigan on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com WYOMING, MI A Grand Rapids suburb plans to consolidate nearly half of its voting precincts as early and absentee voting makes it easier for people to vote beyond just Election Day. The Wyoming City Council approved a resolution on Monday, Aug. 4, to consolidate the citys 30 existing precincts to 18 total. Only two of the precincts will be fully eliminated -- the rest are planned consolidations of locations that have multiple precincts housed in one building. City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg said about half of the citys roughly 58,000 voters will be impacted by the changes. The move is prompted by changes in Michigan voter law that expanded the ways people can cast their vote. In 2018, Michigan voters passed Proposal 3, which allowed voters to obtain an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Voter rights were further expanded in 2022, when the passage of Proposal 2 allowed nine days of early, in-person voting before Election Day and required state-funded postage for absentee applications and ballots. Roughly 55% of Wyoming voters consistently vote through absentee and early voting options, according to data presented to the city commission Monday. Forty-five percent of voters cast their votes in-person on Election Day. VandenBerg said other West Michigan communities have also consolidated their precincts because of the change in voter law. Most recently, the city of Grand Rapids eliminated 15 of its precincts, bringing the number of citywide precincts from 74 down to 59. Heres a list of the precincts that will be consolidated or eliminated in Wyoming: Consolidations: Godwin Phys Ed Building, 31 36th St. SW, will be consolidated from two precincts to one Ideal Park, 320 56th St. SW, will be consolidated from two precincts to one Grand Rapids First Church, 2100 44th St. SW, will be consolidated from three precincts to one Sunset Park Church of God, 3450 Michael Ave. SW, will be consolidated from two precincts to one Together Church, 2950 Clyde Park Ave. SW, will be consolidated from two precincts to one Pinery Park Lodge, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW, will be consolidated from two precincts to one Moose Lodge No. 763, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW, will be consolidated from two precincts to one Bethany United Reformed Church, 5401 Byron Center Ave. SW, will be consolidated from two precincts to one Hahn-In Christian Reformed Church, 2725 Byron Center Ave. SW, will be eliminated (previously served as two precincts) Westwood Apartments, 2450 36th St. SW, will be eliminated (previously served as one precinct) A full list of the citys 18 new precincts can be found on page 13 of the Aug. 4 city agenda packet, linked here. Some of the factors considered in consolidating precincts included boundaries for state house districts, county commission districts, ward boundaries and school district boundaries, voter turnout patterns, facilities available to host elections, and future development opportunities, according to the city. VandenBerg said she expects the changes to be implemented by the upcoming November election, to give people time to adapt to the changes before next years midterm elections. The city plans to increase staffing at affected precincts to accommodate the increase in voters. All voters will receive a new voter ID card, and VandenBerg said the city plans to send communications to residents about the changes. In cases where precinct locations were changed, most voters are still within a 10-minute drive of their new location, and some are closer, the city clerks office said. The precinct reductions could save the city around $3,645 per election, or up to $10,000 a year, in costs associated with staffing precincts, according to the clerks office. A Byron Center man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids to sexual exploitation of a minor. (MLive File Photo) Daniel Shular | MLive.com KENT COUNTY, MI A Byron Center man who convinced a 15-year-old girl to send nude photos and carve his name into her skin pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor. Eric Joseph Terrell used an Internet application, Discord, to contact the girl in Georgia, and demand she provide images and videos of sexually explicit conduct, the FBI said. He entered the guilty plea on Monday, Aug. 4, before U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker in Grand Rapids. Sentencing is set for Nov. 24. The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor carries a penalty of at least 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison. The FBI said Terrell also communicated with nearly 30 people who had identified themselves as being under 18. Terrell pleaded guilty as charged without a plea agreement, court records said. Kent County sheriffs detectives began investigating in January after an anonymous tip through OK2SAY said Terrell was sexting and sending inappropriate images to minor via Discord. Later that month, Discord submitted a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. It included an online chat between Terrell and the 15-year-old. Terrell had a username of Iswearitsconsentual, the FBI said. Court records showed numerous online conversations with the Georgia girl. In one, he said: I want to hurt you, I want you to hurt yourself, Im going to embarrass you privately, public anything I want, whatever I feel like at any given time. You are playing a very dangerous gameee (sic) He admitted he convinced the girl to cut his name, misspelled as Erik, into her skin, the FBI said. Terrell remains in custody pending sentencing. Water rescue teams responded to the pier for a possible water rescue at the Holland Channel at Holland State Park in Holland, Michigan, on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (MLive file photo) Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Multiple rescue teams responded to the Holland Channel and Holland State Park Monday evening for a potential water rescue. Detectives with the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office responded to the channel at around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, after a witness called to say he had observed a person on the rocks near the pier wall. The witness told detectives that he never saw the person come back up the pier walkway and feared they may have fallen into the water, Lt. Nick Knott stated in an incident report released to the media. Sheriffs personnel, including the Marine Patrol and the dive team, attempted to locate the individual seen by the witness. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard and Park Township and Holland fire and rescue teams also assisted on scene. As of 8 p.m., no individual had been located at the channel and there had been no reported missing subjects from either the state park or beach area, Knott stated. Steelcase was founded as the Metal Office Furniture Co. in 1912. Pictured are factory workers in 1933. Courtesy Steelcase GRAND RAPIDS, MI With a rich, 100-plus-year history spanning the first fireproof wastebasket, the signing of Japans surrender in World War II and connections to Frank Lloyd Wright, its small wonder that Steelcase caught the eye of its competitor. Steelcase, which stated Monday, Aug. 4, it is being acquired for $2.2 billion by HNI Corporation, came from humble beginnings. The company was founded on March 16, 1912, with just $75,000 pooled together by a dozen investors. It was originally incorporated as the Metal Office Furniture Co., making it stand out in a city famous for its wood furniture. One of its founders, Peter M. Wege, came to Grand Rapids from Ohio and brought with him a knack for bending sheet metal. The company built its first factory at 1491 S. Division Ave. and began making fireproof metal and four-drawer filing cabinets for the Macey Co. After two years, it hired David D. Hunting, who would become head of sales and marketing and organize a successful network of dealers. Below are 10 landmark events in Steelcases 113-year history. 1914: The Victor Wastebasket Prior to the Metal Office Furniture Co.s arrival on the scene, most office furniture, including wastebaskets, was made of wood, which created a fire hazard combined with the new tobacco-smoking white-collar workforce. Metal Office Furnitures answer to this problem was the Victor Wastebasket, an affordable metal bin marketed to the office and hotel industries. The metal bin was available in four finishes: walnut, oak, mahogany and olive green. 1937: Frank Lloyd Wright and the S.C. Johnson Wax Building The companys deep connection to legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright began in 1937 in Racine, Wis. When Wright designed Racines S.C. Johnson Wax Building, its futuristic work stations were produced by Metal Office Furniture, one of the few manufacturers that could produce Wrights complex design. The two-year design and production partnership started a relationship between Wright and Steelcase that continued. He was always talking about not making an improvement, but solving the basic need in the best possible way ... starting from scratch instead of revising the already accepted thing, Hunting recalled shortly before his death in 1992. I used this thought from then on. 1945: WWII Surrender Table Japanese representatives sign surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945. (U.S. Army Signal Corps photo) (U.S. Army Signal Corps photo) When Japanese forces were set to surrender to the U.S. on Sept. 2, 1945 in Tokyo Bay, an elegant mahogany table and two chairs were on hand for the ceremony. But when the surrender documents arrived, they were too large for the furniture. One look at these documents and, you might say, all hell broke loose! wrote Stuart Murray, captain of the Missouri, in his chronicle of the event. Murray commanded four sailors to quickly help him find a bigger table. The first stop was the officers quarters, but their large table was bolted down. The party hurried to the next compartment where the cooks had just finished cleaning up from breakfast and hung the tables overhead out of the way. The sailors grabbed the first table they saw, one made in Grand Rapids by the Metal Office Furniture Co. Today, the table can be found at U.S. Naval Academys museum in Annapolis, Md. 1954: Name change to Steelcase The company officially changed its name to Steelcase Inc., reflecting the brand name of its most successful product lines and differentiating it from competitors who use variations of metal office furniture in their names. The Steelcase name had been used by the company since it was officially registered as a trademark in 1921. 1989: The Pyramid Switch, a Las Vegas-based company, bought the former Steelcase Pyramid in 2015 and turned it into a data center. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com Steelcases emerging emphasis on research and the future of the workplace led to the construction of the iconic pyramid-shaped Corporate Development Center at 6100 East Paris Ave. SE in Gaines Township. The seven-story, 575,000-square-foot building was visited by Egyptian engineers, who praised the structures aesthetic and functional use of space. In 2009, however, Steelcase announced plans to vacate the building and move its research staff back to its headquarters at 901 44th St. SE in Grand Rapids. 1998: Steelcase Goes Public The company went from being closely held by about 100 stockholders to become a publicly traded company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SCS. The companys initial public offering put 12.15 million shares into the domestic and international markets. The opening price on Feb. 18, the first day of trading, was $33.25. The stock soared to an all-time high of $38.38 later that year before settling back into the teens. Steelcases stock shares jumped 65.8% Monday afternoon, Aug. 5, after HNI announced it was acquiring the company. 2012: Steelcase celebrates 100 years Steelcase marked its 100th anniversary on March 16, 2012, capping a weeks-long worldwide celebration involving factories, showrooms and sales offices in cities from Shanghai to Barcelona to Atlanta. Planning for the celebration began in 2008. Because it was impossible for Steelcase leaders to be at all the celebrations in one day, they spent weeks crisscrossing the globe, sharing the vision of the companys centennial celebration. Then-CEO Jim Hackett visited Kuala Lumpur listening to Malaysia factory employees perform an anniversary song they penned. Later that week, the German teams planned a big sing-along in Rossenheim. 2015: Sale of Pyramid to Switch Six years after Steelcase put its iconic pyramid building up for sale, Las Vegas data company Switch stepped in and purchased it. Two years later, the company announced it had turned the pyramid into the largest, most advanced data center campus in the Eastern U.S. Switch continues to grow in the 124-acre former Steelcase campus. The company in November 2024 announced it was investing $700,000 in a new, on-site building for additional data storage space. 2018: A chair thats more organism than machine Steelcase's Silq chair features material that intuitively responds to human movement without the use of mechanisms. Courtesy | Steelcase Steelcase unveiled the new Silq chair, which features patent-pending material that intuitively responds to human movement without the use of mechanisms. Unlike its predecessors, the Silq (pronounced silk) chair lacks the box under the seat where the springs and tension coils adjust the chair to the users body. The chair instead responds to a persons posture and stature naturally. Height is the only adjustment on the chair. Steelcase designers and engineers created a new high-performance polymer material that mimics the qualities of carbon fiber at a mass market price. The result is a chair that behaves more like an organism than a machine, James Ludwig, Steelcases vice president, global design and engineering, said. 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Like most large companies, Steelcase had to make difficult decisions amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Early in the pandemic, the company temporarily laid off nearly all its hourly manufacturing and distribution employees in Michigan in response to state stay-at-home orders. Steelcase suspended all activities at its Michigan factories except those serving essential industries such as health care. The company also pivoted to helping manufacture masks and face shields for West Michigan hospitals that were running short on the materials. Months later, the company said it would eliminate 300 salaried positions, or 8% of the companys salaried workforce in U.S. and Canada, to restore the base pay of most remaining salaried workers. The company also let go of 160 hourly employees through early retirements. Local officials greeted the city commissioners with a round of applause, Wilson said. Provided by Alonzo Wilson KALAMAZOO, MI Representatives have been traveling between Kalamazoo and the city of Numazu, Japan, since 1962. City Commissioners Alonzo Wilson and Qianna Decker represented Kalamazoo on this years week-long trip its sister city. Numazu is about 60 minutes from Tokyo, just south of Mount Fuji in the northern part of the Izu Peninsula. It has a population of about 200,000 people, Wilson said. The concept of sister cities was born in the aftermath of World War II, according to the Kalamazoo Public Library. It fosters a diplomatic exchange of culture, as well as solutions to challenges in education, health and housing across the globe. Kalamazoo delegates visited local attractions with host families, Wilson said, including some national parks and an active volcano. Kalamazoo delegates visited nearby natural and historic sites with host families. Provided by Alonzo Wilson Local leaders greeted Wilson and Decker with a standing ovation at Numazu City Hall, he said. People in Numazu are dealing with some of the same issues, he said, like funding for public transportation. However, he saw very little pollution and virtually no homelessness during the trip. Theres plenty to learn from the people of Numazu, he said. They had questions about life in the U.S., as well. Wilsons host family was interested in American food and what kind of music Americans like, he said. One of the biggest cultural differences they noticed was our houses, Wilson said. I have a very modest house ... to them, it was very big. Conservation is a bigger part of everyday life in Numazu homes, he said. Guests were instructed to shut off AC units when leaving a room and to only turn showerheads on when rinsing off. Theres a respect for nature engrained Numazu culture, Wilson said. The city is dotted with natural green spaces, beaches, parks and shrines. Residents are often out enjoying nature within the city. Shrines, beaches and parks are busy parts of the city, Wilson said. Provided by Alonzo Wilson There are like very few trash cans available throughout the city ... but theres literally no trash on the ground, Wilson said. Spending time outdoors, especially during childhood, is shown to increase pro-environmental attitudes and behavior. Thats something Wilson said he wants to bring more to Kalamazoo. Itd be unrealistic to remove trash cans from Kalamazoo and expect there to be no litter, he said. But Kalamazoo can provide its residents with more opportunities to connect with nature. The trip isnt paid for by the city, Wilson said. Former Kalamazoo City Commissioner Eric Cunningham works with the city to organize the trip and identify delegates. Numazu sent 94-year-old Tsugi Ogane to Kalamazoo for nine days in September 2024. Numazu is hands down one of the most beautiful cities Ive ever seen, Wilson said. Im proud to call it our sister city. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. A look at the limited time Peach Cobbler ice cream made with Michigan-grown peaches in a bubble cone available at Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Co. is seen in this MLive file photo. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com SAGINAW, MI Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Co. will bring back its popular Stuff Your Stanley event on Monday, Aug. 11, offering customers a sweet deal to celebrate the end of summer. The promotion invites ice cream lovers to bring in a clean, empty 30- to 40-ounce Stanley tumbler or any similar wide-mouth container to either of the companys locations in Bay City or Saginaw, organizers said. For $10, customers can have their container filled with up to four scoops of the shops small-batch, made-from-scratch ice cream. We wanted to give our fans a back-to-school treat to thank them for an amazing summer at both locations, Tim Mangan, general manager of Michigan Cream & Sugar, said in a statement. Customers can choose from signature flavors including Bay City Brown E, Birthday Cake, Dark Chocolate Velvet, and LegenDairy Vanilla, among others. Limited-edition flavors will also be available while supplies last. Staff with the locally owned ice cream company, established in 2019, said they pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients made in small batches in Saginaw. The business emphasizes that every scoop purchased supports Michigan farm families. Michigan Cream & Sugar operates at two locations: one at 160 Uptown Drive in Bay City and another at 122 S. Hamilton St. in Saginaws Old Town district. Both shops are open seven days a week until Labor Day, with hours running from noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The company is a business of Horizons Conference Center with support from Michigan Sugar Company. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on information from Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Co. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff. The fighters of the Tymur Special Forces of the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine did not allow the Russians to advance in Sumy direction. As reported by the press service of the Main Intelligence Agency, during the special operation, the scouts managed to enter the enemy rear, clear the occupiers' positions and gain a foothold. "The advance of the muscovites has been stopped, the supply of provisions and ammunition to their group of troops has been disrupted. According to radio intercepts, the soldiers of the Russian army, justifying themselves with far-fetched reasons, refused to storm the positions in the area of responsibility of the Tymur Special Forces," the report says. The Main Intelligence Agency shared a video with key fragments of the Ukrainian intelligence mission: rapid raids behind enemy lines; targeted work of artillerymen and grenade launchers; elimination of occupiers by dropping and accurately landing FPV drones; footage of close combat. Total enemy losses: at least 334 killed, more than 550 wounded. A mid-Michigan man will serve up to 32 years in prison after pleading no contest to shooting his now ex-girlfriend in the abdomen and then trying to cover up the shooting. (MLive file photo) MLive.com MIDLAND COUNTY, MI A mid-Michigan man will serve up to 32 years in prison after pleading no contest to shooting his now ex-girlfriend in the abdomen and then trying to cover up the shooting. William Otis Callaway, 58, was accused of drunkenly target practicing with a .22 caliber handgun just outside the couples Lee Township home in September 2024, when a bullet passed through the door of the home, striking the woman. The womans 12-year-old granddaughter would later tell police what happened after Callaway initially lied to authorities, Midland County Prosecutor J. Dee Brooks stated in a news release, issued Monday, Aug. 3. Callaway pleaded no contest last week in Midland County Circuit Court to charges of discharging a firearm in or at an occupied structure causing serious injury, as well as charge of felony firearms, according to court records. A plea of no contest means that Callaway does not admit guilt to the charges, but that he accepts the consequences of his forthcoming sentence. As the result of a plea deal, charges of possessing a firearm by a prohibited person, a second charge of felony firearms and a charge of careless discharge of a firearm causing injury or death were all dismissed, court records show. Despite the victim being in critical condition as a result of the shooting, Callaway decided to drive her and her 12-year-old granddaughter roughly 90 miles west to Gerber Memorial Hospital in Fremont for treatment, Brooks stated in the release. He chose to drive her to a faraway hospital instead of taking her close by in an attempt to avoid legal consequences, the prosecutor said. Callaway then lied to medical professionals about what happened, Brooks stated. "Callaway claimed that the injuries were caused by unknown subjects in a nearby Park and Ride location, when he picked up the victim and her granddaughter for a visit," Brooks stated. Later, it was learned that the shooting actually occurred at the Lee Township home, when Callaway was intoxicated and target practicing. While shooting, for a reason unknown, Callaway fired toward the front door of the home, Brooks stated. A bullet passed through the door and struck the woman. After arriving at the Fremont hospital nearly two hours away, it was determined that the victim had been critically injured and needed to be flown to a Grand Rapids hospital for further emergency medical care. She survived the shooting, but continues to have complications today, Brooks stated. The granddaughter quickly and bravely disclosed what had really happened to police at the hospital, the prosecutor stated. As a result, Callaway subsequently admitted to using the gun outside the home and said he accidentally fired the gun at the front door, Brooks stated. Callaway was arrested at the hospital at that time. The following day, a search warrant was executed at the Lee Township residence, where the involved handgun and several spent cartridges were recovered. As a prior felon, who has previously served prison time, Callaway agreed to a sentence enhancement as part of his plea deal, Brooks stated. The discharge offense carries a maximum penalty of 30 years as a habitual offender, while the felony firearms charge carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence. Callaway will be sentenced at 2 p.m. on Sept. 25, according to court records. SAGINAW, MI A 1-year-old boy is dead and a 25-year-old man is in critical condition following a shooting Monday evening on Saginaws East Side. Both victims were Saginaw residents, a news release from the citys police department states. Saginaw Police responded to the report of a shooting at around 6:55 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, in the area of Robinwood Avenue and Erie Street. Dispatch was advised by a caller that two gunshot victims were in the process of being transported to a local hospital via a personally-owned vehicle, police said. Shortly after the call came in, a vehicle arrived at the hospital with the two shooting victims. Both victims received medical treatment from hospital staff. While the adult male remains in critical condition, the 1-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the hospital, police said. Saginaw Police is investigating the shooting with assistance from Michigan State Police detectives from the Major Crimes Unit. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information may contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-422-5245. GRAND RAPIDS, MI U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, said shes deeply worried and is raising the alarm about potential impacts of recent legislation on Michigans healthcare system. Slotkin visited Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital on Monday to help understand in black and white what the Big Beautiful Bill is going to do to their bottom line, to services around the state. Following a tour of the Grand Rapids healthcare facility, the first-term Michigan senator discussed impacts of the new law which cut funding for hospitals and cancer research. I dont know a single Michigander who feels like theyre paying too little for their health insurance, Slotkin said. Everyones going to pay. Youre either at risk of losing your care or youre at risk of paying more for the insurance you already have. The cuts, which some state and health industry leaders have decried as hurting hospitals and reducing available services, were housed in President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law on July 4 last month. The $4.5 trillion tax cuts and spending package also included significant cuts to Medicaid by inserting work requirements for able-bodied people, making sign-up eligibility more stringent and changing federal reimbursements to states. What that really means is really hard conversations across the state on whether we keep services open like labor and delivery, Slotkin said. You tell a rural hospital theyre going to lose money, they start cutting services. You start cutting services in a rural area, people literally will drive hours and hours to give birth to a baby. State and health industry leaders have also said the Big Beautiful Bill could result in higher costs for Michiganders with private and employer-provided health insurance as hospitals try to recoup losses, and longer emergency room wait times in areas already burdened by staff shortages. I want healthcare, Slotkin said, which I think is really not settled in the United States of America. Were not settled as a country on how we provide healthcare to our people. I think no one wants deep cuts and raising of prices. To watch Slotkins full comments, click here or visit MLive on YouTube. A bill to ban smartphones in classrooms around Michigan failed to get enough votes last week. (MLive file photo) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com One of Gov. Gretchen Whitmers legislative priorities for this year, limiting the use of phones in classrooms, is dead after House Democrats killed a bill addressing the issue. The bill to ban smartphones in classrooms around the state failed to get enough votes last week after the Democratic House minority, seizing on a few Republican absences and dissenters, blocked its approval in a 53 to 45 vote. Bills need at least 56 votes to pass. Only two Republicans, state Reps. Jaime Greene and Steve Carra, voted against the bill. While the Republican bill sponsor plans to bring back a stronger version of the bill that removes compromises with Democrats, and there is competing legislation from Senate Democrats, House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said there wont be any smartphone bans this school year. Were at the bottom in reading and math scores in our schools, Hall told MLive. I think legislative Democrats had an opportunity to do something to help kids by taking phones out of the classroom and giving them the opportunity to focus on the teachers in the classroom, and they put politics above our kids by voting no on the legislation. As a result of that, were not going to have something in place for this school year, and so the kids are going to miss out on that opportunity to learn, right? Theyre going to be harmed by that for another year. School districts around the state have been grappling with how to best keep smartphones out of the classroom so kids can stay focused on learning. Constant access to social media on smartphones can also lead to increased mental health issues and bullying, according to experts. A number of districts around the state have adopted some form of cellphone use policy, though the exact number isnt known, the Michigan Department of Education has said. Whitmer in her State of the State Address in February noted the academic, social and mental detriments caused by smartphones in the classroom and social media use. She said other states, both red and blue, have taken action on the issue. I understand the need to be connected to your child, but we can do better, Whitmer said. This year lets pass bipartisan legislation to limit the use of phones in class. In a statement on the stalled legislative priority, Whitmer spokesperson Stacey LaRouche said the governor will work with anyone on the issue. Gov. Whitmer has called for bipartisan legislation limiting the use of phones in class, so students can focus on school and live healthier lives, LaRouche said. Increased access to smartphones may lead to harmful effects on students mental health and educational outcomes. The governor will work with anyone to ensure our students can focus on learning with fewer distractions. We want the Legislature to advance a bill that can get to the governors desk. State Rep. Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills, who sponsored the failed bill, put forward the legislation to ban smartphones in classrooms this session and last. His similar bill last session never received a committee hearing in the then-Democratic-controlled House. The version of Tisdels bill that failed last week wouldve required school districts to ban students of all ages from using smartphones in the classroom. Exceptions for emergency use and medical and instructional devices are included in the bill. Smartphones could be used during emergencies provided it doesnt endanger other students or interfere with school emergency protocols or first responders. High schoolers would be allowed to use smartphones at school any time outside of the class. Elementary and middle school students would be additionally banned from using smartphones during breaks between classes, lunch and recess. Tisdel said he worked with legislative Democrats and the governors office on refining the bill, even including compromises like the emergency use provision sought by Whitmers office. This defeat had nothing to do with the merits of the bill, he said. We tried working with Democrat lawmakers, made changes to accommodate their concerns, even used language provided by the governors office. We had an agreement with the governor and Senate Democrats, but the House Democrats decided to play games and vote no. House Democratic Leader Ranjeev Puri said his caucus voted against Tisdels bill because House Republicans refused to negotiate on some changes to the bill. Ive been in regular, good-faith conversations with Sen. Polehanki and our education partners in an effort to find the best-suited policy regarding cell phones in schools; thats how good policies are crafted through open dialogue, Puri said. I brought those conversations with me last week when House Democrats offered suggestions to improve the Republican legislation to ban cell phones in schools, but House Republicans refused to negotiate in good faith on our policy suggestions to add more flexibility for schools. State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, introduced a competing plan to limit smartphone usage in the classroom after Whitmers State of the State Address. Unlike Tisdels bill, Polehankis legislation doesnt require schools prohibit smartphone use during class. Polehankis bill, which passed the Senate in May, would require school boards adopt a smartphone use policy but doesnt prescribe what that includes. Instead, school boards would be required to craft a policy that somehow limits cellphone use during school hours and distractions in classroom settings. This could include a ban on smartphone use during class. Like Tisdels bill, any of these school policies limiting smartphone use must provide exceptions for emergency use and medical and instructional devices. Hall said his chamber wont be taking up Polehankis bill. He called it a very watered down, weak bill that doesnt give any guidelines to the districts. Tisdel said he met several times with Polehanki and the governors office to work out a compromise between the competing plans. That included the exceptions for medical reasons, emergencies and non-smartphone cell phones use. Additionally, he was open to the Senate amending his bill to allow all students in all grades to use phones between classes, getting rid of the tiered approach to restrictions. We had an agreement with the Senate Democrats and the governor, Tisdel said. House Democrats said no. Polehanki on Thursday pushed back on Tisdels claims, saying that while she and Tisdel agree on the need to address the issue, there was disagreement about how to do it and there was no deal with the Senate on its passage. Those policy differences are significant and are the main impediment to Rep. Tisdels legislation passing lacking enough support in his caucus and across the aisle, Polehanki said. His legislation aims to set different parameters for different grades complicating the implementation, takes away flexibility and independence from schools, and most importantly, disregards exceptions for emergencies. My bill has passed the Senate, and with strong bipartisanship, and I am committed to reaching an agreement on this topic in both chambers. Tisdels bill does include exceptions for emergencies. Banning smartphone use in the classroom is something Hall still wants his chamber to get done. However, he wants districts to have enough time to prepare, something that implementing a ban mid-school year wouldnt do, he said. What I kept thinking about is, If we dont move on this, when will it get implemented? I mean, if you wait till theyre back in September, when are they going to do it? Hall said. Doing it in the middle of the school year doesnt make sense, so we needed to make a run at it over the summer to try to give the districts time to implement this, and so thats why we came in and we put it up for a vote. Because House Democrats rejected the compromise version of his bill, Tisdel said he plans to work on a stronger version. We made lots of changes to accommodate what Democrats in the Legislature wanted, and they still voted no, he said. Were not going to water the bill down to the point of being meaningless. We played nice, we tried to work with them, and they played games. So now, were going to go the other direction and make the bill stronger. If Gov. Whitmer wants to list this as an accomplishment on her score card before she leaves office, its going to be the gold standard: a true bell-to-bell prohibition. The dispute comes as the Legislature is now a month overdue in passing a K-12 schools budget due to disagreements between the chambers over priorities and a long-term road funding plan. While that July 1 budget deadline is enshrined in law, there is no penalty for bypassing it. The deadline is meant to help school districts get a full financial picture when theyre setting their own budgets for the upcoming school year. Puri claimed House Republicans refusal to negotiate on a smartphone ban is part of a larger pattern. Their refusal to negotiate in a bipartisan fashion is an unfortunate pattern just look at their failure to get a budget passed that funds schools, emergency services, and essential programs, he said. What schools need at this very moment is a final budget so that kids can count on having lunch during the school day and teachers can count on still having a job. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday to discuss tariffs, Medicaid and the states unfilled megasite in Genesee County. Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday to discuss tariffs, Medicaid and the states unfilled megasite in Genesee County. I told him and his team about the impact tariffs are having on Michigans economy, especially our auto industry, the harm Michigan will face due to changes in the Medicaid program and ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm in Northern Michigan this year, Whitmer said. Ive always said that Ill work with anyone to get things done for Michigan. Thats why Ive continued to go to Washington, D.C. to make sure that Michiganders are front and center when critical decisions are being made. Whitmer touted past achievements shes had this year from meeting with Trump. Those include securing a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, federal funding to protect the Great Lakes from invasive carp and federal disaster support for Northern Michigan communities damaged by the historic ice storms earlier this year. Whitmers meeting came a week after a report showed Michigans upcoming budget is projected to have a $1.1 billion hole due to Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act. About $450 million of that shortfall is due to Trumps tax and spending bill prohibiting a state tax on health insurers that Michigan currently imposes to help pay for Medicaid costs. Whitmers team said the governor asked Trump to provide a three-year waiver for that change, allowing the state to continue capturing those tax dollars while it comes up with a new funding structure. Without a waiver, the state will have to either backfill the Medicaid funding gap or enact program cuts. The government-funded health insurance program provides health coverage for more than 2.6 million Michigan residents. The governor again lobbied Trump to provide relief on tariffs, citing how tariffs on Mexico and Canada disproportionately harm the auto industry. About 9.2% of Michigans GDP comes from the auto industry, according to the governors office. Last week, Whitmer asked state administrators to assess the economic impact of Trumps tariffs on Michigan. Whitmer also encouraged Trump to collaborate with her on finding a tenant for the states 1,300-acre megasite in Genesee County. Michigan had been courting California-based chip manufacturer SanDisk to build a $63 billion semiconductor factory on the site that was expected to create thousands of jobs. Last month, Whitmer announced the project fell through, saying that SanDisk backed out due to massive economic uncertainty at the national level. The governor pointed to Trumps tariffs as the cause of that uncertainty. Republican House Speaker Matt Hall has pushed back against blaming tariffs, stating that President Trumps tariff plans punish companies for offshoring jobs and reward those who bring factories back to the U.S. The governors office said the Genesee County site is a nation-leading asset ready for a bigger, better deal. Michigan had offered SanDisk a $6.24 billion incentive package, including nearly $2 billion in cash grants, to construct the factory on the site. While at the White House, Whitmer also saw Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The governors office did not go into further detail. The first round of elimination games at the 2025 Little League Softball World Series is set for Tuesday in Greenville. LLSWS STREAMING OPTIONS Streaming Options Price/month Free Trial? Length Deal FuboTV $84.99 No N/A $20 off first month DirecTV Stream $69.99 Yes 5 days No Sling $35.00 No N/A $10 off first month ESPN+ $11.99 No N/A No PURPLE BRACKET Northwest (WA) vs. West (CA) Time: 10 a.m. ET Where: Stallings Stadium (Greenville, N.C.) Channel: ESPN2 Washington dropped a rough 9-2 loss to Florida on Sunday morning, while Los Angeles fell 9-0 to Pennsylvania on Monday afternoon. New England (CT) vs. Southeast (FL) Time: 7 p.m. ET Where: Stallings Stadium (Greenville, N.C.) Channel: ESPN2 Connecticut also fell at the hands of the team from the Mid-Atlantic, losing 2-1 on Sunday night. Florida started strong with a win over the Northwest, but lost to Oklahoma on Monday. ORANGE BRACKET Latin America vs. Canada Time: 1 p.m. ET Where: Stallings Stadium (Greenville, N.C.) Stream: ESPN+ Brazil is looking to stay alive after losing to North Carolina, 4-3, on Sunday. Quebecs team fell to Japan, 6-1, just a day removed from beating Czechia on day one of the LLSWS Europe-Africa vs. Central (IN) Time: 4 p.m. ET Where: Stallings Stadium (Greenville, N.C.) Stream: ESPN+ The team out of Indiana fell to North Carolinas team on Monday in their first game, while Czechia lost to Canada on Sunday After a mild start to August across the Northeast, temperatures are forecast to warm to above-normal by the second week of the month. From August 12 to 18, there is a 70 to 80 percent chance of above-normal temperatures with daily highs in the mid 80s to around 90 F. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service Remember those soaring temps and sticky conditions we were dealing with more than a week ago? Well, they are making a comeback. What the National Weather Service describes as a significant heat wave will overtake our weather pattern by late this week. Friday and Saturday will be hot, with daytime highs in the upper 80s to 90s. High humidity will make it feel even hotter. We could see some record-breaking temps - even for August. Here are the statewide forecast highlights from the NWS offices around Michigan: Canadian wildfire smoke will continue to create hazy conditions across Michigan on Tuesday, with air quality alerts in effect for multiple regions. Temperatures will gradually climb into the 80s, with a significant heat wave expected by the weekend. An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect through Tuesday for most of Michigan, with reduced visibility and potential respiratory concerns for sensitive groups. Isolated afternoon showers are possible, particularly near Lake Superior and in western parts of the Upper Peninsula, with a 20-30% chance of precipitation. The weather pattern will shift dramatically by late week, with temperatures expected to rise into the upper 80s and low 90s from Friday through Saturday. Heat indices could exceed 90 degrees in many areas, potentially breaking local temperature records. Michigan residents should prepare for increasingly hot and humid conditions, staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activities during the peak heat. The extended forecast indicates a more active weather pattern developing by Sunday and Monday, with increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 80s, with continued high humidity and potential for scattered precipitation. Uncertainty remains in the long-range forecast, particularly for early next week, with potential for changing weather patterns and storm systems moving through the region. Michigan residents should stay informed about potential weather changes and be prepared for fluctuating conditions. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from the National Weather Service. It was reviewed, edited and expanded by MLive staff. Pakistan rejects involvement of its citizens in war in Ukraine MFA Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said it rejected "baseless and unfounded allegations" about the involvement of Pakistani citizens in the war in Ukraine. The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine. To date, Pakistan has not been formally approached by the Ukrainian authorities, nor has any verifiable evidence been presented to substantiate such claims, the message reads. The Pakistani government intends to contact the Ukrainian authorities for clarification on this matter. Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the ministry added. Earlier on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian soldiers were recording the participation of troops from China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and African countries in the battles on the Russian side in Vovchansk direction. "We will respond," the head of state added, but did not provide details. 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. 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I Accept Japanese vessel expelled after illegally entering territorial waters of China's Diaoyu Dao Xinhua) 09:02, August 05, 2025 BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesperson on Monday said that a Japanese fishing vessel had been expelled after illegally entering the territorial waters of China's Diaoyu Dao. The CCG has taken necessary control measures in accordance with the law, issued warnings and drove the vessel away after it illegally entered the waters from Aug. 1 to 4, according to CCG spokesperson Gan Yu. Emphasizing that Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, Gan urged the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities in these waters. "The CCG will continue to carry out law enforcement operations in the territorial waters of Diaoyu Dao to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the spokesperson added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) By Alimat Aliyeva The American oil and gas giant ExxonMobil will resume operations in Libya after a ten-year hiatus, marking a significant step in the countrys efforts to reintegrate foreign energy companies, Azernews reports. The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) made the announcement via a post on Facebook, revealing that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ExxonMobil. "The key provisions of the memorandum involve ExxonMobil conducting a detailed technical study of four offshore blocks located off the northwest coast and in the Sirte Basin," the statement explained. This MoU also sets the stage for renewed cooperation and partnership between NOC and ExxonMobil, which is eager to restart its operations in Libya after a decade-long absence. Libya, an OPEC member, holds the largest hydrocarbon reserves in Africa and was once a major player in global oil markets. Before the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, it was the 12th largest oil exporter in the world, producing up to 1.6 million barrels per day. However, after the conflict began, foreign companies drastically reduced their operations in Libya due to the escalating political instability and challenges in the energy sector. As a result, many contracts were suspended, and Libyas oil production faced severe setbacks. In recent years, the Libyan government has been working diligently to attract foreign investment and bring energy companies back to the country. This deal with ExxonMobil represents a key step toward revitalizing the Libyan oil industry and restoring its position in global energy markets. What makes this partnership particularly interesting is the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region. As global energy demands continue to rise and countries look for new sources of oil and gas, Libyas untapped offshore reserves could become even more strategic in the coming years. Additionally, the return of major oil companies like ExxonMobil could be seen as a signal of increased stability and opportunities for growth in the Libyan economy. Denmark joins Sweden and Norway in supporting a new NATO initiative to provide Ukraine with much-needed American weapons, the Danish Ministry of Defense has announced. According to the government's website, Denmark, together with Sweden and Norway, supports a new NATO initiative to finance the supply of much-needed weapons, including the Patriot air defense system, from the United States to Ukraine. The government has decided to initially support the initiative with DKK 580 million (about $90 million). Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen believes that the new NATO-led initiative for American weapons for Ukraine will be an important element in Ukraine's defense fight against a full-scale Russian invasion. "Denmark has supported Ukraine since the beginning of the war, and we will continue to do so. Together with the Swedish and Norwegian governments, the Danish government fully supports the American initiative. It is crucial for Ukraine's ability to defend itself that we continue to ensure transatlantic cooperation in support of Ukraine," he said. As a first step, Denmark has decided, together with Norway and Sweden, to contribute approximately DKK 580 million to finance the first arms packages under the new initiative. The total value of the package is approximately USD 500 million. "Speed is crucial. That is why we will provide our contribution immediately. If the Ukrainians later indicate a need for additional funding, we are also ready to consider this issue," the Minister of Defense said. Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen stressed that "through Denmark's financing of the arms package, together with Norway and Sweden, we are providing Ukraine with much-needed weapons systems and once again emphasizing that the Scandinavian countries are close and reliable allies in NATO." "At the same time, we are helping to preserve and strengthen the transatlantic cooperation that is central to our common defense," he added. Denmarks initial contribution of approximately DKK 580 million to the first arms packages under a new initiative called the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) will be implemented through the implementation of the Fund for Ukraine. The contributions from Denmark, Norway and Sweden will finance a US arms package worth approximately USD 500 million. The initial Danish contribution is expected to be used for US air defense and artillery. The details of the acquisition of the requested US equipment will be clarified in close coordination with NATO, the US and other allies. Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com. Saurav Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Aanand L Rai and Dhanush to take legal action over AI-altered re-release of Raanjhanaa Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Satwik Jaiswal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Nagarjuna reveals Coolie director Lokesh Kanagaraj saved producers Rs 5 Cr: I want to work with him again Gayatri Rani USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, created within the framework of the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA, has called on Russia to return the abducted Ukrainian children without delay and without any conditions, the coalition is co-chaired by Canada and Ukraine, a joint statement was signed by 38 countries, the Council of Europe and the European Union, the Office of the President of Ukraine has said. "Russia's forced deportation of almost 20,000 Ukrainian children is a blatant violation of international law. These children must be returned. We call on Russia to start with 339 children identified by Ukraine. The EU will continue to impose sanctions against those who abduct Ukrainian children and try to erase their identity," said Kaia Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission. The coalition also calls on Russia to provide full and verified information on the whereabouts, condition and legal status of all children; to ensure unhindered access for international humanitarian organizations; to stop the manipulation of childrens identities, including forced change of citizenship, placement in Russian families or institutions, and their exposure to ideological influence and militarization. Ukrainian children abducted by Russia must be returned. Children living under Russian occupation must be released. Children living in fear of terror must be given safety, and those who were forced to flee Ukraine must be given the opportunity to return home. Russia must be held accountable for making the destruction of childrens lives its strategic policy in a war of aggression, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the situation of Ukrainian children Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir said. As stated in the report, during the first round of peace talks in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation handed over to Russia an initial list of children for return. However, to date, Russia has refused to offer any effective mechanism for the return of young Ukrainians. "Today's coalition statement demonstrates that the international community is united in its demand for the return of every Ukrainian child who has been deported or forcibly displaced. There is no justification for these crimes, and there can be no delay in returning the children home. Every day that passes without their return is a day of continued injustice," the statement quoted the head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, as saying. The coalition's joint statement was supported by: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the European Union (observer), Switzerland (observer) and the Council of Europe. Gayatri Rani 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 Paras Bisht USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. Viswanath Pilla USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ishaan Gera USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Adrija Chatterjee 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 India says actively involved in trade talks with USA, hours after sparring over Russian ties Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Adrija Chatterjee 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 Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Shubhangi Mathur USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Debaroti Adhikary USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sunil Matkar 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 Norway, Sweden and Denmark will finance one of the first military support packages for Ukraine through a new US initiative agreed in NATO (Prioritised Ukraine Requirement List). According to the Norwegian government website, Norway will initially contribute NOK 1.5 billion to this initiative. "This is an important initiative by NATO and the US. It contributes to the rapid receipt by Ukrainians of vital military equipment for self-defense and strengthens cooperation between the US and European countries in the defense struggle of Ukraine," said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. The initiative will ensure the rapid supply of American weapons and equipment to Ukraine. It will strengthen Ukrainian air defense, in particular with additional missiles for the Patriot air defense system. "With this contribution, we want to contribute to the rapid receipt by Ukraine of the necessary equipment, while strengthening cooperation within NATO on the defense of Ukraine and ensuring peace on Ukrainian terms," Minister of Defense Toure O. Sandvik said. Together with Sweden and Denmark, Norway will finance a package worth approximately NOK 5 billion. The Netherlands has previously financed a package of similar value, and more such support packages will be provided in the future. To ensure security, the specific content of each package will not be made public, the government added. According to the total amounts, the largest contribution over EUR 230 million will be made by Sweden, Norway around EUR 120 million, and Denmark around EUR 80 million. On July 14, the US President and NATO Secretary General announced a new initiative to strengthen Ukraines defense and cover the countrys operational needs. The initiative is called the Prioritised Ukraine Requirement List (PURL). It will provide Ukraine with much-needed military equipment from the United States, financed by European allies and Canada. NSDL shares likely to list with 17% premium as GMP surges; here's a post-listing strategy Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. Paras Bisht USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer Alpha Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BSE, Angel One, CDSL stocks fall up to 5.5% as report says SEBI is considering to curb weekly expiries J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept This Research Report / Research Recommendation has been published by Moneycontrol Dot Com India Limited (hereinafter referred to as MCD) which is a registered Investment Advisor under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Investment Advisers) ...Read More Ths US Fed chief has one eye on the tariff risks to prices, and the other on a softening job market In August 26 edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: It's silver's moment to shine, lucrative domestic manufacturing would stem fert... Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | How to keep calm and bank on TBO Tek Q1 FY26: Moderate start to the year, growth to recover from Q2 USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Sweden has said it will provide $275 million approximately SEK 2.7 billion ($275 million) for a military support package to help Ukraine with the delivery of US weapons under the new Prioritised Ukraine Requirement List (PURL) mechanism. The Swedish government said Sweden, together with Denmark and Norway, will finance the entire US military support package worth a total of $500 million. NATO will coordinate the implementation and ensure that the content of the package meets Ukraines most urgent needs. Funding is being provided by NATO allies and partners. At a press conference on August 5, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson, Minister of Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch and Minister of Education and Integration Simona Mohamsson announced their countrys decision to provide $275 million. "We welcome the decision of the United States to provide Ukraine with defense materials, including the Patriot air defense system, and the fact that NATO is coordinating this assistance. Ukraine urgently needs the support of allies and partners to defend itself against Russian aggression," Jonson said. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sweden has provided the country with military support worth approximately 83 billion Swedish kronor. Its contributions to the US initiative will come from Sweden's economic base for military support to Ukraine. On Monday, 4 August 2025, the first aid package of over $500 million, financed by the Netherlands, was announced. In total, these contributions are estimated at over $1 billion and represent the first two tranches of regular deliveries to Ukraine under the Alliance's recently launched PURL initiative. The Priority Needs List for Ukraine (PURL) is a new NATO initiative, funded by European Allies and Canada, and will consist of assistance packages worth around $500 million each. As NATO stressed, the aid packages will be prepared quickly and delivered regularly. NATO will coordinate the delivery through the NATO Security Assistance and Training Initiative for Ukraine (NSATU) in Wiesbaden. Have lined up three projects in Mumbai with Rs 10,000 cr GDV, says Sattva Group MD Ashish 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. 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I Accept This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer Alpha Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C. B Kumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Interview: Trump's India tariff threats just a trade tactic for better deal, says ORF's Dhruva Jaishankar Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Adrija Chatterjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Barriers of landlockedness can be transformed into opportunities with help from India, China: Nepal PM Oli 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. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept CCI rejects objection raised by AGI Greenpac, clears way for Uganda's INSCO takeover of HNG 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. 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I Accept Delhi: 5 Bangladeshi immigrants arrested for forcibly trying to enter Red Fort days ahead of Independence Day 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 Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim walks out of jail on 40-day parole, 14th such relief in 8 years 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 Ukraine prepares draft agreement on drones with USA; ready to discuss and conclude it Zelenskyy's talk with Trump President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. "We talked about our bilateral defense cooperation with America. The draft agreement on drones has already been prepared by the Ukrainian side, we are ready to discuss it in detail and conclude it. One of the strongest agreements can be," Zelenskyy said in the Telegram channel following the meeting. The key subject of the conversation, the president noted, was the cessation of the war. "We are grateful to the U.S. President for all his efforts for a fair and lasting peace. It is really necessary to stop the killings as soon as possible, we fully support this. There could have been many months without war if the Russians had not dragged it out," Zelenskyy said. In addition, the parties exchanged assessments of the situation, in particular the increase in the severity of Russian strikes, and coordinated their positions. "Of course, we talked about sanctions against Russia. Their economy continues to fall, and that is why Moscow is so attentive to this prospect and the determination of President Trump. This can change a lot," Zelenskyy said. In addition, the presidents discussed joint European decisions that could help Ukrainian defense. "We now have decisions from the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Denmark more than $1 billion for American weapons that Ukraine will receive. Thank you! This interaction with NATO countries will continue," Zelenskyy said. EAM Jaishankar calls for 'fair' global order as US pressure mounts on trade, Russian oil purchase: Not one dominated by a few 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 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 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. 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I Accept Armaan Bhatnagar 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 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. 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I Accept Kalyan Banerjee says Mahua Moitra lacks basic gratitude: 'Apologise to nation for backing her in Parliament' Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept NSA Doval likely to arrive in Moscow today amid straining ties with US: Report Arindam Roy 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 Zelenskyy on aid packages for supply of US weapons to Ukraine: This to be good example for other NATO states Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/ President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomes financial packages from Denmark, Norway and Sweden to assist in the supply of the U.S. weapons to Ukraine and identifies their importance for ensuring long-term security in Europe. "Today there is another decision within the framework of the initiative to purchase American weapons. Plus $500 million the total amount from our friends from Northern Europe: Sweden, Norway and Denmark This is a very strong initiative that significantly increases our potential to protect life. Yesterday EUR 500 million from the Netherlands, now another decision for $500 million. This will be felt," Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Tuesday. According to him, "this will be a good example for other NATO states to strengthen ties between the United States and Europe in the context of security and to guarantee protection from Russian strikes." "Such steps are a new real basis for the security of our entire Europe in the long term. Russia will never turn Europe into a continent of war, and it is thanks to our joint efforts that we now guarantee that peace will reign," Zelenskyy said. As reported, on Monday, August 4, the first aid package of over $500 million, financed by the Netherlands, was announced. In total, these contributions are estimated at over $1 billion and represent the first two tranches of regular supplies to Ukraine within the framework of the Alliance's recently launched PURL initiative. On August 5, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the financial packages from Denmark, Norway and Sweden within the framework of PURL and welcomed them. 'Only political leadership speaks like this': Congress MP frowns upon SC rap to Rahul Gandhi over 'Chinese incursion' remarks Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanka on Supreme Court rebuking Rahul Gandhi over China claim: My brother would never speak against Army Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Satya Pal Malik dies at 79: All about J&K's last governor who oversaw historic abrogation of Article 370 Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Six years since abrogation of Article 370: A timeline of key developments Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Uttarakhand News Live: 5 dead, 413 rescued, 100 stranded, in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi cloudburst A devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashi district has triggered massive flash floods and landslides, causing widespread destruction in Dharali and Sukhi Top areas. Rescue operations are in full swing, with teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Indian Army working tirelessly to evacuate stranded individuals and locate the missing. Kamlesh Kamal, ITBP Spokesperson, provided an update on the ongoing efforts, stating, "Five teams of ITBP consisting of 130 jawans are there in Dharali. More than 100 jawans are en route, and they will reach there soon... We have recovered a body this morning, and more than 100 people have been rescued. Today, we have also set up communication... Now that the equipment has been provided, it is possible that we will see that this rescue operation will gain momentum..." Uttarkashi flash floods: 10 soldiers missing after second cloudburst in Harsil, say officials 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. 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I Accept Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/13559 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, with whom he discussed a new instrument for the purchase of the U.S. weapons, as well as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism. "Briefed about the situation on the front, the increase in Russian strikes on civilians and cooperation with partners to strengthen our soldiers. We talked about a new instrument for the purchase of American weapons, which is already working effectively. We also discussed the SAFE mechanism and the opportunities that this instrument provides for strengthening the defense capabilities of Ukraine as well. Croatia will allocate its share to support our soldiers," Zelenskyy said in his Telegram channel on Tuesday. The leaders coordinated the next steps. According to Zelenskyy, active diplomatic work is being prepared to give Ukraine more strength. Zelenskyy also congratulated Croatia on the Day of Victory and Gratitude to the Homeland the Day of Croatian Defenders. In turn, Plenkovic said he had discussed with the head of the Ukrainian state initiatives on a ceasefire. "We discussed initiatives to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as planned investments in strengthening European defense and further support for the #country through the new European SAFE instrument. Croatia continues to provide political, military, economic and humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people," Plenkovic said on the X social network. Watch | Vande Bharat glides through scenic landscape of Anji and Chenab bridges in J&K 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. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept In August 26 edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: It's silver's moment to shine, lucrative domestic manufacturing would stem fert... Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | How to keep calm and bank on USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept In August 26 edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: It's silver's moment to shine, lucrative domestic manufacturing would stem fert... Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | How to keep calm and bank on How AIIB can help India ramp up its green capex 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 In August 26 edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: It's silver's moment to shine, lucrative domestic manufacturing would stem fert... Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | How to keep calm and bank on Aug 5, 2025 / 12:41 PM ISTAll Rights Reserved. FT and Financial Times are trademarks of the Financial Times Limited Not to be redistributed, copied or modified in any way. Why the owner of Londons stock exchange needs a new name USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept 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 What are Death Cafes and why are they gaining ground across Europe? 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. 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I Accept MC Science Desk Read the latest and trending science newsstay updated on NASA, ISRO, space missions, planets, asteroids, black holes, AI, quantum physics, galaxy discoveries, and more exciting breakthroughs. Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The aid packages to Ukraine under the U.S.-NATO initiative titled "Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List" (PURL) which meet Ukraine's needs on the battlefield, are being approved by Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Alexus G. Grynkewich. Their content is not subject to disclosure. A NATO official told an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent in Brussels on condition of anonymity. He confirmed that the cost of each package, "worth roughly $500 million each, containing equipment and munitions urgently needed by Ukraine." "Packages will be prepared rapidly and issued on a regular basis. NATO will coordinate the delivery of these packages, including through our NSATU command in Wiesbaden. In close coordination with Ukraine, the United States and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) have validated priority operational requirements, such as air defence systems, ammunition, and other critical equipment. SACEUR will continue to validate packages that correspond to Ukraine's battlefield needs. The focus is on equipment that is ready for immediate delivery from U.S. stockpiles," the agency's interlocutor said. However, he said in order to "preserve operational security, we will not disclose details of the contents of each package." "The priority is to get Ukraine what it needs quickly to defend itself from Russian aggression. This includes air defences, ammunition, spare parts, missiles and other critical capabilities. Support to Ukraine is continuous," the NATO official said. The agency's interlocutor also said that participation in this initiative is open to all NATO Allies and partners. "While contributions are voluntary, we strongly encourage all Allies to participate. PURL complements other ongoing initiatives to provide support to Ukraine, including the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) Trust Fund and the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP), as well as a wide range of vital bilateral efforts by Allies and partners," he said. As previously reported, on Monday, August 4, the Netherlands announced the first aid package of over $500 million, and on August 5, financial packages from Denmark, Norway and Sweden totaling $500 million were announced under PURL. Artificial, a movie based on OpenAI, goes into production; this Spiderman actor to play CEO Sam Altman MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham 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. 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Salesforce CEOs recent remarks raise questions 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 MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham 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 Reddit CEO warns Google: 'Just about anybody using Google will end up on Reddit' 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 Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. 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 Danish Khan 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 Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept MC Travel Desk Read the latest and trending travel news storiesstay updated on new destinations, travel trends, visa updates, and expert tips for your next adventure. Rajni Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why Gangaikonda Cholapuram Was Chosen for Indias New Rs 1,000 Coin: History and Significance MC Travel Desk Read the latest and trending travel news storiesstay updated on new destinations, travel trends, visa updates, and expert tips for your next adventure. Rajni Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 637 lynchings, a nation in chaos: How Bangladesh bled in a year under Yunus after Hasina's fall 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 Photo: https://t.me/Koord_shtab/8746 Russie helps DPRK modernize nuclear weapons carriers, but will not provide Iran with technology that could accelerate the development of nuclear weapons, Head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov has said. "As for North Korea, the matter is quite difficult here. DPRK already has nuclear weapons, first of all. But Russia helps modernize nuclear weapons carriers. This is actually happening," Budanov said on the air of a telethon on Tuesday. Speaking about cooperation in this context between Moscow and Tehran, he said that "Russia will not directly transfer technologies that will help accelerate the development of nuclear weapons to Iran." "I can tell you this directly," Budanov added. A year after ouster, Sheikh Hasinas sharp attack at unelected regime of Yunus: Dark moment in history 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 Arindam Roy 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 is enough: PTI to hold nationwide protests to mark 2 years of Imran Khans arrest 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 US firm Arkel International is managing aid deliveries into Gaza Arkel International, a private U.S. firm that contracts with the U.S. government and militaries globally, is overseeing the logistical operation to transport humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to a report in Haaretz. The effort utilizes drivers from Eastern Europe to move the aid. This complex operation functions with an "Israeli link," indicating necessary coordination, security permissions, or logistical facilitation from Israeli authorities to allow the aid to enter the territory. The report focuses specifically on the mechanics of getting the aid across the border into Gaza, rather than the subsequent challenges of distributing it within the region. Poll reveals Jewish and Arab Israelis divided on IDF conduct and Gaza famine A new poll highlights a significant divergence in opinion between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel concerning the ongoing war in Gaza, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The findings indicate that a majority of Jewish Israelis believe the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is making an effort to avoid harming civilians and are not troubled by reports of famine in the territory. Conversely, most Arab Israelis disagree with this assessment of the IDF's actions and express that they are very troubled by the humanitarian situation. The poll also shows that Jewish Israelis generally trust statistics provided by the IDF, while Arab Israelis express skepticism toward them. 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 Russians at front use tactic of 'thousand cuts' Syrsky Russian troops are putting pressure on Ukrainian positions, using the tactic of "thousand cuts" conducting offensive operations by small assault groups, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Oleksandr Syrsky said. "Our forces courageously repelled the enemy's attacks," he said on his Facebook page. He said the most difficult situation is currently in Pokrovsk, Dobropillia and Novopavlivka axes. "At the same time, in North Slobozhansk axis, we have successes in liberating the territory of Sumy region, we continue to conduct combat operations in Kursk," the commander-in-chief said. Its not just about trade: 3 flashpoints behind Trumps relentless targeting of India | Explained Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Trump says he'll 'probably not' run for third presidential term, but claims to have 'best poll numbers' 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 Hundreds of thousands more UK savers face tax on interest amid frozen allowances An estimated 300,000 more people in the UK are projected to pay tax on their savings interest due to rising interest rates coupled with the government's freeze on the Personal Savings Allowance (PSA), according to a report in The Independent. The PSA, which allows basic-rate taxpayers to earn 1,000 in interest tax-free (500 for higher-rate taxpayers), has not been increased since 2016. As the Bank of England has raised rates to combat inflation, more individuals are now earning interest that exceeds these static thresholds. Experts and consumer advocates are highlighting the issue, urging Labour's Shadow Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to address what is being described as a 'stealth tax' impacting prudent savers. US could require up to $15,000 bonds for some tourist visas under pilot program Arindam Roy 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 Rutte informs Zelenskyy about work with countries that are ready to join initiative to purchase US weapons President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. "In two days, we have already received over $1 billion from our European partners NATO members for the purchase of American weapons. This is evidence that NSATU [NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine] is working, and the decision of the Hague Summit of the Alliance is being implemented. I thanked Mark for this. Mark also spoke about work with other countries that are also ready to join this initiative," Zelenskyy said in the Telegram channel. The President of Ukraine informed about the situation in Kharkiv and other Ukrainian cities that Russia is shelling more intensively, and about the situation on the front, the needs of soldiers. In addition, the parties discussed diplomatic work with partners to increase cooperation and support for Ukraine. "There are good proposals. We will implement them," Zelenskyy said. In turn, Rutte said that funding from allies for American equipment is important to help Ukraine defend itself. "Good conversation with President Zelenskyy welcoming over $1 bn [billion] in funding from Allies for US equipment for Ukraine, coordinated by NATO. This support is essential to save lives, help Ukraine defend itself, and achieve a just and lasting peace," Rutte said on the X social network. Who's really funding Putin? What Trump isnt saying about US trade with Russia while targeting India 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 Svyrydenko on call with Bessent: US-Ukrainian Investment Fund task is to launch first three projects within 18 months Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the launch of the U.S.-Ukrainian Investment Fund in a phone conversation, the first meeting of the board of directors is scheduled for September. "We are working on expanding its mandate so that the fund can also invest in the defense sector. The first meeting of the board of directors is scheduled for September. The task is to launch the first three projects within 18 months," Svyrydenko said in Telegram on Tuesday. In addition, the prime minister noted that the parties are strengthening cooperation in the defense and investment sectors. "A lot of attention was paid to the potential defense agreement announced by President Zelenskyy regarding the production and sale of Ukrainian drones, as well as the possible purchase of the U.S. weapons," she said. They also raised the issue of increasing sanctions pressure and cooperation with international financial organizations. They agreed to continue the dialogue at the working level, Svyrydenko said. Svyrydenko thanked the United States for its consistent support for Ukraine and the common desire for a just and sustainable peace. Photo: https://t.me/Denys_Smyhal/ Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal held talks with Canadian and Slovenian counterparts David McGuinty and Borut Sajovic. "We talked with Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty about ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the defense industry," Shmyhal said in the Telegram channel. He noted that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has received military assistance from Canada worth CAD 6.5 billion, and thanked for the significant support. "I voiced our urgent needs. We coordinated further cooperation, as well as the possibility of Canada joining the PURL instrument," Shmyhal said. With Slovenian Defense Minister Sajovic, the Ukrainian Defense Minister discussed the need to ensure long-term, stable and timely supplies of weapons and ammunition to protect Ukraine and deter the spread of war in Europe. "Ukraine is interested in cooperation with the defense industry of Slovenia both in joint production and in the development of promising areas. I thanked Slovenia for its active participation in mechanisms and initiatives in support of Ukraine and for its solidarity with the Ukrainian people," Shmyhal said. The Kremlin is weighing concessions to U.S. President Donald Trump, which could include an air truce with Ukraine to try to avert the threat of secondary sanctions, Bloomberg reports. "Officials recognize that US envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Russia this week offers a late opportunity for agreement with Trump even if expectations for success are low. A pause on air strikes involving drones and missiles as a de-escalation gesture may be one potential proposal provided that Ukraine also signed up one of them said," the report reads, citing sources. Trump said Witkoff was expected to travel to Russia on Wednesday for the fifth time this year, and the Kremlin said the meeting with Putin could happen. The U.S. president has threatened to impose steep tariffs on countries including China and India that buy Russian oil and other goods starting Friday, in a bid to increase pressure on Putin to call for an end to the war, now in its fourth year. "Trump needs some kind of 'gift,' a concession from Russia," a Moscow-based political consultant close to the Kremlin Sergei Markov said. "An air truce could be such a gift." Kellogg is also expected to visit Kyiv later this week for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India and the Philippines announce partnership to strengthen trade, defense and maritime ties India and the Philippines announce partnership to strengthen trade, defense and maritime ties View Photo NEW DELHI (AP) India and the Philippines announced an upgraded strategic partnership Tuesday that they said will deepen trade, defense and maritime cooperation between the two nations. The countries announced the agreement after bilateral talks in New Delhi between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Indias foreign ministry spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, said the sides also agreed to expand partnerships in space, tourism, culture and digital technologies. After the talks, Modi said India and the Philippines were committed to peace, security, prosperity and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Marcos said the strategic partnership will doubtless resonate beyond the confines of our bilateral relationship. We want to work with you for a free and open Indo-Pacific, he told Modi. Marcos arrived in India on Monday for a five-day visit as the countries deepen their defense ties. They staged joint naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea for the first time on Sunday, a high-profile military deployment that antagonized China. India also has supplied its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems to Philippines. Philippines condemns Chinas rocket launch after suspected debris sparked alarm View Photo MANILA, Philippines (AP) A top Philippine security official on Tuesday condemned Chinas latest rocket launch, which caused suspected debris to fall near a western Philippine province. Authorities said the incident sparked alarm and posed a danger to people, ships, and aircraft. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell near Palawan province Monday night, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said. However, he added that these posed a clear danger and risk to land areas and to ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels near the expected drop zones. We condemn in no uncertain terms the irresponsible testing done by the Peoples Republic of China of its Long March 12 rocket which alarmed the public and placed the people of Palawan at risk, Ano said in a statement. People were alarmed after hearing loud explosions Monday night in Palawans Puerto Princesa city and nearby towns, Ano said, adding that local residents also saw a fireball cross the sky that later exploded causing the ground to shake. Chinese officials did not immediately comment on Anos statement. Chinas official Xinhua News Agency reported that the Long March-12 rocket that lifted off Monday night from a commercial spacecraft launch site on the southern island province of Hainan successfully carried a group of internet satellites into pre-set orbit. It was the 587th mission by the Long March carrier rockets, Xinhua said, citing the launch site. It was not immediately clear if Chinese authorities notified nearby countries like the Philippines of possible debris from its latest rocket launch. Such Chinese rocket debris have been found farther away from the Philippine archipelago in the past. The Philippine Space Agency said Monday that debris from the rocket launch was expected to have fallen within two identified drop zones about 21 nautical miles (39 kilometers) from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan and 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers) from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, an area of coral reefs in the Sulu Sea off eastern Palawan that is popular among divers and conservators. Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space, the space agency said. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. Philippine aircraft and vessels were deployed Tuesday to search for the rocket debris, Ano said. He asked the public to notify authorities if they find any piece of debris but warned them not to touch them because of possible toxic fuel residues. Stella Rimington, Britains first female MI5 spy chief, dies at 90 View Photo LONDON (AP) Stella Rimington, the first female chief of Britains MI5 intelligence agency and later a successful thriller writer, has died, her family said Monday. She was 90. The first woman to head a U.K. intelligence agency, Rimington was the inspiration for Judi Denchs portrayal of MI6 chief M in seven James Bond films. Her family said in a statement that Rimington died on Sunday surrounded by her beloved family and dogs and determinedly held on to the life she loved until her last breath. MI5s current director-general, Ken McCallum, said that as the first avowed female head of any intelligence agency in the world, Dame Stella broke through long-standing barriers and was a visible example of the importance of diversity in leadership. Born in London in 1935, Rimington studied English at Edinburgh University and later worked as an archivist. She was living in India with her diplomat husband in the mid-1960s when she was recruited by MI5, Britains domestic security service, as a part-time clerk and typist in its New Delhi office. She joined the agency full-time after moving back to London in 1969 and rose through the ranks, overcoming rules that kept the most prestigious roles, such as recruiting and running agents, for men only. She worked in each of MI5s operational branches counterespionage, counterterrorism and counter-subversion at a time when MI5s work included sniffing out Soviet spies, infiltrating Northern Ireland militant groups and, controversially, spying on leftists, trade union leaders and other alleged subversives. Rimington acknowledged in 2001 that the organization may have been a bit over-enthusiastic in some of its snooping on domestic targets during the Cold War. Rimington was appointed MI5 director-general in 1992, the first head of the organization to be named in public, and her tenure saw the secretive organization become slightly more open. Denchs first appearance as M, a role formerly played by men, was in GoldenEye in 1995. The films producers said the casting was inspired by Rimingtons appointment. After stepping down in 1996, Rimington was made a dame, the female equivalent of a knight, by Queen Elizabeth II. Rimington later published a memoir, Open Secret to the displeasure of the government and a series of spy thrillers featuring fictional MI5 officer Liz Carlyle. The Devils Bargain, published in 2022, introduced a new heroine, CIA officer Manon Tyler. Other women followed her top intelligence jobs. Eliza Manningham-Buller led MI5 between 2002 and 2007. Anne Keast-Butler became head of electronic and cyber-intelligence agency GCHQ in 2023.Blaise Metreweli was named in June as the first female head of the overseas intelligence agency, MI6. Rimington and her husband, John Rimington, separated in the 1980s, but moved back in together during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Its a good recipe for marriage, Id say, she said. Split up, live separately, and return to it later. She is survived by her husband, two daughters and five grandchildren. By JILL LAWLESS Associated Press Colombia accuses Peru of fully annexing a disputed island in the Amazon river View Photo BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Colombian President Gustavo Petro stirred up a decades-old border controversy with Peru on Tuesday when he accused it of fully annexing an Amazon river island that has been administered by Peru for decades, but whose legal status is in dispute. Peru maintains it owns Santa Rosa Island based on treaties about a century old, but Colombia disputes that ownership because the island had not yet emerged from the river at the time. In a message on X, Petro said that Peru acted unilaterally in June when its congress passed a law that upgraded Santa Rosas legal status by converting it into a district within Perus Loreto province. The island faces Leticia, a Colombian city of about 60,000 people located in one of the most well-preserved swaths of the Amazon. It is used by many tourists as the launching point for trips into the worlds largest rainforest. The Peruvian government has just appropriated it by law, Petro wrote on X, adding that Perus actions could block Leticias access to the Amazon river. Our government will resort to diplomacy to defend our national sovereignty. In his message, the president was explaining why he plans to hold a celebration in Leticia on Thursday to mark one of the national holidays that commemorates Colombias independence from Spain. The Colombian goverment usually celebrates the Aug. 7 holiday in the province of Boyaca in central Colombia, but farmers are currently blocking roads in that part of the country to protest environmental regulations that prohibit agriculture in high-altitude areas. Perus Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement that treaties signed by both countries in 1922 and 1929 granted Peru control of Santa Rosa and other nearby islets. Peru is complying firmly with its obligations under international law and with valid bilaterial treaties the statement said. Colombia says that the treaties could not assign ownership of Santa Rosa because in the 1920s the island had not yet emerged from the worlds largest river. Instead, Colombia says that the treaties determine that the border between both countries should be set along a line that follows the deepest points along the river bed. Like many rivers, the Amazon changes its course slowly over time, and erosion or changes in the weather can create or submerge islands. Colombias Foreign Affairs Ministry said Tuesday that for years it has insisted on the need to create a bilateral commission that will assign ownership of islands that have emerged between the South American countries over the past century. The island is made up mostly of forest, farmland and a small village known as Santa Rosa de Yavari, which has a population of less than 1,000 people, according to Perus latest census. Santa Rosa was previously classified as a community within the Yavari District of Perus Loreto Province. In June, Perus congress voted to turn Santa Rosa into its own district, a move that could facilitate the transfer of funds for education and healthcare, and also enable the modest village to raise its own property taxes. We have a diverse economy that relies on commerce and tourism Santa Rosas Mayor Jack Yovera told Peruvian network RPP in June, when the law to turn his community into a district was being debated by congress. But there are many basic needs that have not been met said Yovera, who explained that as a young man he had to go to high school in the Colombian city of Leticia, on the other side of the Amazon River, due to the lack of a proper high school in Santa Rosa. The border dispute also surfaced last summer, when an official from Colombias Foreign Affairs Ministry attended a meeting between political leaders from Leticia and Santa Rosa and said that Peru had occupied the island irregularly. Yovera left the meeting in protest. Later, Colombias Foreign Affairs ministry issued a statement saying it regretted the incident and that the situation of Santa Rosa Island should be discussed only by high-level officials from both governments. By MANUEL RUEDA Tuolumne County Government View Photo Twain Harte, CA Storm damage repair work had closed a stretch of Italian Bar Road since July 15. The area is mile north of the Lost Dutchmans Mining Association Italian Bar Camp (South Fork Stanislaus Avenue). The work was being carried out by the contractor Centerline Drilling Company. The Tuolumne County Public Works Department reports that Italian Bar Road is now open again to through traffic. However, there will be another full closure from Monday, August 11, through Friday, August 15, between 7 am 4 pm, to finish a slide repair. Early morning and evening traffic will still be able to pass through. Funeral home owner who sent families fake ashes pleads guilty to fraud View Photo DENVER (AP) A Colorado funeral home owner accused of stashing nearly 200 decomposing bodies in a room-temperature building admitted in federal court Monday that she cheated customers and defrauded the federal government out of nearly $900,000. Carie Hallford, who ran Return to Nature Funeral Home with her husband Jon Hallford, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Carie Hallford faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, though federal prosecutors agreed to ask for 15 years at a December sentencing hearing. Hallford already pleaded guilty once in federal court, but a judge last year rejected the agreement with prosecutors and still has to approve this one. Crystina Pages son David died in 2019, and his body was left in an inoperable refrigerator for four years. Standing outside the federal courthouse Monday, Page said shes disappointed about the possibility that neither Hallford goes on trial, something she hoped would have brought answers about what happened to her son and others entrusted to their care. We still dont know the truth of what theyve done to us, she said. The federal case brought against both Hallfords focused on two schemes: falsifying documents to siphon nearly $900,000 in COVID-19 pandemic-era financial aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration and deceiving customers by taking payments for cremations the Hallfords never did. Instead of cremating the nearly 200 bodies between 2019 and 2023, the Hallfords allegedly stored the bodies in a decrepit building and sent some customers dry concrete instead of ashes. The Hallfords pocketed around $130,000 of their customers payments meant for cremations or burial services and spent it, along with the federal funds, on luxury products a GMC Yukon, laser body sculpting, vacations, jewelry and cryptocurrency. In a separate case in state court, both Hallfords have been charged with 191 counts of corpse abuse, including for twice burying the wrong body and leaving others to decompose. Jon Hallford has already pleaded guilty to those 191 counts, as well as a fraud charge in the federal case for which he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The building packed with bodies was discovered in 2023 in Penrose, Colorado, about a two-hour drive south of Denver. It shook already grieving families. Many learned that their loved ones remains werent in the ashes they spread or held tight but were instead decaying in a building. Investigators found bodies stacked atop each other, swarms of bugs and maggots, and so much liquid on the ground it had to be pumped out. By COLLEEN SLEVIN and JESSE BEDAYN Associated Press President of wealthy Switzerland rushes to Washington to try to avert steep US tariffs President of wealthy Switzerland rushes to Washington to try to avert steep US tariffs View Photo GENEVA (AP) After weeks of working with U.S. officials to try to avoid hefty tariffs on Swiss goods, negotiators from Switzerland got assurances that a deal was all but done. Swiss businesses vowed to pour tens of billions in investment in the United States in the coming years. Still, President Donald Trump said no to any special deal. Now a scramble is underway ahead of Thursday, the deadline for when the whopping 39% tariff on Swiss products announced last week goes into effect. Switzerlands President Karin Keller-Sutter and other top officials traveled to Washington on Tuesday to try to convince Trump that the measure among the highest from the Trump administration was too much and could cut profits for famed Swiss industries like chocolates and watchmaking. The new rate is over 2 1/2 times higher than the one on European Union goods exported to the U.S. and nearly four times higher than on British exports to the U.S. raising questions about Switzerlands ability to compete with the 27-member bloc that it neighbors. Under the U.S. announcements from last Friday, the export duties imposed on Swiss companies will now only be surpassed by those on firms from Laos, Myanmar and Syria, which are facing 40-41% rates. A cautionary tale Switzerlands case is a lesson in dos and donts of doing business with Trump. The thinking goes, if a rich country with economic might that excels in technology, pharmaceuticals and finance cant convince the U.S. president to scale back the high tariffs, who can? Trump himself seems to be focused on a single, high number: Switzerlands trade surplus in goods with the U.S. In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Trump alluded to a recent call he had with Keller-Sutter, saying the woman was nice, but she didnt want to listen and that he had told her: We have a $41 billion deficit with you, Madame. It was not immediately clear where that $41 billion figure came from. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. ran a $38.3 billion trade imbalance on goods last year with Switzerland. That figure excludes exports of services. Keller-Sutter, who also serves as Switzerlands finance minister, has faced criticism in Swiss media over the last-ditch call with Trump before a U.S. deadline on tariffs expired Aug. 1, which some say appeared to make things worse. A surprise move The 39% rate is even higher than the 31% on Swiss goods announced on Trumps Liberation Day in early April before the Swiss started negotiating with U.S. officials. The new figure took many Swiss business leaders by surprise. Its hard to negotiate when youre dealing with someone as unpredictable as Donald Trump, said Ivan Slatkine, head of the Federation of Romandie Enterprises, which groups companies in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. We had a (Swiss) government that gave the impression the deal was done, it only awaited a signature from the president, Slatkine told The Associated Press over the phone. We have the impression that we were punished, but we dont know why. The United States is Switzerlands second-biggest trading partner after the EU, which nearly surrounds the Alpine country of more than 9 million. The Swiss government said Tuesdays trip was meant to facilitate meetings with the U.S. authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland. Swiss officials have argued that American goods face virtually zero tariffs in Switzerland, and the Swiss government says the wealthy Alpine country is the sixth-biggest foreign investor in the U.S. and the leading investor in research and development. Switzerlands powerful pharmaceutical industry which promised tens of billions of investments in the U.S. in recent months amid the tariff worries is exempt from the 39% rate. But Slatkine said the steep tariff level could be aimed to send Switzerlands Big Pharma epitomized by Roche and Novartis a message that it too could come under pressure. The Swiss stand The trip comes a day after Switzerlands executive branch, the Federal Council, held an extraordinary meeting and said it was keen to pursue talks with the United States on the tariff situation, according to a government statement. After consulting with Swiss businesses, the council said it had developed new approaches for its discussions with U.S. officials and was looking ahead to continued negotiations. Switzerland enters this new phase ready to present a more attractive offer, taking U.S. concerns into account and seeking to ease the current tariff situation, the council said. According to figures published by the Swiss Embassy in Washington, the U.S. has been Switzerlands most important goods export market since 2021, while Switzerland is the fourth most important export market for U.S. services not goods. The bilateral trade volume in goods and services between Switzerland and the U.S. reached a total of $185.9 billion in 2023, the embassy says on its website. By JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press Trumps politically motivated sanctions against Brazil strain relations among old allies View Photo SAO PAULO (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump has made clear who his new Latin America priority is: former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a personal and political ally. In doing so, he has damaged one of the Western hemispheres most important and long-standing relationships, by levying 50% tariffs that begin to take effect Wednesday on the largest Latin America economy, sanctioning its main justice and bringing relations between the two countries to the lowest point in decades. The White House has appeared to embrace a narrative pushed by Bolsonaro allies in the U.S., that the former Brazilian presidents prosecution for attempting to overturn his 2022 election loss is part of a deliberate breakdown in the rule of law, with the government engaging in politically motivated intimidation and committing human rights abuses, according to Trumps statement announcing the tariffs. The message was clear earlier, when Trump described Bolsonaros prosecution by Brazils Supreme Court as a witch hunt using the same phrase he has employed for the numerous investigations he has faced since his first term. Bolsonaro faces charges of orchestrating a coup attempt to stay in power after losing the 2022 election to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. A conviction could come in the next few months. The U.S. has a long history of meddling with the affairs of Latin American governments, but Trumps latest moves are unprecedented, said Steven Levitsky, a political scientist at Harvard University. This is a personalistic government that is adopting policies according to Trumps whims, Levitsky said. Bolsonaros sons, he noted, have close connections to Trumps inner circle. The argument has been bolstered by parallels between Bolsonaros prosecution and the attempted prosecution of Trump for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss, which ended when he won his second term last November. Hes been convinced Bolsonaro is a kindred spirit suffering a similar witch hunt, Levitsky said. Brazils institutions hold firm against political pressure After Bolsonaros defeat in 2022, Trump and his supporters echoed his baseless election fraud claims, treating him as a conservative icon and hosting him at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Steve Bannon, the former Trump adviser, recently told Brazils news website UOL that the U.S. would lift tariffs if Bolsonaros prosecution were dropped. Meeting that demand, however, is impossible for several reasons. Brazilian officials have consistently emphasized that the judiciary is independent. The executive branch, which manages foreign relations, has no control over Supreme Court justices, who in turn have stated they wont yield to political pressure. On Monday, the court ordered that Bolsonaro be placed under house arrest for violating court orders by spreading messages on social media through his sons accounts. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the case against Bolsonaro, was sanctioned under the U.S. Magnitsky Act, which is supposed to target serious human rights offenders. De Moraes has argued that defendants were granted full due process and said he would ignore the sanctions and continue his work. The ask for Lula was undoable, said Bruna Santos of the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington, D.C., about dropping the charges against Bolsonaro. In the long run, you are leaving a scar on the relationship between the two largest democracies in the hemisphere. Magnitsky sanctions twist the law Three key factors explain the souring of U.S.-Brazil ties in recent months, said Oliver Stuenkel, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: growing alignment between the far-right in both countries; Brazils refusal to cave to tariff threats; and the countrys lack of lobbying in Washington. Lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaros third son, has been a central figure linking Brazils far-right with Trumps MAGA movement. He took a leave from Brazils Congress and moved to the U.S. in March, but he has long cultivated ties in Trumps orbit. Eduardo openly called for Magnitsky sanctions against de Moraes and publicly thanked Trump after the 50% tariffs were announced in early July. Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern, author of the Magnitsky Act, which allows the U.S. to sanction individual foreign officials who violate human rights, called the administrations actions horrible. They make things up to protect someone who says nice things about Donald Trump, McGovern told The Associated Press. Bolsonaros son helps connect far right in US and Brazil Eduardo Bolsonaros international campaign began immediately after his fathers 2022 loss. Just days after the elections, he met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. As investigations against Bolsonaro and his allies deepened, the Brazilian far right adopted a narrative of judicial persecution and censorship, an echo of Trump and his allies who have claimed the U.S. justice system was weaponized against him. Brazils Supreme Court and Electoral Court are among the worlds strictest regulators of online discourse: they can order social media takedowns and arrests for spreading misinformation or other content it rules anti-democratic. But until recently, few believed Eduardos efforts to punish Brazils justices would succeed. That began to change last year when billionaire Elon Musk clashed with de Moraes over censorship on X and threatened to defy court orders by pulling its legal representative from Brazil. In response, de Moraes suspended the social media platform from operating in the country for a month and threatened operations of another Musk company, Starlink. In the end, Musk blinked. Fabio de Sa e Silva, a professor of international and Brazilian studies at the University of Oklahoma, said Eduardos influence became evident in May 2024, when he and other right-wing allies secured a hearing before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. It revealed clear coordination between Bolsonaro supporters and sectors of the U.S. Republican Party, he said. Its a strategy to pressure Brazilian democracy from the outside. A last-minute tariff push yields some wins Brazil has a diplomatic tradition of maintaining a low-key presence in Washington, Stuenkel said. That vacuum created an opportunity for Eduardo Bolsonaro to promote a distorted narrative about Brazil among Republicans and those closest to Trump. Now Brazil is paying the price, he said. After Trump announced sweeping tariffs in April, Brazil began negotiations. President Lula and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin Brazils lead trade negotiator said they have held numerous meetings with U.S. trade officials since then. Lula and Trump have never spoken, and the Brazilian president has repeatedly said Washington ignored Brazils efforts to negotiate ahead of the tariffs implementation. Privately, diplomats say they felt the decisions were made inside the White House, within Trumps inner circle a group they had no access to. A delegation of Brazilian senators traveled to Washington in the final week of July in a last-ditch effort to defuse tensions. The group, led by Senator Nelsinho Trad, met with business leaders with ties to Brazil and nine U.S. senators only one of them Republican, Thom Tillis of North Carolina. We found views on Brazil were ideologically charged, Trad told The AP. But we made an effort to present economic arguments. While the delegation was in Washington, Trump signed the order imposing the 50% tariff. But there was relief: not all Brazilian imports would be hit. Exemptions included civil aircraft and parts, aluminum, tin, wood pulp, energy products and fertilizers. Trad believes Brazils outreach may have helped soften the final terms. I think the path has to remain one of dialogue and reason so we can make progress on other fronts, he said. ___ Associated Press writer Mauricio Savarese in Sao Paulo contributed to this report. By GABRIELA SA PESSOA and NICHOLAS RICCARDI Associated Press Michigan Gov. Whitmer makes another White House visit to meet with Trump View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the toll tariffs are taking on the auto industry and the potential effects of his tax and spending bill on Medicaid. Its the latest in a string of meetings between the Democratic governor and the Republican president after the two frequently clashed during his first term. In his second term, Whitmer has adopted a more diplomatic approach, drawing some backlash from fellow Democrats. But its also resulted in multiple wins for Whitmers state, including Trumps approving $50 million in storm relief and awarding a new fighter jet mission for an Air National Guard base in the state. Ive always said that Ill work with anyone to get things done for Michigan, Whitmer, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, said in a statement Tuesday. Thats why Ive continued to go to Washington, D.C., to make sure that Michiganders are front and center when critical decisions are being made. The private meeting between Trump and Whitmer her third trip to the White House this year, in addition to a dinner in February where she sat next to Trump marks a rare cordial relationship between the president and a leading Democratic figure. A White House official would not confirm the meeting but did stress Trumps continued focus on Michigan. In recent weeks, Trump attacked Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, telling him to go to hell, while also taking aim at other high-profile Democratic governors who have pushed back on some of his policies, including Californias Gavin Newsom and Illinois JB Pritzker, also considered possible 2028 candidates. Pritzker has aided Texas Democrats in leaving their state for Illinois to block Republicans from their needed quorum to pass a new congressional map backed by Trump. Early Tuesday, Trump called Pritzker probably the dumbest of all governors in a television interview. Trump, however, has taken a different tone with Whitmer. Earlier this year, he said that she is a very good person who has done an excellent job. Whitmer has treaded carefully with Trump, criticizing some of his policies rather than the president himself. She issued an executive directive last week to assess the impact of tariffs that she said have led to massive economic uncertainty without mentioning Trumps name once. Tuesdays appearance ended with far less controversy than some of her other encounters with Trump this year. In a trip to the White House in April, she was unexpectedly ushered into the Oval Office, shielding her face with a folder at one point before standing awkwardly nearby as the Republican president signed executive orders and assailed his political opponents during a photo opportunity. Weeks later, the Democratic governor shared a hug with Trump as he arrived in her home state. In their White House meeting Tuesday, Whitmer said that she told Trump and his team about the impact tariffs are having on Michigans economy, especially our auto industry. She also discussed changes in the Medicaid program, and ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm in Northern Michigan this year. Whitmer also saw Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and chief of staff Susie Wiles while at the White House. Trump announced last month that he had spoken with Whitmer to inform her that he was appproving $50 million in federal funds for Michigan to support repairs and recovery from a March ice storm. In April, Trump traveled to Michigan to announce a new mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which Whitmer has sought for years. By JOEY CAPPELLETTI Associated Press Bondi moves forward on Justice Department investigation into origins of Trump-Russia probe View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed that the Justice Department move forward with a probe into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation following the recent release of documents aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the inquiry that established that Moscow interfered on the Republicans behalf in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Bondi has directed a prosecutor to present evidence to a grand jury after referrals from the Trump administrations top intelligence official, a person familiar with the matter said Monday. That person was not authorized to discuss it by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Fox News first reported the development. It was not clear which former officials might be the target of any grand jury activity, where the grand jury that might ultimately hear evidence will be located or which prosecutors whether career employees or political appointees might be involved in pursuing the investigation. It was also not clear what precise claims of misconduct Trump administration officials believe could form the basis of criminal charges, which a grand jury would have to sign off on for an indictment to be issued. The development is likely to heighten concerns that the Justice Department is being used to achieve political ends given longstanding grievances over the Russia investigation voiced by President Donald Trump, who has called for the jailing of perceived political adversaries, and because any criminal investigation would revisit one of the most dissected chapters of modern American political history. It is also surfacing at a time when the Trump administration is being buffeted by criticism over its handling of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation. The initial, years-old investigation into Russian election interference resulted in the appointment of a special counsel, Robert Mueller, who secured multiple convictions against Trump aides and allies but did not establish proof of a criminal conspiracy between Moscow and the Trump campaign. The inquiry shadowed much of Trumps first term in office and he has long focused his ire on senior officials from the intelligence and law enforcement community, including former FBI Director James Comey, whom he fired in May 2017, and former CIA Director John Brennan. The Justice Department appeared to confirm an investigation into both men in an unusual statement last month but offered no details. Multiple special counsels, congressional committees and the Justice Departments own inspector general have studied and documented a multi-pronged effort by Russia to interfere in the 2016 presidential election on Trumps behalf, including through a hack-and-leak dump of Democratic emails and a covert social media operation aimed at sowing discord and swaying public opinion. But that conclusion has been aggressively challenged in recent weeks as Trumps director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and other allies have released previously classified records that they hope will cast doubt on the extent of Russian interference and establish an Obama administration effort to falsely link Trump to Russia. In one batch of documents released last month, Gabbard disclosed emails showing that senior Obama administration officials were aware in 2016 that Russians had not hacked state election systems to manipulate the votes in Trumps favor. But President Barack Obamas administration never alleged that votes were tampered with and had instead detailed other forms of election interference and foreign influence. A new outcry surfaced last week when Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released a set of emails that FBI Director Kash Patel claimed on social media proved that the Clinton campaign plotted to frame President Trump and fabricate the Russia collusion hoax. The emails were part of a classified annex of a report issued in 2023 by John Durham, the special counsel who was appointed during the first Trump administration to hunt for any government misconduct during the Russia investigation. Durham did identify significant flaws in the investigation but uncovered no bombshells to disprove the existence of Russian election interference. His sprawling probe produced three criminal cases; two resulted in acquittals by a jury and the third was a guilty plea from a little-known FBI lawyer to a charge of making a false statement. Republicans seized on a July 27, 2016, email in Durhams newly declassified annex that claimed that Hillary Clinton, then the Democratic candidate for president, had approved a plan during the heat of the campaign to link Trump with Russia. But the purported author of the email, a senior official at a philanthropic organization founded by billionaire investor George Soros, told Durhams team he had never sent the email and the alleged recipient said she never recalled receiving it. Durhams own report took pain to note that investigators had not corroborated the communications as authentic and said the best assessment was that the message was a composites of several emails the Russians had obtained from hacking raising the likelihood that it was a product of Russian disinformation. The FBIs Russia investigation was opened on July 31, 2016, following a tip that a Trump campaign adviser, George Papadopoulos, had told an Australian diplomat that he had learned that Russia was in possession of dirt on Clinton. By ERIC TUCKER and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press Photo: https://uweaforum.com/ On 910 September, Lviv will host the Ukrainian Wind Energy Forum, an international platform for discussing investments, technologies, and strategies for the development of wind energy in Ukraine. The event will bring together representatives of the government, business, international organisations, and leading companies in the industry. This year's theme, Rebuilding the country with wind power, focuses on the role of wind energy in the post-war reconstruction of the energy sector. The programme for the first day includes six thematic sessions on financing, logistics, technological innovations, development, operation, and regulatory changes. Speakers include representatives from WindEurope, Vestas, the EBRD, Oschadbank, DTEK RES, KNESS Group, Huawei Digital Power and other key market players. The second day of the Forum offers participants a unique opportunity to visit Ukrainian wind farms in the mountainous region, which were built during the Great War. The detailed programme is available on the official website of the Forum. East Palo Alto, like cities across California, has a law on the books that forces developers of new housing projects to foot the bill for the states shortage of affordable homes. New residential projects need to set aside a share of the units they plan to build for lower-income renters and homeowners under the terms of the citys inclusionary zoning ordinance. Builders who refuse have to instead pay a fee, ranging from the tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. An East Palo Alto homeowner filed a lawsuit in federal court on Thursday challenging the constitutionality of that law, likening it to extortion and he had a little help from the U.S. Supreme Court. The implications of the lawsuit range far beyond the Bay Area. A 2017 report estimated that 149 cities and counties across California have some form of inclusionary zoning rule, though the specific terms vary. That makes it one of the most commonly used affordable housing programs both in California and in the country. Now all that may be on the constitutional chopping block. The case was filed in federal court in San Francisco by Wesley Yu, a husband and father between jobs, who was planning to build a home and backyard guest cottage for himself and his extended family on a neighboring parcel. Because Yu was planning to construct two new structures, the citys inclusionary zoning rules kicked in, requiring him to either sell or rent out one of the units at affordable rates or to pay a one-time fee of $54,891 to be deposited in the citys affordable housing subsidy fund. The core of Yus lawsuit, which was filed by the libertarian-oriented Pacific Legal Foundation, draws on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling from last year that also emerged from a heated California housing dispute. That case was brought by Placerville septuagenarian, George Sheetz, who contested that the government of El Dorado County had not done enough to justify the $23,420 traffic fee it placed on his home construction project. Sheetzs case drew on the U.S. Constitutions Fifth Amendment, which puts limits on when the government can take private property. Decades of court rulings have said that if a local government wants to base approval of a construction permit on certain conditions, those conditions have to directly relate to the costs associated with the development. A city, for example, might be able to hold off on approving a new dump until a developer pays an environmental clean up fee, but not a fee to fund local arts and recreation. Courts have also ruled that such exactions on private development should be roughly proportionate to their cost. That is, the $23,420 that El Dorado County wanted to impose on Sheetz should match the cost of fixing the wear and tear his new home would leave on local roads. The Supreme Court agreed that these standards ought to apply to the impact fee. Now Yu and his legal team are asking a federal judge to apply that same rule to inclusionary zoning. For East Palo Altos program to pass constitutional muster, the city would have to show that the $54,891 fee or the requirement to set aside new units at a discount relates to and matches the cost that Yus development would impose upon the city. The city wont be able to show that, said David Deerson, the lead lawyer representing Yu. New residential development doesnt have a negative impact on housing affordability. If anything, it has a positive impact, he said. A growingbodyofeconomicresearch has indeed found that local market-rate development puts downward pressure on neighborhood and city-wide rents. Affordable housing in California zoning In the past, California courts have ruled that the high constitutional bar set by the Fifth Amendment doesnt apply to inclusionary zoning programs like the one in East Palo Alto. Requiring private developers to toss in some added affordable housing isnt an exaction, the courts have found, but a standard land-use restriction akin to any other zoning rule. Whether a city decides it needs more schools, apartment buildings, businesses or, in the case of inclusionary zoning, affordable housing, it has broad power under the constitution to decide, for the good of the general welfare, that were going to require this, said Mike Rawson, director of litigation at the Public Interest Law Project. The state Supreme Court ruled as such most recently in 2015. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to weigh in, a tacit approval. They can always change their mind, said Rawson. I dont see a basis for it, though obviously that doesnt necessarily stop them. The composition of the court has changed since 2015, veering sharply to the right. The Sheetz decision from last year has offered new fodder for legal challenges to inclusionary zoning. Sheetz really helps out here a lot in that campaign, said Deerson. He pointed to other challenges in Denver and Teton County, Wyoming. I would expect them to keep coming. Tradeoffs in housing policy If and when the nations highest court takes up the issue of inclusionary zoning, it will be wading into one of the more politically charged debates in housing policy. Evidence on the impact of these laws is mixed. Requiring private developers to build affordable units can and regularly does result in more local housing options for lower income tenants at no additional cost to taxpayers. By putting affordable and market-rate units side-by-side, they also promote economic and racial integration, supporters argue. But inclusionary requirements can also make any given housing project less profitable, meaning that fewer units get built, leading to higher prices and rents overall. In housing markets, like Californias, that see relatively little new development, the rate at which these programs add designated affordable units to the housing stock is also quite slow. That policy debate isnt relevant to the legal case, which will be fought and won over abstract constitutional principles. But for libertarian-leaning groups like the Pacific Legal Foundation, building industry groups and many Yes In My Backyard housing development advocates, an end to inclusionary zoning would be a win on both fronts. In addition to being illegal, I think that these inclusionary zoning policies are also frankly stupid, said Deerson. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By BEN CHRISTOPHER/CalMatters CalMatters Japans aging atomic bomb survivors speak out against nuclear weapons View Photo HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) Eighty years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, many of the remaining Japanese survivors are increasingly frustrated by growing nuclear threats and the acceptance of nuclear weapons by global leaders. The U.S. attacks on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and three days later on Nagasaki killed more than 200,000 people by the end of that year. Others survived but with radiation illness. About 100,000 survivors are still alive. Many hid their experiences to protect themselves and their families from discrimination that still exists. Others couldnt talk about what happened because of the trauma they suffered. Some of the aging survivors have begun to speak out late in their lives, hoping to encourage others to push for the end of nuclear weapons. An English-speaking guide at Hiroshimas peace park Despite numerous health issues, survivor Kunihiko Iida, 83, has devoted his retirement years to telling his story as a way to advocate for nuclear disarmament. He volunteers as a guide at Hiroshimas Peace Memorial Park. He wants to raise awareness among foreigners because he feels their understanding of the bombings is lacking. It took him 60 years to be able to talk about his ordeal in public. When the U.S. dropped a uranium bomb on Hiroshima, Iida was 900 meters (yards) away from the hypocenter, at a house where his mother grew up. He was 3 years old. He remembers the intensity of the blast. It was as if he was thrown out of a building. He found himself alone underneath the debris, bleeding from shards of broken glass all over his body. Mommy, help! he tried to scream, but his voice didnt come out. Eventually he was rescued by his grandfather. Within a month, his 25-year-old mother and 4-year-old sister died after developing nosebleeds, skin problems and fatigue. Iida had similar radiation effects through elementary school, though he gradually regained his health. He was almost 60 when he finally visited the peace park at the hypocenter, the first time since the bombing, asked by his aging aunt to keep her company. After he decided to start telling his story, it wasnt easy. Overwhelmed by emotion, it took him a few years before he could speak in public. In June, he met with students in Paris, London and Warsaw on a government-commissioned peace program. Despite his worries about how his calls for nuclear abolishment would be perceived in nuclear-armed states like Britain and France, he received applause and handshakes. Iida says he tries to get students to imagine the aftermath of a nuclear attack, how it would destroy both sides and leave behind highly radioactive contamination. The only path to peace is nuclear weapons abolishment. There is no other way, Iida said. A regular at anti-war protests Fumiko Doi, 86, would not have survived the atomic bombing on Nagasaki if a train she was on had been on time. The train was scheduled to arrive at Urakami station around 11 a.m., just when the bomb was dropped above a nearby cathedral. With the delay, the train was 5 kilometers (3 miles) away. Through the windows, Doi, then 6, saw the flash. She covered her eyes and bent over as shards of broken windows rained down. Nearby passengers covered her for protection. People on the street had their hair burnt. Their faces were charcoal black and their clothes were in pieces, she said. Doi told her children of the experience in writing, but long hid her status as a survivor because of fear of discrimination. Doi married another survivor. She worried their four children would suffer from radiation effects. Her mother and two of her three brothers died of cancer, and two sisters have struggled with their health. Her father, a local official, was mobilized to collect bodies and soon developed radiation symptoms. He later became a teacher and described what hed seen, his sorrow and pain in poetry, a teary Doi explained. Doi began speaking out after seeing the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster following a strong earthquake and tsunami, which caused radioactive contamination. She travels from her home in Fukuoka to join anti-war rallies, and speaks out against atomic weapons. Some people have forgotten about the atomic bombings Thats sad, she said, noting that some countries still possess and develop nuclear weapons more powerful than those used 80 years ago. If one hits Japan, we will be destroyed. If more are used around the world, thats the end of the Earth, she said. Thats why I grab every chance to speak out. At Hiroshima, learning from survivors After the 2023 Hiroshima G7 meeting of global leaders and the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the grassroots survivors group Nihon Hidankyo last year, visitors to Hiroshima and Nagasaki peace museums have soared, with about one third of them coming from abroad. On a recent day, most of the visitors at the Hiroshima peace park were non-Japanese. Samantha Anne, an American, said she wanted her children to understand the bombing. Its a reminder of how much devastation one decision can make, Anne said. Katsumi Takahashi, a 74-year-old volunteer specializing in guided walks of the area, welcomes foreign visitors but worries about Japanese youth ignoring their own history. On his way home, Iida, the survivor and guide, stopped by a monument dedicated to the children killed. Millions of colorful paper cranes, known as the symbol of peace, hung nearby, sent from around the world. Even a brief encounter with a survivor made the tragedy more real, Melanie Gringoire, a French visitor, said after Iidas visit. Its like sharing a little piece of history. ___ Associated Press video journalists Mayuko Ono and Ayaka McGill contributed to this report. By MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press Theodore Postol is a retired MIT physics professor who was a consultant to the Pentagon on nuclear weapons and missile defense. He recently published a presentation on Irans nuclear weapons capability, which he summarized in a YouTube interview. Professor Postol explains, in considerable detail, how the construction of a deliverable fission bomb is well within the capabilities of Iran. His full presentation .PDF is available here, and I will show some of the key slides. Curiously,this information has not been reported in the mass media. I will explain why this is a big story, and why it has been suppressed. How Iran Can Build a Bomb To make an operational nuclear weapon, Iran needs three things: 1. Fissile material Using information gathered by the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) monitoring Irans nuclear activities, Professor Postol lays our a chain of reasoning starting with the current stockpile of 60% enriched U235 and ending with the creation of bomb-grade U235 sufficient for making multiple fission bombs. There is no evidence that the 60% enriched material was destroyed during the recent attacks by Israel and the U.S., and Iran would have been highly motivated to securely store this relatively small quantity of material. A key point of this presentation is that Irans existing stockpile of 60% enriched U235 can be further enriched to a weapons grade of 83.7% with a fraction of the resources required to perform the original enrichment from U238, and that the production facilities needed would easily fit in a small commercial building. 2. A compact bomb design The simplest design for a nuclear bomb uses U235 and creates a critical mass by very rapidly joining sub-critical portions of the fissile material by explosive means. This was the method used in the atomic bomb that the U.S. dropped on Hiroshima. The physics determining the results are so straightforward that no testing is required. The explosive yield of a missile-deliverable rudimentary warhead of this type is relatively low (10-20 kilotons) compared to plutonium fission or thermonuclear weapons, but it is sufficient to destroy a city. The estimated explosive yield of the bomb design described by Professor Postol, 7 to 20 kilotons, would be roughly equivalent in destructive power to the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 (15 kilotons). Hiroshimas population at that time (350,00) was roughly the same size as that of present day Haifa (290,00). 3. An effective delivery system Iran possesses multiple missile systems capable of delivering a 100 kg nuclear payload from Iran to Israel, including Sejjil-2, Khaybar Shekan, Fattah, and Dezful. All of these enable nuclear warhead delivery and have additional payload capacity for decoys to counter interceptor missiles. Maneuvering and hypersonic designs (e.g., Khaybar Shekan and Fattah) further complicate Israeli defenses. Strategic Implications of an Iranian Bomb The main value for Iran of having a nuclear weapons capability is deterrence. Israel can no longer threaten Iran with complete destruction through nuclear attack or a full-fledged U.S. ground invasion. Even a few nuclear missiles could entirely devastate Israel and inflict unacceptable casualties on U.S. forces in the region. While Israel has a sophisticated civil defense system oriented toward conventional and chemical missile threats, it lacks the infrastructure to protect the general population from radiation exposure following a nuclear attack. There are limited radiation-hardened shelters, no mass fallout protection for urban populations, and no publicly disclosed national-scale radiation response system. Israels nuclear defense strategy leans heavily on deterrence and interception, not population shielding against nuclear aftermath. A 10-kiloton nuclear detonation over Tel Aviv could cause up to 100,000 immediate deaths and half a million total casualties, while a strike on Haifa could result in 40,00070,000 deaths and 300,000+ injured, especially if industrial zones are hit. These are conservative estimates; actual numbers could be higher depending on detonation specifics and emergency response capability. The economic, environmental, and geopolitical consequences would be catastrophic. Nuclear strikes against Iran by Israel would be similarly horrific. The possibility of an Iranian nuclear strike nullifies Israels conventional missile defense doctrine of only intercepting missiles projected to strike populated areas or critical infrastructure. While such selective engagement conserves interceptor resources during conventional attacks, it becomes untenable when facing a potential nuclear threat. Even a low-yield nuclear detonation causes widespread destruction including blast damage, thermal radiation, EMP, and fallout far beyond a single impact point, making any missile that enters national airspace a strategic threat. In this context, all incoming ballistic missiles must be treated as potentially nuclear-armed, regardless of their projected trajectory. This necessitates full engagement of all targets, regardless of whether they appear to threaten specific structures. As a result, the presence or even the suspicion of nuclear warheads dramatically increases the burden on missile defense systems and undermines any defense strategy based on triaging perceived risk. It is likely that Iran will follow the example of Israel and refuse to declare its possession of nuclear weapons. This will shield the program somewhat from criticism, but enough information will be leaked or discovered to make the nuclear capability credible. It is a sad irony that aggressive military action to prevent Irans development of a nuclear weapon may have finally convinced Iran that such a development is necessary. The Silence of the Sheep The absence of commentary in the mainstream media on Professor Postols declaration of an Iranian nuclear capability can be explained mainly by the timidity of todays mass media. Reporting this story would make Trumps declaration of ending Irans nuclear program appear foolish. This could trigger punitive action by the Trump administration against the business interests of the media owners. Editors and journalists may conceal their political fears by declaring that there is no confirmation of Postols assertions by the U.S. intelligence community, but this is the same community that has been spinning like a weather vane in the political winds, alternately confirming and denying Irans nuclear weapons program for years. Conclusion Based on Professor Postols arguments, it is very likely that Iran either already has a deliverable nuclear weapon, or that it could produce one in the very near future. This development means a dead end for Israels strategy of eliminating Iran as a regional adversary. Israel will not be able to persuade the U.S. to invade a nuclear-armed Iran, and Israel will no longer be able to threaten Iran with a nuclear strike without fear of nuclear retaliation. The misguided militaristic foreign policies of Israel and the U.S. have resulted in another instance of nuclear weapons proliferation, and more will likely follow as long as these nations persist in using military force as their primary geopolitical tool. If Israel and the U.S. continue to live by the sword, they will find nuclear swords appearing in the hands of other nations. Yves here. While its good to see community groups redoubling their efforts to feed the hungry, the fact that this push is occurring is the result of widespread cuts in Federal food program cuts. The one described below, Food Rescue, takes undamaged surplus products from wholesalers to food banks, schools and food pantries. There are also programs that take extras from retailers. One fancy grocer on the Upper East Side had its own bakery and sold only same-day wares. Id usually come right before closing time and would see the staff assembling big bags of loaves and rolls. They told me they were going to a food charity. But even so, they often had even more leftovers that they told me they tossed :-( The Trump Administration assault on the disadvantaged is multi-fronted. KFF Health News has two recent stories that focus on another dimension: that of Medicaid cuts, in New Medicaid Federal Work Requirements Mean Less Leeway for States and Red Tape Ahead for Millions on Medicaid. The second one is particularly disturbing. Citizens who by all standards are satisfying the Medicaid work rules are denied coverage through the Kafkaesque (non)approval process. And dont kid yourself that you are exempt from this sort of thing. Anyone who receives benefits, and potentially anyone who deals with Federal bureaucracies (think the IRS) will increasingly be subjected to this sort of stonewalling. On current trajectories of immiseration of the poor, I wonder how far the US is from having impoverished families turn kids over to orphanages because they can no longer feed them, as happens in some supposedly middle income countries. And yes, the parents are distraught when they feel they have no other option. By Mia Hollie, a data reporting fellow at THE CITY. Originally published at THE CITY on August 5, 2025 Fresh produce in the Common Pantry Bronx warehouse is ready for delivery to food banks, July 29, 2025. Credit: Alex Krales/THE CITY Nestled inside a small warehouse room in Hunts Point Produce Market on a recent Tuesday, workers for the nonprofit organization Sharing Excess chucked flawed cucumbers into a large cardboard box. As forklifts zig-zagged across the food rescue organizations dock, the team members assessed the remaining stash of cucumbers, checking for signs of decay such as mold, mushy textures and rotten smells. They then sorted the viable cucumbers into mixed and single-item pallets of produce. Sharing Excess retrieves unsellable food from market wholesalers, inspects it and then distributes whats still good to eat to more than 150 food pantries and other organizations that serve food-insecure New Yorkers. Founded in Philadelphia in 2018, Sharing Excess took root in New York City two years ago as part of a national expansion and now distributes about a million pounds a month of whatever it can glean from the market. Days when the sounds of machinery, chatter and shuffled boxes and pallets fill the air are typical at Sharing Excess, said its New York program director Miranda Potmesil. But the operation has grown increasingly busy as some food banks and pantries turn to food rescue to fill the gap left by the elimination of federal programs that previously helped them buy food from local farmers and producers. In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notified states that it was canceling future rounds of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement program. Known in the state as New York Food for New York Families, the program provides funding to food banks, pantries, schools and other community organizations to purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy products and breads from local farmers and producers. The states Department of Agriculture and Markets had received a total of $49.6 million through two previous rounds, but an expected new influx of $24 million now will not be coming from the USDA. Since the federal programs cancellation, Potmesil said Sharing Excess Hunts Point operation has added 18 organizations to its weekly and biweekly pickup schedules, as well as 12 additional groups for one-time or occasional pickups, resulting in 70,000 additional pounds of redistributed produce each week. This increase represents scarcity of resources on the ground for the families and individuals we serve, but also for the organizations which have seen deep budget cuts to social safety net programs, Potmesil said. One of the emergency food providers adding more rescued food to its mix is New York Common Pantry which procured 28,000 pounds of rescued food from Sharing Excess in June, up from just 9,000 in March. The group had received a $2 million grant through the states USDA-funded program accounting for 13% of the organizations operating budget, its executives told THE CITY in April. None of us are equipped, said Judy Secon, the groups deputy executive director. We all need to be working together to confront this problem, and none of us have the available resources to do that. A Weight Off Our Shoulders A few blocks from the Sharing Excess warehouse, Cristofer Jorge operated a forklift at the Common Pantry warehouse, plopping large pallets of fresh cantaloupes, apples and grapes in between industrial racks stacked with canned lentils and tuna. In an opposite corner, coworkers placed fresh grapes, peaches, potatoes and onions into clear bags, turning delivered boxes and pallets of food into groceries. Common Pantry workers pack produce at their Bronx warehouse, July 29, 2025. Credit: Alex Krales/THE CITY The rescued food takes a weight off of our shoulders, said warehouse supervisor Anthony Lallave, as he oversaw the packaging of grocery bags for distribution to schools, places of worship, housing projects and other community-based organizations, as well as Common Pantrys own sites in East Harlem and Crotona Park East. The New York Food for New York Families program helped Common Pantry purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and breads foods that make up the bulk of the nutritionally balanced meals that pantries strive to offer their visitors. The USDA generally recommends that fruits and vegetables make up half of a meal, with proteins and grains making up the rest. Sharing Excess is not the only group gleaning unwanted food: the Food Bank for New York City also rescues produce from the Hunts Point Market, and City Harvest has rescued and distributed to soup kitchens and pantries since the 1980s. As in Philadelphia, Sharing Excess streamlines the process of rescuing food by operating from inside the wholesale market. Just based on work that we did there we were capturing millions and millions of pounds even in the first year we were like, okay, obviously this is something that is needed within the broader food supply chain, Potmesil said. Lets see if we can make this work in another market. That level of access, Potmesil said, means that the organization can streamline supplies to a wide range of food providers, including other food rescue nonprofits. Sharing Excess works with nearly all of the produce markets vendors to retrieve foods that they otherwise cant sell, potentially because the vendor has a surplus of a particular item. Supermarkets and other wholesale buyers also tend to want food that has a long shelf life, lasting up to a week after receiving it from a vendor, Potmesil said. With food rescue, she said, food is typically gleaned from the vendors, sorted and then distributed all on the same day. The partnership is beneficial to the produce markets vendors, too. Tossing food they havent yet sold requires vendors to pay for the cost of disposal, she said. But through the partnership, they receive tax deductions based on the poundage that they turn over to Sharing Excess. For them, the thinking is also, Why would I dump this stuff as opposed to feeding thousands of people? Potmesil said. On a recent Friday, Jessica Ponce joined a line of dozens of people waiting to enter Corsi Houses Neighborhood Senior Center in East Harlem, where the nonprofit Ending Homelessness & Building a Better NYC was giving away food received from Sharing Excess. Her 83-year-old mother lives in nearby senior housing and has been coming to the center for more than 20 years. She didnt know that the food had been rescued from places like Hunts Point Market. Great! she said, while looking at the idling Sharing Excess truck nearby. If its gonna get damaged, you might as well give it to those who need it. Food banks, schools and other organizations historically used federal funding to grow their operations by expanding their hours, bringing in more product and volunteers, or changing their purchasing practices. The Food Bank for New York City, for instance, used its New York Food for New York Families funding to develop a program where 30 BIPOC farmers learned more about marketing their products. The program also resulted in those farmers distributing 900,000 pounds of food through the Food Bank. In 2022 and 2023, United Way of New York City used its $800,000 award to team up with the worker cooperative Brooklyn Packers, which distributed 300,000 pounds of fresh produce gleaned from 15 farm businesses. Now, say executives, they are losing funding just as the people they serve are enduring a cost-of-living crisis. To lose a grant in communities where we have seen 132% of cost of living going up, and wages only going up by 75%, its detrimental to the organization, but also to the community, said President and CEO of United Way of New York City Grace Bonilla. The Met Council, a Jewish nonprofit that mostly distributes kosher and halal products, has also resorted to securing private funds, said CEO and Executive Director David Greenfield. Its previous $2 million grant helped the organization boost its ability to distribute foods like eggs, yogurt, chicken and milk, a service that he said theyve now had to limit. Were going to have to rely on city, state and private philanthropy to make up the difference, but no single source is going to be enough, Greenfield said. China mapped its industrial rise onto a single risk, seaborne oil under U.S.-policed chokepoints. At peak, 80% of crude arrived by tanker; the Malacca Strait is the throat. In a crisis, a blockade would aim to strangle the economy. China Does Not Want To Be Hit By Missiles Produced With Its Parts Moon of Alabama (Kevin W) Hidden genius from the masses! A talented Chinese DIY maker has 3D-printed an incredible all-terrain robot that conquers land, water, and air with ease. Netizens in China are buzzing about its massive military potential. It could be the future of tech. pic.twitter.com/45z4XIi2Vi Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) August 3, 2025 Trump, whose actions are regularly driven by his (often mistaken) perceptions of weakness in other parties, has decided to have a go at India over its purchases of Russian oil. The fact that so far, India is the only country singled out for this treatment suggests that Trump thinks he is engaging in Kill the chicken to scare the monkey behavior, that by punishing India, he can get others to fall into line without implementing additional secondary sanctions. Many experts have pointed out, much like the shock and awe sanctions that the Collective West imposed on Russia, that imposition of secondary sanctions on major trade partners, particularly China, have good odds of damaging the US more than the target. India appears to have no intent of backing down. Keep in mind that even though India does not export Russian crude (India does not export oil at all), it is widely believed to export products from refined from Russian oil, particularly to Europe. However, as well discuss, the Trump plan is putting pressure on some unresolved issues in Indian-Russian oil trade, beyond the fact that India will seek a further discount on its energy buys beyond the one it is getting now. A new interview of John Helmer by Dimitri Lascaris gives considerable insight into the India reaction and likely next steps. In particular, Helmer discusses unresolved Russia-India payment systems issues at some length. First, an overview of the Trump threat from Bloomberg: President Donald Trump said he would be substantially raising the tariff on Indian exports to the US over New Delhis purchases of Russian oil, ramping up his threat to target a major trading partner Trumps post did not specify how much he would raise the levy by. Trump last week announced a 25% rate on Indian exports, shocking New Delhi after months of negotiations failed to secure a breakthrough. He also threatened more action if India continued to buy oil from Russia India has been a top Trump target in the campaign to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. New Delhi has been defiant, however, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has had warm relations with Trump in the past responding to the US presidents threat by urging Indians to buy local goods and signaling that his administration will continue to buy Russian oil. Modis government hasnt given Indian oil refiners instructions to stop buying Russian oil, and no decision has been taken on whether to halt the purchases, people familiar with the situation told Bloomberg Trump may have been advised that India was vulnerable to US pressure due to the US being Indias largest trade partner. However, China and the UAE rank as more important export destinations than the US, reducing American leverage. From the World Bank: An OilPrice story published after the Trump hissy headlined that India Continues Russian Oil Imports Despite U.S. Sanctions. It did say there had been a pause in deliveries. Indias formal response was polite and logical, not that that matters to Trump.1 A cornerstone of their case was that energy supplies had been diverted to Europe after the Special Military Operation started and noting a bait and switch. Per the Financial Times: Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for Indias foreign ministry, said in response to Trumps Truth post: The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports for strengthening global energy markets stability. The pink paper also noted: Last year, Russia supplied India with one-third of its crude oil imports, or about 550mn barrels. The US, by contrast, sent just 52mn barrels during that period, according to data from data provider LSEG. The EU seems to believe that it is loaded for bear. From Politicos morning European newsletter: PUNISHING CHINA AND INDIA: Patience is running thin with China and India as the worlds most populous countries continue to fuel the Russian economy/war machine. Throwback Tuesday: Both Brussels and Washington appear to be moving in the same direction, plotting sanctions against Beijing and DelhiIts a whiff of old-school Western alignment that feels downright retro. TRUMP ADDS INJURY TO INDIA: After failing to reach a trade deal with Delhi, Trump is claiming moral authority to dish out even steeper duties. EU SANCTIONS COMING FOR BEIJING: Separately, Brussels is preparing to push for sanctions against China over its involvement in supporting Russias war on Ukraine. Context: The move follows a July Reuters report that Chinese-made drone engines have been covertly shipped to Russia via front companies, labeled as industrial refrigeration units to evade Western sanctions. Escalating involvement: The expose triggered alarm in Brussels. Fifteen EU countries have confronted Beijing about the shipments, but China has either denied involvement or refused to respond. The report is accurate and it shows China is escalating its role, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the diplomat said. Its fair to say that without Chinese support, the war would look very different right now. Whats next: According to the diplomat, the EU has been aware of Chinese drone transfers to Russia since before reports surfaced. After August, well push for sanctions, the diplomat said, warning that the bloc shouldnt underestimate its economic leverage. We want dialogue, but also action. ABOUT THAT ECONOMIC LEVERAGE Chinese tech giant Baidu and Lyft, an American ride-hailing service, are teaming up and plan to start operating Chinese-built driverless cars in Germany and the U.K. next year, they announced Monday. Uber and Momenta shared similar ambitions earlier this year. As the New York Times Keith Bradsher notes, the Chinese EVs are still the cheapest available despite the EUs harsh tariffs. This is pathetic. So the EU can bar Chinese expansion into the EU, when China can cut of rare earths and other critical tech product inputs? Back to India. Readers may recall that Indian Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar has repeatedly maintained that India has the right to buy oil at the cheapest price, and that that is particularly important for India given how many Indians are poor: #WATCH | We have seen that India-Russia relationship has worked to advantage so if it works to my advantage I would like to keep that going: EAM S Jaishankar during a press briefing, in Moscow on Russian oil imports pic.twitter.com/ddcB7ryAfH ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2022 Quite a few comments on Twitter challenged the idea that Indian citizens were benefitting from discounted Russian oil: Buying Russian oil is our choice though that is the bone of contention now between India and USA. But the irony is Indian citizens got no benefit from this cheap import of oil from Russia. We are still paying a very high price of fuel. Don't know who all got benefit from D.Muthukrishnan (@dmuthuk) August 4, 2025 However, this is an interesting take, even though one would have to get a lot more granular to evaluate second-order effects: For India, losing 100% exports to the US (not 25% tariff, losing 100% exports) would have about the same effect as stopping buying oil from Russia. https://t.co/n5AOk7yvxp pic.twitter.com/GzfNCXEABd Nik Stankovic (@nikstankovic_) July 31, 2025 Now to the detail from Helmer on what Indias next moves are likely to be. From his talk with Dimitri Lascaris, staring at 20:55: Helmer: As I mentioned at the outset, were about to see apparently the imposition of massive, sanctions on buyers of Russian oil. Two of the largest, of course, are the Peoples Republic of China and India. The Chinese government has been adamant that these new sanctions, secondary sanctions as we lawyers refer to them, will not deter it from purchasing Russian oil. As for India, Trump stated a couple of days ago that he understands that India will stop buying Russian oil. But Trump seems to be talking again out of his rather large derriere. Official sources in India, quoted by the news agency ANI, said Indian oil companies had not paused Russian imports and that supply decisions were based on quote price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics, and other economic factors close quote. Lascaris: Now, um, John, I personally find that statement ambiguous because other economic factors could include new sanctions being imposed by the United States government. So its its not entirely clear to me that that statement indicates that India will uh proceed with business as usual although I think probably thats what it intends to do. what do you understand uh Indias position to be with respect to purchases of Russian oil and if in fact you agree uh with this uh assessment that its going to continue with business as usual um how do you think this is likely to impact uh Mods the Modi governments attitude towards the Trump administration? Helmer: well Im sure we agree but I dont describe this is business as usual. Secondary sanctions are a serious matter [At 23:15] What we are understand is that we are now with India and with China going into a new stage of economic warfare. And when were in that stage, we dont signal our punches. We dont signal our movements. Nobody tells Reuters or Bloomberg or the shipping agencies which monitor the movement of tankers whats going to happen next. Thats the first point. The second point is that from an Indian point of view and Im speaking from an effort Ive made to contact my Indian sources and listen to their guarded assessment of whats about to happen.The issue is not going to be compliance with with Trump. Absolutely not. Without necessarily having Prime Minister Modi insulting Trump. The issue is whether the Indian side and the Russian side can resolve the most serious payment problems that they have encountered which from the Indian side is a failure on the Russian side. Principally central bank governor Nabillina, the central bank of Russia. is extremely sluggish in implementing the bilateral payment schemes between oil priced in an American currency, oil sold for rupees or dollars or rubles and achieve an effective exchange transaction exchange. This first problem and the Indian side sees it as a Russian problem to solve. And in these new warfare conditions, Im willing to bet you the Russians will solve it because Governor Nabiolina is an opponent of the current war and cannot continue to block effective Russian waging of resistance the economic war. So I expect the Indian/Russian payment inter payment problem to be solved. The second problem is the price the price and therefore the discount on the shipment of crude oil in defiance of the American warfare. When you have a warfare like this, going back to Napoleonic times, when you have an attempt to impose a a cordon sanitaire trade block uh between England and its allies in Europe, when you attempt to break the blockade, uh theres obviously a a discount against the market price where theres no warfare condition. Its normal. Second, the question of where the discount is paid, how its how in particular the UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi mediators or middlemen or intermediary systems for managing this discount and affecting the trade will work. Now the Americans understand this very well and theyre escalating. You can read the wire services against the UAE banking system to try to stop Russian Indian intermediation through Dubai. Theyre, the Americans are attempting to crush UAE facilitation as they successfully crushed the Cyprus one some years back. So first there has to be a solution to the rupee-rouble-dollar problem. The Russians have to stop requiring the denomination of oil transactions in in US dollars and find the way. I believe they will find the way. Second, the intermediation that principally goes on through the UAE has to be facilitated and also has to resist US war. And theres a third dimension thats direct warfare against Russian tankers. Weve already seen and I believe we said it on your last program Dimitri that the US and the British are attacking Russian tankers in the Mediterranean or wherever the opportunity arises to plant mines and attack tankers with drones. Now thats direct warfare. You can call it terrorism. I call it warfare. And um uh one of the things that would no doubt appeal to a man of violent tastes like President Trump would be the concept of sabotage of Russian tankers on their way to India outside Indian ports in the Indian Ocean. So we have three problems to solve. Russia and India have to solve the sabotage problem. They have to solve the payment problem. They have to solve the intermediation problem. In this sort of warfare, the longstanding traditional strategic relationship between India and Russia will manage to solve the problems that some foot dragging on the Russian side and some misunderstanding on the Indian side and some problematics in the UAE. Theyre always problematics in the UAE uh are slowing us up now. I am surprised to see that Russia is still pricing oil in dollars. That raises the possibility that Russia, despite the sanctions, is able to buy hedges. And the only way to do that affordably and in depth is in dollar markets. A second important discussion takes place starting at 32:55, where Helmer explains why India believes it won its recent dustup with Pakistan and why conventional wisdom otherwise is wrong. Helmer contends that the idea that Pakistans Chinese weapons proved to be superior is false, and that Pakistans Field Marshall, Asim Munir, who is the real leader of Pakistan, recently had lunch with Trump. Per Helmer: Pakistan is pitching to the United States to be the new, lets call it, Ukraine battlefield, the platform for the new and continuing US war against Iran. Iran. Okay. So what Munir has proposed is increased cooperation on arms supply and financial services and Trump himself has announced that he has struck a deal with the Pakistan government, thats really the military leadership, thats really Field Marshall Munir to provide all uh Pakistan oil concessions to US companies. Theres more to his argument but thats a core element. Helmer is confident that Trump secondary sanctions will fail. And even though that seems likely, one wonders at what collective cost. ____ 1 From Indias Ministry of External Affairs: Like what you read? Click here to become a member of the Scene ! Babesiosis: A silent epidemic creeping southward Babesiosis, a potentially fatal tick-borne disease, is spreading beyond New England into the Mid-Atlantic (e.g., Maryland, Virginia, Delaware), driven by the shifts in climate, reforestation and growing deer populations. The Babesia microti parasite, transmitted by deer ticks, has now reached as far south as Virginia and West Virginia. Unlike Lyme disease, it attacks red blood cells, causing severe anemia or organ failure if untreated. Warmer winters, increased rainfall, suburban sprawl and booming deer populations are enabling ticks to thrive and expand into new regions, with many also carrying Lyme disease. The Delmarva Peninsula and Baltimore metro area report rising cases, with infections increasing from zero in the early 2010s to seven annually in 20222023. Many doctors outside New England misdiagnose babesiosis (symptoms mimic the flu), and antiparasitic drugs are often overlooked. Prevention includes tick checks, repellents and early testing after bites. Public health action is urgently needed. A once-regional health threat is now expanding into new territory, putting millions at risk. Babesiosis, a potentially fatal tick-borne disease, has breached its traditional stronghold in New England and is infiltrating the Mid-Atlantic, including Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. Researchers warn that shifts in climate, reforestation and unchecked deer populations are fueling this invasion and most doctors in these regions are unprepared to diagnose or treat it. For decades, babesiosis was largely confined to the Northeast, where blacklegged ticks also called deer ticks thrived in wooded areas. However, a new study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology reveals that the parasite Babesia microti, which causes the disease, has migrated southward, with confirmed cases now appearing as far as Virginia and West Virginia. Babesiosis is caused by a blood parasite that destroys red blood cells. Early symptoms fever, chills and fatigue mimic the flu, but delays in treatment can lead to severe anemia, organ failure and even death, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised. (Related: World's next major health threat could be of the domestic variety: TICKS.) Three major factors are driving the parasite's expansion. The changing climate is creating ideal conditions for ticks and their rodent hosts, with warmer winters and increased rainfall allowing them to thrive year-round. White-tailed deer, which transport ticks across vast distances, have surged due to reforestation efforts, further accelerating the spread. Additionally, suburban sprawl is pushing people deeper into tick habitats, increasing exposure. Researchers have found infected ticks in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Alarmingly, half of these ticks also carried Lyme disease, meaning a single bite could transmit multiple illnesses. Two regions are seeing concentrated outbreaks. The Delmarva Peninsula, spanning parts of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, accounts for over a third of locally acquired cases. Meanwhile, Baltimores metro area has reported a cluster of infections since 2018. Experts say these areas have long-established tick populations, making them breeding grounds for the parasite. Cases have spiked from zero to four annually in the early 2010s to seven per year in 2022 and 2023 a troubling trend that shows no signs of slowing. A looming healthcare crisis The biggest challenge is that most physicians outside New England have never encountered babesiosis and don't know to test for it. Early symptoms often resemble the flu or even heart failure in elderly patients, leading to misdiagnosis. Standard antibiotics won't work; antiparasitic drugs are required, yet many doctors remain unaware of this critical distinction. Underreporting is another concern, as many cases likely go undetected, masking the true threat. Researchers warn that without better surveillance and physician education, preventable deaths will rise. To reduce risk, experts recommend using bug repellents when entering wooded or grassy areas. After outdoor activities, thorough tick checks are essential. If bitten, saving the tick for identification can help doctors assess the risk. Most importantly, anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms after a tick bite should demand testing. Early detection is crucial. Babesiosis is no longer a distant Northeastern concern it's here, and it's spreading. As the changes in weather reshape ecosystems and human activity intersects with wildlife, public health officials must act swiftly to prevent a silent epidemic. Watch and learn about the safe and natural ways to handle ticks and mosquitoes. This video is from the Natural News channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: SHTF pest control hacks for lice, mosquitoes and ticks. Repel ticks with this natural oil. Ticks carrying Lyme disease thrive near California coast, study finds. More than just Lyme: Ticks carry a collection of pathogens. Disease-carrying deer ticks in Pennsylvania park can spread potentially fatal neurological virus, warn experts. Sources include: Studyfinds.org Theweek.com Smithsonianmag.com Brighteon.com Beijing, Kathmandu aim for new heights in relations 14:04, August 04, 2025 By XU WEIWEI ( China Daily Chen Song (center), Chinese ambassador to Nepal, introduces on Saturday works by Chinese artists to Sujata Koirala (second from left), former deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Nepal, at an exhibition that opened in Kathmandu to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal. CUI NAN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE With seven decades of friendly relations fostered through cultural exchanges, economic and trade relations and high-level dialogues, China and Nepal have further consolidated their "trans-Himalayan" partnership, Nepalese officials and community leaders said. Such an achievement will inject new impetus into building a community with a shared future for humanity for both countries, they added. On Friday, China and Nepal celebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. A series of events were held to mark the occasion, including a reception organized on Friday by the Chinese embassy in the capital Kathmandu, and a painting exhibition featuring works by more than 60 Chinese and Nepalese artists that opened on Saturday. Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli said at the reception that his country values its "time-tested friendship" with China, a close neighbor and a trustworthy development partner. The Nepal-China relationship, which is grounded in mutual trust and guided by shared values, has grown stronger over the past 70 years, he said. Highlighting China's achievements in pursuing national rejuvenation, Oli said that these achievements also contribute to regional stability and global progress. Nepal looks forward to further developing bilateral ties with China by expanding cooperation, deepening connections and creating new paths for mutual benefit, he added. Harish Chandra Shah, president of the Nepal China Cultural and Educational Council, said the two countries have shared a long history of friendly relations since ancient times and are great neighbors bound by close cultural, social, religious and political links. "Nepal and China have enjoyed very cordial relations, mutual trust, exchanges and cooperation for a long time. China's willingness to support Nepal through difficult periods is well appreciated by the people and government of Nepal," Shah said. "The 70th anniversary is not only a review of history, but also a starting point for future cooperation." China is a major investor in Nepal, he said, adding that both sides share a strong cultural and educational relationship fostered through various initiatives and agreements. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song said at the reception that 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". China is also ready to assist Nepal in addressing its development challenges with Chinese solutions, Chen said. "Just as China and Nepal had worked together to measure the new height of Qomolangma, we should work hand in hand to reach new heights in our relationship," he said. Xinhua contributed to this story. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Boeing defense workers strike amid financial and safety challenges, threatening U.S. military readiness About 3,200 Boeing defense workers in Missouri and Illinois initiate strike after rejecting a 40 percent wage offer linked to contract disputes. IAM argues the deal fails to address workers priorities, jeopardizing national security through stalled military aircraft production. Executives downplay economic impacts, citing contingency plans and smaller scale compared to 2024 commercial strike. Boeings struggles stem from 737 Max crashes, FAA sanctions and post-2020 financial declines. Military contracts, including F-15s and MQ-28 drones, face delays, raising concerns over U.S. defense readiness. On August 4, about 3,200 unionized Boeing workers across three Midwest manufacturing facilities began a strike after rejecting a final labor agreement offering a 40 percent wage increase over four years. The machinists, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837, produce critical defense systems from F-15 fighter jets to the U.S. Navys MQ-28 Ghostbat drone raising alarm over potential disruptions to U.S. military supply chains. The strike follows a month of tense negotiations, including the rejection of a 20 percent wage proposal last week, and occurs amid Boeings prolonged recovery from safety scandals involving its commercial jets and mounting financial pressures. Labor dispute over wages and national security priorities The strike, spanning plants in St. Louis, St. Charles (Mo.) and Mascoutah (Ill.), stems from disagreements over wages, benefits and scheduling. Union leaders argued the latest offer, which doubled previous wage hikes, still fell short of addressing priorities and sacrifices faced by workers. They build the systems that keep America safe, said IAMs Sam Cicinelli, stressing the need for a contract securing livelihoods and acknowledging their expertise. Workers worry benefits like pension plans and overtime pay, central to earlier disputes, remain under threat. Boeing Air Dominance Vice President Dan Gillian countered that the offer provided 40 percent average wage growth and ($5,000) bonuses while addressing shifts that limited overtime work a key worker concern. The company claims having implemented contingency plans to maintain operations but declined to clarify whether subcontractors or non-union staff would fill gaps. Aerospace giants struggles endanger defense contracts While Boeings defense division, generating over one-third of its revenue, is less exposed to the financial freefall plaguing its commercial unit, management remains guarded. CEO Kelly Ortberg recently called the strikes impact much, much less than the 2024 commercial worker strike, which cost $2 billion and idled 33,000 employees. Yet analysts caution delays in F-15 and MQ-28 production could strain U.S. military commitments. The Pentagon has certified Boeing as the sole provider of several defense systems, leaving limited alternatives amid the stoppage. Boeings fiscal 2025 second-quarter loss narrowed to $611 million a glimmer of hope after 2024 crashes and FAA-imposed production caps stifled commercial output. However, lingering safety concerns over the 737 Max and recent 2025 Air India Dreamliner crash (killing 260) continue to hamper public and regulatory trust, complicating recovery. Boeings safety failures and debt-driven reboot Since the 201819 737 Max crashes killed 346 people, Boeing has grappled with an erosion of faith from customers and regulators. A 2024 mid-flight door failure on a 737 Max prompted the FAA to restrict production until Boeing proved manufacturing quality improvements. In June 2025, an Air India Boeing 737-9 crash added more scrutiny, though causes remain under investigation. These crises compounded the fallout from pandemic-driven demand collapses: 16,000 layoffs in 2020 highlighted the companys fragile business model. Current strike risks further destabilizing Boeing, which is now pivoting to defense contracts to anchor its finances. National security implications: Striking while the military waits The strikes timing exacerbates broader anxieties over U.S. defense preparedness. The MQ-28 a carrier-based unmanned aircraft poised to reshape naval warfare is slated for testing and production at the St. Louis site. Delays risk undermining Pentagon plans to counter adversaries like China and Russia, which have surged drone development. Securing a deal, however, may prove contentious. The former IAM president of District 837, leadership voice Tom Welle, emphasized workers will not accept empty promises, hinting at prolonged tension. Boeings path forward amid uncertainty As strike talks remain suspended, Boeing executives and IAM representatives brace for an extended standoff. Managements assurance of contingency plans may soothe investors but leaves unresolved questions about defense customers patience. For now, Washingtons military manufacturers and global allies await clarity on whether the aerospace giant can balance labor demands, safety reforms and strategic defense obligations critical challenges for a company once synonymous with American ingenuity and power. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NBCNews.com BBC.com Chlorine Dioxide: The Universal Antidote suppressed by governments and big pharma? Exceptional Efficacy & Suppression: Chlorine dioxide (ClO?), hailed by NASA as a "universal antidote," effectively neutralizes pathogens, toxins, and bioweaponsyet faces systemic suppression by governments and pharmaceutical interests despite scientific validation. Chlorine dioxide (ClO?), hailed by NASA as a "universal antidote," effectively neutralizes pathogens, toxins, and bioweaponsyet faces systemic suppression by governments and pharmaceutical interests despite scientific validation. Versatile Medical Applications: Research confirms ClO?s efficacy against biofilms, viruses (including SARS-CoV-2), fungal infections, and chemical toxins, offering affordable, decentralized, and safe healthcare alternatives ignored by mainstream medicine. Research confirms ClO?s efficacy against biofilms, viruses (including SARS-CoV-2), fungal infections, and chemical toxins, offering affordable, decentralized, and safe healthcare alternatives ignored by mainstream medicine. Corporate Opposition & Persecution: Advocates like Mike Adams and Mark Grenon argue ClO? threatens Big Pharma profits, leading to censorship and legal persecution (e.g., Grenons imprisonment for distributing it as a sacramental treatment). Advocates like Mike Adams and Mark Grenon argue ClO? threatens Big Pharma profits, leading to censorship and legal persecution (e.g., Grenons imprisonment for distributing it as a sacramental treatment). Innovative Products & Mainstream Resistance: Frontier Pharms ready-to-use ClO? formulations (nasal sprays, mouthwash, topical gels) show promise for infections, wound care, and spike protein detoxyet doctors avoid recommending them due to regulatory bias and institutional secrecy. Frontier Pharms ready-to-use ClO? formulations (nasal sprays, mouthwash, topical gels) show promise for infections, wound care, and spike protein detoxyet doctors avoid recommending them due to regulatory bias and institutional secrecy. Call to Action: Experts urge public education (e.g., universalantidote.com), regulatory transparency, and decentralized healthcare to overcome censorship and harness ClO?s revolutionary potential for global health freedom. A Revolutionary Compound, Silenced Chlorine dioxide (ClO?) has been dubbed the "universal antidote" by NASA due to its extraordinary ability to neutralize bioweapons, pathogens, and environmental toxins. Yet for decades, governments, regulatory agencies, and pharmaceutical industries have worked relentlessly to suppress its usedespite overwhelming evidence of its efficacy. In a revealing interview on Brighteon.com, experts Michelle and Valerie from Frontier Pharm discussed how this simple molecule could transform modern medicineif not for systemic opposition. The Science Behind the Suppression Chlorine dioxide is a potent oxidizing agent, meaning it dismantles harmful pathogens by disrupting their cellular structures. Research confirms its effectiveness against: Biofilms (protective layers bacteria use to evade antibiotics (protective layers bacteria use to evade antibiotics Viruses (including SARS-CoV-2 spike protein) (including SARS-CoV-2 spike protein) Fungal infections (ringworm, toenail fungus) (ringworm, toenail fungus) Chemical toxins (glyphosate, formaldehyde, industrial pollutants) Despite its versatility, chlorine dioxide remains marginalized. Why? Mike Adams, founder of Brighteon.com, explains: "The establishment suppresses chlorine dioxide because it works too well. It denies repeat business to Big Pharma and the sick-care industry." Advocates argue that corporate interests prioritize profit over public health. Chlorine dioxide offers: Affordability (inexpensive to produce) (inexpensive to produce) Decentralization (reduces dependency on hospitals and prescriptions) (reduces dependency on hospitals and prescriptions) Safety (no known pathogens resist its mechanism) Yet, those promoting its uselike Mark Grenon of the Genesis II Churchhave faced imprisonment. Grenon and his sons were prosecuted for distributing chlorine dioxide as a "sacramental" treatment, despite no reports of harm from its use. "Show me someone I hurt," Grenon famously challenged. Frontier Pharms Breakthrough Products Michelle and Valerie have spent 50 years perfecting chlorine dioxide formulations, eliminating guesswork with: Ready-to-use concentrations (no complex mixing) (no complex mixing) Shelf-stable applications (wound care, nasal sprays, oral rinses) (wound care, nasal sprays, oral rinses) FDA-warning reversals (recent removal of outdated cautions) Key Products: Snoot Spray A nasal solution for sinus infections, biofilm removal, and airborne pathogen protection. Used prophylactically before flights or crowded spaces. Neutralizes spike protein exposure (per preliminary studies). Chlorine Dioxide Mouthwash Targets gum disease, cavities, and throat infections more effectively than conventional rinses (which often contain toxic triclosan). Topical Gels & Sprays Accelerate wound healing for burns, diabetic ulcers, and even pet care (ear infections, fungal conditions). "Why Dont Doctors Recommend This?" Despite mounting evidence, mainstream medicine remains hesitant. Experts speculate: Bio-weapon secrecy: ClO? neutralizes anthrax, smallpox, and other bioweaponsgovernments may prefer keeping the "antidote" under wraps. ClO? neutralizes anthrax, smallpox, and other bioweaponsgovernments may prefer keeping the "antidote" under wraps. Pharmaceutical dependence: No incentive to promote a low-cost, self-administered solution. No incentive to promote a low-cost, self-administered solution. Regulatory roadblocks: Decades of baseless FDA warnings (now retracted) discouraged research. Dr. Robert Yoho, Dr. Pierre Kory, and "Midwestern Doctor" have recently championed ClO? in substacks, signaling a shift. Patients recovering from long COVID, vaccine injuries, and chemical sensitivities report dramatic improvementsoften when pharmaceuticals failed. The Future of Chlorine Dioxide As public awareness grows, pioneers like Frontier Pharm urge: Educate yourself Visit universalantidote.com for studies. Visit universalantidote.com for studies. Demand transparency Challenge regulators who suppress affordable solutions. Challenge regulators who suppress affordable solutions. Decentralize healthcare Reduce reliance on a broken medical system. As Michelle summarized: "Chlorine dioxide could revolutionize medicineif people are allowed to use it." For now, the fight continuesagainst censorship, for truth. Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, with Michelle and Valerie from Frontier Pharm as they discussed Chlorine Dioxide: Natural Healing for Health and Recovery. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Healing Revolution on BrightU: Urotherapy and chlorine dioxide revolutionizing wellness despite suppression and public mockery CARBON DIOXIDE: Climate threat or agricultural savior? Fresh debate erupts Unlocking the secrets of natural medicine: A deep dive into The Natural Pharmacy Sources include: Brighteon.com Frontierpharm.com Denial of hunger in Gaza: A deepening crisis amid international outcry The conflict in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with widespread allegations of starvation and international condemnation, prompting debates on the realities of the situation and the ethical implications of Israel's policies. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir claims there is "no real hunger in Gaza," suggesting that Palestinians would release hostages if they were truly hungry and supports the policy of preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. The UN-backed IPC reports that around half a million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger, with the entire population experiencing acute food insecurity due to the Israeli ban on aid and essential supplies. The Palestinian health ministry reports at least 45 malnutrition-related deaths in the past week, bringing the total since October 2023 to 115, including 81 children. The UNRWA describes the starvation as "manufactured and man-made," urging unrestricted aid delivery. The crisis has led to international criticism, with calls for a ceasefire and accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Israeli officials, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a peaceful resolution. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has escalated into one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, with widespread allegations of starvation and international condemnation. The recent claims by Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, denying the existence of hunger in Gaza, have sparked a global debate on the realities of the situation and the ethical implications of Israel's policies. In a post on X, Ben Gvir claimed that there is "no real hunger in Gaza," arguing that if Palestinians were truly hungry, they would release the Israeli hostages held in the territory. He further stated his support for "starving Hamas in Gaza," aligning with the Israeli government's policy of preventing humanitarian aid from entering the enclave. The situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which reported in May that around half a million people were facing catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5). The entire population is experiencing acute food insecurity, with the situation worsening due to the Israeli ban on aid and supplies, including basic food items, baby formula and drinking water. According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 45 Palestinians have died from malnutrition in the past week alone, bringing the total number of malnutrition-related deaths since the war began in October 2023 to 115, including 81 children. (Related: Gaza on the brink of FAMINE: Urgent action needed as humanitarian crisis deepens.) International condemnation and humanitarian appeals The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has labeled the starvation in Gaza as "manufactured and man-made." Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, stated that the crisis is affecting everyone, including those trying to save lives. "Families are no longer coping; they are breaking down, unable to survive. Their existence is threatened," he said. Lazzarini urged humanitarian partners to be allowed to bring unrestricted and uninterrupted assistance to Gaza. UNRWA has the equivalent of 6,000 loaded trucks of food and medical supplies ready in Jordan and Egypt, but the blockade prevents their delivery. Ben Gvir's denial of hunger in Gaza stands in stark contrast to the warnings of numerous governments and humanitarian agencies, including the UN, which have accused Israel of weaponizing food as part of its war strategy. His comments reflect a broader policy advocated by the far-right faction within the Israeli government, which seeks to cut off all humanitarian aid to Gaza and pursue a policy of collective punishment. The Israeli government's actions have drawn international criticism, with many countries and organizations calling for a ceasefire to address the humanitarian crisis. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. The denial of hunger in Gaza by Israeli officials like Itamar Ben Gvir highlights the deepening divide between the international community and Israel's approach to the crisis. As the humanitarian situation worsens, the need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people becomes increasingly urgent. The international community must continue to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and work toward a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Watch the video below where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies "starvation in Gaza." This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Greene calls Gaza crisis "genocide," rebukes GOP colleague over starvation comments. Gaza famine: To be killed by an air strike is easier than watching your children starve. Gaza famine "unlike anything in this century" as Israel's blockade starves children to death. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net AA.com.tr Brighteon.com Close Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell quietly transferred to minimum security prison Ghislaine Maxwell was moved from a Florida prison to FPC Bryan, a low-security federal facility in Texas, sparking speculation about possible cooperation or protection amid DOJ pressure to unseal Epstein case files. Maxwell continues to refuse implicating others while appealing her 20-year sentence for sex trafficking minors for Jeffrey Epstein, despite a clandestine meeting with a Deputy U.S. Attorney General. Families of Epstein's victims condemned her transfer as "special treatment," criticizing the justice system for failing survivors while unresolved questions about Epstein's powerful associates persist. President Trump denied discussing a pardon but faces demands to declassify Epstein's records, as the DOJ seeks court approval to release grand jury testimony tied to the case. Maxwell's case revives transhumanism conspiracy theories linked to Epstein (e.g., fetal tissue harvesting), while public distrust grows over accountability gaps among global elites implicated in his network. Disgraced socialite Ghislaine Maxwell has been quietly transferred from a Florida prison to a low-security federal facility in Texas, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has confirmed Friday, Aug. 1. Maxwell was convicted of of sex trafficking minors for the late financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2021, and was sentenced to 20 years behind bars. She nevertheless remains defiant in prison, refusing to implicate others while appealing her conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court. According to the BOP, Maxwell was transferred from the Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee in Florida to the Federal Prison Camp Bryan near Austin, Texas. FPC Bryan houses nonviolent offenders like Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, who is serving 11 years for defrauding investors. The transfer follows a clandestine meeting between Maxwell and Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche a week prior. It has prompted speculation that she may be cooperating or receiving protection as pressure mounts on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to unseal explosive Epstein case files. Maxwell's lawyer David Markus confirmed the transfer, but did not elaborate. (Related: Ghislaine Maxwell demands immunity, advance copies of questions ahead of testimony.) The move nevertheless raised fresh scrutiny over potential preferential treatment and unresolved questions about Epstein's powerful associates, and also drew ire from the families of his victims. The relatives of the late Virginia Giuffre condemned what they called "special treatment for a pedophile," emphasizing the justice system's failure to prioritize abuse survivors. Maxwell's prison perks vs. Epstein's victims: Where's the justice? President Donald Trump meanwhile denied discussing a pardon for Maxwell. "I know nothing about the case," he remarked. Yet Trump faces intensifying demands to fulfill his campaign promise to declassify Epstein's records including his notorious "client list." The DOJ is now seeking court approval to release grand jury testimony linked to Epstein and Maxwell, as federal judges weigh transparency against legal secrecy. Epstein was mysteriously found dead in his cell back in August 2019. Despite officials ruling it a suicide, the official cause is widely disputed six years after his demise. Maxwell's case also revives unresolved questions about transhumanist experiments allegedly tied to Epstein. Among the accusations were that fetal tissue from trafficked girls was harvested for stem-cell research an extreme pursuit of immortality akin to dark alchemical myths dating back to the Renaissance. As Maxwell settles into her Texas prison with privileges like television access and weekend visits one truth remains undeniable: Epstein's network implicated global power brokers, and until full accountability is reached, public distrust will fester. Head over to Conspiracy.news for more similar stories. Watch Benny Johnson discussing the transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to the low-security Bryant prison in Texas on "The Benny Show." This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Why was Ghislaine Maxwell doing fundraisers for Disney in 1985? Ghislaine Maxwell Epstein's accomplice makes a desperate plea from prison. Ghislaine Maxwell found guilty of sex trafficking a minor, rest of Epstein clan escapes all accountability. Sources include: InfoWars.com Reuters.com BBC.com Brighteon.com Glow sticks: The unexpected survival tool every prepper should have Glow sticks are more than just party favors; theyre essential tools for survivalists and preppers. Unlike candles or oil lamps, glow sticks provide fire-free illumination during power outages, making them ideal for homes with kids or pets. They're useful for tracking children or pets, marking trails and signaling for help in low-light or dangerous conditions. Unlike flashlights, glow sticks work well in freezing temperatures, making them reliable tools during winter emergencies. They can attract fish for night fishing or lure insects into traps for food or bait in extended survival scenarios. Glow sticks are also used by armed forces for marking hazards, guiding movement and when doing search-and-rescue, proving their versatility in emergencies. You can choose between standard (affordable), high-intensity (longer-lasting) or mini (tactical) versions depending on your needs. Glow sticks are a cheap, lightweight and multi-functional addition to any emergency kit, offering practical solutions when traditional light sources fail. When most people think of glow sticks, they imagine childrens birthday parties, concerts or raves. But for survivalists and emergency preppers, these inexpensive, lightweight tubes of light serve a far more practical purpose: helping families stay safe, visible and calm during power outages, natural disasters and outdoor emergencies. Beyond their fun, colorful glow, these simple chemical lights offer a surprising number of survival applications, from marking hazards to signaling for help. (h/t to TheOrganicPrepper.com) Why glow sticks belong in every emergency kit Here are some reasons to stock up on glow sticks before disaster strikes: Safe and kid-friendly emergency lighting When the lights go out, candles and oil lamps pose fire risks, especially if you have small children or pets. Glow sticks provide a flameless alternative, emitting a soft, reassuring glow that can last for hours. For those with mobility challenges, placing a glow stick in a vase or cup near stairs or hallways can prevent nighttime accidents. Parents can also use them as makeshift nightlights, easing childrens fears during blackouts. (Related: No power? No problem! How portable power stations can keep you running after SHTF.) Outdoor safety and visibility Whether you're camping, hiking or evacuating in low-light conditions, glow sticks can be lifesavers. Child and pet tracking Clip a glow stick bracelet to a childs wrist or a pets collar to keep them visible in the dark. Clip a glow stick bracelet to a childs wrist or a pets collar to keep them visible in the dark. Trail marking Hang them along paths to mark safe routes or hazards like cliffs or holes. Hang them along paths to mark safe routes or hazards like cliffs or holes. Emergency signaling Twirl a glow stick on a string to create a distress signal when fire isnt an option. Cold-weather reliability Unlike flashlights, which can fail in freezing temperatures, glow sticks last longer in the cold, though their glow may be dimmer. This makes glow sticks ideal for winter emergencies when battery-powered devices might die. Survival fishing and trapping Glow sticks can attract fish at night when tied to a fishing line. They can also lure insects, which are useful for gathering bait or even as a food source in dire circumstances, into traps. Military-grade tactical uses Even the U.S. military relies heavily on high-intensity "chem lights" for: Marking cleared rooms in combat zones Guiding troops in low-visibility conditions Identifying minefields Search-and-rescue operations (especially in water, since they float) While preppers and civilians dont need military-grade versions, these applications demonstrate just how versatile glow sticks can be in emergencies. Choosing the right glow sticks for your needs Not all glow sticks are created equal. For prepping purposes, consider: Standard party glow sticks (affordable, great for kids) Longer-lasting, high-intensity versions (better for signaling and marking) Mini glow sticks (useful for tactical marking) Budget-friendly options are available for as low as $5 for a multi-pack, making glow sticks an easy and inexpensive addition to your emergency kit. Safety considerations before using glow sticks While generally safe, glow stick liquid can cause mild irritation if ingested or if it gets in contact with the eyes. If a child bites into one: Wipe their mouth with a damp cloth Rinse their mouth with water Monitor for discomfort (though serious harm is rare) Glow sticks may seem like a simple novelty, but their versatility in emergencies makes them a must-have for any preparedness kit. Whether lighting a dark hallway, marking a trail or signaling for help, these inexpensive tools provide peace of mind when traditional light sources fail. Visit Survival.news for more suggestions on useful items to add to your prepping stockpile. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more clean food supplies and useful gear for your prepping needs. Watch this clip about two essential prepping tools: UHMWPE Braided Survival Cord and Bug Spray. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Light the way: Must-have firestarters for emergencies. Bug-out essential: Why a portable fire pit belongs in your SHTF kit. Power outage preparedness: Staying safe and comfortable during a blackout. 5 Essential urban prepping tips. Sources include: TheOrganicPrepper.com BackdoorSurvival.com ArmyNavyOutdoors.com Brighteon.com NATURAL INSOMNIA SOLUTION: Magnesium glycinate is a phenomenal natural remedy proven by clinical trials to improve sleep quality Millions of sleep-deprived Americans are turning to, a natural supplement that is being widely hailed onlineespecially on platforms like Reddit and TikTokas a powerful remedy for insomnia and restless nights. Unlike conventional sleep medications that may have unwanted side effects or dependency risks, magnesium glycinate offers a gentle, non-addictive alternative. The growing popularity of this mineral supplement is now being backed by scientific studies, which show measurable benefits in improving sleep quality, reducing stress, and regulating essential hormones tied to rest and relaxation. Magnesium Glycinate Gains Popularity for Sleep : Widely praised on Reddit and TikTok, magnesium glycinate is emerging as a natural sleep aid that helps users fall asleep and stay asleep without digestive side effects, unlike other forms such as magnesium citrate. : Widely praised on Reddit and TikTok, magnesium glycinate is emerging as a natural sleep aid that helps users fall asleep and stay asleep without digestive side effects, unlike other forms such as magnesium citrate. Science Supports the Hype : Clinical trials have shown that magnesium supplementationespecially in the glycinate formcan significantly improve sleep duration, efficiency, and hormonal markers like melatonin and cortisol, validating many anecdotal user claims. : Clinical trials have shown that magnesium supplementationespecially in the glycinate formcan significantly improve sleep duration, efficiency, and hormonal markers like melatonin and cortisol, validating many anecdotal user claims. Mechanisms Behind the Benefits : Magnesium glycinate helps calm the nervous system, relax muscles, and boost melatonin and GABA levels, supporting deeper, more restorative sleep and even stabilizing circadian rhythms. : Magnesium glycinate helps calm the nervous system, relax muscles, and boost melatonin and GABA levels, supporting deeper, more restorative sleep and even stabilizing circadian rhythms. Broader Health Implications: With over 70 million Americans struggling with insomnia, better sleep via magnesium could also help reduce risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation-related illnessescommon consequences of chronic sleep deprivation. Insomniacs say natural supplement helps them sleep through the night and science says they're right Magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical processes in the human body, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and protein synthesis. Its also essential for calming the nervous system, relaxing muscles, and aiding in the natural production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Magnesium glycinate, in particular, is praised for its superior absorption and mild effect on the digestive system, making it an ideal form for those seeking sleep support. Scientific support for magnesiums sleep-promoting benefits is solid. A 2012 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 46 older adults found that a daily dose of 500 mg of magnesium over eight weeks improved sleep duration, efficiency, and hormone regulation. Participants had longer sleep times, reduced time to fall asleep, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Melatonin and serum renina key enzyme in blood pressure regulationalso rose significantly, suggesting that magnesium aids both hormonal and circadian regulation of sleep. Online testimonials echo the scientific findings. One Reddit user shared: Its the first time in decades Im sleeping eight to nine hours. I used to only sleep six. Others praised the supplement for alleviating restless legs syndrome and improving their overall ability to rest. While some users reported short-lived benefits, others found lasting improvements by combining magnesium glycinate with other supplements like calcium and zinc, which together may enhance GABA levels and melatonin production, further supporting deeper, more restful sleep. Despite its promise, users are cautioned to choose the correct formmagnesium glycinaterather than magnesium citrate, which is a common laxative. The recommended daily intake is 320 mg for women and 420 mg for men, and deficiency in magnesium is linked to muscle cramps, fatigue, and even chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Blood tests can reveal if someone is deficient, with normal levels falling between 1.7 and 2.2 mg/dL. Lack of sleep has serious health consequences, from weakened immunity and poor skin to increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Poor sleep also affects appetite-regulating hormones like ghrelin and leptin, increasing hunger and promoting weight gain. As more people seek safe, effective sleep aids without prescription side effects, magnesium glycinate stands out as a natural option with both scientific and anecdotal backingoffering new hope for millions struggling to get a good nights sleep. Tune your internet dial to NaturalMedicine.news for more tips on how to use natural remedies to help you sleep well, instead of taking pharma drugs that cause horrific side effects and health detriment. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com DailyMail.co.uk The new gulag: Mental health detentions and the criminalization of dissent The governments war on homelessnessmuch like its war on terrorism, its war on drugs, its war on illegal immigration, and its war on COVID-19is yet another Trojan Horse. (Article by John & Nisha Whitehead republished from Rutherford.org) First, President Trump issues an executive order empowering federal agencies to clear out homeless encampments and lock up the homeless in mental institutions using involuntary civil commitment laws intended for dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises. Days later, a gunman allegedly suffering from a mental illness opens fire in New York City, killing four before turning the gun on himself. Coming on the heels of Trumps executive order aimed at ending crime and disorder on Americas streets, the shooting has all the makings of a modern-day Reichstag fire: a tragedy weaponized to justify allowing the government use mental illness as a pretext for locking more people up without due process. An Orwellian exercise in doublespeak, Trumps executive order suggests that jailing the homeless, rather than providing them with affordable housing, is the compassionate solution to homelessness. According to USA Today, social workers, medical experts and mental health service providers say the presidents approach will likely worsen homelessness across the country, particularly because Trumps order contains no new funding for mental health or drug treatment. Additionally, they say the president appears to misunderstand the fundamental driver of homelessness: People cant afford housing. And then comes the kicker: Trump wants to see more use of civil commitments (forced detentions) for anyone who is perceived as posing a risk to themselves or the public or are living on the streets and cannot care for themselves in appropriate facilities for appropriate periods of time. Translation: the government wants to use homelessness as a pretext for indefinitely locking up anyone who might pose a threat to its chokehold on police state power. When you consider the ramifications of giving the American police state that kind of authority to preemptively neutralize a potential threat, youll understand why some might view these looming mental health round-ups with trepidation. By directing police to carry out forced detentions of individuals based not on criminal behavior but on perceived mental instability or drug use, the Trump administration is attempting to sidestep fundamental constitutional protectionsdue process, probable cause, and the presumption of innocenceby substituting medical discretion for legal standards. Taken to its authoritarian limits, this could allow the government to weaponize the label of mental illness as a means of exiling dissidents who refuse to march in lockstep with its dictates. Police in cities like New York have already been empowered to forcibly detain individuals for psychiatric evaluations, based on vague, subjective criteria: having firmly held beliefs not congruent with cultural ideas, exhibiting excessive fears, or refusing voluntary treatment. What happens when these criteria are expanded to encompass anyone who challenges the police states narrative? Once the government is allowed to control the narrative over who is deemed mentally unfit, mental health care could become yet another pretext for pathologizing dissent in order to disarm and silence the governments critics. Take heed: this has the potential to become the next phase of the governments war on thought crimes, cloaked in the guise of public health and safety. According to the Associated Press, federal agencies have been exploring how to incorporate identifiable patient data into their surveillance toolkits, including behavioral health records. The infrastructure is already in place to profile and detain individuals based on perceived psychological risks. The government is actively exploring how to use data from wearable health devicesincluding heart rate, stress response, and sleep patternsto flag individuals for intervention. Now imagine a future in which your Fitbit or Apple Watch triggers a mental health alert, resulting in your forced removal for your own safety. Mass surveillance combined with artificial intelligence-powered programs that can track people by their biometrics and behavior, mental health sensor data (tracked by wearable data and monitored by government agencies such as HARPA), threat assessments, behavioral sensing warnings, precrime initiatives, red flag gun laws, mental health first-aid programs aimed at training gatekeepers to identify who might pose a threat to public safety, and government access to behavioral health records could pave the way for a regime of police state authoritarianism by way of preemptive mental health detentions. If the police state is equipping itself to monitor, flag, and detain anyone it deems mentally unfit, without criminal charges or trial, this could be the tipping point in the governments efforts to penalize those engaging in so-called thought crimes. This is not about public safety. Its about control. Weve seen this tactic before. When governments seek to suppress dissent without provoking outrage, they turn to psychiatric labels. Throughout history, from Cold War-era Soviet gulags to modern pre-crime initiatives, authoritarian regimes have used psychiatric labels to isolate, discredit, and eliminate dissidents. As historian Anne Applebaum notes, administrative exile, which required no trial and due process, was an ideal punishment not only for troublemakers as such, but also for political opponents of the regime. The word gulag refers to a labor or concentration camp where prisoners (oftentimes political prisoners or so-called enemies of the state, real or imagined) were imprisoned as punishment for their crimes against the state. Soviet dissidents were often declared mentally ill, institutionalized in prisons disguised as psychiatric hospitals, and subjected to forced medication and psychological torture. Totalitarian regimes used such tactics to isolate political dissidents from the rest of society, discredit their ideas, and break them physically and mentally. In addition to declaring political dissidents mentally unsound, government officials in the Cold War-era Soviet Union also made use of an administrative process for dealing with individuals who were considered a bad influence on others or troublemakers. Author George Kennan describes a process in which: The obnoxious person may not be guilty of any crime . . . but if, in the opinion of the local authorities, his presence in a particular place is prejudicial to public order or incompatible with public tranquility, he may be arrested without warrant, may be held from two weeks to two years in prison, and may then be removed by force to any other place within the limits of the empire and there be put under police surveillance for a period of from one to ten years. Warrantless seizures, surveillance, indefinite detention, isolation, exilesound familiar? Whats unfolding in America is the modern police states version of that same script. Civil commitment laws are found in all states and employed throughout American history. Under the doctrines of parens patriae and police power, the government already claims authority to confine those deemed unable to act in their own best interest or who pose a threat to society. When fused, these doctrines give the state enormous discretion to preemptively lock people up based on speculative future threats, not actual crimes. This discretion is now expanding at warp speed. The result is a Nanny State mindset carried out with the militant force of the Police State. Once dissent is equated with dangerand danger with illnessthose who challenge the state become medicalized threats, subject to detention not for what theyve done, but for what they believe. Weve already seen what happens when dissent is pathologized and criminalized, and civil commitment laws are weaponized: Russ Tice, an NSA whistleblower, was labeled mentally unbalanced after attempting to testify in Congress about the NSAs warrantless wiretapping program. Adrian Schoolcraft, an NYPD officer who exposed police corruption, was forcibly committed to a mental facility in retaliation. Brandon Raub, a Marine who posted controversial political views on Facebook, was arrested and detained in a psychiatric ward under Virginias mental health laws. These cases arent anomaliestheyre warning signs. Government programs like Operation Vigilant Eagle, launched in 2009, characterized military veterans as potential domestic terrorists if they showed signs of being disgruntled or disillusioned. A 2009 DHS report broadly defined rightwing extremists as anyone seen as antigovernment. The result? A surveillance dragnet aimed at military veterans, political dissidents, gun owners, and constitutionalists. Now, under the banner of mental health, the same dragnet is being equipped with red flag gun laws, predictive policing, and involuntary detention authority. In theory, these laws are meant to prevent harm. In practice, they punish thought, not conduct. Trumps latest executive order doesnt just target the homelessit establishes a precedent for rounding up anyone deemed a threat to the governments version of law and order. The same playbook that pathologized opposition to war or police brutality as Oppositional Defiant Disorder could now be used to classify political dissent as a psychiatric illness. This is not hyperbole. The governments ability to silence dissent by labeling it as dangerous or diseased is well documentedand now its about to be codified into law. Red flag gun laws, for example, authorize government officials to seize guns from individuals viewed as a danger to themselves or others. The stated intention is to disarm individuals who are potential threats. No mental health diagnosis is required. No criminal charge. Just a hunch. Those most likely to be targeted? The people already on government watch lists: political activists, veterans, gun owners, and anyone labeled an extremists a term that now applies to anyone critical of the government. While the intention may appear reasonabledisarming people who pose an immediate danger to themselves or othersthe problem arises when you put the power to determine who is a potential danger in the hands of a police state that equates dissent with extremism. This is the same police state that uses the words anti-government, extremist and terrorist interchangeably. The same police state whose agents are weaving a web of threat assessments, behavioral sensing warnings, flagged words, and suspicious activity reports using AI, social media surveillance, behavior sensing software, and citizen snitches to identify potential threats. The same police state that renews the NDAA year after yearauthorizing the indefinite military detention of U.S. citizens. The same police state that considers you suspicious based on your religion, your bumper stickers, or your political beliefs. As a New York Times editorial warns, you may be labeled an anti-government extremist (a.k.a. domestic terrorist) if you are afraid that the government is plotting to confiscate your firearms, believe the economy is about to collapse, fear the government will soon declare martial law, or display too many political and/or ideological bumper stickers on your car. This is the same police state that now wants access to your mental health data, your digital footprint, your biometric recordsand the legal authority to detain you for your own good. And its the same police state that, facing rising protests, unrest, and collapsing public trust, is seeking new ways to suppress dissentnot through open force, but under the cover of public health. This is where thought crimes become real crimes. Weve seen this trajectory before. The war on drugs. The war on terror. The war on COVID. Each began with real concerns. Each ended as a tool of compliance, coercion, and control. Now, as I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, we are entering a new war: the war on anti-government dissidents. We are fast approaching a future where you can be locked up for the thoughts you think, the beliefs you hold, or the questions you ask. The government will use any excuse to suppress dissent and control the narrative. It will start with the homeless. Then the mentally ill. Then the so-called extremists. Then the critics, the contrarians, and the constitutionalists. Eventually, it will come for anyone who dares to get in the government's way. This is how tyranny rises. This is how freedom falls. Unless we resist this creeping mental health gulag, the prison gates will eventually close on us all. Read more at: Rutherford.org The surprising benefits of worrying the right way (and how to do it) Worry acts as an alarm system in small doses, helping you spot problems and take action. The problem is excessive worrying (rumination), which spirals into worst-case scenarios without solutions. Trying not to worry makes anxiety worse. Instead, manage worries with structured techniques. The "worry time" technique can help if you often worry. Set aside 15 to 30 minutes daily to focus only on worries, but not before bed. Postpone worries during the day by jotting them down for later. Rate worries (1 to 10), problem-solve if possible, then let them go. This technique helps because it reduces intrusive thoughts by training your brain to delay anxiety. It gives you control instead of feeling overwhelmed. Studies show it lowers overall anxiety. Other strategies to reduce stress include talking to supportive people to gain perspective. You can also practice mindfulness to break worry cycles. Limit news consumption to avoid unnecessary anxiety triggers. Structured worry time and healthy habits help you stay resilient without burning out. In the past, you might have been told that worrying is bad for you. After all, it drains your energy, clouds your judgment and even harms your health. But what if worrying the right way could actually improve your mental well-being? Research shows that worry, when managed properly, can be a useful tool, not just for problem-solving but also for reducing chronic stress. The key lies in how you worry, not whether you do it at all. (h/t to TheOrganicPrepper.com) Why worry isnt always the enemy Worry gets a bad rap, but its not entirely useless. In small doses, it serves as an internal alarm system, alerting you to potential threats and motivating you to take action. The problem arises when worry becomes excessive, repetitive and unproductive, or what experts call rumination. Kim Pratt, a licensed clinical social worker, explains the difference between thinking and worrying: Thinking is reflective, solution-oriented and leads to clarity. is reflective, solution-oriented and leads to clarity. Worrying tends to spiral into catastrophizing, or imagining the worst-case scenario without resolution. Diane Solomon, a nurse practitioner, adds that while anxiety can be a healthy signal, too much of it harms both problem-solving skills and overall health. The goal, then, isnt to eliminate worry entirely but to control it. (Related: Study: Teens with problematic smartphone use more likely to experience anxiety and depression.) What doesnt work: The white bear effect Telling yourself not to worry is like trying not to think of a white bear: it backfires. Psychologists have proven this in experiments where people instructed not to think of a white bear ended up fixating on it even more. Suppressing thoughts doesnt work. Instead, you need structured ways to manage them. The worry time technique: A game-changer One of the most effective methods for taming runaway worry is the worry time technique, a structured approach that gives anxiety a designated space instead of letting it hijack your entire day. How it works: Schedule a daily "worry time," but only for about 15 to 30 minutes max. Choose a time when you can focus, but not right before bed. Include news consumption during this window if it triggers anxiety. Postpone worries during the day When a worrying thought arises, pause and say: "Ill think about this later during my worry time." Jot it down briefly and move on. Use your worry time wisely Review your list. Rate each worry (1 = minor, 10 = catastrophic). Problem-solve if possible, or simply acknowledge the worry without judgment. Rescore and release After worry time, reassess each concern. Many people find that their anxiety decreases just by containing it. Why it works: The worry time technique works because: It reduces intrusive thoughts. By deferring worries, you train your brain to stop obsessing in the moment. By deferring worries, you train your brain to stop obsessing in the moment. It creates control. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you decide when to engage with worries. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you decide when to engage with worries. It limits overthinking. A strict time cap prevents endless rumination. Studies show that people who practice this technique often feel less anxious, not more, because theyre no longer at the mercy of random worries. Other ways to curb overthinking While the worry time technique is powerful, combining it with other strategies can further reduce stress: Build a support network Talking through concerns with trusted friends or family can provide perspective. Social connection reduces isolation, a major contributor to anxiety. Practice mindfulness Deep breathing, meditation or even a short walk can interrupt worry cycles. Grounding techniques, like focusing on your senses, can bring you back to the present. Limit news consumption Constant exposure to negative news fuels anxiety. Set boundaries. For example, you can check updates once or twice a day instead of endlessly scrolling. Worry isnt inherently bad; its how you handle it that matters. By structuring your worries instead of letting them control you, you can reclaim mental energy for what truly matters. In uncertain times, resilience isnt about avoiding fear; its about managing it wisely. So next time a worry pops up, remember: You dont have to fix it now. Save it for worry time. Visit Mind.news for more tips on how to improve your mindset and mental health. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for various supplies for your prepping needs. Watch this clip about Magnesium Malate and how it can support restful sleep and optimal mental wellness. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Urban resilience: Tom Browns guide to thriving in the concrete jungle. Unleashing the healing power of foods: A path to health and wellness. GOT ANXIETY? It could easily be the cans of junk soda youre drinking every day. Finnish study finds correlation between wokeism and higher levels of anxiety and depression. Sources include: TheOrganicPrepper.com PsychologyToday.com HelpGuide.org PsychCentral.com Brighteon.com PURE INSANITY: Trump says Washington prepared for potential nuclear war with Russia U.S. President Donald Trump declared Washington's readiness for nuclear war with Russia and deployed two nuclear submarines near Russian territory, calling it a precautionary measure. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev invoked Russia's Perimetr system ("Dead Hand") a Soviet-era automated nuclear retaliation mechanism warning of its dangers after Trump mocked Russia's economy. The confrontation began when Trump demanded a Ukraine ceasefire within 10 days, which Russia ignored prompting Medvedev's social media retaliation and Trump's submarine deployment. Analysts compare the exchange to past Soviet-U.S. nuclear brinkmanship, noting that automated systems like Perimetr reduce hesitation but increase risks of catastrophic miscalculation. Both leaders' aggressive rhetoric amplified by social media heightens tensions, with experts warning that erratic declarations undermine deterrence credibility and escalate real-world risks. In a dramatic escalation of geopolitical tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that Washington is "prepared" for nuclear war with Moscow even sending two nuclear submarines near Russia. Trump made the announcement on Friday, Aug. 1, during a White House press conference. Earlier that day, he ordered the deployment of the submarines to "appropriate regions" near Russia. The real estate mogul's announcement followed inflammatory remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev posted on social media Thursday, July 31. Medvedev, currently the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, invoked Russia's fabled "Dead Hand" nuclear system. "Let him rememberhow dangerous the fabled 'Dead Hand' can be," the Russian official wrote Thursday, in response to Trump's mockery of the Russian and Indian economies as "dead." The Dead Hand system pertains to the autonomous Perimetr doomsday system from the Soviet era designed to launch nuclear strikes automatically if the country's leadership is decimated. U.S. analysts believe that the system, rumored to remain operational in Russia, exists as a final deterrent against a decapitating first strike. (Related: Russia's "Dead Hand" nuclear defense system can autonomously send out hundreds of nukes even after the country endures a nuclear first strike.) Trump: "When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared" Trump called Medvedev's statement "foolish and inflammatory" during the press conference. He later told reporters: "When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared." The confrontation began earlier this week after Trump dismissed Russia's energy alliance with India and warned Moscow it had "10 days" to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire a demand Russia ignored. Medvedev fired back on social media, prompting Trump's retaliatory submarine order. Neither the U.S. Department of Defense nor the White House provided operational details, as nuclear submarine movements are classified. Historical context underscores the gravity of the exchange. Medvedev's allusion to it echoes past Soviet nuclear posturing, while Trump's deployment mirrors show-of-force strategies from the Cuban Missile Crisis era. Analysts caution that while automated systems like Perimetr reduce the risk of leadership hesitation, they also elevate catastrophic miscalculation risks. Trump's decision, framed as protective, draws skepticism. His vague reference to "appropriate regions" leaves room for doubt, while Medvedev himself dismissed the real estate mogul's threats as "nervous rhetoric." Experts note that nuclear deterrence relies on credibility, and erratic declarations complicate strategic stability. This clash marks another flashpoint in deteriorating U.S.-Russia relations since Ukraine's invasion. As Cold War ghosts resurface, the episode underscores how quickly words amplified by social media can spiral into real-world danger. Visit Nuclear.news for more similar stories. Watch Alex Jones of InfoWars discussing President Trump's order to move U.S. nuclear submarines near Russia in this clip. This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Conspiracy theory surfaces of Trump's alleged plan to trigger U.S. nuclear attack for AI dominance & economic reset. Medvedev warns of NUCLEAR STRIKES on the U.S. and U.K. if Russian territories are seriously threatened. Former Russian President Medvedev warns of nuclear "apocalypse" if NATO attacks. Sources include: RT.com 1 RT.com 2 News.Sky.com Brighteon.com Slovenia becomes first EU nation to impose arms embargo on Israel over Gaza assault Slovenia became the first EU country to impose a full arms embargo on Israel, banning the export, import and transit of military equipment, citing Israel's violations of international humanitarian law and the worsening crisis in Gaza. The Slovenian government criticized the European Union's "internal disagreements and disunity," stating it had to act independently due to the bloc's failure to implement coordinated measures against Israel. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob emphasized that people in Gaza are dying from blocked humanitarian aid and lack of basic needs, declaring it a moral duty for Slovenia to take decisive action. In mid-July, Slovenia also banned Israeli Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, accusing them of inciting violence and making "genocidal statements" against Palestinians. In June 2024, Slovenia joined Ireland, Norway and Spain in formally recognizing Palestinian statehood, reinforcing its stance as one of the EU's most outspoken critics of Israel's Gaza offensive. Slovenia has become the first European Union (EU) member state to impose an arms embargo on Israel, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the EU's failure to take coordinated action. In a statement released after a cabinet meeting, the Slovenian government said the ban includes both the export and import of military equipment, as well as the transit of weapons to or from Israel through Slovenian territory. Slovenia justified its unilateral decision by pointing to the "internal disagreements and disunity" within the European Union. "At the initiative of Prime Minister Robert Golob, the Slovenian government confirmed a decision prohibiting the export and transit of military weapons and equipment from or through the Republic of Slovenia to Israel, or the import from Israel to Slovenia," a government statement read on Thursday, July 31, following a cabinet meeting. The move prohibits all export, import and transit of military weapons and equipment between Slovenia and Israel. (Related: Turkey and 51 other nations call for global arms embargo on Israel.) According to their official statement, the embargo is a direct response to Israel's "serious violations of international humanitarian law." "The result is shameful: People in Gaza are dying because humanitarian aid is systematically prevented. They die under the rubble, without access to drinking water, food and basic health care. It is a complete disabling of humanitarian access and the conscious prevention of basic conditions for survival. In such a situation, it is the duty of any responsible state to take action, even if it means taking a step ahead of others. Slovenia consistently and in principle advocates respect for international law and the protection of human rights. In the coming weeks, Robert Golob prepared some national measures against the current Israeli government, whose actions represent serious violations of international humanitarian law," the statement read. Slovenia bans Israeli ministers and recognizes Palestinian State Slovenia has emerged as one of Israel's harshest critics in Europe. The move follows Slovenia's increasingly assertive stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. In mid-July, the country banned two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, from entering the country. The government declared both officials persona non grata, accusing them of promoting "extreme violence and serious violations of the human rights of Palestinians" through their "genocidal statements." The diplomatic rebuke marked a major escalation in Ljubljana's growing disapproval of Israeli policy, particularly its ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have triggered a humanitarian crisis and drawn mounting international condemnation. The July travel ban followed Slovenia's recognition of Palestinian statehood in June 2024 another move that placed the country at the forefront of a shifting tide in European foreign policy. Slovenia joined Ireland, Norway and Spain in formally recognizing a Palestinian state, citing the urgency of ending the violence in Gaza and upholding international humanitarian law. Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar and Golob have both been vocal in denouncing "genocide" being carried out against Palestinians, calling for stronger international accountability. Visit WWIII.news for more stories related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories. Watch the video below to learn why the U.S. sells weapons to over 100 countries around the world. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: UN experts demand targeted sanctions, arms embargo against Israel for crimes against humanity. UN experts demand targeted sanctions, arms embargo against Israel for crimes against humanity. France turns on Israel: "It's time to stop sending arms to Israel," says Macron. Congress places hold on $1 billion U.S. arms sale to Israel. U.S. vetoed Gaza ceasefire on same day it profited from arms sale to Israel. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net Politico.com Gov.si AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com E China's village regains vitality thanks to renovation efforts by local authorities Xinhua) 08:58, August 05, 2025 A homestay is pictured in Nanping Village, Taiping Town, Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Nanping Village, once a declined village as residents left to seek works elsewhere, has regained vitality thanks to the renovation efforts by local authorities. Dilapidated old houses were transformed into stylish homestays and cafes, while areas around the stream in the village was developed into a summer retreat and camping site. After the renovation, the annual turnover generated here reaches nearly 2 million yuan (about 278,610 U.S. dollars). In addition to rental income for villagers, this cultural and tourism development project has also created over 50 job opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) Tourists play in a stream in Nanping Village, Taiping Town, Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Nanping Village, once a declined village as residents left to seek works elsewhere, has regained vitality thanks to the renovation efforts by local authorities. Dilapidated old houses were transformed into stylish homestays and cafes, while areas around the stream in the village was developed into a summer retreat and camping site. After the renovation, the annual turnover generated here reaches nearly 2 million yuan (about 278,610 U.S. dollars). In addition to rental income for villagers, this cultural and tourism development project has also created over 50 job opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) Tourists visit Nanping Village, Taiping Town, Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Nanping Village, once a declined village as residents left to seek works elsewhere, has regained vitality thanks to the renovation efforts by local authorities. Dilapidated old houses were transformed into stylish homestays and cafes, while areas around the stream in the village was developed into a summer retreat and camping site. After the renovation, the annual turnover generated here reaches nearly 2 million yuan (about 278,610 U.S. dollars). In addition to rental income for villagers, this cultural and tourism development project has also created over 50 job opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) A staff member cleans a room at a homestay in Nanping Village, Taiping Town, Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Nanping Village, once a declined village as residents left to seek works elsewhere, has regained vitality thanks to the renovation efforts by local authorities. Dilapidated old houses were transformed into stylish homestays and cafes, while areas around the stream in the village was developed into a summer retreat and camping site. After the renovation, the annual turnover generated here reaches nearly 2 million yuan (about 278,610 U.S. dollars). In addition to rental income for villagers, this cultural and tourism development project has also created over 50 job opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) Tourists visit Nanping Village, Taiping Town, Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Nanping Village, once a declined village as residents left to seek works elsewhere, has regained vitality thanks to the renovation efforts by local authorities. Dilapidated old houses were transformed into stylish homestays and cafes, while areas around the stream in the village was developed into a summer retreat and camping site. After the renovation, the annual turnover generated here reaches nearly 2 million yuan (about 278,610 U.S. dollars). In addition to rental income for villagers, this cultural and tourism development project has also created over 50 job opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) Tourists take a rest at a cafe in Nanping Village, Taiping Town, Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Nanping Village, once a declined village as residents left to seek works elsewhere, has regained vitality thanks to the renovation efforts by local authorities. Dilapidated old houses were transformed into stylish homestays and cafes, while areas around the stream in the village was developed into a summer retreat and camping site. After the renovation, the annual turnover generated here reaches nearly 2 million yuan (about 278,610 U.S. dollars). In addition to rental income for villagers, this cultural and tourism development project has also created over 50 job opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) Tourists play in a stream in Nanping Village, Taiping Town, Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Nanping Village, once a declined village as residents left to seek works elsewhere, has regained vitality thanks to the renovation efforts by local authorities. Dilapidated old houses were transformed into stylish homestays and cafes, while areas around the stream in the village was developed into a summer retreat and camping site. After the renovation, the annual turnover generated here reaches nearly 2 million yuan (about 278,610 U.S. dollars). In addition to rental income for villagers, this cultural and tourism development project has also created over 50 job opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) An aerial drone photo shows a view in Nanping Village, Taiping Town, Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Nanping Village, once a declined village as residents left to seek works elsewhere, has regained vitality thanks to the renovation efforts by local authorities. Dilapidated old houses were transformed into stylish homestays and cafes, while areas around the stream in the village was developed into a summer retreat and camping site. After the renovation, the annual turnover generated here reaches nearly 2 million yuan (about 278,610 U.S. dollars). In addition to rental income for villagers, this cultural and tourism development project has also created over 50 job opportunities. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) SSAs PIN policy reversal highlights balancing act between security and access SSA reverses mandatory PIN policy, making in-person field office visits optional. 3.4 million fewer seniors and disabled individuals required to attend field offices annually. Over 1,800 SSA staff cuts exacerbate field office capacity concerns. Overpayment recoupments now permit up to 50% of benefits to be withheld. Modernization efforts balance fraud prevention with accessibility challenges. In a surprise policy reversal on August 1, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that seniors and disabled individuals will no longer be required to visit field offices for routine transactions, marking a rare shift after weeks of backlash. The decision follows a contentious proposal to mandate a Security Authentication PIN (SAP) for telephone interactions a plan critics argued would disproportionately burden rural and low-income recipients. Over 68 million Americans reliant on Social Security face navigating new verification protocols as the agency grapples with modernization, staffing cuts and bipartisan pressure. The PIN dilemma: Modernization vs. accessibility The SSAs initial proposal, buried in a Federal Register filing, sought to combat fraud by requiring beneficiaries to use an online PIN to verify identities over the phone. The AARP swiftly criticized the move, warning it would force 3.4 million seniors to travel to field offices annually. Many lack internet access, face mobility challenges or reside in regions with limited SSA office access. The core issue is that millions of Americans rely on the phone to handle Social Security with dignity and independence, said Margie Omero, an AARP vice president, in a statement. This policy would have turned that convenience into a barrier. The SSA backtracked after public outcry, clarifying the PIN options entirely voluntary status. Meanwhile, critics argue the policy reflects broader tensions between cybersecurity efforts and equitable service delivery. Multi-factor authentication is standard in banking, but millions of retirees dont have smartphones or tech literacy, said financial expert Alex Beene. For many, this is about survival, not safety. Staffing and capacity: A looming crisis Compounding concerns, the SSA has slashed nearly 3,000 field office employees since January through buyouts and reassignments. The cuts, part of a bid to fill a $27 billion budget shortfall, have strained operations at over 1,300 offices. Wait times are swelling as demands rise. Were losing seasoned staff just as were adding new administrative hurdles, said Kevin Thompson, a Social Security consultant. Its like cutting firefighters while rolling out longer ladders. The agencys decision to recover overpayments by withholding up to 50 percent of benefits further strains low-income recipients. For Tasha Miller, a widowed caregiver in rural Ohio, such measures are existential: I rely on those checks for medicine. Taking half puts me at risk. A pattern of controversial shifts This isnt the first time the SSAs modernization efforts have sparked backlash. In 2023, its suspension of automatic Social Security number issuance for naturalized citizens forced 2.9 million individuals to line up at offices. Critics call these changes part of a troubling trend: prioritizing fiscal efficiency over vulnerable populations. The agencys focus on cost-cutting undermines the safety net, said Jared Bernstein, a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). When you force seniors through bureaucratic gauntlets, youre not saving money youre creating crises. Balancing security and compassion As the SSA recalibrates its PIN policy, the debate underscores a national challenge: preserving public trust in an essential lifeline while adapting to 21st-century risks. With 65 percent of retirees relying wholly on Social Security, any misstep risks destabilizing families and eroding confidence in core social infrastructure. This isnt just about technology its about humanity, said Beene. We need a system that both keeps our money safe and keeps our elders safe. For millions, the stakes remain urgent as the agency navigates an unenviable tightrope between innovation and equity. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com Newsweek.com CBPP.org INSIDIOUS WHO foundation relies on ANONYMOUS globalists to FUND their plandemics so nobody can blame and track the mass-murdering psychopaths The World Hurt Organization, responsible for pushing all the COVID lies that maimed and killed millions of people worldwide, doesnt want anyone to know who run and funds the WHO cult because then they could all be held accountable for their crimes. A recent analysis has raised significant concerns over the transparency of the WHO Foundation, an independent fundraising body for the World Health Organization (WHO). Since its establishment in 2020, the foundation has aimed to broaden the WHOs donor base to include corporations and wealthy individualsdonors the WHO cannot directly accept funds from. However, the analysis reveals that the majority of these donations are now anonymous, triggering fears about likely conflicts of interest and undue corporate influence over global health priorities. Transparency Decline Sparks Concern : Over 62% of donations to the WHO Foundation since its 2020 launch have been made anonymously, with that figure rising to nearly 80% in 2023prompting warnings about hidden commercial influence over WHO priorities and governance. : Over 62% of donations to the WHO Foundation since its 2020 launch have been made anonymously, with that figure rising to nearly 80% in 2023prompting warnings about hidden commercial influence over WHO priorities and governance. Potential Conflicts of Interest : Researchers and public health experts fear that anonymous or industry-linked donationssuch as those from companies like Metamay align with corporate interests rather than public health needs, posing ethical concerns and undermining trust in WHO programs. : Researchers and public health experts fear that anonymous or industry-linked donationssuch as those from companies like Metamay align with corporate interests rather than public health needs, posing ethical concerns and undermining trust in WHO programs. Foundation Defends Safeguards : The WHO Foundation insists all donors undergo due diligence and that anonymous gifts are reviewed by a special gift acceptance committee; it also rejects donations from tobacco and firearms companies, but remains vague on other controversial industries like alcohol or fossil fuels. : The WHO Foundation insists all donors undergo due diligence and that anonymous gifts are reviewed by a special gift acceptance committee; it also rejects donations from tobacco and firearms companies, but remains vague on other controversial industries like alcohol or fossil fuels. Calls for Greater Accountability: Experts warn the foundations falling transparencygraded "D" by Open Democracymirrors dark money practices, and stress that transparency is vital to prevent corporate capture and maintain the legitimacy of the WHOs global health mission. WHO foundation relies heavily on anonymous donors, sparking concerns about conflicts of interest The WHO Foundation has disclosed more than $82 million in contributions over three years, but more than 62% of this total came from unnamed donors. The trend is worsening: in 2023, nearly 80% of contributions were anonymous, compared to 40% in the foundations first two years. Some anonymous donations were as large as $11 million. Using a transparency scoring system by Open Democracy, researchers gave the foundation a D gradeequivalent to organizations labeled as dark money think tanks. The foundation argues that it conducts due diligence on every donor, including anonymous ones, and that every donation is subject to internal review and a governance framework. Parul Pandey, a foundation spokesperson, stated that anonymity requests face additional scrutiny and that transparency reports are published biannually. Despite these assurances, academics and public health experts warn that donations from corporationsespecially those in industries such as alcohol, soda, or infant formulacould influence WHO programs and priorities in subtle but powerful ways. They cite past evidence showing that companies often use philanthropic donations to distract from public health harms or to support lobbying against regulation. One example is Metas donation to the WHOs Department of Communication and Digital Healthan area where social media companies have been criticized for spreading misinformation and affecting youth mental health. Critics are particularly troubled by the growing reliance on anonymous donors at a time when WHO funding is under strain. U.S. President Donald Trumps 2020 withdrawal of U.S. funding created new urgency for the WHO to diversify income streams. While the foundations CEO Anil Soni has pledged to shield the WHO from corporate influenceand has banned donations from the tobacco and firearms industriesit remains unclear if other high-risk sectors like fossil fuels or alcohol are off-limits. Furthermore, donor influence appears to skew funding priorities. Researchers found that many donors target specific high-profile causes, such as vaccines or aid to Ukraine, rather than broader or less visible health needs. This misalignment risks weakening WHOs ability to address national and global health priorities comprehensively. Although anonymous donations comprise only about 1% of the WHOs overall budget, experts stress that the optics and risks of non-transparent funding should not be overlooked. As Lisa Bero, a public health and ethics expert, puts it, Transparency is critical for health organizations. Without it, the legitimacy and independence of the WHOand global health governance more broadlycould be undermined. The analysis calls for urgent reform to ensure stronger accountability and clearer disclosure of donors' identities and intentions. Tune your apocalypse dial to preparedness.news for updates on real news about surviving the World Health Organizations insidious anonymous plans for the next plandemic. Sources for this article include: Censored.news NaturalNews.com ChildrensHealthDefense.org Wildfire Smoke Plummets Midwest Air Quality, Triggering Unprecedented Health Alerts Smoke from Canadian wildfires has caused hazardous air quality across six U.S. Midwestern states, with Minneapolis ranking among the worlds most polluted cities. Air Quality Index (AQI) levels reached unhealthy for all groups in Minnesota, exceeding 150 in some areas. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with heart/respiratory conditions, are advised to stay indoors. Pollution is expected to spread further south this weekend, potentially affecting Tennessee and Missouri. This prolonged smoke event mirrors worsening wildfire trends, with experts citing atmospheric patterns as a long-term concern. MINNEAPOLIS For three consecutive days, thick smoke from Canadian wildfires has blanketed the U.S. Midwest, plunging air quality to dangerous levels in six states and turning Minneapolis into one of the worlds most polluted cities. Real-time data from IQAir shows the Twin Cities ranked among global air pollution hotspots, while the Environmental Protection Agencys Air Quality Index (AQI) hit red-level unhealthy thresholds, surpassing 150 in parts of Minnesota on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Advisories warned all residentsespecially children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart conditionsto avoid prolonged outdoor activities until at least Monday. The smoke, drifting south from blazes scorching western Canada, has exacerbated a situation already described by meteorologists as concerning due to prolonged surface-level particulate exposure. Joe Strus, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Minnesota, noted, You can taste and smell the smoke, which is a stark reminder of how concentrated its become. While slightly improving conditions in parts of Minneapolis and southwestern Minnesota were reported Saturday afternoon, atmospheric models predict lingering risks for vulnerable groups and a southward shift of the smoke plume toward Tennessee and Missouri. Air Quality Hits Critical Levels, Highlighting Risks for Vulnerable Groups The AQI, a standardized measure of pollutant concentrations, uses a 0500 scale to classify health risks. Scores above 150 pose danger to everyone, while lower thresholds impact sensitive populations. In Minnesota, areas like La Crescent and Pipestone saw AQI readings near 200, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) estimated at four times the typical summer high. Health officials urged residents to keep windows sealed, avoid burning wood or candles, and use indoor air filters. Dr. Emily Nielsen, a respiratory specialist at the University of Minnesota Health, emphasized the health hazards: These particles can inflame airways, worsen asthma, and even trigger cardiac events in susceptible individuals. The extended exposure here is particularly worrisome. Shifting Atmospheric Patterns Historically, Midwest smoke events were shorter-lived, with scattered thunderstorms breaking up plumes. But experts warn this years prolonged haze reflects re a climate-driven shift. Wildfire seasons in Canada have lengthened by weeks due to higher temperatures and drier landscapes, while stagnant atmospheric pressure systemscommon in summerare trapping smoke for days. This isnt a one-off, said Dr. Maya Kapoor, a climatologist at the EPA. Rising global temperatures are fueling larger wildfires and creating weather patterns that keep pollution in place. Events like this are becoming a seasonal reality for much of North America. Strus concurred, noting, Five years ago, wed get a day or two of smoke. Now, these episodes linger for days. Were all hoping the wind shifts soonbut were planning for this to be a regular summer feature. Communities Adapt Amid Long-Term Concerns Local governments have activated emergency protocols, including cooling centers in heat-affected regions like Edmonton and free distribution of N95 masks in urban areas. However, many residents face barriers: homes without air conditioning, crowded shelters, or limited access to space-filtration systems. Natalie Rivera, a Minnesota outreach worker, said, Families here are exhausted. Theyve stocked up on masks and purifier filters, but air quality can change hourly. Its hard to plan. A Seasonal Peril Becomes the New Normal As skies in the Upper Midwest gradually clear, the event underscores the irreversible impact of wildfires on public health. With climate models predicting more frequent and severe smoke waves, states may need to invest in infrastructurelike air-quality monitors and green spacesto mitigate these health risks. For now, millions in the region wait for the wind to shift, but as Strus put it, This years not over yet. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com APNews.com EconomicTimes.com Californias ammunition background check law deemed UNCONSTITUTIONAL The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down California's law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases, deeming it unconstitutional and upholding a previous injunction by U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez. The decision reflects a growing trend in federal courts to evaluate gun control measures based on historical firearm regulations. The ruling has sparked a debate over the balance between gun rights and public safety. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed disappointment, viewing the decision as a setback for community safety, while the California Rifle & Pistol Association celebrated it as a victory for constitutional rights. The decision highlights the tension between state and federal courts in interpreting the Second Amendment. As states like California push for stricter gun laws, federal courts are increasingly overturning such measures, citing constitutional grounds. The ruling intensifies the discussion on whether individual rights to bear arms can be limited without probable cause and how to balance these rights with public safety concerns. In a significant blow to California's stringent gun control measures, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week that the state's law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases is unconstitutional. The decision upholds a permanent injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez, who had previously struck down the law, arguing that it violated the Second Amendment rights of Californians. The background check law for ammunition was born out of a 2016 ballot measure aimed at tightening California's already strict gun regulations. The measure was part of a broader effort to close loopholes in the state's gun laws and prevent firearms and ammunition from falling into the wrong hands. However, the law has faced consistent legal challenges since its inception. The 9th Circuit's ruling reflects a growing trend in federal courts to scrutinize gun control measures based on historical precedent. In a landmark 2022 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that firearm cases should be evaluated by how they align with the country's historical traditions of firearm regulation. Judge Sandra Ikuta, writing for the majority, cited this precedent in her opinion, stating that California's ammunition background check regime infringes on the fundamental right to keep and bear arms. Judge Ikuta's opinion emphasized the inconsistency of the law with historical firearm regulations. "By subjecting Californians to background checks for all ammunition purchases, California's ammunition background check regime infringes on the fundamental right to keep and bear arms," she wrote. In contrast, Judge Jay S. Bybee, who dissented, argued that the law did not impose a significant burden on gun owners. "The vast majority of (California's) checks cost one dollar and impose less than one minute of delay," Bybee noted. He contended that the law was a reasonable measure to prevent firearms and ammunition from being obtained by individuals who should not have them. The ruling has been met with mixed reactions. Chuck Michel, president of the California Rifle and Pistol Association and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, celebrated the decision. "This is a huge win," Michel posted on social media. "The state will likely appeal en banc, so we have to keep fighting, but this law will fall!" California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed his disappointment with the ruling, framing it as a setback for public safety. "Strong gun laws save lives and today's decision is a slap in the face to the progress California has made in recent years to keep its communities safer from gun violence," Newsom said in a statement. "Californians voted to require background checks on ammunition and their voices should matter." The broader debate on gun control The 9th Circuit's decision is part of a larger national conversation about the balance between gun rights and public safety. According to the Los Angeles Times, both the 9th Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court have significantly restricted gun control measures in recent years. This trend has intensified the debate over whether the inherent right to defend one's life can be abridged without probable cause or whether those rights are protected from the will of the majority. The ruling also highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal courts in interpreting the Second Amendment. As states like California continue to push for stricter gun laws, federal courts are increasingly stepping in to overturn such measures, citing constitutional grounds. (Related: ATF on the chopping block: Trump's DOGE team moves to gut gun regulations, restore Second Amendment rights.) The 9th Circuit's decision to strike down California's ammunition background check law underscores the complexities of gun control in America. While proponents argue that such measures are necessary to prevent gun violence, opponents contend that they infringe on constitutional rights. As the legal battle continues, the ruling serves as a reminder of the enduring debate over how to balance individual liberties with public safety. Watch the video below that talks about balancing rights and safety with second amendment. This video is from the Proforce channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Senate bill targets Al Capone-era taxes on firearms as 2nd Amendment battle intensifies. Citigroup drops firearms policy, vows political neutrality amid debanking backlash. DOJ launches Second Amendment Task Force amid federal rollback of gun control measures. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com AmGreatness.com LATimes.com Brighteon.com Cambodia nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize amid border conflict resolution Cambodia announced its intention to nominate U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize due to his role in mediating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which ended a deadly border conflict. The conflict, which began after a land mine explosion injured Thai soldiers, escalated into the heaviest fighting in over a decade, displacing over 300,000 people and causing at least 43 deaths. Trump's intervention, including a critical phone call urging both sides to cease hostilities, led to a ceasefire negotiated in Malaysia on July 28. This is not the first time Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize; Pakistani officials and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have also nominated him for his efforts in mediating conflicts. The Nobel Peace Prize honors individuals or organizations that significantly contribute to peace between nations. Trump's involvement had significant economic implications for Cambodia. The U.S. initially threatened a 49 percent tariff on Cambodian goods but reduced it to 19 percent following Trump's intervention, providing relief to Cambodia's crucial garment and footwear industry. Trump's role in resolving the conflict demonstrates a shift in his foreign policy approach, highlighting the use of trade as a tool for peace and the interplay between diplomacy and economic leverage in international relations. Cambodia announced on Friday, Aug. 1, its intention to nominate U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The decision follows Trump's direct intervention in mediating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which halted a deadly border conflict that had displaced over 300,000 people and claimed at least 43 lives. (Related: Thailand and Cambodia reach CEASEFIRE following U.S. pressure.) Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and top trade negotiator, Sun Chanthol, confirmed the nomination during a press conference in the capital, Phnom Penh. "We acknowledge his great efforts for peace," Chanthol said, expressing gratitude for Trump's role in brokering the ceasefire. "He deserves to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize." The conflict, which erupted late last month after a land mine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers, quickly escalated into the heaviest fighting between the two nations in over a decade. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the clashes, which led to a humanitarian crisis as civilians fled the violence. Trump's involvement came at a critical juncture. According to Reuters, it was a call from the U.S. president last week that broke the deadlock in negotiations. Trump urged the leaders of both countries to cease hostilities, emphasizing that the U.S. would not engage in trade discussions until the conflict was resolved. His intervention was followed by a ceasefire negotiated in Malaysia on July 28. International recognition Cambodia's nomination of Trump is not the first. Pakistani officials announced in June that they would recommend Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in mediating a conflict with India. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also revealed last month that he had nominated Trump for the prestigious award. The Nobel Peace Prize, established by Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, is awarded to individuals or organizations that have made the most significant contributions to "advance fellowship between nations." Trump's role in facilitating peace talks between Cambodia and Thailand aligns with the award's mission. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the sentiment on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. "President Trump made this happen. Give him the Nobel Peace Prize!" she wrote, underscoring the administration's belief in Trump's pivotal role in the ceasefire. Economic implications Beyond the immediate peace, Trump's intervention has had economic ramifications for Cambodia. The U.S. had initially threatened to impose a 49 percent tariff on Cambodian goods, a move that would have severely impacted the country's vital garment and footwear sector. Chanthol revealed that the tariff was later reduced to 36 percent, and ultimately to 19 percent, following Trump's intervention. "We are grateful for the reduced tariff rate," Chanthol said, highlighting the economic relief that accompanied the peace agreement. The garment and footwear industry is a cornerstone of Cambodia's economy, employing hundreds of thousands of workers and contributing significantly to the country's GDP. Trump's involvement in resolving the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand marks a departure from his often contentious foreign policy approach. It also underscores the complex interplay between diplomacy and economic leverage in international relations. The Nobel Peace Prize nomination reflects a growing recognition of Trump's efforts to use trade as a tool for peace. As Cambodia prepares to formally nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, the international community will be watching closely. The nomination highlights the unexpected ways in which global leaders can influence peace and stability, even in regions far from their own borders. While the outcome of the nomination remains uncertain, Trump's role in mediating the Cambodia-Thailand conflict has already left a mark on the region's history. Watch the video below that talks about Netanyahu nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: At least 14 dead, dozens wounded as Thailand-Cambodia border clash escalates. Trump escalates trade offensive with new tariff notices to seven nations. Trump announces steep tariffs on 14 countries, effective August 1. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Reuters.com FoxNews.com Brighteon.com Cambodia to nominate Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize The Cambodian government announced plans to nominate President Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his mediation in brokering a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. Trump applied economic pressure threatening to withhold trade deals to force an end to violent border clashes that displaced thousands and killed dozens. A truce was agreed upon in late July following negotiations. The Trump administration eased punitive tariffs on Cambodian exports (from 49 percent to 19 percent), strengthening regional ties and incentivizing diplomatic cooperation. This marks Trump's third nomination in 2026, following recommendations from Israel (for supporting Israel against Hamas) and Pakistan (for averting war with India). While the ceasefire halted immediate violence, critics argue lasting peace requires further talks to permanently resolve the contested border dispute. The nomination highlights Trump's strategy of linking trade incentives to diplomacy. The Cambodian government announced plans to nominate U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his direct intervention in mediating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chantol confirmed the development on Friday, Aug. 1. He praised Trump's role in pressuring both Bangkok and Phnom Penh toward peace, ending a deadly border conflict that displaced hundreds of thousands and killed dozens. "Trump has shown great interest in Cambodia's bitter history, as well as his willingness to help the Cambodian people achieve peace," Chanthol told reporters, according to the Khmer Times. The deputy prime minister also credited Trump's administration for easing punitive U.S. tariffs on Cambodian exports, strengthening economic relations in the region. The violent clashes erupted last week when Cambodia accused Thai forces of killing one of its soldiers along the contested border, triggering retaliatory strikes from both sides. Thailand escalated the conflict with cluster munitions, justifying their use by pointing out that the kingdom is not a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Both parties agreed to a truce Monday, July 28, following negotiations in the Malaysian city of Putrajaya. Officials confirmed Trump applied economic leverage, threatening to withhold trade deals unless hostilities ceased. (Related: Thailand and Cambodia reach CEASEFIRE following U.S. pressure.) Tariffs instead of bullets: Trump's unconventional peace strategy This marks Trump's third Nobel nomination this year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recommended him in July for supporting Israel against Hamas, while Pakistan nominated him in June for averting war with India. Netanyahu's nomination is questionable, however, as no peace has resulted and the conflict in Gaza appears to have worsened. Trump confirmed his tactics on Truth Social, writing that ongoing U.S. trade negotiations with Thailand and Cambodia hinged on ending the conflict: "I have told them so!" In an interview with Breitbart News, he warned that unchecked wars cripple economies for decades, adding, "People were being killed at the border a lot." The ceasefire concluded the worst fighting between the nations in over a decade, though their territorial dispute traces back more than a century. The Trump administration originally planned 49 percent tariffs on Cambodian goods, potentially devastating its garment industry. Later talks managed to reduce to tariff to a manageable 19 percent, with Chanthol noting that Cambodia "can compete" with that rate. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt meanwhile demanded that Trump be given the Nobel Peace Prize. For the real estate mogul, the nomination underscores his broader strategy of leveraging economic ties to compel diplomatic resolutions a recurring theme in his foreign policy. If successful, Nobel recognition could amplify his legacy as a dealmaker in global conflicts. But critics argue that lasting peace hinges on further talks between Bangkok and Phnom Penh not just temporary ceasefires to address the contested border permanently. As Cambodia finalizes Trump's nomination, analysts note the convergence of trade incentives and conflict mediation reflects shifting U.S. power dynamics in Southeast Asia. Whether the Norwegian Nobel Committee agrees remains uncertain but for now, Cambodia and Thailand have stepped back from war. Watch Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announcing that Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire in this video. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Fragile India-Pakistan ceasefire holds as world fears another flare-up. Putin and Trump agree to PARTIAL CEASEFIRE in Ukraine, but path to lasting peace remains uncertain. Trump announces Israel agrees to US-backed 60-day Gaza ceasefire, urges Hamas to accept "final proposal". Sources include: YourNews.com Reuters.com UNN.ua Brighteon.com Corporation for Public Broadcasting to shut down amid Trumps funding cuts The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) will cease operations in early 2026 after losing federal funding under the Trump administration, marking a significant shift in public media. Established in 1967, the CPB has supported over 1,500 public TV and radio stations, ensuring access to high-quality, non-commercial programming that educates and informs the public. The Trump administration, citing alleged "bias" and "woke propaganda," halted federal funding for CPB, affecting major broadcasters like PBS and NPR, despite widespread criticism from public media advocates. The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $9 billion cut to public media and foreign aid, including $1.1 billion for CPB, leading to warnings of layoffs and potential closures by PBS and NPR, which rely on CPB for substantial financial support. The Trump administration faces resistance, including a lawsuit against CPB board members refusing to resign, highlighting deep political divisions with Republicans celebrating the funding cuts as a long-sought victory. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a cornerstone of American public media, announced on Friday, Aug.1, that it will cease operations in early 2026 after losing its federal funding under President Donald Trump's administration. The decision marks a significant shift in the landscape of public broadcasting, affecting major broadcasters like PBS and NPR, which have relied on CPB for substantial financial support. The CPB, established by Congress in 1967, has been instrumental in supporting over 1,500 public television and radio stations across the United States. Its mission has been to ensure universal access to high-quality, non-commercial programming that educates, informs and enriches the public. However, the Trump administrations staunch opposition to the CPBs funding has led to its impending closure, citing alleged "bias" and "woke propaganda" in the outlets it supports. The Trump administration's decision to defund the CPB came to a head in May when the president signed an executive order to halt federal funding for NPR and PBS. The White House argued that these broadcasters received millions from taxpayers to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as news. This move was met with widespread criticism from public media advocates, who argued that the CPBs funding was crucial for maintaining a diverse and independent media landscape. (Related: Trump signs executive order defunding NPR and PBS.) In June, the U.S. House of Representatives, led by the GOP, approved a $9 billion cut to public media and foreign aid, which included $1.1 billion in funding for the CPB over the next two years. Despite public outcry and efforts by millions of Americans who called, wrote and petitioned Congress to preserve the funding, the Senate Appropriations Committee declined to restore the funds on Thursday. Impact on public media and emergency services PBS and NPR, which have denied accusations of bias, have warned that the cuts could lead to layoffs and even potential closure. Both networks have emphasized the critical role they play in providing emergency warnings and alerts, which heavily rely on their infrastructure. PBS, known for its educational programming like "Sesame Street," reportedly receives 16 percent of its funding from the federal government. NPR, on the other hand, receives about one percent of its funds from federal sources annually, with an additional three percent indirectly from stations. The CPB has distributed more than $500 million each year to these and other local public radio and TV stations. The Trump administrations efforts to defund the CPB have not been without resistance. The administration has filed a lawsuit against three CPB board members who have refused to step down despite Trump's orders for their removal. This legal battle underscores the deep political divisions surrounding the issue of public media funding. Republicans have long sought to cut funding for public broadcasting, with Trump himself calling it a "waste of federal dollars." In a July post on Truth Social, Trump celebrated the congressional vote, stating, "Republicans have tried doing this for 40 years, and failed... but no more. This is big!" Watch the video below that talks about the cutting of federal funding for NPR and PBS. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: House passes $9.4 billion rescissions bill slashing NPR, PBS, USAID funding. FCC chairman launches investigation into NPR and PBS over alleged commercial violations. DOGE cancels 230 contracts worth $2.8 billion to cut waste, saves $407 million. Sources include: RT.com NYPost.com Brighteon.com National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard confirms Media PSYOP Operation Mockingbird revived to target Americans Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirms Operation Mockingbirds ongoing influence, linking it to CIA tactics weaponizing media and intelligence to undermine President Trump. $900M Biden Propaganda Campaign fueled distrust in the CDC through misleading data on masks, vaccines and child health. Scientists admit psychological tactics including fear-based manipulation were employed during the pandemic. Modern Mockingbird Tools include algorithmic censorship, social media surveillance and Big Tech partnerships. Trumps Agenda aims to dismantle Deep State media propaganda apparatuses, per Gabbard. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard dropped a literary-sized bombshell on American democracy this week, confirming Cold War-era intelligence tactics are now targeting U.S. citizens. The CIAs infamous Operation Mockingbird once a tool for influencing foreign and domestic media is, she says, alive and weaponized to undercut the Trump administration and distort public opinion. In a July 31 interview with conservative host Benny Johnson, Gabbard described intelligence insiders leaking secrets exclusively to friends in corporate media, including Fox News and CNN, though their parent companies are owned by globalist-aligned firms like BlackRock (a World Economic Forum partner). They believe their will is more important than yours, Gabbard warned. Weaponizing public records to sabotage elected leadership is an attack on constitutional order and the American people. This isnt fringe conspiracy Gabbard, a former U.S. Congressmember, has official authority to corroborate it. Nor is it limited to leaks: Todays Mockingbird 2.0 uses artificial intelligence, corporate surveillance and $900 million in federal propaganda funneled into media narratives during Bidens pandemic response. "The CDC was a propaganda machine": The $900M truth Gabbards warnings align with a 2024 House report that found Bidens CDC spent taxpayer money to spread erroneous data during the pandemic. According to the Energy and Commerce Committee, ads exaggerated vaccine efficacy, underplayed childrens risks and partnered with Big Tech to monitor Americans. Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) said the campaign eroded trust in public health entirely: They weaponized fear. Millions believed threats that either lacked evidence or were exaggerated. Perhaps most alarming: House investigators revealed the CDC distributed messaging that conflicted with FDA authorization flagrantly violating its role as a regulatory body. Whistleblowers expose fear as a weapon Gabbards claims gained credibility when former UK pandemic advisors admitted to exploiting psychological tactics from 20202022. A Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group (SPI-B) member told JonFleetwood.com: Fear smacked of totalitarianism. The groups psychologists inflated risks to justify lockdowns, even while knowing public resistance could weaken compliance. One member now calls the program dystopian, admitting, We handed dictators a playbook. Modern Mockingbird tools While the original Mockingbird relied on clandestine journalist recruitment, todays iteration is digital, mass-scale and taxpayer-funded. Gabbards team identified five key mechanisms: Leaked intel narratives: Directed to loyal media for manipulated headlines. Directed to loyal media for manipulated headlines. AI censorship: Social platforms suppress dissent through algorithmic bias. Social platforms suppress dissent through algorithmic bias. CDC youth influencers: Funded accounts testing the water on experimental drugs. Funded accounts testing the water on experimental drugs. Surveillance partnerships: Tech giants hand over private data under public health mandates. Tech giants hand over private data under public health mandates. Fear psychology: Campaigns weaponized child vaccination mandates to gin public outrage. The end of the domino theory? Or just the beginning? Operation Mockingbirds resurrection serves as a eulogy for the American presss perceived independence. The Church Committees 1975 findings exposing CIA ties with the New York Times, Time and CBS were labeled conspiracy theories. Now, Gabbard validates its continuation in digital warfare. President Trump tapped Gabbard to dismantle this apparatus, and she insists his election victory was no accident. The public sees it, Gabbard says, and thats why this fight is personal. The Mockingbird sings for democracy Gabbards revelation forces a reckoning: When government agencies use media as propaganda arsenals, democracy dies in darkness. Whether Mockingbirds revival is a covert program or institutionalized overreach, its effects are clear erosion of trust, facilitated censorship and a public increasingly weaponized against itself. As Harper Lees Atticus Finch said, killing innocence mocks the very society that commits it. Tulsi Gabbards fight isnt just about accountability. Its about preserving journalisms soul and democracys future. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com TimesofIndia.com Substack.com Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate: The controversial preservative hiding in cosmetics Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) is a common synthetic preservative in cosmetics (e.g., shampoos, nail polish) prized for its long-lasting antimicrobial properties. However, IPBC is linked to health risks like hormonal disruption, allergies and neurotoxicity. IPBC was banned by the EU in 2016 over safety fears, but its use is still allowed in the United States. Critics argue safety evaluations are outdated and industry-focused. IPBC is ubiquitous in water-based products like lotions and baby wipes and aerosols. Safer alternatives like phenoxyethanol or natural blends (citric acid, essential oils) exist, but many companies stick with IPBC due to its low cost and longevity. Avoid products with IPBC. Opt for "clean beauty" brands and reduce aerosol use. Systemic change requires advocating for stricter regulations. Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) is a synthetic chemical compound found in many cosmetic and personal care products. It serves a single, critical function: to act as a long-lasting antimicrobial preservative, preventing bacterial and fungal growth. IPBC's ubiquity stems not from its safety but from its effectiveness in extending product shelf life. However, growing evidence suggests that IPBC can cause significant harm to human health and the environment. IPBC: Industrial uses and toxicity IPBC is an aromatic heterocyclic compound chemically synthesized for its ability to inhibit microbial activity even at low concentrations. IPBC's lasting antibacterial properties have made it a staple additive in a variety of products ranging from shampoos and lotions to nail polishes and facial moisturizers, particularly water-based formulations which are at high risk of microbial contamination. Despite its efficacy, IPBC has long been a subject of regulatory scrutiny. The compounds safety profile is far from rosy. Studies have linked prolonged IPBC exposure to endocrine disruption, suggesting that the chemical interferes with hormone systems, disrupting reproductive health, thyroid function and immune system balance. Animal trials have also linked IPBC to liver toxicity and skin sensitization, noting that it causes allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. IPBC has also been classified as a potential neurotoxin, especially with prolonged exposure -- a finding corroborated in fish and amphibian models. Regulatory authorities in Europe have acted with caution. The European Union (EU) banned IPBC in cosmetics in 2016, citing concerns over its cumulative effects on the endocrine and immune systems. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has imposed tight concentration limits but has not yet fully prohibited the ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, which typically evaluates product safety, has been criticized for downplaying IPBC's long-term risks and relying on outdated toxicity thresholds. Products that contain IPBC IPBC is most commonly found in skincare products that require moisture retention, such as: Body washes Facial cleansers Conditioners Shampoos Its also prevalent in the following: Nail polish Makeup removers Baby wipes Childrens bubble baths IPBC's presence in intimate-care formulations -- used where abscesses are more likely to develop -- raises additional concerns about repeated exposure of sensitive tissues. (Related: The dangers of DMDM Hydantoin in personal care products.) The use of IPBC in aerosolized products like sprays and mists exacerbates exposure risks. Breathing in microscopic particles can deposit the chemical into the bloodstream via the lungs, an avenue of toxicity seldom addressed in regulatory assessments. IPBC alternatives and detox methods Manufacturers are not entirely without options. Phenoxyethanol, a milder antimicrobial with a lower toxicity profile, and preservative blends containing potassium sorbate or glycerin are becoming increasingly popular. However, phenoxyethanol comes with its own health risks. Natural alternatives, such as citric acid and essential oils, are considerably safer but provide short-term efficacy, hence why they're often paired with synthetic compounds for stability. But many companies still cling to IPBC despite its risks due to its low cost and longevity. Consumers seeking IPBC-free products must scrutinize labels. Look for "clean beauty" brands that use cold-pressed oils or fermentation-derived preservatives; though these tend to have shorter shelf lives, they're less likely to harm your health. There is no medically proven "detox" regimen for IPBC accumulation. As with most synthetic chemicals, the body metabolizes it through the liver, excreting most residues via urine within 24 to 48 hours. However, daily use of multiple IPBC-containing products could allow the chemical to accumulate in fat tissue. Consumers can mitigate risks by: Avoiding products with IPBC. Choosing brands with transparent labeling and limited use of synthetic additives. Reducing reliance on aerosol sprays and pore-abrasive products that enhance absorption. The story of IPBC reflects a broader issue in the beauty industry: the lag between corporate interests and consumer safety. While alternatives exist, regulations often permit unsafe ingredients to linger unless confronted with definitive proof of harm, a high bar that IPBC, as yet, hasnt cleared. For now, responsibility rests with consumers to read labels and demand innovation that prioritizes long-term health over fleeting material benefits. This story is not medical advice and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified naturopathic physician for personalized advice about your specific health situation or concern. Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find lab-verified skincare products that are free of harmful chemicals like IPBC. For more stories about harmful cosmetic ingredients and safe natural alternatives, check out NaturalNews.com. You can also try Brighteon.ai, an AI model created by Mike Adams, also known as the Health Ranger. This model is available as a free download to be run locally and is designed to help share and decentralize knowledge. By doing so, it aims to bypass censorship and empower people with knowledge. If you're looking for an uncensored video free speech website where you can openly discuss nutrition, natural medicine, ingredients and more, visit Brighteon.com. Brighteon.IO and Brighteon.social are two free speech-focused social media platforms where users can openly discuss topics such as health, nutrition, ingredient safety, toxicity and related subjects without fear of censorship. These platforms aim to provide a space for unrestricted dialogue on critical issues. Watch the video below to find out how Organic Lemon Essential Oil can support healthy skin. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Sodium benzoate in personal care products: A threat to consumer health. Your skin absorbs toxins: Is your deodorant putting you at risk? The hidden dangers of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics and personal care products. Sources include: Brighteon.AI NaturalNews.com Brighteon.com NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani brags $2.1B fund for undocumented workers as one of his greatest victories Mamdani drew renewed attention for calling the $2.1 billion Excluded Workers Fund, which provided unemployment benefits to undocumented immigrants, one of his "greatest victories" in a 2021 interview. A self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani's campaign emphasizes immigrant rights, sanctuary city expansion and legal protections for undocumented residents. He has pledged $65 million in taxpayer funds for gender-affirming care for minors and proposed a new "Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs" at City Hall, along with investigations into hospitals that halted such treatments. Mamdani supports a citywide rent freeze and the creation of government-run grocery stores, to be funded by increased taxes on high earners, raising fears of a tax-driven exodus by wealthy residents. He remains the only major candidate opposing NYPD staffing increases and is a vocal supporter of the anti-Israel BDS movement, positions that have amplified concerns about his priorities and judgment. Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is under renewed scrutiny following resurfaced comments in which he described securing unemployment benefits for undocumented immigrants as one of his "greatest victories" during a 2021 interview. Mamdani, a state assemblyman representing Queens and a self-described democratic socialist, was referring to the creation of the Excluded Workers Fund, a $2.1 billion initiative passed during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The fund provided relief to undocumented workers who were ineligible for federal and state unemployment programs. (Related: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to spend another $2.4B on benefits for illegal immigrants.) "When I think of the greatest victories in Albany this year, I think the excluded workers fund," Mamdani said during the 2021 interview with SAAG Interactive. "And what this fund would do is provide some modicum of relief. And this fund was won in many ways because of the pressure brought by those that the state doesn't even recognize, the state does not even see." "Without the pressure from those individuals, members of the state would never have taken this action because nothing happens because of benevolence, it happens because of pressure," he added. Mamdani, who immigrated from Uganda and became a U.S. citizen in 2018, has made immigrant rights a central plank of his campaign platform. His website outlines proposals to expand New York City's sanctuary city policies, end all cooperation between the New York Police Department (NYPD) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and fund legal defense programs for undocumented residents. Mamdani's radical agenda raises alarms as mayoral campaign falters Mamdani has built his campaign on a series of controversial and ambitious policy proposals. According to a recent report from the New York Sun, Mamdani's campaign has pledged to allocate $65 million in public funds toward "gender-affirming care" for youth and create a new taxpayer-funded "Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs" within City Hall. He has also vowed to investigate hospitals that have discontinued such services, accusing them of bowing to pressure from the federal government. He has also planned to freeze rent citywide by overhauling the Rent Guidelines Board and appointed allies who would implement a complete halt on rent increases. Another key initiative in Mamdani's platform is the creation of government-run grocery stores aimed at addressing food deserts and reducing prices. To finance these programs, Mamdani proposes further tax increases on high earners and corporations. Yet with wealthy residents already contributing an estimated 41 percent of the state's income tax revenue, many fear this could trigger an economic exodus. Mamdani also remains the only major candidate who refuses to support hiring more NYPD officers, despite softening his rhetoric on "defunding the police." Additionally, he has been a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. However, critics argued that Mamdani's proposals are economically unsound and potentially harmful to the city. They warn that a rent freeze could worsen the housing crisis by discouraging maintenance and reducing available units, while government-run grocery stores may lead to inefficiencies and higher costs for taxpayers. Additionally, his plan to fund these programs through higher taxes on the wealthy risks driving out top earners who already contribute a significant share of state revenue, potentially destabilizing the city's tax base. Visit CancelDemocrats.news for more stories like this. Watch as Tom Homan explains how illegal immigrants are gaming the system. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: USDA tightens SNAP eligibility rules to prevent benefits for illegal immigrants. Rep. Chip Roy introduces bill cracking down on illegal immigrants voting in federal elections. Washington Democrats introduce legislation prohibiting child care workers from reporting illegal immigrants to federal authorities. New York City provides prepaid debit cards to illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants leaving U.S. hospitals with BILLIONS in unpaid medical bills. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com NYPost.com Brighteon.com Thriving tourism benefits local residents in SW China's Xizang People's Daily Online) 13:10, August 05, 2025 An aerial drone photo taken on July 19, 2025 shows a view of the Sapukonglagabo Mountain in Biru county, Nagqu city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The Sapukonglagabo Mountain, with a main peak soaring to nearly 7,000 meters above sea level, is favored by tourists for its magnificent snow-capped scenery, spectacular glaciers, and abundant wildlife. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Thanks to supportive policies and strategic branding efforts, tourism in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region has boomed in recent years, drawing increasing numbers of local farmers and herders into the industry. This has enabled them to find employment and increase their incomes close to home, while benefiting from high-quality development. As transportation infrastructure continues to improve, more and more visitors are heading to the Sapu scenic area in Biru county, Nagqu city, to admire its unique snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes. "In July this year, the Sapu scenic area was officially approved as a national 4A tourist attraction, the second-highest level in the country's tourism evaluation system. Behind this achievement lie comprehensive upgrades to tourism services and facilities," said Tenzin Dargye, a guide in the scenic area. In September last year, the Shargang La tunnel was completed and opened to traffic, transforming what was once known as "the first dangerous pass into Xizang" into a major thoroughfare, marking the full opening of the national highway G349. "The number of vehicles and tourists has more than doubled," said Tashi, a resident of Banbar county in Qamdo city. A series of major transportation projects have been approved and launched locally, with extensive road networks at various levels bringing tangible benefits and convenience to local villagers. "Yak meat and caterpillar fungus, an expensive ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, can now be transported out quickly and sold at good pricesour pockets are getting fuller," said a local resident. Improved infrastructure has also made it easier for villagers to access education and medical services in the county seat. Puyu village 1 in Banbar town, located over 50 kilometers from the county seat of Banbar, boasts unique natural attractions, including a large ice cave. In early 2024, the Banbar county government donated 50 off-road motorcycles to the village, supporting the development of a tourism program that combines ice and snow exploration with off-road riding, involving all 149 village households. "Thanks to this motorcycle, my annual income exceeds 10,000 yuan (about $1,393.36)," said villager Phuntsok. Under a range of policy incentives, Banbar county received over 300,000 tourist visits last year, generating tourism revenue of 34.54 million yuana 225.84 percent year-on-year increase. At the end of 2023, Biru county was officially designated an autonomous region-level holistic tourism demonstration zone. This July, 14 tourist attractions, including the Sapu scenic area, were approved as national 4A scenic spots. To promote cultural and tourism consumption, Xizang has encouraged the integration of intangible cultural heritage and performances into scenic areas. The autonomous region has also implemented a project to cultivate distinctive cultural and tourism sectors to promote deep integration between tourism and other sectors such as sports, agriculture, transportation, and commerce by establishing premium scenic areas, cultural tourism corridors, and tourism-focused counties. "To keep beautiful scenery permanent, we must protect the ecological environment of scenic areas," said Jamyang, a member of the standing committee and head of the publicity department of the CPC Biru county committee. To broaden participation in ecological protection, the county established 36 positions in the Sapu scenic area for forestry ecological protection, water conservation, and highway maintenance, addressing employment while safeguarding the environment. Tenzin Dargye, a native of Biru county, graduated from Xizang Vocational Technical College in 2021 and chose to return home as a guide. "Telling my hometown's stories to more people gives me great satisfaction," he said. Since 2017, Biru county's cultural and tourism departments have encouraged local residents to convert idle houses into B&B hotels, providing accommodation and dining services for tourists. The county has invested 2.26 million yuan in the decoration of B&B hotels, oxygen equipment, and accommodation supplies. At the "three-color lake" scenic area, the first B&B hotel opened in Puyu village 1 in late 2022. Today, seven B&B hotels operate locally, with each household earning an additional 50,000 to 100,000 yuan annually. Beyond Banbar and Biru, similar transformations are taking place across Xizang. At a scenic area in Nyingchi city, B&B hotels that preserve the traditional Tibetan village atmosphere are especially popular with tourists, and local residents' per capita annual income exceeds 20,000 yuan. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) End of Slavery Summit on BrightU: The shocking truth about medicalized birth and its role in conditioning obedience On Day 7 of the "End of Slavery Summit," Dayna Martin argued that medicalized birth in hospitals strips mothers of autonomy, instills dependence on experts and begins lifelong submission to authority, calling it the "first act of state indoctrination." Interventions like C-sections and forced protocols create artificial reliance on medical authority, conditioning parents to outsource decisions to doctors, schools and eventually the state. Hospital protocols undermine maternal instincts, fostering doubt and reinforcing statism (belief in centralized authority), starting from infancy via birth certificates and state-controlled identities. Martin shared her thoughts about home births and child-led learning, rejecting punitive parenting and compulsory schooling. She emphasized trusting children's natural instincts and living without hierarchical control. She urged parents to step outside systemic conditioning entirely, framing unschooling as a philosophy for a world without rulers, beginning with reclaimed autonomy in birth and education On Day 7 of the "End of Slavery Summit," aired on August 1, parenting advocate and radical unschooling pioneer Dayna Martin exposed what she called the first act of state indoctrination: medicalized birth. According to Martin, hospitals are not merely places of health, they are conditioning centers designed to strip mothers of autonomy, instill dependence on "experts" and lay the groundwork for lifelong submission to authority. "The medicalized management and control, the business of birth, is where everything starts," Martin told host Cory Endrulat. "We end childhood indoctrination from the point of birth when it begins." Martin argued that the moment a child is born in a hospital, the system begins its work: Mothers are made to doubt their instincts, relying on doctors instead of their own bodies. Interventions (C-sections, forced labor protocols, formula promotion) create artificial dependence on medical authority. Parents are conditioned to outsource authority, first to doctors, then to schools and ultimately to the state. "When you go into a hospital to give birth, there are so many things acting against the woman to have her doubt herself," Martin explained. "The doctor creates the problems that they then save you from and you're thanking them for saving your baby's life while they're telling you your body didn't work properly." This learned helplessness, she said, sets the stage for statism, the belief that centralized authority is necessary. Martin, a mother of four, advocates for home births and radical unschooling, a philosophy that rejects compulsory schooling in favor of child-led, trust-based learning. "If you choose school for your child, you're choosing indoctrination," she said bluntly. "There's no doubt about it. Even private schools are like that." Instead, she encouraged parents to reclaim autonomy by: trusting their children's natural learning instincts (just as babies learn to walk and talk without classes); rejecting punitive parenting (no punishments, no forced curriculum); and living in partnership, not hierarchy (parents as facilitators, not rulers). "Unschooling is a whole life philosophy," Martin said. "It's not just an educational one. It's about letting go of behavior modification and living life as though school doesn't exist." Martin's most provocative claim is that the state's grip begins before consciousness does. Birth certificates legally bind infants to the system, creating state-controlled "straw man" identities. Hospital protocols condition parents to accept authority without question. Mandatory schooling reinforces obedience to external control. "Statism begins at birth," she declared. "It's intended that way." For those seeking freedom, Martin offers a radical alternative: trust yourself, trust your children and step outside the system entirely. "Once you realize you're enslaved, you can't help but let freedom touch other areas of your life," she said. "Parenting this way is a microcosm of the world we want, one without rulers." More from Day 7 of the "End of Slavery Summit" Day 7 of the "End of Slavery Summit" doesn't end there. Here's a summary of the topics tackled by other speakers: Graham Wright discussed: His evolution from statism to libertarian anarchism for over 15 years, crediting Ron Paul's influence and his subsequent study of Austrian economics, Murray Rothbard and 19th-century individualist anarchists like Lysander Spooner. His focus on polycentric law how a stateless society could produce better legal outcomes through competition among private providers, emphasizing that monopoly (government) inherently corrupts services like security and dispute resolution. The necessity of rulers, arguing that anarchism rejects centralized control entirely . He dismissed fears of warlords or chaos, asserting that vigilant communities upholding self-ownership would resist tyranny more effectively than state structures. Why self-education is the priority for change, recommending resources like Rothbard's "For a New Liberty." While acknowledging limited value in political outreach (e.g., Ron Paul's campaigns), he cautioned against viewing electoral politics as a primary strategy. The stereotype of anarchists as violent rebels, framing anarchism as a philosophy grounded in reasoned dissent. He reflected on how his own obedience to authority as a youth later fueled his radical skepticism of state legitimacy. George Sechel discussed: Why is freedom the fundamental essence of existence, while slavery is an artificial construct imposed by societal systems. He distinguished between "freedom" (everything) and "liberty" (social harmony without coercion), arguing that current society is built on slavery (e.g., laws, bureaucracy) rather than true liberty. Why laws are immoral tools backed by violence, contrasting them with immutable principles (e.g., natural law). Sechel outlined seven core "wrongs": murder, theft, assault, rape, lying, coercion and exploitation, stating that all other actions are inherently permissible if consensual. His radical self-expression and defiance of oppressive systems, urging individuals to reject fear-based actions. He shared his lifelong rejection of authority, framing defiance as a spiritual imperative to overcome inner and external tyranny. Overcoming slavery starts with self-awareness. Sechel warned against "artificial hindrances" (e.g., bureaucracy) and encouraged self-sufficiency (e.g., permaculture, alternative energy) as practical steps toward liberty. Why lasting change requires individual awakening first. He dismissed traditional revolutions as cyclical failures unless rooted in personal growth and creative collaboration, urging people to "persist, rebel and defy" without compromise. Want to know more? If you are ready to break the chains that bind you now, skip the wait and unlock instant access to all episodes and bonus content with the "End of Slavery Summit" package here. This is your chance to watch on your terms, at your paceno delays, no censorship, no compromise. Because when it comes to freedom, why wait, when you can wake up now? Upon purchase, you will get instant and unlimited access to all "End of Slavery Summit" episodes, curated learning tools, 30 unique speaker gifts, 27 bonus videos from host Cory Endrulat, essential bonus eBooks, 60 clips from "The Liberator 2 Showcase Event Community Wisdom" and printable graphics and ads you can use to share the message. Sources include: BrighteonUniversity.com 1 BrightU.com BrighteonUniversity.com 2 MISLABELING OF BUTTER that contains MILK leads to RECALL of 65,000 pounds of European Style Butter Blend Allergic to milk? Watch out for the butter then. A voluntary recall has been issued for nearly 65,000 pounds of butter due to a labeling error that could pose health risks to people with milk allergies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that, a Missouri-based company, initiated the recall on, after discovering that itsmay containa major food allergen. Massive Butter Recall Over Allergen Risk: Bunge North America voluntarily recalled 64,800 pounds of its NH European Style Butter Blend due to undeclared milk, a major allergen, prompting an FDA Class II recall designation. Bunge North America voluntarily recalled 64,800 pounds of its NH European Style Butter Blend due to undeclared milk, a major allergen, prompting an FDA Class II recall designation. Product Details and Distribution: The recalled butter, packaged in white paperboard cases with 36 blocks per case, was shipped to 12 U.S. distribution centers and one in the Dominican Republic; it carries UPC code 1 00 78684 73961 2 and lot code 5064036503. The recalled butter, packaged in white paperboard cases with 36 blocks per case, was shipped to 12 U.S. distribution centers and one in the Dominican Republic; it carries UPC code 1 00 78684 73961 2 and lot code 5064036503. Health Risks and Allergen Concerns: Milk is one of nine major allergens recognized by the FDA, and undeclared exposure can cause mild to severe reactionsincluding anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal condition. Milk is one of nine major allergens recognized by the FDA, and undeclared exposure can cause mild to severe reactionsincluding anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal condition. FDA Guidance and Public Reaction: The FDA urges consumers who experience symptoms after eating the product to stop immediately and seek medical help; meanwhile, some social media users mocked the irony of recalling buttera dairy productfor containing milk. Nearly 65,000 Pounds of Butter Recalled Over Undeclared Allergen The affected product includes 64,800 pounds of the butter blend, identified by UPC code 1 00 78684 73961 2 and lot code 5064036503. The product was distributed in white paperboard cases, each containing 36 blocks, and shipped to 12 distribution centers across the U.S. and one in the Dominican Republic. The FDA has classified the recall as Class II, which indicates that exposure to the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, although the risk of serious harm is remote. According to the FDA, Class II recalls are the second-highest level of concern, signifying a moderate health risk. Milk is one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. While many people associate dairy with common food items, for individuals with milk allergies, even small traces can provoke serious reactions. Symptoms may include hives, swelling of the lips or face, vomiting, coughing, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, exposure can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause a person to go into shock and may be fatal if not treated promptly. Despite the seriousness of undeclared allergens, the recall prompted mockery on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with some users joking about the irony of recalling butter for containing milk. However, public health officials emphasize that food allergens must be taken seriously. The FDAs strict labeling regulations are designed to protect vulnerable consumers, requiring companies to clearly list potential allergens on their packaging. The FDA stated that companies are subject to more specific labeling requirements for any food ingredient that may cause allergies or hypersensitivity reactions. These rules aim to help consumers make safe choices and avoid accidental exposure. In response to the butter recall, the FDA advised that anyone who consumed the product and develops symptoms of an allergic reaction should stop consuming the product immediately, assess whether to use emergency treatments like epinephrine, and seek medical attention without delay. In addition to milk, the FDA lists eight other major allergens: eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Food producers are required by law to declare these allergens prominently on packaging labels to prevent unintended exposure. While the overall health risk from this recall may be limited, it underscores the importance of accurate food labeling and the need for vigilance among food manufacturers, distributors, and consumers alike. Tune your food news frequency to FoodSupply.news and get updates on more junk science food stuff and recalled CAFO products that corporate America loads the grocery store shelves with to drive up chronic diseases and disorders so Big Pharma can take your money. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com 100PercentFedUp.com Russia accuses U.K. of plotting attacks on Moscows shadow fleet oil tankers Russia's spy agency (SVR) claims British intelligence is plotting covert attacks on Moscow's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, possibly with Ukrainian help. The goal, they allege, is to trigger NATO intervention by staging accidents or blocking key shipping routes. To bypass Western sanctions, Russia uses old, poorly maintained tankers registered under obscure flags (like Comoros or Gabon). These ships operate outside normal regulations, raising environmental risks if they leak or sink. The SVR suggests the West might sabotage a tanker to justify NATO action or fake an oil spill to label the fleet a safety hazard and seize more ships. Some analysts think Russia is preemptively blaming the West in case a real accident happens. U.S. and EU sanctions (like price caps and insurance bans) have cut Russia's oil shipments by over half since early 2024. Some officials have debated more aggressive steps, like boarding suspicious ships, but legal issues have delayed action. Russia is now escorting shadow fleet tankers with military jets, treating them as a security priority. Hardliners in Russia are calling for retaliation against British ships. Any major incident, real or staged, could escalate NATO-Russia tensions further. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused the United Kingdom of planning covert attacks on Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, an alleged network of aging vessels used to bypass Western sanctions on Russian crude. The SVR claims British intelligence is considering staging sabotage operations, possibly with Ukrainian involvement, to trigger NATO action against these ships. The allegations come as Western nations intensify efforts to restrict Russia's oil revenues, a key funding source for its war in Ukraine. The U.S. and EU have already imposed sanctions on the shadow fleet, leading to a sharp decline in Russian oil shipments. But Moscow now alleges that the West is preparing even more aggressive measures, including possible sabotage disguised as maritime accidents. Since Western sanctions targeted Russian oil exports, Moscow has relied on a network of older tankers, often registered under "flags of convenience" from countries like Comoros or Gabon. These vessels operate outside normal shipping regulations, making it harder for sanctions enforcers to track them. Experts warn that many of these ships are poorly maintained and could pose serious environmental risks if they leak or sink. Some ships have already been involved in mysterious explosions this year, with suspicion falling on Ukraine. Russia's claims: Sabotage and false flags According to a statement released on Aug. 4, the SVR accused British intelligence of plotting two possible scenarios: Blocking a key shipping route By damaging a tanker in a maritime bottleneck, the U.K. could create a crisis that justifies NATO intervention. By damaging a tanker in a maritime bottleneck, the U.K. could create a crisis that justifies NATO intervention. Staging a major fire A sabotage attack at a port in a Russia-friendly country could be framed as an accident, allowing Western nations to declare the shadow fleet a safety hazard and restrict its movements. The SVR framed the alleged plan as a desperate move by the U.K. to maintain influence at sea, accusing London of "crown-sanctioned piracy." The agency also suggested that the West might use an environmental disaster as a pretext to detain more Russian-linked tankers under international maritime law. Some analysts speculate that Russia may be preemptively shifting blame in case one of its own tankers suffers a real accident. Western efforts to curb Russian oil revenues The U.S. and EU have already imposed strict sanctions on Russian oil, including price caps and bans on insurance for tankers carrying Russian crude. According to the Brookings Institution, these measures have slashed the shadow fleet's oil shipments from over 50 million barrels per month to less than 20 million since early 2024. Some Western officials have reportedly considered more direct action, such as boarding and inspecting suspicious tankers, but legal concerns have stalled these plans. The SVR's report suggests that a major incident, like an oil spill, could provide the justification needed for such measures. The SVR claims that Ukrainian forces would carry out the alleged attacks to avoid direct Western blame. If exposed, Kyiv, rather than London or Washington, would take the political fallout. This mirrors past accusations, such as Russia's claims that the West orchestrated the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions, an incident initially blamed on Moscow before investigations pointed elsewhere. A growing maritime standoff Russia has already signaled its readiness to defend the shadow fleet, escorting tankers with military jets in what analysts see as an acknowledgment that these ships are now a national security priority. Meanwhile, hardliners in Russia have called for retaliation. Fighterbomber, a prominent pro-war blogger, suggested that British tankers should "suffer an accident" in response. (Related: Mike Adams and Mike Farris on navigating the uncharted future.) If the SVR's claims are true, or even if they're just a preemptive warning, the situation raises the risk of further maritime confrontations. A major incident, whether accidental or deliberate, could escalate tensions between NATO and Russia. For now, the West continues to tighten sanctions, while Moscow looks for ways to keep its oil flowing. Whether sabotage plots are real or imagined, the battle over Russia's shadow fleet is far from over. Visit Chaos.news for more updates on the Russia-Ukraine war. Watch the video below as Health Ranger Mike Adams talks about why Europe wants a high casualty war with Russia. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump slaps India with 25% tariffs over Russia ties, sparking trade war fears. PURE INSANITY: Trump says Washington "prepared" for potential nuclear war with Russia. EU submits to 15% Trump tariffs in new U.S. trade deal. U.S. escalates economic war on Russia by deploying financial sanctions against secondary parties who conduct business with Moscow. Sources include: RT.com Telegraph.co.uk Yahoo.com Brighteon.com Texas Democrats flee to Illinois to block GOP redistricting as Abbott threatens arrest and extradition Texas Democrats fled to Illinois to deny a quorum, blocking a GOP push for a gerrymandered redistricting map. Governor Greg Abbott vows to arrest, replace and extradite lawmakers for "felonious" absence, citing legal authorities. Partisan battle highlights hypocrisy, with Democrats avoiding accountability by exploiting a state (Illinois) accused of extreme Democratic gerrymandering. Texas GOPs plan could grant a five-seat majority boost, reshaping congressional power ahead of midterms. Supreme Court weighs fate of race-based redistricting rules in a case with national implications. In a high-stakes political maneuver, 57 Democratic lawmakers of Texass House of Representatives absconded to Chicago, Boston and New York this weekend to deny a legislative quorum, halting Governor Greg Abbotts plan to pass a congressional redistricting map that could expand Republican control by five seats. The move mirrors Democratic attempts in 2021 and 2017 to void GOP legislation in a state where Republicans control both chambers and the executive mansion since 2001. Governor Abbott countered defiantly, warning that fleeing Democrats would face removal from office, replacement under the state constitution and felony charges under Texas law for soliciting donations to cover potential fines a process he labeled bribery. Today this corruption ends, declared State Representative Gene Wu at a Chicago press conference, as Abbotts threat of extradition loomed. We cannot be complicit in silencing millions of Black and Latino voters. The new maps national impact: A seat shift to strengthen GOP control The proposed redistricting plan, driven by Abbott and endorsed by President Donald Trump, would solidify Texass status as a pillar of the Republican caucus. With 25 of 38 congressional seats already held by Republicans, the map could transfer Democrat-held districts like Houstons 2nd and Julia Taylors district into GOP-friendly tracts, swelling the partys House majority to a safer 30-8 margin. This comes as the U.S. House remains narrowly controlled by Republicans (219-212), with the 2026 midterms poised to hinge on state redistricting battles. Texas Republicans defend the plan as a response to demographic shifts: the states population growth has swelled its congressional delegation by two seats since 2020, necessitating a mid-decade adjustment. Yet Democrats decry it as a racially gerrymandered power grab, arguing maps dilute Latino and Black voting strength, excluding communities that backed Democrat Beto ORourke in the 2024 Senate race. Illinois as a symbol of partisan tactics The Democrats choice of Chicago as their exile hub amplifies criticisms of partisan hypocrisy. Texas Republicans highlighted that Illinois long a Democratic redistricting battleground is renowned for its extreme gerrymanders. In 2022, Illinois Democrats packaged five Republicans into three districts, ensuring only three GOP seats out of 17. This wasted 1.9 million Republican votes, experts note, while tilting races to favor Democrats. Pointing to this contrast, the Texas GOP framed the Democrats flight as an own-goal. They ran to a state that perfected what theyre fighting here, said Senate Leadership aide David Jurica, rendering their moral outrage laughable. Legal stakes: A constitutional contest over power and principle The fight has spilled into courtrooms and constitutional law. Abbotts threat to remove lawmakers hinges on a 2017 Texas Supreme Court precedent, which held legislators may be expelled if a necessity of the public businesslike an Abbott-called special session requires it. Yet Democrats invoke Republic v. Cahill (2017), which upheld quorum-breaking as protected under legislative privilege. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Courts pending review of a Louisiana racial gerrymandering case (Bandura v. Davis) could redefine the legality of redistricting nationwide. The courts conservatives may rule that race-based districting violates the 14th Amendment, potentially invalidating both Texass GOP map and Democratic-drawn maps like Illinois. Floodgates of conflict: Natural disaster complications The redistricting drama underscores tensions over Abbotts legislative agenda. The special session he called July 9 originally prioritized flood recovery funding after Hill Country disasters displaced thousands. Yet critics argue Republican lawmakers have sidelined aid bills in favor of partisan issues like redistricting and banning THC products. Were hostages, lamented Wu, noting flood victims remain in evacuation centers as the Legislature debates voter maps first. Abbotts-ranked this higher than saving lives. The path ahead amid uncertainty With the special session set to end August 19, Democratic lawmakers face a reckoning. If Abbotts threats translate to legal action, the fallout could shape national redistricting strategiesand Democratic willingness to use drastic tactics. We dont know what comes next, a nervous Rep. Wu admitted, despite the partys rote pledge to make America pay attention. Texas stands at a crossroads: a state where legal battles over representation reflect a fractured nation appetizing for fair elections and contested claims over what fair even means. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com FiveThirtyEight.com KSAT.com Trump administration weaponizes FEMA disaster aid, forcing states to pledge allegiance to Israel or lose critical funds As communities across America brace for another hurricane season, a sinister political game unfolds one where lifesaving disaster funds are held hostage by ideological mandates . The Trump administration, in a move that echoes the Israeli governments punitive tactics in Gaza, is now tying $1.9 billion in emergency preparedness grants to an ultimatum: uphold unwavering support for Israel, or watch your citizens suffer without crucial aid. This coercive maneuver isnt just bureaucratic red tape its a calculated weaponization of humanitarian aid, forcing states and cities into intellectual conformity under the threat of financial starvation. While Palestinian civilians languish under Israeli occupation, the same political strong-arming now infects American disaster relief, reinforcing an insidious cycle where dissent is silenced and desperation is weaponized. Key points: Disaster funds held hostage: States must certify they wont boycott Israeli companies to qualify for FEMA aid, stripping autonomy from local governments. Symbolic yet sinister: While 34 states already kowtow to anti-BDS laws, the mandate sets a dangerous precedentfederal aid as a political bargaining chip. Humanitarian hypocrisy: Beyond domestic coercion, this mirrors Israels blockade tactics in Gaza, where aid is withheld to crush resistance. Double standard in free speech: Conservatives decry cancel culture, yet punish municipalities for boycotts protected by the First Amendment. BDS movement in the crosshairs: A test of American liberties The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a nonviolent grassroots campaign modeled after the anti-apartheid struggle, seeks to pressure Israel economically until it complies with international law. Yet, under Trumps edict, any local government daring to endorse BDS even passively risks losing search-and-rescue gear, emergency power systems, and first responder funding. "Shameful," declared Mahmoud Nawajaa of the BDS Movement, condemning FEMAs collusion with geopolitical blackmail. Meanwhile, groups like the American Jewish Committee lauded the policy, revealing a stark divide between institutional lobbies and human rights activists. But lets be clear: This isnt about security its about submission. From Gaza to America: The shared playbook of coercion The parallels here are chilling. Just as Israel restricts food, water, and medical supplies to Gazapunishing civilians for Hamas actionsTrump dangles FEMA disaster relief over communities, coercing people to submit to government narratives and foreign influence. In May, Democratic AGs sued the administration for threatening disaster funds unless states aided immigration crackdowns another instance of tying survival to ideological obedience. Now, ideological compliance with Israel joins the litmus test. If states must renounce boycotts to access disaster funds today, what ideological litmus test comes tomorrow? Will conservative counties lose aid for defying Big Pharma mandates? Will liberal cities be punished for resisting fossil fuel subsidies? This authoritarian creep turns FEMA a lifeline for hurricane and wildfire victims into a pawn for geopolitical posturing, eroding trust in institutions that are already riddled with inefficiency and bias. Weaponizing aid to American people follows the same inhumane playbook that Israel carries out - weaponizing aid in Gaza. This slippery slope raises alarming prospects: disaster aid is being weaponized to enforce ideological conformity. Todays requirement to abandon boycotts sets a precedent for tomorrows de facto loyalty oaths. In the future, will red states have to forfeit disaster relief for rejecting vaccine mandates? Next year, will blue municipalities be defunded over their climate policies and investments in clean energy? Such coercion transforms FEMA charged with saving lives into a partisan enforcement tool, deepening societal fractures. Already, distrust simmers over bureaucratic incompetence and perceived favoritism; politicizing emergency assistance would institutionalize punishment-by-geography. Furthermore, the Trump Administration looks more desperate with each passing day on this Israel topic. Forcing nations and municipalities to conform ideologically is impossible and only leads to authoritarian abuses of power - further permitting the atrocities in Gaza at the same time. Sources include: Reuters.com Axios.com DHS.gov [PDF] Upenn.edu [PDF] Trump orders nuclear submarine repositioning amid escalating tensions with Russia President Donald Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to reposition closer to Russia in response to what he called "highly provocative statements" by Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former president and security official. The move follows heated social media exchanges between Trump and Medvedev, with Trump warning Medvedev to "watch his words" and Medvedev mocking Trump's reaction, referencing Russia's "Dead Hand" nuclear deterrent system. Medvedev's aggressive rhetoric including threats about Russia's nuclear capabilities appears aimed at bolstering his domestic standing, further escalating tensions with the U.S. and Western allies. Trump framed the submarine deployment as a precautionary measure for "safety," stressing preparedness, though exact locations were undisclosed, raising concerns about potential military escalation. The situation highlights fragile U.S.-Russia relations, with analysts divided on whether Trump's move is a necessary show of strength or a risky gambit in a high-stakes geopolitical standoff. In a dramatic escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday, August 1, that he has ordered two nuclear submarines to reposition closer to Russia. This move comes in response to what Trump described as "highly provocative statements" made by Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and current deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council. The decision follows a series of heated exchanges on social media between Trump and Medvedev. The conflict began earlier this week when Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, criticized Medvedev for his aggressive rhetoric and warned him to "watch his words." He labeled Medvedev a "failed former President of Russia" and accused him of "entering very dangerous territory." Medvedev, known for his inflammatory remarks, responded with a mocking tone, suggesting that Trump's "nervous" reaction indicated that "Russia is doing everything right." He further referenced the "Dead Hand" system, a Soviet-era nuclear deterrent, implying that Russia's capabilities should not be underestimated. In his Truth Social post, Trump stated, "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 emphasized the importance of words, stating, "Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances." The announcement has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. While the exact locations of the submarines were not disclosed, Trump assured the public that the move was made "on the basis of safety for our people" and that the U.S. is "totally prepared" for any scenario. Medvedev's recent statements have been particularly aggressive. On Thursday, July 31, he warned Trump to be mindful of "how dangerous the fabled 'Dead Hand' can be," a reference to Russia's autonomous nuclear retaliation system. This was followed by a post on Telegram where Medvedev likened Trump's reaction to a "nervous" response, suggesting that Russia's actions were justified. Medvedev's rhetoric has been a source of tension not just with Washington, but also with other Western nations. Observers suggest that his provocative statements are aimed at bolstering his standing with Moscow's military hawks and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Medvedev's provocations and Trump's frustrations with Moscow The submarine repositioning is the latest in a series of actions by Trump aimed at pressuring Russia to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine. Trump has been increasingly critical of Russia's invasion, calling it "disgusting" and threatening economic sanctions if the offensive continues. (Related: Trump: COMPROMISE with Russia could have helped Ukraine avoid war.) Despite his initial attempts to engage with Putin, Trump's patience appears to be wearing thin. He has set a deadline for Russia to cease its military operations, warning of severe consequences if the deadline is not met. The repositioning of the nuclear submarines comes at a delicate time in U.S.-Russia relations. While the U.S. maintains a routine presence in global hotspots, the specific move in response to Medvedev's statements underscores the heightened tensions. Trump's decision has drawn mixed reactions. Some analysts view it as a necessary show of strength, while others worry about the potential for miscalculation or escalation. The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaged in a high-stakes game of brinkmanship. As the world watches, the U.S. and Russia stand at a critical juncture. The actions and words of their leaders will be closely scrutinized, with the potential for significant geopolitical repercussions. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this war of words will lead to further confrontation or if diplomatic efforts can prevail. Follow Trump.news for more news about President Donald Trump. Watch this video about Dmitry Medvedev guaranteeing that Russia will conduct a nuclear strike on America if the Biden administration deploys F-16s. This video is from the Katy Odin channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump weighs heavy SANCTIONS and tariffs on Russia to end Ukraine war. Medvedev: Trump's ultimatums to Russia only increase the risk of escalation. Medvedev warns that any U.S. strike on Russian targets will be the "start of world war." Sources include: RT.com APNews.com AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com Trump Admin Threatens to Withhold Federal Aid from Cities and States Boycotting Israeli Companies New Federal Policy: The Trump administration denies federal aid (including disaster relief) to U.S. states and cities boycotting Israeli-linked companies, framing such boycotts as "prohibited discrimination." The Trump administration denies federal aid (including disaster relief) to U.S. states and cities boycotting Israeli-linked companies, framing such boycotts as "prohibited discrimination." Critics Decry Coercion: Civil rights groups accuse the policy of silencing dissent, prioritizing Israel over Americans, and setting a dangerous precedent by weaponizing aid for political compliance. Civil rights groups accuse the policy of silencing dissent, prioritizing Israel over Americans, and setting a dangerous precedent by weaponizing aid for political compliance. Alignment with Israeli Policies: The move mirrors Trumps support for Israeli settlements, crackdowns on BDS movements, and unconditional military aid, despite global condemnation of Israels treatment of Palestinians. The move mirrors Trumps support for Israeli settlements, crackdowns on BDS movements, and unconditional military aid, despite global condemnation of Israels treatment of Palestinians. Domestic and Global Reactions: Liberal Jewish organizations oppose the policy, while conservative Zionists endorse it. Palestinian voices gain media traction amid far-right alliances featuring Israeli symbolism. Liberal Jewish organizations oppose the policy, while conservative Zionists endorse it. Palestinian voices gain media traction amid far-right alliances featuring Israeli symbolism. Democratic Erosion: Critics warn the policy deepens U.S. divisions, undermines free speech, and reinforces complicity in Israels occupation, posing long-term threats to Palestinian rights and American democracy. The Trump administration has issued a sweeping new policy declaring that U.S. cities and states engaging in boycotts against Israeli companiesor businesses linked to Israelwill be denied federal aid, including emergency disaster relief. Critics argue the move enforces "Israel-first" politics at the expense of American communities, particularly during crises like hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires. The Policy Details A document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) titled FY 2025 DHS Standard Terms and Conditions explicitly states that any municipal or state government participating in a boycott of Israeli-linked entities will be barred from federal assistance. This includes: Disaster relief funds Emergency response support Infrastructure aid The policy frames such boycotts as "prohibited discriminatory actions," equating them with refusing to conduct business based on national origin. Backlash and Accusations of Coercion Civil rights groups, progressive organizations, and Palestinian advocates have condemned the measure as economic coercion, accusing the administration of: Silencing Dissent: Punishing municipalities for criticizing Israeli policies, including its occupation of Palestinian territories. Punishing municipalities for criticizing Israeli policies, including its occupation of Palestinian territories. Prioritizing Israel Over Americans: Withholding aid from U.S. citizens while supporting Israels military actions abroad. Withholding aid from U.S. citizens while supporting Israels military actions abroad. Creating a Dangerous Precedent: Allowing federal aid to be weaponized for political compliance. Critics compare the policy to tactics used in apartheid regimes, pointing to reports by human rights organizations like BTselem, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, which label Israels treatment of Palestinians as apartheid. Broader Implications The move aligns with the Trump administrations broader alignment with right-wing Israeli policies, including: Endorsement of Settlements: The U.S. has legitimized Israeli settlements in the West Bank, despite their illegality under international law. The U.S. has legitimized Israeli settlements in the West Bank, despite their illegality under international law. Crackdown on Palestine Advocacy: Criminalizing support for BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movements. Criminalizing support for BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movements. Military Funding: Continued unconditional military aid to Israel, even as Gaza faces humanitarian collapse. Global and Domestic Reactions Jewish Voices Divided: While many liberal Jewish groups oppose the policy, conservative Zionist organizations applaud it. While many liberal Jewish groups oppose the policy, conservative Zionist organizations applaud it. Far-Right Alliances: Israeli flags have appeared at far-right rallies (e.g., Jan. 6 Capitol riot, European neo-fascist demonstrations). Israeli flags have appeared at far-right rallies (e.g., Jan. 6 Capitol riot, European neo-fascist demonstrations). Palestinian Voices Amplified: Analysts note increased media representation for Palestinians like Mohammed El-Kurd and Noura Erekatonce marginalized in U.S. discourse. Historical Context The policy echoes past U.S. efforts to stifle criticism of Israel: Censorship: Israeli military censors vet news stories before publicationunlike any Western democracy. Israeli military censors vet news stories before publicationunlike any Western democracy. Media Bias: Palestinians authored less than 2% of New York Times op-eds on Israel-Palestine from 19702020. Conclusion: A Dangerous Turn By conditioning aid on political loyalty to Israel, the Trump administration sets a precedent that could: Deepen Domestic Divisions: Red states may retaliate against blue cities in future disputes. Red states may retaliate against blue cities in future disputes. Undermine Democracy: Framing dissent as "discrimination" chills free speech. A critic starkly warned: "If you dont support the starvation of Palestinian children, Trump will starve your children next." The policy entrenches U.S. complicity in Israels occupationsignaling a grim future for both Palestinian rights and American democratic principles. Final Thought: The battle over U.S. aid underscores a fraught question: Should American taxpayers fund policies that human rights groups condemn as apartheid, or should local governments retain autonomy to protest injustice? The answer may redefine U.S. foreignand domesticpolicy for decades. Watch the Aug. 05 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses the DHS blocks disaster aid to Democrat-run cities that reject Israels ethnic cleansing. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel fears Trump could cut aid amid Gaza blockade, mirroring Ukraine shift Trump ends free foreign aid, demands allies pay full cost for military support (but not Israel) Trump administration weaponizes FEMA disaster aid, forcing states to pledge allegiance to Israel or lose critical funds Sources include: Brighteon.com U.S. and Ecuador sign security agreement to strengthen law enforcement cooperation Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa signed a memorandum of understanding on July 31 to launch a law enforcement exchange program aimed at fighting transnational crime and enhancing regional security. The program will embed an Ecuadorian officer within the U.S. National Targeting Center to help identify and intercept dangerous travelers, including terrorists and smugglers, before they reach the United States. Officials discussed joint strategies to combat drug cartels, terrorist networks and illegal migration, and to strengthen international law enforcement coordination. Noem confirmed that Ecuador extradited Jose Adolfo "Fito" Macias Villamar, leader of the violent Los Choneros criminal group, to face federal drug and weapons charges in the United States. Macias Villamar's extradition marks the first time Ecuador has sent one of its own nationals abroad for prosecution, following a 2024 constitutional amendment approved by referendum. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Thursday, July 31, to formalize a new law enforcement exchange program, combating transnational crime and enhancing regional security between the two nations. During the meeting at Ecuador's Carondelet Palace, Noem and Ecuadorian Interior Minister John Reimberg signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a bilateral liaison initiative. Under this initiative, an Ecuadorian security officer will be integrated into U.S. Customs and Border Protection's National Targeting Center (NTC). The officer's mission will focus on identifying and intercepting dangerous travelers, including terrorists and illicit cargo, en route to the United States. (Related: Mexican drug cartels are behind surge in organized retail crime across the US.) "In the war against drugs and crime, information is our strongest weapon," Noem said in a press release issued the same day. "The NTC works nonstop to catch dangerous individuals, terrorists and gang members attempting to travel to the United States. By implementing this liaison program, we deepen information sharing between our governments, making it easier to identify, track down and interdict threats to both of our countries." The talks covered a broad range of issues, including joint strategies to combat drug cartels, criminal organizations and terrorist groups, as well as initiatives to restrict illegal migration and bolster international law enforcement coordination. Noem also met with Ecuadorian law enforcement personnel and police investigators, exploring new tactics to combat the flow of narcotics and arms throughout the region. Quito sends gang leader to U.S. to face drug and weapons charges To highlight the strength of the bilateral cooperation, Noem confirmed that Ecuador extradited Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, known as "Fito," to the U.S. earlier in July. Macias Villamar, a notorious principal leader of Los Choneros a transnational criminal organization based in Ecuador is facing a seven-count superseding indictment for crimes including international cocaine distribution, firearms trafficking and conspiracy. Macias Villamar, who allegedly operated as the leader of Los Choneros from at least 2020 to 2025, has been involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations that extended to the U.S. and illicit firearms procurement routed from the U.S. back to Ecuador. Under his direction, Los Choneros allegedly engaged in violence against Ecuadorian police, politicians, prosecutors, attorneys and civilians to protect and expand their operations. Macias Villamar is accused of personally directing this trafficking network and using his influence even while imprisoned. After being incarcerated in Ecuador in 2011 on charges including murder, robbery and drug trafficking, Macias Villamar twice escaped prison, most recently in January 2024, just two days before a planned transfer to a maximum-security facility. His 2024 escape triggered nationwide violence in Ecuador, including riots, bombings, kidnappings and a government-declared state of emergency. He was re-apprehended on June 25, 2025. In line with all this, Noem confirmed that "he will spend the rest of his life in prison." His extradition marks a historic first the first time Ecuador has extradited one of its own nationals following a constitutional amendment approved by popular referendum in April 2024. Visit NationalSecurity.news for more similar stories. Watch Palki Sharma of Firstpost discussing the Ecuadorian government's declaration of war against the country's criminal gangs below. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CORRUPTION: How Washington controls Ecuador by preventing prosecution of its U.S.-aligned criminal politicians. Ecuador declares 60-day state of emergency following ASSASSINATION of presidential candidate. VIDEO: Ecuador's exiled ex-president Correa discusses the US lawfare agenda with The Grayzone. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Justice.gov Brighteon.com It was not a nail-biting finish. Rather a photo finish for Donald J Trump who is poised to become the 47thPresident of United States of America, and handsomely. Though the result may be shocking to many, its actually not all that surprising. Trump was the underdog this election season. Burdened with indictments, convictions, and relentless criticism from all sidesridiculed by the intellectual elite and feared for his actions on January 6thTrump entered the race as the villain. In contrast, Kamala Harris, as soon as she took over from Joe Biden became the hype, the noise, the shor, the clamour. She was the fresh breath of youthful energy that Biden and Trump seemed to lack. Her storyher rise as a woman of color to the vice presidencywas spun into a narrative that made many, including us, feel proud and emotional. She was positioned as the modern day Sita standing robustly with gears on to take on Ravan. The media eagerly latched onto the narrative, framing Harris as a beacon of hope and change. Opinion polls too catched on the hype. They followed the hype, sniffed a change in mood; they saw the enthusiasm back, particularly among the Democrats and overtly overruled the undercurrent. Harris started leading all polls, and we boorishly started believing the polls. But we should have known better. Weve seen this playbook before. Polls and surveys can create a false sense of certainty, often misreading the mood of the nation. We saw this in India, where pollsters were embarrassingly off in predicting the election results. Now, were seeing it again in the U.S. Thats the thing with surveys and opinion polls. They seem to read a mood in one state which is favourable to the hype and they err in the same way in other parts. Instead of reading the pulse everywhere, a generic mood becomes the nations mood. In America Kamala Harris became the mood. In days leading to vote, opinion polls categorically pointed the momentum favouring Kamala Harris, while Trump was shown tired and frustrated with his campaign. Trump was seen fumbling and flustered in debates against Harris, his rallies felt dull in comparison to glittery Harris rallies. But Trump had something that wasnt the polls failed to gauge into: he had the pulse of the electorate. In over 900 rallies, Trump relentlessly hammered on key issues like immigration, the economy, and Americas role in the world. His words resonated with voters. And the result speaks. Trump has become the first Republican to win Miami-Dade County in Florida, a heavily Hispanic area, since 1988. So how did Trump manage to pull such a handsome win despite the odds not favouring him. One reason could be the growing resentment among immigrant communities who felt threatened by a new wave of migrants For many second-generation Americans, including many Indian-Americans, who had worked hard to establish themselves, see the influx of new migrants being given place in the American ecosystem because their plight is humanitarian. Who would you then pick. Trump, the man who speaks to your concerns, or Harris, who embodies the immigrant narrative? The results were clear. Harris struck the chord with the generation who grew up in America being American, like herself. But she failed to seep into the minds and conscience of the Americans who came with her mother and father. Resultant Trump won handsomely. He grew support from both urban and rural voters at levels notably higher than in his contest against Joe Biden in 2020. He gained inroads among the non-whites including Latinos and black male voters and more surprisingly even among the Hispanics. Kamala Harriss most disappointing results came from Texas, a state dominated by Hispanic voters. It is evident thus that Trump may even win the popular vote. In addition, expectations that women would turn out in sufficiently large numbers to elect the first female president never materialized in the way pundits expected. In days to come a lot will be written on why Kamala lost. There will be op-eds blaming Joe Biden for waiting too long to step down, and podcasts on Democrats losing their mojo. But lets face it, America was never ready for a woman President, less likely a woman of colour. And as the election year draws to a close, one thing is abundantly clear: the pollsters and psephologists need to take time off. They need to step back, go on a vacation and reflect, and recognize the times we live in. We are in the age of populism, where emotions run high, where moods can shift in an instant, where old perceptions have been upended. A Black man is voting for a Trump Republican just as a Dalit votes for Modis BJP. As for democracy, it may be under threat, but the facade is still intact. As seen in India and now in America, despite deep polarization, populist leaders are still claiming majorities. For till the time Trump and Modi have a hold on the janta ka nabz, and continue to speak their mind, the likes of Kamala Harris and Rahul Gandhi gaining a win is unlikely. For the mood from East to West is dominated by populist politics. Period. Nagoya mayor seeks to resume exchange with Nanjing after years-long suspension over predecessors denial of Nanjing Massacre Global Times) 16:40, August 05, 2025 Japan's Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa Photo: CCTV Japan's Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa expressed hope on Monday to resume exchanges with Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, after official ties were suspended in 2012 following China's protest against then-mayor Takashi Kawamura's denial of the Nanjing Massacre, Kyodo News reported. At the press conference, Hirosawa said, "I hope to resume exchanges at the earliest opportunity and will make a sincere effort to achieve that goal." Kyodo News, citing sources from the Nagoya city government, reported that senior members of the cross-party group Nagoya City Council League for Promoting Exchanges between Japan-China friendship cities are currently working on the plan and may deliver a handwritten letter from Mayor Hirosawa, expressing his intention to resume exchanges, to Nanjing as early as later this month. According to China Central Television (CCTV), on February 20, 2012, then-mayor of Nagoya Takashi Kawamura claimed that the Nanjing Massacre had likely never happened. The following day, the Nanjing municipal government announced the suspension of official exchanges with Nagoya. On February 22, then Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said that China had lodged a formal protest with Japan, expressing serious concern over the mayor's denial of the Nanjing Massacre. He also voiced support for Nanjing's decision to suspend official contact with Nagoya. On the same day, Japan's then Chief Cabinet Secretary stated that the actions of the Japanese military in Nanjingincluding the killing of noncombatants and lootingcould not be denied, CCTV reported. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 49F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Have you ever wondered why some people who drink alcohol develop serious liver problems while others don't? A study from University of Louisville researchers published in May in Toxicological Sciences suggests that the answer might be hidden in everyday sources such as drinking water, food packaging or even non-stick cookware. Scientists at UofL, along with colleagues from Boston University and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, have identified perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) as a potential environmental factor that worsens alcohol-associated liver disease. PFOS is a man-made chemical belonging to the group known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not readily break down in the environment or the human body. These substances have been used for decades in products such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, fast-food packaging, stain-resistant carpets and upholstery, and firefighting foams. Their extensive use has led to widespread contamination in the environment. Recent data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey show that PFAS can be detected in approximately 95% of Americans, sparking increasing concern about their long-term health effects. At the same time, alcohol consumption remains a significant global health issue. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol contributes to nearly 3 million deaths worldwide each year, and its consumption continues to rise globally. In the U.S. alone, excessive alcohol use is responsible for approximately 95,000 deaths annually, making it one of the leading causes of preventable death and a major contributor to liver disease. Given the increasing prevalence of alcohol consumption and the widespread presence of PFAS in the environment, many individuals who drink alcohol may be inevitably exposed to these persistent pollutants. This makes it critically important to study how combined exposures to alcohol and environmental chemicals like PFOS might influence liver health." Matthew Cave, UofL professor of medicine and publication co-author Although it is well known that both alcohol and PFOS cause liver damage individually, little has been understood about their combined effects until now. Recent studies have shown that only about 35% of heavy drinkers develop severe forms of liver disease, indicating that additional factors such as genetics, sex, microbiome and environmental exposures may contribute to individual susceptibility. "This work helps explain why two people with similar alcohol consumption may experience very different liver outcomes," said Frederick Ekuban, assistant professor of medicine at UofL and first author of the study. "Environmental exposures like PFOS may be the missing link." Using animal models, the researchers simulated real-world exposures to both alcohol and PFOS. The study showed that co-exposure to alcohol and PFOS significantly increased fat accumulation and markers of liver damage, as well as clear signs of disrupted metabolism and activation of genes and pathways predicted to be associated with oxidative stress and cancer development. In short, the study demonstrates that PFOS exposure can significantly worsen liver damage when combined with alcohol consumption. While this research used high levels of alcohol to understand the underlying mechanisms, the findings reveal important biological pathways that warrant further investigation across different drinking patterns. The research team also found that PFOS interferes with the liver's ability to manage fats, disrupts its natural protective and repair systems and activates pathways that promote liver injury. "While the liver typically has a remarkable capacity to recover from alcohol-induced stress, PFOS appears to push that resilience beyond its limits, resulting in compounded and more severe damage," said Jennifer Schlezinger professor of environmental health at Boston University and co-author of the publication. Perhaps most concerning, the team discovered that 60% of all PFOS exposure ended up concentrated in the liver, exactly where alcohol damage occurs. Ongoing research at UofL is examining how other PFAS compounds may interact with alcohol, whether males and females respond differently to these exposures and what the long-term consequences of combined exposures might be. The team is also exploring whether targeted therapies can be developed to prevent or mitigate this type of liver damage. Although more studies are needed, people can take practical steps now to limit their exposure to PFAS. These include: Choose stainless steel or cast-iron cookware instead of non-stick pans Use water filters, especially in areas near industrial zones Avoid stain-resistant treatments on furniture and carpets Reduce consumption of packaged fast foods and microwave popcorn. Select household products with PFAS-free labels Given that liver disease affects millions of Americans and is becoming more prevalent worldwide, the findings of this research support growing calls for stronger regulation and oversight of persistent chemical contaminants. By better understanding the hidden interactions between environmental toxicants and lifestyle behaviors, scientists and policymakers may be better equipped to prevent and treat liver disease. Intelligent 'helpers' deployed at international airport in SW China's Chongqing to enhance travel convenience People's Daily Online) 16:40, August 05, 2025 Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has introduced a batch of intelligent equipment and devices to streamline passenger services and boost operational efficiency. The new group of "helpers", which was put into use on July 28, consists of eight artificial intelligence (AI)-powered service robots, 21 smart flight information display devices, two robotic arm-based automated loading systems, and 13 autonomous mobile robots. Photo shows artificial intelligence (AI)-powered service robots, named Yu Feifei, in service at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport's Terminal 3 in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Zou Le) The eight AI-powered service robots, named Yu Feifei, are now on duty to assist travelers with navigation and carry-on luggage transport at Terminal 3 of the airport. Equipped with high-definition facial display screens, these robots offer an array of services such as finding boarding gates, checking flight statuses, and introducing dining options. Once a passenger selects the "navigation" function, the screen generates an optimized route, and Yu Feifei leads the way. These robots are tailored for airport environments, said Zhou Can, an electrical engineering administrator with the airport's expansion project command. In addition to precise navigation, each Yu Feifei robot has a built-in luggage compartment that can carry up to 8 kilograms of personal itemsoffering efficient travel support for passengers, according to Zhou. The 21 smart flight information display devices have been installed in the check-in and departure halls of Terminal 3B. Photo shows robotic arm-based automated loading systems sorting luggage at the outbound area of the luggage handling zone of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport's Terminal 3 in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Photo/Zou Le) Unlike conventional display screens, these devices feature facial recognition technology, allowing passengers to verify their identity and access real-time flight and gate information simply by scanning their face. Passengers can even summon the nearest available Yu Feifei robot by clicking the "summon AI robot" icon on the display screens' lower right corner. The two robotic arm-based automated loading systems and 13 autonomous mobile robots have been deployed to sort and transport checked luggage and large items, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing the amount of work workers have to do. The loading systems represent the first of their kind in China to use intelligent equipment for automated loading of outbound luggage in a chute-based scenario, said Zhao Ying, a project manager of the airport's expansion project command. The systems feature an innovative combination of spiral chutes, robotic arms, mobile ground tracks, and a device for separating and storing framed luggage, according to Zhao. The two robotic arms can move left and right on the ground tracks to manage four chute zones, sorting up to 180 pieces of luggage per hour. Compared to manual sorting, the systems not only boost efficiency but also minimize luggage damage thanks to precise control. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) New research from the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health showed that living in resource-poor neighborhoods may raise the risk of women developing diabetes during pregnancy, a condition with potential long-term effects on the health of both mother and child. Researchers found that mothers living in more deprived neighborhoods in Arizona were 20% more likely to have gestational diabetes mellitus, or GDM, compared with those living in neighborhoods with adequate resources. They reported their findings in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. The results add to growing evidence of the potential influences of neighborhood conditions on the health of pregnant women, especially for diabetes. They also point to a need to identify those communities that could benefit from preventative measures. Where you live can influence your health. It can impact stress, access to quality food, the ability to interact with the outdoors and exercise all factors that can affect health. We know there are racial disparities in GDM, and we wanted to go beyond that and more fully gauge the importance of social determinants of health at a neighborhood level." Melissa Furlong, PhD, assistant professor of environmental health sciences who was the senior author on the study The research team, including first author and former U of A graduate student Kimberly Parra, PhD, used birth certificate and maternal health information from the Arizona Prenatal Environment and Reproductive Outcomes Study. They examined more than 480,000 births in 15 Arizona counties between 2014 and 2020. They combined that information with the Neighborhood Deprivation Index, or NDI, a mashup of neighborhood-related factors such as housing quality, violence, education, access to healthy food and poverty that reflects socioeconomic status in a neighborhood. Then, they compared where women lived when they gave birth with values calculated from the NDI. "We compared people who live in highly deprived neighborhoods to those who live in less deprived neighborhoods and looked at the risk of GDM by neighborhood score," Furlong explained. "We found women living in neighborhoods with higher deprivation scores were more likely to have GDM. The results suggest the neighborhood you live in has some influence on your risk for GDM." The study showed that overall, approximately 7.8% of the women had GDM, which was similar to the incidence in the general population; however, neighborhood location and make up mattered. For example, the GDM incidence was as high as 12% in communities with a high proportion of patients identifying as Native American or American Indian. Those living in poorer neighborhoods had smaller babies and were younger, less educated, more overweight and more likely to have public insurance. The study found that Native Americans had a high incidence of GDM almost 18% which is more than double the overall incidence in the general population. Prior research has linked neighborhood conditions to a lower control of diabetes, but few studies have examined the impact of socioeconomic factors on the development of diabetes in pregnant women living in poor neighborhoods. "From a policy perspective, there could be more emphasis on eliminating food deserts, for example, and promoting programs that increase access to higher quality housing, healthy food and prenatal care," Furlong said. The results also highlight the need to better understand the factors contributing to the higher incidence of GDM among Native Americans and find ways to address the disparity. Furlong noted there is much more to learn about the potential role neighborhoods play in influencing maternal health. "This is only a characterization of people who live in these areas who have a higher risk for diabetes," she said. "We'd like to know many more details about the neighborhoods themselves and how they can impact the health of people who live there." Additional co-authors from the Zuckerman College of Public Health include Leslie Farland, ScD, an associate professor of epidemiology, and Robin Harris, PhD, a professor emeritus of epidemiology. Parra is now a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard University. Using a custom-built tool to analyze electrical activity from neurons, researchers at Brown University have identified a brain-based biomarker that could be used to predict whether mild cognitive impairment will develop into Alzheimer's disease. "We've detected a pattern in electrical signals of brain activity that predicts which patients are most likely to develop the disease within two and a half years," said Stephanie Jones, a professor of neuroscience affiliated with Brown's Carney Institute for Brain Science who co-led the research. "Being able to noninvasively observe a new early marker of Alzheimer's disease progression in the brain for the first time is a very exciting step." The findings were published in Imaging Neuroscience. Working with collaborators at the Complutense University of Madrid in Spain, the research team analyzed recordings of brain activity from 85 patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and monitored disease progress over the next several years. The recordings were made using magnetoencephalography, or MEG - a noninvasive technique to record electrical activity in the brain - while patients were in a resting state with their eyes closed. Most methods for studying MEG recordings compress and average the detected activity, making it difficult to interpret at the neuronal level. Jones and other researchers at Brown pioneered a computational tool, called the Spectral Events Toolbox, that reveals neuronal activity as discrete events, showing exactly when and how often activity occurs, how long it lasts and how strong or weak it is. The tool has become widely used and has been cited in more than 300 academic studies. Using the Spectral Events Toolbox, the team looked at brain activity events in patients with mild cognitive impairment, occurring in the beta frequency band a frequency that has been implicated in memory processing, making it important to study in Alzheimer's disease, according to Jones. They discovered distinct differences in the beta events of the participants who developed Alzheimer's disease within two and a half years, in comparison with those who did not. Two and a half years prior to their Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, patients were producing beta events at a lower rate, shorter in duration and at a weaker power. To our knowledge, this is the first time scientists have looked at beta events in relation to Alzheimer's disease." Danylyna Shpakivska, the Madrid-based first author of the study Spinal fluid and blood biomarkers can identify the presence of toxic beta amyloid plaques and tau tangles proteins that build up in the brain and are thought to contribute to Alzheimer's disease symptoms. A biomarker from brain activity itself represents a more direct method of assessing how neurons respond to this toxicity, said David Zhou, a postdoctoral researcher in Jones' lab at Brown who will lead the next phase of the project. Jones envisions that the Spectral Events Toolbox could be used by clinicians to diagnose Alzheimer's disease before it progresses. "The signal we've discovered can aid early detection," Jones said. "Once our finding is replicated, clinicians could use our toolkit for early diagnosis and also to check whether their interventions are working." Meanwhile, Jones and her team will move into a new phase of research, funded by a Zimmerman Innovation Award in Brain Science from the Carney Institute. "Now that we've uncovered beta event features that predict Alzheimer's disease progression, our next step is to study the mechanisms of generation using computational neural modeling tools," Jones said. "If we can recreate what's going wrong in the brain to generate that signal, then we can work with our collaborators to test therapeutics that might be able to correct the problem." The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, including the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, in addition to funding from agencies in Spain. In a first-of-its-kind clinical trial, UCLA scientists have shown it's possible to reprogram a patient's blood-forming stem cells to generate a continuous supply of functional T cells, the immune system's most powerful cancer-killing agents. This approach suggests a new way to deliver immunotherapy, acting as an internal factory that produces tumor-targeting immune cells over time and potentially offering longer-lasting protection. This early-stage study, published in Nature Communications and led by physician-scientist Dr. Theodore Scott Nowicki in collaboration with Dr. Antoni Ribas, Dr. Owen Witte, Dr. Donald Kohn, Dr. Lili Yang of UCLA, and Dr. David Baltimore from the California Institute of Technology, represents a novel strategy for treating hard-to-treat cancers, especially solid tumors that have proved to be more resistant to conventional T cell therapies. Nowicki, assistant professor-in-residence of pediatric hematology/oncology and microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and Ribas, professor of medicine and director of the tumor immunology program at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, discuss the promise of this approach and its potential to transform cancer treatment and beyond. What challenge in cancer treatment were you aiming to address by combining engineered T cells with genetically modified stem cells and how does this approach work? Nowicki: We're trying to address a problem that limits many current cancer immunotherapies for solid tumors, which is that they often work at first, but the benefit doesn't last because the T cells we infuse eventually die off or become exhausted. The idea was to create a system where the patient's own body can keep generating cancer-fighting immune cells over time-kind of like installing a permanent immune upgrade. That's where the stem cells come in. If we can engineer a patient's own stem cells to continually produce fresh, cancer-fighting T cells, we may be able to offer a much longer-lasting defense against the disease. Ribas: We brought to the clinic preclinical research by Lili Yang and David Baltimore on how to regenerate a cancer-fighting immune system by genetically programming blood stem cells to become cancer-targeted immune cells. This is achieved by inserting cancer-specific receptors into the stem cells using gene therapy techniques, and then performing a bone marrow transplant to engraft the gene modified stem cells, which then produce the genetically-redirected cancer-fighting immune cells in the body of the patient. You chose to target a specific cancer marker called NY-ESO-1. Why that one? Nowicki: NY-ESO-1 is what we call a "cancer-testis antigen." It's found in a range of cancers, including melanoma and sarcoma, but it's rarely seen in healthy adult tissues, which makes it a relatively safe target. That means the T cells we engineer can recognize and attack the tumor without harming the rest of the body. You tested this approach in people with aggressive sarcomas. Why start there? Nowicki: Sarcomas are rare, aggressive cancers that often express NY-ESO-1. In fact, about 80% of synovial sarcomas have the NY-ESO-1 tumor marker. Even after standard treatments like chemotherapy or surgery, the disease frequently comes back. And when it does, patients typically have very few options left. What were the results in this first trial? Nowicki: We saw that the engineered stem cells could successfully engraft in the patients and begin producing cancer-targeting T cells. One patient showed signs of tumor regression, and had detectable levels of these new immune cells for months. Importantly, we were able to visualize the stem cells in the body, showing they took hold. We essentially taught the body to grow its own supply of cancer-fighting T cells. Ribas: This pilot study provided exciting evidence that the human immune system can be programmed to become cancer-focused by genetically engineering blood stem cells. Might this kind of therapy end up being too complex or risky for most patients? Nowicki: The early results are promising, but this is still experimental and not without risk. Right now, it's definitely complex, but so were bone marrow transplants when they first started. This therapy involves stem cell collection, gene modification, and high-dose chemotherapy to prepare the body, all of which require time, expertise and a strong patient. Could this strategy work for diseases other than cancer? Nowicki: This strategy of using engineered stem cells to generate long-lasting immune responses isn't just for cancer. In the future, we could use it to fight infections like HIV or even retrain the immune system in autoimmune diseases. Our cancer trial is a first step, but the potential is much broader. What's the most important thing people should take away from this study? Nowicki: We've shown that it's possible to reprogram a patient's own stem cells to create a renewable immune defense against cancer. That's never been done in humans before. It's not a cure yet, and it's not ready for widespread use, but it points to a future where we don't just treat cancer-we prevent it from coming back. Ribas: It took a team of more than 30 dedicated academic investigators and over a decade to bring to patients the concept of genetically programming the human immune system to result in a renewable source of cancer-targeted immune cells. The basic science principles had been established in preclinical models, and this study demonstrated that it is feasible to test them in patients with cancer. The research was funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the National Institutes of Health, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, the Tower Cancer Research Foundation, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Ressler Family Fund. Additional authors of the study include Nataly Naser Al Deen, Cole Peters, Begona Comin-Anduix, Egmidio Medina, Cristina Puig-Saus, Ignacio Baselga Carretero, Paula Kaplan-Lefko, Mignonette Macabali, Ivan Perez Garcilazo, Daniel Chen, Jia Pang, Beata Berent-Maoz, Salem Haile, Jonathan Rodriguez, Moe Kawakami, Conner Kidd, Ameya Champhekar, Giuseppe Carlucci, Agustin Vega-Crespo, Bartosz Chmielowski, Arun Singh, Noah Federman, Gary Schiller, Sarah Larson, Martin Allen-Auerbach, Alexandra Klomhaus, Jerome Zack, Lili Yang, Donald Kohn and Owen Witte, all from UCLA, and David Baltimore of the California Institute of Technology. Nowicki, Ribas, Witte, Kohn and Yang are all members of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA and the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Ribas is also the director of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA. New research links heavy, problematic cannabis use to a worrying rise in oral cancer cases, raising urgent questions about the health impacts of legalization. Study: Cannabis use disorder and five-year risk of oral cancer in a multicenter clinical cohort. Image credit: Tayler Derden/Shutterstock.com As more American states legalize cannabis use, cannabis disorder (CUD) is becoming more common. Yet little is known about how it affects long-term health. A recent study in Preventive Medicine Reports examines the associations of CUD with risk of oral cancer (specifically malignant neoplasms of the lip or tongue) over five years from the first drug use disorder screening. Introduction Cannabis and tobacco have several cancer-causing chemicals in common. Burning cannabis produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzo[a]pyrene, and phenols, like tobacco combustion. Tobacco is well-known to cause cancers in the oral cavity, prompting the current exploration into similar risks with cannabis. Prior research did not provide conclusive or concordant results, though there is a suggestion of a higher risk for head and neck cancer among frequent cannabis users. Differences in methods, inadequate follow-up, and poorly controlled confounding factors may account for this. CUD refers to the problematic use of cannabis and is linked to frequent cannabis exposure. However, many people who overuse cannabis do not fit the CUD definition. Earlier research indicates that people who smoke 14 or more cannabis joints a week are more likely than not to have CUD. The current study did not use this as a diagnostic criterion but noted it as a reference point from earlier work; in this study, CUD was defined based on new ICD-coded diagnoses in clinical records. The researchers examined electronic health records from a large University of California Health Data Warehouse database. These records come from six teaching clinics or hospitals. Study findings The study included 45,129 patients who completed drug use disorder screening and had no prior oral cancer diagnosis. Of these, 949 (2.1%) developed CUD during the five-year follow-up period. The mean age of the whole cohort was 45 years, with 54% female. About 6% were smokers. A total of 106 patients developed oral cancer during follow-up. The percentage was tripled in the CUD group compared to others. That is, 0.74% of CUD patients developed oral cancer vs 0.23% in the others. The latter agrees with the population-level risk estimated by other studies. After adjusting for confounding factors, including body mass index (BMI) as a continuous variable, smoking, age, and sex, the odds of oral cancer were more than tripled in the CUD group, and the risk was similarly threefold increased in this group compared to non-CUD patients. Older age was associated with a 4% higher risk per additional year of age, while females and those with higher body weight had a 3-6% decreased risk. Smoking was the only factor that did not show an association with increased oral cancer risk, possibly because so few of the cohort were smokers. When smokers with CUD were compared to smokers without CUD, the former had a six-fold risk of oral cancer after controlling for other factors. Importantly, the risk of oral cancer in this cohort was still low, but the threefold increase in risk with CUD over just five years is a disturbing observation. It fits with the known ability of cannabis smoke to damage respiratory tract cells, like tobacco. Such changes include dysplastic and metaplastic changes independent of accompanying tobacco use. Cell studies have shown that cannabis contains chemicals capable of damaging DNA and causing chromosomal abnormalities. Preclinical studies also indicated precancerous and cancerous changes in lung tissue following the inhalation of cannabis smoke. Cannabis also suppresses both innate and adaptive immune responses, primarily because of 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This could help tumors get a head start as immune surveillance is disrupted, especially in the oral and lung tissues that are directly exposed to cannabis smoke. Finally, people with CUD may also drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, and have other overlapping behavioral and social risk factors associated with the risk of oral cancer. Conclusions The findings of this study show a threefold risk of oral cancer in the first five years after the first diagnosis of CUD. This emphasizes the need to screen for oral cancers in all patients who abuse or overuse addictive substances, or who come in for counseling, as many may not even consider their cannabis use to be abnormal or a matter of concern. The findings of this study challenge the popular perception that cannabis is a safe substance and the growing legalization of recreational cannabis use. Future studies should investigate correlations between oral cancer and the frequency, duration, or cumulative exposure. More follow-up research is required to capture the health outcomes of recreational cannabis use and CUD, whether smoked or ingested, to develop health policies based on solid evidence and not popular demand. Download your PDF copy now! Researchers ask physicians to consider anti-IgLON5 disease if certain symptoms are present, as the only promising approach is early treatment. It often starts with restless sleep. Mobility, swallowing, and speaking disorders are also typical. Yet a range of other symptoms make it difficult to diagnose anti-IgLON5 disease. Left untreated, this rare autoimmune disease leads to severe disabilities in just a few years and is often fatal. An international observation study with 107 patients showed that immunotherapy should begin as early as possible, and that intravenous administration of immunoglobulins appears to be the most effective treatment. The team under Professor Ilya Ayzenberg and Associate Professor Thomas Gruter from the Neurology Department at the St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, reports its findings in the journal JAMA Neurology from August 4, 2025. Anti-IgLON5 disease was first described in 2014 and typically occurs late in life. "The first phase is marked by inflammatory processes in the brain. Immunotherapy during this phase can still have an effect." The inflammation eventually abates and is followed by the increasing breakdown of nerve cells and fibers. By this point, immunotherapy is usually ineffective. Thomas Gruter, Associate Professor, Neurology Department, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum Involved in the study were 107 patients from around the world whose data were compiled and evaluated across three centers in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. The average age at which the patients had been diagnosed with the disease was 64 years. However, only about one third of the patients were diagnosed within one year of the initial symptoms occurring. "This disease is new and rare. Its symptoms are similar to multiple other neurological diseases, such as atypical Parkinson's disease, bulbar myasthenia gravis, or motor neurone disease. Diagnosis is incredibly difficult but crucial as the disease is easily treatable in its initial stage," explains Ayzenberg. Two different immunotherapies 23 percent of the patients observed for the study received immunotherapy during the first year after the disease appeared, and 52 percent only received immunotherapy later. On average, treatment began about two years after the first symptoms occurred. Two different immunotherapies were primarily used: the medication Rituximab and infusions of immunoglobulins. "Rituximab is often used in rheumatology and targets B-cells that produce certain antibodies," Gruter explains. Immunoglobulins are based on isolated proteins from donated blood. The superiority of the rather unspecific treatment with immunoglobulins over the targeted antibody therapy with Rituximab was surprising. These results will have to be confirmed by other, ideally prospective studies. Starting treatment with immunoglobulins early certainly seems promising. The earlier the treatment, the better "We are appealing to all neurologists to consider anti-IgLON5 disease early on if certain symptoms occur and to test the blood accordingly for antibodies," says Gruter. "The earlier the diagnosis is made and treatment has begun, the likelier it will be that the disease can be halted." If left untreated or treated too late, the disease leads to severe impairments and is often fatal. 40 percent of the patients in the study died during the observation period after five years on average, whereby the cause of death in at least two thirds of those patients was anti-IgLON5 disease. Call to get involved in registries "Research on rare diseases can only progress if patients are recorded in the corresponding registries," Ayzenberg emphasizes. "We thus urgently call for attending physicians to get involved in these registries. For example, in Germany this can be done with the GENERATE network for autoimmune encephalitis." "Herpotrichone" is a natural substance that has been evaluated highly for its excellent ability to suppress inflammation in the brain and protect nerve cells, displaying significant potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This substance could only be obtained in minute quantities from fungi that are symbiotic with isopods. However, KAIST researchers have succeeded in chemically synthesizing this rare natural product, thereby presenting the possibility for the development of next-generation drugs for neurodegenerative diseases. KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 31st of July that a research team led by Professor Sunkyu Han of the Department of Chemistry successfully synthesized the natural anti-neuroinflammatory substances 'herpotrichones A, B, and C' for the first time. Herpotrichone natural products are substances obtainable only in minute quantities from 'Herpotrichia sp. SF09', a symbiotic pill bug fungus, and possess a unique 6/6/6/6/3 pentacyclic framework consisting of five fused rings (four six-membered and one three-membered ring). Interestingly, this substance exhibits excellent anti-neuroinflammatory effects that suppress brain inflammatory reactions. Recently, its mechanism of action to protect nerve cells by inhibiting ferroptosis (iron-mediated cell death) was also reported, raising expectations for its potential as a therapeutic drug for brain diseases. Professor Han's research team devised a biosynthetically inspired strategy to chemically synthesize herpotrichoneS. The key to success was a named chemical reaction "Diels-Alder (DA) reaction". This reaction forms a six-membered ring by creating new bonds between carbon-based partners, much like two puzzle pieces interlocking to form a single ring. Furthermore, the research team focused on a weak attractive phenomenon between molecules called "hydrogen bonding". By delicately designing and controlling this hydrogen bond, they were able to precisely induce the reaction to occur chemo-, regio- and stereoselectively, thereby synthesizing herpotrichone. Notably, without the pivotal hydrogen bond, only a small amount of the target natural product was formed or only undesirable byproducts were generated. The configuration of the C2' hydroxyl moiety was essential in directing the desired transition states leading to the target natural products. Thanks to this induced hydrogen bonding, the reacting molecules approached the correct positions and went through an ideal transition state, allowing for the synthesis of herpotrichone C. This reaction principle was also successfully applied to herpotrichone A and B, enabling the successful synthesis of these natural products. During the key Diels-Alder reaction conducted in the laboratory, new molecular structures not yet discovered in nature were also formed. Some of these have a high probability of being novel natural products with excellent pharmacological activity, thus doubling the significance of this research for anticipating natural products through synthesis. Indeed, while Professor Han's research team conducted synthetic studies on herpotrichone A and B based on a 2019 paper by Chinese researchers who discovered and elucidated their structures, the research team observed the formation of undesired byproducts. Interestingly, in 2024, the same Chinese research team that discovered herpotrichones A and bn reported the discovery of a new natural product called herpotrichone C, which turned out to be the same substance as the major byproduct previously obtained by Professor Han's team en route to herpotrichones A and B. Professor Han stated, "This is the first total synthesis of a rare natural product with pharmacological activity related to neurodegenerative diseases and systematically presents the principle of biomimetic synthesis of complex natural products." He added, "It is expected to contribute to the development of novel natural product-based anti-neuroinflammatory therapeutics and biosynthesis research of this group of natural products." This research outcome, with Yoojin Lee, a master's and Ph.D. integrated course student in the Department of Chemistry, as the first author, was published on July 16th in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), one of the most prestigious academic journals in the field of chemistry. This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) Mid-career Researcher Support Program, the KAIST UP Project, the KAIST Grand Challenge 30 Project, and the KAIST Trans-Generational Collaborative Research Laboratory Project. Fast food like cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and pizza shouldn't be sold in hospitals, say most Americans in a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult poll. The poll comes as a new report from the Physicians Committee-a health advocacy nonprofit with 17,000 doctor members-finds that Chick-fil-A is located in at least 20 U.S. hospitals or medical centers. When asked, "Do you believe fast food-such as fried chicken, cheeseburgers, or pizza-should be sold in hospitals to patients, visitors, and staff?" 52% of respondents said "no," and 57% said that hospitals should not profit from fast food sold on their premises. Most respondents, 85%, agreed that these foods do not promote good health. The poll was conducted July 1 to 3, 2025, among 2,202 U.S. adults. A new report from the Physicians Committee finds that Chick-fil-A is located in at least 20 U.S. hospitals or medical centers, according to the fast-food restaurant's website. "While many people consider chicken to be a healthier option than red meat, consuming chicken can increase cholesterol just as much as eating red meat," says Anna Herby, DHSc, RD, CDCES, who is the nutrition education specialist for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and oversees the organization's Healthy Hospital Program. "Hospital staff, visitors, and patients would benefit by choosing more chickpeas and other plant-based foods instead of chicken." Consuming chicken has been linked to higher cancer risk, and consuming fried chicken is linked to higher risk of heart disease. Earlier this year, a study found that eating 300 grams of poultry-about the size of a large chicken breast-per week was linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer and death from all causes. A study published in BMJ found that women who ate fried chicken once or more per day had a 13% higher risk of death from any cause compared with women who did not eat any fried food and a 12% increased risk of death from heart disease. In 2017, the American Medical Association adopted a resolution calling on hospitals to provide plant-based meals and remove processed meats, such as chicken nuggets, from menus. Hospitals should set an example by ensuring that their restaurants serve more menu items that are cholesterol-free, low in saturated fat, and high in fiber-rich vegetables, grains, beans, and fruit. Meals like these have been shown to help prevent or improve the chronic diseases that bring people to the hospital." Dr. Anna Herby, DHSc, RD, CDCES, nutrition education specialist, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine The Physicians Committee's Healthy Hospital Program offers free resources to support institutions that want to make more plant-based options available to patients. With plant-based menu items, inpatient education tools, and printable recipes, patients will be empowered to take control of their health during their hospital stay and beyond. We are delighted to announce that Powder Systems Limited (PSL) will be hosting the 2025 Microsphere Summit in Liverpool, United Kingdom. This two-day event brings together developers of new drugs with specialist manufacturers in an interactive setting. Topics will include all aspects of Long Acting Release (LAR) injectable drug development, from initial formulation and processing, through to filling and packaging. Delegates will also be introduced to the evolution and progression of the global microsphere market. Day 1 Conference (15th October 2025) A warm welcome to the Speakers for 2025. This is a brand new line-up of global experts in the field of Microspheres. All our speakers, along with the PSL team, will be delivering insightful presentations and will be available during networking breaks to answer questions and connect with delegates. Their expertise is invaluable and the opportunity to meet and engage with the Speakers in person is not to be missed. Day 2 Insight Workshops (16th October 2025) A series of focused Workshops will be held on Day 2 of the Summit which takes place at PSLs HQ. A tour of the facility includes visiting PSLs Centre of Process Excellence (C.O.P.E). Delegates can participate in the multiple Workshops delivered by Process Solution Providers. Networking breaks will take place, designed to provide opportunities for 1-1 discussions with Industry experts, tailored to your applications. Microsphere Summit Speakers Ashland Ashlands bioresorbable polymers platform is a scalable and customisable technology with potential applications including long-acting injectables, advanced drug delivery for mRNA therapeutics, regenerative medicine, medical devices, and dermal fillers. Kinematica Kinematica provides advanced homogenizing solutions essential for creating uniform microspheres in complex pharmaceutical formulations and injectables, ensuring precise particle size control, reproducibility, and stability in drug delivery systems. SOPAT SOPAT develops and sells photo-optical inline measurement technology that quantitatively analyses particle size distribution in multi-phase systems. Its software delivers real-time particle characterisation for improved process monitoring and optimisation. Romaco Group Romaco Group delivers advanced processing and packaging technologies for pharmaceutical production. Their integrated solutions ensure precise, safe, and efficient primary filling and secondary packaging of powders, liquids, and microspheres. Micropore Technologies Micropore Technologies utilise their patented membrane technology to effortlessly produce emulsions and microparticles with precisely controlled particle size distributions, from R&D to full manufacturing scale. Oakwood Labs Oakwood Labs is Global CDMO providing end-to-end services for long-acting injectable (LAI) development. They offer R&D capabilities through use of Chroniject technology and operate FDA-approved aseptic GMP facility for clinical & commercial manufacturing. Tracy BioConsulting Tracy BioConsulting is a specialty biopharmaceutical consulting firm dedicated to helping clients advance their scientific research into and through the clinic. Dr. Tracy developed innovative first-in class complex injectable and nucleic acid therapeutics. Find out More / Book Now Full details can be found on the Summit page, along with prices and the Delegate Booking form. ** Early Bird Savings are available for bookings received by 15th August 2025. As smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted across North America, and western U.S. states girded for their annual fire siege, Neeta Thakur was well into her search for ways to offset the damage of such fumes on people's health, especially among minority and low-income communities. For more than a decade, the University of California-San Francisco researcher relied on federal grants without incident. But Thakur, a doctor and a scientist, suddenly found herself leading the charge for public health science against President Donald Trump's political ideology. Thakur, 45, a pulmonologist who also is medical director of the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Chest Clinic, is the lead plaintiff among six UC researchers who in June won a class-action preliminary injunction against the efforts of several federal agencies to carry out Trump's executive orders seeking to eliminate research grants deemed to focus on areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The administration has filed a notice of appeal, and the outcome, whether or not she and her colleagues prevail, could influence both the future of academic research and the health of those she's spent her life trying to help. When this moment hit us, where science was really under attack and lives are at stake, it doesnt surprise me that she stepped up," said Margot Kushel, who directs the UCSF Action Research Center for Health Equity and has known Thakur for more than a decade through their work at the center and San Francisco General, the public county hospital. "We dont think our work should be political, to be honest," Kushel said. "Saving peoples lives and making sure people dont die doesn't seem to me that it should be a partisan issue. Thakur said that after the abrupt funding cuts, she and the other researchers felt pretty powerless and found that the class-action lawsuit was a way for us to join together and sort of take a stance. The suit was filed independently by the researchers and allowed them to show the harm inflicted not just on their own work "but more broadly on public health and public health research, she said. Thakur's study, which received more than $1.3 million in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency and was set to run through November, explores the impact of increased wildfire smoke on low-income communities and communities of color, populations that already experience heightened pollution and other environmental health disparities. The goal is to find ways to help residents limit their smoke exposure, Thakur said, adding that the results could help people no matter their circumstances. Preliminary findings show that smoke can trigger breathing emergencies among children days after exposure, knowledge that could lead to better treatment, and that smoke intensity may peak during just a few hours when protection is most needed, indicating the need for more precise and timely safety messaging. Thakur said her studies on health equity and health disparities saw growing federal support during the covid pandemic and a national focus on racism spurred by the murder of George Floyd. The EPA had solicited the grant in 2021 for her and her team to research how climate change affects underserved communities. Trump, in one of several executive orders blocking federal funding for DEI programs, said they "use dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences" that he said have "prioritized how people were born instead of what they were capable of doing." EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in March that, in cooperation with the Department of Government Efficiency, the administration had canceled more than 400 grants topping $2 billion "to rein in wasteful federal spending." The order by U.S. District Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco temporarily blocking the grant terminations covered the EPA, as well as grants by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Science Foundation. Lin's ruling was not a nationwide injunction of the sort restricted by the U.S. Supreme Court in a June decision. The Trump administration agencies affected by the order have reinstated the UC grants as the lawsuit proceeds. The government filed a motion for a temporary stay on the order pending the outcome of its appeal, but a decision had not been issued as of publication. The EPA declined to comment on the judge's order blocking the attempted cancellation of the research funding, citing the ongoing litigation, and attorneys representing the government did not respond to requests for comment. Thakur defends the need for research that spotlights disadvantaged communities. Her interest in health equity stems from childhood experiences. The daughter of immigrants from India, with a physician and an engineer as parents, she grew up relatively well-off in a mixed-income neighborhood in Phoenix. While she prospered, however, she had friends who couldn't afford college or became pregnant as teenagers. I see my research being directed towards trying to understand how where you live and what you experience impacts your health, Thakur said. When the grants were suspended in April, the researchers were unable to finish identifying ways to help protect communities from wildfire smoke. Thakur had to dismiss a student intern and dip into discretionary funds to pay her postdoctoral fellow. At least three research papers that could have directly affected public health were in danger of going unpublished without the funding, she said. The government reinstated her team's grants about three weeks after the judge's order, and Thakur is in the process of picking up the pieces. She's hopeful that researchers can publish two of the three studies they were working on. Thakur said she is now cautiously optimistic after experiencing "a roller coaster of emotions." Putting together a project and conducting the research takes years, she said, so "to have all of that end suddenly, it brought me a range of emotions one thinks about when folks are experiencing grief. Theres denial, anger. But the Trump administration's actions have already sapped morale in the field. Rebecca Sugrue, Thakur's postdoctoral fellow and an expert in health equity and climate change, is rethinking her entire career path. I kind of came to the realization that all the expertise I had built up were the kind of things that were being deprioritized," Sugrue said. She said she and other postdoctoral students and more junior members of the research team even had discussions about leaving academia: "'Unstable' and 'uncertain' were words that were used a lot. The lasting damage is not lost on Thakur. If the grants ultimately disappear, universities won't have the typical programs to train students or to support academic research, she said, adding that, I think there are concerns that the sort of divestment from science and research in these particular areas will cause generations of impact. This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. A major international study has found that when it comes to choosing a long-term partner, people across the globe consider not just how many sexual partners someone has had, but also when those encounters took place. This is the first time researchers have explored the timing of sexual history alongside quantity offering a fresh perspective on human mating psychology. Led by Swansea University, the study surveyed more than 5,000 participants from 11 countries across five continents. It found that people were generally less willing to commit to someone with a high number of past sexual partners but were more open if those encounters had become less frequent over time, suggesting a shift away from casual sex. People use sexual history as a cue to assess relationship risk. In our ancestral past, knowing someone's sexual history could help people avoid risks like STIs, infidelity, emotional instability, or rivalry with ex-partners. Previous studies have shown that people are generally less inclined to pursue relationships with individuals who have had many past sexual partners. However, what's particularly interesting about this study's findings is that this effect diminishes when those encounters occurred primarily in the past and this is something we found across the globe." Dr. Andrew G. Thomas, Lead Researcher of Swansea University's School of Psychology Participants were shown simple visual timelines representing a potential partner's sexual history. Each timeline showed the same number of past partners, but with different patterns some concentrated early in life, others spread evenly, and some decreasing over time. Participants then rated their willingness to pursue a committed relationship, revealing that the timing of past encounters, particularly whether sexual activity with new partners had slowed over time, significantly shaped their perceptions. Published in Scientific Reports, the study found little evidence of a sexual double standard, with male and female participants evaluating sexual history in similar ways. Only minor sex differences were observed across countries and cultures. Dr Thomas said: "The results of this study point to a lack of sexual double standards, challenging the idea that women are judged more harshly for their sexual past than men." The study also looked at how people's own attitudes toward casual sex influenced their views. Those who were more open to casual relationships were less affected by a partner's sexual history, though they still showed some sensitivity to it. Dr Thomas concludes: "The online discourse around people's sexual history can be very damning, but the results of this study reveal the picture is far more nuanced. We've been led to believe that society harshly judges those with a sexually adventurous past, but as individuals, people are in fact far more forgiving, particularly if someone's approach to sex has changed. "The results of this study not only shed light on the universal nature of our sexual psychology but could be used to combat misogynistic discussion of sexual history online." Action-Packed Aspen Watch Collector Event Lineup Includes Hosted Hikes, Pickleball Meet-Ups, New Timepiece Reveals, Coffee and Cocktail Hours, CEO Talks, and More. WHEN: AUGUST 7-9, 2025 Following a successful inaugural year, Watch Week Aspen returns this week, August 79 with an even bigger brand roster and event line-up. The free, open-to-the-public watch enthusiast event is the premier summer retreat for watch lovers in North America, and continues to grow, offering a unique blend of horology and Rocky Mountain adventure. 2025 Participating Watch Week Aspen Brands and Partners Now Include: A. Lange & Sohne, Arnold & Son, Audemars Piguet, Avi & Co., Betteridge, Bremont, Gerald Charles, Glashutte Original, H. Moser & Cie., IWC, Meridian Jewelers, Moritz Grossmann, Norqain, Oliver Smith Jeweler, Omega, and Zenith. Additional brands will be announced in the coming weeks. The packed 2025 event lineup offers a chance for attendees to engage with leading brands with memorable experiences in an unforgettable Aspen setting. A. Lange & Sohne's stand in the Aspen Watch Week Aspen co. 2025 Watch Week Aspen Events THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 Oliver Smith Jeweler & Moritz Grossmann Timepiece Vault Day 1 at Oliver Smith Jeweler | 11:00 AM 6:00 PM Explore a curated vault of rare pre-owned watches and limited-edition pieces from Moritz Grossmann, a German independent brand reviving traditional Saxon techniques. Gerald Charles Lounge Day 1 at Oliver Smith Jeweler | 11:00 AM 6:00 PM Recharge with gourmet espresso drinks, signature cocktails, and a full bar while discovering the world of Gerald Charles, founded on the legacy of watch designer Gerald Genta. ZENITH Anniversary Collection with Ellen Sorensen Day 1 at Betteridge | 2:00 PM 5:00 PM Discover the ZENITH 160th Anniversary Collection and unique pieces with Americas Brand President Ellen Sorensen. Audemars Piguet : The Perpetual Calendar, Made Simple at Audemars Piguet | 3 PM 4 PM Join Guillaume Gruet of Audemars Piguet for an inside look at intuitive timekeeping and the future of the perpetual calendar. Watch Week Aspen Welcome Party at the W Aspen Rooftop | 5:00 PM 7:00 PM In partnership with Modern Luxury Aspen, enjoy cocktails, light bites, and conversation to kick off the festivities. A Bremont watch spotted at the Aspen Watch Week Aspen co. FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 Hike with Jimmy Chin, Presented by Bremont | 8:00 AM 11:00 AM Join world-renowned adventurer Jimmy Chin for a scenic morning hike, followed by breakfast and a preview of Bremonts newest collection. ZENITH El Primero: First Coffee, First Look at Betteridge | 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Stop by the ZENITH coffee corner outside Betteridge to enjoy a delicious morning coffee from our specialty espresso bar before heading inside to discover the ZENITH Collection. ZENITH Anniversary Collection with Ellen Sorensen at Betteridge Day 2 | 10:00 AM 5:00 PM Discover the ZENITH 160th Anniversary Collection and unique pieces with Americas Brand President Ellen Sorensen. Oliver Smith & Moritz Grossmann Timepiece Vault Day 2 at Oliver Smith Jeweler | 11:00 AM 6:00 PM Gerald Charles Lounge Day 2 at Oliver Smith Jeweler | 11:00 AM 6:00 PM TECHNOLOGY & MATERIAL INNOVATION, Presented by OMEGA - Day 1 at Omega Aspen | 1:00 PM 3:00 PM Experience a hands-on demo of Omegas anti-magnetic tech and dive into the brands pioneering materials and engineering. F1 Hot Lap: Race Against the Clock with H. Moser & Cie. at Betteridge 1:00 4:00 PM See the latest H. Moser & Cie. novelty timepieces and test your reflexes in a state-of-the-art Formula One racing simulator. A high-octane challenge inspired by the Swiss brands F1 partnershipcan you beat the best? A. Lange & Sohne Private Viewing at A. Lange & Sohne Day 1 | 3:00 PM 6:00 PM Join Charles Langlois, President of A. Lange & Sohne Americas, and a Lange watchmaker to discover the brands latest novelties, including the newly debuted ZEITWERK DATE in 750 pink gold. Time Well Spent: An IWC Showcase Day 1 at IWC at Meridian Jewelers | 3:00 PM 6:00 PM Preview rare and new IWC timepieces in an intimate brand-led showcase. Retail vs. Reality: Boutique Relationships with Yoni Ben-Yehuda Day 1 at Audemars Piguet | 3 PM 4 PM Gain collector insights on building authentic connections with watch brands and boutiques. Cocktails & Canapes with Arnold & Son | 4:00 PM 6:00 PM Gather for cocktails and canapes with industry insiders and collectors. Exclusive Evening Cocktail with Avi & Co. | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Explore curated high-end timepieces from Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and an exclusive first look at the Avi & Co. Ice Collection, while enjoying handcrafted cocktails. Golden Hour: Collectors Cocktail Party | 6:00 PM 9:00 PM An elegant evening of drinks and conversation with tastemakers, collectors, and friends of Watch Week Aspen. Watchmaker at the Aspen Watch Week Aspen co. SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 Pickleball Hangout with Norqain at Oliver Smith Jeweler | 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Join Olympian Alex Ferreira for a casual morning of pickleball, open to all levels. Gerald Charles Lounge Day 3 at Oliver Smith Jeweler | 11:00 AM 6:00 PM Oliver Smith & Moritz Grossmann Vault Day 3 | 11:00 AM 6:00 PM Glashutte Original : Seventies X First Look at Oliver Smith Jeweler | 1:00 PM 3:00 PM Enjoy cocktails and light bites while previewing a Miami-inspired limited edition of the Seventies Chronograph, and meet brand executives Stephen Kounas and Ali Marquez. TECHNOLOGY & MATERIAL INNOVATION, Presented by OMEGA - Day 2 at Omega Aspen | 1:00 PM 3:00 PM ZENITH Coffee Break with Betteridge - Day 2 | 2:00 PM 4:00 PM A. Lange & Sohne Private Viewing Day 2 at A. Lange & Sohne | 3:00 PM 6:00 PM Time Well Spent: An IWC Showcase Day 2 | 3:00 PM 6:00 PM | Meridian Jewelers Retail vs. Reality: Boutique Relationships with Yoni Ben-Yehuda Day 2 at Audemars Piguet | 3 PM 4 PM Speaker Series & Cocktail Reception, Presented by Bremont | 4:00 PM 6:00 PM (Reception at 5:00 PM) Enjoy two dynamic industry panels followed by a celebratory cocktail hour. Cocktail hour at the Aspen Watch Week Aspen co. Watch Week Aspen events will highlight countless rare timepieces from leading brands including new, hard-to-find, and collectible pre-owned models. Select participating brands, including Arnold & Son and Norqain, plan to reveal new models to the world for the first time during the event. Presented by Oliver Smith Jeweler, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, and local retail partners, Watch Week Aspen was established to highlight the many watch boutiques and retailers that call Aspen home while showcasing the regions countless off-season charms. The week-long celebration of wristwatches takes place against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Throughout the event, watch lovers will have the opportunity to gather, expand their knowledge, build connections, enjoy curated events and experiences, and discover extraordinary new timepieces in Aspens world-renowned downtown. According to Elizabeth Smith, Managing Director of Oliver Smith Jeweler and founder of Watch Week Aspen, Aspen is a watch lovers paradise. There are so many unique retailers and brands represented here that it seemed only natural to establish an event that celebrates this special place and our shared passionwristwatches. We are so excited to welcome new and returning collectors and brands for year two of Watch Week Aspen. Curious newcomers and watch connoisseurs can expect an action-packed itinerary of camaraderie and collaboration, encompassing an opening reception, informal gatherings, educational panels, and immersive activities presented in partnership with top watch brands, influencers, and local retailers. While Watch Week Aspen is free and open to the public, event registration is strongly encouraged to ensure registered attendees claim their spot in the weeks exclusive events and hosted excursions, which will be incorporated into the fabric of Aspens picturesque downtown and the surrounding Rocky Mountain region. Dera Sacha Sauda chief gets parole again Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 22:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chandigarh, Aug 5 (PTI) Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples, walked out of Sunaria prison in Haryanas Rohtak on Tuesday after being granted a 40-day parole. Prior to this, Singh has come out of prison 13 times since he was convicted in 2017. This year itself, Singh was granted a 21-day furlough in April and a 30-day parole in January. Recommended Stories He will stay at his Sirsa-headquartered Dera during his parole, said Dera spokesperson and advocate Jitender Khurana. After reaching Sirsa under tight security, Singh appealed to his followers in a video message to not turn up at the Dera and adhere to the instructions of the sect elders. Reacting to development, Haryana Minister Anil Vij told reporters here that the parole has been granted strictly in line with the laid-down rules. Vij said all actions are carried out within the legal framework. Singh, who will turn 58 on August 15, was convicted in 2017 for raping two of his disciples. The Dera chief and three others were also convicted in 2019 for the murder of a journalist more than 16 years ago. By the time Singh returns to jail at the end of his parole, he would have spent three months out of prison this year. He was granted a 21-day furlough in April and a 30-day parole in January this year ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls. He was granted a 20-day parole on October 1 last year, days before the October 5 Haryana assembly polls. In August last year, Singh was granted a 21-day furlough. He was granted a three-week furlough from February 7, 2022, barely two weeks before the Punjab assembly polls. Sikh organisations, like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), have in the past criticised the grant of relief to Singh. On Tuesday, too, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the government was releasing the Dera chief on parole and furlough, whereas Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners) continue to be lodged in jails. According to Sikh bodies, Bandi Singhs are those Sikh prisoners who remain in jail even after the completion of their sentences. Dera spokesperson Khurana said parole or furlough has been granted to Singh within the ambit of law by the authorities concerned. Even the fresh parole has been granted within that ambit. In the past too, these have been granted within those parameters and no special parole has been given," Khurana said. Prior to Tuesdays parole, Singh has come out of prison 13 times since 2017. On most of these occasions, he has stayed at the Deras ashram in Barnawa in Uttar Pradeshs Baghpat. In May last year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted Singh and four others in the 2002 murder of the sects former manager Ranjit Singh, citing tainted and sketchy" investigations into the matter. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier, a special CBI court sentenced them to life imprisonment in the nearly 20-year-old murder case. It held Singh guilty of hatching a criminal conspiracy with his co-accused. The Sirsa-headquartered Dera Sacha Sauda has a number of followers in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and other states. In Haryana, the Dera has a sizable number of followers in many districts, including Sirsa, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Hisar. PTI SUN VSD RT RT First Published: August 05, 2025, 22:45 IST News agency-feeds Dera Sacha Sauda chief gets parole again 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... Eight-year-old hit by truck in Dharavi, dies; driver held Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 23:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Aug 5 (PTI) An eight-year-old boy was killed after a truck knocked him down on a busy road in the Dharavi area of central Mumbai on Tuesday, police said. The accident occurred at the Kumbharwada junction in the afternoon, an official said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories He said the truck driver lost control of the wheel and knocked the child down. The boy was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The truck driver, who attempted to flee the scene, was nabbed by locals and has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Motor Vehicles Act, the official said. PTI ZA ARU First Published: August 05, 2025, 23:00 IST News agency-feeds Eight-year-old hit by truck in Dharavi, dies; driver 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... Netanyahu meets security officials, discusses options for campaign in Gaza Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 03:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Tel Aviv [Israel], August 6 (ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday met security officials, during which options for proceeding with the campaign in Gaza were presented by the IDF Chief-of-Staff.According to a post from his official X account, the meeting lasted over three hours and included a presentation by the IDF Chief-of-Staff on various options for action.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a three-hour security discussion today, in which options for proceeding with the campaign in Gaza were presented by the IDF Chief-of-Staff. The IDF is prepared to carry out any decision made by the Security Cabinet," the post read. The update was shared around 10:08 pm IST. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a three-hour security discussion today, in which options for proceeding with the campaign in Gaza were presented by the IDF Chief-of-Staff.The IDF is prepared to carry out any decision made by the Security Cabinet. Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 5, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Meanwhile, Hamas has expressed openness to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delivering aid to Israeli captives held in Gaza, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus request for the Geneva-based organizations involvement, Al Jazeera reported.Netanyahu said on Sunday that he had spoken to Julian Larson, head of the ICRC delegation to Israel, requesting the groups immediate involvement" in providing food and medical treatment to captives still held in Gaza. The statements came after Palestinian groups last week released videos showing two emaciated Israeli captives amid a broader starvation crisis affecting some 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, Al Jazeera noted.In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote in Hebrew that Hamas was spreading a lie of starvation" in Gaza, but systematic starvation is being carried out against our hostages." Hamass armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, responded through spokesman Abu Obeida, saying Israeli captives eat what our fighters and all our people eat" and will not receive any special privilege amid the crime of starvation and siege." However, Abu Obeida added that Hamas is ready to act positively and respond to any request from the Red Cross to deliver food and medicine to enemy prisoners," Al Jazeera reported.Abu Obeida stressed the need for humanitarian corridors" to be opened permanently for food and medicine to reach all Gaza residents and called for an end to Israeli attacks during the receipt of packages for the prisoners."The ICRC expressed being appalled by the harrowing videos" of the captives and reiterated its call to be granted access to the hostages." The organization said, These videos are stark evidence of the life-threatening conditions in which the hostages are being held." It added, We know families watching these videos are horrified and heartbroken by the conditions they see their loved ones held in," Al Jazeera reported.According to the ICRCs website, securing access requires the cooperation of all parties involved." The group also said it has not been able to visit any Palestinian detainees held in Israeli places of detention since 7 October 2023.In a separate statement, the ICRC condemned the killing of a Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) staff member in a clearly marked Palestine Red Crescent Society building" in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. The PRCS earlier blamed Israeli forces for the attack.Meanwhile, families of Israeli captives in Gaza criticized Netanyahus insistence that a military resolution" is the only solution, calling it a direct danger to the lives of our sons, who live in the hell of tunnels and are threatened by starvation and immediate death." They said, For 22 months, the public has been sold the illusion that military pressure will bring back the hostages, and today, even before reaching a comprehensive draft agreement, it is said that an agreement is futile," Al Jazeera reported.About 50 captives remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive.The Gaza Government Media Office reported that Israeli authorities allowed only 36 aid trucks into Gaza on Saturday, while 22,000 trucks remain outside waiting to deliver food to Palestinians, Al Jazeera added.The United Nations office in Geneva warned that 1 million women and girls in Gaza are now starving. In a post on X, the UN said: One million. Thats how many women and girls are starving in Gaza. This horrific situation is unacceptable and must end. We continue to demand the delivery of lifesaving aid for all women and girls, an immediate ceasefire, and the release of all hostages," Al Jazeera reported.At least 175 people, including 93 children, have died from forced starvation, according to Gazas Ministry of Health, including 17-year-old Atef Abu Khater, who weighed only 25 kg (55 lbs) before his death on Saturday. (ANI) First Published: August 06, 2025, 03:15 IST News agency-feeds Netanyahu meets security officials, discusses options for campaign in Gaza 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... South African national sentenced to 15 years jail for smuggling heroin Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 22:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Aug 5 (PTI) A special court here has convicted a South African national and sentenced him to 15 years in jail for possession and smuggling of drugs into India. Special Judge P P Jadhav said the prosecution has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused smuggled 3.980 kg of heroin into India. Recommended Stories A copy of the order dated August 1 was made available on Tuesday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Narcotics Control Bureau arrested the accused Mapoma Joseph Lemao in April 2022 after he was caught at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The NCB recovered the drugs from his baggage, and a probe revealed his links to an international trafficking syndicate, involving handlers based in South Africa and Tanzania. PTI SP ARU First Published: August 05, 2025, 22:45 IST News agency-feeds South African national sentenced to 15 years jail for smuggling heroin 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... Sunjay Kapurs death being treated as non-suspicious, says UK police Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 22:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London, Aug 5 (PTI) The British police on Tuesday said that the death of industrialist Sunjay Kapur at a polo club in Surrey is being treated as non-suspicious". The statement from Surrey Police came in response to a PTI query around Kapurs mother, Rani Kapur, approaching UK authorities for an investigation into her sons death under highly suspicious and unexplained circumstances". Recommended Stories Kapur, 53, former Chairman of auto components major Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar), passed away on June 12 while playing polo at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park, in the village of Virginia Water in Surrey. Police were called to the Guards Polo Club in Virginia Water just after 5 pm on Thursday, 12 June, following the death of a man in his 50s at the location," Surrey Police said in the statement. Colleagues from South East Coast Ambulance also attended and confirmed that the man had sadly died at the scene. His death is being treated as non-suspicious. As we are not treating this as a criminal offence, any further queries should go via the Coroners Office," the statement said. The Surrey Coroners Office has been approached for details, even as a coroners report from the office of Kapurs wife Priya Sachdev Kapur has been referenced across Indian media reports, giving the industrialists cause of death as the result of left ventricular hypertrophy and ischemic heart disease". Both relate to breathing difficulties resulting in a heart attack. She (Rani Kapur) has been seeking details, asking for the post-mortem report suddenly today, from the media, she gets to know that there is a post-mortem report, which dates back to July 6 if Im not mistaken. But till date, she has not been provided with a copy from any source," said Senior Advocate Vaibhav Gaggar, who is representing Kapurs mother. Asked if his clients concerns remain even after the report being referenced in the media, Gaggar said: Absolutely, in fact it only reaffirms her suspicions quite tremendously. There are lots of gaps if it is looked into deeply. Just as an example, throughout, we were given to understand that this is a bee sting that did this. There is no mention of any bee or a sting, anything whatsoever in this report. And, her statement was quite clear that this is being made out to be a freak accident or a very natural death but this needs to be looked into in the conspectus of facts which transpired around the death before, during and after. Obviously, all those suspicions remain very much there and this report has only aggravated those suspicions." Gaggar asserted that as an elderly grieving mother, Rani Kapurs focus is neither money nor power but a deeper, proper, neutral, independent investigation" into the death of her son in the pink of his health otherwise". It just does not add up for her and that, as of now, is going to remain her fight," said the advocate, who also pointed to the injustice" of her not having any access to any funds. Kapur was the owner of the Aureus polo team and well known on the circuit, reportedly also playing polo with William, the Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne. At the time of his sudden death, the club said Kapur passed away after becoming unwell" while playing in a match at its Smiths Lawn. Some reports had referred to a bee sting that may have triggered an anaphylactic shock causing a heart attack. Following his demise, Sona Comstars board appointed Jeffery Mark Overly as the chairman on June 23. In a letter dated July 24 to the board, Rani Kapur alleged that while the family mourned the death of Sunjay Kapur last month, some people chose to wrest control and usurp the family legacy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Rani Kapur had also sought postponement of the companys AGM, which included a resolution to appoint Priya Sachdev Kapur as a non-executive director. The companys shareholders on July 25, however, approved that appointment with a requisite majority. Previously, Rani Kapur has referenced a will dated June 30, 2015, to claim she is the sole beneficiary of her late husband Surinder Kapurs estate and accordingly a majority shareholder of the Sona Group, including the auto components firm. However, in a regulatory filing, Sona Comstar claimed that, as per the company records, she has not been a shareholder of the company at least since 2019. PTI AK ZH ZH First Published: August 05, 2025, 22:45 IST News agency-feeds Sunjay Kapurs death being treated as non-suspicious, says UK 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... Uddhav Thackeray meets party office-bearers of civic bodies Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 23:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Aug 5 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday held a meeting with the partys functionaries of civic bodies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) other than the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The objective was to review the partys preparations ahead of the coming local body elections, said a party leader. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories MMR consists of satellite cities like Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi, Ambernath, Badlapur, Navi Mumbai, Mira Bhayander and Vasai-Virar. The rival Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has a considerable presence in the MMR. PTI PR KRK First Published: August 05, 2025, 23:00 IST News agency-feeds Uddhav Thackeray meets party office-bearers of civic bodies 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... Utilise Chenab river water, shelve SYL canal issue: Punjab CM to Centre Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 00:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chandigarh, Aug 5 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday urged the Centre to utilise the waters of the Chenab River to resolve the water-sharing dispute between his state and Haryana and sought the scrapping of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal project. Mann participated in a meeting called by Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in Delhi over the SYL canal issue, in which Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present. Recommended Stories The Punjab chief minister said in the last meeting held on July 9, the Union government informed that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan has been suspended and it opens up an opportunity for India to utilise water from the Chenab River, one of the western rivers earlier given to Pakistan under the treaty. An official statement quoting Mann said the Centre should now divert Chenabs waters to Indian dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, or Bhakra, adding that to carry this extra water, new canals and infrastructure would be required, which would be built in Punjab. Mann said these canals and infrastructure can be first used to meet the needs of the state, and after Punjabs requirements are met, the water can be supplied to Haryana and Rajasthan through the same canal system. He said using Chenab water will reduce Punjabs dependence on groundwater, revive surface irrigation and support the farming community, which is the backbone of the states economy, besides saving groundwater of the state for future generations. Punjab, which is currently facing groundwater depletion, must be prioritised in any future strategies for the usage, diversion, or allocation of these river waters, he said. Mann also said the waters of the western rivers should be allocated to Punjab on a priority basis, adding that new storage dams upstream of existing Bhakra and Pong in Himachal Pradesh should be constructed, which will significantly enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters. Seeking the shelving of the SYL project, Mann unequivocally said that the Sharda-Yamuna Link for transfer of surplus Sharda River water to the Yamuna River and diversion of Chenab water to Beas River through the Rohtang tunnel should be done to eliminate the need for the SYL canal. He said the long-conceived project of Sharda-Yamuna Link should be taken up on priority and surplus water be transferred to the Yamuna River at a suitable location. Mann said the additional water available could offset the balance water requirement of Haryana from the Ravi-Beas system, apart from addressing the ever-growing drinking water requirement of Delhi and the availability of the Yamuna water to Rajasthan. Batting for the Yamuna-Sutlej Link (YSL) canal, he said that the memorandum of understanding of May 12, 1994, of allocation of Yamuna waters between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan is to be reviewed after 2025. Therefore, Punjab should be included as a partner state in the allocation of Yamuna waters, and 60 per cent of the surplus water of the Yamuna River should be considered for the state, he said. Haryana has enough scope to get additional water from other sources, which also needs to be accounted for, said Mann. He said that Haryana is also receiving 2.703 million acre-feet (MAF) of water from the Ghaggar River, Tangri Nadi, Markanda River, Saraswati Nadi, Chautang-Rakshi, Nai Nalah, Sahibi Nadi, Krishna Dhuan, and Landoha Nalah, which has not been accounted for so far when deciding the water allocations between the states. Mann reiterated that the SYL canal is an emotive issue" for Punjab and its construction could trigger serious" law and order challenges in the state and escalate into a national crisis, with neighbouring Haryana and Rajasthan also feeling the impact. The total water requirement of Punjab is 52 MAF, and water available with the state of Punjab is only 26.75 MAF (surface water from three rivers, 12.46 MAF, and groundwater 14.29 MAF), said Mann. Talking to reporters in the national capital after the meeting, Saini said a significant step forward was made on the ongoing dialogue over water-sharing between Haryana and Punjab. The talks were held in a cordial and cooperative atmosphere. The issue has been under discussion for a long time, and earlier deliberations held on July 9 had already indicated a positive shift, he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This time, we have moved a step further. The discussions were held in an even more constructive environment, Saini added. Saini asserted that Haryana will present its case in a positive and solution-oriented" manner before the Supreme Court on August 13 and expressed confidence that a fair and favourable resolution will be achieved. PTI CHS SUN VSD RHL First Published: August 06, 2025, 00:45 IST News agency-feeds Utilise Chenab river water, shelve SYL canal issue: Punjab CM to Centre 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... Aaj Ka Panchang, August 5, 2025: Tithi, Vrat, Shubh Muhurat & Rahu Kaal Today Written By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 05:00 IST Aaj Ka Panchang, August 5, 2025: Tuesday is ideal for spiritual growth. Perform Vishnu Puja, Parana, and introspection. Avoid new tasks before 7:15 AM due to Vaidhrithi Yoga. Aaj Ka Panchang, August 5, 2025: The day of 5 August 2025 is suitable for religious worship, fast-parana, introspection, and attainment of virtues. (AI generated image) Aaj Ka Panchang, August 5, 2025: Today is dedicated to Shravan Shukla Dwadashi Tithi, which is considered extremely auspicious for getting the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Shri Hari. Dwadashi Tithi is considered especially favorable for fasting and religious works, and if you have observed the Ekadashi fast, then today is also the day of Parana (end of fast). Todays Nakshatra is Moola, which strengthens courage, self-confidence, and decision-making ability. This Nakshatra is very favorable for spiritual practice and knowledge of esoteric subjects. Recommended Stories The Moon is transiting in Sagittarius today, which increases the attachment to independent thinking, a high perspective, and purpose in life in a person. At the same time, Vaidhrithi Yoga is present till morning today, which is considered inauspicious and is worth avoiding for the start of any new work. However, after that, the whole day will be generally auspicious, and Abhijit Muhurta will be especially auspicious. The day of 5 August 2025 is suitable for religious worship, fast-parana, introspection, and attainment of virtues. Dwadashi Tithi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, so Vishnu Sahasranama, Gita Paath, or Tulsi Jal Offering are auspicious. Moola Nakshatra and Sagittarius Moon can take your thoughts to new heights todayinterest in planning, teaching, philosophy, and spirituality will increase. Vaidhrithi Yoga requires a little caution at the beginning of the day, especially when avoiding starting new tasks. Today is extremely fruitful from a religious point of view, but it is advisable to postpone any major decision or new work until 7:15 am. The latter half of the day is especially auspicioustake advantage of Abhijit Muhurta and move towards your goals with devotion. Get the full benefit of this auspicious day by indulging in Puja, Japa, and good deeds. Aaj Ka Panchang, August 5, 2025 Tithi: Shukla Dwadashi Nakshatra: Mool Karana: Bava Paksha: Shukla-Paksha Yoga: Vaidhriti till 07:15:00 AM Day: Tuesday Sun & Moon Calculations Sun Rise: 06:13:40 AM Sun Set: 07:19:43 PM Moon Rise: 04:22:25 PM Moon Set: 02:06:03 AM Moon Sign: Sagittarius Ritu: Varsha Hindu Month & Year Shaka Samvat: 1947 Vikram Samvat: 2082 Month Amanta: Shraavan Month Purnimanta: Shraavan Inauspicious Timings (Ashubh Muhurat) Rahu Kaal: 04:03:12 PM to 05:41:27 PM Yamaganda: 09:30:10 AM to 11:08:26 AM Gulika Kaal: 12:46:41 PM to 02:24:56 PM Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Abhijit: 12:20:00 PM to 01:12:00 PM (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, Num... Read More Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, Num... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 05:00 IST News astrology Aaj Ka Panchang, August 5, 2025: Tithi, Vrat, Shubh Muhurat & Rahu Kaal 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... 8th Pay Commission Matrix: Revised Salary Estimates For Employees With Grade Pays From Rs 2,400 To Rs 8,700 Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 11:44 IST The Modi government has begun consultations for the 8th Pay Commission, raising hopes for a fresh salary hike for central government employees. Revised salary estimates hint at possible hikes in pay, HRA and other benefits. (Representative Image) The Modi government has initiated discussions with key departments like the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Personnel and Training, and state governments to form the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Once this commission is officially set up and submits its report, we will get a clearer idea of how the salaries of central government employees might be revised. The salary hike will mostly depend on a key figure called the fitment factor, which acts as a multiplier to determine the new basic pay. In the 7th CPC, the fitment factor was 2.57. As per India.com, experts now estimate that the 8th CPC might propose a fitment factor in the range of 1.92 to 2.86. Based on this, new salary projections have been calculated across various pay grades. Recommended Stories What is Fitment Factor? The fitment factor is a number used to multiply an employees current basic pay to arrive at their revised salary under the new pay commission. A higher fitment factor means a bigger hike in salary. For example, if your basic pay is Rs 30,000 and the fitment factor is 2.57, your new basic pay would be Rs 77,100. Salary Projections Across Pay Grades To help employees estimate what they might earn, here are examples of revised salaries at different fitment factors 1.92 and 2.57 across select grade pays (1900, 2400, 4600, 7600, 8900). These examples also include allowances such as House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), National Pension System (NPS), and Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). It is important to note that HRA is taken as 24 per cent of basic salary (for X-class cities), TA varies from Rs 3,600 to Rs 7,200 depending on the level, NPS is 10 per cent of basic, and CGHS is kept at current rates, according to India.com. For Grade Pay 1900: At 1.92 fitment factor: Basic: Rs 54,528 | HRA: Rs 13,086 | TA: Rs 3,600 Gross: Rs 71,215 | NPS: Rs 5,453 | CGHS: Rs 250 Net: Rs 65,512 At 2.57 fitment factor: Basic: Rs 72,988 | HRA: Rs 17,517 Gross: Rs 94,105 | NPS: Rs 7,299 Net: Rs 86,556 For Grade Pay 2400: At 1.92 fitment factor: Basic: Rs 73,152 | Net: Rs 86,743 At 2.57 fitment factor: Basic: Rs 97,917 | Net: Rs 1,14,975 For Grade Pay 4600: At 1.92: Basic: Rs 1,12,512 | Net: Rs 1,31,213 At 2.57: Basic: Rs 1,50,602 | Net: Rs 1,74,636 For Grade Pay 7600: At 1.92: Basic: Rs 1,53,984 | Net: Rs 1,82,092 At 2.57: Basic: Rs 2,06,114 | Net: Rs 2,41,519 For Grade Pay 8900: At 1.92: Basic: Rs 1,85,472 | Net: Rs 2,17,988 At 2.57: Basic: Rs 2,48,262 | Net: Rs 2,89,569 Heres What to Expect While these calculations provide a helpful preview, they are only estimates based on current assumptions and expert predictions. The final salary figures will only be confirmed once the 8th CPC submits its official recommendations and the government approves them. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For now, employees can use this information to get a rough idea of what their revised salary, allowances, and deductions might look like under the upcoming pay structure. Keep in mind that these are indicative numbers. Actual revised amounts may differ once officially announced. 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 05, 2025, 11:44 IST News business 8th Pay Commission Matrix: Revised Salary Estimates For Employees With Grade Pays From Rs 2,400 To Rs 8,700 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... Highway Infra IPO Gets Over 23x Subscription On Day 1 So Far: Should You Apply? Check Price, GMP, Reviews Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 15:08 IST The grey market premium of the Highway Infrastructure IPO currently stands at 57.14%, indicating strong listing gains for investors. Highway Infrastructure IPO GMP. Highway Infrastructure IPO GMP: The initial public offering of Highway Infrastructure Ltd opened for public subscription today, Tuesday, August 5. It will remain open for bidding for three days till August 7. The price band of the mainboard IPO, which plans to raise Rs 130 crore, has been fixed in the range of Rs 65 to Rs 70 apiece. Till 3:00 pm on the first day of bidding on Tuesday, the issue received a strong 23.03 times subscription, garnering bids for 34,31,38,539 shares as against the 1,48,97,114 shares on offer. The retail and NII participation stood at 25.12x and 27.74x, respectively. The QIB category has received a 3.77x subscription. Recommended Stories The IPOs grey market premium currently stands at 57.14%, indicating strong listing gains for investors. Highway Infrastructure IPO Key Dates The IPO will remain open for public subscription between August 5, 2025, and August 7, 2025. The share allotment will likely be finalised on August 8, and the company is expected to be listed on both BSE and NSE on August 12. Highway Infrastructure IPO Price & Lot Size The price band of the IPO has been fixed in the range of Rs 65 to Rs 70 per share. For investors, the minimum lot size for the IPO is 211. It means investors will have to apply for a minimum of 211 shares or in multiple thereof. So, retail investors require a minimum capital of Rs 13,715 to apply for the IPO. Highway Infrastructure IPO GMP Today According to market observers, unlisted shares of Highway Infrastructure Ltd are currently trading at Rs 110 against the upper IPO price of Rs 70. It means a grey market premium or GMP of Rs 40, which is 57.14% 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. Highway Infrastructure IPO: Should You Subscribe? The IPO of Highway Infrastructure Ltd (HIL), a company operating in the tollway collection and EPC infrastructure space, has garnered mixed recommendations from leading brokerages. While majority firms have issued a subscribe rating, especially for long-term investors or listing gains, several have urged caution citing valuation and operational risks. Swastika Investmart: Subscribe Swastika Investmart is also bullish, recommending a subscribe rating for both listing gains and long-term investment. The firm appreciated the companys investment in advanced technologies such as ANPR for toll management and noted that its order book, primarily driven by EPC projects, provides visibility for future revenues. At 18.06x FY25 earnings, the brokerage feels the IPO is fully priced" but sees room for upside given the sector outlook and companys execution capabilities. Anand Rathi Shares & Stock Brokers: Subscribe for Long-Term Anand Rathi is optimistic about HILs long-term prospects, citing the governments increased focus on road infrastructure development and the companys efforts to strengthen its tollway and EPC businesses. The brokerage believes HIL is well-positioned to ride on this momentum. It presents a niche opportunity in Indias tollway and EPC infrastructure space, supported by consistent growth and a robust order book," the note said. It also highlighted HILs use of ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) technology as a key differentiator that improves operational efficiency. The brokerage has issued a subscribe for long-term recommendation. Arihant Capital Markets: Subscribe for Listing Gains Arihant Capital took a balanced stance, recommending investors subscribe for listing gains. It acknowledged HILs strong presence across toll operations in 11 states and one union territory, and its diversified business model spanning toll collection and EPC infrastructure. As of May 31, 2025, the companys consolidated order book stood at Rs 666.3 crore. With a focus on cost optimization and project execution, HIL is well-positioned to benefit from Indias growing investment in national highway development," the note added. The IPO is valued at a P/E of 22.41x on FY25 projected EPS of Rs 3.1. SBI Securities: Avoid Taking a contrarian view, SBI Securities advised investors to avoid the IPO. It pointed out that HIL is still a relatively small player in the infrastructure sector, with short-term toll collection contracts that are subject to frequent rebidding and intense competition. The brokerage raised concerns over the companys high dependency on public sector clients, which account for 91 per cent of its revenue. The low margin profile, higher working capital cycle and geographical concentration fail to justify these valuations," it noted. Based on post-issue capital, the stock is valued at 25.5x FY25 P/E and 17.8x EV/Ebitda, levels SBI believes are not justified given the companys fundamentals. Highway Infrastructure IPO: More Info The Highway Infrastructure IPO, which is a book-building of Rs 130 crore, is a combination of a fresh issue of 1.39 crore shares aggregating to Rs 97.52 crore and an offer for sale of 0.46 crore shares aggregating to Rs 32.48 crore. Highway Infrastructure Limited (HIL), established in 1995, is an Indian infrastructure development company primarily engaged in tollway collection and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects, with a smaller presence in real estate. The company operates toll systems across 11 states and one Union Territory, leveraging technologies like ANPR and RFID-based ETC. As of August 31, 2024, it had completed 24 toll projects and was operating 7. HIL has executed 63 EPC projects and is currently working on 20 more, mainly in Madhya Pradesh, covering roads, bridges, irrigation, and civil construction. Its real estate division focuses on residential and commercial developments, though it remains a minor part of the business. The company employs 398 people across its operations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Its revenue fell 13% and profit after tax (PAT) rose 5% between the financial year ending with March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024. Pantomath Capital Advisors Pvt Ltd is the book-running lead manager of the Highway Infrastructure IPO, while Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd is the registrar for the issue. 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 05, 2025, 11:34 IST News business ipo Highway Infra IPO Gets Over 23x Subscription On Day 1 So Far: Should You Apply? Check Price, GMP, Reviews 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... Zurich, Switzerland (July 29, 2025) Cartier, in collaboration with Bucherer, debuted its first airport boutique in Switzerland, located at Zurich Airport. As one of Europes most prominent aviation centers, Zurich Airport is a complement to Cartiers existing boutique network across major European airports. Nestled at the airports prime location, the boutique will offer clients an elevated experience that blends Cartiers signature savoir-faire with the citys vibrant charm. This opening marks another significant milestone in Cartier Global Travel Retails strategy to strengthen its presence in leading international airports worldwide. The focus wall celebrates Zurichs architectural heritage with a design that incorporates the Maisons emblematic panthere motif Cartier A Design Inspired by Zurichs Beauty and Culture Re-imagining the boutique experience for travelers, the Cartier boutique presents an airport concept designed to blend the Maisons timeless elegance with the citys unique cultural and natural heritage. Its champagne gold facade offers an inviting preview of sophistication within, while the interior, inspired by Zurichs distinctive four-season climate, transitions through soft spring tones at the entrance, vibrant summer accents in the VIP salon, warm autumn hues in the mens area, and champagne-gold details that evoke the festive lights of winter. A highlight of the boutique is the focus wall, which celebrates Zurichs architectural heritage with a design that incorporates the Maisons emblematic panther motif. Airport clients may discover a curated collection of signature jewelry, timepieces, fragrances and leather goods. Airport clients may discover a curated collection of signature jewelry, timepieces, fragrances and leather goods Cartier We are proud to unveil Cartiers first airport boutique in Switzerland at Zurich Airporta dynamic hub that connects cultures, ideas, and individuals from around the world. This opening is not only a celebration of the Maisons longstanding heritage in Switzerland, but also a meaningful step in bringing the Cartier experience closer to our clients, wherever their journey takes them. In collaboration with our strategic partner Bucherer, this boutique reflects our shared commitment to excellence, elegance, and the art of hospitality, says Alban du Mesnil, Managing Director at Cartier Switzerland. Airport clients may discover a curated collection of signature jewelry, timepieces, fragrances and leather goods Cartier We are delighted to enhance our partnership with Cartier through the launch of its airport boutique in Switzerland. Through a collaboration built on a shared vision of curating unforgettable shopping experiences for travelers around the world, we look forward to welcoming both local and international clients into this unique space," says Florian Gattiker, International Retail Director of Bucherer. The boutique transitions through soft spring tones at the entrance to vibrant summer accents in the VIP salon Cartier Cartiers arrival at the Airside Center marks an important addition to Zurich Airports portfolio of world- class luxury Maisons. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing an exceptional shopping experience for travelers and reinforcing Zurich Airport as a premier destination for luxury retail says Heidi Kopple, Head Commercial Centers of Zurich Airport. Knowledge Realty Trust REIT IPO Day 1: Check Subscription Status, GMP Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:45 IST Knowledge Realty Trust is set to become India's largest REIT by gross asset value (around Rs 62,000 crore) and its net operating income stood at Rs 3,432 crore in FY25. Knowledge Realty Trust REIT IPO. Knowledge Realty Trust REIT IPO Day 1: The initial public offering of Knowledge Realty Trust, sponsored by realty firm Sattva Group and Blackstone, opened on Tuesday, August 5. The Rs 4,800-crore issue, whose price has been fixed in the range of Rs 95 to Rs 100 per share, will be closed on August 7. Till 11:10 am on the first day of bidding, the IPO has received a 2% subscription, garnering bids for 47,23,200 shares as against the 20,84,20,800 shares on offer. The grey market premium (GMP) of the IPO remains zero, indicating flat or negative listing. Recommended Stories Knowledge Realty Trust REIT IPO Key Dates The IPO will remain open for public subscription between August 5, 2025, and August 7, 2025. The share allotment will likely be finalised on August 12, and the company is expected to be listed on both BSE and NSE on August 18. Knowledge Realty Trust REIT IPO Price & Lot Size The price band of the IPO has been fixed in the range of Rs 95 to Rs 100 per share. For investors, the minimum lot size for the IPO is 150. It means investors will have to apply for a minimum of 150 shares or in multiple thereof. So, retail investors require a minimum capital of Rs 14,250 to apply for the IPO. Knowledge Realty Trust REIT IPO GMP Today According to market observers, unlisted shares of Knowledge Realty Trust are currently trading at zero GMP. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price. What Is Knowledge Realty Trust? KRT is set to become Indias largest REIT by gross asset value (around Rs 62,000 crore). Its net operating income stood at Rs 3,432 crore in the previous financial year. KRT owns over 46 million sq ft of office assets across 29 assets in six cities, primarily Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The assets include One BKC and One World Center in Mumbai, Knowledge City, and Knowledge Park in Hyderabad and Cessna Business Park and Sattva Softzone in Bengaluru. Blackstone and Sattva will continue to own about 80 per cent of the REIT. At present, there are four listed REITs (real estate investment trusts) in India Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT, and Nexus Select Trust. Apart from Nexus Select Trust, the other three REITs are backed by rent-yielding office assets. Nexus owns a large portfolio of retail real estate spaces. Bengaluru-based Sattva Developers has so far constructed 74 million sq ft across seven Indian cities in commercial, residential, co-living, co-working, hospitality, and data centre sectors. An additional 75 million sq ft is in the planning and implementation stage. Blackstone, one of the leading global investment firms, has a huge exposure in the Indian real estate market. The two sponsors have decided to adopt a brand-neutral strategy to grow the KRT portfolio inorganically through third-party acquisitions. The existing four REITs have a combined portfolio of over 126 million sq ft of Grade A office and retail space across the country. Since their inception, these REITs have collectively distributed over Rs 21,000 crore to unitholders. Knowledge Realty Trust IPO: More Info Knowledge Realty Trust on Monday garnered Rs 1,620 crore from anchor investors ahead of its REIT public issue opening for public subscription. Those who have been allotted shares in the anchor round included TATA AIG General Insurance Company, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Nippon India Mutual Fund (MF), Axis MF, Tata MF, Amundi, Wells Capital, Jhunjhunwala Trust and 360 ONE, according to a circular uploaded on BSEs website. This initial public offering (IPO) is entirely a fresh issuance of units by Knowledge Realty Trust. In early March, KRT filed the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with Sebi to launch an IPO and list the REIT on stock exchanges. This is part of a strategy to monetise its 30 prime office assets across major cities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Initially, the company planned to raise a total of Rs 6,200 through a public issue. In June, it raised Rs 1,400 crore from investors. Accordingly, the issue size has been reduced to Rs 4,800 crore. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 12:45 IST News business ipo Knowledge Realty Trust REIT IPO Day 1: Check Subscription Status, GMP 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... IndusInd Bank Shares Surge 5% As RBI Gives Green Light To Rajiv Anand As New CEO Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:07 IST IndusInd Bank shares rose 5% after RBI approved Rajiv Anand as MD and CEO from August 25, 2025. Anand, with 35 years in banking, was previously Deputy MD at Axis Bank. IndusInd Bank IndusInd Bank Share Price: IndusInd Bank Limiteds shares rallied 5 per cent intraday on Tuesday following RBIs approval of Rajiv Anand as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, effective from August 25, 2025, for three years. Recommended Stories Rajiv Anand has an exemplary career spanning over 35 years across multiple facets of the banking and financial industry. In his most recent role, Rajiv was associated with Axis Bank Limited as the Deputy Managing Director. Rajiv has a strong track record of scaling retail and corporate businesses with expertise in capital markets, treasury and asset management," the bank said in the filing. Shares were trading 1.57 per cent higher at Rs 816.40 apiece around 11:30 am. The scrip opened at Rs 820 apiece, against the previous day close at Rs 804.05 apiece. Read More: Who Is Rajiv Anand, The New MD & CEO Of IndusInd Bank? In May, SEBI had barred then CEO Sumant Kathpalia and four other senior IndusInd Bank officials from accessing the securities markets over alleged insider trading. The regulator also impounded Rs 19.78 crore from the five individuals, as per its interim order. The others named in the order include Arun Khurana (Executive Director and Deputy CEO at the time), Sushant Sourav (Head of Treasury Operations), Rohan Jathanna (Head of GMG Operations), and Anil Marco Rao (CAO Consumer Banking Operations). SEBI had alleged that the executives traded in IndusInd Bank shares while in possession of unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI), violating insider trading norms. Kathpalia had earlier proposed a Rs 5.21 crore settlement to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to resolve an insider trading case, according to a report by The Economic Times. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all SEBIs settlement mechanism allows individuals accused of regulatory violations to resolve matters without admitting or denying wrongdoing, by paying a settlement amount. The interim order comes in the wake of a major accounting scandal that rocked the private sector lender earlier this year. In March, IndusInd Bank had disclosed that it suffered a hit of approximately 1,900 crore due to years of misreporting internal derivative trades. The bank said the issue had been traced back to incorrect internal accounting practices within its treasury department. About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 11:33 IST News business markets IndusInd Bank Shares Surge 5% As RBI Gives Green Light To Rajiv Anand As New CEO 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... Sensex Declines Over 300 Points, Nifty Falls Below 24,650; Details Here Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 16:06 IST Stock Market Updates Today: Among the top losers were Adani Ports, Reliance, Infosys, ICICI Bank, Eternal, and BEL falling by up to 2.02%. Sensex Today. Stock Market Updates Today: Domestic equity markets remained weak on Tuesday, trading in a narrow range despite positive global cues, with oil & gas stocks leading the decline amid concerns about future import restrictions on Russian oil. The BSE Sensex declined by 308.47 points to close at 80,710.25, while the NSE Nifty dropped 73.2 points to end the day below the 24,650 mark, at 24,649.55. Among the 30 companies on the Sensex, 14 stocks (including heavyweights like Reliance and HDFC Bank) closed in the red. Among the top losers were Adani Ports, Reliance, Infosys, ICICI Bank, Eternal, and BEL falling by up to 2.02%. Recommended Stories Among the top gainers were Titan, Maruti Suzuki India, Trent, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance, and Larsen & Toubro rising by up to 2.16%. Broader markets also closed in red after an initial buying in morning, with the BSE SmallCap closing lower by 0.27% and the BSE MidCap declining by 0.14%. Sector-wise, oil & gas, pharma, FMCG, IT, financial services, and realty were the top losers. However, auto, metal, and consumer durables were gainers. Stock-Specific Action Triveni Turbine became the top loser among the Nifty 500 stocks crashing by 9.74% following its Q1 results. Britannia Industries also fell 2.62% ahead of its earnings. The BSE was down 4.8%. Biocon fell by 2.63%. Paytm also tumbled 2.34% as its promoter Antfin (Netherlands) Holding B.V. decided to sell its entire 5.84 per cent stake worth Rs 3,803 crore in the company via a block deal. Among the gainers, Godfrey Phillips India surged by 9.92% after its Q1 results. Chambal Fertilisers was also up by 7.65%. Bharti Airtel rose 0.90% ahead of its Q1 earnings. TVS Motor Company hit its all-time high to touch Rs 2,988.9 apiece on the NSE. Experts View Despite positive global cues, domestic markets remained rangebound in negative territory. Oil & gas stocks led the decline amid concerns about future import restrictions on Russian oil. Weakness persisted on Pharma and IT stocks which are among the largest exporters to the US. Sentiment was also weighed by the rupee depreciation," Vinod Nair, head of research, Geojit Investments Limited. In contrast, auto stocks continue to gain traction from July volumes. Investors are now awaiting the upcoming RBI policy decision, where market has marginal expectations of a rate cut, in the near-term. Currently, the preferences of investors are for domestic consumption-driven stocks and sectors holding limited volatility to external factors, he added. Ajit Mishra, senior vice-president (research) of Religare Broking Ltd, said, Lingering uncertainty over the tariff situation, following recent statements from the US President, along with a lack of major positive surprises from the earnings season, has been weighing on market sentiment. All eyes are now on the outcome of the upcoming MPC meeting. While the committee is expected to hold rates steady amid global uncertainties, the tone of their commentary will be crucial." Amid this corrective phase, select stocks across sectors are showing noticeable strength and offering buying opportunities. Participants should therefore maintain a stock-specific approach and focus on prudent position sizing, he added. The rupee on August 5 fell 15 paise to close at 87.81 (provisional) against US dollar. Trump on Monday threatened to substantially raise tariffs on Indian goods, citing Indias continued purchases and resale of Russian oil. Indias foreign ministry responded, saying it will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and economic security. Trump had already imposed higher-than-expected 25% tariffs on Indian imports last week, while US officials continue to highlight multiple hurdles that are delaying a trade deal with India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Technical View The Nifty traded with a negative bias throughout the day, remaining below the 50EMA. On the daily chart as well, the index is comfortably placed below the 50EMA. The current range is 24,400-24,850, and in the short term, the index is likely to remain within this band. Only a decisive move beyond this range might determine the next course of action for the market," Rupak De, senior technical analyst at LKP Securities. 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 05, 2025, 09:34 IST News business markets Sensex Declines Over 300 Points, Nifty Falls Below 24,650; Details Here Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Stocks To Watch Today: Bosch, DLF, Sona BLW, Siemens, Aurobindo, Kaynes Tech In Focus On August 5 Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 08:20 IST GIFT Nifty Futures were trading down marginally by 17 points at 24,767, indicating a flat or slight negative opening. Stocks To Watch Today, August 5. Stocks To Watch Today, August 5: The domestic equities markets are bracing for the second session of the week on Tuesday, August 5. The markets are likely to react to US President Donald Trumps announcement to substantially raise tariffs on Indian imports. At 8:10 am, the GIFT Nifty Futures were trading down marginally by 17 points at 24,767, indicating a flat or slightly negative opening. Here are stocks to watch for todays trading session: Bosch Recommended Stories Auto component major Bosch delivered a stellar performance in Q1FY26 with consolidated net profit rising 140 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,115.3 crore from Rs 465.4 crore. Revenue climbed 10.9 per cent to Rs 4,788.6 crore, up from Rs 4,316.8 crore last year. The quarter also included an exceptional gain of Rs 556 crore, compared to none in the same period last year. Azad Engineering Azad Engineering posted a strong Q1FY26, with net profit soaring 73.6 per cent to Rs 29.7 crore compared to Rs 17.1 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago. Revenue rose 39.3 per cent to Rs 137.1 crore from Rs 98.4 crore. DLF Real estate giant DLF reported an 18.1 per cent jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 762.7 crore for Q1FY26, up from Rs 645.6 crore in the year-ago quarter. Revenue nearly doubled, increasing 99.4 per cent to Rs 2,716.7 crore versus Rs 1,362.4 crore. Sona BLW Precision Forgings Auto tech company Sona BLW registered a 12.1 per cent drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 124.7 crore in Q1FY26, compared with Rs 142 crore a year ago. Revenue declined 4.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 853.9 crore from Rs 891.2 crore. Siemens Energy India In Q3FY25, Siemens Energy India saw its profit surge 80 per cent to Rs 263 crore from Rs 146 crore a year earlier. Revenue grew 20 per cent to Rs 1,785 crore, while new orders shot up 94 per cent to Rs 3,290 crore. Godfrey Phillips India The company posted a 55.9 per cent rise in profit for Q1FY26 at Rs 356.3 crore, compared to Rs 228.6 crore in Q1FY25. Revenue rose 36.5 per cent to Rs 1,486.2 crore from Rs 1,088.4 crore during the same period. Triveni Turbine Triveni Turbines Q1 performance declined year-on-year, with net profit falling 19.4 per cent to Rs 64.5 crore from Rs 80 crore, while revenue slipped 20 per cent to Rs 371.3 crore from Rs 463.3 crore. Aurobindo Pharma Aurobindo Pharma reported a 10.2 per cent decline in consolidated profit for Q1FY26, which came in at Rs 824.2 crore versus Rs 918.2 crore in the same quarter last year. The company, however, recorded a 4 per cent revenue growth to Rs 7,868.1 crore from Rs 7,567 crore. Kansai Nerolac Paints Paint major Kansai Nerolac saw its net profit decline 4.3 per cent to Rs 220.9 crore in Q1FY26 from Rs 230.8 crore in the corresponding period last year. Revenue rose marginally by 1.4 per cent to Rs 2,162 crore. Delta Corp Gaming company Delta Corp posted a 35.9 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 29.5 crore in Q1FY26, up from Rs 21.7 crore in Q1FY25. Revenue inched up 3.5 per cent to Rs 184.2 crore from Rs 178 crore. GPT Infraprojects GPT Infraprojects registered a 40 per cent growth in Q1FY26 net profit to Rs 23.5 crore, compared to Rs 16.8 crore last year. Revenue rose 29.3 per cent to Rs 312.6 crore from Rs 241.7 crore. Inox India Inox India reported a 16.1 per cent increase in Q1FY26 profit to Rs 61.1 crore, compared to Rs 52.6 crore a year earlier. Revenue rose 14.6 per cent year-on-year to Rs 339.6 crore from Rs 296.4 crore. Kaynes Technology India Kaynes Technology is likely to see stock movement after its subsidiary, Kaynes Circuits India, signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu. The agreement outlines an investment plan of Rs 4,995 crore over six years for building new manufacturing infrastructure and expanding existing capacity. One 97 Communications (Paytm) According to a CNBC-TV18 report citing sources, Antfin, owned by Alibaba Group, is likely to sell its entire 5.84 per cent stake in Paytm through block deals valued at around Rs 3,800 crore. As of June 2025, Antfin (Netherlands) Holding BV held this exact stake in the fintech major. Bulk Deals in Focus PSP Projects Adani Infra (India), part of the Adani Enterprises group, acquired 86.55 lakh shares, equivalent to a 21.83 per cent stake in PSP Projects, for Rs 553.92 crore at Rs 640 per share. Meanwhile, promoter Prahaladbhai Shivrambhai Patel offloaded 91 lakh shares at Rs 640.01 per share and an additional 6 lakh shares at Rs 625 per share, taking the total deal value for the 24.47 per cent stake to Rs 619.9 crore. Yatharth Hospital and Trauma Care Services Purnartha Investment Advisers, a PMS firm, picked up 5.8 lakh shares or a 0.6 per cent stake in the hospital chain at Rs 649.9 apiece, amounting to Rs 37.6 crore. Mainboard and SME IPO Listings Today Aditya Infotech and Laxmi India Finance are scheduled to debut on the mainboard on August 5, while Kaytex Fabrics is set to be listed on the SME platform. Stocks Trading Ex-Dividend Today A number of stocks go ex-dividend today, including Hyundai Motor India, Ipca Laboratories, Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals, Alembic, Automotive Axles, Indef Manufacturing, Benares Hotels, Berger Paints India, Century Enka, Aayush Wellness, DCM Shriram, Indag Rubber, Jay Shree Tea & Industries, JG Chemicals, Prima Plastics, Share India Securities, Shreyans Industries, Tips Music, and VA Tech Wabag. Ex-Date for Income Distribution Embassy Office Parks REIT trades ex-date today for its announced income distribution. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Q1 Results Today Bharti Airtel, Adani Ports, Britannia, and Lupin are among the major companies that will declare their Q1 financial results 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 05, 2025, 08:20 IST News business markets Stocks To Watch Today: Bosch, DLF, Sona BLW, Siemens, Aurobindo, Kaynes Tech In Focus On August 5 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 EPFO Feature: Your Face Is Enough To Activate And Manage Your Account! Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 13:13 IST From August 2025, EPFO members can create and activate their UAN with face recognition on the Umang app, making PF access quicker, simpler and error-free The introduction of facial recognition technology eliminates any errors in names, mobile numbers, and other personal details during UAN creation, ensuring a smoother and more accurate process. (News18) Great news for millions of Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) members: from August 1, 2025, creating and activating your Universal Account Number (UAN) will be easier than ever. By simply scanning your face using the Umang app, you can now complete the entire process with greater convenience and accuracy. The UAN is a unique identifier essential for withdrawing PF funds, checking balances, or updating your information. Recommended Stories Three New Services Now Available On Umang App EPFO has launched three new services via the Umang app: Create and instantly activate a new UAN Activate an already created but inactive UAN Use your active UAN through facial recognition technology To use these services, all you need is your Aadhaar card and the Umang app, which is freely available on the Google Play Store. This enables members to manage their PF accounts entirely on their smartphones without requiring any assistance. Moreover, companies can also utilise the app to create UANs and download UAN cards in PDF format, streamlining their administrative processes. How To Activate Your UAN Using Face Recognition The process is simple: Open the Umang app and select the UAN Allotment and Activation option. Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to it. Provide your consent and then click Send OTP. After entering the OTP received on your phone for verification, you may be asked to download the Aadhaar Face RD app if its not already installed. Next, select the face recognition option; the apps camera will scan your face much like the DigiYatra system used at airports. When the green border appears on your screen, indicating a successful match with your Aadhaar data, your UAN will be generated and sent via SMS to your registered mobile number. Eliminating Errors And Enhancing Convenience This new facility represents a significant relief for employees. Previously, companies were responsible for submitting employee data to EPFO for UAN creation, often leading to errors in names, mobile numbers, and other personal details. The introduction of facial recognition technology eliminates these mistakes, ensuring a smoother and more accurate process. Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised this as a major digital advancement for employees. Growing Adoption And Activation Rates Expected In the financial year 2024-25, 1.27 crore UANs were created, but only 35% of these were activated. This lag has posed challenges for many employees in accessing their provident fund benefits. The new technology is expected to encourage more members to activate their UANs promptly, saving time and making PF-related services more accessible and reliable. The Bigger Picture: A Boost To Digital India top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This initiative is part of EPFOs ongoing efforts to digitise its services and simplify employee benefits management. By leveraging biometric technology and mobile apps, EPFO aims to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the process, helping employees take control of their retirement savings effortlessly. First Published: August 05, 2025, 13:13 IST News business New EPFO Feature: Your Face Is Enough To Activate And Manage Your Account! 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 Metro Yellow Line To Ease Commute To Electronic City | Check Stations, Route & Timings Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 10, 2025, 11:40 IST Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line is being seen as a game-changer for people who travel to and from Bengaluru South. The line passes through Silk Board Junction Representational image. (File photo) Bengaluru Metro News: The much-awaited Yellow Line of Bengaluru will open for commuters on August 10. With the opening of this new section, residents will now travel to Electronic City, one of Bengalurus most prominent technology hubs, located in the southern part of the city. Recommended Stories Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Yellow Line Metro on August 10, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has announced. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for 44.65 km of Bangalore Metro phase-3 at a cost of Rs 15,611 Crore. Bengalurus Namma Metro: All About Yellow Line The yellow line will connect key hubs such as Silk Board Junction, BTM Layout, Electronic City, and Bommasandra Industrial Area. Route: 19.15 km from RV Road To Bommasandra Number of stations: 16 Station List: RV Road, Ragi Gudda, Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout, Central Silk Board, Bommana Halli, Hongra Sandra, Kudlu Gate, Singa Sandra, Hosa Road, Beratena Agrahara, Electronic City, Infosys Foundation Konappana Agrahar, Huskur Road, Hebba Godi and Bommasandra Yellow Line Metro Train Timing & Frequency Metro Trains on the Yellow Line will run daily from 5 AM to 11 PM at 25-minute intervals. A one-way travel from RV Road to Bommasandra will take around 38 minutes. Yellow Line Metro Train Fare Maximum Fare: Rs 90 Minimum Fare: Rs 10 Banglore Metro Yellow Line Cost The total cost of Banglore Metro Yellow Line is estimated at Rs 5,056.99 crore. Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line: Connectivity & Interchanges Communters of Green Line, which connect Nagasandra to Silk Institute, can hop on to Yellow Line at RV Road. How Many Will Benefit From The Yellow Line? The line is expected to serve close to eight lakh riders per day. How Will It Save Bengaluru Peoples Time? The Yellow Line of Namma Metro is being seen as a game-changer for people who travel to and from Bengaluru South. The line passes through Silk Board Junction, a key city junction which is notorious for traffic snarls. Are there plans to link it to upcoming lines? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Jaydeva Hospital on the Yellow Line will become an interchange station once the Pink Line is operational. Central Silk Board will become an interchange station once the Blue Line is open to the public. The Blue Metro will start at Central Silk Board and will end at Bengaluru International Airport. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: August 05, 2025, 15:08 IST News bengaluru-news Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line To Ease Commute To Electronic City | Check Stations, Route & Timings 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... Red Fort Security Breach: 7 Cops Suspended After Dummy Bomb Goes Undetected In Drill Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Ashesh Mallick Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 08:56 IST Seven Delhi Police personnel were suspended for "negligence" during mock drill ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. 7 Delhi cops suspended for negligence at Red Fort (PTI File Image) A major security breach took place at Red Fort in the national capital, where a mock drill conducted by the Delhi Polices Special Cell before the Independence Day event allowed a team to enter the fort with a dummy bomb, officials said on Tuesday. In response to the security lapse, seven police personnel on duty were immediately suspended and are now facing investigation. Recommended Stories DCP Raja Banthia has ordered a thorough review and strengthening of security measures. Red Fort is a high-security zone, especially during weeks in the run-up to the Independence Day celebrations, when the Prime Minister hoists the Tricolour and addresses the nation from its ramparts. Any security breach at the Red Fort is considered serious due to the potential threat from terrorists. Meanwhile, five Bangladeshi nationals were caught trying to enter the Red Fort illegally on Monday. All of them are illegal immigrants. They tried to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises," the police said. All the arrested persons belonged to the 20-25-year age group, and they were employed as labourers in the city. The police have recovered some Bangladeshi documents from them. Currently, they are being interrogated," officials said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They were found with fake Aadhaar cards and were sent to a detention center, officials said. Security arrangements at the Red Fort have been further strengthened ahead of August 15. First Published: August 05, 2025, 08:52 IST News cities Red Fort Security Breach: 7 Cops Suspended After Dummy Bomb Goes Undetected In Drill 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... Tried To Forcibly Enter Red Fort Premises: 5 Illegal Bangladeshis Arrested In Delhi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 07:11 IST The Bangladeshi nationals were working as labourers in Delhi, the police said. Illegal Bangladeshi immigrants arrested in Delhi (PTI Image) As many as five illegal immigrants" from Bangladesh were arrested in the national capital, the Delhi Police said on Monday. All of them are illegal immigrants. They tried to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises," the police said. Recommended Stories All the arrested individuals belonged to the 20-25 years age group, and they worked as labourers in Delhi. The police have recovered some Bangladeshi documents from them. Currently, they are being interrogated," officials said. Earlier on Saturday, the Gurugram Police detained 10 Bangladeshi nationals who were found staying illegally in the city, cops said. They were confirmed as Bangladeshi nationals after the recovery of identification documents from them. Ten illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been detained. Bangladeshi documents have been recovered from them. The process to deport them has begun," Sandeep Kumar, PRO of Gurugram Police, said. 7 Delhi Police Personnel Reprimanded Seven Delhi Police officials, including constables and head constables, were reprimanded after a dummy bomb went undetected in Red Fort during a security drill ahead of the Independence Day event, cops said. The dismissed police personnel were deployed for the security of the Red Fort and were dismissed due to negligence" in security. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A team of the Special Cell conducted a drill on Saturday in which they entered the Red Fort premises in civil dress with a dummy bomb. At that time, the policemen deployed for the security of the Red Fort could not trace the bomb, due to which they were reprimanded," the police added. (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 First Published: August 05, 2025, 07:08 IST News cities Tried To Forcibly Enter Red Fort Premises: 5 Illegal Bangladeshis Arrested 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... Job Opportunity Abroad: Salary Rs 1.61 Lakh, 5,000 Vacancies | How To Apply Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 04, 2025, 20:24 IST Bihar offers 5,000 caregiver jobs in Israel for women aged 25-45, requiring a Class 10 pass and English proficiency. Apply by August 7 at Jamui's District Employment Office 90% of caregiver roles reserved for women. Educated job seekers in Bihar now have a rare opportunity to work abroad, with the state government opening up 5,000 job vacancies in Israel for the role of home-based caregivers. The Labour Resources Department has issued an official call for applications, with most of the positions earmarked for women. According to a public notification from the District Employment Office in Jamui, these overseas roles are being facilitated under an agreement with Israel, offering monthly salaries equivalent to Rs 1.61 lakh (USD 1,870 or 6,247.67 Israeli New Shekel). The contractual jobs span an initial two-year period, with an option for extension based on performance and further requirements. Recommended Stories Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be between 25 and 45 years old, weigh at least 45 kg, and have a minimum height of 1.5 metres. A Class 10 pass certificate is the minimum educational requirement, along with proven proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. A valid passport is also mandatory. While 90 percent of the posts will be reserved for women, the remaining 10 percent are open to men. Preference will be given to female candidates with prior training in General Duty Assistant (GDA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM), General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), Diploma in Senior Care (DSC Nursing), or Post-BSc Nursing. Importantly, women who have never worked or traveled to Israel before will be given priority. Applicants must also be mentally and physically fit. A certificate from an authorised government agency attesting to eligibility is required, along with proof of completion of a care course involving at least 990 hours of training, including on-the-job training (OJT). Only courses and institutions recognised by the Centre will be considered valid. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Application Deadline Selected candidates will be required to work six days a week. The recruitment process is being coordinated by the District Employment Office in Jamui, where interested candidates must submit applications before August 7. Required documents include photocopies of educational and training certificates, a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, and residence and caste certificates. Location : Jamui, India, India First Published: August 04, 2025, 20:24 IST News education-career Job Opportunity Abroad: Salary Rs 1.61 Lakh, 5,000 Vacancies | How To Apply 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 To Eliminate Classroom 'Backbenchers', Form Panel To Decide Seating Arrangement Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 18:14 IST The idea of eliminating backbenchers has been discussed in Kerala for some time, inspired by the Malayalam film "Sthanarthi Sreekuttan." Follow us on: State General Education Minister V Sivankutty said that the concept of backbenchers can harm a student's confidence and learning. (File Photo) Backbenchers in Keralas state-run schools will soon be a thing of the past, as the state plans to abolish traditional row-wise seating due to its negative impact on students. General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced on Tuesday that the government aims to eliminate the concept of backbenchers in classrooms. Recommended Stories In a Facebook post, he revealed that the general education department has decided to form an expert panel to determine the best seating arrangement for the education system. It has been decided to appoint a committee of experts to find out the best model suitable for our education system. Let us consider the suggestions of this panel and move forward," the minister posted. Sivankutty emphasised that the concept of backbenchers can harm a students confidence and learning, and that no child should be left behind in their studies or life. Our goal is to ensure equal opportunities for all children. We are thinking about how to make this happen," he explained. He noted that many countries have adopted different models to eliminate the concept of backbenchers, and he called for everyones support in securing a better future for the children. The idea of eliminating backbenchers has been discussed in Kerala for some time, inspired by the Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan." In the film directed by Vinesh Viswanathan, a school student suggests changing the traditional seating arrangement after facing humiliation as a backbencher. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Inspired by the movie, some schools in the state have already adopted a U-shaped seating pattern, ensuring equal attention and prominence for all students. Vinesh Vishwanathan, the director of the Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, had earlier said that he received a message from a school principal in Punjab. After watching the film, the principal not only adopted this classroom model in his school but also screened the movie for all the students. Meanwhile, in Rama Vilasom Vocational Higher Secondary School (RVGHSS) in Kerala, the students chairs have already been arranged in a U shape. This setup allows teachers to monitor every student equally, eliminating the traditional backbencher system. With this new classroom arrangement, every student has the chance to sit in the front row. 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 05, 2025, 18:10 IST News education-career Kerala To Eliminate Classroom 'Backbenchers', Form Panel To Decide Seating Arrangement 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 Its like seeing the goddesses return to Mount Olympus. With this metaphor, a Mexican Twitter user remarked on photographs of Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt taken during the filming of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in New York. The three actresses reprise the roles of Andy Sachs, Miranda Priestly and Emily Charlton, respectively. Social media has been flooded with hundreds of messages yearning for the release of the sequel to a movie that became a phenomenon exactly two decades ago. Almost a year before its release, scheduled for May 2026, the most nostalgic fans are rekindling memories of the story that explored the ups and downs of the fashion industry. They are doing so by posting viral videos in which they comment on the looks seen on the streets of Manhattan, possible plots, or how the films protagonists have physically changed. The images are not official, but that hasnt stopped them from circulating like wildfire and reaching every corner of the world. Recorded by passersby and curious onlookers, the sequences filmed in the middle of Manhattan show Hathaway and Streep walking between taxis and storefronts, as if time had not passed. With just seconds of footage or blurry photos, the videos have surpassed hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok and X. Am I dreaming? reads the text that accompanies one of the viral videos in which Nigel, Mirandas much-loved assistant, played by Stanley Tucci, sneaks in. Anne on the set of The Devil Wears Prada 2???? is simply: perfect," adds another tweet with 10,000 views. Meryl Streep in 'The Devil Wears Prada.' photo: MPTV.net (Barry Wetcher) Its not just nostalgia that drives this enthusiasm; its also the visual power of on-screen fashion. In the first installment, Patricia Field was tasked with designing a wardrobe that would define a generation, the same as she did for six seasons of Sex and the City. This time, the spotlight is on whether that now-iconic style will be maintained. Although the wardrobe team has yet to be confirmed, some media outlets, such as Elle, have ventured to name the designers behind each leaked look. The most talked-about is that of Fields close collaborator, Molly Rogers. She was the stylist in charge of And Just Like That the Sex and the City sequel that has just announced its end after three seasons. Field couldnt join because she had a contract with Emily in Paris, so she recommended her friend instead. TikTokers have taken over as glamour detectives, pausing frames from these home videos to identify jewelry, handbags or glasses and compare them to the accessories in the first film. But the recordings released on social platforms and in the media analyzing these new styles are also revealing secrets of the new film directed by David Franke. Internet users are already talking about new additions to the cast, among them, actors Darren Criss and Chris Colfer, known for their participation in the series Glee, and captured on the set. It has also been revealed that actress Simone Ashley, who rose to fame after starring in the second season of Bridgerton, is joining the cast. And Oscar-winning Cillian Murphy, popular for his role as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, has been seen on set as well. Not everything is unbridled excitement. Some audiences, including some film buffs and industry professionals, have expressed their discontent with the avalanche of leaks. For them, the constant exposure of images from the shoot ruins the experience of discovery that should occur in the movie theater. If they keep releasing information, its going to take out all the fun, complains one user on X. Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep film a scene for the upcoming film "The Devil Wears Prada 2" at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, August 1, 2025. James Devaney (GC/Getty Images) The return of The Devil Wears Prada joins a long list of reboots, sequels and revivals: from Sex and the City to Clueless. But not all of these 1990s and 2000s classics generate the same enthusiasm. Why this one? Perhaps because the original film knew how to capture something timeless: the desire to pursue your dreams, the price of success and the vertigo of living at the pace of a ruthless industry. Im 28 years old and have a stable job. What everyone expects from me is to get married and have children, when all I expect is The Devil Wears Prada 2, says another fan on X. With no trailer, no official poster, and a year to go, the film has already begun. Not in theaters, but on the smaller screens we all carry in our pockets. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Maharashtra Launches Indias First AI-Powered Anganwadi Centre, Tracks Children's Progress Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 13:29 IST Since July, children at the anganwadi have been using VR headsets from Meta, AI-enabled interactive smart boards, tablets, and other digital content. The mission aims to bridge the digital divide for rural children. (Representative/File Photo) The Maharashtra government has recently launched Indias first AI-powered anganwadi in Waddhamna village, Nagpur district, Maharashtra, situated around 18 km from the city. Launched by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on July 27, the anganwadi centre now uses VR headsets from Meta, AI-enabled interactive smart boards, tablets, and other digital content to learn poems, songs, and fundamental concepts. The centre aims to bridge the digital divide for rural children. Part of the Nagpur Zilla Parishads Mission Bal Bharari, the project cost approximately Rs 9.5 lakh from the Zilla Parishads CESS fund. Out of the districts 2,202 anganwadis, the one led by Saroj Kukde in Waddhamna was chosen as the pilot model due to its accessibility and closeness to other training centres. The anganwadi was equipped with Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras accessible to key stakeholders. The number of students aged 2-6 years attending this anganwadi has risen from 10 to over 25. Recommended Stories The Zilla Parishad collaborated with Qolaba, working under the Centres IndiaAI programme to refurbish and meet technological requirements as well as attract more children. Anganwadi workers were trained in smart learning methods, ensuring children from remote areas could learn in a modern, engaging environment. The training programme has been designed into a three-month module. Kukde now uses 10 VR sets and the interactive smart board for an hour daily to teach students, who spend five hours at the anganwadi six days a week. The children now draw on the interactive smart board, learn about animals via VR sets, and save their artwork digitally. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The AI system monitors each childs progress with gamified learning tools, adjusting difficulty levels based on response times to ensure individual development, reported Indian Express. Anganwadi workers receive structured training sessions three times a week, coordinated with their schedules to build confidence. In the next training phase, workers will learn generative AI tools to create new content such as text, images, and music. Plans are underway to expand the project to 40 more anganwadis, closely track physical and cognitive developments, and use AI tools to evaluate nutrition as well. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 13:26 IST News education-career Maharashtra Launches Indias First AI-Powered Anganwadi Centre, Tracks Children's Progress 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... Schools Closed In UP's Varanasi, Prayagraj Due To Heavy Rainfall Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 10:27 IST In Prayagraj, the district administration has decided to close all schools from August 5 to 7. In Varanasi, schools will remain shut today and tomorrow. According to the IMD, isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Uttar Pradesh from August 3 to 6. (Representative/File Photo) All schools in Varanasi, from pre-primary to Class 12 and across all boards, will remain closed on August 5 and 6 due to the ongoing flood-like situation in the city, the District School Superintendent announced on Monday. In view of the rain and flood situation in Varanasi district, in compliance with the instructions given by the District Magistrate, Varanasi, all the schools of all boards (Basic Education Council, Secondary Education Council, CBSE Board, ICSE Board and Sanskrit Board) running from pre-primary to class 12 in Varanasi district will remain closed on August 5 and 6. Therefore, the Headmasters / Principals of all the schools are directed to ensure strict compliance with the said order," the Superintendent said in an official statement, reported PTI. Recommended Stories It has been raining intermittently since Sunday in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Prayagraj, Sitapur, Jalaun, Aligarh, Kanpur, and Lakhimpur Kheri. The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain alert for these districts for the coming days. In Prayagraj, the Ganga water has reached peoples homes. Due to drainage issues in certain areas, water has accumulated up to several feet. Consequently, the district administration has decided to close all schools in Prayagraj from August 5 to 7. The holiday order will apply to all schools from pre-primary to 12th grade. The district administrations of Jalaun and Lakhimpur Kheri have also announced holidays for schools from pre-primary to 8th grade on 5th and 6th August. This order to close schools includes government, aided, recognized, and private institutions. Due to heavy rains in Aligarh, Sitapur, and Kanpur, it has been decided to close schools on 5 August 2025 (Tuesday). All schools from class 1 to 8 in Sitapur and from nursery to 12th in Aligarh and Kanpur are closed today. Given the heavy rains and flooding situation, it has been decided to close all schools up to 12th grade in Varanasi on 5th and 6th August. Schools will also remain closed in Siddharthnagar, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Amethi, Rae Bareli, Mirzapur, Sambhal, Barabanki, Bhadohi, Bareilly, Moradabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Ghazipur, Banda, Chitrakoot, Etah, Rampur, Badaun, Bahraich, and Amroha. Meanwhile, assessing the flood crisis, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed all ministers in charge to visit their assigned districts, inspect relief camps, and engage directly with affected families. He instructed senior officials, including DMs, SPs, and CMOs, to stay on the ground and ensure 247 monitoring, according to a release on Saturday. The Chief Minister deployed an 11-member ministerial team to oversee relief operations across 12 affected districts, warning against any negligence and stressing the need for sensitivity, speed, and transparency. He emphasised that the supply of relief materials and food packets must be timely and of high quality, with no compromise on standards. Urging urgency, he ordered continuous surveillance of embankments, swift drainage from waterlogged areas, and comprehensive arrangements for food, medicine, sanitation, and the needs of women and children in relief camps. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state governments commitment to ensuring the safety, food, shelter, and healthcare of every citizen affected by the floods. According to the IMD, isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Uttar Pradesh from August 3 to 6. The CM also called for immediate action against rumours or misinformation to maintain public confidence and ensure a robust communication system during the crisis. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 10:16 IST News education-career Schools Closed In UP's Varanasi, Prayagraj Due To Heavy Rainfall 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... Success Story: Jabalpur Potters Son Who Helped Sell Pots Becomes Scientist At BARC Curated By : Translation Desk-Local18 Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 15:52 IST Speaking to Local18, Ajay recalled juggling studies with shop duties, often selling pots and using customer-free time to prepare for exams while his parents were away Follow us on: Ajay attributed his achievements to the unwavering support of his parents, friends, and teachers. (Local18) In a remarkable turn of events, the son of a poor potter from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is set to become a scientist. Ajay, a 23-year-old resident of Jabalpurs Tripuri Chowk, who once moulded clay pots with his hands, has been selected as a scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The entire family is ecstatic after receiving the offer letter. When Local18 visited Ajays home, the atmosphere was filled with the tangible joy of success amidst the familiar scent of clay. Recommended Stories Despite his recent success, Ajay was found tending to the familys shop. He shared the story of his familys struggles, detailing how his father has sold clay pots by the roadside for years, while his mother sold them door-to-door. Seeing his parents hardships, Ajay realised that education was his only way to support his family and gain nationwide recognition. He confessed that although the journey was tough, the sight of his parents relentless efforts kept him motivated. Today, his hard work has paid off, bringing tears of joy to his familys eyes, he shared. Ajays academic journey began at Saraswati Vidya Mandir, where he secured the 9th position in Madhya Pradesh in his 10th-grade exams. He then completed his 12th grade and graduated in Chemistry from Science College. Aiming for higher studies, Ajay cleared the postgraduate entrance exam at IIT Bombay, ranking 19th in the country. He subsequently secured the 10th rank in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and passed the interview at BARC. Ajays father, Bihari Lal Chakraborty, expressed his pride, noting that Ajays mother had never attended school, and he himself had only studied until the 11th grade. Their dream was for their son to achieve more and not sell pots by the roadside. They worked tirelessly to support his education. Ajays sister now works in a bank, and with Ajays new role as a scientist, their perseverance has truly paid off, he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ajay recounted the challenges he faced during his studies, often managing the shop and selling pots when his parents were away. He used the time without customers to study. Ajay attributed his achievements to the unwavering support of his parents, friends, and teachers. When I was in school and college, my top priority was to honour the hard work of my parents. The circumstances at home were far from ideal, but hard work was all I had. It kept me going, and today, that very perseverance has led to my talent being recognised and respected," Ajay told Local18. view comments Location : Jabalpur, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 15:22 IST News education-career Success Story: Jabalpur Potters Son Who Helped Sell Pots Becomes Scientist At BARC 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 Think College Prepares You? These Are The 10 Real-World Skills You Actually Need Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 09:14 IST The lack of skills needed to navigate real-life situations leaves many young professionals at a disadvantage, especially when they enter the job market. Collge syllabus lacks a structured approach to developing the real-world skills expected in the workplace. (Representative image: Getty) A college degree is undeniably important as it opens doors to opportunities in the field you want to build your career in. The college curriculum offers a deep dive into your chosen subjects and exposes you to various activities that aid in personality development. However, what it often lacks is a structured approach to developing the real-world skills expected in the workplace. Many people struggle to transition from student life to professional life because colleges mainly focus on academic expertise. In doing so, they often overlook the need to equip students with the practical, day-to-day skills that are crucial for thriving in the real world. Recommended Stories These skillscommunication, adaptability, conflict resolution, networking, and emotional intelligenceare rarely listed on a syllabus, yet they make all the difference between a good professional and a great one. The lack of skills needed to navigate real-life situationsones that require a balance of intelligence and emotional awarenessleaves many young professionals at a disadvantage, especially when they enter the job mark Heres a closer look at the essential career skills they dont teach in college, but every professional needs to master: 1. Effective Communication (Especially Without Jargon) You may be the student who excels at class presentations, speeches, and debatesbut workplace communication is a different skill altogether. While it still requires confidence and preparation, it also demands adaptability. You need to tailor your communication style to ensure your message is clear, concise, and understood by diverse audiences. Whether in an email, meeting, or quick Slack message, your communication style often defines your value to a team. You are expected to adapt your communication style depending on your audience whether its simplifying a technical concept for a client or giving constructive feedback to a colleague. Unfortunately, college rarely trains students to switch gears like this. The key is learning to be clear, concise, and context-aware in every conversation. 2. Time Management And Prioritisation College assignments usually come with deadlines and clear rubrics. But in most jobs, especially in dynamic environments, managing your time becomes your own responsibility. You will be required to juggle multiple projects, shifting priorities, and unexpected interruptionsall without anyone telling you what to do first. That is where the learning of how to prioritise tasks based on impact, urgency, and long-term goals becomes crucial. It is not just about being busy;its about being effective. Skills like task batching, time-blocking, and using tools like Trello or Notion can be game changers. 4. Financial Literacy While colleges focus on academic knowledge, they often neglect one of the most practical life skills: managing money. Many graduates step into adulthood without knowing how to create a budget, handle debt, invest, or understand the basics of taxation, insurance, and retirement planning. Financial literacy is not just a personal life skill, it also shows up professionally in how you handle project budgets, assess ROI (Return on Investment), or make cost-effective decisions. 4. Negotiation (Not Just For Salaries) Negotiation is not just about your paycheck. It shows up in project deadlines, role clarity, scope creep, and even workload distribution. Yet, most of us enter the workforce with little to no training on how to negotiate calmly and effectively. The ability to advocate for your needs without sounding entitled, to stand your ground without burning bridges, and to find mutually beneficial solutions is invaluable in any career. 5. Taking Feedback The feedback in college in impersonal as it often appears in the form of grades and comments during classes. In the workplace, feedback is ongoing, informal, and often vague. You may hear things like this couldve been sharper" or try to be more proactive." You have to learn to accept criticism without defensiveness and extract actionable insights from the feedback. The best professionals treat feedbackboth giving and receiving itas a tool for growth, not a personal attack. 6. Networking Without Feeling Fake Networking is often painted as transactional or superficialbut done right, its about genuine connection and mutual support. In college, interactions are often limited to professors and peers. But once youre working, the strength of your network can open doors that degrees cant. Building professional relationships requires initiative, follow-up, and long-term thinking. Its about showing up, staying in touch, and being helpfullong before you need a favour. 7. Resilience And Dealing with Failure In college, failures are often low-stakesyou can redo assignments, request deadline extensions, or retake tests. Since the consequences usually affect only you, its easier to recover, make adjustments, and move forward. However, at the workplace, youre usually part of a larger teamlike a single component in a complex machine. Just as one malfunctioning part can disrupt the entire system, failing to perform your role effectively can cause setbacks that impact not just you but the entire project. In the workplace, failure can feel personal and public. Whether its a lost client, a project gone wrong, or being passed over for a promotion, setbacks are inevitable. Resilience is about bouncing back, learning from the experience, and not letting it define your self-worth. Its one of the most critical traits for long-term success, yet it is seldom taught explicitly. 8. Self-Leadership and Accountability In college, your path is largely mapped out. In the professional world, youre expected to set your own goals, track your progress, and own your results. This means taking initiative, being proactive, and holding yourself accountable when things dont go as planned. Its not about waiting for permissionits about creating your own momentum. Self-leadership turns you from an employee into a valuable asset. 9. Problem-Solving in Unstructured Environments College assignments usually come with clear guidelines, fixed deadlines, and predictable outcomes. But the workplace rarely operates within such neat boundaries. In real-world settings, problems are often open-ended, data may be incomplete, and solutions arent always obvious. Employers highly value individuals who can navigate ambiguity, identify root causes, and come up with creative, practical solutions. This requires a combination of critical thinking, initiative, and adaptabilitytraits that structured academic settings dont always nurture. For instance, a marketing executive might need to launch a campaign with minimal data or tight resources, requiring them to improvise and innovate on the fly. Students can begin building this skill through side projects, internships, case competitions, or even volunteer workany situation that forces them to think independently, deal with uncertainty, and find solutions without a step-by-step guide. 10. Navigating Office Politics (Without Losing Yourself) College life may expose you to group projects and student councils, but it rarely prepares you for the nuanced dynamics of workplace politics. Understanding how to navigate personalities, power structures, and team dynamicswithout becoming manipulativeis a vital skill. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This doesnt mean playing dirty. It means learning how to manage relationships, build alliances, and advocate for your ideas tactfully. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and patience go a long way hereand grades dont measure those. 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 05, 2025, 09:13 IST News education-career Think College Prepares You? These Are The 10 Real-World Skills You Actually Need Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A Clear Double Standard: Why Donald Trump's Attack On India's Russia Trade Rings Hollow Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 14:49 IST As Trump threatens steep tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, data shows the EU and US themselves continue substantial trade with Moscow US President Donald Trump (left), Indian PM Narendra Modi (right). (Image: PTI) When US President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack last night on India for buying discounted Russian oil and profiting from reselling it on the open market, his rhetoric echoed a broader Western narrative that has long sought to corner India on the Ukraine issue. But trade data from Europe and America tells a different story, one that shows the critics themselves continue doing significant business with Russia. From gas and fertilisers to uranium and aircraft parts, both the European Union and the United States maintain strategic, if selective, trade ties with Moscow, even after vowing to isolate it over the war in Ukraine. Recommended Stories So how much are the West and India really trading with Russia? What exactly are they buying? And does the criticism of India stand up to scrutiny? Lets break it down. How Do Indias Russia Ties Compare With Europes? Indias trade with Russia, primarily centred on deeply discounted oil, totalled around $66-70 billion in 2023-24. This figure has grown since the start of the Ukraine war, driven largely by Indias efforts to ensure affordable energy access for its 1.4 billion citizens. But compare that to EU-Russia trade, which stood at a whopping $92.2 billion (84.6 bn) in 2023, and the scale of Western hypocrisy begins to emerge. Even EU energy payments to Russia alone tell a revealing story. According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the EU paid 21.9 billion ($25.4 bn) for Russian oil and gas in 2023, more than what it provided to Ukraine in aid during the same period (18.7 billion or $21.7 bn). In short, Europe paid more to Russia than it gave to Ukraine. What Is The US Accusing India Of? Trumps charge is blunt: that India is buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it on the open market for big profits. In his posts on Truth Social, he said, Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the US," adding to an existing 25 per cent duty as a penalty for Indias continued trade with Moscow. But India hit back swiftly. In a measured statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that India began buying Russian crude only after its traditional suppliers diverted oil to European markets in the wake of sanctions. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability," the MEA said, calling out the selective criticism" now being levelled at New Delhi. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri underlined the point in a CNBC interview, saying: That was a situation in which we were advised, including by our friends in the United States, to please buy Russian oil, but within the price cap." Even former US Ambassador Eric Garcetti had publicly acknowledged that Washington had encouraged India to buy Russian oil in the early phase of the war to keep global energy markets steady. So Who Else Is Buying From Russia? India is far from alone. According to CREA: The European Union remains the largest buyer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), accounting for 51 per cent of Russias LNG exports. EU also buys 37 per cent of Russias pipeline gas. Turkey, a NATO member, is the top buyer of Russian oil products, with a 26 per cent share of Russias exports in that category. Since the war began in 2022, EU countries have paid between $215235 billion to Russia for fossil fuels, compared to $200 billion pledged to Ukraine. Not only does EU-Russia trade exceed Indias, its also more diverse. While Indias imports are mostly energy-related, Europe continues to buy: Chemicals Fertilisers Iron and steel Mining products Fishery and agricultural goods And exports to Russia include: Pharmaceuticals Transport equipment Machinery and industrial tools What About The United States? Isnt It Isolating Russia? While Washington has restricted several categories of trade, it continues to import strategic goods from Russia, especially those where alternatives are hard to find. In 2024 alone, US imports from Russia stood at $3 billion, down from $36 billion in 2021, but key items like uranium, fertilisers, and palladium remain untouched. According to the US International Trade Commission, heres what the US bought from Russia in 2024: Fertilisers: $1.1 billion Palladium: $878 million Uranium: $624 million Aircraft engine parts: $75 million Wood and timber products: $89.4 million Machinery and reactors: $80.8 million Industrial and agricultural chemicals: Over $600 million Food and animal feed products: Over $50 million Even in 2025, this trade is on the rise. Between January and May, US imports from Russia grew 23 per cent year-on-year, with: Palladium imports up 37 per cent Uranium up 28 per cent Fertilisers up 21 per cent Notably, the US continues to rely heavily on Russian uranium for its nuclear power plants. The US Trade Representative has admitted that some of these critical imports are shielded from full sanctions due to the lack of viable global alternatives. So while crude oil imports from Russia have mostly stopped, other high-priority trade continues, especially in energy-related materials. Does The West Have Grounds To Criticise India? This is the central question, and the data offers a clear answer. Indias energy trade with Russia: Began after 2022, when Western sanctions reshaped global supply chains. Was encouraged by the West to avoid oil price shocks. Is focused almost entirely on crude oil at discounted rates, serving domestic affordability goals. Meanwhile, Europe and the US: Continue diverse and often high-value trade with Russia. Maintain imports of nuclear fuel, gas, palladium, fertilisers, and strategic metals. Have, in some cases, paid more to Russia than theyve given Ukraine in aid. In this context, Indias trade is not an outlier; its part of a broader, global pattern of selective engagement with Russia, even as the war grinds on. So Why Target India? Observers believe Trumps rhetoric may have more to do with domestic politics and trade leverage than Indias actual role in the Ukraine conflict. Blaming India allows him to: Justify new tariffs to protect US manufacturers. Project strength against countries seen as taking advantage of global markets. Deflect attention from his own administrations challenges with Russia and Ukraine. But in the process, it exposes a double standard, one that overlooks Americas own quiet trade with Moscow, while painting India as the villain. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bottom line The numbers dont lie. Europe and America may talk tough on isolating Russia, but their own trade with Moscow tells a more complex and often contradictory story. If India is to be judged, it shouldnt be by a different yardstick. 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 05, 2025, 14:46 IST News explainers A Clear Double Standard: Why Donald Trump's Attack On India's Russia Trade Rings Hollow 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... Cracks Widen In Bageshwar: Is Uttarakhand Staring At Another Joshimath Tragedy? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 10:34 IST At the centre of the Bageshwar crisis is large-scale, unregulated soapstone mining in one of the most ecologically fragile parts of the Himalayas The situation in Bageshwar is eerily reminiscent of Joshimath, where hundreds of homes and buildings developed cracks due to gradual land subsidence. (Getty Images) Cracks running across walls and floors, tilting houses, drying water sources, and residents living in constant fear this is the reality in several villages of Uttarakhands Bageshwar district today. The haunting similarity with last years land subsidence crisis in Joshimath has triggered alarm among locals and experts alike. Recommended Stories At the centre of the crisis is large-scale, unregulated soapstone mining in one of the most ecologically fragile parts of the Himalayas. In recent months, structural damage has been reported in more than 200 homes across 11 villages, with some homes so unsafe that families have already been moved out. The historic Kalika temple, a centuries-old religious site that draws pilgrims from across the region, has also developed worrying cracks. What Is The Scale Of Mining? Bageshwar district is dotted with more than 130 soapstone mines. Many operate alarmingly close to human settlements, farmlands, and heritage structures. The process of blasting and excavation shakes the loose Himalayan rock formations, destabilising slopes and creating deep fractures in the ground. Over time, the disturbance alters natural drainage patterns and accelerates groundwater depletion. In villages like Dhopata, almost 40 of the 70 houses have been damaged. Roads and fields in the vicinity of active mines are also showing signs of subsidence, making transportation and farming more hazardous. A technical committee of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on July 30 in its report warned that the region faced an impending disaster unless immediate corrective measures were taken. The report also highlighted that activities such as excavation, dumping of mining debris into natural drainage and encroachment had made the terrain extremely prone to landslides and rockfalls. The NGT committee further said, A Jyotirmath-type crisis is in the making if the current practices continue," as quoted by The Times of India. Understanding The Himalayan Fragility The Himalayan region is geologically young, seismically active, and naturally prone to landslides. Even without human interference, the steep slopes and fault lines make the terrain unstable. When unregulated mining is added into the equation, the risk multiplies. Removing huge quantities of rock from beneath the surface creates voids and weakens natural support systems, while the vibrations from blasting can trigger shifts in an already delicate geological balance. In Bageshwar, these changes are compounded by the drying up of natural springs a critical water source for villagers. Reduced groundwater recharge has been directly linked to mining-related slope disturbance and loss of forest cover. Why Another Joshimath Could Happen The situation in Bageshwar is eerily reminiscent of Joshimath, where hundreds of homes and buildings developed cracks due to gradual land subsidence. In Joshimaths case, years of unplanned construction, road-widening, tunnelling for hydropower projects, and poor drainage were blamed for the crisis. Residents were forced to evacuate in bitter winter conditions, and rehabilitation efforts are still ongoing. The fear in Bageshwar is that without immediate intervention, the cracks will widen, more homes will be declared unsafe, and entire villages may have to be relocated a costly and traumatic process. What Is The Governments Response? Authorities have confirmed that at least 130 families have been identified for possible rehabilitation. The Uttarakhand government has also acknowledged that land is sinking in the affected villages. Following rising public pressure, the Uttarakhand High Court has stepped in, asking for a detailed risk assessment before the next monsoon season. On the ground, some mining operations have been temporarily halted, but locals say enforcement is weak and illegal mining continues in parts of the district. There is also concern that abandoned mine pits are not being restored, leaving dangerous depressions that worsen slope instability. In December 2024, a court-appointed team had visited Bageshwar. The commissioners informed the Uttarakhand High Court that officers on site attempted to interfere with their inquiry. Following this, the high court stayed all mining activities in Bageshwar. But in February, the DG of mines safety was summoned to explain why heavy machinery had been permitted despite existing court orders, as per the Times of India report. Police later suspended the clearances of over 100 mines while issuing notices to 54 operators. The Economic Impact Of Banning Mining Soapstone mining is a key livelihood source for many in Bageshwar. It is used in cosmetics, ceramics, paper, and paint industries, making it a valuable commodity. Completely shutting down mining without an alternative employment plan could create economic distress. However, experts stress that the current pace and method of extraction are unsustainable in such a sensitive zone. Scientific mining practices such as limiting blast intensity, enforcing buffer zones between mines and settlements, and restoring mined areas, are being recommended as urgent measures. Environmental & Safety Concerns Beyond the immediate threat to homes, uncontrolled mining also puts local biodiversity at risk. Forest clearance for mining roads and pits destroys wildlife habitats, while dust pollution affects air quality. Changes in water flow can damage agricultural productivity, which is already declining in the affected areas. Safety for mine workers is another overlooked issue. Unstable slopes increase the risk of landslides, and inadequate safety equipment leaves workers exposed to occupational hazards. What Needs to Be Done Experts are calling for a multi-pronged response: Immediate Moratorium in High-Risk Areas: Stop mining in villages already showing structural damage until detailed geological studies are completed. Strict Enforcement: Crack down on illegal mines and ensure licensed mines follow scientific guidelines. Community Consultation: Engage local residents in decision-making about mining limits and rehabilitation plans. Slope Stabilisation: Use engineering interventions like retaining walls, vegetation planting, and controlled drainage to reduce erosion and ground movement. Mine Restoration: Mandate filling and reforesting of abandoned pits to restore ecological balance. Alternative Livelihoods: Introduce skill training and small-scale industry development to reduce economic dependence on mining. What Lies Ahead? The high courts intervention could be a turning point, but experts warn that assessments must be transparent and followed by decisive action, not just reports that gather dust. The narrow window before the monsoon is critical heavy rains could accelerate slope failures, especially in already weakened areas. For residents, the crisis is both personal and existential. Cracks in the walls are a daily reminder that the ground beneath their feet is shifting. For the state, the challenge is to strike a balance between economic activity and environmental safety a balance that, so far, has been missing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all If Bageshwar becomes another Joshimath, the costs will be far more than financial. Displacement, loss of heritage, and environmental degradation will leave scars that last for generations. The warning signs are here. The question is whether they will be acted upon in time. About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev... Read More Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 10:34 IST News explainers Cracks Widen In Bageshwar: Is Uttarakhand Staring At Another Joshimath Tragedy? 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... Decoding Trumps Tariff Threats To India: Fuelled By Sour Putin Ties, Frustration Over Ukraine? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 10:12 IST Experts say Trumps attack on India has less to do with oil and more with Putin, a show of frustration over his failed Ukraine ceasefire bid, with New Delhi caught in the crossfire US President Donald Trump (left), Indian PM Narendra Modi (right). (Image: PTI) When US President Donald Trump lashed out at India on Monday, accusing it of buying Russian oil, profiting from war, and turning a blind eye to Ukrainian deaths, it raised more questions than it answered. Why would a close partner like India face such blunt accusations? Why now, and why in such stark moral terms? According to analysts, the answer may lie not in New Delhi but in Moscow. The real trigger, they suggest, could be the collapse of Trumps diplomatic outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the looming pressure of a self-imposed ultimatum. Trump had returned to office in January 2025 with a bold promise: that he would end the Ukraine war within one week." Recommended Stories But after months of unanswered diplomatic overtures and shifting timelines, he publicly set August 8 as the final date for a ceasefire deal. With that deadline now days away and no signs of Russian cooperation, his frustration appears to be spilling over. India, analysts say, could now be collateral damage. If Putin were not ignoring Trumps calls to stop waging war in Ukraine, Trump likely would not be going after India so hard for buying Russian oil," said Michael Kugelman, a Washington DC-based South Asia analyst. Hes clearly taking his frustration with Putin out on India." True, Trump also wants India to buy (even) more (and pricier) American oil. In 2021, before Russias invasion of Ukraine, India was actually the top destination for American oil. India ramped up Russian oil imports post-invasion. But dont overlook the pique-at-Putin factor. Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) August 4, 2025 Kugelman added that trade could be a secondary factor. In 2021, before Russias invasion of Ukraine, India was actually the top destination for American oil," he noted. After the war began, India shifted sharply toward discounted Russian crude. While Trump may want to claw back that lost market, Kugelman warned that the current tariff threats go beyond oil economics. Dont overlook the pique-at-Putin factor," he said, referring to the idea that Trumps anger at Putin for ignoring his ceasefire push is being redirected at India, one of Moscows most visible oil customers. Trumps Ukraine Pledge: From Summit Signals To Ceasefire Deadlines In the early days of his second term, Trump appeared confident. He reopened channels with Russia, sent his envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow four times, and made friendly overtures. The US under Trump even blocked a UN resolution condemning Russian aggression. Russian media cheered the shift. In one meeting, Putin gifted Witkoff a portrait of Trump, a symbol of how far the optics had moved from hostility to accommodation. But Trumps primary objective, an immediate ceasefire, proved elusive. In late July, after repeated attempts to engage Moscow, he publicly declared August 8 a non-negotiable deadline for Russia to halt hostilities in Ukraine, slashing an earlier 50-day window to just ten days. As the deadline neared, his rhetoric turned sharply hostile: he began describing Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities as disgusting" and disgraceful," and warned of sweeping sanctions and secondary tariffs on nations trading with Moscow. Then came a flashpoint. After Trump called Russia and India dead economies", former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hit back with a nuclear-laced taunt, mocking Trumps walking dead" rhetoric and warning of the Dead Hand," a Cold War-era automated retaliation system. Within hours, Trump responded by ordering two US nuclear submarines to undisclosed appropriate regions." Though unrelated to the ceasefire plan, the move marked a symbolic escalation. From public threats to military signalling, Trump was now visibly pivoting to a harder anti-Russia posture, driven by a mix of diplomatic failure and personal pique. Despite these provocations, Putin showed no signs of backing down. Kremlin-linked media began portraying the US-Russia dynamic as a standoff with no off-ramp. A Russian tabloid, Moskovsky Komsomolets, described it as a collision between two unstoppable trains: The Trump locomotive and the Putin locomotive are speeding towards each other. And neither is about to turn off or stop and reverse." The August 4 Outburst Trumps August 4 post on Truth Social marked a turning point. It went beyond economic grievance and accused India of moral complicity. He wrote: India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA." This came just days after he had imposed a 25 per cent blanket tariff on Indian exports and described India as our friend" but with tariffs that were far too high." The tone had quickly pivoted from pressure to punishment. Experts believe this escalation is tied to Trumps faltering Russia strategy. With the August 8 ceasefire deadline approaching, and no movement from Putin, India, despite being neither a belligerent nor a negotiator in the war, has become a convenient scapegoat. Indias Response The Indian government responded swiftly. In a rare six-point statement, the Ministry of External Affairs dismantled Trumps narrative. It pointed out that India only increased oil imports from Russia after traditional suppliers redirected their shipments to Europe, and that this shift had the explicit encouragement of the US, which at the time was trying to stabilise global oil markets. More significantly, India called out the Wests double standards. The European Union, the statement noted, traded goods worth 67.5 billion with Russia in 2024, far more than Indias total. The US itself continues to import Russian uranium, palladium, and fertilisers. The targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable," the statement said, asserting that India would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security." The government also denied Trumps claim that India was profiteering from oil by reselling it globally. Ajay Srivastava, a former trade official and co-founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative, said that the accusation was not supported by any credible evidence. Indias refineries, both public and private, buy based on price, logistics and security," he explained. There is no government mandate to buy Russian oil, nor proof of strategic resale to third parties." Strategic Experts Back Indias Stand Indias sharp response has found backing from key foreign policy voices. Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal wrote on X that India has issued this statement that explains the rationale of its decision to buy oil from Russia and the hypocrisy and double standards of the US and Europe India is conveying that it will not cow down to threats." India has issued this statement that explains the rationale of its decision to buy oil from Russia and the hypocrisy and double standards of the US and Europe in targeting India while they themselves do trade with Russia.India is conveying that it will not cow down to https://t.co/JmzEMoL2Zr Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) August 4, 2025 Strategic affairs analyst Brahma Chellaney called Trumps behaviour erratic and dangerous. With his scorched-earth tariff policies and disdain for norms, Trump is a bull in the geopolitical china shop. Dealing with him is a challenge for any countryeven more so for risk-averse India." Chellaney added that the irony is glaring: while the West criticises India for buying Russian oil, it continues sending far more money to Moscow through its own trade, even as it fuels a proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. Is This Really About Oil, Or About Trumps Image? Beyond the data and diplomacy, this episode may ultimately be about Trumps political credibility. His early vow to end the Ukraine war within days gave him a narrative advantage. But with no ceasefire, no diplomatic win, and Putin openly defying his timelines, Trumps political frustration is now manifesting in trade policy. Rather than hitting Russia with further penalties, which could undermine his earlier stance of engagement, he is using India as a pressure valve, analysts say. His inner circle, including Stephen Miller and other senior aides, have repeated the India is funding the war" line on US television, reinforcing that this narrative may be part of a broader deflection strategy. Caught In The Crossfire Of A Broken Promise India didnt start the war in Ukraine. It has taken no sides, issued no ultimatums, and positioned itself as a buyer in a volatile energy market. Yet it now finds itself accused of indifference to war, profiteering, and moral failure, not because of its actions, but because Trumps dealmaking with Putin has stalled. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The strategic partnership between India and the US is unlikely to collapse over tariffs or oil. But the current rhetoric marks a serious departure from the measured tone that usually defines bilateral ties. It also raises questions about how far Trump is willing to go to salvage a promise he may not be able to keep. With August 8 now looming, and Steve Witkoff returning to Moscow for what could be a last-ditch effort at a deal, one thing may be clear: Trumps war of words with India may not be about Delhis policies, but about Washingtons failures. 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 05, 2025, 09:41 IST News explainers Decoding Trumps Tariff Threats To India: Fuelled By Sour Putin Ties, Frustration Over Ukraine? 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... Elon Musks $29 Billion Tesla Award Isnt What It Seems: The Good Faith Deal Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 13:08 IST Tesla has awarded CEO Elon Musk 96 million new shares worth nearly $29 billion, months after a US court struck down his previous $56 billion pay deal Elon Musk. (File photo) Teslas board has approved a new interim compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk, granting him 96 million shares currently valued at close to $29 billion. The company described this as a first step" and a good faith" payment, a partial gesture to recognise Musks leadership since 2018, a period during which he received no formal compensation from Tesla. According to Teslas filing, the board credited the billionaire businessman with transformative and unprecedented" growth, pointing to a $735 billion rise in the companys market value over the last six years. Recommended Stories The term good faith" signals that this is not a final payout, but a provisional move while a larger legal battle plays out. Its also meant to reaffirm the companys trust in Musk at a time when Tesla is trying to reinvent itself shifting focus from electric cars to robotaxis and humanoid robots. This new award comes just months after a US court in Delaware cancelled Musks $56 billion compensation package from 2018, calling it unfair to shareholders and poorly approved by Teslas board. Tesla is now appealing that ruling to the Delaware Supreme Court. What Are The Terms Of The Award? Musk can claim the shares only if he continues in a top executive role at Tesla until 2027. Even then, he will have to buy the shares at $23.34 each, the same exercise price as in the cancelled 2018 plan, rather than receiving them for free. Once the shares vest, Musk must hold on to them for five years, unless he needs to sell some to pay taxes or cover the purchase cost. In effect, this is not a cash payout but a stock option: a deal that allows Musk to buy Tesla shares at a fixed price in the future, if he meets certain conditions. Importantly, if the Delaware Supreme Court reinstates Musks 2018 pay package, the new shares will be cancelled or adjusted, ensuring Musk does not receive the benefit of both a situation Tesla refers to as a double dip". Tesla has also said it wont record this as a compensation expense for now, because the performance conditions, mainly Musks continued role and the legal uncertainty, make it unlikely to be paid out in the immediate term. This may change depending on how the court rules and whether Musk stays on. What Happened To Musks 2018 Pay Plan? In January, Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick upheld her ruling that voided Musks $56 billion pay deal from 2018, saying Teslas board lacked independence, with several members having close ties to Musk, and withheld key information from shareholders. The lawsuit, brought by a shareholder, accused the board of failing to protect investor interests. Musk is now appealing the decision. He has also taken aim at the states corporate governance system, calling it outdated and biased, and has since moved Teslas legal incorporation from Delaware to Texas. What Is Tesla Trying To Achieve With This Award? Teslas leadership sees this grant as a way to keep Musk focused on the company at a time when his attention is split across ventures like SpaceX, xAI, and his growing involvement in US politics. The special committee behind the new award, comprising chair Robyn Denholm and director Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, noted Musks other interests but said the company was confident this offer would tie him to Tesla during a crucial period. Theres another reason: voting power. Musk has previously said he would not continue building Teslas AI and robotics divisions unless he had at least 25 per cent voting control. This award would increase his stake from about 12.7 per cent to more than 15 per cent. What Is The Broader Shift At Tesla? Tesla is undergoing a major transformation. Once focused on producing affordable electric vehicles, it is now rebranding itself as an AI and robotics company. The company is placing big bets on future revenue from autonomous driving software, robotaxis, and humanoid machines. But this new direction has come at a time of growing financial strain. Teslas last earnings report showed automotive revenue down by 16 per cent, and profits dropped sharply from $1.39 billion to $409 million. Musk has warned of a few rough quarters" ahead. Why Are Teslas Sales And Brand Loyalty Falling? Tesla shares have fallen around 25 per cent this year, reflecting a mix of financial strain, product delays, political backlash, and intensifying competition. On the product front, Teslas much-hyped Cybertruckits first new model since 2020has underperformed, falling short of Musks earlier prediction of hundreds of thousands of annual sales. Meanwhile, the companys core vehicle lineup is ageing, with no major refreshes announced even as global automakers like Hyundai, BMW, and BYD push out sleeker, more affordable EVs. At the same time, the Trump administrations rollback of EV subsidies has hurt Teslas bottom line, stripping away a significant source of revenue and tax credits that once gave the company an edge. But beyond economics, Musks political visibility has triggered reputational challenges. His public support for Donald Trump, leadership role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the launch of his own political party have drawn protests at Tesla dealerships and pushed away sections of its early customer base. Although Musk and Trump have since had a public falling out, the brand damage appears to have lingered. According to S&P Global Mobility, Teslas brand loyalty peaked in June 2024 at 73 per cent but began dropping sharply after Musks Trump endorsement. By March 2025, loyalty had fallen to 49.9 per cent, dipping below the industry average, a trend analysts attribute to a widening mismatch between Musks personal politics and Teslas early customer base. Tesla is now dealing with a two-front challenge: softening demand for its vehicles, and eroding consumer trust in its brand. The $29 billion stock award is being seen as a high-stakes attempt to stabilise both, starting with Musk himself. How Did Investors React To The Award? Tesla shares rose more than 2 per cent in early/pre-market trading after the announcement of Musks new stock award. While some investors have questioned the need for another billion-dollar payout, many appear to accept that keeping Musk is key to Teslas future. Over the past decade, Teslas share price has surged nearly 2,000 per cent, far outpacing the S&P 500s 200 per cent gain. Investors who have stayed with the company through Musks high-risk decisions have generally been rewarded, at least until recent quarters. What Happens Next? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tesla will hold its next annual shareholder meeting on November 6, where it is expected to propose a long-term compensation plan for Musk. Until then, this $29 billion stock grant is not just a reward; its a statement. The company is betting that Musk is still the best person to lead Tesla through a period of uncertainty and reinvention, even as courts weigh in on his past pay and customers weigh other options. 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 05, 2025, 13:08 IST News explainers Elon Musks $29 Billion Tesla Award Isnt What It Seems: The Good Faith Deal 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... How Mumbai's Kabutarkhanas Went From Cultural Icon To Threat To Public Health Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 11:50 IST With over 50 across the city, kabutarkhanas like those in Dadar and Gowalia Tank have long been part of Mumbais cultural landscape. BMC covered the Kabutarkhana in Mumbai's Dadar with a tarpaulin sheet (Image: PTI) The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday covered the Kabutarkhanaa Grade II heritage structure and public pigeon feeding spot in Dadarwith a tarpaulin sheet, citing health hazards associated with feeding pigeons and restricted public access to the area. This action comes just days after the Bombay High Court observed that feeding large congregations of pigeons constitutes a public nuisance and poses health risks. The court had directed the BMC to file FIRs against individuals involved in such activities. Recommended Stories Interestingly, the court had earlier restrained the civic body from demolishing heritage kabutarkhanas in Mumbai, but clarified that feeding pigeons at these spots would no longer be allowed. The move has sparked political reactions. Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha criticised the BMC for disrupting what he called a cultural and religious practice. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) urged people to take a rational, rather than emotional, approach to the issue. As political debate intensifies over the BMCs action, lets take a closer look at the history of these pigeon feeding spots in Mumbaiand why the court has prohibited the practice. History Of Kabutarkhanas In Mumbai Kabutarkhanas have been a part of Mumbais landscape for nearly a century. Some, like the Dadar Kabutarkhana established in 1933, are even listed as Grade II heritage structures. The practice is believed to have gained popularity through Gujarati and Jain businessmen who set up dedicated feeding spots across the city, usually near temples, markets, and railway stations. Over time, these spaces evolved into more than just feeding points. They became daily gathering spots, especially for the Jain community, where feeding pigeons was both a ritual and a social activity. Mumbai now has over 50 such kabutarkhanas, with iconic ones located in areas like Dadar, Khar, and Gowalia Tank. These sites became symbols of compassion, charity, and cultural identitywoven into the citys street life alongside landmarks like the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. But as Mumbais population grew and urban life became denser, these spots began to clash with the citys evolving infrastructure and public health concerns. Spiritual And Cultural Significance Of Feeding Pigeons Feeding pigeons carries deep spiritual meaning, especially within Mumbais Jain and Gujarati communities. In Jainism, this act reflects the core values of non-violence and compassion. Its believed to bring religious merit and is often performed to honour ancestorsparticularly on Amavasya (new moon days), when the practice is considered especially sacred. In some Indian traditions, pigeons are also seen as messengers between the earthly and spiritual realms. Many Jain families and trusts have long maintained kabutarkhanas near temples, hostels, and derasars (Jain shrines), treating the feeding of pigeons not just as a ritual but as a moral responsibility. While the Jain community is most prominently associated with maintaining kabutarkhanas, the practice also resonates with other groups, including Hindus and Muslims, who occasionally participate in feeding pigeons as a charitable or devotional act. Many point to Article 51(A)(g) of the Indian Constitutionwhich calls for compassion towards animalsas a guiding principle behind the tradition. For these communities, kabutarkhanas are more than feeding spotstheyre sacred spaces tied to faith and identity. Why Pigeon Feeding Became A Problem? What began as a spiritual practice has now become a growing concern in Mumbai. The citys pigeon population has exploded, thanks in large part to human feeding. The 2023 State of Indias Birds report highlighted a rapid increase in pigeon numbers, especially in urban areas like Mumbai. This boom has led to multiple issues: 1. Public Health Hazards Pigeon droppings and feathers are known carriers of harmful pathogens linked to serious respiratory diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, histoplasmosis, and cryptococcosis. These illnesses can even lead to neurological complications. Prolonged exposure, especially in dense urban areas, poses serious risksparticularly to elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions. A recent case, where a Maharashtra Legislative Council member cited a relatives death due to lung disease allegedly caused by pigeon droppings, brought this issue into sharp focus. 2. Damage To Infrastructure Pigeon droppings are acidic and have been linked to the corrosion of historic buildings, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The mess and unpleasant smell near feeding spots disrupt everyday life for commuters and nearby businesses. 3. Traffic And Safety Issues Kabutarkhanas in high-traffic areas like Dadar contribute to congestion. Scattered grain and large crowds create slippery, unsafe conditions. In 2013, a BMC engineer reportedly died in a road accident caused by a pigeon. Locals in places like Khar have also reported slipping incidents and constant nuisance from pigeons. Ban On Pigeon Feeding Explained On July 31, 2025, the Bombay High Courtled by Justices GS Kulkarni and Arif Doctorissued a strong order: the BMC must file FIRs against anyone feeding pigeons at kabutarkhanas. The court called the practice a public nuisance" and a health hazard." The ruling came during a hearing on a petition filed by animal rights activists Pallavi Patil, Sneha Visaria, and Savita Mahajan. They argued that demolishing kabutarkhanas violated animal welfare laws. However, the court sided with public health experts, stating that artificial pigeon congregations caused by mass feeding worsened health risks and environmental concerns. As part of the courts directions, the BMC was told to cover kabutarkhanas with nets or tarpaulin to stop feeding, but without demolishing heritage structures. On August 2, the Dadar Kabutarkhana was sealed using bamboo structures and tarpaulin, and its electricity supply was cut. Between July 13 and August 3, the BMC fined more than 140 people a total of Rs 68,700 for feeding pigeons illegallymost of these fines were issued at the Dadar kabutarkhana. On August 1, Mumbai Police registered the citys first FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for public nuisance and health risks due to pigeon feeding. Tradition Vs Health: The Growing Controversy The courts order has triggered widespread protests, especially among the Jain community. Over a thousand demonstrators, including Jain monks, gathered at the Gateway of India on August 3, chanting slogans like Save the pigeons." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Some claimed that hundreds of pigeons have died from starvation since the feeding ban. A Jain monk even threatened to go on a fast-unto-death if the practice isnt allowed to resume by August 10. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also stepped in, calling for a meeting on Tuesday to resolve the issue while balancing religious sentiments and public health concerns. 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 05, 2025, 11:50 IST News explainers How Mumbai's Kabutarkhanas Went From Cultural Icon To Threat To Public Health 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... Sheikh Hasinas Official Dhaka Residence Is Being Turned Into A Revolution Museum: Heres Why Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 14:26 IST A year later, the Ganabhaban palace, the former official residence of Bangladeshs ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, is being turned into a museum as lasting reminder of her autocratic rule People gather around the residence of Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on August 5, 2024. (EPA-EFE/STR VIA PTI) On August 5 last year, flag-waving crowds on the rooftop of the Dhaka palace after PM Sheikh Hasina fled by helicopter to India were a defining image of the culmination of student-led protests that toppled her government. A year later, the Ganabhaban palace, the former official residence of Bangladeshs ousted prime minister, is being turned into a museum as a lasting reminder of her autocratic rule. Recommended Stories What are the plans for museum? On October 28, 2024, Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced plans to transform the storm damaged Ganabhaban palace into a museum. Yunus described the museums purpose as preserving memories of her misrule and the peoples anger when they removed her from power". During his tour of the damaged palace, Yunus emphasised that the museum should serve as a memorial to the revolution that ousted Hasina and intended to feature exhibits of repression under her 15-year rule The exhibits are expected to include a replica of the infamous House of Mirrors" (Aynaghar)a secret detention center allegedly used during Hasinas tenure to torture political dissidents. What happened to Sheikh Hasina? Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since she fled Bangladesh in early August 2024 amid massive student-led protests. Bangladeshs interim government under Yunus has opened numerous legal cases against her: As of September 2024, she faces 152 charges, including murder, genocide, crimes against humanity and abduction. An arrest warrant was issued in October 2024, and her speeches have been banned from publication inside Bangladesh since December. Over March 2025, courts froze over 150 bank accounts linked to her and her family, and began confiscating assets across countries including the UK, US, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cayman Islands. On August 3, 2025, Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal formally began Hasinas trial in absentia, charging her with crimes against humanity for the violent crackdown during the protests that ousted her. The tribunal has begun calling witnesses, including former officials, and the prosecution is seeking maximum penalties. A leaked audio recording, verified by BBC, allegedly captures Hasina ordering security forces to shoot" protesters on sight, linked to around 1,400 deaths during the 2024 unrest. The interim government formally requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina to face charges. However, India has not complied, invoking legal protections under the extradition treaty. Hasina on Tuesday described her fall as the fall of democracy." In an open letter to the people of Bangladesh, she condemned the regime that came to power following the 2024 takeover. What next for Bangladesh? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bangladeshs next general election is scheduled for early April 2026, likely on a day within the first half of April. This commitment was formally announced by interim leader Muhammad Yunus in a televised address on June 6, 2025. With Agency Inputs About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 14:18 IST News explainers Sheikh Hasinas Official Dhaka Residence Is Being Turned Into A Revolution Museum: Heres 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... Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was transferred to the Federal Police to be fitted with an electronic anklet on July 18. Jair Bolsonaro was imprisoned in his home in Brasilia on Monday after Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered house arrest for the former president, in a case involving the latters alleged attempt to mount a coup to remain in office despite his defeat in the 2022 election. The judge had already placed an electronic anklet on the far-right politician after determining he was a flight risk. Now, Bolsonaro will not be allowed to leave his home. In its decision two weeks ago, the court had allowed Bolsonaro to move about freely, but required him to spend nights at home, refrain from contacting foreign ambassadors, and, above all, refrain from posting on social media. Moraes pointed out that the former president had failed to comply with this last point. Jair Messias Bolsonaro produced material for social media that contained the same illegal messages for which the precautionary measures had been imposed, the judge wrote in his ruling. Bolsonaros covert involvement clearly demonstrated that he carried on with the illegal conduct of attempting to coerce the Federal Supreme Court and obstruct justice, in flagrant disregard of the precautionary measures previously imposed. Bolsonaros political supporters and his sons deliberately used the defendants speeches and participation, including by telephone and social media, to spread attacks and incite protesters with the clear intention of pressuring and coercing this Supreme Court, Moraes ruling states. Bolsonaro is no longer allowed to receive visitors, except for his lawyers or people authorized by the Supreme Court. He is also prohibited from using his cell phone. The judge wants to prevent a repeat of events such as those that occurred last Sunday, when the former president spoke via videoconference with one of his sons, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, during a demonstration in Rio de Janeiro organized to demonstrate popular support for the disgraced former president. Bolsonaro is accused of leading an attempted coup to cling to power after losing the 2022 elections and prevent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office. The plan involved assassinating Lula, his vice president Geraldo Alckmin, and Judge Moraes. According to the indictment, the coup failed because the Armed Forces leadership refused to join in. The coup plot culminated, however, in the assault on the headquarters of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of Brazil. The trial against Bolsonaro, a retired military officer, has put Brazil in the crosshairs of the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump believes that his friend Bolsonaro is the victim of a witch hunt and has decided to punish Lulas government with 50% tariffs, the highest applied in his trade war against the world. Judge Moraes, 56, has also been a central figure in the conflict. The White House revoked his visa a few days ago and applied the Magnitsky Act, used to punish human rights violators. The trade war is yielding significant political gains for Lula, who has successfully stirred up nationalist sentiment in Latin Americas largest economy. On Friday, after a long silence, Trump finally said he was willing to negotiate a reduction in tariffs. He can talk to me anytime he wants. Well see what happens, I love the people of Brazil, he told reporters at the White House. We have always been open to dialogue, the Brazilian replied. That conversation has not yet taken place, but it is to be expected that Bolsonaros arrest will not help matters. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Sunjay Kapur Succession Dispute: The Saas-Bahu Saga At Sona Comstar Goes International Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:50 IST Sunjay Kapur Succession Dispute: Kapur's sudden death, wife Priya's elevation, wild conspiracy claims by his mother, Rani, and demand for an international probe explained Follow us on: Sona Comstar's Sunjay Kapur with his wife, kids and mother. (Instagram File) A sudden death, wifes elevation, wild conspiracy claims by his mother and demand for an international probe high drama is unfolding in the Sona Comstar group after the sudden death of its chairman Sunjay Kapur. Kapur was the chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading automotive components firm with global operations, including manufacturing for EVs across India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the US. Kapur, 53, died on June 12, following a heart attack during a polo match triggered allegedly by a bee sting. Recommended Stories He was reportedly 2703rd wealthiest individual in the world. His publicly listed company was valued at Rs 30,000-40,000 crore. His net worth was estimated at $1.2 billion (Rs 10,300 crore) by Forbes in 2024, with a high point valuation of $1.6 billion (Rs 13,000 crore). Sona Comstar was founded by his father, Surinder Kapur, in 1997. After Surinders death in 2015, Sunjay Kapur had taken over the reins. Who are the key players in the Sona Comstar succession battle? Rani Kapur: Sunjay Kapurs mother and former chairperson of the Sona Group. She is challenging the companys succession plan and has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding her sons death, hinting at foul play. Priya Sachdev Kapur: Sunjay Kapurs wife and a former model-businesswoman. She has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the companys board. Jeffrey Mark Overly: Appointed as the new Chairperson of Sona Comstars Board of Directors What about Sanjay Kapurs kids? Ex-wife and actor Karisma Kapoors children: Samaira and Kiaan She has two kids Safira, from her earlier marriage, and Azarias with Kapur. According to NDTV, Kapur had gifted Rs 14 crore in bonds to his children and ensured a monthly income of Rs 10 lakh each. Karisma Kapoor received a family-owned property, originally belonging to Kapurs father, during their divorce settlement. Speculation is intense as Priya has changed her Instagram handle to Priya Sunjay Kapur, and Safira also allegedly removed Chatwal from her surname. What is at stake in the Sona Comstar succession battle? Rs 30,000-crore empire that has stakes in various international ventures. Race-horse breeder RK Family Trust, which owns the promoter share in Sona Comstar through Aureus Investments Pvt Ltd, has listed Kapur as its sole beneficiary, according to NDTV. The July 24 letter that started it all : How Rani Kapur reacted to Priya Sachdev Kapurs induction as non-executive director At the centre of the power struggle is Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar), a Gurugram-headquartered company. After Kapurs death, the company announced that his wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, would be inducted as a non-executive director from July 23, 2025. Protesting against the move indirectly, Rani Kapur, in a letter to his company, Sona Comstar, and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has questioned the suspicious circumstances", saying there is more than what meets the eye". She had asserted that some individuals, were purporting to be the largest shareholders" according to information received under compulsion. As you are aware, on 12.06.2025, my son Mr. Sunjay Kapur tragically passed away under highly suspicious and unexplained circumstances in the United Kingdom. Despite all attempts, I am not able to receive answers about my sons death. Despite me seeking information, I have been unable to receive any relevant answers and documents explaining the incident and have been confined to the knowledge and version set out by the media. While were in mourning, some people trying to usurp family legacy," she said She maintained that she has not given her consent to add anyone to the board of Sona group of companies. Rani claimed she has been totally denied access" to her accounts. I have been left to the mercy of a select few for survival. All this, in less than a month of my only son passing," she said. How did Sona Comstar react to Rani Kapurs letter? Despite her request, the AGM of the group happened on July 25, in which Sunjay Kapurs wife Priya Sachdev Kapur was appointed as a non-executive director with 99.44 per cent votes. Priyas appointment, nominated by Aureus Investments, is vetted by the boards Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Rani called it unauthorised. In its response, Sona Comstars parent company, Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd., rejected her claims, stating that Rani Kapur has not been a shareholder since 2019 and, therefore, has no standing to interfere in company matters. The company emphasized that there was no requirement to defer the AGM. Citing a declaration filed in May 2019, the company said Sanjay Kapur had been identified as the sole beneficial owner" of the shares, and that Priya Sachdev Kapur was subsequently nominated to the board based on this ownership. Sona BLW reiterated that the company is not a family-run business. In a statement, it noted that 72% of its shares are held by institutional and public investors, while the promoter entity owns the remaining 28% without any special rights or control. In the legal notice, Sona Comstar accused Rani Kapur of defaming the company and causing reputational damage. Sona Comstar also responded with a Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) filing denying all her allegations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Asian News International (@ani_trending) I need closure: On August 4, Rani Kapur approaches UK authorities on sons death On August 4, ANI quoted Rani Kapur as having formally lodged a criminal complaint with the UK authorities, calling for an investigation into the suspicious circumstances of her sons untimely death. The events leading to Sunjays death are very alarming. The turn of events in Sunjays death are seriously troubling," a family source informed ANI, further saying that the UK authorities have been urged to take immediate action. Given that Sunjay is an American citizen, ANI also confirmed that American agencies have started monitoring the case. I still dont know what happened to my son. I am old now. I need closure before I go," Rani said during an emotional interview with ANI, her first ever media appearance since the incident. I still dont know what happened to my son, need closureI am here to remind the world that our family legacy must not be lost: Rani Kapur (mother of businessman late Sunjay Kapur) to ANI pic.twitter.com/1QHE7G1sEG ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2025 Our familys legacy must not be lost: Rani Kapurs emotional interview Rani Kapur, in her recent ANI interview, spoke of the origins of the company, she reminisced about Sona Comstars early days. I recall the early days of Sonafounded with care, sacrifice, and love," she stated, emphasising her emotional and historical connections with the company. This contradicted Sona Comstars statement that she has not been involved with the firm since 2019. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Due to her advanced age and deteriorating health, Rani Kapur said that she would not make further public statements. My legal team will address everything necessary," she said, adding, I am here to remind the world that our familys legacy must not be lost. It must be passed on, as my husband always wanted it to be." With Agency, ANI Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 12:44 IST News explainers Sunjay Kapur Succession Dispute: The Saas-Bahu Saga At Sona Comstar Goes International 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 Teachers, Doctors, Even Retirees: Why China Wont Let Its Public Workers Travel Abroad Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 11:39 IST A sweeping crackdown is forcing Chinese public employees to surrender passports, seek layered approvals, and avoid foreign contact, even for personal trips A file photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping (AP) A report by The New York Times revealed that China has significantly expanded restrictions on overseas travel for public sector employees. These rules now apply not only to senior government officials, but also to frontline teachers, hospital workers, civil servants, and even retirees. The new policies require many public employees to surrender their passports to their employers and obtain formal approval for any foreign trip, including personal travel. In several cities, foreign vacations have been banned entirely. Employees across sectors have described receiving internal communications warning them that failure to comply could lead to disciplinary action or even dismissal. Recommended Stories In one documented case, a literature teacher at a public school in southern China found a clause in her employment contract stating that unauthorised foreign travel could result in termination. The controls are not limited to teachers. A nurse interviewed by NYT said she would need four levels of administrative approval to obtain permission to travel abroad. Retired government employees in some cities are being told they must wait as long as two years before they can reclaim their passports. Who Is Being Affected By The Travel Ban? The impact of the policy is being felt across a wide cross-section of Chinas public workforce. Beyond civil servants and frontline service providers, the rules now extend to employees of state-owned enterprises and even government contractors. Public sector job applicants with foreign degrees or overseas work experience are increasingly being disqualified from consideration. In most provinces, those who have lived abroad for more than six months are barred from civil service positions. Shanghai is one of the only exceptions where such applicants are still permitted to apply. But even there, candidates with a spouse or close relative living abroad may be deemed ineligible for law enforcement roles. In addition to passport controls, employees in some areas have been instructed to avoid speaking with foreign media while overseas, and to report any contact with foreign organisations, particularly those labelled anti-China forces", to Chinese embassies. In some institutions, workers have been ordered to disclose all past international travel, in some cases dating back to 2018. Why Is China Cracking Down On Public Workers Travel? The travel restrictions are part of a wider shift under Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has steadily expanded the Chinese Communist Partys control over not just policy, but the everyday behaviour and thinking of public employees. Beijing has offered three main justifications for the new rules: national security, political discipline, and cost control. The national security angle has gained prominence in recent years as Chinas relations with the West have deteriorated. The government has warned of increasing risks from hostile foreign forces" a term often used to describe Western governments, NGOs, and media outlets that Beijing sees as attempting to interfere in Chinese domestic affairs. In 2023, Chinas Ministry of State Security publicly accused a Chinese national in Italy of spying for the CIA. Around the same time, Beijing passed amendments to its counter-espionage law, broadening the definition of spying and effectively giving authorities more power to monitor foreign interactions. But the crackdown is also about ideological control. Xi has repeatedly stressed the importance of political loyalty within the civil service. In July 2025, the Peoples Daily, the Communist Partys flagship newspaper, declared that people-to-people diplomacy exists because of the Party and must be led by the Party." The statement underlined a growing fear in Beijing that unsupervised contact with the outside world, even for a teacher or a nurse, might lead to ideological drift or unapproved narratives about China. The third reason is fiscal discipline. In May 2023, the Chinese government issued orders to cut wasteful and unnecessary" spending. According to a report by Firstpost, Official notices singled out travel, alcohol, receptions, flowers, and office luxuries. Senior Party leaders, including Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi, urged cadres to stop extravagant eating and drinking." The Partys long-running anti-corruption campaign has now been expanded to include personal travel by public employees, even if those trips are self-funded. By limiting exposure to foreign countries and cultures, the leadership hopes to insulate its officials from ideas or influences that might challenge the Party line, even indirectly. For Xi, its about ensuring that every government employee, no matter how junior, stays tightly aligned with the official narrative, at home and abroad. How Are These Rules Being Enforced Across China? The implementation of the policy has varied by province and department, but the trend is clear: mobility is being tightly monitored and increasingly restricted. Public employees are being asked to submit written requests for travel abroad, provide detailed justifications, and seek clearance from multiple levels of management. In many cities, passport surrender is mandatory and indefinite. Some institutions have introduced formal questionnaires requiring workers to disclose whether any relatives hold foreign citizenship or permanent residency abroad. In certain local governments, employees are required to undergo ideological education or security briefings before travel is approved. Applicants to government jobs are facing stricter vetting as well. Individuals with any history of foreign education or professional experience overseas are being screened out during recruitment, especially in provinces outside Shanghai. In some regions, even short-term academic exposure to foreign countries has become a disqualifier. Has China Done This Before? This is not the first time China has placed foreign travel under scrutiny. In October 2023, Reuters reported that civil servants and state-linked enterprise employees were facing tighter constraints on personal overseas travel. The restrictions included bans on foreign trips, shorter allowable durations abroad, and more complex approval processes. Some workers were allowed to travel only once per year, and only for up to 12 days. Others had to attend pre-departure confidentiality training. Public announcements by government entities such as the national pension fund confirmed the tightening of travel rules. In some cities, employees were also asked to submit details of foreign relatives and previous international trips. The Reuters report described a growing push by Chinese authorities to monitor the foreign ties of its workforce and track any exposure to overseas influence, particularly as Chinas relations with Western countries grew more strained. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How Are Workers Responding To The Clampdown? There has been no visible public pushback, but discontent is simmering. Workers interviewed by NYT described feeling trapped and confused, especially given the contradiction between Chinas public push for foreign investment and tourism, and the internal message that its own citizens, particularly public employees, must stay put. 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 05, 2025, 11:34 IST News explainers Teachers, Doctors, Even Retirees: Why China Wont Let Its Public Workers Travel Abroad 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... Uttarkashi Cloudburst Mayhem: Can Clouds Release Billions Of Litres Of Water In A Minute? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 17:58 IST Uttarkashi Cloudburst math explained: What is a cloudburst? What were the worst instances? How much water does a cloud hold? How can it release billions of litres? Houses and other structures being swept away in flash floods triggered by a cloudburst at Kheer Gad area in Dharali of Uttarkashi district. (@UttarkashiPol on X via PTI) Uttarkashi Cloudburst: A cloudburst led to flash floods in the high altitude villages of Dharali on the way to Gangotri on Tuesday, leaving several houses damaged or swept away and at least four people killed, officials said. Dharali is the main stopover on way to Gangotri and home to many hotels, restaurants and home stays. The devastating flashflood came in the wake of a cloudburst somewhere in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river, locals said. Recommended Stories Uttarakhand Cloudburst LIVE Updates Here According to initial reports, at least four people have died, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya told reporters. An Army team from Harsil has been rushed to the spot. About 10-12 people could be buried under the debris, Rajesh Panwar, a villager, told PTI. He said 20-25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away. #WATCH | Uttarakhand Cloudburst: Devastation and Debris All Around. Badrinath NH-58 Blocked Due To Debris From Landslide, Work Of Removing The Debris Is In Process#Badrinath #Landslide #Cloudburst #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/NHEFo1vbEb News18 (@CNNnews18) August 5, 2025 The news of heavy losses due to cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) area is extremely sad and painful. SDRF, NDRF, district administration and other related teams are engaged on war footing in relief and rescue operations," Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a post on X. I am constantly in touch with senior officials in this regard and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyones safety," he said. There was widespread panic in the neighbouring villages following the flashflood. Videos from the area showed a torrent of muddy water and silt rushing down the slopes towards settlements along the banks of the river. People could be heard screaming in fear. In one video, people can be heard in the video gasping for breath and trying to call their relatives in affected areas to find out if they were alright. A voice is heard in the video saying, Everything is finished." () , , NDRF SDRF pic.twitter.com/EV2ykxQ0bA Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 5, 2025 What is a cloudburst? A cloudburst is a sudden, very intense rainfall event that usually lasts for a short period (typically a few minutes to a few hours) but releases a massive amount of water in a small area. Its often associated with thunderstorms and can lead to flash floods, landslides, and severe damage, especially in hilly or mountainous regions. What exactly happens in a cloudburst? It occurs when moisture-laden clouds are unable to release rain gradually. Instead, the moisture accumulates rapidly and is released all at once due to strong convection currents or unstable atmospheric conditions. The result: 100 mm or more of rain may fall within an hour over a very localized area (e.g., 10 km or less). Where do cloudbursts usually occur? Common in mountainous regions like the Himalayas (India, Nepal, Pakistan), where orographic lifting (air rising over mountains) enhances rainfall. Also seen in desert regions or during monsoons, where intense heating leads to strong convection. Houses wiped out, chaos, debris and destruction everywhere.As Uttarakhand battles with a massive disaster, rescue operations are underway after the havoc wreaking cloudburst. A few glimpses of the action underway at ground zero #Uttarakhand #Cloudburst #Rainfall #Monsoon pic.twitter.com/ZFLosPyogV News18 (@CNNnews18) August 5, 2025 How much water do clouds hold? A typical rain cloud especially cumulonimbus clouds (thunderstorm clouds) can weigh hundreds of thousands to millions of tons, made up of tiny water droplets and ice particles suspended by rising air. These clouds can span many kilometres in height and width. For example, a cloud just 1 km in volume can hold up to 500 million litres of water vapour. What triggers a sudden downpour? In events like cloudbursts, a perfect storm of conditions occurs: Strong updrafts (rising warm air) keep large amounts of water suspended. Once the air cant hold it anymore, due to cooling or a sudden disruption (like wind shear or collision with mountains), the entire load of water falls rapidly as rain. This process is highly localised, often hitting a small area intensely like pouring an entire swimming pool on a small neighbourhood. Billion litres possible in a minute? 1 km area receiving 100 mm of rain (which is 0.1 m) = 1,000 m 1,000 m 0.1 m = 100,000 m = 100 million litres in a single downpour. If 10 km is affected at once: 100 million litres 10 = 1 billion litres. This much water can fall in a minute or less during a cloudburst especially when rainfall exceeds 100 mm/hour or even reaches 200-300 mm/hour, which has been recorded in events in the Himalayas and Western Ghats. Which were some of the worst cloudbursts? Leh, India (2010): A cloudburst dropped 75 mm of rain in just 30 minutes over a tiny area, causing devastating flash floods. Kedarnath, India (2013): Cloudbursts triggered massive floods and landslides, killing thousands. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Uttarakhand (2023-24): Several instances of 100-150 mm of rain in under an hour were recorded, dumping hundreds of millions of litres. With Agency, PTI Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 17:48 IST News explainers Uttarkashi Cloudburst Mayhem: Can Clouds Release Billions Of Litres Of Water In A Minute? 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... 9 Soldiers Feared Missing After Flash Floods Hit Army Camp In Uttarakhand's Harshil Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 22:18 IST A cloudburst near Harshil Army camp in Uttarakhand caused flash floods and a mudslide, leaving 9 Army personnel missing. The cloudburst occurred in the Kheer Ganga Rivers catchment area, just 4 km from the Indian Army base at Harshil. At least nine Indian Army personnel are feared missing after a cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods and a mudslide near the Harshil Army camp in Uttarakhands Dharali village. The cloudburst, which sparked a large-scale rescue operation under punishing weather conditions, occurred in the Kheer Ganga Rivers catchment area, just 4 km from the Indian Army base at Harshil. The Army confirmed the deployment of 150 personnel, led by Colonel Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of the 14 RAJRIF battalion, who are on the ground directing search and rescue operations. Recommended Stories Follow LIVE updates on Uttarakhand flash floods here In wake of the devastating mudslide at Kheer Gad, Dharali, Col Harshvardhan, Commanding Officer of 14 RAJRIF, is personally leading 150 personnel in critical rescue and relief operations," the Army said in a statement. Despite being cut off and the base adversely affected, the team remains operational. So far, 20 civilians have been rescued, with operations continuing amid torrential rain and collapsed connectivity. Their grit under extreme adversity reflects the true spirit of the Indian Army- resilient, selfless and always ready to serve the Nation. In the meantime, additional columns are being moved to be pressed into rescue operations," the statement added. Read more: People, Buildings Swept Away As Uttarkashi Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc, Horrific Visuals Emerge Harshil Camp Hit, 9 Feared Missing The Army confirmed that 9 soldiers are still unaccounted for but said that personnel are working relentlessly to locate them despite adverse terrain and constant rainfall hampering mobility. Dharali, a popular halt on the Char Dham route, saw water levels rise rapidly after the cloudburst. Several buildings have been damaged and connectivity to the region remains severely disrupted. Uttarakhand CM, Officials Respond top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the situation distressing" and said teams from the SDRF, NDRF and district administration are carrying out operations on a war footing. The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing," the CM posted on X (formerly Twitter). Location : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 22:17 IST News india 9 Soldiers Feared Missing After Flash Floods Hit Army Camp In Uttarakhand's Harshil 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 Operation Sindoor Success, IAF, Navy To Place Mega Orders For BrahMos Missiles Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 17:17 IST The procurement proposals include acquisition of the air-launched variant for Su-30MKI fighter jets in IAF, and new ship-based units for the Navys Veer-class warships Follow us on: The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a joint Indo-Russian weapons system that played a central role in India's recent military operations. (AP) The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy, following the high-impact success of Operation Sindoor, are preparing to place substantial new orders for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missilea joint Indo-Russian weapons system that played a central role in Indias recent military operations. The BrahMos missile is a versatile and formidable weapon, capable of being launched from land, air and sea, enabling strikes from multiple fronts. Jointly developed by India and Russia, it is renowned for its supersonic speed, pinpoint accuracy, and adaptability across a range of military operations. Recommended Stories During Operation Sindoor, the IAF relied on BrahMos missiles to launch a precision strike campaign targeting key Pakistani military installations, including airbases and cantonments. The operation, which was executed with high accuracy and minimal collateral damage, has been hailed within defence circles as a major demonstration of Indias growing long-range strike capability. While BrahMos-equipped Navy vessels were placed on alert during the operation, they were ultimately not ordered to launch their missiles. Dr Sudhir Kumar Mishra, Ex DG (BrahMos) DRDO, had told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview: Brahmos is a supersonic missile. It cannot be intercepted by the air defence systems of Pakistan and China. It cannot be intercepted by any known Defence system in the world." However, in light of the missiles battlefield performance and strategic value, top defence sources were quoted by news agency ANI as saying that the Defence Ministry is expected to approve major procurement proposals in the coming days. These include acquisition of the air-launched variant for Su-30MKI fighter jets in the IAF, and new ship-based units for the Navys Veer-class warships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently praised the performance of the indigenous weapon systems in the conflict with Pakistan, saying: During Operation Sindoor, the world saw the capabilities of our indigenous weapons. Our Air Defence Systems, missiles, and drones have proved the strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat, especially the Brahmos missiles." WHAT WAS OPERATION SINDOOR? Operation Sindoor was a precision military campaign launched by India in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Conducted jointly by the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, the operation was a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, and featured brutal targeting of Hindu men in front of their wives and families. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The strikes were carefully planned and executed under a unified tri-service command structure, involving Loitering munitions, SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER guided bombs, BrahMos supersonic missiles, and sophisticated electronic warfare tactics. The coordinated attack neutralised nine terror hubs associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and other militant groups, and reportedly killed over 100 terrorists. The codename Sindoor", chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, carried powerful symbolismvermilion worn by married Hindu womenas a tribute to the widows and families devastated by the Pahalgam attack. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 16:03 IST News india After Operation Sindoor Success, IAF, Navy To Place Mega Orders For BrahMos Missiles 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 Article 370 Move Completes Six Years Amid Buzz Over J&K Statehood Restoration Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 09:38 IST The BJP today is celebrating the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 by extending greetings to the nation. Srinagar: Security personnel stand guard at Lal Chowk (Photo: PTI) The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday extended greetings to the country on the completion of six years of the abrogation of Article 370, which provided a special status to Jammu and Kashmir, by the Centre in 2019. In an X post, the party wrote, Heartfelt congratulations to all countrymen on the completion of 6 years of the abrogation of Article 370." Recommended Stories On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he is optimistic about something positive" for the Union Territory during the ongoing Parliament session. His remarks came on the eve of the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, amidst a growing chorus for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. However, Abdullah clarified that he had no meeting or conversation with the people in Delhi and his statement is based on his gut feeling". Ive heard every possible permutation & combination about what to expect in J&K tomorrow (August 5), so let me stick my neck out and say nothing will happen tomorrow fortunately, nothing bad will happen, but unfortunately, nothing positive will happen either. Im still optimistic about something positive for J&K in this monsoon session of Parliament, but not tomorrow. And no, I havent had any meetings or conversations with people in Delhi. This is just a gut feeling. Lets see this time tomorrow," Abdullah wrote in a post on X. The same day, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti had called for a 15-minute blackout to protest the unilateral" abrogation of Article 370. August 4, 2019, we were silenced. August 5, our voice, our rights, our Constitution taken away without our consent. What was ours by birth and by belonging was stripped away overnight. Not a whisper of warning. Not a shred of justice. Today, we remember. We resist." As a mark of protest and collective mourning, I urge all who carry this wound to join in a 15-minute blackout tonight at 9 pm. Turn off the lights. Let the silence speak. Let the darkness remind the world of what was lost and what still lives in us," Mufti posted on her X handle. While officials said the blackout was observed at some places in Pulwama and Sopore areas, the PDP posted videos of people observing the blackout in Srinagar and Shopian as well. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response to Ms Mehbooba Muftis call, PDP workers from Srinagar observed a 15-minute lights-out protest silently rejecting the unilateral move of 5th August 2019 that stripped J-K of its autonomy and safeguards," the party said in a series of posts on its X handle. ALSO READ | How Pakistan Plans To Spread Disinformation On Article 370 Abrogation Anniversary Tomorrow About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: August 05, 2025, 09:30 IST News india Article 370 Move Completes Six Years Amid Buzz Over J&K Statehood Restoration 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... Choppy Waters Delayed 2008 Mumbai Attack, Reveals Tahawwur Rana Extradition Order | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:19 IST The revelationand many othersis part of a US courts extradition order of Tahawwur Rana, one of the key conspirators of the attack 166 people lost their lives and over 300 were injured in the attack. (AP) The 2008 Mumbai terror attack, in which 166 people lost their lives and over 300 were injured, could have been orchestrated earlier but the terroristswho came from Karachi via a hijacked Indian fishing trawler and later used speedboats to reach the coastwere forced to wait for a calmer sea. The revelationand many othersare part of a US courts extradition order of Tahawwur Rana, one of the key conspirators of the attack that spanned 60 hours and targeted the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, CST railway station, Cafe Leopold, and Nariman House. Excerpts of the orderwhich is also part of the NIA chargesheethave been exclusively accessed by CNN-News18 which reveal massive details of the 26/11 plot and prove Pakistans involvement in the bloodbath. Recommended Stories Styrofoam Model Of Taj Mahal Hotel The order further reveals that in December 2007, at the Pakistan headquarters of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, David Headleyanother key accused in the Mumbai attackmet his co-conspirators who told him about their plans and showed him a styrofoam mock-up of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Delay In Plans About three months later, in March 2008, Headley once again met with other co-conspirators in Pakistan to discuss potential landing sites in Mumbai where a team of attackers could arrive. In the following month, he conducted additional surveillance, took boat trips in and around the harbour to locate possible landing sites, and used a GPS device to record such locations. He returned to Pakistan and advised his co-conspirators of his recommendations for potential landing sites, but learned that the attack plans would be delayed, in part to await calmer seas. In May 2008, Headley met with Rana in Chicago over a period of several days and told him about his extensive surveillance in Mumbai, his meetings with co-conspirators in Pakistan, the styrofoam mock-up he had been shown, the landing ideas (including specifically where a team of attackers would land in front of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel), his boat trips in and around the harbour, use of the GPS device, and the delay of the attack plans. When Headleys Observations Made Rana Laugh According to the order, Rana smiled and laughed when Headley showed the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel model and termed the mock-up terrible". It was also in May 2008 that Headley included Rana with other co-conspirators in email discussions regarding how one of Headleys contacts in India could be used to benefit Lashkar. Headleys Surveillance For Future In 2009, Headley conducted surveillance activities for potential future terrorist attacks in other parts of India as well as for an intended but foiled terrorist plot in Denmark that was meant to retaliate against a Danish newspaper for publishing a cartoon that Headley and his co-conspirators found offensive. In India, Headley conducted surveillance on Chabad Houses in Delhi, Goa, and Pushkar, as well as the National Defence College that teaches courses for high-level Indian Army officers, colonels and up". The 2008 Horror The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were a series of coordinated and brutal assaults carried out by 10 heavily armed terrorists from the Pakistan-based extremist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, beginning on the evening of November 26 and lasting until November 29. Over the course of 60 harrowing hours, the attackers targeted multiple high-profile locations across Indias financial capital, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, the popular Cafe Leopold, and the Jewish outreach center Nariman House. These sites were specifically chosen to cause maximum civilian casualties and international attention, with both Indian citizens and foreign nationals among the victims. The attackers used automatic weapons, grenades, and carried out hostage situations, especially at the two luxury hotels and Nariman House. The siege left 166 people dead and over 300 injured, including 26 foreign nationals, and deeply shocked both India and the international community. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all One terrorist, Ajmal Kasab, was captured alive, which later provided crucial evidence of the attackers Pakistani origins and links to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The attacks exposed serious gaps in Indias intelligence and security apparatus and led to major policy and structural reforms in national counter-terrorism efforts. Beyond the death toll, the psychological impact of the attacks was profound, marking a turning point in Indias approach to urban terrorism and significantly straining diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 11:40 IST News india Choppy Waters Delayed 2008 Mumbai Attack, Reveals Tahawwur Rana Extradition Order | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Ceasefire Violation Along Line Of Control In Poonch Region: Indian Army Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 22:22 IST In its clarification that there has been no ceasefire violation along the Line of Control, the Indian Army urged to stop spreading unverified information Sources said the Indian side retaliated effectively to Pakistani firing along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on August 5. (Image for representation) Hours after reports of ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch surfaced, the Indian Army denied them on Tuesday. In its clarification that there has been no such incident along the Line of Control (LoC), the army urged to stop spreading unverified information. Recommended Stories There have been some media and social media reports regarding ceasefire violation in Poonch region. It is clarified that there has been NO ceasefire violation along the Line of Control. Please avoid spreading unverified information," the Indian Army said. Reports of crossborder firing by Pakistan in the Mankote sector of Poonch district were circulating on social media. Quoting official sources", the reports said there was firing exchanged for 15 minutes between the two sides across the border but no reports of any casualty. While the information was dismissed by the army, it comes days after two heavily-armed terrorists believed to be members of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed in a fierce gunfight on July 30, foiling an infiltration bid along the LoC in Poonch district. This was also days after security forces eliminated three hardcore terrorists, who were involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in a forest in Srinagar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The army had said the operation on July 30, conducted under the code name ShivShakti, was a major setback to nefarious designs of Pakistan-sponsored terrorist organisations that are constantly abetting acts of terror in Jammu and Kashmir. It had recovered war-like stores including two assault rifles with ammunition, one pistol with ammunition, hand grenades, two improvised explosive devices, medicines, communication device and other logistic stores. (With PTI inputs) About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 20:40 IST News india No Ceasefire Violation Along Line Of Control In Poonch Region: Indian Army 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... DAC Clears Proposals Worth Rs 67,000 Cr To Boost Operational Capability Of Indian Armed Forces Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 21:00 IST The Defence Acquisition Council approved several proposals amounting to a total cost of about Rs 67,000 crore to boost the capability of all three services in various domains. The DAC approved several proposals to boost the capability of the Indian Armed Forces. (Representative image) The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Tuesday approved various proposals amounting to a total cost of about Rs 67,000 crore, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to boost the operational capability of the Indian Armed Forces. One of the proposals cleared by the DAC included the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Indian Army for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for BMP to enhance night driving capability of BMP and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the Mechanised Infantry. Recommended Stories For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for the procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, BrahMos Fire Control System & Launchers and Upgradation of BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence. The procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft was also approved to provide the capability to the Indian Navy for detection, classification and neutralisation of threats in anti-submarine warfare missions. An AoN was accorded for the procurement of Mountain Radars and Upgradation of SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapon System for the Indian Army. The procurement of mountain radars will enhance the air surveillance capability along and across the borders in the mountainous region. The upgradation of SAKSHAM/SPYDER System for integration with Integrated Air Command and Control System will enhance the Air Defence capability. Furthermore, AoN was also accorded for procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the three Services. The proposed MALE RPAs can carry multiple payloads and weapons and operate at longer ranges for long endurance missions, significantly enhancing surveillance and combat capability. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The DAC has also approved measures for the sustenance of C-17 and C-130J fleets and comprehensive annual maintenance contract of S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System. The DAC approval comes after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, which included precise airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The operation sparked cross-border hostilities between the two countries before an understanding was reached on May 10. 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 05, 2025, 20:59 IST News india DAC Clears Proposals Worth Rs 67,000 Cr To Boost Operational Capability Of Indian Armed Forces 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... Donald Trump On Slippery Slope On Tariff Threats To India Over Russian Oil? Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 10:45 IST During Trump's earlier term, with the backing of several advisers, the US had encouraged global purchases of Russian oil to help maintain price stability in international markets. US President Donald Trump. (AP file photo) US President Donald Trump appears to be treading a precarious path by threatening higher tariffs on India over its oil trade with Russia. His recent remarks have drawn criticism, especially as they ignore a key reality: during his earlier term and with the backing of several senior advisers the US had itself encouraged global purchases of Russian oil to help maintain price stability in international markets. Russia remains one of the worlds top oil producers. While nations like Iran and Venezuela face sweeping sanctions, Russia has not been subjected to a comprehensive embargo on energy exports. Even US officials recognise this strategic gap. Former US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti had acknowledged the complex dependence on Russian oil, and in early 2024, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar firmly pushed back against Western double standards at the Munich Security Conference pointing out that many Western countries were themselves buying Russian oil, some even rerouted through third countries like India. Recommended Stories India has consistently maintained that it is not in violation of any international law. Russian oil is not sanctioned, and if such sanctions are imposed multilaterally, India will comply. But until then, it will continue to act in its national interest. The reasoning is pragmatic: cutting off Russian oil supplies would cause global oil prices to surge, disproportionately hurting economies like India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Today, India sources crude oil from approximately 41 countries. Russia accounts for around 3035 per cent of that supply, followed by Iraq at about 15 per cent. Other key suppliers include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US, and Kuwait, each contributing between 58 per cent, with smaller shares coming from other nations. The pivot to Russian oil was not ideological but economic it was cheaper, offered deep discounts, and was available under a $60 per barrel price cap, which made sense for domestic energy security. President Trumps tariff threat may play to a domestic political audience, but for India, the message is clear: the country will not compromise its strategic autonomy or energy needs. Indias foreign policy is shaped by its own priorities and as officials have repeatedly asserted it will not yield to pressure, regardless of how powerful the source. 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 05, 2025, 10:45 IST News india Donald Trump On Slippery Slope On Tariff Threats To India Over Russian Oil? 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... King Mohammed VI of Morocco had an unusual outstretched-hand message for Algeria in his recent speech to the nation on Throne Day, when he called for negotiations towards a solution without victors or vanquished in the long-running conflict over Western Sahara, a disputed territory in northwestern Africa. The Moroccan monarchs appeasing message, which was met with silence in Algiers, coincided with a tour of the Maghreb region by Massad Boulos, President Donald Trumps advisor and father of Michael Boulos, who is married to one of Trumps daughters. Boulos had visited Algiers the previous week on a diplomatic mission aimed at boosting trade as a way to promote stability in the region. It also coincided with the announcement that the U.S. government is preparing to authorize major investments by its companies in the Morocco-controlled Western Sahara, considered by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory (pending decolonization) for half a century. Boulos returned to Washington without stopping in Rabat as originally planned. In the face of official silence regarding the proposals presented during Boulos tour, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is preparing to greenlight investments by U.S. companies in Western Sahara, according to the Moroccan news website Le Desk. This U.S. public agency plans investments of up to $5 billion [around 4.315 billion], largely in projects with Moroccan partners, in the sectors of renewable energy, minerals (rare earths), aquaculture and tourism, after having carried out exploratory missions at the end of last year. Before economic operations are authorized in a territory where armed clashes have been ongoing since 2020, when the Polisario Front broke the ceasefire agreed with Morocco in 1991, the U.S. National Security Agency has conducted an analysis of the war situation on the ground. American companies are not limited by the decisions of the EU courts, which last October annulled, at the request of the Polisario Front, the EU clubs fishing and trade agreements with Morocco. The EU Court of Justice then established that trading in products from Western Sahara meant recognizing Rabats de facto sovereignty over a territory that the international community does not recognize as part of Morocco. Furthermore, it emphasized that the consent of the Sahrawi people had not been obtained for these agreements, violating the principle of self-determination recognized by the UN. Last year, the Spanish business group Senator announced the opening of a hotel in Dakhla, in the south of Western Sahara, but the project remains frozen. Also in 2024, the French Development Agency reported a 150 million investment plan for infrastructure, including a a power line between Casablanca and Dakhla. Companies from Gulf countries are also considering investments in the Sahara. According to the Arab economic news outlet Ataqqa, the UAE energy company Taqa, which is already present in Morocco and has negotiated a stake in the Spanish energy company Naturgy, is part of a group of companies considering investing up to $10 billion in Western Sahara in solar and wind power plants to export green energy to Europe. This is not the first time that the king of Morocco has called for dialogue with Algeria, which provides shelter to the Polisario Front and to thousands of Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf (southwestern Algeria), in a regional dispute that is about to turn 50 years old. But the offer now comes from a strong international position, with Rabat enjoying support for its autonomy plan from three of the five members of the UN Security Council the United States, France, and the United Kingdom and from Spain, a former colonial power in a territory that was known as Spanish Sahara until the mid-1970s. Faced with the specter of a military escalation [...] a calmer regional climate could have significant economic and strategic repercussions for both countries, notes analyst Abdela Turabi in the weekly Tel Quel. Trumps advisor Boulos, a Lebanese-born businessman who serves as the White House mediator with Arab and African countries, previously told the Al Arabiya television channel, The United States desires the best possible neighborly relations between Algeria and Morocco. Boulos return to Washington without having completed his regional tour in Rabat, confirmed on Friday, came without any official explanation for the cancellation. Despite its special relationship with Morocco, the U.S. maintains close ties with Algeria, whose president, Abdelmayid Tebboun, received Boulos on July 27. Boulos proposed exploring the immense opportunities opened by commercial cooperation in the energy sector, according to the Algerian press. The Moroccan state news agency MAP reported on Saturday on the content of the congratulatory message sent by Trump to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the Feast of the Throne, celebrated four days earlier. The United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara territory and reaffirms its support for Moroccos autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute, he expressly reiterated in his letter to the ruler of the Alawite dynasty. In December 2020, in the final stretch of his first term, Trump recognized Moroccos sovereignty over the former Spanish colony, reversing decades of U.S. support for UN-led talks, but during the Joe Biden administration no steps were taken to implement the contents of the agreement between Rabat and Washington, such as the opening of a U.S. consulate in Dakhla. In his statements to Al Arabiya, Boulos clarified that the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara leaves the door open to dialogue to reach a mutually acceptable solution. The U.S. adviser hopes to achieve a quick solution to the conflict during Trumps current presidency. The dispute over Western Sahara has poisoned diplomatic relations in the Maghreb region since 1975, when Spain abandoned what was once its 53rd province following the Green March, the massive mobilization of tens of thousands of Moroccan civilians promoted by Hassan II, father of the current monarch, during the death throes of dictator Francisco Franco in Spain. A consensual solution I have endeavored to reach out to our brothers in Algeria, expressing Moroccos willingness to engage in frank, responsible, fraternal, and sincere dialogue on the various outstanding issues between the two countries, emphasized Mohammed VI in his Tuesday evening speech. At the same time, he affirmed the continued existence of the Arab Maghreb Union, an embryonic forum pursuing regional economic partnership since 1989, which was paralyzed by the Sahara conflict. For the first time, in addition to the usual messages of good neighborliness, the monarch also called for finding a consensual solution, in which there are no winners or losers, preserving the dignity of all parties. Despite the official silence and the suspicion shown by the media in Algeria, the pro-Algerian digital portal TSA, published in France, recognizes that the latest message from Mohammed VI differs from previous ones, although it does not define the contours of the consensual solution. The rift between the two countries over Western Sahara has continued to widen. While Algiers believes this is a matter of decolonization that should be resolved within the framework of the United Nations through direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front which advocated independence following a self-determination referendum Rabat is calling for dialogue with Algeria without the involvement of Polisario, to resolve the dispute on the sole basis of its autonomy plan under the red and green flag of the Sharifian kingdom. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition DRDO Guest House Manager Accused Of Spying For Pakistan, Held Near The Border Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 13, 2025, 14:17 IST The guest house, located in Chandan near the India-Pakistan border, regularly hosts high-ranking DRDO scientists and senior military officials during testing operations Follow us on: Military intelligence and other security agencies are currently interrogating the accused. (News18) In a shocking breach of national security, a manager of the DRDO guest house in Jaisalmer has been arrested on charges of espionage, allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistan. The accused, Mahendra Prasad, a native of Almora in Uttarakhand, had been employed at the guest house since 2008. The facility, located in Chandan near the India-Pakistan border, regularly hosts high-ranking DRDO scientists and senior military officials during testing operations. Security agencies say the revelations have sent shockwaves through the defence establishment. He has been arrested," officials confirmed, following intelligence inputs and sustained surveillance. Important evidence of espionage has been found from his mobile and chats," they added, suggesting that the information leak may have been ongoing for some time. The nature of the leaked data, its sensitivity, and the duration of the breach are now under close scrutiny. Recommended Stories Military intelligence and other security agencies are currently interrogating the accused. According to sources, the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) may also step in for questioning. Officials are trying to determine how long Prasad had been passing information and whether he was part of a larger espionage network. The location of the guest house is of strategic concern. The area includes vital installations such as the Pokhran firing range, where critical defence tests are conducted. The proximity to these sensitive sites and the access granted to the guest house manager make the charges particularly alarming. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The arrest comes on the heels of other espionage-related crackdowns in the region. Just days earlier, another accused Pakistani spy, Shakoor Khan, described as a government employee with influential contacts, was also arrested in Jaisalmer. Agencies say important evidence of espionage" was found on his mobile device as well. After the high-profile Operation Sindoor, which unearthed two key alleged spies Pathan Khan and Shakoor Khan security agencies have been on heightened alert across Rajasthans border districts. Mahendra Prasads arrest now adds to the growing list of those believed to be aiding Pakistans intelligence operations from within India. view comments Location : Jaisalmer, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 13:10 IST News india DRDO Guest House Manager Accused Of Spying For Pakistan, Held Near The Border 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 Heavy Rain Pounds Parts Of UP, No Relief Soon; 12 Dead In Rain-Related Incidents In 24 Hours Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 04, 2025, 16:01 IST Uttar Pradesh faces relentless rainfall; IMD forecasts more showers. Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Varanasi are severely affected. The weather department attributed the ongoing downpour to the monsoon trough shifting northward, now passing through key cities in UP (Image: PTI photo) As parts of Uttar Pradesh continue to face relentless rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more showers in the state over the next 24 to 36 hours. Earlier on Sunday, a red alert was issued for several districts in East UP, while an overall orange alert remains in effect for both East and West UP, according to a report in Hindustan Times. The weather department attributed the ongoing downpour to the monsoon trough shifting northward, now passing through key cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Ayodhya, and Shamli. Further, a cyclonic circulation over northeastern UP, near Bihar, is intensifying rainfall. Recommended Stories Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya Inundated Kanpur bore the brunt of the continued showers, with overnight rain turning roads into rivers. Areas like Govind Nagar and Kidwai Nagar were among the worst hit, with visuals showing vehicles submerged and residents wading through chest-deep water. Emergency services were deployed to drain water and assist affected citizens. Lucknow Schools Shut Today In the wake of rain-related disruptions, District Magistrate Visakh G Iyer ordered closure of Lucknow schools for students of Classes 1 to 12 on Monday. Further, Ayodhya also witnessed significant flooding, with the Saryu River swelling beyond its banks. Low-lying areas such as Jalwanpura reported knee-deep water, with locals navigating through submerged streets. Ganga Breaches Danger Mark In Varanasi In Varanasi, the Ganga breached its danger mark of 71.26 meters on Sunday, submerging all 84 ghats and inundating over 24 localities and 32 nearby villages. It is learnt that more than 6,500 residents have been displaced and moved to safer locations amid the rain. Meanwhile in Prayagraj, continuous rainfall triggered a flood-like situation. The rain has caused the Ganga river to breach the danger level, with several parts of the city waterlogged. 12 Dead, 17 Districts Affected top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At least 12 people have died in the last 24 hours due to lightning, drowning, snake bites, and flood-related incidents. Flooding has impacted 17 districts, including Kanpur Nagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, Agra, Auraiya, Chitrakoot, Ballia, Banda, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chandauli, Jalaun, Kanpur Dehat, Hamirpur, Etawah and Fatehpur. Relief and rescue efforts were ongoing, with NDRF, SDRF, and PAC teams deployed to assist people in the worst-affected areas. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More First Published: August 04, 2025, 16:01 IST News india Heavy Rain Pounds Parts Of UP, No Relief Soon; 12 Dead In Rain-Related Incidents In 24 Hours 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... Over 300 Roads Blocked, Schools Closed As Heavy Rains Batter Himachal's Mandi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 17:41 IST At least 331 roads across the Mandi district have been closed due to landslides and debris flows, as incessant rainfall crippled normal life in the district on Tuesday. Heavy rains have disrupted normal life in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi. (PTI) Heavy rainfall persisted in Himachal Pradeshs Mandi district on Tuesday, causing over a dozen landslides and widespread waterlogging, leaving normal life severely disrupted. Several rivers are in full spate, and authorities have issued advisories urging people to avoid non-essential travel. At least 331 roads, including the National Highway 305 (NH-305), the NH-21 from Mandi to Kullu and the NH-003, were reported blocked across the district due to debris and landslides, according to reports. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been blocked at multiple locations due to falling boulders and mudslides, halting vehicular movement on both sides. Recommended Stories Of the 331 roads blocked today, 148 had just been reopened yesterday by the Public Works Department (PWD) and other departments. The relentless rainfall has undone much of the progress," Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan told The Indian Express. At least 657 electricity lines were disrupted in Mandi on Tuesday. Due to continuous rainfall and deteriorating conditions, all government and private schools in the Sundernagar subdivision were ordered to remain closed for the day as a precaution. This morning began grim in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India, as heavy rainfall continues to worsen the situation. pic.twitter.com/3UiP82HLCc Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) August 5, 2025 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued an orange alert in the state, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mandi on Tuesday. The Mandi district has already been classified as disaster-affected. Meanwhile, the rain-related fatalities in Himachal Pradesh have risen to 103, with 36 people still missing. Out of total deaths, 20 died by drowning, 19 by falling, 17 due to cloudbursts, eight from flash floods, and six in landslides. Mandi has emerged as the worst-hit region, reporting 23 rain-related deaths and 14 fatalities in road accidents, as per official data. It also leads in terms of infrastructural damage, with 167 roads blocked, and the highest number of disruptions to water supply (86 schemes) and power services (91 transformers). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In Mandi districts Balh subdivision, many low-lying areas are facing severe waterlogging. Rainwater has entered homes and shops, prompting locals to take refuge on higher ground. (with inputs from agencies) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Mandi, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 17:41 IST News india Over 300 Roads Blocked, Schools Closed As Heavy Rains Batter Himachal's Mandi 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... Homes, Hotels, Trees, Cars Swept Away: Before-After Images Show Flashflood Havoc In Uttarkashi Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 23:49 IST Four people were killed and at least 130, who were initially feared trapped, have been rescued in Dharali, a key stopover to Gangotri housing many hotels, restaurants and homestays In this combo of two images, the before after view of an inhabitated area damaged in a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst at Dharali, in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district on August 5. (Image: PTI) Massive flashfloods most likely triggered by a cloudburst in the quaint Himalayan village of Dharali in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district, swept away homes, hotels, cars, and trees leaving a trail of destruction behind. Four people were killed and at least 130, who were initially feared trapped, have been rescued in the village that is a key stopover on the route to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges, and also houses many hotels, restaurants and homestays. Before-after images of the village show the scale of devastation. Recommended Stories According to officials, at least half the village has been buried under fast-flowing mudslide of slush, rubble and water. They said rescue and relief teams have been battling the elements in the ecologically fragile heights to contain the damage. Contiguous buildings, including three and four-storey houses, fell like a pack of cards as the surging waters washed over them. The devastating flashflood came in the wake of a cloudburst somewhere in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river. State disaster management secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said Dharali was not the only hit. The raging waters flowed down two different sides of the same hill, one towards Dharali and the other towards the village of Sukki, he said. Landslides have blocked 163 roads, including five national highways, seven state highways and two border roads across the state, further impeding rescue and preventing personnel from getting to the far-flung area, about 140 km from the state capital Dehradun and usually a five-hour drive. Uttarakhand principal secretary RK Sudhanshu said 40 to 50 buildings have been damaged. Local residents said a large portion of the Dharali market was washed away. Rajesh Panwar, an eyewitness to the horror of natures relentless fury, told PTI that about 20 to 25 hotels and homestays may have been washed away. There was widespread panic in the neighbouring villages following the flashflood. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said no stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people. I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort," he said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Dhami and ordered the dispatch of seven rescue teams to assist the affected people. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Centre and the state government are working in tandem, taking all possible measures to save precious lives. Dhami, who was in Andhra Pradesh, cancelled his trip to return to Dehradun. He said he is constantly in touch with senior officials and the situation is being closely monitored. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The news of heavy losses due to cloudburst in Dharali (Uttarkashi) area is extremely sad and painful. SDRF, NDRF, district administration and other related teams are engaged on war footing in relief and rescue operations," he said in a post on X. (With PTI inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Uttarkashi, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 23:35 IST News india Homes, Hotels, Trees, Cars Swept Away: Before-After Images Show Flashflood Havoc In Uttarkashi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... I Am Alive, But My Son Killed Me': 90-Year-Old Man Knocks On DM's Door In Bihar Curated By : Translation Desk-Local18 Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 14:53 IST A Muzaffarpur man was declared dead on paper by his own son so he could sell his land. The nonagenarian has demanded cancellation of land registration, and legal action against son Since the discovery of the betrayal, the elderly man has been moving from one office to another, seeking help from officials, the police, and the administration. (Local18) A startling case has come to light from Veerpur village in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. Raj Narayan Thakur, a 90-year-old resident of the village, has been officially declared dead by his own son. This shocking revelation emerged when his son began selling the fathers land, despite Raj Narayan being very much alive. Fathers Plea For Justice Recommended Stories On Monday, Raj Narayan Thakur approached the District Magistrate, pleading for justice. He said, I am alive, sir, I am breathing but my own son has killed me on paper!" Moved by the gravity of this claim, the District Magistrate immediately instructed the Circle Officer and the Police Station Officer to investigate the matter thoroughly. A Disturbing Betrayal This case is no plot from a film but a grim reality that exposes the deterioration of family values and the greed for property. It is alleged that Raj Narayans youngest son, Dilip Thakur, deceitfully declared his living father dead in official records and proceeded to sell his valuable land in the village, worth several lakhs. Raj Narayan discovered this deceitful act when he found out that Dilip had registered approximately 10 decimals of land in Mahmadpur village in the name of a man named Suman Saurav at the Motipur registry office on July 29. Upon visiting the registry office and obtaining the documents, he was shocked to see that he had been recorded as deceased on official papers. A Fathers Shock And Question Raj Narayan expressed his disbelief, stating, I am alive, so how can my land be sold without my knowledge?" He questioned, Where can one go if even their own family betrays them?" The elderly man has since been moving from one office to another, seeking help from officials, the police, and the administration. Demand For Legal Action top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He has demanded the cancellation of the land registration and strict legal action against his son, Dilip Thakur. Raj Narayan revealed that he has five sons in total, with Dilip being the youngest. He lamented the betrayal of trust by his own son, saying, This is not just cheating; it is the greatest injustice done to a father." Location : Muzaffarpur, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 14:53 IST News india I Am Alive, But My Son Killed Me': 90-Year-Old Man Knocks On DM's Door In Bihar 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... Israel Eyes Full Gaza Occupation Amid Ceasefire Collapse, Hostage Deadlock: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 09:36 IST As Israeli troops are already occupying 75 per cent of the area, the new orders call for the seizure of the remaining pockets, including areas where hostages are held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (IMAGE: AFP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly instructed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to take full control of the Gaza Strip in a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, according to reports. The directive is seen as a move to intensify pressure on Hamas to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held inside the enclave. Recommended Stories With Israeli troops already occupying about 75 per cent of the territory, the new orders call for the seizure of the remaining pockets, including areas where hostages are believed to be held. The Jerusalem Post reported that Netanyahus office delivered the directive directly to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, with an ultimatum: implement the order or resign. The push for full military control of Gaza comes amid a complete breakdown in ceasefire talks and rising frustration within Israels leadership over the ongoing captivity of hostages held by Hamas since the start of the conflict. Notably, Netanyahus reported directive to occupy the remainder of the Gaza Strip signals a dramatic escalation in the war effort. According to The Times of Israel, several ministers have confirmed that Netanyahu has privately used the term occupation of the Strip" marking a stark shift from the governments earlier resistance to re-entering the enclaves densely populated areas. The Israeli Security Cabinet is expected to convene on Tuesday to formalise the next phase of operations in Gaza, as pressure builds both from within the military ranks and from a public increasingly distressed by the plight of hostages and the absence of a resolution. Hamas Releases Hostage Video The development follows the release of disturbing videos by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, showing two Israeli hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David in visible distress. In the footage, Braslavski says he can no longer walk due to injuries, while David is seen digging what he calls his own grave, stating he has gone days without food. When I see these, I understand exactly what Hamas wants," Netanyahu said in a televised address on Sunday. They do not want a deal. They want to break us using these videos of horror." Meanwhile, reports from Israeli Army Radio suggest growing tensions within the military leadership. Chief of Staff Zamir is said to be frustrated with the lack of long-term strategy from the political leadership, expressing concern over a potential war of attrition with Hamas. Public discontent also surged over the weekend, as tens of thousands of Israelis rallied on Saturday night calling for an immediate ceasefire and a deal to bring the hostages home. The mass protest, one of the largest in recent weeks, was driven by the harrowing hostage footage circulating online. Netanyahu also met with officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross, urging them to push for humanitarian access to the hostages a request that Hamas has consistently denied throughout the conflict. Humanitarian Crisis Deepens As military operations intensify, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The United Nations estimates that nearly 1,400 Palestinians have died since May while attempting to access aid, many near distribution sites operated by an American contractor with Israeli backing. While the IDF denies deliberately targeting civilians, it acknowledges using warning fire to control crowds near aid trucks. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all From March to May, Israel enforced a full blockade on Gaza, halting all deliveries of food, medicine, and humanitarian supplies. Although restrictions have since eased slightly under international pressure, conditions remain dire for the enclaves estimated two million residents. Location : Israel First Published: August 05, 2025, 09:36 IST News india Israel Eyes Full Gaza Occupation Amid Ceasefire Collapse, Hostage Deadlock: 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... Jaishankar Calls For Fair Global Order Amid Trump's Tariffs: Not One Dominated By A Few Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 07:56 IST Jaishankar's remarks came amid pressure tactics by Donald Trump on several countries, including India, to sign a trade deal with the US. Jaishankar calls for fair global order (PTI Image) Amid Donald Trumps tariff tactic to pressure countries to adhere to the US trade policies, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Monday stressed on the need for a fair and multipolar global order, not one dominated by a few". His remarks hold significance as they came at a time when the world is battling Trumps unilateral tariffs on various countries, forcing them to sign a trade deal with the US or face levies on exports to America. Recommended Stories We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. That quest is often articulated as political or economic rebalancing Traditions are of particular value because ultimately they define identity. We must be assured about what we are if we want to be confident about shaping the future. For nations like us, traditions are truly a great source of strength," Jaishankar said while addressing BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in the national capital. #WATCH | Delhi: At the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival, SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody", EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. That quest pic.twitter.com/nRQ61EiGqP ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2025 US Steps Up Trade War With India The US resorted to escalating a trade war with India by imposing 25% tariffs on Indian imports to America and also topping it up with a penalty" for buying Russian oil and defence equipment from Moscow. Trump announced on Monday that he would increase tariffs on India, citing New Delhis decision to continue buying Russian energy. He accused India of buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it on the open market for big profits". Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the US," he said. India Responds To US Strongly In response within hours, India gave a strong reply to Trumps threat over its purchase of Russian oil, and termed the latest levies as unjustified and unreasonable". India called out the US-EU duplicity on the matter and highlighted that America continues to import uranium hexafluoride from Russia for its nuclear industry. The Ministry of External Affairs said that Indias crude oil purchases from Russia are a necessity compelled by global market conditions" and not a political endorsement of Moscow. India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the statement said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) pointed out that the US and European Union are still trading with Russia, including buying energy and important goods, even though they publicly speak against the Ukraine war. It also said that the European Union traded goods worth 67.5 billion and services worth 17.2 billion with Russia much more than what India trades with Russia. 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 05, 2025, 07:35 IST News india Jaishankar Calls For Fair Global Order Amid Trump's Tariffs: Not One Dominated By A Few 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 LG Manoj Sinha Hands Over Appointment Letters To Families Of 158 Terror Victims Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 19:34 IST J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday handed over appointment letters to 158 Next of Kin (NoKs) of civilians killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Srinagar. J&K LG Manoj Sinha while handing appointment letters to families of terror victims in Srinagar. (Office of LG J&K) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday handed over appointment letters to 158 Next of Kin (NoKs) of civilians killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Srinagar, saying that decades-old wounds are being healed and justice is being delivered". In a ceremony held in Srinagar, LG Sinha said, Wounds that have persisted for decades are now being healed. Todays event brings a sense of closure to families who silently bore unimaginable trauma." Senior officials including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and Principal Secretary (Home) Chandraker Bharti, among others, were present during the event. Recommended Stories Wounds that have persisted for decades are now being healed. 158 NoKs of Kashmiri Civilians killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists were handed over appointment letters. Todays landmark event provided a sense of closure to the families who have silently suffered trauma for years. pic.twitter.com/SU7Tydc6uh Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 5, 2025 Sinha paid heartfelt tributes to civilian martyrs on the occasion and hailed the courage of the bereaved families, acknowledging the enduring pain inflicted by Pakistan-backed terror over the past three decades, according to an official release. He also affirmed that India had drawn a new red line against terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that equal punishment would be given to terrorists and their sponsors. For more than three decades, the terror state Pakistan is shedding innocent blood through its proxy terrorist outfits. Time did not erase the pain of loss. Invisible scars on their soul can be felt and the mute eyes are witness to many unfulfilled dreams," he said on X. They (terror victims) have come out to reveal the role of Pakistani terrorists and terror ecosystem that was operating in J&K." Long-Awaited Justice Among the recipients of the appointment letters was Mudasir Majid, son of Abdul Majid Mir, who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Baramulla in 2004. His family had only received a meagre ex-gratia under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme until today. Similarly, Suhail Majeed of Anantnag, who lost his father Abdul Majeed Wani in 1994, received a government appointment letter after waiting for 31 years, according to the release. LG Sinha also shared the stories of Khurshid Ahmad Rather, son of SPO Manzoor Ahmad Rather killed in 2000, and Parvez Ahmad Dar, whose father and brother were murdered by terrorists. Financial compensation cannot fill the void. But we will ensure every family lives with dignity, and perpetrators face exemplary punishment," he emphasised, adding that the abrogation of Article 370 marked the birth of a new Jammu and Kashmir that upheld equality, justice and opportunity for all. Earlier, jobs went to sympathisers of terror. Today, they go to true martyrs families. In the new J&K, tears are wiped from common peoples eyes, not shed for terrorists," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He urged every citizen to rise against terrorism and said peace is essential for prosperity, saying, Terrorism has no place in civil society. Generations have suffered. We must not allow history to repeat itself." This event follows similar landmark initiatives on July 13 (Baramulla) and July 28 (Jammu) and underscores the J&K Administrations continued commitment to delivering justice to terror victim families. To expedite relief and rehabilitation, the J&K government has launched a dedicated web portal, and helplines have been established at district and divisional levels to address grievances. 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 : Srinagar, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 19:34 IST News india J&K LG Manoj Sinha Hands Over Appointment Letters To Families Of 158 Terror Victims Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Lottery System: How Much Do Kerala And Punjab Earn? Which Model Will Himachal Adopt? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 13:44 IST The Himachal Pradesh government plans to restart its state-run lottery digitally, nearly three decades after its ban, sparking debate over its social impact In 2024-25, Kerala reportedly earned over Rs 13,500 crore through its lottery department, while Sikkims lottery revenue was around Rs 30 crore. (Image for representation) The Himachal Pradesh government has cleared the way for restarting the state-run lottery system, nearly three decades after it was banned. In a decision taken by the Cabinet on July 31, the state announced its intention to bring back lotteries in a digital format, modelled on existing frameworks in states like Punjab. However, the move has sparked sharp political opposition and ignited fresh debate over the social and ethical implications of such a system. The original lottery system in Himachal was first suspended in 1996 following a High Court order triggered by a letter from then Solan MLA Rakesh Pant. It was permanently scrapped in 1999 during the tenure of then Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. Now, under the Congress-led government, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhus cabinet has opted to reintroduce the system, but this time, through an online platform. Recommended Stories Punjabs Regulated Lottery Structure Officials suggest that the state could adopt a model similar to Punjab, where the lottery is state-regulated, legally sanctioned, and contributes significantly to the exchequer. In Punjab, bumper lotteries are organised during major festivals like Diwali, Holi, New Year, Lohri, and Baisakhi, alongside regular weekly and monthly draws. Ticket prices range from Rs 20 to Rs 500, and draws are conducted under official supervision. The entire system is managed by Punjabs lottery department, with real-time updates published on a government-run website. Importantly, only state-authorised agents are allowed to distribute tickets or conduct draws. Private or single-digit lotteries are strictly banned. The legal framework for such lotteries in India is provided by the Lotteries (Regulation) Act of 1998, later amended in 2010. While the Act is central legislation, lotteries are treated as a state subject, giving individual states the autonomy to permit or ban them. States like Kerala, Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Punjab have retained legal lottery operations. In 2024-25, Kerala reportedly earned over Rs 13,500 crore through its lottery department, while Sikkims lottery revenue was around Rs 30 crore. Punjab, for its part, recorded Rs 235 crore in earnings in the last financial year. Penalties for Illegal Lotteries Despite the legitimacy of state-run lotteries in some parts of the country, operating unauthorised or fake lotteries remains a serious offence. In Punjab, those found running illegal platforms, including digital or unlicensed draws, can face jail terms ranging from six months to two years and fines between Rs 10,000 and Rs 1 lakh. Political Backlash in Himachal The reintroduction of the lottery system has provoked criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal reiterated that the system was deliberately abolished during his tenure to curb exploitative practices. BJP leaders have raised concerns about the potential social impact, especially in a hill state with limited economic mobility. However, CM Sukhus media adviser, Naresh Chauhan, dismissed the oppositions stance as hypocritical", saying that many BJP-ruled states operate government lotteries but some party leaders have criticised the move in Himachal. He also claimed that the BJP receives sizable donations from states where the lottery is active and accused the party of selective outrage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What Happens Next? The state government has not yet revealed the launch date for the digital lottery system or the detailed operational guidelines. But it has indicated that the system will be implemented under strict legal oversight to ensure transparency and prevent abuse. Location : Shimla, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 13:44 IST News india Lottery System: How Much Do Kerala And Punjab Earn? Which Model Will Himachal Adopt? 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... 'Designated As Marshals': Parliament Sources As Kharge Questions Security Presence In House Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:58 IST Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the presence of CISF personnel in the Rajya Sabha during Opposition protests, calling it "undemocratic." LoP in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge speaks during a debate in the House (Photo: PTI) Sources with the Parliament security on Tuesday said personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were designated as marshals for the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha chambers, clarifying that they were not deployed to obstruct the House members. CISF personnel have been designated as marshals for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers. They were not in the House to obstruct any MP, but to carry out duties assigned to them," sources said. Recommended Stories Previous Parliament security was a separate cadre, but now, the CISF has taken over all duties from the periphery security," they added. This came after Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday, condemned the presence of security personnel inside the House, with the Opposition protesting the same as most objectionable and undemocratic". In a letter addressed to Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Kharge had expressed shock over the manner in which the CISF personnel entered the Parliament during opposition protests. I want to thank you, sir, for the references you gave us, the ones we didnt read, but you told us," Kharges letter mentioned. Im writing to you on behalf of the opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha. We are astonished and shocked at the manner in which CISF personnel were made to run into the well of the House while members were exercising their democratic right to protest," the letter mentioned. We saw this yesterday, and we saw it again today. Has our Parliament been reduced to such a level?" the LoP asked. This is most objectionable, and we strongly condemn it. 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," he added. Kharge further cited remarks by late leaders Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, when they served as Leaders of the Opposition, recalling that they had defended disruptions as part of a vibrant democratic process". We are protesting in a democratic way, and we will continue to do so. That is our right," Kharge asserted. Responding to the allegations, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh refuted Kharges claims, stating that the personnel deployed were not from the CISF but from the Parliament Security Service (PSS). I want to clarify that only the Parliament Security Service can enter the House when needed. No CISF personnel were involved," the Deputy Chairman said in the House. Undeterred, Kharge stood by his remarks and said, I condemn this. You can throw us out of the proceedings." KHARGE ASKS IF HOUSE IS BEING RUN BY AMIT SHAH As the debate progressed, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Kharge of misleading" the House and asked for a clarification from the Congress leader regarding his letter to the Deputy Chairman Harivansh. Following the accusation, Kharge asked whether the Chairman or Union Home Minister Amit Shah was running the House. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Even our previous leaders have maintained that disruptions are also a part of democracy. But I ask you today (Chair), who is running this House? You, or Union Home Minister Amit Shah?" Kharge asked. The standoff comes amid heightened opposition protests over various issues, with the well of the House increasingly becoming a flashpoint for confrontation. About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 12:55 IST News india 'Designated As Marshals': Parliament Sources As Kharge Questions Security Presence In House 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday denied the existence of a hunger strike at the Alligator Alcatraz detention center, despite the fact that Cuban detainee Pedro Lorenzo Concepcion has gone 14 days without food in protest over the uncertainty he faces at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The immigrant himself confirmed to EL PAIS in a phone call from Florida that he is too weak but is continuing his hunger strike. Im still at it today, Im still without food, he stated. Truth will take you wherever you want to go, I refuse any help. Check the security cameras if you want. The Cuban man said he was transferred to a different detention center in Florida over the weekend. The transfer came after local media picked up the story of his protest, first reported by EL PAIS on July 31. On Monday morning, the DHS announced in a tweet that the allegations of hunger strikes at Alligator Alcatraz were fake news and that there is NO hunger strike at Alligator Alcatraz. Hours later, the department reiterated this position in a statement to EL PAIS: Here are the facts: there is no hunger strike at Alligator Alcatraz. Unfortunately, this is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that the media has repeated inaccurate and unsubstantiated accusations about illegal immigrant detention centers, added the Departments deputy secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, in an email. The truth is that Lorenzo Concepcion, 44, is no longer on a hunger strike at Alligator Alcatraz, not because he ended his protest, but because he was transferred on Saturday to another detention center, Krome, also in Florida. EL PAIS asked DHS about the reason for the Cubans transfer and his health status, but received no response. Several videos provided by Thomas Kennedy, a political analyst with the Florida Immigrant Coalition, show trucks and ambulances leaving Alligator Alcatraz over the weekend. Daimarys Hernandez, wife and mother of two of Lorenzo Concepcions children, claims the transfer was strategic. They took him out to be able to say there was no hunger strike at Alcatraz. And they kept him isolated, separated from everyone. On Saturday night, Lorenzo Concepcion called his wife from Alligator Alcatraz to inform her that he had been told he would be transferred to another center. However, he did not say where, nor did he provide any other details. Early Sunday morning, Hernandezwho until now had searched for her husbands name on the official DHS website and had not found itwas able to confirm that the man was in ICE custody at Krome. On Sunday, she hadnt heard from him. On Monday morning, she received a call from him: Lorenzo Concepcions voice was increasingly weak, he had aches and he could barely walk on his own. At the center, they had provided him with a wheelchair. According to the Cuban migrant, once at Krome, he was isolated from the other detainees and taken to a punishment cell. The authorities at the new center also informed him that they would not recognize him as being on a hunger strike until he had gone three days without eating, despite the fact that he has been on a hunger strike for almost two weeks. After he refuses nine meals there, they will recognize that he is on a hunger strike. They start counting from the day he arrived at Krome, not the other days he has gone without eating; that doesnt matter to them, his wife says. Pedro Lorenzo Concepcion and his wife. CORTESIA Lorenzo Concepcion was detained on July 8 by ICE during an appointment at their Miramar offices, where he had routinely attended every year since losing his permanent resident status more than 10 years ago after being found guilty of watching over a house with marijuana crops and then serving as a chauffeur for people involved in credit card theft. He is a convicted drug trafficker and has been accused of carrying a concealed weapon. Once again, the media is quick to believe a convicted criminal instead of ICE agents, McLaughlin asserted. For a long time now, however, Lorenzo Concepcion had been focused on his work at AVS, an audiovisual services company, and on the family that he started. His relatives never imagined that, even today, he would have to pay for a crime committed in his youth. If you made a mistake and paid for it, why does it still haunt you years later? And how long are you going to keep paying for something you have already paid for? his wife asked in previous statements. On July 22, the migrant decided he was going to stop eating, seeing that the days were passing and no one gave him a clear answer about his situation. He was also fed up with a center where living conditions are difficult, amid complaints about limited food, mosquito infestations, COVID infections, limited privacy, filth, and where they are allowed to shower only three times a week. ICE is the one who decides about my life, Lorenzo Concepcion told EL PAIS. And since my life no longer belongs to me, its up to them to decide whether I live or die. During his time at Alligator Alcatraz, Lorenzo Concepcion was taken to Kendall Hospital, despite the Florida Department of Emergency Management denying that they had anyone hospitalized from that facility. Although doctors tried to convince him to eat, the Cuban man signed a document stating his intention not to receive any type of food. I dont want food, I refuse any treatment, he insisted. At Alligator Alcatraz, he was also taken to the on-site medical center after his fellow inmates drew attention to his visible physical deterioration. For the record: During the hunger strikes, ICE continues to provide three meals a day, delivered to the detained aliens room, and an adequate supply of drinking water or other beverages. Ensuring the safety and well-being of those in our custody is a top priority at ICE, McLaughlin said in her statement. During fiscal year 2025, there have been approximately 13 deaths of migrants in ICE custody. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 'Misleading': Indian Army Refutes Reports On Nagpur Incident, Says No Civilians Injured Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 09:58 IST The Army also condemned medias portrayal of the incident, calling it sensationalist, and warned against attempts to tarnish reputation of the armed forces. Army said no civilians were injured during the entire incident. (Screengrab of the incident) The Indian Army has issued a rebuttal against what it called false and misleading" media reports claiming that a drunken army personnel rammed a car into a crowd in Nagpur, injuring several civilians. Multiple media outlets and social media posts on August 4, 2025, carried sensational headlines such as Drunk Army Officer Rams Car Into 30 People In Nagpur, Thrashed By Locals." The Indian Army, after conducting a thorough inquiry in coordination with local police authorities, has now clarified the actual chain of events. Recommended Stories According to official findings, the incident occurred on August 3, 2025, at around 6:30pm in Nagardhan, Nagpur district. Havildar Harsh Pal Mahadev Waghmare, a non-commissioned officer posted in the North East and currently on leave in his hometown Ramtek, Nagpur, had a minor altercation with a group of locals over a parking issue while returning from a relatives residence. During the altercation, four individuals began chasing the Army personnel. In an attempt to flee from the group, Waghmares car accidentally hit a tree. At that point, he was reportedly pulled out of the vehicle and savagely assaulted by the individuals, while his car was vandalised and thrown into a nearby drain. Crucially, no civilians were injured during the entire incident, the Army has confirmed, citing verified inputs from Ramtek Police Station and corroboration by the Superintendent of Police (Rural), Nagpur. In response, Havildar Waghmare filed an FIR against the four attackers on August 4 at Ramtek Police Station. The Local Military Authority is closely working with the police to ensure a speedy and fair resolution of the matter and is providing all necessary support to the soldier. The Army also condemned the medias portrayal of the incident, calling it sensationalist" and irresponsible", and warned against attempts to tarnish the reputation of the armed forces through false reporting. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This incident may also be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Indian Army and create divisions where none exist," the official statement read. The Army urged media platforms to verify facts from credible sources before publishing such serious allegations and reiterated its commitment to uphold law and order, both within and outside its ranks. 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 05, 2025, 09:58 IST News india 'Misleading': Indian Army Refutes Reports On Nagpur Incident, Says No Civilians Injured 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... Neither F-35 Nor Su-57: Why India Is Taking Its Time On 5th-Gen Fighter Jets Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 11:10 IST Pakistans reported plans to acquire Chinas J-35A stealth jets have added pressure on Indias fifth-gen fighter jet timeline, bringing renewed focus to regional air power dynamics According to defence experts, priority should be given to AMCA, acquiring technology from private companies and Western countries. (PTI/File) Indias pursuit of fifth-generation fighter jets is once again in the spotlight, as the race for aerial superiority in the region intensifies. With the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) expected to take to the skies by 2035, the spotlight is now on how India plans to bridge the capability gap in the interim. While reports suggest that India has opted against acquiring the US-made F-35 Lightning II and remains cautious about Russias Su-57, neighbouring countries are rapidly modernising their air forces. Recommended Stories Pakistans reported plans to acquire Chinas J-35A stealth jets have introduced a new layer to the regional security landscape, prompting renewed focus on the timeline of Indias fifth-generation fighter jet programme and adding urgency to discussions around future capabilities and preparedness in the evolving regional balance. Indias aspiration to modernise its military and strengthen its air power has reached a pivotal moment. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been advocating for the sale of the F-35 fighter jet, even as doubts continue to surround Russias Su-57. How Crucial Are Fifth-Gen Jets For India? The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates only 29 squadrons, a number reduced by the retirement of old MiG-21 aircraft and delayed purchases of new jets. The AMCA programme, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is expected to be ready by 2035. This twin-engine stealth jet will feature an AI-based electronic pilot, supercruise, and an internal weapons bay, but its prototype is likely to be ready only by 2027-28, with full production taking even longer. Meanwhile, neighbouring countries are enhancing their air power. China possesses J-20 stealth jets and is testing sixth-generation prototypes like J-36 and J-50. Pakistan plans to acquire 40 J-35A stealth jets by 2026-27, posing a serious challenge for India, particularly in light of recent tensions such as the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Why Is India Not Opting For The F-35? Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump offered India the F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, touted as the worlds most high-tech stealth jet, aiming to strengthen India-US defence relations. However, India expressed little interest in this proposal. According to Bloomberg, India has indicated its reluctance to purchase the F-35, citing several strategic and political reasons. The cost of an F-35 fighter aircraft is $80 million (over Rs 700 crore), and its maintenance and spare parts are also expensive. The US retains full control over the jets software and stealth coatings, potentially compromising Indias strategic autonomy. Additionally, a substantial portion of Indias defence purchases come from Russia. The US had previously excluded Turkey from the F-35 programme due to its use of the Russian S-400 defence system, raising fears in India that buying F-35s could impact its strategic relations with Russia. Why Is India Wary Of The Su-57E? Russia, on the other hand, has offered the Su-57E, including technology transfer and local production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This offer is appealing to India, given the existing infrastructure of the Su-30MKI. However, there are concerns about the Su-57s stealth capabilities, and India exited its co-development programme (FGFA) in 2018 due to unmet expectations. Moreover, the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions have affected the Su-57s production. What Is Pakistans Ploy And Indias Strategy? Pakistans intentions to acquire J-35A jets are worrying for India. Pakistan, which imports more than 80% of its weapons from China, is also discussing building KAAN aircraft with Turkey, increasing pressure on Indias northern and western borders. Defence experts assert that India urgently needs fifth-gen jets, as waiting ten years for the AMCA could be risky. The IAF recently presented to the government, recommending the import of 2-3 squadrons (40-60 jets). A committee led by Defence Secretary RK Singh highlighted the need for fifth-gen jets to bolster readiness on the northern and western borders. However, retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra stated that neither the F-35 nor the Su-57 are entirely suitable for India, advocating instead for focusing on AMCA and involving the private sector. What Lies Ahead For India India now faces three options to acquire fifth-gen fighter jets. According to defence experts, priority should be given to AMCA, acquiring technology from private companies and Western countries. Moreover, immediate needs could be met by increasing the purchase and production of aircraft like Rafale and Tejas Mk2. Experts have also suggested that AMCA should be developed in parallel with limited purchases of F-35 or Su-57. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pakistans J-35A plans and Chinas progress in sixth-gen aircraft have challenged Indias defence strategy. While both the F-35 and Su-57 have their advantages and risks, Indias current stance focuses on self-reliance and the AMCA. Trumps policies and geopolitical complexities have complicated the acquisition of foreign jets. Experts have suggested that India must rapidly develop the AMCA, involve the private sector, and find an interim solution with 4.5th-gen jets. First Published: August 05, 2025, 11:07 IST News india Neither F-35 Nor Su-57: Why India Is Taking Its Time On 5th-Gen Fighter Jets 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... NSA Ajit Doval Arrives In Moscow Amid Escalating US-India Tensions Over Russian Oil Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 23:05 IST National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visits Russia to strengthen ties amid US tensions over India's Russian oil purchases. NSA Ajit Doval (PTI Image) Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval touched down in Russia for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening the strategic ties between New Delhi and Moscow. His trip comes against the backdrop of escalating diplomatic friction between India and the United States over New Delhis continued purchases of Russian oil and defence equipment. According to the Times of India, the visit had been planned in advance but US President Donald Trumps recent outburst over Indias engagement with Russia has lent the visit renewed significance and geopolitical weight. Recommended Stories Read more: Dont Burn A Relationship: Nikki Haley Cautions Trump On India, Flags China Concerns Ajit Doval is expected to hold closed-door consultations with senior Russian security and defence officials, with discussions likely to focus on regional stability, counterterrorism cooperation and energy security. Donald Trumps Tariff Threats On India Ajit Dovals Moscow mission follows just days after Donald Trump slammed India for allegedly profiting" from the sale of Russian crude oil. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump accused India of buying massive amounts" of Russian oil and reselling it on the open market for profit. He warned of a sharp hike in tariffs on Indian goods within 24 hours. The US President wrote, They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine." The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the US Presidents remarks as politically motivated, unjustified and unreasonable". MEA reiterated that Indias energy imports are dictated by national needs and market stability- adding that several Western countries, including the US, maintain far deeper trade ties with Russia. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Broader Diplomatic Engagements In Pipeline The Economic Times earlier reported that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also expected to travel to Russia later in August, reinforcing the frequency of high-level exchanges between the two countries. First Published: August 05, 2025, 22:56 IST News india NSA Ajit Doval Arrives In Moscow Amid Escalating US-India Tensions Over Russian Oil 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... '...Of Natural Causes': British Coroner's Report Confirms Reason Behind Sunjay Kapur's Death Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 14:45 IST The Surrey Coroner's office stated that the investigation into Sunjay Kapur's death "has revealed that he died of natural causes". Sunjay Kapur's last rites were held in New Delhi on June 19.(Photo Credit: X) Businessman Sunjay Kapur, who died last month while playing polo in London, died of natural causes, British medical authorities said in a letter to his wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, on Sunday. The Surrey Coroners office stated that the investigation into Sunjay Kapurs death has revealed that he died of natural causes" and listed left ventricular hypertrophy and ischemic heart disease as the causes of death. Recommended Stories The left ventricular hypertrophy is a condition in which the muscular wall of the hearts left ventricle thickens, making it harder for blood to be pumped effectively. The condition often develops when the heart is working harder than normal or because of higher blood pressure. Meanwhile, ischemic heart disease involves a condition in which the heart muscle doesnt receive enough blood and oxygen, usually due to narrowed arteries. The coroners office in its report, mentioned, In light of this, the investigation has now been discontinued pursuant to Section 4 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 there will be no need for an inquest." Following the report, sources close to Priya Kapur, Sunjay Kapurs wife, said that this proves there was no foul play and that the report had been shared with Rani Kapur, Mr Kapurs mother, days ago, NDTV reported. They added that Rani Kapurs subsequent claims that he was murdered as part of a transnational conspiracy are bewildering. Notably, Rani Kapur last week wrote to Surrey Police and said she has credible and concerning evidence that suggests that her sons death may not have been accidental or natural, but may have involved foul play" Rani Kapurs letter gained massive public attention, pointing towards a family dispute. This started with her e-mail to the board of Sona Comstar demanding that it postpone an annual general meeting. She identified herself as the majority shareholder of the Sona Group, which includes Sona Comstar and Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd and alleged she had been compelled to sign documents" while she was grieving for her son. She also questioned the decision to appoint certain people (i.e., Priya Sachdev Kapur)". In fact, she also highlighted gross illegalities" in company affairs. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Soon after Rani Kapurs statement, the company responded and stated that Ms Kapur is not a shareholder, majority or otherwise, and had not been one since 2019. The company said in May 2019 a declaration of significant beneficial ownership" named Sunjay Kapur as the sole beneficial owner" The board also denied her claims that she was forced to sign documents behind closed doors. No documents had been signed or obtained from her since Sunjay Kapurs death," the board 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 First Published: August 05, 2025, 14:41 IST News india '...Of Natural Causes': British Coroner's Report Confirms Reason Behind Sunjay Kapur's Death Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 13:08 IST Parliament Monsoon Session Day 12, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha 5th August LVIE Updates: Legislative business remains stalled in both the Houses as the deadlock continues over the Oppositions demand for an immediate debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which triggered massive protests on Monday. Deputy Speaker Jagdambika Pal, presiding over the afternoon session yesterday, reminded members that not a single bill had been passed since the start of the Monsoon Session. This marks the third straight week of disrupted proceedings in the Monsoon Session, which commenced on July 21. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the BJP-led NDA parliamentary party meeting the first such gathering during the ongoing Parliament session and the first in a considerable while. The meeting carries added significance as the nomination process for the Vice Presidents election begins on August 7. With a clear majority in the electoral college, the NDAs nominee is expected to win unopposed. However, the alliance must announce its candidate by August 21 the deadline for filing nominations and the final day of the Monsoon Session. Catch all live updates here: People, Buildings Swept Away As Uttarkashi Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc, Horrific Visuals Emerge Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 22:14 IST A devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashis Dharali village triggered deadly flash floods and landslides, killing at least four people and leaving several others missing. A cloudburst in Uttarkashi wreaked havoc as several buildings were washed away. (Photo: X) After twin cloudbursts triggered flash floods that wreaked havoc near the Dharali village and the Harsil Army Camp on Tuesday, disturbing visuals emerged on social media showing people and buildings being swept away by the impact of the floods as the Kheer Ganga River suddenly swelled and overflowed into the village. A particularly scary video online showed the impact of the floods overwhelming a chain of buildings located near the Kheer Ganga river. Another video showed hotels and houses being swallowed by a massive mudslide after the cloudburst. Recommended Stories Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as entire markets and buildings were washed away by the sudden floodwaters. In another video, people were seen screaming and running away as a huge wave of floodwaters tore through several buildings. People were heard whistling, a traditional emergency signal, to lead people to safety. Scary visuals! Flash floods hit #Uttarkashi after a cloudburst; several villagers have been washed away pic.twitter.com/DCBiV4BHDY Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) August 5, 2025 In another video, a car with people inside was seen being swept away by the floods. People could be heard saying, There are people inside." The raging waters flowed down two different sides of the same hill, one towards Dharali and the other towards the village of Sukki, Uttarakhands Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman was quoted as saying by NDTV. The rain continued till evening, with a red alert in place till Wednesday. Dharali, home to many hotels, restaurants and homestays, bore the brunt of the cloudburst. Once a vibrant landscape of emerald fields with cheerful blue and pink rooftops, the area now lies in devastation overwhelmed by mudslides and floods. Nearly half the homes have been torn from the earth, leaving behind only rubble, silence, and the haunting memory of what once was. Follow Live Updates A devastating cloudburst in Uttarkashis Dharali village triggered deadly flash floods and landslides, killing at least four people and leaving several others missing. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on has issued a red alert for nine districts in Uttarakhand. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Government officials said at least 130 people had been rescued so far from the disaster site as rescue operations by the SDRF, Indian Army, and local police began on a war footing. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the state government is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with all agencies involved in the rescue efforts. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Dhami to take stock of the situation. Several political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, have expressed condolences and called for speedy relief efforts. 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 : Uttarkashi, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 22:12 IST News india People, Buildings Swept Away As Uttarkashi Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc, Horrific Visuals Emerge 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 To Address Key NDA Meet Today Amid Opposition Uproar, Vice Presidential Polls In Focus Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 07:40 IST PM Modi will address the NDA parliamentary party today, ahead of the vice-presidential nomination process starting August 7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI file) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the BJP-led NDA parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday. The meeting comes a couple of days before the filing of nominations for the vice presidents election begins on August 7. The NDA will have to announce its candidate, whose election will be a certainty due to the alliances majority in the electoral college, by August 21, the last date of nomination-filing and the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Recommended Stories The meeting also comes in the middle of a session which has been all but a washout so far, except for a two-day discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, due to a united Oppositions ceaseless protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar by the Election Commission. PM Modi is expected to speak on a host of current issues as the Opposition has been raising the heat over the poll bodys alleged partisan conduct favouring the government, and the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister is also likely to be felicitated by the parliamentary party over his governments military response to the terror strike. The electoral college for the vice president poll includes MPs of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and its current strength is 782. If the Opposition also names a candidate, a distinct possibility, then the poll is scheduled to be held on September 9. News agency PTI quoted sources as saying that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and a few BJP national general secretaries are likely to be coordinating with allies for the vice presidential poll. Since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP lost its majority but comfortably crossed the halfway mark with allies, the sessional meeting of the partys MPs was expanded to include its allies. PM Modi had addressed the first such meeting on July 2. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, no meeting has been held in the last few sessions. ALSO READ | Ek Chutki Sindoor Ki Kimat: Delhi CM Rekha Guptas Bollywood Dig At Jaya Bachchan About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: August 05, 2025, 07:38 IST News india PM Modi To Address Key NDA Meet Today Amid Opposition Uproar, Vice Presidential Polls In Focus 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 Says Opposition Is Regretting Op Sindoor Debate, Mentions Kashmir On Art 370 Anniversary Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 11:14 IST The Prime Minister claimed the Opposition had miscalculated by pushing for a debate on Operation Sindoor Follow us on: File photo PM Modi in Lok Sabha. (Sansad TV) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the NDA Parliamentary party meeting, marking the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, and used the occasion to hit out at the Opposition for misplaying" its hand during the recent debate on Operation Sindoor. On August 5, we abrogated Article 370. On August 5, we laid the foundation of the Ram Mandir. And now, on August 5, look at the Opposition, where else will you find such an Opposition that hurts its own foot by demanding a debate on Operation Sindoor?" the Prime Minister said, in a sharp jibe. Recommended Stories Referring to the security situation in Kashmir, he reiterated that while the Opposition frequently speaks of the Constitution, it was the BJP-led NDA government that truly applied the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir by removing Article 370, a move that integrated the region fully with the Indian Union. They speak about the Constitution, but never allowed it to be fully implemented in J&K," he said. Operation Sindoor Debate Backfires On Opposition: PM The Prime Minister claimed the Opposition had miscalculated by pushing for a debate on Operation Sindoor, Indias retaliatory strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Opposition insisted on a debate. But they got thrashed in the discussion, and now they must be regretting it. They lost the chance to corner the government and instead exposed their lack of coherence and national perspective," he said. NDA Hails Armed Forces, PM Modis Leadership After Pahalgam Attack The NDA passed a resolution saluting the bravery of the Indian armed forces and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack and Indias strong response through Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. The resolution strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 innocent tourists were killed by terrorists from The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Victims were reportedly segregated based on religion before being murdered, a barbaric act that shocked the nation and drew international condemnation. From Condemnation to Action Prime Minister Modis resolute statement on April 24 from Bihar that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers set the tone for the governments response. Living up to that commitment, India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 67, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision strikes. The NDA resolution hailed these operations as a reflection of the governments zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and praised the Indian armed forces for their unmatched courage. It noted that no distinction would be made between state sponsors and terror masterminds, and India will respond on its own terms, rejecting nuclear blackmail or diplomatic pressure. Operation Sindoor: Symbolism And Strategy top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The naming of the operation as Sindoor", a powerful cultural symbol associated with marital sanctity, was especially poignant. The resolution noted that while terrorists attempted to strip dignity and life from Indian women and families, the armed forces restored honour and security through their action. The operation was described as a result of deep structural reforms in the defence sector initiated under PM Modi, including the emphasis on jointness, indigenisation, and drone capabilities. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 10:54 IST News india PM Modi Says Opposition Is Regretting Op Sindoor Debate, Mentions Kashmir On Art 370 Anniversary 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 Political Blame Game Erupts In UP As Floods Submerge 400 Villages, Kill 16 In 24 Hours Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 16:23 IST The relentless downpour, averaging 36.8 mm across 73 districts in the past 24 hoursa staggering 405 per cent above the normal forecast of 7.3 mmhas exacerbated the crisis According to official data, floods have battered 17 districts, including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur Nagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, Mirzapur, and Ballia. (PTI) Politics over floods is heating up in Uttar Pradesh, where over 402 villages across 17 districts lie submerged, more than 84,000 people are affected, and 16 lives have been lost in just 24 hours. As UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marshals a ministerial task force to spearhead relief and rescue operations, opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav has unleashed a sharp critique of what he called the corrupt and failed" government more invested in event management" than in alleviating public suffering. Recommended Stories According to official data, floods have battered 17 districts, including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur Nagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, Mirzapur, and Ballia. Over 402 villages across 37 tehsils are reeling under floodwaters, directly impacting 84,392 people. The relentless downpour, averaging 36.8 mm across 73 districts in the past 24 hoursa staggering 405 per cent above the normal forecast of 7.3 mmhas exacerbated the crisis. In just 24 hours, 16 people lost their lives in rain and flood-related mishaps, while more than 343 homes have collapsed across the state. Water Levels Rising Alarmingly Varanasi, the spiritual heart of UP, is among the worst-hit. The Ganga is swelling at a dangerous pace, rising half a centimeter every hour. By Monday noon, the rivers water level touched 72.05 metersnearly 79 centimeters above the danger mark of 71.26 meters. Iconic ghats such as Assi and Manikarnika lie submerged, forcing cremation and religious rituals to makeshift platforms and rooftops. With the Varuna river also in spate, nearly 30,000 residents in low-lying areas have been marooned, many being ferried to safer ground by boats. In Prayagraj, the Ganga and Yamuna are flowing almost a meter above the danger mark, flooding several neighbourhoods. Residents are forced to wade through waist-deep water, with reports of food shortages and contaminated drinking water compounding the misery. In Lucknow, uninterrupted rainfall for more than 50 hours has inundated posh localities, with sewage water entering homes and floating household items painting a stark picture of urban vulnerability. The crisis has also thrown up bizarre incidents: In Shahjahanpur, a crocodile wandered into a residential colony, captured only after a tense struggle by local youths and later secured by forest officials. Schools Shut, Red and Orange Alerts Issued The widespread devastation has prompted the closure of schools in multiple districts. Authorities extended holidays till August 5 in Jaunpur, Chandauli, and Sonbhadra, till August 6 in Varanasi, Hamirpur, and Lakhimpur, and till August 7 in Prayagraj and Mirzapur. The Meteorological Department has sounded a red alert in Kerala and an orange alert in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, warning of continued heavy rainfall. Yogi Governments Relief Push Yogi Adityanath has taken direct charge of monitoring the situation, setting up a special 11-member ministerial task force to oversee flood relief in affected districts. The chief minister has directed officials to ensure transparency, prompt relief distribution, and sensitive handling of victims. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and PAC are already on the ground, coordinating with local administrations for rescue and rehabilitation efforts. On Monday, finance minister Suresh Khanna and labour minister Anil Rajbhar toured flood-hit areas of Varanasi. They visited relief camps at Shriram PG College and Deepti Convent School, distributing essentials and personally handing chocolates to children. Khanna emphasised cleanliness, safe drinking water, medical services, and uninterrupted power as immediate priorities. Cabinet minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi visited Karchana in Prayagraj, directing officials to ensure dry ration, cattle fodder, and proper coordination for evacuations. Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh and minister of state Sanjay Gangwar distributed food and relief in Jalauns Kalpi area, while Ballias minister-in-charge Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu toured affected villages by NDRF boats, inaugurating a flood relief center at Dubeychhapra. In Banda, minister of state Ramkesh Nishad personally met affected families, urging officials to expedite assistance. The government stands firmly with every victim," Yogi Adityanath said in a statement, stressing that relief operations would continue until every affected family received help. Akhilesh Yadavs Sharp Attack Even as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party mobilises relief, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav launched a blistering attack on the government. In a post on X, the former chief minister alleged that while the BJP could organise super VVIP rallies", it had failed to arrange timely rescue operations in flood-hit regions. There is a terrifying situation not just in Prayagraj but across the state due to floods," he said, pointing to acute shortages of food and drinking water, collapsed medical services, and residents forced to live in inhuman conditions. He claimed children, pregnant women, and the elderly were worst-hit, while families had lost homes, documents, and belongings. People are scared of rats, poisonous insects, and the risk of electric shocks. Vehicles are submerged, and livelihoods have been shattered. The administration is missing from the ground while the corrupt and failed government is busy in self-promotion and photo-ops," he charged. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Yadav also raised concerns over water-borne diseases, disruption of education, and the inability to perform last rites with dignity. The images of devastation expose the hollow claims of development and smart cities. Relief will come only when the BJP goes," he declared, demanding a point-by-point response from the state government. With no signs of retreat in rainfall, the days ahead may bring fresh challenges. The Central Water Commission has already warned that river levels may rise further if heavy rainfall persists. Health experts fear outbreaks of diseases like cholera and dengue in flooded zones, while prolonged school closures threaten to disrupt education for lakhs of children. Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 16:23 IST News india Political Blame Game Erupts In UP As Floods Submerge 400 Villages, Kill 16 In 24 Hours 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... Woman CRPF Official Alleges Theft At Tamil Nadu Home, Breaks Down On Camera Over Inaction Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 14:43 IST A CRPF jawan, in a viral video, alleged police inaction after jewellery and cash were stolen from her Tamil Nadu home in June. BJP leader Annamalai slammed CM Stalin over the same. CRPF jawan from Tamil Nadu alleges inaction after theft at her residence (Video screengrab/Social Media) Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Monday slammed Chief Minister MK Stalin after a video, widely shared on social media, showed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan from Tamil Nadu complaining of inaction after theft at her residence. In a video posted on X, the jawan identified herself as Kalavati, and could be seen crying inconsolably, as she alleged that some jewellery at her house in Tamil Nadus Katpadi had been stolen in June this year. Recommended Stories My name is Kalavati. I work in the CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir. Im from Narayanapuram village near Ponnai, Katpadi in Tamil Nadu," she said. We are four members in our family, my parents, my brother, and me. When my brother was out on the 24th at nearly 3.30 pm, somebody broke into our house and robbed all the jewels bought for my marriage," she alleged in the video. When my mother returned at 5.30 pm, she saw the locks broken. My father returned at nearly 6 pm and found there was not even a single jewel left in the house. Both of them helplessly cried," she said. My brother returned from work, saw them in distress and called the police. Nobody took action because on the 25th, they were busy with arrangements for the Chief Minister," the jawan said in the video. The fingerprint analyst came only at 12.30 pm the next day," she said. They filed an FIR only on June 28. I tried my best in all possible ways, but they are not taking up the case," she alleged, adding, My family is helpless, not knowing what to do." Some jewels, Rs 50,000 in cash, and silk sarees were stolen," she said. Taking a note of the video, Annamalai, in an X post, wrote, A CRPF jawan from Tamil Nadu, serving with honour at our nations borders in J&K, is forced to take to social media on police inaction on the case of jewellery theft from her residence near Katpadi in June this year." What kind of governance forces a woman in uniform to beg for justice online while wearing the nations flag on her shoulder?" he questioned. This is not just lawlessness, its the DMKs model of governance, where criminals roam free and the protectors of our nation plead for help," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, there was no information on whether an action was taken in the case. ALSO READ | Drunk Thief Falls Asleep With Stolen Cash, Jewellery, Caught Next Morning About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: August 05, 2025, 14:41 IST News india Woman CRPF Official Alleges Theft At Tamil Nadu Home, Breaks Down On Camera Over Inaction Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A few months ago, the Cuban-American philanthropist Michael B. Fernandez was walking his dogs outside his Miami home when he saw a strange plastic bag in the driveway that someone had thrown over the fence. Upon opening it, he found a pound of ground beef with a post-it that said: We know you like dogs. Thats an indirect threat, Fernandez recalls. And just two weeks ago, as he was leaving a business lunch, a car pulled up next to his, the driver rolled down the window and said, Mr. Fernandez, you should stop talking this shit. At that moment, I decided: I will not be intimidated, says Fernandez, 73, who emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 12 from his native Manzanillo, Cuba and went on to build a fortune valued in the billions of dollars. Known for his substantial donations to cancer research, college scholarships and advocacy for immigrants, among many other causes, he has always tried to keep a low profile. Until now, that is. Since last April, he has been anonymously funding a campaign that places billboards along major highways in South Florida criticizing local Cuban-American congressmembers and State Secretary Marco Rubio for their stand on immigration. The billboards bear messages such as deporting immigrants is cruel. Following recent threats, Fernandez has decided to come forward publicly. I hope people know whos behind it, because up to now no one knew who was behind it. Im sure I will extend the group of donors that I have now that its out, Fernandez says in a telephone interview with EL PAIS. I have received at least a dozen or two dozen emails offering to contribute, he adds. The philanthropist hasnt specified how much money hes spent on the billboards, but assures that if I have to spend $10, $20, $30 million in this fight in my community, I will spend it. The Cuban-American businessman Mike Fernandez. BALSERA COMMUNICATIONS Fernandez, who is known as Mike, says it is not his intention to be a leader, but he also cant ignore his own history as an immigrant who, because of a dictatorship, lost his home, his family, his friends and his language, and had to reinvent himself in a foreign land that became his home. The United States gave him everything, and he is deeply grateful. Thats why he enlisted in the Army when he was of military age. My country, this country, means more to me than to many people born in this country because I come from a place that I lost, he says. I owe this nation much, and I will give it all that I can to help it get out of this terrible time. The terrible time he is talking about is the anti-immigrant crusade of the Donald Trump administration, which has promised mass deportations, established a quota of 3,000 daily arrests, and canceled temporary protections and humanitarian programs for hundreds of thousands of people, who have been left in limbo overnight. In South Florida, home to one of the worlds largest Latino diasporas, immigration detention centers are overcrowded with people, most of them with no criminal record, who have been arrested even outside courthouses. The direction that were going as a nation is totally opposite to what the Constitution says, to the way that Americans treated me as a child, says Fernandez. I dont object to many of the provisions of the Administrations and their policies. What I do object to is the cruelty and the treatment of others as if they were animals. These people that are being detained, who are mostly without any criminal history, do not deserve it. They are good for our nation, just like the Irish, the Italians, every previous group that came into this country who have built this country. Take a look at Miami. It is a city built by immigrants. And this administration wants us out. All of us. For years, Fernandez was affiliated with the Republican Party, to which he made significant donations, but he hasnt had any political affiliation for more than a decade. Right now, I dont believe in either party. So I feel that I have to speak only for myself. And I have the capital to do so. The billboards hes funded are a sign of his frustration with both parties, and he chose Miami because its where he lives. He thinks both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party are acting for their own benefit and not for the benefit of their nation. He started doing this on his own. I am not looking for publicity. I dont want it. Ive never sought it out, he says, adding that he is not in favor of open borders. Im not a Republican. Im not a Democrat. Im an American. Im an American with values who wants to see the virtues of his country and the respect his country had around the world restored, he adds. Theyre cowards Fernandez tells this newspaper that he wants to enter politics. Hes focused on replacing the three local congressmembers targeted by his billboards: Mario Diaz-Balart, Carlos Gimenez and Maria Elvira Salazar, all Republicans. The billionaire says he hasnt been involved with any political action committees to date, but believes he will do so from now on. To this point all Ive been trying to do is try to wake up our community as to where we are and who represents us. But moving forward, I think I can help identify people of character, a persona seria who wants to stand up for what is right in our community, he says. In his opinion, the three legislators have had enough time to listen to this community and see with their own eyes the cruelty that theyre not willing to speak against, and the time has come to replace them. I am sure that these representatives meant well when they ran for office. And people like Mario Diaz-Balart, with decades in the House, Im sure that at one point he meant well. But these guys are drunk with power and they have to be removed. These guys have lost their backbone. They may talk tough, but that is really to cover their cowardice. Theyre cowards. They will not stand up to a weak man that is pretending to be strong. And that is Trump." Congressmembers Diaz-Balart, Gimenez and Salazar did not respond to a request for comment for this story. The State Department also did not respond. Ive been blessed, in business, in many ways. Ive built 32 companies that have been sold primarily to public companies, so money is not an issue for me. Principles and morals are the issue for me, he maintains. We have no candidates. So I am spending my money knowing there may be zero results to the efforts. I believe the right thing to do is to help those less fortunate than me. Ive been blessed. And Ill spend whatever it takes to make my point. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 23:38 IST Uttarkashi Flash Floods: At least 130 people have been rescued so far as Uttarakhand reels from flash floods triggered by a cloudburst. (PTI) Uttarakhand Cloudburst Highlights: Two massive mudslides struct Dharali village and over Harshil Army Camp on Tuesday leading to over four deaths and dozens being washed away.The devastating mudslide triggered by a cloudburst struck the village in Uttarakhands Kheer Gad area and sent torrents of debris and water cascading through the settlement. Helpline Numbers Released Central and state disaster relief forces and the state government have launched helpline numbers. The Uttarkashi district administration urged people seeking help to dial 01374222126, 222722, 9456556431. The District Emergency Operation Centre in Haridwar urged those affected to dial 01374-222722, 7310913129, or 7500737269 and the State Emergency Operation Centre in Dehradun can be contacted at 0135-2710334, 0135-2710335, 8218867005, or 9058441404. Uttarkashi Flash Flood: 4 Dead, Around 50 Missing After Dharali Cloudburst; SDRF, NDRF Deployed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 15:34 IST An eyewitness said that local villagers climbed to the nearby mountains to save themselves from the flash flood Flash flood in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi | Images: X Uttarakhand Flash Flood: A massive flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in the Khir Ganga river has caused major destruction in Uttarkashis Dharali village on Tuesday. At least four people died and around 50 are missing in the incident, as per NDTV. Recommended Stories The floodwaters, carrying heavy silt, swept through the area, washing away homes and submerging structures. Many villagers are feared trapped, according to reports. The disaster occurred following a cloudburst in the region, confirmed Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya. BREAKING: Dehradun: Massive flood in the Khir Ganga river in Uttarkashi. Water carrying silt cascades into Tharali village. Many feared trapped. Disaster teams rushed. pic.twitter.com/wtXVrqYBzL Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) August 5, 2025 Disaster response teams, including the SDRF, NDRF, army, and local administration, have been rushed to the site, said officials. Rescue operations are underway as rainfall continues to lash the region and water levels in the Khir Ganga river remain dangerously high, they added. Eyewitness Account Eyewitness Suresh Semwal described the situation to CNN-News18, saying, Situation is very bad here, many hotels washed away in this flood around 50 hotels in this area totally submerged, many villagers trapped. Rain is still continuing. The water level has increased in the river. Local people have climbed to the nearby mountains to save themselves." Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the tragedy and assured that relief and rescue operations are on a war footing. The news of heavy damage caused by the cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely saddening and painful. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other concerned teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing. I am in constant touch with senior officials regarding this matter and closely monitoring the situation. I pray to God for everyones safety," Dhami said in a statement. () SDRF, NDRF, Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 5, 2025 Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to CM Dhami and took stock of the current situation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Uttarakhand Minister Saurabh Bahuguna, speaking to CNN-News18, said: Its a very sad incident. The rescue operation is on The priority is to save lives of the people stuck there. NDRF, SDRF on the way to the location." Authorities remain on high alert as relentless rain continues to hamper rescue efforts in the affected region. Location : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 15:11 IST News india Uttarkashi Flash Flood: 4 Dead, Around 50 Missing After Dharali Cloudburst; SDRF, NDRF Deployed 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 Haryana's Public Health System Is Crumbling With Pending Dues From Ayushman Bharat Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:20 IST Haryanas public healthcare system is collapsing under the weight of over-promising, financial mismanagement, and a lack of strategy Hospitals say they are facing operational stress, rising costs, and zero liquidity. (PTI Image for Representation) In an attempt to manage shrinking healthcare funds, the Haryana government in June dropped several high-demand treatment packagesincluding cataract, hysterectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gastroenteritis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)from both the Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu Yojana health insurance schemes for private hospitals. While that decision is still rippling across hospitals and patients alike, another storm is brewing: over 650 private hospitals are preparing to halt Ayushman Bharat services starting August 7, citing unpaid dues of over Rs 500 crore. But this isnt just a payment delay issue. Haryanas public healthcare system is collapsing under the weight of over-promising, financial mismanagement, and a lack of strategy. Recommended Stories While 40 per cent of the total allocation goes to the Centres Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat), the remaining 60 per cent is paid by the Centre. Chirayu Yojana is an independent state-run scheme in Haryana, fully financed by the state government. How Did We Get Here? Haryanas health insurance net has grown rapidly in recent years. Under the Centres Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the state covered about 7080 lakh beneficiaries. But in a bid to widen the safety net, the state launched Chirayu Yojana, expanding total coverage to a staggering 1.8 crore peopleover 70 per cent of the states 2.5 crore population. This expansion was not backed by a scalable financial roadmap. In trying to serve too many, the government is now unable to serve anyone properly," said Dr Ajay Mahajan, former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana. They over-promised but didnt have the budget to sustain it." Mahajan was IMA Haryanas president when the dialogues with the state government started for expanding the funding. In 202324, the total budget for these health schemes was Rs 1,300 crore, which increased to Rs 1,800 crore in 202425. During multiple meetings with the chief minister and his office, private hospital representatives were assured that the allocation would rise to Rs 2,0002,500 crore. Instead, it was slashed to Rs 700 crorecausing a severe funding crisis." That entire amount of Rs 175 crore, from the first quarterly release, officials confirm, has already been used to clear old unpaid dues from previous years, leaving this years reimbursements pending. Rs 175 crore has been used to clear old dues. There is no money left to clear the latest dues." Why Top-Selling Packages Were Removed In a notice titled Regarding Reservation of Medical & Surgical Packages for Government Hospitals", issued on 23 June 2025, seen by News18, the Ayushman Bharat Haryana announced that five high-demand procedures would now be reserved exclusively for public (government) hospitals. They labelled the move as part of efforts to streamline package utilization under Ayushman Bharat HHPA and to avoid over-utilization by private empanelled hospitals." The five proceduresPhacoemulsification with foldable hydrophobic acrylic IOL, Abdominal Hysterectomy, Acute Exacerbation of COPD, Acute Gastroenteritis with Severe Dehydration, and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Without CBD Exploration)are in addition to 114 packages already reserved for government facilities. The notice further directed officials to update the TMS portal accordingly, so that booking of these packages is restricted to Government Hospitals only," adding that the step will enhance service delivery at public health institutions and ensure judicious use of scheme funds." However, IMA Haryana and other private hospitals believe that the move is to cut budget under the scheme as these packages, especially cataract surgery, had very high demand. The more the packages sold in private hospitals, higher the bills for reimbursement become pending," Mahajan said. Private Sector Shoulders the Burden About 700 private hospitals in Haryana are empanelled under the schememany of them mid-sized nursing homes and speciality centres that serve 90 per cent of Ayushman patients. The public sector, though nearly equal in number of hospitals, attracts only 10 per cent of patients. Most tertiary care and super-speciality bedsabout 8085 per centare with private hospitals," said Dr Girdhar Gyani, director general of the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI). These hospitals cannot survive long payment delays. The governments intent may be genuine, but without a strategy and cash flow, the system is breaking down." Hospitals say they are facing operational stress, rising costs, and zero liquidity. Payments have been delayed by up to five months in some cases. Arbitrary deductions and administrative apathy have only added to the strain. The only solution is to charge 1 per cent interest as a penalty for the amount due. This penalty was part of the original Ayushman Bharat scheme when launched in 2018. However, states have removed that clause due to their own convenience." Quiet Cuts, Loud Consequences To deal with the mounting costs, the government has begun cutting down packages. Mahajan confirmed to News18 that several high-volume, commonly claimed procedures were quietly removed from the Ayushman and Chirayu lists months ago. These include cataract surgeries, hysterectomies, gallbladder removals, and even procedures related to gastrointestinal and COPD conditions. Cataract was the top-selling procedure, and they have removed that as well." These five were core treatments, especially for the poor," he said. Removing them doesnt just balance the booksit leaves lakhs of people with no option but to pay out of pocket or skip care altogether." The cost of running both schemes simultaneously, Mahajan said, has created an unsustainable financial burden, with the state now facing the consequences of overpromising. Last-Ditch Talks, With Conditions top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Talks between the government and hospital associations are ongoing. A meeting scheduled on Monday was postponed, but fresh dates have been proposed. Hospital leaders say theyre still open to negotiation. We were planning to meet the state government officials today, but the meeting was cancelled," Gyani said, adding, If we get a firm assurance and timelines, we might give them a weeks extension. But if the funds are not released soon, we will have no choice but to stop services. We simply dont have the money to treat patients under Ayushman." About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 12:20 IST News india Why Haryana's Public Health System Is Crumbling With Pending Dues From Ayushman Bharat 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... Dengue vs Viral Fever: How To Tell The Difference? Doctor Explains Key Symptoms And Diagnosis Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 17:57 IST Dr Sonia Rawat said that viral fever usually subsides with paracetamol, but dengue may need hospital care if symptoms include vomiting, rashes, bleeding, or severe weakness Dengue may require hospitalisation, especially if symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, bleeding, or skin rashes with high fever. (Representative/PTI) As monsoon rains sweep across the country, hospitals are seeing a surge in fever cases, but telling one from the other is proving tricky. The spike in viral and dengue fevers has created confusion among patients due to their overlapping symptoms, often delaying timely diagnosis and treatment. Speaking to News18, Dr Sonia Rawat, Director of Preventive Health and Wellness at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, explains how to differentiate between the two. Recommended Stories Dr Rawat stated that dengue fever is caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, while viral fever stems from common viruses such as rhinovirus and influenza virus, which can spread through sneezing, coughing, or contact with infected surfaces. Although both are viral infections, they are transmitted by different viruses, with the dengue virus being notably more dangerous. Timely treatment of dengue is crucial, as delays can be fatal, she said. Dr Rawat stated that dengue typically causes sudden and very high fever, in contrast to the gradual increase observed in viral fever. Viral fever generally resolves within 2-3 days, but dengue can cause the patients condition to worsen over time. Dengue is characterised by severe body pain, often referred to as break bone fever due to intense pain in bones and muscles. Other symptoms include pain behind the eyes, joint swelling, and weakness. Viral fever, on the other hand, usually presents with milder body pain, headaches, and sore throat. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A key indicator of dengue is the appearance of skin rashes, which are not common in viral fever. Individuals experiencing red rashes along with fever should seek medical advice promptly. To confirm dengue, tests such as the NS1 antigen test, dengue antibody test, and platelet count test are used. Dengue results in a rapid drop in platelets, whereas viral fever does not significantly affect blood reports, though there may be slight changes in white blood cells. According to Dr Rawat, there is no specific antiviral medication for dengue; treatment is based on managing symptoms. Simple paracetamol is commonly prescribed for viral fever, which typically resolves quickly. However, dengue may require hospitalisation, especially if symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, bleeding, or skin rashes with high fever. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of dengue are vital to prevent severe complications. Persistent viral fever for more than 3-4 days also warrants medical testing. fashion, travel, News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: August 05, 2025, 17:57 IST News lifestyle Dengue vs Viral Fever: How To Tell The Difference? Doctor Explains Key Symptoms And Diagnosis Raksha Bandhan 2025: Easy DIY Rakhi-Making Ideas For Kids And Adults At Home Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 08:00 IST DIY Rakhi Ideas: Celebrate Raksha Bandhan 2025 with fun, easy DIY rakhi ideas for kids and adults. Create love-filled handmade designs in just a few minutes. Raksha Bandhan 2025: A handmade rakhi will always be remembered by your sibling with love. (AI generated image) DIY Rakhi Ideas Easy: Raksha Bandhan is a special day for siblings across India. It celebrates the strong bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a colourful thread, called a rakhi", on their brothers wrist. In return, the brothers promise to protect them. To make the festival even more special this year, one can try making a rakhi at home. It adds a personal touch to the occasion. Handmade rakhis show effort, care and love. They are often kept as memories for many years. This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 9. Why Make Handmade Rakhis? Recommended Stories Apart from the emotional connection they represent, handmade rakhis also have other functions. Children learn to use their hands, think creatively, and work in a focused manner. Many schools even hold rakhi-making competitions to encourage this fun activity. Adults can also join in. It is a fun way to spend time with kids and teach them some DIY crafts. ALSO READ: Raksha Bandhan Mehndi Designs 2025: Traditional And Modern Styles For The Festive Look Materials You Will Need Colourful threads or wool, buttons, beads, sequins, felt or foam sheets, glue, scissors, ribbons/laces, paper/cardboard, non-toxic paint and glitter are the basic materials that are needed. All of these are easily found in shops or online. Fun DIY Rakhi Ideas Pom Pom Rakhi: Wrap colourful wool around a fork to make fluffy pom poms. Stick them on cardboard, add a ribbon, and your rakhi is ready. Button Rakhi: Use bright buttons to form a flower or fun shape. Stick them on felt, add some glitter, and tie it with a ribbon. Cartoon Rakhi: Cut out your siblings favourite cartoon character and stick it on foam. Attach a ribbon and it becomes a fun, personalised rakhi. Beaded Rakhi: Thread colourful beads onto a strong string in a pattern. Add a charm in the middle for a lovely traditional look. Fingerprint Rakhi: Dip your finger in paint and stamp it on paper or card. Cut it out, decorate, and stick on a ribbon to tie. Leaf Rakhi: Pick a fresh leaf and glue it onto cardboard. Add petals or glitter for a lovely eco-friendly rakhi. Few Tips for Parents top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Always be present beside small children. Try using non-toxic glue and paint. Keep sharp items away from children. Keep a first aid box nearby, just in case. Always encourage fun and creativity, not perfection. This Raksha Bandhan, encourage your kids and yourself to enjoy making something from the heart. A handmade rakhi will always be remembered by your sibling with love. About the Author Nibandh Vinod Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te... Read More Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with a young te... Read More fashion, travel, News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: August 05, 2025, 08:00 IST News lifestyle Raksha Bandhan 2025: Easy DIY Rakhi-Making Ideas For Kids And Adults At Home 6 Scenic Escapes To Soak In The Monsoon Magic This August Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:09 IST Whether you're a solo traveller chasing calm, a couple craving cozy hideaways, or a group of friends and family looking to make monsoon memories, these destinations are perfect Each place comes with a warm, welcoming stay where you can unwind after those drizzly adventures. From rain-kissed hills to misty lakesides, August is when India blooms and the best way to enjoy it is by getting out there. Whether youre a solo traveller chasing calm, a couple craving cozy hideaways, or a group of friends and family looking to make monsoon memories, these six handpicked destinations offer something for everyone. Bonus: Each comes with a warm, welcoming stay where you can unwind after those drizzly adventures. Because sometimes, the best stories arent made in cities, theyre made over chai, under cloudy skies, and with the people who matter. Recommended Stories Panchgani, Maharashtra Perched above the mist-covered Sahyadris, Panchgani is monsoon magic at its finest. Think gentle drizzles, emerald valleys, and winding roads that tempt you to slow down. From watching clouds roll over Sydney Point to walking the length of Table Land, every moment feels cinematic. Zostel Plus Panchgani offers a serene escape with valley-view dorms and cottages, perfect for unwinding with your favourite people or a good book especially when the fog rolls in and the world feels like its standing still just for you. Meghalaya, Northeast India Welcome to the land of living root bridges, cascading waterfalls, and skies that change mood by the hour. August in Meghalaya is lush, alive, and absolutely unforgettable. Explore Mawlynnong (Asias cleanest village), trek to Double Decker bridges, or simply sip tea on a foggy morning in Shillong. Its where every detour turns into a discovery and every moment feels a little more magical. With Zostels comforting stays, youre never too far from your next great monsoon moment. Varkala, Kerala This coastal gem comes alive in the rains with cliffs that drop into a restless sea, palm-lined paths, and an unmistakable scent of petrichor. Spend your mornings watching waves crash from cliff cafes and your evenings walking barefoot on black sand beaches. Zostel Varkala offers ocean-view dorms and private rooms, a perfect blend of solitude and socialising for everyone.Whether youre soul-searching or bonding over seafood, Varkala makes space for it all. Coorg, Karnataka When the monsoon arrives in Coorg, everything turns a deeper shade of green. The coffee estates glisten, waterfalls gush with full force, and the earthy scent of rain lingers long after a downpour. Whether youre hiking to Abbey Falls, exploring Madikeri Fort, or just listening to the rain with a hot cup of filter coffee, Coorg slows you down in the best way. The Hosteller offers comfort, community, and plenty of views to keep you company. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand With the Ganga in full monsoon glory, Rishikesh is as spiritual as it is scenic. Watch the rain create ripples in the river, trek to waterfalls hidden in the forest, or simply take a yoga class by the riverbank. For the adventurous, white-water rafting adds just the right amount of thrill. And when the skies clear, theres no better feeling than sipping chai with a view of the hills. goSTOPS puts you near all the action with clean dorms, cozy corners, and that calming river breeze. Bir, Himachal Pradesh top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nestled in the Kangra Valley, Bir is where the clouds dip low and the tea estates stretch wide. The monsoon here brings cool breezes, dramatic skies, and a pace of life thats just right. Cafe-hop around the Tibetan colony or just curl up with a view. And if youre feeling adventurous, dont miss the chance to paraglide, the misty views make it an unforgettable experience. Madpackers Bir is a hillside haven for travellers of all kinds- solo, duo, or full family crew. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More fashion, travel, News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: August 05, 2025, 12:09 IST News lifestyle travel 6 Scenic Escapes To Soak In The Monsoon Magic This August Popular Nude Beaches Around The World And The Rules You Must Follow Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 09:14 IST These stunning beaches are ideal for sunbathing and unwinding, but dont let a simple mistake spoil the fun. From dress codes to etiquette rules, heres what to know Visitors should be aware of the existing laws and customs in these beaches, and always maintain respect for the local culture. (News18) Many people love to travel; some are drawn to the tranquillity of hill stations, while others find joy along the seas edge. Across India and around the world, beautiful beaches attract both domestic and international tourists who come to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the view. Naturally, beachwear comes in all styles. However, not all tourists dress appropriately for public spaces. In some cases, foreign visitors are criticised for wearing revealing swimwear not only on beaches but also in public areas like marketplaces, which can cause discomfort or offence to others. Recommended Stories France Issues Warning Over Swimwear In Public A recent example of this growing concern came from France, where the mayor of Les Sables dOlonne, Yannick Moreau, issued a public notice discouraging indecent dressing. In a Facebook post, he stated that anyone found walking half-naked" in public places would be fined 150 (approximately Rs 15,193). He added that respecting the people of Sablais" means refraining from walking around shirtless or in swimwear outside the beach. The warning, he noted, stemmed from increasing levels of public indecency and declining standards of hygiene and etiquette. What Are Nude Beaches And Where Are They Found? Nude or clothing-optional beaches are common in many parts of the world, where people sunbathe partially clothed or nude. While this is an accepted practice for many, it can make others uncomfortable if not restricted to designated areas. It is important to note that nudity at these beaches is not equivalent to obscenity, and specific codes of conduct apply. Rules Of Conduct On Nude Or Clothing-Optional Beaches Each beach may have its own guidelines: You can often choose whether to be fully or partially nude. Indecent or sexual behaviour is strictly prohibited and may result in arrest or prosecution. Respect others privacy: do not photograph anyone without explicit permission. Popular Nude Beaches Around The World Here are some internationally recognised nude or clothing-optional beaches: Cap dAgde, France One of the worlds largest and most well-known nudist resorts. One of the worlds largest and most well-known nudist resorts. Haulover Beach, Florida, USA A popular clothing-optional beach near Miami. A popular clothing-optional beach near Miami. Playa Zipolite, Mexico A free-spirited beach in Oaxaca that permits nudity. A free-spirited beach in Oaxaca that permits nudity. Praia do Pinho, Brazil Known for its scenic views and liberal atmosphere. Known for its scenic views and liberal atmosphere. Banana Beach, Greece A hotspot for European nudists. What About India? India does not officially have any nude beaches, and public nudity is illegal under Indian law. However, there are a few beaches where foreign tourists may sunbathe in minimal clothing without facing immediate objection. These include: Ozran Beach, Goa Known for its peaceful setting and tourist-friendly atmosphere. Known for its peaceful setting and tourist-friendly atmosphere. Anjuna Beach, Goa Sometimes frequented by topless sunbathers. Sometimes frequented by topless sunbathers. Om Beach, Karnataka Largely unregulated, with occasional semi-nude tourists. Largely unregulated, with occasional semi-nude tourists. Marari Beach, Kerala A calm spot ideal for peaceful sunbathing. A calm spot ideal for peaceful sunbathing. Paradise Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka Remote and often visited by foreign travellers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While sunbathing in swimwear is common on Indian beaches, nudity or obscenity in public places is strictly prohibited. Visitors should be aware of local laws and customs, and always maintain respect for the culture. Refrain from taking photographs or videos without permission, and avoid sharing such content publicly, as it could invite legal action. fashion, travel, News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: August 05, 2025, 09:14 IST News lifestyle travel Popular Nude Beaches Around The World And The Rules You Must Follow Opinion | Decoding Modi's Indo-Pacific Strategy: How Ties With Philippines Have Grown Written By : Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 08:00 IST The timing of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's visit is significant, as the two countries conduct their first joint maritime exercise in the contested South China Sea Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr with Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita upon his arrival, in New Delhi on August 4. (Image: PIB/PTI) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr arrived in India on Monday afternoon, commencing a landmark five-day state visit that exemplifies the transformation of India-Philippines relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. Welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita at Palam Air Force Station, Marcoss arrival coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and marks the first visit by a Filipino president to India since 2007. Recommended Stories The timing is particularly significant, as Indian Navy warships conduct their first-ever joint maritime exercises with Philippine forces in the contested South China Sea. This historic visit reflects Modis outreach to the Philippines since 2014, focusing on a broader Indo-Pacific vision that combines economic partnerships with security cooperation, moving beyond traditional alliance structures to embrace strategic autonomy. The bilateral relationship showcases Modis multi-alignment strategy, demonstrating how maritime security cooperation, defence technology transfer, and trade expansion can advance Indias pragmatic approach to regional leadership while maintaining strategic independence from great power rivalries. FROM LOOK EAST TO ACT EAST Modis announcement of the Act East Policy in November 2014 at Myanmars ASEAN Summit marked a decisive shift in Indias approach to Southeast Asia. Unlike the economically focused Look East Policy of 1992, the Act East framework embodied a comprehensive strategy encompassing security, defence, and strategic dimensions alongside commercial interests. This transformation proved particularly significant for the Philippines relations, which had remained relatively dormant despite seven decades of diplomatic ties established in 1949. The timing of this strategic pivot proved prescient. Chinas increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea created space for India to position itself as a balancing power committed to maritime security and a rules-based order. The Act East Policy enabled Modi to leverage Indias growing economic strength and defence capabilities to establish meaningful partnerships with ASEAN nations, particularly those facing maritime security challenges. The policys implementation demonstrated Modis understanding that effective regional leadership required moving beyond traditional diplomatic rhetoric to concrete action. The transformation from Look" to Act" signalled Indias readiness to assume greater responsibilities in regional security architecture while maintaining its strategic autonomy. This approach laid the foundations for the comprehensive partnership now evident in Marcoss visit, where defence cooperation, economic integration, and strategic coordination converge in a single diplomatic engagement. BREAKTHROUGH: THE 2017 MANILA VISIT Modis November 2017 visit to Manila was a watershed moment in bilateral relations, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Philippines in 36 years. The visit occurred during the 15th ASEAN-India Summit and 12th East Asia Summit, providing an optimal platform for Modi to demonstrate Indias commitment to multilateral engagement. The Manila visit served multiple strategic purposes. It reinforced Indias position within ASEAN frameworks at a time when the grouping was celebrating its 50th anniversary and marking 25 years of ASEAN-India dialogue partnership. The visit enabled Modi to engage directly with the Philippines leadership on shared concerns about maritime security and regional stability. Modis bilateral meeting with then-President Rodrigo Duterte established personal rapport between the leaders and laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors. The visit also included engagement with the Indian diaspora and business community, reflecting Modis comprehensive approach to relationship-building that extends beyond government-to-government ties. Modis presence in Manila alongside leaders from the United States, China, and Russia demonstrated Indias emerging status as a major regional player capable of engaging multiple powers simultaneously. THE BRAHMOS PARADIGM The January 2022 BrahMos missile deal represents perhaps the most concrete manifestation of Modis pragmatic approach to regional partnerships. The $375 million agreement made the Philippines Indias first international customer for the advanced supersonic cruise missile system, marking a significant milestone in Indias defence export ambitions. Marcoss current visit occurs as the Philippines signals interest in acquiring additional Indian defence systems, including more BrahMos batteries and Akash missile systems. The BrahMos systems specifications 290-km range, Mach 2.8 speed, and versatility across sea, land, and air platforms provided the Philippines with a credible deterrent capability in the context of South China Sea tensions. For India, the deal demonstrated the maturation of its defence manufacturing capabilities and willingness to transfer advanced technology to strategic partners. The first batch delivery in April 2024 via Indian Air Force transport aircraft was followed by the sea-based delivery of the second batch. MARITIME SECURITY COOPERATION The August 2025 joint naval exercises between India and the Philippines in the South China Sea marked a qualitative shift from diplomatic engagement to operational cooperation. The bilateral maritime cooperative activity, conducted near the strategically significant Scarborough Shoal, demonstrated both nations commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and challenging assertive territorial claims. The exercises began just as Marcos departed Manila for Delhi. Unlike previous Passing Exercises (PASSEX), the recent joint exercise demonstrated Indias willingness to conduct operations in contested waters. The exercise also aligned with Indias MAHASAGAR vision, which emphasises maritime cooperation as a cornerstone of regional stability. Moreover, the establishment of Track-1 Maritime Dialogue mechanisms and regular port visits by Indian naval vessels to the Philippines are signals of deeper institutionalised cooperation aimed at a long-term strategic partnership. TRADE EXPANSION AND INVESTMENT Modis Philippines strategy achieved remarkable economic success, with bilateral trade growing from $1.89 billion in 2015-16 to $3.53 billion in 2023-24an 86.6% increase. India maintains a consistent trade surplus, exporting $2.10 billion whilst importing $1.43 billion in 2023-24. Key sectors include pharmaceuticals, where India supplies 12-16% of Philippine imports, plus engineering goods and automotive components. Investment depth reflects genuine integration. Indian companies, including TCS, Infosys, and major pharmaceutical firms, established significant Philippine operations worth $5 billion. Philippine companies like AC Energy reciprocated with strategic Indian investments. Marcoss visit agenda includes business meetings in Delhi and Bengaluru, targeting further expansion. REGIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT Indias humanitarian aid during Philippine natural disasters, COVID-19 assistance, and capacity-building through the ITEC programmetraining over 1,000 Filipino professionalsreflects comprehensive engagement. Cultural ties include 8,800 Indian students in Philippine medical colleges and a 70,000-strong diaspora. The Philippines role as ASEAN-India Dialogue Coordinator (2024-2027) provides Modi a crucial partner for advancing regional agendas. This coincides with Indias 2026 BRICS chairmanship, creating multilateral cooperation opportunities. Modis ASEAN engagement during Brazils BRICS Summit, including FTA discussions with Malaysias Prime Minister, demonstrated this approach. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all President Marcos Jrs arrival today, accompanied by joint South China Sea naval exercises, represents the culmination of Modis systematic India-Philippines transformation since 2014. From the Act East Policy announcement to a comprehensive partnership worth over $3.5 billion annually, this relationship exemplifies strategic autonomy in practice. The BrahMos deal, trade expansion, and naval cooperation demonstrate how shared strategic interests translate into concrete partnerships enhancing both nations security and prosperity. As Indian warships patrol contested waters alongside Philippine forces whilst leaders chart new cooperation pathways, this approach reflects Modis understanding that effective 21st-century regional leadership requires balanced relationships, pursuing national interests through mutually beneficial partnerships rather than zero-sum competition. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. First Published: August 05, 2025, 08:00 IST News opinion Opinion | Decoding Modi's Indo-Pacific Strategy: How Ties With Philippines Have Grown 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... Opinion | How PM Modi And HM Amit Shah Fortified Indias Internal Security In The Last 2,258 Days Written By : Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 03:46 IST With terrorism in J&K down 70%, Naxalism nearing extinction, and a modernised justice system, their legacy is one of resilience and progress Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shahs strategic stewardship, India has undergone a seismic shift in its approach to internal security, confronting entrenched challenges head-on and fostering a safer, more cohesive nation. File pic/PTI On August 5, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah etched his name in history as Indias longest-serving Home Minister, a tenure spanning 2,258 days marked by transformative reforms and an unrelenting focus on strengthening the nations internal security. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shahs strategic stewardship, India has undergone a seismic shift in its approach to internal security, confronting entrenched challenges head-on and fostering a safer, more cohesive nation. From the bold abrogation of Article 370 to the near-eradication of Naxalism, the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and robust anti-terror measures, their policies have reshaped Indias security landscape. This article weaves together their key achievements, grounded in data and statistics, to showcase how their vision has fortified Indias internal resilience. The Abrogation of Article 370: A Historic Turning Point Recommended Stories The revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, stands as a defining moment in Indias modern history. Under HM Amit Shahs stewardship at the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Modi government dismantled the special status that had granted Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) a separate constitution and flag, integrating the region fully into Indias constitutional framework. Reorganised into two Union TerritoriesJammu and Kashmir and Ladakhthis move ushered in uniform governance and access to national laws, dismantling a system HM Amit Shah described as having sown the seeds of separatism" in the Kashmir Valley. The impact was transformative. Official data reveals a 70% decline in terrorism in J&K, with stone-pelting incidents, once a daily menace, fading into obscurity. Between 2019 and 2024, terror-related incidents plummeted, with 690 incidents resulting in 262 soldiers and 171 civilians killeda significant improvement from the pre-2019 era of rampant militancy. The abrogation opened doors for J&K residents to access national programmes like reservations and the right to education, previously restricted. HM Amit Shahs vision of Naya Kashmir" has taken root, with booming tourism and agriculture sectors driving local prosperity. The Supreme Courts affirmation of the abrogations constitutionality in December 2023, coupled with Amit Shahs oversight of the delimitation process, paved the way for assembly elections, advancing the restoration of statehood by September 2024. The Modi governments sustained efforts have undeniably shifted J&K towards peace and development. Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): A Humane Approach to Citizenship In December 2019, the Modi-Shah duo introduced the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a landmark law granting expedited citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim minoritiesHindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christiansfrom Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India before December 31, 2014. HM Amit Shah framed the CAA as a humanitarian gesture, emphasising that it protects those fleeing religious persecution without revoking anyones citizenship. The laws implementation, though delayed by protests, was carefully orchestrated by 2024, with the MHA addressing potential backlash to ensure smooth execution. By distinguishing genuine refugees from illegal immigrants, the CAA aligns with Indias ethos of inclusivity while bolstering national security. HM Amit Shahs firm stance against undocumented immigration, particularly in cities like Mumbai, underscores the governments commitment to safeguarding Indias borders and identity. Overhauling the Criminal Justice System: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita A cornerstone of HM Amit Shahs tenure has been the overhaul of Indias colonial-era criminal justice system. In 2023, the Modi government introduced three transformative lawsthe Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)replacing the outdated Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act. Effective from July 1, 2024, these laws mark a shift towards a justice-first" framework, prioritising citizens rights over punitive measures. The reforms are sweeping: terrorism, organised crime, and economic offences are now explicitly defined, closing long-standing legal loopholes. The BNSS introduced strict timelines for investigations, arrests, chargesheets, and trials, ensuring swift justice delivery. Forensic investigations and electronic FIRs have enhanced transparency, while community service for petty crimes reflects Indias philosophical roots. The replacement of colonial-era sedition with deshdroha" (offences against the nation) aligns the legal framework with national sovereignty. HM Amit Shah described these changes as the biggest in 160 years", designed to endure for a century. With over 18,000 courts and 1,200 jails equipped with video conferencing and extensive police training, the reforms have modernised Indias justice system, making it both tech-savvy and citizen-centric. Anti-Terror Initiatives: Banning PFI and Operations Sindoor and Mahadev The Modi-Shah administrations zero-tolerance approach to terrorism has delivered measurable results. In September 2022, the government banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, dismantling a network linked to radicalisation and terror funding. Over 1,800 arrests and 240 cases across states crippled the PFIs operations, sending a resolute message against anti-national activities. Operations Sindoor and Mahadev further exemplify this proactive stance. In 2025, Operation Sindoor targeted terror masterminds in Pakistan, while Operation Mahadev neutralised those responsible for the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 25 tourists and a local. PM Modis directive granting the armed forces complete operational freedom" ensured swift, precise retaliation, reinforcing Indias resolve to dismantle terror networks both at home and abroad. Near-Eradication of Naxalism: A Declining Red Corridor Home Minister Amit Shahs aggressive campaign against left-wing extremism has brought Naxalism to the brink of extinction, with a target to eliminate it by March 31, 2026. Official data highlights a sharp decline in Naxal-related incidents, with over 9,000 militants surrendering in the Northeast and multiple peace accords signed. Encounters in Chhattisgarh in 2025, yielding weapons like INSAS rifles, have further weakened Naxal strongholds. HM Shahs strategy blends military precision with socio-economic development, addressing the root causes of extremism. Welfare programmes like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, benefiting 81 crore people, and PMAY, providing 4 crore homes, have empowered marginalised communities, diminishing the appeal of Naxalism. Annual MHA meetings now prioritise insurgency-affected states, ensuring seamless coordination between central and state agencies. Border Security: Fencing Indias Frontiers To curb illegal immigration and smuggling, the Modi-Shah government has prioritised fortifying Indias borders. In 2024, HM Amit Shah announced plans to fence the 1,643-km India-Myanmar border, with surveys underway to secure this porous frontier. Efforts to strengthen the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border have focused on curbing illegal activities through enhanced surveillance. Strategic infrastructure, such as the Chidiyamod-BR Bet link road and a 9.5m observation tower in Kutch, has bolstered the Border Security Forces capabilities. These measures address HM Amit Shahs concerns about illegal immigration, ensuring national security while maintaining diplomatic ties. Police Modernisation and Northeast Peace Accords Home Minister Amit Shahs SMART Policing Mission, backed by Rs 8,200 crore between 2019 and 2024, has revolutionised Indias police forces, enhancing sensitivity, mobility, accountability, and technology. The initiative equips forces to tackle emerging threats like cybercrime and digital arrests". In the Northeast, HM Amit Shahs leadership facilitated over nine peace accords, leading to the surrender of 9,000 militants and fostering stability in a historically volatile region. These efforts have not only strengthened security but also built bridges of trust and development. A Legacy of Security and Unity top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Over the past 2,258 days, PM Modi and HM Amit Shah have redefined Indias internal security framework, blending bold action with structural reforms. The abrogation of Article 370, the CAA, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, anti-terror initiatives, Naxal suppression, and border fencing reflect a vision of a secure, unified India. With terrorism in J&K down 70%, Naxalism nearing extinction, and a modernised justice system, their legacy is one of resilience and progress. As HM Amit Shah continues to steer the MHA, India stands stronger, poised to confront future challenges with unwavering resolve, cementing a safer and more united nation for generations to come. The writer is a national spokesperson of BJP and an author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 06, 2025, 03:43 IST News opinion Opinion | How PM Modi And HM Amit Shah Fortified Indias Internal Security In The Last 2,258 Days 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... Right Word | Partition: How Political Blunders And British Conspiracies Sealed Fate Of Sindh Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 18:39 IST The political blunders committed by Congress were as much responsible for giving away Sindh to Pakistan as were the conspiracies hatched by the British Ironically, the Congress joined hands with the Muslim League to topple the Allah Bux ministry in 1940. Representational image Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced from the Red Fort on August 15, 2021, that August 14 would be observed annually as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. This day intends to honour the memory and sacrifices of the Partition" and keep the nation vigilant. As we approach August 14 this year, it would be pertinent to take a look at a forgotten chapter of our history that is related to Sindh. The political blunders committed by Congress were as much responsible for giving away Sindh to Pakistan as were the conspiracies hatched by the British. Recommended Stories Political blunders The first blunder that the Indian National Congress (INC) committed was to aid the dismissal of the Allah Bux Soomro ministry in Sindh in 1940. Soomro was a known anti-Muslim League politician. He was a fierce opponent of the two-nation theory and was assassinated in 1943 when he had emerged as a major challenger to the Muslim League and its top leader, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. His name doesnt find any mention in the textbooks in Pakistan. Ironically, the Congress joined hands with the Muslim League to topple the Allah Bux ministry in 1940. The only Congress Muslim MLA who objected to this joint operation with the Muslim League was expelled from the party. Two days after the ouster of the Bux ministry by the Congressmen of Sindh, Muslim League leaders met in Lahore and adopted the infamous Partition Resolution on March 25, 1940. Noted author KR Malkani gives a detailed account of this episode in The Sindh Story (first published in 1984). He wrote, Responsible Hindus were shocked by the short-sightedness of Sindh Congressmen. Professor NR Malkani wrote to Sardar Patel to do something about it. And the Sardar wrote back, I have received your distressing letter of the 1st March 1940. Our friends of the Congress Assembly Party in Sindh have acted in a manner which has brought discredit to the organisation and to themselves They talk of wider interest of the country in relation to their action, while they forget that they are not serving the local, much less the wider interest." The Bux ministry was replaced by a Muslim League government, which lasted only for a year. But during that one year, Muslim League branches went up in Sindh from 30 to 400. Malkani says, The Congress could have at least partly saved Sindh, but it acted like Chamberlain who had abandoned Czechoslovakia to Hitler in 1938 with the statement that it was a far-away country about which we know little." The Tharparkar district in Sindh had a Hindu majority, and the Congress should have claimed it. Indeed, it had traditionally been more a part of Marwar than of Sindh. On the eve of Partition, the Sindh government promptly merged Sanghar district with Tharparkar district to cancel out its Hindu majority. But even then, the case of Tharparkar district was on par with that of Sylhet in Assam, where the Muslim League had demandedand gotpart of the district through a plebiscite, he adds. In 1928, when there was a discussion around the issue of the separation of Sindh from Bombay, the state of Jodhpur had laid claim to the Amarkot (Umarkot) area of Tharparkar district. The argument given by the Jodhpur rulers was that Amarkot had traditionally been part of their Marwar area. The British had taken the area from Jodhpur temporarily for defence purposes. However, the Sindh unit of the Indian National Congress opposed this demand of the state of Jodhpur; had it not opposed this demand, the Tharparkar district in Sindh would have been part of present-day India, and the Hindus there would have survived. Another area India could have got was the native Khairpur state, says Malkani. For years, the Mir of Khairpur had been kept confined to a house in Pune. In the 1940s, the Dewan of Khairpur was Aijaz Ali, who ousted the second most important officer of the state, Mangharam Wadhwani. The latter was Khairpurs Treasury Officer. When the transfer of power was approaching, Mangharam met the Mir of Khairpur in Pune and promised to have him restored to his throne on one conditionthat he should remove Aijaz Ali and accede to India. The Mir agreed. Mangharam then met Indias last British Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, and Sardar Patel, who played the key role in the accession of princely states to an independent India. The Mir was duly restored to his state; Aijaz Ali was ousted. Keeping his promise, the Mir was now prepared to accede to India. But Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declined the offer. According to Malkani, had New Delhi played its cards in Khairpur and Tharparkar, the frontier of India would have touched the mighty Indus. Indeed, India could have asked for a plebiscite in the whole of Sindh, for the majority of Sindhis had voted against the League in the 1946 general elections. In these elections, the Muslim League got only 46.3 per cent vote in a province with a 71 per cent Muslim population. For every four votes polled by the League, three were polled by the nationalist Muslims led by GM Syed and Maula Bux! In a house of sixty, 10 MLAs were returned unopposed. Only one of them was a Muslim. Had polling taken place in these ten constituencies also, the Leagues percentage of the popular vote would have come down to less than forty! There was a clear anti-Muslim League majority of the popular vote in Sindh. In failing to avail of all these favourable factors, the Congress did little justice to Sindh and even less to India. The Congress threw not only NWFP to the wolvesas complained by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khanit threw Sindh also to the wolves." British conspiracy The 1946 Assembly elections in Sindh returned 28 MLAs from the Muslim League, 22 from the INC, and 7 Muslims who were opposed to the Muslim League. Governor Sir Francis Mudie nominated three Europeans. The 22 Congress MLAs and the 7 anti-League Muslim MLAs had formed an alliance. They were one more than the League. But Governor Mudie installed a Muslim League ministry and asked the 3 nominated Europeans to support it. The governor refused to call the assembly session. In fact, when Mir Bundeh Ali Khan Talpur quit the Muslim League, the governor sent his secretary to him, asking him to rejoin the League on the promise of a ministership. When the assembly had to be called to elect Sindhs representatives to the constituent assembly, the governor adjourned the house on the very day that it was scheduled to take up the no-confidence motion. His excuse was that the assembly, called to elect members to the constituent assembly, could not conduct any other business. Interestingly enough, at the same time, the British governor of the Punjab allowed the Punjab assembly to take up the motion of no-confidence against the non-Muslim League Khizr government, though it too had been called for electing representatives to the constituent assembly. Later, when the Sindh Assembly session became constitutionally due, the governor did not summon itbecause the Leagues strength had come down to 25; instead, he dissolved the assembly, called for fresh elections, and kept the Muslim League regime as a caretaker government". In the ensuing elections, massive rigging by the Muslim zamindars and officers, at the instance of the British higher-ups, ensured 35 seats for the Muslim League and only a few seats for nationalist Muslims. Before the election petitions could be taken up, the rigged assembly had voted for Pakistan! top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Malkani sums it up aptly: Governor Mudie was duly rewarded for his services by being elevated from the governorship of Sindh to that of the Punjab. Pir AM Rashdi has aptly described Mudie as Katikoo (master crook). The fate of Sindh was sealed by Quaid-e-Azam Mudie even more than by the other Quaid, Jinnah." 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 05, 2025, 18:39 IST News opinion Right Word | Partition: How Political Blunders And British Conspiracies Sealed Fate Of Sindh 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 Trump administration is taking a new stab at immigration, reviving a controversial measure briefly introduced during the Republicans first term. This rule will require some business and tourist visa applicants to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 to enter the United States. The measure is aimed at citizens of countries with high rates of overstay in the U.S. and poor security in their internal documentation processes. It will take effect on August 20, according to a notice published in the Federal Register. It will begin as a one-year pilot program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that the goal of this program is to ensure that the government does not incur extra costs when a visitor violates the terms of their visa. Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure (B-1/B-2) and who are nationals of countries identified by the Department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering Citizenship by Investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program, the official document states. A previous version of this immigration policy was installed in November 2020, in the final stretch of Trumps first term. It was not fully implemented due to the dramatic drop in international travel resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. That version affected about two dozen countries, mostly African nations, with overstay rates above 10%. The State Department has traditionally discouraged similar measures due to the cumbersome process of posting and canceling the bond. This time, those who pay it will receive it back upon leaving the country, becoming naturalized citizens, or in the event of death. However, if a traveler overstays their visa, they could lose the deposit to cover costs associated with their deportation. Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program are excluded from this measure, and consular officers will reserve the right to waive the bond on a case-by-case basis. This measure is in addition to the recent $250 integrity fee, which will take effect in 2026 and will be charged to applicants for most non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, student, and work visas, raising the cost of some by nearly $500. Which countries could be affected? The government has not provided an estimate of the number of applicants who could be affected, nor a list of countries that will be subject to the rule. However, 2023 data from Customs and Border Protection reveals that nations with high visa overstay rates include Angola, Liberia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, and Afghanistan. The list of affected countries will be published 15 days before the program begins and may be updated with a similar notice. In the 2020 version of the pilot program, the measure applied to travelers from Afghanistan, Angola, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Laos, Liberia, Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 15:14 IST 1 / 5 **Jabalpur** In a potentially game-changing discovery, geologists have confirmed the presence of significant gold reserves deep beneath the surface in Madhya Pradeshs Jabalpur district. The findings come after years of exploration and sampling in the Mahangwa Kewalri region of Sihora tehsil, an area already known for its rich deposits of iron and manganese. According to preliminary survey data, the gold deposits are spread across an estimated 100 hectares, and experts believe the quantity could run into lakhs of tonnes. If fully confirmed, this would place Jabalpur among the most mineral-rich zones in India and could dramatically reshape the regions economic future. (News18 Telugu) 2 / 5 The breakthrough comes from an extensive geological survey conducted by a team from the Regional Office of the Department of Geology and Mineral Resources. The team carried out soil sampling across Mahangwa Kewalri and confirmed the presence of not just gold, but also copper and other valuable metals through chemical analysis. "The evidence is conclusive," said a senior official from the department, adding, "The chemical tests confirm substantial traces of gold, along with copper and other precious minerals. This could be one of the most important mineral discoveries in central India in recent years." (News18 Telugu) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 5 The excitement is not new to the region. Years ago, signs of gold had also emerged from neighbouring Katni district. While those early indicators lacked strong confirmation at the time, the current discovery in Jabalpur seems to support and strengthen earlier hypotheses. With gold now found in both Katni and Jabalpur, the region is attracting renewed interest from mining and geological experts. (News18 Telugu) 4 / 5 Jabalpur, long associated with iron ore and mineral exports, could see its profile rise significantly. Already home to 42 operational mines extracting iron, manganese, laterite, limestone, and silica sand, the district has built a reputation for contributing to Indias mineral economy. Much of its iron is exported internationally, including to China. Now, with gold entering the picture, the region may see a new wave of industrial investment. "What makes this find even more viable," said a state official, is that mining infrastructure is already in place. The area has been explored and worked on for years. Tapping into the newly confirmed gold reserves will require relatively lower investment than starting from scratch." (News18 Telugu) ADVERTISEMENT Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 09:55 IST Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 9 this year. As per several reports, it is the luckiest in almost 100 years, heres why. 1 / 8 Raksha Bandhan is one of the most beloved and meaningful festivals in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. (File Photo) 2 / 8 In 2025, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9, aligning with the Purnima (full moon day) of the Shravana month in the Hindu lunar calendar. (File Photo) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 While Raksha Bandhan is an annual festival, this year's edition is extra special. The festival is being termed the luckiest in 100 years due to a rare astrological alignment, which is co-inciding with the festival. (File Photo) 4 / 8 The Raksha Bandhan Shubh Muhurat is between 05:47 AM to 01:24 PM this year. The Purnima Tithi will begin at 02:12 PM on August 8, and it will end at 01:24 PM on August 9. (Image: Pinterest) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 On August 9, 2025, Raksha Bandhan will be graced by a rare astrological phenomenon, when the Saubhagya Yog and Sarvarth Siddhi Yog will both align. The Saubhagya Yog will begin on the day of Raksha Bandhan and lasts until 2:15 AM on August 10. Active hours for Sarvarth Siddhi Yog are 05:47 AM to 02:23 PM. They both will align in the period known as Shravan Nakshatra. (File Photo) 6 / 8 Saubhagya Yog, as the name suggests, is believed to bring luck, prosperity and well-being. The Sarvarth Siddhi Yog is also said to fulfill all good desires. Additonally, the Shravan Nakshatra is believed to strengthen relationships and boost spiritual growth. (Image: Pinterest) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 Several astrologers have noted that his powerful alignment has not occurred in around 95-100 years, which makes this year's Raksha Bandhan truly special. (File Photo) CNN name, logo and all associated elements and 2024 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of NEWS18.com does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them. Copyright Network18 Media and Investments Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. Bhagwat's Lecture Series: RSS Opens Doors To Oppn, Muslims, Christians, Tech Leaders, Foreign Envoys Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 22:33 IST The series will begin in Delhi, followed by Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai, with sessions extending into NCR and several northern states to ensure broader regional participation The lecture series, titled Vyakhyanmala, will span three days and be headlined by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. File pic/PTI In an inclusive initiative and part of its outreach programme, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will invite opposition party leaders, foreign diplomats, eminent personalities, startup founders, youth influencers, defence experts, and members of Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and other minority communities to participate in its centenary-year lecture series. A senior RSS functionary confirmed that the organisation is reaching out to leaders from opposition parties. The list of foreign embassies has been finalised, excluding Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bangladesh has been excluded for now, as it currently lacks an elected government. The lecture series, titled Vyakhyanmala, will span three days and be headlined by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. He will deliver speeches on the RSSs journey over 100 years and future horizons. On the final day, Bhagwat will also take live questions from the audience, which will include esteemed personalities from various sections of society, foreign diplomats, and politicians. Recommended Stories The series will commence in Delhi, followed by Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai, with sessions extending into NCR and several north Indian states to ensure broader regional participation. Covering 17 thematic categories and 138 sub-categories, the invitation list will focus on individuals, achievers, and their social-professional-cultural contributions to the nation," said Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh (national spokesperson) of the RSS. The lecture series will address ideas central to Indias new generation, youth and entrepreneurship, womens empowerment and leadership, national security, cultural identity, decolonisation of institutions and practices, along with social harmony," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Significantly, this platform is not just for allies but an open intellectual space. Members of the Muslim community and other minorities, including Christians and Buddhists, will be invited as equal contributors to the dialogue. The RSS has even decided to include critics and ideological opponents from across the political spectrum. The presence of diplomats from foreign embassies highlights growing global interest in Indias ideological and cultural currents. Including influencers, tech innovators, and young changemakers reflects the Sanghs focus on shaping and listening to Young India". This lecture series is happening after seven years, as the last one took place in 2018 in Delhi. This time, the Sangh will extend the programme to three additional metro cities and continue until February in phases. About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 22:33 IST News politics Bhagwat's Lecture Series: RSS Opens Doors To Oppn, Muslims, Christians, Tech Leaders, Foreign Envoys Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'They Wanted To Kill Me': West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari's Convoy Attacked In Cooch Behar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 19:59 IST Adhikari had travelled to Cooch Behar in north Bengal to lead a BJP protest outside the Superintendent of Police's office Follow us on: News18 West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikaris convoy was allegedly attacked on Tuesday in the Khagrabari area of Cooch Behar district during a BJP protest. The BJP has claimed that the attackers were supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The incident occurred around 12:35 PM as Adhikari was travelling to lead a protest outside the Superintendent of Polices office. Recommended Stories Speaking after the incident, Adhikari alleged that the attack on his convoy was a planned assassination attempt, carried out by the police on the orders of senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. This attack was done to kill me. It has been done by the police on the instructions of TMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee. We have submitted evidence of the attack and kept a receipt of the report, Adhikari alleged. He claimed he was in a bulletproof car on the advice of BJP MP Nishith Pramanik, who had received information that the convoy might be attacked. I came after the court gave me permission, still this mob attacked me. They were Rohingyas. Nishith told me to sit in the bulletproof car as he got input that my car would be set on fire," Adhikari alleged. He added, I will take revenge. I will remember this. We will use bulldozers when we come to power." Following the incident, Adhikari filed an official police complaint against TMC minister Udayan Guha, who heads the North Bengal Development Department, and others allegedly involved in the attack. Police have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. About the incident Adhikari had travelled to Cooch Behar in north Bengal to lead a BJP protest outside the Superintendent of Polices office. As his convoy passed through the Khagrabari area around 12:35 PM, a group of protesters reportedly gathered, waving TMC party flags and black flags. According to BJP leaders, the crowd chanted go back" slogans and hurled shoes at the convoy. Visuals shared on social media showed the mob hitting vehicles with flags and throwing footwear. A police escort car had its front windshield shattered, and at least one other vehicle was also damaged. #WATCH | Cooch Behar, West Bengal: The convoy of West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari was allegedly attacked in Cooch Behar, while he was on his way to the Superintendent of Police Office. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/586iocZFHn ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 Speaking to News18, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said, We will launch protests across the state, from North Bengal to South Bengal." He also stated that he would brief BJP national president JP Nadda on the matter. Criticising the TMC, Bhattacharya alleged, They are bringing Bangladeshi infiltrators into the state. These attacks are happening everywhere." The BJP described the incident as a pre-planned attempt to intimidate the Leader of the Opposition," accusing the ruling party of orchestrating the violence. The TMC has strongly denied the allegations, calling the incident a well-scripted drama" by the BJP. It claimed the incident stemmed from internal rifts within the BJP, not its own party workers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While tensions flared at the site, authorities have not yet confirmed whether anyone was injured. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More view comments Location : West Bengal, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 14:03 IST News politics 'They Wanted To Kill Me': West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari's Convoy Attacked In Cooch Behar 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 Maharashtra-Karnataka Water Row: Centre To Probe Almatti Dam, Hippargi Barrage Projects Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 09:12 IST This decision comes after the Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra flagged potential flood risk and water management challenges due to Karnataka's unilateral actions Follow us on: A key meeting marked a major development in the ongoing Maharashtra-Karnataka water dispute. (Image: News18) The Centre has initiated an official inquiry into alleged irregularities in the construction and proposed height increase of the Almatti Dam and Hippargi Barrage in Karnataka. This decision comes after the Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra flagged potential flood risk and water management challenges due to Karnatakas unilateral actions. Recommended Stories The key meeting on Monday marked a major development in the ongoing Maharashtra-Karnataka water dispute. With the Centre now directly involved, the focus will shift to the findings of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and if Karnatakas proposals adhere to inter-state water management norms and ecological balance. In the meeting held in New Delhi, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil said the matter will be thoroughly investigated by the NDSA. A high-level delegation, led by Maharashtras water resources minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, was present at the meeting and later briefed the media on the central governments response. The Centre has taken serious note of our concerns. The National Dam Safety Authority will look into the construction and operational inconsistencies in Almatti and Hippargi projects. This is a significant step towards safeguarding the interests of the people of Kolhapur, Sangli, and the entire downstream region of Krishna river," said Vikhe Patil. The delegation included Kolhapur guardian minister Prakash Abitkar, co-guardian minister Madhuri Misal, and several MPs and MLAs from flood-prone districts like Kolhapur and Sangli. Also present were chairperson of the Central Water Commission, Maharashtra Water Resources Department Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kapoor, and Union Jal Shakti Ministry Secretary Debashree Mukherjee. Karnataka recently submitted a proposal to raise the full reservoir level (FRL) of the Almatti Dam from 519.60 m to 524.256 m, a move Maharashtra has strongly opposed. Maharashtra has argued that even with the current dam height, massive flooding occurred in 2019 and 2021, causing devastation across its western districts. The Maharashtra delegation warned that increasing the height could worsen backwater flooding in the Krishna river and its tributaries, reducing natural flow, damaging agricultural land, and disrupting local life. Vikhe Patil said the state governments own studies show how Almatti has already affected water retention and flow patterns, especially in Kolhapur and Sangli. The discharge rate of floodwaters has drastically slowed down, leading to prolonged inundation and rising flood frequencies. These districts now live under constant flood threat," he said. The delegation urged the government to intervene before irreversible environmental and human damage takes place and highlighted how Fadnavis had earlier raised a red flag, writing a detailed letter to the Centre questioning the dam height expansion. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The CM has taken a strong and clear stand. We are committed to safeguarding our peoples lives and livelihoods. We are not against development, but it must not come at the cost of human suffering," he said. Prominent political leaders in the delegation included MPs Shahu Chhatrapati, Vishal Patil, Dhairyasheel Mane, Dhananjay Mahadik, and MLAs Satej Patil, Arun Lad, Dr Vishwajeet Kadam, Rajendra Patil Yadravkar, Sadaabhau Khot, and others. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa... Read More view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 06:30 IST News politics Maharashtra-Karnataka Water Row: Centre To Probe Almatti Dam, Hippargi Barrage Projects 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 PDA Pathshala Row: SP, BJP At Loggerheads In Uttar Pradesh Over 'New School Of Thought' Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 18:10 IST In the past week alone, three FIRs have been registered against SP leaders and workers for allegedly running PDA Pathshalas without permission Follow us on: According to official figures, Uttar Pradesh has around 1.32 lakh primary schools catering to nearly 1.48 crore children. The governments school pairing policy, rolled out this year, seeks to merge 10,784 schools with nearby institutions to 'rationalise resources and ensure better facilities'. Representational image/Getty PDA Pathshala cannot be stopped by police. The BJP wants OBC and Dalit children to remain uneducated," Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday while addressing the supporters at the birth anniversary of socialist leader Janeshwar Mishra in Lucknow. The SP chiefs remark has once again brought his partys PDA Ki Pathshala" initiative into the spotlight. So is the Samajwadi Party using it as a political plank to consolidate its OBC, Dalit, and minority base ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections? The chief minister should himself visit these schools to see the conditions. The BJP government has admitted that it shut down or merged several schools. Until new teachers are appointed, our workers will keep teaching children," said Akhilesh. He accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of deliberately pushing Other Backward Class (OBC) and Dalit children out of the education system, calling it a conspiracy to weaken their reasoning capacity. Recommended Stories What is PDA Ki Pathshala? The PDA (short for Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) Pathshala programme was launched by the SP in protest against the state governments decision to merge more than 10,700 primary schools under its restructuring policy. The party claims that the move, rather than improving quality, has ended up depriving children in marginalised communities of access to basic education. SP cadres and local leaders have since been holding makeshift classesinside closed schools, at nearby grounds, and sometimes under treesbranding them as PDA Pathshalas. The initiative gained momentum after videos of these classes circulated on social media, showing children being taught by SP workers. While the party says it is filling a vacuum left by the government, the ruling BJP has hit back, calling it Samajwadi brainwashing" of innocent minds. The UP governments school merger policy According to official figures, Uttar Pradesh has around 1.32 lakh primary schools catering to nearly 1.48 crore children. The governments school pairing policy, rolled out this year, seeks to merge 10,784 schools with nearby institutions to rationalise resources and ensure better facilities". The basic education department stated that many schools with low enrolment are better utilised if merged with bigger institutions, where students can benefit from improved infrastructure, trained staff, and digital learning resources. However, critics point out that the merger has left hundreds of villages without functioning schools, forcing childrenespecially from poor familiesto travel longer distances, increasing dropout rates. Crackdown on PDA Pathshalas The state government has responded with a heavy hand. In the past week alone, three FIRs have been registered against SP leaders and workers for allegedly running PDA Pathshalas without permission. In Pratapgarh, an FIR was lodged against SP legislator RK Verma for allegedly breaking the lock of a merged school and conducting classes with political posters and banners. In Kanpur, party leader Rachna Singh Gautam was booked for spreading rumours" about a school closure and holding classes outside its premises. Similarly, in Bhadohi, SP worker Anjani Saroj was accused of distributing toffees and pencils to lure children to attend an unauthorised class. Police said cases were registered under charges including criminal trespass, unlawful assembly, and damage to public property. Officials from the primary education department have directed district BSAs to monitor schools regularly and initiate strict legal action against unauthorised teaching activities, calling them an attempt to disrupt social harmony. UP minister defends the mergers Uttar Pradesh basic education minister Sandeep Singh asserted that the governments school merger programme was aimed at enhancing educational quality, not depriving children of learning opportunities. The opposition is misleading people. No child has been denied education. On the contrary, merging small schools with low enrolment ensures better teaching, proper classrooms, and effective monitoring. Education cannot be turned into a political battleground," he said. Clarifying its stance, the state government on Thursday announced that primary schools with 50 or more students will not be merged, and those located more than a kilometre from the nearest school will remain independent. The minister further assured that there would be no reduction in the number of teachers posts. Experts weigh in Political analyst Shashikant Pandey, head of the department of political science at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, said the PDA Pathshala issue reflects a larger battle over electoral narratives. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The SP is consciously framing the merger issue through the lens of social justice, trying to tell OBCs and Dalits that their childrens future is at stake. This is not merely about schoolsit is about consolidating the PDA bloc for 2027. The FIRs, if anything, may allow the SP to play the victim card, which could resonate with marginalised voters," he explained. Another political expert added that the initiative fits the SPs broader PDA strategy. By highlighting school closures and linking them to the marginalisation of backward and Dalit communities, the SP is ensuring that the debate reaches the grassroots. Education is an emotional issue, and the party hopes this narrative will stick until 2027," he said. view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 18:10 IST News politics PDA Pathshala Row: SP, BJP At Loggerheads In Uttar Pradesh Over 'New School Of Thought' 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 Rahul Gandhi Makes False Claims, SC Has Commented On It: Rijiju Quotes PM Modi After NDA Meet Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 13:19 IST A resolution was passed during the meeting acknowledging the success of Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, 2 military operations launched in response to terrorist threats. Follow us on: Kiren Rijiju also slammed Congress for undermining India's military operations against terrorists. (PTI Image) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking after the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, cited Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of routinely making false and misleading statements. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Rijiju said, The Prime Minister clearly stated that when Rahul Gandhi makes false statements, even the Supreme Court has had to comment on it. This is a lesson for all of us never to say anything untrue." The NDA Parliamentary Party meeting was held in Delhi and was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reflected on the coalitions journey since its formation in 1998. Rijiju said the Prime Minister shared insights from his leadership across three consecutive terms and laid out the roadmap for the NDAs future. Recommended Stories Praise For Armed Forces And Passage of Resolution A resolution was passed during the meeting acknowledging the success of Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev two recent military operations launched in response to terrorist threats. The NDA lauded the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces, with Rijiju saying the meeting paid its respects to the sacrifices and valour of the soldiers. Opposition Under Fire Rijiju also hit out at the Opposition for stalling Parliamentary proceedings. This is the third week of the session, and not a single bill has been passed. The Opposition is continuously disrupting Parliament," he said, calling on all parties to cooperate in legislative work. He further criticised Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for allegedly misleading the House by claiming security forces other than marshals were deployed in the chamber a claim, Rijiju said, was refuted by the Chair. Only Marshals are allowed to enter the House. Kharge Jis letter to the Deputy Chairman was completely wrong and intended to mislead the nation. We reject it," he said. Rijiju also accused the Congress Party of prioritising dynastic politics over constitutional values. The Congress considers one family above the Constitution. They do not respect Parliament or the country," he said. Bills On Tribal Reservation, Manipur Expected top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Rijiju informed that the government will introduce a bill to provide reservation to tribals in the legislative assembly in the Lok Sabha and aims to pass a bill related to Manipur in the Rajya Sabha. We will begin our efforts today, but for that, the Opposition must stop the chaos," he added. As the NDA gears up to push ahead with its legislative agenda, the government has made it clear that parliamentary disruption will not be tolerated, and that misleading the public especially by senior leaders will be publicly countered. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 13:19 IST News politics Rahul Gandhi Makes False Claims, SC Has Commented On It: Rijiju Quotes PM Modi After NDA Meet 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 SIR, Womens Safety & Booth-Level Push: Amit Shah Charts 2026 Strategy As Bengal BJP Shifts Into Poll Mode Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:29 IST According to sources, Shah issued clear instructions to party leaders: the focus must shift decisively to retaining ground in Bengal, regardless of the national electoral schedule Noting the rise in crimes against women in the past five years, Shah has instructed MPs to highlight womens issues more prominently. (PTI) In a significant move signalling the BJPs preparation for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, Union home minister Amit Shah chaired a crucial meeting on Monday with senior MPs and key organisational leaders of the party. With SIR (Special Intensive Revision) and the issue of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration high on the agenda, the meeting is being viewed as a turning point in the BJPs Bengal strategy. According to sources, Shah issued clear instructions to party leaders: the focus must now shift decisively to retaining ground in Bengal, regardless of the national electoral schedule. Even if national politics moves on its own course, Bengal must not be lost, Shah reportedly told the gathering. Recommended Stories Shah emphasised that party presence must reach down to every booth. Each constituencys voter rolls must be carefully scrutinised, and every BJP worker must be involved in that process. The message was clear: We have the votesnow we must ensure they reach the booths." With potential SIR implementation on the horizon, senior leaders were briefed on how to coordinate if and when these begin. Booth-level workers will play a critical role in countering any narrative and maintaining grassroots momentum. Noting the rise in crimes against women in the past five years, Shah has instructed MPs to highlight womens issues more prominently, both in Parliament and on the ground. Leaders were also reminded to effectively communicate BJPs work for SC/ST communities and the benefits delivered by the central governments welfare schemes. Shah stressed that awareness of these projects must reach common people as all efforts must now be channelled toward winning in 2026, party insiders confirmed. The minister added that the party must clarify its stand on Bengalis to counter the Oppositions narratives. The BJP must clearly convey that it is not anti-Bengali, but against illegal infiltration. Our message must be firm but sensitive," a senior leader said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah are expected to visit Bengal almost every month as part of a phased high-level outreach campaign. Local leaders have already received directions to organise public programmes to increase mass connect. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Learning from the missteps of the 2021 assembly elections, the BJP leadership has asked for better coordination with grassroots workers and local committees, particularly on sensitive issues like SIR, migration, and regional identity. Party sources confirmed that awareness campaigns have already been rolled out, and new committee formations will reflect lessons from the past. With this aggressive push, the BJP appears determined to reshape its Bengal narrative and avoid a repeat of 2021s disappointment. 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 First Published: August 05, 2025, 12:29 IST News politics SIR, Womens Safety & Booth-Level Push: Amit Shah Charts 2026 Strategy As Bengal BJP Shifts Into Poll Mode 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... 'Lacks Basic Gratitude': In Fresh Jibe, Kalyan Banerjee Regrets Backing Mahua Moitra In The Past Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 20:34 IST Kalyan Banerjee resigned as TMC's Chief Whip in Lok Sabha after a public spat with Mahua Moitra. where she called him a "pig". Banerjee accused her of using dehumanising language. TMC MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra (PTI) After resigning as Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Whip in Lok Sabha, senior party leader Kalyan Banerjee fired another salvo at Mahua Moitra over her pig jibe", saying she lacked basic gratitude and apologised to the nation for defending her. Sharing a video of a Parliament session from 2023 on X, Banerjee said, In 2023, I stood by Ms. Moitra when she was under fire in Parliament I did so out of conviction, not compulsion. Today, she repays that support by calling me a misogynist." Recommended Stories I owe the nation an apology for having defended someone who clearly lacks basic gratitude. Let people see her words for what they are and judge accordingly," he added. In 2023, I stood by Ms. Moitra when she was under fire in Parliament I did so out of conviction, not compulsion. Today, she repays that support by calling me a misogynist. I owe the nation an apology for having defended someone who clearly lacks basic gratitude. Let people see pic.twitter.com/n1MIUpVM0J Kalyan Banerjee (@KBanerjee_AITC) August 5, 2025 Kalyan Banerjee and Mahua Moitra have traded nasty barbs over the last few months. While replying to a question on Kalyans remarks on her marriage with BJD MP Pinaki Mishra at a podcast, Moitra said, You dont wrestle with a pig. Because the pig likes it and you get dirty. There are deeply misogynistic, sexually frustrated, depraved men in India and they have their representation in parliament across all parties." Soon after these remarks, Kalyan Banerjee accused Moitra of abusing him and having a deep disregard for basic norms of civil discourse. Her choice of words, including the use of dehumanising language such as comparing a fellow MP to a pig, is not only unfortunate but reflects a deep disregard for basic norms of civil discourse," he said. ALSO READ: TMC Accepts Kalyan Banerjees Resignation, Names Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar As Lok Sabha Chief Whip Labelling a male colleague as sexually frustrated isnt boldness its outright abuse. If such language were directed at a woman, there would be nationwide outrage, and rightly so. But when a man is the target, its dismissed or even applauded. Lets be clear: abuse is abuse regardless of gender," he wrote. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Banerjee on Monday resigned as the partys chief whip in the Lok Sabha, hours after a virtual meeting of TMC MPs chaired by party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, where she reportedly expressed her displeasure over poor coordination in the partys parliamentary wing. In an emotional outburst, the senior TMC leader said he was deeply hurt by the partys silence over insults" hurled at him by a fellow MP, an apparent reference to Mahua Moitra, with whom he had frequent run-ins. Didi says MPs are quarrelling Should I tolerate those who abuse me? I informed the party leadership, but no action was taken. Instead, I am blamed. Let Didi run the party her way," he said. 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 05, 2025, 20:31 IST News politics 'Lacks Basic Gratitude': In Fresh Jibe, Kalyan Banerjee Regrets Backing Mahua Moitra In The Past 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... When he arrived in the United States in April last year, Ariel Figueredo Lopez, a 35-year-old Cuban, went to live with his brother Ameed and his family in Lincoln, Nebraska. Figueredo arrived through the CBP One program, and had a temporary visa to live and work legally in the country. Eager to get ahead, he got a job at a solar panel company, and moved to Atlanta, where he met his girlfriend Eliani Rusindo, a fellow Cuban from the interior of the island who had also recently arrived. When Figueredo finished his work in Georgia, the couple moved to Florida. There, they made a $1,500 downpayment on a 2018 Kia Sedona and got their first credit cards from Capital One and Chase. Figueredos company offered him another opportunity in Osceola, Arkansas, and off they went with a few possessions in the trunk of their car. They started sharing the $2,200 rent for a three-bedroom home with two other families. On the days he wasnt working with solar panels, Figueredo delivered food for DoorDash, and so managed to cover his and Rusindos expenses. Little by little, they bought a set of bedroom furniture, a television and the other things they needed for their home, planning to eventually move to Nebraska to be near Figueredos family. But that dream came crashing down the day that Osceola police fined Figueredo for driving seven miles an hour over the speed limit. When he tried to pay the fee online, he realized his name had been registered incorrectly. After a month had passed, he decided to go to the police to figure out what to do. That was when he was detained. He told them that it wasnt in the system, that his name was incorrect. They detained him and told him they were going to deport him to Cuba, says Rusindo. Ever since that day more than five months ago, Figueredo has been held in a Louisiana detention center. There are no more unpaid traffic violations on his record, but authorities will not release him on bail nor into the custody of his family. His case is just one among hundreds of thousands of immigrants who have been detained around the country in recent months as part of the anti-migrant crusade of Donald Trumps administration, which has led to mass express deportations, and lengthy detentions of individuals without serious criminal charges or even records. The consequences of the Republican governments agenda have been severe, and their economic and social impacts abound. The policies are leading to the loss of belongings and property for the family members of detained and deported migrants, who are not only dealing with the detention of a loved one on whom they depend economically, but are also running the risk of losing their homes and incurring serious debt. Although U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) does not confiscate belongings, according to an email sent by the Department of Homeland Security to this newspaper, Nayna Gupta, policy director at the bipartisan advocacy group American Immigration Council, explains that federal immigration law does not offer deportees anything explicit in terms of protecting their savings or personal belongings. Generally, a deportation does not affect the typical property rights that a person has in the United States, and property rights also apply to non-citizens. In other words, a deportation order on its own does not subject someone to the confiscation of their belongings, says Gupta. However, if the deportation is tied to a criminal sentence, there is a possibility of a criminal seizure of assets. Fear of being detained, or in the worst case, deported, has led many immigrants to come up with strategies to hold onto their belongings, to the point where they are withdrawing their savings from bank accounts and designating legal representatives, according to family members of detainees, immigration lawyers, and migrant advocacy organizations. Families like that of Figueredo suddenly find themselves without their primary breadwinner, adrift amid an avalanche of unexpected expenses, and many have lost everything they fought so hard to achieve as recent arrivals to the country. Ameed Figueredo and his wife Barbara Delgado paid a $2,500 retainer and now send $500 a month to an immigration lawyer to defend their brother. In April, the Department of Homeland Security revoked the legal status of hundreds of thousands of immigrants who, like Figueredo, had arrived through CBP One. He has an asylum hearing this month. His family says that if he is deported to Cuba, he is likely to be sent to prison due to his activism against the regime. Rusindo had to return to Florida, where she is staying with some family members in Tampa. She brought everything she could fit inside the Kia, and during the first two months of Figueredos detention, continued paying the cars $436 monthly payments and $150 insurance fees, until she could no longer afford them. This week, a tow truck came from the dealership and took it away. We wanted to buy a home, have a family, so many things. But in the end, we lost it all. The things we had, that we had bought little by little even our clothes, says Rusindo. Figueredo sent her the password to his DoorDash account so that she could withdraw the money in his account. She could also use his Chase account, thanks to ending up with a phone that had that account information stored on it. She cant access the other credit cards. He had good credit, she says. But now, thats ruined too. Contingency plans Enrique got to the United States with his family in 2021. He received a document known as the I-220A, which allowed him to remain in the country while his immigration case was pending. The 40-year-old Cuban, who asked for his last name not to be revealed, has not been detained yet. But he knows he could be at any moment because, four years later, he still has not managed to regularize his immigration status. And so, he has prepared power of attorney documents for himself, his wife and their son, and authorized a close friend to see to his belongings in the case that he is detained. The process of formalizing each power of attorney costs nearly $200. He also withdrew all his money from the bank, leaving only what was necessary to pay bills. A person doesnt sleep from the worries, this fear, that I wont be able to have any control, that it will be out of my hands, because its not just me, its my family. It could be tomorrow, God forbid. They catch you in a traffic stop, they put you in a hole and no one knows where you are and you lose everything. Your life is over, says Enrique. Entire communities are preparing similar contingency plans, says a spokesperson from the Florida Immigrant Coalition, which has been passing out family preparedness plans for harm reduction in the case that someone is detained and is at risk of deportation. The plans take the shape of informational packets that explain immigrants constitutional rights and have a blank page meant to be filled with emergency contacts, like consulates, employers, and lawyers, plus a list of documents to have on hand. The organization holds community workshops in which the plans are distributed. The situation is not only impacting immigrants who are recent arrivals. Some who have been in the United States for a long time, have American children, their own homes, or are business owners, are also being detained and deported. Such is the case of a woman who was detained in February when she attended a residency interview at the immigration offices in the northern Miami neighborhood of Oakland Park. The woman, who is from Haiti, arrived late to an immigration hearing in 2007 and a deportation order was issued in her name, explains her lawyer, Frandley Julien, who did not represent her at the time. Julien appealed that order, managed to get her case reopened, and says his client has a clear path to getting residency. Even so, the 50-year-old woman has been detained in Louisiana since February. She and her husband have been cleaners for decades, and managed to save the money to buy two houses, one they live in and another that they rent. While she has been detained, her family has faced economic difficulties on a single income, and are afraid they will lose both properties. This is truly the case of a beautiful life story, of a person who respects the law, who has worked for little more than minimum wage and even so, managed to buy two houses. You would think that the government would value that, says Julien, who adds that the day his client arrived late to court, there had been an accident on the highway. It could happen to anyone. She never should have been a priority for immigration. In his eyes, authorities are destroying communities. Now he says he will be presenting a writ of habeas corpus on his clients behalf. He laments, it doesnt make any sense. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition TMC Turmoil: Kalyan Banerjees Tirade, Mahua Moitras Pig Jibe, Mamata Banerjees Intervention Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 09:51 IST Party sources say that while Kalyans resignation has been submitted, it hasnt been formally accepted. Nor has he withdrawn it. Follow us on: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee spoke to party MPs in a close-door meet on Monday. (Images: PTI) A day after Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra referred to her party colleague Kalyan Banerjee as a pig" during a podcast with India Today, the Serampore MP fired back publicly, accusing her of using dehumanising" language. The escalating spat between the two Lok Sabha MPs reached a political flashpoint on Monday when Kalyan Banerjee announced his resignation as the Chief Whip of the TMC Parliamentary party in the Lok Sabha, just hours after a key internal meeting led by party chief Mamata Banerjee. Responding to Mahuas remark, in a strongly worded post on X, Kalyan wrote: I have taken note of the recent personal remarks made by Mahua Moitra in a public podcast. Her choice of words, including the use of dehumanising language such as comparing a fellow MP to a pig, is not only unfortunate but reflects a deep disregard for basic norms of civil discourse." Recommended Stories I have taken note of the recent personal remarks made by Ms. Mahua Moitra in a public podcast. Her choice of words, including the use of dehumanising language such as comparing a fellow MP to a pig", is not only unfortunate but reflects a deep disregard for basic norms of civil Kalyan Banerjee (@KBanerjee_AITC) August 4, 2025 Mahuas comments came while responding to Kalyans earlier remarks about her marriage with BJD MP Pinaki Mishra. She had said, You dont wrestle with a pig. Because the pig likes it and you get dirty. There are deeply misogynistic, sexually frustrated, depraved men in India and they have their representation in parliament across all parties." Mamatas Intervention And The Fallout The deepening feud between the two MPs was among the key reasons for Mamata Banerjees sharp reprimand during Mondays virtual meeting with party MPs. According to sources, Mamata expressed serious displeasure at the growing infighting within the Lok Sabha contingent, especially at a politically sensitive moment in Bengal. In contrast, she praised the Rajya Sabha MPs for maintaining discipline and hinted at forming a disciplinary committee to monitor internal conduct. Also Read: Kalyan Banerjee Steps Down As TMCs Lok Sabha Chief Whip As Mamata Flags Poor Coordination Significantly, she also formalised the transfer of coordination duties to Abhishek Banerjee, citing the ill health of senior MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay. Until now, Kalyan had been performing that role. Hours later, Kalyan stepped down as Chief Whip, stating in his resignation letter that the TMC supremo no longer had confidence in him. However, insiders suggest the timing was no coincidence. The Mahua row, growing personal acrimony, and possibly Mamatas comments during the meet, which many interpreted as directed at Kalyan, contributed to his decision to quit the post. The Road Ahead: All Eyes On Delhi Despite the resignation, Kalyan has clarified that he has no personal issues with Abhishek Banerjee, who has since spoken to him and requested that he continue in his role for a few more days. Abhishek is expected to visit Delhi on August 7, where a one-on-one conversation with Kalyan is planned to defuse tensions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Party insiders say Kalyans resignation has not yet been formally accepted, nor has he withdrawn it. Those familiar with TMCs internal dynamics note that Kalyan has had run-ins with the party leadership before but such disputes have often been resolved behind closed doors. Whether this latest episode follows that same path may depend heavily on his upcoming meeting with Abhishek. If reconciliation is to be achieved, insiders suggest, it will likely begin with the withdrawal of Kalyans resignation, but the bitterness with Mahua Moitra may be harder to paper over. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 09:07 IST News politics TMC Turmoil: Kalyan Banerjees Tirade, Mahua Moitras Pig Jibe, Mamata Banerjees Intervention 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 Google Mocks Apples Delayed AI Features In New Pixel 10 Launch Teaser Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:14 IST Google Pixel 10 launch is on August 20 where we will see the company bring new AI features that should be available from day one. Follow us on: Google will launch Pixel 10 with new AI features and this new ad shows where Apple is lacking Google Pixel 10 launch is just a few weeks away and its customary iPhone mocking has started. Apples delayed AI features have been well documented, which the company had promised soon while launching the iPhone 16 series last year. Were still waiting for the big day when the advertised AI Siri and other tools are made available to the latest iPhones, and Google is making sure the iPhone maker does not forget its issues with the new features. The Pixel 10 will offer a wide array of Gemini AI features that iPhone users can only dream of right now and Google never leaves a chance to mock its rivals. Recommended Stories Apple AI Delay Mocked In Pixel 10 Teaser The new Pixel 10 launch teaser takes a direct swipe at Apple and its supposedly coming soon features. The new ad posted on X says, If you buy a new phone, because of a feature thats coming soon. But it has been coming soon for a full year, you could change your definition of soon, or you could just change your phone." Get outside your comfort phone | 8.20.25Learn more and sign up for #MadeByGoogle updates: https://t.co/JOdjGMGYxY pic.twitter.com/nvXep5w5Ru Made by Google (@madebygoogle) August 4, 2025 Google even mentions that would people rather keep waiting for these features, that has changed the meaning of coming soon, or should you they just change their phone, which is where the new Pixel 10 lineup comes into play. Apple has been guilty of marketing and advertising its AI features well before they were ready to be rolled out. A lot of those who bought the iPhone 16 in the last 10 months did so because of Apples promise to bring the Apple AI features soon. Fast-forward to 2025, and were yet to see them fully roll out. In fact, the WWDC 2025 did not even have any section for Apple AI features, which tells you the issues plaguing the company. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Siri in the AI avatar shows it can summarise emails, develop a photo memory of the people you meet and more. Apple showed the personalised Siri in a three-series ad campaign which now has been made private on its YouTube channel. Apple took down the ads that deceived people into buying the new iPhones who thought the Siri features were already available publicly. Google Pixel 10 is launching on August 20 and 21 in the US and Indian market, respectively and we could see more AI features coming to these devices, where the use of the word soon should be negligible. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, Get latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 12:14 IST News tech Google Mocks Apples Delayed AI Features In New Pixel 10 Launch Teaser 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 80 Years, 2 Bloodlines, 4 Generations, 1 Roof: Gujarat Friends Redefine Family Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 10:31 IST Two Gujarati families, linked by a friendship dating to 1940 and the Indian freedom struggle, have lived together under one roof for 80 years across four generations It all started in 1940 when Bipin Desai and Gunwant Desai met at a government school. (AI Generated) In an era where nuclear families are the norm, where children often choose to live apart from parents, daughters-in-law are hesitant to stay with in-laws, and even brothers prefer separate homes, two friends in Gujarat have set a remarkable example. For the past 80 years, four generations of their families have lived together under one roof, bound not by blood, but by an enduring friendship that continues through their grandchildren today. Maitri: The Home Of Enduring Friendship Recommended Stories At the bungalow Maitri in Bhatar, Gujarat, one witnesses a profound friendship that has grown stronger than blood ties. This remarkable bond has passed from fathers to sons, and now to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, serving as a priceless family treasure. Both families have lived in this house together for eight decades. The Beginning Of A Lifelong Bond It all started in 1940 when Bipin Desai and Gunwant Desai met at a government school. Neighbours who travelled to school together, they shared lunches and dreams, unaware that their friendship would one day unite not just them but their descendants. Their bond was so strong that they shared everything, from farming to running a dairy, and were together connected with Mahatma Gandhi. United In The Freedom Struggle During Indias freedom movement, when Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement in 1942, Bipin Desai and Gunwant Desai were among the enthusiastic youth. Having just completed their matriculation, they actively participated by distributing anti-British pamphlets, organising protests, and enduring imprisonment together. Life After Independence Both pursued agricultural studies at Pune Agricultural University. After graduating, they returned to Surat, working together in farming, dairy management, contracting, and other businesses. They first lived in a modest mud house in Chanakyapuri. Despite growing families, they never considered living separately. In 1970, they built the duplex named Maitri, featuring separate rooms for each family but a shared drawing room that became the heart of the home. Continuing The Legacy Today, Bipins son Gautam Desai (70) and Gunwants son Parimal Desai (63) uphold this legacy. Parimal shares, There have been many changes over the years, but Gautam and I still live here with our families. Our sons, Hardik and Rahul, share a wonderful bond too." What made their fathers friendship unique was their understanding of each others differences. Bipin was conservative, while Gunwant was modern in outlook. Gautam says, Few knew our fathers were friends; most thought they were brothers. Whenever Parimal needed permission, hed approach my father instead of his own. Similarly, Gunwant kaka always supported me and talked to my father if I needed anything." A Bond That Spans Generations top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This special relationship continues in the current generation. When Parimal toured Europe, he took Gautams daughter along. Parimals son Hardik shares a strong bond with Gautam, Parimals granddaughter Vyomi often dines with Gautams daughter-in-law, and Gautams grandson Dwij enjoys meals with Parimals family. Gautams wife, Janvi, and Parimals wife, Tripti, have played vital roles in keeping this family bond alive. Tripti says, We have cooked together, shopped together, and shared many experiences." Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Gujarat, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 10:31 IST News viral 80 Years, 2 Bloodlines, 4 Generations, 1 Roof: Gujarat Friends Redefine Family Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'He's An Institution': Ali Akbar, Paris' Last Newspaper Hawker, To Be Honoured By Macron Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 09:00 IST Ali Akbar (73) will receive France's National Order of Merit for his dedication to supplying newspapers in Paris. President Macron will honor him in September. In a district now dominated by upscale boutiques and restaurants, Akbar remains a cherished reminder of the Latin Quarter's literary past. (Image: X/@DanBehringer221) Ali Akbar, a 73-year-old newspaper vendor originally from Pakistans Rawalpindi, is set to receive one of Frances most prestigious honours the National Order of Merit for his remarkable dedication in supplying newspapers to cafes and restaurants in Paris fashionable Latin Quarter for several decades. In September, President Emmanuel Macron will make him a knight of the National Order of Merit an honour typically reserved for those who render distinguished service to the nation in a civilian or military capacity. Recommended Stories Five Decades Of Service Having moved to France in 1973, Akbar has spent over 50 years selling dailies. Known for his warm smile, humour, and unwavering commitment, he has become a beloved local figure and the last of Pariss traditional street newspaper vendors. I just love the feel of paper," news agency Reuters quoted Akbar, who prefers physical print over digital news, as saying. I dont like tablets and all that kind of stuff. But I do like reading. Whatever the type. Real books. But never on screens," he said, adding, I have a certain way of selling newspapers. I try to make jokes. So people laugh. I try to be positive and I create an atmosphere I try and get into peoples hearts, not their pockets." Akbar began his journey by selling Charlie Hebdo to students near the Sorbonne at a time when kerb-side newspaper sellers were already in decline. Today, despite the dominance of digital media, he continues his trade, selling at least 20 copies of Le Monde every day. In a district now dominated by upscale boutiques and restaurants, Akbar remains a cherished reminder of the Latin Quarters literary past. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Speaking to Reuters, a longtime customer, Marie-Laure Carriere, described Akbar as an institution." Ali is an institution. I buy Le Monde from him every day. In fact, we do a little more than buy Le Monde for him. We have coffee with him, sometimes we have lunch with him," Carriere, was quoted as saying by Reuters. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More 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 05, 2025, 09:00 IST News viral 'He's An Institution': Ali Akbar, Paris' Last Newspaper Hawker, To Be Honoured By Macron 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 Employee Sleeps Outside Pune Office Over Withheld Salary, Company Issues Clarification Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 19:03 IST The viral image shows Sourabh More lying on a footpath outside TCSs Sahyadri Park campus in in Hinjewadi, Pune A photo of Saurabh More sleeping on the footpath outside the Pune office has gone viral. A photo of a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee sleeping on the footpath outside the companys Pune office has gone viral, sparking widespread outrage and raising questions about worker treatment in the IT industry. The employee, identified as Sourabh More, claimed he was forced to live on the street after his salary was withheld despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue with the companys HR department. Recommended Stories The viral image, which shows More lying on a footpath outside TCSs Sahyadri Park campus, was first shared by the Forum of IT Employees (FITE) on social media platform X on Sunday. #TCS pune employee protest outside TCS office in #hinjawadiSummary of the Letter (by Saurabh More):The employee reported back to the TCS Sahyadri Park, Pune office on 29th July 2025, but his ID is still inactive in TCS systems and he has not received his salary. In a meeting pic.twitter.com/QQqK6v1jPS Forum For IT Employees FITE (@FITEMaharashtra) August 3, 2025 A handwritten letter placed beside him read: I have informed HR I dont have money and will be forced to sleep and live outside TCS on the footpath." According to a summary posted by FITE, More returned to duty at the Pune campus on July 29, only to find that his employee ID was inactive and his salary had not been paid. He raised the issue with the HR team the following day, on July 30, but the matter allegedly remained unresolved. The image of him sleeping outside the office quickly spread across social media, leading to a wave of criticism directed at the IT giant. FITE Maharashtra, which represents employees in the IT, BPO, KPO, and telecom sectors, expressed support for More, saying: We stand in solidarity with the TCS employee protesting outside their Pune office for his pending salary. His courage to raise his voice in such dire conditions is commendable. However, salary delays and job-related issues should also be formally reported to the Labour Office. Protesting is a strong visual message, but combining it with a legal complaint strengthens the fight and compels accountability." In response, TCS issued an official statement, saying the situation arose due to unauthorised absence" on the part of the employee. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In accordance with standard procedure, payroll was suspended during this period. The employee has now reported back and requested reinstatement. We have provided him accommodation for now and are supporting him in addressing his situation in a fair and constructive manner," the company said. TCS added that they are actively working to resolve the issue and have taken steps to provide temporary lodging to the employee while discussions continue. 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 05, 2025, 19:01 IST News viral TCS Employee Sleeps Outside Pune Office Over Withheld Salary, Company Issues Clarification 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... Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Man Crawls Out Of Landslide Debris | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 18:38 IST Uttarakhand Cloudburst News: Shocking video shows man crawling out of debris after cloudburst. Uttarkashi Flash Flood: Cameras capture incredible moment man walks out of mud and rubble in Dharali landslide. (IMAGE: SOURCED) Uttarakhand Cloudburst News: A cloudburst on Tuesday triggered flash floods and landslides in Dharali village, leaving a trail of destruction in this high-altitude area of Uttarkashi district. At least four people have been confirmed dead so far, while rescue teams are scrambling to locate the missing. Visuals from the scene show flooded streets, toppled structures and residents screaming for help as water gushed through the village. In one shocking video, a man is seen emerging from under a pile of debris, covered in mud but alive. Recommended Stories Authorities said the cloudburst took place in the catchment area of a local tributary, the Kheer Ganga River, which suddenly swelled and overflowed into the village. Rescue operations are being led by the SDRF, Indian Army, and local police. Over 20 people have been evacuated from the area so far, and more are believed to be stranded. The Army said 150 personnel were rushed from its nearby Harshil camp within 10 minutes of the landslide. As a precaution, the local administration has ordered all schools and anganwadis to remain shut on Wednesday. Loudspeaker announcements have been made urging residents in low-lying areas to move to safer ground, with heavy rain expected to continue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take stock of the situation. Several political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, have expressed condolences and called for speedy relief efforts. As the situation in Uttarkashis Dharali village remains critical following the devastating cloudburst and landslide, the Indian Air Force has mobilised a fleet of helicopters for potential rescue operations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to defence sources, two Chinooks, two Mi-17V5s, two Cheetahs, and one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) are on standby at the Sarasawa, Chandigarh, and Bareilly airbases. The choppers are awaiting weather clearance before being deployed to Harshil, the nearest military post to the affected zone. Once the skies clear, the helicopters will be used based on operational needs. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More 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 : Uttarkashi, India, India First Published: August 05, 2025, 18:37 IST News viral Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Man Crawls Out Of Landslide Debris | Watch Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 2 Dead, 58 Infected In Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak In New York City: What Is It? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 17:53 IST Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Harlem results in 2 deaths and 58 cases. Health officials advise those with flu-like symptoms to seek urgent medical care. The New York City Health Department urged anyone in the affected area experiencing flu-like symptoms to seek medical attention. (Image Credit: Reuters) A cluster of Legionnaires disease in the Harlem area of New York City left two people dead and at least 58 diagnosed, city health officials confirmed. The outbreak, first reported late last week with 22 cases and one death, more than doubled in size in just a few days. The New York City Health Department urged anyone in the affected area experiencing flu-like symptoms- especially older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions- to seek medical attention without delay. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said, as per ABC News, Legionnaires disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. But people over 50, smokers, and those with chronic lung conditions should be especially cautious." What Is Legionnaires Disease? Recommended Stories Legionnaires disease is a severe form of pneumonia, caused by Legionella bacteria. Its symptoms closely resemble those of the flu or Covid-19 and include a persistent cough, fever and chills, muscle aches and shortness of breath. If left untreated, the disease can become life-threatening, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems. Unlike respiratory illnesses such as influenza or coronavirus, Legionnaires disease is not spread from person to person. It can, however, be successfully treated with antibiotics when caught early, making early detection and diagnosis essential. How Does Legionnaires Disease Spread? The Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments and are commonly found in places like the cooling towers of large air-conditioning systems, hot tubs and whirlpool spas, humidifiers, hot water tanks and complex plumbing systems. These settings can inadvertently provide ideal conditions for the bacteria to grow and multiply. In Harlem, 11 cooling towers tested positive for Legionella pneumophila, the specific strain responsible for the outbreak, according to the Health Department. People typically become infected by inhaling water vapor or mist contaminated with the bacteria- for example, from air conditioning systems, public fountains or rising steam. Officials clarified that the disease cannot be spread through drinking water or passed from one person to another. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Where Did The Name Legionnaires Come From? The disease gets its name from a 1976 outbreak during an American Legion convention in Philadelphia which left 34 people dead and more than 200 ill. Investigators eventually traced the cause to the hotels cooling system which had released contaminated water droplets into the air. The event was the first major recognition of the disease and led to the discovery of the Legionella bacterium. Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: August 05, 2025, 17:53 IST News world 2 Dead, 58 Infected In Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak In New York City: What Is It? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A Year Since Hasinas Departure: What Really Happened In Bangladesh On August 5, 2024? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 07:00 IST Sabotage to international conspiracy: In an exclusive conversation with News18, former Minister in Hasinas Cabinet, Mahibul Hasan Choudhury, made startling claims Sources within the Awami League and close to government circles told News18 that Hasina had a very different plan for that day. It has now been exactly one year since the political landscape in Bangladesh underwent a seismic shift. On August 5, 2024, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina abruptly left the country, and Dr Mohammad Yunus was appointed as the head of a caretaker government. The nation has remained in political turmoil since. But what really happened that morning? Was it all part of a larger conspiracy? In an exclusive conversation with News18 from an undisclosed location, former State Minister in Hasinas Cabinet, Mahibul Hasan Choudhury, made startling claims. Recommended Stories What were Hasinas plans for August 5? Sources within the Awami League and close to government circles told News18 that Hasina had a very different plan for that day. She was reportedly scheduled to meet the President of Bangladesh to declare a state of emergency to bring the deteriorating law and order situation under control. Everything had been prepared, and the Presidents office was informed. However, Hasina never arrived at Bangabhaban. On the night of August 4, Sheikh Hasina held a closed-door meeting with senior Awami League leaders. According to insiders, the plan to impose emergency rule was discussed and even given the green light. The move was meant to allow the government to act decisively against violent protests, which had erupted following a student-led uprising over the reinstatement of a controversial quota system in public-sector jobs. Unrest was manufactured: What Choudhury said This was an internal institutional conspiracy, supported by external forces. The plan to impose emergency was intentionally derailed. The Army Chief came under immense pressure and could not act in line with the Prime Ministers directives. In fact, he conveyed to her that nothing could be done. Left with no other option, she had to leave the country." He also added that when he left his residence for the Prime Ministers official residence that morning, the streets were eerily calmthere was no visible mob. The unrest was manufactured," he claimed. Why was Hasina stopped from meeting the President on August 4? What raises further suspicion is that around 10 PM on August 4, Hasina was supposed to meet the President. The pressing question within political circles is: Why was she stopped? A section within the Awami League believes it was sabotage. According to sources, instructions were allegedly issued to prevent party workers from gathering in Dhaka. No force was mobilised to counter the growing agitation. Curiously, there were no major casualties on August 3 or 4, further fuelling the belief that the situation could have been managed with a timely emergency declaration. There was also discussion about imposing a lockdown and later forming an all-party government under the emergency framework," said one party insider. Some Awami League leaders argue that if their supporters had been allowed to hit the streets on August 5, the outcome could have been very different. One senior leader told News18, This was absolutely a conspiracy by those who wanted Hasina out. If emergency had been imposed, the situation would have stabilised. But from August 1 onwards, we were systematically prevented from handling this politically. It was 100% sabotage." Sources say Hasina spent her last night in the country in meetings with the heads of the armed forces. Reportedly, she received assurances that the situation was under control. But by the next morning, everything had changed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sheikh Hasina ultimately resigned and left Bangladesh via helicopter under growing pressure from both mass demonstrations and the military. The protestssparked by the Supreme Courts decision to reinstate quotas in public-sector jobshad escalated dramatically, with students leading the charge. The governments crackdown only inflamed the situation. Today, with elections due next year and the Awami League still unlikely to participate, August 5 remains a dark and painful memory for its supporters. 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 First Published: August 05, 2025, 07:00 IST News world A Year Since Hasinas Departure: What Really Happened In Bangladesh On August 5, 2024? 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... Applying For US Visa? You Could Soon Be Required To Pay Up To $15,000 As Visa Bond Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 00:59 IST Travellers will now be required to enter the US within 30 days of their visa issuance. The final version of the new rule is expected to be published for public viewing on Tuesday (Representative image) The Donald Trump administration proposed new changes this week that would impact the business and tourist visa categories for those seeking entry into the United States. The State Department announced plans to launch a pilot program requiring visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000, Reuters reported. This bond is intended to serve as a financial guarantee that tourists will not seek asylum or overstay their visas while in the US. State Department employees were informed of the development on August 4, and the notice has already been submitted to the Federal Register. The final version of the new rule is expected to be published for public viewing on Tuesday, with the program potentially coming into effect as early as August 20. Recommended Stories Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the department plans to roll out a 12-month pilot program under which applicants would be required to pay a bond of $10,000 per adult and $5,000 per child. Travellers would be eligible to reclaim the bond if they leave the US within the allowed visa period, using specific designated ports of entry and exit. The program, set to begin within the next two weeks, is aimed at applicants from countries whose nationals have high rates of overstaying their business or tourist visas, or whose internal document security is considered weak. While the list of countries most affected has not yet been made public, officials say it will be announced soon. According to a Newsweek report, the Department of Homeland Security supports the move, viewing it as a way to prevent the US government from incurring costs when visitors violate visa terms. A Politico report citing State Department officials revealed that the bonds will be collected by the US Treasury Department. Additionally, travellers will now be required to enter the US within 30 days of their visa issuance, a new measure aimed at strengthening compliance with visa regulations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This new regulation is part of the Trump administrations broader efforts to tighten visa issuance procedures for many travellers. Critics argue that the move could make obtaining a US visa prohibitively expensive for some applicants. Earlier this year, in June, the administration announced a travel ban that restricts citizens from 19 countries, either fully or partially, from entering the US on national security grounds. It is also worth noting that this is not the first time a visa bond program has been proposed. During his first term, President Trump suggested a similar six-month pilot program in 2020. However, after the Biden administration assumed office, the proposal was never implemented. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 05, 2025, 00:56 IST News world Applying For US Visa? You Could Soon Be Required To Pay Up To $15,000 As Visa Bond 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... China Sees Rare Midnight Protest Over Bullying Case; Cops Use Batons To Disperse Over Thousand Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 16:40 IST A rare midnight protest broke out after a student bullying video went viral in China. Police used batons and electric prods to disperse thousands protesting a school bullying case. (IMAGE: Human Rights In China/X) Chinese citizens in the city of Jiangyou protested outside local offices against measures taken against three girls who bullied one of their schoolmates. The incident came to fore after the video of the 14-year-old girl being slapped, kicked and forced to kneel by three other minors went viral in Jiangyou city in Sichuan province last week, according to a report by broadcaster BBC. The broadcaster said that over 1,000 people took to the streets on Monday and the protest continued until midnight following which things got bloody" after local police used batons and electric prods to control the crowd. Recommended Stories Police said that the three suspects, aged 13, 14 and 15, were all female and that they sent two of them to specialised schools for corrective education". People offline as well as online felt the punishment was too light, as news of the incident spread on Chinas strictly censored social media and internet. The people claimed the punishment did not meet the severity of the act because the bullying was going on for some time and that the deaf mother of the student had pleaded to authorities seeking justice for her daughter. Mass protests erupted in Jiangyou, Sichuan, after a brutal school bullying case that reportedly implicated local police in a cover-up.On August 3, a video surfaced online showing several young women beating and humiliating another girl inside an abandoned building. In the https://t.co/6j3JS6KVzk pic.twitter.com/uhKuKWLv8q -Human Rights in China (@hrichina) August 5, 2025 People just wanted justice. People were upset about the lack of punishment," a witness told the broadcaster, adding that the police have told locals to not talk about the issue much. The broadcaster in the report claimed that it had accessed videos where cops were seen dragging protesters along the street and hitting them with batons and that there were water bottles pelted at the cops. Similar videos were shared by ShanghaiPanda and -Human Rights in China. News18 could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos. Police issued a statement to quell rumours that the assailants were the daughters of a lawyer and a police inspector. Two of the parents are unemployed, two are working outside the province, one is a local salesperson, and one is a local delivery driver," the statement said. The rumours arose after the bullying videos, shot by the perpetrators, showed one of them saying they were not afraid. Another bully said she has been to the police station close to a dozen times and was set free in less than 20 minutes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After this, many opined, online and offline that not enough is being done to punish bullying in China. Bullying is among the highly sensitive social topics in China in recent years and student deaths over bullying have previously triggered protests. Protests happen in China and are not uncommon, but they are dealt with quietly and censored on state-run media and the internet. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Beijing, China First Published: August 05, 2025, 16:40 IST News world China Sees Rare Midnight Protest Over Bullying Case; Cops Use Batons To Disperse Over Thousand 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... Clintons Among Key Figures Facing Subpoenas In GOP-Led Epstein Inquiry Curated By : Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 03:47 IST The Department of Justice has also been subpoenaed to produce records "related to" Epstein. Clinton has previously denied ever visiting Epsteins private island (Instagram Image) The House Oversight Committee has issued subpoenas to several high-profile individuals as part of its ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Among those subpoenaed for depositions are former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as eight former senior officials from the Department of Justice. According to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the subpoenas were issued to six former Attorneys General, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Bill Barr, Merrick Garland, Jeff Sessions, and Alberto Gonzales, as well as former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller. The closed-door depositions are scheduled to take place between August and mid-October. Recommended Stories The Department of Justice has also been subpoenaed to produce records related to" Epstein. The committee has requested the submission of full, complete, unredacted Epstein Files" by August 19, 2025. This latest development comes after the DoJ stated last month that it would not release any additional information related to the case and confirmed that no further individuals were expected to be charged. In a letter addressed to former President Clinton, Committee Chairman James Comer requested his appearance for a deposition on October 14, specifically regarding his past relationship with Epstein. By your own admission, you flew on Jeffrey Epsteins private plane four separate times in 2002 and 2003," Comer wrote. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Clinton has previously denied ever visiting Epsteins private island, which has been linked to allegations of abuse. President Donald Trump has publicly challenged Clintons statements, claiming, without providing evidence, that Clinton visited the island 28 times." In a 2019 statement, Clintons spokesperson Angel Urena said the former president had no knowledge of Epsteins crimes and had not spoken to him in over a decade. The statement confirmed that Clinton flew on Epsteins private aircraft four times in 2002 and 2003, all for work related to the Clinton Foundation and in the company of foundation staff and Secret Service agents. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 06, 2025, 03:47 IST News world Clintons Among Key Figures Facing Subpoenas In GOP-Led Epstein Inquiry 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... DoJ Arrests Two Chinese Nationals For Illegally Exporting AI Microchips To China Curated By : Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 02:39 IST The individuals have been identified as Chuan Geng and Shiwei Yang, both 28 years old. An affidavit alleges that they exported highly sensitive and restricted technology to China between October 2022 and July 2025 The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has arrested two Chinese nationals on charges of illegally exporting sensitive microchips used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications to China without the required authorisation. The arrests, which took place on Saturday, are part of an ongoing investigation conducted jointly by the Department of Commerces Bureau of Industry and Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), according to an official press release. The individuals have been identified as Chuan Geng and Shiwei Yang, both 28 years old. According to the DoJ, Geng is a lawful permanent resident of the US, while Yang is currently in the country illegally, having overstayed her visa. The pair is accused of violating the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) and, if convicted, could each face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Recommended Stories An affidavit filed with the court alleges that the two knowingly exported highly sensitive and restricted technology to China between October 2022 and July 2025. Specifically, they are accused of exporting advanced Nvidia H100 chips, high-performance semiconductors used in training large language models and other AI applications, without the necessary licenses or permissions from the US Department of Commerce. These exports were conducted through their California-based company, ALX Solutions Inc., which was allegedly established shortly after new export licensing requirements for such chips were introduced. In addition to the H100 chips, Geng and Yang reportedly exported Nvidias PNY GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards, also without proper authorisation, reported CNA. These high-end graphics processing units (GPUs) are similarly subject to US export controls due to their potential military and AI-related applications. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all To circumvent US export laws, the defendants allegedly utilised third-party shipping and freight-forwarding companies based in Singapore and Malaysia. According to the DoJ, this tactic was intended to conceal the true destination of the shipments, China. Despite exporting millions of dollars worth of microchips, ALX Solutions did not receive direct payments from the recipients. Instead, the funds were routed through entities based in Hong Kong and mainland China, including a $1 million transaction. Yang was arrested on August 2, while Geng voluntarily surrendered to federal authorities the same day. Both appeared before the US District Court in Los Angeles on Monday. Geng was released on a $250,000 bond, whereas Yang remains in custody. Her detention hearing is scheduled for August 12. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 06, 2025, 02:37 IST News world DoJ Arrests Two Chinese Nationals For Illegally Exporting AI Microchips To China 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... Dont Burn A Relationship: Nikki Haley Cautions Trump On India, Flags China Concerns Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 20:24 IST Nikki Haley criticized Donald Trump's tariff threat on Indian goods, warning it could harm the US-India partnership. Former US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley | File Image Republican leader Nikki Haley criticised US President Donald Trumps threat to sharply raise tariffs on Indian goods, warning that the move risks undermining a vital strategic partnership. The former UN Ambassador urged the White House not to alienate India, even as it offers tariff leniency to China- a country she described as an adversary and the leading purchaser of Russian and Iranian oil. In the most pointed Republican criticism yet of Donald Trumps escalating trade stance toward New Delhi, Nikki Haley wrote on X (formerly Twitter), India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause." Recommended Stories Nikki Haley, who has long positioned herself as both hawkish on Beijing and a proponent of Indias strategic rise, added, Dont give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India." Donald Trumps Latest Warning To India Nikki Haleys remarks followed Donald Trumps fresh warning that he intends to very substantially" raise tariffs on Indian goods within 24 hours, citing New Delhis continued imports of Russian crude. Speaking to CNBC, Donald Trump claimed the United States does little business with India" while India does a lot of business with us." Earlier, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump accused India of buying massive amounts of Russian oil" and reselling it on the open market for profit, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. India Hits Back At Donald Trumps Tariffs The Ministry of External Affairs issued a strong rebuttal, calling Donald Trumps characterisation politically motivated" and unjustified." The ministry said Indias increased purchases of Russian oil were a strategic necessity, made after traditional suppliers in the West diverted their exports to Europe following the outbreak of the Ukraine war. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability," the MEA said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The statement also underscored that both the US and European nations continue to maintain substantial trade ties with Moscow. The MEA added that the US itself remains economically linked to Russia, importing uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for electric vehicles and various fertilizers as well as industrial chemicals. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the statement said. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 05, 2025, 20:16 IST News world Dont Burn A Relationship: Nikki Haley Cautions Trump On India, Flags China Concerns 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... Shocker From Canada's Surrey: 'Embassy Of Khalistan' Board Seen On Gurdwara Premises Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 11:58 IST A Khalistani group, along with the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Temple, has set up a so-called 'Embassy of Khalistan' in Surrey, Canada. 'Embassy of Khalistan' in Surrey (Photo: CNN-News18) An Embassy of Khalistan has been set up in Canadas Surrey by Khalistani organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), along with the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Temple. The so-called embassy, with a board reading Republic of Khalistan, has been opened in a building on the premises of the gurdwara, which is a community centre. Recommended Stories Locals told CNN-News18 that the building where the embassy has been set up was constructed by funds provided by the Government of British Columbia. They also said that the Government of British Columbia had recently provided $150,000 to install an elevator in the building. In June this year, Canadas top intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), had officially made a public disclosure for the first time that Khalistani extremists continue to use Canadian soil as a base for promoting, fundraising and planning acts of violence primarily targeting India. The agencys latest report categorically stated, Khalistani extremists continue to use Canada as a base for the promotion, fundraising or planning of violence primarily in India." This revelation, part of CSISs latest annual report, reignited concerns about foreign interference and extremist activity within Canada, particularly in the context of its sensitive diplomatic relationship with India. For several years, India has been raising concerns over Khalistani extremists operating from Canadian soil. Since the mid-1980s, the politically motivated violent extremism (PMVE) threat in Canada has manifested primarily through Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) seeking to use and support violent means to create an independent nation state called Khalistan, largely within Punjab in India. PMVE encourages the use of violence to establish new political systems or new structures or norms within existing systems. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all PMVE actors engage in the planning, financing and facilitating of attacks globally, in order to establish new political systems or entities. ALSO READ | ISI-Khalistan Drug Nexus In Canada: A Geopolitical Crime Engine, Warn Intelligence Sources About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 11:50 IST News world Shocker From Canada's Surrey: 'Embassy Of Khalistan' Board Seen On Gurdwara Premises 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 Right To Choose Trading Partners': Kremlin On India's Russian Oil Purchase Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 16:31 IST Kremlin came down heavily on the Trump administration for threatening to raise tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil Officially, the Centre has said India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership. (Image: PTI/File) Russia on Tuesday said sovereign nations have the right to choose their trading partners, while accusing the United States of exerting illegal trade pressure on India. Kremlin came down heavily on the Trump administration for threatening to raise tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil. Recommended Stories Sovereign nations have RIGHT TO CHOOSE their own trading partners," Kremlin said. Sovereign nations have RIGHT TO CHOOSE their own trading partners: Kremlin on India's purchase of Russian oil https://t.co/O39uDkixWW pic.twitter.com/3GaMNcm4rJ Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) August 5, 2025 New Delhi, meanwhile, has called US President Donald Trumps threats unjustified" and vowed to protect its economic interests, deepening a trade rift between the two major economies. Trump has said from August 8, he will impose new sanctions on Russia as well as on countries that buy its energy exports, unless Moscow takes steps to end its three-and-a-half year conflict with Ukraine. We hear many statements that are in fact threats, attempts to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements to be legal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by Reuters. We believe that sovereign countries should have and do have the right to choose their own trading partners, partners for trade and economic cooperation, and to choose for themselves the forms of trade and economic cooperation that are in the interests of a particular country." Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled no change in Russias stance on the war, despite the looming deadline. ALSO READ | US Arms Worth $2 Bn Shipped To Pakistan: Indian Armys Throwback Post Amid Trump Tirade WHAT IS INDIAS STANCE? Mounting a sharp counterattack on the US and EU for their unjustified and unreasonable" targeting, India has called out western double standards" on Russian oil and said nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia". India has been targeted by the United States and European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability," said a statement from the ministry of external affairs (MEA). The MEA said Indias imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia," the ministry said. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion." It said the Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment. Where the US is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals," it added. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security." ALSO READ | Decoding Trumps Tariff Threats To India: Fuelled By Sour Putin Ties, Frustration Over Ukraine? WHO ARE THE OTHER TOP BUYERS OF RUSSIAN OIL? Trump tariff threat against India over the purchase of Russian oil is essentially to press Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. China, India and Turkey are the biggest recipients of oil that used to go to the EU, which decided to boycott most Russian seaborne oil from January 2023 leading to a massive shift in crude flows from Europe to Asia. According to a report by the Associated Press, since the EU boycott, China has been the top overall purchaser of Russian energy with some $219.5 billion worth of Russian oil, gas and coal, followed by India with $133.4 billion and Turkey with $90.3 billion. Before the Ukraine conflict, as New Delhi pointed out, India imported relatively little Russian oil. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hungary imports some Russian oil through a pipeline. It is an EU member, but President Viktor Orban has been critical of sanctions against Russia. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: August 05, 2025, 15:44 IST News world 'Have Right To Choose Trading Partners': Kremlin On India's Russian Oil Purchase 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... Muhammad Yunus Says Bangladesh Parliamentary Election To Take Place In February Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 16:07 IST Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus announced parliamentary elections for February 2026. Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus Bangladeshs interim leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus announced that the countrys long-anticipated parliamentary election will be held in February 2026. In a televised address to the nation, Muhammad Yunus said he would formally request the Election Commission to organise the polls in February. The people deserve a voice in shaping the next chapter of our democracy," Muhammad Yunus said, noting that the Election Commission would determine the exact date of the vote. His announcement came as Bangladesh marked the first anniversary of Sheikh Hasinas exile, following a mass student-led uprising that ended her 15-year rule. Recommended Stories Elections Shifted From April To February Amid Opposition Pressure Muhammad Yunus had earlier indicated that elections would likely be held in April 2025. However, sustained pressure from major opposition forces- particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, along with its alliance partners- prompted a shift in timeline. The BNP and its allies have repeatedly called for an earlier vote to restore democratic normalcy and sustain political momentum. Awami League Barred From Contesting top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further complicating the electoral landscape is the ongoing ban on the Awami League, the party formerly led by Sheikh Hasina. The Election Commission has revoked its registration, rendering it ineligible to contest the upcoming polls unless the ban is lifted. The Muhammad Yunus administration has accused the party of inciting political violence, suppressing dissent, and eroding democratic institutions- allegations the Awami League has consistently rejected. Location : Bangladesh First Published: August 05, 2025, 20:46 IST News world Muhammad Yunus Says Bangladesh Parliamentary Election To Take Place In February Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Sanctions Can..: Russia Calls US Tariffs Neocolonial, Driven By Fear Of Eroding Dominance Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 07:08 IST Russias intent to strengthen international cooperation to challenge Western economic pressure and promote a more equitable international order. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Maria Zakharova (Photo/ X@mfa_russia) Russia has issued a scathing rebuke of Washingtons tightening of tariff policies, asserting that no sanctions or protectionist measures can alter the natural trajectory of global geopolitical change. The statement was made by Maria Zakharova, Spokeswoman for Russias Foreign Ministry, in response to a media query on the Biden administrations decision to increase tariff barriersparticularly those affecting partners in the Global South. Zakharova strongly criticised the economic tactics employed by the US., saying they reflect a broader neocolonial agenda." She argued that such measures are primarily aimed at penalising countries that pursue independent foreign policies. Sanctions and restrictions have unfortunately become a defining feature of the current historical period, impacting countries across the globe. Unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar international order, Washington continues to pursue a neocolonial agenda, employing politically motivated economic pressure against those who choose an independent course on the international stage," she stated. Recommended Stories Russian MFA Spokeswoman Maria #Zakharova:Washington is unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar international order. No tariff wars or sanctions can halt the natural course of history. https://t.co/EU2NKETj7y pic.twitter.com/SYJtlpcaib MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) August 4, 2025 Highlighting Brazil as an example, Zakharova said the US was targeting key players in Latin America and the Caribbean, undermining their sovereignty and interfering in internal affairs. This approach runs counter to the very principles of free trade once championed by Western nations. Instead, we now witness politically driven protectionism and the arbitrary imposition of tariff barriers. Brazil, our strategic partner in Latin America and the Caribbean, is one of the main victims of this policy. Such actions by the United States represent a direct infringement on the sovereignty of other nations and an attempt to interfere in their internal affairs. Beyond these concerns, this policy risks slowing global economic growth, disrupting supply chains, and deepening the fragmentation of the international economic system." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Zakharova maintained that Russias global alliances, especially through BRICS and the Global Southwill continue to resist what she described as unlawful unilateral actions. We firmly believe that no tariff wars or sanctions can halt the natural course of history. We are supported by a vast number of partners, like-minded states, and allies, particularly among the countries of the Global South and, above all, within #BRICS, who share this perspective." Concluding her remarks, the spokesperson reaffirmed Russias intention to strengthen international cooperation in order to challenge Western economic pressure and promote a more equitable international order. We stand ready to deepen cooperation with them to resist unlawful unilateral sanctions and to help shape a genuinely multipolar, just, and equitable international order." About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More First Published: August 05, 2025, 07:08 IST News world No Sanctions Can..: Russia Calls US Tariffs Neocolonial, Driven By Fear Of Eroding Dominance Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'A Year Since Bangladesh's Democracy Fell': Sheikh Hasina Calls Yunus Admin 'Unconstitutional' Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Abhro Banerjee Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 12:23 IST In an open letter to the people of Bangladesh, she condemned the regime that came to power following the 2024 takeover Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Image: Reuters) One year after Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave Bangladesh and take shelter in India, the former Prime Minister described the event as the fall of democracy." In an open letter to the people of Bangladesh, she condemned the regime that came to power following the 2024 takeover. Hasina labelled the current government as unelected" and unconstitutional," and called for a renewed national commitment to justice, democracy, and unity. Violent Interruption Of Democracy Recommended Stories Reflecting on the events of August 5, 2024 when the current leadership seized power Hasina described the transition as a violent interruption" of democratic order and a betrayal of the peoples trust." She denounced the regime change as illegitimate, claiming that those in power today do not represent the democratic will of Bangladesh. They may have taken power, but they have not taken the spirit or destiny of the people," she wrote. Statement from Sheikh HasinaMarking One Year Since the Fall of DemocracyThis is an open letter to the honest, hard-working and patriotic people of Bangladesh. One year ago today, our nation witnessed the violent interruption of our hard-fought democracy, as an Bangladesh Awami League (@albd1971) August 5, 2025 Resilience of the People Amid Hardship Hasinas letter acknowledged the difficulties faced by citizens over the past year under what she called a repressive regime. However, she praised the courage, resilience, and unity displayed by the people in the face of adversity. In every protest, every voice raised, and every quiet act of defiance, I see the soul of Bangladesh unbroken and unyielding." Reaffirming Democratic Values Reasserting her belief in the fundamental principles of democracy, Hasina emphasised that power belongs to the people, not those who seize it by force." She declared that no government however powerful can suppress the peoples will forever. History has always favoured those who stood on the side of justice and democracy. That will not change now," the letter stated. A Call To Rebuild And Look Ahead Hasina urged Bangladeshis to continue their struggle for justice, education, peace, and equal opportunity. She promised that democratic institutions would be reclaimed and rebuilt not just in structure, but in spirit. We must look forward, not backwards toward hope, not oppression," she wrote, urging a collective effort to restore Bangladeshs democratic foundations. Ending on a Note of Optimism Despite the sombre anniversary, Hasina ended her message on a hopeful note, reaffirming her faith in the resilience of the Bangladeshi people. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The best days of Bangladesh are not behind us. They are ahead of us, waiting to be claimed by the courage of our people." The letter marks one of Hasinas strongest public statements since her ouster, and is being seen as both a moral indictment of the current regime and a rallying cry for democratic forces across the nation. 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 First Published: August 05, 2025, 12:20 IST News world 'A Year Since Bangladesh's Democracy Fell': Sheikh Hasina Calls Yunus Admin 'Unconstitutional' 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... Pakistan Deputy PM To Visit Bangladesh As Dhaka Tilts Towards Islamabad After Hasinas Fall Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 14:19 IST Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, will visit Dhaka to boost ties. Both nations agreed on visa-free entry for diplomats. Follow us on: Ishaq Dar will hold bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. (Photo: AP file) Ishaq Dar, Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, is scheduled to visit Dhaka later this month to boost ties with Bangladesh. This is the first visit of Pakistans foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years since Hina Rabbani Khars trip. Pakistan and Bangladesh are giving a fresh impetus to improve bilateral ties after the fall of Sheikh Hasinas regime in August last year. Recommended Stories After arriving in Dhaka on August 23, Ishaq Dar will hold bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain and is likely to meet Muhammad Yunus. Pakistans foreign office is yet to finalise the schedule of Dars visit. According to a top diplomatic source, Dar and Hossain met during the International Conference on the Two-State Solution at the United Nations. They discussed the bilateral ties and agreed to visit each others countries. Pakistan-Bangladesh Visa-Free Agreement Pakistan and Bangladesh have, in principle, agreed to allow Visa-Free Entry to their Diplomatic and Official Passport holders staff for smoother travel and entry. Bangladeshs Home Minister and retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury signed an agreement with Pakistans Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during the latters visit to Dhaka. Both nations have recently signed a visa-free entry agreement for diplomats and government officials. Sources claim that this agreement will particularly benefit military officials from both sides, enabling easier movement and more direct engagement. Pakistan-Bangladesh Security Cooperation After the visit by Pakistans top political delegation, a security delegation from Islamabad is likely to visit Dhaka in a couple of weeks to discuss military, security and strategic cooperation between the two nations. A high-level military delegation from Bangladesh recently visited Pakistan to explore avenues for enhanced military and strategic cooperation. The delegation toured Heavy Industries Taxila, Pakistans primary defence production hub, and expressed interest in Pakistans weapons industry, including Khalid tanks, mortars, drones, and the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Pakistans SIFC To Facilitate Bangladeshi Investments According to top military sources, the Pakistan Army has set up a dedicated desk for Bangladesh at the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) headquarters in Islamabad. This desksimilar to those already operating for Kashmir and Afghanistanis headed by a Major General-rank officer designated as Director General, Bangladesh Desk. The Bangladesh Desk will oversee daily developments related to Bangladesh and coordinate with Pakistans Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The SIFC will assist Bangladeshi businessmen and investors with smoother investment procedures, financial transitions, and visa facilitation. The ISI desk will also provide security and ensure hassle-free access for Bangladeshi military officials, top businessmen, and investors visiting Pakistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Policy Shift After Regime Change In Dhaka Following the fall of Sheikh Hasinas government, Dhaka has shown increasing interest in redefining its foreign policy orientation towards Islamabad. Pakistan has responded proactively, initiating military training programmes for Bangladeshi officers. Over the past year, more than 13 high-level security meetings have taken place between the military officials of both countries, reflecting growing bilateral defence cooperation. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 14:18 IST News world Pakistan Deputy PM To Visit Bangladesh As Dhaka Tilts Towards Islamabad After Hasinas Fall 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 Reminds Me Of Who Destroyed My Life: Putin's Secret Daughter Shares Cryptic Post On Father Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 13:04 IST Russian President Putin's alleged secret daughter has taken to social media to express her views, stating that her "life was destroyed". Putin's alleged secret daughter apparently posts about her father (Photo: X, Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putins alleged secret daughter, in a cryptic post, has condemned the man who destroyed" her and took millions of lives". Her social media post was seen as an apparent reference to her father. Elizaveta Krivonogikh, a 22-year-old art school graduate, currently living in Paris, shared the messages on her private Telegram, The New York Post reported. Recommended Stories Its liberating to be able to show my face to the world again," she wrote, Bild reported. It reminds me of who I am and who destroyed my life," Krivonogikh added, however, she did not explicitly name Putin in her post. She has also never denied the theories relating to her true parentage. She was born in 2003 as a result of a suspected affair between Putin and his then-housekeeper, Svetlana, The New York Post reported. The revelation was made after an investigation by Russian media outlet Proekt in 2020, which cited her phenomenal resemblance" to the President. His name is not there on her birth certificate; however, Vladimirovna" was included, which translates to daughter of Vladimir", the report said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In 2021, the late journalist and Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny revealed Krivonogikhs Instagram account, which showed her lavish lifestyle and her familys enormous wealth something many believe is linked to the Russian President. At first, Krivonogikh enjoyed the public attention, but after Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine in 2022, her Instagram was suddenly deleted, and she stepped away from the spotlight. She has since returned to social media, though more cautiously, often hiding her face in photos at the beginning. 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 : Paris, France First Published: August 05, 2025, 13:03 IST News world Reminds Me Of Who Destroyed My Life: Putin's Secret Daughter Shares Cryptic Post On Father 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... Russia Exits Nuclear Treaty With US After Submarine Threat, Cites American Weapon Deployment Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 10:56 IST Donald Trump earlier said he ordered the deployment of two US Navy nuclear submarines in "appropriate regions" near Russia. Moscow has now ended the Cold War-era agreement with US. Russia exits Nuclear Treaty with US (AFP Image) In a major retaliatory move to Donald Trumps decision to deploy nuclear submarines near Russia, Moscow announced its departure from the Cold War-era agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union, known as the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The treaty was signed in 1987 by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and US President Ronald Reagan, aiming to eliminate an entire class of weapons ground-launched nuclear missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500km. This put a ban on installing short- and medium-range nuclear missiles that reduced the threat of nuclear war in Europe. Recommended Stories The US withdrew from the treaty in 2019 during Donald Trumps first term, citing Russian violations. However, Moscow had then said that it would not deploy such weapons, given that Washington also did not do it. After the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty, Russia had announced a unilateral (self-imposed moratorium), which meant it chose not to deploy such missiles until the US did. However, Russia has also pulled out of the treaty after Trump said that he had ordered the deployment of two US Navy nuclear submarines in appropriate regions" near Russia, in response to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedevs highly provocative" comments. What Did Russian Foreign Ministry Say? In a statement, Russian Foreign Ministry said that the developing situation in Europe and Asia Pacific has led Moscow to reassess the deployment of short- and medium-range missiles. Since the situation is developing towards the actual deployment of US-made land-based medium- and short-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian Foreign Ministry notes that the conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar weapons have disappeared," the ministry said, Al Jazeera reported. Soon after this, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev blamed NATOs anti-Russian policy" for Moscows pull out and warned that the country will take further steps" in response. The Russian Foreign Ministrys statement on the withdrawal of the moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range missiles is the result of NATO countries anti-Russian policy. This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with. Expect further steps," he tweeted. The Russian Foreign Ministrys statement on the withdrawal of the moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range missiles is the result of NATO countries anti-Russian policy.This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with. Expect further steps. Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) August 4, 2025 Medvedev, who is currently serving as the deputy head of Russias powerful Security Council, however, did not elaborate on what further steps" his country may take. Last week, Trump had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions", after Medvedevs remarks about the risk of war between Washington and Moscow. What Had Russia Said On US Withdrawal? Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had said that Moscow may have to respond to the US and NATO provocations" by lifting restrictions on missile deployment, according to Al Jazeera. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lavrov told Russias state news agency RIA Novosti in December that Moscows unilateral moratorium was practically no longer viable and will have to be abandoned". The United States arrogantly ignored warnings from Russia and China and, in practice, moved on to deploying weapons of this class in various regions of the world," Lavrov had said. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Location : Russia First Published: August 05, 2025, 10:42 IST News world Russia Exits Nuclear Treaty With US After Submarine Threat, Cites American Weapon Deployment 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... White South African Farm Worker Says Boss Forced Him To Feed 2 Dead Black Women To Pigs Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 19:31 IST According to the man's lawyers, the farm owner forced him to feed the bodies to pigs. He turned state witness as the trial began and said his boss had shot and killed the two women All charges against the farm worker will be dropped if the court accepts his testimony in the murder case. (Image for representation) A white South African farm worker, who is on trial for killing two black women, said his boss forced him to feed the bodies to pigs to dispose of evidence of the crime. Identified as 20-year-old Adrian de Wet, he is facing murder charges alongside his boss and farm owner Zachariah Johannes Olivier (60) and another employee William Musoro (45), who is a foreign national. They are accused of killing Lucia Ndlovu, 34, and Maria Makgato, 45, who allegedly wandered onto a farm looking for food near South Africas Polokwane in the northern Limpopo province last year. Recommended Stories According to De Wets lawyers, Olivier forced him to feed the dead women to pigs. He turned state witness in the case when the trial began on Monday (August 4) and said his boss had shot and killed the two women. The BBC reported that all charges against De Wet will be dropped if the court accepts his testimony in the case that has stoked fury in a country rife with racial tensions. Prosecutors said the two black women were shot dead for alleged trespassing. The men appeared at the Limpopo Polokwane High Court, a regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA) told CNN. Earlier, the NPA said the trio are facing two counts of murder, attempted murder, three counts of defeating the ends of justice, and possession of firearms and ammunition". Police said the other employee, Musoro, is an illegal immigrant", who has been additionally charged with contravening sections of the illegal immigration act". They were not asked to enter a plea before the hearing was moved to August 7, NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi was quoted by CNN. WHAT IS THE CASE? The police said on August 20, 2024, the decomposed bodies of two black women were discovered in a pigsty on a farm in Sebayeng, outside Mankweng" following which the three men were arrested. The investigation began when a 45-year-old South African woman went missing after visiting the farm on 17 August (2024), accompanied by a 35-year-old foreign national woman," police said. Both women sustained gunshot wounds, and a 47-year-old foreign national man, who was with them escaped but was also shot and hospitalised." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The survivor then told reporters that one of the murdered women was his wife and the other was their neighbour. They had entered the farm to collect expired and abandoned dairy products, he said. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : South Africa First Published: August 05, 2025, 19:29 IST News world White South African Farm Worker Says Boss Forced Him To Feed 2 Dead Black Women To Pigs 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... Texas Governor Orders Arrest Of Democrat Lawmakers Over Absence On Redistricting Vote Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 04:41 IST The departure of the Democrats meant the Texas House failed to achieve the required quorum of 100 members. Governor Abbott has accused the absent legislators of abandoning their responsibilities (Instagram) Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Department of Public Safety to arrest Democrat lawmakers who fled the state to block a controversial vote on redrawing congressional districts. The directive was issued on Monday after the group of lawmakers left Texas, thereby preventing the state House from reaching the quorum needed to conduct legislative business. By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty," Abbott said in a statement, accusing the absent legislators of abandoning their responsibilities. Recommended Stories Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty and are holding flood relief and property tax cuts hostage.I ordered Texas DPS to arrest and return every derelict House Democrat to the Texas Capitol. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrats are accounted for. pic.twitter.com/A87u2JxYU7 Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 4, 2025 The political standoff emerged during a special legislative session convened by Abbott. The session was set to consider a Republican-backed redistricting proposal, alongside measures addressing disaster relief for recent Texas floods and a proposed ban on THC, a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. However, Democrat lawmakers, criticising the redistricting plan as a partisan gerrymander designed to entrench Republican power, left the state on Sunday in a coordinated protest. The departure of the Democrats meant the Texas House failed to achieve the required quorum of 100 members, effectively halting legislative proceedings. Abbott, upset by the obstruction, issued an order directing law enforcement to locate and arrest the absent lawmakers. The order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol," he stated. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows also condemned the walkout, warning of severe consequences. On Monday, the House voted 856 to approve arrest warrants for the missing members. The chamber was later adjourned for the day, but Burrows insisted that the legislature will complete its required duties", whether that occurs this week or the next, reported The National Desk. In addition to the arrest orders, absent lawmakers face financial penalties. Under a rule introduced in 2021, those who break quorum during a vote on legislation will be fined $500 per day until they return. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The move has sparked a national political row. Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the redistricting effort, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen Republican influence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Meanwhile, Democrat governors Gavin Newsom of California and Kathy Hochul of New York have suggested retaliatory redistricting efforts. Speaking from Illinois, Democratic leader Gene Wu defended the walkout. Were not walking out on our responsibilities; were walking out on a rigged system that refuses to listen to the people we represent," he said. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 05, 2025, 04:41 IST News world Texas Governor Orders Arrest Of Democrat Lawmakers Over Absence On Redistricting Vote 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 Says He Will 'Probably' Not Seek Another Term As US President Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 19:15 IST While the US Constitution prohibits any individual from serving more than two terms as President, Trump has repeatedly flirted with the idea of challenging that precedent Donald Trump (Reuters File Image) US President Donald Trump said he would probably" not pursue another run for the White House, a remark that stands in contrast to previous statements in which he had hinted at seeking a third term. The comment came during an interview with CNBC, where Donald Trump also threatened to sharply increase tariffs on Indian goods beyond the current 25 per cent. When asked if he would run again, he said: No, probably not." But then he added, Id like to." Recommended Stories What Donald Trump Has Said Earlier About Third Term? While the US Constitution explicitly prohibits any individual from serving more than two terms as President, Donald Trump has repeatedly flirted with the idea of challenging that precedent. In a March interview with NBC News, Donald Trump claimed there were methods" through which he could return to office for a third time and insisted he was not joking." At the time, he said, A lot of people want me to do it. But my thinking is, we have a long way to go. Im focused on the current." During a January rally in Nevada, Donald Trump told supporters, It will be the greatest honour of my life to serve, not once but twice or three times or four times," before adding, No, it will be to serve twice. For the next four years, I will not rest." Trumps Supporters, including his former adviser Steve Bannon, have urged him to seek the presidency again. Earlier this year, Representative Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, proposed a constitutional amendment that would permit Trump to serve another term. Senate Majority Leader John Thune had said that a third term for Trump would require an amendment to the Constitution. Donald Trumps White House Terms top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Donald Trump was re-elected to the presidency in November 2025, beginning his second term in January 2026. Should he complete this term, he will be 82 years and 7 months old in January 2029- making him the oldest individual to ever occupy the Oval Office. Historically, only one US president- Franklin D. Roosevelt- has served more than two terms. Franklin Roosevelt was elected four times and served until his death in 1945. In response, the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified in 1951, formally limiting presidents to two elected terms. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 05, 2025, 18:26 IST News world Trump Says He Will 'Probably' Not Seek Another Term As US President 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 Threatens Steep India Tariff Hike In 24 Hours, Says Its Fuelling Russias War Machine' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 18:25 IST Donald Trump said he was planning to raise tariffs within 24 hours due to India's continued purchase of Russian oil. US President Donald Trump. (File Photo) US President Donald Trump hinted at a significant escalation in trade hostilities with India, declaring that Washington intends to increase tariffs very substantially" within the next 24 hours. The provocation, he asserted, arises from New Delhis sustained engagement with Moscow through the continued purchase of Russian oil, a grievance he has voiced earlier as well. Speaking to CNBC, Donald Trump said, They have the highest tariff of anybody. We settled on 25% but I think Im going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours because theyre buying Russian oil. Theyre fueling the war machine. We do little business with India. They do a lot of business with us." Recommended Stories The remarks follow Donald Trumps earlier announcement of 25 percent tariffs on India in which he accused New Delhi of not only importing Russian crude in large volumes but reselling it for profit on global markets. Trump Accuses India Of Reselling Russian Oil Earlier, Donald Trump posted a strongly worded message on his social media platform Truth Social, accusing India of buying massive amounts of Russian oil" and reselling it on the open market for big profits." He wrote, They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" India Hits Back On Trump Tariffs The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded with a staunch rebuttal, dismissing the US Presidents assertions as both unfounded and politically expedient. India, the MEA said, turned to Russian crude only after the West, in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, redirected traditional supply lines to secure its own domestic energy needs. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability," the ministry stated. The MEA further highlighted the Wests own deep and ongoing economic entanglements with Russia. In 2024, the European Union recorded 67.5 billion in trade in goods with Russia, along with 17.2 billion in services. EU imports of Russian liquefied natural gas reached a record 16.5 million tonnes that year- figures that dwarf Indias comparatively modest trade volumes. The United States, too, remains economically tethered to Moscow, continuing to import uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for its electric vehicle industry and a variety of fertilizers and industrial chemicals, the MEA said, adding, In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security." Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 05, 2025, 18:04 IST News world Trump Threatens Steep India Tariff Hike In 24 Hours, Says Its Fuelling Russias War Machine' 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 Pressure, UNSC Ban & China Factor: Decoding Pakistans Decision To Defer Taliban Visit | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 14:34 IST According to sources, Pakistan failed to secure the required UNSC travel waiver that would have allowed the Taliban leaders to legally enter the country The failure to follow through on the visit may also further complicate Pakistans own internal security situation. (AP) Pakistan, in a significant diplomatic reversal, has postponed the much-anticipated visit of a high-level Afghan Taliban delegation just hours before their scheduled arrival in Islamabad. The delegation, led by Afghanistans interim foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and interim interior minister Siraj-Ud-Din Haqqani, was due to arrive in Pakistan on Monday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, addressing cross-border terrorism, and finding peaceful solutions to ongoing tensions in the region. Recommended Stories The abrupt cancellation has been officially attributed to unspecified technical issues." However, top diplomatic sources in both Islamabad and Kabul told CNN-News18 that the real reasons lie in geopolitical pressure, particularly from the United States, and complications linked to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) travel sanctions that both Muttaqi and Haqqani are subject to. According to sources, Pakistan failed to secure the required UNSC travel waiver that would have allowed the Taliban leaders to legally enter the country. Under UNSC Resolution 1988, both ministers are sanctioned individuals subject to travel bans due to their affiliations with the Taliban regime. Although Muttaqi has received temporary exemptions in the past to travel to countries like Qatar, China, and Turkey, the waiver process is complex and requires approval from the UN sanctions committee, where any member state can object. In this case, intelligence and diplomatic sources claim that the United States intervened, raising a red flag" that effectively blocked the waivers approval. The US has been cautious about allowing Taliban officials international legitimacy through diplomatic engagements, particularly those involving Pakistan, which Washington sees as a key player in regional power dynamics. Additionally, a source told CNN-News18 that the China factor" may have played a role in Washingtons decision to oppose the Taliban delegations travel. The source pointed to growing strategic coordination between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, especially after recent trilateral meetings in June, which the US allegedly views as an emerging regional bloc that could counterbalance its influence in South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The Taliban leaders had been invited by Pakistans foreign minister Ishaq Dar during his official visit to Kabul in May. The agenda for the Islamabad talks included a broad array of issues: increasing bilateral trade, managing the Afghan refugee population in Pakistan, counterterrorism cooperation, and, most notably, tackling the growing threat posed by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)a banned militant group that shares ideological ties with the Afghan Taliban and has carried out a series of deadly attacks inside Pakistan over the past year. The Taliban leadership had expressed a strong interest in resolving the TTP issue through jirgastraditional tribal negotiations involving elders and local leaderswhich they believed could pave the way for a longer-term peace on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This approach had reportedly gained traction among certain policymakers in Islamabad, who see military action alone as insufficient to curb the threat. Sources further revealed that during the now-cancelled visit, Muttaqi and Haqqani were scheduled to meet with prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, foreign minister Ishaq Dar, and other senior security officials. The discussions were expected to lay the groundwork for more structured cooperation on cross-border security, economic integration, and humanitarian issues. For Kabul, the cancelled visit represents a missed opportunity to solidify relations with a key neighbour at a time when the Taliban government is grappling with international isolation, a worsening economic crisis, and increasing internal dissent. For Islamabad, it reflects the tightrope it walks between maintaining relations with the de facto Afghan rulers and navigating the expectations of Western powers, especially the United States. The failure to follow through on the visit may also further complicate Pakistans own internal security situation. The TTP has stepped up its attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and tribal areas, and Islamabad has frequently accused Kabul of turning a blind eye to the groups safe havens inside Afghanistan. The Taliban, in turn, insist they do not allow Afghan soil to be used against any country a claim that has been met with increasing skepticism in Pakistani security circles. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all No new date has been announced for the postponed visit, and it remains unclear whether Pakistan will seek to revive the waiver process through the UNSC or if future talks will be held through backchannel diplomacy or in a third country. The developments underscore the fragile nature of regional diplomacy in post-US Afghanistan, where every move is closely monitoredand often influencedby global powers. While the Taliban may have gained military control over Afghanistan, their struggle for international recognition and regional legitimacy remains far from over. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: August 05, 2025, 14:34 IST News world US Pressure, UNSC Ban & China Factor: Decoding Pakistans Decision To Defer Taliban Visit | Exclusive 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... Zelenskyy Says 'Mercenaries From China, Pakistan' Fighting For Russia, Islamabad Reacts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 10:59 IST Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed foreign mercenaries from China, Pakistan, and African nations are fighting alongside Russian forces. Pakistan dismissed the allegation as "baseless". A file photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said that the troops of his country were fighting foreign mercenaries" from various nations, including China, Pakistan and parts of Africa, and vowed a response. However, Pakistan rejected the claims as baseless". In an X post, Zelenskyy mentioned that he met the troops of his nation and spoke to the commanders about the frontline situation. Recommended Stories Zelenskyy also mentioned that he addressed the issues of drone supply and deployment, recruitment, and direct funding for the brigades, and that his troops reported the involvement of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries. The Ukrainian President mentioned that his country will respond. Today, I was with those defending our country in the Vovchansk direction the warriors of the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade named after Kish Otaman Kost Hordiienko," he wrote in an X post. We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defense of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. We also specifically addressed the issues of drone supply and deployment, recruitment, and direct funding for the brigades," he added. Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond," Zelenskyy wrote. I presented our defenders with state awards. It is an honor for me to be here," he mentioned. Today, I was with those defending our country in the Vovchansk direction the warriors of the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade named after Kish Otaman Kost Hordiienko.We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defense of pic.twitter.com/40XsGHZU0T Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 4, 2025 Meanwhile, Islamabad, in an official statement, rejected the statement by Zelenskyy, calling it baseless". To date, Pakistan has not been formally approached by the Ukrainian authorities, nor has any verifiable evidence been presented to substantiate such claims," Pakistan said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Zelenskiy had previously accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war effort against Ukraine, charges Beijing denied, while North Korea has also provided thousands of its own troops in Russias Kursk region. ALSO READ | Putin Not Ruling Out Meeting With Zelenskyy But: Kremlin Ahead Of US-Russia Talks About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: August 05, 2025, 10:44 IST News world Zelenskyy Says 'Mercenaries From China, Pakistan' Fighting For Russia, Islamabad Reacts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'We Wanted It': Ex-US Envoy's 2024 Remark Backing Indias Russian Oil Imports Surface | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 07:42 IST The video resurfaced after US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to "substantially" increase tariffs on India over its continued imports of Russian crude. Former US Envoy Eric Garcetti | File Image A video of former US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, lauding New Delhis purchase of Russian oil in 2024 has resurfaced on social media, intensifying the debate over Washingtons current stance on the issue. US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to substantially" increase tariffs on Indian exports to the US over its continued imports of Russian crude. Recommended Stories In the widely circulated video, Garcetti is heard saying, They (India) bought Russian oil because we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil at a price cap. That was not a violation or anything. It was actually the design of the policy because, as a commodity, we didnt want the oil prices going up, and they fulfilled that." The remarks were made during the 2024 Conference on Diversity in International Affairs while he was serving as the US Ambassador to India. India brought Russian Oil, because we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil", says US ambassador Garcetti on India buying Russian oil ; Adds,no Price Cap violation, we did not want oil prices to go up.. pic.twitter.com/it3zku9Hbs Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 11, 2024 On Monday, Trump criticised India, accusing it of profiting from discounted Russian oil and reselling it in global markets. He pledged to impose higher tariffs on New Delhi. The US President had on August 1 signed an executive order titled Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates, enforcing a 25 per cent duty on Indian imports. MEA Exposes West The Government of India issued a firm response on Monday, rejecting the accusations and calling the tariff threat unjustified and unreasonable." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that Indias energy imports from Russia were not only well within international norms but were also previously encouraged by the US itself. India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability," the MEA said. India also defended its oil strategy as an economic necessity rather than a political stance. India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the MEA asserted. The government further highlighted what it described as double standards," pointing to ongoing US and EU trade with Russia. In 2024, EU imports of Russian LNG reportedly reached 16.5 million tonnes, while the US continued to import critical materials, including uranium, palladium, and fertilisers, from Russia. Indias Russian crude imports have surged from just 0.2 per cent of total imports before the Ukraine war to over 35 per cent, making Russia its largest oil supplier. The MEA clarified that this shift was driven by global market dynamics, particularly the redirection of Middle Eastern supplies to Europe. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trumps rhetoric, including his claim that India and Russia could take their dead economies down together," has also drawn sharp criticism from New Delhi, which emphasised that India remains the worlds fastest-growing major economy. As debate continues over trade and energy ties, the viral video of Garcetti appears to underscore the contradiction between the current US administrations tough posture and its earlier policy encouragement. 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 05, 2025, 07:42 IST News world 'We Wanted It': Ex-US Envoy's 2024 Remark Backing Indias Russian Oil Imports Surface | Watch Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opposition political parties in Zimbabwe have failed to nominate candidates for several by elections held across the country amid concern over the death of democratic forces challenging the ruling Zanu PF party in Parliament and councils across the country. The opposition parties including the embattled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and several others have endured myriad challenges that have seen Zanu PF consolidate power as voter apathy continues to wreak havoc in the byelections. The ruling party, Zanu PF, has been accused of employing a variety of strategies to solidify its hold on power, such as Constitution modification, manipulation of State institutions and stifling opposition, a charge the party denies. Economic difficulties and a contentious political environment, characterised by allegations of electoral fraud and violations of human rights, have also exacerbated the situation. Zanu PF recently swept to victory in local authority by-elections held in Epworth ward 6 and Chinhoyi ward 14, amid widespread voter apathy and concerns over the fairness of the electoral process. In Epworth ward 6, Zanu PF candidate Civilised Bushe won with a landslide, garnering 3 022 votes, while MDC-Ts Alice Nyahunzvi managed a paltry 120 votes with independent candidate Peter Nyapetwa getting 23 votes. In ward 14 Chinhoyi, Zanu PFs Solomon Bizwork got 599 votes, while independent candidate Hope Zimbiri came second with 194 votes. Zanu-PF secured a clean sweep in six by-elections held in Chikomba, Chiredzi, Gutu, Mazowe and Marondera rural district councils. The ruling party won in Gutu RDC wards 10 and 14 and Mazowe RDC ward 19 where it was uncontested as opposition parties failed to field candidates. In Chikomba RDC ward 10, ZanuPFs Tafadzwa Mukandi defeated independent challenger Joseph Macheke with 447 votes to 290, while in Chiredzi RDC ward 4 ruling party candidate Austin Phikelele garnered 1 577 votes against independent candidate Muchekes 265. Speaking to NewsDay yesterday, political commentators and opposition party spokesmen bemoaned the manipulation of Zimbabwean laws to the advantage of Zanu PF. MDC spokesperson Chengetai Guta blamed the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec)s unjust electoral operations to for fuelling voter apathy, with an estimate of only 25% of registered voters participating in the byelections. We see serious State interference and Zec in its operations, has not demonstrated fairness in being the arbiter for such important democratic processes. As youd recall, we had 87 candidates from the MDC who were struck off the election unfairly. And on the other hand, you had candidates from CCC who went after nomination. Zec remains our greatest undoing as a nation. The reason being, it was, according to the Constitution, supposed to be an independent commission, independent from State interference. Zec denies the charge. Guta also noted the serious voter apathy dogging local elections. Look, only about 25% of registered voters participated in the election, of course. Zanu PF had a big margin. But this is attributed to the evident vote buying. Political analyst Tendai Ruben Mbofana echoed similar sentiments. The opposition in Zimbabwe is captured. Here I am not even talking about Sengezo Tshabangu, who is the obvious one. We are talking about even Nelson Chamisa himself and all these other parties that call themselves opposition. It is dead. We cannot say we have an opposition. The opposition in Zimbabwe is dead. The future, unfortunately, is not easy. Leaders do not emerge everyday, he said. Chamisa quit the CCC last year, saying it had been infiltrated. Mbofana called for the restructuring of the opposition political space. But we now need a leader to stand up and be counted. But as I have said, leaders do not emerge everyday. Yes, we already have some people who come up and say we are opposition. But they do not have the charisma, you know. So what we need now, the future, what the future needs is someone who, a leader who emerges and fills the gap that has been abandoned by the likes of Chamisa, he said. Newsday Go West, old newspaper. The New York Post, founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1801, has announced plans to launch a sister newspaper in California, where the Post already has millions of online readers, CNN reports. The newspaper's owners say they plan to publish the California Post starting early next year. "This is the next manifestation of our national brand," New York Post editor-in-chief Keith Poole said in a statement. "California is the most populous state in the country, and is the epicenter of entertainment, the AI revolution, and advanced manufacturingnot to mention a sports powerhouse. Yet many stories are not being told, and many viewpoints are not being represented." The California Post will operate independently, though it will share some resources with the New York tabloid, owners say. There will be a print edition as well as the online publication. CNN describes California's current media landscape as "atrophied." Around a third of the state's newspapers have ceased publishing in the last 20 years, and those that remain have faced major newsroom cuts. The Post's owners say Los Angeles, where the Los Angeles Times has been hit by layoffs and controversies, is its second-largest market of online readers. The Post, which leans conservative, like other papers under Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, is entering California as the race for governor is underway and state leaders are clashing with the Trump administration, the New York Times reports. "We are at a pivotal moment for the city and the state, and there is no doubt that The Post will play a crucial role in engaging and enlightening readers, who are starved of serious reporting and puckish wit," News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson said in a statement. Stella Rimington, the first female chief of Britain's MI5 intelligence agency and later a successful thriller writer, has died. She was 90. Her family said Monday in a statement that Rimington died on Sunday, the AP reports. The first woman to head a UK intelligence agency, Rimington was the inspiration for Judi Dench's portrayal of MI6 chief "M" in seven James Bond films. Ken McCallum, MI5's current director-general, said that "as the first avowed female head of any intelligence agency in the world, Dame Stella broke through long-standing barriers and was a visible example of the importance of diversity in leadership." Born in London in 1935, Rimington studied English at Edinburgh University and later worked as an archivist. She was living in India with her diplomat husband in the mid-1960s when she was recruited by MI5, Britain's domestic security service, as a part-time clerk and typist in its New Delhi office. She joined the agency full time after moving back to London in 1969 and rose through the ranks, overcoming rules that kept the most prestigious roles, such as recruiting and running agents, for men only. She worked in each of MI5's operational branchescounterespionage, counterterrorism and counter-subversionat a time when its work included sniffing out Soviet spies, infiltrating Northern Ireland militant groups, and spying on leftists, trade union leaders, and others accused of being subversives. Rimington was appointed MI5 director-general in 1992, the first head of the organization to be publicly named, and her tenure saw the secretive organization become slightly more open, per the AP. Dench's first appearance as M, a role formerly played by men, was in GoldenEye in 1995. The film's producers said the casting was inspired by Rimington's appointment. Rimington later published a memoir, Open Secretto the displeasure of the governmentand a series of spy thrillers featuring fictional MI5 officer Liz Carlyle. The Devil's Bargain, published in 2022, introduced a new heroine, CIA officer Manon Tyler. Other women followed Rimington into top intelligence jobs. BRASILIA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Brazil is preparing to formally challenge the newly imposed U.S. tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO) while keeping the door open to negotiations, officials said Monday. The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on a range of Brazilian exports, including coffee, beef and petrochemicals, set to take effect Wednesday. The measure affects roughly 35 percent of Brazil's exports to the United States, though key products such as energy products and certain minerals were excluded. Brazil's Chamber of Foreign Trade approved a proposal on Monday to begin a formal consultation with the WTO, the first step in a dispute settlement process. The chamber's council of ministers forwarded the decision to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who will determine "how and when" to present the complaint to the trade body. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said that Brazil is working to reduce the new tariff's impact and has already met with agribusiness representatives to coordinate strategies. The government will also continue talks with affected sectors. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said Brazil remains open to dialogue but will not accept an unequal partnership. "We won't engage with the U.S. as a colony or satellite -- we're a sovereign nation," Haddad told BandNews in an interview. He called the tariff hike "excessive" and "unreasonable," but said there is room to build a positive bilateral agenda, particularly in areas like critical minerals, technology and data infrastructure. "Brazil holds valuable reserves of rare earths and critical minerals -- resources the U.S. lacks," he said. "We're willing to cooperate on efficient battery production and other strategic technologies." To offset the tariff's economic impact, Haddad said the government will soon unveil a relief package for domestic businesses, including credit support. He acknowledged the potential fiscal impact but said it would be managed with existing budget rules. A powerful earthquake that struck last week in Russia's Far East appears to have taken a chunk out of a nuclear submarine base. Satellite images captured Sunday show a section of a floating pier at the Rybachiy submarine basehome to part of Russia's Pacific Fleethas broken away from its mooring, the New York Times reports, though the damage appears to be limited. The base, nestled in a cove on Kamchatka peninsula, is a Soviet-era site and one of Russia's most guarded military installations. Government officials and state media have stayed silent about any impact to the base. Despite the apparent damage, which analysts say likely came from tsunami waves triggered by the 8.8 magnitude quake, most of the base seems unscathed. Five submarines are visible at nearby piers, and no heightened radiation levels have been detected, according to international nuclear watchdogs. Rybachiy's infrastructure has been updated in recent years, with at least two new piers added since Russia invaded Ukraine. The facility's locationtucked away to shield vessels from open-sea conditionsmay have limited the blow. The Conflict Intelligence Team, which monitors Russian military activity, assessed that the episode is unlikely to affect the base's operational readiness and expects repair costs to be minor. Brazil's Supreme Court issued an order Monday to place former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is standing trial on charges of plotting a coup to keep himself in power, under house arrest. Justice Alexandre de Moraes wrote that the ruling is in response to the former president's lack of compliance with restraining orders imposed last month, CNBC reports. The court's decision could escalate tensions between Brazil's current administration and President Trump, who has criticized the prosecution of Bolsonaro and pledged a 50% tariff in retaliation. Under the order, Bolsonaro will still wear an ankle monitor and can be visited only by family members and lawyers. All cellphones in his home are to be seized, per the AP. Moraes said Bolsonaro has been spreading messages with "a clear content of encouragement and instigation to attacks against the Supreme Court and a blatant support for foreign intervention in the Brazilian Judiciary"the latter a reference to allegations he's been seeking Trump's help. Protesters demonstrated against Bolsonaro, Trump, and the threatened tariffs on Friday at the US Embassy consulate in Sao Paulo, and thousands in the streets of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on Sunday called for pardons for the former president and others facing trial. A Colorado funeral home owner accused of stashing nearly 200 decomposing bodies in a room-temperature building admitted in a plea agreement Monday that she cheated customers and defrauded the federal government out of nearly $900,000. Carie Hallford, who ran the Return to Nature Funeral Home with her husband, Jon Hallford, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Carie Hallford faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, though federal prosecutors agreed to ask for 15 years, the AP reports. The federal case brought against both Hallfords focused on two schemes: falsifying documents to trick the US Small Business Administration into giving them pandemic-era financial aid and deceiving customers who paid for cremations the Hallfords never performed. Instead of cremating nearly 200 bodies between 2019 and 2023, the Hallfords are accused of storing them in a decrepit building sending customers dry concrete instead of ashes. The Hallfords pocketed around $130,000 of their customers' payments meant for cremations or burial services. In a separate case in state court, both Hallfords have been charged with 191 counts of corpse abuse, including for burying the wrong body in two instances and leaving others to decompose. Jon Hallford has already pleaded guilty to those 191 counts, as well as a fraud charge in the federal case. The building packed with bodies was discovered in 2023 in Penrose, Colorado, about a two-hour drive south of Denver. Grieving families learned that their loved ones' remains weren't in the ashes they spread or held tight, but were instead decaying in a buildingsome for four years. Investigators found bodies stacked atop each other, swarms of bugs and maggots, and so much liquid on the ground it had to be pumped out. A British hiker who ignored barriers and signs warning that trails in Italy's Dolomites had been closed due to the risk of landslides has to cough up $16,500 for a rescue bill. Authorities say the 60-year-old man was rescued by a helicopter after he became distressed by falling rocks, the Guardian reports. Nicola Cherubin, chief of the local alpine rescue service, says the man claimed he didn't see the warning signs in English and Italian when he set off Thursday morning. Cherubin says the rescue required two helicopters because of poor weather. Giuseppe Dal Ben, commissioner of the local health authority that dispatched the helicopters, said tourists should "approach the mountains with respect and caution." Helicopters are needed for time-dependent rescues, he said, and it is important to ensure "that they are not used as taxis, endangering not only those who are providing the assistance but those who actually need it." Sean Duffy, the interim NASA administrator and Transportation Secretary, is reportedly set to announce an accelerated push to deploy a nuclear reactor on the moona move that would mark his most significant step since stepping into the dual role. Documents reviewed by Politico indicate this initiative sets a firm timetable for what has previously been only a topic of discussion at NASA, and signals Duffy's intent to shape the agency's future even as it braces for deep budget cuts. The plan to fast-track a reactor that would generate at least 100 kilowatts of electrical power comes as the Trump administration prioritizes crewed space missions and proposes boosting human spaceflight funding in 2026, despite steep reductions for other NASA programs. Duffy's directive instructs NASA to solicit industry bids and appoint a project leader within 60 days, with the goal to have a reactor ready for deployment by 2030. This timeline is motivated in part by China's ambitions to put astronauts on the moon by the end of the decade. A senior NASA official, speaking anonymously, linked the urgency to global competition, calling it a new "space race" and raising concerns about China and Russia's joint lunar activities. The directive warns that whichever country installs a reactor first might claim exclusive rights over portions of the moonwhich would make further lunar developments challenging for the US, were it not to be the first country, the New York Times reports. story continues below Duffy also wants to speed up plans for a new, commercially operated space station to replace the aging International Space Station by 2030, aiming to keep the US from ceding orbital presence to China. The agency intends to award contracts to at least two companies within six months of opening proposals, with Axiom Space, Vast, and Blue Origin already in the mix. However, Congress has questioned whether NASA can move fast enough to meet these ambitious goals. Five years after protesters tore it down amid nationwide calls for racial justice, the controversial statue of a Confederate brigadier general is set to return to its original spot in Washington, DC, in October. The National Park Service announced Monday that the statue of Albert Pike will be restored and returned to its plinth, about a mile from the White House, the Washington Post reports. The move, NPS says, aligns with federal mandates for historic preservation and recent executive orders aimed at "beautifying" the capital and reinstating preexisting statues. Pike's statue, which stood near Judiciary Square, was pulled down by protesters in the wake of George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis, and amid nationwide demands to reexamine historic symbols tied to racism and oppression. The DC police did not intervene during the statue's removal, drawing criticism from then-President Trump, who called for the protesters' arrest. Pike had been the only Confederate leader to have a statue in the nation's capital, Politico reports. Long before 2020, the statue had been the subject of debate. The DC Council urged its removal as early as 1992, and by 2017, it had been repeatedly defaced. Pike, while celebrated within Freemasonry for his decades-long leadership in the organization, is also criticized for his alleged role in the Ku Klux Klan's formationan assertion Masonic leaders dispute. Notably, even the Scottish Rite, the group responsible for the statue's creation, has expressed no interest in reclaiming it. Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a grand jury investigation into whether Obama administration officials broke federal law during their review of Russia's interference in the 2016 election, sparking controversy and criticism from both political parties. Bondi's move, first reported by Fox News and confirmed by a Trump administration official who spoke to the AP and NBC News , follows recent claims by National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard that Obama administration officials engaged in a "treasonous conspiracy" against Donald Trump. Gabbard pledged to refer any criminal matters to the Justice Department. Critics, including former senior Justice and national security officials, have dismissed the investigation as politically motivated, noting that previous bipartisan and Republican reviews found no evidence of crimes by Obama officials. One former official called the probe "a dangerous political stunt," arguing there's no clear basis for it. There is currently no timeline for the grand jury to convene, and Bondi's letter does not specify potential charges. It is also not clear who the potential targets may be. A 2020 Senate Intelligence Committee report, supported by both parties, reinforced findings that Russia interfered in the 2016 election and concluded there was no Obama-era conspiracy against Trump. Special counsel investigationsboth Robert Mueller's and John Durham'ssimilarly found Russian interference but no criminal conduct by US intelligence officials. Bondi's plan comes amid ongoing criticism of the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, with some suggesting the new probe is intended to distract from that controversy. The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, a move that may make the process unaffordable for many, the AP reports. In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, the department said it would start a 12-month pilot program under which people from countries deemed to have high overstay rates and deficient internal document security controls could be required to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 when they apply for a visa. The proposal comes as the Trump administration is tightening requirements for visa applicants. Last week, the State Department announced that many visa renewal applicants would have to submit to an additional in-person interview, something that was not required in the past. In addition, the department is proposing that applicants for the Visa Diversity Lottery program have valid passports from their country of citizenship. A preview of the bond notice, which was posted on the Federal Register website on Monday, said the pilot program would take effect within 15 days of its formal publication and is necessary to ensure that the US government is not financially liable if a visitor does not comply with the terms of his or her visa. The countries affected will be listed once the program takes effect, it said. The bond could be waived depending on an applicant's individual circumstances. Visa bonds have been proposed in the past but have not been implemented. The State Department has traditionally discouraged the requirement because of the cumbersome process of posting and discharging a bond and because of possible misperceptions by the public. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to announce a plan for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to multiple Israeli media outlets cited by Al Jazeera . The move would mean an expanded military assault across the entire territory, even in areas where hostages are believed to be held by Hamas. An unnamed senior official in Netanyahu's office reportedly told Channel 12, "The decision has been made," noting that Hamas is unlikely to release additional hostages without an Israeli surrendera scenario the Israeli government says it will not accept. "If we don't act now, the hostages will starve to death and Gaza will remain under Hamas's control," the official was quoted as saying. The Jerusalem Post similarly cited an official in the PM's office, who allegedly also said Netanyahu has told the Israeli Defense Force's chief of staff he should resign if he opposes the plan. (Which he reportedly does, per the Times of Israel.) The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly condemned the reported plan, urging the international community to "intervene urgently to prevent ... implementation [of the reported plans], whether they are a form of pressure, trial balloons to gauge international reactions, or genuinely serious." Netanyahu's office has not commented publicly on the reports. The news comes as Netanyahu prepares to gather his war cabinet to map out the next phase in Gaza, with the conflict now approaching its two-year mark. The Israeli leader faces pressure at home to secure the release of hostages following the release of disturbing footage showing some detainees in poor health. At the same time, international calls for a halt to the war and increased humanitarian aid have intensified as deaths from Israeli strikes and malnutrition among Palestinians continue to rise. Dozens of Palestinians trying to reach food distribution points were reportedly killed or wounded Monday, the AP reports. Local health officials, the UN human rights office, and witnesses on the ground say hundreds have been killed in that way since May. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering a bold move to redraw the state's congressional map, setting the stage for a nationwide redistricting battle if Texas Republicans push forward with their own partisan plan . Newsom said Monday the redistricting plan is akin to "fighting fire with fire," and will be triggered if Texas' plan moves forward, Fox News reports. Sources close to Newsom tell the Texas Tribune that the California plan targets five Republican representatives, with an aim of flipping their districts bluethe Texas proposal, currently on hold due to Democrat lawmakers leaving the state, similarly looks to shift five blue seats in that state to red. Sources say Newsom has been lobbying state lawmakers in the Democrat-controlled California legislature, which would need to approve the plan. Though California has an independent commission for redistricting, supporters argue state lawmakers or a ballot measure could legally authorize new maps mid-decade, since the commission is only required to act once every 10 years. Newsom and House Democrats have been discussing potential countermeasures to the Texas plan for weeks, with many California Democrats in Congress signaling support for retaliatory redistricting. If it comes to pass and the districts flip, 48 of California's 52 congressional seats would be blue, the AP reports. The White House has taken notice, with Vice President JD Vance criticizing California's current map as a gerrymander. Also taking notice is former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is opposed to both the Texas and California plans and will oppose Newsom's plan if it moves forward, a rep tells Politico. Other Democratic-led states, including New York and Illinois, are also considering similar strategies in response to Republican efforts in Texas. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has voiced opposition to Texas' plan, and legislation allowing mid-decade redistricting is already under consideration there. The back-and-forth threatens to escalate into a nationwide battle over congressional lines, as GOP-led states such as Florida and Ohio weigh their own mid-decade redraws. One Democrat representative in Texas described the situation as an "all-out war." UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said Monday they are alarmed by the intensifying conflict, mounting civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions in Sudan. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) updated the humanitarian tragedy unfolding across the country. "Our humanitarian colleagues note that heavy fighting continues in North Darfur State, with multiple reports of civilian casualties in recent days," OCHA said, adding that in El Fasher, the state capital, clashes erupted on Friday and Saturday, following earlier fighting between armed groups, including around the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people. The camp currently houses 25,000 people. The office said that one year after famine was confirmed in Zamzam, another camp for the displaced on the outskirts of El Fasher, the city remains under siege, its residents facing starvation. There have not been any food deliveries by road in over a year. The office said that in North Kordofan State, the town of Um Sumeima reportedly changed hands several times in recent weeks, highlighting the volatility of the front lines. Civilians remain trapped, and their access to aid remains heavily restricted. OCHA said that cholera continues to spread rapidly across Darfur. In North Darfur, in the locality of Tawila, nearly 1,200 cases have been reported since late June, including about 300 cases among children and at least 20 deaths. In South Darfur, health authorities have reported more than 1,100 suspected cholera cases and 64 deaths since late May, with the latest reports pointing to a case fatality rate of over 6 percent. Shortages of medical supplies, clean water and sanitation services are severely hampering the humanitarian response, said OCHA. In Khartoum State, OCHA reported the confirmation of landmines in multiple locations. Anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines were detected in Mogran, Omdurman and Bahri. "These devices are not only maiming and killing civilians but also blocking access to health services, markets and humanitarian aid," the office said. OCHA said flooding in Blue Nile State displaced more than 100 people in Ed Damazine, the state capital, and destroyed at least 200 tents at Al-Karama camp on Friday. It's the latest challenge facing people who fled their homes due to conflict. "Amid these overlapping crises, OCHA once again calls for sustained humanitarian access across Sudan and increased international support for vulnerable people in the country," the humanitarian office said. A federal judge has granted Luigi Mangione special access to a laptop in jail so he can prepare for his high-profile trial in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. US District Judge Margaret M. Garnett signed an order Monday directing Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center to provide Mangione with a government-issued laptop, which can't be used to converse with his many fans. The laptop, which won't connect to the internet, can only be used to review case-related documents and videos supplied by prosecutors, per Fox News. Mangione's attorneys had requested the laptop, arguing their client needed daily access to legal materials to effectively participate in his defense. The judge's order allows access to the device from 8am to 4pm, seven days a week. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. The Public Safety Report is compiled from criminal complaints filed in state and federal courts, as well as some police blotter information, trooper dispatches, fire department reports an d interviews with public safety officials. Individuals named as arrested and/or charged with crimes in this report are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law. AFP | Dubai Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com At least 76 people have been killed and dozens are missing after a boat carrying mostly Ethiopian migrants sank off Yemen, in the latest tragedy on the perilous sea route, officials said yesterday. Yemeni security officials said 76 bodies had been recovered and 32 people rescued from the shipwreck in the Gulf of Aden. The UN's migration agency said 157 people were on board. The accident occurred off Abyan governorate in southern Yemen, a frequent destination for boats smuggling African migrants hoping to reach the wealthy Gulf states. Some of those rescued have been transferred to Yemen's Aden, near Abyan, a security official said. UN agency the International Organization for Migration earlier gave a toll of at least 68 dead. The IOM's country chief of mission, Abdusattor Esoev, told AFP that "the fate of the missing is still unknown." Despite the civil war that has ravaged Yemen since 2014, the impoverished country has remained a key transit point for irregular migration, in particular from Ethiopia which itself has been roiled by ethnic conflict. Each year, thousands brave the so-called "Eastern Route" from Djibouti to Yemen across the Red Sea, in the hope of eventually reaching oil-rich Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The IOM recorded at least 558 deaths on the Red Sea route last year, with 462 from boat accidents. Last month, at least eight people died after smugglers forced migrants to disembark from a boat in the Red Sea, according to the UN's migration agency. The vessel that sank off Abyan was carrying mostly Ethiopian migrants, according to the province's security directorate and an IOM source. Yemeni security forces were conducting operations to recover a "significant" number of bodies, the Abyan directorate said on Sunday. On their way to the Gulf, migrants cross the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the narrow waterway at the mouth of the Red Sea that is a major route for international trade, as well as for migration and human trafficking. Once in war-torn Yemen, the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country, migrants often face other threats to their safety. The IOM says tens of thousands of migrants have become stranded in Yemen and suffer abuse and exploitation during their journeys. In April, more than 60 people were killed in a strike blamed on the United States that hit a migrant detention centre in Yemen, according to the Huthi rebels that control much of the country. The wealthy Gulf monarchies host significant populations of foreign workers from South Asia and Africa. TOKYO, Aug 05 (News On Japan) - A hidden problem lies behind the seemingly ordinary streets of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. A vehicle belonging to the wards government arrives at a heavily overgrown property. The team inside is part of a specialized task force dealing with abandoned homes, and today they are conducting an inspection of one such property. The target is a building cloaked in thick vegetation. Its roof has collapsed, and ivy now clings to the remaining walls. Once there was a window, now only remnants remain. A narrow 97-centimeter-wide path is the only access to the building, making entry difficult. Leading the team is Chiba, the head of Setagayas abandoned property countermeasures unit. You can only get in by going through that path. This land belongs to a private owner, and without entering, we cant proceed, she says. The property is designated as a specified abandoned house, a classification for structures that pose significant harm to their surroundings. Setagaya Ward has issued a demolition order, but the owner has yet to comply. This is a preliminary investigation to prepare for demolition, Chiba explains. Due to the narrow pathway, regular heavy equipment cannot be brought in for demolition work. Locals express unease about the mysterious, deteriorating property. An empty beer can was recently found at the site, raising questions about who might be entering the building. Beyond attracting vermin, such structures are considered potential sites for crime. Its scary. If it collapses while someones inside... Theres corrosion in the steel beams and holes. Its dangerous, a neighbor says. Setagaya Ward has so far designated 13 such properties as specified abandoned houses. Owners of these properties lose eligibility for housing tax benefits and must pay around six times the usual fixed asset tax. If owners continue to neglect their responsibilities, the ward can proceed with demolition and later bill the owner for the cost. On another day, Chiba returns to a similar property for inspection. As the team approaches, the camera is asked to stop filming. There are still items we might be able to retrieve, she says. A broken lock allows access through a window, releasing a damp, musty odor typical of abandoned homes. Its the same smell we encounter in all of them, she notes. Photos from six years ago show the property once had a roof and windows. Now, the roof has collapsed and the second floor has rotted through, accelerated by recent extreme heat and torrential rains. Due to safety concerns, the team decides not to enter the building that day. The impact of a single abandoned home extends beyond its walls. A study shows that one neglected property can lower the value of neighboring homes by 3%. Nationwide, efforts are underway to tackle the issue. An estimated 9 million homes across Japan now sit vacant, with the number expected to rise. If nobody does anything, our communities will be full of these abandoned homes, a resident warns. The problem often forces families to make difficult choices: whether to preserve or demolish a family home. You cant take it with you to the next life, one participant says. Another adds, My emotional attachment wont let me leave. Roughly 90% of abandoned homes are neither sellable, rentable, nor easy to tear down. Were at a point where some owners are ready to give them away for free, says one observer. Its really hopeless in many cases. In Setagaya WardTokyos most populous area, with around 510,000 householdsthe issue is especially visible. Despite being a desirable area near Shibuya and including high-profile neighborhoods like Futako-Tamagawa, the ward leads Japan in the number of vacant homes, with about 58,000. The increase is tied to rapid aging and depopulation in recent years. To address the problem, the ward repurposed an abandoned high school into a hub for abandoned home countermeasures. Here, Chiba shows a wall filled with files documenting properties theyve investigated. By definition, an abandoned home is a building that has been unused for over a year. However, the ward cannot simply seize or repurpose these properties, as they remain the legal property of individual owners. The process depends heavily on the owner's intentions and decisions, which often remain unresolved. To help address this, the ward partnered with Wada, chairman of Aki Co., Ltd., a private company with expertise in abandoned property solutions. Together, they launched Setagaya Akiya Navi four years ago, offering a free consultation service that suggests possible solutions ranging from renovation to demolition. The biggest value of working with Setagaya Ward is public trust, Wada says. One of his key insights is that the core issue is psychological. Owners feel stuck. They dont know what to do, so they put it offand thats how a home becomes abandoned, he explains. To address this, Wada hosts monthly House Closure Seminars to help owners plan before a house becomes abandoned. The real problem is not knowing where to turn. People dont know where to begin, so they end up doing nothing, he says. He even created a House Closing Activity Handbook, outlining three steps: awareness, preparation, and action. At a recent seminar, a woman from Oita attended. Her parents have passed away, and their house in Setagaya is now a burden. It looks like selling may be the only option left, she says as she leads the team to the family home. Source: BIZ KABUL, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Police have arrested seven individuals on charges of involvement in drug smuggling and selling the contraband to locals in the eastern Afghanistan Laghman province, said a news release of the provincial police office on Tuesday. The alleged smugglers were smuggling and selling a variety of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, stimulant tablets locally known as "tablet K," the news release said. All the arrested would be handed over to the judiciary after preliminary investigation, the news release added. In similar operations, police discovered 75 kg of opium poppy in the northern Takhar province and took into custody an individual on the charge of attempting to smuggle the contraband over the weekend. BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China has issued a plan to accelerate the digital transformation of its machinery sector, aiming to create more smart factories and promote a wide range of applications for intelligent technology. The document, published by eight government agencies including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, sets out a roadmap to upgrade the machinery sector through digital technology. By 2027, there will be widespread integration of smart technologies across key areas -- from product design and manufacturing to enterprise management and maintenance, according to the official blueprint. Looking ahead, major machinery enterprises are aiming to essentially complete one round of digital transformation by 2030. By then, a well-structured and secure product and service supply system, featuring 500 new excellence-level smart factories, is expected to take shape. The government has classified smart factories into four tiers based on technological maturity and integration depth, including the basic-level, the advanced-level, the excellence-level and the pioneer-level. An MIIT official emphasized the sector's foundational role in economic development, saying that accelerating the digital transformation of the machinery industry is essential for supporting the digitalization of the broader economy and advancing new industrialization. To achieve these goals, the plan outlines 12 key tasks, including advancing foundational industrial capabilities, accelerating the development of industrial software, promoting capacity-sharing by leading enterprises, and pushing forward the establishment of a standards-setting system. by Xinhua writers Gu Yu, Wu Ziyu and Wang Xiaopeng URUMQI, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Though in his late fifties, Jeneshan Salapi, an ethnic Kazakh herdsman, moves with the fluid grace of youth when performing the traditional eagle dance of the ethnic group. "The eagle's head pivots six ways, a gift no other bird has," he said, arching his neck and sweeping his arms like wings, embodying the raptor's hunt. He hails from Aksu Township in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, nestled beneath the snow-capped Bogda Peak of the Tianshan Mountains. As the fourth-generation inheritor of the art, now recognized as intangible cultural heritage in the region, Salapi began training with his father at the age of five. After years of learning, he has mastered the dance's hypnotic movements. His eagle costume -- a 20-kg masterpiece -- is stitched from black goatskins and built with springs and pulleys. The neck bends like a living joint, and the beak is carved from cattle horn. When the music swells, Salapi transforms. Head thrusts, spiraling twists and sweeping dives bring the eagle's spirit to life. In the climactic "falcon hunts fox" sequence, every gesture captures centuries of nomadic resilience, tenacity, struggle and triumph. "True eagle dance flows from understanding falconry's soul," he explains. "Every flick of the wing and every turn of the head hold meanings known only to those raised with eagles." This dance is an artistic hymn to falconry, once vital to the survival of ethnic Kazakh people on the steppes where horses and eagles were hunting partners. Salapi's connection to this tradition runs deep. From boyhood, he studied eagles' instincts, blending careful observation with ancestral wisdom in his art. "Eagles are family members to us rather than tools," he said. "Falconry is culture. Knowing we must release them back to the wild makes every moment sacred. That bond inspired this dance." According to Salapi, his ancestors performed the dance at festive occasions like weddings. Today, the folk dance thrives on stages as a carefully preserved heritage. At Aksu's Eagle Dance Square -- a cultural hub rich with traditional motifs -- visitors can experience its power firsthand. "This dance is my ancestors' legacy. Passing it down is my duty," he says. Today, his eldest son is also learning from him the art. The cultural preservation policies rolled out by the local government have amplified his mission. Besides establishing the public square dedicated to the traditional dance, local authorities grant him an annual stipend of around 4,800 yuan (about 670 U.S. dollars) as a representative inheritor of the region. He also teaches at local schools. Thanks to short videos sweeping social media, Salapi's name has spread throughout Urumqi. He also appeared on a popular Chinese variety show, where he taught celebrity guests the dance. Bringing this time-honored ethnic art to wider audiences has earned him acclaim across Xinjiang and beyond. A region boasting multiple ethnic groups, Xinjiang has ensured protection of over 9,000 intangible heritage items -- ranging from national to county level. It supports more than 10,000 inheritors, creating a vibrant mosaic of living traditions. The dance has also brought tangible economic gains to Salapi, whose mode of transportation has evolved -- from horse to motorcycle and now to family cars. In recent years, a township camel cooperative has helped boost his income, with more than 40 camels generating over 200,000 yuan annually from milk sales. "While young people today have embraced modern lives far from their nomadic roots, their growing passion for the eagle dance ensures this heritage not only survives but echoes well beyond the mountains," he said. Enditem (Interns Yang Yi, Yu Peishan, Chen Kangli, Zhang Xiaorong, Li Ruiquan and Liu Keyi also contributed to the story.) TRIPOLI, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Libya's state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with U.S. oil company ExxonMobil in London, marking the energy giant's return to the country after a hiatus of more than 10 years, the NOC said in a statement. According to the statement on Monday, the ExxonMobil will conduct a "detailed technical study" of four offshore blocks located near the Libya's northwestern coast and the Sirte Basin, aiming to identify the hydrocarbon resources in these blocks. "It also paves the way for cooperation and the resumption of the partnership between NOC and ExxonMobil, which aims to restart its activities in Libya after a decade-long hiatus," read the statement. Chairman of the NOC Board of Directors, Masoud Suleman, said in a speech at the signing ceremony that the contract terms are now "more favorable" than in the past, reflecting global changes in the energy sector. He also emphasized the corporation's commitment to expanding partnerships with major American energy companies. ExxonMobil was one of the companies that expressed interest in participating in the public bidding round initiated by the NOC for exploration in Libya, which includes 22 offshore and onshore blocks available for investment, said the statement. Observers said ExxonMobil's willingness to engage in exploration operations in Libya represents "a strategic move," in alignment with the increasing trend of international oil companies returning to the country. Libya is one of Africa's largest oil producers and a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. However, the country's oil production has been repeatedly disrupted by internal conflicts and political turmoil since the fall of late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. In March, Sulaiman announced the launch of a new public bidding round for oil and gas exploration in Libya for the first time in 17 years. VLADIVOSTOK, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A powerful earthquake that struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula last Wednesday caused the southern part of the region to shift nearly two meters southeast, local authorities said Tuesday. Preliminary geodynamic data showed significant ground movement, with the strongest displacements recorded in the south, the Kamchatka branch of the Federal Research Center of the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences said in a statement published on its Telegram channel, adding that the shifts were comparable to those seen after Japan's 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Smaller shifts were detected near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, said scientists, noting that the pattern of deformation matches early fault models, explaining the stronger impact in Severo-Kurilsk and milder effects in other areas. An Atlantic City man has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a local councilwomans son in July, officials with the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said on Monday. Sheldon Ward, 26, was charged on Friday with murder, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit murder and weapons offenses. Ward is accused of killing Kendell Roseborough, 28, of Atlantic City on July 28 in front of the Martinique Motel on Pacific Avenue, authorities said. Roseborough was the son of Atlantic City councilwoman Latoya Dunston who posted a letter on Sunday morning addressed her sons shooter on Facebook. Dear Shooter, Dunstons post begins. I am writing to you with a heavy heart. The pain your actions have inflicted on our community is beyond words. You have shattered the lives of many, taking away a son, a father, brother, and uncle from those who loved him most. Police responded to the Martinique Motel at 10:30 p.m. on July 28 for a report of a man lying on the sidewalk in front of the hotel, officials said. Roseborough was found by police unresponsive on the sidewalk outside the motel with a lone gunshot wound and was declared dead at the scene, officials said. Ward was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and is being held at the Atlantic County jail pending a future court hearing, officials said. Your decisions have left a deep wound, one that will take time to heal, Dunston wrote in the letter posted on social media. Families are broken, friends mourn, and an entire community feels the weight of this tragedy. In moments like this, its difficult to understand how someone can commit such harm. Ward did not have an attorney listed in court records Monday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Sushi Maru Express went from a handful of locations to more than 120, the lawsuit states. Bob Johnson A New Jersey man has sued the owners of a sushi chain based in Bergen County, claiming he invested his familys life savings and has been treated as a worker rather than a business partner. Dae Sub Choi, of Tenafly, states in court papers he invested $100,000 in Sushi Maru Express more than a decade ago and was promised he would be treated as a shareholder. The owners of Sushi Maru Express, based in Ridgefield, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit, filed in Bergen County Superior Court. In an answer to the lawsuit, an attorney for the business owners called the complaint spurious and malicious. The attorney, Matthew Jeon, of Englewood Cliffs, told NJ Advance Media that Choi loaned the business a certain sum of money that has since been paid back. Jeon said the money was a loan to the business, not an investment. Choi, however, says in court papers he gathered the life savings of his mother in Korea and other family members after spotting newspaper advertisements in December 2011 seeking investors for a lucrative restaurant venture. In following up on the ads, Choi says he met with two men who each owned small Japanese restaurants. The men said they had an idea for a joint business concept that would bring sushi corners small, single-worker sushi restaurants to New Jersey and New York City. The restaurants would operate as stand-alone businesses inside supermarkets rather than as separate restaurants with costly overhead and operating responsibilities, according to the suit. The men invited Choi to give them $100,000 in exchange for becoming an initial investor. In return, Choi would receive proportionate ownership of the business as it grew, according to the suit. The owners told Choi they were offering a life-changing opportunity in exchange for the $100,000 investment, which would help the business purchase raw fish and other sushi-making supplies, the suit states. As an added inducement, the owners promised Choi he would be provided a Manhattan location that would be a top-grossing restaurant, according to the suit. During the ensuing years and months, (Chois) investment clearly resulted in significant expansion of the Sushi Maru Express business, the suit states. Sushi Maru Express went from a handful of locations to more than 120, the suit states. However, Choi received virtually no return on investment, no dividends, an no accounting of the value of his investment, the lawsuit alleges. Instead of being treated as a partner, or even a franchise owner, Choi was put to work in several of the restaurants in New Jersey and New York, often being required to be at work before 7 a.m. and stay after the 6 p.m. closing, according to the suit. Choi was required to provide car rides to other Sushi Maru workers who did not possess a vehicle, the suit states. The lawsuit accuses the owners of the business commingled money, awarded franchises to other sushi chefs who paid thousands in franchise deposits, funneled money back to Korea, and intentionally operated at a loss to keep money from shareholders. The lawsuit alleges fraud, breach of agreement, and violations of Franchise Acts in New Jersey and New York. Jeon, the attorney for the sushi chain, said Monday the lawsuit is without merit and alleged that Choi was never an investor. Were denying every allegation, Jeon said. Our position is he filed just to annoy us. Hes wasting our time. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. A Texas police officer is under fire after posting an inappropriate TikTok that went viral for the wrong reasons. Jennifer Escalera, a deputy for Harris County Constable Precinct 5 in Houston, is under internal investigation after her video captioned didnt get cracked last night so everyone is getting a ticket went viral, according to The Houston Chronicle. In this context, the term cracked refers to having sexual intercourse. The officer insinuated that she would go out of her way to write tickets due to her sexual frustration. The now-deleted TikTok showed Escalera sitting inside a car while wearing her police uniform in which her name plate was visible. Her identity was confirmed by The Houston Chronicle. It is unclear whether Escalera has been placed on leave during the investigation or if she will face formal disciplinary action. Our administration is aware and internal affairs has opened an investigation. We have no other comment at this time, the Precinct 5 Constable office said in a statement to FOX 26 Houston. Escaleras TikTok profile remains active as she regularly posts foodie videos, day in the life and get ready with me content. It is unclear if those videos are being investigated as well. Videos showing Escalera in her police uniform have been deleted from her profile. 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. A former corrections officer has admitted in a guilty plea that he sold smuggled contraband, including deli meat and jewelry, to an inmate at a state prison. Werner Gramajo, 48, of Newark, has pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy to commit official misconduct, the state Attorney Generals Office said in a statement. Gramajo was a senior corrections officer stationed at Northern State Prison in Newark when he was charged in 2022. At the time, he had been a state employee since 2013 and was receiving a salary of $79,660, according to public pension records. Following the charges, he was suspended from the job without pay. As part of his plea deal with the state, he must forfeit his position and the $6,000 in proceeds he made from the scheme and will also be subject to permanent ban on public office and employment in New Jersey. Investigators alleged that Gramajo smuggled various items into the prison for Thomas De Vingo, who had been serving time for a robbery conviction. Investigators said that Gramajo was receiving as much as $500 a month in bribes from the inmate to smuggle in items such as deli meat, jewelry, cologne and espresso. The arrangement began in early 2020 after De Vingo learned Gramajo had financial problems, authorities said. The Department of Corrections learned of the scheme after a note was found in a high-security area off limits to inmates requesting that food be brought to Tommy Two Times. It contained $40 in cash, officials said. Gramajo later told investigators that he only brought the inmate food on one occasion and did not accept any cash, the Attorney Generals Office said. The defendant misused his position of trust, authority, and access to this facility in order to unlawfully enrich himself, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. Corruption within correctional institutions cannot be tolerated. It compromises facilities security and puts inmates and the vast majority of law-abiding officers working there at heightened risk. He was initially charged with official misconduct, bribery, conspiracy and tampering with public records. As part of his plea deal, the state will recommend a sentence of 364 days in county jail and a probation period that will be determined by the court. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. A Newark man who allegedly struck two pedestrians, killing one and seriously injuring another, told police he had consumed four beers before the crash, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Segundo Carlos Bunay, 33, was driving a work van shortly after 9 p.m. on July 28 when he allegedly hit the women near an elementary school in the 300 block of Clinton Place in Newark, according to the affidavit. Bunay pulled over briefly, but then drove away without rendering help, police allege in the affidavit. Eryn Montgomery, 28, was pronounced dead at University Hospital. A 40-year-old was hospitalized with serious bodily injuries, the affidavit states. Bunay, who was driven back to the scene by a cousin, appeared to have glassy eyes and alcohol on his breath, according to the affidavit. He said he consumed 4 beers throughout the day, police wrote in the affidavit. Bunay told investigators he was driving home alone from work and did not see the women in the street before striking them, according to the affidavit. Two paramedics, who were in an ambulance behind Bunays van, witnessed the crash and reported it to police. The ambulance driver said he watched the van swerve over the center of the lane and strike the two females, according to the affidavit. He saw the van pull over to the side of the road and leave shortly after, police wrote in the affidavit. A second paramedic told police he looked up just in time to see the van strike the women. The paramedics jumped out of the ambulance to provide medical attention as the van drove off, according to police. The affidavit does not state if the women were in a crosswalk when they were hit. After the crash, Bunay allegedly went home and parked the van in his driveway in the 100 block of Shephard Avenue in Newark, according to police. He then called his cousin, telling him about the accident and admitted that he left the scene, police said in the affidavit. He told his cousin that it was the right thing to go back to the scene, the affidavit states. Bunay refused field sobriety tests and was later taken to University Hospital in Newark for a court-ordered blood draw. The results were not contained in the affidavit. Bunay is charged with first-degree vehicular homicide while driving under the influence in a school zone, second-degree reckless death by auto, second-degree assault by auto in a school zone, and third-degree charges of knowingly leaving the scene and endangering, court records show. He was held Tuesday in the Essex County Jail. Attorney information for Bunay was not listed in court or jail records. No court date was set. Bunay, who is from Ecuador, is also being held on a detainer issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, jail records show. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. A driver died and two other people were injured on Sunday night when a car veered into the opposing lane, striking another vehicle and a utility pole. A two-door Mazda was traveling east on Mullica Hill Road in Glassboro shortly after 11 p.m. when it crossed over into the opposing lane, the Glassboro Police Department said in a statement. The car then struck a Toyota before skidding sideways and hitting a utility pole, police said. The driver of the Mazda, John Bessel, 27, of Wilmington, Delaware, was pronounced dead on the scene, authorities said. He became unconscious while driving due to suspected illegal narcotic use, officials said. The driver of the Toyota and a passenger in Bessels car were both taken to Cooper University for treatment of injuries. Police did not comment on the extent of their injuries. The Glassboro Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has video footage of the Campus Crossings area to email Patrolman Tim Cain at tcain@glassboropd.org. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. An attorney and founder of a tax-lien investment firm was convicted by a federal jury of defrauding a bank and investors out of over $20 million, officials with the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Southern District of New York said Monday. John Arthur Hanratty, 50, of New Jersey was convicted of one count of wire fraud and bank fraud, and two counts of money laundering. Hanratty, who worked as an attorney in legal compliance and other senior roles at investment firms and financial institutions in New York, founded Ebury Street Capital in 2010 with a portfolio comprised primarily of municipal tax liens, officials said. Between 2017 and 2021, Hanratty stole money from a bank by withdrawing money on commercial lines of credit for Ebury Street Capital, according to officials. Hanratty was accused of falsely inflating the value of the investment firms tax lien collateral used to secure the lines of credit with the bank, officials said. Hanratty also falsely told investors that the tax liens were managed by a third party custodian, officials said. In total, Hanratty defrauded the bank out of over $20 million and caused millions in losses for investors of Ebury Street Capital, officials said. Hanrattys sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026. Hanrattys attorney declined to comment on his conviction Monday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. A Hudson County police detective has been charged in a large-scale drug case involving several members of law enforcement, authorities said Tuesday. Christopher Orellana, a detective at the North Bergen Police Department, was charged with third-degree conspiracy to possess cocaine, the Hudson County Prosecutors Office said in a news release. Search warrants executed in North Bergen, West New York and Union City on July 17 uncovered a narcotics production facility and led to the arrests of seven people, authorities said. Ileana Hernandez, 56, a dispatcher with the West New York Police Department, Thomas Mannion, 60, a retired West New York police detective and Marquis Santiago, 33, a Hudson County corrections officer, were among those charged. Hernandez has been charged with three official misconduct offenses and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Mannion and Santiago have been charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Alfredo Diaz, 50, of Union City, is facing multiple first-degree charges as the alleged leader of the narcotics network and production facility. Since starting the investigation, authorities have arrested 14 people, and seized over 41 kilograms of suspected cocaine, two handguns, seven vehicles and more than $70,000 in cash. The drugs recovered from the production facility are worth over $150,000. Attorney information for Orellana was not immediately available. Orellana was arrested at the North Bergen Police Department, police said. He was released pending an initial court appearance. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Rebecca Heath may be reached at RHeath@njadvancemedia.com. A 42-year-old New Jersey man has been charged in the fatal shooting of his stepfather in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, authorities said. Jonathan Reyes-Contreras, 42, of Clifton, is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, the Worcester County District Attorneys Office said in a statement Sunday. Luis Mejia was found shot outside a vehicle on Mechanic Street at 12:15 a.m. Saturday. He died of his injuries at an area hospital, the district attorney said. Reyes-Contreras is the stepson of the victim, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. The shooting was accidental, Reyes-Contreras told investigators, the website reported. It occurred while Reyes-Contreras was sitting in the passenger seat of a car parked in a driveway. The gun discharged after he retrieved it from the center console. Mejia was standing outside the vehicle, the Telegram & Gazette said. The shooting remains under investigation. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Hey there New Jersey! Heres your audio update highlighting a police officer convicted for hiding a fugitive in her apartment and two bakery workers shot over a dispute about an incorrect order. Well also tell you about a PATH train fire and more. Listen by clicking the play button above. This audio presentation is an editorially-curated selection of stories, selected by an editor, and then summarized and read aloud by artificial intelligence. Some variations in pronunciation, tone or diction may result. We want to know what you think! All feedback is valuable. After youve listened, take our 3-question survey here to let us know what you think. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. KABUL, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A dispute over a piece of land left one dead and injured two others in Afghanistan's eastern Kapisa province on Monday night, the provincial police office said in a statement on Tuesday. The clash erupted after members of a family disagreed on the division of a piece of land among brothers in the provincial capital Mahmud-e-Raqi, and one member of the family opened fire, killing one brother on the spot and injuring two others, the statement said. According to the statement, the killer escaped the scene, and the police have been trying to arrest the culprit and bring him to justice. Maria Santos Pleitez, 42, and her daughter, Dayanara Cortes, 11, were killed in the crash. GoFundMe Federal authorities say an undocumented Mexican migrant charged in a head-on crash that killed a mother and daughter in Ocean County last week was not deported despite prior arrests for DUI and domestic violence. Raul Luna Perez, 43, of Red Bank, was allegedly driving drunk and heading the wrong way when his pickup slammed into a car carrying Maria Santos Pleitez, 42, and her two daughters in Lakewood, authorities said. The crash occurred about 11:20 p.m. on July 26 at the intersection of Cross Street and Hearthstone Drive. Pleitez and her daughter, Dayanara Cortes, 11, were killed in the crash. Another 11-year-old girl, also in the car, was hospitalized in critical condition but later upgraded to stable. Luna Perez faces two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of assault by auto, according to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. Federal immigration officials said Luna Perez is a Mexican national unlawfully present in the U.S. and has a record of prior arrests in Monmouth County. The arrests in Red Bank include one for simple assault domestic violence on June 25, 2023, and two for driving under the influence in March and April of this year. The day after the crash, ICE issued an arrest detainer and initiated removal proceedings as Luna Perez remained jailed on the homicide charge, federal authorities said in a statement. Assistant U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that Gov. Phil Murphy and his sanctuary policies released this serial criminal into New Jersey Communities. Now, this family is shattered by their failed leadership, McLaughlin added. Mahen Gunaratna, a spokesman for the governor, said in a statement that Murphy believes that Mr. Luna-Perez, who has been arrested multiple times for DUI and domestic violence, should not have been allowed behind the wheel and should have already been deported due to his previous dangerous criminal activity. The New Jersey Attorney Generals office said in its own statement: Over the objection of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, the court chose to release Mr. Luna-Perez. To be clear, nothing in the Immigrant Trust Directive would have prevented New Jersey Law Jersey law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials to deport this defendant. And we reiterate that the Immigrant Trust Directive allows for cooperation with ICE in regard to anyone charged with a violent crime or convicted of any indictable offense. Attorney information for Luna Perez was not available on Tuesday, and it was unclear where he was being held. Friends of the victims told the New York Post that Pleitez was a hard-working single mother who had recently celebrated her daughters graduation from elementary school. A GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and return the victims bodies to El Salvador had raised more than $31,000 as of Tuesday. NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. NOAAs Office of Law Enforcement has opened an investigation into what appeared to be an emaciated minke whale that died during the weekend after colliding with a boat in Barnegat Bay. The 26-foot female whale died Saturday a short time after videos showed it colliding with a boat, nearly capsizing the vessel and throwing a person overboard. Andrea Gomez, a spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said in an email on Monday that the incident is under investigation. Our Office of Law Enforcement has opened an investigation and It is long standing NOAA practice not to comment on open investigations, the spokesperson said. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and potentially the Endangered Species Act, it is illegal to kill whales and other marine mammals in the nations waters. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, the only federally authorized rescue, rehabilitation and release facility for marine mammals in New Jersey was notified of the incident involving the whale on Saturday and released the results an animal autopsy performed on the whale. Preliminary findings indicated that the whale was in overall thin body condition and that its GI tract was empty with very little digestive material inside, the center said in a Facebook post Monday night. Lesions were also present in its stomach. Superficial cuts were present externally, with bruising present in the blubber and muscle in the areas of trauma on the dorsal side, the center said. Blood was also present in its lungs, officials said. Following the autopsy, the whale was buried on the beach. Samples collected during the examination will be sent to a pathologist for further analysis. Additional information, including the exact cause of death, will be available after an investigation. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. A Passaic County woman has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child following the death of her 6-year-old son, authorities said Tuesday. Nakija Martin, 48, of Passaic, was arrested weeks after death of her son, according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes. Police found the child unresponsive in the home, which is near Aspen Place and State Street, about 8:30 p.m. on July 15, Valdes said in a statement with local police. The child was pronounced dead at the scene, Valdes said. Prosecutors said Martin intended to kill her child, who had autism, and attempted to take her own life. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause and manner of the boys death. Following an investigation by the prosecutors Special Victims Unit, Martin was charged on July 29 with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Attorney information for Martin was not immediately available. The prosecutors office said she appeared in court Tuesday morning for a pre-trial detention hearing. The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Passaic County Prosecutors Office at 1-877-370-PCPO. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is political following last week's release of a revised July jobs report. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) AP CNBC anchor Joe Kernen questioned President Donald Trump on Tuesday over his claims about a recent jobs report. A revised report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday found that hiring had slowed in July and was much weaker in May and June than initially recorded. The report ultimately prompted Trump to fire Erika McEntarfer, the director of the independent body, first appointed by former President Joe Biden, whom he accused of manipulating the report for political reasons. In my opinion, todays Jobs Numbers were RIGGED in order to make the Republicans, and ME, look bad, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post following its release. Kernen pressed Trump on Squawk Box about his accusations, pointing to how former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, who also served as his first administrations transportation secretary, had previously said on CNBC that the commissioner is not entirely involved in the actual minutiae of putting all these things together. He added that Chao concluded that theres no way that McEntarfer could have chosen to rig these numbers to make them look bad. These are statistical changes based on this antiquated system, and its just a big leap to go to rigged, Kernen said. Also Mr. President, it makes anyone you pick... critics are going to say, Hey, hes picking the guy or gal thats giving him the numbers that he wants. So it undermines confidence in the system to some extent, he continued. KERNEN: It's a big leap to go to 'rigged' with the jobs reports. And it undermines confidence in the system. TRUMP: Give me a break pic.twitter.com/rcdOWElFBs Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 5, 2025 Trump had shot back: When they said that nobody was involved, that it wasnt political, give me a break. If you look at the original, the ones from the other day, the numbers were very timid, and then they announced something that made them even more timid on top of it. Sort of the reporting there, I dont know, it just seemed a little bit more important than most times when they announced these numbers, Trump added. When asked directly about Trumps use of the word rigged, the president said he did very well in the 2024 election, and railed against a report at the time that was later revised downwards. The numbers were rigged, Trump said. Biden wasnt doing well. He was doing poorly. They announced these phenomenal numbers two days before the election, and a little bit before that, always these great numbers. And you knew it wasnt doing well. Trump went on to say that they gave phony numbers in order to win the election. According to the revised report, around 73,000 jobs were added by U.S. employers last month short of the 115,000 expected. The U.S. governments economic data has long been seen as the gold standard globally, with economists and investors overall accepting it as free from political ties for decades, the Associated Press reported. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said on X that William Wiatrowski, the bureaus current deputy commissioner, would serve as the acting director. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A Fox News contributor was criticized after suggesting that gerrymandering is the reason why California is led by a Democrat governor and two Democrat senators. Kennedy, whose full name is Lisa Kennedy Montgomery, suggested Monday on Fox News that the drawing of Californias congressional districts is why the state has elected Democrats to some of its most powerful elected positions. However, social media users pointed out that gerrymandering would not help Democrats in statewide elections like the governors race or Senate seats. This is why California is a mono party state. Thats why Democrats have a super majority. Thats why they have two Democrat senators. Thats why they have a Democrat governor. And you know, it is such a massive majority because of this type of redistricting, which is incredibly insincere. Whenever Republicans start to get a stronghold in a certain part of the state, they just they carve it apart, Kennedy said. Gerrymandering is when a state legislature redraws congressional districts to give the majority party an advantage in upcoming elections. Political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen fact checked Kennedy over her claim on Monday with a question about gerrymandering. Can anyone explain to me how California has 2 Dem Senators and a Dem Governor because of gerrymandering?" he wrote on social media platform X. Journalist Carla Marinucci also suggested that Kennedy does not understand how redistricting works. "Tell me you dont understand what gerrymandering is," she wrote on X. Another user wrote: "She does understand districting doesnt impact state-wide elections, right?. And one user noted that Districts are irrelevant in statewide elections. Kennedy also took a swing at Texas Democrats who fled their home state to block a vote over redrawn U.S. House maps that President Donald Trump requested to deliver Republicans five more seats in the lower chamber. Democrats have vowed to hit back with their own redrawn maps in blue-states like New York and California. Kennedy said that fleeing to Illinois represented cowardice as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) threatens to expel those Democrats from their offices if they do not return to the state. Im not a huge fan of this. And I think that you know, you need to run better candidates if youre worried that your party is out of power, and, you know, offer voters better ideas, because this is not fight. This is cowardice. So if you are expecting your caucus to grow, youre doing it wrong. If youre running to another state where the obese Governor might eat you, she said. Kennedy on Redistricting: This is why California is a monoparty state. That's why they have two Democrat senators, a Democrat governor pic.twitter.com/mb1hnj8r5E Acyn (@Acyn) August 4, 2025 The revolt by Democrats, and Abbott giving them until Monday to come home or face efforts to strip them of their elected positions, pushed a widening fight over congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections into new territory. At the center of the deepening impasse is Trumps pursuit of five more winnable congressional seats that will help bolster the GOPs chances of preserving their slim U.S. House majority. In response to Texas rare mid-decade political gerrymander, Democratic governors have floated the possibility of redrawing their own states maps in retaliation, but their options are limited. Many of the Texas Democrats were bound for Illinois and a welcoming from Gov. JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential contender, who in recent weeks has offered them support. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Former U.S. Rep. George Santos leaves federal court after being sentenced to more than seven years in prison for fraud and identity theft, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Central Islip, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) AP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) urged President Donald Trump to pardon former disgraced Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), who reported to a federal prison late last month. Santos began his seven-year sentence for the fraud charges that got him ousted from Congress on July 25 despite his numerous pleas for Trump to pardon him for his crimes. Greene said on Monday that she sent Trumps pardon attorney a letter urging the president to pardon Santos. I just sent a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney urging President Trump to commute the sentence of former Congressman @MrSantosNY, Greene wrote on social media platform X. A 7-year prison sentence for campaign-related charges is excessive, especially when Members of Congress whove done far worse still walk free. George Santos has taken responsibility. Hes shown remorse. Its time to correct this injustice.We must demand equal justice under the law! she added. BREAKING: I just sent a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney urging President Trump to commute the sentence of former Congressman @MrSantosNY. A 7-year prison sentence for campaign-related charges is excessive, especially when Members of Congress whove done far worse pic.twitter.com/Isj2mxlhsd Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) August 4, 2025 Santos pleaded guilty last year for federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges for deceiving donors and stealing peoples identities to help fund his congressional campaign. Santos, a longtime supporter of Trump, had asked the president to pardon him earlier this year after his sentencing hearing. I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead. I asked the Court for a sentence that balances accountability with the chance to prove through sustained, measurable action that I can still contribute positively to the community I wronged, he posted to X in April. I believe that 7 years is an over the top politically influenced sentence and I implore that President Trump gives me a chance to prove Im more than the mistakes Ive made, he added. In April, a federal judge declined to give Santos a lighter two-year sentence that he sought, saying she was unconvinced he was truly remorseful. In the weeks before his sentencing, Santos said he was profoundly sorry for his crimes, but he also complained frequently that he was a victim of a political witch hunt and prosecutorial overreach. Santos was elected in 2022, flipping a wealthy district representing parts of Queens and Long Island for the GOP. But he served for less than a year and became just the sixth member of the House to be ousted by colleagues after it was revealed he had fabricated much of his life story. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The 32 apartments will be for adults with autism. Rendering by CPA Architecture Work has begun on an apartment building in Red Bank specifically designed for adults with autism. The project was approved by Red Bank in the fall of 2023 for a site on Shrewsbury Avenue that contained retail and an apartment building, which are now being demolished. The new 34,000-square-foot building will have 32 one-bedroom units and one ground-floor studio apartment, which will be staffed around the clock. Its expected to be completed in early 2027. Were excited the shovels are in the ground, said Karen Fluharty, who spearheaded the project after an exhaustive search for a place for her son Ryan to live when he aged out of services as a young adult with autism. Fluharty founded Parents with a Plan, a non-profit thats comprised of parents, families, legal and housing professionals who want to develop solutions for special needs young adults. It came up with Thrive Red Bank, a first-of-its-kind, neuro-inclusive housing project, which is a private/public partnership between Parents with a Plan and Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. Adults with autism arguably have the poorest quality of life than any other community in the U.S. and I think its time for someone to stand up and do something, said Christopher J. Manente, executive director of the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. Thrive is a real demonstration of that. Autistic and other neuro diverse people deserve to have beautiful, excellent places to live. Thrive will have low voltage lighting, gathering spaces that are sensory friendly, floor drains in the bathrooms to prevent flooding, faucets and ovens that shut off automatically if left on, among other well thought out elements to suit its residents. Beyond that it will be like any other one bedroom apartment in the area, said John Klein, Managing Partner of Thrive Red Bank, who has decades of executive experience in real estate development. I think thats very important. Thrive will also have on-site support services. An Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services employee will be there Monday through Friday as a resource for the 32 residents and their families, To ensure theyre getting the support they need and meeting the life outcomes they hoped to achieve, Manente said. And there will be a round the clock support person who will live in a ground floor studio apartment. Rent for the market value units will be about $5,000 per month, Fluharty said. This isnt just the first building of its kind in New Jersey. Theres nothing else like this in the world, Manente said, adding that others do bits and pieces but the extent of services and the public/private partnership is one-of-a-kind. Demolition of an office building at the site is expected to begin next week while Thrive continues securing construction permits, Klein said. Red Bank was chosen because of its walkability, job and volunteer opportunities for Thrive residents and its cultural and educational offerings. Its very well-rounded with a variety of experiences, Klein said. There are at least 200,000 people in New Jersey who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, according to a market analysis study commissioned by Parents with a Plan. About 73% live with family and 38,000 of them live with a caregiver who is over the age of 60. Thrive had nearly 50 applicants before construction began. The demand overwhelmed and really humbled me, Fluharty said. Twenty-seven of the 32 units at Thrive will be market-rate and five will be affordable units. Applications for the affordable units will not be open until six months before construction is completed. Applications for the market-rate units are still being accepted. All potential tenants will have to go through a clinical assessment with Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. Are you an agent, buyer or seller who is active in this changing market? Do you have tips about New Jerseys real estate market? Unusual listings? Let us know. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Crocs just unveiled what could be its sweetest shoe drop ever the Krispy Kreme Classic Clog. The new shoe collaboration between Crocs and the famous donut maker Krispy Kreme is a limited-edition release that retails for $90. Its available on Tuesday, August 5. Crocs x Krispy Kreme Classic Clogs $90 Available on August 5 $90 at Crocs Your feet wont be disappointed when you step into these sweeter-than-life Crocs x Krispy Kreme Clogs that feature a signature Krispy Kreme donut as an oversized Jibbitz Charm. Theres also a Hot Now donut sign and plenty of other Krispy Kreme details. Painted a fresh-out-of-the-fryer golden color, the Crocs x Krispy Kreme Classic Clogs are dipped in chocolate and strawberry glaze at the toes and are covered in sprinkles. Theyre also adorned with the Krispy Kreme logo, but theres no mistaking where these recognizable shoes came from. You can also dress up your Krispy Kreme Clogs with more Jibbitz Charms. The Krispy Kreme Jibbitz Charm 5 Pack features more Krispy Kreme donuts, a paper hat, dozen donut box and store logo. It retails for $20. Plus, if this shoe drop wasnt sweet enough, Krispy Kreme is offering a free Original Glazed Donut to anyone who comes into its stores wearing their Crocs on August 9. Other New Crocs Releases You can also check out even more new Crocs shoes, including these popular style picks: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. A 20-year-old driver caused a crash in Westfield on Monday morning that killed a bicyclist, officials said. Anthony Ramirez Velazquez was driving east on W. North Avenue just before 10 a.m. when he veered into the westbound lane and struck a van, Westfield police said. The impact caused the van to flip onto its side and strike a 71-year-old Kenilworth man who was riding a bicycle westbound along the side of the road The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene on the 100 block of W. North Avenue following life-saving efforts by police and emergency workers. Police arrested Ramirez Velazquez, of Perth Amboy, on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Authorities later charged him with death by auto and two counts of assault by auto. Officials didnt immediately identify the bicyclist. The occupants of the van was not injured. Ramirez Velazquez is being held at the Essex County jail, according to online jail records. Attorney information wasnt immediately available. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Yankees captain Aaron Judge is eligible to come off the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. AP ARLINGTON, Texas Yankees captain Aaron Judge has been predicting that hell be off the 10-day injured list when hes first eligible come Tuesday, and its a go. Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced the good news after Monday nights 8-5, 10-inning loss to the Rangers. Out with a right flexor strain in his throwing elbow, Judge flew to Texas after a second day of live at-bats at the Yankees minor-league complex in Tampa. He had 12 at-bats on Monday after eight on Sunday. Judge will only DH initially, but he might be back in right field in a matter of days rather than weeks, which was anticipated initially. Shut down from throwing during his IL stint, Judge is scheduled to reintroduce catch play by Tuesday or Wednesday. Thats how its trending, Boone said. Boone said its too soon to know if Judge could be back in right field during the Yankees upcoming homestand, three this weekend against the Astros and then three against the Twins next week. Well see, Boone said. His arm will tell him. While Judge is at DH, Giancarlo Stanton might just be a bench player instead of seeing outfield action for the first time since 2023. Boone doesnt plan to use Stanton in the outfield on Tuesday night or Wednesday afternoon because the Rangers Globe Life Field has turf and a big outfield. Stanton is a very slow runner and is better suited at this point in his career for the short right field at Yankee Stadium if hes not DHing. The Yankees arent committed to that yet, either. I would not do it (in Arlington), Boone said. Well see about when we get back home. Im hoping that Judge is playing catch either (Tuesday) or next day and well start to get an idea about a potential timeline for that. And then well see (about Stanton) when we get back home. Boone is excited about Judges imminent return to a ballclub that dropped to third in the AL East standings over the weekend when it was swept three games in Miami by the Marlins. Yeah, its Aaron Judge, Boone said. We know what he means to our lineup, to the guys in the room. Despite missing 10 games, Judge still is second in the AL with 37 homers and second with 85 and first with a .342 batting average. To get him back, were certainly excited about that, Boone said. And then hopefully shortly thereafter hes back out in the field. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Yearning for mountain views without the climb? A 1,236-meter-long escalator will provide an effortless ascent for visitors to Lingshan Scenic Area, China's Shangrao. ARLINGTON, Texas Someone in the Yankees bullpen had to go Tuesday with Mark Leiter Jr, returning from the injured list. The Yankees decision couldnt have been too difficult. They opted for one of the new relievers who has been a face of whats been a horrific roadtrip that so far has included four losses in four games, two of them late giveaways. Right-hander Jake Bird served up a walk-off homer to .126-hitting Joc Pederson in Monday nights 8-5, 10-inning loss to the Rangers and was optioned to Triple-A on Tuesday morning. Bird also was a goat Friday night when the Yankees lost 13-12 in Miami. He entered in the seventh for his Yankees debut with a 9-4 lead and retired one batter while allowing four runs on a grand slam to Jake Stowers. Yankees -1.5 runline is +168 on FanDuel for Tuesdays game against the Rangers. Our FanDuel Sportsbook review provides a guide on how to register and use their platform. On July 31, trade-deadline day, the Yankees acquired Bird from the Rockies for two Double-A prospects that were ranked among their top 30 by MLB Pipeline, second baseman Roc Riggio and left-hander Ben Shields. Bird joined the Yankees mired in an awful slump. Pitching for the Rockies, he was in the midst of a standout season with a 2.63 ERA in 37 outings after pitching a scoreless inning against the Astros on July 1. The next day, Bird allowed one run over one-third of an inning facing the Astros again and hes been pretty bad almost every outing since. In his last 11 games, Bird has a 24.55 ERA with 22 runs, 20 earned, allowed over 7.1 innings on 20 hits, six walks and a hit by pitch. Hes allowed six homers in the stretch. As a Yankee, he was torched for seven runs, six earned, in two innings over three appearances. This option by no means is an indication that the Yankees are giving up on Bird, who has three seasons on team control after this year. They still really like the 6-foot-3, 200 pounders arm and stuff. When hes throwing the ball well, hes very tough on hitters throw sinkers that average 94 mph and sweepers that average 84. With Bird farmed out, Leiter is back in the Yankees bullpen after being sidelined since July 7 with a left fibular head stress fracture. In 41 games this season, the veteran righty is 4-6 with a 4.41 ERA with 46 strikeouts and 12 walks in 34.1 innings. In addition to Leiter replacing Bird, the Yankees announced after Mondays game that outfielder Austin Slater would be placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a hamstring injury. His spot will be taken by Aaron Judge, who is coming off the IL after missing 10 games with a right elbow flexor strain. Slater was injured in the first inning of Mondays loss running out a groundball. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. MOSCOW, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday that the country no longer considers itself bound by self-restrictions on deploying medium- and short-range ground-based missiles. The foreign ministry noted the disappearance of "conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar systems" under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Steps by the West led to the buildup of destabilizing missile potentials in the regions adjacent to Russia, posing a direct threat to the country's strategic security, the ministry said. The nuclear treaty was an arms control deal between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 2019, the U.S. side withdrew from the treaty, citing Russian non-compliance. Russia had suspended the treaty and declared a moratorium on the condition that the U.S. does the same. The top four contenders to be New Orleans next mayor promised to reduce crime through expanding youth programming, mental health care and other resources at an Aug. 4 Silence is Violence forum at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church. Unlike the previous forums so far, which were front loaded with candidate statements and Q&A sessions, Mondays forum began with speeches from two parents whod lost their sons to gun violence. The issue affects so many families in the city that Constanza Porche told the more than 100 people at the forum she ended up paying for two caskets because another woman, who shed never met and had lost her son around the same time, had found out her sons funeral wouldnt be covered by insurance. Because she was able to help another grieving mother, my son's life was not taken in vain, Porche said. Some of the candidates opened up about their personal experiences with gun violence and grief. State Sen. Royce Duplessis said Silence is Violence, which provides resources to survivors and families affected by gun violence, helped him in 2020 when his cousin killed his uncle during a mental health episode. We werent just victims, but we also had love for the defendant, he said. So we were at the crossroads of the justice system, not knowing where to go. Council Member Oliver Thomas drew on his own journey with grief. When you experience like my family, a year, when we averaged ... 300 to 400 murders, when you bury three or four of your own blood, people wonder why we're numb to it, he said, adding Silence may be violence, but violence is loud, and it haunts us in our sleep and our family reunions and picnics. Council Vice President Helena Moreno said shed lost friends and loved ones with substance abuse issues, focusing on her track record of legislation on substance abuse, mental health and domestic violence. That included allowing police officers and firefighters to carry Narcan, a medication for reversing drug overdoses, and decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips so people can test their drugs. So we keep people alive, but at the same time, jail cannot be the only option for people who have mental health and substance abuse issues, she said. Retired judge Arthur Hunter said as a police officer he arrested a lot of young people, but that as a criminal court judge, through his reentry court, when he sent them to prison, they could come back with a GED and skilled in a trade. We have got to finally decide that what we're going to do with that 13-year-old Black boy and put him on the path to success or, and this is not all our kids, he's going to go on that that pipeline to Angola, an early grave, he said. That's our responsibility." Meanwhile, candidates were also asked about other issues, including new NOPD rules for second lines. Unsurprisingly, all of the candidates said they believed communication between second line clubs, police and city leaders needs to improve. Thomas said several years ago there was a police officer who was clearly oblivious to the citys culture and asked a chief on Super Sunday why he was wearing an Indian costume, which prompted Thomas to convene a meeting between second line groups and NOPD. There are too many people in the city that are making sure decisions about the culture who don't understand the culture, he said. Moreno said the new requirements, which would include higher insurance and other costs, were given to clubs without warning and are completely unacceptable and noted the council would address the issue at its Aug. 7 meeting. She also said the city has treated second lines unfairly. You have second line organizations that are paying more money than Mardi Gras krewes, she said. That just doesn't even make sense. Though the forum was still friendly, Duplessis continued his criticism of the current council for not working with the mayor. He said he started his political career 20 years ago as chief of staff to former Council Member James Carter. After five men were gunned down on the corner of Daneel and Josephine, the council formed the Criminal Justice Committee, which Carter chaired. The mayor didnt always agree with the council, and the council didnt always agree with the mayor. But you know what we did? We worked together. Thomas, Duplessis and Hunter continued to flex their New Orleans-born status in a not-so-subtle at Moreno, who was born in Mexico, moved to Texas as a child and has lived in New Orleans for more than two decades. The primary for the mayors race is Oct. 11. BERLIN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A senior German official on Monday called for sanctions on Israel, including partial arms export bans and EU agreement review, if the situation in Palestine's enclave Gaza Strip doesn't improve. Siemtje Moeller, deputy chair of the Social Democratic Party parliamentary group, made the urge in a letter to her colleagues following a recent visit to Israel and the Gaza border region, reported German newspaper Die Welt. The deputy from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition called Gaza's situation "catastrophic," citing UN and aid groups reporting rising starvation deaths. Israel's assurance that there were no restrictions on humanitarian aid lacked credibility, Moeller said, noting that many aid requests had reportedly been denied. She said the Israeli government "rarely takes action without external pressure," and proposed three measures: partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, sanctions against far-right Israeli cabinet members and limited arms exports to Israel. Moeller further argued that recognizing the Palestinian state should not be treated as a "taboo" in international diplomacy and does not have to wait until the completion of a peace process. Moeller's party joined the coalition government with Merz's conservatives earlier this year. Dancers from across North Devon displayed their passion for dance as they lit up the stage for Barnstaple-based Unlimited Dance Companys (UDC) 19th annual Make It Happen show. The show was a celebration of talent, creativity and community spirit, captivating full audiences across three spectacular performances at Devon Hall on the Bideford College campus. Nearly 40 dance routines, choreographed and performed by the passionate dancers and dedicated teachers of UDC, filled the stage with a dynamic mix of ballet, lyrical, street and tap. READ NEXT: North Devon dancers dominate at British Championships Featuring dancers as young as three, who stole the hearts of the audience, with their Moana and Shrek themed numbers, to elegant ballerinas dancing en pointe, a high energy contemporary tap routine set to Ushers Yeah! and powerful street dance performances bursting with attitude and precision, the variety and standard was outstanding. The show culminated with routines from UDCs elite dancers, including this years SOAR British Dance Champions, whose slick, polished choreography left the audience in awe. Principal and owner of UDC, Sarah Clements, praised the phenomenal effort from every dancer, teacher and supporter. She said: This years show was nothing short of incredible. From our tiniest dancers taking their very first steps on stage, to our experienced champions performing with such skill and passion, its a joy to see how far our UDC family has come. A huge thank you to our amazing teaching team, the backstage crew, families and of course, every single dancer. Youve made us all so proud. Above: The youngest UDC dancers stole the hearts of audiences as they took their some of first steps on stage at the schools summer show. Credit: UDC This summer, the school is celebrating a major milestone with the opening of a fourth studio at its Mill Road headquarters in Barnstaple. UDC will also begin teaching weekly Friday classes in Braunton from September, taking over the existing Dance Factory programme and welcoming a new community of dancers into the fold. For the first time, UDC is also offering summer dance classes, giving young performers the chance to keep dancing through the holidays, learn new styles and have fun while staying active. These can be booked via UDCs website. Were passionate about creating opportunities for every dancer, whether they want to dance for fun or pursue it at the highest level, added Sarah. This is a celebration of our local talent and of the bright future ahead for UDC. Above: Unlimited Dance Company performers in rehearsal for the Make It Happen summer show. Credit: UDC For more information on UDC classes please visit https://www.unlimiteddance.co.uk or email hello@unlimiteddance.co.uk READ NEXT: North Devon skater figuring out her journey to the top Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a symposium to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Ren Jianxin, a former senior leader of the CPC and former president of the Supreme People's Court in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A symposium was held on Tuesday in Beijing to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Ren Jianxin, a former senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and former president of the Supreme People's Court, who died in September last year. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the symposium. Speaking at the symposium, Chen Wenqing, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, called for learning from Ren's unwavering political loyalty, his lifelong dedication to judicial, prosecuting and public security work, and his integrity and moral uprightness. Ren had also served as a member of the Secretariat of the 14th CPC Central Committee, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, and vice chairman of the 9th National Committee of the CPPCC. A new report out of Taiwan has revealed that the current US administration is tying the reduction on trade of trade tariffs on Taiwan to significant TSMC investment in the US. This investment includes a 49% stake in Intel. 4 Reviews exclude selected types The current US administration, led by President Donald Trump, has employed trade tariffs as the primary way to reduce the US's trade deficit with partner countries. However, the US tariff policy has been erratic and unpredictable. These tariffs have also affected Taiwan, one of the USs biggest trading partners. Currently standing at 20%, the US trade tariff on Taiwan is more than that of countries like Japan, which pays a baseline tariff of 15%. Unsurprisingly, a 20% levy on Taiwanese exports to the US will hurt Taiwanese businesses quite a bit, which is why the country needs to negotiate further with the US to bring the tariffs down or downright eliminate then. However, according to a new report out of Taiwan, US President Trump has presented Taiwan with two conditions for tariff relief, both of which are quite stringent. Per the Taiwanese outlet mnews.tw, an industry source told the publication that President Donald Trump has mandated TSMC fulfill two conditions if Taiwan is to see any tariff reduction: Buy a 49% stake in Intel Invest a further $400 billion in the US While ignoring the industrial ramifications of TSMC owning 49% of Intel, these are humongous financial commitments. TSMC is already investing a ton of money in the US, with one of the companys fabs achieving volume production in 2024. The Taiwanese giant is on its way to building two more fabs at its Arizona facility, alongside an R&D Center and a packaging facility. Overall, TSMC has planned to invest a total of $165 billion in the US. So, President Trumps alleged condition of investing a further $400 billion in the US alongside buying a stake in Intel seems improbable from a purely financial standpoint. The US is trying to save Intel from collapse Intel is on the decline. From the companys fab operations to consumer products, virtually every Intel department is taking a hit. This has shown in the companys reported annual revenue figure, which has come down from a high of $79 billion in 2021 to $53 billion in 2024, is a massive 33% reduction. Intel is a vital part of the USs plans regarding domestic semiconductor manufacturing. As such, the company has already received billions in federal grants. However, this funding has not solved Intels troubles, as the company has delayed its Ohio fab from an initial target of 2025 to 2030/31. A primary reason for this delay seems to be Intels efforts to preserve capital resources amidst a lack of significant help from the US CHIPS Act and outside partners. BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to support ASEAN in promoting talks for peace and play a constructive role in its own way for the turnaround of Cambodia-Thailand relations, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Tuesday. It is reported that from Aug. 4 to 7, the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Cambodia and Thailand is being held in Malaysia, and China is invited to attend an extraordinary session of the GBC meeting on Aug. 7. In response to a media query, Guo said that since the informal consultation among China, Cambodia and Thailand was successfully held on July 30, there has been no fighting along the Cambodia-Thailand border, the situation on the ground has been deescalating, and the ceasefire has been gradually implemented by Cambodia and Thailand. Guo said that under the active coordination of Malaysia, the rotating chair of ASEAN, the two countries are holding the GBC meeting to have multi-tiered communication through a variety of avenues on developing a detailed mechanism for ceasefire monitoring, which is conducive to an effective and sustained end of the fighting. "China commends and welcomes that." According to the will of Cambodia and Thailand, China has actively maintained close communication with the two countries, Malaysia and other regional countries, cemented the ceasefire, promoted communication and dialogue, and helped deescalate the situation, noted Guo. "China will continue to support ASEAN in promoting talks for peace, uphold a just and fair position, and play a constructive role in its own way for the turnaround of Cambodia-Thailand relations," Guo said. CROWN POINT A 26-year-old man who allegedly beat his pregnant girlfriend so badly that she lost the pregnancy now faces charges of murder in the case, according to Lake Criminal Court records. Cortez Morehead, of Gary, was charged Monday with murder, less than a week after the Lake County Prosecutor's Office charged him with felony feticide, aggravated battery, criminal confinement, domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury, domestic battery, intimidation, auto theft and misdemeanor resisting law enforcement. If convicted of all charges, Morehead could face a minimum sentence of 45 years in prison and a maximum of 137 years in prison if sentenced to the maximum sentence on each count. Morehead beat his girlfriend Tuesday inside a residence in the 1000 block of Van Buren Street after they got into an argument, a probable cause affidavit shows. She was seen by a doctor at Methodist Hospital Northlake, who told police she lost the 4-month-old fetus as a result of the physical assault, as well as suffering a swollen eye and abrasions to her hip and leg. A detective noted she had a section of hair missing from her head. Morehead was the father of the unborn child, according to the affidavit. The woman's other four children, under age 9, were in the house during the assault. During the argument, Morehead allegedly instructed the woman to leave the room. When she refused, he threatened to punch her in the face. Morehead then took the woman's car keys and left the residence in her vehicle without her permission, the affidavit shows. The woman told detectives she then called police, who arrived while Morehead was gone and told her to lock her door while they went to look for him and said they would return her keys if they found him. When Morehead returned, he became angry that she had locked the door and called authorities, so he repeatedly punched her in the face and stomach, according to the affidavit. Morehead grabbed the woman by her hair and dragged her toward the front door of the residence. She was able to break free from his grasp and ran outside as she called for help. Morehead allegedly followed the woman, hauled her to the back of the residence and continued to beat her, the affidavit shows. The woman was able to escape and ran upstairs to a neighbor to seek help. Footage from a neighbor's doorbell camera supposedly showed the woman running up the flight of stairs and screaming for help while her four children followed her. A police officer returned to the residence and noticed the vehicle Morehead had purportedly fled in was back at the home, so the officer tried to make contact with Morehead. Morehead tried to run but was apprehended by officers, the affidavit said. He had the woman's phone and keys with him. Morehead agreed to speak with a detective and told him that he cared for the woman and for her children, whom he said he treated as his own. He admitted to a domestic battery incident in which he was charged last June and said he was "wrong for [doing] that," the affidavit shows. A detective wrote in the document that Morehead appeared to try and "minimize his involvement" in the battering that caused the fetus' death. Morehead said he was going to the woman's car to listen to music and accused her of punching him in the head. He said he pushed her to the ground and took her car to a friend's house, although he could not provide an address, the affidavit said. He said he struck her with an open palm but denied kicking or punching her. He said the woman was "crazy" and would do something like that to herself. Morehead is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday before Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez for a formal appearance and bond reduction hearing, according to records in the initial case. However, because murder charges were filed, Morehead will likely be held without bail. OSLO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Norway, Sweden and Denmark have unveiled a joint military support package for Ukraine, aimed at securing urgently needed U.S.-made defense equipment through an initiative coordinated by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Norwegian government announced on Tuesday. The three Nordic countries will jointly finance one of the first aid packages under the new U.S. initiative known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which is designed to expedite the delivery of critical military supplies to Ukraine. Under the plan, Ukraine will receive American-made air defense systems, including additional missiles for the Patriot system. Norway will initially contribute 1.5 billion Norwegian kroner (146 million U.S. dollars), while the combined value of the joint package with Sweden and Denmark is estimated at around 5 billion kroner. (1 Norwegian krone = 0.097 U.S. dollar) A new Dutch snack brand is trying to draw attention to itself by launching the worlds first 9-volt battery-flavored tortilla chips, a flavor most 90s kids will surely remember. If you grew up during the 1990s, you probably remember the metallic tang and slight buzz you got when you touched the metal tip of a battery with your tongue. It was a silly but very popular trend among kids back in those days, and Dutch snack brand Rewind is betting that nostalgia or pure curiosity will draw a lot of people to its new 9-volt battery-flavored tortilla chips. Recreating that childish experience in a way that leaves the chips palatable must have been very challenging, but Rewind assures everyone that no battery components were used in the making of its unusual snack, clarifying that all the ingredients are entirely safe and food-grade. Photo: Rewind It was definitely an unusual brief, Mattias Larsson, chef and flavourist at Rewind, admitted. We used a blend of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to create the tongue-tingling effect, and balanced it out with mineral salts, which give the chips a metallic tang. The result is surprisingly tasty, and its definitely a flavor that sparks curiosity. Rewind is a brand inspired by nostalgia, so we thought what better way to launch but with one of the most nostalgic shared experiences a delicious tribute to a weird universal memory that tastes just like those careless teenage afternoons, Antti Lauronen, the head of creative and design at Paulig, added. Photo: Rewind Rewind trtilla chips are currently only available in the Netherlands, but the company is planning a quick expansion into the European market, so you might get a chance to experience 9-volt battery flavor chips sooner than you think. For more bizarre food flavors, check out dumpling-flavored soda and Ecuadors famous guinea pig-flavored ice cream. A South Korean students mother and her tutor were recently arrested after trying to break into the girls school in order to steal exam papers and ensure that she aced her tests. South Koreas education system was recently rocked by a scandal involving illegal tutoring, breaking and entering, as well as attempted theft of exam papers by a parent and a teacher with the goal of maintaining a student at the top of her class at any cost. On July 4, at around 02:00 in the morning, the alarm went off at a girls school in Andong, North Gyeongsang, and security camera footage showed two women trying to access an office where printed copies of school exams were being stored. The perpetrators were arrested the following day, and an investigation found that one of them was the mother of a valedictorian student at the school, and the other was a former teacher there who had been tutoring the same student for years. The JoongAng Daily newspaper reported that the 31-year-old teacher had been working at the school until February 2024 and managed to enter the premises in the middle of the night by using the fingerprint scanner. Apparently, her biometrics had remained in the schools security database, and she was able to enter the school whenever she pleased. Security camera showed her and another 48-year-old woman making their way to the third-floor faculty offices, where printed copies of exam papers were stored. Although the teacher entered the passcode correctly, the alarm system went off, causing the two women to flee in panic. Unfortunately, their late-night adventure was caught on camera, and they were arrested the very next day. It turned out that the teachers accomplice was the mother of a top student at the school, and police suspect that the duo had long worked together to keep the girls grades up. The disgraced teacher served as the students homeroom teacher, and she is now suspected of having tutored her since, an act prohibited by Korean law. Investigators believe that she had been providing the girls mother with test papers for at least two years, as bank records show that she received 2 million won ($1,440) from the woman during each exam period since 2023. After the recent incident, the school confirmed that the 31-year-old teacher entered the premises at least seven times after resigning in February of last year, mostly during exam periods, raising suspicions that this was not her first rodeo. She had allegedly bribed the school facilities manager as well, as police found that they not only allowed her into the school but tampered with the security cameras as well, to delete evidence. Its shocking to think something like this, which feels straight out of a drama, happened in our community, the mother of a student at the school said. There are rumors that the mother did this to get her daughter into medical school. Police are currently investigating the pair on a series of charges, including unlawful entry into a special facility and obstruction of business. As for the student who allegedly benefited from their crimes, she was at the top of her class but has since been expelled from the school and all her test results have been invalidated. FGS Global acquires Edmonds Elder, a digital-first integrated communications and campaigning firm based in London. Edmonds Elder will now operate as Edmonds Elder by FGS Global. There will be no leadership or staff changes. FGS says that Edmonds Elder complements its existing offering and will enhance the firms campaigning capabilities, making it better equipped to help CEOs and executives build the momentum to lead their businesses and influence stakeholders. Founded in 2015 by Tom Edmonds and Craig Elder, Edmonds Elder has worked with such brands as Centrica, Deliveroo, Santander, PepsiCo and Sky. Edmonds Elder are leading edge in identifying, engaging and influencing the digital audiences that matter most for our clients, said FGS Global CEO of UKMEA Faeth Birch. The opportunities our combined expertise and future investment will bring to create impact for our clients are very exciting. KKR owns FGS Global. People and officers release rope after pulling the capsized fast boat to the sea shore at Sanur beach in Bali, Indonesia, Aug. 5, 2025. Two people were killed and another went missing after a fast boat sank in waters off Indonesia's Bali Island on Tuesday, according to I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the island's Search and Rescue Office. (Photo by Dicky Bisinglasi/Xinhua) JAKARTA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and another went missing after a fast boat sank in waters off Indonesia's Bali Island on Tuesday, according to I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the island's Search and Rescue Office. "Two people died in the incident, and another is still missing. 77 others survived," Sidakarya told Xinhua. The fast boat, identified as Fast Boat Dolphin II, was struck by large waves as it neared its destination at a seaport in Sanur area of Bali province at about 3:00 p.m. local time. It had departed earlier from Nusa Penida harbor in the same province. The local search and rescue office deployed rigid inflatable boats and personnel to carry out search and rescue operations for the victims, Sidakarya said. People and officers use rope to pull the capsized fast boat to the sea shore at Sanur beach in Bali, Indonesia, Aug. 5, 2025. Two people were killed and another went missing after a fast boat sank in waters off Indonesia's Bali Island on Tuesday, according to I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the island's Search and Rescue Office. (Photo by Dicky Bisinglasi/Xinhua) This photo shows the site where the fast boat capsized at Sanur beach in Bali, Indonesia, Aug. 5, 2025. Two people were killed and another went missing after a fast boat sank in waters off Indonesia's Bali Island on Tuesday, according to I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the island's Search and Rescue Office. (Photo by Dicky Bisinglasi/Xinhua) John McDonald HSBC tabs UBS group CMO John McDonald to serve as its global CMO, a newly created position, effective October 1. Before joining UBS in 2023, McDonald served as SVP, global integrated marketing and communications at Mastercard. He previously was co-founder of xCheck, a platform that automatically updates airline prices, and has held senior posts at Digitas North America, WPP, British Airways and Ogilvy. At HSBC, McDonald will oversee HSBCs marketing, branding and client engagement for international wealth and premier banking business as well as for corporate and institutional banking. We are excited to welcome John whose depth and range of experience will be invaluablenot only as we increase our focus on wealth, but as we accelerate growth, increase market share and build an even more distinctive brand, said HSBC CEO of international wealth and premier banking Barry OByrne. Jordan Whichard NP Strategy hires Jordan Whichard, who was chief deputy secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce under governors Roy Cooper and Josh Stein, as VP of its Raleigh office. Whichard was previously Coopers director of Intergovernmental affairs, and he has served in a range of posts with the Democratic National Committee and in the Obama administration. "Jordan's deep understanding of government affairs and economic development at state and federal levels will be a tremendous asset to our team's services in North Carolina and beyond," said NP Strategy CEO Amanda Loveday. Kayla Shaw French/West/Vaughan brings on Kayla Shaw as social media manager. Shaw comes to FWV from Raleigh-based marketing firm Chair 8. Before that, she was a content producer at Live Oak Communications. She has developed social campaigns for brands in retail, food & beverage and real estate. The agency has also hired Sadie Buxton as a social media specialist, working with clients in travel & tourism, pet care and consumer goods, and Evan Ivey as paid media coordinator. FWV Chairman & CEO Rick French said that the hires will help us drive fresh ideas and deliver exceptional results for our clients. DGA Government Relations has signed a one-year $720K pact to provide PR and strategic lobbying services to the Government of Colombia. Under the leadership of conservative president Alvaro Uribe, Colombia was Americas strongest ally in South America. On July 28, Uribe was convicted of bribery, which was panned by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He posted on X that Uribes only crime has been to tirelessly fight and defend his homeland. Uribe, 73, was sentenced to a dozen years of house arrest. DGAs contract, which went into effect on July 8, calls for drafting documents, organizing lobbying events and political engagement efforts within a bipartisan framework. Special emphasis shall be placed on proactively engaging newly appointed officials within key US agencies to present, advocate for and elevate Colombias national interests in consultation with the Colombian embassy in Washington, according to DGAs agreement. DGA is to provide strategic counsel on drug policies, guidance on managing the migration crisis in response to emerging circumstances, and the current free trade agreement with the US. It will participateas appropriatein Embassy outreach effort to think tanks, opinion leaders, academic communities and other relevant stakeholders in the Colombia-US bilateral relationship. DGA partner Nicole Frazier leads the Colombian work. As special assistant to the president, she was the highest ranking Black woman to serve in the first Trump administration. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Lebanon's government is scheduled to convene on August 5 to deliberate the highly sensitive issue of exclusive state control over arms. The session has sparked speculation regarding potential absence or boycotts by Hezbollah-aligned ministers, including Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar and Finance Minister Yassine Jaber. This follows remarks by Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, firmly rejecting the party's disarmament. The debate unfolds against the backdrop of persistent Israeli occupation of five strategic points along the southern border and recurrent attacks on Hezbollah's personnel and infrastructure. The unresolved equation of "withdrawal versus disarmament" remains mired in conflicting interpretations of the November 27 ceasefire agreement. U.S. mediation-- led by Amos Hochstein, Morgan Ortagus, and recently Tom Barrack-- has reached a critical juncture, with Washington threatening to suspend its efforts unless tangible progress is achieved. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported four casualties following Israeli airstrikes on southern and Beqaa regions. Army Commander General Rodolphe Heikal reiterated that Israeli occupation impedes the full deployment of Lebanese forces, despite robust cooperation with UNIFIL and local community support. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized that Lebanon's stability hinges on unifying the military's role and consolidating weapons under state control, in line with the Taif Agreement and the government's ministerial declaration. France's embassy echoed this sentiment, reaffirming its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces to assume exclusive armament responsibility across all territories. Israel's Defense Ministry confirmed targeting Hezbollah's precision missile production site. Both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have expressed dissatisfaction with the Lebanese government's sluggish disarmament efforts, warning of potential escalation. General Heikal outlined priorities for border security and internal stability, including counterterrorism efforts and coordination with Syrian authorities. The Lebanese army remains on high alert, closely monitoring extremist group activities and maintaining crisis readiness despite growing threats. Reliable sources suggest that Tuesday's government session will proceed with full sectarian representation. Observers anticipate that the cabinet will approve a framework to enforce weapons exclusivity and delegate implementation to the Higher Defense Council, potentially with General Heikal attending to present the army's execution plan. Hezbollah has reportedly initiated dialogue with the presidency and military leadership ahead of the session. The party, significantly weakened by recent clashes with Israel, has seen substantial losses in leadership and infrastructure. Nevertheless, it views the disarmament push as a threat to national defense, alleging U.S. bias toward Israeli interests and warning of existential risks. Economic officials have highlighted Lebanon's fragile reliance on imports-- covering 86% of food needs-- and reassured the public of a strategic stockpile sufficient for four months, contingent on open borders and functioning ports. Emergency provisions also include fuel, gas, and flour reserves, and authorities report a notable absence of panic during past crises. On January 3, 2025, US President Donald Trump appointed Morgan Ortagus as Deputy Special Envoy for Peace in the Middle East. She had worked closely with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner during Trump's first term in office, and had become an enthusiastic convert to the Jewish religion. However, on her visits to Lebanon she was reported to have clashed with Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal, and President Joseph Aoun had told American authorities he was dissatisfied with Ortagus' style and undiplomatic communications with Lebanese officials. Ortagus finally took aim at Lebanese politicians, and insulted ex-MP Walid Jumblatt directly. She was later reassigned away from Lebanon. Israeli media bemoaned the departure of Ortagus, whom they perceived as a staunch supporter of Israel. Tom Barrack, an American of Lebanese ancestry, was appointed successor to Ortagus, while holding down the roles of U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and U.S. special envoy for Syria. He became accused of making contradictory statements regarding Hezbollah and the sensitive issue of the group's weapons. He has apparently been relieved of the Lebanese file, since his twitter account now says: U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Turkiye and Special Envoy for Syria. In July, Barrack visited Lebanon twice, meeting with President Joseph Aoun, and then with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. During his first trip, he received Lebanon's response to an American proposal aimed at restoring stability in southern Lebanon and including the disarmament of Hezbollah. The U.S. "roadmap" focuses on coordinating Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarming Hezbollah. The goal of the plan envisions weapons to be held by the Lebanese Army, Internal Security Forces, General Security, State Security, Customs, and Municipal Police, which was stipulated in the cease-fire agreement. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Tents for displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 4, 2025. Gaza-based health authorities on Monday said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Tents for displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 4, 2025. Gaza-based health authorities on Monday said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Tents for displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 4, 2025. Gaza-based health authorities on Monday said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Tents for displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 4, 2025. Gaza-based health authorities on Monday said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Tents for displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 4, 2025. Gaza-based health authorities on Monday said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Tents for displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 4, 2025. Gaza-based health authorities on Monday said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Tents for displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 4, 2025. Gaza-based health authorities on Monday said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Tents for displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 4, 2025. Gaza-based health authorities on Monday said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Tents for displaced Palestinians are seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 4, 2025. Gaza-based health authorities on Monday said at least 9,440 Palestinians have been killed and 37,986 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes in Gaza on March 18, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 60,933, and injuries to 150,027. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Israeli occupation troops praying. (Image by commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Soldiers_praying_beside_an_armored_personnel_carrier_unit_130.JPG) Details DMCA Deism is belief in The Supreme Intelligence/God based on reason and nature. Deism rejects the claims of the "revealed" religions and their dogmas and scriptures. One of the very important qualities of Deism that sets it apart and high above the "revealed" religions is the fact that Deism does not portray The Supreme Intelligence/God as being cruel and warlike. Nowhere in Deism is it claimed that God commanded Deists to wage war and genocide against non-Deists, or that The Supreme Intelligence/God will burn people in Hell for eternity if they are not Deists. This is fundamentally different from the man-made Abrahamic "revealed" religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Mormonism. This quality, once Deism reaches a large enough number of people, will have an everlasting profoundly positive impact on people and the world. This vitally important quality of Deism makes it impossible for Deism to claim that there is a book called the Book of the Wars of the Lord. This ungodly claim is made in Judaism and is found in the Hebrew Bible/Christian Old Testament at Numbers 21:14. As this article by Rabbi Elie Mischel makes very clear, the Book of the Wars of the Lord, which promotes religious violence and religious wars for the benefit of the Jewish state of Israel, has profound meaning for religious Jews. The book itself is lost. However, as the rabbi's article makes evident, the Book of the Wars of the Lord has not been lost spiritually. Mischel writes, "...there is a spiritual reality, a divine source, from which all of Israel's wars originate. The visible battlefield is only the outcome. The real battle plan is written in Heaven. "Rabbi Reuven Sasson explains: This book of wars is not just a record of past events. It is a divine framework. The wars of Israel are not triggered by random geopolitical calculations or the hatred of enemies. Every war, from Abraham's rescue of Lot to the Six-Day War, is part of a precise divine plan. It is a blueprint for the transformation of the people of Israel. "The Bible describes God as Ish milchamah, "a Man of war" (Exodus 15:3). Rabbi Sasson emphasizes that this doesn't only mean God fights for Israel. It means He organizes the entire process. These battles are not just moments of survival. They are the means by which Israel ascends. They are the mechanisms of growth by which God shapes His people and prepares them for what comes next." Having a very twisted mindset that makes you believe as truth the lie that The Supreme Intelligence/God is organizing and unleashing religious wars on our planet Earth in order to help the Jewish state of Israel to ascend in the world can only cause very real religious violence and religious wars, and all the misery that they cause, to spread. Currently, in Gaza, Israel's divine war and genocide has taken the lives of at least 60,000 people. 18,500 of them are children. As Ms. Rachel, the new Mr. Rogers for children, pointed out, "It's sad that people try to make it controversial when you speak out for children that are facing immeasurable suffering. I think it should be controversial to not say anything." She also said, "It's never been wrong to say not to starve children, not to bomb children, and not to kill 15,000 children." (As pointed out above, since the time Ms. Rachel made this statement, the Jewish state of Israel has killed an additional 3,500 children and is killing more and more every day.) Because of her statements on behalf of the children in Gaza, Ms. Rachel was accused of anti-Semitism and of spreading Hamas propaganda. The US Department of Justice was asked to investigate her for supporting terrorism. Deism is not just something that is interesting to talk about and discuss. Deism has real world potential for good.Deists, and all freethinkers, todayall we can to promote Deism to as many people as possible, over time and with lots of difficult and persistent work, we can make Deism, through reason, prevail over all of the deadly, irrational, fear-based "revealed" religions of the world. Imagine how much better that will make people's lives and the world itself. Religious violence and religious wars will become things of the past. Since our innate God-given reason is the answer to all the problems we face and is what humanity has used to solve all problems in the past, and since God-given reason is a cornerstone of Deism, the good Deism brings will wash over all of the world bringing and enabling solutions to problems ranging from religious violence and wars to global warming and to nuclear weapons. There is not a problem that cannot be solved by the persistent application of our innate God-given reason. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Sometimes, strange as it might seem, striking historical moments pass almost unnoticed. As far as I'm concerned, that couldn't be truer recently. Under the administration of President Donald Trump (who snags every headline in sight for just about anything he says or does), an extraordinary moment did indeed pass essentially unnoticed. Yes, there were a few news reports on it, but they were all too easy to miss. And yet, in a reasonable world, it would have made blazing headlines (or the TV and social media equivalent of the same) and been the focus of every talk show in town. I won't be faintly surprised, by the way, if you don't have the slightest idea what I'm thinking about. How could you? So, let me quietly fill you in. (No headlines here!) Yes, in June it became clear that, under Trump, the Pentagon budget, still often referred to as the "defense budget," would for the first time actually cross the trillion-dollar mark, a jump of perhaps $160 billion. (Remember when Trump promised that he and Elon Musk would find -- and cut -- "hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud and abuse" from that very budget?) And yes again, at the very moment when President Trump seems dedicated to cutting everything in sight, the U.S. military (and the giant defense contractors that go with it) are going to rake in the ever-bigger bucks. And, of course, that's undoubtedly just the beginning. Given the staggering cost of the military's latest and future weaponry, it's bound to go higher yet. In fact, if our all-American world continues on anything like its present course, that trillion dollars could, some years down the road, seem modest indeed. And with that in mind, let TomDispatch regular William Astore, once upon a time a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force and the creator of the must-read Bracing Views substack, explore just how that military is helping us head for a disaster first-class and why the rest of us should raise our voices about it. Tom America the FUBAR An Ailing, Flailing, Failing Empire Lashes Out By William J. Astore As a retired U.S. Air Force officer, I firmly believe in civilian control of our military. This country should be a nation of laws -- not of special interests, oligarchs, or kings. Before committing our forces to battle, Congress should always declare war in the name of the people. Our military should indeed be a citizen-soldier force, not an isolated caste driven by a warrior ethos. And above all, the United States should be a republic ruled by law and shaped by sound moral values, not a greed-driven empire fueled by militarism. Yet when I express such views, I feel like I'm clinging to a belief in the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny, and Santa Claus. It feels idealistic, naA A ? i ? ? i ? ?ve, even painful to think that way. Yes, I served this country in uniform for 20 years, and now, in the age of Donald Trump, it has, as far as I can tell, thoroughly lost its way. The unraveling began so long ago -- most obviously with the disastrous Vietnam War of the 1960s and 1970s, though in truth this country's imperial desires predated even the Spanish-American War of 1898, stretching back to the wanton suppression of indigenous peoples as part of its founding and expansion. A glance at U.S. history reveals major atrocities: the displacement and murder of Native Americans, slavery, and all too many imperial misadventures abroad. I knew of such realities when I joined the military in 1985, near the end of the Cold War. Despite its flaws, I believed then that this country was more committed to freedom than the Soviet Union. We could still claim some moral authority as the leader of what we then referred to as "the free world," however compromised or imperfect our actions were. That moral authority, however, is now gone. U.S. leaders fully support and unapologetically serve an ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. They sell weapons to nearly every regime imaginable, irrespective of human rights violations. They wage war without Congressional approval -- the recent 12-day assault on Iran being just the latest example. (The second Trump administration has, in fact, launched almost as many air strikes, especially in Yemen and Somalia, in its first five months as the Biden administration did in four years.) Those same leaders have been doing a bang-up job dismantling the America I thought I was serving when I took that oath and put on second lieutenant's bars four decades ago. That America -- assuming it ever existed -- may now be gone forever. FUBAR: A Republic in Ruins My fellow citizens, America is FUBAR (a term that dates from World War II). We are not faintly who we claim to be. Rather than a functioning republic, we are an ailing, flailing, perhaps even failing empire. We embrace war, glorify warriors, and profit mightily from the global arms trade, no matter the civilian toll, including tens of thousands of dead and wounded children in Gaza, among the latest victims of U.S.-made bombs, bullets, and missiles. Signs of moral rot are everywhere. Our president, who would like to be known for his budget cuts, nonetheless giddily celebrates a record trillion-dollar war budget. Our secretary of defense gleefully promotes a warrior ethos. Congress almost unanimously supports or acquiesces in the destruction of Gaza. Images from the region resemble bombed-out Stalingrad in 1942 or Berlin in 1945. Meanwhile, for more than two decades now, America's leaders have claimed to be waging a successful global "war on terror" even as they fuel terror across the globe. What do they think all those U.S. weapons are for -- spreading peace? My wife and I cope through dark humor. We see news on cuts to Medicaid, the mentally ill in the streets, and crumbling infrastructure, and quip: "But Bibi [Netanyahu] needs bombs. Or Ukraine does. Or the Pentagon needs more nukes." That's why Americans can't have nice things like health care. That's why all too many of us are unhoused, in debt, out of work, and desperate. In 1967 -- yes, that's almost 60 years ago! -- Martin Luther King warned of exactly this: America's approaching spiritual death through militarism (aggravated by extreme materialism and racism). That death is visibly here, now. 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). st 6 -- unless he chickens out -- US president Donald Trump will impose a 50% tariff on American buyers of Brazilian coffee. Brazilian coffee isn't the only coffee Americans find themselves paying exorbitant taxes on. Vietnamese, Indonesian, Indian, Colombian, Nicaraguan, and European Union-produced coffee just got hit with tariffs (paid by American consumers) ranging from 18% to 32% as well. Brazil, however, accounts for 45% of US coffee imports, and 99% of the coffee we drink is imported (outside of Hawaii, American soil/climate are apparently not very hospitable to coffee cultivation). How much coffee comes to the US from Brazil? About eight million 60-kilogram (132 pound) bags per year. Americans drink 179 billion cups of coffee per year, 491 million cups per day. That's about to get a LOT more expensive, whether you go in for fru-fru bespoke beverages prepared by expert baristas at your favorite shop, or just fire up your drip, "k-cup," or espresso machine at home. "DON'T MESS WITH PEOPLE'S COFFEE" strikes me as one of the most basic rules implicit in the maintenance of civil society, but apparently Trump didn't get the memo. What's his political and legal rationale for the huge tax increases on American coffee drinkers? Politically, he's announced himself annoyed at the Brazilian regime's prosecution of its previous president for allegedly trying to put over a coup and remain in office despite being defeated in an election. Sounds kind of familiar, doesn't it? Legally, he cites an imagined presidential power to impose new taxes any time he decides there's an "emergency." No such power is mentioned anywhere in the US Constitution -- a document which, in fact, reserves the power to tax exclusively to Congress -- but he doesn't seem inclined toward self-doubt on the matter (or any other matter). The negative effects on your wallet won't remain limited to the tariff rate itself, either. There's also the effect on global demand/supply, an effect that will likely linger long after the tariff is repealed. The Chinese regime, Reuters reports, just licensed 183 Brazilian coffee companies to sell their wares in that very large market. American coffee drinkers' loss is Chinese coffee drinkers' gain. And absent a massive increase in supply, that likely sustained increase in demand for Brazilian beans presages higher US prices even after Trump's trade war insanity ends. Wake up and smell the (expensive) coffee: Tariffs are onerous taxes -- on you. They're damaging economic sanctions -- on you. There's nothing "America First" about them. When PV Panels Are 35% Dust-Covered, Who Guards the 'Light' of Clean Energy? Intrinseque Health is setting foundation of a first-of-its-kind GMP Warehouse in Melaka, Malaysia. First announced by Mr. Nitin Jain, President & CEO at Intrinseque Health Berlin, 5th August 2025 Cannovum Health GmbH celebrates a key milestone in its corporate development: Triple Crown Ventures becomes the new majority investor. With this Police said someone intentionally set fire to the play structure at the CAIRO Academy early learning center in Southeast Portland shortly before 2 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. Zaeem Shaikh/The Oregonian A recently completed childrens playground at a Southeast Portland early-learning center that serves immigrant and refugee families was destroyed in an arson attack Sunday, police said. Someone intentionally set fire to the play structure at the CAIRO Academys center shortly before 2 a.m., according to authorities. The Center for African Immigrants and Refugee Organizations said in a news release that surveillance footage captured a man at the scene. The flames destroyed the outdoor space, but Portland Fire & Rescue crews contained the blaze before it reached the main building. The Portland Police Bureaus Major Crimes Unit is working to determine whether the arson was a bias crime, said police spokesperson Mike Benner. This was not by accident, said Sgt. Matthew Jacobsen, a Major Crimes supervisor. That, coupled with the mission of CAIRO, means that were going to make sure to keep that option open, to investigate it thoroughly. Jacobsen added that surveillance footage captured a man wearing a black hoodie and shorts on the night of the fire. Police released the footage, which shows the man walking up to the playground slide and lighting it on fire before walking away. CAIRO received money from Multnomah Countys Preschool for Alls facilities fund to help build the learning center in Southeast Portland. Its playground was recently completed, the organization said. This was more than an attack on a structure. It was an attack on childhood, on joy and on hope, said Abdikadir Bashir, CAIROs executive director, in a statement. The playground at the Southeast Portland learning center was recently completed, according to CAIRO. Courtesy of CAIRO The likely arson is the latest in a rash of possible bias crimes in Portland. Last week, police said a vandal drew several swastikas at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. Separately, police issued a public notice asking for help to identify a man believed to have scrawled a swastika in June on the door frame of a Northeast Portland business. Both incidents are being investigated as bias crimes. At the news conference, Bashir said it has been hard to describe what the last 48 hours have been like for the organization. Two months prior to the blaze, the play area construction was completed, he said, adding that the cost was in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The organization plans to rebuild the playground and has started a GoFundMe page. It was meant to be the first thing our children saw every morning they came in. And now here it is, scorched, Bashir said. Abdikadir Bashir, CAIRO's executive director, speaks to reporters on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, two days after someone intentionally set fire to the play structure for its early learning center. Zaeem Shaikh/The Oregonian CAIRO Academy, launched in 2016, serves immigrant, refugee and low-income families in Portland. The organization began its program that year with a Preschool Promise classroom, an Oregon initiative that offered publicly funded preschool for low-income families. CAIRO now has several classrooms in elementary-school buildings in both Multnomah and Washington counties. Oregon State Sen. Kayse Jama told reporters that he will look into strengthening state bias-crime laws. But he said that ultimately it is up to each of us to ensure that Oregon is a place that welcomes everyone regardless of their background. That work is part of what CAIRO is all about, said Jama, who lives near the learning center. Bashir thanked neighbors who saw the flames and called 911, as well as the authorities who responded to contain the blaze. Speaking to the unknown perpetrator, he said he hopes the person sees what his actions brought out: community, love, strength and generosity. When history looks back at this moment, he said, let it be said that we responded to this not with fear, but with faith, not with blame, but with boldness and not with silence, but with unity and community love. The Police Bureau asks anyone with information on the arson attack to send tips to Detective Meredith Hopper at meredith.hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov. This story has been updated. Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221-4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X@zaeemshake. Jesse Lee Calhoun was arraigned in Multnomah County Circuit Court on Thurs., June 6, 2024. Dave Killen / The Oregonian Prosecutors added one more murder charge to the case of a Portland man already accused of killing three women. Jesse Lee Calhoun now faces four counts each of second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse for allegedly killing the women and then dumping their bodies throughout the metro area during a five-month span in late 2022 and early 2023. This photo taken on Aug. 4, 2025 shows the "Integrated Development of Healthcare Tourism and the Silver Economy" forum during the 2025 Entrepreneurs Sun Island Annual Conference in Harbin, capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Xinhua) HARBIN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's silver economy is shifting from basic support to quality consumption that emphasizes personal experience and attentive service, a move creating fresh opportunities for healthcare tourism, said Han Hua, vice president of the China Association of Social Welfare and Senior Service. Han made the remarks at the "Integrated Development of Healthcare Tourism and the Silver Economy" forum during the 2025 Entrepreneurs Sun Island Annual Conference held on Monday in Harbin, capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. She joined scholars, experts and senior care representatives in discussing this emerging economic sector. Driven by policy support, market demand and technological innovation, China's elderly care services have expanded rapidly -- fueling robust growth in the silver economy, which is currently valued at approximately 7 trillion yuan (about 980 billion U.S. dollars) and is projected to reach 30 trillion yuan by 2035. As demand for senior-oriented services increases, healthcare tourism, positioned at the intersection of the silver economy and health industry, has become a key means to enhance elderly well-being and drive high-quality economic growth. Han emphasized the symbiotic relationship between healthcare tourism and the silver economy, noting that "healthcare tourism directly stimulates consumption across transportation, accommodation, catering, healthcare and cultural industries. It unlocks underutilized assets, boosts employment and generates sustained economic output." "Conversely, strengthened local economies enhance supporting infrastructure like transport, medical facilities and cultural amenities, positioning healthcare tourism as a significant contributor to regional development," she said. Han noted that healthcare tourism now accounts for nearly 20 percent of silver economy consumption -- with annual sector growth estimated at 15 to 20 percent. Song Shouyi, director general of the Kangyang Branch of the China Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, said that senior healthcare tourism is reshaping China's tourism landscape. "Senior travel has evolved from 'compensatory trips' to mainstream consumption, while projects are shifting from resource-driven to service-driven collaborative models," Song said. Future projects, he added, should pivot from "large-scale and all-inclusive" to "smaller, specialized offerings" targeting niche demographics -- leveraging opportunities in chronic disease management, cultural engagement for educated retirees and evolving intergenerational support structures. Du Peng, dean of the School of Population and Health and director of the Institute of Gerontology at Renmin University of China, noted improving conditions for healthcare tourism, including stronger market foundations, refined policies, shifting consumption patterns and growing acceptance of positive aging mindsets. He stressed China's transition into a "longevity society," urging local authorities to develop big data platforms for smart elderly care services and promote urban-rural integration to bolster both social welfare and the silver economy's sustainability. "While the silver economy encompasses three key objectives, namely well-being enhancement, economic growth and social development, improving people's livelihoods remains fundamental," Du said. "Only by tangibly raising seniors' quality of life and dignity, and extending these benefits across society, can China fully unlock the consumption potential of healthcare tourism and related silver economy sectors." The Oregon woman stole more than $101,000 of benefits over a seven-year period, withdrawing money from her late mothers bank account from January 2017 through February 2024, according to the government. (Photo illustration by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) A woman who stole more than $100,000 in Social Security benefits from her dead mothers bank account was sentenced Tuesday to three years of federal probation and ordered to pay the money back. Donna J. Royston, 51, of Salem, had pleaded guilty earlier to theft of government money. She stole about $101,000 of benefits over seven years, withdrawing money from her late mothers bank account from January 2017 through February 2024. She used the money to pay her bills, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Trisotto. Royston also withdrew another $3,200 of COVID-19 economic impact payments that the IRS had deposited into her mothers account, Trisotto said. Roystons mother died of cancer in 2016. The prosecution and defense jointly recommended probation for Royston. Trisotto said Royston took immediate responsibility when confronted by federal agents and has no prior criminal record. Assistant Federal Public Defender Chandra L. Peterson said Royston was struggling with her health and doctor bills but is now in a much better financial situation. I am very sorry for what I did, Royston told U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson. Im on a much better path right now. Its not something I ever, ever plan on doing again. The judge ordered Royston to pay back $100,898.88 to the Social Security Administration and $3,200 to the government for the stolen COVID-relief funds as restitution. -- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn. The Oregon State Police bomb squad was called in and determined the bomb was fake. Courtesy of the Woodburn Police Department A Woodburn man was sentenced to more than 8 years in prison for robbing a convenience store and attempting to rob another one while wearing fake bomb vests. Marion County Judge Courtland Geyer handed down the sentence to Nicholas Contreras-Salmion, 34, after Contreras-Salmion pleaded guilty on Monday to two counts of second-degree robbery, second-degree attempted robbery and possessing a fake explosive device, court records show. Contreras-Salmion started his robbery spree on Jan. 19 when he walked up to the register of the Crossroads Grocery in Woodburn, unbuttoned his shirt and flashed a vest strapped with fake explosives, police and the Marion County District Attorneys Office said. With what appeared to be a detonator brandished in his left hand, Contreras-Salmion handed the clerk a cloth bag and threatened to detonate the seemingly real bomb if the clerk didnt hand over the money in the register, officials said. Afraid that the device was real, the clerk handed over the money, and Contreras-Salmion fled the scene, officials said. About a week later, Woodburn police found a fake bomb vest that matched the one that Contreras-Salmion used in the January robbery prompting police to call in Oregon State Polices bomb squad. Officers discovered that the vest was a hoax, officials said. Less than a month later, on Feb. 7, Contreras-Salmion turned up again: this time at the EZ Stop Grocery, also in Woodburn, officials said. Contreras-Salmion loitered near the candy aisle until another customer went into the bathroom, then walked up to the sales counter and unzipped his sweatshirt to reveal another fake bomb vest, according to police and the DAs office. He told the employee behind the counter that she had seven minutes to open the safe but the employee said that she didnt have access to it and reached for her phone, officials said. In response, Contreras-Salmion pushed a button that triggered blinking red lights on the vest, and he warned that the employee was down to three minutes before detonation. The other customer in the store re-emerged from the bathroom, prompting Contreras-Salmion to flee the store without any cash, officials said. On Feb. 16, police caught Contreras-Salmion walking along the street around 10 a.m. near the intersection of North Pacific Highway and Lincoln Street, police said. The officers found that he was wearing another bomb vest, and so they waited to detain him until Oregon State Police bomb experts arrived and determined that the vest was a hoax. When police spoke with him, Contreras-Salmion admitted that hed engineered the robberies because he was out of work and needed the money, officials said. A grand jury indicted Contreras-Salmion later that month, court records show. He had no previous convictions in Oregon. Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313. Families from St. Agatha's Catholic School and community members in Sellwood raised $1,600 for Basic Rights Oregon at a lemonade stand last weekend. Parents at the school say they are seeking a way forward after the priest that oversees the school informed a same-sex couple that their children were no longer welcome to enroll there. Courtesy of Sarah Wilson Kid-powered lemonade stands are summer fixtures in Portland, frequented by enough passing cyclists, pedestrians and neighbors to at least recoup the costs of lemons and sugar. But the pride-flag bedecked stand that popped up in Sellwood last Sunday morning, put on by families from St. Agatha Catholic School, came with a twist: customers got their drinks in rainbow-striped cups, and all proceeds went to Basic Rights Oregon, a nonprofit that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. Roy Cabal was on the beach Sunday in Pacific City when a co-worker alerted him to an unusual sight nearby: a shark wiggling in the sand. The young fish was there for about 20 minutes near Bob Straub State Park before waves washed it back out to sea, said Cabal, who works for Twin Creeks Beach and Trail Rides in Pacific City. In his years working and living near the beach he grew up in Pacific City Cabal, 48, said he had never seen a shark on shore before. The shark was around 4 feet long and didnt appear to be injured, Cabal said. Taylor Chapple, an associate professor at Oregon State University who leads the Big Fish Lab, said its common for sharks to wash ashore this time of year because they can develop infections affecting their brain function and ability to swim. This salmon shark was likely a newborn, Chapple said. Salmon sharks, like humans, are endothermic, so they maintain warmer body temperatures than their surroundings. But some young sharks arent quite big enough to maintain thermal inertia, he said, sometimes causing them to get caught in colder water and enter cold shock. That can cause meningitis, leading to bacterial build-up in the sharks brain and eventually killing it. By the time a salmon shark like the one Cabal saw washes up on shore, its past the point of saving, said Chapple, who examined Cabals photos. Its in such a compromised state that even if you were to take it back out into the ocean, its very unlikely to survive, he said. Its best to let nature take its course. If people stumble across sharks on shore in Oregon or Washington, they should call Chapples lab or report it to the lab online. Then, researchers can collect samples or bring the sharks in for study, Chapple said. Typically, the Big Fish Lab receives around 15 to 20 such reports each year, usually in late July and August, he said. This was the first sighting Chapple had heard of this year. Salmon sharks are often mistaken for great white sharks, Chapple said. Theyre common in the Pacific Ocean off Oregon, where they eat salmon, said Lynn Mattes, who works in the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Departments marine resources program. Most of these stranded sharks are affected by disease, Mattes said, so its best not to poke around or let pets snack on washed-up sharks. Instead, Mattes said, report the sighting then take it in. Its not something everyone gets to see, she said. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct that not all sharks are endothermic and to remove a reference to parasites. It also clarifies that salmon sharks are often mistaken for great white sharks. Maddie Khaw covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at mkhaw@oregonian.com. In this photo provided by the Hakai Institute, researcher Alyssa Gehman from the Hakai Institute counts and measures sunflower sea stars in the Burke Channel on the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada, in 2023. Bennett Whitnell/Hakai Institute via AP WASHINGTON Scientists say they have at last solved the mystery of what killed more than 5 billion sea stars off the Pacific coast of North America in a decade-long epidemic. Sea stars often known as starfish typically have five arms and some species sport up to 24 arms. They range in color from solid orange to tapestries of orange, purple, brown and green. Starting in 2013, a mysterious sea star wasting disease sparked a mass die-off from Mexico to Alaska. The epidemic has devastated more than 20 species and continues today. Worst hit was a species called the sunflower sea star, which lost around 90% of its population in the outbreaks first five years. Its really quite gruesome, said marine disease ecologist Alyssa Gehman at the Hakai Institute in British Columbia, Canada, who helped pinpoint the cause. Healthy sea stars have puffy arms sticking straight out, she said. But the wasting disease causes them to grow lesions and then their arms actually fall off. The culprit? Bacteria that has also infected shellfish, according to a study published Monday in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution. In this photo provided by the Hakai Institute, Hakai Institute research scientist Alyssa Gehman checks on an adult sunflower sea star at the U.S. Geological Survey's Marrowstone Marine Field Station in Washington state in 2021. Kristina Blanchflower/Hakai Institute via AP The findings solve a long-standing question about a very serious disease in the ocean, said Rebecca Vega Thurber, a marine microbiologist at University of California, Santa Barbara, who was not involved in the study. It took more than a decade for researchers to identify the cause of the disease, with many false leads and twists and turns along the way. Early research hinted the cause might be a virus, but it turned out the densovirus that scientists initially focused on was actually a normal resident inside healthy sea stars and not associated with disease, said Melanie Prentice of the Hakai Institute, co-author of the new study. Other efforts missed the real killer because researchers studied tissue samples of dead sea stars that no longer contained the bodily fluid that surrounds the organs. But the latest study includes detailed analysis of this fluid, called coelomic fluid, where the bacteria Vibrio pectenicida were found. Its incredibly difficult to trace the source of so many environmental diseases, especially underwater, said microbiologist Blake Ushijima of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, who was not involved in the research. He said the detective work by this team was really smart and significant. Now that scientists know the cause, they have a better shot at intervening to help sea stars. Prentice said that scientists could potentially now test which of the remaining sea stars are still healthy and consider whether to relocate them, or breed them in captivity to later transplant them to areas that have lost almost all their sunflower sea stars. In this photo provided by the Hakai Institute, healthy populations of sunflower sea stars are found in the Knight Inlet fjord of the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada, in 2023. Grant Callegari/Hakai Institute via AP Scientists may also test if some populations have natural immunity, and if treatments like probiotics may help boost immunity to the disease. Such recovery work is not only important for sea stars, but for entire Pacific ecosystems because healthy starfish gobble up excess sea urchins, researchers say. Sunflower sea stars look sort of innocent when you see them, but they eat almost everything that lives on the bottom of the ocean, said Gehman. Theyre voracious eaters. With many fewer sea stars, the sea urchins that they usually munch on exploded in population and in turn gobbled up around 95% of the kelp forests in Northern California within a decade. These kelp forests provide food and habitat for a wide variety of animals including fish, sea otters and seals. Researchers hope the new findings will allow them to restore sea star populations -- and regrow the kelp forests that Thurber compares to the rainforests of the ocean. --By CHRISTINA LARSON/The Associated Press I am heartbroken and outraged by St. Agatha Catholic Schools decision to revoke admission for children of same-sex parents, (Portland Catholic school revokes admission for same-sex couples children, July 26). As someone from a multi-generational Irish Catholic family, and as a mother whose son is a proud graduate of St. Agatha, this policy does not reflect the values our community has long embraced. This discriminatory action flies in the face of the love and acceptance taught by Jesusand encouraged by the late Pope Francis. Years ago, I returned to the Church under the welcoming leadership of Father Nathan Zodrow, who exemplified compassion, inclusion, and understanding. That spirit of community has eroded under Western Oregon Archbishop Alexander Sample and the Rev. Father Luan Tran. This parish once overflowed with families; now it stands nearly emptya reflection of failed leadership and exclusionary practices. This is not just a private decision made by one parish. It is a public rejection of families who love their children and want to raise them in faith. We, the Catholic community of Portland, deserve better representation and leadership that aligns with Christs teachingsnot outdated bigotry. I urge the Archdiocese to reverse this harmful decision and recommit to the values of love, inclusion, and community. MaryAnn Thibeault, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. The Portland Aerial Tram has long occupied a curious place in the citys consciousness, visible to all but experienced by few save some tourists and employees of the Oregon Health & Science University. On a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, co-hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna discussed how this overlooked Portland attraction is a gateway to one of the citys best urban adventures: the 4T Trail. Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive. And while all four Ts were of interest (tram, trail, train and trolley), it was the aerial tram that earned the most excitement. It was always this thing that I was like, Oh, that would be fun to do, but I never thought that I could just go up there and take the tram, Profenna said. Putting it in this whole adventure and adding it with other things, I feel, really makes the experience more exciting. A hiker walks through the winding forested trails in the hills of Southwest Portland on the 4T Trail, a route that uses four modes of transportation to explore Southwest Portland. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian This is the magic of Portlands 4T Trail: It transforms overlooked urban features into pieces of an exciting adventure, revealing hidden gems and unexpected vistas along the way, the co-hosts said. On Hales recent trip along the 4T Trail, the aerial tram became the spectacular opening act of an excursion that continued to surprise at every turn. The real adventure comes after leaving OHSUs campus, when the trail portion begins. Many Portland visitors never venture onto these forest paths that wind through the citys southwest hills, where quiet scenery and fascinating discoveries await. Its a great place to do meditative hiking, Hale said. A map directs hikers along the 4T Trail, a route that uses four modes of transportation to explore Southwest Portland. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Council Crest Park, the highest point in Portland, offers another perspective shift. On clear days, the panoramic views of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and the entire city create postcard-worthy vistas. The 4T Trail doesnt just reveal a few less-visited spots, it also helps reconstruct our understanding of Portlands geography, showing how closely connected these seemingly disparate landmarks actually are. When have you ever thought to hike from the Willamette River to the Oregon Zoo? For anyone looking to experience Portland beyond the standard tourist checklist or locals seeking fresh perspectives on familiar territory, the Peak Northwest podcasts 4T Trail episode offers the perfect blueprint for unlocking the citys secret scenic treasures. Listen to the full episode here: Lawyers for the Oregon Council for the Humanities and 15 states urged a federal judge in Portland Monday to rescind the April termination of millions of dollars in grants from the National Endowment of Humanities and bar the government from dispersing the money elsewhere. Maxine Bernstein | Staff Lawyers for the Oregon Council for the Humanities and 15 states including Oregon urged a judge Monday to bar the federal government from diverting more than $200 million in state and local humanities grants to other uses. The money is typically used to support libraries, historical societies and local museums in cities and rural communities around the nation. The Trump administration may not go back in time and revoke contracts already approved by Congress, said attorney Anna Sortun, representing the Oregon Council for the Humanities. Attorney Sean E. Martin of the U.S. Attorneys Office said recipients receive notice when the National Endowment of Humanities awards grants that the money could be suspended to protect the interests of the federal government or if the award no longer effectuates the agencys needs or priorities. The Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency in April halted 79 grants for fiscal 2024 and 2025 to humanities councils across the nation. In Oregon, the endowment money goes to rural libraries in Burns, Joseph, Blue River, Newport and Forest Grove, youth-led mental health programming in Medford, storytelling projects by the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland, community conversations on various topics held in libraries, cultural centers and community colleges, the publication of an Oregon Humanities magazine and many other programs. Sortun said Congress decided 60 years ago that not only big cities, but small towns should have access to humanities. This is not something that can be top down from Washington, D.C., she told U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon in Portland. The humanities are a critical part of the fabric holding together our nation right now -- its history, language and culture. These are the fundamental building blocks of our civil society and the NEH, the National Endowment for Humanities, is the only federal agency dedicated to the humanities. Sortun also represents the Federation of State Humanities Councils in the suit. The nonprofits members include 54 of the 56 state and local councils. She asked Simon to order the government to rescind the endowments grant termination notices in April and subsequent notices in June that offered some money to only 24 of the councils. In its June notices, the national endowment reversed course partially and said it would fund 20% of appropriations, when it previously promised to fund 40% of what Congress set aside, according to Sortun. Simon noted that if he granted Sortuns request the money likely would be frozen, so he questioned how that would help the councils. She replied that at least the councils would know that at some point they might get what was promised to them. The Oregon Council for the Humanities was approved for a standard operation grant of $2.5 million to run from Nov. 1, 2022, through Oct. 31, 2027, according to the suit. That covers about 50% of its budget each year. Oregon was one of 15 states and the District of Columbia to file a friend of the court brief in support of the suit. Many humanities councils have board members appointed by the governors of their states and some councils also receive state funding. The brief noted that the councils provide educational programs at schools and were to receive money to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Oregon Department of Justice attorney Coby Howell, representing the state of Oregon, said the government ended the grants with insufficient explanation or rationale. Martin, the federal attorney, reiterated that the grant agreement proviso that says the government doesnt guarantee the money. Martin argued in court papers that the humanities councils didnt identify any law that prohibits the national endowment from modifying grant agreements, reducing staff or eliminating divisions or programs. Simon challenged that, saying the humanities councils arent arguing about individual contracts but that the government violated the separation of powers by acting contrary to congressional appropriations and the Administrative Procedures Act. In a sworn statement to the court, Michael McDonald, acting chair of the National Endowment of Humanities appointed in March, wrote he had modified grant programs initiated by prior Administrations in a manner that I believe better aligns NEHs work with the current Administrations priorities. He said he worked in April to comply with the presidential executive order creating the Department of Government Efficiency and terminated 79 general operating support grants that the endowment had awarded to state and local humanities councils. The month after the lawsuit was filed, McDonald said he rescinded 55 of the 79 termination notices, including to the Oregon Council for the Humanities and state humanities councils in Ohio, Arkansas, New Mexico, Illinois, South Dakota, Alaska and Mississippi. Rescinding the termination notices was necessary for NEH to ensure it complied with the congressional appropriation requirement that NEH fund its Federal/State Partnership Program at a minimum of 20% of its overall appropriation, McDonald wrote. He also said the endowment is undergoing an internal restructuring in the wake of staff reductions. Martin, the federal governments lawyer, challenged what he called the councils rhetoric that the Trump administration is dismantling the national endowment. It has been meeting every quarter and approving significant grants across the country, he said. He filed documents in court that indicated the National Endowment Fund for Humanities under the Trump Administration is particularly interested in supporting projects on the nations semiquincentennial and American exceptionalism, and ensuring funding contributes to confidence in the use of taxpayer funds. It canceled grants at variance with agency priorities, including but not limited to those on diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental justice, the court filing said. Sortun countered that the national endowment has been unable to justify the wholesale terminations of the 2024 and 2025 grants. The recipients had no idea what NEH was relying on, she said. They cant shoot first and give reasons later. The Oregon Council for the Humanities has not yet received the $578,000 it expected for 2025, Sortun said. Further, she said the councils have no idea now what the national endowment will fund in the future. The chaotic rollout and communication of the changes to funding for state councils, along with the drastic and sudden decrease, have been a big part of the challenges that councils are facing in trying to do the work that Congress has authorized us to do, said Adam Davis, executive director of the Oregon Council for the Humanities. Simon said he expected to issue a written ruling on the Oregon Council for the Humanities motion for a preliminary injunction sometime next week. -- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, on Bluesky @maxbernstein.bsky.social or on LinkedIn. Correction: This story was updated at 9:39 p.m. Aug. 4 to reflect the correct number of inmates held at the Oklahoma City jail. Cleveland County Commissioners approved a proposed agreement with the Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority Monday that would allow Oklahoma City to house inmates at the Cleveland County Detention Center, sending the agreement to Oklahoma City council for final approval. Commissioners approved the amended agreement 2-1, with District 2 County Commissioner Jacob McHughes voting against it. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name When major news breaks + a few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... The Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority would pay $68 a day, or about $24,000 annually, for each inmate housed at the detention center and will cover any additional medical costs. The Oklahoma County jail can hold up to 2,890 detainees, as first reported by the Oklahoman. As of December, the jail held a total of 1,454 inmates. Sheriff Chris Amason confirmed to OU Daily Monday the Cleveland County Detention Center has a capacity of about 580 inmates. Undersheriff Michael Finley said that, as of Monday morning, there are about 490 inmates at the center. The amendments, proposed by District 3 County Commissioner Rusty Grissom, include limiting the terms of the agreement from one year to six months and only accepting Oklahoma City detainees arrested in parts of the city that are within Cleveland County boundaries, which Grissom said was due to the detention center being funded by Cleveland County taxpayers. The amended agreement also addresses concerns for inmate transportation back to Oklahoma City that were not previously addressed in the original agreement. Melissa Smuzynski, county director of communications, said one of the reasons for limiting the agreement to Cleveland County was to address inmate transportation concerns following release. District 1 County Commissioner Rod Cleveland noted that Oklahoma City makes up a third of Cleveland Countys population. Im sure that over the next six months we can examine it and see how we can be good partners with Oklahoma City, Cleveland said. Since they are a third of the population of Cleveland County, its not like theyre a completely different city in another county. They are part of Cleveland County. NO PAYWALL, NONPARTISAN Students pay about $14 in fees that support the Daily. If you're not a student, please join those invested in OU and Norman who have given more than $125,000 in recent years to support our independent journalism. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL JOURNALISM Grissom attributed current jail operations as a reason to limit the term agreement. With a history of inmate deaths, failed health inspections and overspending, Grissom said he wanted to ensure commissioners have a chance to reevaluate the agreements impact on the detention center. Six months ago (the jail) had a bad health department inspection. They had a lot of deficiencies, Grissom said. Theyve recently made some improvements, but I think theyve still got a ways to go. Smuzynski said limiting the terms of the agreement allows the commissioners to reevaluate and decide if they want to expand the plan to include all Oklahoma City areas. Theyll speak to local law enforcement to make sure that this has not created any type of additional strain on public resources or social services and determine whether they want to continue with the same terms of the contract, potentially expanded to accept (detainees) from other areas of Oklahoma City municipality, Smuzynski said. Cleveland noted local police departments and the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office will work together throughout the terms of the agreement. Well be reviewing (the agreement) and trust that the police departments and sheriffs office are working together to make sure that we analyze any kind of situations in our community, Cleveland said. A spokesperson for the Oklahoma City Police Department told OU Daily Monday a statement may come from the department following the final decision from Oklahoma City Council. Councils next meeting is set to take place Aug. 12. This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Natalie Armour. JERUSALEM, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Israel said on Tuesday it will allow the entry of certain goods into the Gaza Strip through local private merchants, as the United Nations warned that famine is spreading in the enclave of Palestine. "A mechanism was approved for the gradual and controlled renewal of the entry of goods through the private sector in Gaza," said a statement from the office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli Defense Ministry unit responsible for civilian affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories. The move was approved by the Israeli cabinet. "As part of formulating this mechanism, a limited number of local merchants were approved, subject to specific criteria and security screening," said the statement. The goods to be allowed into Gaza include basic food products, baby food, fruits and vegetables, and hygiene supplies. Payments for these goods will be conducted only via bank transfers and be subject to a monitoring mechanism, the COGAT said, adding that "all goods will undergo thorough inspection." Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza in October 2023 and imposed a total blockade on March 2 this year. The blockade was partially eased in May to allow a private company, backed by Israel and the United States, to open controversial food distribution centers. Aid convoys and airdrops by Arab and European countries resumed in late July, but UN experts warn that famine is still unfolding in the territory. According to an update from the Gaza-based health authorities on Monday, the death toll from Israeli strikes since October 2023 has risen to 60,933. Free alternatives may exist for Microsoft Office components, but sometimes they cant stand in for the original. And as a student, the new cost of $100 per year for a Microsoft 365 Personal account is pretty expensivebut fortunately, you may not have to pay to use the software. Depending on where you go to school, you may qualify for a free or heavily discounted Microsoft 365 subscription. The student version gives you the same access to Office apps (including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage, video editing software, and more. For many students, your school email address will be enough to check your eligibilityand you may not even need to go through that process. How to get Microsoft 365 for free as a student The community college in San Francisco (where PCWorld is located) offers a free Microsoft 365 subscription for all students. City College of San Francisco Your school may have an agreement with Microsoft to provide Microsoft 365 for free. You can check in a few different ways: Searching for your schools name and microsoft 365 (or office 365) Scanning your schools website and/or your student portal for info on free software available to students Contacting your schools IT department directly and asking If you go to a state or a local community college, dont assume that your school wouldnt have resources to offer this for freeits not a perk exclusive to more expensive universities. For example, in San Francisco (where PCWorlds office is located), the local junior college and state university provide Microsoft 365 access to their students. How to get Microsoft 365 for cheap as a student For a student discount on a Microsoft 365 subscription, head to Microsofts to sign up. Microsoft Students attending US colleges and universities with Title IV accreditation qualify for a student discount on the Microsoft 365 Personal plan, which discounts the price down to just $5 per month. You must sign up through the Microsoft 365 student website, which will ask you to verify your student status. If you qualify, youll be charged once a month at the student rate until you lose your eligibility. (You must reverify your student status once a year.) Your rate will then go up to the standard Personal plan price at that time. When that happensor should you no longer need your accountyou can cancel your subscription whenever you wish. (Or you can use this trick to keep getting a discounted Office 365 plan.) Google knows what we search for, where we go, who we emailand diligently stores it all as well. For many users, this has long been too much of a good thing. If you want to live a more digitally self-determined life, you can gradually turn your back on the data giant from Silicon Valley. But to do that means youll also need to find alternatives for services such as Google Search, Gmail, Maps etc. Sounds like a lot of effort? It doesnt have to be. We show you how you can gain more privacy with just a few clicks. Without sacrificing convenience: Replace Google search: No more data snooping Data protection instead of a data octopus: DuckDuckGo shows search results without tracking or personalized advertising. Sam Singleton Google search delivers brilliant resultsbut it lets them look deep into your personal life. If you dont want to be tracked while surfing, you can rely on search engines that take privacy seriously. DuckDuckGo DuckDuckGo is perhaps the best-known Google alternative. It completely dispenses with tracking, does not store IP addresses and still delivers solid results, especially for general search queries. No user profiles are created and no search histories are recorded. The results come from a mix of its own crawlers and partly from Bing, but occasionally with slightly less accuracy compared to Google. Pro: Pure data protection, quick and simple changeover from other search engines (also mobile). Pure data protection, quick and simple changeover from other search engines (also mobile). Cons: Fewer personalized hits, weaker results for niche topics. Startpage Startpage shows anonymized Google search resultswithout any tracking, cookies or personalized advertising. This means we get the usual quality of Google searches without our personal data being stored. The service originates from the Netherlands and is subject to European data protection standards. Pro: Best results with privacy. Best results with privacy. Cons: Slightly longer loading times, adverts in the mix (but theyre discreet). Gmail? No thanks: Emails without readers Tutanota is a German email provider with a zero-tracking philosophy. Sam Singleton Google scans emails (usually automatically) to personalize advertising and services. If you prefer a more discreet approach, switch to a mail provider with a focus on security. Thankfully, we have plenty of choices, as Gmail is one of the Google services that is easiest to replace. Proton Mail Proton Mail is a secure e-mail service from Switzerland that consistently focusses on data protection. Emails between Proton Mail users are automatically end-to-end encrypted, and password protection can be set up for external recipients. The servers are located in Switzerland and are therefore subject to strict data protection laws. The web interface is modern and easy to understand, there are apps for Android and iOS as well as a bridge for classic mail programs. Pro: Strong encryption, servers outside the USA. Strong encryption, servers outside the USA. Cons: Interface takes some getting used to, limited storage in the free plan. Interface takes some getting used to, limited storage in the free plan. Do without Android: De-Googling your smartphone /e/OS is a completely de-Googled open source operating system Sam Singleton Android may be open source, but the Google services it contains are not. If you want a smartphone that is as Google-free as possible, you have to dig deeper into your bag of tricksor try something completely new. /e/OS /e/OS is a privacy-friendly Android operating system that works completely without Google services. Instead, it offers its own apps, an alternative app store (Aurora Store) and synchronization via its own /e/ cloud. Many well-known smartphones (such as Samsung and Fairphone) can be reloaded with /e/OS or purchased pre-installed as a de-Googled Phone. Its ideal for everyone who wants to use Android without being tracked by Google. Pro: Compatible with Android apps, many devices supported. Compatible with Android apps, many devices supported. Cons: Somewhat technical to set up, not all apps run perfectly. GrapheneOS (for advanced users) GrapheneOS is a particularly secure Android derivative that was specially developed for Pixel smartphones. It is aimed at experienced users and focusses on maximum security, system hardening, and data protection. Google services are not included as standard, but can be installed manually if required (sandboxed)GrapheneOS is not designed for the normal use of Google services. Pro: Extremely secure, hardly any data leakage. Extremely secure, hardly any data leakage. Cons: For technology fans, not plug & play, requires some know-how and effort Goodbye Google Maps: How to navigate with privacy Map service without tracking: The open source app Organic Maps does not use advertising, does not collect any user data, and works completely offline. Sam Singleton Google Maps knows our routesoftentimes better than we do. Fortunately, there are alternatives for privacy fans that come with less prying eyes. Organic Maps Organic Maps is an open source navigation app that is based on OSM (OpenStreetMap) maps and works completely without an internet connection. The app does not use tracking or advertising, which makes it particularly privacy-friendly. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants to navigate reliably offline, Organic Maps also offers practical functions such as route planning and voice prompts. Pro: Works without the internet, ideal for travelling. Works without the internet, ideal for travelling. Cons: No traffic data, weaker POI search. Magic Earth The Magic Earth map service combines OpenStreetMap data with its own maps and provides a privacy-friendly alternative to Google Maps. In addition to navigation, the app also offers real-time traffic information, offline maps and an overview of cycle paths and footpaths. With a focus on privacy, Magic Earth does away with user tracking and advertising, but remains functional and user-friendly. Pro: Good maps, many features, no data transfer. Good maps, many features, no data transfer. Cons: Less well-known places are sometimes harder to find. Byebye Google Chrome: Fast, but nosy Far less widespread than Chrome but a real high-flyer in terms of data protection and customisation: the Firefox browser. Sam Singleton Chrome is the top dog among browsers, but its also a real data hoover. If you want to surf without being watched, you can switch to these alternatives: Firefox Firefox is the classic among free browsersfast, secure, expandable. Developed by the Mozilla Foundation, Firefox places great emphasis on transparency and data protection. The browser is flexible and can be highly customized with numerous add-ons: from ad blockers to cookie control. Pro: Many data protection add-ons, active community. Many data protection add-ons, active community. Cons: Sometimes a little slower than Chrome. Brave Brave is a Chromium browser with in-built tracking protection and ad blocker. It blocks adverts, trackers, and fingerprinting by default, even without extensions. Pro: Very fast, good privacy by default. Very fast, good privacy by default. Cons: Partial crypto integration, which not everyone wants. No more Google Docs: texts and spreadsheets with better data protections ONLYOFFICE is a really strong alternative to Google Docs. Sam Singleton Practical, collaborative, usable everywhere: these are the strengths of Google Docs. But if you dont want to store your documents on US servers, there are also good alternatives. ONLYOFFICE ONLYOFFICE is a powerful office suite that works with Word, Excel and PowerPoint-compatible documents and works both online and offline. The platform is particularly suitable for team collaboration and offers extensive functions for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Compared to Google Docs, ONLYOFFICE offers more control over your own data, as the software can also be installed on your own servers. Pro: Compatible with Word, Excel & Co. Compatible with Word, Excel & Co. Cons: Somewhat technical to get started (but easy to use in the cloud). CryptPad CryptPad is a web-based office suite that places particular emphasis on data protection and security by storing all data end-to-end encrypted. Users can work together on documents, spreadsheets or presentations without the operator having access to the content. Ideal for anyone who values anonymous use and maximum data sovereignty. CryptPad also offers functions such as surveys, whiteboards, and markdown editors. Pro: Can be used completely anonymously, no registration required. Can be used completely anonymously, no registration required. Cons: Fewer functions, not ideal for large teams. Alternatives for Google Drive: Cloud storage without data snooping Tresorit is a cloud provider from Switzerland with a focus on security for teams and individuals. Sam Singleton Google Drive is convenient, but scans content for its own purposes. If you prefer encrypted storage, you should take a look at these services: Tresorit The cloud storage service Tresorit is based in Switzerland and focuses on security and end-to-end encryption. Files are encrypted before being uploaded so that even Tresorit has no access to the content. The servers are located in Europe, which is a clear advantage for users from the EU in terms of data protection. Ideal for companies and private individuals who want to store and share sensitive data securely online. Pro: End-to-end encryption, GDPR-compliant. End-to-end encryption, GDPR-compliant. Cons: More expensive than Google Drive. Snyc.com The Canadian cloud service Sync.com relies on zero-knowledge encryption. This means that only you have access to your data, not the provider. The service is easy to use, offers apps for all platforms and is ideal for team collaboration. There are no trackers or adverts here either, and even with the free entry-level plan you can get a lot done. Its a strong Google Drive replacement with significantly more privacy. Pro: Good usability, can also be used free of charge. Good usability, can also be used free of charge. Cons: Sometimes slower uploads, English-language version. Google Photos is not irreplaceable: Archive your memories without the prying eyes Immich is a self-hosting photo management system with AI functions without Google. Sam Singleton Google recognizes faces, places, and objects in pictures. And while this is impressive, its too much for many people. If you want to store your photos securely, you need alternatives. Immich Immich is an open-source solution for managing and backing up photos on your own server or NAS. The user interface is reminiscent of Google Photosincluding face recognition, albums, timelines and AI-supported search. All data remains local and under your own control. Ideal for anyone who wants maximum privacy and is prepared to bring some technical know-how to the table. Pro: Face recognition locally, no cloud compulsion. Face recognition locally, no cloud compulsion. Cons: Technical expertise required. Internxt Photos Simple cloud service with a focus on encryption: Internxt Photos stores images in the cloudcompletely end-to-end encrypted so that no one but you can access them. The app is simple, functional and available for desktop and mobile devices. It has server locations in numerous place including in the EU, and no advertising or tracking. Particularly suitable for anyone who wants to store their photos securely online without relying on big tech providers. Pro: GDPR-compliant, intuitive operation. GDPR-compliant, intuitive operation. Cons: Fewer features than Google Photos. Bonus tip: Independence from YouTubeis that even possible? YouTube is hard to replace also because you can find The Full Nerd videos there. Sam Singleton To be honest: not really. YouTube is not just a video portal, but has long been a gigantic archive for tutorials, documentaries, music, live streams and nerd knowledge. If you dont use it at all, youre missing out on a lot. Nevertheless, there are ways to become at least a little more independentor to use YouTube more sparingly. NewPipe NewPipe is an alternative YouTube app for Android (for using YouTube) that works without a Google account, does not show adverts and also has a background mode on board. Pro: No registration required, no tracking, videos can be downloaded directly. No registration required, no tracking, videos can be downloaded directly. Cons: Only for Android, no commenting or liking possible. Peertube Peertube is a free, decentralized video network that sees itself as a counterpart to YouTube. Content comes from many small instances, without a nosy large corporation behind it. Unlike the NewPipe app presented above, its a genuine alternative to YouTube with its very own content. Pro: Open source, ad-free, community-based. Open source, ad-free, community-based. Cons: Smaller offering, difficult to browse. Conclusion: Escaping the Google universe step by step In the modern, digitalized world, living without Google is almost as difficult as living without electricity. But it is possible, at least in part. If you consciously look for alternatives, you can reduce tracking, strengthen data protection, and gain more control over your own data. Opting out doesnt have to be a radical break: even small steps (such as an alternative browser or a new search engine) can have a big impact. A 20-year-old Lancaster woman pleaded guilty to several charges after seriously injuring a man in 2024 when she crashed into his vehicle while driving under the influence, prosecutors said. Evangeline Roth pleaded guilty to aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault by vehicle, three counts of driving under the influence and two summary offenses on July 29, according to the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office. Roth, who was 19 years old at the time, crashed into another vehicle while driving, pushing the victims vehicle into oncoming traffic on the State Route 462 bridge in West Hempfield Township during the evening of June 22, 2024, the DAs office said. The victim suffered a spinal injury that required surgery. Prosecutors said that had the victim not undergone surgery, he could have been permanently paralyzed. A blood test determined Roth had a Blood Alcohol Count (BAC) of 0.214%, as well as ethanol and THC after the crash, according to the DAs office. In Pennsylvania, the legal BAC limit for driving under the influence (DUI) is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and older . Roth will be sentenced after a pre-sentence investigation is completed, prosecutors said. MEXICO CITY (AP) Authorities in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato said 32 bodies were found on a property in the municipality of Irapuato and nearly half of them have been identified. The Guanajuato state prosecutors office said via X Monday that the bodies were found in clandestine graves on the property in the community of La Calera on Irapuatos north side, about 320 kilometers (200 miles) northwest of Mexico City. Forensic teams had been working at the site since July 30, prosecutors said. Authorities were working to identify the remaining bodies. The discovery came less than two months after a mass shooting at a street party in Irapuato left 12 people dead. Guanajuato has suffered persistent violence in recent years as the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel battles the homegrown Santa Rosa de Lima organized crime group. The state recorded more than 1,500 homicides from January through July. Mexican army soldiers drive past a crime scene where a municipal police officer was shot dead, in a neighborhood of Celaya, Guanajuato state, Mexico, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Mass graves have been found in the state. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, file) AP Organized crime groups frequently bury their victims in clandestine graves. The Mexican governments current tally of disappeared is nearly 132,000. A minke whale died Saturday in a Jersey Shore bay a short time after videos showed it collide with a boat, nearly capsizing the vessel and sending one person overboard in the Barnegat Bay. Kim Mancini A whale that collided with a small boat and knocked a woman overboard at the Jersey Shore has died, officials said. The incident occurred around 3:40 p.m. Saturday in Barnegat Bay near Long Beach Island in Ocean County when the 20-foot minke whale hit the boat, knocking a woman into the water and nearly capsizing the vessel. Boat Captain Charlie Nunn told NBC 10 Philadelphia the whale likely got anxious and went into fight-or-flight mode, leading to a close call, a freak accident in shallow water. Theyre not supposed to be in three feet of water, Nunn said. They keep bumping into something, its probably fight-or-flight for the poor thing. He added that the woman who fell into the water was uninjured. Kim Mancini, who took videos of the incident, said the whale was trying to get to deeper water. It was really in distress, she told 6ABC. Thats when it would go under boats; it was a crazy experience. Nearly an hour before the crash, the whale was reported to the New Jersey Marine Mammal Standing Center, Coast Guard and state agencies. It may have hit a pontoon boat after the initial crash. It was also spotted resting in a sandbar after swimming into the boat. The MMSC said the whale was dead when they arrived at the sandbar. The organization said it hoped to tow the whale away on Monday and perform a necropsy to determine the animals cause of death. The MMSC advised boaters to stay at least 150 feet from the whale carcass. For 28 years, Omega Horse Rescue has given thousands of unwanted and neglected horses in the region a second chance, rescuing them from slaughterhouses and unsafe situations, one miracle at a time. Our job is to give them their identities back, to give them a voice and to give them an opportunity to have new lease on life, said Omega Horse Rescues founder Kelly Smith. But when Covid hit, donations dropped. At the same time, the number of needy horses increased due to people not being able to afford them. Five years later, those trends havent bounced back, posing additional challenges for the rescue as they try to provide rehabilitation services. This means the rescue, located at 8272 Woodbine Road in York County, can only accept a limited number of horses, having to turn away about 50 each year. Omega Horse Rescue normally received between 150 to 200 horses yearly before 2020. After Covid, they take in 75 to 100 horses annually. Giving in general has gone down significantly, and weve had to turn away a lot of animals, Smith said. We have a lot less animals here because while we might have the space, to me its quality over quantity, and every animal thats here needs to be receiving the best care possible, and we cant afford to do that like how we used to. To stay afloat during tough financial times, the horse rescue advocates participate in community events, visit schools, and speak at public gatherings to educate others about horses and the cruel circumstances facing the ones left behind at auctions and in kill pens. The horse rescue relies on donations to save, rehabilitate, and re-home horses in need. The rescue receives horses from down-on-their-luck owners and businesses, but Smith also visits auctions to prevent horses that dont receive bids from going into what she calls the slaughter pipeline. She said kill buyers attend auctions to purchase horses and sell them to slaughterhouses, often at facilities in Canada or Mexico. They are part of the clearinghouse for horses that eventually wind up on dinner tables around the world for people to eat as a delicacy, she said. Omega Horse Rescue is located at 8272 Woodbine Road in Airville, York County. Zahriah Balentine |zbalentine@pennlive.com. Zahriah Balentine Slaughter pipeline Many people are unaware of how sending a horse to an auction could result in their horse ending up in slaughterhouses. A horse loses its entire identity when they enter the horse slaughter pipeline, she said. Theres no name anymore. Its placed with a sticker that has a number on it. Theyre stripped from everything, and theyre just valued at how much meat they have. The 1990s saw a substantial number of horses being slaughtered in the U.S., primarily for foreign markets. The decade also marked a rise in public awareness about the practice and the beginning of legislative efforts to curtail it. Currently, there are no operating horse slaughterhouses in the United States. The last three U.S. horse slaughterhouses, located in Texas and Illinois, were closed in 2007 due to state laws and the lack of federal funding for inspections. I saw things I couldnt even comprehend, the condition of the horses that were there, she said. There were dead and dying horses laying and suffering, and that was the turning point in my life for wanting to do something to give back to help animals, specifically horses. She has developed a system when choosing a horse at auctions, while keeping her tight expenses in mind. I look at each animal as an individual, and try to do an assessment of, okay, is this an animal that could benefit from our program? Do we have the budget, or can we fundraise the money thats going to be needed to purchase the animal to rehab it, retrain it? The rescue has a humane euthanasia program where they purchase horses at auctions destined for slaughter to avoid the torture it presents. We might not be able to bring that animal to the rescue, and we might not be able to help it because its not a candidate for rehab, Smith said. But we can give them a compassionate, dignified ending, and to me, that is a win-win situation for those animals. Many horses die before making it to Canada and Mexico slaughterhouses due to the severe physical and psychological stress inflicted during transport, lack of proper care, and potential exposure to illnesses and injuries, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). She said a horses journey to a slaughterhouse involves placing them in crowded trucks without food, water, or rest, where theyre shipped for more than 24 hours at a time. During transport, horses may suffer from injuries and trauma caused by cramped conditions, leading to falls, slipping, and horse-to-horse interactions. In many cases, horses die of hunger, some horses might already be in poor health, elderly, or have chronic conditions that are exacerbated by the journey, she said. Why people surrender horses Omega Horse Rescue. Zahriah Balentine |zbalentine@pennlive.com. Zahriah Balentine Smiths decades of saving horses exposed her to many reasons why people surrender horses. Not all the horses that come to Omega are victims of abuse and neglect, or are old and unhealthy. People purchase horses, not realizing the high expense of caring for them. Horse owners get old or have health problems and are unable to care for their equine. Families have kids who lose interest in horses, which leads to them being given away. Horses get injured or abandoned. Old horses that cant race or perform anymore. Smith said they receive many horses from the Amish community. People breed horses and dont know what to do with them. She said the grueling/expensive work of reducing and taking care of horses is a lot, which is why there are many fewer horse rescues compared to other animal rescues. Saving a horse is just the beginning Every horse that comes into Omega has its own unique recovery plan. Some equines may stay at the rescue for a month, others for a year, before theyre ready for adoption. And it costs a lot of money, Smith said. If we have an animal where we know theyre going to be well enough in six months to find a home, we invest the time and funds to help that animal. But it has been challenging, and Id be lying if I said it wasnt. She said a single medical bill can cost $10,000. Many horses need a recovery plan that includes specific supplements, medications, certain grains and hays, a horse dentist, farrier care, or acupuncture. Certain horses, specifically wild horses and racetrack horses, also receive training to readjust from their previous life, including teaching some to carry riders. A training program prepares a horse for what their best potential could be, she said. Which is different for each horse. We pay for a horse trainer that comes every week to train them. Omega Horse Rescue marks its horses with a freeze brand of the Omega symbol on the hindquarters. Serving as a permanent form of identification to help trace the horse back to the rescue if an adoption goes wrong. Zahriah Balentine |zbalentine@pennlive.com Zahriah Balentine The rescue freeze-brands its horses with an Omega symbol on their hindquarters to identify them if an adoption goes wrong, Smith said. Doctors are also requested to help horses to work through the trauma they went through before they got to Omega. This isnt rainbows and butterflies and giving horse kisses and treats, Smith said. It has a huge component of stress and responsibility because we are responsible for their lives. A day at Omega Omega Horse Rescue staff member Alexis Hensley with two Standardbred horses. |zbalentine@pennlive.comZahriah Balentine. Zahriah Balentine Staff member Alexis Hensley starts her shift around 9 a.m. by feeding the animals, which takes about an hour, giving horses medications during certain intervals, cleaning stalls, and replacing new hay for each equine based on their recovery program. Automatically refilled water buckets are available to the animals, which makes it easier for staff members. They have a majority of horses (14), but an army of other farm animals, including donkeys, goats, chickens, cows, sheep and one alpaca and a pig. Smith said the rescue currently has one part-time worker, three full-time workers and eight volunteers. They do take volunteers as long as theyre 12 or older. For her, success isnt measured in dollars or data, but in the stories that come after horses are adopted from Omega. Success is defined by the happiness from other people sharing their stories of the adventures they have with their animals they adopt from us and seeing horses have a new chance to bloom in life, Smith said. How adoption works Omega Horse Rescue. Photo taken by Alexis Hensley Alexis Hensley The rescue has placed horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules into lifelong homes in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York (within 5 hours of Airville), West Virginia, and Virginia. Interested adopters ages 18+ must complete a formal application, after which a volunteer will reach out to request photos of fencing and shelter. Appointments to view, interact with the animals, and ask questions about the health of the horse are scheduled only after the application approval. Adoption fees begin at $700 for companion-only horses and $2,000 for trained, rideable equines, according to their website. Included in the fee are full medical evaluations, vaccinations, Coggins testing, professional training (if needed), dental and farrier care, and a signed lifetime contract. That contract ensures the horse remains an Omega-owned forever animal: it cannot be sold or bred and must be returned to Omega if care becomes inadequate. Adopting vs buying Omega Horse Rescue. Photo taken by Alexis Hensley. Alexis Hensley Although there are many pros and cons to adopting and purchasing a horse, Smith said adopting a horse is often the better option. Adopters can meet a horse, ask questions, and get full transparency about its health and care needs. Thats something many private sellers or online deals dont offer, which can lead to buyers remorse. Were going to tell you what youre going to need to do to care for the horse, where if you were to buy an animal somewhere, most dealers arent going to tell you known problems or known issues, she said. Now the internet has taken flight, and now many people are buying horses off the internet and having buyers regret and remorse after they have gotten the animal because it was nothing like what they spent thousands of dollars on buying, she said. How to help Supporters can contribute through tax-deductible monetary gifts via PayPal, or donate essential supplies like hay or feed, or volunteer their time and skills. Monthly donations are especially helpful in covering ongoing care and training costs, said Smith. Visit the rescues website or call 717-862-3322 for more information. Former Sen. Bob Casey takes position as fellow at The University of Scranton, where he will mentor students and serve as an advisor to the school on public service initiatives. University of Scranton Former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey has a new job and its back in his hometown. The Pennsylvania political giant, who served three terms in the U.S. Senate and ten years in state elected office, has joined The University of Scranton as a Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service. In his new role, Casey will mentor students and serve as an advisor on university activities related to public service and leadership, the school said in a press release. Casey, 65, told an audience at the university Tuesday that he is excited and grateful to provide students with a real-world perspective on government, policy, politics and elections. He also said he hopes to foster an understanding of public service in all students and inspire future leaders. All of us together can provide opportunities for young people to learn about public service, to be inspired to serve, Casey said. It doesnt have to be public office. It doesnt have to be in government. Even if youre running the biggest corporation in the world, you can still work on behalf of the public in some fashion. Between 1997 and 2005, Casey served as state auditor general for two terms and state treasurer for one term, before being elected to the Senate in 2006. Casey lost his bid to keep his seat in 2024 to Republican Dave McCormick. During his 18 years in the Senate, Casey authored 99 pieces of legislation that became law and was considered one of the leading advocates in Congress for children, workers, seniors and people with disabilities. Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke extensively on the famine situation in Gaza on Tuesday, saying that the United States has a 'moral obligation' to provide food to residents. (Photo from video provided by Commonwealth Media Services) Commonwealth Media Services Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that the United States has a moral obligation to make sure that starving Gaza residents get the aid they need to survive. While saying that the terrorist group Hamas needs to release the nearly 50 hostages it still holds, Shapiro said he also wants food to make its way to Gaza. The fact that kids are starving in Gaza is not OK. It is not OK, Shapiro said in response to a reporters question, and I think everyone has a moral responsibility to figure out how to feed these kids. Shapiro, who is Jewish, made lengthy comments about Gaza while visiting Overlook Park in Lancaster County to spotlight the state Office of Vocational Rehabilitations MY Work program, which provides job opportunities for young people with disabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied that there is a famine afflicting Gaza, a stance Shapiro called wrong. Shapiro said he is praying for the return of the hostages and praying to make sure that these kids get fed in Gaza. The governor said Hamas is intercepting aid to Gaza and the distribution network is not as sophisticated as it needs to be, but the United States has a moral responsibility to flood the zone with aid and ensure that food and medicine make it to residents. So, my hope is these hostages come home immediately, that the war ends, these children be fed, and I think the United States of America has a moral obligation to see to it that they get the aid that they need, Shapiro said. As for Netanyahus comments that there is no famine in Gaza, Shapiro said he is wrong and that stance, as well as going along with President Donald Trumps plan to relocate Gaza residents and make the region the Riviera of the Middle East, are not helpful. I think that is not only reckless language, but what it does is, it further isolates Israel in the world, and thats a dangerous place for Israel to be, said Shapiro. NBC News reported in early July that Trump dropped his plans on Gaza because of little regional support. However, Trump and Netanyahu met at the White House in July, and Netanyahu said Israel was seeing great cooperation from its neighbors to accept Palestinian refugees, NBC News said in the same report. Shapiro said that Netanyahus rhetoric only creates less stability and security for Israel, which is a critical ally of the United States, whose democracy is important that it be present and flourish in the Middle East. Trump decided to negotiate directly with Hamas months ago, Shapiro said. If he believes that hes got this opportunity to dialogue with Hamas because he broke that norm of not negotiating with terrorists, then he damn well better be on the phone with Hamas trying to figure out how to get aid in there to the starving people, and not have Hamas intercept it, said the governor. HOUSTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Texas Democratic lawmakers on Monday blocked the Republican-controlled state legislature from advancing a controversial redistricting plan -- widely criticized as a partisan gerrymander -- by staying out of the state to deny a quorum. However, the walkout strategy may prove short-lived and serve more as a bold political protest and a limited delay tactic, rather than a tool capable of altering the final outcome -- a redistricting congressional map that would add up to five more Republican congressional seats in the U.S. House, as President Donald Trump is pressing for. WALKOUT STRATEGY The Texas House of Representatives, which currently has 88 Republicans, requires 100 members in the room as the minimum number of lawmakers needed to conduct legislative business in the United States' largest red state. Despite the Democrats' resistance, with a sweeping majority, Texas Republicans may resume business and pass the legislation once Democratic lawmakers return, or are compelled to return. On Monday, the state House voted 85-6 to arrest more than 50 absent Democrats, with Speaker Dustin Burrows threatening to promptly sign civil warrants to authorize their forced return by sergeants-at-arms and state troopers. However, Democratic lawmakers who stay out of Texas are beyond the jurisdiction of state authorities, according to a report by The Texas Tribune. Speaking from the House floor Monday, Burrows slammed absent Democrats for shirking their responsibilities, saying, "If you continue to go down this road, there will be consequences." Texas Democratic lawmaker Linda Garcia, who is currently in Chicago, said Monday that she is prepared to stay out of Texas for two weeks. "We are all prepared to fight," she told CNN, adding that she is not bothered by the arrest warrants since taking the quorum break "is within our legal right." "This is not a decision we make lightly, but it is one we make with absolute moral clarity," state Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said in a statement Sunday. Wu accused the Republican move of "using an intentionally racist map to steal the voices of millions of Black and Latino Texans, all to execute a corrupt political deal." On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott told Fox News that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled "there is nothing illegal" to enlarge a partisan advantage by redistricting. The Texas legislature is currently in a 30-day special session that is slated to end on Aug. 19, but the governor can keep calling the Texas legislature back for a special session. Earlier, Abbott threatened to remove members of the opposition from their seats. In response, Democrats slammed Abbott for using "smoke and mirrors" to assert legal authority he does not have. POLITICAL RISK The current congressional map in Texas was drawn in 2021 with Republicans having 25 seats out of Texas's 38. Texas Republicans proposed new congressional lines last week to divide up existing districts in Austin, Houston and Dallas in a bid to garner five more seats. "If they (Texas Republicans) enact this map and they actually pass this into law, I would expect Democratic governors to put every single option they can on the table to respond in kind," Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said Monday, vowing "a knife to a knife fight" between the two major parties. In the summer of 2021, Texas Democrats used a similar walkout strategy to resist redistricting, thrusting the issue of gerrymandering and voter suppression into the national spotlight. However, the bill was passed after a delay of nearly 40 days when several Democratic lawmakers returned to the state capitol, allowing for a vote. "This is often a very effective strategy to delay legislation and shine a spotlight on that legislation," Mark P. Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, told NPR. "But it's not an effective strategy to actually block the legislation." It also carries political risk. Critics argue that fleeing the state amounts to dereliction of duty, and such moves can alienate moderate voters or energize Republican bases. The strategy also has no mechanism for enacting structural reform and is doomed to fail to block future gerrymandering, local analysts say. Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, told NPR that the walkout is happening more often as partisan fights have tightened nationwide, citing similar legislative walkouts in Oregon, Indiana and Minnesota in recent years. "In the last couple of years, it's become clear that Texas politics is just a reflection of national politics," he said. The purpose of this project is to maintain a safe crossing on Route 3006 (Pine Road) over Irishtown Gap Hollow Run. PennDOT The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to an online plan display regarding the Route 3006 (Pine Road) bridge replacement project over Irishtown Gap Hollow Run in Penn Township, Cumberland County. The purpose of this project is to maintain a safe crossing on Route 3006 (Pine Road) over Irishtown Gap Hollow Run, a press release said. The existing structure was built in 1936 and is a one-span cast-in-place concrete slab bridge founded on reinforced concrete abutments at an 85-degree skew. The existing structure span length is approximately 14 feet (front face to front face abutments) with a 24-foot curb-to-curb width. The replacement structure will feature a 15-foot, 6-inch by 5-foot precast concrete box culvert with precast end sections and Steel Rail bridge barrier (Pennsylvania 3-Rail). Additional work includes placing rock scour protection at the outlets, reconstructing the pavement along the roadway tie-ins, and installing Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH)-compliant guide rail. The pavement beyond the full-depth reconstruction limits will be milled and overlaid. The proposed bridge width will match the existing width, which features two (2) 11-foot lanes and 2-foot shoulders. This section of Pine Road has an average daily traffic volume of 1,074 vehicles per day (vpd). The potential 9.4-mile detour will utilize Route 34 (Holly Pike), Route 174 (W Old York Road and Walnut Bottom Road) and Route 233 (Centerville Road). Access to all driveways within the project limits will be maintained during construction. Overhead utilities are present at the site and impacts are anticipated to accommodate culvert construction. Utility coordination is ongoing. The project is currently in design, and construction work is anticipated to begin in spring 2028 and last until that fall. The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and solicit public input, questions, or concerns regarding the project. A digital version of the information will be available to view online, with the comment period through September 4, 2025. Information, including bridge plans and an interactive comment form, can be found by visiting the PennDOT District 8 website, PennDOT District 8, clicking Projects Near You listed on the left side of the page, then the District 8 Projects, and choosing Pine Road Over Irishtown Gap Hollow Run Bridge Replacement. The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project. The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, please contact Justin Gochenauer, Project Manager, at (717) 221-2010 or email c-jgochena@pa.gov. Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891 or 800-468-4201. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at PennDOT District 8. Information about infrastructure in District 8, including completed work and significant projects, is available at District 8 Results. Find PennDOTs planned and active construction projects at PennDOT Projects. Follow PennDOT on X, and like the department on Facebook, and Instagram. A Pennsylvania city has been listed as a so-called immigration sanctuary city by the U.S. Department of Justice, along with four New Jersey cities. This photo shows protesters against anti-sanctuary enforcement in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) AP A Pennsylvania city has been listed as a so-called immigration sanctuary city by the Department of Justice, along with four New Jersey cities. Philadelphia was among 18 cities included on the list of those that have policies, law, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws, according to a Justice Department statement released Tuesday. Also on the list were the New Jersey cities of Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark and Paterson. Among the 13 states on the list were Delaware and New York. The closest county to Pennsylvania listed was Baltimore County in Maryland. Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design, said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country. In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department and Homeland Security to publish a list of sanctuary jurisdictions, according to the statement. According to WHYY.org, Philadelphia was also targeted by Trump in his first term, but a federal judge blocked his executive order to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities. In addition to Philadelphia and New Jersey cities, others listed were Albuquerque, N.M.; Berkeley, Calif.; Boston, Chicago, Denver, East Lansing, Mich.; Los Angeles; New Orleans; New York City, Portland, Ore.; Rochester, N.Y.; Seattle and San Francisco. The other states listed included California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, as well as Washington, D.C. Besides Baltimore County, Cook. County, Ill.; and San Diego and San Francisco counties in California made the list. The Justice Department statement said it has filed several lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions the last few months, including one against New York City on July 24. WILLIAMSPORT A third young person has been arraigned in connection with a 2024 Lycoming County shooting that state police say was in retaliation for a homicide. State police Tuesday returned Jaysin Roselle Applewhite, 18, from a juvenile detention facility in western Pennsylvania to face charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated and simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure and criminal mischief. District Judge Gary Whiteman set bail at $75,000 but made him eligible for supervision by pretrial services that would include an ankle monitor and a 10 p.m. curfew. Central Pennsylvania residents should be aware of ongoing air quality alerts and hazy conditions from wildfire smoke, with temperatures expected to remain in the 80s and minimal precipitation chances through midweek. The National Weather Service has issued air quality alerts for multiple counties in central Pennsylvania until midnight Tuesday, with wildfire smoke creating hazy conditions, particularly north of Interstate 80. High pressure will maintain dry weather and seasonable temperatures, with light winds and minimal chance of precipitation. Temperatures are forecast to gradually warm, reaching the low to mid-80s during the day and dropping to the 50s and low 60s overnight. River valley fog is likely to form during the early morning hours, particularly in low-lying areas. Visibility may be reduced due to smoke, with potential MVFR (Marginal Visual Flight Rules) conditions at some regional airports. Looking ahead to the remainder of the week, isolated afternoon thunderstorms are possible, especially over the Allegheny Mountains, but most areas will remain dry. Humidity will slowly increase, with temperatures potentially reaching the lower 90s by the weekend in some southern valleys. The extended forecast suggests a return to typical late summer conditions, with warm and increasingly muggy weather expected. Residents should monitor local air quality alerts and take appropriate precautions if sensitive to smoke or heat. Current weather radar Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by PennLive.com staff. SINGAPORE, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's retail sales rose 2.3 percent year-on-year in June, extending the 1.3 percent growth recorded in May, according to the Singapore Department of Statistics on Tuesday. Excluding motor vehicles, retail sales increased by 0.4 percent, reversing the flat growth seen in May. However, on a seasonally adjusted basis, overall retail sales declined by 1.2 percent in June compared to the previous month. The total value of retail sales in June was estimated at 4.0 billion Singapore dollars (3.11 billion U.S. dollars), with online retail sales accounting for about 13.6 percent of the total. Meanwhile, sales of food and beverage services rose marginally by 0.1 percent year-on-year in June, following a 1.0 percent increase in May. Seasonally adjusted figures showed a 1.5 percent decline month-on-month. The total sales value for food and beverage services in June was estimated at 962 million Singapore dollars, with online transactions contributing roughly 26.7 percent. (1 Singapore dollar equals 0.78 U.S. dollars) CAIRO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said on Tuesday that the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip "has exceeded any logic or justification," adding that it has become "a war of starvation, genocide, and liquidation of the Palestinian cause." Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with visiting Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, Sisi said the lives of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are now being used as a tool for political bargaining. He renewed his call to the international community to intervene to stop the war and bring aid into Gaza. The Egyptian president warned that history will hold many countries and individuals accountable for their positions on the Gaza war, rejecting accusations that Egypt is complicit in besieging Gaza. He stressed that the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing has never been closed during the current war or in previous years. Sisi pointed out that more than 5,000 aid trucks are currently on Egyptian territory, ready to enter Gaza, and that Egypt has provided over 70 percent of the humanitarian aid delivered to the enclave over the past 21 months. "Egypt will always remain a gateway for the entry of aid, not a gateway for the displacement of the Palestinian people," Sisi said. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed at least 61,020 Palestinians and injured 150,671 others, according to an update released by Gaza's health authorities on Tuesday. Egypt continues mediation efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and has repeatedly urged the implementation of the two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state to end the decades-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Ontario Poker News August Update: Zachary Zaret Claims WSOP Gold for Canada; CNE Poker Room is Back! Kyle Anderson Copy link I'm Kyle Anderson, PokerNews ambassador and Ontario resident. Here is an update on everything that's both happened and is coming up in the Ontario poker world. Remember, ON players can legally play real money poker in Ontario, so PokerNews has come up with a list of the very best online poker sites in the Canadian province. Access real poker sites and play different games with poker players within the state. What are the big issues and stories on everyone's minds? Lets get into it. Live Poker News During the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), Ontarios Zachary Zaret topped a 1,176-entry field, including poker pro Calvin Anderson in heads-up play, to win Event #21: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better for $248,245 and his first gold bracelet. It was the only bracelet won by an Ontario player this summer. Zachary Zaret In the 2025 WSOP Main Event, which drew 9,735 players, the last Ontario player standing was Joshua Abiscott, who finished in 195th place for $60,000. Joshua Abiscott The CNE Poker Room is back and runs July 23Sept 1, 2025. They dont have a tournament schedule yet, but they always get a big turnout. Last year included NLH qualifiers and semi-finals, with a final prize pool of up to C$320,000. They will be open daily from noon6 a.m., except on September 1, when they will close early. Located in the Better Living Centre, the room features Texas holdem, Omaha, Holdem Bonus Poker, Spanish 21, 3-Card Poker, and more. New Promo: Elements Brantford is running Fire Freeroll Hot Seat Draws (Aug 429) with three daily winners earning seats to a $10K freeroll on September 7. Be seated in the room during the 1 p.m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m. draws to qualify. Over at Casino Niagara, they will hold their $1,000 Summer Main Event from August 5-9. There will be two starting flights at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Day 2 will then take place on Thursday, August 7, and a Day 3 finale, if needed, will play out on Friday, August 8 inside the Casino Niagara Poker Room. Entry/Re-Entry will be open until the end of the second break. Ontario Live Poker Tournament Schedule Date Venue Event Time (EDT) Tuesday, August 5 Pickering Casino Resort Two $200 Turbo No Limit Hold'em 12:30PM & 8:30PM Tuesday, August 5 Casino Niagara $1,000 Summer Main Event Day 1A 12:30PM Wednesday, August 6 Casino Niagara $1,000 Summer Main Event Day 1B 12:30PM Wednesday, August 6 Casino Niagara $275 No Limit Hold'em 12:30PM Thursday, August 7 Casino Niagara $1,000 Summer Main Event Day 2 12:30PM Friday, August 8 Casino Niagara $1,000 Summer Main Event Final Day 12:30PM Friday, August 8 Caesars Windsor $200 Friday Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em 6:15PM Sunday, August 10 Caesars Windsor $150 No Limit Hold'em 2:15PM Wednesday, August 13 Pickering Casino Resort $750 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em 12:30PM Wednesday, August 13 Casino Niagara $275 No Limit Hold'em 12:30PM Friday, August 15 Casino Niagara $340 No Limit Hold'em $100 Bounty 4:30PM Friday, August 15 Caesars Windsor $200 Friday Night Turbo No Limit Hold'em 6:15PM Sunday, August 17 Caesars Windsor $150 No Limit Hold'em 2:15PM Tuesday, August 19 Pickering Casino Resort Two $200 Turbo No Limit Hold'em 12:30PM & 8:30PM Wednesday, August 20 Casino Niagara $275 No Limit Hold'em 12:30PM Friday, August 22 Casino Niagara $340 No Limit Hold'em $100 Bounty 4:30PM Friday, August 22 Caesars Windsor $200 Friday Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em 6:15PM Sunday, August 24 Caesars Windsor $150 No Limit Hold'em 2:15PM Wednesday, August 27 Pickering Casino Resort $750 Bounty No Limit Hold'em 12:30PM Wednesday, August 27 Casino Niagara $275 No Limit Hold'em 12:30PM Friday, August 29 Casino Niagara $340 No Limit Hold'em $100 Bounty 4:30PM Friday, August 29 Caesars Windsor $495 End of Month Double Up No Limit Hold'em 6:15PM Sunday, August 31 Caesars Windsor $150 No Limit Hold'em 2:15PM Shared Liquidity & Legal Push Attorney General Doug Downey has appealed to the Ontario Court of Appeal seeking legal authority to allow shared liquidity with the U.S. and beyond. If successful, this could let PokerStars, GGPoker, 888poker, and others rejoin international networks. A ruling could reshape the Ontario market, potentially opening doors for Alberta and Quebec. For more, check out this piece at legalsportsbetting.com. Ontario Online Poker News Over at PokerStars Ontario, players can now qualify for the NAPT Las Vegas stop (running Nov 312 at Resorts World) through the new Silver Pass path: Start from just $3 via Spin & Gos or Weekly Phase Qualifiers. Win a Silver Pass (valued at $3,000 CAD), which includes: Entry to the exclusive $100K 'Tournament of Stars' in Las Vegas. 7-night hotel stay at Resorts World. $800 travel credit. Qualify through weekly Sunday Specials or climb up through the step system. As for BetMGM Ontario/partypoker /bwin, their top weekly events include: Daily CNote nightly NLH at 7:05 PM High Roller Tues & Thurs @ 7:05 PM Super Sunday multi-buy-in series with $35K+ in guarantees Their Daily Legends Series offers bounty-focused MTTs with nightly events like the $50 Legend Bounty, as well as monthly leaderboard prizes such as bonus cash, free spins, and entries. 888poker Ontario is well-known for its Mystery Bounty Series, XL Festivals, and daily micros. There are also member perks through the 888poker Club with freerolls and loyalty rewards. When it comes to online mystery bounty tournaments, youd be hard-pressed to find better events than on 888poker. Meanwhile, GGPoker Ontario is still #1 in player traffic, offering excellent daily/weekly MTTs: Ontario MILLION$ $50 buy-in, $100K GTD, flights daily with Sunday final. GGMasters Ontario $150 buy-in, $50K GTD, freezeout every Sunday. WSOP Online Bracelet Series for August 2025 has not yet been officially announced. However, Playground WSOP-C Satellites are live: Target-stack qualifiers for multiple events. Sub-$10 step satellites run daily. The WSOP Circuit Montreal live poker festival runs August 18 through September 2 at Playground. The qualifiers are running now and will gain you entry into the $2,500 buy-in, CAD $2.2M GTD WSOPC Main Event. Day 1 Flights: Day 1A on August 28, Day 1B on August 29, and Day 1C on August 30 Day 2: August 31 Final Day: September 1 This edition features $5,000,000 in guaranteed prize pools across 18 official World Series of Poker Circuit ring events, giving players the opportunity to compete for significant prize money and the chance to win a prestigious WSOP-C gold ring. WSOP Circuit Montreal Schedule Date Time Event Number Buy-in Tournament Guarantee Monday, August 18, 2025 8:00 AM #1 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #1: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mini Main Event Day 1A $500,000 1:00 PM #2 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #2: $400 No Limit Hold'em 6-Max $35,000 Tuesday, August 19, 2025 8:00 AM #1 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #1: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mini Main Event Day 1B $500,000 1:00 PM #3 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #3: $400 No Limit Hold'em Progressive Bounty $40,000 Wednesday, August 20, 2025 8:00 AM #1 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #1: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mini Main Event Day 1C $500,000 1:00 PM #4 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #4: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mega Stack $35,000 Thursday, August 21, 2025 8:00 AM #1 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #1: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mini Main Event Day 1D $500,000 1:00 PM #5 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #5: $400 No Limit Hold'em Bounty ($100) $40,000 4:00 PM $150 $150 WSOP-C Montreal The Colossus Milestone (205K) Satellite 5 Seats Friday, August 22, 2025 8:00 AM #1 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #1: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mini Main Event Day 1E $500,000 1:00 PM #6 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #6: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mystery Bounty Day 1A $200,000 4:00 PM $300 $300 WSOP-C Montreal Main Event Milestone (280K) Satellite 4 Seats Saturday, August 23, 2025 8:00 AM #1 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #1: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mini Main Event Day 1F $500,000 1:00 PM #6 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #6: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mystery Bounty Day 1B $200,000 4:00 PM $300 $300 WSOP-C Montreal Main Event Milestone (280K) Satellite 4 Seats Sunday, August 24, 2025 8:00 AM #1 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #1: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mini Main Event Day 2 $500,000 9:00 AM #7 $1,000 WSOP-C Montreal Event #7: $1,000 No Limit Hold'em The Colossus Day 1A $800,000 1:00 PM #6 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #6: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mystery Bounty Day 1C $200,000 4:00 PM $150 $150 WSOP-C Montreal The Colossus Milestone (205K) Satellite 5 Seats Monday, August 25, 2025 8:00 AM #8 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #8: $400 No Limit Hold'em Senior Event (50+) $30,000 9:00 AM #7 $1,000 WSOP-C Montreal Event #7: $1,000 No Limit Hold'em The Colossus Day 1B $800,000 1:00 PM #6 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #6: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mystery Bounty Day 2 $200,000 3:00 PM #9 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #9: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mega Stack Turbo $50,000 4:00 PM $150 $150 WSOP-C Montreal The Colossus Milestone (205K) Satellite 5 Seats Tuesday, August 26, 2025 8:00 AM $150 $150 WSOP-C Montreal The Colossus Milestone (205K) Satellite 5 Seats 9:00 AM #7 $1,000 WSOP-C Montreal Event #7: $1,000 No Limit Hold'em The Colossus Day 1C $800,000 12:00 PM $150 $150 WSOP-C Montreal The Colossus Milestone (205K) Satellite 5 Seats 3:00 PM #10 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #10: $400 No Limit Hold'em Ladies Event $20,000 4:00 PM $150 $150 WSOP-C Montreal The Colossus Milestone (205K) Satellite 5 Seats Wednesday, August 27, 2025 9:00 AM #7 $1,000 WSOP-C Montreal Event #7: $1,000 No Limit Hold'em The Colossus Day 1D $800,000 4:00 PM $300 $300 WSOP-C Montreal Main Event Milestone (280K) Satellite 10 Seats Thursday, August 28, 2025 8:00 AM #11 $2,500 WSOP-C Montreal Event #11: $2,500 No Limit Hold'Em Main Event Day 1A $2,200,000 9:00 AM #7 $1,000 WSOP-C Montreal Event #7: $1,000 No Limit Hold'em The Colossus Day 2 $800,000 10:00 AM $300 $300 WSOP-C Montreal Main Event Milestone (280K) Satellite 4 Seats 1:00 PM #12 $600 WSOP-C Montreal Event #12: $600 Pot Limit Omaha $50,000 4:00 PM $300 $300 WSOP-C Montreal Main Event Milestone (280K) Satellite 4 Seats Friday, August 29, 2025 8:00 AM #11 $2,500 WSOP-C Montreal Event #11: $2,500 No Limit Hold'Em Main Event Day 1B $2,200,000 10:00 AM $300 $300 WSOP-C Montreal Main Event Milestone (280K) Satellite 4 Seats 4:00 PM $300 $300 WSOP-C Montreal Main Event Milestone (280K) Satellite 10 Seats Saturday, August 30, 2025 8:00 AM #11 $2,500 WSOP-C Montreal Event #11: $2,500 No Limit Hold'Em Main Event Day 1C $2,200,000 1:00 PM $600 $600 WSOP-C Montreal High Roller Milestone (330K) Satellite 4 Seats Sunday, August 31, 2025 7:00 AM $600 $600 WSOP-C Montreal High Roller Milestone (330K) Satellite 4 Seats 8:00 AM #11 $2,500 WSOP-C Montreal Event #11: $2,500 No Limit Hold'Em Main Event Day 2 $2,200,000 9:00 AM #13 $5,000 WSOP-C Montreal Event #13: $5,000 Mega Stack High Roller Day 1 $500,000 11:00 AM $600 $600 WSOP-C Montreal High Roller Milestone (330K) Satellite 4 Seats 3:00 PM #14 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #14: $400 No Limit Hold'em Progressive Bounty $50,000 Monday, September 01, 2025 8:00 AM #11 $2,500 WSOP-C Montreal Event #11: $2,500 No Limit Hold'Em Main Event Day 3 $2,200,000 9:00 AM #13 $5,000 WSOP-C Montreal Event #13: $5,000 Mega Stack High Roller Day 2 $500,000 11:00 AM #15 $1,000 WSOP-C Montreal Event #15: $1,000 No Limit Hold'em Mystery Bounty $150,000 3:00 PM #16 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #16: $400 No Limit Hold'em $30,000 Tuesday, September 02, 2025 9:00 AM #17 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #17: $400 No Limit Hold'em Monster Stack $40,000 3:00 PM #18 $400 WSOP-C Montreal Event #18: $400 No Limit Hold'em Mystery Bounty $40,000 Follow Kyle on X/Twitter and Twitch! Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. PokerStars Ontario operates pursuant to an agreement with iGaming Ontario. For more information, visit the Ontario Players Homepage Share this article Ukraine's "InTheMani" Enters the 888poker $100K Mystery Bounty Winner's Circle Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link The latest edition of the $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event at 888poker saw 996 players buy in for $109, leaving the smallest of overlays on the six-figure guarantee. Ukrainian "InTheMani" was the grinder who came out on top and took home the lion's share of the prize pool, namely $11,404. The champion's haul was the largest of the tournament, which is not always the case in this event due to the fact that there's a $10,000 mystery bounty in play. That princely sum went to 40th-place finisher "Julianorbr" of Brazil, who scooped a $10,202 prize as they crashed out. Day 1, which occurred on August 3, saw the 996-strong crowd whittled to the eight-handed final table. The United Kingdom's "c0rbl1meyguv" sat down at the final table with 97 big blinds and the chip lead, but none of the other finalists were particularly short-stacked. "Dimidroll," also of the UK, was the shortest stack at the restart, and their stack contained 17 big blinds. $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 c0rbl1meyguv United Kingdom 3,384,049 97 2 InTheMani Ukraine 2,530,202 72 3 Lucky_pusia Kazakhstan 2,126,793 61 4 AnglerFishy Ireland 1,997,925 57 5 diego7791 Brazil 1,781,040 51 6 kiskutya23 1,685,685 48 7 DoNotCallAA Denmark 842,778 24 8 Dimidroll United Kingdom 591,528 17 "Dimidroll" doubled up early into the final table's action, their pocket eights winning a coinflip against the ace-queen of "diego7791." That hand pushed the victor's stack to 1.2 million chips, giving them some much-needed breathing room. Almost immediately after "Dimidroll" doubled up, "DontCallAA" of Denmark bowed out after a clash with "InTheMani" did not go to plan. "Lucky_pusia" and "diego7791" joined the Dane on the sidelines, leaving the final table with only five players in the hunt for the title. Those five became four after a dramatic hand eliminated 888poker regular "kiskutya23" in fifth. They were involved in a battle of the blinds with "InTheMani." "kiskutya23"'s ace-queen flopped top pair and remained best on the turn, which is where "InTheMani" set them all-in. "kiskutya23" called with their top pair, only to lose to a king on the river that completed a straight for "InTheMani." Surf's Up in the $300,000 Poker Waves Promotion at 888poker Learn more The players received some more elbow room when "c0rbl1meyguv" open-shoved for seven big blinds from the small blind while holding queen-ten. "AnglerFishy" called with king-nine, turned a nine, and the at-risk player was left with no chips. Heads-up was reached when "AnglerFishy" busted in third. They say you need to win your coinflips if you're to win poker tournaments, but the Irish player must not have received that memo. "AnglerFishy"'s chips went into the middle while holding pocket sevens, and "Dimidroll" looked them up with ace-ten. Two aces on the flop left the all-in player drawing thin, and they didn't get there on the turn nor on the river. "InTheMani" had 87.3 big blinds to the 37.2 big blinds of "Dimidroll" going into heads-up. Both players had displayed their willingness to make a deal throughout the final table, but they couldn't agree on numbers once they reached heads-up. Exclusive PokerNews 888poker Freeroll Passwords for August 2025 The final hand happened around 20 minutes into the one-on-one battle. It saw a short-stacked "Dimidroll" all-in with jack-eight against the ace-seven of "InTheMani." The at-risk player spiked an eight on the all-spade flop, but "InTheMani" took the lead with an ace on the turn. A brick on the river handed the title to "InTheMani." Although they finished in second place, "Dimidroll" must be delighted with how this event went. Not only were they the shortest stack at the start of Day 2, but their previous largest score at 888poker was for only $16 and change. This result earned them $7,430, proving anyone can win big online at 888poker. $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Results Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 InTheMani Ukraine $4,049 $7,355 $11,404 2 Dimidroll United Kingdom $1,680 $5,750 $7,430 3 AnglerFishy Ireland $735 $4,275 $5,010 4 c0rbl1meyguv United Kingdom $474 $2,940 $3,414 5 kiskutya23 $834 $1,970 $2,804 6 diego7791 Brazil $738 $1,435 $2,173 7 Lucky_pusia Kazakhstan $2,223 $1,000 $3,223 8 DoNotCallAA Denmark $655 $750 $1,405 Share this article Valerie Nava is part of the Post and Courier's Education Lab in Charleston. She holds an M.A. from the University of Missouri. Teri Errico Griffis is the senior business reporter and assistant editor at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail and real estate. An award-winning journalist, she previously worked as a Southeast commerce reporter for the Journal of Commerce and a reporter for the Charleston Regional Business Journal where she covered all facets of business in the Charleston region. Raised in Connecticut and New York, she has called South Carolina home since 2012. Anna Sharpe covers Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach for the Post and Courier. She graduated from Winthrop University. She previously wrote for the Moultrie News in Mount Pleasant. BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Amid escalating global uncertainties fueled by rising unilateralism, protectionism and geopolitical tensions, China's commitment to stable policymaking and consistent long-term planning stands as a vital asset for the stability of the global economy. This stable and promising policy environment was reaffirmed at the meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee last week, which set the tone for the country's economic policy approach in the second half of the year. According to the meeting, macro policies should be intensified in a sustained and timely manner. It urged rigorous implementation of a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy to strengthen their effectiveness. The important arrangements of the meeting indicate that China has ample room for macro policies and a robust policy toolkit. As the Central Economic Work Conference emphasized last December, the policy toolkit should be enriched and improved, and macro regulation should be more forward-looking, targeted and effective. These are essential for sustaining economic growth and driving high-quality development. China's economy grew by 5.3 percent in the first half of this year. The Political Bureau meeting on July 30 called for striving to accomplish the annual economic and social development targets and tasks for this year, successfully completing the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), and doing a good job in formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). China's five-year plan, starting as early as the 1950s, is not only about economic planning, but also a strategic tool for managing expectations. Faced with external uncertainties, China responds from within, preventing unchecked fluctuations and proactively shaping economic order. As the world's second-largest economy that contributes about 30 percent of global economic growth, China stands as a beacon of stability in the ever-shifting tides of the global economy. Its long-term planning anchors steady confidence in uncertain times. The greater the difficulties and challenges, the more imperative it becomes to seek momentum from reform. Reforms in key sectors, such as building a unified national market, will further smooth the circulation of the national economy, improve the efficiency of resource allocation, and strengthen the internal driving force for China's economic development. The messages conveyed by the meeting signal opportunities for those seeking to grow alongside China. The meeting called for effective promotion of the dual circulation strategy, integrating domestic and international markets. It also emphasized the need to unlock the full potential of domestic demand by encouraging goods consumption and fostering new growth drivers in services consumption. Expanding high-standard opening-up was also highlighted as critical to keeping the fundamentals of foreign trade and investment stable. In the first half of this year, final consumption expenditure contributed 52 percent to China's economic growth, further highlighting the role of consumption as the "main engine." The continuous consumption upgrades among China's 1.4 billion people will create more opportunities for global producers and investors. The recent opening of LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort showcased the country's consumption shift and growth potential. Small and medium-sized enterprises within China and from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are delivering tropical fruits to Chinese households through local e-commerce platforms. Data from China's Ministry of Commerce paints a broader picture. China has held its position as the world's second-largest importer for 16 consecutive years and serves as the major export destination for nearly 80 countries and regions. In the face of trade protectionism and zero-sum thinking, China's economic policy prioritizes openness and cooperation. Its development trajectory will be driven by new quality productive forces. Green and low-carbon transformation, the digital economy, and the artificial intelligence industry will open wider avenues for cooperation. The Chinese economy, riding powerful waves of change, offers abundant opportunities to the world. Those who come well-prepared and truly understand the core of value creation will seize these opportunities and turn potential into lasting success. Lauren Leibman covers Georgetown County for the Post and Courier. She interned with The State newspaper and worked for The Daily Gamecock during her time at the University of South Carolina. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. With just two days to go before the World Games light up Chengdu, a new rap anthem - "Chengdu's Calling" - is turning up the heat. Feel the pulse of ancient tradition and futuristic energy as MIRANDA and DENIS face off in rap battles at landmarks and stadiums in the city. Chengdu is calling -- are you ready to answer? #Chengdu2025 #WorldGames #ChengdusCalling #Rap #SportsCulture #ChinaTravel PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 19:00:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 394 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America ("Allianz Life") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Allianz Life.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On July 16, 2025, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America ("Allianz Life") detected unauthorized access to a third-party, cloud-based CRM system used by Allianz Life. The breach compromised the personal information of most of its 1.4 million customers, along with some financial professionals and employees.The impacted data may include names and other personal identifiers.An investigation with cybersecurity experts followed, and Allianz Life filed notice of the breach with the Maine Attorney General on July 25, 2025. Allianz Life will begin mailing notice letters on August 1, 2025, to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter or email from Allianz Life, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-06 00:30:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 480 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 /American Critical Minerals Corp. ("American Critical Minerals" or the"Company") (CSE:KCLI)(OTCQB:APCOF)(Frankfurt:2P3) announces that it has extended the deadline for completion of its warrant exercise incentive program (the "Program"). The Program is intended to encourage the early exercise of up to 4,620,800 warrants (the "Warrants") previously issued in connection with a private placement and which are currently exercisable at a price of $0.1875 per share. To address ongoing interest and to allow additional time for the completion of documentation, the Company has elected to extend the deadline for the Program until August 15, 2025 (the "Program End Date").Under the Program, the Company is offering an inducement to each holder of the Warrants that exercises on or before the Program End Date. Holders exercising Warrants on or before the Program End Date will be entitled to receive one additional warrant (the "New Warrant") for each share subscribed for. Each New Warrant will be exercisable at a price of $0.28 until August 6, 2027. The proceeds from the Program will strengthen the Company's treasury and will be used for working capital purposes and the advancement of the Company's Green River Project.Holders of the Warrants are encouraged to contact the Company to coordinate exercise prior to the Program End Date.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsSimon Clarke, President & CEOContact: (604)-551-9665Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding future confirmation drilling and its intended outcomes and the intended use of proceeds from the oversubscribed financing. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and information.SOURCE: American Critical Minerals Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 09:05:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 901 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 /BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE: BNXT)(OTC PINK:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT), a bioscience company specializing in innovative drug delivery technologies, is pleased to announce significant progress in its global patent portfolio. The Company has received formal communications from both the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO), confirming that the core claims of its patent application covering its proprietary sublingual Cladribine thin-film formulation have been accepted, with full grants anticipated in the near future. The patent further covers all applications of chemotherapy drugs in an oral dissolvable delivery system for the treatment of autoimmune neurological diseases.Advancing Toward Formal Patent GrantEuropean Patent Office (EPO): The EPO has issued an Office Action with the intention to grant for BioNxt's key patent application. This confirmation signifies that all core claims have met the European requirements for novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Only minor formal amendments were requested, which the Company has already addressed. The next Office Action is expected within the coming weeks.Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO): The EAPO, covering eight member countries across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, has issued a formal notice that BioNxt's patent application has likewise been accepted. Minor language modifications were required and have been promptly submitted. The Company anticipates a full patent grant across all member states in the near term.Global Patent Strategy and ExpansionBioNxt previously filed an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to establish a coordinated framework for securing patent protection for its sublingual Cladribine thin-film technology and future products in multiple key markets. The Company has entered the national phase of this application in major pharmaceutical jurisdictions, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.These national phase applications are currently progressing through local examination procedures. Patent protection in these regions will support BioNxt's long-term strategy for global commercialization, regulatory alignment, and regional partnership development.Protecting Innovation in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) TreatmentThe patents under review are designed to protect a family of products, including BioNxt's Cladribine-based thin-film formulation, developed for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The platform uses sublingual administration to optimize drug absorption, improve patient compliance, and avoid first-pass hepatic metabolism, offering a patient-friendly alternative to injectable or conventional oral therapies.Patent protections include composition of the sublingual film, methods of administration and dosage, use for treating autoimmune diseases, and scalable manufacturing processes."Securing intellectual property rights in both Europe and Eurasia marks a critical step forward for our Cladribine program and sublingual delivery platform," said Hugh Rogers, CEO of BioNxt Solutions. "These patents represent significant commercial value by protecting a high-potential product, enabling regional exclusivity, and enhancing our ability to generate future licensing and partnership revenue." Next Milestones in Patent Issuance and Product AdvancementBioNxt expects formal grant notices and publication from both the EPO and EAPO shortly. In parallel, the Company is preparing for GMP manufacturing and a human bioequivalence clinical study in Europe to support regulatory filings and commercialization. Further updates will be provided as additional national patent offices complete their evaluations.About BioNxt Solutions Inc.BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next-generation drug delivery platforms, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. Its proprietary platforms include sublingual thin films, transdermal patches, oral tablets, and a new targeted chemotherapy platform designed to deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors while reducing side effects.With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient-centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide.BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com Investor Relations & Media ContactHugh Rogers, Co-Founder, CEO and DirectorEmail: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 780-818-6422Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" InformationThis press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated grant and scope of European and Eurasian patent rights; the Company's plans for additional international patent filings; the development, clinical evaluation, and commercialization of the Company's Cladribine thin-film (BNT23001) for multiple sclerosis; the strategic importance of intellectual property; the timing and outcome of regulatory processes; and the potential expansion of BioNxt's sublingual drug delivery platform to other therapeutic areas.Forward-looking information is based on management's reasonable assumptions, expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this press release. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors-many of which are beyond the Company's control-that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: patent examination and prosecution outcomes; changes in regulatory or legal frameworks; clinical trial results; scalability of manufacturing processes; strategic partnership risks; and broader economic, financial, or geopolitical conditions.Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the expectat PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 17:30:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 697 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Rising numbers of U.S. citizens are relocating to Brazil in 2025, drawn by affordable healthcare, family-friendly cities, and new visa options for investors and remote workers.RIO DE JANEIRO, BR / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / As global mobility patterns shift post-pandemic, Brazil is gaining momentum as a relocation destination for American families and investors seeking long-term alternatives to traditional European or Caribbean hubs.Government data released in July shows a 48% increase in long-term visa applications from U.S. citizens in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2023. The total number of foreigners residing in Brazil surpassed 1.5 million, with Americans now among the top five nationalities represented.Experts attribute this growth to a combination of economic opportunities, affordable living, accessible healthcare, and an increasingly international-friendly immigration framework.New Appeal Beyond TourismWhile Brazil has long been known for its beaches, biodiversity, and vibrant culture, the country is now being re-evaluated as a serious lifestyle and investment option."Many families are looking to reduce their cost of living while maintaining a high quality of life - and Brazil is checking a lot of boxes," says David da Costa Mota, a global mobility specialist and founder of Brazil Visa Hub, a consultancy that assists foreign nationals establishing residence in Brazil.According to Mota, the trend is especially strong among families seeking:Healthier lifestyles with access to organic food, outdoor recreation, and less car dependencyMore affordable housing, including beachside and urban properties at a fraction of U.S. pricesDiverse, inclusive environments for raising multicultural childrenBilingual or international education options in major cities like Sao Paulo, Rio, and Florianopolis"Clients often begin by asking about investment visas or retirement options, but end up choosing Brazil because of the human aspects - they feel welcome here, and they realise it's a place where family life can slow down," he adds.The Rise of Remote Work and Mobility FlexibilityThe Digital Nomad Visa, introduced by Brazil's federal government in 2022, continues to gain traction, offering renewable one-year residency for remote workers with foreign income. Additionally, the Investor Visa (VITEM IX) allows qualified applicants to obtain residency through business creation or real estate investment starting from BRL 500,000 (approx. USD 100,000).Brazil's comparatively low cost of living, combined with access to private healthcare and international schools, has made cities like Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis popular among American professionals seeking remote work hubs with better work-life balance.A Countermovement to Costly Urban CentersThis trend reflects a broader pattern: in a post-pandemic world, many high-income earners are choosing lifestyle over status, leaving behind rising costs and long commutes in cities like San Francisco, New York, or London."Rather than downsizing their life, they're upscaling it - just in a different geography," says David da Costa Mota. "In Brazil, a family can afford a spacious home, domestic help, international schooling, and private healthcare for a fraction of U.S. costs. For many, that's no longer a luxury - it's a strategy." Challenges RemainWhile interest is rising, relocation experts caution that immigrating to Brazil still requires careful planning. Language barriers, bureaucratic processes, and unfamiliar tax and legal systems can complicate even straightforward moves - especially for Americans relocating with families, businesses, or high-value assets.That's where specialised support comes in."Most of our American clients are not just looking for a visa - they need clarity on how to relocate their lives, assets, companies, and families in a secure and legally sound way," says David da Costa Mota."We help with everything from visa processing and real estate acquisition to cross-border tax planning, private healthcare setup, school enrollment, and company incorporation. What they value most is having a single point of contact who speaks their language - literally, culturally and legally." As infrastructure, digital services, and visa frameworks improve, Brazil appears to be positioning itself as a viable long-term option in the global mobility landscape - not just for digital nomads or retirees, but for working families looking to reinvent their lives.Media Contact:David da Costa MotaBrazil Visa Hub david@ brazilvisahub.comhttps://www.brazilvisahub.com/ SOURCE: Brazil Visa Hub PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 15:05:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 575 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Cyberlux Corporation (OTCID:CYBL) is proud to announce the issuance of Patent Number US 12,365,458 B2, published on July 22, 2025, for a "Munitions Payload Delivery System with Bump Fire and Radio Command Triggers." This newly awarded patent protects a critical advancement in the delivery mechanisms used in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), allowing for precision-triggered payload deployment through both onboard bump fire mechanisms and remote radio-controlled commands. The patented system enables both autonomous and operator-controlled strike capabilities, creating significant new operational advantages for U.S. and allied forces.A Key Milestone for Cyberlux UAS InnovationThe patent secures a foundational component of Cyberlux's ongoing development of mission-specific UAS platforms. This delivery technology is designed for integration into the company's modular UAS systems, supporting a wide range of tactical applications including precision strike, threat neutralization, and defensive deterrence in contested environments.The innovation covered in Patent Number US 12,365,458 B2 directly enhances Cyberlux's ability to engineer unmanned systems capable of scalable, field-deployable munitions delivery-critical to emerging Department of Defense (DoD) priorities around autonomous weaponized drone systems.Supporting the DoD's UAS Reindustrialization PushThe Department of Defense recently launched a major initiative to re-industrialize U.S. drone manufacturing and accelerate deployment of affordable, AI-enabled unmanned systems. With this patent, Cyberlux advances its leadership in developing homegrown UAS solutions that meet the operational needs of modern warfare-delivering innovation that can be scaled, secured, and deployed at speed.This patent award reinforces Cyberlux's position as a strategic partner to the DoD and allied forces-bringing patented, U.S.-based technologies to bear in defense of national and global security interests.About Cyberlux CorporationCyberlux operates across three core business units:Unmanned Systems and Aviation - Engineering and deploying tactical ISR drones and UAS platforms for defense and national security.Defense Technology Solutions - Delivering secure communications, hardened computing, and integrated mission systems.Global Integrated Services - Supporting logistics, deployment, and technical operations for U.S. and allied forces worldwide.As we expand our IP portfolio and production capacity, Cyberlux remains laser-focused on supporting U.S. and allied military readiness with purpose-built, American-made innovation.Patent Details: U.S. Patent No. 12,365,458 B2Issued: July 22, 2025Title: "Modular Unmanned Aerial System with Adaptive Payload Architecture" (or placeholder until specific title confirmed)For full patent details, visit: USPTO.gov or https://cyberlux.com/public-released-documents/Patent_US_12365458_B2.pdf SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTThis Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "believes," "expects," "potential," "plans," "suggests," "may," "should," "could," "intends," or similar expressions within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's OTC/SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.For media inquiries, please contact:Email: ir_cybl@ Cyberlux.com | Phone: (984) 363-6894SOURCE: Cyberlux Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 17:30:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 499 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Seattle Plastic Surgeon Performs Nation's First Combined Facial Feminization & Hair Transplant SurgerySEATTLE, WA / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Dr. Javad Sajan , a top Seattle plastic surgeon and founder of Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery, has made medical history in the U.S. by performing the nation's firstfacial feminization surgery(FFS) combined with hair transplant in a single operative session.The milestone procedure was performed on Ember Norman and is featured on RealDrSeattle.tv , offering a detailed look at the surgical planning, technique, and outcomes. The entire surgery, including the hair transplant, qualified for coverage under Norman's genderaffirming insurance plan.As part of a full facial feminization surgery, Dr. Javad Sajan performed a carefully planned combination of skeletal and soft tissue procedures to transform the patient's facial structure and features.The surgery began with upper facial bone contouring, including frontal bone and orbital bone reduction, and a frontal sinus setback to soften and feminize the upper third of the face. A follicular unit transplant of 1,000 grafts was performed to feminize the hairline.To further feminize the upper face, Dr. Sajan performed a brow lift, elevating the brow position for a more open and feminine expression.In the midface, a mid-facelift and rhinoplasty were performed to enhance facial harmony and refine nasal shape and projection.For the lower face, Dr. Sajan completed a lip lift to shorten the philtrum and improve lip aesthetics. This was followed by chin bone reduction and jaw bone reduction to narrow and sculpt the lower facial contour.This comprehensive transformation reflects the precision and artistry involved in advanced facial feminization surgery. The full surgical journey and before-and-after results can be viewedhere .These combined procedures eliminate the need for a second surgery, making the healing process easier and more efficient. Key benefits of this approach include:Single anesthesia event and one recovery timelineA lower and more feminine hairlineMinimal scarringWho is an ideal candidate for a same-day FFS+ hair transplant?Ideal candidates for simultaneous FFS and hair transplant surgery include healthy transgender or non-binary patients who are medically cleared for general anesthesia, have realistic expectations, and maintain stable hormone levels for at least six months.Is combining the procedures safe?Combining both procedures in a single session is generally safe; however, all surgery and anesthesia have risks. It eliminates the need for a second anesthesia event, minimizes cumulative swelling, and avoids re-entering previously operated areas, such as a freshly feminized forehead, during a later surgery.How long does the surgery take?The combined procedure typically takes 6 to 12 hours, depending on the extent of facial bone reshaping and the number of hair grafts required.About Dr. Javad Sajan and Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery:Dr. Javad Sajan is a renowned Seattle-based plastic surgeon, known for his leadership in gender-affirming and facial cosmetic surgery. At Allure Esthetic, Dr. Sajan and his team blend advanced techniques with personalized care to deliver exceptional results.Media Contact: Allure Esthetic Plastic SurgeryPhone: 206-209-0988Website: www.allureesthetic.comEmail: info@ allureesthetic.com SOURCE: RealDrSeattle PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 15:04:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 366 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Industry experts from Goliath Sales Strategies and Marpai Rx join HCAA leadership teamST. LOUIS, MO / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 /The Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA), a leader in education, networking, and advocacy for the self-funding industry, today announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Trey Hinson, Founder, Goliath Sales Strategies, and Dallas Scrip, Chief Operating Officer & President, Marpai Rx. Their appointments became effective July 1, 2025.With extensive experience across healthcare sales strategy and third-party administrator (TPA) operations, Hinson and Scrip will support HCAA's mission to educate, engage, and advocate for TPAs, brokers, and other self-funding stakeholders navigating a complex and evolving healthcare landscape."Trey and Dallas bring practical experience in TPA operations, pharmacy benefits, and market strategy that will directly support HCAA's work," said Carol Berry, CSFS, Chief Executive Officer of HCAA. "Their insight will be valuable as we continue to address the challenges and opportunities facing the self-funded industry." Hinson brings over two decades of experience in the healthcare benefits industry and currently serves as founder of Goliath Sales Strategies, where he advises TPAs, technology vendors, and other stakeholders across the self-funded ecosystem. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Ocozzio and led marketing and product development at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.Scrip is Chief Operating Officer and President of Marpai Rx, where he leads operational strategy and drives growth across the organization's pharmacy and TPA services. With more than 16 years of experience in healthcare administration and benefits management, he has held roles at Centivo, ValueHealth Benefit Administrators, Benefit Management, and Gallagher.For more information on HCAA's Board of Directors, visit www.hcaa.org About HCAA The HCAA is the premier nonprofit trade association elevating third-party administrators, brokers, and other stakeholders from across the self-funding industry. Throughout our 45-year history, we've remained committed to improving the quality, sustainability, and value of this essential sector on behalf of our members, while forging a path for tomorrow's health care benefit administrators.Visit HCAA.org or connect with us at HCAA LinkedIn or HCAA YouTube for more information.###Press contact Dave AndersonAnderson Interactive on behalf of HCAA770-401-1044 dave@ andersoni.com SOURCE: Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA) PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-06 00:30:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 815 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / investors in Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS) saw the price of their shares significantly fall during intraday trading on reports that U.S. lawmakers urged the FDA to act against copycat versions of weight loss drugs, citing safety concerns.This latest development follows an announcement by Novo Nordisk on June 23, 2025, the Danish maker of the FDA-approved weight-loss medication Wegovy (a GLP-1 treatment for obesity), that it terminated its collaboration with Hims & Hers due to concerns about its sales and "deceptive" marketing of Wegovy.Novo Nordisk's announcement triggered securities class action lawsuits against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. and certain of the company's executives, seeking to represent investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Hims & Hers securities between April 29, 2025 and June 23, 2025.National shareholders rights firm Hagens Berman continues to investigate the legal claims and urges Hims & Hers investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. The firm also encourages persons with knowledge who may be able to assist in the investigation to contact its attorneys.Class Period: Apr. 29, 2025 - June 23, 2025Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Aug. 25, 2025Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/hims Contact the Firm Now:HIMS@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 Lawmakers Urge Crack Down On Booming Market For Knockoff Weight Loss DrugsOn July 25, 2025, the Los Angeles Times reported that a group of over 80 bipartisan lawmakers asked the FDA to stop counterfeit and copycat versions of GLP-1 drugs. The report said the lawmakers expressed concern about a surge in illegal and counterfeit anti-obesity medications, which "pose an increased risk to patient safety with sometimes fatal consequences.'" Novo Nordisk Ends Collaboration With Hims & Hers After Less Than Two Months, Citing "Deceptive Marketing" And "Illegal Compounding"The lawmakers' response follows the collapse in the relationship between Hims & Hers GLP-1 drug maker Novo Nordisk.On April 29, 2025, Hims & Hers announced a collaboration agreement with Novo starting with the immediate sale of "a bundled offering of Novo Nordisk's FDA-approved Wegovy on the Hims & Hers platform." Less than two months later, the collaboration came to an abrupt halt. On June 23, 2025, Novo Nordisk announced it was ending the arrangement. In a strongly worded statement, Novo accused its former partner of flouting U.S. regulations that prohibit the mass sale of compounded versions of branded drugs, instead selling such drugs under the guise of " personalization." The pharmaceutical company asserted, "when companies engage in illegal sham compounding that jeopardizes the health of Americans, we will continue to take action." Novo's accusations seemingly contradict Hims & Hers' assurances during its February 24, 2025, Q4 2024 earnings call that "[w]e will continue to monitor and comply with regulatory requirements related to the GLP-1 shortages[.]"Securities Class Actions Zero in on Company's Assurances and GLP-1 StrategyLegal actions filed in federal court allege that Hims & Hers issued repeated assurances to investors about its regulatory compliance, the robustness of revenue from its GLP-1 drug offerings, and the "tailwinds" presented by its collaboration with Novo Nordisk. Plaintiffs claim these assurances were misleading, contending that the company failed to disclose critical information about its business practices.According to the complaints, Hims & Hers was engaged in what plaintiffs describe as the deceptive promotion and sale of unauthorized and knockoff versions of Wegovy. Unknown to investors, the company's conduct exposed patients to unknown risks and threatened the very foundation of the company's relationship with Novo Nordisk."We're investigating whether Hims & Hers may have misled investors about whether it marketed knockoff versions of Wegovy that could have put patients and the collaboration with Novo Nordisk at risk," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Hims & Hers and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Hims & Hers case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Hims & Hers should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email HIMS@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 15:01:40 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1041 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 A beloved Health & beauty retailer is back-and it's thriving. Be part of the next chapter.PURCHASE, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Harmon Retail Holdings Inc. ("Harmon" or the "Company"), a value-driven specialty retailer focused on health, wellness, and beauty products, operating through a combination of physical retail stores and an e-commerce platform, announced today an investment offering to the community to allow fans, customers and supporters of the iconic brand to become shareholders for as little as $2,500.Harmon is not just another beauty store - it's a movement. For more than 50 years, Harmon was a go-to destination for health, beauty, and everyday essentials across New York and New Jersey. When Bed Bath & Beyond folded, Harmon didn't fail, the parent company did. At the time, Harmon was thriving with $150M+ in annual sales and plans for national expansion.Now, Harmon is back! Revived by a new owner and core members of the original team, Harmon has relaunched brick-and-mortar stores, rebooted its eCommerce presence, and introduced an annual recurring revenue subscription membership program-all generating more than $5 million in revenue in just 12 months. Harmon's store format emphasizes a curated assortment of everyday health and beauty essentials catering to value-conscious consumers.The current private placement offering (the "Offering") consists of shares (the "Shares") of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with a 7% annual dividend. Qualified prospective investors who meet the qualifications of an "accredited investor"* will have the opportunity to invest a minimum of $2,500 in the Offering. For full details about the Offering and the ability to sign up to learn more about Harmon's anticipated public offering, go to https://investharmon.com/ Digital Offering LLC ("Digital Offering") is the exclusive placement agent to the Company.In addition, the Company is offering investor perks based on the investment amount that include gift cards, VIP discounts and memberships."Harmon has been an iconic brand in the New York metropolitan area and we are pleased to let our loyal customers become part of the next phase of growth as we plan to expand our footprint back to what it originally was," stated Jonah Raskas, CEO of Harmon Retail Holdings Inc."My family members were regular shoppers at Harmon, using those coveted coupons, and we are thrilled to be assisting Harmon with their capital raise to bring back a piece of history and allow investors to participate in the next phase of Harmon's growth, stated Mark Elenowitz, Managing Director of Digital Offering.Harmon is a value-driven specialty retail platform focused on health, wellness, and beauty products sold through a combination of physical retail stores and an e-commerce website ( https://www.harmondiscount.com/) . Current operations consist of two retail stores in New Jersey, in West Caldwell and Bridgewater, and one store in New York, in New Rochelle, with two additional store openings planned in the near term. Over the next 12 to 15 months, Harmon aims to expand it retail operations to include at least ten stores located in the northeast United States. In addition, Harmon plans to supplement its store growth with investments in our digital platform to reach customers beyond our physical footprint.The Offering is solely available to accredited investors* and consists of shares of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for a maximum offering amount of up to $3 million. Investments in the Offering can be made via credit card, ACH, check, or wire transfer for as little as $2,500.Full Offering details and the ability to sign up to learn more about our contemplated public offering can be found at https://investharmon.com/ For specific questions related to the Offering or accreditation status, email us at: harmon@ digitaloffering.com , or visit https://investharmon.com/ *Note: An "Accredited Investor," as defined under Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), includes individuals who meet at least one of the following criteria: (i) have a gross individual income of $200,000 (or $300,000 jointly with a spouse) in each of the two most recent years, with a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year; or (ii) have an individual net worth, or joint net worth with a spouse, exceeding $1,000,000, excluding the value of their primary residence..The Shares offered in the private offering have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Additional details of the private offering, including a private placement memorandum, can be found at https://investharmon.com/ . Under Rule 506(c), general solicitation of offerings is permitted; however, purchasers in a Rule 506(c) offering must be "verified" accredited investors. To validate accredited investor status, prospective investors must provide supporting documentation-such as tax returns, bank statements, brokerage statements, or written confirmation from a registered broker-dealer, SEC-registered investment adviser, licensed attorney, or certified public accountant-demonstrating that they meet the income or net worth thresholds required by the SEC.You may wish to visit the SEC website to learn more, and view the SEC's Accredited Investor Information. Note that income verification is valid for 12 months from the date we confirm it, while net worth verification is only valid for 3 months from the date of confirmation. Unverified investors will not be permitted to participate in the Offering.About HarmonHarmon is a widely recognized brand and is especially well known for its physical stores which were primarily located in New York, New Jersey, & Connecticut. The Harmon brand was and is known for providing the best beauty and personal care products at everyday value. Harmon was a subsidiary of Bed Bath and Beyond until they entered bankruptcy in January 2023. Customers are attracted to Harmon for everyday product needs at the best everyday prices, a great physical retail environment, terrific product assortment and some of the best employees around. Additionally, customers loved our travel and trial size collection and assortment which is one of a kind.About Digital Offering, LLCDigital Offering LLC, a leader in crowd financed public offerings, is a next-generation investment bank with a focus on technology ANKARA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has appointed Land Forces Commander Selcuk Bayraktaroglu as the new chief of staff of the military during the annual Supreme Military Council meeting held on Tuesday. The council meeting, led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and attended by key military and civilian leaders, focused on high-level military promotions and dismissals. As per the decisions approved by Erdogan, Metin Gurak, who has served as the top commander since 2023, will retire at the end of August. Metin Tokel, the first army commander, was named the new land forces commander, according to the decisions announced by the presidency. Ercument Tatlioglu will continue his role as navy commander, and Ziya Cemal Kadioglu will remain as air forces commander for another year. Erdogan emphasized that the council was convening in a time of regional crises, tensions and conflicts. He reaffirmed Turkiye's determination to become a leading power in the region. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 18:30:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 434 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Texas Alcohol and Drug Testing Service INC, d/b/a The Alcohol & Drug testing service ("TADTS") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to TADTS.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On July 9, 2024, TADTS became aware of a potential compromise to data maintained in its systems. Upon detection of the compromise, TADTS launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts. Through its investigation, TADTS confirmed that some of its data had been downloaded by an unauthorized actor.The impacted data may include full names,dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver's license or government-issued identification, Passport numbers, financial account information, credit or debit card information, usernames and passwords, emails and passwords, health insurance information, USCIS or alien registration numbers, and biometric information.On July 17, 2025, TADTS began mailing notice letters to impacted individuals anddisclosed the breach to the office of the Maine Attorney General.Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from The Alcohol & Drug Testing Service, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 15:01:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 431 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Kordas is a lifelong Norwalk resident who looks forward to putting her legal acumen to work for new clients.NORWALK, CT / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / The team at Skiber Law is delighted to welcome Attorney Jessica Kordas to the Norwalk team.Attorney Kordasis a lifelong Norwalk resident (Go Senators!) who has built a career dedicated to helping people in need. Her compassionate and unrelenting representation has helped people get back on their feet after a variety of personal injury matters. Jessica KordasAttorney Kordas earned her bachelor's degree in General Studies with a focus on Law and Society from the University of Connecticut. She went on to graduate cum laude from the Pace University School of Law, earning her Juris Doctorate. She continues to pursue opportunities for professional development while fighting tirelessly for her clients.Since graduating with her Juris Doctorate, Attorney Kordas boasts bar admissions throughout:State of New YorkState of ConnecticutUnited States District Court, Southern District of New YorkConnecticut Bar Association, MemberFairfield County Bar Association, MemberNew York Bar Association, MemberWhen she's not fighting for her clients, Attorney Kordas is raising her children to be as deliberately curious as she is. She makes a point to merge her love of the law with her desire to give back to the Norwalk community, making her a pillar that her neighbors, friends, and clients can rely on.Skiber Lawhas always fought to provide our clients with opportunities to connect with tried-and-tested legal professionals. The team's efforts have secured over $100 million in damages on behalf of its clients since 2008. Clients can trust the team to be transparent and forthright, no matter how complicated their cases seem.The team looks forward to flourishing alongside Attorney Kordas in the months and years to come.About Skiber LawSkiber Law does not let unchecked negligence go unanswered. Connecticut residents contending with the aftermath of a devastating and life-changing accident can turn to the team's personal injury lawyers in Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Stamford for legal guidance.The attorneys at Skiber Lawhave secured millions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of clients in need. Each person who turns to Skiber Law for support can trust our attorneys to provide them with compassionate support and clear legal guidance.The firm's aggressive advocacy ensures that everyone in need has the chance to benefit from high-quality, compassionate, and personalized representation. Interested parties canbook a free case consultationwith Skiber Law representatives today to learn more about their legal options in the wake of a serious accident.Contact InformationMichael Skiber Foundermichael@ skiberlaw.com (203) 615-0090SOURCE: Skiber Law PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 18:45:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 376 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / With Intelligence recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to With Intelligence.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On June 28, 2025, PeopleCheck, a third-party vendor for With Intelligence, discovered that threat actors had accessed data using compromised login credentials. On July 7, 2025, PeopleCheckalerted With Intelligence that data processed on its behalf may have been affected.The impacted files may have included your name, email, internal reference name, date of birth, phone number, birth city, Social Security number, gender, mother name, and share code.On July 11, 2025, With Intelligence reported the breach to the Massachusetts Attorney General and began notifying affected individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from With Intelligence, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 17:07:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 511 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Precise Behavioral announced today an agreement with Los Angeles Veterans Affairs for a transformative new mental health initiative designed to provide immediate, proactive, and stigma-free emotional support to veterans across the region. The countywide program eliminates barriers to care, creates real-time access, and improves mental health outcomes for veterans, including those not currently eligible for VA services.This first-of-its-kind Mental Health without Barriers program mission is designed to eliminate long wait times, complicated systems, and fragmented access through the combined services of three Behavioral Health industry leaders, for effective care without stigma, apps, or delays.Precise Behavioral, will deliver trauma-informed clinical services, including therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and care coordination via secure telehealth by licensed professionals.Happy Frictionless Mental Health will provide frictionless mental health support through human conversations with trained Support Givers with no apps, no diagnosis, and no cost.Reality Center will offer in-person sensory wellness sessions using light, sound, vibration, movement, and guided breathwork to reduce symptoms, related trauma, anxiety and stress.The program covers over 3,500 veterans countywide, including those not eligible for traditional VA care at no cost and is expected to increase behavioral health access by 20% and improve self-reported mental health conditions by 30%. Participants will be engaged through trained Peer Specialists from the Veteran Peer Access Network VPAN for needs assessment, service matching, and ongoing support."Thank you to our partners at Los Angeles County Quality and Productivity Commission for funding this critical program to meet the mental health needs of veterans and their families that our staff are encountering in our communities," said Director Jim Zenner Licensed Certified Social Worker. "It is extremely hard for veterans to ask for help, so when they do, we need to be able to get them help within hours or a day or two"."This initiative enables us to deliver timely, high-quality care to veterans who need it most," said Matt McCormick, Chief Growth Officer at Precise Behavioral. "It's a powerful example of how focused clinical expertise and community collaboration can come together to remove barriers and improve lives." "Partnerships like these help us reach veterans who are often overlooked or underserved," said Dr. Nitin Nanda, CEO and Founder of Precise Behavioral. "Working alongside VPAN to deliver trauma-informed clinical services allows us to meet individuals where they are: quickly, effectively, and without stigma. This collaboration reflects our broader commitment to expanding timely access to high-quality mental health care." About US:Precise Behavioral is headquartered in Westlake Village, CA, and was founded in 2022 to meet the growing national demand for mental health care. The company's physician-led team of medical experts, grounded in nearly two decades of clinical research, leverage cutting-edge AI technology and seasoned clinical expertise to deliver innovative virtual care with improved measurable outcomes. Precise Behavioral is privately held.Media Contacts: Art EricksonVice President of SalesPrecise Behavioral art.erickson@precisebh.com 708.997.0653Ashley CohenCommunications DirectorLA County Military and Veterans Affairs ACohen@ mva.lacounty.gov 213.824.5455SOURCE: Precise Behavioral PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 12:53:20 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 477 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 HONG KONG, Aug 5, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK) today announced that the supplemental application for the production expansion of NEFECON has been officially approved by Chinas National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This approval for production expansion will further boost capacity and increase product supply, enabling a more efficient response to the growing clinical demand in China and across Asia.NEFECON is the first and only etiological treatment for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) to receive full approval in China, the United States, and Europe, serving as a foundational first-line therapy for patients with IgAN. Since its initial approval in China in November 2023, NEFECON was subsequently included in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) in November 2024, and received full approval from the NMPA in May 2025, irrespective of proteinuria levels, benefiting most individuals living with IgAN.NEFECON specifically modulates the mucosal immune system in the gut to reduce the formation of pathogenic galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) that trigger IgAN. Results from the Phase 3 clinical study NefIgArd demonstrated that NEFECON reduces the decline in kidney function by 50%. Results from Phase 3 clinical study NefIgArd of the Chinese population shows that NEFECON reduces kidney function decline by 66%, and delays disease progression to dialysis or kidney transplantation by 12.8 years.The expansion of our NEFECON production capacity will help better meet the growing clinical treatment needs of IgAN patients in China. Said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. China has one of the highest rates of primary glomerular disease in the world, with more than 5amillion patients estimated to be living with IgAN and over 100,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Chinese IgAN patients generally experience faster disease progression and poorer prognosis, highlighting a significant unmet medical need.As the only etiological treatment for IgAN currently recommended by both international and Chinese guidelines, the expansion of NEFECON production will further accelerate the uptake of etiological treatment, enabling more patients to access standardized treatment earlier to delay disease progression and protect kidney function. We will continue to enhance the accessibility and affordability of NEFECON, supporting its advancement from changing the treatment landscape to redefining the standard of care.NEFECON, as the only in-disease IgAN treatment has been included in the KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) and Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis (IgAV) (public review draft), making it the only targeted therapy endorsed by both international and Chinese guidelines. NEFECON has been approved across all Everest Medicines territories, including mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Taiwan region, China, as well as Singapore and South Korea, and continues to expand its therapeutic impact across Asia.As production capacity continues to grow and supply capabilities improve, NEFECON is well positioned to benefit a broader patient population by accelerating the uptake of etiological treatment, enabling more patients to access standardized care earlier to delay disease progression and preserve kidney function. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 15:13:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 940 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 /( TSX.V:OGN)(OTC:OGNNF) Orogen Royalties Inc. ("Orogen" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a purchase and sale agreement (the "Agreement") with a subsidiary of Fresnillo plc ("Fresnillo") whereby Fresnillo has acquired the Los Coyotes silver-gold project, located in Sonora Mexico.To acquire a 100% interest in the Los Coyotes project, Fresnillo will pay Orogen US$118,000 on signing (received) and US$1 million on the commencement of commercial production. Orogen will retain a 1% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty.Paddy Nicol, CEO of Orogen commented, "Los Coyotes is an undrilled silver-gold rich poly metallic project that was part of Orogen's larger and un-optioned Suanse porphyry copper project. This transaction brings in Fresnillo, the world's leading silver producer, with strong geological and regional expertise to focus on exploring the precious metal potential at Los Coyotes. Orogen will keep its upside exposure to Los Coyotes though its retained royalty without any further capital contribution. We look forward to the next rounds of exploration at Los Coyotes with Fresnillo." About the Los Coyotes Silver-Gold Project The Los Coyotes property consists of six claims covering over 600 hectares located approximately 180 kilometres northeast of Hermosillo in Sonora Mexico. The property lies within the prolific Laramide porphyry copper belt, between Mexico's two largest copper mines, Cananea and La Caridad. and within the Sierra Madre Occidental Gold and Silver Belt proximal to multiple producing Eocene precious metal vein systems including the Santa Elena, Ermitano, Las Chispas and Mercedes mines. (Figure 1).Figure 1: Location of the Los Coyotes property Mineralization on the Los Coyotes property has been mapped in multiple sub parallel northeast striking sub-vertical mineralized structures and as replacements within a limestone unit interbedded within the Andesites. The mineralized structures, which can be traced across the property for over five kilometres, are undrilled but contain several historical workings. Channel sampling of these structures at surface has returned up to 1.4 metres at 6.81 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 927 g/t silver (Figure 2 and Photo 1).Mineralization is hosted within dacitic to andesitic composition volcanic rocks interpreted to be part of the Laramide-age Tarahumara Formation.Figure 2: Silver (left) and Gold (right) in rock samples over simplified geology on the 151-hectare portion of the Coyotes claimsPhoto 1: Channel sample that returned 1.4 metres grading 6.81 g/t gold, 927 g/t silverQualified Person Statement All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by Laurence Pryer, Ph.D., P.Geo. VP Exploration for the Company. Dr. Pryer is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.About Orogen Royalties Inc. Orogen Royalties is focused on organic royalty creation and royalty acquisitions on precious and base metal discoveries in western North America. The Company's royalty portfolio includes the Ermitano gold and silver Mine in Sonora, Mexico (2.0% NSR royalty) operated by First Majestic Silver Corp. The Company is well financed with several projects actively being developed by joint venture partners.On Behalf of the BoardOROGEN ROYALTIES INC. Paddy NicolPresident & CEOTo find out more about Orogen, please contact Paddy Nicol, President & CEO at 604-248-8648, and Marco LoCascio, Vice President, Corporate Development at 604-248-8648. Visit our website at www.orogenroyalties.com Orogen Royalties Inc.1015 - 789 West Pender StreetVancouver, BCCanada V6C 1H2 info@ orogenroyalties.com Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this presentation, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Orogen Royalties Inc. (the "Company") expect to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information in this news release includes: the timing of the delisting of the common shares of Orogen from certain stock exchanges and the subsequent listing of shares of Orogen SpinCo on proposed exchanges; the expected benefits, timing and proceeds of the exploration alliances, business objectives and plans of Orogen SpinCo and the timing of the finalization of the alliance contracts. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent the companies' expectations, estimates and projections regarding possible future events or circumstances.Although the Company believe the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions.Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.1. https://orogenroyalties.com/news-releases/orogen-royalties-options-llano-de-nogal-to-riverside-resources/ SOURCE: Orogen Royalties Inc PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 17:10:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 457 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Lanny J. Davis, legal counsel to Oxford Gray Corporation of North America, announced today that FINTIV, a Texas-based company led by Michael Liberty, has not yet responded to claims filed in Texas and Florida courts regarding alleged outstanding promissory notes totaling more than $9 million.The legal actions filed by Oxford Gray seek to enforce contractual obligations that the plaintiff asserts are owed under promissory notes issued by FINTIV. The cases are currently pending, and details can be found in public legal filings. See HERE.As part of a national telephonic press conference held last week, Mr. Davis publicly requested that the board members of FINTIV-as listed on the company's public website-consider addressing the company's alleged contractual obligations. A transcript of his remarks and the list of current board members are available online. See HERE and HERE.During the press conference, Mr. Davis emphasized that there are no allegations being made against any board members in connection with any past legal matters involving Mr. Liberty. Mr. Liberty has previously resolved a federal campaign finance matter and received a presidential pardon related to a prior indictment. For text of indictment see HERE.These proceedings are public record. Re the DOJ indictment of Liberty, See HERE. Re. the presidential pardon see HERE. Re. prior guilty plea for campaign finance violation - see HERE.Separate from the resolved criminal matter, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a civil enforcement action involving Mr. Liberty, which remains ongoing. See SEC complaint against Liberty for alleged scheme to defraud investors See: SEC.gov | Michael A. Liberty, et al. In addition, Oxford Gray has filed a case in Florida seeking to enforce what it asserts is a personal guarantee by Mr. Liberty related to the promissory notes in question. For full text of attorney Davis's live press conference plus auditory recording and description of two Oxford Gray law suits in Texas and Florida to collect on alleged over $9 million owed by the company n the Oxford Gray promissory notes, see HERE."Our position is that the company should honor its contractual commitments," said Davis. "My clients hope the courts will provide a fair resolution and that all responsible parties will take the necessary steps to comply with any binding agreements, should the courts determine such obligations exist." Attorney Lanny J. Davis is representing Oxford Gray Corporation in this matter. Mr. Davis is the founder of the law firm Lanny J. Davis & Associates, served as White House Special Counsel to President Bill Clinton, and was a member of a bipartisan civil liberties oversight board appointed by President George W. Bush.For further press inquiries, please contact: MMelendez@ lannyjdavis.com SOURCE: Attorney Lanny J. Davis PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 18:22:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 361 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / PDI Health recently discovered that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to PDI Health.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On May 14, 2025, PDI Health discovered a security breach involving its internal systems. An unauthorized party accessed and extracted sensitive data, compromising patient records. The impacted data may include names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, billing information, electronic medical records (EMRs), test results, and medical history.The ransomware group Everest claimed responsibility for the attack on the dark web. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from PDI Health, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 20:06:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 338 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Firm to distribute 1,000 backpacks to students in need in Bladensburg and Landover.BLADENSBURG, MARYLAND / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLPwill host its third annual Project Backpack event this August, with plans to distribute more than 1,200 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local elementary school students in need.The first event will take place at Bladensburg Elementary School on August 22 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at 4915 Annapolis Rd, Bladensburg, MD 20710. The second giveaway will take place at William Paca Elementary School on August 25 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM at 7801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785.Children must be present to pick up their backpacks. The event is open to all local elementary school students, and pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Those who pre-register will be entered into a raffle for a $100 Walmart gift card."Project Backpack is one of Price Benowitz's most meaningful annual traditions and a true reflection of who we are as a firm. Each year, we come together with passion, putting our hearts into making a difference for students and families in our community. This event is about more than providing school supplies; it's about giving children the confidence and tools they need to succeed," said Lara Wilson, Firm Operations Director at Price Benowitz.The Price Benowitz Project Backpack event has grown each year, providing an increasing number of children with backpacks and school supplies.Interested attendees can pre-register through the online form: https://forms.gle/rQjzLdViRXjSyRXm7 ###About Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLPPrice Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP is a personal injury law firm headquartered in Washington, DC with offices in Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina. The firm was founded by David Benowitz and Seth Price, and since then, the two have built up their law firm to include 40 lawyers. The law firm handles a variety of cases beyond personal injury and medical malpractice, including criminal defense, trusts and estates, and family law.Contact informationSeth PricePrice Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP(202) 444-4444info@ pricebenowitz.com SOURCE: Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 01:45:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 641 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 4, 2025 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) between January 23, 2024 and July 21, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 26, 2025.SO WHAT: If you purchased Lockheed Martin securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Lockheed Martin class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=2661or 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 26, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Lockheed Martin lacked effective internal controls regarding its purportedly risk adjusted contracts including the reporting of its risk adjusted profit booking rate; (2) Lockheed Martin lacked effective procedures to perform reasonably accurate comprehensive reviews of program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks; (3) Lockheed Martin overstated its ability to deliver on its contract commitments in terms of cost, quality and schedule; (4) as a result, Lockheed Martin was reasonably likely to report significant losses; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Lockheed Martin's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Lockheed Martin class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=2661 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. Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong (L) hands over emergency humanitarian supplies to Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Aug. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Dongshu) COLOMBO, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China handed over emergency humanitarian supplies to Sri Lanka here on Tuesday. The handover included emergency supplies ranging from tents and beds to generators and water pumps. These items aim to improve conditions for local communities displaced by flooding and help them respond more effectively to future natural disasters. Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said that as a country with extensive experience in post-disaster reconstruction and risk management, China can share valuable expertise and advanced technologies with Sri Lanka to strengthen the South Asian country's resilience in disaster prevention. "China is willing to explore more practical and in-depth cooperation with the Sri Lankan side in areas such as satellite meteorological image sharing, disaster early warning, and disaster prevention and mitigation," Qi said. Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha expressed gratitude for China's timely assistance and underscored the importance of such partnerships as climate change intensifies disaster risks in the region. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 13:45:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 975 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Play at Ignition Casino, the top-rated crypto casino in 2025 for U.S. players. Fast Bitcoin withdrawals, real poker traffic, 400+ games, and mobile-friendly access.GLENDALE, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Ignition Casinocontinues to lead the pack in 2025 as one of the most reliable crypto gambling platforms, especially for players in the U.S. With support for Bitcoin and several other digital currencies, it offers a straightforward and fast-paced experience that appeals to those who value speed, privacy, and variety.Instead of overloading the platform with flashy elements, Ignition keeps things efficient. The interface is simple, responsive, and quick to navigate across both desktop and mobile. 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There% PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 17:35:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 659 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Phase 4 extension of SimoN platform will enhance tax compliance capabilities and provide critical support for the agency's modernization and predictive analytics goals.MELBOURNE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / As the U.S. federal government accelerates its strategy to procure advanced Artificial Intelligence solutions, Skymantics, LLC is at the forefront, providing innovative AI and synthetic data capabilities to modernize the nation's critical infrastructure. The company's leadership in this space is demonstrated in the award of a Phase 4 contract to continue to support AI solutions for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The contract award is for the continued development of its Simulation of the Nation (SimoN) synthetic data engine, an IRS-specific implementation of Skymantics' core DataGenesis AI based synthetic data platform that is central to the agency's testing and modernization efforts.The SimoN platform provides a crucial business value to the IRS: it allows the agency to rigorously test its complex tax systems using high-fidelity synthetic data, thereby protecting sensitive, real taxpayer information from exposure. This enhances security and privacy while ensuring system integrity. SimoN currently supports over 180 data elements with over 300 dimensionalities representing real world data relationships.This Phase 4 contract significantly expands the engine's scope beyond its original testing function. Skymantics will enhance the platform to generate sophisticated data models that simulate non-compliant and potentially fraudulent activities. This directly empowers the IRS's mission-critical work in the following ways:Enhances Fraud Detection: Provides a safe and renewable data source to train and validate fraud detection algorithms, increasing their accuracy and effectiveness.Strengthens Tax Compliance: Allows the agency to model and understand complex compliance data scenarios, improving the IRS's ability to ensure a fair and equitable tax system.Enables Predictive Analytics: Creates a foundation for the IRS to develop advanced predictive models to anticipate and counter emerging threats to the nation's revenue system.Ensures Downstream Integration: Includes built-in ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) support to natively interface synthetic data into the IRS Modernized e-File (MeF) system, ensuring seamless compatibility for end-to-end testing."We are proud to continue our support of the IRS with our cutting-edge SimoN platform," said Brad Molander, Head of Engineering. "This award validates our confidence in the power of our synthetic data engine to solve mission-critical challenges. What began as a revolutionary tool for automated testing is now evolving to directly support the IRS's vital compliance and fraud detection efforts, providing even greater value to the agency and the public." Skymantics is also seeking to expand its capability to support air traffic management, building on its history of supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since 2015. With the recent budget legislation and directive to build a brand-new Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, there is an opportunity to integrate Skymantics' next-generation AI and data analytics to improve safety and efficiency."The federal government's commitment to investing in AI technologies is creating a significant growth opportunity for our advanced capabilities across multiple sectors," said Charles Chen, CEO of Skymantics. "Our recent contract with the IRS is a powerful testament to the innovation and personalized approach our team delivers. Now, with the additional spending in air traffic management, we are eager to extend our DataGenesis AI product to support the FAA's critical modernization efforts and help make our skies safer. We have a proven track record and are confident that our technology can play a vital role in developing the more intelligent air traffic control systems of the future." About Skymantics, LLC: Skymantics, LLC is an SBA-certified 8(a) small disadvantaged business specializing in applied Artificial Intelligence and data modernization. Grounded in the core values of creativity, collaboration, and excellence, the company's mission is to drive positive change by putting emerging data technologies into practice. As a high-tech software services provider, Skymantics works as a trusted team player with government agencies and private industry partners to solve complex challenges and lower the barriers for technology adoption.Antonio Correas, Chief Growth Officer antonio.correas@skymantics.com +1 202 780 7591SOURCE: Skymantics, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 09:01:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 996 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Deeper, broader step-out drill campaign to offer low risk test of emerging calk-alkalic porphyry system.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Star Copper Corp. (CSE:STCU)(OTCQX:STCUF)(FWB:SOP) ("Star Copper" or the "Company"), a critical minerals exploration and development company, is pleased to report that it is in receipt of newly processed geophysical data from the Star copper-gold project located in British Columbia's Golden Triangle. This information is being used to refine target generation and drill pad placement ahead of a fully funded Phase 2 drill campaign scheduled for fall 2025. The company is shifting towards a discovery-based drill program to further expand the known deposit.Company CEO Darryl Jones notes, "The significance of our Phase 1 drill campaign, which is nearing completion, is already driving momentum into the fall of 2025. Based on the accumulated historic data and preliminary findings from our Phase 1 campaign at Star, our team has begun advancing towards Phase 2 drilling with increased confidence and focus on targeted results to expand the Star deposit model. The company is diligently working towards unlocking what we believe is a multi-kilometer porphyry cluster. We are very pleased with what we are achieving in the field and look forward to building value well into the latter part of 2025."Inverted IP (Induced Polarization) chargeability models support continued exploration success at Star Main and are enabling the Company to confidently design a deeper, broader step-out drill program. The well-defined supergene copper enrichment zone at Star Main, measuring approximately 250 metres by 250 metres and extending to depths of 100 metres, hosts pervasive azurite and malachite mineralization. This zone serves as the foundation for an emerging calk-alkalic porphyry system not commonly found in British Colombia. See Figure 1.Figure 1 - Star Target Cu-oxide zone & historic drilling. Star Copper 2025Planning for Growth: Star North and Star EastStar Copper has constructed new drill pads at its Star North target, situated approximately 1km north of current drilling. This area presents a robust geophysical and geochemical footprint matching Star Main in both size (500m x 500m) and technical signature. The overlapping soil anomaly and IP chargeability high, coupled with strong geologic continuity, make Star North a compelling, high impact drill target for Phase 2.About 1km east of Star Main, the Star East target also mirrors the Star Main system, comprising a 250m x 500m chargeability and copper-gold soil anomaly. Both targets are fully permitted and prioritized for fall drilling.Historical Upside at Copper CreekConcurrently, the Company is advancing the Copper Creek target which is another historically drilled zone on the property in preparation for future testing. Drilling conducted in the 1970s returned grades of 0.48% copper from surface to 50 metres depth, (G-2-70 -341104 mE, 6456326mN UTM 9N, 000/-80 - Property File 800226) Copper Creek adds an additional dimension to the evolving porphyry cluster at Star.Unlocking a Porphyry ClusterDrilling to-date at Star Main has confirmed classic porphyry mineralization styles to depths of 674 metres. The Company believes that the emerging targets encompassing Star Main, Star North, Star East, and Copper Creek all represent a multi-kilometer porphyry cluster within a highly prospective and underexplored portion of BC's Golden Triangle. See Figure 2.Figure 2 - Star Target Oxidized Zone. Star Copper 2025Pending AssaysResults from the first phase of drilling at Star are currently being analyzed and will be reported as they are received from Bureau Veritas, a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection and certification services.Qualified PersonJeremy Hanson, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as that term is defined under NI 43-101, is an independent contractor of the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical aspects of this news release.On Behalf of the Board of Directors~Darryl Jones~Darryl JonesCEO, President & DirectorStar Copper Corp.About Star Copper Corp. (CSE:STCU)(OTCQX:STCUF)(FWB:SOP / WKN A416ME)Star Copper Corp. is an exploration and development company focused on developing high-potential copper projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Company aims to advance its British Columbian flagship Star Project where significant exploration work including historical drilling has confirmed open mineralization at depth and in all directions. Star Copper's strategic plans include geological mapping and geophysical surveys to refine existing targets, diamond drilling programs to test high-priority zones, environmental baseline studies and permitting groundwork alongside data analysis and resource modeling to support a future resource estimate prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. The Company further plans to advance its Indata Project with follow-up drilling to expand on previous high-grade copper and gold intercepts, trenching and surface sampling to delineate mineralized zones, and infrastructure improvements for site accessibility and operations. With a commitment to sustainable development and value creation, Star Copper aims to position itself to support surging industrial demand to meet growing global electrification needs.For more information visit: www.starcopper.com and to sign up for free news alerts please go to https://starcopper.com/news/news-alerts/ , or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook or LinkedIn. More information in respect of the project, including historical drilling, is available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and/or in the Company's February 26, 2025 technical report.Investor Relations Star Copper Corp.Email: info@ starcopper.com Web: https://starcopper.com/ Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding exploration of the Company's flagship Star Project and the potential thereof, as well as the anticipated mineral resource estimate planned in respect of the Star Project. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 14:31:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 562 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Exclusive Agreement Targets $105B+ European Food Packaging Market within $420B+ Global IndustryBOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / Tiderock Companies, Inc. (OTCID:TDRK), a growth-driven holding company focused on sustainable manufacturing and infrastructure, today announced that its subsidiary, Tiderock Distribution Ltd., has signed a Master Exclusive Distribution Agreement with NextGen Bioplastics, Inc. granting exclusive rights to distribute NextGen's innovative bioplastic products across European Union, Great Britain, and Ireland.This multi-year agreement positions Tiderock at the forefront of Europe's rapidly growing USD $75-105 billion food packaging market (2025 estimate), a key segment within the USD $420+ billion global food packaging industry projected to exceed USD $660 billion by 2035. The deal leverages Tiderock's established market relationships across quick service restaurants, food producers and transportation companies, to capitalize on the Europe's accelerating shift to renewable and compostable materials driven by strict sustainability mandates and consumer demand.Under the agreement, Tiderock is set forth to achieve annual minimum sales objectives, supported by a broad portfolio of certified compostable and food-contact safe bioplastic solutions meeting EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 standards. These products offer scalable, cost-effective alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, targeting industries undergoing regulatory-driven transformation."We are excited to exclusively introduce NextGen Bioplastics' advanced materials across Europe," said William Waldrop, Director of Tiderock Companies. "This agreement aligns with our strategy to scale sustainable manufacturing solutions and leverage our deep market relationships in Europe. By combining Tiderock's distribution network and NextGen's innovative product line, we are ideally positioned to meet the growing demand for compliant, eco-friendly packaging." NextGen Bioplastics' portfolio includes a full suite of biodegradable single-use content containers, deli packaging, and food service solutions engineered to reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. The collaboration also includes commitments to joint product development, market compliance, and technical training to support customer adoption.This agreement represents another milestone in Tiderock's mission to drive sustainable industrial innovation, expanding its reach into high-growth markets where regulatory pressures and consumer preferences are transforming legacy supply chains.About Tiderock Companies, Inc.:Tiderock Companies, Inc. (OTC:TDRK) is a diversified holding company focused on acquiring and scaling innovative businesses in advanced manufacturing, composite materials, and sustainable industrial solutions. Through strategic investments and operational leadership, Tiderock is building a global manufacturing company positioned to meet the evolving demands of modern infrastructure, transportation, and clean technology markets. www.tiderockcompanies.com About NextGen Bioplastics, Inc.:NextGen Bioplastics, Inc. develops and manufactures renewable, compostable, and food-contact safe packaging solutions designed to help industries transition away from petroleum-based plastics. Its products comply with global environmental standards and are engineered to meet the performance needs of today's food service and manufacturing industries. www.nextgenbioplastics.com Safe Harbor Statement:This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions. Tiderock Companies disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.Contact:Investor RelationsTiderock Companies, Inc.Email: investors@ tiderockcompanies.com Website: www.tiderockcompanies.com SOURCE: Tiderock Companies, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-05 20:00:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 632 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / August 5, 2025 / TruMerit, a worldwide leader in international credentials evaluation to support health worker careers, today introduced the Certified Global Nurse (CGN), the world's first truly global credential for first-level, general nurses (RNs). TruMerit | Global careers. Care anywhere.The new, merit-based credential is available to any qualified nurse - from any country - to recognize their competencies, regardless of where they choose to live and work. It is awarded upon passage of TruMerit's Nurse Qualifying Exam (NQE), which applicants may take after verification of their nursing education and licensure.Previously known as the CGFNS Qualifying Exam and used by nurses migrating to the United States, the NQE was reinvented with a global focus to support the ongoing evolution of nursing practice worldwide and particularly the emergence of key challenges such as digital health, mental health, and climate change. This was achieved through a collaborative process involving more than 70 nursing experts from 50 countries, with all World Health Organization regions and World Bank country income levels represented. The experts agreed upon a core set of nursing practice standards after analyzing nursing competency frameworks from 37 countries.In addition to its role as a key requirement for the CGN credential, the upgraded exam continues to support other TruMerit programs - such as the VisaScreen Visa Credentials Assessment Service and the Certification Program - as a shared global framework for validating the applied knowledge and practice competence of nurses worldwide."The Certified Global Nurse credential offers nurses everywhere a common framework for meeting globally agreed-upon essential nursing practice standards," said Dr. Peter Preziosi, TruMerit's President and CEO. "When nurses carry the credential, their employers and colleagues will know that their applied nursing knowledge and skills are validated against a global benchmark, attesting to their qualifications for delivering quality healthcare." The credential is ultimately intended to provide nurses with greater mobility within the profession, within their native countries, and across geopolitical boundaries throughout their careers."By signifying work-readiness on an international scale, and thereby helping expand the pool of readily identifiable qualified nurses worldwide, global credentialing will become part of the solution to the challenges health systems are facing around the world," said Preziosi."We hope this credential can contribute to a sustained, collaborative effort involving many stakeholders-health ministries, international agencies, health systems, nursing schools, and nursing associations worldwide-to harmonize nursing education and practice and support the future growth of the global nursing workforce," he said.The Nurse Qualifying Exam is a proctored examination that will be offered four times a year at more than 1,000 Kryterion testing centers located around the world, with the first test window scheduled for November 10-14, 2025. Nurses who wish to earn a CGN credential and sit for the NQE in November must apply by September 30 at the TruMerit website, where they will find more information on the credential and how to prepare for the exam.The testing schedule for 2026 will be announced later this year.About TruMerit TruMerit is a worldwide leader in healthcare workforce development. Formerly known as CGFNS International, the organization has a nearly 50-year history supporting the career mobility of nurses and other healthcare workers - and those who license and hire them - by validating their education, skills, and experience as they seek authorization to practice in the United States and other countries. As TruMerit, this mission has been expanded to building workforce capacity that meets the needs of people in a rapidly evolving global health landscape. Through its Global Health Workforce Development Institute, the organization is advancing evidence-based research, thought leadership, and advocacy in support of healthcare workforce development solutions, including globally recognized practice standards and certifications that will enhance career pathways for healthcare workers. www.trumerit.org Contact InformationDavid St. Johndstjohn@ trumerit.org SOURCE: TruMerit Ecobank Transnational Incorporated agreed to offload its stake in its subsidiary in Mozambique to FDH Bank Plc, a lender based in Malawi and listed on the local bourse, the pan-African banking group declared in a statement on Tuesday. Ecobank, which operates in thirty-five markets in sub-Saharan Africa, is parting with the 96 per cent interest it has held in the entity since 2014, when it acquired it from Mozambiques Banco ProCredit. It envisages that the ownership and management change resulting from the deal will not unsettle banking operations, assets and the workforce. The value of the share sale is undisclosed. The group is under an obligation to provide its Nigerian unit with $50 million to boost its capital adequacy to the regulatory minimum, having issued promissory notes to that effect, S&P Global stated in a ratings commentary in June. According to the ratings agency, the group is expected to make the cash available to Ecobank Nigeria before the end of this month in exchange for a capital-qualifying instrument of the same value. Ecobank gained 4.4 per cent at the end of trade in Lagos on Tuesday after the announcement of the divestment went public. Ecobank Mozambique runs banking services in four branches in the countrys four biggest cities. Its offerings include consumer banking, bancassurance and microfinance, among others. This strategic decision aligns with our commitment to Ecobanks Growth, Transformation, and Returns strategy, ensuring we remain a competitive and meaningful player across the markets in which we operate, said Jeremy Awori, CEO of the banking corporation. As a Pan-African financial institution, we continuously assess our operations to drive sustainable growth while maintaining our core mission of driving Africas financial integration and economic growth. He added that the lender is considering collaborations with FDH Bank to help Ecobank continue positioning Mozambique as a corridor for cross-border payments through its pan-African digital ecosystem. In the six months to June, the groups after-tax profit advanced to N433.9 billion ($278.8 million) from N311 billion ($227.3 million) a year ago. Gross earnings increased by 24 per cent to N2.3 trillion ($1.5 billion) during the period. Days after controversial intimate moments between Big Brother Naija housemates, activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately ban or strictly regulate the ongoing Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show. Mr Idam made this call in a petition addressed to NBCs Director General and titled Urgent need to ban or regulate the content of the television programme described as Big Brother Naija for obscene, indecent, and profane content, under the NBC Act 1999, and made available on his Facebook page. According to the lawyer, the reality show BBNaija is airing real-time explicit and pornographic content freely on television and social media, which contradicts the NBC Acts of 1999. Intimate moment Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES reported that intimate moments between Isabella and Kayikunmi after Saturday nights party stirred controversy among netizens, raising a bold question about the shows morality. However, in his petition, Mr Idan questioned NBCs regulatory mandate over broadcasting brazen obscenity and profane content by BBNaija on television and social media. The program, which is currently in its second week of its 10th edition, has been characterised with the brazen exhibition of real-time obscene and pornographic actions, thereby questioning the position of the NBC regarding its regulatory mandate to such television broadcasts, the activist stated. Past sanctions The activist lawyer compared NBCs past sanctions on Afrobeats music videos deemed indecent with the current content aired on BBNaija. He argued that while their audiences widely accept both, they share similar elements of indecency and therefore should be subjected to the same regulatory scrutiny. The NBC in the recent past has sanctioned or banned several music videos, such as Dont Stop by Olamide, Tesojue by Reminisce, Tony Montana by Nato C and Olamide, Yayo by Phyno, In my bed by Wizkid and several other videos, considered as promoting public indecency and pornography, despite approval by their audiences. Therefore, it becomes perplexing to find that the NBC has remained mute or unconcerned in the face of the program, Big Brother Naija, despite its obvious explicit content, Mr Idam said. Societal values While acknowledging that the show is rated 18+, Mr Idam further expressed his concerns that other television and social media audiences, rather than the BBNaija target audiences, accidentally stumbled on the shows contents, which leads to moral wreckage and insensibility in Nigerian societies. Therefore, the lawyer demanded a ban or strict regulations on the reality show BBNaija within 30 days to preserve societal values. The regulation of the Big Brother Naija program, which neither offers educative, artistic, scientific, nor literary value, has become necessary to preserve and salvage the wreckage of our dear society. The NBC is by this letter urged to within thirty (30) days, regulate the Big Brother Naija program by permitting it only to be aired on highly restricted channels, reversed for its target audience and also prohibiting the sharing or dissemination of the explicit contents by the host company, on social media, he added. Activist Martin VeryDarkMan (VDM) Otse is currently leading a candlelight procession in honour of the late Fish Magnet CEO, Ifesinachi Onyekere, who his abductors killed. VDM announced his arrival in Anambra State for the procession in a video posted on his Instagram page on Sunday, following a wave of outrage over Mr Onyekeres death. Nigerians, including VDM, demanded justice and called for the perpetrators to be swiftly identified and prosecuted. The candlelight procession, which began at Aroma Junction in Awka, proceeded in defiance of a warning issued by the state Police Command. Despite the advisory, participants, dressed in black, marched in solidarity for the late businessman. The participants, marching towards the Fish Magnet Office at Ring Road, Awka, were escorted by police officers. The police cautioned against holding any procession or memorial gathering for Mr Onyekere in a statement on Tuesday, signed by spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga. The statement partly read: The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD, has issued a stern warning to social media influencer Mr Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, cautioning him against making statements or taking actions capable of inciting tension or breaching public peace within the state. The CP noted the decision of the family of the late Mr Ifesinachi Onyekere, Managing Director of Fish Magnet outlet, to publicly dissociate themselves from any proposed or ongoing candlelight procession or memorial gathering being organised in his name. No disruption of peace Mr Ikenga further stated that the police in the state would not permit any individual or group to disrupt the prevailing peace. He also appealed to VDM and other organisers of the planned candlelight procession to respect the privacy of the late entrepreneurs family and allow them to grieve, while placing their trust in the authorities to carry out their duties. The CP emphasised that Anambra State remains one of the most peaceful in the region due to the sustained efforts of the Police and other security agencies, in collaboration with critical stakeholders. He stressed that no individual, regardless of social status, would be allowed to disrupt the existing peace and security architecture of the state, he said. Mr Ikenga stated that the Commissioner had urged residents and visitors to continue their lawful activities without fear, reaffirming the Commands unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order. He called on social media users and public figures to exercise caution, refrain from disseminating misinformation, and avoid making inflammatory statements. The Command further warns that anyone found undermining public peace, either online or offline, will face the full weight of the law. This newspaper reported that the police intelligence units have intensified their efforts to track down the gunmen responsible for the abduction and murder of the victim. The Commissioner assured the victims family and the states people that security operatives would apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators according to the law. As of press time, the candlelight procession is still underway. The personal driver of Kingsley Ikoro, the majority leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, has recounted how gunmen attacked and killed two police operatives in Imo State. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that some gunmen, on Sunday, attacked and killed two police operatives along Okigwe Axis in Okigwe Local Government Area of the state. The slain operatives were attached to Mr Ikoro, the Ebonyi lawmaker. The police in Imo State have confirmed the incident and also launched an operation to track down the killers. How it happened The driver, simply identified as Nneoma, told reporters in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, that he, the lawmaker and one other person were present during the attack. Mr Nneoma said the slain police officers were in one of the two convoy vehicles returning to the Abakaliki after attending a burial in Imo State. He said on approaching Okigwe Junction, the lawmakers BMW utility vehicle broke down, prompting them to park the vehicle to find out what was wrong with it. The lawmaker was driving himself, according to him. The driver recalled that while they were checking the vehicle, a young man came to them and offered to fix the vehicle after claiming to be a mechanic. But Mr Ikoro, the lawmaker, was reluctant to allow him to repair the car, according to him. Mr Nneoma said, at the time, the police operatives who were with him in the second vehicle, a Nivara truck, remained inside the vehicle. He said the lawmaker then requested the supposed mechanic to get a towing van to move the vehicle which he obliged. The driver narrated that, at that point, he and others began to transfer their luggage from the BMW car to the truck. Not quite long, a young man wearing a jeans knicker with AK-47 rifle came to me and started asking me of the policemen with me but I quickly replied that there are no policemen with me. Immediately, he opened the door of the truck and opened fire on the police officers that were still seated inside the truck. On seeing what was happening, all of us scampered for safety, he narrated. Mr Nneoma said some soldiers later arrived at the scene of the incident which appeared to give some fleeing residents a sense of safety. Some people started coming out from their hiding places. It was then that we observed that the policemen were killed. They (police operatives) were shot while inside the vehicle. At no point did we abandon them at the scene and entered another vehicle and left, he said. The driver expressed sadness over the incident, adding that they had already reported it to the police headquarters in Ebonyi. When contacted, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, said the police in the state were aware of the incident. Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, however, declined to give details because the attack happened in Imo State which is outside his jurisdiction. Increased attacks No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack. However, the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been linked to some deadly attacks in the South-east, which has witnessed increased attacks in recent times. But the separatist group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks. IPOB is leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the south-east and some parts of the south-south Nigeria. Zamfara terrorism kingpin, Bello Turji, has released 32 kidnapped persons and agreed to stop attacking farmers following a series of meetings with some Islamic clerics in his hideout. Musa Yusuf, a cleric popularly known as Asadus-Sunnah, disclosed the development at a religious gathering on Monday in Kaduna. Mr Yusuf said Mr Turji also surrendered some of his arms after the meeting in the Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The cleric said Shinkafi residents engaged his team of clerics to appeal to Mr Turji to let them access their farms in the forest. He said the meeting took place three times in July in the Fakai forest. We met Mr Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa and Malam Ila. The speculation that Dan Bakkolo was killed is not true. These people are the ones terrorising the axis, and they all agreed to the peace proposals, one of which is for them to surrender some of their arms to show commitment to the peace process. They surrendered the arms in three phases at different times, and allowed the residents of Shinkafi to access their farms in the forest across the river heading to Mr Turji enclaves. We agreed that the Fulanis must be allowed to go to town without being stereotyped or killed by the vigilante. He (Mr Turji) also released 32 kidnapped captives as part of the peace agreement, Mr Yusuf said and showed the video of some of the released captives and the difficult terrain they crossed to reach Mr Turjis camp. He said the freed persons, including children and women, had spent about four months in captivity. He said some of the women gave birth in captivity, while one suffered a snake bite. Mr Yusuf said that since the deal, the area (Shinkafi axis) has enjoyed relative peace, and the locals are cultivating their farmlands without fear of being kidnapped. Mr Yusuf said the clerics were still trying to persuade Mr Turji to accept total peace, but they did not ask him to surrender all his arms so as not to make him vulnerable to attack by other groups opposed to the peace process in the state. He warned clerics attacking Mr Turji online that their utterances would only exacerbate the situation. He said that while the deal with Mr Turji would not end terrorist attacks in Zamfara, the communities on his axis are enjoying peace. The cleric commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and Senator Shehu Buba for supporting a non-kinetic approach in addressing the security challenges of the area. In October, Mr Turji warned that peace would continue to elude Zamfara State until the security forces and vigilante groups stopped attacking the Fulanis. This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Guns and airstrikes will not stop us because we are not afraid of death. The blame game over the worsening security situation between Governor Lawal and Bello Matawalle, now the Minister of State for Defence, was political, saying both politicians do not have their peoples best interests at heart, Mr Turji said, in a video clip. Chen Dong (R), minister at the Chinese Embassy in France, presents a donation certificate and a letter of thanks to Marcus Detrez at the Chinese Embassy in Paris, France, Aug 4, 2025. A ceremony for the handover of historical photos taken during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, donated by Marcus Detrez, was held at the Chinese Embassy in France on Monday evening. During the event, Chen Dong, minister at the Chinese Embassy in France, presented a donation certificate and a letter of thanks from the Shanghai Songhu Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to Detrez, who had donated 618 historical photographs collected by his grandfather, Roger-Pierre Laurens. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) PARIS, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony for the handover of historical photos taken during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, donated by Marcus Detrez, was held at the Chinese Embassy in France on Monday evening. During the event, Chen Dong, minister at the Chinese Embassy in France, presented a donation certificate and a letter of thanks from the Shanghai Songhu Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to Detrez, who had donated 618 historical photographs collected by his grandfather, Roger-Pierre Laurens. Many of the photos, taken between the 1930s and 1950s, document the Battle of Songhu in 1937. The Shanghai Songhu Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression has incorporated these historical photos into its permanent collection. These photos document the atrocities committed by the Japanese invaders against Chinese civilians, and are of great historical value in the research of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Speaking to reporters at the event, Detrez said that these photos captured history, and he wished that more Westerners, especially young people, would learn about that part of history through these donated photos. This photo taken on Aug 4, 2025 shows a ceremony for the handover of historical photos taken during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, donated by Marcus Detrez (3rd L), at the Chinese Embassy in Paris, France, Aug 4, 2025. A ceremony for the handover of historical photos taken during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, donated by Marcus Detrez, was held at the Chinese Embassy in France on Monday evening. During the event, Chen Dong, minister at the Chinese Embassy in France, presented a donation certificate and a letter of thanks from the Shanghai Songhu Memorial Hall for the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to Detrez, who had donated 618 historical photographs collected by his grandfather, Roger-Pierre Laurens. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) Nigeria has recorded 155 deaths from Lassa fever in 2025, with the current case fatality rate (CFR) now higher than that of the same period last year. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed this in its latest situation report for epidemiological week 29. The report shows that the CFR now stands at 18.9 per cent, compared to 17.1 per cent recorded by the same time in 2024. Although the number of confirmed cases in week 29 remained the same as the previous week, a total of 11 new cases were reported across Edo and Ondo states. So far in 2025, Nigeria has recorded 822 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 21 states and 105 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This is slightly lower than the 951 confirmed cases reported within the same period in 2024, in 28 states and 125 LGAs. Confirmed cases spread across 21 states The lassa virus, which is typically spread by contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or faeces, remains endemic in several parts of the country. According to the NCDC, five states such as Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi account for 89 per cent of all confirmed cases. Ondo State alone contributed 32 per cent of the total cases, followed by Bauchi with 23 per cent, Edo with 17 per cent, Taraba with 14 per cent, and Ebonyi with three per cent. The remaining 11 per cent of cases were reported from 16 other states. The age group most affected is between 21 and 30 years, with a median age of 30. The male to female ratio of confirmed cases stands at one to 0.8. No new infections among healthcare workers were recorded during the reporting week. The report also indicates a general decline in the number of suspected and confirmed cases compared to the same period in 2024. Ongoing national response In response to the outbreak, the National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group, in collaboration with the NCDC and development partners, has continued coordinating multi-sectoral efforts across states. The report indicates that in Ondo State, the INTEGRATE clinical trial for Lassa fever treatment began with support from the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, ALIMA, ISTH, BNITM, and ANRS-MIE. Meanwhile, Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi states conducted After Action Reviews (AARs) to assess their 2024/2025 outbreak responses, with support from IHVN and Pro-Health International. The NCDC also deployed Rapid Response Teams to 10 states and supported active case searches in health facilities and communities in affected areas. Capacity building and infection control efforts The NCDC revealed that it has expanded training efforts through the virtual launch of the second cohort of the Lassa Fever Clinical Management Fellowship, supported by Georgetown University and other partners. It also held a clinical management webinar and sensitised clinicians across six high-burden LGAs in Ondo, with backing from the WHO. It said further training for healthcare workers took place in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue, alongside a regional clinical management session for ECOWAS countries. According to the infectious disease agency, Nigeria also engaged in bilateral discussions with WHO to strengthen collaboration on disease response. To curb hospital-acquired infections, the NCDC disseminated updated IPC guidelines and haemorrhagic fever protocols, supported by the Robert Koch Institute. It said risk communication efforts were boosted through a capacity-building workshop in Cross River, media outreach in Ondo, and the rollout of a targeted communication strategy based on recent community survey findings. The agency also partnered with the SORMAS Web Enhancement team to strengthen outbreak tracking and data reporting. As Nigeria continues to report new cases of Lassa fever, health authorities warn that sustained coordination, early detection, and public awareness remain crucial in reducing transmission and saving lives. The NCDC has urged state governments, partners, and the public to remain vigilant and prioritise preventive measures as the outbreak persists. Residents of Magodo GRA Phase 2 in Shangisha, Lagos, have raised concerns over what they describe as an imminent environmental and infrastructural disaster, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in ongoing attempts to develop a landlocked gorge originally designated as a floodplain in the estates masterplan. In a statement shared on Monday by Niyi Odusi, the chairperson of Magodo Residents Association, the residents alleged that a developer, allegedly in collaboration with officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning, is attempting to construct buildings in the sensitive area meant to serve as a natural drainage channel. Titled A SAVE-OUR-SOULS AND PROPERTIES Appeal, the statement described the situation as deeply troubling and called for urgent government action to avert possible ecological degradation, flooding, and structural damages to existing properties. We have over the years and in the recent past made our objection known to many of the Lagos State Government functionaries and other stakeholders on this matter, with a view to maintaining the sanctity of our environment and safeguarding the existing residential properties, flora and fauna of our dwelling place, but we are forced to once again bring this to the court of public opinion to forestall the breakdown of law and order in the estate, Mr Odusi said. The residents explained that the estate is surrounded by a natural wetland that stretches from under the Otedola Bridge to Agiliti in Mile 12 and onward to Ikorodu. This wetland serves as a stormwater collector, protecting Magodo from flooding, erosion, and related hazards. They warned that attempts to build on the landlocked gorgewhich also acts as a stormwater collection point supported by vegetation and sand masscould lead to severe consequences for nearby homes, particularly in the low-lying areas previously known as Oko Filling. According to the statement, a similar development attempt in the area a decade ago failed due to its inaccessibility and the geological risks associated with the terrain. Our concern is that developers aided by top officials of Lagos State Physical Planning have decided on building in the gorge and are bent on distorting the natural setting and peace of our environment at the expense of existing properly situated properties, infrastructural conveniences, and thereby cause ecological distortions in an otherwise natural and stable space, the statement added. The residents noted that in April, they had petitioned the Ministry of Physical Planning and other relevant state agencies, warning against any development in the gorge. However, they alleged that the developer recently commenced demolition of an uncompleted building in the area, using armed security personnelan act they described as an intimidation tactic aimed at silencing community opposition. The process of demolition has constituted a serious health hazard to the community and has resulted in intermittent disturbances and damages to the surrounding properties, the statement said. They also claimed to have conducted an independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which reaffirmed the areas vulnerability to floods and landslides. The statement noted that the EIA assessment advised against building construction in the location. Key demands The residents called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to issue an immediate stop-work order on all development activities in the Green Valley Zone (Oko Filling) of the estate and direct relevant state agencies to review the original masterplan and confirm the gorges ecological importance. Also, they asked Governor Sanwo-Olu to instruct the developer to restore the natural landscape, provide adequate drainage and road infrastructure if the development is allowed to proceed, and indemnify existing property owners against any future environmental or infrastructural harm. While commending the Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, for visiting the area and emphasising the importance of environmental preservation, the residents also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for past efforts in protecting the estate, particularly during previous invasions. We are peaceful and law-abiding citizens, but we strongly oppose any alteration to the gorge behind Kunle Ogedengbe Crescent, which could expose lives and properties to mudslides and flooding, Mr Odusi added. What we are witnessing is an ill-advised development, driven by personal interests at the expense of public safety and environmental sustainability. PREMIUM TIMES was unable to reach both officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPA) for their comments as of the time of filing this report. Background PREMIUM TIMES recently reported that the Lagos State Government listed 176 estates across the state as illegal due to a lack of layout approvals. Affected developers were given a 21-day ultimatum to regularise their operations with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. In a notice posted on its official Facebook page, the government warned that such developments compromise the vision of a Sustainable Lagos and pose significant risks to lives and properties The Ogun State High Court in Ilaro has struck out a rape charge filed against a former lecturer at Covenant University, Ota, Stephen Ukenna. According to a Certified True Copy of the courts ruling seen on Tuesday by PREMIUM TIMES, the judge, A. A. Shobayo on 5 June 2024 granted the application of the states Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to withdraw the case. The case, marked HCT/78C/2021, was struck out after the prosecution lawyer, O. Osunsami, informed the court that efforts to bring witnesses to testify had been unsuccessful. The defence lawyer, A. Mbuko, who held brief for R. Akinola, did not oppose the application. In granting the request, Mr Shobayo ordered the case struck out. Defendant is hereby discharged but not acquitted, the judge ruled. Background PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Mr Ukenna, a lecturer in the Department of Business Management at Covenant University, was arrested by police in Ogun State in March 2021 over allegations of rape. According to a statement at the time by the then Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, the lecturer was arrested following a complaint lodged by the parents of a 17-year-old student of the institution. The parents alleged that their daughter told them she had been invited by the lecturer to his office under the pretext of planning a surprise birthday party for her friend. However, upon arriving, the lecturer allegedly locked the door and raped her on his office table. Following the report, the then Area Commander in Ota, Muyideen Obe, ordered the lecturers immediate arrest. The then Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation and prosecution. One person has died following alleged drilling during a cult initiation process at Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigerias South-south. A source told the News Agency of Nigeria that the victim died on Sunday following repeated drilling during the initiation exercise. The victim, simply identified as Prosper, was said to have approached a family member, identified as Cosmos, about his willingness to join the Aye confraternity group. Cosmos, said to be a senior member of the cult group, reportedly linked him with other members to take him to the initiation venue as he was not attending himself. But tragedy struck as Prosper was said to have died during the initiation following repeated drills by members. When contacted on Monday, Moses Yamu, the police spokesperson in Edo, confirmed the incident. According to him, one suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident. The deceased slumped during the initiation and was rushed to a hospital at Jattu, where he was confirmed dead. The suspect is in police custody while an investigation into the matter is ongoing, Mr Yamu, a chief superintendent of police, said. Edo has remained notorious for cultism and cult-related killings. The police said in November last year that the spate of cult violence and the proliferation of arms in the state were worrisome. The then-Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, while announcing a ban on the activities of Okaigheles (youth leader) in Edo South District, June last year, in a renewed effort to tackle the menace, said the state at some point lost 150 people in five months to cult-related clashes. Mr Obasekis successor, Monday Okpebholo, said in November last year that the state loses over $1 billion worth of investments annually because of cult-related violence. Mr Okpebholo, just like his predecessor, has declared war on cultism, but the governments efforts seem to yield little or no success as the killings continued. The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace, has restated the agencys commitment to staff welfare and 13 months salary to motivate and boost the morale of members of staff. Mr Ndace stated this when the newly elected national executives of Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) led by its President, Emeka Kalu, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja. According to him, the relationship between the agency and RATTAWU is very solid. He added that Mr Kalu deserved the position because he had worked and strived for it, considering his antecedents at Anambra Broadcasting Service. Mr Ndace admonished Mr Kalu to carry every member of the union along, including those who did not vote for him, urging him to focus on collaboration and motivation. When I assumed as director-general of VON, I told my staff that my first, second and third priority is welfare of staff. Last year, we paid 13th month and will make it regular. They started getting alerts in September and some were complaining that it was coming too early, but that is the commitment we cannot ignore. I take RATTAWU very seriously, because I know the role of the union in this industry. We are in VON to fix it, not to play politics with its future. When you come to tell me about the past or problems, please ensure you also come with solutions to the challenges. I remain fully committed to enhancing staff welfare, but you know we work with budgetary provision, because we are a public institution. I want to assure you that we are getting unwavering support from President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, because they are focusing on public institutions, Mr Ndace said. He further explained that the resources given to the agency by President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, would be put to appropriate use for the good of the agency and the delivery of the mandate of the agency. While noting that Nigeria needed unions like RATTAWU to further promote growth, he expressed his willingness to work with the union as family. The VON boss stressed that the agency would soon restore its long-dormant 250KW Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) transmitter. This will enable a return to shortwave broadcasting for the first time in over a decade. Once operational, VON will reach audiences across Africa and beyond. He also enumerated the various achievements under his almost two years of tenure. This, he said, included breaking the jinx of hosting staff retreats, training on artificial intelligence, international partnerships with China, Tanzania, Egypt, etc. I want to emphasise on our strategic focus on people, platform and partnership. I am confident that with shared purpose and responsible leadership, VON will rise to become a world-class public broadcaster that Nigeria will be proud of. Speaking earlier, Mr Kalu, also known as Magic Fingers, said he and his executive members came to VON to add more vigour and value to the unions voices. He commended Mr Ndace for what he described as purposeful leadership in VON, adding that RATTAWU would like to use engagement and strategic partnership to redefine the process of collaboration. We have come to share with you that we need the synergy. We are all standing for one; lets stand together, lets allow love to continue everywhere, because, if you love yourself, you will also love your job. Once we share this love, you will not think of doing the wrong thing. We will disseminate proper information, he said. (NAN) People with a record of violence or domestic abuse will be prevented from owning firearms under new rules in the United Kingdom following a series of killings in recent years. The new guidance, issued on Tuesday, came in response to concerns raised by coroners and campaigners after shootings in Englands Woodmancote and Keyham. Police officers will be instructed to interview partners or other household members of people applying for a firearms licence to identify signs of domestic abuse or other factors that could make someone unsuitable to own a weapon. They must carry out additional checks to ensure people with a record of violence are not permitted to hold a firearms licence. The move came two years after an inquest found that catastrophic failures in the licensing system had meant Keyham gunman Jake Davison had been allowed to own a shotgun despite his history of violence. Davison, then 22, killed his mother and four others, including a three-year-old girl, in an eight-minute shooting spree before taking his own life in August 2021. Evidence of dishonesty will also be considered against an application, including the withholding of relevant medical history. Robert Needham killed his partner, Kelly Fitzgibbons, and their daughters, Ava and Lex, with a legally owned shotgun at their home in Woodmancote in 2020. He was given a licence even after admitting that he had failed to disclose a history of depression and work-related stress. Emma Ambler, Fitzgibbons sister, welcomed the changes but said there was still some way to go. She said: I still believe that holding a gun licence is a privilege and not a right. The priority has to be the safety of society, and its so important to stop these extremely dangerous weapons falling into the wrong hands, which these changes will go some way to doing. Tuesdays changes will also mean applicants for shotgun licences now require two referees rather than one, bringing the process into line with the rules for other firearms. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said: Only those who meet the highest standards of safety and responsibility should be permitted to use shotguns or firearms. It is crucial that police have full information about the suitability of all applicants for these lethal weapons. The events in Woodmancote in 2020, Plymouth in 2021, and other cases provide a tragic reminder of what can happen when these weapons are in the hands of the wrong people. We must do everything we can to protect the public. ALSO READ: Trump rejects stricter gun laws after Texas church shooting Controls on shotgun ownership could be further toughened after another consultation, due to be launched later this year, that will also seek views on improving the rules on private firearms sales. The new consultation follows the case of Nicholas Prosper, who killed his mother, Juliana Falcon, and siblings Giselle and Kyle Prosper in Luton in 2024. Prosper, 19, had been able to purchase a shotgun and 100 cartridges from a legitimate firearms dealer after forging a licence. He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 49 years after pleading guilty to the murders earlier this year. (dpa/NAN) Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has arrived in London court, where he is due to appear on rape and sexual assault charges. The Ghana international, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for Arsenal. Partey was wearing a black zip-neck jumper and held a navy blazer as he entered Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning, walking quickly past members of the press. He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June. The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022. Parteys lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, previously said he had denied all the charges against him, adding that he welcomed the opportunity to finally clear his name. (dpa/NAN) Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killings of two travellers along the Awajir-Oju Road in Benue State. Mr Alia, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Tuesday in Makurdi, said that the victims were indigenes of the state. According to him, security reports indicated that the victims were travelling from Oju on a motorcycle when they were attacked and killed in cold blood. The governor also condemned a separate attack on Nyifon, a community in Mbaikyongo council ward of the Buruku Local Government Area. According to him, the incident, reportedly carried out by youths from the Mbayaka community in Kusuv, Buruku LGA, followed a misunderstanding linked to a boat mishap. The governor described the two incidents as unfortunate. Mr Alia said that nobody or group has the right to invade another community or inflict harm under any circumstances. He directed the security agencies to liaise with the traditional rulers of the concerned areas to ensure that the criminals were apprehended within 48 hours and prosecuted. Benue is beginning to experience a level of security stability. I will not tolerate any attempt by anyone, regardless of their status or intentions, to instigate unrest or threaten the peace we are working hard to sustain, he said. Mr Alia further reaffirmed his administrations commitment to protecting lives and properties. The governor called on all communities across the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding while investigations continued. (NAN) The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has approved the promotion of 30 Controllers of Corrections (CCs) to the rank of Assistant Controller General (ACGs), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). This is contained in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Abubakar Umar on Tuesday in Abuja. Mr Umar said the decision was in line with the commitment to merit-based advancement, professional excellence, and the continuous strengthening of leadership within the NCoS. Among the newly promoted officers are 27 general duty officers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and operational competence in various formations across the country. In addition, three professional officers have also been elevated in recognition of their outstanding services and specialised contributions in the areas of Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, and Public Health, he said. Mr Umar said the promotion exercise reflected the ongoing reform agenda in the service, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. This, he said, was under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose unwavering commitment to reposition the service for greater efficiency and professionalism is unprecedented. Reacting, the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, congratulated the newly promoted senior officers. Mr Nwakuche urged them to redouble their effort to service delivery, strategic leadership, and the core mandates of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates. He emphasised that the promotion was not only a reward for past performance but also a call to higher responsibility in line with global best practices in correctional management. He said that the service remained committed to building a motivated, disciplined, and professional workforce capable of meeting the complex demands of modern corrections and public safety. (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bayero University, Kano (BUK) Branch, has awarded scholarships to 18 indigent students, as part of its annual Indigent Student Scholarship Scheme. Speaking at the award ceremony on Tuesday in Kano, the Chairperson of ASUU-BUK, Ibrahim Tajo-Siraj, said the programme aimed to support academically outstanding students who had financial difficulties. He said that the initiative was a core programme of ASUU at the national and branch levels. According to him, it reflects the unions commitment to promoting inclusive education regardless of socio-economic status, gender, religion or ethnicity. At ASUU, we are not just lecturers, but mentors and builders of society. We work closely with our students, many of whom come from humble backgrounds, but are full of potential. This scholarship is one of the ways we ensure that no student is left behind because of financial hardship. Mr Tajo-Siraj revealed that ASUU at the national level annually awards 200,000 each to two students from each of its over 80 branches across the country. The BUK ASUU chairman also said that in addition to the two national recipients, ASUU-BUK branch awards 100,000 each to 16 students annually, bringing the total beneficiaries to 18. According to him, the scholarships are funded solely through voluntary monthly deductions from the salaries of ASUU members. Our members are not rich, but we believe in the power of collective sacrifice to uplift others. It is a responsibility we take seriously and proudly. He noted that the BUK branch had sustained the scholarship scheme for over a decade, with many past recipients graduating successfully and contributing to national development. He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and make the best use of the opportunity. Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the BUK, Sagir Abbas, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Aliyu Muazu, commended ASUU for its commitment to supporting students. I congratulate the union for this noble gesture. Without such initiatives, many may not fully understand the financial challenges students face, Mr Abbas said. The vice chancellor, however, encouraged ASUU to always inform the university management about the initiative for wider publicity and institutional recognition. The Convener of the Indigent Scholarship Committee, Muhammad Waziri, congratulated the beneficiaries and acknowledged the competitiveness of the selection process. We received over 100 applications; this support is to ensure that you continue your education. We hope to support more students in the coming years, Mr Waziri said. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Muhammad Adamu thanked the union for the financial support. We are deeply grateful to ASUU for this timely assistance. May God continue to strengthen the union in its selfless service to students, he said. (NAN) BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological and water resource authorities on Tuesday evening issued a red alert -- the highest-level warning -- for mountain torrents, as rainstorms continue to batter parts of the country. From 8 p.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Wednesday, mountain torrents are highly probable in the central and western parts of Guangdong, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration. The two agencies also issued an orange alert for mountain torrents in parts of Guangdong and Guangxi. Temporary heavy downpours may trigger mountain torrents in other regions, the authorities said. Local governments were urged to enhance real-time monitoring and flood warnings, prepare evacuation plans, and implement precautionary measures to mitigate risks. The wife of the Nigerian president, Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N1 billion to support the people affected by natural disasters in Niger State. Mrs Tinubu, who made the donation through her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), on Tuesday in Minna, said the beneficiaries would include flood, fire, and boat accident victims as well as those affected by banditry attacks. She described the disasters as touching: These are indeed challenging times, but I pray that Almighty God comforts the bereaved families, heals the injured, and strengthens all those affected. She also acknowledged the federal governments quick response in disbursing funds and relief materials to the affected people. Mrs Tinubu said the strength of a nation is its ability to show compassion to those in pain, urging Nigerians to be compassionate to one another. I am glad that President Bola Tinubu swiftly approved the immediate release of funds and food items to assist in the recovery effort and the reconstruction of houses destroyed by the flood. I am here to condone with Governor Mohammed Bago and the good people of Niger over the devastating flood incident that affected Mokwa Local Government, which sadly claimed the lives of many people and displaced several families. I also commend the efforts of the governor for rising promptly to the occasion with the donation of funds and grains to support displaced families. In support of the rebuilding efforts of the Niger State Government, the Governing Council of the Renewed Hope Initiative is donating the sum of N1 billion, along with relief materials, including clothes, shoes, and 2,000 bags of 50kg rice to the state, she said. The wife of the president also extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the recent tragic boat accident, the victims of bandit attacks, and those who have suffered from fire disasters in the state. ALSO READ: Tinubu approves N2 billion for resettlement of Niger flood victims As a mother, I share your pain and grief over this irreplaceable loss and devastation. I believe that we all can collectively overcome this tragedy and help this community heal. May God comfort you and grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed. The funds will be directed towards housing support and essential supplies to help displaced families get back on their feet. This is in line with the objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative as contained in our motto, Towards a Better Life for Families, she said. Governor Bago thanked President Tinubu and his wife for their support of the people. (NAN) A member of the House of Representatives, Kabiru Maipalace, has sponsored the renovation of 80 cemeteries in the Gusau and Tsafe local government areas of Zamfara State. Mr Maipalace represents Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency in Zamfara. Speaking at the inauguration of the projects in Tsafe town on Tuesday, the lawmaker said the initiative was part of his constituency projects. Today, we embarked on the renovation of 80 cemeteries in Gusau and Tsafe LGAs as part of my second year anniversary as a second-term member, House of Representatives for Gusau and Tsafe Federal Constituency. We had noticed the dilapidated conditions of our cemeteries in various communities across my constituency. As human beings, we know one day, all of us are going to be buried here; therefore, we must ensure we do good to improve the conditions of our last home, Mr Maipalace said. As we all know, in Islam, we know the value of keeping cemeteries in good conditions. It prevents various disasters and calamities in the society, he added. The lawmaker promised to pay allowances to cemeteries guards and workers and provide them with working tools monthly. Mr Maipalace appealed to his constituents to intensify prayers against insecurity. He appealed to the people of the state to continue to support the governments policies and programmes to promote peace and stability in the state. Also speaking, the District Head of Tsafe East, Aliyu Abubakar, commended the lawmaker for the initiative and described it as a welcome development. The traditional ruler urged other political officeholders to emulate the lawmaker by reaching out to their constituents to address various societal challenges. On behalf of Tsafe Emirate Council, I extend our appreciation to the lawmaker and his team for initiating various projects to reduce various socio-economic challenges in the society, he said. (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to adopt a global perspective in national development, particularly in business and education, while leaning on locally driven solutions. President Tinubu made the call during the launch of The Chronicles of a Legend, a biography of Gabriel Igbinedion, a businessman and founder of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State. Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the president described the Esama of Benin Kingdom as an example of entrepreneurial excellence rooted in indigenous possibilities. He noted that Mr Igbinedion built institutions like Okada Air and Igbinedion University that not only served Nigeria but also had global impact, adding that the countrys prosperity lies in the hands of visionary entrepreneurs who blend indigenous knowledge with global best practices. Igbinedions ventures as milestones President Tinubu described key ventures by Mr Igbinedion as milestones of faith, innovation and purpose, while highlighting that greatness is not imported but cultivated locally. Chief Igbinedion saw possibilities where others saw roadblocks. His work reminds us that greatness is not imported but cultivated. His legacy should serve as a roadmap for young Nigerians looking to contribute meaningfully to the nations future, he said. The president hailed the book as more than a life story, calling it a repository of courage, national pride, and a commitment to service. Honour builders, not career politicians Obi Also speaking, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, used the occasion to call for a shift in Nigerias honour system. Mr Obi urged that individuals who create jobs and drive the economy with examples like Mr Igbinedion, who employs over 17,000 people should receive the highest national honours, not just political elites. Its time we celebrate builders of the economy more than career politicians. Thats the way to truly transform Nigeria, he said. He advocated for top national honours such as GCFR and GCON to be awarded to individuals who have made significant economic contributions. Mr Obi also pledged annual financial support to the endowment fund of Igbinedion University, calling it a generational investment worth preserving Saraki celebrates boldness and humility Former Senate President Bukola Saraki portrayed Igbinedion as a bold thinker guided by compassion. Mr Saraki commended the celebrant for pursuing groundbreaking projects such as aviation and private university at a time when private sector ventures in aviation and higher education were considered impractical. What made him exceptional wasnt just his ambition, but his humility. He served people with grace, no matter their background, he noted, encouraging Nigerians to keep the Esamas legacy alive. Reflections on humble beginnings Mr Igbinedion, the proprietor of the defunct Okada Air, reflected on his early life, recalling days when he sold goods barefoot and studied by the light of an oil lamp. He noted that his journey was driven not by wealth, but by conviction and discipline. I was once a barefoot boy with dreams and nothing else. We must stop waiting for others to build our future. We must begin with what we have, he said. He credited his mothers values for shaping his character and stressed that true legacy is not inherited but built and deliberately passed on. The Federal Ministry of Education has denounced what it described as a sponsored smear campaign targeting the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the Ministrys attention had been drawn to what it called libellous and misleading reports circulated by a group operating under the name Education Rights Activists Coalition (ERAC). The group alleged administrative misconduct and a disregard for the rule of law on the part of Ms Garba claims the Ministry dismissed as baseless, malicious, and clearly politically motivated. Mr Alausa described the attacks as a calculated attempt by disgruntled individuals and entrenched interests to derail the reform agenda currently underway in the basic education sector under Ms Garbas stewardship. Aisha Garba is an internationally respected education expert with over 24 years of experience, including 15 years at the World Bank. She has brought integrity, professionalism, and global best practices to UBEC, the minister said. According to the ministry, Ms Garbas leadership has led to significant progress in access, equity, and quality of basic education across the country. Under her watch, UBEC has constructed nearly 5,000 classrooms, renovated over 3,000 others, and established early childhood care and development centres nationwide. The Commission has also distributed more than five million textbooks and over 350,000 units of classroom furniture across public schools. In the area of capacity building, more than 147,000 teachers have been trained in modern pedagogical techniques, while nearly 978,800 others have benefitted from Nigerias largest-ever teacher professional development initiative. A comprehensive curriculum reform to embed digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and 21st-century skills is currently being implemented in partnership with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). The ministry further noted that UBEC has significantly improved utilisation of the Basic Education Action Plan (BEAP) and the Matching Grant Formula. In 2024 alone, 78.6 billion was accessed by 28 states and the FCT a marked improvement over previous years. Ms Garbas administration has also deepened institutional partnerships with international development partners such as the World Bank, UNICEF, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Additionally, more than 15,000 community-led projects have been executed under the School-Based Management CommitteeSchool Improvement Programme (SBMCSIP). The ministry said no financial infractions have been recorded under Ms Garbas tenure and urged the public to disregard what it described as orchestrated falsehoods aimed at discrediting a transformational leader. It is regrettable that some subversive elements, clearly threatened by Ms Garbas transparent and results-driven leadership, have resorted to sponsoring a malicious smear campaign in a desperate attempt to roll back the gains made under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr Alausa said. Their efforts are futile and will not succeed. The Ministry strongly condemns these orchestrated attacks and calls on the public to dismiss them entirely. We stand firmly with Aisha Garba as she continues her critical work to deliver quality, inclusive, and safe basic education to all Nigerian children. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has received fresh commendations for appointing Ms Garba as the head of UBEC. Her reforms, observers say, are already transforming the basic education landscape nationwide. In a joint statement, the Education and Tech Coalition of Activists and Social Entrepreneurs hailed the presidents decision to bring Ms Garba from the World Bank into the federal education system. Her appointment reflects this administrations clear commitment to education reform, the coalition said. UBEC under Aisha Garbas leadership has rolled out impactful reforms. Out-of-school children are returning to classrooms, and theres a visible improvement in learning outcomes due to upgraded infrastructure, learning tools, and teaching standards. Public commentator and founder of Alpha Reach, Japhet Omojuwa, also took to social media platform X to spotlight Ms Garbas efforts in dismantling bureaucratic bottlenecks that had long stalled access to matching grants by state governments. For two decades, a seemingly minor document created a major stumbling block for states to access basic education grants. Aisha Garba removed that bottleneck, he wrote. Ms Omojuwa noted that her reforms led to a 60 percent fund utilisation rate, the distribution of six million textbooks, and improved access to education for nearly three million children. States now feel like true partners in the development of basic education, thanks to the inclusive and strategic leadership of Aisha Garba, he added, praising her experience managing a $3 billion portfolio at the World Bank, covering countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, and Ghana. On social media, her work continues to receive accolades. She didnt come to play politics; she came to work and shes already breaking 20-year barriers, user Mazi NnaEmeka posted. Another user, HighChiefOkoro, wrote: No noise, just results. @AishaMGarba is proving that with the right competence and vision, even the most rigid systems can be reformed. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with Taiwans Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria, on Tuesday, gave grants to 11 indigent victims of human rights violations. Also, some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) present at the occasion held at the NHRCs headquarters in Abuja, offered free empowerment and mental health sessions to the 11 women. While nine of the 11 selected women received N100,000 each, the two others received N50,000 each. The Taiwanese representative, Andy Liu, stated that despite the absence of official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Nigeria, Taiwan remains a valuable partner to Nigeria in various sectors, including women and youth empowerment initiatives. Mr Liu encouraged the recipients by drawing examples from Taiwans progress, despite the territorys frequent natural disasters and limited natural resources. The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, noted that assisting is a part of the commissions mandate, symbolising hope and a message to the recipients that they were not alone. Taiwan is with you, Nigeria is with you, your dignity is not lost. Your future can be rebuilt, he said. While appreciating the gesture of the Taiwanese authorities through the Taipei Trade Office, Mr Ojukwu stated that the advancement of human rights cannot be shouldered by a single institution alone. He stressed the need for collaboration in reaching the most vulnerable. He encouraged the beneficiaries to see the gesture as a stepping stone. You have shown strength in adversity, and today we honour that strength by standing beside you, offering our hand in support, Mr Ojukwu said. The NHRC head said the commission would continue to monitor the progress made by the women. The Director of Thelma Lion Foundation, Ifeoma Agu, noted the importance of providing help to the marginalised groups, especially women. She said, The provision of grants and business training opportunities to victims of human rights abuse is a significant step towards their economic rehabilitation and independence. She also noted that empowerment has a ripple effect not only on the recipients but on society at large. According to the United Nations, women invest 90 per cent of their income back into their families and communities compared to 30-40 per cent for men, but unfortunately, most are excluded from opportunities. Selecting recipients and their reactions Explaining the selection process of the beneficiaries, the Deputy Director, Women and Children Department, NHRC, Rosemary Igboyi said they were picked through a rigorous process that involved file reviews and interviews. During the event, a short talk on entrepreneurship and financial literacy was given by Marcus Eberechi of the Empowerment Entrepreneurship Foundation. One of the recipients, Uchenna Okpara, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, said, expressed gratitude for the tokens they received and expressed hope that the beneficiaries would be able to multiply the grants. The Director of Dorathy Njemanze Foundation, Dorathy Njemanze, called on stakeholders to invest in the lives of indigent victims of human rights violations. More and more institutions should make such investments in the lives of indigent victims of Human rights violations. The Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Kayode Oladele, has urged the National Assembly to strengthen its collaboration with the Commission to enhance equity, fairness, and inclusiveness in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic opportunities across Nigeria. During an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Oladele underscored the need for closer synergy with lawmakers for effective oversight, increased transparency, and national stability, especially in the face of rising tensions fuelled by perceptions of exclusion and marginalisation. He explained that the Commission continues to grapple with significant funding challenges, which hinder its capacity to monitor over 700 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and maintain functional offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Mr Oladele called on the legislature to support budgetary improvements, institutional reforms, and joint sensitisation initiatives aimed at empowering the FCC to fulfil its constitutional duties more efficiently. Despite the Commissions strategic mandate, he decried the lack of cooperation from some federal agencies and state governments, which often resist its oversight and hinder its operations. He, therefore, sought legislative action to amend the Commissions Establishment Act to provide broader autonomy, including powers to enforce compliance, implement digital monitoring, conduct recruitment audits, and expand its constitutional reach to cover civil rights protection as enshrined in the Constitution. In reinforcing his appeal, Mr Oladele reiterated that numerous MDAs routinely challenge the Commissions authority by claiming exemption from its oversight, while certain state governments continue to ignore its directives. He emphasised the urgent need for financial support and institutional independence to enable the FCC to monitor both public and private sector entities effectively and ensure compliance with constitutional provisions. According to Mr Oladele, the FCC was designed not as an isolated institution, but as a guardian of national cohesion, tasked with upholding principles of equity and fairness across all strata of governance. He added that synergy with the legislature would empower the Commission to enforce its mandate more effectively: Synergy fosters transparency and accountability. When our institutions speak with one voice, conduct joint inspections, share data, and coordinate on compliance reports, we send a strong message that no agency is above the law and that deviation from federal character principles will not be tolerated. Most importantly, synergy helps reduce national tension and agitation. It is no secret that many of the grievances expressed across regions in Nigeria, whether political, economic, or security-related, are rooted in perceptions of marginalisation, domination, and exclusion, he said. Mr Oladele reaffirmed the Commissions operational footprint across the country, with offices in all 36 states and the FCT, and a constitutional mandate to monitor and regulate over 700 MDAs. Committee reaffirms FCCs constitutional supremacy Responding during the session, the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character and former Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase (APC, Plateau), expressed concern over attempts by some agencies to take over or duplicate the FCCs responsibilities. Mr Wase emphasised that the Commission derives its authority directly from the Constitution, not from an act of parliament, and any attempt to override its mandate contradicts the nations supreme legal framework. You are a creation of the Constitution. You were not created by an act of parliament. No agency can take over your job. Tell those agencies to stay off. We will not allow that even though they are referring to their establishment act, he said. He condemned the increasing interference from some federal agencies, warning that such actions undermine national cohesion and the principle of federal character. The lawmaker also revealed that the Committee had summoned the Minister of Education over controversial appointments into new educational institutions where key personnel were reportedly drawn from the same geopolitical zone, violating constitutional provisions on diversity and fairness. We want to see how we can address that issue, maybe by swapping some of them, he said. Mr Wase reiterated that the Commissions core responsibility is to ensure balanced distribution of public personnel and infrastructure across the country, noting that this remains critical in addressing grievances of marginalisation and ensuring inclusiveness in governance. Mr Wase also criticised agencies that recruit staff without providing a nominal roll, stressing that such practices breach federal character guidelines and distort equitable employment distribution. About the FCC The Federal Character Commission (FCC) is a constitutionally established body in Nigeria created to promote equity, fairness, and inclusiveness in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic amenities among the federating units of the country. Its mandate is derived from Section 14(3) and Part I of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which emphasises the need for national integration and balanced representation in government, to avoid dominance by any ethnic, regional, or religious group. The FCC ensures that appointments, recruitments, promotions, and allocations of resources across Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) reflect Nigerias federal character. The goal is to foster unity, reduce political tension, and eliminate marginalisation in public service. The Kogi government has approved six-month paid maternity leave for mothers and 14-day paid paternity leave for fathers in the state. The Commissioner for Health, Adeiza Abdulazeez, made this known on Monday in Lokoja during activities marking the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). Mr Abdulazeez, represented by the ministrys Permanent Secretary, Steven Momoh, said the initiative supports breastfeeding mothers nationwide. He said the policy aims to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding, helping mothers care for their babies and encourage healthy growth. The commissioner said the approval of paid parental leave reflects the governments commitment to promoting breastfeeding awareness and maternal support. The paid leave will enable mothers to breastfeed exclusively, giving babies the best nutrition and protection from early childhood illnesses, he said. He added that fathers would bond with their babies and support their partners during the critical early stages of parenthood. The commissioner described the initiative as a major step toward building a breastfeeding-friendly environment in Kogi. He said the governments action shows its dedication to supporting working mothers and encouraging optimal infant feeding practices. This move will improve health outcomes for mothers and children, and could serve as a model for other states, he said. He noted that this years theme, Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems, calls for strong community support for mothers. Breast milk provides the best nutrition, protects babies from illness, and supports healthy physical and mental development, he added. He also said breastfeeding benefits mothers by aiding recovery, reducing cancer risks, and helping space pregnancies. The commissioner called on religious and traditional leaders to support the governments efforts and encourage breastfeeding in their communities. (NAN) A faction of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Imo State has said a recent report, which ranked the state as the most dangerous place for journalists to operate in Nigeria, did not come as a surprise to the NUJ in the state. The factional Chairperson of the NUJ in Imo State, Precious Nwadike, disclosed this in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. Meanwhile, this newspaper gathered that the Mr Nwadike-led faction is neither recognised by the NUJ national body nor the Imo State Government. Ifeanyi Nwanguma leads the NUJ in Imo State, which is recognised by the unions national leadership and the state government. The report On Thursday, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) launched the CJID Openness Index, Nigerias first-ever subnational assessment of press freedom and civic space across the 36 states and the FCT. The CJID is a pan-African media development think tank advancing investigative journalism, fact-checking, human rights reporting, media innovation, elections, and journalist safety. In the report, Imo State was ranked 37th ( last) out of 36 states, including FCT, with a dismal score of 40.70%, while Bauchi was ranked 35th with a poor score of 42.69% and Lagos was 22nd with a low score of 48.93%. NUJ speaks Reacting in the statement, Mr Nwadike, said the report only confirmed their long-held fears about the perilous environment for press freedom in the state. This score highlights the severe challenges journalists face in carrying out their constitutional duties, far below even Bauchi. The ranking did not come as a surprise; its a grim validation of what Imo has become, he said. The factional NUJ chairperson said journalists in Imo State face what he termed orchestrated hazards and hardships, which make their work an uphill task. Imo has become synonymous with hostility, insecurity, and danger for journalists and media professionals. This report paints a disturbing picture of tyranny and despotism silencing the press, he lamented. Why press freedom worsened in Imo Mr Nwadike attributed Imo States abysmal ranking to deliberate factionalisation of media bodies, including NUJ and the Correspondents Chapel in the state. The factional chairperson accused the Commissioner for Information in Imo State, Declan Emelumba, of being responsible for the factionalisation of the media bodies in the state. Attempts to handpick union leadership and impose Correspondents Chapel heads point to a desperate desire to control and bridle the press, he alleged. He further accused Mr Emelumba of instigating strife among journalists, blocking media access to the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, and attempting to use police operatives to intimidate journalists refusing to comply with unethical roles. In the main, the CJID report serves as an international indictment of press freedom conditions in Imo State. It vindicates the persistent warnings from the Imo NUJ and vocal citizens who have faced intimidation, he said. Our Demands Mr Nwadike said the NUJ in Imo State has demanded that the state government take immediate and concrete steps to reverse the dangerous trend, guarantee journalists safety, uphold press freedom and hold those responsible for the repression accountable. Whatever be the case, hostility to journalists is hostility to truth, justice, and the fundamental rights of all Imo residents. It is an assault on our shared humanity and public sensibility. This report further indicates that truth cannot be hidden and should serve as a call-out to all defenders of democracy: Imo State must end its war on journalism, he stated. Commissioner defends self When contacted on Tuesday morning, Mr Emelumba refuted the allegations, but noted that, contrary to his claim, Mr Nwadike is not the chairperson of the NUJ in Imo State. The commissioner said he only recognised those that the national leadership of the NUJ recognised. On the alleged factionalisation of the Correspondents Chapel in Imo, Mr Emelumba explained that trouble started when the immediate past chairperson of the chapel allegedly colluded with others to sell a bus which the state governor, Mr Uzodinma, gifted them. READ ALSO: Gunmen kill two police operatives in fresh Imo attack He said the state government consequently recovered the bus from the buyer before some members of the chapel set up a committee to probe the sale. The commissioner stressed that some of the members later said they had reconstituted the committee as a caretaker body to run the chapel, which the NUJ national body opposed. The NUJ national body said that since the chapel chairperson has resigned, they recognise the vice chairman to act as chairman pending another election. So, all we did was to recognise who the national NUJ recognised as the acting chairman of the chapel. We handed over the recovered bus to the acting chairman, he said. He was, however, silent on the allegation of blocking journalists access to the governor and using police operatives to intimidate journalists. A group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has asked Nigerias electoral commission, INEC, to issue a public order barring political parties from holding campaigns. In a letter dated 5 June and addressed to the INEC Chairperson Mahmood Yakubu, the group also asked the commission to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to remove all political campaign materials that violated the commissions campaign regulations. The letter, signed by the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa Samson Itodo, listed the other CSOs as Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Elect Her, TAF Africa, The Kukah Center, International Press Center (IPC), and Nigerian Women Trust Fund. The continuous violation of electoral laws will not abate if firm actions are not taken by your commission and law enforcement agencies to enforce compliance and uphold the rule of law, part of the letter reads. Violations The organisations expressed concern that politicians and political parties are violating the Electoral Act which states that political campaigns must only be conducted 150 days before the elections. They noted that the campaigns including declaration of candidacy are usually masked as political consultations or engagements but which resemble formal electioneering. We are further alarmed by the erection of billboards, and display of branded vehicles and clothing in several parts of the country bearing campaign messages, effectively eroding the distinction between legitimate political expression and premature electioneering, the letter said. The CSOs noted that the action of the political parties amounts to premature campaigns and constitutes a violation of both the Electoral Act and INEC regulations on the conduct of elections. The notice of election for the 2027 election has not been issued by the commission nor has the 150 days before the date of the 2027 elections commenced, the CSOs said, referencing section 92 of the Electoral Act. This not only contravenes established legal timelines but also places undue pressure on the electoral environment, limits equitable participation, further decreases public trust in the electoral process, and risks diverting governance attention away from the pressing needs of the Nigerian citizens, they said. Political Billboards For more than a year, President Bola Tinubus re-election billboards have filled Nigerias capital, Abuja, and other major cities. Mr Tinubus posters and billboards are displayed in several parts of Abuja, including the Airport Road and the Central Business District, with inscriptions urging Nigerians to join the campaign train. Your voice can inspire others to join us, one of the billboards read in part. Join the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Today. Although the presidency disclaimed the bill boards earlier this year and asked Mr Tinubus supporters to suspend their 2027 campaigns for him, it has continued and more campaign materials have resurfaced in the capital since then. In April, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo announced that he had begun mobilising support for Mr Tinubus 2027 reelection bid. Also, campaign posters promoting Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the 2027 presidential election have been spotted in different locations in the city of Kano. The posters, which displayed Mr Makindes picture with the inscription, To Move Nigeria Forward 2027, were seen across locations including the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) roundabout, Wapa area (former site of Triumph Newspaper), Dangi Flyover, and the ever-busy Kwari Market, according to DailyTrust. The governor is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and will round off his second term in office on 29 May, 2027. The police in Abia State, South-east Nigeria, say they have killed five suspected kidnappers during a heavy gun battle in the state. The police spokesperson in Abia State, Mauren Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. Ms Chinaka, a deputy superintendent of police, said a joint tactical team of the police killed the kidnappers when they raided a criminal hideout in Umuiku Obete, a community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state. The spokesperson said the operation, which was conducted on 30 July, followed receipt of a tip-off that the kidnappers were terrorising residents of the area. Upon sighting the operatives, the notorious gang engaged the police in a gun battle. Unable to withstand the superior firepower of the police, five members of the gang were neutralised during the encounter, she said. Investigation is ongoing to track and apprehend other fleeing suspects of the gang. Six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition,14 magazines, five handsets, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, one axe, one boot, and materials suspected to be charms were recovered from the suspects, according to the police. Another operation Ms Chinaka said, in another operation on Saturday, operatives from the Arochukwu Divisional Police Headquarters recovered a double-barreled long gun at Amuvi Village, Arochukwu. Investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recovery is ongoing, she stated. The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Abia State Command, Danladi Isa, has reiterated the polices commitment to eradicate crime and criminality in the state. Mr Isa urged residents of Abia State to remain vigilant and support the police by promptly reporting anyone with gunshot injuries or any suspicious persons or activities for action. Increased abduction for ransom Like other states in the South-east, cases of kidnap-for-ransom in Abia State have increased in recent times. Civil servants, business owners, politicians, and even students have recently become targets of such attacks in the state. Meanwhile, kidnapping has been prohibited in Nigeria since May 2022. The countrys authorities enacted the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022), which outlawed all forms of kidnapping. The Act prescribes a death sentence for kidnapping in a case where the abduction leads to loss of life and life imprisonment where there is no loss of life. It was an amendment to the now-defunct Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2013), which had prescribed a 10-year jail term for kidnapping. The new Act also prescribes at least a 15-year jail term for whoever pays ransom to free kidnapped victims. Several persons have been convicted of kidnapping across Nigeria. An Ikeja Special Offences Court, in September 2022, sentenced kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, to 21 years imprisonment for kidnapping. BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Tan Ruisong, former board chairman of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd., has been indicted for suspected bribery, insider trading and disclosing inside information, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said Tuesday. Upon the SPP's designation, a procuratorate in the city of Dalian, Liaoning Province, filed the prosecution after investigations by the National Commission of Supervision and the police department of Chaoyang, Liaoning. Tan is accused of abusing his various positions to embezzle public assets, seek illicit gains for others and accept significant bribes in return, both involving particularly large sums, according to the SPP. While in possession of non-public information, Tan repeatedly engaged in securities trading during sensitive periods and disclosed such information to others for related trading activities, the SPP said. Prosecutors had informed the defendant of his litigation rights, interrogated him and listened to the lawyers' opinions, according to the statement. The case has been filed at the intermediate people's court of Dalian. Workers of the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, in Bayelsa, say only the removal of the Rector, Agbabiaka Lukman, will guarantee industrial harmony in the institution, which has been shut since 11 July. The workers had kept the institution under lock for alleged violation of the Polytechnic Act by the Rector, who took the three unions to court over labour disputes, whereas the governing council was mandated under the Act to handle labour related matters. The workers under the auspices of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Tuesday. They said that the rector walked out of a reconciliatory meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and declined to sign a Memorandum of Agreement reached at the parley. Charles Arogo, chairman of the Federal Polytechnic chapter of SSANIP, said that all three unions are unanimous in the demand for the removal of the rector in solidarity with NASU and joined the protest. According to him, cases of sack of workers without recourse to laid down procedures and recourse to union, victimisation of union officials and non release of promotion letters to union leaders as well as clandestine employment without requisite budgetary provisions were no longer tolerable. He said that in 2024, for instance, the unauthorised recruitment of 41 staff members, mostly from the rectors ethnic group, breached the federal character policy and depleted the personnel budget, causing a salary shortfall crisis. Mr Arogo alleged that Mr Lukman has displayed a lack of capacity to run the institution, causing the staff, students and stakeholders to seek his removal. We joined this move in solidarity with NASU, whose over 400 members June salary and union dues for several months were withheld under the guise of no work no pay rule. The seizure of the salary was illegal because it applies only when a union goes on strike beyond three months. But in this case, the strike was suspended after two months, and the three unions saw this as oppression. That is why we called for a Joint Action Congress (JAC) and raised a 14-point petition to justify our demand for the sack of the rector. The JAC of the two unions, NASU and SSANIP, is urging the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Education, to save Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, from total collapse. Under Lukmans watch, the student population has dwindled from 3,000 when he was appointed in 2022 to 500 currently, Mr Arogo said. On his part, Etebu Ebifiye, chairman of NASU in the polytechnic, said that suing the three unions over routine labour matters was both gross misconduct and a violation of the Polytechnic Act, which must be met with appropriate sanctions. There is no place in the Polytechnic Act for litigation over labour disputes with unions, and there are no budgetary provisions for litigation. So, the rector should state how he had been funding the court processes. We found out that Lukman acted alone and bypassed both the internal and external members of the governing council who are legally empowered to resolve internal labour disputes. Our findings show that the court case was not even discussed at the last council meeting, Mr Ebifiye said. ALSO READ: Workers shut down federal polytechnic over labour dispute Mr Ebifiye noted that it was regrettable that rather than call the rector to order, the chairman of the governing council abdicated his responsibility and took the dispute to the Ijaw National Congress for mediation. For the academic staff, Woyengitonye Abadani, ASUP branch chairman, said that the union withdrew its own services and communicated its decision to the rector on 16 July due to heightened tension and concerns for the safety of its members and the institutions properties. Mr Abadani, who restated the commitment of academic staff to work and the development of students, urged the governing council of the polytechnic to rise to the occasion and restore normalcy. The Governing Council has oversight functions on the management, and we call on both the internal and external members of the council to resolve these labour disputes, which have lingered since the beginning of the year. The Governing Council should suspend the rector, pending an investigation of these heavy allegations against him, the ASUP chairman said. When contacted for an update on the face-off, Nimizuo Pereseigha, public relations officer of the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, said that the Ijaw National Congress was already brokering a truce and advised the management to withdraw the pending case in court. He, however, regretted that even though the management agreed to withdraw the case, the ongoing court vacation was an obstacle. He said the case would be withdrawn as soon as the courts resume from vacation. On the responsibility of the Governing Council to mediate, the PRO said that the chairman of the governing council has visited Bayelsa twice on a peace mission since the institution was shut. (NAN) The Nigeria Police Force has re-invited Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and human rights activist, for questioning over allegations of forgery and inciting disturbance. But Mr Sowore has given conditions to honour the police invitation for the meeting scheduled for today (Tuesday). PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Sowore was initially scheduled to appear before the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit in Abuja on 4 August, following a police invitation regarding a case the they said was reported on 31 July. However, the meeting was postponed due to the unavailability of the head of the unit, Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, according to a subsequent notice sent to Mr Sowore. According to Mr Sowores post on Facebook, the postponement was communicated by the investigating officer, Hafiz Garba, who cited Mr Fakoredes engagement in an urgent national assignment in the North-east. Please be informed that your meeting with DCP Akin Fakorede slated for Monday, 4th August 2025, has been postponed, Mr Garba wrote. This is due to the unavailability of the Head on that date A new date will be fixed and you will be notified accordingly. Before the postponement, Mr Sowore had publicly declared his readiness to honour the invitation and called on supporters to accompany him to the police headquarters. On Tuesday morning, Mr Sowore posted on his Facebook page that the police had reached out again, confirming Mr Fakoredes return and requesting him to appear on Tuesday (later today) at 3:00 p.m. But Mr Sowore stated that he would not comply without a legally valid invitation and a copy of the petition against him, describing the polices earlier invitation as invalid and riddled with legal fabrications. He pointed out that the original letter cited a non-existent offence INCITING DISTURBANCE and referenced Section 53(2) of the ACJA 2025, a law he says does not exist under Nigerias legal framework. Your initial invitation was invalidated by an alarming number of unknowns and legal fabrications, he wrote. To begin with, the letter claimed I was being invited over an unknown offence a term that exists nowhere in Nigerian criminal law. Even more troubling, you cited Section 53(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2025. A version of the ACJA that does not exist. He insisted that before considering any further invitation, the police must provide a properly dated and signed official letter; and an advance copy of the petition or complaint that necessitated his appearance. The police have not publicly responded to his statement or clarified the status of the invitation. Background The police invitation came less than two weeks after Mr Sowores active roles in the protest by retired police officers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on 21 July. The protest called for the removal of retirees from the Contributory Pension Scheme and demanded improved welfare benefits. During the protest, Mr Sowore alleged that a police officer stole his Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses a claim he repeated in multiple posts between 23 and 26 July. He later named the alleged culprit as Aku Victor Chiemere, said to be a police cameraman attached to the office of the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. He submitted a formal complaint at the Asokoro Police Division, after a prior petition by his lawyer to the Force Criminal Investigation Department was redirected. The police have not responded publicly to the theft allegation. Sowores running battle The recent developments are the latest episodes in Mr Sowores continual run-ins with the police. Mr Sowore, a critic of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has repeatedly referred to him as the Illegal IGP a reference to the tenure extension the Nigerian police chief got last year. The tenure extension followed a controversial amendment to the Police Act that extended Mr Egbetokuns tenure beyond the statutory retirement age. In January, the police filed 17 cybercrime-related charges against Mr Sowore over those remarks. He denied the charges, saying they were politically motivated. He has also continued to rally support for a follow-up protest by retired officers later this month. In the last four to five years, Mr Sowore has been detained by the police for different reasons. The Imo State Government has faulted a recent report which ranked Imo State as the most dangerous place for journalists to operate in Nigeria. The states Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, stated this in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday. The report The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) launched the CJID Openness Index on Thursday, Nigerias first-ever subnational assessment of press freedom and civic space across the 36 states and the FCT. The CJID is a pan-African media development think tank advancing investigative journalism, fact-checking, human rights reporting, media innovation, elections, and journalist safety. In the report, Imo State was ranked 37th (last) out of the 36 states, including the FCT, with a dismal score of 40.70 per cent, while Bauchi was ranked 35th, with a poor score of 42.69 per cent and Lagos 22nd, with a low score of 48.93 per cent. Imo govt kicks In the statement, Mr Emelumba claimed the CJID demonstrated a lack of the pedigree and essential logistics to conduct a credible assessment of journalism practice in the country. The information commissioner also claimed the report was fraught with fallacies and sensational stunts, describing it as biased, jaundiced, unreliable, and absolutely unempirical. This is a body that has shown zero capacity to execute evidence-driven assessments of media practice in the country. Little wonder they churned out a report that failed to adhere to the minimum standard of research, relying instead on hearsay and submissions from opposition elements to tarnish the image of Governor Hope Uzodimmas administration, he claimed. Mr Emelumba argued that the parameters of measurement cited by the report, such as denial of access to information, intimidation, and harassment, were strange to the atmosphere in Imo State. If the report met even a modicum of empirical rigour, including interviewing the journalists on the ground, it would have discovered that Imo is one of the most friendly and safest places for the practice of journalism in Nigeria, he said. He further argued that the data that informed the report contained inconsistencies, saying it was improper that no official of the Imo State Government was engaged to present the governments side of the story. It would have found out, even from the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, that Governor Uzodimma and his officials are fully accessible and that no journalist in the state has been harassed or intimidated. The commissioner said the CJID should have consulted the Nigerian Union Journalists (NUJ) in Imo State to confirm that Governor Uzodimma and his officials are accessible to journalists and that no journalist has been harassed or intimidated in the state. He argued that Mr Uzodimmas administration has a cordial relationship with journalists in the state, citing the donation of buses and the institution of awards to media bodies in the state as evidence of the harmonious relationship with journalists. Mr Emelumba claimed that Imo State was missing in an earlier published Press Attack Tracker showing verified journalists attacks nationwide. What NUJ said about CJIDs report On its part, the NUJ in Imo State also faulted the CJID report. In a statement on Friday, Ifeanyi Nwanguma, the chairperson of the NUJ in Imo State, said the CJID report does not reflect the cordial relationship between the state government and journalists in the state. Contrary to CJIDs findings, journalists in Imo State enjoy a robust and cordial working relationship with the administration of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma. It is on record that journalists in the state can freely approach government agencies for information without fear of harassment or intimidation, Mr Nwanguma stated. Journalists in Imo State also enjoy cordial relations with all security agencies, with zero incidents of intimidation, harassment, or attacks on practitioners, he stated, urging the CJID team to visit the state for on-the-ground assessments. Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that a faction of the NUJ said the CJID report did not come as a surprise to the NUJ in the state. The factional chairperson of the NUJ in Imo State, Precious Nwadike, in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, said the report only confirmed their long-held fears about the perilous environment for press freedom in the state. This score highlights the severe challenges journalists face in carrying out their constitutional duties, far below even Bauchi. The ranking did not come as a surprise; its a grim validation of what Imo has become, he said. No fewer than 37 condemned prisoners are awaiting execution after being sentenced for capital crimes in Bauchi State. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Bauchi State Command, Ahmed Tata, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Bauchi. Reacting to a NAN survey on why the state governors are reluctant to sign the death warrant, Mr Tata said the condemned prisoners comprised 36 males and one female. He recalled that none of the democratically elected governors in the state had signed death warrants since 1999. The spokesman, however, said that governors during the military might have signed death warrants for those on death row. A legal luminary, Jubrin Jubrin, urged the state governors in the country to expedite signing the death warrant of condemned prisoners to ensure justice. Mr Jubrin said the actions of the governors might be connected to the dismal number of condemned prisoners in the country. The governors have a duty to make sure that once the court has sentenced somebody to death and he exhausted the chances of appeal, the sentence should be executed. Although, signing of death warrant also depends on a particular state, depending on its geographical location and culture, it might be the factors on how these responsibilities are to be handled. Secondly, the role of the office of the Attorney General as the chief law officer of a state, each attorney general has a binding duty to offer legal advice on all legal matters, including the exercise of the power to sign death warrants by the governors. We need to know, are they very many? If there are many, probably, it would have raised a concern as to why are we keeping as much as the number of people awaiting execution? Why not just forgive them if the governor wants to or if he is committing to the execution, it should be done once and for all, he said. Garba Jinjiri, chairman of the Network for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Bauchi, highlighted that irreversibility of execution was one of the reasons behind the governors reluctance to sign the death warrant. What I mean here is that if a mistake is later discovered, like a wrongful conviction, it cannot be corrected after execution. Also, some convicts may still have cases under appeal or awaiting decisions from higher courts. I also want to believe that some governors personally believe in the sanctity of life or oppose capital punishment on ethical grounds, he said. According to him, executions could spark protests or criticism from human rights groups, academia and the public. The governors, he said, might avoid signing the death warrant to prevent alienating voters or interest groups. Also, Muhammad Reza, a Jigawa-based political analyst, highlighted that the Constitution indirectly impeded the implementation of capital punishment in Nigeria. He said the Constitution vested the authority to approve executions in the hands of the governor and the president. Mr Reza said the governors consistently withheld such approval primarily to avoid antagonising foreign donors, who might judge them based on human rights standards, and withdraw their support. What they fail to realise is that this reluctance has contributed to a steady rise in criminality across the country since 1999. There is a growing argument that justice should be proportional, just tit for tat, he said. Mr Reza, however, called for a review of capital punishment in the country. Another lawyer, Hassan Muhammed, said the Nigerian constitution and legal system empowered governors with the final power to authorise execution of capital punishment, but it has been impeded due to a variety of legal, ethical, political and procedural considerations. According to Mr Muhammad, Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution gives the governors the prerogative of mercy, enabling them to grant a pardon, substitute a lesser punishment, or affirm a death sentence. This means a governor must personally approve the execution of a condemned inmate, thus placing a heavy legal and moral responsibility on the individual, often deterring them from exercising their powers. Nigerias legal system is often criticised for delays, weak investigation procedures, and lack of access to quality legal representation, and wrongful convictions are indeed a real risk. Executing someone whose conviction might later be overturned, poses serious legal and human rights implications since Nigeria is a signatory to several international human rights treaties, he said. In the same vein, Yusuf Abubakar attributed the governors actions to the growing campaign against capital punishment by human rights and development organisations in spite of its legality in Nigeria. Mr Abubakar said that signing a death warrant was politically sensitive as the governors might face public backlash or protests from human rights groups, religious bodies, or political opponents. He said that many governors avoided such decisions during their terms in office, thereby leaving the condemned prisoners in a legal limbo. Nigeria is a deeply religious country and both Christianity and Islam emphasise mercy and forgiveness, thus personal beliefs of a governor often play a role in making such decisions. A governor who is morally or religiously opposed to capital punishment may decline to sign death warrants, regardless of the law, he revealed. While capital punishment remained legally valid under Nigerian laws, Mr Abubakar said that the governors reluctance to sign death warrants reflected a complex legal caution, moral reservation, political calculation, and procedural dysfunction. He said these factors created a de facto moratorium on execution, resulting in thousands of condemned inmates languishing in limbo. (NAN) The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has said he has never been involved in thuggery or participated in any form of electoral malpractice in his political career. Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, disclosed this in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice. I challenge anyone: Conduct your investigations. You will find no stains of rigging or violence associated with my name, he said. I have always chosen the path of peace, principle, and civility. The former governor also said he does not engage in false accusations or witch-hunts against his political opponents in elections. I believe in fair competition, not manufactured victories, he said. I can turn Nigeria around in four years Mr Obi, on 29 June, pledged to serve for a single four-year term if elected the countrys president in 2027, despite a constitutional provision allowing elected presidents to serve for two terms. The comment has since elicited reactions from Nigerians, with some suggesting the pledge was only political and would not be obeyed. But the former governor, in the Tuesday post, said he was baffled that his single-term comment had generated many reactions. By this feeling, we are doubting the fact that a sincere leader can achieve much in 48 months, he stated. He said he had never been desperate in the pursuit of political power or anything in life, adding that traits associated with desperation cannot be found in either his past or present political behaviours. Mr Obi listed some traits, including engaging in overly aggressive rhetoric or actions to prove a point or gain attention, becoming overly defensive or reactive to criticism, and often appearing paranoid. What drives me is not personal ambition, but a deep commitment to see Nigeria work. And if the sacrifice required of me is four years of sincere, accountable leadership, so be it. In four years, we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas. For instance, the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses at this time could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure, he said. READ ALSO: 37 condemned prisoners awaiting execution in Bauchi Within the same period, we will ensure that the rule is sacrosanct and the rule of law is strictly followed. Within the same period, we can conduct free, fair and credible elections. Mr Obi further reiterated his commitment to serve for only one term if elected president. Leadership, to me, is not about entitlement. It is about service. If given the mandate, for just one term, I will dedicate every moment to building a Nigeria that works for all, he stated. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has appealed against the partial acquittal of Olufemi Thomas, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), in a $2.2 million money laundering case. On 24 July, the Federal High Court in Lagos Mr Thomas partially convicted Mr Thomas on one count and acquitted him on six others. The court cited EFCCs failure to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt in respect of the majority of the counts. The judge, Ayokunle Faji, only convicted Mr Thomas on one count of violating Nigerias cash transaction limit law and fined him N10 million instead of a custodial sentence. The court further ordered the EFCC to return the seized $2.2 million to Mr Thomas within 14 days of the fine payment, ruling that the funds were not proven to be proceeds of crime. Dissatisfied with the verdict, the EFCC has filed a notice of appeal through its legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ekele Iheanacho. The agency asked the Court of Appeal to overturn the acquittal and convict Mr Thomas on counts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 which the lower court acquitted him of. It also seeks a forfeiture order for the $2.2 million to the federal government. EFCCs grounds of appeal In its appeal, the EFCC argued that the trial court relied on imaginary and fanciful doubts to absolve Mr Thomas despite what it described as overwhelming evidence of unlawful enrichment. The agency said Mr Thomas failed to offer a satisfactory explanation for the sharp increase in his assets while holding public officean obligation under Section 140 of the Evidence Act 2011, Section 19(5) of the EFCC Act, and Section 82 of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2011. The commission also faulted the trial court for dismissing the value of its investigative work and rejecting key documentary evidence, including Mr Thomass audited financial statements. The anti-graft agency noted, for example, that Safeline Agro Business Ltdallegedly owned by Mr Thomasdeclared a pre-tax profit of only N3.9 million in 2014, yet somehow received $2.2 million in cash that same year, a claim it described as unreasonable and unsatisfactory. According to the EFCC, the trial judge erred by selectively accepting inconsistent explanations from the defendant while disregarding stronger prosecution evidence. The agency also claimed the court failed to properly evaluate Mr Thomas asset declaration forms (Exhibits G1G12), which it said undermined his defence. Background Mr Thomas and his co-defendant, Kabiru Sidi, were arraigned on 28 June 2017 on seven counts of conspiracy, money laundering, and making false statements about the origin and ownership of $2,198,900 moved in cash. While the court acquitted Mr Thomas on five countsincluding unlawful enrichment and conspiracyit convicted him on one count for making a cash payment above the legally permitted N5 million threshold. The transaction in count five was not found to be a crime, only that it exceeded the cash threshold, Mr Faji ruled. While the money was not proven to be proceeds of unlawful activity, the act of paying above the cash threshold is a violation. In sentencing, the judge acknowledged Mr Thomass clean record, consistent court attendance, and professional service to the country. You have no prior criminal record, you attended court regularly, and you have served this country with distinction. This influenced my decision to impose a fine rather than a custodial sentence, the judge ruled. Mr Thomas was also barred from travelling outside the country until the fine is paid. Conviction of second defendant The court also convicted the second defendant, Mr Sidi, on a single count of falsely claiming ownership of the $2.1 million cash during the EFCCs investigation. His lawyer, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, pleaded for leniency, citing his clients deteriorating health. During the allocutus, Mr Thomass lawyer, Collins Ogbonna, assisted by Kunle Gbolahan, urged the court to temper justice with mercy, noting his clients contributions to Nigerias health sector. Dr. Thomas is a distinguished cardiologist who established the cardiology department at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and trained many of Nigerias cardiologists, Mr Ogbonna said. He is a first-time offender, retired, and has a dependent child still in school. Amid shrinking international donor support, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said it is intensifying efforts to sustain Nigerias HIV response through domestic financing, local drug production, and health insurance coverage. The agencys Director General, Temitope Ilori, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 7th National Council on AIDS (NCA) on Tuesday in Lagos. Ms Ilori acknowledged that while donor funding had played a huge role in Nigerias HIV response, the country could no longer afford to rely solely on external sources. The three-day event brought together delegates from 36 states and the federal capital territory (FCT), development partners, civil society organisations, and the patient community to deliberate on strategies for advancing the national HIV sustainability agenda. The event, organised by NACA, in collaboration with the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), is themed: Advancing National HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid. Ms Ilori said the priority going forward is to ensure continuity of treatment for people living with HIV, avoid service disruptions, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and sustain the gains achieved over the years. Strategic shift Ms Ilori emphasised the need for increased political commitment and stronger domestic financing. Nigerian governments at all levels must take ownership. That means increasing budgetary allocations, ensuring timely release of funds, and showing strong political will, she said. We must reduce our dependence on international donors. Outlining NACAs new strategies, Ms Ilori said the agency has prioritised domestic resource mobilisation through advocacy and private sector engagement. She said NACA is collaborating with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to enrol people living with HIV into national health insurance schemes. This will help ensure long-term access to care, she explained. We are also engaging with faith-based organisations and other community groups to help meet additional needs. Ms Ilori also highlighted the integration of HIV services into broader health programmes under the sector-wide approach of the Ministry of Health. When we talk about HIV, we should also be talking about maternal and child health, tuberculosis, malaria, and so on, she said. The health sector itself must be well funded, and HIV, being a vulnerable group, should be given some special consideration. She said there are now two plants in Nigeria packaging HIV test kits locally, and discussions are ongoing with pharmaceutical companies to begin local production of antiretroviral drugs. This will help reduce costs and ensure availability, she said. Lagos interventions In her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Folakemi Animashaun, described the Council as a turning point in Nigerias HIV response. Ms Animashaun urged federal, state, and local governments to take full responsibility. The HIV response must be localised and sustained, she said. This means political commitment, financing, and data-driven programme delivery at all levels. Ms Animashaun said Lagos is focusing on integrating HIV services with mental health, reproductive health, and gender-based violence response. She also highlighted the need to scale up long-acting PrEP and injectable antiretroviral treatments. We are working toward strengthening health systems across all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs, with a strong focus on service integration. We are engaging stakeholders on how best to align HIV programming with mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and GBV response services, she said. We are also exploring opportunities to scale up PrEP and pilot long-acting injectable treatments. In addition, we are reviewing our data systems, budgeting processes, and coordination frameworks to better align with national HIV sustainability goals. In her address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who served as Mother of the Day, pledged her support for the national HIV sustainability agenda. Mrs Sanwo-Olu described HIV as a developmental challenge that affects families, communities, and the economy. We are committed to cascading HIV interventions to the grassroots, using the same model we applied during the Stop TB campaign, she said. She praised the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, for championing the national Triple Elimination Initiative, which targets the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. We must continue to collaborate across all levels to ensure women, children, and vulnerable groups are protected, she said. The Council is expected to review progress on 12 resolutions from the 6th NCA and examine new memoranda-to guide future policy and programming of HIV response in Nigeria. Council deliberations In her welcome address, the NACA DG noted that the National Council on AIDS is the highest policy platform for coordinating Nigerias HIV response. Ms Ilori described it as a forum for reflection, realignment, and renewed action. This Council is not just a statutory obligation under the NACA Establishment Act of 2006, she said. She identified three core focus areas of the 7th Council: sustainability amid changing donor support, multi-sectoral collaboration, and sub-national strengthening. On sustainability, she said efforts are underway to make programmes more efficient and resilient through domestic financing, local manufacturing, and health insurance. On multi-sectoral collaboration, she noted that HIV response cannot be isolated from education, economic empowerment, and social welfare systems. She also emphasised the importance of empowering State Agencies for the Control of AIDS (SACAs) and Local Action Committees on AIDS (LACAs). The government has prioritised life-saving commodities under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, she said. A $200 million intervention fund has been approved to bridge funding gaps. She also mentioned the ongoing pilot of a sustainability plan for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria in seven states, including Lagos, with support from UNAIDS and the Global Fund. In what could mark a turning point in global environmental governance, over 3,000 participants/representatives from about 184 countries have gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, to finalise negotiations on a landmark treaty to end plastic pollution. The move, mandated under the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) resolution 5/14 in 2022, is to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The process, which started over three years ago, represents the worlds most ambitious attempt yet to address the lingering plastic crisis at its rootacross the entire value chain production, design and disposalof plastics. Dubbed the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) under the resolution (5/14) and entitled End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument, negotiators in Geneva are expected to develop a final instrument, which is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastics. The first INC session (INC-1) took place in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from 28 November to 2 December 2022, and was followed by a second session (INC-2) from 29 May to 2 June 2023 in Paris, France. The third session (INC-3), which the UNEP said marked the processs midway point, held from 13 to 19 November 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. It was followed by the fourth session (INC-4) from 23 to 29 April 2024 in Ottawa, Canada. The first part of the fifth session (INC-5.1) took place from 25 November to 1 December 2024, in Busan, Republic of Korea. Now at the second part of the fifth session (INC-5.2), which kicked off in Geneva on Tuesday, negotiators were charged to finalise the process by 14 August. Also, delegates have been urged to put aside entrenched positions, embrace compromise, and deliver a legally binding framework that reflects both scientific urgency and the shared responsibility of nations. This is against the backdrop of perceived significant pushbacks from industry lobbyists, particularly those from fossil fuel and chemical industry states. Lets finish the work we started In his opening remarks, the INC Chair, Luis Valdivieso, emphasised that they have come to Geneva with a shared missionto finish the work they have started, and to fulfil the mandate of the UNEA resolution 5/14. For the first time in history, the world is within reach of a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution, he said. The official described the tasks as challenging but a deeply necessary one. He told participants that the world is facing a global crisis as plastics are destroying the worlds ecosystems. We are facing a global crisisplastic pollution is damaging ecosystems, polluting our oceans and rivers, threatening biodiversity, harming human health, and unfairly impacting the most vulnerable, the INC chair said. He said the urgency to develop the treaty is real because the evidence is clear and the responsibility is on us. We understand how we arrived at this point. A natural disaster didnt cause this crisis; it is mainly an unintended result, since we are pretty sure nobody wants plastic pollution, he noted. Despite this, Mr Valdivieso said still they have not been able to find a systematic and effective way to stop plastics pollution. He explained that the pollution is a product of our decisions, habits, and systems that have persisted because we have been unable to find ways to control it. Since it is a human-made crisis, he said, it can and must be tackled through human effort and global cooperation. The official said they are supported by the best available science, which clearly shows an effective international framework for cooperation and accountabilityone that adopts a comprehensive approach throughout the life cycle of plastics. This, he said, can significantly reduce plastic pollution and provide great benefits for both the environment and public health. YouMember Stateshave the mandate, information, and authority to act. You understand your national priorities, red lines, and constraints. This moment demands concrete and meaningful progress, the INC chair said. Not maximalist positions but joint solutions. Not finger-pointing but pragmatic engagement, he added, stating that the moment calls for a recognition that the common good does not conflict with national interests but instead arises from a careful and courageous balance between them. Time to get the deal over the line On her part, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Anderson, reiterated that almost three and a half years have passed since the historic adoption of the UN Environment Assembly Resolution 5/14. The UNEP boss said it is now high time for Member States to get the deal over the line. As the meeting kicked off on Tuesday, she charged negotiators to roll up their sleeves and get into Contact Groups. You face ten days of intensive negotiations. You know that you will have to work hard and with determination, as you have done before, the UNEP official stated. She said they will have to work in the spirit of solidarity and compromise as they have done before, believing they would leave Geneva with a treaty. Plastic pollution is already in nature, in our oceans and even in our bodies. And plastic leakage to the environment is predicted to grow 50 per cent by 2040, Ms Anderson said. If we continue on the current trajectory, the world will be drowning in plastic pollution with massive consequences for planetary, economic and human health, she noted. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged African leaders to adopt traditional medicine and create a continental health fund to strengthen health sovereignty and ensure security for all. Mr Obasanjo made the call during the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra, Ghana on Tuesday. He urged African leaders to shift from hand-wringing to action in response to the ongoing global health crisis. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the summit brought together current and former heads of state, global health champions, and development partners. It served as a rallying point for re-imagining Africas role in global health governance. We had Ebola; we had the HIV-AIDS pandemic; we had COVID-19, but we rode out of all of these, he said. The way we handled HIV-AIDS in particular should give us hope, and guide us in navigating todays fractured global health landscape. Calling for localised solutions, Mr Obasanjo stressed the importance of traditional medicine at the family and community levels. recounted a decade-old meeting, where he learned that up to 80 per cent of pharmaceutical drugs had their origins in herbs, emphasising the untapped potential of indigenous knowledge. The herbs that we have in our villages and rural areas are useful; even pharmaceuticals derive a significant portion of their products from herbs. We must leverage this, the former Nigerian leader said. At the national level, Mr Obasanjo urged African countries to scale up health insurance schemes and dedicate at least 25 per cent of the budget funding toward building resilient health systems and infrastructure. According to him, virtually, every African country had a form of health insurance in place, but greater investment is required to close gaps in access and quality. On a continental scale, the former president proposed the establishment of an African Health Fund, similar to the Peace Fund that has supported peace building efforts across the continent. He suggested that the African Development Bank could manage the fund, which could be financed through innovative mechanisms such as a surcharge on flights into or out of Africa. If we can mobilise funds quickly for peace efforts, we can certainly do the same for health, he said. When appointed, I had to wait for European or American money to begin mediation. Today, the Peace Fund provides quicker resources. We need this same level of ambition for health, he said. Mr Obasanjo called for health security for all, underscoring the importance of global solidarity and cooperation in the face of health emergencies that transcend borders. Our slogan must now be Africa: Health Without AIDS, backed by global partnerships and a renewed commitment to sovereignty. Pandemics know no boundaries. We must act, together and separately, to secure the health of all Africans, he said. NAN recalls that the summit is part of the broader Accra initiative, which aims to reposition Africa as a proactive actor in its health development, with a focus on sustainability, equity, and resilience. (NAN) The Lagos State Government says it has recorded a significant milestone in child nutrition with its exclusive breastfeeding rate rising to 57.4 per cent, surpassing the global benchmark of 50 per cent. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, made the disclosure on Tuesday during a news conference in commemoration of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week. Ms Ogunyemi said the state government is working assiduously to address the 14 per cent low rate of early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. According to her, this poses serious implications for neonatal health. She attributed the low rate of early initiation to gaps in service delivery, misinformation, and the use of pre-lacteal feeds like glucose water and infant formula. When babies miss out on colostrum, which is rich in antibodies, their immunity is compromised from the start, she said. Ms Ogunyemi added that midwives and birth attendants are being trained to ensure proper initiation practices. Speaking on this years theme, Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems, she emphasises the need to institutionalise long-term support for nursing mothers, especially working women. We are focused not just on promoting breastfeeding but ensuring that mothers have the social, institutional and workplace support they need, she said. She described breastfeeding as one of the most effective child survival strategies, especially in the first six months of life, adding that continued breastfeeding up to two years improves cognitive, emotional and physical development. This is not just a maternal health issue, it is a public health, economic and developmental concern, she said. She called for consistent investments in Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition. According to her, the state has institutionalised a six-month maternity leave and a two-week paternity leave for the first two deliveries, across all public institutions. This forward-thinking policy enables families to prioritise breastfeeding in those crucial first six months. We urge private employers to adopt this standard, she said. Ms Ogunyemi emphasised that health education and antenatal counselling have been intensified in public facilities to prepare mothers for optimal breastfeeding and childcare practices. Also, Folashade Oludara, Director of Family Health and Nutrition at the State Ministry of Health, described breastfeeding as the most economical and effective food source for infants, especially amid ongoing economic challenges. Ms Oludara said mothers should embrace exclusive breastfeeding now more than ever, noting that it is free, readily available, and has no adverse side effects. Contrary to myths, it doesnt cause saggy breasts, she said. Ms Oludara explained the need for increased public enlightenment to strengthen public knowledge and dispel misconceptions, urging the media to amplify evidence-based information. We want our women to be informed. Breastfeeding even has protective effects against breast cancer, she added. Also, the Founder, Child Health Advocacy Initiative, Lola Alonge, commended Lagos for being the first state to implement six-month paid maternity and two weeks paternity leave. READ ALSO: UN plastics treaty negotiation kicks off in Geneva Ms Alonge said this is a policy Lagos pioneered over a decade ago, and about nine other states have followed suit. Its commendable, she said. She urged the private sector to key into the policy, describing it as essential for national progress. Private organisations employ more women than government institutions. Until they offer six-month paid maternity leave, our breastfeeding targets will remain unmet, she said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration which is held every year from 1-7 August in more than 120 countries. (NAN) JAKARTA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government plans to introduce water taxis in Bali province as a new mode of transportation, aiming to ease worsening traffic congestion on the resort island, a senior official said Tuesday. Lollan Andy Sutomo Panjaitan, secretary of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, said traffic conditions in Bali, particularly between I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and key tourist destinations, have become increasingly severe. "These plans are aimed at reducing congestion in Bali, especially from the airport to destinations like Canggu. The water taxi service would allow tourists to travel directly from the airport to Canggu, for example, without being stuck in traffic. This mode of transport will be integrated into the island's air and sea transportation system," Panjaitan told a press conference in Jakarta. He said the government is currently conducting reviews, including surveys, technical analyses, and feasibility studies. Authorities are also considering the development of MRT and LRT systems in Bali as additional public transport alternatives. "In the long term, these alternatives will enhance efficiency in Bali's tourism sector," he said. Panjaitan noted that the project must take into account various aspects of Balinese social and cultural life, including local policies, religious sites, and related regulations. The ongoing study is crucial to ensure the project's sustainability and prevent potential conflicts with local values. The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, on Tuesday, urged African leaders to shake off the yoke of aid dependency and invest in resilient, country-owned health systems. Mr Ghebreyesus made the call at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra, Ghana, convened under the ambitious Accra Initiative. He commended President John Mahama of Ghana for his bold leadership in convening the summit and championing reforms aimed at increasing domestic health financing. This summit builds on the leadership of President Kagame and the African Union to strengthen reliance on domestic resources. But it goes a step further, acknowledging that finance alone will not take us to the aspirations of the Lusaka Agenda, he said. to the WHO chief, the continent is facing a health financing cliff as health aid declines drastically. He said aid is projected to decline by up to 40 per cent this year compared to just two years ago. Life-saving medicines are sitting in warehouses, health workers are losing jobs, clinics are closing, and millions are missing care, he warned. Despite the crisis, he called on African leaders to seize the opportunity to transform, adding that in the crisis lies an opportunity to embrace a new era of sovereignty, self-reliance, and solidarity. He hailed Ghanas recent reforms, including legislation to increase financing for its National Health Insurance Scheme, as a model of health sovereignty. He stressed that while private and philanthropic capital are valuable, they must complement, not replace, public financing. He also stressed the need for better utilisation of existing funds, revealing that up to 13 per cent of health budgets in low- and middle-income countries go unspent due to weak financial systems. Africa does not need charity, handouts To address these inefficiencies, he said WHO is supporting governments with tools such as health taxes, pooled procurement, domestic manufacturing investment, and digital public health financial systems. We must also confront structural constraints. Debt service burdens are crowding out social investments, and donor funds often bypass national systems, he added. He cited staggering statistics to underscore Africas financial disadvantage: in 2023, the continent received $74 billion in aid but lost $90 billion to illicit financial flows and $55 billion through corporate tax exemptions. Africa lost more than it gained from aid. This is unacceptable, he stated. He championed health taxes as a practical solution, noting that a 50 per cent price increase on harmful products could generate $3.7 trillion globally in five years and save millions of lives. On the global stage, the WHO DG said the organisation is pushing for a more democratic, equitable health architecture, referencing the recent landmark resolution at the World Health Assembly led by Nigeria and co-sponsored by over 25 countries, including Ghana. Africa does not need charity. Africa needs fair terms, he said He echoed Ghanas first president, Kwame Nkrumah: We are not interested in handouts. We seek a new international order in which health and development are global rights, not privileges for the few. He added with a rallying call for global and continental leadership: The difference between crisis and opportunity is leadership. Its an investment to be nurtured, in people, in stability, and prosperity, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Accra Health Sovereignty Summit continues this week with sessions aimed at developing actionable strategies to deliver on the Lusaka Agenda and establish a new global health order anchored in African leadership, accountability, and sustainability. (NAN) If for the sake of argument, Peter Obi, a good man by all accounts, intends to keep his promise, his ethnic group, the Igbo, which has been longing for one of their own to occupy the post, would ask him if he has gone out of his mind!.. The position, they would remind him, is not meant for him but for the group. Peter Gregory Obi, former two-term governor of Anambra State, who dazzled the country in the 2023 presidential election on the banner of the Labour Party, is on the march again! Obi, who has a foot in the Labour Party and the other in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has promised to serve only for one term if he is elected as the president in 2027. Not a few political watchers are convinced that Obi is dangling this carrot as a ploy to get the presidential ticket of the ADC. Obis kinsman, Professor Charles Soludo, couldnt believe his ears that anyone would have the audacity to say he would only serve for a term of four years when he is entitled to eight years. Soludo, who has managed the countrys finances as the governor of the Central Bank, seized the opportunity of his campaign for a second term to fire a harsh riposte at Obi. As he put it: How can anybody with a brain You think you are talking to fools Any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem. Indeed, the general consensus among Nigerians seems to be that you trust a politician at your peril. Peter Obi may be a good man, but how do you trust him with the company he now keeps in the ADC, a party that some uncharitable critics have described as an Alliance of Disgruntled Candidates. Political watchers easily recall that Obi once did promise that it was only death that could do him part with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). But analysts say hardly had Odumegwu Ojukwus third memorial been held when Obi dumped APGA and joined the PDP. He dumped the PDP in 2023 for the Labour Party, when he couldnt secure the presidential ticket of the party. Now, he is flirting with the ADC! So, naturally, the question comes to mind: Can he be trusted to keep his word. Doesnt this sound like a desperation to be president? Who was it that said when trust is betrayed, sorry means nothing! Obi has answered his critics by citing examples of the great Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Americas Abraham Lincoln and JF Kennedy, who were presidents who shaped the destinies of their countries, despite the fact that they didnt serve for two terms. For the record, Lincoln, the 16th president of America, was elected for two terms. He was assassinated in his second term. JFKs first term was cut short by the assassins bullet. Nelson Mandela, on his part, was 76 years old when he became the president of South Africa. The only assignment the old man gave himself was to unite a divided country. Besides, Mandela was a different human being. You could take his word to the bank. Critics have pointed out that comparing Obi to either Mandela or Lincoln is like comparing Saul to Paul! Coming back home, it seems we have travelled this road before. Goodluck Jonathan as president, promised his party, the PDP, in 2011 that he would only serve for a term of four years. The rest, as they say, is history! When the day came to honour the pledge, the man who said he had no shoes but was then in a position to establish 10 shoe factories all over the country, told the PDP chiefs to go and bring the agreement where he signed that he would do only one term! Talk of the aroma of power. Besides, even a compound fool knows that it is near impossible to solve the problems of a country like Nigeria in four years. Even the ascetic Muhammadu Buhari, who had given up after three unsuccessful attempts at being president, couldnt resist the allure of a second term in office. By general account, out of a term of four years, political office holders, technically speaking, only have two years to govern. Those who should know say, the first year is used for settling down, paying political IOUs and understudying the problems and people of the country. The last year of the four year tenure is used for the campaign for re-election. When a gaunt Olusegun Obasanjo was released from prison in 1998, and the rumour mill was rife that he was being pencilled down for the Presidency, the former chicken-farmer vigorously denied that he was interested in the Presidency. In fact, he asked rhetorically: How many presidents do you want to make of me? An obvious reference to the fact that he had been a former Head of State. Again, the rest, as they say, is history. By general consensus although the man denies it he tried unsuccessfully to amend the Constitution to get a third term. Why would Peter Obi be different? My opinion about the matter is this: it is difficult, if not impossible, for a Nigerian of today to use only one term of four years in office, when he is entitled to two terms of eight years. He will be persuaded, even if against his will, to have a rethink. The reasons are not far-fetched. Ethnic groups, religious groups, not to forget old boys network, all lay claim to the occupant of a public office. If for the sake of argument, Peter Obi, a good man by all accounts, intends to keep his promise, his ethnic group, the Igbo, which has been longing for one of their own to occupy the post, would ask him if he has gone out of his mind! The position, they would remind him, is not meant for him but for the group. Of a fact, only the Igbo nation has not had its son or daughter in the executive position of the countrys driving seat since independence! They would remind him that the other two major ethnic groups: the Hausa-Fulani and the Yoruba have had bites of the cherry. So, why would he want to deny his group its rightful entitlement? If he is not careful, they would drag him before the gods to purge him of the foolish idea. Obi, I am told, is a strong Catholic. His bishop would summon him and ask him why he wants to go against the Will of God. He will be reminded that its God that chooses leaders. Why then is he trying to go against the wish of God? Based on these scenarios, Obi would then tell his party that he has heard from God, and God has told him to go for a second term. As they say, if God is with us, who can be against us! Gbemiga Ogunleye is principal partner at EbunOluwa Chambers. Wife of the Katsina State Governor, Fatima Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for urgent and united action in tackling the rising cases of breast and cervical cancer in Nigeria, particularly among underserved women. She made the call on Monday, while chairing a one day symposium organised by the Gender Policy Unit of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. The event, themed Women and Society: Creating Awareness on Breast Cancer and Women Empowerment, brought together scholars, medical experts, advocates, and students at the Postgraduate College Auditorium. For Mrs Fatima Radda, it wasnt just another public appearance it was a return to her alma mater. Coming back to ABU Zaria always feels like coming home, she said, visibly moved as she addressed the gathering. In her keynote remarks, she stressed that breast and cervical cancer are not just medical issues but societal ones, deeply intertwined with awareness, access to care, and womens empowerment. This symposium is not just a conversation its a wake-up call. Breast and cervical cancer can be prevented or treated if detected early. But that means we must spread knowledge, break the silence, and support women, especially in rural areas, she said. The Katsina first lady who has become a consistent voice on issues of health and education for women, described the theme of the symposium as a mirror of our society. She explained that how women are treated whether their voices are heard, their health prioritised, or their ambitions supported ultimately reflects the values of a nation. Earlier In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of ABU, Professor Adamu Ahmed, commended Mrs Radda for her continued commitment to womens issues. Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Advancement, Research and Innovation), Professor Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, he noted: Your Excellency, your advocacy is both timely and necessary. This symposium is not just academic its a platform for saving lives. Prof Ahmed called on all participants to take the message beyond the four walls of the university. Let this forum ignite real conversations and real actions in our communities. Every woman deserves access to information and care, he added. Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Gender Policy Unit, Professor Rahanatu Lawal, praised Mrs Raddas unwavering efforts in amplifying womens voices and pushing for gender equity. She reiterated the importance of collective effort in the fight against cancer. No woman should walk this path alone, she said. Professor Rahanatu also emphasised the need for men to be allies in the struggle for womens empowerment. Without our male counterparts, the progress of women remains limited. Gender inclusiveness must be a shared goal, she stated. One of the technical presentations came from Dr Aminat Jimoh of the Department of Surgery, ABU Teaching Hospital, who spoke on Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Modalities. She urged women to prioritise early detection and self-examination, especially those with a family history of cancer. Dr Jimoh further appealed to Hajiya Fatima to leverage her influence in advocating for more accessible and affordable cancer treatment options across the state and beyond. Another guest speaker, Mrs Rabi Kabiru a thriving entrepreneur known for her work in food preservation spoke about the critical link between economic empowerment and health outcomes. She encouraged women to be financially self-reliant, noting, When a woman has economic stability, she can make timely and independent decisions about her health. The event endedwith a consensus: raising awareness, investing in women, and building systems that support early detection can significantly reduce the burden of cancer in society. Access Bank continues to assert its influence across Africa, with its subsidiaries in Ghana and Gambia named Best Bank 2025 by Euromoney. These prestigious awards affirm the Groups long-term strategy, growing footprint, and unwavering commitment to transformative and inclusive banking across the continent. Double Triumph, Unified Vision The dual victories represent strategic milestones in Access Bank Groups ambition to become Africas most respected financial institution. Operating in 24 markets, the Group is redefining pan-African banking by fusing deep local insights with global best practices. In Ghana, the award recognises the banks resilience, innovation, and commitment to digital transformation. From empowering SMEs to advancing sustainability, Access Bank Ghana continues to deliver purposeful value. We are proud to lead a new era of banking in Ghana, one that prioritises inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development, said Olumide Olatunji, Managing Director, Access Bank Ghana. For Access Bank Gambia, the award, its second consecutive win, underscores its deepening impact in financial inclusion and ESG-led banking. Through branchless models and strong community engagement, it is expanding access and delivering meaningful outcomes. We remain committed to going beyond banking by delivering value that builds sustainable communities, noted Stephen Abban, Managing Director, Access Bank Gambia. Why Expansion Matters These recognitions spotlight Access Banks deliberate continental growth strategy, one that views Africa not as a monolith, but as a diverse and opportunity-rich region. Group Managing Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna recently articulated the rationale behind the Banks expansion efforts. If you take Africa as a continent and split it into five zones, Nigeria and West Africa rank fourth out of five from a retail perspective, he said. In todays terms, Central Africa may offer a richer banking pool than West Africa. This insight underpins the Banks push into Southern, Eastern, and Northern Africa, regions with attractive return-on-equity potential and favourable macroeconomic conditions. Money can be made in these regions, Mr Ogbonna noted, and Access Bank is positioning itself to tap into those opportunities while delivering value to customers and shareholders alike. These Euromoney awards serve as a validation that this strategy is not bold and working. The achievements in Ghana and Gambia are evidence of tangible progress. Looking Ahead As Access Bank continues its pan-African growth, the recognitions in Ghana and Gambia offer a glimpse into the future, a future where the Bank is not only expanding geographically, but also transforming lives, elevating standards, and building trust in every market it enters. With a strong focus on inclusion, sustainability, digital innovation, and regional integration, Access Bank is doing more than winning awards, it is helping reshape the narrative of African banking. As its footprint expands, so too does its impact, making excellence not just an aspiration, but a lived reality. An Abuja-based pastor facing charges of raping a 14-year-old girl has resumed ministrations after securing bail for his release from custody on health grounds. Amos Isah, the founder and General Overseer of Prophetic Voice of Fire Ministry International, Gwagwalada, Abuja, shared a video clip on social media on Sunday showing him leading an ecstatic congregation. Mr Isah, who was arrested on 18 June, spent more than five weeks in the custody of the Force Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigerian police before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja granted him bail on 25 July. Judge Enobie Obanor granted Mr Isah bail based on his claim of suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis which has progressively deteriorated into a severe form of obstructive airway disease. Mr Isah claimed to have contracted the ailment during his detention. However, days after his release from custody, he was captured in a video circulating on social media, showing him ministering to his church members after he was given an ecstatic welcome by the congregants. Checks by PREMIUM TIMES show that since his release, Mr Isah has conducted church services on 31 July, 2 and 3 August (Sunday). From the video clips uploaded to his Facebook page, the Sunday service appeared to have pulled the largest crowd, with protocol men in suit seen joining hands to form a fence to prevent the jubilant congregants from besieging the pulpit. Mr Isah, who faces rape charges, was also seen dancing on stage. Background On 18 June, the police arrested the cleric for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl, who is a member of the media unit of his church. In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES at a hospital where she went to see a doctor regarding post-assault conditions on 30 June, the teenager, whose name is withheld over stigmatisation concerns, said she was raped on 26 May but kept mum out of fear. She said Mr Isah had invited her to his office, where the incident allegedly took place. She recounted her experience to her friend, who encouraged her to disclose the matter to her parents. After telling her parents, her father reported the issue to the police. She said she started experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding a few weeks after the alleged ordeal. The police arrested Mr Isah and subsequently charged him with four counts of rape, indecency and violence. On 22 July, he was arraigned before the FCT High Court in Abuja. He pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him. His alleged offences are said to be contrary to Sections 1(2), 2(1) and 3 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, and Section 285 of the Penal Code, 2015. Battle over bail Following his arraignment, Mr Isah filed a motion for bail with an affidavit, urging the court to release him on health grounds and lack of a prior criminal record. The police filed a counter-affidavit challenging the credibility of the medical report he submitted. However, the judge ruled in favour of Mr Isah, holding that the court notes with concern the visible signs of ill-health observed during the hearing, notably a persistent and uncontrollable cough fit exhibited by the accused. The judge also noted that the alleged offences were not capital in nature and granted him bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties, who must be civil servants not below grade level 12 and are residents of the FCT. Trend of rape cases in 2025 Sexual abuse is an extremely traumatic experience for individuals of all ages, with a particularly devastating impact on minors that can cause lasting harm to their social life, mental health, and overall development. In January, PREMIUM TIMES compiled some rape cases to be noted in the year, reflecting a troubling trend that persists and signals the heightened risks girls potentially face from sexual predators. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also reported a hike in rapes cases reported to the commission in March. In May, the FCT High Court found Abdulhameed Ahmed, 27, guilty of raping a girl, who was 15 years old as of the time of the incident. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. The case involving Mr Ahmed is notable for its relatively swift conclusion, particularly given the prevalence of rape cases, where offenders are rarely brought to justice, often only after extended trials. In many instances, prosecution fatigue leads to the abandonment of cases or the failure to present witnesses and evidence in court, resulting in the acquittal of offenders. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified the FCT Administrations decision to revoke land allocations at the Abuja Technology Village, stating that the move was essential to pave the way for the ambitious Abuja City Walk project, modelled after the renowned Dubai City Walk. Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Mr Wike revealed that the supposed investors of the Abuja Technology Village had failed to develop the site as per the agreement entered into with the government. Instead, he lamented, they were engaged in land-grabbing activities. The FCTA provided the infrastructure for more than 20 years, and nothing has been done. You go there, they have rented out the place, you see where NNPC tankers are parked, and they collect money. So many people are now claiming to have C of Os. I said okay, I must resolve this problem. There is nothing called Abuja Technology Village, he asserted. He expressed regret that, despite the FCT Administration providing necessary infrastructure for over two decades, developers had not laid a single foundation stone and were instead leasing out the land for financial gain. Providing insight into the proposed Abuja City Walk, for which an MOU was recently signed with a private investor, the minister explained that he was inspired by the development at the Dubai City Walk during his visit to the Gulf city. He reaffirmed the governments desire to provide a world-class infrastructure of international standard. We are privileged to have travelled. Then when you go to some of these cities, you say, wow! What is difficult that we cannot replicate these in our cities too? These are cities that you can find everything that improves the lives of the people and then will improve the economy and create jobs, Mr Wike stated, emphasising that the Abuja City Walk will improve the lives of residents, create jobs, and bring overall development to the FCT. Mr Wike expressed confidence in the investors involved in the Abuja City Walk, noting their commitment to providing drawings and making the payment for necessary fees. He further disclosed that performance clauses have been introduced into the agreement, with the first phase of the project slated for commissioning next year. This multi-billion-dollar investment, he believes, will significantly transform the citys landscape and boost employment. Addressing efforts to mitigate land grabbing by unscrupulous investors, the minister announced a policy shift introducing clear timelines for development. Land not developed within the stipulated period will revert to the FCTA, he said. The minister also addressed the controversy surrounding the revoked land of the University of Abuja, asserting that the institution had occupied the land for many years without development. He maintained that the 4,000 hectares remaining for the university were more than adequate, dismissing claims that a significant portion comprised rocks. He highlighted that development activities, including the EFCC academy, are now springing up on the reallocated land. On the newly renovated conference centre, Mr Wike revealed that barely a month after its reopening, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre has already generated over N1.2 billion in revenue for the government, a significant increase in revenue compared to the N50 million annually remitted by the centres previous managers. It will be recalled that the conference centre was officially reopened by President Tinubu in June 2025, following a period of closure for renovations. Looking ahead, the minister assured residents of more impactful projects beyond recent commissioning exercises and listed ongoing road projects in various Area Councils, rural water projects, and the extensive rehabilitation of schools. He countered assertions that the FCTA was solely focused on brick and mortar projects, explaining that road projects, especially in the Area Councils, were prioritised based on consultations with stakeholders, including traditional rulers and the youth. In the education sector, Mr Wike challenged critics to visit rehabilitated and furnished schools in rural areas, offering logistical support for press tours to witness the administrations achievements. He promised to commission 10 school projects, particularly in rural areas, to demonstrate the governments commitment to educational development in the FCT. While acknowledging the funding challenges faced by the Area Councils, he stressed that the FCT Administration has been providing vital interventions in school rehabilitation and teacher remuneration. The minister also highlighted the FCTs substantial workforce and the increased financial outlay required for maintenance, particularly with the recent minimum wage increment. He called on FCT representatives in the National Assembly to advocate for a special intervention fund, citing the inadequacy of the one per cent allocation from the federal governments share of the federation account. While acknowledging that not all problems can be solved in a short time, the FCT minister, however, reaffirmed the current governments commitment to good governance and the positive impact on residents lives. On the issue of unpaid ground rent, the minister issued a stern warning that the FCT Administration would soon resume the seal-off of defaulting properties following the expiration of the two-week grace period, undeterred by sentiment. He questioned why affluent individuals were unwilling to pay ground rent while demanding infrastructure provision. Shifting to national politics, Mr Wike reiterated his stance as a PDP stakeholder and his support for the ruling APC presidential candidate, President Tinubu, during the last elections. He clarified his decision not to support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating his conviction that President Tinubu would win and possesses the capacity to provide needed leadership. Responding to President Tinubus description of the PDP as a sinking ship and former Governor Ayo Fayoses characterisation of the party as a carcass, Mr Wike acknowledged the presidents right to his opinion but took exception to Mr Fayoses comment. He conceded that the PDP, as an opposition party, had failed to put its house in order, a situation he had predicted. Mr Wike, however, affirmed his continued membership in the PDP, vowing to insist on doing the right thing and refusing to leave the party for those he described as buccaneers and vampires. Regarding the ADC coalition movement, the minister dismissed it, describing its members as politicians known for decamping from one party to another, driven by personal ambitions. He questioned their claims of wanting to rescue the country, citing their past performance in government. Rivers political crisis On his reconciliation with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and expectations of restored democratic governance in the state, Mr Wike stated that the peace deal signifies good terms with the governor upon his return to office. He added that, to his understanding, the president does not wish to extend emergency rule due to public sentiment. When asked about supporting a PDP presidential candidate from the South or President Tinubu in future elections, the FCT minister reaffirmed his conviction in the presidents leadership qualities and courage, citing the removal of fuel subsidies despite opposition and challenges as a demonstration of his commitment to doing the right thing regardless of backlash. RABI MUSA UMAR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PRESS (OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER) 04/08/2025 Some residents of the South-South region of Nigeria have called for a review of the countrys constitution to empower judges to sign death warrants or commute sentences to life imprisonment. The respondents from Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States remarked while reacting to the News Agency of Nigeria survey on why governors refused to sign death warrants. They said the primary reason governors would not like to sign the warrant was fear of soiling their hands with blood, as a political implication. Governors, as humans, think of the pains of victims families Speaking in Cross River, Linus Obogo, the spokesperson to Governor Bassey Otu of the state, called for a constitutional review on the matter. He added that the judgements, when passed, should not depend on the governors for implementation, arguing that the judiciary should be responsible for signing death warrants. Mr Obogo wondered how governors who might not have attended the court proceedings that preceded the judgement would be the ones to sign the death sentence. According to him, the governor may not even know whether the accused was given a fair hearing before the burden of execution was passed on him or her. He expressed his opinion that governors should not have their tenure stained with blood by signing such executions, but should pass this on to their successors. The governors, as humans, willingly think of the pain of the victims families, and as such, will not want to sign the warrant. I think the responsibility should be left to the judges immediately judgements are passed, he said. For his part, a legal practitioner, Mba Ukweni, SAN, noted that governors refusal to sign death warrants was personal and not a policy they generated. Mr Ukweni said the governors just felt that they should not get their hands soiled with someones blood; otherwise, there is no law that encourages them to do so. He said that governors might also weigh the political implications of signing such a warrant and avoid being seen as enemies of the convicts family, which might affect their political careers. However, I think part of the blame should go to the committees on prerogative of mercy in the states, headed by the attorneys general. They are the ones who should go to the prisons to know those who should be recommended for mercy and those who should be recommended for execution. If this is not done, it will be difficult for the governor to just sign a death warrant after a court judgement, he maintained. Similarly, McPhalane Ejah, country director of the International Training Research and Advocacy Project, said governors reluctance to sign death warrants might be due to the convicts relationship or the offence. He added that since humans could not give life, he who takes life should also pay with his life, which is the foundation of the death sentence in the Nigerian constitution. He called for the review of the constitutional provision if it was no longer effective, as the governors refused to sign death warrants. According to him, all we need to do is look at that provision again and see if we still need it or if it is an abuse of power by the governors. Akwa Ibom Similarly, in Akwa Ibom, Eyibio Okon, a legal practitioner in Uyo, stated that the law did not compel the governors to sign death warrants for the execution of convicts. He said, The law is there, but then, it does not have any compelling provisions that the governor must sign a death warrant the moment a defendant is sentenced to death. Im sure that is why governors sometimes dont want to sign or send convicts to a hangman. Mr Okon attributed the governors reluctance to the issue of morality, as they might believe that by signing the death warrant, they were directly involved in the death of a human being. He said the law did not stipulate a time limit for signing the warrant, so governors might decide to leave it to their successors. Rivers Speaking in Rivers, Favour Ruben, the former vice chairperson of the Labour Party in the state, said that the governors might not sign the death warrant due to the different perspectives on the issue. According to him, they may be reasoning that killing their citizens may not be the best, but giving them ample opportunity to change. Mr Ruben said the death penalty law perfectly ensured sanity in society. If that will reduce the level of criminality, then it is better, he said. However, he said that the root cause of criminality must be addressed first, attributing it to the lack of jobs for the youth. If there are jobs, crime will reduce, he added. He says, Crime is just like a fruit on the tree, so when you kill it from the roots, you have freed up other people. So, the root is to be dealt with. In his contribution, Prince Wiro, the national coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, called for the abolition of the death penalty in Nigeria. Mr Wiro stated that the United Nations Charter of Human Rights had also called for the outright abolition of the death sentence and that he supported the call as a human rights advocate. Murder is a capital offence, and our practice here in Nigeria is a death sentence, but as human rights advocates, we have keyed into the demands by the United Nations for outright abolition of the death sentence, he said. He advocated for life imprisonment instead of a death sentence, saying that the significant challenge in implementing the countrys law was lack of diligent prosecution. Mr Wiro stated that the country needed diligent prosecution to secure sentences up to life imprisonment since the essence of conviction is to serve as a deterrent to others. A Nigerian lawyer and public affairs analyst, Darlington Agomuo, has shed more light on the war of words between Peter Obi and Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State. The war of words In June, Mr Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), pledged to serve for a single four-year tenure if elected the countrys president in 2027. The Nigerian constitution allows elected presidents only two terms of four years each. President Bola Tinubu, from the southern part of the country, is in his first term and is expected to seek re-election in 2027. Mr Obis pledge appears to be a strategic assurance to the north that the south would not stay in power for more than eight years. But Mr Soludo, without mentioning names, appeared to have aimed a swipe at the 2023 LP candidate, saying politicians who make such promises are mentally unstable. The governor spoke on Saturday during a political rally held in Ekwulobia within Anambra South District in support of his second-term ambition. In his response, Mr Obi reaffirmed his vow to serve only a single four-year term if elected Nigerias president, adding that his critics were judging him by their standards, where political promises are made to be broken. Lawyer sheds light Mr Agomuo, while appearing as a guest on Voice of People TV on Monday morning, said Mr Soludo was not referring to Mr Obi. The lawyer said Mr Soludo was referring to Nicholas Ukachukwu, the 2025 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State. Like Mr Obi, Mr Ukachukwu promised to serve for only one term if elected governor in Anambra State in compliance with the state zoning arrangement. The APC candidate hails from Orsumeyi in Nnewi South Local Government Area within Anambra South District of the state. Mr Soludo hails from Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area within the same Anambra South District of the state. Mr Agomuo explained that Mr Soludo was trying to tell Mr Ukachukwu that contesting for governorship despite coming from Anambra South District as himself would alter the zoning arrangement in the state. Ill advise Peter Obi to stop talking ahead of time. If you check (that clip) very well, Soludo was not referring to Obi. Go and listen to the context of that statement. (Nicholas) Ukachukwu said he would take one term in Anambra. Soludo was now telling him that if you take one term in Anambra it would alter the political permutation in Anambra, he explained. He (Soludo) didnt mention Peter Obi. The lawyer said the comment was misunderstood to be aimed at Mr Obi because it came at the same time the LP candidate promised to serve for one term. Soludo was not referring to Peter Obi specifically. But now, Peter Obi has replied ahead of time without even considering whether it was for him or Ukachukwu. If it were for Obi, Soludo wouldnt have said it (Ukachukwus contest) would alter the political permutation in Anambra State; that after him, Anambra Central District will take (the governorship slot), he added. The immediate past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, who served for two terms, hails from Anambra North District. PREMIUM TIMES transcribed below Mr Soludos opening and closing comments at the political rally to show he might not directly refer to Mr Obi. After now, anyone who is contesting for governorship from Anambra South (District) is causing a crisis. Hes trying to disrupt to zoning system in Anambra. Some of them (have) come to lie to us. How can anybody with a brainYou think you are talking to fools. You come to people and say, Ill do only one term. Anybody, any politician who said that, must be sent to a psychiatric home. Some of them (governorship candidates) have no school certificate. Yet, they want to be the governor of Anambra. SYDNEY, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Police divers have joined the search for a woman who has been missing since being swept away in floodwaters north of Sydney over the weekend, police said on Tuesday. An emergency search was launched on Saturday night after the 26-year-old woman was swept away while trying to escape a vehicle that had become stuck in floodwater near the town of Cessnock, 115 km north of Sydney. Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Tuesday that officers from the diving unit would join the search as it resumed. A police statement said that the search has continued over the past two days, involving local police, specialist officers from the rescue and bomb disposal unit and marine area command with assistance from the State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and rescue services. ANDOVER, England, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wright Industries today announced it has acquired Exception PCB Ltd, returning the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturer to UK ownership. Exception PCB will join Wright Industries' other investments, as part of the Connexion Technologies group. This strategic acquisition underscores both companies' shared commitment to building the most advanced manufacturing capability in the UK and supporting the UK Government's drive to secure critical industrial infrastructure. Exterior of the newly acquired Exception PCB facility in Tewkesbury - a UK-based PCB manufacturer specialising in high-reliability printed circuit board production for critical applications. "Bringing Exception PCB back from Asian into UK ownership strengthens our national manufacturing resilience, aligns with UK Government objectives, and opens new opportunities to innovate, invest, and lead," said Craig Wright, Chairman & CEO at Connexion Technologies. "The business has undergone significant recent investment in its processing technology to place it at the forefront of PCB manufacturing globally and we are proud to support its continued growth." "Exception PCB has a proud history rooted in British engineering," said Kamal Berberi, General Manager at Exception PCB. "We're excited to join forces with Connexion Technologies and continue developing strategic technologies that serve our customers." This acquisition comes at a time when national focus is returning to domestic capability in manufacturing, especially across sectors such as defence, aerospace, energy, and critical infrastructure. By uniting under UK ownership, Connexion Technologies and Exception PCB will strengthen British industry, protect key supply chains, and support skilled jobs across the UK. Wright Industries was supported by advisors Eversheds Sutherland (legal) and Crowe (tax). For more information, please visit: https://www.connexiontechnologies.co.uk. About Wright Industries Wright Industries is a specialist provider of investment, development and turnaround services for UK engineering SMEs. With over 30 years' experience in the manufacturing and engineering sector, we are experts at creating growth and resolving operational challenges. Our investments include Custom Interconnect, Accura Engineering, Exception PCB, Castle Microwave and Pure PCB, which are brought together under the Connexion Technologies brand. About Connexion Technologies At Connexion Technologies, we engineer solutions that shape the future. With sales of over 75M and over 450 employees, we are one of the UK's largest independent provider of both advanced electronic and mechanical solutions for high-reliability industries, including aerospace, defence, life sciences, energy, and communications to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. Our five brands are leading UK engineering and manufacturing providers: Custom Interconnect, Accura Engineering, Exception PCB, Castle Microwave and Pure PCB. With state-of-the-art facilities across the UK, we bring together deep expertise in electronic manufacturing, mechanical engineering, microelectronics, RF technology, and supply chain solutions. From semiconductor packaging to precision machining and advanced RF systems, we deliver world-class service, quality, reliability, and performance. About Exception PCB Exception PCB is a leading manufacturer of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) to the high-reliability industries, boasting some of the most advanced PCB process technology in the UK within their Tewskesbury facility. Specialising in quick-turn, low to medium volume, standard multi-layer, flex, flex-rigid and High Density Interconnection (HDI) solutions for a wide range of industries including aerospace, medical, telecommunications, defence and automotive. With 100 employees, the business is renowned for their technology-led service and ability to deliver advanced PCB products for their customers' most challenging applications. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2738441/Wright_Industries.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2738440/Wright_Industries_Logo.jpg MUNICH, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Minaris Advanced Therapies, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization and testing provider, has announced the opening of its new GMP manufacturing facility in Munich, Germany. The facility, located in Taufkirchen, strengthens Minaris' global manufacturing network and reinforces its position as a trusted partner in advancing cutting-edge therapies from concept to commercialization. Minaris Advanced Therapies Board, Executive Leadership and Site Leadership members celebrate the Taufkirchen facility ribbon cutting. Minaris' new facility builds on over 10 years of experience in both the clinical and commercial manufacture of advanced therapies. The facility is built to support technology transfer of commercial advanced therapies into Europe. The new facility enabled the consolidation of process and analytical development, and all the legacy manufacturing operations onto a single site. Located just minutes from the Munich International Airport, the new facility offers a strategic logistical advantage for clients across Europe and beyond. The site includes: Six Grade B/A cleanrooms for aseptic manufacturing One Grade C cleanroom designed for bioreactors and closed systems with convertible capability to A/B grade C cleanroom designed for bioreactors and closed systems with convertible capability to A/B grade Customizable cleanroom configurations and 224 m (2411 ft 2 ) of expansion space ) of expansion space Independently controlled HVAC systems for each cleanroom suite to reduce downtime and enable true parallel production activities Dedicated process development and quality control laboratories Cryopreservation and storage facilities Enhanced alarming and safety systems "The opening of this facility marks an important milestone in our mission to accelerate the development and manufacturing of transformative cell and gene therapies globally," said Dr. Orla Cloak, Chief Executive Officer of Minaris Advanced Therapies. "It enhances our European footprint and enhances our ability to meet client needs with speed, quality, and scalability." "This facility embodies our shared vision for the future of cell and gene therapy manufacturingscalable, flexible, and globally integrated," said Iain Baird, Chairman of the Board, Minaris Advanced Therapies. "The seamless transition into this new facility is a testament to the dedication of our team in Germany and the commitment Minaris Advanced Therapies has to bring long-term value to clients and patients worldwide." Minaris hosted an opening celebration at the new site on Thursday, July 31. About Minaris Advanced Therapies Minaris Advanced Therapies is a global contract development and manufacturing organization and contract testing provider with a focus on cell and gene therapies. Minaris Advanced Therapies is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has more than 650,000 square feet of infrastructure across the United States, Europe and Asia. The organization has manufactured and released over 7,500 GMP batches and has a global network that supports therapy developers through early-stage development, clinical trials and commercial manufacturing. Minaris Advanced Therapies is a portfolio company of Altaris. About Altaris Altaris is an investment firm with an exclusive focus on acquiring and building companies in the healthcare industry. Since its inception in 2003, Altaris has invested in more than 50 companies across a range of healthcare sub-sectors, with a consistent goal of delivering value to the healthcare system and generating attractive financial returns for investors. Altaris is headquartered in New York City and manages $10 billion of equity capital. For more information, please visit www.altariscap.com Media Contact: Tihesha Aaron corp.communications@minaris.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2742929/image__7.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679651/Minaris_Advanced_Therapies_Logo.jpg The modern, intuitive platform makes it easy for staff to delight guests and drive business success. NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mews , the industry-leading hospitality cloud, has recently surpassed 125,000 active users on its platform. This milestone comes in a year that has seen continued rapid growth for the business, including reaching 12,500 customers , securing $75m in additional funding led by Tiger Global and partnering with more leading hospitality groups including Choice Hotels International . "Every day, thousands of hoteliers use Mews to run great properties. That's the magic," said Matt Welle, CEO of Mews. "We're seeing it in the numbers too lower staff turnover, better engagement, and more time spent with guests instead of screens. That's a win for hoteliers, a win for teams, and most importantly a win for guests who benefit from more seamless, human experiences." The 125,000 hospitality staff using Mews work around the world in over 12,500 properties, which includes brands like Frame Hospitality Group, Stay Pineapple, Wythe Hotel and Terrace Bay Hotel. As staffing shortages continue to affect hospitality, choosing a PMS that's easy for employees to learn can have a significant business impact. Mews University provides self-guided, role-based digital training that gets staff quickly up to speed. As well as improving staff retention, this can also widen a hotel's hiring pool, allowing brands to hire people without prior experience. "Mews is light years ahead in comparison to everything else we've seen," said Matthew Opferkuch, CEO of The Laundry Rooms. "The core functionality is not only powerful but the UI and UX are very intuitive and user-friendly." Matej Matejka, Owner of Aplend Group, added: "The main thing I like about Mews is its simplicity and user-friendliness. When we train new staff on it, they understand it straight away, regardless of if they come from a hospitality background." Mews provides core functionality for hotel staff, including reservation and rate management, guest-facing tools including a booking engine, online check-in and self-serve kiosks, point-of-sale (POS), and a fully embedded payments system. Hedrik Renken, Head of Technology at Capsule Hotel Switzerland, said: "For me, the standout feature of Mews is its exceptional user-friendly interface. Both PMS and POS are incredibly intuitive all operations are synced with no need for manual intervention." About Mews Mews is the leading platform for the new era of hospitality. Powering 12,500 Customers across more than 85 countries, Mews Hospitality Cloud is designed to streamline operations for modern hoteliers, transform the guest experience and create more profitable businesses. Customers include BWH Hotels, Strawberry, The Social Hub and Airelles Collection. Mews was named Best PMS (2024, 2025) and listed among the Best Places to Work in Hotel Tech (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) by Hotel Tech Report. Mews has raised $410 million from investors including Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Kinnevik and Tiger Global Management to transform hospitality. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Mews Britt brings nearly 25 years of experience, most recently serving as vice president, Investor Relations at Archer-Daniels Midland (ADM) since 2022. Prior to ADM, Britt led the Investor Relations functions at Tyson Foods, Inc. and Corteva Agriscience. Before that, she held various finance and strategy roles at DuPont. Britt began her career as an economist at DuPont and senior analyst at Principal Financial Group. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Texas Tech University. Britt will report to Air Products' Chief Financial Officer Melissa Schaeffer and be based at the Company's global headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Schaeffer said, "We welcome Megan to the Air Products team. We are committed to creating shareholder value every day as we focus on our core capabilities, capital discipline and productivity. Megan's expertise will be valuable in communicating our progress and further strengthening relationships with analysts and investors around the world." About Air Products Air Products (NYSE: APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets and generating a cleaner future. The Company supplies essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, medical and food. As the leading global supplier of hydrogen, Air Products also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest clean hydrogen projects, supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy in the industrial and heavy-duty transportation sectors. Through its sale of equipment businesses, the Company also provides turbomachinery, membrane systems and cryogenic containers globally. Air Products had fiscal 2024 sales of $12.1 billion from operations in approximately 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of over $60 billion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram. SOURCE Air Products Brazil's Fleet Modernization Signals Long-Term Growth Potential in School Bus Market INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allison Transmission, a global leader in propulsion technology, is supporting Brazil's modernization of student transportation through the delivery of microbuses from Brazilian OEM Volare, a Marcopolo South America business division. The buses are equipped with Allison's T2100 automatic transmissions with extra fuel efficiency (xFE). In collaboration with the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE), these vehicles represent the first school buses with fully automatic transmissions in South America. Allison Transmission is supporting Brazils modernization of student transportation through the delivery of microbuses from Brazilian OEM Volare, a Marcopolo South America business division. Redencao, a municipality in the state of Ceara, is the latest recipient of the 4x4 Volare school buses featuring Allison's transmissions. The effort across several Brazilian states is part of the Caminho da Escola Program, which aims to provide public school students with access to safer and more reliable transportation. These buses ensure that students who travel long distances on unpaved rural roads have daily access to educational institutions. "Education in the municipality of Redencao has already faced major challenges. There was a time when children were transported to school on a truck with benches in the back," said Jane Cleia Pereira da Costa, Redencao's Municipal Secretary of Education. "But with these modern school buses, the investment made in infrastructure is ensuring that our children commute to and from school with comfort and quality, which contributes to a more promising future." Volare buses, available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, are engineered for rough terrain that is common in Brazil's North and Northeast. Allison's fully automatic transmissions eliminate the need for manual gear shifts, simplifying operation on roads with mud, gravel, or steep inclines. Drivers report less physical strain and greater control, particularly in challenging driving conditions. "Allison is proud to offer solutions that are fully aligned with the FNDE's Caminho da Escola program objectives, ensuring students have access to school buses that are on time, high quality and comfortable," said Gabriel Ruggiero, Regional Director of Operations for South America at Allison Transmission. Allison Automatics use a torque converter to deliver continuous power and offer a smooth driving experience. They eliminate torque interruptions when a driver shifts gears, which occur with manual and automated manual transmissions (AMTs). The Allison fully automatic transmission's design provides superior performance, reduced maintenance and greater driver control. "I've had a driver's license for 30 years, but I've never driven such a good vehicle," said Jose de Souza, a school bus driver. "If it was already a pleasure to work, now it's much better. With the automatic transmission I feel more confident. With the manual transmission, it's not like that; sometimes you can miss a gear in a bad place, which doesn't happen with the automatic transmission." For more information about Allison Transmission's school bus propulsion solutions and hear directly from the impacted drivers and students, visit AllisonTransmission.com. or see the video. About Allison Transmission Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) is a leading designer and manufacturer of propulsion solutions for commercial and defense vehicles and the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions that Improve the Way the World Works. Allison products are used in a wide variety of applications, including on-highway vehicles (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (school, transit and coach), motorhomes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (energy, mining, construction and agriculture) and defense vehicles (tactical wheeled and tracked). Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. With a presence in more than 150 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil, manufacturing facilities in the USA, Hungary and India, as well as global engineering resources, including electrification engineering centers in Indianapolis, Indiana, Auburn Hills, Michigan and London in the United Kingdom. Allison also has approximately 1,600 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit allisontransmission.com. SOURCE Allison Transmission, Inc. General Matter Signs Lease to Revive Dormant Paducah Enrichment Site PADUCAH, Ky., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- General Matter is bringing uranium enrichment back to the United States, starting at the site where the U.S. enrichment industry was born. General Matter, the American uranium enrichment company, proposed a plan in coordination with the Department of Energy, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the local Paducah community to build a commercial uranium enrichment facility at the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, Kentucky. General Matter Signs Lease to Revive Dormant Paducah Enrichment Site Post this The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant was the first location where the U.S. industrialized enrichment technology, enabling the eventual widespread adoption of commercial nuclear power. "Today's announcement marks a significant step in the Department's fulfillment of Secretary Wright's vision of ensuring reliable, affordable, and secure energy for all Americans," said Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly. This proposed enrichment facility will produce the fuel needed for the next generation of nuclear energy, central to America's aspirations in AI, manufacturing, and other critical industries. The plant will also offset a large percentage of foreign imports from adversarial countries, saving the U.S. approximately $500M per year. In addition, it will bring significant economic benefits to the Paducah community, employing 140 people in well-paid, locally sourced jobs. The plant will be the anchor for over $1B in potential investment in the local area, and will catalyze the growth of the nuclear and manufacturing industries in Paducah and broader Western Kentucky. "I want to congratulate the team at General Matter on this major step toward what would be the largest economic investment ever for Western Kentucky," said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. "This lease reflects Kentucky's leadership in nuclear energy and our strong partnerships at the federal and local levels, as well as in the private sector. I am looking forward to being back in Paducah soon to celebrate the next key milestone for this exciting and historic project." "Sooner or later, I think America will understand that domestic use of nuclear energy is the way forward," shared U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell during his remarks at the announcement ceremony. "All of you here deserve a round of applause for creating the kind of environment that would attract the plants of the future. I'm looking forward to witnessing what happens. Like I said, this is a big deal." "This is great news for Paducah, McCracken County, and the entire western Kentucky region," added U.S. Senator Rand Paul. "I look forward to continuing to support the community as this project moves forward and to seeing new job opportunities and investment take root on this site and throughout the Commonwealth." "What a great day for West Kentucky, and what a great day for America," said U.S. Congressman James Comer during his remarks at the announcement ceremony. "I've been in Congress almost nine years. This is the first time in my nine years that I've been at an event where both U.S. Senators, the U.S. Representative, and the Governor are all in attendance to celebrate the same thing." Congressman Comer continued: "You can't have economic development without energy, and that's what we're here to see today." "Seventy-five years ago, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission selected Paducah to help lead the nation's original enrichment efforts," said General Matter CEO Scott Nolan. "We are proud to return to and reactivate this historic site to power a new era of American energy independence, and we thank our partners in Kentucky and at the DOE's Office of Environmental Management and the Office of Nuclear Energy for supporting us in this landmark investment in American nuclear infrastructure." General Matter is the first privately-funded American company to develop uranium enrichment technology. The company was selected by the DOE as an awardee in both its LEU and HALEU enrichment acquisition programs, and it plans to be enriching uranium at the Paducah site by the end of the decade. Enrichment is a safe, proven process that involves only separation processes, and zero nuclear or chemical reactions. Strict safety and environmental standards would be followed during development and operation, under oversight from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission during the licensing process. About General Matter: General Matter is enriching uranium in America to reshore domestic nuclear fuel capacity and power the American energy production needed to lead in AI, manufacturing, and other critical industries. General Matter is backed by Founders Fund, the first institutional investor in SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril. The company brings together a team of American experts and engineers, recruited from across the U.S. with deep backgrounds in nuclear, tech, and government. General Matter focuses on speed, accountability, and transparency to deliver real progress in clean energy and national security. Their work is designed to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign fuel and power America's future. For more information on General Matter, visit generalmatter.com . SOURCE General Matter LEADING AMERICAN MANUFACTURER CONTINUES ONGOING INVESTMENTS ACROSS AMERICA, PART OF $300+ MILLION INVESTED IN U.S. FACILITIES IN 2025 BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD), a leading American manufacturer and maker of Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Stella Artois, today announced a new $9 million investment in its Baldwinsville, NY brewery. Over the last five years, Anheuser-Busch has invested more than $2 billion in its manufacturing facilities across the country to help create and sustain jobs and drive economic prosperity in the communities where it operates and its employees call home. Anheuser-Busch Baldwinsville Brewery This $9 million investment in its Baldwinsville brewery is part of Anheuser-Busch's Brewing Futures initiative, through which the company is investing more than $300 million in its U.S. facilities this year to create and sustain U.S. manufacturing jobs. Building on more than 165 years of continuous investment in its people, breweries, and communities, Anheuser-Busch's Brewing Futures initiative supports American manufacturing through three key pillars: 1) creating and sustaining manufacturing jobs 2) advancing technical skills training 3) strengthening manufacturing career opportunities for veterans. The latest investment in its Baldwinsville brewery will ensure that Anheuser-Busch continues to build on the success of its industry-leading beer brands while also expanding the brewery's capacity to produce Anheuser-Busch's fast-growing Beyond Beer offerings, including NUTRL Vodka Seltzer and Skimmers Vodka Iced Tea. Other aspects of the investment include brewery equipment maintenance and updates to the facility's refrigeration units. Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch, said: "Anheuser-Busch is committed to supporting the communities where our employees live and work. Investments in our facilities like our Baldwinsville brewery help us to enhance our operations while also helping to create and sustain jobs and drive economic growth, because nothing goes better together than American beers and American careers." Anheuser-Busch has called New York State home since 1983. In that time, Anheuser-Busch and its distributor partners have made more than $1.6 billion in capital investments in the state, including nearly $90 million invested in Anheuser-Busch's Baldwinsville brewery over the past five years. Anheuser-Busch remains dedicated to being a key economic driver in New York State and maintaining our position as the leader in the American brewing industry. Anheuser-Busch operates more than 100 facilities across the country and, with its distributors, employs 65,000 hardworking Americans. Over the past five years, Anheuser-Busch has invested nearly $2 billion in its 100 facilities across the country to enhance operations, advance technology, and meet evolving consumer demand. That commitment continues in 2025, with more than $300 million in planned investments in its facilities nationwide to support American manufacturing. For more on Anheuser-Busch's economic impact visit www.anheuser-busch.com/community/economic-impact or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn , X , Facebook , and Instagram . ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. 99 percent of the products we sell in the U.S are made in the U.S. with more than $700 million in high-quality ingredients sourced from American farmers and more than $7 billion in goods and services purchased from U.S. suppliers, and we have invested nearly $2 billion in our 100 facilities across the country over the past five years. Through these investments, and as a leading American manufacturer and the nation's top brewer, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only brewer that invests in the U.S. at this scale. We are home to the nation's most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater, as well as industry-leading regional craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. That's who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn , X , Facebook , and Instagram . SOURCE Anheuser-Busch If your Private Information was involved and/or if you were an Account Owner or Line User whose call records were involved in the AT&T Data Incidents, you may be eligible to receive benefits from a class action Settlement. PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by Kroll Settlement Administration regarding In Re: AT&T Inc. Customer Data Security Breach Litigation. A settlement has been proposed in a class action lawsuit called In Re: AT&T Inc. Customer Data Security Breach Litigation, MDL Docket No. 3:24-md-03114-E (the "Lawsuit"), which is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas (the "Court"). The Lawsuit alleges that AT&T specific fields were contained in a data set released on the dark web in a data incident announced on March 30, 2024 ("AT&T 1 Data Incident") and, in a separate data incident announced on July 12, 2024, certain limited AT&T data had been unlawfully downloaded from a third-party cloud platform hosted by Snowflake, Inc. ("AT&T 2 Data Incident") (collectively, "Data Incidents"). AT&T denies the claims alleged in the Lawsuit and denies any wrongdoing. AT&T has not been found liable of anything by any court. Who is a Settlement Class Member? There are two (2) subclasses that make up the Settlement Class: AT&T 1 Settlement Class : All living persons in the United States whose data elements were included in the AT&T 1 Data Incident, announced on March 30, 2024 . AT&T 2 Settlement Class : All AT&T Account Owners or Line Users whose Call Records were involved in the AT&T 2 Data Incident, announced on July 12, 2024 . What does the Settlement provide? AT&T agrees to make available two (2) Settlement Funds. The AT&T 1 Settlement Fund means a $149 million all cash fund that AT&T has agreed to pay to settle the claims arising from the AT&T 1 Data Incident. The AT&T 2 Settlement Fund means a $28 million all cash payment that AT&T has agreed to pay to settle the claims arising from the AT&T 2 Data Incident. Settlement Class Members under the Settlement Agreement will be eligible to receive benefits based on the Settlement Class(es) they are in: (a) Documented Loss Cash Payments; or (b) a Tiered Cash Payment. Visit www.TelecomDataSettlement.com for a full description of the Settlement Class Member Benefits and documentation requirements to receive a cash payment. How do I get a cash payment? You must submit a Claim Form, available at www.TelecomDataSettlement.com to be eligible to receive a benefit. Your completed Claim Form must be submitted online or mailed to the Settlement Administrator at AT&T Data Incident Settlement, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324 and postmarked, by November 18, 2025. What are your other options? Do Nothing: If you do nothing, you are included as a Settlement Class Member but you will not get money from the Settlement. You will be legally bound by the terms of the Settlement, and you give up any rights to sue for the claims asserted in this case. If you do nothing, you are included as a Settlement Class Member but you will not get money from the Settlement. You will be legally bound by the terms of the Settlement, and you give up any rights to sue for the claims asserted in this case. Exclude Yourself: If you do not want to be included in the Settlement and want to keep your right to sue about the claims in the Lawsuit, you must exclude yourself, or "opt out," by mailing a written request for exclusion to the Settlement Administrator postmarked no later than October 17, 2025 . Please refer to the opt-out requirements, available at www.TelecomDataSettlement.com. If you exclude yourself, you will not get any Settlement Class Member Benefits because the Settlement no longer affects you. If you do not want to be included in the Settlement and want to keep your right to sue about the claims in the Lawsuit, you must exclude yourself, or "opt out," by mailing a written request for exclusion to the Settlement Administrator postmarked no later than . Please refer to the opt-out requirements, available at www.TelecomDataSettlement.com. If you exclude yourself, you will not get any Settlement Class Member Benefits because the Settlement no longer affects you. Object: You can remain a Settlement Class Member but submit an objection and explain why you do not like the Settlement. Written objections must be filed with the Court no later than October 17, 2025 . When is the Final Approval Hearing? The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on December 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CT to consider approval of the settlement, payment to Class Counsel for attorneys' fees of up to one-third of their respective action's Settlement Funds (AT&T 1 Class Counsel, $49,666,666.67, and AT&T 2 Class Counsel, $9,333,333.33, respectively), plus expenses, and an award of up to $1,500 for each Class Representative. You may appear at the hearing yourself or through an attorney hired by you, at your own expense, but you don't have to. This is only a summary. For more information, visit www.TelecomDataSettlement.com or call (833) 890-4930. SOURCE Kroll Settlement Administration Nordstrom.com Customers Can Now Shop babyark's State-Of-The-Art Car Seat, Engineered for Ultimate Protection and Peace Of Mind AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- babyark, the innovative car seat brand committed to reimagining child safety through advanced technology and design, is proud to announce its debut at Nordstrom.com. babyark's latest announcement marks a key milestone in babyark's retail expansion, bringing its safety-focused car seats to more families through a trusted and far-reaching retail partner. The collaboration connects babyark with parents looking for products that seamlessly blend safety, style, and ease of use. babyark Smart Convertible Car Seat "We're thrilled to let Nordstrom's loyal customer base know that they can now purchase babyark's safe, smart, and beautiful products at their favorite online retailer," said Shy Mindel, CEO and Founder of babyark. "Nordstrom shares our dedication to high-quality, well-designed products, making this a natural fit as we continue to grow and connect with new parents." babyark is redefining car seat safety through performance engineering, protective design, and the highest-grade materials. With a focus on both innovation and ease of use, babyark offers advanced safety systems designed to deliver exceptional protection, intuitive functionality, and lasting comfort. SafeCoil Technology : This patented steel coil mechanism elongates upon impact to extend the seat's stopping distance. By reducing force and forward momentum during sudden stops, SafeCoil offers critical protection in the event of a crash. : This patented steel coil mechanism elongates upon impact to extend the seat's stopping distance. By reducing force and forward momentum during sudden stops, SafeCoil offers critical protection in the event of a crash. BioArk Side-Impact Protection: babyark's innovative, energy-absorbing side-impact protection has been part of every seat since launch. babyark offers two versions of its convertible car seats - Classic and Smart - both featuring its proprietary SafeCoil and BioArk technologies. The Smart Convertible Car Seat ($990) features integrated sensors and app connectivity to guide installation, track usage, and alert caregivers if the child is left in the seat or not buckled correctly. features integrated sensors and app connectivity to guide installation, track usage, and alert caregivers if the child is left in the seat or not buckled correctly. The Classic Convertible Car Seat ($790) offers the same high-end materials and engineeringwithout the digital featuresfor families seeking straightforward safety and installation. babyark is available for purchase online at www.babyark.com, Nordstrom.com, and in more than 50 specialty retailers across the United States. For more information on babyark or to schedule an interview with babyark's CEO, please email [email protected]. About babyark Founded by Shy Mindel, an aeronautical engineer and dad of three, babyark is a global tech brand reimagining child safety. Featuring the SafeCoil and BioArk energy-absorbing technologies, the company's innovative convertible car seats are available in the Classic (analog) and Smart (app-enabled) versions. babyark's car seats combine safety, design, and peace of mind and have been rigorously tested in more than 200 crash simulations. The award-winning company has been honored by CES, The Bump, and TIME and has been featured in Parents, Motherly, Forbes, Babylist and more. For more information on babyark, please visit www.babyark.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Media Contact: Samatha Breen OPR (for babyark) [email protected] 949.290.2834 SOURCE babyark Leadership addition brings deep market expertise to accelerate VERIS growth LANCASTER, Pa., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Benecon Group, a national leader in self-funded healthcare solutions, today announced the appointment of Michael Sullivan as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This strategic appointment comes as the company scales its national consortium solution, VERIS, into its next phase of commercial acceleration. A veteran healthcare executive, Sullivan brings over 25 years of experience leading complex benefit and insurance organizations, including executive leadership roles at Independence Health Group, AmeriHealth Administrators, and Highmark. Sullivan's deep expertise in stop loss, third-party administration, product strategy and distribution partnerships, paired with his proven track record driving large-scale growth across regional and national markets, makes him uniquely positioned to lead Benecon's commercial operations at this pivotal moment. "VERIS resonates across the market for its employer control, risk protection, and cost predictability," said Matthew Kirk, CEO of The Benecon Group. "Michael's appointment ensures we build on that traction with operational precision, partner enablement and national scale. He brings a strategic lens, a commercial playbook, and the experience to scale our growth engine across the country." VERIS by Benecon is an independent consortium model that leverages actuarial intelligence and underwriting precision to drive sustained health plan performance. Through data-driven design and stop-loss purchasing power, VERIS is a validated platform with over a decade of proven results and is now primed for broader reach. As Chief Commercial Officer, Sullivan will lead Benecon's go-to-market execution across all fronts, including advisor activation, channel strategy, regional expansion, and strategic partnerships. "VERIS is a blueprint for scalable self-funding and has already proven its value to advisors and employers across the country," said Sullivan. "In partnership with the expert team at Benecon, my focus is to amplify that success, deepen our partner relationships, and unlock the full market potential of this platform." Throughout his career, Sullivan has led multi-line commercial health insurance businesses serving hundreds of thousands of members and generating over $1 billion in annual revenue. He has grown TPA business units, launched new lines of business across multiple markets, and held a C-level role with national scope and operational responsibility across all 50 states. "Benecon's appointment of a Chief Commercial Officer is a clear investment in growth, discipline, and long-term category leadership," said Jason Mironov, Managing Director at TA Associates ("TA"), Benecon's private equity partner. "Michael brings the experience, network and commercial strategy needed to drive the next phase of VERIS expansion." "In the rapidly evolving self-funded healthcare market, VERIS stands apart for its actuarial strength, scalability and advisor-friendly design," said Michael Berk, Managing Director at TA. "Michael's leadership will help Benecon meet growing market demand with clarity and precision." "Employers and advisors are seeking solutions with consistency, predictability and scale," added Michael Smith, Managing Director at Neuberger Berman Private Markets. "VERIS delivers on those expectations, and Michael's appointment signals a strong commitment to continued expansion." About Benecon VERIS by Benecon is a self-funded healthcare model built for control, capped liability, and long-term plan performance. Unlike models that work to get companies into self-funding, VERIS is built to keep them there - through actuarial design, underwriting precision, and built-in risk protections. As the only national, independent consortium, it secures the full plan - not just the 30% typically covered by stop-loss. VERIS defines total cost exposure up front and delivers guaranteed renewals, rate caps, no new lasers, and full surplus return. It's self-funding, solvedwhere decisions and dollars stay where they belong - with the employer. Learn more at benecon.com. About TA TA is a leading global private equity firm focused on scaling growth in profitable companies. Since 1968, TA has invested in more than 560 companies across its five target industries technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and business services. Leveraging its deep industry expertise and strategic resources, TA collaborates with management teams worldwide to help high-quality companies deliver lasting value. The firm has raised $65 billion in capital to date and has over 150 investment professionals across offices in Boston, Menlo Park, Austin, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong. For more information, visit: www.ta.com. About Neuberger Berman Private Markets Neuberger Private Markets is a division of Neuberger Berman and has been an active and successful private markets investor since 1987. Neuberger Private Markets invests across strategies, asset classes, and geographies for a large number of sophisticated and renowned institutions and individuals globally. As of March 31, 2025, Neuberger Private Markets manages over $140 billion of investor commitments across primaries, co-investments, secondaries, private credit, and specialty strategies. Neuberger Private Markets has an experienced and diverse team of over 440 professionals with a global presence in 15 offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia. SOURCE Benecon CAPE TOWN, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A new study by researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa has found that certain exotic plants may intensify the risks of urban wildfires. According to a recent statement issued by UCT, the research was conducted following the devastating Table Mountain fire in April 2021, during which UCT's historic Jagger Library, home to precious archival material, was gutted, with other buildings affected. The fire, fuelled by strong winds and dry vegetation, had burnt for approximately four days and destroyed around 3,000 hectares on Table Mountain, with many having to evacuate their homes. The study, titled "Time to Extinguish the Exotic Flame: Lessons from the 2021 Cape Town Fire," highlighted how plant leaf traits, particularly in ornamental exotic species, influence the speed and intensity of vegetation burning. Muthama Muasya, the study's senior author and an internationally recognized plant taxonomist and evolutionary biologist, said that while laboratory tests alone cannot fully predict how plants behave in real-world fires, they offer valuable insight into key characteristics that influence ignition, burn duration and intensity. The researchers analyzed 42 plant species -- 22 native and 20 exotic -- focusing on traits such as leaf thickness, surface area, and specific leaf area, finding that plants with thin leaves and a larger surface area per unit mass ignited more quickly, while species with thicker leaves burned for longer periods. "Exotic species that combine large, thin leaves with tall, woody growth and high retention of dry or dead foliage are of particular concern. These characteristics dramatically increase combustibility and the ability to trap burning embers, especially under windy conditions," said Muasya. "We call for a shift in how cities approach green infrastructure, urging city officials, landscapers and property owners to prioritize native species with lower flammability. We also stress the importance of raising public awareness about the hidden fire risks posed by attractive but hazardous plants," he added. The full study will be published in the September issue of the South African Journal of Botany. Building on Louisville's legacy in American brandy and innovation LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bourdon Spirits Company, a family-owned spirits company based in Louisville, has announced its acquisition of Copper & Kings American Brandy Company from Constellation Brands. The move marks a key milestone and deepens Bourdon Spirits' investment in the future of American brandy. Key deal highlights: Strategic acquisition of Copper & Kings , a nationally respected brand known for high-quality American brandy and bourbon innovation. of , a nationally respected brand known for high-quality American brandy and bourbon innovation. Spirits production will continue at the brand's Louisville distillery, a standout destination on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that reinforces Copper & Kings' position in the heart of bourbon country. at the brand's distillery, a standout destination on the that reinforces Copper & Kings' position in the heart of bourbon country. Expansion plans include enhancing the visitor experience and growing national distributionwhile preserving the brand's creative identity and commitment to quality. include enhancing the visitor experience and growing national distributionwhile preserving the brand's creative identity and commitment to quality. Vision for growth: "We plan to build on Copper & Kings' legacy by honoring its roots and continuing to do things our own way, just as the brand always has," said Rob Bourdon, Founder of Bourdon Spirits Company. "We're honored to welcome Copper & Kings into our family and lead its next chapter right here in Louisville," said Rob Bourdon. "This is a brand that respects tradition while creating with a distinct, American-made spirit. We're excited to bring American brandy to more people, in more places." Transaction Closing: The acquisition officially closed on August 5, 2025. About Bourdon Spirits Company Bourdon Spirits is a family-owned spirits company focused on growing brands to stand out with purpose and originality. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the company is rooted in its customers and a long-term vision for American spirits. About Copper & Kings Copper & Kings is a trailblazing American brandy company based in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for its unconventional approachbourbon barrelaged brandy and brandy barrelfinished bourbonCopper & Kings celebrates making spirits the American way. The brand continues to lead the modern revival of brandy with a bold, flavorful portfolio and a distinctly American voice. Learn more at www.copperandkings.com SOURCE BOURDON SPIRITS COMPANY LLC CHICAGO, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, today reported July monthly trading volume statistics across its global business lines. The data sheet "Cboe Global Markets Monthly Volume & RPC/Net Revenue Capture Report" contains an overview of certain July trading statistics and market share by business segment, volume in select index products, and RPC/net capture, which is reported on a one-month lag, across business lines. Average Daily Trading Volume (ADV) by Month Year-To-Date Jul 2025 Jul 2024 % Chg Jun 2025 % Chg Jul 2025 Jul 2024 % Chg Multiply-listed options (contracts, k) 12,215 11,145 9.6 % 11,836 3.2 % 12,886 10,642 21.1 % Index options (contracts, k) 4,469 4,140 8.0 % 4,639 -3.7 % 4,688 4,065 15.3 % Futures (contracts, k)1 178 267 -33.3 % 185 -3.8 % 226 242 -6.3 % U.S. Equities - On-Exchange (matched shares, mn) 1,790 1,280 39.9 % 1,780 0.6 % 1,785 1,404 27.2 % U.S. Equities - Off-Exchange (matched shares, mn) 141 76 84.8 % 123 14.4 % 113 78 45.2 % Canadian Equities (matched shares, k) 150,096 122,608 22.4 % 146,058 2.8 % 154,298 144,633 6.7 % European Equities (, mn) 12,490 9,229 35.3 % 11,811 5.7 % 13,560 9,665 40.3 % Cboe Clear Europe Cleared Trades (k) 122,973 105,831 16.2 % 110,623 11.2 % 935,981 699,176 33.9 % Cboe Clear Europe Net Settlements (k) 1,236 1,022 20.9 % 1,090 13.4 % 7,726 6,311 22.4 % Australian Equities (AUD, mn) 870 771 12.8 % 951 -8.5 % 884 764 15.7 % Global FX ($, mn) 48,514 45,586 6.4 % 51,222 -5.3 % 53,135 46,340 14.7 % 1 In the second quarter of 2025, Digital futures products were transitioned to Cboe Futures Exchange. Futures metrics prior to the second quarter of 2025 exclude Digital futures products. July 2025 Trading Volume Highlights U.S. Options Cboe's S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Mini-SPX Index (XSP) options set monthly volume records in zero-days-to-expiry (0DTE) trading, with 0DTE ADVs of 2.2 million and 60 thousand contracts, respectively. SPX options recorded its third most active trading day of all time on July 31 with 4.8 million contracts traded. European Equities Cboe Europe Equities hit record market shares in July for both overall trading (26.6%) and continuous trading (34.7%). About Cboe Global Markets Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives and FX across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Above all, we are committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com . CBOE-V Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. or its affiliates. Standard & Poor's, S&P, SPX, and S&P 500 are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC, and have been licensed for use by Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Any products that have the S&P Index or Indexes as their underlying interest are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor's or Cboe and neither Standard & Poor's nor Cboe make any representations or recommendations concerning the advisability of investing in products that have S&P indexes as their underlying interests. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates do not recommend or make any representation as to possible benefits from any securities, futures or investments, or third-party products or services. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. is not affiliated with S&P. Investors should undertake their own due diligence regarding their securities, futures, and investment practices. This press release speaks only as of this date. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. disclaims any duty to update the information herein. Nothing in this announcement should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell any securities or futures in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the laws of such jurisdiction. Nothing contained in this communication constitutes tax, legal or investment advice. Investors must consult their tax adviser or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates make no warranty, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, any warranties as of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, completeness or timeliness, the results to be obtained by recipients of the products and services described herein, or as to the ability of the indices referenced in this press release to track the performance of their respective securities, generally, or the performance of the indices referenced in this press release or any subset of their respective securities, and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies, errors. Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its affiliates have not calculated, composed or determined the constituents or weightings of the securities that comprise the third-party indices referenced in this press release and shall not in any way be liable for any inaccuracies or errors in any of the indices referenced in this press release. There are important risks associated with transacting in any of the Cboe Company products discussed here. Before engaging in any transactions in those products, it is important for market participants to carefully review the disclosures and disclaimers contained at: https://www.cboe.com/us_disclaimers/. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all market participants. Prior to buying or selling an option, a person should review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (ODD), which is required to be provided to all such persons. Copies of the ODD are available from your broker or from The Options Clearing Corporation, 125 S. Franklin Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60606. SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Louisville Business First recognizes Chief Financial Officer of Advantum Health as one of the region's 2025 Forty Under 40 honorees LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chris Taft, CFO of Advantum Health, an industry-leading practice revenue management authority headquartered in Louisville, has been recognized by Louisville Business First as one of the metro area's top young leaders in the 2025 Forty Under 40 class. The 2025 Forty Under 40 Awards honor 40 rising stars in the local business world. Chris Taft, CFO of Advantum Health The deserving honorees have distinguished themselves in the Louisville community, in their companies, and their industries all before their 40th birthday. The journey to this prestigious honor began with Taft's stint in wealth management for Merrill Lynch and UBS, as well as an entrepreneurial venture founding a mobile app startup. Joining Advantum Health in 2016 as a Director of Business Development, Taft proved his ability to execute in high-pressure situations, then shifted focus to finance. After holding positions of Senior Business Analyst, Vice-President of Finance & Acquisitions, and Senior Vice-President of Finance, he was promoted to the role of Chief Financial Officer in 2022. CEO of Advantum Health, Tammy Taylor, shared, "Chris is an incredibly accomplished executive and bright financial mind. In the past year, Chris has been instrumental in quadrupling EBITDA, and transforming Advantum's financial performance through strategic cost management, operational efficiencies, and revenue optimization, ultimately positioning the company for long-term growth and increased shareholder value. We are grateful to have his skills and experience on the team." Now in its 30th year, the illustrious Forty Under 40 program fielded over 600 nominations this year. Congratulations to Chris Taft and all the other 2025 honorees for this well-deserved recognition of your contributions to the Louisville community. About Advantum Health Advantum Health supports leading healthcare provider organizations with comprehensive AI-powered solutions for revenue cycle optimization, including billing, coding, focused follow-up, credentialing, authorizations, eligibility and auditing. Headquartered in Louisville, KY, Advantum's team of more than 650 RCM professionals is dedicated to simplifying revenue cycle complexity, enabling providers and their patients to thrive. Learn more at www.advantumhealth.com or email [email protected]. Contact: Trish Thomas [email protected] +1 720-224-4923 SOURCE Advantum Health SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- California is home to the world's fastest microchip, zero-emission supercars, and now, the search is on to crown the next "Coolest Thing Made in California." The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is proud to announce the third year of the contest, which celebrates the innovation and creativity of California's manufacturing sector. As global supply chains shift and reshoring trends accelerate, California's 30,000 manufacturers are proving that world-class innovation still starts here in the Golden State. CMTA presented the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in California award to Northrop Grumman, for the worlds fastest microchip, on October 18, 2024. More photos available upon request. The "Coolest Thing Made in California" competition is the only contest of its kind in the state, with a bracket-style tournament in which the public can nominate and vote for their favorite products made in California. This contest highlights the vital role manufacturing plays in the state's economy, which employs 1.3 million people and contributes $310 billion to the annual GDP. "Manufacturing is the backbone of California's economy. The industry drives innovation, creates high-wage jobs and produces the essential goods that support our everyday lives," said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. "In a rapidly changing global landscape, it is critical now more than ever to support and celebrate the ingenuity and resilience of our state's manufacturing sector. I am very excited to see what the public nominates and votes for in this year's contest." Each year, the contest makes headlines for its recognition of unique California-made products and the awareness it brings to manufacturers across the state. The 2024 contest brought in more than 246,000 votes and reached an estimated audience of 34 million people through social media and broadcast platforms combined. With past finalists including everything from edible cups to personal air taxis, each product represents cutting edge thinkers and technological advancements. This year, with a longer nomination period and a strong fanbase, the contest is highly anticipated. How it works: Nominate: Now- August 29 During this timeframe, anyone can submit a nomination for a product made in California at coolestthingcalifornia.com. Products that reached the Top 4 Round in 2024 are not eligible. Vote: September 8-October 3 The public votes weekly in four bracket-style rounds. Each round narrows the field until a winner is determined. Popular round: September 8-11 Top 16: September 15-18 Top 8: September 22-25 Top 4: September 29-October 3 3. Celebrate: October 22 The winner is formally announced at the Coolest Thing Made in California Celebration on October 22, 2025, at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento. To learn more about the competition and nominate a product, go to coolesthingcalifornia.com. About CMTA The California Manufacturers & Technology Association has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. Total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit the CMTA website. Media Contact: Rebecca Elliott [email protected] SOURCE California Manufacturers & Technology Association Revolutionary monitoring solution delivers increased energy production improvements per wind turbine through advanced power and pitch curve analysis PITTSBURGH, Pa., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Exus Renewables North America, a leading independent developer and operator of utility-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects, today announced the launch of ExusIQ+, a comprehensive suite of asset optimization products designed to maximize renewable energy performance. The suite debuts with Pitch Power+, an innovative monitoring tool that has consistently delivered Annual Energy Production (AEP) gains of 1.5% to 15% per individual wind turbine across managed fleets. ExusIQ+ represents a new generation of asset management solutions from Exus Renewables North America's Asset Management team, combining cutting-edge technology with deep industry expertise to increase energy efficiency, identify real-time issues, and optimize asset performance across utility-scale renewable energy projects. Wind turbines regularly experience various factors that lead to significant annual energy production losses. Environmental degradation like blade erosion diminishes efficiency by 1.5-2% annually, and operational issues such as blade misalignment and incorrect parameters contribute to losses averaging around 5%. Identifying and addressing these challenges quickly is essential for maintaining economic viability of wind projects, yet traditional monitoring solutions often fail to pinpoint the exact causes efficiently. "Our performance engineers are consistently achieving measurable energy production improvements with this new technology," said Jim Spencer, President and CEO of Exus Renewables North America. "The Pitch Power+ tool represents a significant advancement in performance monitoring, allowing us to pinpoint issues with unprecedented speed and accuracy, ultimately delivering substantial AEP gains that directly impact our clients' bottom line." "The ExusIQ+ suite reflects our commitment to leveraging data analytics and engineering expertise to unlock hidden value in renewable energy assets," said Dhaval Bhalodia, Head of Operations at Exus Renewables North America. "Pitch Power+ demonstrates how targeted analysis can deliver meaningful improvementsup to 15% per turbineby addressing the specific operational challenges that traditional monitoring often misses." The proprietary Pitch Power+ tool addresses a critical industry challenge by focusing on the three primary causes of power curve issues: sensor malfunctions, incorrect parameters, and pitch-related problems such as blade misalignments or collective blade offsets. By analyzing the relationship between power curves and pitch behavior, Exus' performance engineers can efficiently identify problems without the need for time-consuming data collection or extensive investigations. Key benefits of the Pitch Power+ tool include: Significant AEP improvements ranging from 1.5% to 15% per individual wind turbine Rapid problem identification through issue-specific signature recognition Streamlined diagnostic process requiring less engineering time Faster resolution of performance issues Integration with existing asset management workflows The launch of ExusIQ+ and its flagship Pitch Power+ tool reinforces Exus Renewables North America's commitment to innovation and operational excellence in the renewable energy sector, particularly as the company continues to expand its footprint in the U.S. market. Additional products within the ExusIQ+ suite are planned for release throughout 2025. About Exus Renewables North America Exus Renewables North America is a leading independent owner, developer and operator of utility-scale renewable energy projects, dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions across the United States. Operating from offices in Pittsburgh, New York, and Albuquerque with over 90 employees, the company focuses on developing, repowering, and managing renewable energy assets as part of its mission to drive sustainable growth in the renewable energy sector. With over 5.8 gigawatts in its total portfolio and 764 MW now operating or under construction, Exus continues to expand its operational footprint while contributing to the nation's decarbonization efforts and clean energy goals. Contact: Emily Torrans Mahoney Communications Group [email protected] (212) 220-6045 SOURCE Exus Renewables North America PHOENIX, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From the twisted minds behind Face of Horror comes a frightful new chapter: Face of Halloween . This all-new online competition invites lovers of the macabre to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight for a chance to prove they're the ultimate Halloween icon, all while supporting Starlight Children's Foundation . At stake? Face of Halloween is scary legit! $13,000 cash to fuel some frightful dreams cash to fuel some frightful dreams A run-in with horror icons A paranormal ghost hunt with legendary horror icon Kane Hodder A professional photoshoot and feature in Rue Morguethe definitive publication for all things eerie and iconic Horror Royalty Joins the Mission to Support Starlight Children's Foundation While the competition celebrates the fun of fear, it's also grounded in a mission that truly matters. Through the Face of Halloween competition, Colossal , the nation's leading professional fundraiser, proudly supports Starlight Children's Foundation, a nonprofit that brings happiness to hospitalized kids and their families through empowering gaming programs, personalized hospital gowns, and play-based experiences that help young patients feel like kids againeven in the face of serious illness. At the heart of this mission is Jamie Lee Curtis, serving as Charity Host. A genre-defining scream queen since her breakout role in Halloween (1978), Curtis has spent decades at the center of horror cinema. But beyond her iconic on-screen status, she's a fierce advocate for children's health and a long-time supporter of Starlight. "Starlight helps children face real fears with strength and joy. I'm honored to help shine a light on their work," says Curtis. Her passion for empowering young people and transforming their hospital experiences makes her the perfect champion for this campaign. She's not just part of horror historyshe's using her legacy to help rewrite real ones. The 2025 Face of Halloween champion will meet Curtis at Children's Hospital Los Angeles to see the campaign's impact firsthand. Also taking center stage is cult icon Matthew Lillard, stepping in as the competition's Cinematic Host. With an unforgettable filmography that spans Scream, Five Nights at Freddy's, Thirteen Ghosts, Scooby-Doo, and more, Lillard brings his trademark energy, insider perspective, and fan-favorite status to the Face of Halloween experience. Through behind-the-scenes commentary and his infectious love of the genre, Lillard helps celebrate everything that makes Halloween a one-of-a-kind cultural phenomenon. Kane Hodder, beloved by fans for his role as Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th franchise, returns as the competition's Supernatural Host. From exclusive workshops to ghost-hunting glory, Hodder offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the world of horror. The legend will join the champion for a paranormal investigation, and one more horror fan will be selected to join in on the bone-chilling experience. Exclusive Workshops: Learn From the Best Participants will also unlock exclusive behind-the-scenes sessions and insider insights from horror industry experts, offering a rare glimpse into the craft and creativity that bring Halloween to life. Whether you're fueled by passion, nostalgia, or pure adrenaline, Face of Halloween is a chance to be part of something terrifyingly funand deeply meaningful. Enter, vote, or learn more at Faceofhalloween.org. Because this Halloween, the bravest thing you can do is show up. ABOUT COLOSSAL Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Face of Halloween, Fab Over 40, and America's Favorite Pet, participants have the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact. Colossal competitions serve as fundraising campaigns for DTCare , a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which then grants donation funds to specified charities at the completion of the competitions. Learn more at colossal.org . Who's Next? ABOUT STARLIGHT CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION Hospital stays can be lonely, stressful, and scary. That's why Starlight exists. Founded in 1982, Starlight Children's Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that aims to deliver happiness to seriously ill children and their families through vital programs that impact millions of kids annually. Donor-funded and offered free of charge to hospitals and families, Starlight programs unleash the power of play, empowering kids with a renewed sense of optimism, resilience, and courage. Starlight is a top-rated charity committed to the equitable allocation of programs to its nationwide hospital network. Healing begins with happiness. Learn more at starlight.org and follow Starlight on social media @starlightchildrensfoundation. MEDIA CONTACT: Anne-Marie Pritchett, Colossal, (602) 633-4163, [email protected], colossal.org SOURCE COLOSSAL Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA, is No. 1 Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, and Wang Chuanfu of BYD are in the Top 5 19 of the 100 leaders on the MPP list are women The Fortune MPP 100 spans 62 companies in the U.S., 17 in Asia, 13 in Europe, and 1 in the Middle East NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Fortune is proud to announce the Fortune 100 Most Powerful People in Business, featuring agile disruptors, name-brand titans, Fortune 500 CEOs, and behind-the-scenes power players. The second-annual ranking of the most influential people in the world of business represents 28 industries globally, including finance, tech, retail, and automotive. Nineteen of the list's CEOs and leaders are female, including Julie Sweet of Accenture (No. 11), Jane Fraser of Citigroup (No. 12), Lisa Su of AMD (No. 14), and Ana Botin of Banco Santander (No. 20). Fortune 2025 Most Powerful People in Business List The 2025 Fortune Most Powerful People Top 10: Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO, NVIDIA Satya Nadella , CEO and Chairman, Microsoft Mark Zuckerberg , CEO, Chairman, and Founder, Meta Elon Musk , CEO and Cofounder, and other roles, Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, and others Wang Chuanfu, CEO, Chairman, and Founder, BYD Sundar Pichai , CEO, Alphabet (Google) Ren Zhengfei, CEO and Founder, Huawei Technologies Sam Altman , CEO and Cofounder, OpenAI Jamie Dimon , CEO and Chairman, JPMorgan Chase Mary Barra , CEO and Chair, General Motors Click here for the complete 2025 list. Under Jensen Huang's leadership, NVIDIA recently became the first company ever to surpass a $4 trillion market cap, driven by surging demand for its AI chips. This milestone underscores NVIDIA's pivotal role in the generative AI boom, transforming the global tech landscape and powering many of the other top tech companies whose CEOs appear on our list. Jensen's company does face competition from established companies and startups, but as Fortune notes, "none pose a serious threat to NVIDIA's dominanceyet." Fresh faces on this year's list include three of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business , Tan Su Shan of DBS Group (No. 28), Beth Ford of Land O'Lakes (No. 51) and Bonnie Chan of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (No. 53), as well as Liang Wenfeng of DeepSeek (No. 72) and Vlad Tenev of Robinhood Markets (No. 73). The list includes executives from 62 U.S.-based companies, 17 from the Asia region, 13 from Europe, and one from the Middle East. Seven companies have two executives on the list, including Alphabet, Palantir, Microsoft, Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, Blackstone, and Oracle. In her foreword to the August/September 2025 issue, Alyson Shontell, Fortune's Editor in Chief and Chief Content Officer, explained, "In this edition, our second, NVIDIA's Jensen Huang knocks fellow tech mogul Elon Musk off last year's perch as No. 1. Musk (now No. 4) is scrambling to rehab Tesla after a reputationally bruising experience running DOGE for President Trump. Musk is also coping with the rise of international electric-vehicle rivals that are eating Tesla's lunch." Fortune's Executive Editor, Lee Clifford, adds, "Gone are the days when a leader can remain on this list without constantly reinventing their company, their strategy, everything." Fortune used its proprietary methodology to identify individuals with significant power and influence. Key categories and criteria include the size and health of the leaders' business, as well as the innovation, influence, and impact of the leaders themselves. The full methodology is available here . About Fortune: Fortune is a global multi-platform media company built on a legacy of trusted, award-winning reporting and information for those who want to make business better. Independently owned, Fortune tells the stories of the world's biggest companies and their leaders as well as a new generation of innovators who are moving business forward. Digitally and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, and holds companies accountable, in regions around the world. Its iconic rankings include Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500 , Most Powerful Women , and World's Most Admired Companies . Fortune builds world-class communities by convening industry thought leaders for exclusive summits and conferences, including the Fortune Global Forum , Brainstorm Tech , and Fortune Most Powerful Women . For more information, visit fortune.com . Media Contacts: Patrick Reilly Fortune [email protected] Chelsea Hudson Fortune [email protected] SOURCE Fortune Media (USA) Corporation SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fullcast, the leader in Go-to-Market (GTM) planning and execution, is pleased to announce GTM Live, a live event sponsored by Fullcast, taking place on Thursday, August 28. This event features a stellar lineup of top executives and industry leaders sharing insights on how to build and execute a winning GTM strategy. GTM Live will feature keynotes and panels from a distinguished list of speakers, including the following: Ryan Westwood , CEO, Co-Founder, Fullcast , CEO, Co-Founder, Fullcast Bala Balabaskaran, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Fullcast Matt Volm , CEO and Founder, RevOps Co-op , CEO and Founder, RevOps Co-op Tiffany Vail , COO, Silicon Slopes , COO, Silicon Slopes Jon Bradshaw , President, Codebase, President & Board Member, AI Utah , President, Codebase, President & Board Member, AI Utah Bryan Brown , Founder and President, GTM Partners , Founder and President, GTM Partners Clint Betts , CEO and President, Co-Founder, Silicon Slopes, and CEO, CEO.com , CEO and President, Co-Founder, Silicon Slopes, and CEO, CEO.com Catherine Bennett , Executive Editor, Utah Business , Executive Editor, Utah Business Jeremy Baras, Sr. Managing Director, Hunt Club Managing Director, Hunt Club Guy Rubin , Founder and CEO, Ebsta , Founder and CEO, Ebsta Joe Grover , CMO and Managing Partner, Ampleo GTM Live at Silicon Slopes is the must-attend event for revenue leaders ready to scale smarter. This hands-on experience blends practical workshops with leadership insights from seasoned operators, offering proven methods to build and optimize Go-to-Market models that actually work. "From intimate roundtables and personal strategy reviews, attendees will get tailored guidance to strengthen and scale their GTM plans," said Dr. Amy Osmond Cook, Co-Founder and CMO of Fullcast. "You'll also gain expert talent insights from Hunt Club and receive a free data hygiene report plus 5,000 enriched records from LeadIQ. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with a proven roadmap for success." Whether you're refining territory design, aligning cross-functional teams, or applying AI to sales strategy, GTM Live delivers real-world solutions you can put to work immediately. For more information and to register for GTM Live, please visit fullcast.com/events/annual-planning-workshop-2025/ . About Fullcast Fullcast is a Go-to-Market planning and execution platform that helps businesses align their sales, marketing and customer success teams to accelerate revenue growth. With Fullcast, companies can design, manage and track their GTM strategies in a single, unified platform. SOURCE Fullcast AUSTIN, Minn., Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, invites interested parties to participate in a webcast and conference call with Jeff Ettinger, interim chief executive officer; John Ghingo, president; and Jacinth Smiley, executive vice president and chief financial officer; to discuss the Company's third quarter financial results. The Company will issue its earnings release before the markets open on Thursday, August 28, 2025, and will host a conference call at 8 a.m. CT (9 a.m. ET). The webcast, replay and other information related to the event can be accessed on the Company's investor website, http://investor.hormelfoods.com. ABOUT HORMEL FOODS Inspired People. Inspired Food. Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, JUSTIN'S, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement Inspired People. Inspired Food. to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com. SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation TSXV: ITR; NYSE American: ITRG www.integraresources.com VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Integra Resources Corp. ("Integra" or the "Company") (TSXV: ITR) (NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce initial results from the 2025 resource growth drilling program at the Company's primary operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine ("Florida Canyon") located in Nevada. The drill program marks the first phase of a multi-year growth strategy designed to expand mineral reserves and resources, extend mine life, and enhance the value of Florida Canyon. The 2025 growth drilling program is focused on three key areas: (1) Near-surface oxide potential from historical low-grade gold-mineralized waste material that was uneconomic at lower gold prices; (2) Expanding in-situ resources between existing mine open pits; and (3) Testing lateral extensions and in-pit infill drilling. Due to the success of initial drilling, the scope of the program has been increased from ~10,000 meters ("m") to ~16,000 m of reverse circulation ("RC") and sonic drilling. At the date of this news release, ~5,700 m of RC drilling has been completed. Highlights: Opportunity 1: Near-surface oxide potential from historical dump material: Drilling targeting large volumes of historical gold-mineralized low-grade waste material previously estimated to be below the mining cut-off grade in a significantly lower gold price environment. These areas demonstrate the greatest near-term opportunity to increase mineral resources and potentially extend mine life. Initial results from the North Mine Dump ("North Dump") confirmed broad, near-surface intervals of oxide gold mineralization with consistent gold grades and excellent heap leach potential. Top intercepts include (see detailed table below): FCM25-0569: 0.28 grams per tonne ("g/t") oxide gold ("Au") over 68.6 m FCM25-0570: 0.36 g/t oxide Au over 71.6 m FCM25-0575: 0.37 g/t oxide Au over 47.2 m , incl. 4.53 g/t oxide Au over 1.5 m ~70% of drill intercepts exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.11 g/t Au Due to the initial success of drilling at the North Dump, the drill program has been increased by ~6,000 m (from ~10,000 m to ~16,000 m). Additional drilling will be focused on the North Dump and South Mine Dump ("South Dump"), another large volume of potentially gold-mineralized low-grade material adjacent to the active mining area. Preliminary volume and grade estimation work is underway for the North Dump and South Dump with further detail expected in the coming months. Drilling targeting large volumes of historical gold-mineralized low-grade waste material previously estimated to be below the mining cut-off grade in a significantly lower gold price environment. These areas demonstrate the greatest near-term opportunity to increase mineral resources and potentially extend mine life. Opportunity 2: Expand in-situ resources between existing mine open pits: Drilling targeting "saddle" and "ridge" ("Inter-Pit") areas located between active and historical pits. Many of these areas have been sparsely drilled historically and offer meaningful growth potential directly adjacent to current and future mining phases. Initial results from Inter-Pit areas confirmed broad, near-surface intervals of gold mineralization with consistent gold grades and heap leach potential. Top intercepts include (see detailed table below): FCM25-0588: 0.47 g/t Au over 39.6 m (North Pit) FCM25-0591: 0.27 g/t Au over 114.3 m (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) FCM25-0600: 0.25 g/t oxide Au over 73.2 m (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) ~40% of drill intercepts within the Radio Tower Pit exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.14 g/t Au ~35% of drill intercepts within the remaining Inter-Pit areas exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.11 g/t Au Drilling targeting "saddle" and "ridge" ("Inter-Pit") areas located between active and historical pits. Many of these areas have been sparsely drilled historically and offer meaningful growth potential directly adjacent to current and future mining phases. Metallurgical bottle roll leach tests are underway on material gathered through the drill program to assess potential gold recoveries and other ore characteristics; preliminary indications suggest favorable heap leach characteristics. The 2025 drill program at Florida Canyon is expected to support a mineral resource and reserve update and a revised life-of-mine plan in the first half ("H1") of 2026. George Salamis, President, CEO and Director of Integra commented: "A key driver behind the acquisition of Florida Canyon in late 2024 was not only the cash flow that the mine could generate, but also the significant near-mine growth potential. We are very encouraged by the initial results from our 2025 drill program, particularly from the high-priority North Dump area. Broad, consistent oxide gold-mineralized intercepts confirm excellent grade continuity and underscore the potential to grow resources and extend mine life. We also see promising results from the drilling in the Inter-Pit areas, which suggest the potential for pit expansions. Based on the success of initial drilling, the Company has increased the scope of the drill program by ~6,000 meters. Pursuing low-strip, near-surface gold-mineralized material at Florida Canyon in the current gold price environment offers compelling rationale. We look forward to sharing the continued progress as drilling advances through the summer and fall." Key Figures Figure 1 Florida Canyon Mine 2025 Growth Drilling Target Areas: https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-1-Mine-Targets-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 2 Historical North Mine Dump 2025 Drill Collars: https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-2-North-Mine-Dump-Drilling-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 3 Historical North Mine Dump Material Cross Section A-A': https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-3-A-A-N-Waste-Dump-Section-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 4 Historical North Mine Dump Material Cross Section B-B': https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-4-B-B-N-Waste-Dump-Section-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 5 Inter-Pit 2025 Drill Collars: https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-5-Inter-Pit-In-Situ-Drilling-2025-08-05-v2.pdf Figure 6 Inter-Pit Cross Section C-C': https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-6-C-C-Inter-Pit-In-Situ-Section-2025-08-05.pdf Figure 7 North-Pit Cross Section D-D': https://wp-integraresources-2024.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/media/2025/08/FCM-NR2-Fig-7-D-D-North-Pit-2025-08-05.pdf Opportunity 1 Drilling Overview: Near-Surface Oxide Potential from Historical Dump Material Within the permitted Florida Canyon mine boundary there are several large volumes of historically mined low-grade gold-mineralized dump material, averaging below the historical mine cut-off grades. This gold-mineralized material, which was historically uneconomic at lower gold prices, is a product of decades of past mining and has been identified as a high-potential, low-strip, near-surface oxide gold target for growth. Potential has already been demonstrated by the historical in-pit mine dumps (historical backfill material), which are being partially utilized by current operations. The historical dump material presents an immediate opportunity to expand reserves and resources with minimal mining cost. The North Dump was identified as a high-priority target for the 2025 growth drilling program at Florida Canyon and was therefore drilled at the outset of the program in May 2025. Initial drill results from the North Dump have been successful in demonstrating the potential for near-term oxide growth at Florida Canyon. Top intercepts from drilling at the North Dump (see detailed table below): FCM25-0569: 0.28 g/t oxide Au over 68.6 m FCM25-0570: 0.36 g/t oxide Au over 71.6 m FCM25-0575: 0.37 g/t oxide Au over 47.2 m , incl. 4.53 g/t oxide Au over 1.5 m , incl. 4.53 g/t oxide Au over ~70% of drill intercepts exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.11 g/t Au Key observations and achievements of initial drilling at the North Dump: Confirmed gold grade continuity and distribution Collected material for metallurgical testing, including bottle rolls, column tests, and permeability assessments Initial results support potential conversion of this material into mineral resources and reserves through inclusion in the updated resource and reserve block model and mine plan Material offers potential to increase future operational flexibility by providing readily available, gold-mineralized material suitable for heap leaching, that will not require blasting Material is expected to improve near- to medium-term ore feed without significant capital investment, while potentially reducing reliance on higher-strip in-situ material Due to the success of the initial drilling at the North Dump, the Company has planned for additional drilling within the North Dump and South Dump, focused on resource and reserve conversion and gathering additional material for the ongoing metallurgical testing of the area to determine potential for future heap leaching. The 2025 growth drilling program has been increased by ~6,000 meters (from ~10,000 m to ~16,000 m) to include additional drilling at the North Dump and South Dump areas. Preliminary volume and grade estimation work is underway for the North Dump and South Dump with further detail expected in the coming months. The 2025 drill program at Florida Canyon and supporting analysis is expected to support a mineral resource and reserve update and a revised life-of-mine plan in H1 2026. Opportunity 2 Drilling Overview: Expanding In-Situ Resources Between Existing Mine Open Pits A secondary focus of the drill program is on gold resource expansion opportunities within "saddle" and "ridge" zones located between existing open pits. Several of the Inter-Pit areas remain sparsely drilled and offer significant upside gold potential, with historical drilling demonstrating encouraging intercepts of mineralization at or near-surface. Inter-Pit areas targeted as part of the drill program include the Central/Radio Tower Pit Saddle, Florida Canyon Saddle, North Pit Saddle and within the Radio Tower Pit. Top intercepts from the Inter-Pit areas (see detailed table below): FCM25-0588: 0.47 g/t Au over 39.6 m (North Pit) (North Pit) FCM25-0591: 0.27 g/t Au over 114.3 m (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) FCM25-0600: 0.25 g/t oxide Au over 73.2 m (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) (Central / Radio Tower Saddle) ~40% of drill intercepts within the Radio Tower Pit exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.14 g/t Au ~35% of the remaining drill intercepts within the Inter-Pit areas exceed the current mine cut-off grade of 0.11 g/t Au Key observations and achievements of initial drilling in the Inter-Pit areas: Confirmed gold grade continuity and distribution within targeted zones Collected material for metallurgical testing, including bottle rolls, column tests, and permeability assessments Initial results support potential pit expansion, specifically between the Central and Radio Tower Pits, two of the largest areas of known gold mineralization at Florida Canyon Excellent results within the North Pit Saddle, location of a potential satellite pit adjacent to an existing pit; further drilling is required to follow up on a gold vein system that was historically underexplored Success within the identified Inter-Pit areas has the potential to meaningfully increase mineral resources and reserves by extending existing pit limits within the current Florida Canyon Mine Plan of Operations. Detailed Drilling Results: The following table highlights selected intercepts from the 2025 Florida Canyon drill program announced within this news release. Table 1 Detailed Drilling Results 1,2,3,4: Drill Hole Area From (m) To (m) Interval (m) g/t Au FCM25-0566 North Dump 0.0 50.3 50.3 0.19 FCM25-0567 North Dump 0.0 54.9 54.9 0.17 FCM25-0568 North Dump 0.0 59.4 59.4 0.23 FCM25-0569 North Dump 0.0 68.6 68.6 0.28 FCM25-0570 North Dump 0.0 71.6 71.6 0.36 FCM25-0571 North Dump 0.0 67.1 67.1 0.17 FCM25-0572 North Dump 0.0 57.9 57.9 0.18 FCM25-0573 North Dump 0.0 44.2 44.2 0.21 FCM25-0574 North Dump 0.0 54.9 54.9 0.19 FCM25-0575 North Dump 0.0 47.2 47.2 0.37 including North Dump 13.7 15.2 1.5 4.53 FCM25-0576 North Dump 0.0 45.7 45.7 0.20 FCM25-0577 North Dump 0.0 30.5 30.5 0.16 FCM25-0588 North Pit 24.4 64.0 39.6 0.47 including North Pit 32.0 33.5 1.5 3.05 including North Pit 59.4 61.0 1.5 3.85 FCM25-0590 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 45.7 85.3 39.6 0.45 FCM25-0591 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 0.0 114.3 114.3 0.27 FCM25-0593 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 0.0 64.0 64.0 0.16 FCM25-0594 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 54.9 91.4 36.6 0.16 FCM25-0595 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 38.1 83.8 45.7 0.16 FCM25-0596 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 25.9 68.6 42.7 0.22 FCM25-0597 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 53.3 97.6 44.2 0.35 including Central / Radio Tower Saddle 53.3 54.9 1.5 2.39 FCM25-0598 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 13.7 76.2 62.5 0.22 FCM25-0599 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 0.0 18.3 18.3 0.21 FCM25-0600 Radio Tower 0.0 73.2 73.2 0.25 FCM25-0602 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 36.6 73.2 36.6 0.16 FCM25-0603 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 12.2 30.5 18.3 0.23 FCM25-0603 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 67.1 68.6 1.5 2.47 FCM25-0604 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 21.3 57.9 36.6 0.22 FCM25-0605 Central / Radio Tower Saddle 6.1 99.1 93.0 0.14 1 Downhole thickness is true thickness. 2 Intervals reported are uncapped. 3 An economical cut-off of 0.14 g/t Au within Radio Tower and 0.11 g/t Au for the rest of the mine site was considered during the creation of intersects. 4 Some of the reported intervals within Inter-Pit areas contain sulphide content exceeding ~1%, as determined by laboratory analysis. These sulphide concentrations may impact metallurgical recoveries and are not necessarily representative of the bulk tonnage of the zone. The reported intervals include both oxide and sulphide material as encountered in drilling. Further metallurgical testing is required to accurately characterize recovery profiles. About Integra Integra is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Integra creates sustainable value for shareholders, stakeholders, and local communities through successful mining operations, efficient project development, disciplined capital allocation, and strategic M&A, while upholding the highest industry standards for environmental, social, and governance practices. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS George Salamis President, CEO and Director Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gregory Robinson (P.E., SME Registered Member), Integra's General Manager of the Florida Canyon Mine. Mr. Robinson is a "qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). To verify the information related to the 2025 drilling programs at Florida Canyon, Mr. Robinson frequently visits the property; discussed logging, sampling, and sample shipping processes with responsible site staff; discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel; and reviewed supporting documentation, including drill hole location and orientation and significant assay interval calculations. Sampling and QA/QC Procedure RC samples were collected at 5-foot intervals directly at the drill rig using pre-labeled bags. Samples were submitted to American Assay Laboratories ("AAL") in Reno, Nevada, an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. AAL is independent of Integra. Sample preparation involved drying, jaw crushing to >70% passing 2 mm (10 mesh) and pulverizing a 300 g split to >85% passing 75 microns. Gold analysis was performed on a 30-gram pulp using fire assay with ICP-AES finish. Samples returning >10 ppm Au were re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Additionally, samples with Au >0.156 ppm underwent cyanide-soluble (0.3% NaCN/0.3%NaOH using a sample to solution ratio of 1:2 or 10g/20mL) analysis and preg-robbing (0.3% NaCN/0.3%NaOH + 1.71ppm/mL Au spike using 1:2 ratio calculates to 3.42ppm in the 10g/20mL) tests to assess metallurgical characteristics. Quality control protocols included the routine insertion of blank samples, certified reference materials (standards), and field and pulp duplicates. Blank material and standards were purchased from Moment Exploration Geochemistry. AAL also inserted internal control samples and duplicates within each batch. Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forwardlooking statements" and "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and in applicable United States securities law (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the timing, scope, and objectives of the 2025 drill program at the Florida Canyon, the potential to expand mineral resources and reserves, extend mine life, optimize mine planning, and maximize project value, as well as the anticipated timing of results and a future mineral resource and reserve update and revised life-of-mine plan for Florida Canyon; the future financial or operating performance of the Company and the Wildcat and Mountain View deposits (the "Nevada North Project"), the Florida Mountain and DeLamar deposits (the "DeLamar Project") and the Florida Canyon mine (the "Florida Canyon Mine" and together with the Nevada North Project and the DeLamar Project, the "Projects"). Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "would", "anticipate", 'believe", "expect", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "budget", "scheduled", "plans", "planned", "forecasts", "goals" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such statement was made. Assumptions and factors include: expected synergies from acquisition of Florida Canyon; the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration and development programs; the absence of adverse conditions at the Projects; satisfying ongoing covenants under the Company's loan facilities; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; results of independent engineer technical reviews; the possibility of cost overruns and unanticipated costs and expenses; the price of gold remaining at levels that continue to render the Projects economic, as applicable; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; risks related to local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; and other factors beyond the Company's control and as well as those factors included herein and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integra's Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2025 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on the SEDAR+ issuer profile for the Company at www.sedarplus.ca and available as Exhibit 99.1 to Integra's Form 40-F, which is available on the EDGAR profile for the Company at www.sec.gov. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies, which can be viewed online under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves NI 43-101 is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and resource information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Integra Resources Corp. GAZA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from Israeli attacks has risen to 61,020, with 150,671 others injured since Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza-based health authorities said Tuesday. It added that 9,519 people were killed and 38,630 wounded after the ceasefire collapsed on March 18. According to Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, 30 Palestinians have been killed since Tuesday morning in Israeli shelling and gunfire on the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement on Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces continued their operations against "terrorist organizations" throughout the Gaza Strip. This comes as 95 aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Monday, most of which were looted due to what Hamas called "the security chaos being sown by the Israeli occupation," according to the Hamas-run media office in Gaza on Tuesday. The office said the enclave needs at least 600 relief and fuel trucks daily to meet minimum health, food, and service requirements. The statement held Israel and its allies fully responsible for the worsening humanitarian catastrophe affecting more than 2 million people, calling on the international community and Arab countries to take effective action to reopen the crossings and ensure the sufficient aid entry. SAO PAULO, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. ("Itau Unibanco" or "Company"), in compliance with the provisions of Article 157, paragraph 4 of Law No. 6,404/76 and Resolution No. 44/21 of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), informs its stockholders and the market in general that it released as of this date its revised projections for the year 2025 in accordance with item 3 ("Projections") of the Reference Form. 2025 Forecast Consolidated Reviewed Total credit portfolio Growth between 4.5% and 8.5% Maintained Financial margin with clients Growth between 7.5% and 11.5% Growth between 11.0% and 14.0% Financial margin with the market Between R$1.0 bn and R$3.0 bn Maintained Cost of credit Between R$34.5 bn and R$38.5 bn Maintained Commissions and fees and results from insurance operations Growth between 4.0% and 7.0% Maintained Non-interest expenses Growth between 5.5% and 8.5% Maintained Effective tax rate Between 27.0% and 29.0% Between 28.5% and 30.5% (1) Includes financial guarantees provided and private securities; (2) Composed of Expected Loss Expenses, discounts granted and Recovery of Losses Written of as Losses; (3) Commissions and fees (+) income from insurance, pension plan and premium bonds operations (-) expenses for claims (-) insurance, pension plan and premium bonds selling expenses. It is important to mention that, as of February 2025, the company considers a cost of capital of around 15.0% p.y. in the management of its businesses. Information on outlooks for the business, projections, and operational and financial goals are solely forecasts, based on management's current outlook in relation to the future of Itau Unibanco. These expectations are highly dependent on market conditions, the general economic performance of the country, of the sector and the international markets. Therefore, our effective results and performance may differ from those forecasted in this prospective information. Gustavo Lopes Rodrigues Investor Relations Officer Contact: Itau Unibanco Comunicacao Corporativa Phone: (11) 5019-8880 / 8881 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. Fort Worth's The Cicada Named Inaugural Recipient After Near Closure DALLAS, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What began as a last-minute rescue for a beloved local venue has grown into a game-changing initiative for North Texas music. JAMBALOO , a music festival launched earlier this year by the Mullen & Mullen Music Project, has introduced the JAMBALOO Venue Prize, a $20,000 annual grant that also provides operational support to independent, locally-owned venues in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The first recipient of the prize is The Cicada, a Fort Worth staple known for its eclectic mix of live music, open mics, burlesque shows, and community events. Facing rising costs, a sudden rent hike, and infrastructure challenges such as a broken AC unit, The Cicada was on the brink of closing its doors this summer until Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm and the Fort Worth Music Office (also known as Hear Fort Worth) stepped in to keep it alive. "We've been looking to expand our efforts to help independent venues and local artists," said Joseph Morrison, Senior Associate at Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm and co-founder of JAMBALOO. "When we heard The Cicada was in trouble, we couldn't just stand by. Fort Worth needs spaces like The Cicada. They are where artists get their start and where community thrives." A Lifeline for Independent Venues The JAMBALOO Venue Prize is designed to address the growing challenges faced by small music venues across the country. A June 2025 report from the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) found that 64% of independent venues were unprofitable in 2024, despite the live music sector generating $153 billion in economic output and supporting more than 900,000 jobs. "Running a small venue means working on razor-thin margins," said Tom Martens, director of the Fort Worth Music Office. "Support like this is a lifeline. It keeps these cultural hubs alive so they can continue to launch careers and bring people together." For Tyler Stevens, owner of The Cicada, the grant represents more than just financial relief. "When you're running a small venue, especially one that champions weird, independent art and music, just knowing someone sees the value in what you're doing can be the thing that keeps you going," Stevens said. "Mullen & Mullen and the Fort Worth Music Office showing up for us isn't just about money. It's about validation." Beyond Cash: Operational Support Alongside the $20,000 grant, the Venue Prize includes operational and promotional support, with the JAMBALOO team offering expertise in areas such as marketing, accounting, finance, and landlord negotiations. "While money is obviously important, if we can assist in other ways, we will," said Corey Pond, co-founder of JAMBALOO. "The goal is to help these venues become more sustainable long-term." Looking Ahead: Applications Open 2026 Starting in 2026, independent venues across DFW will be able to apply for the JAMBALOO Venue Prize between February and May, with a winner chosen annually by a panel of judges. The initiative builds on JAMBALOO earlier success with Free Week, a week-long series of 50+ free shows that generated an estimated $3.5 million in local economic impact earlier this year. "JAMBALOO didn't even exist nine months ago, and now it's becoming a year-round mission to uplift our music scene," Morrison added. "We hope this inspires others to support the local venues and artists that truly need it." About JAMBALOO Launched by the Mullen & Mullen Music Project, JAMBALOO is a music initiative created to celebrate and sustain North Texas' independent music scene. From its inaugural Free Week featuring 50+ free shows across DFW to the launch of the Venue Prize, JAMBALOO aims to provide meaningful, long-term support to local venues and artists. SOURCE Mullen & Mullen Law Firm LAS VEGAS, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leon Y Sol, the ultra-premium tequila brand transforming the way luxury spirits are experienced, announces a major expansion into Nevada. The brand's acclaimed Blanco and Reposado expressions are now available at over 20 Lee's Discount Liquor locations across the state. Leon Y Sol At Lee's Liquor Locations In Las Vegas With this move, Leon Y Sol continues to solidify its presence in a state synonymous with bold nightlife, world-class hospitality, and discerning consumers. This isn't just distributionit's declaration. Crafted with 100% blue agave from Los Altos de Jalisco and rooted in the integrity of traditional methods, Leon Y Sol delivers a tequila that's as smooth as it is unapologetically refined. But this isn't just about tequila. Leon Y Sol is a lifestyle branda symbol of fearless elegance and radiant celebration. It's for those who curate their lives with intention, who believe in the power of shared moments, and who choose quality as a standard, not a luxury. "Our presence in Lee's marks a significant step forward in our U.S. expansion," said Bobby Marhamat, Co-Founder and CEO of Leon Y Sol. "We're bringing what real tequila should taste like to one of the biggest markets in the country. We're here to make a statement about real craftsmanship, where precision, purity, and obsession with quality set the standard." As the brand continues its rapid growth in the U.S., the message is clear: Leon Y Sol is just getting started. This expansion into Nevada is the first of many bold moves as the brand continues to build a national footprintand redefine what it means to drink, live, and celebrate with purpose. Now available at over 20 Lee's locations across Nevada, Leon Y Sol invites you to experience the next evolution of tequilacrafted for those who don't follow trends, they set them. ABOUT LEON Y SOL TEQUILA Leon Y Sol is more than tequila. It's a movement a lifestyle brand for those who live with intensity, celebrate with purpose, and never dilute who they are. Born in California and handcrafted in the Highlands of Jalisco, our award-winning expressions are made with 100% Blue Weber Agave, always additive-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free. This is where tradition meets edge, where craftsmanship fuels culture. From fashion to music, nightlife to art, Leon Y Sol moves with the pulse of those who create, disrupt, and demand more from every moment. This isn't just what tequila tastes like. It's what modern luxury feels like. Media Contact: Elisa Rocha 949-677-4878 [email protected] SOURCE Leon Y Sol, Inc. Roberto Schiraldi calls for an emotional revolution to restore men's authentic selves PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Author and licensed professional counselor with over 40 years of experience, Roberto Schiraldi, shares a deep dive into masculinity, trauma and healing in his book "Post Traumatic Macho Disorder: The Way Home (The Greatest Threat to Our Planet / Awakening From The Nightmare)." Part of his series of books covering racial justice, "Post Traumatic Macho Disorder," encourages readers, especially men, to awaken from what he calls a collective nightmare rooted in domination, repression, and emotional disconnection. Post Traumatic Macho Disorder: The Way Home (The Greatest Threat to Our Planet / Awakening From The Nightmare) by Roberto Schiraldi "Post Traumatic Macho Disorder," or PTMD, is a condition that Schiraldi describes as the psychological, emotional, and societal damage caused by traditional, rigid notions of masculinity. Schiraldi defines Post Traumatic Macho Disorder as not only something he believes should be considered an official clinical diagnosis, but as a cultural and emotional blight, which has existed since the beginning of time. PTMD is framed as intergenerational, rooted in patriarchal systems that reward aggression and punish emotional expression, such as vulnerability and gentleness. Schiraldi offers that the true danger to the planet is not external enemies or environmental collapse alone, but the unhealed wounds of masculinity that perpetuate those crises. He explains that these wounds are the foundation of many of the world's problems, including sexism, racism, homophobia, classism and xenophobia. "We men can learn to acknowledge and express emotions without shame," Schiraldi said. "Compassion, empathy, intuition and receptiveness are vital to living a healthy and fulfilled life. Culture pressures men to conform to a hyper-masculine ideal, but when we address and unravel the toxic conditioning of macho culture, we can discover a new path based on compassion, vulnerability and wholeness." The core of Schiraldi's message is that healing is possible. "The Way Home" is a metaphor for returning to one's authentic self, unburdened by the expectations and traumas of macho conditioning. He also emphasizes community, suggesting that healing from PTMD cannot be done in isolation. He encourages men to come together in safe, supportive spaces to share, listen, and hold each other accountable, in respectful ways.. The closing chapters urge readers to see this work not just as individual healing, but as a collective spiritual mission. The ultimate "threat," he suggests, is internal, like fear, hatred, and denial. By confronting and healing these forces within, humanity can begin to create a more compassionate and sustainable world. "Post Traumatic Macho Disorder: The Way Home (The Greatest Threat to Our Planet / Awakening From The Nightmare)" By Roberto Schiraldi ISBN: 9798765257845 (softcover); 9798765257838 (hardcover); 9798765257821 (electronic) Available at Balboa Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Dr. Roberto Schiraldi, EdD, LCP, LCADC is a licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, and has been a racial justice advocate, trainer, and trauma therapist for over 40 years. He's retired from Counseling and Psychological Services at Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., where he was coordinator of the alcohol and other drug treatment team. He received his doctorate in Holistic Health Education and Counseling from Temple University, Philadelphia, Penn. He is a past President of the New Jersey Association for Multicultural Counseling, past Co-Chair of the Ethics Committee of the New Jersey Counseling Association and has been a member of numerous racial justice organizations, boards, and committees. He is also a pipe carrier in the Sicangu Lakota Native Spiritual Healing Tradition, a Vietnam era veteran, and member of Veterans for Peace. To learn more, please visit www.robertoschiraldi.com. General Inquiries: LAVIDGE Phoenix Ashley Fletcher [email protected] SOURCE Balboa Press ZURICH and HSINCHU and BOSTON, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightium AG, MPI Corporation, and Axiomatic_AI Inc. have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the world's first Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) for photonic devices. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize the testing and qualification processes of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices by uniting state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, next-generation hardware, and deep domain expertise. The IAITS platform will deliver breakthrough performance in testing workflowsenabling unmatched efficiency, precision, and scalability to meet the ever-evolving demands of the photonics industry. A Unified Vision for the Future of Photonics Testing This partnership is driven by a shared commitment to deliver groundbreaking AI driven and self-optimizing solutions to the photonics industry. By combining Axiomatic_AI's reasoning-based, artificial intelligence with MPI Corporation's industry-leading wafer probing systems and automation software, and leveraging Lightium AG's advanced testing infrastructure and deep expertise in ultra-high-speed photonic device measurements, the collaboration aims to bring fully integrated, intelligent photonic integrated circuit (PIC) test solutions to market. Together, the three companies are creating a unified AI platform that addresses the growing complexity and performance demands of characterizing photonic integrated circuitsunlocking new levels of automation, precision, and scalability for next-generation applications. Disruptive Value Creation Across Hardware and Human Resources The Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) introduces a new paradigm in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing, delivering transformative value across both technology infrastructure and human capital. Key Benefits of IAITS: Increased Throughput : By automating complex test routines, minimizing downtime, and optimizing measurement system utilization, IAITS significantly accelerates test cycles and reduces iteration times. : By automating complex test routines, minimizing downtime, and optimizing measurement system utilization, IAITS significantly accelerates test cycles and reduces iteration times. Enhanced Human Efficiency: The system reduces reliance on manual operation, programming, and debuggingfreeing skilled personnel to focus on high-value engineering and strategic innovation tasks. IAITS will be commercially available as an advanced software add-on package for MPI Corporation's wafer probing systems. Designed to support both R&D and high-volume production environments, the solution sets a new industry benchmark for efficiency, precision, and scalabilityultimately lowering the total cost of testing and accelerating time-to-market for next-generation PIC devices. About Lightium AG Lightium AG is a Swiss-based startup specializing in Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) foundry and design services, built on its proprietary, production-grade Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. Lightium accelerates customer innovation by delivering unmatched photonic performance, a streamlined and cost-efficient supply chain, and seamless scalability from prototyping to high-volume manufacturing. As Europe's first production-grade TFLN foundry, Lightium plays a pivotal role in enabling next-generation photonic solutions across a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications, data communications, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and space technologies. Further information can be found at: Lightium - Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) Photonic Foundry About MPI Corporation MPI Corporation, headquartered in Taiwan, is a global leader in advanced probe systems and testing solutions for the semiconductor, photonic, and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) industries. The company designs and manufactures high-performance wafer probing systems known for their exceptional precision, automation capabilities, and scalabilityempowering cutting-edge testing across research, development, and high-volume production. MPI's innovations play a critical role in advancing next-generation technologies in wireless communication, electronics, and photonics. The company is publicly listed on the Taipei Exchange (TAIEX: 6223). For more information, please visit: About MPI Corporation Global Semiconductor Testing Leader About Axiomatic_AI Inc. Axiomatic_AI Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a pioneering startup developing physics-based reasoning artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation and reduce the cost and risk associated with deep-tech development. Its cutting-edge AI technologies are redefining how high-tech industries design, measure, and optimize complex systemsenabling faster, smarter decision-making across R&D and production environments. Learn more at: https://axiomatic-ai.com/mission/ SOURCE Lightium; MPI Corporation; Axiomatic_AI BEIJING, China, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- METiS Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven nanodelivery innovation, today announced the successful completion of its RMB 400 million Series D financing round. The announcement was made at the Zhongguancun (Daxing) Cell and Gene Therapy Industrial Park, a key hub for Beijing's life sciences sector. Financing Co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and Daxing Industrial Investment Fund Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund The Series D round was co-led by the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and the Daxing Industrial Investment Fund. The new capital will be used to accelerate METiS' core strategic initiatives, including automation upgrades to its proprietary platform, in-house pipeline development, expansion of global partnerships, and recruitment of world-class talent. The Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) is one of eight major industrial funds established with support from the Beijing Municipal Government. It focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals, advanced medical devices, and emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy (CGT) and digital health. The fund plays a key role in accelerating the city's biotech innovation ecosystem. Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager of Shunxi Management Co.,Ltd. commented: "Healthcare is a cornerstone of Beijing's innovation-driven strategy and a vital engine of emerging productivity. With the launch of the city's AI+Healthcare Innovation Action Plan, Beijing is strategically integrating AI with life sciences to lead the next phase of high-quality growth. Our RMB 20 billion fund reflects our commitment to advancing innovation in CGT. METiS fills a critical gap in advanced formulation and delivery systems, and we believe their technology will set new standards in AI-powered nanodelivery." Mr. LI Ming, Chairman of Beijing Daxing District Investment Group Co., Ltd., added: "Daxing District is committed to making biopharma a core pillar of its economic growth strategy. The launch of the OpenCGT platform marks a major milestone that will accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, while attracting top global talent, capital, and innovation to Daxing - enhancing our competitiveness in CGT on the world stage." Mr. HUANG Hantao, Deputy General Manager of CICC Capital, noted: "We are grateful for the strong support from Beijing's leadership, Shunxi Management, and Daxing District across policy, capital, talent, and infrastructure. METiS has made tremendous progress over the past two years. As a long-term investor, CICC Capital will continue to support the company in R&D collaborations with our portfolio companies, clinical development, talent acquisition, and capital marketsempowering the next wave of breakthroughs in AI-enabled drug delivery." Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies, stated: "We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the Beijing municipal government, our investors, and our ecosystem partners. Solving the grand challenge of nanodelivery through AI innovation is not just METiS' missionit's our commitment to the broader life sciences ecosystem. We will continue to develop homegrown, world-class delivery technologies to support the high-quality growth of China's CGT industry." METiS Technologies Becomes a Pillar Enterprise of Beijing's OpenCGT Platform CGT represents the third major wave of pharmaceutical innovation, following small molecules and biologics. In 2024, five Beijing authoritiesincluding the Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committeejointly launched a Three-Year Action Plan aimed at accelerating CGT development. The plan sets out to foster over 20 cutting-edge CGT companies by 2027 and establish a globally recognized CGT innovation cluster. As a cornerstone of this initiative, METiS launched the OpenCGT platformdesigned to address key challenges in precision nanodelivery, reduce costs and complexity, and enable the clinical translation of next-generation CGT therapies. This platform is set to become a new engine driving Beijing's life sciences growth. Leveraging METiS' proprietary AI nanodelivery technology, the OpenCGT platform bridges the gap between foundational research in leading academic institutions and major hospitals, and translational work by biotech firms. Its inaugural project is to enable AccurEdit Therapeutics to develop a liver-targeted CRISPR gene-editing therapy using mRNA-LNP delivery. AccurEdit Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company developing precise, safe, and effective in vivo gene editing therapies for hereditary and acquired diseases. The company has built a best-in-class, end-to-end platform for in vivo gene editing that integrates RNA synthesis, editing, and delivery technologies. In October 2023, AccurEdit became the first and only company in China to demonstrate systemic CRISPR gene editing in humans with confirmed safety and efficacy. About METiS Technologies Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology. METiS Technologies is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms. Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM AI platform for small molecule formulation design. METiS' platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. SOURCE METiS Technologies Mr. Pakhchanian to oversee the design, maintenance, inspection and operational efficiency of bridge infrastructure throughout the firm's Mid-Atlantic Region PITTSBURGH, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, consulting and technology services, today announced that Hratch (Rich) Pakhchanian, P.E., has joined the firm as Regional Operations Lead Bridge. In this role, Mr. Pakhchanian will oversee the design, maintenance, inspection and operational efficiency of bridge infrastructure throughout the firm's Mid-Atlantic Region, which consists of 13 offices throughout Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Working in close collaboration with project managers, engineers, and construction teams, Mr. Pakhchanian will ensure that all bridge projects meet the highest standards for safety, compliance and timely delivery. He will also play a key role in strengthening coordination with local agencies and stakeholders, addressing operational challenges and advancing innovative solutions that enhance the longevity and performance of critical bridge assets. "Rich brings deep expertise in bridge engineering, construction and operations management to his new roleexperience that will be instrumental in advancing infrastructure initiatives across the Mid-Atlantic Region," said John Walsh, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director at Michael Baker International. "With 42 years in bridge design, inspection and safetyincluding complex structures, rehabilitations, movable bridges and tunnelsRich will strengthen our Bridge Practice team with his invaluable insight and proven track record of operational excellence. His leadership in national and regional bridge programs will expand our capabilities, foster innovation and help us deliver safe, resilient infrastructure for our clients." Mr. Pakhchanian's extensive experience has spanned a wide range of structural engineering with an emphasis on complex bridge design and inspection concepts and procedures. Prior to joining Michael Baker, Mr. Pakhchanian spent more than four decades with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), most recently serving as Branch Chief for the Office of Bridges and Structures at Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD). In this role, he led four major programsBridge Design, Inspection, Management and National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) Compliance Reviews for Federal Agencies (Bridge Safety) and supervised a team of 28 employees. He also served as Discipline Champion for the entire Office of Bridges and Structures for the Federal Land Highway (FLH) Offices. Earlier in his career, Mr. Pakhchanian was a Project Engineer for the U.S. Coast Guard. Mr. Pakhchanian earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering from The George Washington University. About Michael Baker International Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering, consulting and technology services spanning three distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Integrated Design and Advisory (IDA) and GovTech. The firm's Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For 85 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS). The company has more than 5,100 employees across more than 90 office locations. Michael Baker's Wolf Pack is committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while evolving its business to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/. Contact: Julia Covelli [email protected] (866) 293-4609 SOURCE Michael Baker International NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UPG Spaces is excited to announce the opening of HelloSpace+ @ Lonesome Quail, a premium self-storage facility located at 141 Lonesome Quail and Interstate 35 in New Braunfels, Texas. This state-of-the art property is open for business and invites residents and business owners alike to enjoy its "Best Space. Best Price. Best Service." amenities. Now Open: HelloSpace+ @ Lonesome Quail and I-35 in New Braunfels, Texas. Now Open: HelloSpace+ @ Lonesome Quail and I-35 in New Braunfels, Texas. "This is a beautiful property and includes the latest industry technology. We will operate it with our HelloSpace+ team that understands self-storage needs must be met quickly and conveniently upon demand," stated Julie Farrar, President/CEO of UPG Spaces (United Properties Group, Inc.) With approximately four hundred units completed in Phase 1, this primarily climate-controlled facility offers drive-up units as well with U-Haul trucks, trailers, boxes and packing supplies available on site. Rent online 24/7 at HelloSpacePlus.com with Live Agents available from 8 am to 8 pm every day for chat or telephone support. Meet our on-site office staff during normal business hours 7 days a week. The property will host a grand opening celebration soon which will include a City of New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility, and lots of giveaways! For more details about this location, visit HelloSpacePlus.com. About HelloSpace+: At HelloSpace+, we understand that storing your belongings is more than practicality; it's about trusting us to solve a storage problem when you need it. From our approachable and friendly staff to our modern and convenient facilities, HelloSpace+ is designed with you in mind. Whether you are storing your belongings for a short while or you are here for the long haul, our team is here to support you every step of the way. About UPG Spaces: Developing Self-Storage Assets for over 40 years, we provide Design, Build, Brokerage and Management Services. For more about our company, visit UPGSpaces.com. Contact Information: Name: Heath Edwards, Managing Director Phone: 888-406-5111 Email: [email protected] SOURCE United Properties Group, Inc. CASABLANCA, Morocco and BRUSSELS, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenWay, the global leader behind the award-winning Way4 digital payment platform, has officially expanded into Francophone Africa, empowering banks and fintechs in the region with access to its globally recognized payment technology and local service infrastructure. As part of its commitment to accelerating fintech innovation across the African continent, OpenWay is taking two strategic steps in Francophone Africa: 1. Making its award-winning Way4 platform available to banks and fintechs throughout the region OpenWay has signed a long-term technology partnership with a leading tier-1 bank in Morocco to support its ambitious digital transformation roadmap. This milestone makes it possible for banks and fintechs across Morocco and Tunisia to adopt Way4, a best-in-class digital payments solution recognized by Gartner and Datos. By entering the Francophone African market, OpenWay extends its support to visionary institutions building Africa's next-generation payment infrastructure. Way4 has already been chosen by financial leaders in Africa such as Equity Bank in Kenya and rising fintech SanuPay in Ethiopia. Way4 offers a unique set of capabilities that enable financial institutions to: Launch digital-first, real-time, 24/7 payment services across issuing, acquiring, and processing Accelerate time-to-market with flexible, configurable architecture Consolidate all payment productscards, digital wallets, A2A transfers, merchant services, crypto , and CBDCon a single platform , and CBDCon a single platform Ensure enterprise-grade security, reliability, and compliance Seamlessly scale operations across regions and continents without functional constraints 2. Establishing a local team in North Africa To provide tailored support, OpenWay is forming a dedicated local team in Francophone North Africa. Clients in Morocco and Tunisia now benefit from regional service reinforced by OpenWay's global delivery expertise and a deep bench of industry specialists. This local presence is further enhanced by collaboration with partners and professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring regional relevance and cultural proximity in every client engagement. "Progress in Africa is not a solo actit is a community journey," says Jean-Philippe Wolyniec, Regional Sales Director, OpenWay. "We are proud to co-create impact with our clients and support their mission to deliver inclusive, secure, and future-ready payment experiences." Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2742624/OpenWay_Logo.jpg SOURCE OpenWay NEW YORK and MIAMI, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Parkinson's Foundation today announced the recipients of more than $1 million in community grants for Parkinson's disease (PD) programs across 38 states. The Foundation invests in community programs that make an impact in local communities and help people live better with PD by providing support for health, wellness and educational needs. "For the more than 1 million people living with PD in the U.S., access to local programs like support groups, exercise classes or educational courses is truly life-changing," said Parkinson's Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr. "Investments in nation-wide community grant funding represents the Foundation's on-going dedication to improving the lives of our Parkinson's community across the country." Community grants range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 per organization. The Community Grant program utilizes peer reviewers from the Parkinson's community to determine which of the many impactful programs should be selected for funding each year. The peer review committee includes people living with Parkinson's, those who are care partners of someone living with Parkinson's and healthcare professionals who serve the Parkinson's community. The 2025 grant cycle funds programs that provide exercise and educational support for people with PD and their care partners, as well as address the community's mental health needs. Selected organizations work at a local level to address growing gaps in education and resources for those living with and affected by Parkinson's. The Foundation funds organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the diverse needs of the Parkinson's community. The funding period occurs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. "Receiving a community grant from the Foundation has been a game-changer for our organization," said Molly Donelan-Cupka, the Founder and President of Up ENDing Parkinson's in Marshall, Virginia. "The funding allows us to expand our reach, offer more free and accessible sessions and empower hundreds of individuals with PD to discover strength, connection and joy through rock climbing. The Foundation's support doesn't just fund a program, it fuels a movement of hope, resilience and community." Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $12.7 million in 969 community-based programs. To see the full list of 2025 community grant recipients, visit Parkinson.org/CommunityGrants. About the Parkinson's Foundation The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. Since 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has invested more than $474 million in Parkinson's research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636). About Parkinson's Disease Affecting an estimated one million Americans, Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson's and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Nobles Gonzalez Parkinson's Foundation [email protected] 305.537.9134 SOURCE Parkinson's Foundation Contestants perform during the 11th Chinese culture talent competition for Nepali students in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Aug. 5, 2025. The 11th Chinese culture talent competition for Nepali students was held here on Tuesday. Nearly 300 contestants demonstrated their talents through 10 Chinese songs and 10 Chinese modern and classic dances, drawing a frequent outburst of cheers and applause from the audience. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua) KATHMANDU, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 11th Chinese culture talent competition for Nepali students was held here on Tuesday. Nearly 300 contestants demonstrated their talents through 10 Chinese songs and 10 Chinese modern and classic dances, drawing a frequent outburst of cheers and applause from the audience. "Every word you speak, every character you write, or every cultural element that you're going to perform here today is a step toward building bridges between our two nations," said Badal Pradhan, principal of the Learning Realm International School in Nepal. "May this event inspire you all to continue exploring the history of the Chinese language and culture," Pradhan told the primary and secondary school students present for the competition, jointly organized by the Chinese embassy in Nepal and the Volunteers' Home for International Chinese Language Education in Nepal. A contestant performs during the 11th Chinese culture talent competition for Nepali students in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Aug. 5, 2025. The 11th Chinese culture talent competition for Nepali students was held here on Tuesday. Nearly 300 contestants demonstrated their talents through 10 Chinese songs and 10 Chinese modern and classic dances, drawing a frequent outburst of cheers and applause from the audience. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua) A contestant performs during the 11th Chinese culture talent competition for Nepali students in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Aug. 5, 2025. The 11th Chinese culture talent competition for Nepali students was held here on Tuesday. Nearly 300 contestants demonstrated their talents through 10 Chinese songs and 10 Chinese modern and classic dances, drawing a frequent outburst of cheers and applause from the audience. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua) Contestants perform during the 11th Chinese culture talent competition for Nepali students in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Aug. 5, 2025. The 11th Chinese culture talent competition for Nepali students was held here on Tuesday. Nearly 300 contestants demonstrated their talents through 10 Chinese songs and 10 Chinese modern and classic dances, drawing a frequent outburst of cheers and applause from the audience. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua) New features and tools help students study smarter and save time SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, global learning platform Quizlet announced a series of transformative platform enhancements to help students unlock a smarter, more efficient, and personalized learning experience in the upcoming school year. With the proliferation of AI-driven content across the web, students want content that is accurate and relevant. To address these expectations, Quizlet is enhancing its platform with new tools to meet the evolving needs of students. These advancements lean into Quizlet's vast library of user-generated content from real students and teachers to help students stay motivated, engaged, and achieve their learning goals. The new experience includes features that leverage the power of AI to unlock more personalized learning by surfacing hyper-relevant content, fostering community among learners, and driving impactful outcomes via increased comprehension. These include: Reimagined mobile home feed: Students who use Quizlet daily are twice as likely to see a significant improvement in their grades. 1 The all-new mobile app includes a smart, personalized home feed that suggests what to study next based on the school students attend and the specific courses they're enrolled in. By tapping into insights from what other students are actively studying, Quizlet delivers timely and relevant recommendations tailored to each learner's goals, study habits, and performance. With new progress visuals and hyper-relevant content suggestions, it's easier than ever for learners to stay on track, build confidence, and see results every day. Students who use Quizlet daily are twice as likely to see a significant improvement in their grades. The all-new mobile app includes a smart, personalized home feed that suggests what to study next based on the school students attend and the specific courses they're enrolled in. By tapping into insights from what other students are actively studying, Quizlet delivers timely and relevant recommendations tailored to each learner's goals, study habits, and performance. With new progress visuals and hyper-relevant content suggestions, it's easier than ever for learners to stay on track, build confidence, and see results every day. Upgraded Learn: More than four in five students (82%) achieve A's after using Quizlet's Learn feature. 2 Now, Learn is smarter and more adaptive, accelerated by AI/ML enhancements that support increased grading capabilities, adjust question difficulty based on how students are tracking, and offer more motivational cues to keep students engaged. These updates help students zero in on what they haven't mastered yet, removing the guesswork and accelerating learning with greater accuracy and efficiency, all while delivering a more personalized experience that adapts to each learner's needs and maximizes their progress. More than four in five students (82%) achieve A's after using Quizlet's Learn feature. Now, Learn is smarter and more adaptive, accelerated by AI/ML enhancements that support increased grading capabilities, adjust question difficulty based on how students are tracking, and offer more motivational cues to keep students engaged. These updates help students zero in on what they haven't mastered yet, removing the guesswork and accelerating learning with greater accuracy and efficiency, all while delivering a more personalized experience that adapts to each learner's needs and maximizes their progress. Community-based Study Groups: Students today are increasingly looking to build community and connection. With 89% of students likely to recommend Quizlet to a friend, 1 Study Groups offer a new way to stay connected with classmates and stay motivated while studying. Students can invite friends to join a shared study session, observe who's actively studying the same content, and track group progress in real time. They can mark terms based on what the group knows or is still learning, and highlight areas that require more focus. Study Groups foster a sense of shared momentum to boost collective learning, even when students aren't in the same physical space. Students today are increasingly looking to build community and connection. With 89% of students likely to recommend Quizlet to a friend, Study Groups offer a new way to stay connected with classmates and stay motivated while studying. Students can invite friends to join a shared study session, observe who's actively studying the same content, and track group progress in real time. They can mark terms based on what the group knows or is still learning, and highlight areas that require more focus. Study Groups foster a sense of shared momentum to boost collective learning, even when students aren't in the same physical space. Study Bites: Just like a stretch before a workout, Study Bites helps ease students into their study session by recommending not only what to study, but how to study it based on their unique needs and context. Whether it's a quick review before class or prep for a big exam, Study Bites guides learners to the right study mode for that moment, eliminating the guesswork and helping them get started faster. Consistent and repetitive studying is proven to help with retention, and 98% of students feel that Quizlet is effective in helping them recall information. 1 By promoting efficient, habitual studyingespecially when time is limitedStudy Bites supports better outcomes, with 92% of students feeling that Quizlet saves them time compared to other study methods. 1 Just like a stretch before a workout, Study Bites helps ease students into their study session by recommending not only what to study, but how to study it based on their unique needs and context. Whether it's a quick review before class or prep for a big exam, Study Bites guides learners to the right study mode for that moment, eliminating the guesswork and helping them get started faster. Consistent and repetitive studying is proven to help with retention, and 98% of students feel that Quizlet is effective in helping them recall information. By promoting efficient, habitual studyingespecially when time is limitedStudy Bites supports better outcomes, with 92% of students feeling that Quizlet saves them time compared to other study methods. Deeper course-powered experience: The most requested feature from Quizlet users this year was more intelligent ways to organize and surface relevant materials at the right time. In response, Quizlet introduced a new update that lets students tag study materials by specific milestones such as upcoming exams, quizzes, or assignmentsenabling Quizlet to create a more personalized and streamlined study experience. Within the new folders, students can access course-specific content that's tailored by machine learning and peer activity so students can quickly discover the most effective content for their specific course, standardized test, or personal learning goal. These enhancements are designed to reduce time searching so students can spend more time learning. "At Quizlet, we're building for outcomes, and we know that students have different goals, whether it's better grades, a more efficient study experience, or a boost in confidence when taking a test," said Quizlet CEO Kurt Beidler. "The new platform experience leverages our legacy of leadership in AI-native tools to bring together hyper-relevant content, advanced study tools, community, and best-in-class GenAI for a cohesive experience. Built on content from fellow students and educators, we're making learning more personalized and adaptive." Quizlet is also further improving the teacher experience, having recently launched the "Assign an activity" feature, allowing educators to assign study sets to students and monitor progress free of charge. With the "Assign an activity" tool, educators can encourage students to study at their own pace while choosing the best activities for learning objectives. Plus, teachers can help promote consistent study habits among students, enhance accountability, and maintain oversight of their academic progress. These features will be available to all users aged 13 and over in the U.S. this fall. About Quizlet Quizlet is a global learning platform that provides engaging study tools to help people practice and master whatever they are learning. Over 60 million students, teachers and lifelong learners use Quizlet to study any subject imaginable for school, work or as part of their personal interests -- including 2 in 3 high school students and 1 in 2 college students in the US. Combining cognitive science and artificial intelligence, Quizlet guides students through adaptive study activities to confidently reach their learning goals. The company offers a combination of free and paid subscriptions for both students and teachers that enable further customization. Quizlet is headquartered in San Francisco, California and is backed by General Atlantic, Union Square Ventures, Altos Ventures, Icon Ventures, Owl Ventures, and Costanoa Ventures. For more information, please visit www.quizlet.com . Sources: 1. Quizlet Survey, February 2025 (sample size: 3,085) 2. Quizlet Survey, May 2024 (sample size: 1,411) CONTACT Niki Frankfort [email protected] SOURCE Quizlet "Until now, anyone wanting to use a single, plug-and-play ABB cobot on multiple workstations faced what could be days of programming and communications challenges. As part of the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we have preconfigured our Movotrak CTU, ensuring rapid deployment with ABB cobots right out of the box. Integrators, distributors, and end-users can now invest more time using the 7th axis to solve productivity problems than dealing with complex integration details," said Kevin Zaba, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord. The Thomson Movotrak CTU 7th Axis offers: Extended Operating Range : The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative 7 th axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters. : The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative 7 axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters. Flexible Mounting Options: Ability to move from one workstation to another along a rail that is secured either to the floor, wall, or ceiling. Ability to move from one workstation to another along a rail that is secured either to the floor, wall, or ceiling. Collision Detection: First 7 th axis solution with collision detection, stopping the cobot when it encounters an obstacle. First 7 axis solution with collision detection, stopping the cobot when it encounters an obstacle. Increased Productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring 7 th axis Freedrive mode. Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring 7 axis Freedrive mode. Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord components, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number. "This collaboration with ABB Robotics is a great example of how our differentiated Regal Rexnord technologies can be integrated into high-impact, customer-ready solutions," said Louis Pinkham, CEO of Regal Rexnord. "By combining the technical expertise of our Thomson, Kollmorgen, Boston Gear, and Huco brands into a seamless, 7th axis system available for the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we're making it easier for customers to unlock greater productivity and flexibility in their automation strategies. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering value through system-level thinking." The ABB Robotics Ecosystem ABB partners develop and provide packages consisting of pre-engineered accessories and software that are compatible and easily integrated with ABB's complete portfolio of robotic solutions. As fully integrated, ready-to-use solutions, the packages enable both end users and systems integrators to reduce time and effort in setting up robots for new applications. Regal Rexnord's participation in the ABB partner ecosystem involves changes to mounting hardware, development of a specialized plug-and-play wiring harness, and programming to interface with the ABB software platform and engineering environment, including an ABB Web App, Wizard and RAPID Module Code programming tools. Through the integration, certified ABB robotic application developers will be able to access the Thomson configuration tools directly on the ABB FlexPendant user interface. For more information visit: https://www.thomsonlinear.com/en/products/robot-transfer-units/collaborative-7th-axis-abb About ABB Robotics ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation, as one of the world's leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors - from automotive to electronics and logistics to outperform by becoming more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future, operating leaner and cleaner for a better future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. Learn more at: https://go.abb/robotics About Regal Rexnord Regal Rexnord's 30,000 associates around the world help create a better tomorrow by providing sustainable solutions that power, transmit and control motion. The Company's automation offering, comprised of controllers, drives, precision motors, actuators, and linear systems, controls motion in applications ranging from factory automation to precision tools used in surgical applications. The Company's linear motion brands Thomson, Nook, and Delevan have nearly 80 years of achievement in motion control innovation and are the premier producers of Linear Actuators, Linear Ball Bushing Bearings, Profile Rail Linear Guides, 60 Case LinearRace Shafting, Ground and Rolled Ball Screws, Lead and Acme Screws, Screw Jacks, Linear Units, Robot Transfer Units, and related accessories. Ever since inventing the Linear Ball Bushing Bearing in 1945, our brands have set the standard with an unsurpassed set of linear motion control solutions serving global material handling, industrial automation, medical and health, food and beverage processing, aerospace and defense, mobile off-highway, and many other markets through engineering, manufacturing and sales facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Regal Rexnord is comprised of three operating segments: Industrial Powertrain Solutions, Power Efficiency Solutions, and Automation & Motion Control. Regal Rexnord is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has manufacturing, sales and service facilities worldwide. For more information, including a copy of our Sustainability Report, visit RegalRexnord.com. For more information on Regal Rexnord brand, Thomson: 2400 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515; 1-540-633-3549; 1-540-633-0294 (fax); [email protected]; www.thomsonlinear.com. SOURCE Regal Rexnord Corporation Barth previously held leading in-house counsel roles at Panera Bread Company, Dunkin' Brands, and J. Baker, Inc. for over 30 years BOSTON, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rubin and Rudman is pleased to announce that Barry Barth. has joined the firm as Of Counsel in its Real Estate practice group, where he will deploy decades of experience in commercial real estate, franchise law, and hospitality operations to help the firm's clients grow in changing consumer markets. He previously served as Vice President and Legal Counsel for Panera Bread Company, where he oversaw all legal matters related to the company's real estate portfolio and new restaurant development. Barry Barth, former Vice President and Legal Counsel for Panera Bread Company, has joined Rubin and Rudman as Of Counsel in its Real Estate Group. At Panera Bread, Barth played a key role in supporting the expansion of one of North America's most recognized restaurant brands, navigating issues ranging from real estate development and labor policy to the legal implications of automation and third-party delivery models. During his 21-year tenure at Panera, the company grew from approximately 400 bakery cafe restaurants to more than 2,000 company-owned or franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada. Specifically, he played a key role in real estate site selection, lease and purchase negotiations, due diligence, design, and construction of over 500 new Panera Bread restaurants. Prior to joining Panera Bread Company in 2004, Barth served for six years as Director and Legal Counsel for Dunkin' Brands, parent company of the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins restaurant chains, where he was responsible for legal matters related to new restaurant development and real estate asset management for over 1,500 owned and leased properties. Before that, he was Assistant General Counsel for J. Baker, Inc., parent company of the Casual Male, Work N Gear and Parade of Shoes retail chains. He started his career at McLane, Graf, Raulerson and Middleton. "Barry is one of the absolute best hospitality lawyers in the country and we are thrilled that he is joining our firm," said Andrea Toulouse, Chair of the Real Estate Group at Rubin and Rudman. "He is very well known and highly respected in the industry and will be an invaluable resource to our clients and growing real estate practice. His knowledge is second-to-none and we are incredibly fortunate that he will be sharing that expertise with our clients and our team." Outside of work, Barth is an adjunct professor at Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration, where he has taught Hospitality Law since 2020. He serves on the Advisory Committees of the CJP's Schecter Holocaust Services and the Paul Revere Museum of Discovery and Innovation. He has been involved for many years with Cycle for Survival, an organization that raises money for rare cancer research. He has served for 10 years on the Zoning Board of Appeals in Sharon, MA. Barth received his J.D., with honors, from the George Washington University National Law Center where he was a member of the George Washington Journal of International Law and Economics, and his B.A., cum laude, from Brandeis University. About Rubin and Rudman LLP Founded over a century ago, Rubin and Rudman is a full-service law firm with nearly 100 lawyers in Boston, Massachusetts. With a diverse mix of practices, Rubin and Rudman serves national and international companies, including large public companies and closely held businesses; real estate developers; biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device makers; regulated industries, public entities and municipalities; insurance companies and their insureds; educational and other institutions; non-profit organizations; families and high net worth individuals. Rubin and Rudman also has suburban offices in Andover and Woburn, Massachusetts. Web: www.rubinrudman.com. Contact: Amy Blumenthal Kristen Weller Blumenthal & Associates Chief Marketing & Growth Officer 617.879.1511 617.330.7189 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Rubin and Rudman Anniversary event runs Aug. 7-20 with giveaways, deals and community celebrations MATTOON, Ill., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rural King , America's largest privately owned farm and home retailer, is kicking off its 65th anniversary celebration this August, commemorating more than six decades of service to America's rural communities with giveaways, deals and community events from Aug. 7-20. What began in 1960 as a single store founded by farmers Kermit Speer and Keith Beaird has grown into a trusted retailer with more than 140 locations across 14 states. The company prides itself on supporting its loyal and growing customer base by providing a great experience that starts with free popcorn and coffee, while they shop for quality products at a great price. To commemorate the milestone, Rural King is hosting a two-week anniversary celebration from Aug. 7 through Aug. 20. Customers can enjoy exclusive in-store events and promotions, including complimentary hot dogs every Saturday, weekend bucket sales, sweepstakes giveaways and loyalty rewards for RK Rewards members who shop during the event. "My great-uncle Kermit and his partner Keith started Rural King with a passion to serve a great agricultural community that lacked access to the supplies they needed to run their family farms," said Alex Melvin, owner and chairman of Rural King. "Kermit loved the community, and he wanted nothing more than to serve them well so they could live the rural lifestyle he appreciated so much. "I grew up in Rural King with my family, helping at our stores and ensuring that our customers got what they needed, when they needed it. I'm blessed to help carry on the legacy of this great company, which supports the rural lifestyle, and I am thankful for our associates and their hard work and dedication to serving their customers every day." Today, Rural King continues to serve as a cornerstone for rural life, offering trusted brands like Carhartt, Blackstone, Ariat, Diamond Pet Foods, Mobil Delvac, Milwaukee Tool, Walnut Creek Foods and Henry Rifles. Its product assortment spans livestock feed and care, pet supplies, tools, hardware, apparel, food, home goods and moresupporting farmers, families and communities through every season. "Over the past few years, we have been fortunate to expand into more than 20 new communities, which reflects both the loyalty of our customers and the dedication of our associates," said Steve Barbarick, president and CEO of Rural King. "As we look to the future, we're committed to growing in the right way by investing in our people, creating a great customer experience and remaining a dependable partner for America's farmers, families and rural communities." Beyond retail, Rural King remains deeply connected to the communities it serves through its foundation, the RK Foundation for Rural America. The foundation supports organizations such as 4-H, FFA, Habitat for Humanity and veterans' groups through partnerships with the Gary Sinise Foundation and others. It also funds the Rural King Scholarship Program, which provides college scholarships to associates and their dependents, and has donated more than $1 million to Christian organizations nationwide over the past five years. The company's 65th anniversary also highlights its continued evolution, with investments in customer experience through mobile and self-checkout options, e-commerce expansion and a growing footprint across the Midwest and Southeast. Media assets can be found here. For more details on Rural King's 65th anniversary celebrations, including store events and sweepstakes information, visit ruralking.com. About Rural King, Inc. Rural King, also known as RK Holdings, LLP, planted its roots as America's Farm and Home Store in Mattoon, Illinois in 1960. Since that time, Rural King has grown to more than 140 stores in fourteen states. By the end of 2025, the company will have 150 locations in 17 states. Rural King offers the lowest prices on a broad range of essential goods, food, feed, seed and other farm and home necessities to the communities we serve throughout Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. We welcome and encourage everyone to enjoy our longstanding tradition of offering free popcorn and coffee every time you visit our stores. SOURCE Rural King SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE: SOC) is now at the center of a securities class-action lawsuit, alleging that the company misled investors to inflate its stock price just before a major secondary offering. The drama unfolded around the company's long-delayed efforts to restart operations at its San Ynez Unit (SYU) assets, which have been dormant since a pipeline shutdown in 2015. National shareholders rights firm Hagens Berman urges Sable investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. The firm also encourages persons with knowledge who may be able to assist in the investigation to contact its attorneys. Class Period: May 19, 2025 June 3, 2025 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 26, 2025 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/soc Contact the Firm Now: [email protected] 844-916-0895 Sable Offshore Corp. (SOC) Securities Class Action: The suit claims that on May 19, Sable triggered a stock frenzy with a press release announcing it had "restarted oil production at SYU," a claim that sent its shares soaring by a remarkable 12.5% in a single day. Riding this wave of investor enthusiasm, the company quickly priced a secondary stock offering two days later, raising a substantial $256.5 million. But the euphoria was short-lived. Just as the ink was drying on the offering, a letter from California's Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis, allegedly surfaced that accused Sable of painting a deceptive picture. According to the complaint, the letter bluntly stated that the company's press release "appears to mischaracterize the nature of recent activities" and that the so-called "restart" was nothing more than "well-testing procedures required by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement prior to restart." In a damning indictment, the letter is said to have declared, "Characterizing testing activities as a restart of operations is not only misleading but also highly inappropriate." When the contents of this letter were reported in the financial press on May 28, the market delivered a swift verdict. Sable's stock price plunged over 15% the very next day, wiping out the gains that had enticed new investors just a week earlier. The litigation now aims to hold the company accountable for what some are calling a calculated maneuver to raise capital under false pretenses. The case, Johnson v. Sable Offshore Corp., et al., is being litigated in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. "We're investigating whether Sable may have misled investors about its restart progress and purported restart of SYU," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. If you invested in Sable and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Sable case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Sable Offshore should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected]. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP Topics Ranging From AI Algorithms to the Search for Life in the Universe Take Center Stage With Speakers From Adobe Research, Autodesk, NVIDIA, and More. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SIGGRAPH 2025 , the world's premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, is returning to center stage this year on Sunday, 10 August through Thursday, 14 August 2025 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This year's conference features an extraordinary lineup of keynote speakers from Adobe Research, Autodesk, NVIDIA, and more, as they address trending topics ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and generative art to the search for life beyond Earth. Photo by Andreas Psaltis 2024 ACM SIGGRAPH This year's Keynote Presentations bring together the most innovative minds across science, technology, and design. The ultimate goal of the keynote lineup is to share bold ideas, ignite inspiration, and stimulate critical thinking of attendees. "Each year, the SIGGRAPH keynote stage becomes a window into the future, not just of computer graphics and interactive techniques, but of how these fields shape our world," SIGGRAPH 2025 Conference Chair Ginger Alford said. "From exploring the creative boundaries of AI to visualizing alien worlds, our 2025 Keynote Presentations exemplify the visionary spirit that defines this community. Their work challenges us to think differently, collaborate boldly, and expand the way we tell stories, solve problems, and imagine what's possible." This year's Keynote Presentations include: Can Computers Create Art? SIGGRAPH 2025 Keynote: Dr. Aaron Hertzmann Monday, 11 August 2025 9 am PDT Dr. Aaron Hertzmann is a principal scientist at Adobe Research and affiliate faculty at the University of Washington. He has published over 125 papers in computer graphics, AI, and art. He is an ACM Fellow, an IEEE Fellow, and a winner of the 2024 ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics Achievement Award. He will discuss how the developments of new neural network algorithms for making art parallel the development of previous artistic technologies, like oil paint, photography, and traditional computer graphics. He argues that art is a social phenomenon and that AI algorithms will not be considered artists in the foreseeable future. However, they will change the way we make and understand art, for better and for worse. SIGGRAPH 2025 | NVIDIA Research Special Address Presented by: Sanja Fidler, Aaron Lefohn, and Ming-Yu Liu Monday, 11 August 2025 4 pm PDT Sanja Fidler, Aaron Lefohn, and Ming-Yu Liu are NVIDIA Research Vice Presidents who imagine and chart the next frontier of graphics and simulation. Together, they will showcase the latest breakthroughs in computer graphics technologies, from neural rendering and materials to world foundation models essential for advancing physical AI. They will explore new opportunities and applications these capabilities are unlocking across media, automotive, manufacturing, and robotics. Sanja Fidler, vice president of AI research, has co-authored over 130 scientific papers across the fields of computer vision, machine learning, and NLP. Aaron Lefohn, vice president of graphics research, oversees teams focused on real-time rendering, AI graphics, and graphics systems. Aaron has led real-time rendering and graphics programming model research breakthroughs featured at SIGGRAPH for over 15 years. Ming-Yu Liu is a vice president of research at NVIDIA and an IEEE fellow. He leads the Deep Imagination Research lab, which currently focuses on generative AI for physical AI. His research team has helped create several new product categories for NVIDIA. Future Earth: Storytelling From Space and the Exoplanet Revolution SIGGRAPH 2025 Keynote: Dr. Anjali Tripathi Tuesday, 12 August 2025 9 am PDT Dr. Anjali Tripathi is an astrophysicist and NASA's inaugural Exoplanet Science Ambassador. An expert in planet formation and evolution, she has contributed to the design of new space missions at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). As a leading science communicator, she is regularly featured by the BBC, PBS, and TED and serves as a film and television consultant for the National Academy of Sciences. She previously led science policy for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In an awe-inspiring keynote about the evolving fields of exoplanets and space exploration, she will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the future of the search for life in the Universe and how it's reshaping the art and storytelling of Earth and alien worlds. Sponsored Keynote by Autodesk: Exploring AI in the Future of Storytelling With David S. Goyer Presented by: David S. Goyer, Tye Sheridan, Nikola Todorovic, Carolyn Giardina, Mike Haley, and Maurice Patel Tuesday, 12 August 2025 2 pm PDT Autodesk presents a dynamic keynote exploring how AI is reshaping storytelling across film, TV, and games. Acclaimed writer, director, and producer David S. Goyer ("The Dark Knight" trilogy, "Foundation", "The Sandman") will reflect on the role of technology in his work and the impact AI will have on future creators. He'll be joined by actor Tye Sheridan and filmmaker Nikola Todorovic, co-founders of Wonder Dynamics (now part of Autodesk), to discuss how AI is reshaping the creative process, expanding access, and redefining the future of storytelling in a discussion moderated by award-winning journalist and author Carolyn Giardina. The keynote will also feature Autodesk leaders Mike Haley and Maurice Patel sharing how Autodesk's legacy of research and cross-industry innovation is driving the development of practical, creator-first AI tools like MotionMaker in Maya and Autodesk Flow Studio. This year's keynote lineup reflects SIGGRAPH's commitment to advancing innovation, creativity, and collaboration across disciplines. Find more information about SIGGRAPH 2025, including this year's keynote speakers, at s2025.siggraph.org . About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, and SIGGRAPH 2025 The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2025 , the 52nd annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 1014 August at the Vancouver Convention Centre, along with a Virtual Access option. SOURCE SIGGRAPH 2025 TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tarrytown Honda has won the prestigious 2024 President's Award from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. for operational excellence, including outstanding customer service. In an annual tradition dating back to 1995, Honda presents the President's Award to top-ranking Honda dealerships throughout the country based on their achievement of excellence in all sales and service and other areas of operation. Tarrytown Honda has won the prestigious 2024 Presidents Award from American Honda Motor Co., Inc. for operational excellence, including outstanding customer service. By exceeding the stringent requirements set forth in the President's Award Program, Tarrytown Honda became one of only 10% of the 1,073 Honda dealers nationwide achieved the honor in 2024. Tarrytown Honda has earned the Honda President's Award 2 times. "That Honda customers in Tarrytown, NY have entrusted Tarrytown Honda with their confidence speaks volumes about the exceptional customer service they offer," said Jessika Laudermilk, Assistant Vice President of Honda National Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "I am proud to recognize their excellence in sales and service across the board." "At Tarrytown Honda, we strive to deliver an unparalleled customer experience and understand that customers have many choices when purchasing their next vehicle," said Dwight Dachnowicz, Dealer Principal. "We're grateful for the tireless dedication of the Tarrytown Honda team in elevating our dealership operations every day." About Honda Honda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The award-winning Honda lineup includes the Civic and Accord, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Prologue and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. The Honda electrified vehicle lineup, representing more than a quarter of total sales in 2024, includes the all-electric Prologue SUV, hybrid-electric Accord, CR-V, and Civic, and Fuel-Cell-electric CR-V e:FCEV. A hybrid-electric Prelude is set to join the Honda lineup late this year. Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years and currently operates eight major auto manufacturing facilities in America. In 2024, more than 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, with nearly 60% made in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. More information about Honda is available in the Digital FactBook. For More Information Charlene Mooney (914) 631-0815 [email protected] SOURCE Tarrytown Honda CHICAGO, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is excited to announce that a Head Spa program will be added to its curriculum. This new program gives students hands-on experience in one of the industry's most in-demand services, combining scalp care, relaxation techniques, and therapeutic treatments designed to improve hair and skin health. Head Spa services, a growing trend inspired by Japanese beauty practices, have become a sought-after experience in the salon industry, offering clients more than just a standard shampoo or scalp treatment. Tricoci University students will now learn how to provide customized, luxury scalp care services that promote relaxation, encourage healthy hair growth, and elevate the salon experience. Students can enroll mid August 2025. "At Tricoci University, we're committed to staying ahead of the trends so our students graduate with advanced skills that make them stand out in the industry," said Larry Foster, Chief Operating Officer at Tricoci University. "Adding Head Spa training gives our students the ability to offer a premium, in-demand service that sets them apart and prepares them to meet the evolving needs of their future clients." Head Spa joins a range of advanced techniques and initiatives at Tricoci University, including Spray Tanning , eyelash extensions and brow laminations , specialized training in hair extensions , the Sensory Safe Salon , a new curriculum designed to foster a more inclusive, sensory-friendly environment in beauty education and The Vitality Project , the industry's first mental health and wellness initiative. For more information about Tricoci University of Beauty Culture and its programs, please visit https://www.tricociuniversity.edu/ or connect with us on social media: Instagram: @tricociuniversity Facebook: @TricociUniversity, TikTok: @tricociuniversity and YouTube: @TricociU . About Tricoci University of Beauty Culture Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is a premier beauty education provider with 15 campuses throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Tricoci University is focused on producing salon-ready graduates who are prepared for successful careers in the beauty industry. Founded by international beauty industry leader Mario Tricoci, Tricoci University is developing a new type of beauty professional by using innovative teaching methods, an interactive learning platform, and upscale facilities. All guest services are provided by students under the supervision of licensed instructors. For more information about Tricoci University of Beauty Culture please visit https://www.tricociuniversity.edu/ SOURCE Tricoci University of Beauty Culture A transformational $30 million commitment from UCLA alumnus to support nursing education, research and practice In recognition of this transformative investment, UCLA plans to name the nursing school the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing , making it the first UCLA school named for an Asian American. The largest philanthropic commitment in the nursing school's history, the pledge will support nursing education, elevate student achievement and drive innovation in nursing research. Wen is an alumnus of UCLA and has built a multinational enterprise, Formosa Ltd. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The UCLA School of Nursing received a $30 million commitment from Joe C. Wen, a UCLA alumnus and businessman, and his family. "Nurses are the backbone of health care. In the span of our lives, a nurse is often the first and last person we see, a constant presence in our most vulnerable moments," said UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk, a globally renowned scholar and champion of public health. "This extraordinary gift from Joe C. Wen and his family honors that vital role. It expands our ability to educate the next generation of nurse leaders and faculty, those who will care for people across their lifetimes and help fulfill UCLA's mission to improve lives through education, service, and innovation in health." "I am profoundly grateful to Joe and his family for understanding the value of nursing with this transformative gift," said School of Nursing Dean Lin Zhan . "This historic and visionary investment enables us to continue our legacy of innovation, leadership and excellence; to prepare exceptional nurses and leaders across health care ecosystems; and to elevate the school to fulfill our mission and goals." The commitment will support the school's four educational programs , expand nursing research and ensure UCLA's role in meeting the health care needs of California and the nation. "My family joins me in this commitment to support the mission of the School of Nursing to strengthen excellence in education and the health care system. This transformational gift will help create a global academic research powerhouse and think tank for future nursing leaders. UCLA is the nation's number one public university, the UCLA School of Nursing is a top 10 nationally ranked nursing program, and UCLA Health is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation. I am inspired by my alma mater, which has shaped our overwhelming belief in educational institutions as change agents for human health," Joe C. Wen said. "I am honored to support this great cause. Most importantly, this gift will have an immediate and profound impact on communities here in Southern California, especially in today's challenging health care landscape, through additional research funding and the advancement of AI technology in health care." Wen and his family, who reside in Orange County, are prolific donors to the University of California, with commitments of over $100 million since 2022, including a 2024 gift that led to the creation and naming of the UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health making him the first Asian American to name two University of California schools. Wen is also an avid supporter of UC's health system, which builds on the interdisciplinary alliances of public health, nursing, medicine, pharmaceutical, and clinical practices. Wen immigrated with his family from Taiwan to the United States as a teenager. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from UCLA in 1998 and an MBA from USC before launching his first business a paper trading company in 2003. That business evolved into Formosa Ltd., now a multinational conglomerate with holdings across several industries, including venture capital; lending; real estate holding, development and management; and forest products manufacturing and trading. With more than 75 years of impact, the School of Nursing enrolls nearly 600 students annually from prelicensure baccalaureate students seeking entry-level professional nursing practice to those pursuing doctoral degrees in advanced nursing practice and research. As the first undergraduate nursing program west of the Mississippi and the first in California to confer a Master of Science in Nursing degree, the school has a proud legacy of leadership and innovation. The school's mission is to improve health, wellness, quality of life, and nursing care for people locally and globally, through research, education, nursing practice, and community engagement. Recognized for educating nurse leaders, the school actively works to address the national nursing shortage by preparing graduates to lead across diverse settings, drive innovation, improve patient care, and transform healthcare from hospital systems to national policy arenas. The UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing will continue to maintain a collaborative partnership with UCLA Health , which plays a key role in developing qualified nurses with evidence-based, technology-enabled, patient-centered care and employs nearly 6,000 nurses across California. "This transformative gift will allow the UCLA School of Nursing to excel in preparing outstanding nurses at a time when we see shortages in the hospital and health system industry," said Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health , CEO of the UCLA Health Hospital System, who began her career as a critical care and trauma nurse. "Mr. Wen and his family are helping ensure that we train the next generation of nurses to sustain excellence in patient care." SOURCE UCLA AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Upgraded Points recently surveyed more than 2,300 U.S. travelers about how often they purchase travel insurance, what they spend, and which vacation expenses they are most eager to protect. The comprehensive results reveal regional trends, demographic differences, and the lingering impact of past travel hassles on today's insurance decisions. How Risky Do Americans Think It Is To Not Have Travel Insurance? Are Travelers More Insurance-Minded Now? "With flight cancellations, hotel surprises, and economic unpredictability on the rise, travel insurance has never been more relevant, yet many Americans still skip it," said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. "Despite the dangers, our survey shows that many travelers are willing to gamble with travel security, and that's often based on where they live and how they travel." Study Methodology 2,359 U.S. travelers from 45 states were surveyed about their 2025 travel insurance habits, spending, perceived risks, and past trip disruptions; the responses represent a varied mix of ages, incomes, and travel frequencies. Due to low response rates, Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming were excluded from state-level comparisons. Major Overviews and Trends Lifetime insurance uptake: 58.6% of U.S. travelers have purchased travel insurance at least once. 41.5% have never done so. 58.6% of U.S. travelers have purchased travel insurance at least once. 41.5% have never done so. 2025 coverage gap: For trips this year, 63% of Americans have skipped travel insurance altogether. For trips this year, 63% of Americans have skipped travel insurance altogether. What gets insured: Flights top the list (54.8%), followed by car rentals (44.8%) and hotel bookings (34.5%). Flights top the list (54.8%), followed by car rentals (44.8%) and hotel bookings (34.5%). State leaders: Maryland leads with 49% of travelers insuring their 2025 trips, just ahead of California (48.2%), Louisiana (48.1%), and Texas (46.6%). leads with 49% of travelers insuring their 2025 trips, just ahead of (48.2%), (48.1%), and (46.6%). Budgeting for protection: 59% of Americans spend less than 5% of their total trip budget on insurance. 59% of Americans spend less than 5% of their total trip budget on insurance. Perceived risk: 43.2% view travelling uninsured as only "slightly risky." 43.2% view travelling uninsured as only "slightly risky." Actual losses: While 17.3% report losing money by skipping coverage, a full 82.7% say they have not suffered any financial setbacks. While 17.3% report losing money by skipping coverage, a full 82.7% say they have not suffered any financial setbacks. Virginia's warning: In Virginia , 28% of travelers have lost money by going without insurance the highest rate of any state. Who's Buying Travel Insurance? Not all travelers are the same: Millennials lead the pack in skipping coverage, with 65% going uninsured in 2025. While frequent flyers are far more cautious, those who fly 3 to 5 times a year insure their trips at a rate of 38.4%. Flyers that travel 6 to 10 times per year insure at a rate of 43%, versus just 19% for occasional travelers (averaging 1 to 2 trips). These states lead the nation in protecting their vacations with travel insurance: Maryland (49.0%) residents insure nearly half of all 2025 trips, more than any other state. California (48.2%) follows closely, reflecting strong awareness of travel risks among West Coast travelers. Louisiana (48.1%) ranks third, with nearly half of its residents opting for trip protection. Who Skipped the Insurance? Midwestern and Western landlocked states tend to leave their trips unprotected: Colorado : 22.6% insured their 2025 trips Montana : 23.3% Iowa : 23.4% Idaho : 25.0% Michigan : 25.5% Travel insurance habits can vary widely: 19.3% of travelers always or usually buy coverage, 37% never do, and 32.2% purchase it only occasionally or about half the time. The rest depend on credit card perks or membership-based plans for trip protection. Check out detailed insights into travelers' attitudes toward insurance, the price paid by the uninsured, and other survey results by visiting the complete study online . About Upgraded Points LLC Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that helps to demystify the complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to help travelers maximize their travel, points, and experiences. Learn more at: www.UpgradedPoints.com. Media Contact: Alex Miller, Founder 1-214-646-8866 [email protected] SOURCE Upgraded Points MUSHAKI, DR Congo, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- In the lush green hills of Mushaki, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), signs of a cautious yet hopeful return are starting to surface. Several villages in this conflict-stricken region are preparing to receive thousands of Congolese refugees who fled to Rwanda during decades of violence. This movement came against a backdrop of shifting security and political dynamics, especially since the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group occupied large chunks of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in late January. Nzabanita Gaspard, 56, a father of six, is among the first to return to Mushaki in North Kivu. He fled with his wife, Mwamini Musabese, in 1996 when intercommunal violence engulfed the region, and never came back. His father was killed before his eyes, and a bullet wound left Gaspard permanently disabled. Afterward, he settled in the Kiziba refugee camp in Rwanda, attempting to rebuild his life in exile. "This is the first time my wife and I have returned to Mushaki since 1996. We wanted to see what the area looks like now and whether it might be possible to bring our children back in a few months," he said, sitting on a makeshift bench outside a small house temporarily loaned by relatives. But for the returning family, their home soil held only emptiness: the house was gone, and their fields had either vanished or been claimed by others. "We don't know how to bring up our six children here. They have no future here for now, because we have nothing as parents after all these years spent in the refugee camp in Rwanda," added Musabese, 43, her gaze uncertain. Like them, many Congolese refugees -- mostly from the Masisi and Rutshuru territories in North Kivu, still under the M23 control -- have started moving back to the region. As of April 30, the DRC was hosting over 517,800 refugees and 1,400 asylum seekers. Inside the country, more than 7 million people are internally displaced, including over 5 million in the eastern regions. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported in May that some 139,000 people have fled from the eastern DRC to neighbouring countries since the beginning of the year. In July, the DRC, Rwanda, and the UNHCR reaffirmed their commitment to the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees. During a high-level ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the parties emphasized that refugee return is a key pillar for peace and post-conflict reconstruction in the Great Lakes region, particularly in the DRC. According to DRC authorities, several localities in Masisi and Rutshuru are ready to receive the returnees, while M23 representatives, for their part, claim that security conditions are "gradually being met" to enable refugees to come back. In Mushaki, Gisele Karungi and her younger sister Bora Mutesi, who returned from the Kiziba camp after 11 years in exile, described their decision as difficult but necessary. "With the security that has returned to our village for some time, we chose to come back to the DRC, even though our parents are still in the camp in Rwanda," said Karungi. "For us, it was the right moment to return home despite the new life we now have to begin here." Funding to accelerate the expansion of Uzbekistan's leading fintech platform and e-commerce ecosystem Uzum raises nearly $70 million in equity financing led by Tencent and VR Capital, with participation from FinSight Ventures in equity financing led by and VR Capital, with participation from FinSight Ventures Uzum's valuation surges to ~$1.5 billion post-money, reflecting the company's rapid growth across fintech and e-commerce post-money, reflecting the company's rapid growth across fintech and e-commerce Uzum Bank has emerged as the fastest-growing digital bank in Uzbekistan , issuing over 2 million co-branded Visa debit cards with embedded credit limits , issuing over 2 million co-branded Visa debit cards with embedded credit limits Fintech services deeply integrated with Uzum's e-commerce ecosystem Fresh capital will be used to help drive the rollout of digital lending and deposit products, expand the Visa debit card program, and further scale financial infrastructure with AI increasingly embedded across credit scoring, fraud prevention, and personalised user experiences TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Uzum, Uzbekistan's leading digital ecosystem, has secured nearly $70 million in equity financing from Tencent and VR Capital, with participation from FinSight Venturesa U.S. fund focused on AI, fintech and super-app investments, and lead investor in Uzum's first equity round completed in March 2024. Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology company with a diverse portfolio of innovative products and services. It is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Uzum Market pick-up point VR Capital is a global alternative asset management firm with over $8 billion in assets under management. The firm has managed external capital for institutional investors since 1999, with a focus on investments in emerging and developed markets. VR Capital operates via its principal offices in New York and London. This funding marks a significant increase in Uzum's valuation since the March 2024 fundraise, bringing the company's post-money valuation to approximately $1.5 billion, and comes against a backdrop of strong operating and financial traction delivered across key business segments. Fintech momentum: Uzum Bank, the company's digital banking unit, is now the fastest-growing bank in the country. Since launching its co-branded Visa debit card with pre-approved credit limits in August 2024, Uzum has issued over 2 million cards in 1H 2025, introducing Uzbekistan's first embedded credit limit tied to a debit instrument. At the same time, Uzum's consumer credit business, anchored by its market-leading BNPL offering, has more than tripled its total financed volume (TFV) in the first half of 2025. E-commerce engine: The e-commerce segmentpowered by Uzum Market (the largest national marketplace) and Uzum Tezkor (Uzbekistan's leading express delivery service)grew gross merchandise value (GMV) ~1.5x year-over-year in H1 2025. Uzum remains the only vertically integrated platform combining commerce and financial services at a national scale. The company's breakthrough valuation and new investment reflect its unparalleled market position and ambition. The proceeds from this round will be used to accelerate the buildout of Uzum's proprietary fintech infrastructure, broaden its product suite, cementing its leadership across key verticals, and capture the full potential of Uzbekistan's rapidly expanding digital economy. Richard Deitz, Founder and President, VR Capital: "Uzum embodies a unique confluence of a proven business model and first-mover advantage in a structurally underserved market. We are deeply impressed by the quality of the team and the remarkable progress the Company has achieved to date. It is our privilege to support Uzum's continued growth through our investment." Alexey Garyunov, Managing Partner at FinSight Ventures: "We believe Uzum represents one of the most compelling fintech and e-commerce growth stories in Central Asia. Since our initial investment last year, the company has achieved remarkable milestones rapidly expanding its user base, launching new products, and driving monetization. The synergy across its diverse verticals has not only improved unit economics and reduced delinquency, but also lifted customer satisfaction and retention, reflected in a rising NPS and LTV. These dynamics mirror patterns we've seen in other breakout super-apps globally, and they're reinforcing Uzum's leadership in Uzbekistan's digital economy. We see enormous untapped potential to layer new services for both consumers and merchants on top of Uzum's existing platform. That's exactly why we're excited to double down in this new round and continue supporting Uzum on its journey." Djasur Djumaev, Founder and CEO of Uzum: "In just two years, Uzum has built the most comprehensive digital ecosystem in Uzbekistan. Today, we're reshaping how people shop, pay, and manage money. This new round of funding empowers us to deepen our fintech offerings and expand our leadership in digital banking and lending. We are delighted to welcome Tencent and VR Capital as new shareholders and proud to be working with tier-1 global investors who share our vision. It's also a vote of confidence in our strategy to integrate financial services directly within the country's largest e-commerce infrastructure." About Uzum Uzum is a digital ecosystem and the largest digital platform in Uzbekistan, providing services spanning e-commerce, express delivery, banking and fintech, and business development. The ecosystem includes Uzum Market, an online marketplace with a wide range of products and one-day delivery across the country; Uzum Tezkor, an express delivery service from restaurants and stores; Uzum Bank, a digital bank; Kapitalbank, the country's largest privately owned bank; Uzum Nasiya, an online unsecured lending service; and Uzum Business, an app for business customers. More than 17 million people over half of Uzbekistan's population, use Uzum services every month. Learn more at https://uzum.com/en/ . The Company is compliant with AML/FATFA proceedings and observes international sanctions regime in terms of its business operations and incoming and outcoming investments. About Uzbekistan Uzbekistan, Central Asia's most populous country and second-largest economy by nominal GDP, is undergoing a generational digital and financial transformation. With nearly 60% of its 37 million citizens under the age of 30, the country combines favourable demographics with strong GDP growth (6.5% in 2024) and rising consumer demand. Despite high mobile penetration and rapidly expanding internet access (projected to exceed 87% by 2027), Uzbekistan remains significantly underbanked: over 40% of adults lack access to formal financial services, and digital lending and card issuance are still nascent. This creates a vast opportunity for fintech disruption particularly embedded finance models integrated with commerce. E-commerce in Uzbekistan is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4047% to reach $2.2 billion by 2027, according to KPMG, making it the fastest-growing digital consumer market in Central Asia. With strong government backing for financial inclusion, investment in digital infrastructure, and favourable regulatory reforms, Uzbekistan has become a launchpad for scalable digital finance and technology-driven platforms. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2744235/Uzum_Market_pick_up.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2067732/5445555/Uzum_Group_Logo.jpg CINCINNATI, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Partners, a private real estate investment firm, closed on a $50.4 million acquisition of a 409,000-square-foot portfolio of small-bay industrial assets across Daytona Beach and Vero Beach, Florida. The portfolio was acquired off-market in partnership with Decker Capital, reinforcing Viking's reputation for sourcing high-demand assets in desirable investment markets. Viking Partners Acquires Four Small-Bay Industrial Parks in Florida "This portfolio represents exactly the kind of off-market opportunity Viking excels at: combining growing markets, an under-supplied asset type and a clear path to value creation," said Bret Caller, CEO and co-founder of Viking Partners. "We're thrilled to bring this portfolio to our investors." The portfolio of 30 multi-tenant buildings across four industrial parks provides a range of suite sizes and layouts to accommodate the growing tenant demand in the region. Current occupancy is 89 percent, giving the joint-venture an opportunity to lease-up vacant space, convert under-market leases and execute on a targeted capital improvement plan to elevate the assets to best-in-class condition. Florida's small-bay industrial sector has demonstrated consistent outperformance across cycles, buoyed by supply constraints, growing in-migration and sustained tenant demand. The Vero Beach and Daytona Beach markets specifically offer limited industrial supply, rising rents and strong demographic tailwinds. "This acquisition establishes immediate market leadership in both regions," Caller said. "By combining our operational strength with Decker Capital's local market knowledge, we unlock long-term value while providing downside protection for our investors." About Viking Partners Founded in 2008, Viking Partners is a private real estate investment firm specializing in value-add real estate investments , with a focus on creating long-term value through disciplined acquisition and active asset management. Viking has acquired over $1.5 billion in assets and raised more than $415 million in equity across a diversified portfolio of commercial properties. With a vertically integrated platform, Viking combines institutional investment discipline with entrepreneurial execution across industrial, retail and office sectors. The firm is particularly active in Midwest commercial real estate investments , targeting high-growth secondary markets where operational leverage and pricing power create strategic advantages. To learn more, visit vikingprt.com , follow Viking on LinkedIn , or explore the current offering at invest.vikingprt.com . For Media Inquiries Please contact: Steve Reynolds Viking Partners Phone: (513) 793-9919 Email: [email protected] Viking Partners Logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_1wTOKMY8E33Ms_kMBqixPBZkBbFPxCU/view?usp=sharing Image Viking Partners Small-Bay Industrial Parks in Florida: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t05pD98iZcZDKkGIslJ6eZCnzbrvRabt/view?usp=sharing SOURCE Viking Partners SCARBOROUGH, Maine, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the legal cannabis seed market expands, Organic Payment Gateways forecasts a significant surge in online sales via Webflow sites in 2025. Drawing from conversations with clients, developers, software integration partners, and industry contacts, the company anticipates growing demand for federally legal, Farm Bill-compliant seeds, driven by increasing interest in cultivation and sustainable agriculture. To support this, Organic Payment Gateways is rolling out tailored payment processing solutions designed for cannabis seed merchants who are using Webflow. These specialized payment solutions help Webflow cannabis seed websites rejected by Square, Stripe, or PayPal accept credit cards securely. Many Farm Bill-compliant cannabis seed businesses face shutdowns from processors due to high-risk categorizations. These rejections leave entrepreneurs with websites that can't generate revenue. Organic Payment Gateways addresses this with payment gateway integrations that maintain site design integrity while ensuring that daily deposits into existing business checking accounts continue. "Our team is hearing from more and more Webflow users who are excited about the growth potential but frustrated by payment hurdles," said Alex Roy, owner of Organic Payment Gateways. "You know, folks are telling us they're seeing a real uptick in interest for compliant seedsweb developers are building these beautiful sites, partners are integrating tools, and everyone's gearing up for a big year. We're predicting this boom because the conversations point to a market that's ready to explode, especially with better access to stable processing." The company's solutions integrate with Webflow via trusted third-party tools, allowing merchants to process credit cards without rebuilding their sites. Key benefits include solid security features, smart fraud protection, card-on-file billing options with an available automatic expiration date updater service, and detailed reportingall configured by experts who handle the technical details. Affordability is a cornerstone, making these solutions accessible for growing businesses. Organic Payment Gateways also provides one-on-one customer service, from initial assessments and application assistance to technical implementation and ongoing support. For cannabis seed sellers using Webflow, Organic Payment Gateways delivers end-to-end support starting with streamlined merchant account applications guided by experienced advisors. This is followed by free one-on-one screen shares to assist with integration, ensuring everything connects smoothly without disrupting site functionality. From there, the company offers continuous ongoing support, including troubleshooting and optimization, to keep operations running efficiently as businesses scale. "We're all about that personal touchI've talked to so many business owners who got the cold shoulder from big processors, and it's like, hey, we get it, we can help," Alex Roy added. "Our predictions for 2025 growth come straight from these conversations: developers saying clients are scaling up, industry folks noting rising demand. We're offering these tailored gateways so you can ride that wave without the stress, keeping your Webflow site humming and your cash flow steady." With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and glowing reviews on Trustpilot, Organic Payment Gateways stands out for its personalized service. Businesses interested in exploring these solutions can visit the company website to learn more about Webflow-specific cannabis seed payment gateways or general hemp seed payment options. As a Gold Member of the National Hemp Association, Organic Payment Gateways reminds all merchants to consult a qualified attorney before selling regulated products. About Organic Payment Gateways Organic Payment Gateways specializes in helping high-risk businesses in the CBD, hemp, cannabis seed, telemedicine, hydroponics, and nutritional supplement sectors process credit card payments online using their preferred website builder. With a focus on stable, affordable alternatives to mainstream processors, the company provides integrations, expert support, and compliance guidance to ensure long-term success. Media Contact: Alex Roy 800-570-1347 [email protected] SOURCE Organic Payment Gateways KIGALI, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda has reached an agreement with the United States to receive up to 250 migrants, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting displaced populations and promoting reintegration, a government official said Tuesday. "Nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation," government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told national broadcaster Rwanda TV. Under the agreement, Rwanda retains the authority to review and approve each proposed for resettlement. "Those approved will be provided with workforce training, health care, and accommodation support to jump start their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the last decade," she said. The arrangement builds on Rwanda's established record of offering refuge to migrants and asylum seekers. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), between September 2019 and April 2025, Rwanda received 2,760 refugees and asylum seekers evacuated from Libya via the Emergency Transit Mechanism, through 21 evacuation flights. Most of those evacuated came from Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Mali, and Chad. As of April 2025, more than 2,100 of them have been resettled to third countries, according to UNHCR. ATHENS, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A ferry with 105 passengers and nine crew members ran aground near an islet in the Euboean Gulf on Tuesday evening, according to Greek authorities. The ferry was sailing from Nea Stira to Agia Marina when it struck a rocky outcrop and became immobilized. Water began entering the vessel in a controlled manner, and it developed a slight list, officials said. All passengers were safely evacuated to Nea Stira by Coast Guard vessels and private boats, and no injuries were reported, according to ERT News, the public broadcaster of Greece. The ministry of shipping said the captain failed to report the incident immediately. Instead, a citizen alerted the authorities, prompting the swift launch of the evacuation. An investigation into the cause of the grounding is currently underway. 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 Kuala Lumpur, Aug 5 : Thailand and Cambodia have expressed strong commitments to end conflict in secretariat-level discussions, Malaysia's Chief of Defence Forces General Mohd Nizam Jaffar said. The talks, scheduled from August 4 to 6 ahead of an extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on August 7, will also cover the terms of reference for establishing an ASEAN defense attachA monitoring team, Mohd Nizam said on Monday. "They (Thailand and Cambodia) are now discussing the prerequisites for the team's deployment. If all goes well, we are expecting a very positive resolution by this Thursday," he told reporters after meeting with both secretariat heads. He said that Malaysia is only acting as a facilitator ahead of the extraordinary meeting, Xinhua news agecny reported. Meanwhile, a Cambodian defence ministry spokesperson said on Monday that Thai soldiers entered Cambodian territory, deploying barbed wire, despite strong objection from Cambodian armed forces. Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said this act constitutes a flagrant violation of a ceasefire and poses a grave threat to peace and security along the border between the two countries, as well as to the wider region. "Cambodia calls on the international community, particularly partner countries that have worked tirelessly to help achieve this hard-won ceasefire and wish to see it fully and effectively implemented, to demand that Thailand immediately stop its aggressive actions and strictly respect international law, especially Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Socheata added. In response to Cambodia's accusation that Thai military personnel entered the area referred to as "An Sae," which Cambodia claims as its territory, the Thai Army on Monday clarified through the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the area refers to "Chong An Ma area," which lies within Thailand's territory. The Thai Army said that Cambodia has previously encroached upon this area by constructing unauthorized structures and settlements. The Thai side has issued multiple formal protests regarding these violations, none of which have elicited corrective action from Cambodia. In recent operations, Thai forces have re-established a full control over Chong An Ma. Measures were being taken to reinforce security and restore order, including the clearance of landmines, said the Thai Army. On July 24, armed clashes broke out between soldiers of Cambodia and Thailand along their disputed border. The two countries agreed on a ceasefire in the afternoon of July 28, taking effect at the midnight of the same day. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, marking the first such gathering during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The high-stakes meeting, being held in the Parliament complex, will see the participation of all Members of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its alliance partners. Attendance has been made mandatory for all NDA MPs. This NDA Parliamentary Party meeting comes at a crucial juncture, just two days ahead of the opening of nominations for the Vice-Presidentas election, scheduled to begin on August 7. With the NDA holding a clear majority in the electoral college, the selection of its Vice-Presidential candidate is anticipated to be a formality. However, the alliance is expected to finalise and announce its nominee by August 21, the last date for filing nominations, aligning with the end of the current session. PM Modi will be honoured during the meeting, particularly for the success of Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism mission launched in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The Prime Ministeras address is expected to address this critical operation, the nation's security challenges, and several ongoing political issues that are dominating parliamentary discourse. The Monsoon Session has largely been disrupted so far, with the Opposition staging continuous protests, particularly over the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Opposition alleges that the revision exercise is politically motivated and biased in favour of the ruling party. PM Modi is also expected to respond to these accusations, reaffirm the governmentas stance on the electoral process, and lay out the NDAas legislative priorities for the remainder of the session. Los Angeles, Aug 5 : Two people were killed and six others wounded in a mass shooting in downtown Los Angeles, the US state of California, local authorities said. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Monday, near 14th Place and Griffith Avenue, where several parties were underway, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). LAPD officers spotted someone entering what they believed was an unauthorised gathering of over 50 people late Sunday night. Officers shut down the party and arrested one attendee for gun possession, Xinhua news agency reported. A few hours later, police returned to the same location after reports of gunfire and found eight people shot. A man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 52-year-old woman died later in hospital. The six injured victims, aged between 26 and 62, included two in critical condition, police said. Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified a possible motive. The investigation is underway. Earlier on Friday, four people were killed in a bar shooting in Anaconda, US state of Montana, local media reported, citing law enforcement officials. The shooting occurred at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, a city located in southwestern 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. Seoul, Aug 5 : South Korea and the United States held talks Tuesday on ways to broaden ties in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector ahead of an upcoming bilateral summit, the science ministry said. Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon met with Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), in Incheon, west of Seoul, to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation in the area, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2025 Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting, Yonhap news agency reported. During the talks, Bae expressed hope for developing a joint bilateral initiative on strategic technology, building on momentum from the upcoming summit between President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump. The two officials also discussed a wide range of other issues, including strategic technologies in the biotechnology and next-generation nuclear energy sectors, the ministry said. Bae proposed holding a joint committee meeting on science and technology at an early date to exchange detailed plans, the ministry added. Earlier the top diplomats of South Korea and the US held talks in Washington for the first time since the launch of President Lee Jae Myung's administration last month, as the allies face a range of cooperation issues, including preparations for a summit between their leaders. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met at the State Department, just a day after President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Korea, saying that his summit with Lee will take place at the White House in two weeks, on Thursday. The chief diplomats were expected to discuss coordination on North Korea's advancing nuclear threats and efforts to craft a shared understanding of the future direction of the bilateral alliance, as well as other regional and global issues. During a press briefing, Tommy Pigott, the State Department's principal deputy spokesperson, announced the meeting between the top diplomats, while commenting on the trade deal between Seoul and Washington. United Nations, Aug 5 : Uganda, already home to 1.93 million refugees, is on the verge of hosting 2 million refugees by the end of 2025 due to escalating crises in Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a UN spokesperson said. The crises in Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been driving an average of 600 people to cross the border daily in search of safety and lifesaving aid, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, at a daily briefing on Monday, citing the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Haq stated that Uganda is already the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa and the third largest globally, Xinhua news agency reported. Uganda's progressive refugee policy allows refugees to live, work and access public services, but funding shortfalls are drastically impacting aid delivery and threatening to undo years of progress, he said. Currently, Uganda's refugee response is only 25 per cent funded, and UNHCR is calling for more urgent and sustained international support and solidarity to ensure refugees and their local communities can live safe and more dignified lives, said the spokesperson. Recently, on World Refugee Day, Uganda, Africa's largest refugee-hosting country, renewed calls for international support in response to a growing refugee influx. Hilary Onek, Uganda's minister for relief, disaster preparedness, and refugees, said in a statement that dwindling global support has left the country overwhelmed by over 1.9 million refugees, primarily from South Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan. "Uganda is known for its progressive refugee policies," Onek said. "But the increasing numbers have strained healthcare, education, and the environment in host districts. We are now only able to meet the most basic needs." He expressed his concern that without additional funding, many humanitarian workers will be laid off. The World Food Program (WFP) announced in May that it would be cutting off food aid to 1 million refugees due to severe funding shortfalls. Prior to that, the WFP had already reduced rations, giving new arrivals just 60 per cent of the standard food basket, while the most vulnerable saw their share drop to 40 per cent, and moderately vulnerable households to 22 per cent. Leonard Zulu, United Nations (UN) resident coordinator in Uganda, said a recent 2.5-million-US-dollar allocation from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has supported 42,000 refugees at key reception centres, but emphasised that more help is needed. "While Uganda continues to keep its doors open to displaced persons, it cannot do it alone," said Matthew Crentsil, UN High Commissioner for Refugees representative in Uganda. Seoul, Aug 5 : South Korea's special counsel team has said it has no plans to make a second attempt at detaining jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol until Wednesday. Special counsel Min Joong-ki's team, which is investigating various corruption allegations involving Yoon's wife, Kim Keon Hee, said the decision follows Yoon's appointment of a lawyer. "We plan to discuss the schedule and method of questioning with the lawyer, and therefore have no plans to execute the detention warrant today or tomorrow," the team said in a notice to the press on Tuesday. The former president has reportedly appointed Bae Bo-yoon, a former Constitutional Court spokesperson, as his legal representative. Min's team has sought to bring in Yoon for questioning over allegations he and his wife meddled in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections, reports Yonhap news agency. Yoon, who is in custody over his failed attempt to impose martial law in December, snubbed two summonses last week and refused to comply with the team's execution of a detention warrant on Friday. The warrant is set to expire Thursday, but the team has indicated it will apply for a new warrant if necessary. Yoon's wife has been summoned to appear for questioning on Wednesday. Earlier on Monday, a special counsel team and the former president's lawyers clashed over the reason Yoon was dressed only in his underwear when investigators tried to detain him at his prison cell last week. Special counsel Min Joong-ki's team said last Friday that the jailed former president resisted their attempt to execute a detention warrant for him by lying on the floor of his cell wearing only his underwear. The team sought to bring in Yoon for questioning over allegations he and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, meddled in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections. Chennai, Aug 5 : VCK leader and MP Thol Thirumavalavan has announced that his party will stage statewide protests across all district headquarters on August 9, demanding that the Tamil Nadu government enact special legislation to curb honour killings. In a statement, Thirumavalavan expressed concern over the recent spate of caste-based murders in the state and called for stringent legal measures to eradicate such crimes. "We are demanding a separate law to address honour killings, which continue to plague our society. Our protests on August 9 will send a strong message to the government," he said. In addition to the protest announcement, Thirumavalavan strongly criticised the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted in poll-bound Bihar. He called the drive an "anti-democratic exercise" allegedly orchestrated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under pressure from the BJP-led Union government. He claimed that the first phase of the SIR had resulted in the exclusion of around 65 lakh voters, a majority of whom were from minority communities. "This is a premeditated move that poses a serious threat to democracy," he alleged. Thirumavalavan also condemned the silence in Parliament over the issue. "Though several Opposition leaders and Members of Parliament have demanded a debate on this matter, the SIR has not been taken up for discussion so far," he said. He urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the implications of the SIR and develop a common strategy. The VCK leader further warned that a similar voter revision exercise could soon be carried out in Tamil Nadu. "We have received information that the ECI is planning to implement SIR across all states. It could be carried out here as well," he cautioned. He raised concerns over the enrolment of interstate migrant workers in the Tamil Nadu electoral rolls. "Around 70 lakh people have migrated to Tamil Nadu from other states for work and trade. Attempts to enrol them without proper scrutiny may pose a threat to the interests of the state in the long run," he added. BEIRUT, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem warned Tuesday that any new Israeli war on Lebanon would be met with rocket fire, asserting the group's readiness to retaliate and defend the country. Speaking at a memorial in Beirut's southern suburb, Qassem declared, "If Israel wages a new war on Lebanon, rockets will fall upon it. We can confront and defeat Israel." He accused Israel of backtracking on past agreements, especially after developments in Syria, and criticized U.S. efforts to weaken Lebanon in favor of Israeli interests. Qassem called for national unity based on cooperation, prioritizing domestic needs over foreign demands, and resisting external interference. He rejected calls to disarm Hezbollah. He urged the Lebanese government to strengthen sovereignty by incorporating resistance into national defense plans, warning that any Israeli escalation would face widespread retaliation. Qassem also condemned what he called systematic Israeli and U.S.-led crimes against Palestinians, vowing continued resistance. "Lebanon's strength cannot be stripped away," he said. Mumbai, Aug 5 : Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda, who has mostly been seen in complex and intense roles, has expressed his desire to explore something that is more "light, playful, and fun." Talking about his career choices so far, Randeep shared, "I think there's a general expectation that I'll always play serious, intense roles and the truth is that I've been drawn to those layered, emotionally demanding characters. But there's also a part of me that's lighter, more easygoing and I'm wanting to tap into something more light, playful, and fun on screen." The 48-year-old star says he hasn't got the perfect opportunity to feature in the genre and a "good comedy" is still on his bucket list. "Comedy is a genre I've only almost been part of, and when I did, the timing or stories maybe didn't connect the way we'd hoped. Still, it's definitely something I want to explore more deeply. I feel comedy roles are definitely something I would want to explore," said Randeep, who was last seen in the actioner "Jaat" alongside Sunny Deol. Jaat has been directed by Gopichand Malineni. The film also stars Saiyami Kher, Regina Cassandra, Jagapathi Babu, Ramya Krishnan, Vineet Kumar Singh, Prashant Bajaj, Zarina Wahab, P. Ravi Shankar and Babloo Prithiveeraj. He will next be seen in "Operation Khukri," an epic war drama. Randeep has secured the official movie rights to "Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army's Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad" by Major General Rajpal Punia, and Damini Punia, setting the stage for his next major project, a military drama chronicling one of the Indian Army's most audacious operations on foreign soil, reports variety.com. The film "Operation Khukri" will bring to screen the harrowing real-life events from 2000, when 233 Indian soldiers were held hostage by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and the subsequent high-risk rescue mission that followed. The actor will portray Major General Raj Pal Punia (then a young Company Commander of the 14th Mechanised Infantry), who navigated both the tense standoff and the extraordinary rescue operation amid challenging jungle warfare conditions, according to variety.com. Bengaluru, Aug 5 : After the employees' union of the state-owned transport corporations decided to go on an indefinite strike, bus services across Karnataka were severely affected on Tuesday, causing major inconvenience to passengers. Most RTC staffers did not report for duty in support of the strike. The staffers have been demanding the fulfilment of their various demands, including salary revision. Despite a High Court order against the strike and the state government's implementation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), only 10 per cent of employees turned up for work. RTC services were disrupted across all district headquarters, especially in Bengaluru and northern Karnataka districts. Authorities deployed private buses as an alternative arrangement. However, women passengers had to pay for the service, unlike in government-run buses, where they are entitled to free travel. Many passengers arriving in Bengaluru from other states and relying on RTC buses to reach their destinations were stranded at the Majestic bus stand. Services of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) were also hit. However, authorities ensured that buses operated from Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) to various parts of the city. The Transport Department has requested that IT companies allow employees to work from home. Software professionals with access to cab facilities or Metro services were able to reach offices without major issues. Instructions were also issued to increase the frequency of services by the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). The department is arranging for 11,000 private buses for Tuesday (August 5) and Wednesday (August 6), including 4,000 buses within Bengaluru city alone. Meanwhile, a bench headed by the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court is scheduled to hear the matter later in the day. Two high-level meetings chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha on Monday failed to yield results, with RTC representatives remaining firm on their demands for salary revision and arrear payments. RTC staff are demanding the immediate release of 38 monthsa pending salaries, a salary revision effective from August 1, an end to staff harassment, a halt to privatisation, and resolution of other related issues. Two previous rounds of negotiations had also failed to reach an agreement. The RTC unions have declared that 1.15 lakh employees across the state will participate in the strike, as a copy of the High Court order reached them late. RTC buses are the primary mode of transportation for commuters, connecting cities with rural areas across Karnataka. The Congress-led state government has enabled free travel for women under the 'Shakti' scheme. The budget allocation for the scheme has been increased from Rs 5,015 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 5,300 crore this year. However, the BJP and JD(S) have criticised the scheme, alleging that the Congress government is jeopardising the financial health of RTCs for electoral gains. The state government has refuted these allegations, asserting that the scheme has empowered crores of women and will not be withdrawn under any circumstances. Guwahati, Aug 5 : In a poignant tribute to a defining moment in Assam's history, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that the construction of a grand memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the 'Battle of Alabai' is currently underway. The monument will commemorate the 10,000 Ahom soldiers who laid down their lives on August 5, 1669, in a fierce battle against the Mughal forces near the Alabai Hills in North Guwahati. Calling the battle "one of the most important chapters in the history of Assam", the Chief Minister took to the social media platform X to underline the government's commitment to preserving the legacy of the Ahom dynasty, which ruled Assam for six centuries and fiercely resisted Mughal expansion. "Our government has taken steps to build an Alabai memorial in tribute to the 10,000 martyrs, and the work on this monument is now in full swing," CM Sarma posted. "We will continue to focus on preserving and dignifying every chapter of Ahom history," he added. The Battle of Alabai, though less widely chronicled in mainstream historical narratives, holds immense significance in the collective memory of Assamese people. The proposed memorial is expected to serve not only as a site of remembrance but also as an educational landmark highlighting the region's valiant resistance to imperial forces. With growing calls for deeper recognition of regional histories, the Alabai memorial reflects Assam's larger cultural resurgence and efforts to instil pride among the youth about their heritage. To recall, the Mughal Empire, under Emperor Aurangzeb, had long sought to expand its reach into the easternmost parts of the Indian subcontinent. Assam, under the rule of the Ahoms -- a Tai-origin dynasty that governed the Brahmaputra Valley for over 600 years -- proved to be one of the strongest and most resilient fronts the Mughals ever faced. The Battle of Alabai followed the more famous Battle of Saraighat (1671), which ultimately ended in a decisive defeat for the Mughal navy and forces, thanks to the legendary leadership of Lachit Borphukan. However, Alabai holds its own place in Assam's history as a stark reminder of the heavy human cost borne in the struggle to protect Assamese sovereignty and identity. Chennai, Aug 5 : In a major initiative to streamline urban mobility, Chennai is set to overhaul its traffic management system by installing AI-powered adaptive signals at 165 junctions across key arterial roads. The new system will dynamically adjust green-light durations based on real-time traffic congestion, aiming to reduce wait times and improve traffic flow. Unlike the current fixed timing of 60-90 seconds per signal, the adaptive system will allocate green time based on vehicle volume at each approach. Heavily congested stretches may get green signals extended up to 120 seconds, while quieter lanes could see cycles reduced to as little as 30 seconds to avoid unnecessary halts. The first phase of the implementation will cover major corridors, including Anna Salai, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Sardar Patel Road, Kamarajar Salai, Rajaji Salai, and Taylors Road. Six pilot junctions on EVR Salai -- such as the Vepery and Ega Theatre intersections -- are already testing the new system. Early feedback from these pilot junctions has been encouraging. "We're already seeing noticeable reductions in queue lengths during peak hours and improved clearance times," said Bandi Gangadhar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic East). Each adaptive junction will integrate three core components which are, sensors at road approaches will measure vehicle speed and travel time through the junction, AI-enabled cameras will count vehicles, determine their direction, and distinguish between cars, buses, two-wheelers, and even pedestrians and a control unit will process this data to instantly recalibrate the signal timings in response to real-time conditions. This local-level decision-making will be augmented by a centralised system. Live data from each junction will be transmitted to the Greater Chennai Traffic The police headquarters in Vepery will coordinate signal timings across the entire corridors. This enables the creation of "green corridors" -- a sequence of green lights along major stretches like EVR Salai, allowing continuous traffic flow and minimising stoppages. The system uses a combination of real-time video feeds and historical traffic data to anticipate congestion and proactively adjust signal phases. It is fully automated but includes manual override capabilities, allowing traffic police to make remote interventions during emergencies, such as the passage of ambulances or VIP convoys. "Installation of sensors and AI cameras is currently underway and will be completed in the coming months," Gangadhar confirmed. However, experts warn that the system's efficiency hinges on accurate and reliable data. "We've seen international examples where sensor or camera failures disrupted traffic," said R. Rajmurugan, a transportation engineer who pointed out failures in cities like Melbourne, Pittsburgh and London. Chennai's move to embrace smart mobility is part of a larger urban modernisation strategy, and if successful, could set a benchmark for other Indian cities battling chronic traffic woes. Gwalior, Aug 5 : Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said that 29 people have lost their lives due to rain in Madhya Pradesh in the last week of July. The Union Communications Minister said that during a survey conducted by the Madhya Pradesh government, it was found that Shivpuri had witnessed disasters due to floods, where 22 people died, while seven people lost their lives in Guna district. He further stated that more than 3,000 people were rescued in Guna, Shivpuri, and Ashoknagar districts after 72 hours of rainfall caused floods in several areas. "Armed forces, NDRF and SDRF teams have airlifted around 400 people and shifted them to relief camps, set up at multiple locations in Guna, Shivpuri and Ashoknagar districts," the Union Minister told media persons. The Minister's statement came a day after he, along with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, undertook an aerial inspection in his Lok Sabha constituency, Guna. He stated that the state government is assessing total loss related to crops, homes and others, and the people will be provided compensation accordingly. "During the aerial survey, I noticed that several homes were swept away, and people have lost their animals and crops. CM Mohan Yadav has assured to provide compensation," Union Minister Scindia added. During an interaction with flood-affected people in Guna, the Union Minister assured them that both the Centre and state governments are committed to providing help to them. "I know your pain at this moment, and assure you that the BJP government stands with you. Loss of everyone will be assessed during the survey, and adequate compensation would be provided from both the Centre and the State governments," Union Minister Scindia said during a meeting with flood-affected people at a village in Guna. Jyotiraditya Scindia also expressed his gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for providing the much-needed support by deploying the Armed forces and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Moscow, Aug 5 : Klyuchevskoy volcano in Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula ejected an ash plume reaching 7 kilometres above sea level on Tuesday, with the cloud drifting southeast toward the Pacific Ocean, local authorities reported. "There are no settlements in the path of the ash cloud, and no ash fallout has been recorded in populated areas. No registered tourist groups are currently in the vicinity of the volcano," the Kamchatka branch of the Ministry of Emergency Situations said on its Telegram channel. The volcano has been assigned an orange aviation colour code, indicating a high likelihood of ash emissions and potential hazards to aviation. The eruption activity intensified on Monday, when the Kamchatka branch of the Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences recorded four separate ash plumes from Klyuchevskoy, with the highest reaching 9 kilometres above sea level, reports Xinhua news agency. Authorities have warned that ash emissions of 6 to 10 kilometres remain possible on several active volcanoes in the region and urged residents and tourists to avoid travelling within a 10-kilometre radius of these volcanoes. Standing at 4,754 meters above sea level, Klyuchevskoy is the tallest active volcano in Eurasia and is located in the Ust-Kamchatsky District. Its current eruptive phase began in April. The volcanic activity follows a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Kamchatka on July 30, which was the strongest in the region since 1952. The quake was felt as far as the northern Kuril Islands, triggering a tsunami warning and prompting a state of emergency in the Severo-Kurilsk district. "According to our data, the last time such widespread volcanic activity occurred in Kamchatka was in 1737, following a magnitude-9 earthquake," Alexey Ozerov, Director of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, was quoted by TASS news agency as saying. Ozerov said the powerful seismic event on July 30 may have reawakened the region's "sleeping giants." Yury Demyanchuk, head of the volcanology station in the village of Klyuchi, said he had not seen such widespread volcanic activity in his five decades of work in Kamchatka, Xinhua news agency reported. "On Krasheninnikov Volcano, both summit and central eruptions have begun simultaneously, which may indicate intense internal seismic processes. As for Kambalny Volcano, I last worked on it in 1979. While it has been quiet for decades, it should not be considered extinct," Demyanchuk said. He noted that the previous eruption of Krasheninnikov likely occurred in the 15th century and is known only from layers of volcanic ash. "Of course, no one was monitoring it in the 1400s, so we can say that today we are witnessing truly unique natural phenomena," he added. As of Sunday, six volcanoes were showing active signs: Avachinsky, Klyuchevskoy, Bezymianny, Kambalny, Karymsky, and, most recently, Krasheninnikov, which is located in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Shares of private lender IndusInd Bank went up on Tuesday, after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Rajiv Anand as its new managing director and CEO. The private lender had suffered a dent in investor confidence after the recent Rs 2,000 crore accounting lapse. The three-year appointment of Anand will run until August 24, 2028, pending shareholder approval at the bank's upcoming general meeting. "The Board of Directors of IndusInd Bank Limited today approved the appointment of Rajiv Anand as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank effective from August 25, 2025 for three years," the private lender said in a stock exchange filing. Anand has a career spanning over 35 years across multiple facets of the banking and financial industry. In his most recent role, Rajiv was associated with Axis Bank Limited as the Deputy Managing Director. "On behalf of the Board, I congratulate Rajiv Anand on his appointment as the MD and CEO of the Bank. The Board looks forward to working closely with Rajiv and the management team to deliver strong and robust growth while prioritising highest standards of governance," said Sunil Mehta, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, IndusInd Bank. The Board would like to express its gratitude to the Reserve Bank of India for its invaluable support throughout the process. The Board, the Management team and all employees look forward to welcoming Rajiv to the IndusInd family and growing this franchise to it's full potential, he added. Analysts believe that Anand can leverage the experience he has gained working across global financial institutions across various functions. Earlier, during the Q1 FY26 investor call, Mehta had said that the bank was working to strengthen its senior management bench by identifying top-quality leadership talent, both internally and externally. Investors were concerned about a public banker taking the position of MD. Investors now view the appointment of a private banker to this position as a positive development. The Mumbai-based private lender reported a net loss of Rs 2,328 crore for the January-March period as accounting issues and stress in the microfinance portfolio led to the balance sheet taking a hit. IANS aaron/na Dhaka, Aug 5 : As the Bangladesh interim government is set to hold a 'July Declaration' ceremony, the students on Tuesday who were involved in the protests to overthrow former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, boycotted the event, stating that their "courage" became "worthless" in less than a year, as not all of them received invitations. The event will be held on Tuesday at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, the Chief Advisor's Press Wing confirmed on Saturday. The Charter will be presented before the nation in the presence of all parties involved in last year's July demonstrations, it stated. Abdul Hannan Masud, coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), took to his social media, stating that he will boycott the event. "I heard that this government could not invite the 158 coordinators and co-coordinators, the legitimate body of the July Uprising. They may have set up a few seats, but there will not be room for 158 people," Masud posted on Facebook. "Those whose courage and leadership led to this coup and this government are worthless in less than a year. If my fellow fighters, who led the movement to overthrow Hasina, do not get the respect they deserve, I, Abdul Hannan Masood, personally announce to boycott tomorrow's July Declaration program," the post added. Students' Federation General Secretary Saikat Arif also said that they had decided not to participate in the event. "The government has not discussed the July Declaration with the student organisations. It has not even held any meetings with the student organisations in the last 1 year. Rather, they have wronged the rest of the student organisations by identifying a specific group of anti-discrimination activists as the leadership of the coup, which has also undermined the impartiality of the interim government. That is why we are not going tomorrow," leading Bangladeshi newspaper Jugantor quoted Arif as saying. Reports suggest that as major differences emerged among key political parties in Bangladesh, the National Consensus Commission (NCC) of the country struggled to reach an agreement on several reform proposals during the second round of the dialogue. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary party on Tuesday lauded the success of Operation Sindoor and saluted the Indian Armed Forces for their heroic valour in teaching the country's enemies a lesson. The NDA meeting, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other top ministers of the BJP and its allies, heaped praise on the exceptional and exemplary leadership by the PM in the wake of the dastardly terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. The NDA leaders also saluted the unmatched courage and unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces for showing heroic valour during Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, and also adopted two resolutions, celebrating the success of both operations. Operation Sindoor was India's decisive military retaliation to Pakistan-sponsored terror activities in Kashmir, while under Operation Mahadev, the security forces gunned down three dreaded terrorists, just at the beginning of Parliament's Monsoon Session, having a direct hand in the Pahalgam attacks. The NDA Parliamentary Party also voiced strong support for naming India's military response after Sindoor (vermilion), stating that the "coward terrorists removed sindoor from our women while our Armed Forces, through Operation Sindoor, avenged their cruelty and protected crores of Indians". "India's decisive response delivered justice for the mothers and daughters of the nation, aptly named Operation Sindoor. It was indeed a powerful reflection of the nation's resolve under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi," the resolution stated. The NDA Parliamentary Party has also taken note of a series of defence reforms ushered in during three tenures of the Modi government, emphasising how they proved to be a strong deterrent during Operation Sindoor, giving India a strategic advantage over a hostile neighbour. It's because of the Modi government's commitment to reforms and focus on achieving 'atmanirbharata (self-reliance)' in the country's defence apparatus that the forces carried out an integrated operation and decisively pinned down the terror forces across the border and blunted the Pakistani military counter-offensive, it said. Notably, it was on April 22 that Pakistan-based terrorist group -- The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), carried out one of the most gruesome and barbaric terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, killing 26 innocent tourists, including a Nepali national and a local ponywalla. Chennai, Aug 5 : Actor Nagarjuna, who plays a villain for the first time in his career in director Lokesh Kanakaraj's upcoming action extravaganza Coolie, featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, has now disclosed what director Lokesh Kanakaraj told him when he wondered after shooting a scene for the film if whether people could be so evil in real life. At a pre-release event of Coolie, Nagarjuna said, "Our first shoot took place in Vizag. A scene shot during the second day of shooting was leaked on social media and went viral. We were all very sad about it. After watching that scene, I asked Lokesh, 'Can people be this evil?' He replied, 'They are more evil than this.'" Nagarjuna, who was all praise for director Lokesh said, that shooting with Lokesh was like a dream. The star actor also praised the director, saying he had empathy. "It is a fantastic quality and people who work with him want to work with him again." Coolie has already triggered huge expectations. Rumours doing the rounds in the industry also suggest that director Lokesh Kanakaraj's much awaited action entertainer may well reach audiences in over a 100 countries around the world when the film hits screens on August 14 this yea Apart from Rajinikanth, the film also stars stalwarts from the Indian film industry like Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir and Shruti Haasan. Anirudh has composed the music for the film, marking his fourth consecutive film with director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Cinematography for the film is by Girish Gangadharan and editing is by Philomin Raj. The film is keenly awaited as it will feature actors Sathyaraj and Rajinikanth together after almost 38 years. The two were last seen together in the superhit Tamil film 'Mr Bharath', which was released in 1986 and in which Sathyaraj played Rajinikanth's father. Interestingly, Sathyaraj had turned down offers to act in some of Rajinikanth's earlier films like 'Enthiran' and 'Sivaji'. 'Coolie', which is Rajinikanth's 171st film, will revolve around gold smuggling. Interestingly, director Lokesh Kanakaraj has disclosed that 'Coolie' will be a stand alone film and not a part of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). Floating logs are seen on the Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 5, 2025. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday announced a series of new measures to help the softwood lumber industry transform and remain competitive. According to a news release on the prime minister's official website, the new financial measures include 700 million Canadian dollars (508 million U.S. dollars) in loan guarantees to address the immediate pressures facing the softwood lumber sector, and 500 million Canadian dollars to supercharge product and market diversification to make the industry more competitive for the long term. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) OTTAWA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday announced a series of new measures to help the softwood lumber industry transform and remain competitive. According to a news release on the prime minister's official website, the new financial measures include 700 million Canadian dollars (508 million U.S. dollars) in loan guarantees to address the immediate pressures facing the softwood lumber sector, and 500 million Canadian dollars to supercharge product and market diversification to make the industry more competitive for the long term. "The forest sector is a pillar of Canada's economy. As we shift from reliance to resilience, Canada's new government will ensure the industry can transform to seize new opportunities in Canadian and international markets," said Carney. The package is a part of the industrial strategy designed to help Canada adapt to the global trade landscape which has "fundamentally changed," the release said. On July 25, the U.S. Department of Commerce doubled duties on softwood lumber products from Canada, with further increases expected later this month, the release noted. In 2024, 66 percent of Canada's total softwood lumber production was exported, and of that, nearly 90 percent was exported to the United States, the release said. Floating logs are seen on the Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 5, 2025. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday announced a series of new measures to help the softwood lumber industry transform and remain competitive. According to a news release on the prime minister's official website, the new financial measures include 700 million Canadian dollars (508 million U.S. dollars) in loan guarantees to address the immediate pressures facing the softwood lumber sector, and 500 million Canadian dollars to supercharge product and market diversification to make the industry more competitive for the long term. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) Floating logs are seen on the Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 5, 2025. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday announced a series of new measures to help the softwood lumber industry transform and remain competitive. According to a news release on the prime minister's official website, the new financial measures include 700 million Canadian dollars (508 million U.S. dollars) in loan guarantees to address the immediate pressures facing the softwood lumber sector, and 500 million Canadian dollars to supercharge product and market diversification to make the industry more competitive for the long term. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) Floating logs are seen on the Fraser River in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 5, 2025. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday announced a series of new measures to help the softwood lumber industry transform and remain competitive. According to a news release on the prime minister's official website, the new financial measures include 700 million Canadian dollars (508 million U.S. dollars) in loan guarantees to address the immediate pressures facing the softwood lumber sector, and 500 million Canadian dollars to supercharge product and market diversification to make the industry more competitive for the long term. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) New Delhi, Aug 5 : Six years ago, when the Modi government abrogated Article 370 and 35A, it completed the Constitutional process that had been deliberately left incomplete decades ago. And six years later, the government took another step that has proven to the world that terror violence can no longer go unpunished. Operation Sindoor, which happened a few months ahead of the sixth anniversary of the 370 abrogation, stands as the fitting response to Pakistan and its terrorist-supporting deep state. Since August 5, 2019, the security landscape in Kashmir has undergone a dramatic transformation. Stone-pelting incidents, street protests, bomb blasts, and targeted firings have stopped. The number of attacks on security forces has also reduced. The improved security was the reason that, since the 370 abrogation, the number of tourists every year has been on the rise. Each year, crores of tourists from the country and outside visit the union territory. This steady inflow has boosted local industries such as handicrafts and horticulture, contributing significantly to the region's economic revival. The enhanced sense of security has also resulted in a manifold increase in youth participation in education, sports, competitive exams, and entrepreneurship. Although sporadic terror attacks still occur, the overall environment -- especially in the Kashmir Valley -- has become far more welcoming for visitors. Much of the population is now focused on rebuilding and moving forward from the fear and trauma of the pre-2019 era. However, Pakistan, after failing to re-instil fear in the people through concentrated terror attacks, unleashed the brutal April 22 terror attack on innocent tourists, killing 25 after identifying them as Hindus. One local ponywalla was also murdered. The ploy was sinister, meant to break the back of the Kashmiris who had started believing in the peace efforts. It was also dangerous as it was meant to stop the people visiting the valley and create communal strife all over the country. But Kashmiris proved Pakistan wrong, and after initial shock, the tourists have returned to the valley. A significant moment came with the celebration of Zaeth-Ashtami by Kashmiri Hindus at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal. This was soon followed by the Amarnath Yatra, which has seen participation from over four lakh pilgrims. This resilience and unity have sent the strongest message yet to Pakistan and its proxies. Gone are the days when terrorists roamed freely in the valley, even in Srinagar city. Earlier, they found shelter not only near the Line of Control but also deep within civilian areas. There were hundreds of instances where locals harboured militants or helped them escape. That landscape has changed significantly post-2019. Today, most encounters take place in remote forests, where militants hide in foliage or caves. After 2019, the Modi government banned dozens of organisations that nurtured terrorists in Kashmir. This has helped in curbing the local recruitment into terror ranks. A majority of the terror operatives are being sent from across the border in Pakistan. That said, security challenges still exist. Elements vulnerable to religious propaganda can still be swayed by Pakistan-backed terror groups, which continue to equate terrorism with jihad. Recently, National Conference president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said that militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has not ended and never will. Such statements highlight where the real challenge lies -- the doublespeak of certain political leaders who prefer to keep tensions alive for personal or political gain. But the people of Kashmir have spoken. They want peace. They want progress. And they want more tourists to visit the valley -- to build on the momentum set in motion after August 5, 2019. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in) New Delhi, Aug 5 : The daily unified payments interface (UPI)-based transactions have crossed 700 million for the first time, touching 707 million, according to the latest National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) data. The feat was achieved on August 2. Over the past two years, the number of daily transactions has doubled, even though growth has slowed down in comparison to previous years. In August 2023, UPI was registering around 350 million transactions a day, which increased to 500 million daily transactions in August 2024. The government has set a goal of achieving 100 crore transactions per day for UPI, and the platform is projected to reach this target next year at the current growth rate. The business model of UPI should reintroduce merchant discount rates (MDR) to attain a billion transactions by the next year, according to fintech companies and payment associations. They asked the government to establish a marginal MDR for major merchants and high-value transactions. While the government reduced the subsidies for UPI from around Rs 4,500 crore in FY 24 to Rs 1,500 crore in FY 25, it refused to accept the MDR demand of the ecosystem. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also voiced support for the MDR demand of payment companies. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra recently said the UPI interface should be made financially sustainable. The UPI system is currently free for users, with the government covering costs by subsidising banks and other stakeholders that support the payments infrastructure. "Costs will have to be paid. Someone will have to bear the cost," he added. The MDR a fee charged to merchants by banks for processing digital payments, typically ranging from 1 per cent to 3 per cent of the transaction value was waived off on RuPay debit cards and BHIM-UPI transactions by the government in December 2019. It is unclear whether MDR will be reintroduced or if users will also have to bear the cost of UPI infrastructure. The RBI Governor's comments come at a time when UPI surpassed global payments giant Visa in daily transaction volumes. During the last month, UPI recorded around 19.5 billion transactions worth over Rs 25 lakh crore. This translates into around 650 million transactions in a day on average and is worth around Rs 83,000 crore daily. UPI now powers around 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India and nearly 50 per cent of all real-time digital payments across the world. As internet penetration increases and more consumers and businesses adopt digital payments, the platform experiences a 5-7 per cent monthly growth and an annual growth of about 40 per cent. IANS aaron/na Dhaka, Aug 5 : In yet another incident of violence in Bangladesh, a woman, whose mother and two siblings were brutally assaulted and killed, has claimed that the attackers were backed by the father of Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, local Advisor of the interim government, local media reported. The incident unfolded on July 3 in Cumilla district when Ruma Akhter suffered stab injuries during the attack, while her sister Taspiya Jonaki, brother Md Russel, and their mother Roksana Akter Rubi were mercilessly hacked to death in broad daylight. Addressing reporters in Dhaka on Monday, Ruma called for the arrest of Asif Mahmud's father, Billal Master, accusing him of being involved in connection with the triple murder. She also registered a case with Bangra Bazar Police Station, accusing 33 named individuals, along with 25 unnamed suspects. "On the day of the killings, we sought police help by dialling 999 multiple times. But police did not respond. They came to the spot after the killings," leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star, quoted Ruma as saying. She revealed that the rivalry between her family and some of their neighbours began over the construction of a building. She recounted that local union parishad chairman Shimul Billah sought the contract for work, but her family turned down the offer. She further alleged that Shimul used his associates to extort money from them and issued death threats when they refused to comply. Ruma claimed Shimul, who was involved in the murder of her family members, had the support of Billal Hossain, and therefore, he has not been arrested so far. On the other hand, the police asserted that a mob killed Ruma's family members over their alleged involvement in drug dealing. Refuting the allegations, Ruma said her mother contested the union parishad chairman election twice but was not allowed to win for being a supporter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), adding that the rivals, out of jealousy, framed her in a false drug case. Meanwhile, Asif Mahmud took to his social media on Monday evening, describing the allegations as "scripted narratives." Chennai, Aug 5 : Actor Nagarjuna, who plays a villain for the first time in his career in director Lokesh Kanakaraj's upcoming action extravaganza Coolie, featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, has now disclosed what director Lokesh Kanakaraj told him when he wondered after shooting a scene for the film if people could be so evil in real life. Chennai, Aug 5 (IANS) Actor Nagarjuna, who plays a villain for the first time in his career in director Lokesh Kanakaraj's upcoming action extravaganza Coolie, featuring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead, has now disclosed what director Lokesh Kanakaraj told him when he wondered after shooting a scene for the film if people could be so evil in real life. At a pre-release event of Coolie, Nagarjuna said, "Our first shoot took place in Vizag. A scene shot during the second day of shooting was leaked on social media and went viral. We were all very sad about it. After watching that scene, I asked Lokesh, 'Can people be this evil?' He replied, 'They are more evil than this.'" Nagarjuna, who was all praise for director Lokesh said, that shooting with Lokesh was like a dream. The star actor also praised the director, saying he had empathy. "It is a fantastic quality and people who work with him want to work with him again." Coolie has already triggered huge expectations. Rumours doing the rounds in the industry also suggest that director Lokesh Kanakaraj's much awaited action entertainer may well reach audiences in over a 100 countries around the world when the film hits screens on August 14 this year. Apart from Rajinikanth, the film also stars stalwarts from the Indian film industry like Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir and Shruti Haasan. Anirudh has composed the music for the film, marking his fourth consecutive film with director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Cinematography for the film is by Girish Gangadharan and editing is by Philomin Raj. The film is keenly awaited as it will feature actors Sathyaraj and Rajinikanth together after almost 38 years. The two were last seen together in the superhit Tamil film 'Mr Bharath', which was released in 1986 and in which Sathyaraj played Rajinikanth's father. Interestingly, Sathyaraj had turned down offers to act in some of Rajinikanth's earlier films like 'Enthiran' and 'Sivaji'. 'Coolie', which is Rajinikanth's 171st film, will revolve around gold smuggling. Interestingly, director Lokesh Kanakaraj has disclosed that 'Coolie' will be a stand alone film and not a part of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 5 : In response to the tragic case involving the non-payment of salary to an aided school teacher for 14 years, Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Tuesday issued a strong warning to officials in the Education Department. The Minister stated that if such incidents recur, the government will be forced to take strict disciplinary action, including dismissal of those responsible. "The government will not tolerate negligence or delay in matters related to employee entitlements. This incident is unacceptable, and any repetition will invite the most serious consequences," said Sivankutty while speaking to the media here on Tuesday. The statement comes in the wake of public outrage following the suicide of V.T. Shijo. His wife, Lekha Raveendran, a teacher at St. Joseph's High School, Narayanamuzhi in the Pathanamthitta district, had not received her rightful salary for over a decade, despite a favorable High Court order. But according to George Joseph, the school's manager, all relevant documents to process the salary and associated benefits for Lekha Raveendran had been submitted to the District Education Office. Despite repeated follow-ups and even an order from the High Court of Kerala in favour of releasing the salary, the officials concerned allegedly failed to act. "The negligence of the officials has not only violated a court order but also destroyed a family. Even the intervention of the Education Minister was ignored," said Joseph. Incidentally, three department officials were suspended on Monday following internal review and mounting public outrage. However, Shijo's family asserts that suspensions alone are not sufficient. They allege that the officials deliberately suppressed documents and violated the Division Bench order of the High Court, and they are now preparing to take further legal action. Shijo's father, Thyagarajan, said, "The system failed my son. We will approach the court again to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable. This must not happen to another family." Lekha Raveendran had joined the school in 2012, but her appointment was delayed due to a legal dispute raised by a previously resigned teacher claiming the same post. The dispute was ultimately resolved in Lekha's favour by the High Court, yet her salary and benefits remained unpaid. The necessary documents and court order were submitted to the DEO in December 2024, but no action followed, triggering severe emotional and financial distress in the family. Los Angeles, Aug 5 : The first trailer and poster of the upcoming political comedy drama film 'Ella McCay' was unveiled on Tuesday. The trailer, which is 2 minutes and 25 seconds in length presents the story of the titular character of a young politician who is battling personal problems like her father falling for another woman. Los Angeles, Aug 5 (IANS) The first trailer and poster of the upcoming political comedy drama film aElla McCaya was unveiled on Tuesday. The trailer, which is 2 minutes and 25 seconds in length presents the story of the titular character of a young politician who is battling personal problems like her father falling for another woman. Despite all odds, she becomes the governor of the state she was born in. The film features a star-studded cast of Emma Mackey, Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner, Becky Ann Baker, and Joey Brooks, with Albert Brooks and Woody Harrelson. Ella McCay, essayed by Emma, is an idealistic young woman, who juggles her family and work life in a comedy about the people you love and how to survive them. It was announced in November 2023 that James L. Brooks was set to write and direct his first film in thirteen years, with 20th Century Studios set as the distributor. Jack Lowden and Rebecca Hall joined the cast. Principal photography began in Rhode Island on February 1, 2024. Filming was announced as wrapped on May 3, but as of January 2025, more scenes were planned to be shot in Rhode Island in March aElla McCaya is produced by James L. Brooks, p.g.a., Richard Sakai, p.g.a., Julie Ansell, p.g.a., and Jennifer Brooks and 20th Century Studios. The film is written and directed by Academy Award winner, Emmy Award winner, and Disney Legend James L. Brooks. Ella McCay is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 12, 2025. It was previously scheduled to release on September 19, 2025. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Backing External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar's call for a fair and multipolar global order, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi, said on Tuesday that his comments reflect the reality of global trade dynamics and underscore the need for India to assert its position against arbitrary trade restrictions. "What he said holds the truth, because many countries operate based on tariffs, and those who impose arbitrary tariffs disrupt global trade," Chaturvedi said while responding to the minister's recent remarks. "Global trade should run according to the WTO's rule-based order. If a country starts considering itself superior or tries to create obstacles in any way, then it becomes necessary to speak up," she added. Her comments come in the wake of Jaishankar's statement on Monday, where he emphasised the importance of a fair, representative, and multipolar global system. "Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few," the minister said, amid increasing trade tensions globally, including tariff threats from the US and pressure on India regarding its oil imports from Russia. Chaturvedi further stressed that India, being a developing nation, must secure its economic interests. "We are a developing nation, and our country needs trade. What we are doing is in coordination with various nations. If there is any kind of disruption, it is important for us to raise our voice against it," she asserted. She also responded sharply to recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who had blamed India's oil trade with Russia for prolonging the Ukraine conflict. Chaturvedi dismissed President Trump's statement as misleading. "It is wrong to say that India's oil purchases from Russia are affecting the war. The European Union has already been buying oil. Trump repeatedly makes such inaccurate statements," she said. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended a warm welcome to Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral ties between the two nations. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to social media platform 'X,' posting: "PM @narendramodi warmly welcomed President @bongbongmarcos of the Philippines at Hyderabad House. India and the Philippines share close bonds based on civilisational, historical and people-to-people connections. Comprehensive discussions aimed at further cementing our enduring friendship and strong bilateral relations lie ahead." Earlier in the day, President Marcos Jr was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Addressing the media after the ceremonial reception, the visiting leader described his trip as a reaffirmation of the growing and evolving partnership between India and the Philippines. "This visit is a reaffirmation of the alliance and partnership that we are strengthening. We used to be referred to as the Asia-Pacific region, now we are referred to as the Indo-Pacific region which is a more accurate evolution, reflecting the global nature of today's politics, trade, and economy," President Marcos Jr told reporters. The Philippines President arrived in the Indian capital on Monday for a five-day State Visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. His visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and the Philippines, established in November 1949. Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, received President Marcos Jr at the airport. MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the visit, noting that it would further elevate the strong and strategic partnership between the two countries. External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, also called on President Marcos Jr on Monday evening. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Delighted to call on President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the start of his State Visit. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will significantly deepen our bilateral partnership." The Philippines President is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda, along with other key engagements in the national Capital. Following his high-level meetings in New Delhi, President Marcos Jr will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Wednesday. He is also set to travel to Bengaluru on Thursday, where he will explore India's technological and innovation ecosystems, before concluding his visit and returning to the Philippines. India and the Philippines have built a multi-faceted partnership over the decades, with cooperation spanning a broad spectrum including trade and investment, Defence and maritime security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, agriculture, and education. Both nations also maintain strong collaboration on regional platforms, particularly through India's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN. The MEA underlined that relations with the Philippines form a vital component of India's 'Act East' policy and its Indo-Pacific vision. "India's relations with the Philippines are an integral pillar of our 'Act East' Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and our approach to the Indo-Pacific. This visit is an opportunity for both leaders to chart the course of future cooperation and to engage on regional and global issues of mutual concern," the MEA said in a statement. The two leaders PM Modi and President Marcos Jr have met on multiple occasions at global summits. They held brief interactions during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos in 2024, as well as during the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta in 2023. PM Modi had earlier visited the Philippines in 2017 for the 15th ASEAN-India Summit and the 12th East Asia Summit. Patna, Aug 5 : In a significant cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Bihar Cabinet has approved 36 major proposals spanning education, transport, health, welfare, and election preparedness. The decisions come as Bihar prepares for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections, reflecting a clear push by the government to bolster infrastructure and social welfare schemes. In education, the Nitish Kumar government has approved a doubling of honorarium for physical education and health instructors in middle schools from Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000 per month. The annual increment has also been raised from Rs 200 to Rs 400. Besides, an approval for increasing the honorarium of cooks and night watchmen will also boost the morale of essential support workers in the education ecosystem. The Nitish Kumar government has approved the Bihar State School Teacher Appointment Transfer Service Manual, aimed at streamlining appointments and transfers in the education sector, and 151 new posts have been approved for Teacher Academies in Munger University to strengthen higher education. In the transport sector, the state government approved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to operate 200 inter-state AC and non-AC buses (44-seater) with incentives for private operators. Under this proposal, Rs 150 per seat during peak hours and Rs 300 per seat during off-peak hours. The estimated operational expenditure is Rs 36.35 crore (for over five years), Rs 7.27 crore additionally earmarked for FY 2025-26 from the Bihar Contingency Fund. In the health sector, ASHA workers and facilitators under the National Health Mission are to receive an additional Rs 2,000/month, raising their remuneration to Rs 3,000/month. Mamta workers will now receive Rs 600 per delivery, an increase from the previous Rs 300, at all state health facilities, including medical colleges and PHCs. In preparation for the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, the cabinet approved a major technological boost to ensure 100 per cent webcasting at all 90,712 polling stations with the installation of two cameras per polling station, with real-time monitoring at check posts and counting centres. The total approved expenditure is Rs 154.30 crore. These sweeping decisions are being viewed as part of a pre-election push by the Nitish Kumar-led government to consolidate public support through enhanced public services and welfare programmes. The doubling of instructor honorariums, DBT benefits for students, expanded healthcare incentives, and large-scale bus operations signal a focus on education, employment, accessibility, and healthcare -- core voter concerns. With just months left before elections, the cabinetas moves reflect both governance initiatives and political strategy aimed at strengthening public trust. Chennai, Aug 5 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President, M.K. Stalin, seems to have reshaped the state's political discourse by reaching out to expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam (OPS) and DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakant. In a calculated move ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls, CM Stalin has not only reinforced the strength of the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) but also exposed widening cracks in the Opposition. The meetings, seen as a significant political overture, have triggered speculation across party lines. The BJP, which has repeatedly claimed that newer parties including those from the SPA would be drawn into its fold, now faces uncertainty over retaining existing allies. Simultaneously, the developments have put AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on the back foot. His ongoing statewide rally, aimed at projecting leadership and unity has been overshadowed by the buzz surrounding CM Stalin's interactions with OPS and Premalatha. The AIADMK's aggressive reactions to OPS' courtesy call at CM Stalin's residence have only amplified perceptions of internal rifts. DMK insiders believe the party has gained a strategic upper hand. "People are now talking about whether OPS or Premalatha might join our alliance. That, in itself, is a political victory," said a senior DMK leader, speaking off the record. "The narrative has shifted. While our opponents are losing friends, we are being seen as a more viable alternative even by those who once opposed us." Although OPS joining the DMK-led alliance seems unlikely, given the DMK-averse nature of his voter base, the optics of his meeting with CM Stalin have sparked fresh debates. If OPS were to align with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) or contest independently, it could fracture the anti-incumbency vote that might otherwise consolidate behind the AIADMK. Even if the BJP manages to bring OPS back into its fold, the public expression of dissatisfaction and shifting political loyalties have already weakened the image of a united NDA. CM Stalin's move has effectively disrupted the Opposition's momentum and reaffirmed the SPA's position as the dominant political force in Tamil Nadu's pre-election landscape. IANS aal/rad JERUSALEM, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said 110 humanitarian aid packages were airdropped Tuesday over Gaza, where international aid experts say famine is unfolding after nearly 22 months of Israeli military offensive. The packages, containing food, were airdropped by the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Germany, Belgium and France, according to a military statement. Since the beginning of the airdrop operations in late July, a total of 785 aid packages have been dropped, each reportedly containing hundreds of kilograms of food. Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza in October 2023 and imposed a total blockade on March 2. The blockade was partially eased in May to allow a private company, backed by Israel and the United States, to open controversial food distribution centers. Aid convoys and airdrops by Arab and European countries resumed in late July, but United Nations experts warn that it still falls short of the needs of the Strip's population. According to the Gaza health authorities, dozens of people have died from famine and malnutrition, and Israeli strikes have killed at least 61,020 others. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Amit Shah's tenure as the Home Minister got etched in the country's history on Tuesday, as he became the longest-serving minister to helm the Home Department. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on becoming the longest-serving Home Minister of the country. At the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, PM Modi hailed Amit Shah and also spoke about some historic milestones achieved during his tenure. PM Modi told the NDA leaders that the BJP government implemented the Constitution in real terms and ensured that Babasaheb's vision and idea were brought to fruition. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya took to social media to break down the details of Amit Shah's longest stint in office as the Home Minister. "Shri Amit Shah becomes the longest-serving Union Home Minister in Indiaas history. With 2,258 days in office, he has now surpassed Shri Lal Krishna Advanias tenure of 2,256 days as Home Minister," Malviya informed in a post on X. The notable feat comes on a day - August 5, when the country is celebrating the sixth anniversary of Article 370 Abrogation, the move that marked an end to Jammu and Kashmiras special status and aintegrateda it with the mainland. Interestingly, the development comes close on the heels of PM Modi becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of the country recently, by surpassing Indira Gandhi's tenure. Malviya further informed that before Amit Shah and Lal Krishna Advani, it was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, who had the longest tenure with 1,218 days holding the office. Notably, Home Minister Shah's tenure has been marked by some bold and historic decisions, including the abrogation of Article 370, a crackdown on terrorism and the strengthening of internal security. Amit Shah has also vowed to eliminate Maoism from the country by next year, and vowed to free the country from it by March 2026. Bengaluru, Aug 5 : Coming down heavily on the Congress-led government in Karnataka amid the indefinite strike by RTC staffers across the state, which has severely affected commuters, the BJP appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to "wake up from his slumber" and immediately address the crisis. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Tuesday, said, "We have extended our support to the just demands of the RTC staffers. State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has also voiced support. CM Siddaramaiah must wake up from his slumber and resolve the issue immediately by holding talks with the stakeholders." "If he is incapable of resolving the matter, he should resign and go. Donat they have any common sense? What has the government been doing for the past week? They are causing hardship to the public, and the peopleas curse will haunt those in power. This is a pauper government -- its coffers are empty. I urge the government to fulfil the demands of the RTC workers," Ashoka said. He said that the bus services have come to a halt. "The state government claims to have implemented a free bus travel scheme for women, but now, no one has access to buses. They earlier claimed the state economy was strong and the treasury was overflowing. What is the reality now?" he said. Ashoka added, "Mr. CM Siddaramaiah, when I served as the Transport Minister under the BJP-led government headed by B.S. Yediyurappa, we hiked salaries by 15 per cent in one go over a decade ago. We released Rs 480 crore at once. If adjusted to present values, that would exceed Rs 1,000 crore. All demands of the RTC staffers were fulfilled at that time." He said that salaries must be revised every four years. "During the Covid-19 pandemic, RTC employees in other states were not paid, but in Karnataka, we ensured they received salaries. The Congress is now trying to highlight that salary revision wasnat done during Covid, which is irrelevant. The pending amount from the revised salary structure must be released," he demanded. BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra also criticised the government, stating that the government has not taken the matter seriously. "The meeting with the RTC staffer representatives was held by CM Siddaramaiah only because of Rahul Gandhias scheduled visit to Bengaluru. If they had not staged a protest, the CM wouldnat have even spoken to them," he said. He added, "CM Siddaramaiah merely held a meeting for formality's sake and failed to fulfil their demands. The staffers have placed only two demands. If the state cannot meet them due to a lack of funds, the CM must take responsibility and resolve the issue." Vijayendra further stated that in rural areas, students are unable to commute to schools and colleges due to the disrupted bus service. "They are struggling with transportation because the number of buses has already been reduced due to the free travel scheme. Now, the government is unable to even pay the RTC employees their salaries." "For months, the economic situation has been deteriorating. In this context, CM Siddaramaiah -- who also holds the Finance portfolio -- has failed to meet the demands. I acknowledge that people are facing great inconvenience due to the lack of bus services. The Chief Minister should immediately call a meeting with RTC staffers and officials to resolve the issue and put an end to the suffering of the common people," he urged. After the employees' union of the state-owned transportation corporations decided to go on an indefinite strike, bus services across Karnataka were severely affected on Tuesday, causing major inconvenience to passengers. RTC staff are demanding the immediate release of 38 monthsa pending salaries, a salary revision effective from August 1, an end to staff harassment, a halt to privatisation, and resolution of other related issues. New Delhi, Aug 5 : India has repeatedly warned countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom about the Khalistan terror menace. Both countries have been complicit when it comes to taking action against the Khalistani terrorists operating on their soil. The problem is also persistent in the United States, and these elements have managed to get away under the garb of free speech. While they state that their demand is the creation of a separate Khalistan nation carved out of India, in reality, these elements are notorious gangsters, terrorists, arms smugglers, and drug lords. Earlier, they would operate by using their own networks in these foreign nations. The Khalistani terrorists also have a wide network of gangsters operating in India. These persons indulge in hit jobs, terror acts, and narcotic smuggling. However, in recent times, the Khalistani elements have teamed up with Latin-American drug cartels and the Chinese network as well. These connections were exposed after the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) revealed that there was a Khalistan connection to the Chinese and Latin-American cartels. The busting of these networks, which also have an ISI link, led to the arrest of an Indian-Canadian gangster, Opinder Singh. There has not been any link with the Chinese elements and Khalistani terrorists. However, the security agencies suspect that China may have started to promote these elements following a request by the ISI. In a bid to gain the support of the Chinese, the ISI roped in Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the head of the proscribed group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Intelligence agencies say that the proximity between the Chinese and Khalistani elements may have begun when India and China were locked in a tense standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It was at that time that Pannun had written to Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which he justified Chinaas stand against India. "We consider China's counter-military action against India as legitimate and justified to protect its territorial integrity under international laws," he had written. He urged the Chinese President to take up the issue of Sikhs' rights of self-determination in the UN Security Council. He had also written a letter in 2019 to the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan stating that the Indian agencies are planning to attack the Chinese consulate in Pakistan. China also appeared to be supportive of Pannun when the US agencies arrested one Nikhil Gupta, who had claimed that he had been paid by the Indian agencies to assassinate the SFJ chief. India had rejected the claim and even snubbed China. These developments are worrying since the ISI has been pooling several resources to ensure that the Khalistan movement is taken forward. To take the movement forward, the ISI brought together gangsters and narcotic smugglers. The mingling with the international cartels is aimed at earning more money so that the movement can be funded in a major way. While the Indian agencies are on high alert and have not allowed the movement to raise its ugly head in the country, the worry is the associations abroad. The Punjab police also held a detailed meeting with the field officers, during which presentations were given about the issue. The Punjab police took note of the rise in activity in the border areas of Amritsar and Jalandhar. This was an indication that the ISI was pushing the Khalistan agenda harder. New Delhi, Aug 5 : States are adequately funded for vaccinating all bovines against livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), and Brucellosis, the government informed the Parliament on Tuesday. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, shared the vaccination programme for dairy animals in the country under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). "The department provides 100 per cent support to states/UTs under LHDCP for vaccination of all bovines for diseases like FMD," Baghel said. He noted that the vaccination against Brucellosis is administered to all the female calves of bovines, which are 4 to 8 months old. Further, financial assistance is also provided to the States/UTs for vaccination against diseases like LSD, Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS), and Black Quarter (BQ). "The vaccines are administered to bovines as per the vaccination schedule, like at the interval of 180 days for FMD, one time for female Bovine calves (4-8 months of age), and annually for diseases like LSD, HS, BQ to control and eventually eradicate the diseases," the MoS said. "Under LHDCP, more than 125 crore animals have been vaccinated for FMD since 2020, and till July 30. During the same period, 4.77 crore animals have been vaccinated for Brucella, and over 30 crore for LSD," he added. Earlier, Baghel informed the Rajya Sabha that 10 states reported LSD cases in 2025. LSD is characterised by the development of skin nodules across the body, fever, swollen lymph nodes, decreased milk yield, and difficulty in movement. "LSD has been reported in 10 states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Maharashtra, and Karnataka," Baghel shared in a written reply. Notably, Maharashtra and Gujarat are seeing a resurgence in LSD cases. About 300 cattle are being infected across eight districts in Gujarat. LSD virus transmission is primarily attributed to vector bites, with mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects playing a crucial role. In the last two years, about 200,000 cattle have died across the nation, while millions more have lost their milk production capabilities due to LSD. Under LHDCP, "Rs. 196.61 crore have been released to states/UTs during the year 2024-25," for procuring vaccine doses against LSD and related disease control activities, Baghel said. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The government on Tuesday reiterated that there is no proposal to stop the supply of Rs 500 denomination banknotes, and ATMs will continue disbursing Rs 500 alongside Rs 100 and Rs 200. Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, told the Rajya Sabha, in a written reply, that the printing of banknotes of a particular denomination is decided by the government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to maintain the desired denomination mix for facilitating the transactional demands of the public. "The RBI has informed that as part of their endeavour to enhance public access to frequently used denominations of banknotes, a circular titled aDispensation of Rs 100 and Rs 200 Denomination Banknotes through ATMsa has been issued on April 28, 2025, directing all banks and White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs) to ensure that their ATMs dispense Rs 100 and Rs 200 denomination banknotes on a regular basis," the minister said. Around 75 per cent of all ATMs shall dispense either Rs 100 or Rs 200 denomination banknotes from at least one cassette by September 30. "Moreover, about 90 per cent of all ATMs shall dispense either Rs 100 or Rs 200 denomination banknotes from at least one cassette by March 31, 2026," the minister added. On Sunday, the government termed "untrue" a WhatsApp message that claimed the RBI had ordered banks to cease issuing Rs 500 notes via ATMs by September 30, saying no such instruction has been issued. The deceptive message also claimed that 90 per cent of ATMs will cease issuing Rs 500 notes by March 31, 2026, and 75 per cent will do so by September 30. Additionally, it advised people to begin "liquidating" their Rs 500 notes and implied that only Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes will be accessible through ATMs in the future. Responding to the message, Press Information Bureau's Fact Check unit said that the RBI has not issued any such instructions, and Rs 500 notes are still legal tender. In a post on X, it said that the widely shared claim is untrue and advised people not to believe such false information. The Fact Check Unit stressed the significance of confirming any financial updates from official sources and cautioned that such messages are intended to deceive. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Lauding ties between India and the Philippines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the two nations are "friends by choice and partners by destiny." He emphasised that while the diplomatic ties might be new, the cultural bond between the two nations exists from the ancient times and termed the Philippines' Ramayana Maharadia Lawana as a "living proof" of the centuries-old cultural ties. While making a joint press statement with the Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday following their bilateral discussions, PM Modi extended a warm welcome to the visiting leader and noted that the two nations are celebrating 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025. "India and the Philippines are friends by choice and partners by destiny. From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are united by shared values. Ours is not just a friendship of the past, it is a promise for the future," said PM Modi. PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the Philippines President and his government for strongly condemning the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. He welcomed Manila's decision to give a visa-free entry to Indian tourists. "We express gratitude to the Philippines Government and the President for strongly condemning Pahalgam attack and standing with us in our fight against terrorism. The agreements signed today on mutual legal assistance and the transfer of sentenced persons will further strengthen our security partnership. We welcome Philippines decision to give visa-free entry to the Indian tourists. India has also decided to give free e-visa facility to tourists from the Philippines. This year, we will work to start direct flights between Delhi and Manila," stated PM Modi. Extending India's support to the Philippines for its chairmanship of ASEAN that is set to begin next year, PM Modi expressed India's commitment to peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. "The Philippines is an important partner in our Act East Policy and Mahasagar Vision. We are committed to peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. India strongly supports freedom of navigation in accordance with international law," he said. Prime Minister Modi mentioned that the growing defence ties between India and Philippines are a "symbol of deep mutual trust." He announced India's decision to increase the number of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the Philippines. "Our companies are actively working in every sector a" information and digital technology, health, automobiles, infrastructure, and minerals. In the field of science and technology, from virology to AI and additive manufacturing (ADQ), joint research is ongoing. The Science and Technology Cooperation Plan finalised today will further accelerate this...I am pleased to say that under the Development Partnership, we will increase the number of Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines and will cooperate on developing sovereign data cloud infrastructure in Philippines." He announced that India and the Philippines will also cooperate in the space sector. "Our partnership on Earth is already strong and we have also begun preparations for space sector. In this regard, an agreement has also been signed today. Our growing defense ties are a symbol of deep mutual trust. As maritime nations, maritime cooperation between our two countries is both natural and necessary." PM Modi said that India and Philippines have decided to work towards a Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement. He mentioned that during their meeting, both leaders also discussed other areas of mutual cooperation, regional issues and international situations. "Dialogues at every level and cooperation in every sector have been the identity of our relations for a long time now. Today, the President and I held a detailed discussion on mutual cooperation, regional issues and international situations. This is a matter of joy that today we have decided to elevate our relations to strategic partnership. To convey the potential of this partnership into results, an extensive action plan has been formed. Our bilateral trade is increasing continuously and has crossed the figure of three billion dollars. To further strengthen this, it will be our priority to complete the review of India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement at the earliest. We have also decided to work towards Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement," said PM Modi. Earlier in the day, Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. New Delhi, Aug 5 : To create better living conditions and assimilate the border population with the nation, the government has allocated Rs 4,800 crore from FY 2022-23 to 2025-26 for villages in 19 northern border districts, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, in a written reply, said the allocation has been made under Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I) for villages in 46 blocks abutting northern border in 19 districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Ladakh. The project also aims to ensure prosperous and safe borders, control trans-border crime and generate adequate livelihood opportunities, he said. For villages other than those on the Northern border and already covered under VVP-I, another Central Sector Scheme - Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) - with a total outlay of Rs 6,839 crore for the FY 2025-26 to 2028-29 has been approved, he said. This scheme is for comprehensive development of select villages located in blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than the Northern border already covered under VVP-I, in the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. MoS Rai also highlighted the Border Area Development Programme (BADP), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), to meet the special developmental needs and well-being of people living in border areas (scheme in sunset stage). The budgetary allocation for BADP during the last 10 years is Rs 6,634.24 crore, he said in response to a question by BJP MP Anil Baluni. Focusing on imparting training to the citizens in these areas about natural disasters, Union Minister Rai said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been actively involved in strengthening disaster resilience at the grassroots level by conducting Community Awareness Programmes across both urban and rural regions. These programmes are designed to educate, sensitise and empower local communities, particularly those residing in disaster-prone or vulnerable areas, to respond effectively during emergencies and minimise loss of life and property, said Rai. Over the past five years, the NDRF has conducted 5,451 Community Awareness Programmes in border states, benefitting 7.68 lakh people, he said. Bengaluru, Aug 5 : The Karnataka BJP unit lodged a police complaint at the Upparpet Police Station in Bengaluru on Tuesday, alleging the demolition of a compound wall and felling of trees to facilitate a Congress party protest led by Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, concerning alleged election fraud, at Freedom Park. A BJP delegation led by Bengaluru Central District President Sapthagiri Gowda submitted two separate complaints at the Upparpet Police Station. "The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to participate in the Congress party's protest rally regarding alleged election fraud on August 8 at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. "In preparation for the event, the organisers have demolished the compound wall of Freedom Park, causing damage to public property," the complaint stated. "They have caused inconvenience to the public by demolishing the wall without informing the authorities or obtaining the necessary permissions. For the sake of a party programme and self-interest, a large compound wall that had stood for years at Freedom Park has been brought down," Sapthagiri Gowda alleged. "Demolishing a compound wall without permission and constructing a concrete road is illegal. Action should be taken against the organisers for misuse of power, and also against the officials who allowed it," Gowda demanded. In a separate complaint, Gowda also alleged that a large tree within the premises of Freedom Park was cut down to accommodate the political event. He stated that the act was carried out for political and personal gain, with no public interest involved, and urged legal action against the organisers and the authorities concerned. The Congress party is organising the protest event, led by LoP Rahul Gandhi, on August 8 at the historic Freedom Park in Bengaluru. All prominent national leaders from the Congress party are expected to attend. The event aims to draw national attention to LoP Gandhi's allegations of election fraud. The ruling Congress party has made extensive arrangements to hold a massive protest at the venue. The protest was originally scheduled for August 5 but has been postponed to August 8 in view of the demise of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed a statutory resolution extending President's Rule in Manipur for a further six months, effective from August 13, 2025. The resolution, tabled by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, was adopted through a voice vote amid persistent sloganeering and disruptions by Opposition members demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh presided over the session, which saw repeated appeals for order. "Please go to your seat and say 'no'", he urged Opposition MPs, reminding them that the resolution was a constitutional obligation under Article 356 and had to be disposed of within the mandated timeframe. "We have not done any business in the House," he added, pointing to Congress MP Jairam Ramesh as disruptions continued. Rai introduced the resolution, stating that the extension was necessitated by the ongoing administrative vacuum in Manipur. He clarified that the violence in the state was triggered by a High Court order related to reservation and not by religious conflict. "Those who say it is communal are incorrect," Rai said, adding that no deaths had been reported during the eight months of President's Rule. He also noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs had held consultations with security agencies and civil society organisations, and that peace had largely returned to the state. Despite the Deputy Chairman's appeal for participation, Opposition members including Shushmita Dev, Tiruchi Siva, and Ram Pratap Garhi demanded a discussion on SIR under Rule 259. Slogans such as "SIR par charcha ho" and "Vote ki chori nahi chalegi" echoed through the House, drowning out speeches and forcing multiple interventions from the Chair. Only Subhash Chandra Bose Pilli of the YSR Congress Party managed to speak, but his remarks were inaudible amid the ruckus. When BJD MP Mujibullah Khan attempted to speak on Odisha, the Deputy Chairman redirected him to the statutory resolution. Opposition members declined to engage on the Manipur issue, insisting that the House first address electoral concerns. Ultimately, the Deputy Chairman asked members to register their dissent from their seats and declared the resolution adopted through a voice vote. The House was then adjourned till August 6, leaving critical legislative business pending amid deepening procedural and political standoffs. Kolkata, Aug 5 : Rebel Trinamool Congress leader and the party's four-time Lok Sabha member, Kalyan Banerjee, continued his social media jibes against his fellow parliamentarian, Mahua Moitra, on Tuesday, in which he claimed that she lacks basic gratitude. Kolkata, Aug 5 (IANS) Rebel Trinamool Congress leader and the party's four-time Lok Sabha member, Kalyan Banerjee, continued his social media jibes against his fellow parliamentarian, Mahua Moitra, on Tuesday, in which he claimed that she lacks basic gratitude. On Monday afternoon, Banerjee announced his decision to resign from the post of Chief Whip of Trinamool Congress in the Lok Sabha, and has been criticising Moitra on social media since then. In the social media post, he reminded how he stood by Moitra when she was "under fire on the floor of the Parliament" in 2023 in connection with the cash-for-query allegations against her. "In 2023, I stood by Ms Moitra when she was under fire in Parliament - I did so out of conviction, not compulsion. Today, she repays that support by calling me a misogynist. I owe the nation an apology for having defended someone who lacks basic gratitude. Let people see her words for what they are and judge accordingly," Banerjee's post read. On Monday evening, hours after announcing his resignation from the post of the party's Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha, Banerjee made a long social media post, launching a scathing attack against Moitra. "I have taken note of the recent personal remarks made by Ms Mahua Moitra in a public podcast. Her choice of words, including the use of dehumanising language such as comparing a fellow MP to a 'pig', is not only unfortunate but reflects a deep disregard for basic norms of civil discourse," Banerjee wrote on Monday. The Trinamool MP's strong reaction came a day after Moitra courted controversy by comparing him with a "pig". "You don't wrestle with a pig. Because the pig likes it and you get dirty," Moitra said while taking part in a podcast interview. Kalyan Banerjee had caught the ire of the party leadership, including the Chief Minister, over his recent faceoff with Moitra over one of Banerjee's comments on the event of the rape of a law college student within the college premises at Kasba in Kolkata. RIYADH, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Aramco President and CEO Amin H. Nasser said on Tuesday that China is an important strategic market for Aramco, and the company plans to further expand its investments in China. Speaking at a media conference call for Aramco's half-year 2025 financial results, Nasser made the remarks in response to a question from Xinhua. "We have excellent collaboration with our Chinese partners. China is an important strategic market for Saudi Aramco," he said. Nasser noted that China hosts a number of integrated refining and petrochemical projects, and Aramco is actively participating in the investment and construction of these large-scale projects. He emphasized that Aramco already has major investments in China and plans to further increase its investment in multiple areas in the future. "We have in the pipeline a number of investment plans in China that could be promising," he said. Nasser also pointed out that China holds a significant position in the global chemical market. "China will continue to be a main market for Saudi Aramco when it comes to supply of crude, investments and projects like liquids-to-chemicals," he said. Uttarkashi, Aug 5 : A devastating cloudburst struck the Dharali area near Harsil in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, washing away a village and leaving several residents reportedly missing. Following the sudden surge in water levels, especially in Kheer Gadh near Dharali, large-scale damage was reported in the local market area, prompting an immediate response from the police, fire department, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Army. "Due to the rising water levels in Kheer Gadh in Dharali, Uttarkashi, reports of damage have been received in the Dharali market area. Police, Fire department, SDRF and Army, along with other disaster relief and rescue teams, are engaged in relief and rescue operations at the scene," Uttarakhand Police stated in a public advisory. Authorities have urged locals to maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks and ensure the safety of children and livestock. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the disaster and assured that relief efforts were being carried out on a war footing. "The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing," CM Dhami said in a post on X. "I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone's safety," he added. While official confirmation on casualties remains awaited, the search for the missing is ongoing. A day before the cloudburst, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning for "extremely heavy rainfall" in parts of Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, and Chamoli, from August 4 onwards. In view of the alert, the Dehradun district administration ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 12 and Anganwadi centres on August 4. CM Dhami had held a virtual meeting with District Magistrates of all 13 districts to assess the state's preparedness and review development works amid the IMD warnings. Uttarkashi, Aug 5 : The Indian Army has reached the Dharali area near Harsil in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district to carry out rescue operations after a devastating cloudburst washed away an entire village. Several villagers were reported missing following the sudden surge in water levels in Kheer Gadh. "A massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the Kheer Gadh area near Harsil, triggering a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement," Surya Command of the Indian Army said in a post on X. Troops of the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations. Along with the Indian Army, police, fire department, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reached the spot. "Extent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfold," the Army said, adding, "The Army stands resolute in support of our citizens during this natural calamity." Following the sudden surge in water levels, especially in Kheer Gadh near Dharali, large-scale damage was reported in the local market area. Authorities have urged locals to maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks and ensure the safety of children and livestock. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the disaster and assured that relief efforts were being carried out on a war footing. "The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing," CM Dhami said in a post on X. "I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone's safety," he added. While official confirmation on casualties remains awaited, the search for the missing is ongoing. Bengaluru, Aug 5 : BJP Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, Lahar Singh Siroya, on Tuesday accused the Congress party under Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating a targeted campaign to undermine constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission of India and the Supreme Court. Taking to the social media platform X, Siroya said the Congress leadership was attempting to "spread lies and anarchy" to save the party. He was responding to remarks made by Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad, after the Supreme Court warned Rahul Gandhi over his comments on the Indian Army. It is very unfortunate that Hariprasad, a sitting MLC in Karnataka and former Rajya Sabha member, has cast aspersions on the Supreme Court of India," says Siroya. "In his Kannada X post, Hariprasad has alleged that the Supreme Court's remarks on Rahul Gandhi are indicative not just of the falling standards of the Court, but are also of its support to a dictatorial attitude. Those are very strong words," he observed. Siroya pointed out that Hariprasad's post referred to Rahul Gandhi as a "shadow prime minister" and questioned how a person holding a constitutional post could disrespect another. The BJP leader further noted that the Congress MLC had shockingly claimed that the Supreme Court and some High Courts were making "politically inspired observations and judgements." "I always thought Hariprasad was a mature politician. I did not expect him to cast huge aspersions on the Indian judiciary," Siroya stated, adding that while loyalty to the party is understandable, it should not supersede loyalty to the nation. Siroya said that Rahul Gandhi's indiscretions are "well known" and that he is "certainly not above the law." He added that Congressmen still seemed to hold the view of "India is Indira and Indira is India," and that their "Emergency-era mindset has not disappeared," even 50 years after the Emergency was imposed. The BJP MP said that Rahul Gandhi should display the "maturity, decorum, and propriety" expected of his constitutional post to earn respect. "From my limited understanding, I don't think our Constitution speaks of a 'shadow prime minister'," he clarified. He further said, "Whether Hariprasad's comments can attract contempt of court, is not for me to decide, but as a politician, I can recognise a very organised propaganda under Shri Rahul Gandhi to assault institutions like the Election Commission and the Supreme Court." New Delhi, Aug 5 : Former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Governor, Satyapal Malik, a prominent political figure known for his fearless voice and advocacy for farmers and the underprivileged, passed away at the age of 79 on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. His death has left a deep void in Indian politics, with leaders across party lines mourning his loss and remembering his legacy. Malik breathed his last at around 1 P.M. at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, where he had been undergoing treatment. Delhi Leader of Opposition and former Deputy Chief Minister Atishi also expressed her condolences. "We pray to God to grant him a place at His divine feet and to give strength to his family during this difficult time," she said. JD(U) leader K.C. Tyagi shared a more personal tribute. "This is heartbreaking for me. We shared more than 50 years together in politics working under the leadership of Charan Singh, during the Emergency, with V.P. Singh, later with Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the NDA, and even during PM Modi's tenure. Satyapal Malik was an exceptional orator, an organiser, and a sharp political mind who deeply understood social and economic issues," he said. Samajwadi Party MP, S.T. Hasan also expressed grief. "It's a sad day. India has lost one of its bravest voices someone who never feared speaking the truth. He was a true soldier of democracy," he told IANS. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary paid tribute to Malik's struggle and service, saying, "He fought not just for himself but for the country. I pay my respects to him, and I hope the youth, and people from all walks of life, take inspiration from his journey." Rashtriya Lok Dal MP, Chandan Chauhan, also remembered Malik's unwavering commitment to the marginalised. "Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones. He spent his entire life working for the poor and raising voices for the farmers. If we want to pay him a true tribute, we must remember and carry forward his policies. No one can fill the void he has left behind," he stated. Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said, "He was a leader of the people, particularly farmers. His demise is extremely saddening. As the former Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, his contributions were immense." Born on July 24, 1946, in Hisawada village of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, Satyapal Malik earned a B.Sc. and LL.B from Meerut University before stepping into public life. His political journey began with the Bharatiya Kranti Dal, followed by stints in Janata Dal, the Indian National Congress, Lok Dal, Samajwadi Party, and eventually the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He first gained political prominence as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 1977. He later represented Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1989. Malik also served as a Member of Parliament in the 9th Lok Sabha from Aligarh from 1989 to 1991. He was appointed Governor of Bihar in October 2017 and briefly held additional charge as the Governor of Odisha in 2018. In August 2018, Malik became the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, a role he held until October 2019, overseeing the state during a highly sensitive and historic period, including the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into Union Territories. Sehore, Aug 5 : Two women were killed and five others were seriously injured in a tragic stampede at the revered Kubreshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore, 40 km from Bhopal, on Tuesday. The incident occurred around noon as thousands of devotees thronged the temple premises ahead of the Kanwar Yatra scheduled for Wednesday, disrupting arrangements for darshan and accommodation. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as devotees jostled for space near the temple entrance, leading to a scuffle and eventual stampede. The deceased women, both believed to be around 50 years old, were crushed under the crowd and succumbed to their injuries on the spot. Additional Superintendent of Police Sunita Rawat confirmed the fatalities and said efforts are underway to identify the victims. The injured have been shifted to the district hospital for treatment. Kubreshwar Dham, associated with spiritual leader Pandit Pradeep Mishra, has become a major pilgrimage site in recent years, especially during the holy month of Shravan. The temple draws lakhs of devotees from across the country, many of whom arrive days in advance to participate in the Kanwar Yatra, a ritual involving the carrying of holy water from sacred rivers to Shiva temples. However, the sheer volume of pilgrims this year appears to have overwhelmed local infrastructure. Makeshift tents, sanitation facilities, and crowd control measures reportedly fell short, prompting widespread criticism of the district administration. Locals and visitors alike have accused authorities of negligence, citing inadequate planning despite prior knowledge of the eventas scale. The administration had reportedly anticipated a turnout of over 2 lakh pilgrims, yet failed to implement sufficient crowd management protocols. Following the incident, senior officials from the state government have been dispatched to Sehore to assess the situation. As the temple resumes operations under heightened security, the tragedy has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a spiritually uplifting occasion, raising urgent questions about pilgrimage safety and administrative preparedness. Mumbai, Aug 5 : In a significant step toward improving foundational education, the Adani Foundation and Adani Electricity have signed a Letter of Agreement with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for Project 'Utthan'. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative is designed to enhance Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) skills for 1.5 lakh students from 947 municipal schools across the city, marking a major commitment to strengthening the quality of early education in Mumbai. Since 2021, Project Utthan has been successfully run under a public-private partnership between BMC, Adani Foundation, and Adani Electricity, and is focussed on education. It has made significant strides in transforming foundational learning across 83 BMC schools in Malad, Dahisar, Borivali, Chembur, and Kurla, directly benefiting over 25,000 students. The initiative has already shown measurable improvements in learning outcomes, student engagement, and the creation of more joyful, inclusive classrooms. The initiative is also aligned with the central government's NIPUN Bharat Mission and reflects the core principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Beyond academic metrics, Project Utthan aims to fundamentally transform Mumbai's public education system by building strong foundational learning environments. The initiative is strategically aligned to improve the city's performance in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2027-28, with a focus on ensuring that no child is left behind in acquiring essential literacy and numeracy skills. Building on that success, the project is now being expanded from academic years 2025-26 to 2027-28 to cover Grades 1 to 4 across 947 municipal schools, reaching more than 1.5 lakh students. This makes it one of the largest initiatives of its kind in India. The focus will be on strengthening Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) -- a critical element in a child's educational journey. To support this, 316 trained female "Utthan Sahayaks" will be appointed across schools. These Sahayaks will work closely with teachers to support students who are irregular, disengaged, or struggling academically. The initiative will also include student-centered learning methods and learning practice materials for Grade 10 students to improve academic performance. Adani Electricity and Adani Foundation are bearing full financial responsibility for the implementation of this project, while BMC's Education Department will provide the necessary logistical and infrastructural support. Jaipur, Aug 5 : Following the Supreme Court's curt remarks on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's statements regarding Chinese intrusion in India, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has come out in strong support of the Congress leader. Gehlot asserted that LoP Gandhi did not share any confidential information and that all details cited were already available in the public domain. In a post on X, Gehlot wrote, "Rahul Gandhi has not shared any classified data. Information about Chinese intrusion and the Galwan clash, where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred, is already accessible through the Internet and reliable media sources. Reports of China occupying around 2,000 kilometres of Indian territory are widely documented." "Even the BJP-led central government has officially acknowledged the martyrdom of our soldiers during Chinese aggression. Rahul Gandhi's statement was an appeal to the government for appropriate action," Gehlot said. "Who can be a bigger patriot than Rahul Gandhi? Information about Chinese intrusion is available on the Internet, he did not share any confidential information. "Sonam Wangchuk, a famous social activist of Ladakh, has also been expressing concern about Chinese intrusion from time to time. "The BJP government at the Center has also accepted the martyrdom of our soldiers in Chinese aggression. Rahul Gandhi's statement was in the form of an appeal to the government to take appropriate action on this issue. "Since it was a burning issue at that time, the government itself should have come forward and discussed this topic in Parliament so that the country could be taken into confidence, but this did not happen," he added. "Rahul Gandhi's grandmother and father sacrificed for the country, who comes as a bigger patriot than them?" Gehlot wrote. "The biggest form of patriotism is to sacrifice your life for the country. Rahul Gandhi's father Rajiv Gandhi and his grandmother Indira Gandhi sacrificed their lives for the sake of India. Rahul Gandhi did the work of putting the problems of the common people of the country in front of the government by marching for around 4,000 kilometres. Who can be a bigger patriot than him," he questioned. Mumbai, Aug 5 : Actress Tisca Chopra, who is known for 'Taare Zameen Par', is catching the "Bombay Vibes" and indulging in some "Fine Wine". The actress recently went exploring the Mumbai downtown with one of her friends. Mumbai, Aug 5 (IANS) Actress Tisca Chopra, who is known for 'Taare Zameen Par', is catching the "Bombay Vibes" and indulging in some "Fine Wine". The actress recently went exploring the Mumbai downtown with one of her friends. On Tuesday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures from her visit to one of the cafes of south Mumbai, Cafe Mondegar, next to the iconic Regal cinema at the Colaba Causeway. She also penned a long note in the caption as she spoke about the charm of the place, and how the cafe has been able to preserve its elements. She wrote, "Took my dilliwaali @ashawithsmile on a Mumbai sightseeing spree, and of course @cafemondegar or Mondy's had to be on the list.. Set up in 1932 and still run by the Yazdegardi fam, this retro gem hasn't lost its charm in the least .. The OG jukebox is still spinning, and iconic #MarioMiranda murals still watch over the chaossketched by the master, brought to life by his J.J. Art students .. #CafeMondegar #BombayVibes #finewine". Colaba Causeway is a bustling commercial street in the South Mumbai area. The street is originally a causeway or land link between Colaba and Old Woman's Island, two of the original seven islands of Mumbai. The other islands were Mahim, Worli, Mazgaon, Parel, and Isle of Bombay. Colaba Causeway is close to the Fort area, and to the east of Cuffe Parade, an upmarket neighbourhood in South Mumbai. Many famous landmarks of Mumbai like the Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, CST building. The Leopold Cafe which was under attack during the 26/11 attacks of Mumbai, is also on the Colaba Causeway. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has received 2,864 filled forms from individual electors in Bihar for addition or deletion of names in the draft voter list since August 1, the poll panel said on Tuesday. From August 1 (3 p.m.) till August 5 (3 p.m.), all political parties put together have filed 'zero' claims and objections for the addition of the names of eligible electors and deletion of the names of ineligible electors, according to ECI's daily bulletin. While sharing an update on claims and objections received from political parties and electors with respect of the draft electoral roll, the ECI highlighted that special camps have been set up for the purpose in all Block-cum-Circle Offices and Urban Local Body Municipal Offices, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (on all days from Monday to Sunday) up to September 1, 2025. The ECI said under the Bihar CEO's special campaign, launched on August 1 for the addition of the names of eligible new young electors who are attaining the age of 18 years from July 1 to October 1, 2025, as many as 14,914 young electors have filled their forms along with the declaration form. The ECI also appealed to all electors to provide their new photographs to their BLOs by September 1, as all eligible electors would be given new Identity cards. For claims and objections for the addition of the names of eligible electors, the ECI has shared with all political parties a list of those electors whose names were there in the June 24, Electoral Roll, but are not there in the August 1, draft Electoral Roll, the ECI earlier said in a statement. The ECI said 1.60 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs), nominated by the District Presidents of all 12 political parties, are also participating in the exercise and are fully involved in the field. As per the Special Intensive Revision order, after the completion of the Enumeration Phase from June 24 to July 25, the draft Electoral Rolls were published for Bihar on August 1. Draft Electoral Rolls of all the 90,712 polling booths of all 243 Assembly Constituencies have been shared with all the political parties by all 38 DEOs of Bihar on August 1, the ECI said. Chennai, Aug 5 : The makers of director Ashwin Kumar's recently released animation film 'Mahavatar Narasimha' on Tuesday urged audiences and the general public not to pay any attention to rumours that claimed that the film was available on OTT and clarified that their film was at the moment available only in theatres. Taking to its X timeline, Kleem Productions, the production house that has produced the film, issued a clarification. Kleem Productions said, "Weare grateful for the excitement around Mahavatar Narsimha and the OTT buzz a" But as of now, the film is ONLY playing in theatres worldwide. No OTT deal has been finalized yet. Please trust only the updates shared from our official handles." It also shared a poster that read, "Mahavatar Narsimha- Stay away from rumours!We've been receiving a lot of buzz about Mahavatar Narsimha coming to OTT soon but let us clarify: For now, our film is ONLY available in theatres across the whole wide world. We have not finalised any OTT platform yet. Please believe only authentic updates shared from our official handles. Your trust keeps the Sanatani roar alive!" The film, which has been directed by Ashwin Kumar, has been produced by Shilpaa Dhawan, Kushal Desai, and Chaitanya Desai under the banner of Kleem Productions. The film, which hit screens on July 25, has been released in five Indian languages. For the unaware, Hombale Films and Kleem Productions recently unveiled the lineup for this ambitious animated franchise, which will span over a decade and chronicle the ten divine avatars of Lord Vishnu. First in line was 'Mahavatar Narsimha' which has just released and is having an impressive run in theatres. 'Mahavatar Parshuram' will release next in 2027. It will be followed by 'Mahavatar Raghunandan' in 2029, 'Mahavatar Dhawkadhesh' in 2031, 'Mahavatar Gokulananda' in 2033, 'Mahavatar Kalki Part 1' in 2035, and 'Mahavatar Kalki Part 2' in 2037. Mahavatar Narsimha is a visual spectacle that offers a glimpse into a significant story from Indian history. It revolves around Prahlada, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, who faces opposition from his atheist father, Hiranyakashipu, blessed by Lord Brahma with immortality. The film is about the birth of Mahavatar Narsimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu who descends to protect Prahlada. Studded with epic visuals and a goosebumps-worthy background score, the film has been termed impressive by critics and film buffs. Producer Shilpaa Dhawan, at the time of the film's release, had said, "It's time to roar! After five incredible years, we're finally ready to unleash the epic tale of Sri Narsimha and Sri Varaha upon the world! Every frame, every moment, every heartbeat has gone into bringing this divine story to life. Brace yourself for a visual masterpiece that will leave you speechless! The ROAR of Narsimha is coming... and it's going to change everything!" UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A senior UN official on Tuesday warned against the possible expansion of Israeli military operations through the Gaza Strip. The latest reports regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's possible decision to expand Israel's military operations through the entire Gaza Strip, if true, are deeply alarming, said UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca. "This would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining (Israeli) hostages in Gaza," Jenca told the Security Council in a briefing. "International law is clear in this regard. Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the future Palestinian state," he stressed. Ahmedabad, Aug 5 : Marking the fifth anniversary of the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, BJP leader and spokesperson Rohan Gupta on Tuesday described it as a proud moment for every Indian, and called the mandir a symbol of Sanatan Dharma. Gupta expressed that the construction of the temple, following the Supreme Court's verdict, is not just a religious milestone but also a cultural one. Speaking to IANS, Rohan Gupta said, "This is a very proud moment for every Indian. The Ram Mandir is a symbol of Sanatan Dharma. India has represented Sanatan Dharma for centuries - it is part of our civilisational identity." Referring to the political response from the Opposition, Gupta said, "Even the Opposition had said they would respect the Supreme Court's verdict. The Ram Mandir has been built as per that decision. It's been over a year since Ram Lalla's Pran Pratishtha, and I feel opposition leaders should have visited the temple - not as politicians, but as devotees. Their absence suggests political calculations, perhaps rooted in appeasement." He continued, "Avoiding a visit to Ram Mandir cannot be justified except for political reasons. The people of the country see through such silence, whether it's staying quiet when Sanatan Dharma is insulted or not standing up to protect it. In the last year, the Opposition has shown many such examples. The people will not forget or forgive." Gupta further reacted on the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into two Union Territories - an event the BJP hails as a historic corrective measure. "When Article 370 was being removed, there were loud cries - people said democracy was under attack. But today, the ground reality tells a different story. The sense of belonging the people of J&K now have toward India is proof that this decision was right," he told IANS. Gupta recalled the troubled times when the Valley witnessed mass processions in support of terrorists. "Those days are gone. Earlier, thousands would gather in funeral processions of militants. But after Article 370's abrogation, there's a visible shift. People have realised where their real future lies," he added. He highlighted the tangible benefits seen in the region: "Youth in Kashmir have gained employment opportunities, infrastructure is improving, and the economy is growing. Yes, Pakistan still attempts terror attacks, but even Kashmiris now understand that it's Kashmir that pays the price. Post-Pahalgam attack, it's clear the people are with India." He added, "The decisive phase has arrived. Development of Kashmir is our priority, and the collective effort of the people of India and Kashmir will turn this dream into reality." Gupta further reacted to the recent remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who accused India of buying and reselling Russian oil for profit and threatened to "substantially" raise tariffs if re-elected. The Indian government responded firmly, calling the accusations "unjustified and unreasonable." Gupta said, "Protecting the interests of the Indian public is the topmost priority of the Government of India. Our response reflects a sovereign stance - we're ready to cooperate, but we won't do anything under pressure." He emphasised that India's approach is based on principles, not submission. "This isn't about being against any particular country or leader. It's about defending India's sovereignty. The Government of India has made it clear - we will not compromise on national interest. We are open to dialogue, but not at the cost of our people." Gupta pointed out that India's global posture has evolved. "The world now sees India as a nation that stands on its own feet. Whether it's dealing with oil imports, trade, or diplomacy, India will always prioritise its citizens. This assertiveness is not defiance - it's dignity," he told IANS. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada told the Parliament on Tuesday that as a result of various measures taken by the Centre, the number of Indian products rejected by importing countries have registered a decline of 12.5 per cent in June this year compared to the corresponding figure for the same month of the previous year. He said that the steps taken by the government include measures to increase quality consciousness through Quality Control Orders and alignment of standards with international benchmarks, which have enhanced the global competitiveness of the countryas exports, leading to a drop in the rejection rate. He also pointed out that every country faces such issues of rejection due to various non-tariff measures, including quality, phytosanitary standards, and packaging and labelling norms imposed by importing countries. Importing countries keep issuing regulations from time to time regarding residue limits for various products, especially from the angle of food safety and health. Information about such regulations is disseminated among the exporters in order to ensure a smooth flow of exports from India, the minister said. The agencies concerned, such as the Export Inspection Council, the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), other Commodity Boards, and Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), monitor such rejection cases regularly and take appropriate corrective and preventive measures. These steps include capacity building of exporters, stricter pre-export controls, enhanced laboratory testing and stakeholder sensitisation to ensure compliance with the standards of importing countries and to minimise such occurrences in the future, he added. Meanwhile, Indiaas merchandise exports during June 2025 were estimated at $35.14 billion as compared to $35.16 billion in June 2024, according to the latest data compiled by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Major drivers of merchandise exports growth in June include electronic goods, drugs & pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, marine products and meat, dairy & poultry products. Electronic goods exports jumped by 46.93 per cent from $ 2.82 billion in June last year to $4.15 billion in June 2025. Drugs & pharmaceuticals exports increased by 5.95 per cent from $2.47 billion to $2.62 billion during the month, while engineering goods exports increased by 1.35 per cent from $9.38 billion in June last year to $9.50 billion in June this year. Chennai, Aug 5 : In a sharp rebuke to sensational claims made by the Madurai Adheenam, Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy of the Madras High Court, on Tuesday, asked whether the people of Tamil Nadu were so naive as to be provoked by "unnecessary" and inflammatory statements. The judge's remarks came during the hearing of a petition filed by ascetic Harihara Gnanasambanda Desigar seeking to quash a First Information Report (FIR) registered against him by the cyber crime wing of the Greater Chennai City Police. The FIR was based on a complaint lodged by advocate R. Rajendiran. The Adheenam had alleged that a minor road accident involving his vehicle on May 2 during his travel from Madurai to Chennai was an assassination attempt, and further claimed that the supposed attackers were wearing skull caps, sporting beards, and possibly linked to Pakistan. Justice Chakravarthy took strong exception to such remarks. "Just because the occupants of the other car were Muslims, the petitioner appears to have escalated the issue. Are they not your brethren? Are they also not as much Indian as you are?" he asked the Adheenam's counsel, Ramaswamy Meyyappan. The judge was responding to Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), R. Muniyapparaj, who opposed the quashing of the FIR. The APP argued that the Adheenam's comments had triggered protests across Tamil Nadu and constituted cognisable offences. The FIR, filed on June 24, invoked several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 192 (provocation with intent to cause rioting), 196(1)(a) (promoting enmity between groups on religious grounds), 353(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 353(2) (making false statements to incite communal enmity). During the hearing, the court was shown CCTV footage of the incident, which convinced the judge that it was the Adheenam's vehicle that had been driven rashly. Justice Chakravarthy observed that a major accident had been averted due to the presence of mind shown by the other driver, who applied the brakes at the right moment. Responding to the court's queries, the Adheenam's counsel contended that the ascetic was prompted to speak by media persons at a private event and that he had not named any specific religion. He also said that the FIR was registered nearly two months after the alleged remarks. While the APP insisted that multiple private complaints had also been filed against the Adheenam, the judge expressed concern over police resources being diverted for such cases, suggesting they could be better utilised for investigating serious crimes. The court granted the police time until August 14 to file a counter affidavit in response to the FIR quash petition. Chennai, Aug 5 : Protests broke out in Tamil Nadu against the recently-released Telugu film 'Kingdom', directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri and starring Vijay Deverakonda in the lead role. The film, which was released worldwide on July 31, has sparked controversy for allegedly portraying Sri Lankan Tamils in a negative light and naming the antagonist after the Tamil deity Murugan. The film features Vijay Deverakonda alongside Bhagyashree, Satyadev, and several other actors. However, the content has triggered outrage among Tamil nationalist groups, particularly Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), who have accused the film-makers of hurting Tamil sentiments. NTK cadres have alleged that 'Kingdom' depicts Sri Lankan Tamils as villains and have taken strong objection to the antagonist being named after Lord Murugan, a revered deity among Tamils. The party claims the portrayal is not only insensitive but also aimed at maligning the identity and history of the Tamil people. In response, NTK members staged protests outside various theatres across Tamil Nadu, demanding a ban on the screening of the film in the state. In Ramanathapuram, tensions escalated when NTK cadres attempted to block the screening of the film at a local theatre. Protesters surrounded the venue, raising slogans and demanding an immediate halt to the show. The situation turned tense when police personnel intervened to disperse the crowd. A scuffle reportedly broke out between the police and NTK members, resulting in a brief standoff. Additional forces were deployed to the area to bring the situation under control. While the police managed to restore order, the atmosphere in Ramanathapuram remains tense, with heavy deployment of security around the theatres screening the film. No reports of injuries have emerged so far, though authorities remain on high alert to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Katchi has reiterated its demand for the Tamil Nadu government to ban the film, accusing it of promoting anti-Tamil narratives and disrespecting cultural sentiments. Political observers believe the controversy is likely to gain further traction unless the film-makers or the censor board issue clarifications addressing the concerns. a"IANS aal/rad New Delhi, Aug 5 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended an Upper Division Clerk (UDC) of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Nazafgarh Zone, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a complainant in return for releasing gratuity payments. The accused has been identified as Dal Chand, UDC at the MCDas Nazafgarh Zone office in New Delhi. According to a statement issued by the CBI, the agency registered a case against Dal Chand on August 4, 2025, based on allegations that he demanded 10 per cent of a gratuity amount - Rs 8,38,565 - as an illegal gratification from the complainant. The bribe demand was reportedly made to facilitate the release of the said amount. The accused allegedly threatened that the remaining balance would not be released unless the bribe was paid. Following negotiations, Dal Chand allegedly agreed to accept Rs 50,000 as a bribe for both releasing the gratuity already due and for processing the balance amount. Acting swiftly, the CBI laid a trap and caught Dal Chand red-handed while accepting the bribe from the complainant on August 4. He was immediately taken into custody. Further investigation is currently underway. The CBI, in its statement, reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating corruption and taking strict action against corrupt public officials. The agency has also urged citizens to report any instances of bribery or misuse of official positions. Citizens can report corruption-related matters by visiting the CBI Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) office in Delhi, located on the 1st Floor, CBI Building, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road. They can also call 011-24367887 or mobile number 9650394847 to lodge complaints or share relevant information, the agency said in its press statement. This latest action adds to a series of operations by the CBI aimed at curbing systemic corruption within public offices and ensuring transparency in the functioning of government departments. Hyderabad, Aug 5 : Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar will record his statement as a witness in the phone-tapping case on August 8. He has requested the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the case, to examine him and his assistants at noon on August 8. The SIT, headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Jubilee Hills Division, Hyderabad, had issued a notice to Bandi Sanjay on July 17 and requested him to intimate the date and time of his convenience for the examination. The ACP wanted to examine the MoS and his assistants on July 24. However, the ACP was requested to postpone it to July 28 due to the Parliament session. In the latest communication to the SIT on Tuesday (August 5), Bandi Sanjay requested that the investigation officer examine them on August 8. After receiving the SIT notice on July 17, Bandi Sanjay had said that former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) committed the crime of phone tapping, but he got the invitation as a witness. The BJP leader alleged that his phones, his family and his staff's phones were tapped. The MP from Karimnagar assured the SIT that he would fully cooperate so that the truth comes out. Leaders of some political parties, including Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud, BJP MP and former minister Eatala Rajender, have already deposed before the SIT as witnesses. The phone tapping allegations came to light in March last year, a few months after BRS lost power to the Congress party. Police last year arrested four police officials in the case. They were later released on bail. Former Chief of State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) Prabhakar Rao, who is the main accused in the case, returned from the United States in June at the direction of the Supreme Court. He has been summoned by SIT multiple times for questioning. When BRS was in power, a team was allegedly constituted in SIB to tap the phones of leaders of opposition parties, dissidents within BRS, businesspersons, celebrities, journalists and even judges. Earlier, Bandi Sanjay had asked the Congress government why it was not issuing notices to KCR. He questioned why KCR, his son and BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) have not been summoned on the basis of the statements of the accused. Agartala, Aug 5 : Main opposition CPI-M and the ruling BJP's ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Tuesday, criticised the Delhi Police for referring to Bengali as a "Bangladeshi language". Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, who is also the Tripura CPI-M Secretary, said that Bengali language (also known as Bangla language) is one of the 22 Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. "In Northeast India, there are many languages with more than 200 dialects. One should not be identified with his language. Due respect must be given to all people irrespective of his mother tongue and culture," said Chaudhury, also a former Minister. He added that the way Delhi Police presented the matter is most unfortunate and there is no language in the world as "Bangladeshi language". Chaudhury, also a CPI-M Politburo member, told the media that Bengali is the second most spoken language in India after Hindi. The Left leader alleges that hate activities against Bengali language and speakers in BJP-ruled states are often reported. "The national anthem of India was written in Bengali, and now the language is being insulted," he claimed. The outcry intensified first in West Bengal, then in Tripura, and other states after a letter from a Delhi Police Inspector at the Lodhi Colony police station -- seeking a translator for the "Bangladeshi language" in connection with a matter at Banga Bhawan (the guest house of the West Bengal government in national capital) -- went viral on social media. The use of the term "Bangladeshi language" to refer to Bangla sparked strong protests and criticism in West Bengal, Tripura, Assam and other states. BJP's ally TMP also criticised the Delhi Police for terming Bengali language as "Bangladeshi language". TMP Supremo Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma said that it is most unexpected to refer Bengali language as a 'Bangladeshi language' by the Delhi Police. "Today it is Bengali, tomorrow it can be any other language. There is no such thing called Bangladeshi language. People of Bangladesh also spoke in Bengali language. The Bengali language also has different dialects," Debbarma told the media. He said: "We should not forget that our national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' was originally composed in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore. In our Northeast region there are many languages with more than 200 dialects. People should be respectful of each other's languages." TMP is an ally of the BJP-led coalition government in Tripura and the tribal-based party has two Ministers in the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Manik Saha. Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee lashed out at the Delhi Police, saying that referring to Bengali language as "Bangladeshi language" was "insulting, anti-national and unconstitutional". --IANS sc/khz New Delhi, Aug 5 : Former Arsenal and Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail by a court in the United Kingdom after being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, says a report. The 32-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Tuesday, where he was formally charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal. Partey, who left Arsenal at the end of June when his contract expired, appeared in court wearing a black zip-neck jumper and carrying a navy blazer. He stood in the dock with his hands behind his back and spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the charges and his bail conditions. According to the BBC, his bail stipulates that he must not contact any of the three women involved and is required to inform the police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. The hearing, which lasted less than 15 minutes, did not require Partey to enter a plea. The case will now move to a Crown Court trial, with Partey next due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2. The charges follow an investigation that began in February 2022, when police first received a report of rape. Partey was initially arrested in July 2022 but was not named publicly at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while the investigation was ongoing. Partey's lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, reiterated his innocence. In a statement quoted by Sky Sport, she said, "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name." Partey, who joined Arsenal from AtlAtico Madrid in 2020 for A45 million, made 52 appearances across all competitions for the club last season and is now a free agent. New Delhi, Aug 5 : A total of six aircraft engine shutdown incidents and three Mayday call incidents have been reported this year, according to the civil aviation ministry. IndiGo and SpiceJet each experienced two engine shutdown incidents, while Air India and Alliance Air had one incident each, as per data shared by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol with the Rajya Sabha. Three Mayday call incidents have occurred, including one involving the Air India aircraft (London Gatwick-bound flight AI 171) that crashed into a building soon after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12. IndiGo and Air India Express each reported one Mayday call incident. A Mayday call is a widely used distress signal, primarily used in aviation and maritime emergencies. A pilot repeats Mayday thrice to inform the air traffic controller on the ground that the aircraft is in a life-threatening situation and needs urgent help. "During 2025, from January to July (till date), a total of 6 incidents of engine shutdown and a total of 3 incidents of Mayday calls have been reported," Mohol said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. In a separate written reply, the minister mentioned that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report, published based on available factual information on July 12, does not contain any conclusion about the Air India plane crash and that the probe is still ongoing. To a question on whether the government will investigate the crash from a sabotage angle, the Minister said, "Every aspect is being looked into for determining the probable causes or contributory factors leading to the accident". On July 30, 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) flagged 51 safety lapses at Air India during its annual audit. These included outdated training manuals, incomplete pilot training, unqualified simulators, and irregularities in low-visibility operation approvals. Of these lapses, seven were classified as critical Level I breaches, which the airline was instructed to address by July 30. The remaining 44 non-compliances must be rectified by August 23. The DGCAas action followed recent enforcement measures, including the grounding of an Air India aircraft found to have an overdue inspection of its emergency slide a" a crucial safety feature. Moscow, Aug 5 : Russia on Tuesday backed India and while criticising US President Donald Trump over his threats to increase tariffs on New Delhi for buying oil from Moscow, saying that "sovereign nations must have the right to choose their trading partners." Speaking at a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Russian President's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has noted the US threats against India and does not consider them to be legitimate. He emphasised that nations should have the right to choose the trading partners based on their own interests. "Russia notes US threats against India, but does not consider such statements to be legitimate. Sovereign countries must have and have the right to choose their own trading partners, partners in trade and economic cooperation, and to choose those trade and economic cooperation regimes that are in the interests of a particular country," Peskov was quoted as saying by Russia's state-owned news agency TASS. The Kremlin's reaction came after Trump threatened to substantially raise tariffs on India for purchasing oil from Russia. "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine," Trump wrote in a social media post. "Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA," he added. After Trump threatened to impose hefty tariffs on New Delhi, the Indian government on Monday said that the targetting of the country by the US over Russian oil purchase is unjustified and unreasonable. A statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said that like any major economy, "India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security". According to the government, India has been targetted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. "In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability," the Centre emphasised. "India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the government highlighted. According to the Indian government, the European Union in 2024 had a bilateral trade of Euro 67.5 billion in goods with Russia. In addition, it had trade in services estimated at Euro 17.2 billion in 2023. "This is significantly more than India's total trade with Russia that year or subsequently. European imports of LNG in 2024, in fact, reached a record 16.5 million tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022. Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment," said the official statement. The government further stated that as far as the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals. "In this background, the targetting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the MEA statement stressed. Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama (R, Rear) delivers a speech at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra, Ghana, on Aug. 5, 2025. The Africa Health Sovereignty Summit opened in Accra on Tuesday with a call to reimagine global health governance amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical and economic landscape. (Xinhua/Seth) ACCRA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Africa Health Sovereignty Summit opened in Accra, the Ghanaian capital, on Tuesday with a call to reimagine global health governance amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical and economic landscape. Convened by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the summit seeks to foster a new era of health sovereignty, rooted in national ownership, investment, and leadership. Mahama called for efforts to redesign the architecture that has excluded Africa's voices, needs, and innovations during the opening. The Ghanaian president said Africa needs to develop health systems that not only respond to health crises but also generate resilience, promote equity, and enhance the dignity of its people, calling for a new approach to health financing on the continent. "I extend an open invitation to all nations represented here to join us in building an African health investment ecosystem that is driven by purpose and is powered by equity and anchored in our sovereignty," the president added. Dignitaries, including World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and senior officials from other African countries, also attended the summit. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra, Ghana, on Aug. 5, 2025. The Africa Health Sovereignty Summit opened in Accra on Tuesday with a call to reimagine global health governance amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical and economic landscape. (Xinhua/Seth) Beijing, Aug 5 : China, which has for long claimed of having a "noninterference" foreign policy and not providing direct military assistance to nations engaged in conflict, reportedly supplied batteries for surface-to-air missiles to Iran in exchange for oil during the recent conflict with Israel, a new report has cited. This comes after Beijing is already facing heat for its alleged involvement in Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and backing Pakistan in its conflict with India in May following the heinous April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. "As an expert specializing in China's grand strategy, I think it is highly possible that China would offer Iran military support while denying it publicly. Such plausible deniability would allow Beijing to assert military influence and showcase some of its hardware, while deflecting international criticism and preserving diplomatic flexibility," Linggong Kong, a leading researcher on international relations and China's grand strategy, wrote in 'One World Outlook'. "But the tactic works only so far. As indirect evidence accumulates, as many suggest it is, such covert action may gradually develop into an open secret a" leading to what scholars term 'implausible deniability', where denial is no longer credible even if it is still officially maintained," he added. Shattering Beijing's claims of not providing arms to any party involved in a war, the writer emphasised that while the Chinese Embassy in Israel has denied the reports of military connection with Tehran stating that China opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and does not export arms to countries at war, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to issue an official statement on the alleged transfer. The report highlighted that China has quietly supported Russia during its ongoing war with Ukraine even though it claims of being neutral since the conflict began in 2022. The 'One World Outlook' report detailed that China has reportedly provided large quantities of dual-use goods a" goods that can be used for civilian and military purposes to Russia to enhance its offensive and defensive capabilities and boost Chinaas military-industrial production. China has also allegedly supplied satellite imagery to assist Russia amid the ongoing war with Ukraine. Beijing, the report mentioned, presented itself as a neutral party in the India-Pakistan conflict too and called for restraint on both sides. "But in practice, China is allied with Pakistan. And the direct military support it has provided to Lahore appears driven by China's desire to curb India's regional influence, counterbalance the growing USa"India strategic partnership and protect the Chinaa"Pakistan Economic Corridor, a massive bilateral infrastructure project," it said. Similarly, China and Iran signed a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement that covered trade, energy and security, showcasing the strategic value that Beijing places on Tehran. "From Beijing's perspective, Tehran presents a counterbalance to the influence of the US and its allies a" especially Israel and Saudi Arabia a" in the region and helps divert Western resources and attention away from China," the report mentioned. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Tuesday interacted with a visiting British parliamentary delegation and shared information about the legislature's strides in embracing digital innovation and sustainability. "Our shared democratic values and historic ties continue to guide the evolving partnership between India and the United Kingdom," Gupta said while meeting the delegation led by Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Commons Nusrat Ghani. The meeting marked a meaningful step toward strengthening India-UK parliamentary ties, while highlighting the essential role of legislatures in advancing innovation, sustainability, and the preservation of democratic heritage. The delegation included Sarah Davies, Clerk Assistant in the House of Commons; Abigail Samuels, Private Secretary to the Deputy Speaker; Natalia Leigh, Head of Political and Bilateral Affairs at the British High Commission in New Delhi; Alexandra Knowles, Deputy Head of Political and Bilateral Affairs at the British High Commission; Bhavna Vij, Senior Political and Economic Adviser; and Parul Kavia, Political Adviser. During the interaction, Gupta emphasised the strategic transformation of India-UK relations into a contemporary, multi-dimensional partnership shaped by frameworks such as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the India-UK Vision 2035. "With our roadmap now expanded to cover trade, technology, education, defence, climate action, and innovation, we stand together as partners in global progress," he remarked. He further underscored the valuable contributions of the Indian diaspora and Indian businesses in enhancing bilateral economic engagement. Education featured prominently in the discussions as Gupta noted that more than 170,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in UK universities. He welcomed the initiative by UK universities to establish campuses in India, particularly the University of Southampton's forthcoming campus in Gurugram, and praised the 2022 mutual recognition of academic qualifications as a pivotal development in academic mobility and cooperation. Gupta also apprised the delegation of the Delhi Assembly's pioneering reforms. He highlighted the complete transition to a paperless legislative process through the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) and the commissioning of a 500 kW rooftop solar power plant. "We are proud to be India's first Assembly to achieve net-zero carbon status, within just 100 days of the 8th Legislative Assembly," he said. Gupta informed the delegation about the ongoing restoration efforts of the Assembly's historic premises, formerly the seat of the British Imperial Legislative Council, as a national heritage site. He requested the delegation's assistance in facilitating access to valuable archival materials held by the British Council, stating, "We request that these records be made available at the earliest to support our efforts to document and preserve this institution's legacy for future generations." In her remarks, Ghani expressed deep appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Delhi Legislative Assembly and acknowledged both its historic legacy and its modern relevance. Emphasising the Delhi Assembly's role as a beacon of progressive institutional reform, she reiterated the importance of legislatures in tackling global challenges and called for enhanced people-to-people engagement and stronger inter-parliamentary cooperation. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of shared democratic values and a commitment to deeper institutional collaboration. Gandhinagar, Aug 5 : The 20th edition of the Pharma & Labtech Expo 2025 was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in the presence of State Health Minister Rishikesh Patel. The three-day event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across Indiaas thriving pharmaceutical and laboratory technology sectors. Spread across 25,000 square metres, the mega exhibition features over 400 exhibitors, showcasing a vast array of pharma products, manufacturing machinery, packaging technology, lab equipment, and analytical tools. The expo is poised to be a major networking platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in pharmaceutical machinery, engineering, formulations, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Alongside the main exhibition, concurrent expos on contract manufacturing and raw and packaging materials have been added this year, offering a comprehensive view of the pharmaceutical ecosystem. A dedicated pavilion for pumps, valves, pipes, and fittings is also on display, catering to industrial buyers and engineering professionals. During his visit, the Chief Minister toured various stalls, interacted with industry representatives, and reiterated Gujaratas commitment to supporting healthcare innovation, industrial growth, and pharmaceutical manufacturing excellence. He praised the expo for creating a vibrant platform that bridges the gap between research, manufacturing, and commercialisation in the pharma and biotech sectors. The event also saw the presence of Gandhinagar Mayor Meera Patel, Bhailu Bapu of Paliyad from Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti, Dr. Prashant Korat, President of BJP Yuva Morcha, Dr. H.G. Koshia, Commissioner of FDCA, Dr. Ravikant Sharma, Deputy Drug Controller, Regional Office Ahmedabad (Govt. of India), and Dr. Viranchi Shah, former national president of the Indian Drug Manufacturersa Association (IDMA). Ahmedabad, often hailed as the Pharma Capital of India, has emerged as a major hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, and exports. Home to leading domestic and multinational pharma companies, the city boasts a robust industrial ecosystem supported by cutting-edge infrastructure, skilled workforce, and proactive regulatory frameworks. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs) initiative aims to provide dedicated zones that will reduce the cost and time associated with logistics and simplify regulatory processes, the government said on Tuesday. These hubs will boost cross-border e-commerce exports from India and simplify re-imports for e-commerce returns or rejects. Five ECEH pilot projects have been proposed for implementation, said Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. ECEHs will offer integrated services at a single location, including customs clearance, quality certification, packaging, and off-port warehousing. Some of the proposed ECEHs are to be implemented directly by logistics service providers to ensure integrated delivery of warehousing, packaging, and regulatory facilitation. Further, the government has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key stakeholders, including global e-commerce platforms and domestic logistics providers, the minister informed. These partnerships aim to build awareness, enhance export readiness, and promote cross-border e-commerce, especially for MSMEs. Regional authorities of DGFT have conducted outreach and capacity-building programs with these entities to support SME sellers and familiarise them with export procedures. To another query, the Centre informed about the steps taken to simplify customs, logistics, and compliance procedures for small exporters, particularly for e-commerce exports. The Trade Connect ePlatform was launched to provide small exporters access to international trade-related information. It integrates inputs from Indian Missions, Export Promotion Councils, and Commodity Boards, the minister said. The Department of Posts, in collaboration with CBIC, has established Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DNKs) to assist exporters with documentation, packaging, and regulatory compliance. A total of 1,013 DNKs have been notified. The International Tracked Packet Service covers 41 countries, with volume-based discounts to benefit small exporters, the reply said. The Reserve Bank of India has proposed procedural relaxations for small-value exporters under the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS). Authorised Dealer (AD) banks can now close shipping bills up to Rs 10 lakh based on quarterly declarations from exporters. Amaravati, Aug 5 : Andhra Pradesh Human Resources Development and Information Technology Minister, Nara Lokesh, said on Tuesday that the state is witnessing a strong economic revival. Lokesh, who is the son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, made the claim on social media platform X. In July 2025, the state clocked Rs 3,803 crore in GST collections -- the highest ever since the GST regime began in 2017, and a 14 per cent year-on-year growth, he said. "This is also the highest GST growth rate among South Indian states and third among the larger states in the country. Andhra Pradesh is back, and we are just getting started," Lokesh added. Meanwhile, Lokesh is scheduled to address green-skilling conference in Vijayawada on Wednesday. The state government said that Andhra Pradesh is emerging as the epicentre of the country's green workforce revolution. With the launch of what is being positioned as India's largest green skilling initiative, Andhra Pradesh is taking bold strides to become the human capital of the global clean energy economy, it added. Top government leadership, more than 250 industry leaders, and key development partners will participate in the event "Empowering India's Green Future: Andhra Pradesh as the Talent Hub for Solar and Wind Energy". The high-powered gathering will serve as the official launchpad for a transformational effort to skill thousands of youth across the state in solar and wind energy technologies, from manufacturing and installation to operations and maintenance. Organised by the Swaniti Initiative, in close partnership with the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), the event signals a paradigm shift in aligning workforce development with climate resilience and industrial growth, an official statement said. With Andhra Pradesh boasting more than 160 GW of renewable energy potential, the state is uniquely positioned to be not only a green energy production hub but also a global talent exporter in the clean energy domain. The keynote addresses will be delivered by Nara Lokesh and State Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar. "This isn't just a skilling event, it's a mission to empower Andhra Pradesh's youth to lead India's green revolution," a senior official said. Mumbai, Aug 5 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who chaired a meeting comprising representatives of all political parties and officials, on Tuesday said that the state government will soon file a review petition in the Supreme Court to bring back the 36-year-old elephant Mahadevi, to Nandani Monastery in Kolhapur District from the Vantara wildlife rehabilitation facility in Gujarat. Additionally, on behalf of the Forest Department, a detailed independent stance will be presented in the Supreme Court. This will address all the points suggested by the high-level committee in accordance with the criteria of the Central Zoo Authority. CM Fadnavis held the meeting when the issue of Mahadevi the elephant at Nandani Monastery has been hogging the headlines, especially in Kolhapur, after the Bombay High Court on July 16 had allowed the relocation of the old elephant to Vantara's wildlife rehabilitation facility in Gujarat. The Bombay High Court had made the decision after noting that the elephant had been kept in solitary confinement and was reportedly in poor physical and mental health. The court's decision came after hearing a petition by the animal rights organisation People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which had earlier raised concerns about the elephant's health and psychological condition with the Maharashtra forest department and the High-Powered Committee (HPC) appointed by the Supreme Court to look after the transfer and welfare of captive elephants in the country. PETA had pointed out that the elephant had painful arthritis and foot rot and was kept in solitary confinement, leading to psychological trauma as elephants are social animals who live in herds. The Supreme Court upheld the HC order on July 22. After initial resistance, Mahadevi was given up by the temple authorities and shifted to Vantara for rehabilitation on July 28. That led to a silent rally held in Kolhapur demanding the return of the elephant. CM Fadnavis further noted that the state government's intervention in this issue is keeping in mind the public sentiments that Mahadevi should be brought back. CM Fadnavis said that Mahadevi has been at Nandani Monastery for the past 34 years. "There is a public sentiment that Mahadevi should return to the monastery. Keeping this public sentiment in mind, the state government will file a review petition in the Supreme Court. The monastery should also include the state government as a party in its petition. "Additionally, on behalf of the Forest Department, a detailed independent stance will be presented in the Supreme Court. This will address all the points suggested by the high-level committee in accordance with the criteria of the Central Zoo Authority." "To ensure proper care for Mahadevi the elephant, the state government will form a team and provide all necessary assistance. If needed, arrangements similar to a rescue centre will also be made, and facilities will be provided accordingly. A request will be made through the petition for the Supreme Court to appoint an independent committee to inspect these facilities," said the chief minister. He further added that the cases filed against citizens in this matter will be withdrawn. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the Forest Department should collect information about all the elephants that were taken out of Maharashtra. Mumbai, Aug 5 : Bharti Airtel Limited on Tuesday reported a strong set of numbers for the first quarter of the current financial year (Q1 FY26), with its net profit surging 57.32 per cent to Rs 7,421.80 crore. The telecom major had posted a profit of Rs 4,717.50 crore in the same quarter previous year, according to its stock exchange filing. Revenue from operations grew 28.45 per cent to Rs 49,462.60 crore, compared to Rs 38,506.40 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year, driven by robust growth in India and a rebound in Africa on reported currency. The companyas consolidated EBITDA came in at Rs 28,167 crore, with an EBITDA margin of 56.9 per cent. Airtelas average revenue per user (ARPU) stood at Rs 250 for the quarter, higher than Rs 211 in Q1 FY25, the company stated in its regulatory filing. The India business delivered an EBITDA of Rs 22,352 crore, with margins improving to 59.5 per cent, up 598 basis points year-on-year. Bharti Airtelas net debt to EBITDA ratio (annualised) improved to 1.70 times, from 1.86 times as of March 31. Excluding lease obligations, the ratio stood at 1.26 times. The company invested Rs 8,307 crore in capital expenditure during the quarter, with Rs 7,273 crore allocated to its India operations to strengthen digital infrastructure. In Africa, revenue in constant currency terms grew 24.9 per cent YoY, while the EBITDA margin rose to 48.1 per cent. Airtel rolled out new prepaid OTT packs with access to over 25 platforms and launched the Business Name Display (BND) feature for enterprises during the quarter. Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Gopal Vittal said the company delivered consistent growth, with India mobile revenues rising 2.9 per cent sequentially, aided by portfolio premiumisation and the addition of nearly 4 million smartphone data customers. The Homes business added a record 939,000 new connections, leading to a 7.6 per cent sequential revenue growth. Airtelas customer base reached 605 million across 15 countries by the end of the quarter. Vittal said the performance reflects Airtelas sustained investments, focus on customer experience, and disciplined capital allocation, adding that the companyas balance sheet remains strong with solid cash flow generation. Lucknow, Aug 5 : The Enforcement Directorate has arrested and questioned Naveen Rohra, a key aide of self-styled spiritual leader Chhangur Baba involved in unlawful religious conversions using foreign funds, an official said on Tuesday. Naveen Rohra was grilled on the conspiracy involving unlawful religious conversions, utilisation of foreign funding and activities posing a potential threat to national security, the official said. The Lucknow Zonal Office of the federal agency arrested Rohra on Monday and, soon after, got his custody till August 8 from a Special PMLA Court, Lucknow. Rohra is alleged to have transferred at least Rs 1 crore to Shahzad Sheikh, a Mumbai-based financial associate of Chhangur Babas. Sheikh is suspected of offering hawala services to handle the funds of the controversial spiritual leader. On July 17, ED investigators scanned and seized bank accounts, property documents and digital records at Sheikh's Bandra and Mahim properties. Apart from Mumbai, 12 locations in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur were also searched by the ED in connection with money laundering linked to the alleged religious conversion racket. The operation was part of a probe into money laundering through shell companies linked to members of an alleged multi-state religious conversion racket headed by Chhangur Babas. The searches in Mumbai followed suspicion that Chhangur Baba received funds, including donations, from Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Nepal. The illegal transactions involved up to almost Rs 200-300 crore. Members of Chhangur Baba's network reportedly travelled to Islamic countries nearly 40 times and opened over 40 bank accounts linked to shell organisations. The search in Mahim was conducted at Rizvi Heights in the presence of Sheikh, who was also questioned about the funds received in his bank account and their intended use. The ED suspects that Sheikh received the funds for unlawful activities, including religious conversions and the disruption of public order. Investigators continue to pursue or interrogate the remaining suspects, including individuals identified as Mehboob, Pinky Harijan, Hazira Shankar, Sagir, and a person claiming to be a journalist, Amen Rizvi. New Delhi, Aug 5 : A mudslide and a cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district on Tuesday has reportedly killed at least four people and several others are feared missing. PM Modi via a post on X, expressed sympathy and condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarakhand. "I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people," the PM said on X. Videos shared on social media platforms reveal the devastation, with many houses seen being swept away by raging waters. According to a statement from Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, Brigade Commander, "The landslide occurred around 1:45 P.M. near Dharali village, just 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harshil. Within ten minutes of the incident, the Army mobilised 150 personnel to the disaster site with specialised medical and rescue equipment along with doctors who are engaged in rescue operations." The Army officer also added that, "Till now, the Indian Army has rescued 20 people and those injured are being treated. Subsequently, another mudslide and cloudburst hit the Army camp in Harshil. Despite this, the Army is steadfast in its resolve to assist the local populace and are carrying out rescue operations." The Indian Army was first to respond and mobilised nearly 150 personnel to the disaster site. The landslide occurred around 1:45 P.M. near Dharali village, just 4 km from the Indian Army camp at Harshil. Kochi, Aug 5 : Marine scientists on Tuesday emphasised that climate change has drastically altered the Lakshadweep ecosystem, significantly reshaping the marine ecosystems and fisheries in the country. Scientists said this while taking part in a national seminar in Kochi, citing alarming changes in species' biology, geographic distribution, and environmental conditions. The two-day seminar titled 'Mitigating Climate Change Impact on Marine Ecosystems', jointly organised by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi, was sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). Inaugurating the seminar, K.R. Sreenath, Director of the Fishery Survey of India, warned of the visible impacts of climate change in India's marine regions, including coral bleaching in Lakshadweep, posing serious risks to biodiversity and natural coastal defences. He called for community-based approaches to be central in policy making to ensure local support and long-term sustainability in conservation and adaptation measures. "In addition to ecological threats, reciprocal US tariffs on seafood exports have economically strained Indian fishing communities," he added. He also underscored the urgent need for advanced and accurate models to predict extreme weather and species migration tools critical for sustainable fisheries management and disaster preparedness. K. Mohammed Koya, Fisheries Development Commissioner, emphasised that climate change has drastically altered the Lakshadweep ecosystem. "Damage to sea grass beds has been extensive, and proposed seaweed farming in lagoons as a potential solution that not only attracts rare species but also supports local livelihoods," said Koya. Koya further pointed out that the central government's emerging carbon market system could offer incentives for fishers and aquaculture farmers to adopt restorative practices, thus aligning ecological and economic goals. CMFRI Director Grinson George highlighted a critical shift in fish phenology, the timing of biological events, with commercially important species now maturing at smaller sizes. "Silver pomfret, for instance, now matures at 280 grams, down from 410 grams. Similar declines in size and fecundity are being observed in coastal prawns, sardines, and mackerels. This threatens reproductive success and future stock recruitment," said George. George also pointed to the northward migration of species like the Indian oil sardine, which is expected to continue under future climate scenarios driven by changes in food availability, oceanic upwelling, rainfall patterns, and oxygen levels. Fishermen are also losing increasing numbers of fishing days each year due to cyclone alerts and extreme weather conditions, he said. Vinod Sharma, Climate Change Advisor to the Government of Sikkim, observed that India's coastal shorelines have been changing more rapidly since 2000 due to climate events. "The Arabian Sea has seen a noticeable rise in cyclone frequency, causing increased saltwater intrusion in vulnerable coastal areas, and this has serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of local communities," said Sharma. AMMAN/GAZA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday stressed the need for joint efforts to open all crossings to allow immediate and sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza to address the "unprecedented" humanitarian catastrophe. Safadi made the remarks during a phone call with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, according to a statement by the Jordanian Foreign Ministry. The two ministers discussed diplomatic efforts to secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, expressing support for ongoing mediation by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States aimed at reaching a prisoner exchange deal. Safadi stressed that establishing a sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only viable path to lasting peace and regional stability. Lipavsky reaffirmed the Czech Republic's support for the two-state solution. Also on Tuesday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called for an agreement between Hamas and Israel to facilitate humanitarian work in the Gaza Strip. In a press statement, the ICRC affirmed its readiness to provide essential medicines and food supplies and to convey family news to hostages held in Gaza. The ICRC warned that the window of opportunity to save lives in Gaza is narrowing by the day, and urgent action is required now. Civilians in Gaza must be given immediate and sustainable access to food, along with safe drinking water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, and other necessities for survival and a dignified life. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from Israeli attacks has risen to 61,020, with 150,671 others injured since Oct. 7, 2023, and 9,519 people were killed and 38,630 wounded after the ceasefire collapsed on March 18, Gaza-based health authorities said Tuesday. Jaipur, Aug 5 : Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore criticised the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, following the recent remarks of the Supreme Court on China, claiming that China captured India's land in 1962 under the country's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru. "Rahul Gandhi's statement on China is baseless and misleading. China did not capture Indian land today, but in 1962 under Nehru's leadership. Today, our army is standing strong at the borders, yet Rahul Gandhi claims China has captured 2,000 sq. km of our land. Even the Supreme Court asked him about the proof," he claimed. He further claimed that when the Indian armed forces were confronting Chinese forces bravely in Galwan, LoP Rahul Gandhi shocked the nation by claiming in a press conference that the Indian army "lost the war." "Such statements are both surprising and shameful," he said. Rathore said that the repeated reprimands from the apex court highlight LoP Rahul Gandhi's pattern of making "irresponsible" and "factless anti-national" statements, particularly concerning the Indian Army. "On crucial national security issues such as surgical strikes, Rahul Gandhi has consistently questioned the intent and credibility of our armed forces. After the army delivered a strong response to Pakistan, he and his team also raised questions," he claimed. Rathore also condemned LoP Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Veer Savarkar, saying that calling Savarkar's letters to the British an apology is an insult to a great revolutionary who faced Kala Pani punishment thrice. "That style of writing - such as using phrases like 'Your Obedient Servant' - was the formal convention of the time. Even Mahatma Gandhi used such expressions. Does that make it an apology?" he asked. On the issue of LoP Rahul Gandhi's comment about Prime Minister Modi's surname, Rathore said it was a deliberate caste-based insult aimed at the OBC community. "This is why he had to apologise and also face legal proceedings," he added. Speaking about Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rathore praised his tenure as "the most impactful so far." He credited Shah with making bold and historic decisions, including the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, which fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian mainstream. Rathore also applauded the Citizenship Amendment Act, which granted citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries, and the push for a Uniform Civil Code, calling it a decisive step toward justice and equality. "Amit Shah's leadership is not only commendable today but will serve as an example for future generations," Rathore concluded. Washington, Aug 5 : US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he is going to further raise tariffs on India in the next 24 hours, after announcing 25 per cent tariffs from August 7. In an interview with CNBC, Trump said he will raise tariffs on India, revising the earlier settled rate of 25 per cent. "India has the highest tariffs. We do very little business with India. We settled on 25 per cent, but I think I am going to raise that substantially within the next 24 hours," the US President was quoted as saying. He claimed that India is buying Russian oil and fuelling the Russian war machine. This comes a day after the US President stated that he will "substantially" raise US tariffs on India, accusing it of buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it for big profits. New Delhi has called the threat of additional tariffs "unjustified and unreasonable." Russia also responded strongly on Tuesday, labelling such US pressure tactics as "illegitimate". It backed India and, while criticising Trump over his threats to increase tariffs on New Delhi for buying oil from Moscow, contended that "sovereign nations must have the right to choose their trading partners". "Russia notes US threats against India but does not consider such statements to be legitimate. Sovereign countries must have and have the right to choose their own trading partners, partners in trade and economic cooperation, and to choose those trade and economic cooperation regimes that are in the interests of a particular country," the Russian President's spokesman Dmitri Peskov was quoted as saying by Russia's state-owned news agency TASS. After Trump threatened to impose hefty tariffs on New Delhi, the Indian government on Monday said that the targeting of the country by the US over Russian oil purchase is unjustified and unreasonable. A statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said that like any major economy, "India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security". According to the government, India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. "In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets' stability," it emphasised. Mumbai, Aug 5 : Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, Uddhav Thackeray, on Tuesday said that the party will decide whether or not to form an alliance with the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for the upcoming elections to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other civic bodies. Uddhav Thackeray, however, asked party workers to start preparations for all seats in Mumbai and other civic bodies without waiting for an announcement on a tie-up with MNS. He was speaking at a meeting of office bearers from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Uddhav Thackeray reviewed the poll preparations in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Bhiwandi and Vasai-Virar. Thackeray directed the office bearers to begin preparations for the upcoming civic body elections by focussing on the organisational build-up. He asked them to appoint group leaders wherever the posts were vacant. Uddhav Thackeray told office bearers to pay special attention to the elections which will be held under the new ward structure as per the Supreme Court ruling on 27 per cent reservation for the Other Backward Classes. Thackeray's statement at the party meeting comes a day after MNS founder Raj Thackeray had asked his party workers to bury all internal differences and work together and asserted the confidence that the MNS would win the BMC elections. His message was when he and Uddhav Thackeray could come together after 20 years, then MNS workers, both old and new appointees, can work with unity, too. Raj Thackeray also told his party workers that the decision on a tie up with Shiv Sena (UBT) will be announced at an appropriate time. He also asked them to gear up for the poll without waiting for a decision on an alliance with Uddhav's Sena. "Our party is quite strong and capable in Mumbai. This time, we will come to power in the BMC. Take the old workers and office bearers with you, reach out to those who have distanced themselves from the party and start preparing for polls," said Raj Thackeray. He further warned that he would not tolerate factionalism, saying that the existing office bearers should work hand in hand with new ones while putting up a show of unity with a resolve to win the BMC elections. He asked the party workers to carefully go through the voters list from every ward and focus on updating it from time to time. Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Sanjay Raut said with Uddhav and Raj Thackeray coming together, they will get a majority in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation elections. He further stated that they will also secure majority in Thane, Kalyan, Pune, Nashik and other civic bodies. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has not banned the commonly used paracetamol drug in India, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel said on Tuesday. In a reply in the Parliament, during the ongoing Monsoon session, Patel said that "the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is not in receipt of information about rumours" of the regulatory body banning paracetamol. Noting that "paracetamol is not banned in the country", Patel said that "various Fixed Dose Combinations, including such combinations of paracetamol with other drugs, have been banned in the country". Further, the MoS noted that the government has rolled out the free drugs service initiative under the National Health Mission. "This aims to ensure availability of essential drugs and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure of patients visiting the public health facilities, including government hospitals and rural primary health centres," she added. For the provision of free essential medicines in public health facilities, the states are provided with financial support. Support is available for procurement of drugs and strengthening or setting up of robust systems of procurement, quality assurance, supply chain management and warehousing, prescription audit and grievance redressal, and for the dissemination of standard treatment guidelines and establishment of the information-technology enabled platform named Drugs and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS), which is used for monitoring the actual status of procurement and availability of essential medicines. Patel said that the Ministry of Health has also recommended a facility-wise essential medicines list to be made available at public healthcare facilities, including government hospitals and rural primary health centres. "The recommended Essential Medicines List for Sub Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub-District Hospitals and District Hospitals consists of 106, 172, 300, 318 and 381 drugs respectively, with flexibility to States to add more medicines," she noted. To ensure an uninterrupted supply chain of essential drugs in government hospitals and rural health facilities, the Medical Stores Organisation (MSO) / Government Medical Store Depots (GMSDs) has active rate contracts for 697 drug formulations. "MSO has 1,152 registered indenters across India, including government hospitals and rural primary health centres, who may place demands for supply of drugs to MSO/GMSDs through MSO-DVDMS application software four times in a financial year," Patel said. Washington, Aug 5 : US President Donald Trump's public outreach to Pakistan is straining India-US ties, prompting New Delhi to question the value of its strategic engagement with Washington, a report has cited. Washington, Aug 5 (IANS) US President Donald Trumpas public outreach to Pakistan is straining India-US ties, prompting New Delhi to question the value of its strategic engagement with Washington, a report has cited. "Pakistan's sponsorship of cross-border terrorism is a direct national security threat to India. Any United States administration that ignores this point is guilty of diplomatic negligence. India does not ask for unconditional alignment, only consistency and respect for its core interests from the United States," a report in 'The Diplomat' mentioned. According to the report, the meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Washington on July 25 a" the latest in a series of high-level engagements - raised concerns in India. Observers in New Delhi questioned why Washington would enhance ties with a country that poses a threat to India's security interests, especially after decades of efforts to bolster India-US relations. Adding to the unease, the report stated, were Trump's renewed claims of mediating between India and Pakistan even though New Delhi has consistently maintained that Kashmir and other sensitive issues are bilateral, viewing any interference in the matter as a violation of its sovereignty. "Trump's talk of mediation thus sends a clear message to India that its core concerns are negotiable. If Washington is serious about deepening ties with India, such comments are at best a diplomatic misstep and at worst strategic self-sabotage on a grand scale," the report in premier international affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific region highlighted. It detailed that the US is eroding trust and weakening the very alliances and partnerships it claims to prioritise by engaging with Pakistan a" a nation under Beijingas influence, while not taking a firm stance on India's core concerns "The United States must decide if it wants a steady, forward-looking partner in India or a string of transactional dealings with Pakistan that only breed mistrust," the report stated. The foundation of India-US ties, it said, rests on a single premise, that "India is the only democratic power in Asia with the capacity to balance Chinaas growing assertiveness". If Washington sidelines its trusted partner in Asia, the report stated, it risks weakening the Indo-Pacific framework from within amid the shifting regional balance. "If the Trump administration still holds this view a" that what happens in South Asia is of no concern a" then the United States should step aside. If the Trump administration does envision a role for itself in the region, then now is the moment to demonstrate that the United States sees India as more than a convenient partner. The Trump administration must clarify its long-term priorities," the report highlighted. India, the report stated, is an indispensable and equal partner, and must be treated accordingly. Anything that goes against India's security concerns could inflict lasting damage on the partnership, which may never be restored. "Ignoring India's concerns not only jeopardises the bilateral partnership but also strengthens voices within India that argue the West cannot be trusted," The Diplomat report cited. Islamabad, Aug 5 : Marking the second anniversary of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Tuesday launched a protest movement with workers and activists taking to the streets across the country, demanding the release of their leader. PTI workers claimed that at least 300 PTI activists have been arrested in Lahore in raids conducted overnight. . In a message posted on PTI's X account, Imran Khan urged his supporters to "come out and hold peaceful protests until a true democracy is restored in the country". PTI founder denied any wrong doing and termed the cases registered against him, including that of terrorism or disclosure of official secrets, as "politically motivated." The protest is being held under the banner of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) and is supervised by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. In a statement, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that he would lead a rally in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Buner. "Rallies are being held today on the orders of the PTI founder," he said, adding that they would not rest until Imran Khan is released. Provincial Assembly members have been asked to hold protest in their respective constituencies while PTI's central leadership has shared the plan with the leaders from Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. All ticket holders have been asked to remain alert. According to the plan announced by PTI, peaceful protests will be held in four provinces and PoJK and the elected representatives will hold such activities in their respective constituencies. All Members of National Assembly (MNAs) and senators will gather outside Adiala Jail under the leadership of Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan. Meanwhile, the authorities have increased security around Adiala Jail after a request was made for additional police deployment in anticipation of PTI's planned protest. The authorities have also beefed up security and imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), prohibiting illegal gatherings and large assemblies. The authorities have imposed Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad as well as Rawalpindi. Imran Khan assumed office as Pakistan PM in 2018, however, he was ousted through a no-confidence motion in 2022. Protests errupted across Pakistan following Imran Khan's arrest in 2023, leading to the crackdown on PTI. He was convicted in a corruption case in January, while being acquitted of other charges or receiving suspended sentences. Ahead of the protest call, hundreds of PTI members, including several parliamentarians, were convicted in July on charges linked to the May 9 protests that erupted following his arrest. Chandigarh, Aug 5 : From January 1 to July 31 this year, Haryana's gender ratio improved to 907, up from 899 during the corresponding period last year. This fact came to light on Tuesday at the weekly meeting of the State Task Force (STF) for Improving Sex Ratio held under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Sudhir Rajpal here. Chandigarh, Aug 5 (IANS) From January 1 to July 31 this year, Haryanaas gender ratio improved to 907, up from 899 during the corresponding period last year. This fact came to light on Tuesday at the weekly meeting of the State Task Force (STF) for Improving Sex Ratio held under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Sudhir Rajpal here. The meeting focussed on intensifying efforts to curb illegal abortions and further improve the stateas sex ratio under the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign. The Additional Chief Secretary emphasised the need for stringent enforcement against illegal abortions, instructing officials to take punitive measures, including revoking the licences of doctors found complicit in female foeticide. He said the government is implementing reverse tracking of all Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) and abortion cases beyond 12 weeks, particularly where women already have one or more daughters. In July alone, 32 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in reverse tracking cases, leading to 32 arrests. Additionally, FIRs are under process in four more cases, and 38 notices have been issued to private hospitals and clinics for suspected violations, an official statement said. In a unique and inclusive initiative, the Additional Chief Secretary directed that the transgender community be actively involved in celebrating the birth of girls. As part of this effort, members of the transgender community will visit the homes where a girl child is born, just as they traditionally do when a boy takes birth, and present a certificate of Rs 21,000 invested with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) under the aAapki Beti Hamari Betia scheme to the family of the girl child. For this, the government will also incentivise the transgender community and a minimum amount of Rs 1,100 is proposed to be given to such transgenders. The entire campaign shall be run under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the district. The Additional Chief Secretary also ordered a crackdown against IVF centres involved in sex-determination tests and illegal abortions. It was decided that all implantations through the IVF must be registered under antenatal care for improved surveillance. Ranchi, Aug 5 : The flames of the funeral pyre rose against a darkening sky in Nemra village on Tuesday evening as the mortal remains of Jharkhand movement pioneer and former Chief Minister, Shibu Soren, were solemnly committed to the five elements. The last rites were performed in his native village in Ramgarh district at 5.15 p.m. with full state honours. His son and current Chief Minister Hemant Soren lit the pyre -- a deeply emotional moment that left both him and his brother Basant Soren overwhelmed with grief. As the funeral procession reached the cremation ground, the skies opened up in a torrential downpour, but not a soul moved. Drenched in rain, thousands chanted "Veer Shibu Soren Amar Rahe", offering a final salute to the man who had dedicated his life to the land and people of Jharkhand. Tears mingled with rain as his mortal remains, wrapped in the tricolour, were placed on the pyre. The crowd, many of whom had travelled long distances, stood in silence, their eyes moist and hearts heavy. There was hardly any place to stand as people lined up on both sides of the road in the village up to the ghat where the funeral took place, to pay homage to Dishom Guru, as they lovingly called him. Earlier in the day, the last journey began from his Morhabadi residence in Ranchi at 10.45 a.m. The procession made its first stop at the Jharkhand Assembly, where lawmakers, friends, and thousands of admirers paid their respects. From Monday evening to Tuesday morning, people thronged in large numbers for one last glimpse of their beloved leader. A ceremonial guard of honour was accorded by the armed forces before the body was brought to Nemra, his native village. As the tricolour-draped casket arrived in the village, the air reverberated with the sounds of traditional drums and emotional slogans. The funeral was attended by a host of political leaders across party lines, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Jual Oram, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien, AAP's Sanjay Singh, and Purnea MP Pappu Yadav. Calling Shibu Soren a "symbol of relentless struggle," Pappu Yadav demanded the country's highest civilian honour -- the Bharat Ratna -- be conferred on him. AAP's Sanjay Singh called his passing an "irreparable loss not just for Jharkhand, but for the entire nation". Shibu Soren, 81, passed away on Monday morning at a hospital in Delhi after a prolonged illness. The state government has declared a three-day mourning period in his honour, during which educational institutions and government offices remain closed. Hyderabad, Aug 5 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on Tuesday demanded that the Election Commission of India bring back ballot papers to conduct elections in view of the doubts people have about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and called for the withdrawal of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. A delegation of BRS leaders led by the party's working president, K. T. Rama Rao, made the demand during a meeting with the Election Commission in New Delhi. The BRS expressed its concerns over the continued use of EVMs, citing growing public distrust and international precedents. The BRS submitted a detailed representation to the Election Commission of India (ECI), urging the constitutional body to address critical concerns affecting electoral integrity and a level playing field. "The BRS Party would like to voice its serious concern about suspicions over the usage of Electronic Voting Machines. Several media reports to this effect have surfaced over the last few years. Many political parties, activists and voters have also expressed their concerns about the usage of EVMs," the BRS mentioned in its letter. The BRS party reminded that the world's oldest democracy, the US, and mature democracies like the UK, Japan, and Germany do not use EVMs for national elections. Quoting the German Constitutional Court's 2009 judgment, the party emphasised the need for ordinary citizens to verify crucial steps of the election process without specialist knowledge. The BRS urged the ECI to consider reinstating paper ballots, starting with the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections in November 2025, to restore public confidence in the democratic process. The BRS delegation met the Election Commission upon the Commission's invitation for an interaction. Rajya Sabha members K.R. Suresh Reddy, Vaddiraju Ravichandra, former MP B Vinod Kumar, and senior leaders Balka Suman and R.S. Praveen Kumar were part of the delegation. The BRS voiced serious apprehensions over the untimely and targeted nature of the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar. It termed the SIR exercise unwarranted, particularly with elections on the horizon, and cautioned that it could lead to large-scale voter deletions, especially among migrant and disadvantaged communities. The BRS observed that the disenfranchisement of migrant labour, who move across states for economic survival, is deeply concerning. Documents like Aadhaar and Voter ID must suffice for voter eligibility. It called for a withdrawal of the current SIR in Bihar, the institution of biannual, scientific, and transparent revision processes, the formation of booth-level all-party committees to verify deletions or modifications, and the prominent public display of voter rolls at regular intervals. The party warned that hasty revisions driven by unverified media narratives and partisan representations could undermine universal franchise and the legitimacy of the voters' list. The party once again highlighted the persistent misuse of free symbols that closely resemble its reserved election symbol the Car. In particular, the party flagged eight free symbols Camera, Chapati Roller, Dolli, Road Roller, Soap Dish, Television, Sewing Machine, and Ship which, when displayed in small sizes on EVMs and ballot papers, are indistinguishable from the Car symbol, especially for illiterate and elderly voters. The BRS party said that in several past elections, including the 2019 Bhongir Lok Sabha election, the confusion caused by these symbols led to an abnormal diversion of votes meant for the BRS, helping rival or independent candidates. The party demanded the immediate withdrawal of these eight free symbols, permanent safeguards to protect the visual identity of State Recognised Parties, particularly in states where they are dominant players, and institutional parity in the protection offered to National and State parties alike. The BRS also expressed disappointment over the lack of timely action on its earlier representations during the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. These included abusive and derogatory statements by leaders of rival parties, disparities in the Commission's response to complaints filed by BRS versus those filed against it, and inaction on Model Code of Conduct violations, including misuse of social media, hate speech, and politicisation of government events. The party appealed for an urgent re-evaluation of all pending representations and sought assurance of impartial treatment from the ECI. Mumbai, Aug 5 : The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly's Privileges Committee will meet on August 6 to discuss the issue of a brawl between supporters of legislators Jitendra Awhad and Gopichand Padalkar in the premises of Vidhan Bhavan during the monsoon session of the state legislature held in July. According to the sources, the Privileges Committee will deliberate on the scuffle issue on Wednesday after the Assembly Speaker, Rahul Narwekar, on July 18 announced in he lower house to hand over the matter to the Privileges Committee. The supporters of NCP (SP) MLA Awhad and BJP's Padalkar came to blows in the legislature building lobby during the monsoon session on July 17, a day after the two legislators were involved in a heated exchange. Two supporters -- one each of the two legislators -- were later arrested. Speaker Narwekar also announced that criminal proceedings had been initiated through FIRs lodged at the Marine Drive police station. While supporters of Awhad and Padalkar were arrested, Awhad was booked for allegedly obstructing public servants from performing their duties. He also declared that an ethics committee on the lines of Parliament, empowered to disqualify members, will be formed to ensure proper conduct of the legislators. "In connection with this unpleasant incident, I am bringing to the attention of all the members that while performing our duties as members of the Bhavan, we have the responsibility and duty to maintain the highest traditions of the state legislature, which is called the temple of democracy. Such incidents should not happen again, and legislators should take due care," observed Speaker Narwekar. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also condemned the incident. "The speaker and the chairman should take a serious note of it. I have requested them to take strict action. This is not worthy of the culture of the legislature," he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also demanded strict action against the goons. "Those are not political workers, but goons. Is this what we have reduced to?" asked Thackeray. ANKARA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A minibus carrying seasonal agricultural workers veered off the road and plunged into a ravine early Tuesday in the central Turkish province of Sivas, leaving four people dead and 18 others injured, including four in critical condition. According to local broadcaster NTV, the accident occurred around 5:00 a.m. local time (0200 GMT) near Sarkoy village in the Geminbeli Pass of Susehri district. The vehicle was reportedly transporting agricultural laborers from Sanliurfa province to Ordu province, where they were heading for the annual hazelnut harvest, when the driver reportedly lost control of the minibus on a mountain road. Emergency medical teams, firefighters, disaster response units, and gendarmerie forces were immediately dispatched to the scene following the accident alert. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Traffic accidents have claimed 2,713 lives across Turkiye in 2024, according to the General Directorate of Security. The highest number of accidents occurred in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, with Istanbul alone recording 97,354 incidents. Speeding was the leading cause of fatal crashes in Turkiye last year. Chennai, Aug 5 : BJP Tamil Nadu President Nainar Nagenthran on Tuesday alleged that the Kuruvai paddy crop in the tail-end regions of the Cauvery delta is on the verge of withering due to the failure of the state government in ensuring proper irrigation facilities. In a strongly-worded statement, Nagenthran pointed out that although water from the Mettur reservoir was officially released on June 12 to irrigate the Cauvery delta districts, it has still not reached the tail-end areas of Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur. "The main channels of the river are brimming with water, but the distributaries and minor irrigation channels remain dry. This clearly indicates that water is not being distributed effectively to the lower regions, leaving thousands of farmers in distress," he said. He blamed the DMK government's "persistent negligence" for the situation, claiming that despite allocating crores of rupees every year, the authorities have failed to desilt river channels and ponds, rendering them incapable of storing and distributing water. "Every year, funds are sanctioned under the pretext of improving irrigation infrastructure, but no proper desilting work is carried out. The accumulated silt in water bodies has drastically reduced their holding capacity," Nagenthran said, adding that this has directly impacted the farmers who depend on timely water supply for the Kuruvai season. He further criticised the formation of a separate Water Resources Department by the state government, accusing it of failing to implement any meaningful schemes to improve irrigation. "It is unfortunate that despite creating a dedicated department, there has been no improvement on the ground. The government has made announcements for farmers but has failed to ensure water supply reaches the last-mile regions," he said. Calling for urgent intervention, he urged the Tamil Nadu government to act on a war footing to manage water resources effectively and ensure equitable water distribution across all delta regions. He also demanded that an independent audit be conducted to assess how funds allocated for irrigation development have been utilised and urged the state to prioritise desilting and maintenance work in vulnerable regions before further damage is done to standing crops. IANS aal/rad Mumbai, Aug 5 : As the Bhoomi Pujan of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya marked its fifth anniversary, Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde on Tuesday said the temple's construction was the cherished dream of party founder Balasaheb Thackeray, and its realisation stands as a moment of immense pride for the nation. Krishna Hegde described the day as historically and spiritually significant. Speaking to IANS, Krishna Hegde said, "The Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Mandir is a matter of pride for the entire country. Many dignitaries, sants, actors, sportspersons, and religious leaders from various faiths, along with the Prime Minister, were present during the ceremony. However, it is unfortunate that Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav have not yet visited Ram Lalla." Hegde further drew parallels between the actions of some DMK leaders and what he described as attacks on Sanatan Dharma, reiterating that the Ram temple's construction was Balasaheb Thackeray's long-standing vision. "Today, seeing that vision become reality fills every Shiv Sainik with pride," he said. Shiv Sena spokesperson also reacted to the Supreme Court's recent ruling allowing the Maharashtra Election Commission to conduct local body elections as per the new ward delimitation, which includes 27 per cent reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBC). "The Supreme Court has made it clear that elections to local self-government bodies will be held with 27 per cent OBC reservation. This was the intention of the Mahayuti government from the beginning. The court has directed the Election Commission to complete preparations for the election process within four weeks. All political parties will cooperate so the process is completed smoothly," Hegde added. Hegde also reacted to the Election Commission's release of the draft electoral roll for Bihar on August 1 as part of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) the first such exercise since 2003. "It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure fair and transparent elections. The Commission has clarified that citizens can register their names in the voter list by August 1. It must also ensure that no eligible voter is left out, while removing the names of those who have passed away or moved away. The priority should be a completely correct and updated voter list," he added. Hegde also responded on international trade tensions, after US President Donald Trump announced plans to "substantially" raise tariffs on India in the next 24 hours, after announcing 25 per cent levy from August 7. "The US has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India for buying oil from Russia, while the US and the European Union themselves continue to trade with Russia without restrictions. This is nothing short of a conspiracy to slow down India's economic growth. The positive aspect is that both the Opposition and the government are united on this matter. I hope the US will soon lift the tariffs and that a solution will be reached through dialogue. Trade with Russia must continue in our national interest," he said. Chandigarh, Aug 5 : BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Tuesday demanded the immediate scrapping of the land pooling scheme and said the BJP would launch a state-wide agitation to protect the interests of farmers. Chugh said the Modi government is committed to protecting farmers, adding a "state-sponsored conspiracy to loot farmers' land in the name of development to help realtors" would never be accepted. Chugh said, "This is not a policy, it's a betrayal. Farmers know exactly what this scheme is -- an official tool to snatch their ancestral lands. Let the Mann government hear this loud and clear: we will not let them grab even an inch of Punjab's farmland." Exposing the hypocrisy of the Bhagwant Mann government, Chugh added, "No promise has reached the ground. Loans haven't been waived. Jobs haven't reached the youth. The MSP (minimum support price) guarantees are missing. All that's flourishing under AAP is lawlessness, corruption, and false promises." He further said that the land of Punjab's farmers is sacred -- like a mother -- and any attempt to forcibly acquire it without consent is nothing short of dacoity. "This is not development. This is coercion under the garb of progress. We will fight this battle on the streets, in the courts, and among the people. Punjab will not be handed over to land sharks and political contractors," Chugh said. He accused the Mann government of acting like middlemen for real estate mafias, betraying the very farmers who voted for change but were delivered betrayal. However, state Finance Minister Harpal Cheema has clarified that the land pooling scheme is farmer-friendly and based on mutual consent. "Not a single inch of land will be forcibly taken from any farmer. Whether to give land or not is entirely up to the farmers' will," Minister Cheema told the media here. --IANS vg/dan Aizawl, Aug 5 : Mizoram has been battling a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) since mid-March, which has left over 7,300 pigs dead and affected around 2,800 families across 116 villages and localities in seven districts, officials said on Tuesday. A senior official of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AHVD) said that the spread of the highly infectious disease shows no signs of slowing down. So far, the AHVD teams have culled around 2,900 pigs in a bid to contain the outbreak. Siaha district in southern Mizoram remains the worst affected, with over 3,300 pig deaths reported in 38 villages and localities, affecting 1,250 families. A total of 945 pigs have been culled in the district as a containment measure. Besides Siaha, the other affected districts are Lawngtlai, Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Lunglei, Mamit, and Champhai. Several teams of AHVD are on a regular visit to the affected areas to monitor the situation closely and take immediate steps to curb the spread of the disease. Mizoram Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh (retd) held a review meeting with senior officials of the AHVD on Monday and discussed the ongoing ASF outbreak in the state. Deputy Director (DI&E), Dr Esther Lalzoliani, giving a detailed overview of the ASF situation in Mizoram and its critical aspects, said that the first ASF case in Mizoram was reported at Lungsen village in Lunglei district on March 21, 2021. Since then so far a total of 69,411 pigs have died due to ASF, with 52,194 culled to prevent further spread. The outbreak has affected 11,382 households, resulting in an estimated financial loss of Rs 982.16 crore, the official said. Through the assistance to the state for control of animal disease and the state government, Rs 1,451.915 lakh has been disbursed as compensation for culled pigs, while an additional Rs 477.08 lakh has been provided through the Mizoram Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R) Department for pigs lost to the disease. In Monday's meeting, officials informed the Governor that ASF has become endemic in Mizoram, making the implementation of a vaccination program the most viable solution for containment. However, as no ASF vaccine is available in India, they raised the need to explore importing vaccines from Vietnam, where they are being developed. The officials also highlighted challenges in securing funds from the Central government, which has limited their ability to provide adequate compensation. The AHVD officials reported that Mizoram is among 14 states selected for the first phase of the Pandemic Fund Project to strengthen its Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, with plans to achieve NABL accreditation upon completion. An official said that the Governor expressed grave concern over the devastating impact of ASF, which has caused significant economic losses and disrupted livelihoods across Mizoram for the past four years. Highlighting the departmentas limited capacity to manage the outbreak independently, he called for enhanced collaboration with other government departments and increased public participation to strengthen containment efforts. General Singh (retd) urged stakeholders to intensify measures to curb the spread of ASF and mitigate its severe socio-economic consequences, assuring full support for the challenges and proposals presented by the Veterinary Department, the official added. Sanaa, Aug 5 : Yemen's Houthi military group said it launched a new missile attack on the Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel on Tuesday, which was reportedly intercepted by Israeli defence systems. The Houthis fired a "hypersonic ballistic missile" targeting the Israeli airport in support of the Palestinian people, the group's military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. Sarea said that the Houthi group would continue launching attacks against Israel until the war and blockade on Gaza stop. The Houthi group, which controls much of northern Yemen, has been firing missiles and drones towards Israeli targets since November 2023 to show solidarity with besieged Palestinians in Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported. On July 19, the Houthis had claimed responsibility for launching a new "hypersonic ballistic missile" attack on Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israel's defence systems. The missile attack was in support of the besieged Palestinian people in Gaza, Houthi military spokesperson Sarea had said in a televised statement aired by al-Masirah TV, adding that the attack achieved its goal. "Our missile attacks will continue until the aggression on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted," Sarea had said, calling on Arabs and Muslims to rescue the Palestinian people in Gaza, provide food and break the blockade. Earlier on July 10, Yemen's Houthi military spokesperson had said in a statement that the group had launched a ballistic missile towards Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israel's defence systems. Sarea had then also said in a statement broadcast by al-Masirah TV that the attack had achieved its goal. The strike was in response to the ongoing Israeli war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, Sarea said, vowing the group would continue launching ballistic missile attacks towards Israel and Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea until what he had said that the Israeli aggression on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted. New Delhi, Aug 5 : In a step toward regulating private school fees, the Delhi government on Tuesday introduced the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025, in the Assembly. Education Minister Ashish Sood said the Bill is designed to bring predictability, transparency, and accountability to the fee structures of private unaided schools across the capital. He said that the Bill establishes a comprehensive institutional framework to ensure transparency and accountability in private school fee regulation, with active involvement of all stakeholders parents, teachers, and school management. The Minister said the Bill proposes a transparent and inclusive three-tier mechanism, which includes a school-level committee, a district-level appellate committee, and a state-level revision committee to ensure fair resolution of fee-related matters. The Bill prohibits any form of coercive action against a school student for non-payment of fees. He said violations will attract a penalty of Rs 50,000 per student, which will be doubled after 20 days and tripled if uncorrected after another 20 days. "For broader non-compliance with fee regulations, schools can be fined up to Rs 10 lakh. In extreme or repeated cases, the Director of Education is empowered to suspend recognition or even take over the school's management to ensure compliance," he said. "This Bill is a decisive step toward ending arbitrary fee hikes," he said. The restrictions imposed on coercive actions include prohibition on striking the student's name from the rolls, withholding exam results, denying access to classrooms or co-curricular activities, public humiliation or psychological harassment and penalties and enforcement. Sood said schools will not be permitted to increase fees under the following circumstances: If their recognition is under suspension, if they fail to pay staff salaries as per legal standards and if there is evidence of diversion of school funds. Earlier, legislators from the ruling BJP expressed gratitude towards Sood and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for drafting a student and parent-friendly Bill. Malviya Nagar MLA Satish Upadhyay said, "The initiative shows the BJP government's political will and resolve to introduce change-oriented policies." He hit out at the previous AAP government for doing little for the education sector and using it just as a "political marketing tool" and a mode for spending public money on advertising. BJP MLA from Ghonda Ajay Kumar Mahawar called the introduction day of the Bill "historic and one that promised to revolutionise the education sector". Adarsh Nagar MLA Raj Kumar Bhatia said the Bill reflects the Rekha Gupta government's concern for students and their parents. All through the congratulatory statements of BJP MLAs for Sood, the Opposition AAP legislators raised objections, describing the legislation as a tool to allow private schools to charge fees at will. Ahead of the consideration of the Bill in the Assembly, Sood discussed with a group of parents on the proposed legislation. The Minister took note of their concerns and reiterated that the said Bill represents a landmark reform aimed at establishing a transparent, fair, and accountable framework for fee regulation in all unaided private schools. The Minister said that some groups are creating false narratives about the Bill and clarified that it does not weaken government control over private institutions. He said the Bill supplements and strengthens the existing statutory framework under the Delhi School Education Act, 1973, and the rules framed thereunder. It neither supersedes nor derogates existing law, but introduces additional checks and balances in the interest of students and parents. Sood underlined that for the first time, the Education Department will be empowered to act on even a single complaint from a parent in cases of arbitrary fee hikes. The bill will apply to all private unaided recognised schools in Delhi. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition by the son of a deceased Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable seeking a compassionate appointment, ruling that such a benefit cannot be claimed decades after the death. A bench of Justices C. Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla was hearing a plea filed by Sachin Yadav, whose father died in harness on September 21, 1988. The petitioneras mother, Shakuntala Devi, had first applied for a job on compassionate grounds in 2000 but was rejected for not meeting the educational requirements for the post of constable. For the next 18 years, neither the deceasedas son nor his wife pursued the matter. In February 2018, after attaining the required qualifications, the petitioner applied for appointment. The CISF, however, declined his request in January 2020, prompting him to file a writ petition before the Delhi High Court. In its judgement, the Justice Shankar-led Bench noted that the petitioneras counsel could not point to any rule allowing an application nearly two decades after the employeeas death. Emphasising the purpose of compassionate appointment, it said: "Compassionate appointment is intended to enable a family of a government servant who dies in harness to tide over the immediately indigent circumstances in which it may find itself. It caters to a very specific exigency, which dies with the efflux of time." "Compassionate appointment cannot, therefore, be sought long after the breadwinner of a family dies. It is not a right which continues in perpetuity till purged," it added. The Delhi HC opined that entertaining such belated applications would "do complete disservice to the very concept of compassionate appointment and would convert it into an alternate mode of recruitment". Referring to the Supreme Courtas judgement in Bhawani Prasad Sonkar v. Union of India case, it reiterated that compassionate employment is "given solely on humanitarian grounds with the sole objective to provide immediate relief to the employeeas family to tide over the sudden financial crisis and cannot be claimed as a matter of right". It also cited another decision, where the apex court had held that applications must be made immediately or within a reasonable period after death, as any delay indicates that "the family of the deceased or incapacitated employee is not in immediate need of financial assistance." Declining to entertain the plea, the Delhi High Court said: "The writ petition is completely devoid of merits and is accordingly dismissed." Mumbai, Aug 5 : The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday cleared the 104.899 km freight corridor between the upcoming Vadhavan Port and Mumbai Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway. The project will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. The government will raise a loan of Rs 1,500 crore from HUDCO for the project. The cabinet also approved a provision of Rs 2,528.9 crore for the project, which will be completed in three years. "The freight corridor has been proposed to ensure smooth traffic of international cargo from the Vadhavan port. The National Highway Authority of India has currently undertaken the work of a 32 km highway from Vadhavan Port to Tawa under the Sagarmala Project. However, to reach Vadhavan Port from Samruddhi Mahamarg, one has to take the Bharvir-Amane (Samurddhi Mahamarg) to Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway. Therefore, an unnecessary journey of about 82 km is required. Considering the future large-scale traffic from Vadhavan Port, the freight corridor has been proposed to connect the Samruddhi Expressway, which will help smooth and hassle-free traffic to Vidarbha, Marathwada and North Maharashtra," said the government release. This expressway will pass through Dahanu, Vikramgad, Jawhar and Mokhada talukas of Palghar district and Trimbakeshwar and Igatpuri talukas of Nashik district. Due to the freight corridor, the distance from Tawa Bharveer to Vadodara - Mumbai Expressway will be reduced to 104.899 km from 183.48 km. The time will be reduced to 1 to 1.5 hours from 4 to 5 hours, said the government release. The government hopes that the speedy transport from the proposed freight corridor will benefit small, medium and heavy industries, agricultural and educational institutions, IT companies, and agro-industrial centres in Palghar and Nashik districts. This will provide better employment and market to the locals. Earlier, Fadnavis said, "Considering the limited expansion area along the coast of Mumbai, the concept of ' Fourth Mumbai ' around the upcoming Vadhavan port will be important. India's largest port and a new airport will be built there. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the airport there, and its further survey is underway. Also, since there are plans to extend the Bullet Train and Coastal Road to Vadhavan Port, this area will become a major urban centre." Jaipur, Aug 5 : A fresh controversy has erupted in Rajasthan over a Class 8 social science textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), which shows key regions of the state -- including Jaisalmer, Mewar and Bundi -- as part of the Maratha Empire. The move has drawn strong opposition from former royal families and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who allege that this is a gross misrepresentation of history. The map in question portrays the Maratha Empire stretching from Kolhapur to Cuttack, extending north to Peshawar, and incorporating regions of Punjab and large parts of Rajasthan, including Jaisalmer, Mewar, and Bundi. Critics argue that no historical evidence exists to support the claim of Maratha dominance, taxation, or administrative control over these princely states. Leading the protest is Vishwaraj Singh Mewar, BJP MLA and a member of the Mewar royal family, along with his wife Mahima Kumari, BJP MP from Rajsamand. "First misrepresented as under British, now as under Marathas -- who is going to educate the educationists in NCERT?! Are they capable of presenting the factual history of India -- seriously doubt it," said Mahimaand Vishvaraj. They are joined by Chaitanyaraj Singh Bhati of the former Jaisalmer Royal family, Brigadier (Retired) Bhupesh Singh Hada of the Bundi royal family, and Bhanwar Jitendra Singh of the Alwar royal family. In a sharp statement, Chaitanyaraj Singh Bhati said, "This kind of unverified and baseless information not only undermines the credibility of institutions like NCERT, but also wounds our glorious heritage and public sentiments. It appears to be a deliberate attempt to distort the history and tarnish the legacy of our ancestors. No credible historical source mentions Maratha rule, invasion, or taxation in Jaisalmer." Brigadier (retired) Bhupesh Singh Hada echoed the same sentiment in a social media post dated July 28, saying: "We were never under the control of Marathas. Do not hurt our self-respect with fabricated stories." Bhanwar Jitendra Singh emphasised that history must be rooted in verified facts, not dictated by regional or political biases. "In the 18th century, Rajasthan's princely states -- including Marwar, Mewar, Bikaner, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, and Alwar -- maintained their independence and autonomy. Historical records show Maratha activity in Rajasthan was limited to raids, not rule. To suggest otherwise is to distort the truth and devalue the bravery and sovereignty of our forefathers." The experts argue that such factual inaccuracies are not mere academic errors but raise serious concerns about intentional misrepresentation of Indian history in school curricula. They are calling for urgent correction, demanding that NCERT uphold the accuracy and sanctity of India's historical narrative. As the debate intensifies, historians and educators alike are being urged to re-evaluate the content of textbooks and ensure that regional pride, historical accuracy, and national integrity are preserved in academic discourse, sources said. New Delhi, Aug 5 : As many as 293 big infrastructure projects entailing an investment of Rs. 13.59 lakh crore have been evaluated so far for integrated planning, multimodality, whole of government approach and last-mile connectivity under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan that was launched in 2021, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that as on date, 57 Central ministries/departments, including 8 infrastructure ministries such as Highways, Railways, Ports, Power and Communications, 22 social, and 27 economic & other ministries/departments have been onboarded on PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The platform includes 36 states and UTs to increase synergy between the Centre and states. The minister said that the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan has no specific or separate fund allocation. However, the Ministry of Finance under the "Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2022- 23" made a provision of Rs 5,000 crore for disbursement among the states for PMGS-related infrastructure development. According to a study carried out by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), Indiaas logistics costs have come down to between 7.8-8.9 per cent of GDP, significantly lower than previously assumed figures of 13-14 per cent following the implementation of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. This positions India favourably for achieving world-class logistics efficiency through coordinated infrastructure development, according to the report, titled aGati Se Pragati.a Simultaneously, Indiaas improvement in the World Bankas Logistics Performance Index from 44th to 38th in 2023 indicates positive momentum, though substantial scope exists for further advancement, the report states. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is Indiaas most ambitious infrastructure coordination initiative, fundamentally reshaping how the nation approaches connectivity and economic development. This report states that the seven engines framework represents a holistic approach encompassing roads, railways, airports, ports, waterways, mass transit, and logistics infrastructure, each contributing distinct value to Indiaas connectivity ecosystem. The programmeas targets are ambitious: expanding national highways to 200,000 km, increasing railway freight capacity to 1,600 million tonnes, establishing 200-220 new airports, and achieving comprehensive multi-modal integration. The economic impact assessment demonstrates substantial multiplier effects from infrastructure investments, with each rupee invested generating between 2.5 and 4.0 times economic output, depending on the infrastructure type. Roads and railways exhibit the highest multipliers, while emerging sectors like inland waterways present significant untapped potential. Visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty speaks during a meeting held by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe, 40 km south of Kampala, Uganda, Aug. 4, 2025. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty have held talks regarding the use of Nile River waters and broader regional cooperation, according to a statement issued by the Ugandan State House on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed Egypt's existential concerns over water security at the meeting, which took place on Monday at State House Entebbe, about 40 km south of the Ugandan capital, Kampala, the statement said. (Uganda Presidential Press Unit/Handout via Xinhua) KAMPALA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty have held talks regarding the use of Nile River waters and broader regional cooperation, according to a statement issued by the Ugandan State House on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed Egypt's existential concerns over water security at the meeting, which took place on Monday at State House Entebbe, about 40 km south of the Ugandan capital, Kampala, the statement said. "We discussed a number of issues regarding the Nile and how best the stakeholding countries can work together to preserve, and make better use of it," Museveni said in a post on his official X account. "The problem of the Nile is lack of electricity in the tropics. The communities like the Fellahin will use the trees for cooking, hence destroy the biomass, which in the end affects rain patterns and hurts the Nile. The second danger is primitive agriculture," the president added. Museveni called on countries in the Nile Basin to engage in high-level dialogues on how to utilize the river sustainably without endangering its future. Abdelatty highlighted the potential for joint projects, supported by a financing mechanism recently established by Egypt, to promote development in southern Nile Basin countries. He also praised Uganda for its contributions to peacekeeping missions in Somalia and other African nations. The meeting further explored opportunities to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries in various areas, including energy, security, and digitalization. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (R) meets with a visiting Egyptian delegation led by Badr Abdelatty, Egyptian foreign minister, at State House Entebbe, 40 km south of Kampala, Uganda, Aug. 4, 2025. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty have held talks regarding the use of Nile River waters and broader regional cooperation, according to a statement issued by the Ugandan State House on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed Egypt's existential concerns over water security at the meeting, which took place on Monday at State House Entebbe, about 40 km south of the Ugandan capital, Kampala, the statement said. (Uganda Presidential Press Unit/Handout via Xinhua) Imphal, Aug 5 : The Manipur Technical University (MTU) plans to introduce courses in Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, Robotics, and Data Science, state Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said here on Tuesday. Governor Bhalla, who graced the 10th foundation day celebration of Manipur MTU at Takyelpat in Imphal, applauded the dedication of MTUas faculty, the achievements of its students in national competitions, and the universityas forward-looking plans to introduce courses in Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, Robotics, and Data Science. Emphasising the importance of preparing youth not only to adapt but to lead in a rapidly changing world, Bhalla, while addressing faculty, students, alumni, and dignitaries, urged students to embrace curiosity, creativity, and compassion in their academic journey. The Governor, who is the Chancellor of MTU, said students should not only think of obtaining a degree but to think deeply, act responsively and lead courageously. He highlighted the remarkable growth of MTU since its establishment in 2016 as the first and only state-run technical university in Manipur. Bhalla praised the universityas rapid academic growth, its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and its progress towards becoming a hub for innovation, research, and industry collaboration in the region. He stated that MTU is not just an institution, but a visionary seed planted for the self-reliant future of Manipur, reaffirming the collective commitment to building a green, smart, and inclusive campus. The Governor appealed to all stakeholders to work together to bring up the institution to be a beacon of hope and excellence, not just for Manipur but for the entire Northeastern region of India. He suggested the university administration arrange a student exchange program with other universities in the country and later on with foreign universities. Bhalla also advised the students to strive for excellence and bring laurels to the state, thereby elevating the universityas stature and impact. Prof. W.Chandbabu Singh, Vice Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University, Ramananda Nongmeikapam, Registrar of Manipur Technical University, senior officers, faculties and students of the university attended the celebration. --IANS sc/dan Amaravati, Aug 5 : Andhra Pradesh will implement the P4 initiative, aimed at eradicating poverty, from August 19, and the state will achieve its zero poverty goal by 2029, said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday. He is confident that AP's P4 model will become a benchmark for the nation. He conducted a video conference from the Secretariat to review the programme with MLAs, public representatives, and government officials. The Chief Minister revealed that so far, 9,37,913 Bangaru Kutumbams (beneficiary families) have been identified. A total of 1,03,938 Margadarshi or mentors have been selected. The needs of 10 lakh Bangaru Kutumbams across the state have been prioritised. Using an 11-question survey, we collected details and analysed them with AI. At least 31 per cent of families need job opportunities, 22 per cent require medical assistance, and 9 per cent seek to expand their small businesses. "In addition to adopting families, many Margadarshi are stepping up to adopt entire villages and mandals. We've also introduced a 'Fund a Need' concept in P4. The implementation of the program will be reviewed once every three months. Public representatives and officials can also voluntarily participate," said the CM. Chandrababu Naidu stated that he too has registered himself as a Margadarsi and adopted 250 families in his Assembly constituency, Kuppam. He made it clear that the selection of Margadarshi for the Bangaru Kutumbams is purely voluntary. "No should be forced, and there must be no coercion. Only those with compassion and humanity should be a part of this effort. Unfortunately, some people are trying to obstruct good initiatives. They attempt to create a negative sense," he said. He noted that some people have the financial resources but not the heart to help, while others have the intent but not the time. "We must identify such people and let them know about the P4 platform. We must reduce economic inequality through collective efforts. Who you help today can become a Margadarshi tomorrow. Alongside welfare schemes, P4 will ensure additional support reaches Bangaru Kutumbams. Inform NRIs and industrialists abroad to spark the thought of giving back to society in them," he added. The Chief Minister stated that P4 initiative is part of the mission to eradicate poverty. "The objective is to ensure a higher standard of living for every family in AP. The core intent is to give back to society. From these role models, even small support becomes a big support for the poor. In that spirit, Pallakunta Hemalatha, a sanitation worker from the Avanigadda constituency, became a guiding light by voluntarily supporting an elderly woman. When there is a heart that responds, humanity rises to the occasion and steps forward to help. Those who contribute financially and through service are the real role models," he said. "While the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Vedanta operate through CSR funds, our focus through P4 is to go beyond that, to directly uplift families. We are implementing the Zero Poverty Mission with people as our greatest asset," he added. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav, P4 Foundation Vice-Chairman Kutumba Rao, and officials from the Finance and Planning departments were present. Bengaluru, Aug 5 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar, said on Tuesday that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and he had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the Yellow Metro Line in Bengaluru. Shivakumar, who is also the Minister for Bengaluru Urban Development, inspected the Metro Yellow Line earlier in the day. He spoke to the media during this visit. Earlier, no representative from the state government attended the inauguration of the Sharavathi Cable Bridge in Shivamogga district of Karnataka. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the project, and only BJP leaders were present. The development had stirred a controversy. "The Metro project is not solely a Central government initiative. Both the State and Central governments are partners in this. What matters here is public service, not credit politics," Shivakumar said. When asked whether the inauguration event was decided by the State or Central government, he replied, "This is 'our' Metro. The Chief Minister and I had requested the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate it." "Now a date has been given. This is not just a Central government project. Both the state and Centre have a 50 per cent stake each. If there's a Chairman from their side, there's a Managing Director from our side. No one is sidelined here. We are serving the people. As responsible leaders, we are fulfilling our duties," Shivakumar added. "The 19.15-km-long Yellow Line with 16 stations, constructed at a cost of Rs 7,610 crore, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10. A brief and simple event will be held at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, auditorium on that day," he said. "The Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and local MLAs will travel by Metro that day. There's also a funding shortage for land acquisition under the Double Decker project, and a request regarding this will be submitted to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added. When asked about the Metro expansion and Double Decker project, Shivakumar replied, "The MPs who are now creating a fuss should help bring in some grants -- that would be good for Bengaluru. None of them are talking about getting funds; they only find faults." "Wherever Metro lines are built next in the city, Double decker roads will be constructed too. For that, land will be acquired. If buildings are demolished, greater compensation must be given. BBMP and BMRCL have jointly decided to handle this," he said, while targeting BJP MPs. "The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety issued a certificate on July 31 allowing operations on the Yellow Line. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya is an eager youngster, but he lacks experience. These works cannot be rushed," Shivakumar remarked. He also appreciated the efforts of all officers, contractors, and workers involved in completing the project and acknowledged the previous Managing Director, Maheshwar Rao, and other staff for their hard work. Regarding the inauguration of the Hebbal Junction flyover, Shivakumar said, "It will be inaugurated by August 15 after getting a date from the Chief Minister. For now, only the stretch from KR Puram to Mekhri Circle will be opened." "The other stretch will be inaugurated later. From Esteem Mall towards the university in the Nagavara direction, a new tunnel road will be built. This proposal will soon be placed before the Cabinet. The main tunnel road is separate; this 1.5 km tunnel is a different one. It will be completed in two years," he added. Regarding increasing traffic in Bengaluru, he said, "People from across the country and rural areas are coming here. We have good weather, Cauvery water, and top institutions -- even you are not leaving Bengaluru. I've instructed the Metro Authority to acquire an additional three to four acres near Metro stations for parking. Let them make parking below and use the space above for commercial purposes." When asked if new roads in Bengaluru are being asphalted, Shivakumar added, "Yes, it's happening. No matter how much we do, it won't be enough for Bengaluru's development. I'll speak about this during the Assembly session. We've given deadlines to officers." When asked about giving priority to second-tier cities, he said, "We have new ideas regarding this -- will share them soon." When asked about the poor performance of Metro feeder buses, Shivakumar added, "I'll look into it." Kolkata, Aug 5 : The Border Security Force (BSF) arrested two smugglers and seized gold worth over Rs 1 crore from them along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the Nadia district of West Bengal on Tuesday. "Troops of the 11 Bn BSF of the South Bengal Frontier, posted at the Vijaymath Border Out Post, acted on reliable intelligence inputs and nabbed the smugglers travelling by bus from Karimpur to Krishnanagar. The gold was cleverly hidden in their slippers," a senior BSF official said. A special team was formed to apprehend the smugglers who were transporting the gold from Bangladesh to India. Around 10 am, the jawans spotted the bus, mentioned in the intelligence input, near the Mahisbathan area. The jawans pursued the bus and stopped it. A search led to the seizure of seven pieces of gold hidden in cavities in the slippers of the two smugglers. "Two mobile phones were also seized. The two men were arrested and taken to the Vijaymath BOP," the official added. Upon questioning, it came to be known that the smugglers are residents of the neighbouring Murshidabad district and work as labourers. They claimed that they received the gold from someone in Jalangi (Murshidabad). They were to hand it over to a person who would meet them at the Krishnanagar bus stand. They were to receive some money for this work. "During further questioning, some important clues related to this particular smuggling racket were unearthed. An in-depth investigation of the entire matter is underway, so that all involved in this illegal activity can be identified and appropriate action can be taken accordingly," the official said. The weight of the seized gold is 1030.720 grams, and its estimated value is Rs 1,05,75,187, the BSF said. The smugglers, along with the gold and the mobile phones, have been handed over to the concerned department for further legal action. The official said this is the third time that the BSF has foiled gold smuggling attempts along the IBB in West Bengal over the last few days. This was possible due to the dedicated and tireless efforts of the jawans guarding the border. "I would again appeal to the border population to share any information about gold smuggling through the BSF's 'Seema Sathi' helpline number 14419. People can also send voice or text messages with information to the WhatsApp number 9903472227. Those providing credible information will be suitably rewarded and their identities kept strictly confidential," he said. Mumbai, Aug 5 : Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday approved the revised policy for extending the lease period of commercial use of surplus lands of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), which operates state transport buses across the state. According to the revised policy, the lease period of the MSRTC's surplus lands has now been increased from 60 years to 98 years in two phases of 49 years. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had suggested that the government should extend the lease period for another 49 years after the review of the commercial use of MSRTC's surplus lands, given for an initial period of 49 years. However, the cabinet ultimately decided to approve a lease period of 98 years in two phases of 49 years from the earlier decision of 60 years. According to the government release, the increase in lease period will accelerate the development of the MSRTC's proposed projects, especially with regard to the development and strengthening of bus stands and depots and also to further improve its services in urban areas, including metropolitan cities, for passengers and other stakeholders. "Earlier, in 2001, the lease period for the additional lands in the possession of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation was 30 years. Accordingly, MSRTC launched 45 such projects in the state till 2016 under the Build, Operate and Transfer policy. According to that policy, it was proposed to set up modern bus stands at 13 places in the state. But it received little response barring Panvel and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar," said the government release. The government subsequently formulated a new policy in 2024 for the commercial use of MSRTC's excess lands, where the lease period was increased from 30 years to 60 years. However, while preparing this policy, a committee of experts had noticed that the lease period of various corporations and authorities was 99 years. Increasing this period increases the viability of the projects, and it was observed that MSRTC gets one and a half to two times more than expected advance premium. Accordingly, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved the extension of the lease period from 60 years to 99 years for implementing projects under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) at various sites owned by it, said the government release. Following the MSRTC's board approval, the cabinet approved the revised policy to increase the lease period from 60 years to 49 years plus 49 years, for a total of 98 years. The government hopes that this will improve the commercial viability of the exploitation of MSRTC's surplus lands. The renewal of the agreement will be done as per the prevailing policy and rules. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has strongly refuted recent media claims suggesting a closed-door meeting between Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Udaipur Files producer Amit Jani. The PIB, through its official fact-checking handle on August 5, labelled the claim as "Fake News" and clarified that no such meeting ever took place. "Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw has not held any such meeting," the PIB said on X. The viral claim originated from a news report that alleged a secretive interaction between the minister and Jani, who is known for producing the controversial film Udaipur Files. The report insinuated political backing or discussion regarding the film's release and its political implications, which triggered widespread speculation on social media platforms. The government's fact-checking body reiterated that the Minister had no such engagement scheduled or held with Amit Jani. The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the spread of misinformation and politically sensitive fake news narratives that could potentially influence public opinion. The Udaipur Files has been in the limelight for its controversial depiction of communal violence and has been a subject of intense debate among political and social circles. The purported meeting with a senior Union Minister added to the film's controversy, but PIB's intervention aims to curb the spread of unverified information. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has not issued any formal statement beyond the PIB clarification but has urged citizens and media platforms to rely on verified sources before sharing or publishing claims that could mislead the public. This incident underscores the importance of official fact-checking mechanisms like PIB Fact Check, which play a vital role in combating the growing tide of misinformation, especially involving high-level public officials and politically sensitive matters. Mumbai, Aug 5 : As India observes the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Shiv Sena-UBT leader and MLA Aditya Thackeray on Tuesday said that while the removal of the constitutional provision was a necessary and proud step, the promised restoration of statehood remains unfulfilled. "Removing Article 370 was a necessary step, and we are proud of it. But the statehood that was to be granted after this has not yet been fulfilled. The security situation remains concerningthere is still no clear answer as to who was behind the recent terrorist activities in Pahalgam," Thackeray, the son of SS-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, said. Thackeray's remarks came as political leaders across the spectrum reflected on the impact of the decision taken in 2019, which significantly altered Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional and administrative status. Reacting to US President Donald Trump's latest comments threatening "substantially higher tariffs" on India over its continued oil trade with Russia, Thackeray expressed concern over the Indian government's silence. "The most important thing is that no Union Minister has responded to this yet. India appears helpless on the global stage. We must respond firmly. The Commerce Ministry should make a public statement, because this issue directly affects trade and, in turn, impacts the common citizen," he added. Taking a jibe at the friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, he added: "Trump and PM Modi were once hailed as best friends. But that so-called friendship is now nowhere to be seen." Commenting on the fifth anniversary of the Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan, Thackeray said, "Prominent saints like Shankaracharya were not even invited to the inauguration. The temple wasn't fully ready at the timeit became more of an election issue than a religious milestone. We had already said earlierfor them, its \First temple, then government'." Jammu, Aug 5 : As the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir marked the sixth anniversary of Article 370 abrogation, the Gorkha community celebrated the defining moment with great fanfare on Tuesday. Many members of the Gorkha community took to the streets and engaged in drumbeating to celebrate the watershed moment in J&K's history. It was six years ago, on August 5, 2019, that the Parliament revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories (UTs) - J&K with a legislature and Ladakh without a legislature. An atmosphere of festivity was visible among the Gorkha community as they described the revocation of special status as the beginning of peace and prosperity in the region, ending decades of discrimination and deprivation. They also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the bold decision six years ago. Karuna Chhetri, President of Jammu and Kashmir Gorkha Sabha, said that they remained deprived of basic rights for decades, when Articles 370 and 35A were in force. "Our children neither got equal opportunities in education nor were they given a share in government jobs. But since the revocation of Article 370, our children are being treated at par with locals and natives of Kashmir. We are celebrating this with full enthusiasm and gaiety," he said. On behalf of the Gorkha community, he thanked the Prime Minister for removing Article 370 and said that this marked an end to decades of injustice against them. "We have been living here for 200 years. But we did not have equal rights earlier. The previous dispensations never paid attention to our problems. By removing Article 370, PM Modi allowed us to redeem our rights. We are grateful to him because he has fulfilled the promise he made to us." He also took strong exception to Congress's efforts and demands for the restoration of statehood status by doing away with Article 370. "If the Congress party tries to bring back Article 370, we will risk our lives but will not return to that dark age again," he said. Manish Adhikari, another community member, said that today marks a special day for them in many ways. "We remained deprived of our rights for a long time. Ever since Article 370 and 35A were removed, we have joined the mainstream of development," he said. He further said that the Gorkha community has been living in the valley for 200 years, but has remained voiceless and ignored by the political class. As things have changed now, they are also getting representation in the framing of government policies. Washington/New York, Aug 5 : US President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday morning that he will impose higher tariffs on India in the next 24 hours for buying Russian oil and reselling products abroad, even though he asserted New Delhi was going to offer zero tariffs. Trump, who announced a 25 per cent tariff on India last week, told CNBC: "I think I'm going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours, because they're buying Russian oil." "India went from the highest tariffs ever (to)... they will give us zero tariffs, and they can go in," he said. "But that's not good enough because of what they're doing with oil, not good." Trump did not indicate what the Russian oil penalty tariff on India would be. He appeared to single out India, even though China, Turkey, and the European Union were also buying Russian oil, asserting that India was reselling products made from it at a high profit. India's External Affairs Ministry alluded to the double standards, saying Trump's threat was "unjustified and unreasonable". EU's trade with Russia was estimated at $67.5 billion last year, and the US "continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals", it said. "In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable," it said. "Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," it added. The ministry was, however, silent on China buying Russia's oil. Trump said that a trade deal with China was coming "very soon". India has been caught in the crossfire between Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who had defied the US President's demand to end the Ukraine War. For Trump, India appears to be a pressure point because it is the largest importer of Russian oil, accounting for 70 per cent of its exports. Trump said of India: "They're fueling the war machine. And if they're going to do that, then I'm not going to be happy." Asked by the CNBC interviewer if he was concerned that global prices would increase if India, the world's third-largest importer of oil, were to go to the open market, Trump said: "I'm not worried about prices because we're drilling at levels that nobody's ever seen before." Trump also said that he was planning special tariffs on pharmaceuticals, which could go up to 200 per cent in the next two years. Pharmaceuticals were the largest category of Indian exports to the US, almost $8.7 billion. Asked what the sticking point in the trade deal with India that seemed imminent was, Trump said: "The sticking point with India is that tariffs are too high." "They have the highest tariff of anybody. We do very, very little business with India because their tariffs are so high," he said. "So India has not been a good trading partner, because they do a lot of business with us, but we don't do business with them," he said. India-US trade in goods was $128.9 billion last year, according to the US Trade Representative, with US imports to India rising by 3 per cent from the previous year to $41.5 billion and India's exports $87.3 billion, up 4.5 per cent, for a goods trade deficit with India was $45.8 billion. Reacting to Trump's announcement on Monday on higher tariffs on India, Russia said that his attempts to force countries to stop trade relations with it were not legitimate. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "We believe that sovereign countries should have, and have the right to choose their own trade partners, partners in trade and economic cooperation" Earlier, China's Foreign Ministry said on X before Trump's threat singling out India that "China will always ensure its energy supply in ways that serve our national interests". --IANS al/vd Bhopal, Aug 5 : The Enforcement Directorate seized incriminating documents related to benami companies and properties during a search on the premises of a company, Advantage Overseas Pvt. Ltd, in a Rs 1,266 crore bank fraud case, an official said on Tuesday. The Bhopal Zonal Office conducted search operations in the case of Advantage Overseas Pvt. Ltd. (AOPL) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The search operation led to the recovery of substantial incriminating evidence, including documents indicating the existence of multiple companies opened in the name of employees/benamidars for laundering of Proceeds of Crime, the ED said. The investigation against the company was launched following the registration of an FIR for allegedly causing a loss to the tune of Rs 1,266.63 crore to the State Bank of India (SBI). ED investigation revealed that AOPL defrauded the bank first by raising its turnover 100 times in its account statements to take undue benefits from banks, did related party transactions and diverted the bank's funds in the guise of unsecured loans to themselves and their sister concerns via 73 different entities. After diverting funds, AOPL declared bankruptcy, forcing SBI to file an application in the National Company Law Tribunal. During the search operation, the ED seized incriminating documents. These documents revealed that the companyas director and his associates had acquired significant movable and immovable assets both in India as well in abroad. The assets identified during searches so far are estimated to be valued at over Rs 300 crore, the ED said. Earlier, the New Delhi-based Bank Security and Frauds Cell of the Central Bureau of Investigation registered an FIR against the company on receiving a complaint. The FIR was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against Advantage Overseas Pvt. Ltd. (borrower Company), and its directors/related persons and unknown public servants. Those named in the FIR were booked for penal provisions, including criminal conspiracy for the purpose of cheating, forgery of valuable security, and causing loss to the tune of Rs 1,266.63 crore to SBI. MOGADISHU, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Somali Ministry of Defense has confirmed that more than 70 al-Shabab fighters were killed during a four-day joint operation carried out in the strategic town of Bariire in the southern part of the country. The ministry said on Monday that the successful and well-coordinated operation by the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, backed by international partners, specifically targeted key al-Shabab strongholds around the town, breaking through their defensive positions. "The four-day operation achieved significant gains, despite the loss of two SNA soldiers who were martyred in action. An additional 12 soldiers sustained minor injuries and received prompt medical attention," the ministry said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Monday evening. The ministry said the operation, part of the broader "Silent Storm" campaign, thwarted a suicide attack attempt by the al-Shabab militants involving two explosives-laden vehicles targeting the joint forces, and delivered a decisive blow to the terror group. "Over 70 militants were killed during the assault, and multiple enemy positions were neutralized," it said, reiterating the government's firm commitment to eradicating al-Shabab from across the country and ensuring long-term peace and stability for the Somali people. The agriculturally rich Bariire, which lies about 60 km southwest of Mogadishu, is one of the strategic areas located in the Lower Shabelle region along the Shabelle River. Amaravati, Aug 5 : YSR Congress Party President and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday alleged that there is rampant corruption in the coalition government headed by Chandrababu Naidu. He claimed that corruption has spread widely, especially in the liquor business, illegal sand mining, and Amaravati land deals. Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that works for the state capital, Amaravati, are being awarded double the cost compared to Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Addressing a meeting of legal cell lawyers from the erstwhile Krishna and Guntur districts, he accused the TDP-led government of betraying even the lawyers, just like it had misled the people with false schemes like Super-6 and Super-7. He alleged that abelt shopsa (illegal liquor outlets) are being run in every village, permit rooms are being sold illegally, and liquor is being sold at prices much higher than the MRP. He criticised the government for collecting huge commissions in construction projects and misusing mobilisation advances. Jagan Mohan Reddy said the YSRCP had signed power purchase agreements at Rs 2.49 per unit, while the current government is signing them at Rs 4.60. He also said that people are being forced to pay bribes even to start a small business or industry. He accused some police officials of directly supporting gambling clubs and illegal activities. Stating that the state is witnessing dangerous political misuse of power, he urged lawyers to take the lead in fighting for justice. He stated that innocent people are being jailed without evidence, and false cases are being filed for political reasons. He urged the party's legal cell advocates to stand with the victims and protect their rights in court. He said that todayas situation is different from normal times and requires greater responsibility from the legal community. He appreciated the support lawyers have given to the party and described them as pillars of strength. He reminded them that if a petition is not filed and arguments are not made, justice cannot be expected. He said advocates have a key role to play and the party deeply values their service. Jagan Mohan Reddy said that under the present TDP-led coalition, justice and ethics have vanished. He said that if someone is identified as a political opponent, they are being sent to jail without proper evidence. He called it a shameful political culture. He alleged that confessions are being taken through threats and bribes, and false evidence is being created. He described the current conditions as the worst seen so far and called upon the legal community to take a stand. The YSR Congress chief announced that a new mobile app will be launched soon, where citizens can report injustices and upload evidence. He said this will go into a digital library and help take action against those misusing power. He assured the legal community that those who work hard for the party will be given recognition and that their efforts will not be forgotten. He recalled the support his government had extended to lawyers during the YSRCPas rule. He said Rs 100 crore was allocated to the Advocates' Welfare Fund, and one-third of insurance contributions were paid by the government. He also pointed out that reservations were given to lawyers from backward sections in GP and AGP positions. He said the Law Nestham scheme helped many young advocates and that his government always stood with the legal fraternity. Bengaluru, Aug 5 : Following strong criticism and a warning of arrest from the Karnataka High Court, the RTC employees' unions on Tuesday called off their indefinite bus strike across the state. Bengaluru, Aug 5 (IANS) Following strong criticism and a warning of arrest from the Karnataka High Court, the RTC employeesa unions on Tuesday called off their indefinite bus strike across the state. The unions had continued their protest despite the courtas earlier order and the state governmentas invocation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), which had brought bus services to a halt and caused widespread inconvenience to the public. A bench headed by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and comprising Justice C.M. Joshi, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the matter, strongly reprimanded the Joint Action Committee of RTC Labour Organisations. It warned that if the strike was not called off, contempt of court proceedings would be initiated, and the state government could arrest the office bearers under the ESMA. The court also issued notices to the State Road Transport Corporations Employees' Organisations. The matter was adjourned to August 7, and the stay on the indefinite strike was extended by two days. Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the state government, informed the court that the ongoing strike was causing severe hardship to the public. He further stated that discussions with the unions were ongoing under the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act. The bench questioned whether the strike had officially been called off and directed that this information be submitted to the court by Wednesday. It warned that failure to comply would result in contempt proceedings and arrest orders. "If you have issues, resolve them through discussions with the government. The court will not tolerate the public being used as leverage. Despite the High Courtas order, directions were not followed. Under the ESMA, office bearers can be arrested for this," it warned. Counsel for the Joint Action Committee informed the court that the strike would not continue. The bench also emphasised that public services should not be disrupted by the strike. Following the court's ruling, Joint Action Committee Chairman Ananth Subbarao, at a press conference, announced that the organisations respect the rule of law and have decided to postpone the indefinite strike. "The strike has been postponed. I appeal to all RTC employees to report to duty immediately," he urged. He further stated that the employees had not violated the High Courtas guidelines. "By the time we received the courtas order, the strike had already begun. Once we had the order copy, we ensured that no vehicles were stopped. We have asked our counsel to submit details of our demands and the government's response. We are seeking payment of 38 months' arrears, while the government has agreed to pay arrears for only 14 months. There is a funding gap of around Rs 1,000 crore between our demands and what the government is offering," Subbarao said. Counsel Deeksha Amrutesh, who filed the PIL, stated that the High Court had directed authorities to take action if the strike continued unofficially. She added that the indefinite strike was organised by five labour organisations coming together. Bus services across Karnataka were severely affected throughout the day on Tuesday as most RTC staffers did not report for duty until the strike was called off, causing major inconvenience to passengers. RTC services were disrupted across all district headquarters, especially in Bengaluru and northern Karnataka districts. Authorities deployed private buses as an alternative arrangement. However, women passengers had to pay for the service, unlike in government-run buses, where they are entitled to free travel. Many passengers arriving in Bengaluru from other states and relying on RTC buses to reach their destinations were stranded at the Majestic bus stand. Services of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) were also hit. Chennai, Aug 5 : Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad on Monday hailed Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the "modern Iron Man" of Gujarat, crediting him with playing a pivotal role in shaping the BJP into the world's largest political organisation and strengthening India's internal security framework. Chennai, Aug 5 (IANS) Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad on Monday hailed Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the "modern Iron Man" of Gujarat, crediting him with playing a pivotal role in shaping the BJP into the world's largest political organisation and strengthening India's internal security framework. Describing Shah as a resilient and visionary leader, Prasad said his political journey - from facing politically motivated legal challenges to becoming the longest-serving Home Minister in the country's history - showcases his unwavering commitment to the nation and the BJP's ideological foundation. Shah's early years in national politics were marred by controversies, particularly during the Congress-led UPA regime. He was arrested in 2010 in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case in Gujarat, a move the BJP has long described as politically motivated. However, in 2014, a court acquitted Shah of all charges, clearing the path for his meteoric rise within the party and government. Appointed Union Home Minister in 2019, Shah undertook sweeping reforms to modernise India's internal security and legal systems. One of his most historic decisions was the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status. Prasad described this move as "bold and transformative," crediting Shah's meticulous planning for ensuring smooth implementation and greater national integration. Shah also played a key role in the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which offers citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Despite widespread protests, Shah stood firm, defending the Act as a humanitarian initiative aligned with India's inclusive ethos. In 2023, Shah introduced comprehensive criminal law reforms, replacing colonial-era statutes with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. These laws aim to streamline the justice system, improve efficiency, and enhance citizen safety. As BJP National President from 2014 to 2020, Shah oversaw a period of unprecedented expansion, increasing party membership and ensuring electoral victories across multiple states. Prasad credited Shah's grassroots organisational capabilities and strategic foresight for strengthening the party's base. Shah has also taken a firm stance on national security. He has pushed for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), strengthened anti-terror legislation, and adopted a zero-tolerance approach to crime and corruption. These initiatives, Prasad said, have instilled greater public confidence in governance. "With over 2,250 days in office as Home Minister, Amit Shah has become the longest-serving in India's history. His legislative and organisational achievements make him a defining figure in modern Indian politics," Prasad said. "Despite facing vendetta politics from the Congress, he has emerged stronger, inspiring millions across the country," he said. Prasad concluded that Amit Shah's legacy as a reformer, strategist, and nationalist continues to shape India's future, making him a key pillar of the BJP and the government. --IANS aal/dan New Delhi, Aug 5 : In the run-up to the crucial hearing in the Supreme Court, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday urged the Centre to duly utilise the water of the Chenab river to resolve the long-pending water dispute with Haryana by shelving the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue. Taking part in deliberations at a meeting called by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil over the issue of the SYL canal amidst the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Mann said at the last meeting on July 9 the Union government informed that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan has been suspended, which "opens up a major opportunity for India to utilise water from the Chenab, one of the western rivers earlier given to Pakistan under the treaty". He said the Centre should now divert Chenab's water to Indian dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, or Bhakra, adding that to carry this extra water, new canals and infrastructure would be required, which would be built in Punjab. The SYL canal has been a bone of contention between Punjab and Haryana since the 1980s. After the meeting, Haryana CM told the media that a meeting was also held on July 9 in which "a very positive discussion took place." "This time also a step forward has also been taken, and the discussion was held in a positive atmosphere," he said. Saini said a positive reply would be given in the Supreme Court on August 13. "We are confident that a better solution to this issue will be found." In response to another question, the Chief Minister said the Indus Treaty "is a secondary issue in which Rajasthan will also get water." However, his Punjab counterpart Mann told the media the canals and infrastructure could be first used to meet the needs of Punjab, and after the state's requirements are met, the water can be supplied to Haryana and Rajasthan through the same canal system." He said using the Chenab water will reduce Punjab's dependence on groundwater, revive surface irrigation and support the farming community, which is the backbone of the state's economy, besides saving the groundwater of the state for future generations. CM Mann said Punjab, which is currently facing groundwater depletion, must be prioritised in any future strategies for the usage, diversion, or allocation of these river waters. He pleaded that the waters of the western rivers should be allocated to Punjab on priority, adding that new storage dams upstream of the existing Bhakra and Pong dams in Himachal Pradesh should be constructed, which would significantly enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters. Batting for shelving of the SYL canal issue, the Chief Minister unequivocally said the Sarda Yamuna link for transfer of surplus Sarda water to the Yamuna river and diversion of the Chenab water to the Beas through Rohtang tunnel should be done to eliminate the need for the SYL canal. He said the long-conceived project of the Sharda-Yamuna Link should be taken up on priority, and surplus water should be transferred to the Yamuna at a suitable location. Mann said the additional water available could offset the balance water requirement of the state of Haryana from the Ravi-Beas system, apart from addressing the ever-growing drinking water requirement of the capital city of Delhi and the availability of the Yamuna to Rajasthan. CM Mann said under the aforesaid eventuality again the issue of construction of the SYL canal could be shelved and put to rest forever. Batting for the Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL) canal, he said the pact of May 12, 1994, of allocation of the Yamuna waters to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan is to be reviewed after 2025. CM Mann said Punjab should be included as a partner state of the Yamuna waters allocations, and 60 per cent surplus waters of the Yamuna should be considered for the state while apportioning the Yamuna waters. --IANS vg/dan Dhaka: Close monitoring of Bangladesh-Pakistan relationship requires critical thinking. The bilateral relations have hastened due to the dynamics of internal polity within the two countries along with the anti-India detestation. Pakistan, a praetorian ideological Islamic state is linked to Al-Qaeda's jihadi network. In post-Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus' interim administration, the jihadi groups and radical Islamists are re-grouping due to poor governance and lawlessness, threatening to destroy the secular fabric of the nation carved out of 'hasa Aandolan', the Bengali Language Movement which gave rise to Bengali nationalism. Driven by this Bengali nationalism, people of East Pakistan had unified to create Bangladesh. Dhaka: Close monitoring of Bangladesh-Pakistan relationship requires critical thinking. The bilateral relations have hastened due to the dynamics of internal polity within the two countries along with the anti-India detestation. Pakistan, a praetorian ideological Islamic state is linked to Al-Qaeda's jihadi network. In post-Sheikh Hasinaas Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus' interim administration, the jihadi groups and radical Islamists are re-grouping due to poor governance and lawlessness, threatening to destroy the secular fabric of the nation carved out of 'hasa Aandolan', the Bengali Language Movement which gave rise to Bengali nationalism. Driven by this Bengali nationalism, people of East Pakistan had unified to create Bangladesh. Over the years, Bangladesh's economic development and economic indicators have improved much more than Pakistan. Due to political instability, terrorism, chaos and violence, criminality and corruption, weak governance and insurgency the wheel of economic and industrial development in Pakistan stopped a long time ago. The present situation of Bangladesh sadly mirrors that of Pakistan in disconcerting ways. Leaning heavily into Islamist ideology, the interim administration led by Yunus is deliberately crippling the once-thriving garment industry of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is currently the worldas second largest exporter of garments, behind only China. A sluggish performance and compounding political problems in this sector have derailed its growth. Dhaka's financial claim from Islamabad is to the tune of USD $4.32 billion as a fair share from the assets of undivided Pakistan before 1971. Moreover, Bangladesh has also demanded USD $200 million received as foreign aid from countries and agencies to then East Pakistan during the extremely deadly November 1970 Bhola cyclone. These demands were raised at the sixth round of Foreign Secretary-level bilateral consultations held between the two countries after a hiatus of 15 years, in Dhaka on April 17. In terms of population, Bangladesh was a 56 per cent partner and its foreign exchange earnings stood at 54 per cent. If any equality principle is followed, Bangladesh can claim at least 50 per cent. Dhaka has demanded a formal apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed before and during the Liberation War but Islamabad has shown no propensity to do so. The visit of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka was scheduled in April this year but was postponed due to the direct involvement of Pakistan in the horrifying killings of tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Having rescheduled his visit to later this month, Dhaka is again gearing up to welcome a Pakistani Foreign Minister after a gap of 13 years who will be accompanied by a large Pakistani delegation. A Joint Working Group comprising officials from the Bangladesh foreign ministry and the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka has been formed as both countries plan to sign several MoUs during Dar's visit, particularly in trade, investment, and other areas like agriculture, digital economy, environment protection, marine sciences, green infrastructure, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Both Bangladesh and Pakistan have also established direct air connectivity after nearly a decade and signed an MoU on granting on-arrival visas to diplomatic and official passport holders. The decision was taken on July 23 during the visit of Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Dhaka and his meeting with Bangladesh's Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Bangladesh seeks to resolve pending financial entitlements and historically unresolved issues with Pakistan. In a significant move earlier this year, Bangladesh purchased white rice from Pakistan under a government-to-government deal. This direct trade also established a direct maritime connectivity between the two countries. The Yunus administration is keen to "reset" ties with the tyrannical Pakistan, which had undermined democracy in East Pakistan, crushed peopleas rights by the bayonet of the gun, plundered the economy and reminded the Bengali Muslims the superiority of Urdu language while denigrating Bengali. Surprisingly, Yunus is playing to the tune of jihadists and radical Islamists in deciding the foreign policy course of Bangladesh. It is likely that Bangladesh may raise the issue of the Rakhine or Humanitarian Corridor with Pakistan. The proposed corridor may be used as a cover for geopolitical restructuring. Recently, three officers from the Pakistan Army Medical Corps had visited Bangladesh. Interestingly, these three officers had newly-issued passports with no stamps or other markings on the pages with one-year validity indicative of a specific purpose of the visit. They had visited Ramu Cantonment, headquarter of Bangladesh Armyas 10th Infantry Division. This division is one of three within the Chattogram Division and was formed as part of the Bangladesh Armed Forcesa Goal 2030 development vision. There is likelihood of Pakistani involvement in activities related to the Arakan Army at Ramu within a broader regional context, where the role of Arakan Army and the strategic presence of China cannot be overruled. The Arakan Army gets funds and arms and weapons from China to protect Chinese economic interests in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, particularly the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. The timing, the nature of travel documents and the choice of a highly sensitive military zone like Ramu point to a joint Bangladesh-Pakistan covert military arrangement. Looking at Pakistan's inimical overtures, it is relevant to point out that Pakistan may leverage the situation by positioning its non-state actors in Bangladesh, making them mingle with the Rohingya refugees and working in conjunction with the radical-Islamist coterie promoting anti-India activities. (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 5 : The Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday approved various proposals for buying military hardware at a total cost of about Rs 67,000 crore. Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was accorded for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for the Indian Armyas BMP fleet. This will enhance the night driving capability of BMPs and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the Mechanised Infantry, according to an official statement. For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for the procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, BrahMos Fire Control System & Launchers, and upgradation of BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System. The procurement of the Compact Autonomous Surface Craft will provide the capability to the navy for detection, classification and neutralisation of threats in anti-submarine warfare missions, the statement said. For the Indian Air Force, AoN was accorded for the procurement of mountain radars and the upgradation of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER weapon system. The procurement of mountain radars will enhance the air surveillance capability along and across the borders in the mountainous region. The upgradation of SAKSHAM/SPYDER System for integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System will enhance the air defence capability, the statement said. AoN was also accorded for the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the three Services. The proposed MALE RPAs can carry multiple payloads and weapons and operate at longer ranges for long endurance missions. They will significantly enhance round-the-clock surveillance and combat capability of the armed forces, the statement said. In addition, the DAC has also accorded AoN for sustenance of C-17 and C-130J planes of the Indian Air Force fleet and a comprehensive annual maintenance contract of the S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System, the statement added. The Ministry of Defence had also last month signed a contract with public sector defence company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars for the army, worth approximately Rs 2,000 crore. With a minimum 70 per cent indigenous content, these Fire Control Radars will be able to detect all forms of airborne threats, including fighter aircraft, attack helicopters and enemy drones. This would mark a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Air Defence Regiments and enhance the armyas operational readiness. Beirut, Aug 5 : The Israeli army has begun fortifying five key military positions it continues to occupy along the southern Lebanon border, according to a Lebanese security source and eyewitnesses. "Several Israeli military work crews, including bulldozers and excavators, are carrying out fortification and reinforcement operations at these five sites under the protection of Merkava tanks and with intensive drone surveillance," a Lebanese security source told Xinhua news agency on Tuesday. The construction activities reportedly include raising earthen berms, installing concrete barriers, building shelters for military vehicles, setting up monitoring systems, and surrounding the areas with barbed wire. Eyewitnesses from the border villages told Xinhua that the Israeli construction efforts are "clearly visible." Last weekend, the Israeli army established a new observation point on Al-Hamamis Hill -- one of the five positions located in the eastern sector of the southern Lebanese border area, according to another Lebanese security source. Military sources explained that the five positions held by Israeli army are located on dominant hills, "with a commanding view for both observation and firepower." A ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the United States and France, has been in effect since November 27, 2024, following more than a year of clashes triggered by the war in the Gaza Strip. Last week, four members of the Lebanese group Hezbollah were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes targetting Hezbollah positions in eastern and southern Lebanon. Israeli warplanes carried out 18 airstrikes Thursday afternoon on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa region and the deep south, according to the National News Agency. Despite the agreement, which required a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon by the February 18 deadline, Israel continues to occupy five positions in the south. It has been carrying out airstrikes in the southern and eastern regions of the country, claiming they are aimed at eliminating Hezbollah "threats". Aizawl, Aug 5 : Mizoram Governor, General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) said on Tuesday that Mizoram University's (MZU) 15th position among Central Universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings was noted as a testament to its excellence. Aizawl, Aug 5 (IANS) Mizoram Governor, General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) said on Tuesday that Mizoram Universityas (MZU) 15th position among Central Universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings was noted as a testament to its excellence. The Governor, who is the Chief Rector of Mizoram University (MZU), graced a grand ceremony at the varsity to celebrate the universityas prestigious A+ Grade (CGPA 3.30) accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Congratulating the Central University, General Singh (Retd), for achieving the coveted NAAC A+ Grade, lauded its remarkable progress since its establishment in 2000 and formal operations in 2001. He highlighted the universityas emergence as a leading academic institution in Northeast India and nationwide, citing its consistent inclusion among the top 100 universities in the NIRF, with an impressive 77th rank in the latest evaluation and MZUas 15th position among Central Universities in the NIRF rankings was noted as a testament to its excellence. The Governor expressed confidence in MZUas potential for further growth, urging the university community to pursue even greater achievements through dedicated and visionary efforts. With 43 international students from 15 countries, MZUas diverse and high-quality academic environment is a point of pride, he added and encouraged students and faculty to uphold integrity and diligence, positioning MZU as a nurturing ground for ethical leaders and a future leader in research, innovation, and technology. The Governor further commended MZUas advancements in academic and research domains, including its alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, implementation of the Academic Bank of Credits, an h-index of 98 in research publications, and ownership of 46 patents. He praised MZU for being a pioneer in Northeast India by offering online courses through MOOCs and SWAYAM platforms and establishing the region's only DRDO Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence. He highlighted the universityas inclusive and sustainable initiatives, such as its disability-friendly and eco-friendly campus, as well as its active engagement in extension activities. MZU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka expressed pride in the university being among the few central universities in India, out of 56, to secure the NAAC A+ Grade. Kolkata, Aug 5 : West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Tuesday, reiterated her allegation that the BJP-led Union government wants to impose the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal through Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. "A plan to slap NRC is being hatched in the name of conducting SIR. Ensure that your name is on the voter's list. Every individual must have his name on the voter's list. If anyone's name is excluded, then bring it to the notice of the concerned authorities. We will stand by those people. We will not tolerate if people are sent to Bangladesh after deleting their names from voters' list. Indian citizens shouldn't be branded as Bangladeshis," Banerjee said. Speaking to media persons after visiting flood-affected areas in Ghatal of West Midnapore district, the Chief Minister also added that it was the Election Commission of India that planned the idea of the EPIC card. "Who came up with Aadhaar cards? Crores of rupees were spent to make these cards. Why won't these cards, along with ration cards, be considered proof of citizenship? It is a planned game by the BJP government at the Centre with the help of the ECI. We do not tolerate this," CM Banerjee said. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister once again criticised the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for releasing its water to West Bengal and vowed to erect a dam and channel the water back to Jharkhand after coming to power post the 2026 state Assembly polls. "I come to Ghatal every time. This place witnesses floods everywhere. This time, the DVC has broken all records by releasing water. They do not dredge there. They have not dredged for 20 years. When it rains, water is released into Bengal. After the 2026 state Assembly polls, we will plan how to stop the release of water. It will cost money. But we will also build a dam and then release it somewhere else. We are fed up with taking this pain. This time we will also make a game plan," CM Banerjee said. The Chief Minister also hit out at the Union government for its alleged step-motherly attitude towards Bengal. "Earlier, the Union government used to give money to prevent the erosion of the Ganges. Now we have to do everything by ourselves. I have been telling the Union government about the Ghatal Master Plan for a long time. They have not done anything. It was supposed to be done by them. But we have already made a plan worth Rs 1,500 crore. The work has started. More work will be done after the monsoon season. A committee has been formed," she said. She again criticised the BJP for its stance on the Bengali language and Bengali migrant workers. "Now they (BJP) are saying that Bengali is not a language. Instead, they are demanding that I (Chief Minister) be arrested under the National Security Act for raising these questions. I am speaking in Bengali again. How dare they say that there is no language called Bengali," she said. Earlier on Tuesday, CM Banerjee told that West Bengal has registered a 12 per cent year-on-year growth in gross GST collections for July 2025. In a social media post, CM Banerjee said the state collected Rs 5,895 crore in GST revenue last month, up from Rs 5,257 crore in July 2024. "Glad to share that West Bengal has reported a robust 12 per cent year-on-year growth in gross GST collections for July 2025, recording a collection of Rs 5,895 crore, compared to Rs 5,257 crore in the same month last year, according to provisional figures just released by the Union government," she said. "Cumulative growth rate in our state's GST revenue till July is 7.71 per cent. This marks a steady improvement in business and consumption in West Bengal, which is a sign of good economic health," CM Banerjee added. Hyderabad, Aug 5 : Upset over being denied a Cabinet berth, Telangana Congress MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy said on Tuesday that he is once again ready for a "sacrifice" for the people of his constituency. The MLA from Munugode in Nalgonda district said that he was promised a Cabinet berth when he returned to the Congress in 2023. He, however, claimed that he was not running for any position. Rajagopal Reddy, who is the brother of Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, said he would have become the minister if he had contested from LB Nagar, but he contested from Munugode for the sake of the people of the constituency. "If I become a minister, it will be useful for people. Unlike others, I don't want to become a minister by lobbying or to indulge in the loot," he said while speaking to media persons. Rajagopal Reddy said if he was asked to choose between a ministerial position and the people of Munugode, he would choose the people of the constituency. "When I joined the party, I was promised a Cabinet berth. I am not the one to amass wealth by misusing positions. I am not asking minister's post for my personal interest. People of Munugode feel that if I become minister, this will help them," he said. He also claimed that he was promised a Cabinet berth if he ensured the victory of the Congress candidate from Bhuvanagiri Lok Sabha constituency. "It's for the party high command to decide whether to give me the post or not. Those who came from other parties and my juniors were also made ministers. I am not the one to get the posts by touching the feet of others," he said. Meanwhile, reacting to his brother's remarks, Venkat Reddy said he was not aware if Rajagopal Reddy had been promised the Cabinet post. He also remarked on whether those seeking the post were eligible for it. Venkat Reddy stated that making Rajagopal Reddy a minister was not in his hands. Rajagopal Reddy had quit Congress to join the BJP in 2022 to force a by-election to the Munugode seat. He, however, suffered defeat at the hands of the TRS (now BRS) candidate. He quit the BJP to return to the Congress days before the 2023 Assembly elections, and still managed to get the ticket and was re-elected from the same constituency. After Congress came to power, Rajagopal Reddy openly expressed his desire to become a minister. He had also gone on record that he wants the Home portfolio. However, Rajagopal Reddy was not included in the Cabinet and was ignored again in June when Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expanded the Cabinet with the induction of three ministers. NAIROBI, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Tuesday that a 50-member expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is underway to raise awareness about the rapid melting of glaciers caused by climate change. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and a vital water tower for millions in Kenya and Tanzania, Africa's tallest mountain is losing its glaciers at an alarming rate. To draw global attention to this threat, youth from Kenya, Tanzania, and the United States, scientists, UN experts, and climate advocates started climbing the mountain on Monday, expected to finish their mission on Sunday. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO director-general, said that ascending Mount Kilimanjaro summit will amplify the urgency to act on climate-induced melting of glaciers, and the existential threats it poses to livelihoods and ecosystems. "With science as our compass, the international community must unite to protect our glaciers," Azoulay said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. "This is what the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, led by UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization, is all about." The expedition, led by famed polar explorer Borge Ousland and Kilimanjaro Initiative founder Tim Challen, will blend science and advocacy. Climbers will conduct environmental research during the ascent, collecting data on water contamination, vegetation stress, and ecosystem health. The mission also supports UNESCO's Kilimanjaro Transboundary Aquifer System Program, an 8 million U.S. dollars initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility to promote sustainable groundwater management and climate resilience in the Kenya-Tanzania border region. Mount Kilimanjaro has lost 85 percent of its glacial ice and over 30 percent of its forest cover since 1912, UNESCO said, citing researchers from the University of Dodoma, Tanzania. UNESCO warns that the ecological crisis is worsening droughts, degrading ecosystems, and increasing water scarcity, especially for women and other vulnerable groups. Bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders is key to spotlighting the threats facing this critical water tower and driving solutions, said Challen. Jaipur, Aug 5 : Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has announced a special double gift for the women of Rajasthan, and declared that women in the state will be able to travel free of cost in Rajasthan State Roadways buses for two days - on August 9 (Raksha Bandhan) and August 10. This facility will be available for travel within the state boundaries. Emphasising the cultural significance of the festival, the Chief Minister said that Raksha Bandhan is not just a celebration but a reflection of India's deep-rooted social and familial values. The initiative aims to ensure that no sister is deprived of meeting her brother on this auspicious occasion. Marking another significant gesture, the Chief Minister also transferred Rs 501 each through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to 1.21 lakh Anganwadi sisters across the state as a Raksha Bandhan gift. Sharma lauded the pivotal role of Anganwadi workers in nurturing future generations, calling Anganwadi centres the "temples of values" and describing Anganwadi workers as the second gurus of children after their mothers. He said that only when women are empowered can the state and country truly become strong. On this occasion, he also administered a pledge of nutrition to the Anganwadi sisters to reinforce the state's commitment to building a well-nourished Rajasthan. The Chief Minister highlighted the government's ongoing efforts for women's empowerment and strengthening Anganwadi services. He noted that the honorarium of Anganwadi workers, assistants has been increased by 10 per cent in 2024 and 2025. The state government has also initiated the opening of 1,000 new Anganwadi centres and the development of 2,365 model centres, along with the allocation of Rs 50 crore for repairs. To improve child nutrition, fortified supplementary food is being provided to around 40 lakh women and children. Additionally, the Chief Minister's 'Amrit Aahar Yojana' has been launched to provide hot, sweet milk five days a week to children aged 3 to 6 years at Anganwadi centres. Speaking on broader women-centric initiatives, Sharma said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new chapter of women's empowerment is being written. India is among the few countries where women now have strong representation in governance, and this has been further strengthened by the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, ensuring reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. He also referred to key national schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Lakhpati Didi, which are empowering women across the country. The event concluded with Anganwadi sisters tying Rakhi to the Chief Minister, who reaffirmed his promise to ensure their safety, dignity, and welfare, stating, "This Rakhi tied by sisters is my protective shield." New Delhi, Aug 5 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday carried out raids at 19 locations across Punjab in connection with the March grenade attack on a temple in Amritsar. The searches were conducted in the border districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Batala as part of a widening investigation into the terror incident. The raids led to the seizure of several incriminating materials, including mobile phones and other digital devices, the agency said. According to the NIA, the grenade attack on Thakur Dwara Sanatan Temple, located on Sher Shah Road in Amritsar, was orchestrated by terrorists supported by foreign-based handlers. The attack occurred on the night of March 14 and is one of several such incidents in Punjab attributed to terror modules with overseas links. The case, registered as RC-08/2025/NIA/DLI, revealed that two accused individuals a" Gursidak Singh (now deceased) and Vishal Gill a" were directly involved in the execution of the attack. Gursidak Singh had been in contact with foreign handlers who recruited Indian nationals to carry out acts of terror. The handlers reportedly radicalised vulnerable youth, offering them money and drugs in exchange for conducting grenade attacks and smuggling weapons. The investigation also found that Gursidak Singh and Gill were engaged in multiple operations involving the movement and delivery of grenades and firearms across different locations in Punjab. These activities were aimed at spreading fear and disrupting communal harmony in the state. "Gursidak Singh and Vishal Gill were involved in multiple instances of picking and dropping of grenades, weapons, etc., as per the NIA investigations, which are continuing," the NIA said in a press statement. The NIA is continuing with its action against operatives of various terror modules threatening the security and sovereignty of the country. The agencyas probe is ongoing, with more arrests and evidence collection expected in the coming weeks. New Delhi, Aug 5 : The Monsoon Session of Parliament on August 5, 2025, witnessed a charged exchange in the Rajya Sabha, reflecting the intensifying friction between the Opposition and the ruling establishment. The "alleged" presence of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel in the Rajya Sabha during recent Opposition protests has raised concerns and sparked a debate over the evolving nature of security within Parliament. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge brought the issue to the fore, not only through his remarks on the floor but also via a formal written complaint to the Chair. In his letter, which was subsequently shared with the media, Kharge expressed "astonishment and shock" at what he described as an unprecedented breach of democratic convention. "We are astonished and shocked at the manner in which CISF personnel are made to run into the Well of the House when Members are exercising their democratic rights of protest," he wrote. Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, who has been presiding over the House since Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation, responded promptly. He dismissed the allegations as "absolutely wrong," clarifying that only Marshals, appointed under the authority of the Chair, are permitted to enter the House. The Deputy Chairman also objected to the public release of Kharge's letter, describing it as privileged communication and inappropriate for media circulation prior to its formal receipt. The exchange sparked a wider debate on the boundaries of dissent and decorum within Parliament. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Kharge of "misleading the people" and raised a procedural concern: What mechanisms exist to address instances where a senior parliamentarian is alleged to have misrepresented facts in official correspondence? Leader of the House JP Nadda intensified the rhetoric, offering what he termed "tuition" to the Opposition on the conduct expected in a Parliamentary democracy. Drawing on his four decades in Opposition, the leader of the House argued that protest must not descend into obstruction. "If you wield a stick and it hits me in the nose, your democracy ends where my nose starts," he said, using a metaphor to distinguish between legitimate dissent and disruptive behaviour. He reiterated that those maintaining order in the House are Marshals, not paramilitary personnel, and accused the Opposition of engaging in "anarchy." The episode underscores the contested terrain of Parliamentary protest. Kharge's invocation of former Leaders of the Opposition - Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj - who had previously defended disruptions as part of democratic expression, points to a historical continuity in the use of protest as a legislative tool. Yet, the current ruling party, once vocal in its own dissent, now characterises similar tactics as undemocratic, he said. Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh cited Rule 235 and Rule 238 of the Rajya Sabha's procedural framework, which prohibit disorderly conduct and offensive expressions, respectively. He argued that entering the Well of the House and shouting slogans undermines the dignity of the institution. The Opposition, however, maintains that such actions are warranted when the government refuses to engage on substantive issuessuch as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which has also been a flashpoint. The CISF officially replaced the Parliament Security Service in May 2024, following a major security breach in December 2023. While the transition was part of broader institutional reforms, its implications are now under scrutiny. The controversy surrounding CISF presence is further complicated by the recent overhaul of Parliament's security architecture. While official sources assert that CISF personnel now serve as Marshals, the Opposition contends that their deployment inside the chamber, particularly during protests, amounts to a militarisation of legislative space. This moment in the Rajya Sabha is more than a procedural skirmish. The question of alleged CISF presence touches upon the sanctity of Parliamentary customs and the delicate balance between order and dissent. As the Monsoon Session progresses, this incident is likely to become a touchstone in future debates on the limits of protest, the role of security, and the shared responsibility of both the Chair and the Opposition in safeguarding democratic norms. Bengaluru, Aug 5 : Launching a scathing attack on the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly talking against the armed forces and Operation Sindoor, Karnataka BJP unit said on Tuesday that he is bringing disgrace to the entire nation and foreign countries are mocking us due to his conduct. Speaking to the media at the state BJP office -- Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru -- on Tuesday, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has said that "Rahul Gandhi is bringing disgrace to the entire nation. Foreign countries are mocking us after seeing the conduct of our political leaders. A court has passed an order, and if he had any dignity, Rahul Gandhi should have resigned by now". He also demanded that Rahul Gandhi's conduct is not suited to this country, and therefore he should resign immediately. "Congress leaders are engaging in actions that question the stability of the country. The law of the land is the same for everyone. How fair is it for the Congress to question court verdicts? Isn't this "anti-democratic" and "unconstitutional"?" he asked. "You often deliver speeches about B.R. Ambedkar, but are you truly respecting the Constitution he gave us?" BJP leader Narayanaswamy asked. "As Leader of the Opposition, what exactly is Rahul Gandhi doing? It's time to question whether his position in the Lok Sabha is justified. The Congress still seems to have leadership that supports Rahul Gandhi's irrationality," he said. He also said, "If a court verdict favours Congress, they hail it as a victory for democracy and respect for the judiciary. But if the verdict goes against their mindset, they claim democracy is in danger and the Constitution is under threat. This kind of double standards in politics is something only Congress can manage -- no one else." BJP leader Narayanaswamy criticised Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad for tweeting against the judiciary in support of Rahul Gandhi. Referring to the court's dismissal of the saffron terror case for lack of credible and strong evidence, he said, "Even this was opposed by Minister Priyanka Kharge. Then what respect does Congress have for the judiciary or the Constitution? Yet they lecture us." "B.K. Hariprasad and Priyanka Kharge must apologise to the people of the country. If not, they are unfit to continue as political leaders," BJP leader Narayanaswamy added. He asked, "Why did the court ask if it is appropriate for someone who is a citizen of this country to make such remarks? Does Rahul Gandhi know what is happening in this country better than its own government? Rahul Gandhi claims China has already taken over 20,000 square km of land. Did the President of China tell him? Why is he spreading lies?" He accused the Congress of consistently trying to divide the country, saying, "This has been Congress's legacy from the beginning." "Congress imposed an Emergency rejecting a court verdict that proved electoral malpractice. Now again, they are spreading falsehoods and misleading people through negative politics. Rahul Gandhi is tarnishing the image of the nation," he alleged. Bhopal, Aug 5 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and several other BJP leaders and Ministers, on Tuesday, congratulated veteran party leader Amit Shah for becoming the longest-serving Union Home Minister of the country. The Chief Minister in a congratulatory message posted on his official social media X account said, "Heartfelt congratulations to our guide (Amit Shah) on achieving the historic milestone of serving as India's Home Minister for the longest period." Chief Minister Yadav, who has received praise from Union Minister Shah at different occasions, expressed his gratitude to the Union Home Minister for his bold and courageous decisions, including setting a deadline to end Maoism from Madhya Pradesh by 2026. "Under your (Amit Shah) decisive leadership, India has taken unprecedented steps towards becoming a secure, organised and empowered nation by delivering powerful blows to Naxalism, terrorism and separatism," he wrote on X. Senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister, Kailash Vijayvargiya, who had served as party's National General Secretary and in-charge for West Bengal, when Union Minister Shah was the BJP President, called him as an "architect of BJP" and a steadfast leader for national policy. "A pillar of inspiration for the countless workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the architect of the organisation, and a steadfast leader for national policy, (Amit Shah) today has become the longest-serving Union Home Minister in Indian history," Vijayvargiya wrote on X. He further noted that, for more than 2,258 days, Home Minister Shah has been continuously engaged in service of India with complex dedication, unwavering loyalty, and with a resolve for nation's interest. Vijayvargiya highlighted historic decisions taken by Centre after Amit Shah became the Union Home Minister, prominently abrogating Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and his commitment to make India Maoist-free by 2026. "Under his (Amit Shah's) leadership, the achievements India has attained in terms of security, sovereignty and stability are truly inspiring. On this glorious achievement, I heartily congratulate Home Minister ji," he added. With 2,258 days of taking charge, Amit Shah has become the longest-serving Union Home Minister, surpassing the previous record held by veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani. Amit Shah assumed the office in the second term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on May 30, 2019. Coincidentally, the milestone in Home Minister Shah's tenure comes on August 5, the date he announced the abrogation of Article 370 in Parliament in 2019, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Kolkata, Aug 5 : West Bengal Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and BJP leader, Suvendu Adhikari, on Tuesday, received a call from the Union Home Ministry enquiring about following an attack on his convoy at Cooch Behar town in Cooch Behar district. Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally called up former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and former BJP Lok Sabha member from Cooch Behar constituency, Nisith Pramanik, and enquired about the attack on LoP Adhikari. Thereafter, LoP Adhikari received a call from an official from the Union Home Ministry, who sought details on the attack on the latter's convoy earlier on Tuesday, sources said. After getting the details on the attack, the Union Home Ministry official also enquired about LoP Adhikari's health condition. According to sources, the LoP said over the phone that had he not been travelling in a bullet-proof car otherwise he could have died today. He also thanked the Union Home Ministry for calling him to enquire about the incident. According to sources, the Union Home Ministry was also concerned about such attacks on LoP Adhikari's convoy. Sources said that if necessary, the security of LoP Adhikari will be further strengthened. "Such repeated attacks on his vehicle were matters of concern for the top BJP leadership, especially when state Assembly polls are just scheduled to be held next year," a party insider said. Earlier on Tuesday, LoP Adhikari said that he would write a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, State Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, and the State Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, alleging security lapses despite the fact that he was entitled to Z-category security. LoP Adhikari will also remind the top state government officials that his programme on Tuesday in the Cooch Behar district was held following the Calcutta High Court order. The development came after LoP Adhikari's convoy was attacked on Tuesday at Cooch Behar town in West Bengal after he reached there to participate in a scheduled protest rally. LoP Adhikari, along with 65 other BJP legislators, was scheduled to march through the Cooch Behar town to the office of the district police superintendent and submit a memorandum on the attacks on elected BJP representatives in the district in the recent past. As the convoy of the LoP reached Khagrabari in Cooch Behar town, a group of Trinamool Congress activists rushed from the sides and tried to block the vehicles. First, the Trinamool Congress workers started protesting by showing black flags to LoP Adhikari. Soon, the mob turned violent and attacked the LoP's convoy with bamboo sticks, iron rods, and started pelting stones as well as bricks on the cars in the convoy. Fortunately, LoP Adhikari did not receive any injury because of the bullet-proof glass of the vehicle in which he was travelling. New Delhi, Aug 5 : Bharatiya Janata Party's national spokesperson and former Delhi MLA, RP Singh, on Tuesday issued a scathing statement against Canada, accusing it of enabling extremism by allowing the establishment of a so-called "Khalistan Embassy" in Surrey, British Columbia. New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party's national spokesperson and former Delhi MLA, RP Singh, on Tuesday issued a scathing statement against Canada, accusing it of enabling extremism by allowing the establishment of a so-called "Khalistan Embassy" in Surrey, British Columbia. Calling it a "Serpentarium," Singh likened the development to creating a breeding ground for separatist forces and warned that Canada's actions pose a serious threat to international diplomatic norms. "This goes beyond poor judgment," Singh said, "It is a direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which recognises only missions of sovereign nations - not imaginary separatist states." He referenced Hillary Clinton's famous warning to Pakistan, saying: "You can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours. Eventually, those snakes are going to turn on you." Singh claimed that under the guise of "freedom of expression," Canada is harbouring extremist elements who have glorified terrorism, incited violence against India, and were even linked to past assassinations of Indian diplomats. "This is not free speech," Singh added. "It is state-enabled sedition against a friendly democracy." Calling for immediate action, he urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to register a strong diplomatic protest with the Canadian government. Singh also demanded: "An official clarification on the alleged 'Khalistan Embassy', "withdrawal of any funding or support to such separatist entities", and "swift action against individuals promoting violence against Indian institutions." "India has always shown diplomatic maturity," he said, "but there must be zero tolerance for states that give oxygen to separatist agendas." Closing his statement with a strong message to Canada, Singh asked: "Are you nurturing democracy - or incubating terrorism?" and reminded Ottawa that "India will not be a silent spectator when its sovereignty is mocked on foreign soil." Hyderabad, Aug 5 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Tuesday dismissed the P. C. Ghose Commission report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project as 'trash' and 'all gas'. He dared the Congress government to place the full 655-page report before the people and allow BRS MLAs to speak in the Assembly without cutting the mic. Rama Rao said that the Congress government's trickery was clear in compressing a 655-page report into 60 pages. KTR said as soon as the report was submitted, the ruling party leaked it to their loyal media by midnight, got 'baseless', 'rotten' news written, and deliberately conspired against former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and BRS. "If the Congress government has the guts, they should hold a discussion in the Assembly without cutting the mic. The responsibility to tear it apart is ours," said the BRS leader. Earlier, BRS leader and former minister T. Harish Rao made a presentation before the media for a rebuttal of the Ghose Commission report. Harish Rao, who, along with KCR, was indicted by the Commission for alleged irregularities in the project, said that the Congress was indulging in "Goebbels' propaganda." He, however, said in the end truth would prevail. "BRS will come back. Within a few months of coming to power, we will provide water to farmers and prove that Kaleshwaram is indeed a boon for Telangana," said the former minister for irrigation and finance. Harish Rao stated that many such commissions submitted reports for political harassment. "None of them stood in the court of law. Reports given with political malice will not stand before the law," he said. The BRS leader alleged that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was running 'daily serials' in the name of commissions. Apart from the malicious intent to harass KCR, this government has no sincerity to do good for farmers, he said. Harish Rao said that Revanth Reddy has done nothing in two years, except sending 'bags of commissions' to Delhi and imposing commissions on the opposition. He said under KCR's leadership, a historic agreement was made with Maharashtra to construct the Kaleshwaram project, but the Congress government has not built a single project in these two years. Stating that the British government had formed a Commission against Sir Arthur Cotton, Harish Rao said future generations would treat KCR like God for the construction Kaleshwaram project. He demanded that the government make public the entire report of the Ghose Commission so that the truth comes out. He alleged that both Congress and the BJP were resorting to political vendetta. Bhopal, Aug 5 : The Madhya Pradesh School Education Minister, Uday Pratap Singh, said on Tuesday that private schools failing to comply with the state government's norms may face tough action, including cancellation of their recognition or registration. The Minister made this statement responding to a query raised by the Opposition Congress during the ongoing Monsoon session of the Assembly. The Congress has sought state government's response on private schools in Madhya Pradesh increasing annual fees abruptly without following mandatory guidelines issued by the government. "The schools that do not fulfill prescribed norms will not be allowed to operate. The institutions failing to meet standard set up under the government's rule will be blacklisted," the Minister said. He acknowledged that many schools failing to meet the criteria have been identified and notices were issued to them with clear instructions to follow mandatory rules. Around 5,000 private schools have not even applied for their recognition or re-registration, raising concern on regulatory compliance in school education department in Madhya Pradesh, he said. "Many such schools have been identified, but they have been left with clear instructions to follow the norms. Any prompt action could have affect children's future," the Minister added. Overall, the Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a healthy discussion on various issues, especially on state government's proposal for establishing metropolitan cities, urbanisation, and industrial and economic growth in the state. State's Urban Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who put forth the state government's roadmap for a mix of IT and industrial growth under the Metropolitan City Act, the state government said, has prepared a complete blueprint considering the challenges till the next 25 years. Amaravati, Aug 5 : The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday sanctioned funds to fulfil its election promise of financial aid of Rs 1 lakh each for Hajj pilgrims. The government sanctioned Rs 72 lakh towards financial aid for pilgrims who had opted for Vijayawada as the embarkation point for Hajj-2025. Minorities Welfare Minister N. Md Farooq said that the TDP-led government has fulfilled the promise made in the elections last year. The financial assistance will be provided to all those pilgrims who had opted for Vijayawada as the first priority embarkation point. However, they had to depart for Saudi Arabia from Hyderabad as flights from Vijayawada were cancelled due to fewer passengers. A total of 72 pilgrims had selected Vijayawada as the first priority embarkation point, and the government has sanctioned Rs 1 lakh each for them, the minister said in a statement. Farooq said the intending pilgrims for Hajj 2026 should submit their applications online by August 7. He suggested that the applicants choose Vijayawada as the first priority for embarking on Hajj. The minister said those who have already submitted their applications may change their embarkation choice to select Vijayawada to get Rs 1 lakh financial aid from the state government. During the Assembly elections last year, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu had promised that if the coalition is voted to power, it would provide financial aid of Rs 1 lakh each to Hajj pilgrims. He had made the promise during an interaction with the Muslim community at Nellore. "Soon after the NDA comes to power in the state, Rs 1 lakh financial assistance will be extended to every Muslim who visits Mecca on the Hajj pilgrimage," Naidu had said. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) comprises TDP, BJP and Jana Sena. Chandrababu Naidu had also promised a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 for Imams and muezzins, respectively. The government recently released funds to implement this promise. The coalition government is also continuing a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims under Backward Classes (E) category in education and employment. KHARTOUM, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's conflict risks irreversible fragmentation amid collapsing diplomatic initiatives and escalating internal divisions, analysts have warned, citing the failure of enforcement mechanisms and withdrawal of domestic political engagement as critical obstacles to peace. As of mid-2025, the conflict between Sudan's Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remains intense. The SAF has gained significant ground in central and eastern Sudan, recapturing key territories including the capital Khartoum. The RSF controls large parts of western and southern Sudan, including Darfur and South Kordofan. On July 26, the Sudan Founding Alliance, led by the RSF, announced the formation of a parallel government. A day later, the Sudanese government rejected the parallel government, urging other countries not to recognize it. The Quad meeting on the Sudan conflict, comprising the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, was scheduled for July 30, 2025, in Washington. On July 29, multiple media reports said the meeting was called off. It is reported that the sticking point was the language concerning the role of SAF and RSF in a post-war transitional government, highlighting deep divisions over power-sharing arrangements and the political future of Sudan. Political science professor Amal Ibrahim Al-Sheikh underscored the structural weakness of past agreements, such as the Jeddah Declaration signed in May 2023. She told Xinhua that the Jeddah Declaration "focused on a ceasefire without any enforcement guarantees, which rendered it merely ink on paper." "The conflict has shifted from a military confrontation into a war of interests among tribal, political, and economic alliances, which hinders any prospects for a comprehensive resolution," Al-Sheikh said, voicing alarm over potential territorial rupture following the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)'s establishment of parallel governance in Darfur and Kordofan. "There is now a serious fear of Sudan's actual division," she noted. Meanwhile, political analyst Khaled Al-Fahal emphasized the vacuum in domestic leadership. "The decline in domestic political engagement has played a major role in the failure of all political settlement efforts," he told Xinhua. Urging unified global intervention, particularly from the United Nations and the African Union, political analyst Abdul-Khaliq Mahjoub said, "There must be an effective mechanism to compel the warring parties to an immediate ceasefire." "An international monitoring body is also essential to separate forces, open humanitarian corridors, and lift sieges on key cities," he told Xinhua, adding that "the longer peaceful solutions are delayed, the more complex the situation becomes, creating new obstacles to negotiations." Without urgent action and clearly-defined initiatives, Sudan risks becoming a "failed state" fueling regional instability for decades, he said. Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country's humanitarian crisis. Bhopal, Aug 5 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday that the state government is working hard for the growth of agriculture in the state to play a vital role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. The Chief Minister added that to achieve this vision, the state government has initiated development efforts across several sectors. As part of the state's industrialisation drive, the food processing industry is being actively promoted, he said, while chairing Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) meeting in Bhopal. He added that the total irrigated area in Madhya Pradesh has expanded to nearly 55 lakh hectares. "To reduce farmers' dependence on conventional electricity and ease their financial burden, the state government has initiated the distribution of 32 lakh solar pumps for irrigation," CM Yadav said. The Chief Minister made this statement while speaking at the 'FPO Director Summit a" 2025' organised by the FPO Federation of Madhya Pradesh under the theme 'Prosperous FPOs a" Self-Reliant Farmers a" Developed India' at the State Agricultural Extension and Training Institute in Bhopal. He asserted that farming activity continues to expand, and with high agricultural productivity, Madhya Pradesh is now moving toward becoming a leading state in food processing. During his address, Chief Minister Yadav urged that FPOs should not limit themselves to crop procurement. "Instead, they (FPOs) should process grains and other produce and sell value-added products in the market, ensuring direct economic benefits to member farmers," he said. Chief Minister Yadav added that the state government has set a target to increase food processing in the state from the current five per cent to 95 per cent. He said that FPOs can play a crucial role not only in food processing but also in warehousing and logistics. He encouraged farmers to expand the reach of their products through FPOs. "The government is offering full support to all industries, including electricity, water and land. For employment-generating industries, the state will provide a monthly subsidy of Rs 6,000 per woman employee and Rs 5,000 per male employee for 10 years," he added. Chief Minister Yadav also noted the growing concern over the use of chemical pesticides in crop production, saying that traditional farming practices have declined while rice cultivation has expanded in previously unsuitable areas. Itanagar, Aug 5 : Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Tuesday congratulated Kabak Yano on successfully summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and one of the renowned Seven Summits of the world. The Governor, who had flagged off Yanoas expedition on July 28, expressed immense pride in her achievement. He remarked that Yano, an accomplished Everest climber, has once again demonstrated the indomitable spirit, courage, and perseverance that define the people of Arunachal Pradesh. The Governor said that Yanoas feat is a source of inspiration for all, especially the youth of Arunachal Pradesh, reminding them that with grit and determination, no summit is beyond reach. 26-year-old climber Yano reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on August 4 10:27 a.m. (African Time). A Raj Bhavan official said that towering at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), the iconic snow-capped volcano in Tanzania is the tallest peak on the African continent. It is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The Governor, during the flag-off ceremony of Yanoas expedition on July 28, had said that very few across the world have taken on the formidable challenge of the 7-Summit Mountaineering Expedition, a mission to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents. Born on September 5, 1999, in Arunachal Pradesh, Kabak Yano, a woman climber from the northeastern state, has etched her name in history by summiting Mount Everest on May 21, 2024. She began her Everest expedition in March 2024, departing for Kathmandu on March 27. She reached base camp on April 17 after weeks of preparation, and summited Everest on May 21 (2024). With this remarkable achievement, she became the 5th woman climber from Arunachal Pradesh and 1st woman from the Nyishi Community to achieve such a feat. --IANS sc/dan Longtime activist bookseller Andrew Laties, author of six books, including Rebel Bookseller: Why Indie Businesses Represent Everything You Want to Fight ForFrom Free Speech to Buying Local to Building Communities, winner of a 2006 Independent Publisher Award, will kick off his latest about banned books, Youre Telling My Kids They Cant Read This Book?, at Word Up Community Bookshop in New York Citys Washington Heights, on August 6. Laties who has founded and run a succession of bookstores since 1985, when he opened The Childrens Bookstore in Chicago, is currently co-owner of Book & Puppet Company in Easton, Pa., with his wife, Gaia Abraxas. Laties also publishes books under the Rebel Bookseller imprint and co-founded the Easton Book Festival. He received a WNBA Pannell Award in 1987 for his work in childrens bookselling. PW spoke with Laties about his new book and his decision to publish it through the bookstore. Youve been publishing your books and those of friends for more than two decades. How did you get started as an independent publisher? I used to tell people when we published Rebel Bookseller that I am the only author who had to start a bookstore and publishing company just to get published. I had sent a manuscript to Sander Hicks based on his work at Soft Skull Press. I thought he might be willing to publish an incendiary book about the publishing industry. He responded by saying that he was opening a bookstore/coffee shop, and did I want to become part of the business? So I came in [2004] as a business partner at Vox Pop, and we started a bookstore, coffee shop, and publishing company. When Vox Pop ceased its publishing operations in 2009, I said to Dan Simon at Seven Stories Press, can you assume this book? Veronica Liu, who was managing editor at Seven Stories at the time, worked with me to expand it. The second edition came out in 2011. She led a group of neighbors to open a bookstore together during the process of editing my book, Word Up in Washington Heights, and they are still operating it 14 years later. How did Melba Tolliver, the first Black American to anchor network news, encourage you to write about book banning? I know Melba pretty well. She had been chair of the Easton Book Festival and does programming at the store. She approached me at the store and said, Will you help me get this memoir [Accidental Anchorwoman] published? I thought the fact that I couldnt find a publisher or an agent to represent her was telling about the state of the book industry today. So last year we published it out of Book & Puppet Company. I knew how to use the Ingram Spark self-publishing platform, because I had done it for myself. Her memoir went on to win the National Association of Black Journalists Outstanding Book Award 2024. This year I continued to work with Melba promoting her book, and we ended up talking about book banning. I had told the story about a bookstore that had to close because of right-wing parents attacking them for the books they were bringing to book fairs. And she said, Andy, you have to report on this. You have to go public on this. I feel like weve published these books together and are kind of a team. What is one of the most surprising facts you discovered while working on the book? Its not really parents that are driving this round of book banning. The American Library Association said earlier in 2025, reporting on the prior year, that 72% of all book challenges this year were lodged not by the public, not by parents, but by school board members and administrators, essentially by management inside of the school system. And thats very interesting. In the book, I explain from my own childhood that around the time I became a school board member [in high school], a lot of people were ideologically motivated to join a school board so that they could change the school district. Did you feel pressure from other store customers to speak up on book banning? I am a public figure. I stand at my cash register and people can come in and talk about whats on their mind. I read very widely, and I try to create a bookstore with books that express the interests of my community and myself. There are a lot of things that I have opinions about, and Im constantly reading in my areas of interest and stumbling across new areas of interest. Thats what a bookseller ought to be doing. You ought to be able to talk about every book thats in your store. People come up to you with a book and say, Whats this? You ought to have something to say, and I do. I can talk about everything thats in my store. When I find myself in this situation a lot, people will ask me a question thats related to my practice, bookselling. What I have found over the course of the last year, several people have said, Whats with all this book banning? Im hearing about book banning. This book is me attempting to answer their question. I use storytelling. I use personal anecdotes. But the personal stories are all at the service of explaining the facts Im trying to lay out. There are so many ways that you can push back against this authoritarian controlling culture, and Im just trying to point out what they are. Youre Telling My Kids They Cant Read This Book? Our Hundred-Year Childrens-Literature Revolution and How Well Keep Fighting to Support Our Families Right to Read by Andrew Laties. Book & Puppet Company/Rebel Bookseller, July ISBN 979-8-9908448-5-8 Humanitas Media, a new nonprofit publisher for human rights literature, has launched and announced its first title: Joshua Colangelo-Bryans Through the Gates of Hell: American Injustice at Guantanamo Bay, slated for October 14. The St. Paul, Minn.based organization was founded by Tracy Aanenson, who also serves as president of the publishing program, and seeks to bring together leading experts in human rights and activism to elevate narratives that inspire global solidarity, justice, and human dignity, per an announcement. Humanitas will employ 10 staff and plans on publishing two titles this year and ramping up to four titles per year moving forward, said a spokesperson. Humanitas titles will be distributed in the U.S. by Simon & Schuster. Through the Gates of Hell tells the story of Colangelos human rights advocacy work as a lawyer representing Jaber Muhammed, a detainee at Guantanamo Bay, after 9/11. At Guantanamo, the two men forged a profound bond in their shared pursuit of justice despite its dehumanizing conditions, per the publisher. This is a period of extreme demagoguery, Colangelo told PW. But what happens when you sit down at a table across from someone and actually start talking? The demonization no longer operative, because youre dealing on a personal level. Aanenson said that Through the Gates of Hell exemplifies the type of stories Humanitas wants to publish going forward, adding that Humanitas is a mission-driven organization with the goal of changing minds. People need to hear about human rights abuses in a way that will resonate with them, she said, which means writing with a focus on the dignity of the people in the book. In addition to books, Humanitas will publish articles on their website. Aanenson also expressed enthusiasm about branching into the theater and opera spaces. Colangelo, who also serves on Humanitass board of directors, added that the team is already in talks with a playwright about adapting Through the Gates of Hell, which is mostly dialogue-based, to the stage. The organization is steered by an advisory board that includes former Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Kearney; Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab; and Sophie Richardson, co-executive director of the Network of Chinese Human Rights Defenders. Humanitas is actively seeking new titles, and Aanenson invites literary agents to their most heartfelt, message-based nonfiction books. The next title from the publisher, by human rights activist Brian Dooley, is slated for fall 2026. Boundless Publishing Group and its imprint Neem Tree Press entered liquidation and stopped conducting business as of Friday, ending a months-long effort to rescue the assets of failed crowdfunding publisher Unbound and make restitution to and revive the fortunes of its authors and supporters. The liquidations eliminates any remaining hope for the 238 authors and agents who are owed 657,000 by Unbound, nearly 8,000 customers owed 391,000 for pre-ordered books, and trade creditors owed 829,000 when the original company collapsed in March. "It is with deep sadness that I share the news that both Boundless Publishing Group and Neem Tree Press are being placed into liquidation," CEO Archna Sharma said in an August 1 statement. "This is not the outcome I had hoped for. I poured my heart into rescuing Unbound through Boundless Publishing Group, and of course in building Neem Tree Press over a number of years, championing wonderful authors." Sharma said she "fought as hard as I couldthrough a challenging acquisition, a restructuring process, and an unforgiving economic climatebut ultimately, the financial and operational pressures proved too great to overcome." Brief respite Boundless was formed in March when Unbound entered pre-packaged bankruptcy. Sharma and Unbound cofounder John Mitchinson acquired Unbound's assets for 50,000 through the new company, which took on no legal obligation for the predecessor's debts. The Boundless founders initially pledged to make "goodwill payments" to cover Unbound's previous liabilities. However, by May, Sharma announced these payments would be suspended due to cash flow constraints. "We simply do not have the cash at the moment to make further historic goodwill payments," Sharma wrote to authors at the time. "What cash we have is focused on paying the salaries of our employees, ensuring our current committed publishing program is a success, and ensuring all royalties arising from the inception of this new company are paid on time." Mitchinson resigned from Boundless shortly after the payment suspension, calling the company's position "morally and financially unacceptable." In a June interview with PW, Sharma acknowledged inheriting significant problems from Unbound while attempting to restructure the business around a traditional publishing model rather than crowdfunding. "I would just like to put on record that I did not create the mess that we're in, though I am the person trying to fix it," Sharma said at the time. "The only way that we can fix it is if we can keep our business going and move ahead." Sharma, a former investment banker who became Unbound's CEO in January after the company acquired her Neem Tree Press, said that due diligence had failed to reveal the extent of Unbound's financial problems. "If I had known what I knew later, I would obviously have not done the deal," she said. "Was my due diligence faulty? Was I just misreading the tea leaves?" The company sought 840,000 in new investment to fund operations and service debts, but was unable to secure sufficient funding. Multiple staff departures followed the suspension of historic payments, with employees citing concerns about leadership and broken promises to authors. Whats next? Authors published by both Unbound and Boundless will have their rights automatically reverted. Under Unbound's contracts, rights did not revert during the March administration because the bankruptcy was "immediately followed by a reconstruction or amalgamation" through the Boundless acquisition. The fate of existing copies of Unbound and Boundless's titles is less clear, and it is an open question as to whether publishers who acquire rights will be able to adopt existing ISBNs, thus allowing the continuation of sales, or whether existing stock will need to be pulped. In some cases, authors may be able to acquire stock of their own titles. At present, books in the U.S. are warehoused at Ingram, the parent company of Unbound/Boundless's distributor Consortium. In her statement announcing the company's closure, Sharma thanked supporters across the publishing ecosystem. "To every author, reader, bookseller, all the wonderful people and companies in the publishing ecosystem, investors and team members who have supported and cheered me, and Neem Tree Press, on over the years: thank you," she said. "Your encouragement and kind words meant everything to me." A liquidator has been engaged to assist with the voluntary liquidation process. Any remaining cash will go to the liquidator rather than to creditors or authors owed money from either company's operations. Mixed legacy Over the course if its 14-year-old history, Unbound published 750 books and had approximately 3 million in annual revenue with 250,000 in profit at its peak. The company's bestselling title was the mystery puzzle book Cain's Jawbone, which sold more than 500,000 copies after becoming a viral hit. The collapse highlights ongoing challenges with alternative publishing models and author protections. Unbound's crowdfunding system allowed customer pre-order funds to be used for general operations rather than held in escrow for specific book fulfillment. But crowdfunded pre-sales did not necessarily translate to trade sales. Despite some notable successes, Unbound's underlying business model proved unsustainable. Still, many doubts about "where the money went" remain, and some authors have gone so far as to accuse the former executives of the company of serious allegations of financial mismanagement, including providing misaligned sales and royalty figures. In an interview with PW, John Mitchinson said the crowdfunding publisher's collapse resulted from a combination of business pressures and cash flow problems. According to Mitchinson, the business faced mounting challenges beginning in late 2023, including excessive over-printing copies of 42: The Wildly Improbably Ides of Douglas Adams, website migration issues to Shopify, and significant drops in Twitter-driven crowdfunding pledges. "We go from 20% of our crowdfunding pledges coming via Twitter to less than 5% in the space of about six months," Mitchinson said, describing changes that occurred in late 2023 and early 2024. The changes led to a significant financial shortfall, despite the company earning some 3 million pounds in revenue a year, which prevented them from paying timely royalties. Mitchinson then said operational challenges compounded existing business challenges and, furthermore, the company was unable to attract investment. "There's always been that tension between the investors looking for a return from an entrepreneurial startup and publishing, which entails building an IP business on small margins and incremental growth," he said. The company had raised venture capital throughout its 14-year history, with accumulated losses of approximately 9 million roughly equating to total investment received, according to Mitchinson. He acknowledged the commercial success of Cain's Jawbone, but said that printing costs and low margins on print-on-demand copies limited profitability. Mitchinson strongly denied allegations of financial misrepresentation. He acknowledged that mistakes occurred, but disputed suggestions of fraud. "Publishers do make financial and accounting mistakes," he said. "The idea that that was somehow a kind of policy would be deeply shocking." He added that, "If people believe that to be the case, then they need to show evidence. Despite the business failure, Mitchinson highlighted several publishing successes from Unbound's catalog. He cited The Good Immigrant, a 2016 anthology edited by Nikesh Shukla that brought together 21 writers of color to exame race and immigration in the U.K. Other significant works included Alice Jolly's memoir Dead Babies and Seaside Towns, which won the 2016 PEN Ackerley Prize for literary autobiography, and Paul Kingsnorth's The Wake, longlisted for the 2014 Man Booker Prize and notable for being written in a unique "shadow tongue" meant to evoke Anglo-Saxon English. The publisher also worked with established authors like Patrick McCabe, the acclaimed Irish novelist known for the Booker Prizeshortlisted books The Butcher Boy and Breakfast on Pluto, and extended to illustrated works by Jackie Morris, including The Unwinding and Other Dreamings, and folk horror collections such as Richard Wells' Damnable Tales: A Folk Horror Anthology. Swedish audiobook and e-book streaming company Storytel reported net sales of SEK 958 million, or $87.4 million, for the second quarter of 2025, representing a 4% year-over-year increase. Accounting for currency and foreign exchange fluctuationsor constant currency ratesgrowth was 8%. Operating profit increased 75% compared to the prior year, reaching $7.5 million, while EBITDA rose 46% to $14.7 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 17.0% from 13.9% in the same period last year. Earnings per share of $0.05, while up from $0.03 in Q2 2024, came in below analyst expectations. Paying subscribers increased 11% year-over-year to approximately 2,546,000 during the quarter. The company's Nordic markets grew 7% year over year in subscribers, adding over 80,000 paying subscribers. Non-Nordic core markets had year-over-year growth of 18%, adding 35,000 new paying subscribers during the second quarter. Average revenue per user decreased 8% to $10.60, with currency fluctuations accounting for $0.55 of the decline. The companys publishing operations saw revenue increase 14% year over year. The Q1 2025 acquisition of Swedish publisher Bokfabriken contributed SEK 10.6 million ($1.0 million) to quarterly revenue. Several titles performed strongly across the company's publishing portfolio, including Swedish author Dag Ohrlund's latest work, Konstnaren (Lind & Co), which was cited in the quarterly report as a hit. In Finland, Juha Itkonen's latest novel, Tomorrow I Will Tell Everything (Gummerus) sold out its first print run within two weeks of launch. Fantasy-horror Storytel Original Lehusa by Vasil Polov has become the listened-to book on Storytel Bulgaria year-to-date. The company cited several improvements across the platform during the quarter, including an improved in-app reading experience, the implementation of Dolby Atmos spatial audio for upcoming Storytel Orignals, and the launch of Norstedts Spektra, a new digital-first imprint. "We have delivered a robust financial performance, driven by a high subscriber intake, solid EBITDA growth and strong cash generation giving us the strategic possibility to invest prudently in future growth," Bodil Eriksson Torp, Storytel CEO, said in a statement. DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The East African Community (EAC) has officially launched the EACBond, a groundbreaking regional customs guarantee instrument designed to streamline the movement of goods across member states. Unveiled Monday in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, the EACBond replaces multiple national customs bonds with one unified system, allowing traders to secure their cargo journey under a single guarantee. The EAC said the initiative is expected to significantly reduce trade costs, minimize border delays, and unlock capital previously tied up in bond deposits. The high-level launch event brought together government officials, logistics firms, financial institutions, and customs representatives, said the statement. The pilot phase will involve Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, with plans to roll out the system to all eight EAC member states -- Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, it noted. Veronica Nduva, EAC secretary general, emphasized the consumer benefits, noting that lower trade costs would make goods more affordable. "It frees up traders' money, allowing businesses to reinvest in expansion and jobs. It also boosts transparency and curbs fraud through real-time tracking," she said. The EACBond represents a major milestone toward harmonized customs procedures and enhanced regional economic integration, Nduva added. With a pivotal first-round presidential election slated for August 17, the Middle East looms large in Bolivias foreign policy debates. Centre-right businessman and LSE-trained economist Samuel Doria Medina is leading all credible polls (though not with a wide margin), setting the stage for a possible rupture with the ruling Movement Toward Socialisms (MAS) longstanding alliances, including Palestine and Iran. That is, if he can somehow unify the center and the right into winning in the first or second round, a task that hasnt been possible in more than two decades. For most of those two decades, the MAS has embraced a foreign policy deeply critical of Israel and openly supportive of Palestine and Iran. Under the leadership of Evo Morales and later Luis Arce, Bolivia expelled the Israeli ambassador in 2009 following Operation Cast Lead, severed diplomatic relations altogether a few months later, and cut all ties again in 2023 amid the war in Gaza. In late 2023, Bolivia once again made headlines by joining a bloc of countries at The Hague calling for the investigation and prosecution of alleged Israeli war crimes. This move was followed weeks later by a cooperation agreement with the Iranian government that included technological and military collaboration, as well as a drone program. Bolivia has positioned itself as a loud and early critic of Israels war in Gaza, accusing it of genocide and advocating for international legal action. The Arce government repeatedly denounced specific military actions taken by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank, and even weighed whether to bar Israeli tourists; a blow to a small but steady stream of backpackers who have long favored the Bolivian Andes for their trips after military service. These moves were broadly aligned with grassroots sentiment on the left. La Paz is layered with graffiti that read Palestina Libre (Free Palestine) and Israel genocidio (Israel genocide). Details about the conflict and unfolding humanitarian crises are broadcast every day on national radio and television stations, keeping the war present in daily life and shaping popular perceptions. Still, on the right, particularly in Santa Cruz and Christian-majority strongholds, support for Israel has been steady. Some smaller but still visible demonstrations in support of Israel have been organized, while Christian churches and social organizations have even organized trips to the region. The lefts increasing momentum on action in Gaza and the Middle East has presented the right with an opportunity to consolidate ideological support among their base, viewing the conflict like a moral, Biblical war, as was put by the leader of a Baptist church in Santa Cruz. Locally, Bolivia has become a key battleground between Israeli agents and Iranian proxies. U.S. and Israeli security experts, as well as Argentinas Milei government, have alleged that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah have found safe haven in Bolivian territory, particularly in the Chapare, the Chaco, the Amazon, and Santa Cruz. These areas have been hotbeds for drug and arms trafficking, which Iranian proxies may allegedly be using to fund operations in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, claims the MAS has dismissed as imperialist lies and hallucinations. In this context, the candidates have proposed vastly different foreign policy visions, most sharply illustrated in their stances on the Middle East. Doria Medina has taken a markedly different tack from the usual discourse. The businessman and long-time political figure has avoided stoking ideological flames. He has, perhaps cleverly, not spoken specifically on the conflict, Israel, Iran, or Palestine. His mentions of foreign policy, even generally, have been very scarce, instead focusing on the economy and democracy. He has, however, criticized the MASs views on foreign policy, particularly its support for tyrannies, while supporting re-engagement with the Western world, which could include Israel. One of his #SamuelSolutions posts on Facebook called for a full bilateral relationship with the U.S., including under a Trump administration. His campaign has emphasized pragmatic diplomacy on a meritocratic basis, and bolstering trade relations with both the West and the Global South, aiming to position Bolivia as a bridge to the world rather than a committed ideological fighter in a geopolitical battlefield. Doria Medinas position is about as centrist a position as you can get, and would likely dictate his approach to the Middle East as President. In practice, it would likely mean that Bolivia stops being a direct ally with Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, and instead pursues a more distant approach, while restoring trade and diplomatic ties with Israel. By contrast, the MAS candidates, Andronico Rodriguez and Eduardo del Castillo, have signaled continuity with current government policy. Rodriguez, the young MAS leader in the Senate, has defended the governments self-avowedly anti-imperialist foreign policy and said he wants to be a voice against genocide and massacre in Palestine. Del Castillo, the interior minister and a hardliner on security, has repeatedly issued support for Palestine and condemnation of Israel. Both have promised to deepen Bolivias role in South-led fora critical of Western foreign policy. Farther on the right, candidates like Jorge Tuto Quiroga and Manfred Reyes Villa have also voiced strong criticism of the MASs foreign policy, though significantly more ideological in its tone. Quiroga, a former president and longtime conservative figure, has consistently attacked the Morales and Arce governments for supporting authoritarian regimes, accusing them of isolating Bolivia from its Western democratic allies. While he has not commented extensively on the current war in Gaza, his past rhetoric frames foreign policy as a moral and ideological battleground between liberal democracies and repressive regimes, implicitly siding Bolivia with the West and Israel, without calling out Israeli policy in Gaza. Both Quiroga and Reyes Villas appeals often invoke the Christian religion as national identity, and both have courted hardline religious support in the lowlands, especially in Santa Cruz, where pro-Israel sentiment runs deeper among the evangelical right. They would likely reverse course on the Middle East as president. Doria Medinas political success may be partly attributed to his ability to navigate this minefield of more ideological divisions, while the country continues to face its worst constitutional, economic and unity crisis in decades. The country is focused on finding any way out of this slump, and is willing to look for any and all partners in doing so. The MAS and hard-rights more ideological vision may close the country to certain partnerships and solutions, while Doria Medina can pitch himself as a problem-obsessed bridge-builder. In a country deeply polarized and regionally disunified, Doria Medinas mild, technocratic tone and appeal to normalcy have offered a reprieve, seemingly welcomed by a lot of voters. His cautious approach to foreign policy, and avoiding the conflicts in the Middle East specifically, has become a microcosm of his broader electoral strategy: stay out of the ideological trenches and sell voters a vision of competence and steady-handedness. We will just have to wait and see if it pays off electorally, and if it can make life better for the average Bolivian. Joseph Bouchard is a journalist and researcher covering security and geopolitics in Latin America. His articles have appeared in Reason, The Diplomat, Responsible Statecraft, and The National Interest, among others. He is an incoming PhD student in Politics at the University of Virginia and an SSHRC Doctoral Fellow on Latin American Politics. The Supreme Court on Tuesday cancelled bail granted to former DHFL promoter Dheeraj Wadhawan in the multi-crore bank loan scam case. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and Satish Chandra Sharma passed the order after perusing the report filed by a medical board and directed Wadhawan to surrender within two weeks. The Delhi high court on September 9, 2024 granted him bail on medical grounds saying Wadhawan fell within the parameters of a "sick person". The order came on an appeal filed by the CBI appeal against the high court order. Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the agency, had earlier said said Wadhawan suffered from no serious medical ailments and huge amounts of money were siphoned off in the case. The Wadhawan brothers -- Kapil and Dheeraj-- were arrested in this case in July 2022. The agency filed a chargesheet in October 2022 following which a court took its cognisance. The FIR was registered on a complaint made by the Union Bank of India, which alleged DHFL, the housing finance company's then chairman-cum-managing director Kapil Wadhawan, then director Dheeraj Wadhawan and other accused entered into a criminal conspiracy to cheat the consortium of 17 banks led by the Union Bank of India, and in pursuance of the criminal conspiracy, the accused and others induced the consortium to sanction huge loans aggregating Rs 42,871.42 crore. Much of the amount was allegedly siphoned off and misappropriated by alleged falsification of the books of the DHFL and dishonest default in repayment of legitimate dues of the consortium banks, the CBI claimed. While TCS cited evolving business needs and future readiness as reasons, industry experts say the action is a cost-cutting measure aimed at improving operating margins that have remained below the firm's aspirational range despite multiple efforts. IMAGE: TCS' Nagpur campus. Kind courtesy Akki17690/wikipedia.org/Creative Commons Tata Consultancy Services' decision to lay off roughly 12,000 employees, primarily mid- to senior-level managers, is being viewed by analysts as a move to shore up profitability rather than a shift towards an AI-driven future. While the company cited evolving business needs and future readiness as reasons, industry experts say the action is a cost-cutting measure aimed at improving operating margins that have remained below the firm's aspirational range despite multiple efforts. The announcement on July 27 came as a surprise to many in the Indian information and technology sector, where involuntary layoffs have typically been handled quietly. Indian IT companies, as some of the country's largest organised sector employers, have historically avoided large-scale public cuts. The sector employs around 6 million people, according to data from Nasscom. TCS' operating margin has hovered between 24 per cent and 25 per cent for five consecutive quarters, below its stated aspiration of 26 per cent to 28 per cent. For the quarter ended June 30, operating margin stood at 24.5 per cent, down 20 basis points from a year earlier. The figure excludes wage hikes that TCS indefinitely deferred in April. "I thought the demand was just coming back," said a senior analyst at a global brokerage firm, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This is a pure cost take-out strategy to lift margins, and once done, they may provide wage hikes to the remaining." During a post-earnings call after Q1FY26 results, Chief Financial Officer Sameer Seksaria told analysts the company had been witnessing a discrepancy between demand and capacity. 'In this quarter as well, we have invested in capacity... That is what is reflecting in our margins,' he said. That 'excess capacity' largely refers to bloated mid-senior and senior layers of employees with experience between 9 years and 13 years, and 13 years and 17 years. According to staffing firm Xpheno, the top seven Indian IT firms employ about 492,000 professionals in those bands, compared with 486,000 at the junior end (from fresh graduates to five years of experience) -- a group that draws significantly lower pay. A lot of those people were hired during the peak of the pandemic in FY21 and FY22, according to analysts. TCS hired 103,546 in FY22; the top five players cumulatively took in 273,377, the most in at least six years. Hiring has been going down ever since. Persistently weak and uncertain macroeconomic conditions may have prompted TCS to act this time. Revenue growth in constant currency terms had steadily declined -- from 15.4 per cent in FY22 to just 4.2 per cent in FY25. "Demand has been down and margins have missed expectations," said Gaurav Vasu, founder of consultancy UnearthInsights. "Also, many employees lack the client-relevant skills today. Roles like project managers, infrastructure support, and other support functions are now particularly vulnerable. "There could be more slow, silent layoffs across the industry." TCS' challenges on both margins and top-line growth have weighed on its stock. Its share price has dropped nearly 30 per cent over the past year. In comparison, Infosys is down 19.3 per cent, HCL Technologies 10.3 per cent, Wipro 4.7 per cent, and Tech Mahindra about 6 per cent. Industry veterans, though, supported TCS' action. Ganesh Natarajan, executive chairman, GTT Solutions said TCS is doing the right thing by taking proactive action. "Because there is no doubt that companies who will succeed in IT and non-IT with AI will have to move beyond GenAI and ChatGPT to a much more fundamental game changing use of AI. "This fundamentally means more use of agenticAI, autonomous agentic AI..in this context the traditional style of pyramid will disappear. This restructure and rethink is important," he added. Last month, TCS posted one of its weakest first-quarter results since 2020, with constant currency revenue shrinking 3.1 per cent and dollar revenue down 1.1 per cent. It was the worst constant currency performance among the top five Indian IT service providers in the quarter. TCS Layoff Jolt Shivani Shinde, Avik Das An air of disbelief hung over TCS offices on Monday, July 28, 2025, morning, a day after the largest IT services company sent out an unexpected communication to its employees, announcing its biggest layoff. At TCS -- long seen as an ideal destination for steady and secure job -- employees found it tough to come to terms with the layoff announcement that broke the Sunday afternoon peace. There were many, however, who had no clue on Sunday. Since the official communication that 2 per cent of the workforce, or over 12,000 employees, would have to leave was sent out on a holiday, many employees learnt about the layoffs through the Monday morning newspapers, just before heading to office. "I think the internal portal carried the update on Sunday afternoon, but most of us wouldn't have checked it. Reading about our own company's layoffs in the newspaper was shocking," said a mid-level employee who did not wish to be named. "There was no prior indication from HR (human resource department). No announcement. Nothing." This is the first time that TCS has officially announced a large-scale layoff. The only comparable instance was in 2012, when the company had let go of around 2,500 employees. For a Tata Group company -- and especially TCS, which weathered past crises like COVID-19 and the 2008 financial meltdown without cutting jobs -- this marks a dramatic cultural shift. "TCS was considered a safe company. It stood by employees during every downturn. That's what makes this harder to digest," said another employee. Several expressed discomfort over what they saw as a departure from the "Tata values". Another noted: "This is happening just a year after Ratan Tata's passing." The layoffs have also created confusion and mixed messaging internally. Many employees pointed out that while the company had been consistently pushing for AI-readiness -- and encouraging staff to reskill accordingly -- this move seemed to contradict that effort. "We're being told to train ourselves in AI and we've been doing it. Then why this layoff? What does it say about how AI-ready we really are," asked a disappointed senior executive. The fear and anxiety now extend beyond TCS. There is a growing concern that other major tech firms might follow suit. Many are also apprehensive that the actual number of layoffs at TCS might be much higher than what has been announced. "Attrition is already high. If TCS had simply managed workforce exits through natural attrition, it could have avoided this disruption over the next two to three quarters," said a senior HR leader in the industry. Meanwhile, employee unions have taken up the cause of TCS employees. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (Kitu), in a letter, condemned this layoff as illegal action by the TCS management. The union said it was approaching the labour department against the 'unlawful move'. 'According to the Industrial Disputes Act, it is a punishable offence for an employer to compel an employee to resign. 'Every employee has the legal right to refuse to sign a forced resignation,' according to a Kitu letter. Overhiring hangover Industry analysts and HR experts largely attribute the decision to the overhiring spree during the pandemic years. While many peers corrected course by freezing or slowing down hiring between FY23 and FY25, TCS continued to hire aggressively from campuses and laterally, especially to build AI-related capabilities. What has surprised many observers is that the layoffs are focused on the mid to senior levels -- typically the most stable layer in IT organisational structures. Experts believe this could prompt a wider reassessment of talent pyramids across the sector. Only those who have either domain expertise, knowhow of client IP, or are good at technology, will be able to survive. According to data from specialist staffing firm Xpheno, the highest churn across Indian IT players occurs in the 1 to 5 year experience bracket (17 per cent), followed by the 5 to 10 year band (12 per cent). In contrast, attrition drops to 7 per cent for those with 10 to 15 years of experience and just 4 per cent for employees with over 15 years. Kamal Karanth, cofounder of Xpheno, attributes the current bloated structure to the hiring boom of 2021-2022. "The big-fat middle layer is a net outcome of the hyper-hiring phase, combined with three cycles of low to no fresher intakes," he said. "A large chunk of lateral hiring made during the demand surge now sits in the 5 to 13 year experience range -- the very layers seeing restructuring now. "Ironically, these were also the layers with the highest churn during the hiring boom," he added. Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, said that people managers, especially those with 15 to 20 years of experience, are the most impacted. "These are typically project managers handling backend delivery. Many have not upskilled enough to take on front-facing or AI-related roles. If they don't adapt to the new demands, it is tough to justify those roles." Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Investors should be mindful of the high volatility in cryptos: Bitcoin has fallen more than 80 per cent in past corrections. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Bitcoin surged to an intraday peak of $123,153.22 on July 14 and is now trading at around $118,000 -- a rise of about 25 per cent since January. Indian investors, who led the 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index by Chainalysis, a New York-based blockchain data and analytics firm, must avoid getting carried away by the euphoria in this market. Drivers of the rally Stronger regulatory signals from the Donald Trump administration and progress in US crypto legislation are driving institutional interest. "The GENIUS (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins) Act officially became law, while key Bills like the Clarity Act and Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act made progress through the House Rules Committee," says Ashish Singhal, cofounder, CoinSwitch. The rally may sustain if regulatory clarity improves. "The Clarity Law is expected to be passed by the US Senate soon. This will result in clearer regulations for crypto trading in the US," says Himanshu Maradiya, founder and chairman, CIFDAQ, a fintech company that offers solutions related to blockchain and cryptos. He also cites the possibility of 401(k) retirement plans -- which manage approximately $9 trillion -- being allowed to invest in cryptos. Even a small allocation by these plans could attract billions into crypto. "With institutional, high networth individuals, retail investors, and even sovereign wealth funds moving towards investing in crypto, the outlook is positive," says Maradiya. Key risks Macroeconomic developments that affect risky assets could have an adverse impact. "Macroeconomic pressures like Federal Reserve rate hikes or strengthening of the US dollar, and large institutions unwinding their positions for profit-taking, or to liquidate their leveraged bets, could trigger a sell-off," says Abhishek Kumar, Sebi-registered investment advisor and founder, SahajMoney.com. The current rally is being driven by regulatory clarity. "If regulatory hurdles arise, they could affect the rally," says Maradiya. Investors should also be mindful of the high volatility in cryptos: Bitcoin has fallen more than 80 per cent in past corrections. Regulatory uncertainty in India compounds risks. "Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in India, which means they cannot be used for payments," says Kumar. Tax provisions are stringent. "Gains are taxed at a flat rate of 30 per cent plus 4 per cent cess. "One per cent TDS (tax deducted at source) must be paid on transactions above Rs 50,000. No loss offsetting is allowed," says Kumar. Non-disclosure could lead to steep penalties, and accounts could be frozen. Investors also face cybersecurity risks, as seen in the $325 million WazirX hack and $44 million loss (of its reserves) at CoinDCX. Since crypto assets are not regulated products, limited protection is available to consumers. Limit your allocation Securities and Exchange Board of India registered investment advisors cannot advise on unregulated crypto assets. Informally, most recommend capping exposure at 2 to 5 per cent of one's portfolio. They suggest only investing what one can afford to lose without affecting financial stability. Store only actively traded cryptos in hot wallets. "If you plan to hold cryptos for a long time, store it in a cold wallet, which could be a hardware wallet or with a good custodian," says Maradiya. Large holdings should be spread across multiple wallets and stored securely. "Set up PINs, biometric authentication and two-factor authentication. Never share sensitive data with anyone," says Singhal. Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff New Delhi looks to be testing Omar Abdullah's endurance with unconcealed glee, never feeling shy to bite whenever a moment comes its way. After all, ruling the country's only Muslim-majority UT/state has been the BJP's burning desire, points out Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs. IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lights the ceremonial lamp during the North Zone regional conference of legal services authorities in Srinagar, July 26, 2025 in the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and others. Photograph: @OfficeOfLGJandK X/ANI Photo In the absence of restoration of full statehood, the drastic politico-Constitutional action, taken by the Union government in the erstwhile semi-autonomous Jammu and Kashmir state, on August 5, 2019, remains a work-in-progress. Even the likely contours of an alternative arrangement, as and when it comes, remain shrouded in mystery. From the historical perspective, this six -year-old 'vindictive' political degradation of the country's only Muslim-majority state followed two distant phases of its arbitrary down-gradation -- in 1953 and 1975. Precisely on August 9, 1953, the then Sadr-e-Riyasat of J&K, Dr Karan Singh, acting on a cue from New Delhi, dismissed a duly elected prime minister of the state Sheikh Abdullah, half way through his tenure, and threw him behind bars. It was a rude shock to the people of the state. It also set off a drastic downgradation of the state's Constitutional stature within the Indian Union, irrevocably tilting the balance of power at the expense of J&K. Yet, 72 years down the line, conclusive details of the 1953 coup are not fully known/recorded mainly because the dramatis personae, of whom Dr Karan Singh is alive, have not parted with full truth to reconstruct the event conclusively for history's sake. Individual biographies, including that of Sheikh Abdullah, give out mainly convenient partisan details. The run-up to that drastic act was precipitated by Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee's sudden death on June 23. 1953 while in detention in Srinagar. He had been detained by the Abdullah-led government, for entering the state without a permit which was then mandatory for all movement in and out of J&K. New Delhi saw Sheikh Abdullah getting too big for his boots. With Sheikh behind the bars, the next logical step was to break the constitutional 'barriers' grudgingly installed to keep the moody Kashmir leader in good humour. Thus began the torrent of erosion of Art 370. Between 1953 and 1963, Sheikh's successor, Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammad, continued this process until he sensed grass growing under his feet and dared to stop short of changing the nomenclature of the head of the state as 'Sadr-e-Riyasat' and that of the elected head as the 'prime minister' of the state. Consequently, Bakhshi evaded to 'do more' and was ousted in 1963 under Jawaharlal Nehru's Kamaraj plan. In 1964, under G M Sadiq's leadership, the nomenclature of Sadr-e-Riyasat and prime minister (of the state) were scrapped and replaced with that of governor and chief minister respectively. Also, the state's ruling party, the National Conference, merged with the Congress party. By now, the state's Constitutional and political superstructure had been whittled down beyond recognition. The net result was that Article 370 was rendered as a hollow decorative piece, just for the record. So much so, that when a chastised Sheikh Abdullah opted to return to the national mainstream in 1975, 22 years after his political wilderness, he tamely dittoed the then prime minister Indira Gandhi's terse assertion that the 'hands of the clock cannot be turned back'. That, in effect, marked the political legitimisation of the 'new normal': Yet another round of the downgradation of the state's politico-Constitutional stature. IMAGE: J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, August 1, 2025. Photograph: @CM_JnK X/ANI Photo By the time the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance arrived on the scene in New Delhi in 2014, armed with its long-cherished pledge to 'honour the martyrdom' of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, it was clear that even the hollow remnants of J&K's special Constitutional status were doomed. Only the timing and the manner of redeeming that pledge remained to be decided. It did not take long coming. Yet, when it actually came, it turned out to be far more ferocious than the preceding two punitive doses of downgradation. To quote renowned historian Ramachandra Guha, it was outright 'degradation'. For the first time a dubious Constitutional precedent was set: A state was downgraded/degraded and split into two Union Territories. It was stripped of its special Constitutional status with band, baja and baraat. The Peoples Democratic Party's politically suicidal power sharing alliance with the NDA in 2016 eventually turned out to be the camel's nose under the tent. The NDA did it in style, to extract maximum possible political advantage. And it continues to go on and on. The final strike, when it came, on August 5, 2019, was actually accompanied by shock-and-awe. With that ended a chapter of Kashmir's turbulent history covering the events from the mid-1930s through 1953 and finally up to 2019, washing out the Valley's popular political narrative. IMAGE: A Tiranga rally at Dal Lake, August 4, 2025, to mark 6 years of Article 370's abrogation. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff Principal stake holders in Kashmir, notably the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, have been struggling to put together a coherent alternative narrative but, six years down the line, without any success. Last year's assembly election was held with incoherent bits and pieces from the debris of the pre-2019 narrative now lying buried deeper into the ground. In the popular perception, the new politico-Constitutional construct that was born out of an amorphous scenario defies a precise definition. For one, here is a popularly elected state government devoid of even such a basic functional parameter as 'rules of business' to transact whatever was left within its routine administrative jurisdiction split vertically into two unequal, parallel streams. The weightier of the two assignments remaining under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's jurisdiction. (Sinha's 5-year tenure expires on August 6. In the absence of any replacement, Sinha is most likely to continue indefinitely. He is said to be the PM's choice for the BJP's next president. Yet another speculation cropped up about him in the aftermath of Jagdeep Dhankhar's shock exit as vice president.) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been at the receiving end of the unequal tussle so far. Its undesirable consequences were partly evident on July 14 when Omar was seen in physical combat with the police in full public view as he sought to 'defy' the restrictions imposed by the lieutenant governor-controlled law and order machinery. IMAGE: Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti at the PDP's foundation day celebrations rally in Srinagar, July 28, 2025. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff After coming into power, Omar has been trying to cultivate goodwill. From lavishly gifting precious Kashmiri shawls to everybody who is anybody out there in Delhi to singing paeans to them and, lately working hard to earn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public appreciation for visiting Gujarat, Omar seems to fondly hope for better days ahead. Things, meanwhile, are getting hot on his home ground with the passage of time. His inability to deliver, for whatever reason, is beginning to show its adverse impact on the ground. The turnout and the fervour witnessed in Srinagar, on July 28, when the ruling National Conference party's main rival on its home ground, the Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party, celebrated its anniversary was unexpectedly extraordinary. Only a few months ago, during the assembly polls, the PDP was virtually in the dumps. The PDP's resurgence so soon after Omar's record poll victory points to the NC government's erosion on the ground. New Delhi looks to be testing Omar's endurance with unconcealed glee, never feeling shy to bite whenever a moment comes its way. After all, ruling the country's only Muslim-majority UT/state has been the BJP's burning desire. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff What was the aim of Operation Sindoor? Why was the operation halted so soon? asks Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd). IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha, July 29, 2025. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab Operation Sindoor is paused, not halted. This is what the powers that be have reiterated many times because it absolves the government to come out with a report like the Kargil Review Committee highlighting what was right and what went wrong, including our losses -- both men and material. What was the aim of Operation Sindoor? Did the government lay down the desired end state? What were the intelligence inputs? Why was the response delayed by so many days -- alerting the terrorists? Why was Pakistan's jugular of terrorism (the ISI HQ) not targeted? What were our losses of men and material? Why was the operation halted so soon? Why haven't we raised the issue of Chinese support to Pakistan (during Op Sindoor) with Beijing? All these questions will remain unanswered. The government's silence over our aircraft losses, particularly Rafale(s), despite the French air force chief saying India's loss of Rafale(s), plus photographs in the media of the crashed Rafale (close to Bhatinda) with its number clearly visible is possibly because India is to import 26 Rafale (M) for the Indian Navy, despite the French Institute of International Relations stating the fourth-generation French Rafale pitted against the Russian fifth-generation fighter aircraft could possibly survive for three days, plus media reports of China supplying fifth-generation fighter jets to Pakistan early next year. The massive damage to Pakistan in Op Sindoor is credible but hiding losses indicate lack of spine. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opens the debate on Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha. Photograph: Screen grab/Sansad TV This is about the two day debate during the monsoon session of Parliament, which showcased the pathetic state of politics that India has been reduced to; mudslinging sans dignity, arrogance, allegiance to a political party (not India), sacrificing principles for popularity, and ducking behind the past. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament no service personnel were killed. Isn't this incorrect with questions by families of the 10 army personnel killed asking why the government doesn't acknowledge those who laid down their lives in the service of the nation (external link)? Does Rajnath remember the transparency during the 1999 Kargil conflict despite 527 army personnel killed? Where we have a defence minister who refuses to recognise army personnel killed in action, the Union home secretary has announced that CAPF personnel injured during operations will get full benefits till retirement (external link). IMAGE: A Jaish e Mohammad building in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, after it was hit by an Indian strike, May 7, 2025. Photograph: Reuters On the question of ceasefire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the House that no head of State had asked for the ceasefire. He is right in saying so, but then US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on May 10 that he and Vice President J D Vance engaged Indian and Pakistani officials (including both prime ministers) and both agreed to an immediate ceasefire (external link). Parag Jain is the new chief of R&AW, with the media accrediting him with excellent intelligence during Op Sindoor. But our intelligence agencies had no idea that Pakistan's Nur Khan air base is under US control, that American nukes are stored in the vicinity of Nur Khan and Kirana Hills, and terrorists had vacated Muridke, including the terrorists-run madrassas. There was no nuclear fallout but if the presence of US nukes was known, the government would have never hit these places. IMAGE: Indian Army soldiers carry out a military drill with heavy artillery along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan in north Kashmir, May 24, 2025. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sprang a surprise in Parliament saying J D Vance called up Modi on May 9 warning of a massive Pakistani attack expected in the next few hours, and that the attack did take place but was foiled by our armed forces. Jaishankar said the House should collectively appreciate the performance of our armed forces in preventing what was a massive attack on the 9th and 10th of May. Naturally, this Vance-Modi telephonic conversation can't be made public, but is Jaishankar using this as an excuse to hit military targets in Pakistan, which we should have done in the very first wave of attacks, which would have saved aircraft losses. Isn't Jaishankar's call to appreciate the armed forces an effort to narrow the discourse, avoid discussing the core issues related to Op Sindoor and sidelining the more pressing questions? If the armed forces were actually given a free hand, we would not be in the state we are in today. Counter-terrorist operations are continuing in J&K beyond Op Mahadev. The government should have examined the mechanics and consequences of resuming Op Sindoor with similar strikes in Pakistan as done before. IMAGE: Home Minister Amit Shah speaks during the discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha, July 30, 2025. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab Finally, can India rise above the needless hyperbole? Witness the noise being made about the UN linking The Resistance Front with Lashkar e Taiba. But the ground truth is that the world (less Israel), particularly the US and China, do not blame Pakistan for the Pahalgam massacre, and conversely, both are supporting Pakistan. It is time for the government to wake up and rise above petty politics. Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd), PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SC is a former Special Forces officer. He is a third generation army officer and participated in the 1971 India-Pakistan War and in Operation Bluestar. He commanded a Special Forces Battalion in Sri Lanka, a Brigade on the Siachen Glacier, a Division in Ladakh and a Strike Corps in the South Western Theatre. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com KABUL, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan police have discovered a cache of weapons and ammunition in eastern Afghanistan's Parwan province, seizing various types of arms and military equipment, the Ministry of Interior Affairs announced on Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off, security forces launched a targeted operation in the Lulenj area, Sarkh Parsa district, where they seized the depot. According to the ministry's statement, the recovered items include 16 assorted firearms, five boxes of PK machine gun ammunition, 16 hand grenades, 35 grenade launcher rounds, and 50 mine detonators. In addition, a significant amount of ammunition and military gear was also confiscated during the raid, the statement said, adding one individual was arrested. In the backdrop of mounting United States criticism of India's purchase of crude oil from Russia, the Indian Army on Tuesday posted a news clip of August 1971 which highlighted the role played by the US in arming Pakistan "since 1954". Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters The news clip was shared in a post by the Eastern Command on X. "#IndianArmy #EasternCommand #VijayVarsh #LiberationOfBangladesh #MediaHighlights 'This Day That Year" Build Up of War - 05 Aug 1971 #KnowFacts. US Arms Worth $2 Billion Shipped to Pakistan Since '54," it said. The news, published few months before the Indo-Pak War of 1971 that led to creation of Bangladesh, talks about the role US had played in arming Pakistan the preceding nearly two decades. "US Arms Worth $2 Billion Shipped to Pakistan Since '54," the headline says. The report quotes V C Shukla, then minister for defence production, who had told the Rajya Sabha about the estimated valuation of the arms supplied for that period. The social media post comes amid mounting criticism by Washington on New Delhi's purchase of crude oil from Russia. India on Monday mounted an unusually sharp counterattack on the US and the European Union for their "unjustified and unreasonable" targeting of New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil. New Delhi's response came hours after US President Donald Trump asserted that Washington will substantially raise tariffs on goods from India over its energy ties with Russia. Firmly rejecting the criticism, India pointed out the double standards in targeting it on the issue and said both the US and the EU are continuing their trade relations with Russia. "Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery and transport equipment, the MEA said in a late-evening statement. "Where the US is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals," it added. "In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the MEA said. It said India has been "targeted" by the US and the EU for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. India on Tuesday cleared Rs 67,000 crore worth of defence projects including procurement of military hardware such as long endurance drones and mountain radars, and a maintenance contract for Russian-origin S-400 missile systems that played a key role during Operation Sindoor. IMAGE: Indian Air Force maintenance team along with United States Air Force (USAF) personnel resolve a technical issue on USAF- C-17 aircraft, at Jaipur airbase in Jaipur. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo The projects aimed at boosting India's military capabilities was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The DAC approved various proposals amounting to a total cost of about Rs 67,000 crore, the defence ministry said. It also approved sustenance programme for Indian Air Force's C-17 and C-130J transport aircraft fleet. For the Indian Navy, approval was accorded for the procurement of compact autonomous surface craft, BrahMos fire control system and launchers and upgradation of BARAK-1 point defence missile system, the ministry said. The procurement of compact autonomous surface craft will provide the capability to the Indian Navy for detection, classification and neutralisation of threats in anti-submarine warfare missions, it said. For the IAF, approval was given for procurement of mountain radars and for upgradation of Saksham/Spyder weapon system. The procurement of mountain radars will enhance the air surveillance capability along and across the borders in the mountainous region. The upgradation of Saksham/Spyder system for integration with Integrated air command and control system will enhance the air defence capability, the ministry said. The Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) or the initial approval was also accorded for procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the three services, it said. The proposed MALE RPAs can carry multiple payloads and weapons and operate at longer ranges for long endurance missions. They will significantly enhance round-the-clock surveillance and combat capability of the armed forces, the ministry said in a statement. In addition, DAC has also accorded AoN for sustenance of C-17 and C-130J fleets and comprehensive annual maintenance contract of S-400 long range air defence missile system, it said. For the Indian Army, the AoN was accorded for the procurement of thermal imager-based driver night-sight for BMP infantry combat vehicles. This would enhance night driving capability of BMPs and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the mechanised infantry, the ministry said. The trade relationship between India and the United States has been strained by the imposition of 25% tariff by the US on Indian goods. IMAGE: In Happier Times... US President Donald John Trump speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany July 7, 2017. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters This move comes amid growing tensions over India's continued purchase of Russian oil, which the US views as indirectly supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. The dispute threatens key Indian industries and has added a new layer of complexity to the economic ties between the two countries. On July 30, US President Donald Trump announced an unspecified penalty on India for buying Russian oil. If that was not enough, on Monday, August 4, Trump posted on his social media account on Truth, 'India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!! President DJT'. Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff offers an explainer on why India continues to buy Russian oil despite the US threat. What is the genesis of the Russian oil controversy? Donald Trump, on July 15, issued a 50-day warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the war in Ukraine, and that tariffs would be imposed on countries doing trade with Russia if the three-year war was not stopped. How did Putin respond to this warning? By firing an overnight barrage of more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles, and three ballistic missiles at Ukraine, indicating that he will not resile from the invasion of Ukraine, which started on February 24, 2022. What did Trump do? He did not retaliate against Russia, but on July 15 he raised tariffs on all the countries doing business with Russia, in an apparent move to cripple the Russian economy. Trump stated that India was funding the war in Ukraine by supporting the Russian economy and that he wanted to stop the killing of innocent Ukrainians. Why is India insisting on buying Russian oil? Because Russia sells its crude oil at a discount to India. For example, in December 2022, when the Brent price (a benchmark for global oil prices) was $60 a barrel, Russia was selling crude oil to India at $40 a barrel. In just two years, Russian crude oil, which was 0.2% of India's total oil import bill, rose to nearly 40% after the Russia-Ukraine war. Prior to this, India's major oil supplies were Saudi Arabia and Iraq. How will Trump's tariffs impact India? It will impact certain export sectors of the Indian industry, such as 'Made in India' smartphones, refined petroleum products, gems and jewelry, pharmaceuticals, and textiles and apparel. What is the volume of India-US trade? India's goods exports to the US grew by 11.6% in FY 2024-2025, reaching approximately $86.51 billion, up from $77.52 billion in FY 2023-2024. Imports from the US rose by 7.44% to around $45.33 billion in FY 2024-2025 compared to $42.2 billion in 2023-2024. What is Prime Minister Modi's stance? Modi told an audience in Varanasi on Saturday that Indians should go 'Swadeshi'. He urged Indians to buy local goods, indicating that India will continue to import Russian oil to meet its energy needs. 'Now, whatever we buy, there should be only one scale; we will buy those things which have been made by the sweat of an Indian,' Modi said in Varanasi. On Monday night the ministry of external affairs responded strongly to the US threat stating, 'Where the US is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. 'Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.' All 10 buildings of the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) will be constructed in the next 22 months, with several ministries housed in Shastri Bhavan, Krishi Bhavan, Nirman Bhavan, and Udyog Bhavan, starting the process to shift to four new locations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first building of the CCS, named Kartavya Bhavan, on Wednesday, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said at a press conference. The prime minister will later address a public programme on Kartavya Path. Kartavya Bhavan-03 is part of the broader transformation of the Central Vista, with the new secretariat aiming to streamline administration. The Union Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) Ministry has plans to construct 10 buildings of the CCS as part of the government's ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project. The entire project is expected to be completed by June 2027. The government said a few buildings are currently proposed to be retained. These include the National Museum, National Archives, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan (external affairs ministry), and Dr Ambedkar Auditorium, which are new buildings. According to the ministry's plan, Vanijya Bhawan will also be retained. Two under-construction buildings, 1 and 2, are scheduled to be completed by next month, while construction work on CCS building number 10 will be finished by April next year. CS buildings 6 and 7 will be constructed by October 2026. Khattar said that the offices operating from Shastri Bhavan, Krishi Bhavan, Nirman Bhavan, and Udyog Bhavan will shift to four new locations on Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Minto Road, and Netaji Palace temporarily for two years. His ministry has also started shifting to a building on Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Khattar said. Khattar said the central government pays Rs 1,500 crore as rent for its offices every year. The construction of the CCS will bring ministries and departments under one roof and equip them with modern infrastructure. An official said that the tendering process for the demolition of the four bhavans will be floated within two months, and construction of the remaining buildings will commence by December this year. HUA Secretary Katikithala Srinivas said that the entire Central Vista will be connected to a new metro line from Indraprastha Metro Station. The line will pass through India Gate, the CCS buildings, North Block, and South Block. He said that buildings like Shastri Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, and Nirman Bhawan were constructed in the 1950s-70s and are now structurally outdated and deteriorating. According to him, existing offices lack adequate space, natural light, proper ventilation, and modern amenities, affecting both productivity and staff morale. Under the Central Vista redevelopment plan, the government has already constructed a new Parliament building and the Vice President Enclave, and redeveloped Kartavya Path that spans between Vijay Chowk and India Gate. The Common Central Secretariat will comprise ten buildings and an Executive Enclave that will house a new Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Cabinet Secretariat, India House, and National Security Council Secretariat. Under the second phase of the Executive Enclave, a new Prime Minister's residence will be constructed. The HUA ministry said the centralised complexes will reduce red tape, cut down file movement time, and bring about a faster policy implementation. The new buildings will be equipped with an ID card-based access control system for the secure movement of officials and visitors. The plinth area of the Kartavya Bhavan-03 is 1.5 lakh square metres with a basement area of 40,000 square metres. Its parking lot can accommodate 600 cars. The HUA ministry said that the Kartavya Bhavan-03 has a creche, a yoga room, a medical room, a cafe, a kitchen, and a multipurpose hall. It has 24 main conference rooms, each with a capacity to seat 45 people, 26 small conference rooms, each with a capacity to seat 25 people, 67 meeting rooms, and 27 lifts. An Indian-origin taxi driver based in Ireland for over 23 years has become the latest to be targeted in an unprovoked attack in the capital Dublin, with local police (Gardai) launching an investigation into the violent assault. Photograph: Courtesy Pixabay Lakhvir Singh, in his 40s, told local media that he picked up two young men in their 20s on Friday night and dropped them at Poppintree, in the Ballymun suburb of Dublin. Upon arriving at the destination, the men are said to have opened the vehicle door and struck him twice on the head with a bottle. As the suspects fled, they reportedly shouted: "Go back to your own country". "In 10 years I've never seen anything like this happen," Singh told Dublin Live. "I'm really scared now and I'm off the road at the moment. It will be very hard to go back. My children are really scared," he said. A Dublin police spokesperson said Singh was taken to the city's Beaumont Hospital with injuries determined as not life-threatening. "Gardai are investigating an assault reported to have occurred in Poppintree, Ballymun, Dublin 11 at approximately 11:45 pm on Friday, 1st August 2025. A man, aged in his 40s, was brought to Beaumont Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injury. Investigations are ongoing," the spokesperson said. The incident followed an Indian Embassy advisory, also issued on Friday, expressing safety concerns following recent attacks in and around the capital Dublin and urging Indian citizens to take safety precautions. "There has been an increase in the instances of physical attacks reported against Indian citizens in Ireland recently, states the advisory. The embassy is in touch with the authorities concerned in 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 at odd hours," the statement reads, adding emergency embassy contact details as 0899423734 and cons.dublin@mea.gov.in. It came in the wake of a brutal attack on a 40-year-old Indian man at Parkhill Road in the Tallaght suburb of Dublin on July 19, described as mindless, racist violence by locals. The Gardai had opened an investigation into the case and Indian Ambassador to Ireland Akhilesh Mishra was among those who took to social media to express shock over the attack. Regarding the recent incident of physical attack on an Indian national that happened in Tallaght, Dublin, the embassy is in touch with the victim and his family. All the requisite assistance is being offered. The embassy is also in touch with the relevant Irish authorities in this regard, the embassy said in a social media post days after the incident. A Stand Against Racism protest was also held by the local community in condemnation of what was described as a "vicious racist attack" and to express solidarity with migrants. Last week, Dr Santosh Yadav took to LinkedIn to post details of a brutal, unprovoked racist attack. The entrepreneur and AI expert stressed that it was not an isolated incident and called for concrete measures from the governments of Ireland and India to ensure Indians feel safe to walk the streets of Dublin. His post revealed that a group of six teenagers attacked him from behind as he walked to his apartment in Dublin. This is not an isolated incident. Racist attacks on Indian men and other minorities are surging across Dublin -- on buses, in housing estates, and on public streets. Yet, the government is silent. There is no action being taken against these perpetrators. They run free and are emboldened to attack again, reads Yadav's post. Fine Gael party Councillor for Tallaght South, Baby Pereppadan, was among those who expressed concern following last month's attack. People need to understand that many Indian people moving to Ireland are here on work permits, to study and work in the healthcare sector or in IT and so on, providing critical skills, he said. 'America is adopting the typical 'my way or the highway'/'Either you are with us or against us' stance.' 'This is a policy India is not going to accept.' Kindly note the image of the Russian oil tanker Pegas has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Yoruk Isik/Reuters India gave a strong, dignified and mature response to US President Donald John Trump's threat to substantially raise tariff paid by India for buying oil from Russia. President's Trump new threat came six days after the US imposed a 25% tariff plus penalty on India on July 30. In its response Monday, August 4, 2025, night, the ministry of external affairs rejected the unjustified and unreasonable charge and termed it as double standards. 'Where the US is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals,' the MEA added. 'In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,' the MEA said. Sharing his thoughts on Trump's fresh tariff threat, former diplomat Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty said, "India will do whatever it takes to protect its interests." "Oil is an important energy source for our economy. We will buy it from wherever it is available at a cheaper price." "Despite whatever President Trump says, we cannot stop buying crude oil from Russia." It is difficult for India to stop oil trade with Russia, given its special relationship with Moscow. India's import cost for oil will soar if it had to buy expensive oil from other countries. Trump has made no bones about wanting greater access to markets across India, including agriculture and dairy -- where Indian negotiators have refused to ease protections. IMAGE: US President Donald John Trump exits Marine One at the Lehigh Valley international airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania, August 3, 2025. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/Reuters On whether Trump will go through with these threats, Ambassador Chakravarty said, "If he does, he will be pushing India-US relations backward. We have spent many decades working on this relationship and have built it up slowly." "Please remember India-US relations were never great because the US never liked our non-aligned policy," said the former high commissioner to Bangladesh and ambassador to Thailand. The envoy also served as special secretary, public diplomacy in 2011 and secretary of economic relations at the MEA. "The US is adopting the typical 'my way or the highway'/'Either you are with us or against us' stance. This attitude has again emerged in the US under President Trump and this is a policy that India is not going to accept." "We will maintain our strategic autonomy. We can work on partnerships, but India will not enter into a security treaty alliance with any country." Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'Many are saying that some significant announcement regarding Jammu and Kashmir or even separate statehoods might come; that possibility cannot be ruled out given today's date.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with National Democratic Alliance leaders N Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar, Eknath Shinde, Pawan Kalyan, Chirag Paswan. On the sixth anniversary of Article 370's removal, speculation swirls that the National Democratic Alliance could unveil sweeping changes for Jammu and Kashmir at Tuesday's high-stakes NDA MPs' meeting, even as Parliament remains stalled and major political questions loom. As Parliament continues to witness repeated disruptions and key legislation remains stalled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet NDA MPs on Tuesday morning. Janata Dal-United MP from Supaul, Bihar, Dileshwar Kamait said the meeting would likely focus on the Opposition-led deadlock, upcoming elections -- including in Bihar -- and coordination for the vice-presidential poll scheduled on September 9. The meeting also coincides with the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, prompting quiet speculation in political circles about a possible announcement regarding the future administrative status of Jammu and Kashmir. Kamait, however, said there was no formal agenda shared ahead of the meeting. Kamait echoed the hushed excitement in the capital. "The prime minister has called this meeting for 9.30 am, but the finer details of what will be discussed haven't been disclosed to MPs beforehand," he told Rediff, betraying a sense of expectancy that has not gone unnoticed within the NDA ranks. Kamait was clear that the persistent gridlock in the House, fuelled by Opposition protests and rising tension over electoral roll revisions in Bihar, would surely be a key topic. "The way uproar is being created every day, Parliament isn't being allowed to function. Important bills that need to be passed are stuck, while the public has sent us here to do legislative work, not to watch the House closed by slogans," he said. But it is not just parliamentary procedure that hangs heavy over the day. In the last 48 hours, Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have both called on the President, while meetings among the highest rungs of the nation's security apparatus have fanned murmurs that a major political step for Jammu and Kashmir could be imminent. The moment's symbolism is inescapable: August 5 marks six years since Article 370's abrogation changed the region's political landscape forever. "Many are saying that some significant announcement regarding Jammu and Kashmir or even separate statehoods might come; that possibility cannot be ruled out given today's date," Kamait acknowledged, before adding, "But as of now, nothing official has been said within our circles." For Kamait, the forthcoming vice president's election would also hover over the proceedings. "We expect the prime minister will guide us regarding the vice presidential poll. While there's been no formal announcement, the NDA is likely to back a consensus candidate chosen by the prime minister. We have a majority in both Houses, so whoever is named, there is confidence across the alliance that victory is assured." Kamait also pushed back against the Opposition's current accusations regarding cleaning of voter rolls in Bihar and across the country. "The Election Commission is only doing its job as a Constitutional authority. Training and clean-up are normal. In my own constituency, out of 128,000 names removed, many were of people who had died, shifted out, or had their names duplicated," he said. "There's a one-month window for corrections. Anyone who has a genuine grievance can get it addressed." For Kamait, allegations that this process is targeting particular groups are "completely misplaced". On whether dramatic changes to Jammu and Kashmir's structure or further statehood bifurcations would be officially taken up at the NDA meeting, Kamait was unequivocal: "Nothing about splitting Jammu and Kashmir further or creating new states has come up in our party briefings. For now, the focus is on the paralysis in Parliament, on crucial legislative business, and on the vice presidential contest." Yet, he admits, the symbolism of the date and the flurry of high-level meetings has left even insiders guessing. "It's a big day, and anything is possible." On August 3, a disturbing incident of molestation was captured on CCTV in Moradabad, showing a man behaving in an indecent manner with a burqa-clad woman in broad daylight. IMAGE: The police with the accused, Aadil, in hospital. Photograph: Courtesy, Moradabad police/X. The footage quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage and demands for immediate police action. The Nagphani police station, which falls under the jurisdiction of Moradabad, responded swiftly by launching a manhunt. This resulted in the arrest of the accused, Aadil, following a brief police encounter. According to police officials, the accused had a history of criminal behaviour and had been evading arrest. The CCTV footage clearly showed Aadil harassing the woman on a busy street, with bystanders initially unaware of the incident's severity. Once the video surfaced online, the police identified the suspect and moved swiftly to apprehend him. Acting on a tip-off, the police traced Aadil to a location on the outskirts of the city. When confronted, Aadil reportedly opened fire on the police team with an illegal weapon. In the ensuing encounter, the police managed to overpower and arrest him. A motorcycle without a number plate, along with an illegal firearm and live cartridges, were recovered from his possession. The Moradabad police confirmed the incident and subsequent arrest on its X handle, where they praised the efforts of the field team. 'This kind of behaviour towards women is utterly unacceptable. The police will act with full force against anyone threatening public safety, especially those targeting women,' the department stated. The Moradabad police also tweeted a picture of Aadil lying on a hospital bed after the police encounter. The police later registered multiple charges against Aadil, including molestation and possession of illegal arms. The case has reignited the public debate over women's safety in Uttar Pradesh with Netizens questioning the police over the law and order situation in the state. 'What has happened to women's safety in UP?' was a question asked by many. One user commented on social media, 'Where is the fear of law and order?' In response, the Moradabad police reassured citizens of their commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting the dignity of women. The accused, Aadil, remains in custody, and investigations continue into his possible criminal associations and previous record. The National Disaster Response Force has decided to deploy its first-ever team of cadaver dogs to help locate those feared dead in the cloudburst incident in Uttarakhand, official sources said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Army personnel make their way out of muddy road following cloudburst, at Dharali in Uttarkashi on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Photo A pair of these dogs will be airlifted from Delhi even as three teams of the force, comprising 35 rescuers in each, have been rushed to the incident site from various locations in the state. Two more NDRF teams are awaiting airlift from the Dehradun airport, they said. Disaster swept through the Himalayan village of Dharali on the way to Gangotri on Tuesday with a massive cloudburst leading to flash floods that barrelled through homes, trees, and cars, trapping 60-70 people and leaving at least four dead. Dharali is the primary stopover on the way to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges, and home to many hotels, restaurants, and home stays. A senior officer of the federal contingency force told PTI that cadaver dogs are being deployed in Uttarkashi to find bodies possibly buried beneath debris and slush, to ensure that the families of the victims can get closure. In addition to cadaver dogs, regular dogs who can sniff and detect survivors buried under mud and slush are also being deployed, he said. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which has battalion bases in Uttarakhand's Matli and Mahidanada as part of its deployment to guard the India-China LAC, has also sent about 100 personnel for rescue operations and to assist the state administration. Around 37 villagers, including 11 women and four children, were rescued from the area and evacuated to the ITBP border post named Kopang, a senior officer of the force said. The NDRF has trained about half a dozen cadaver dogs, primarily from the Belgian Malinois and Labrador breeds. For their training, the force procured a special scent from abroad that smells akin to the odour emitted by a dead body. "For all these years, the NDRF focused on its mandate of saving lives. Utilising the golden hour of finding life during a disaster has been the guiding principle of the rescuers, and hence, finding the dead or mortal remains was not a priority," a senior officer had recently told PTI. However, the force has also been part of operations where NDRF personnel are tasked to retrieve bodies from under the debris, like in the aftermath of a landslide or train, or road accident, he said. Finding bodies or human remains is important to ensure closure to the families and near and dear ones of the victims, the officer had said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the "abrupt" closure of kabutarkhanas (pigeon feeding spots) in the city was not advisable, and asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure controlled feeding of the birds. IMAGE: Municipal workers cover the Dadar kabutarkhana in Dadar, Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo The chief minister's statement has come amid growing demand for the closure of traditional 'kabutarkhanas' in Mumbai over health risks. Fadnavis, who chaired a meeting on the issue of 'kabutarkhanas' in Mumbai, cited the importance of protecting bird life, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring public health, while making suggestions. Any decisions concerning pigeon-feeding zones must be accompanied by alternative and compassionate solutions to prevent the starvation of birds, he said. The BMC on Tuesday said it has taken action against 142 persons for feeding pigeons at 'kabutarkhanas' across the city and recovered a fine of Rs 68,700 between July 13 and August 3. The chief minister, in an official statement, said, "Saving the lives of pigeons, protecting the environment, and securing citizens' health -- all three are important. Until an alternative system is in place, the BMC should continue a regulated and controlled supply of food to the pigeons." He directed that a formal policy should be framed specifying when and where pigeons can be fed in a regulated manner to avoid health hazards, and stressed the need for a scientific study, with expert involvement, on the health impacts of pigeon waste and its proper management, including finding technical solutions for cleaning and disposal. Fadnavis further said that he had also discussed the issue with former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi. Currently, a writ petition on the issue of 'kabutarkhanas' is being heard in the Bombay high court. The chief minister instructed the state government and BMC to present their stand and indicated that the state would consider approaching the Supreme Court if needed. He also asked the civic body to explore the possibility of setting up dedicated aviaries and take responsibility for their maintenance. The BMC, meanwhile, said that it had taken action against 142 people for pigeon feedings, and most of the violations were reported from the iconic Dadar kabutarkhana, which has been covered with plastic sheets. An official said action has been taken against 51 people for feeding pigeons at Dadar kabutarkhana, and Rs 22,200 was collected from them in fines. The civic body took action against 15 persons for feeding at Daulat Nagar (Santa Cruz) and Bandra Talao (Bandra) in H-West ward in Western suburb and 13 persons in T ward in the eastern suburbs, he said. The city has 44 'kabutarkhanas', of which the highest number of five are in the P-North and P-East wards in the western suburbs, followed by four each in the K-West in western suburbs and D ward in south Mumbai. The Bombay high court last week said feeding a congregation of pigeons was an act causing a public nuisance and also posed a health hazard to people, and directed the BMC to file FIRs against people engaging in such activity. Earlier last month, the court had restrained the BMC from demolishing any of the old heritage 'kabutarkhana' (pigeon feeding spots) in the metropolis, but had said that it cannot permit feeding of these birds. This photo provided by Indonesia's National Search And Rescue (Basarnas) shows people and officers setting up rope to pull the capsized fast boat to the sea shore at Sanur beach in Bali, Indonesia, Aug. 5, 2025. The Chinese consulate general in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, confirmed on Tuesday that two Chinese nationals were killed in a fast boat capsizing accident off Indonesia's Bali Island earlier in the day. (Basarnas/Handout via Xinhua) JAKARTA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese consulate general in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, confirmed on Tuesday that two Chinese nationals were killed in a fast boat capsizing accident off Indonesia's Bali Island earlier in the day. Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, I Nyoman Sidakarya, said the incident occurred at around 3:00 p.m. local time, when the fast boat Dolphin II was hit by large waves while traveling from Nusa Penida Port to Sanur Port in Bali Province. The vessel capsized as it neared its destination. The boat was carrying 75 passengers, including 73 foreign tourists, as well as five crew members at the time. The accident left two people dead and one missing, while 77 others were rescued, according to Sidakarya. Following the accident, local search and rescue teams deployed inflatable boats and personnel to conduct rescue operations. Search efforts for the missing person are still underway. The Chinese consulate said it immediately activated its emergency response mechanism after the accident, maintained close contact with Indonesian authorities, and worked to handle related aftermath matters. The consulate also reminded Chinese citizens in Indonesia to monitor sea condition information and pay attention to travel safety. In his first address to National Democratic Alliance MPs in over a year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised its collective identity as a natural and organic alliance, asserting that its journey since its foundation in 1998 is dotted with successes and has many more achievements in store. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being felicitated by the NDA MPs on the success of 'Operation Sindoor' during the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, at Parliament Library Building in New Delhi on Tuesday. Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and J P Nadda also seen. Photograph: @narendramodi X/ANI Photo He said members of the Bharatiya Janata Party and other NDA constituents should together, as part of the ruling combine, participate vigorously in various programmes, noting that his own party may be weak compared to allies in a few regions. At an NDA parliamentary party meeting, which was last held on July 2, 2024, Modi was on Tuesday felicitated for his 'exceptional leadership' in marshalling India's response following the Pahalgam terror attack, and a resolution showered praise on the armed forces as well for their 'unmatched courage' and 'unwavering commitment' during Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. In his address, Modi noted that Home Minister Amit Shah has become the longest-serving incumbent in his ministry, overtaking BJP veteran L K Advani, a co-founder of the grouping in 1998. "It is just the beginning," he said, adding that there is a long way to go, triggering some buzz among MPs about the implication of the statement. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju later told reporters that the prime minister spoke in the context of the NDA's long and successful journey and that it will notch up many more achievements. Shah has been at the helm since the Modi 2.0 government took over in 2019, and his stint is of six years and 65 days so far. His tenure has been marked by some of the highlights of the government, including the abrogation of Article 370 and the successful anti-Naxal operation. The prime minister said the Opposition must be regretting its decision to seek a debate on the terror strike and India's military response, according to sources, as he asserted that it was exposed during the discussion. Modi recalled that he had begun his reply in the Lok Sabha with the assertion that he would present the 'stand of Bharat' and praised the points made by the speakers from the NDA. They are harming themselves, he said of the opposition parties as an MP loudly raised the Hindi proverb of 'aa bail mujhe maar' from the audience. Modi also took a swipe at Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, a day after the former Congress president was pulled up by the Supreme Court for his claim of China encroaching on Indian land under the current government. Gandhi makes childish and unsubstantiated comments about Indian territory and security, and the court has served him a lesson, Modi said without naming the Congress leader. The sources said Modi spoke about upcoming events like Tiranga Yatra, which the BJP annually celebrates in the run-up to Independence Day, and National Space Day, which falls on August 23. He told the MPs that they should participate in them enthusiastically as NDA members. At places, the BJP may not be as strong as some of its allies but its members should work together with them as NDA partners, he added. The sources present in the meeting said the broader message of the prime minister, who is also the leader of the NDA, was about maintaining cohesion and coordination in the alliance. Leaders of allies joined the BJP leadership in the front row during the meeting. The BJP and its allies are in power in 19 out of 28 states, and are gearing up to fight the assembly polls in Bihar. Modi noted that August 5 was a historic day as Article 370, which gave special rights to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated on this day in 2019. The ground-breaking ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was also held on this day in 2020. The NDA government has followed the Constitution in its true spirit, he said. The MPs of the BJP-led ruling alliance met here in their only second such meeting during Parliament's sessions since the government was formed in June 2024. The NDA resolution paid tributes to 26 civilians who lost their lives in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam by terrorists linked to Pakistan. Praising Modi, it said, "The NDA Parliamentary Party lauds the exceptional leadership displayed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during these times. His unwavering resolve, visionary statesmanship and resolute command have not only steered the nation with purpose but also ignited a renewed spirit of unity and pride in the hearts of all Indians." After Operation Sindoor, Modi ensured that 59 MPs from different parties visited 32 countries to present India's point of view, one of the most comprehensive global outreach ever launched by India to highlight how it has been a victim of terror, it said. "The participation of Opposition MPs shows the maturity of our democracy and the statesmanship of the Prime Minister, who believes that in matters of national interest, we are all together," it added. The US designating 'The Resistance Front' (TRF), a LeT proxy responsible for the Pahalgam attack, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the BRICS Joint Declaration condemning the Pahalgam attack reflect a win for India's diplomatic stance against terrorism inflicted on its soil by Pakistan, the resolution said. "The developments reflect India's rising clout on the global stage and international affirmation," it said. Parliament on Tuesday approved a statutory resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur for another six months beyond August 13. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab The resolution, which was passed by the Lok Sabha last week, was approved by the Rajya Sabha, amid uproar by Opposition members over the issue of electoral rolls revision in Bihar. As Opposition MPs continued their protests on SIR, Deputy Chairman Harivansh said it was a 'constitutional obligation' to pass the resolution. "It's a statutory resolution. All of us, as MPs, have to follow constitutional provisions. These have a time limit within which it has to be disposed of..." Harivansh said. He then asked Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party member Subhash Chandra Bose Pilli to speak on the resolution. Opposition MPs however started raising slogans against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls exercise with TMP MPs raising slogans while standing next to the YSRCP member. Biju Janata Dal MP Muzibulla Khan said, "When Manipur law and order situation was bad, Article 356 was imposed. Today, the situation of law and order in Odisha is bad..." "Double engine government in Manipur failed.... Has the situation improved after so many months of President's Rule or not? Minister should inform us... The Centre should take responsibility, removing an elected government and imposing President's Rule repeatedly is also not good," he said. Moving the resolution for passage in the House, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said a rift was formed between two communities in Manipur due to a court order. "A rift was created between two communities in Manipur due to an order of the high court related to a dispute on reservations. Those who say it is religious violence are wrong..." Rai said amid continued uproar by Opposition MPs. Rai also said Home Minister Amit Shah had undertaken a tour of violence- affected areas in Manipur. "He (Shah) met high level officials, security forces, civil society members..." Rai said, claiming that the northeast has witnessed widespread development under the Narendra Modi-led government. He also said since the President's Rule was imposed in Manipur, only one incident of violence has been reported. The Rajya Sabha later approved the resolution with a voice vote. The House also passed another resolution by voice vote that sought to amend the Second Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. The resolution was moved by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. Manipur was put under President's Rule in February this year after Chief Minister N Biren Singh stepped down, nearly two years after the ethnic conflict began in the state between the valley-based Meitei community and the hills-based Scheduled Tribe Kuki-Zo group of communities. Russia on Monday announced that it was withdrawing from its self-imposed moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range missiles. IMAGE: United States President Donald trump with his counterpart Vladimir Putin. Photograph: Reuters The move comes after United States President Donald Trump ordered the repositioning of two American nuclear submarines closer to Russian shores, escalating tensions between the two Cold War-era rivals. Russia does not consider itself anymore bound by self-restrictions on deploying intermediate- and shorter-range missiles (INF) as conditions to preserve this moratorium have disappeared, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed between the USSR and the US in 1987, did not allow the deployment of missile launchers, ground-launched ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 km. The US withdrew from the agreement in 2019. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said its repeated warnings on the matter have been ignored and the situation is moving toward the actual deployment of US-made intermediate- and shorter-range ground-based missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Because of this, it said, "...The Russian Foreign Ministry has to attest to the disappearance of any conditions for the preservation of a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar arms and is authorised to state that the Russian Federation does not consider itself anymore bound by relevant self-restrictions approved earlier." Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia reserves freedom of action in the matter of deploying medium- and shorter-range missiles and can use it if necessary, if it has to respond to NATO's "aggressive actions" near the country's borders. The Foreign Office in Moscow said that actions by the West in the sphere of proliferating such missiles create a "direct threat" to Russian security, requiring certain measures on Moscow's part. 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. Veteran politician Satyapal Malik's five-decade-long political career spanned across multiple political parties and included several high-profile gubernatorial appointments before he transitioned into an outspoken critic of the very establishment he had served. IMAGE: Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satyapal Malik. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo He served as the governor of four states -- Bihar (2017), Jammu and Kashmir (2018), Goa (2019), and Meghalaya (2020). But his most impactful assignment commenced in August 2018, when he was named the governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The tenure saw two significant events -- the 2019 Pulwama attack in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel lost their lives, and the August 5, 2019 revocation of Article 370 and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Malik was the last governor of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Malik, 79, who had been hospitalised for some time, passed away in a Delhi hospital on Tuesday, which marks the sixth anniversary of Article 370 revocation. Though he rose to prominence as a loyalist in the Bharatiya Janata Party, his recent years have been characterised by his vociferous condemnation of the central government's policies, reworking his public image from that of a seasoned administrator to that of a vocal dissident. From J-K, he had been relocated to Goa, where his relationship with the state government soured as he was openly critical of its COVID-19 response and accused it of corruption. His term in Goa came to an abrupt halt and he was posted to Meghalaya, his final assignment. On retirement from governorship, he publicly confronted the central government over crucial matters, which included a contention that the Pulwama attack was an outcome of governmental indifference, and vocally backed the farmers' protests against the three central laws, contending that the government had not listened to them. During his last days of life, Malik was also named in the CBI chargesheets filed in May this year in connection with the alleged corruption in the Rs 2,200 crore Kiru Hydro power project. He strongly refuted the charges from his hospital bed, calling it 'political vendetta'. Malik was born on July 24, 1946, in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. His political journey started as a student leader with socialist ideology but his career was later characterised by party hopping as he switched from the Bharatiya Kranti Dal (BKD) to the Congress, then the Janata Dal and finally the BJP. The Jat leader was first elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 1974 on Charan Singh's BKD party. Malik was elected twice to the Rajya Sabha -- from 1980 to 1986 and then from 1986 to 1989 -- before he decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections on the Janata Dal ticket. He won from the Aligarh parliamentary seat. The then V P Singh government appointed him as the Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism. After the fall of the VP Singh government and the subsequent turmoil in the Janata Dal, Malik switched to the BJP, where he became a party vice-president and also acted as in-charge of its Kisan Morcha (farmers' cell). The convoy of Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, came under attack, described by the Bharatiya Janata Party as a 'murderous attempt', allegedly by Trinamool Congress supporters during a protest programme in Cooch Behar on Tuesday, sparking widespread tension in the North Bengal district. The Trinamool Congress, however, rubbished the allegations and called it a 'well-scripted drama' by the BJP to hog the headlines ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. The bulletproof glasses of the vehicle in which Adhikari and former Union minister Nisith Pramanik were travelling were smashed during the assault in the Khagrabari area of Cooch Behar. A police escort vehicle was also vandalised, with its window panes shattered, prompting the BJP to call it a 'murderous attempt' carried out in full public view, allegedly with police inaction. Following the incident, the Union Home Ministry officials talked to Adhikari and Pramanik over the phone. According to sources, Adhikari told officials that 'if it weren't for the bulletproof vehicle, I could have been killed today'. Armed with a Calcutta high court order, Adhikari had travelled to the restive district to lead a BJP rally and stage a demonstration outside the office of the Cooch Behar Superintendent of Police, to protest the alleged brutalities unleashed on BJP workers and to submit a memorandum. A close aide of the senior BJP leader said that once Adhikari returned to Kolkata, additional central forces were deployed to escort him as a precautionary measure. TMC workers held simultaneous demonstrations in 19 locations across Cooch Behar district, many of which fell along the route taken by Adhikari's convoy, to protest what they claimed was the 'harassment of Bengalis in BJP-ruled states' and the Centre's alleged 'attempts to implement NRC through backdoors in Bengal'. Adhikari's convoy was greeted with 'go-back' and 'thief' slogans near Ghoksadanga. The black flag protests intensified near Khagrabari around 12.35 pm, where the convoy came under attack. "The TMC assembled Rohingyas who infiltrated this region and made them carry out the attack," Adhikari alleged. "They tried to smash the car in which I was moving with rods and sticks and, after they failed, shattered the bulletproof glass with heavy stones. I survived only because of the bulletproof vehicle," he said. The BJP leader said he had formally informed the police and administration about his programme well in advance, since it had the sanction of the high court. "I had a hunch that something like this might happen. Now the SP will face the music for this breakdown of law and order," he told reporters. Speaking to the media, former Union minister Nisith Pramanik blamed North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha for allegedly 'masterminding' the attack. "Guha was present at a nearby religious institution and gave instructions to the mob. This was a clear attempt on our lives," he claimed. "This is an indicator that the TMC is rapidly losing support in Cooch Behar. They won the 2024 elections here by manipulating votes. But in 2026, they will be whitewashed," Pramanik added. The TMC strongly refuted all the charges. "TMC workers held spontaneous protests against Adhikari. But we were not involved in any attack. This is the BJP's internal feud playing out in public. They orchestrated the violence for media footage," said Partha Pratim Ray, former MP and TMC's Cooch Behar district president. In one symbolic act, TMC workers were also seen sprinkling water laced with cow dung on roads through which the BJP convoy had passed, claiming they were 'purifying' the path. Later in the evening, Adhikari alleged in a social media post that the attack was carried out in front of the Khagrabari mosque by 'Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims' brought in by the TMC to launch a 'homicidal assault' on him. "The foreign illegal immigrants comprising Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims form the backbone of TMC's power. They make up the party's vote bank, form crowds at rallies, and engineer vote loot. That's why Mamata Banerjee is shedding crocodile tears day and night to protect them," he wrote, attaching a purported video of the assault. In retaliation, BJP supporters launched statewide protests by blocking roads and burning tyres, causing disruption in multiple locations, including Dorina Crossing in central Kolkata. Rush hour traffic was severely affected in parts of Salt Lake and Nager Bazar, while demonstrations were also held in Mecheda, Contai, Asansol, Suri, Santipur, and Chinsurah. . The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed sharp exchanges between opposition and treasury benches over deployment of security personnel in the House, with Deputy Chairman Harivansh asserting that no Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been deployed to stop members from exercising their right to protest, as alleged by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. IMAGE: Opposition MPs create ruckus in Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab Harivansh also expressed concern over Leader of Opposition Kharge making public his letter to the Chair. He said Kharge's letter to him falls in 'privileged communication' and should not have been shared with the media even before it had reached him. The heated exchanges between the two sides reached a flashpoint when Kharge alleged that the Opposition MPs were prevented from entering the well by CISF personnel as if they were terrorists and asked if the chair was conducting the house or Home Minister Amit Shah, to whom the CISF reports. The remarks led to strong objections by the treasury benches. Leader of the House J P Nadda asked the Opposition MPs to take tuitions from him as they would have to remain in the opposition for the next few decades. He also termed Opposition conduct as anarchy. This irked the opposition MPs who rose on their feet protesting the remarks. The house witnessed the first adjournment till 2 pm. When it reassembled, the proceedings were adjourned for the day amid continued protests over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Earlier at 11 am, soon after the listed papers and reports were tabled, Harivansh lamented that Kharge, in his letter to him, had stated that CISF personnel were deployed in the House and were preventing Opposition leaders from exercising their democratic rights. "The dignity of the Chair does not allow it (letter) to go to the media," Harivansh said. He further said that it is a worrying fact that incidents of constant disruptions are occurring in the current session. Despite repeated appeals by the Chair, several members have willfully violated the provisions of Rule 235 and Rule 238, disrupting the House, he said. "We members should self-introspect whether such actions enhance the dignity and decorum of the House," Harivansh said, adding the opposition's conduct was 'undemocratic'. He asked how raising slogans, entering the Well of the House and disturbing other members can be termed as 'democratic right of protest'. Later, the floor was given to the Leader of the Opposition. Kharge said he has issued a press note on the letter for the benefit of the members. Kharge emphasised that the Opposition was protesting in a democratic way and will continue to do so. "CISF is being brought into the House. Are we terrorists?" Kharge said. Countering Kharge's claim, Harivansh asserted, "They were not from CISF. It was a parliamentary security service." The Congress leader said the parliamentary security service is well-equipped to provide security to MPs. "But do you want to run the House by bringing in police and military," he said. Harivansh stressed that the staff were from parliamentary services and urged Kharge not to mislead the House. "It is not new for security personnel to be present in the House. The foundation of this service was laid in 1930 by the first elected Indian president of the Central Legislative Assembly, Vitthal Bhai Patel. These security personnel have been doing their job since then, and they are specially trained. They conduct their duties while keeping the dignity of the House in mind, without using any kind of force," the Chair asserted. The Chair also cited several references from the past regarding the conduct of members in the House. Among others, he also quoted an observation by the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Tiruchi Siva (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) recalled that even after Bhagat Singh threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly, Vitthal Bhai Patel did not allow security forces to enter the house. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju sought a clarification from the Chair on what action needs to be taken against wrong claims being made by the Leader of Opposition (LoP). "Only marshals can enter the House. That day there were only marshals. LoP is misleading and putting forth wrong facts. When a misleading letter is written or a wrong fact is presented, what action needs to be taken?" Rijiju questioned. The Chair again gave the floor to Kharge, who asked, "Are you (Chair) running the House or Home Minister Amit Shah?". To this, Harivansh told Kharge that it was a wrong allegation. Leader of the House and Union Minister J P Nadda said he has been in opposition for 40 years, and the Congress party should take tuition from him to become an effective Opposition party. He alleged that certain actions of opposition members cannot be termed as democratic protest, but 'anarchism'. The Chair had rejected 34 adjournment notices under Rule 267 of the House. On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, on the 6th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha along with J&K Police Director General Nalin Prabhat and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo handed over government job appointment letters to family members of terror victims in Srinagar. The letters were handed to 250 families of terror victims. The families were selected from across north, central, and south Kashmir, and included those who lost loved ones in attacks carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba over the past three decades. Photographs: Umar Ganie for Rediff Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and workers during the Tiranga rally at historic Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar. Security personnel keep a vigil in Srinagar on the occasion of the 6th anniversary. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said India has not been a good trading partner and announced that he will raise the tariffs on New Delhi 'very substantially' over the next 24 hours because it is buying Russian oil. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump talks to members of the press at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on August 3, 2025. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/Reuters "With India, what people don't like to say about India, they're the highest tariff nation. They have the highest tariff of anybody. We do very, very little business with India because their tariffs are so high," Trump said in an interview with CNBC Squawk Box. "India has not been a good trading partner, because they do a lot of business with us, but we don't do business with them. So we settled on 25% (tariff), but I think I'm going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours, because they're buying Russian oil. They're fuelling the war machine. And if they're going to do that, then I'm not going to be happy," he added. When asked about the trade deal with India that seemed imminent, Trump said the 'sticking point' with India is that its tariffs are too high. "Now I will say this, India went from the highest tariffs ever, they will give us zero tariffs. But that's not good enough, because of what they're doing with oil." A day earlier, Trump said he will 'substantially' raise US tariffs on India, accusing the country of buying massive amounts of Russian oil and selling it for big profits. Hours later, India mounted an unusually sharp counterattack on the US and the European Union for their 'unjustified and unreasonable' targeting of New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil. Firmly rejecting the criticism, India pointed out the double standards in targeting it on the issue and said both the US and the EU are continuing their trade relations with Russia. "Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel, and machinery and transport equipment, the MEA said. "Where the US is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals," it added. "In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the MEA said. On Tuesday, Russia defended India's right to select trade partners, saying sovereign countries have the right to select their partners in trade and economic cooperation based on their interests. "We believe that sovereign countries must have and do have the right to choose their trade partners, the partners in trade and economic cooperation, on their own and independently determine those modes of trade and economic cooperation that suit the interests of a country in question," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, commenting on the US' threats regarding India. On Monday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakahrova accused the US administration of continuing a neocolonial policy against the nations of the Global South to maintain American hegemony. "Sanctions and restrictions are a regrettable reality of today's historical stage, which affects the entire world," Zakaharova said in a statement. "Washington cannot come to terms with the loss of hegemony in the emerging multipolar world order and continues to pursue a neocolonial policy in an attempt to maintain its position, using politicised levers of economic pressure against those who refuse to follow in its wake in the international arena," she added. On August 1, Trump signed an Executive Order titled 'Further Modifying The Reciprocal Tariff Rates', raising tariffs for over five dozen countries, including a steep 25 per cent for India. The executive order, however, did not mention the 'penalty' that Trump had said India will have to pay because of its purchases of Russian military equipment and energy. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, in an interview to Fox News Sunday, stated that President Trump has said very clearly that 'it is not acceptable for India to continue financing' the Ukraine war by purchasing oil from Russia. Last week, Trump mounted a sharp attack on India and Russia for their close ties and said the two countries can take their 'dead economies down together', a remark which prompted New Delhi to say that India is the world's fastest-growing major economy. Trump had earlier announced a 25 per cent tariff on imports of Indian goods along with an unspecified 'penalty' for buying 'vast majority' of Russian military equipment and crude oil. 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 Russia's 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 had said. The United States did not accept India's request for consultations under an agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) concerning American tariffs on steel, aluminium, and related derivative products, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. IMAGE: Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada speaks in the Lok Sabha. Photograph: ANI Photo/SansadTV The US has maintained that these measures were introduced on the grounds of national security, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. India, however, considers these measures to be safeguard actions that should have been notified and subjected to consultations under the WTO's Agreement on Safeguards (AoS). "India has accordingly reserved its right to suspend substantially equivalent concessions (right to impose equal trade measures in response) due to the US's non-compliance with its obligations under the AoS," he said. In a separate reply, the minister said India is actively involved in the discussions with the US on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the aim to expand trade and investment. India-US bilateral trade agreement negotiations were launched in March 2025. Five rounds of negotiations have been held, the last being from July 14-18th, 2025, at Washington, USA. "To safeguard the interests of farmers and the domestic industry, international trade negotiations allow for the inclusion of sensitive, negative, or exclusion lists -- categories of goods on which limited or no tariff concessions are granted," he said. In addition, in case of surge in imports and injury to the domestic industry, a country is allowed to take recourse to trade remedial measures such as anti-dumping and safeguards on imports. In another reply, the minister said India has not taken any decision to suspend or restrict trade or tourism activities with Turkey and Azerbaijan. However, the import from Turkey has declined from $3.78 billion in 2023-24 to $2.99 billion in 2024-25. The major items imported from Turkey during 2024-25 include Petroleum Crude, Gold, Inorganic Chemicals, Granite, Natural Stones and Aircraft & Spacecraft parts. The major items of import from Azerbaijan during 2024-25 include Finished Leather, Medical and Scientific Instruments, Raw Hides and Skins, Fruits/Vegetables Seeds and Hand Tools, Cutting Tools of Metals. Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday announced that the next general election will be held in February, as thousands of people joined a rally in Dhaka to mark the first anniversary of the 'July Uprising' that toppled longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina. IMAGE: Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Interim Government, attends an event in Cox's Bazar. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters "On behalf of the interim government, I will send a letter to the chief election commissioner requesting that the Election Commission hold the national election in February 2026, before Ramzan," Yunus said in a televised address to the nation on the first anniversary of last year's student-led protest movement -- dubbed as 'July Uprising'. The month of Ramzan is set to begin on February 17 or 18 next year, depending on the sighting of the moon. Earlier, general elections in Bangladesh were scheduled for the first half of April next year. "We want this election to be memorable in our nation's history - in terms of joy and festivity, peace and order, voter turnout, and in terms of harmony and sincerity," Yunus said as he promised to extend all possible support to ensure a 'free, fair, peaceful, and festive' election. Yunus, 85, said his government would start 'both mental and institutional readiness to accomplish all necessary preparations, starting tomorrow.' The interim government led by Yunus has disbanded all activities of Hasina's Awami League and arrested its top leaders, resulting in the emergence of former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as the single major actor in the political arena. A large offshoot of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which led the protests against Hasina, formed the National Citizen Party (NCP) in February, apparently with Yunus' blessings. The NCP recently presented its manifesto, vowing to turn Bangladesh into a 'Second Republic' and scrap the country's post-independence 1972 Constitution. The NCP is believed to have developed ties with far-right Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist groups against BNP. Earlier, Yunus called the 'July Uprising' anniversary an 'unforgettable chapter in the history of Bangladesh' as it had led to 'liberating our beloved nation from the grip of long-standing fascist rule'. Before delivering the televised address, Yunus read out the 'July Declaration' in front of the Jatiya Sangsad or the Parliament complex, saying the Uprising Day should serve as a reminder that the struggle for a better future continues. "The people of Bangladesh express their desire that the student-people uprising of 2024 will get proper state and constitutional recognition and that the July declaration will feature in the schedule of the reformed constitution as framed by the government formed through the next national election," Yunus said, reading from the declaration. The Yunus-led interim government wanted to give constitutional recognition to the student-led uprising. This recognition is known as the July Declaration. The over 1,000-word declaration described in detail the activities of the ousted 'fascist' regime, adding that 'therefore the people of Bangladesh express a strong desire' to bring the former rulers under trial for crimes of enforced disappearance and murder, individual and mass killings, and crimes against humanity. "This document of declaration is written to reflect the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh at the event of the victory in the mass uprising of August 5, 2024," Yunus said. Security forces enforced a strict vigil throughout the capital, with armoured vehicles patrolling the streets apparently to deter any attempt by Hasina's now-banned Awami League party to disrupt the day's events that included rallies, concerts, and prayer sessions. The representatives of major political parties joined the rally. However, apart from scattered political rallies, the streets of the capital were quiet amid inclement weather marked by incessant rains. According to political analysts, the anniversary came as Hasina, now on self-exile in India, faces trial on charges like crimes against humanity while most of her colleagues in the cabinet and in her Awami League party are in jail or on the run at home and abroad. But political analysts said Bangladesh is far from political stability, a year after the bloody uprising that claimed hundreds of lives. They said that despite the bloodshed, the prospect for a better Bangladesh with a liberal democracy, political tolerance, and religious and communal harmony remained a challenge. "The hope of the thousands who braved lethal violence a year ago when they opposed Sheikh Hasina's abusive rule to build a rights-respecting democracy remains unfulfilled," New York-based rights group Human Rights Watch said in a statement on the eve of the anniversary. Yunus was installed as Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8 last year, three days after the ouster of the 16-year-long Awami League regime, when Hasina left the country in an air force helicopter escorted by army troops. "Together, we will build a Bangladesh where tyranny will never rise again," Yunus had earlier said in a statement coinciding with the anniversary. He added that a peaceful, fair, and transparent election could be held early next year. Yunus said, 'fallen autocrats and their self-serving allies remain active' as he called for protecting the gains of the uprising. His government is now holding reform talks with political parties and civil society. The interim administration declared the Uprising Day anniversary a public holiday. NEW DELHI, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- India on Monday objected to the United States and the European Union (EU) targeting it for importing oil from Russia, saying it was "unjustified and unreasonable." In a written statement, a spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said that India's energy imports from Russia were essential to ensuring affordable and predictable fuel prices for Indian consumers. The statement came soon after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to substantially hike tariffs on India for the buying and selling of Russian oil. "The very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the spokesman said in the statement. He further stated that India's decision to purchase discounted Russian oil followed the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, which led traditional energy suppliers to divert their exports towards Europe. "At the time, the United States had even encouraged India's purchases as a way to stabilise global energy markets," added Jaiswal. Further highlighting the disparity between Indian and the EU's trade with Russia, the spokesman said, "The EU in 2024 had a bilateral trade of 67.5 billion euros in goods with Russia. In addition, it had trade in services estimated at 17.2 billion euros in 2023. This is significantly more than India's total trade with Russia that year or subsequently." Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Mainly clear. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 49F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 49F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC), the organisation charged with replacing New Zealands emergency services network, expects to finish building the new land mobile radio (LMR) network by the end of 2026. The Canterbury, Wellington, and Auckland regions are expected to be live in 2025 with the remaining eight regions coming on-stream throughout 2026, Police told Parliament in 2025/26 Budget estimates questioning. In preparation, over 7000 vehicles and 1300 stations across the country are being fitted with new devices and equipment. This is a significant undertaking for agencies, who are currently progressing to schedule, Police reported. While an early component of the ten-year, $1.4B project went live in Canterbury last year, completion and transition will take a lot longer. The live pilot area has been used for testing the new radios in operational scenarios, equipment installation, and service management tools and processes crucial to de-risking the migration of the agencies to the new system. Reflecting the significant scale of the national network build, and the changes to the vendor last year, the status of the LMR project is amber, Police said, referring to a risk scale of green for lower risk and red for higher risk. The work was being undertaken as a joint venture between Tait and wireless and broadcast communication specialist Kordia until Kordia withdrew. IT service provider ASI Solutions has launched ASI Cloud InfiniStor, a cloud storage platform built on Quantum Corporations ActiveScale object storage platform. ASI said it developed InfiniStor to meet the demand for cloud storage that prioritises affordability and local control. InfiniStor reduces storage and environmental footprint by 40% to 60% compared to traditional solutions, thanks to ActiveScales advanced erasure coding, said ASI Solutions New Zealand country manager, Lloyd Vickery. This allows us to offer New Zealand businesses lower costs and higher reliability, all hosted locally. Powered by ActiveScales three-site erasure coding, InfiniStor achieves 19 nines of data durability and site-level protection without the expense of multiple data copies. Local hosting ensured compliance with New Zealands data sovereignty requirements, while its 19 nines durability guaranteed data safety. An S3-compatible interface and integrated cold storage tape tier, including S3 Glacier API support, offers the simplicity of cloud storage but with low, predictable costs. One early adopter, University of Auckland, transitioned from legacy tape libraries to InfiniStor to manage growing research data. ASI delivered a solution with bulk data access, affordable long-term archiving via the S3 Glacier API, and integration with the REANNZ research network for high-speed collaboration. ASI plans to expand InfiniStors reach to Australia, explore white-label offerings for IT providers, and integrate AI-driven analytics to enhance data insights. ActiveScale is the foundation for a future-proof storage service, Vickery said. It enables us to deliver innovation and value to our customers. SYDNEY, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A teenage girl has been arrested after another teenager was fatally stabbed north of Sydney. Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Tuesday that emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing in Edgeworth, a suburb of the city of Newcastle 110 km north of Sydney, at about 10:20 p.m. on Monday. Officers arrived at the scene and found a teenage girl with an injury to her torso. She was treated by ambulance paramedics before being taken to the hospital in a critical condition, where she later died from her injuries. A second teenage girl, who police said was known to the victim, was arrested at the scene and was assisting with inquiries. Local media reported that the victim was 13 years old and that the girl who was arrested is 14. As of Tuesday morning, no charges had been laid by police. NSW Police said in a statement that a crime scene has been established, which will be forensically examined by specialist officers, and that detectives have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the girl's death. When Kateryna Yesypchuk finished her first shift as a subway train driver for the Kyiv Metro in June 2025, her legs ached. Although the braking systems on the rumbling underground trains are only operated by hand, the 25-year-old explains, "I was instinctively pushing my feet against the floor because I'm so used to operating the brake pedal of my car." Driving subway trains was forbidden for women until 2017, when 450 professions considered too "dangerous and harmful" for female workers were opened to all. Subway representatives at the time defended the ban on women drivers, citing noise and vibrations that they claimed could harm women's reproductive health. Since the ban on female subway drivers was lifted, no women made it through the intensive training until recently. In the fall of 2024, one woman began working in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, and today Yesypchuk is the first and only female underground train driver in Kyiv. A Critical Shortage Of Manpower Amid the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of manpower across many industries. In 2024, the Kyiv Metro slightly reduced the frequency of its trains, in part due to a shortage of drivers. Yesypchuk says her mother was initially against the idea of her working as a driver underground amid the subway's "oil and grime," but the woman says she's used to getting her hands dirty. She initially trained to be a mechanic in the central-eastern city of Dnipro, where she was the only female trainee among 93 men. "Some of the teachers were sure I'd sit through a couple of courses, then quit. But no -- I finished my studies," Yesypchuk recalls. She worked in other roles within the Kyiv Metro company before the driver's position, with its reported salary of around $669 per month, came up. She says her husband was supportive of her giving it a shot. At the driver's training program, Yesypchuk was one of 28 people who began the course, including three other women. Only 10 successfully completed it. Yesypchuk was the only woman among them. The unusual sight of a female subway train driver in Kyiv has caused some problems. During one shift Yesypchuk was preparing to switch with another driver and opened the door to her cab. When curious commuters approached to speak, she responded politely, but someone filmed the encounter. When the video appeared online, her managers reprimanded Yesypchuk for the breach of protocol. Speaking to the public through the open door is strictly forbidden. The Russian and Chinese navies wrapped up five-day naval exercises on August 5 as they showcased their growing military ties through anti-submarine and live-fire drills in the Sea of Japan. Russia's Pacific Fleet said Chinese and Russian vessels were moving in a joint detachment together during the Maritime Interaction 2025 exercises, including a large Russian anti-submarine ship and two Chinese destroyers. Diesel-electric submarines from the two countries were also involved, as well as a Chinese submarine rescue ship, Russian authorities said. The scheduled exercises began on August 1 with training near Vladivostok in Russia's Far East before both countries' navies carried out exercises in the Sea of Japan starting on August 3. The joint drills are the latest sign of the deepening security cooperation under way between China and Russias militaries. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank, documented 113 combined military exercises that Beijing and Moscow have launched since 2003, but half of that total has taken place in the past six years alone. An increasing number of those drills have been focused in the Pacific in recent years, where Beijing holds maritime disputes with other nations along the South China Sea, and Moscow maintains a longstanding territorial dispute over the sovereignty of an island chain with Japan. The region is also home to tensions along the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan, the self-governing island that China views as its own and has promised to take by force, if necessary. The Chinese-Russian drills also overlapped with the first-ever joint naval exercises between India and the Philippines in the South China Sea that began on August 3 and lasted two days. Beijing has separate territorial disputes with the two Asian nations and a longtime regional rivalry with India. China has an ongoing land-border dispute with India in the Himalayas, and Beijing's expansive claims to virtually the entire South China Sea have led to tense confrontations with other countries that lay claim to its maritime boundaries, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam. Previously, the Philippines has staged naval patrols in the disputed waters with the United States and other strategic partners, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and France, to promote freedom of navigation against China. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Romeo Brawner told reporters that those joint drills were deemed a success and that he hoped they would lead to more maneuvers with India in the future. Russian military strikes early on August 5 severely damaged critical infrastructure in the city of Lozova in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, killing two people and injuring at least 10, including two children. The attack, which began around 3 a.m., triggered fires across the city and disrupted rail traffic in Lozova, a strategically important transport hub. Kharkiv regional authorities confirmed that two people were killed in the attack, with Ukraine's national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsya, confirming that one of its shift mechanics was among the dead. Four other railway workers were injured and are receiving medical treatment. The company reported that most civilians in the area managed to reach shelters in time, preventing higher casualties. According to Lozova Mayor Serhiy Zelenskyy, the bombardment affected multi-story residential buildings, private homes, and key infrastructure. "Unfortunately, there are wounded, including children," he said, adding that emergency services are working to restore water and electricity in parts of the city. The strikes forced the temporary closure of the Lozova train station, a key hub linking the Southern, Prydniprovska, and Donetsk railways. Two suburban trains were canceled, and the schedules of others were affected. Long-distance trains, including those between Uman, Cherkasy, and Kharkiv, were rerouted via backup locomotives, causing significant delays. Passengers bound for Lozova are being redirected by bus to the nearby Limanivka station. Russian Drone And Missile Assault The attack came as part of a wider Russian drone and missile assault across Ukraine, involving 46 Shahed drones and an Iskander-M ballistic missile launched from Russia's Bryansk region. Ukraine's air force reported shooting down 29 drones but confirmed multiple hits in the east, including in the Kharkiv region. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed it shot down 24 Ukrainian drones overnight, including seven over the Rostov region, 13 over Bryansk, and others over the regions of Smolensk and Kaluga. Fires broke out at a power station in the Millerovo district and near the Tatsinskaya railway station, the Rostov region's governor Yury Slyusar said. No casualties were reported. Ukraine has not formally confirmed responsibility for the drone strikes. However, officials have previously stated that Russian military and logistical targets across Russia are legitimate targets, with Kyiv saying its operations seek to undermine Russia's ability to continue its full-scale aggression against Ukraine launched in February 2022. Ukrainian authorities and international watchdogs have repeatedly labeled Russia's systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure -- including hospitals, schools, and power facilities -- as war crimes. The Kremlin continues to deny these accusations. Some 1,300 evacuees have fled Kherson city's Korabelniy district since Russia began bombing a bridge on August 2 that connects to the urban center to the north. Some residents have left home behind, carrying only pets and minimal belongings as volunteers help rescue elderly or ailing residents. "I only took the bare essentials," said Inna, who spoke to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "I evacuated with my dog. My neighbors, too. We'll be living together for a while. Last year, a shell hit my house and my husband was killed. The dog was injured." Dramatic videos of the Korabelniy bridge being blasted have spread across social media channels, underscoring the risk to Ukrainians who live near boundaries where Russians have occupied territory. In the early days of Russia's three-year war on Ukraine, occupying forces managed to seize Kherson city, the only major municipality taken. But Ukrainians regained control of the city in late 2022 as Russians withdrew to areas south of the Dnieper River. From that territory, Russia has been launching air strikes on the northern Kherson region ever since. The Korabelniy district, while a part of Kherson city, is made up of a group of Kosheva River islands connected to the main municipality by one key traffic bridge along with a separate train bridge. The Kosheva is a tributary to the Dnieper. Locals who are dependent on supplies from Kherson city have been rattled at seeing days of glide bomb strikes on the traffic bridge. While it remained passable on August 5, concerns have been growing over whether the bridge will remain standing. One resident of the island district described the attacks as "Terrifying! It was like an apocalypse!" Valentyna added, "We were at home when that bomb struck. There was a huge explosion -- all the doors in the house were knocked open." Others in the district have said electrical and gas supplies have been cut off as the Russian attacks continue. SYDNEY, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A man has died and another has been hospitalized in a critical condition following a workplace incident in northwest Sydney. Emergency services were called to the incident at a construction site in Carlingford, 18 km northwest of central Sydney, around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, and arrived to find two men with critical injuries. Local media reported that a concrete pump had fallen on the two men. Ambulance paramedics arrived and treated both men, aged 40 and 30, before transporting them to hospital. The 40-year-old died from his injuries in hospital, a police statement said, while the 30-year-old remained in a critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon. The operator of the construction site, apartment developer Meriton, said in a statement that it was coordinating fully with the relevant authorities. Ellen O'Donoghue The kidnapping of Irish aid worker Gena Heraty from an orphanage she oversees in Haiti features heavily on Irish front pages on Tuesday morning. The Irish Times lead with the HSE planning to collect detailed data on abortion, the Probation Service training staff to deal with radicalised criminals engaged in violent extremism, and there being no ransom demands as of yet for Gena Heraty, who was kidnapped from an orphanage she oversees in Haiti. The Irish Examiner lead with 22,000 homes being listed for short rentals while there are only 1,800 properties available for long-term tenants, the kidnapping of Irish woman Gena Heraty in Haiti, two people being dead following separate assaults, and nearly 400 inmates being classified as unlawfully at large over the last decade after not returning to custody. The Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Mail lead with the kidnapping of Irish aid worker Gena Heraty from an orphanage in Haiti. The Irish Independent lead with the family of a Cavan-based woman saying they are devastated after she was facilitated in ending her life by a controversial Swiss clinic without her family being informed. The Echo lead with 231 teaching posts being unfilled in Cork, and a group representing survivors of Magdalene laundries requesting that An Coimisiun Pleanala attach multiple conditions to any planning permission granted to a massive student accommodation development proposed for the Cork site of a former convent, orphanage and Magdalene laundry. The Belfast Telegraph lead with Northern Ireland's Communities Minister saying a drag queen storytelling event for children in a Belfast library should not have taken place. The Irish Daily Star lead with the death of Ian Walsh in Carrick on Suir, Co Tipperary, after his body was discovered on Monday at his home. The Herald lead with a taxi man being the victim of a racist attack in Ballymun. Punjab Weather Updates: IMD Issues Yellow Alert Warning of Heavy Rain in 3 Districts, Aug 5 On August 6, the State Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for four northeastern districts of Punjab Punjab Weather Updates: IMD Issues Yellow Alert Warning of Heavy Rain in 3 Districts, Aug 5 Punjab Weather Updates Today The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chandigarh, has issued a yellow alert forecasting heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, squalls, and more in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and Rupnagar, according to its general forecast for today, Tuesday. Advertisement No alerts have been issued for the remaining twenty districts of the state in the forecast for today. Nowcast: However, the State Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Rupnagar and SAS Nagar (Mohali), warning of light rain with rainfall of less than 5 mm in the nowcast. This nowcast is valid until 2:30 PM today. The weather is expected to remain pleasant over the next few days, with no warnings issued until the 9th of August. Advertisement However, on August 6, the State Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for four northeastern districts of Punjab Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, and SAS Nagar warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, squalls, and more. Weather Observed in the Past 24 Hours: In the past 24 hours, there has been a -0.3C change in the average minimum temperature, which remains near normal. Advertisement The lowest minimum temperature in the state was 24.2C, recorded at Sri Anandpur Sahib IMDJINDWADI (AWS) in Rupnagar. This location also recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 20.0 mm. (For more news apart from Punjab Weather Updates: IMD Issues Yellow Alert Warning of Heavy Rain in 3 Districts, Aug 5, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Uttarakhand: "50 People Missing" After Cloudburst Hits Dharali Uttarkashi, Rescue Underway A large-scale rescue operation will have to be carried out in the region. Uttarakhand: "50 People Missing" After Cloudburst Hits Dharali Uttarkashi, Rescue Underway: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand: At least 50 people are reported missing after a cloudburst triggered a massive mudslide in Dharali village, located in the KheerGanga area near Harsil. The disaster washed away approximately 4050 houses, according to initial reports. Advertisement Mohsen Shahedi, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), told ANI, Three NDRF teams have been dispatched to the area. Each team consists of 35 well-equipped personnel ready to carry out rescue operations. According to the initial information, around 4050 houses have been swept away, and over 50 people are currently missing. He added, A large-scale rescue operation will have to be carried out in the region. The Indian Army was the first to respond to the emergency, and has already rescued around 20 individuals, an Army official confirmed. Advertisement The cloudburst triggered a sudden surge of water and debris through the village, leading to widespread destruction. (For more news apart from Uttarakhand: "50 People Missing" After Cloudburst Hits Dharali Uttarkashi, Rescue Underway, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Uttrakhand: Massive Mudslide Hits Dharali Village After Cloudburst; Army 1st to Respond, 20 Rescued The cloudburst has caused widespread destruction, and several people are feared to have been washed away. Uttrakhand: Massive Mudslide Hits Dharali Village After Cloudburst; Army First to Respond, 20 Rescued A massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the KheerGad area near Harsil, following a cloudburst that triggered a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement, the Central Command of the Indian Army said. Advertisement The cloudburst has caused widespread destruction, and several people are feared to have been washed away. Troops from the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilized to the affected site to assess the situation and begin rescue operations. Brigadier Mandeep Dhillon, Brigade Commander of the Indian Army, stated that at around 1345 hours (1:45 PM), a cloudburst and subsequent mudslide struck Dharali village. He added that the Indian Army column stationed at Harshil Post was the first to respond, reaching the village within 10 minutes and initiating rescue efforts. Advertisement He further stated, The column comprises around 150 personnel, equipped with specialized medical gear, rescue equipment, and doctors. They are actively engaged in rescuing villagers. So far, approximately 20 villagers have been rescued, and the injured are receiving medical treatment. Brigadier Dhillon added, Subsequently, another mudslide and cloudburst hit the Army camp in Harshil. Advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said he had spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to assess the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people, PM Modi wrote. Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda also expressed concern in a post, stating, In this hour of crisis, all BJP workers in the state are involved in providing every possible help to the victims. I express my condolences to the affected families. Senior officials, including the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and the Commissioner of Garhwal Division, are monitoring the situation from the State Disaster Operations Centre in Dehradun. Advertisement State and Central Forces on High Alert Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing. I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with the Uttarakhand CM to review the situation. In a post on X, he stated, Three nearby ITBP teams have been sent to the site, and four NDRF teams have also been dispatched. They will soon arrive and engage in rescue operations. A 16-member team from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was rushed to the cloudburst site in Uttarkashi to support rescue efforts. Additionally, another team from ITBPs 12th Battalion has been sent from Matli, Uttarakhand, to join operations at the affected site. Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)one each from Maneri, Bhatkot, and Dehradunhave been dispatched to Uttarkashi. Furthermore, two more teams are on standby at Shasradhara Airstrip for potential airlift. Rescue Operations are underway. (For more news apart from Massive Mudslide Hits Dharali Village After Cloudburst; Army First to Respond, 20 Rescued, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) PHNOM PENH, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian defense spokesperson said on Tuesday evening that barbed wire deployed by Thai soldiers in Cambodian territory has been removed. "The illegal installation of barbed wire by the Thai side in An Ses area (in Preah Vihear province) on August 4, 2025, has been removed, and the machinery has ceased its operations as of the afternoon of August 5, 2025," Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said in a press release. "The removal followed discussions and negotiations between the Cambodian and Thai forces positioned in An Ses area," she said. Socheata said the An Ses area is within Cambodian territory and is fully controlled by the Cambodian armed forces after a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand came into force at midnight on July 28. Armed clashes broke out on July 24 between soldiers of Cambodia and Thailand along their disputed border, and the fighting stopped after the ceasefire took effect. August 5, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of domestic and international news August 5, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 05.08.2025, 19:47 Iliescu. Ion Iliescu, Romanias first president after the fall of communism, died on Tuesday in Bucharest at the age of 95, after spending nearly two months in hospital. He was in serious condition and suffering from lung cancer. After the December 1989 revolution, the National Salvation Front (FSN) took power and formed a provisional government, appointing Ion Iliescu, a former high-ranking communist official, as interim president of Romania. The first presidential elections were held on May 20, 1990, with Ion Iliescu being elected president for a two-year term. This was followed by another four-year term until 1996. Ion Iliescu was president again between 2000 and 2004, the year Romania joined NATO. After the FSN, he was a member of the Democratic Front for National Salvation (FDSN), the Party of Social Democracy in Romania (PDSR), and finally the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Ion Iliescu had been charged with crimes against humanity in two controversial criminal cases, one concerning the 1989 Revolution and the other concerning the Miners Riot of June 1990. In December 1989, more than 850 people died in the days following the fall of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Prosecutors accused Ion Iliescu of directly spreading misinformation through television appearances and press releases, contributing to the establishment of widespread psychosis. In June 1990, several people died and approximately 1,000 protesters were injured following miners actions. Reactions. History will judge Ion Iliescu, the central figure of the transition of the 1990s. It is our duty to clarify the major issues of that era in order to move forward with confidence, President Nicusor Dan has stated. The leaders of Romanias main political parties have sent messages of condolence. The interim president of the PSD, Sorin Grindeanu, said he was deeply saddened to hear of the death of former Romanian president Ion Iliescu. A prominent figure in recent history, Ion Iliescu, the first president of democratic Romania, made a major contribution at defining moments for the Romanian people, such as accession to NATO and the EU. The PNL has also sent a message of condolence, stating that he was an important figure in post-December politics and the first democratically elected president after 1989, and his work influenced significant moments in the countrys recent history. For his part, USR President Dominic Fritz has highlighted the role Ion Iliescu played in Romanias strategic orientation towards NATO and the EU, but at the same time, he has stressed that we cannot overlook the suffering of those who paid with their blood for the right to freedom and democracy, for the revolution and the miners riots. The current Liberal prime-minister, Ilie Bolojan, has pointed out that Ion Iliescus passing marks the end of a significant stage in the countrys recent history, marked by the post-communist transition and essential transformations in public life. Budget. The ruling coalition in Bucharest is assessing the measures comprised by the second fiscal package aimed at reducing the countrys budget deficit with emphasis on the reform of the local public administration. Talks are also focusing on the reforms of state companies, fighting tax evasion and streamlining the activity of the National Agency for Fiscal Administration as well as the reform of the countrys healthcare system. Talks on reforming the magistrates special pensions are also underway as these reforms are expected to become part of the third set of fiscal-budgetary measures. Protests. Trade unionists in Romanias Education on Tuesday staged a protest in Bucharest against the fiscal-budgetary measures taken by the Government. Teachers have asked for the resignation of field minister Daniel David and said that measures such as increasing the number of working hours and the number of students in a classroom as well as merging some education units are going to severely impact their activity. The unionists also want stipulations in the Austerity Law on education cancelled and have threatened to block the beginning of the school year unless their claims are met. GRECO. Romania has implemented or properly approached only two out of the 26 recommendations comprised by the report of the second assessment round on preventing corruption and promoting integrity at central level (executive positions and leadership) and at the level of law-enforcement institutions. The conclusion belongs to the Groups of States against Corruption (GRECO), which is a Council of Europe body and which on Tuesday made public its conformity report regarding Romania endorsed during its 100th plenary sitting in Strasbourg over June 3 and 6. According to the document, out of the 24 pending recommendations, 22 have been partially implemented and two have not been implemented at all. The Group of States against Corruption is calling on the Romanian authorities to provide additional information regarding the implementation of the recommendations that are still pending by December 31, 2026. Ukraine. Sweden, Norway, and Denmark will contribute a total of approximately 421 million Euro to a NATO-led initiative to deliver American weapons to Ukraine, the Oslo government announced on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump said in July that the United States would deliver weapons to Ukraine paid for by European allies, but did not indicate how this would be done. Sweden said its contribution, which includes Patriot missiles and other air defense equipment, as well as anti-tank ammunition, will amount to 238 million. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that the North Atlantic Alliance is grateful to the three Nordic countries for their swift action in financing the military support package for Kyiv. NATO will coordinate the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), an initiative funded by European NATO countries and Canada, which will be divided into packages worth $500 million (433 million). On Monday, the Netherlands became the first country to announce its participation, with 500 million. According to the Swedish governments website, Stockholm donated 8.3 billion to Ukraine until March 2025. Gagauzia. Evghenia Gutul, governor of the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia in the Republic of Moldova, was sentenced on Tuesday to seven years in prison by the Chisinau Court in a case involving the illegal financing of the former Shor party, according to the MOLDPRES news agency. In the same case, a former secretary in the Central Office of the same party was sentenced to six years in prison. Gutul, who has strongly criticized the current pro-European government in Moldova and has occasionally visited Moscow to meet with high-ranking officials, denied any wrongdoing, Reuters reports, recalling that she was included on EU and US sanctions lists on suspicion of destabilizing Moldova. Evghenia Gutul and Svetlana Popan were accused of knowingly accepting illegal funding for a political party and an electoral competitor from an organized criminal group, a crime committed on a continuous basis and as accomplices. Prosecutors say that Gutul systematically channeled undeclared funds into Moldova from 2019 to 2022 to finance the now-banned pro-Moscow Shor party, founded by Ilan Shor, an exiled pro-Russian businessman who was convicted of fraud in Moldova. Tuesdays decision can be appealed. (MI) August 5, 2025 A roundup of local and world news Newsflash Newsroom, 05.08.2025, 13:55 BUDGET The ruling coalition in Bucharest is assessing the measures comprised by the second fiscal package aimed at reducing the countrys budget deficit with emphasis on the reform of the local public administration. Talks are also focusing on the reforms of state companies, fighting tax evasion and streamlining the activity of the National Agency for Fiscal Administration as well as the reform of the countrys healthcare system. Talks on reforming the magistrates special pensions are also underway as these reforms are expected to become part of the third set of fiscal-budgetary measures. DECLIC The community Declic made up of over one million civically-involved Romanians from the country or abroad, has submitted to the Presidential Administration a petition signed by more than 85 thousand citizens calling on President Nicusor Dan to kick off a referendum on the issue of special pensions in Romania. In the aforementioned document, the community says that Romania needs a transparent system in which pensions must reflect the real contributions of the beneficiaries irrespective of their job or position. The signatories are asking for a solution to all special pensions not only for those of the magistrates. The Executive wants to commence the reform of the magistrates pensions, which is also a condition not to lose hundreds of millions of Euros in the National Plan of Recovery and Resilience, known as PNRR. Under a government proposal, the magistrates should retire at the age of 65 and their pension should be 70% of their last net salary. At present, the magistrates pensions are around 5 thousand Euros. The Executives proposals are being contested by judges and prosecutors. GRECO Romania has implemented or properly approached only two out of the 26 recommendations comprised by the report of the second assessment round on preventing corruption and promoting integrity at central level (executive positions and leadership) and at the level of law-enforcement institutions. The conclusion belongs to the Groups of States against Corruption a.k.a GRECO, which is a Council of Europe body and which has today made public its conformity report regarding Romania endorsed during its 100th plenary sitting in Strasbourg over June 3 and 6. According to the document, out of the 24 pending recommendations, 22 have been partially implemented and two have not been implemented at all. The Group of States against Corruption is calling on the Romanian authorities to provide additional information regarding the implementation of the recommendations that are still pending by December 31 2026. PROTEST Trade unionists in Romanias Education on Tuesday staged a protest in Bucharest against the fical-budgetary measures endorsed by the Government. Teachers have asked for the resignation of field minister Daniel David and said that measures such as increasing the number of working hours and the number of students in a classroom as well as merging some education units are going to severely impact their activity. The unionists also want stipulations in the Austerity Law on education cancelled and have threatened to block the beginning of the school year unless their claims are met. WEATHER The weather is still hot in southern and south-eastern Romania, where temperatures are expected to go up to 37 degrees Celsius and the temperature-humidity index THI will exceed 80 units. A code-yellow warning for extremely hot weather has been issued for the aforementioned regions. The weather remains warm in the other regions with showers and thunder storms expected only in the mountains. The highs of the day are ranging between 24 and 37 degrees. (bill) Hot topics of the second fiscal package Talks continue in Bucharest on the measures in the second fiscal package. Guvernul Bolojan / Foto: fov.ro Daniela Budu, 05.08.2025, 14:00 After assuming responsibility in Parliament, at the beginning of July, for the first package of fiscal measures, the Government and the ruling coalition in Bucharest are analyzing the measures included in the second fiscal package aimed at economic recovery and reducing Romanias budget deficit. Among the measures discussed are the reform of the local administration, reducing the number of local police officers and investments that may still receive funding this year under the Anghel Saligny program. The Ministry of Development continues to analyze each project separately, at the request of the mayors who are unhappy with the fact that many of the projects launched for the development of local communities could be blocked due to lack of money. The Minister of Public Works, Development and Administration, Cseke Attila, explained on a private television station that a 20% reduction in the number of positions in local public administration is being considered and that there is a need to streamline the activity of central authorities, where measures will also have to be taken. The second package would also include the reform of state-owned companies and the streamlining of the activity of the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) for collecting revenues to the state budget, as well as measures to expedite access to European funds or health reform. As for state-owned companies, the Government proposes measures to increase transparency, professionalize and depoliticize the management of public enterprises. The second package of fiscal measures should have been adopted by mid-July, but it will probably be delayed due to lack of agreement on the suspension of some projects from the Anghel Saligny local development program and the reform projects in state-owned companies. After adopting the second package, the Government in Bucharest will continue with a third set of fiscal measures. One of the most important points in this latest package is the reform of special pensions for magistrates. Discussions on this topic have already begun. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan proposed that magistrates pensions be reduced to a maximum of 70% of the last net salary and that the retirement age be increased to 65 years. President Nicusor Dan has discussed with the magistrates representatives, without reaching a result. In this context, over 85,000 citizens are asking President Nicusor Dan to launch a referendum on the issue of special pensions. The Declic community claims that Romania needs a transparent system in which each pension reflects the real contributions of the beneficiary, regardless of the profession or position held. The document calls for a solution for all special pensions, not just those of magistrates. (EE) The Australian stock market is extending its early gains in mid-market trading on Tuesday, adding to the gains in the previous session, following the broadly positive cues from Wall Street overnight. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 is moving above the 8,750 level, with gains across all sectors led by mining, energy and stocks. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index is gaining 88.60 points or 1.02 percent to 8,752.30, after touching a high of 8,764.20 earlier. The broader All Ordinaries Index is up 90.70 points or 1.12 percent to 9,012.70. Australian stocks closed slightly higher on Monday. Among the major miners, Rio Tinto and BHP Group are gaining almost 1 percent each, while Mineral Resources is advancing almost 5 percent and Fortescue is edging up 0.5 percent. Oil stocks are mostly higher. Origin Energy is gaining almost 2 percent, Woodside Energy is adding more than 1 percent and Beach energy is advancing almost 3 percent, while Santos is edging down 0.1 percent. Among tech stocks, Afterpay owner Block is advancing more than 3 percent, Zip is surging more than 6 percent and WiseTech Global is adding almost 2 percent, while Xero is gaining more than 1 percent. Appen is flat. Gold miners are mostly higher. Gold Road Resources is adding almost 1 percent, Newmont is advancing more than 4 percent, Evolution Mining is up almost 1 percent and Northern Star resources is gaining more than 2 percent, while Resolute Mining is losing more than 2 percent. Among the big four banks, National Australia Bank and ANZ Banking are gaining more than 1 percent each, while Commonwealth Bank is gaining almost 1 percent and Westpac is edging up 0.5 percent. In other news, shares in Credit Corp are soaring more than 20 percent on upbeat full-year results, driven by a sharp recovery in US debt collections and strong earnings growth in its consumer lending . Shares in Austal are jumping almost 6 percent after it finalised its agreement with the federal government to become the country's sovereign defence shipbuilder. Shares in Reckon are soaring more than 14 percent after the tech firm upbeat half-yearly results, driven by the acquisition of Cashflow Manager. The company also declared a fully franked dividend. Shares in Electro Optic Systems are skyrocketing more than 33 percent after the defence and space company announced a major A$125 million contract win from a European NATO Member State. It secured its first export order for a drone defence capability based on a new type of high-power laser. Meanwhile, shares in Telix Pharmaceuticals are plunging more than 12 percent after it flagged higher operating expenses in the first half of the fiscal year. In economic news, the services sector in Australia continued to expand in July, and at a faster pace, the latest survey from S&P Global revealed on Tuesday with a services PMI score of 54.1. That's up from 53.8 in June and it moves further above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction. In the currency market, the Aussie dollar is trading at $0.646 on Tuesday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Adecco Group (AHEXY.PK, ADO.L), a Swiss provider of human resources solutions, reported Tuesday stable net profit in its second quarter, while earnings per share increased from last year. Meanwhile, adjusted EBITA and margin fell from last year with slightly lower revenues. Looking ahead, the company said that in the third-quarter to date, positive momentum continues. For the quarter, the Group expects gross margin to rise sequentially, in line with seasonality. The Group firm expects profitability to improve from first-half levels as it progresses through the second half. In the second quarter, net income attributable to shareholders remained at 58 million euros, while earnings per share grew to 0.35 euro from 0.34 euro a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share were 0.46 euro, compared to prior year's 0.64 euro. Adjusted EBITA was 141 million euros, down 21 percent from 179 million euros a year ago. Adjusted EBITA margin was 2.5%, down 60 basis points from 3.1% last year. Revenues dropped 1 percent to 5.78 billion euros from 5.84 billion euros in the prior year. Organically, revenues were flat. Volumes improved through the quarter, the company noted. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Oil prices traded lower for a fourth consecutive session on Tuesday as fears of oversupply gripped , potentially overshadowing increased risks to Russian supplies. Worries of weaker global demand also weighed on prices, with analysts expecting global economic growth to slow in the second half of the year. Benchmark Brent crude futures fell 0.90 percent to $68.14 a barrel in European trade while WTI crude futures were down a little over 1 percent at $65.60. Both contracts fell by more than 1 percent on Monday to settle at their lowest in a week. Concerns of oversupply are pushing oil prices lower after OPEC+ agreed to another large output increase in September. The oil cartel has agreed to hike output by 547,000 barrels per day for September on top of the planned 548,000 bpd hike for August and the earlier July's target of 411,000 bpd. Investors also weighed risks to Russian supplies after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to "substantially" raise tariffs on goods imported from India, accusing that the country profited from Russia's war in Ukraine by purchasing large quantities of Russian oil and reselling it on the global market. India's external affairs ministry pointed out the EU and the U.S.' trade relationship with Moscow and said that the country was being unfairly targeted over its purchases of Russian oil. There is a growing sense in India that the government would not allow American policymaking to shape its choices on vital energy supplies. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Thai and Cambodian officials discussed the ceasefire agreement and terms of reference (TOR) during the talks, a Malaysian official said here on Tuesday. Both matters needed to be finalized first to ensure that both parties understand and abide by them, including in terms of monitoring implementation by the ASEAN Defence Attache Monitoring Team (AMT), Chief of Defence Forces General Mohd Nizam Jaffar told local media at a press briefing. The AMT would play a role in ensuring that Thailand and Cambodia comply with the ceasefire agreement reached by both nations' leaders on July 28, he said. The secretariat-level meeting of the Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) began on Aug. 4 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is scheduled to run until Aug. 6. The meeting serves as a preparatory session for the upcoming Extraordinary GBC meeting set for Aug. 7. After trending higher over the past few sessions, treasuries showed a lack of direction over the course of the trading day on Tuesday. Bond prices spent the day bouncing back and forth across the unchanged line before closing roughly flat. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, edged down by less than a basis point to 4.196 percent. Despite the lackluster performance, the slight decrease on the day pulled the ten-year yield down to its lowest closing level in three months. The choppy trading on the day came as traders seemed reluctant to continue buying treasuries despite the release of a from the Institute for Supply Management unexpectedly showing a modest slowdown in the pace of growth by U.S. service sector activity in the month of July. The ISM said its services PMI edged down to 50.1 in July from 50.8 in June. While a reading above 50 still indicates growth, economists had expected the index to rise to 51.5. A separate report released by the Commerce Department showed the U.S. trade deficit narrowed by slightly more than anticipated in the month of June. The Commerce Department said the trade deficit shrank to $60.2 billion in June from a revised $71.7 billion in May. Economists had expected the trade deficit to fall to $61.6 billion from the $71.5 billion originally reported for the previous month. Bond traders also shrugged off ongoing trade concerns following President Donald Trump's latest comments on tariffs. In an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box," Trump said he will be announcing new tariffs on semiconductors and chips as soon as next week, "because we want them made in the United States." Trump also told CNBC planned tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the U.S. could eventually reach as high as 250 percent. Amid a lack of major U.S. economic data, trading on Wednesday may be impacted by reaction to the results of the Treasury Department's auction of $42 billion worth of ten-year notes. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Similar to the discontinued G 310 GS, all-new BMW F 450 GS will be manufactured in India and cater to both domestic and international markets BMW F 450 GS has been spotted yet again and this time, with minimal camouflage. Everything appears production-ready, hinting at an imminent launch. The same platform will also be used for more 450cc bikes from TVS and Norton in the future. Lets check out the details. BMW F 450 GS Styling and features Overall look and feel seems quite familiar to the R 1300 GS, BMWs flagship ADV bike. BMW F 450 GS has a striking road presence, with features such as an integrated front beak, USD forks in golden finish, a large windscreen, hand guards and sculpted fuel tank. As compared to the concept that had a high-mounted side exhaust, the near-production version uses a standard upswept exhaust. A robust bash plate can be seen, which is likely to be metallic. BMW F 450 GS will be capable of handling light to moderate off-road tracks. A metallic bash plate will provide better protection in comparison to units made from plastic or composite materials. Combining utility with style, the full-size bash plate enhances the bikes rugged character as well. BMW F 450 GS has a split seat design and comfortable riding stance. Its made possible with the raised handlebar design and mid-set footpegs. The bike is using 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels. It is likely that the option of cross spoke wheels will be available, as was seen with the concept model. These will benefit riders who want to fully unlock the bikes off-roading capabilities. BMW F 450 GS utilizes a steel bridge trellis frame, integrated with a bolt-on rear subframe. Both wheels have disc brakes and dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard. New engine, tech kit BMW F 450 GS will be utilizing an entirely new 450 cc, parallel twin-cylinder engine. Power output is expected around 47 bhp, which will meet the requirements of A2 license category across Europe. As power to weight ratio of 0.27 bhp/kg is also predefined for A2 license category, the BMW F 450 GS could weigh close to 175 kg. Comparing performance with rival offerings, the KTM 390 Adventure utilizes a 398.63?cc, single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine. It generates 46 PS and 39 Nm of peak torque and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is powered by a 452 cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine. It generates 40.02 PS and 40 Nm and is mated to a 6-speed transmission. BMW F 450 GS will be getting an array of rider aids for effortless, hassle-free rides. Likely items include ride modes and switchable traction control and ABS. BMW could offer a quickshifter as an optional feature. Tech kit will include a full colour TFT display with support for Bluetooth connectivity. Users will be able to access calls, texts, music and turn-by-turn navigation. Display navigation will be quite convenient with BMWs rotary controller installed on the handlebar. Source Tata Motors is on a mission to infuse more value for their customers looking to invest in their flagship SUVs, the Harrier and Safari. In this regard, Tata Motors has carved out two new variants out of Adventure Persona for Harrier and One for Safari. The goal here is to offer what passengers need from top-spec variants at a price point which will rival most C Segment SUVs. Tata Harrier and Safari Adventure X, X+ Variants Called Adventure X and Adventure X+, these new variants offer a holistic experience for buyers with most of the X factor seen in top-spec variants, but bundled with Adventure persona at an affordable price point. This is probably the first time an OEM is offering L2 ADAS, all-four disc brakes, electronic parking brake and advanced ESP for just Rs 35,000. Yeah. You heard that right. ADAS and other safety features for just Rs 35,000 (Ex-sh) increment. We experienced the Harrier and Safari Adventure X+ variants in Mumbai and heres what we think about these new variants. Safari Adventure X+ Unlike Harrier, Safari does not come in a lower-spec Adventure X version. Safari Adventure X+ starts from Rs 19.99 lakh (Ex-sh) and is probably our easiest recommendation for SUV buyers with a max budget ceiling of Rs 20 lakh (Ex-sh). This price point is where buyers would usually gravitate towards top-spec C Segment SUVs. This price segment brings around 20,000+ units in volume per month. Tata Motors is targeting this audience and is offering them a big car appeal and associated status, larger 2.0L Diesel engine, prospect of owning a 3-row SUV, 5-Star crash safety ratings which is not seen in most C SUVs, Level 2 ADAS and a host of features, equipment and creature comforts which buyers expect from this price point. We took a good look at Safari Adventure X+ in Mumbai and were happy to confirm that it does not look like a lower-spec variant. On the outside, Safari Adventure X+ gets LED projector headlights, upmarket dual-tone grille, LED DRLs, LED tail lights, 18-inch Apex forged dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, shark fin antenna, panoramic sunroof, body cladding, all four disc brakes, Land Rover D8 derived OMERGARC platform and more. In the pictures you can see Supernova Copper exterior colour which looks rather nice. On the inside, Safari Adventure X+ variant greets you with Adventure Oak interior theme and a lot of features and creature comforts. Primary of these include voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, premium Tan Oak leatherette seat upholstery, 360-degree cameras, Trail Hold electronic parking brake, auto headlights, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, 6 airbags and more. Ergo Lux drivers seat is not only electrically operated, it also gets additional functionalities like memory settings and a welcome function. Tata is giving Boss Mode with Safari Adventure X+ which is manually operated. The 10.25-inch infotainment screen gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the 10.25-inch instrument cluster offers full-screen Maps support too. Level-2 ADAS is by far the most buzz-worthy element with Safari Adventure X+ and it brings up to 13 intelligent autonomous driving features including adaptive cruise control. Theres an advanced ESP and a driver doze-off features along with Trail Response Modes (Normal, Rough, Wet) as well. The same 2.0L Kryotec Turbo Diesel engine continues with 170 PS and 350 Nm, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Harrier Adventure X+ Positioned below Safari Adventure X+ is Harrier Adventure X+, which starts from Rs 19.34 lakh (Ex-sh) for the manual variant. When compared to the Safari Adventure X+, it costs Rs 65,000 less (Ex-sh) and is aimed at buyers who are not interested in the three-row Safari. While it offers more value for buck than Safari Adventure X+, Harrier Adventure X+ is not immune to a lower-tier variant look. What we mean is that Harrier Adventure X+ looks a little lower-tier than Safari Adventure X+ inside and out. In Mumbai, we looked at the Seaweed Green exterior colour. The primary element that gives Harrier Adventure X+ a lower variant appeal are the smaller 17-inch Titan forged alloy wheels finished in a Silver shade. On the inside, it gets Onyx Trail interior theme, which is more like an all-Black appeal till the lower half where we get a Brown shade. This implementation looks more sporty than premium. Harrier Adventure X+ variant gets almost the same equipment as Safari Adventure X+, except for Boss Mode, memory seat and welcome function for driver and the smaller 17-inch alloys. For a starting price of Rs 19.34 lakh (Ex-sh), Harrier Adventure X+ is a lot of value for everything it is offering, especially when pitted against C Segment SUVs under Rs 20 lakh (Ex-sh). Harrier Adventure X For Rs 35,000 less, Tata Motors will offer you Harrier Adventure X which lacks a few crucial safety features when compared to Adventure X+. These include Level-2 ADAS, all-four disc brakes, electronic parking brake, advanced ESP and driver doze-off alert. One might wonder why the Harrier Adventure X exists, because Harrier Adventure X+ for just Rs 35,000 more is a no brainer, considering the crucial safety equipment it offers. However, Tata Motors mentioned that there is still a sizable chunk of buyers who do not want ADAS in their vehicles. That said, Tata, as an OEM, is still pushing people to go for Harrier Adventure X+ and hence the price jump is only Rs 35,000 to get enhanced safety proposition, which is what we would recommend as well. Conclusion Of these three new variants of Tatas flagship SUVs, Safari Adventure X+ is by far our easiest recommendation to anyone looking for an SUV under Rs 20 lakh (Ex-sh) price point. It is aimed to attract buyers away from top-spec C Segment SUVs as it offers a higher status, larger size benefits, performance of a larger Diesel engine and most of the features and creature comforts one would need. Also, the Rs 65,000 increment from Harrier Adventure X+ to Safari Adventure X+ is not a lot these days, especially if you are taking the financing route. This increment will bring larger 18-inch wheels with more style, Boss Mode, memory and welcome functions for drivers seat and a three-row seating, which is more versatile than not having it at all. Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) proudly celebrates 20 years of the Toyota Innova in India, a milestone that marks the legacy of one of the countrys most trusted multi-purpose vehicles. Since its debut in 2005, the Toyota Innova has become synonymous with reliability, comfort, and durability, with over 12 lakh units sold across its three avatars Innova, Innova Crysta, and Innova HyCross. Over two decades, the Innova has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of Indian families and businesses, all while remaining true to Toyotas core philosophy of Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR). More than just a vehicle, the Innova has earned a deep emotional connect with customers, serving as a dependable companion for everything from daily commutes to long road trips. Innovas Evolution: A Journey of Innovation The journey began in 2005, when Toyota introduced the Innova as a new benchmark in the MPV segment with its spacious interiors, robust body-on-frame construction, and smooth drivability. In 2016, the Innova Crysta brought significant upgrades in design, engine performance, and safety, redefining customer expectations for premium MPVs. In 2022, Toyota launched the Innova HyCross, marking a major technological leap with self-charging hybrid electric technology. It became the first Innova based on a monocoque platform with front-wheel drive, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and a smooth, refined driving experience. HyCross features Toyotas 5th-gen hybrid powertrain that delivers 186 PS of power and segment-leading fuel efficiency, coupled with premium features like a panoramic sunroof, advanced ADAS, and a bold, crossover-inspired design. By November 2024, Toyota had already sold over 1 lakh units of HyCross, reflecting its strong demand and customer trust in Toyotas multi-pathway approach to sustainable mobility. A Vehicle Loved by Families and Businesses Alike According to Mr. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President Sales, Service, and Used Car Business, TKM, The Toyota Innova has built a deep emotional bond with customers over the last two decades trusted as a dependable companion for families, loved by all for its comfort and reliability, and chosen time and again across generations. Whether for daily commutes or memorable road trips, the Innova has remained a part of countless personal journeys. Beyond its emotional connect, the Innova stands strong as a product benchmark offering spacious interiors, robust build quality and smooth drivability, making it one of the most trusted and loved MPVs in India. From metro cities to small towns, the Innova has been a part of countless personal and professional journeys, praised for its spaciousness, comfortable ride, long-term reliability, and strong resale value. Toyotas end-to-end customer service platform, T CARE, enhances ownership experience through programs like T DELIVER, T GLOSS, T ASSIST, T SECURE, and T SMILE, ensuring continued satisfaction over the vehicles life. MOSCOW, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Tuesday that it had foiled an assassination attempt targeting the head of a defense industry enterprise in Belgorod. According to the FSB, a Russian citizen was acting under the instructions of a pro-Ukrainian terrorist organization communicated via social media. The individual "traveled to the Bryansk Region to retrieve a drone drop containing firearms and explosives, weapons planned for use in killing the general director of a defense industry enterprise in Belgorod." The suspect was apprehended while attempting to carry out the plot. During an interrogation, he confessed to assisting the Ukrainian armed forces by coordinating missile and artillery strikes on Russian troop positions. He also admitted to being assigned the task of assassinating both the defense enterprise chief and the head of a Russian military-civilian administration in exchange for a monetary reward, the FSB said. An investigation is underway, and authorities have filed a criminal case regarding the matter. KIEV, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that he held a "productive" phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump over putting an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "It is truly a must to stop the killing as soon as possible, and we fully support this," Zelensky said in a post on X. According to him, the discussions also touched on sanctions against Russia, Ukraine's cooperation with NATO member states, and bilateral defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. Zelensky noted that Ukraine has already prepared a draft agreement on drone cooperation with the United States. WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is "too weak" in its negotiations with the United States on new tariffs, German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said Monday during a visit to Washington. "I think we were too weak. We can't be satisfied with the result that was achieved," Klingbeil told journalists ahead of a meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. His remarks referred to the agreement reached late last month between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump. Under the deal, most EU imports to the United States will face a 15-percent tariff, while the bloc will buy more U.S. energy products and increase investment there. But the agreement has been criticized across Europe, with critics warning that even a 15-percent tariff would inflict serious damage to the European economy. Just a day after the deal was announced, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced a similar view, saying Europe's largest economy would face "substantial damage" from the Brussels-Washington agreement. Its negative effects "will not only be limited to Germany and Europe, but we will see the effects of this trade policy in America as well," Merz said. Designated Stephenson 2 DFK 52, the newly-discovered red supergiant resides in the massive stellar cluster RSGC2. RSGC2 is a cluster of at least 26 red supergiants located at the base of Milky Ways Scutum-Crux spiral arm at a distance of 5,800 parsecs (18,917 light-years). Also known as Stephenson 2, the cluster is a site of recent star-forming activity in the region where the arm intersects the Galactic bulge. Chalmers University of Technology astronomers Mark Siebert and colleagues observed the RSGC2 stars with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). What were seeing in this photo of Stephenson 2 DFK 52 is actually a red supergiant star expelling a cloud of gas and dust as it nears the end of its life, they said. These nebulae are common around supergiant stars; however, this particular cloud presents an unexpected and considerable mystery for astronomers. This is the largest cloud of ejected material to have been found around a supergiant star, at an enormous 1.4 light-years across. Stephenson 2 DFK 52 is rather similar to Betelgeuse, another famous red supergiant, so they were expecting to see a similar cloud around it. However, if Stephenson 2 DFK 52 was as close to us as Betelgeuse is, the cocoon around it would be as wide in the sky as a third of a full Moon. The new ALMA observations allow the astronomers to measure how much material surrounds the star and how fast it is moving. The parts that are moving towards us are highlighted in blue, and the sections that are moving away, in red, they said. The data show that about 4,000 years ago the star went through an episode of extreme mass shedding, and then slowed down to its current rate, more similar to that of Betelgeuse. According to the team, Stephenson 2 DFK 52 has a mass of between 10 and 15 solar masses, and by now it has already lost 5-10% of its mass. Its still a mystery as to how the star managed to expel so much material in such a short timeframe, the researchers said. Could it be an odd interaction with a companion star? Why is the shape of the cloud so unusually complex? Are there more supergiants like this out there? Deciphering why Stephenson 2 DFK 52 has already shed so much material will help astronomers understand how it will meet its end: a supernova explosion sometime in the next million years. The teams paper will be published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. _____ Mark A. Siebert et al. 2025. Stephenson 2 DFK 52: Discovery of an exotic red supergiant in the massive stellar cluster RSGC2. A&A, in press; arXiv: 2507.11609 NEW YORK, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he has a shortlist of four candidates to succeed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, without U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In an interview with CNBC, Trump said that during a conversation on Monday night, Bessent told him he was opting out of the race and preferred to stay in his current job. "Well, I love Scott, but he wants to stay where he is," said Trump. According to media reports, Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, are among the four candidates, though Trump hasn't disclosed the full list. "Both Kevins are very good, and there are other people that are very good, too," Trump said. Powell's term as chair is set to end in May 2026, and he has repeatedly said he will not leave the post early, though he has been bashed so far this year by Trump and his supporters on the Fed's monetary policy decisions. However, the surprise resignation of Fed Governor Adriana Kugler, effective Friday, has offered a vacancy for Trump to fill on the Fed's board. The Fed has seven board members, and no other Fed board members are scheduled to leave before Powell's term ends. According to the Fed's website, board members are nominated by the U.S. president and confirmed by the Senate, while the chair and vice chairs of the board are nominated by the president from among the members and also require Senate confirmation. Fernando Alonso was all smiles after claiming a strong fifth-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, but beneath the celebration, the Aston Martin driver admitted to a lingering concern: no one at Team Silverstone quite understands why the AMR25 was suddenly so competitive. After a dismal showing at Spa, the teams unexpected pace and double-points finish on race day with Lance Stroll crossing the checkered flag 7th left Alonso both thrilled and puzzled, urging a deep dive into the data to unlock the secrets of their strength at the Hungaroring. Alonso admitted that he extracted the most from his car in race trim on Sunday, although podium hopes emerged at one stage. I think it couldnt have gone any better than this, obviously, he said after the race. Someone told me that the two McLarens were very close to each other at one point. That would have been even better, but it didnt happen. But yeah, apart from that, I think we maximised the performance of the car yesterday in quali and today in the race. Not much more to do on our side. The biggest threat was the two stops, but then he had some traffic, and at the end we were a little bit more relaxed. The two-time world champion played the long game during the race, especially when he found himself in a scrap with Mercedes George Russell. Yeah, before my pitstop I didnt want to lose much time, he explained. I wanted him to overtake me on the main straight, not into Turn 2, because then we both lose a lot of time. So I said I will defend this straight and maybe in the next lap I let him go. A Front Wing and a Head Scratcher After qualifying, which he concluded P5, Alonso reckoned that Hungarys venue had somehow catered to the AMR25s strengths. But Aston Martin also introduced a new, more aggressive front wing flap to the AMR25 for Hungary, building on the nose upgrade trialed at Spa. While the changes yielded little in Belgium, the difference in Budapest was night and day. But thats exactly what has Alonso concerned. It is a surprise, definitely, he said. Its a nice surprise. The good thing is that we were competitive and we were fast. The concerning thing is that we dont know why. In a way, we need this week at the factory to analyse exactly what are the differences between Spa and Hungary, what are the differences on the car as well, on the setup, on the aero devices that we were racing with. The main thing for us was the front wing that was new this weekend. If that front wing gives us that much of performance, thats very good news, but I think that has to be understood at the moment. Astons jump in performance suggests the AMR25 still has untapped potential but without a clear understanding of what triggered the sudden leap, replicating it in future races might be challenging. As F1 heads into a stretch of circuits with varying layouts and demands, Aston Martin will need answers fast. For now, though, the team can enjoy the momentum of its Hungarian breakthrough even if it came with a question mark. Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook 2) It has net cash of $112 million and is growing, and 1) According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, just four analysts cover FIX. As more analysts jump on the bandwagon and provide coverage, retail and institutional investors will pile in, acting as a catalyst for its share price. When I recommended FIX last November, I wrote that there were three reasons for liking its stock: The national provider of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services, according to Morningstar, was the top-performing stock in July, up 31.2%. That would be good as a one-year return. Can one or more of these stocks double over the next 12 months? Thats unlikely. However, that doesnt mean youve missed the boat on good returns in the future. Heres why. None of the three stocks is currently on Barcharts Top 100 Stocks to Buy, with RCL and SPOT down over the past month, compared to a 1.6% gain for the index. Meanwhile, FIX was one of the best-performing U.S. stocks over the past month, up 29.1%. Its on a significant roll. Will they continue to do so in the future is the million-dollar question. While I believe in all three businesses and their respective business models, theyve all come a long way in a relatively short period. The last thing investors want to do is base their buying decision on FOMO (the fear of missing out). As you can see by the table above, these three essential large-cap stocks have handily outperformed the index. None of these stocks is a Mag 7, yet theyve managed to deliver for their shareholders. Last November, I wrote a Barchart piece 3 Essential Stocks from the Top 100 That Are Truly Worth Investing In . The three names are Comfort Systems USA (FIX), Spotify Technology (SPOT), and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCL). The S&P 500 is up 7.6% year-to-date and 22.1% over the past 12 months. These are both attractive returns. However, over the same two periods, Ive got three essential large-cap stocks that have run laps around the index. Story continues 3) Although it operates in 137 cities in the U.S., it has very little coverage west of the Mississippi, providing it with plenty of future expansion. Lets consider how each of these points has changed over the past nine months. S&P Global Market Intelligence says five analysts have price targets for the stock. The analysts have an Outperform rating for FIX with a median target of $775, 11% higher than its current share price. The number of analysts needs to double for the real money to get behind its stock. At the end of 2025s second quarter, Comfort Systems net cash position was $27.7 million, a considerable improvement from net debt of $126.9 million in Q2 2024. Over the trailing 12 months ended June 30, its net cash was $286.9 million, up from $132.3 million. Thats a nice doubling of its net cash. Lastly, it had 178 locations in 27 states as of Dec. 31. It has plenty of expansion ahead of it, which explains the analyst EPS growth estimate of 35% over the next 3-5 years. In 2024, its normalized earnings per share were $14.60. In the next three years, its expected to grow to $27.06 in 2027. It trades at 25.9 times the 2027 estimate. With all the growth potential, thats a reasonable multiple. Of the three stocks, this one has the best shot of doubling over the next year or two. Spotify Technology (SPOT) Of the three stocks, SPOT has the worst performance over the past month, down nearly 11%. That takes a bit of the shine off the music streaming services performance over the past year. Spotify went public through a direct listing rather than a conventional IPO. Its shares opened trading on April 3, 2018, at $165.90. Based on this price, SPOT stock has gained nearly 21% annually in the seven years since. As I said last November, it had a trailing 12-month free cash flow at the end of Q3 2024 of 1.8 billion euros ($1.91 billion). As of June 30, it was 2.8 billion euros ($3.23 billion), 69% growth over six months. Equally important, its MAUs (monthly active users) increased by 11% year-over-year to 696 million, with premium paid subscribers up 12% to 276 million. In the first half of 2025, its net addition to its number of subscribers increased by 30% compared to the first half of 2024. This is helping boost its profitability. Whats impressive is its growth in Latin America. In Q2 2021, Latin America accounted for 20% of Spotifys premium subscribers. In Q2 2025, it was 23%, a 300-basis-point increase. At the same time, its Rest of the World segment saw premium subscribers grow to 14%, a 300-basis-point increase. Ultimately, its business model will comprise four regions, each contributing between 20% and 30% of the companys premium subscribers. That will result in a significant increase in free cash flow. Spotifys $ enterprise value is 7.66 times its trailing 12-month revenue. Thats the highest multiple as a public company. However, its EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) margin is 11.6%, the highest in its history. According to Barchart data, 22 of 32 analysts rate SPOT a Buy (4.28 out of 5), with a target price of $738.12, 12% higher than its current share price. I dont know if it can double over the next 12 months, but I definitely could see a double over 24 months as profits continue to grow. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCL) The cruise operators stock is down 4% over the past month. Investors sold the stock after it delivered mixed earnings on July 28. Selling on the news is typical for hard-charging stocks like RCL. On the top line, Royal Caribbeans sales in Q2 2025 were $4.54 billion, $10 million lower than Wall Streets expectations. However, its earnings per share were $4.38, 34 cents better than the consensus and 36% higher than a year ago. What really worried investors was the companys guidance for the rest of the year. Royal Caribbean expects Q3 2025 EPS of $5.60 at the midpoint of its guidance, 24 cents shy of Wall Street, $15.48 for 2025, two cents higher than the analyst estimate. Whats clear about its current situation is that profitability hasnt been this high at any time in the past 25 years -- its trailing 12-month gross margin as of June 30 was 50.0% while its EBITDA margin was 36% -- suggesting that its business is firing on all cylinders. As long as a major recession doesnt arrive courtesy of the global tariff uncertainty, consumers will continue to take lots of cruises. Trading at less than 21 times its 2025 EPS estimate, and its business is possibly in the best financial shape its been in since going public in 1993, I dont think thats a ridiculously high multiple. It could soon retest its all-time high of $355.91 that it hit on July 25. As I said last November, RCL stock is an excellent long-term buy. With revenues expected to grow from $13.9 billion in 2023 to $22.67 billion in 2028, a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%, its EBITDA should nearly double over the same period, I wrote. Barring another Covid-like issue, it should be smooth sailing for investors over the long term. I see very few reasons why it cant continue to outperform the S&P 500. Buy for the long haul, adding to your position every time it falls into double digits below $100. In 10 or 20 years, youll be happy you did. On the date of publication, Will Ashworth did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com The world is bracing for a changing economy as many of President Trumps new tariffs go into effect. Not only will these added costs on imports hurt Americans wallets, they could make earning money in the gig economy harder, too. Consider This: How To Use AI To Quickly Start a Side Gig, According To Codie Sanchez Read Next: The 5 Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025 Trump announced on Wednesday, July 16 that he would send a letter implementing tariffs on goods from 150 smaller countries. Tariffs with larger trade partners, including Mexico, the European Union and Canada would also go into effect on August 1. Tariffs already in effect include a 25% tariff on vehicle import and auto parts, a 30% tariff on many Chinese imports, and up to 50% on steel and aluminum, according to NewsNation. These tariffs will affect prices on consumer goods, which, in turn, could hurt small businesses and gig workers. GOBankingRates spoke with Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now, to find out which gig workers could be hit hardest by tariffs in 2025. Rideshare and Delivery Drivers Drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft could feel the sting of tariffs on oil imports, motor vehicles and car parts, which would increase their business costs. Fuel, tires and parts, many of which are imported, become more expensive, Spencer said. At the same time, demand might decrease. Faced with rising costs, people might forgo little luxuries like ordering DoorDash or having their groceries delivered via InstaCart. In a high-tariff economy, side gigs that rely heavily on consumer convenience tend to struggle first, Spencer said. When prices rise, people naturally start cutting back on discretionary spending. That often impacts gig workers who depend on steady, high-volume demand. Learn More: 15 Games That Pay Instantly to Your Cash App Account Task-Based Gigs and Home Help People who have been making money doing random tasks around the home through services like TaskRabbit may struggle to find customers. People who assemble furniture, mount TVs or perform small contracting and handyman tasks around the home will likely feel the impact of tariffs. People may choose to complete these tasks on their own rather than hiring someone. Plus, Spencer said, If the price of imported goods like furniture or electronics increases, people may delay or avoid those purchases. That naturally reduces demand for anyone offering services to set them up. Even when demand is steady, the cost of tools and materials often rises, which means gig workers are spending more out of pocket just to do their jobs. Sustainable funding is needed to expand crisis centers statewide. Hospitals and CMHs are collaborating to shorten emergency department stays for mental health care. Beverly Ryskamp Carrie Mull Another collaboration: Munson Healthcare and Northern Lakes CMH Authority collaborate in the Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center. Hospitals and community mental health agencies (CMHs) in Michigan are working together to address gaps in behavioral health care that contribute to long emergency department stays and delays in treatment. While these partnerships vary across the state, several recent initiatives are aiming to improve care coordination and create new models of crisis response.Lauren LaPine, senior director of legislative and public policy at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association , says that although there are strong examples of collaboration, many hospitals still face challenges coordinating care across county lines and with multiple CMHs.If you come to a hospital emergency department and youre in some level of a behavioral health crisis, that hospital has to work with the CMH in the area where the patient lives, LaPine says. That takes a lot of time and a lot of coordination.One of the most significant barriers involves pre-admission screening assessments, which are required to determine the appropriate level of care. Currently, only CMHs are authorized to conduct these assessments for Medicaid beneficiaries. Hospitals often report delays in obtaining assessments, contributing to extended stays in emergency departments.A bill introduced in the state legislature, Senate Bill 316 , would allow qualified hospital staff to complete these assessments when a CMH is unable to respond within three hours. According to LaPine, the proposal aims to reduce boarding times and alleviate administrative burdens on hospitals and CMHs.Another obstacle is the absence of a shared electronic medical record system between hospitals and CMHs, resulting in frequent phone calls and secure emails to coordinate patient care. In addition, hospitals must negotiate reimbursement rates separately with multiple CMHs and prepaid inpatient health plans , resulting in duplicative processes and inconsistent payment structures.One partnership between Network180 and Trinity Health Grand Rapids has established The Behavioral Health Crisis Center to divert patients in crisis from emergency departments and jails.The facility allows adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis to receive care for up to 96 hours. Network180 provides behavioral health staff, while Trinity Health supplies medical personnel, safety teams, and facility services.This is meant to be an alternative to individuals experiencing crisis in an emergency department or a jail, says Beverly Ryskamp, chief operating officer at Network180. Its a blending of resources and expertise.Carrie Mull, clinical services director of behavioral health at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, says the collaboration was one of the first major innovations she has seen in her three decades in the field.This behavioral health crisis collaboration has truly impacted patient outcomes, Mull says. Merging our expertise with Network180 has shown amazing results for patients.According to Mull, before the Crisis Center opened, patients of all acuity levels were routed through the emergency department, often waiting days for an inpatient bed. Now, patients with lower or moderate needs can be stabilized quickly in the Crisis Center, while psychiatric hospitals can focus on the most severe cases.Were seeing patients stabilized in less than two days on average, compared to seven to ten days in an inpatient unit, she says. That reduced wait time has also resulted in fewer individuals returning to the emergency department.In its first year, the Crisis Center served over 2,000 unique patients on the brief intervention side and nearly 1,200 on the crisis stabilization side. Mull says 87% of patients admitted to the stabilization unit were successfully stabilized without needing an inpatient stay. Only about 1.5% required inpatient care within 30 days.An episode of care in the Crisis Center costs about half as much as inpatient care, she added. Thats how this service is going to be sustained. It pays for itself by reducing the need for costlier care. recent policy change by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services enables ambulances to transport Medicaid patients directly to crisis stabilization units, an important step in reducing unnecessary hospital visits and beginning treatment sooner.Ryskamp notes that crisis services vary by region. For example, some areas of northern Michigan have chosen not to build crisis stabilization units, instead developing different crisis response strategies based on community needs and available resources.Crisis services work, but collaborations with hospitals are going to look different depending on the community, she says.Funding remains a concern as Network180s Crisis Center currently relies on grant dollars to provide services to all adults regardless of insurance status. Sustaining access in the future will require engaging health plans, Medicare, and commercial insurers to establish reimbursement structures.LaPine says streamlining funding and reducing administrative duplication are key areas for policy improvement. MHA supports efforts that would simplify the process for patients and providers, particularly during behavioral health emergencies.Anything that would remove the duplication across county lines and the differences in the way hospitals are paid could make it easier to provide care, LaPine says.As partnerships continue to evolve, both CMHs and hospitals are exploring ways to expand crisis services and improve access to treatment across the state. Mull emphasizes that sustainable funding is needed to expand crisis centers statewide.Whats missing is that the state does not have a code to be able to bill for this level of care, and that needs to happen, she says. Weve proven that the program works. Now its time to put the infrastructure in place so others can build similar services.Reflecting on the broader impact of these partnerships, Mull adds, When we change how psychiatric hospitals are reimbursed so they can care for the sickest patients, and crisis centers handle those with moderate needs, it benefits everyone.The MI Mental Health series highlights the opportunities that Michigan's children, teens, and adults of all ages have to find the mental health help they need, when and where they need it. It is made possible with funding from the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan Summit Pointe , and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage John Grap The Battle Creek Community Foundation has named Mary Muliett as its new president/CEO, Residents from across greater Battle Creek are welcome to attend BCCF's Block Party and Annual Meeting on August 20. Several area residents turned out for Battle Creek Community Foundation's Block Party in 2024 to celebrate BCCF's 50th anniversary. Wednesday will see results from the likes of Glencore , Legal & General , Lancashire Holdings , 4imprint and Vesuvius , among others. Berenberg pointed out that mining giant Glencore, which is due to report first-half results, has already announced a further $1bn buyback for the second half, which it said was encouraging. "However, we think that the market will be focusing on where its $1bn of cost savings, flagged in last week's production report, will come from," the bank said. "We would also expect questions to management on whether the marketing business took any losses in the recent sell-off in COMEX copper following a change in tariff policy by the US." Berenberg is forecasting H1 revenue of $110bn, versus a Visible Alpha (VA) forecast of $108bn and EBITDA of $5.6bn, versus VA at $5.6bn. Across the pond, Disney will release third-quarter results. MCH Market Insights Michael Hewson said: "Weve seen a gradual improvement in the share price of the Mouse House in the last few months, after a solid set of Q2 numbers helped propel the shares above $100 and to their highest levels since March 2024 in early July at $124. Revenues increased 7% to $23.6bn, while net income rose to $3.1bn, a sharp rise from the $0.7bn seen a year ago. "The parks and cruises division helped in this regard, with sales rising 6%, to $8.9bn, driven mainly by domestic parks, while the Disney+ streaming business also saw a pickup in subscriber numbers to 126m, an increase of 1.4m, and beating the rather downbeat forecast that predicted a fall. "Average monthly revenue per user also saw an improvement of 3% to $7.77 a user with the international market seeing the biggest improvement of 5% to an average of $7.52 a user. "On guidance for Q3 management said that they expected a modest pick-up in subscribers for Disney+ in Q3, although given the dreadful quality of recent film releases, like Snow White, Captain America Brave New World and Thunderbolts, that may prove to be optimistic, and could prove to be a drag on the film production business and profitability there. "For the full year Disney said it expects to see a 16% increase in full year profits." On the macroeconomic front, the S&P Global UK construction PMI for July is due, along with German factory orders and eurozone retail sales, both of which are for June. INTERIMS 4Imprint Group, Tritax Big Box Reit, Georgia Capital, Legal & General Group, 3i Group, TP Icap Group, Lancashire Holdings Limited, Coca-Cola HBC AG (CDI), Quilter, Ibstock, Vesuvius, Glencore Q2 Hellenic Telecom Industries SA ADS AGMs London BTC Company Limited NPV (DI), Georgina Energy, Northern 2 VCT, Telecom Plus, OptiBiotix Health, Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group, PayPoint GMs Caledonian Holdings FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE ZCCM Investments Holdings 'B' Shares FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE VP INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (DI) UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS PMI Construction (09:30) INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Factory Orders (GER) (07:00) Retail Sales (EU) (10:00) MBA Mortgage Applications (US) (12:00) Crude Oil Inventories (US) (15:30) China is urging its electric vehicle industry to stop cutting prices and rein in production amid fears that persistent deflation is imperilling economic growth. In recent months Chinese officials have talked repeatedly of the need to combat involution in sectors suffering from overcapacity, such as EVs, referring to the phenomenon of investing more effort and money for diminishing returns. Guardian The Italian authorities have fined Shein 1m (870,000) for making misleading or omissive environmental claims about its products, the second time in as many months the Chinese fashion retailer has been targeted by European regulators. Environmental sustainability and social responsibility messages on Sheins website were in some cases vague, generic, and/or overly emphatic and in others were misleading or omissive, said Italys competition authority, AGCM. Guardian A tech giant dubbed Chinas Google is planning to test self-driving taxis in the UK, as the US prepares to ban Chinese driverless car technology. Baidu, the Chinese internet search giant, confirmed on Monday that it would be seeking to road test its Apollo Go autonomous cars in the UK and Germany starting in 2026 under a deal with Lyft, a rival to Uber. Telegraph Britain has lost more than 1,100 pubs and restaurants since Rachel Reevess Budget, underlining the devastating impact of the Chancellors tax raid on the hospitality sector. Bars, restaurants, clubs and pubs are closing at a rate of two every day according to new figures from data providers CGA and AlixPartners, with 1,122 venues shutting since last October alone. Telegraph River Islands proposed restructuring has been left hanging in the balance after it failed to win backing from all creditor groups in a crucial vote. The 76-year-old fashion retailer won backing from about 80 per cent of its creditors by value under a court-supervised vote on Friday. However, The Times understands that not all creditor classes approved the plan, which means the final approval rests on a judges ruling at a sanction hearing on Thursday. The Times Londons FTSE 100 was up 0.3% at 9,156.46 in afternoon trade on Tuesday. Smith & Nephew rocketed to the top of the index as the medical technology company hailed a strong first half, backed its full-year guidance and announced a $500m share buyback. Fresnillo shot higher as the precious metals miner said first-half EBITDA jumped 102% to $1.1bn, driven by favourable metals prices and a "consistent" operational performance. Drinks company Diageo fizzed higher even as it reported a 27.8% drop in full-year operating profit to $4.34bn. Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: "There was some slightly better news in terms of net sales, where a fall of just 0,1% was reported to $20.25 billion, in line with expectations. Organic net sales growth of 1.7% comprised a gain of 0.9% for volumes and 0.8% by price, demonstrating that the group retains the ability to raise prices as a potential lever." Oil giant BP gushed higher as it posted better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and raised its dividend as it announced a review of its assets amid calls from investors to boost returns. Underlying replacement cost profit - its preferred measure of net income - came in at $2.35bn for the three months to 30 June, down from $2.76bn last year but beating the consensus $1.81bn forecast by analysts. Supermarkets were in the red, with Tesco and Sainsburys among the fallers. FTSE 100 - Risers Smith & Nephew (SN.) 1,327.50p 15.03% Fresnillo (FRES) 1,529.00p 6.62% Melrose Industries (MRO) 571.20p 4.20% Diageo (DGE) 1,877.00p 3.42% London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) 9,842.00p 2.14% Mondi (MNDI) 1,057.00p 2.03% Informa (INF) 886.60p 1.88% Croda International (CRDA) 2,633.00p 1.66% IMI (IMI) 2,184.00p 1.58% BP (BP.) 412.30p 1.54% FTSE 100 - Fallers Haleon (HLN) 350.40p -1.52% 3i Group (III) 4,053.00p -1.46% Tesco (TSCO) 419.10p -1.46% Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 294.80p -1.27% Centrica (CNA) 164.20p -1.08% Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 81.76p -0.97% Relx plc (REL) 3,871.00p -0.85% Games Workshop Group (GAW) 16,230.00p -0.67% Admiral Group (ADM) 3,440.00p -0.58% National Grid (NG.) 1,082.50p -0.46% US-based private equity company ACON Investments has signed an agreement for the sale of its controlling stake in Amfora Packaging to sustainable cosmetic packaging company Albea Group. The financial details of the transaction have not been made public. Amfora, established in 2015 through the merger of Colombia-based Intecplast and Peru-based Pieriplast, offers beauty and personal care packaging products. Under ACON's management, Amfora is said to have experienced growth, making it an attractive acquisition opportunity for Albea, which aims to expand its portfolio in the sector. ACON partner Alberto Hernandez said: We are very proud of how Amfora's team transformed and grew two independently managed, diverse family businesses into an institutionalised, export-oriented company serving top-tier clients across Latin America, North America and Europe. As a result, we believe the company is well-positioned for its next chapter of growth under Albea's stewardship. Our investment in Amfora illustrates ACON's strategy of successfully identifying and managing high-potential companies and supporting them through complex business cycles to unlock long-term value. Brigard Urrutia, Hogan Lovells, and Grant Thornton provided advisory services to ACON during this deal. This sale follows ACON's exit from another investment, Vitalis S.A.C.I., earlier in the year. In 2024, Clarins, a French beauty product company, launched a new sustainable flip-top closure system, the EcoLittle Top, developed in collaboration with Albea Tubes. This solution, part of the EcoTop range, aims to tackle weight and recyclability challenges in the industry. In 2023, French cosmetics brand LOccitane collaborated with Albea Tubes to redesign the packaging for its 30ml hand cream collection. The updated packaging included an all-plastic laminate and a Greenleaf tube certified by the Association of Plastic Recyclers, featuring a multilayer sleeve made of high-density polyethylene. "ACON to sell Amfora Packaging to Albea Group" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. Project Utthan to cover 1.5 lakh students across 947 BMC schools from 202528, focusing on Grades 1 to 4. Aims to strengthen Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), aligned with NEP 2020 and NIPUN Bharat. Adani Foundation fully funds the initiative; BMC provides infrastructure, 316 trained 'Utthan Sahayaks' to support struggling students. In a major leap towards strengthening early education, the Adani Foundation and Adani Electricity have signed a Letter of Agreement with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to scale up Project Utthan a flagship CSR initiative focused on enhancing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) skills across Mumbais public school system. BMC, Adani Foundation, and Adani Electricity, Project Utthan has already transformed learning environments in 83 municipal schools across areas like Malad, Dahisar, Borivali, Chembur, and Kurla. The initiative has directly benefitted over 25,000 students, showing measurable improvements in academic outcomes, classroom engagement, and inclusivity. Initially launched in 2021 as a public-private partnership betweenhas already transformed learning environments in 83 municipal schools across areas likeThe initiative has directly benefitted over 25,000 students, showing measurable improvements in academic outcomes, classroom engagement, and inclusivity. With the latest agreement, Project Utthan will now expand its reach to all 947 municipal schools across Mumbai, covering over 1.5 lakh students in Grades 1 to 4 during the academic years 202526 to 202728. This makes it one of Indias largest foundational learning interventions led by a corporate group. The program is closely aligned with the Government of Indias NIPUN Bharat Mission and reflects the core principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims not only to enhance academic achievement but also to bring systemic reform by building strong foundational learning environments in Mumbais public schools. To support the initiative, 316 trained female 'Utthan Sahayaks' will be deployed across schools. These Sahayaks will work in tandem with teachers to assist children who are irregular, disengaged, or struggling academically ensuring no child is left behind in acquiring essential literacy and numeracy skills. The initiative also includes student-centered pedagogies and supplementary learning materials, including support for Grade 10 students to bolster their academic performance. Adani Electricity and Adani Foundation will fully fund the programs implementation, while BMCs Education Department will facilitate necessary logistics and infrastructure. Strategically, the initiative also aims to improve Mumbais performance in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2027-28, reinforcing its broader goal of transforming the public education system into a more inclusive, equitable, and effective model. PM Modi to address NDA MPs in first meet of Monsoon Session today. Operation Sindoor success and national security to feature in his speech. Meeting comes ahead of VP poll nominations and amid opposition protests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party meeting today, the first such meeting during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Held in the Parliament complex, the top-level meeting will see attendance by all Members of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. Attendance has been made compulsory for all NDA MPs. This gathering is politically important, coming a mere two days before the nomination process for the vice-presidential election, the process of which starts on August 7. Although the NDA has a clear majority in the electoral college and the outcome of the election thus largely predetermined, the alliance is likely to name its official choice by August 21, the deadline for filing nominations as well as the last day of the ongoing session. Also Read- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend World Climate Action Summit in Dubai In the meeting, PM Modi will be felicitated for the successful conduct of Operation Sindoor, a large counter-terror operation initiated in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. His speech is likely to dwell on the effect of the operation, national security issues, and important political developments that are defining the parliamentary agenda at present. The Monsoon Session has otherwise been by way of disruptions, the opposition continuing to stage protests most notably against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Opposition leaders allege the revision is politically motivated in favor of the ruling party. During his address, the Prime Minister will also counter such charges, reaffirm the government's promise of a clean election process, and present the NDA's legislative agenda for the last few days of the session. Donald Trump has warned of a substantial tariff increase on India for allegedly profiting from Russian oil amid the Ukraine war. India maintains its oil imports are driven by national interest and denies any halt in Russian oil purchases. Experts warn that penalizing India, a major oil importer, could spike global oil prices and destabilize markets. In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to India, threatening to 'substantially' raise tariffs on Indian goods over the countrys continued purchase and resale of Russian oil. The fresh threat follows Trumps earlier announcement of a 25 percent tariff on Friday, though he did not specify how much more he would increase it. The former president, who remains a dominant voice within the Republican Party and is seeking reelection, accused India of profiting from Russias ongoing war in Ukraine by reselling imported oil on the open market. "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits", Trump posted on Truth Social. "They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA". Trumps frustration appears to stem from Russian President Vladimir Putins refusal to end the Ukraine conflict. He has sought to use economic pressure on Moscows trading partners particularly India to bring about a ceasefire. He has now moved the deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire to later this week, intensifying pressure on nations perceived to be aiding the Kremlin economically. appears to stem from Russian President Vladimir Putins refusal to end the Ukraine conflict. He has sought to use economic pressure on Moscows trading partners particularly India to bring about a ceasefire. He has now moved the deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire to later this week, intensifying pressure on nations perceived to be aiding the Kremlin economically. Despite the aggressive tone toward India, Trump made no mention of China or Turkey both of which also continue to purchase Russian oil in significant volumes. Analysts suggest that applying similar penalties to China could complicate ongoing trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India currently sources nearly 40 percent of its oil imports from Russia, accounting for around 70 percent of Moscows oil exports. Prior to the Ukraine war, India sourced less than 0.2 percent of its oil from Russia. Following international sanctions on Moscow, India ramped up purchases, often buying below the $60-per-barrel cap set by the European Union. Reports also indicate that some of the refined oil products have been exported from Indian refineries to other countries. On Friday, Trump seemed to momentarily soften his stance after reports suggested Indias oil imports from Russia were declining. "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," he told reporters. However, unnamed Indian officials responded over the weekend, asserting that there is no plan to halt Russian oil imports a response that reportedly reignited Trumps outrage. Meanwhile, Indian government sources have dismissed claims of halting Russian imports. A senior official stated, "India's energy purchases are driven by national interests and market forces. We do not have any reports of Indian oil firms halting Russian imports". Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal echoed this stance last week, emphasizing that Indias energy procurement is based on availability and price. "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: Trump Warns Elon Musk of Deportation Amid Explosive Political Feud Jaiswal added that Indias foreign relations stand on their own merits and should not be judged from the perspective of third countries. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership, he noted. Trumps fiery rhetoric has stirred further geopolitical tension, even leading to a social media clash with former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. The exchange ultimately resulted in Trump ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines to strategic global locations. Experts warn that additional tariffs could backfire, risking retaliation from Russia, such as a possible shutdown of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which carries Kazakh oil to Western Europe. Moreover, should India the world's third-largest oil importer be forced to reduce Russian imports, global oil prices may surge, impacting economies worldwide, including the U.S. As the deadline for a possible ceasefire looms, all eyes remain on the evolving situation between Washington, Moscow, and New Delhi. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City has recorded the lowest number of shooting incidents and victims in its history for the first seven months of a year, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced Monday. From January through July 2025, the city logged 412 shooting incidents and 489 shooting victims, breaking previous record lows of 426 incidents in 2017, and 522 victims in 2018. New monthly records were set in July, with just 75 shooting incidents and 92 victims, surpassing the previous July lows from 2017. Staten Island CompStat numbers for the year to date show six shooting incidents and six shooting victims a 33% decrease over the same time last year, in which nine shooting incidents and nine shooting victims were tallied. The trend follows a July 4 weekend that delivered the lowest shooting totals ever recorded for the holiday period. The improvements are part of a more significant decline in major crime categories, with overall crime dropping 5.6% in July 2025 compared to the same month last year, and marking the tenth consecutive month of decreases, data shows. New York City just recorded the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims ever for the first seven months of any year, while major crime continued to decline citywide, Tisch said. Excluding the two pandemic years, it was also the safest July in our subway system in recorded history. The announcement comes as the city mourns a recent tragedy in Midtown that claimed four lives, including an NYPD officer. New York City is grieving after the tragic loss of four innocent lives including an NYPD officer in a senseless shooting in Midtown, said Mayor Eric Adams. While this incident will forever be a stain on our city, it happened against the backdrop of a larger, more hopeful picture one where the brave men and women of the NYPD continue to drive down crime, the mayor added. The NYPDs Summer Violence Reduction Plan has played a significant role in the decrease in crime, according to the NYPD administration. The strategy deploys more than 2,000 uniformed officers to 72 summer zones across 59 communities, focusing on high-priority crimes and shootings. Since the plans implementation on May 5, major crime in these zones during deployment hours has decreased by 20.2%, with shootings down 50.6%, felony assaults down 28.5% and robberies down 23.3%. Gang-related enforcement has also contributed to the declining violence. NYPD detectives have conducted 48 gang-related takedowns this year, resulting in 347 arrests and the recovery of 236 illegal guns. Over the past three-and-a-half years, the department has removed more than 22,900 illegal firearms from city streets, including more than 3,100 in 2025 alone, the data shows. This incredible progress is no coincidence it is thanks to our administrations dedication to policing with precision and integrity, Adams said. Scenes from the intersection of Castleton Avenue and Park Avenue in Port Richmond following a crash overnight involving a scooter and a truck. Tuesday, August 5, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 13-year-old boy riding a motorized scooter was critically injured in a crash with an MTA bus early on Tuesday morning in Port Richmond. Officers responded at about 12:55 a.m. to the crash at the intersection of Castleton and Park avenues, a spokesman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information told the Advance/SILive.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City has released its admissions offers for specialized high schools, and the longstanding trends regarding the racial disparities continue to persist, including right here on Staten Island. On Thursday, the city Department of Education released a breakdown of this years specialized high school admissions offers by race, including offers for Staten Island Technical High School in New Dorp. Its the only specialized high school in the borough. In total, 289 students received offers to Staten Island Tech, with the vast majority of them, 270 out of 286, or 93%, being white (78 students) or Asian (192 students), according to city data. Just one Black student received an offer this year, and five Hispanic students received offers, according to the city data. These low numbers are a trend that has been observed at Staten Island Tech and most of the citys specialized high schools in recent years. The school also didnt offer admission to any Native American students, according to data, and five multi-racial students and eight students categorized as unknown got an offer this year. It marks the another year of low numbers of minority students admitted to Staten Island Technical High School.. There were approximately 26,000 students across the city who competed for seats at the citys specialized high schools this year, according to DOE numbers. Citywide, 4,023 students received offers. Out of those citywide offers, only 3% went to Black students, and about 7% went to Hispanic students. Fifty-three percent of offers went to Asian students, 5.4% went to multi-racial students, 0.3% went to Native American students and about 26% went to white students. Another 5% of offers went to students categorized as unknown. Specialized high schools are selective public schools that offer an advanced or focused curriculum based on students results on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test. The citys specialized high schools had faced backlash by the previous mayoral administration due to low numbers of admission offers to Black and Latino students. Some schools, like Staten Island Technical High School, have outreach programs that work to engage underrepresented middle schools. As in previous years, students received offers to the Discovery Program this past spring which means the number of students accepted into specialized high schools could increase. The initiative, which aims to increase diversity, offers programs that are three to five weeks long in the summer, providing an opportunity for disadvantaged students who scored with a certain range of the entrance exam to attend a specialized school in the fall. Participation in the program is by invitation only. According to the DOE, 785 students will be participating in this summers Discovery Program. Those who successfully complete the program will receive a seat at one of the eight testing specialized high schools. New York City is currently hiring educators as part of its larger effort to add school seats to meet new class size requirements under state law. In this 2022 photo, fourth-grade students in the Summer Rising program work on a project at PS 52 in Dongan Hills. New York City is hiring thousands of teachers in its public schools, and we recently took a look at how much a new teacher would make as an annual starting salary. The city is hiring educators as part of its larger effort to add school seats to meet new class size requirements under state law. Those who are looking to start a career in city public schools will be offered a starting salary based on education and years of teaching experience. According to the city, the starting salary for a teacher with a masters degree and no prior teaching experience is currently $75,017. A teacher with a bachelors degree and no previous teaching experience will start with a base salary of $66,733. Its important to note that New York state requires all teachers to hold a masters degree within five years after qualifying for initial teacher certification. Starting on Sept. 14, salaries will increase to $77,455 for a teacher with a masters degree and no prior teaching experience, and to $68,902 for a teacher with a bachelors degree and no previous teaching experience. Working as a New York City teacher means youll become part of the United Federation of Teachers union. This UFT contract means teachers receive yearly automatic increases to their salary, as well as annual retention bonuses, including a prorated retention bonus during your first year of teaching. Other benefits include health insurance plans, as well as dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits. Teachers will also enter the Teachers Retirement System of the City of New York, one of the largest pension systems in the country, which provides teachers with retirement, disability, and death benefit services. If youre looking to apply to become a New York City public schools teacher, you can visit nyc.teacherssupportnetwork.com. Johnny Carson plays the drums while being hugged by his then-wife, Joanna Carson, in May 1982. (Lennox McLendon, Associated Press file photo) Joanna Carson, the third wife of legendary TV talk-show host Johnny Carson, has died at the age of 93, according to multiple reports. Extra reports that Joanna Carson died in July. News of her death was kept private until after her funeral, which was held last week. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation used a post on social media to honor Carson. According to People Magazine, Johnny Carson, the longtime host of The Tonight Show, met Joanna at a club in New York City in 1971. Joanna was a high-paid fashion model at the time, People reports. They were married one year later after Johnny Carson divorced his second wife, Joanne. It was the second marriage for Joanna, who was previously married to Tim Holland. The marriage between Joanna and Johnny ended with a $20 million-plus divorce settlement in 1985, Extra reports. Johnny Carson died in 2005 at the age of 79. Extra reports that Joanna Carson was well-known for her charity work and she also was a producer of several Broadway shows, including American Psycho and Beetlejuice. (from left) Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, Borough President Vito Fossella, and Captain Luigi Carrubba speak at a press conference in front of the 122nd Precinct in New Dorp on Tuesday, August 5 2025. Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Borough President Vito Fossella and the New York City Police Department joined forces to warn drivers of recent, dangerous behavior on Hylan Boulevard at a Tuesday press conference. As morning traffic rumbled past the 122nd Precinct in New Dorp, Fossella and Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, borough commander for Staten Island, reminded drivers they can, and should, make turns from bus lanes. Other than those hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. going towards the Verrazzano and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. going towards Tottenville, the bus lane is open for use, said Fossella. And just as importantly, even when it is a bus-only lane, if you want to make a right hand turn you can get into that lane a block or so before to do so, the borough president added. According to officials at the press conference, there have been at least 32 collisions this year and seven in the last four weeks alone, including one where one of the vehicles involved made a right turn from the middle lane in Dongan Hills. When asked if the number of bus lane-related crashes on Hylan Boulevard is being exacerbated by other behavior, like speeding or distracted driving, the borough commander pointed to the size and scope of the thoroughfare. Like any other major roadway citywide, Hylan Boulevard is certainly one of our major arterial roadways. [It] runs through pretty much the entire Island north to south. So you see a variety of traffic issues along this major corridor and we educate and enforce when necessary on a wide variety of conditions, Eger said. Fossella also wanted New York City to assist with addressing the issue, which he called a serious problem. We want the city to just take a more proactive approach to understand whats going on. Perhaps more signage, perhaps signs in the road bed itself, [or] bigger signs on the poles, Fossella said. During the press conference, the Staten Island borough commander stressed that while most bus lines are always open for turns, they should not be used for driving or stopping during the posted bus lane hours. In addition, bus lanes in the center median like on Richmond Avenue should never be entered during posted hours, she said. Our message to our public, to our Staten Island community is clear and simple. Use the bus lanes properly, turn safely and follow these rules, Eger said. Our main goal is always to prevent injuries and to save lives and to keep our roadways safe for our community. So lets break this habit of unsafe turns and lets work together to keep our streets safe for everyone, she continued. In early July, a car turning from the center lane of Hylan Boulevard in Dongan Hills was involved in a crash that sent three people to the hospital. The collision took place after a vehicle traveling in the bus lane on Hylan Boulevard collided with a vehicle turning into a parking lot from the middle lane of the major roadway, according to a statement by the Deputy Commissioner of Public Informations Office. At the time, a vehicle driven by a 45-year-old man was heading southbound on Hylan. That man tried to make a right turn into the rear parking lot of 1361 Hylan Blvd., crossing the bus lane, when police say he was hit by a Mazda SUV operated by a 35-year-old driver. The collision sent the first car careening through a fence and flipped the vehicle, which struck three parked cars and three garbage dumpsters. The driver of the vehicle that overturned, as well as two passengers, were transported by EMS to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze with minor injuries. The driver of the second vehicle did not sustain any injuries. By Niket Nishant (Reuters) -August, an AI startup founded by Columbia University alumni and that caters to midsize law firms, said on Tuesday it had raised $7 million in a seed funding round led by venture capital firms NEA and Pear VC. WHY IT MATTERS AI's ability to handle routine, document-heavy tasks is unlocking new efficiencies for lawyers, particularly because the legal field is built on vast volumes of literature such as case law, contracts and filings. By automating time-consuming paperwork, AI platforms such as August are freeing up lawyers to focus on higher-value work. It also helps to cut costs, a crucial benefit for midsize law firms that lack the resources of their deep-pocketed rivals. CONTEXT August was founded in 2023 by Rutvik Rau, Thomas Bueler-Faudree and Joseph Parker, who met at Columbia University. Besides NEA and Pear VC, the startup secured backing from angel investor Gokul Rajaram, Ramp's vice president of product Geoff Charles, OpenAI's head of engineering David Azose and Bain Capital Ventures partner Kevin Zhang. The company is based in New York and currently has a team of 12. It expects to expand the workforce to 25 to 30 by the end of the year, Rau told Reuters in an interview. August operates in a competitive arena dominated by some established players, most notably Harvey, an OpenAI-backed legal AI startup, which caters to elite law firms and big professional services companies. KEY QUOTES "The future is one where AI partners with individuals to be a step further than where the industry is today," Rau said. "We're enabling lawyers to be more productive by eliminating some of the work, so they can actually spend a lot more time working with their clients, understanding their needs and being the strategic value partner for them." (Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) Theres a fight brewing over a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar thats on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor claims that the guitar is actually the so-called Keithburst axe that was stolen along with other instruments while the Stones were recording their iconic Exile on Main Street album in the South of France in 1971. The sunburst guitar once belonged to Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who was seen playing it during a band appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. The iconic guitar was also later associated with rock legends Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton, Smithsonian Magazine reported. The Met a few months announced that it had received a gift of more than 500 guitars belonging to some of the 20th centurys most influential artists, including Leo Fender, Mississippi John Hurt and Ponty Gonzalez. Included in that cache was the 1959 Les Paul. But now the guitars provenance has been called into question. A representative for Taylor, who played with the Stones from 1969 to 1974, has said that the instrument belongs to him. Taylor claims to have bought the guitar from a Stones tour manager in 1967 and said he regularly used it over the next several years, according to Phil Weller of Guitar World. Taylor claims the guitar was stolen in the summer of 1971, when the Stones were recording Exile at Richards rented mansion at Villa Nellcote on the French Riviera. The legendary sessions, which have become a touchstone of gritty, do it yourself field recording of rock music, were marked by heavy drug use, band friction and overall chaos. The instrument theft occurred unnoticed in broad daylight. The thieves made away with a saxophone, a bass and several guitars. Taylor claims that until the Keithburst axe showed up at the Met, that summer was the last time he saw it. But the Met has disputed Taylors claims, saying that while the guitarist used the Keithburst, he never officially owned it. The museum also claims that the guitar was not among the instruments stolen in the 1971 burglary and that Christies put the guitar up for sale in 2004. It went on display at the Met in 2019. This guitar has a long and well-documented history of ownership, the museum told Michaela Towfighi of the New York Times in a statement. Marlies Damming, Taylors manager, told the Times: We would like the Metropolitan Museum to make the guitar available so that we can inspect it, and confirm its provenance one way or the other. Staten Island families celebrated National Coloring Book Day on August 1 in West Brighton, while learning about fire safety and emergency preparedness. Courtesy of NYC Administration For Children's Services STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island families recently celebrated National Coloring Book Day in West Brighton, while learning about fire safety and emergency preparedness. The NYC Administration for Childrens Services, the Fire Department of the City of New York and the Staten Island Community Partnership hosted an event to celebrate the day. There, they distributed coloring books on summer and fire safety to children and provided resources for families, such as smoke alarm installation information and city resources. We want New York City families to know all the ways to keep their children safe and this event is part of our ongoing work to do just that, said NYC Administration for Childrens Services Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. Staten Island families celebrated National Coloring Book Day on August 1 in West Brighton, while learning about fire safety and emergency preparedness. Courtesy of NYC Administration For Children's Services ACS frequently partners with city agencies like the FDNY, as well as local organizations and community members, with the goal of supporting families and keeping children safe. The educational programming included the FDNYs Smoke House, which teaches participants how to safely escape a house filled with smoke. Fire safety starts with education. The earlier, the better. Events like this are a great way for the FDNY to connect with families and give children the tools they need to stay safe, said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. The FDNY is committed to spreading critical safety messages to adults and children, and we are proud to partner with ACS and the Staten Island Community Partnership to make sure these important lessons reach every household. The event was also attended by New York Citys child welfare agency New York Foundling CEO Melanie Hartzog and NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, who both stressed the importance of family education and summer safety. Staten Island families celebrated National Coloring Book Day on August 1 in West Brighton, while learning about fire safety and emergency preparedness. Courtesy of NYC Administration For Children's Services Were proud to host events like Coloring Book Day that equip families with fun, engaging, and practical tools to stay safe and we thank ACS, FDNY, and all our partners for making community-focused events like this possible, said Rodriguez-Rosa. For those who were unable to attend the event, the educational coloring book is available on www.nyc.gov A new poll shows who voters in crucial swing state North Carolina support for the Republican and Democratic nominations for president in 2028. The survey shows a blowout for one Republican candidate and two perhaps surprising candidates at the top of the Democratic leaderboard, Newsweek reported. The new poll from Emerson College shows Vice President JD Vance widely leading the GOP field, with the support of 53% of likely Republican Party voters in the Tar Heel State. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida is next with just 7% support, followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a former U.S. senator from Florida, with 5%. The survey showed Vance gaining seven points since the last Emerson poll. On the Democratic side, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg got support from 17% of likely Democratic primary voters, followed by former Vice President Kamala Harris, with 12%. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has consistently led the betting markets on the 2028 Democratic race, is third with 10% support. The poll said that 24% of Democrats were undecided about their pick for the 2028 party nomination for president. Two-term GOP President Donald Trump is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in the White House. The Democratic primary polling is much too early and all we are seeing is name recognition for past presidential candidates and ones in the news lately in a visible way, Columbia University political science professor Robert Y. Shapiro told Newsweek. On the Republican side, DeSantis and Rubio are damaged goods as past losers in the past Republican primaries in 2016 and 2024. Shapiro said, Vance is on the rise by virtue of being Vice President and visible when he echoes or advocates more strongly Trumps MAGA positions and what Trumpand hehave done. He has not been defeated in any past major election so untarnished in that respect." The poll of 1,000 likely voters in the Tar Heel State had a margin of error of plus/minus 3%. With its 16 electoral votes, swing-state North Carolina is considered one of the top prizes on the current White House map. North Carolina has voted for the GOP candidate for president every year since 1980 except for 2008, when Democrat Barack Obama took the state. Radio host Charlamagne tha God shot back at President Donald Trump on Monday after he was attacked by the president on social media. Charlamagne, whose real name is Lenard McKelvey, criticized Trumps second term on the Fox News show My View with Lara Trump on Saturday. He told the presidents daughter-in-law that he would not give his second presidency a good rating thus far, pointing to how the least of are still being impacted the worst. When you look at something like the big, beautiful bill, thats something that Im going to benefit from because the tax bracket that Im in, but you know, theres going to be so many people thats hurt by that bill, Charlamagne said, in reference to the GOPs budget megabill signed into law last month. Anything that takes away Medicaid from people and will put people in a worse financial situation than they were previously in, Im not for, he added. During the interview, Charlamagne also said that traditional conservatives are engaging in a political coup against the MAGA movement, citing the Jeffrey Epstein controversy that has found its way into the national spotlight after the Justice Department announced it would not release additional documents related to the sex-trafficking investigation. I think that they know this is the issue that has gotten the base riled up, the MAGA base isnt letting this issue go and for the first time, they can probably take their party back and not piss off the MAGA base, he said. Charlamagnes comments appeared to get under Trumps skin, prompting a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform during the early hours of Sunday. The very wonderful and talented Lara Trump, whose show is a big ratings success, put racist sleazebag Charlamagne The God (Why is he allowed to use the word GOD when describing himself? Can anyone imagine the uproar there would be if I used that nickname?), Trump wrote. Hes a Low IQ individual, has no idea what words are coming out of his mouth, and knows nothing about me or what I have done - like just ending 5 Wars, including a 31 year bloodbath between Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, where Seven Million people have died, and there was no end in sight, he continued. Charlamagne fired back early Monday on the newest The Breakfast Club episode, labeling Trump as the Donkey of the Day. My fellow Americans, we are in a strange time right now. A time we have never seen because authoritarian strategy is being used against anyone who speaks out against this administration. But that alone, with his reaction to what I said on Lara Trump, shows how authoritarians will attempt to bully people into pushing false narratives, the radio host said. President Trump, do you realize the best way to get the headlines you want is to simply do a good job, is to simply do right by all Americans, he added. Charlamagne said he didnt take the presidents insults to heart, including his sleazebag remark, joking Depending on who you ask, that may apply to me, and calling it absolutely true that he is unaware of what he is saying. He said I dont know anything about him ending five wars. Mr. President, nobody knew that, because its not true, alright, Charlamagne said. There is zero evidence, theres nothing credible whatsoever, that says President Trump played any role in ending the ongoing key word, ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC and Rwanda," he continued. Charlamagne also went on to say that U.S. strikes in June did not eliminate Irans nuclear facilities, citing media reports, and noted that the southern border is not closed, but the president has tightened its immigration policies. By the way, I want border security. I just want you to keep your promise of deporting illegals and criminals, but since Homeland Security started to work to deport more people, OK, immigrants with legal status and no criminal history are being detained and deported too. Thats not right, Charlamagne said. Charlamagne also joked that Trump had called him racist but I didnt mention race, not one time on Lara Trump. I was just talking to your base, letting your base know that you havent kept the promises that you made in regards to the economy, he said. In fact, youve made things worse. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Island residents should prepare for a hazy and warm Tuesday with air quality concerns, according to the National Weather Service. An air quality alert remains in effect until midnight, with temperatures expected to reach the 80s and potential smoke and haze lingering throughout the day. The National Weather Service reports high pressure will control the regions weather, creating mostly clear conditions with some high clouds and potential haze. Temperatures will climb into the low 80s, with light easterly winds around 5 to 10 mph. Residents, especially those sensitive to air quality, are advised to limit outdoor activities and monitor local air quality updates. High temperatures today will be similar to yesterday. Dry conditions are expected, with mostly cloudy skies due to high-level clouds. Some wildfire smoke remains in the area, so expect filtered sunshine where clouds break.#NYCwx #NYwx #CTwx #NJwx pic.twitter.com/z6QXsuR2Up NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) August 5, 2025 The air quality alert covers Richmond County and surrounding areas, with smoke and haze potentially impacting visibility and air conditions. The New York City area will experience similar weather patterns, with mostly dry conditions and no immediate precipitation expected. The hazy conditions are attributed to ongoing atmospheric conditions and potential wildfire smoke. Looking ahead, the weather pattern remains stable through the weekend, with temperatures consistently in the 80s. Residents should continue to monitor local weather updates and take necessary precautions during the air quality alert, particularly those with respiratory sensitivities or outdoor plans. A draft of this story was generated using AI. It was reviewed, edited and approved by Advance/SILive.com staff. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) stock dropped more than 6% in early trading Wednesday after posting disappointing Data Center revenue as part of its second quarter results on Tuesday. The company missed on adjusted earnings per share (EPS) but beat analysts' expectations on overall revenue. Still, Data Center segment revenue topped out at just $3.2 billion, in line with Wall Street's expectations. Read more: Live coverage of corporate earnings The company did, however, provide better-than-anticipated Q3 guidance of between $8.4 billion and $9 billion. Wall Street was expecting $8.3 billion. For Q2, AMD saw adjusted EPS of $0.48 on revenue of $7.6 billion. Wall Street was expecting EPS of $0.49 on revenue of $7.4 billion, according to Bloomberg consensus estimates. AMD said it saw an $800 million impact from the Trump administration's ban on the sale of the company's MI308 AI chips to China. That resulted in an operating loss of $155 million in the quarter. Nvidia (NVDA) took a $4.5 billion write-down from the ban in Q1 and said it expects an $8 billion hit in its second fiscal quarter. Trump reversed course on the ban last month, which should help make up for some of those losses in the coming quarters. AMD chair and CEO Lisa Su delivers the opening keynote speech at Computex 2024, Taiwan's premier tech expo, in Taipei on June 3, 2024. (I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images) I-HWA CHENG via Getty Images AMD should also benefit from the launch of its MI350 line of AI chips, designed to go toe-to-toe with Nvidia's Blackwell-powered chips. According to AMD, the MI350 line, which includes the MI350X and MI355X, offers four times the AI compute performance and a 35x increase in inferencing capabilities versus its predecessors. Beyond the Data Center segment, AMD's Client business, which includes sales of CPUs for desktops and laptops, generated $3.6 billion in revenue versus an anticipated $2.5 billion. Sign up for Yahoo Finance's Week in Tech newsletter. yahoofinance Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on X/Twitter at @DanielHowley. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance 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. 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System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948 /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:176 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. 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Jeff Koons, Balloon Venus Dolni Vestonice (Yellow) 201317 gift of Steve and Kylie Shelley. Credit: Copyright Jeff Koons Balloon Venus Dolni Vestonice (Yellow) is a 2.7-metre high yellow stainless-steel sculpture that reimagines a prehistoric fertility figure as a mirror-polished balloon. Its the first of the American artists balloon series to enter the collection of an Australian cultural institution and gallery director Nick Mitzevich says hes more than ready for a public debate over whether the sculpture qualifies as art. There are artists in each generation that revolutionises what art is, that challenges people, Mitzevich said. On August 6, 1945, a B29 bomber named Enola Gay took off from the island of Tinian and dropped a warhead made of uranium-235 on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Three days later, another B29 dropped a plutonium implosion bomb on Nagasaki. Over the following 12 months, some 290,000 people died. Eighty years on, these appalling tragedies demonstrate how nations that begin conflicts as champions of the rules of war can, without intending to do so, end up justifying the mass killing of innocent civilians. In that, they offer unheeded lessons about the geopolitical violence raging today. A view of the devastation after the atom bomb was dropped, in Hiroshima in 1945. Source: AP Credit: nna\KCampbell Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain a tragic story for our times. The commonly understood justification for dropping the atom bombs was that they ended World War II and saved countless Allied lives by negating the need to invade the Japanese home islands. Given the Japanese surrendered on 15 August just nine days after the Hiroshima attack its easy to claim the bombs worked. Post hoc, ergo propter hoc (after the fact, therefore caused by the fact). But it wasnt quite that simple. Your duties will include providing security and emergency response services at the compound, maintaining site safety, and adhering to all operational protocols, the employment offer states. The fly-in, fly-out security guards agreed to an annual salary of $120,000 for the roles, which require them to be based in Nauru for six months of the year. The Australian Federal Police and the Department of Home Affairs are both mentioned in internal correspondence about the deployment from Safe Hands Group director Jelena Brozinic. A Finks gathering outside Parliament House in Canberra. AFP is now in direct contact with Nauru Airlines ... AFP has confirmed that they will provide a formal start date through Home Affairs once their internal logistics are finalised, Brozinic stated in an internal message on April 9. A spokeswoman for the Department of Home Affairs said it had no direct or subcontracted arrangement with Nauru Community Safety and denied the organisation had any role in Australias offshore detention centre on the island. Arrangements between the government of Nauru and other entities are a matter for them, the spokeswoman said. The spokeswoman said US firm Management and Training Corporation was responsible for the facilities, garrison, transferee arrivals and reception services at the Regional Processing Centre in Nauru. Australias offshore processing policy has involved sending asylum seekers to the Nauru detention centre since 2001, with about 100 detainees presently held in the facility. This masthead can also reveal that Geelong resident Timothy Jones was appointed by Nauru Community Safety as its general manager of operations, despite his extensive links with Safe Hands Group, Bilal and the Finks. Jones, who did not respond to requests for comment, was previously employed by Safe Hands Group as a general manager until about 2022, according to a now-deleted LinkedIn profile. He is also the owner of a $1 million property in the NSW town of Gunning, about 75 kilometres north of Canberra, where Bilal and his wife, Chloe, reside and breed greyhounds. Tim Jones. His son, Branden Jones, 26, is an associate of the Finks who became director of Safe Hands 002 Pty Ltd in August 2023, before the company was placed into liquidation last year owing almost $894,000 in outstanding tax lodgements to the Australian Tax Office. Safe Hands Group Pty Ltd was registered in February 2023, before assets and clients were transferred between the two companies in an alleged case of phoenixing. However, corporate regulators and the ATO have not taken any enforcement action. It is unknown who appointed Timothy Jones to the management position with Nauru Community Safety, which removed profiles of its entire leadership team from its website on Monday, following inquiries from this masthead. The deal with Safe Hands Group to subcontract guards to Nauru was made just months after the Albanese government signed a treaty with Nauru President David Waiau Ranibok Adeang in December, when Australia committed a further $40 million for security and policing. Under the treaty, Nauru committed to mutually agree with Australia any partnership, arrangement or engagement with any other state or entity on matters relating to Naurus security. Last month, this masthead revealed Australian company Canstruct, which received $1.82 billion to run Australias asylum seeker processing regime on Nauru for five years until late 2022, was the subject of an AFP investigation over serious fraud allegations. Transparency International Australia chief executive Clancy Moore said Nauru had been plagued by allegations of corruption and money-laundering. Home Affairs should be doing enhanced due diligence on any government-funded contractors operating in Nauru, Moore said. This includes putting subcontractors under the microscope for risks including criminal history, links with politically exposed persons, and ownership structures. Loading Taxpayer funds lining the pockets of companies owned by bikie gangs to provide security services in Nauru is a giant red flag for the government. He urged the federal government to introduce legislation for a centralised, publicly available beneficial ownership register to monitor those who own and benefit from corporate structures. The consulate-general of Nauru and the Nauru high commission did not respond to questions. Phone calls to the Nauru parliament were not returned. This masthead does not suggest any wrongdoing by managers of Nauru Community Safety. Safe Hands Group and its director Brozinic, who has been employed by Bilal for more than a decade, including at a now-defunct hospitality business called London Burger, did not respond to requests for comment. Bilal also did not respond to questions, but has previously denied his involvement with the Finks and Rebels bikie gangs. However, police officers made submissions in the ACT Supreme Court, the ACT Magistrates Court and the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission, claiming the 53-year-old was a senior figure in the ACT chapter of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang. Detective Sergeant Owen Patterson, of the anti-bikie taskforce Nemesis, said in court in April that Bilal was previously a leader of the ACT Rebels, which disbanded and became the All Brothers Crew, or the Ali Bilal Crew, in late 2022 or early 2023. Patterson told the court that members then eventually patched over to the Finks in 2023, and that Bilal was believed to have been appointed world president of the gang. In February last year, a greyhound hearing was provided with an email from NSW Police constable Mitchell Clark, who confirmed officers attended Bilals property in Wollogorang, about 60 kilometres north-east of Canberra. The police were conducting a compliance inspection for a firearm prohibition order served on Bilal, who was not home at the time. But, according to Clarks email, police were confronted by two other members of the Finks, one of whom was charged with assaulting an officer. A Finks OMCG [outlaw motorcycle gang] vest was in the wardrobe of the main bedroom, this is believed to belong to Ali Bilal, Clark said in the email on September 27, 2023. Ali Bilal is the president of the Finks OMCG interstate chapter and resides at this address. In 2022, Bilal was sentenced to three months in prison after pleading guilty to five charges relating to using a carriage service to harass or threaten, after his conversations were captured by telephone intercepts. Loading In one recording played to the ACT Magistrates Court, Bilal ordered a woman to arrange a meeting with an unnamed man. Get him to meet me. Thats it, Bilal yelled. Im gonna f--- him ... Im not gonna leave anybody tonight. Despite being sentenced to prison for behaviour chief magistrate Lorraine Walker described as manipulative aggression, Bilal was able to set up a new company with ASIC in February named Hostile Takeovers Pty Ltd, which lists him as the sole owner and director. The company trades under the business name Black Dog Group Services. In 2012, Bilal was charged with possession of steroids. But because he had changed his name by deed poll in 2002 to Tony Soprano, officers decided to charge both Bilal and Soprano with three counts of steroid possession. Fearing the prospect of new unit blocks decimating the character of Sydneys suburban streetscapes, a Mosman resident is launching a landmark legal challenge against the NSW governments housing reforms. Judith Pearson is believed to be the first private citizen in NSW to launch court action against the NSW governments low- and mid-rise housing reforms amid fears increased density will impose unacceptable impacts on some of Sydneys most sought-after suburbs. Judith Pearson has enlisted the help of lawyers and planning experts. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong Pearson, who has lived at a home perched on the Balmoral slopes for more than 30 years, is willing to spend up to $500,000 in legal costs as part of her challenge, which commenced in the Land and Environment Court last week. The housing reforms, introduced by the NSW government, have made it easier for developers to build new apartment buildings up to six storeys high within 800 metres of transport hubs and town centres, as part of a goal of addressing the states housing shortage. A prison officer is accused of smuggling an encrypted phone into a maximum-security prison which helped a drug lord allegedly orchestrate a fake terror plot in Sydney, Australian Federal Police has claimed in court. Justin James Collier, 26, was working as a guard at the privately run Parklea prison in Sydneys west when he allegedly smuggled in an encrypted device for heroin kingpin Guy Habkouk. Heroin importer Guy Habkouk arrested in Sydney. He allegedly dreamed up a fake terror plot behind bars in a bid to secure clemency. Credit: Australian Federal Police Habkouk was awaiting trial in prison over his attempt to import almost 350 kilograms of heroin into Sydney in 2020 with the help of his construction boss brother Wade. The Habkouks, who have both since pleaded guilty to the imports, had tried to sneak the drugs into Sydney in commercial bakery mixers aboard a Malaysia flight. Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Andreessen Horowitz, a top VC firm, has left Delaware and urged others to consider doing the same. The entities it moved to Nevada aren't corporations, so the move is more about sending a signal. One lawyer said a16z's move could advance its founder-friendly reputation. Andreessen Horowitz wants startup founders to reconsider their relationship with Delaware but the venture firm's own breakup with the state is more complicated than it seems. On July 22, the VC giant executed the plan it teased in a blog post earlier in the month, registering three new entities in Nevada: a16z Capital Management LLC, a16z Holdings LLC, and a16z Development LLC. The move wasn't just administrative it was meant as a signal, part of the firm's effort to convince founders that Delaware shouldn't be the default choice for forming their companies. Andreessen Horowitz, often called a16z, cited several reasons for moving to Nevada: stronger legal protection for corporate directors, tighter limits on shareholder lawsuits, and a business-friendly court system. It said this sets Nevada apart from Delaware, where an outsize share of America's business lawsuits are filed. Some critics say a16z's beef with Delaware's corporate laws don't make much sense because it's not a corporation; all the entities that it moved to Nevada are LLCs, or limited liability companies. "They're either being accidentally imprecise or intentionally disingenuous," said Samantha Prince, a law professor at Penn State University. "Andreessen is criticizing Delaware and its statutory corporate framework, but that doesn't apply to LLCs." Not all businesses are corporations Laypeople don't often draw distinctions between corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other legal entities. Even lawyers and judges sometimes can't keep it straight; a 2023 paper Prince co-authored found over 9,000 references to "limited liability corporations," which don't exist, in court documents. But the differences matter. Corporations are bound by corporate law that sets baselines for what directors must do and the rights of shareholders. Delaware's corporate laws and judges' decisions interpreting those laws are what have some so angry. By contrast, limited liability companies are "largely creatures of contract," said Ben Edwards, a corporate law professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which means they generally write their own rules in their operating agreements and other agreements among their members. Huge waves have crashed along the Sydney coast on Tuesday, the largest reaching almost nine metres high and drawing crowds of onlookers and a few brave surfers. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a hazardous surf warning for the Sydney coast, with the average wave recorded at 3.2 metres high and the largest reaching 8.5 metres. Surfer Max McGuigan gets towed into the large swell near Cape Solander. Credit: Wolter Peeters Herald photographer Wolter Peeters captured spectacular images of surfer Max McGuigan getting towed into the monster swell at Cape Solander, near Kurnell. McGuigan said he waited all day at the cape which breaks only a few times each year for the right surfing conditions. Brisbanes new bus network is so efficient, some services are running too early and the timetable might need to be tweaked. As the state marks one year since 50 fares we revealed Brisbane buses have not hit 90 per cent on-time running for two years. Adrian Schrinner and Transport chair Andrew Wines speak to media in the CBD. Credit: Felicity Caldwell Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has just held a press conference to reveal the Metro and new bus network has cut bus congestion on the Victoria Bridge a previously notorious bottleneck by 30 per cent. Loading We asked whether the Lord Mayor thought the new network might allow Brisbane buses to hit that 90 per cent on-time figure again. Were just over a month into the new network but theres already some evidence that some buses are actually running ahead of the scheduled timetable because theres far less congestion, he said. So were going to have to continue to tweak the timetables to make sure that theyre as accurate as possible. At the rear is the Mecca Apothecary focused on wellness and selling everything from crystals to bath salts, with services including naturopathy and acupuncture and a Flowers Vasette florist. Heritage features such as the tiled floors and industrial metal windows have been carefully restored, and Horgan says she was inspired by the Coles Book Arcade which once occupied the space. There are 80 services in total in this store, because at a time when the world is moving to just transactional interactions brought upon by the proliferation of e-commerce, this is our love letter to in-real-life experiences, she says. We want this to be a beacon for people to actually physically come to and experience the laying on of hands. Most of Meccas sales are still made in-store rather than online, and Horgan is bullish on bricks and mortar retail. Horgan is bullish on bricks and mortar retail. Credit: Simon Schluter You cant get your hair done through the internet, she says. You cant get your hair, your make-up and your nails done in 90 minutes through the computer. Horgan is referring to the Mecca Atelier on the first floor, where that 90-minute service is available. Next to the atelier is Cafe Mecca serving Seven Seeds coffee, Lune croissants and Meccatinis, and a hair salon by stylist Josh Wood. At the rear of the store are private treatment rooms where Mecca is making a push into clinical services with laser treatments, microdermabrasion and Botox. The top floor has a nail bar for manicures by Trophy Wife and a perfume bar with scent sommeliers on hand to provide fragrance education. Horgan runs Mecca with her husband, co-chief executive Pete Wetenhall. What started as a single store in Toorak Road in 1997 has grown into Australias biggest cosmetics retailer, one with 110 stores around Australia and New Zealand and more than 7000 employees. The first store in Toorak Road was four metres wide and 76 square metres, Horgan says. This is literally 60 times bigger. Its a very different scale, its a very different proposition, but at the heart of it, its exactly the same. What do we need to do to surprise and delight our customer? What do we do to push the boundaries of beauty? As Mecca is a privately owned company it has limited reporting requirements, but its most recent annual report, filed in June, reported revenue of $1.2 billion in the 12 months to the end of June 2023. This was a 25 per cent increase built on the back of Sol de Janeiro sprays and Glow Recipe moisturiser, but Meccas profit only inched up to $27 million, due to soaring expenses. Horgan is counting on Meccas devoted 4.6 million-strong customer base, 4 million of whom are members of Meccas cult loyalty program, Beauty Loop, to embrace the store. Inside the Mecca store, which features dozens of artworks by female artists including Patricia Piccinini. Credit: Simon Schluter I do say one of the joys of being a private business is that you can take an outsized risk like this, where you really do push the boundaries of what beauty can be, what retail can be, she says. This would never have been signed off by a publicly listed company, because the risk is just too great. The Bourke Street property itself is owned by funds management group Newmark Capital run by former Hawthorn player Chris Langford which bought it for $121 million in July 2020 and battled soaring construction costs and a delayed opening. 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 It was the dawn of the new millennium and 22-year-old Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts dance graduate Floeur Alder was on top of the world. Alder had just returned from a dream four-month study trip to Europe that she hoped would set her up for a brilliant career and was tripping lightly down Mary Street to her Highgate home in June, 2000. Perth dancer Floeur Alder. Credit: Jon Green Then, without any rhyme or reason, a man emerged from the darkness and plunged a knife deep into her face. He said nothing and disappeared back into the night. Alder managed to make it to her home and pull out the knife before dragging herself to a Greek restaurant in Beaufort Street, blood spurting from her neck. The owner called an ambulance and Alder was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital where she endured six hours of surgery and two blood transfusions, with the knife narrowly missing her jugular. While a skilled plastic surgeon managed to repair the surface damage, Alder spent the better part of the decade dealing with the trauma and healing a body that should have been gracing Australian and European stages. Advertisement I was full of anger and rage, says Alder. I was looking at people coming out of WAAPA and comparing myself to them. It made me mad. Their lives and careers were progressing while I wasnt going anywhere. Adding insult to injury was the fact that Alder is the daughter of Perth dance legends Lucette Aldous and Alan Alder. Hanging over her entire life was the expectation she would match her parents achievements. Famed West Australian dancers Alan Alder and Lucette Aldous (from left). Credit: Athol Smith In particular, Alder was constantly compared to her mother, the New Zealand-born, Perth-raised prima ballerina who was the resident dancer of the Australian Ballet and who achieved icon status performing with Rudolph Nureyev in his famed production of Don Quixote. When mum was 21 she was at the Royal Ballet doing Sleeping Beauty with Margot Fonteyn. When I was her age I was in a hospital bed recovering from the attack. It was so ironic and painful, Alder says. All my life I was dealing with people expecting so much of me. And I had those expectations of myself. Advertisement So when I was recovering from the attack and barely able to move it was very hard for me to take. I was angry all the time. That frustration and rage, and her gradual understanding that those emotions were not just because of the stabbing incident but spewed up from a deeper, darker place, is the central to a new documentary by Perth filmmaker Dawn Jackson, En Pointe: Dancing on a Knife, which is premiering this month at the CinefestOZ film festival in WAs South West. What began as a modest hour-long account of the trauma suffered by a young dancer and the way in which she used dance to rebuild, blossomed into a deeply moving feature-length documentary about a high-profile artistic family and the impact of fame on its youngest member. People used to have firm opinions about me and my family. I feel Ive laid that to rest. Floeur Alder Jackson moves between Aldous dancing in Sleeping Beauty and her daughters convalescence during what should have been her golden years, weaving a tale in which Alder gradually comes back to life as a dancer and a choreographer, culminating in her directing her parents in a piece called Rare Earth (2004). The making of the documentary became a significant part of the recovery process, something which both surprised and unnerved Alder. I was much more involved in the film than I ever thought I would be. I certainly didnt think I would be narrating it, Alder says. Advertisement Jackson says there were plans for others to narrate the film, but we realised it had to be Floeur. It was her story. We had to have her voice. Loading The reason for the closeness of Alder to the film is that Jackson herself was training as a dancer in the mid-1980s at WAAPA while Aldous and Alan were teaching at the celebrated West Australian Fame school. I remember Floeur being there [at WAAPA] all the time, sitting on the floor and eating snakes, Jackson says. All of the students became really close to her. Her parents were busy teaching and she was an only child so we became her family. I even used to babysit for Floeur. Around the time Jackson pivoted from dance to filmmaking, she caught a performance of Rare Earth and realised she had a great story to tell, one that had the appalling attack at its heart but opened up into other issues, such as Alders struggle to come out from her parents shadow. Advertisement I was struck by Floeurs willingness to embrace her legacy after spending so much of her life grappling with it, Jackson says. When she was at WAAPA the gossip was that she was getting all these great parts because of her parents. But she was getting them simply because she was bloody good. Financing the film proved difficult and dragged the process over a decade. But it meant Jackson was able to document closely Alders physical and emotional healing and renaissance as an artist, with her subject playing a greater role than normal for this kind of project. The long process gave me time to record my mothers history and her work, which became part of the film. This is not just a film. It is part of the story says Alder. Her parents are both interviewed extensively in the documentary but did not live long enough to see its completion. While Pointe: On a Knifes Edge has all the stuff of an edge-of-the-seat crime series or podcast we even get to an emotional meeting with the policeman who dealt with the case back in 2000 Jackson says it is different because the story is told from the point of view of the survivor. Advertisement A Parkwood mother who stabbed a 14-year-old boy moments after finding him in a bedroom with her daughter, says she thought he was an intruder and used the knife in self-defence. Jennifer Mui Len Chin, 49, has pleaded not guilty to causing bodily harm after the boy was left with four superficial stab wounds following an evening tryst with Chins daughter in October 2023. Jennifer Chin is accused of stabbing her teenage daughters secret boyfriend after discovering she had sneaked him into her bedroom on Tuesday night. During the opening address in her Perth District Court trial, the prosecutor alleged Chin was watching TV at the other end of the family home when her 14-year-old daughter snuck her boyfriend of six months into her dads bedroom. She proceeded to have sex with him, the court was told, before Chin went to investigate after she noticed the door to the room was unusually closed. A combination of artificial intelligence and better use of our personal information could deliver a $200 billion boost to the economy over the next decade, the Productivity Commission has found, while warning it may cost some Australians their jobs. As the nations second-largest company slammed a proposal from the commission that would increase its annual tax bill, the agency urged Anthony Albanese to reject calls from within his government to impose binding regulation on AI, saying it could leave everyone worse off. Artificial intelligence could be the biggest breakthrough since steam engines, delivering a huge boost to the Australian economy. Credit: NYT In its third report before this months economic roundtable, at which 23 hand-picked experts, business and union leaders will map out ways to lift the countrys productivity growth rate, the commission said data and digital technologies were the modern engines of economic growth. Likening the possible gains from AI to the way steam engines helped begin the industrial revolution, the commission said the emerging technology could underpin a surge of productivity over the coming years. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has tapped the brakes on Labors reform summit, a day after Anthony Albanese talked down its significance. In quiet talks in parliament this week, the government has been sending a clear message: excited observers should curb their enthusiasm. Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers are managing expectations of the roundtable. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Cabinet had become concerned about the huge expectations being attached to this months three-day roundtable, including that it could lead to major tax changes that economists argue may be good for the country but might frighten voters. When unions unveiled a demand for Bill Shorten-era wealth taxes on Sunday, several government sources said it added to a sense within Labor that Chalmers needed to erect guardrails for what has been positioned as the launchpad for a tranche of bold policies to kickstart the economy. Politician and convicted rapist Gareth Ward is sitting in Cessnock jail while brazenly refusing to quit his leather seat in the NSW lower house, an unashamed, unrepentant and immovable object who continues to soil public life even from behind bars. The MP for Kiama since 2011 and a former Liberal minister-turned independent, Ward was found guilty last month of indecently assaulting an 18-year-old man at his Shoalhaven home on the South Coast in 2013 three times and having sexual intercourse without consent with a 24-year-old political staffer in Potts Point in 2015. Gareth Ward leaves court after the guilty verdicts. Credit: Dylan Coker The 44-year-olds bail was revoked last Wednesday, but he refuses to leave his seat and in a bizarre twist, his lawyers have sought an injunction against the leader of the lower house, Ron Hoenig, and Speaker Greg Piper to stop his expulsion from parliament. Premier Chris Minns confirmed the government would seek an urgent Supreme Court hearing to address the matter to overturn the courts injunctive order ruling. Ward will not be sentenced until September 19. Prosecutor Monika Knowles told the court the day he was convicted that the seriousness of his crimes virtually guaranteed a custodial sentence. But, that may not be the end of the matter: bizarrely, the length of his sentence could impact on his ability to retain his parliamentary seat. Under the NSW Constitution Act, an MPs seat is declared vacant if they are convicted of crime that is punishable by five years or more in prison, although under changes to the law in 2000, conviction is considered to mean once you have reached the end of the appeals process, if you choose to appeal, and not had the conviction overturned. Wards persistence in keeping his seat has upended the concept of workplace safety and, under the current rules, turned the NSW parliament into the only workplace in Australia where a convicted rapist is free to keep their job. After his convictions, we called for Wards resignation and wondered if, should he not be expelled by parliament, suspension would surely follow. The outcome will be decided by the court now, but the upshot is that he cannot adequately represent his electorate while he exhausts all legal options. Wards grim and thoughtless determination to hold on to his parliament seat and pay packet displays an arrogant contempt for the people of Kiama who voted for him, and a brutal indifference to the harm caused to victims of sexual assaults by a perpetrator allowed to keep the spoils of his public office while stubbornly prolonging the inevitable. Clearly, politicians on all sides need to address the anomaly exposed by Wards refusal to leave public life: that is, in NSW, as things stand, only five years jail is a sackable offence. If the Kiama MP is not flouting the rules, it is clear the rules need to be changed. A mayor in Melbournes north says his community is heartbroken at a state government decision to approve a contentious quarry with a near 30-year lifespan in a suburb that will one day be home to almost 50,000 people. The quarry, which will yield 700,000 tonnes of basalt a year, will operate within the future suburb of Beveridge North-West, 45 kilometres north of the CBD. It will have a 500-metre buffer from the nearest homes and a closure and rehabilitation deadline of 2052, the government says. Wallan and Beveridge residents (from left) Skye Forster, Rob Eldridge, James Cisco, Mike Phillips, Gayle Phillips and Gazza Sturdy overlook the site of a future quarry. Credit: Justin McManus But Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall labelled the quarrys approval within the heart of a master-planned community one of the worst planning failures in Victoria, as families would be forced to live near an industrial zone for decades. The semi-regional Mitchell Shire Council has spent more than $1 million campaigning against the quarry. It twice rejected a permit for the operation, which will be on privately owned land between Wallan and Beveridge. NBN Co has snubbed Elon Musks Starlink to sign an agreement with Amazon, the US tech giant founded by fellow tech billionaire Jeff Bezos, in a deal to provide high-speed broadband to hundreds of thousands of Australian users from next year. Amazons Project Kuiper will offer city-quality broadband to about 300,000 rural and regional Australian premises from the middle of 2026 via a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation of more than 3000 satellites. Joe Lathan, country head of Amazons Project Kuiper, and Lisa Scalpone, head of worldwide consumer for Amazon Project Kuiper, at the announcement of the deal. Credit: Max Mason-Hubers The deal promises high-quality broadband for rural and regional Australia, and means NBN Co will phase out its current ageing Sky Muster satellites by the early 2030s. Sky Muster had been providing broadband across remote areas of Australia but had been criticised by users for offering inferior speeds to traditional fixed-line broadband and newer rival satellite options such as Musks Starlink. Today we can announce that NBN has reached agreement with Amazons Project Kuiper to deliver city-quality broadband to remote Australia, Communications Minister Anika Wells said on Tuesday. Blue J, a generative AI (genAI) tax research platform, has raised $122m (C$168.26m) in a Series D funding round led by Oak HC/FT and Sapphire Ventures. The funding round also included participation from Intrepid Growth Partners and previous investors Ten Coves Capital and CPA.com. It will be used to support Blue J's efforts to expand its team, enhance product development and increase market reach. Blue J's platform uses genAI to provide answers to complex tax questions across US federal, state and local tax, as well as Canadian and UK tax law. Built on a curated database of authoritative tax law, Blue J's system improves by learning from millions of user queries each year. Blue J CEO and co-founder Benjamin Alarie said: We are thrilled to partner with Sapphire Ventures, Oak HC/FT, Ten Coves, CPA.com, and Intrepid Growth Partners firms with exceptional track records of backing market-defining companies. Their commitment is a powerful endorsement of our vision to transform tax research. With this capital and industry support, we will accelerate innovation and deliver even greater value to tax professionals. We are building the future of tax. This is just the beginning. Blue J's interface is designed to allow users to ask tax questions conversationally, without the need for complex syntax. The platform delivers answers with relevant source citations. Oak HC/FT partner Allen Miller said: Tax research has long been a cumbersome, time-consuming task. Blue J has solved this challenge with an elegant AI solution that dramatically accelerates research while raising the bar for accuracy. We believe Blue J will become the new standard for complex tax questions and we are proud to support Ben and the team in their next stage of growth. Blue J said that its revenue and customer base more than doubled in the first half of 2025. The Series D round follows Blue J's December 2024 Series C. Since January 2025, Blue J has grown to over 80 employees and more than doubled its rate of new customer acquisition, the company said. Earlier this year, CPA.com collaborated with Blue J to provide companies of all sizes with access to an AI-powered tax research solution. "Blue J secures $122m Series D funding for AI tax platform " was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. Washington: The Republican governor of Texas ordered the arrest of Democratic lawmakers who left the state to stymie a Donald Trump-backed attempt to redraw electoral boundaries, in an extraordinary political stoush over the gerrymandering that pervades Americas electoral system. The controversy surrounds a Republican plan to substantially redraw congressional districts around Trumps 2024 voters in the hope of gaining up to five additional seats for the Republican Party at next years midterm elections. Texas Speaker Dustin Burrows (centre) at a press conference at the state Capitol in Austin. Credit: AP Dozens of Democrats left the state in protest and to deny the quorum required to debate the proposed maps. After they failed to attend a special legislative session on Monday (Tuesday AEST), the remaining lawmakers passed a motion authorising the speaker to issue warrants for their civil arrests. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, subsequently said he had instructed his Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans. PHILIPSBURG:--- Native Nations St. Maarten met with local farmers on Sunday evening to introduce its agricultural integration program, which forms a core part of the islands developing cannabis industry. The program is designed to provide sustainable farming opportunities for locals, combining food security with regulated cannabis cultivation while emphasizing inclusivity and economic empowerment. A key feature of the program is the development of a large agricultural plot that will be subdivided and leased to farmer groups by agreement. Farmers will be offered premium cannabis and food crop seeds at a negotiated fee and will receive hands-on training and technical guidance from experts with over 15 years of experience in the field. Under the initiative, each farmer group will participate in a crop rotation system that allows for the cultivation of both cannabis and food crops. The cannabis portion will benefit from uptake agreements: every time a crop is harvested, Native Nations will purchase it at a determined rate, weigh it, test it at the processing facility, and then prepare it for market. The remaining land will be dedicated to food production, with the added benefit that cannabis cultivation helps improve soil quality for traditional agriculture. A key component of the plan is the creation of a large farmers' market adjacent to the farmland. This will allow participating farmers to sell their food produce directly to the public, helping to bolster local food access and visibility. While the cannabis products will be distributed through licensed retail channels, the farmers' market will focus solely on food crops. There are also plans to develop an agritourism experience to showcase the full farm-to-product journey to visitors. During Sundays meeting, Native Nations emphasized its intention to meet with individual farmers and stakeholders in the weeks ahead to ensure the program is fully understood and that every participant feels included and supported. The company is seeking dedicated farmers, whether seasoned or new, to join this long-term initiative. Training opportunities will be tailored to all experience levels and delivered by qualified professionals. In attendance at the meeting was Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten, who underscored the government's commitment to moving the cannabis legislation forward. Native Nations confirmed that the regulatory framework is advancing and is expected to reach Parliament by the end of the year. The discussion also touched on strengthening the local Farmers Collective, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing local food security. Native Nations will be engaging communities across all districts in the coming weeks to explain the program further and invite broader participation. This initiative stems from a structured process that began in 2022, when the Government of Sint Maarten launched a request for proposals to develop cannabis-related legislation. Native Nations was selected as the preferred partner in November 2023 and formally received a mandate in April 2024 to design the cannabis regulatory framework. Since July 2024, an intergovernmental working group has been meeting weekly to drive the process forward. As outlined in the Social Economic Stimulus Model developed by Native Nations, the cannabis industry is expected to create 565 jobs across farming, processing, retail, and administration. The outdoor hemp and food farming sector alone will account for more than 160 jobs, while processing facilities, security teams, and administrative staff will also play critical roles in the overall industry infrastructure. Native Nations emphasized that the success of the cannabis industry on Sint Maarten depends on shared opportunity, long-term planning, and a strong foundation rooted in local participation. PHILIPSBURG:--- In response to recent public statements by Members of Parliament Omar Ottley and Darryl York regarding NV GEBE, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina issued a firm and transparent update on the Governments actions surrounding the energy crisis, leadership at GEBE, and relief mechanisms under evaluation. Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina today confirmed that the Government of St. Maarten, acting as the sole shareholder of NV GEBE, has instructed the companys Supervisory Board of Directors to voluntarily tender their resignations with immediate effect, following a prolonged breakdown in trust and performance. This is not about politics or personalities. This is about a utility company that has failed the people for too long and a government that refuses to stand by and watch, said Prime Minister Mercelina. GEBE is not a playground for power, its a lifeline for every household and business on this island. The governments decision follows years of underperformance and a growing divide between the shareholders and the current board. Among the key failures cited: Mishandling of the 2022 cyberattack, which crippled GEBEs systems and left customers in limbo for months. Continued billing chaos more than two years later, leaving residents without clarity, consistency, or fairness in their invoices; The boards refusal to implement recommendations from the Regulatory Authority Curacao (RAC) aimed at lowering electricity costs for residents and businesses. A clear reluctance to act on fuel clause reforms or cooperate with broader relief initiatives, despite public outcry. The board was appointed under a previous administration. Their term may extend to 2025/2026, but performance has an expiry date and for this board, that time has passed, the Prime Minister stated. Should the board fail to resign voluntarily, the government stands ready to invoke its full legal rights as shareholder, in accordance with corporate governance laws and GEBEs articles of incorporation. Amid speculation regarding a recent USA Today feature, the Prime Minister also addressed his involvement: Yes, I gave a referral when approached by USA Today for a leadership profile on Caribbean governance in St. Maarten, and that referral was provided to several entities, government-owned companies, including the temporary manager of GEBE. I was provided a draft transcript for factual accuracy regarding my interview, and it was made explicitly clear in written correspondence there are no financial implications upon returning the approved transcript. I was not involved in any financial dealings with USA Today, and no government funds were used nor was any instruction or obligation given to any individual, entity or Government-owned company. By contrast, GEBEs management reportedly paid USA Today over $15,000 for a separate promotional feature: Any discussions regarding agreeing to an interview, consent to content, financial arrangements, or publication obligations were held strictly between the temporary manager of GEBE and USA Today without my involvement. I was not involved in any contractual decisions or payments. Thats a matter of corporate responsibility and executive management authority. I know the people of St. Maarten is tired. Tired of excuses. Tired of nonreliable billing. Tired of confusion. And tired of seeing the same cycle repeat over and over again. I am myself super allergic to political grandstanding over important matters as utility supply that is currently affecting the livelihood of the people of St. Maarten. Thats why were drawing the line and restoring order. This is not about blaming the pastits about building a future. GEBE must become a company that serves the people, not frustrate them or make them suffer. Lastly, the Prime Minister also wishes to clarify that the Prime Minister is not responsible for the binding nomination process concerning the Managing Board of NV GEBE. The appointment and selection procedures for NV GEBEs Managing Board fall under the purview of the Supervisory Board of Directors of NV GEBE and adhere to the companys internal corporate governance framework and applicable laws and regulations. The recruitment on management level was done on request of the Supervisory Board of Directors via an independent third-party consultancy firm. Any implication or suggestion that the Prime Minister or the shareholder is responsible for the candidates selected through the recruitment process is inaccurate and misleading. We are not here for applause. We are here to govern. And thats exactly what we are doing., concluded the Prime Minister. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library is excited to take part in World Breastfeeding Week 2025, collaborating with Collective Preventive Services (CPS) under the theme: Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems. The goal of this effort is to link families with dependable, lasting support networks and resources that enhance the health and wellness of mothers and children. As part of this meaningful collaboration, the Sint Maarten Library invites the community to two engaging events that emphasize the nurturing power of reading and storytelling in early childhood development and parental bonding. Event 1: Its Story Time Bringing Books to Life Date: Friday, August 8, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM Location: White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation Chapel. Join Reading Consultant Ms. M. Spencer and Librarian Ms. M. Powell for a magical read-aloud evening that inspires parents and caregivers to embrace reading as a loving, nurturing routine. This interactive session is designed to support child development, strengthen the parent-child bond, and foster a lifelong love of learningall while reinforcing the importance of emotional and cognitive connection in early life. Event 2: Moms Health Fair Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM 7:00 PM Location: Belair Community Center The Sint Maarten Library will also participate in the Moms Health Fair, highlighting a specially curated collection of books that promote literacy, family wellness, and the joy of shared reading. This presence reflects the Librarys commitment to supporting mothers and caregivers through access to enriching resources that nurture both mind and soul. Special Membership Drive As part of this initiative, the Sint Maarten Library is launching a Special Membership Drive exclusively during these events. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to sign up for library membership at a special rate of XCD 25.00. In addition: Children ages 018 are eligible for free membership . are eligible for . Children ages 06 will receive an age-appropriate gift, while supplies for the day last. This campaign is a limited-time offer designed to encourage families to connect with the librarys resources and begin a journey of lifelong learning and support. We invite all parents, caregivers, and community members to support this beautiful connection between reading and caregiving. Together, let us nurture the next generationbody, mind, and soul. These events underline the Sint Maarten Librarys dedication to being more than a place of booksit is a hub of empowerment, support, and lifelong learning for families across Sint Maarten. THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):--- The 2nd Quarterly July 2025 edition of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten nine-page newsletter was recently published. It contains information about the cabinets activities and is primarily for the Sint Maarten diaspora in the Netherlands. The publication also serves as an information source for Dutch and European institutions. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Luc Mercelina received a copy and stated: For our students, young professionals, and families living abroad, staying connected to home means everything. This newsletter helps carry our culture, our progress, and our pride across borders. Im grateful to the Cabinet for creating something that not only informs but uplifts and reminds our diaspora that they are an essential part of Sint Maartens journey, said Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. The 2nd edition of the newsletter covered the prime ministers visit to the cabinet; touching base with Government related to the visit of the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure; representation at high level meetings (United Nations Womens Rights Conference; Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building; Courtesy visit to the Dutch Minister of Defense to strengthen Kingdom Security Operation; Investing in the Future: Meet & Greet with young Sint Maarten professionals). In the section Diplomatic Diary, this covered an official introduction to Gerbert Kunst, the newly appointed representative of the Netherlands in Sint Maarten, Curacao, and Aruba; Independence Day at the Louwman Museum; and a meeting with the United Kingdom Ambassador Joanna Roper. Other article highlights are Sint Maarten is Going Sky High, a television series; The launch of the Cari-Aire Internship Program; Artistic Showcase at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary; Engaging with Dutch Civil Servants; and Networking at the National Career Fair. Preparations are well underway for the 3rd Quarterly edition, which will cover Prinsjesday and its relevance to Sint Maarten; the official welcome of new students for the 2025-2026 academic year; a feature to mark nearly one year of service by Minister Plenipotentiary, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell on the scope and significance of her role. What does this position entail, and how can it be used to create meaningful impact? There will also be a story about student well-being and housing as the Cabinet prepares to launch a campaign to address the growing challenges, among others, in securing accommodation in the Netherlands. China-Japan peace, friendship exchange held in Japan's Nagoya Xinhua) 09:07, August 05, 2025 NAGOYA, Japan, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A China-Japan peace and friendship exchange meeting has been held in Japan's Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event on Sunday was hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Nagoya, drawing over 140 participants from both countries. Zhao Baogang, minister counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, stressed in his speech that China is committed to working with peace-loving Japanese to firmly oppose any attempt to distort, beautify, or deny the history of aggression. He emphasized the shared responsibility to safeguard historical truth and human conscience, and to promote a peaceful future. Chinese Consul General in Nagoya, Yang Xian, stressed China's significant role in the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, and said China is willing to work with all walks of life in Japan to remember history, learn from history, and jointly create a bright future for Sino-Japanese relations. Japanese House of Representatives member Isao Matsuda emphasized the importance of learning from history to build a peaceful future and expressed renewed determination to advance Japan-China relations. Noriyuki Kawamura, president of the Tokai Japan-China Relations Society, said that acknowledging wartime history is key to preventing future conflict. A highlight of the event was the donation of historical materials by Satoshi Daito, abbot of Enkoji Temple in Aichi Prefecture, to the Chinese side. The collection included rare photographs of the Japanese invasion of China. Daito, who has spent nearly two decades collecting such documents, stated that historical records are crucial to uncovering the truth and represent a first step toward peace. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) BP claims to have made its biggest discovery in 25 years with an oil and gas field larger in size than Birmingham. On Monday, the FTSE 100 giant said it found the vast field, while drilling off the Brazilian coast. It lies deep below the Santos basin, in the south Atlantic ocean, about 200 miles south of Rio de Janeiro. BP calls the site Bumerangue. The company estimates the column is about 500m tall and spans an area of 116 sq miles. By contrast, the metropolitan borough of Birmingham covers about 103 sq miles. It is believed to be BPs biggest hydrocarbon discovery since the supergiant Shah Deniz gas field was found off the coast of Azerbaijan in 1999. 0508 Largest oil and gas field discovered in 25 years Gordon Birrell, of BP, said: We are excited to announce this significant discovery at Bumerangue, BPs largest in 25 years. This is another success in what has been an exceptional year so far for our exploration team, underscoring our commitment to growing our upstream. Brazil is an important country for BP, and our ambition is to explore the potential of establishing a material and advantaged production hub in the country. BP said it would now begin laboratory tests to confirm its findings as well as further appraisal activities. It said the oil and gas was found in a high-quality carbonate reservoir, sponge-like rock that is favourable for extraction. BPs future The company owns 100pc of the field but state-owned Pre-Sal Petroleo will receive a share of the sites output. The find adds to other discoveries the company has made this year in Trinidad and Tobago, the Gulf of Mexico and Egypt. It is also welcome news for BP as the company faces speculation about its future. Shell was forced to deny media reports that it was considering a 60bn takeover of its arch-rival in June, ruling out any possible moves for at least six months. Under Murray Auchincloss, its chief executive, BP has pledged to refocus its efforts on profitable oil and gas operations and has scaled back investment in green energy. The company has set a 2030 production target of 2.3m to 2.5m barrels of oil equivalent a day and says it has capacity to grow production through 2035. BP added on Monday: This is another success in what has been an exceptional year so far for our exploration team. Our ambition is to explore the potential of establishing a material and advantaged production hub in Brazil. 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. By Ateev Bhandari (Reuters) -AI startup Clay's valuation more than doubled in about three months to $3.1 billion in its latest funding round, as investors continue to pour money into artificial intelligence companies. Clay operates an AI-centered platform to automate sales and marketing operations, and counts Google and Reddit as customers. The startup raised $100 million in the round, led by Google-parent Alphabet's independent growth fund, CapitalG. About three months ago, the company was valued at $1.5 billion in an employee tender offer. Dealmaking activity for the first seven months of the year hit the highest since the 2021 pandemic-era peak, as investors have poured billions in AI and its applications, betting on the technology to enhance productivity and reduce costs. Last week, when most Big Tech companies reported their earnings, AI turned out to be a bigger driving factor behind demand across internet search, digital advertising and cloud. The funding will be used to accelerate its product development, the company said. Clay plans to launch tools that allow clients to scan data such as sales tickets and video calls with potential customers, co-founder Kareem Amin told Reuters in an interview. The company is also working on a "signals" offering that will provide sales representatives insights on when to message potential leads, Amin added. Existing investors who also participated in the round included Sequoia, Meritech Capital, and First Round Capital. (Reporting by Ateev Bhandari in Bengaluru; Editing by Janane Venkatraman, Shinjini Ganguli and Leroy Leo) Tariffs and economic uncertainty haven't slowed corporate America's obsession with stock buybacks. The practice which reduces a company's shares outstanding and helps boost earnings per share hit a record-setting $165.63 billion in July, 88% higher than the previous peak in July 2007, according to new data from Birinyi Associates. Year-to-date buybacks now stand at $926.1 billion, $108 billion ahead of the previous year-to-date record set in 2022. "Corporate America continues to be one of the largest buyers of U.S. stocks and from their actions continues to have confidence in their business, despite unsettling tariff headlines," the Birinyi team wrote. The top three sectors of the S&P 500 (^GSPC) for buyback activity this year include Financials (XLF), Technology (XLK), and Communication Services (XLC). These three sectors have repurchased $689 billion of their stocks in 2025. Utilities (XLU) has been the most cautious repurchaser with $55 billion. July saw several large buyback announcements as markets climbed to records, Birinyi noted. JPMorgan (JPM) took pole position by announcing a $50 billion buyback as regulators have relaxed capital requirements for big banks. Bank of America (BAC) and Morgan Stanley (MS) announced $40 billion and $20 billion buybacks, respectively. Meanwhile, third quarter standouts include Meta (META) ($10.6 billion), Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) ($13.6 billion), and Microsoft (MSFT) ($4.5 billion). Corporate America's love for share buybacks appears to be coming at the expense of handing out richer dividend checks to shareholders. Deutsche Bank strategist Jim Reid said in fresh research that S&P 500 dividend yields are now within just 20 basis points of their all-time low, last reached during the tech bubble in 2000. But Reid noted companies may be putting shareholder capital at risk by buying back stock with markets at all-time highs and economic uncertainty elevated. "Buybacks tend to occur more at market tops than bottoms, meaning companies often buy high, not low," Reid said. Shareholders enjoying the rapid pace of buybacks should keep a few things in mind as well, Reid explained. One, buybacks are much more discretionary and can vanish overnight in a downturn. Two, buybacks inflate EPS without necessarily improving true profitability. Three, buybacks may reduce investment in the business, especially if used to help meet executive compensation targets or earnings guidance. "I do care about dividends, and I like to see dividends on the stocks in our portfolios," Crossmark chief market strategist Victoria Fernandez told me on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid. "And so I think investors should be paying attention to this. It helps provide a little bit of a buffer to the volatility that you see in the marketplace." At Notting Hill Gate is Cottons Restaurant, which offers a lazy Caribbean food experience in a slightly more formal setting. And nearby is the Jerk Hub, a festival favourite thanks to its speed and efficiency its here youll find boneless jerk chicken wraps for eating on the go. Another serious contender for the best street food in Notting Hill is Mr Roy, whos become famous for his spicy jerk chicken, slow-cooked oxtail stew and curry goat. Roy is a true gentleman and festival stalwart to boot. As well as classic Jamaican dishes, also look out for Trinidadian roti, Guyanese pepper pot and West African fare such as jollof rice, the latter of which can be found at the likes of Universal Hot Pot. With winds of up to 90mph in some parts of the country, a significant clear-up job will be required to inspect lines and carry out repair work before it is safe to restore a full service, with more wet and windy weather forecast for late on Wednesday and Thursday. No location for the protest has so far been shared, but it is understood that it will take place in London and will be the only demonstration that Defend Our Juries organises on Saturday. Priority will be given to people from countries where they are most likely to be granted asylum as genuine refugees, who are most likely to be exploited by smuggling gangs, and also asylum seekers who have connections to the UK. Steve Brisley from Bridgend, Wales, whose sister and nieces were murdered on October 7 and his brother-in-law Eli taken hostage, said: As British families of hostages and victims, devastated by the ongoing suffering of our loved ones, our emotional torture has been exacerbated by the suggestion that the UK may recognise a Palestinian state without securing the release of the hostages as an absolute precondition. We continue to work closely with Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (NPH) in Haiti and Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and international partners who have all assured us that everything possible is being done to get Gena, and those taken with her, safely released as soon as possible, they said. Bullish, the owner of the Bullish Exchange crypto platform, said it plans to raise as much as $629 million in its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange. The company, which also owns CoinDesk, said it plans to sell 20.3 million ordinary shares with an expected price of $28-$31 per share. At the top end of range, the company would be valued at $4.2 billion, according to the number of outstanding shares mentioned in an amended F-1 document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday. The move sees Bullish join a number of crypto firms entering public markets since President Donald Trump took office after a pro-crypto election campaign. Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin, went public in June, as did Israeli social trading platform eToro. Industry majors including BitGo, Grayscale have filed for IPOs as well, while exchanges Kraken and OKX are also said to be mulling similar moves. Funds managed by BlackRock and ARK Investment Management have shown interest in buying up to $200 million worth of shares at the IPO price, according to the amended F-1 document. The offerings' underwriters have the option to purchase an additional 3.045 million shares, depending on demand. The roadshow comes weeks after Cayman Islands-headquartered firm filed its initial F-1 registration with the SEC. The company, which plans to use the ticker "BLSH," aims to use the IPO proceeds for general corporate purposes and potential future acquisitions. Bullish runs an institutional trading platform providing spot and derivatives trading as well as liquidity services, according to its filing. The company provided an net income estimate of between $106 million and $109 million for the second quarter. In the first quarter, it posted a $349 million loss after reporting profit of $80 million for all of 2024. In the filing, Bullish says it holds more than $3 billion in liquid assets, including 24,000 bitcoin, 12,600 ether and over $418 million in cash and stablecoins. That total, the company said, also includes funds supplied to decentralized finance protocols, although the amounts are not material to the overall total. The wave of IPOs comes after the Trump administration provided the industry a long-sought favorable regulatory climate. That includes the GENIUS Act being signed into law last month, and a series of legal actions brought during the previous administration against leading industry participants being dropped. The improved regulatory climate has helped prices soar. Bitcoin (BTC) is up more than 22% this year to trade around $115,000 while the broader market, measured through the CoinDesk 20 (CD20) index, has gained 32%. (Mary) was maybe a little bit nervous to speak, because it really is on tenterhooks that anything said or done or anything that would upset the situation in any way, even at this great distance, on social media and (media) coverage, you would be worried. We step into August with news of Charli xcxs latest collab with Converse. The party girl has teamed up with the iconic shoe brand to give Chucks a brat makeover, but if you want them, youll only have a few days to grab them before theyre gone for good. This month sees a slew of parties in the pipeline as we race towards the last Bank Holiday before Christmas (I know). Whether youre headed to All Points East in Londons Victoria Park or looking to join the Notting Hill parade, weve got the outfits to help you party in style. He said: People think you cant talk about religion especially the youth because theres something wrong with it, or it seems like if you believe in one particular religion, you hate all others. But thats not what it is. It doesnt have to be that deep. Austin-based tech company Silicon Labs reported its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday morning. The company designs chips used in smart home devices, industrial systems, and other wireless-connected products. Silicon Labs Austin-based global tech company Silicon Laboratories Inc. reported a 41.2 percent increase in profit in the second quarter, even as uncertainty lingers over potential tariffs. CEO Matt Johnson told investors Tuesday morning that while the company is still waiting for a clearer picture, Silicon Labs is in a stronger position than many of its semiconductor peers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So far, he said, customers haven't pulled back or attempted to stockpile inventory in anticipation of new trade measures. The data, Johnson added, shows no immediate cause for concern. Silicon Labs reported earnings of $108.1 million for the quarter ending in June, up from $76.6 million during the same period last year. Revenue rose 36.7 percent to $192.8 million, compared to $145.4 million a year ago. That figure includes $87.8 million from the companys research and development business. The company also beat analyst expectations, posting earnings of 11 cents per share, well above the estimated 3 cents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The company, which generates about $1 billion in annual revenue, is one of the largest players in the internet of things and wireless connectivity sector. It operates as a fabless semiconductor company, meaning it designs chips but outsources the actual manufacturing to third-party foundries. The internet of things refers to a broad range of non-computing devices, such as appliances, fitness trackers, voice assistants, and home security systems, that connect to the Internet to provide or enhance functionality. Most smart devices typically fall into this category. Silicon Labs specializes in embedded wireless chips, meaning its technology isnt found in phones, personal computers or vehicles. Instead, its chips and software are commonly used in light bulbs, thermostats, refrigerators, security systems, and even in industrial and health care settings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Despite uncertainty surrounding potential semiconductor tariffs under the Trump administration, Silicon Labs has reported strong results this year. In the first quarter, the company reported $178 million in revenue, up 47 percent from the same period last year. During that time, Silicon Labs also received $23.25 million through the Texas CHIPS Act to help fund construction of a new research lab at its downtown Austin offices. In April, President Donald Trump proposed sweeping tariffs on semiconductor imports, raising concerns about higher prices across a broad range of electronics. A federal investigation into possible chip-related tariffs followed, with a ruling expected in the coming weeks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some tariffs have already taken effect including those tied to a trade agreement with South Korea ahead of Trumps Aug. 1 deadline. In a city where the skyline is constantly changing and new trends emerge daily, some places remain defiantly the same. They are dimly lit havens where old-timers watch "Jeopardy" on a weekday, where legislators and lobbyists have traded secrets for decades, and where the playlist is a sacred tribute to a local legend. These are Texas' dive bars more than just watering holes, they are time capsules and town halls. This sense of enduring community and authenticity is what online retailer Huckberry sought to celebrate in its ranking of "The 50 Best Dive Bars in America." The companys criteria for what makes a great dive bar go beyond sticky floors and cheap drinks. They emphasize authenticity, longevity, and affordability, arguing that the best dive bars are those that dont bend to trends and serve as a second home for a loyal local base. Austin is home to three of the bars on the list: Advertisement Article continues below this ad 43. The Cloak Room The Cloak Room has been a standby near the Texas Capitol since 1979. Dina Guidubaldi/American-Statesman FILE Tucked away in a dark basement just steps from the Texas Capitol, The Cloak Room holds the 43rd spot. Opened in 1979 by a Blue Cross Blue Shield lobbyist, C.E. Ed Baxter, this bar is known for its wildly unpredictable atmosphere. According to Raf Miastkowski, founder of Texas Dives, a visit on a Tuesday might be a "professional operation," while a Friday could be a "complete clown show." Once known as the "Choke Room" in the days of indoor smoking, it's a place rich with tales of legislators, judges, and lobbyists, so much so that an entire book could be written about the shenanigans performed within its walls. 1300 Colorado St. 512-478-2622. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 44. Deep Eddy Cabaret Taylor Johnson AMERICAN-STATESMAN photo 2/13/03 Deep Eddy Cabaret is a popular neighborhood bar that is also a long standing Austin tradition. It is located next to Deep Eddy swiming pool on Lake Austin Blvd. Austin 360 Ranked 44th, Deep Eddy Cabaret is presented as a quintessential Austin experience. The author of the blurb, journal editor David Grivette, suggests that if one were to try and "explain" Austin, a trip to this bar would be the perfect starting point. Deep Eddy Cabaret is a place where hipsters, artists, and cowboys coexist among neon lights, pool tables, and a jukebox that seemingly requires a Willie Nelson tune every hour. 2315 Lake Austin Blvd. 512-472-0961. deepeddycabaret.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 45. Donns Depot Bartenders Michelle Beebe (left) and Tammi Schissler fill Donn's Depot with warmth. MIKALA COMPTON/AMERICAN-STATESMAN Coming in at number 45, Donns Depot is a testament to Austin's enduring past. It was originally an old train depot bought in 1972 by Bob Ogden, who hired a tire salesman named Donn Adelman to play piano. Adelman eventually bought the place a few years later. Despite the rapid development and glass towers that have sprung up nearby, Donns dance floor is still a haven for longtime regulars and old-timers. The bar maintains its sense of community and history, where regulars gather to watch "Jeopardy" on weekday afternoons before the band begins to play. Its timeless character even attracts modern celebrities, with recent visits from pop stars like Charli XCX and Dua Lipa. 1600 W. Fifth St. 512-478-0336. donnsdepot.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The list also recognized two other Texas dive bars: 46. Valentine Texas Bar At number 46, Valentine Texas Bar is a wind-worn desert town with just 67 residents, and this bar is a place where the past seems to be preserved like a fly in amber. When it's open, a "Bar Open" sign painted on a car door notifies passersby. Here, you might find cowboys, Blue Origin engineers from Van Horn, or artists from Marfa, all holding court together. The interior is lined with dollar bills, string lights, and old photographs, creating an atmosphere that feels both mysterious and welcoming. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 47. Poison Girl DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya, which opened in 2019, will close on August 17. Nick Wagner/AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE Austins most elegant nabemono (Japanese hot pot) restaurant is closing after six years. Chef Tatsu Aikawa and his team announced in a release this week that they would be closing the intimate and refined DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya on Burnet Road on August 17. DipDipDip was a love letter to Japanese nabemono it allowed us to share a unique side of Japanese cuisine, a place where we could slow down, cook together, and share something special, Aikawa said in a release. Were beyond thankful for the team who brought it to life and for every guest who dipped with us over the last six years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The restaurant from the Ramen Tatsu-Ya co-founder opened in 2019, thrilling guests with its service of individual hot pot bowls filled with one of four broths used for cooking high-end ingredients like A5 Wagyu beef, foie gras and organic vegetables, and creative choices like tofu-skin-wrapped "hot pockets." The restaurant earned a stellar 9 out of 10 rating from the American-Statesman in 2019 and landed a spot on GQs 2020 list of Best New Restaurants in America, an honor that came with the unfortunate timing of occurring a couple of months into the coronavirus pandemic. The release announcing DipDipDips closure said that a new concept from Aikawa would be forthcoming in the space next to Tacodeli at 7301 Burnet Road. A new chapter is coming, it reads. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Aikawa founded Ramen Tatsu-Ya off US 183 in 2012, igniting a ramen craze in Austin. There are now five Austin-area locations of the ramen joint, with one coming soon to the Drag, and one in Houston, with another opening soon. Aikawa opened Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, a Japanese smokehouse-Texas roadhouse hybrid in 2017, and Tiki Tatsu-Ya, Austins most elaborate tiki bar, in 2021. DipDipDip is not the first Tatsu-Ya-connected location to shutter; a barbecue-ramen hybrid in the old Contigo space lasted less than a year, closing in 2023. Austin360 Eats Newsletter Glen Powell walks the red carpet for Austin Film Society's Toast to Texas Film at Troublemaker Studios Thursday, May 16, 2024. The event celebrated Glen Powells induction into the Texas Film Hall of Fame and served as a fundraiser for the Austin Film Societys artistic and educational programs. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman From Austin to Hollywood and back again, it seems a star on the rise is eyeing a very different kind of home-state project. Glen Powell, a local boy who's been drawing comparisons to fellow Texas icon Matthew McConaughey, might be trading in romantic comedies and action blockbusters for a chainsaw. Rumors are swirling that Powell, hot off hits like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Twisters," could be stepping into the blood-soaked world of a new "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" movie. While the thought of a charming heartthrob facing off against Leatherface may seem like an odd mix, the buzz has horror fans and Texans alike on the edge of their seats. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' rumors at Comic-Con Promotional photo of a scene from 1973s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which the late Robert Burns worked on. (Source: Bryanston Distributing Co.) Austin American-Statesman The speculation began with whispers of Powell teaming up with director JT Mollner to reboot the 51-year-old franchise. Further fuel was added to the fire with reports that multiple filmmakers, including A24, were also in talks with Powell and Mollner. At a recent San Diego Comic-Con panel for his new film, "The Long Walk," Mollner addressed the online chatter. While he didn't confirm or deny the rumors, his comments left the door wide open. "It feels very good regardless of whether any of those rumors are true, its really nice because, wow, people would like to see my version of that," Mollner said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mollner, who once named his company "No Remake Pictures," admitted he's generally hesitant to touch what he considers perfect films. He believes the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," directed by Austin native Tobe Hooper and released in 1974, is one of them. However, he's not completely opposed to the idea. "My company used to be called No Remake Pictures," he explained. "Its now called Electric Lady just in case, to keep my mind open." The director was also quick to praise Powell, with whom he has a connection that predates the horror franchise rumors. "Glen is a tremendous actor and one of the first real movie stars to come along in a long time," Mollner said, adding that he'd love to work with him on something in the future. The most telling moment came when Mollner's producing partner, Roy Lee, chimed in. "Well, there is some validity to it and were still in discussions, but nothing thats concrete just yet." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dawn Meats is reportedly seeking to acquire a majority stake in Alliance Group, the meat cooperative in New Zealand. Ireland-based meat processor Dawn Meats declined to comment on a report from the Irish Times, which said the company had emerged as the leading bidder to acquire shares in the group ahead of the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (Salic). Sources for the Irish Times suggested Dawn Meats offer is subject to a shareholder vote at the farmer-owned co-op. The publication added that it understands the bid involves a payment of NZ$270m ($159m) for a 70% interest in Alliance Group. A meeting of the co-ops members is slated for 12 August to discuss the offer, the sources added. Alliance Group generated revenue last year of NZ$1.8bn but posted a loss after tax of NZ$95.8m. County Waterford-based Dawn Meats, which trades as Dunbia in the UK, is a family-owned processor of lamb and beef with an annual turnover of 3bn ($3.4bn), according to its website. The business operates 11 facilities in Ireland and 13 in the UK supplying the retail and foodservice channels, as does the Alliance Group. Dawn Meats said it does not comment on market speculation when contacted by Just Food. Salic, which is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, had not responded to a request for comment at the time of writing. Meanwhile, Alliance Group confirmed in its annual results announcement in November that the business had hired Craigs Investment Partners to explore external capital-raising options. Chairman Mark Wynne said in that same statement: While we are at the very early stages of the process, weve seen encouraging interest from both international and domestic parties but for reasons of commercial sensitivity, we will not comment on specific opportunities. We will be assessing any external opportunities based on strategic fit, value and expected benefits for the company and our shareholders before making any decisions. Ultimately, the final decision will rest with our farmer shareholders. Asked by Just Food to comment on the Dawn Meats' interest, Wynne responded in a statement: Our goal is to secure more than NZ$200 million to strengthen our balance sheet and provide a much more stable financial foundation for the business. Because of the commercial sensitivities involved and the confidentiality agreements now in place, we are limited in how much we can share. He added that following this months meeting with farmers, a series of roadshows will be held before a vote is put to shareholders in the next few months. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, April 8, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/AP U.S. Sen. John Cornyn urged the FBI on Tuesday to "aid in Texas state law enforcement efforts to locate or arrest" the Texas House Democrats who have fled the state to stop the GOP's redistricting effort. "The FBI has tools to aid state law enforcement when parties cross state lines, including to avoid testifying or fleeing a scene of a crime," Cornyn said in a letter to FBI director Kash Patel. "Specifically, I am concerned that legislators who solicited or accepted funds to aid in their efforts to avoid their legislative duties may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Several dozen House Democrats flew to Illinois on Sunday and others went to New York and Boston, depriving the Texas House of the quorum needed to act on a mid-decade redistricting plan that would add five winnable congressional seats for Republicans. If successful in the 2026 elections, that would put the GOP in control of 30 of Texas' 38 congressional districts. Meanwhile, Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday said he plans to seek a court order that would declare the seats of the absent Democrats to be vacant. Democrats have abandoned their offices by fleeing Texas, and a failure to respond to a call of the House constitutes a dereliction of their duty as elected officials, Paxton said in a news release. Starting Friday, any rogue lawmakers refusing to return to the House will be held accountable for vacating their office. The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you dont show up to work, you get fired. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The actions by Cornyn and Paxton, who are both seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2026, came hours after President Donald Trump told CNBC that Republicans are "entitled" to boost their majority in the Texas congressional delegation. "We have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats" Trump told the cable outlet's Squawk Box. "We have a really good governor. And I won Texas. I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, and we are entitled to five more seats." Cornyn is seeking the FBI's help because the Democrats who left the state are beyond the jurisdiction of Texas law enforcement. In his letter, the Republican senator said he is concerned that "out-of-state actors have made public comments about protecting" the absent Democrats as they seek run out the clock on the 30-day special legislative session that ends Aug. 19. The FBI did not immediately respond to an email asking about whether it plans to address Cornyn's request. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By invoking potential criminal offenses, Cornyn echoed concerns raised late Sunday by Gov. Greg Abbott, who said that the absent Democrats "may have violated bribery laws" for soliciting political donations to help defray the cost of leaving the state. Democrats have called the allegation, as well as Abbott's contention that he has authority to remove them from office, political bluster. In the House chamber on Tuesday, Speaker Dustin Burrows told the 95 of the 150 members who were present that he's met with leaders of the Texas Department of Public Safety for a progress report on whether the absent members can be brought back to the Capitol. But, he added, that effort will take time. "DPS is actively working to compel their attendance after I signed their civil arrest warrants yesterday, and will continue to do so until those members are back in this chamber," said Burrows, R-Lubbock. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The news release from Paxton said that by not showing up during the special session, the absent Democrats have essentially forfeited their seats in the House. Texas Rep. Gene Wu, left, and other Democratic lawmakers board a plane at Signature Aviation at the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Democratic lawmakers board a plane at Signature Aviation at the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Texas Rep. James Talarico and other Democratic lawmakers board a plane at Signature Aviation at the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Democratic lawmakers board a plane at Signature Aviation at the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Texas Rep. Ann Johnson and other Democratic lawmakers board a plane at Signature Aviation at the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A plane at Signature Aviation carrying Texas Democratic lawmakers takes off from the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Texas Rep. Gene Wu, left, and other Democratic lawmakers board a plane at Signature Aviation at the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Democratic lawmakers board a plane at Signature Aviation at the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A plane at Signature Aviation carrying Texas Democratic lawmakers takes off from the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A plane at Signature Aviation carrying Texas Democratic lawmakers takes off from the South Terminal on Sunday, August. 3, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman ST. CHARLES, Ill. In a suburban community many had never heard of until 24 hours earlier, Texas House Democrats on Monday tried to find a new normal to take them through the next 15 days. This morning, I had to figure out where we were, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She had learned only shortly before boarding a flight to Chicago late Sunday that she and fellow members were Illinois-bound. State Reps. John Bucy and James Talarico, also both from the Austin area, did a round of national TV interviews from a park in St. Charles scenic downtown, where the lawmakers and their staffs admittedly enjoyed cooler weather. State Rep. Sheryl Cole was on the phone with constituents from home, but also fretted about the elderly mother she helps care for. And State Rep. Donna Howard bounced between meetings at a private conference center where the lawmakers will be housed for the next two weeks, while caring for the 4-year-old grandson she is helping to raise and who travelled with her from Austin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is not easy, she said. I know some portray that what we are doing is taking a break, but we are working every minute here. On their first day after leaving Texas, and in the face of growing backlash from Republicans, Texas Democrats remained resolute in their decision to leave the state, preventing the House from having enough members to conduct business. They say it was the only option to stop a President Trump-led redrawing of the states Congressional maps, a move they see as a threat to democracy. Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows gavels after the House voted to send for absentees at the House Chamber at the Capitol in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. A quorum was not present after most Democrat state representatives left Texas to break quorum and block a vote on a Republican plan for Congressional redistricting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman We have to stand up to Trumps takeover of this country, Cole said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The possibility of a quorum bust had been in the works for several weeks, but quickly gained momentum as the measure accelerated to the House floor. Five members from Central Texas told the American-Statesman that they were left with little time to prepare for a lengthy stay away from home. They hastily said goodbye to spouses, children and parents and tied up loose ends at their private-sector jobs. "I packed fast, said Hinojosa, who left a middle-school-aged son at home. It was the kind of thing where even though there is anticipation of this happening, there is so much to do before getting on a plane. On Monday, lawmakers spent the day in meetings that included legal briefings about possible paths forward given the political landscape and whether Republicans could legally try to kick them out of office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows speaks after taking the roll call in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. A quorum was not present after most Democrat state representatives left Texas to break quorum and block a vote on a Republican plan for Congressional redistricting. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Additionally, they said they were in discussions with the national Democratic Party and members of Congress about how to best continue a public awareness campaign about the Trump-initiated effort to redraw the district map. As part of their condemnation of the redistricting effort, they expressed anger and frustration that the proposal appeared to take a higher priority than the states response to the July 4 flash flooding in the Hill Country that killed more than 130 people. Special sessions are supposed to be for emergencies and we had an emergency in Texas, Bucy said. Instead of focusing on that, Gov. Greg Abbott is trying to use those people to steal five Congressional seats. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The governor did not make disaster relief a priority in the call, Cole said. They made this the priority. Each of the members said they plan to remain in Illinois through Aug. 19 the last day of the session but realize Abbott could call another session. As the reality of their decision to leave home took hold Monday, they said they still hope for a possible compromise. Cole said she is hoping that Republicans will also call their lawmakers and urge them to shift priorities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ultimately, we are taking it day by day, Cole said. But we cant have cheating and not expect Democrats to not stand up. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, protests the Republican plan for Congressional redistricting outside the Governors Mansion in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Ann Patterson, of Bee Cave, protests the Republican plan for Congressional redistricting at the Governors Mansion in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, led the picket, which was also attended by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman People protest the Republican plan for Congressional redistricting at the Governors Mansion in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, led the picket, which was also attended by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman People protest the Republican plan for Congressional redistricting at the Governors Mansion in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, led the picket, which was also attended by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman People protest the Republican plan for Congressional redistricting at the Governors Mansion in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, led the picket, which was also attended by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman About 100 Texans on Monday evening heeded a last-minute call to protest the state GOPs mid-decade redistricting bid, gathering outside Gov. Greg Abbotts residence with signs that read, Gov. Abbott is not a king and Stop the Republican broligarchy. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, who called the gathering hours earlier, framed the effort as an attempt to unwind the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in remarks delivered via bullhorn. He was joined at the protest by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett in a show of unity as the redrawn map threatens to force the Austin Democrats into a head-to-head race. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is so much bigger than Texas, Casar said. This isn't about my seat. This isn't about Congressman Doggetts seat. This isn't about any member of Congress. This is about the people of the United States being able to have their voices heard in order to form a more perfect union. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, left, and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, picket outside the Governors Mansion to protest the Republican plan for Congressional redistricting in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The protest came a day after Abbott threatened to ask the courts to remove from office nearly 60 Texas House Democrats who fled the state to break the quorum required to call a vote during the ongoing special legislative session. In a letter to the delegation, Abbott argued the intentional quorum break "amounts to an abandonment or forfeiture of an elected state office and said he would invoke a non-binding legal opinion from Attorney General Ken Paxton to remove the missing Democrats from membership in the Texas House. However, the letter also says that a court must decide whether the lawmaker abandoned office. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott has since ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to find and arrest the Democrats who made off, an order that will remain in effect until they are "accounted for and brought back" to Austin. The Republican governor put redistricting on the session call, along with more than a dozen other items that include flood response to address problems underscored by the deadly Fourth of July weekend floods. Democrats have pledged to run out the clock on the current special session, but there is no limit on how many of them Abbott can call. Nancy Brady, of Manor, protests the Republican plan for Congressional redistricting at the Governors Mansion in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, led the picket, which was also attended by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman In explaining the need for a mid-decade redraw, Abbott has repeatedly cited a recent letter from the U.S. Department of Justice that accused four Texas districts of being racial coalition districts, but state leaders and President Trump have openly acknowledged that the new districts would benefit the Republican Party in upcoming elections. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Participants at the Monday protest cheered for the quorum breakers and booed Trump, who has called on Texas Republicans to help him secure five new Republican Congressional seats. In remarks, Doggett called Abbott an errand-boy for President Trump and said he trusts that blue states will join Texas Democrats to push back on the planned Republican power play. We're going to push back from California to Maryland to Washington State, and together we're going to turn the tide, Doggett said. We're going to tell Donald Trump he's not a king. Protester Jessica Frick, 43, said she came to show support for Democratic state lawmakers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad People protest the Republican plan for Congressional redistricting at the Governors Mansion in Austin, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, led the picket, which was also attended by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Im here to support our Democratic representatives, who are fighting for real Texans and not doing Trumps bidding, Frick said. Chatting with each other after the protest ended, a 33-year-old and 67-year-old agreed theyd vote for Casar over Doggett if the men were pitted against each other in a primary race, largely because of age. Casar is 36 while Doggett is 78. Old people have had their chance, said Dave Sullivan, 67. Its time for young people to step up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another attendee, Neto Longoria, said he attended in hopes of learning about the next step for the Democrats who fled the state. He didnt find an answer. I feel like eventually they'll twist their arms to where they're going to be forced to come back, Longoria, 33, said. And then we'll figure out, okay, what are we going to do next? Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said on Monday the getaway was only pushing back the inevitable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Medical assistant Jalen Reasonover, of the Central Health Mobile Bridge Clinic, checks the blood pressure of Daniel Perez at the Therapeutic Diversion Program building in Austin. Jay Janner/American-Statesman As families across Texas prepare for the new school year, many are checking a familiar box on their to-do lists: scheduling vaccines and wellness exams for their children. For some, these visits are routine. But for thousands of others families without insurance or with limited resources these simple acts of prevention can feel out of reach. This is where community health centers step in. Across Texas, 73 federally qualified health centers operate more than 650 sites, delivering primary care that keeps people healthy and strong. At CommUnityCare in Travis County, our health centers do more than treat illness they provide a foundation for healthier lives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Through accessible primary care, preventive services and connections to resources, we help families stay well year-round. These are not just conveniences; they are acts of care that reduce barriers, ease financial burdens and help children start the year healthy and ready to thrive. This work is part of a powerful legacy. The community health center movement began nearly 60 years ago as part of President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on Poverty, rooted in a simple but radical idea: that everyone, no matter their income or ZIP code, deserves access to care. Today, that vision lives on in health centers like ours, where a majority of board members are patients, ensuring care is shaped by the people who depend on it most. Primary care may not make headlines, but it changes lives every day. Its the wellness check that catches a heart condition early, the behavioral health visit that helps a teenager manage anxiety, and the dental care that prevents painful and costly emergencies. These acts of prevention and connection ripple through communities in big and small ways. In 2024, CommUnityCare with the support of Central Health served more than 140,000 patients, most living on limited incomes. Nearly all reported household earnings below 200% of the federal poverty level (thats about $64,000 for a family of four). These are the people who keep Texas running childcare workers, teachers, construction crews, caregivers, gig workers and yet they are often the ones least likely to have affordable access to care. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A medical assistant at the Central Health Mobile Bridge Clinic takes a blood sample from a patient. Jay Janner/American-Statesman Our partnership exists to close this gap. Guided by a shared strategic vision, were expanding our footprint by opening new primary care clinics in fast-growing communities like Del Valle and Hornsby Bend, integrating behavioral health and pharmacy services, and redesigning care to meet people where they are whether thats a housing complex, a school campus or an underserved neighborhood. Because true access is about more than availability. Its about dignity, trust and belonging. This progress is not guaranteed. Congress will look at renewing federal funding for community health centers later this year, and federal lawmakers have already made cuts to Medicaid and public health services that make community health centers like ours more vital than ever. Community health centers are not just a line item in the budget. They are lifelines. Theyre an investment that saves lives and prevents costly hospitalizations. Continued support means healthier people, stronger families and more resilient communities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Ten Commandments monument has long stood outside the Texas Capitol. Parents and faith leaders have sued over a new law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in Texas public school classrooms. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Ever since I sued my local public school district, I keep getting asked: Why do I a Baptist pastor, Jesus follower and American dad want to prevent the Ten Commandments from being imposed on my children? This question illustrates an unfortunate but all-too-common misunderstanding of what it means to be Christian and American. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The confusion springs in large part from religious extremists (sometimes known as Christian Nationalists) pushing a version of patriotism and faith that conflates God with power, misuses Christianity as a sword to harm others, and is destroying the values that many Christians like me hold dear. As a pastor, I teach those in my religious community that we must push back against this false faith narrative and remember who we truly are and what Jesus represented. My religious identity and practice are based on Jesus' life, which embraced values of freedom, equality, justice and love for all. Thus, for me, following Jesus is about living a life that is centered on the values of God, such as welcoming the stranger, caring for the needy, feeding the hungry, healing the sick, sheltering the unhoused, sharing resources and loving everyone. I strive to instill the same beliefs in my children. Following Jesus is also about respecting other peoples religions or lack thereof, not demanding that non-adherents become Christians or adopt Christian beliefs. Jesus stood against overreach of the powers that be, especially when they formed an unholy alliance with religion. Inspired by Jesus, Baptists have long held that the government has no role in religion so that our faith may remain free and authentic. Indeed, the Baptist belief in the separation of church and state is a bedrock faith tenet. As Founding Father Roger Williams believed, and as the Baptist Joint Committee has affirmed, religious liberty is best protected when church and state remain institutionally separated and neither tries to perform or interfere with the essential mission and work of the other. Imposing religious scripture chosen by politicians on public school children flies in the face of this core Baptist principle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Legislating religion through laws like Senate Bill 10, which requires every Texas public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments, isnt the way to teach children virtue. Its the fastest way to politicize and cheapen it. It also undermines my ability, as a pastor and a parent, to direct my childrens religious instruction. I want my childrens faith to be shaped by our family and faith community. Although we believe in the Ten Commandments, I believe that scripture must be taught especially to children within the context of a familys church and particular faith tradition. This ensures that my childrens understanding of religious texts aligns with our Baptist beliefs and values. Our country was founded on the principles of religious freedom for all, including the promise of a government that does not take sides in matters of faith or unduly interfere with religious exercise. Lawmakers have no place elevating any religion over others, and religious instruction has no place in a public-school classroom. All students, including my children, should feel welcome and have a safe environment in which to learn math, language arts, science, music and other subjects, without having to worry about whether they measure up to school officials and the states religious expectations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Denny's plans to add a loyalty program later this year. Denny's Corp. You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletter. Dennys Corp. is testing and training employees on a new loyalty program that is expected to launch in the back half of the year, company executives said Monday. The Spartanburg, S.C.-based company, which also owns the Kekes Daytime Cafe brand, said the program will use the brands existing database. This new program is a best-in-class, one-to-one marketing program that leverages our already strong database of loyal guests to create greater, more compelling reasons for them to engage and spend more, Kelli Valade said during a second-quarter earnings call. It will allow us to collect valuable first-party data that enables us to personalize offers based on real guest behavior, drive frequency and margin with the right promotions, and deliver the right message to the right guests at the right time. Valade said Dennys 5.5 million digital guests are valuable, as they visit restaurants more often than average customers. On average, these guests visit two times more often than other guests, she said. Plus, we're making it easy for everyone to join from anywhere they can access dennys.com, which includes, but isn't limited to just the Denny's app. By launching this new points-based loyalty program, we incentivize engagement every visit, collecting data needed to fuel a personalized CRM [customer relationship management] program to build frequency and delivering between 50 to 100 basis points in traffic over time. The economy continues to be choppy, she added. Household incomes remain under pressure and consumer sentiment continues to be volatile, meaning consumers are pulling back on spending across most categories, and they're being more selective about where to spend, Valade said. The company has seen improved traffic among customers in the $50,000 to $70,000 household income range. Valade said Dennys top four designated market areas are Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Phoenix, which represent nearly 30% of the brands same-store sales base. In Q2, these markets experienced outsized macroeconomic pressures that contributed to a reduction in systemwide same-restaurant sales of approximately 30 basis points, she said. This was a shift felt across the industry, and we were not unique, but our concentration in these markets means we may have felt the impact more acutely. Valade said Dennys will be able to target customers with special, individualized offers. What we're moving to is truly a one-to-one marketing program, she said, And honestly, it will be best-in-class from the team that's worked on this and the expertise we have in this area now. So, we're truly moving to that one-to-one where we'll have journeys or lanes where you might get one offer based on your patterns and your purchase history, and I might get a different one. By Sriparna Roy and Sneha S K (Reuters) -Linda Yaccarino is taking the top job at eMed Population Health, a telehealth startup focused on GLP-1 weight loss drugs, nearly a month after stepping down as CEO of social media platform X. Yaccarino, an advertising industry veteran, exited Elon Musk's X after two turbulent years during which she tried to revive its reputation among advertisers, who were wary of the platform's content as well as the billionaire's steady stream of controversial posts. Although devoid of any experience in the health sector, she brings deep expertise in brand partnerships and digital revenue growth. "I brought X through a tremendous growth trajectory, and I'm so proud of what we accomplished at such a consequential time," Yaccarino said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday. "We made the company successful and profitable, and right now, it was perfect time for a new challenge," she added. At NBCUniversal, she modernized the global advertising business over a decade. At X, she helped regain advertiser confidence following turbulence under Musk's ownership. Miami, Florida-based eMed, founded in 2020, partners with employers and government payers to manage GLP-1 usage, a class of obesity and diabetes drugs whose cost burden has been a barrier to a wider insurance coverage. "Regardless of what space or how crowded it may appear at the moment, our vision is what matters most. So our vision is to transform the category at the most critical moment," Yaccarino said in the interview. Several telehealth platforms are competing for a slice of the booming GLP-1 weight-loss market, reflecting a broader push to merge pharma and digital care. But the sector is drawing increased scrutiny over safety, marketing and regulatory gaps as demand and competition grow. "I think her talents in digital marketing and advertising are important, especially as the industry becomes more of a direct-to-consumer business," said Jeff Jonas, PM at Gabelli Funds. "President Trump has been encouraging this as well, although we're still in the very early days of Hims and LillyDirect with the associated growing pains." The company claims its platform can cut costs of a weight loss program by up to 50%, offering live, on-demand care without appointments. EMed gained traction during the pandemic with at-home COVID-19 tests and later expanded into diagnostics for strep throat and UTIs, though it has since moved away from those offerings. The company currently employs between 51 and 200 people, according to its LinkedIn page. (Reporting by Mrinalika Roy, Harshita Mary Varghese, Sriparna Roy and Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber, Anil D'Silva and Alan Barona) Former Prime Minister Adrian Nastase shared a heartfelt message following the death of former Romanian President Ion Iliescu. Nastase stated that Iliescu took with him almost a century of Romanian history and encouraged younger politicians to learn from the way Iliescu conducted himself in public life. Ion Iliescu has died, and with him, he took almost a century of Romanian history. He was a statesman who cultivated respect through dialogue. He knew how to wisely and calmly resolve many of the complex issues Romania faced during its post-1989 transition. He knew how to build teams, forge alliances, and most importantly, generate consensus on Romanias major post-revolutionary challenges. In this regard, the Snagov Table remains a grand example. Nastase reflected on their long collaboration: We worked together starting in 1990. I owe him my entry into politics. I admired his political and human qualitieshis passion for culture, his ability to listen and analyze. I admired his strength in communicating directly with ordinary people, as well as his presence at international meetings. He added: Most often, we shared similar views. I believe that in the last twenty years, his absence from public life was deeply felt. Many will likely appreciate him more now that he is gone. He wrote extensively, gave interviews, and delivered speeches. Looking around today, I hope younger generations will learn something from all thisthough Im not very optimistic. Nastase concluded his message with a quote from Iliescus 2004 reply to a letter: Dear Mr. Adrian Nastase, I respond affirmatively to the letters youve sent me, out of the conviction that we, as politicians, have a duty to Romanias future: to act in a way that constantly serves the national interest, to build public good together, and a better life for all Romanians. This has beenand remainsmy lifes commitment, a matter of conscience from which I will never stray. He ended with condolences: My condolences to Mrs. Nina. May Ion Iliescu remain in our memory as a Pillar of the Citadel. PS: Out of the thousands of photos together, I chose one with nostalgia that I believe symbolizes our bond. Convened on Tuesday evening in an extraordinary meeting, the government declared August 7 a day of national mourning in Romania, in honor to the memory of the late former President Ion Iliescu. In accordance with the legal provisions in force, on the day of national mourning, all central and local public institutions and authorities shall fly the Romanian flag at half-mast. Also, the national flag will be flown half-mast at the headquarters of political parties, trade union and employer organizations, educational institutions of all levels, Romanian cultural institutions and diplomatic missions, at border crossing points, in airports, ports, train and bus stations, as well as on ships of any kind and on boats sailing under the Romanian colors.Also, radio and TV broadcasters, and cultural institutions shall adapt their programs to the solemnity of this day."Out of respect for the victims of the 1989 Revolution and the miners' rampages, USR proposed at the government meeting than no day of national mourning be observed. We take note of the government's decision. USR representatives will not attend the funeral," the USR Chairman said.During his term, Romania adopted a new Constitution (1991), the foundations of democratic institutions were laid, and political and economic reforms were initiated. Corina Cretu, former European Commissioner and Member of the European Parliament, paid public tribute to former Romanian President Ion Iliescu on social media, describing him as an emblematic figure of Romanian politics. As his former presidential adviser, Cretu recalled a professional and trusting relationship with the man who led Romania through its post-communist transition. Now, as the destiny of former Romanian President Ion Iliescu has come to an end, my thoughts go, with great sadness, to his family and to those with whom I shared essential moments of post-December history. May God rest him in peace! posted Corina Cretu on her official page, identifying herself as former presidential adviser to Ion Iliescu. A Career Tied to Iliescu Corina Cretu began her public career as a journalist, quickly recognized for her communication skills and professional integrity. In 1992, she was appointed expert in the spokespersons office of the Presidential Administration. She later became presidential adviser and spokesperson for Ion Iliescu during both his 19921996 and 20002004 terms. After Iliescus presidency ended in 2004, Cretu continued her political rise: Elected PSD Deputy in 2000, resigning to remain close to Iliescu. Senator from 2004 to 2007, member of the foreign policy committee and OSCE delegation. Member of the European Parliament from 2007, part of Romanias first EU delegation. In 2014, appointed European Commissioner for Regional Development (20142019), managing over 12 billion in projects for Romania and collaborating with Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Later nominated as Consul General in Thessaloniki. Held key roles in Romanian and European institutions before announcing her retirement from politics in 2024. From Cotroceni to Brussels: Cretus Political Journey Cretus message carries special weight in the context of Iliescus final chapter. Her respectful and composed tone reflects gratitude for a time when, in her official role, she promoted the image of the presidency and the Romanian state. Ion Iliescu was a central figure in post-revolutionary Romanian politics. His presidency was marked by two pivotal moments: the establishment of democracy after 1989 and Romanias integration into NATO and the EU. However, the brutal suppression of protests in University Square (the June 1990 Mineriads) remains one of the most controversial episodes of his leadership. As Iliescus spokesperson and adviser, Corina Cretu was the official voice attempting to mediate institutional communication between the Cotroceni Palace and the public. The film "Yes" by director Nadav Lapid will have its premiere screening in the Capital during the 21st edition of the Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF), taking place in the period 19-28 September, organisers announced in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday. Director Nadav Lapid and Shai Goldman, his close collaborator and director of photography of Romanian origin, will be present at the screening. During the festival, the two filmmakers will host a masterclass on cinematic expression, an event aimed at both industry professonals and film enthusiasts interested in auteur cinema. "Yes" will be screened as part of a Nadav Lapid Retrospective, alongside other key titles from his filmography such as "Ahed's Knee" and "Synonyms" (Golden Bear - Berlinale 2019). The screenings will be followed by Q&A sessions with the director and cinematographer. Nadav Lapid is recognised as one of the most provocative and innovative voices in contemporary cinema. Born in 1975 in Tel Aviv, he is a director and screenwriter known for his poetic, profound and often unsettling style. He studied philosophy at Tel Aviv University, French literature in Paris and film directing at the Sam Spiegel Film & Television School in Jerusalem. He made his feature debut with "Policeman" (2011), which won the Special Jury Prize at the Locarno Festival, followed by multiple international awards at BAFICI, San Francisco, and others. His film "The Kindergarten Teacher" (2014) was selected for Semaine de la Critique - Cannes and received over 20 awards, later being adapted into an American version. His international breakthrough came with "Synonyms" (2019), a powerful film about identity inspired by his own experience as an immigrant in Paris, awarded the Golden Bear at the Berlinale. For his outstanding contribution to cinema and intercultural dialogue, he was decorated by the French state with the title Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. The 21st edition of BIFF will feature a selection of international films in national premiere, within the only feature film competition held in Bucharest. The festival includes five sections: feature film competition, short film competition, Panorama, Romanian auteurs, and History & Cinema. Organised by the Charta Foundation and the Grigore Vasiliu Birlic Cultural Association, under the High Patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania, and supported by the Ministry of Culture, BIFF 2025 continues its mission of showcasing the most relevant and bold voices of global cinema to Romanian audiences. AGERPRES National News Agency is a media partner of the event. Director Nadav Lapid, winner of the Golden Bear in Berlin and the Grand Prix at Cannes, is the special guest of the 22nd edition of the Anonimul International Independent Film Festival, which will take place from August 11 to 17 in Sfantu Gheorghe, organizers announced in a press release sent to AGERPRES. Nadav Lapid will be present in the Danube Delta for the Romanian premiere of his latest film, "Yes" on August 13 at 9:15 PM at the Green Dolphin Camping in Sfantu Gheorghe. He will meet the Anonimul audience for an open discussion on the role of the artist on August 14 at 11:00 AM at the festival tent. Presented in the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes, the feature film sparked controversy due to its critical portrayal of Israeli society regarding the events of October 7 and the Gaza war. "I am not an activist filmmaker. I don't make political-driven films. I love cinema too much. Ultimately, the purpose is the film. I believe that, as a filmmaker, my films are, above all, a celebration of the truth of cinema, hoping that the truth of cinema aligns with the truth of the universe. But I feel that people like me, perhaps like you, no longer understand the world. At the same time, I am not a nostalgic filmmaker; I do not like nostalgia. That is, I do not believe the past was glorious. In fact, the only thing that exists is the present. And I can be critical of the present and, at the same time, revere the present because it is the only truth. And I try to understand the world as a fundamental starting point for a filmmaker," says Nadav Lapid. The feature film will have its Romanian premiere on August 13 at 9:15 PM at the Green Dolphin Camping in Sfantu Gheorghe. Nadav Lapid will meet the Anonimul audience for an open discussion on the role of the artist on August 14 at 11:00 AM at the festival tent. "Yes" is distributed in Romania by Bad Unicorn and will be screened in cinemas starting October 17. The 22nd edition of the Anonimul International Independent Film Festival begins on August 11. The full program is now available at: https://bit.ly/ProgramAnonimul2025. On the day of Ion Iliescus death, British historian and political analyst Tom Gallagher published a sharply critical article titled Farewell to Ion Iliescu: The Cunning Architect of Romanias Frankenstein Democracy. Gallagher, a professor of comparative politics with over three decades of expertise in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, is known for his incisive works on Romania, including Theft of a Nation and Romania and the European Union. A Grim Diagnosis of Post-Communist Transition Gallagher argues that Iliescus rise and grip on power confirm Romanias struggle with delayed progress. He describes Iliescu as: An orthodox communist, a survivor of Ceausescus chauvinistic Stalinism. A leader who deliberately blocked Romania from embracing the democratic transformation seen in Central and Eastern Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Someone who reduced the political landscape and preserved a rigid system familiar to the pre-1989 nomenklatura. The Ceausescu Trial and Illusion of Break Gallagher recalls that Iliescu and Silviu Brucan coordinated the Extraordinary Military Tribunal and the swift execution of Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu on December 25, 1989: Their execution gave the impression of a clear break with the past. So did the banning of the Communist Partythough not without reservations from Iliescus inner circle. The Mineriads and Repression One of Gallaghers central accusations is Iliescus use of miners to crush civic opposition: In January 1990, the provisional government discovered the tactic of recruiting miners from the Jiu Valley. On June 11, 1990, Iliescus government organized special trains to bring around 10,000 miners to Bucharest. Violence in University Square was carried out alongside former Securitate officers, reinforcing Iliescus reliance on the old political police. Ethnic Tensions and Manipulation Gallagher also references the ethnic clashes in Targu Mures in March 1990: Romanian villagers were bused in under the pretext of preventing Hungarian secession. These events, Gallagher suggests, were orchestrated to maintain control through fear and division. A Hybrid System of Power Institutionally, Iliescu is portrayed as the architect of: A hybrid systemdemocratic in appearance but unrepresentative in practice. A structure designed to shield powerful and obscure elements, especially the intelligence services, from real accountability. The 1991 Constitution, which created legislative deadlocks and protected regime loyalists. Economic Legacy: Oligarchs and Cardboard Millionaires Gallagher accuses Iliescu of enabling: The rise of nomenklaturist capitalists and cardboard millionaires who received massive loans from BANCOREX. A facade democracy that served entrenched interests. He notes that Iliescus protegesPetre Roman, Virgil Magureanu, Adrian Nastaseeventually distanced themselves from him. Nationalism and Control Despite cultivating a public image of modesty and culture, Iliescus use of nationalism to preserve political control generated lasting resentment. Final Verdict Gallagher delivers a scathing conclusion: He sabotaged Romanias chance to integrate into the democratic West. The political systemwith its power structures, mentalities, media landscape, and intellectual climatestill benefits enemies of freedom today. It is his creation. He predicts that Iliescus death will not trigger national mourning, especially among those who lived through and understood the consequences of his rule: As a consummate political chameleon and passionate schemer, its unlikely that Ion Iliescus death will erase the resentment caused by his methods. In Gallaghers view, Iliescu remains the central figure of a stalled transitiona Frankenstein democracy with pluralist appearances but communist-era mechanisms that continue to shape Romanian public life. Former President Ion Iliescu died on Tuesday at the age of 95, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Sorin Grindeanu announced. Iliescu had been admitted to the 'Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu' Hospital at the beginning of June, where he underwent surgery for lung cancer, and in the last days his condition had deteriorated to critical, following the advance of multiple organ dysfunctions, public medical reports said.Born on March 3, 1930 in Oltenita - Calarasi County, Iliescu held Romania's top office during three terms between 1990-1996 and 2000-2004.After the outbreak of the Romanian Revolution, on the evening of December 22, 1989, he was called to head the new governing body of the Romanian state - the Council of the National Salvation Front, a body of the provisional state power that also served as ad-hoc command tasked with protecting and consolidating the victory of the Revolution. He read out the Declaration to the Country, he was a co-author of, aired by the national radio and television broadcasters.President of the Provisional Council for National Union from February 9, 1990 to June 20, 1990.On May 20, 1990 he was elected President of Romania during the rule of the Constituent Assembly, with 85.07% of the valid votes cast, being officially installed on June 20, 1990.In the presidential election of September 27, 1992, the first of this kind organized in accordance with the provisions of the new Constitution, Ion Iliescu ran for the National Salvation Democratic Front and secured the presidential seat after the second round, organized on October 11, 1992, with 61.5% of the votes. He was officially installed for a four-year mandate on October 30, 1992.In the general election of November 1996, he ran for the Romanian Social Democracy Party (PDSR), placing second behind the Democratic Convention of Romania candidate Emil Constantinescu. He also ran for the Senate and became the PDSR Upper House floor leader.Winner of the 2000 presidential election with 66.83% of the votes, he took the oath of office before Parliament on December 20.Chair of the PDSR (PSD), elected at the PDSR Extraordinary Conference on January 17, 1997, successively re-elected at the National Conference of June 20-21, 1997 and the one of October 9 - 10, 1999. Following his taking over as President of Romania on 20 December 2000, he resigned his position as PDSR leader.On December 10, 2006 he was unanimously elected honorary president of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), a position he held until 2020.Senator for Bucharest (1996-2000, on PDSR's ticket, and in the 2004-2008 legislature, on the ticket of the National Union PSD+PUR). In the 2008 parliamentary elections he decided not to run for a new seat of senator.Author of numerous studies, articles and communications published over time in specialized magazines, some of them synthesized in the volume ''Global Problems - Creativity'' (1992, Technical Publishing House). His body of work includes: ''Revolution and Reform'' (two editions, 1993 and 1994), ''Romania in Europe and in the World'' (1994), ''The Live Revolution'' (two editions, 1995 and 1998), ''Moments of History'' (volume I, 1995, volumes II and III, 1996), ''Romanian-American Dialogues'' (1996), ''Political Life, Between Violence and Dialogue'' (1998), ''Romanian Society - Where To?'' (1999), ''Rebirth of Hope'' (2001), ''The Romanian Revolution'' (2001), ''Integration and Globalization, the Romanian Vision'' (2002), ''Romania and the World at the Confluence of the 20th and 21st Centuries'' (2009), ''After 20 Years - 1989 a Turning Point in National History and International Life'' (2010), ''Fragments of Life and Lived History'' (2011). In November 2014 he released the volume "The Destiny of a Left-leaning Man. Memories".A member of the Academy of Scientists and an Honorary Doctor of several Romanian and foreign universities.In 1971 he received the Order of the Star of the Socialist Republic of Romania, 1st class. On October 24, 2012 he was awarded the Emblem of Honor of the Romanian Army.On April 2, 2025, ex-President Ion Iliescu and former Prime Minister Petre Roman were sent to trial by the General Prosecutor's Office in the June 1990 Miners' Rampage case for crimes against humanity. Iliescu had been sent to trial in this case along with the other defendants in 2017, but the courts ordered the case to be returned to the Military Prosecutor's Office, for the investigation to be redone from scratch.He was married since 1951 to Nina Iliescu (Elena Serbanescu) - an engineer and metal corrosion scientific researcher. They had no children.On June 9, 2025 Iliescu was admitted to the 'Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu' Emergency Clinical Hospital in Bucharest with a respiratory condition, and on June 16, the hospital's multidisciplinary medical commission determined that the lung disease he was suffering from was of an oncological nature. Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its Baron Global Advantage Fund investor letter for the second quarter of 2025. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the second quarter, the fund returned 22.7% (Institutional Shares), compared to the MSCI ACWI Indexs (the Index) 11.5% gain and the MSCI ACWI Growth Indexs 17.3% gain. The Fund is up 11.2%, year-to-date, compared to gains of 10.1% and 9.3% for the benchmarks, respectively. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, Baron Global Advantage Fund highlighted stocks such as Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB). Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) is a Luxembourg-based technology services company. The one-month return of Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) was -11.77%, and its shares lost 55.50% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On August 4, 2025, Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) stock closed at $82.03 per share, with a market capitalization of $3.614 billion. Baron Global Advantage Fund stated the following regarding Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "Shares of IT services provider Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) fell 22.8% after the company reported weaker-than-expected financial results and cut guidance. Revenues grew 7% in the first quarter and are expected to slow further given full-year revenue growth guidance of 2%. Management attributed the slowdown to macroeconomic uncertainty, tariffs, and weakness in certain geographies. Globants performance had been resilient despite the broader softness in IT services spending, so this slowdown was especially disappointing. We continue to own the stock because we believe Globant has a long runway for growth in a very large global market for IT services." Why Is Globant SA (GLOB) Plunging In 2025? A close-up of an experienced game engineer's hands typing a complex code on a laptop. Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 31 hedge fund portfolios held Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) at the end of the first quarter, which was 25 in the previous quarter. Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) reported solid results in Q1 2025, with revenues reaching $611 million, reflecting an 7% year-over-year growth. While we acknowledge the potential of Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB) 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. The government will convene this evening after the death of former President Ion Iliescu. Featuring on the agenda of the sitting is approving a government decision declaring August 7 a day of national mourning, in memory of the late President of Romania, Ion Iliescu.Iliescu died on Tuesday at the age of 95. Romania's Justice Minister Radu Marinescu on Tuesday welcomed Michael Dickerson, charge d'affaires ad interim at of the Embassy of the United States of America in Bucharest, to discuss stepping up efforts to fight crime. According to the Ministry of Justice (MJ), during the discussions of the two officials at the headquarters of the Ministry of Justice, subjects of shared interest were addressed, such as strengthening bilateral judicial cooperation, digitalising Romania's judiciary, as well as stepping up efforts to combat crime.MJ says in a press statement that it permanently monitors the observance of fundamental rights and freedoms, promoting institutional and interprofessional dialogue and cooperation."As far as the fight against crime is concerned, together with the other relevant judiciary and fiscal authorities, the Ministry of Justice pursues both the identification of the best legislative solutions to accelerate the recovery of proceeds of crime and the implementation of increased measures related to the protection of victims." Peripatetic Connections / Residencies in Motion invites artists to propose a research topic that can be explored through travel, in a context where each applicant has the freedom to choose the duration, location, and focus of their individual research. The project, implemented by MATCA artspace through the Silver Screen Association, is co-funded by the Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR) through the Cantemir Programme - a funding programme for cultural projects aimed at international audiences. According to a press release from the ICR sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday, proposals are expected by August 11 at 6:00 PM, via email at matcaartspacecall@gmail.com with the subject line Peripatetic Connections. Eligible applicants are artists residing in Romania or the Republic of Moldova who wish to travel for research purposes to one or more European countries for a minimum of five days. Three artists will be selected from Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The budget remains the same even in the case of collaborative applications submitted as a single contribution. Selected participants will be connected with cultural organizations abroad, depending on their chosen destination. Each selected artist will independently determine the conditions of their travel and how they manage their allocated budget - on the condition that the proposed trip is connected to the project's overall theme. Following the mobility period, each artist will produce a work to be showcased in a group exhibition in Brno, the Czech Republic, at the artist-run space Cejla (https://cejla.cz/). The exhibition will also feature several other artists from Romania and Moldova. The gross honorarium for this mobility, including the production of the final work, is 7,000 lei. This year's open call is part of Peripatetic Connections, a project that aims to support artistic research and cultural mobility in Central and Eastern Europe by exploring themes such as censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of art in relation to these phenomena. Through critical reflection and physical movement, artists are invited to examine the relationship between freedom, expression, and current socio-political constraints. MATCA artspace is an independent platform initiated and curated by three visual artists Alexandra Mocan, Alexandru Muraru, and Matei Tosa - based in Cluj-Napoca, active since early 2017. MOL Group continues to diversify its oil supply in the region after the company imported 85,000 tons of CPC oil and signed a commercial agreement with KazMunayGas (KMG), the national oil company of Kazakhstan, according to a press release. The collaboration between MOL and KMG began in 2004 when the two companies signed a cooperation agreement to capitalize on opportunities in Kazakhstan. The latest oil trade agreement further strengthens the security of supply for the Central and Eastern European region. A CPC (Caspian Pipeline Consortium) oil shipment has arrived from the port of Novorossiysk to Omisalj, Croatia. The 85,000 tonnes of CPC oil, mainly Kazakh crude, contributes to the increase in the volume of seaborne oil reaching the region. Kazakh oil plays a key role in MOL Group's supply diversification program and is one of 14 types of oil already tested at the Bratislava refinery and regularly imported into the region. "MOL Group has been working for over a decade to increase the capacity of the Adria pipeline and associated infrastructure, to increase the flexibility of refining technology and to establish new, secure trade routes. Identifying reliable suppliers and alternative types of high-quality oil is an essential part of this process. We are pleased to strengthen the collaboration with our partners in Kazakhstan, which is based on a successful partnership of over two decades. The trade agreement represents an important milestone for the entire Central and Eastern Europe region and reflects our commitment to both reliable and fair partnerships and continuous problem-solving," said Gabriel Szabo, Executive Vice President of the Downstream Segment of MOL Group, quoted in the press release. Recently, MOL Group also signed a commercial agreement with MVM, through which it imports 160,000 tons of oil from Azerbaijan annually, equivalent to 1.5% of the total crude oil volume processed by MOL. As with Kazakh oil, MOL Group has been using Azerbaijani oil for several years. In 2020, the company acquired a stake in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) oil field, from where it delivered 5 million barrels of oil to the region last year. MOL Group is an international integrated oil, gas, petrochemical and retail company, headquartered in Budapest, Hungary. It has operations in over 30 countries, a workforce of 25,000 employees worldwide and over 100 years of industry experience. MOL Group controls three refineries and two petrochemical units with integrated supply chain management in Hungary, Slovakia and Croatia. The company also has a network of almost 2,400 service stations in 10 countries in Central and South-Eastern Europe. Currently, production activities are carried out in 8 countries and exploration in 9 countries. Over 8,000 tourists, locals and hundreds of Saxons who returned home during this period participated in the 13th edition of the Haferland Week Festival, the organisers announced in a press release sent to AGERPRES. The most anticipated moments of this year's edition were the Escape of the Lole from Agnita, the hiking tour and cultural picnic held at the Saschiz Refuge Fortress, as well as the traditional Saxon ball and jazz concerts. 'We successfully conclude yet another edition of Haferland Week, probably the most successful so far in terms of public participation, with a large turnout at all the events held here. Haferland Week is already an undeniable success. The constant influx of tourists has led to the development of local tourism infrastructure, with ongoing investments in guesthouses, cafes and tea rooms, handmade product shops, and traditional food stores. With Haferland Week, we have laid the foundation for a success story, to which we, as organisers, contribute alongside the local community and the authorities,' said Michael Schmidt, President of the M&V Schmidt Foundation, co-organiser of the event. The theme of this year's edition of the festival was 'Neighbourhood Traditions.' 'If we talk about neighbourhoods as the main theme of this edition of Haferland Week, we must speak of extended neighbourhoods, which connect us not only with those next door but also with those who are no longer here, such as the Saxons who left Romania. It is up to us, the generations of a borderless Europe, to build, and where necessary, rebuild, the bridges between these communities, including through initiatives like Haferland Week, this operation of rediscovering the past that also looks forward to the future,' said Emil Hurezeanu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and co-initiator of the event. As a token of appreciation for his long-standing cooperation with the M&V Schmidt Foundation in preserving Saxon cultural identity, Michael Schmidt was awarded a badge bearing the Federal Coat of Arms of Germany by Bernd Fabritius, the German Government's Government Commissioner for Matters Related to Ethnic German Resettlers and National Minorities. Also attending this year's edition of Haferland Week were Mircea Abrudean, President of the Senate, Ulla Krauss-Nussbaumer, Austria's Ambassador to Bucharest, Lior Ben Dor, Israel's Ambassador to Bucharest, as well as Adriana Stanescu, Romania's Ambassador to Germany, Dan Mihalache, Romania's Ambassador to Cyprus, and Gabriel Bologan, Romania's Ambassador to the Holy See. Also present were MEP Siegfried Muresan and Luca Niculescu, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 2025 edition of Haferland Week hosted, as every year, the annual meeting of the Romanian-German Bilateral Cooperation Forum, whose mission is to maintain dialogue on economic and cultural matters between the two countries. This year's forum meeting focused on the state of German-language education in Romania. The festival was organised by the M&V Schmidt Foundation, in partnership with the Tabaluga Foundation - Peter Maffay Stiftung, and took place from 31 July to 3 August across ten localities: Archita, Saschiz, Homorod, Rupea, Cris, Roades, Mesendorf, Cloasterf, Bunesti, and Viscri. A train between Bucharest and Kyiv will be put into service in the coming period, State Secretary with the Ministry of Transport Ionel Scriosteanu stated on Tuesday. Within a bilateral meeting between Romania and Ukraine which was held in Darabani city, Botosani county, Scriosteanu stated that the direct rail connection between Kyiv and Bucharest will pass through the Republic of Moldova, with four passenger cars from the Ukrainian railway company being attached to the Chisinau-Bucharest train.The first test run between Kyiv and Bucharest, and back, will take place this week. On the night of August 7 to 8, the train will depart from Kyiv, and on the night of August 8 to 9, it will travel from Bucharest to Kyiv via Chisinau. The test run will be conducted with two carriages without passengers.Approximately 16,000 buses entered Romania from Ukraine in the first seven months of this year, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Serhiy Derkach stated in Darabani.He believes these figures highlight the need for the development of alternative transport, especially rail transport."It's about a large number of people who would like to travel to Romania by rail. (...) If rail transport is used, it will also clear the border crossing points and the roads," he added.The statement of the Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine was made at the Romania-Ukraine bilateral meeting in Darabani, where the introduction of a direct passenger train between Kyiv and Bucharest was also announced. Former President Ion Iliescu showed respect for the Romanian Orthodox Church (BOR), even before becoming president of Romania, because he recognized the Church's importance in the history and life of the Romanian people, Patriarch Daniel conveyed in his condolence message following the passing of the former head of state. "The Romanian Patriarchate expresses its condolences to the family of Mr. Ion Iliescu, the former president of Romania between 1992-1996 and 2000-2004, highlighting the fact that Mr. Ion Iliescu always held a respectful attitude toward the Romanian Orthodox Church, even before becoming president of Romania, as he acknowledged the importance of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the history and life of the Romanian people," according to Patriarch Daniel's message."Moreover, especially in his second term in office, Mr. Ion Iliescu voiced the necessity to direct Romania toward the Western democratic values, a decisive step in the transition from communism to capitalism. With due respect for the memory of a former president of Romania, we pray to God to rest his soul in peace and comfort the grieving family. Memory eternal to him!," Patriarch Daniel also conveyed. The price of the mandatory liability insurance (RCA) for heavy vehicles has increased by 19%, from RON 9,000 to RON 11,000 per year for a new truck, class B0, following the expiration of the RCA price cap on July 1, 2025, with the upward trend expected to continue, warns the Confederation of Authorized Operators and. Carriers in Romania (COTAR). According to transport industry representatives, even drivers with the maximum bonus rating (B8) and no accidents in at least eight years are now classified as "high-risk" and are paying more for their mandatory vehicle insurance. "Where else in the world, besides Romania, does an RCA policy which by law should be 50% cheaper for B8 become more expensive upon renewal, after the so-called application of a 50% discount? How is it possible that the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) allows these absurdities while only 4% of the eight million RCA policies are involved in accidents each year, and damages are not being paid? Why does ASF only issue fines but tolerates the record multi-million euro profits of foreign insurers, turning a blind eye to the situation and to the lack of compensation for hundreds of thousands of claimants?," said COTAR President Vasile Stefanescu in a press release sent on Tuesday. COTAR maintains that most insurance companies have been using tax optimization strategies for their profits for the past 30 years, "laughing at ANAF [the National Tax Administration Agency], the Government, and the Romanian Parliament," while Romanian citizens are the ones being burdened for the benefit of multinationals. "Insurers quietly outsource costs and shift profits abroad to pay little or no tax in Romania. In fact, Romanians now pay more for RCA than drivers in Germany, and the profits are funneled to tax havens or parent companies outside the country," the press release highlights. The organization also notes that insurers in Romania report the highest administrative expenses in the EU. Practically, out of every RON 100 collected in RCA premiums, RON 56 go to administrative costs, while the companies claim losses and pay little or no tax. "A comparison between countries, based on data published by EIOPA (European Insurance Overview, 2021), shows that Romania recorded the highest median expense ratio among insurance companies, at 56% in 2020," the document explains. Conversely, there are EU countries where the administrative expense ratio is four times lower - for example, Luxembourg, with a median ratio of just 14%. "Insurance companies in Romania pay the lowest compensation costs in the EU relative to the value of RCA premiums collected - only 37%. This percentage includes all forms of compensation: bodily injuries, non-vehicle property, foreign or maritime damages, etc. In other words, for every RON 100 paid by Romanian drivers, only RON 37 go to actual claims," the release adds. The release also cites the European Insurance Overview - 2021 report, which found that in 2020 Romania had the lowest median claims ratio among all EU countries - the ratio of claims paid to premiums earned in general insurance. Moreover, COTAR argues that the fines issued to insurers are insignificant compared to the vast sums they collect from RCA policy sales. The organization provided a case study of a vehicle that had the same owner, address, and claim history (maximum bonus class - B8) between 2021 and 2025. In 2021, the 12-month RCA cost RON 358; by 2025, it had risen steadily to RON 1,240. "This alarming increase of nearly 300% in five years - with a doubling in 2024 - occurred without any valid economic justification, and in the absence of accidents or changes in the insurer's risk profile. Since the beginning of 2025, RCA prices have continued to rise, unjustifiably. The government cannot keep turning a blind eye to ASF's complicity in the insurers' abuses," COTAR stated. In this context, transporters are once again calling for the urgent dismissal of ASF Vice President Sorin Mititelu, the launch of investigations by relevant authorities (including the National Anticorruption Directorate - DNA) into the abusive RCA price hikes, and a reorganization of ASF, with the insurance sector placed under the authority of the Ministry of Finance. Interim Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Sorin Grindeanu stated on Tuesday that former President Ion Iliescu was an outstanding figure in recent history, the first president of democratic Romania and made a major contribution during key moments which shaped the destiny of the Romanian people, such as the accession to NATO and the European Union. "With deep sorrow, I have learned of the passing of former Romanian President Ion Iliescu. In this time of grief, I extend my sincere condolences to the grieving family, to his loved ones and to all those who knew and respected him. An outstanding figure in recent history, Ion Iliescu, the first president of democratic Romania, made a major contribution during key moments which shaped the destiny of the Romanian people, such as Romania's accession to NATO and the European Union," Grindeanu wrote on his Facebook page."Regardless of divergent opinions, his contribution to the country's transition to democracy remains part of the collective memory. May God rest his soul in peace," Grindeanu also wrote on his Facebook page. Romanian politicians are delivering messages after the death of former President Ion Iliescu, on Tuesday, at the age of 95. "Ion Iliescu died and took with him almost a century of Romanian history. He was a statesman who cultivated respect based on dialogue. He knew how to solve with wisdom and balance many of the problems of the complicated transition that Romania went through after 1989. He knew how to build teams, he knew how to establish alliances but, above all, he managed to generate consensus on the great challenges of post-December Romania. From that point of view, the Snagov Table remains a great example," former Prime Minister Adrian Nastase wrote in a blog post."We have been working together since 1990. I owe my entry into politics to him. I admired his political qualities but also his human qualities, his passion for culture, his ability to listen, his ability to analyse. I admired his strength to communicate directly with ordinary people but also his presence at international meetings. Most often, I had similar opinions. I think that in the last twenty years there was a lack of a more consistent presence of him in public life. Probably many will value him more after he is gone. He wrote a lot, gave interviews, gave speeches. Looking around today, I would like the younger ones to learn something from all of this. Although I am not very optimistic," said Nastase. By Pooja Menon (Reuters) -Industrial materials maker DuPont on Tuesday forecast current-quarter revenue and profit above Wall Street estimates, benefiting from strength in its electronics and healthcare segments, sending its shares up 5% in morning trading. The company also said it beat second-quarter profit estimates, which blunted the impact of tariffs. Demand for semiconductors has been rapidly increasing due to the proliferation of artificial intelligence-based technology, benefiting companies such as DuPont, which supports advanced chip manufacturing, packaging and assembly processes. For the third quarter, DuPont expects adjusted profit of $1.15 per share, slightly above expectations of $1.14, according to data compiled by LSEG. The company forecast revenue of about $3.32 billion, also above analysts' average estimate of $3.30 billion. "Our third-quarter guidance assumes about 3% organic growth year-over-year with continued strength expected in healthcare, water and electronics end-markets, partially muted by continued weakness in construction end-markets," DuPont CEO Antonella Franzen said. DuPont projected a $20 million tariff-related hit, or $0.04 per share, in the second half of 2025, down from $60 million, or $0.10 per share, anticipated in the prior quarter, as companies continue to navigate fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping trade policies. Net sales at the electronics segment, which includes semiconductor technologies and interconnect solutions, rose to $1.17 billion during the April-June quarter from $1.10 billion a year earlier. "DuPont is benefitting from strong demand in electronics and healthcare at a time when many of its chemicals peers are seeing weak end-market demand," said Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein. Net sales at the industrials segment, which will remain with DuPont after the spinoff, rose marginally in the quarter to $2.09 billion. On an adjusted basis, DuPont posted a profit of $1.12 per share for the three months ended June 30, compared with analysts' estimates of $1.06. (Reporting by Pooja Menon in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) On December 22, 1989, as the Ceausescu regime collapsed, Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu were desperately fleeing, trying to escape the fury of the masses. After their presidential helicopter took off from the Central Committees rooftop at 12:09 PM, they made several forced stops before ending up in custody at the militia headquarters in Targoviste. During their captivity, the Ceausescus tried to find out who had taken control of the country. According to former militia officer Ion Enache, when Elena Ceausescu heard Ion Iliescus name, she reacted sharply: See, Nicu, I told you to finish him back then, but you didnt believe me. A Nation in Chaos At that time, Romania was gripped by widespread panic over so-called terrorists and street battles. The death toll had reached nearly a thousand, and the provisional leadership, formed around the National Salvation Front, was urgently seeking a way to stop the bloodshed. The Decision to Execute On December 24, 1989, at the Ministry of National Defense, Ion Iliescu, General Victor Atanasie Stanculescu, Petre Roman, Silviu Brucan, and Gelu Voican Voiculescu decided to carry out the immediate execution of the dictatorial couple. Former military prosecutor Dan Voinea recalls: A decision was made at the Ministry of Defense regarding the physical elimination of the Ceausescusbetween Iliescu, Stanculescu, Roman, Brucan, and Voican Voiculescu. The Trial and Execution On December 25, 1989, the trial took place at the military unit in Targoviste. Gelu Voican Voiculescu acknowledged the extraordinary nature of the procedure: The tribunal that sentenced them was called an exceptional military tribunal. That says it all. The trial had major flaws, as the judges, lawyers, and everyone involved were both members of the court and victims of Ceausescu. The Ceausescus were sentenced to death for genocide and crimes against humanity. The execution squad consisted of three paratroopers from Boteni. One of them, Dorin Carlan, recounted: We didnt have the courage. No one did. General Stanculescu said: Tie them up, take them, and put them against the wall! Him first, then her. The execution took place at 2:50 PM, and the footage was broadcast on Romanian Television shortly before midnight, officially ending the Ceausescu era and confirming Ion Iliescu as Romanias new leader. In a recent episode of the show Altceva cu Adrian Artene, Dr. Mircea Beuran shared insights into the medical behavior of former Romanian President Ion Iliescu, describing him as a model patient. According to Beuran, Iliescu strictly followed medical advice and maintained a disciplined relationship with his healthcare team. He was an exemplary patient. He didnt question treatments, didnt ask unnecessary questions, and understood perfectly what needed to be done. He had a balanced relationship with the doctors, and the respect was mutual, said Beuran. The doctor added that despite his advanced age and serious diagnosis, Iliescu remained lucid and dignified until the end. He was fully aware of the severity of his condition. Final Days Ion Iliescu passed away on Tuesday at the age of 95. He had been suffering from lung cancer and had been hospitalized for nearly two months at the Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu Emergency Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, where he had requested to be admitted. Dr. Beuran emphasized that Iliescus mental clarity and composure were remarkable, even as his health deteriorated. Cristian Seidler, spokesperson for the Save Romania Union (USR), reacted strongly on Tuesday following the announcement of former President Ion Iliescus death. In a Facebook post, Seidler expressed regret that Iliescu never faced justice: I regret Ion Iliescus death. I wish he had lived long enough for those who protected him from justice to disappear, so he could be tried. Seidler described Iliescu as a more reformist communist, but still part of an oppressive system that personally affected his family. He criticized the lingering influence of Iliescus political legacy in Romanias justice system, politics, and society: My grandfather had his land stolen twice: once by the communists, and again by the neo-communists who told him the village had run out of land and he couldnt get back what had been taken from his parents. This is Ion Iliescus testament for Romania. I reject it. Criticism of Posthumous Silence Seidler also challenged the idea that one should only speak kindly of the deceased: Speak only good of the dead thats for those afraid of ghosts. He concluded his message with a sharp remark: I hope history books will mention him in the chapter of scoundrelswith a wide grin. Dominic Fritzs Reaction Dominic Fritz, USR President and Mayor of Timisoara, also commented on Iliescus passing. He acknowledged Iliescus role in Romanias strategic alignment with NATO and the EU, but emphasized the unresolved pain left behind: Ion Iliescus death is painful not because of his departure, but because it leaves so many wounds open. Yes, he played an important role in Romanias strategic direction toward NATO and the EUa path that still defines us today. But we cannot ignore the suffering of those who paid with blood during the Revolution and the Mineriads for the right to freedom and democracy. Fritz added: He oversaw a post-communist system whose tentacles still hold us back. Many are still waiting for justice. He closed with a reflection on truth and healing: God forgive him. But forgiveness for those whose hope, freedom, and prosperity he took cannot come without truth and justice. Until then, Romanias fate depends not only on our leaders, but on each of uson our ability to confront and heal the wounds of the past, and on our courage to turn that confrontation into energy for building the future. Ion Iliescu died at the age of 95 after suffering from lung cancer. He had been hospitalized for nearly two months at the Agrippa Ionescu Hospital in Bucharest, where he had requested admission. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe US-based Tropical Cheese Industries has appointed Victor Mehren as its new CEO, effective 2 September. Mehren recently stepped down as the CEO of snacks and treats business Second Nature Brands, the US company he led since 2019. While at Second Nature Brands, Mehren guided a bold transformation that significantly increased revenue, expanded the brand portfolio, and delivered strong investor returns, Tropical Cheese said in a statement. He also oversaw the Kars Nuts trail mixes owners acquisition of the Voortman cookies brand from JM Smucker for $305m, a deal that included a factory and some 300 employees. Before joining Second Nature Brands, Mehren held senior executive positions at Mars and Wrigley. Founded in 1982, Tropical Cheese has evolved from a small milk delivery service in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, into a producer of Latin American and Caribbean-style cheese, meat, seafood and tortillas. Tropical Cheese attracted backing last year from Avance Investment Management and AUA Private Equity Partners, with the Mendez family founders retaining a minority interest in the business. The company is now focused on expanding its reach, growing its portfolio, and becoming the undisputed leader in Hispanic dairy and adjacent food categories, according to the statement. Luis Zaldivar, managing partner of Avance, said: With a strong track record of leading transformational growth for a number of iconic consumer goods brands, Vic brings the right mix of strategic vision, operational expertise, and cultural leadership to position Tropical as the market-leading producer and provider of Hispanic dairy products. As well as the US, Tropical Cheese supplies markets in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe, according to its website. Commenting on his appointment, Mehren said: Tropical Cheese is an iconic brand built on authenticity, quality, and deep cultural roots. I see tremendous opportunity to scale the Tropical Cheese platform nationally while staying true to what makes the business so special. "Ex-Second Nature Brands CEO joins Tropical Cheese Industries" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. In 1879, Carlisle Barracks in Carlisle, Pa., became the site of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, operated by the Department of the Interior until 1918. The Office of Army Cemeteries will recover and return the remains of 19 students buried there to two Native American tribes starting September 5, 2025. (U.S. Army) (Tribune News Service) The U.S. Army on Monday announced that it will work on disinterring 19 Carlisle Indian Industrial School students from the cemetery at the Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania. The effort will start Sept. 5, with the Army looking to give the remains back to two Native American tribes whose children were sent to the school on the local Army base. Those whose remains will be disinterred are Wallace Perryman from the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; Belle Cahoe, Wash E. He, Tabitha Carroll, Jane Lumpfoot, Leah Road Traveler, Percy Whitebear, George Harrison, Charles Whiteshield, Matavito Horse, Nannie Little Robe, Dora Morning, Louise Thunder, Giles Hands, Ruben Tanpeds, Henry Morning, William Sammers, Abe Lincoln and Elsie Davis from the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. The Office of Army Cemeteries will begin work on the disinterment in September with forensic archaeological and anthropological expertise from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Army reported Monday. The Army is honored to conduct the Carlisle Barracks Disinterment Program once again, said Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of Army National Military Cemeteries and the Office of Army Cemeteries. We are deeply grateful to the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes for their brave commitment to bring their loved ones home. This will be the eighth year the Army has disinterred groups of children, and the Army will help return the remains to an interment location families and tribes choose, as well as reimburse families for their travel to participate in the process, subsequent transfer ceremony, and the cost to transport the remains. 2025 The Sentinel (Carlisle, Pa.). Visit www.cumberlink.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Undated handout image of Submersible Titan. On June 18, 2023, the submersible vanished on expedition to the Titanic wreckage. It suffered a catastrophic implosion, killing all onboard. (OceanGateZuma Press Wire via TNS) The implosion of the Titan submersible and the death of all five aboard was preventable if not for the sub owners failure to follow established engineering protocols, the U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday. The Titan was on a trip to visit the wreckage of the Titanic when it imploded on June 18, 2023. The disaster brought international attention to deep-sea tourism, which experts say lacks adequate oversight to ensure safety. The Coast Guards 335-page report follows a two-week investigative hearing in September. The report blamed the company behind the submersible, OceanGate, for using intimidation tactics and strategically creating and exploiting regulatory confusion and oversight challenges. It also criticized OceanGate co-founder and CEO Stockton Rushs lack of third-party oversight, writing that he did completely ignore vital inspections, data analyses, and preventative maintenance procedures, culminating in a catastrophic event. Rush died in the Titans implosion. Had he lived, according to the report, the Coast Guard investigation board members would have recommended the Justice Department consider filing federal criminal charges based on his negligence as CEO and pilot during the incident. OceanGate had been informed of risks with the Titans design, including the possibility of the subs glue joints failing and the experimental choice to use carbon fiber, an unproven material in deep-sea conditions, the Coast Guard report said. But the company failed to adequately test the Titan to account for those risks. Investigation of debris from the Titan showed the adhesive gluing the crafts carbon fiber hull to titanium segments at the front and back of the sub failed, according to the report. The implosion likely destroyed the craft in an instant. The Titans viewport was never found, suggesting it had been blown outwards in the implosion and buried in the seafloor, the report said. The Coast Guard report includes several recommendations, from technical to sweeping. They include updating the 30-year-old regulations governing submersibles used for research and business purposes, including the creation of a clear process for certifying new submersible designs. During the September hearing, witnesses told the Coast Guard that OceanGates expeditions were marked by equipment problems and disagreements over the development of the Titan sub. The CEO of a submersible manufacturing company deemed a prototype of the Titan amateurish after inspecting it in 2019, he testified, and an engineering contractor who worked with OceanGate said the company had a culture of safety theater and often dismissed concerns from experts. OceanGates own director of marine operations frequently raised safety concerns to other company leaders about the Titan sub but was fired by Rush in 2018, the Coast Guard report said. After being fired, the former director filed a retaliation complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OceanGate then sued him for sharing confidential information with OSHA. An OSHA investigator assigned to the case said he faced a backlog of complaints at the time, and OSHA never began an investigation into OceanGate, according to the Coast Guard report. The former director withdrew his complaint in December 2018, citing the emotional toll of the legal battle with OceanGate. Other sub operators and former OceanGate employees also testified that the company tried to skirt federal regulations by designating Titan passengers as mission specialists. In reality, the mission specialists performed no specialized work and in fact paid to be on the sub. OceanGate co-founder Guillermo Sohnlein, who left the company in 2013, told the Coast Guard that the company employed the tactic to save money. Since the Titan imploded, the Coast Guard has significantly increased its professional interactions with the submersible industry, according to the report. The Coast Guard now participates in industry conferences and engage with industry leaders to promote improved safety standards. Searchers found what was left of the Titan submersible June 22, 2023. The implosion of the Titan killed Rush along with his four other passengers: British aviation businessman Hamish Harding, 58; retired French navy commander Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77; British Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48; and his 19-year-old son, Suleman. The Australian government chose the upgraded Mogami-class frigate, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan, for its navy's future fleet of general purpose frigates, according to officials with both countries on Aug. 5, 2025. (Australia Department of Defence) Australia will purchase general-purpose navy frigates from Japan in a deal worth up to $6.5 billion, according to government authorities from both countries. Japan and Australia will jointly develop and produce 11 Mogami-class frigates in a deal expected to be finalized early next year, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Tuesday at a press conference in Tokyo. Australias Department of Defence announced plans last year to spend up to $6.5 billion for the frigates as part of a $35.5 billion plan to more than double the size of its navys surface combatant fleet. A final purchase price is under negotiation, Nakatani said. The two countries also need to decide how to maintain and repair the vessels after completion and how production will continue in Australia, he added. The frigate deal complements Australias bid to bolster its submarine fleet by way of the AUKUS pact with the United States and United Kingdom. The U.S. agreed in 2021 to build at least two Virginia-class attack submarines as part of the pact. Other jointly built submarines would follow. A U.S. defense official in June said the Pentagon is reviewing that agreement to ensure it aligns with President Donald Trumps agenda. Japans deal to sell frigates to Australia benefits their mutual ally, the U.S., by enhancing joint operations and employing shared training and equipment, Nakatani said Tuesday. Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build the first three frigates and deliver them to Australia starting in 2029, according to a Tuesday news release from Australias Defence Department. The first frigate is expected to be operational by 2030. Eight more frigates will be built in Western Australia, according to the release. The upgraded Mogami-class frigate will help secure our maritime trade routes and our northern approaches as part of a larger and more lethal naval surface combatant fleet, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, also the defense minister, said in the release. The frigate sale would mark Japans second equipment transfer since reviewing its guidelines on defense transfers in 2014. It delivered an air surveillance radar system to the Philippine air force in December 2023, according to a news release from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. The frigates would replace Australias fleet of Anzac-class frigates, according to the Australia Defence Department release. The Mogami-class is a stealth frigate with a range of 10,000 miles, able to fire ship-to-ship missiles and designed for a crew of 90, according to Japans Ministry of Defense. It will take our general purpose frigates from being able to fire 32 air defence missiles to 128 missiles, giving our sailors the cuttingedge weapons and combat systems they need to prevail in an increasingly complex environment, Pat Conroy, minister for Australias defense industry, said in the release. In July, Japan agreed to an outright transfer of second-hand warships to the Philippines, possibly six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, according to a July 7 report by The Japan Times, which cited unnamed government sources. The escorts required a crew of about 120 and are equipped with anti-submarine and anti-ship missiles, according to the newspapers report. The agreement would strengthen the two countries mutual interest in matching Beijings growing military power. Chinas coast guard has challenged Philippine vessels within the Philippines exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. It has also come within the territorial limit claimed by Japan around the Senkaku Islands, a group of islets and rocks in the East China Sea. A Patriot missile launcher stands ready at an airfield in eastern Poland on Jan. 23, 2025. The Netherlands on Monday pledged roughly $580 million toward a new NATO mechanism to supply U.S. weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot components and missiles. (Alexander Watkins/U.S. Army) The Netherlands plans to buy almost $580 million worth of U.S. military equipment for Ukraine, becoming the first NATO country to fund a new supply mechanism aimed at bolstering Kyivs defenses, Dutch officials said. The announcement Monday followed White House talks last month between President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Trump later said the U.S. would provide weapons to Ukraine and other NATO members would cover the cost. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a Monday post on X that the package of American weapons systems includes Patriot air defense components and missiles. This will enable Ukraine to counter Russian aggression, also for the rest of Europe, Brekelmans said. The effort is known as the NATO Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List. Funded by European allies and Canada, it will deliver regular $500 million packages of U.S.-made equipment and munitions identified by Ukraine as urgent needs, an alliance statement Monday said. The U.S. is expected to provide capabilities at a scale greater than any single European country, and NATO will coordinate the effort to ensure fast, recurring deliveries, the statement said. Rutte, who was a longtime Dutch prime minister before becoming the NATO chief, praised the initiative and urged other alliance members to join it. Kyiv hailed the Dutch pledge as a crucial boost to its defense efforts. Ukraine, and thus the whole of Europe, will be better protected from Russian terror, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X on Monday. The submarine USS Hampton enters dry dock at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine on March 8, 2025. (U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON Concerns about the impact of mass federal hiring freezes and layoffs on shipbuilding are prompting a group of senators to introduce a bill carving out an exemption for the workforces of the nations public shipyards. The legislation would require the Defense Department to exempt a slew of civilian positions at Americas four public shipyards from job cuts, including welders, engineers, mechanics, painters and blasters, apprentices and roles supporting nuclear maintenance and refueling. The bill would also remove hiring limits for those positions in an effort to protect shipyard workers from the Trump administrations moves to cut down the size of the federal government. Our shipyard workforce represents an essential component of our national defense and preparedness they should have never been subjected to this administrations ill-considered hiring freezes, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said in a statement. Continuing lawmaker frustration over hiring delays at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine prompted the legislation. The shipyard primarily focuses on overhauling, repairing and modernizing nuclear submarines and has continued to experience issues with hiring despite the Defense Department agreeing to exempt shipyard workers from its civilian hiring freeze, according to lawmakers. The shipyard needs to hire 550 people per year to keep up with the Navys submarine maintenance demands but has been slowed by processing delays at the Office of Personnel Management, the governments human resources arm, according to Shaheen. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workforce is supposed to be exempt from the hiring freeze, but there continues to be issues with implementation, she said. Our bipartisan bill enshrines that exemption in federal law and ensures that no public shipyard is subjected to such chaos and uncertainty in the future, allowing them to focus instead on the vital role they play in our national security. Co-sponsors of the bill include Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine;, Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.; and Angus King, I-Maine. The introduction of the legislation is the latest sign of lawmaker discomfort with the scale of civilian workforce reductions and their potential effect on national security. The Republican-led Senate Appropriations Committee last week approved a defense budget framework with an accompanying report noting the panels concerns that civilian job cuts and the slow pace of hiring risks attrition of skilled personnel, particularly in the shipyards. The committee expects the [Defense Department] to maintain a stable, effective and appropriately sized civilian workforce and ensure that the hiring process is efficient and responsive to operational and strategic needs, the panel wrote. A senior Senate GOP aide speaking on condition of anonymity said senators from both parties have expressed concern about the manner in which workforce reductions have been carried out and were especially worried about the unintended consequence of losing skilled laborers at shipyards and depots across the country. The legislative proposal to protect certain shipyard positions from cuts and hiring freezes comes amid a push by the Trump administration to reinvigorate commercial and military shipbuilding to compete with Chinas maritime dominance. That effort will be complicated by the shipbuilding industrys long struggle to recruit and retain critical tradespeople such as welders, shipfitters and pipefitters. The jobs often require working in uncomfortable conditions and pay slightly more than retail or fast-food work. Our nations public shipyards depend on a highly skilled and experienced workforce, Collins said. This bipartisan bill would protect the men and women at all four of our nations public shipyards, helping sustain the critical contributions these shipyards make to our national defense, the readiness of our Navy, and the economies of their surrounding regions. LEGO exhibitor Sherry Harriss Tribute to Armed Forces displayed at Brickfair in Chantilly, Va., on Aug. 1, 2025. (Kaylyn Barnhart Batista/Stars and Stripes) CHANTILLY, Va. From battlefields to skies and seas, LEGO builders created tributes to the military with the miniature, plastic blocks. LEGO lovers traveled from across the country and around the world to attend BrickFair a LEGO convention and exhibition at the Dulles Expo Center on Saturday and Sunday. They had a chance to view a variety of colorful LEGO exhibits, play games, meet builders, collect custom pieces and learn new building techniques. About 1,300 exhibitors displayed their creations. Among various towering and intricate LEGO structures ranging from architectural landmarks and fantasy worlds to botanical themes were military-themed displays, built by those honoring military service. LEGO sailors aboard a model of the HMS Dreadnought, a historic warship, exhibited by Quinn Roberts at BrickFair in Chantilly, Va., on Aug. 1, 2025. (Isabella Carrero-Baptista/Stars and Stripes) You lose the feeling in your fingertips after a while, but its worth it the reaction is usually appreciation and thank you for recognizing us. I thank every one of them (service members and veterans) for their service, said Sherry Harris, an Air Force veteran and four-time exhibitor at BrickFair. Harris of Jasper, Ga., displayed logos of the six military branches this year. Harriss mosaic exhibition, Tribute to the Armed Forces, took 300 hours over three years to complete. Over 100,000 LEGO dots were pieced together between the six mosaics, which needed 30 feet of wall space at the convention to be displayed side-by-side. Air Force veteran Sherry Harris of Jasper, Ga., stands by her LEGO exhibition, Tribute to Armed Forces, at Brickfair in Chantilly, Va., on Aug. 1, 2025. (Kaylyn Barnhart Batista/Stars and Stripes) Air Force veteran and LEGO exhibitor Sherry Harriss LEGO figure in Marine Corps dress blues displayed at BrickFair in Chantilly, Va., on Aug. 1, 2025. Harris built this figure inspired by her son, who is a Marine. (Kaylyn Barnhart Batista/Stars and Stripes) Air Force veteran and LEGO exhibitor Sherry Harris holds a LEGO piece that resembles the United States Air Force logo shaped in a heart at BrickFair in Chantilly, Va., on Aug. 1, 2025. (Kaylyn Barnhart Batista/Stars and Stripes) Harris mounted the mosaics on large wooden easels and removed the security bars around the exhibit so families could take photographs. Standing to the side wearing Air Force heart LEGO earrings, she answered questions and took photographs for service members, veterans and their families. I spoke with veterans of every branch, Vietnam veterans, and a man whose brother died in Iraq, Harris said. There were young people who told me their future plans included military service. People shared their stories and touched my heart. The LEGO mosaics of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and U.S. Navy logos as part of Tribute to Armed Forces, an exhibit by Air Force veteran Sherry Harris at BrickFair in Chantilly, Va., on Aug. 1, 2025. (Isabella Carrero-Baptista/Stars and Stripes) During BrickFair 2023, Harris displayed her initial 28,160-piece LEGO mosaic of the Marine Corps eagle, globe and anchor, as well as a modified 10-inch-tall LEGO figure of a Marine in dress blues. What began as a tribute to her son, Marine Staff Sgt. Hunter Upson, who is stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., turned into an endeavor that honors all those who serve. Another exhibitor built his display from his military experiences. Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. William Burrows built a demonstration of the USS Sacramento (AOE-1) conducting a fuel and cargo transfer to the USS Waddell (DDG-24), which were ships on which he served on during his 27-year career. Burrows built the display so people understand what goes on while were out doing our job. Navy veteran Williams Burrows stands with his LEGO display of an at-sea fuel and cargo replenishment during BrickFair in Chantilly, Va., on Aug. 3, 2025. (Isabella Carrero-Baptista/Stars and Stripes) The Waddell was Burrowss first, and he served as a machinists mate for 2 years. Burrows served on the Sacramento as a lieutenant in the early 2000s. This is what I did day in and day out for three tours, Burrows said. I havent seen anybody portray this event in LEGOs. He added that for people who recognized the underway replenishment, his model brought back a whole lot of flashbacks. Burrows spent six years building the ships, which were originally for the Hampton Roads Navy Museums shipbuilding display. Since he found few photographs of the Sacramento, most of the model was built from memory. The Navy veteran plans on continuing to showcase his replenishment event in future exhibits but will update it with different Navy ships. Harris is working on building five more large LEGO figures in uniform for each service to display next year. To the contributors, the event is about more than the Legos. As much as I enjoy the experience of creating, its the people and the stories that make it all worthwhile, Harris said. By Curtis Williams HOUSTON (Reuters) -Trinidad and Tobago's government has agreed to award U.S. oil major ExxonMobil acreage in an ultra-deep area that includes seven blocks to explore for oil and gas, two senior government officials told Reuters. The parties began negotiations earlier this year for the areas off the east coast of the Caribbean country, which ExxonMobil left more than 20 years ago. The blocks are located northwest of ExxonMobil's prolific Stabroek block in Guyana, where the consortium it leads has confirmed more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable resources. ExxonMobil and the Trinidadian government could sign the agreement as soon as next week, according to the people with knowledge of the negotiations, who were not authorized to speak publicly. The area to be awarded to ExxonMobil is an amalgamation of seven blocks, and has been renamed Ultra Deep 1 or UD(1). The area covers water depths of 2,000 to 3,000 meters, the people told Reuters. "We will not comment on third party sources, but we routinely look at opportunities to optimize our advantaged portfolio," an ExxonMobil spokesperson told Reuters. Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal did not respond to a request for comment. "Ultra-deep Trinidad and Tobago could unlock potential similar to ExxonMobil's Stabroek block," according to a 2024 study by Houston-based energy data analytics firm TGS. In Guyana, ExxonMobil and partners Chevron and CNOOC are about to begin production at their fourth floating facility, which will expand its capacity beyond 900,000 barrels per day (bpd), less than six years after beginning oil production in the South American country. The group plans to produce up to 1.7 million bpd by 2030. During a press briefing last week, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods said exploration is part of a three-pronged approach to ensure that the company continuously replaces the oil and gas it produces. "We're continuing to have a very consistent and focused effort on finding more resources that will be economically advantaged and competitive in our portfolio." Woods said. WORK TO DO ExxonMobil has agreed to a signing bonus and a three-phase exploration program in Trinidad that includes the acquisition of seismic data and drilling of exploration wells, the two sources said. If oil or gas is found, the agreement also includes royalty payments and a share of the profits to the government, along with a provision for cost recovery, the sources said. ExxonMobil first approached the Trinidadian government in November of 2024 with interest in the seven blocks, they added. Keith Boylan was named in court last June as the alleged head of the Boylan OCG and his brother Josh as the alleged second in command Three women who laundered money for an organised crime group involved in the Drogheda feud have avoided jail after receiving two-and-a-half-year suspended sentences at Dundalk Circuit Court. Jade Heeney (27), Castlemanor, Ballymakenny, Drogheda; Annie Julia Smith (28), Candy Lodge, Stamullen Road, Gormanston and Marlena Aleksandrowicz (29), Bridgefield Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9 Cedar Place, Swords; each admitted one count of money laundering through their respective Revolut accounts which they allowed the gang to use. Jade Heeney News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th The defendants were described as at the lower scale of a money laundering enterprise for the Boylan Organised Crime Group. None of them profited from it. They had no previous convictions. Keith Boylan was named in court last June as the alleged head of the Boylan OCG and his brother Josh as the alleged second in command. Jade Heeney is the former partner of Keith Boylan, while Annie Julia Smith is the former partner of Josh Boylan. Marlena Aleksandrowicz was a friend of Keith Boylans girlfriend. Judge Dara Hayes said it was accepted by gardai that the defendants were at the lower rung of the money laundering enterprise. However, they provided significant assistance to launder the gangs proceeds. Jade Heeney They were not naive women. Each knew who they were involved with and the type of criminality they engaged in. Judge Hayes continued that fear of the criminals in question played a role. The three women got in over their heads. They were each involved in serious criminality, albeit at the lower end of that serious criminality. The amounts of money were relatively small. The judge said that the defendants had people who thought well of them. It appeared what happened was an aberration. The court heard previously that as part of an investigation into the gangs activities a large amount of bank and other accounts were probed and each of the three accused were identified as money laundering the proceeds on behalf of the OCG. Between July 10, 2020 and February 27, 2021, 16,348 went into Marlena Aleksandrowiczs Revolut account from associates of the OCG and 14,950 was withdrawn. Marlena Aleksandrowicz Gda John Walsh said that between December 20, 2020 and January 31, 2021, 13,033 was transferred by members of the OCG to Jade Heeneys Revolut account and 12,551.37 withdrawn. For approximately four years she had been the partner of Keith Boylan. The relationship had ended by the time of this offending. She had been given 1,000 to put into the account after being directed to download the app and to hand over the card to a person unknown to her. Evidence was given that between June 17, 2020 and June 3, 2021, associates of the OCG put 8,967.50 into Annie Julia Smiths Revolut account and withdrew 5,080. She was the former partner of Josh Boylan between 2018 and December 2020. The relationship ended on bad terms. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme The hijacked truck ran through multiple red lights, clipped and damaged several cars, caused whiplash injuries to a driver and drove on the wrong side of the road while speeding A man who admitted hijacking a Tesco delivery van and taking it for a joyride three years ago, today denied assaulting two police officers. Appearing on behalf of 42-year-old Ciaran Francis Barker at Coleraine Magistrates Court, defence counsel Grant Powles confirmed the 42-year-old denies all of the charges against him. Barker, originally from west Belfast but now living at Meadow View in Ballymoney, is accused of assaulting two male police officers and causing criminal damage to a police cell van on 4 July this year. Two other charges of criminal damage were withdrawn by the PPS. While the alleged facts to Barkers latest charges were not opened, Mr Powles also confirmed there is an ongoing Police Ombudsman investigation in the background. Barker, the court heard, has given the ombudsman office a five and a half page statement about the events. Ciaran Barker News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th Adjourning the case to 18 August to fix a date for the contest, District Judge Peter King told the barrister, I would like Mr Barker to attend to do that. Last April at Downpatrick Crown Court, Barker was handed a prison sentence of four and half years but he walked free from court after it was suspended for a year. Sentencing the self-confessed hijacker, Judge Geoffrey Miller KC warned him "you know the consequences should you fail. Barker had entered guilty pleas to seven offences arising from an incident when he and 25-year-old Caoimhin Corr hijacked a Tesco delivery van in Ards. Corr, from Norglen Parade in West Belfast and Barker each pleaded guilty to hijacking a Tesco delivery van on 5 August 2022, aggravated vehicle theft driven dangerously, stealing 80 of alcohol from Winemark and aggravated vehicle theft causing damage to three other cars. While Corr entered a plea to a further charge of driving while banned, Barker admitted further charges of driving while banned, resisting police and stealing 10 of chocolate from the Maxol garage in Ards on the same date. The court heard how Barker fancied a run to the coast that hot summers day so he arranged for a friend to give him, Corr and two others a lift to Millisle. On the way however they stopped at an off licence where the pair stole cigarettes and Buckfast but when the driver found out about the theft, he was understandably upset and kicked them out on the carriageway between Bangor and Ards. A short time later the supervisor at the Maxol garage spotted the defendants tampering with a motorcycle, and they even asked her if they could borrow a screwdriver. Corr offered her a bar of chocolate, commenting that everyone feels better when they eat chocolate but when she checked CCTV from the shop that day, she realised the pair had been in earlier and the chocolate treat being offered, had actually been stolen. Meanwhile a short distance away on Georges Street in Ards, a Tesco delivery van driver was stopped at traffic light, his arm out of the window, when Barker grabbed his arm and ordered him to give him the keys. Barker reached in to grab keys, even though its a keyless vehicle and the court heard that when Barker nodded towards the passenger side, the driver looked up to find Corr climbing into the cab so fearing what might happen he got out. Caoimhin Corr Barker and Corr climbed in and the van sped off through the busy town centre and during their journey from north Down, through Dundonald and on to Dee Street, the hijacked truck, kitted out with a tracker and all round CCTV, ran through multiple red lights, clipped and damaged several cars, caused whiplash injuries to a driver and drove on the wrong side of the road while speeding. At some point on the journey the pair swapped driving roles because when cops used a stinger device to bring the delivery truck to a halt on the Sydenham by-pass, it was Corr who got out of the drivers seat. Barker meanwhile lashed out at police and tried to hit them and then refused to answer questions during the ensuing interviews. Corr on the other hand claimed that he got in because he did not want to be left behind after Barker jumped into the drivers seat. In March last year Corr was given a two and a half year sentence and Judge Miller emphasised that it is indeed fortunate.that more serious injury or damage was not caused. Ciaran Barker Barker, the court heard, had amassed a criminal record of some 127 previous convictions including two for hijacking, 11 for dangerous driving, 21 for driving while banned and a catalogue of assaulting and resisting police. Having heard that father-of-five Barker had stayed free from crime, drugs and booze and had moved out of Belfast away from negative associates, Judge Miller deferred passing sentence for a year. Imposing the suspended jail sentence at the end of the deferral period, the judge repeated again that when it came to dealing with cases, rehabilitation is as important as punishment in an effort to protect the public. In addition to the four and a half year sentence which he suspended for a year, Barker was also handed a five year driving ban. Eric ODriscoll (23) was caught with cannabis and MDMA Eric ODriscoll was already serving a lengthy sentence A brother of well-known gangster Mr Flashy has avoided more jail time for drug offences. Eric ODriscoll (23) was given a six-month sentence, effective immediately, when he appeared before Blanchardstown District Court. ODriscoll is the brother of Glen Ward (32), who was named by gardai in a Cab case earlier this year as the crime boss known as Mr Flashy. Glen Ward and Eric ODriscoll ODriscoll is currently serving a five-year sentence imposed by the Special Criminal Court in April for firing a semi-automatic rifle from a house, while Ward is serving a five-and-a-half year sentence for possession of the same weapon. Earlier this week, before Blanchardstown court, ODriscoll admitted possession of cannabis. Garda Dwayne OBrien said gardai obtained a warrant and searched a house at Deanstown Green in Finglas on April 28, 2023. The value of the cannabis was 20, Gda OBrien told the court. ODriscoll also admitted possession of MDMA and having the drug for sale or supply, at Ratoath Avenue in Finglas on November 26, 2020. The value of the MDMA was 264. The court heard that ODriscoll had 11 previous convictions. Defence lawyer Ciaran MacLoughlin said ODriscoll was serving a lengthy sentence and was not due for release until February 2028. Judge David McHugh convicted and sentenced ODriscoll to six months in prison. Eric ODriscoll was already serving a lengthy sentence News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th Listen to an extract from the memoir of John Crawley In April 1975, a young Irish-American from Long Island headed on a mission to enlist in an elite unit of the US Marine Corps. His goal: to receive the most intensive and rigorous military training possible, and then move to Ireland to join the IRA and fight to end British occupation of the north. John Crawley has lived an extraordinary life working with notorious American mobster James Whitey Bulger before working with the IRA in an attempt to knock out Englands power supply in a bomb plot gone wrong. Heres an extract from his memoir The Yank: My Life as a Former US Marine in the IRA, published by Merrion Press. MORE EPISODES Former CAB target Bernard Byrne and his brother John Paul alleged to have made 750k from laundering fuel and cash A firm owned by a suspected fuel smuggler and former target of the Criminal Assets Bureau has been paid more than 4 million by the Irish Government to house asylum seekers. Bernard Byrne is the director and owner of Tenzing Ltd, which is listed as receiving funds from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. In 2005, it emerged that Byrne, along with his brother John Paul Byrne, had holdings worth 750,000 in Northern Ireland which was targeted by the UKs Assets Recovery Agency (ARA). The case was referred to the ARA by HM Revenue and Customs in 2004 after a joint investigation with CAB into fuel smuggling and laundering on both sides of the border. Bernard Byrne at his Go service station on the Kylemore Road Bernard Byrne speaking to Samuel Mansfield In its case in the High Court in Belfast at the time, the ARA alleged that the assets of both brothers were from fuel laundering and smuggling, together with excise fraud and associated money laundering activity. An interim receiver was appointed over two filling stations in Co Armagh and Co Down, a house in Newry, an apartment in Belfast, vehicles, farm machinery and bank accounts. Bernard Byrnes Tenzing Ltd was set up in January 2023 and is registered to an office in Lucan, Co Dublin. That year, the company received payments of 876,000, 553,350 and 366,000 for accommodation and/or related costs. In 2024, the payments from the Department totalled 2,382,000 with 186,000 paid out in the first quarter of 2025, bringing the overall total to 4,363,350. According to a Dail question reply, Tenzing Ltd operated an emergency accommodation centre at Redbank Guesthouse in Skerries, Co Dublin in 2023. Responsibility for the 1.2 billion accommodation budget has been moved to the Department of Justice since May this year. Bernard Byrnes company has been paid more than 4m by the government Bernard Byrne is also a director of other firms involved in the retail fuel business and owns the Go filling station on the Kylemore Road in Ballyfermot, Dublin. The land on which the business is located is owned by Arcount Ltd, which is controlled by Vincent Cosgrave, a Dublin-based businessman. Cosgraves property portfolio includes the Sheldon Park Hotel across the road from Byrnes filling station business. His daughter, Donna, married Jim Mansfield Jr and the couples son, Samuel Mansfield, was previously photographed by the Sunday World meeting with Bernard Byrne in 2016. There is no suggestion that Samuel Mansfield is involved in any criminal activity. Jim Mansfield Jr was jailed for 18 months in February 2022 for attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing that CCTV footage be destroyed. The Special Criminal Court acquitted Mansfield of conspiring to have a man kidnapped by a criminal gang but convicted him of directing that the footage be destroyed. Jim Manfield Jnr, was jailed for for attempting to pervert the course of justice It was also heard in a CAB case that Jim Mansfield Jr was previously given 4.5 million of Kinahan cartel cash to launder through property investments. As a result of the 2004 CAB investigation into fuel smuggling, Bernard Byrnes father, John Byrne, paid 1.6 million to the Revenue Commissioners. During a search of John Byrnes home in June 2004, authorities discovered 200,000 in cash and cheques concealed throughout the property. Investigators concluded he had operated a significant grain delivery business for several years. He faced charges over failing to file tax returns at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court in 2007. The court heard at the time Byrne Snr had 157 previous convictions across both Northern Ireland and the Republic, including a 1.3 million fraud conviction in Northern Ireland. Judge Pat McCartan had deferred sentencing to allow Byrne Snr to finalise his tax affairs. The judge described Byrne Snr as someone who had lived completely outside the good order of things and imposed a two-year sentence, suspended on condition of good behaviour. The Sunday World recently reported on two other firms which have received payment for providing accommodation. One firm had been owned by John Gill, the father of alleged gangland figure Jonathan Gill. According to figures published by the Government, Astervale Ltd was paid 414,505 from 2022 until April 2024. Another firm which has been awarded emergency accommodation contracts has links to the Drogheda gang feud. Ben OBrien resigned in May as a director of Secure Accommodation, which has been paid 10.2 million since it was set up in September 2022. OBrien (31) was among several people named in evidence in the 2022 CAB case against gang bosses Owen and Brendan Maguire. Bernard Byrne News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th The suspect fled to the UK in the immediate aftermath of the fatal stabbing A convicted killer has been arrested in relation to the murder of Mark Carroll in Finglas last year. The father of two (34) was stabbed to death following a row at a house in Scribblestown in the early hours of June 11. Detectives quickly identified a suspect, who fled to the UK in the immediate aftermath of the fatal stabbing. The man, aged in his 30s, was previously jailed over the death of a woman in Dublin. He had only been released from custody a number of months before the murder of Mr Carroll, which gardai believe happened after a row at a social gathering escalated. Sources described the man as a volatile criminal The suspect was also previously the victim of an assault in the days after he had been released. Sources described the man as a volatile criminal who has also had access to firearms in the past. Yesterday gardai confirmed that a man had been arrested in relation to the murder and was being detained for questioning. Father-of-two Mark Carroll (34) died following a stabbing incident in Finglas, Dublin. A spokesperson said: As part of the investigation into the murder of 34-year-old Mark Carroll, who died following an incident in Finglas, Dublin 11, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, gardai have arrested a man. The man [aged in his 30s] is currently detained at a garda station in the Dublin area. Investigations are ongoing. Mark Carroll News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th The suspect can be detained for up to 24 hours before he must either be charged or released from custody, pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Mr Carroll was originally from Finglas but did not live at the property where he was attacked. He was found with serious injuries at a house in Scribblestown at around 1am on June 11, 2024. The victim had been visiting the property where the attack happened He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to James Connolly Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The victim had been visiting the property where the attack happened and gardai believe a row broke out. Garda and Garda Forensic officers outside a house in the Scribblestown area of Finglas Witnesses were spoken to at the time, leading to the chief suspect being quickly identified. The investigation is being led by a senior investigating officer who is co-ordinating the incident room, based at Finglas garda station. A garda family liaison officer has been keeping the deceaseds family informed of developments. At the time of the murder gardai asked for anyone with information in relation to the crime to come forward. The harassment consisted of Walsh sending anonymised letters and cards to the women Walsh did not want to add to her court apology when she was approached by our reporter Patrick OConnell This is the former school principal and part-time university lecturer who orchestrated an anonymised campaign of harassment which resulted in two innocent teachers leaving their posts. Celia Walsh, Director of Waterford Education Support Centre, a former principal of Murrintown National School in Wexford and a part-time lecturer with the University of Limerick, targeted the women after they raised concerns over safety protocols in a school where her sister held a role. The harassment consisted of Walsh sending anonymised letters and cards to the women, forging documents from the Teaching Council to make them fear they were under investigation and making calls to and leaving voicemails on the phone of one of her victims elderly mother-in-law. Walsh, who gives training courses for teachers in the area of Special Education Needs with the Waterford Education Support Centre, appeared before Wexford District Court earlier this month where she was convicted of two counts of harassment and one count of forgery. Walsh did not want to add to her court apology when she was approached by our reporter Patrick OConnell A six-month sentence was imposed on each of the counts of harassment, she was ordered to pay 4,000 to each of her victims, and a 10-month sentence was handed down to her for the count of forging Teaching Council documents. Convictions Approached by the Sunday World at her home outside the village of Campile last week, Walsh, who holds a doctorate in education and lectured as a tutor in educational leadership at UL, declined to add to an apology she offered in court for her behaviour. Instead, she told our reporter she did not want journalists calling to her home. When contacted, the University of Limerick, which was not aware of Walshs convictions prior to our call, declined to comment. The Sunday World understands Walsh was not employed as a staff lecturer with the university but was instead part of a panel from which the college drew tutors when the module in educational leadership was running. A source said other universities and colleges also had access to this panel of lecturers. The Waterford Education Support Centre which, on its website, describes Walsh as a good role model for all staff employed in the Centre did not answer queries as to whether it had taken steps to address her behaviour. Walsh talks with our reporter Patrick OConnell At Walshs sentencing hearing, Garda Donal Doyle told the court that he had received correspondence from Victim A in November 2020 that appeared to be a letter from the Teaching Council. I was extremely worried that I had been reported to The Teaching Council, the victim told the court. I was so upset. I cried in work and at home that day. The evening I received it, at 7pm it was confirmed by the Teaching Council of Ireland that the letter did not originate from them. After this incident, on February 14, 2022, Victim A received a Valentines day card which was posted to her home address which read Happy Valentines Day, see you soon. Victim A was in a long term relationship at this time. A month later a St Patricks Day card was also sent to her home. In her victim impact statement, victim A said: These implied I was having an affair. This not only attempted to tarnish my reputation but also attacked my personal life. Celia Walsh attempted to cause huge suspicion in my relationship. It was mortifying and deeply upsetting to know that someone was trying to harm me so personally and vindictively. Alarm The second complainant, Victim B, worked in the school alongside Victim A. Both women had raised concerns within the school and in June 2020 Victim B received a letter which again appeared to be from the Teaching Council which was sent to her home address. This letter seemed to accuse the injured party of harassing and bullying co-workers and referred to health and safety legislation. The defendant also phoned Victim Bs mother-in-law. The court heard these calls were not threatening but deemed inappropriate, with Garda Doyle saying the tone was not great. In her victim impact statement, Victim B said: The arrival of anonymous letters created suspicion, alarm, fear and disbelief. Nothing like this had ever happened to me in my career, before or since. I felt so hurt and so distressed at the loss of what had been a wonderful school atmosphere prior to September 2019. Each anonymous item that was sent by Celia Walsh had to be composed, typed, printed, folded, placed in an envelope, addressed, stamped, brought to a post office or letter box, and posted. At any one of these steps, Celia Walsh could have stopped herself, but she did not. When I was informed by Detective Garda Donal Doyle that the investigation confirmed that Celia Walsh was the author of the anonymous letters, I was shocked that as a former principal of two schools, director of a Teacher Centre and a recently-qualified Doctor of Education, Celia Walsh would threaten, intimidate and harass a fellow teacher. I felt that Celia Walshs conduct was a betrayal of the teaching profession. In relation to the St Patricks Day card received by Victim A in March 2021, the stamp was traced to the post office in which it was bought as well as the date and time it was bought. This allowed gardai to locate CCTV and identify Celia Walsh as the person buying the stamp. As a result, Walsh was arrested and made admissions. She claimed she was trying to help her sister who held a position within the school at the time. Sentence Ross Pratt OBrien BL, counsel for the defendant, said his client was the older sister to a woman who worked within the school and this woman would have kept the accused appraised of everything going on within the school. He described the incident as not a very sophisticated operation which Garda Doyle confirmed, but stated there was a bit of thought in putting everything together. Walsh took to the witness stand to convey her apologies to the injured parties. Judge John Cheatle stated he could not see the benefit in imprisoning the accused and imposed a 10-month sentence suspended for 12 months, and also ordered 4,000 be paid to each of the injured parties as a gesture of remorse and in circumstances where the victims do not want the money they can nominate a charity for the funds to be paid to. Celia Walsh escaped with a suspended sentence for her actions News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th Devon Hennessy has operated as one of the leaders of a west Dublin mob involved in drug dealing, gang feuds, gun and firebomb attacks, and extreme violence in recent years Devon Hennessy has been warned of a threat to his life The thug who has pleaded guilty this week to falsely imprisoning and assaulting a man who was beaten and had the word RAT branded on his body is a violent gangland figure with a lengthy involvement in serious crime. Devon Hennessy (29) of Edgewood Lawns, Corduff, Dublin, admitted at the Special Criminal Court to assaulting the victim as part of a joint enterprise aimed at enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation to commit a serious offence. Devon has operated as one of the leaders of a west Dublin mob involved in drug dealing, gang feuds, gun and firebomb attacks, and extreme violence in recent years. He has survived several attempts on his life and his father Jason Hennessy Snr was shot dead as part of a feud in west Dublin on Christmas Eve, 2023. Last August, Devon survived an attempted assassination after a gunman opened fire on him while he was driving a bullet-proof BMW. Gardai later seized the vehicle, which was suspected to have been previously used by associates of the notorious Dundon crime gang. The shooting, however, was not the first time Devon had been targeted by gunmen. He has been involved in various gang wars throughout most of his adult life and was a key player in the Corduff feud which began at the end of 2018 following a dispute between two rival drugs. By the following year, there were multiple shooting incidents, assaults, stabbings, firebomb attacks and a machete attack at Finglas Garda Station linked to the feud. Devon, who was key player in the violence, survived a number of incidents when gunmen opened up on his home and vehicle around that time, including one incident where five shots were fired at a car he was travelling in in 2019. Gardai had given him an official Garda Information Message [GIM] informing him of a credible threat to his life. Devon Hennessy carrying his father Jason Snrs coffin after his murder Officers also regularly targeted Devon and his associates in stops and searches. He was stopped on numerous occasions in a BMW he claimed he won in a raffle. Members of the gang were regularly abusive to gardai who spoke to them. Officers in the area were constantly carrying out searches of land and property which led to seizures of drugs, weapons and ammunition believed to belong to the gang. Devon regularly appeared in court while the feud was ongoing and in 2020 he pleaded guilty to violent disorder after he admitted throwing a punch at a man as he was leaving a courthouse. Brazen Devon approached a rival outside Blanchardstown Court while gardai were present, punching him in the face without prior warning or provocation. The garda witness said he was aware there were background issues between Hennessy and this other man and he immediately intervened and tried to restrain Hennessy. The Corduff feud has seen vehicles fire bombed He said Hennessy resisted him and tried to go back to the other man shouting at him you are a dead man. A number of other officers had to assist to continue to physically restrain Hennessy, while other associates of his tried to get involved in the situation. The feud continued as Devon and his gang regularly became involved in violent incidents and pushed drugs in west Dublin. The violence eventually caught up with the gang and Devons father Jason Hennessy Snr was fatally injured while having a meal with associates in Brownes Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve in 2023. Tristan Sherry, pictured, died after his gun attack on Hennessy Snr The gunman, Tristan Sherry, was attacked by seven men and killed at the scene. Jason Hennessy Snr died in hospital 11 days after he was shot. Three men have been found guilty of murdering Sherry, three others have been convicted of violent disorder and another was jailed for removing a firearm from the scene. The feuding continued in the aftermath of the attack, including the attempt on Devons life as well as another hit attempt linked to the feud which was foiled by gardai. The gang was also behind numerous firebomb attacks in the area, including on the homes of innocent people, as they continued to try to rule the locality through fear and violence. Jason Hennessy Snr Just weeks after the August 2024 gun attack, Hennessy was back before the courts after he was found guilty of having zopiclone tablets for sale or supply after he and an associate were caught with them in a car near Cloverhill Prison. The drugs were wrapped in four packets, each containing a mobile phone and weights, and gardai suspect they were hoping to get them into the prison. Devon would soon find himself inside that same jailhouse after his involvement in the assault and false imprisonment of Barry Moore at a house on Sheephill Avenue, Dublin, on February 12, 2025. His brothers Jason Hennessy Jr (28) and Brandon Hennessy (22) of Sheephill Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin; as well as 45-year-old Kenneth Fitzsimons and his son Dean Fitzsimons, of Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, Dublin, were also arrested in relation to the attack and are awaiting trial on the matter. Devon and the four other men went on hunger strike in Cloverhill Prison in March this year, telling staff they were unhappy with restrictions placed upon them while on remand in the high-security facility. However, the hunger strike lasted less than 24 hours The Hennessys house They didnt last much longer than if theyd skipped their dinner, a source told us at the time. They gave up as soon as the first pangs of hunger hit. When inmates go on hunger strike, there are food refusal protocols that kick in after 24 hours. They didnt make it long enough for those to kick in. Hennessy was in court around that time after admitting to dangerously driving a scrambler bike in west Dublin. He drove at high speed along footpaths in the busy Blanchardstown area, causing pedestrians to jump out of his way, and across a green area where young children were playing. He was given a four month sentence, 500 fine and two year driving ban. He has been remanded in custody to October 7 this year for a sentencing date to be fixed. Devon Hennessy has been warned of a threat to his life News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th WFLA News Channel 8/YouTube Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. When Donna Hartl and her husband purchased a vacant lot in Brooksville, Florida, they thought theyd found the perfect location for their dream home. Nestled between Islewood Drive and Richbarn Road, the $17,500 property seemed ideal. We really wanted to have some privacy, not be stranded out in the country, Donna Hartl told News Channel 8 reporters. We just felt this was the perfect match. Don't miss But as they prepared to build, the couple encountered an obstacle: a decades-old Duke Energy easement that prohibits construction on their new lot due to restrictions on how close homes can be built to a new transmission pole. Now, they're stuck in limbo. Dealing with an easement dispute The Hartls thought they were ready to build their dream home after receiving approval from Hernando County and confirming the property was zoned for residential use. However, their plans were derailed when they discovered a utility easement from Duke Energy, preventing construction within 100 feet of a pole. Despite initial assurances, a 1955 document revealed the easement, leaving most of the land unusable for building. The remaining 600-square-foot area couldn't accommodate a home due to septic and well requirements. Although the county lowered the property's value, the Hartls still owe taxes on a $17,500 unusable plot. Duke Energy does not purchase properties with easements, so the couple is stuck with the land. The Hartls situation emphasizes the need to understand easements and secure title insurance before buying a property. Buyers should research public records, perform title searches, and obtain insurance. If an easement affects your property, work with local authorities to explore options like relocating or negotiating with the holder. Read more: BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has an important message for the next wave of American retirees here's how he says you can best weather the US retirement crisis Hassle-free property ownership Real estate investing stands as one of the most proven paths to building lasting wealth. For the 12th year in a row, Americans have ranked real estate as the best long-term investment in 2024, according to a Gallup survey. McGregor charges 6.50 for a pint of Guinness in his pub, compared to his own-brand Forged Irish Stouts 6 price point Conor with Stephanie Simons in the Black Forge with two bottle of Petrus worth 35k Conor McGregor has been whining this weekend about losing his appeal case against Nikita Hand but he also enjoys a wine of a different nature which is undoubtedly the most expensive served in an Irish pub. The MMA star has on his drinks menu at his Black Forge pub a bottle of Petrus 2005 red wine for an astonishing 17,500. Other bottles of red wine are in the more affordable bracket for most punters, ranging in price from 32 to a still pricey 690, while the cheapest bottle of white is 32. A rose starts at 36, while bottles of champagne range from 150 to 780. McGregor charges 6.50 for a pint of Guinness in his pub, compared to his own-brand Forged Irish Stouts 6 price point. Most lagers in the pub are priced at 7.30. The Black Forge wine list I was taken aback at how someone going to a pub in a working class area like Crumlin would be even thinking about spending nearly twenty grand on a bottle of wine, remarked one person in the pub, who highlighted the startling price on the menu. I was told that of course no one from Crumlin or Drimnagh would spend 17,500 for a bottle of wine, but that it is Conors favourite, and he drinks it from time to time when hes in the pub. Its unclear whether McGregor actually puts the huge cost of the French wine on his bill, but he would still be hit deep in the pockets either way. Thats because online wholesale prices for that same bottle of wine show that its fetching around 5,600 on the open market, leading to a profit of just over 12,000 if any customer decided to fork out for it in the Black Forge. The 2005 Petrus on the Black Forge wine list for 17.5K . Petrus is often considered the pinnacle of the Pomerol appellation and is undoubtedly one of the most revered wines in the world, says one expert. The 2005 Petrus is dazzling. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2005 possesses magnificent density from start to finish. McGregor is currently on holiday with his family on his yacht in the Mediterranean. On Friday he issued a rambling statement after Nikita Hands latest victory, in which he vowed he would not be paying his pal James Lawrences legal costs after the High Court threw out both of their appeals. Conor with Stephanie Simons in the Black Forge with two bottle of Petrus worth 35k McGregor had tried to challenge the outcome of a civil rape case Nikita Hand won against him last year when a jury found he had assaulted her in a Dublin hotel in 2018 and awarded her almost 250,000 in damages. McGregor had asked the Court of Appeal to allow in new claims that Ms Hand was punched and kicked by her then partner just hours after she says she was raped by McGregor in 2018. However, the allegations, made by Samantha OReilly and Steven Cummins, former neighbours of Ms Hand, were dramatically withdrawn by McGregors legal team on the morning the case opened in July. Nikita Hand slammed the allegations as lies and is now suing both the couple and McGregor for damages, claiming they had been involved in malicious abuse of the processes of the Court of Appeal. The Sunday World called to the home of Samantha OReilly in south Dublin on Friday but a neighbour told us: She doesnt want to talk. Conor with Stephanie Simons in the Black Forge with two bottle of Petrus worth 35k News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th MGS5 isnt perfect but is superb value if youre in the market for a big family car The MGS5 isnt perfect, but its a great car that offers a superb entry point for families looking to get into an affordable EV SUV This car isnt perfect, but it completely won me over this week. MGs comeback in recent years has its fans as well as its doubters. In quick summary, the 4 is one of my favourite EVs of the last few years, the 3 doesnt hit the mark, the HS plug-in hybrid is only ok, and the ZS EV is a triumph. And as for the Cybersterwell, anyone who read my review will know that I loved everything about it apart from the doors. Now there is another model to add to the growing fleet of MG cars. Quality and space are top-notch The MGS5 (not to be abbreviated to S5 by the way, as a certain German premium brand owns that moniker) is the companys family SUV. It has similar dimensions to Irish ratings busters like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson and, because this car is now part of the Chinese-State-owned SAIC, it can be manufactured and delivered to Ireland for less you can actually own one of these and get change of 30k. There are two versions, starting with the Standard Range SE with a 47.1kWh battery and a 168bhp electric motor. It has a claimed 340km range on a full charge so (even without driving it) expect to only get 260-280km. The Long Range (yes, I drove this one) gets a bigger 61.7kWh battery and a stronger 228bhp motor. Driving it is easy, and the power and torque is perfectly adequate for all forms of city and motorway driving, yet it never feels like you are over egging it like a boy racer. Overtaking was smooth and comfortable, which is the only thing you need to consider when discussing speed in a family SUV. Thankfully the long-range version comes with a boastful 465km on a full charge, so when I took Team Keany across the country for a quick round trip I did it stress-free and with some kilometres in my back pocket by the time I got home. A boot load of room Realistically, you need to aim for 400km max on a full charge here. I was intentionally soft on the accelerator, with to sole aim to avoid the public charge network. If I had to go faster, I may have needed to rely on a quick pit stop. There is a step forward in refinement here (from the ZS anyway), with less wind noise than I expected. You get the impression the MG engineers clearly put a lot more effort and time into the interior this time around. And the use of materials on the dash and doors (soft-touch plastics with fake stitching) is well thought out. In my test car (the range-topping Trophy trim) you get a suede-finished wireless phone-charging pad on the centre console, plus an embossed MG pattern on the leather-style seat inserts. Centre consoles are not a sexy topic in car reviews. I know that. But even my wife commented twice on how she liked the layout and finish on it from the passengers perspective. It is far from cheap looking, so dont be naive in thinking that a cheap asking price means a cheap finish. And while the underpinnings are the same as the hatchback MG4, this car gives you a really high driving position with excellent visibility over the front and out to the sides. Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard on all models and I made great use of the impressive 360-degree camera that only comes in the top trim line. Every version comes with a 10.3 digital drivers display and there is a standard infotainment touchscreen measuring 12.8 which, I believe, is the largest theyve ever made. The big icons make it easier to use than the slightly fiddly set-up in the MG4, but I do think the tech geeks in MG need to spend some time on the operating system layout here. There are a few too many touches required to get to some important features. Safety-wise it is fully loaded (as standard) which is obviously a great selling point, but in that positive comes a niggly negative for me. There are just too many bings and bongs hurled at you during your initial driving experience. And you seem to have to disable them all each time you get in the car. On the plus side, there are actual physical buttons for the climate control and the transition to Apple Carplay is seamless. There is good space in row two for three kids or two adults (comfortably) and the boot comes with a decent 453-litre capacity, which increases to 1,441 litres when the rear seats are folded down. This is a great car that punches above its weight and will tick a lot of boxes for Irish families hungry to make the move from ICE to EV and keep the costs down. Even my top-of-the-range version came in at 36,995, which is cheaper than the entry-level version of a lot its rivals. Thousands of Irish visitors descend on Floridas theme parks every year, but the Sunshine State has so much more to offer I dont wish to gloat, but as I write this I am sitting on the balcony of my hotel in Orlando , Florida having just returned from another wild day of fun in the Sunshine State. It is 28 degrees at 9pm and the kids are having one last swim in the pool before we leave the city at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Like tens of thousands of Irish holidaymakers every summer, we have taken the plunge and invested in the core-memory-making trip of a lifetime. This week we are in Universal Studios (staying in one of their hotels) and the package came with three days of park tickets. That means we have had four days to explore the city and its surrounding area, and to our pleasant surprise there are loads of amazing things to do once you venture outside the gates of one of the planets most popular theme parks. I had done a lot of research in advance of this trip (outlet shopping, Kennedy Space Centre and various themed restaurants were on our to-do list) but even I didnt have ziplining over a lake full of alligators, a gigantic Penneys (Im not joking), feeding capybaras, eating in the worlds biggest McDonalds and sitting on an airboat doing 50km/h through Floridian marshlands on my summer holiday bingo card. Florida has always been a hit with Irish tourists, but I am here to say it is OK to venture outside the theme parks and explore. Check out visitorlando.com for all of these and more to help you plan your trip, and follow @VisitOrlando on socials. The Keanys up close and personal with alligators at Gator Land Gator Land Moments after meeting the iconic Brandon Fisher at his spiritual home at Gator Land, he has thrust a baby alligator into our 11-year-olds hand as she is told to hold it like a remote control. Its only 9am and little did we know that the Gator Land experience is so much more than just an elaborate zoo. Moments later we are being fitted for harnesses because we have booked in for a ziplining experience like no other. Dangling 50ft over a gator-riddled lake while your family laugh and mock you was not on our summer holiday to-do list but having completed the five exhilarating ziplines I am here to tell you it is an absolute must-do activity. There is also offroading through the swamp lands, and the zoo area has other animals like adorable capybaras, colourful parrots, cheeky monkeys, sleepy foxes and giant turtles. Throw in some play areas and Instagrammable walkways and you have yourself an incredible day out. gatorland.com Sarah and Daragh at the impressive Kennedy Space Centre Kennedy Space Centre Nothing says America quite like a gigantic real-life shuttle and a meet-and-greet with an astronaut who had four space flights across his illustrious career. The beauty of this Space Centre is that, while parts of it are VERY interactive, most of it is self-guided, meaning you can enjoy at your own pace. Team Keany spent six amazing hours at the unique location that gives patrons exclusive access to some of the worlds most impressive space vehicles. It also tells the story of the space race in the 1960s (I learned more in 10 minutes at KSC than three years of Junior Cert history) with so many fun twists that even the kids were completely enthralled. Throw in a VR simulator, a warehouse-size playground, real life rockets, real life astronauts, a gorgeous restaurant and playful science experiments to take part in throughout the vast site and you could easily spend days here and still not get to it all. Single-day admission is $77 per adult/$67 per child plus tax, and the 2-day ticket is $91 per adult/$81 per child. The Chat With An Astronaut is offered twice daily at 10am and 2pm. Tickets are additional $50 per adult/$35 per child (price includes meal and drinks as well as a commemorative gift and signed portrait of the astronaut. See kennedyspacecenter.com for deals and packages. Wild Florida airboats Wild Florida 45 minutes south of Orlando and perched on the east shore of Cypress Lake is an estate known as Wild Florida. I am not going to lie to you. The draw of this spot was the fact that they host airboat rides on the marshes around the edge of the lake. Ever since I gorged on Police Academy 5: Mission to Miami I have wanted to go on one of the propeller boats so I signed us up immediately. It was everything we had hoped for and we even got to ride alongside gators in the river and even crept up on a mum who was minding her babies in the wild. We also took some time to take in the exotic zoo that has sloths, porcupines, lemurs, capybaras and lots of other gators before we did their other big draw the self-guided drive-through safari. We genuinely lost count of all the animals we got to see in the wild as I sauntered around the incredible site at 5mph for over an hour. We absolutely adored this and would highly recommend. wildfloridairboats.com Shopping at the Premium Outlets Shopping I challenge anyone to land into the Sunshine State and not visit the various malls and outlet stores. While the discounts may not be as drastically different these days compared to the 1990s and 2000s, there are still loads of bargains to be had. Plus, there is a thrill from stepping inside stores that simply dont exist here in Ireland. Shares in Sephora went through the roof on our holiday as my daughters finally got to darken the door of the makeup mecca. High end runners were purchased for around 80 compared to the 125 asking price here. And three hours were lost in Super Target on one fun evening as Team Keany splurged on American clothing and food items like we were about to spend a month in a bomb shelter. We spent most of our first day at The Premium Outlets on International Drive enjoying shops like Nike, Urban Outfitters, Under Armour, Victorias Secret, American Eagle, GAP, Oakley and Old Navy. Even stores like Walgreen, Walmart and CVS are exciting to first-time tourists in Orlando and dont be shocked if you find yourself caught by the deals at gimmicky shops like Sun-Sational or Alvins Island. To be honest, I found it hard to say no based on the offers we stumbled on. Think Carrolls of Dublin x 100. Chloe, Mia and Daragh shopping at Penneys in Florida Mall Penneys You can take the Paddies out of Ireland but If you find yourself at the very impressive Florida Mall you will be pleasantly surprised to know that Penneys has recently taken one of the prime spots there. Sitting in among a giant Sephora store, a bonkers Tesla showroom that has working robots, a Pandora store that requires queueing to get into and every other major brand you can think of (all in beautifully air conditioned thoroughfares by the way) is the newest Penneys on the planet. Of course, this being America, it has to have a twists on the norm so they have laid out everything on the ground floor that you would normally associate with the brand but if you venture up the escalator you will be greeted by an entire floor dedicated to Disney merch. So if you are planning on heading to Disney World and are fretting about the cost of onsite t-shirts and ears, then head to Penneys on Orange Blossom Trail first. The goods may be different here but the prices arent, which came as a massive welcome relief on the three-week trip. Mia and her US-sized portion of CheeseBalls Food When your daughters are almost as excited to try a corndog or a Slurpy from 7-Eleven as they are about visiting theme parks and outlet malls you know there is something wrong. But over the course of nearly three weeks we set about trying a long to-do list of American eateries. Top of the tried and tested list was Chick-Fil-A followed by Wing Stop, Raising Canes and Texas Roadhouse. Crumbl Cookie and Cheese Balls definitely lived up to expectations but the fun Shrekzel at Universal Studios fell short (yes, I know this was technically inside the gates) but nothing was as disappointing as our visit to the Worlds Biggest McDonalds. Biggest does not mean best in this situation. In fact, it was the closest thing to hell we experienced on our entire trip. Give yourself an added 30 minutes to find parking. And dont expect normal queue systems and etiquette to be upheld by the patrons. Oh and if you like fizz in your drinks you should probably avoid too. TOP RENT A CAR TIP: To venture outside the theme parks regularly, consider renting a car. If you do, make sure you download the Visitor Toll Pass app and get a card from one of the booths in Orlando airport before collecting your rental car. It is strictly for use within Floridas borders and offers users discounts on every single toll in Florida. I needed one for two whole weeks and will have clocked up nearly 3,000km by the time I hand it back next week, so it saved me a fortune. I also really enjoyed telling the Enterprise Rental lady a hard no when she tried to upsell their Toll Package. It comes in way cheaper overall and allows you to opt out of your rental companys toll package! Youre welcome! Sarah, Chloe, Mia and Daragh at Kennedy Space Centre FACTFILE: ORLANDO For excursions and attraction planning log onto VisitOrlando.com American Holidays have a series of deals and offers for trips (including hotels, flights and attractions) to the USA. Check out AmericanHolidays.com While in Orlando, Daragh was a guest of Universal Studios. See universalorlando.com Darren Coleman woke one morning in October 2020 to discover his wife and their infant son had died. Darren Coleman husband of Nicola Keane talks to the media after his case against the HSE was settled. Photo Collins Courts The husband of a woman who died after killing their child has hit out at the lack of empathy and support in the healthcare system. The body of Darren Colemans wife Nicola Byrne - a 34-year-old paediatric nurse from Ballina, Co Mayo - was found off the M50 Westlink bridge in the early hours of October 22, 2020. When he was woken a short time later by gardai who called to the couples home at Shackleton Way, Lucan, Co Dublin, he discovered their seven-month-old son, Henry, in an unresponsive state in a spare bedroom. The baby boy was pronounced dead shortly after being brought to Childrens Health Ireland at Crumlin. Darren Coleman. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin An inquest subsequently found that the tragic deaths if the concerns of medical staff about her mental health had been shared with her husband Just a month after his wife Nicola had died by suicide, he received a phone call from someone at the Crumlin hospital informing him that the toxicology report for his late son Henry was complete. Mr Coleman was then asked what should happen to the organs of his seven-month old infant son. They said I could incinerate them or I could bury Henry with them, which would mean digging his body back up again, Mr Coleman has revealed in an interview with the Irish Times. "And they asked me to let them know early next week. That was it. I went back into the class and went on with work. I rang back next week, because I wasnt going to dig up his body. Nicola Keane and her husband Darren Coleman. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin. News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th Maybe they didnt know I was back at work but these are personal things theyre talking about. It shouldve been a letter asking me to come in to discuss, or they couldve called the Garda liaison and she couldve called over and told me." Mr Coleman went on to say that he felt no empathy or care had been shown to him by the health authorities. He also stated that his late wife had been crying out for help but did not receive the support that she required. In 2023, Mr Coleman told a sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court that he had endured a three-year wait as the only member of my family alive to speak to voice his concerns about the care his wife had received for post-natal depression and the lack of information he was given by her doctors about her condition. Evidence was heard that Ms Keane told doctors that she was concerned that she might do something because of her sons irritability and her fears they were not bonding, although she repeatedly denied any intention of suicide or harming her son. Medical records showed Ms Keane had told a psychologist at the hospital that she had damaged her son who was botched but nobody would believe her and nothing could be done. Mr Coleman believed he should have been informed that his wifes medication had been increased twice around a month before her death as well as about any possible side-effects and that doctors had noted that she had delusional beliefs and depressive episodes. To read about this after their deaths has hurt me so much that I will never recover from it, said Mr Coleman at the hearing two years ago. The inquest's jury went on to return a majority 6-1 verdict of medical misadventure in relation to Ms Keanes death. Mr Coleman sued Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) and the HSE over the circumstances leading to his wife and son's death but the legal action was settled in 2024. The 335-page report, released today, revealed that OceanGate had critically flawed safety practices and a toxic workplace culture OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who died on the deep-sea submersible alongside four others, ignored critical data leading up to the vessels implosion in June 2023, according to a new report from the US coast guard. The 335-page report, released today, revealed that OceanGate had critically flawed safety practices and a toxic workplace culture and that Rushs negligence contributed to the deaths of those on board. It also found that the Titans disappearance and eventual implosion was preventable. This marine casualty and the loss of five lives was preventable, said Jason Neubauer, the Titan Marine Board of Investigation Chair, while calling for greater oversight. The two-year investigation has identified multiple contributing factors that led to this tragedy, providing valuable lessons learned to prevent a future occurrence. The Titan submersible imploded in June 2023 (OceanGate Expeditions/PA) Rush, who acted as the Titan subs pilot, was singled out as the driving force that led to the catastrophe. The OceanGate boss exhibited negligence that contributed to the deaths of four individuals, the report found. It also identified evidence of a potential criminal offence. Had Rush survived, the coast guard would have recommended the US justice department consider pursuing a separate criminal investigation. How the company was run allowed Rush to completely ignore critical data and other safety measures ahead of the doomed expedition to the Titanics ruins. The lack of both third-party oversight and experienced OceanGate employees on staff during their 2023 Titan operations allowed OceanGates chief executive officer to completely ignore vital inspections, data analyses, and preventative maintenance procedures, culminating in a catastrophic event," the report says. The report detailed eight primary causal factors that led to the subs implosion. They are: OceanGates design and testing processes didnt address the fundamental engineering principles needed for operations in an inherently hazardous environment. OceanGate did not understand the expected cycle life of the subs hull. The company relied too heavily on a real-time monitoring system of the subs condition, but failed to meaningfully examine the data the system provided. OceanGate continued to use the Titan following incidents that compromised the integrity of the hull and other critical components. The Titans carbon fibre construction led to issues that weakened its overall structural integrity. The company failed to investigate the sub after mishaps that negatively impacted its hull and components during dives before the implosion. OceanGates toxic workplace environment, which utilised firings or senior staff members and the looming threat of being fired to keep employees from sharing safety concerns. The companys failure to conduct preventative maintenance on the subs hull or protect it from elements during the off-season ahead of the doomed 2023 expedition. However, it also confirmed the overarching cause was a loss of structural integrity, which led to the instantaneous death of all five people on board. The Titan submersible imploded while Rush and his four passengers were on a dive to see the wreckage of the Titanic. The other four passengers killed in the implosion included Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood (48); his son, Suleman Dawood (19); British businessman Hamish Harding (58); and French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet (77). The report also noted that OceanGate failed to investigate a whistleblowers complaint in 2018. Had there been an earlier investigation, the report suggests, OceanGate could have either met regulatory requirements or changed its plans for the Titanic expedition, the report found. More to follow Stockton Rush, CEO of theTitan submersible company OceanGate News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, August 5th Cupboards were still full, dishes were piled in the sink and bench, the bathroom still had personal items, furniture was still in all the rooms, and the woodshed was piled with a tremendous amount of rubbish. The landlord described the state of the house as squalid, which the tribunal accepted. The landlord, whose name is suppressed, provided the Tenancy Tribunal with photographs of the house to show tenant Jessica Michelle Duffy made no attempt to clean it before she left in February this year. A landlords final inspection of a house revealed some surprises, including baseball bats and chains under the beds and couches, modifications to the garage, and a flatmate still living there with his dog. Baseball bats and chairs were found under the beds and couches. The wood burner was loaded with the remnants of burnt aluminium cans and glass bottles. The bathroom required an immediate application of Exit Mould and personal items removed with gloves before being considered hygienic enough for occupancy and professional cleaners. During an inspection on January 28, the landlord also discovered a missing downpipe and a broken window in one of the rooms. Despite being asked in writing to make repairs before mid-February, Duffy made no effort to do so, the decision said. In another room, four large rectangles had been cut into the carpet, destroying it. The carpet also had suspected paint stains that couldnt be removed. As well as the damaged carpets, there was a strong smell of cigarettes, ash and dog throughout all the rooms. As a result, the landlord decided to replace the carpet and sought a contribution from the tenant. The garage had been heavily carpeted and the walls and windows boarded up and lined with underlay and black material. While the flatmate removed the wall lining, an extensive quantity of boards, material, carpet, underlay, rubbish and personal effects remained in the garage. The garage door was also broken and had to be replaced, because it had been levered open. The recently released decision also noted that because the keys werent returned, the locks had to be replaced and the lawn needed to be mowed. In its decision, the tribunal accepted the landlords claim that the clean-up required two skip bins and many hours of stressful and disgusting work shifting the tenants rubbish and possessions, although the decision notes the flatmate also helped. Taking into account betterment and depreciation, the tribunal ordered that Duffy, who didnt attend the hearing, pay $4822 to the landlord for the costs theyd incurred. That included rent arrears, rubbish removal, replacing carpet, curtains, and repairs to the window and downpipe, garage door, and replacement locks. Catherine Hutton is an Open Justice reporter, based in Wellington. She has worked as a journalist for 20 years, including at the Waikato Times and RNZ. Most recently she was working as a media adviser at the Ministry of Justice. I. Gallastegui Granada Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 14:31 Share Spain's coastal law establishes fines of between 50 and 300,000 euros for a long list of behaviours considered illegal on the country's beaches. The municipal bylaws put in place by town halls along Granada province's Costa Tropical adapt these regulations, but they contain practically the same prohibitions. 1. Environment: The coastal law prohibits removal of sand, stones or shells from beaches as this can alter the habitat of living organisms and encourage erosion. The use of any type of detergents or cleaning products in the sea or in public showers is forbidden, as is leaving cigarette butts and rubbish on the beach as is using the sea or the beach as a toilet. 2. Games During the high season (15 June to 15 September) activities, games or exercises that may disturb other users, both on the beach and in the sea are not permitted. Games may only be played on beaches whose size allows them to be played without causing a nuisance and at least six metres away from other users. 3. Boats Boats must respect the bathing area, i.e. from high tide in a 200-metre wide strip. They must access this area through the nautical channels, at an appropriate speed and respecting swimmers. This includes jet skis and pedal boats. 4. Dogs In all the coastal municipalities of Granada province consulted, pets are banned from beaches in summer. The exceptions are the dog beaches (El Cable in Motril and La Veintiuna in Almunecar) or the areas set up as dog parks, such as the one in Albunol. Guide dogs are excluded from this rule. 5. Fire Fires, barbecues, cooking or the use of pyrotechnic material or flammable liquids are not allowed on the beach, although most municipalities make exceptions, such as San Juan night (23 June). However, a permit must be requested and a deposit must be paid, which is refunded if the bonfire area is left clean. 6. Fishing Both shore and underwater fishing is prohibited in the bathing area from 9am to 10pm between 15 June and 15 September. 7. Trading The traditional selling of towels, costume jewellery, drinks and food is illegal. 8. Noise The use of music or sound systems, video players, musical instruments or any other device that emits disturbing noise is not permitted on beaches. This definition also includes mobile phones. 9. Umbrellas, tents and pergolas Camping is not allowed on the beaches and reserving space by leaving umbrellas, tents, chairs and other equipment is also prohibited. 10. Parking It is forbidden to drive and park vehicles, except in the nautical channels for the entry and exit of boats. Ines Gallastegui Granada Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 14:20 Share Ten years after the historic protest against the highest and possibly oldest mountain refuge in Spain, during which hundreds of people called for a halt to the demolition of Elorrieta, which is located at 3,187 metres above sea level, the restoration work to save it from ruin began on Tuesday 5 August. This was confirmed to SUR's sister newspaper Ideal by the director of the Sierra Nevada Natural Area, Francisco de Asis Munoz, who explained that the work is part of a wider project to restore fifteen mountain infrastructures in the provinces of Granada and Almeria, with a budget of 700,000 euros financed by European funds from the recovery, transformation and resilience Plan. The lodge, built between 1931 and 1933 and located near the Tozal del Cartujo and the Tajos de la Virgen consists of two parts: an exterior vaulted part made of brick and semi-cylindrical and another part of galleries excavated in the rock. It has level three protection within the urban planning of the Barranco del Poqueira. The Granada Historica association has even requested its declaration as an asset of cultural interest (BIC). The work which was awarded to Tragsa has a budget of around 150,000 euros and a completion period of just three weeks. They will consist of repairing the roofs and exteriors, whitewashing and waterproofing, replacing doors and windows and installing bars to prevent the entry of animals and people, as some hikers take materials as souvenirs or throw rubbish inside. Debris scattered around the area will also be removed. Given the altitude and the difficulty of access, building materials and workers will arrive on board a helicopter hired by the contracting company. The Accion Sierra Nevada action group highlighted the heritage value and the usefulness of the hostel for mountaineers. Munoz insisted that the restoration will not involve a change in the use of the refuge, which will continue to be "scientific" or "rescue and protection". In other words, most of the site will remain closed to the public and only part of it will be open as a bivouac shelter - with a dozen places - so that those mountaineers who need it can take shelter from the wind, cold or snow. Change of philosophy Where there has been a 180-degree U-turn is in the philosophy of the Junta de Andalucia. The Andalusian mountain federation decided in 1993 to relinquish the management of the refuge - which it had had for thirty years - firstly due to a lack of means for its maintenance, but also because it considered that this infrastructure was "surplus to requirements" in the high mountains. While the debate about whether it should be demolished or restored dragged on, the refuge began to deteriorate caused by time, the harsh weather and vandalism. The Accion Sierra Nevada platform started a campaign to have its historic importance and usefulness for mountaineers recognised and it even started a fund-raising campaign and carried out several voluntary tasks including clearing debris, painting and putting up a gate. However, in all these years there has been no serious conservation work by the national park, until today. Fernando Alonso Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 20:18 Share The people of Malaga today may have the impression that in recent times tragedies and misfortunes have been hanging over their heads: economic crises, pandemics, wars, volcanic eruptions and even an unexpected blackout. However, if we look back in history, we can assure you that calamities and catastrophes have always been there. Perhaps the most famous natural catastrophe of the 18th century was the All Saints' Day earthquake of 1755, also known as the Great Lisbon earthquake. Its epicentre was in the Atlantic Ocean, near the Portuguese capital, although its effects were felt across much of the European continent. It is estimated to have had a magnitude of 8.5 on the Richter scale. Medina Conde (Spanish archeologist 1726-1798) wrote about the earthquake, explaining that in Malaga on 1 November, the earth shook for eight to ten minutes in the three aftershocks caused by the earthquake between nine and ten o'clock in the morning. In the cathedral, the dean was officiating mass at the high altar and collapsed onto a chair in the chancel, while the congregation fled in terror. Many buildings collapsed, including the convent (Convento de la Encarnacion) on Calle Beatas, which had to be rebuilt. Some of the main streets (Calles Nueva, Granada and Beatas) were closed, as it was thought that the vibrations could cause buildings to collapse - after the earthquake left them in a deplorable state. Throughout the month of November of that year there were several aftershocks, referred to as "palpitaciones" (palpitations) at the time. The most important of all was the one on 27 November, at half past ten in the morning. The tremor lasted between five and ten minutes, which must have felt like an eternity. This aftershock had even more repercussions than the earthquake itself. The people of Malaga were in a constant state of shock and were already aware of the consequences of the earthquake in Cadiz, where a large tsunami devastated part of the coast, causing many deaths and considerable material damage. So, on 27 November 1755, after the earthquake, the rumour spread among the people of Malaga that "the sea was going out". Others spoke of a voice coming out of the sea. They claimed that the sea was retreating, that the beaches were going to run dry and the boats were stranded many metres from the beach, while a gigantic wave formed on the horizon threatening to swallow the city and its inhabitants. Journalist and author Diaz de Escovar understood that this was, in reality, "a hallucination of frenzied fantasies". Zoom Plaza del Obispo circa 1800. Panic spread among the population and people fled in terror to the mountains, leaving houses and properties abandoned. They left their homes, shops and offices unattended and unlocked; the sick and infirm were forgotten; the friars and nuns escaped from their cells. There was one important monk who had to get rid of his cloak because it hindered his running. There was hardly a person of any state or condition who did not believe that the sea had gone out and that it was necessary to make a hasty escape to the mountains. Malaga was empty. Some climbed to Gibralfaro, others to the San Cristobal hill; some found these elevations insufficient and sought a place further away from the coast, taking refuge in the vineyards of Chapera: the present-day municipality of Casabermeja. These mountains were crowned with a huge crowd of people who defied the rain that began to fall that day in a collective psychosis. Other 18th century disasters Although the population of Malaga grew steadily in the 18th century - from 24,255 inhabitants in 1717 to 49,049 in 1787 - the century was plagued with disasters and epidemics. In 1719, the dreaded tabardillo (a disease similar to typhus) spread across the city from the port dock, where the troops were given spoiled food. The tabardillo returned in 1738. Three years later, the terrible black vomiting, an infectious disease affected the whole population. This disease arrived from the French island of Martinique. The plagues continued. The tabardillo epidemic of 1750 killed six thousand people in six months. Finally, the century ended with an epidemic of malaria tertiana. Dreaded famines add to the list of calamities, produced by a succession of bad harvests, such as that of 1734, known as 'la Nanica', and others in 1736 and 1743. Floods caused by the overflowing of the Guadalmedina occurred in 1714, 1722, 1745 and 1764. In view of the unusual situation, the governor was forced to bring troops into the streets to prevent possible looting - which was also very difficult, as some of the military had also fled. The authorities went around the highlands trying to persuade the population that it was a false alarm: the sea was calm and no huge wave was approaching. Medina Conde explained that "it took a lot of work to get people back to their homes". Malaga residents were reassured that, in the event of an catastrophe, the population would be warned by ringing the bell at Puerta del Mar, known as Espantaperros, where sentries would be permanently posted to keep an eye on the horizon, in case they spotted any suspicious or strange movements at sea. Little by little, people began to return to their homes. Diaz de Escovar stated that "the strangest thing about the aforementioned alarm was that, despite everyone abandoning their homes, leaving many of them open, not a single object was missing, neither the jewellery from the churches, nor the goods from the abandoned shops". Javier Almellones Malaga Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 09:32 Share They are two different population centres, but they form a unique symbiosis on the Axarquia coast on the eastern Costa del Sol. Torre del Mar and La Caleta de Velez neighbour each other and both form part of the municipality of Velez-Malaga. Together they offer the ideal summer destination with something for everyone from adrenaline-junkies, foodies, beach-lovers and history-buffs. Catamaran excursion A dolphin-sighting trip A great experience is embarking on the Zostera catamaran from La Caleta marina, which is also the most important fishing port in Malaga province. From there you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, but even if you don't a trip on the catamaran is well worth it. Even if you don't get to see these friendly marine mammals, you will always see part of the Axarquia's coastline from a different perspective and the trip includes the chance to swim in the open sea. Zostera offers several excursions including one with lunch or even visits to the Maro Cliffs protected area. To the Sound of Rebalancing Musical evenings of all styles Zoom Summer nights in Torre del Mar are full of music. Different styles converge in 'Al Son del Rebalaje' which until the end of August offers a varied evening programme of music and dance on the stage set up near the town's lighthouse. You can listen to Andalusian rock, choirs and dances or even a tribute to Joaquin Sabina and much more. Gastronomic route The flavours of La Caleta Zoom La Caleta de Velez is a great place for foodies, with bars and restaurants offering the catch of the day from the local fishing harbour to other traditional specialities and modern, international cuisine. Chinchin Puerto, El Saladero and El Puerto are award-winning restaurants and others including El Calderon, La Fuente, El Bodegon and La Parada are all very popular among locals and visitors alike. Caleta town centre is ideal for shopping for seafood in its fishmongers' shops or the famous Algarrobo-style oil cakes in well-known bakeries. The hidden vestiges The "hidden" lighthouse and castle of Torre del Mar Zoom Torre del Mar has emblematic places such as its Paseo de Larios, a wide tree-lined pedestrian avenue and the two lighthouses, one old and the other modern, which are on the seafront. However, those who walk a short way up Avenida Tore Tore, which goes away from the beach from the modern blue and white lighthouse, will spot (on the right, tucked away behind the blocks of flats) an even older lighthouse; the town's first one, which is steeped in history. Places that travel back in time Museums on sugar and fishing Zoom Those who visit Torre del Mar and La Caleta de Velez shouldn't leave without delving into the area's past. In Torre del Mar you can visit an old cane sugar factory, Nuestra Senora del Carmen, Antigua Fabrica de Azucar, which was one of the main factories in the province of Malaga between the 19th and 20th centuries, while in La Caleta there is a fishing visitor's centre. Aquavelis Slides and fun at the water park Zoom Just opposite El Ingenio shopping centre on Avenida del Rey Juan Carlos 1 (the road that connects Torre del Mar and Velez-Malaga) is Aqauvelis, one of the three water parks in the province of Malaga and the only one in the Axarquia. The Kamikaze, the Super Niagara or the Spiral are just some of the slides at the park. A day at the beach From the River Velez delta to La Caleta marina Zoom Although La Caleta de Velez also has its own beach, those of Torre del Mar, which are backed by a well-equipped promenade, are better known and wider. From the dog beach at the western end of the town, to urban stretches with wide sandy areas. There is plenty to choose from on the more than three kilometres of Torre del Mar beach. There is no shortage of beach bars and restaurants on the beachfront, as well as children's play areas, outdoor gym equipment, beach libraries, ice-cream parlours and green areas. Former JPMorgan bankers Jerry Garcia and Chris Gatsch have established Alta Vera Global Capital Advisors, a new wealth manager with $400m in assets, reported Bloomberg. Alta Vera will provide wealth management, capital raising and hedging services, catering to affluent families, founders, and institutions. The founders aim to expand their business by attracting talent from established banking institutions. Garcia projects the business assets to grow quickly as a result of pipeline discussions with teams at large banks. The new firm has teamed up with OneSeven, a registered investment adviser, to tap into its offerings in areas such as marketing and compliance. It is also collaborating with Sextant Capital Solutions for its capital raising endeavours, providing clients with opportunities in private markets. Trading support, particularly in hedged equity strategies and derivatives, will be provided by Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth. Garcia most recently contributed to the growth of wealth firm Azura's business across the Western Hemisphere. He has 15 years of background with JPMorgan, where he served as managing director and market manager for the private bank in Central and South America. In an interview to Bloomberg, he said: I wanted to build a business that wasnt just another RIA. I was approached too many times where our ultra-high-net-worth clients had business needs and wed refer that to the investment bank and 99 times out of 100, the investment bank would turn it down. I got tired of saying no to my clients. Gatsch will take on the role of president and chief operating officer at Alta Vera, merging his Lakehouse Private Wealth Management firm into the new entity. His experience includes stints at JPMorgan and Merrill Lynch, and he will maintain his base in Philadelphia. The firm is also linked to the Merchant Investment Management ecosystem through a 20% stake in OneSeven. Merchant, overseeing approximately $250bn through its partnerships, will support Alta Vera with the structuring and financing of deals. Alta Vera is actively engaged in capital raising initiatives, with mandates currently spanning from $50m to $2bn. Garcia has expertise in the Latin American and US markets and having discussions with teams in Asia and Europe. "Former JPMorgan executives set up new wealth manger Alta Vera " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Julio J. Portabales Alhaurin el Grande Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 18:45 Share The decision to change the name of the Alhaurin el Grande hamlet of Villafranco del Guadalhorce is now final. This area in the Guadalhorce Valley in Malaga province, which has been marked by its origins during Franco's dictatorship, will now carry a new name: Villa del Guadalhorce. The change was approved by the Alhaurin el Grande town hall on Friday, 1 August, endorsed by an absolute majority. The change responds to compliance with the law of democratic memory in Spain, which seeks to suppress and eliminate references linked to the Franco regime in the toponymy of the municipality. During a municipal meeting in March, the council had already presented a plan to initiate the process of changing the name. The proposal went ahead with the ruling team voting in favour and the opposition against. The town hall stated that this measure is in line with the provisions of state regulations on memory, which oblige public administrations to "remove elements or names that exalt the dictatorship". In addition, the law establishes that the presence of such elements in public spaces must be corrected through actions such as the revision of the street map or the change of names, including names of urban centres or local entities, as in this case. Administrative process Following the name change approval, the administrative procedure for its definitive validation by the competent authorities is now open. Once the legal procedures have been completed, the new name will be incorporated into Malaga's official gazette and updated in signage, documentation and institutional records. The decision to change the name of this hamlet located in the north of the municipality, separated from the main town centre by the Fahala river, has been generating disagreements for months. Vox spokesperson Antonio Jesus Fernandez strongly rejected the name change, considering it a "capricious" political decision "lacking any real justification". "Villafranco del Guadalhorce does not bear this name because of any exaltation of the former regime, but because there was a house known as 'la casa de los Franco', where traders stopped on their way to the municipality. Their descendants still live in the area and at least 17 residents today have that surname," said Fernandez, who described the modification as an "the attempt to erase local history without evidence or residential consensus". Members of the PP party in the town hall also expressed their disagreement with the name change and questioned the ruling team's priorities. They criticised the local government for making this a priority issue, when there are other problems in the hamlet that require attention, such as the lack of investment, the state of infrastructure, the improvement of public transport and healthcare. In addition, they denounce the lack of residential consensus and warn of the economic cost of updating signage and official documents. According to the PP, the local government "has preferred to focus on a symbolic gesture instead of solving real problems", "forgetting the real needs of the residents". Tony Bryant Marbella Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 11:50 Share Concerned people from both the Spanish and international communities will gather in Plaza de los Naranjos in Marbella on Thursday 7 August for a peaceful protest against the continued support and staging of bullfights in the Costa del Sol town. Organised by Animals in Marbella Sanctuary (Aims), the demonstration, the second to be organised by the group in Marbella this summer, aims to raise awareness and calls for an end to this violent spectacle. Under the banner Not in our town. Not with our taxes, the demonstration will take place from 8pm outside Marbella town hall, after a request to protest outside the bullring once again was denied by local authorities - reportedly due to a counter-protest planned in support of bullfighting. In response, protesters have chosen to bring their message directly to the seat of local government. The protest is part of a petition calling for an end to bullfighting in Marbella that has now gathered over 52,000 signatures. The activists said that this message is clear: This violent spectacle is not representative of the values held by the majority of local residents. Protesters will be urging the mayor and the local authority to take a definitive stand. Despite efforts to frame bullfighting as tradition or culture, there is growing opposition within Spain itself, with many people speaking out against what they see as institutionalised animal cruelty, a spokesperson for the group said. Javier Almellones Ronda Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 17:44 | Updated 18:10h. Share Spectacular natural bathing pools for cooling off in the summer heat, caves and other geological formations and even some unsolved mysteries await visitors to the stretch of the Guadiaro valley that lies within Malaga's provincial border, which include the picturesque villages of Benaojan, Jimera de Libar and the town of Cortes de la Frontera. Cueva del Gato (cat cave) A challenging dip in the Charco Frio This spot is as idyllic as the waters of its aptly-named Charco Frio bathing pool. The tempting, crystalline waters below this cave are icy cold. The Cueva del Gato, declared a natural monument of Andalucia, is one of the legendary sites in the Serrania de Ronda mountain range. This is also a challenge that not everyone can manage, as it is not easy to venture into these waters. Many settle for just dipping their toes in or simply enjoying a day on its small beach. To do so, they first have to take the road that leads to Benaojan from Ronda. You'll need a one-euro coin to park your car in the nearest designated car park. Cueva de la Pileta An underground cathedral of cave paintings in the heart of the Guadiaro valley Zoom Pileta cave. J.A. This cave system, also located in the municipality of Benaojan, houses some extraordinary cave paintings from the Upper Palaeolithic period. The cave, which is currently privately owned, was discovered in 1905 by a farmer from this village, Jose Bullon Lobato. Excavations have uncovered remains of ceramics from the period, including a pendant depicting the goddess Venus. Among the paintings, those of animals especially stand out, sometimes appearing superimposed on each other in different colours. The cave, which is currently operated by the heirs of its discoverer, is open to the public every day. Tickets must be booked in advance to visit the cave. Las Buitreras The vertiginous vuture canyon declared a natural monument Zoom Las Buitreras. Ricardo Pastor It is a geological spectacle that is protected as a natural monument of Andalucia. Getting there is not easy, but it's worth making an effort to explore some of the possible access routes. This is an unusual gorge, the result of the erosion by the Guadiaro river itself, which crosses these narrow passages to channel its waters towards the province of Cadiz. The enclave is located in a place as spectacular as it is emblematic, where three municipalities of the Serrania de Ronda area meet today: Benarraba, Benalauria and Cortes de la Frontera. No one can remain unmoved by the sight of this vertical formation, which reaches a height of 100 metres and is barely a metre wide in some sections. Among other unique features, one of its vertical walls dates back to the Jurassic era, millions of years ago. Natural bathing pools and riverside beaches A refreshing day out in crystal-clear fresh waters Zoom Charca de la Ermita, in Jimera de Libar. J.A. The Guadiaro river offers several crystal-clear pools along its course through the western end of Malaga province, which today serve as proper swimming pools and some even with riverside beaches. In some cases, there is not only sand, but also certain amenities, such as sunshades or stones that serve as picnic tables. Among them, the two most notable are the Llana and Ermita pools near the village of Estacion de Jimera, which are just over two kilometres apart. To these must be added those of Cortes de la Frontera, namely Las Pepas, La Zua and El Moro. La Casa de Piedra The enigmatic dwelling carved out of a rock Zoom Casa de Piedra in Cortes de la Frontera. Dip. Malaga A bit of mystery in the middle of summer. That's what happens when you visit the Casa de Piedra in Cortes de la Frontera. A large rock, located on a track from Cortes de la Frontera to the village of Canada Real del Tesoro, was excavated into what may well have been a hermitage for Christian worship, although this is far from certain. Today, it can be accessed via the A-373 road or on foot along a path of just over a kilometre from the town of Cortes. Murals and poetry An urban walking trail, full of surprises, in Cortes de la Frontera Zoom Poetry in Cortes de la Frontera. SUR It was after the first Covid lockdown that it began to take shape. Poems and murals appeared on the walls of its streets to such an extent that the town has now become a compendium of poetry and painting. It's worth taking a stroll through the streets of Cortes de la Frontera to view and read its walls. There is a wide variety of styles in both writing and painting. Artisan products From Maximo's bread "molletes" to Aro's Iberian hams Zoom Molletes from Panaderia Maximo. J.A. The Malaga side of the Guadiaro valley is an ideal place to fill your pantry with quality products. The trio of these 'pueblos blancos' - Benaojan, Cortes de la Frontera and Jimera de Libar - is rich in cured meats, with a wide selection ranging from 'zurrapas' (meat spreads) to top quality Iberian hams. Ibericos Aro, El Cerdito Andaluz and Embutidos Medina are some of the options. Other products that can be bought are the molletes from Maximo's bakery, honey from the Sierra de Libar and El Alcornocal's prize-winning cheeses made from the unpasteurised milk of Payoya goats. Front part of the aircraft damaged by the impact with the bird. Europa Press Madrid Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 12:28 Share An Iberia flight from the capital of Spain to Paris had to make an emergency return to Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport on Sunday, 3 August, after hitting a large bird a few minutes after take-off. According to sources, no passenger or crew member was harmed, despite extensive damage to the front of the aircraft. Avion A321XLR de Iberia regreso a Barajas tras impacto con un ave justo despues del despegue, su destino era Paris (ORY), el impacto dano la carcasa del radar. Vuelo: IB579 Matricula: EC-OOJ pic.twitter.com/t5htFXyRn6 Aereoflightnews (@aereonoticia) August 3, 2025 "In accordance with established safety protocols in these situations, the commander requested clearance to return to the airport of origin, where the aircraft landed safely." The incident happened at around 6.30pm, when the crew of flight IB579 bound for Orly airport informed air traffic control of the impact with a bird, which caused major damage to the front nose cone of the plane, as shown in the images widely shared on social media. Avion de Iberia aterriza de emergencia en Barajas tras los danos causados por impacto de avehttps://t.co/9In0j3Ikqw pic.twitter.com/mWKSyxPDKw Europa Press TV (@europapress_tv) August 4, 2025 Through its official X profile (formerly Twitter), Controladores Aereos de Espana (air traffic controllers in Spain) reported the situation: "The flight deck crew of the flight leaving Madrid-Barajas with destination Paris informed us of an impact with a bird. They requested to make an emergency return to Barajas." Afortunadamente ha quedado en un susto. Gran trabajo de la tripulacion. pic.twitter.com/LjclBCECYp Controladores Aereos (@controladores) August 3, 2025 Following the alert, the aviation safety protocol was activated. The flight was given absolute priority to land and was directed to runway 32L, where the airport's emergency services were already deployed. The landing was completed without further incident and firefighters carried out the corresponding technical check of the aircraft. Iberia scheduled another flight, IB0041, for the passengers of the affected aircraft, which took off from Madrid to Paris at 8pm. The air traffic controllers' union thanked the crew for their excellent work, which allowed the incident to be resolved without major consequences. Antonio Ramirez Cerezo Madrid Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 11:02 Share There could be a turbulent time ahead for Ryanair in Spain in the coming weeks during one of its busiest months of the year. The UGT trade union section at Azul Handling - Ryanair's ground handling subsidiary in Spain - has called a strike, which is scheduled to start in the middle of August and take place every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of the year. The concerns of the trade union are the "ongoing precarious conditions and breaches of labour rights, with which the Ryanair company punishes its staff". The UGT is joined by another large union in the sector of low-cost aviation - the CGT. The first three days of the strike will take place on 15, 16 and 17 August and will be repeated every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 31 December 2025. The strikes will take place from 5am to 9am; from 12pm to 3pm; and from 9pm to 11.59pm. On 4 August, the union requested mediation before the Servicio Interconfederal de Mediacion y Arbitraje (SIMA) as a step before calling a state strike in Azul Handling. According to the UGT, the reasons for the strike include the lack of stable job creation and failure to consolidate working hours for part-time permanent staff; pressure and coercion to work extra hours - both regular and voluntary - with some workers even facing disproportionate penalties; repeated breaches of rulings from the joint committee of the sectoral agreement regarding guarantees and bonuses; and the illegal restrictions on returning to work after medical leave and on adjusting working hours to allow for work-life balance. According to federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT Jose Manuel Perez Grande, Azul Handling puts pressure on its workers that "violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands". The union demands that the company "withdraw the sanctions, comply with the rulings of the joint committee and immediately open a real negotiation process to improve the working conditions of the more than 3,000 workers affected throughout the country". LONDON Its only rock n roll, but its messy. A guitar once played by two members of the Rolling Stones is at the center of a dispute between the bands former guitarist Mick Taylor and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 1959 Gibson Les Paul was donated to the Met as part of what the New York museum calls a landmark gift of more than 500 of the finest guitars from the golden age of American guitar making. The donor is Dirk Ziff, a billionaire investor and guitar collector. When the Met announced the gift in May, Taylor thought he recognized the guitar, with its distinctive starburst finish, as an instrument he last saw in 1971, when the Stones were recording the album Exile on Main St. at Keith Richards rented villa in the south of France. In the haze of drugs and rock n roll that pervaded the sessions, a number of instruments went missing, believed stolen. Mick Taylor and Mick Jagger performing on stage during the Rolling Stones' "50 & Counting" tour at Staples Center on May 3, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) WireImage Now, Taylor and his team believe it has reappeared. The Met says provenance records show no evidence the guitar ever belonged to Taylor. This guitar has a long and well-documented history of ownership, museum spokesperson Ann Ballis said. Taylors partner and business manager, Marlies Damming, said the Met should make the guitar available for inspection. An independent guitar expert should be able to ascertain the guitars provenance one way or the other, she said in a statement to The Associated Press. While its ownership is contested, theres no disputing the instruments starring role in rock history. It was owned in the early 1960s by Keith Richards, who played it during the Rolling Stones first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. The Met says that performance ignited interest in this legendary model. The guitar nicknamed the Keithburst was also played by guitar legends Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. Taylor says he got it from Richards in 1967, two years before he joined the Stones, replacing original member Brian Jones. Jones died in 1969. Taylor left the band in 1974, reuniting with them for the Stones 50th anniversary tour in 2012-2013. Jeff Allen, who was Taylors manager and publicist for decades from the 1990s, said Taylor told me he got it as a present from Keith, and also mentioned the theft. Mick did tell me that the guitar solo that he became quite famous for, on Cant You Hear Me Knocking, was with the Les Paul that got stolen, Allen said. The Mets records say the Les Paul was owned by Richards until 1971, when it was acquired by record producer and manager Adrian Miller, who died in 2006. The guitar has changed hands several times since then, and reappeared twice in public. It was put up for auction by Christies in 2004, when it failed to sell. Ziff bought it in 2016, and loaned it to the Met in 2019 for an exhibition titled Play it Loud: Instruments of Rock & Roll. Its unclear what will happen next. The Met, which plans to open a new gallery dedicated to its collection of American guitars, says it has not been contacted by Taylor or his representatives. A ride malfunction left people stuck 50 feet in the air at a Western New York fair this past weekend. WIVB reports 15 people were stranded on the Vertigo, a swing ride at the Cattaraugus County Fair in Little Valley, N.Y., on Saturday night. The Cattaraugus County Sheriffs Office said police responded to the scene around 9:45 p.m. Deputies said the ride could not be fixed in a timely manner, so fire trucks were brought in to bring riders down. WKBW reports a viral video showed a firefighter from the Ellicottville Fire Department helping a man from his seat onto a ladder. Thank you to all the first responders who responded quickly tonight as we closed out the fair, the fairs official Facebook page said. Everyone is safe and sound. No injuries were reported. Its unclear what caused the malfunction. According to WKBW, the New York State Department of Labor confirmed that all fair rides passed inspection, but the Vertigo swing ride received a violation last month due to a needed repair for one of the chairs crotch guards. The incident occurred on the final night of the 2025 Cattaraugus County Fair. The fair, located about 50 miles south of Buffalo, is scheduled to return Aug. 1-8, 2026. Syracuse, N.Y. -- The multinational company that will ready the site in Clay for Micron Technologys chipmaking complex is going to need lots of help. Gilbane Co., one of the nations largest construction firms, today posted information about what kind of contractors and vendors it will need and how they can bid on the first phase of the project. Gilbane has been hired to lead the preconstruction and site-enabling works for the project, according to the companys Micron in New York web page. Gilbane will be responsible for clearing trees, hauling in fill and other site-preparation work on nearly 700 acres of the 1,000-acre site. Both companies declined to say how much Gilbane is being paid. Gilbane is looking for contractors in five areas: Clearing trees and brush. Micron estimates it will remove 32,500 tons of wood and brush. Supplying the millions of cubic yards of aggregate that will be needed to level the site. Micron has said it would need about 9 million cubic yards of aggregate. Excavating the site and bringing in fill. More than 1.5 million cubic yards of dirt and rock needs to be scraped off before the site can be leveled, Micron has said. Installing temporary and permanent fencing, signs and security cameras. Building, supplying and operating up to three concrete batch plants on site. Any contractors hoping to be part of this construction phase must fill out a 30-question contractor/vendor interest form on the Gilbane site. Gilbane said it would hire two levels of contractors: prime and second-tier. Prime contractors would oversee work in each area and hire the second-tier contractors. The company said it would prioritize hiring veterans and local firms, including those owned by women and minorities. Gilbane will hold a meeting for contractors Aug. 28 at the downtown Marriott Syracuse, the company said. Micron would eventually cut down more than 400 acres of forest and bring in enough aggregate to fill the JMA Wireless Dome five times, according to documents Micron has filed with government agencies. Gilbane has been in business since 1870 and has built some of the nations iconic structures, including the Vietnam and World War II memorials and the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Gilbane is also the construction manager for the new Buffalo Bills stadium. The privately held company had revenues of nearly $8 billion in 2024. Gilbane has extensive experience building semiconductor facilities, including an expansion of a semiconductor research facility in Albany and Intels chipmaking complex in Ohio, which would rival the size of Microns Clay factories. Closer to home, Gilbane built the Empower Credit Union Amphitheater on Onondaga Lake and is building a 466-room apartment complex for Syracuse University students. Washington The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, a move that may make the process unaffordable for many. In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, the department said it would start a 12-month pilot program under which people from countries deemed to have high overstay rates and deficient internal document security controls could be required to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 when they apply for a visa. The proposal comes as the Trump administration is tightening requirements for visa applicants. Last week, the State Department announced that many visa renewal applicants would have to submit to an additional in-person interview, something that was not required in the past. In addition, the department is proposing that applicants for the Visa Diversity Lottery program have valid passports from their country of citizenship. A preview of the bond notice, which was posted on the Federal Register website on Monday, said the pilot program would take effect within 15 days of its formal publication and is necessary to ensure that the U.S. government is not financially liable if a visitor does not comply with the terms of his or her visa. Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure and who are nationals of countries identified by the department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering citizenship by investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program, the notice said. The countries affected will be listed once the program takes effect, it said. The bond could be waived depending on an applicants individual circumstances. The bond would not apply to citizens of countries enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program, which enables travel for business or tourism for up to 90 days. The majority of the 42 countries enrolled in the program are in Europe, with others in Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere. Visa bonds have been proposed in the past but have not been implemented. The State Department has traditionally discouraged the requirement because of the cumbersome process of posting and discharging a bond and because of a possible misperceptions by the public. However, the department said that previous view is not supported by any recent examples or evidence, as visa bonds have not generally been required in any recent period. US-based private equity firm Genstar Capital is considering the sale of automotive software company OEConnection, Reuters reported citing sources. The sale could value the company at up to $5bn, including debt, sources told the news agency. The sale process for OEConnection, which is also backed by automotive giants Ford and General Motors (GM), is expected to commence later in the year. Evercore, an investment banking advisory firm, has been engaged by Genstar to provide counsel on the sale. Genstar Capital declined to comment on the potential sale, and representatives from Evercore and OEConnection were not immediately available for comment, the report said. Genstar Capital acquired OEConnection in 2019 from fellow private equity firmProvidence Equity. As part of the 2019 acquisition, Ford and GM retained minority stakes in OEConnection. The sources, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that OEConnection could fetch a valuation of more than 20 times its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). Ohio, US-based OEConnection was founded in 2000, and specialises in software systems that support the sale and distribution of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts. These systems are used by dealerships, suppliers, and repair shops to streamline their operations. The company is reported to have an EBITDA of $200m and annual revenues amounting to $400m. In 2001, OEConnection introduced CollisionLink, an online tool designed to enable repair shops to purchase OE parts from dealership inventories. Following this, the company rolled out D2DLink, a system that networked dealers across the country, expanding the OEC dealer network from 500 to 10,000. Genstar Capital has over three decades of experience in investing in "high quality" companies. The firm, established in 1988, has nearly $50bn of assets under management and focuses on investments in specific sectors, including financial services, software, industrials, and healthcare. "Genstar looking to divest automotive software company OEConnection report" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The administration of President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to pressure major banks over perceived discrimination against conservatives and crypto companies, according to The Wall Street Journal. The order would threaten to fine lenders that drop customers for political reasons, the Journal said. It also directs regulators to investigate whether any banks have violated the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, antitrust laws or consumer financial protection laws. In addition to financial penalties, violators could face consent decrees or other disciplinary measures, according to the Journal. Trump could sign the order this week. Conservatives have been accusing banks of denying them services on political or religious grounds for years, according to the Journal. And crypto companies have said they were shut out of banking services during the administration of former President Joe Biden. Banks have said they make decisions based on legal, regulatory and financial risks, according to the Journal. A Bank of America spokesman told the Journal the bank welcomed the administrations efforts to provide regulatory clarity. Weve provided detailed proposals and will continue to work with the administration and Congress to improve the regulatory framework, the spokesman said, according to the Journal. Trump spoke about his experiences with two of the nations biggest banks during an interview Tuesday with CNBC. He said JPMorgan Chase at one point told him he had 20 days to move hundreds of millions of dollars in cash to another bank. He didnt provide a date for when the incident occurred. Trump said he then approached Bank of America, which he said turned him down and told him the bank could not give him an account. The banks discriminated against me very badly, and I was very good to the banks, Trump said, according to CNBC. JPMorgan denied targeting conservatives or Trump supporters for de-banking, according to CNBC. We dont close accounts for political reasons, and we agree with President Trump that regulatory change is desperately needed, a JPMorgan spokeswoman said, according to the network. We commend the White House for addressing this issue and look forward to working with them to get this right. Auburn, N.Y. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, joined by leaders of hospitals from across Central New York, unveiled a bill Tuesday that would reverse historic cuts to Medicaid signed into law by President Trump. Schumer made the announcement at Auburn Community Hospital in Cayuga County, among the small, rural hospitals that expect to be hit hardest by the largest cuts in Medicaids history. Were not saying that shoppers have moved passed Stanleys quencher tumblers, but weve definitely seen a major switch from water bottles to lunch boxes lately. Ever since Stanley dropped its All Day Julienne Mini Cooler, shoppers have been lining up to score different variations of Stanleys coolers and lunchboxes, including the All Day Midi Lunch Box. The All Day Midi Lunch Box is designed to keep your meals at the right temperature for hours, thanks to its crush-resistant molded EVA insulation. All Day Midi Lunch Box $60 The All Day Midi Lunch Box is about to sell out Grab it now It features a food-grade liner and an interior mesh pocket in the lid for storing silverware or a small snack. The lunch box has a zipper closure and includes a shoulder strap that extends to 57.3 inches. Highlighted Product Feature The crush-resistant molded EVA insulation is a standout feature, protecting the contents of the lunch box from being squished or damaged. This ensures that items like sandwiches and snacks remain intact and presentable, even during transport. Other Features The compatibility with the 2.11-qt Legendary Useful Box. Although the Useful Box must be purchased separately, the lunchbox being made to fit it snugly is unique and allows for modular organization Learn more about this product here. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft for this story, based on data provided by Stanley. It was reviewed and edited by Syracuse.com. Gov. Kathy Hochul says New York is considering redistricting as Texas Republicans pursue redrawing their own states congressional maps in favor of their own party. Theres a phrase, You have to fight fire with fire. That is a true statement of how were feeling right now, Hochul told media on Monday. And as Ive said, another overused but applicable phrase, Alls fair in love and war. Thats why Im exploring with our leaders every option to redraw our state congressional lines as soon as possible. The New York governor, a Democrat, spoke to reporters alongside New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and several Texas Democrats. Were already working on a legislative process, reviewing our legal strategies, and well do everything in our power to stop this brazen assault, she added. Hochul was referring to efforts by President Donald Trump and Republicans in Texas sought to redraw their congressional map and boost the GOPs 2026 midterm chances in the Lone Star State. However, dozens of Democrats left the state, leaving the state House of Representatives unable to move forward without a quorum Monday. The Associated Press reports Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to remove lawmakers who are absent from their seats, while Democrats said the Republican governor doesnt have the legal authority. The GOP-dominated House issued civil arrest warrants for absent Democrats, but state troopers are not able to pursue them outside of Texas. Amid the tension between the two states, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz appeared to mock Hochul for wearing a head scarf to the funeral of Didarul Islam, a Muslim New York police officer who was killed in a shooting earlier in the week at an NYC office building. Um, wut? Cruz, a Republican, wrote on social media Friday with a photo of Hochul. I wore a headscarf to honor a fallen Muslim NYPD officer at his funeral, Hochul responded on Saturday. Respecting a grieving familys faith is wut leaders and anyone with basic decency would do. I agree. You should wear a hijab every day because you are so damn decent, Cruz shot back on Sunday. Meanwhile, Politico reports other states are also considering new political maps, including California (to remove five Republican-held House seats in favor of Democrats), Ohio and Missouri. According to the Associated Press, the issue has become a major topic ahead of next years midterm elections as Republicans seek to maintain control of the U.S. House. The GOP lost its majority in the 2018 midterms during Trumps first term in the White House. The AP said Abbott told Fox News on Monday that his gerrymandering efforts are a partisan power play, but said the U.S. Supreme Court has determined there is nothing illegal about shaping districts to a majority partys advantage. The Hill notes such changes would be more difficult in New York, where changes to House maps were struck down by a court in 2022. ABC7 reports New York State Sen. Michael Gianaris co-introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow restricting in a non-census year, if another state does so first. Were sick and tired of being pushed around when other states dont have the same aspirations that we always have, Hochul said, according to Politico. And I hold those dear. But I cannot ignore that the playing field has changed dramatically, and shame on us if we ignore that fact and cling tight to the vestiges of the past. That era is over Donald Trump eliminated it forever. Bibby Financial Services (BFS) Asset Finance division, Bibby Asset Finance (BAF), has announced the appointment of Hein Grobler as Senior Business Development Manager for the Vendor channel, as it looks to grow its support for UK SMEs. Grobler joins BAF with 28 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, bringing a wealth of expertise in asset-based finance and working capital solutions. In his new role, Grobler will focus on enhancing vendor finance programmes, fostering strategic partnerships, and expanding BAFs market presence. In his sales leadership role at leading South African bank, Merchant West, Grober increased the companys asset finance portfolio by 32 percent and launched innovative financing solutions, including a supplier quotation tool and specialised funding for veterinary practices. Commenting on the appointment, Derek Ryan, Managing Director at BFS UK: Were delighted to welcome Hein to the team. His significant experience in the Asset Finance space makes him well placed to lead the next stage of growth of the vendor channel for Bibby Asset Finance. More than ever, UK SMEs need support in unlocking working capital to operate efficiently and grow. We look forward to the energy, insight, and innovation Hein will bring to Vendor Finance. Hein Grobler, Senior Business Development Manager at BAF added: Im thrilled to join BFS and to lead BAFs Vendor Finance initiatives. With a strong foundation in driving channel growth and building successful client partnerships, I look forward to providing solutions that deliver real value to our customers and sustainable growth for the business. "Hein Grobler joins Bibby Asset Finance as Senior BDM" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. Howden has named Mike Parrish as CEO of Howden US and Jim Hays as vice-chairman of Howden Group Holdings. Parrish is tasked with establishing a US retail broking business. He will start at Howden in September, pending the completion of applicable contractual requirements. His previous experience includes roles at Aon and Marsh, where he has experience in scaling the US operations effectively. Bringing 40 years of US insurance industry experience to the board, Jim Hays was the founder and former CEO of Hays Company. He sold the company to Brown & Brown in 2018 and served in positions include vice-chair and board member at Brown & Brown. Hays said: I could not be more energised to join this incredibly exciting, deeply ambitious Group with its army of entrepreneurs dedicated to serving clients. And of course, to work with David, who is in my view one of the most visionary leaders in business today. Howden has been operational in the US for more than a decade through DUAL, Howden Re and as a wholesale broker for US clients in international markets, handling more than $18bn in US premiums to date. Howden CEO David Howden stated: Mikes appointment is an incredibly important moment in our 30-year history of building a global group with an energetic and entrepreneurial culture, owned by the people who work in it. In Mike we have found one of insurances most outstanding leaders, with an owners mindset and an unrivalled track-record, who wants the freedom to build a business that is an alternative home for talent and clients in the US. And in Jim we have one of the most accomplished entrepreneurs in the US, who brings a wealth of experience to the Group Board as we accelerate towards our ambitious 2030 vision. Last month, Howden acquired a 68.3% stake in Holos Holdings, a Japan-headquartered retail insurance broker. "Howden steers US retail broking push with Mike Parrish as CEO " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. 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 Actor Chad Michael Murray says he embraces his teenage heartthrob legacy. The 43-year-old rose to fame in the early 2000s, appearing in TV series such as Gilmore Girls and Dawsons Creek before landing the lead role in the teenage drama series One Tree Hill. He also starred in the 2003 comedy film Freaky Friday alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, gained a reputation as a heartthrob among teenage girls during this era. Now a father-of-three, Murray is reprising his role as Jake in the sequel, Freakier Friday. In the film, he plays the former love interest of Anna, played by Lohan. Speaking ahead of the films release, Murray says he feels very fortunate to have had such an impact on a generation. Im very, very blessed, very fortunate and lucky to be a part of a lot of really great movies and great stories that have affected a generation, he said. Thats really the only reason to be an actor for me. I just wanted to make people happy. Chad Michael Murray with some of the Freakier Friday cast ( Ian West/PA Wire ) Murray, who grew up in a single father household in Buffalo, New York, says he moved to Hollywood, when he was 18 years old to pursue a career in acting. I think I moved there in September 1999 and I was with Warner Brothers by January 2000, he said. Freakier Friday sees Lohan and Curtis return to their roles as mother and daughter, 22 years after the first film was released. The 2003 film saw Tess Coleman (Curtis) and musician Anna (Lohan) trade places, after reading fortune cookies at a Chinese restaurant. The story picks up with Lohans character, Anna, now a mother to a teenage daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepmother. In the sequel, Annas daughter Harper, played by Julia Butters and her soon-to-be stepdaughter Lily Davies, portrayed by Sophia Hammons, join Anna and her mother Tess in a wild, quadruple body swap. Reflecting on returning for the sequel, Murray said they had to work out how his character would realistically fit into the updated story. Its a house of cards, you move one piece and the whole thing kind of crashes down with four people switching bodies. So we had to be really careful and deliberate with the choices we made, he said. I went straight into analytics mode. We had to flesh out who Jake has been over the last 22 years. Whats he been up to? Wheres he gone? Whats the funniest choice here? And thats where we went. Then it just became exciting from there. Murray added: My joking sales pitch for this film has been, this movie will make you live longer as it reduces cortisol levels. If this is the type of content I do for the rest of my life as an actor Im done, Im happy, Im in. The 2003 film was based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers, which was previously turned into a 1976 movie starring Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris. Freakier Friday opens in UK cinemas on Friday, August 8. 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 George Clooney has hit back at critics who questioned his versatility as an actor, claiming that he doesnt give a s*** what anyone thinks. The Hollywood movie star and director, 64, was recently subject to criticism from American attorney Hunter Biden, who took aim at the Good Night and Good Luck stars acting talents and suggested he merely played himself when taking on roles. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Clooney was asked about the comments made by Biden the son of former president Joe. In response, the Gravity star said: Do people say that I only play myself? I dont give a s***. He continued: There arent that many guys in my age group that are allowed to do both broad comedies like O Brother, Where Art Thou? and then do Michael Clayton or Syriana. So if that means Im playing myself all the time, I dont give a s***. Clooney, who won an Oscar for his role in Syriana, then quoted the character he plays in new movies Jay Kelly: Have you ever tried playing yourself? Its hard to do. He then explained that he benefitted from not experiencing success in his career until starring in his first big hit, the TV drama ER, by which point hed already been acting for 12 years. George Clooney claimed that there arent many actors in his age group that have been allowed to do the types of films he has ( Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions ) Ive been the beneficiary of having my career not be massively successful in lots of different directions, he said. I didnt really get successful, in the kind of success that can be blinding, until I was 33 years old. Id been working for 12 years at that point. I had a real understanding of how fleeting all of it is and how little it has to do with you, quite honestly. Jay Kelly, which is the new film from Frances Ha director Noah Baumbach, premieres at the Venice Film Festival later this month. In the film, Clooney plays a famous actor on a trip through Europe with his longtime manager, portrayed by Adam Sandler. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. It also stars Laura Dern, Isla Fisher, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, Stacy Keach, Riley Keough, Patrick Wilson, Jim Broadbent, Eve Hewson, Lenny Henry and Ruby Stokes. In July 2024, Clooney wrote a much-discussed op-ed for The New York Times encouraging Joe Biden to step aside so that the Democrats could appoint a new nominee in the 2024 presidential campaign. Barack Obama reportedly received an advanced version of the article following Bidens disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. By Arpan Varghese and Shashwat Chauhan (Reuters) -Companies across the corporate spectrum revealed more pain from the cost of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war, with bellwethers Caterpillar, Marriott and others on Tuesday noting weaker demand and higher prices. All told, global companies that have reported earnings so far this quarter are looking at a hit of around $15 billion to profits in 2025, Reuters' global tariff tracker shows. A majority of these come from industrial, manufacturing and automotive sectors, while financial and tech sectors are less affected. Trump has said the tariffs are necessary to resolve U.S. trade imbalances and declining manufacturing power; he has said the levies on imports will bring jobs and investment to the United States. "I think we're just getting started," said Steve Sosnick, chief market analyst at Interactive Brokers in Greenwich, Connecticut. "The tariffs are still in their infancy, especially with major trading partners like Canada, China and India still in flux." Tuesday's round of earnings illustrates the different ways trade policy is affecting companies, from the rising costs of imported materials like metals to the slippage in consumer confidence that has sapped demand. Caterpillar, for instance, saw a 0.7% hit to revenue, while its cost of goods rose by 6.5%, and CEO Joe Creed told investors that tariffs are "likely to be a more significant headwind to profitability in the second half of 2025." Beer maker Molson Coors said it was expecting costs of between $20 million and $35 million in the second half of the year due to a tariff-driven rise in the price of aluminum delivered to the U.S. Midwest. Tariffs on aluminum shipped into the United States were doubled to 50% in June from the previous 25% duty imposed in March. White House Spokesman Kush Desai, in a statement to Reuters, said the president's trade deals "have unlocked unprecedented market access for American exports to economies that in total are worth over $32 trillion with 1.2 billion people." MARKET RESILIENCE The markets, however, have remained resilient even as Trump's policies continue to change. He said on Tuesday that he would raise tariffs on goods imported from India from the current 25% as part of an ongoing spat with the country over its purchases of oil from Russia. U.S. equities rebounded sharply from their April lows following what Trump deemed "Liberation Day," when he unleashed a wave of global tariffs. The S&P 500 hit all-time highs last month on the back of strong earnings, led by the so-called Magnificent Seven, a group of tech companies that have benefited from surging investment in artificial intelligence. 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 Paddington actor Sally Hawkins has said starring in third film Paddington in Peru wouldve broken her heart due to the absence of the franchises former director Paul King. The 49-year-old played Mrs Brown in the live action comedies Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017) alongside Hugh Bonneville, 61, who played her husband Mr Brown. When King opted to pass on the film series third instalment, Hawkins also waved goodbye to the project and followed the director to Wonka, where she played the mother of Timothee Chalamets young chocolatier. Speaking to The Times, Hawkins said she feels so awful about removing herself from the cast of Paddington in Peru, but noted Bonneville did get an upgrade in her replacement, Emily Mortimer. Because I love Paul so much, and love the way he works, it wouldve broken my heart, she said of her decision to exit the film, which was instead directed by Dougal Wilson. Hawkins met King at a theatre workshop at Ealing Studios, 20 years before the first Paddington film. Although the actor described her experience working on Paddington as a gift, she noted she often becomes embarrassed by fans of the films approaching her in the street. Sally Hawkins in 'Paddington' ( StudioCanal ) It can really upset me, she said. Because you dont know why people are smiling at you or staring at you, or being aggressive and weird to youYou just want to live but it can cripple you. Paddington in Peru was released in November 2024, seven years after the franchises acclaimed second instalment. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Paddington in Peru follows the Peruvian bears journey to his South American birth place, where he visits his beloved Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears. The film was received less positively by critics than Paddington and Paddington 2. In a three-star review, The Independents Clarisse Loughrey said the bearss usual tomfoolery was underutilised. Itd be delusional to think that Paddington had anywhere to go but down, she wrote. It appears director Paul King may have packed up most of that magic and taken it with him over to last years Wonka. 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 A scene from Marriage Story is reportedly being used to drive away wolves and keep them from killing livestock in the US. The 2019 film directed by Noah Baumbach follows a married couple, played by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, going through a divorce and custody battle for their son. The film, which also stars Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, and Merritt Wever, was nominated for multiple awards with Dern winning the Oscar for best supporting actress. While the film has been hailed by critics as a raw and tender look at the breakdown of a marriage, a scene where Johanssons and Drivers characters have a loud, screaming match has found a new use; the US Department of Agriculture is employing it to prevent wolves from attacking cattle. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, quadcopter drones are playing audio from the scene to scare off wolves in Oregon and California. I need the wolves to respond and know that, hey, humans are bad, USDA district supervisor Paul Wolf told the newspaper about the practice, also known as wolf hazing. The drones appear to be an effective way to prevent livestock from being killed as farmers are unable to harm the wolves due to their endangered status. The wolf population has risen significantly since their introduction to Wyomings Yellowstone National Park in 1995, going from 300 to about 6,000. These drones, which also blast AC/DCs Thunderstruck, have reduced the number of wolf attacks, with Southern Oregon seeing the number of cows being killed going down from 11 to two over 85 days. A scene from Marriage Story is reportedly being used to drive away wolves and keep them from killing livestock ( Netflix ) In a four-star review of the film, The Independents Geoffrey Macnab wrote: Baumbach makes it very obvious that divorce is an expensive and messy business. Truth and respect are soon forgotten as each parent fights for custody of the child and endless new bills need to be paid. Baumbach pays explicit homage to Scenes from a Marriage and includes a few moments in which the couples are shown in huge, unflattering close-up, tearing strips off one another with a viciousness which rekindles memories of alienated couples in Ingmar Bergman movies. Generally, though, he treats his main characters with gentleness. In an interview with The Independent, Baumbach broke down the argument and the scene that purportedly scares wolves away, saying: I almost saw it as people trying to find language again, but the emotional context of it is so complex and alive and fractured and theyre trying to put words to it again. In a sense, its almost like children learning to speak or something. And of course, then they lose control of it. Even though its pretend, hearing people say those things to each other repeatedly is hard. Even if you close your eyes, just hearing itIts like somebody screaming on the street. You cant listen to it for too long, even if youre not implicated. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Melania Trump is searching for new talent to perform at the White House during the holiday season. The White House announced in a press release Monday that the First Lady and President Donald Trump have begun planning for their Christmas traditions. This includes inviting volunteers and performers to celebrate the holiday at the White House in Washington, DC. Melania is looking for talented musical groups from school bands, choirs, and holiday-themed entertainers to volunteer to perform in DC, according to the release. Performances will take place on eight specific dates in December during the holiday open houses at the White House. Applications to be a volunteer performer are open now until September 5 at 5 p.m. ET. Those interested must submit an audition tape either a capella or with an acoustic accompaniment. Amplification is not permitted. Anyone accepted to be a performer will be notified by October 13. Melania Trump is searching for talented volunteer to perform at the White House in December ( Getty Images ) In addition, Melania is looking for volunteers to help decorate the White House for the Christmas season. Any individual applying for this opportunity must be 18 or older, with decorating taking place from November 24 through November 30. However, both performers and decorating volunteers are responsible for their travel accommodations and personal expenses in DC. Along with open houses, the White House hosts a National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony every year, with celebrities headlining. The 2024 event featured Adam Blackstone, Stephen Sanchez, and James Taylor, among others. During Donald Trumps first term in office, Melania made headlines for her holiday decorations when she opted for white branches instead of traditional Christmas trees in parts of the White House in 2017. Meanwhile, in 2018, her red trees were panned for appearing to be covered in blood. Years after Melanias Christmas decorations were mocked, Donald made it clear that he was still upset about the criticism. She would make the most beautiful Christmas decorations, he said, while speaking at the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, in 2021. And I remember she made these magnificent red trees, and the media said, Oh, thats terrible. I said, Honey, next time, try white. She made magnificent, remember, the most beautiful youve ever seen, white trees? And they said, Oh, thats terrible. I said the next time, lets do it more traditional. Lets go with green, he added. We went with beautiful green trees, and they said: Why wouldnt you make them white like they used to be? But Ill tell you what, shes loved all over, and shes got a tremendous heart. Melanias Christmas spirit was also questioned in 2020 when she was heard on a leaked recording complaining about having to organize the decorations. The conversation was recorded in 2018 by a friend of Melania, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff. Im working ... my a** off at Christmas stuff that you know, who gives a f*** about Christmas stuff and decoration? Melania can be heard saying. But I need to do it, right? Correct? Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ozzy Osbournes official cause of death has been disclosed, a week after the heavy metal legend was laid to rest. The Black Sabbath frontman, whose funeral involved a procession through his hometown of Birmingham, died aged 76 on 22 July shortly after playing his final concert at Villa Park. He suffered a string of health issues over the years, mostly related to neck injuries sustained in a 2003 quad-biking accident, which were later exacerbated by a fall in 2019. He was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease that same year, and also endured a bout of Covid. The New York Times now reports that the rockers official death certificate lists his cause of death as acute myocardial infarction typically meaning the death of tissue resulting from a failure of blood supply to an organ and out of hospital cardiac arrest, or heart attack. The certificate also listed coronary artery disease and Parkinsons disease with autonomic dysfunction as joint causes of death. Submitted by Osbournes daughter Aimee Osbourne, the document noted his occupation as Songwriter, Performer and Rock Legend. On the day of the musicians death, an air ambulance flew to his family home near the village of Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire, the publication reports. open image in gallery People gather on the day of the funeral cortege of Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham, Britain ( Reuters ) A spokesperson for Thames Valley Air Ambulance service said that its team had been dispatched to provide advanced critical care at an incident near Chalfront St Giles on 22 July, but gave no further details. The Independent has contacted representatives of Osbournes estate for comment. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Birmingham to bid a final farewell to the self-styled Prince of Darkness, whose band are widely credited with creating heavy metal. open image in gallery Sharon Osbourne, with family members, lays flowers at the Black Sabbath Bridge in Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne ( PA ) The hearse carrying the musician made its way from his childhood home in Aston to Broad Street, pausing next to the Black Sabbath bench and bridge where his family were able to lay flowers and read some of the many tributes left by fans. In one particularly emotional moment, his wife Sharon Osbourne, 72, wiped away tears before kissing her own flower and placing it beside a poster that read: Birmingham will always love you. Despite his many health issues in later years, Osbourne remained active well into his seventies. He was reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for their final album, 13, in 2013. Meanwhile, he released a final solo album, 2022s Patient Zero, with help from fellow stars including Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, and the late Jeff Beck and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. It went on to win the 2023 Grammy for Best Rock Album. In his final years, the musician spoke often of his determination to get back on stage one last time. His wish was granted at Villa Park, where he and the other founding members of Black Sabbath were joined by some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including Metallica, Guns N Roses, Tom Morello, Tool and Alice in Chains. open image in gallery Osbourne performed with the other three founding members of Black Sabbath in their hometown of Birmingham on 5 July ( Getty ) Its so good to be on this f***ing stage, you have no idea, Osbourne told the audience. In a five-star review for The Independent, critic Mark Beaumont called the gig a celebration of the delicious darkness Osbourne and his coven unleashed over five decades ago, and the behemoth its become. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One of Americas most hallowed art institutions is locked in a row with a former member of one of Britains biggest rock bands, The Rolling Stones, over the origins of a distinctive 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar. A few months ago, New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that it had received a historic gift of more than 500 guitars belonging to some of the 20th centurys most influential musicians, including Mississippi John Hurt and Leo Fender. At the time, Met director Max Hollein said the guitars comprised a trailblazing and transformative gift, positioning the Museum to be the epicentre for the appreciation and study of the American guitar. However, it is a 1959 Les Paul that once belonged to Keith Richards with a signature sunburst finish and mahogany body that is generating the most noise. Shortly after the Mets announcement, representatives for former Stones guitarist Mick Taylor said he was surprised that the guitar had found its way into the collection. Taylors manager, Marlies Damming, told Page Six: There are numerous photos of Mick Taylor playing this Les Paul, as it was his main guitar until it disappeared. The interesting thing about these vintage Les Pauls is that they are renowned for their flaming which is unique, like a fingerprint. However, the Met has claimed that, according to its own research, Taylor might have played the guitar but he never actually owned it. It lists Adrian Miller as the owner in 1971, but did not say how he acquired the instrument. That same year, the guitar was sold to Cosmo Verrico of the rock band Heavy Metal Kids. Stones guitarist Richards wielded the instrument when the band made their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 a moment that cemented their arrival in the US. Four years later, Taylor, who at the time was still playing with John Mayalls Bluesbreakers, bought the guitar from the Stones road manager Ian Stewart. open image in gallery Richards (far right) playing the Les Paul on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 ( Getty ) Taylors version of events that he brought the guitar with him when he joined the Stones for five years has been recounted by journalists, guitar experts as well as a Stones biographer. Some accounts have suggested that the 1959 Les Paul was among the instruments that were stolen by burglars who broke into the Villa Nellcote in Villefranch-sur-Mer, near Nice, where the band were staying while working on their album Exile on Main St. The 1971 robbery saw thieves walk away with nine guitars, including Bill Wymans bass and a saxophone belonging to Bobby Keys. The Les Paul was put up for auction at Christies in 2004 but did not sell; it was purchased two years later by Peter Svensson, a Swedish producer. In 2016, it was bought by investor and billionaire Dirk Ziff, aided by music producer and guitar collector Perry Margouleff. open image in gallery Left-right: The Rolling Stones Charlie Watts, Mick Taylor, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman, at Hyde Park, London, in 1969 ( Getty ) It also featured in a Met exhibition, Play It Loud, in 2019 . The museum said the guitar was lent to them by Ziff. Damming recently sent an email to the New York Times that said: We would like the Metropolitan Museum to make the guitar available so that we can inspect it, and confirm its provenance one way or the other. The Met told the publication that it has not heard from anyone associated with Taylor. It plans to open a permanent gallery in 2027 about American guitars, which will include some instruments among the 500 donated. Taylor has largely remained out of the public eye since leaving the Stones in 1974. In a 2009 interview with the Mail on Sunday, he said he had feared that he would die if he stayed with the band, as their lifestyle would have fuelled his heroin addiction at the time. The Independent has contacted representatives for Taylor, The Rolling Stones and the Met Museum for comment. 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 British model Chloe Ayling, who was kidnapped in Italy in 2017, has revealed that she often encounters people who still dont believe her story. The 27-year-old from south London was lured into attending a fake photoshoot in Milan eight years ago. She was kidnapped and drugged and told she would be sold as a sex slave on the black market. Six days later, however, her kidnapper drove her back to Milan and left her at the UK consulate. Ayling was ridiculed by media and scrutinised by the public who became obsessed with the idea peddled by her attackers defence team that the entire incident had been a PR stunt to further her career. Speaking to Christine Lampard on Lorraine, Ayling said: Its always people who dont know the facts. They judge too quickly and jump in before knowing the full story. You can never get offended by it really, because they dont know. Ayling appeared on the ITV morning programme ahead of the release of her new BBC documentary My Unbelievable Kidnapping, which is set to air on BBC Three at 9pm tonight (Monday 4 August). Of relieving the ordeal for the TV series, Ayling said: I thought it would be easy. Im really not good at talking about my feelings. I had to relive it again and I got emotional about things I hadnt before. Chloe Ayling on 'Lorraine' ( ITV ) When asked how the backlash to her retelling of the incident had affected her in the past, she said she was constantly having to speak about her kidnappers crazy decisions as if they were her own. It was my calmness that saved me, Ayling explained of the reason she initially appeared calm in interviews and CCTV footage. I had to get him on side to be able to get out. She added of her forthcoming documentary: I want to show a victim doesnt have to fit into a typical box to be believed. Aylings kidnappers Polish brothers Lukasz and Michal Herba falsely told her that she had been kidnapped by a Romanian criminal gang called the Black Death. After realised that one of the brothers was infatuated by her, she convinced him she might one day be his girlfriend an act of deception that may very well have saved her life. However, the false claim became the dominant narrative in the story. Aylings body language and media interviews were intensely scrutinised as she was treated as a suspect rather than the victim she was. But Aylings recounting of the kidnapping remained consistent, and Lukasz was eventually jailed for 16 years and nine months. His brother Michal, who was also sentenced to 16 years behind bars, has since been released following an appeal. 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 Coronation Street has lost yet another star amid a slew of departures from the ITV soap. It was revealed on Saturday (2 August) that Harry Lowbridge, who plays the villain Logan Radcliffe, has officially left the series. The actors exit comes less than a year after he first arrived on the cobbles. He temporarily left the soap earlier in 2025 and returned to screens last week when Carla (Alison King) visited him in prison. However, it appears the actors time on the soap is done. Lowbridge himself shared the news on Instagram, writing: Farewell Logan. Its been a blast, alongside a series of photos of himself featured on the show. His co-stars waded into the replies, with Sydney Martin, who plays Betsy Swain, telling him he smashed it in the role. Meanwhile, Liam McCheyne, who plays Dylan Wilson, posted a set of applause emojis in response. Introduced in October 2024, Lowbridges character Logan was jailed for killing his brother Mason Radcliffe as part of a storyline raising awareness of knife crime in the UK. The plot, which was aired earlier this year, was developed with the Ben Kinsella Trust, a knife crime prevention charity. open image in gallery Harry Lowbridge has filmed his final scenes as Logan Radcliffe in Coronation Street ( ITV ) Coronation Street, which launched in 1960, has been hit with a number of cast departures since Gail Platt actor Helen Worth left the soap in December 2024. Lowbridges revelation arrives days after the news that Sally Ann Matthews, known for playing the fiery Rovers Return landlady Jenny Connor, will leave the soap after decades on screen. The 54-year-old said in a post shared on Friday (1 August) that it was time to play different roles ones that she always hoped I would when Id grown up. Matthews made her debut on the soap in 1986 as Alan Bradleys tearaway daughter, before leaving in 1991. She made a shock return in 2016, which was only meant to last for a matter of months, but ended up staying as a central character in the show for another decade. Other central character departures include Charlotte Jordan, who played Matthews onscreen stepdaughter Daisy Midgeley, Shelley King, who played Yasmeen Metcalfe and Colson Smith, who played Craig Tinker. Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw) is also set to leave the soap later this year. open image in gallery Harry Lowbridge shared a behind-the-scenes snap with David Platt actor Jack P Shepherd ( Instagram ) Meanwhile, Debbie Webster actor Sue Devaney will leave the series in 2027. Her character has been diagnosed with early onset dementia and the storyline will eventually lead to her exit. It was reported earlier this year that Corrie was undergoing a cash crisis behind the scenes. Andy Whyment, who plays the endearing Kirk Sutherland, hit back at these claims, writing on Instagram: There is a story about Coronation Street in the press nearly every day at the moment. Id just like to say that the show is not on its knees and there is most certainly not a cast revolt as one article has said. He continued: Please dont believe everything you read, I for at least one cast member am extremely happy and feel very grateful to still be working on Coronation Street. On Monday (4 August), Suranne Jones, who played Karen McDonald from 2000 to 2004, suggested she could one day make a return to the soap, stating: It might be fun. 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 Senator Elizabeth Warren and Hacks co-creator Paul W. Downs have weighed in on the debate over the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The most recent season of Hacks followed host Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) as she achieved her long-held dream of hosting a late night talk show and then lost the job after network interference. In a video posted to Warrens YouTube channel, the Massachusetts senator tells Downs: Ive now finished season four, so I have since figured out that you all are in the prediction business and very, very good at it. She then asks: What are we going to do about this business of censorship, not just of the hard newsbut people who tell jokes? Downs responds: I think thats one of the most tragic things about the cancellation of the Stephen Colbert show is that he was one of the hosts that was actually speaking truth to power, and talking about some of the absurdity thats happening in Washington, and making it accessible for people from both sides to understand whats happening. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Stephen Colbert and 'Hacks' co-creator Paul W. Downs ( Getty ) He continues: Its just really shocking to me that an American institution like this, which built the wealth of CBS, could be canceled. Warren herself said that while she understands late night shows need to be profitable, in the Stephen Colbert case, this is the President of the United States, at least it appears, holding back favors and making threats that then cause these giant corporations to censor their own people, and once weve headed down that path, we no longer have an independent media. Downs agreed, adding: Its really scary, and you know, in our show, thats exactly why Deborah stepped down, because she believed in a business that was better than being censored, and she wouldnt roll over for this huge tech company in her corporate overlord. So it is really scary when those outlets are taken away. Its really terrifying. It feels like the most brazen example of whats going on in the country, because theres no way to really spin it. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is set to end in May 2026, a move that network CBS claims was motivated by a financial decision. However, there has since been speculation that the cancellation was announced to appease Donald Trump, as Paramount, which owns CBS, relied on the presidentially controlled Federal Communications Commission to approve its $8 billion sale to Skydance. Colbert has long been a vocal critic of Trump. His most recent spat with the president began when Colbert claimed that Paramounts decision to pay a $16 million settlement to Trump over another CBS show, 60 Minutes, amounted to a big fat bribe. 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 Donald Trump has shown his appreciation for the late Hulk Hogan with a throwback image posted to his social media platforms. The former WWE legends funeral was privately held Tuesday in Florida, following his sudden death July 24 at the age of 71. Medical records viewed by The Independent revealed Hulks cause of death to be a heart attack, though it was also learned that the wrestling personality was suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Trump turned to Truth Social on Tuesday to share an old photo of himself and Hulk in the middle of an arm-wrestling competition. They are having the Hulksters funeral today, and I thought everybody would enjoy seeing this picture, Trump captioned the post, which was shared while he was delivering remarks after signing an executive order. The two have been friends since the 1980s. While the wrestler previously endorsed former President Barack Obama, he changed his mind in 2016 when Trump stepped into the political ring as a presidential candidate. In 2024, the former WWE legend used his theatrical personality to endorse and advocate for Trump at the RNC just days after seeing the president survive an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. He delivered a rousing speech, pulling off his signature shirt ripping trick in the process to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top. The former WWE legend died on July 24 ( Getty Images ) Trumps post came just hours after the late wrestlers estranged daughter, Brooke Hogan Oleksy, had raised questions about the circumstances of her fathers death. While its not clear if she attended the funeral, Brooke who has been publicly estranged from Hulk and her mother, Linda Hogan, for several years shared a news article Tuesday on Instagram questioning the circumstances surrounding the professional wrestlers death. Quick cremation without autopsy raises questions about Hulk Hogans death, read the headline of the article Brooke shared to her Instagram Story. She then seemed to affirm the article as she attached a GIF in the corner saying, Exactly, thank you. Speaking on Bubba the Love Sponges radio show also on Tuesday, Brooke further questioned the details surrounding her fathers death, specifically how his leukemia went undiagnosed when their family had no medical history of cancer, and she consistently looked over his bloodwork following his surgeries likely until their estrangement. Bubba also questioned why a doctor would sign off on a cause-of-death report without having a medical examiner perform an autopsy, which Brooke agreed was strange. Medical records from the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center, as viewed by The Independent, stated that Hulk died from an acute myocardial infarction, most commonly known as a heart attack. Before the heart attack, Hulk had a history of atrial fibrillation (also known as Afib or AF), a heart rhythm disorder where the chambers of the heart beat irregularly or rapidly. The medical records also revealed that before his death, Hulk had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells. However, his history with leukemia was not previously known. After posting the news article to her Instagram Story, Brooke followed up with a photo of her as a child alongside her father with an on-screen caption that read, Taking our babies to your favorite place today, the beach. We will be celebrating your life and all our good memories while we have our feet in the same saltwater you loved. Until we meet again daddy. 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 Fox News contributor Kat Timpf has returned to the late-night political comedy show, Gutfeld!, following a weeks-long break as she underwent surgery. Timpf, 36, first revealed during a July episode of Gutfeld! that she would be taking time away from the show for the latest surgery following her shocking February breast cancer diagnosis received just hours before giving birth to her first child. The comedian made her return to the network Monday, appearing first on Martha MacCallums show before assuming her chair on Gutfeld!, where she and other contributors discussed their opinions on Sydney Sweeneys American Eagle ad campaign. For the campaign, which includes the limited launch of the wide-legged The Sydney Jean, the actor is featured in multiple photos and videos, including one where she cleans off a poster of herself wearing a denim jacket and jeans and bearing a tagline that appeared to be a pun about denim. While the phrase initially said, Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes, the last word was then crossed out and replaced with Jeans. The same tagline appears in nearly every ad for the campaign. Many people were quick to negatively respond to the tagline because the phrases good genes and great genes have historically been used in the language of eugenicists, who believe the human race can be improved genetically by selective breeding. I have such a hard time believing that this controversy is real, Timpf said about Sweeneys American Eagle ad ( Getty Images ) Following the release of the ad, American Eagle released a statement on Instagram to address the backlash. Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans, the retailer wrote. Her jeans. Her story. Giving her opinion on the backlash, Timpf said she didnt understand why the ad was continuing to be covered by the media, thinking people were overreacting. I have such a hard time believing that this controversy is real, she said. And if you really are upset by this, then I genuinely feel sadness for you. The contributor continued, explaining how the media was covering the controversy using headlines such as Everything We Know, which is usually when were talking about some kind of horrific contagion. Timpf also touched on the recent discovery that Sweeney registered as a Republican in Florida several months before President Donald Trump won his second term. Who cares? she said. Lots of people are Republicans, and it shouldnt be that groundbreaking to find out that somebody, whos wealthy, especially, is a Republican. Timpfs Gutfeld! return comes after she shared an update regarding her breast cancer treatment last month. When I came back, I said I still had some surgeries to go, she said, referencing her return from maternity leave. And my first ones next week. So Im going to be out for a couple of weeks. Even with the best-case scenario of breast cancer, [it] can involve quite a road to feeling whole again. So this is the first step in that. She explained why she was discussing her upcoming surgery on the show, adding: Just so the internet cant come up with theories about where I am. Thats where I am. And just thank you everyone for all your support, vibes, and prayers, or however you show that. I really appreciate it, Timpf concluded. And I cant wait to come back soon. BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese retailer JD.com (JD) plans to open five discount superstores in two Chinese cities, marking its latest move into new segments as competition intensifies in its core e-commerce market. Confirming a report in Beijing Business Today, a government-backed newspaper, the company told Reuters on Tuesday that the supermarkets will be in Zhuozhou city in Hebei province and Suqian, Jiangsu province. The first outlet in Zhuozhou will span 5,000 square metres and will carry everything from detergent to chocolate, with prices intended to be below prevailing market levels. JD first entered the market last year with the opening of two smaller discount stores in Beijing, aiming to tempt cautious shoppers to spend as China's consumption recovery stalls. The 27-year-old e-commerce retailer launched "instant delivery" services for food and other goods earlier this year, kickstarting a subsidy war between itself and rival platforms such as Alibaba and Meituan. It also announced that it would renew an international push for growth, launching its consumer-focused express delivery service abroad. It also bought Germany's Ceconomy, Europe's largest consumer electronics retailer, for 2.2 billion euros ($2.5 billion) last month. Other rivals have been adjusting their bricks-and-mortar retail operations. On Tuesday, local newspaper The Economic Observer reported that the final Freshippo X club store, the membership store which is part of Alibaba's grocery chain, will close its doors on August 31, ending an attempt to battle Costco and Sam's Club. ($1 = 0.8665 euros) (Reporting by Sophie Yu and Brenda Goh; Editing by David Holmes) 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 Ty Burrell has opened up about his decision to leave Los Angeles for Salt Lake City after wrapping up the final season of Modern Family. After Burrell, 57, starred as real estate agent Phil Dunphy in 11 seasons of the hit sitcom from 2009 to 2020, the actor decided to leave Hollywood alongside his wife, Holly Burrell, and their two daughters, Frances, 15, and Greta, 13, to relocate to Utah. It's just been spectacular, the actor told People in an interview published on Sunday. We moved here right after [Modern Family] ended, and I don't have any regrets. It's been lovely and a great place to raise the kids. The Finding Dory voice actor continued, saying that the adjustment from living in a city to the more rural Utah was an adjustment that took time to get used to. My parents werent really those kinds of people, Burrell said about living in the mountains. So at first, when we moved here, it almost felt like cosplay, like we were pretending to be people who were outdoorsy, and now we really truly love it. When we moved here, it almost felt like cosplay, like we were pretending to be people who were outdoorsy, Burrell recalled about his familys move to Salt Lake City ( Getty Images ) Burrell was not the only Modern Family cast member to make the decision to leave California. Earlier this year, Ariel Winter, known for playing Burrells on-screen daughter on the series, revealed she also left Los Angeles. In an interview with People in May 2025, she said her choice came after she endured severe childhood trauma. It was every headline I read about myself, like, grown people writing articles about me saying how I looked terrible or pregnant or like a fat slut. I mean, I was 14. It totally damaged my self-esteem, she told the publication of her treatment by the press. Winter, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, started appearing on screen at the age of four. She was 11 when Modern Family first premiered in 2009. I understood what it was like to be hated. No matter what I was going through, I was a target. It made it very difficult to look at myself in the mirror and go, I love this version of me, she said. On top of the negative press about her appearance, Winter said her rocky relationship with her mom, Chrisoula Workman, was also the talk of the town. In April 2020, when Modern Family finally wrapped, Winter said she and her boyfriend, actor Luke Benward, made the decision to leave Los Angeles behind. I didnt leave the industry, she explained, noting her acting career isnt over yet. I just left the city of L.A. It holds some not-great memories for me, and Im young and never lived anywhere else, and thought, Why not? If youre no longer on a network show that shoots there, you dont really have to be there, and if I get a network show, I can easily go back, she said. A handful of times every year, the weather in London really does get too hot. An ephemeral moment presents itself: the opportunity to go north to enjoy a milder climate. One weekend in July, as London was in the throes of its third summer heatwave, the mercury spiked to well over 30C. Scotland, by contrast, was a balmy five degrees cooler. So, without further ado, my girlfriend and I packed up our bags and took the train up to Edinburgh after work on Friday saving a third off our tickets with our Two Together Railcard. RDG EDINBURGH ONE Carousel with one slide shown at a time. Use the Previous and Next buttons to navigate between slides. On a sticky Friday in London, Caspar and his partner Iman beat the heat, hopping on a train to Edinburgh (Caspar Barnes/Getty) After a scenic journey up the East Coast, they arrived in the picturesque Scottish capital (Caspar Barnes/Getty) Their base for the weekend, The Hoxton, is a new hotel made of 11 Georgian Townhouses (The Hoxton/Getty) There they got chatting to a local barman, who sketched out their perfect Edinburgh itinerary (The Hoxton/Getty) Image 1 of 4 And as our carriage chugged along the tracks, we were chuffed to be swapping London skylines for Scotlands cobblestones and cliffs. On arrival in Edinburgh, we dropped our bags at the newly opened hotel, The Hoxton. We had arrived with our own list of attractions to visit, but after chatting with our hotel barman an Edinburgh local we found ourselves abandoning our plans for the path he had neatly mapped out for us on a napkin. Located close to Haymarket station and set across 11 beautifully unified Georgian-style townhouses, there is enough room inside for an Italian restaurant and even a cinema. We had arrived with our own list of attractions to visit, but after chatting with our hotel barman that evening an Edinburgh local we soon changed our minds and found ourselves abandoning our best laid plans for the path he had neatly mapped out for us on a napkin. Right from the start we were struck by just how friendly and forthcoming the Scottish people are always on hand for a chat, or to offer up a quick tip. City walking and Leiths waterside Our Saturday began with coffee at Ante, a lovely coffee shop tucked away down a set of stairs just beneath street level on Haddington Place, in the East of the city. Once we had ordered, we found a table on the pavement, basking in the sunshine with our iced coffees while splitting a gooseberry tart for breakfast. Suitably energised, we set off for nearby Calton Hill. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age, Edinburgh town council had the bright idea to purchase the land in 1724, establishing it as one of Britains first public parks. Today, Calton Hill is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches from Holyrood to Edinburgh Castle. RDG EDINBURGH TWO Carousel with one slide shown at a time. Use the Previous and Next buttons to navigate between slides. Breakfasting at coffee shop Ante, they enjoyed iced coffees and a slice of gooseberry tart (Caspar Barnes) Then it was off to Calton Hill to take in the famous folly nicknamed Edinburghs Disgrace (Caspar Barnes/Getty) The building was intended to resemble the Parthenon, and offers great views across the city (Caspar Barnes) They refuelled at local fave Albys where they tucked into hearty focaccia sandwiches (Caspar Barnes) After a wander to Leiths waterfront, it was time for dinner at Ardfern, where the barbecue cod was a highlight (Caspar Barnes) Image 1 of 5 We scrambled up to the National Monument, or Edinburghs Disgrace as it is known locally a Napoleonic War memorial built as a replica of the Parthenon but left unfinished when the money ran out. From this vantage point we were rewarded with sweeping views of the city. We headed to Leith famously the setting for Danny Boyles 1996 cult film Trainspotting . These days, Leith is home to Edinburghs creative, artsy crowd and the number of specialty coffee shops could rival East London. After a few hours on our feet we had built up a sizeable appetite. Luckily for us, we had a destination in mind: Albys, a sandwich spot that has been feeding the citys students since 2019. We knew the sando gods were on our side when we caught the last sandwiches of the day. Albys formula is simple; take the fillings of a classic sandwich a chicken club or even a pork belly banh mi and stuff them between two slabs of focaccia. Safe to say, all that bread wiped us out. So we headed to Leith famously the setting for Danny Boyles 1996 cult film Trainspotting to recover on the waterfront. These days, Leith is home to Edinburghs creative, artsy crowd and the number of specialty coffee shops here could rival even the edgiest corners of East London. We had prebooked dinner at Ardfern, a choice that greatly impressed the locals we encountered during our trip. Taking its name from a coastal village in Argyll, Ardferns warm interiors reference the landscape and colour palette of its namesake, while the chef Roberta Hall-McCarron uses local ingredients to inspire her small plates menu from game to seafood, wild mushrooms to berries. The barbecue cod paired with fennel and a tartare sauce stole the show, which we enjoyed alongside french beans and chopped Nocellara olives whipped in cured egg yolk. Modern art and Sunday markets Waking up on Sunday, we made a beeline for Modern Two, one of Edinburghs contemporary art galleries. Having missed Steve McQueens Resistance exhibition at Margates Turner Contemporary, we seized the chance to catch it here. RDG EDINBURGH THREE Carousel with one slide shown at a time. Use the Previous and Next buttons to navigate between slides. On Sunday, they headed to Modern Two art gallery, for a dose of culture (Alamy/Getty) There they took in Steve McQueens Resistance exhibition, a collection of photos around acts of rebellion (Caspar Barnes/Getty) On a stroll along the Water of Leith searching for the Anthony Gormley installation, they spotted a heron (Alamy/Getty) Then there was just time to go shopping in Stockbridge before catching the train home (Alamy/Getty) Image 1 of 4 Later, we wandered along the Water of Leith walkway searching for the Anthony Gormley installation a series of statues placed at various points in the rivers waters but found ourselves sidetracked by a heron. Collecting photographs from over 100 years, spanning everything from Womens Suffrage to the foundation of the Notting Hill Carnival, the show explores how acts of resistance have shaped life in the United Kingdom. Later, we wandered along the Water of Leith walkway searching for the Anthony Gormley installation a series of statues placed at various points in the rivers waters but found ourselves sidetracked by a heron. Once we had retraced our steps, we made it to trendy Stockbridge just in time for the weekly market and some last minute shopping, before it was time to relax on the train journey home. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Health experts at NHS England have urged eligible pregnant women to get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ahead of winter to protect their newborns. Australia experienced its highest-ever number of RSV cases last year, and NHS officials have said that the Australian winter is often a good predictor of how viruses will spread in England. Since the beginning of 2025, the virus has been steadily spreading, with nearly half of reported cases occurring in children under the age of five. In response to this trend, Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating. But what exactly is RSV? And how does it spread? We spoke with Dr Andy Whittamore, GP and clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, who has highlighted the key symptoms to look out for and shared some strategies to help protect yourself and your family. What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus is a virus that causes symptoms very similar to the common cold, explains Whittamore. Most of us get it at some point and dont even know that weve had it. Up to 9 in 10 children will get RSV before they turn two years old and in older adults, around 175,000 people over the age of 65 go to their GP about RSV each year, according to Asthma + Lung UK. How does it spread? Like most respiratory viruses, RSV spreads by people coughing and sneezing droplets from their own respiratory tract and it is spread to other people that way, says Whittamore. It is often spread and caught in the air, by contact or if it ends up on surfaces. While RSV can circulate year-round, it typically peaks during the colder months. We see a major peak in cases in the NHS between October and February, particularly in December/January time, notes Whittamore. What are the most common symptoms? As a GP, I see a lot of people with respiratory viruses and you cant really tell whether its flu, Covid, RSV or the common cold, says Whittamore. Common symptoms are a runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, feeling tired etc. People might also have a fever with it and if its affecting their respiratory system itself, they might experience breathless or wheezing as well. A high temperature is also another key sign to look out for, according to the NHS website. For most people, these symptoms tend to last no more than a week to 10 days, says Whittamore. Can it lead to any serious complications? RSV can lead to some serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis for high-risk groups such as babies, young children and older people. What we see with RSV, especially in younger children under the age of two, is that it can cause bronchiolitis, which causes quite dramatic breathing effects which can quite often put people in hospital, says Whittamore. We are also seeing that RSV is having a big impact on people over 75. We know that in that age group, the virus is more likely to cause them problems with their breathing and could go on and cause pneumonia and is likely to increase their chances of going to hospital. The NHS website also states that people with weakened immune systems, or long-term lung or heart conditions, and people who smoke tobacco are also at risk. A more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) may cause a cough that gets worse, shortness of breath, noisy breathing (wheezing), faster breathing or long gaps between breaths, difficulty feeding in babies or loss of appetite, and confusion in older adults, according to the NHS website. How is it treated? RSV often gets better on its own in one or two weeks, so you can usually look after it at home. One important thing to do is to keep well hydrated, say Whittamore. People with RSV should be pushing their fluids, resting more, taking paracetamol and can usually monitor themselves. However, if you are worried about yourself or your child, then seek advice from your GP or call 111. Can it be prevented it? There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting RSV or spreading it to anyone else. Make sure that when you are blowing your nose or sneezing that you use a tissue and throw it away, advises Whittamore. Also, remember to wash your hands and clean surfaces regularly. However, the GP stresses that the most important way to prevent people from becoming ill with RSV is to make sure you get the RSV vaccine if you are entitled to it. The RSV vaccine is recommended if youre pregnant (from 28 weeks of pregnancy) to help protect your baby for the first few months after theyre born or if youre aged between 75 and 79. New research from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has found the RSV vaccine is around 82% effective in preventing older people being hospitalised with an RSV infection. Most GP practices are contacting people and inviting them in, but if somebody thinks theyre eligible and havent been contacted they should contact their GP surgery and see if they can get it booked in, recommends Whittamore. 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 The wife of Richard Allen, the man convicted of killing two teen girls in Delphi, Indiana, in 2017, has broken her silence on the horrendous double murder, claiming her husband is not what people portray. My husbands not a monster. Hes not the monster that people think he is, Kathy Allen said. Allen received the maximum sentence of 130 years in December after he was found guilty of four counts of murder and kidnapping in the deaths of Abigail Abby Williams, 13, and Liberty Libby German, 14. The case was dubbed the Delphi murders and became a focus for true crime fanatics. Before his arrest, one of the only clues was a grainy cell phone video of a man near the girls shortly before they were killed. The two teens went missing on February 13, 2017, while taking a walk along a hiking trail in their hometown of Delphi. The next day, their bodies were found by the trail with their throats slashed. His wife, Kathy Allen, opened up about her reaction to the killings and defended her husband for a new ABC News Studios series, Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge. The whole town was devastated, Kathy Allen said of learning about their vicious killings. I felt so badly, especially for the mothers. open image in gallery The wife of Richard Allen, convicted Delphi murderer, said he is not the monster people think he is, in an interview with ABC News that will be part of a new three-part series on the gruesome murders. ( ABC News Studio ) The day the teens went missing, Richard Allen had off from his job at a local CVS. When he and his wife learned of their disappearance while watching the news, he told her he was on the trail earlier, but hadnt seen the girls, she recalled. Ricky called the police department to speak to the officers he was more than willing to help, Kathy Allen said. After meeting with an officer, they heard nothing. Five years later, police interviewed her husband again and conducted a search warrant on their home. Ricky said something like, Well, its over, it doesnt matter anymore, she said. He was arrested in October 2022 after admitting to being on the trail that day, though he denied being involved in the killings. His wife believed him. open image in gallery Allen was sentenced to 130 years in prison in December for the murders of Abigail Abby Williams, 13, and Liberty Libby German, 14 ( Indiana State Police ) The case went unsolved for years, until a volunteer helping police with the case flagged Richard Allens statement, which had been misfiled. He had been interviewed by police because he was also on the trail the day of the killings, but his file had inadvertently been marked cleared. Weeks after the information was flagged to police, he was arrested. During his 2024 trial, prosecutors honed in on multiple confessions he made in jail to his psychologist, corrections officers and to his wife. In one call, according to testimony, he told his wife, I did it. I killed Abby and Libby. No, you didnt, Kathy Allen responded. He then replied, Yes, I did. open image in gallery Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) pictured together before they were killed in 2017 ( Facebook ) Why would you say that? she asked. I know you didnt. Theres something wrong. In November 2024, Richard Allen was found guilty on all four charges following 17 days of testimony. That December, he was handed the maximum sentence of 130 years. In February, when Richard Allen began his life sentence, his wife was still claiming his innocence. "I want true justice for Abby and Libby, but it should not be at the expense of an innocent person," Kathy Allen said, according to ABC News. "Im very hopeful for an appeal," she said. "It was definitely our dream to grow old together, and it still is. I'm looking forward to that. I'm not giving up." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A federal court has rejected a request from disgraced music mogul Sean Diddy Combs to be released on bail ahead of his sentencing on prostitution-related charges later this year. In a ruling on Monday, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian wrote that Combs had failed to prove there were any exceptional reasons why he should be released ahead of the October 3 sentencing. The music entrepreneurs pleas might have traction in a case that didnt involve evidence of violence, coercion, or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution at issue, but the record here contains evidence of all three, Subramanian wrote, pointing to how at trial the moguls defense had admitted to Combss past violence in his personal relationships. The Independent has contacted Combss lawyer for comment. Combs was convicted in July on two prostitution-related counts while he was acquitted on more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking charges. open image in gallery The former music mogul had argued hes no longer danger to public and faced poor conditions in jail in his appeal to get bail ahead of the October 3 sentencing ( AP ) During the trial, witnesses provided lurid detail of what they said were Combss years of coercing girlfriends into freak off sex parties involving male escorts. Jurors watched video surveillance of the rapper attacking his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in California in 2016. The Bad Boy Records founder argued in a filing after his conviction that he was not a danger to the public and should be given bail. His defense claimed most of his history of violence happened more than a decade ago while he was addicted to drugs. This jury gave him his life back, and he will not squander his second chance at life, nor would he do anything to further jeopardize his seven children not having a father, and four of his children not having a parent at all, his attorneys wrote. The attorneys also pointed to what they said were poor conditions inside the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York, where Combs is being held, and to cases where individuals convicted on prostitution charges were released ahead of their sentencing. Combss team proposed signing a $50 million bond secured by his Miami home as part of the appeal. open image in gallery Prosecutors opposed the bail request for Combs arguing the trial had shown the rapper and businessmans propensity for violence ( Getty ) As part of his appeal for bail, Diddys former girlfriend Virginia Gina Huynh submitted a letter on his behalf. Our relationship, like many, was not always perfect, we experienced ups and downs, and mistakes were made but he was willing to acknowledge his mistakes and make better decisions in the future, she wrote. Prosecutors opposed the bail request, arguing the trial record is replete with evidence of the defendants acts of violence towards others. Combs could face up to 10 years in prison for each of his two convictions. Federal sentencing guidelines suggest he could face a lesser punishment of between four and just over five years in prison, though prosecutors have said his punishment could be substantially higher. 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 Erik Menendez, one of the brothers serving a 50 years-to-life sentence for the 1989 murders of his parents in Beverly Hills, has returned to state prison in California after being hospitalized last month for kidney problems, according to a family member. "My dad is out of the hospital and back at the prison, preparing for our upcoming parole hearing, his stepdaughter Talia Menendez wrote on Instagram stories, TMZ reports. Menendez was temporarily removed from the San Diego-area Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility last month and hospitalized for about a week for what his attorney called a serious medical condition. The treatment included multiple surgeries to remove kidney stones, TMZ reported at the time. Menendez, 54, and his brother Lyle, 57, are both serving lengthy sentences for the 1989 killing of their parents Jose, a prominent record executive, and Kitty Menendez, in a case that has dominated headlines for decades. Erik Menendez (left) is back in prison after reportedly being hospitalized in July for surgery for kidney stones, according to his stepdaughter In May, the pairs life sentences were reduced to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole. They are slated for back-to-back parole hearings on August 21 and 22. Last month, a judge ordered Los Angeles prosecutors to explain why the original murder convictions should not be re-examined, given new evidence that emerged, that could support the brothers claims they killed their parents over alleged persistent sexual abuse at the hands of their father. The Menendez brothers first trials ended in hung juries and the second saw the judge exclude evidence including testimony from family members who said they had witnessed or heard about the alleged abuse. Earlier this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a risk assessment investigation into whether the brothers are fit to re-enter society. The governor could grant the brothers clemency though he has indicated any decision regarding their sentences would not occur until after their parole hearing. The Menendez case has been the subject of media interest, books, films and documentaries for years. Last year, their story was fodder for the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Kim Kardashian visited the brothers in prison that year and has advocated for their release. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The family of a 73-year-old woman who died in Atlantas Grady Memorial Hospital is suing the facility, claiming that before her death, she was sexually assaulted by a nurse technician. Eva Lay, 73, was at the hospital on October 10, 2024, receiving treatment for a heart condition. During her stay, she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a male employee, the lawsuit claims. The employee allegedly cleaned Lay and removed the sheets on her bed to dispose of any evidence of the crime, according to the lawsuit. Lay died in the weeks after the alleged assault from unrelated health issues. Her family claims in the suit that she took a "downward spiral in her mental health following this traumatic incident." The lawsuit accuses the hospital of negligence and failing to provide appropriate security for female patients. The filing is seeking a jury trial, according to Fox 8 Live. Eva Lay, of Georgia. Lay's family is suing Grady Memorial Hospital, alleging that a male nursing technician sexually assaulted her while she was receiving treatment at the facility, and further claims that the mental distress she suffered contributed to her death a few weeks after she left the hospital ( Greene Legal Group ) Eva Lay was a mother, grandmother and loved by her community. She deserved dignity, care and protection not the violation and trauma she endured in what should have been a place of healing, L Chris Stewart, an attorney representing the family, said in a statement. This is not just a lawsuit it is a demand for protection of our defenseless loved ones in hospital care. The lawsuit alleges the hospital was negligent by failing to provide proper security measures like security cameras to protect vulnerable patients, and claims that female patients were not "adequately supervised when interacting with male staff members." According to the attorneys, a criminal investigation focused on the nursing technician is ongoing. Corey Harris, a member of Lay's family, told Fox 5 Atlanta that the family is heartbroken. "Our family is very heartbroken and outraged by the treatment they received in a place that was supposed to care for and comfort her," he said. The Independent has requested comment from Grady Memorial Hospital. The hospital provided the following statement for Fox 8 Live: When we were made aware of this allegation, we immediately reported it to law enforcement and cooperated fully with their investigation. APD found no physical evidence to substantiate this claim. We defer to law enforcement regarding any additional information they wish to release. Grady is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety in every aspect of patient care. 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 Georgia daycare worker has been arrested after police say she forced two children to fight. Discovery Zone Kids employee Riffat Tahmin Khalil, 37, was arrested last month by the Columbia County Sheriffs Office, local outlet WRDW reports. The daycare is in Evans, just minutes from the South Carolina border. Khalil is accused of making two siblings, ages 9 and 6, fight each other at the daycare on July 28, local outlet WJBF reports. Footage of the incident reviewed by police reportedly shows one child kicking another to the ground. Khalil then grabbed one of the children, swung her onto a chair and shook her multiple times, according to the incident report reviewed by WRDW. Khalil then prompted one of the siblings to hit the other with a chair, the report says. The incident ended after another teacher walked into the room and removed one of the siblings. The siblings parent contacted the police after her children told her that the teacher, Ms. Khalil, made them fight, WRDW reports. open image in gallery Khalil is now facing three counts of cruelty to children, reports say ( Columbia County Jail ) Khalil is now in the Columbia County jail, facing three counts of cruelty to children, WRDW reports. Her bond has been set at $75,300. The daycares owner immediately fired Khalil after reviewing the footage, WJBF reports. The Independent has contacted the Columbia County Sheriffs Office and Discovery Zone Kids for more information. The Independent was unable to identify Khalils attorney for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A private Caribbean island, a waterfront estate in Florida and a ranch in New Mexico are just a few of the properties disgraced billionaire Jeffrey Epstein amassed before his death. But it is his former townhouse in New York City that is attracting renewed attention, amid ongoing questions about the so-called Epstein list. The New York Times has given a fresh glimpse inside the 28,000sq ft, 40-room Manhattan mansion, which was put on the market for $88 million in 2020. open image in gallery Jeffrey Epstein entertained the rich and famous at his townhouse in Manhattan ( Wikimedia Commons ) A stuffed tiger, paintings of nude women and a first edition of Vladimir Nabokovs scandalous novel Lolita are among the oddities found within. The Times has published a new cache of photographs and letters belonging to the disgraced late financier that capture his peculiar taste in interior design and busy social whirl, which saw him regularly welcome celebrities and influential people to his seven-storey home. The newspaper notes that dozens of framed prosthetic eyeballs lined the entryway to the property while a sculpture of a woman wearing a bridal gown and clutching onto a rope hung suspended above the central stairwell. open image in gallery A nude painting is seen inside the mansion, while a tiger can be spotted in the centre of the image ( Mega ) The photographs also show a stuffed tiger positioned on a plush rug in a well-lit room with a chandelier looming overhead. Shelves, mantlepieces and cabinets are seen lined with framed snaps of Epstein posing with famous people he knew, from Pope John Paul II to Fidel Castro. Another contains an old photo of Epstein posing with Donald Trump and his future wife Melania Trump, with the image cropped to exclude the formers ex-girlfriend and accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, currently behind bars in Texas. open image in gallery A massage room inside the huge property ( US District Attorneys Office ) Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing over his past association with Epstein and is currently suing The Wall Street Journal for reporting that he once sent the sex offender a bawdy doodle for his birthday. He remains under pressure from his own supporters to release the Justice Departments files on the financiers crimes. Epsteins mansion, which was built in 1932, was also reported to have a massage room, which was likewise decorated with artwork of nudes, as well as an ornamental silver ball and chain, and which was lined with shelves of lubricants. open image in gallery The main stairway inside Epsteins townhouse ( US District Attorneys Office ) Epsteins accusers have previously alleged that the Central Park property was outfitted with a network of CCTV cameras, one of which appears to be visible in the photographs obtained by the NYT. The green copy of Lolita, dating from 1955, is noteworthy given that the novel recounts an older mans sexual desire for an underage girl. It also inspired a queasy nickname to the plane Epstein used to fly back and forth to his private Island of Little St James - dubbed the Lolita Express. Canada-based Kobo Resources has entered into an earn-in agreement to expand its exploration in Cote dIvoire, focusing on the gold-rich Yakasse project. This move aligns with the company's strategy to assess gold-bearing structural corridors in the region. The gold exploration licence application for the Yakasse project, initially filed by Geoservices in February 2021, was later amended to increase the area from 67km to 74.06km at Kobo's request in July 2025. The project is strategically located near other exploration sites including the Nesdave permit and the Kuniboa application, enhancing its potential value. Situated approximately 100km north-east of Abidjan, the Yakasse project is accessible via established roads and is in a region known for Birimian geological formations, which are often associated with gold deposits. Under the agreement, Kobo Resources will collaborate with Geoservices on exploration activities, contingent upon Geoservices securing a research permit. An initial payment of C$20,000 ($14,503.5) has been made by Kobo, with additional payments and share issuances outlined upon further progress and approvals. To acquire a 90% interest in the Yakasse licence, Kobo Resources is committed to a phased investment totalling approximately C$719,500 over four years. Each year's investment correlates with an increasing percentage of interest in the permit, culminating in a 90% stake by the fourth year. Should Kobo decide to pursue an exploitation licence, a joint venture (JV) will be formed with Geoservices and the Government of Cote dIvoire, with Kobo holding the majority share. Additionally, Kobo retains the option to increase its JV share by purchasing an extra 4% from Geoservices for C$2m. The agreement also includes a 1% net smelter return to Geoservices, with Kobo having the option to buy back half of this royalty. Upon commercial exploitation, Geoservices is set to receive additional company shares, subject to regulatory approval. Kobo Resources CEO and director Edward Gosselin said: Our earn-in agreement on the Yakasse Project marks a meaningful step in Kobos strategy to expand our exploration portfolio in one of Cote dIvoires promising gold regions. This project sits within a structurally complex and underexplored area that has already returned high-grade results from past drilling by reputable operators. With its expected strong regional potential and well-developed infrastructure, the Yakasse Project aligns with our long-term growth strategy. Subject to the approval of the pending application, we look forward to advancing exploration on this project with Geoservices as we continue unlocking new opportunities alongside the development of our flagship Kossou Project. 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 Catholic priest in North Carolina has been removed from his duties and is facing felony charges after deputies say he allegedly arranged to meet a prostitute at his own church in the early hours of the morning. Clemente Olvera Guerrero, 47, of Smithfield, was arrested Monday and charged with one felony count of soliciting prostitution, according to the Johnston County Sheriffs Office. Deputies said the alleged crime occurred on the grounds of Saint Ann Catholic Church in Clayton, where Olvera Guerrero served as a priest. Just before 1 a.m. on Monday, deputies noticed a suspicious vehicle parked at the church and found a 20-year-old male sex worker on the property. The sex worker told deputies he had been contacted through an app by Olvera Guerrero, who invited him to the church. The sheriffs office said the two had been engaged in intercourse. open image in gallery Clemente Olvera Guerrero, 47, of Smithfield, was arrested Monday and charged with one felony count of soliciting prostitution ( The Johnston County Sheriff's Office ) Both Brinson and the sex worker were taken into custody on the property. Brinson was charged with misdemeanor prostitution and held on a $10,000 secured bond. The Diocese of Raleigh notified parishioners of Saint Ann about Olvera Guerreros arrest in a letter sent out on Monday. The diocese received notice this morning of the arrest of Fr. Clemente Olvera Guerrero on criminal charges connected to alleged inappropriate behavior with an adult, the letter reads. Upon receiving that information, he was immediately removed from ministry in the Diocese of Raleigh. While Fr. Clemente deserves a full presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, his priestly duties in the Diocese of Raleigh have been revoked and he will be returned to his religious order while this matter is further investigated by legal and canonical authorities. 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 10-year-old girl was killed after a suspected drunken boat driver plowed into a group of swimmers in North Carolina, and her family is heartbroken over the loss of a light in every room. The family of Brooklyn Mae Carroll is mourning after the fifth grader died Saturday when an impaired man drove a boat into a group of people swimming at Shearon Harris Lake, CBS 17 reported. Quinten Gregory Kight, 40, is facing felony and misdemeanor impairment charges in the deadly crash, which also left a friend of Brooklyns mother, Jennifer Stehle, seriously injured. A GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help the young girls family through the tragedy details their devastating loss. Our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our sweet Brooklyn Mae, the fundraiser says. BB was a light in every room she entered, with an infectious smile, a loving heart, and a spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Brooklyn Mae Carroll , 10, was killed when a boat piloted by a suspected drunk drier hit her on a North Carolina lake. The suspect was arrested and faces charges. ( GoFundMe ) Her laughter, kindness, and energy brought so much joy to her family and friends, the fundraiser added. Brooklyns parents, Kim and Matt Carroll, are facing every parents worst nightmare, the fundraiser said. The fundraiser says it hopes to help lift some of the financial burden as the family grieves and will help cover expenses, memorial arrangements, and allow the parents to take time off work while coping with this devastating loss. Stehle, who was injured in the crash, had to be taken by helicopter from the scene. Her left leg above the knee was later amputated, according to Sgt Claude Smith with the N.C. Wildlife Commission. Investigators believe Kight was operating a wake boat and pulling an inner tube behind him when he drove into a group of three people swimming. During court proceedings Monday, Chatham County District Attorney Jeff Nieman said investigators found dozens of empty beer cans on Kights boat after the crash. Additional alcohol containers found outside the boat were also believed to belong to the people on his boat. They found 39 empty beer cans on Mr. Kights boat, seven of which appear to have been shotgunned, Nieman said, according to Action News 5. Kight is being held at the Chatham County Jail, pending a court appearance. His blood was drawn on Saturday, but the results have not yet been reported, Smith said. Chatham County Sheriff Mike Robertson said the community was mourning the loss of Brooklyn Mae Carroll and the critical injury of Stehle. This was a heartbreaking accident, but one that was preventable, Robertson said. Alcohol was a factor, and the decision to operate a boat while impaired had devastating consequences. We urge everyone to think twice before mixing alcohol with watercraft operation. It only takes a moment for lives to be changed forever. The fundraiser for the young girls family had raised over $33,000 of a $60,000 goal. 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 Austin Drummond, the suspect linked to a quadruple murder last week, has been arrested after a four-day manhunt, according to police in Tennessee. Reports of the abandoned infant in neighboring Dyer County on July 29 sparked a search for her guardians, leading cops to discover the bodies of the childs parents, James Matthew Wilson, 21, and Adrianna Williams, 20. Her maternal grandmother, Cortney Rose, 38, and maternal uncle, Braydon Williams, 15, were also found dead, officials said. Tanaka Brown and Giovonte Thomas, both 29, were charged over the weekend with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. A third associate, Dearrah Sanders, was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree on Monday, the bureau announced. This photo provided by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 shows Austin Drummond, moments after having been taken into custody. Drummond was linked to a quadruple murder last week ( Tennessee Bureau of Investigation ) Deputies from the Dyer County Sheriffs Office responded to reports at about 3.10 p.m. last Tuesday that a dark-colored minivan had dropped off the child in a car seat at a random individuals front yard in the unincorporated community of Tigrett. That set off a scramble to find the babys caregivers, Stephen Sutton, a spokesperson for the sheriffs offices in Lake and Dyer counties, said at a news conference Friday. Just before 10.30 p.m., Rose and Williams were reported missing, according to audio of a 911 call obtained by NBC affiliate WMC-TV. The bodies of Wilson, Rose and the two Williamses were found nearly 40 miles away later that evening in a wooded area along Carrington Road in Tiptonville, authorities said. Authorities have not revealed how the four people died, but have ruled their deaths homicides. It was not immediately clear what led authorities to name Drummond as a suspect. Records show that Drummond has a lengthy criminal history, with the suspect out on bond for a previous conviction of aggravated robbery at the time the family of four was found dead. 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 manhunt was launched last week after a seven-month-old baby girl was abandoned in a strangers front yard, hours before four of her relatives were found dead in a wooded area in Tennessee. Reports of the infant in Dyer County on July 29 sparked a statewide search for her guardians, leading cops to discover the bodies of the childs parents, James Matthew Wilson, 21, and Adrianna Williams, 20, in neighboring Lake County. The babys maternal grandmother, Cortney Rose, 38, and maternal uncle, Braydon Williams, 15, were also found dead, officials said. On Tuesday, the City of Jackson Police Department announced it had arrested a suspect, Austin Drummond. open image in gallery The City of Jackson Police Department revealed that it had detained Austin Drummond on Tuesday morning ( Tennessee Bureau of Investigation ) Three other people have also been arrested in connection with the deaths. Tanaka Brown and Giovonte Thomas, both 29, who were charged over the weekend with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, followed by Dearrah Sanders, who faced the same charge on Monday. Heres what we know about the case: The Crime Deputies from the Dyer County Sheriffs Office responded to reports at about 3.10 p.m. last Tuesday that a dark-colored minivan had dropped off the child in a car seat at a random individuals front yard in the unincorporated community of Tigrett. It set off a scramble to find the babys caregivers, Stephen Sutton, a spokesperson for the sheriffs offices in Lake and Dyer counties, said at a news conference Friday. Just before 10.30 p.m., Rose and Williams were reported missing, according to audio of a 911 call obtained by NBC affiliate WMC-TV. The bodies of Wilson, Rose and the two Williamses were found nearly 40 miles away later that evening in a wooded area along Carrington Road in Tiptonville, authorities said. The baby is safe and being cared for, Sutton said. open image in gallery Tributes have been paid after James Matthew Wilson and Adrianna Williams were found dead ( Facebook ) open image in gallery The baby was abandoned on a strangers front lawn ( Dyer County Sheriff's Office ) Authorities have not revealed how the four people died, but have ruled their deaths homicides. On Monday, investigators searched a wooded area near Union University in Jackson. Less than a mile down the road, Jackson Christian School was on lockdown, a receptionist told CNN. The suspects arrest followed a day later. The FBI and a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force were among the nearly dozen agencies working on the case. A combined reward from the TBI and U.S. Marshals Service reached $32,500. Authorities said Thomas is being transferred from Madison County Jail to Lake County Jail, where Brown is also being held without bond. Sanders was also set to be booked into Lake County Jail, officials said Monday. The Victims Friends and family members of the victims have shared their heartbreak online. Wilsons sister, Amanda Myatt, set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the funeral costs of the four victims. Matthew and Adrianna were very loving parents to beautiful baby girl whom that they got to love and support her for 7 months, she wrote. Courtney was sole provider for her kids. A separate GoFundMe campaign was set up by Wilsons grandmother, who said she hopes to provide him a proper service. A funeral service is expected to be held for Wilson on Tuesday afternoon in Newbern. A friend of Wilsons partner, Williams, told CBS affiliate News Channel 3 that she was the sweetest person who loved being a mama. The couples last social media update was posted a day after the birth of their little girl. The last photo posted to a Facebook profile believed to belong to Rose, in May, appeared to show her beside her infant granddaughter. 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 British tourist has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and battery after he allegedly tried to drown his daughter-in-law at a vacation home in Florida, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Mark Gibbon, 62, was vacationing with his family at the Solterra Resort in Davenport on Friday when he allegedly got into an argument with his 33-year-old daughter-in-law at the swimming pool, according to deputies. Witnesses who spoke to law enforcement said Gibbon tried to drown the woman in the pool. The sheriff's office said in a statement that Gibbon and his daughter-in-law were arguing about his grandchildren. Witnesses told law enforcement that Gibbon's 9-year-old granddaughter jumped into the pool to try to stop her grandfather from drowning her mother. Mark Gibbon, 62, of Beaconsfield, England was arrested in Polk County, Florida, and has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and battery after he allegedly tried to drown his 33-year-old daughter-in-law in a pool after they began arguing about her children ( Polk County Sheriff's Office ) According to the sheriff's office, Gibbon only relented when a witness at the scene told him they'd called the sheriff's office. Its great that Polk County draws visitors from all across the world, but we expect vacationers to behave while they visit with us, just as we expect our lifelong residents to do the same," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. "Because Mr. Gibbon couldnt control his anger, he may find himself spending a lot more time in Florida than he had anticipated." Gibbon was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail, according to the sheriff's office. He is from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, which is west of London. 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 88-year-old Utah man has been accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl after offering her candy, according to police. Ronald Charles Jones of West Jordan was arrested on July 29 after the little girl told her mother what had happened inside his home, Gephardt Daily reported, citing an arrest document. The girl told police she was riding her bike when she saw Jones on his porch. He said he wanted to give her candy, according to the document. Once inside his home, Jones kissed and inappropriately touched the girl and showed her his genital area, according to multiple reports that cited official documents. The victim said the suspect would not let her leave until she kissed him on the lips, according to the arrest document. open image in gallery An 88-year-old Utah man has been accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl after offering her candy, according to police ( PA Archive ) The girl told police she eventually ran out of the house and rode away on her bike. Jones, who police say is a powerful member of his church, denied all allegations against him during a police interview, according to court documents. His arresting officer advocated for no bail as he is an influential member of his LDS [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] ward and held several positions within the church. He stated children come to his house often where he provides them with candy, the officer wrote. The girl told police Jones was not a good person and he wanted her to keep secrets, KSL News reported, citing charging documents. Jones was charged with child kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, unlawful kissing of a child and lewdness involving a child. Fox 13 reported a judge ordered Jones to be held without bail. (Reuters) -Defense contractor Leidos Holdings raised its full-year adjusted profit forecast on Tuesday, as demand for its technical services and munitions remains robust amid simmering geopolitical tensions. Shares of the company were up 4% in premarket in trading. Rising tensions around the world in the wake of a protracted Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East have boosted the market for arms, benefiting defense contractors. The company has followed peer Northrop Grumman in lifting its 2025 profit forecast. Leidos now expects its annual adjusted profit at between $11.15 and $11.45 per share, compared with its prior forecast of $10.35 to $10.75. However, the Reston, Virginia-based company trimmed its full-year revenue forecast range and now expects it to be between $17 billion and $17.25 billion, from $16.9 billion and $17.3 billion previously. Leidos provides technology services to government agencies as well as commercial clients and is also a maker of drones and aerial defense systems. It also provides services in the areas of health, environmental sciences and transportation. It posted a second-quarter adjusted profit of $3.21 per share. Analysts on average had anticipated a quarterly profit of $2.66 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG. Its revenue rose about 3% to $4.25 billion, edging past estimates of $4.24 billion. (Reporting by Utkarsh Shetti and Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) A guard on horseback leads a Louisiana State Penitentiary work crew to the fields at Angola on Nov. 21, 2014. A new set of suggestions to change Louisiana's prison and sentencing laws could save taxpayers $305 million over the next 10 years and reduce the state's prison population by 13 percent, about 4,800 inmates. (Photo by Ted Jackson, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune archive) President Trump warned he could impose new tariffs and export limits on advanced technology and semiconductors in response to digital service taxes in other countries that he says unfairly target American tech firms. In a post to Truth Social late Monday, Trump argued the taxes are meant to hurt US companies while letting China's biggest tech players off the hook. "As the President of the United States, I will stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies," Trump wrote. Trump did not specify any countries in his post, but the European Union has employed various taxes and regulatory methods that Trump has said unfairly targets US tech giants. The EU defended its use of the measures on Tuesday. "Its the sovereign right of the EU and its member states to regulate our economic activities on our territory," a spokeswoman said. The new drama comes after the US and the EU established a written framework for the trade deal agreed to in late July. Also on Monday, Trump said a 15% tariff on imports from South Korea will hold despite President Lee Jae Myung's visit to Washington, D.C. The two countries struck a trade deal in July, allowing South Korea to avoid a stiffer 25% tariff, but tensions over the agreement have persisted, Bloomberg reported. Last week, Trump said that the US is investigating furniture imports and will impose a tariff on the products once the probe is complete. Meanwhile, US tariffs on imports from India are set to double to 50% on Wednesday, with no indications that the countries are moving toward any kind of deal. Also last week, Canada vowed to drop its retaliatory tariffs to match US tariff exemptions for goods covered under the US-Mexico-Canada trade pact. Earlier this month, Trump unveiled "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of US trade partners (which you can see in the graphic below). Those tariffs face legal limbo in an appeals court case that could be decided within days. Justice Department lawyers and lawyers for a group of small business importers who are challenging the tariffs imposed under this authority argued their positions before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. If the court rules against the government, it's likely Trump would appeal to the Supreme Court. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Here are the latest updates as the policy reverberates around the world. LIVE 1748 updates It turns out that I may indeed end up having a third career. Journalist. Academic. And now? My name is Jenna and Im here to help. Yes, Ive always wanted to be a matchmaker. Turns out that Generation Z is in urgent need. News this week that those beleaguered kids, born alongside their parents phone addiction, arent getting any. Love, that is. Just over half of Gen Z adults are in a relationship compared with two-thirds of Millennials, three-quarters of Gen Xers and nearly all of us Boomers. OK, 80 per cent. Dating tips for young people. Ditch the dating apps. Ask your friends to introduce you to their cousins instead. Credit: Monique Westermann So I plan to set up a matchmaking service in which the only bit you can do online is the email as the first point of contact. The rest? Your raw animal magnetism unleashed. Bit of a wash, bit of a lesson in how to ask questions and listen (called conversation in the olden days), actual foreplay (we may get to that a little bit later. See what I did there?). When I was a girl reporter, I interviewed a spectacular woman called Yvonne Allen. She was a full-time matchmaker, incredibly busy. And I loved her approach. She knew perfection was a ridiculous goal. Just before she retired after decades in the business and hundreds of successful relationships hatched she told the Australian Financial Review: We have reached a crisis state: look at the millions and millions of people who are out there saying, Not for me, not for me, just by looking at a photo. If you meet somebody who you enjoyed meeting, but you dont think there is likely to be a spark, that doesnt mean you shouldnt keep seeing them. The spark is often the distraction. Its a lovely thing to let simmer. One of Josh Frydenbergs biggest supporters (excluding the man himself, obviously) has just been elected as the chair of the Liberal Womens Council Victoria at its AGM. Read into that what you will or let us do that for you. Jacquie Blackwell was elected chair at the weekend by a handsome margin from the 101 members who voted on the 12 positions. She defeated Yvonne Gu in the vote and replaces Marg Hawker, who has been chair for the past two years and was identified by some as aligned with polarising state president Philip Davis. Party members were delighted. Shes hard at the ball; she just wants to win, a Liberal statesman told CBD in some sort of sporting analogy we dont fully understand but are printing anyway. A controversial plan for a $39 million office building including a bookshop and cafe next to St Marys Cathedral has been approved by a NSW court after an earlier proposal was knocked back by the City of Sydney Council. In a decision this month, the Land and Environment Court granted development consent to the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney for the demolition of an existing car park and the construction of the new chancery building in the heritage-listed cathedral precinct opposite Hyde Park. The new building will be located on St Marys Road between the cathedral and a former school building, which are listed together as items of state heritage significance. The area forms part of the larger Governors Domain and Civic Precinct that is covered by separate national heritage protections. The original development proposal, refused by the council in August last year, was for a more imposing six-storey building, including four storeys visible from the street. The youngest of the four men convicted over South Australias bodies in the barrels serial killings has been granted parole. James Vlassakis has spent 26 years behind bars for his role in four of the 11 murders between 1992 and 1999. Police remove items from a former bank building in Snowtown, South Australia, in 1999. Credit: Bryan Charlton At its monthly meeting on Tuesday, South Australias parole board approved his application to serve the remainder of his life sentence under conditions in the community. Parole Board chief Frances Nelson said Vlassakis does not represent a risk to the community and would be sent to the Adelaide pre-release centre for up to 12 months and undergo a resocialisation process. On balance Donald Trump, may well not be the sort of bloke to take home for Sunday lunch with mum ... let alone with mum and nan. However, Trump would be preferable to the likes of Xi Jinping, whose Chinese Communist Partys PLA Navy recently circumnavigated Australia live-cannon-firing, off our capital cities; and with the CCP being directly and indirectly responsible, according to Tibets government in exile, for some 1.2 million Tibetans deaths something Australias Chinese diaspora would do well remember when choosing political sides in Australia. The very worst of America is far better than the very best of the Communist totalitarian regimes in China and North Korea; along with despot-led, Ukraine-invading Russia, and mullah-led Iran: all put together. Howard Hutchins, Wantirna Unhealthy state Under instruction from Trump, the Republican Texas governor has issued arrest warrants for Democrat legislators who refuse to allow the gerrymandering of seats, which will influence the outcome on next years mid-term elections, for the benefit of Trump (Texas governor orders arrest of Democrats who fled Trump-backed gerrymander stoush, 5/8). Following the sacking of Americas labour statistics commissioner reporting lower than expected jobs figures, this is further evidence of the US democracy spiralling down to an unhealthy abyss of a fascist state. George Djoneff, Mitcham Get money working With the productivity hackathon next week, can the participants address the issue of unproductive or lazy money? While discussions on productivity usually focus on labour and technology (that enhances or replaces labour), I believe we can do better with our lazy capital investments. Examples of lazy investments include in existing housing or in shares that are not capital-raising for specific growth projects. Structures and incentives, including tax reform, can be enabled to encourage productive investment, say in new housing only, R&D. Andrew Twining, Reservoir Tax wealth, not spending Your correspondents suggestion of doubling the GST (Letters, 5/8) will not make our tax system fairer. Instead, such an approach would penalise low-income earners, who have no choice but to spend a much larger portion of their incomes on consumption than the better off (including most proponents of higher, broader consumption taxes). A better solution would be to tax wealth accumulation more effectively, and to ensure that multinational companies are prevented from avoiding tax by creative accounting practices. Ken Richards, Elwood Office benefits Your correspondent says that Premier Jacinta Allans work-from-home proposal is profoundly inequitable due to those who turn up at the coalface every day while bosses stay home (Letters, 5/8). And what about the potential impacts on mental health and family conflict? For some, the office is a life-saver. Think for a moment of serial procrastinators. Think of those who live alone, or in cramped or unappealing accommodation, with noisy neighbours, or with difficult or demanding family members. How many couples want to stay home together 24/7? Will there be a new social division: those who choose to turn up in the office every day, versus those with blissful domestic lives and spacious homes? Joan Reilly, Surrey Hills Working divide It is interesting to note the apparent gender divide regarding work from home. The majority of noisy objectors to legislated work from home seem to be men, specifically male business leaders and politicians. Those who shoulder the majority of childcare and home duties as well as full-time work see great benefits to the scheme. Robyn Westwood, Heidelberg Heights Come a long way Working from home is not new. Women were working from home for decades. Unpaid. And then they would go to workplaces and be paid less than their male colleagues. Leave that workplace, at the end of the day, and do more unpaid work at home. Weve come a long way to be now discussing the right to paid work at home for women and men. Catherine Healy, Brighton Laws are a valuable signal Meg Kanofskis nostalgic take on growing up with Tumblr may charm (Theres a good reason why the social media ban wont work, and the government knows it, 5/8), but her argument against age limits on social media misses a key point: just because some kids will find workarounds doesnt mean we abandon all protections. We dont scrap laws on underage drinking or gambling because teens might sneak around them. We set rules as a starting point for safety, for accountability, and to signal to tech giants that protecting children is non-negotiable. Limiting access wont solve everything but it sets boundaries while we fight for better education and safer platforms. Social media literacy is vital. So is giving kids a break from feeding algorithms they cant yet understand. This isnt about digital nostalgia. Its about harm minimisation. We dont let 10-year-olds into pubs why let them into platforms designed to addict? Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, child, adolescent and family psychologist, Hawthorn East Staying in control Your correspondent, Jamie Hyams, of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council states (Limits of recognition, Letters, 5/8), runs the standard line that Israel totally withdrew from Gaza in 2005. Yes, the settlers and the IDF withdrew but Israel has remained in total control of who and what goes in and out of Gaza since 2007, creating a besieged open-air prison. So much so that the International Court of Justice called them belligerent occupiers under a 2024 advisory opinion. Lorel Thomas, Blackburn South Why talks failed Jamie Hyams is not entirely correct the Camp David talks ultimately failed because Israel would not allow Jerusalem to be the Palestinian capital and Israel also wanted complete control over the Temple Mount while the Palestinians wanted control. He also fails to acknowledge that Hamas came about largely because Israel wanted an opposition to the PLO and supported Hamas in these aims. Also he forgets UN resolution 242 which calls for Israel to completely withdraw from the occupied territories and this it has failed to do and in fact has increased occupation with the establishment of more and more settlements. It is a complex issue but to lay the blame entirely on the Palestinians is wrong. John Gerloff, Bentleigh East Compromise mentality Ben Saul (We should recognise Palestine. Now, 4/8) presents a compelling, rational, balanced, and credible historical, legal, and moral argument for recognition as the foundation of a fair and just two state solution in Israel/Palestine. He also advocates the removal of the major obstacles to a peace settlement, that is the winner take all extremists on both sides, the incumbent Hamas in Gaza and similar terrorist groups on the West Bank and the extreme right-wing Netanyahu coalition government and the illegal and provocative settler movement. Until a compromise is achieved, this human catastrophe will continue to be on unremitting lose-lose trajectory. Harry Zable, Campbells Creek Israels right to defend Ben Saul is living in cloud cuckoo land if he thinks that Israel will ever disarm while it is surrounded by enemies hell-bent on a one-state solution which doesnt include Jews. Moreover, Israelis have every right to elect whatever government they choose, as, indeed, would the Palestinians if a state were ever to be formed. In January, 2006, Hamas won an election in Gaza in a landslide. So the question has to be asked: In the absence of an Israel capable of defending itself, who would stop this terrorist organisation or one with similar objectives from coming to power in a future Palestinian state? Ivan Glynn, Vermont Tools are at your feet To your correspondent concerned about the urgent need for the development of a pot-hole avoidance system (Blind spot, Letters, 5/8), they will find that every vehicle ever created has the devices they require. One is called the accelerator and the other the brake. Combined correctly the use of both will assist drivers to proceed at the correct speed for the conditions presented and thus avoid any and all interference to your journey. It is all part of defensive driving techniques that every driver should employ but few do. Kevin Christensen, Maffra AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Matt Golding Advertising Please, no more dated stereotypes in advertising to promote tourism to Australia (Celebrities boost $130 million Come and say Gday global tourism campaign, 4/8). We are not just a land of the outback. Show our beautiful capital cities, galleries, elegant shopping and botanic gardens. Katriona Fahey, Alphington The new advertisements to lure tourists from overseas are cringeworthy. Surely they could make them less crass and jingoistic. What about references to our Indigenous culture, scientific achievements and unique (but lesser known) wildlife? Suzanne Palmer-Holton, Seaford Surely, when looking to promote Australia as a destination, the Tourism Commission didnt need to go to a New York-based advertising agency. This must be seen as a gratuitous insult to our own excellent industry. Ray Way, Blackburn South Work Those lamenting that they cant work from home might be consoled by the hope that their jobs will be harder to replace by AI. Elaine Hopper, Blackburn In an apparent about-face by the Allan government (Jobs Department faces major staff cuts under public sector restructure, 5/8), the Department of Jobs is to become the Department of Jobless. Bruce Crowe, Sunbury It is often said the standard you walk past is the standard you accept. When is Albanese going to lift jobseekers from enforced poverty? Bryan Lewis, St Helena Loading Furthermore Thank you Simon for giving us the Good Win wed been waiting 57 years for, youll always be a hero to the red and blue (Demons yet to approach any candidates after sacking coach Simon Goodwin, 5/8). Wishing you all the best, even if you end up at Carlton. Huw Dann, Mt Eden, NZ What an amazing woman is Jelena Dokic. Her speech at the Logies was inspirational. Kudos to Todd Woodbridge who supported and encouraged her. Peter Cooke, Warrnambool Charles Napoli borrowed money in order to invest. Napoli said he rolled over his investments and added more money a number of times to both his private placement investments and a fund Marco kept, with one of his investments totalling $5.6 million. Napoli said he was repeatedly paid his owed return on time. I could see the funds were coming as [Marco] advised they would, he said. It gave me some confidence and comfort in him. Napoli told the court while he received returns over the years, he never received the full capital of investment back once ASIC froze Marcos accounts in 2018. Loading He said he received a number of emails from Marco assuring him he would be able to get his money back, and Marco revealed where some of the cash had gone in a note to investors. Our security is held in cash, property and a small amount of readily realisable shares and collectibles all documented in my affidavit on assets and liabilities, Marco wrote. Napoli said he was not aware of this. If I knew he was doing this I wouldnt have given him anything, he said. The court heard at one point, Marco used an account where his investors money was mingled to loan his daughter $28,000 to start a Claremont antiques shop. Napoli said he had also once taken him to a warehouse where Marco had kept luxury cars in Osborne Park. The office warehouse was very luxurious, security controlled, climate controlled, with really nice painted floors, and the cars were in immaculate condition, he said. I just couldnt believe what I was seeing, It gave the impression this man was a very successful businessman. Napoli said he had no idea Marco had used his money to pay off other investors and his insurance guarantees were allegedly untrue, and had no idea some of his money had been invested in the cars. Robert Machin invested in the scheme in 2017. I would never have gone into it [if Id known] because thats just a Ponzi scheme, he told the court. When asked by prosecutor Steven Whybrow how much capital he had recovered since ASIC shut Marco down, Napoli said he hadnt recovered anything. Im in the same position, Napoli said. Sydney-based management accountant Robert Machin also took the stand during Marcos trial after he and his wife also chose to invest with Marco in 2017. Machin said his elderly parents had needed help at the time and it had taken a toll on his income, so he invested $400,000 with Marco. Machin said when he first signed on, Marco said ASIC had approved of his operation in 2014 and a financial firm had viewed his documentation. Marco was charming, charismatic, convincing, lucid, and eloquent, he presented his story in a beautiful way, he said. [He said] the placements were for those who are wealthy and those in the know. Machin said it was an ideal arrangement for his situation. I made a joke with Marco I asked him where have you been all my life, this is just what I need to get through this situation, he said. Machin said he also earned interest off his investment about five times before Marco was shut down. He said he was shocked to find his money had been used to pay off returns for other investors. To be candid, it would have reeked of a Ponzi scheme to me, he said. Both the prosecution and defence teams have previously rejected the characterisation. I was ashamed Ive been conned in this way in the role that [Marco] played, he was just spectacular, he was very convincing, Machin said. Marcos defence lawyer Luka Margaretic challenged Machin on whether he had, in fact, been conned as he had been paid out his interest consistently and on time. The money only stopped when ASIC stepped in, Margaretic said. Clients said they occasionally met with Marissen when they visited the office, or through phone or email on behalf of Marcos business. Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its Baron Global Advantage Fund investor letter for the second quarter of 2025. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the second quarter, the fund returned 22.7% (Institutional Shares), compared to the MSCI ACWI Indexs (the Index) 11.5% gain and the MSCI ACWI Growth Indexs 17.3% gain. The Fund is up 11.2%, year-to-date, compared to gains of 10.1% and 9.3% for the benchmarks, respectively. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, Baron Global Advantage Fund highlighted stocks such as Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU). Headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) is a digital banking platform. The one-month return of Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) was -11.48%, and its shares gained 8.77% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On August 4, 2025, Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) stock closed at $12.03 per share, with a market capitalization of $58.038 billion. Baron Global Advantage Fund stated the following regarding Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: 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 Right-wing firebrands and independent MPs are winning the fight for Australian social media dominance, leaving the major parties behind as politicians attempt to create election-winning brands online. From the quasi-influencers of the crossbench to powerful ministers who fly under the radar, dancing dolphin trainers to shirtless rugby players, this masthead has collated the online followings of all 226 members of federal parliament. This masthead has collated the social media following of every federal politician. Credit: Aresna Villanueva Pulled from Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok during the first parliamentary fortnight that ended on July 31, the data shows the rise of the right, the power of the Senate, and the lacklustre online performance of some of our most senior politicians. The numbers Australias federal politicians collectively have 17 million followers across the four platforms. Thats an average of 74,000 per politician. US President Donald Trump has 108 million followers on X alone, though he posts primarily on his own network, Truth Social. Overseas, political figures such as New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, UK conservative justice spokesman Robert Jenrick, and a swath of Republican figures in the United States have built political careers through constant social media posts. Advertisement Every Australian federal parliamentarian is active on at least one platform, with 99.5 per cent of politicians using Facebook and Instagram. X comes next, with 68 per cent using Elon Musks platform that was once known as Twitter, followed by TikTok, which 45 per cent use despite security concerns. Government ministers average 149,000 followers each, substantially more than shadow ministers, who average 44,000. Backbenchers and members of the crossbench average around 60,000 followers each. Ministers have larger staff than most parliamentarians, with more capacity to produce social content, and tend to have been in parliament for longer. They also have policies they can claim personal credit for, providing a steady flow of talking points to turn into TikToks and reels. Senators, on average, have almost double the followers of House of Representatives members, with around 105,000 for the upper house, and 58,000 for the lower. The Senate hosts eight of the top 10 most followed politicians, despite being half the size of the House of Representatives. Senators have much larger constituencies than House of Reps members, and for those representing states, are elected for six-year terms. Thats less time spent campaigning and more time on the apps. Representatives from the ACT and the Northern Territory have the highest average follower counts. However, those numbers are heavily skewed by the popularity of David Pocock and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. Advertisement Including Pocock, the ACT average is 186,000. Without him, its 55,000. With Price, the NT average is 110,000. Without her, its 26,000. Ed Coper, political strategist at campaign agency Populares, which has worked with teal campaigns, said there were two paths to success on social media. You can either be authentic or you can be angry its a bit like a sugar hit, he said. The easiest and quickest and cheapest way to get that sugar hit is through the emotion of anger. The successful ... With almost 2 million followers, Anthony Albanese is the most followed politician in parliament. His team posts professionally produced content across all four platforms, often posting multiple times a day. However, his following may be less of a ringing endorsement and more of a perk of the job. Scott Morrison has 1.5 million followers, without having a TikTok account. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who has only been in the job since after the May election, has only 71,000 followers. Trailing a million followers behind the PM is Pauline Hanson, whose 600,000 Facebook followers push her into second place. Hanson said she liked using social media because it gave her a chance to show another side of herself. The side that knits sweaters and has run ins with non-venomous snakes on the back deck of her Queensland home. Advertisement People might meet me and say, Gee, I feel as if Ive known you all my life, and its the first time Ive ever met you, Hanson said. Its a way of connecting with people. Her accounts are also a home for the animated series Please Explain, which sends up left-wing politics. It is highly popular but has been met with accusations of being offensive. Hanson said she is regularly approached by fans of the series, especially children. I want to engage people in politics, to empower them into understanding politics because theyve got to decide, and vote for the right people thats going to represent them, she said. Loading On average, federal One Nation representatives are the most followed of any party on average, with 375,000 followers each. However, the party only has four members. New senators Tyron Whitten and Warwick Stacey significantly drag down the partys average with their respective 5000 and 800 followers. At the last election, the party received just 5.7 per cent of the first preference vote in the Senate. Advertisement Hanson said she used the platforms because they offered her direct communication to constituents without the opinions of some of the journalists out there that put a spin on it. The Greens with 11 members have a more uniform success as the second most followed party with 137,000 followers per representative. Liberal senator Alex Antic, who has channelled US-style culture wars online, is the most followed opposition backbencher. More than half of his 280,000 followers are on Facebook, the most successful platform for the conservative wings of parliament. When it comes to social media, I have never really considered a particular strategy, Antic said. I just address topics like the net zero scam, the corrosive diversity, equity and inclusion agenda and the war on masculinity. There are clearly many Australians who agree with me. Antic primarily posts videos of him appearing on Sky News programs or speaking in the Senate, alongside clips from his podcast, Based, which he says is all about cutting-edge conservatism free of woke nonsense. On Facebook, Instagram and X, Antic follows only one person: Donald Trump. The Coalitions top performers all come from their right wing. Alongside Antic and Price in the Coalitions top five are opposition home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie, Jason Wood, the Coalitons spokesman for international development and the Pacific, and senator Matthew Canavan. Advertisement Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has discussed efforts to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with the head of the United Nations as the government sends increasingly strong signals it will join a coalition of nations recognising a Palestinian state next month. Albanese also had a phone call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday, in which they committed to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been holding a series of diplomatic encounters about Palestinian statehood. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Albanese spoke to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday to discuss the upcoming general assembly, a conversation government sources said was part of an escalating set of diplomatic encounters as international pressure mounts to recognise Palestinian statehood. The call had previously been reported, but not that the pair spoke about Palestine. Some 30,000 potential homes have been approved but have not yet started construction, analysis has found, as construction times blow out and building costs remain high. There were a further 219,000 homes under construction in the March quarter, Cotality analysis of ABS figures shows, similar to the levels during the building boom of the 2010s except that, this time, homes are taking longer to finish. Cotality head of research Eliza Owen warned that homes were being approved and then getting stuck. Building costs surged after the COVID-19 lockdowns and have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, while the average number of quarters taken to complete a new unit has risen from about six a decade ago to more than nine. On Sunday, millions of cryptocurrency investors, enthusiasts and watchers were alerted to some breaking news: China had officially banned crypto trading, mining and related services from the mainland. The message was repeated, with slight tweaks to the phrasing and occasionally in all caps, across various social media profiles, racking up millions of views. It was extrapolated into articles on investment advice websites, and discussed (albeit shallowly) on short-form video. Google Search interest in the potential impacts spiked, though the results would have mostly shown the same message with little detail. So, what really happened? Bitcoins value dipped slightly off the back of China rumours. Credit: Bloomberg Did China ban crypto? Not lately. Despite the commotion there has been no new ban on cryptocurrency in China this week. Or at least, no major Chinese agency or reputable foreign news outlet has reported as much. None of the accounts pushing the announcement has linked to a verifiable source. At primary school, there was always one weird kid passing around an iPad open to an R-rated website, game or fan-fiction. I didnt have a phone until I was 12, or any social media apps until I was 16, which helped protect me from the dark rabbit holes that unrestricted internet access inevitably lead to. But I still couldnt avoid the weird kid in the playground. No amount of monitoring can fully prevent kids from accessing inappropriate online content. Teenagers are likely to find a way around the social media ban. Credit: iStock As a teenager, I know that the blanket ban for under-16s, set to come into effect in December, probably wont keep kids off social media. Whether they use fake birthdates to log into social media apps, or borrow someone elses device, theres always a workaround. Young people have been evading the watch of parents and authorities forever. If you owned a fake ID or had an older sibling buy you alcohol as a teenager, what makes you think that your child wont find a way around this ban? So, if we accept that many young people will continue to use social media despite the ban because, lets face it, they will then something needs to be done to mediate the harm that they will be exposed to through that social media use. The concerns about crime are based on British reports that spread fast on social media. An Afghan asylum seeker was charged last week with raping a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton, near Coventry. An Ethiopian asylum seeker was charged last month with assaulting a young girl in Epping, north-west of London. Both deny the charges, which are yet to be tested in court. With cases like these in the news, the English air has the whiff of petrol. One year ago, the awful murders of three young girls in Southport set off riots when rumours spread that the killer was an asylum seeker. The rumours were false he was born in the UK. But at least 100 people were charged in the riots an example of the explosive emotions around migration. Where are the women and children? If there was women and children first, wed be happy. The community would be happy to take them in. Nicola, Canary Wharf protester Jackie Sheldon, a mother of eight children, has lived in the Canary Wharf area all her life. Theyre coming here, and theyre committing disgusting crimes, she says of the migrants. We want to protect our community from that. Thats not OK. We want these people gone. There are no face masks in this group. The protesters are local and they know each other. They have a banner to challenge the idea that they are right-wing extremists. Were not far right but were not far wrong, it says. Dont gamble with our lives. Stop the boats. Nicola, 47, is a third-generation member of the community. I dont mind immigration, as long as its done legally, she says. She is concerned that the asylum seekers are mostly young men a fact borne out in government statistics as well as the news broadcasts that show people on the boats when they leave French beaches. Where are the women and children? she asks. If there was women and children first, wed be happy. The community would be happy to take them in. Two women hold a St Georges flag outside the Britannia Hotel at the Canary Wharf protest. Credit: PA Images via Getty Images There is a strong feeling here that Britain will break if it takes too many more people, so the overwhelming mood is that the country is full. If you have a boat that holds 300 people and you put 600 in it, its going to sink, says Lorraine. And thats whats happening to us, right? Our infrastructure cannot cope with the amount of people thats coming in. People here, I wouldnt know when the last time they was able to get a dentist appointment. The doctors appointments are all online. People have been told its a minimum 12 years to even be considered for a flat on the Isle of Dogs. She is referring to the waiting list for public housing in a council flat and she says her children cannot afford to buy a home in the community where they were raised. It took a long, long time One of her children, Ben, a scaffolder, says the Isle of Dogs accepted women and children from Ukraine in the past few years. He says it integrated a large Bangladeshi community over a longer period. It took a long, long time, but now we co-exist with each other, we get on with each other, he says. But now youre obviously putting up undocumented men, which we know nothing about, into a community that is already struggling financially. Youre gonna see a bit of unrest. That is what happens when a lone asylum seeker walks out of the hotel and down the street. He is a young black man, and says nothing, but the protest changes instantly. Women who were talking quietly to each other suddenly turn and yell at him to go home. Men jeer as he runs the gauntlet of the protest. Police stand guard outside the Britannia Hotel. Credit: Getty Images Tempers are frayed, but there is no violence. So far. One reason is that the protesters are not confronted by any opposition. Things were different one day earlier, when protesters outside an asylum hotel in the Barbican district of London were met by masked protesters dressed in black and chanting we are anti-fascist one of them vocally supporting Palestine Action, which the government has banned as a terrorist group. Loading In the violence between the groups and authorities at the Barbican, the Metropolitan Police arrested one of the anti-immigration protesters for a racially aggravated public order offence. It arrested one of the anti-fascists for supporting Palestine Action, and it arrested seven other counter-protesters for breaching orders aimed at separating the two groups. At Canary Wharf, however, the protesters against the asylum hotel have the street to themselves. Their star speaker is Young Bob a student who posts by that name on X and is a member of Turning Point UK, an offshoot of an American right-wing group. He is critical of Muslims and multiculturalism, but he says he is not racist. His message is that migration is destroying working-class jobs by making it easy for big companies to use cheap contract migrant labour. He wants people to boycott services like Deliveroo. He is only 17, but he taps into a deep anxiety about the loss of old British ways. The protest drags on with long speeches. It is deliberately noisy and confronting for the asylum seekers inside the hotel, being told they are not wanted, but there are no faces at the windows. There is no trigger for violence. Until a dozen young men arrive in black masks. The police brace and prepare for impact. They harden their line to prevent the men from getting to the front of the hotel. These protesters want confrontation, so they let off flares, chant about shutting down the asylum hotel and move up so they are eyeballing the officers. It takes less than a minute for the protest to turn into a scrum of police and angry men, swarming over the street as some try to get into the hotel. The flares cover the crowd in smoke. One protester, waving an English flag, strides toward the barricade but is intercepted before he can break through. The crowd supports them, but does not join in. If tempers were hotter, the crowd could use its numbers to rush the hotel. But the men seem to want to vent their anger and make a point for the media, without throwing punches. When one goes too far, a handful of police pin him to a wall and arrest him. He is later charged with assault, the Met Police tell me. Another man is charged with failing to obey an order to disperse. Migrants sit on a dinghy as it prepares to sail into the English Channel on July 10. Credit: Getty Images Loading The men in masks walk away. Some of the women seem to know them. Good on you, boys, calls out one. The crowd cools down. Young Bob takes the microphone again for another long speech. Then, in a sudden change in mood, the loudspeaker starts playing Sweet Caroline. The women in pink dance in the street, singing Neil Diamond. They own this neighbourhood, and they have made their point. Every protest is different. This one ends with people drifting home. The Barbican protest was more violent. The riot in Epping three weeks ago reached a fever pitch, with police assaulted and their vehicles damaged. And there are demonstrations every weekend, at asylum hotels up and down the country. I leave the protest to return to Canary Wharf tube station, where families are enjoying the sunshine on the lawns around the shopping mall. Young people are paddleboarding on an inlet of the Thames. Parents are buying ice cream for their children. You could make a film here about modern, multicultural, harmonious Britain. This peace, however, is easily shattered by economic and social pressure. Polling firm YouGov found last month that 38 per cent of UK voters wanted asylum seekers immediately removed from the country if they arrived by boat. Another 43 per cent said they should have their claims assessed and decided on a case-by-case basis (which is the existing policy). Migration is now a basic test for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Border Security and Asylum Minister Angela Eagle warns that protesters are harassing police and hotel staff. Anger doesnt get you anywhere, she says in interviews. We will close asylum hotels by the end of the parliament. Well do it faster if we can. What voters see at Canary Wharf, however, is an asylum hotel opening. The government is running out of places to house the people who cross the English Channel, with hundreds arriving every week. Every new asylum hotel becomes the target for a new protest. Israel is in the tightest spot it has been in at any point in the war, Michael Koplow, an analyst at Israel Policy Forum, a New York-based research group, said. It is dealing with a societal crisis over the continued war and plight of the hostages, a military crisis over the lack of clear aims and reservist fatigue, a diplomatic crisis over its close European allies lining up to unilaterally recognise Palestinian statehood, and an existential crisis over its eroding standing in the US, Koplow said. The protraction of the Gaza conflict also reflects US President Donald Trumps failure to capitalise on the leverage he accrued during the war with Iran. By joining Netanyahus attacks, Trump gave Israel a symbolic victory. At the time, analysts expected him to demand that Netanyahu repay the favour by drawing the war in Gaza to a close. He had all the leverage in the world to say to Netanyahu, Now we need to end this, Daniel Shapiro, a fellow at the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based research group, and a former US ambassador to Israel, said. Instead, Netanyahu seemed to persuade Trump to give him more time, Shapiro said. Now, things are just dragging and dragging. Within Gaza, the delays result has been catastrophic. Despite Israels sudden decision to let in more food last week, Palestinians in Gaza are still dying every day from starvation, according to Gazas health authorities. Palestinians wait to collect free food from a charity kitchen in Gaza City. Credit: Bloomberg Israeli soldiers have continued to shoot and kill civilians trying to access a deeply problematic new food distribution system that forces people to cross Israeli military lines to reach distribution sites. Desperate for alternative sources of food, large crowds of civilians continue to block and ransack aid convoys. Within Israel, the delay has heightened discontent among the governments critics. If Netanyahu appeared decisive and bold with his strikes on Iran in June, now he is once again perceived as dithering and beholden to the views of his far-right coalition partners. A growing number of Israelis either concerned for the hostages held by Hamas, or about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, or both are calling for an end to the war. On Monday, a group of former security chiefs including two former army chiefs of staff, three former heads of Israels domestic intelligence agency, the Shin Bet; and three former directors of the Mossad, Israels foreign intelligence agency released a video that ended with the caption: End the war! The generals said the war, which was set off by Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, began as a just war but has since become endless and pointless. Donald Trump and Netanyahu at the White House in April. Credit: AP It was a defensive war, Ami Ayalon, a former Shin Bet chief, said in the video. But once we achieved all its military objectives, once we achieved a great military victory against all our enemies, this war stopped being a just war, Ayalon added. This is leading the state of Israel to the loss of its security and its identity. Netanyahu says the wars objectives have not yet been achieved that the battle must continue until Hamas has been destroyed and the 20 remaining living hostages in Gaza are released. Hamas and its allies released videos in recent days of two such hostages, looking starved and skeletal. We will not be broken, Netanyahu said in a statement on Sunday after the footage was circulated online. I am filled with an even stronger determination to free our kidnapped sons, to eliminate Hamas, to ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to the state of Israel. Loading Yet the governments critics say Hamas is already decimated, its leaders mostly dead and its arsenal severely depleted. They fear that continued fighting in Gaza will do little meaningful damage to Hamas, but will endanger the hostages still held in the enclave, and further harm Israels tattered reputation. For nearly 18 months, Netanyahu has avoided halting the war so he can keep intact his coalition government, which includes senior ministers who seek to annex Gaza and replace much of its Palestinian population with Israeli civilians. The backbone of Israels fighting force its part-time military reservists who combine battlefield service with civilian life has become increasingly exhausted, traumatised and reluctant to return to what is now Israels longest-ever high-intensity war. Now, even full-time soldiers are battle weary: Three conscripts were sentenced to jail last month for refusing, on mental health grounds, to re-enter Gaza, prompting a public outcry that led to the cancellation of their jail terms. Compounding these frustrations, the government is pushing ahead with efforts to extend an exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israelis, whose leaders have long backed Netanyahu. Smoke and dust rise near the tents of displaced Palestinians in Gaza on Monday. Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images The government is also investing time and resources in firing the attorney-general, who oversees Netanyahus long-running prosecution for corruption. Netanyahu denies the corruption charges, and he has said his governments efforts to overhaul the judicial system are unrelated to the trial. But to his critics, those moves have bolstered the impression that Netanyahu has prioritised his own personal interests above his countrys cohesion and its strategic goals. Washington: US House Republicans subpoenaed the Justice Department, the Clintons and nearly a dozen former federal officials for information about the late financier Jeffrey Epsteins sex-trafficking operation, setting up a potential confrontation with the Trump administration. President Donald Trump and his top aides have faced a firestorm over their handling of the Epstein case, with supporters and critics alike demanding they release documents, financial records and information about Epsteins sex-trafficking operation and who may have committed crimes against underage girls. The House subpoena also swept in former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary the former secretary of state and the Democrats 2016 presidential nominee threatening to douse fresh accelerant on an issue thats bedevilled Trump and Republicans in recent weeks. Democrats made life so politically painful for House Republicans over Epstein that Speaker Mike Johnson sent the House home early for its August break to avoid votes on publicly releasing the Epstein files. Democrats had repeatedly offered amendments to legislation to compel the administration to make the files public and GOP leaders halted work on major legislation. TOKYO (Reuters) -Mazda Motor (7261.T, MZDAY) said on Tuesday it expects a 145.2 billion yen ($987.02 million) hit to its operating profit this business year due to U.S. import tariffs, as the Japanese automaker rolled out measures to cushion the impact. To soften the blow of the tariffs, the company said it is taking measures including changing shipping routes, increasing output at its plant in the U.S. state of Alabama and adjusting production volumes. The impact of the higher U.S. duties on results this year remained "quite significant," assuming that exports from Japan would face a 15% tariff and those from Mexico 25%, Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Guyton said. Without its countermeasures, the company would be at risk of a 233.5-billion-yen operating profit hit for the year ending March 2026, Guyton told reporters during a briefing. Mazda has been trying to boost sales of its CX-50 crossover sport utility vehicle. The company has a major plant in the Mexican state of Guanajuato from where it exports vehicles to the U.S. It said last week it sold about 210,000 vehicles in the United States over the first half, up 4% from a year earlier. Mazda has forecast a full-year operating profit of 50 billion for the year ending March 2026, down sharply from the previous financial year. It had previously withheld guidance due to uncertainty surrounding the U.S. tariffs. ($1 = 147.1100 yen) (Reporting by Daniel LeussinkEditing by Bernadette Baum) The resonating ore produces a radio field burst, known as a 'spin echo', which is quantitatively measured by the sensor. The data generated by the MRT analyser is presented as real-time weight measurements of the target metal which, combined with weightometer readings, provides real-time grade as weight per cent of the material. MRT is a form of radio frequency spectroscopy that can be used to count the atoms of a target metal in a sample. It works by subjecting ore to pulses of radio waves set to the signature frequency of the target mineral. In March, NextOre announced its first solution for analysing ore transported by underground copper trucks, an adaptation of its conveyor belt application. Miljak, who has almost 30 years experience in radio frequency-based technology, was involved in developing, over 15 years, magnetic resonance technology (MRT) that was commercialised through NextOre, a company spun out of CSIRO in 2017. In this way, low-grade rocks do not need to be crushed, meaning the overall process requires less energy and water usage. It also minimises the material entering tailings dams. What we want to know is how much copper, for example, is in the rocks; if we know that accurately and fast enough, we can divert them for processing and reject the rocks that are low in copper and aren't economic to mine, he explains. This can have enormous benefits in uplifting the ore grade, the economics and the sustainability of the operation. He and his team are advancing radio frequency, X-ray and nuclear sensing instrumentation for high-throughput conveyor belt systems used early in the mining process that can interrogate the rocks. Rocks are usually sorted particle by particle using methods like X-ray transmission (XRT). However, there is significant scope for improving this process with advanced technologies that offer more informed and faster analysis and, ultimately, better data capture, according to experts like Miljak. For the energy-intensive ore screening and sorting part of the mining process, Miljak and his team, along with other start-ups and academics, are looking to provide the answer to this question. How do we approach these challenges in a technological sense, is what many of us are asking, says David Miljak, research programme director for sensing and sorting, mineral resources at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australias preeminent national science agency. The mining industry is facing up to a new reality that has, for some time, been taking root: ore grades are declining, deposit complexity is increasing and becoming less economic, while competition for mineral resources such as water and energy is becoming tougher. Story Continues The technology can do this for 50 tonnes (t) of material in under a minute, according to NextOre, providing mining operations with real-time data that informs ore routing decisions. MagnaTerra chairman Rob Adamson and NextOre CEO Chris Beal with the on-conveyor magnetic resonance analyser. Credit: NextOre. It has been demonstrated at several operations including First Quantum Minerals Kansanshi mine in Zambia, Lundins Candelaria mine in Chile and Capstones Cozamin mine in Mexico, with a trial at Cozamin reporting a 7.5% increase in copper production without additional mining. This technology is related to magnetic resonance imaging machines used in medicine, but must be adapted to mining conditions that are harsh and dusty. These technologies have been around for decades, but what we are trying to do is tweak the physics to make it work in minerals, which is actually a huge undertaking; you have got to re reinvent how you transmit the radio waves onto the targets," says Miljak. Hyperspectral sensing technology Another spin-out innovating in this space is Hypermine, born from VTT, a Finland-based European research organisation. Its technology combines laser illumination, hyperspectral sensing and proprietary machine-learning algorithms, to sort the valuable minerals at the earliest stage of the mining process. The company, which in June announced a successful closure of its seed funding round, claims the technology helps cut energy use by 10% and can reduce ore flotation acids and water usage by 15%. It does this by making stockpiling decisions 100-times more accurate, says CTO Mikhail Mekhrengin. He adds that the company is already detecting alumina contamination in its iron mines and sulphate contamination in copper mines, with four systems implemented in customer operations in Brazil, Chile and South Africa. Hypermine enables actionable data for each shovel or truck load, as well as the potential of a 310% higher mining profitability due to fewer valuable materials being lost into waste, less gangue in the process and more consistent feed to processing plants, Mekhrengin says. Similarly, Germany-based Steinert is providing sensor-based sorting technology to uncover ores composition in real time, adopted by Terra Goyana bauxite mining operation in Brazil. Successful trials at the site showed the technology could remove contaminants at an improved rate. Multiple complementary solutions These solutions can work in tandem with to X-ray technology, experts say. The difference, Mekhrengin explains, is that X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is based on elemental analysis to provide ore-grade information, whereas laser spectroscopy or hyperspectral sensing are optical technologies that provides molecular content of the material, including mineral content and concentrations, lithologies, rock type and chemistry. Why is mineralogy/rock type important? Because metals are never presented in a pure form in nature. They are enclosed in minerals. It is hard to impossible to translate elemental information to mineralogical data. In the perfect case, you need both, he says, adding: On top of XRF, mineralogy is crucial to understanding how to process the mined material. A spokesperson for NextOre adds that XRT is applied only in rock-by-rock, or particle sorting applications, is cost intensive and can become very complex and expensive for higher throughput applications greater than 200 tonnes per hour (tph). Conversely, magnetic resonance is particularly well suited for bulk applications, extending currently to 6,500tph and almost certain to go higher. Improving processing plants In addition to sorting, CSIRO and Miljak are applying similar techniques to measure what is in flotation plants during the extraction process. Technology that can quantify the mineral phases changing in real time could help operators address or mitigate upsets in the mineral processing that spoil the entire operation, says Miljak. It could lead to mitigating actions such as changing the feedstock to blend out the bad mineral actor. It could be a certain mineral that makes the recovery process go off; it is a disruption. We can pick these up very quickly with the technology we have this is a unique capability we have developed in the last 510 years, he says. "If operators are not privy to these big deviations, recoveries can drop, so stopping them earlier could lead to higher yields. Over a long period, increasing recovery by even a few per cent for a big mine can potentially provide thousands of tonnes of more products a fortune depending on what commodity is being mined. CSIRO is working with some companies to pilot its "robust bits of technology" but is also looking for additional mining partners. Ore screening technology can also help process ore in concentration plants. Credit: Parilov/Shutterstock.com. Innovations in screening Further down the sorting and crushing process, Weir recently launched the ETX250, which it says is the largest double deck banana screen in the world for separating big and small rocks. The company says the screen, which is run by only two exciters, could reduce energy consumption by 40%, further supporting miners sustainability targets and reducing rising energy costs. Having only two exciters [rather than three] reduces the amount of inventory the customer has to keep, as well as maintenance, while giving better fine screening efficiency because we can run the exciter at a higher speed, explains Corne Kleyn, global product manager at The Weir Group. The company recently sold 12 to a high profile mining operation in Pakistan. Incorporating AI into minerals screening and sorting The next step for data-driven technologies is coupling them with AI and machine learning (ML). While this is not Miljak and his teams focus, he says there are "big overlays". There is a beautiful train of data here that can be paired with AI ML, neural nets, and so on, that can be used to improve process based on historical data and to predict problems, he explains. I think part of our problem is people aren't used to having mineral phase data in real time. So, it would be a new research endeavour to try and make the best of the data flows to improve it even further. Nicolaas Steenkamp, an independent consultant who is a geologist by training, says AI could be valuable for improving these processes. Today, X-ray transmission technologies used in the mining industry do thousands of millions of calculations for each individual grain and that data is just discarded, it doesnt feed into production, but this could be processed in the cloud to give a much better insight into production, he says. That can inform your processing plant in terms of the type of material it can expect to come through, enabling them to regulate the agents they will need to add to a specific processing cycle. However, this is mostly "blue sky or proof of concept" technology right now, he adds. Vision for the future Steenkamp says the key driver for adopting these technologies is ultimately processing less ore, so a project is using less water, power and leaching agents to get a higher grade, while reducing the tailings. Wheaton Precious Metals president and CEO Randy Smallwood, a proponent of innovation in the mining industry, agrees these are important drivers for technology adoption. The companys Future of Mining Challenge awarded ReThink Milling $1m (C$1.37m) for its innovative milling technologies, which are estimated to reduce the energy use in comminution by more than half. However, as Steenkamp notes, for the bigger players, investing in cutting-edge technology is not a high priority as most are still operating at margins that mean they dont need to invest in high-cost equipment. For the small and medium operators, the cost often precludes them from adopting it. Although some industries, such as the diamond sector, are more used to using different types of technology and will therefore likely have more confidence to adopt, he adds. At the end of the day, you have got to have someone that is willing to be a participant and then be willing to share that data into the market, which can then convince your larger players to start adopting it, he says. Miljak acknowledges there is general "inertia" within the industry when it comes to piloting and adopting new technologies but says there are "some really good innovation teams and individuals that are really trying to make a difference in the industry". My view is it will be an important lever for the future, if we can get a whole raft of technologies and innovators into this mining space to transform mining into manufacturing-type process, where real-time data can keep people safe and productivity high. That is the longer-term vision of CSIRO, he concludes. "Measuring for success: innovation comes to ore screening" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Hundreds of farmers stage protest at mandi fertiliser centre Staff Reporter : Amid ongoing irregularities in the distribution of urea and DAP fertilisers, farmers in Jabalpur district are facing severe hardships, with many forced to stay overnight at fertiliser distribution centers. Constant changes in distribution rules by the district administration have further worsened the situation. Under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) Shahpura Tehsil, hundreds of farmers staged a protest at the mandi fertilizer center, on Monday. A memorandum was submitted to the Tehsildar for the Chief Minister, demanding a streamlined distribution system and an extension of moong slot booking and procurement deadlines. BKS State General Secretary Prahlad Singh Patel levelled serious charges of corruption on officers, questioning how urea is easily available in the open market for Rs 400 while farmers struggle at official centers. He claimed officials are merely pretending to take action while facilitating black marketing. Tehsil President Virendra Sahu shared a video of Suresh Agrawal, a farmer from Pavla with three acres of land, who attempted suicide over being unable to get just three bags of urea for over 45 days. He was dissuaded and sent home safely. To combat corruption, BKS National Media Head Raghvendra Singh Patel launched WhatsApp number 9926260026, urging farmers to record and send evidence of black marketing. District President Ramdas Patel warned of a mass protest at the district headquarters and said farmers would surrender their agricultural tools if the fertilizer crisis persists. Several senior BKS leaders and hundreds of farmers were present during the protest. If you are a true Indian, you wouldnt say such a thing about Army, SC slams Rahul NEW DELHI : IF YOU are a true Indian, you wouldnt say such a thing, the Supreme Court on Monday said as it censured Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged derogatory remarks about the Indian Army during his Bharat Jodo Yatra. The top court, however, stayed the proceedings initiated in the matter against Gandhi before a Lucknow court. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh Government and the complainant in the case. You are leader of Opposition. Why dont you say things in Parliament, why do you have to say it on social media? the bench asked. The top court continued, How do you get to know that 2,000 sq km of Indian territory has been occupied by Chinese? Were you there? Do you have any credible material? The bench further asked, Why do you make these statements without having any material? If you are a true Indian, you wont say such a thing. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Gandhi, submitted if the leader of Opposition cannot raise issues, it would be an unfortunate situation. If he cant say these things which are published in the Press, then he cant be a leader of Opposition, Singhvi submitted. On the benchs true Indian remark, Singhvi replied, It is also possible that a true Indian will say that our 20 Indian soldiers were beaten up and killed. This it is also a matter of concern. The top court then said, When there is a conflict across the border, is it unusual to have casualties on either sides? Singhvi said Gandhi was only on the point of proper disclosure and raising concerns about the suppression of information. Justice Datta said being a responsible leader of Opposition, Gandhi ought not have done it as there was a proper forum to raise such questions. While agreeing that Gandhi could have made the comments in a better manner, Singhvi said the complaint was nothing but an attempt to harass the petitioner. Singhvi referred to Section 223 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and said a prior hearing of the accused was mandatory before the court took cognisance of a criminal complaint, which was not done in the present case. The top court then issued notice on the plea while seeking response in three weeks and stayed the proceedings in the Lucknow trial court. The Allahabad High Court on May 29 dismissed Gandhis plea. Gandhi challenged the summoning order and the complaint arguing that it was motivated and lodged in mala fide manner. In his plea filed in a court, complainant Udai Shanker Srivastava alleged during the December 2022 Yatra, Gandhi made several derogatory remarks about the Indian Army in context of the conflict with Chinese soldiers. Hope Rahul improves his conduct: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday expressed happiness over the Supreme Court reprimanding Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his comments about the Indian Army and hoped he improves his conduct after the rap. Talking to reporters here, Fadnavis maintained Gandhi is a senior leader of a big political party and should speak and act befitting his position. However, the Congress MP made anti-India comments and his remarks that China has taken away Indian territory without providing proof to back his claim demoralised armed forces who protect each and every inch of the country even in minus 40 degrees temperature, noted the CM. Jabalpur ATS in Action Another Afghan national held with fake passport Sohbat Khan (Centre) and other accused who were arrested earlier being taken for medical examination. Staff Reporter : ATS is currently searching for the third Afghan national whos passport was also falicitated by the arrested accused Akbar using similar forged credentials Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Jabalpur Unit has arrested another Afghan national in connection with a fake passport racket operating using forged Indian documents. The accused identified as Mohammed Akbar (27) entered India from Afghanistan. According to ATS official, Akbar was living in West Bengal and was apprehended from Kolkata. The ATS team brought him to Jabalpur late Sunday night. He was produced before the court from where he sent at Central Jail Jabalpur, on Monday. This arrest comes just three days after the ATS nabbed another Afghan national, Sohbat Khan, from the Omti area of Jabalpur. During interrogation, Sohbat revealed that Akbar had also obtained an Indian passport using forged documents with a fake Jabalpur address of Hanumantal area. He further disclosed that Akbar had facilitated the passport of another Afghan associate using similar forged credentials. ATS is currently searching for this third Afghan national. The case has heightened concerns among security agencies regarding the existence of a wider network involved in producing fake identity documents and passports. According to ATS, Akbar destroyed his original Afghan passport after settling in India. Later, he decided to return to Afghanistan and got in touch with Sohbat, whom he met through other Afghan residents in India. Sohbat offered to arrange the passport for Rs 2.5 lakh. He collaborated with three locals, Chandan Singh, Mahesh Sukhdaan and Dinesh Garg, who helped Akbar obtain a forged passport using a fake address in Jabalpur. The passport arrangement was made entirely through phone communication. Sohbat co-ordinated with the gang members and payments were transferred online. Dinesh Garg of Vijay Nagar, Mahesh Sukhdaan of Katanga and Chandan Singh of Shankar Shah Nagar created fake residence and identity documents using a Jabalpur address in Hanumantal area. Akbar arrived in Jabalpur only once, on the date of verification at the Passport Seva Kendra. He met Sohbat, completed the formalities including photographs and verification and returned to Kolkata. Once the passport was issued, the gang intercepted it by bribing a postman. Currently, Afghan national Sohbat Khan and associates Dinesh Garg and Mahesh Sukhdaan are in ATS custody under remand and Chandan Singh sent in jail. JMM founder Shibu Soren passes away at 81 RANCHI/NEW DELHI JMM founder Shibu Soren died on Monday, his son and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said. The death of the 81-year-old leader marks the end of a political era that saw the tribal movement rise to national prominence. Shibu Soren, a former Chief Minister of the eastern State, was undergoing treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi for over a month for kidney-related problems. Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all... I have become shunya (zero) today, Hemant Soren posted on X. Shibu Soren had been undergoing treatment at the hospital since June 19 under the care of Dr A K Bhalla, Senior Consultant, Nephrology. Dr Bhalla said Shibu Soren was declared dead at 8.56 am. He was suffering from kidney ailments, and had suffered a stroke a month and a half back. He was on life support for the last one month, the doctor said. Despite the best efforts of our multidisciplinary medical team, Shibu Soren passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, with his family by his bedside, the hospital said in a statement. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his loved ones and the people of Jharkhand in this moment of grief and loss of a very popular mass leader, the hospital statement added. Shibu Soren had been the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha for the past 38 years and is recognised as the partys founding patron. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and leaders cutting across party lines condoled the death of the JMM patriarch. The demise of former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Dishom Guru Shibu Soren ji is extremely sad and painful. He was a strong voice of tribal identity and rights. His contribution to society will remain unforgettable. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family, Gangwar posted on X. Congress leader and former state president Rajesh Thakur termed it an irreparable loss. President Murmu, PM Modi pay homage to Shibu Soren: PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to pay her last respects to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha founder Shibu Soren who passed away on Monday morning. Soren, 81, was admitted at the hospital since June 19 for treatment of a kidney-related ailment. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the hospital to pay homage to the former Jharkhand Chief Minister. Offering his tributes, the Prime Minister said that Shibu Soren was particularly passionate about empowering tribal communities, and the poor and downtrodden. Kanhan river most polluted in Vidarbha: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh in Rajya Sabha By Kunal Badge : Once pristine, Kanhan River has now gone from bad to worse in regard to water pollution and has emerged as most polluted river in Vidarbha. Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State (MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has informed in a written reply in Rajya Sabha that stretch of the river from Parseoni to Kuhi in Nagpur district is in Priority Class II of the polluted rivers list. According to Indian standards, water with Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) above 5 milligrams per liter (mg/l), is considered unsafe for human use, including drinking, bathing and other domestic chores. Whereas, the BOD of the water in that particular stretch of the river is between 20 to 30 mg/l, which is above the prescribed standards. The information came as an answer to a question by Rajya Sabha MP from Kolhapur Dhananjay Mahadik where he asked the Ministry information regarding the current status of air and water quality in major cities and industrial areas of Maharashtra. In his answer, the minister identified a total of 55 Polluted River Stretches (PRS) in the State for the year 2022. The PRS is classified in five priority classes based on BOD that is monitored by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) at 252 locations, in association with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which has established a National Water Quality Monitoring Network (NWMP) for assessment of water quality of aquatic bodies in the country. Along with Kanhan river, other PRS identified in Vidarbha by the minister include Kolar river along Waregaon (Class V); Morna river along Akola (Class III); Purna river stretch from Asegaon to Akola (Class IV); Wainganga river stretch from Tumsar to Ambhora (Class III); Wardha river from Pulgaon to Rajura (Class III); and Wena river along Hinganghat (Class IV). While talking to The Hitavada, Hema Deshpande, Regional Director, MPCB, has stated that the Board is committed to reducing the pollution in the river and is actively implementing an action plan to clean Kanhan River. We are positively co-ordinating with industries and local bodies to restrict releasing industrial waste and sewage in the river to keep it clean. The localities on the bank of the river are encouraged to manage their waste management so that it does not get discharged in the river directly, said Deshpande. Even though the MPCB has prepared the action plan, its implementation is a responsibility of the local bodies by establishing sewage treatment and solid waste treatment plants to ensure that the river remains clean. The delay in the establishment of sewage treatment plants (STP) has resulted in river water remaining unhealthy for human use, she added. Along with industrial waste, increased chemical content in domestic sewage by increased use of detergents, toilet cleaners and others in households are also adding to the chemicals content being discharged in river, said Deshpande, while explaining the possible causes of increased pollution in the river. The increased use of chemical fertilisers in agriculture sector is also a cause of concern as these fertilisers directly mix with river water during rainy season, added Deshpande. While the Governments efforts to clean Naag river since many years is yet to bear fruit, the revelation of pollution of Kanhan river by the Minister of State is a cause of concern that needs immediate action on the part of authorities. Oneness, compassion should be foundation of conduct Business Reporter : Shri Swami Raghavendranand Maharaj of Ramakrishna Math addresses RBU students Addressing the students of Ramdeobaba University (RBU) during the induction function Gyanodaya 2025 event held here recently, Shri Swami Raghavendranand Maharaj of Ramakrishna Math, Nagpur said that we all are united through the thread of universal consciousness. In reality, we are not separate. We are essentially one, regardless of gender, caste, or social identity, and that oneness and compassion must form the foundation of ones conduct, he said. Shri Swami Raghavendranand Maharaj told the students to believe in the divine power as he quoted Swami Vivekananda Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity by controlling nature, external and internal. Dr Shailendra Deolankar, Director of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra, and chief guest of Gyanodaya 2025, explained to the students that education is not merely a means to acquire degrees, but a powerful tool to build character, cultivate empathy, and nurture a sense of responsibility. The ultimate goal of education is to make an individual a good human being - intellectually curious, socially responsible, and emotionally intelligent, he said. While exhorting the newly inducted undergraduate as well as postgraduate students, Dr Shailendra Deolankar, further said, Under the flagship programme of Vikasit Bharat, lets transform India into a product nation. Students are performing assets, and the government is equipping the education sector in the best possible way. Satyanarayan Nuwal, Chairman of Shri Ramdeobaba Sarvajanik Samiti (SRSS), in his presidential address, emphasized that true knowledge and innovation can only be attained through dedicated exploration, determination, and a willingness to venture beyond the surface. Dr S S Mantha, Chancellor, RBU; and Dr R S Pande, Vice-Chancellor, RBU; also expressed their views. Rajendra Purohit, General Secretary, SRSS; Kailashchand Agrawal, Adv. Pradeep Agrawal, Dr Gaurav Goyal and others were present. Pak-Punjab heroin supply chain busted Staff Reporter RAIPUR, Police seized 412 grams of heroin with an estimated market value of Rs 1 crore Raipur Police dismantled a major drug supply network with links to Pakistan via Punjab, arresting nine individuals, including the alleged international smuggler from Punjab and the main kingpin in Raipur. Police seized 412 grams of heroin with an estimated market value of Rs 1 crore. Acting on specific intelligence, a special squad was formed to analyse international phone numbers and bank accounts used for transactions. After continuous surveillance, a joint team from the Crime Branch and Tikrapara Police Station raided a house in Kamal Vihar Sector 04 on August 3. During the raid, three individuals were apprehended, Lovejeet Singh alias Bunty from Punjab, Suvit Shrivastava, and Ashwan Chandravanshi from Raipur. A total of 412.87 grams of heroin was recovered from their possession. Preliminary investigations indicated that the house of accused Suvit Shrivastava in Kamal Vihar Sector 04 served as the central hub for the drug supply network in Raipur. Crucially, inputs suggest that the main supplier, Lovejeet Singh alias Bunty, a 39-year-old resident of Gurdaspur, Punjab, obtained the heroin from across the border in Pakistan. He is believed to have used multiple international virtual mobile numbers to evade law enforcement agencies. The smugglers employed sophisticated methods to operate, including using net calling from international numbers to avoid detection. Heroin was distributed to customers through video sharing and location sharing, and transactions worth crores of rupees were routed through mule accounts to obscure the money trail. Those arrested include Pariphal Raghav alias Luv, Aniket Maladhre, Manoj Seth, Mukesh Singh, Junaid Khan alias Saif Chila, and Rajwinder Singh alias Raju. In addition to the heroin, police seized various mobile phones, a Creta car (CG 04 QH 7491), a weighing machine, silver roll paper, burnt notes used for consuming heroin, ATM cards, and cheque books from the accused. A case has been registered against all arrested individuals under Crime No. 600/25, Sections 21(C) and 29 of the NDPS Act at Tikrapara Police Station, Raipur. Authorities are conducting detailed interrogations of the arrested accused to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to this extensive drug network. Arrested accused are Lovejeet Singh alias Bunty (39) S/o Suchha Singh, R/o Village Madi Tanda, PS Guman, Dist. Gurdaspur, Punjab, Suvit Shrivastava (31) PS Basantpur, District Rajnandgaon, Ashwan Chandravanshi (33) R/o Village Jamsara, PS Dongargaon, Dist. Rajnandgaon, Laxya Parifal Raghav alias Luv (24) Satnami Para, PS Telibandha, Raipur, Aniket Maladharee (24) R/o Village Tiroda, PS Tiroda, Dist. Gondia, Maharashtra, Manoj Seth (27) PS Baloda, District Mahasamund, Mukesh Singh (39), Tatibandh, PS Amanaka, Raipur, Junaid Khan alias Saif Chila (27) R/o Moudhapara, Raipur, and Rajwinder Singh alias Raju (30), R/o PS Pankhajoor, District Kanker. PMs Pariksha Pe Charcha enters Guinness World Record NEW DELHI : PRIME Minister Narendra Modis Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative has entered the Guinness World Record for most people registered on a citizen engagement platform in one month, the Ministry of Education (MoE) announced on Monday. According to officials, 3.53 crore valid registrations were received during the eighth edition of the programme. Prime Minister Modi directly interacts with students, teachers, and parents as part of the Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) initiative, which aims to transform the examination season into a festival of positivity, preparation, and purposeful learning, making exams a time for encouragement rather than stress. Pariksha Pe Charcha has been redefined as a national approach to examinations by turning stress into a festival of learning. The eighth edition of PPC recorded a total of over 21 crore viewership across all media platforms in 2025, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at an event where the Guinness World Record certificate was formally presented. The overwhelming participation in PPC 2025 is seen as a reflection of the countrys collective commitment to holistic and inclusive education and alignment with the vision of a Viksit Bharat, he said. While addressing the occasion, Ashwini Vaishnaw called Pariksha Pe Charcha a unique initiative that brings together students, parents, and teachers to promote well-being and stress-free learning. PPC is an annual event in which Modi interacts with students appearing for board examinations. D uring the event, he also answers students queries related to exam stress and other issues. The first edition of the Prime Ministers interactive programme with school and college students was held at the Talkatora Stadium in February 2018. Its seventh edition was held in a town hall format at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, engaging participants from across the country and overseas. The eighth edition of the Prime Ministers annual PPC was held in a different format, with renowned personalities like actor Deepika Padukone, six-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom and spiritual leader Sadhguru joining the event. By Ana Isabel Martinez and Adriana Barrera MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico's government on Tuesday said it aimed to cease funding Pemex by 2027 when the highly-indebted state energy company should become financially self-sufficient, helped by a series of measures to bring down debt and stabilize production. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, flanked by her energy and finance ministers and the chief executive of Pemex, told a press conference that by 2027, Pemex "will no longer need the finance ministry's support." Pemex reported last week a financial debt of around $99 billion and a debt to providers of around $23 billion, which is down from earlier years but still has investors worried. In recent years, Pemex has received what the government has often called unprecedented support, mostly in the form of capital injections, refinancing of debt, tax reductions and credit lines. Later in the day, the government presented a ten-year plan in which it laid out steps on how to achieve its goals to make Pemex financially self-sufficient. In it, the government said that 21 so-called mixed contracts could help lift declining production by as much as 450,000 barrels per day (bpd). At the same time, it would refine more at home and therefore reduce crude oil exports to 393,100 bpd in 2035, from 487,900 bpd in 2026. The target for local crude oil processing, including at the new Olmeca refinery in the port of Dos Bocas, is 1.3 million barrels per day. This would help wean the country off gasoline and diesel imports. Officials reiterated the government's ambition to pay down debt - both maturing bond debt and what the company owes to providers. To achieve all this, a new government-backed investment vehicle will seek to raise up to 250 billion Mexican pesos ($13 billion) for Pemex projects in 2025 alone. It follows a $12 billion debt offering to ease Pemex's short-term financial pressures and support debt refinancing, announced last week. This year, $5.1 billion of bond debt is due for repayment, followed by $18.7 billion for next year, and $7.7 billion for the year after. Finance Minister Edgar Amador said that through a capitalization and financing strategy currently underway, Pemex's financial debt should close this year at $88.8 billion and at $77.3 billion by 2030. Pemex Chief Executive Victor Rodriguez also outlined several additional initiatives, including for the development of the Zama and Trion fields and returning to other fields with potential to lift production. In addition, Pemex intends to build three new pipelines. Japans Mitsubishi Materials Corporation is considering scaling down copper concentrate processing at its Onahama Smelting and Refining facility in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. This initiative is in response to deteriorating market conditions and the need to enhance profitability by increasing the use of recycled materials. The company has highlighted a significant downturn in the external environment for its copper smelting business, mainly in relation to treatment charges and refining charges (TC/RC) for copper concentrates. It now has an uncertain outlook for the smelting business, projecting a decline in profitability. The scale down strategy involves partly halting production facilities after scheduled maintenance between October and November this year, with the goal to shift towards raw materials less impacted by TC/RC fluctuations. While the processing of copper concentrate is set to decrease, the treatment volume for electronic scrap (E-Scrap), such as discarded electronic circuit boards, will remain constant. This move is intended to raise the proportion of recycled materials used and, consequently, improve profitability. At the Naoshima Smelter & Refinery in Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture, the company has revised its 2024 investment plan. The policy aims to limit the increase in copper concentrate processing capacity while boosting the capacity for E-Scrap processing. In the meantime, the renewal and expansion of certain production facilities are still progressing steadily. Additionally, preparations are under way for the integration of the Sakai and Sambo plants in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, with the goal of optimising production systems and accelerating growth in the Copper & Copper Alloy business. This integration is scheduled for 1 April 2026. The Sakai and Sambo Plants have been closely linked within the Copper & Copper Alloy business value chain, with the Sakai Plant casting billets and cakes for further processing at the Sambo Plant. Despite each site developing its own operating systems, their proximity has facilitated collaboration. The upcoming integration is set to advance this cooperation further, aiming to enhance business agility and flexibility. By strengthening the integrated production system from casting to processing, Mitsubishi Materials seeks to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce production lead times. "Mitsubishi Materials looks to scale down copper concentrate processing" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of A10 Networks (NYSE:ATEN Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Saturday morning. Several other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Raymond James Financial began coverage on shares of A10 Networks in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. They set a market perform rating on the stock. Mizuho began coverage on shares of A10 Networks in a research report on Monday, July 14th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of A10 Networks in a research report on Thursday, July 17th. BWS Financial reiterated a buy rating and set a $24.00 price objective on shares of A10 Networks in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, Craig Hallum upgraded shares of A10 Networks from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $20.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $22.00. Get A10 Networks alerts: Get Our Latest Report on ATEN A10 Networks Trading Up 2.4% Insider Buying and Selling at A10 Networks A10 Networks stock opened at $18.17 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $1.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.12, a PEG ratio of 4.21 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 4.05 and a quick ratio of 3.87. A10 Networks has a 1 year low of $12.27 and a 1 year high of $21.90. The firms 50 day moving average price is $18.41 and its 200-day moving average price is $18.20. In related news, General Counsel Robert Scott Weber sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.26, for a total value of $43,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 61,007 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,052,980.82. This trade represents a 3.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 1.15% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Haven Private LLC boosted its stake in A10 Networks by 2.9% during the second quarter. Haven Private LLC now owns 43,321 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $838,000 after buying an additional 1,227 shares during the period. AdvisorShares Investments LLC purchased a new position in A10 Networks during the second quarter worth $471,000. IQ EQ FUND MANAGEMENT IRELAND Ltd boosted its stake in A10 Networks by 69.7% during the second quarter. IQ EQ FUND MANAGEMENT IRELAND Ltd now owns 233,891 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $4,526,000 after buying an additional 96,095 shares during the period. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in A10 Networks by 5.4% during the second quarter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC now owns 13,863 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $268,000 after buying an additional 708 shares during the period. Finally, Asset Management One Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in A10 Networks during the second quarter worth $817,000. 98.61% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About A10 Networks (Get Free Report) A10 Networks, Inc provides networking solutions in the Americas, Japan, rest of Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company offers Thunder Application Delivery Controller that provides advanced server load balancing; Thunder Carrier Grade Networking, which provides standards-compliant address and protocol translation services between varying types of internet protocol addresses; Thunder Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Insight that decrypts SSL-encrypted traffic and forwards it to a third-party security device for deep packet inspection; and Thunder Convergent Firewall, which addresses multiple critical security capabilities in one package. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for A10 Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for A10 Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TIAA Trust National Association lessened its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report) by 7.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,511 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 355 shares during the period. TIAA Trust National Associations holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions were worth $1,094,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Golden State Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Broadridge Financial Solutions in the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Whipplewood Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 2,620.0% during the 1st quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 136 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares in the last quarter. Minot DeBlois Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions during the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Continuum Advisory LLC boosted its position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 48.4% during the 1st quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 141 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Gen Wealth Partners Inc bought a new position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions during the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. Institutional investors own 90.03% of the companys stock. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Performance Shares of BR opened at $248.98 on Tuesday. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a one year low of $206.29 and a one year high of $257.65. The company has a 50-day moving average of $241.63 and a two-hundred day moving average of $238.09. The stock has a market cap of $29.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.44 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 1.32. Broadridge Financial Solutions Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 12th were issued a $0.88 dividend. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 12th. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 52.93%. BR has been the subject of several research reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $259.00 price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Monday, May 19th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC initiated coverage on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Tuesday, May 6th. They set a buy rating and a $300.00 price objective for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Broadridge Financial Solutions presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $250.83. Get Our Latest Research Report on BR Insider Buying and Selling In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, insider Douglas Richard Deschutter sold 5,056 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $239.55, for a total value of $1,211,164.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 21,167 shares in the company, valued at $5,070,554.85. This trade represents a 19.28% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Hope M. Jarkowski sold 1,068 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $235.22, for a total transaction of $251,214.96. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 1,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at $251,685.40. This trade represents a 49.95% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 18,116 shares of company stock valued at $4,352,298. Company insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock. Broadridge Financial Solutions Company Profile (Free Report) Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) are both large-cap medical companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership and risk. Profitability This table compares Eli Lilly and Company and Pfizers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Eli Lilly and Company 22.67% 85.51% 15.74% Pfizer 12.62% 20.33% 8.53% Insider and Institutional Ownership 82.5% of Eli Lilly and Company shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 68.4% of Pfizer shares are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Eli Lilly and Company shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of Pfizer shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Eli Lilly and Company 1 3 16 0 2.75 Pfizer 1 11 5 3 2.50 This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Eli Lilly and Company and Pfizer, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Eli Lilly and Company presently has a consensus target price of $1,012.5556, suggesting a potential upside of 31.89%. Pfizer has a consensus target price of $28.2778, suggesting a potential upside of 20.02%. Given Eli Lilly and Companys stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Eli Lilly and Company is more favorable than Pfizer. Dividends Eli Lilly and Company pays an annual dividend of $6.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.8%. Pfizer pays an annual dividend of $1.72 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.3%. Eli Lilly and Company pays out 48.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Pfizer pays out 124.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Eli Lilly and Company has increased its dividend for 11 consecutive years and Pfizer has increased its dividend for 16 consecutive years. Pfizer is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Eli Lilly and Company and Pfizers top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Eli Lilly and Company $45.04 billion 16.15 $10.59 billion $12.29 62.47 Pfizer $62.46 billion 2.14 $8.03 billion $1.38 17.07 Eli Lilly and Company has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Pfizer. Pfizer is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Eli Lilly and Company, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Risk and Volatility Eli Lilly and Company has a beta of 0.44, indicating that its share price is 56% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Pfizer has a beta of 0.52, indicating that its share price is 48% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Eli Lilly and Company beats Pfizer on 13 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Eli Lilly and Company (Get 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. It also provides oncology products, including Alimta, Cyramza, Erbitux, Jaypirca, Retevmo, Tyvyt, and Verzenio. In addition, the company offers Olumiant for rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, severe alopecia areata, and COVID-19; Taltz for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondylarthritis; Omvoh for ulcerative colitis; Cymbalta for depressive disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain; Ebglyss for severe atopic dermatitis; and Emgality for migraine prevention and episodic cluster headache. Further, it provides Cialis for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia; and Forteo for osteoporosis. It has collaborations with Incyte Corporation; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and Genentech, Inc.; Biologics, Inc., AbCellera Biologics Inc.; and Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. The company was founded in 1876 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. About Pfizer (Get 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. It also provides medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, such as biosimilars for chronic immune and inflammatory diseases under the Xeljanz, Enbrel, Inflectra, Litfulo, Velsipity, and Cibinqo brands; amyloidosis, hemophilia, endocrine diseases, and sickle cell disease under the Vyndaqel family, Oxbryta, BeneFIX, Somavert, Ngenla, and Genotropin brands; sterile injectable and anti-infective medicines under the Sulperazon, Medrol, Zavicefta, Zithromax, and Panzyga brands; and biologics, small molecules, immunotherapies, and biosimilars under the Ibrance, Xtandi, Inlyta, Bosulif, Mektovi, Padcev, Adcetris, Talzenna, Tukysa, Elrexfio, Tivdak, Lorbrena, and Braftovi brands. In addition, the company involved in the contract manufacturing business. It serves wholesalers, retailers, hospitals, clinics, government agencies, pharmacies, individual provider offices, retail pharmacies, and integrated delivery systems. The company has collaboration agreements with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; Merck KGaA; and BioNTech SE. Pfizer Inc. was founded in 1849 and is headquartered in New York, New York. 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. ING Groep NV trimmed its stake in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 56.6% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 65,719 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 85,618 shares during the quarter. ING Groep NVs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $8,428,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Earned Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources during the 1st quarter worth $209,000. Marble Harbor Investment Counsel LLC lifted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Marble Harbor Investment Counsel LLC now owns 104,277 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $13,372,000 after acquiring an additional 1,240 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 62.8% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC now owns 238,735 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $30,615,000 after acquiring an additional 92,108 shares during the last quarter. Argent Trust Co lifted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 13.6% during the 1st quarter. Argent Trust Co now owns 6,964 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $893,000 after acquiring an additional 833 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Generali Investments Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych lifted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 7.7% during the 1st quarter. Generali Investments Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych now owns 1,400 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $180,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. 89.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get EOG Resources alerts: EOG Resources Trading Up 0.3% EOG stock opened at $116.99 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.71, a current ratio of 1.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. EOG Resources, Inc. has a twelve month low of $102.52 and a twelve month high of $138.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $63.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.96 and a beta of 0.80. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $119.10 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $120.28. EOG Resources Increases Dividend Insiders Place Their Bets The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 17th will be paid a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 17th. This is a positive change from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is 36.18%. In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 3,951 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.65, for a total value of $472,737.15. Following the sale, the chief operating officer owned 45,739 shares in the company, valued at $5,472,671.35. This trade represents a 7.95% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In EOG has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Mizuho dropped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $140.00 to $134.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 13th. Morgan Stanley set a $135.00 price objective on shares of EOG Resources and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, June 2nd. Bank of America cut their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $125.00 to $124.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 23rd. Susquehanna upped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $156.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 23rd. Finally, KeyCorp cut their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $150.00 to $140.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 21st. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, EOG Resources has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $140.62. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on EOG Resources EOG Resources Company Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JBT Marel (NYSE:JBTM Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Monday. The company reported $1.49 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.27 by $0.22, Zacks reports. JBT Marel had a positive return on equity of 8.55% and a negative net margin of 5.07%. The firms revenue was up 132.4% on a year-over-year basis. JBT Marel updated its Q3 2025 guidance to EPS and its FY 2025 guidance to 5.450-6.150 EPS. JBT Marel Stock Up 0.4% Shares of NYSE:JBTM opened at $133.39 on Tuesday. JBT Marel has a 1 year low of $82.64 and a 1 year high of $140.38. The company has a market capitalization of $6.93 billion, a PE ratio of -94.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.24. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $125.42 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $120.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.74. Get JBT Marel alerts: JBT Marel Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 27th were paid a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 27th. JBT Marels dividend payout ratio is -28.37%. Insider Activity at JBT Marel JBT Marel Company Profile In other news, EVP Luiz Augusto Rizzolo sold 1,271 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.55, for a total transaction of $150,677.05. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 6,342 shares in the company, valued at $751,844.10. This trade represents a 16.70% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . 1.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. (Get Free Report) JBT Marel Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market. Read More Receive News & Ratings for JBT Marel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JBT Marel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 647 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $80,000. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Pacific Center for Financial Services purchased a new stake in Phillips 66 in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. von Borstel & Associates Inc. purchased a new stake in Phillips 66 in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Olde Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Phillips 66 in the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Wood Tarver Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in Phillips 66 in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Opal Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Phillips 66 in the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. 76.93% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Phillips 66 alerts: Phillips 66 Stock Performance NYSE:PSX opened at $121.46 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $49.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.20, a PEG ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.09. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $122.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is $118.89. Phillips 66 has a twelve month low of $91.01 and a twelve month high of $140.85. Phillips 66 Announces Dividend Phillips 66 ( NYSE:PSX Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 25th. The oil and gas company reported $2.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.79 by $0.59. Phillips 66 had a net margin of 1.27% and a return on equity of 4.87%. The firm had revenue of $33.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $32.11 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.31 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Phillips 66 will post 6.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 19th will be paid a dividend of $1.20 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 19th. This represents a $4.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.0%. Phillips 66s payout ratio is 115.38%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Robert W. Pease purchased 439 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 22nd. The shares were purchased at an average price of $113.85 per share, with a total value of $49,980.15. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 4,091 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $465,760.35. This represents a 12.02% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Sigmund L. Cornelius purchased 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 31st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $123.55 per share, for a total transaction of $61,775.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 21,543 shares in the company, valued at $2,661,637.65. This trade represents a 2.38% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have bought a total of 1,939 shares of company stock worth $237,725 over the last three months. 0.22% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes PSX has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. TD Cowen lifted their target price on shares of Phillips 66 from $130.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 28th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on shares of Phillips 66 from $149.00 to $147.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 11th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Phillips 66 from $115.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a $115.00 target price on shares of Phillips 66 in a research note on Wednesday, June 18th. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their price target on shares of Phillips 66 from $144.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Phillips 66 presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $136.20. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PSX Phillips 66 Company Profile (Free Report) Phillips 66 operates as an energy manufacturing and logistics company in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The Midstream segment transports crude oil and other feedstocks; delivers refined petroleum products to market; provides terminaling and storage services for crude oil and refined petroleum products; transports, stores, fractionates, exports, and markets natural gas liquids; provides other fee-based processing services; and gathers, processes, transports, and markets natural gas. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PSX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Phillips 66 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phillips 66 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report) by 3.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 220,179 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,791 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in Novartis were worth $24,546,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Kazazian Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Novartis during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $203,000. IFG Advisory LLC raised its holdings in Novartis by 427.6% in the 1st quarter. IFG Advisory LLC now owns 12,869 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,435,000 after acquiring an additional 10,430 shares in the last quarter. TIAA Trust National Association raised its holdings in Novartis by 7.6% in the 1st quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 8,474 shares of the companys stock valued at $945,000 after acquiring an additional 599 shares in the last quarter. Mcintyre Freedman & Flynn Investment Advisers Inc. raised its holdings in Novartis by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Mcintyre Freedman & Flynn Investment Advisers Inc. now owns 28,455 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,172,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Commerce Bank raised its holdings in Novartis by 12.2% in the 1st quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 23,813 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,655,000 after acquiring an additional 2,581 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 13.12% of the companys stock. Get Novartis alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, BNP Paribas raised Novartis to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 15th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Novartis presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $123.67. Novartis Trading Up 2.2% NVS stock opened at $117.79 on Tuesday. Novartis AG has a 1-year low of $96.06 and a 1-year high of $124.83. The firm has a market cap of $248.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.62. The businesss 50 day moving average is $118.05 and its 200-day moving average is $111.97. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. Novartis (NYSE:NVS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 17th. The company reported $2.42 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.38 by $0.04. Novartis had a return on equity of 41.08% and a net margin of 25.64%. The company had revenue of $14.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.94 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.97 EPS. The companys revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Novartis AG will post 8.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Novartis Company Profile (Free Report) Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Saturday. Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Prudential Financial from $126.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Prudential Financial from $117.00 to $113.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Prudential Financial from $116.00 to $113.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price objective on shares of Prudential Financial from $120.00 to $117.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, UBS Group decreased their price objective on shares of Prudential Financial from $122.00 to $110.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, May 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $121.75. Get Prudential Financial alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on PRU Prudential Financial Trading Up 1.1% Prudential Financial stock opened at $101.78 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a current ratio of 0.16. The firm has a market cap of $36.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.07. Prudential Financial has a 1 year low of $90.38 and a 1 year high of $130.55. The firms 50 day moving average price is $104.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $107.12. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 30th. The financial services provider reported $3.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.22 by $0.36. The firm had revenue of $13.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.47 billion. Prudential Financial had a net margin of 2.75% and a return on equity of 15.80%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.39 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Prudential Financial will post 14.36 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In related news, major shareholder Insurance Co Of Ame Prudential bought 1,675,978 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 16th. The stock was bought at an average price of $28.64 per share, with a total value of $48,000,009.92. Following the purchase, the insider directly owned 3,168,461 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $90,744,723.04. This represents a 112.29% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.25% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Prudential Financial A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of PRU. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prudential Financial by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 20,771 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,320,000 after purchasing an additional 721 shares in the last quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prudential Financial by 728.4% during the 1st quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 845 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $94,000 after purchasing an additional 743 shares in the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prudential Financial by 9.7% during the 1st quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 2,501 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $279,000 after purchasing an additional 222 shares in the last quarter. Bridgewater Associates LP raised its holdings in shares of Prudential Financial by 41.8% during the 4th quarter. Bridgewater Associates LP now owns 388,349 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $46,031,000 after purchasing an additional 114,459 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC raised its holdings in shares of Prudential Financial by 9.0% during the 1st quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 35,408 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,954,000 after purchasing an additional 2,913 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 56.83% of the companys stock. About Prudential Financial (Get Free Report) Prudential Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through PGIM, Retirement Strategies, Group Insurance, Individual Life, and International Businesses segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Prudential Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prudential Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 4.2% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 112,053 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after buying an additional 4,544 shares during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing comprises approximately 1.2% of Thoroughbred Financial Services LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $18,600,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Accredited Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. City Holding Co. boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 238.0% in the 1st quarter. City Holding Co. now owns 169 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 289.4% in the 4th quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc now owns 183 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the last quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 138.8% during the first quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 191 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the period. Finally, Graybill Wealth Management LTD. bought a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the first quarter valued at about $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Up 1.5% NYSE:TSM opened at $238.82 on Tuesday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 1 year low of $133.57 and a 1 year high of $248.28. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $223.13 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $196.04. The stock has a market cap of $1.24 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.23, a PEG ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a current ratio of 2.37, a quick ratio of 2.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 17th. The semiconductor company reported $2.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.13 by $0.34. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 32.87% and a net margin of 42.91%. The business had revenue of $30.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $28.50 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.48 EPS. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings revenue for the quarter was up 44.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 16th will be issued a $0.6499 dividend. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 16th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is 28.16%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have issued reports on TSM. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $240.00 price target (up from $215.00) on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday, June 3rd. Susquehanna lifted their price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $255.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $270.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Thursday, July 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $258.33. Get Our Latest Report on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Acadian Asset Management (NYSE:AAMI Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report released on Saturday. A number of other brokerages have also commented on AAMI. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Acadian Asset Management from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 2nd. Evercore ISI cut their price objective on Acadian Asset Management from $25.00 to $23.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 11th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on Acadian Asset Management from $34.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday. Get Acadian Asset Management alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on AAMI Acadian Asset Management Stock Up 2.5% NYSE:AAMI opened at $40.55 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $35.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.90 and a beta of 1.38. Acadian Asset Management has a twelve month low of $21.49 and a twelve month high of $42.63. Acadian Asset Management (NYSE:AAMI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The company reported $0.64 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.52 by $0.12. Acadian Asset Management had a return on equity of 174.31% and a net margin of 16.65%. The firm had revenue of $124.90 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $118.07 million. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Acadian Asset Management will post 2.78 EPS for the current fiscal year. Acadian Asset Management Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.01 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 12th. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.1%. Acadian Asset Managements payout ratio is currently 1.67%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Acadian Asset Management Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. William Blair Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Acadian Asset Management during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,094,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC purchased a new position in shares of Acadian Asset Management during the second quarter valued at approximately $7,512,000. Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Acadian Asset Management during the second quarter valued at approximately $57,000. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS purchased a new position in shares of Acadian Asset Management during the second quarter valued at approximately $635,000. Finally, Maryland State Retirement & Pension System purchased a new position in shares of Acadian Asset Management during the second quarter valued at approximately $278,000. Institutional investors own 98.69% of the companys stock. Acadian Asset Management Company Profile (Get Free Report) Acadian Asset Management Inc is a publically owned asset management holding company. The firm provides its services to individuals and institutions. It manages separate client focused portfolios through its subsidiaries. The firm also launches equity mutual funds for its clients. It invests in public equity, fixed income, and alternative investment markets through its subsidiaries. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Acadian Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Acadian Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. US group Pabst Brewing Company has appointed Greig DeBow as its new CEO, effective 11 August. DeBow, who previously worked as the executive vice president of national accounts at Pabst from 2015 to 2019, takes over from Paul Chibe, who has been CEO since 2021. In a statement, Eugene Kashper, Pabst Brewings chairman of the board, said: Greigs return reflects our confidence in his leadership and our commitment to building a company that is both innovative and deeply rooted in Pabst culture. Under Greigs leadership, Pabst will be focused on harnessing the power of our brands and our people to drive exciting innovation and growth. According to the Pabst Blue Ribbon brewer, DeBow steps into the new role having over 25 years of experience in the drinks and consumer-packaged goods industries. His most recent role was chief commercial and operating officer at protein powders and supplements maker 1st Phorm International. Prior to 1st Phorm, DeBow was the chief commercial officer at the soft drinks company Zevia. His career also includes sales leadership roles at companies such as Jack Links, Danone, PepsiCo, Red Bull North America, and Standard Beverage Corporation. In the same statement, Pabst named Michael Levitt as interim CFO, replacing Tim Tulfur. Levitt, a Pabst board member and partner in the group's parent company Blue Ribbon Partners, has over 30 years' experience in corporate finance and asset management. The board of directors plans to initiate a search for a permanent CFO soon, the owner of Pabst Blue Ribbon brand said in a statement. Kashper added: Under Paul and Tims leadership, Pabst navigated a challenging environment and laid important groundwork for the companys future. We are thankful for Pauls and Tims dedication and contributions, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours. Commenting on his appointment, DeBow said: I am super excited to have the opportunity to return to Pabst, to the incredible people who work there, and to the truly special brands they represent. Pabst is a very special place, and I know that together, as one team, we will be able to realise the opportunities before us, forge meaningful connections with consumers, and take these brands to new heights. Founded in 1844 and headquartered in Texas, Pabst is privately held, with a portfolio that also includes brands such as Lone Star, and Rainier. The company operates both on-trade and off-trade with its flagship brand Pabst Blue Ribbon, available across all 50 US states and internationally. In January this year, Pabst Brewing struck a contract brewing deal with Anheuser-Busch InBev to produce its Lone Star brand at AB InBevs brewery in Houston. West Michigan Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB Free Report) by 5.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 10,603 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 515 shares during the quarter. Chubb accounts for approximately 1.1% of West Michigan Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 27th biggest position. West Michigan Advisors LLCs holdings in Chubb were worth $3,212,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Peoples Bank KS acquired a new position in Chubb during the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Chubb in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. North Capital Inc. bought a new stake in Chubb in the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. IMA Advisory Services Inc. bought a new stake in Chubb in the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Cherry Tree Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Chubb by 56.6% in the 1st quarter. Cherry Tree Wealth Management LLC now owns 119 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 43 shares during the period. 83.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Chubb alerts: Chubb Stock Up 0.1% Shares of NYSE:CB opened at $267.70 on Tuesday. Chubb Limited has a 12 month low of $252.16 and a 12 month high of $306.91. The companys 50-day moving average price is $281.86 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $282.50. The company has a quick ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The firm has a market cap of $106.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.81, a P/E/G ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 0.53. Chubb ( NYSE:CB Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 22nd. The financial services provider reported $6.14 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.84 by $0.30. Chubb had a net margin of 16.08% and a return on equity of 12.34%. The firm had revenue of $14.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.38 EPS. The companys revenue was up 6.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Chubb Limited will post 21.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Chubb declared that its board has initiated a share repurchase plan on Thursday, May 15th that allows the company to buyback $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the financial services provider to repurchase up to 4.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Chubb Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th were issued a dividend of $0.97 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 13th. This represents a $3.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.4%. This is an increase from Chubbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. Chubbs payout ratio is currently 17.12%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Chubb news, COO John W. Keogh sold 9,794 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $292.99, for a total transaction of $2,869,544.06. Following the sale, the chief operating officer owned 247,538 shares of the companys stock, valued at $72,526,158.62. This represents a 3.81% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Michael Corbat bought 425 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 25th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $269.80 per share, for a total transaction of $114,665.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 2,450 shares in the company, valued at approximately $661,010. This trade represents a 20.99% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 100,390 shares of company stock valued at $29,163,135 in the last 90 days. 0.86% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have issued reports on CB shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on shares of Chubb from $314.00 to $324.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 9th. Hsbc Global Res lowered shares of Chubb from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday. HSBC lowered shares of Chubb from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the company from $317.00 to $300.00 in a report on Friday. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Chubb from $280.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, May 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Chubb from $300.00 to $307.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, April 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $301.50. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Chubb Chubb Profile (Free Report) Chubb Limited provides insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. The company's North America Commercial P&C Insurance segment offers commercial property, casualty, workers' compensation, package policies, risk management, financial lines, marine, construction, environmental, medical risk, cyber risk, surety, and casualty; and group accident and health insurance to large, middle market, and small commercial businesses. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chubb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chubb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Workers at four Walkers Crisps factories in the UK are at risk of losing their jobs as PepsiCo is consulting on restructuring proposals. According to LeicestershireLive, 560 PepsiCo jobs are at risk. Around 250 of the posts could be at the flagship Walkers site in Leicester. Just Food has contacted PepsiCo for verification on these figures. In a statement, the US giant said: We recently told our teams that we will be consulting on proposed changes to our operational structure, affecting a proportion of employees at our snacks manufacturing sites in the UK. PepsiCo is proposing the changes at its four largest sites in the UK Leicester, Coventry, Lincoln and Skelmersdale which together employ 4,500 people, LeicestershireLive reported. The PepsiCo spokesperson said: No decisions will be made without first consulting affected employees and their representatives. Our priority is providing support for our people throughout this process. The spokesperson added the changes being proposed are intended to bring our UK sites in line with a different operating structure we have had success with at some of our other international sites", leading to better ways of working and increased technical capabilities". PepsiCo has made a number of changes to its production network in the US in recent months. In June, the company halted production at a Frito-Lay processing plant in southern California after five decades of operation. In February, PepsiCo revealed it was closing a snacks manufacturing plant in New York for its PopCorners brand, where more than 200 employees were expected to lose their jobs. In May, PepsiCo said it plans to double investment and more than triple output capacity at an under-construction salty snacks plant in Kazakhstan, aiming to produce at full capacity by 2027. "PepsiCo UK factory jobs at risk" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. In light of the recent unveiling of the Free National Movement's (FNM) 10-point plan to address crime in The Bahamas, we want to hear from you! You voted: Pfizer (PFE) reported a beat in second quarter earnings Tuesday, and reaffirmed its 2025 revenue guidance of $61 billion to $64 billion. The company reported revenue of $14.7 billion, compared to Wall Street expectations of $13.5 billion, and earnings per share of $0.78, versus estimates of $0.58 per share. The company's stock traded higher following the earnings release in premarket trading on Tuesday. CEO Albert Bourla said the company is proving out its business development strategy with Tuesday's beat, as investors have waited for strong performance post-COVID. "Pfizer had another strong quarter of focused execution and were pleased with our progress in advancing our R&D pipeline, driving our commercial performance and expanding our margins," he said in a statement. "We continue to strengthen our company for the future and were confident in our ability to create further value for patients and our shareholders." Pfizer has been in a cycle of right-sizing its business after the outsized COVID-19 profits boosted the company's coffers and stock for several quarters. Since the pandemic waned and with recent signals from US health leaders that could result in even fewer vaccinations moving forward, investors have been waiting to see if its multibillion-dollar acquisitions will result in new blockbusters to fill an anticipated revenue decline toward the end of the decade, as Pfizer will face a number of patent expirations. The company has initiated several cost-cutting efforts in the past year, including layoffs and exiting some clinical trials, to achieve $4.5 billion in savings by the end of this year. That's where the latest guidance change comes in. Between the cuts and the $43 billion Seagen acquisition in the past few years, the company is boosting its top and bottom lines. In this photo illustration, a smartphone displays the logo of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), a leading American pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation, in front of a screen showing the company's latest stock market chart on July 31, 2025, in Chongqing, China. (Cheng Xin/Getty Images) Cheng Xin via Getty Images The company revised its earnings per share for the year higher by $0.10 to a range of $2.90 to $3.10. The small raise was due to a one-time $0.20 impact of a licensing deal with Chinese biotech 3SBio. CFO David Denton said in a statement that the company is on track to deliver stronger results through the year. "We raised our full-year 2025 Adjusted diluted EPS guidance, demonstrating confidence in our ability to execute against our strategic priorities and deliver strong results for shareholders," he said. Anjalee Khemlani is the senior health reporter at Yahoo Finance, covering all things pharma, insurance, provider services, digital health, PBMs, and health policy and politics. That includes GLP-1s, of course. Follow Anjalee as AnjKhem on social media platforms X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky @AnjKhem. By Bhanvi Satija and Michael Erman (Reuters) -Pfizer said its full-year profit should benefit from cost cuts across its research and manufacturing operations after posting higher-than-expected second-quarter earnings on Tuesday. CEO Albert Bourla also said the company has been in active discussions with members of the U.S. government, including President Donald Trump, over demands drugmakers lower prices for Americans. The New York-based drugmaker's shares were up 3.7% at $24.37 midday after it raised its full-year profit forecast. Pfizer shares have lost more than half their value from their pandemic-era highs as it deals with waning revenue from COVID products and looming patent expirations for key drugs. In response, the company launched a major cost-cutting program. Pfizer said it was on track to deliver $7.2 billion in net savings by the end of 2027, about $4.5 billion coming by the end of 2025. The pharmaceutical industry is facing intense pressure from Trump to lower prices that Americans pay for prescription medicines, while preparing for 15% tariffs on imports from the European Union. "We are trying collectively to find solutions that, from one hand would make medicines affordable in the U.S., (and) on the other hand will make our industry even more competitive compared to China," Bourla said. Drugmakers want to reach a resolution soon because the president is impatient and wants results quickly, the CEO said. Beyond Trump's calls for most favored nation pricing and threatened tariffs, Bourla said drugmakers have discussed policies including reducing the influence of middlemen in the healthcare system and the drug price negotiations occurring under the Inflation Reduction Act. The company now expects adjusted earnings of $2.90 to $3.10 per share, up from its prior view of $2.80 to $3.00. The forecast includes a one-time charge of 20 cents per share related to its licensing deal with China's 3SBio for an experimental cancer treatment. "Pfizer continues to lean on cost management as the main lever to drive performance going forward," said Daniel Barasa, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, which owns Pfizer's shares. Pfizer shares had fallen over 11% this year, compared to a 1.7% decline for the broader NYSE Arca Pharmaceutical Index. The company said its forecast also absorbs the impact of currently imposed tariffs on goods imported from China, Canada and Mexico, as well as potential price changes this year based on the letter it received from Trump on July 31. Pfizer has said it has enough manufacturing capacity across its 10 U.S. sites to mitigate any tariff impact and is open to shifting some production to those facilities. Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamul Congress national general secretary and MP from Diamond Harbour has been appointed as the leader of the party in Lok Sabha. He replaced veteran party MP from north Kolkata Sudip Bandyopadhyay. Post the development Kalyan Bandyopadhyay resigned from the post of Trinamul Congress chief whip in Lok Sabha. Advertisement Abhishek over the years has been playing a leading role in the Parliament. He takes part in debates and has criticised the anti-people role of the NDA government. He was a member of the Indian delegation that visited several countries like Singapore, Sri Lanka and other places to create public opinion after 26 people were killed by the terrorists in Pahalgam. Advertisement He is playing a key role in Parliament after Bengali-speaking migrant workers were harassed in the BJP ruled states. He will take part in a dharna at the office of the Election Commission of India along with the members of the INDIA to protest against the deletion of genuine voters in the name of SIR. Mr Banerjee has made Diamond Harbour, his Lok Sabha constituency, a model constituency carrying out massive development work including providing the residents of several Assembly segments healthcare facilities. Mr Banerjee has also been playing an important role in strengthening the party organisation, right up to the booth level. He has the database of all the booth-level leaders and workers and keeps in touch with them regularly. Mr Banerjee, in consultation with Mamata Banerjee, partys chairperson, will select the candidates for the 2026 Assembly election. He has made it clear and said over and again that those who work seriously will be given tickets and idle workers will be dropped. He will play a key role in the 2026 Assembly election. Mamata Banerjee, Trinamul Congress chairperson today instructed the Trinamul MPs to raise the issue on the attack of the Bengali speaking migrant labourers in the BJP-ruled states and foil the saffron partys attempt to equate Bengali as Bangladeshi language. She held a virtual meeting with the MPs on Monday evening. Partys national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was present at the meeting. Advertisement The Trinamul Congress chief also wrote in her X handle: I convened a virtual meeting today with all @AITCofficial MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Given that our Lok Sabha leader, Shri Sudip Bandyopadhyay, is unwell and undergoing medical treatment, the MPs have unanimously decided to entrust Shri Abhishek Banerjee with the responsibility of leading the party in the Lok Sabha as the leader of the party until Sudip da returns to good health. Advertisement We pray for Sudip das swift recovery and look forward to his continued guidance, enriched by his experience and deep knowledge of parliamentary proceedings. At the meeting, Mamata also told her MPs that Abhishek will henceforth take a call on the raising of the issues and the MPs should consult him before raising issues, said sources. The MPs were also conveyed that from now on, Barasat MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar will be assisting Abhishek inthe matters in the Parliament. The party chairperson is supposed to have also conveyed her satisfaction with the functioning of the Rajya Sabha MPs and said that the party is mulling forming a disciplinary committee for the MPs. This could be after the ugly spats in the open between some of the LS MPs earlier, which has sullied the partys image in the Parliament. She is supposed to have briefly mentioned to the MPs for a larger fight in the Parliament on the Special Intensive Revision and the atrocities on Bengali-speaking migrants. It may be mentioned that Miss Banerjee will lead a march to protest against the attack and harassment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Jhargram on 6 August. Earlier, she took part in a similar march in Bolpur in Birbhum. Miss Banerjee also said that in the name of Special Intensive Revision of the voters list, the Election Commission is attempting to delete the genuine voters. They have deleted the names of 70 lakh voters in Bihar and will try to do this in Bengal. We will have to be vigilant. The INDIA alliance will gherao the ECIs office in Delhi on 8 August and Trinamul Congress will be a part to it, she said. Calcutta University has decided to go ahead with undergraduate examinations on 28 August, the same day the Trinamul Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the ruling Trinamul Congress party, observes its foundation day. The decision has set off fresh tensions between the University and the West Bengal government. The University had announced that the fourth semester undergraduate exams for the commerce (B.Com) and law (BA LLB) departments would be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on 28 August. The TMCP leaders strongly objected to the timing, calling it a political conspiracy directed by Delhi. Its state president Trinankur Bhattacharya accused the University of acting under political pressure from the central government. Advertisement Following TMCPs protest, the state higher education department issued a formal letter requesting the University to revise the schedule. In response, a syndicate meeting was convened, which ultimately reaffirmed the decision to proceed with the exams as planned. Acting vice-chancellor Shanta Dey has taken a firm stand, alleging political interference in academic matters. The government and the ruling party are operating in tandem, issuing written directives. This is a mockery of institutional autonomy, she reportedly said. Advertisement University sources revealed that the exam schedule had been approved nearly three months ago by the Board of Studies and was aligned with the academic calendar. If we start adjusting exam dates for every political partys student wing, how can we maintain academic discipline? the vice-chancellor argued during the meeting. She added, Just as TMCP values its foundation day, so do other student organisations like SFI of the CPI-M, ABVP of the BJP, or SUCIs student wing. But the University cannot recognise political events in its academic planning. She emphasised that public holidays had been taken into account while scheduling exams, but there was no question of altering academic timelines for political events. As of now, TMCP has not officially responded to the universitys final decision. However, the administrations defiance, despite direct intervention by the state education department, has intensified speculation about a brewing institutional standoff between the University and the state government. Trinamul Congress leaders have lambasted the BJP IT chief Amit Malviya after he wrote on social media that there is no language called Bengali. Advertisement Lights. Camera. Lies.@Amitmalviya presents: There Is No Language Called Bengali Coming soon to a WhatsApp forward near you. pic.twitter.com/ct3MDgRxOL Advertisement All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) August 4, 2025 Trinamul Congress in its X handle wrote: There is in fact no language called Bengali This shocking justification by @ BJP4India- run institutions while profiling Bengali migrant workers reflects the regimes deep rooted hostility towards the Bengali identity. Denying the existence of a constitutionally recognized language is nothing short of a linguistic apartheid. BJP is systematically promoting xenophobia with Bengalis being deliberately targeted across states. Such dangerous narratives must be condemned and resisted at every level. Dr Shashi Panja, state minister women and child development and social welfare said: The attack on the Bengali language is calculated and deliberate. The National Anthem and the National song are both written in Bengali. It is the language that is being spoken by 25 crore people globally and is the second most spoken language in Asia and fifth spoken language in the world. It is one of the 22 languages recognized by the Indian Constitution, she said, adding, ..the people of Bengal are closely observing the situation and will give a befitting reply in the ballot. Kunal Ghosh, Trinamul Congress secretary, said, Mr Malviya should understand that there is no language called Bangladeshi language. The people of Bengal and Bangladesh speak Bengali, he said, adding, The BJP is deliberately trying to confuse people by referring to people speaking Bangladeshi language and infiltration from Bangladesh. The BSF, headed by the Union home minister Amit Shah is assigned to look after the border. The infiltration takes place from Tripura where there is a double-engine government. Mr Ghosh said the BJP should know that when Narendra Modi speaks two lines in Bengal by using teleprompter, it is Bengali language, he remarked. "These recent achievements in Djibouti, South Korea, and Thailand highlight the growing demand for our innovative weigh-in-motion technologies in diverse markets around the world," said Chuck Myers, Chief Executive Officer of Quarterhill. "We are proud to partner with governments and agencies that share our commitment to improving roadway safety and efficiency. By offering highly reliable and customizable solutions, Quarterhill continues to deliver meaningful value to transportation networks globally." Quarterhill's continued success in established markets is reflected in repeat orders from Thailand and South Korea, where transportation agencies have expanded their deployments of the Company's Single Load Cell and Bending Plate WIM systems. These follow-on contracts validate the proven performance of Quarterhill's technology in high-traffic environments. Story Continues About Quarterhill Quarterhill is a leading provider of tolling and enforcement solutions in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) industry. Our goal is technology-driven global leadership in ITS, via organic growth of our tolling and enforcement businesses, and by continuing an acquisition-oriented investment strategy that capitalizes on attractive growth opportunities within ITS and its adjacent markets. Quarterhill is listed on the TSX under the symbol QTRH and on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol QTRHF. For more information: www.quarterhill.com. Forward-looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements relate to future events, conditions or future financial performance of Quarterhill based on future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of any words such as "seek", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "goal", "expect" and similar expressions. Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to, but not limited to: anticipated improvement to roadway safety and efficiency in Djibouti, South Korea and Thailand; the Company's continued success and product validation in established markets; growing demand for the Company's products. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, among others, demand for Quarterhill's products and services; general economic and market conditions; competition; risks relating to technological advances and cyber-security; force majeure risks; risks associated with operations in foreign countries, including but not limited to changes in government policies, political or economic instability, currency fluctuations, difficulties in enforcing contracts and intellectual property rights, differing regulatory and legal requirements, and potential difficulties in repatriating funds; and other risks set forth in the Company's most recent annual information form available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. Material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, among others: Quarterhill's ability to execute on its business plan; demand for Quarterhill's products and services; operating assumptions; and financial projections and cost estimates. The foregoing lists are not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors which could affect the Company's operations or financial results are included in the Company's most recent annual information form and other public documents on file with the Canadian Securities regulatory authorities on www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements represent the Company's views as at the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual events and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities law. Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quarterhill-delivers-weigh-in-motion-solutions-to-improve-roadway-safety-and-efficiency-in-djibouti-south-korea-and-thailand-302520226.html SOURCE Quarterhill Inc. Industrialist Anil Ambani was on Tuesday questioned by the Enforcement Directorate at its headquarters in Delhi in an alleged money laundering case linked to the Rs 3,000 crore bank loan diversion fraud. No lawyer was present during the entire questioning session which was videographed after Ambani reached the ED headquarters at 11 am to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), sources said. Advertisement Significantly, statements recorded under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) are admissible as evidence in court. Advertisement According to sources, ED officials asked Anil Ambani questions like, Were loans diverted to shell companies? He also faced questions like, Was any money given to political parties? and Did you bribe any officer? Before the ED summoned Anil Ambani for questioning on Tuesday at the EDs Delhi office, the agency had issued a lookout circular (LOC) against him in connection with the alleged Rs 3,000-crore loan fraud involving Yes Bank. An LOC is issued to prevent individuals from leaving the country while they are under investigation. LOCs are circulated to all airports and seaports, alerting immigration officials to detain the individual under investigation, if they attempt to flee from India. The ED is probing the alleged diversion of loans worth Rs 3,000 crore disbursed to Reliance Group companies by Yes Bank between 2017 and 2019. Investigators suspect that payments were allegedly made to Yes Bank promoters before the loans were actually sanctioned, pointing to a possible quid pro quo. It may be recalled that the ED had raided several locations connected to the case on July 24. The searches which lasted for three days were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Later, the ED issued a statement on Monday that it has arrested Partha Sarathi Biswal, the managing director of Biswal Tradelink Pvt Ltd (BTPL) based in Odisha, on Saturday, for allegedly providing fake bank guarantees worth Rs 68.2 crore to Reliance Power Ltd for a Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI) tender. The ED had stated that it plans to confront arrested Biswal face-to-face with Anil Ambani when Ambani will be questioned at the EDs Delhi headquarters in an alleged money laundering case, linked to an alleged multi-crore bank loan fraud committed by the Anil Ambani-led Reliance ADA group. An investigation has revealed that BTPL had fraudulently arranged as well as submitted fake bank guarantees of Rs 68.2 crores along with forged SBI endorsements and fabricated confirmations for a Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) tender. For providing this bank guarantee, Rs 5.40 crore was received by BTPL (as commission) from Reliance Power Ltd, according to the ED statement. Allegedly, Biswal ran a fake bank guarantee issuance racket for business groups and his company BTPL is suspected of providing a fake bank guarantee worth Rs 68.2 crores to an Anil Ambani-led Reliance ADA group company, according to the ED. BTPL MD Biswal was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after searches at the companys premises in Bhubaneswar, as well as an associate entity in Kolkata. According to an ED investigation, BTPL allegedly arranged fraudulent bank guarantees worth about Rs 68 crores, backed by forged endorsements from the State Bank of India (SBI) using spoofed emails. Allegedly, the fake BTPL bank guarantees were used to provide assurance for a Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) tender, on behalf of Reliance NU BESS Limited, which is a subsidiary of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power. However, a Reliance ADA group spokesperson had stated on Friday that the company had been a victim of fraud, forgery, as well as cheating conspiracy, and that the company had made all necessary disclosures to stock exchanges on November 7, 2024. The Delhi Legislative Assembly on Tuesday held a detailed discussion on the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fee) Bill, 2025, with both ruling party and opposition members presenting their views. The discussion on the Bill was initiated by Education Minister Ashish Sood, following which the Bill was passed by the House. Advertisement BJP MLA Ajay Kumar Mahawar, speaking during the session, highlighted the advantages of the Bill, stating that it safeguards the interests of students and parents against arbitrary fee hikes by private schools. Advertisement Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht also endorsed the Bill, praising its intent to protect students rights. He criticized the previous governments education model, claiming that it was misleading and did not deliver what was initially promised. Other members, including Tarvinder Singh Marwah and opposition leader Prem Chauhan, also participated in the discussion, which is expected to continue during the monsoon session. Earlier in the day, Minister Sood met with a group of parents to discuss the Bill ahead of its presentation in the Assembly. He listened to their concerns and assured them that the legislation is a landmark reform aimed at creating a transparent, fair, and accountable framework for fee regulation in unaided private schools. Sood clarified that the Bill does not undermine government authority, as some have suggested. On the contrary, he said, it complements and strengthens the existing statutory framework under the Delhi School Education Act, 1973, and its associated rules. According to the minister, the new Bill neither supersedes nor contradicts existing laws but introduces additional checks and balances to protect the interests of students and parents. Famous South Korean director Park Chan-wook is back with a new film, and its already making headlines. His latest work, No Other Choice, has been chosen to open the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which will take place from September 17 to 26. This film marks Parks return to cinema after three years. His last film, Decision to Leave, won him the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival. Fans and critics have been eagerly waiting for his next project, and it seems like No Other Choice is worth the wait. Advertisement Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by BIFF (@busanfilmfest) The film stars Lee Byung-hun, known globally for his role in Squid Game. He plays Man-su, a man living a quiet and stable life with his wife and two children, until one day, everything changes. He suddenly loses his job, and what follows is a deep struggle to protect his family and their home. The festival describes the story as his own war of survival. For the first time on screen, Lee Byung-hun will have pairing with popular actress Son Ye-jin, who plays his wife Miri. The rest of the cast includes well-known names like Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won. Interestingly, Lee Byung-hun is not only acting in the film, he will also be the host of the BIFF opening ceremony. The film will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival before coming to Busan for its Asian debut. Park Chan-wook had spoken about this film back in 2019 at BIFF, calling it a passion project he had been waiting a long time to make. Festival director Jung Hanseok expressed his excitement about the selection. I am deeply moved and excited to experience the premiere of Park Chan-wooks desired project alongside diverse audiences on the festivals opening day, he said. He also hoped the film would bring fresh energy and attention to Korean cinema. Park Chan-wook is one of South Koreas most celebrated directors. His films like Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Thirst are popular worldwide. He has been a regular at the Cannes Film Festival, earning several top awards, including the Grand Prix and the Jury Prize. Popular Malayalam actor Shanawas, known for his work in both films and television, passed away late Monday night at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 71 years old. According to family members, he had been dealing with serious health problems for some time and was admitted to the hospital after his condition worsened. Advertisement Shanawas was the son of legendary Malayalam actor Prem Nazir, often called the evergreen hero of Malayalam cinema. Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Shanawas grew up in a family deeply connected to the world of films. His mother was Habeeba Beevi, and he had three sisters. Advertisement Shanawas studied at Chirayinkeezhu English Medium School and later at Montfort School in Yercaud. He went on to complete a masters degree in English literature from The New College in Chennai. He made his film debut in 1981 with the movie Premageethangal. Though he had a promising start, Shanawas took a step back from the spotlight for some time. He returned to the big screen in 2011 with the film China Town, reminding audiences of his strong screen presence. Shanawas lived in Malaysia for many years. His wife, Ayisha Beevi, is the daughter of Prem Nazirs eldest sister, the late Suleikha Beevi. The couple had two sons: Shameer Khan and Ajith Khan. Shameer tried to follow in his fathers footsteps by acting in the film Uppukandam Brothers Back in Action, but he didnt find success in the film industry. He now works as a manager in Malaysia and is also a vlogger. His brother, Ajith Khan, lives and works in Australia. Shanawass last appearance on screen was in the 2022 Malayalam film Jana Gana Mana. Amit Shah has become the longest-serving Union Minister of Home Affairs of India on Tuesday. With 2,258 days in office since assuming the role on May 30, 2019, Shah has now surpassed the previous record held by senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani. Shahs tenure has also overtaken that of Congress stalwart Govind Ballabh Pant, cementing his position as a key pillar in the current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Coincidentally, Shah achieved this milestone on August 5, the date he announced the abrogation of Article 370 in Parliament in 2019, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Advertisement Before Amit Shah, the leaders who served the longest tenures as Home Minister include Congress leader Govind Ballabh Pant and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani. Previously, BJP stalwart Lal Krishna Advani had held the position for 2,256 days (from March 19, 1998, to May 22, 2004). In comparison, Amit Shah has been serving as Home Minister since May 30, 2019, and by August 4, 2025, he will have completed 2,258 days in office. Advertisement Govind Ballabh Pant served from January 10, 1955, to March 7, 1961, a total of 6 years and 56 days. Shah became the countrys Home Minister on May 30 2019, and remained in the post till June 9 2024. He again became Home Minister on June 10 2024, and is serving. Apart from the Home Ministry, he is also the countrys first Cooperation Minister. Apart from this, Amit Shah had also served as Gujarat Home Minister and held the position of BJP National President. Also Read:PM Modi felicitated by MPs in NDA Parliamentary party meeting The tenure of Amit Shah as Union Home Minister, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been marked by several transformative developments in Indias internal security landscape. The historic abrogation of Article 370 and the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmirs special status stand out as landmark decisions. The region has since witnessed a dramatic improvement in law and order, with stone pelting incidents virtually eliminated. Across the country, there has been a sharp decline in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism, Naxalism, and Maoist activities. The peaceful progress in the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, the introduction of new criminal justice laws, and the successful enactment and rollout of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) further highlight this period. Multiple peace agreements in the North East have brought resolution to several long-standing insurgencies, making this a period of significant consolidation in the countrys internal security framework. BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday lashed out at the CPI(M)-led government in the state, alleging that its rule has become a haven for goons, hardcore criminals, and convicts. Chandrasekhar condemned the CPI(M) for giving a celebratory farewell to eight party workers convicted in the 1994 brutal attack on Rajya Sabha MP C. Sadanandan Master, in which he lost both his legs. He also accused the police of enabling convicts in the TP Chandrasekharan murder case to consume alcohol under police escort at a bar. Advertisement It is shameful that the CPI(M) gave a heroic send-off to those convicted of such a heinous crime. The visuals of police guarding TP Chandrasekharans murder convicts as they drank liquor at a bar are a disgrace, he said. Advertisement The BJP leader alleged that the LDF government has handed over control of the law and order machinery, as well as the Home Department, to party goons. The events of the past two days clearly explain why law and order has collapsed in Kerala, he added. Chandrasekhar pointed out that the courts had reaffirmed the conviction of those who brutally attacked Sadanandan Master, yet the CPI(M) chose to glorify their return to prison with celebratory slogans. Mattanur MLA and former state Health Minister K.K. Shailaja was among those present at the send-off. This clearly reflects the CPI(M)s endorsement of political violence, Chandrasekhar said. This is not the first time the party has glorified convicted criminals. When one of the convicts in the TP murder case died, he was called a heroic martyr. The CPI(M) even builds martyrs squares to honour such criminals. Their stance in the Periya double murder case shows a similar pattern. Reports confirmed that the CPI(M) organized a public farewell for the eight convicts at the Thalassery court premises and later in Mattanur, Kannur. A video of the event, showing party workers shouting slogans in support of the convicts, has since gone viral, sparking a political uproar. More recently, a video surfaced showing TP murder case convicts Kodi Suni, Muhammad Shafi, and Shinoj drinking liquor near a vehicle parked outside Victoria Bar in Thalassery while allegedly under police custody. Reports claim the convicts were escorted to the bar by police officers during a court lunch break. According to standard procedures, convicts outside prison must remain under constant police supervision. However, the video shows no police presence, as the convicts casually consumed liquor and food. It was further reported that the liquor was brought and served by the convicts friends, raising serious questions about the role and conduct of the police. On the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, the valley was normal as it was a day like any other. Rumours and counter-rumours battled in the minds of locals as WhatsApp groups went agog with speculations of statehood restoration or further division of the UT. Advertisement The grapevine has always had strong elements of credibility in Kashmir. Rumours have, most of the time, remained ahead of hard news, and this is the main reason that the rumour mill starts moving fast as events on the occasion provide grist to the fertile minds of the rumour mongers. Advertisement Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on X that he would stick his neck out to bet that nothing bad was going to happen on August 5. He hastened to add that nothing good was expected today. Also Read: Nothing will happen: J&K CMs cryptic post amid statehood speculation The calling of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the President, followed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, plus a high-level meeting in Delhi to discuss the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of August 5, the day when six years ago J&K lost its special status, gave fuel to speculations. Those in power, including the National Conference supporters, said a bill would be tabled in Parliament to restore statehood to J&K. Detractors said J&K was in for another division that would give statehood to the Jammu division and retain the Valley as a UT without a legislature. Everybody claimed to know what he said without any material basis except speculation. Those proclaiming to be Kashmir experts said nothing should be done in haste, as the prevailing peace needed to be consolidated. Others claiming to be on-ground reporters said any further division of J&K would fuel further alienation among the youth. The common man started worrying about the availability of food and medicine if anything big development takes place, while the affluent ones topped the fuel tanks of their private cars and SUVs. While rumours have their place in Kashmir and this space gets credibility the moment an official denial is issued, the good news is that Kashmir rose normally on Tuesday, school buses came to collect children, shops and transport started as usual with office goers rushing through a modest breakfast to reach places of duty on time. Except for some preventive house arrests to maintain law and order on the 6th anniversary of August 5, 2019, everything started normally in the Valley as it was business as usual. Better luck to rumour mongers next time, they at least keep idle minds busy so that these dont become the devils workshop. A day after US President Donald Trump threatened to substantially raise tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, the Indian Army on Tuesday shared an old newspaper article from August 5, 1971, highlighting the US support for Pakistan in the buildup to the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. The 1971 newspaper article Army shared talks about the massive US Arms export to Pakistan since 1954. Advertisement In the article, then Minister for Defence Production, VC Shukla, stated that as per Our estimate, the US supllied arms worth USD 2 billion to Pakistan since they entered into arms pact in 1954. Advertisement This day, that year, the buildup of warAugust 5, 1971, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army captioned the post. The post comes a day after Trump threatened to raise tariffs on India for continuing to import Russian oil. In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump said, India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, but they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits. Trump added, They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA. Reacting sharply to Trumps threat, India also called out the US for its own trade with Russia. The MEA highlighted that the US itself imports uranium hexafluoride, palladium fertilizers, and chemicals from Russia. In a sharply worded message to Washington, India said it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security against the unjustified and unreasonable US targeting. Read More: US, EU themselves indulging in trade with Russia: India calls out West hypocrisy on Russian trade after Trumps fresh tariff threat The ties between India and the US have apparently deteriorated under the Trump administration over the US Presidents ceasefire claims and imposition of tariffs on Indian goods. On July 31, Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India and an unspecified penalty on the countrys trade with Russia. Emphasising the need to swiftly adapt to disruptive technologies, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Tuesday called for rethinking legacy structures and prioritising synergy across the three services to tackle challenges posed by the constantly evolving nature of warfare. Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural edition of the Annual Trident Lecture Series, organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), the CDS underscored the importance of technological convergence and integrated operations in ensuring national security. Highlighting how the nature of warfare is undergoing a paradigm shift, General Chauhan noted that modern conflicts are increasingly shaped by political objectives, blurring the lines between war and peace. War and politics are closely related. Wars are often fought to achieve political purposes. Today, we are witnessing short, precise warslike Operation Sindoorwhere political goals are met through rapid and targeted action, he said. Outlining Indias firm stance on terrorism, the CDS made it clear that terrorists can no longer find sanctuary, even within Pakistan. They will be targeted. We are prepared to act decisively against any act of violence, he asserted. On Operation Sindoor, General Chauhan described it as a high-speed, high-impact precision strike carried out by the Indian Armed Forces. The mission did not involve capturing territory or engaging civilian populations. It was designed to deliver a decisive blow within a very short timeframe. It was about speed and tempocreating maximum impact without traditional ground engagement, he explained. We can no longer rely solely on 500 kg bombs. The time has come for heavier, more effective payloads and highly precise targeting, he added. The event also marked the release of the first General Bipin Rawat Paper on Manned-Unmanned Teaming, a tribute to Indias first CDS and his enduring contribution to joint operational strategy and transformative defence thinking. The August 2025 issue of Synergy, CENJOWS flagship journal, was also launched, featuring incisive articles on emerging strategic trends. As part of the programme, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff delivered a lecture on Urgency in Tri-Services Reforms, emphasising critical timelines and institutional steps necessary for meaningful change in the defence establishment. Advertisement A resolution on Operation Sindoor was passed at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday morning, highlighting that the BRICS joint declaration condemning the Pahalgam attack reflects Indias growing global clout and international support. The resolution stated, The US designating The Resistance Front (TRF), responsible for the Pahalgam attack, as Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), and BRICS Joint Declaration condemning Pahalgam attack, avowing to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism, reflect a win for Indias diplomatic stance against terrorism inflicted on its soil by Pakistan. Advertisement It further stated, the developments reflect Indias rising clout on the global stage and international affirmation. Advertisement The meeting was held at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi on Tuesday morning and was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. In the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated by MPs of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance for the success of Operation Sindoor. This key meeting comes amid an ongoing impasse in Parliament, with opposition parties demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and demanding an end to the exercise. The meeting celebrated the success of both Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev and saw a thunderous applause amid the chants of Har Har Mahadev by the leaders. The resolution added, that the NDA Parliamentary Party salutes the unmatched courage and unwavering commitment of our armed forces, who showed heroic valour during Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. It stated that the armed forces courage highlighted their unflinching devotion to protecting our nation. It further stated, We pay our deepest condolences and respect to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. The NDA Parliamentary Party lauded the exceptional leadership displayed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during these times, the resolution further added. His unwavering resolve, visionary statesmanship and resolute command have not only steered the nation with purpose but also ignited a renewed spirit of unity and pride in the hearts of all Indians, the resolution added. Also Read:PM Modi felicitated by MPs in NDA Parliamentary party meeting The resolution further stated, True to his solemn vow made from the soil of Bihar, the resolve was transformed into action. In response to the Pahalgam attack, on the intervening night of May 6-7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor. Through military might and resolute leadership, justice was delivered, reaffirming that India does not forget and never forgives terror. We also appreciate the firmness with which PM Modi highlighted the new normal, which shall define our approach to such challenges. Critical to this are three points: First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only, the resolution added. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge. Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail. Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism, the resolution stated. The resolution further stated, After Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister ensured 59 Members of Parliament from across parties visited 32 countries to present Indias point of view. This is one of the most comprehensive global outreach ever launched by India, highlighting how the country has been a victim of terror and why a terror attack in any one part of the world is a crime against humanity across the globe. The participation of Opposition MPs showed the maturity of our democracy and the statesmanship of the Prime Minister, who believes that in matters of national interest, we are all together, it said. Paul Atkins, Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Photo via Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA/Newscom. Crypto funds are about to become a whole lot more regulated or deregulated, depending on who you ask. After initial delays, the SEC has approved in-kind redemptions for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. The decision is the first pro-crypto policy decision by Paul Atkins, the SEC chair confirmed earlier this year who is expected to help realize crypto evangelists digital currency dreams. The move also is the first major indication that the crypto industry whose super PACs donated tens of millions to President Donald Trumps 2024 campaign is getting what it expected. The decision marked the biggest day for crypto in the history of the space, said financial consultant Tyrone Ross Jr. This administration, whether its custody, whether its on-chain, whether its ETFs theyre making sure that crypto thrives in America. READ ALSO: Should Asset Managers Trust Future BLS Data? and The Future of AI ETFs May Be Data Centers Will That Be Cash or Crypto? In-kind redemptions let investors create and redeem shares of spot crypto ETFs without having to use cash meaning authorized participants, the people with the power to change the number of ETF shares on the market, can now add or remove assets from a fund using Bitcoin or Ethereum. In a statement on the approval, Atkins said the decision is only the first step toward building a rational regulatory framework for crypto. But how much of these changes can be attributed to the Trump administration? One hundred percent, said Ross. They are hell-bent on America becoming the main hub for crypto in the world. Other measures approved by the agency were: Advancing a merit-neutral approach to crypto-based products, including applications for spot crypto ETFs. Allowing FLEX options on shares of certain Bitcoin ETFs that let investors customize things like expiration date and strike price. The SECs likely next move is specifying which coins are and arent securities, Ross said. Thats the big one that everyone is still waiting for, he said. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is also likely to eventually update its guidance on what it will oversee, he added. Keeping Options Open. In-kind redemption approvals took place alongside another policy change to increase positions limits for options trading on BlackRocks spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund, IBIT the biggest crypto ETF on the market from 25,000 to 250,000 contracts. BlackRock has been among the most prominent issuers pushing for deregulation, having filed for in-kind redemptions back in January. Its huge for the individual investor. Its huge for BlackRock, Ross said. Its huge for the entire space. This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive exclusive news and analysis of the rapidly evolving ETF landscape, built for advisors and capital allocators, subscribe to our free ETF Upside newsletter. Opposition parties on Tuesday staged a protest near Parliaments Makar Dwar against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, alleging bias and demanding a parliamentary discussion on the issue. The protest, led by the INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi, among others, aimed to highlight concerns over voter suppression and potential electoral manipulation. Advertisement The opposition parties have been consistently raising their voices against the SIR exercise, claiming it is an attempt to disenfranchise certain sections of voters. Loktantra par var (attack on democracy) and Stop SIR were some of the slogans raised during the protest. Advertisement The opposition has been demanding a discussion in Parliament to address concerns over the SIR exercise. They are seeking a fair review process to ensure that no genuine voter is left out due to the SIR exercise. The protest comes amid the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, which has witnessed repeated disruptions and adjournments due to the oppositions demands for a discussion on the SIR exercise. The government, on the other hand, has maintained that the Election Commissions functioning cannot be debated in Parliament, citing the poll bodys autonomy. Acharya Balkrishnas birthday was celebrated as Jadi-Buti Diwas (Herbs Day) on Monday at the Patanjali Wellness Auditorium, Patanjali Yogpeeth-2. On the occasion, both Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna led the attendees in taking a pledge to plant trees and promote health at the individual, family, societal, national, and global levels. Advertisement The two also donated blood and planted trees, encouraging others to do the same. Advertisement Addressing the gathering, Baba Ramdev said that celebrating Acharya Jis birthday is merely symbolicits real purpose is to ensure that herbal plants flourish not just in every Indian household but across the entire world, benefiting all of humanity. He emphasized that herbs are a way to experience the grace of nature and the divine. Herbs are not only for treatment, but also a path to self-realization, he said. Praising Acharya Balkrishnas relentless efforts, Ramdev called him a living embodiment of tireless dedication, who has revived the ancient wisdom of our sages. He added that Balkrishna has dedicated his entire life to public welfare, and his example teaches all to devote knowledge, devotion, and actions in service of Bharat Mata, humanity, nature, and culture. Acharya Balkrishna, in his address, stated, We do not make herbs; rather, herbs make us. If we want to protect life, we must first save herbs. He stressed that Herb Day is an initiative to protect all life, and without trees and medicinal plants, human life cannot survive. He added, Each morning we wake up with new energy, new light, and a renewed life. Every birthday is a chance to celebrate that new beginning. He appealed to citizens to plant and protect herbs such as Tulsi, Giloy, Aloe Vera, Ashwagandha, and Neem, and urged the nation to contribute to environmental and personal well-being. As part of the celebration, 11 books authored by Acharya Balkrishna were also released. The key highlight was the launch of Saumitreya Padpaniruktam, a scripture backed by references from over 150 Ayurvedic texts and manuscripts. Other released titles included, The Conspiracy of Allopathy and Healthcare System; Unethical Conduct of Indian Medical Association; Negative Aspects of Treatment; Unsafe Health System; Conspiracies and Scams in Healthcare; Life-Saving or Life-Taking? The Dark Side of Modern Medicine; Holistic Health: Law and Facts; World Herbal Remedies Series Parts 1 to 6 (covering Diabetes, Dengue, Tuberculosis, HIV, Typhoid, and Malaria). Across India and in other countries like Nepal and the UK, Patanjali Yoga Samiti volunteers organized mass distribution and plantation of medicinal plants based on local availability. Acharya Jis over 50 years of dedication to reviving and preserving Indias eternal cultural and spiritual heritage were celebrated as a source of inspiration for all. Under the guidance of the Patanjali Research Foundation, various health camps were held: Blood Donation Camp: Organized in collaboration with AIIMS Rishikesh and Himalayan Hospital blood banks, where around 450 units of blood were donated. Eye Camp: 588 people received eye check-ups and 207 were provided free spectacles. Dental Camp: Conducted by Patanjali Dental College and Research Centre, around 470 people were examined and given free dental kits. Under the aegis of Bharat Swabhiman Trust, free medicinal herbs such as Neem, Tulsi, Aloe Vera, Clove-Tulsi, and Amla were distributed. In the evening, a cultural program was held at Patanjali Universitys main auditorium. Students from Patanjali Gurukulam, Acharyakulam, Patanjali University, and Patanjali Ayurved College presented captivating performances, with a concluding theatrical performance that delighted the audience. On this occasion, monks, project leaders, staff, teachers, and students from all Patanjali institutions and educational wings conveyed birthday wishes to Acharya Ji and received his blessings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed the opposition political parties for demanding a debate on Operation Sindoor, terming it a strategic misstep that backfired on them. Addressing the NDA parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament Library Building here, PM Modi said, Where else will you find an Opposition that hits its own foot with a stone? Advertisement According to sources, the Prime Minister also highlighted the recent criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by the Supreme Court over his allegations of China grabbing Indias land. Advertisement There can be no greater reprimand than the one delivered by the Supreme Court yesterday, he was quoted as saying by the sources. What more can we say, when the Supreme Court itself has spoken. This isnt just stepping on a stone this is inviting the bull to charge, the Prime Minister said during the meeting. PM Modi, the sources said, also suggested that opposition-led debates work in favour of the NDA. The opposition should hold such debates every day. This is our turf, this is my domain, and God is with me here. By demanding such discussions, the opposition ended up shooting itself in the foot, he stated. The NDA meeting also saw unanimous support for resolutions praising the success of Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. These initiatives have been lauded within the alliance for their strategic accomplishments. Meanwhile, the NDA members expressed solidarity for the operations carried out by the central government. The NDA Parliamentary Party salutes the unmatched courage and unwavering commitment of our armed forces, who showed heroic valour during Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. Their courage highlights their unflinching devotion to protecting our nation. We pay our deepest condolences and respects to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, the resolution passed at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting said. The meet also reiterated the key points of Indias policy towards Pakistan post Pahalgam attack a befitting reply would be given in case there is a terrorist attack on India. India would not tolerate any nuclear blackmail and will strike at the terrorist hideouts developing under the guise of nuclear blackmail. Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism, the resolution mentioned. The meeting took place at a crucial juncture, just two days ahead of the opening of nominations for the Vice-Presidents election, scheduled to begin on August 7. With the NDA holding a clear majority in the electoral college, the selection of its Vice-Presidential candidate is anticipated to be a formality. However, the alliance is expected to finalise and announce its nominee by August 21, the last date for filing nominations, aligning with the end of the current session. If everything goes as planned, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bengal again on August 20 to attend a special programme in Dum Dum. The assembly elections in the state are due next year. Despite the BJPs vigorous efforts during the 2021 assembly elections, the party was unable to form the government in Bengal. Advertisement In a strategic move, the Prime Minister has decided to hold a programme every month targeting the Bengali community in the state. Advertisement On May 29, he addressed a public meeting in Alipurduar. Subsequently, he held another programme in Bengal just before the Trinamool Congresss Martyrs Day on July 21. Further, after the appointment of the new BJP state president, Shamik Bhattacharya, the Prime Minister conveyed a political message to party workers and supporters during a gathering in Durgapur on July 18. According to sources, Dum Dum has been selected as the venue for the August 20 event. Notably, the current state president contested from the Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency in the last general election. Sources also indicate that the Prime Minister aims to send a strong message to the people of Bengal that the BJP is not against the Bengali community. The partys central leadership has advised the state unit to avoid a repeat of the outsider narrative, which the Trinamool Congress had effectively used against the BJP during the 2021 elections. The Prime Minister has reportedly instructed the Bengal BJP to focus on the central governments development initiatives. While the Trinamool Congress continues to intensify its stance on the SIR issue, the BJP plans to counter it by highlighting the Tiranga Yatra as a symbol of national pride and unity. The Oppositions INDIA bloc leaders on Tuesday rallied behind Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, terming the Supreme Court sitting judges remarks an extraordinary observation which is unwarranted on the democratic rights of political parties. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said that the INDIA bloc floor leaders discussed the Supreme Courts remarks on Rahul Gandhi during a meeting held today. Advertisement All the leaders of the INDIA parties agreed that the sitting judge has made an extraordinary observation which is unwarranted on the democratic rights of political parties, she said. Advertisement The Congress spokesperson further stated, It is the responsibility of political parties, especially the Leader of Opposition, to comment on issues of national interest. When a government fails so spectacularly to defend our borders, it is every citizens moral duty to hold it accountable, she added. What did the Supreme Court say? Hearing a petition filed by Rahul Gandhi against an Allahabad High Court order upholding a Lucknow court summons issued to him in connection with a criminal defamation case, the Supreme Court on Monday strongly admonished the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, for his remarks that Chinese soldiers are beating up Indian Army personnel. The top court said that, being the LoP, he should speak in Parliament and not on social media. The court also asked the Leader of the Opposition what credible material was behind his claim that China has acquired 2000 sq km of Indian land. How do you get to know when 2000 sq km was acquired by China? What is the credible material? A true Indian will not say this. When there is a conflict across a border, can you say all this? Why cant you ask the question in Parliament? the bench said. Earlier today, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also took strong exception to the top courts remarks, saying it is not for the judges to decide who is a true Indian and who is not. With all due respect to the judiciary, it is not for them to determine who is a true Indian and who is not. The judges will not decide that, she told reporters outside Parliament. Rahul Gandhi has always respected the army and our soldiers. The LoPs responsibility is to question the government, and that is what he does. The government does not like it, and they do not want to answer him; that is why they resort to all these tactics, she added. The Supreme Court will hear on August 8 an application seeking directions to the Union government for the time-bound restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The erstwhile state was stripped of its statehood following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, which accorded special status to the region, and subsequently bifurcated into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Advertisement During a brief mention before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan sought that the matteralready listed for August 8would not be deleted from the cause list. Advertisement The CJI Gavai assured that the case would not be deleted from that days cause list. The application states that despite assurances given by the Centre during the hearing on the abrogation of Article 370, no steps have yet been taken to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Petitioners Zahoor Ahmed Bhat, a college lecturer, and activist Khurshid Ahmad Mali have submitted that continued inaction violates the federal structurewhich is part of the Constitutions basic structureand undermines the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The application has been filed in the already adjudicated matter titled In Re: Article 370, in which a five-judge Constitution Bench on December 11, 2023, unanimously upheld the Centres August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 and reorganise the state into two Union Territories. While the Court had refrained from deciding whether such reorganisation under Article 3 was constitutionally valid, it did take note of Solicitor General Tushar Mehtas statement during the hearings that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmirexcluding Ladakh. The petitioners now urge the Court to give effect to that assurance, arguing that more than ten months have passed since the judgment and yet no step has been taken to begin the process of restoring full statehood. The delay in restoring statehood seriously undermines the federal structure and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the application states. It further contends that holding Legislative Assembly elections in the absence of statehood would amount to establishing a diminished form of democratic self-governance, contrary to the principles of Indian federalism. The petition adds that converting the state into a Union Territory has already weakened representative governance in the region, and that further delay would inflict irreversible harm to the constitutional rights and autonomy of its people. The applicants have requested the Court to direct the Union government to restore statehood within a two-month timeframe, warning that prolonged delay could gravely damage the regions democratic structure, constitutional identity, and territorial integrity. In its December 11, 2023, judgment upholding the abrogation of Article 370, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission of India to conduct elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly by September 30, 2024. The bench had further stated that statehood must be restored at the earliest and as soon as possible. The present application seeking restoration of statehood was formally filed on October 8, 2024. It was earlier mentioned before a bench of then Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra on October 17, 2024, at which time the Court had assured that the matter would be listed. Just hours after a deadly cloudburst hit Harsil village in Uttarakhand, shocking before-and-after photos appeared online, showing the scale of destruction. The before photos showed a peaceful Himalayan village with visible roads and houses surrounded by greenery. In the after photo, everything was goneonly muddy water covered the area. The cloudburst came suddenly, cutting off the village completely. Rescue teams are now working to reach the area. The images have caused alarm and worry, drawing attention to how such extreme weather events are becoming more common in the region. Advertisement Several people are feared dead after a massive cloudburst triggered a landslide and flash flood in Dharali village of Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district on Tuesday. The cloudburst that struck on the hilltop above the Kheer Ganga river caused widespread devastation as several houses, hotels, and buildings were swept away in the flash flood. Advertisement Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Before and after picture of Dharali in Harsil, which has been hit by a cloudburst Senior officials, including the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Commissioner of Garhwal Division, are monitoring the situation at the State Disaster Operations Centre pic.twitter.com/bkXKH59Ac2 ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 Indian Army personnel launched rescue operations following a landslide near Dharali village, about 4 km from the Army Camp in Harshil, around 1:45 PM today. So far, 15 to 20 people have been safely evacuated, and those injured are being treated at the Armys medical facility in Harshil. Search and rescue operations are still underway. Read More: 4 killed, over 50 missing as twin cloudbursts trigger massive flash flood in Uttarkashi; rescue ops underway Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. He stated that he had spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and taken stock of the situation. Taking to X, PM Modi said, I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in assisting the people. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took stock of the situation. Shah informed via X that ITBP and NDRF teams had been dispatched to the site. Spoke with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood incident in Dharali (Uttarkashi) to gather information about the event. Three nearby ITBP teams have been sent there, and four NDRF teams have also been dispatched to the site, which will soon arrive and engage in rescue operations, Shah said in his X post. Chief Minister Dhami said the situation was being monitored continuously, and that teams of the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, and the district administration were at the spot carrying out rescue operations in the affected areas. Relief and rescue operations are underway by the district administration, Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams in the affected areas of Dharali (Uttarkashi). People are being evacuated to safe locations on a priority basis, and the situation is being continuously monitored. The administration is fully alert and providing all possible assistance to the affected citizens, he said. Following the sudden cloudburst that triggered massive mudslides and landslides in Harshil, Uttarakhand, the Union government has put agencies, including the Indian Air Force (IAF), on high alert, official sources said. The IAF, they said, is ready to join the ongoing rescue operations being carried out by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Advertisement They said the adverse weather conditions over the higher reaches of Uttarakhand hampered air operations. Advertisement Helicopters were ready to take off today itself, but due to poor visibility and heavy rains, it was unsafe to operate, they said. Meanwhile, the NDRF and ITBP teams are also on the ground, conducting search-and-rescue operations amid extremely challenging terrain and continuous rainfall. The situation in Harshil remains tense as several families were stranded or missing due to the flash floods and debris in the affected areas. The Indian Army has deployed 150 personnel who reached the mudslide-hit area near Dharali village within minutes of the disaster. Rescue agencies are coordinating closely to minimise casualties and deliver timely relief in the affected regions. Continuous rainfall remains the biggest hurdle in the response effort. A devastating cloudburst struck the Dharali area near Harsil in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district, washing away a village and leaving several people missing. Following the sudden surge in water levels, especially in Kheer Gadh near Dharali, large-scale damage was reported in the local market area, prompting an immediate response from the different agencies. Due to the rising water levels in Kheer Gadh in Dharali, Uttarkashi, reports of damage have been received in the Dharali market area. Police, Fire Department, SDRF and Army, along with other disaster relief and rescue teams, are engaged in relief and rescue operations at the scene, Uttarakhand Police said in a public advisory issued after the incident. State authorities have urged people to maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks and ensure the safety of children and livestock. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep concern over the disaster and assured that relief efforts were being carried out on a war footing. The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing, CM Dhami said in a post on X. I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyones safety, he added. A day before the cloudburst, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning for extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, and Chamoli, from August 4 onwards. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) national president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has made it clear that her party is neither a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nor associated with the opposition INDIA bloc led by the Congress. Mayawatis statement came on Tuesday in response to a media report suggesting that the BSP was moving closer to the BJP. Advertisement Reacting sharply, the BSP chief took to the social media platform X to issue a strong clarification, stating that their party continues to follow an independent political path. Advertisement The Bahujan Samaj Party is not with the BJP, Congress, or any other political alliance. Our party has always worked with an independent ideology based on Dr B R Ambedkars principle of Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay (for the welfare and happiness of all), Mayawati said. She also criticised sections of the media, accusing certain journalists and news channels of having a biased mindset against Dalits, Adivasis, and backward communities. According to her, these media outlets repeatedly attempt to tarnish the image of the BSP by spreading false narratives and misleading reports, ultimately trying to harm the partys political prospects. Mayawatis remarks are seen as a firm reiteration of the BSPs position ahead of upcoming political developments, indicating that the party will continue to maintain its distance from both national alliances while focusing on its core voter base and ideologies. The report of the Monitoring Team of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee released last week, says, On 22nd April, terrorists attacked a tourist spot in Pahalgam, J and K. Twenty-six civilians were killed. The attack was claimed that same day by The Resistance Front (TRF), who in parallel published a photograph of the attack site. The claim was repeated the following day. It adds that on 26 April, TRF retracted their statement. The report also quoted Indian and Pakistan views when it mentioned, One member state (India) said the attack could not have happened without LeT support, and that there was a relationship between the LeT and TRF. One member state (Pakistan) rejected these views and said LeT was defunct. The report closed by mentioning, the attack was carried out by TRF, which is synonymous with LeT. The UN accepted the Indian viewpoint that the LeT and TRF are the same organisation. For the first time the TRF has emerged in a UN document. Advertisement Decisions taken by the Sanctions Committee are normally unanimously adopted by the UNSC. Pakistan, a current non-permanent member of the UNSC may find it difficult to prevent sanction of the TRF. On 17 July, the US designated the TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Pakistan initially objected to the US decision aware that its claims of the LeT being defunct would have few takers. Subsequently, its foreign minister Ishaq Dar, mentioned, We have no issue. And we welcome, if they have any evidence, that they are involved. Advertisement In reality, Pakistan had no choice as it was already announced. In the same interview, speaking on the UNSC resolution on Pahalgam, Dar added, We opposed the mention of TRF in the UNSC statement. I got calls from global capitals, but Pakistan will not accept. TRF was deleted, and Pakistan prevailed. If Pakistan was not involved, then why was it so desperate to protect the TRF in the UNSC? India launched Operation Sindoor as a retaliation to Pakistans support for the Pahalgam attack. In the short 88-hour operation India forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire based on heavy losses and abject failure of its strikes. Indias victory was marred by Donald Trump claiming credit for ending the conflict. Pakistan kept denying its involvement in Pahalgam. It even offered an independent probe, which like the ongoing probe on the attack on Air Force station Pathankot of January 2016, would stretch on without an end. Pakistans defence minister, Khwaja Asif, went on to mention that Pahalgam was possibly a false flag operation conducted by Indian security agencies. He added, We have absolutely nothing to do with it. We reject terrorism in all its forms and everywhere. The recent killing of the three terrorists involved in Pahalgam in Operation Mahadev cleared all doubts. The terrorists had been tracked since Pahalgam but were possibly asked to lie low by their Pakistani handlers, after India hit Pakistan with Operation Sindoor. Rawalpindi was aware that another terrorist incident could spell disaster as its destroyed assets had yet to be replaced or repaired. This time it would be unable to hide its losses. Tracking the terrorists was a tedious task. Over 1,000 individuals were interviewed and amongst them, two who provided shelter, post Pahalgam, were arrested. While the general area where they were hiding was known, it was not easy to track them as the area is heavily forested and benefits terrorists rather than security agencies. Ultimately, it was the opening of a Chinese communication device to establish contact with their handlers which gave their specific location away. These devices have been banned in India and are known to be used only by terrorists. A subsequent swift operation led to their deaths. Their bodies were identified by those who had provided them shelter. Their identities were established as Suleman alias Faisal, Tahir Habib alias Afghani, and Jibran. Suleman was involved in both Pahalgam and the Gagangir terror attack near Sonamarg in October 2024. For the government, confirming that these were the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack and proving the direct involvement of Pakistan was essential. The first part was done by ballistically authenticating that the weapons obtained from the slain terrorists were the same which were used in Pahalgam. Bullet shells from the Pahalgam site matched those test-fired from the weapons at the forensic laboratory in Chandigarh. Six separate scientists were involved in the assessment to ensure that there was no error. The Home Minister, Amit Shah stated in parliament, There is no room for doubt. I am holding the ballistic report, six scientists have crosschecked it and confirmed to me over video call that the bullets fired at Pahalgam and the bullets fired from these guns are a 100 per cent match. Once this was established, the next was to obtain irrefutable proof of Pakistans involvement. This emerged with the recovery of multiple equipment and products of Pakistani origin. These included ultra-high frequency wireless sets employed to communicate with their handlers across the border and other expendable products, including medicines, manufactured in Pakistan. Two terrorists were also in possession of their Pakistan voter numbers which enabled agencies to confirm that one was from Lahore and the other from POK. Media reports mention that the family of Tahir Habib, one of the slain terrorists, held his funeral in absentia, at Khai Gala village in POK. The village objected to the presence of Rizwan Hanif, a local LeT commander, further confirming Pakistans and LeTs involvement. Shah stated, two had Pakistani voter numbers, and even chocolates they carried were made in Pakistan. The Pakistan foreign ministry, as expected, refused to accept Indian findings including the individuals being Pakistani nationals. Their statement mentioned, The account given by the Indian Home Minister is replete with fabrications, leading to serious questions about its credibility. The report of the Monitoring Team of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee, the US designating TRF as a terrorist organization and irrefutable proof obtained from the slain terrorists are indicators of Pakistans involvement in Pahalgam and these terrorists being Pakistani nationals. Rawalpindi unwilling to accept them as its nationals is nothing new. In Kargil, they had refused to accept the remains of their soldiers who died fighting, which even today lie buried on Indian soil. These are just terrorists and expendable. (The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.) US-based investment company Sixth Street has agreed to acquire a 38% stake in Italian renewable energy company Sorgenia at an enterprise value of more than 4bn ($4.6bn). This investment by Sixth Street is part of a partnership with F2i, an Italian independent infrastructure fund manager. It will enable F2i to consolidate its energy transition assets under Sorgenia. As a result of the transaction, F2i will hold approximately 62% of Sorgenia. Predica, a subsidiary of Credit Agricole Assurances, retains its minority interests in the F2i-owned companies, EF Solare and Renovalia Tramontana. Concurrently, Asterion Industrial Partners will exit Sorgenias ownership structure. Asterion, an investment management company, made its initial investment in Sorgenia in 2020 and is now selling its 27.6% stake. The deal is pending customary regulatory approvals. F2i CEO Renato Ravanelli stated: With this transaction, F2i successfully reaches an important next step in a long and significant industrial growth journey in the energy sector. The development and consolidation of Sorgenia once again confirms F2is ability to promote the growth of national and European-scale players in strategic sectors such as energy transition. Sorgenia's portfolio now incorporates EF Solare, a photovoltaic operator in Italy, and Spanish renewable entities Renovalia and Renovalia Tramontana. Sorgenia currently operates 1.7GW of installed renewable capacity and plans to develop an additional 5GW. It also manages 4.4GW of gas-fired power plants critical for system stability during the energy transition, and provides retail services in electricity, gas, fibre connectivity and green technology to more than one million customers. This investment aligns with Sixth Street's strategy to support growth and development in the renewable sector across Italy and Spain. The consolidation aims to position Sorgenia as a leader in Europes energy transition market. Sixth Street partner Richard Sberlati stated: This agreement establishes Sorgenia as one of the leading energy infrastructure platforms in Europe, and were pleased to be collaborating with the F2i and Sorgenia teams on this transformational transaction. We look forward to contributing our solutions-oriented, patient institutional capital and deep energy infrastructure experience as we work together to facilitate the next phase of growth for the business. "Sixth Street to acquire 38% stake in Sorgenia in $4.6bn deal" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his recent visit to Varanasi, called on citizens to adopt the spirit of Swadeshi and support locally-made products. He stressed that true service to the nation lies in promoting indigenous goods, especially amid global economic uncertainties. The Prime Ministers comments, made soon after the US announced harsh tariffs on exports from India and 70 other countries, assumes significance. It provides a bridge to the past, an occasion to learn lessons from the Swadeshi movement which began in 1905 in Bengal and then spread across the subcontinent. Swadeshi voices of legendary leaders and thinkers are worth pondering today. At the 22nd session of the Indian National Congress, held in Calcutta from 26-29 December 1906, Dadabhai Naoroji delivered the presidential address highlighting Swadeshi is not a thing of to-day. It has existed in Bombay as far as I know for many years past. I am a freetrader and I am a Member in the Executive Committee of the Cobden Club for 20 years, and yet I say that Swadeshi is a forced necessity for India in its unnatural economic muddle. Advertisement As long as the economic condition remains unnatural and impoverishing, by the necessity of supplying every year some Rs. 20,00,00,000 for the salary, pensions etc. of the children of a foreign country at the expense and impoverishment of the children of India, to talk of applying economic laws to the condition of India is adding insult to injury. I ask any Englishman whether Englishmen would submit to this unnatural economic muddle of India for a single day in England, leave alone 150 years? No, never. No, Ladies and Gentlemen, England will never submit to it. Dr Rash Behari Ghose, who succeeded Dadabhai as Congress president in 1907, said in a lengthy welcome address, Swadeshi movement seems also to have given great offence to a certain section of the AngloIndian community. It seems that if you call the movement a boycott of foreign goods, you are a traitor to England. Advertisement But competition with Manchester is not yet treason in the Indian Statute Book. The Swadeshi movement is only a prelude to our determination to enter into the great brotherhood of the trading nations of the Westcome with me to the exhibition on the other side of the street, a visit to it, I am sure, will fill the heart of every one of you with hope and gladness; for in Swadeshism you see the cradle of a new India. To speak of such a movement as disloyal is a lie and calumny. We love England with all her faults, but we love India more. At the Industrial Conference, as part of 1906 Congress session, the Maharaja of Baroda Sayajirao Gaekwar III spoke on the triumph of machinery as the triumph of our ageThe rise of power-looms, for instance, has been stealing a march over the handloom workers, and the numbers employed in cotton weaving in India have declined by 23 per cent, even within the last decadethis textile industry itself which shows how, with intelligent adaptation to the improved methods our Indian industries can compete with the manufactures of Europe. The Bombay mills give daily employment to about 1,70,000 factory operatives, while so many as 30,000 more are maintained by ginning presses. Some forty years ago we had only 13 cotton mills in all India. The number rose to 47 in 1876, to 95 in 1886, to 155 in 1895, and to 203 in 1904; and to-day the number of our cotton mills is still larger. We had less than 4,000 powerlooms forty years ago: the number was over 47,000 in 1904: We had less than 3,00,000 spindles 40 years ago: the number exceeded five million in 1904. These are insignificant figures compared with the huge cotton industry of Lancashire; but they show that we have made steady progressNew mills have been started in Ahmedabad and Bombay within the last two years, largely as a result of the present Swadeshi movement. Sir Vitaldas Damodar Thackersey, prominent businessman of Bombay, delivering the presidential address to the Industrial Conference, said Whatever Bengal might have done or failed to do, she has undoubtedly given an impetus to the Swadeshi idea. All over the country today, among young and old, rich and poor, men and women, high caste and low caste, the word Swadeshi has become a household word, and the spirit of it too, we may hope, is well understood. We have got the Swadeshi idea firmly implanted in the national mind. We have now to consider what our programme should be for the near future. We cannot do every thing at once. Industries are not created in a daylet us focus on the agricultural industry. It behoves private landlords like the Zamindars of Bengal, who correspond to the landed aristocracy of England, to devote their time and resources towards developing their industry. If the Swadeshi spirit inspires these great landed magnates to introduce science and system into agriculture so as to make it yield the highest profit of which it is capable, then believe me you will be in sight of large manufactures, financed, controlled, and worked by our own countrymen. Through February 1907 Gopalkrishna Gokhale delivered addresses in Lucknow where he spoke about the economic condition of India and Swadeshi movement. One of the most gratifying signs of the present times is the rapid growth of the Swadeshi sentiment all over the country during the last two years. Swadeshism at its highest is not merely an industrial movement, but that it affects the whole life of the nation, that Swadeshism at its highest is a deep, passionate, fervent, all embracing love of the motherland, and that this love seeks to show itself, not in one sphere of activity only, but in all: it invades the whole man, and it will not rest until it has raised the whole man. Now the first thing I want to say about this movement is that it has come here to stay. I think it safe to say that the Swadeshi movement is not going to be one of that kind, and my own personal conviction is that in this movement we shall ultimately find the true salvation of Indiathe true industrial regeneration of the country. Mrs Annie Besant, writing in the Central Hindu College magazine, said, The point is the building up of the entire Indian nation, by the encouragement of national feeling, by maintaining the traditional dress, way of living and so on, by promoting Indian arts and manufactures, by giving preference to Indian products over foreign. Now this is a point which really goes to the very root of Indian revival. Do not undervalue the importance of sentiment, and do not try to do away with everything which differentiates India from other lands; rather strive to maintain the immemorial customs and follow the immemorial traditions it is the bounden duty of every patriotic Indian to encourage Indian art, Indian manufactures and Indian labour; and not to go across the seas to bring here endless manufactured articles, but to give work to his own people. Let all encourage Indian manufactures and arts, and all Indian-made goods in India. Indian art has gained a name all over the world because of its beauty and artistic finish, and why should men who have such art on their own soil, why should they go and buy the shoddy productions of Birmingham and Manchester? In the Indian Review, Sister Nivedita of the Ramakrishna Vivekananda order, commented, in the Swadeshi movement the Indian people. have found an opportunity to make themselves respected by the whole world. For the world respects that which shows that it is to be feared, and the one thing that is feared by all is strong, intelligent, and united action: We conquer a single elephant with ease. But where is the man who wou ld attack a herd? The note of manliness and self-help is sounded throughout the Swadeshi movement. There is here no begging for help, no cringing for concessions. What India can do for herself, that she will doAnd there is no reason why the movement should fail in India. When Surat was hosting a Swadeshi conference in December 1907, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, said, it is hardly necessary to make any appeal to you in the cause of Swadeshi. I consider it as a dispensation of Providence that the minds of our people have for some time past been more and more directed towards the Swadeshi Movement. Among all the factors which you think are calculated to improve the condition of the people and bring back prosperity to the people, the Swadeshi Movement is one of the highest importance. Patriotism needs it, humanity dictates it, and every possible consideration that you can have, will enforce the carrying out of the Swadeshi Movement in the most earnest spirit, not only now but for a long time to come. Through the thoughts, inspiring ideas and writings of these iconic personalities, voices of Swadeshi movement can still be heard, loud and clear (The writer, a researcherauthor on history and heritage issues, is former deputy curator of Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya) It was a moment of ironic clarity when Geoffrey Hinton, the godfather of AI, suggested, half-jokingly, that young people may be better off becoming plumbers than tech engineers. On the surface, it sounded absurd. But beneath the quip lies a cold, clear warning: in a world where AI is eating into digital jobs, physical, hands-on work might offer more security than an entry-level job writing Python scripts. This wasnt just about plumbing; it was a wake-up call to a generation still riding the ghost of the 2000s IT boom. Two decades ago, Indian engineering grads didnt just enter the workforce; they were part of a national phenomenon. IT jobs were more than employment opportunities; they were social escalators, offering economic dignity and foreign visas. I still remember reporting from a grand IT service firms event in 2004 at the Taj Mumbai when it had just crossed a billion dollars in revenue. That evening glittered with promise. Cousins were flying off to the US with a little more than some C++ and Oracle skills. It felt like the digital revolution was Indias to command. Advertisement Fast forward to 2025. That escalator is stalling, if not shutting down entirely. Entry-level jobs, the same ones that launched lakhs of careers, are being rendered obsolete not by mismanagement or recession, but by machine learning and automation. AI has rewritten the script. Advertisement The hiring numbers tell the story. Wipro, which welcomed 38,000 freshers just two years ago, is now down to 10,000. TCS added only 625 people last quarter. Infosys has delayed onboarding for over a year, leaving thousands of young graduates in limbo. The conveyor belt that once pulled young Indians into middle-class stability is now rattling to a halt. Its not because the youth are less smart. Its because AI is faster, cheaper, and increasingly capable of doing the jobs humans used to do. From GitHub Copilot writing boilerplate code to ChatGPT assisting with debugging, the very definition of a tech job is changing. The tools that helped engineers are now taking their place. This is not just a structural crisis. Its an emotional one. Young people across India, particularly those from tier-2 and tier-3 colleges, find themselves abandoned in a job market they were told they were being prepared for. The India Skills Report 2025 states that only 47 per cent of engineering graduates are employable. The rest, armed with degrees but no direction, are stuck in PG rooms across Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad, refreshing job portals, chasing internships, and chasing hope. For many, this isnt about upskilling; its about identity. They were supposed to be engineers. Instead, theyre now upskilling for gig work they never imagined doing. This isnt just happening in India. In the US, the unemployment rate among computer science graduates is nearly double the national average. In the UK, some graduates are applying for a thousand jobs without landing a single interview. In global boardrooms, the consensus is brutal: entry-level roles are the easiest to automate. According to the World Economic Forums Future of Jobs Report 2025, 40 per cent of employers expect to reduce headcount due to AI. While 170 million jobs might be created this decade, 75 million will disappear, mostly those involving repeatable, low-risk tasks. In the middle of this churn, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), the new hubs for firms like Goldman Sachs, Walmart, and Siemens, are hiring, but very selectively. Theyre picking from NITs, IITs, and IIITs. They want thinkers, not testers. Internships are their filters. If you dont intern, you dont get in. The old system of being trained after being hired is gone. Today, you prove your value before you enter the door. The gap between the elite and the average is widening. The academic institutions, meanwhile, seem stuck in time. A staggering 93 per cent of Indian engineering colleges dont offer full AI or data science coursework. Only 7 per cent of faculty have worked with generative AI. Were teaching 2015 in 2025. Syntax-heavy syllabi and handwritten exams still dominate even as the industry demands systems thinking, ethics, domain knowledge, and experience with agentic AI tools. The real tragedy is that this disconnect isnt just technical, its existential. Families are spending lakhs on a B.Tech degree, imagining it to be a ticket to upward mobility. Theyre not just paying for a degree; theyre paying for a dream. And increasingly, the dream is hollow. Still, theres a narrow but growing path forward. AI isnt just killing jobs; its also making new ones in areas few institutions are preparing students for. Roles like prompt engineers, AI ethics testers, model debuggers, data labellers, and chatbot QA testers are becoming mainstream. These dont necessarily require four-year degrees. What they demand is curiosity, adaptability, and tool fluency. We must radically reimagine our tech education. AI and data science must be core parts of engineering education, not side electives. Exams must give way to hackathons. Curriculum must shift from rote learning to building and testing real-world solutions. Degree-plus-internship models should become standard. Let students earn, fail, and rebuild, not just cram for tests. For students and young professionals, the message is simple, if not easy. The old career ladder is broken. But theres a new highway forming, one filled with short-term certifications, self-led learning, and stackable micro-skills. You dont need to be in Silicon Valley or have a Stanford degree. You just need to stay updated, stay nimble, and stay hungry. AI doesnt have to be your competitor. It can be your co-pilot. And finally, yes, take Hintons plumbing line seriously. He wasnt mocking tech. He was reminding us of a fundamental truth: jobs that exist in the physical, practical world, jobs requiring real-world judgment, touch, and repair, are incredibly hard to automate. Maybe you wont be a plumber. But maybe youll be an AI hardware technician. Or a drone repair expert. Or a robotic arm calibrator. These are the new hands-on jobs, digital yet physically rooted in reality and often beyond the reach of pure automation. The IT dream isnt dead. But its no longer a dream for the masses. Its become selective, elite, and redefined by AI. The real opportunity now lies not in chasing yesterdays jobs but in preparing for tomorrows roles, even if they dont have the glamour of a software engineer tag. Because in the new world of work, glamour doesnt pay the rent. Skills do. Relevance does. Reality does. Hold on. The future is still yours, but only if youre ready to work for it in new, sometimes unexpected ways. The writer is a techie, political analyst, and author. US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene gave a bold suggestion while replying to President Donald Trumps latest social media in which he threatened to hike tariffs on Indian goods and services. In his far-reaching proposal, a controversial lawmaker asked the President to instead stop issuing H1B work visas to Indians, who she says are replacing American jobs. Advertisement Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a prominent MAGA figure, has recently claimed that the Republican Party has turned its back on America First, the working class, and everyday Americans. Advertisement In a recent post on X, Marjorie Taylor Greene addressed the H-1B visa issue while also urging the Republican president to halt U.S. funding for Ukraine in its war against Russia. She reiterated her belief that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict was triggered by former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as by what she refers to as Neocon ideologya U.S. political stance advocating for the global promotion of democracy. Her post also included a screenshot of Donald Trumps Truth Social statement, in which he vowed to substantially raise tariffs on India in response to New Delhis massive purchases of Russian oil. Just last week, Trump imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, along with an unspecified penalty over Indias continued imports from Russia. What is an H1B visa and who gets it? The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields that require technical expertise, such as IT, engineering, finance, or medicine. To qualify, the worker must have at least a bachelors degree in a related field and a job offer from a U.S. employer, who must sponsor the visa. The visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended up to six years. Due to high demand, it is issued through an annual lottery system, with 65,000 regular slots and an additional 20,000 for those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. Data over the years shows that Indian nationals make up 72% of all H1B visa holders, with Chinese citizens following at 12%. Indias response on Trumps tariffs threats Hours back, India gave a strong response to Donald Trumps threats to substantially raise tariffs on goods from India over its purchase of Russian oil. Indias foreign ministry defended the countrys imports from Russia, saying they are a necessity driven by global market conditions, and criticized the nations pointing fingers at India, noting that many of them continue to trade with Russia despite lacking any compelling need to do so. New Delhi reminded Washington that when it initially began importing Russian oil after the Ukraine war began, the U.S. had actually encouraged those imports. It also pushed back against the European Union for singling out Indian refiners over their crude exports. The government cited specific data to highlight the scale of trade between the EU and Russia. Over 7,000 cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus have emerged in Chinas Guangdong province since July, triggering Covid-style containment measures, a Hong Kong-based English daily said. Foshan City, the worst-affected, has mandated hospitalisation for patients, who must stay under mosquito nets and can only be discharged after testing negative or completing a seven-day stay. Advertisement Chikungunya, spread by infected mosquito bites, causes fever and intense joint pain that can persist for years. While outbreaks are uncommon in China, the virus is frequently seen in South and Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Advertisement Chikungunya outbreak spreads beyond Foshan to multiple Chinese cities In addition to Foshan, at least 12 other cities across Guangdong province have reported chikungunya infections, with nearly 3,000 new cases recorded in the past week alone, according to the South China Morning Post. It stated that Hong Kong also confirmed its first case on Monday when a 12-year-old boy who developed symptoms after visiting Foshan in July. Although chikungunya is not contagious and spreads only through mosquito bites, the outbreak has sparked public concern in China, where the virus is relatively unfamiliar. This is scary. The prolonged consequences sound very painful, a user posted on Weibo. Health authorities say all reported cases so far have been mild, with 95% of patients recovering within a week. Still, the US has advised travellers to China to exercise increased caution in light of the outbreak. China ramps up chikungunya fight with fines, fish, and mosquito police Authorities across Guangdong have pledged decisive and forceful action to curb the fast-spreading chikungunya virus. People with symptoms like fever, rashes, or joint pain are being urged to get tested immediately. In a bid to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, residents are being warned to remove stagnant water from homes including flowerpots, coffee machines, and unused bottles or face fines of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400). Officials have also turned to nature for help, releasing thousands of giant elephant mosquitoes that eat smaller, virus-carrying insects and unleashing mosquito-eating fish into urban lakes. In Foshan alone, 5,000 such fish were released last week. Drones are also being deployed to detect standing water in hard-to-reach areas. Although some neighbouring cities briefly imposed 14-day home quarantines on travellers from Foshan, the restrictions have now been lifted. Still, the sweeping measures have triggered flashbacks to Chinas strict COVID-19 lockdowns, with many on social media questioning their necessity. These feel so familiar but are they really necessary? one Weibo user posted. Another remarked: Whats the point of quarantine? Its not like infected people go around biting others. The chief advisor to the interim government in the country said he would write to the countrys Election Commission to organize general elections before Ramadan Chief Adviser to the Bangladesh Interim Government Dr Muhammad Yunus, on Tuesday, said he would write to the countrys Election Commission to organize general elections in February 2026 before Ramadan. Advertisement In a televised address to the nation on the Student-People Uprising Day, Yunus said, Now, it is time for us to fulfil our final duty: holding the election. Following this address on this momentous day, we will enter the final and most important chapter of our responsibility. We will begin the process of handing over power to an elected government. Advertisement He said he would write to the chief election commissioner, urging him to organize the national elections before Ramadan in February 2026. Next years Ramadan is expected to begin on February 17, which means the elections are likely to be held before that. I ask all of you to pray that the election is held smoothly, so that all citizens of this country can move forward successfully in building a new Bangladesh. On behalf of the government, we will provide all necessary support to ensure that the election is fair, peaceful and festive. He said his administration would begin mental and institutional preparations to ensure a memorable election in Bangladeshs history. From tomorrow, we will begin our mental and institutional preparations to ensure that this election becomes memorable in the nations history, for its joyous spirit, for peace and order, for voter turnout, and for the atmosphere of harmony and sincerity, he added. Despite starting its space research programme almost a decade earlier than India, Pakistan is gearing up to land a spacecraft on the Moon by 2035, as stated by the countrys Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Geo News reported. The announcement came as the nation currently struggles with the rise of terrorist attacks, basic infrastructure and economic instability. Speaking during a meeting in Beijing with Chinese officials, including Head of Chinas Atomic Energy Authority and Space Agency Shan Zhongde, Iqbal called for deeper reliance on China to fill gaps in Pakistans space and nuclear programs, Geo News reported. The lunar mission has been tasked to Pakistans Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which is yet to launch a satellite or space mission all on its own, particularly without the assistance of China. Advertisement Pakistan will contribute a 35-kilogram lunar rover to Chinas Change-8 mission in 2028, which aims to explore the Moons south pole. The rover will conduct scientific experiments, analyse terrain, and assess resource utilisation. Meanwhile, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made significant strides compared to its neighbour, with notable success with its lunar mission, Chandrayaan and Mars mission, Mangalyaan. India is now also on its way to its first manned mission in space, Gaganyaan, scheduled for the first quarter of early 2027. Advertisement According to Geo News, the discussion between the two sides, framed as strategic cooperation, largely highlighted Pakistans growing dependence on Chinese technology and expertise. Iqbal promoted the Uraan Pakistan initiative, claiming that the countrys Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reinvigorated the countrys stagnant space science sector, Geo News reported. He noted that three Pakistani-made satellites were launched recently, though all with significant Chinese assistance, and Pakistan now hopes to again piggyback on Chinas space station to send its first astronaut by 2026, with no clear independent capability. With climate change and domestic resource crises looming, Iqbal shifted focus to energy, calling for more Chinese support in nuclear power and cutting-edge tech like quantum computing, a field in which Pakistan has little to no native capacity. Pakistans space sector, led by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), was established in 1961 by Dr Abdus Salam, a Nobel laureate and scientific advisor to President Ayub. Insufficient government funding has hindered SUPARCOs progress, with an annual budget of $36 million compared to Indias ISRO, which receives significantly more. Also Read:You have been gravely misled by Pakistani military leadership: Baloch leader to Trump, says oil reserves belong to Balochistan SUPARCO has faced leadership issues, with retired army generals heading the agency for the past 11 years, raising questions about its scientific direction. Moreover, Pakistan relies heavily on China for satellite launches and development, limiting its indigenous capabilities. Few universities in Pakistan offer space-related courses, restricting the growth of skilled professionals. Meanwhile, the Pakistani government had once again failed to honour its financial commitments under the CPEC, with outstanding payments to Chinese power producers ballooning to PKR 423 billion by June 2025, as reported by The Express Tribune. Chinese official Shan Zhongde responded with predictable diplomacy, praising Pakistans alignment with Chinese interests and reaffirming Beijings role as the driving force behind any meaningful scientific or economic advancement Pakistan hopes to achieve. Russia has officially exited the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty days after US President Donald Trump announced deployment of two nuclear submarines at an undisclosed location closer to Russia. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry cited the recent US military actions as reason behind the move. It stated that it would no longer follow restrictions on missile deployments as per the treatys conditions. The Russian foreign ministry notes the disappearance of conditions for maintaining the unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar weapons and is authorized to state that Russia no longer considers itself bound by the corresponding self-imposed restrictions previously adopted, the statement read. Advertisement The INF treaty banned deployments of ground-launched missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. However, the treaty was already on the verge of collapse after the US pulled out of it in 2019. Advertisement Trump ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to undisclosed locations closer to Russia in response to an alleged threat made by former Russian President 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, the US president announced. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances, he added. 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, he said. 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 rhetoric to overt military posturing. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced plans to substantially raise tariffs on India within the next 24 hours, intensifying trade tensions between the two nations. The move follows Trumps accusation that India is profiting from discounted Russian oil purchases and subsequent sales. Advertisement With India, what people dont like to say is theyre the highest tariff nation. They have the highest tariffs of anybody. We do very, very little business with India because their tariffs are so high, Trump said during an interview with CNBCs Squawk Box. Advertisement The trade rift between Washington and New Delhi has been steadily worsening, with the US already imposing tariffs on a range of Indian goods. According to reports, India currently faces a 25 percent tariff on all exports to the US. Analysts warn that this could result in an estimated $33 billion loss in export revenue and a 20-basis point dip in GDP. Trumps criticism centers on Indias imports of discounted Russian crude, which he claims are being resold for significant profits. India has strongly refuted the claims, pointing to what it describes as Western double standards. Also Read:Russia exits Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty New Delhi argues that both the US and European Union continue to maintain various trade relationships with Russia despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. An escalation in tariffs could have serious repercussions for Indias economy. The US is one of Indias largest trading partners, accounting for around 18 per cent of its total exports. Key sectors such as textiles, gems and jewelry, and electronics could be particularly hard hit by higher duties. Despite the friction, both nations remain engaged in trade negotiations. India is lobbying for relief from the USs 10 per cent baseline tariff and is pursuing an interim trade agreement, with the long-term goal of a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement. While the outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, the current standoff marks a critical juncture in US-India economic relations. The next few days are expected to be crucial in determining the trajectory of one of the worlds most significant trade partnerships. Russia criticized the Donald Trump administration in the United States for pursuing a neocolonial approach toward Global South countries in a bid to uphold Washingtons global dominance, stating that no level of tariffs or sanctions could alter the natural course of history. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that, Washington is unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar international order. Advertisement Hitting back at US for putting steeper tariffs on countries, she said, No tariff wars or sanctions can halt the natural course of history. Advertisement She further stated that the US was exerting politically driven economic pressure on countries opting for an independent path in global affairs, and reaffirmed Moscows readiness to strengthen ties with such nations to help build a genuinely multilateral and equitable world order. Sanctions and restrictions have unfortunately become a defining feature of the current historical period, impacting countries across the globe. Unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar international order, Washington continues to pursue a neocolonial agenda, employing politically motivated economic pressure against those who choose an independent course on the international stage, she said. Russias statement came days after US President Donald Trump unravelled new tariffs on dozens of countries. Indias response to US Hours back, India gave a strong response to Donald Trumps threats to substantially raise tariffs on goods from India over its purchase of Russian oil. Indias foreign ministry defended the countrys imports from Russia, saying they are a necessity driven by global market conditions, and criticized the nations pointing fingers at India, noting that many of them continue to trade with Russia despite lacking any compelling need to do so. New Delhi reminded Washington that when it initially began importing Russian oil after the Ukraine war began, the U.S. had actually encouraged those imports. It also pushed back against the European Union for singling out Indian refiners over their crude exports. Also read:Russia Issues guarded response to US nuclear submarine deployment The government cited specific data to highlight the scale of trade between the EU and Russia: in 2024, the EUs bilateral trade in goods with Russia stood at 67.5 billion, with services trade reaching 17.2 billion in 2023figures far exceeding Indias trade volume with Russia. Notably, Europes imports of Russian LNG hit a record 16.5 million tonnes in 2024, surpassing the 2022 peak of 15.21 million tonnes. The statement emphasized that Europes trade with Russia extends beyond energy to include fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, steel, machinery, and transport equipment. The ministry also called out the U.S. for its ongoing imports of Russian goods like uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear sector, palladium for electric vehicles, as well as fertilisers and chemicals. Like any major economy, India will do what is necessary to protect its national interests and economic security, the government asserted. These sharp remarks from New Delhi come in response to a fresh threat by Donald Trump earlier in the day. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA, though he offered no details. Trump has already announced a 25% import duty on Indian goods starting August 7 and warned of tariffs as high as 100% on countries buying Russian oil, unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal with Ukraine during the August 79 window. Indias oil sourcing pattern shifted significantly after Russia, isolated by the West for its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, began offering crude at discounted prices. Historically, India imported most of its oil from the Middle East. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, was allegedly attacked on Tuesday while heading to the Superintendent of Polices office in Cooch Behar. The BJP leader was en route to submit a deputation over the alleged targeting of party workers when his convoy was attacked in the Khagrabari area around 12:35 pm. A mob, reportedly holding Trinamool Congress (TMC) and black flags, pelted stones, hurled shoes, and vandalised multiple vehicles, leaving windshields shattered. Advertisement #WATCH | Cooch Behar, West Bengal: The convoy of West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari was allegedly attacked in Cooch Behar, while he was on his way to the Superintendent of Police Office. Advertisement (Video Source: Former MoS Home, Nisith Pramanik; earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/dryuPkTb3P ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 Adhikari escaped unhurt, but the BJP has strongly condemned the incident. Speaking to reporters, Suvendu has termed it a pre-planned murderous attempt. The BJP has alleged that the ambush was orchestrated with the support of TMCs top leadership. BJP leaders claimed the attack could not have happened without strong political backing and accused local police of remaining passive during the chaos. The Trinamool Congress, however, dismissed the allegations. SoFis overall rally is hard to ignore, but its price tag is not for the faint-hearted. Trading at 71 times forward earnings and 9.3 times sales, it is well above that of the legacy banks. Thats premium pricing, no question. But SoFi is not chasing old-school playbooks it is scaling fast, stacking users, and rewriting the digital finance script. Sure, it's expensive. But if investors are betting on the future of fintech, the recent dip could be their shot before the next leg higher. SOFI stock has surged 197% over the past 52 weeks and risen 70% in the last three months, breaking out to a new 52-week high of $25.11 on July 29 following strong Q2 results and raised guidance. That said, the rally paused after a $1.5 billion equity offering triggered dilution concerns. Founded in 2011, San Francisco-based SoFi is rewriting the personal finance playbook with sleek technology and bold execution. With more than 11 million members, it spans lending, financial services, and a robust tech platform across the U.S. and beyond. SoFis all-in-one digital ecosystem is shaking up legacy banking, proving that fintech is already here. Its market capitalization currently stands at $23.5 billion. With strong revenue acceleration, improving profitability, and a capital-light model gaining traction, SoFis core engine looks well-tuned. Still, with its high valuation and a few skeptics on Wall Street, investors are left wondering especially after this wild week whether it's too late to grab SOFI stock. The post-earnings surge was followed by a dip on news of a $1.5 billion public share offering. However, SOFI stock has regained its footing, still above the $21 level seen before the July 29 earnings release. SoFi Technologies (SOFI) has evolved into a full-fledged digital financial platform, offering everything from banking to investing. This past week, the company grabbed headlines with blowout second-quarter earnings, raised full-year guidance, and clear signs that it is chipping away at legacy banks market share. Story Continues SoFi's Record Q2 Results and Sharper Outlook On July 29, SoFi delivered a Q2 report that didnt just beat expectations, but smashed them. The company posted adjusted revenue of $858.2 million, up 44% year-over-year (YOY), while adjusted net income rocketed 459% to $97.3 million. Adjusted EPS came in at $0.08, a sevenfold increase from the $0.01 reported a year ago. The growth was not limited to the top and bottom lines. SoFi added 850,000 new members, pushing its total to 11.7 million, and also racked up 1.26 million new products, bringing the tally to 17.1 million. Both of these figures rose 34% YOY. Fee-based revenue jumped 72% to $377.5 million, led by SoFis Loan Platform Business, which originated $2.4 billion in third-party loans and pulled in $130.6 million in revenue on its own. Lending was a clear standout. The company funded a record $8.8 billion in loans, including personal loan originations which rose 66% annually, student loans which grew 35%, and home lending which soared 92%. On the tech side, SoFi's Galileo and Apex platforms brought in nearly $110 million, up 15%, while SoFi also stepped back into crypto and teased new AI-driven initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and member experience. Fueled by the blowout quarter, SoFi raised its full-year 2025 outlook. Management now expects adjusted net revenue of $3.375 billion, up from the previous guidance range of $3.235 billion to $3.31 billion. That implies 30% annual growth. Adjusted EBITDA is projected at $960 million as well, up from a prior $875 million to $895 million range, with margins climbing to 28%. Net income is now forecast at $370 million, and full-year EPS is guided to be $0.31, both topping earlier estimates. Wall Street seems aligned with these expectations. Analysts believe SoFi will post 2025 EPS of $0.32, marking 113% annual growth, with another 75% lift to $0.56 expected in 2026. If SoFi can stay the course, it's setting up for a potential breakout year. What Do Analysts Expect for SoFi Stock? Wall Streets outlook on SoFi after Q2 earnings is a mix of optimism and caution. Jefferies analyst John Hecht remains firmly in the bullish camp, having lifted his price target to $27 with a Buy rating. Hecht sees SoFis beat-and-raise quarter as reflecting momentum that could carry through to year-end. Meanwhile, Mizuho has doubled down on SoFi, boosting the price target to $26 from $20 and reaffirming an Outperform rating. The firm praised SoFis very strong Q2 across all key metrics, spotlighting $9.5 billion in annualized lending volume and 90% growth in home lending as major strengths, especially in a weak housing market. Mizuho also bumped its 2025 revenue forecast to $3.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA forecast to $965 million. Still, others are pumping the brakes. BTIG kept a Hold" on SOFI stock, noting that the recent rally might already reflect most of the good news. BTIG acknowledged upside in SoFis crypto and investment products, but questioned its ability to scale fast enough to seriously rival players like Robinhood (HOOD). TD Cowen analyst Moshe Orenbuch echoed that caution, keeping a Hold and $22 target. The analyst praised SoFis platform momentum and strategic partnerships but warned of slower growth ahead. Despite SoFis Q2 blowout, not everyone on Wall Street is buying the hype. SOFI stock has an overall consensus Hold rating. Out of 23 analysts covering the fintech stock, only five advise a Strong Buy rating and two recommend a Moderate Buy. Meanwhile, 11 analysts play it safe with a Hold, two mark SOFI as a Moderate Sell, and three recommend a Strong Sell" rating. SoFi is showing no signs of slowing down and has already surged past the average analyst price target of $18.52. www.barchart.com On the date of publication, Sristi Suman Jayaswal 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 Faith can move mountains, perhaps even close the climate financing gap. A recent Global Landscape of Climate Finance Report by Climate Policy Initiative states that an estimated $7.4 trillion is required annually until 2030 to meet global climate goals. Faith-aligned funders, from philanthropists to foundations, have an immense and largely untapped potential to mobilise capital at scale. According to Said Business School, 360 faith-aligned assets under management were worth approximately $5 trillion as of 2022. However, only three per cent (about $150 billion) was directed towards social impact. This highlights a significant opportunity to align a greater share of faith-aligned capital with the sustainable development goals, particularly climate action. Ancient traditions, urgent imperatives Environmental stewardship has been a core tenet across the worlds major faiths. From reverence for rivers and forests in indigenous traditions to scriptural guidance on compassion for all life, faith communities have long championed the connection between people and planet. This ethical foundation is increasingly being recognised as a critical lever for climate action. In recent years, religious leaders have spoken out with clarity and urgency. Addressing the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV remarked, We cannot separate our treatment of the Earth from our treatment of the poor. They suffer together when we choose exploitation over responsibility. His stance reflects the Catholic Churchs ongoing commitment to climate action. Similarly, in 2015, Islamic leaders issued the Islamic Declaration on Global Climate Change, urging the faiths 1.6 billion adherents to recognise environmental stewardship as a moral and spiritual duty. While the spiritual and faith commitment is clear, faith-aligned capital in Asia has remained under-mapped, under-leveraged, and often absent from mainstream climate finance dialogues. Formalising faith-aligned giving for climate action In Asia, recent years have seen greater formalisation of faith-aligned capital deployment, especially within Islamic and Christian communities, with nascent but growing interest among Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu and Sikh groups. These communities share values that naturally align with impact investing: long-term thinking, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to the common good. Whats emerging are faith-compatible financial frameworks, instruments and principles that enable believers to invest without compromising religious beliefs. In Islam, zakat (an annual 2.5 per cent wealth contribution for the poor) and waqf (charitable endowments) are increasingly being channelled toward climate-linked outcomes like education, clean energy, and health. Christianitys practice of tithing (donating 10 per cent of income) is also expanding into impact-aligned community development and ethical investment. Hinduism advocates dana (giving), while Sikhism encourages seva (selfless service), both offering strong philosophical bases for structured social investment. In Indonesia, the Green Islam movement is reframing climate action as a religious obligation. At Jakartas Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and sermons on environmental care have become part of daily practice. Religious schools and interfaith youth groups are also taking up the call, fostering collective ownership of the climate cause. From ad hoc to intentional: Strategic pathways for faith-aligned capital for climate action To fully unlock the potential of faith-aligned philanthropy, giving must move beyond charitable intent to strategic capital deployment. According to the How Values and Beliefs Shape Giving in Asia report, one key recommendation is for faith-aligned financial products such as Shariah-compliant green sukuks, ethical stewardship funds, and pooled endowments to support environmental goals while adhering to faith principles. And financial products alone are not enough. Many faith-based organisations operate informally, without the institutional capacity to track impact or scale solutions. Investments in governance, training, and partnerships with intermediaries can help these institutions evolve into formal social investors. Climate organisations, in turn, must view faith-aligned actors as critical allies. Co-creating programmes that resonate with religious principles builds trust, enhances relevance, and unlocks grassroots reach for climate resilience and adaptation efforts. Faith institutions often have deep local reach, making them ideal collaborators for climate adaptation, awareness, and resilience-building efforts. Platforms, partnerships, and the power of the next generation Digital platforms are playing a key role in formalising faith-aligned giving. GlobalSadaqah, for instance, is an Islamic social finance platform that connects donors with verified causes, offering transparency, compliance with zakat and waqf principles, and structured channels for recurring and impact-oriented giving. Such platforms can turn one-time donations into strategic, long-term investments aligned with faith and climate goals. At the collaborative level, initiatives like the UNOC3 Multi-Faith Declaration demonstrate the potential of collective moral and financial capital. By bringing together diverse faith groups to support 30 per cent of the world's ocean protection by 2030, the declaration champions blue-carbon solutions, rights-based ocean governance, and a shared ethical framework for nature conservation. The future, however, lies with the next generation of faith-aligned leaders and givers. Grounded in tradition yet fluent in ESG and blended finance, young faith-aligned philanthropists and emerging leaders of religious institutions are more likely to support blended finance and data-driven philanthropy. Their voice and visibility will be vital to shifting mindsets from charity to systems change. A force for climate and community Faith-aligned philanthropy remains one of the most values-aligned, trusted, yet underutilised levers in the climate movement. It is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of communities, and with the right structures and intent, it can catalyse climate action from the grassroots to the global level. With intentionality, collaboration, and strategic alignment, faith-aligned giving can be a powerful force to bridge the climate finance gap. From ancient wisdom to modern tools, it offers not just hope, but a pathway to action rooted in both conviction and compassion. Sangeetha Watson is the assistant director, Insights, AVPN. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. Gautam Adani-led conglomerates multi-port operator arm, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), announced a 6.54 per cent jump in quarterly consolidated net profit of Rs 3,310.60 crore for the three-month period that ended in June. While Adani Ports saw expenses bloat in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 surge to Rs 5,731.88 crore from last years Rs 4,238.94 crore, total income under review soared by around 17 per cent to Rs 9,422.18 crore. The port operator also told regulators that S&P Global Ratings revised the outlook of APSEZ to Positive from Negative and reaffirmed the ratings at BBB-. Adani Ports CEO Ashwani Gupta attributed the quarterly revenue growth to APSEZs Logistics and Marine businesses, which grew 2x and 2.9x respectively. These are no longer ancillary verticalsthey are reshaping the contours of our future-ready ports ecosystem, added the CEO. In the same reporting quarter, Adani Ports announced that its first fully automated terminal in Colombo Port was operational. The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), it said back in April, would significantly enhance Colombo Ports capacity and ease congestion, boosting overall efficiency. In total, Adani Ports handled 121MMT cargo volume in Q1 FY26up 11 per cent year-on-year. The company said that the volume was driven mainly by containers, up 19 per cent YoY. The Vizhinjam port in Thiruvananthapuram, which completed its first year in the quarter, achieved 100 per cent utilisation in its ninth month of operation, APSEZ stated. Adani Ports also commenced the construction of Phase 2 at the port. MORE | How Vizhinjam International Seaport is turning out to be a gamechanger for Adani Ports The firm, part of the Adani Group, is the largest port developer and operator in India. It has six ports and terminals on the west coastMundra, Tuna Tekra and Berth 13 in Kandla; Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat, Mormugao in Goa; and Dighi in Maharashtra. On the south coast, it has five ports and terminalsVizhinjam port in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; Karaikal port in Puducherry; Kattupalli port and Ennore terminal in Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Krishnapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh. On the east coast, the four ports and terminals are Gangavaram Port in Andhra Pradesh, Gopalpur and Dhamra ports in Odisha, and Haldia in West Bengal. In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu takes the form of Tirupati Balaji to appear in Kali Yuga to protect and save humanity. One could say Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has been going through its own form of Kali Yuga, and the latest appointment of Tata Motors Group CFO P.B. Balaji might be the silver lining it needs. Ever since JLR announced its identity revamp (which almost felt like a midlife crisis), it has been going through some challenging quarters. And days before its Q2 FY2026 results announcement on August 8 2025, the luxury car giant announced Balajis appointment, effective from November 2025. It was only a few months ago that we saw the dismal first-quarter results of JLR. Retail sales for Q1 FY2026 slipped more than 15 per cent to 94,420 units. The planned winding down of legacy Jaguar modelswhich were once its identitydid not help matters. Additionally, US tariffs impacted volumes. It was a proper mix of bad luck, bad timing, and a possibly failed corporate identity reinvention. The one sub-brand that did not go through significant changes, Land Rover, saw its Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Defender model mix take up more than 77 per cent of total wholesale volumes in the last quarter. The wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited (part of Tata Sons) has constantly reiterated itself as a British company at heart. And its reinventionthe Reimagine strategywas part of it, transforming its business to become carbon net zero across its supply chain, products, and operations by 2039. We have set a roadmap to reduce emissions across our own operations and value chains by 2030 through approved, sciencebased targets. Electrification is central to this strategy, and before the end of the decade, our Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender collections will each have a pure electric model, while Jaguar will be entirely electric, JLR said back in July. But a mix of bad timing and bad luck (and bad tariffs) seemed to have closed in on the British automakers Achilles Heel, and its parent, Tata Motors, decided to bring in a titan to set things straight. Enter Balaji, named after the saviour avatar of Lord Vishnu in Kali Yuga, who will have to pick up the pieces and drive JLR back to its better days of brand royalty. Balaji has been serving as the Group CFO of the Tata Motors Group since November 2017. He is an Indian automobile and consumer goods veteran with 32 years of experience under his belt. According to JLR, Balaji has successfully led large, diverse, global teams in multicultural environments out of Mumbai, London, Singapore and Switzerland, and has been closely associated with the successful transformation at the Tata Motors Group. Balaji is an IITian, a mechanical engineer from IIT Chennai (one of the top engineering institutes in India). He followed it up with a PGDM from IIM Kolkata (one of the countrys premier management institutes). This makes Balaji a royalty in Indias domain knowledge pillar, if one had to go strictly by paper qualifications. But the transformation of Tata Motors and its resurgence as a consumer EV major in India under his CFO-ship are enough to prove Balajis mettle. With India now in a free trade agreement with the UK, and with the phased erasure of mutual tariffs significantly helping the Tata Motors Group companies in their British-India supply chain, will Balaji turn saviour and flip JLR to better fortunes? This remains to be seen. A report by Ukrainian defence officials said that it found Indian made components inside Russian Shahed drones. Ukrainian officials have raised the issue with both New Delhi and the EU. Kyiv has found Indian made components in drones used by Russia to attack Ukraine, an official said on Tuesday. Andriy Yermak, presidential chief of staff, said that the drones obtained from Iran were used to attack the front lines and civilians. Ukraine has formally raised the concerns with the Indian government and the European Union over the electronic components found in the drones. The country also said that it has sent at least two diplomatic notes to Indias external affairs ministry since last year. The components were found in the Shahed 136 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) since last year. The issue was brought up with Ukrainian diplomats when EU Sanctions envoy David OSullivan travelled to New Delhi in July. Who made the components in the Shahed drones? The Ukrainian authorities have established that the electronic components were from Vishay Intertechnology and Aura Semiconductor and were either assembled or made in India. The electric part bridge rectifier E300359 were used by Russia in the production of the Shahed drones for its voltage regulator unit. Aura Semiconductor made a PLL-based signal generator AU5426A chip, which was used in the jammer-proof antenna for the drones satellite navigation system, the Hindustan Times reported. The response External Affairs Minister Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented on the matter, saying, Indias exports of dual-use items are in keeping with its international obligations on non-proliferation, and based on its robust domestic legal and regulatory framework. Due diligence is conducted to ensure that such exports do not violate any of our laws. "The exports of dual-use items are in keeping with its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its robust domestic legal and regulatory framework. Due diligence is conducted to ensure that such exports do not violate any of our laws," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was quoted as saying by HT. In a statement, Aura Semiconductor Co said, We are deeply disturbed by the possibility that any of our components may have reached defence manufacturers through unauthorised third-party channels, in violation of our stated compliance framework and distribution agreements. We strongly oppose such activity and are committed to taking action wherever compliance gaps are identified. Kishore Ganti, co-founder of Aura Semiconductor Pvt Ltd, the Bengaluru-based subsidiary of Ningbo Aura Semiconductor Co, said the firm ensures its products are used lawfully and ethically, and fully complies with all applicable national and international export control laws. Ganti said that it was difficult to trace the end users of their product due to the components 'plug-and-play' aspect, making it usable without dependence on Aura. There were also unverified statements made about how electronic components sold to West Asia were being diverted to Russia or Iran. According to Ukraines security service, or the SBU, Iran had supplied at least 2000 of the inexpensive Shahed drones to Russia, which later made its own assembly system using Iranian ready-made parts. Data from Ukraines air force also says that Russia launched 6,129 Shahed-type drones in July. The Ukrainian defence directorate also said that the electric components from firms in the US and China have also been found in Russian drones and weapons. According to Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the components may have been diverted by foreign buyers to Iran through third countries.India strictly prohibits the export of dual-use items to sanctioned destinations. However, once such goods are exported to legitimate third countries, tracing their end use becomes nearly impossible, a challenge every open economy faces, he said The Indian Army on Tuesday took a sharp dig at the United States by sharing an old news clipping that discussed how it supported Pakistan by supplying a whopping $2 billion worth of arms to it since 1954. This was posted a day after India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticised US President Donald Trump's "unjustified and unreasonable" threat to "substantially" increase his punitive 25 per cent tariff rate on India and defended New Delhi's energy strategy. ALSO READ | Trump threatens India with more tariffs over Russian oil, says it 'doesn't care' about Ukrainians killed in war The news clipping, which dates back to August 5, 1971, showed howat that pointthe US and China had been supplying arms to Pakistan at "throwaway prices" for more than 15 years. The newspaper clip also mentions the then Defence Production Minister V.C. Shukla telling the Rajya Sabha about how the NATO powers and the Soviet Union had been contacted over the arms supply to Pakistan amid Islamabad's (then West Pakistan) armed aggression in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). Although the Soviet Union and the French government had denied supplying arms to Pakistan, the US continued its support, the report mentioned. Fast forward to 2025, the tariff rate for Pakistan has been reduced to 19 per cent, from the original rate of 29 per cent. Trump on Monday had criticised India for indirectly playing a part in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine," he had said. This follows earlier statements by his senior aide Stephen Miller, also alleging that India was indirectly funding Russia's aggression against Ukraine through its energy and arms purchases. "Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said on Monday, following the MEA's rebuke of Trump for targeting India for its purchases of Russian oil, when the US and European Union have themselves continued trade with Moscow, despite publicly opposing the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Who would have thought that for every minor inconvenience or health concern - be it a skin rash, a persistent cough, or a random achewed be turning to ChatGPT for answers? In an era where artificial intelligence is at our fingertips, AI chatbots are fast becoming the new front line for health queries. Patients are no longer just relying on doctors or symptom-checker websites but consulting large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Gemini for advice on symptoms, diagnoses, and even treatment options. This shift has sparked global debate, raising questions about accuracy, access, ethics, and the evolving relationship between patients and medical professionals. What are the benefits of using AI for health advice? A 2024 Australian study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that 9.9% of adults had used ChatGPT to obtain health-related information within the first six months of its widespread availability. Usage was higher among individuals with low health literacy, who lived in capital cities or for whom English was not the first language. For some, AI offers reassurance, especially when used with caution. Simran Mudgal, a Delhi-based journalist, said she turned to ChatGPT out of curiosity after experiencing post-recovery pain from tuberculosis. Doctors had already said the pain wasnt serious, but I wanted to see what ChatGPT would say. It gave similar explanations, nothing alarming, so I felt reassured, she said. Had it suggested something drastic, I wouldve consulted a doctor immediately. But since the information felt harmless, I took it with a pinch of salt. Studies, however, have shown more mixed results when it comes to whether it is an effective diagnostic tool. There is no doubt that AI chatbots offer a number of potential benefits in healthcare settings. They can generate fast answers, reduce the burden on overworked medical staff, and serve as an educational resource for patients. A 2023 study in Scientific Reports showed that AI tools could simplify complex health literature into more readable formats, particularly for people with limited literacy or medical knowledge. However, a separate study published in JAMA Network Open evaluated physicians, including those using GPT4 alongside traditional diagnostic tools, and found that the use of an LLM did not significantly enhance diagnostic reasoning performance compared with the availability of only conventional resources. What are the risks of relying on AI for health advice? Despite their promise, AI chatbots also come with considerable risks. According to a study published in PLOS ONE, ChatGPT is not accurate enough to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool. The researchers evaluated ChatGPT 3.5 using 150 real-world clinical case vignettes sourced from Medscape. While the model provided the correct diagnosis in its top answer for 49% of cases, its overall diagnostic accuracy across multiple-choice options was 74%. The study further cautions that ChatGPT often struggles with interpreting laboratory values and imaging results, and it may overlook key clinical details. ChatGPT in its current form is not accurate as a diagnostic tool. ChatGPT does not necessarily give factual correctness, despite the vast amount of information it was trained on. Based on our qualitative analysis, ChatGPT struggles with the interpretation of laboratory values, imaging results, and may overlook key information relevant to the diagnosis. However, it still offers utility as an educational tool, the authors warned in the July 2024 paper. Doctors like Dr Gita Prakash, an Internal Medicine Specialist based in Delhi, acknowledge the growing presence of AI tools like ChatGPT in patient behaviour, but stresses the irreplaceable value of human interaction in medicine. Earlier, patients would often Google their symptoms before visiting. Now, they have options like ChatGPT or other chatbots, she said. Theres nothing inherently wrong with AI in healthcare, but it works with limited input. It doesnt know your full medical history, family background, or pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Dr Prakash explains that medical diagnosis is often shaped by subtle cues, something AI cant fully grasp. When we examine a patient, we ask questions dynamicallybased on what we see, what we sense, and even what we feel emotionally, she said. A chatbot cant assess where the pain is, how severe it feels, or whether its linked to stress or anxiety. That kind of nuance comes from physical presence. Other concerns arise from how people interact with AI-generated health advice. A recent paper in the Journal of Medical Artificial Intelligence revealed that while AI tools like ChatGPT may enhance efficiency and assist in clinical workflows, they also pose critical risks. These include overreliance on AI without adequate human oversight, the use of biased or incomplete datasets, and ethical uncertainties around data privacy, consent, and accountability. Dr Prakash also warned that incomplete information fed into AI systems could result in false or misleading conclusions. According to her, while such tools may not be inherently dangerous, relying on them without medical supervision can delay or distort diagnosis. In her view, in-person consultations provide an irreplaceable sense of confidence, empathy, and trust, elements that AI cannot replicate. Moreover, the use of AI in clinical settings is creating tension in doctor-patient relationships. A widely reported case from Australia involved a patient filing a formal complaint after their physician openly used ChatGPT during a consultation. The incident raised questions about professionalism and transparency in how AI tools are integrated into practice. Where do we draw the line with AI in healthcare? Experts agree that while AI can support clinical decision-making, it must be used under human supervision. A 2023 report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information emphasises the need for clear regulatory frameworks, transparency, and clinician training when implementing AI in healthcare settings. Similarly, a 2025 study published in AI in Health and Medicine stressed that AI tools need rigorous evaluation for safety and efficacy before being widely deployed in patient-facing applications. The emergence of AI chatbots in medicine presents a compelling mix of opportunity and caution. AI could help fill gaps in the healthcare system and improve outcomes for patients if used thoughtfully as a tool, not a replacement. But without guardrails, training, and oversight, it risks becoming just another source of misinformation in an already crowded digital landscape. This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS. The recent arrest of four men in Delhi has exposed an alarming tactic of robbery in the national capital, where snatchers disguised as holy men or babas are roaming around the city roads to carry out theft. The Delhi Police have arrested four men for allegedly snatching a diamond ring from a woman in broad daylight in Moti Nagar. The cops said the accused had posed as spiritual men with ashes on their bodies. Melted gold and 61 pieces of diamond have been recovered from the accused. GANGS, COMMITTING SNATCHING DIAGUISED AS 'BABA', BUSTED BY PS MOTI NAGAR 4 accused arrested for snatching diamond ring from a lady in a cab Accused disguised as 'babas' with ashes on their bodies Melted gold & 61 diamond pieces recovered@DelhiPolice#DPUpdates pic.twitter.com/Xc05xpZ7D4 DCP West Delhi (@DCPWestDelhi) August 5, 2025 According to police, the incident took place on August 1 when the woman was travelling from Moti Nagar to Connaught Place in a Rapido taxi. When her vehicle halted at the Shadipur Flyover red light signal, three men aged between 20 and 25 approached her and begged for alms. The woman gave them 200, but within moments, one of the accused snatched the diamond ring from her finger, and the gang made off from the scene. Based on the womans complaint, the Moti Nagar Police formed a special team to investigate the case under Inspector Varun Dalal and ACP Vijay Singh. The probe team identified the suspects after closely examining the CCTV footage near the crime scene. On August 5, 2019, the BJP-led central government made a historic decision to abrogate Article 370, which had granted special constitutional status to Jammu and Kashmir. As part of this move, the state was divided into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The government stated that Article 370 had fueled separatism, hindered development, and discriminated against women and certain groups. Now, six years later, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced both progress and challenges in security, politics, and the economy. Security The most notable change has been in security. Terror-related violence has sharply declined. For instance, in 2025, only 28 militants were killed, down from 67 in 2024. Local terrorist recruitment reduced from 129 in 2019 to just 1 in 2025. Incidents of stone-pelting, bandhs (shutdowns), and targeted killings of political workers, police, and migrant labourers have mostly ceased. However, human rights issues, such as allegations of custodial killings in Rajouri and Poonch, have raised concerns. The most significant setback occurred in April 2025 when a terrorist attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people, mostly tourists. In response, the government launched Operation Sindoor to target militant hideouts. The three Pakistani militants responsible for the attack were killed in July. Politics After eight years of central rule, elections were finally held in September 2024 following a Supreme Court order. The National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, emerged as the largest party. This was a setback for the BJP, which had hoped to gain power in the Muslim-majority region. Even with an elected government in place, real power remains with the Lieutenant Governor. Departments such as the police and civil services are still under the LG's control. Omar Abdullah has acknowledged that his government has limited authority. Until statehood is restored, the public remains frustrated and feels powerless. Economy The government claims it has received investment proposals worth over Rs 1 lakh crore under the 2021 Industrial Scheme. Major projects include: - A Medi-City with medical colleges and hospitals in Pulwama - A steel plant by JSW in Lassipora - A massive Mall of Srinagar by the Dubai-based EMAAR and Lulu Group, which will span 1 million square feet and create 1,500 local jobs Despite these promising figures, unemployment remains a significant issue, and the anticipated job creation has not met expectations. Sectors like horticulture, tourism, and handicrafts continue to employ thousands. Tourism Tourism has surged due to improved security. Since 2023, 2.11 crore tourists have visited the region, although this figure includes many pilgrims to Vaishno Devi, who were not previously counted as tourists. The Pahalgam attack dented tourist confidence, but efforts by local tour operators and the government have helped restore some trust. Kashmir remains a favoured destination, though safety continues to be a concern. Ground Reality Despite some progress in security, infrastructure, and governance, many people, especially in the Kashmir Valley, feel disempowered and discriminated against. This sentiment is fueled by a zero-tolerance policy for dissent, rising unemployment, an indifferent bureaucracy dominated by non-locals, and limited authority for elected leaders. Even though the region appears more integrated on paper, many believe true peace and prosperity remain elusive. Whats Next? Coinciding with the sixth anniversary of the abrogation, the Supreme Court has announced it will hear a plea for the restoration of statehood on August 8, 2025. The petitioners argue that maintaining Jammu & Kashmir as a Union Territory undermines citizens' rights. Meanwhile, anxieties are on the rise. Rumours suggest that the Centre may grant statehood to Jammuincluding parts of South Kashmirwhile retaining the Valley as a Union Territory. This speculation intensified after the Home Ministry approved the deployment of 20,000 paramilitary forces, echoing actions taken just before the Article 370 decision in 2019. SK Innovation Company, the energy unit of South Korean conglomerate SK Group, announced that it has approved the merger of its EV battery manufacturing subsidiary SK On Company with its EV lubricants subsidiary SK Enmove Company. The boards of the three companies recently signed an agreement for SK On to absorb the operations of SK Enmove, with the new combined company to be officially launched on 1st November along with a major capital expansion initiative. SK On is one of South Koreas top 3 EV battery manufacturers, but has been struggling with slower-than-expected growth in global battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales. SK Enmove produces lubricants, immersion cooling solutions and air conditioning refrigerants for EVs and other applications. The merger is expected to enhance the competitiveness and accelerate growth in SK Innovations electrification business, which is seen as a key driver of future growth. It is expected to generate additional revenues through the development of synergies between the two companies customers and businesses, and facilitate entry into new markets. SK Innovation confirmed the boards of SK Innovation and SK On have approved a resolution for a large-scale capital increase through third-party allotment, marking a proactive step in capital financing. The company said it aims to raise a total of KRW 8 trillion (US$ 5.7 billion) in new capital this year. SK Innovation said the merger and financial restructuring are part of its strategy to become a leading total energy company with top-tier competitiveness in the future era of electrification, as it targets KRW 20 trillion in EBITDA by 2030. Lee Seok-hee, CEO of SK On, said in a statement: With the expected synergies from the merger, including the integration of both companies technological and business capabilities, we anticipate showcasing a higher level of competitiveness in the global market. "South Korean battery-maker SK On to merge with SK Enmove" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Daily life across Karnataka was severely disrupted on Tuesday as employees of all four road transport corporations in the state began their indefinite strike. Thousands of daily passengers were left in the lurch as the government buses went off the road in all major cities and towns. #WATCH | Hubballi, Karnataka | People face problems as transport workers of all the four road transport corporations in the state (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC) decided to go on a statewide strike from today to press for their various demands. Visuals from Hosur Regional Bus pic.twitter.com/ExVEn13j79 ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 Employees union of KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC decided to go ahead with the strike even as the Karnataka High Court on Monday issued an interim stay against their agitations. In cities like Bengaluru and Mangaluru, the stranded passengers were seen struggling to find alternate ways to reach their destinations in time. According to reports, private bus operators and cab aggregators allegedly made a killing as a result of the strike. In Bengaluru, reports said, passengers are also complaining that autorickshaw drivers are charging exorbitant fares. #WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Security heightened as transport workers of all the four road transport corporations in the state (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC) decided to go on a statewide strike from today to press for their various demands. pic.twitter.com/Gu54VkSiKS ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 A few buses were seen operating, especially in rural areas, as some of the staff chose not to participate in the strike. According to a PTI report, the transport corporations have roped in trainee bus drivers to manage the situation. Heavy passenger rush was visible in cities like Chikkamagaluru, Raichur, Chitradurga, Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Mangaluru and Mysuru in the early morning, but most of them had to look for alternate ways to reach their destinations. #WATCH | Hubballi, Karnataka | Transport workers of all the four road transport corporations in the state (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC) decided to go on a statewide strike from today to press for their various demands. Visuals from Hubballi Hosur Bus Stand pic.twitter.com/QGxoVnAsAl ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 The employees union called for the strike, raising several demands, including a wage revision. They are also firm that their 38 months of arrears be paid and a salary hike from January 1, 2024, be implemented. On Monday, the talks held between the union representatives and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah failed to make any breakthrough. The high court, while giving the interim stay to the agitation, observed that the people are likely to be put to hardship if the entire public transport operation is stalled. Indian Army has denied reports of ceasefire violation along theLine of Control in Poonch by pakistani troops. The alleged violation comes on day when the nation is commemorating sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. "There have been some media and social media reports regarding ceasefire violations in the Poonch region. It is clarified that there has been no ceasefire violation along the Line of Control," the Army said. Reports emerged that Pakistani troops carried out unprovoked firing across LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector, and Indian troops responded effectively and gave a befitting reply. Reportedly, the exchange of fire lasted for 15 minutes. Reports of ceasefire violation emerges after two months of peace along the LoC in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor ceasefire talks. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and destroyed nine terror bases along the LoC to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack. Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists with alleged Pakistani links killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. The deceased include 24 tourists, a Nepali citizen and a local horse rider. After days of heightened military activity, India and Pakistan agreed to stop firing on May 10. Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations agreed to a ceasefire. Multiple rounds of talks were also held between military officers of both nations following the talks. The Delhi Police on Monday claimed to have foiled a major security breach attempt at Red Fort and arrested five Bangladeshi immigrants for forcibly trying to enter the historic monument. All of them are illegal immigrants, police said, reported the ANI news agency. All those arrested are aged between 20 and 25 and work as labourers in the national capital. The police claimed to have recovered some Bangladeshi documents from them. "Delhi Police is very alert in view of Independence Day. We have made multi-layer security arrangements. People are allowed to enter certain areas only as per the level of authorisation granted to them. During a check, our staff at Nishad Raj Marg stopped five individuals who failed to produce a valid entry pass or ID. On further investigation, it was found that these five people were Bangladeshis," said DCP, North, Raja Banthia. #WATCH | Delhi | DCP North Raja Banthia says, "Delhi Police is very alert in view of Independence Day. We have made multi-layer security arrangements. People are allowed to enter certain areas only as per the level of authorisation granted to them. During a check, our staff at pic.twitter.com/9mQy0qxx5X ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 A detailed investigation has been launched into the incident, which came days ahead of the 78th Independence Day event on August 15. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police on Monday suspended seven of its personnel, including constables and head constables, deployed for the security of the Red Fort in connection with a separate incident. The police conduct daily drills in the national capital as part of preparations for the Independence Day celebrations. On Saturday, a team of the Special Cell conducted a drill in which they entered the Red Fort premises in civil dress with a dummy bomb. At that time, the policemen deployed for the security of Red Fort could not trace the bomb, due to which they were suspended, the Delhi Police said in a statement. The bromance between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump may have soured, thanks to the latters public remarks about the Indian economy and imposition of a 25 percent tariff. The scathing remarks made by Trump, including calling Indias economy dead, prompt analysts to believe that Trump could be dismantling decades of work that went into building the US-India bilateral relationship. Despite Trumps statement that he will impose secondary penalties on India for buying Russian oil, India refuses to budge, with the Ministry of External Affairs stating that the country is being targeted for importing oil despite the US earlier supporting such purchases for the sake of global market stability. The MEA statement, amid confirmation that India would continue to buy Russian oil, has suggested that India plans to uphold its strategic autonomy. Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country, said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, adding that India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership. Though many political and economic observers believe India should wait for Trump to dial back, as the relations between India and the US are deeper than Trumps statement. However, there are quite a few who believe Trump has done great damage. Evan A. Feigenbaum of the think tank Carnegie Endowment thinks Trumps repoliticisation of bilateral relations was a slow-motion catastrophe. He argues that domestic politics always nearly trumps foreign policy, and foreign policy arguments almost never prevail unless they are anchored by a strong domestic political foundation. He could be referring to how the issue has landed the Centre in a fix with two options to overcome the current obstacle: either submit to Trumps demands, which would damage Modis strongman image, or face the sky-high tariffs. The domestic situation has turned especially volatile, considering how the opposition has been attacking the Prime Minister. American commercial, technological, and societal ties with China became far deeper than they are with India. Yet after four decades of exponential growth and deep connections, those ties have rapidly unraveled in a few short years amid shifting strategic calculations and changed domestic politics, he adds. Feigenbaums argument that Trumps scathing remarks have turned into a combustible domestic political issue in India has been echoed by political scientist Pratap Bhanu Mehta too. In an article that appeared on the UK-based Guardian, Mehta says Trump had already frankly humiliated the Indian prime minister over the recent India-Pakistan conflict in May. He added that New Delhi views the US with suspicion, now resembling the 1971 incident when President Richard Nixon sent warships to India, which was considered one of the lowest points of the US-India relationship. Ashok Malik, a former policy adviser in Indias Foreign Ministry, also thinks this is a testing time for the relationship. Strenuous, uninterrupted and bipartisan efforts in both capitals over the past 25 years are being put at risk by not just the tariffs but by fast and loose statements and social media posts, Malik, who now heads the India chapter of The Asia Group, a U.S. advisory firm, told The Associated Press. The roots of the illegal religious conversion racket led by Chhangur Baba in Uttar Pradesh might date back over a decade. It is now revealed that a district magistrate who brought the case to light in 2024 was transferred, days after he submitted the report. Arvind Kumar Singh, the then DM of Balrampur, had in June 2024 submitted a 100-page report to the chief ministers office detailing alleged collusion between the local police and criminal elements. Singhs investigation had centred around a self-styled Baba and the registration of a piece of land for a mausoleum/seminary at Sadullah Nagar. His report alleged that Arif Anwar Hashmi, a former Samajwadi Party MLA from the area, had played a role in the registration of the land using fake papers. The land registered belonged to the police station. Anwar Hashmi, however, formed a committee called the Thana Sharif Shahide Millat Abdul Kaddus Shah Rahmatullah Alaih and appointed his brother as the mutawalli (caretaker). He also built a mausoleum on this land. The then SP remained silent, but when Arvind Singh got wind of the matter, he investigated it. Singhs report highlighted that some big mischief was afoot in Utraula, another town in the district, and the in-charges of three police stations in the area were in cahoots with criminal elements. Within 10 days of submitting the report, Singh was transferred. Utraula is the place where Chhangur Babas mansion was demolished after his arrest last month. Chhangur is believed to have been active in this place since 2013. #WATCH | Utraula, Balrampur | Uttar Pradesh administration, in the presence of police, takes action on the properties belonging to Chhangur Baba, who is the alleged mastermind of a religious conversion gang. He was arrested by Uttar Pradesh ATS. pic.twitter.com/ttiK8YdP0Y ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2025 Chhangurs son Mehboob and alleged associates Naveen Rohra and Neetu Rohra alias Nasreen have also been arrested in connection with the case. It, however, appears that Chhangur and Nasreen might just be pawns in a much larger game plan. The investigators suspect that the mastermind of the alleged conversions might be someone with strong roots in Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The same person might also be instigating large-scale conversions in Nepal, they believe. The 2024 report filed by Singh had clearly implicated the then police station in charge of Sadullah Nagar. The report had been sent to the additional chief secretaries of the chief ministers office and the home department. Singh, in his letter written to both the officers on June 18, 2024, had claimed that the inspector-in-charge, in connivance with the then officers, had provided protection to Anwar Hashmi. Serious allegations were also levelled against the then SHO in the magisterial inquiry, but no action was taken against him. Sadullah Nagar remains a communally sensitive area while investigative agencies are still trying to figure out how deep the roots of the racket are. The investigation is concentrated on the seven districts of the state bordering Nepal. Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has issued several directions to the Health Department that include a ban on leave in the wake of the Dharali disaster. He is personally monitoring relief work. The state's Health Secretary, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, has given instructions to immediately send a team of specialist doctors to Dharali in view of the seriousness of the disaster. This team includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, physicians and orthopaedic surgeons. The operation of the team has been entrusted to the director, medical health and family welfare, Garhwal division, who has been appointed as the nodal officer in this disaster. All the major hospitals of the state have been directed to keep beds reserved for the treatment of seriously injured patients. Also, the leave of all medical officers and staff has been banned with immediate effect, until the situation becomes normal. It is also to be ensured that there is no shortage of medicines, surgical material and medical equipment in the hospitals. The state's 108 ambulance services have been put on high alert in Dharali and surrounding affected areas. They are to provide immediate first aid to the injured through these services, take them to the nearest hospitals and ensure first aid to the vulnerable sections. Ambulance services from surrounding areas have also been sent to Dharali. The health secretary said that an emergency control room active 24x7 has been established in Uttarkashi district. This control room will continuously monitor relief and medical operations and establish necessary coordination, so that any kind of obstacles in relief work can be immediately tackled. He has dubbed it a very sensitive matter in which sensitivity and promptness are expected from every officer and employee. He has warned that if there is any kind of negligence, strict administrative action will be taken against the concerned officials. BKTC throws open all rest houses to pilgrims free of cost All rest houses of Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee, situated on the Char Dham Yatra route, will be available to pilgrims free of cost in light of the disaster at Dharali, which is situated on the Shri Gangotri Dham Marg. The Committee has also appealed to pilgrims to pay heed to the weather forecast before starting their travel. The BKTC has further announced that all its dharamshalas and rest houses along the Yatra route will be made available free of cost to Char Dham pilgrims throughout the current rainy season in the event of any disaster or crisis. Necessary orders have been issued in this regard. As per a statement issued by the BKTC, the Yatra route has been obstructed at many places and pilgrims are stranded. Thus, the Committee has taken it upon itself to offer shelter to pilgrims. The BKTC has dharamshalas and rest houses in Rishikesh, Devprayag, Tehri, Ghanshali, Pauri, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, Sonprayag, Chamoli, Nandprayag, and Joshimath. In normal circumstances, pilgrims are charged a very nominal fee for boarding in these. The flash floods in Uttarakhand's Dharali have brought back memories of the 2013 Kedarnath disaster under similar circumstances. The 2013 Kedarnath disaster, considered the worst calamity to have hit India since the 2004 tsunami, saw villages swept away and thousands die in flash floods over a decade ago. A cloudburst led to flash floods in the high-altitude villages of Uttarakhand's Dharali on Tuesday. At least four people have been confirmed dead, and over 50 people are missing in the devastating floods. Heavy downpour in short period leading to massive flash flood landslide in #uttarkashi district Several houses and people washed away in this calamity. Prayers with all those affected Please follow all weather advisories while traveling to uttarakhand, Himachal pic.twitter.com/EvNJ5wl98t Dr. Vineet Kumar (@vineet_mausam) August 5, 2025 Visuals show a mudslide sweeping down a mountain, carrying away homes and roads in the town, evoking memories of the tragic 2013 Kedarnath disaster. In 2013, flash floods wrought widespread death and destruction in the popular pilgrimage destination. According to official estimates, over 5,000 people died in the flash floods triggered by the melting of the Chorabari glacier, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, following days of heavy rains. The flash floods caused devastation across an expanse of 40,000 sq. km, rendering thousands homeless. The tragedy occurred during peak pilgrimage season. Over 3,000 villages were affected in the floods, and bodies were washed away as far as Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Experts blame unregulated construction and climate change for recurring natural disasters in Uttarakhand. In the flash floods in 2021, at least 200 people died, and two hydroelectric projects were swept away. Located en route to Gangotri, Dharali is one of the major towns in the region and home to several hotels, restaurants, and homestays. The devastating flash flood came in the wake of a cloudburst somewhere in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga River, locals told PTI. Rescue operations are underway, and personnel from SDRF, NDRF, and ITBP have rushed to affected areas. According to locals, at least 20 hotels and homestays were washed away. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said people are being evacuated to safe locations on a priority basis, and the situation is being continuously monitored. "The administration is fully alert and providing all possible assistance to the affected citizens," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a meeting of the NDA MPs on Tuesday amid the parliament logjam and ahead of the impending vice president election. The meeting of the NDA parliamentary party assumes significance as it is being held after a long gap. #WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for the NDA parliamentary party meeting. pic.twitter.com/t34zB754cc ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 The BJP has already started its hunt for a candidate for the vice president post after Jagdeep Dhankhars surprise resignation on July 21, on the very first day of the monsoon session of the parliament. The filing of nominations will begin on August 7, and the election, if needed, will take place on September 9. The BJP-led NDA has a comfortable edge in the electoral college. In Lok Sabha, it enjoys the support of 293 of the 542 members, while the ruling alliance has the support of 129 members in Rajya Sabha. According to a PTI report, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and a few BJP national general secretaries are likely to be coordinating with allies to find a consensus candidate. #WATCH | Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives for the NDA parliamentary party meeting. pic.twitter.com/FrKvkbeqf6 ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 The meeting is also likely to discuss the stalemate in parliament, where a united opposition has been targeting the government over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar by the Election Commission. Except for a two-day debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, the session so far has been a washout due to the ceaseless protests by the opposition. At Tuesdays meeting, the prime minister is also likely to be felicitated by the parliamentary party over his government's military response to the terror strike. Since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP lost its majority but comfortably crossed the halfway mark with allies, the sessional meeting of the party's MPs was expanded to include its allies. PM Modi had addressed the first such meeting on July 2. However, no meeting has been held in the last few sessions. More than a dozen progressive Democrats in the US House of Representatives have signed a draft letter urging the Trump administration to formally recognise a Palestinian state, in what marks a significant shift in the partys stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The move is being led by Representative Ro Khanna of California, who plans to introduce a congressional resolution in the coming weeks to give the initiative legislative weight. Addressed to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the letter currently has 13 signatories and is expected to attract more support before being sent next month. ALSO READ | Hamas rejects disarmament amid ceasefire talks, slams US envoy's Gaza visit Among the signatories are prominent progressive voices such as Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Greg Casar of Texas and Maxwell Frost of Florida. The effort underscores growing frustration within the party over Israels military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded as a result. We believe recognising Palestinian statehood and obligating Palestinian leaders to abide by the international law binding on states and their governments will make that far more achievable and sustainable than decades of statelessness and repression have, the letter says. Israels prolonged military campaign in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian conditions seems to have shifted the mood within the Democratic Party. While past efforts to challenge Israels actions have often been confined to the partys left flank, support is now spreading among moderates who have grown increasingly uncomfortable with the conduct of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right government. The appeal by House Democrats also reflects a broader international trend. Leaders of several close allies of Israel, including Britain, Canada and France, have in recent weeks announced their intention to recognise a Palestinian state. The Democrats letter echoes these developments, stressing that any viable Palestinian state must also recognise Israel and ensure its security, including through the disarmament of Hamas. A similar proposal was floated last month by French President Emmanuel Macron. Despite its significance, the Democratic initiative is unlikely to shift policy under the Trump administration. In a recent White House briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the presidents opposition to recognising Palestinian statehood, describing such a move as tantamount to rewarding Hamas. Khanna, whose draft was leaked to the press in what he described as an attempt to sabotage the campaign, insisted that the move would not derail the effort. Leaks wont slow us down, he said. ALSO READ | Trump envoy's Gaza mission: Can Steve Witkoff's visit alleviate the food crisis? Within the Democratic Party, support for Israels military actions has plummeted to historic lows. A Gallup poll released last week found that only 8 per cent of Democrats approve of Israels ongoing offensive in Gaza. In contrast, 71 per cent of Republicans expressed approval. A separate Pew Research poll found that 70 per cent of Democrats now hold an unfavourable view of Israelup from 53 per cent in 2022. These shifting views are increasingly being reflected in legislative action. A majority of the Senate Democratic caucus, including some centrist members, voted recently in favour of a resolution to block the export of assault rifles to Israels National Police, which is overseen by far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. A second resolution, aimed at halting certain bomb sales, gained slightly less support. Though both measures ultimately failed, they marked a striking rebuke of Netanyahus war strategy and signalled a new level of Democratic willingness to place conditions on military aid. Among those supporting the resolutions was Senator Patty Murray of Washington, who had previously voted against similar proposals. 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. Many within the Democratic Party believe it is possible to draw a clear line between supporting Israels right to exist and opposing the policies of its current government. ALSO READ | Israel-Palestine conflict: Is the New York Declaration a paper solution? We can recognise Israel as an ally of the United States, an important ally, and also recognise that we have a responsibility as humans to step up wherever we see this sort of starvation, said Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland. In recent years, Democrats have grown increasingly wary of the perception that support for Israel is becoming a partisan issue. Netanyahus close ties with President Trump and his adversarial relationship with former President Barack Obama only exacerbated this view. With Democratic voters confronted by daily with images of devastation from Gaza, criticisms of Israel are no longer confined to the margins. Even within Republican ranks, cracks are emerging. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch Trump ally, called the situation in Gaza a genocide in a recent post on X, diverging sharply from her partys otherwise unwavering support for Netanyahu. Khanna and his colleagues now hope the United States will follow the lead of over 147 countries that have already recognised a Palestinian state. The recognition would come by embracing the 22-state Arab League Plan just passed this week that calls for a Palestinian state and the recognition of Israel as a Jewish democratic state, said Khanna. We cannot be isolated from the rest of the free world. On August 5, today, one year after she was forced to flee, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshs longest-ruling leader, remains exiled in India. She is now wanted by a tribunal that last Saturday began her trial on charges of crime against humanity and includes graft and murder. She had originally set up that International Crime Tribunal to prosecute the Islamists who had opposed the countrys freedom movement and collaborated with Pakistani authorities. They are now orchestrating moves against her. Today is also the day when those who worked to depose her are to announce what is billed as the July Charter of reforms in the political system. It may cover measures, as announced by Mohammed Yunus, the new ruler, to bury the 1972 Constitution. The change of fortunes and the countrys political landscape is swift and complete. Even if one does not look at Bangladesh from Hasinas prism, this has radically altered the equations among the nations that were, till the 1947 Partition, constituted the British-ruled India. Bangladeshs birth in 1971 following a violent separation from Pakistan, in which India got involved, changed South Asias map. Last years developments, while keeping that map unchanged, push Bangladesh closer to Pakistan and even more to China, which is perceived as trying to encircle India in the region. China, Pakistans all-weather ally that had opposed Bangladeshs liberation, is today its largest arms-giver and trading partner. Dhaka looks to them, whatever its equations with India. This zero-sum game negatively impacts India, the largest entity in the region, in its internal security and external relations. While this appeared to be a given when Hasina was ousted, a new factor that was only suspected and speculated has emerged. Significant support to the interim regime has come from the Trump administration. In its global drive to impose tariffs, it has reduced Bangladeshs from 35 to 20 per cent. In the immediate fallout, this makes Bangladeshs garment exports, its biggest exports and economic mainstay, more competitive than its major competitors, including India. It would be churlish for India, the larger economic entity, to complain about this were it not for a deep suspicion. Not officially spelt out since India is the USs strategic ally, is the erstwhile Biden administrations hand in Hasinas ouster, though it was caused by street protests that she misread and mishandled. Trump has added vigour to this push. The US has pledged funding for several large commercial sales and infrastructure projects. This boost to the new Dhaka regime, analysts say, has more to do with the USs long-term need to contain China. Reports say the US now plans to use Bangladeshs southeastern border to take on the China-supported military regime in Myanmar. Foreign military boots are stomping the ground, and Washington has reportedly invested USD 400 million to create a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the Rohingya refugees return to Myanmar. In the foreseeable future, given the history of how Pakistan lost its erstwhile east wing, now Bangladesh, it is a zero-sum game: India loses as Pakistan and China gain. The American factor has hugely added to these complexities, all of this making the South Asian region the playground for geopolitical games as never before. Neither the US, nor Pakistan, nor China appears concerned about the ill-treatment of religious minorities and the surge of the Islamists who surround Yunus, but all three rupture India-Bangladesh ties. India is concerned about the movement of the Rohingyas, many present on its soil. This combines with the resurgence of the Islamists, which explains attacks on the minorities Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. Yunus calls the reports exaggerated, while the Western democracies that have endorsed him, to use a mild term, are unconcerned. Nevertheless, the Human Rights Watch (HRW), citing a UN report listing atrocities committed by the Hasina regime, which killed 1400 people during June-July 2024, also points out: "The hope of the thousands who braved lethal violence a year ago when they opposed Sheikh Hasina's abusive rule to build a rights-respecting democracy remains unfulfilled." Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at HRW, has said: The interim government appears stuck, juggling an unreformed security sector, sometimes violent religious hardliners, and political groups that seem more focused on extracting vengeance on Hasina's supporters than protecting Bangladeshis' rights." A stumbling block in Dhakas efforts to lay the UN-US-sponsored humanitarian corridor has come from the army. Army Chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, has said: Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not by unelected decision-makers. He also said: The army is meant for defending the nation, not for policing We must return to the barracks after the elections. The dynamics of Bangladeshs politics dictate the holding of elections. Yunus has promised elections for April next year. His government has banned Hasinas Awami League from contesting them, and its leaders are either in jail or on the run. While established parties like former premier Begum Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) want early elections, the Jamaat-e-Islami, the principal Islamist party, a clutch of other Islamist groups, and significantly, Bangladesh Nagorik Party, touted as the Kings Party floated by students and those surrounding Yunus, want reforms first. This tussle has dominated the political discourse as Bangladesh awaits a violence-prone election. The current move appears to tie down the Zia party in a way that it may not get the majority and may be forced to align with Jamaat and the other Islamists. The crux of the problem is that all of them are ideologically anti-India. So is the Zia party. For these reasons, and for over five decades, India had put all its eggs in the Awami Leagues basket. It failed to nurture an alternative, and now the situation is more challenging. A favourite ploy in any election, the India factor is already building up with Dhaka. It demands Hasinas custody. How long will India refuse? The times when India could influence Bangladesh are over, for now, at least. With the Sino-Pak collusion building up, it cannot walk away from the adversarial neighbour that could threaten security in its East and northeast. It must play its cards carefully. This is easier said than done when nations across the world, buffeted by conflicts and chaos, when everything from climate to trade is weaponised, are busy protecting self-interest. (The writer is a senior journalist who was posted in Bangladesh and follows the development in the region.) This story was originally published on ESG Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily ESG Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: A coalition of 26 Republican state finance officials sent letters to the top executives at 25 different U.S.-based asset management firms last week, pushing for the firms to reaffirm their commitment to traditional fiduciary duty by ceasing to frame climate change and other deterministic future outcomes as long-term risks. The July 29 letters went to executives at the Big Three asset managers BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street along with other high-profile banks, investment firms and asset management arms, including Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Goldman Sachs and Invesco. The finance officials, representing 21 states, also urged the asset managers to abstain from incorporating net-zero climate commitments, natural capital frameworks and the European Unions Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive into their default investment strategies. Dive Insight: The push against the use of ESG factors, such as climate considerations in investment decisions and proxy engagement, follows Wall Streets exodus from climate alliances earlier this year, spurred by mounting pressure from Republican-led state probes and changes in federal leadership. Such departures and climate commitment walkbacks have led to some states dropping previous state-level probes into the banks, including in Texas and Tennessee. The finance officials represent states including Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Utah. The letter tells asset management firms seeking to do business in those states that they should abandon framing climate change as a long-term risk and incorporating net-zero standards. The missive also asks firms to disclose any coalition or collaborative organizations they have memberships in and align proxy voting guidelines with shareholder value, not environmental or social goals posed by activists. While some firms have recently taken encouraging steps, such as withdrawing from global climate coalitions and scaling back ESG rhetoric and proxy votes, and some states have permitted incremental reintegration, more work must be done, the letter said. The number one issue is a recommitment to the foundational principles of fiduciary duty, loyalty, objectivity, and financial focus. The officials alleged that the potential risks of climate change are framed as certain and catastrophic to justify forcing companies to take immediate actions that may not align with their long-term business interests. Similarly, the letters frame issues like net-zero and CSRD incorporation and alignment as relying on predetermined political outcomes, not fiduciary judgment. While India's ties with Canada has improved with Mark Carney succeeding Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister, reports about the presence of an 'Embassy of the Republic of Khalistan' has threatened the progress in the dipomatic patchup between the two global powers. Set up by Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), the so-called embassy is situated on the premises of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Temple in Surrey. Interestingly, Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in 2023 at the parking lot of this very gurdwara once headed by him. #WATCH | On reports of 'Embassy of Khalistan' board seen on a gurudwara premises in Surrey, Canada, BJP leader Tarwinder Singh Marwaha says," Those living abroad talking about Khalistan are weakening the Sikhs. I appeal to the Canadian government to take action. I would like to pic.twitter.com/P5YgrwyuxC ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2025 The building was constructed using funds provided by the British Columbia government, according to sources cited by News18. Recently the provincial government in British Columbia funded an elevator worth $150,000. Responding to the development, BJP leader Tarwinder Singh Marwaha said," Those living abroad talking about Khalistan are weakening the Sikhs. I appeal to the Canadian government to take action. I would like to say to the External Affairs Minister Dr D Jaishankar to take appropriate action...." Nijjar, 45, was fatally shot outside the Surrey gurdwara on June 18, 2023. Following this the diplomatic ties between India and Canada hit an all-time low after then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September 2023 that there was "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of the terrorist. India had strongly dismissed Trudeau's allegations as "absurd and motivated" while accusing his government of allowing pro-Khalistani elements to operate from Canadian soil. However, the relations have improved with Carney taking over as premier. During the G7 summit in Canada in June, the two sides agreed to restore their diplomats while improving trade ties. Earlier this month, Canada appointed Jeff Davis as the new Consul General in Mumbai. Reimagining Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina is difficult, not because her 15-year rule dominated the countrys politics, but also because the people of Bangladesh are waiting to see the shape their country will take after the transition to an elected government. The past year under the Interim government of Muhammad Yunus has not allowed people to forget the student protests of July 2024 against the alleged misrule and authoritarianism that had seeped into governance. When THE WEEK visited Dhaka this April, the crumbling walls of the once heavily guarded prime ministers residence, Gana Bhaban and the graffiti across the city, bore testimony to the fact that the time has come for people to have a say in their governance, their problems, and their future to rebuild a new Bangladesh. Today, Hasinas home is being turned into a museum, likely to be called the 'July Uprising Memorial Museum'. The VIP complex was originally built by Hasinas father, the first leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But today, the broken walls now under repair tell the tale of the violence that had hit the streets and arrived at Hasinas doorstep, forcing her to flee. She is believed to be staying at an undisclosed location in Delhi. A year later, back in Bangladesh, different political forces are at play. Firstly, all eyes are on Mohammad Yunus, chief adviser of the Bangladesh interim government, who has declared that elections will be held soon. The timeline the Yunus government is looking at is to hold elections in February 2026. Sources say, the process is likely to kick off soon, with the Election Commission soon discussing the dates . The central challenge stems not from a lack of vision - Prof Yunus has outlined reform, justice, and elections as the way forward - but from an attempt to balance too many contradictions. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which had been sitting out in the cold for the last 15 years, is sensing an opportunity to rally the masses and roll out its elaborate agenda for reforms - an agenda that has been on the minds of the people over the past year. The BNP was the first party to present a detailed reform plan called the 31-point charter for reforms. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir says his party had presented the charter back in May 2016, to assure reforms in the countrys political and economic structures. He says it was the BNP, under party founder Ziaur Rahman, that brought in the multi-party system in 1975, and under Begum Khaleda Zia in 1991, returned democratic rights to the people by introducing the parliamentary form of government. Today, the BNP is demanding that elections be held as soon as possible to bring in an elected government. The Jamaat-e-Islamis domestic space has also opened up after being banned during Hasinas regime. But the next steps will determine how ready Bangladeshis are to embrace it. There are already apprehensions in India about the possible persecution of minorities and concerns over the expansion of radical space. However, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, assures that the party stands for constructive politics and mutual respect - values he believes can drive Bangladesh away from violence on the streets and help address economic and social issues. The new party, the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by students who took part in the July protests, is also preparing to make its debut. The young leaders, in their 20s and 30s, are seen as the voice of the youth and the face of change that Bangladeshis are seeking from people-centric governance, employment opportunities to independent foreign policy. The struggles of an average Bangladeshi citizen are evident in how NCP leaders like Tasnim Jara and Nahid Islam operate. They work out of a makeshift office, hold meetings in crowded marketplaces and local halls, and travel by rickshaws and autos. As Tasnim explains, she is driven by the hope that one day they will bring positive change and inject life into the economy and politics of Bangladesh. The challenge is to keep their heads above water and expand their reach beyond Dhaka into the rural belts, in order to emerge as a political force capable of mobilising voters. One year after their successful attempt to dislodge Hasina, their next test lies in the electoral arena. What hangs heavy in the air is the sudden disappearance of the Awami Leagues voters, leaders and supporters, not just their physical absence, but the silence that has replaced them. It will take a free, fair, and participatory election to truly reimagine Bangladesh - one that avoids forced governance or forced exclusion, and instead taps into the real pulse of the people. As an Indian anthropologist from Nagaland, Abraham Lotha rightly said, If you dont listen to the people, you dont have the right to fight for them. A lesson that resonates on either side of the Brahmaputra. Pakistan's Foreign Office rejected claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said that his troops were fighting foreign mercenaries from Pakistan, China and parts of Africa. On Monday, Zelenskyy claimed that his northern Ukraine troops were fighting foreign mercenaries. PR NO.230/2025 Pakistan Rejects Baseless and Unfounded Allegations of the Involvement of Pakistani Nationals in the Conflict in Ukraine. https://t.co/rB5S3osGTs pic.twitter.com/w4hKfRMNgi Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 5, 2025 The statement by the foreign office said that Pakistan categorically rejected the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine. To date, Pakistan has not been formally approached by the Ukrainian authorities, nor has any verifiable evidence been presented to substantiate such claims. The statement also said the Pakistani government would take the matter up with the Ukrainian authorities and seek an explanation. Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the statement read. Today, I was with those defending our country in the Vovchansk direction the warriors of the 17th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade named after Kish Otaman Kost Hordiienko. We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defense of pic.twitter.com/40XsGHZU0T Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 4, 2025 Zelenskyy had made the post on Monday, saying, We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond. Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese fighters for its war in Ukraine before, allegations which were denied by Beijing. North Korea, however, has provided thousands of its troops to Moscow. The Ukrainian president had also added that lots of foreign fighters have also volunteered to fight for Ukraine and were on the front lines. Pakistan has been strengthening its ties with Russia in recent years. However, Ukraine has sold weapons to Pakistan before which it stopped later, to strengthen ties with India. Luiza Rozova, a girl who was rumoured to be Vladimir Putins youngest illegitimate daughter in 2021, has now resurfaced on social media. Born Elizaveta Vladimirovna Krivonogykh, the 22-year-old who is living in Paris, has now been sharing more images of herself on Instagram. Luiza, who initially refused to speak with reporters, added a correspondent from the German agency Bild in her private Telegram channel Luiza Art. She also shared many photos of herself on the channel. On Instagram, she posted an image with her face for the first time a week ago. In one of her posts, she said, "It's liberating to be able to show my face to the world again." In another post, she referred to her father, saying, "It reminds me of who I am and who destroyed my life. The person who took millions of lives and destroyed mine," She did not, however, mention Putin directly. Rozova said that she left her country after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She complained about not being able to freely walk her favourite streets of St. Petersburg or visit her usual places. She did not make a direct mention of the war in Ukraine. How did Luiza Rozova become known as Putins illegitimate daughter? Elizaveta Vladimirovna Krivonogykh is the daughter of Svetlana Krivonogykh and was born on March 3 2003. A Russian investigation website, Proekt, published a story in 2020 that said that Svetlana had once been Putins mistress and had a secret love child with her in 2003. The story cited her resemblance to Putin and said that Vladimirovna translates to daughter of Vladimir. Dmitriy Peskov, Putins spokesman, had dismissed the claims, saying that they were not very convincing and unfounded. Proekt was shut down afterwards, according to the Spectator. In 2021, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison, exposed the teens' Instagram. He had criticised her life of luxury, which was assumed to be connected to the Russian president. After she moved out of Russia, her Instagram account was shut down. She has now taken a new approach after she returned, opting to show her face in her photos for the first time. Since then, she has also seemed more outspoken against her rumoured father's actions in Ukraine and seems to have denounced her wealthy lifestyle, the New York Post reported. She also has another pseudonym, Elizaveta Rudnova, which she uses to work at two art galleries, L Galerie in Belleville and Espace Albatros in Montreuil, which exhibits anti-war art in Paris. The name is said to be a possible nod to Oleg Rudnov, Putins late confidant. In 2023, sanctions were imposed on Svetlana Krivonogikh by the UK government due to her ties to Putins inner circle. The Russian president is also rumoured to have two secret sons with other former affairs. A year since the Bangladesh coup that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, new reports shed light on the series of events that occurred at her official residence, Ganabhaban, on August 4 and 5, 2024. The account of what happened that day was detailed in the investigation of the International Criminal Tribunal, from the deposition of the then police chief, and multiple sources present at Ganabhaban. Hasina, who was reluctant to relinquish power even as her government stood on the brink of collapse following the mass uprising, changed her decision after one key phone call from her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, according to the report that appeared in Bangladesh.24live. The report added that Hasina insisted on clinging to power even when the top brass of the intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies informed her of the situation in the streets of Dhaka. The Awami League leader favoured supressing the movement despite the word that the situation was going out of control. A day before the collapse, several meetings were held at Ganabhaban. The then-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said that the National Committee on Security was informed about the unfolding situation. We tried to give the government accurate information. The government was not ready to listen to its weaknesses, the IGP said. At night, Sheikh Hasina's security advisor, Major General (retd) Tariq Siddique, raised the issue of resignation, which triggered Hasina. Whatever happens, I will not give up power, she reportedly said. She also ordered the army chief to strengthen his spine and suppress the protests. Tariq Siddique, however, supported her and even hinted at further suppression. If the army shoots and kills some people, the protests will be suppressed, Tariq reportedly said. But, the air force chief present at the meeting strongly protested, saying, 'This man has sunk you and will sink you further.' The situation was still tense on the morning of August 5. Military officials arrived at Ganabhaban and explained the overall situation to Sheikh Hasina and requested her to resign. They informed her that millions were marching towards Ganabhaban due to the 'Long March to Dhaka' programme, and the time was running out quickly. But Sheikh Hasina was adamant. When Sheikh Hasina refused to give in, top military officials contacted her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, over the phone. They told Joy that there was no other way to save his mother's life than to resign. The decision had to be made now, they said. Joy spoke to his mother and, at her urging, Sheikh Hasina finally agreed to relinquish power. After the decision to resign was taken, Sheikh Hasina was given just 45 minutes to leave. Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, drove from Ganabhaban to the nearby trade fair grounds under tight security. From there, they were taken by helicopter to the Bangabandhu Airbase of the Air Force in Kurmitola. They then departed for India in a C-130 transport aircraft of the Air Force. The aircraft landed at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad near New Delhi at 5:36 pm on August 5. People visiting the United States could soon be asked to pay visa bonds of up to $15,000, as per the US State Department. This is a part of a pilot programme that is aimed at reducing visa overstays in the country. As per the programme, people visiting the country for tourist visas (B1 visas) and business visas(B2 visas) could be asked to cough up to $15,000 as visa bonds. The countries that would come under the purview of the programme have not been announced yet. The public notice states that over the years, it has been found that hundreds of thousands of non-immigrant visitors do not depart the US promptly and overstay their visas. Also Read | Switzerland tightens Schengen visa application checklist: Heres what you should know What is the new visa programme? According to Reuters, the new visa program is expected to be effective from August 20 and will last for approximately a year. Consular officers will be given the discretionary powers to impose bonds in three categories of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 on the visa applicants, as per a US Federal Register notice. As and when the travellers depart the country, by the terms of their visas, the funds will be returned to them, officials informed. Who is likely to be affected? Countries with 'high visa overstay rates' and countries where screening and vetting information is deemed insufficient are likely to be affected. Additionally, applicants whose citizenship can be acquired by investment without a residency requirement may also be affected. Foreign policy considerations, too, will play a role, as per a State Department spokesperson. Also Read | Pakistan rejects claims by Volodymyr Zelenskyy on mercenaries aiding Russia; calls it baseless More than four decades after one of the deadliest antisemitic attacks in postwar France, a terrorism court has ordered six suspected Palestinian terrorists to stand trial for the brutal 1982 massacre at the Jo Goldenberg Jewish restaurant in Paris. The lunchtime attack on August 9, 1982, shocked the nation when assailants lobbed grenades into the packed eatery and then sprayed machine-gun fire, killing six and wounding 22 more. Two of those murdered were American citizens. It was the bloodiest antisemitic assault in France since the Holocaust. The suspects believed to be operatives of the notorious Abu Nidal terrorist group will face justice more than 43 years later. French anti-terrorism judges have formally ordered the men to trial, which could begin as early as next year. Four of the six suspects remain at large and are expected to be tried in absentia. Among them is the alleged mastermind, Mohamed Souhair al-Abassi (aka Amjad Atta), who is currently living freely in Jordan, which has refused extradition. The others believed to be hiding in Jordan or Palestinian territories include Mahmoud Khader Abed Adra (aka Hicham Harb), Nabil Hassan Mahmoud Othmane (aka Ibrahim Hamza), and Nizar Tawfiq Moussa Hamada (aka Hani). Only two of the suspects are in French custody. One, Walid Abdulrahman Abu Zayed, was extradited from Norway in 2020. The other, Hazza Taha, was arrested more recently in Paris. This is not a case buried in the past this trial is deeply personal and painfully present for the families, said attorney David Pere, who represents dozens of relatives and one survivor of the attack. They intend to follow every moment in court. The survivor, though not physically wounded, remains psychologically haunted by the carnage. He wants answers. He wants to look the men responsible in the eye, Pere told the Associated Press. The six victims murdered that day were: Mohamed Bennemou, Andre Hezkia Niego, Georges Demeter, Denise Guerche Rossignol, and two Americans Ann Van Zanten and Grace Cutler. Jo Goldenberg, the owner of the restaurant, recalled in a 2002 interview how the attack unfolded in a matter of seconds. They fired on everyone who was eating lunch everyone, he said. The Marais district restaurant, a symbol of the Jewish presence in Paris, never fully recovered and has since shuttered. French investigators issued international arrest warrants in 2015 more than three decades after the massacre reigniting long-stalled efforts to bring the attackers to justice. The Abu Nidal Organization, an extremist Palestinian splinter group infamous for its global terror campaign during the 1970s and 1980s, is believed responsible for at least 275 deaths worldwide. In 1985, the group orchestrated coordinated attacks on El Al ticket counters at Rome and Vienna airports, leaving 18 dead. Its leader, Sabri al-Banna known as Abu Nidal was found dead in Baghdad in 2002 under mysterious circumstances. Iraqi authorities claimed he died by suicide. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Tesla is awarding CEO Elon Musk 96 million shares of restricted stock valued at approximately $29 billion, just six months after a judge ordered the company to revoke his massive pay package. The electric vehicle maker said in a regulatory filing on Monday that Musk must first pay Tesla $23.34 per share of restricted stock that vests, which is equal to the exercise price per share of the 2018 pay package that was awarded to the companys CEO. In December Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick reaffirmed her earlier ruling that Tesla must revoke Musks multibillion-dollar pay package. She found that Musk engineered the landmark pay package in sham negotiations with directors who were not independent. At the time McCormick also rejected an equally unprecedented and massive fee request by plaintiff attorneys, who argued that they were entitled to legal fees in the form of Tesla stock valued at more than $5 billion. The judge said the attorneys were entitled to a fee award of $345 million. The rulings came in a lawsuit filed by a Tesla stockholder who challenged Musks 2018 compensation package. That pay package carried a potential maximum value of about $56 billion, but that sum has fluctuated over the years based on Teslas stock price. Musk appealed the order in March. A month later Tesla said in a regulatory filing that it was creating a special committee to look at Musks compensation as CEO. In a letter to shareholders, Teslas board said that Musk hasnt received meaningful compensation for eight years, citing the 2012 CEO Performance Award that was last earned in 2017. The board argued that Musk deserves compensation because hes delivered transformative and unprecedented growth thats translated into immense value generated for Tesla and all our shareholders. Musk has been one of the richest people in the world for several years. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives feels Musks stock award may alleviate some Tesla shareholder concerns. We believe this grant will now keep Musk as CEO of Tesla at least until 2030 and removes an overhang on the stock, Ives wrote in a client note. Musk remains Teslas big asset and this comp issue has been a constant concern of shareholders once the Delaware soap opera began. Tesla shares have plunged 25% this year, largely due to blowback over Musks affiliation with President Donald Trump. But Tesla also faces intensifying competition from both the big Detroit automakers, and from China. In its most recent quarter, Tesla reported that quarterly profits plunged from $1.39 billion to $409 million. Revenue also fell and the company fell short of even the lowered expectations on Wall Street. Under pressure from shareholders last month, Tesla scheduled an annual shareholders meeting for November to comply with Texas state law. A group of more than 20 Tesla shareholders, which have watched Tesla shares plummet, said in a letter to the company that it needed to at least provide public notice of the annual meeting. Investors have grown increasingly worried about the trajection of the company after Musk had spent so much time in Washington this year, becoming one of the most prominent officials in the Trump administration in its bid to slash the size of the U.S. government. (AP) The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, a move that may make the process unaffordable for many. In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, the department said it would start a 12-month pilot program under which people from countries deemed to have high overstay rates and deficient internal document security controls could be required to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 when they apply for a visa. The proposal comes as the Trump administration is tightening requirements for visa applicants. Last week, the State Department announced that many visa renewal applicants would have to submit to an additional in-person interview, something that was not required in the past. In addition, the department is proposing that applicants for the Visa Diversity Lottery program have valid passports from their country of citizenship. A preview of the bond notice, which was posted on the Federal Register website on Monday, said the pilot program would take effect within 15 days of its formal publication and is necessary to ensure that the U.S. government is not financially liable if a visitor does not comply with the terms of his or her visa. Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure and who are nationals of countries identified by the department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering citizenship by investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program, the notice said. The countries affected will be listed once the program takes effect, it said. The bond would not apply to citizens of countries enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program and could be waived for others depending on an applicants individual circumstances. Visa bonds have been proposed in the past but have not been implemented. The State Department has traditionally discouraged the requirement because of the cumbersome process of posting and discharging a bond and because of a possible misperceptions by the public. However, the department said that previous view is not supported by any recent examples or evidence, as visa bonds have not generally been required in any recent period. (AP) Antisemitic hate crimes in New York City have declined in recent months compared to the same period last year, according to newly released data from the New York Police Department. In July 2025, police recorded 14 antisemitic incidents, down from 27 in July 2024. This marks the lowest monthly total since July of last year, when 11 incidents were reported. The trend continues a multi-month decline: in June, there were 31 reported antisemitic crimes, down from 42 in June 2024. In May, the NYPD recorded 24 incidents, a significant drop from 52 the previous year. April, however, saw an increase, with 41 reported antisemitic incidents compared to 29 in April 2024. Despite the recent declines, antisemitic crimes continue to represent the largest share of hate crimes in the city. According to NYPD figures, 345 antisemitic incidents have been reported in 2025 so far, accounting for approximately 54% of all hate crimes. City officials have made addressing antisemitism a policy priority. In recent months, Mayor Eric Adams launched the Office to Combat Antisemitism, which held its first official meeting last month. The initiative is aimed at coordinating city resources and community partnerships to address anti-Jewish hate. The issue has also become a focal point in the ongoing mayoral election campaign, with leading candidates presenting plans to combat antisemitism and hate crimes more broadly. Jewish community security officials have cautioned that the true number of incidents may be higher, as not all are reported to police. The NYPD continues to track and investigate bias-related crimes through its Hate Crimes Task Force. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) We recently published 10 Stocks Surprise With Double-Digit Gains; 4 Hit Record Highs. Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:SCS) is one of the companies that stood stronger last week. Steelcase skyrocketed by 62.87 percent to touch a new all-time high on Monday as investors gobbled up shares following news that it was set to be acquired by HNI Corporation for $2.2 billion. During the session, its share prices rallied by as high as 68 percent at $17.13 before paring gains to end the day at $16.58 apiece. In a statement on the same day, HNI Corporation announced that it entered into a definitive agreement with Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:SCS), under a combination of cash and stock transaction. Under the terms, shareholders of Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:SCS) will receive $7.20 in cash and 0.2192 shares of HNI common stock for each SCS common share held. The implied per share purchase price of $18.30 was based on HNIs closing share price of $50.62 on Friday, August 1, 2025, reflecting a valuation multiple at transaction close for Steelcase of approximately 5.8x. Steelcase (SCS) Soars to New High on $2.2-Billion Merger With HNI Corp. Copyright: archidea / 123RF Stock Photo Upon completion, the two parties expect the combined company to have a pro forma annual revenue of approximately $5.8 billion, pro forma Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $745 million, and 2.1x net leverage. While we acknowledge the potential of SCS 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. A well-orchestrated scam attempt took an unexpected turn Monday afternoon in Kiryas Joel, ending with the arrest of two fraudsters thanks to the vigilance of a local resident and the swift response of law enforcement. At approximately 3:00 PM, Kiryas Joel Public Safety received a call from a local yungerman who reported receiving threatening phone calls from individuals claiming he had an outstanding federal arrest warrant. The scammers offered to settle the matter if he paid them $13,500 in cash. To appear cooperative, the yungerman played alongtaking photos of himself at the bank and sending proof that he had withdrawn the requested funds. The scammers then arranged to meet him in a hotel lobby near Kiryas Joel. What they didnt know was that law enforcement was already closing in. Working together with the New York State Police, Kiryas Joel Public Safety Director Moses Witriol told YWN he helped coordinate a takedown operation. At around 6:00 PM, the suspects arrived and took the cashonly to be pulled over moments later by troopers and arrested on the spot. Witriol told YWN that the suspects are likely part of a larger fraud ring, similar to the one involved in a recent case in Williamsburg, where a woman was scammed out of thousands of dollars. That suspect was arrested with the help of Williamsburg Shomrim and the NYPD (YWN report). He also noted that this successful takedown was a direct result of public awareness efforts launched by KJ Public Safety, following a separate incident last month in which a Kiryas Joel woman was duped into handing over $12,000 in an elaborate phone scam (YWN report). The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have been targeted by similar scams to contact the New York State Police at the Monroe Barracks at 845-782-8311. For assistance in Yiddish or general help, community members can also reach out to Kiryas Joel Public Safety at 845-782-5577. Tips to protect yourself from scams: Never trust callers who demand secrecy or create urgency. No legitimate government agency or bank will request payment via cash or gift cards. Always verify suspicious claims by calling official numbers, not those given by the caller. Speak to a trusted family member or community organization before taking action. Hang up and report the call immediately if something feels wrong. On behalf of the Kiryas Joel community, Witriol expressed his appreciation to the New York State Police for their professionalism and commitment to public safety. Your browser does not support the video tag. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The IDF announced that it had defeated Hamass Beit Hanoun Battalion in northern Gaza. The declaration followed the surrender of three Hamas terrorists who emerged from a tunnel and gave themselves up to Givati Brigade troops operating in the area. According to the IDF, the terrorists surrendered after one of their comrades was killed during a prior exchange of fire. The trio then led Israeli forces to a concealed weapons cache near the tunnel, where soldiers discovered an array of firearms, ammunition, and other military equipment. Additional supplies, including food and water, were also found inside the tunnel, indicating it may have been prepared for extended underground habitation. Your browser does not support the video tag. Combat engineers have begun mapping the tunnel system for demolition, while the surrendered terrorists were taken into custody for further interrogation. The Beit Hanoun Battalion, which posed a threat to Nir Am and Sderot, has surrendered and been defeated by Givati Brigade troops, the IDF said in a statement. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz shared footage of the surrender on social media platform X, writing, Hamas terrorists are surrendering in Beit Hanoun. They are emerging from the burrows into the destroyed city. The IDF is destroying both the above and the underground [infrastructure] to defend the city of Sderot. The defeat of the Beit Hanoun Battalion comes after multiple IDF operations in the town since the beginning of the war. Prior to the October 7th attacks, the battalion was believed to comprise over 1,000 operatives. Most were either killed in combat or fled, including the battalion commander, Hussein Fayyad. The declaration of victory came just days after Givati Brigade commanders estimated that only a handful of Hamas gunmen remained in the area. Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has reportedly urged cabinet ministers to present a coherent strategy for how the military should proceed in Gaza, amid ongoing stalemates in hostage negotiations and growing international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in the Strip. According to a Channel 12 report, Zamir warned that the lack of a clear government plan is undermining Israels diplomatic position. On Friday, during a visit with troops inside Gaza, Zamir said a decision point was near. In the coming days we will know whether we will be able to reach a partial deal to release our hostages, he said. Otherwise, the fighting will continue unabated. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The IDF has acknowledged that the rising number of suicides among its soldiers and reservists is directly tied to the psychological trauma of Israels ongoing multi-front war, according to a bombshell report aired Sunday by Israeli public broadcaster Kan. An internal military investigation cited by Kan concluded that the recent surge in suicides stems largely from harrowing battlefield experiences, the loss of comrades, and an overwhelming inability to cope with the psychological toll of prolonged exposure to combat. The IDF has not denied the report. Most of the suicides among soldiers resulted from the complex realities of war, a senior military official told Kan. War has consequences. These are extremely difficult challenges, and there are quite a few cases. Since the start of 2025, at least 16 IDF soldiers have died by suicide, including seven reservists. Alarming figures from July alone show that four reservists took their own lives two while on active reserve duty, and two shortly after returning home. Kans report reveals that the IDF has conducted thorough investigations into each case, examining farewell letters, interviewing families and friends, and reviewing the service records of the deceased. The findings were unequivocal: most of the deaths were linked to combat exposure and mental exhaustion accumulated in the field. The report underscores a growing mental health crisis within the ranks of the IDF, especially as soldiers are deployed in repeated and extended combat rotations in Gaza, along the Lebanese border, and in the West Bank. In response to the findings, the IDF says it has ramped up support services and is actively working to better detect early signs of mental distress. According to the senior official, mental health officers have been significantly reinforced, with 200 additional ones assigned to active-duty units and 600 more to reservist support. Were implementing systemic lessons and providing more tools to commanders, the official said. That includes enhanced training to spot distress, more mental health officers in the field, and thorough case reviews. Each suicide is reviewed by a colonel-level officer, and military police also conduct a parallel investigation. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israel is reportedly arming local militias inside the Gaza Strip in a bid to erode Hamass influence, but its strategy may be propping up a figure accused of looting humanitarian aid and trafficking in weapons. Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of a militia called the Popular Forces, has emerged as a powerful and polarizing presence in southern Gaza. Backed by Israel, according to a senior United Nations official quoted by the Washington Post, Shabab has carved out control over eastern Rafah, claiming dominion over 2,000 displaced Palestinians while asserting his groups role in distributing aid and confronting Hamas. He has a full-glide militia up and running, fully backed by Israel, the UN official said. The Guardian verified video footage showing Shababs fighters operating side by side with IDF forces at the Kerem Shalom crossing. His fighters have also set up armed checkpoints to screen and control aid convoys, despite receiving no recognition from any legitimate humanitarian organizations. The revelations come in the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus admission that Israel is supporting influential clan leaders in Gaza to oppose Hamas. While Netanyahu did not name Shabab directly, the militia leaders operations are concentrated in Israeli-controlled zones, and his forces appear to move freely in IDF territory, raising questions about the depth of Israels coordination with the group. Yet the man touted by some Israeli media as a potential post-Hamas leader is under fire from aid groups and rights observers. International humanitarian organizations say Shababs militia has looted multiple aid convoys delivering critical food and medical supplies to desperate civilians in Gaza. While he initially denied the charges, Shabab later admitted to hijacking at least six aid trucks, claiming his men acted out of desperation, The New York Times reported. According to the Washington Post, Shabab has a shadowy past involving the smuggling of drugs and weapons, with ties to the Islamic State branch in Egypts Sinai Peninsula a connection that raises red flags about the long-term implications of Israels alliance with such groups. Even more damning is that both Shabab and Israeli officials have blamed Hamas for the rampant looting of aid in Gaza, but the IDF admitted last week that it has no evidence linking Hamas to the thefts. The strategy bears unsettling similarities to Israels Village Leagues program in the West Bank during the 1970s and 1980s, when it empowered local clan leaders with weapons and financial incentives to weaken the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). That initiative ultimately backfired, sowing corruption, violence, and resentment. Now, critics warn, history may be repeating itself. Shabab, for his part, has rejected all claims of collusion with Israel, calling them Hamas propaganda. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) As Iran battles one of the worst droughts in its modern history, a senior Iranian water resources expert has accused the United States and Israel of deliberately manipulating regional weather patterns to deprive the Islamic Republic of rainfall. Speaking in an interview with the Iranian YouTube channel Khateh Energy, Mohsen Arbabian alleged that Tehrans two chief adversaries have been engaged in a covert, decades-long effort to divert rainclouds away from Iran, contributing to its intensifying water crisis. I say this with confidence, Arbabian declared. You can see in satellite images how the clouds shift from their course. I dont care how many people say that this is normal. I say it is not. Your browser does not support the video tag. The remarks, reported by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), are the latest in a series of weather-related conspiracy theories promoted by Iranian figures amid growing public frustration over the countrys dire environmental conditions. Arbabian pointed to the contrast in water levels between Lake Van in Turkey, which he described as full, and Irans Lake Urmia, a once-vast saltwater lake that has now almost completely dried up. According to Arbabian, clouds originating in the Mediterranean Sea that would historically bring life-sustaining rain to Iran are now being diverted toward countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. He did not offer scientific evidence to support the claim. Iran is currently suffering its most severe drought in decades, with five years of below-average rainfall reducing precipitation by more than 40% in several regions. Water levels in key reservoirs have plummeted: Tehrans main dam is down to roughly 1% capacity, while others across the country range between 30% and 60%. Without drastic water use cuts, officials warn, some dams could run completely dry by early fall. President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an urgent national response, warning that water shortages could soon spiral out of control. Amid back-to-back heatwavessome parts of the country have exceeded 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius)Tehran and 10 surrounding provinces were recently placed under a state-mandated public holiday to conserve water and electricity. The crisis has already sparked unrest in several regions. In the northern city of Khomam, residents have staged protests over water access and rationing. Authorities have called on the public to immediately reduce water consumption by at least 20%. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) As the zman ended, HaGaon HaRav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin delivered a sicha to the talmidim of his yeshivah, Ateres Shlomo in Rishon LTzion, during which he spoke divrei chizzuk about the threats looming over the heads of bnei yeshivos. We are going to go through a difficult and complex period, the Rosh Yeshivah began. It is impossible to ignore this, but if we know how to view it correctly, we can accept it with elevation and in mockery of avoda zara. They call it personal sanctions and economic sanctions, as if, so to speak, we depend on them. But they cant do anything to us. The Creator of all worlds has crowned us and determined that we are the princes of His kingdom in the world. We know the truth; Hashem chose us. Were not afraid of it because we know the truth. The Rosh Yeshivah emphasized that this is a special test for bnei yeshivos in our generation. About you, Hakadosh Baruch Hu says, Behold, behold my beloved children. Hashem has chosen us to be the ones who may have a little bondage of clay and stones. One needs to know how much elevation (rommemus) we have. Hashem has chosen us from all generations for this. And He bestows upon us this special loveit is you that I bring closer as princes in mamleches Hashem. We need to know our loftiness and our greatness and to remember that our role now is to remember that everything depends on us; everything depends on the shtender. There is no koach apart from this, and every minute of limmud Torah transforms the world. Billions of people lack the power of a minute of limmud Torah, which we have. The Rosh Yeshivah then spoke about a recent meeting in the US, when he was asked to speak about the issue of the recruitment of bnei yeshivos. When he got there, he realized that he had arrived at a public debate on the issue with someone who was frum but not a Ben Torah. He started talking to me, using common phrasesequal burden, mutual responsibility, accountabilityall sorts of phrases that they repeat without even understanding their meaning. I told him, Im not going to argue with you about the views of the great Torah mussar authorities of the last generation and the one before, but are you a Tzaduki? Do you believe that the Written Torah is from Shamayim? Yes, he replied. I have a question, the Rosh Yeshivah responded to the man. Yaakov our father says about Shechem, Which I took from the hand of the Amori with my sword and with my bow. Everyone knows that Yaakov Avinu himself did not fight at all, so how can Yaakov Avinu say that he fought? It was Shimon and Levi. He tells me he doesnt know. I told him, Rashi explains, with my tefillah and Torah. It says here one thing: the war that happened in Shechem, Yaakov Avinu did it, even though he didnt fight therehe took it with his tefillah and Torah. But the question is, why arent Shimon and Levi also mentioned? Because it is written hereno, only tefillah and Torah determine the battlefield. It is true that hishtadlus is needed, as with parnassah, but the hishtadlus is just a show and a game, as the Beit HaLevi calls it, because the clear truth is that what determines the battle is only ratzon Hashem, that one can be victorious via Torah and tefillah. Victory in battle is when Yisrael looks upwards. When is it determined that people will fall on the battlefield, chas vchalilah, the falls of Jews, of our brothers and our flesh it is when, chas vchalilah, there is a lack of Yisrael looking upwards. So what causes deaths on the battlefield are those who diminish those who sit in the Beis Medrash, Hashem Yeracheim. The Rosh Yeshivah then addressed the issue of sanctions against bnei yeshivos.They tell us economic sanctionswhat will be? A very wealthy man once asked me, Why should I give so much to the Olam HaTorah? I told him: the words of the Moreh Nevuchim are well known, asking whether a large bridge built by thousands of goyim over tens or perhaps hundreds of years was built for Torah. The Moreh Nevuchim says that indeed, it is all so that one day a Jew will sit and study Torah for five moments. What is written here? That everything that happens in the world revolves around the shtender of the Ben Torah who was zoche to be so exalted and elevated. I said to that Jew, You believe in the bridge, but you dont believe that the businesses in Manhattan revolve around Torah? Everything you do, everything that Hakadosh Baruch Hu has chosen you to be a messenger for, is for the sake of Torah. Sometimes the thought crosses ones mind: they talk about sanctions, and we think about what will be. The answer is explained in the Rambam at the end of Shemittah and Yovel, and also in Rashi in the Sugya in Shabbos. It is explained that is someone that has no other occupation, and Hakadosh Baruch Hu will grant him his livelihood like the Kohanim. It is written about the Kohanim that their livelihood will be in exchange for their work, in return for their work, and it is written about this, Hashem will grant him what is sufficient for his work. Hakadosh Baruch Hu promises life and livelihood from His generous hand to those who toil in Torah. This is a promise from Hakadosh Baruch Hu. A yesod is written here in the Rambam that lomdei Torah will receive parnassah from Hashem, via their limmud. And therefore I say to them, we dont need you. Hakadosh Baruch Hu takes care of us and has taken care of us and will take care of us throughout all the generations. The Rosh Yeshivah then spoke about the encounter he had with the former Governor of the Bank of Israel, Prof. Stanley Fischer, zl (who was niftar this past May), in an elevator in Manhattan. We sat for four hourshe canceled his meetings. He told me that he couldnt understand how the Olam HaTorah manages to exist, how the Chareidim buy apartments and the chilonim can only buy at the age of 40. In the middle of our discussion, he asked me, Where did you study economics? I told himin the Rambam, ! At the end of the meeting, he repeated, I cant understand the Chareidi economy. I replied, If you dont understand, then open your eyes and see that everything is from Hakadosh Baruch Hu, Who feeds and sustains. Your browser does not support the video tag. (YWN Israel DeskJerusalem) Israels government cabinet voted unanimously on Monday to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, citing a breakdown in trust and accusing her of obstructing key government decisions on political grounds. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who led the effort, said the government had conducted a very lengthy process before reaching its decision, asserting that attempts were made to work with her cooperatively. Levin added that the attorney general had repeatedly interfered with the governments agenda, blocking legislation, appointments, and executive actions. Baharav-Miara, who was slammed by government ministers for refusing to attend the meeting and defend her behavior, responded in a letter to ministers, claiming that the process was unlawful and politically motivated. Levin responded to the letter by highlighting Baharav-Miaras contradictions, saying that she claimed in the letter that there is good cooperation with the government but later in the letter says that her legal opinions are routinely dismissed. If there is good cooperation, how can her opinions be ignored? Levin questioned. This claim of cooperation is nonsense. She has aligned with the opposition on every key legal and political issueeven on marginal matters like Bar Association membership fee laws. Within hours of the dismissal, the High Court of Justice issued an emergency injunction freezing the governments decision and barring it from appointing a replacement or altering the attorney generals authority until a judicial review is conducted. The court ordered the government and Attorney Generals Office to submit their responses by Thursday and said a hearing will take place within 30 days, no later than September 4. In the meantime, Baharav-Miara remains in her role, and her legal opinions and prosecutorial authority continue to carry full legal weight. The court also warned against the government implementing the dismissal through indirect means, such as ceasing to invite her to cabinet meetings. The justices said that her removal cannot take effect until the court rules on the legality of the dismissal process itself. At the heart of the dispute is the governments failure to form a legally mandated committee to carry out the dismissal. Israeli law requires a five-member panelincluding a retired Supreme Court justice and former justice officialsto review any removal of an attorney general. The government said it was unable to form the panel because nearly all eligible former officials declined to participate, citing opposition to the move. Instead, the government created its own committee, led by Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A new poll by the Israel Democracy Institute has found that a large majority of Israeli Jews including many traditional and even some Orthodox respondents support imposing sanctions on chareidim who do not enlist in the IDF. According to the survey, 85% of non-chareidi Jews back measures that would penalize draft evasion. This includes a striking 98.5% of secular Israelis, 86% of traditional non-Orthodox Jews, and 65% of Orthodox Jews. While support for immediate sanctions is strongest among secular and left-leaning Israelis, the poll reveals significant backing even among right-wing voters. Among Likud supporters, 72.5% support sanctions, as do 76.5% of Religious Zionism voters. Among more centrist and left-wing parties, support is nearly unanimous: 94% of Blue and WhiteNational Unity voters, 97% of Labor voters, 99% of Yesh Atid voters, and 100% of respondents identifying with Meretz and Yisrael Beytenu support some form of penalty. Interestingly, the poll also notes that 30% of Shass non-chareidi voters a small segment of the partys base support applying sanctions. Among the general Jewish population, 69% say they favor immediate application of sanctions, while Orthodox respondents were more inclined to support a delayed approach. When asked about specific penalties: 73% of non-chareidi respondents support banning travel abroad for draft evaders, 71% favor financial penalties, 65% back withholding drivers licenses, and 61.5% support revoking voting rights. Additional sanctions with broad support include 76% backing the cancellation of daycare subsidies for families of draft evaders, 75% supporting the removal of state funding from yeshivos whose talmidim avoid enlistment, Over 82% believe draft evaders should be denied public sector jobs and academic scholarships, and 8586% say these individuals should be ineligible for government-subsidized housing or municipal tax discounts. Even within Likud traditionally more aligned with chareidi interests over half of voters support most of these sanctions, including 73% who say non-serving chareidim should lose access to property tax discounts and public transit subsidies. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to seek full cabinet approval for a sweeping plan to completely occupy the Gaza Strip. According to multiple Hebrew media outlets, Netanyahu told ministers this week that the die is cast and vowed to push ahead with a total military takeover of Gaza even in areas where hostages are believed to be held. The move would override the objections of top defense officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who reportedly warned that such a campaign could take years and jeopardize the lives of hostages still held by Hamas. A senior source close to the prime minister was quoted saying, If the chief of staff doesnt agree, he should resign. The IDF currently controls about 75% of Gaza. Full occupation would mean reentering densely populated areas and establishing a long-term military presence a step the army views as untenable without endangering both Israeli soldiers and civilians. The proposed plan has sparked a bitter divide within Israels war cabinet. Hardline ministers and officials, including Itamar Ben Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, and Ron Dermer, support the move, while security chiefs including Mossad head David Barnea, Shin Bet officials, and Zamir himself have urged continued negotiations and hostage talks. Netanyahus reported stance marks a notable shift, aligning more closely with far-right coalition demands and risking further alienation from military leadership. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar have reportedly not committed to either side. Zamir canceled a planned U.S. trip this week amid the deepening rift. An IDF source cited the ongoing hostage crisis and lack of ceasefire as reasons for the decision, signaling the intensity of internal disagreement. Meanwhile, both Israel and the U.S. are said to be pivoting away from interim hostage deals toward a broader ceasefire framework that includes total Hamas disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told hostage families Saturday there would be no more partial deals, saying that any future negotiations would seek the release of all hostages and an end to the war. Still, the likelihood of Hamas agreeing to such terms appears slim. A senior Israeli source told Haaretz last week that there is little chance the group will accept Israels ultimatum. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Shortly before the Israeli government finally ousted Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara from her position in a unanimous vote on Monday, Supreme Court justices made unusually harsh remarks against Baharav-Miara. According to a report by i24News legal analyst Avishai Grinzaig, the remarks were made during a Supreme Court hearing on a petition by the Choosing Life Forum, demanding that Baharav-Miara launch an investigation into sensitive security leaks that she has chosen to ignore. As is well-known, Baharav-Miara has engaged in a blatant process of selective judicial enforcement, aggressively pursuing petitions against coalition officials while ignoring petitions against opposition figures. During the hearing, Justice Yael Willner accused Baharav Miara of making intentionally false claims regarding the leak. Justice Noam Sohlberg blasted Baharav-Miaras conduct, including her lack of substantive responses, her inaction, and her attempts to repeatedly postpone the hearing. I dont remember anything like this since Ive been at the court, he exclaimed. What are you trying to hide? There is a serious issue herenot just anything but leaks on grave security matters. This is a serious matter. Theres an uneasy feeling, as if theyre hiding factual and legal details from usavoiding an investigation of the leaks harms Israeli security, Sohlberg said firmly. As per her usual conduct, Baharav-Miara chose not to respond to the report. (YWN Israel DeskJerusalem) (Bloomberg) -- The trade imbalances that prompted President Donald Trump to slap hefty levies on Swiss imports have been driven by a small industry at the center of the worlds gold market. Most Read from Bloomberg The country is the worlds biggest gold-refining hub, thanks to a longstanding reputation for quality and discretion. Billions of dollars worth of gold is constantly flowing into and out of the nation, from mines in South America and Africa to banks in London and New York. Flows of the precious metal cause big swings in the countrys trade balances, even if the Swiss refiners capture only a small portion of the value of the commerce. Bullion is by far the countrys largest export good, according to Simon J. Evenett of IMD Business School. Gold is special, Evenett said. It isnt really manufactured in Switzerland. Processed is a better word. The impact of the industry is more important than ever as the Trump administration focuses on leveling trade deficits. Record bullion exports of more than $36 billion made up more than two-thirds of Switzerlands trade surplus with the US in the first quarter, according to Swiss customs data. The US presidents decision to slap tariffs of 39% on all Swiss imports has caused a shock in the country, with the government having previously been confident it would avoid heavy duties. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the tariffs reflect the balance of commerce with America and the countrys willingness to address its trade deficit. The recent flood of gold imports into the US was largely in response to a potentially lucrative trans-Atlantic arbitrage opportunity opened up by concerns the precious metal could get caught up in sweeping US import duties. Traders in Europe wanted to deliver bullion to New York to capture premium prices, but first they needed their metal recast from the 400-ounce bars standard in London the largest gold trading venue into the 1 kilo or 100oz bars required by the US-based Comex exchange. That made Switzerlands gold refiners a crucial node in the arbitrage. In the second quarter, that flow reversed after bullion was exempted from Trumps tariffs, leading US prices to fall back into line with the benchmark spot price in London. Switzerland saw a net inflow of well over $1 billion of gold over the period. The exemption means that Switzerlands future gold exports probably wouldnt be hit by the new 39% levy. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is working to de-escalate tensions between the US and Russiawith the knowledge of US President Donald Trump, sources close to Netanyahu told Kan News on Tuesday morning. According to the report, Netanyahu has been working intensively in recent weeks with Russia in an effort to reduce the current tension between the US and Russia over Putins insistence on continuing the war with Ukraine. The Prime Ministers Office stated that Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Monday, the second discussion between the two leaders in the past week. However, not all of Netanyahus conversations with Putin in recent weeks were reported to the public. Due to the escalating tension between the two countries, Trump recently ordered the deployment of two US nuclear submarines to the region. Concurrently, two conversations took place between Netanyahu and Putin. Two sources in Netanyahus circle confirmed that Trump was briefed on the content of the conversations. (YWN Israel DeskJerusalem) A $1 billion class-action lawsuit filed this week in the Tel Aviv District Court accuses Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of aiding and abetting the October 7 Hamas massacre by serving as a global broadcast platform for the terrorists crimes. The lawsuit, brought by survivors, bereaved families, and users of Metas platforms, claims that the company enabled the spread of horrific livestreamed footage of the attack and continues to allow that content to circulate, re-traumatizing victims and violating their rights. This is the first case of its kind in Israelpossibly in the worldto seek financial damages from a private tech company for facilitating atrocities committed by a foreign terror group. It marks a sharp escalation in the debate over the responsibility of digital platforms in the age of livestreamed violence and algorithm-driven content. The case centers around the story of the Idan family of Kibbutz Nachal Oz. On the morning of October 7, Hamas terrorists infiltrated their home. Maayan Idan, the familys 22-year-old daughter, was murdered during the attack, while her family was held hostage. The terrorists filmed the ordeal and broadcast Maayans final moments live on Facebook. Her father, Tsachi Idan, was abducted and later executed in captivity. Both horrors unfolded in full view of the worldamplified by Metas platforms. We heard glass shattering, footsteps on broken shards, and Arabic voices inside our home, recounted Gali Idan, Maayans mother and Tsachis widow. Tsachi braced himself against the safe room door, trying to hold them off. The terrorists had forced our teenage neighbor, Tomer Arava-Eliaz, to call out and beg us to open the door. When we didnt, they tried to break in themselves. Tsachi resisted them while I protected our children. The lawsuit details how Facebook and Instagram became, in the words of the petition, an inseparable component of Hamas terror infrastructure. According to the filing, Meta not only failed to stop the spread of terror content but continues to allow it to be shared and viewed to this day. The graphic livestreamsincluding murders, kidnappings, and psychological torturewere seen by millions, including young users who logged on that day unsuspectingly. Some families learned of the fates of their loved ones through these social media platforms. One woman discovered her daughters abduction via a live video on Instagram. Another logged into Facebook with her 14-year-old daughter and was exposed to the attacks in real time. Mor Beider watched as her grandmother was killed in front of a camera. Stav Arava found out through Facebook posts that his relatives had been taken hostage. His brother, Tomer Arava-Eliaz, was himself coerced at gunpoint to help lure neighbors into the hands of Hamas attackersall of it recorded and uploaded. The legal team, consisting of attorneys Galit Karner, Asaf Shovinsky, Chen Shomeret, Karin Buaron, and Inbar Hasson of the firms G. Karner and Matri, Meiri, Wacht, argue that Meta violated both the privacy and dignity of the victims and their families, while also endangering public mental healthespecially that of childrenby enabling the proliferation of violent content. The complaint asserts that the trauma inflicted by these videos is not a one-time event. Each day the content remains online, the psychological wounds are reopened. These scenes of brutality, humiliation, and terror are permanently etched into the memories of the victims families and the Israeli public as the final moments of their loved ones lives, the petition states. The lawsuit also raises questions about Metas algorithmic design, which the plaintiffs claim promotes engagement with shocking and sensational content, including terror footage. They allege that Meta not only failed to prevent harm but profited from itby monetizing engagement and failing to enforce meaningful safeguards against terrorist use of the platform. The plaintiffs seek both justice and accountability, calling for financial compensation and a sweeping reevaluation of how digital platforms handle violent content, especially during times of war and crisis. Meta has yet to issue a public response to the allegations. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a previously unannounced visit Monday, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson became the highest-ranking American official ever to visit an Israeli settlement in Yehuda and the Shomron, touring the city of Ariel and delivering a strong message of support for Jewish presence in the region. Addressing a gathering of local mayors and dignitaries, including Ariel Mayor Yair Chetboun, Johnson declared that the mountains of Judea and Samaria were promised to the Jewish people, and they belong to them by right. Johnsons remarks, which emphasized the historical and religious significance of the region to the Jewish people, stand in stark contrast to the prevailing view of many international governments that refer to the area as the occupied West Bank. His statement that every corner of this land is important to us was met with enthusiastic applause. Every mayor here should know exactly where we stand regarding this issuewe stand with you, Johnson said. It is an integral part of our faith, and therefore the significance for us is great We stand entirely by your side. Joining Johnson were U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Republican Reps. Nathaniel Moran, Michael McCaul, Claudia Tenney, and Michael Cloud. The bipartisan delegation traveled to Israel under the auspices of the U.S.-Israel Education Association, headed by Heather Johnston. The trip was designated as private and unofficial, according to Axios. Ariel Mayor Yair Chetboun hailed the visit as an historic moment of shared values, deep friendship, and strong partnership between the U.S. and Israel, and between the U.S. and Judea and Samariathe place where the Jewish story began. Mondays visit underscored the growing alignment between American evangelical leaders and Israels presence in Yehuda and Shomron. Speaker Johnson, a devout Christian, has consistently voiced strong support for Israels biblical and historic claims to the land. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The Israeli Foreign Ministry has revealed new evidence that additional Hamas terrorists remain on the payroll of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) including one man who participated in the October 7 kidnappings and another who allegedly led a Hamas chemical weapons team while serving as a school principal. In a post on Sunday, Amir Weissbrod, the ministrys deputy director-general for U.N. affairs, said the agency had recently provided Israel with an updated list of employees a list that, once again, includes known Hamas operatives. Nothing new under the sun with UNRWA, Weissbrod wrote. Some of these names were passed to the U.N. back in 2011. Nothing was done. Theyre still employed. Among the most alarming new revelations: Mohammad Abi Itiwi, who served as a driver for UNRWA, participated in the kidnapping of young Israelis from a bomb shelter near Kibbutz Reim on October 7, according to Weissbrod. Abi Itiwi was killed in August 2024 by Israeli forces but remains listed as an active employee receiving funds. Naji Abdullah Abu Aziz, named as a school principal by UNRWA, is also identified as a member of Hamass chemical manufacturing unit. We shared this information with the U.N. in 2011 and again in 2024. Hes still working there, Weissbrod said. Khalid Said El-Masry, another principal, is accused of harboring a Hamas tunnel beneath his school. Though Israel has informed the U.N. of his terror ties, El-Masry continues to work for the agency. Weissbrod accompanied his post with photographic evidence of the terrorists and their dual affiliations with both Hamas and UNRWA. These are just a few examples, he added, but they show why no responsible government should be funding UNRWA if it wants to keep its money out of Hamass hands. The latest findings come shortly after the Trump administration formally called for the agencys dismantling, declaring it irredeemably compromised. In a letter to Congress, the U.S. State Department cited longstanding allegations of UNRWAs complicity with terror groups and the results of an internal U.N. probe that found at least nine UNRWA employees likely or very likely took part in the October 7 attacks. UNRWA is now also facing mounting legal pressure: last week, victims of Hamas and Hezbollah terror attacks filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal court, accusing the agency of aiding and abetting terrorism. Plaintiffs are seeking both compensatory and punitive damages. Though UNRWA has repeatedly claimed it lacks the tools to thoroughly vet employees in Gaza, Israeli officials insist that the agency has turned a blind eye to well-documented terror affiliations for over a decade. These are not isolated cases, Weissbrod said. They are systemic. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a move laden with historical irony, Marlene Engelhorn heiress to a German industrial dynasty that once profited from the production of Zyklon B, the gas used to murder millions of Jews in Nazi death camps is joining the next pro-Palestinian flotilla bound for Gaza, activist groups announced. Engelhorn, who inherited an estimated $27.1 million from her grandmother in 2021, is a descendant of the Engelhorn family, founders of BASF. In the 1920s, BASF merged into the IG Farben conglomerate, which later supplied the cyanide-based Zyklon B to the Nazis during the Holocaust. IG Farben was broken up after the war for its central role in the genocide, but BASF reemerged and remained under Engelhorn family control until the mid-1990s. Now, nearly eight decades later, the descendant of a company tied to the Holocaust is positioning herself as a moral authority on human rights against the Jewish state. Engelhorns participation in the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza was revealed in a video posted by the Global Movement to Gaza Austria. In it, Engelhorn declared her support for what she calls the fight against genocide, apartheid, and illegal occupation, affirming her solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The flotilla is sailing soon, she wrote, and we are excited to announce that Marlene Engelhorn will be aboard and stand on the right side of history. The so-called Handala flotilla, which Engelhorn is joining, has already attempted to breach Israeli waters. On July 26, the Israeli Navy intercepted the vessel before it reached the shores of Gaza. The IDF and Foreign Ministry confirmed that the ship was redirected while still in international waters and that no aid was allowed to reach Hamas-held territory. Among the other participants was Jewish-American activist Bob Suberi, who declared the mission a symbolic success despite being intercepted. We tried to break Israels illegal siege of Gaza, Suberi said. It was well publicized and thus directed international attention to the continuing siege and the genocide by starvation. The use of such loaded language including accusations of genocide has drawn fierce criticism from Israeli officials and Jewish organizations, who argue that the flotillas mission is a propaganda stunt that ignores Hamas role in perpetuating both the blockade and the suffering of civilians by embedding itself among them and diverting humanitarian aid. Engelhorn is no stranger to radical positions. Following her inheritance, she famously tried unsuccessfully to convince the Austrian government to impose a 90% tax on her windfall, despite the country having no inheritance tax. She went on to found Tax Me Now, a global campaign urging governments to heavily tax the rich. She is often cited alongside fellow left-wing heiresses Abigail Disney and Valerie Rockefeller. In a statement condemning the flotilla, one Israeli official remarked, For the granddaughter of a Nazi-era profiteer to target the worlds only Jewish state under the guise of human rights is not just hypocrisy its grotesque. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A senior Hamas official told Saudi Arabias Al Hadath news site that the terror group does not intend to assume administrative control of the Gaza Strip after the war. But despite signaling willingness to step back from governance, the group doubled down on its core demands refusing to disarm, insisting on a full Israeli withdrawal, and warning of consequences if Israel proceeds with deeper incursions into Gaza. The problem has never been weapons, the unnamed official claimed, arguing that the real issue is what he called Israeli aggression. He maintained that Hamas and the Palestinian people are under unprecedented pressure, but asserted the group is dealing with all initiatives and pressures positively to end the aggression. The official categorically ruled out disarmament until Israel ends its occupation and agrees to the creation of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. While rejecting any role in administering Gaza, the official simultaneously called for open, unregulated border crossings, but said Hamas does not want to oversee aid or crossing management. Instead, he demanded that the responsibility be handed over to a joint Palestinian-Egyptian authority, as he claimed was the case before Israels current military operation. The comments come amid intensifying tensions over Israels stated goal to dismantle Hamas militarily and politically, and to reassert control over key areas of the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that Israel will not accept any Hamas involvement in postwar Gaza a stance Hamas is now attempting to co-opt by preemptively stepping away from governance, while keeping its weapons and ideological aims intact. In a direct threat to Israeli hostages held in Gaza, the Hamas official warned that a full-scale Israeli reoccupation of the Strip would expose the lives of Israeli prisoners to unprecedented danger. He attempted to equate the hostages civilians and soldiers abducted during Hamass October 7 massacre with Palestinian security prisoners held by Israel for terrorism-related offenses. Hamas understands the feelings of the families of the Israeli prisoners, the official said, because every Palestinian home has a prisoner in the occupations jails. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Former star fund manager Neil Woodford has been slapped with a multi-million pound fine and a ban from some top city roles, six years after the implosion of his investment firm. The City watchdog on Tuesday issued a damning verdict of Mr Woodford's conduct and performance during the events that led to the collapse of the once-10.1billion Woodford Equity Income fund. Woodford Equity Income's collapse saw thousands of investors of all sizes across the UK without access to their investment for years, and ultimately nursing heavy losses. The Financial Conduct Authority fined Mr Woodford 5,888,800 and banned him from holding senior manager roles and managing funds for retail investors. His firm, Woodford Investment Management, has been fined 40million. The FCA said Woodford made 'unreasonable and inappropriate investment decisions' and 'held a defective and unreasonably narrow understanding of his responsibilities' as a fund manager. But Mr Woodford and WIM already plan to contest the regulator's verdict, which they have referred to the Upper Tribunal where they will present their case. Woodford Equity Income's collapse saw thousands of investors of all sizes across the UK without access to their investment for years, and ultimately nursing heavy losses The FCA has previously secured a 230million redress scheme for investors stuck in Woodford Equity Income when it was suspended after setting out the failures of financial services firm Link in its role as the vehicle's 'authorised corporate director'. But Tuesday marked the first time formal sanctions had been taken against Mr Woodford, who has more recently remerged as a 'finfluencer' with his own investment blog following the failure of WCM Partners in 2021. Steve Smart, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said: 'Being a leader in financial services comes with responsibilities as well as profile. 'Mr Woodford simply doesn't accept he had any role in managing the liquidity of the fund. The very minimum investors should expect is those managing their money make sensible decisions and take their senior role seriously. 'Neither Neil Woodford nor Woodford Investment Management did so, putting at risk the money people had entrusted them with.' What happened to WIM? Woodford Investment Management imploded in 2019 after the Woodford Equity Income fund collapsed when investors rushed to the exit in droves amid a sustained period of underperformance. The collapse of WEIF left some 300,000 investors stranded and left to wait five years to be compensated with a fraction of the capital they had entrusted with the fund manager. Neil Woodford had a successful 25-year career when employed by Invesco, where his funds racked up billions of pounds of investment from retail investors and institutions alike on the back of bumper returns. When he struck out on his own in 2014 investors naturally followed into the Woodford Patient Capital Trust, the Woodford Income Focus fund and crucially the WEIF. WEIF's initial good run was followed by two years of poor performance, exacerbated by exposure to smaller sometimes unprofitable companies and unlisted stocks. Eventually larger investors, such as the Kent County Council Pension Scheme, started pulling out large amounts of money. Others followed suit and the fund's large exposure to illiquid assets meant it was unable to sell assets quick enough to meet outflows, leading to administrator Link forcing its suspension. St. James's Place then terminated Woodford's contract to manage three of its funds. The decision to close WEIF entirely in October 2019 left many investors out of pocket and ultimately led to the demise of Woodford Investment Management. WEIF's assets fell from a high of over 10.1billion in May 2017 to just 3.6billion in the run-up to its suspension. The FCA said Woodford had 'disproportionately sold more liquid investments' - those that are easier to sell - and bought less liquid ones between July 2018 and June 2019 This meant that at the time of suspension only 8 per cent of the fund's holdings could be sold within seven days, breaking City rules that require investors to be able to liquidate their investments within four days. The FCA said: 'WIM and Mr Woodford did not react appropriately as the fund's value declined, its liquidity worsened and more investors withdrew their money. 'This disadvantaged investors who remained in the fund, compared to those who had withdrawn their investment before the fund was suspended. It added that Mr Woodford 'held a defective and unreasonably narrow understanding of his responsibilities'. Natixis Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI Free Report) by 1.2% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 94,742 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,096 shares during the quarter. Natixis Advisors LLCs holdings in Service Corporation International were worth $7,598,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of SCI. Assetmark Inc. boosted its holdings in Service Corporation International by 225.9% during the 1st quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 352 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 244 shares during the period. Quarry LP boosted its holdings in Service Corporation International by 359.8% during the 4th quarter. Quarry LP now owns 469 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 367 shares during the period. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. purchased a new stake in Service Corporation International during the 4th quarter valued at about $40,000. GeoWealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Service Corporation International during the 4th quarter valued at about $53,000. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc boosted its holdings in Service Corporation International by 87.2% during the 1st quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 700 shares of the companys stock valued at $60,000 after acquiring an additional 326 shares during the period. 85.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Service Corporation International alerts: Insider Activity at Service Corporation International In other news, Director Tony Coelho sold 5,400 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.94, for a total value of $410,076.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 43,938 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,336,651.72. This represents a 10.94% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, President Sumner J. Waring III sold 56,100 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.57, for a total value of $4,295,577.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president directly owned 295,192 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,602,851.44. This represents a 15.97% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 4.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets SCI has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $90.00 price objective (up previously from $85.00) on shares of Service Corporation International in a report on Monday. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Service Corporation International from $90.00 to $88.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, May 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $90.50. View Our Latest Report on Service Corporation International Service Corporation International Trading Up 0.8% NYSE SCI opened at $78.47 on Tuesday. Service Corporation International has a fifty-two week low of $70.46 and a fifty-two week high of $89.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.19, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 0.61. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $79.05 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $78.50. The stock has a market cap of $11.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 0.90. Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 30th. The company reported $0.88 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.04. Service Corporation International had a return on equity of 32.84% and a net margin of 12.60%. The business had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.05 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.79 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Service Corporation International will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current year. About Service Corporation International (Free Report) Service Corp. International engages in the provision of funeral goods and services. It operates through the Funeral and Cemetery segments. The Funeral segment offers services related to cremations, including the use of home facilities and motor vehicles, arranging and directing services, removal, preparation, embalming, memorialization, and catering. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Service Corporation International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Service Corporation International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Natixis Advisors LLC grew its position in McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC Free Report) by 11.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 95,073 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 9,834 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors LLCs holdings in McCormick & Company, Incorporated were worth $7,825,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of MKC. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 8.4% in the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 151,523 shares of the companys stock worth $11,552,000 after purchasing an additional 11,795 shares in the last quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in McCormick & Company, Incorporated in the 4th quarter worth approximately $7,418,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 2.0% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 602,986 shares of the companys stock worth $45,972,000 after purchasing an additional 11,563 shares in the last quarter. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp boosted its stake in McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp now owns 77,218 shares of the companys stock worth $5,887,000 after purchasing an additional 387 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Certior Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in McCormick & Company, Incorporated in the 4th quarter worth approximately $239,000. 79.74% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get McCormick & Company Incorporated alerts: McCormick & Company, Incorporated Price Performance NYSE:MKC opened at $70.19 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.27. The firm has a market cap of $18.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $73.22 and a 200-day moving average price of $76.00. McCormick & Company, Incorporated has a 1-year low of $69.76 and a 1-year high of $86.24. McCormick & Company, Incorporated Dividend Announcement McCormick & Company, Incorporated ( NYSE:MKC Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, June 26th. The company reported $0.69 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $1.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.67 billion. McCormick & Company, Incorporated had a net margin of 11.50% and a return on equity of 14.43%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.69 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that McCormick & Company, Incorporated will post 3.07 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 21st. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 7th were issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 7th. McCormick & Company, Incorporateds payout ratio is 62.50%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth MKC has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated in a research note on Monday, June 16th. They issued a neutral rating and a $83.00 target price for the company. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $82.00 to $76.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, July 5th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $80.00 to $77.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, June 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $83.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on MKC Insider Buying and Selling at McCormick & Company, Incorporated In other news, insider Katherine Jenkins sold 7,642 shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.38, for a total transaction of $583,695.96. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 23.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. McCormick & Company, Incorporated Profile (Free Report) McCormick & Co, Inc engages in the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to retail outlets, food manufacturers, and foodservice businesses. It operates through the Consumer and Flavor Solutions segments. The Consumer segment sells spices, seasonings, condiments, and sauces. Read More Receive News & Ratings for McCormick & Company Incorporated Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McCormick & Company Incorporated and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Natixis Advisors LLC reduced its position in CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE) by 3.7% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 278,268 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 10,681 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors LLCs holdings in CAE were worth $6,843,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in CAE. Natixis purchased a new stake in shares of CAE in the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. Versant Capital Management Inc purchased a new stake in CAE during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $53,000. First Trust Advisors LP purchased a new stake in CAE during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $213,000. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in CAE during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $225,000. Finally, Clarius Group LLC purchased a new stake in CAE during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $246,000. 67.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get CAE alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CAE has been the subject of several analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised CAE from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 27th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating on shares of CAE in a research note on Monday, July 7th. Cibc World Mkts raised CAE from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 27th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $30.00 price objective on shares of CAE in a research note on Monday, July 21st. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded CAE from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 15th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, CAE presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $33.67. CAE Stock Performance Shares of CAE stock opened at $28.88 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $9.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 1.34. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $27.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of $25.60. CAE Inc has a 12-month low of $15.95 and a 12-month high of $30.13. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. CAE (NYSE:CAE Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 13th. The aerospace company reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $886.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.30 billion. CAE had a return on equity of 8.17% and a net margin of 8.55%. The companys revenue was up 13.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.37 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that CAE Inc will post 0.83 EPS for the current year. CAE Company Profile (Free Report) CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, the Oceania, Africa, and Rest of the Americas. It operates through two segments, Civil Aviation; and Defense and Security. The Civil Aviation segment offers training solutions for flight, cabin, maintenance, and ground personnel in commercial, business, and helicopter aviation; a range of flight simulation training devices; and ab initio pilot training and crew sourcing services, as well as aircraft flight operations solutions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE). Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Anuja Bharat Mistry (Reuters) -Yum Brands missed analysts' estimates for the second quarter on Tuesday, hit by higher ingredient costs and muted demand that weighed on its businesses, including Taco Bell, sending its shares down 4%. Concerns over the impact of steep tariffs and economic growth have dented U.S. consumer spending on eating out, prompting fast-food chains, including Yum Brands, McDonald's and Burger King-owner Restaurant Brands, to launch budget-friendly meal deals to boost foot traffic. Taco Bell, which accounts for 38% of the company's total revenue, rolled out meal boxes ranging from $5 to $9. Still, its same-store sales growth in the U.S. the biggest market slowed to 4% during the quarter from 5% a year earlier. Among other restaurant chains, Chipotle Mexican Grill cut its annual sales forecast and missed quarterly sales estimates on weak demand. McDonald's, set to report results on Wednesday, also warned of tough conditions in May on tariff uncertainty. "With rising concerns over tariffs and a weakening labor market, consumers are thinking twice about where and when they eat out ... chasing value-driven experiences that deliver more bang for their buck," said Zak Stambor, analyst with eMarketer. The Trump administration's unpredictable trade policies have also made it harder for businesses to plan operations, disrupted supply chains and increased costs. Yum expects inflation pressures across several key building products sourced from Mexico and Canada for the rest of the year, incoming CEO Chris Turner said on post-earnings call. Its worldwide same-store sales rose 2% during the quarter ended June 30, while analysts estimated a 2.37% increase, according to data compiled by LSEG. Excluding items, it earned $1.44 per share, missing the estimate of $1.46 per share, owing to higher advertising spending and elevated input costs. Total costs and expenses during the quarter were up 13%. The company, which also owns KFC and Pizza Hut, reported revenue of $1.93 billion, compared with the estimate of $1.94 billion. (Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry and Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TYL Get Free Report) CEO H Lynn Moore, Jr. sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $580.77, for a total transaction of $3,049,042.50. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 81,775 shares of the companys stock, valued at $47,492,466.75. This trade represents a 6.03% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Tyler Technologies Trading Up 3.5% Shares of TYL opened at $602.26 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 86.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.50 and a beta of 0.85. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $574.54 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $578.69. Tyler Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $513.52 and a 12 month high of $661.31. Get Tyler Technologies alerts: Tyler Technologies (NYSE:TYL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 30th. The technology company reported $2.91 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.78 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $584.01 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $587.59 million. Tyler Technologies had a net margin of 13.66% and a return on equity of 10.34%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.40 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Tyler Technologies, Inc. will post 8.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of Tyler Technologies in a report on Tuesday, June 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $600.00 price target for the company. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on shares of Tyler Technologies from $785.00 to $700.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 25th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Tyler Technologies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, May 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Tyler Technologies from $640.00 to $610.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Finally, DA Davidson decreased their price objective on Tyler Technologies from $595.00 to $570.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 25th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $686.91. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Tyler Technologies Institutional Trading of Tyler Technologies Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. HighPoint Advisor Group LLC boosted its position in Tyler Technologies by 10.9% during the first quarter. HighPoint Advisor Group LLC now owns 711 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $380,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC grew its stake in shares of Tyler Technologies by 12.6% in the 1st quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 501 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $291,000 after buying an additional 56 shares during the period. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. grew its stake in shares of Tyler Technologies by 20.7% in the 4th quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 42,500 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $24,507,000 after buying an additional 7,300 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Tyler Technologies by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 5,133 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,984,000 after buying an additional 31 shares during the period. Finally, CX Institutional acquired a new stake in shares of Tyler Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $176,000. Institutional investors own 93.30% of the companys stock. Tyler Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tyler Technologies, Inc provides integrated information management solutions and services for the public sector. It operates in two segments, Enterprise Software and Platform Technologies. The company offers platform and transformative technology solutions, including cybersecurity for government agencies; data and insights solutions; digital solutions that helps workers and policymakers to share, communicate, and leverage data; payments solutions, such as billing, presentment, merchant onboarding, collections, reconciliation, and disbursements; platform technologies, an application development platform that enables government workers to build solutions and applications; and outdoor recreation solutions, including campsite reservations, activity registrations, licensing sales and renewals, and real-time data for conservation and park management. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tyler Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tyler Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD Get Free Report) COO Ted Bogich sold 16,497 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.18, for a total value of $1,372,220.46. Following the sale, the chief operating officer owned 45,116 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,752,748.88. The trade was a 26.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Boyd Gaming Trading Down 0.2% Shares of BYD stock opened at $83.46 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.69 billion, a PE ratio of 12.84, a P/E/G ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 1.24. Boyd Gaming Corporation has a 1-year low of $52.76 and a 1-year high of $87.76. The business has a 50-day moving average of $79.28 and a 200 day moving average of $74.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.82. Get Boyd Gaming alerts: Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 24th. The company reported $1.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.67 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $976.81 million. Boyd Gaming had a return on equity of 40.65% and a net margin of 14.02%. Boyd Gamings quarterly revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.58 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Boyd Gaming Corporation will post 6.52 earnings per share for the current year. Boyd Gaming Dividend Announcement Institutional Investors Weigh In On Boyd Gaming The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Investors of record on Monday, June 16th were issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 16th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. Boyd Gamings dividend payout ratio is currently 11.08%. Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in Boyd Gaming during the 1st quarter valued at about $598,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Boyd Gaming in the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,273,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in Boyd Gaming by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 692,496 shares of the companys stock worth $45,587,000 after buying an additional 7,400 shares during the period. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. purchased a new stake in Boyd Gaming in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,963,000. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Boyd Gaming in the 1st quarter worth approximately $805,000. 76.81% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have weighed in on BYD shares. Morgan Stanley restated a sell rating on shares of Boyd Gaming in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Barclays upped their target price on Boyd Gaming from $73.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, July 18th. Raymond James Financial upped their target price on Boyd Gaming from $81.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, June 30th. Macquarie upped their target price on Boyd Gaming from $74.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 28th. Finally, Mizuho upped their target price on Boyd Gaming from $86.00 to $89.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $86.62. View Our Latest Stock Report on Boyd Gaming About Boyd Gaming (Get Free Report) Boyd Gaming Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-jurisdictional gaming company in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The company operates through Las Vegas Locals, Downtown Las Vegas, Midwest & South, and Online segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Boyd Gaming Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boyd Gaming and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Nova Scotia reduced its stake in Corpay, Inc. (NYSE:CPAY Free Report) by 7.4% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 28,960 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,298 shares during the quarter. Bank of Nova Scotias holdings in Corpay were worth $10,099,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Cerity Partners LLC increased its stake in Corpay by 6.2% in the 1st quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 33,385 shares of the companys stock worth $11,642,000 after buying an additional 1,942 shares in the last quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC purchased a new stake in Corpay in the 1st quarter worth $213,000. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in Corpay by 9.9% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,605 shares of the companys stock worth $560,000 after buying an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC increased its stake in Corpay by 9.2% in the 1st quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 2,913 shares of the companys stock worth $1,016,000 after buying an additional 246 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Park Avenue Securities LLC increased its stake in Corpay by 15.2% in the 1st quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 1,898 shares of the companys stock worth $662,000 after buying an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. 98.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Corpay alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on CPAY shares. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $414.00 price target (down previously from $417.00) on shares of Corpay in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Robert W. Baird set a $440.00 price objective on Corpay in a research report on Tuesday, June 10th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Corpay from $375.00 to $339.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Barclays cut their price objective on Corpay from $440.00 to $400.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Corpay from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $401.07. Corpay Trading Up 2.5% Shares of CPAY opened at $324.33 on Tuesday. Corpay, Inc. has a twelve month low of $265.06 and a twelve month high of $400.81. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $330.75 and its 200-day simple moving average is $339.87. The company has a market cap of $22.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.74, a P/E/G ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69. Corpay (NYSE:CPAY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The company reported $4.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.50 by $0.01. Corpay had a return on equity of 41.61% and a net margin of 25.15%. The business had revenue of $1.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.02 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $4.10 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Corpay, Inc. will post 19.76 EPS for the current year. About Corpay (Free Report) Corpay, Inc operates as a payments company that helps businesses and consumers manage vehicle-related expenses, lodging expenses, and corporate payments in the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers vehicle payment solutions, which include fuel, tolls, parking, fleet maintenance, and long-haul transportation services, as well as prepaid food and transportation vouchers and cards. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CPAY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Corpay, Inc. (NYSE:CPAY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Corpay Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corpay and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ING Groep NV decreased its position in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) by 14.1% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 37,740 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after selling 6,205 shares during the quarter. ING Groep NVs holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $16,523,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in MSI. ORG Wealth Partners LLC boosted its holdings 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 worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the period. Community Bank N.A. bought a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Fourth Dimension Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Fort Vancouver Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Finally, Alpine Bank Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Institutional investors own 84.17% of the companys stock. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Motorola Solutions In other Motorola Solutions news, CAO Katherine A. Maher sold 1,073 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $418.68, for a total value of $449,243.64. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 804 shares in the company, valued at approximately $336,618.72. This represents a 57.17% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.44% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets MSI has been the topic of several analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Motorola Solutions from $570.00 to $515.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Motorola Solutions in a research report on Monday, July 7th. They set a peer perform rating on the stock. Wall Street Zen downgraded Motorola Solutions from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Barclays cut their target price on Motorola Solutions from $527.00 to $511.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Finally, William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $510.67. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MSI Motorola Solutions Price Performance Shares of MSI stock opened at $440.10 on Tuesday. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a twelve month low of $388.90 and a twelve month high of $507.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $73.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.74, a P/E/G ratio of 3.76 and a beta of 0.97. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $419.12 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $427.99. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.42. Motorola Solutions Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th were issued a $1.09 dividend. This represents a $4.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 13th. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 36.39%. Motorola Solutions Company Profile (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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report). 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. Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the six brokerages that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, one has issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $215.40. PKG has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $197.00 to $214.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 25th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Packaging Corporation of America from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $245.00 to $205.00 in a research note on Monday, June 16th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $210.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their target price on shares of Packaging Corporation of America from $239.00 to $238.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 25th. Get Packaging Corporation of America alerts: View Our Latest Report on PKG Packaging Corporation of America Trading Up 0.9% Shares of Packaging Corporation of America stock opened at $193.12 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $196.54 and its 200-day simple moving average is $198.73. The company has a market cap of $17.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.27, a PEG ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a current ratio of 3.28, a quick ratio of 2.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Packaging Corporation of America has a 1 year low of $172.71 and a 1 year high of $250.82. Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 23rd. The industrial products company reported $2.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.44 by $0.04. Packaging Corporation of America had a net margin of 10.47% and a return on equity of 20.36%. The business had revenue of $2.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.18 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.20 earnings per share. Packaging Corporation of Americas quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Packaging Corporation of America will post 10.44 EPS for the current year. Packaging Corporation of America Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 13th were paid a $1.25 dividend. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 13th. Packaging Corporation of Americas payout ratio is currently 49.90%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PKG. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in Packaging Corporation of America by 108.4% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,363,617 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $468,045,000 after buying an additional 1,229,219 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in Packaging Corporation of America by 46.5% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,038,859 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $601,755,000 after buying an additional 964,085 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Packaging Corporation of America by 25,461.0% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 621,387 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $123,047,000 after buying an additional 618,956 shares in the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. lifted its position in Packaging Corporation of America by 106.7% during the 4th quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 848,395 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $190,999,000 after buying an additional 438,012 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Select Equity Group L.P. lifted its position in Packaging Corporation of America by 114.5% during the 1st quarter. Select Equity Group L.P. now owns 689,253 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $136,486,000 after buying an additional 367,933 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.78% of the companys stock. Packaging Corporation of America Company Profile (Get Free Report) Packaging Corporation of America engages in the production of container products. It operates through the following segments: Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other. The Packaging segment offers a variety of corrugated packaging products, such as conventional shipping containers. The Paper segment manufactures and sells a range of papers, including communication-based papers, and pressure sensitive papers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Packaging Corporation of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Packaging Corporation of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. West Michigan Advisors LLC increased its stake in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV Free Report) by 1,966.8% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 55,018 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 52,356 shares during the quarter. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF comprises about 1.8% of West Michigan Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest position. West Michigan Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF were worth $5,539,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Northern Trust Corp acquired a new stake in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $695,000. First Foundation Advisors lifted its position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 39.8% during the 4th quarter. First Foundation Advisors now owns 33,985 shares of the companys stock worth $3,409,000 after purchasing an additional 9,673 shares during the last quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $81,197,000. MGO One Seven LLC raised its position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 78.0% during the first quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 244,799 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,644,000 after buying an additional 107,272 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Trust Co. of Vermont lifted its stake in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 237.5% in the first quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 59,021 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,942,000 after buying an additional 41,531 shares during the period. Get iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF alerts: iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:SGOV opened at $100.41 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $100.55 and its 200-day moving average is $100.53. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $100.15 and a 1-year high of $100.75. About iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SGOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. West Michigan Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report) by 84.8% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,061 shares of the CRM providers stock after selling 11,491 shares during the period. West Michigan Advisors LLCs holdings in Salesforce were worth $553,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Northern Trust Corp grew its stake in Salesforce by 18.3% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 11,224,927 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $3,752,830,000 after acquiring an additional 1,736,667 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in Salesforce by 23.2% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 8,938,536 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $2,988,422,000 after acquiring an additional 1,683,233 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC grew its stake in shares of Salesforce by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 8,658,132 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $2,894,673,000 after buying an additional 602,445 shares during the period. Nuveen Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Salesforce by 1.3% in the 4th quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 8,598,989 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $2,874,900,000 after buying an additional 114,278 shares during the period. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 42.5% in the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 7,791,015 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $2,604,770,000 after acquiring an additional 2,325,156 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.43% of the companys stock. Get Salesforce alerts: Salesforce Stock Performance Shares of CRM opened at $252.21 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $241.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.47, a PEG ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 1.37. Salesforce Inc. has a 12-month low of $230.00 and a 12-month high of $369.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The company has a 50-day moving average of $265.62 and a two-hundred day moving average of $281.14. Salesforce Cuts Dividend Salesforce ( NYSE:CRM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 28th. The CRM provider reported $2.58 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.55 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $9.83 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.74 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 16.08% and a return on equity of 12.94%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.44 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Salesforce Inc. will post 7.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 10th. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 18th were issued a $0.416 dividend. This represents a $1.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 18th. Salesforces payout ratio is presently 25.98%. Insider Transactions at Salesforce In related news, CEO Marc Benioff sold 2,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $251.94, for a total value of $566,865.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 11,911,571 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,001,001,197.74. The trade was a 0.02% 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 the SEC website. Insiders have sold 41,979 shares of company stock valued at $11,330,746 in the last ninety days. 3.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently commented on CRM. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and issued a $430.00 price objective on shares of Salesforce in a report on Friday, July 11th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $350.00 to $335.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 10th. Westpark Capital restated a buy rating and issued a $320.00 price objective on shares of Salesforce in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. Piper Sandler upped their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $315.00 to $335.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $275.00 target price on shares of Salesforce in a report on Monday, July 14th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, twenty-seven have issued a buy rating and four have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Salesforce presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $348.16. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Salesforce Salesforce Company Profile (Free Report) Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer support at scale. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC lessened its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 2.0% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 14,233 shares of the companys stock after selling 286 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF makes up about 3.3% of Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest position. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $7,997,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of IVV. Windsor Advisory Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 100.0% during the 4th quarter. Windsor Advisory Group LLC now owns 50 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares in the last quarter. Lord & Richards Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada acquired a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Navigoe LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, Marquette Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 51.9% in the 1st quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 79 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.12% of the companys stock. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Price Performance Shares of IVV stock opened at $634.17 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $616.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is $589.15. The firm has a market cap of $639.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a one year low of $484.00 and a one year high of $642.94. 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. See Also 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. Ranch Capital Advisors Inc. decreased its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 10.7% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 549 shares of the companys stock after selling 66 shares during the quarter. Ranch Capital Advisors Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $309,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IVV. Windsor Advisory Group LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 100.0% in the 4th quarter. Windsor Advisory Group LLC now owns 50 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 25 shares in the last quarter. Lord & Richards Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $31,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada bought a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Navigoe LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Marquette Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 51.9% in the 1st quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 79 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after acquiring an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. 70.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Price Performance Shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF stock opened at $634.17 on Tuesday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a one year low of $484.00 and a one year high of $642.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $639.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $616.20 and a 200 day simple moving average of $589.15. 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. Read More 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. Maxi Investments CY Ltd acquired a new position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm acquired 87,160 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $2,209,000. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. William B. Walkup & Associates Inc. boosted its position in Pfizer by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. William B. Walkup & Associates Inc. now owns 39,368 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,044,000 after acquiring an additional 454 shares during the period. Members Trust Co boosted its position in Pfizer by 2.1% during the 1st quarter. Members Trust Co now owns 23,175 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $587,000 after acquiring an additional 467 shares during the period. Sutton Place Investors LLC boosted its position in Pfizer by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. Sutton Place Investors LLC now owns 8,833 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $224,000 after acquiring an additional 472 shares during the period. Bellevue Group AG boosted its position in Pfizer by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Bellevue Group AG now owns 141,560 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,756,000 after acquiring an additional 485 shares during the period. Finally, Gould Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Pfizer by 97.2% during the 4th quarter. Gould Capital LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 493 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Stock Performance Shares of NYSE PFE opened at $23.56 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The businesss 50 day moving average is $24.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $24.53. The company has a market cap of $133.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.07, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.52. Pfizer Inc. has a 12 month low of $20.92 and a 12 month high of $30.43. Pfizer Announces Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The firm 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 $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 25th. Pfizers payout ratio is currently 124.64%. PFE has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup raised their price target on Pfizer from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. TD Cowen cut their price target on Pfizer from $32.00 to $28.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. HSBC cut their price target on Pfizer from $27.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, May 19th. Redburn Atlantic cut their price target on Pfizer from $29.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, Bank of America raised their price target on Pfizer from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Pfizer has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $28.28. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Pfizer Pfizer Company Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Truck industry observers have long speculated about the first takeover of a European OEM by an Asian Groupwith IVECO, following the spin-off from CNH Industrial in 2022, very much in the focus of the speculation. The historic moment arrived with the announcement of Tata Motors 3.8 billion ($4.4 billion) all cash voluntary tender offer to acquire IVECOs Commercial Vehicle business (excluding its defence division), on July 30, 2025. The transaction is contingent on the sale of IVECOs defence arm, Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV), which is being divested separately to Leonardo SpA for 1.7 billion ($2.0 billion). Completion is expected by early 2026. The planned arrangement aims to preserve IVECOs autonomy: its headquarters remain in Turin, its workforce and industrial footprint are protected by binding non-financial covenants (no layoffs, and no plant closures for at least two years), and the existing board structure will be largely retained with independent oversight. Once complete, the deal will create a global Commercial Vehicle powerhouse, with combined annual revenues of around 22 billion ($26 billion) and a global production footprint spanning Europe, Asia, and Latin America. According to GlobalDatas analysis, the merger will create a new grouping on a par with TRATON and Volvo Group in terms of global Truck market share and annual production capacity. Indeed, a combination of US market decline and stable demand in India has resulted in a regional rebalancing that would have driven up Tata/IVECOs combined share of the global market (excluding China) to near the top of the ranking during the first half of 2025second only to global market leader, Daimler. Source: GlobalData From a product and geographical viewpoint, Tatas dominance in India and Southeast Asia is highly complementary to IVECOs presence in Europe and Latin America, with no significant overlap in product lines or manufacturing geography. As IVECO and Tata compete in different markets, there is little danger in this scenario of a combined market share erosion. The geographical spread distinguishes it from previous European Heavy-Duty (HD) mergers (MAN/Scania, Volvo/Renault). Tata also gains access to IVECOs FPT Industrial powertrain technologies, including electric, hydrogen, and natural-gas platforms, providing it with scope to expand its net zero ambitions. From a strategic point of view, the acquisition is transformative in elevating Tata from a predominantly regional player to a genuine global OEM, with immediate access to European and Latin American markets and distribution networks. In the longer term, combining R&D, procurement and production across regions will also potentially enable better cost leverage and smoother responses to cyclical demand swings across global Commercial Vehicle markets. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -Elon Musk and Tesla were sued by shareholders who accused them of securities fraud for concealing the significant risk that the company's self-driving vehicles, including the Robotaxi, were dangerous. The proposed class action was filed on Monday night, following Tesla's first public test of its robotaxis in late June in the company's Austin, Texas, hometown. That test showed the vehicles speeding, braking suddenly, driving over a curb, entering the wrong lane, and dropping off passengers in the middle of multilane roads. Tesla's share price fell 6.1% over two trading days after the test began, wiping out about $68 billion of market value. Musk and his electric vehicle maker were accused of repeatedly overstating the effectiveness of and prospects for their autonomous driving technology, inflating Tesla's financial prospects and stock price. Shareholders said this included Musk's assurance on an April 22 conference call that Tesla was "laser-focused on bringing robotaxi to Austin in June," and Tesla's claim the same day that its approach to autonomous driving would deliver "scalable and safe deployment across diverse geographies and use cases." Tesla did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment. Chief Financial Officer Viabhav Taneja and his predecessor Zachary Kirkhorn are also defendants. Expanding robotaxis is crucial for Tesla as the company faces falling demand for its aging electric vehicles and a backlash over Musk's politics. Musk, the world's richest person, wants to offer the service to half the U.S. population by year end, but must convince regulators and assure the public his technology is safe. Monday's lawsuit in Austin federal court is led by Tesla shareholder Denise Morand, and seeks damages for shareholders between April 19, 2023 and June 22, 2025. A Florida jury on August 1 found Tesla 33% responsible for a 2019 crash involving its self-driving software, which killed a 22-year-old woman and injured her boyfriend, and ordered it to pay about $243 million in damages to victims. Tesla blamed the driver and plans to appeal. The case is Morand v Tesla Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, No. 25-01213. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, editing by Giles Elgood) Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor has announced his intention to context the upcoming Presidential Election. The Dublin man first hinted at running in March of this year but officially declared the news across social media on Bank Monday. In an Instagram post, the controversial figure stated his intent to run and simultaneously launched a petition to ensure he can make the ballot. McGregor said: "To the esteemed citizens of Ireland and the Irish diaspora, I, Conor McGregor, hereby declare my intention to seek the esteemed office of President of Ireland. The current constitutional framework however presents a significant barrier to democratic participation." Article 12 of the Constitution states that every candidate for election to the office of President "must be nominated either by (i) not less than twenty persons, each of whom is at the time a member of one of the Houses of the Oireachtas, or (ii) by the Councils of not less than four administrative Counties (including County Boroughs) as defined by law. Former or retiring Presidents may become candidates on their own nomination. The constitution also states that it is not permitted for Oireachtas members or local authorities to nominate more than one candidate to contest the same election. In his social media post, Conor McGregor added: "This system, while intended to ensure a degree of political influence among candidates, inadvertently restricts the direct voice of the Irish electorate." READ MORE: Mel Gibson to celebrate 30th anniversary of Braveheart with Irish fans in Meath Alongside the announcement, the-father-of-four launched a Change.org petition advocating for a modification of the nomination process to allow his name be included on the ballot. The public figure said that citizens of Ireland, both at home and abroad, should have the "unhindered" right to determine the candidates who appear on the presidential ballot. "Therefore, I implore you to join me in this endeavour by signing this petition. Your support will be instrumental in championing a more inclusive and democratic electoral process, thereby empowering the people of Ireland to shape their own future," he concluded. As off midday this Tuesday, the petition had more than 7,500 signatures. McGregor encouraged the public to follow the movement and "give the person you wish to see in the race their chance," whether that is him or not as "the grip of power the government elite have over Ireland must be changed." The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CPCC) is warning student renters about the signs of scams, as thousands of young people across Ireland are frantically searching for accommodation ahead of Septembers college term. Common signs of rental scams include rental properties being advertised at a much lower price than the going market rate. Another common trademark of a rent hoax is that the scammer will often offer the rental without any questions asked, or without showing the tenant the rental property. Deputy Director of Financial Education at the CCPC, Muriel Dolan, said: If the landlord claims to be out of town or living abroad and cannot show the property in person, this is a major red flag, and you should be very careful. They may request money to secure the room before any mention of a lease, such as a deposit and/or one months rent up front. You may even be sent a false contract to sign or fake keys to make it more convincing. READ NEXT: Ryanair passengers set for major change as new check in rules revealed MS Dolan further cautioned: Always complete all relevant checks before payment and never ever pay cash or by Revolut. Instead, pay in a way that is traceable and refundable, and always test the locks to make sure the keys are genuine. The CPCC said that those duped by scams should immediately contact their bank or credit card company to secure the account. In some cases, bank providers may reverse a fraudulent transaction charge should they be informed on time. The organisation further advises that renters should check that the accommodation is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) - unless the rental is owner-occupied, in which case the abode does not need to be registered. Commenting ahead of the new academic year, Limerick-based garda sergeant Michelle OHalloran said: "This time of year always sees a spike in rental scams, especially with a new wave of third-level students looking for somewhere to live. Weve seen cases where the scammer is actually living at the property and invites multiple people to view it then takes deposits from all of them and disappears with the money." The Crime Prevention Officer continued: theres the scam that looks totally normal right up until the renter tries to move in and realises the keys dont work, the landlord is unreachable, and the property isnt available at all." Last year, An Garda Siochana reported that about one third of all accommodation fraud reports occur during August and September. The progressive firebrand recently garnered a lot of local love from local Democratic Party denizens and leaders . . . Sure, he was mostly talking about Texas redistricting trouble but that same situation might be taking hold here in Missouri. Here's a quick overview of his cowtown comments that sparked EPIC applause and support in amongst local progressives . . . And his reporting on his nationwide speaking jaunt . . . Check-it: Former Texas Congressman and Democratic presidential hopeful Beto ORourke visited Kansas City Monday, urging those present at a packed town hall to fight back against President Donald Trumps policies in the run-up to the 2026 midterm elections . . . Now in Texas, (Trump) seeks to grab even more power, commanding the governor and the Republican legislature to redraw those boundaries and hand him these seats, ORourke said. Why is he doing this? Because he knows full well that his policies and his conduct over these last six months will lose him the House of Representatives without these five seats. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . In KC visit, Beto O'Rourke hails Texas lawmakers, decries Trump's policies The former Texas Congressman and Democratic presidential hopeful spoke to a packed town hall meeting in Kansas City Monday evening. Beto encourages Democrats to fight 'fire with fire' in Texas redistricting battle Texas Democratic state lawmakers left the state to block redistricting vote as Beto O'Rourke encouraged party to fight fire with fire against GOP gerrymandering. Beto O'Rourke Says Third Trump Term Is Coming If Texas Democrats Don't Fight Back The former congressman spoke to MSNBC about what Democrats need to do to stop GOP lawmakers from redistricting Texas's Congressional map. Developing . . . Another sign that the GOP is getting closer to changing maps to help Prez Trump maintain an advantage in the House for Midterms. Check the statement . . . The Missouri Freedom Caucus issued a statement on July 25 urging Governor Mike Kehoe to call a special session with the intent to redraw Missouris Congressional map in a way that is consistent with Trumps recommendations. This past week, the governor rallied behind the presidents idea. Is Missouri represented properly in Washington, D.C., and, quite frankly, what can we do to support President Trumps agenda? And Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, whos done a very good job, Kehoe told FOX 2 News during a trip to St. Louis County. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Kehoe supports Trump's Missouri congressional redistricting plan It is said that where there's smoke, there's fire. Over the past week, that metaphorical smoke has been in greater abundance at the state capital, where Missouri Republicans grow ever eager to redraw the congressional map to their party's advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives. Missouri's Map War May Return Missouri Republicans are once again exploring efforts to redraw the state's congressional map, a move that, if successful, could shift the balance of power in the state's U.S. House delegation. Developing . . . Trump Media & Technology Group lost $20 million in the second quarter. The parent company of Trumps Truth Social saw share prices rise, however, in large part because of its broad Bitcoin holdings. Trumps holding in the company is currently worth $2 billion. Typically, if a publicly traded company announced sales of less than $1 million and a quarterly loss of $20 million, that might spook investors. At Trump Media & Technology Group, its giving the stock a slight boost. The parent company of Trumps Truth Social, in its quarterly earnings, reported $883,300 in net sales for the second quarter. Thats 5.5% higher than a year ago. The $19.7 million net loss compared to a $16.4 million loss in the second quarter of 2024. Despite that, the stock was up 1.5% in mid-morning trading on Monday. What gives? Despite the lackluster sales and notable loss, Trump Media is still a cash-rich company thanks to its significant Bitcoin holdings. The 10-Q filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission lists financial assets of roughly $3.1 billion, an 800% year-over-year increase. Of that amount, $2.4 billion is in Bitcoin, which it bought in July. Among other benefits, the Bitcoin treasury strategy allows Trump Media to give its investors indirect exposure to cryptocurrencies, creates investment income, helps position the Company for expansion, and solidifies the Companys financial freedom, including enhancing security against debanking and other acts of political discrimination, TMTG said. Trump owns 114.75 million of the companys outstanding shares through a revocable trust. That works out to 52% of the companys total outstanding shares, according to the companys 2025 proxy statement. As of Monday morning, that holding was worth $2 billion. Thats considerably less than the $4 billion it was worth on Jan. 1. Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group are down 50% year to date. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Forgive the silly lead photo . . . It's part of our www.TonysKansasCity.com shtick to encourage the plebs to pay more attention to the local news . . . Also, we love dumb movies and Arnold's Total Recall still holds up surprisingly well more than 35 years later. Accordingly . . . For early morning readers we think it's important to take a quick pause and give consideration to the worlds of the Jackson County Exec who now confronts a historic recall effort and another battle at the polls which he claims relates to the unresolved stadium issue. Here's what he has to say . . . Jackson County Executive issues statement regarding Courts ruling on recall election KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement regarding the Courts ruling on the recall election: I want to thank the Court for its time, attention and thoughtful consideration of this complex and unprecedented matter. The legal issues at stake involve serious conflicts between state laws and constitutional responsibilities, and I appreciate the Courts effort to address them carefully and fairly. Im especially grateful that the Court agreed with my office and both bipartisan Boards of Election that the proposed August recall election was unlawful. It would have violated state and federal election laws and disenfranchised military and overseas voters, something no democracy should tolerate. But as a result of this ruling, Jackson County is now being forced into two unscheduled elections just weeks apart: a recall in late September and a proposed change to the selection process of the Assessor in November that wont take effect for years. Neither was planned, budgeted or funded. Not one dollar has been appropriated to pay for either of them. Let me be clear: I will always follow the law and comply with final court orders once all legal rights have been exercised, all arguments have been heard, and all decisions are final. Many legal issues remain unresolved, and significant rulings and appeals still lie ahead. But if this effort is ultimately allowed to proceed, it will be a $5 million mistake one I believe Jackson County voters will not forget. I will not stop fighting this reckless misuse of public funds and power. This recall effort isnt about performance or good government. Its about one thing stadium subsidies. A small group is now planning yet another unnecessary, unfunded election next April to revive a stadium deal that voters already rejected. And they want me out because I refuse to go along to get along. I believe the people of Jackson County deserve something real in return for a billion-dollar investment jobs, community benefits, transparency and respect. Meanwhile, as everyday costs continue to rise for groceries, gas and housing, our local government is being consumed by political retribution and headlines instead of delivering real results for the people we serve. This is a distraction from the work we should be doing. But I wont be deterred. I was elected to serve the people of Jackson County, and I will continue to stand up for them, no matter how hard others try to silence that work. ### Developing . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. At the request of Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and with the consent of Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, Vice-President of the IPU from Azerbaijan, Member of the Milli Majlis Sevil Mikayilova presented a report on behalf of the IPU at the Parliamentary Forum within the framework of the 3rd United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Awaza (Turkmenistan) on August 4, Trend reports. Presenting the report, S. Mikayilova noted that the IPU is ready to support parliaments wishing to strengthen their role in promoting sustainable development in landlocked countries. ''As Vice President of the IPU Executive Committee, I am delighted to be here with you today and to welcome you on behalf of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and its leadership, President Tulia Ackson and Secretary-General Martin Chungong, '' she noted. The IPU Vice-President said that the forum was devoted to an important topic: Charting the Course, Advancing the Awaza Program of Action for LLDCs. ''This theme goes beyond policy direction. It is a rallying cry. It acknowledges both the urgent challenges and the untapped potential facing the 32 landlocked developing countries, home to more than 550 million people. As legislators, our responsibility is to transform international commitments into tangible national progress,'' the MP said. S.Mikayilova emphasized that Sustainable Development Goals and the Awaza Program of Action are not separate tracks. They are intrinsically linked. ''Both urge us to strengthen our institutions, promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and above all, to face the climate crisis with unity and resolve. For over two decades, the IPU has partnered with UN-OHRLLS and co-hosted parallel parliamentary forums to major conferences. We have also actively contributed to policy dialogues to help foster sustainable development, innovation, and meaningful partnerships that can drive real progress in these countries,'' Mikayilova said. The Vice President of the IPU recalled that many LLDCs remain among the world's poorest, with 16 also classified as least developed countries. ''Their landlocked status imposes high trade costs, impedes diversification, and limits access to global markets. At the same time, these countries are on the front lines of the climate crisis, facing increasing exposure to disasters and setbacks in human development. The Awaza Program of Action responds to these urgent realities. It provides concrete guidance on enhancing transit connectivity, investing in renewable energy, fostering regional cooperation, and driving structural transformation. These priorities align directly with several key SDGs, particularly Goals 7, 9, 13, and 17. As parliamentarians, we must support these priorities with strong legislation, sound public investment, and sustained oversight. This is not only a matter of development, it is a question of equity and resilience in a changing world,'' Mikayilova noted. The MP emphasized that parliaments are uniquely placed to bring the Awaza Program of Action to life. ''This bold agenda offers practical solutions in areas like trade facilitation, infrastructure, technology, and climate adaptation. It also creates an opportunity to better align domestic action with regional strategies and global frameworks, ensuring a coherent path to sustainable and inclusive development. But what does it mean in practice? These are several key actions we can take. First, support the integration of the Awaza Program of Action into national legislative frameworks and planning processes. The Awaza Program of Action offers a valuable lens through which LLDCs can accelerate sustainable and inclusive development, helping to ensure coherence between national priorities and international commitments in a way that is specific to the region. Raise awareness among fellow legislators and key committees. The Awaza Program of Action is a pathway to economic diversification and value creation, enabling LLDCs to move up the global value chain and reduce dependency on raw commodities. And last, mobilize resources and partnerships to help LLDCs build the infrastructure they need, not only to trade but to thrive. Investment in connectivity, green energy, and innovation is essential to building resilience and unlocking long-term prosperity,'' Mikayilova noted. The IPU Vice-President remarked that IPU stands ready to support parliaments wishing to deepen their engagement and strengthen their role in advancing sustainable development and climate action in LLDCs. The LLDC3 Parliamentary Forum engaged with all relevant stakeholders, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The Parliamentary Forum focused on the role of Parliaments in the implementation of the Awaza Program of Action (APoA). After reflecting on the main challenges as well as the opportunities faced by the LLDCs today, four critical issues were discussed: unresolved changes and lessons learned from the Vienna Program of Action, the multilateral trading system, good governance and accountability, and partnerships. This event catered to the members of parliament attending the LLDC3 as part of their national delegations. The forum consisted of a high-level opening segment followed by interactive panel discussions featuring members of parliament, United Nations officials, academics, and representatives from other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. A telephone conversation took place between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Trend reports. According to a statement by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the sides discussed progress in the peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon. The sides also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and efforts to reach a ceasefire, ending the Russia-Ukraine war. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. "Azerbaijan National Days" are being organized as part of the 3rd UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in Turkmenistan's Avaza National Tourism Zone on August 5-8, 2025, Trend reports. The events showcase Azerbaijan's opulent cultural tapestry, historical lineage, and artistic legacies to a global constituency. The Azerbaijani exhibition space will be accessible to attendees at the conference site. A curated assemblage of literature, informational pamphlets, memorabilia, traditional textiles, kelaghayis, and exemplars of applied artistry reflecting the historical and cultural patrimony of our nation will be showcased in that venue. The attendees will have the opportunity to engage with artisanal creations that encapsulate the rich heritage of Azerbaijan's time-honored craftsmanship. The open-air art exhibition "Pearls of the National Heritage of Azerbaijan" will showcase carpets, intarsia, netting, jewelry, tekelduz (an ancient type of needlework), and kelaghayi (traditional Azerbaijani women's headgear) samples from the collection of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. Master classes on carpet weaving, netting, jewelry, and making kelaghayi will also be held. The culinary section of the exhibition zone will present traditional dishes and sweets of Azerbaijan's national cuisine and demonstrate the hospitality and culinary traditions of the country. On August 5, a gala concert will be held as part of the opening ceremony of the conference. On August 6, a grand concert program will be held on the occasion of the "Azerbaijan National Day," and on August 8, a final gala concert with the participation of Azerbaijani art masters will take place. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The volume of cargo transportation via the Middle Corridor has increased by 90 percent since 2022, and transit time along the route has been significantly reduced, the Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at a plenary session of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Turkmenistan's Awaza, Trend reports. According to him, container trains from a number of Chinese cities reach the Azerbaijani capital Baku in just 10-12 days, which underscores the growing importance of the Middle Corridor as a strategically important international trade route. "The integration of the transport infrastructure of Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries forms the basis for broader Eurasian connectivity. In this context, he emphasized the importance of cooperation within the framework of the UN Special Program for SPECA countries. The Prime Minister recalled that in November 2023, Baku hosted the SPECA summit, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the program. The key outcomes of the event were the Baku Declaration and the Roadmap for the Digitalization of the Middle Corridor, aimed at expanding regional cooperation and integration into the global economy. Speaking about the prospects for digital integration, Asadov emphasized that Azerbaijan is implementing a digital transformation initiative, including through the large-scale Digital Silk Road project, which provides for the construction of a trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan positively evaluates the statement of the spokesperson of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada on the creation of favorable conditions for prisoners who are Iranian citizens, a source in the embassy told Trend. The source pointed out that the issues on the table regarding the relations between the two countries, including potential hiccups concerning citizens, can be ironed out in a fitting way. "In this context, we positively evaluate the proposals of the spokesperson of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on cooperation in creating favorable conditions for prisoners, ensuring their medical and healthcare needs, establishing video communication with their families, and allowing prisoners to serve the remainder of their sentences in their own countries, and we declare our readiness for cooperation in this area," the source added. To note, several Iranian media outlets have sounded the alarm bells about the plight of Iranian prisoners being held in Azerbaijan. Commenting on the issue, Hajizada said that the rights, legitimate interests, and personal safety of citizens of Iran held in penitentiary facilities under the authority of the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan are fully protected, and these individuals are provided with the necessary material and living conditions. In line with the requirements of the national legislation, convicted and detained persons are granted the right to make phone calls, receive parcels, and have visits and telephone communication with their family members. In certain penitentiary facilities, video meetings between Iranian citizens and their families have also been arranged. "Foreign nationals held in custody, including citizens of Iran, regularly undergo medical examinations at medical-sanitary units. Furthermore, medications brought by the staff of the Embassy of Iran in Azerbaijan for their citizens have been duly received by the medical personnel in accordance with the requirements of regulatory acts and delivered to the respective inmates. In 2025 alone, arrangements were made for consular meetings between representatives of the Embassy of Iran and 37 Iranian nationals serving sentences in the penitentiary facilities of Azerbaijan. The most recent consular meeting took place on July 31 with two Iranian citizens. It is well known to the Iranian side that Azerbaijan has demonstrated a humanitarian approach with regard to several Iranian citizens. In accordance with the Presidential Decree of Azerbaijan promulgated on 26 May 2025, which pertains to the clemency of a select cohort of incarcerated individuals, a total of five Iranian nationals have been granted amnesty," the Azerbaijani official pointed out. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. I thank Azerbaijan for its solidarity with the people of Kashmir, Pakistani Ambassador Qasim Mohiuddin said during an event dedicated to the Day of Exploitation (Youm-e-Istehsal), in solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Trend reports. "We, as a nation, are very close to Azerbaijan and are sincerely glad that Azerbaijan managed to regain its territories. Azerbaijani lands were under brutal Armenian occupation for three decades, and we, as a people close to Azerbaijan, are proud that it managed to independently regain control over its rightful territories," the ambassador added. At the event, he delivered a recitation of an address articulated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif. "We once again strongly condemn and reject India's illegal actions in gross violation of the norms and principles of international law and its unilateral steps taken since August 5, 2019, to change the demographic composition and political structure of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in defiance of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions," the prime minister's address reads. According to Sharif, adhering to the volition and ambitions of the Kashmiri populace, in alignment with the stipulations set forth by the UN Security Council resolutions, constitutes the singular pathway to engendering enduring tranquility in the South Asian geopolitical landscape. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The Action Plan for the distribution electricity network of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has been approved, Trend reports. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree. According to the decree, the "Action Plan for the Reconstruction and Restoration of the Distribution Electricity Network of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic for 2026-2030" has been approved. "Azerishig" Open Joint Stock Company must ensure the implementation of the measures provided for in the Action Plan and inform the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan once a year about the progress of the implementation. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan must: Take necessary measures to provide for the required financial resources in the state budget projects in the following years to finance the measures provided for in the Action Plan; Resolve other issues arising from this decree. "The modernization of the electric power system, including the distribution grid, and its improvement based on the application of innovative technologies, are of particular importance for the sustainable socio-economic development of our country. The successive reforms implemented in our country in this area in recent years have laid the foundation for a qualitative change in the philosophy of energy system management and development, and have served to provide consumers with more reliable, sustainable, safe, and efficient electricity. The work carried out to ensure the sustainability of economic development in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which is an integral part of the Republic of Azerbaijan, makes improving the quality of utility infrastructure, including the distribution grid, and providing the population with uninterrupted and safe energy, one of the main priorities," the decree reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. On August 5, a trilateral meeting was held in Avaza between the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers. Meanwhile, it is reported that A. Asadov conveyed greetings from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan and the Head of State of Uzbekistan. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed their gratitude for the greetings from President Ilham Aliyev and asked him to convey their own greetings to the Head of the Azerbaijani state. Furthermore, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that Azerbaijan occupies a special place in the family of Central Asian countries, in the Consultative Council of Heads of State, that the President of Azerbaijan has done a great deal of work in this direction, and noted that Azerbaijan, along with the countries of the region, is of great importance for Eurasia and the whole world. G. Berdimuhamedov pointed out that the format for cooperation between Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan already exists, that this partnership is a necessity, and that it should become a regular practice. The Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan noted that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev considers cooperation in the Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan format to be important and assessed this meeting as laying the foundation for such a new format. At the first trilateral meeting, the importance of developing humanitarian and cultural ties and issues of economic cooperation were discussed. Mutual interest was expressed in further expanding strategic cooperation in the transport, logistics, and energy sectors, as the most relevant areas in the economic sphere. In the course of his visit to Azerbaijan, the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, announced that an agreement had been reached with President Ilham Aliyev on the construction of a mosque in the Fuzuli district, as well as on the establishment of brotherly ties between the cities of Fuzuli and Arkhadag. By Karen Freifeld (Reuters) -Two Chinese nationals in California were arrested and charged with illegally shipping tens of millions of dollars' worth of AI chips to China, including Nvidia H100s, the U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday. Chuan Geng, 28, of Pasadena, and Shiwei Yang, 28, of El Monte, exported the advanced Nvidia chips and other technology to China from October 2022 through July 2025 without the required licenses from the U.S. Commerce Department, the Justice Department said, citing an affidavit filed with the complaint. According to the affidavit, Geng and Yang's El Monte-based company, ALX Solutions, was founded in 2022, shortly after the U.S. imposed sweeping export controls on technology to China to slow Beijing's military modernization and began to require licenses for the chips. China opposed the U.S. move as harming normal trade. Over 20 shipments from ALX went to shipping and freight forwarding companies in Singapore and Malaysia, which are often used as transshipment points for illegal goods to China, a federal agent, who works for the Commerce Department, said in the affidavit. ALX received a $1 million payment from a China-based company in January 2024 and other payments from companies in Hong Kong and China, not from the freight forwarding companies, the agent said. Nvidia H100s are advanced chips that can be used to train large language models and many other applications. Records show that from at least August 2023 to July 2024, ALX Solutions bought over 200 Nvidia H100 chips from San Jose, California-based server maker Super Micro Computer, declaring that the customers were in Singapore and Japan, the agent said. On one 2023 invoice valued at $28,453,855, ALX said the customer was in Singapore, but a U.S. export control officer in Singapore could not verify the chips arrived in the country and the company did not exist at the listed location, the document says. "This case demonstrates that smuggling is a nonstarter," a Nvidia spokesperson said in a statement. "We primarily sell our products to well-known partners...who help us ensure that all sales comply with U.S. export control rules." Diverted products have "no service, support or updates," the statement added. Super Micro said in a statement it was "firmly committed to compliance with all U.S. export control regulations." It said it did not comment on ongoing legal matters, but cooperated with authorities in any such proceedings. Geng and Yang appeared in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday, the Justice Department said. Geng, a permanent resident, was released on $250,000 bond. Yang, who overstayed her visa, has a detention hearing on August 12. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov attended the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in the Awaza National Tourism Zone in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, today, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. The delegation led by Asadov participated in the plenary session of the conference. Speaking at the meeting, the prime minister welcomed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and other heads of state and government attending the event on behalf of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Touching on Azerbaijani-Turkmen relations, Asadov said that these relations are based on shared heritage, history and mutual respect. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of the recent visit to Azerbaijan by the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, highlighting that the visit created new opportunities for further strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership. Asadov said that notwithstanding its status as a landlocked country, Azerbaijan's transportation policy and new modern infrastructure have transformed geographical limitations into opportunities. The official mentioned that Azerbaijan makes a significant contribution to East-West and North-South transport corridors. "The largest merchant fleet in the Caspian Sea, consisting of more than 50 ships; a shipyard currently producing 10 ships, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, whose capacity will reach 25 million tons per year in the coming years; the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway; nine international airports; the largest air cargo company in the region; and many other factors have turned Azerbaijan into one of the international transport hubs," Asadov noted. The prime minister said that container trains from a number of Chinese cities reach the Azerbaijani capital Baku in just 10-12 days, which underscores the importance of the Middle Corridor as an important international trade route. Asadov emphasized the importance of cooperation within the framework of the UN Special Program for SPECA countries. Speaking about the big prospects for cooperation in digital connectivity, Asadov emphasized that Azerbaijan is implementing a digital transformation initiative, including through the large-scale Digital Silk Road project. He appreciated joint efforts to strengthen climate resilience. Informing the conference participants about Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 last year, the prime minister said that despite less than a year of preparatory work, a successful outcome was achieved and historic decisions on climate action were made. He also drew attention to the environmental challenges facing the Caspian region, in particular the continuing decline in the level of the Caspian Sea. Asadov emphasized the importance of joint efforts by the Caspian states to address common environmental problems. He pointed out that at the sixth summit of the Caspian states, held in Ashgabat in 2022, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev highlighted the problem of the Caspian Sea's shallowing. The prime minister also said that following the initiative of the head of state, steps are being taken to create expert groups to study the causes of this process and develop measures to mitigate it. In conclusion, Asadov stressed the need to take advantage of all opportunities to strengthen landlocked developing countries, integrate their regions, and develop partnerships for a more prosperous world, and expressed Azerbaijan's readiness to contribute to this work with its experience, resources, and goodwill. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. A trilateral meeting was held in Avaza, Turkmenistan, between the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council) of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. Asadov conveyed greetings from the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to both the chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the president of Uzbekistan. Berdimuhamedov and Mirziyoyev expressed their gratitude for the greetings and also asked to convey their own greetings to President Ilham Aliyev. Besides, they emphasized that Azerbaijan holds a special place among the Central Asian countries and within the Consultative Council of Heads of State and praised the significant efforts made by President Ilham Aliyev in this direction. They noted that Azerbaijan, together with the countries of the region, plays an important role for Eurasia and the wider world. The Halk Maslahaty chairman stated that the Central AsiaAzerbaijan format already effectively exists, that such cooperation has become a necessity of the times, and that this format should be institutionalized as a regular practice. He highlighted that President Ilham Aliyev attaches great importance to cooperation in the Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan format and described this meeting as a foundational step toward formalizing such a framework. At the first meeting of this trilateral format, participants discussed the importance of strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties and economic cooperation. They expressed mutual interest in deepening strategic collaboration in key sectors such as transport, logistics, and energy. Berdimuhamedov also pointed out that during his visit to Azerbaijan, an agreement was reached with President Ilham Aliyev on the construction of a mosque in the Fuzuli district and the twinning of Fuzuli and Arkadag cities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov attended the Third UN conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in the Awaza national tourism zone in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, today, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. The delegation led by Asadov participated in the plenary session of the conference. Speaking at the meeting, the prime minister welcomed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and other heads of state and government attending the event on behalf of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Touching on Azerbaijani-Turkmen relations, Asadov said that these relations are based on shared heritage, history and mutual respect. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of the recent visit to Azerbaijan by the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, highlighting that the visit created new opportunities for further strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership. Asadov said that notwithstanding its status as a landlocked country, Azerbaijan's transportation policy and new modern infrastructure have transformed geographical limitations into opportunities. The official mentioned that Azerbaijan makes a significant contribution to East-West and North-South transport corridors. "The largest merchant fleet in the Caspian Sea, consisting of more than 50 ships, a shipyard currently producing 10 ships, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, whose capacity will reach 25 million tons per year in the coming years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, nine international airports, the largest air cargo company in the region, and many other factors have turned Azerbaijan into one of the international transport hubs," Asadov noted. The prime minister said that container trains from a number of Chinese cities reach the Azerbaijani capital Baku in just 10-12 days, which underscores the importance of the Middle Corridor as an important international trade route. Asadov emphasized the importance of cooperation within the framework of the UN Special Program for SPECA countries. Speaking about the big prospects for cooperation in digital connectivity, Asadov emphasized that Azerbaijan is implementing a digital transformation initiative, including through the large-scale Digital Silk Road project. He appreciated joint efforts to strengthen climate resilience. Informing the conference participants about Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 last year, the prime minister said that despite less than a year of preparatory work, a successful outcome was achieved and historic decisions on climate action were made. He also drew attention to the environmental challenges facing the Caspian region, in particular the continuing decline in the level of the Caspian Sea. Asadov emphasized the importance of joint efforts by the Caspian states to address common environmental problems. He pointed out that at the sixth summit of the Caspian states, held in Ashgabat in 2022, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev highlighted the problem of the Caspian Sea's shallowing. The prime minister also said that following the initiative of the head of state, steps are being taken to create expert groups to study the causes of this process and develop measures to mitigate it. In conclusion, Asadov stressed the need to take advantage of all opportunities to strengthen landlocked developing countries, integrate their regions, and develop partnerships for a more prosperous world, and expressed Azerbaijan's readiness to contribute to this work with its experience, resources, and goodwill. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on August 5 in the city of Turkmenbashi as part of his working visit, Trend reports, citing the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Asadov conveyed warm greetings from President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the President of Turkmenistan. President Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked that his best regards be conveyed to President Ilham Aliyev in return. During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of friendly and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. They also discussed the prospects for further expanding bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The first panel dedicated to the topic of "Constitution and Sovereignty" has been held at the 6th Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth in Azerbaijan's Khankendi, the State Committee on Work with Diaspora told Trend. The guests of the panel, moderated by Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Garabagh University Elmar Mustafayev, included Chairman of the Committee on Legal Policy and State Building of the Azerbaijani Parliament, MP Ali Huseynli, Judge of the Constitutional Court Rashid Rzayev, and Judge of the European Court of Human Rights Latif Huseynov. In accordance with the decree of the President of Azerbaijan, 2025 was declared the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" in our country, and the 6th camp was dedicated to this significant event. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Azerbaijan and the 5th anniversary of the Azerbaijani people's glorious victory in the Second Karabakh War. Huseynli emphasized that the Constitution of Azerbaijan is the supreme document that determines the legal and political foundations of the country and noted that the concept of sovereignty plays a key role in protecting our independence. He called on the youth of the diaspora to increase their legal knowledge and defend the national interests of Azerbaijan at the international level. Rzayev articulated that the constitutional framework of Azerbaijan serves as a pivotal guarantor of fundamental human rights. He emphasized the criticality of the foundational principles underpinning the rule of law and the allegiance to constitutional frameworks, advocating for expatriate Azerbaijanis to cultivate a robust legal acumen among the youth. He further described the nuances of Azerbaijan's assimilation into the global legal framework and delineated its milestones in the domain of human rights jurisprudence. In addition, Rzayev underscored that the diaspora's youth can serve as pivotal agents in articulating the authentic narratives of Azerbaijan and disseminating the principles of statehood to the global audience. The panel continued with interactive discussions. The youth of the diaspora addressed their questions to the panel participants and had a broad exchange of views on the legal system, civic responsibility, statehood values, and the protection of national sovereignty. The VI Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth, dedicated to the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty, jointly organized by the State Committee for Work with Diaspora and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, will run till August 9. The event was attended by 128 Azerbaijanis from 61 countries of the world and youth of nations friendly to Azerbaijan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. A panel titled "Khankendi," hosted as part of the 6th Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth, held in Khankendi and jointly organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, has aroused great interest, Trend reports. The panel moderated by Vasila Vahidgizi, head of a department at the committee, was attended by Flora Gasmova, wife of National Hero Shirin Mirzayev, born in Khankendi and a former MP, Azerbaijani musician Arzu Rzayeva (originally from Khankendi and currently residing in Norway), Professor Solmaz Tohidi, and Khankendi resident Khatira Valiyeva. During the panel, footage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, raising the tricolor national flag in Khankendi was shown, along with a video in Azerbaijani and English about the historical founding of the city of Khankendi. Historical facts were presented about the rich heritage of Khankendi, a city established on ancient Azerbaijani lands, and the presence of indigenous Azerbaijani culture there. Discussions were held on the Armenianization of Khankendi, the restoration of historical justice, and how the city has become a symbol of the restoration of Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity. Besides, participants from Khankendi shared their personal memories and expressed the joy of returning to Karabakh after 30 years. The panel concluded with a Q&A session and performances by camp participants of songs in the spirit of heroism. The diaspora youth described the panel as a new platform in terms of both content and format and noted that they experienced both pride and emotion throughout. The VI Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth, dedicated to the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty, jointly organized by the State Committee for Work with Diaspora and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, will run till August 9. The event was attended by 128 Azerbaijanis from 61 countries of the world and youth of nations friendly to Azerbaijan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel EBRD grants key local currency loan to ProCredit Bank Serbia Photo: EBRD The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has issued its first-ever subordinated loan in local currency in the Western Balkans, granting 12 million euros equivalent to ProCredit Bank Serbia. This landmark move aims to boost the banks capital resilience and expand access to green and inclusive finance for underserved businesses across Serbia. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Georg Georgiev, met at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Republic of Bulgaria, H.E. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, Trend reports. Minister Georgiev assured Ambassador Nguyen of the Ministrys continued support for strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Bulgaria and Vietnam in all areas of mutual interest. During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which will be marked in 2025. A shared commitment was expressed to further develop bilateral cooperation not only in traditional areas such as education, culture, and science, but also in promising new fields such as innovation, the green transition, and others. Minister Georgiev and Ambassador Nguyen also discussed high-level visits as an important factor in deepening cooperation between Bulgaria and Vietnam. The meeting also highlighted the importance of ties within the framework of the EU-Vietnam dialogue, the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership, and other multilateral formats. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. On August 4, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, together with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is on an official visit to Lithuania, visited the memorial in Paneriai to honor the victims of the Holocaust, Trend reports. The leaders honored the memory of those murdered during World War II with a moment of silence and a ceremonial laying of flowers. Paneriai witnessed the brutal end of tens of thousands of innocent livesmost of them Lithuanian Jews. Standing here today, we send a clear message: we must preserve the memory of these tragedies to ensure that such horrors never happen again, said Minister Budrys. Paneriai is the second-largest massacre site in Eastern Europe after Babyn Yar in Ukraine. During the Holocaust, the most horrific tragedy of the 20th century, Nazi forces and their collaborators murdered six million Jews. In Lithuania, the majority of the local Jewish community was killed. The US Government is in the process of drafting an executive order that would impose penalties on banks for terminating customers based on political affiliations, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal cited by Reuters. The order would instruct regulators to investigate potential breaches of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, antitrust laws, or consumer financial protection laws by financial institutions. If signed, the order could be enacted as early as this week and would empower regulators to impose monetary penalties, consent decrees, or other disciplinary actions against banks found in violation. Additionally, the order seeks to eliminate policies that may have led to banks severing ties with certain customers and mandates the Small Business Administration to review the practices of banks that guarantee its loans. The White House has refrained from commenting on the report when approached by Reuters. In January, President Donald Trump accused the CEOs of JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America of denying banking services to conservative clients, a claim the banks have denied. This criticism from Wall Street banks has emerged amid allegations from congressional Republicans and Republican-led states, who assert that these institutions are engaging in "woke capitalism" by cutting ties with gun manufacturers, fossil fuel companies, and other businesses perceived to align with the political right. The Trump administration is actively pursuing a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at altering regulations governing financial institutions, including capital requirements, with the intention of fostering economic growth and encouraging innovation. "US readies executive order to penalise banks for political discrimination" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. On August 1, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys met with Gintaras Valincius, Chair of the Research Council of Lithuania (LMT), to discuss scientific research initiatives and international collaboration, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, the officials reviewed state-funded research programs, ongoing international science projects, and bilateral cooperation initiatives with Ukraine, the United States, Germany, and other countries. International scientific cooperation not only opens new opportunities for Lithuanian researchers but also strengthens Lithuanias ties with strategic partners, said Minister Budrys. The parties agreed to continue close collaboration in the field of science diplomacy, to develop a long-term national strategy, expand partnerships with key international stakeholders, and enhance the global visibility and internationalization of Lithuanian science. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. On August 4, during her visit to Riga, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze powerfully reaffirmed Latvias steadfast commitment to supporting Moldovas journey toward European Union integration, Trend reports. She welcomed Moldovas Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, and praised the countrys continued progress on key reforms. Minister Braze and Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov discussed regional security, Moldovas ongoing reform process, and next steps to strengthen energy independence and resilience, especially in the field of renewable energy. They also addressed the political situation in Moldova ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28. The officials emphasized the importance of safeguarding Moldovas democratic processes in light of ongoing hybrid threats, including disinformation, covert political interference, cyberattacks, and other destabilizing activities. We agree that the upcoming elections could be decisive for Moldovas path toward the EU. During this critical period, it is essential to counter any form of foreign interference, particularly by enhancing the security of Moldovas electoral infrastructure and strengthening strategic communications, said Minister Braze. Braze also underlined Moldovas significant achievements in the EU enlargement process, calling it a model for other candidate countries, and reiterated Latvias continued support for opening all chapters of EU accession negotiations with Moldova before the end of this year. Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov expressed appreciation for the EU's decision to impose sanctions on individuals involved in actions aimed at destabilizing Moldova. Latvia, together with other Baltic and Nordic countries, has played a key role in supporting Moldovas reform efforts, bolstering democratic institutions, enhancing energy security, and providing humanitarian assistance. Over the past three years, Latvia has contributed 150,000 toward Moldovas energy security and deployed a national expert to the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova. Latvian ICT companies are also exploring opportunities to help build Moldovas critical infrastructure. During her visit, Gherasimov also met with Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Artjoms Ursulskis, Chair of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Inara Murniece, Chair of the European Affairs Committee Edmunds Cepuritis, and other committee members. She also visited the Riga Graduate School of Law, where 73 Moldovan students have so far completed the schools intensive program in European law and economics. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Google, with a share of 81.28 percent in July this year, continues to be the most popular search engine in Azerbaijan. The data obtained by Trend from the Global Stats Statistical Center shows that the share of the Google search engine increased by 1.39 percentage points compared to June this year. Over the reporting period, the share of the Yandex search engine decreased by 1.47 percentage points to 16.4 percent. In July this year, Bing search engine's share increased by 0.03 percentage points to 1.23%, while Yahoo's share decreased by 0.04 percentage points to 0.47%. The share of other search engines accounted for 0.62 percent of the Azerbaijani search engine market in the reporting period. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The price of Azerbaijans Azeri Light crude oil on a CIF basis at Italys Augusta port declined by $0.78, or 1.09 percent, to $70.59 per barrel on August 4, a source in the oil market told Trend. At Turkiye's Ceyhan port, the price of Azeri Light on an FOB basis decreased by $0.78, or 1.1 percent, to $69.17 per barrel. Meanwhile, the price of URALS crude went down by $0.72, or 1.21 percent, to $58.80 per barrel. Brent Dated crude, produced in the North Sea, saw a decrease of $0.55, or 0.77 percent, bringing the price down to $70.84 per barrel. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 5. Bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has reached $600 million since the start of the year, Trend reports. This announcement was made during a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. At the outset of the conversation, President Mirziyoyev warmly congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the successful organization of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, underscoring the vital importance of the issues discussed at the conference for the region's sustainable development. The leaders engaged in discussions on key topics related to the further strengthening of Uzbek-Turkmen relations, with a focus on deepening good neighborly ties and strategic partnership, in line with agreements reached during their previous meeting in Samarkand in April. The sides expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in their multifaceted cooperation, which is built on principles of friendship, mutual trust, and shared interests. Cooperation is expanding in various sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, water management, and other economic fields. A joint cross-border trade zone, "Shavat-Dashoguz," is under development, and both countries continue to foster active interregional contacts and humanitarian exchanges. Plans for upcoming high-level meetings include sessions of intergovernmental commissions, the establishment of a Business Council, a Regional Forum, and several cultural events. The leaders also exchanged views on the agenda for the UN Conference and the upcoming 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, which is set to take place in Tashkent this autumn. Meanwhile, President Mirziyoyev, at the invitation of Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is currently in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 5. In line with the Presidents instructions to ensure food affordability, the Government of Kazakhstan will introduce a pilot project aimed at strengthening control over trade markups in the North-West Territory of the Republic of Tatarstan, specifically in the cities of Kokshetau and Pavlodar, by October 1, Trend reports via the Kazakh government. The initiative follows a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, during which the digital transformation of the trade sector was discussed. As part of the upcoming reforms, the Ministry of Trade is tasked with implementing digital food vouchers in the two pilot regions to improve pricing transparency for socially significant goods. In parallel, the Ministries of Trade and Finance, in cooperation with other relevant agencies, are working to finalize the distribution of product groups under the national goods classifier. This step is expected to improve data accuracy and integration across departmental information systems. Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance has been instructed to review and update regulatory legal frameworks to support the seamless integration of information systems with the National Catalog of Goods. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Iran views the development of corridors connecting the Asian, European, and African continents as a serious priority, the country's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said ahead of his visit to Turkmenistan, Trend reports. According to him, the corridors connecting the three continents benefit the entire region. Iran has repeatedly stated that it is ready to provide countries that do not have access to international waters with access to international waters through logical mechanisms on friendly terms. Aref noted that currently, 32 developing countries in the world do not have access to international waters. ''Eight of these countries are located in our region. Iran has good relations with these eight countries, and the focus remains on developing cooperation,'' he added. The official emphasized that during the Turkmenistan visit, he will meet with officials from Turkmenistan and other countries, as well as with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to discuss bilateral, multilateral, and international issues. The First Vice President of Iran expressed hope that this visit would contribute to the development of relations in all areas, especially in the field of transit. This is because Iran is located at the intersection of the three continents mentioned above. The First Vice President of Iran visited Turkmenistan the day before to participate in the Third Conference of Landlocked and Developing Countries. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov, who is on a working visit to the city of Turkmenbashi, met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on August 5, Trend reports. Prime Minister conveyed greetings from President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the Prime Minister of Georgia. Irakli Kobakhidze expressed gratitude for the greetings from President Ilham Aliyev and requested to convey his greetings to the head of the Azerbaijani state. At the meeting, satisfaction was expressed with the high level of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia in various fields, and issues related to the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economic, investment, transport, transit, energy, humanitarian, and other spheres were discussed. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 5. President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, participated in a special event focused on the preparation and organization of the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, Trend reports. The agenda included a comprehensive review of key aspects related to the upcoming Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, scheduled to be held in Tashkent. President Mirziyoyev provided updates on the ongoing collaborative efforts under Uzbekistans chairmanship in this format. Notably, earlier this year, the Chairmanship Concept and the Schedule of Joint Activities were adopted. Several high-level meetings have already taken place, involving secretaries of security councils, intelligence agency heads, ministers of industry, energy, water resources, ecology, as well as media and youth forums. Before the end of the year, additional events are planned, including an inter-parliamentary forum, meetings of defense, trade, and transport ministers, alongside cultural and humanitarian initiatives. To shape a new agenda for regional partnership and strengthen its legal framework, conceptual documents for the meeting are currently being prepared. The President emphasized that Uzbekistan intends to propose a series of initiatives at the Tashkent summit aimed at deepening political dialogue, launching new drivers for economic cooperation, and enhancing cross-border trade. Key focus areas will include practical cooperation in water and energy sectors, expansion of transport connectivity, and climate change mitigation. The participation of the Azerbaijani side in these discussions was welcomed with satisfaction. The countries of the region are currently engaged in fruitful cooperation with Azerbaijan, implementing projects in trade, transport, and green energy. In conclusion, President Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that coordinated and harmonized approaches among Central Asian countries will help achieve shared goals. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 5. Kazakhstan and Indonesia are set to strengthen their energy partnership through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding, Trend reports via the Kazakh Energy Ministry. This was announced following a meeting in Astana between the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, and the Ambassador of Indonesia to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Mohamad Fadjroel Rahman. During the talks, the sides discussed concrete steps to deepen cooperation in the oil and gas sector, with a focus on attracting investment and introducing advanced technologies. Kazakhstan confirmed its commitment to creating favorable conditions for foreign energy companies and highlighted its current efforts to enhance investment appeal and ensure stability in the sector. Signing the memorandum will open up new opportunities for full-scale cooperation, Minister Akkenzhenov stated, adding that Indonesia is viewed as an important partner in developing the energy sector. Ambassador Rahman confirmed Indonesias interest in expanding joint initiatives and expressed readiness to move toward practical cooperation on future projects. SAN DIEGO, August 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ivy Fertility, a collaborative network of globally-renowned fertility clinics, is proud to welcome Addison W. Alley, MD, to its team of physicians at Utah Fertility Center. Dr. Alley is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and fellowship-trained reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. He will begin seeing new patients at UFCs Pleasant Grove and Midvale locations in September 2025. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Alley to our team," said Deirdre Conway, MD, Practice Director at Utah Fertility Center. "His strong academic background, innovative research, and clear dedication to compassionate care make him an outstanding addition to our clinic. Patients will benefit greatly from his thoughtful and thorough approach." Dr. Alley brings extensive clinical experience and research insight to the Ivy network. He earned his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, where he was selected as First Administrative Chief Resident. Dr. Alley then pursued a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he also completed a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation. Throughout his training and career, Dr. Alley has remained deeply engaged in advancing reproductive medicine through research. He is the primary author of multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, including work on oncofertility, genetics, fertility preservation, maternal wellness and improving pregnancy outcomes. His research has been featured at prestigious conferences including ASRM, ESHRE, and SRI. "Im honored to join the exceptional team at Utah Fertility Center," said Dr. Alley. "Its a privilege to support patients during one of the most meaningful times of their lives. I look forward to delivering personalized care while working alongside a group of clinicians who share my commitment to innovation, inclusion, and compassion." About Ivy Fertility Ivy Fertility is globally recognized as pioneers and innovators in the field of advanced reproductive technologies, in-vitro fertilization, third-party reproduction, andrology, and fertility research. The Ivy Fertility network includes Dallas IVF, Fertility Associates of Memphis, Fertility Centers of Orange County, Idaho Fertility Center, IVF Fertility Center, Los Angeles Reproductive Center, Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nevada Fertility Center, Northern California Fertility Medical Center, NOVA IVF, Pacific Northwest Fertility, Reproductive Partners Medical Group, San Diego Fertility Center, Utah Fertility Center, and Virginia Fertility & IVF. By developing new procedures, achieving scientific breakthroughs, and teaching the latest techniques, Ivy Fertility upholds its commitment to successful outcomes and continually contributes to the development of the entire fertility community. The Ivy team is passionate about its family-building mission and works tirelessly each day to help patients become parents. Samarkand, Uzbekistan, August 5. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree to establish a special industrial zone, Nurobod Technopark, in the Samarkand region, Trend reports. The project is expected to attract $1.1 billion in direct foreign investment and create up to 5,100 jobs. A land plot of 115.3 hectares in the Nurobod district has been allocated for the construction of the industrial zone. The technopark will be managed by the company New Vision Investment Development. In total, 14 new projects have been launched in the Samarkand region with a total value of $1.2 billion. The implementation of this project will create 12,000 jobs and generate export revenue of $82 million. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 5. President Mirziyoyev's address at the UN LLDC3 Conference underscored Uzbekistan's push for global action to improve transit access for landlocked nations, calling for coordinated infrastructure investment, fair logistics policies, and inclusive development mechanisms, Trend reports via the Uzbek Presidents office. He noted that the Central Asian region loses up to 2 percent of its GDP annually due to high transportation costs and transit instability, and logistics costs account for up to 60 percent of the total cost of goods, which is several times higher than the global average. According to the President, Uzbekistan has access to maritime transport routes only by crossing the territories of several other countries. With the nearest seaports located nearly 3,000 kilometers away, this geographic remoteness results in serious challenges, including high tariffs, limited capacity of transport corridors and infrastructure, and dependence on the customs and transit policies of neighboring countries. In this context, he emphasized that developing new, reliable transit corridors and logistics infrastructure is essential for ensuring sustainable economic progress throughout Central Asia. The President highlighted that the issue being discussed today is fundamentally about justice, ensuring that landlocked countries can participate in the global economy on equal footing with coastal nations. Solving this problem, he noted, requires fulfilling three essential conditions: modernizing infrastructure as the foundation for sustainable development; strengthening regional interconnectivity to prevent disruptions; and securing the right to development as a key component of global equality. He emphasized that in recent years, Uzbekistan has taken systematic steps to develop a modern transport and logistics network, with the active involvement of the private sector. The country has made notable progress in increasing openness and transparency in the logistics sector and is implementing a comprehensive program to digitize trade and transport processes. Structural economic reforms, trade liberalization, and a radically improved investment climate have already produced tangible results, boosting competitiveness and accelerating innovation. A powerful driver behind these changes has been the achievement of a new level of trust and partnership across Central Asia. A single transport and logistics space is taking shape in the region, with joint programs and strategic projects aimed at transforming Central Asia into a fully-fledged transit hub connecting East and West, North and South. In recent years, mutual trade volumes have increased 4.5 times, investment flows have doubled, and the number of joint ventures has grown fivefold. This year, together with regional partners, Uzbekistan began construction of the ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway. Freight traffic along the UzbekistanTurkmenistanIranTurkiye corridor has also increased significantly. President Mirziyoyev called on the international community to implement concrete, feasible, and institutionally supported solutions to overcome common challenges faced by landlocked developing countries. In this regard, he put forward several proposals. He called for coordinated international action to accelerate the development of transport corridors and infrastructure, and specifically supported fast-tracking the construction of the UzbekistanAfghanistanPakistan railway. Integrating this route with the ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway under construction would open up vast opportunities for new economic connectivity and create a sustainable regional transport framework. The President also emphasized the importance of further developing the Middle Corridor. To unlock its full potential, he stressed the need for a coordinated transit policy, unified rules, and the adoption of reasonable tariffs for container shipping. President Mirziyoyev also proposed the development, under the United Nations, of a Global Agreement on Transit Guarantees for Landlocked Countries. Such a mechanism, he said, would ensure fair access to ports and communication networks, reduce transportation risks, and help eliminate inequalities in global logistics systems. He highlighted the growing need for flexible investment tools to finance major infrastructure projects. Central Asia alone requires nearly $40 billion in annual investments in transport infrastructure. To address this, he proposed establishing a UN-backed fund to support the logistical integration of landlocked countries, with resources to be mobilized from donor nations, international development institutions, and global programs. Furthermore, he proposed the creation of a Global Vulnerability Index for Landlocked Countries. This index, he explained, would serve as a practical instrument for objectively assessing the transit-related limitations of landlocked nations, expanding access to international financial and technical programs, and distributing resources more effectively based on real-world conditions. Importantly, this index should also be taken into account when evaluating the competitiveness and investment climate of these countries. He reiterated Uzbekistans commitment to the establishment of an Innovation Hub for Agricultural Development in the country. The hub would support the introduction of adaptive agricultural technologies, promote innovative water-saving solutions, and enhance food security, while also facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices. The President also stressed the importance of engaging experts and think tanks in formulating effective strategies to overcome shared challenges. He proposed organizing a series of international forums and roundtable discussions focused on deeper integration into global value chains, the development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, expansion of cross-border investment, and support for startups. Uzbekistan also plans to actively participate in the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries. In conclusion, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that equal access to global markets must be guaranteed for all nations. This is not only an economic necessity but also a crucial factor for achieving sustainable development, fostering trust, and strengthening cooperation in international relations. He reaffirmed Uzbekistans readiness to engage in constructive, long-term partnerships aimed at shaping a fair and inclusive global development architecture. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Economic and trade relations between Azerbaijan and the US were discussed, the Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on X, Trend reports. "There are significant prospects for expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and the US across trade, energy, investment, transport-transit, industry, and other sectors. During our meeting with Amy Carlon, Charge dAffaires of the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Azerbaijan, we explored ways to realize this potential through joint initiatives and underscored the importance of projects pursued in our shared interests to advance regional development," the publication reads. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 5. As part of his official visit to Turkmenistan, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, Trend reports. The two leaders engaged in a dialogue to explore avenues for amplifying synergistic collaboration across the domains of commerce and economic development, transportation and logistics optimization, and cultural and humanitarian initiatives. The stakeholders articulated their contentment regarding the operationalization of the strategic accords established during the Georgian Prime Minister's diplomatic engagement in Uzbekistan this past March. It was noted that active intergovernmental contacts are ongoing, including recent meetings between the foreign ministers and ministers of economy of the two countries. Both bilateral trade volumes and freight transport flows are on the rise, along with the number of joint projects and enterprises. The importance of taking coordinated measures to increase mutual deliveries and to promote cooperation projects in agriculture, textiles, electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, food production, and logistics was also highlighted. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Georgia reached $325.7 million in 2024, reflecting a remarkable 3.7-fold increase compared to 2017 ($89.1 million). This growth underscores the expanding economic cooperation between the countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Azerbaijan is considering the establishment of a joint research and development center in the field of artificial intelligence with the UAE, the Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev wrote on his X page, Trend reports. "We held a meeting with the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technologies Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber in Abu Dhabi. At the meeting, we discussed the issues of expanding cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digitalization, increasing human resources, and organizing training, exchange, and scholarship programs. We also engaged in a comprehensive dialogue regarding the formation of a collaborative research and development hub within the domain of artificial intelligence, delving into synergistic investment prospects, alongside structuring a co-managed venture capital fund," he pointed out. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 5. A delegation led by Mirziyod Yunusov, Chairman of the Uzeltexsanoat Association, held a meeting with representatives of Xiaomi, one of Chinas leading technology companies, to discuss the establishment of new production facilities in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. The parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on establishing new production capacities in Uzbekistan, implementing advanced technologies, and exchanging expertise. Delegation members also familiarized themselves with Chinas manufacturing processes, innovative developments, and industrial ecosystem. The ongoing negotiations with Xiaomi are expected to mark a significant step forward in the development of Uzbekistans technology sector, opening new opportunities for its modernization soon. This development comes on the heels of strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Bilateral trade volume surpassed $13 billion in the previous fiscal year, with both parties reiterating their strategic goal of reaching a $20 billion trade benchmark, as outlined by their respective leaderships. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Azerbaijani students, recipients of the Seeds for the Future program from one of the largest ICT corporations, Huawei, will participate in a summer camp in China, Trend reports via the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. According to the information, a meeting with students was held at the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. The meeting was also attended by Huawei's Vice President for the Middle East and Central Asia, Angela Lin. Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Samir Mammadov wished the participants success. He noted that the participation of young people in ICT training courses will help them understand industrial innovations and develop an entrepreneurial spirit. Visiting Huawei's headquarters and Research and Development Center will give them the opportunity to improve their knowledge in the field of information and communication technologies. The deputy minister noted that Azerbaijan has implemented a number of important initiatives to modernize the digital sphere. He also said that in order to support the country's digital development, promote progress in the field of artificial intelligence, and strengthen Azerbaijan's position in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem, the Artificial Intelligence Development Strategy for 20252028 has been adopted. In addition, an Artificial Intelligence Academy is being established to develop talent and skills in the field of artificial intelligence. In the future, cooperation with Huawei is planned to establish a joint Training Center in Azerbaijan. A number of successful projects have already been implemented as part of Huawei's cooperation with the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDIA). These include the participation of Azerbaijani students and specialists in internships in China, as well as the financing of innovative projects and start-ups under the Seeds for the Future program. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The UN Climate Change Conference COP29, held in Baku, adopted an agreement to increase annual climate finance for developing countries from $100 billion to $300 billion by 2035, the Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said, Trend reports. He made the remark at a plenary session of the 3rd United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Turkmenistan's Awaza. "Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Azerbaijan has completed negotiations on the carbon market mechanism and ensured its implementation nine years after the agreement was adopted. At the same time, a decision was made to fully launch the loss and damage fund to provide substantial support to vulnerable communities affected by climate change," Ali Asadov noted. He also drew attention to the serious environmental challenges facing the Caspian region, in particular the continuing decline in the level of the Caspian Sea. "It is necessary to emphasize the importance of joint efforts by the Caspian states to address common environmental problems. At the sixth summit of the Caspian states, held in Ashgabat in 2022, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev highlighted the problem of the Caspian Sea's shallowing. Following the initiative of the head of state, steps are being taken to create expert groups to study the causes of this process and develop measures to mitigate it," the prime minister stressed. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 5. The aviation authorities of Uzbekistan and Indonesia have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation and pilgrimage tourism, Trend reports. This agreement supports Goal 53 of the Uzbekistan2030 Strategy, ratified by Presidential Decree on September 11, 2023, which targets a fourfold increase in air transportation volumes by 2030. The Uzbek Ministry of Transport delegation met in Jakarta, where they presented Indonesia with an overview of Uzbekistans wide-ranging reforms in pilgrimage tourism and civil aviation. The two sides also explored opportunities to expand the Umrah Plus program, designed to promote pilgrimage travel. Following productive negotiations, the parties agreed to remove restrictions on the number of airlines permitted under the previous bilateral air services agreement. The new agreement designates additional destination points for Uzbek airlines, including Denpasar, Surabaya, Medan, Yogyakarta, Majalengka, Banda Aceh, Tanjung Pandang, and Lombok, alongside Jakarta. Furthermore, the agreement increases weekly flight frequencies to 28 flights per airline from each country, totaling 56 flights in both directions. Indonesian airlines are also granted rights to operate flights to all international airports in Uzbekistan. This enhanced cooperation is expected to stimulate growth in air traffic between the two nations, boost pilgrimage tourism, and support the broader objectives of Uzbekistans national development strategy. Meanwhile, the Uzbek airline Qanot Sharq, in partnership with the travel company Asialux, currently operates seasonal tourist charter flights on the Tashkent-Denpasar (Bali) route. Concurrently, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Indonesia is conducting extensive outreach and educational campaigns within the Indonesian tourism market to promote Uzbekistans tourism potential globally and increase foreign demand for travel to the country. Viatris Inc. (VTRS), headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, operates as a healthcare company. With a market cap of $10.3 billion, the company produces medicines for patients across a broad range of major therapeutic areas spanning both noncommunicable and infectious diseases. Shares of this global healthcare giant have considerably underperformed the broader market over the past year. VTRS has declined 24.7% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 18.4%. In 2025, VTRS stock is down 28.2%, compared to the SPXs 7.6% rise on a YTD basis. More News from Barchart Narrowing the focus, VTRS underperformance looks less pronounced compared to the iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (IHE). The exchange-traded fund has declined 1% over the past year. Moreover, the ETFs 3.4% gains on a YTD basis outshine the stocks double-digit losses over the same time frame. www.barchart.com Viatris' performance has been impacted by a setback in its generics segment due to an FDA import alert on its Indore facility, which has restricted product shipments. The company is actively working with the FDA to resolve the issue. Viatris shares rose 5.7% on May 8 after the company reported Q1 earnings that beat expectations. Despite an 11.2% year-over-year decline in revenue to $3.3 billion, the figure topped consensus estimates. The company's adjusted EPS of $0.50, although down 25.4% from the previous year, also beat analyst expectations by 2%. For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect VTRS EPS to decline 15.1% to $2.25 on a diluted basis. The companys earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing the forecast on another occasion. Among the seven analysts covering VTRS stock, the consensus is a Hold. Thats based on one Strong Buy rating, five Holds, and one Moderate Sell. www.barchart.com The configuration has been reasonably stable over the past three months. On Jul. 15, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) analyst reiterated a Hold rating on VTRS and set a price target of $10, implying a potential upside of 11.9% from current levels. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 5. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan outlined the countrys strategic initiatives to strengthen regional connectivity, accelerate digital development, and address climate challenges at the 3rd United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which opened in the Awaza National Tourist Zone of Turkmenistan, Trend reports via Akorda. Tokayev emphasized the growing urgency of addressing structural barriers faced by landlocked developing nations, noting that these countries, home to over half a billion people, remain disproportionately affected by restricted access to global markets, financing, and technology. Limited regional transport connectivity remains the core challenge for landlocked developing countries. These constraints come with high trade and transit costs, economic vulnerability, and reduced competitiveness, the Kazakh leader said. Among the priority projects is the development of strategic transport corridors, including the NorthSouth route and the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor. According to Tokayev, the long-term vision is the creation of an integrated multimodal network of rail, road, air, and logistics hubs that would solidify Kazakhstans role as a Eurasian transit center, currently handling nearly 85 percent of all land shipments between Asia and Europe. He also highlighted national investments in the digital sector, including the launch of the AlemAI artificial intelligence center and a newly operational supercomputer in Astana. These initiatives, Tokayev noted, are part of Kazakhstans broader push to foster innovation and international scientific collaboration. Kazakhstan has launched the AlemAI Center for Artificial Intelligence and recently unveiled a supercomputer. Our doors are open for scientific cooperation, he said. On climate action, Tokayev emphasized the vulnerability of many landlocked nations to environmental degradation, pointing to water scarcity, glacial melt, and desertification as critical issues. He invited participants to attend a Regional Environmental Summit co-hosted with the United Nations in Astana in April 2026, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation and secure international support for climate resilience. Tokayev announced the recent signing of an agreement with the UN to establish a Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty, which will serve Central Asia and Afghanistan. He called this a milestone achievement aligned with the goals of the Awaza Programme of Action. We are moving from a landlocked reality toward a land-linked future, where overland connectivity becomes just as critical as seaborne access, Tokayev concluded. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 5. Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Turkmenistans President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met at the LLDC-3 conference to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, transit, and regional integration, Trend reports via Akorda. President Tokayev expressed appreciation to his Turkmen counterpart for the invitation to the conference, emphasizing its significance as a venue for exchanging views and formulating practical solutions to the pressing issues faced by landlocked developing states. The two heads of state discussed strengthening cooperation across several sectors. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, based on mutual interests and long-term regional goals. The meeting also underscored the role of both countries in fostering regional integration and advancing infrastructure initiatives vital to sustainable development. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as contiguous sovereign entities, have cultivated a robust framework of diplomatic and economic interrelations that have progressively evolved since the formalization of their bilateral engagement in October 1992. A pivotal benchmark was attained in April 2024, as the two nations formalized a pact to enhance and broaden their strategic partnership during the official visit of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to Kazakhstan. Synergistic collaboration between the two sovereign entities is progressively intensifying, characterized by an escalation in bilateral trade dynamics and the initiation of collaborative ventures in various sectors. An official diplomatic engagement involving Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is anticipated in Kyrgyzstan in 2025; strategic preparations for this high-level visit were deliberated by Zhaparov alongside Kazakhstans Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu during their discussions in August in Cholpon-Ata. One clear sign of the closer ties is the rising trade volume. According to Kyrgyzstans National Statistics Committee, trade between the two countries reached $566.4 million from January through May 2025, up 9 percent compared to the same period last year. Kazakhstan remains one of Kyrgyzstans main foreign trade partners, ranking third after China and Russia, accounting for 9.8 percent of the countrys total trade turnover. This reflects the economic interdependence and mutual importance of the two economies. Nonetheless, the equilibrium of the trade balance exhibits significant asymmetry. The Kyrgyz export metrics to the Kazakhstan experienced a contraction of 13 percent on a year-over-year basis, culminating in a total valuation of $142.6 million. Nevertheless, the proportion of Kyrgyz exports attributed to Kazakhstan is noteworthy at 17.1 percent, underscoring the critical role of the Kazakh market for Kyrgyz manufacturers. Concurrently, the influx of goods from Kazakhstan surged by 19.2 percent, culminating in a total valuation of $423.8 million, thereby constituting 8.6 percent of Kyrgyzstans aggregate import portfolio. The main imports from Kazakhstan include consumer goods and industrial products such as mineral and carbonated water with sugar ($22.9 million), wheat flour ($17.2 million), wheat ($13.8 million), and cement ($7.1 million). On the other hand, Kyrgyzstan mainly exports ores and concentrates of precious metals ($31.1 million), plastics and related products ($27.4 million), clothing ($11.8 million), tractors ($11.2 million), and construction materials ($9.6 million) to Kazakhstan. Furthermore, the nations are setting their sights on boosting their trade turnover to a whopping $3 billion by 2030. With trade already hitting the ground running at $1.5 billion in 2024, this target seems well within reach. Investment ties are experiencing an upward trajectory. During the inaugural quarter of 2025, Kazakhstan's direct capital infusion into Kyrgyzstan reached an impressive $49.9 million, representing a substantial tripling of the fiscal allocation compared to the preceding annum. Kyrgyzstan has significantly amplified its capital allocation towards Kazakhstan, deploying $27.5 million in the corresponding timeframe, which represents a quintuple increase compared to fiscal year 2024. Monetary interconnections are bolstered by consistent capital flows across national borders. In May 2025, remittance flows from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan reached approximately $1 million, positioning Kazakhstan as the second-largest contributor of financial transfers within the CIS framework, trailing only behind Russia. In a parallel transaction, a sum of $390,000 was remitted from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan, underscoring robust interpersonal and commercial linkages among the populace of both nations. In addition to economic exchanges and capital flows, the bilateral relationship encompasses collaborative efforts in pivotal sectors, notably in the energy domain. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have formalized a strategic accord to initiate the construction of the Kambarata-1 hydropower facility on the Naryn River, thereby enhancing regional energy infrastructure and fostering collaborative development initiatives. This significant initiative, boasting a capacity of 1,860 megawatts and an investment of $3.5 billion, is projected to yield an annual output of 5.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electrical energy. Kazakhstan fundamentally requires the facility to facilitate the provision of irrigation water throughout the summer season. Moreover, in February 2025, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan formalized a strategic roadmap aimed at the development of small-scale hydropower facilities within Kyrgyzstan, thereby enhancing regional developmental synergies. Logistics is another key area of cooperation. The countries plan to establish an industrial trade and logistics complex at their border and build a new road linking Almaty and Cholpon-Ata. These projects aim to boost transit potential, simplify the movement of goods and people, and stimulate tourism, especially important for border regions. The Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor initiative, which has been in progress since 2014 as part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) framework, aims to optimize transit efficiency between the urban centers, establish a unified marketplace for healthcare, educational, and tourism sectors, and enhance the logistics of agricultural commodities to wholesale distribution channels. Hydrological collaboration is additionally integrated into the strategic framework. In accordance with the 2025 accord, Kyrgyzstan is set to deliver an allocation of 580 million cubic meters of hydric resources from the Chu and Talas river systems, which are critical for agronomic activities in the southern region of Kazakhstan. Notwithstanding intervals of diminished hydrological throughput, both parties persist in their dedication to constructive discourse and mutual concession. There are still a few bumps in the road, particularly with border delays for freight transport, which really drives home the point that we need to tighten up our customs procedures. However, tackling these practical issues is all in a day's work for closer integration. Overall, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are moving toward deeper economic and strategic ties. Their goal of increasing trade turnover to $3 billion seems realistic given current progress. Collaborative initiatives, escalating capital influx, robust commercial linkages, and a unified strategic outlook for forthcoming endeavors establish a formidable framework for enhanced synergy. Kyrgyzstan moves to tackle water shortages with Talas reservoir initiative Photo: Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan plans to construct two reservoirs in the Talas region to improve irrigation for over 17,000 hectares of farmland and address seasonal water shortages. The projects, aimed at enhancing water management and supporting local agriculture, include a 6 million cubic meter reservoir on the Ken-Kol river and a 50 million cubic meter facility on the Urmaral river. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 5. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, discussed ways to deepen political, trade, economic, and cultural cooperation at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), held in the Awaza National Tourist Zone, Trend reports via the administration of the Tajik president. The event, taking place from August 5 through 8, aims to address the unique trade and development challenges faced by nations without direct access to the sea. The conference will feature five interactive thematic roundtables, bringing together representatives from LLDCs, the European Union, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders. Each participant may contribute to up to three roundtable discussions. The central outcome of the conference will be the adoption of the Avaza Action Program for 2024-2034, a strategic roadmap aimed at improving access to global markets, strengthening transport and digital infrastructure, and enhancing resilience to economic shocks. The action plan was approved by the UN General Assembly in December 2023. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 5. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, at the kickoff of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), urged for a united front to tackle the infrastructure, transit, and climate hurdles that landlocked developing nations are up against, Trend reports via the administration of the Tajik president. He noted that the conference is of particular importance as it allows participating states to assess the outcomes of the Vienna Programme of Action (20142024) and chart a course for addressing persistent structural obstacles. The sustainable development of landlocked countries is only possible through the establishment of effective mechanisms that enhance transit capacity and regional connectivity, President Rahmon said. He emphasized Tajikistans focus on expanding transportation infrastructure, citing the reconstruction of more than 2,500 kilometers of roads and the construction of around 40 kilometers of transport tunnels. The country is also modernizing its trade and customs procedures to align with WTO standards. Energy was another central focus of his address. Rahmon stated that 98 percent of Tajikistans electricity is generated from hydropower, placing it among the top nations globally for renewable energy production. The countrys National Strategy for the Development of the Green Economy until 2037 aims to transition fully to electricity from renewable sources. With sufficient investment and access to modern technologies, we can turn our energy sector into a driver of both growth and climate resilience, he said. President Rahmon also addressed the growing climate risks facing landlocked countries, particularly the rapid melting of glaciers, which threatens water security. He pointed to Tajikistans recent co-hosting of the International Conference on the Preservation of Glaciers in Dushanbe and to the adoption of a UN resolution declaring 20252034 the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, an initiative led by Tajikistan and France. Merely one-third of the demographic in landlocked developing nations possesses access to potable water resources. It is imperative that we mobilize a concerted and immediate response to safeguard our hydrological resources, he stated. In conclusion, Rahmon reiterated Tajikistan's dedication to enhancing climate alliances and fostering regional collaboration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Digital-first home goods retailer Wayfair reported total net revenue of $3.3bn, a 5% increase year-on-year (YoY) in the second quarter (Q2) of the fiscal year 2025 (FY25). Revenue growth, excluding the impact from exiting the German market, was 6% YoY. The US market contributed significantly to the growth, with revenue up 5.3% to $2.9bn. International revenue also saw an uptick of 3.1% to $399m, with constant currency growth at 2.1%. Gross profit reached $984m, representing 30.1% of total net revenue. Net income stood at $15m, with non-generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) at $205m. The company's diluted earnings per share were $0.11. Operating activities generated a net cash of $273m, and non-GAAP free cash flow was $230m. Wayfair ended the quarter with $1.4bn in cash and short-term investments, with total liquidity reaching $1.8bn. Wayfair CEO, co-founder and co-chairman Niraj Shah stated: "The second quarter was a resounding success, defined by accelerating sales and share gain, in tandem with expanding profitability. As we have discussed over the last few years, we can and will grow profitably, while taking significant share in the market. Year-on-year revenue growth of 6% - excluding the impact of Germany - marks the highest growth rate we have seen since early 2021. Our over 6% adjusted EBITDA margin demonstrates the significant leverage in our model, and as previewed in our investor day two years ago, is just the beginning of what we believe we can achieve over time." Despite these gains, active customer count decreased 4.5% YoY to 21 million. However, revenue per active customer increased by 5.9% to $572. Orders per customer slightly rose to 1.86, maintaining orders delivered at 10 million. Repeat customers accounted for 80.7% of orders - a slight decrease from the previous year's 81.7%. The average order value increased to $328, up from $313 in the previous year, with orders placed via a mobile device constituting 62.9% of total orders delivered. Shah added: "Every dollar we spend solves for the best outcome across our customers, suppliers and Wayfair. Two decades of this approach has taught us that building great things takes time, but when done with thought, care and prudence, can have a payoff well worth the wait. You're seeing some of that this quarter - with years of work we've done leading to some of the best growth and profitability flow through our business has seen since the pandemic. We couldn't be more excited for what lies ahead in 2025 and beyond." Welcome Guest! You are here: Home CBSE 10th Compartment Result 2025 Declared, Check Here The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared on its official website cbseresults.nic.in Tuesday August 05, 2025 the results of the 2025 compartment exams held for the Class 10 students Tuesday August 5, 2025 5:21 PM , ummid.com News Network CBSE 10th Compartment Result 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared on its official website "cbseresults.nic.in" Tuesday August 05, 2025 the results of the 2025 compartment exams held for the Class 10 students. The CBSE had conducted the Class 10th exams from July 15 to 22, 2025. The CBSE Class 10 supplementary exam was held at 970 centres across India and 26 international locations, involving over 15,495 schools. To check the 10th Compartment exam result, candidates can visit the CBSE official website "cbseresults.nic.in" and click on the given link. Steps to Check Xth CBSE 2025 Compartment Results Go to the official website: " cbseresults.nic.in " " Click on the link marked as "Secondary School Supplementary Examination (Class X) Results 2025- Published on 5th August 2025" Enter your roll number, school number, admit card ID, and date of birth Click on "Submit" button to check the result Download and take printout The CBSE Class 10th Compartment Exam Results 2025 can also be accessed through Google search engine www.google.co.in and Microsoft search engine www.bing.com and SMS Organizer App on mobile which can be installed from playstore aka.ms/sms. CBSE 10th Result 2025 The board had declared the result of the 10th regular exans on May 13, 2025 when it registered an overall pass percentage of 93.66. A total of 1,43,648 Class 10 students were placed in the compartment category. Out of them 1,38,898 students appeared for the exam. A total of 67,620 students passed with an overall pass percentage of 48.68%. Pass percentage of girls is 51.04% against 47.41% of boys. Why compartment exam was held? The board had conducted the compartment or improvement exams, also called as CBSE supplementary exams, for Class 10th students every year. The CBSE supplementary exams were conducted for the students who were failed in one or more subjects, or for those who wanted to improve their results. The CBSE had declared the 12th Compartment exam result on August 01, 2025. The pass percentage in 12th Compartment exam was 29.78%. Schedule for Verification The CBSE has also released the schedule for verification and re-evaluation of marks of both Class 12 and Class 10 students after the supplementary exams. For Class 12, students can submit applications for scanned copies of their answer sheets from August 6 to August 7, 2025 paying a fee of INR 700 per subject. The window for verification and re-evaluation application will be available from August 13 to August 14, and the fee would be INR 500 per subject for verification and INR 100 per question for re-evaluation. The scanned copies of answer scripts for Class 10 students will be available from August 8 to August 9, 2025, for INR 500 per subject. The re-evaluation and verification process will take place between August 18 and August 19, and the same fee will be applicable as for Class 12. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: WD-40 Company's initiative to decentralize its supply chain and bring sourcing closer to customers is offsetting the impact of tariffs, according to its July earnings call. Since the start of the fiscal year on Sept. 1, the chemical company has strengthened global partnerships with key suppliers, which improved efficiencies, optimized networks and brought cost savings that bolstered gross margins, executives said. "Where there is, particularly with our Americas region, some tariff exposure, particularly around steel cans with the tariffs, we are managing to offset that globally in terms of countermeasures from supply chain initiatives, making it virtually a wash globally for us," CFO Sara Hyzer told analysts. Dive Insight: WD-40 is one of several brand manufacturers modifying their supply chains to mitigate the impact of tariffs. Others include Clorox tapping alternative sourcing, Colgate-Palmolive shifting production and Procter & Gamble initiating a supply chain reorganization. WD-40's diversified supply chain will minimize the effect of potential tariffs by sourcing raw materials and manufacturing products close to the company's customers and end users, CEO Steve Brass said during an April earnings call. "This decentralized nature of our supply chain helps a lot," he said. "We've got a lot of supply chain optimization measures happening this fiscal year." In China, the company has avoided retaliatory tariffs by manufacturing locally for Asian markets, using China nationals to operate its business there, Brass said. "Within China at the moment, we are kind of seen as a local brand in many places we operate around the world." In Dubai, the company partnered with a manufacturer to deliver products to customers in the region within five or seven days, much quicker than the one month previously required for maritime shipments, he said in the July call. The change has also meant local partners could reduce their on-hand inventory. Nevertheless, Brass acknowledged that tariffs could impact the company's markets in the Americas, especially Mexico and Canada. The Americas account for 6% of WD-40's global business, he said in the companys April earnings call. As a precaution, the company increased inventory in specific markets to reduce the immediate impact of tariffs, he added. WD-40s supply chain shifts should help the household products company reach its gross margin goal of 55% to 56% during the current fiscal year, one year earlier than initially planned, Hyzer said. Opened in 2022, Dubai's Museum of Future now among most visited landmarks Museum of The Future in Dubai on Sunday August 03, 2025 crossed yet another milestone by welcoming over 4 million visitors from around the globe since its opening in 2022 Tuesday August 5, 2025 11:55 PM , ummid.com News Network Dubai: Museum of The Future in Dubai on Sunday August 03, 2025 crossed yet another milestone by welcoming over 4 million visitors from around the globe since its opening in 2022. On the occasion, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Museum of The Future, said that the museum's record number of visitors is a vivid embodiment of the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to consolidate Dubai's position as a global hub for the future and a destination that embraces creators, scientists, and innovators from around the world. Inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on February 22, 2022 (22.02.2022) , the museum is a 77-metre tall architectural marvel, and a novel scientific and intellectual centre that provides the largest platform in the region to study, envision and design the future. The Museum of the Future embodies the ambition of Dubai to become a global capital for designing and shaping the future; a beacon of hope that brings together optimists and aspirants from all cultures and nationalities", Al Gergawi said. "The museum is not merely an architectural monument, it is a platform for empowerment and capacity-building, aiming to ignite the spark of inspiration in those who aspire to shape the future by posing big questions and anticipating possible answers", he added. "A Global Platform for Converging Visions and Ideas" Located in the heart of Dubai, the Museum of The Future is a prominent destination for government officials, decision-makers, experts, intellectuals and hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It serves as a global platform for converging visions and ideas as well as a permanent platform for dialogue around the challenges and opportunities facing the future of humanity, the state owned WAM news agency reported. Since its opening in 2022, the museum has hosted 423 events, conferences, forums, and seminars, covering diverse topics such as AI, sustainable cities, and the future of education, health, economy, work, and technology. These events have also addressed the arts and numerous other fields, all with a focus on placing humanitys well-being at the forefront. In the last three and half years, the Museum of the Future also welcomed 610 international media delegations, who covered its wide range of activations, experiences and events, highlighting its key role in shaping conversations about the future. It also drew visitors from over 180 nationalities, reinforcing its role as a cultural and interactive bridge between people from around the world. "Ramadan Majlis" In a unique intellectual and cultural setting, the Museum hosts the Ramadan Majlis, bringing together a distinguished group of experts and thinkers for discussions that explore the role of values in shaping the future. These discussions focus on how ethical principles can guide the development of modern technologies, with the aim of fostering a more humane and responsible future. The museum also hosts a series of workshops around future-focused careers that keep pace with the latest professional trends. These workshops focus on specialised sectors such as agri-tech, vertical farming, and careers in sustainability, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the skills required in an ever-changing world. The museum's hosting of the international Gaming Matters event marked a milestone in exploring the future of the video games industry. It brought together leading global companies such as Epic Games and Walt Disney, along with experts and designers from the esports sector, to exchange insights on future trends in this rapidly growing field. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic PM Modi played dirtiest politics on terrorism: Former MP Former Memmber of Parliament and AIMIM Maharashtra President, Imtiaz Jaleel, Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi played dirtiest politics on terrorism Wednesday August 6, 2025 10:50 AM , ummid.com News Network [AIMIM Maharashtra President Imtiaz Jaleel with NisarAhmed in Malegaon. Nisar Ahmed's son was killed in the 2008 Malegaon blast on September 29, 2008. He was an intervener in the case. (Image: ummid.com)] Malegaon: Former Memmber of Parliament and AIMIM Maharashtra President, Imtiaz Jaleel, Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi played dirtiest politics on terrorism. Imtiaz Jaleel said this in Malegaon. Jaleel was in the Textile City to meet the 2008 Malegaon blast victims after the Special NIA Court judgment. 2008 Malegaon Blast A powerful bomb, as per the ATS charge sheet, fitted in a motorcycle, exploded at Bhikku Chowk in Malegaon on September 29, 2006. Six Malegaonians including 7-year-old girl Farheen, were killed and more than 100 others were injured in the terrorist attack executed in the Holy month of Ramadan and two days before Eid in Malegaon. The motorcycle fitted with the bomb was parked few meters away from the ladies market at a junction where hundreds of people are present at any given time. The deadly terror attack was first investigated by Maharashtra ATS led by Hemant Karkare. Karkare was assassinated during the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. Before his tragic death, Hemand Karkare in his painstaking investigation unearthed the involvement of the Hindus in the bomb blast. The ATS in its charge sheet said the investigating agencies traced the motorcycle to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur in whose name it was registered. Further investigation in the case led to the arrests of Col Prohit, a serving army officer, and others. Two years after the BJP came to power in 2014, the investigation was handed over to the NIA. In the meantime, Special Public Prosecutor Rohini Salian, who was looking after the case, publicly accused that she was asked to go soft on the accused. In another indication of where the case is leading to, Sadhvi Pragya Singh, one of the key accused, was fielded by the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as the party candidate. She contested the election against former MP Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal and won. On July 31, 2025, Special NIA Court acquitted all the seven accused . The Court in its judgment said there is a strong suspicion of the involvement of the accused but mere suspicion cannot lead to conviction. In over 1,000 page judgment, Justice Ak Lahoti of the NIA Court in Mumbai said the prosecution could not produce sufficient evidence to prove the charges against the accused and acquitted them, as per his order, extending them benefit of doubt. "Dirtiest Politics on Terrorism Played by PM Modi" Responding on the Malegaon blast and Court's judgment while talking to media in Malegaon, Imtiaz Jaleel said, it is not the Congress but the BJP, in particular PM Modi, played the worst politics on terrorism. They say Congress played politics on terrorism (by linking Hindus with terrorism). The fact is that the one who played the dirtiest politics on terrorism is none other than Narendra Damodardas Modi, the Prime Minister of this country who fielded a terror accused in the election as the party candidate, Imtiaz Jaleel said. (As if) There was no qualified person other than the Sadhvi, a terror accused.. This is why they fielded her from Bhopal and sent her to Lok Sabha, and a message was given to the whole world that in our country a terror accused can be a member of the Lok Sabha, he said. Imtiaz Jaleel further said that if the government does not challenge the NIA Courts verdict, the High Court and Supreme Court have the power to take suo moto action. The courts have the power to take suo moto action and ask the government to file an appeal, like it did, in the case of Mumbai train blast judgment, he said. "A serving Army Officer cannot be arrest without evidence" Commenting on the arrest of Col Prohit, a serving Army Officer, in the Malegaon blast case, Imtiaz Jaleel said there were very strong evidence against him. In the absence of strong evidence, a serving army office, that too the rank of Lt Col, cannot be charged in a terror case, he said. Imtiaz Jaleel said former ATS Chief Hemant Karkare after a thorough investigation found evidence against him that were shared with the government and higher officials in the Indian Army. Imtiaz Jaleel also condemned the BJP and other Hindutva groups for celebrating the acquittal of the 2008 Malegaon blast accused. They are making fun of the martyrdom of Hemant Karkare, he said. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home US, EU trade with Russia persists while they want India to stop: MEA In a sharp response to Trump, New Delhi said the United States and European Union continue trading with Russia while they want India to stop Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:41 PM , ummid.com News Network New Delhi: In a sharp response to Trump, New Delhi said the United States and European Union continue trading with Russia while they want India to stop. Responding to Trumps repeated warnings, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement Monday August 05, 2025 said the U.S. had initially encouraged India to buy from Russia for market stability. India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability, the ministry said. The Ministry of External Affairs' statement came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump objected India buying oil from Russia , accusing New Delhi of aiding Moscow in its war against Ukraine. "Compelled by Global Market Situation" India said its imports from Russia are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. "They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion", the MEA said. "In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security", the ministry said. US, EU Trade with Russia The ministry also provided the data of EU imports from Russia during Moscow's war with Ukraine. "The European Union in 2024 had a bilateral trade of Euro 67.5 billion in goods with Russia. In addition, it had trade in services estimated at Euro 17.2 billion in 2023", the ministry said. "This is significantly more than Indias total trade with Russia that year or subsequently. European imports of LNG in 2024, in fact, reached a record 16.5mn tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21mn tonnes in 2022", the ministry said. Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment. "Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals", the ministry said. Russian Oil Russia, one of the largest oil producers in the world is a member of OPEC+. The country is facing trade sanctions by the U.S. and its allies over Ukraine war. However, India, China and Brazil are doing business with Russia despite the sanctions, as per reports. The case of India is murkier, as it is reported, Releiance Industries of India is importing oil from Russia at a much cheaper rate but the benefits are not passed on to the people. Petrol and Diesel in India are selling at much higher prices due to massive taxes on petroleum products. This contradicts the External Affair Ministry's claim that the country's oil import from Russia was driven by "predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer." Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Key Points The S&P 500 set another all-time high buoyed by strong earnings and an improving economic outlook. Generac soared on a strong earnings report, benefiting from lower tariff assumptions. Invesco has a plan to unlock more value from its QQQ ETF. 10 stocks we like better than Generac Stocks crept higher again in July as the S&P 500 index (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) finished the month up 2.2%. Enthusiasm for AI stocks continued with Nvidia and Microsoft crossing the $4 trillion mark, but they weren't the two best-performing stocks in the index. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Generac Holdings (up 36%) Generac Holdings (NYSE: GNRC), a leading maker of backup power generators, was the S&P 500's top-performing stock last month, finishing up 36%. The gains came entirely at the end of the month following a better-than-expected earnings report. Revenue in the quarter rose 6% to $1.06 billion, ahead of estimates of $1.03 billion, with balanced growth in the residential, commercial, and industrial segments. Better-than-expected shipments lifted results. On the bottom line, adjusted earnings per share in the quarter jumped from $1.35 to $1.65, well ahead of the consensus of $1.32. Management noted the company grabbed market share in the portable generator market and ramped up shipments of energy storage systems to Puerto Rico. Generac also raised its net income margin guidance from 7.5% to 8.5% due to lower tariff assumptions, a clear positive for the company. It sees stronger free-cash-flow conversion under the "big, beautiful bill." 2. Invesco (up 33.2%) Invesco (NYSE: IVZ), the investment manager that may be best known for the Invesco QQQ Trust, was the second-best performer on the S&P 500. Invesco's surge last month came as it filed with the SEC to change the QQQ ETF from a unit investment trust to an open-end fund, which would allow it to earn more revenue from the now-$352 billion fund. The change would also allow it to reduce its annual expense ratio from 0.20% to 0.18%, benefiting investors. TD Cowen called the move a "game-changing event" and upgraded the stock to a buy with a price target of $25. It's unclear how much Invesco would earn from the move, but given the size of the QQQ ETF and Invesco's market cap at just $10 billion, the tailwind could be substantial. Should you buy stock in Generac right now? Before you buy stock in Generac, 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 Generac wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. By Pratima Desai LONDON (Reuters) -A U.S. decision last week to exempt refined copper metal from import duties is in contrast to an earlier move to levy steep duties on aluminium, and highlights the central importance of electricity costs and the lobbying dynamics shaping U.S. policy. The United States stunned the copper market with its decision to only tax imports of semi-finished products such as wire, tube and sheet. Copper prices on Comex are down more than 20% since the announcement on Wednesday. Since June, aluminium metal shipped to the U.S., where smelters face higher electricity bills than copper producers, has attracted 50% tariffs. Taxes on metal production are part of a broader U.S. effort to revive domestic smelting capacity and cut reliance on imports. U.S. aluminium producer Century Aluminum has been vocal in its support of tariffs that it says are essential to protect what remains of the U.S. aluminium smelting industry. "Century Aluminum Company applauds President Trumps unwavering defence of the nations domestic production of critical metals by increasing aluminum tariffs to 50%," the company said in a June release. The waiver for refined copper reflects its importance to U.S. manufacturing and the influence of the industry, including major producer Freeport-McMoRan, which earlier this year said a global trade war would undermine U.S. copper production. "A global trade war could result in slower economic growth," Freeport said in a submission to a U.S. government request for comment on its investigation into copper import tariffs. "Slower growth in the U.S. or globally would negatively impact copper prices, which could threaten the viability of the domestic copper industry due to its elevated cost structure." The case for tariffs on U.S. aluminium imports includes the energy proportion of smelting costs in the United States. Macquarie's ballpark estimate for energy costs for producing primary aluminium and copper is 50% and 30% respectively. "There is no economic case for building any greenfield aluminium smelting capacity without substantial intervention. Even then, intervention may not be sufficient," said Macquarie analyst Marcus Garvey. Analysts say one major difficulty for potential investors in U.S. aluminium smelting capacity is getting long-term power purchase agreements at competitive prices, when power costs are higher in the U.S. compared with other producing countries such as United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and the world's biggest producer China. The University of Virginia is at the center of a growing debate over the future of public higher education. On August 4, 2025, UVA's Board of Visitors appointed law professor Paul Mahoney as interim president, following Jim Ryan's abrupt resignation. This wasn't a routine transition. It came after months of tension, with state officials led by Governor Glenn Youngkin, asserting more control over university governance. Youngkin's fingerprints are unmistakable. He has filled several UVA board seats and pushed for reforms that strengthen state oversight. Robert Hardie, chair of UVA's board, said Mahoney "brings deep experience" at a "critical time." But that 'critical time' is defined by more than a change at the topit's about who sets the agenda for Virginia's flagship university. Across the country, state governments are tightening their grip on public universities. In states like Florida and Texas, lawmakers have passed bills cutting funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and imposing strict new controls on curriculum. Virginia has seen similar proposals, though they've struggled to clear a divided legislature. Still, the pressure is realand increasing. This wave of political involvement is reshaping how universities operate. Who sits in the president's chair matters, but so does who's pulling the levers behind the scenes. State-appointed boards now have a bigger say in hiring, campus policy, and even what students learn. Policy experts warn this trend threatens institutional autonomy. Dr. Michael Poliakoff of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni says transparency is important, but "excessive political interference could erode trust among faculty and students." Dr. Mildred Garcia, president of the American Council on Education, adds that abrupt leadership changes often signal "deeper governance challenges" rooted in outside pressure. For UVA, the stakes are high. Leadership instability can spook donors, drive away talented faculty, and make prospective students think twice. It can also impact national rankings and research funding. And this isn't just speculation: a recent Pew Research Center survey found only 38% of Americans now express high confidence in college leadersa sharp drop from previous years. The partisan divide is striking. Republicans are more likely to back increased state oversight, while Democrats and independents largely oppose it. A July poll from Roanoke College showed Virginians split on the issue, with support for state intervention strongest among Republicans. Why should citizens care? The rules being rewritten at UVA will set precedents for public universities nationwide. As Virginia heads into another election season, candidates are already signaling that higher ed reform will be on the ballot. That could mean new laws affecting university boards, campus policies, and the very meaning of academic freedom. Looking ahead, experts expect more fights over who controls public higher education. Universities may try to rewrite their own charters to buffer against political swings or seek new alliances with alumni and business leaders who value institutional stability. Meanwhile, other states are watching Virginia closely, ready to followor avoidits example. The University of Virginia's leadership shakeup is more than a local story. It's a warning shot in a national contest over the soul of public educationone that will shape campuses, classrooms, and communities for years to come. On August 5, 2025, Nicholas Kent was sworn in as the fifteenth U.S. Under Secretary of Education. His new seat comes at a time when the nation's universities are navigating fierce political headwinds and widespread public skepticism. Kent's portfolio is vasthe will oversee higher education policy, federal student aid, and postsecondary initiativesat a moment when these institutions face both operational and existential threats. The Department of Education is still dealing with the fallout from recent FAFSA processing failures. Technical glitches delayed financial aid for millions, and according to a Gallup survey, 72% of college students and families now list affordability as their top concern. Only 41% believe recent reforms have improved their situation. These numbers point to a system under strain and a public eager for change. Kent's background suggests he's up for the challenge. He has worked on federal aid modernization and with advocacy groups like New America. Department officials say his "deep expertise in postsecondary policy" will be critical for restoring trust and improving systems. In Kent's own words: "I look forward to advancing policies that expand opportunity for all students." His appointment is more than symbolic. The Biden administration, still fighting legal battles over student loan forgiveness, has rolled out the new SAVE income-driven repayment plan. Kent will be tasked with communicating these changes while overseeing regulatory moves that could affect millions of borrowers. Polls show 63% of Americans support expanded student loan relief or repayment reform, but 58% say the FAFSA debacle made them less confident in the government's ability to manage aid. The pressure to deliver is immense. At the same time, both parties are demanding more transparency from colleges. There's bipartisan interest in holding institutions accountable for graduation rates and employment outcomes, and in cracking down on predatory schools. Legislative debates this fall will likely target Pell Grant expansion and stricter oversight on how universities spend federal dollars. Kent's arrival comes amid a wider political storm. Under the Trump administration, universities have seen deep funding cuts, threats to the Department of Education's very existence, and executive orders targeting research and diversity initiatives. Public trust in higher education is deeply polarized, with conservatives questioning the value and culture of campuses, and liberals defending academic freedom. University presidents find themselves with less autonomy than ever, squeezed between state and federal demands. Why does all this matter to engaged citizens? Higher education isn't just about students and facultyit's about opportunity, economic mobility, and America's ability to compete globally. The choices made in Washington now will ripple through families, communities, and the workforce for years. Whether Kent can bridge the gap between policy ambition and practical campus realities may determine if universities remain engines of growth or become further symbols of division. Congress is watching closely. If FAFSA issues persist or disputes erupt over regulatory authority, hearings are certain. Both parties see higher education as a wedge issue for suburban and swing voters heading into November. For citizens, the stakes are clear: the future of college affordability, access, and quality hangs in the balance. Small-business owners, entrepreneurs and startups will have an opportunity to learn how to read and respond to solicitations to start selling their goods or services to the federal government Tuesday, Aug. 12. Guest speaker Kirsten Sandlin and Sara Mikesell Growney will discuss the subject during a Wyoming APEX Accelerator Lunch and Learn webinar titled Reading and Responding to Solicitations from noon-1 p.m. To register, go here. Registration is free. The webinar is the fourth and final in the Government Contracting Fundamentals Summer Series presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Wyoming APEX Accelerator, part of the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network housed at the University of Wyoming, is the states expert in government contracting assistance. The webinar will provide attendees real-life solicitation tips and tricks; reading and responding to solicitations made easier; and efficiently crafting compliant proposals in a way that stands out from the crowd. Sandlin, founder and CEO of RFPrepared, created a business that provides training and resources to small companies to help them successfully respond to government solicitations and compete in the government market space. Mikesell Growney is a procurement adviser and acting program manager for Wyoming APEX Accelerator. She was a decade-long business owner and has experience in marketing, accounting, lobbying, public relations, public policy, grassroots organizing, campaigning and legal work. For more information, call Tyler Schanck, marketing, communication and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email tschank@uwyo.edu. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is supported by state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Known for his 16 year stint on Shark Tank and as the former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban is now shifting his attention on another project-shaking up the prescription drug industry. Tired of the rising prices, lack of transparency and shortage of generic low-cost prescriptions, the billionaire went to war with big pharma and launched Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company with his co-founder Alex Oshmyansky, M.D., Ph.D. Trending Now: Mark Cuban Tells Americans To Stock Up on Consumables as Trumps Tariffs Hit Heres What To Buy Check Out: 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying While Cuban has only been in the industry a short time, hes already saving patients money and switching things up in the industry. Here how and why hes winning. Cubans Core Model Works According to Cubans mission on Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Companys website, he is tackling major issues with big pharma by revealing how much medicine actually costs and offering affordable prescriptions so the price of drugs stops driving up the price of insurance. Cubans tactics are deceptively simple but genius, said finance expert Andrew Lokenauth with Be Fluent in Finance. From my years analyzing business models, the most effective approach is to cut straight through complexity which is exactly what hes doing. For You: Mark Cuban Says Trumps Executive Order To Lower Medication Costs Has a Real Shot Heres Why According to Lokenauth, Cubans core strategy of transparency is working. From my experience working with pricing models, this 15% markup, plus a $5 pharmacy fee, plus a $5 shipping model rips away the veil of secrecy that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) have profited from for decades and its working, he explained. But pulling back the curtain on pricing isnt the only thing Cuban is doing. Hes using a multi-pronged expansion strategy. Last time I reviewed their operations, Cost Plus had scaled from 111 medications to over 2,500 drugs, Lokenauth added. Thats a massive growth in just two years and now theyre moving into manufacturing and imports I was blown away when I saw them importing $15 penicillin shots to compete against Pfizers $500 version. What Makes Cubans Disruption Different Cuban isnt the first person to acknowledge big pharmas unethical ways. Many politicians like Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Jan Schakowsky and Senator Elizabeth Warren have criticized pharmaceutical companies for avoiding federal taxes and price gouging, but Cubans approach is different. Heres why its working, according to Lokenauth: Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Key Points Pfizer's stock is down over 60% from its December 2021 peak (as of Aug. 1). A drop in COVID-19 vaccines and treatment has caused a drop in Pfizer's revenue. Pfizer's stock appears to be in bargain territory for long-term investors. 10 stocks we like better than Pfizer Five years ago, the world was in the thick of the COVID-19 global pandemic, bringing Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) into the spotlight because of the role it played in developing the COVID-19 vaccine with its partner BioNTech. It was able to get U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 11, 2020, and it was released on Dec. 14, 2020. Image source:??? From mid-2020 to late 2021, Pfizer's stock skyrocketed, but since hitting its peak, it has reversed course. Had you invested $1,000 into Pfizer's stock on Aug. 1, 2020, your investment would only be worth around $638 as of Aug. 1, 2025. Pfizer's dividend would've cushioned some of the blow, but an investment then would still be less than your initial investment, at $828. PFE data by YCharts Why has Pfizer's stock struggled the past few years? Much of Pfizer's stock price troubles since hitting its Dec. 21 peak come down to a decline in demand for its COVID-19 vaccine and treatments, anticipated patent expirations on drugs like Ibrance (breast cancer) and Eliquis (blood clots), and an underwhelming pipeline. All isn't lost with Pfizer's stock, however. At its current levels -- trading at 7.7 times forward earnings -- Pfizer seems to be flirting with bargain territory. I don't expect a quick turnaround, but this low valuation gives it more long-term upside than downside. It also helps that the stock's dividend yield sits above 7.3%, more than 5.5 times the S&P 500 average. Should you invest $1,000 in Pfizer right now? Before you buy stock in Pfizer, 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 Pfizer 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 $624,823!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,064,820!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,019% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 178% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. Renewable energy company Zelestra has awarded a contract to Suzlon for 381MW of wind power capacity in three states of India. Suzlon will supply 127 of its S144 turbines, distributed across Maharashtra (180MW), Madhya Pradesh (180MW) and Tamil Nadu (21MW). The agreement is part of Zelestra's growth strategy, which includes the commencement of construction for 480MW of wind, 1.45GW of solar and 150 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery energy storage capacity in India in 2025. The portfolio includes the firm and dispatchable renewable energy contract, announced in March 2025, with Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam. This project in Solapur, Maharashtra will unify solar, wind and energy storage technologies, with operations expected by 2027. Zelestra India CEO Sajay KV stated: This partnership with Suzlon marks a significant step in our vision to deliver even more ambitious and complex multi-technology renewable energy solutions for our customers across India. It sets the foundation for delivering our portfolio of 5GW, from our strategically sited and uniquely co-located hybrid projects with Interconnection certainty of 2027 and 2028. Suzlon Group vice-chairman Girish Tanti stated: Indias energy transition landscape is at a pivotal juncture, where the pursuit of reliable, round-the-clock renewable power is taking centre stage. This project marks that critical shift. We are honored to collaborate with Zelestra, a global pioneer in decarbonisation, as we collectively propel India towards a sustainable energy future. At Suzlon, were committed to driving this transition forward, one innovative project at a time. Zelestras clean energy pipeline in India currently exceeds 5.4GW across seven states. In July 2025, Zelestra secured an additional 235m ($277m) for its sustainability-linked loan, bringing the total to 770m ($907m). "Zelestra enters 381MW wind power deal with Suzlon in India" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. James Cox The Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford will feature a world record attempt including a group that hails from the birthplace of the Guinness World Records, Castlebridge. At last year's Fleadh Cheoil, the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Fleadh group successfully set a world record for a tin whistle ensemble, with over 2,000 people taking part. This year's attempt will take place at Wexford Park, and it will look to set a Ceili Band ensemble record. A group called Castlebridge Inspire, which celebrates the town's status as the birthplace of the Guinness Book of Records, will be involved in facilitating the ambitious attempt. John Ryan, who runs Castlebridge Inspire, told BreakingNews.ie: "Last year we did the tin whistle ensemble Guinness World Record, the CEO Craig Glenday was over adjudicating on that one, we needed 1,015 and we got 2,516 in the end. "We had to play a couple of songs for five minutes. That was probably one of the biggest ensembles at any Fleadh to to date, and it was also the first Fleadh official Guinness World Record attempt. "It was so successful that we've decided to do another one this year. This one is the Ceili Band ensemble which will take place on August 7th at Chadwick's Wexford Park. The record to beat this year is 386 participants so that's what the goal is. There are three polkas pre-arranged to play for five minutes, we'll have some dancers, we have 15 different instruments for the record attempt. "This includes banjos, guitars and even a harp, along with the likes of the bodhran." A small town with less than 2,000 residents, Castlebridge is the birthplace of the world-famous Guinness World Records. Mr Ryan shared the story of how the records are traced back to the Wexford town. A group called Castlebridge Inspire, which celebrates the town's status as the birthplace of the Guinness Book of Records "We're Castlebridge Inspire, so our vision is to bring the story of the birthplace to connect that with the world. It's an important story; it all started with an argument. "On November 10th, 1951, the CEO of Guinness was in Wexford in Castlebridge House. They had been hunting down in the Sloblands, and they came back and had an argument about what was the fastest game bird in the world. They couldn't resolve that argument, so the Guinness boss decided we need a book to sort out these arguments of fact. "That's how the idea was born, and that's how we lay claim to it in Castlebridge. "From an argument came a book which has gone on to inspire millions of people around the world. In some ways, it was the Google of that time. "In the 90s when the internet started, the books started to change. Up until that point, it was the go-to. "We celebrate the Castlebridge argument, and we have created the rules of arguing here. Two important rules are number 9: Every argument must end in an inspiration, number 10: You must celebrate the argument, don't go off angry, something good can come from it." Mr Ryan said the history of Castlebridge's reputation as a centre of knowledge can be traced much further back than the Guinness World Record origins in 1951. The Fleadh Cheoil means so much to the community. We're all in this together so everyone is focused on the objective. "St Ibar built his monastery in Castlebridge parish in the fifth century in Beggerin, which was pre-Patrician. Then, in the 19th century, one of Daniel O'Connell's reading rooms was set up in the town. That was all about the education of people, the newspapers and encyclopaedias of the time. "The reading room in Castlebridge is now the last in Ireland. Guinness donated it to the community in 1980. "The argument in 1951 led to another great book. There is something about Castlebridge when it comes to books, knowledge and outcomes, and there are amazing local storytellers. "As we move into the age of AI, we're at an important junction in human history, and we believe Castelbridge, the birthplace of the Guinness Book of Records, will have a role in solutions for the new world. "All the record holders are always welcome in Castlebridge as the birthplace of the book, so they're always welcome here to tell their story and inspire future record breakers." The reading room in Castlebridge is now the last reading room in Ireland. Returning to Thursday's record attempt, he said a number of groups will be involved in trying to make it a success. "There are different people involved at different levels. Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil will have their name on the record and they are running it, Wexford County Council is providing resources, Wexford GAA is providing the venue and helping with logistics, and then there are the volunteers. "Our role is liaising with Guinness World Records to make sure it is an official record, we handle the registrations, the communications. "There is a little bit of nervousness, but after last year's success, there are fewer unknowns, and we remember the emotions of what we achieved last year. "The Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil group has to be recognised for its achievement in the second world record so close to the birthplace of Castlebridge. "The Fleadh Cheoil means so much to the community. We're all in this together, so everyone is focused on the objective." Festival fever may have taken over the country this August Bank Holiday weekend, but nobody did it like the Deise. Two of the biggest and most anticipated festivals brought thousands to Waterford. The marvellous Spraoi took over the city from Friday to Sunday. Street artists created colourful displays to delight families, residents and visitors alike. The Seaweed Queen was as stunning as ever. Acrobats and street performers thrilled and amazed crowds. There was no shortage of gigs from the Apple Market to the best bars in Waterford. The festival finished out on Sunday with the wonderful Sproai parade, perhaps one of the best things on the Waterford calendar, followed by a fireworks display over the quay. Meanwhile, approximately 30,000 people descended on the Curraghmore Estate for the hugely popular All Together Now festival. The festival's sixth chapter opened for early access on Thursday and ran through Sunday. Headliners Fontaines DC, BICEP Chroma and Nelly Furtado kept music fans going for days. Fans turned out in droves for other big names like CMAT, Bob Vylan and Primal Scream. Other names like The Boomtown Rats and Groove Armada also drew huge crowds of fans, lifelong and no doubt, new. If the music was somehow not your thing, All Together Now boasted a dazzling variety of events and activities. Comedy acts like Tommy Tiernan, Blindboy and Chris Kent would have you laughing for hours. There were also green crafts, live podcasts, art and even meditation. Waterford's August Bank Holiday offerings will no doubt have cemented Waterford's place as Ireland's premier festival destination. Read more about All Together Now here See photos from the Spraoi festival here South East Technological University (SETU) has announced it will participate in Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann which is currently taking place in Wexford town. A spokesperson for the university told Waterford News & Star: "SETU will attend from August 7 to 10. This annual festival, organised by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in association with Wexford County Council, is the world's largest celebration of Irish music, song, and dance. Last year it drew over 600,000 visitors to the Model County and the south east. "SETU's presence at the Fleadh underscores its commitment to promoting Irish culture and supporting the arts," said the university's spokesperson. "Our Schools Liaison team will be on hand to answer any queries in relation to our diverse range of programmes," she added. In addition, there will also be performances from the university's Bachelor of Arts in Music students over the four days. CALMAST (Centre for the Advancement of Learning of Maths, Science and Technology) will be delivering hands-on STEM activities for all the family and visitors to the SETU stand can expect expect interactive demonstrations, information on courses, and performances by students and faculty, offering a glimpse into the university's vibrant cultural scene. Starting from August 28, school secretaries and caretakers will be on indefinite strike, resulting from a dispute over pensions. Secretaries and caretakers across the country will not be in work from this date onwards. Forsa Trade Union, which represents more than 2,800 school secretaries and caretakers nationwide, said that the action has been backed by 98% of its school secretary and caretaker members. The Union is demanding to be granted access to public service pensions. Unprecedented Luisa Carty, Chairperson of the School Secretaries Branch of Forsa, told the Waterford News & Star that that the Department of Education are yet to engage with the organisation. Were now sick of talking and writing nice letters to TDs and Ministers, she said. Were not looking for a handout, but we want to be on a level playing field with SNAs and with the teachers. Currently, many caretakers and secretaries have little or no access to pensions, limited sick leave and are facing job insecurity. Noreen OCallaghan, who is a school secretary in Cork and Forsa member, told this newspaper that there are "school secretaries and caretakers across the country who are retiring with absolutely nothing. The job has evolved, she said. A school secretary deals with passports, medicals, dental records, admin work, correspondence with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Education, Tusla. We are the ones who apply for grants and handle payrolls. Cartakers deal with everything from plumbing to carpentry. So our workload is getting bigger and bigger and bigger, but yet ourselves and caretakers are the two people in the job who are not being offered a pension." Strike action Rallies are due to take place in Athlone, Dublin, Bray, Sligo and Cork. The strike action will be unprecedented" Ms. Carty said. Regarding potential disruption to schools in Waterford and across the country, she said: This is being played down by the Department at the moment, buts its going to cause chaos at the start of the school year, because we wont be there to do the work." Ms O'Callaghan said: When a school teacher or SNA is out, their leave has to be entered by us and subs have to be paid. None of that work will be done. So its going to affect teachers, SNAS and everyone who works within the school community." The plan is that people wont cross the picket, so kids will be coming in and coming home again and thats what were prepping for. "This is the last thing we want to be doing, but weve had our backs pushed to the wall on this. Waterford Waterford Council recently unanimously passed a motion recently calling on government to ensure equal public servant status for school secretaries and caretakers. Catherine Burke, principal of Mount Sion Primary school and local councillor, proposed the motion in City Hall. These are the people who open our schools in the morning and often lock them at night," she said, "it's unjust and unsustainable. Equal work deserves equal rights, nothing less. Meanwhile, Deputy Conor McGuinness recently addressed the Taoiseach on the issue, saying: School secretaries and caretakers are the glue that holds our school system together and they dont want to go on strike, they just want fairness when it comes to pay and conditions." So, you put a little mad money into bitcoin a few years ago. Now, your crypto-fueled profit means you have a sweet nest egg to put toward a house. But can you buy a house with crypto rather than using cash or a traditional mortgage loan? What are the roadblocks? And what about taxes? Read more: What is a mortgage, and how does it work? The Trump effect President Trump wants the United States to be "the crypto capital of the world." In that spirit, in late June, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) William J. Pulte ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to "prepare their businesses to count cryptocurrency as an asset for a mortgage." The FHFA supervises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored companies that fund a major portion of the mortgage industry. Pulte said the housing system "needs a massive upgrade," adding, I want people who own cryptocurrency to be able to buy homes like everyone else. I believe cryptocurrency is an asset. I believe Americans should be able to use their crypto if they want to. It's time the housing system caught up. This signals what could be a fundamental change to how cryptocurrency may be used to qualify for a mortgage. Until now, crypto owners have been commonly advised to cash out digital currency holdings and convert them into dollars to use as assets that can be considered on a financial statement or as reserves for an applicant's home loan. Fervent crypto collectors are not likely to do that, believing there is too much future upside to sell now. Learn more: Trump has called for a strategic bitcoin reserve. Heres how it would work. How crypto volatility could affect buying a home Most crypto assets continue to have one strength, which can also be their crucial weakness: volatility. Investors thrive on "buying the dips" when crypto prices dive, but a similar sudden drop in value when crypto is used as part of a net worth statement could be troubling even worse if crypto becomes a financial foundation for a mortgage. Imagine you deposit some crypto for your down payment and sign the buy-sell agreement. Days later, the crypto value crashes. As a result, youll need a sizable additional deposit to keep the purchase valid. That's a call that's going to be hard to answer. Keep reading: The average down payment on a house Using cryptocurrency as loan collateral While the FHFA aims to introduce crypto into mortgage transactions as a legitimate asset, the reality may be something less. The point made above regarding volatility is an example. However, the crypto solution may be stablecoins. Designed to maintain a steady value, stablecoins weren't created to be an appreciating asset. That folds neatly into the mortgage loan process. However, this means buying a house with crypto may still require converting a volatile cryptocurrency into stablecoins which would not appeal to most crypto investors' long-term hold mentality. >> Sign up for the Mind Your Money newsletter for weekly tips and insights Crypto mortgages There has been some movement on crypto mortgages, yet they're still scarce. The idea is to allow a home loan to be issued using digital currencies such as bitcoin or ethereum as collateral without liquidating the position. Players in the space include lenders named Milo, Arch Lending, Figure, and Ledn, though loan availability varies by location. Buyers would deposit an amount of crypto equal to the property's sales price or sometimes twice the value, or more for an interest-only mortgage loan. Again, crypto volatility plays an important role in the viability of such a loan. This embedded content is not available in your region. Dig deeper: How to invest in real estate Smart contracts Beyond the transfer of cryptocurrency assets, blockchain-based legal agreements called "smart contracts" might speed up the real estate purchase process. The blockchain is a digital record of transactions accessible anywhere, so embedding such smart contracts on the "distributed ledger" can track when contingencies are completed, funds are transferred, and contracts are signed. While that has nothing to do with buying a house with crypto, it may be the first hurdle to clear in adopting the framework of all crypto, the blockchain, into the real estate transaction space. The IRS is calling Capital gains taxes may be another reason "hodlers" (a colloquial term based on a typo for long-term holders of bitcoin) may not be quick to sell their crypto to buy a house. The Internal Revenue Service will take a big chunk of the profits of any crypto sale in capital gains taxes. Can you buy a house with cryptocurrency? FAQs Has anyone bought a house with crypto? We haven't been able to confirm the published claims of any homes bought with cryptocurrencies. However, if current listings are any clue, it's likely that they weren't ranch-style 3/2s with a carport and a fenced backyard in modest neighborhoods. Crypto Emporium recently listed homes for bitcoin sale that included a modern estate in Mexico and an eight-bedroom manor in Norway. Both are offered for around 290 bitcoin, which is currently worth a little more than $33 million. Do you pay taxes if you buy a house with crypto? Oh, yes. If you sell the bitcoin to buy the house, the IRS says you'll owe capital gains taxes. However, if you were to put bitcoin up as collateral for an interest-only crypto mortgage, you wouldn't have to sell your holdings, so no tax would be due. Can you actually buy anything with crypto? You can use bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies to buy real estate, merchandise, gift cards, travel packages, and hundreds of other items. Third-party providers such as BitPay enable the transactions, though some companies accept crypto payments directly. Laura Grace Tarpley edited this article. Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump have agreed to pause the media moguls deposition in a libel lawsuit brought by the US president last month over a story published by The Wall Street Journal detailing Trumps dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. Court filings released on Tuesday said the two parties had reached an agreement to hold off on Murdochs court appearance until after The Wall Street Journals motion to dismiss the case had been heard. Donald Trump has filed legal action against Rupert Murdoch and News Corporation over a story published in The Wall Street Journal. Credit: Nine Trump had initially sought Murdochs deposition to be expedited, citing the 94-year-olds age and health, which some media outlets have labelled a stunt. The parties had also agreed not to engage in discovery in the meantime, filings released by the Florida Court 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 When Annie Leibovitz shot a naked, heavily pregnant Demi Moore for the cover of Vanity Fair in 1991, it caused an uproar. Some retailers in the United States, including supermarket chains Giant and Safeway, refused to stock the magazine, while others wrapped it in brown paper. We are a family-oriented business, huffed a spokesperson for Giant in the Washington Post at the time. Very young children go to the magazine section while waiting for their parents to finish shopping. We did what we thought was right. Supporters, though, saw the image as a refreshingly empowering depiction of pregnancy; the magazines sales and subscriptions rose in the aftermath. Remarkably, more than 50 years earlier, Australian photographer Max Dupain had taken a similarly provocative photograph in Sydney. His 1939 Birth of Venus features the silhouette of a naked pregnant woman flanked by two sculptures, all reminiscent of Botticellis Venus. Max Dupains Birth of Venus, 1939. Credit: National Gallery of Australia Its a stunning image, says Emmanuelle de lEcotais, co-curator of Man Ray and Max Dupain, a new show at Heide Museum of Modern Art that, for the first time, pairs the pioneering photographers who worked on opposite sides of the world. The show includes more than 200 photographs, many of which are vintage prints. They speak to each artists willingness to reject tradition, convention and expectation, while celebrating beauty and the female body. De lEcotais says the pairing the brainchild of Heides artistic director Lesley Harding is inspired. Twenty years older than Dupain, the American photographer shared a fascination for depicting beauty, the body and pleasure. Theres something about beauty and the beauty of women, and the body, that is an ongoing thing for Man Ray, she says. Dupain, she adds, shared this fascination; the exhibition is all about beauty and pleasure. Advertisement Both artists were also deliberately provocative, de lEcotais says. For me, its really obvious that they are looking to push the limits all the time. Being controversial is really important. Another Dupain image in the show Nude 1934 would have courted similar controversy to that of his pregnant subject, says Harding. Shes a bride, but shes inverted, so shes a negative, she says, adding that the photograph is mesmerising. The deliberate inversion of time and the way that hes doing what Man Ray liked to do, being disruptive, presenting a woman in a veil with no clothes on ... Max Dupain, Nude, 1934. Credit: The estate of Max Dupain Dupain, born in New South Wales in 1911, received his first camera at 13, and, like Man Ray, was swept up in the global movements that upended art in the early 20th century. Both adopted pioneering techniques that helped shift perceptions of photography away from mere documentary record and into the realm of art. Man Ray, left, and Max Dupain are united for the first time in an exhibition at Heide. Credit: Getty, Fairfax De lEcotais has made a study of Man Rays work since she was an intern specialising in photography at The Centre Pompidou in Paris. In 1994, when the gallery received the work that remained in Man Rays studio after his death in 1976 some 12,000 negatives and 5000 prints she was given the task of cataloguing it. Her efforts became the basis for the landmark show Man Ray: Photography Inside Out in 1998. Advertisement Born Emmanuel Radnitsky in Philadelphia in 1890, Man Ray moved to Paris in 1921 (his Jewish-Russian family changed their name to Ray in 1912 in response to antisemitism in the US). He arrived in Paris at a time when Surrealism and Dadaism were in full swing. His portraits include a whos who of the art world: Andre Breton, Gertrude Stein, Salvador Dali and Virginia Woolf. Marcel Duchamp, one of his closest friends, was an inspiration for Man Ray, who embraced an approach [that says] all methods and all mediums are interesting: the point is not the technique, its what you want to say, what you want to express, says de lEcotais. From left, Max Dupains The Debussy Quartet in G, 1937, and Man Rays Le violon dIngres, 1924. The same was true for Dupain, who is best known for Sunbaker, the iconic image of a swimmer fresh from the ocean, lying on the sand. Taken in 1937, it came to represent an idealised vision of the sun-bronzed Aussie, and remains Australias most recognisable image. (Ironically, the subject is actually a Brit, Harold Salvage.) But Dupains lesser-known early work is remarkable and pioneering, says Harding, co-curator of the current show. She says that, like Man Ray, Dupain played with technique and used innovations such as solarisation and superimposition, as well as cropping, framing and playing with angles and subject matter. Max Dupains Sunbaker, 1937. The idea of them being contemporaries is probably not immediately apparent, but they were both at the peak of their powers in the 1930s, says Harding. They both had this capacity to synthesise things, to take them back to their essential element ... [they saw] this enlightened or more inventive possibility. Advertisement Lesley Harding among images by Man Ray and Dupain. Credit: Simon Schluter Dupains interest in Man Ray was already evident in 1935 when, aged just 24, he showed insight and maturity in his review of the book Man Ray Photographs 1920-1934 for The Home magazine. Embracing what he learnt about his Paris-based counterpart and other international photographers, the Sydneysider adapted some of their techniques and made them his own, as well as carving out his own approach. Man Ray appealed to me because he was radical, Dupain later told his biographer, Helen Ennis. He didnt give a stuff for his contemporaries or his peers he went ahead and did what he wanted to do. Clearly, Dupain recognised a kindred spirit. Loading Both artists worked with women who were artists and photographers in their own right: Lee Miller worked with Man Ray in Paris and also became his lover, and Olive Cotton met Dupain at photography school and went on to work with him; the pair later married. Stunning images of and by both women are showcased in the exhibition in a section called Collaborators. Another synergy was that the work of both men featured in fashion magazines, which was often how they made a living. Dupains photographs, influenced by Hollywood and modernism, appeared in advertisements for David Jones and in several publications, particularly The Home. Man Ray worked for French Vogue from 1924, as well as for Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli, but started developing his reputation through images published in Harpers Bazaar. His photographs of Parisienne women were more about people than fashion, says de lEcotais. Advertisement The coronial inquest into the death of Perth mother Lynn Cannon has concluded we will never know if police arriving at the scene sooner could have saved her life. Cannon, 51, died in December 2022, after her estranged husband Paul Cannon stabbed her multiple times inside his Landsdale home, as her familys worries about her safety escalated. It took police more than one hour to attend the scene and find Cannon dying, despite receiving three triple-zero calls, and a welfare check request while she was still alive. Acting state coroner Sarah Linton did not make any adverse findings against the police, but recommended more funding for government and non-government specialist support services to tackle the scourge of domestic violence. Here are some excerpts from her findings, released this afternoon: It is important to note, once more, that the person responsible for Lynns death is Paul Cannon. His behaviour has been condemned by the courts and the community in the strongest terms and he is rightly serving a term of life imprisonment for his brutal crime. Nothing arising from this inquest can bring back Lynn to her family. I am satisfied there were key indicators that Lynns safety was at imminent risk at the time leading up to her death, noting Paul Cannons coercive and controlling behaviour was clearly escalating in the final days of Lynns life. Lynn and her family were coming to understand that the safety strategies she had previously used to keep herself and her loved ones safe were no longer effective, but before she could formally report his behaviour, she was brutally murdered. Her family realised on the afternoon she went missing that something was seriously wrong, but those risks were not recognised and acted upon quickly enough by the police when the request for help was made by her sister Christine. If police officers had arrived at Paul Cannons Lansdale address prior to, or at the time of, Paul Cannons landlord arriving home, it can only be speculated as to what might have happened next. It is important to recognise that domestic violence homicides can occur even when the police are involved, but in this case, we will never know as police arrived too late on the scene to have any chance to intervene. Every person in the community has a role to play in putting an end to family and domestic violence. We must each be able to say with confidence: I do not tolerate violence or violence supportive attitudes. I see stopping family and domestic violence as mine and everyones responsibility. I know how to promote respect and challenge violence supportive attitudes. Only when we as a community can say this with confidence will we have done the work we must do, to address the damage that family and domestic violence is doing to our community. We must all be inspired to work in Lynns memory to do more. Advertisement Reviews & adviceHotel reviews A stylish central Sydney hotel for under $150 a night? It exists Craig Platt August 6, 2025 3:09am 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 The hotel Ibis Styles Sydney Central Check in The unassuming lobby. The gigantic Accor hotel group owns a vast collection of brands for all budgets, from the luxurious like Raffles, Fairmont and Sofitel, to mid-range like Mantra and Novotel, through to its budget offerings which include Ibis where Im checking in. To be more accurate, this is an Ibis Styles hotel, a trendier version of the Ibis brand aimed at a younger, hipper clientele than those simply seeking a cheap room. The Sydney Central property, first opened in 2022, recently underwent a multimillion refurbishment which saw the public areas revamped along with new looks for rooms and the creation of a new restaurant (see below). The hotel is just south of Hyde Park, a short walk from Museum Station and close enough to the heart of the city. Advertisement The look The unassuming lobby has little to distinguish it from the anonymous lobbies of the ubiquitous apartment skyscrapers in this part of the city, with one exception a newly added mural by abstract expressionist Rowena Martinich, which adds a welcome splash of colour to the entry. The carpet adds a touch of style to the otherwise bland corridors. Visitors can check in via kiosk or a small reception desk which doubles as a cafe with various Japanese treats on offer. The corridors could easily seem sterile with their white walls, bare metal edgings and grey room doors, but a newly laid carpet with a bright abstract pattern adds a touch of style (though, bizarrely, despite the refurbishment most of the doors on my floor have badly chipped paint at the time of my stay). The room Advertisement Im in a Deluxe Queen Room with balcony, one of only four in the 413-room property (21 wheelchair accessible). The balcony is more of a terrace about one third the size of the room itself with a large table and chairs for outdoor dining, and high surrounding walls keeping it fairly private. That said, its raining, as it often seems to in Sydney these days, so Im restricted to remaining indoors throughout my stay. The hotels rooms offer good value for money. Inside the room itself features the titular queen-sized bed, two armchairs and a small table (which is too high to sit at comfortably in one of the chairs, as it happens). Its mostly muted tones with grey carpet, white walls and beige cupboards, the exception being the bright art above the bedhead. Theres a kitchenette with a sink and microwave, plus crockery, which is standard in all rooms. The bathroom is big enough for one to be comfortable, but two at a time would be a squeeze. The toiletries, in large bottles, are limited to body wash and a shampoo/conditioner combo. Ibis Styles spruiks its Sweet Bed beds, and it is indeed very comfortable. The food Mee So Bar surprisingly good. Advertisement A restaurant at a budget hotel hardly screams must try, but Im pleased to report the propertys Japanese and Korean style eatery, Mee So Bar, dispels any reservations one might have. I indulge in the tasting menu ($65) of six dishes, including Peking duck baos, prawn wontons and a spicy pork taco, each beautifully presented. Theres also a long and fun Japanese-influenced cocktail list, with detailed descriptions of each concoction. I have a Great Wave of Kanagawa ($21), which depicts the pureness of what lies beneath the ocean. Im not sure about how pure it is, featuring a mix of vodka, blue curcao, alize bleu and Japanese calpis with nori syrup, but it is quite refreshing. Another thing that defies expectations here is that, for a hotel restaurant, its busy on a Tuesday night seemingly with many patrons who are not guests at the hotel. See meeso.com.au Related Article Hotel reviews Sydney hotel wont win any beauty awards, but its all about location Stepping out From the hotel its a short walk to Hyde Park or head straight up Wentworth Avenue and on to College Street to visit the Australian Museum, which is particularly appealing for kids with its extensive displays of wildlife, fossils and dinosaurs. See https://australian.museum/ The verdict Advertisement Its in a great location, its clean, its comfortable and you can get rooms for less than $150 a night whats not to like? The fact theres a lively bar and restaurant downstairs is a bonus. Essentials Rooms from $139 a night. See ibisstylessydneycentral.com.au Our rating Advertisement Highlight Sydney hotels are notoriously expensive so its got to be that price. Lowlight The old-school air-conditioning vent is quite noisy when operating. Lowering the fan setting doesnt seem to make any difference. The writer stayed as a guest of Ibis Styles Sydney Central. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Landlocked, But Not Disconnected This week, the international community gathers in Awaza, Turkmenistan, for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). While geography should not define a nations destiny, the reality is that it can impose real costs. LLDCs face trade expenses approximately 30% higher than countries with sea access, increasing their economic vulnerability and limiting access to global markets. These challenges are not incidental. They are rooted in geographic constraints, underdeveloped infrastructure, and procedural inefficiencies along transit routes. Addressing them requires strong cooperation mechanisms at both national and regional levels, reinforced by digital tools and harmonized Customs procedures and practices. The global Customs community, under the leadership of the World Customs Organization (WCO), plays a pivotal role in bridging existing gaps and supporting LLDCs in overcoming systemic barriers. The Connecting Power of Customs Modern transport infrastructure is a great asset, but without proper policies and harmonized and efficient Customs procedures in place, it wont necessarily reduce difficulties at the border. Focus must also be put on the enabling side of things: processes, procedures, legal frameworks, investment in people and their capacity to manage, and IT. Customs administrations core responsibilities make them central to enabling smoother and more cost-effective transit. Their ability to analyze operating procedures, enhance coordination with border agencies, and facilitate real-time data exchange is essential. When these efforts are coupled with standardized procedures and practices along transit routes and streamlined guarantees, they reduce delays and lower trade costs. However, technical reforms alone are not enough. Success depends on countries being committed to sustained cross-border collaboration, consistent application of international rules, and open dialogue with the private sector. Data-driven approaches must also be adopted to guide corridor improvements and prioritize investments so that they can have the greatest impact. Customs authorities are uniquely placed to lead these efforts with the backing of the WCOs technical expertise and tools - such as the WCO Time Release Study to identify bottlenecks, and the WCO Data Model to standardize and streamline customs data exchange in support of efficient clearance decisions. The Value of International Norms The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) offers LLDCs a powerful framework for harmonizing and modernizing Customs procedures. As of March 2025, 23 of the 32 LLDCs are Contracting Parties to the RKC. Yet only 11 have accepted Chapter 1, Customs Transit of Specific Annex E of the RKC. The remaining LLDCs face constraints such as limited administrative capacity, legal complexity, financial pressures, and competing policy priorities. A lack of awareness about the RKCs practical benefits also contributes to delays in accession and implementation. To address these obstacles, the WCO, working closely with regional institutions and development partners, provides targeted technical assistance, legal guidance, and capacity-building support. Sharing success stories, promoting peer dialogue, and adopting phased implementation models can help build the confidence and momentum needed for reform. For LLDCs, accession to the RKC and its transit annex is more than a legal milestone. The commitment it entails is a strategic investment in efficient and predictable border operations that can yield long-term economic returns. WCO: Bringing Tools, Knowledge, and Real Impact With 186 Members, including 32 LLDCs, the WCO has created practical tools to guide Customs reform, including the operating procedures related to efficient transit. The WCOs Transit Guidelines and Transit Handbook address two fundamental questions: What constitutes efficient transit, and how can it be implemented? These resources cover a range of key topics, from transit guarantees and Customs seals to risk management and integrity systems for border agencies. Combined with the Compendium of Best Practices in the area of Transit, they bridge the gap between policy recommendations and real-world best practices. In 2024 alone, the WCO delivered 102 national-level activities across 26 LLDCs. These focused on trade facilitation, enforcement, digital transformation, and strengthening Customs leadership. Over 75% of these interventions were tailored to individual national contexts, reflecting the WCOs commitment to country-specific needs. The results are tangible. Participating administrations have begun implementing faster clearance systems, enhancing risk profiling, and piloting digital guarantees. These steps directly reduce border delays and increase trade efficiency. Some have also implemented initiatives with neighboring administrations to facilitate and secure transit operations, for example jointly conducting Time Release Studies, organizing joint training, establishing regional tracking systems and carrying out joint controls. Looking Ahead: Customs as a Catalyst for Opportunity Through a combination of national, regional, and multi-regional engagements, the WCO continues to strengthen Customs capabilities and promote inclusive trade for LLDCs. These efforts are not abstract. They directly support sustainable development and resilience in some of the worlds most geographically disadvantaged economies, by enabling them to benefit from global supply chains and even play a major role in regional logistics. At this weeks Conference, my message is clear: with sustained commitment and strong partnerships, Customs administrations, supported by the WCO, can be the catalyst to ensuring LLDCs are no longer locked out of opportunity but firmly connected to it. Kenneth Fox Culture Night will launch its programme of events for 2025 on Wednesday, August 6th. This year marks the 20th edition and will be launched at Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). The initiative Temple Bar Cultural Trust / Dublin City Council, Culture Night intially began as an innovative but relatively modest local event in 2006 with 40 venues opening free and late in the evening in Dublins Temple Bar, expanding citywide in 2007, more than doubling in size with 87 cultural institutions participating. By 2010, the number of cities involved had doubled to 20 throughout the Republic, including the islands of Tory and Inis Meain, the Gaeltacht regions and north of the border Derry joined Belfast in hosting Culture Night / Oiche Chultuir. Renowned Irish designer Helen Steele and members of brand-new female trad supergroup, Biird, will be on hand to launch the event this year that reflects Culture Nights 20 years of championing openness, discovery, and belonging through culture. Culture Night / Oiche Chultuir 2025 returns on Friday, 19th September with an expansive programme of late-night free events across Ireland, spotlighting the very best of our countrys rich and diverse cultural landscape. The launch will take place on Wednesday at IMMA with photo opportunities at 10am-11am and interview opportunities from 11am-11:3oam. A small film crew from Athis-Mons visited Ballina last month to coincide with Ballina Salmon Festival. Athis-Mons is a commune of close to 40,000 people located in the southern suburbs of Paris, close to Orly Airport, and the French town has been twinned with Ballina since 1993. Led by Christian Fages, a regular visitor to Ballina since the early 1990s, the group included Chantal and Didier Bourg, and Willy Brute. With Didier and Willy on camera, the visitors filmed locations in Ballina and North Mayo, including St Muredachs Cathedral, Pearse Street, the Humbert Monument, The Quay, Killala, Ballycastle, Downpatrick Head and Belderrig. The visiting group planned their Ballina trip to coincide with Heritage Day, which provided the opportunity to soak in and understand more about the culture of the town and county, particularly its people, farming, crafts and music. A project of the DiViPassion Association in Athis-Mons, the producers intend to make a short film about Ballinas history and culture, to appear in a presentation about Athis-Monss three twin towns of Ballina, Rothenburg in Germany and Sinaia in Romania. Christian Fages and the film crew have thanked the many groups who assisted them while they were in North Mayo. They expressed their gratitude to the councillors and executive of Ballina Municipal District for welcoming them with refreshments on the morning of Heritage Day, and to local film makers Fionn Rogers and Bartek Rybacki for their generous assistance in providing some of their own high quality original aerial footage of locations in North Mayo to supplement the crews ground work. The Athis-Mons visitors also thanked the individuals who told their story on camera. The film will be shown to the citizens of Athis-Mons, and is also intended to be viewed online, with a release date expected before the end of 2025. COMMUNITY NOTES: CLAREMORRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (AUGUST 5 EDITION) After years of lobbying, Cllr Richard Finn has welcomed the approval of a long-awaited infrastructure project that will see the replacement of the Bekan Bridge on the N60 between Claremorris and Ballyhaunis. The structure, long considered a blackspot due to its misaligned approaches and repeated collisions, will be replaced as part of a road realignment scheme proposed by Mayo County Council and supported by members of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District. Debris has reportedly fallen from the bridge on multiple occasions, prompting concern for motorists safety. Councillors were informed that a public consultation on the project had received just one submission, from a local landowner. The concerns raised are being addressed as part of the planning process. The council will now move to complete a technical approval process with Irish Rail. If funding is secured, construction could begin as early as next year, though 2027 has been given as the latest likely start date. Cllr Finn, an Independent councillor, said the project had been under discussion for many years and that its approval marks a significant step forward for road safety in the area. Many people have come into contact with the parapet walls there, he said. The damage to vehicles has been considerable over time. This will make a real difference. He also acknowledged the contributions of officials who helped progress the scheme. I have been pressing the TII and Mayo County Council for a resolution here for many years, he said. I want to thank Paul Dolan, Head of Roads; Conrad Harley, Area Engineer; Padraig Flanagan, Area Manager, and the engineers at Irish Rail for their work in getting the project to this stage. The planned works, detailed in a report from Senior Planner John McMyler, involve constructing a new rail overbridge and approximately 700 metres of road realignment. Both approaches to the bridge will be reconfigured to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. The existing sharp bends and frequently damaged vehicle restraint systems will be addressed through the redesign. At 92 years of age Eamon Munnelly is set to pull the first pint when his familys pub re-opens on Friday. There was shock and sadness when Erris institution, the High Chaparral in Geesala, was devastated by a blaze in February. The speed and ferocity of the fire was frightening and nothing inside the property survived. There has been a public house on the footprint of the High Chaparral since the late 1800s and the Munnelly family has run the bar since 1949. Ingenuity, hard work, and community spirit have combined to see the bar rise from the ashes in recent months. Famed for its traditional music sessions, The High Chaparral is far more than a watering hole, it is a focal point for the community in Geesala and surrounding areas. Everything was destroyed in the fire. The only thing left standing was the old stone walls that would have been built over 100 years ago, he said. The indomitable spirit of the Munnelly family will see their pub return to their beloved village again. Pints will be poured again on Friday evening ahead of the annual Geesala Festival. The privilege of pulling the first pint will fall to Eamon. It will be nice from him. It was tough for him watching the place burn down. He probably never thought he would see it again, said John. Fr James Cribbin will perform an official blessing of the premises. Everyone will be very welcome. It will be great to be up and running again. It was no good leaving it the way it was anyway. You had to be positive from day one, said John. He praised the efforts of all involved in the remarkable effort. "We should be sending them up to Dublin to show them how to build the Childrens Hospital," quipped local councillor Gerry Coyle, who is a life-long friend of the Munnelly family. There are calls to put a plan in place to enhance and restore the town river in Castlebar. Cllr Harry Barrett put forward a motion at the monthly meeting of Castlebar Municipal District urging the local authority to put in place a Habitat Management Plan, to facilitate the drawdown of any future funding required to enhance and restore the Castlebar Town river, Lough Lannagh and associated waterways. Any other town in Ireland would be so happy to have the resource we have on our doorstep, said Cllr Barrett. However, he said the town river is underutilised and in a terrible condition. Coming into Castlebar and you see the state of the river and its totally neglected. It speaks to a bygone or industrial era when we did not respect our waterways. It could be an awful lot better. People today, tourists today want experiences. They want to fish in Castlebar, they want to kayak in Castlebar, and experience the best we have to offer," said Cllr Barrett. He said specialised and Government help is required. Cllr Barrett said a Habitat Management Plan is required in order to avail of any potential funding. Invest serious money into it and make it a resource we can be proud of. I want to people to be able to benefit of what it can offer. I want people to be able to take kayaks right through this town out to Turlough. I want fish to be able to come through that river again, said Cllr Barrett. Cllr Ger Deere, who is also a part of Castlebar Tidy Towns, said poor planning which allowed the installation of a sewer pipe across the river at the rear of Elverys has stymied the recreation use of the waterway. It would be lovely to go from Bilberry down to Turlough but you cant. Because no other local authority would have given planning permission for the ugliest sewer pipe. He said kayakers have to get out of their crafts in order to negotiate the pipe. We destroyed the river. We are inhibited because of that ugly sewer pipe, he added. A federal judge on Friday permanently blocked Colorado from enforcing against a Catholic health clinic the portion of a 2023 law that prevents medical professionals from offering "abortion reversal" treatment to pregnant patients. Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday declared a disaster emergency to fight a wildfire that has burned about 700 acres in Delta County. The declaration means the deployment of state resources to help fight the LeRoux fire after the sheriff requested it, saying the emergency has grown beyond the capability of the county to manage. Officials noted that elevated fire risks have been forecast for the coming week in western Colorado. The fire is burning on private and Bureau of Land Management land. So far, 15 homes have been evacuated, while authorities have placed 152 others on on pre-evacuation notice. Authorities said they have mobilized interagency aviation and ground equipment and personnel, including deploying Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control air and overhead resources. An El Paso County District Court judge ruled Monday to dismiss the remainder of a lawsuit filed last year against the Pikes Peak Library District Board of Trustees after their vote to let the Rockrimmon Library branch close. Judge Gregory Werner issued an order Monday dismissing complaints that the library board violated the Colorado Open Meetings Law and an attempt to reverse the library closure using the state's Rule 106 appeal process for government decisions. The lawsuit stemmed from the Board of Trustees meeting in October when they voted 5-2 not to renew the lease for the Rockrimmon Library. Rockrimmon had been one of two branches singled out for potential closure in the library district's facilities master plan because of the cost for the lease, which was around $240,000 per year, and maintenance concerns. The decision angered many residents who had used the library during its 35 years in northwest Colorado Springs. Patrons argued that Rockrimmon was one of the most highly used Pikes Peak Library branches and that the board needed to consider other options before letting it close. In December, a lawsuit was filed by a group of former library patrons, the nonprofit COS Reads that formed in response to the library closure, and Integrity Matters. The suit argued that the Board of Trustees' decision was made without enough public notice or transparency and went against the best interests of the Pikes Peak Library District. Featured Local Savings In his order Monday, Werner ruled that the Rule 106 appeal had not been included in the lawsuit until January, more than 28 days after the October meeting. Werner ruled that the lease decision was made at that meeting, and the later vote on Dec. 3 to reconsider the vote did not reset the timeline. "The undisputed evidence showed that PPLD had not violated the Open Meetings Law with respect to the October 2024 Board meeting where the decision was made," Pikes Peak Library District spokeswoman Denise Abbott said about the judge's rulings Monday. Werner ruled that the argument put forward that all Library Board appointments for years had violated the Open Meetings Law was based on hearsay and could not be used to challenge the vote. "(If) Plaintiffs are correct that PPLD was not properly constituted and, therefore, did not have the authority to make the decision to not renew the Rockrimmon lease, it probably also means PPLD never had the authority to enter into the lease to begin with," Werner wrote. Werner had previously dismissed several other complaints in May, including the breach of fiduciary duty and a request for injunctive relief that would require the district to renew the Rockrimmon Library's lease. Veronica Baker, one of the lead plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit, said in a statement Monday that she was "disappointed but not surprised" by the ruling. Baker said that end of the case might allow the Board of Trustees and the El Paso County Commissioners to address other concerns patrons shared. "We believe that this lawsuit has drawn much needed public attention to potential closures of Cheyenne Mountain Library and Ruth Holley Library as well as the appointment process for electing members to the (Board of Trustees)," Baker said. Concert to celebrate Female Academic Leaders When: Friday, 08 August 2025 - Friday, 08 August 2025 Where: Great Hall Braamfontein Campus East Start time: 14:00 Enquiries: pm@falf.org RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/va9HWDqC3s Cost: Free A celebration to mark strides by FALF, a programme that seeks to develop a pipeline of women academic leaders. The Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) provides support to African and coloured women in academia who are underrepresented in high structures of knowledge production and leadership. Learn more about FALF. The celebrations are divided into two sections starting with discussions and the launch of the research Chair in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion. The day will culminate in a concert starting at 14:00. RSVP to secure your ticket to the concert. Wits students stand a chance to win a laptop. Related articles: Towards gender parity in academic leadership FALF leads the way in deepening the knowledge project Wits transformation agenda places focus on female leaders FALF's inaugural research symposium showcases work by women scientists A Colorado Springs man was arrested after allegedly driving a UTV into the Arkansas River with another person inside while under the influence, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office. The UTV was found partially submerged by deputies around 1 p.m. Sunday near Ruby Mountain Campground, south of Buena Vista. First responders with Colorado Parks and Wildlife rescued the two occupants from the river, and the UTV was pulled out with a tow truck, according to a Facebook post from the Sheriff's Office. No one was injured. "The investigation by the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office showed that driving into the river was an intentional act, and that alcohol was a contributing factor," the Sheriff's Office said in the post. Before being pulled out, the river's flow started to pull the UTV downstream before getting stuck on a rock. "This could have certainly had a grimmer outcome," said Sheriff Andy Rohrich in the post. "This is a clear example of how mixing alcohol and driving a motor vehicle is a dangerous combination. Both of the occupants are very fortunate to have walked away without any injuries." The suspect, 49-year-old Jason Beltz, was arrested and taken to the county jail. He is facing charges for driving under the influence while driving a motor vehicle. The passenger was not charged. Global Ethics Day colloquium exposes vulnerabilities in research Not just research subjects, but research itself, is vulnerable to the onslaught of technology. The impact of AI on the crafting and outcomes of academic and medical research dominated discussions at the 5th Annual Wits SARIMA Carnegie Global Ethics Day Colloquium 2025 held online on 24 July 2025. Themed The impact of multidimensional vulnerability on the research and innovation landscape, the colloquium interrogated how research itself is open to AI generated inaccuracies and how certain societal demographics, professions such as journalism, and even entire countries, experience its impact. Professor Lynn Morris, Wits Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, told delegates in her welcome address that research and innovation are human endeavours based on the principles of trust, respect, and fairness. A core ethical tenet of research is that it must always be about people, she said. This people-first theme linked each of the presentations, looking at who and what is vulnerable in the context of research from animals, individuals, and communities, as well as the research process itself. In support of society Looking at vulnerability through this multidimensional lens, the colloquium highlighted the imperative that research must serve all of society, without compromise. It must safeguard rights, and the dignity and welfare of research subjects. Professor Mary Davis, Academic Integrity Lead at Oxford Brookes University, opened the debate on AI, speaking about the dichotomy between its capacity both to decrease and increase the digital divide, given the skewed influence and dominance of the Global North over AI technology. Simultaneously, the classification as AI of tools that were previously considered assistive, such as spell-checking apps and voice to text programmes, can further disadvantage non-native English speakers and people with disabilities, leaving them vulnerable to poor academic outcomes. Inequity in AI detection tools for teachers can leave students who cannot afford to pay for sophisticated AI packages vulnerable in the same way, she said, while Jason Gibson of Turnitin told the colloquium, The workload of instructors has increased exponentially as they try to deploy detection tools to root out the misuse of AI in students work. Lives of the rich and powerful Aroop Chatterjee from the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) at Wits made a case for more research into the wealthy and powerful, who enjoy institutional isolation from much of the current research into poverty and wealth. While the poor are studied in granular detail, the elite evade this kind of scrutiny, meaning then that some social studies do not meet the basic requirements of ethical research practices, which call for a fair and equal distribution of risks and benefits. It is researchers duty to ensure that social studies are balanced, but many are incomplete if they do not include the lives of the elite, Chatterjee claims. To guard against this abuse of privacy privilege, and in the interests of symmetry, Chatterjee called for ethical pluralism in social studies and for academic institutions to support elite research. AI and its misuse is also eroding our trust in journalism, claims Dr Nechama Brodie from the Wits Centre for Journalism. One of the key tenets of journalism is accountability, and AI cannot be held accountable, she lamented, saying that modern journalism serves the commercial interests of media platforms, when it should serve the public interest. This leaves both the role of journalism and the credibility of our news vulnerable. The case for AI-assisted vs AI-generated Niall Reddy, also from SCIS, spoke about an entire set of social inequality when it comes to the implementation, innovation, and investment into AI technology. From a labour perspective, using vast armies of people in the Global South to train large language models that benefit the Global North, in data centres that have a massive impact on the environment, is inherently unfair, he said. The extraction of minerals required to power AI and other technologies raises social justice issues and the massive amount of data that AI ingests raises questions around intellectual property, authorship, and ownership. This was also raised by Sumaya Laher, Wits Professor of Psychology and editor of the SA Journal of Psychology. Aside from issues of writers submitting AI generated work, reviewers feeding books and articles into AI exposes the original authors, leaving them vulnerable to unauthorised use of their work. Lahers discussion on what comprises permissible use of AI echoed Daviss questions around AI-assisted versus AI-generated. Given the role that AI already plays in research, there was consensus that guidelines on the ethical use of AI should be in place in academic institutions. Ethics in medical trial funding Vulnerabilities in medical research due to funding shortfalls or cancellation were exposed by Howard Snoyman of Werksmans Attorneys and Neil Kirby, Head of Legal and Ethics at Discovery. Accepting funding that is inadequate to support the anticipated duration of a study is irresponsible, argued Snoyman. Money running out and leaving patients in a medical limbo can have serious health consequences, and researcher have an ethical duty to plan for when funding runs out. In the light of Donald Trumps recent withdrawal of funding from many global organisations, Kirby spoke about the precarity of donees when politics come into play and the need for contractual protection. Wayne Howard and Anastasia Trataris-Rebisz from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) discussed how a failure in medical research to protect against biohazards can potentially have a global impact. Allegations that the Covid-19 pandemic was the result of a lab leak in China illustrate the potential dangers of inadequate bio-risk and biosafety measures in labs at risk from theft, sabotage, insider threats, and human handling error. The NICD offers training and advice on matters relating to bio-risk and biosafety management to reduce vulnerabilities of those inside and outside of lab environments. Protecting medical trial patients Emeritus Professor Paul Ruff, Chair of Wits Human Research Ethics Committee: Medical, as well as Azeem Walele from 2 Military Hospital and Zinhle Makathini from the SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC), put forward the case for the protection of vulnerable groups such as pregnant and lactating women, minors, and HIV+ patients in clinical research trials, in a presentation titled Balancing Risk and Inclusion. Drug trials, argues Ruff, should be scientifically, statistically, and clinically appropriate to the needs of the study group. This means that drugs targeting pregnant and lactating mothers should be looking for better maternal-foetal and maternal-child outcomes. Studies in minors that require parental consent pose a challenge in South Africa with many absent parents and proceeding without consent can invalidate compensation and insurance agreements, resulting in even greater vulnerability of this study group. Denying healthy HIV+ patients the right to participate in certain trials can perpetuate stigma and inequity, and Ruff thus recommends the inclusion of HIV+ patients in certain trials, where appropriate. As a leader in the field of applied ethics, Wits Universitys for good ethos requires exceeding mere compliance, to capacity-building. The University is committed to embedding ethics into every aspect of its work, and this imperative was echoed by all the speakers in this years event. US President Donald Trump listens as Rwanda's foreign minister Olivier Nduhungirehe speaks during an event in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, on June 27. The UCLA campus [Photo: UCLA] The Trump administration has moved to freeze $339 millionmore than a quarter of UCLAs $1.1 billion in annual federal grants and contractsin science and medical research funding to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Justified with cynical claims of fighting antisemitism, this politically motivated act represents a sharp escalation in the ruling classs drive to crush dissent, subordinate the universities to an increasingly authoritarian state and silence opposition to Israeli war crimes and US imperialism. The defunding order, spearheaded by Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice, accuses UCLA of race discrimination and fostering a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students. In language typical of authoritarian regimes, Bondi warned UCLAand by extension all universitiesthat allowing criticism of Israel would come at a heavy price. The real issue is not antisemitism, but the mass opposition that has emerged on campuses against the US-backed genocide in Gaza. This action follows a broader pattern of financial blackmail and political repression by the Trump administration against institutions perceived as insufficiently loyal to Zionism and US imperialist policy. Until now, most of these measures have targeted elite East Coast campuses such as Harvard, Columbia, and Brown. But the move against UCLAcutting off dozens of National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Energy (DOE) grantsmarks the first large-scale defunding on the West Coast and the most sweeping effort yet to transform research universities into instruments of far-right state policy. The World Socialist Web Site rejects the lying pretext that this has anything to do with fighting antisemitism. The fraudulent conflation of antisemitism with opposition to Zionism is being wielded as a political weapon against students and faculty who speak out against Israels mass slaughter of Palestinians. It is a central ideological tool of the ruling class to criminalize dissent and enforce ideological conformity under conditions of an ongoing genocide and growing political and social crisis. The consequences of the UCLA defunding are far-reaching. Entire laboratories and research programs have been thrown into chaos. According to Chancellor Julio Frenk, whose administration received the notice last Wednesday, the cuts will affect life-saving research critical to public health, national security and the economy. But Frenk, far from being a defender of academic freedom, has actively collaborated in building the very framework for this repression. Since taking office in January, pro-Zionist Frenk has led the charge at UCLA to equate opposition to Israel with racial hatred. Under his leadership, the university launched the Initiative to Combat Antisemitism, aimed at eradicating antisemitism through expanded surveillance, complaint mechanisms and political reeducation. He declared it his top priority to root out antisemitism from campus, claiming that universities have become hotbeds of hatreda central lie used by the state to justify its clampdown on protest. Frenks hand-wringing over the grant cancellations is deeply cynical. He helped lay the legal and ideological foundation for the very attacks now being used to defund his university. His administration agreed last week to a $6.45 million settlement with Zionist plaintiffs who alleged discrimination during the 2024 Gaza solidarity encampments. This deal, like similar settlements at Columbia and Brown, has emboldened the state to escalate its offensive. The attack on UCLA follows a well established pattern. Columbia University paid $220 million and agreed to wide-ranging changes to admissions and campus policy. Brown paid $50 million. Harvard, facing the loss of federal research funds and the ability to host international students, has reportedly offered as much as $500 million to reach a settlement. Duke and George Mason face similar threats. Investigations are also underway against Cornell, Northwestern and other schools. The goal is not to eliminate antisemitism, but to forcibly align higher education with the interests of US imperialism and the far right. University administrators are being told to purge their institutions of any opposition to Zionism, militarism and the capitalist status quo. Faculty and students are being told in no uncertain terms: support genocide or lose your funding, your job and your future. At the same time, these attacks are a key front in the broader effort to destroy the social and democratic rights of the working class. The cutting of $300 million from UCLA research is not just an academic issue. It directly threatens scientific breakthroughs on which millions dependwhether in cancer treatment, clean energy or public health. This is an assault on the intellectual and material foundations of modern society in the interests of militarism, reaction and corporate profit. It must be stressed that these policies are not unique to Trump. The Biden administration laid the political groundwork by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Bidens Department of Education launched dozens of Title VI investigations into universities over campus protests. He publicly denounced student encampments and oversaw their brutal suppression. Trump is simply taking the bipartisan assault on free speech and democratic rights to its logical conclusion. The Democratic and Republican parties are united in their campaign to suppress the mass opposition to the Gaza genocide that has erupted across US campuses. They are alarmed by the political radicalization of youth, who increasingly recognize the Palestinian struggle as part of a global fight against capitalism and imperialism. The World Socialist Web Site calls on students, faculty and researchers to reject all efforts to divide or silence them under the false banner of combating antisemitism, which is being weaponized to outlaw dissent. The defense of democratic rights on campus must be linked to the broader struggles of the working class against exploitation, inequality and imperialist war. This fight cannot rely on university officials, Democrats or the trade unions, all of which are tied to the capitalist state and complicit in the repression. What is needed is a new leadership rooted in the working class, guided by a socialist program that treats education, science and culture as social rights, not commodities. The defunding of UCLA is a warning of authoritarianism on the rise. The capitalist state is preparing for dictatorship, war abroad and violent repression at home. Only the socialist reorganization of societyunder the democratic control of the working classcan defend science, truth and freedom and end capitalist war and oppression. The state of Berlins debt is set to rise from its current 68 billion to about 76 billion by the end of 2027, and the governing coalition of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and Social Democrats (SPD) is sticking to its harsh austerity course. The draft budget for 2026 and 2027, recently presented by the Berlin Senate (state executive), anticipates expenditures of 43.8 billion next year and 44.6 billion in 2027. After the summer recess, the budget will be debated in the House of Representatives (state assembly) and is scheduled to be passed by the end of the year. Teachers protesting against cuts in Berlin, 05.12.2024 Originally, spending in 2026 was to be capped at 40 billion. The increase has been made possible by a new credit framework created by the federal government. Under it, the states can take on debt amounting to 0.35 percent of GDP, with additional borrowing allowed depending on economic conditions. On top of that, transaction-based loans are being taken out for state-owned enterprises, which are not subject to the constitutionally mandated debt brake. These alone amount to around 2.5 billion. The CDU and SPD are trying to present this increase in spending as the end of austerity. SPD parliamentary leader Raed Saleh declared grandly that there were areas where no cuts would be made. For example, when it comes to the burdens placed on people, said Saleh. He said he was proud that free daycare, after-school care, and public transport tickets for children would be preserved. Ive always said: there will be no social cutbacks with me. That is a blatant and obvious lie. Just this year, 3 billion have already been slashed. The cuts primarily affect education, social services, and culture. Since the end of last year, there have been repeated protests against the Senates stark austerity policies. And although the budget has not yet been formally passed, it is beyond doubt that this brutal policy of cutbacks will continue. According to Finance Senator Stefan Evers (CDU), who played a major role in pushing through this years cuts, the increased budget is solely due to overarching constraints. He cited rising personnel costs in particular. In reality, those are increasing only slightly, from 12.9 billion in 2025 to 13.1 billion in 2026. We will all have to keep saving. Thats happening with this budget too, said Evers. The state was in an extremely tense budgetary situation. He made clear that the agreed cuts would remain in place and more were coming. The budget continued the consolidation path, and the details would be determined by the relevant departments, said Evers. He described the situation of Berlin and its districts as an alarm signal and coupled this with an appeal to the federal level. What was needed, Evers said, was a reform of the welfare stateby which he meant an escalation of the already drastic social cutbacks planned by the federal government. Education Senator Katharina Gunther-Wunsch (CDU) gave a preview of the coming cuts. She is calling for an end to free school meals and free student public transport passes. This freebie mentality, she said, cost the state about half a billion euros annually. This brazen attack, which would especially hurt children from low-income families, was justified with the claim that primary school children rarely need public transport tickets and that around a third of the free school meals end up in the trash. Cuts in the cultural sectorwhich have already led to unprecedented reductions in Berlins cultural lifewill also continue. The budget remains stuck at less than 1 billion per year. Fully aware that this will force more cultural institutions to shut down, Culture Senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson (independent) declared, Weve gotten the maximum out of it. Most youth centres in Berlin will be unable to raise staff salaries as expected. In a letter, the Senate Youth Administration informed independent organizations that they would receive funding to raise salaries by only two percentrather than the 5.5 percent increase agreed for the public sector since February. Tilmann Weickmann, managing director of the Berlin State Youth Council, told broadcaster RBB that youth centres now face a choice: either reduce staff and pay them according to the collective agreement, or keep staff and pay them below the agreed rate. In contrast to the cuts in education and social services, spending on the repressive apparatus of the state is being pushed ahead and generously funded. In 2026, 57.9 million is earmarked solely for refurbishing police stationsmore than 40 million more than this year. By comparison, the citys dilapidated fire stations will receive just 10.2 million. Police video surveillance will also be expanded over the next two years, at a cost of at least 4 million. Another 4 million per year is to be spent on surveillance of so-called crime-prone areas. Which areas those are was not disclosed by Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD). Another 1.6 million will go to police drones to be used at demonstrations. Clearly, the state government is aware that its brutal austerity policies will provoke protestsand is preparing to suppress them by all means. The governments austerity drive coincides with looming cuts and layoffs at private companies. Berlin exports goods worth around 1.59 billion annually to the US, according to Tuba Bozkurt, the Green Partys economic policy spokesperson in the Berlin state parliament. Bozkurt was speaking in response to the new tariff agreement between President Trump and EU Commission President von der Leyen. Imports from the US amounted to only 1 billion. For Berlin, the numbers are grim, said Bozkurt. According to the Berlin-Brandenburg Business Association (UVB), the new base tariff of 15 percent will increase export costs tenfold. Thats why companies now have to produce even more efficiently to offset these costs, said UVB Managing Director Sven Weickert. With the Berlin state election coming up next year, the governing parties are scrambling to limit the political fallout. In polls from June, the CDU lost ground but remained the strongest party at 25 percent. Coalition partner SPD trails far behind at 14 percent, placing it below the Greens (15 percent) and only slightly above the 13 percent polled by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The Left Party (Die Linke) was able to improve its result by 13 points and would be the second strongest party at 19 percent. In reality, all parties in the Berlin House of Representatives agree on imposing ruthless cuts at the expense of the majority of the population. The Greens, who were part of the previous state government, have strongly criticised the new borrowing and called for further cuts. Parliamentary leader Werner Graf dismissed the budget as an election campaign at the expense of the future. The Left Party strikes a similar tone. In truth, this bankrupt bourgeois party offers no alternative to the others. It too has criticised the additional funding included in the budget. The current government created a catastrophic scenario with the budget, it said, which could lead to social cutbacks on the scale of those between 1996 and 2006. The Left Party conveniently glosses over the fact that it, together with the SPD, carried out an unprecedented wave of social cutbacks from 2002 to 2011, when they controlled the state government. Even after that, in coalition with the SPD and Greens, it continued to support budget cuts in the capitalas well as in other federal states where it has been part of the government. These remarks were delivered by David North, the Chairman of the WSWS International Editorial Board and National Chairman of the Socialist Equality Party (US), toward the conclusion of the July 27 public hearing of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees investigation into the death of Stellantis worker Ronald Adams Sr. Ronald Adams, a 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). The hearing was attended by 100 workers, youth, and community members. It was addressed by Shamenia Stewart-Adams, Ronald Adams widow, and featured powerful reports from Mack Trucks worker and IWA-RFC member Will Lehman, WSWS labor reporter Jerry White, and other autoworkers and rank-and-file workers. The meeting unanimously adopted a resolution to continue and expand the investigation, establish rank-and-file safety committees, and build an international campaign to defend the lives and rights of workers. To become involved in the inquiry or to report information on workplace deaths and injuries, submit the form at the bottom of this page. *** On behalf of the Socialist Equality Party, I would like to extend both our condolences and our sincere welcome to the family of Ronald Adams. We greatly appreciate the comments and the courage of Shamenia in speaking here today. This cannot be an easy experience for you and your family. You have suffered an irreparable loss. Theres no way that that reality can be diminished. But I hope it has become clear in the course of this discussion that your experience is not an isolated one. All over the world, working people can identify with the experience through which you have passed. Ronald Adams Sr., his wife Shamenia, and family members [Photo by Adams Family] The reality is that we can be certain, on the basis of statistics, that even as we have been meeting here during the past two hours, hundreds if not thousands of workers all over the world have suffered injuries, and many have been killed. We know that this will not be ended by expressions of condolences. We know that those who claim to have responsibility for the fate of workers, particularly union organizations, will do nothing to stop this. Some 52 years ago, I went to Ohio to cover the struggles of the working class in major industries. That was a period of enormous rank-and-file militancy. While I was in Lorain, Ohio, which was a center of steel manufacturing, I came across a very small notice in the local newspaper about the death of a young worker by the name of Rick Hertzig at the National Tube plant in Lorain. Hertzig was killed in an event very similar to that which killed Ronald Adams, except that Rick was a very inexperienced worker, while Ronald was very experienced. A massive piece of equipment hit this young worker, Hertzig, and killed him instantly. He was just 20 years old. He left behind a one-year-old child, a young widow, and a devastated family. Left to right: Rick's wife Martha, and parents, Joe and Bertha Hertzig Now here we are 52 years later, and the same things are happening every single day. We live in the midst of the greatest scientific revolution in history, a staggering development of technology, and yet the most elementary precautions are not taken to protect the lives of workers. The most dangerous thing that a worker can do every single day is go to work. No family can be sure that at the end of the day, they wont suddenly receive devastating news of something terrible that has happened in the factory or in the workplace. So far, we have only been speaking of industrial accidents. We have not been talking about the daily poisoning that takes place inside factories, in workplaces, in neighborhoods. We have not addressed the issue of global warming and the destruction of the environment. The term accident is often used, but is that word adequate? If we are going to change things, we must begin to understand the cause of what are called accidents, and to recognize that within these accidents, we are seeing the operation of a law. If you walk across the room and you trip, that might be an accident. When we are experiencing injuries and deaths that occur with staggering regularity, day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute, second after secondthese are no longer mere accidents in the conventional sense of the word. We are seeing the operation of necessity. These tragedies are the product of the way that the system within which we live is organized, not just in this country but in every part of the world. Our social life, our economic life, is organized in a way that continuously produces these disasters, and they will continue until a way is found of putting an end to the system which produces them. What is the system? What is this social organization? It is the capitalist system. Where does all this wealth come from? Where do the trillions of dollars in the pockets of a handful of people come from? The wealth comes from the transformation of the labor of human beings, what is called labor power, what capitalists buy from workers in the form of wages. The whole operation of the system depends on transforming human labor into profit, into what Marx called surplus value. When they employ workers, capitalists are interested in only one thing: How much wealth can that worker contribute to their own fortune? Machines dont make any money. They have to be set into motion. It is the labor of workers that sets those machines into motion or adds in one form or another value to the productive process that makes this entire system operate. From the standpoint of the capitalist class, everything depends upon the transformation of labor into surplus value and profit. In order to achieve that, every measure will be taken to guarantee the highest level of exploitation. We must understand that it is the system itself which produces these tragedies, a system that operates in the interests of another class, which owns the corporations, which derives value and profit from the labor of workers. In response, we must build a movement among the working class. It is first of all necessary for workers to be conscious of this system, and on this basis to take action, to transfer power to the workers on the shop floor in the workplaces, to begin a movement on an international scale that will take control of the organization of society in the interests of the broad masses of the working people. Let us be blunt: We are living in a world where every day we read of unspeakable horrorsindustrial deaths, the poisoning of the environment, the genocide of entire populations, as we now see in Palestine, the spending of trillions in preparation for war. That is the system we are working under. If this system is to be changed, it requires the intervention of the working class, the fight to build a mass social and political movement. A section of those attending the IWA-RFC meeting on the death of Ronald Adams, Sr., July 27, 2025 This meeting has been organized by the Socialist Equality Party and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). It could be organized and this fight will continue because it is informed by a perspective. We are not looking to the ruling class to solve this problem. It cannot solve it. Even if it wanted to, the operation of its economic system determines its actions. The message that we put forward today is that it is critical that we take this fight into the factories, into the workplaces, that we build the IWA-RFC as a powerful instrument of working class struggle in the United States and internationally, and that we connect this fight to a struggle to change the very nature of the political and social system under which we live. You cannot combine capitalism with the interests of the working class. If any of these social problems are to be addressed, it will require the building of a socialist movement. Theres no escaping that truth. Fundamentally, socialism means the transfer of power to the working class and the reorganization of society on the basis of the interests of broad masses of people. I look at Shamenia and your children and grandchildren. Let us make sure that the world in which you grow up is a world in which such horrors never take place. And when you grow older, when you speak about what happened to your grandfather and your father, you will say thats what it was like in the old days, before the working class came forward, understood what was going on, changed the world and made it worth living in. Thats what were seeking to do. Join and help build this movement. New Zealands largest trade union, the Public Service Association (PSA), is fervently supporting moves to roughly double the military budget in preparation for war. Under the guise of seeking to protect jobs in the NZ Defence Force (NZDF), the union has denounced the National Party-led government, from the right, for not maintaining a strong enough military to join the coming US-led war against China. New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle [Photo by New Zealand Defence Force / CC BY 4.0 The NZDF confirmed on July 21 that it intends to cut 255 civilian jobs. They include roles in the army, air force, strategy, financial, health and safety, defence college, joint defence services, joint support group, chief of staff office and veterans affairs. It brings a total of one in ten positions axed in the last year, including voluntary redundancies. A further 45 may also be cut. At the same time, a major escalation of military front-line capability, equipment and weaponry is under way. With the support of the opposition Labour Party, the government plans to nearly double defence spending from just over 1 percent to 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), a $NZ9 billion increase, in line with demands of the US Trump administration and NATO powers. Defence Minister Judith Collins last month told graduating army recruits to prepare for the real possibility of combat as the world faces its most complex and volatile global environment in decades. Nearly 700 NZDF troops in July and early August joined the massive Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia, a multi-national dress rehearsal for war against China. A NZDF spokesperson told Stuff they were reprioritising the workforce to focus on maintaining combat readiness and delivering core military activities. It is establishing 276 new civilian roles while disestablishing 281 currently filled with a further 250 vacant positions not replaced. The PSA criticised the cuts from the standpoint of promoting the governments vast military buildup. The unions national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons condemned the cuts as incredibly shortsighted and not how you build a modern, combat-ready defence force at a time of rising security risks. Fitzsimmons added that civilian defence workers were needed to support new investment in military equipment and technology and warned the cuts would force those in uniform to pick up the work of the civilian workers. That is not what they signed up to do and wont help NZDF improve retention. Fitzsimons commented: This is all about saving money, not strengthening security. It doesnt make any sense when tensions are rising across the Asia Pacific area and in Europe It was only a few months ago that a warship from China was in the Tasman Sea. In February a live fire exercise by three Chinese warships in nearby international waters was seized upon by the New Zealand and Australian governments, along with the corporate media, to stoke hysteria about an escalating threat posed by Beijing and to justify the military spend-up. The US and its allies routinely carry out naval drills in waters close to the Chinese mainland. The pro-war position advanced by Fitzsimons is thoroughly anti-working class. It expresses the reactionary nationalist outlook of the labour and trade union bureaucracies at home and abroad that are closely integrated with the capitalist state. In May, Spains General Union of Workers (UGT) and Workers Commissions (CCOO), the two largest trade union federations, threw their full support behind the European Unions plans for mass rearmament, aligning themselves with the European establishments preparations for war against Russia. In the US, the leader of the United Auto Workers Union, Shawn Fain, a rabid Trump supporter, has cited the collaborationist labour mobilisation of the American economy during World War II as the model for todays trade unions. There is mass opposition to war, witnessed in the ongoing protests against the genocide in Gaza. In every country, however, including in New Zealand, the union bureaucracy has refused to take any action to stop the supply of weapons and other materials for Israels war machine. All the imperialist powers are involved the rapidly escalating wars that are engulfing the globe. New Zealand is no exception. A minor imperialist power in the Pacific and a US ally, it is part of the US-led Five Eyes spying network; NZ troops are in Britain training Ukrainian conscripts to fight Russia; and NZ forces are involved in repeated provocative military exercises aimed against China. The trade union apparatus supports the war drive of its own national bourgeoisie because it represents the interests of a privileged layer of the upper middle class, whose wealth is bound up with enhancing the position of NZ imperialism. Unmentioned by Fitzsimons and other union leaders is the fact that the massive armaments upgrades can only be carried out at the expense of the social conditions and basic rights of the entire working class. The PSA is an accomplice in the deepening attacks on jobs and conditions among public sector workers. Prior to the 2023 election the union openly supported Labours own plan to slash public service budgets by up to 4 percent as a prudent move to tighten the beltas PSA leader Duane Leo put it in a Radio NZ interview. Fitzsimons was a Labour candidate in that election. In the past 18 months, NZs far-right government has launched a scorched earth policy against all the social services on which the working class depends. Over 10,000 public sector jobs have been eliminated with no serious resistance from the PSA, which has over 95,000 members, or any of the unions. With unemployment increasing from 3.6 percent in 2023 to 5.1 percent in the March quarter and forecast to continue rising, the government is increasingly despised. The right-wing nationalist NZ First and libertarian ACT Partieswhich are part of the National-led coalition governmentare leading the assault on the working class, despite gaining only 6.08 percent and 8.6 percent respectively of the popular vote in 2023. A broad-based mobilisation against job losses in the public and private sectors would win widespread support in the working class. The governments 2024 budget was handed down amid nationwide protests. In the capital, Wellington, a crowd of 7,000 descended onto parliament grounds while protests coincided with a two-day strike over pay by 2,500 junior doctors. Since then, the unions have dissipated the opposition, with the Council of Trade Unions boasting a purported new policy vision that will be unveiled for the 2026 elections. The corporatist unions have enforced the thousands of job cuts. The PSAs strategy has been to take a handful of legal cases in the Employment Relations Authority, including against the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Health NZ, over the way in which the cuts have been managed. Instead of challenging mass layoffs, the union insists that they are carried out according to provisions in employment agreements which require consultation with the unions. PSA spokesman Leo declared the MoE had rushed through its restructure without complying with the collective agreement, which requires the MoE and PSA to first try to agree to the outcomes of cost-cutting exercises and present that view to the management of the MoE. The fight against austerity cannot be separated from the struggle against war. The demand must be raised for the vast resources being wasted on the military to be redirected to solve the crisis in public education and healthcare, and to put an end to poverty and homelessness. But to carry forward a real fight against war and austerity, workers and young people must recognise who their enemies are. They face a political struggle against not only the National Party-led government, but also the opposition Labour Party and its alliesthe Greens, Te Pati Maori, the various pseudo-left organisationsand the union bureaucracy. The PSAs open support for escalating war preparations against China underscores the urgent need for workers to build new organisations that they themselves control. Rank-and-file committees should be established in every workplace, independent of the union apparatus, to mobilise the working class against militarism and war, and to defend jobs, working conditions and vital public services. This fight must be informed by a socialist political perspective, aimed at putting an end to the capitalist system, which is plunging the world into war. Backed by the Albanese Labor government, Australias surveillance chief, Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Director-General Mike Burgess made a speech last Thursday declaring that because of strategic competition, the country faced unprecedented dangers of foreign interference and espionage. ASIO chief Mike Burgess, July 12, 2024 [Photo: Australian Federal Police] It was an obvious, and unsubstantiated, effort to drum up a scare campaign and demand an all-of-nation offensive to counter alleged plots by other countriesspecifically China, Russia and Iranto gain access to US-linked military information. Burgess said Australians would be shocked by the number of other, unnamed, countries that were also trying similar tactics. Global tensions were driving a relentless hunger for strategic advantage and an insatiable appetite for inside information, Burgess declared. He warned of public and corporate complacency against the real, present and costly danger that required all Australians to take action. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke went public as well, supporting Burgesss claims, including that espionage activities against Australia cost the government and major companies $12.5 billion in the 20232024 financial year. The media went into overdrive, uncritically promoting Burgesss boast that ASIO had disrupted 24 major threats over the past three years, more than the previous eight years combined. Burgess directly linked his claims to the AUKUS military pact to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and other long-range weaponry for use against China. He declared that foreign spies had a very unhealthy interest in the sharing of nuclear technology with the US and UK. And with AUKUS, we are not just defending our sovereign capability, he said. We are also defending critical capability shared by and with our partners. That indicates coordination and close collaboration with the US and UK intelligence agencies and the governments of Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. Burgesss assertions were clearly designed to further boost the role and powers of ASIO, Australias primary domestic spy agency. His speech became headline news. That was a sharp contrast to the almost total blackout on Labors sudden and previously unannounced introduction of legislation, on the first full parliamentary day since the May 3 election, to extend and expand ASIOs compulsory interrogation powers. ASIO was first handed unprecedented powers to forcibly question people in 2003, supposedly to protect the population against terrorism, as part of the war on terrorism. Under Labors new legislation, these powers will be extended indefinitely and broadened to cover four new war-related fields: sabotage, promoting communal violence, attacking defence facilities and threatening border security. These headings have the potential to cover anti-genocide, anti-war and other political dissent. According to ASIO, communal violence refers to activities that are directed to incite violence between different groups so as to endanger the peace, order or good government of the Commonwealth. This police-state legislation overturns the right to silence and the presumption of innocence. If anyone fails to comply or hand over material, or provides misleading information, they face up to five years imprisonment. Those interrogated also face five years jail if they tell anyone, except an ASIO-vetted lawyer, over the next two years what has happened to them, thus helping to keep ASIOs operations shielded from public scrutiny. Burgesss specific claims, based partly on a Cost of Espionage report that ASIO commissioned from the Australian Institute of Criminology, are flimsy. Most of the economic damage he mentioned resulted from corporate cyber security breakdowns or supposed acquisition of intellectual property or trade secrets. In one case study, Burgess said spies hacked into the computer network of a major Australian exporter, making off with commercially sensitive information. The theft gave the foreign country a significant advantage in subsequent contract negotiations, costing Australia hundreds of millions of dollars. Another example alleged that a member of an overseas delegation had entered a restricted area and photographed a rare and valuable variety of fruit tree and snapped off several branches to smuggle out of Australia. That had allowed scientists in the other country to reverse engineer and replicate two decades of Australian research and development. In a further unspecified instance, a foreign intelligence service directed multiple agents and their family members to apply for Australian government jobsincluding with the national security communityto get access to classified information. The alleged multi-billion-dollar costs cited by Burgess also included unsubstantiated assertions about the spending undertaken by ASIO and other intelligence and police agencies, governments, universities and companies on technology and other measures to meet security requirements. Burgess dismissed the lack of prosecutions on espionage and foreign interference charges, which would require definite evidence. Three people are currently before Australian courts on espionage-related charges, and I am confident there could be more if anyone tries to compromise AUKUS, he said. Not every case of espionage can be prosecuted, thoughparticularly if the perpetrators are offshore. In many circumstances, other tools such as visa cancelations or a knock on the door from the security service can be more effective and efficient than lengthy, costly prosecutions. Such knocks on the door recall ASIOs record. Even before the war on terrorism, ASIO had a vast array of powers to tap phones, instal listening devices in offices and homes, intercept telecommunications, open peoples mail, monitor on-line discussion, break into computer files and databases, seize computers and use tracking personal devices. Since then, more than 100 pieces of legislation have expanded ASIOs powers. ASIO was established by the Chifley Labor government in 1949, at the behest of the US and UK governments. It has a long history of bugging and infiltrating left-wing parties and organisations, working closely with right-wing Labor and trade union leaders. ASIO and all the other Australian intelligence agencies work closely with their US counterparts, including through the massive US-led Five Eyes surveillance and data-swapping system, together with the UK, Canada and New Zealand. Some indication of these connections appeared last week when Burke held an initially undisclosed meeting with Kash Patel, Trumps hand-picked FBI chief, who was on his way to open a new FBI office in New Zealand, adding to the one already in Canberra. In New Zealand, Patel provocatively declared that the new FBI station was necessary to counter Chinas activities across the Pacific and all the way to Antarctica. Burke kept the meeting, which he described as really good, a secret for three days, citing security reasons. Patel was a notorious supporter of Trumps January 2021 attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election and effectively establish a dictatorship. Burgesss speech last Thursday was politically pointed. It was delivered in Adelaide as the University of South Australias annual lecture in honour of former Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Burgess began by recalling the Combe-Ivanov affair. ASIO confronted Hawke, as soon as Labor took office in 1983, with allegations that a Soviet agent was trying to recruit David Combe, a former Labor Party national secretary. The then ASIO chief, Harvey Barnett travelled to Parliament House to deliver the news that Soviet diplomat and suspected KGB operative Valeriy Ivanov was attempting to cultivate Combe. Hawke quickly did ASIOs bidding. He publicly named Combe, then dismissed a key cabinet minister, Mick Young, and called a royal commission inquiry that led to a major strengthening of ASIOs powers. Burgess celebrated this as a milestone in ASIOs development. While the scandal rocked the government, upended careers and damaged reputations, it also led to a national awakening and a series of reforms that remain consequential today. Burgesss speech amounts to a thinly-veiled warning. There must be no deviation from Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses commitment to ever-greater preparations for involvement in a US-led war against China. Burgess declared, with some menace, that the dangers to national security were far greater than when Bob Hawke was in office. Democratic Texas Rep. Harold V. Dutton Jr., center, surrounded by other Texas House Democrats and Democratic members of Congress, speaks during a press conference at the Democratic Party in Warrenville, Ill., Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. [AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh] On Monday afternoon, the Texas House voted 856 to issue civil arrest warrants for more than 50 Democratic lawmakers, who fled the state Sunday night in order to break quorum and temporarily block Republican redistricting efforts aimed at eliminating five Democratic-held congressional seats. The civil warrants issued by the Texas House have no legal force outside the state. None of the lawmakers face criminal charges, but in a fascistic letter issued Sunday night, Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to remove the elected representatives from office if they did not return by 3:00 p.m. local time Monday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, left, speaks at a border security briefing as former President Donald Trump listens at the Texas DPS Weslaco Regional Office, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in Weslaco, Texas. [AP Photo/Joel Martinez/The Monitor via AP, Pool] For any member who fails to do so, I will invoke Texas Attorney General Opinion No. KP-0382 to remove the missing Democrats from membership in the Texas House, Abbott declared. He claimed that the opinionwritten by his far-right Attorney General Ken Paxtonempowers me to swiftly fill vacancies under Article III, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution. Paxtons opinion is not legally binding, but Abbotts threats to arrest and remove the Democrats are aimed at laying the political and legal groundwork for such actions. Promising to pursue criminal action not only against the lawmakers themselves but also against anyone who dared donate to them, Abbott wrote: Many absentee Democrats are soliciting funds to evade the fines they will incur under House rules. Any Democrat who solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept such funds may have violated bribery laws. The same could be true for any other person who offers, confers, or agrees to confer such funds to fleeing Democrat House members. Despite Abbotts threats, roughly 56 of the 62 Texas Democratic state representatives were absent from Mondays special session. Under the Texas Constitution, two-thirds of the House100 out of 150 membersmust be present to establish a quorum. While the civil warrants issued by the Texas House carry no legal weight outside the state, some unnamed Texas Democratic lawmakers expressed concern to the New York Times that Trump would try and use federal agents to round up the legislators and bring them back to Texas. Abbott convened the special session last month at the urging of President Trump, who publicly stated that the redistricting effort was intended to allow Republicans to pick up up to five congressional seats. Texas would be the biggest one, Trump told reporters. Just a very simple redrawing, we pick up five seats. He added that while other states could gain three or four seats through map changes, Texas presented the biggest opportunity for Republican gains. This is not the first time Texas Democrats, nominally in defense of democratic rights, have fled the state to prevent a quorum. In 2021, 51 members fled to Washington D.C. to appeal for national Democrats to assist them in blocking a series of voter suppression laws. Then-President Biden and the national Democrats, led by then West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, rebuffed their efforts to protect voter rights and the Democrats eventually returned to Texas, which allowed the Republicans to pass the bills, including one that would impose daily fines of $500 if Democrats attempted to break quorum again. Once again, the Democrats are staging a spectacle for fear of a movement of the only social force capable of defending democratic rights: the working class. They are once again performing a stunt that is destined to end in defeatjust as it did in 2021. The bill the Democrats are attempting to block would redraw congressional boundaries around Texass largest citiesincluding Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio, as well as along the USMexico border. The states congressional districts were last redrawn following the 2020 census. Republicans have maintained control of the Texas House, Senate and governorship continuously since 2003, securing a political trifecta for over two decades. As of mid-2025, Republicans hold 25 of Texass 38 US House seats, with Democrats occupying the remaining 13 seats. The Democrats have fled to several states, including Illinois, New York and Massachusetts. On Sunday, several held a press conference alongside Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, while others appeared with New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday. In both events, Democratic lawmakers threatened to pursue similar anti-democratic gerrymandering tactics in their own states if Texas Republicans continued with their redistricting efforts. California Governor Gavin Newsom, after meeting with Texas Democratic legislators in Sacramento, declared: This is not a bluff. This is real, and trust meits more real after listening to these leaders today, how existential this is. Newsom stressed his willingness to pursue hyper-partisan redistricting in California if Texas Republicans moved forward with their plan. For decades, both parties of big business have done everything in their power to block any challenge to their political cartel at the local, state and federal levels. From gerrymandering to onerous signature requirements, independent, left-wing and socialist parties have been systematically excluded from the ballot, leaving workers and youth with no choice outside the candidates favored by Wall Street. In last years presidential election, the Democratic Party routinely challenged ballot access petitions filed by the Green Party, the Party for Socialism and Liberation and independents Cornel West and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Standing against attempts by Democrats to strike him from the ballot in Michigan, Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Joseph Kishore defended the democratic rights of West and his supporters. Far from defending democratic rights, the Democrats have collaborated with the Republicans to enforce this political stranglehold and pave the way for Trumps return to the White House. Following the failed January 6 coup, leading Democratsfrom Joe Biden to Nancy Pelosiinsisted on the need for a strong Republican Party, a party not only engaged in gerrymandering but one that overwhelmingly supported Trumps coup attempt. Nearly seven months into Trumps second term, the Democrats have done nothing to stop his assault on the democratic rights and social and economic conditions of the working class. Beginning with their support for the anti-immigrant Laken Riley Act, the Democrats have co-signed and collaborated with Trumps fascist agenda. including the ongoing genocide and starvation campaign in Gaza. Democratic rights are incompatible with extreme levels of social inequality and endless war. The only social force capable of defending the democratic gains won in previous periods is the working class, organized independently of the capitalist parties and mobilized in the struggle for socialism. Sydney Harbour Bridge marchers carry banner with names of murdered Palestinian children in Gaza On Sunday, tens of thousands of people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to oppose Israels ongoing genocide in Gaza and the role of Australian government in enabling it. The historic demonstration, held in defiance of police threats and government attempts to ban it, was one of the largest in Sydneys history. Despite pouring rain and a concerted effort by the New South Wales (NSW) Labor government and police to suppress the event, the Harbour Bridge was flooded with protesters stretching its full length, with many more still massed in surrounding streets. The crowd was estimated at 90,000 by police and up to 300,000 by organisers. In Melbourne, a similar rally took place the same day, where police blocked some 25,000 demonstrators from marching across the King Street Bridge. A section of the Melbourne rally against genocide on August 3, 2025. As at previous rallies, speakers condemned the starvation campaign in Gaza and denounced the Albanese Labor governments complicity in the slaughter. But even as they exposed the horrors being perpetrated, the rallys organisers promoted the dangerous illusion that the genocide can be ended by appealing to the very political establishment that is facilitating it. This bankrupt perspective was summed up by Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, who told the crowd the Labor government was moving inch by inch towards opposition to the genocide, when in reality it stands full square behind the Zionist regime and its US imperialist patron. WSWS reporters spoke with participants at the demonstration and advanced the urgent necessity of building a socialist and international anti-war movement of the working class to end the genocide in Gaza and the escalating eruption of imperialist militarism internationally, of which it is a part. **** Sarah Sarah, a disability support worker, said, I came to the rally to protest the ongoing treatment of Gazans. Its been occurring since the 1920s, the occupation of their lands, the collective punishment that is wrongly labelled as Israel resisting Hamas. Its clear that thats not true, but is part of this project to occupy Palestine. The Albanese government havent done enough she said. People are here today because they dont want the Australian government to be complicit in any way. The geopolitical system is all connected and the people in power in every country are all benefiting from it. For them to admit theres a genocide occurring would make people realise the structural things that are wrong with our own system. This whole rhetoric that youre antisemitic for criticising the Israeli government is deceitful and its obfuscating what is really going on by denying it is happening. On the state Labor governments failed attempt to have the protest banned in the courts, Sarah said, They have been trying to roll back our right to protest for a long time. This is another reason why Im marching here today. Our right to protest is fundamental and theyll gradually whittle it away until theres nothing left, and well have an authoritarian government. I really believe that. Mohammed Mohammed, a software developer, stated, Ive come because the situation in Gaza is horrific. People are now being starved to death. Ive seen images of people who are just skin and bones. Weve been saying this is going to happen for the last 22 months, but for some reason, Israel has still been allowed to continue with the slaughter and the massacres on a daily basis, with impunity. Our government in Australia has been supporting them. Thats a great shame, its not acceptable. Prime Minister Albaneses words of concern for the dying Palestinians are meaningless. Hes saying one thing with his mouth and his hands are doing something different. Its very dodgy. Im ashamed of Albanese as a prime minister. He has an obligation under international law to prevent a genocide from happening. Theres no justification for continuing to support Israel. Albanese carried out this whole referendum on an Voice to parliament to recognise Aboriginal people. That seems very farcical. On the one hand, he claims to be helping oppressed Indigenous people, but on the other he is sending parts for F-35 war planes dropping bombs on Indigenous people in Palestine. Then he lies about it, claiming that Australia is not sending weapons. They say they are only sending non-lethal F-35 components, but thats like saying sending a trigger of a gun is non-lethal, as long as you dont send bullets with it. The whole point of an F-35 is to be lethal. Mustafa, originally from Turkey, said, We are here as a family. We must speak out and stop the genocide. Mustafa spoke on the role of the Turkish government of President Recep Erdogan, who is not doing enough at all. Turkey was allowing oil to be shipped to Israel, Mustafa noted. We dont support it, but it is politics. Erdogan speaks out for Palestine, in a way that hes trying to stop in words. In action, its different. When it comes to politics, you cannot trust anyone. What I trust is all the people. We shouldnt think that we are just a minority. If we altogether ask for peace, peace will happen. We should support peace, we should stop the war, as the whole humankind. Ali, a teacher, said: I came to the protest because I feel like its an historical moment. Crossing the Harbour Bridge with thousands of people shows that a lot of people in Australia, especially in Sydney, care about Palestine. He condemned the victimisation of students who have participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Im aware that students are being targeted, even expelled, for protesting against the genocide in Gaza. Its very unfortunate that universities, despite their supposed commitment to freedom of expression, are refusing to defend students rights because of their ties to the Israeli state. Theyre scared to stand up. Ali pointed to the role of capitalist interests in backing the genocide. The Zionists pushing for an Israeli state have a lot of lobbying and financial power. Unfortunately, in a capitalist democracy, money talks. The US gains massive benefits from having a satellite state in the Middle East that furthers its own imperialist interests in the region. He also connected the war in Gaza to global developments. The growing rivalry between the US and China is also relevant. China is expanding its economic influence through loan programs, and the US wants to maintain its control over energy resources. Thats why America is very much behind Israel, because it benefits the US. Anna (centre), with friends In Melbourne, Anna, a speech pathologist, said, We need an embargo on weapons sales to Israel, stop Western and Australian governments complicity in the war crimes, and end this stoppage on all aid and food relief going to Palestinians. She spoke on the deliberate targeting of food aid centres. Its so inhumane. Theyre shooting people who go into the sea to get food there. Theyre giving people a time limit on access to the food aid trucks that they do let in. Theres going to be a new death toll when the aid starts trickling in and kids who have been starved for months are now getting fed but without the proper nutrients. Its just barbaric. The fact that Western governments are backing this is capitalist in nature. These governments are prioritising sales and revenue when peoples lives are at stake. Theyre supporting a genocidal state. When SEP campaigners said that a movement of the working class was needed to stop the genocide, she said: I would agree. Its hard as one person coming to rallies, it feels like youre shouting into a void. The people who can actually do something about it arent listening to us. It does feel like we need an overhaul of the current systems in place in order to make any significant change. Naomi Naomi, a mediator, said, The genocide is horrific. There arent words strong enough to describe the tragedy thats going on. She said, Theres no way its antisemitic to oppose the genocide. I have nothing against Jewish people. This is Zionism. The ultimate aim of the Israeli government is to rid themselves of all Palestinians. The Australian government has puppet strings tied to the United States. Donald Trump is not just a mad idiot but a dangerous one. The government here doesnt seem to want to break away from that alliance. As for the US, its ridiculous whats happening. Those poor people there are facing dictatorship. Its like boiling a frog, bit by bit. Theyre attacking immigrants. People regardless of race care about whats being done to immigrants and are speaking out. Workers definitely must stop the shipping of weapons to Israel immediately. Its revolting that Australia has ever done it. Frankie Grande took to Instagram to share an inspiring story of recovery in a Reel he recorded on a mountaintop in Tucson as he released a new version of Hotel Rock Bottom, the title track to his first album, featuring his half-sister Ariana Grande. In the Reel, a shirtless Frankie Grande explains the location. Im up at the top of a mountain in Tucson, Arizona, and this is where I used to come when I was drinking and using and I knew I had a problem, but I wasnt ready to get sober and I didnt know how, Grande begins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I would come here and I would get connected with nature and get sober for a few days and then try to bring that sobriety back to the city and the chaos and the crazy and it would last for about I would say two to three weeks maybe and then Id be back to drinking and using every single night. He was on that mountain, he continues, right before he hit rock bottom, the inspiration behind the writing of Hotel Rock Bottom. He said the Reel was shot on his first visit to that mountain since hes been back in sobriety. And its amazing that I just released Hotel Rock Bottom into the world and that Ive been able to return here now fully sober over eight years, Grande says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its incredible, so I just wanted to be able to say how unbelievably appreciative I am of the journey that Ive gone through in my life and the fact that my little sister has joined me on this song and she is a huge reason as to why I am sober today and why Im able to stay sober cause she helped me get sober in the first place. The track also features Grandes mother, which he says is also "so powerful" for him. And I just am filled with such gratitude as I sit up on this mountain eight years later, having gone through such a journey and returned back here, he says. And now Im on the total other side, total opposite end of the spectrum as I was last time I was here, which was filled with desperation and filled with loss and devoid of hope. And now I am filled with hope and joy and excitement, and Im so grateful that Ive come back full circle to where I started eight years ago, like anything is possible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grande signs off with a message of hope for those who may be struggling with addictions of their own. "So if you need help, just ask for it," he says. "It will be there for you. I love you. I hope my music is speaking to you. Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more. He did the same in Pittsburgh for more than a decade. Follow him on X and Instagram @edmasley and on Facebook as Ed Masley. Email him at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Frankie Grande celebrates sobriety on Arizona mountaintop We wanted to create an event that evokes the beginning of our love story, DeVon Franklin said of his star-studded wedding to Maria Castillo DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo are officially married! Over the weekend, they tied the knot in a lakeside ceremony in Beverly Hills, California. So often people look at a wedding as the end of a love story, but its just the beginning. We wanted this event to capture that, so people can really experience our love for one another, Franklin told People Magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castillo added: The vision was to create an experience that felt deeply meaningful and reflective of who we are, not just as individuals, but as a couple. Franklin described the ceremony as a reflection of their love story. From a candlelit walkway to a harpist and a violinist, Castillo says every detail was intentional. The celebrity trainer walked down the aisle to violinist Jeremy Green, playing Goodness of God in a lace Galia Lahav gown inspired by her Hispanic heritage. Meanwhile, Franklin sported a classic Giorgio Armani tux. The lakeside ceremony was led by famous pastor Toure Roberts, with stars like Kelly Rowland, Tim Witherspoon, LeToya Luckett, Taleo Coles, Israel Houghton, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Tyler Lepley, Robin Thede, and more bearing witness to their matrimony. We spoke from the heart, Franklin said of their traditional and personal vow exchange. I wanted everything I said to come from God and my heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After making promises for a lifetime, the couple celebrated their union in a reception that offered a blend of timeless elegance, romance, and warmth, a menu that fused Franklins African-American and Castillos Dominican cultures. We really wanted to highlight the Dominican culture and the African American culture and bring those two worlds together, Franklin explained. Because thats part of our story, and we want the wedding to leave guests having experienced our story. During the reception, Franklin surprised his wife with a live performance from gospel artist MAJOR, who sang Why I Love You for their first dance. Similarly, the couple incorporated different aspects of their spirituality into the wedding by inviting guests to highlight meaningful scripture and leave messages in a Bible, which served as their guestbook. Its important to me that our guests feel the presence of God throughout the entire day. I keep saying I want this wedding to be a testimony of Gods goodness, Castillo shares. More than anything, I wanted it to feel like a true celebration of connection and a beginning. The end of an era, but the beginning of something really sacred and beautiful forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Franklin and Castillo got engaged in December 2024, after one year of dating, which he described as magical. This marks Franklins second marriagehe was previously married for nine years to actress Meagan Good before their divorce in 2021. Now, the newlyweds are excited to step into this new chapter together. Theres something really beautiful about knowing we get to grow and evolve and walk through every season of life together. From the ordinary moments to the extraordinary ones, we get to witness each others lives, Castillo says. Im looking forward to creating a home with him filled with love, purpose, and faith. Building a life that reflects our values and ultimately giving God the glory. More must-reads: When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Associated Press/Alamy What goes on tour, stays on tour goes the old adage, yet for Paul McCartney on January 16th 1980, some secret sustenance for Wings' long-anticipated Japanese tour became global news as the beloved ex-Beatle was locked up for a staggering nine days when a sizeable bag of marijuana was found on his possession. To confound matters even further, Pauls 7.7 ounce (219 gram) bag of fresh Hawaiian cannabis wasnt even hidden. It had been naively stuffed within within his carry-on luggage alongside clothes and other essentials. Seemingly, without a hint of subtlety. As Paul and his wife (and bandmate) Linda passed through security at Tokyos Narita International Airport, a diligent customs officer opted to be as thorough with his screening of the incoming music legend as he had been with the rest of the new arrivals. After all, Paul had form. Having been arrested in Sweden in 1972 and at his home in Scotland the same year for pot-related offences (possessing it, and growing it respectively), simply getting permission to come to the hyper-stringent Japan had been something of a legal hoop-jump, as the countrys rigid laws had zero tolerance for drugs of any sort. But, after finally being granted the long-sought work visas (which had previously put pay to a mooted 1975 tour of the country), eleven dates were now on the calendars of delighted Asian fans. This tour was set to take in premiere venues of Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo, with the latter featuring a return to the Nippon Budokan where, over a decade before (and in a previous musical outfit) Paul had previously put on a memorable show alongside his bandmates John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. A time when the entire world was gripped by Beatlemania. But now things were quite different. Unzipping the suitcase, the customs officer was aghast to find the not-even-slightly concealed bag of marijuana, which had a street value of 600,000 yen. There was a tense moment when Paul and the officer met each others eyes. I didnt try to hide it. I had just come from America and still had the American attitude that marijuana isnt that bad" | Credit: Getty Images I didnt try to hide it. I had just come from America and still had the American attitude that marijuana isnt that bad. I didnt realise just how strict the Japanese attitude is, McCartney was quoted as saying in Performing Songwriter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The typically laid-back McCartney stated much later that the customs officer appeared more embarrassed than he was. All that changed, however, when Paul was promptly seized. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was summoned, and McCartney was led away in handcuffs. The next few moments were a bit of a whirlwind, with the trailing media capturing the ex-Beatles handcuffing and removal from the airport. Linda was aghast, Paul - not used to such heavy-handed treatment - was flabbergasted, and the authorities simply couldnt believe this western musicians outright audacity. "As a Beatle he just never expected that anybody would ever open his bag. It just never happened," stated John Lennon | Credit: Associated Press/Alamy Rock photographer Bob Gruen was similarly astounded at Pauls flagrant disregard for Japanese law. He recalled a conversation between McCartney and former songwriting partner John Lennon at Lennons Dakota home back in 1975 when Paul was seemingly really eager for Wings to negotiate their way over to Japan. Paul was saying how much he was really looking [forward] to going back, and that's why I was really surprised when he did get permission to go back that he went back with bag of pot - right on top the suitcase, of good Hawaiian pot. I remember asking John one time, actually, like, 'How could he do that?' - and John just said, 'Well, as a Beatle he just never expected that anybody would ever open his bag. It just never happened. Back to Tokyo, and Paul was bundled into a car and driven to the Drug Supervisory Center for interrogation. There, officers of the NCB questioned the rockstar on just why he had the illegal substance so blatantly within his baggage. Unable to come up with a satisfactory answer, McCartney was escorted to a nearby detention centre to await further questioning. Ostensibly a prison, Paul was housed within a four-by-eight cell while he awaited possible sentencing. He was potentially looking at years of jail time as well as a bit of strenuous hard labour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within a few hours, Paul had found himself stripped of the luxuries of superstardom. Here, he was Inmate #22, and clad in the prison garb of various other wrongdoers (and alleged wrongdoers) within the detention centre's four walls. We cant help but wonder if he muttered the verse lyrics of Band on the Run while he bided his time. My first night was the worst, recalled Paul. I couldnt sleep. I was frightened about the possibility of not seeing my family for years. It wasnt the best start to the tour, which, the next day was promptly cancelled. With almost 100,000 tickets already sold for the scheduled dates, the loss would haemorrhage 100 million yen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A devastating blow, but one which was dwarfed by the very real possibility of Paul McCartney being held within a Japanese prison for the best part of a decade. An unexpected chapter in the former Beatle's narrative to be sure. Naturally, the management team were hurriedly making contact with local authorities, trying to negotiate release. It was proving trickier than anticipated, as the rulebook-playing lawmakers were not playing ball. The British Vice-Consul came back with ominous news. He visited Paul to share that he could be looking at up to eight years behind bars, with seven years of hard labour as part of his sentence. Linda was livid. Paul is now in some kind of detention place and I have not been allowed to see him, she told the press. "As soon as they get someone nice like Paul, they seem to make a field day of it. Ill never come back to Japan again. Its my first trip and my last! In the detention centre though, Paul was finding, much to his own surprise, that he was settling in quite well. He soon became a popular prisoner with guards and other inmates alike. Many of whom surely double-taked when they noticed the remarkable likeness Inmate #22 had for one of the Beatles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a couple of days of terror, where you dont know anything, you start to get a bit of an idea of it, Paul recalled in an interview. You start to get a little bit indoctrinated. Its like [the film] The Great Escape. You start to play games and thing Ive got to keep sane here.' Six days into Pauls new life behind bars, Linda was finally allowed to visit her husband. She brought with her a collection of books, clothes (and sandwiches). As she left, Paul was forlorn. Shortly afterwards, he calmly resumed getting on with his simple, daily routine of exercising, reading and getting to know the other inmates. It was almost as if his other, far-fetched real life was a delusional dream. But, by the eighth day, Pauls managerial and legal team managed to negotiate a lenient resolution to his predicament. Paul would be released - and hastily deported straight back to England. "I think I was just stupid. And I paid the penalty. | Credit: Bettmann/Getty Images Driven to the airport, Paul was undoubtedly relieved. But, his mistake had cost his much-maligned Japanese fan contingent the long-promised tour. They were understandably gutted. With Pauls overt rule-breaking, hed all but justified the authorities reluctance to let him into the country. Meagre recompense then, when McCartney toted an acoustic guitar and played a medley of songs for the assembled fans and media in the departure lounge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wings would never tour again, with McCartney becoming a confirmed solo act once co-founder Denny Laine announced his departure from the band in April of the following year. Reflecting on this disastrous moment, and what would likely have been Wings final tour, McCartney remained embarrassed about how things played out, and very cognisant of his own stupidity. He recalled in 2000 documentary Wingspan that, Looking back on it from this perspective, I can't believe I did it. It's wacky, y'know. [When] the guy in customs was opening my suitcase and pulling out not a small amount - the guy is pulling out, it's a huge amount of it - I do not know what was going through my head, tell you the truth, and it makes me go cold. However, in later decades, Japan warmly welcomed the Beatles legend back with open arms. First in 1990 for a solo tour and then five more times over subsequent years. Paul in Japan a decade on from his nine-day incarceration. No sacks of weed this time (they definitely checked) | Credit: Kaku KURITA/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images For John Lennon, who was tragically entering a year which would culminate in his horrific assassination, concern for his friend was dwarfed by the ridiculousness of the blunder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allegedly, Lennon told his housekeeper, "If he really needs weed, surely there's enough people who can carry it for him. You're a Beatle, boy, a Beatle. Your face is in every damn corner of the planet. How could you have been so stupid." People have put it to me over the years that I was framed, Paul recalled in Wingspan. Which, actually makes more sense to me as time goes on. But I dont think I was. I think I was just stupid. And I paid the penalty. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Lionsgate Halle Berry has been absent from superhero universes since notably playing Catwoman in 2004, but she is teaming up with another DC alum for a new project. The actress has had her hands full with movies like The Union and Never Let Go releasing very close to each other in 2024, and the Oscar winner isnt slowing down any time soon. Her new film is an intense international thriller, and I actually cant wait to see her join forces with an A+ co-star. According to Deadline, Berry is set to star alongside Djimon Hounsou in Red Card, which is based on real events in Africa. The thriller follows Max, played by Hounsou, who is a ranger fending off animal poachers in Kenya. The disappearance of his son leads him to form an alliance with FBI supervisor Amanda, played by Berry, who is fighting trafficking rings in Africa. Filming is set to take the duo around the continent, as shooting will take place in both Maasai Mara, Kenya and Casablanca, Morocco. Credit: Lionsgate/20th Century Studios While Halle Berry may be the "movie star" here, Hounsou is a decorated actor himself. He gained prominence when he joined the cast of Steven Spielbergs Amistad, and even more attention after being nominated for an Oscar for his performance in Blood Diamond. He starred in some of the best films of the 2000s, and has since become a recognizable actor for his performances in franchises like A Quiet Place, the MCU, where he had a role in Guardians of the Galaxy, and the DCEU, where he played The Wizard in both Shazam movies. He can be both a character actor and a leading man, and Im predicting great chemistry with Berry, who has also had a varied career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This must have been quite a special project for both Berry and Hounsou to be able to attach themselves to the international production. Berry has two other films that she's attached to in pre-production, including the upcoming horror film, Maude v Maude, with Angelina Jolie. Honsou has three films in pre-production, and one in production, making him one of the busiest actors in Hollywood. Red Card would make lucky number four for the Rebel Moon actor, so this story must be an important one to tell. There is a lot to be excited about in Red Card aside from just this casting. The movie will be directed by Joel Souza and written by Oscar winning screenwriter Nick Vallelonga and Midnight Run writer George Gallo. Souza has expressed praise for the script, and the talent attached which will undoubtedly bring this story to life. The movie is still in the pre-production process, with casting of supporting parts not yet completed. However with this kind of leading talent involved, Im sure the producers will get this project in production in no time. It may be a while before Red Card heads to the big screen, but in the meantime, you can see Halle Berry alongside Chris Hemsworth in her upcoming movie, Crime 101, which is set to be released on February 13th, 2026. You can also see Djimon Hounsou in Shiver, a survival thriller set to be released in July of 2026. For more information on other exciting titles heading to cinemas and streaming next year, make sure to consult our 2026 movie release schedule. Nearly a month after first saying "I do," Mel B and her husband Rory McPhee celebrated their love once more in a glamorous second wedding ceremony. This time, the newlyweds traveled to Morocco, and the America's Got Talent Judge looked absolutely stunning wearing a jewel-encrusted dress in all-new wedding photos. "We got married!!! Again! A wedding so good we keep the celebration going with our closest and dearest in our fav place at @selmanmarrakech we had the time of our lives!!" Mel B captioned an Instagram post on August 3. Mel B wore a strapless red dress for her second wedding ceremony in Morocco Mel B and her hair stylist husband exchanged vows for a second time at Selman Marrakech, a luxurious five-star hotel in western Morocco. For the ceremony, the former Spice Girl wore a strapless red gown with a sweetheart neckline, designed by Justin Alexander. Mel B also wore a red and gold headpiece over her hair, perfectly matching her dress and heels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evelie Bridal, the London-based boutique where Mel got her gown, shared on Instagram that it took months to create her red wedding dress. "Mel what can I say. What a journey its been over the past four months creating this beautiful gown with you and @justinalexandersignature," the bridal shop captioned a photo of the AGT Judge. "Thank you for the laughter, the trust, and the endless fun along the way. You always found a way to keep things light and make everyone feel at ease ." Check out a photo of Mel B's second wedding dress here. RELATED: Mel B Has Floor-to-Ceiling Leopard Print Wallpaper All Over Her UK Farmhouse Mel B married her husband Rory McPhee for the first time at a church in London Mel B hugging husband, Rory McPhee, after their wedding ceremony. On July 5, Mel B and McPhee tied the knot for the first time at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, the same church where Princess Diana got married over four decades ago. At that ceremony, Mel B's three daughters Phoenix, 26, Angel, 18, and Madison, 13 served as her bridesmaids, while many celebrities were also in attendance including Emma Bunton, a.k.a. Baby Spice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Why Howie Mandel Says He Isn't Attending Mel B's Wedding: "Because I Don't..." At their July wedding ceremony, Mel B wore a custom white Josephine Scott gown with pearls stitched on the arms and neckline, while McPhee wore a traditional Scottish kilt. Later in July, Mel B shared a video of their London wedding and wrote that it was "THE best day of our life." Days later, she shared another wedding photo on Instagram, cheekily hinting at their second ceremony, writing, "It's all in the details and all in the small moments between us lets do it all over again? ." Emira DSpain of Next Gen NYC shared a very unique treatment she used recently for her dry eyes. And its a doozy! She put placenta in her eyes and she thinks it was the best thing ever! Its no secret Emira has always been a trailblazer. She held her own against several of Bravos notable nepo babies and became a stand out on the show. So, its not surprising that shes always willing to try things that are innovative and unique. Next Gen NYC star Emira DSpain revealed her shocking dry eye treatment Ive struggled with dry eye for the longest time, Emira shared in a reel she posted to her Instagram. My dry eye was so bad, it created micro-tears in the bottom of my eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dry eyes are a common condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, it happens when the eyes fail to produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears. Because of this, the eyes are dry. This can lead to inflammation or even damage the surface of the eye. Emira shared that her doctor recommended Prokera, a medical device treatment approved by the FDA. Doctors use donated amniotic membrane to heal damaged corneas without causing inflammation or scarring. The amniotic membrane is the part of the placenta closest to the baby. (Its) Amniotic tissue that restores your eye to its optimal health, Emira shared. It doesnt hurt or anything. It just feels really uncomfortable. Its like a giant contact you wear for a couple of days. Emira wore on in each eye for 24 hours and her eye was taped shut so she wore a glam pirate patch. She still ran errands with it on, although it affected her depth perception. But she couldnt be happier with the result. Her eyes felt healthier and looked brighter and whiter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently, a lot of celebrities do this to get their eyes super white, Emira said. This has to be my craziest beauty secret ever. Trust Emira to share something new and interesting. Shes been very open about her life whether its about the time she thought she was banned from Mallorca or her trailblazing ad campaigns. Its no wonder fans cant get enough of her. Next Gen NYC is streaming on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland. TELL US WHAT DO YOU THINK OF EMIRAS UNIQUE TREATMENT? WOULD YOU PUT PLACENTA IN YOUR EYE? The post Next Gen NYCs Emira DSpain Reveals She Used Body Tissue for Dry Eyes appeared first on Reality Tea. It's no secret. Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble are absolute powerhouses in the book industry, yet their products leave something to be desired, something that can't be found online or even in a brick-and-mortar store: community. Local booksellers are looking to fill in that gap, creating experiences and offering services that their big-name counterparts don't, whether it's book clubs, events or even just a cozy third place to relax away from home and work. Covington favorite Roebling Books & Coffee, for example, has embraced a hyper-local business model based on anticipating its customers' needs. Rather than trying to keep up with the Joneses, per se, they rotate selections, listen to feedback and make decisions based on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What we realize is that we're really responding to caring what the folks coming in want to see. We don't have enough shelf space to carry everything, so we have to be pretty selective," Roebling Books owner Richard Hunt said. And it's not just Hunt looking to break the mold. Bookstores all around Greater Cincinnati are looking to innovate, whether it be yoga and Mahjong at Bike Trail Books or film screenings held by Conveyor Belt Books, these stores are offering memorable experiences. Some bookstores are staying relevant by offering services that are hard to find elsewhere, like the binding and book repair services offered by Ohio Book Store. Mike Fallon and his brother, Jim Fallon Jr., work each day in the basement of their father's 85-year-old store, giving new life to bibles, adding custom bindings to photo books and repairing books from all around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of these old books have strong sentimental value, and for that reason, the Fallons, in a way, become part of the owners' communities and stay with them, on a self, for a long time. Find out more about these bookstores and some other local gems below. Some of the best bookstores in the Cincinnati area Roebling Books & Coffee This bookstore offers a full-service coffee shop, a healthy selection of books ranging from fantasy to nonfiction, and quiet spaces to work or read, with additional locations in Newport and Dayton. Location: 306 Greenup St., Covington. Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Website: roeblingbooks.com. Roebling Books & Coffee in Covington, Ky. The Friends of the Public Library Used Bookstore at the Warehouse Operated by a nonprofit organization, purchases at this bookstore provide financial support to Cincinnati public libraries as well as community events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: 8456 Vine St., Hartwell. Hours: 2-7 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Website: cincylibraryfriends.org. Bike Trail Books Bike Trail offers book clubs for almost every reader, events like yoga in the bookstore, tea parties and Mahjong classes. Location: 113 Karl Brown Way, Loveland. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Website: biketrailbooks.co. The Book Bus Depot The Book Bus Depot offers new and used books for all ages, and the proceeds support donations of new books for schools and literacy organizations. Location: 10936 Reading Road, Sharonville. Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m Saturday. Website: the-book-bus.square.site. Downbound Books Downbound Books in Northside. Downbound offers a curated selection of books in a cozy space that feels like the perfect home library, and they also sell online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: 4139 Apple St., Northside. Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Website: downboundbooks.com. The Bookery This family-owned bookstore hosts weekly all-ages story time, book clubs and a selection of books for kids and adults alike. Location: 3704 Eastern Ave., East End. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Website: bookerycincy.com. Ohio Book Store Ohio Book Store has five stories of books, magazines and more. They also offer custom book binding and repairs in their basement specialty shop. Location: 726 Main St., Downtown. Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Website: ohiobookstore.net. The Hidden Chapter Bookstore Hidden Chapter bookstore in Fort Thomas. This Fort Thomas gem offers a large selection of books for all ages, cozy reading areas, a bar and cafe, packaged together with two beautiful rooms connected by a secret door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: 118 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas. Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Website: thehiddenchapter.com. Joy and Matt's Books Joy and Matt's offers a smaller selection of books that is constantly updated with new and exciting titles. Their store is located next to the Downtown Main Library, making it a great choice for a quick book trip. Location: 915 Vine St., Unit A101, Downtown. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Sunday. Website: joyandmatts.com. Conveyor Belt Books Conveyor Belt Books in Covington, Ky. This Covington bookstore opened up in 2022 and offers multiple community-focused events like poetry screenings and their regular film screenings at the Esquire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: 410 W. Pike St., Covington. Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Website: conveyorbeltbooks.com. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 10 indie bookstores that bring warm and fuzzy feelings to Cincinnati Right in the middle of harvest season, Steven McBee Jr. was cooking up another plan to bring in enough money to cover his family farms debts: brisket. The McBee farms financial troubles have been no secret on Season 2 of The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys. You know more than anyone else the precarious situation were in with the businesses, Steven confided in McBee Farm & Cattle Co.s CFO Galyna Saltkovska on Season 2, Episode 6. How its going to take our absolute best to try to make it out of the hole that were in. Steven decided to strike a deal with a well-known Kansas City, Missouri barbecue spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arthur Bryants is Kansas Citys best barbecue. This contract has been months in the making. A lot of work. A lot of stress," he said, but then revealed there was a problem. "And were off to the worst possible start. Steven McBee Jr. reveals what went wrong with the company's brisket deal On a call with his brothers Cole McBee and Jesse McBee, Steven shared that he was off to visit the owner of Arthur Bryant's. I thought they wanted [the briskets] trimmed, because they said they didnt want to touch them with a knife, but we may have cut too much fat off of it, Steven explained. "He later added, This is a six-figure contract. I gotta fix it now. Steven stressed just how important this deal was to the future of the McBee Farm & Cattle Company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This iswhat could be, and what was supposed to be, the biggest deal weve had thus far at the meat facility, he confessed. I dont know if Im going to be able to keep this deal together. Steven Mcbee Jr. wearing a blazer, denim pants, and a cowboy hat Steven and Arthur Bryants came up with an agreement for 12-pound briskets, and a delivery of anywhere between 60 to 80 boxes a week. But Andy, the owner of Arthur Bryants, revealed to Steven in the August 4 episode that the McBee briskets werent up to the restaurants size standards. Its going to cut into our yield, Andy told Steven. Cut into all of it. I dont need to explain how thats not good for us. RELATED: Calah Jackson Issues Steven McBee Jr. A Chilling Warning About FBI Investigation: "Truth Is Gonna Come Out" Steven admitted that hed made a critical mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I guess I didnt realize how much fat is needed on the brisket when youre cooking it for eight to 10 hours, he confessed. Otherwise, it dries out and turns into a chewy piece of leather, and not this juicy brisket that Arthur Bryants is known for. Steven also took responsibility with Andy: This is on me, 100 percent, because I told my guys to trim the fat. And then they took that too literal. Steven explained to Jesse and Cole that the cattle company had pre-trimmed too much. We grew up in Kansas City, and barbecues like the number one thing there other than the [Kansas City] Chiefs, Cole said in his confessional. Were eaterswe like our fat on our meat. Thats what gives it the flavor, man, cmon. Steven McBee Jr. fears the brisket deal mishap will impact the McBee farm's financial situation Steven admitted that the ruined brisket was a bigger problem than anticipated, since the McBee Cattle Co. had already trimmed six thousand pounds of brisket. He confided in his mother, Kristi McBee, how difficult the situation was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you know how horrible that is? Were just trying to get the meat company to make money. And were finally getting some traction. Now I screwed up this Arthur Bryants deal. Like we cant afford to lose them, he told his mother on the August 4 episode. RELATED: The McBees Address Steven McBee Sr.'s Absence From Season 2 (EXCLUSIVE) The problem is we have $80 million of debt between the car washes and all the farms, said Steven, who had recently taken the reins of the family business when his father Steven Sr. stepped down. And then dad is gone. And Im here picking up all the pieces that he left behind. Kristi was a sympathetic ear for her oldest son as he worked through the brisket deal issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard for me to watch him make mistakes. And its hard for me to watch him continue to be so hard on himself, she said. Stevens carrying the weight of the world. He always has, its just that weight is getting heavier. The family business wasn't the only problem in Steven Jr.s life. His ex-girlfriend Calah Jackson shared more about the final straw that ended her relationship with Steven Jr. Fatteh is among the Arab worlds greatest culinary strokes of genius: It is not a single fixed recipe, but a versatile blueprint for how to build one. This layered dish begins with a base of crispy bread, followed by warm cooked ingredients, such as chickpeas, fried eggplant, braised meats, or stewed vegetables. A cooling sauce, often yogurt, is added before the dish is topped with a final layer of crunch, whether nuts, pomegranate seeds, or more toasted bread. It's meant to be adaptable to whats available, forgiving of shortcuts, and endlessly customizable. It's as much a reflection of resourcefulness as it is of abundance. The Origins of Fatteh The origins of this practical dish are likely rooted in scarcity as much as in hospitalityusing bread was a way to stretch more precious ingredients like meat to feed large families or unexpected guests, who are always welcome in Arab culture. But what was born of frugality is now just as likely to appear on lavish spreads at dinner parties and celebratory meals during Ramadan. Today, fatteh is a dish prized not only for its practicality but also for its layers of texture and flavor. Fatteh is creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory: It's where soft meets crisp, warm yields to cool, and tart yogurt offsets the depth of spiced proteins and fried nuts. The name itself comes from the Arabic verb "fatta," meaning to tear or break apart, which traditionally referred to tearing stale bread into pieces before soaking or topping it with a meal to give it new life. These meals could have been as simple as a lentil soup or vegetable stew bulked up with bread and revived with a cooling yogurt sauce and nuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lineage of fatteh reportedly stretches back to tharid, a dish of bread soaked in broth that was supposedly the Prophet Muhammad's favorite. This method of eating emerged naturally in a region where wheat is native, and bread has been a cornerstone of the cuisine for centuries. Over time, this simple concept has evolved across the Arab world. Mansafa meal that's considered a national dish in both Jordan and Palestineis a variation of fatteh in which bread is topped with lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce. In the Arabian Gulf, fatteh is still called tharid, and the versions there typically feature tanur flatbread topped with a stew that's typically made with lamb or goat. North Africa offers variations like Moroccan rfissa (trid or msemmen bread with chicken, lentils, and fenugreek) and Algerian chakhchoukha (semolina bread with tomato sauce topped with meat and eggs). In Egypt, fatteh commonly includes bread topped with rice, stewed meat, and garlicky tomato sauce. Fatteh Today Today, I like to think of fatteh also as a dish that tears down the idea that frugal meals cant be festive. Some version of fatteh is on the menu of almost every dinner I hostbut the dish is also my answer to busy weeknights. I can assemble dinner in minutes with a few prepared components, such as leftover roasted vegetables or braised meats. (I often find my daughters pulling out their favorite components of fatteh, with one scouring for fried eggplant, another chasing down pomegranate seeds, and the youngest just indulging in the creamy yogurt sauce and putting everything else aside). Whether its for my family on a random Tuesday or for a table of guests, fatteh always feels generous and festive. The Anatomy of Fatteh There are four essential layers in fatteh, no matter the variation: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bread: The base of any good fatteh is crisp breadusually pitacut or torn into bite-size pieces and toasted or fried until golden. I cut mine into neat little squares (because why not let my inner perfectionist have a moment?) and deep-fry them. Its faster than it sounds, and the results are reliably crunchy and rich, which I love. But baking works just as well: Toss torn pita (or even naan or a flour tortilla) with olive oil and a bit of salt, then bake at 350F (175C) until crisp. Once cooled, the bread keeps well in an airtight container for a week or two, which makes weeknight fatteh feel much more doable. In a pinch, store-bought pita chips will do. The Warm Layer: This is the heart of the dish. In the most common Levantine versions, its either warm chickpeas simmered in a slightly spiced broth or deep-fried eggplant. But it can just as easily be roasted butternut squash, shredded chicken or lamb, or a leftover green bean or okra stew. You want something hot and savory to soften the bread ever so slightly and give the dish depth. It's worth mentioning that when the warm layer is meat, the dish almost always includes a layer of rice to add some pillowy softness. The Cool Sauce: This is usually a garlicky yogurt sauce with a hint of tahini that provides a pleasant contrast to the warm elements of the dish. I stir crushed garlic into full-fat plain or strained (Greek-style) yogurt, add a tablespoon or two of tahini, and loosen the mixture with a bit of water and lemon juice, then season with salt. In some versions, especially Egyptian fatteh, the sauce is tomato-based and cooked with vinegar and lots of garlic. In others, youll find a simple chile, garlic, and lemon sauce on its own or combined with a yogurt one. The Crunchy Garnish: This really brings the dish together. The most common toppings are fried pine nuts or slivered almonds, extra toasted bread, or pomegranate seeds. Once you understand these components, fatteh becomes a canvas. It can be vegan or meat-heavy, simple or elaborate. Make-Ahead and Assembly The beauty of fatteh is that most of its components can be prepared ahead of time. The bread can be toasted or fried up to a week in advance and, once cooled, can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature. The warm toppingwhether chickpeas, vegetables, or meatcan be made up to three days ahead and simply reheated when youre ready to eat. The yogurt sauce takes just two minutes to stir together, but it also keeps well for two to three days in the fridge. As for garnishes, toasted nuts hold up well at room temperature, though you do miss out on the satisfying splatter of spooning freshly fried pine nuts and their hot butter over the finished dish. And pomegranate seeds, somewhat surprisingly, freeze beautifully and can be used straight from the freezer as a garnish. At home, I may roast a tray of butternut squash with onions at the start of the week, or saute a generous amount of seasonal mushrooms with garlic and a splash of pomegranate molasses. If weve had a Sunday roastchicken, beef, or lambIll shred whatevers left and store it in the fridge. Then on weeknights when I dont want to cook, I reheat whatever I have, grab the toasted bread, and layer: bread first, then the warm topping, followed by yogurt or chile sauce, or a mix of both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certain combinations work especially well. Roasted butternut squash is lovely with zaatar stirred through and sprinkled again on top; crisp mushrooms are excellent tossed with some chopped fresh dill and topped with toasted walnuts. Fatteh with meat benefits from a layer of rice, which adds softness to the dish. (Bonus points if you can make that rice with broth or pan juices.) Once you understand the parts, the rest becomes intuitive. Prep what you can when you can, and when dinnertime comes, all that's left is heating and assembling. Common (and Not-So-Common) Fatteh Variations While fatteh is common across the Arab world, each region, even each household, has its own interpretation. Here are a few popular versions, plus several novel takes on this classic dish: Chickpea Fatteh: This is an iconic version of fatteh that consists of warm chickpeas poured over crispy pita, topped with a yogurttahini sauce, and optional fried bite-size cubes of meat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Msakhan Fatteh: This dish is a riff on msakhan, the Palestinian dish of roasted chicken with sumac and onions. Here, crisp pita replaces the taboon bread. Onions are sauteed until sweet and tender, mixed with shredded chicken and a generous amount of sumac, then placed atop the pita and spread with a tahini-yogurt sauce and pine nuts. Other garnishes, such as parsley, pomegranate seeds, and even more sumac, are also common. Eggplant Fatteh: Roast or fry 2-inch cubes of eggplant until golden, place them on top of toasted or fried pita, then layer with yogurt sauce. One popular version of this includes a meaty tomato sauce that is seasoned with allspice and cinnamon, though different families have their own ways of making the sauce. Some cooks add garlic, Lebanese seven spice (typically a blend of black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, and coriander), or dried herbs such as za'atar or oregano. Egyptian Fatta: In Egypt, where fatteh is often transliterated as fatta, the dish is an essential part of celebrations. Toasted bread is layered with rice spiced with cardamom and bay leaves, sauteed beef or lamb, and a vinegar-and-garlic tomato sauce. Gazan Fatteh: Similar in concept to Egyptian fatteh, this version features either lamb or chicken and a green chile, garlic, and lemon sauce without tomato or vinegar. Green Beans: In this version, green beans are sauteed with plenty of minced garlic and/or finely diced onions, then layered with toasted pita and a yogurttahini sauce. (Some cooks simmer the sauteed green beans in a tomato sauce.) Artichoke Fatteh: This is a riff on mahshi ardishawki, the traditional meat- and pine nutstuffed artichoke dish that's often served with rice. Artichokes are seared until lightly browned, then simmered with garlic, water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The sauce is thickened with a cornstarch slurry so it clings to the artichokes, which are placed atop toasted bread, spread with yogurt sauce, and topped with a mixture of sauteed ground beef and pine nuts. Contemporary Takes on Fatteh: In recent years, people have taken fatteh in all kinds of directions, building on dishes such as shawarma, dawood basha (meatballs), stuffed grape leaves, various sauteed vegetables, different stews, and more. I wont get into the specifics of each one, but they all follow the same general format: the base dish, layered over crisped bread, topped with a sauce and some kind of garnish. I havent tried them all (some feel a little over the top to me), but plenty of people enjoy them, and if youre looking to stretch a meal or reinvent leftovers, it's worth exploring some of these options. Whatever you choose to make, just keep in mind that once assembled, fatteh waits for no one. The bread will start to soften, and youll lose that crunch that makes the dish so good in the first place. It's best to build it right before servingand then dig right in! Read the original article on Serious Eats Dollar General and Family Dollar each updated their weekly sales overnight Monday, August 4, and here are the best deals on groceries and back-to-school items offered this week by both chains in the Wilmington-Philadelphia region. How much are eggs at Dollar General and Family Dollar? A dozen Clover Valley Grade A large white eggs are $3.85 at Dollar General the week starting Monday, August 4. Dollar General also has a dozen Clover Valley cage-free Grade A large eggs for $3.95 this week. Comparatively, Family Dollar is offering a dozen Chestnut Hill-branded cage-free white eggs for $4.70, and a dozen Chestnut Hill cage-free brown eggs for $4.75. Chips, soda on sale this week at Dollar General Dollar General is offering deep discounts on a range of its Clover Valley-branded items this week: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clover Valley Cola/Dr. Topper soda, 12-pack: $4.50 Clover Valley popcorn: $1.25 Clover Valley potato crisps in a can: $1.75 Clover Valley frozen desserts: $3.25 Essential-branded paper towels: $5.00 Studio Selection-branded hand soap: $1.00 Dollar General is also offering two different bundles this week: a $23 Clover Valley bundle (chewy chocolate chips; mac and cheese; bottled water; granola bars; mandarin oranges; cheddar cheese snack crackers; fruit and grain strawberry bars), and a healthy snack bundle for $31. Coca-Cola, Fruity Pebbles on sale this week at Family Dollar Family Dollar's weekly sale, which also began on Monday, August 4, has discounts on a bevy of summertime foods and treats. Kellogg's Nutri Grain Bars, 8 count: 2 for $6 Simply Lemonade, orange juice: 2 for $3 Welch's juice cocktail: 2 for $6 Folger's coffee: Buy one, get on $1 off Nestle Coffee Mate Creamers: 2 for $9 Kool-Aid Jammers: 2 for $5 Composition books: $1.25 Dollar General, Family Dollar locations in Delaware Dollar General has over 30 locations in Delaware, including several in Wilmington: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1200 Northeast Boulevard 1402 E. Newport Pike 1709 Lancaster Avenue 1900 N. Market Street 2400 Kirkwood Highway Family Dollar has 27 stores in Delaware, including five in Wilmington: 1311 Newport Gap Pike 2021 Kirkwood Highway 3513 N. Market Street 4331 Governor Printz Boulevard Canby Park Shopping Center, 1914 Maryland Avenue Dollar General has more than 20 locations in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is also home to roughly 33 Family Dollar locations. Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Here's this week's Dollar General, Family Dollar deals in Delaware The Silk Road conjures up images of distant lands, trails of camels, exotic spices and fabrics - and now you can travel the route by rail. A chartered special train, the Orient Silk Road Express, follows the historic routes and stops in Central Asia. The train takes you through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in about 14 days. Before 81 train passengers from 10 nations board the carriages in Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, the travel programme on the day of departure offers a glimpse of modern, youthful Uzbekistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a concert in the conservatory, Feruza Mamirjonova, 22, performs with the traditional string instrument, the dutar. She is Muslim but does not wear a veil. "Uzbekistan is in every respect a country in development," says the musician, who receives thunderous applause. Our adventure begins as the train departs Tashkent in the evening. It is not hard to tear ourselves away at the northern station, as the teeming metropolis is not especially impressive, with many modern buildings, construction sites and traffic jams. Home to 3 million, the city roars, clatters and rattles - though this is the soundtrack of our train trip. Ali Burkhanov, one of the guides, dispels the notion of a luxury train. "Used toilet paper goes in the bin next to it." Those who have not booked the most expensive category share two toilets and one bathroom per carriage with others. Our shower times are scheduled on a list. The conductors clean, tidy up and make the beds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The corridors and compartments are decorated in a Central Asian style, with carpeted floors. I do a quick test of the bed and find out its dimensions: 184 centimetres long and 67 centimetres wide. The train rolls into the setting sun, and by morning, we are in Khiva. Its historic centre is enclosed by city walls and is often promoted as a "fairy tale from 1,001 Nights" but it comes at a price. You pay the equivalent of $21 to be able to wander through the alleys and visit important monuments, including the Kunya Ark Palace, the harem house, and the Juma Mosque with its forest of wooden columns. Among the countless brightly glazed tiles covering minarets and walls, Swiss ceramicist Franzi Iff, 46, says she feels in her element. She is one of the younger travellers, and is fascinated by the intricate patterns and the scale of the compositions. She is equally intrigued by the traditional clay construction and the numerous carved wooden doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less enchanting, however, are the crowds and all the commercialization. The old town is a giant bazaar and feels a bit like it is marketing itself as an architectural and cultural Disneyland. Offerings for tourists include tightrope walking shows, camel rides and photo benches where visitors don massive fur hats and hold scimitars. Once it is dark we sway along the rails towards Bukhara, another UNESCO World Heritage site like Khiva, also located on the old Silk Road. Fine hammering sounds echo across the square in front of the former Toqi Zargaron Mosque. Mahmud Mamurov, just 15 years old, is engraving an intricate pattern into a bronze bowl with a small hammer and punch. Sitting on a chair in the shade, he works with great precision, tapping away to the millimetre, as he says confidently, "I am a master." He learned the craft from his father, and the family business is thriving. Uzbekistan is a land of craftsmanship, from embroidery to gold, silver and metalwork. Creativity and commerce are tied to the history of the Silk Road. "Bukhara was an important hub, and the great minaret was the lighthouse for the caravans," says tour guide Burkhanov. The route to the Samanid Mausoleum, created from baked bricks dating back to the 10th century, passes through an amusement park also typical of Uzbekistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the architectural splendour was built much later: the domed bazaars, the Kalon Mosque, and the Mir-i-Arab madrasa. Tonight, no one is lulled to sleep by the rattling of the train as we are spending the night in a hotel. In Bukhara's desert climate, women in their airy, elegant dresses seem to float. We take a bus trip into the provinces and see that even the schoolchildren in the mountain village of Changak are neatly dressed. In front of clay walls, 16-year-old Farangiz and her friend Nigina stop me to practise their English and ask for a photo of themselves. They feel special. We have similar encounters in Shahrisabz, where several caravanserais once stood along the Silk Road through Afghanistan. The local World Heritage site is still largely undiscovered by tourists, but originals from the early days have disappeared. Burkhanov, 41, recalls the destruction, wars and changing rulers in Central Asia. Our day ends with a barbecue and wine festival in front of the austere train station building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The icy mountains of Tajikistan, passing by like a cinema screen, evoke memories of the hardships of the past. The Silk Road traversed mountain passes, deserts, steppes and gorges. A caravan, guide Burkhanov says, covered an average of 30 kilometres per day. Our train puffs along the loop back to Uzbekistan as planned in the tour itinerary. The compartment doors remain open, as everyone is happy to chat. Samarkand has always impressed and overwhelmed visitors. What begins with the modern pomp of the train station continues with the dreamlike settings of Central Asian architecture. We see the Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex and Registan Square with its three former madrasas, which, following the Silk Road era, fostered development, culture and science. Here, you feel intoxicated by the Orient. Every gate seems to open like a portal to paradise. We admire domes and tilework in blue and turquoise, adorned with floral and star motifs, inscriptions and geometric symmetries. It's overwhelming. Interwoven with past and present is silk. Slightly hunched, with a sharp eye on the template and her own fingers, Sarvinoz Hamroqulova sits at her loom. In a Samarkand workshop, she has been working on a silk carpet for seven months, one she could never afford herself. Only a few weeks remain until completion. "You need a lot of patience and love for the work," she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the 1,067 kilometres to Kyrgyzstan, head chef Larisa Koshevnikova and her team are under extreme pressure. They are churning out soups, omelettes and pork ribs. It is not fancy, but it sure is tasty. The swaying of the train does not bother her in her onboard kitchen. Koshevnikova used to work on an ocean liner. What might she not like about the job? "The heat in the kitchen!" It is only 3 square metres and the temperature steadily rises. Meanwhile the guests are going wild, enjoying a vodka tasting session. Fortunately, the dreaded headache does not materialize. The course of the journey shifts: from culture to nature. Kyrgyzstan welcomes us with vastness, meadows and chains of peaks. Majestic mountains with icy caps rise in the Ala-Archa National Park. The wind rushes through a wide river valley, sweeping through firs, birches and junipers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The pearl of Kyrgyzstan," as it is called, is Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest mountain lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. During a boat tour, we soak in the fresh air and the views of four- and five-thousand-metre peaks. Wispy clouds are reflected in the dark blue water. Variants of the Silk Road ran along the northern and southern shores. On the fertile soils, apricots, apples and cherries grow. "Kymyz," fermented mare's milk, sustained the ancient nomadic peoples and is a taste test of endurance. It tastes a little animal-like, still. The morning light covers Kazakhstan's treeless hills in a golden hue. At the station in Almaty, the brakes screech, and the familiar sounds of the train fade away. It is the end of the line. During the city tour, we see towering Soviet-era buildings constructed to impress. Trendy cafes and relief plaques at the Independence Monument tell the country's history. One scene shows loaded camels moving along the Silk Road. Issyk-Kul or Ysyk-Kol is an endorheic saline lake in the western Tianshan Mountains in eastern Kyrgyzstan. Andreas Drouve/dpa A room in the Orient Silk Road Express. Andreas Drouve/dpa Welcome to Samarkand: Entrance to the one of the many mausoleuns in the Shah-i-Zinda complex. Andreas Drouve/dpa The old town in Khiva retains more than 50 historic monuments and 250 old houses, mostly dating from the 18th or 19th centuries, and the Djuma Mosque. Andreas Drouve/dpa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We're currently in the middle of Maine lobster season since for some reason, lobster just hits different when the sun is shining and the beach is glimmering in the distance. Here in Central Jersey, we don't have a shore backdrop, but we have lobster rolls so delicious, you'll think you were at a crab shack on the rocky coast of Maine. Lobster rolls are only in a few Central Jersey select places. Seafood restaurants aren't easy to come by here, and the ones that are told us that the high cost of lobster can be a deterrent to selling the delicacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a few locally-owned eateries are clawing for success with lobster. Here's where you can get the best lobster rolls in Central Jersey. Boulevard Seafood Company, Somerville The lobster roll at Boulevard Seafood Company in Somerville. In the time it takes you to read this article, Boulevard Seafood Company chef and owner Scott Snyder will get another call asking him if lobster rolls are on the menu. Since everything on Boulevard's menu is directly from the seafood market and is less than a day old, the menu changes every day. But on lucky days, customers can find lobster rolls on the daily specials menu in two variations that both cost $28-$35 depending on market price. Both are served with the restaurants Spanish chips, which are floured fried potato chips tossed with a house spice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Connecticut-style lobster roll is served simply with lobster, warm butter and Old Bay on a brioche roll, while the Somerville restaurants other variation is lobster salad with herb mayonnaise, pickles, capers, celery, chives, lemon juice and Old Bay on a brioche roll. Once the decade-old eaterys new bar and grill is open next door later this summer, it will resume making the brioche rolls for the lobster rolls as well as other breads such as focaccia in-house, as the space houses the bakery equipment. Inside Boulevard Seafood Company in Somerville. Eat where the action is: These NJ restaurants feature chef's counters The brioche rolls are just one aspect of the lobster rolls that Snyder takes seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He uses all hardshell lobster, which means its heavier for its size, while keeping his selections to those under two pounds so the meat remains sweet and tender. Plus, each roll contains 12 ounces of meat including tail meat, a rarity in lobster rolls. Ive had a lot of lobster rolls and I find them sometimes to be lacking in flavor or lacking in lobster, said Snyder. I dont over-season ours so you taste more of the lobster flavor. Go: 49 W Main St., Somerville; 908-722-3300, boulevardseafood.com. Cuzins Seafood & Clam Bar, New Brunswick With a sleek, modern interior featuring an LED waterfall that splashes onto the bar, Cuzins Seafood and Clam Bar takes classic dishes to the next level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what they also do with their lobster roll with Mediterranean nods to match owner Charles Mayos and chef Jimmy Vastardis heritages. At the New Brunswick restaurant, the lobster roll is made with Maine lobster delivered fresh daily, shallots and tarragon mayonnaise on toasted ciabatta for $32. An appetizer, its served with housemade potato chips with seasoned tomato garnish. Its a staple, said Mayo. Almost every table gets at least one and shares it. Inside Cuzin's. Customers can have their lobster rolls inside a 10,000-square-foot interior with blue tones, rustic details, dim lighting and a nautical theme including a hallway encapsulated with wood and portholes to feel like a ship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 275-seat resraurant that opened in 2022 also has a Marlboro location. Go: 78 Albany St., New Brunswick; 732-979-2141, cuzinsclambar.com. Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet, Lebanon Borough The lobster roll from Metropolitan Seafood. Down to every salad dressing and sauce, Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet puts its distinct mark on every homemade item that it sells at its Lebanon seafood market and gourmet grocery store. So of course, the nearly 40-year-old business did just the same when it decided to offer a lobster roll on its takeout menu. Instead of trying to imitate a Maine experience, we took ownership of it, said store owner Mark Drabich. Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet puts 6-8 ounces of super fresh Maine lobster claw and knuckle salad meat its the most tender parts, said Drabich on a slightly sweet, toasted challah hot dog roll. Its served with baby field greens. Inside Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet in Lebanon Borough. For a current $30 market price, its got some weight, Drabich continued. And you cant even compare the hot challah hot dog roll to the traditional split roll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just one of the many dishes that Drabich and his team artfully create every day, all from a wide range of fresh-caught, wild seafood. The store offers takeout, with specials updated biweekly, as well as catering and raw seafood including 15-18 different varieties of oysters. With a polished edge, it also sells imported foods like pastas from Italy, sardines from Portugal and tahini from the Middle East. A far cry from the stereotypical rough-around-the-edges seafood market, Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet draws customers all the way from New York City to its shop just five minutes from Round Valley Reservoir. Go: 1320 Route 22, Lebanon Borough; 908-840-4332, metroseafood.com. Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar, New Brunswick The lobster roll at Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar in New Brunswick. From 3-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar in New Brunswick offers a happy hour menu almost too good to be true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three oyster shooters for $7. Ahi tuna and avocado for $9. And the real star a petite lobster roll for $11. Every one of those tickets has a lobster roll on it, said chef and owner Christian Graciano. It draws people in. Not a lot of places do them, and people love a lobster roll. Graciano learned that firsthand when he had lobster rolls on the lunch menu. When he stopped offering lunch, people kept asking if they could still get a lobster roll. The miniature lobster roll features four ounces of lobster with mayonnaise, mint, celery, lemon juice and lemon zest on a toasted split-top bun. The exposed brick wall at Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar. Middlesex County eats: NJ's only prix fixe Chinese restaurant unveils new menu with more choices Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very lemony, fresh and chilled. Youre getting warm and cold, and youre getting lobster meat, which is arguably the best thing out of the ocean, Graciano said. It speaks for itself. Ive never gone wrong with it. Customers can also request a made-to-order Connecticut-style lobster roll, which is hot lobster with clarified butter on a toasted bun. Both rolls are served in a 3,000-square-foot space with old pub flooring and distressed beams. Amid soft, light colors, the restaurant has an original brick exposed wall behind the oyster bar. Go: 103 Church St., New Brunswick; 732-745-7258, saltrestaurantnj.com. Jenna Intersimone. Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she's a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State's buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Lobster rolls: Where to find them at NJ restaurants When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: @rayan.xasan, @emnitta; Diptyque It may feel as if summer is almost over (Im sorry, I hate to say it), but to New Yorkers, Euro summer has just begun. Lengthy PTO requests have been approved, every email bounces back with a Re: OOO subject line, and your Instagram feed looks insufferable (that is, unless youve booked a ticket overseas yourself). Theres something so aspirational about summering abroad. From the bucket-list destinations to the historical architecture and colorful wardrobes, there are boundless supplies of vibrant culture to appreciate in Europe. They say that scent is one of the most powerful senses surrounding memory and emotionmeaning the right perfume can sensorially teleport you overseas if it reminds you of your favorite (or future) destination. Advertisement Advertisement Whether your end destination is France, Italy, Spain, or Greece, Ive tapped our chic, world-traveling editors to sound off on the best perfumes they packedor wish they didto summer abroad. Below, 11 fragrances that will transport you across the globe, no passport necessary. The Best Euro Summer Perfumes Best for Saint-Tropez: Chanel Chance Eau Splendide Chance Eau Splendide Key notes: Raspberry, fruit, violet, rose geranium, cedar, white musk Market Director Bobby Schuessler has his sights set on the shimmering waters of coastal France when he spritzes this Chanel fragrance. An enchanting elixir of fresh berries and florals, this lavender-colored bottle contains the essence of a summer bouquet. The elegant profile consists of rose geranium and raspberryrounded out with cedar and white muskand hinted with mint from the French Chanel fields. Tres chic, non? Advertisement Advertisement Editor review: Okay, so I'm not heading to Europe this summer, but I'm manifesting the spirit as I spritz my new go-to fragranceChanel's Chance Eau Splendide. It has a fruity-floral scent but also feels refined and sophisticatedvery 'I'm lounging on a yacht in the South of France' vibe. Scheussler View Deal Best for Nice: Noyz Salty Hair + Body Fragrance Mist Salty Hair + Body Fragrance Mist Key notes: Pink sea salt, coconut water, pineapple, driftwood Its the summer of body mists , and nothing feels more fitting for a leisurely coastal French stay than this marine-inspired mist from Noyz. Its tropical makeup includes notes of sea salt, coconut, pineapple, and woodcreating a summery olfactory experience that transports you mentally to the white sand, umbrella-peppered beaches of Nice. All you need is a cute bikini and lots of sunscreen . Advertisement Advertisement Editor review: While I dont have a European vacation on the books this summer, I am dreaming of one for my honeymoon next yearand believe me, Noyzs new Salty Hair + Body Fragrance Mist will be at the top of my packing list. With notes of pink sea salt, coconut water, pineapple, golden waterlily, and sea moss, it instantly transports me to the Cote dAzur. I also love that its housed in an aluminum bottle, which means I dont have to be too precious about tossing it into my checked bag. Perfect for a long, two-week getaway with multiple destinations on the docket. Jamie Schneider , senior beauty editor View Deal Best for Paris: Chloe Atelier des Fleurs Orchidee de Minuit Eau de Parfum Atelier des Fleurs Orchidee de Minuit Eau de Parfum Key notes: Orchid flower, jasmine, vanilla, patchouli For your city stays (ahem, Paris), Schneider recommends packing this sophisticated scent from Chloe . Concocted to emulate nocturnal flowers, this fragrance cosplays as sweet during the day but really blooms once the sun sets. This amber floral is powered by notes of orchid, rum, patchouli, and vanillawith benzoin accenting the elixir with a hint of warm spice. Advertisement Advertisement Editor review: This Chloe perfume is inspired by night-blooming white orchids, which enhance the warmth from the sun all day, only to release a new, intoxicating scent after dark. The metamorphosis reminds me of my very first trip to Paris; wandering through iconic landmarks was certainly magical, but theres nothing like watching the city come alive at night. Schneider View Deal Best for Majorca: Ellis Brooklyn Salt Eau de Parfum Salt Eau de Parfum Key notes: Ylang ylang, Tahitian tiare, ambergris If youre unsure which perfume to pack for a beach vacation , Ellis Brooklyns Salt is always a solid optiontake it from fashion editor Sierra Mayhew , who marked her breezy Majorca trip with this fresh solar scent. As if charged by the sun, this elegant, undeniably summery scent is infused with sweet ylang ylang and Tahitian tiare for a floral kick, while salt accords emulate sun-kissed, sea-soaked skin. Advertisement Advertisement Editor review: Ill never forget the fragrance I packed for my first Euro summer after the pandemic. As an avid perfume collector, Im rarely in the market for something new, so the memory of wandering through Sephora, testing dozens of scents, and landing on the one still lingers. I chose Salt by Ellis Brooklyn, and to this day, whenever I look back at photos from that trip, I can instantly smell itclean, breezy, and sun-warmed, like the perfect seaside day. Since then, Ive made it a tradition to bring one specific fragrance on each trip. Theres something about tying a scent to a place that makes the memories even richer. Highly recommend. Mayhew View Deal Best for Ibiza: Phlur Solar Power Eau de Parfum Solar Power Eau de Parfum Key notes: Bergamot, solar musk, orange flower Ive not yet had the pleasure of summering in Ibiza, but I have it on good authority that Phlurs Solar Power is the scent worth spritzing under the setting Spanish sun. Comprised of sunny bergamot, solar musk, and neroli, this summery scent captures the essence of sunscreen-smothered skin, salt-tangled hair, and sparkling Aperol spritzesperfect for days spent lounging on the beach or perhaps a day party. Though this solar floral blossoms during the daytime, it still wears beautifully in warm-weather locations like Ibiza once the sun goes down. Advertisement Advertisement Customer review: With a name like Solar Power, this one is definitely looking to evoke summer and sunshine, and it works particularly well because it doesnt try to do the same thing other summer fragrances try. Phlur classifies it as a floral, and thats true, but it has a beautiful balance with the citrus and the driftwood and solar notes. Its a light and refreshing more intimate scent. It all combines really well to evoke summer without trying to smell like a beach or like youre applying sunscreen. No coconut, not overly tropical. It stands out. View Deal Best for Rome: Valentino Donna Born in Roma Eau de Parfum Donna Born in Roma Eau de Parfum Key notes: Jasmine, blackcurrant, bourbon vanilla, wood Perfumes that fit city life are a bit bolder and more sophisticated than your typical beach fragrance, and this warm floral embodies the rich spirit of Rome to a T. Infused with jasmine, blackcurrant, and a tantalizing mixture of wood accords and vanilla, this alluring scent sparkles in the summertimeadding a touch of elegance to your billowing Roman holiday wardrobe. Plus, its long-lasting formula will stay on your skin and clothes after long days of city strolls. Advertisement Advertisement Editor review: Rome is one of my favorite cities, ever. I love the history, the food, and the architecture. It's not a stretch to say that I think about moving there at least once a week. Last year, I was lucky enough to spend a week exploring The Eternal City, and I packed Valentino's Donna Born in Roma Eau de Parfum to wear while doing it. It's an ode to its resident city and features three simple notes: blackcurrant, jasmine grandiflorum, and bourbon vanilla. It's elegant, alluring, and utterly timeless, just like Rome itself. Kaitlyn McLintock , beauty editor View Deal Best for Puglia: Diptyque Ilio Eau de Toilette Ilio Eau de Toilette Key notes: Bergamot, jasmine, prickly pear cacti Now, Puglia is a region in Italy, not a citybut the laid-back, enchanting atmosphere transcends the entire stretch of this coastal area. To bottle its essence is impossible, but if McLintock had to, she would have to assign this fruity floral from Diptyque to her experience along its shores. A fresh blend of pear, jasmine, and bergamot illustrate a scene of sunbathers, beach umbrellas, crystal waters, and Mediterranean sun. Advertisement Advertisement Editor review: I once had an Italian cab driver who A) shared his wedding photos with me, B) debated the philosophical differences between people from different American cities, C) voice-texted his wife a long grocery list, and D) invited me to stay with his family in Pugliaall while driving me an hour to the nearest airport. It was one of the most entertaining cab rides I've ever had. When he was talking about Puglia, he precariously pulled up a slideshow of pictures on his phone while careening down the highway (it wasn't safe, but it was informative), and I've been dying to go ever since. The turquoise water! The rocky coast! The sepia-tinged sunlight! While I haven't been yet, I know the exact perfume I'd pack for the tripDiptyque's Ilio Eau de Toilette. With notes of prickly pear, bergamot, jasmine, and iris, it's a fruity-floral scent that feels fresh, green, and sun-kissed. It's as sparkling as the Adriatic Sea. McLintock View Deal Best for Lake Como: Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum Buongiorno Eau de Parfum Key notes: Lemon, spearmint, mandarin, cedarwood Lake Como is one of the most beautiful areas Ive ever touched down in, and one of the most memorable characteristics of this dreamy destination is the array of lush lemon trees dotting its effervescent coast. A scent like Acqua di Parmas Buongiorno brings me right back to my breezy balcony overlooking the deep blue waterits citrus-forward topnotes are like a shot of limoncello with twangs of spearmint, rosemary, mandarin, and basil infusing the fragrance like a carefully crafted Italian cocktail. If there were ever an Italian perfume to invest in for your summer travels, let it be this bottled ray of sunshine. Advertisement Advertisement Customer review: After a few weeks with Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum, Im hooked. It opens with vibrant citrus that instantly wakes me up but stays soft and pleasant all day. It strikes a perfect balance between casual and refined, making it easy to wear anytime. The scent lingers nicely without being overpowering, and the elegant bottle adds a touch of luxury to my collection. If youre after something fresh yet classy, this fragrance is definitely worth checking out. View Deal Best for Santorini: Josie Maran Bohemian Fig Body + Hair Fragrance Mist Bohemian Fig Body + Hair Fragrance Key notes: Vetiver, vanilla orchid Got a Greek adventure ahead? Be sure to pack this body mist before heading to the airport. Inspired by the contrast of soft and edgy fashion elements (like slipping a leather jacket over a silk dress, the brand says), this Josie Maran body mist completes every Euro summer outfit with a unisex, earthy cool factor. Editor review: I made my way to Greece a few years ago, and man, do I wish I had this fragrance mist with me back then! It perfectly captures the scent of island fig trees swaying in the breeze with a woodsy, creamy dry-down thats at once fresh and sophisticated. Argan and jojoba oils simultaneously moisturize the skin and extend the fragrances longevity, which is always a plus. Schneider View Deal Best for Mykonos: Orebella Salted Muse Parfum Salted Muse Parfum Key notes: Sea salt, pink pepper, olive tree accord, lavender, wood, amber Ive waxed poetic about this oceanic Orebella perfume oil for months now, but Id be remiss to not pair it with what feels a predetermined, utterly perfect destination. Though Ive yet to visit the white stone-lined coastal regions of Greece, this fragrance seems to sing with the salty, Mediterranean winds of summer trips to come. Its a concoction of sea salt, olive tree accord, pink pepper, and lavendera fragrance profile as intricate as the cut of a gemstone and scent reminiscent of sunset dips in sapphire blue seas. As soon as I arrive on a someday Mykonos ferry, Ill be slathering myself in this glowy, long-lasting elixir. Customer review: Orebella's Salted Muse is a captivating blend that truly lives up to its name. The salty marine note hits firstfresh and airyfollowed by a warm, musky base that lingers beautifully on the skin. There's an almost magnetic quality to it: clean yet sensual, like a sea breeze meeting soft skin. The projection is moderate but noticeable, and the longevity is impressivelasting a good 6-8 hours on me without needing a re-spray. It's versatile enough for both daytime and evening wear, though it definitely leans more niche and artistic than mainstream. The only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is the opening can feel a bit sharp for some noses, especially if you're not used to salty or mineral-forward scents. But once it settles, Salted Muse becomes something truly enchanting. If you're looking for a sophisticated, slightly daring scent that feels like poetry in a bottle, this one's worth a try. View Deal Best for Athens: Penhalgions Heartless Helen Eau de Parfum Heartless Helen Eau de Parfum Key notes: Pink pepper, sandalwood, and jasmine This ones niche, and for good reason. History fans will be itching to take a day out of their beach stay to tour the ancient city of Athens, and this stunning summer scent is the perfect fragrance for a day of city-strolling. Named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, this fearless perfume is a woodsy floral comprised of pink pepper, sandalwood, and jasmine. Its light enough to fall into the fresh, summer category but has an air of sophistication that feels all too fitting for the famous capital of Greece. Editor review: Should I be headed to Athens in the near future (I can only hope), I wouldnt hesitate to throw this beautiful, peacock-adorned perfume into my bag. The floral yet unisex scent works well in practically any warm-weather destination, but I love the idea of wearing this perfume, inspired by a strong female muse, in a city named after a revered Greek goddess. Call it the history nerd in me, but I cant think of a more fitting fragrance to wear in this storied city. Alyssa Brascia , associate beauty editor View Deal Its been 25 years since Tom Hanks lost his volleyball friend Wilson at sea in the hit film Castaway. And its taken that long for Wilson to get his own happy ending in an ad for Fiji, where the movie was filmed. During the ad, a little girl and her mum rescue the ball from the beach, mend it and then take it out to see the sites, from rivers, villages and forests to sandy shores. It feels like were giving fans of the classic film the closure theyve longed for, Harry Willis of Special PR (the company responsible for the piece) told Little Black Book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiji will also be hoping it draws less inanimate visitors to its shores too. Tourism advertising is big business: when done right, it can generate huge interest in a destination and, ultimately, many more visitors. Do it wrong though, and it serves as just one more reason for tourists to stay away. Take a look at who got it right and who made a dreadful mistake, in this round-up of the best and worst tourism ad campaigns ever The hits Aussie rules Paul Hogans deadpan Fair Dinkum Holiday ads from the 1980s are still fondly remembered for their unique way of highlighting the Wonder Down Under. So it was no surprise when Australia Tourism drew on his legacy for a star-studded 2018 trailer for the (imaginary) film Dundee: The Son of A Legend Returns Home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Featuring Isla Fisher as an outback vet, Chris Hemsworth as a wilderness guide and Margot Robbie as an out-of-control lager lout, it had viewers clamouring for the full-length feature and resulted in a 26 per cent increase in initial enquiries about trips to the country, as well as its own entry on IMDB. Dubais show tune Dubai spends a lot on high-profile ad campaigns (including 2021s offering featuring Jessica Alba and Zac Efron, and the latest one with a loved-up Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi). But its undisputed triumph was 2024s fantastic earworm, Where will Dubai take you now?. The kind of catchy show tune people will be singing in the shower for years to come, its the soundtrack to a video directed by The Greatest Showmans Michael Gracey, in which a bespectacled and positively un-starry man belts out the song while jazz-handing his way along beaches and through restaurants, yoga pavilions and markets, showcasing the best that the city state has to offer. Is it a coincidence that visitor numbers and hotel occupancy levels rose last year? We think not. If only it was on Spotify. Indias superlative spree In 2009, before every tourism ad had to be star-studded and/or hilarious, this country built on its long-standing Incredible India! campaign with this heart-warming tale of one mans solo trip through the country, from palm-trimmed beaches to snow-covered mountain tops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking like a hoot to make, it also showed a host of brilliant experiences beyond the biggest-hitting sites and its still a fantastic advert for the country. New Zealands political stunt Whats New Zealands best export? Rhys Darby, of Flight of the Conchords fame, of course not least because he somehow managed to rope then-PM Jacinda Ardern into this 2018 mystery spoof about the country being left off maps on purpose. A few months later, an equally surprising sequel featuring a hunt using a map created by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson included one unexpected theory about who was responsible for the countrys erasure: unlikely baddie and New Zealand superfan Ed Sheeran, who wanted to keep it all to himself. Spains glam turn The 1980s was a time of Jackie Collins bonkbusters, dubious cocktails and flash cars and Spain ticked all these boxes and more in its successful, nine-year Espana: Everything Under The Sun campaign. It included this ad, which features a Club Tropicana-esque beach scene, zooming jet skis, a pneumatic Ferrari, a horse bucking at sunset, and plenty of women in high-cut swimsuits twirling sarongs. These days, the ad retains a certain so-bad-its-good quality (imagine a cross between Baywatch and El Dorado). The misses Faux pas in The Philippines The Philippines is choc-a-bloc with natural wonders. So it came as quite a surprise when it borrowed some from other countries for its now-infamous 2023 ad campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bits of Switzerland, the rice terraces of Bali and the sand dunes of the UAE all featured in stock photography used in the advert, with the real locations quickly exposed by a Facebook sleuth and blogger. Understandably, the tourism board immediately terminated its contract with DDB Philippines, the ad agency responsible for the $900,000 campaign. Americas wurst ad What exactly does the Bavarian town of Leavensworth, Washington have to offer the tourist? Stripping milkmaids and a rapping nutcracker, if this Noughties ad is anything to go by. The soundtrack, Gitcha Goomsba Up, doesnt quite have the finesse of Where Will Dubai Take You Now?, but thats far from the most problematic thing about this video, which combines a twerking troupe in dirndl tutus with wholesome clips of whitewater rafting, hot dogs and Christmas lights. Vilniuss awkward innuendo Sex sells so goes the thinking behind Vilniuss campaign pitching the city as the G-Spot of Europe. Why that tag line, you ask? Because nobody knows where it is but when you find it its amazing, apparently. And absolutely not because a certain section of the global population (the one with a penchant for stag parties involving low-cost flights to Eastern Europe) conflates Lithuania with escorts. This one feels very much like an own goal. However, if youre still interested, you can build your own innuendo-charged Pleasure Map here. Italys social experiment Its easy to see why the Italians hated their own 2023 ad campaign (and hate it they did, with the national media calling it grotesque and vulgar). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drawing on the countrys storied history, the Open To Meravaglia ad took Botticellis Venus and recast her as a computer-generated virtual influencer, dressed in double denim and an Italia t-shirt. And, if that wasnt sacrilegious enough, the advert also featured a Slovenian winery masquerading as an Italian one. Sweary Australia The Aussies have a penchant for profanities. And some (stuffier) Brits took offence to the tag line for the countrys 2007 ad campaign, in which a series of beautiful shots of Australias attractions was followed by a woman in a swimsuit walking towards the camera as she asked, so where the bloody hell are you?. Complaints from viewers resulted in a UK TV ban, which was only lifted after an emergency visit from Australias Tourism Minister. It was a watershed moment in that the commercial could only be aired after 9pm (and roadside billboards featuring the slogan were removed too). Strewth. 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. CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) All employees of Caddo Parish Public Schools could be eligible for a $1,000 stipend if passed by the School Board. Caddo Superintendent Keith Burton proposed the stipend. It would be in addition to the stipends of $2,000 for certified staff and $1,000 for classified staff that were passed in June by the Louisiana Legislature. Take a look at Caddo Parish Schools new district logo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This recommendation is about honoring the commitment our employees demonstrate every single day in service to students, Burton said. From classrooms to cafeterias and from buses to offices, every team member contributes to the success of our schools. This stipend is one way we can say thank you. The Board will vote on the proposal on August 19. If passed, payments will be made on September 12. The stipend is made possible by higher-than-anticipated local tax revenues, a press release stated. All employees who are employed and eligible for benefits as of Sept. 1, and who remain employed on the payment date, will receive the stipend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 4Deputies arrested Doria Javier, 39, for DWI after a traffic stop at 9:56 p.m. Saturday near County Road 46 and 810th Avenue. Thefts reported Police received a report at 2:42 a.m. Friday of money that was stolen from a backpack at 2301 E. Main St. A fair pass and Xbox controller were reported missing at 9:50 a.m. Friday at 1603 Bridge Ave. A foldable electric scooter was reported taken at 2:14 p.m. Sunday at 2102 E. Main St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Package reported stolen Police received a report at 12:18 p.m. Friday of an Amazon package that was reported stolen at 139 E. William St. Windows smashed, tires slashed on vehicle A vehicle was reported damaged at 4:58 p.m. Friday behind 2301 E. Main St. The windows were smashed, four tires were slashed and the inside was torn apart. The engine compartment also looked to be missing items. 1 arrested for domestic assault Police arrested Chad Michael Gilbertson for domestic assault at 10:37 p.m. Saturday at 317 Meredith Road. 1 arrested on warrant Police arrested Andrew Allen Belden, 22, on a local warrant after a traffic stop at 9:35 p.m. Sunday at 750 E. Front St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hit-and-run reported Deputies received a report of a hit-and-run crash at 5:42 p.m. Friday at 1105 Bridge Ave. 1 arrested for disorderly conduct Deputies arrested Kaden Patrick Ellingson, 22, for disorderly conduct at 1105 Bridge Ave. He was booked and released. Man arrested for disorderly conduct Deputies arrested Nethaniel Tusen for disorderly conduct at 10:21 p.m. Saturday at 1105 Bridge Ave. Warrant served Deputies served a warrant on Isaul Ramiro Rios, 33, at 10:48 a.m. Sunday at 411 S. Broadway. KANSAS CITY, Mo. One person was injured following a shooting Tuesday afternoon in Harrisonville, Missouri. The Harrisonville Police Department said around 2:40 p.m., police received multiple 911 calls regarding a shooting in the Walmart parking lot at 1700 N. 291 Highway. Lees Summit chef identified as victim killed in Cass County crash While en route, officers learned that one person had been shot and was injured and that the person who fired the gun had left the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers later learn the shooting stemmed from an argument between two drivers near the ramp from Interstate 49 to MO-291. Neither of the two involved were residents of Harrisonville, according to police. When officers arrived at Walmart, they located the person who had been shot who was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police said that person has since been released from the hospital. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Police said the person who fired the gun was located by the Archie Police Department, traveling south on I-49. That person was taken into custody without incident and was held in the Cass County Jail while the investigation was conducted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a thorough investigation, the case was presented to the Cass County Prosecutors Office. After their review, no charges will be pursued at this time, according to police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. CHICAGO Three people were shot, the driver fatally, while traveling in a vehicle overnight in Englewood on the citys South Side, according to Chicago police. Family continues search for answers in shooting death of 16-year-old Thornwood student-athlete Police say the shooting happened around 2 a.m. Tuesday in the 7200 block of South Green Street. The driver, a female whose age and identity have not yet been released, was shot in the back and taken to an area hospital in critical condition. She was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, a 20-year-old man was shot in the shoulder and taken to an area hospital in serious condition and a 17-year-old boy was shot in the elbow and taken to an area hospital in good condition. They were both passengers in the vehicle. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The two shooting victims were unable to provide further details about the incident, according to police, and nobody is yet in custody. A witness, however, described to WGN News what we heard. We were walking and out of nowhere you just heard like eight, 10 gunshots, just going off, he said. And then it stopped for a second, then you heard some more go off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Area One 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. 10 US cities providing accessible dialysis services Access to dialysis care remains a life-or-death issue for the nearly 520,000 Americans currently on dialysis, according to National End Stage Renal Disease Census data. While the United States has made strides in expanding services, with 7,556 dialysis centers in the ESRD networks nationwide as of March 2025, regional disparities persist. Rural patients travel 2.5 times farther than urban patients to reach care (an average of 15.9 miles, compared to 6.2 miles for urban patients), and approximately 40% of U.S. counties lack any dialysis facility. Dialysis Centers, a national dialysis centers directory, highlights cities leading in dialysis access, based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services facility data, state records, and patient satisfaction metrics. Top cities for accessible dialysis services 1. Houston, Texas Houston offers high facility density through its DaVita and Fresenius locations, minimizing patient travel. Most sites in this city offer home dialysis options, including peritoneal and home hemodialysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. Las Vegas, Nevada With 13 DaVita centers rated four to five stars, the compact city design of Las Vegas supports shorter travel distances for residents and visitors. 3. Orlando/Celebration, Florida Patients looking for dialysis care can find broad coverage across metro Orlando, with patient reviews highlighting strong home dialysis training programs and resources for visiting patients. 4. Atlanta, Georgia An extensive network spans diverse neighborhoods in Georgias capital city and is supported by comprehensive services, including social work, nutrition, and care coordination. Atlanta also ranks highly for travel dialysis support. 5. San Diego, California San Diego features advanced options like Balboa Nephrologys vascular access center and a strong reputation for patient satisfaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6. Chicago, Illinois Dozens of DaVita and Fresenius centers in Chicago provide excellent urban access and multiple dialysis modalities. 7. San Francisco Bay Area, California The UCSF Dialysis Center is known for clinical excellence. The Bay Area also leads in vascular access innovation. 8. Salt Lake City, Utah Compact geography in Salt Lake City allows easy access to five-star DaVita and Fresenius locations, with solid peritoneal dialysis programs. 9. San Antonio, Texas Metro-wide coverage in San Antonio, combined with culturally competent care and travel-friendly services, make this a top destination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Myrtle Beach is a coastal vacation hotspot offering dialysis travel services and multiple DaVita centers throughout the region. Key factors in dialysis accessibility Top-performing cities average 4.1 centers per 100,000 residents, with 86% of all dialysis sessions occurring in urban areas, according to ESRD Networks. Although 40.4% of rural facilities are five-star, urban centers offer more diverse services: 50.8% of urban facilities offer peritoneal dialysis 28.5% offer home hemodialysis 16.0% offer late-shift dialysis Patients in rural counties travel an average of 25.2 miles, compared to 5.5 miles in well-served cities, and in counties without facilities, travel increases by 14.3 miles. Greater travel distance is linked to poorer outcomes, including higher mortality and skipped treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While these 10 cities stand out for accessible dialysis care, gaps remain. The closure of 215 dialysis centers between 2021 and 2023 has only widened those divides. The Advancing American Kidney Health initiative aims to shift 80% of patients to home dialysis or transplant by 2025. These cities provide a roadmap to meet that goal. For patients and families, living in or visiting these metros can lead to less travel, expanded care choices, and improved quality of life. This story was produced by Dialysis Centers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. More than 100m of premium bond prizes remain unclaimed amid criticism that the government-owned bank which operates the savings scheme is not doing enough to find the winners. Among the 2.5 million unclaimed prizes are 11 winners of 100,000 - the second-largest prize available. Critics say the process to trace accounts needs reform as it is too difficult for people gifted Premium Bonds, or those who only ever had paper records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operator National Savings and Investments (NS&I) said it had paid more than 99% of the prize-winners since starting its tax-free draws in 1957. Wills and probate solicitor Patrice Lawrence said she had helped seven people trace accounts including clients, and friends and family. "It's shocking that a government-owned bank is sitting on nearly 100m [in unclaimed prizes] that doesn't belong to it during a cost of living crisis," she told the BBC. Premiums Bonds are a lottery-style, government-backed savings account where people can put money in and take it out when they want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount of interest paid in return for each 1 bond is decided by a monthly prize draw, with some holders receiving nothing and others getting prizes from 25 all the way up to a 1m jackpot. NS&I said every jackpot millionaire had received their money. Premium Bonds were popular because they were government backed. In 1960, Prime Minister Harold MacMillan writes the number of the first ever 5,000 prize at the National Savings headquarters in London. [Fox Photos/Getty Images] Since the first draw in June 1957, its Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment - known as ERNIE - has drawn a total of 772 million prizes worth a combined 37bn. Premium Bonds prize winners should receive notifications of their winnings via text message, email or post if they have registered their details. Some customers, however, relocate and forget to update their details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other bond holdings are not registered. For example, people may be unaware they were gifted bonds as children, or they were never given the paper certificate carrying the account numbers. NS&I retail director Andrew Westhead said the bank recognised bonds purchased before digitisation were "much harder to trace". The oldest unclaimed prize dates back to the 1950s [Alamy] Nearly 23 million people had Premium Bonds accounts worth a combined 130bn, as of the end of March 2025. NS&I originally contacted winners by post and sent cheques, but since 2011 holders could choose to have prizes paid directly into a bank account or reinvested in more bonds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oldest unclaimed prize was 25 won in November 1957 in South Yorkshire. Mr Westhead said: "The 103m of prizes currently unclaimed represents just 0.28% of the total 37bn awarded by ERNIE over nearly seven decades." He said the bank provided information online and through its call centre on how to claim winnings, publicised details of unclaimed prizes and encouraged customers to use its prize checker. People can also use its tracing service to track down mislaid bonds, he said. NS&I also said that, as of the end of March 2025, it had been asked to carry out 781,576 traces. Of those, 465,048 were successful, and 443,806 accounts had been found with value. The bank could not say how many of those people had their original paperwork. Melanie Clarke (furthest left) lived in London with her father Hugo (second from left) and mother Margaret (third from left) [Melanie Clarke] Melanie Clarke did not initially know what was in front of her when she found premium bond papers among her late father Hugo's affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her mother explained some were a gift for her and her sister, while some remained in her parents' names. She said: "They're quite delicate and flimsy[I thought of the papers] what part of that is important? How do I found out any information about this?" Mr Clarke first came from Trinidad to the UK as an RAF Serviceman, aged 19, as part of the so-called Windrush generation. He did not leave a will when he died from natural causes related to vascular dementia in 2018. While clearing his possessions Ms Clarke misplaced the paperwork, and is now in a weeks-long exchange with NS&I trying to trace the accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She believes many people of her generation would have been bought Premium Bonds when they were children, but will have little idea how to trace their accounts. Sam Richardson, deputy editor at consumer group Which? Money, said NS&I was not signed up to the government's own Tell Us Once service or its private equivalent, the Death Notification Service. The schemes help bereaved people by simplifying the process of notifying multiple organisations after a death. The bank said its services "often required more individualised contact with executors" than the Tell Us Once scheme, but it wanted to be "as easy to use as possible... during difficult events". 'Computer says no' BBC Morning Live's resident money expert Iona Bain said NS&I needed to consider how it could improve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In theory, it shouldn't be the end of the world if you don't have the original certificate, perhaps because they've been mislaid or damaged," she said. "NS&I encourages people to come forward even if they only have basic details, as these can be matched up with what's in the system. "But the reality is more complicated. The majority of traces may be successful, but too many people have been left unhappy with what they feel is a 'computer says no' approach, even when they believe they have most of the details needed to find a match. "Whilst it can be administratively complex to track down historic money, NS&I needs to consider how it can improve this process so it's much less rigid, bureaucratic and frankly disappointing." The NS&I app prize checker will show this month's prizes, as well as any older prizes [BBC] Miss Lawrence has begun a petition calling for reform so names, dates of birth and address at time of purchase would be enough to locate an account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other difficulties she has highlighted include: a lack of awareness about premium bonds paperwork when it is found among a relative's possessions after they have died people who had paper bonds bought for them when they were minors not being aware they had to take steps to have the bonds transferred to them when they reach 16 people finding bond certificates that have a holder's number, date and location of purchase, but the NS&I being unable to tell them to whom they belong How can you find your account? NS&I's tracing service can be contacted online, by post or over the phone, if people do not have their bond number or NS&I number. They can also use MyLostAccount which is associated with UK Finance and the Building Societies Association, and can be used to trace old accounts with other providers as well as NS&I. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People with original paper bonds such as those purchased over the counter at the Post Office can register them online or call the helpline on 08085 007 007. A request can also be made for a trace by someone who is legally entitled to act on someone else's behalf, for example under a Power of Attorney or by an executor of a will. More about this story The Shared Data Unit makes data journalism available to news organisations across the media industry, as part of a partnership between the BBC and the News Media Association. Read more about the Local News Partnerships here. Update: The agreement was ratified by the union on Aug. 8. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East reached a three-year tentative agreement with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and Health Home Services after five months of contract talks, the union announced Tuesday. The union said the tentative agreement covers 750 hospital and homecare workers. The previous agreement expired on May 31, but workers agreed to two extensions through July 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, as the only full-service health system serving all of Niagara County, and only independent hospital in all eight counties of WNY, stands proud to reach a fair and equitable tentative agreement with 1199SEIU, said Joseph Ruffolo, the centers CEO. Despite the challenging economic outlook that we, and all hospitals across the country will face due to the significant federal reductions in Medicaid and Medicare, we have the confidence in our team of healthcare workers that their unwavering support for Memorials mission to serve will remain intact. Latest Local News Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Judging by newly released photos and video, the crew aboard Ocean Exploration Trusts Nautilus research vessel had an extremely productive summer trip to the South Pacific. Over 22 days, the team completed detailed archaeological surveys of more than a dozen shipwrecks sunk amid the Solomon Islands campaign during World War II. In addition to imaging four of them for the first time, experts guided remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) towards the rediscovery of two long-lost vessels:the separated bow from the USS New Orleans as well as the Imperial Japanese Naval destroyer Teruzuki. The USS Vincennes was sunk by Japanese forces during a surprise attack on August 9, 1942. Credit: Ocean Exploration Trust Ocean Exploration Trust Despite losing its bow, the USS New Orleans still made it to port for repairs. Credit: Ocean Exploration Trust Ocean Exploration Trust Although researchers originally spotted some of these shipwrecks more than 34 years ago, Ocean Exploration Trust president Robert Ballard explained that the most recent trip to Iron Bottom Sound provided opportunities to document their finds using a new generation of technology including high-definition survey cameras, underwater vehicles, and imaging tools aboard the EV Nautilus. This expedition was special, allowing us to film these sites in a manner not possible back then, as well as document other ships, while at the same time sharing our work live to the entire world, Ballard said in a statement. Iron Bottom Sound is located between the islands of Guadalcanal and Nggela. Credit: Ocean Exploration Trust Located in the Solomon Islands near Guadalcanal, Iron Bottom Sound experienced five major naval battles between August and December 1942. In the end, over 20,000 servicemen died in combat, along with the destruction of 111 ships and 1,450 aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To scout for possible wreckage locations, the team ultimately mapped over 386-square-miles of seafloor using a DriX uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). However, instead of guiding the surveyor from aboard Nautilus, operators did so while stationed in the Solomon Islands capitol city, Honiara. Once they pinpointed the sites, researchers launched the Nautilus fleet of ROVs to obtain visuals and assess any ships. In total, the crew spent over 138 hours exploring various wrecks with the ROVs, some of which are located over 3,280 feet below the oceans surface. The propellor of the USS Quincy. Credit: Ocean Exploration Trust Ocean Exploration Trust A portion of the wreckage of the USS Laffey. Credit: Ocean Exploration Trust Ocean Exploration Trust This survey of the ships of the United States, Australia, and Japan will add immeasurably to the understanding of one of the most costly naval campaigns in history, a campaign that hopefully will never be repeated, added Naval History and Heritage Command Director and retired US Navy rear admiral Samuel Cox. While dozens of vessels are still missing, Ocean Exploration Trust noted that its researchers now have a lengthy list of potential targets to visit in future expeditions. New discoveries included the IJN Teruzuki, a Japanese destroyer that sank on December 12, 1942. Credit: Ocean Expedition Trust Ocean Exploration Trust Shipwrecks werent just from the US and Japanese navies. Australias HMAS Canberra sank during the Battle of Savo Island in 1942. Credit: Ocean Exploration Trust Ocean Exploration Trust Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once a wreck was located, researchers deployed the Nautilus Hercules ROV for visual surveying. Credit: Ocean Exploration Trust Fourteen rural hospitals in Washington state are at risk of losing services or closing altogether if proposed federal health care cuts are approved, according to a letter from U.S. Senate Democrats. In a June 12 letter to Republican leaders, including President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, Sens. Edward Markey, Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, and Chuck Schumer warned that a House-passed reconciliation package would slash funding for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act by more than $1 trillion. The cuts would also trigger more than $500 billion in Medicare reductions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data from the University of North Carolinas Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, 338 rural hospitals nationwide could be severely impactedeither by losing critical funding, having to convert to smaller facilities, or shutting down altogether. The report identified 14 at-risk hospitals in Washington state. Hospitals were considered at risk if they served a disproportionately high number of Medicaid patients or had three consecutive years of financial losses. The Sheps Center did not publicly release individual hospital names for all states, but a list included in the letter identified several Washington facilities that met these criteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They include: Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake Toppenish Community Hospital Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma Odessa Memorial Hospital Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee Prosser Memorial Health Klickitat Valley Health Othello Community Hospital Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster Forks Community Hospital Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak Astria Sunnyside Hospital Mason General Hospital in Shelton Providence St. Josephs Hospital in Chewelah All 14 are rural hospitals that serve some of the states most medically underserved areas. Many are also among the largest employers in their respective communities. Faced with additional cuts to their revenue, many rural hospitals may be forced to stop providing certain services, including obstetric, mental health, and emergency room care, may have to convert to clinics or standalone emergency centers, or close altogether, the senators wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter cites concerns raised in a June 2025 Kaiser Family Foundation poll showing that a majority of rural Americans fear cuts to Medicaid and ACA programs will harm their local hospitals and health care providers. Between 2017 and 2023, 50 rural hospitals across the U.S. shut down. The senators argue that the proposed cuts will only accelerate that trend, particularly in rural states where hospitals are already operating on narrow financial margins. In Washington, several of the hospitals identified as at-risk serve areas where Medicaid patients make up a significant share of the hospitals payer mix, leaving those facilities particularly vulnerable to reimbursement cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others have reported financial losses for three or more years, putting them at even higher risk. The senators urged Republicans to reconsider the proposed legislation, arguing that the potential health care crisis in rural areas isnt worth the trade-off for what they described as billionaire tax breaks. WA GOP Chairman Jim Walsh responded in a op-ed for The Chronicle, titled, Cutting through Democrats hysterical rhetoric on Medicaid program. One left-wing group released a fictional report cited in an article published by The Chronicle that predicts specific hospitals in Washington will close if Medicaid is reformed. I called the executives at several of these hospitals: the report is baseless, and they arent closing," Walsh wrote. Getting back to the point is the greatest impact to us, here in this Washington: The extension of Apple Health benefits to able-bodied young people and illegal aliens has stressed the program to the brink of insolvency. The Medicaid reforms in the BBB refocus Apple Health benefits back to the original groups they were intended to help. There may be some adjustment pains as the reforms take place but, in time, the reforms will make Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals stronger and more sustainable. The Kirkland Police Department (KPD) says a 16-year-old boy riding a dirtbike was seriously injured in a crash on July 29. At around 2:45 p.m., officers responded near the Totem Lake neighborhood, where they learned the unlicensed teen was doing a wheelie before hitting the drivers side passenger door of a Mini Cooper, KPD said. He was brought to Harborview Medical in serious but non-life-threatening condition; nobody in the car was injured, according to police. Kirkland Police say they have seen an increase in reckless driving of two-wheeled motorized vehicles driven by young riders. CORRALES, N.M. (KRQE) A more than century-old religious landmark from the 1860s is getting new life in Corrales with a major restoration. Its not just about preserving adobe walls but safeguarding the villages identity. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For most of its lifespan, the Old San Ysidro Church was owned by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. But since the 1970s, the roughly 166-year-old church has been owned by the village. Ed Boles, the Corrales Historical Society vice president, said for about a century, it was maintained by those who attended the church, the village residents. When it became public property, the need to find a way to maintain it became obvious. Thats what the historical society was formed to do. Now, the CHS is managing the buildings biggest restoration yet stripping the walls down to the original adobe for the first time in over 150 years. We wanted to go all the way back down to the original adobes, said village project manager Tanya Lattin. To find damage and put in new adobes, where needed, to make it safe, and to also make sure that it would be here for another 150 years. Since starting the restoration in June, the team has found unexpected damage, meaning funding from the state legislature fell short. Anne Van Camp, historian and CHSs president, said that it was a unanimous decision for the society to step up. The Society said, Well, were going to raise the money to help fund the extra cost that its going to take to get it to where it needs to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the walls exposed, its a rare chance to upgrade the electrical system, which will eventually allow for the church to conceal its first AC system behind the original vigas, corbels, and latillas. CHSs vision is to bring the church back to its original glory. This is the heart of the village. You cant find anybody who doesnt have a story about the church, said Van Camp. So thats what our vision is to bring it back so that people really appreciate that again. The church was de-sanctified in 1961, but Old San Ysidro Church is far from forgotten. Its now home to music and art shows, weddings, city council meetings, and village festivals. The adobe restoration is expected to wrap by the end of August but organizers still need funding for the heating and cooling systems. Some local groups, including the Kiwanis Club, are helping fund the project. The Corrales Historical Society said its still taking donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DES MOINES, Iowa An 18-year-old was arrested in connection to two Des Moines shootings and several other alleged crimes on Tuesday. On July 10, the Des Moines Police Department responded to a report of a gang-related shooting in the 1100 block of 10th Street that resulted in a juvenile male suffering non-life-threatening injuries. According to the DMPD, 18-year-old Sari Camp was identified as the shooter. Over a week after the shooting, the DMPD responded to another shooting. On July 19 officers responded to a home in the 2400 block of Saylor Road where it was reported that the home was hit by over two dozen bullets. Earlier that day, the DMPD also responded to an attempted theft of several vehicles at the VA hospital, which police say was connected to the shooting. Police accuse Camp of taking part in the incident, along with two other individuals who have already been charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owners of 515 Brewing Company stepping down, ready for next chapter Last week, an armed robbery on a DART bus was reported to the DMPD. Police say that the bus was traveling along a route in the King Irving Neighborhood when Camp allegedly robbed a 19-year-old male at gunpoint. Several days after the armed robbery, officers with the DMPD were in a pursuit with a stolen vehicle where Camp was an occupant. Police said Camp was able to flee from the scene. On Tuesday morning, the DMPD said it located Camp at a Des Moines residence. As officers tried to arrest Camp he fled on foot while armed with a handgun. After a short search of the area officers located Camp and took him into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camp is now facing a slew of charges connected to the multiple alleged crimes. Those charges include: Two counts of Attempted Murder First-Degree Robbery First-Degree Burglary Three counts of Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon Two counts of Going Armed with Intent Three counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm Criminal Gang Participation Conspiracy to Commit a Forcible Felony Assault While Participating in a Felony Use of a Dangerous Weapon in the Commission of a Crime Fourth-Degree Theft Camp is currently being held in the Polk County Jail. The DMPD said that investigations into the various incidents are ongoing. Metro news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Editors Note: This article has been updated with the correct area that the incident took place. ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) An 18-year-old man riding a dirt bike was seriously hurt after a hit-and-run on Sunday evening in Maryland, police said. Around 7:15 p.m., officers from the Northern District responded to the crash on Crain Highway near Main Avenue SW in Glen Burnie. Preliminary investigations revealed that a Honda 125R dirt bike was traveling southbound on Crain Highway and weaving through traffic while disobeying traffic control devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man, woman injured during shooting in Southeast DC The driver on the dirt bike moved into the shared turn lane when a gold or brown/tan-colored minivan, also heading south, made a U-turn to head northbound and struck the dirt bike. The minivan then fled the scene. The 18-year-old driver operating the dirt bike suffered potentially life-threatening injuries and was not wearing a helmet or safety gear. Police are searching for the driver of the minivan described as gold or brown/tan-colored with drivers side damage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW A serial killer in South Australia was granted parole this week after decades behind bars James Vlassakis, who was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 26 years, committed four of 11 murders that occurred between 1992 and 1999 in Snowtown Frances Nelson, the South Australian parole board chief, said Vlassakis "does not represent a risk to the community James Vlassakis, a serial killer in South Australia, was granted parole this week after spending more than two decades behind bars, according to multiple news reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision was made by the South Australian Parole Board on Tuesday, Aug. 5, with the board saying that Vlassakis will serve the remainder of his life sentence outside of prison walls under special conditions, according to The Guardian, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and The Sydney Morning Herald. Frances Nelson, the parole board chief, said Vlassakis "does not represent a risk to the community and will be sent to a pre-release facility for up to 12 months before he is officially released, per The Sydney Morning Herald. PEOPLE reached out to the South Australian Parole Board for comment on Tuesday, Aug. 5 but did not immediately hear back. Vlassakis has been in prison for the past 26 years after being convicted for his role in the "Snowtown murders" that occurred between 1992 and 1999 in South Australia. Authorities said Vlassakis, who was 19 at the time, committed four of the 11 murders alongside three others, The Guardian reported. He has never been pictured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The killings came to light in May 1999, when authorities discovered dismembered remains in plastic barrels filled with hydrochloric acid in an old bank vault in Snowtown, per The Guardian. According to ABC, authorities said the victims were relatives and friends of the killers. https://people.com/app/scene?sceneId=9de86c07-a15a-409e-8382-c1ab68eaf839&shortlink=kz7l4cuf&c=People.com%20Homepage%20Fourth%20Wall%20Revise%20Download%20070725&pid=People.com&af_xp=custom&source_caller=ui Fairfax Media via Getty Detective Superintendant Denis Edmonds inside the vault of a former Snowtown bank where several bodies were discovered on May 23, 1999. Detective Superintendant Denis Edmonds inside the vault of a former Snowtown bank where several bodies were discovered on May 23, 1999. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vlassakis' stepfather, John Bunting, and Robert Wagner committed the murders along with Vlassakis. They are serving life sentences without parole and Vlassakis testified against the two during their trials, per ABC. Mark Ray Haydon, 66, who help cover up the killings, was released on parole with special conditions in May 2024, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The murders were depicted in the 2011 film Snowtown, which follows the perspective of Vlassakis' character as the killings take place. Ronald Lane, the nephew of one of the victims, called the decision to grant Vlassakis parole a "kick in the face for the families that are involved," per ABC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What about the victims' lives? They didn't get the chance to even live their lives they were brutally killed," Lane said, per the outlet. Speaking further about Vlassakis' release, Nelson said, "Many victims have the view that someone hasn't really got a long enough sentence and they shouldn't be released, but that isn't a matter that should even feature for the parole board it would usurp the function of the courts," ABC reported. Read the original article on People DENVER (KDVR) Two people are in police custody after they allegedly fired a handgun at another motorist and fled from law enforcement into a Golden neighborhood. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office reported that dispatchers received a 911 call from a motorist at about 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, who said an erratic driver had fired a gun at him while they were traveling on U.S. 6 near Tunnel 1. Woman found dead after hit-and-run near I-225 in Aurora: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies were able to find the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. However, the suspect vehicle fled eastbound on U.S. 6 and continued southbound on Highway 93 in a Golden neighborhood. Viewer-submitted video captured part of the pursuit, but the witness declined to speak on camera. Deputies attempted to stop the pursuit by partially blocking the suspect vehicles escape route on Heritage Road, causing front-end damage during the act. The suspect vehicle then drove into an apartment complex. There, the driver and passenger got out of the car and reportedly threw several items into a pond and attempted to drive away from the scene. Deputies conducted a high-risk stop there and took both suspects into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was injured during these events, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office reported. The suspects were identified by the agency as Pierre Morris, 38, and Shakeyah Jackson, 29. Both were taken to the Jefferson County Detention Center and are facing charges of attempted first-degree murder (extreme indifference, attempted second-degree assault, felony menacing, felony eluding, obstruction, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, reckless driving, tampering with evidence, habitual offender and bond violations. Morris is also facing a charge of possession of a weapon by a previous offender. Sign up for the FOX31 Denver Guide weekly newsletter for events and activities After partially draining the pond, investigators said they recovered multiple handguns, rifles and ammunition from the area where the pair had thrown items from their vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, Morris was given a $500,000 cash-only bond on Monday, while Jackson was given a $50,000 cash-only bond. The pair is scheduled to appear for a return filing of charges on Aug. 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. DENVER (KDVR) A pair of alleged would-be thieves were arrested after attempting to steal more than $1,000 in unpaid merchandise from a Home Depot, according to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. The DCSO said on X Tuesday that the suspects, a man and a woman, illegally parked a truck in a handicap spot in front of the Home Depot before hiding merchandise inside light fixture boxes as a way to avoid paying for everything at checkout. Police looking for woman accused of using slight of hand theft to commit bank larceny Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects are alleged to have attempted to steal $1,046 in stolen merchandise. Deputies were alerted to the situation by loss prevention inside the store according to the DCSO, which did not specify which Home Depot was the target of the alleged theft attempt. A pair of alleged would-be thieves were arrested after attempting to steal more than $1,000 in unpaid merchandise from a Home Depot, according to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. (Credit DCSO) A pair of alleged would-be thieves were arrested after attempting to steal more than $1,000 in unpaid merchandise from a Home Depot, according to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. (Credit DCSO) A pair of alleged would-be thieves were arrested after attempting to steal more than $1,000 in unpaid merchandise from a Home Depot, according to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. (Credit DCSO) A pair of alleged would-be thieves were arrested after attempting to steal more than $1,000 in unpaid merchandise from a Home Depot, according to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. (Credit DCSO) After being detained, a search of the woman suspect found a bottle containing pills resembling fentanyl and two baggies of a white crystalline substance resembling methamphetamine, the DCSO said. The sheriffs office said a search of the suspect vehicle also uncovered additional narcotics and drug paraphernalia. The woman has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor unlawful possession of controlled substances, theft and conspiracy, and felony unlawful possession of controlled substances fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and improper parking in a handicap space, and misdemeanor theft and conspiracy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WILLISBURG, Ky. (FOX 56) Two people have been arrested after a dog allegedly attacked a Washington County deputy on Monday. According to the sheriffs office, around 7:20 p.m., two deputies stopped at a home in Willisburg for a narcotics investigation. The deputies reportedly found that the resident was trafficking synthetic drugs. The office said one of the owners came to the door and let out a pitbull-mix-looking dog. When the deputies asked the owner to put the dog away, it allegedly attacked a deputy, causing multiple puncture wounds to his arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy tried to spray the dog with pepper spray, but when the dog did not release, the dog was shot to prevent further bodily injury. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: According to a news release, the owners did not have veterinarian papers or proof of vaccination, and the deputy was taken to an area hospital for treatment and has since been released. While searching the home, authorities reportedly found synthetic drugs, pipes, an unknown liquid substance, and suspected methamphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anna Philip, 58, of Colvin Lane, was charged with harboring a vicious animal, trafficking in synthetic drugs, and drug paraphernalia. 65-year-old Danny Keith, also of Colvin Lane, was charged with harboring a vicious animal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. A man and a woman were arrested in connection with the death of a 10-year-old girl in late July in eastern Arizona, according to a news release from the Apache County Sheriff's Office. Anicia Woods, 29, and Richard Daniel Baptiste, 32, were arrested on suspicion of murder and child abuse after the unidentified girl was found unresponsive, according to the Sheriff's Office. Officials say that on July 27, the Holbrook Police Department responded to a report of an unresponsive child at the intersection of State Route 77 and U.S. Route 180 in Holbrook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities found the child had received a "severe injury" and was taken to the Little Colorado Medical Center, about 30 minutes east, according to officials. The girl's injury was not disclosed. Officials say she was later flown to Phoenix Children's Hospital, where she died July 30. Following the execution of several search warrants, officials arrested Wood and Baptiste on suspicion of first-degree murder, kidnapping and three counts of child abuse, according to the Sheriff's Office. News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wood, Baptiste and the child who died all lived at a property in the rural community of Hunt, which is about 40 minutes southeast of where the original call for service was located, according to officials. The Sheriff's Office did not disclose the nature of the relationship between Wood and Baptiste. Officials say Wood and Baptiste were held in an Apache County jail without bond. The case remained under investigation. The Sheriff's Office said they worked with other agencies to make the arrests, including the Navajo County Sheriff's Office, Holbrook Police Department, Phoenix Police Department and Arizona Department of Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man and woman arrested in Arizona after death of 10-year-old girl NEW YORK A second person has died and 58 others have fallen ill amid an outbreak of Legionnaires disease wreaking havoc in the Harlem area, New York City health officials announced. It marks an increase from previous figures released by the New York City Health Department on Thursday, when there was a total of 22 reported cases and a single death linked to the growing cluster. In a statement on Monday, acting New York City health commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse urged anyone in the area suffering from flu-like symptoms to contact a health care provider as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is especially important for people at higher risk including those ages 50 and older, cigarette smokers, and people with chronic lung disease or compromised immune systems to get care if they have symptoms, Morse added. Legionnaires disease is a type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella, which grows in warm water. According to the New York City Health Department, it can be caused by plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as cooling towers, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems. And while it cannot be passed from person to person, it can be contracted by breathing in any contaminated water vapor. The New City Department of Health is investigating the cluster. Since the outbreak was initially detected on July 25; crews have repaired the 11 cooling towers with initial positive screening results showing the presence of Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease. DENVER (KDVR) Two people were killed and one person was rescued after a crash that resulted in a car rolling more than 300 feet down a mountain, according to a press release from the Colorado State Patrol. On Tuesday morning, around 8:06 a.m., troopers responded to a deadly crash that occurred on Highway 550 near Mile Post 88 outside of Ouray on Red Mountain Pass. Former Nuggets stars pregnant wife attacked by shark Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash involved a single vehicle, a silver Honda Civic, that traveled off the shoulder of the road before rolling an approximate 320 feet down the side of a mountain and crashing upside down in a river. Troopers respond to a deadly crash that resulted in a car rolling 320 feet down a mountain and landing upside down in the river. (Credit: Colorado State Patrol). Troopers respond to a deadly crash that resulted in a car rolling 320 feet down a mountain and landing upside down in the river. (Credit: Colorado State Patrol). Troopers respond to a deadly crash that resulted in a car rolling 320 feet down a mountain and landing upside down in the river. (Credit: Colorado State Patrol). Emergency responders confirmed two adults were pronounced dead at the scene. A juvenile girl was trapped inside the vehicle, but emergency responders were able to rescue her from the car at 11:27 a.m., and she was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries, CSP reported. The southbound lane of Highway 550 is closed, and two-way traffic will take turns driving through the northbound lane while investigators remain at the scene of the crash. CSP said that there is no timeline for the road to reopen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CSP asks anyone who witnessed the crash to contact dispatch at 970-249-4392. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Two people were killed in a shooting late Monday night on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation in Perrysburg, according to New York State Police. The shooting happened in the area of 10996 Whites Drive just before 11:30 p.m. The two killed are identified as a 23-year-old man and an 18-year-old man. A third victim was treated for minor injuries and released from ECMC. There was a shelter-in-place for a period of time but it has been lifted, according to the Cattaraugus County Sheriffs Office. It is believed that there is no active threat to the community. New York State Police and Seneca National Marshals were on scene. One weapon has been recovered from the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are profoundly saddened by the tragic events that occurred in our Indian Hill community last night, Seneca Nation president J. Conrad Seneca said in a statement Tuesday. The Nation is reaching out to assist the families at this remarkably difficult time. No charges have been filed yet but police believe there could be charges in the future. Police do not have anybody in custody. This is is a developing story, check back for updates. You can watch an update on the shooting from New York State Police in the video player below. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Two men serving life terms at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano were sentenced to an additional 27 years to life for attacking another inmate with homemade weapons and a wooden cane. David Charles Macon, 50, and Michael Gaddy, 49, were each found guilty last month of assault with a deadly weapon by a prisoner serving a life term. They were sentenced Friday, court records show. On April 7, 2024, Gaddy and Macon stabbed and slashed an inmate on the prison patio who was headed to a visit with family, according to prosecutors. The victim raised his cane to defend himself, prosecutors said, but the assailants wrestled it away and Macon used it to beat him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim suffered at least eight wounds. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officers quickly intervened and stopped the assault, prosecutors 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 KGET 17 News. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Police believe the people responsible for the murder of a 39-year-old in Greensboro are already behind bars. On Monday, Greensboro police announced that Tariq Mosley, 28, and Michael Garrison, 26, had been charged with first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and discharge of a barreled weapon into an occupied vehicle. The charges connect to the death of Marsalis Davon Murphy and an investigation into the assault of a female victim on the 3200 block of East Bessemer Avenue on April 27. Officers served the warrants at the Guilford County Jail, where the suspects were already in custody on unrelated charges. Mos Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At approximately 2:49 a.m. on April 27, Greensboro Police, Greensboro Fire and Guilford County EMS responded to a shooting in the 3200 block of East Bessemer Avenue. At the scene, they located Murphy in the parking lot with gunshot wounds. Murphy was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he later died. The second victim was taken by a private vehicle to a local hospital, treated for their injuries and 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 FOX8 WGHP. Two people drowned in the Colorado River, including a 32-year-old man from Tempe. They had gone into the water to cool off during a pontoon boat outing, according to law enforcement authorities. The drowning victims were identified by the Mohave County Sheriff's Office as Anoop Gankidi, 32, of Tempe, and Venkata Mukkaala, 32, of Milpitas, California. The men were part of a group of five people who entered the water to cool off on Aug. 3 while on a rented pontoon boat parked on a beach near Topock Gorge on the Colorado River, according to the Mohave County Sheriff's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three people slipped underwater and began to struggle, the Sheriff's Office said. One of them was able to get back to the shallow area. However, Gankidi and Mukkaala did not resurface, the Sheriff's Office said. Although the Colorado River has a fast-moving current, the water is calmer in the beach area where the drowning took place, said Anita Mortensen, spokesperson for the Mohave County Sheriff's Office. There is an underwater ledge, however, that drops off sharply in the beach area where the incident took place, she said. Deputies who responded to the scene indicated that the underwater drop off may have played in a role in the men being swept underwater, Mortensen said. Deputies said that no one on board wore a life jacket, according to Mortensen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topock Gorge is located north of Lake Havasu and south of Interstate 40 on the Arizona-California line in northwest Arizona. The Mohave County Sheriff's Office Division of Boating Safety received a call of a drowning incident at about 2:15 p.m. The people who called the Sheriff's Office said they had been flagged down by the occupants of another boat who said two men had gone underwater at a beach area near Topock Gorge and had not resurfaced. A diver from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office arrived first and located one of the missing men and then the other. Lifesaving measures were performed on both men, who were taken to the Colorado River Medical Center in nearby Needles, California, where they were pronounced dead, the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The men had been underwater for about 20 minutes when divers arrived on the scene. They were located in approximately 12 feet of water. Impairment was not a factor in the drownings, the Sheriff's Office said. (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 2 drown in Colorado River, including Tempe man during boat outing RICHMOND, Calif. - Two officers shot and killed a person who was allegedly armed with at least one knife and was making threats to kill people from inside a residence on Monday, Richmond police said. Officer-involved shooting What we know Police said dispatch received a 911 call at 5 p.m. about an armed person inside a home on the 400 block of 1st Street and that they were making threats. The 911 caller said the person who was making threats had one knife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived on the scene, they could hear a commotion from inside the home. Police said dispatch informed them that the suspect armed himself with a second edged weapon, believed to be a knife. When officers got to the front door of the home, they said they announced their presence. Officers were immediately confronted by the person with at least one knife just outside the residence. Police said that's when two officers with the department shot the person, killing him at the scene. Richmond Police Lt. Donald Patchin held a news conference from the crime scene. Patchin said he did not know if the suspect lived at the residence, but that he believed this was a dispute involving family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office has responded to the scene to investigate. Police said the Contra Costa Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Protocol has been invoked as this was a case of an officer-involved fatality. What we don't know The name of the person shot and killed has not been released by the police. The investigation is still in its early stages and is ongoing. Russia's Ryazan oil refinery halved its production and the Novokuibyshevsk refinery halted it completely on Aug. 2 after Ukrainian drone attacks, Reuters reported, citing undisclosed sources. The news comes as Kyiv escalates long-range drone attacks against the Russian oil processing industry, a key source of revenue helping to fund Moscow's war against Ukraine. Two sources told Reuters that the Novokuibyshevsk refinery in Samara Oblast, run by the Rosneft oil company, ceased operations last week after drones damaged its main primary oil refining unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility, lying some 900 kilometers (560 miles) from the Ukraine-Russia border, has a production capacity of 8.3 million metric tons of oil per year. Another Rosneft facility, the Ryazan oil refinery in western Russia, halted roughly half of its refining capacity after a Ukrainian drone strike last week, three industry sources told Reuters. Two primary oil refining units have ceased operations since Aug. 2. According to the news agency, the remaining working unit covers 48% of the capacity, or 23,200 tons of product per day. The Ryazan refinery, roughly 500 kilometers (300 miles) from the Ukrainain border, processed some 13.1 million metric tons of crude oil last year, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State-owned Rosneft is Russia's leading oil processing company and has been under international sanctions since 2014. Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted multiple industrial and military facilities across Russia overnight on Aug. 2, as local Telegram channels shared footage of fires at the Ryazan and Novokuibyshevsk refineries. Russian officials confirmed the drone attacks but did not name the facilities targeted. Ukraine's military confirmed the strikes, adding that Ukrainian drones also targeted the Annanefteprodukt fuel and lubricants storage base near the village of Anna in Voronezh Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, Ukrainian drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) targeted the Primorsko-Akhtarsk military airfield in Russia's Krasnodar Krai and the Elektropribor plant in Penza, the SBU claimed. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. Oil and gas revenues cover roughly one-third of the Russian federal budget income. While Ukraine seeks to disrupt Russian fossil fuel income by long-range drone strikes, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil unless the Kremlin agrees to a peace deal by Aug. 8. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv hits 5 Russian fighter jets in occupied Crimea, destroys 1 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A South Korean school is putting scholarships worth hundreds up for grabs to pupils who can climb mountains. A school in South Korea is offering scholarships to pupils who can climb mountains Over 1,000 students at Seoul National University have registered for the Misan Mountain Hiking Scholarship, which is offering up to $540. The scheme - which has 70 spots and is currently considering more than 1,400 applicants who applied between July 8 to July 18 - can give $216 in scholarship funding to pupils who can climb three mountains by the end of 2025. And $540 will be handed to those thrill-seeking students who can climb six mountains. However, the pupils will need to climb the mountains listed in Black Yak's 100 Famous Mountains and 100+ Famous Mountains scattered throughout South Korea - including Hallasan, Jirisan, and Seoraksan. And the students cannot use cable cars or gondolas to assist them in their mammoth treks. Applicants need to submit evidence of their climbs using the Black Yak app. Seoul National University said: "The scholarship reflects the donor's desire to foster healthy individuals with a spirit of challenge and community spirit." BALTIMORE Its been two years since recreational cannabis became legal in Maryland. While revenue has increased and arrests for cannabis possession have decreased, health experts and school officials say theres an often-overlooked impact many kids dont see the drug as risky. Marijuana legalization has normalized adult use and lessened surrounding stigma. National trends show a decline in cannabis use among kids, but Maryland-specific long-term data isnt available yet. A survey conducted about six months after adult-use legalization, however, found that many Maryland teens think their peers are using more cannabis since adult-use legalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is clear from the perspectives of teachers and other academic professionals like Baltimore County Councilman and public high school teacher David Marks is that they believe more kids are showing up to school under the influence of cannabis. I definitely observed more students getting high, and also the just general pervasive smell of marijuana use in the school building, Marks said, noting the negative impact it will have on their academic success. Marijuana use in adolescents and young adults can affect brain development, leading to problems in learning, memory, coordination, reaction time and judgment, according to Mayo Clinic, and frequent use can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and a range of emotional problems. Diagnosing the problem The change in risk perception of cannabis is key to understanding how kids consider its use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kara Skelton, an assistant scientist in the department of health behavior and society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said that risk perception has gone down as states have legalized it for recreational use. Theres this growing social normalization of use and decreasing risk perceptions, both for youth and then as they transition into adults, Skelton said. Normalization of the drug snowballed and some school resource officers have observed a slight uptick in students using cannabis and highlighted children vaping as a serious substance use concern, according to Michael Casamento, a Maryland training coordinator with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. DARE is a program created in 1983 that placed police officers in schools to teach drug and violence prevention lessons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janet Bailey, a cafeteria manager for Baltimore City Public Schools and the president of the Laburt Improvement Community Association, is also concerned about the drugs impact on youth, even though she thinks legalization is largely beneficial for adults. She said shes witnessed kids who get high in the morning, fall asleep and miss school. Too many of them are indulging, and starting at a younger age. Too many of them [are] indulging, and its messing with their mind. Developing solutions Teachers want to help, but there isnt much they can do, Marks said. Educators have their hands tied. Its difficult to enforce marijuana use outside the building, he said. Over a third of Maryland teenagers also reported getting cannabis directly from unregulated sources (defined as another store or online) or they were unsure of source, according to the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA). In an email to The Baltimore Sun, an MCA representative said that this suggests that cannabis has been easier for teens to access outside of Marylands state-licensed dispensaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unregulated cannabis products pose greater risks to kids because they arent subject to the states testing standards. Products may actually be higher or lower in THC than what is on the label and could contain other harmful contaminants, an MCA representative said. A multi-faceted collaborative effort to address associated threats to kids seems to inadvertently be happening across the state. The citys improved youth activities for kids make them less likely to try dangerous substances. It seems like a lot of crime in Baltimore City is going down. And you kind of have to look at some of the changes that the city government has made, Casamento said. After-school programs for kids, offering greater swimming pool access and cleaning up public spaces, are important steps. Theres just more options out therethats when you start seeing a lot of the substance abuse go down, Casamento added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kal Shah, the owner of two cannabis dispensaries Waave in Prince Georges County and Summit Wellness in Baltimore County said his dispensary, and the cannabis industry more broadly, takes measures to safeguard kids, including childproof packaging, conspicuous warning labels, and educating adults about speaking with kids about cannabis. Ultimately, the lessons learned from controlling other potentially dangerous substances will also have to be implemented alongside new lessons on cannabis use to protect children, Skelton said. We have decades of research from alcohol and tobacco control that we can leverage as we look to protect youth and other vulnerable populations. she said. Its imperative to do so. ------------ On Tuesday afternoon, the Flag Across America made its way to the Wesleyville American Legion. The flag has made its way from Louisiana and is working its way through all 50 states. Local car dealership hosts fundraiser to support domestic violence victims The ride also raises money and awareness for veterans. Since 2009, the Nation of Patriots has organized an annual Patriot Tour as a way to honor past, present and fallen veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New mural honors longtime EMTA employee There is nothing like the red, white and blue, and I wish more young people would understand that, too many people have lost their lives for this flag for our country, said Dennis Newara, a rider during the 2025 Patriot Tour. On Wednesday, the flag riders will be traveling to Frewsburg, New York. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) The tax rates at which employers must contribute to South Dakotas reemployment trust fund will remain the same next year. The funds balance at the end of June needed to be at least $185.7 million for the current rate schedule to remain in place for 2026. The balance as of June 30 was $207.7 million. Sex offender, Chamberlain man running for SD governor The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation manages the trust fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several of the departments top officials, including Secretary Marcia Hultman, met Tuesday with members of the state Reemployment Assistance Advisory Council. Pauline Heier is director for state Division of Reemployment Assistance. Heier reviewed the recent history of trust fund balances. The 2019 ending balance was $136.6 million. That dipped to $117.7 million for 2020 because of widespread layoffs and job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress injected a total of $88.6 million into South Dakotas fund in 2020 and 2021. That allowed the fund to finish 2021 with a $170.8 million balance. The 2022 ending balance climbed to $195.6 million, and 2023 ended with a record $217 million in the fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That pattern led the department to ask state lawmakers in 2023 to approve a different rate schedule so that employers overall would pay less into the fund. 2024 ended with a $214.8 million balance. Heier said 2025 is on track to finish at $210.2 million. That would mean the lower rate schedule would remain in place for 2027, too, she said. So were losing money nicely, council member David Owen observed. The long-time South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry president is retiring this month. Yes, Heier said. Its nice to see a plan work as intended, Hultman said. Hultman praised Heiers work, saying she continues to impressed by how spot-on her projections have been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the departments suggestion, lawmakers last winter slightly lowered contributions rates for employers and raised the administrative fee employers pay to cover the divisions operational costs. Asked Owen, Is that fee going to hold you for a while or are we going to have revisit that sooner than we thought? Hultman said the fee increase was needed and should cover the next three to five years. But our timing could not have been better, Hultman said. Council member Nathan Sanderson, executive director for the South Dakota Retailers Association, asked whether the department intends to bring any reemployment-related proposals to the 2026 session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have no plans to introduce any legislation, Hultman said. Hultman added that she hasnt heard of any legislative proposals from others that would impact the reemployment system. Im very thankful we were able to get that admin fee across the finish line, Hultman said, noting theres been resistance in other states. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Twenty-one people in Central and northeast Florida have been infected by Campylobacter and E. coli related to drinking raw milk, including six children under 10, according to the Florida Department of Health,. Severe complications were reported in at least two cases. Seven people were hospitalized, the state health department said in a bulletin sent out Aug. 4, all linked to contaminated raw milk from "a particular farm." The bulletin did not disclose the name of the farm. "Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases," the FDOH said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Raw milk" is milk straight from the cow, goat or other animals that has not been heated to a sufficiently high temperature to kill harmful bacteria, a process called pasteurization that has been used for over 100 years. Drinking or eating products made from raw milk can expose people to high levels of bacteria, including E. coli and listeria. Symptoms of illness from raw milk can include diarrhea, stomach cramping, and vomiting, and severe complications can lead to paralysis, kidney failure, stroke, or even death, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. Children under 5 adults over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illnesses. It is illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption in Florida, but it can be sold as pet food provided it is labeled "not for human consumption" and of course anyone with access to the animals can use their milk as they like. However, states across the country have started to take another look at prohibitions against selling unpasteurized milk after a surge of testimonials from fans of raw milk including content creators on TikTok, mom groups and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who insist it's healthier and easier to digest. In June 2024, Kennedy said he "only drinks raw milk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the FDOH has previously warned that "Raw milk can be very dangerous to your health," in the Aug. 4 bulletin the department, led by Dr. Joseph Ladapo, is less harsh. Many people consume raw milk safely, the bulletin said. However, the producers handling of raw milk and milking procedures are vital in prevention of contamination. Floridians are encouraged to use this information to make informed decisions about their health and sources of raw milk should they choose to consume it. Ladapo, the Gov. Ron DeSantis-appointed Florida surgeon general, also has advised Floridians to make their own decisions regarding vaccines against COVID and the measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know. What is raw milk? Raw milk is simply milk from cows, sheep and goats (or any other animal) that has not been pasteurized. The process of heating up wine to deactivate any harmful microorganisms in it and make it last longer has been known for over a thousand years, and multiple scientists found that thermal treatment aided in food preservation. In the 1860s, French microbiologist Louis Pasteur discovered that less aggressive, briefer, less hot temperatures would work just as well, and the process was called "pasteurization" in his honor. Routine pasteurization of milk started in the 1920s and became widespread in the 1950s, leading to "dramatic reductions" in the number of people getting sick, the CDC said. Is it safe to drink raw milk? "In fact, raw milk is one of the riskiest foods," according to the CDC. "Raw milk can be contaminated with harmful germs that can make you very sick." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turns out milk is an excellent medium if you're looking for bacteria. Milk can get germs from an animal's waste, skin or udder, from the environment where the animal lives, from insects or rodents, from unsanitary conditions, or even from cross-contamination from dairy workers, and any of that can happen no matter how small the farm is or how clean the conditions are. Raw milk and products made from raw milk, including soft cheese, ice cream, and yogurt, can pass on the bacteria. According to the CDC, improperly handled raw milk is responsible for nearly three times more hospitalizations than any other food-borne disease source. Dairy cows stand side-by-side while getting milked at a Sioux Falls dairy. What can raw milk do to you? For many, drinking raw milk will have no adverse effects. But even people who have drunk plenty of it in their lives can get sick from drinking raw milk or products made with raw milk and experience many days of diarrhea, stomach cramping, and vomiting. Some people may develop chronic, severe or life-threatening diseases, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can cause paralysis. Hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can result in kidney failure, stroke, and even death. Bovine tuberculosis, which can cause infections in the chest, lungs, kidney, spine and brain. Illnesses caused by bacteria from raw milk "can be especially problematic for infants, young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised," according to the FDA. Between 1987 to September 2010, the FDA found at least 133 reported outbreaks from the consumption of raw milk and raw milk products, leading to 2,659 cases of illnesses, 269 hospitalizations, 3 deaths, 6 stillbirths and 2 miscarriages. In 2014, two people were infected with listeriosis from raw milk distributed by a Pennsylvania dairy, one from California and one from Florida. The Florida victim died, the CDC said. Raw milk nutrition facts: Is raw milk good for you? Raw milk fans say it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pasteurization destroys enzymes, denatures anti-microbial and immune-stimulating components, diminishes nutrient availability, denatures fragile milk proteins, destroys vitamins C, B6 and B12, kills beneficial bacteria, promotes pathogens and is associated with allergies, increased tooth decay, colic in infants, growth and behavior problems in children, osteoporosis, arthritis and heart disease," according to A Campaign for Real Milk. Raw milk tastes better, advocates say, and claim it contains more butterfat, no additives and it's easier to digest. And while the need for pasteurization was great in the 20th century when tuberculosis, scarlet fever and other diseases were widespread, they say that modern farming eliminates that risk. However, according to the FDA, multiple studies have shown that pasteurization has no significant effect on the nutritional quality of milk and raw milk contains no additional benefits but many additional risks. Pasteurization is recommended by the CDC, the FDA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, and others. Is raw milk legal in Florida? It is not illegal to drink raw milk in Florida or any other state in the U.S., but it is illegal here for anyone to sell anything besides Grade A pasteurized milk and milk products for human consumption, according to Florida Statute 502.091(1). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheese made from raw milk may be sold retail to the final customer or food service establishments but only if the cheese is aged more than 60 days at a temperature above 35 degrees. Raw milk may be sold as pet food from farms, markets and health stores provided it is labeled "not for human consumption." It's not a federal regulation to prohibit or label raw milk. Federal regulations only prohibit selling or distributing raw milk and raw milk products across state lines. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Raw milk in Florida has 21 infected with E. coli, including children BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) A jury convicted a 22-year-old of murder on Friday in connection to a 2022 shooting that killed a 19-year-old. Nayquan Unique Switch Gadson was found guilty of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He was sentenced to life in prison in Beaufort County General Sessions Court. Gadson was found not guilty of armed robbery. The victim was 19-year-old Breiner Puerto-Gonzalez, a Colombian immigrant employed by a Hilton Head Island hotel on a work visa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Puerto-Gonzalezs girlfriend testified in court, identifying Gadson as the man who attacked her boyfriend while on a live video call. Deputy Solicitor Mary Jones of the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office said, This murder was not merely senselessit was entirely random. This defendant encountered Breiner Puerto-Gonzalez by chance and killed him moments later because he knew he was alone and carrying cash. Its simply sickening. This jury served justice by taking Nayquan Gadson off the streets. Jones prosecuted the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. EAST NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) One of Nashvilles original organic festivals is set to take to the streets this Friday and Saturday in East Nashville. The 22nd annual Tomato Art Fest will unite fruits and vegetables alike Aug. 8-9, in the Five Points neighborhood. Everyone in Nashville is invited to the neighborhood to celebrate the official fruit of Tennessee and its versatility. The festival is entirely free to attend, and attendees are encouraged to dress up in their tomato best and join in the puree fun. For two days in the Five Points district, plenty of tomato-inspired art, music, food, costumes, contests, shopping, activities and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More According to Festival Director Jack Davis, there will be more than 200 vendors mostly local Nashville artisans are ready to set up in the area. Not only will there be food trucks and pop-up vendors selling food and gifts, but local bars and restaurants also indulge in the fun for the two-day event, Davis said. Of course, in Music City no festival is complete without tunes, so Davis said about 30 different bands are set to perform on three different stages during the festival. The festival is an evolution of an art gallery show that began in 2002 and 2003, according to Davis. The owners of a former art gallery in Five Points thought the month of August could use a little occasion to celebrate during the dog days of summer, thus the celebration of Tennessees nightshade began. (Courtesy: Good Neighbor Festivals) (Courtesy: Good Neighbor Festivals) (Courtesy: Good Neighbor Festivals) The gallery show continues to this day, according to Davis, who told News 2 more than 200 artists are participating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the official Tomato Art Fest website, the vendor marketplace will open at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, and operate until 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, will see the marketplace open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wilson Co. bus routes all causing headaches Saturday morning will see a number of events take place, starting with the East Nashville Tomato 5K. Though not an official Tomato Art Fest-operated event, the Margaret Maddox YMCA hosts the run, which begins at ends at East Park on Woodland Street. The Kids Fun Run begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K at 7:30. After the race concludes, the fun shifts to the Push, Pull, and Wear Parade. Lineup takes place from 8-8:30 a.m., with the parade to step off at 9 a.m. at the corner of S 12th and Russell streets. The parade concludes in Five Points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who want to participate in the parade are welcome to do so as long as they dont use anything that has a motor. The parade is entirely non-motorized, meaning anything you can push, pull or wear is acceptable. At 10 a.m. judging for the Tomato Costume Contest takes place, with categories like Best Dressed Tomato, Tomato Talents (professionals like chefs or superheroes), Heirloom Tomatoes (children under 12) and Other Uniters (all non-tomato produce). Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Other events in the festival include a haiku contest, cornhole tournament, kids art show, tomato recipe contest, home decorating contest, bobbing for tomatoes and a tomato toss. There is also a Tomato Red Head Contest, for those with natural and dyed auburn locks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple roads will be blocked, mostly closer to the Five Points intersection in East Nashville. Festival entrances will be located on Woodland, 11th, 12th, and Russell streets. Parking will be difficult to find, though there are street parking options in the neighborhood, as well as select paid lots in the area. For more information on the festival, including a full festival map, click here. Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.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 WKRN News 2. WESTPORT, Conn. (WTNH) Five people were arrested on Monday after allegedly using counterfeit bills in Westport. Westport police received multiple calls regarding a group of people attempting to use counterfeit money at local businesses. Jaquane Murray, 31, Akeelah Garrett, 18, Rosbert Cabrera, 18, and two minors were charged various offenses and summons. Complainants said one person was inside the Choice Pet at 374 Post Road, with additional people in a car nearby. Rosbert Cabrera, 18, Akeelah Garrett, 18, and Jaquane Murray, 31 The five people were charged with the following: Jaquane Murray, 31, of New York, New York Four counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery 11 counts of first-degree forgery Risk of injury to a minor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murray was released on 30,000 bond and will appear in Stamford Superior Court on Aug. 15. Akeelah Garrett,18, of Bronx, New York Three counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery First-degree forgery Garrett was unable to post bond and was transported to Stamford Superior Court on Tuesday. Rosbert Cabrera, 18, of Bronx, New York Two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery First-degree forgery Murray was released on 20,000 bond and will appear in Stamford Superior Court on Aug. 15. A 15-year-old male of Bronx, New York Two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery Four counts of first-degree forgery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was issued a juvenile summons and released to his guardian. A 17-year-old male of New York, New York Two counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery Two counts of first-degree forgery He was issued a juvenile summons and released to his guardian. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) Rwanda has become the third African nation to enter into a deal with the Trump administration to accept migrants deported by the United States. The Rwandan government said Tuesday it has agreed to accept up to 250 deportees from the U.S. for resettlement but didn't immediately give any more details, including when they would arrive or what Rwanda got, if anything, out of the deal. The U.S. has already deported eight men it said were dangerous criminals who were in the U.S. illegally to South Sudan and another five to Eswatini. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know, and still don't know, about U.S. President Donald Trump's expanding third-country deportation program in Africa and the largely secretive deals the U.S. is striking. The U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security havent responded to requests seeking more details on the deals in Africa. South Sudan The U.S. sent eight men from South Sudan, Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar and Vietnam to South Sudan in East Africa in early July after their deportations were held up by a legal challenge. That led to them being kept for weeks in a converted shipping container at an American military base in nearby Djibouti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. officials said the men had been convicted of violent crimes in the U.S. When it took custody of them a month ago, the South Sudan government said it would ensure their safety and wellbeing but has declined to give other details, including where the men are being held and what their fate might be. South Sudan has been wracked by conflict since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011 and is teetering on the edge of civil war again. Eswatini Two weeks after the South Sudan deportations, the U.S. announced that it had sent another five men citizens of Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and Laos to the small kingdom of Eswatini in southern Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said they were also violent criminals whose home countries had refused to take them back. Eswatini's government said the men would be held in solitary confinement until their repatriation, and later said that might take up to a year. A human rights lawyer in Eswatini has taken authorities to court alleging the men are being denied legal representation while being held in a maximum-security prison, and questioning the legality of detaining them indefinitely when they have served their criminal sentences in the U.S. U.S. authorities didn't name the men or say if they had been deported straight from prison or detained in another way. Eswatini, which borders South Africa, is one of the world's last absolute monarchies. King Mswati III has ruled since he turned 18 in 1986. Authorities under him are accused of violently subduing pro-democracy movements in a country where political parties are effectively banned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rwanda Rwanda's deal with the U.S. comes after a contentious migrant agreement it reached with the U.K. in 2022 collapsed and was ruled unlawful by Britain's Supreme Court. That deal was meant to see people seeking asylum in the U.K. sent to Rwanda, where they would stay if their asylum applications were approved. The failed deal ultimately cost the U.K. nearly a billion dollars in public money, including around $300 million that it gave to Rwanda and didn't get back. Rwanda said that the deportees it will take from the U.S. will be resettled there and given work training, healthcare and help with accommodation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts say that African nations might be seeking a range of benefits from the Trump administration in return for taking deportees, including more favorable tariff rates, aid and other financial assistance, and even the easing of sanctions against some of their officials. ___ AP news on the Trump administration: https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump The Brief Three protesters were arrested for trespassing during Rep. Adam Smith's town hall in Renton. The protest disrupted the event, with claims of assault against a staff member and accusations against Smith. It's unclear if the detained protesters will face charges, as they were supported by activist Kshama Sawant. RENTON, Wash. - Three people were arrested and jailed following a protest at a town hall hosted by Washington State Representative Adam Smith. What we know Rep. Adam Smith's town hall was held at Renton Technical College on Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Renton police, nine protesters took over the stage during the event and began chanting. People attending the town hall left the room during the demonstration. Police say officers initially got the protesters to disperse, but three demonstrators came back and refused to leave. After being warned, officers arrested the three protesters for trespassing and booked them into the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) jail, according to Renton police. via Kshama Sawant on X Rep. Adam Smith has since responded to the incident, claiming one of his staff members was assaulted. "Todays town hall was intentionally disrupted to attempt to silence a democratic conversation between a Representative and his constituents. This behavior is unacceptable. One of my staff members was physically assaulted during the chaos an act that crosses every line of civil discourse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Peaceful protest is protected in our democracy. Violence and coordinated efforts to shut down public dialogue are not. My team and I remain committed to open, respectful engagement with the people of the Ninth District." Todays town hall was intentionally disrupted to attempt to silence a democratic conversation between a Representative and his constituents. This behavior is unacceptable. One of my staff members was physically assaulted during the chaos an act that crosses every line of civil Rep. Adam Smith (@RepAdamSmith) August 5, 2025 The protesters claimed to be activists from Workers Strike Back. Congressional candidate Kshama Sawant, who is running against Rep. Smith, supported the demonstration and later held a press conference at the SCORE jail, where the protesters were detained. "Police have arrested 3 peaceful anti-genocide activists from Workers Strike Back at Democrat Adam Smith's town hall just for chanting. Cops are protecting the actual criminal Adam Smith, who has been funding the genocide & who needs to be on trial for war crimes." Police have arrested 3 peaceful anti-genocide activists from Workers Strike Back at Democrat Adam Smith's town hall just for chanting. Cops are protecting the actual criminal Adam Smith, who has been funding the genocide & who needs to be on trial for war crimes. I will be pic.twitter.com/1hgcjHJWsO Kshama Sawant (@cmkshama) August 5, 2025 It's currently unknown if the protesters are still detained or if they are expected to face trespassing charges. The Source Information in this story came from the social media accounts of Rep. Adam Smith, Kshama Sawant and Workers Strike Back. MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE Hundreds attend vigil for man shot, killed outside Seattle church Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voter guide: What to know about the 2025 WA primary election Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes addresses recent gun violence Seattle ranks 89th for rental housing prices To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news. FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Until late June, Ethan Kirbys friend group included a trio of Myrtle Beach teens whom he was just getting to know. But all that changed on June 24 when one of Kirbys closest relationships ended on a Johnsonville road. Thats when 16-year-old Trey Wright was fatally shot in an altercation over a girl that authorities said was captured on video. Devan Raper, 19, of Conway, was the first to be arrested on June 25. Hes charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime and remains in jail without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wrights girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, 17, is facing an accessory-before-the-fact charge. She was recently granted bond and released to home confinement. From left: Hunter Kendall, Sydney Kearns, Corrinne Belviso / Photos: Florence County Detention Center On Tuesday, three more young people from Myrtle Beach were charged with Wrights murder: Hunter Matthew Kendall, 18, Sydney Marissa Kearns, 17, and Corrinne Elizabeth Belviso, 18. Friends of Wrights like Ethan Kirby say the teens were bystanders to the 16-year-olds killing. Trey was like my best friend, like that was my day one, Kirby said. Ive known him since Ive been like nine years old. And I just known these group of people from the beach for the past few months, really. So, like, Im like, I could care less about them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendall has been in custody since July 31, according to online jail records. Belviso was arrested on Tuesday and Kearns on Monday. Authorities have not released information about how they were allegedly involved in Wrights killing. All three have made initial appearances in Effingham Magistrate Court and remain in the Florence County Detention Center. Kendall is being held without bond. Belviso and Kearns were given $20,000 bonds each but were still in jail as of Wednesday morning, according to online jail records. Kendall and Belviso have appearances in Florence County Circuit Court scheduled for Sept. 17, according to online records. No court information was available for Kearns. Their arrests came after the Florence County Sheriffs Office said last week that more arrest warrants had been issued in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trey was unforgettable: Community mourns Johnsonville teen killed in shooting Florence County deputies said Raper and Wright got into a verbal altercation that led to the deadly shooting on N. 1st Neck Road near Johnsonville. Sheriff TJ Joye said the killing, which happened at about 11:30 p.m. on June 24, was over a girl and that it was captured on video. This was an altercation between two people, Joye said. Its not like Im just going to go to Johnsonville and shoot somebody. They had issues with each other and it was over a female. The sad thing is, you got a 16-year-old that lost his life. Youve got a 19-year-old who is going to be in jail the rest of his life. Over what? Kistenmacher, who was arrested less than a week after Wright was killed, is accused of bringing Raper to the shooting location while knowing that Raper was armed and that there was potential for a violent confrontation, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wrights friend and several neighbors previously told News13 Kistenmachers father was a detective, and said they frequently saw a police vehicle parked in the driveway. Maj. Mike Nunn with the Florence County Sheriffs Office said photos and videos have played a role in the investigation. A lot of times the, people involved record the event, so that takes a lot of the guesswork out of it. Nunn said. Well, its kind of hard to deny what we see with our, with our eyes, and whats posted on social media, audio, video, those types of things. News13 stopped by Kendalls, Kearns and Belvisos homes Tuesday. Only a man at Kendalls home answered and said no comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors near Belvisos home said the 18-year-olds arrest did not come as a surprise. Based on the people that she hangs out with, you know, and the people that her mom allows her to hang out with and, you know, she invites in, Michael Vanglahn said. One neighbor claimed theyve had issues with Belviso and her family, online and in person. They were having a party one night and when I came out, you know, I was just like, hey, can you please calm down? Its almost 2 a.m. And they wanted to get into a fight with me. And Im just like, you know, Im just trying to come out and let you know, hey, its 2 a.m. Im not going to call the police or nothing. You know, I used to be a kid. I understand, have fun I get that. But I have a six-year-old daughter, and I got a wife. This is a neighborhood. This isnt you know, this isnt party central. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News13 has asked the Florence County Sheriffs office for the arrest warrants in this case. This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. 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. Eric Sondermann is a Colorado-based independent political commentator. He writes regularly for ColoradoPolitics and the Gazette newspapers. Reach him at EWS@EricSondermann.com; follow him at @EricSondermann Demonstrators denouncing the opening of the former North Lake Correctional Facility as an an immigrant detention center in Baldwin, Michigan. July 4, 2025 | Photo by Leah Craig/Michigan Advance An open letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer published Tuesday is asking her to reject federal grant funding for new immigration enforcement detention centers in Michigan. The letter was drafted by the No Detention Centers in Michigan coalition following the July announcement of a nationwide support grant program operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with $608 million for the construction of new centers like Floridas Alligator Alacatraz. Opponents have called the facilitys conditions inhumane, but it has been lauded by supporters of President Donald Trump and his administrations immigration policies. With the Florida facility already facing lawsuits challenging rights violations, as well as prisoner reports on the lack of food and water at Alligator Alcatraz, the No Detention Centers in Michigan coalition is asking Whitmer to back away from any deal offering federal money to build new centers in Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conditions such as these are endemic to the U.S. immigration detention system. They will only worsen as the Trump administration continues its push for an unprecedented expansion of the detention and deportation machine, with increasing reports nationwide of death, medical neglect, discrimination, abuse, and punitive transfers, the letter said. We know that whatever new prisons are built will come with their own incentives to be filled, and that the continued growth of this cruel apparatus represents a key facet of an emboldened white nationalist program. The federal government has already allocated more than $150 billion for immigration enforcement, which includes money to reopen previously-shuttered prisons, including the former North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin, Michigan. Now referred to as the North Lake Processing Center, it was a federal immigration-only prison beginning in 2019. It was shut down in 2022 but reopened with an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement contract in June of this year. The facility is now the largest ICE detention center in the Midwest and one of the largest in the nation. Advocates noted that immigration raids in Michigan have escalated in frequency in recent months, which trends with the reopening of the Baldwin center. They have also cited Whitmers lack of a public commitment to not participate in FEMAs grant program. The coalition said it had concerns that the state-funded Michigan Works! employment agency has collaborated with the Florida-based GEO Group on hiring staff for the North Lake center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter also urged Whitmer to ensure that Michigan Works! no longer collaborates with GEO Group. The Trump administrations current attempt to weaponize FEMA as an additional tool of mass imprisonment and deportation is emblematic of a white supremacist agenda that prioritizes the sadistic scapegoating of immigrants over the provision of resources needed for all peoples safety and flourishing, the letter to Whitmer said. Richard Kessler, a member of the coalition that sent the letter, said the last thing Michigan needs is more prisons for immigrants or otherwise. Its already unacceptable that Michigan Works! is funneling taxpayer money and resources toward the GEO Group so they can cash in on tearing families apart and locking up our immigrant neighbors in Baldwin, Kessler said in a statement. The news about FEMA is another reminder that private prisons arent the only problem. What allows companies like GEO to swoop in and profit from suffering is the agenda set by the federal government. And its very clear to us that this administration will go after immigrants with whatever methods they can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitmers office deferred comment to the Michigan Department of Corrections. Jenni Riehle, public information officer, said the North Lake Correctional Facility located in Baldwin is owned and operated by the GEO Group, a privately-owned company. The federal Department of Homeland Security has contracted with this facility, Riehle said. The facility has never been owned or operated by the State of Michigan, or the Michigan Department of Corrections, and the state of Michigan has no authority over its operations. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MEXICO CITY (AP) Authorities in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato said 32 bodies were found on a property in the municipality of Irapuato and nearly half of them have been identified. The Guanajuato state prosecutors office said via X Monday that the bodies were found in clandestine graves on the property in the community of La Calera on Irapuatos north side, about 320 kilometers (200 miles) northwest of Mexico City. Forensic teams had working at the site since July 30, prosecutors said. Authorities were working to identify the remaining bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discovery came less than two months after a mass shooting at a street party in Irapuato left 12 people dead. Guanajuato has suffered persistent violence in recent years as the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel battles the homegrown Santa Rosa de Lima organized crime group. The state recorded more than 1,500 homicides from January through July. Organized crime groups frequently bury their victims in clandestine graves. The Mexican governments current tally of disappeared is nearly 132,000. A former resident of the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River filed a lawsuit Monday against the facilitys owner and the company responsible for its fire safety systems, claiming negligence. Alvaro Vieira is at least the fifth former resident to file suit since the July 13 fire that killed 10 people and injured dozens. Along with Vieira, Steven Oldrid, Patricia Martin, Terry Young and Donna Murphey have all sued the facility and its owner, Dennis Etzkorn. Vieiras lawsuit also names Fire Systems Inc., the third-party that inspected fire safety systems at the facility, as a defendant. All three lawsuits were filed in Bristol Superior Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 64-year-old Vieira was hospitalized after the fire due to smoke inhalation and with glass fragments in his face from a firefighter rescuing him through a window. After being released from the hospital, Vieira was moved to the Royal Fairhaven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home by the shore in Fairhaven. Officials have said the deadly blaze was caused by either the failure of an oxygen purifier or improper disposal of smoking materials. While the cause is undetermined, it is undisputed that the oxygen in the building contributed to the scale of the tragedy. Theres truly no safe way to smoke, but smoking is especially dangerous when home oxygen is in use, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said at a press conference last week. No one should smoke around medical oxygen. Fire officials have not disclosed the exact unit where the fire broke out, but said it erupted in a second-story room on the east side of the east wing of the U-shaped building. The resident whose room the fire broke out in was among the 10 killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent suit claims the defendants, including Etzkorn, knew or should have known that residents were smoking in their rooms, despite a non-smoking policy in the building. Defendants were required to advise, discuss, inform, counsel, protect, and warn residents receiving care from dangerous conditions on the Property, including fire and safety hazards, the lawsuit reads. A spokesperson for Etzkorn did not immediately return a request for comment on the claims in the lawsuit. In his last public statement, Etzkorn said, my sole concerns, and all that matters right now, are helping investigators determine all the facts and circumstances of this tragedy, and helping our residents loved ones in this unbearable time of immense grief. The lawsuit also claims the facility lacked an emergency preparedness plan, despite one being required by law. Multiple residents and staff members have told MassLive they never participated in any fire drills at the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents did not have early warning of fire and impending danger from smoke detectors or fire alarms in the building and thus did not have an opportunity for early intervention, the suit claims. The equipment installed, inspected, maintained, and certified by Fire Systems failed to provide reasonable notice and warning of the subject fire, the lawsuit reads. The lawsuit demands a jury trial on all 11 counts, and claims Vieira sustained damages in the form of physical injuries, emotional and mental anguish and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, economic losses, past, present, and future medical expenses, past, present, and future pain and suffering, property damage and loss of use of property. Deadly Gabriel House fire Read the original article on MassLive. New Delhi At least four people were killed and 50 more were missing after massive flash floods and a landslide in the hilly north Indian state of Uttarakhand swept away dozens of homes Tuesday. The flash floods were triggered by a cloudburst in the state's Uttarkashi district, sweeping through the village of Dharali, a popular tourist destination dotted with hotels and restaurants. Indian news outlets broadcast videos showing a massive wave of water gushing through the area, sweeping away houses and cars along the path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teams from the local police, the national disaster response force and the army were involved in search and rescue operations. Houses are partially buried by a mudslide, amid flash floods, in Dharali, Uttarakhand, India, Aug. 5, 2025. / Credit: Indian Army Central Command via X/Handout via Reuters The four deaths were confirmed by Uttarkashi magistrate Prashant Arya, but he told reporters that crews were still assessing the extent of the damage. Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami told reporters that people were being evacuated to safer places and the situation is being constantly monitored. The local police posted pictures of the deluge and destruction on social platform X and warned people to stay away from the river. India's Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall across the state until Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of victims and said, "No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people." Extreme weather events like flash floods and landslides are not uncommon in India's ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, which scientists have linked to climate change. In 2023, a flash flood in the country's northeast killed at least 47 people. Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm DOGE savings are a fraction of what the department claims, CBS News analysis finds Details on House subpoenas for Clintons and others over Epstein files Russian drone and artillery strikes in Zaporizhzhia Oblast killed four people and injured three others on Aug. 4, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported early the next day. "During the day, the occupiers carried out 431 strikes on 16 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast," Fedorov said in a Telegram post. Residential buildings, homes, commercial buildings, and warehouses were damaged in 21 reported instances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 305 drones were launched at Ukrainian-held territory in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, with another 110 artillery strikes targeting the region, Fedorov said. Russia regularly strikes frontline regions as it continues to wage its war against Ukraine. Much of southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast remains occupied as Russian forces continue attempts to push forward despite calls for a ceasefire. Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Russian drone strikes in Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast on Aug. 4 killed three civilians, the regional prosecutor's office reported. As Russia continues to launch strikes on Ukrainian cities and shows no interest in ending its war, Ukraine's allies have intensified efforts to broker a ceasefire and supply Kyiv with military aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an Aug. 8 deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine, following an initial 50-day period to reach an agreement. If Russia fails to reach an agreement, Moscow will face secondary U.S. sanctions. The measures could impose tariffs on Moscow's trading partners, including Brazil, China, and India. Ukraine and Russia have held three rounds of peace talks in recent months. The negotiations were largely inconclusive as the Kremlin continues to issue maximalist demands towards Ukraine. Read also: Operation Vistula Expulsion of Ukrainians from post-war Poland Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A 4-year-old boy who was killed more than 50 years ago has finally been identified thanks to genetic genealogy -- but mysteries surrounding his murder, and what happened to his baby brother, remain. On June 13, 1972, the little boy's body was found under a bridge in Lorton, Virginia, according to Fairfax County police. He died from blunt force trauma and the case was ruled a homicide, police said. For over 50 years, police worked to find his name and what caused his tragic murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, he's been identified as Carl Matthew Bryant, who died weeks after his 4th birthday, Fairfax County police announced on Monday. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via Fairfax County Police - PHOTO: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) created this computer-generated sketch of an unidentified murder victim in 2003. MORE: Wife of convicted Delphi murderer breaks her silence: 'My husband's not a monster' Authorities said the breakthrough came thanks to genetic genealogy, which uses an unknown person's DNA to trace his or her family tree. His DNA profile was obtained from just a few millimeters of hair, police said, and then genetic genealogy helped detectives track the little boy's family to Philadelphia. Through a relative, detectives zeroed in on Vera Bryant as the mother, police said. Vera Bryant died in 1980; her body was exhumed and DNA confirmed she was Carl's mom, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives believe Vera Bryant and her boyfriend James Hedgepeth were involved in Carl's death, police said. Hedgepeth, who served time for murder before he started dating Vera Bryant, is also deceased, police said. MORE: Titan submersible implosion final report critical of CEO's inadequate oversight Although Carl has a name, police are now searching for his little brother. Vera Bryant had a 6-month-old boy named James Bryant, and detectives believe the missing baby was killed around the same time as his older brother, police said. In June 1972, Vera Bryant and James Hedgepeth traveled from Philadelphia to Hedgepeth's relatives in Middlesex County, Virginia. When the couple arrived, they didn't have her sons with them, police said. Over Thanksgiving in 1972, when the couple visited Vera Bryant's family in Philadelphia, Vera Bryant told them the children were in Virginia with Hedgepeth's family, police said. The couple never reported the boys missing, police added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: New Jersey man missing for over 1 week in Grand Canyon: National Park Service Detectives believe James Bryant's body may have also been left along the couple's route between Philadelphia and Virginia in June 1972, police said. At a news conference on Monday, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis praised the detectives who did the "hard work" to identify Carl. "You still knock on doors, you still talk to family members, you still talk to potential witnesses," Davis said. He also highlighted the power of genetic genealogy, which he said allows the department to "bring closure far, far more often than we ever have." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see the extent of that boys injuries and what he had suffered through, Im happy to be here today announcing that at least weve identified him," detective Melissa Wallace added. "He can have his name, we can get him his name back on his gravestone and the family can have some semblance of closure or resolution." The homicide investigation is ongoing. The Fairfax County Police Department urges anyone with information to call its Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic early Tuesday, jolting residents awake in the Caribbean country and in neighboring Puerto Rico. The quake occurred 24 miles (38 kilometers) southeast of Boca de Yuma at a depth of 104 miles (168 kilometers), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. No damage was reported. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are located in a high seismic activity zone, given that the North American Plate and the northeast corner of the Caribbean Plate meet in that area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 4.1 magnitude earthquake also struck near Haitis capital late Monday at a depth of three miles (five kilometers), according to the countrys civil protection agency. The quake was widely felt in Port-au-Prince and beyond. Officials said no damage was reported. Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, sits on the intersection of the North American plate and the Caribbean plate. In August 2021, a 7.2 quake struck Haiti, killing hundreds of people. It occurred along the same fault zone that unleashed a catastrophic 7.0 earthquake in January 2010 that killed hundreds of thousands of people. GRAND COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) A head-on collision resulted in five deaths and one man sent to the hospital with life-threatening injuries Monday morning, according to Colorado State Patrol. CSP stated the crash, which occurred on Highway 9 in Grand County, involved the driver of a Ford F-150 traveling northbound before it drove into the southbound lane, hitting a GMC Yukon. Both vehicles caught on fire as a result of the collision. The driver of the F-150 was a 25-year-old Parker man who was transported by air ambulance. The driver of the Yukon was found to be a 34-year-old Kremmling man who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The four passengers of the Yukon were also pronounced dead and have yet to be identified, CSP stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Grand County Coroners Office will identify the deceased once the next of kin has been notified. State patrol said the investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been brought at this time. The highway was closed for several hours but eventually reopened around 3 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. GLASTONBURY, Conn. (WTNH) Desmonds Army is offering a $5,000 reward for information about a dog found wandering near Smith Middle School last week. The reward is for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the neglect and abandonment of the dog. Law enforcement investigating alleged animal hoarding at Cheshire home The animal law advocates said the female pup was found on the walking trails in the Addison Road area on July 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had no ID tags or microchip, they said. Since being rescued, shes been receiving medical treatment. Anyone who has owner information is asked to call Glastonbury, CT Animal Control at 860-633-7227 or email animalcontrol@glastonbury-ct.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Actor Charlie Sheen has donated $1,000 to a victim of the now-viral brawl that took place in downtown Cincinnati on July 26. Sheen donated to a fundraiser benefiting one of the victims, identified as Holly. Conservative influencer Benny Johnson shared a screenshot of a message that Sheen put along with his donation. "My Ohio connections run deep, and what happened to you will NOT be tolerated by the "true" Ohioans (like yourself), as justice will reign supreme. heal well, young lady, and know that we are all rooting for you!" Sheen wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Youre saving a life," Johnson responded. In a post on X, Sheen told Johnson "I was merely following your gracious lead!" Fifth Suspect Arrested In Viral Cincinnati Beatdown As Victim Details Her 'Ongoing Battle' Read On The Fox News App Charlie Sheen donated $1,000 to a victim of the Cincinnati brawl identified as Holly. Authorities on Tuesday released the mugshot of the fifth suspect arrested in connection to the now-viral brawl that broke out in downtown Cincinnati on July 26. Fox News Digital has confirmed 38-year-old Patrick Rosemond was taken into custody Monday afternoon by the FBI and Atlanta Metropolitan Major Offenders Task Force in Fulton County, Georgia. He is charged with two counts of felonious assault and aggravated riot, according to the Cincinnati Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is also charged with one count of fugitive from justice for a fingerprintable charge, according to the Fulton County Sheriffs Office. He is currently being held in the Fulton County Jail while awaiting extradition to Ohio, police said. Rosemond is a Cincinnati resident and does not have any registered addresses in Georgia, according to records obtained by Fox News Digital. Fox News Digital could not immediately locate an attorney for Rosemond. "Were proud to support our partners in getting violent offenders off the streets," FBI Atlanta said in a social media post. Rosemond is the fifth arrest stemming from the violent beatdown that left six people injured including one with a brain injury. Authorities are still searching for a sixth suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shocking footage shows a large group attacking several individuals on the corner of Fourth and Elm streets in Cincinnatis business district in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 26. Several individuals can be seen punching and kicking the victims, with one woman being knocked unconscious and lying in the street. Cincinnati Residents On Edge After Viral Beatdown Sparks Crime Concerns: 'What's Gonna Happen Next?' Out of approximately 100 witnesses who watched the events unfold, only one person called 911, according to Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge. Last week, authorities arrested Jermaine Matthews, 39, Montianez Merriweather, 34, DeKyra Vernon, 24, and Dominique Kittle, 37, for their alleged roles in the brutal brawl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthews was initially charged with aggravated riot and assault but was slapped with additional charges of two counts of felony assault, along with another count of assault, at a bond hearing last week. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently out of jail after posting a $270,000 bond. Cincinnati Beatdown Victim Reveals 'Very Bad Brain Trauma' In First Remarks Since Viral Assault Both Vernon and Merriweather face felonious assault, aggravated riot and assault charges . Merriweather is being held on a $500,000 bond, while Vernon is being held on a $200,000 bond. Kittle is charged with felonious assault, aggravated riot and three counts of assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kittle, Merriweather and Vernon are currently being held in the Hamilton County Jail. A grand jury is scheduled to meet on Aug. 8. Fox News Digital's Adam Sabes, Peter D'Abrosca and Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report. Original article source: Actor Charlie Sheen sends $1,000 donation to victim of viral Cincinnati brawl incident The Brief FBI agents in Atlanta say they have arrested the fifth suspect wanted in a violent brawl that happened last month in Cincinnati. Video of the fight quickly spread on the internet, leading officials to call the violence "unacceptable and disgusting." Patrick Rosemund is charged with assault and aggravated riot and will eventually be extradited to Ohio. ATLANTA - A man wanted in connection with a bloody brawl in downtown Cincinnati is in custody after FBI agents say he was caught in Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrick Rosemund is the fifth suspect facing charges after videos of the fight went viral. What we know The fight happened on the morning of July 26, on the corner of Fourth Street and Elm Street in Cincinnati, outside a popular nightclub called LoVe and the late-night restaurant next door. A video of the fight early Saturday shows a crowd milling about before several people start throwing punches. One man fell to the ground and was 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 seen bleeding from the mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am outraged by the vicious fight that occurred downtown," Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said in a statement. "It is horrifying to watch, and this is unacceptable and disgusting behavior is intolerable in any part of our community." At least six people were injured in the fight. Authorities announced days later that they had charged five people in the brawl but had only arrested two - Montianez Merriweather and Dekyra Vernon. In the following days, authorities say they arrested Dominique Kettle and Jermaine Matthews. FBI agents say they arrested Rosemund, described as the fifth suspect, in Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Were proud to support our partners in getting violent offenders off the streets," the agency wrote on X. What's next The 38-year-old is now charged with assault and aggravated riot. He will eventually be extradited to Ohio. Authorities say they are still investigating the fight and additional charges may be upcoming. The Source Information for this story came from previous stories from FOX 5's sister stations, a statement from FBI Atlanta, and the Associated Press. The 7 Circle of Kindness School Supply Drive returns today to benefit Crayons to Classrooms. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] We will have the latest on the donation drive today on News Center 7 at Noon and 5 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported on News Center 7 Daybreak, the mission of Crayons to Classrooms is to secure and distribute essential school supplies to teachers of at-risk students across the Dayton region. They want to make sure that every child has the tools to thrive. This Dayton-based nonprofit serves Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News Center 7s Xavier Hershovitz says Crayons to Classrooms lets teachers come through and grab all the supplies they need. This includes notebooks, crayons, and pencils, as well as items you may not think of, like socks. Teachers are more than teachers these days, said Carlye Rausch, Director of Programs at Crayons for Classrooms. Teachers are mental health therapists, theyre counselors, they are moms, they are nurses. Our teams will be accepting donations between 10 AM and 6 PM. Look for the WHIO-TV, WHIO Radio, or Crayons to Classrooms tent in the parking lot. Help us ensure local students return to school fully equipped to succeed! ITEMS NEEDED THE MOST: Backpacks Colored pencils Crayons Facial tissue Folders Glue/glue sticks Markers 70ct spiral notebooks Index cards Filler paper Pencils Childrens scissors Construction paper OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT: Make a financial donation HERE Crayons to Classrooms Walmart Spark Good wish list Crayons to Classrooms Amazon wish list Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are willing to donate your time as a volunteer, host a fundraiser benefiting the organization, or get involved in any other way, please contact Crayons to Classrooms directly HERE. About WHIO-TV 7 Circle of Kindness 7 Circle of Kindness was born out of a sense of responsibility to our community. It is a WHIO-TV initiative serving communities with seven pillars that focus on things important to our viewers, including education, peace, environment, diversity, and more. 7 Circle of Kindness is sponsored by Morris Home, Ashley, and Resident Home Association. For questions about this event or the WHIO-TV 7 Circle of Kindness program, please get in touch with Niki Mayakova at ksenia.mayakova@cmg.com. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] 7 hospitalized after drinking raw milk in Florida, health officials warn of severe risks Health officials are warning that some people in Florida are getting sick after drinking raw milk. According to the Florida Department of Health, seven people have been hospitalized after drinking raw milk in Northeast and Central Florida. More than 20 people consumed raw milk in these regions, with two individuals suffering severe complications. Raw milk is milk that has not undergone pasteurization or homogenization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raw milk comes straight from the animaltypically a cow, goat, or sheepand is consumed in its natural state. Advocates claim it has health benefits and better taste, but public health officials warn it carries a higher risk of containing harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. (NewsNation) A couple traveling from Los Angeles to Brazil was detained by Customs and Border Protection officers recently at Chicagos OHare International Airport after agents found illegal narcotics, including more than 70 pounds of hash, in their carry-on luggage, the agency announced Tuesday. The two U.S. citizens, who were not named by CBP, were detained after both were selected for an enforcement examination, a standard CBP practice to intercept drug smuggling, officials said. The couples checked bags were pulled, and inspectors found heavy objects wrapped in white T-shirts that were packed inside vacuum-sealed bags. The couple, who were attempting to make a connecting flight to Sao Paulo, was asked for tickets for their checked bags, and after presenting agents with the tickets, the couple was detained while their bags were inspected further, CBP said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant Hardin: How an elite Border Patrol unit caught the escapee The woman told agents that she had packed the bag herself before inspectors discovered a black vacuum-sealed bag that contained a brick-sized brownish tar substance, which tested positive for marijuana hashish weighing 37 pounds. The man also said he had packed his carry-on suitcase, which contained a bag with a green, leafy substance, along with several other bags with items wrapped in white T-shirts. Officials said that the bags found inside the mans luggage tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride, and the other tested positive for ketamine hydrochloride along with ecstasy pills. Officers seized a total of 35 pounds of hash from the mans bag, 28 grams of marijuana, 1.42 grams of ecstasy, .9 grams of ketamine and .8 grams of cocaine. According to court records, Solomon Kelly, 42, of California, was charged with a pair of Class X felonies, including cannabis trafficking over 5,000 grams and cannabis manufacturing and delivery over 5,000 grams. He was also charged with possession of cannabis and three counts of possession of a controlled substance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly was released from custody after posting bail pending trial. These individuals believed they were going to easily slip by CBPs watchful eye they were wrong, said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of CBPs field operations in the Chicago Field Office. Unfortunately, this is a method of smuggling we continue to encounter with narcotic traffickers, and there are consequences for their actions. In July alone, CBP officers and agents seized nearly 60,500 pounds of drugs between the nations air, sea and land ports of entry, the agency said. NewsNation is awaiting word from CBP about possible charges involving the female traveler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) An area of downtown Lisbon is getting repaved for the first time in more than two decades, according to Mayor Peter Wilson. Wilson announced on Facebook that R&R Paving started work on the downtown squares on Monday morning, beginning on a $74,000 repavement project. Wilson said that Park Avenue and parts of Nelson Street, as well as the alley behind Youngstown Cycle and Speed, are being milled today before asphalt is laid. Courtesy: Mayor Peter Wilson Courtesy: Mayor Peter Wilson Courtesy: Mayor Peter Wilson Courtesy: Mayor Peter Wilson Courtesy: Mayor Peter Wilson Wilson said that work is expected to be finished by Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the cost of the project is being covered by the Villages Capital Expenditures Fund, which was created when the mortgage on Village Hall was paid off. The fund receives a small percentage of tax revenue and is used for projects that have a lifespan of five or more 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 WKBN.com. In May 1945, near the end of World War II, Germany surrendered to the Allies but Japan refused. To end the war quickly, President Truman's government decided to drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. On August 6, the atomic bomb "Little Boy" was dropped, killing an estimated 80,000 people. On August 6, 1945, a 10-foot-long uranium bomb that weighed 9,788 pounds called "Little Boy" was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The explosion wiped out 5 square miles of the city, including 62,000 buildings. Up to 80,000 people were killed instantly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion was so powerful people were vaporized leaving nothing behind except for their "nuclear shadow." The attack on Hiroshima has gone down as one of the deadliest days in Japanese history and ushered in the nuclear age. In the years since, there has been debate around whether the attacks were necessary to end the war. Eighty years since the bombing, here's a look at why the US government dropped the bomb, how the mission unfolded, and the devastating impact it had on Hiroshima. On May 7, 1945, after World War II had been fought for almost six years, Germany surrendered to the Allies, but Japan refused. Celebrations in New York on May 7 1945 after Germany announces its surrender towards the end of World War II. Bettmann/Getty Germany surrendered to the Allies including Britain, China, the Soviet Union and the US but instead of following suit, Japan continued to fight. They made it clear they would fight until the bitter end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Allies' casualties grew worse. A photo of the fall out after a kamikaze plane strike in May 1945 near Okinawa. MPI/Getty Between April and July, the Japanese killed as many as half of the total casualties they had inflicted over the previous three years of the war, according to History.com. In April, President Harry Truman was sworn in and learned about the Manhattan Project. President Harry Truman in 1945. MPI/Getty Until then, he had not known about the work being done by J. Robert Oppenheimer and his team on the Manhattan Project to build an atomic weapon. But with Japan's refusal to surrender, he soon came around to the idea of using it. Some generals argued the war should have been ended with a final invasion into Japan, but they also advised that it could result in the deaths of up to 1 million US troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truman didn't want more US soldiers to die so he chose to proceed with the atomic bomb if Japan wouldn't surrender, Al Jazeera reported. Many military leaders believed the atomic bomb was unnecessary and that Japan would surrender without the use of atomic bombs. But a committee of advisors, led by the Secretary of War Henry Stimson, argued there was a consensus that backed the bomb and that it needed to be dropped to end the war. On July 16, a test atomic bomb was successfully detonated in New Mexico. Less than a fortnight later, Truman issued his warning to Japan. President Harry Truman with Soviet leader Josef Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill at the Potsdam Conference on July 17, 1945. AP Photo On July 26, Truman made the Potsdam Declaration. He told Japan to unconditionally surrender or face "prompt and utter destruction." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Japan ignored Truman's demand. US intelligence also showed that Japan, which had 2.5 million troops, was preparing for an American invasion. Japan had readied thousands of suicide planes and more than 560,000 soldiers for an expected US invasion. Reports also showed that Japan planned on executing all US prisoners as soon as US armed forces landed in Japan, according to the National WWII Museum. The plan to use the atomic bomb proceeded. Enola Gay, the B-29 plane from which the first atom bomb was dropped, taken in April 1946. Art Edger/NY Daily News Archive/Getty A crew of 12 was assembled on a US military base on Tinian, an island in Northern Marianas in the Pacific. Colonel Paul Tibbets was named pilot and Captain Robert Lewis was his co-pilot, per The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captain William Parsons was weaponeer and Second Lieutenant Morris Jeppson was the electronic test officer, according to the Atomic Heritage Foundation. On August 5, the crew was briefed about their mission. Hiroshima, which had an active military base, had been chosen for bombing. A briefing held on August 5 led by Captain William Parsons and Colonel Paul Tibbets. PhotoQuest/Getty Tibbets told the crew they would be dropping bombs on Hiroshima, a city of approximately 350,000 people, but he didn't tell them they would be dropping an atomic bomb. The atomic bomb was called "Little Boy." A 1946 postwar replica of the "Little Boy" nuclear weapon dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in August 1945. MPI/Getty Images It was a 10-foot-long uranium bomb that weighed 9,788 pounds. On August 5, Little Boy was loaded onto an American B-29 bomber Tibbets had called "Enola Gay" after his mother. Men around the Little Boy bomb the day before it was dropped in 1945. Bettmann/Getty It was confirmed that the drop would take place the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 12:15 a.m. on August 6, the crew listened to a prayer composed for the occasion. Colonel Paul Tibbets waves from his cockpit before takeoff from Tinian Island, on August 6, 1945. AP Photo At the time, there was no certainty that the flight would survive the explosion. At 2:45 a.m., Enola Gay and two other B-29 observation bombers took off. The Enola Gay in August 1945. Corbis/Getty Because Enola Gay's cargo was so heavy, it required the entire 2 mile runway to take off. Three weather planes also left Tinian. Each one flew to a potential target city Hiroshima, Kokura, and Nagasaki to check if weather conditions would permit a bomb drop. At 3 a.m., Parsons and Jeppson began to arm Little Boy. The crew would soon learn they were carrying the world's first atomic bomb. Two men inspect Little Boy in August 1945. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/Getty They inserted gunpowder and a detonator into the bomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 7:15 a.m., they removed the safety devices and inserted arming devices. Little Boy was ready to be deployed. At 7:30 a.m., Tibbets told his crew, "We are carrying the world's first atomic bomb." At 8:24 a.m., the weather plane over Hiroshima relayed that it was fine to proceed. A photo-diagram of Hiroshima issued by the US army on August 9, showing Hiroshima and the levels of damage caused by the atomic bomb. AP Photo Tibbets told his crew it had been confirmed. He said, "It's Hiroshima." The plan was to drop the bomb on the Aioi Bridge, a T-shaped bridge that Tibbet had earlier said was, "the most perfect aiming AP (aim point) I've seen in this whole damn war." At 8:15 a.m. local time, Little Boy, the world's first atomic bomb used in battle, was dropped from 31,060 feet in the sky. The atomic bomb explosion on Hiroshima in 1945. Roger Viollet/Getty Images It fell nearly 6 miles in 43 seconds before exploding 1,900 feet from the ground, the BBC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses recalled a flash of blinding light before a giant mushroom shaped cloud filled the sky. The fireball grew 900 feet in diameter. The power of the blast was the equivalent of 12-15,000 tons of TNT. Tibbets pulled a sharp 155 degree turn as soon as the bomb was dropped, knowing there was less than 45 seconds to get away. By the time the bomb exploded, Enola Gay was 11.5 miles away. The mushroom cloud reached about 2,500 feet into the sky. An aerial view of Hiroshima on August 7, 1945. Hulton Archive/ Getty At the core of the fireball the temperature was 300,000 degrees Celsius, while the surface was 7,000 degrees Celsius. Tibbets later wrote about the explosion in his memoir, describing the mushroom cloud, as "boiling upward like something terribly alive," The New York Times wrote in his obituary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, it was then the most destructive bomb used in the history of war, instantly wiping out 5 square miles of Hiroshima. Two victims of the atomic bombing sit in a converted hospital in September 1945. Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images The explosion wiped out 62,000 buildings. Up to 80,000 people were killed instantly. Another estimated 55,000 or so people would die by the end of 1945 from the effects of the explosion, including radiation poison and burn wounds. According to the US Department of Energy's Manhattan Project history, the final death count over the next five years was almost 200,000. The explosion was so devastating people were vaporized leaving nothing behind except for their "nuclear shadow." Human shadow on bank steps, in Hiroshima after the explosion of the atom bomb in August 1945, Japan. Universal History Archive/Universal Image Group/Getty These shadows were actually what the surfaces looked like before the blast, but appeared dark in comparison to everything else that was bleached by the atomic heat, LiveScience reported. Roof tiles were fused by the heat, while bronze and granite statutes melted away. Hiroshima shown eight months after the atomic bomb was dropped. Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Across the city, fires began to spread causing even more damage. After the explosion, the Enola Gay circled the city three times before turning back towards the base. An aerial view of the mushroom cloud from the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. US Army Air Corps/PhotoQuest/Getty It wasn't until they were 368 miles from the city that they could no longer see the mushroom cloud, AHF reported. At 2.58 p.m., the Enola Gay landed back on Tinian. The mission had taken about 12 hours. The Enola Gay lands back on Tinian after dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Bettmann/Getty While it was not enough to end the war, it had changed the world. Hours later, Truman told Japanese leaders if they did not "now accept our terms they may expect a rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on this Earth." A scene of destruction following the bomb. Keystone/Getty Images Sixteen hours after the bomb, he told them the US was now "prepared to obliterate more rapidly and completely every productive enterprise the Japanese have above ground in any city." "We shall destroy their docks, their factories, and their communications. Let there be no mistake; we shall completely destroy Japan's power to make war," he said. Three days after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a second, more powerful bomb known as the "Fat Man" was dropped on Nagasaki. The explosion over Nagasaki in 1945. Prisma Bildagentur/Universal Images Group/Getty It killed an estimated 70,000 people including those who later succumbed to the effects of the bomb by the end of 1945, PBS reported. On August 14, 1945, Japan surrendered and World War II was officially over. Japanese prisoners of war in Guam bow their heads after hearing Emperor Hirohito's announcement of Japan's unconditional surrender. US Navy/Getty Images The Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender via a recorded radio message. Sources for this story included AHF, NationalWW2Museum, BBC, History.com, Al Jazeera, LiveScience, The New York Times, PBS, and The History Press. The story was first published in August 2023 and most recently updated in August 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider Why your tax dollars could be paying for Birth Tourism Each year, tens of thousands of pregnant women travel to the United States just to give birth. Its whats called Birth Tourism. The topic has taken center stage as President Donald Trump tries to end birthright citizenship in America. The matter is not only controversial, but also a business, with some companies making big bucks with that. I wanted to make sure she would have more opportunities and better education, said a woman who agreed to tell her story without sharing her identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few years ago, the woman says she came to the United States pregnant, so she could give birth in America. At the time, she says she had a tourist visa and stayed in the country for less than 6 months. I was 7 months pregnant, I had a very healthy pregnancy, so I knew I wouldnt have any risks during the trip, she disclosed. The woman, who found a clinic in Florida, shared that some of her medical bills, including her childs birth, were paid by Medicaid. I think it all came down to less than 5 thousand dollars, close to 4, actually, she recalls. My daughter already left the U.S. with an American passport. The amount she referred to was paid out of pocket. According to the Peterson KFF Healthcare tracker, the average cost of a birth is just about 19 thousand dollars. Basically, you planned to be here when you went into labor, Channel 9s Geovany Dias asked the woman. Yes. I usually tell people I basically didnt pay anything, and I wouldve left if I didnt get the coverage through Medicaid, the woman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Florida, non-citizens, who are Medicaid eligible except for their citizenship status, may be eligible for Medicaid to cover a serious medical emergency, including emergency labor and delivery of a child. So, that means we, taxpayers, are paying for someone else to use that is correct? Channel 9s Geovany Dias asked immigration attorney Walter Santos. Yes, Santos responded. The exact number of people born under a tourist visa in the U.S. is not available. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, however, there are between 20,000 to 26,000 tourist babies born in America every year. Meanwhile, there is yet another way people from all over the world can have an American baby on their own, without Medicaidby hiring companies like Have My Baby in Miami, which is based in South Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On their website, they advertise all the benefits of having a child in America and a step-by-step process for doing so, including preparing for the trip, obtaining documents after birth, and going back home. Channel 9 reached out to the company to ask about services and prices. They sent us a list with a breakdown - someone from outside the U.S., for example, can have a natural birth in America for about $16,000. A C-section goes up to nearly $19,000. Almost $24,000 if the person is having twins. All of it, out of pocket. Theres no indication the company uses or encourages the use of Medicaid for their clients. Experts say this practice is perfectly legal. It is, in a way, troublesome to know that this happens because we may be creating an army that could target us in the future, Walter Santos said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although birth tourism is not illegal, Santos explains it is controversial, especially when people come to the United States to use services provided by tax dollars, like Medicaid and Medicare. Its a national security threat, the attorney said. How do we know if the person that is coming back to the United States is the same baby who was born here? we dont collect fingerprints, biometrics from a baby. For now, people born in the U.S. are still considered citizens despite the presidents executive order because theres a federal injunction. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Right-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch has agreed to give Donald Trump regular health updates in a deal to postpone Murdochs deposition in the presidents $10 billion lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal article about a bawdy birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The deal comes a week after the presidents lawyers called on the 94-year-old Murdoch to be deposed within the next 15 days due to his advanced age and health problems over the years, implying that the Fox News founder could die before the case went to trial. Murdoch is 94 years old, has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life, is believed to have suffered recent significant health scares, and is presumed to live in New York, the Trump teams motion stated last week. Taken together, these factors weigh heavily in determining that Murdoch would be unavailable for in-person testimony at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the presidents attorneys adding that it was presumable that Murdoch would be unavailable for trial due to his age and health, along with the fact that the lawsuit was filed in Florida, the judge in the case ordered Murdoch to respond to the request by August 4. Per court filings, a joint deal was reached on Monday night to postpone the expedited deposition of Murdoch, whose massive media conglomerate News Corp. owns the Wall Street Journal. According to the order adopting the stipulation, the deposition will be postponed and the parties agree not to engage in discovery until the WSJs motion to dismiss has been decided. Rupert Murdoch, 94, has agreed to provide the president with regular health updates to avoid being immediately deposed in the $10 billion lawsuit over a Jeffrey Epstein article. (Getty Images) If Defendants Motion to Dismiss the Complaint is denied, then Defendant Murdochs deposition shall occur in person, at a mutually agreed upon location in the United States, within thirty (30) calendar days of the order denying the Motion to Dismiss, the order further notes. Additionally, Murdoch must provide a sworn declaration describing his current health condition within three days of the order of stipulation being filed and give regularly scheduled updates about his health to the president. The order was signed Tuesday by Judge Darrin Gayles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Failure to provide updates in the agreed-upon manner, as set forth in the Abatement Agreement, shall result in an expedited deposition of Defendant Murdoch, the order adds. The president sued the WSJ and Murdoch on July 18, a day after the paper ran its bombshell report that Trump had given Epstein a raunchy card for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003. The letter, which the president has called a fake thing, reportedly contains a drawing of a naked woman with Trumps signature mimicking pubic hair. Trump has publicly fumed that Murdoch, with whom hes had a complicated on-again/off-again mutually beneficial friendship, had promised him he would take care of killing the WSJ story, but apparently did not have the power to do so. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal has stood by its story and followed it with another blockbuster the following week by revealing that Attorney General Pam Bondi told Trump in May that his name appeared several times in the Epstein files. That story only increased the amount of scrutiny the administration has faced for reversing course last month and refusing to release additional documents in the disgraced financiers case. A name appearing in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behind the scenes, Murdoch has also indicated that he isnt all that willing to back down in the face of the presidents l egally specious defamation suit. Im 94 years old and I will not be intimidated, he reportedly told associates. Despite the WSJ looking to dismiss the complaint and Murdoch suggesting that hes in the fight for the long haul, Trump has claimed that the conservative media titan wants to reach a settlement. I have been treated very unfairly by The Wall Street Journal on everything, the president said last week. I would assume Rupert Murdoch controls it, but maybe he does, maybe he doesnt. And they are talking to us about doing something, but well see what happens. They would like us to drop that. So well see They want to settle it. On Aug. 5, authorities announced the suspect in a July 29 quadruple murder was apprehended and was in custody. The arrest marks the end of a week-long manhunt that began after a baby was found abandoned on a Tigrett resident's front lawn. The suspect, Austin Drummond, is facing charges of murder, kidnapping and other counts. Here's everything that led to the suspect's arrest. July 29: Baby found on front lawn, 4 family members found dead Witnesses said they saw someone in an SUV leave a child in a car seat on a front lawn in Tigrett, according to the Dyer County Sheriff's Office. Authorities later said there was no relationship between the child and the individual whose lawn the child was left on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators identified the child and were looking to speak with the child's parents, Adrianna Williams and Matthew Wilson, the baby's uncle, Braydon Williams, and the baby's grandmother, Cortney Rose. 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. But later that day, those four family members were found dead in Lake County, District Attorney Danny Goodman Jr. confirmed. July 31: Authorities announce suspect, find abandoned Audi Authorities identified 28-year-old Drummond as the suspect in the four murders. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation obtained a warrant for Drummond, charged with 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. TBI said Drummond was driving a white 2016 Audi A3. That vehicle was found abandoned in Jackson. Aug. 1: Others arrested in connection Authorities arrested 29-year-old Tanaka Brown and charged her with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Aug. 2: Police find second abandoned vehicle, make another arrest Authorities found another vehicle linked to Drummond, a 1988 white Ford pickup truck with a red stripe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities also charged Giovonte Thomas, 29, with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Brown also received a second charge, tampering with evidence. Aug. 4: Authorities say Drummond may have fled the state, police swarm Jackson and Union University The Commercial Appeal reported on an affidavit filed by the U.S. Marshals Service in federal court. In that affidavit, Deputy Marshal Darrel Weldon wrote that "it is believed that Austin Drummond possibly fled the state of Tennessee." Later on Aug. 4, state and local law enforcement swarmed Jackson and Union University to follow up on a lead about Drummond's whereabouts, deploying drones and K-9s in search of the suspect. Police arrested another person, 23-year-old Dearrah Sanders, in connection with the murders. Sanders was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Aug. 4: Authorities announce Drummond was spotted on surveillance camera Surveillance video released by the Jackson Police Department late on Aug. 4 shows Drummond carrying a rifle and wearing a backpack, camouflage pants and a camouflage shirt. Aug. 5: Authorities arrest Drummond On Aug. 5, the U.S. Marshals Service announced the reward for Drummond's capture had increased to $32,500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same morning, Jackson Police urged residents to shelter in place after Drummond was spotted in the area of Saddlebrook and Bridlepath in Jackson. The area around Pleasant Plains and Country Club was temporarily blocked off. Jackson Mayor Scott Conger announced during an Aug. 5 city council meeting that Drummond was apprehended and was in custody. Jackson Police block off access to Pleasant Plains Rd., near where quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond was apprehended, in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. "I am pleased to announce the successful capture of Austin Drummond, wanted for the murder of four people in Lake County, Tennessee," said Jackson Police Department Chief Thom Corley in an Aug. 5 press release. "This marks an important step in restoring safety to our community." Jackson Sun reporter Sarah Best contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: TN quadruple homicide: How events unfolded leading up to arrest Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Monday ordered the arrest of the Democrats who fled the Lone Star State in an effort to halt the advancement of new congressional maps that could benefit Republicans in next years midterms. Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, Abbott said in a statement. By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty. Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber. To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats refusal to show up was part of a rapidly escalating political contest over a controversial attempt by the state GOP to pass a highly unusual mid-decade partisan redistricting plan aimed at giving Texas Republicans five additional seats in Congress while destroying several Democratic districts. In a separate statement, Abbott said he was also directing the Texas Rangers to investigate the Democrats over potential bribery in connection to donations they were allegedly receiving from donors to offset the $500 daily fines the lawmakers are facing. Today, I ordered the Texas Rangers to immediately investigate fleeing Texas House Democrats for potential bribery and any other potential legal violations connected to their refusal to appear for a quorum, conduct business, and cast votes, Abbott said. That investigation should extend to anyone who aided or abetted such potential crimes. Abbotts comments followed House Speaker Dustin Burrowss signature of an arrest warrant for any Democratic members that state troopers can locate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their remarks, neither mentioned redistricting, which Democrats describe as a naked power grab. In comments on Monday, state Rep. Jolanda Jones (D) credited her partys failure to stop a similar middecade effort in North Carolina with securing the margins needed for Republicans to pass Trumps unpopular tax and spending bill, which is projected to cut $1 trillion from Medicaid to funnel tax cuts to the countrys wealthiest. Instead of defending the redistricting push, Republican leaders avoided talking about it. Instead, they attacked Democrats for not being to be on hand to discuss other matters. The redistricting campaign has been an elephant in the room for state Republicans, who have tended to describe the Democrats departure as though it were dereliction of duty, as Abbott put it an attempt to sideline flood relief or the attempt to outlaw standardized testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burrows, who holds his speakership as part of a coalition that is majority Democrat, also avoided discussion of redistricting in his comments following the signature of the arrest warrant, focusing instead on legislation around human trafficking, flood relief and the elimination of the STAAR standardized test. Abbott, he said, had offered the states Department of Public Safety to make sure we do what can be done to establish a quorum and do this special session, he said. We will work with DPS to locate members. I saw, for instance, there is one member who said that they were doing a fundraiser here in Austin tomorrow, and Ive sent that fundraising letter to DPS and said they should be invited to attend as well. Well see how that goes forward, he said, to general laughter. Not to be outdone, Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) who is running to the right of Sen. John Cornyn (R) in the Senate primary on Monday called Democrats jet-setting runaways and said it was imperative that they be swiftly arrested, punished, and face the full force of the law for turning their backs on the people of Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxton in 2021 won a state Supreme Court ruling allowing the arrest of legislators Democrats by definition of the states partisan mix who broke quorum. Updated: 6:25 p.m. ET Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Doses of the anti-viral drug Paxlovid are displayed in New York. A Ugandan university student who mysteriously went missing two months ago after posting a TikTok video that harshly criticised President Yoweri Museveni's leadership has been jailed. Elson Tumwine disappeared on 8 June - sparking accusations from opposition figures and activists that he had been abducted and illegally detained by military agents. Following an outcry over his disappearance, he was then reportedly left at a police station in Entebbe in mid-July and was subsequently charged with offensive communication and computer misuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pleaded guilty and asked for forgiveness. The magistrates' court in Entebbe sentenced him to two months in jail on Monday, noting his pleas for leniency. Tumwine's sentencing and alleged abduction have raised concerns among human rights activists around freedom of speech ahead of elections next year. In court, the third-year Makerere University undergraduate admitted to posting the video that prosecutors said was intended "to ridicule, demean and incite hostility". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is alleged to have doctored a clip of the parliamentary speaker's response to a general apology Museveni issued in May to the Baganda people, Uganda's largest ethnic group and who form the traditional Buganda kingdom. Over Museveni's nearly four decades in power, relations with the kingdom and its monarch have at times been strained. The kingdom has no political power but remains influential. Tumwine's TikTok post accused the 80-year-old president of not apologising for other things during his time in power. When Tumwine's disappeared in June, Makerere University issued an urgent appeal for information that could help find him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had been working as an agricultural intern in Hoima, western Uganda, as part of his studies at the time he went missing. Two weeks ago, the secretary-general of opposition NUP party David Lewis Rubongoya said they had information that Tumwine and another suspect were being held at a police station in Entebbe - having being "dumped" there on 13 July. He alleged they were taken there after being subjected to "incredible torture" at the hands of the country's military intelligence unit. The authorities have not commented on these allegations. Criticising the trial, lawyer and activist Godwin Toko said Tumwine had refused to let lawyers from his organisation or those from the opposition represent him in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For a man who was abducted, held incommunicado for months, nudged to plead guilty and then sentenced, this is the apogee of injustice that it is not his captor punished, but him getting a criminal record to his name at such a young age," he posted on X on Tuesday. Last November, 21-year-old Emmanuel Nabugodi was jailed for 32 months after creating a video said to insult Museveni. Months earlier, Edward Awebwa, 24, was sentenced to six years in prison for hate speech and spreading "malicious" information against the first family. You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Abilene man accused of shooting a bystander during an altercation between several individuals has been arrested. Jovan Pugh was taken into custody for Aggravated Assault last week in connection to the shooting, which took place in a parking lot in March. Court documents state officers were called to the parking lot, where witnesses reported several individuals in three different vehicles were involved in an altercation, which culminated in a bystander being shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three vehicles involved were gone by the time officers arrived, but fourteen shell casings were recovered at the scene, and the documents state the victim later showed up at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. Doctors determined she was hit by a ricochet or shrapnel during the shooting. Witnesses were able to describe the shooting suspect, which led detectives to identify Pugh. The documents state an eyewitness also identified Pugh during a photo lineup, and when he was later contacted during a traffic stop, he was found to be in possession of a gun that forensic testing showed was the gun that likely fired the bullets from the shooting. Pugh now remains held in jail on bonds totaling $200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) As Hawaii seeks to find its footing in a post-tourism world, state, community and business leaders are coming together to stimulate and develop more opportunities in technology. And the TRUE Initiative is determined to bring opportunities and access to Hawaiis residents. The Fourth Annual Hawaii AI and Cloud Innovation Summit will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center. Anyone can find you online: How to protect personal data Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presented by Google and hosted by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the one-day conference brings together government, education and private sector leaders to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping Hawaiis workforce, government services and business operations. 16 billion accounts hacked: How to protect your online data Hawaiis tech transformation Governor Josh Green, M.D. called the event a way to move forward together. AI has the potential to significantly improve the way we work, serve and grow, Gov. Green said. This conference offers an opportunity for Hawaiis leaders to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for a tech-forward future that supports our local economy and communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Kunane Tokioka, director of DBEDT, said this summit is not just about ideas. AI and cloud technology are changing the way we do business, Tokioka said. This event is about giving people the information and tools they need to improve operations, save time and deliver better services. Its also a chance to hear directly from experts and connect with others who are already using this technology in their work. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You A focus on action Christine Sakuda, Hawaiis Chief Information Officer, will deliver the opening keynote. She will speak on a roadmap for AI in state services to highlight tools that support everything from disaster response to permit processing as a means to reach all communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the day, sessions will offer live demonstrations, expert insights and hands-on training in security and automation. The summit will feature speakers from across Hawaii and the continental U.S. that include professionals from the University of Hawaii, the Small Business Development Center and multiple government agencies. You can click here for more information and to register for the event. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 Government employees can attend for free, but space is limited. There is a general admission fee of $25 and includes lunch for the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 man accused of a grisly double murder at Devils Den State Park in Arkansas had passed background checks at different school districts throughout the nation. Andrew James McGann, 28, is 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 at Devil's Den on July 26. He held teaching positions in four school districts across three states in recent years in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teacher Accused Of Arkansas Hiking Murders Bounced Between 4 Districts In 3 States Clinton and Cristen Brink were murdered at Devil's Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025. In the 20222023 school year, he worked as a fourth-grade teacher at Donald Elementary in Flower Mound, Texas, part of Lewisville ISD. He was placed on administrative leave in spring 2023 over concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and favoritism. District officials confirmed with Fox News Digital that their internal investigation found no evidence of inappropriate behavior, and McGann resigned in May 2023. Read On The Fox News App In the 2023-2024 school year, McGann taught fifth grade at Spring Creek Elementary in Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma before he moved to San Springs Public Schools, which is also in Oklahoma, from summer 2024 through May 2025. James Andrew McGann, 28, was arrested on Wednesday, July 30 at a barbershop. Both districts previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that McGann had passed all legally required background checks, faced no disciplinary actions and left on his own accord. One parent, whose son was in McGann's fifth grade classroom, told The Associated Press that they remembered the young teacher being "reserved" and "not super-friendly." 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 told the outlet. "I dont know, it was a strange interaction." McGann next headed to Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas. The school confirmed that they had offered McGann a teaching position for the upcoming school year, though he had not yet started working or "has not at any time" had contact with students at the time of his arrest. "Our entire team extends our deepest condolences to the Brink family," Jared Cleveland, the district superintendent, said in a statement to Fox News. 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 licensure in any of those states, the AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video Shows Arkansas Hiking Murder Suspect Arrested Mid-haircut Arkansas State Police released a photo and sketch of a man wanted for questioning in the deaths of a couple while hiking. Former FBI special agent Bill Daly told Fox News Digital that McGanns ability to move between school districts in multiple states without raising red flags reflects serious flaws in how educator background checks are typically conducted. "Not all background checks are kind of created equal," Daly said. "It can vary depending upon state and locality, whether it happens because of legal perspectives or cost constraints, where they may not be able to spend that much money doing a background check." He warned that relying solely on broad database searches often misses important red flags and fails to provide a full picture background check. Daly pointed to the concept of "leakage," early signs that may hint at problematic behavior, and said those signals are often overlooked in school hiring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Things that start to add up over a period of time about someone's demeanor, their behaviors." He also noted that it is unusual for teachers to bounce around so frequently. "It is quite kind of interesting from an investigative standpoint, the fact that he has moved around fairly frequently to different states who may or may not be able to kind of share information more fluidly," he said. Arkansas Hiking Murders: Timeline Reveals Teacher Suspects Route From Classroom To Courtroom WATCH: Ahead of the start of the school year, Daly encouraged parents to ask about their school districts hiring process and standards for background checks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think parents are certainly well-advised to ask those questions, among many other questions, about what happens in schools and school safety where they send their children," he said. As for school administrators, Daly encouraged school leaders to take a hard look at their hiring practices, considering the allegations against McGann. "For administrators to kind of take a more sober look at their background check process, and they need to be asking a bit more kind of sobering questions, particularly in light of this case." Fox News' Ashley Papa, Greg Norman and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Accused Devils Den killer passed background checks and entered classrooms full of kids, expert says PORTLAND, Ore (KOIN) Alleged serial killer Jesse Lee Calhoun is now accused of killing a fourth woman, officials in Multnomah County announced on Tuesday. A grand jury has indicted Calhoun for the November 20, 2022, murder of Kristin Smith, who was 22 when she died. During the press conference, Kristin Smiths mother, Melissa Smith, said she was Overwhelmed with emotion. I stayed strong doing all I could trying to save my daughter, Melissa said. And it was just unbearable to find out it was too late and needed help finding her. And I did everything I could to try to get answers and fight and search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa credited her friends and family for continuing to keep Kristins memory alive as she searched for answers. She also thanked the other victims families and detectives for their help in seeking justice in the case. Melissa Smith (left) speaks at a press conference after her daughter, Kristin Smith, was identified as an alleged victim of accused serial killer Jesse Lee Calhoun. Kristins sister is also in attendance, placing her hand on her mothers back in support. August 5, 2025 (KOIN). Calhoun was previously accused of murdering three women, Charity Lynn Perry, Joanna Speaks and Bridget Leanne Webster, after their bodies were discovered in Oregon and Washington two years ago. In April 2023, Speaks body was found at an abandoned barn in Ridgefield, Washington. A few weeks later, Perrys body was found near Ainsworth State Park in East Multnomah County, and just days after that, Websters body was discovered near Mill Creek in Polk County. Jesse Lee Calhoun was indicted on May 17 on murder charges for the deaths of Charity Lynn Perry, 24, Bridget Leanne Webster, 31, and Joanna Speaks, 32. (KOIN 6 File Photos) (Multnomah County Sheriffs Office) In May of 2024, Calhoun was indicted for the murders, as he was already in custody at the time for parole violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, Calhoun had been in prison after he was charged with three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, assaulting a public safety officer and first-degree burglary. In 2021, then-Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed a commutation to provide clemency for certain prisoners and Calhoun met the criteria, so he was released. Arrival in Portland is imminent: City braces for destructive invasive emerald ash borer The clemency was later revoked by Gov. Tina Kotek in 2023. Calhoun pleaded not guilty to the murders in June 2024. Calhoun has also been named as a person of interest in the death of Ashley Real, 22, though he has not been indicted in that case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every single person who never forgot about these five women, our family, our angels, theyre all taken too soon, Melissa said. Multnomah County DA Vasquez said hes determined to work with Clackamas County investigators on the ongoing Real case. That is an extremely important case to us, one that is currently under investigation, Vasquez said. Diana Allen, the mother of Charity Perry one of Calhouns alleged victims shared a message for others still searching for answers. Dont give up hope. It hurts so bad, but its so precious. You cannot let it go, she said. A trial is expected to occur in 2027. Until then, the DAs office said they still have a lot of work to do on the case. Watch the Multnomah County DAs entire press conference below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. HARTLAND, Mich. (WLNS) On Sunday, 6 News reported that a group of activists protested a church in Howell because they claimed the pastor and Cromaine Library President, Bill Bolin, is working to remove books from its library that have LGBTQ content. Bolin has responded, stating that there is no banning of books, and that the library board members voted to add labels to books that are to be considered sexual or targeting children in a sexual manner. Protestors react to librarys book policy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in June, the Cromaine Library voted to adopt a policy that would label books that were found to have extreme violence or graphic sexual content. Jay Kaplan, a LGBTQ+ Rights Project staff attorney at the Michigan American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), says the organization will monitor the new policy. He says the library has no definition of whats explicit violence or sexual graphic content. Given some of the statements made by library board members, particularly the president of the board, with LGBTQ subject matter and the fact that. I believe there has been some contention regarding 200 book titles in the library, said Jay Kaplan. From a patron of the library. Largely of those books contain LGBTQ characters or content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the list of challenged books that could be labeled, topics range from parenting information to teen fiction. 6 News went to the library in person and confirmed that some books from the parenting section were already labeled with a pink sticker, which corresponds with LGBTQ+ content. We will be watching closely to make sure this is not being used as a tool to censor material or books with subject matter, said Kaplan. That certain members of the library board dont approve of the subject matter, because thats when you cross over the First Amendment, constitutional territory, and you run the risk of censoring materials. 6 News reached out to Cromaine Library Director Sarah Neidert for comment, but she declined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the librarys president, Bolin says the new policy is about protecting children, offering parents a safeguard, and warning them about what their children may read. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Acura is helping The Nature Conservancy protect the Earths environment by giving the organization a fleet of electric vehicles with enough range to collectively drive nearly around the entire planet. The brand is donating 75 ZDX EVs and $1 million to cover charging infrastructure and operating costs. The crossover Acuras first full EV has an estimated range of 313 miles, meaning the vehicles could travel a combined 23,475 miles, or 94 percent of the distance around the equator. Future Product Find our what powertrains, redesigns and freshenings are planned for the next four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement View the list Brand future product timelines The ZDX, built by General Motors in Tennessee, starts at $65,850 with shipping, making the donation worth about $6 million in cash and vehicles. Its the largest vehicle donation for Acura, furthering a 30-year partnership between parent Honda Motor Co. and The Nature Conservancy. The vehicles will be delivered by Acura dealers around the U.S. to local teams involved in fieldwork, community engagement and conservation in remote and rural areas. The organization is working toward having 30 percent of its vehicles be electric by 2030. Were proud to partner with The Nature Conservancy and Acura dealers across America to help advance sustainability by contributing to a lower-emissions future, Mike Langel, assistant vice president of Acura national sales, said in a statement. The Acura ZDX fleet will support The Nature Conservancys important fieldwork, enabling more efficient travel to conservation sites while reducing the environmental impact of transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up to get our afternoon video email. The video focuses on a new topic in the news each day. Honda has worked with the group to support programs in 10 states with a $625,000 gift in 2023 and through the donation of land and more than $1 million over decades to preserve the Big Darby Creek watershed in Ohio. We are incredibly grateful to Acura for this donation, said Daniel Salzer, the nonprofits director of sustainability. The donation of these vehicles has significantly accelerated our efforts to electrify our fleet, reducing our carbon footprint, and setting a powerful example of climate leadership. Have an opinion about this story? Tell us about it and we may publish it in print. Click here to submit a letter to the editor. An emotional scene from a 2019 movie is being used to scare off wolves at local farms. The Wall Street Journal reports that a tense scene between Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver in the film Marriage Story is being used by the United States Department of Agriculture. The agency is playing audio from the scene on a loudspeaker over farmlands across the West Coast to scare off the wolves who have been attacking livestock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An official with the USDA said the audio was chosen to illustrate to the wolves that humans are to be feared. I need the wolves to respond and know that, hey, humans are bad, said Paul Wolf, a USDA district supervisor in Oregon, to the outlet. He has led operations for a federal study of wolf hazing with drones since 2022. Other methods being used include using a drone and playing AC/DCs Thunderstruck, fireworks and gunshots. The WSJ reports that endangered gray wolves are terrorizing livestock herds across the American West. The owners of Prather Ranch in Macdoel, California, told the publication that wolves killed about 40 of their calves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drones were deployed in Oregons Klamath Basin after 11 cows were killed by wolves in 20 days, the WSJ said. When drones were on patrol over the nest 85 days, only two were killed. Since 1995, wolves have been allowed back into Yellowstone National Park, which has increased the attacks on cattle and sheep. However, due to the wolves being endangered, ranchers arent able to harm 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. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has ripped his Democratic mayoral opponent Zohran Mamdani for attending the funeral of slain NYPD officer Didarul Islam last week but skipping services for other fallen officers killed during his time in the state Assembly and never publicly acknowledging their deaths. Adams, a former NYPD captain, suggested Mamdani's presence at Islam's funeral was politically motivated and inconsistent with his prior stance on policing which included calls to defund the agency and slamming it as racist. Mamdani has since walked back those statements. "We lost officers before he was running for mayor. Where was he? Did he feel those officers deserve to be lifted up as he lifted up now Officer Islam during the election? We need to ask, where was he?" Adams told reporters at City Hall on Monday, per the New York Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You should lift up officers when youre not running for mayor. He could have lifted them up when he was an assemblyman. He could have done it over the years when he was in Albany." Mamdani's Past 'Defund The Police' Stance Resurfaces After Deadly Manhattan Shooting New York City Mayor Eric Adams, left, has ripped his Democratic mayoral opponent Zohran Mamdani, right, for attending the funeral of slain NYPD officer Didarul Islam last week but skipping services for other fallen officers killed during his time in the state Assembly and never publicly acknowledging their deaths. Mamdani, a socialist who has served in the New York State Assembly since January, did not attend the funerals of six of NYPD's finest who died in the line of duty from 2022 through March of this year, Adams said. Read On The Fox News App "Not one time has [Mamdani] said something in response to a police officer whos been shot or killed," Adams said, pointing out the 2022 killing of officers Wilbert Mora, Jason Rivera. "We cannot find one tweet that he made, or one comment that he made when that happened." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as Mora and Rivera, the NYPDs Jonathan Diller, Troy D. Patterson, Lawrence Bromm and crossing guard Krystyna Naprawa were all killed during that time period. Mamdani cut short his recent trip to Uganda and returned early to attend Islams funeral. He first went directly to the familys home and stayed with them for two hours, per reports. Aoc-backed Socialist Mayoral Candidate Backtracks After Calling To 'Dismantle' Police In 2020 Fox News Digital has reached out to Mamdanis team for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Islam was gunned down by alleged shooter Shane Tamura of Las Vegas last week inside the lobby of office tower at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan. Tamura is alleged to have killed three other people in the rampage before turning the gun on himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani initially took to X to share his condolences on the passing of Islam. "I'm heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in Midtown and I am holding the victims, their families, and the NYPD officer in critical condition in my thoughts. Grateful for all of our first responders on the ground," Mamdani posted to X. New York City Mayor Eric Adams at the funeral service for New York City Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller which was held at Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Massapequa Park, N.Y., on March 30, 2024. Diller was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Queens after a man with 21 prior arrests allegedly shot him in the stomach. But the Ugandan-born lawmaker has been a vocal critic of the NYPD in the past. In a June 8, 2020, post, Mamdani wrote, "No, we want to defund the police," and he wrote that "queer liberation means defund the police" in a Nov. 5, 2020, post. "We don't need an investigation to know that the NYPD is racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety. What we need is to #DefundTheNYPD. But your deal with [New York City mayor] uses budget tricks to keep as many cops as possible on the beat. NO to fake cuts - defund the police," he posted on June 28, 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December of the same year, he also called for it to be "dismantled." "All this misery. All for money. In the last budget, the City Council tried to make the NYPD reduce its overtime budget by half. They simply refused. There is no negotiating with an institution this wicked & corrupt. Defund it. Dismantle it. End the cycle of violence," he wrote. However, he sang a different tune during a mayoral debate in his primary. Guardian Angels founder and Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa at Diller's funeral. "I will not defund the police. I will work with the police because I believe the police have a critical role to play in public service, public safety," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his campaign website, he calls for the creation of a Department of Public Safety. "Police have a critical role to play. But right now, were relying on them to deal with the failures of our social safety netwhich prevents them from doing their actual jobs. Through this new city agency and whole-of-government approach, community safety will be prioritized like never before in NYC," the website states. Fox News Cameron Arcand contributed to this report. Original article source: Adams asks 'where was' Mamdani at previous NYPD funerals Mayor Eric Adams slammed mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani for blowing off NYPD funerals during his years as a state lawmaker and only now showing up while making a run for City Hall. You should lift up officers when youre not running for mayor, Adams told reporters at City Hall on Monday. He could have lifted them up when he was an assemblyman. He could have done it over the years when he was in Albany. Zohran Mamdani has blown off six NYPD funerals since joining the state Assembly. csuarez We lost officers before he was running for mayor. Where was he? Did he feel those officers deserve to be lifted up as he lifted up now Officer Islam during the election? We need to ask, where was he? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, 33, served more than four years in the state Assembly before his surprise Democratic mayoral primary win against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in June. The Ugandan-born lefty paid his respects to relatives of NYPD cop Didarul Islam last week, after the four-year department veteran was gunned down in a mass shooting inside a Park Avenue office building. But that was apparently a rare moment. Records reviewed by The Post show that Mamdani was a no-show and didnt say a peep after a half dozen of New Yorks Finest died during his tenure in Albany after they were gunned down in the line of duty. Mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani paid his respects at the funeral of NYPD cop Didarul Islam an apparent first for the pol. Stephen Yang Mayor Eric Adams slammed Zohran Mamdani for only showing up at an NYPD funeral after launching a mayoral bid. James Keivom All six hero cops who died between January 2022 and March of last year Jonathan Diller, Troy D. Patterson, Lawrence Bromm, Wilbert Mora, Jason Rivera and crossing guard Krystyna Naprawa were laid to rest before thousands in uniform, but not even condolences were offered by the Queens lawmaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not one time has [Mamdani] said something in response to a police officer whos been shot or killed, Adams said Monday, pointing out the 2022 killing of Mora and Rivera. We cannot find one tweet that he made, or one comment that he made when that happened. Neither did The Post. Mamdanis team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A sharply divided Colorado Republican Party elected former House Minority Whip Richard Holtorf to fill the state GOP's vacant vice chair position Monday night during an online meeting that laid bare ongoing disputes that have consumed the state party for more than a year. Adverse weather leads to changes to National Night Out events Some National Night Out events have either been canceled or postponed due to the rain. National Night Out: 5 things to know about annual celebration National Night Out is an annual event where local police departments host activities to connect with their communities. However, adverse weather conditions have led to the cancellation and postponements of several planned events in the region. National Night Out is traditionally an opportunity for residents to meet officers, learn about safety initiatives, and participate in family-friendly activities. Change of plans: Freedom Park: Canceled. Stallings: Postponed. Date to be announced. Gastonia: Rescheduled for Oct. 7 National Night Out celebration at the Richard Stick Williams Dream Fields and Education Center has been postponed to Aug. 22. Uptown Charlotte: Postponed to Aug. 12. Kannapolis: NNO will be held in the Swanee Theatre on West Avenue. Matthews: Postponed to Aug. 7 Salisbury: Moved to the Salisbury Civic Center Check with your local first responders and return to this story for updates. VIDEO: Tuesday nights forecast is below Consumer activists argue a proposed four-year, $9.8 billion rate hike for Florida Power & Light (FPL) is asking for this year is excessive and should be rejected by state regulators. (Via Florida PSC) Consumer activists said Tuesday that the proposed $9.8 billion rate hike that Florida Power & Light (FPL) is asking for is excessive and should be rejected by state regulators. In February, FPL, the states largest public utility servicing approximately 12 million people, submitted a four-year request for the Public Service Commission (PSC) to set new rates once its current base rate agreement expires at the end of this year. Brooke Ward, Florida Senior Organizer with Food & Water Watch, speaking at a press conference in Tampa on Jan. 25, 2023. (photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) Floridians are facing a full-blown affordability crisis, said Brooke Ward, senior Florida organizer with Food & Water Watch. Yet FPL wants to raise rates by almost $10 billion over the next 4 years. Lets be honest, this is not about reliability or infrastructure, its about boosting profits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the state Office of Public Counsel told the PSC that FPL would be overcharging customers were the proposed rate hike approved and said it should receive only around $105 million of the nearly $10 billion it is asking for. Among the organizations that have been rallying their members to contact the PSC to tell them to oppose FPLs proposed rate increase is the AARP. The senior-rights group created an online petition months ago asking its nearly 3 million Florida members who are also FPL consumers to ask the PSC not to approve the rate increase FPL is proposing a sharp increase on monthly electric bills, and older residents living on fixed incomes will be hit the hardest, said Zayne Smith, senior director for advocacy with AARP Florida. FPL is also seeking the highest return on investment in the country. This is not about serving customers. Its about corporate greed and the customers who will pay the price. In its petition to the PSC, FPL says if its proposed rate increases are approved it will earn a return on equity of 11.9%. Thats the percentage of profit a utility company generates relative to the amount of money invested by shareholders. The national average is 9.5%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residential customers can calculate how the proposal would affect their individual bills by using the calculator feature at FPL.com/answers, according to a news release. By 2029, the typical FPL customer in Florida would pay $151.99 per month compared with the $134.14 a month average customers in peninsular Florida now pay and the $143.60 a month average that Panhandle customers now pay, according to FPL. The difference between rates and bills Residential rates would be raised by about 2.5%, FPL officials say, which would keep bills well below the national average and below many other Florida electric utilities. But opponents counter that claim. Ward says theres a difference between rates and bills. At the end of the day, FPL customers will be paying higher bills. And what do Florida families care about? The amount that they put in their bill, she said, adding that utilities in Florida can collect additional funds from items like storm recovery costs that came last year in the aftermath of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in May of this year, the PSC approved Storm Protection Plan agreements for FPL, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Co., and Florida Public Utilities Co. designed to strengthen long-term storm protection measures and improve grid resilience. How much is public about the Public Service Commission? Tampa Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, criticized the Public Service Commission, saying it should be renamed the Utility Service Commission because more often than not, they are in service to the electric utilities, rather than the public. Displeasure with the PSC isnt limited to Democratic lawmakers. Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos Muniz late last year basted the PSC for not providing enough information to justify a public utility rate increase. He made those remarks after the Supreme Court in September 2023 ruled that the PSC did not adequately justify approval of a settlement that increased base electric rates for FPL and ordered a new explanation, the News Service of Florida reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panhandle Republican state Sen. Don Gaetz filed a bill (SB 354) during the 2025 legislative session that would have required the PSC to become much more transparent in its actions. Its provisions included that the agency provide adequate support for its conclusions when issuing orders; keep the return on equity for public utilities as close as possible to the risk-free rate of return; and submit an annual report of public utility rates that includes benchmarking and analysis on economics, cost impacts, return on equity, and executive compensation. The bill passed in one committee in the Senate before failing to advance. Gaetz said the measure was killed by the public utilities, according to Politico. Public hearings for the PSC to consider the rate hike will begin on Aug. 11. The final decision is expected in the fall. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE AES Indiana continues to pump toxic coal ash contaminants into the White River, according to environmental advocates pushing back against a recent state ruling they contend wrongfully allows the pollution to continue. Toxic pollutants such as arsenic, lead, mercury and chromium are contaminating the groundwater at the Eagle Valley site in Martinsville then migrating offsite from containment ponds a violation of federal coal ash rules, the Hoosier Environment Council says. Coal ash is what remains after coal is burned for energy and exposure can lead to a variety of health issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of that tainted groundwater also is being pumped back to the plant for cooling before being released into White River. Utilities must have a plan in place to address instances when coal ash contaminates groundwater and make sure the contamination does not spread, according to federal requirements. AES is violating this by ultimately pumping coal ash contaminants up from the groundwater and sending it into the White River, HEC argues. Indra Frank, with HEC, said the group has been trying to work with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management since 2021 to get this issue fixed in AESs discharge permit. It just does not make sense that pumping contaminated water into the river is a way to address contamination, Frank said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HEC is now asking the Morgan County Circuit Court to overturn an administrative law judges order they say allows the utility to violate federal rules at Eagle Valley. AES Indiana spokeswoman Mallory Duncan, in an email to IndyStar, said the utility is committed to the safety of its people, the communities it serves and the environment around its facilities. While we do not comment on pending litigation, coal is no longer burned and ash is no longer sent to ponds at Eagle Valley Generating Station, Duncan wrote. Our facility meets all applicable environmental requirements set by state and federal regulations. Environmental group pushes back against judges order A judge with the Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings denied HECs efforts to have IDEM revise the pollution permit back in February, saying in part the group could not prove its members suffered injury due to the permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim Ferraro, an attorney with the Conservation Law Center at Indiana University, is representing HEC in the Morgan County court and said the judges order ignores decades of established law and has broader implications even outside this case. The ruling and resulting legal battle come at a time when Indiana and the federal government are rolling back and eliminating their own environmental protections. That is a real concern for the ability of nonprofit organizations to pursue legal challenges like this on behalf of their members, Ferraro said. Most individuals cant afford to bring expensive litigation and challenge a permit or agency decision, which is precisely why they join organizations that represent their interests. HEC filed its challenge to the law judge's ruling July 21 and is waiting for AES and IDEM to respond. Ferraro said the administrative law judge did not engage with HECs original arguments against the permit in any meaningful way and felt the group did not receive fair and impartial review given that many of the judges arguments presented in the ruling were cut and pasted from IDEMs own statements. Water conservation district supports HEC Just as HEC filed its suit with the court, the Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District added its voice to the groups efforts saying the judges order ignored evidence that the discharge permit is unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district, which is responsible for promoting environmental stewardship in the county, said in a court filing that IDEM issuing the discharge permit sidesteps requirements under the federal Clean Water Act and coal ash rules. The Morgan County SWCD respectfully requests the court to reverse the OALPs unlawful decision the districts filing says. The district, while not party to the suit, is concerned the IDEM-issued permit will allow coal ash contaminants to be discharged into the White River every day, year-round for years to come. Eagle Valleys coal ash impoundments AES Indiana transitioned its Eagle Valley facility to a gas-burning plant in 2018 after it stopped its coal operations there in 2016. The utility had to renew its discharge permit with IDEM in 2023 and those efforts fell short in the eyes of HEC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are three coal ash ponds on site classified as having significant hazard potential due to the chance of hypothetical failures resulting in contaminants damaging the environment of the White River and nearby areas, according to a 2021 AES assessment. AES uses wells to pull up coal ash contaminated groundwater used at the Eagle Valley plant for steam and cooling processes. Frank described the process as removing the contamination before using it to cool the facility, then adding it back in before its sent to the White River. Those contaminants would then be in a higher concentration after the whole process due to some of the treated water evaporating before the coal ash contaminants are mixed back in, Frank said. Ultimately, HEC wants AES to stop discharging coal ash contaminants into the White River and find a more appropriate way to dispose of them after theyve been removed from the groundwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on BlueSky @karlstartswithk.bsky.social or X @karlstartswithk. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: AES coal ash pollution needs to be diverted from White River, critics say Cheltenham Youth Detention Center in Prince George's County, one of the few Department of Juvenile Services facilities that got off relatively easily in a new Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit report. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Allegations of sexual abuse between youths in state custody. Complaints of roaches and mice crawling on students beds, and reports of expired and undercooked food. Those were just some of the findings in a 49-page report by the Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit on the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services that lays out some of the problems at the long-troubled agency in the greatest detail to date, a report greeted with concern and dismay by advocates and lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very outraging, said Aubrey Edwards-Luce, the executive director of the Sayra and Neil Meyerhoff Center for Families, Children, and the Courts at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Del. J. Sandy Bartlett (D-Anne Arundel) called the report shocking and extremely disappointing. Were talking about children, said Bartlett, the vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. I thought at least some of the basic needs of the children were being taken care of. I was shocked and disappointed to learn that they arent. The report, published July 28, detailed wide-ranging health and safety issues at facilities operated by the Department of Juvenile Services. The report covers the first six months of the year, during which former Secretary Vincent Schiraldi oversaw the agency. Acting Secretary Betsy Fox Tolentino, who took over in mid-June, said in a written response to the report that she implemented critical leadership changes in the DJS Residential Services Unit. Those include visiting facilities across the state to observe conditions firsthand and speak directly with frontline staff and reviewing operational and staffing challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An agency spokesperson said that the offices previous deputy secretary of residential services, executive director of residential services and director of behavioral health left the agency last week following the report. Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Frederick and Carroll) said the report confirmed state Republicans position that there were longstanding leadership issues under Schiraldi. Concerns for safety, food quality issues I dont understand how this could have gone on for so long, he said. Ready noted that while the findings in the recent report were alarming, its not the only report in recent years that brought Schiraldis time as secretary under fire. In May, for example, the agency was the subject of a lengthy report from state auditors who said the department failed to consistently ensure that criminal background checks were completed for every contractor working at state juvenile detention centers and treatment facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Edwards-Luce said she was not so sure that the problems identified in the report can be tied solely to Schiraldis time as secretary, arguing that there are longstanding issues in how the state handles youths in need of behavioral interventions. Atrocities abound, unfortunately, she said. Olinda Moyd, a member of the states Correctional Ombudsman Advisory Board, said the report provides specific details that havent been offered in previous documents. The Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit is part of the Office of the Correctional Ombudsman. I think we have gotten used to getting reports that are very cursory and dont really provide the detail that we need to really know whats happening inside these institutions, said Moyd, former director of the Decarceration and Re-Entry Clinic at the American University Washington College of Law. Im all about transparency. Moyd and other advocates helped get a bill signed into law last year creating the Office of Correctional Ombudsman, which conducts independent reviews and assessment of various programs administrated by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the legislation sponsored by Sen. Shelly Hettleman (D-Baltimore County), the Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit was moved out of the attorney generals office and under the ombudsmans control. One main reason for the push for independent oversight stemmed from various problems within the juvenile justice system. Most of the blame from Republican lawmakers was directed at Schiraldi, who was appointed by Gov. Wes Moore (D) in February 2023. Schiraldi resigned June 9 of this year. This report seeks to identify concrete, actionable changes that can enhance daily operations, programming, treatment, and safety for both staff and youth, while also improving protections for youth in DJS operated and licensed facilities, Ombudsman Yvonne Briley-Wilson in the introduction to the report. Briley-Wilson did not respond to a request for comment Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bartlett said the report will help her committee assess what must be done to improve the overall well-being of children in the juvenile justice system. I thought the ombudsman did an excellent job of being thorough and giving specific examples that we needed. Thats the information we need as legislators to be able to conduct the oversight that we need to do, she said. While it was shocking and disappointing, it was still very helpful for the future. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order intended to restore order to American cities and remove vagrant individuals from our streets. Some homeless advocates worry the administration is trying to criminalize the unhoused. The executive order signed July 24 gives state and local governments a variety of tools and resources aimed at removing those living unhoused from the streets. The order does the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Directs the U.S. Attorney General to work to reverse judicial precedents and end consent decrees that limit state and local governments ability to involuntarily commit individuals on the streets who are a risk to themselves or others. Requires the Attorney General to work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize grants for states and municipalities that enforce prohibitions on open, illicit drug use, urban camping and loitering, and urban squatting, and track the location of sex offenders. Redirects funding to ensure that individuals camping on streets and causing public disorder and who are suffering from serious mental illness or addiction are moved into treatment centers, assisted outpatient treatment or other facilities. Ensures discretionary grants for substance-use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery do not fund drug-injection sites or illicit drug use. Stops sex offenders who receive homelessness assistance from being housed with children and allows programs to exclusively house women and children. On July 30, the National Alliance to End Homelessness hosted a press call for their advocates to issue statements regarding the executive order. During the call, the vice president for Programs and Policy at the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Marcy Thompson, called the order abhorrent. Ive been working in this field of homelessness for more than 20 years, and it is by far the most harmful proposal from an administration I have ever seen, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson said implementation of othe rder would upend the way in which American communities respond to homelessness and puts the most vulnerable populations of those living unhoused in danger. According to Thompson, the affordable housing crisis, a failing social safety net and a broken healthcare system are among the root causes of homelessness. The president has the power and the opportunity to address these gaps, she said, but instead has focused on forcing people against their consent into institutional settings where they will be out of public sight. That will not end homelessness. Thompson said the order undermines recognized best practices such as community-based behavioral healthcare and housing first , a decades-old approach to homelessness which attempts to give unconditional housing to those experiencing homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the call, Jesse Rabinowitz, a spokesperson for the National Homelessness Law Center, said the executive order along with other budget cuts and policy decisions being made by the Trump administration will make homelessness worse and keep people homeless longer. This order does not fund any housing, it does not address the leading cause of homelessness - rents that are too high, and it does not fund any new supports or services, he said on July 30. Rabinowitz said the order, when implemented, would violate due process and civil liberties by expanding the use of police force and involuntary institutionalization. He also said the order prioritizes funding for states that treat homelessness as a crime. The goal of this order is not safety, he said. Its control and power. What do executive orders mean locally? The immediate impact the order will have on the response to homelessness in Pierce County communities is unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if the order will have any immediate or long-term impact on Tacomas response to homelessness, city spokesperson Maria Lee said the city is trying to understand its effects. We will be reviewing the recent executive order and working to understand how the federal agencies are implementing this order, to determine the potential impacts on our local community, Lee told The News Tribune on July 30. It may take some time to fully understand these impacts as we see how the federal agencies interpret and implement the executive order. Pierce County Human Services told The News Tribune the department, which administers the regions homelessness response, did not expect any immediate impacts. While the [executive order] was announced with a lot of political rhetoric, our legal analysis doesnt indicate any obvious or immediate conflicts with our current policies or programs, Human Services spokesperson Kari Moore told The News Tribune when asked if the executive order included any legally-binding measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore said the county will continue to use a data-driven approach in its response to homelessness and when determining the strategies it will use. Services and treatment combined with safe housing works, she told The News Tribune. GUN BARREL CITY, Texas (KETK) An East Texas man is accused of sexually touching his girlfriends young daughter earlier this summer and has since been put behind bars. The 32-year-old man claims it was all a misunderstanding. According to a Henderson County arrest affidavit, on June 14 to June 15, the victim and her mom were staying at Daniel Jospeh Rodgers house in Gun Barrel City. AFFIDAVIT: Predator catcher organization exposes Tyler man for trading child pornography Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The young girl explained that when it was bedtime, she was lying on the floor while her sisters were on the couch with the babies. Rodgers then went into the living room and told the victim that she could go to sleep in another room because he didnt want her to sleep on the floor. Rodgers asked her why she was mad, [the victim] told him she was being punished for her sisters actions, the affidavit said. [The victim] had previously gotten in trouble on her phone, and her mother locked the phone so she couldnt play games and download apps. Rodgers told [the victim] she could play on his phone, but had to wait until her mom was lying down so she didnt come check on her. The document said that Rodgers came into the bedroom three different times and found reasons to go into the bedroom to talk to the victim. The first time he came in, he put his hand on her leg, the document said. [The victim] said she was uncomfortable, but didnt want to say anything. The second time Rodgers came in the room, he brought her a cold drink and put it under her shirt, moving it up to her private parts, but she moved away. The third time, he put his hand inside her pants and then touched her private parts outside of her clothes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After this incident, Rodgers allegedly began sending her messages through his smartwatch, saying he should keep his hands to himself. He gave the victim his phone at some point, but she said her phone could still receive messages. Text messages between Rodgers and the victim: Rodgers: I should probably keep my hands to myself so I dont get carried away and do something you dont want Victim: Its fine The young girl told police that she was uncomfortable, but didnt want to cause anything, so she said it was fine. Rodgers: Unless you want me to After this message, the affidavit said the victim freaked out and went into her brothers room, where she showed him the messages. The victim then went into where her mom was in bed and showed her the messages, the document said. Rodgers told her mom that he didnt mean it like that at all, but the victim, her siblings and her mom packed up and left the house. Former Eustace officer gets 20 years for child porn possession Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 15, Rodgers was interviewed by a Henderson County investigator, who told them it was all a misunderstanding. Rodgers told the officer that while he was in the room with his wife and girlfriends, he was texting the victims phone from his watch. The message unless you want me to was supposed to say unless you want me to bring the fan Im just going to grab my phone but the send button and the space button are close on the watch, and when he went to get up, he hit the send button accidentally. the affidavit said. Rodgers said that the message well, I should probably keep my hands to myself so I dont get carried away and do something you dont want meant that when he was going to get his phone, he didnt want to get carried away trying and reach somewhere else she didnt want. Mugshot of Daniel Rodgers, courtesy of Henderson County Jail Rodgers was arrested for indecency with a child: sexual contact and online solicitation of a minor on July 30, and is currently held at the Henderson County Jail without bond. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Afghanistan is seeing its sharpest-ever surge of child malnutrition, the World Food Programme said Monday, adding it needed $539 million to help the countrys most vulnerable families. Almost 10 million people, a quarter of Afghanistans population, face acute food insecurity. One in three children is stunted. The WFP said the rise in child malnutrition was linked to a drop in emergency food assistance over the past two years because of dwindling donor support. In April, the administration of US President Donald Trump cut off food aid to Afghanistan, one of the worlds poorest countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US had been the largest funder of the WFP, providing $4.5 billion of the $9.8 billion in donations last year. Previous US administrations viewed such aid as serving national security by alleviating conflict, poverty, extremism and curbing migration. Food insecurity in Afghanistan is being worsened by mass returns from neighboring countries, which are deporting foreigners they say are living there illegally. The WFP said it has supported 60,000 Afghans returning from Iran in the last two months, a fraction of those crossing the border. Going forward, the WFP does not have sufficient funding to cover the returnee response at this time and requires $15 million to assist all eligible returnees from Iran, said WFP Communications Officer Ziauddin Safi. He said the agency needs $539 million through January to help vulnerable families across Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate change is also hurting the population, especially those in rural areas. Matiullah Khalis, head of the National Environmental Protection Agency, said last week that drought, water shortages, declining arable land, and flash floods were having a profound impact on peoples lives and the economy. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com More countries must recognise a Palestinian state and stand up to Israel to stop its "genocidal activities", South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told AFP in an interview Tuesday. Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, bringing a case before the UN's top court in December 2023 arguing that its war in the Palestinian territory amounted to genocide. As some of Israel's allies "are now also saying, no, this can't continue, it means that it is bringing us closer and closer to the Israel regime to stop the genocidal activities", Lamola said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will also boost efforts to "allow humanitarian access to the people of Gaza" and "to agree to go into a negotiation table to cease the fire", he said. "We really welcome this development, and we call for more countries to continue to recognise Palestine." "We welcome the intention to recognise by France, Canada, and all countries of the world. This will put the pressure so that we can end up with ceasefire," Lamola said. South Africa's case before the International Court of Justice argues that the war in Gaza, which began with the militant group Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied that accusation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several nations have added their weight to the proceedings, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile and Libya. The leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada have meanwhile said they plan to recognise a Palestinian state in September, and urged other nations to do so. The announcements by some of Washington's closest allies have displeased US President Donald Trump. Lamola said that had the world acted when South Africa made its case at the ICJ, "we would not be where we are". "It's clear starvation is emerging, famine, and all these are things we warned about in our ICJ case -- that this will lead to famine, will lead to complete cleansing of the population," he said. "It's rather late, yes, but it's better than never. So let them act, let them support, let them put the pressure." fal/br/jcb/sbk More countries must recognise a Palestinian state and stand up to Israel to stop its "genocidal activities", South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told AFP in an interview Tuesday. Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, bringing a case before the UN's top court in December 2023 arguing that its war in the Palestinian territory amounted to genocide. As some of Israel's allies "are now also saying, no, this can't continue, it means that it is bringing us closer and closer to the Israel regime (stopping) the genocidal activities", Lamola said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Africa's case before the International Court of Justice argues that the war in Gaza, which began with the militant group Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied that accusation. Several nations have added their weight to the proceedings, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile and Libya. The leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada have meanwhile said they plan to recognise a Palestinian state in September, and urged other nations to do so. "We call for more countries to continue to recognise Palestine," Lamola told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This will put the pressure so that we can end up with a ceasefire." After 22 months of combat sparked by the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas that killed 1,219 people and saw hundreds kidnapped, the Israeli army has devastated large parts of the Palestinian territory. More than 60,933 Palestinians have been killed, according to figures from Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry, and humanitarian agencies have warned that the territory's 2.4 million people are slipping into a catastrophic famine. Lamola said that had the world acted when South Africa made its case at the ICJ, "we would not be where we are". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's clear starvation is emerging, famine, and all these are things we warned about in our ICJ case -- that this will lead to famine, will lead to complete cleansing of the population," he said. "It's rather late, yes, but it's better than never. So let them act, let them support, let them put the pressure." - Relations at 'a low' - South Africa-US relations have "reached a low" with Washington attempting to interfere in domestic issues, the minister said. The two nations have been at odds over a range of domestic and international policies, including Pretoria's ICJ case and debunked claims by US President Donald Trump that white South Africans face discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tariffs of 30 percent -- the highest on any sub-Saharan African country -- are set to hit certain South African exports Friday in the absence of a trade deal. "In the past we have not had this situation where another government would want to interfere on a domestic issue like it is now," Lamola said. "Since the last 30 years, there have been disagreements with the US administration on a number of issues, but the diplomatic lines of engagement have always been open," he said. South Africa's failure to reach a new trade deal has been criticised at home, including by parties in the coalition government which have accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and his team of diplomatic missteps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Lamola told AFP that Pretoria had done "everything possible under the sun" to reach a deal. Political disagreements had not come up in trade talks with the United States, he said. - Trump 'welcome' at G20 - "The situation with the US for any country, not just for South Africa, is unpredictable," he said. Equally uncertain is US participation in the G20 summit hosted in November in Johannesburg, which Trump last week said he "probably won't" attend. "He's welcome to come to South Africa and participate," Lamola said, "but it's his decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister reiterated Pretoria's intent to promote its theme of "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability" at the high-level summit. "The period of unilateralism has passed. We will no longer ever go back there," he said. "The world must accept it is now the period where we are all interconnected, we all have to act together to find solutions for climate change, inequality, artificial intelligence. We all have to work as one global community." fal/clv/jcb/gv Florida Attorney General and Orange County Sheriff John Mina in Orlando on April 14, 2025. (Screenshot from video from James Uthmeier's X account) Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is suing companies that operate porn websites for noncompliance with the states new age verification law, which kicked in at the start of the year. While some well-known sites pulled down their content to users inside Florida, others have continued to operate without requiring users to verify their age, including XVideos.com which reportedly has millions of visitors from Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uthmeier on Tuesday filed a civil lawsuit against Webgroup Czech Republic, NKL Associates, Sonesta Technologies Inc., GGW Group, and Traffic F for allegedly breaking state law and endangering minors. Many of the companies are based in the Czech Republic but several maintain Florida offices. Uthmeier is asking the court to temporarily and permanently enjoin the companies to prevent future violations of the law and is seeking civil penalties, attorneys fees and costs, and punitive damages. He wants the judge to issue an order requiring the companies to divest ownership of the domain names XVideos.com, XNXX.com (which are free to access), and GirlsGoneWild.com. Multiple porn companies are flagrantly breaking Floridas age verification law by exposing children to harmful, explicit content. As a father of young children, and as Attorney General, this is completely unacceptable, Uthmeier said in a prepared statement. We are taking legal action against these online pornographers who are willfully preying on the innocence of children for their financial gain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Deceptive trade practices Each knowing and intentional violation of Floridas age-verification law constitutes an unfair and deceptive trade practice. The AGs office notes that each violation is subject to a $50,000 penalty. Uthmeiers office wrote letters to two companies, WebGroup and NKL, on April 10, demanding they come into compliance with the law within 30 days, according to the suit. The letters warned there would be sanctions if they didnt comply. But no changes were made, the attorneys said. Each day that the pornographers continue to violate Floridas age-verification law, they rack up tens, if not hundreds of thousands, of violations of these provisions and of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, the suit says. Motivated by greed, the Pornographers willfully prey on the children and adolescents of Florida to the detriment of their health and well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Legislature passed HB 3 in 2024, joining scores of other states that required age verification for porn sites. Two lawsuits have been filed against the law. But a U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding a similar Texas law brought the legal challenges against HB 3 to an end. According to the suit, the website XVideos.com is the 20th most popular website in the world with 1.228 billion monthly visitors, of which they estimate 18 million visits a month come from Florida. XNXX.com is the 30th most popular website in the world with an estimated 16 million visits from Florida a month. GirlsGoneWild.com has more than 353,000 monthly visitors, of which approximately 9,200 are from Florida a month. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Monument has bypassed its usual bidding process to complete emergency repairs on a well important to the town's water availability. Its been nearly three weeks since Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard unveiled a report with a title that read, Declassified Evidence of Obama Administration Conspiracy to Subvert President Trumps 2016 Victory and Presidency. In an accompanying press release, the hapless DNI added, The information we are releasing today clearly shows there was a treasonous conspiracy in 2016 committed by officials at the highest level of our government. In reality, the report showed no such thing, and independent analyses characterized Gabbards report as ludicrous. An analysis from The Bulwark explained, [E]ven a cursory look at the actual substance of Gabbards dramatic claims shows ... a nothingburger. There is no actual substance. Officials from Democratic and Republican administrations urged the public to recognize Gabbards conspiracy theories as obvious nonsense. Donald Trump and his partisan allies didnt much care. Neither did Attorney General Pam Bondi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A week after the DNI unveiled her discredited allegations, the hyperpartisan, White House-aligned attorney general announced the formation of a new task force or as Bondi put it, a strike force that would focus exclusively on Gabbards preposterous allegations. Members of this strike force would, according to the AGs office, investigate potential next legal steps which might stem from DNI Gabbards disclosures. Those next legal steps are quickly coming into focus. NBC News reported: Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed Justice Department prosecutors to launch a grand jury investigation of whether Obama administration officials committed federal crimes when they assessed Russias actions during the 2016 election, a senior Trump administration official said. NBC News spoke to a former senior Justice Department official who condemned the move as a dangerous political stunt. A former senior national security official pointed out that multiple past reviews, including ones conducted by Republicans, found no such crimes. Theres no logical, rational basis for this, the official added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, Joyce Vance, a former federal prosecutor and an MSNBC legal analyst, explained via Bluesky, [The attorney general] doesnt tell prosecutors when to open cases. They make those decisions based on the facts and the law. And for it to happen in this of all cases ... tells you everything you need to know. The brazenness of the gambit is obvious. But as this absurdity advances, its important to acknowledge the broader political context. Late last week, Sean Spicer, Trumps first White House press secretary, argued that the administration must pursue Gabbards conspiracy theories or face a possible revolt from the presidents MAGA base. If these guys keep pumping out this stuff and declassifying things and dont go anywhere, you think Epstein was bad, youre going to piss off a lot of people if they dont act, Spicer said on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while its ridiculous to think an administration would take bonkers claims seriously to avoid annoying a partisan constituency, theres every reason to believe Team Trump is barreling down this path. Even the most hysterical prosecutors understand that while outlandish claims might generate misguided reports in conservative media and might help Republicans fundraising appeals, they cant bring those same claims to a courtroom and expect to succeed. Bondi and her team, however, also understand that Trump and his cohorts appear to believe Gabbards nonsensical allegations and expect action. No good can come of this. Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com ANDERSON The Madison County Commissioners have approved an agreement to provide security when the jury in the death penalty case of Carl Roy Webb Boards II is sequestered. Boards is charged with the July 2022 shooting death of Elwood police officer Noah Shahnavaz. Madison Circuit Court Division 3 Judge Andrew Hopper has ruled that the jury will be selected from Delaware County with the trial to start in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial is expected to last up to six weeks. Boards faces charges of murder, two counts of resisting law enforcement, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, firearm enhancement, habitual offender, life without parole and the death penalty. Madison County Sheriff John Beeman asked the commissioners Tuesday to approve an agreement with Extra Duty Solutions to provide security at the location where the jury is sequestered during the trial. Beeman said the company provided security during the trial of Richard Allen in the Delphi murder case. Allen was sentenced to serve 130 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beeman said Extra Duty Solutions recruits law enforcement officers from around the state to work during the time the jury is sequestered. It requires 24 hours of coverage, Beeman said. The company pays $60 per hour. Beeman said off-duty patrol officers with the Madison County Sheriffs Department can apply to work security for the jurors when they are sequestered. He said those officers would be paid under the contract. Madison County has set aside funds in the countys Rainy Day Fund to pay for the Boards trial, which will take place in the Anderson City Court. OTHER BUSINESS The commissioners approved a $174,977 settlement with a drug company in the opioid addiction case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison County Attorney Jeff Graham said a percentage of the funds are restricted to use for drug rehabilitation programs. The commissioners also approved an award letter for the replacement of the bridge on County Road 300 West near County Road 1000 North. The county was awarded $3.8 million in federal funds, and the countys Cumulative Bridge Fund will provide $939,000 in matching funds. Work is expected to take place in September 2030. Leading regulators and industry executives agreed that increased collaboration is the only way that states can stem the flood of counterfeit and illegal synthetic drugs being sold to consumers covertly on the internet. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, the president of the National Association of Attorneys General, hosted a two-day conference at the AC Hotel Portsmouth on fighting illegal drug sales. Formella said the meeting was meant to build on the multi-state cases that resulted in opioid manufacturers settling a class action lawsuit with AGs for $26 billion in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as its still available we are going to deal with (social media) platforms that are the modern-day street corners, said Tom Galvin, executive director with the Digital Citizens Alliance. At the outset of the conference, Galvin showed he arranged to buy drugs online without a prescription, noting that one of the planned-but-not carried out illicit buys was from the top site on a major web search engine. Josh Bolin, senior adviser with the National Association of the Boards of Pharmacy, said state prosecutors should not prematurely celebrate that opioid overdose deaths nationally were down 25% in recent years. Please resist the rush to judgment as to why the numbers are down because we dont know that answer yet, Bolin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counterfeit drug sales are being introduced to replace those a state or federal prosecutor has shut down, he said. State regulation and laws are hopelessly behind the technology; thats just the nature of the beast, Bolin said. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said the most popular fake drugs are weight loss medications. You have big companies that are selling drugs that are not legal, are not regulated and are not tested or safe, Tong said. On Tuesday, Tongs office announced it had reached a settlement with Triggered Brand, which agreed to take off the market its counterfeit weight loss drugs that were made to look like Ozempic, a brand-name Food and Drug Administration approved medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a bit of a game of whack-a-mole, Tong said. Galvin agreed. Online dealer gets caught and then crops up again somewhere else, he said, What I wish is if the platforms would all get together and talk to one another. Congress urged to revisit social media immunity law Jim Crotty is the law enforcement outreach manager with Meta Platforms Inc., which owns Facebook and Instagam. He said Meta has been working for several years to block the online sales. Currently these platforms stop at least 96% of the sales before they get reported to the social media network, Crotty said. I am fairly comfortable that if you search buy fentanyl on our platforms, you arent going to find anything, Crotty said. What becomes more challenging is that you have actors using slang codes and emojis with slight changes that appear to be legitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Bolin and Galin said Congress should revisit Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, adopted in 1995, which shields online platforms from liability for content posted by their users. Metas Crotty half-jokingly said hed take the Fifth (Amendment) and not comment on that idea. Formella moderated another panel on federal cooperation that included Ted Docks, the FBIs special agent in charge of the Boston field office for all of New England. The federal government has resources when it comes to intelligence that none of the states have and thats why partnerships are critically important, Formella said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States and Congress need to adopt laws that address the expanded use by illegal drug dealers of apps written in code that law enforcement cant break, Docks said. We need legislation to deal with encrypted apps because it is very hard to take down these organizations that are using to do all the things they do. We used to be able to pick all that up and now we cant. It is a little bit dark now, Docks said. Jarod Forget, special agent in charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England, said his offices cyber investigations for drugs have been cut by half due to these new apps. We have a huge black eye in this space. The DEA is finding it hard to find people with these specialized skills on encrypted apps, Forget said. If your officers are not in that space, you are way behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jay McCormack, acting U.S. attorney in New Hampshire, said state law enforcement agencies should consider charging drug criminals under federal law that can carry stiff minimum mandatory prison terms. In New Hampshire, you live in a state or district that gets good drug sentences but many states do not, McCormack said. The conference attracted anti-drug prosecutors from 40 states. Attorney Generals Office Communications Director Michael Garrity said every year the NAAG president gets to host a summit on the topic of his or her choosing. Attorney General Formella felt this subject was one that would attract a lot of bipartisan support since its a major problem facing all states, Garrity added. klandrigan@unionleader.com Ahead of the expected passage of legislation in South Korea that would broaden labour protections, an AI-generated image was shared in posts falsely claiming it showed striking workers outside the headquarters of tech giant Samsung. The image originated from a news report, where it was captioned as being created by ChatGPT, illustrating a hypothetical scenario once amendments to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act were passed. The image appearing to show scores of striking workers holding up placards demanding Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong "join collective bargaining" was shared on Facebook on August 3, 2025. "Situation in front of Samsung HQ due to the yellow envelope bill," reads the image's Korean-language caption, referring to proposed amendments to South Korea's Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act that the ruling Democratic Party has vowed to approve. According to The Korea Times, the bill would broaden protections for workers and strengthen their right to take collective action, including an expanded definition of legitimate labour disputes (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Business groups have criticised the bill, with a report in The Chosun Daily saying industry leaders had warned the proposed changes could escalate strikes, delay production, and force shutdowns (archived link). Screenshot of the false Facebook post captured on August 4, 2025, with a red X added by AFP The same image was also shared in similar posts in Facebook groups frequented by conservative users, as well as on the South Korean forum Ilbe. "The law hasn't even passed yet and these commies are already striking," read a comment on one of the posts. Another said: "They're taking part in Lee Jae Myung's plan to nationalise all businesses." But as of August 5, there have been no official reports of such a protest outside the Samsung headquarters. Hypothetical scenario A keyword search found the falsely shared image first appeared in a July 2025 report by South Korean outlet Edaily, which speculated on possible labour unrest if the yellow envelope bill were to become law (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The image's caption says it was generated using ChatGPT. Screenshot of the AI image as it appears in the Edaily report A visual analysis of the image reveals inconsistencies indicating it was made with AI, such as distorted lettering on protest placards, misshapen or fused limbs on protesters, and an unnatural crowd arrangement. Although generative AI technology is improving rapidly, identifying visual inconsistencies remains the best way to distinguish fabricated content from genuine material. Screenshot of the falsely shared image, with visual inconsistencies highlighted by AFP Moreover, the buildings and environment in the falsely shared image do not match Google Street View imagery of the area outside Samsung's headquarters in Seoul (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the AI image (left) and Google Street View imagery of Samsung headquarters in Seoul (right) AFP has debunked other false claims misrepresenting AI-generated images and videos as real-life events. Aug. 4Artificial intelligence is seeping into daily routines, helping to craft emails, keep track of schedules and manage other tasks more efficiently. Much of AI's potential might still be beyond imagination, but one thing's clear its power needs will be enormous. Less certain is who will pay AI's electric bills and just how much consumers will bear. Such questions are open to debate as big tech firms among them Microsoft, Meta, Google and Amazon rush to lock in long-term, clean power sources for ever-larger data centers, making deals with utilities and power plant operators in Maryland and across the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those include Baltimore-based Constellation Energy, the nation's largest operator of nuclear reactors, which has power purchase deals with Microsoft and Meta, and Rockville-based X-energy Reactor Co., a developer of small nuclear reactors. X-energy plans to develop 64 advanced modular reactors for Amazon, a key investor, by 2039. Current and projected increased electric demand has spurred much-needed investment in new carbon-free energy generation, both conventional and new technologies, such as small modular reactors and geothermal, energy company officials say. Increased demand means, "American businesses are succeeding," Kathleen L. Barron, Constellation's chief strategy and growth officer, said in an interview. "We in the electric sector need to be able to meet that demand. The alternative is to say we don't want growth, and we don't think that's good for anyone." The AI race has led to larger, more energy-intensive data centers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The race to develop AI has accelerated the scale and energy intensity of data centers, which require a consistent and steady electricity supply. A March study from Harvard University shows facilities that will consume hundreds of megawatts of power, as much as the city of Cleveland, have been under development since 2023. By the end of last year, companies were expanding to gigawatt-scale data center campuses. Even bigger centers, demanding more energy than the nation's largest nuclear power plant, are envisioned, the study said. Within five years, it said, data centers may consume as much as 12% of all U.S. electricity and could be largely responsible for quintupling annual demand growth. Since the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT in late 2022, technology to create machines that can think like humans has been used in self-driving cars, customer service chatbots, programs that detect financial fraud and plenty more. AI is expected to contribute trillions to the global economy and play a role in addressing climate change, according to the University of Cincinnati, which specializes in AI business applications. "It's a paradigm shift, probably more so than the concept of the Internet or the gasoline engine," said Jeff A. Shaffer, director of the business school's Applied AI Lab. "We don't yet know what that impact on society is. It's going ubiquitous, it's going to be in to be in everything we do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposed infrastructure faces opposition The framework supporting the fast-changing technology is already sparking controversy. In three Maryland counties, landowners opposing a proposed 67-mile high voltage transmission line argue the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project will cut across hundreds of properties, harming or destroying cropland, conserved land and waterways, only to feed the appetite of data centers in Virginia. Demand from data centers sparked a nearly 10% annual jump in wholesale electricity prices set at a recent interstate "capacity market auction," for a regional power grid serving 67 million people in Maryland and a dozen other states, Maryland People's Counsel David S. Lapp said in a recent analysis. Data centers accounted for more than 5,400 megawatts of increased demand compared with last year's level. The Harvard study raised questions about who should shoulder AI's energy costs. Utilities are prioritizing the needs of a few, energy-intensive customers to satisfy the surge in computer chip-filled warehouses, says the study, by the law school's Environmental & Energy Law Program. It argues that utilities are funding discounts to Big Tech by socializing their costs through electricity prices charged to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That happens when utilities build infrastructure for new data centers but then spread the costs to everyone and when data center use impacts interstate wholesale electricity markets, trickling down to ratepayers in higher costs to ratepayers, said Ari Peskoe, director of the Harvard Electricity Law Initiative. "As society's demand for electricity grew, we all kind of paid for it under the theory that we all benefit from economic development and population growth," Peskoe said. "But the growth of data centers is challenging the fundamental premise of utility regulation. Now we have massive cost increases that are being driven by just a handful of facilities being built by the world's wealthiest corporations." A review of nearly 50 regulatory proceedings about data centers' rates found ways in which existing and new rate structures and "secret contracts" are transferring Big Tech's energy costs to the public. For instance, it found utility regulators frequently approved special contracts with just a cursory analysis, instead of gathering the lengthy evidence that typically comes from utilities and other parties in state regulators' rate cases. Peskoe argues that AI consumers should not be responsible for the technology's power needs any more than grocery customers should pay store electric bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States compete for data centers While there's disagreement over how to allocate data center costs, most states have similar goals when it comes to attracting such facilities. At least 30 states, including Maryland, are competing with incentives to woo data center construction along with the associated tax base and jobs. Maryland, Texas and New York have taken steps recently to support new nuclear capacity and have turned to nuclear to add additional grid capacity. Proponents of nuclear and next-generation nuclear believe the carbon-free, reliable form of energy is uniquely positioned to meet growing demand from data centers as well as electrification and onshoring of manufacturing. But most of the nation's nuclear fleet is aging, with only one new plant built since the 1980s, and about a dozen reactors shut down in the past decade, mostly for economic reasons. Some, including two owned by Constellation outside Maryland, have stayed open thanks to state and now federal energy production tax credits. Constellation operates power plants mainly in Maryland, Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania and supplies electricity on the competitive retail market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement X-energy, which plans to open a small nuclear reactor testing center in Frederick early next year, is working toward satisfying the power needs of "hyper-scalers" that has been rising about 100% every 18 months, said Steve Miller, executive vice president. Its customers include Dow Inc. and Amazon. "It doesn't show any signs of slowing down," Miller said in an interview. "So really, in order to provide clean power for that large of a demand, I mean, nuclear is truly the only real answer." Constellation looks to expand nuclear power capacity Constellation is working towards expanding its fleet through restarts, by adding to the output of existing resources through updates and by seeking to relicense plants. All are lengthy and costly processes that can be better financially justified by signing up long-term customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner or operator of 25 reactors across six states plans to add capacity at two of its plants through such deals. It will supply electricity to Microsoft's Mid-Atlantic data centers by restarting Unit 1 at the former Three Mile Island, now called Crane Clean Energy Center. It will provide power to Meta, owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, for the next two decades from a nuclear plant in Chicago. "The large hyper-scalers, like most large corporate organizations, are looking to buy clean power to power their operations," after decades of investing mostly in wind and solar power, Barron said. "What's happened of late is that these companies have changed their perception of what's clean power to include all sources that are zero carbon and not just wind and solar." That has led to deals such as Google buying hydropower from two dams in Pennsylvania to power AI operations in the PJM grid area. In such "over-the-grid" deals, hyper-scalers get credit for matching consumption with clean power, Barron said, "but the power is still going onto the grid every day. It's still being used by families and businesses every day. It's still helping to keep the lights on every day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, the company said it plans to invest about $100 million to boost future energy output at its Maryland nuclear power plant, Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center, formerly known as Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, in Lusby. The company will be upgrading electrical systems and plant equipment to prepare for a potential renewal of operating licenses. Barron said both the electricity and data economy industries are looking for ways to meet demand efficiently in a way that takes advantage of the capacity that goes unused in systems built to serve peak loads, as a way to better control price increases for consumers. Some, though, say AI's energy demands are simply too difficult to predict. That's because efficiencies are likely to occur as yet-to-be-developed AI models, training methods and computer chips advance, presumably cutting down on energy consumption. "I'm not coming from the camp of we should ignore the energy aspect of it, but I think we just need to recognize we're in a fluctuating period right now where people are trying to figure it out," said Shaffer, of Cincinnati's AI lab. "When the models get more advanced, we're going to get to the point where the models can improve upon themselves without the humans." Have a news tip? Contact Lorraine Mirabella at lmirabella@baltsun.com or (410) 332-6672. Originally Published:August 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM EDT The Pentagon awarded a massive $3.5 billion to RTX Corporation for more AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. The foreign military sales aspect includes a long list of US allies and partners. The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a pivotal weapon for many US partners, and global usage has surged. The Pentagon just inked a record $3.5 billion deal with RTX for AIM-120 air-to-air missiles. It's a massive order that underscores how global conflicts are stressing stockpiles and dramatically increasing demand for key munitions. Demand for the AMRAAM has been growing amid global crises like the war in Ukraine and fights in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The massive deal, which was part of a total $7.8 billion awarded to Lockheed Martin and RTX for missile production, was signed late last month. Other systems in the contracts include Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM, award was especially notable, not only for its size but the number of allies and partners that will receive the missile. The Foreign Military Sales portion of the massive contract includes Japan, Canada, Germany, the UK, and Ukraine, RTX told Business Insider. The Department of Defense contract details identified sales to 19 allies and partners. It also comes less than a year after a $1.2 billion contract for the AMRAAM, another record-breaking deal that followed a $1.15 billion deal in 2023. These three deals point to a demand to refill and expand stockpiles. An AIM-120 AMRAAM being loaded onto an F-16CJ. US Air Force "As global conflicts intensify and air threats become more sophisticated, AMRAAM continues to give allied forces a decisive edge in combat," said Sam Deneke, the president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AIM-120 has seen use in Ukraine, with both Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets and Norway's Kongsberg Defense and Raytheon's National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The AMRAAM has also seen use in the Middle East by the US planes battling the Houthis and other threats. These conflicts pull from US and allied stockpiles. The weapon is an all-weather, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with active radar for decreased dependence on the aircraft for intercepts. There are multiple variants of the AIM-120. The newest one is the AIM-120D, which has a reported range exceeding 100 miles. It's highly useful for taking out air threats like uncrewed aerial vehicles and drones, but it's also an expensive tradeoff, with each AIM-120 costing around $1 million. The US has pursued alternatives to taking out these threats, and military officials have acknowledged that the need for more cost-effective answers. An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 85th Test Evaluation Squadron shoots an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM over testing ranges near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., March 19, 2019. US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hoskins Part of the demand for the AIM-120 is that it's a highly desired system by militaries around the world. It is an essential weapon as countries consider air dominance and defense demands in modern warfighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite many other investments in air-to-air systems, "the AIM-120 AMRAAM series remains and likely will remain the backbone of Western and Western-aligned air-to-air weaponry for many years to come," Justin Bronk, an airpower expert at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, told Business Insider. RTX highlighted that the AMRAAM is used on 14 different platforms, including fighter aircraft and surface-to-air missile systems, in 44 countries and is combat-proven. Global usage of the missile, Bronk said, has far outpaced production, making the new contract not only important for filling stockpiles but also increasing production capacity. Decades of steady usage have left stockpiles thin, with lawmakers in Washington expressing concern about existing stocks. Among other efforts to boost the numbers, the US and Japan are now considering co-production of the AIM-120 to help close the gap. Read the original article on Business Insider The Brief An air quality alert due to the Canadian wildfires was extended through Tuesday. Clinic visits are up due to respiratory issued through Metro Detroit, said one doctor. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Coughing a lot lately? Youre not alone. Those wildfires from Canada are causing Metro Detroit a lot of problems, including an air quality alert that continues tonight. The backstory Belle Isle gives the best view of Detroit, but its hazy with the Ambassador Bridge barely visable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of wildfires from Canada, in areas thousands of miles away, like Manitoba, are some of the worst in history according to the government. The air quality alert was supposed to run until midnight tonight, but was extended through Tuesday. Free clinics like HUDA - Detroits Health Unit on Davison Avenue and urgent cares all around Metro Detroit- swamped because of these Canadian wildfires. The coughs are real and even if you have only some symptoms, its good to get them checked out. "Dr. Mush" is board certified in emergency medicine, and the medical Director at HUDA. We caught up with him at his clinic in Lincoln Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Weve had an unprecedented amount of asthma attacks and active airway diseases," said Dr. Wasfeh Musheinesh. The advice to all his patients is to minimize outdoor activities, unless breathing becomes real bad. "If anybodys actually going through these things seek help because right now its not a joke," the doctor said. The Source Information for this story is from Dr. Wasfeh Musheinesh. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) State officials on Monday issued an air quality health advisory for Western New York and other regions through late Wednesday due to the smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada. The advisory will be in effect until Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. for all of Western New York. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the department expects the poor air quality to last multiple days. She also said there will likely be air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, which falls in between 100 to 150 on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air quality above the 150 range is deemed unhealthy for all groups. Buffalo reached 152 on Monday. See WIVB News 4s latest forecast here Sensitive groups include people with medical conditions, such as asthma and heart disease, children, the elderly and pregnant women. Symptoms of exposure include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, a running nose and shortness of breath. Officials said staying indoors may reduce exposure. New York State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner James McDonald and Lefton urged people to check the DEC, DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency websites regularly, along with AirNow to see the daily air quality forecast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The climate has changed, and because the climate has changed, going to AirNow.gov [is] really critical for every day. Its part of my normal routine, McDonald said. What we want to make sure we do is look at the environment and then see if were going to interact with it. Margaret LaFarr, the DECs director of Division of Air, said the state monitors air quality through 50 different regulatory air monitors that are permanently located across the state. There will be a brief period today [Monday] where air quality will improve, but then, were going to see numbers climb again, so its just a matter of how long and how high the values will climb. Its complicated, LaFarr said. We need to check to see if the smoke is actually hitting ground level. Many times, youll see smoke at elevated levels, its not reaching the ground, so it may not be a health concern. Click here to sign up to receive air quality alerts from the DEC. A toll-free hotline providing updates can be reached at 1-800-535-1345. Latest Local News Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Guernsey Airport has launched a discount on long-stay parking for the summer holidays. Stays of six days or longer would automatically get a 20% discount, airport operator Guernsey Ports said. Ports bosses said the promotion, which lasts until 7 September, aimed to make long-stay parking a "more appealing and affordable choice" for travellers. Philip Smallwood, airline Aurigny's chief operations officer, said the scheme meant people travelling on seasonal routes to Europe could "plan a holiday without the hassle". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Buddery, from Ports, said the schedule gave travellers "another option, so they can decide what works best for them". He said Ports would monitor the effect of the changes to help decide on the airport's future parking provision. The long-stay summer parking rates are: 6 days - 76.80 (19.20 saving) 7 days - 86.40 (21.60 saving) 8 days - 96.00 (24.00 saving) 9 days - 105.60 (26.40 saving) 10 days - 115.20 (28.80 saving) 11 days - 124.80 (31.20 saving) 12 days - 134.40 (33.60 saving) 13 days - 144.00 (36.00 saving) 14 days - 153.60 (38.40 saving) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Related internet links Members of the Alabama Public Service Commission prepare for the Tuesday, August 5, 2025 regular meeting. Board members Tuesday allowed Alabama Power to acquire a natural gas power plant in Autauga County and increase rates to pay for it. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama Public Service Commission Tuesday approved Alabama Powers purchase of a natural gas power plant in Autauga County. Commissioners also approved the companys request to increase the monthly electricity rates it charges to its residential customers by $3.32 to offset the cost of acquiring the plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a review of all of the pre-filed testimony, the transcript of the hearing and the post hearing briefs in the form of proposed orders, the Staff has determined that Alabama Power Company has demonstrated a need for additional capacity and presented evidence demonstrating that the Lindsay Hill Facility proposed by the Company represents a reasonable means by which the Company can meet this need in a reliable and economic manner, said John Garner, executive director of the Public Service Commission during the meeting. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The company said in a filing with the PSC in October that it needs roughly 1,200 megawatts in new power capacity by the end of the decade, due in part to the growth of data centers. The utility estimates that it will have surplus capacity until 2028. This would be the third Alabama Power rate increase that the company imposed on its customers since 2020. The company acquired other power plants in 2020 and 2022 and increased the rate by $5 per month to pay for the cost of those purchases. Alabama Power said in a statement on Tuesday that the decision reinforces the companys commitment to deliver dependable energy to Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding Lindsay Hills strong track record of reliable power to our generation mix will strengthen our ability to meet the growing needs of our state so we can economically produce the electricity our customers count on, Alabama Power said. Customers will not see any impact on their bills from this facility until mid-2027. Renewable energy advocates who intervened in the case and sought to block the purchase. Alabama Powers five-year gas grab burdens families with higher bills and highlights the utilitys failure to consider cheaper and cleaner alternatives, said Daniel Tait, executive director of Energy Alabama, in a statement. Alabama families deserve better than approving polluting power plants without proof theyre absolutely necessary, said Jilisa Milton, director of Greater-Brimingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP), in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Energy Alabama and GASP, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center argue that Alabama Power overestimated the demand of these data centers when it estimated future capacity needs and excluded other energy sources that are more friendly to the environment from consideration Alabama Power said it based its estimates on the power demand of a currently operational data center. It also said that it excluded renewable energy sources, such as solar power and energy storage, from its options because the company does not have the experience with those energy sources. Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, stands in the Alabama Senate on May 14, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Allen, the sponsor of the 2017 Alabama Monument Preservation Act, has prefiled a bill to raise fines under the act from a one-time $25,000 charge to a $5,000-a-day fine. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The sponsor of Alabamas law forbidding local governments from removing or renaming historical monuments is making another attempt to increase fines for cities and counties that do so. Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, has pre-filed a bill that would increase the fine for violating the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017 from a one-time $25,000 fine to $5,000 per day every day there is a violation of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think protecting history speaks well of where weve been not only as a state but as a nation. And certainly its important for us to protect history, Allen said in a phone interview Monday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The 2017 law forbids local governments from relocating, altering, renaming or disturbing monuments or architecturally significant buildings that are at least 40 years old. The law allows governments to apply for waivers to alter monuments and notable buildings between 20 and 40 years old. Critics said the law makes it difficult for Alabama communities to remove monuments to the Confederacy, many of which were erected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as markers of white supremacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of April, Alabama still has about 175 Confederate monuments around the state, while 18 have been removed or renamed since 2018, according to The Southern Poverty Law Center. Twelve of the removals and renamings happened in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. Birmingham was fined $25,000 for surrounding a Confederate Soldiers & Sailors monument in Linn Park with plywood in 2017, a case that went to the Alabama Supreme Court, which upheld the law in 2019. The following year, the monument was removed during the George Floyd protests. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin indicated at the time the city would be willing to pay the fine, citing ongoing unrest as more expensive. Allen has attempted to increase the penalties many times over the years, to no avail. In 2020, he tried to increase the fine to $10,000 per day and in 2024, Allen filed for an increase to $5,000 per day. This time he believes legislators will pass the bill because the timing is right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a process. And sometimes, an important piece of legislation just gets left on the table. And I dont think its any reason other than a time issue, he said. Sonny Brasfield, executive director of the Association of County Commission of Alabama, said passing the bill likely isnt at the front of legislators minds so its hard to say if rural counties will have any major hardship with the newly proposed fines. In some ways its difficult to talk about that because I dont think the issue of renaming facilities or buildings is at the forefront of Alabama, he said. Brasfield said removal of the memorials isnt a concern in the state anymore and doesnt think theres a reason for the fine increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think this is a problem. And so I really dont see a reason for the fine to be increased because normally you increase fines if youre trying to deter repeated behavior, he said. The Legislatures 2026 session begins in January. JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, speaking with Alaska reporters Monday, toyed with the idea of running for governor and defended her recent high-profile decision to vote in support of President Donald Trump's tax breaks and spending cuts bill. Murkowski, speaking from Anchorage, said sure when asked if she has considered or is considering a run for governor. She later said her response was a little bit flippant because she gets asked that question so often. Would I love to come home? I have to tell you, of course I would love to come home, she said. I am not making any decisions about anything, because my responsibility to Alaskans is my job in the Senate right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Republicans already have announced plans to run in next year's governor's race, including Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom. Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy is not eligible to seek a third consecutive term. Alaska has an open primary system and ranked choice voting in general elections. Murkowski is not up for reelection until 2028. A centrist, Murkowski has become a closely watched figure in a sharply divided Congress. She has at times been at odds with her party in her criticism of Trump and blasted by some GOP voters as a Republican in name only. But her decision to support Trump's signature bill last month also frustrated others in a state where independents comprise the largest number of registered voters. She previously described her decision-making process around the bill as agonizing. On Monday, she said it was clear to her the bill was not only a priority of Trump's but also that it was going to pass, so it became important to her to help make it as advantageous to the state as she could. So I did everything within my power as one lawmaker from Alaska to try to make sure that the most vulnerable in our state would not be negatively impacted, she said. And I had a hard choice to make, and I think I made the right choice for Alaskans. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Workers at the City of Albuquerques Community Safety Department said the city owes them money. Six former and five current Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) employees said the City of Albuquerque improperly categorized them as salaried employees for years, robbing them of overtime and extra holiday pay. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The workers filed a complaint in federal court on Monday, claiming the city violated the Fair Labor Standards Act, which establishes the rules for overtime pay. The Department of Labor spelled out what it means to be an hourly worker, including job duties and salary requirements. The lawsuit claims the city unfairly took ACS workers out of that category and made them salaried employees. In doing so, the lawsuit claims, the city Failed to pay the workers overtime at the time and a half rate during the weeks they worked more than 40 hours. It also said that workers werent compensated for extended break periods and paid holidays. A city spokesperson responded in a statement saying, in part, All responders have transitioned from salaried to hourly positions to better reflect the nature of their work, including overtime pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The workers are asking a federal judge for a trial to decide whether the city should compensate the plaintiffs and other employees for the years they missed out on overtime. The City of Albuquerque also said they are carefully reviewing this lawsuit and will respond to specific allegations in court. The City of Albuquerque is carefully reviewing this lawsuit and will respond to specific allegations in court. All responders have transitioned from salaried to hourly positions to better reflect the nature of their work, including overtime pay. ACS remains committed to supporting its responders and providing the right response at the right time. Connor Woods, Public Affairs Specialist, City of Albuquerque Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The United States Justice Department published a list of sanctuary jurisdictions around the country and threatened legal action against them. Albuquerque was included in the list of cities. Woman accused of Albuquerque murder arrested in Missouri Attorney General Pam Bondi called out states, counties, and cities that refuse to work with ICE, while they investigate illegal immigrants. She said her department plans on bringing litigation against these jurisdictions to eradicate these harmful policies around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and law enforcement leaders have spoken out several times recently in support of the citys immigrant-friendly status. I dont think this is going to do anything but make us less safe in our community. If we have immigrants who are scared to report crimes. We need everybody in this community, immigrants included, to participate in this process. And that means those brave souls who are willing to report crime that happens in their community, said Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman in January. The DOJ said they are willing to work with any jurisdiction that looks to get off the list by changing its policies. About two weeks ago, Mayor Keller signed his own executive order, reinstating the citys immigrant-friendly 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A man convicted of shooting and killing a friend of his ex-girlfriend will spend more than two decades behind bars. Chase Cuffie was found guilty of second-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault. Albuquerque man sentenced for helping cover up kidnapping, murder on Navajo Nation In July 2023, Cuffie was hiding in a closet on his exs patio at her apartment near Coors Blvd. and Paseo. Craig Dixon was with Cuffies ex and another friend when Cuffie came out and shot Dixon, killing him. Judge Brett Loveless sentenced Cuffie to 26 years behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 4Albuquerque's two JCPenney stores are among 119 across the country being sold to a commercial real estate firm based in Massachusetts. An affiliate of Boston-based Onyx Partners Ltd. is set to purchase the JCPenney properties, according to a news release from Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust last week. The local stores situated inside Albuquerque's two malls, Coronado Center and Cottonwood Mall will continue business as usual, a JCPenney spokesperson told the Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The real estate transaction ... represents a change in landlord but does not impact JCPenney store operations. These 119 JCPenney stores will continue to operate and serve our loyal customers and communities," the spokesperson wrote in an email. The Onyx Partners affiliate entered into an agreement with Copper Property, the current owner of the 119 store buildings, to purchase the properties for $947 million, according to the news release. The all-cash deal is expected to close by Sept. 8. The sale follows the closing of more than 200 JCPenney stores following a 2020 bankruptcy by the company, according to reporting by USA Today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copper Property became the landlord of 160 JCPenney stores as an outcome of the department store chain filing for bankruptcy, according to Jessica Cummins, senior vice president of finance and accounting for property management company Hilco Real Estate. Onyx Partners is a real estate and private investment firm that has facilitated more than $2 billion in private transactions across 47 states, according to its website. MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said a Foley woman was killed Monday in a single-vehicle wreck. ALEA said the wreck happened around 5 p.m. on Gum Pond Road near Martin Road. The agency said the woman, 29-year-old Brittany M. Reed, was killed when the vehicle she was driving left the roadway and hit a tree. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the ALEAs Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) Alex Cooper and Alix Earles relationship appears to be fractured following a TikTok video hinting at a falling out between the two podcasters. Earle took to TikTok on August 1, saying that the horoscope app Co-Star told her that she can start s today. It told me. It said, You can start some s. Lowkey, is this my time that Ive been waiting for? I have so much information, she said in the 44-second video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is Call Her Daddy host Alex Coopers net worth? Earles video comes six months after Cooper dropped Earles Hot Mess podcast from her production company Unwell Network, according to E! News. I wake up every day and Im like, What should I do Co-Star? Earle told her 7.5 million followers. And today, its like Revenge. I dont know if I should listen. Alex Cooper and Alix Earle tensions rumored The TikToker did not confirm if her video was aimed at the Call Her Daddy host but hinted at a falling out between her and Cooper when someone commented that they wanted to know what happened between the two, E! News reports. NEW YORK, NEW YORK SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Madeline Angy, Alex Cooper and Alix Earle attend an Unwell fan screening at the Paris Theater on September 13, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK JULY 21: Alix Earle attends the Happy Gilmore 2 World Premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center on July 21, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix) How much time do you have? she responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a March TikTok video, Earle told her followers that she wont be able to continue with Hot Mess but did not provide an explanation, according to E! News. I have to put a pause on podcasting right now for the foreseeable future, she said in the video. Dont really want to get into the details of it all, and I kind of cant get into the details of it all right now, but Ive loved it so much, and Im really proud of what I built with the podcast. Alex Cooper denies rumors Unwell prevented Alix Earle from podcasting Cooper wrote in an Instagram story March 26 that the Hot Mess host being unable to record her show has nothing to do with her production company. Alex Cooper, popular Bay Area influencer comment on Kis Cafe drama Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hi I see ur comments, she wrote, according to E!. Alix not being able to podcast has nothing to do with Unwell. Idk why she cant/whats going on. Unwell gave her everything back she owns her IP. Two months after Earle announced she wont be able to continue with her show, and Coopers denial, Earle told the Wall Street Journal, That was behind the scenes, adding it was a little bit of a hot mess. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ali Larijani, former chairman of the parliament of Iran, walks after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon November 15, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI) Larijani is a seasoned conservative and confidant of Khamenei. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader, as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Tuesday. The appointment takes place amid institutional changes following a 12-day air war with Israel in June, the Islamic Republic's most severe security challenge since a war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former member of the Revolutionary Guards, Larijani held the same top security position from 2005 to 2007 and was parliamentary speaker from 2008 to 2020. He now replaces Ali Akbar Ahmadian, who had become SNSC secretary in 2023. Larijani is a seasoned conservative and confidant of Khamenei. Iranian Armed Forces to move to supporting role According to Mansour Haghighatpour, a former lawmaker close to Larijani, the council will move the Armed Forces General Staff into a supporting, rather than commanding, role. Ali Larijani, former chairman of the parliament of Iran, reacts after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon November 15, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI) On Sunday, Iran revived an Iraq war-era Defense Council to review defense plans and enhance the capabilities of its armed forces in a centralized manner. Both the Defense Council and the SNSC are headed by Iran's president. Alex Winston contributed to this report. Aug. 4Hours before the discovery of a slain 14-year-old inside a University of New Mexico dorm, a Valencia County dispatcher received a frantic call from a woman reporting her son was on a roof, couldn't breathe and was hallucinating. The woman was Tessa Cannon, who identified herself as the mother of 18-year-old John Fuentes. She said she received a report from her son's father, "All of a sudden they said something's wrong with John. No one knows where he's at." At 12:51 a.m. on July 25, Cannon never mentioned anything about someone being shot in the 911 call the Journal obtained through an Inspection of Public Records Act request. During the call, Cannon said she received a call from Joseph Fuentes, father of John Fuentes, just 20 minutes earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's on a building somewhere, he's on drugs, hallucinating right now. I need his location to be located," she said. Cannon told the dispatcher she had last seen her son at home in Peralta just 10 minutes away from Los Lunas after making breakfast burritos for him. One of the young men in the dorm room told police Fuentes "appeared to be on drugs," before shooting 14-year-old Michael LaMotte in the head, according to court records filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. John Fuentes was ultimately arrested and charged with an open count of murder, aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence in the fatal shooting of LaMotte. Fuentes and LaMotte, along with two other young men, were playing video games at Casas del Rio, a UNM dorm, when Fuentes allegedly opened fire on the others, killing LaMotte and wounding a 19-year-old. The 19-year-old later went to a hospital for treatment and officers discovered LaMotte's body in the dorm room after 2:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 911 call adds to the timeline of what happened after a detection device picked up gunfire near the dorms just after midnight and LaMotte's body being found hours later. UNM Police Department, Albuquerque Police Department and New Mexico State Police have not released any additional information from their investigations. In her 911 call, Cannon asked police to meet her at an Albertsons in Los Lunas, roughly 15 minutes away from where she was in Meadow Lake. When asked by a dispatcher with the Valencia Regional Emergency Communications Center, Cannon said she was unsure if Fuentes had any weapons on him. She said he had no mental health issues. According to Cannon, Joseph Fuentes had received a FaceTime call from his son, who told his father that he could not breathe. John Fuentes was on an unknown rooftop, shirtless and in a frenzy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records stated there was blood on the rooftop of Mesa Vista Hall, an academic building around the corner from Casas del Rio. Fuentes had dropped his phone from the rooftop, and Joseph Fuentes was only able to see concrete during the FaceTime call. Police called Joseph Fuentes after speaking with Cannon and Joseph Fuentes said he was in Albuquerque looking for his son. He said he did not have his son's location . "They told us he was down here in Valencia County, are you guys looking for him in Albuquerque," the dispatcher asked while speaking with Joseph Fuentes. At 1:01 a.m., Valencia County dispatchers called AT&T to track down the last known location of Fuentes based off of his phone data. AT&T was able to track Fuentes' phone to an 89-meter (or 300-foot) radius near an Einstein Bros. Bagels on Roma Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's got to be pinging somewhere over there," a dispatcher said on the phone. The dispatcher also noted pings from the police administration building and the UNM Anderson School of Management. The UNM Anderson School of Management is less than five minutes away from the Casas del Rio dormitories, where the shooting occurred. Joseph Fuentes told police his son said his phone's battery was at 1%. AT&T relayed to Valencia dispatchers that once the phone battery was dead, they would no longer be able to ping the phone's current location. Einstein Bros. Bagels on Roma and Las Lomas Road was the last location discussed on the 911 calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico State Police said Fuentes was picked up by someone in a truck around 1:40 a.m., but they didn't say who. Roughly 12 hours later, State Police arrested Fuentes during a traffic stop in Los Lunas. Police tracked Fuentes to the area using license plate readers, State Police Chief Troy Weisler said. The 18-year-old has been booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center and is scheduled for a pretrial detention hearing on Tuesday. Two people are dead and at least four others were injured in what authorities are describing as a high-speed multi-vehicle collision in Santa Ana Monday night. Officers with the Santa Ana Police Department responded to reports of the violent crash on Main Street just north of Warner Avenue at around 6:35 p.m., officials confirmed to KTLA. Santa Ana PD Public Information Officer Natalie Garcia told reporters that the department received multiple calls about a vehicle traveling down Warner Avenue at a high rate of speed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very preliminary at this point. We know that based on video surveillance thats circulating a vehicle was travelling at a really high rate of speed northbound on Main when it lost control, went into the southbound lanes of traffic, driving on the wrong side of the road, Garcia said. Dashcam video posted to Instagram moments before the crash appears to show a driver behind the wheel of a BMW speeding northbound down Warner Avenue in southbound lanes, narrowly missing the Tesla that captured the video. A motorist allegedly traveling at high-speeds in the opposite lanes of traffic crashed into four cars, killing two people and injuring four others in Santa Ana on Aug. 4, 2025. (OnScene.TV) A motorist allegedly traveling at high-speeds in the opposite lanes of traffic crashed into four cars, killing two people and injuring four others in Santa Ana on Aug. 4, 2025. (OnScene.TV) A motorist allegedly traveling at high-speeds in the opposite lanes of traffic crashed into four cars, killing two people and injuring four others in Santa Ana on Aug. 4, 2025. (OnScene.TV) A motorist allegedly traveling at high-speeds in the opposite lanes of traffic crashed into four cars, killing two people and injuring four others in Santa Ana on Aug. 4, 2025. (OnScene.TV) A motorist allegedly traveling at high-speeds in the opposite lanes of traffic crashed into four cars, killing two people and injuring four others in Santa Ana on Aug. 4, 2025. (OnScene.TV) A motorist allegedly traveling at high-speeds in the opposite lanes of traffic crashed into four cars, killing two people and injuring four others in Santa Ana on Aug. 4, 2025. (OnScene.TV) Arriving police and crews with the Orange County Fire Authority found four vehicles involved in the collision, several of whom were trapped inside the wreckage of one vehicle and had to be extricated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All four were rushed to a nearby hospital in unknown conditions. Two other victims, each in separate vehicles, were declared dead at the scene. Santa Clarita park a problem spot for late night parties, underage drinking It is unknown if the person speeding on the wrong side of the road was killed during the crash. In footage of the aftermath obtained by KTLA, firefighters can be seen attempting to get inside one of the involved cars, which was completely destroyed, with its entire front end smashed beyond recognition. Two other vehicles, a Honda and a Toyota SUV also both sustained devastating damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing and that its too early to determine whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact SAPD at 714-245-8701. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GAUTIER, Miss. (WJTV) Students heading back to class on the Mississippi Coast had a surprise guest when they arrived. According to Gautier Elementary School officials, an alligator was spotted outside the school building on August 5. According to Gautier Elementary School officials, an alligator was spotted outside the school building on August 5. (Courtesy: Gautier Elementary School) According to Gautier Elementary School officials, an alligator was spotted outside the school building on August 5. (Courtesy: Gautier Elementary School) They said the Gautier Police Department responded to the school to make sure students and parents were safe during the morning drop-off. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. I am a retired Prison Governor. I was the Governor at HMP Wormwood Scrubs for four years, and I served in the Prison Service for a total of 27 years. My mission with Reform UK is singular: to build a law and order taskforce that is equipped for Government, ready to crack down on crime and lock away the most dangerous offenders. I have never been a member of any political party. My involvement with Reform is not driven by political ambition, but by a deep commitment to cleaning up our streets and keeping Britons safe. That independence puts me in a unique position to recognise the decline of our criminal justice system and the alarming rise in crime free from partisan bias. With nearly 27 years of experience in this field, I believe that, together with Colin Sutton, we can lead a powerful and effective force to tackle crime, root out corruption, and fix our broken justice system. Throughout my time in law and order, the establishment parties have failed this country on a massive scale. Under successive governments, virtually every major crime statistic is rising. Attacks on prison officers are at record highs, with more than 10,000 assaults reported in just the last 12 months. Inside our prisons, the crisis is deepening. Incidents of drug finds have risen by 25 per cent in the past year, weapons finds have increased by 12 per cent, and mobile phone finds are up by 14 per cent. These are not isolated figures; they paint a clear picture of a justice system spiralling out of control, a system broken by the mismanagement of both Labour and the Conservatives. Neither the Tories nor Labour have put forward any real solution. Instead, theyve quietly released tens of thousands of prisoners early, putting public safety at risk. They have ignored the voices of police, probation officers, prison staff, and the communities who deal with the consequences of their failures every day. Establishment politicians continue to pretend that Britain isnt becoming lawless, but we all know it is. This country bears no resemblance to what it was in my youth. Kids were playing in the streets, and theft was an unfortunate but incredibly seldom occurrence. We see the result of the establishments policies on a daily basis: rampant criminality on the streets, repeat offenders facing little consequences, and our towns and cities becoming increasingly unsafe. Our prisons perform a necessary function in society: to protect the public, to punish, and of course, to rehabilitate. Under previous Tory and Labour governments, this has fallen by the wayside. We are now warehousing prisoners and releasing better criminals back into our communities. This has to change. The problem isnt beyond repair. It just requires a no tolerance attitude, a system where every crime is properly investigated, and one where the punishment actually fits the crime. What we have now is a system where people are serving lengthy sentences for social media posts, yet some criminals and sex offenders can walk free after a laughably short sentence. We need to send the message that the United Kingdom is a no nonsense place. One where laws are enforced, crimes are prosecuted, and anti-social behaviour is not tolerated. I believe Reform has been the only party vocal about the issue, and the only one willing to put politics aside for the betterment of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I started at HMP Wormwood, I was assigned the task of cleaning up the D-wing. The D-wing was the worst of the worst, where the lifers were. It was dirty, rundown, and had a major drug problem. I carried out the job thoroughly, with zero tolerance for disrespect or disorderly behaviour. The governor at the time asked me to bring that same approach to every wing of the prison. Throughout my career in the prison system, Ive maintained a no-nonsense, persistent stance toward crime and those who show contempt for the rules of society. I will bring that same determination and discipline to my role within Reform UK. We need to back the prison service, support its staff, and ensure our officers can do their jobs without fear. I believe Reform UK can help make that a reality and restore law and order across Britain. Above all, Im proud to be part of a movement committed to restoring common sense and effective policing throughout the country. This is a party that prioritises the safety and freedom of every Briton. 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. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) As electric bills for July start to arrive, many Ameren Illinois customers say the rise in electricity prices is burning through their checkbooks. As you scroll through the Facebook page of Ameren Illinois, its comment section is riddled with customers showing their dissatisfaction with recent rate increases, including one commenter who claimed their bill recently increased by over $300. My bill went from $225 to $537 and that is NOT ok! Shame on you! I dont know whats going on to create this ridiculous issue but someone somewhere needs to intervene and straighten this out asap!!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois to start offering utility bill help program Another customer in WTWO/WAWVs area also claimed that their bill increased by over 50% compared to last year. WCIA, our sister station in Champaign, Illinois, has reported that the rate increases have also affected small businesses like Mad Goat Coffee, which recently opened a new location in Champaign just a year and a half ago. Every single dollar helps keep this place open, so yeah, its a big deal when those rates go up, said Ben Karwoski, owner of Mad Goat Coffee. They hit us just like they hit a family budget, and it makes things tough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WCIA also reported that the rate increase was the result of the Mid-Continent Independent System Operators annual capacity auction in April, which ensures there is sufficient electricity supply to provide power on peak days throughout the year. Commerce commission rules against Ameren for electric rate hike The auction resulted in a twenty-fold increase in summer capacity prices over previous prices, but Ameren said they do not control these prices. These results highlight the ongoing energy challenge in downstate Illinois and the need for a more robust resource planning process on the state level, Ameren said in a statement. We understand that supply cost increases may cause financial strain for some customers. We encourage customers to explore ways to reduce their bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Illinois residents face these rate increases, the Citizens Utility Board called for Ameren to work with its customers. Pritzker vetoes bill giving Ameren first say in transmission line projects This will be a difficult summer for far too many customers, CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said. In this expensive summer, we urge Ameren to do everything possible to work with customers so they can stay connected and keep their homes safe and cool. The increase in electricity prices took effect on June 1 and will last until September 30, when the electric supply rate is expected to return to previous rates due to temperatures falling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High summer electric prices are the leading factor of high bills this summer, along with the long stretch of extremely hot temperatures, said a representative with Ameren. Simply put, supply and demand issues have led to these prices increasing. Ameren Illinois is a delivery-only company. We simply deliver electricity to our customers; we dont produce it. The electricity we deliver either comes from third-party suppliers or through electricity contracts procured by the IPA and MISO. We pass along those supply costs, dollar-for-dollar, to customers without markup. The representative also suggested families struggling to pay their bills should look into payment programs here. We know many families are facing challenging economic times, and no one wants to see rising energy bills. Ameren Illinois is here to assist our customers in managing these rising energy costs. We offer a variety of bill assistance programs, grants, and flexibly payment arrangements, said the representative. Illinois watchdog calls proposed Nicor rate hike unjust and unreasonable Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UJA-Federations Project Horizon provides vital support to Kibbutz Erez and nearby communities, aiding recovery and resilience in the wake of the October 7 attack. Under the shade of a large tree on Kibbutz Erez, less than a mile from theGaza Strip, half a dozen Israeli children play history trivia games with a counselor. When loud booms from Gaza echo across the sky, some of the kids flinch at the noise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a reminder of the omnipresence of war and the horrors of Oct. 7, 2023, in this community of 560, where on that deadly day, one kibbutz member was killed and four were injured. For months afterward, the kibbutz was empty, its residents internally displaced and sheltering elsewhere amid the war between Hamas and Israel. While in recent months, members of Kibbutz Erez and most of the other Israeli communities near Gaza have returned to their homes, the areas rehabilitation needs remain vast. The hardest-hit kibbutzim and towns require massive reconstruction; many homes and infrastructure in the area require extensive repairs, and residents remain deeply traumatized. The war, of course, has yet to end. Children in outdoor games at Kibbutz Erez, one of the Israeli border communities near Gaza. (credit: LARRY LUXNER/JTA) A lot of people are still suffering from trauma, said Shay Ilan, co-founder of the nonprofit group Totzeret HaAretz, not only from the event itself the fact that a terrorist was inside your home but after youve evacuated for a long time and the community is scattered all over Israel, thats traumatic too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Jews are helping the effort to rebuild and rehabilitate the area through Project Horizon, a $17 million program initiated by UJA-Federation of New York, along with $4.4 million from Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston and $1 million from the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, D.C. The idea is to focus on four areas of assistance community resilience, trauma care, informal education, and employment for the 30,000 or so residents in 53 Israeli communities near Gaza. We understood there was a big gap between immediate needs and long-term recovery, said Gabriel Sod, the Israel-based director of government relations for UJA. For these communities to even have the opportunity to recover, we knew wed need to assist them in this interim stage for the next 12 to 18 months. The government was helping them rebuild, but no one was holding these communities together. We moved quickly in the early days to meet urgent needs, said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York. Now were focused on the future and reimagining whats possible. Project Horizon is about fulfilling our promise to walk with the communities, not just through crisis but in healing and rebuilding better. Project Horizon kicks off with millions in aid to Gaza border communities Launched in March 2024, Project Horizon began by awarding $8 million to the eight communities that suffered most in the Hamas attack: Beeri, Holit, Kfar Aza, Kissufim, Nahal Oz, Netiv HaAsara, Nirim, and Nir Oz. On the ground, the project is coordinated by the Israeli organization Totzeret Haaretz (Hebrew for Made in Israel), which seeks to strengthen Israeli society by sending young people to live in peripheral communities like those near Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the second stage, Project Horizon distributed $4 million in grants toward Erez and 11 other communities within about 4 miles of Gaza. Now, Project Horizon is expanding the aid with $5 million more to an additional 33 communities near Gaza. Project Horizon is part of the more than $200 million UJA-Federation has allocated in Israel since Oct. 7. Because we have a full team in Israel and a real grasp of whats going on in the field, we were able to act quickly and on a large scale, which very few funders in Israel were able to do, Sod said. Before we launched Project Horizon, we spent five months working with the communities. We went to the hotels where these people were evacuated and just listened to what they had to say. We encountered communities that didnt have leadership, because in some cases the leaders had been killed or kidnapped. Through a partnership with Israels Business Alliance, UJA-Federation enlisted the help of large companies like Wix, Viola, Cisco, and Tidhar, which assisted residents of affected kibbutzim and towns to move to interim housing and, in some instances, to restructure their debt and raise funds. UJA-Federation also helped hire community managers to help residents figure out how to rebuild, create community resilience and trauma frameworks, and sometimes create the whole community infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the war, Dor Zohar, a lifelong resident of Erez, helped manage a Tel Aviv high-tech firm. Even though there were no hostages from Erez, its the same area and all of us know people who were kidnapped, said Zohar, 35, tearing u,p recalling twins Gali and Ziv Berman close friends of his younger brother who were dragged into Gaza from nearby Kfar Aza. After what happened on Oct. 7, I realized that I couldnt just go back to a normal job making money for someone else. I understood that there was a vacuum of leadership at Erez. Zohar is now the partnership manager for Kibbutz Erez, overseeing how the kibbutz allocates the funds received through Project Horizon. The money has funded after-school activities, student trips, special events and the salaries of kindergarten coordinators. A lot of people who want to help think they know whats best for you, Zohar said. Whats unique about Project Horizon is that they didnt tell us what we need. They sat with us and listened. And they helped us build an education plan that we couldnt have done with our own resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yanir Yagel is the projects partnership manager at nearby Dekel, an Israeli town that has also received support from Project Horizon. Among Dekels attractions is a small museum dedicated to the history of Yamit, an Israeli settlement in the Sinai Peninsula that was evacuated more than 40 years ago after Israel and Egypt signed a peace accord, returning Sinai to Egyptian control. Dekel was founded by many of those evacuees. One of my projects is to do a movie on what happened in the area on Oct. 7, said Yagel, 35, who, before the current war, worked as a tour guide. I also want to take this money and build a coffeehouse to be located near the museum, so young people can learn how to start a business with their own hands. At Netiv HaAsara, where 20 people were killed on Oct. 7, Project Horizons grant focuses on community resilience. This includes replacing damaged trees, erecting new signage for families homes, a surfing program that offered a therapeutic outlet for 90 children, a five-day trip to Eilat for 20 high school students, a womens day retreat for 20 community leaders, and a local Purim celebration. The prolonged trauma has increased demand for mental health services and resilience programs, especially for children under 12, and many residents of Netiv HaAsara still havent returned home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community leaders from the town recently wrote a letter of thanks to UJA. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for Project Horizons support, they wrote, saying it helped us restore our daily routines, deepened our communal bonds and enhanced the well-being of our entire community. This story was sponsored by and produced in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York, which cares for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, responds to crises close to home and far away, and shapes the Jewish future. This article was produced by JTAs native content team. Theres only one person who Americans hate more than Benjamin Netanyahu: Elon Musk. In a Gallup favorability poll on 14 U.S. and global figures released Tuesday, Musk came in with the lowest net favorability rating at -28 points. Benjamin Netanyahu, the far-right prime minister of Israel and champion of the countrys genocidal campaign in Gaza, is slightly less hated at -23 points. Multiple officials in Donald Trumps administration, including Trump, have fallen in popularity: JD Vance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Marco Rubio, Musk, and Trump himself have all lost favorability since Januarys poll. Among 14 prominent U.S. and global figures, Pope Leo XIV has the most positive image by far, with many more Americans viewing him favorably than unfavorably. His 57% favorable rating and 11% unfavorable rating result in a +46 net-favorable score. pic.twitter.com/9S1JF0DfFV Gallup (@Gallup) August 5, 2025 Rubio is down 24 points, from a positive eight-point net favorability in January to -16 in the latest poll, which Gallup suggests could be linked to his key role in shutting down USAID. Musk, who is also precipitously down 24 points, now has a nearly two-to-one negative image: 33 percent of people surveyed view Trumps ex-BFF favorably, and 61 percent view him unfavorably. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, Kennedy, and Vance have all experienced declines of 13 or 14 points since January. Biden, who also has a negative net favorability (tied with Vance for -11), is actually slightly up in favorability since Januarylikely due to the fact hes not president anymore. At the top of the list? The Chicago pope himself, Pope Leo XIV. The pope has a +46 net favorability, far ahead of the second- and third-most-favorable figures, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Bernie Sanders, who come in at 18 and 11 points, respectively. The writings on the wall: The American public doesnt look kindly upon mass starvation, but there is no sin greater than the Tesla Diner. NEW YORK Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams refuse to get out of each others way in the New York City mayoral race virtually sealing victory for democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. The former governor and the incumbent mayor are pursuing the same big-money donors and blue-collar voters. Up-for-grabs endorsees are fielding phone calls and texts from the candidates desperate for their support. And both men warn that a Mamdani victory would pose an existential crisis for the nations largest city. And then theres Republican Curtis Sliwa, the eccentric founder of the Guardian Angels, who will attract voters concerned with crime further drawing away votes. Sliwa has said he would only drop out if hes deceased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youd be hard pressed to find a collection of New Yorkers who are more stubborn than Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa, said Democratic strategist Trip Yang. The only shot that the anti-Mamdani forces have of stopping the Democratic nominee in a heavily Democratic city is to consolidate. The chances of that happening are slim to none. So far, institutional support has eluded both Adams and Cuomo in the wake of Mamdanis earth-shattering June Democratic primary win. Politically crucial unions including those that backed Cuomo in the primary quickly endorsed the 33-year-old nominees mayoral bid. Local party leaders have thrown their weight behind Mamdani, though prominent Democrats like Gov. Kathy Hochul are on the sidelines. And wealthy donors have not coalesced behind either candidate in their independent bids. Cuomos primary loss to Mamdani and Adams poor showing in general election polls call into question their viability in the five-candidate field. In fact, theyve questioned each others' viability themselves and have accused each other of running ego-driven spoiler campaigns. The competition for donors, endorsements and votes amounts to a high-stakes showdown between the two, who were once political allies. The outcome of that contest stands to determine the November election and the leadership of this deep blue city. Mamdanis campaign built on his personal charisma, social media presence and focus on affordability has so far bested his more experienced rivals. His platform, nevertheless, has alarmed moderates who worry his far-left agenda will do irreparable damage to the citadel of American capitalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their shared disdain for the far left has driven their opposition to Mamdani. The former governor has tried to coax Adams out of the race, embracing a proposal from another independent candidate, Jim Walden, that the field by mid-September back the strongest possible challenger to Mamdani a proposal that currently favors Cuomos strong second-place showing in most polls. Cuomo has brushed aside his decisive loss in the closed party primary, chalking it up to a surge of left-leaning and first-time voters. The general election, which allows Republicans and independents to cast ballots, is far more representative of the electorate in an otherwise Democratic city. It shouldnt be a game of chicken, it shouldnt be random, Cuomo said on CNBC. Whoever is the stronger candidate, put that candidate forward and the candidate who is not as strong should defer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, the citys second Black mayor, isnt budging. Hes accused his rival of trying to muscle Black candidates out of campaigns. He has a history when it comes down to Black elected officials, Adams said to podcaster Stephen A. Smith. Im not calling him a racist. He has a problem against Black men. Cuomo counters by noting many of the Black politicians hes challenged over the years, like former state Comptroller Carl McCall and ex-Gov. David Paterson, endorsed his primary campaign. Desperate people say desperate things, Cuomo said in a separate interview with Smith. Forget the implication, its factually wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their battle and hubris has frustrated moderate Democrats, and delighted the left, as the political heavyweights slug it out this summer while trailing Mamdani in the polls . Cuomo has retooled his campaign in the wake of his upset loss to Mamdani. Hes focused on short-form videos, speaking more with reporters and engaging directly with voters. Adams, who skipped the Democratic primary after months of playing footsie with President Donald Trump, put his leadership qualities on display last week after a Midtown shooting left five people dead, including an NYPD officer. The killing of officer Didarul Islam has placed renewed scrutiny on Mamdanis prior support of slashing police budgets and his calls to disband a unit that responded to the shooting at a Manhattan office building. Cuomos campaign strategy in recent weeks has been to focus on Mamdanis far-left platform on policing, taxes and government spending all of which the former governor says is out of step with most New Yorkers. Cuomo believes that shining a light on his rivals plans for the city would weaken his poll numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for Mamdani has been durable in the month since his primary win, though. And with Adams and Cuomo alike acknowledging this race isnt big enough for the both of them, the dynamic has alarmed the citys donor class as the feud spills over into competing trips to the Hamptons on Long Island a summertime playground for the citys wealthiest residents. Adams and Cuomo have made sojourns to the eastern end of Long Island this summer to court supporters, with the former governor going as far as to joke he would leave for Florida if Mamdani became mayor. The jibe, though, spoke to a larger anxiety for rich New Yorkers: Mamdani wants permission from Albany to sharply raise their taxes to fund his campaign promises like free bus service and government-run grocery stores. As a result, most of these donors find Mamdanis left-wing politics and criticism of Israel anathema. Those with the deepest pockets, like billionaire former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who gave more than $8 million to a pro-Cuomo super PAC, remain on the sidelines. Placing another bet on Cuomo who lost to Mamdani by a stunning 12 points in the Democratic primary or backing Adams, who has polled in single digits in some surveys, is a heavy lift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now the business class, when it comes to the mayoral election, theyre sitting in stunned disbelief, Paterson said in an interview. They cant recognize that this actually happened. The uncertainty among business leaders gives Cuomo some time to make his case that Adams should leave the race in order to consolidate support behind him over the mayor, who trails Sliwa in some polls. Even as super PACs proliferate this summer mostly with the intent of stopping Mamdani donors remain nervous. I try to keep people calmed down, said John Catsimatidis, a billionaire businessperson and Republican donor who is friendly with Cuomo and Adams. By September things will work out. Longtime Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf, who is running one of at least five anti-Mamdani super PACs, believes its a mistake for Cuomo to aggressively attempt to force Adams out of the race a posture that will hurt him with the moderate, older Black voter base he needs to win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a long way to go before now and November, Sheinkopf said. You dont know how any of these campaigns will be run. Andrew Cuomo and his super PAC were running a race from 1990. Adams and Cuomo have an overlapping base of Jewish and Black voters as well as blue-collar New Yorkers. In their successful elections, they won the backing of union leaders and rich donors. Their moderate politics on issues like policing appeal to centrist voters concerned about public safety. Both men are deal makers with transactional reputations in a city with complex centers of power. That approach to politics, though, took them only so far. The hard-charging Cuomo resigned from the governors office in 2021 after a bombshell state attorney general report determined he sexually harassed 11 women, which he denies. He has also refused to apologize for his controversial Covid policies and insists Republicans have ginned up the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams was federally indicted last year on charges he received gifts from Turkish interests in exchange for pressuring city officials to approve the countrys new consulate building. The mayor pleaded not guilty and, after ingratiating himself to Trump, his charges were dismissed in April. The relationship between the mayor and president has since soured with the Trump administration suing New York over its sanctuary city law. Legal headaches connected to Adams circle persist. Ex-top adviser Ingrid Lewis Martin was indicted in December on state bribery and money laundering charges. That case remains pending, but additional charges are expected, according to two people familiar with the matter who were granted anonymity to discuss the situation. The Manhattan District Attorneys office confirmed in March that a new grand jury was reviewing her case . If new charges become public before voting begins, it would present yet another challenge for Adams flagging campaign. Lewis Martin stepped down before the charges against her became public. She declined to comment when contacted by POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former governor has his own political baggage aside from the Covid controversy and sexual harassment allegations. His long history with Trump creates its own liability among voters. Days after launching his mayoral comeback Cuomo said he could work with the Republican president. Trump supporters like finance titan Bill Ackman have met with Cuomo and Adams fueling criticism from left-flank critics. Both of them have made a grave mistake in this standoff that instead of fixing their low favorability ratings, theyve tried to figure out which Trump donors will help them fight off Mamdani, said Bill Neidhardt, a former Bill de Blasio staffer who is running a pro-Mamdani super PAC. Cuomo and Adams this summer are courting the same elected officials who all describe facing a similar conundrum: Back the long-shot bids of a former governor or mayor whom they have known for decades, or support Mamdani, a relative newcomer whose platform they abhor. Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, who backed Cuomo in the primary, has been a popular guy since the June primary. Mamdani texted Gibbs from Uganda. Adams called and agreed to have lunch with him. Ive known Andrew 30 years; Ive known Eric about 20, Gibbs said. It's a rough decision to make. Theyre both going after the same base now. Michael Gartland and Jeff Coltin contributed to this report. Another lawsuit filed in fire at Fall River assisted-living home that killed 10 people Another lawsuit has been filed in connection with a fire at an assisted-living facility in Fall River that claimed the lives of 10 people in July. Alvaro Vieira, a survivor of the deadly fire at the Gabriel House, is suing for injuries and property damage. Vieira claims that the facility and its managers acted negligently, failing to protect residents during the fire on July 13. Vieiras lawsuit is the latest in a chain of legal actions that survivors have taken against Gabriel House and its owner, Dennis Etzkorn. Read the lawsuit in its entirety: 080525 Fall River Lawsuit by Boston 25 Desk on Scribd In a lawsuit filed a little more than a week after the tragedy, resident Steven Oldrid alleged in his lawsuit against Gabriel Care Inc. that he was trapped in his room, suffered smoke inhalation, respiratory distress, and loss of consciousness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, national law firm Morgan & Morgan filed a lawsuit on behalf of residents Patricia Martin, Terry Young, and Donna Murphey, alleging that the facility and Etzkorn knew or should have known that residents smoked in their rooms, despite having medical oxygen on site, and that some residents smoked while being administered oxygen therapy. Investigators later determined that the fire began in a residents room located on the left side of the second floor of the structure. An oxygen concentrator and numerous smoking materials were found in the room, State Fire Marshal John Davine said last week. Nearly a decade ago, the Fall River facility temporarily lost its certification due to resident mistreatment, the Associated Press reported. In the wake of the fire, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has since announced a new safety initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on accountability and ensuring the safety of residents in assisted living facilities like Gabriel House. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW carlosalvarez This story about fetal development was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter. Last August, Republican Rep. Gino Bulso looked out at a room filled with dozens of fellow state lawmakers as he touted new legislation he had just helped become a reality in Tennessee. Under the law, a fetal ultrasound or a video of a computer-animated fetus developing in the womb had become mandatory viewing for students in the states sex education classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bulso was there at the request of the events host, anti-abortion advocacy nonprofit Live Action. The group had gathered legislators from across the country to provide them with the policy information and persuasion strategies they need to end abortion, according to its annual report. Bulsos panel, The Agenda for Life in Schools and Beyond, focused on how he had successfully shepherded his bill into becoming the second so-called fetal development education law in the country. When lawmakers returned to their home states after the Live Action event, The Hechinger Report found, at least 10 of them sponsored bills similar to Bulsos, in some cases proposing that students as young as third grade watch fetal development videos. Another legislator who introduced such a bill had sent his chief of staff and wife to the event. And the volume of legislation stemming from the gathering may be higher: Live Action keeps its list of attendees private, though many lawmakers posted about the event on social media or were featured in Live Actions promotional materials. Since 2023, when North Dakota became the first state to pass fetal development education legislation, anti-abortion lawmakers in more than 20 additional states have proposed such bills; 6 of those states, including Bulsos, have passed them. As a result, this fall, nearly 4 million children will attend school in a state that requires them to watch a video or ultrasound of a fetus in the womb during sex education classes. And this year, legislators in four states tried to go even further: Their proposals would have required students to view depictions of abortions, including computer-animated videos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022, public schools have become an increasingly important battleground in the fight over abortion rights. Even though 12 states now ban abortion in all circumstances, the number of procedures has increased nationwide since the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe. Public support for abortion rights has also risen. Many anti-abortion advocates hope that getting their message in front of students can help them win the hearts and minds of young people and change these trends in the long run. Worcester, MA - July 5: This sandwich sign is outside Problem Pregnancy, a crisis pregnancy center, on Pleasant Street in Worcester, MA. It is located near a Planned Parenthood center. (Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Crisis Pregnancy Centers Like Problem Pregnancy Disguise Anti-Abortion Stance With Pro-Choice Messaging A Problem Pregnancy crisis center sits across the street from a Planned Parenthood in Worcester, Massachusetts. They are not the same. While critics, including medical professionals and some parents, say that the fetal development education materials being introduced to schools are manipulative and little more than propaganda, Live Action and other groups that produce them maintain they are medically accurate and unbiased. Experts in sex education and abortion policy say a related problem is the dearth of sex education in schools students, on average, receive only about six hours during their high school years that creates a vacuum for anti-abortion groups to move into. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre attempting to reach children at an age where I would assume most havent been exposed to issues of an abortion, says Alisa Von Hagel, a political science professor at University of Wisconsin-Superior who has studied the strategies of the anti-abortion movement. Theyre attempting to be the first to imprint this quote, unquote knowledge or opinion about these issues. During a debate earlier this year in the Arkansas Senate, Republican Sen. Alan Clark referred to his states proposal as one of the most important pro-life bills thats ever come before us. He also said, It will shape the minds of kids from now on. The proposal would have required showing a video created by Live Action to students starting in sixth grade. In the video, titled Meet Baby Olivia, a narrator tells the viewer that life begins at conception and says the fetus, named Baby Olivia, begins playing and exploring as early as 11 weeks. In an annual report, Live Action noted that its Meet Baby Olivia video caused a 37-point shift towards the pro-life perspective among viewers. The organization also highlighted the impact its materials can have on kids, in particular, to help instill a reverence for life as children at impressionable ages develop their world view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Bulso and Noah Brandt, Live Actions vice president of communications, have said the only goals of Baby Olivia and fetal development education are to teach and inform students but they also expected it to leave an impression. It is intuitive that, after watching that, people would be less likely to support abortion on demand, Brandt said. Live Actions work to connect with students is also part of playbooks for other anti-abortion organizations. Take Heartbeat International, for example, a group that supports clinics known as crisis pregnancy centers, which provide limited medical care and encourage people not to have abortions. Heartbeat also offers in-person and online training, including one program on how to Change the Nation with Pro-life Education, featuring specific tactics for working with public schools. One speaker at Heartbeats 2023 national conference described performing an ultrasound on a pregnant woman in front of public school students to plant a seed of life. Before creating Meet Baby Olivia, Live Action was best known for anti-abortion campaigns and undercover stings against Planned Parenthood, and largely worked outside of policymaking. But as the organization has grown in recent years, it has begun to coordinate directly with legislators. Live Action held its inaugural lawmaker summit in 2022, two months after Roe was overturned. The following spring, North Dakota passed a fetal development education law, the nations first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 2024, the summit had doubled in size to host 70 lawmakers at a four-star hotel in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Lawmakers attended panel discussions titled Saving Our Children and Helping Their Mothers and Communications and Persuasion: Winning the Messaging War. Live Action also screened its abortion videos, including Meet Baby Olivia. On his panel, Bulso walked through every step of creating Tennessees law, from filing the bill to committee deliberations to its eventual passage. He gave Live Action credit for providing him with resources to help make the case that Meet Baby Olivia was scientifically accurate. Most of the proposed fetal development education bills dont prescribe a specific video, but many suggest Meet Baby Olivia. Two bills in do Texas mention alternatives: A 1983 film by PBSs NOVA called The Miracle of Life and a video produced by the St. John Paul II Life Center, a crisis pregnancy center. Said Brandt, its up to lawmakers, school board members, teachers, that kind of thing, to try to make prudential judgments about, Is the actual resource Im using a good resource to accomplish the goal that Ive been tasked to accomplish? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meet Baby Olivia, in particular, has been sharply criticized by medical experts since Live Action released the video in 2021. Many doctors have raised concerns about its language and portrayal of the timeline of fetal development. Parents and students in Fargo, North Dakota, used arguments such as these to convince the school district to use a different video to meet the state law. The Baby Olivia video is designed to manipulate students emotions rather than to share objective facts about embryonic and fetal development, Nisha Verma, senior advisor of reproductive health policy and advocacy for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said in a statement. The video attempts to advance anti-abortion policies such as fetal personhood and uses non-scientific language about conception, pregnancy, embryos, and fetuses to evoke an emotional response. Live Action maintains the video is medically accurate and has its own roster of anti-abortion doctors who endorse it, including a handful who collaborated with the organization on the videos creation. The approval of some medical professionals was part of the appeal of Meet Baby Olivia and another Live Action video series called What Is Abortion? for New Hampshire Rep. John Sellers, another Republican who attended the groups lawmaker summit. The series shows a computer rendering of three different points in the pregnancy process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Sellers filed two bills to make Live Actions videos required viewing for New Hampshire students including college students in the case of Meet Baby Olivia. Both bills, however, faced opposition: Nearly 700 residents officially recorded their objection with the state or submitted testimony opposing the fetal development bill, and 1,080 registered their opposition to the abortion video legislation. By comparison, the number of residents who registered in favor was 23 and 30, respectively. Many of those who submitted written testimony called the bill an attempt to indoctrinate students; Sellers maintained the legislation was nonpolitical. Were just trying to get the information out to the kids so theyre educated, he said in an interview. I dont know how you indoctrinate somebody with the truth of the development of life or the truth that these are the types of procedures of abortions. I cant see that being indoctrination. Courtesy of Live Action Sellers said further that he hoped education could help people make a better decision of, Should I get an abortion or not? Several people who opposed Sellers bills agreed that the videos contained some factual information and that topics such as fetal development and abortion could be useful to learn about in schools, but it was the presentation of the information and that it came from an anti-abortion group that worried them, they explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My biggest concern is that its set up to come from a moralistic and fear-based place as opposed to a medical or wellness model, said Stephanie Vazzano, a therapist who lives in New Hampshire who submitted written testimony opposing the abortion video bill. They do have some facts. When you watch them you can be really seduced by those facts but then these other things get slipped in. During the hearing for his bills, Sellers repeatedly said he was open to other abortion videos being shown but didnt know of any. This lack of alternatives has allowed Live Action to succeed in getting into schools so far, says Mary Ziegler, a law professor at University of California-Davis and author of several books on the history of abortion debates. Part of what theyve exposed is that there are gaps in the way weve done sex education, she points out. Theres truth in the sense that sex education programs across the board, including those favored by progressives, dont have enough information about pregnancy, childbirth, abortion or fetal development. In many ways, Live Actions efforts as well as those of Heartbeat International and other organizations working to reach K-12 students are a response to groups that run comprehensive sex education programs. Five states require comprehensive sex education, and individual districts in other states also provide it. These programs typically cover an array of topics including contraception, gender identity, consent, and options if one becomes pregnant. Planned Parenthood offers such a program to schools and has become the single-largest provider of sex ed nationwide. Im sympathetic if someone says we wouldnt want any organization that has any point of view creating any materials for our public school system, Brandt of Live Action said. But I would just say thats not the reality thats happening across the country. Its tough to find curriculum that is from a group that no one would oppose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even some anti-abortion Republicans have drawn a line at directly promoting the use of Live Action materials in public schools. Among them is Arkansas Sen. Breanne Davis, who led the opposition to a bill that specifically called for Meet Baby Olivia to be shown in schools. She raised concerns about requiring content from a political advocacy group. Davis said in an interview, Thats just out of bounds for what we should be putting into law. In hearings, Arkansas representative and bill sponsor Mary Bentley argued it would be easier and better for school districts to be told which video to use rather than have to make that determination themselves. She remains staunchly in support of Meet Baby Olivia: I think its so good to help kids understand the process of fetal development, she said. I just assumed that it would get the support that we needed in the most pro-life state in the nation. Davis proposed her own bill, one that would require the Arkansas department of education to adopt standards for age-appropriate fetal development education, including showing an ultrasound, in the future. No video would be required, but districts could still show one, such as Meet Baby Olivia, if they chose to. In the end, Bentleys bill died and Daviss legislation was signed into law in April. For Brandt, of Live Action, the law falls short of what he considers the gold standard of fetal development education, but Were happy that they passed some version of it, he said. That is definitely better than nothing, and maybe can even be improved upon in the future. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue By Lefteris Papadimas ATHENS (Reuters) -It took just minutes for a new Greek-made anti-drone system to show what it is capable of. On its first test run with a European Union patrol in the Red Sea a year ago, the Centauros system detected and swiftly brought down two aerial drones launched by Yemen's Houthis, who have been attacking merchant vessels in the busy shipping lane. Another two drones swiftly retreated: Centauros had jammed their electronics, said Kyriakos Enotiadis, electronics director at state-run Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), which produces the anti-drone system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The successful test run added impetus to Greek government plans to develop a home-grown industry to mass produce anti-drone and drone systems - part of a 30-billion-euro programme aimed at modernising the country's armed forces by 2036. Named after the mythological half-man, half-horse creature, Centauros can detect drones from a distance of 150 km (93 miles) and fire from 25 km (15.5 miles). Greece plans to install it throughout its naval fleet. "It's the only battle-proven anti-drone system (made) in Europe," Enotiadis said, as dozens of employees worked nearby, assembling electronic components of anti-aircraft missiles. Up until now, Greece has been using only a few dozen ISR - intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance - unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), most of them made abroad, including in France and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the multibillion-euro defence programme is rolled out, it will incorporate Greek-made anti-drone and combat drone systems into the armed forces, including its planned anti-aircraft ballistic dome, called Achilles Shield HISTORIC RIVALRY Greece's neighbour, NATO-ally and historic rival Turkey is a prolific drone exporter. Greece spends nearly 3.5% of gross domestic product on defence due to the long-standing dispute with Turkey, with the domestic defence industry accounting for only a fraction of that. In the coming decade, it plans to invest some 800 million euros ($925 million) in defence innovation, said Pantelis Tzortzakis, CEO of the newly founded Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation (HCDI), which is supervised by the Defence Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our target is to export as much as we spend on defence annually," Tzortzakis said. Altus, one of a few Greek private companies that manufacture combat drones, in cooperation with France's MBDA, has produced Kerveros - a vertical take-off and landing UAV with a payload of more than 30 kg (66 pounds) that includes advanced anti-tank missiles. "I'm very optimistic about the Greek drone industry," said Zacharias Sarris, co-owner of Altus, which already exports ISR drones to five countries. "Greece has a great need for this technology," he added, referring to the country's complex geopolitical position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, HAI is aiming high. In 2026, it will start mass-producing two more portable anti-drone systems called Iperion and Telemachus, designed to protect troops from drone swarms and lethal mini drones. It will also present its first big unmanned aerial vehicle, Archytas, named after the ancient Greek inventor said to have produced the first autonomous flying machine in about 400 BC. "We are striving for this UAV to be the best of its kind," said Nikos Koklas, the company's director of new products. ($1 = 0.8643 euros) (Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas;Editing by Helen Popper) Hundreds of people have marched in Pakistan-administered Kashmir to mark the sixth anniversary of Indias revocation of the disputed regions semiautonomous status after confrontations between the two nations in May raised fears of a potential nuclear conflict. The protesters on Tuesday demanded the restoration of statehood for the India-administered side of the Himalayan region, which has been split between the two nations and claimed by both in its entirety. Article 370 of Indias Constitution granting its state of Kashmir and Jammu semiautonomous status was revoked on August 5, 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist government. The status had guaranteed special rights to the Muslim-majority state, including its own constitution and autonomy to make laws on all matters except defence, communications and foreign affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lead-up to the move, India sent thousands of additional soldiers to the disputed region, imposed a crippling curfew, shut down telecommunications and arrested political leaders. Since then, numerous journalists and activists have been arrested under anti-terrorism laws, local communities have suffered from an influx of new residents and attacks are on the rise. Tuesdays main protest in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, drew hundreds of members of civil society and political parties. In the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, where similar anti-India protests were held, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistans moral and diplomatic support for Kashmiris seeking what he called freedom from Indias illegal occupation. Mazhar Saeed Shah a leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, an alliance of pro-independence Kashmiri political and religious groups urged the international community to help ensure Kashmiris are granted the right to self-determination, as called for in United Nations resolutions decades ago. Meanwhile in Srinagar in India-administered Kashmir, supporters of the opposition India National Congress party rallied to demand that the government restore the statehood of the disputed region. Heightened tensions between India and Pakistan Tuesdays rallies come nearly three months after Pakistan and India exchanged military strikes over a mass shooting in Pahalgam in India-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad a charge Pakistan denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the worst standoff by the nuclear-armed neighbours since 1999, and more than 70 people were killed in missile, drone and artillery fire on both sides. The confrontation raised concerns about a possible military escalation before global powers defused the crisis. While the May 10 ceasefire has held, tensions are still simmering. New Delhi last week said three Pakistani men who carried out the Pahalgam attack were killed during a gun battle on July 28 on the outskirts of Srinagar. Indias top court will hear a plea for the restoration of Kashmirs federal statehood this week, court officials said on Tuesday. The hearing, scheduled on Friday in the Supreme Court, follows an application filed by two residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court in December 2023 upheld removing the regions autonomy but called for Jammu and Kashmir to be restored to statehood and put on a par with any other Indian federal state at the earliest and as soon as possible. In November, Kashmir elected its first government since it was brought under New Delhis direct control as voters backed opposition parties to lead its regional assembly. But the local government has limited powers, and the territory continues to be for all practical purposes governed by a New Delhi-appointed administrator. Cameron, Tx (FOX 44) A man who was sentenced to life without parole for sexually abusing a young boy has been denied his appeal and will spend the rest of his life in prison. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction of Mark Aaron Mason, meaning his sentence will stand, On January 12, 2023, after a three-day trial, a Milam County jury found Mason guilty of continuous abuse of a young child. It took them less than thirty minute to return the guilty verdict and an hour and a half to assess the sentence of life without parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Attorney Brian Price prosecuted the original case and handled the appeal. Mason had been accused of causing a young boy who was in the first grade to participate in sexual activities on at least nine occasions beginning in December 2018 and extending into 2020. When the victim in this case first made an outcry of sexual abuse, the Department of Family and Protective Services removed the victim and another minor from the home where they had lived. The house where Mason committed his crimes was seized and eventually sold. The sale of the house netted over $68,000 to the City of Cameron. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas may enforce a state law that invalidates mail-in ballots submitted without a voters state identification number or partial Social Security number. A three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the requirement the Texas Legislature enacted in 2021 as part of an election-integrity bill known as SB1 did not violate a federal law preventing states from imposing voting requirements not material to the validity of ballots. In a brusque, nine-page opinion, Judge James Ho twice said the appeals panel had little difficulty concluding that Texas law was valid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number-matching requirements are obviously designed to confirm that every mail-in voter is who he claims he is, Ho wrote for the panel. And that is plainly material to determining whether an individual is qualified to vote. The judges said that merely requiring applications to list the voters name and address was insufficient to address security concerns. That information is easily available to anyone who simply requests it, wrote Ho, a Trump appointee. As a result, any person can request and receive that information about a registered voter, use that information to apply for a mail-in ballot, and then cast the ballot, with minimal risk of detection. The ruling is the latest from the conservative 5th Circuit to allow tightening voter eligibility and balloting requirements. Another panel of that court recently ruled that mail-in ballots must arrive by Election Day to be counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision also lands amid an intensifying showdown over an effort by Texas GOP leaders to redraw the states congressional boundaries to produce five more Republican-held seats. The urgent push and Democratic lawmakers decision to flee the state to derail the effort has gripped Washington amid a broader struggle for an advantage in the 2026 midterms. Ho was joined in his ruling by Judge Don Willett, another Trump appointee, and Judge Patrick Higginbotham, a Reagan appointee. Civil rights groups and the Biden administration sued to block enforcement of aspects of the election-integrity measure, arguing that the bill had the potential to disqualify large numbers of ballots that were cast by legitimate voters but might contain minor errors. U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez Jr., a San Antonio-based George W. Bush appointee, ruled in 2023 that the presence of an accurate ID number was not material to whether a voter was entitled to vote. Archaeologists have returned to the site of a 1,000-year-old monastery where they are piecing together evidence of a forgotten medieval abbey. Cerne Abbey in Cerne Abbas, Dorset, was demolished in 1539 during the Dissolution and, until investigations began in 2022, it had remained virtually untouched. The first dig in 2023, led by Dr Hugh Willmott of Sheffield University, unearthed an intact burial and, in 2024, evidence of a medieval hall was discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent excavations revealed the hall - originally an abbot's lodging - was later repurposed as a glazing workshop, melting lead for lead came windows. The dig also unearthed evidence of earlier construction that had been destroyed by remodelling in the 13th Century. Dr Willmott said: "Everything we are doing here is brand new and telling us things we didn't already know. "We've found another part of the late medieval abbey the north end of the east range of the main cloister building. "That's part of the monastery where the monks would have had their dormitory." Will Sherman used medieval nails to make replicas of medieval knives [BBC] A series of large pits beneath the hall also revealed animal bone and pottery, some dating back to the Norman Conquest and earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-week excavation involved university students from Sheffield, Cambridge and elsewhere, as well as people from the US and Canada, and Cerne Abbas village. Blacksmith Will Sherman set up a field forge where he made replicas of knives found at the site from iron nails that had been found in the trenches. The nails are common and not of any research value so are usually recorded before being disposed of but Mr Sherman, of Medieval Arrows in Christchurch, said the iron was so well refined, it worked "like butter". He said: "The nails are not interesting archaeologically but I've been making them into copies of things, so it's medieval iron forged into a medieval shape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's cool to show people here who dig these things up how they are actually made." Researchers returned to the medieval hall that was unearthed in 2024 [BBC] Cerne Abbey was founded in 987 AD at the foot of the hill that bears the Cerne Abbas Giant chalk hill figure. In 2022, a ground-penetrating radar survey by the University of Sheffield found the first evidence of the medieval abbey and signs of its Anglo-Saxon predecessor beneath. The dig is due to feature on the Time Team programme, which now broadcasts online. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. More on this story Related Links JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. Four years of the fastest population growth in decades have brought mixed reactions from people who already live here, but data suggest the influx may be easing somewhat and that the change has made the region wealthier and younger. I think its going to flatten out, area data analyst Don Fenley told News Channel 11 Monday. Thats what the numbers seem to be saying now. Annual census estimates show average population growth of just over 6,400 during 2021-22 and 2022-23 for the regions seven counties. That slowed to an estimated 3,790 in the year ending July 1, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fenley believes that level of growth which still equates to about 8% over a decade and is far faster than the rate of the previous two decades is still slightly above the current national average and is easier for local infrastructure to handle. His assessment of the why for the regions growth echoes that of many area political and business leaders: coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in remote work, people began seeking locations with a high quality of life. That was when the Wall Street Journal said, Johnson Citys the place to go, its got a low cost of living and no income tax, a good quality of life and pretty solid economy,' he said. Thats when people headed here. In the five years since, some of the nations biggest growth rates have been in what Fenley called small metro areas that offer big metro services. And Washington County and the Tri-Cities is beginning to do that, plus we have an extremely strong potential for recreation, which is a real big motivator now. Todd and Arielle Magnusson and their daughter, Freya, were among the transplants, and they fit many parts of the mold of whos been coming. When Todd learned he could work from home, the Magnussons scouted around and eventually moved from Minneapolis to Jonesborough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arielle Magnusson said the couple was seeking a slower pace, an attractive setting and a high quality of life. Four years in, the region is pretty much checking those boxes for them. Its been really great, she said, minutes before she and Freya, just back from her first day of fifth grade, went out back to feed their six chickens. My daughter joined a swim league this summer and this year we were in 4H and able to have her submit a bunch of crafts for the Appalachian Fair, so thats really exciting. The family has explored the countryside, visited historic sites and met a lot of other families through school friends. Magnusson sees firsthand that theyre far from anomalies as transplants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were meeting so many people from other states, she said. Its just been really great to learn not only about the Tri-Cities area and what it has to offer, but then like hearing about Florida or New Jersey and just hearing from them what they liked or what maybe is out there. Shes learning that those transplants had many similar reasons for moving here. Some place where it was the right environment and a slower pace of life, a lot more safe, and still its a growing city, so theres opportunities. Looking a bit younger and wealthier Northeast Tennessee has a significantly older median age than the national average, and its traditionally been a good bit poorer. Those two things remain the case, but Fenley said the in-migration appears to be moving the needle at least slightly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your primary cohort is the age group of people up through their low 30s, and then another group of pre-retirees or retirees who are seeking a better quality of life, he said. The Magnussons fit another growth area working-age professionals with school-aged children. A number of those people bring jobs, often good-paying ones, with them. Fenley said his data show the regions number of remote workers is higher than the national average, with Washington County registering the highest percentage. People specifically choosing a region, ups your status and shows it is a good place to live and work, Fenley said. For the economy, it means more money, more people spending on housing and housing-related expenses, more sales taxes more overall stimulus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tracks the incomes of people who move in and out of various counties. Fenley said the data there is positive. In the last IRS data, every locality attracting new residents had a rather substantial increase in residents moving to the area with a higher income than residents leaving the area, Fenley said. Basically, what you had is the migration of people moving in had more money. As to whether thats a good thing, Fenley simply said, Ask the guy that owns the grocery store. Yeah, its good. Fenley said the last couple of years have seen Northeast Tennessees growth spread some outside the urban cores of Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol so that everybody is gaining a little. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While most of the move-ins dont struggle to afford a place to live, Fenley said thats not the case for everyone living in the area. Were basically rated right now as not an affordable housing market, he said. He said builders took a long time after the 2008 housing crisis to resume a strong pace of construction. That shortage of housing stock, combined with a decades-long shift to a largely service-oriented economy from one with more manufacturing jobs, has created similar conditions nationwide. Id say that the market will eventually correct that, Fenley said. Markets are very, very good at identifying needs and filling the need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whatever happens in the second half of the decade, Magnusson said she hopes Northeast Tennessee can maintain that small-town feel with some larger area amenities. Its really challenging for leadership around here to want to support having more choices for housing and having businesses come in, but also having the beauty of the landscape. And so its a fine line. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Southwest Missouri Republicans serving in Jefferson City have mixed views about redrawing the states congressional map to pick up a Republican seat. President Donald Trump has called on states to redraw their congressional districts to give Republicans more of an advantage in the 2026 election, while governors in states controlled by Democrats, including California, have vowed to retaliate by redrawing their district lines to give Democrats more of an advantage. Rep. Dirk Deaton, R-Noel, who represents eastern Newton and McDonald counties, said he favors redrawing the maps now and moving away from what was commonly called the 6-2 map that was approved by the Legislature in 2022. That gave six seats to Republicans and two to Democrats, but there was debate that year about going to a 7-1 map. That have redrawn the 5th Congressional District in the Kansas City area to make it easier for Republicans to unseat Democrat Emanuel Cleaver, who has served in the U.S. House since 2005. It would have left Democrats in control of just one seat, the 1st Congressional District in the city of St. Louis and part of St. Louis County, currently held by Wesley Bell, who was elected in January 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should have done it in 2022, is my position, Deaton said of going to 7-1. In some ways, I think its regrettable that it has taken this long if were ever to get it done now, but Im certainly supportive of it. Theres a recorded vote, because I looked it up recently as these conversations came back around, and I was one of only 23 members of the 163-member House to vote for a 7-1 map, and of course, youve got to have 82 votes to pass anything. A full debate Rep. Bob Bromley, who represents Carl Junction and rural western and northwestern Jasper County, said redistricting is something the Legislature does every 10 years after a census and that hes not in favor of having that argument again before the 2030 census. I personally think I would not necessarily be in favor of relooking at that because redistricting takes place every 10 years and we just did that in 2022 after the 2020 census, Bromley said. I think it was debated pretty fully. There was a committee put in place on how this would be done, and to some extent everyone looked at a 7-1, everyone looked at a 6-2, and if you were on the other side, you were thinking maybe 5-3 is where you should be. Everyone settled on the 6-2 map, and I think weve got a lot of work we can get done in the House without distracting ourselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, R-Carthage, who was not in the Legislature in 2022, said shes in favor of redistricting Missouri now. Back three years ago, I was a 7-1 champion. Even going against some of my friends, I was a 7-1 champion, Loy said. I think were a 7-1 state. Im from Kansas City. I beat that one to death. I saw several maps I could get on board with but it just didnt gain a lot of traction. Loy said she does have some reservations about how it looks with Republicans pushing this now. The optics look really bad, but my frustration at the end of the day is that Republicans have not done Republican things. Weve been the gentlemen in the room or the gentle ladies in the room, or whatever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, who represents Jasper and Newton counties, said she believes lawmakers should have the conversation about redistricting. Hotly contested I think its never off the table to have the conversation what things look like, Carter said. What it ends up looking like, I dont know, but it was pretty hotly contested in the Legislature when they did redistricting last. I think the White House is looking to try to press into the directive they think they got from the people, and, with as conflicted as Congress has been on something, I think we may be remiss to not visit the idea that there might be more problems if things dont go their way. The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus issued a news release Monday condemning Trumps call for states to redraw districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt about representation. Its about damage control, said Rep. Michael Johnson, chair of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus. President Trump sees the writing on the wall and wants to rig the rules before voters have their say. Lawmakers in Missouri shouldnt be complicit in that. Redrawing the 5th District now is a blatant attempt to hold on to power. Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy OLaughlin, speaking Friday on KSSZ-93.9 in Columbia, said it is likely that lawmakers will be called in, according to reporting by the Missouri Independent. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe would need to convene a special session. Rep. Anne Kelley, R-Lamar, declined to give her opinion. Rep. Lane Roberts, R-Joplin, could not be reached for comment. Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, in 2022. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 A Republican state lawmaker has filed a complaint with the Arizona State Bar Association after a disgraced former state lawmaker who has faced child sex charges and espoused racist views posted racist AI-generated cartoons aimed at the lawmaker. David Stringer, a licensed attorney, owns and publishes Prescott eNews, an online news site that covers Prescott and the surrounding communities. He and the publication have been facing pointed criticism for publishing multiple AI-generated political cartoons that depict Prescott Valley Republican lawmaker Quang Nguyen in a racist manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nguyens family fled communist Vietnam when he was a child and immigrated to the United States and he became a naturalized citizen. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Im disgusted by attorney David Stringers publication of racist material. His conduct impugns the integrity of the legal profession, Nguyen said in a post on X accompanied by his complaint to the Arizona State Bar. Peddling racist tropes has no place in America. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Nguyens complaint cites the Bars own recent history of disciplining Stringer, who was formally reprimanded in 2022 for using the likeness of a federal judge and mischaracterizing language from the judges order in his unsuccessful bid for Yavapai County Attorney in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of Mr. Stringers recent and established disciplinary history, the present matter is of serious concern, Nguyen says in his complaint. Three years after being reprimanded for professional misconduct, Mr. Stringer has again engaged in conduct undermining the integrity of the professionthis time by publishing offensive drawings that misrepresent an elected officials eligibility to hold office. Nguyen also called out the blatantly racist cartoons for falsely claiming that he does not meet the constitutional criteria to hold office and that, by publishing them, Stringer is demonstrating his intentional disregard for the ethical duties of the profession and undermining the public confidence in the legal profession and the integrity of the states judicial system. He urged the Bar to harshly punish Stringer, citing American Bar Association standards for aggravated punishments, including a pattern of ethical misconduct and a dishonest or selfish motive for attacking Nguyen. Stringer did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nguyen previously told the Arizona Mirror that he believes that Stringer is using his publication to attack him because he doesnt support ending all immigration to the United States. Nguyen said that, during a Q&A with a local Republican group several years ago, Stringer asked if he would support the moratorium on all immigration that was being proposed by U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, who similarly believes immigration is the root of all problems in America and has close ties to and has employed white nationalists and antisemites. Nguyen said he does not back Gosars proposal, as it would prohibit legal immigrants such as himself from entering the country. The cartoons take aim at Nguyen for being an immigrant and question his loyalty to America. One cartoon suggested he was falsely claiming to be a naturalized citizen. They also traffic in other racist stereotypes. In a cartoon titled Going To The Dogs, Nguyen is depicted being investigated by the police for stealing and eating neighborhood pets, a racist anti-immigrant trope that dates back to anti-Chinese immigrant rhetoric of the 1880s. Republicans in 2024 employed the racist trope against Haitian immigrants, even as they acknowledged it was untrue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AI-generated cartoons also purposefully misspell Nguyens first name and use other racially charged imagery in its depictions. Stringer used to hold the seat in the Arizona House of Representatives seat that Nguyen currently does, but he resigned from the legislature in disgrace in 2019 after refusing to cooperate with an ethics investigation into child sex crime charges he faced in 1983. Stringer took a plea deal on charges that he had repeated sexual contact with two boys younger than 15 years old, including one who was intellectually disabled. Prior to that, Stringer had faced pressure to resign after racist comments hed made became public. Additional comments emerged after the Prescott Republican won reelection in November 2018. Stringer has long cozied up to white nationalists and espoused nakedly racist views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Stringer attended an event at Arizona State University that featured white nationalist Jared Taylor as a speaker and was put on by College Republicans United, which supports white nationalist Nick Fuentes and whose members have been caught sharing racist views. The group also recently gained controversy for a tabling event it planned at ASU encouraging students to report other students to ICE. Stringer has long been an ally of the group and promoted the event on Prescott eNews. Taylor also has more than 20 articles published on Prescott eNews, including one that pushes the racist trope that white men are the most intelligent people, with non-white people, Jews and women less intelligent to varying degrees. Taylor has a long history of racism dating back to the 1990s, when he created a think tank that aimed to create research proving the superiority of whites. Stringer has published his xenophobic views on immigration on Prescott eNews over the years, espousing views that have their roots in unabashedly racist organizations like Stormfront, and he has said there arent enough white kids to go around and that immigration was an existential threat to America. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CAMDEN, Ark. On Monday, 45-year-old Travis Posey was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2024 mass shooting at Mad Butcher in Fordyce. Posey will serve four life sentences without the possibility of parole and 11 consecutive terms that total 220 years. He pleaded guilty to four counts of capital murder and 11 counts of attempted capital murder after four people were killed and 11 people were injured during the shooting on June 21, 2024. Travis Posey pleads guilty to Fordyce 2024 Mad Butcher mass shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims who died were identified as 23-year-old Callie Weems, 63-year-old Shirley Kay Taylor, 50-year-old Roy Sturgis and 81-year-old Ellen Shrum. 15 people, including Kasey Harbour who worked at the register at the Mad Butcher the day of the shooting, gave their testimony. Mr. Roy Sturgis was my last customer that day, Harbour said. I checked him out and Mr. Roy walked out the door and he shot Mr. Roy first, then he shot through the windows and the door. Arkansas Community Foundation starts survivor fund for Fordyce mass shooting victims Harbour said the gun eventually was pointed at her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My first time seeing him was when he pointed the gun at me the first time, Harbour said. He shot at me three times that day, he got me the last time. She said Posey shot her in the leg and it still impacts her. I dont even take my daughter in public with me anymore, because I dont feel like I can protect her like I used to because I cant run, Harbour said. Victims killed in Fordyce mass shooting identified During victim testimony, a family member of Shrum noted they lost the glue to their family and she was only at the store that day to make dinner for someone with cancer. Weems loved ones spoke about how she was a selfless nurse and wanted to save the unsavable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylors children said she was a hardworking woman, leader of the family, and deserved to live. The daughter of Sturgis, Hannah Sturgis, said Posey would not get 15 minutes of fame from her and this moment was about her and her father who was strong and honest. She was always a hero in my book Arkansas family finding peace after daughter is recognized for bravery during mass shooting During the hearing, Posey could be seen at times with his eyes down and chose not to make a statement. After the testimonies, the judge asked Posey if he would want to give a statement and he declined. Harbour said she wishes she knew why he chose to unleash violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Callie Weems mother even asked the judge to make him sit up because he looked so comfortable, Harbour said. He doesnt care what he has done to us and he doesnt care how it continues to affect us. Couple files lawsuit against man accused in Fordyce mass shooting During her testimony, Jacqueline Curb said she begged him not to shoot her in the store and he still pulled the trigger. The judge in the case said Poseys actions were cowardly and he will choose to remember the brave heroes like the law enforcement, doctors and community of Fordyce. Posey will be serving his life sentence with the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Dozens of new laws are set to go into effect on Aug. 5, with some impacting the upcoming school year. KNWA/FOX24 looked through the list of laws and found a few that take effect before the start of the 2025-26 school year. This law will provide a free breakfast for every public school child in Arkansas starting in the 2025-26 school year. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said when she signed Senate Bill 59 into law in February that the breakfast legislation would help learning while at the same time removing stress for parents who would otherwise have a difficult time providing for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program will be funded using money from the sales tax and special privilege tax on medical marijuana. That is big because students that are not on free/reduced, or theyre paying students, that sometimes would just come to school and just eat lunch, will now be able to eat as well. So we have every child being able to eat a meal free, Amy Jefferson, Child Nutrition Director at Fayetteville Public Schools, told KNWA/FOX24 last month. Siloam Springs School Districts Joe McClung said its important for parents to understand that while this law provides a daily free breakfast meal, it does not cover lunch, and to remind parents to apply for free/reduced meals as the school year gets near. This law will ban cell phones while classes are in session at public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students will be required to put their phones and all other electronic devices in an isolated location from the first period bell up until dismissal. Gov. Sanders cites improvements in academic and mental health were a driving force behind the new law. As the new school year approaches, faculty and parents are both working to adjust to the new policies. Federal judge blocks law mandating display of Ten Commandments in Arkansas public schools Rogers School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Perry said in July that they were actively working with parents in the district to address any concerns surrounding the new act. Once the adjustment period is over, Perry said he believes real benefit could come from the policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media puts a great deal of stress, pressure, and anxiety on the students, Perry said. Parents are saying that they are appreciative of the state taking the initiative to eliminate this, because all that were talking about is being in school for 6.5 hours a day. This law would have mandated the display of the Ten Commandments and In God We Trust in Arkansas classrooms and public buildings maintained or operated with taxpayer funds. On Aug. 4, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Brooks issued a preliminary injunction against the law. Forty-five years ago, the Supreme Court struck down a Ten Commandments law nearly identical to the one the Arkansas General Assembly passed earlier this year, Brooks said in the opinion. That precedent remains binding on this Court and renders Arkansas Act 573 plainly unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some other laws set to take effect on Aug. 5: Act 909 This will boost per-pupil funding by 5% to $8,162 for the 20252026 school year, including health insurance costs. For 20262027, the funding is set at $8,037, with insurance paid separately. Act 474 This will place a temporary hold on school letter grade evaluations, allowing time to roll out the new accountability system with the LEARNS Act. Act 400 This law creates the Religious Rights at Public Schools Act of 2025, providing clarity on the freedoms afforded to students and staff regarding religious expression. Act 878 This law will increase the classroom supply tax deduction for teachers from $500 to $1,000. Act 195 This law will triple the maximum literacy tutoring grant from $500 to $1,500, if funding allows. Act 229 This law will require all public schools to provide age-appropriate firearm safety instruction starting in the 20252026 school year. Act 565 Also known as the Teacher and Student Protection Act, this law will introduce stronger protections against repeated violent or abusive behavior in schools. Act 915 This law will require students in public schools to be shown an ultrasound video to serve as a basis for a discussion about human growth and development. To get a full list of all the laws and regulations passed by the legislature this year, visit the Arkansas Legislatures 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. BRYANT, Ark. Arkansas State Police on Friday arrested four men in Bryant who attempted to steal an ATM in Tennessee. According to investigators, troopers arrested 27-year-old Tyron Patton, 24-year-old Meki Hill, 21-year-old Deandre Hanks and 24-year-old Khamandre Phillips, all from Texas. Saline County releases results from weekend traffic stops Investigators said troopers made a traffic stop on westbound Interstate 30 in Bryant on Friday and found information that showed that the vehicle was possibly involved in an attempted ATM theft that happened earlier in the morning at a convenience store in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The men were taken into custody without incident and were booked on felony warrants at the Saline County Detention Center, according to investigators. They are currently awaiting extradition to Tennessee to face charges. The efficient actions of our Troopers, along with strong coordination with out-of-state law enforcement, led to these arrests and helped prevent further criminal activity, ASP Colonel Mike Hagar said. Arkansas State Police matches DNA at crime scene with Andrew James McGann in Devils Den random murders Investigators said that the robbery in Tennessee happened around 5 a.m. at the convenience store, where the suspects used a sledgehammer to try and gain access to the ATM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An armed bystander fired at the men, who fled, striking and killing a fifth suspect. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. The left side of the Carlisle Main Post Cemetery. (Photo/Jenna Kunze) The U.S. Army will continue its mission to reunite Native American families with their ancestors through the eighth year of disinterment efforts at Carlisle Barracks, beginning on September 5, 2025. This year's operation will support 19 families from two Native American tribes, working to repatriate children who died while attending the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and were buried more than a century ago. The Office of Army Cemeteries (OAC), on behalf of the Army, will lead this multi-phase disinterment initiative, with archaeological and anthropological expertise provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 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 The individuals scheduled for disinterment include Wallace Perryman of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, along with Belle Cahoe, Wash E. He, Tabitha Carroll, Jane Lumpfoot, Leah Road Traveler, Percy Whitebear, George Harrison, Charles Whiteshield, Matavito Horse, Nannie Little Robe, Dora Morning, Louise Thunder, Giles Hands, Ruben Tanpeds, Henry Morning, William Sammers, Abe Lincoln, and Elsie Davisall from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. The Army is honored to conduct the Carlisle Barracks Disinterment Program once again, Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries and the Office of Army Cemeteries Karen Durham-Aguilera said. We are deeply grateful to the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes for their brave commitment to bring their loved ones home. Established in 1879, the Carlisle Indian Industrial School operated at Carlisle Barracks under the Department of the Interior until its closure in 1918. Over its years of operation, nearly 8,000 Native American children from more than 100 tribes were enrolled. In accordance with Army Regulation 290-5, OAC will disinter and transfer remains to families or tribes that can demonstrate the closest familial connection to the decedent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These transfers will allow families and tribes to return their loved ones to a resting place of their choosing. The Army will cover expenses related to travel for the disinterment, participation in transfer ceremonies, and reinterment costs. The Office of Army Cemeteries team truly appreciates each of these tribes for the kindness, courage and devotion theyve shown throughout their journey to bring their children home, said Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries Renea Yates. We recognize that this is no small undertaking, and we hope that our skilled team can assist in bringing a sense of peace and closure that these families deserve. The Carlisle Barracks Post Cemetery will be closed to the public beginning August 15, as preparations for the disinterments begin. It will remain closed until the process concludes, tentatively on October 13. To honor the families privacy and adhere to Army cemetery protocols, the cemetery will be surrounded by privacy fencing. Access will be limited to OAC personnel and the families and tribal representatives involved. 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 HUNTSVILLE, Ala. The U.S. Army is planning to grow its air and missile defense force by 30%, according to the commander of the services Space and Missile Defense Command. In addition to adding three Patriot battalions equipped with the Lower-Tier Air-and-Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS, radar, the service will also add five Indirect Fire Protection Capability battalions and seven Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems batteries, Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey said Tuesday at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. This force structure increase will take place over the next eight years, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans align with the Armys recent push to increase air-and-missile defense capability across the board, as lessons learned in Ukraine and in the Middle East continue to reinforce the necessity of the capability. The service also acknowledges a need to develop a more layered defensive structure that can address wide-ranging threats, including swarms. The Armys Patriot force has one of the highest operational tempos in the service, and a push to find a way to alleviate the pressure on those units has been ongoing for years. The service believes one way to resolve that strain in addition to simply growing the Patriot force structure is to develop and field systems that can counter some of the proliferating threats on the battlefield, like drone swarms, cruise missiles or rockets, artillery and mortars with other capabilities like IFPC and counter-UAS systems. Fielding five IFPC battalions aligns with the Armys plan to develop five Multidomain Task Force, or MDTF, units, that will be dedicated to specific combatant commands and be equipped with Long-Range Fires Battalions that will have Mid-Range Capability and Long-Range Hypersonic batteries, as well as IFPC battalions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army plans to grow Patriot battalions, plus one for Guam The Army previously indicated it wanted to complete that force structure by fiscal 2028. The Army has also sent IFPC prototypes to South Korea to help the Army work on concepts to create a composite air-and-missile defense battalion. The service is additionally planning to build a composite battalion that will include Patriot with LTAMDS and the Integrated Battle Command System, and IFPC to serve within the architecture of the Defense of Guam system currently under development. As part of its sweeping Transformation Initiative announced in May, the Army also said it wanted to dramatically increase C-UAS capability throughout the service. It has requested flexible funding to buy counter-drone systems in its fiscal 2026 budget request. Arnold Schwarzenegger has waded into the Texas redistricting row after Democrats fled the state to block Donald Trumps effort to redraw the states political map. The Terminator actor said attempts to gerrymander state boundaries by either party were evil as he prepared to oppose California Governor Gavin Newsoms plans to combat Mr Trump by redistricting his own state. He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that. He thinks its truly evil for politicians to take power from people, a spokesman for the actor told Politico. Hes opposed to what Texas is doing, and hes opposed to the idea that California would race to the bottom to do the same thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2010, the former California governor, 78, spearheaded reform to place responsibility for redistricting the state in the hands of an independent commission. He is now helping to lead a no campaign against Mr Newsoms plans to call a vote on the issue. Mr Newsom said he is very confident he can secure a two-thirds legislative supermajority required if he put the question on the ballot in a November special election, as he pledged to fight fire with fire. It comes after more than 50 Democratic lawmakers boarded chartered planes on Sunday as they sought to deny the Texas House of Representatives the quorum required to vote on the redrawn congressional map, which would favour the Republican Party. Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett speaks to Texas House Democrats after they left the state to avoid the vote - Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP On Tuesday, Mr Trump broke his silence on the issue, saying Republicans are within their rights to claim more congressional seats in Texas, pointing to Democratic-led states where he says Republicans are under-represented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president, who has held his tongue since Democrats skipped town on Sunday, told CNBC: I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know. And we are entitled to five more seats. Pointing to blue states such as Illinois, Mr Trump said the Democrats did it to us first, adding: Its all gerrymandered. Speaking at an executive order signing on Tuesday evening, Mr Trump said Democrats had abandoned Texas. The president added that the FBI may have to become involved in finding them and bringing them back, after Republican Senator John Cornyn urged Kash Patel, the bureaus chief, to step in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Cornyn, in a letter to Mr Patel, requested the agencys help to locate the out-of-state Texas legislators who are potentially acting in violation of the law. Some of the 57 Democrat refuseniks fled to New York, where they met with governor Kathy Hochul, while others travelled to Illinois, where they are being supported by billionaire governor JB Pritzker. The Texas House voted 85-6 on Monday to track down and arrest those lawmakers not present in the chamber, after which House Speaker Dustin Burrows signed civil warrants for each of the legislators, empowering state troopers to bring them to the state Capitol. Following the ruling, Texas governor Greg Abbott ordered Texas Rangers to investigate the absconding Democrats for violations of state law, including bribery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any Democrat who solicited or accepted funds to break quorum may have violated bribery laws, Mr Abbott wrote on X. Texas Rangers must quickly send any findings to the appropriate prosecutors. People protest against the redistricting legislation outside the Texas Governors Mansion in Austin on Monday - Brandon Bell/Getty The orders are largely symbolic as neither body has the authority to track down and arrest the lawmakers across state lines. At the centre of the escalating impasse is Mr Trumps plans to add five more Republican-leaning seats to the Texas state legislature before next years midterm elections in order to preserve the GOPs slim house majority. Redistricting usually happens once every 10 years following the national census in order to account for shifts in the population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas has 38 seats in the House. The Republican Party occupies 25 of those seats, and Democrats 12, with one seat vacant following the death of Sylvester Turner in March. Some swing district Republicans, including California Representative Kevin Kiley and New York Representative Mike Lawler, have spoken out against partisan gerrymandering on both sides of the aisle, in a rare display of internal party dissent. Mr Lawler wrote on X: Gerrymandering is wrong and should be banned everywhere including in New York, Texas, California, and Illinois. Im introducing legislation to ban it, inviting Democrats to sign on. Democrats, including Mr Newsom and Ms Hochul, have mounted an aggressive push in recent days to counter Republican redistricting by drawing up similar plans in their own states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing with Texas legislators at a press conference in Illinois, on Tuesday, Ken Martin, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, promised that the party is bringing a knife to a knife fight rather than standing by. Ken Martin speaks at a press conference in Illinois on Tuesday - Scott Olson/Getty He added that the GOP plan in Texas is a test case for the rest of the country and a model for other red states to lie, cheat and steal away to victory. While the Democrats spoke of the need to fight back against the Republican redistricting plan, such a move is limited by the states constraints. The rules of redistricting can be vague and variable each state has its own set of rules and procedures. Politicians are gauging what voters will tolerate when it comes to politically motivated map-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas, New York and California are not the only states seeking to redraw congressional lines. Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, said he was very seriously looking to redraw the states map, claiming the 2020 US census was flawed. 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. Some details in this article may be outdated. See recent coverage. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Police in Maryland said they have someone in custody in connection to a decades-old cold case involving the murder of a D.C. police officer. Most recent coverage: Court documents: DC officer desperate in days leading to her 1995 death; boyfriend arrested 30 years later Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said police arrested Amir Jalil Ali, formerly known as Kenneth Burnell Wonsom, for the 1995 killing of Denna Fredericka Campbell, 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ali, who was Campbells live-in boyfriend at the time of her death, is accused of shooting Campbell in their White Oak apartment. Judge: Catherine Hoggle held without bond after being charged with murder of two young children At the time of her murder, Campbell was a four-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). A Sept. 16, 1995, article in The Washington Post about the Sept. 15 incident described Campbell as an energetic officer with a ready smile. At the time, the article said her boyfriend had been charged with murder the same charges he faces now, 30 years later. It was not clear why the charges against him were dropped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PHOENIX - Police arrest man in connection with deadly shooting near Tempe Town Lake; parents make alternate plans after Phoenix elementary school closes its campus temporarily; and more - here's a look at some of your top stories on FOX10Phoenix.com for Monday, August 4, 2025. 1. Update in deadly East Valley shooting What we know Police have made an arrest in connection with a July shooting that left a teenager dead near Tempe Town Lake. What they're saying Per court documents related to the case, 19-year-old Edwin Edward Denis, along with two other unidentified suspects, "followed [the victim], confirmed his identity, and began firing multiple firearms at [the victim], knowing that their conduct would cause [the victim's] death." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More 2. New charges possible for suspect in Zariah Dodd case What we know One of two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Zariah Dodd could face new charges linked to another underage girl. Dig deeper Avondale Police are accusing Davis of multiple charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual conduct with anothrt 17-year-old. Read More 3. Some Ahwatukee parents adjusting schedules amid school campus closure What we know A day after Kyrene School District announced the temporary campus closure of Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School, some parents are making alternate plans for their kids on Monday. What they're saying "I was freaking out a little bit," said Kate Fullmer, whose son attends Kyrene de la Sierra as a preschool student. "I work. My partner works, so we're just trying to do the best we can, and make sure he doesn't fall behind." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More 4. Woman found shot dead in Phoenix What we know Police are investigating after a woman was found dead on Monday morning, near 75th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard in Phoenix. What we don't know The woman was not identified. It's also unclear what led up to the shooting. Read More 5. Sky Harbor vendor allegedly in violation of heat ordinance What we know A company under investigation for not doing enough to protect their employees in Arizona's extreme heat is under fire once again. The backstory The city's Aviation Department requires enclosed trucks on the tarmac to have the capabilities to cool down to 75 degrees, or 40 degrees less than the outdoor temperature. LSG Sky Chefs employees came forward in a July 2 Phoenix City Council meeting, revealing the company's catering trucks were without working air. Employees said they were promised new trucks in May. Read More A sound artist in Japan has captured what may be the last recordings of a vanishing natural event. According to KLOF Mag, Yoichi Kamimura is using hydrophones to document the shifting sea ice off Hokkaido's coast a seasonal phenomenon that's now arriving later and disappearing faster each year. What's happening? Ryuhyo is an event when chunks of ice drift from Siberia to Japan's northern coast. Once a regular feature of winter in Hokkaido, it's now appearing later and melting sooner. Kamimura recorded the underwater pops and rumbles made as the ice shifted haunting audio that may soon vanish entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists have long warned that increasing ocean temperatures are shrinking Arctic and sub-Arctic sea ice and the latest data backs that up. According to NASA, as of March, the level of sea ice cover has hit a record low. If the trend continues, the loss of ice will keep disrupting weather patterns and destabilizing marine life. Why is this important? Kamimura's work captures more than just sound it documents a physical transformation unfolding on a planetary scale. Melting Arctic ice doesn't just affect the polar region. Communities are already seeing higher storm tides, changes to food systems, and the increased spread of diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While extreme weather has always existed, human-caused overheating is supercharging these events making them more dangerous and destructive to communities. A study by Glacier Mass Balance Intercomparison Exercise revealed that shrinking ice cover disrupts global weather patterns as well, making floods and droughts more unpredictable. Even moderate storms can now bring more severe flooding. Changing rainfall patterns are beginning to affect harvests and water access, trends that scientists say are intensifying. 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. What's being done about it? A study by Victoria Buschman and Enooyaq Sudlovenick highlights how Indigenous communities are calling for stricter protections for Arctic environments. Others are using creative tools like Kamimura's project to raise awareness and draw attention to the issue. Broader solutions are also gaining ground. The more people talk about environmental threats, the easier it becomes to see how changes in distant ecosystems can have real impacts close to home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Small shifts, such as using less plastic, being more intentional about consumption, or switching to solar, can help cut our reliance on polluting energy sources. 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. CHIPPEWA FALLS A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Aspirus Health hospital along Chippewa Crossing Boulevard in Chippewa Falls is set for Aug. 14. The Boldt Company, an Appleton-based construction firm with an office in Eau Claire, has submitted a street use permit to the Chippewa Falls City Council, who will likely approve it at their meeting tonight. The permit request lists the full name of the new building as the Aspirus Chippewa Falls Microhospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The street use permit would cover a period from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an estimated 100 people attending. Shuttle buses will be used to take attendees from the New River Suites Hotel across Chippewa Crossing Boulevard to the site of the ceremony. Barricades and warning signs will be erected as well, and one lane of traffic will be closed. Aspirus Health plans to construct the hospital on a 22-acre parcel on the north side of the road. Work on removing trees to make way for the future hospital began this spring. The goal is an 18-month construction period. Aspirus Health recently told Chippewa County officials they plan to start small with its first phase and will build more later when its sustainable. The first phase calls for constructing a 27,000-square-foot facility that is designed for expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estimated employment is 38 full-time workers along with 17 part-time employees. Services that will be offered in Phase I include ER (10 treatment rooms), supporting care for ER (lab, imaging, etc.), inpatient care (10 beds), primary care clinic (12 exam rooms) and a helipad, the health organization told the Chippewa County Executive Committee. They will have an open medical staff hospital, which will allow physicians from any facility to refer patients to this hospital. Aspirus completed its purchase of the 22.1-acre parcel in February. Aspirus has partnered with Wisconsin-based firms REI for civil engineering and HGA for architectural planning. Aspirus anticipates completing the facility possibly in fall 2026. With a team of 14,000 employees, Wausau-based Aspirus operates 18 hospitals and more than 130 outpatient locations across northern and central Wisconsin, as well as northeastern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a press release states. The Chippewa Falls City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at City Hall, 30 W. Central St. William Barnett II, 33, from Athens, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit a child and faces up to 30 years in prison. Barnett admitted to sending explicit instructions for the abuse of a young girl over social media. He pleaded guilty before a U.S. District Judge on August 4 and now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, followed by a minimum of five years up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The sexual exploitation and abuse of children is intolerable, and our office is relentless in the pursuit of justice on behalf of the most vulnerable victims, said U.S. Attorney William R. Will Keyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, stated, Thanks to the diligent efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and its law enforcement partners, this predator will now spend time behind bars for his appalling actions. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters emphasized, These heinous crimes will not be tolerated in our community. We will continue to work with our partners to protect the children of this community and will pursue those who prey on them. According to court documents, the investigation began in February 2024 when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlantas Child Exploitation and Cyber Investigations Group (CECIG) was looking into child sexual abuse material being shared on the platform Mega. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Athens-Clarke County Police Department identified Chris Adam Valentine as a suspect during their investigation into hands-on offenses against four minor children. Agents discovered a chat thread between Valentine and Barnett, where Barnett used a pseudonym and received numerous images of child sexual abuse material, including videos depicting the sexual assault of young girls. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search warrant was executed at Barnetts home on April 3, 2024, leading to the seizure of eight cellphones, two of which contained child sexual abuse material. Barnetts conviction highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and hold offenders accountable for their actions. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Brief William Barnett II, 33, of Athens, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sexually exploit a child. Barnett faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison. The case was uncovered during an investigation into child sexual abuse material shared online. ATLANTA - An Athens man faces 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting a child by sending explicit messages about abusing a young girl, according to federal prosecutors. What we know The U.S. District Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia said William Barnett, II, 33, of Athens, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to sexually exploit a child on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the case began in February 2024 when Homeland Security Investigation Atlantas Child Exploitation and Cyber Investigations Group launched an investigation into child sexual abuse material being shared on the file-sharing and social media platform Mega. The backstory During the investigation, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department identified Chris Adam Valentine as a suspect, according to prosecutors. While investigating offenses committed by Valentine against four children, investigators uncovered chat logs between Valentine and Barnett, exchanged between 2022 and 2023. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Barnett used a pseudonym in conversations, but eventually revealed that his real name was Will. Valentine shared numerous child sexual abuse material files with Barnett, including a video showing the sexual assault of a girl between 6 and 10 years old. Barnett, in turn, shared a video showing an adult man sexually abusing a girl estimated to be between 5 and 10 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On August 22, 2022, prosecutors said Valentine sent Barnett an image of a female child being sexually assaulted. Barnett responded with explicit instructions for further abuse. Valentine replied "OK" and later sent two additional images showing the child being abused according to Barnetts directions. Authorities said they obtained and executed a search warrant at Barnetts home on April 3, 2024. He wasn't there at the time, but Barnett was located nearby and arrested. Federal agents said they seized eight cellphones during the search. Two of the devices contained CSAM, including one with 54 images and three videos showing the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors and toddlers. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations Atlantas CECIG and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. What they're saying "The sexual exploitation and abuse of children is intolerable, and our office is relentless in the pursuit of justice on behalf of the most vulnerable victims," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "This case exemplifies the strong partnership between law enforcement in the Middle District of Georgia as we take decisive action to protect children from predators and ensure offenders are held accountable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thanks to the diligent efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and its law enforcement partners, this predator will now spend time behind bars for his appalling actions," said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, which covers Georgia and Alabama. "This investigation underscores our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and pursuing justice for those who seek to exploit and harm children." What's next Barnett faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, according to prosecutors, but could spend 30 years behind bars. The Source Information in this article came from a release by the U.S. District Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. NEED TO KNOW Eyewitnesses captured video footage inside Atlanta's airport of what appears to be brown sewage water raining down from the ceiling Jamaal Carlos Jr. told local outlet 11 Alive despite the fluids, travelers continued to walk through the water to reach their gates Earlier this year, another "odor" sent airline and airport employees to the hospital Video footage captured inside Americas busiest airport shows what appears to be brown sewage water raining down from the ceiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As were waiting, we see water just pouring from the ceiling. It had been pouring consistently for maybe 10-15 seconds, eyewitness Jamaal Carlos Jr., who captured video of the event at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Aug. 4, told local news outlet 11 Alive. And it just progressively got worse. The ceiling fell through and it stinks really bad. CNN Brown water rains down from ceiling in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Brown water rains down from ceiling in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf According to Carlos, it took airport employees five to 10 minutes to respond and clean up the spill. Despite the fluids, some travelers didnt even bat an eye. Even after it poured... I thought they would get buckets or do something, but people were walking through it," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, airport crews roped off the area with yellow caution tape and forced passengers to take alternate paths around the airport. CNN The ceiling in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport collapses. The ceiling in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport collapses. "Airport personnel had to come and re-route everyone to take a different route. It's crazy. So, they moved our gate... we were just so close to it. So they moved us a little bit further, but you can still smell it two or three gates down," Carlos added. Carlos said he saw more debris continue to fall from the ceiling, but eventually the water stopped. "Following yesterdays ceiling leak near Gate T11, cleanup and sanitization of the affected area have been completed, and normal operations have resumed," a representative for the airport shared in a statement with PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They added: "The exact cause is still under investigation. Throughout the response, customer service representatives assisted in redirecting passengers, and there was no impact to overall airport operations. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Earlier this year, multiple people at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina were hospitalized with inhalation symptoms following an odor emitting from an aircraft. On June 27, airline and airport employees were transported to local hospitals for "inhalation symptoms of an unknown substance from an aircraft, Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE. Seven individuals had minor injuries and were in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An American Airlines representative told PEOPLE that an odor was reported on the flight prior to customers boarding. "Crew members received medical attention on site and were transported to a nearby hospital where they were evaluated and released," the spokesperson continued. "The aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team." According to the American Airlines website, the flight to Los Angeles was canceled. Read the original article on People Finn Wolfhard thinks Pope Leo XIV is cool. Finn Wolfhard thinks Pope Leo XIV is cool The Stranger Things actor, 22, has been a familiar face on screen since his early teens and while navigating international fame continued to attend a local Catholic school during the show's early seasons rather than opting for homeschooling like many of his young co-stars. Now, with over a decade in the public eye, Finn said in a chat with Variety in which he reflectied on the intersection of faith, politics, anxiety and growing up in front of the world: Pope Leo XIV looks like a cool liberal guy who actually cares about people. Im pretty agnostic now, but religion was a big part of my childhood. Despite describing himself as politically active, Finn added he prefers to stay largely private when it comes to public discourse. He said: I am active in my personal life and try not to be in public. But I also know how that sounds in the sense of Everyone has a platform and I should be more . In particular, Finn identified two causes he is deeply committed to Ukraine and Indigenous land rights. His father, an attorney, advocates for the latter. Finn added: I think the amount that the government gets away with, by just f****** over so many Indigenous groups. They have to fight the government to try to get money from them for stolen land it's just insane. Finn also supports Ukraine through monthly donations to United24, a fundraising platform launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Finn also opened up about how the challenges of fame were compounded by early-onset anxiety, which he says was formally diagnosed. Diagnosed, yeah, he said. Finn added: Then I started seeing a therapist. Its something thats worked for me. I can either try to bury that stuff and just do project after project, not think about it, or be able to ask myself these questions. Finn is currently single and describes his current focus as being firmly on his work. But when asked about his relationship status, he struggled to form a complete thought. He said: Im single and like I feel like thats something that Im also kind of thinking about right now is just like this is the time kind of where I have been doing the most work kind of in my life. So I feel like its been kind of maybe its been subconsciously whats the word? deliberate?, to not have a committed partner. Just because Im 22, I dont really want to put my also considering how at the rate that Im traveling all the time and working and stuff, I just feel like its not the time to do that. The Brief A disturbance off Floridas coast has a 40% chance of development and could bring increased rain to the state later this week. Tropical Storm Dexter is weakening off the East Coast but may regain strength as it moves away from land. Another tropical wave in the central Atlantic has a 50% chance of forming over the next week. ORLANDO, Fla. - The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three systems in the Atlantic: Tropical Storm Dexter, and two potential disturbances in the far east Atlantic and near the southeastern United States. Tropical Storm Dexter Tropical Storm Dexter is maintaining its intensity as it moves northeastward across the Atlantic, the NHC said. As of 5 p.m., Dexter was about 460 miles northeast of Bermuda, moving northeast at 13 mph. It had sustained winds of 40 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's expected to strengthen some over the next 48 hours before eventually becoming an extratropical cyclone. NHC tracking disturbance off Florida's coast Dig deeper A weak trough several hundred miles off the southeastern coast of the United States east of Florida is producing scattered showers and thunderstorms, the NHC said. This system is expected to produce an area of low pressure over the next day or two, in which conditions appear favorable for tropical development, the NHC said. A tropical depression could form later this week or weekend. Chances of development are 40% over the next 7 days. Will the disturbance impact Florida? Local perspective FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Brooks Garner said the disturbance is expected to increase rain chances in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Watching for tropical low pressure to form later this week along a stationary front draped across Florida and into the Atlantic. "Its track yet to be determined but some models take it across Florida as a weak system, increasing our rain chances," Brooks said. Second disturbance in Central Tropical Atlantic Meanwhile, in the central tropical Atlantic, the environment should be favorable for slow development of a tropical wave over the next few days, and a tropical depression could form later this week or over the weekend as the system moves west-northwest. It has a 50% chance of formation over the next seven days. The Source This story was written based on information shared by the National Hurricane Center and the FOX 35 Storm Team on August 5, 2025. The submarine USS Boise has faced maintenance and repair delays since its last patrol ended in early 2015. The wait has been caused by and come to exemplify the US Navy's maintenance and repair problems. The new chief of naval operations said in his confirmation hearing that the Boise's time in the yard is "unacceptable." Sidelined for over ten years now, the attack submarine USS Boise has become one of the clearest and most damning examples of the US Navy's maintenance problems. The Los Angeles-class sub came up during the confirmation hearing of Adm. Daryl Caudle, President Donald Trump's pick for top admiral. The Senate recently confirmed him as the new chief of naval operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Caudle responded to fresh concerns about the Boise and questions of whether it might be time to scrap the boat. He told the US Senate Armed Services Committee that if he were confirmed, he'd look hard at the Boise's situation. "The decision whether or not to actually walk away from Boise is a big one, and I want to make sure I clearly understand the trajectory and trends," Caudle said, responding to a question from Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican who had asked him if it was time to "just simply pull the plug on that one." "I hear you loud and clear, senator, on how unacceptable it is, how long she's been in the yards," the admiral said. He added that the Boise's delays were "a dagger in my heart as a submarine officer." Caudle previously served as commander on three nuclear-powered submarines and was the commander of Submarine Forces Atlantic and Submarine Forces, US Pacific Fleet. USS Boise (SSN 764) moors at Marathi NATO Pier Complex in Souda Bay, Greece, during a scheduled visit Dec. 23, 2014. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeffrey M. Richardson / US Navy / DVIDS The Boise and the larger US Navy shipbuilding and maintenance issues were major topics of conversation in Caudle's hearing. The Boise was originally launched in 1991 and conducted operations until early 2015, when it wrapped up its last patrol and docked at Naval Station Norfolk for scheduled repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Limited dry dock availability and workforce capacity left the Boise and its crew waiting. In 2016, the vessel lost its ability to perform unrestricted operations, and then it lost its dive certification in the following year. Those developments were then followed by more waiting, leaving the valuable combat asset out of action. In 2019, then-US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper visited the Boise and praised the crew for maintaining "readiness and lethality" as the vessel was still standing by for repairs. In February 2024, the Navy awarded prominent shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) a $1.2 billion contract to begin an engineering overhaul on the Boise. The work is expected to be completed by 2029, meaning the ship will not have set sail on a patrol for roughly 15 years by the time it's finished. That's a staggering waste of an expensive, front-line asset. Even when the work is done, the ship will be nearing the end of its service life. The Boise has thus emerged as an example of overstretched and under-resourced shipyards, insufficient planning, and the challenges of budget instabilities that affect Navy readiness. The sea service did not immediately respond to request for comment from Business Insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Work on US nuclear-powered submarines is typically handled by one of the Navy's four public shipyards, which have seen dramatic demands in recent decades due to a lack of investment in maintenance from the Navy and the increased complexity of the subs and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, Bryan Clark, a retired Navy submarine officer and defense expert at the Hudson Institute, told Business Insider. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper visits the USS Boise on September 25, 2019. US Department of Defense A "combination of factors created a huge backlog at the shipyards," Clark said. The long tail of COVID-19 disruptions, particularly for supply chains and labor pools, added strain to Navy shipyards in the early 2020s. In more recent years, experts have pointed to persistent workforce shortages, uneven investment, and inconsistent Navy planning as critical causes of ongoing delays in major shipbuilding programs and maintenance backlogs. The Navys long-standing struggles with routine maintenance stretch back decades, with challenges including persistent shipyard bottlenecks, limited dry dock availability, troubling scheduling missteps, workforce shortages, unreliable or inconsistent maintenance data, and unforeseen issues that tend to emerge during repairs and cause significant delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supply chain problems and shortages of spare parts and critical materials have also added to the strain. These issues, combined with broader weaknesses in the Navys shipbuilding enterprise, have raised concerns within the service and on Capitol Hill about the fleets size and overall readiness, particularly as the US emphasizes the need to deter or, if necessary, fight a potential conflict with a major power like China, which has far greater shipbuilding and repair capacity. Read the original article on Business Insider CHIPPEWA FALLS A New Auburn man accused of a sexual assault is headed toward a trial next month. Arlon J. Hoff, 28, 146 W. Dell St., was charged in March 2024 in Chippewa County Court with third-degree sexual assault and fourth-degree sexual assault. He entered a not guilty plea in October. Hoff appeared in court Monday, where his attorney, Matthew Krische, told Judge Steve Gibbs that no agreement has been reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial is slated to begin Sept. 3 and is anticipated to take two days. Attorneys resolved two motions at Mondays hearing, ahead of the trial. According to the criminal complaint, a woman told police in April 2023 she was lying in bed at a residence in New Auburn when Hoff came into the room, got in the bed with her, and sexually assaulted her. She said she pushed him away and pretended like she was asleep, but he continued to sexually assault her. Hoff has no prior criminal record in Wisconsin, online court records show. He remains free on a signature bond. As terms of his release, he cannot have any contact with the victim in the case. The case has been delayed because it was originally assigned to Judge Benjamin Lane, but Krische filed a motion for a new judge to be appointed. A masked ICE agent stands guard outside as ICE, other federal officers, Minneapolis police, and other state officers raid Las Cuatro Milpas in Minneapolis, Minnesota Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Minneapolis police did not violate the citys policy barring officers from assisting in immigration enforcement during a federal raid at a Mexican restaurant in June, according to a report by the citys independent auditor released on Tuesday. Minneapolis police officers presence outside Las Cuatro Milpas on June 3 while federal agents executed a search warrant related to a narcotics and human trafficking investigation has ignited a fierce debate at City Hall over whether the citys police force should ever assist ICE as the Trump administration pursues mass deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of federal officers from ICE, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Agency and other agencies arriving at the intersection of Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue with armored vehicles, assault weapons and zip-ties quickly drew hundreds protesting their presence in the largely immigrant neighborhood. Minneapolis police officers including Chief Brian OHara responded to the scene to prevent civil unrest along a stretch of Lake Street that was looted and vandalized in 2020 during the protests of the police killing of George Floyd. City Council members and immigrant advocates questioned whether the department was abiding by the citys separation ordinance, which bars officers from undertaking any action for the purpose of detecting the presence of undocumented people or arresting people for violating federal civil immigration laws. The ordinance does not bar officers from assisting federal authorities in other criminal operations, and federal authorities later said the operation was part of a series of raids at eight locations across the Twin Cities metro area following the discovery of 900 pounds of methamphetamine in a Burnsville storage locker. An ICE spokesperson said the groundbreaking operation was Minnesotas first under President Donald Trumps Homeland Security Task Force, which he established via executive order on the first day of his second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was arrested in Minneapolis as part of the raid, but Las Cuatro Milpas owner Francisco Estrada-Deltaro was later taken into custody and charged with re-entering the U.S. after being deported, the Star Tribune reported. In his report, City Auditor Robert Timmerman said the Minneapolis Police Department did not know about the raid until just before 10 a.m. when dispatch aired an alert that Lake and Bloomington would be closed. OHara was notified minutes later of the presence of federal law enforcement while he was attending a roll call at the police training facility in north Minneapolis. Community members clash with ICE, other federal officers, Minneapolis police, and other state officers as officials raid Las Cuatro Milpas in Minneapolis, Minnesota Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) With scarce official communication about the raid, members of the city council and the mayors administration quickly began to accuse one another of spreading misinformation. Council Member Jason Chavez, who was on the scene, was informed by MPD at 11:39 a.m. that the federal action was not immigration related. Minutes later, Chavez posted to social media saying they lied and ICE agents were present, according to a timeline prepared by the city auditor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those two facts arent necessarily contradictory, and the city auditor found both the mayor and the city council were truthful in their official communications. City council members blasted the police department and mayors office for not officially notifying them until 1:50 p.m., nearly four hours after OHara learned of the action. That left council members in a void of information, according to the auditor, who recommended the city improve its communication practices. The auditors report did little to quell the debate over the polices cooperation with federal law enforcement. Chavez, the son of Mexican immigrants who represents the area where the raid occurred, said ICE poses a dangerous threat to our community no matter the reason for their presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They may be going for drug trafficking, sex trafficking, but at the end of the day, if they see our undocumented community members right there as bystanders, they have shown that they will take them as collateral damage, Chavez said during a council meeting on Tuesday before a crowd of supporters holding signs reading No Crowd Control and Real Sanctuary Now. Chavez along with the rest of the progressive wing of the council said the city should revise its ordinance to further restrict police coordination with ICE. Our community in south Minneapolis on Lake and Bloomington experienced trauma, experienced pain and an escalation by the federal government, he added. The ordinance is now a major issue in the race for mayor, with all candidates save Mayor Jacob Frey saying they would discipline OHara for his presence on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No serious mayor would commit to disciplining Chief OHara for something that never happened, Frey said at the time. The facts are clear it wasnt an immigration raid, and the MPD was not involved in its execution. No chief will work for a mayor who misrepresents their conduct for political gain. DFL-endorsed challenger Sen. Omar Fateh said the Minneapolis police should never cooperate with ICE. No matter the circumstance, especially when MPD is short staffed, even helping Trumps Federal agents do crowd control is unconscionable. MPD should be responding to urgent calls and clearing its backlog of unsolved crimes, not doing Trumps bidding, Fateh said on social media the day after the raid. Fateh said if elected he would support strengthening the separation ordinance and fire officers who violate the policy against cooperating with ICE. Gov. Tim Walz called the enforcement action chaotic, though said he supports law enforcement stopping criminal activity. Attorney General Keith Ellison said it seemed the point of the heavy militarized presence was to inflict terror and fear into the community. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. A Missouri state audit of the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office under Wesley Bell found no evidence of major misconduct, but raised concerns about office practices, including credit card use, secondary employment and insufficient timekeeping. Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released the findings Monday in a state auditors investigative summary report, evaluating the conduct and internal practices of the prosecutors office during Bells tenure from Jan. 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2024. Pertaining to credit card use, the audit accounted for 195 transactions, including 47 on Bells card and 148 transactions over three other employee cards. The audit found no issues with purchases on Bells card, used only for monthly web service fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the auditors report, no improper purchases on behalf of office employees were identified, but it found that one meal expense lacked documentation on the meeting purpose and a hotel fee was charged for a witness who didnt appear due to a late cancellations. It also found one employee was reimbursed for an extra hotel night, and though appropriate for the employee to be reimbursed, it was against office policy to do so through a credit card. Additionally, the audit found there to be animal care costs for an advocate dog provided by a third party, which was paid without a contract, violating a state law that requires written agreements for such purchases. Pertaining to secondary employment, the audit determined that some prosecuting office attorneys were working in secondary positions of local municipal courts during PAO working hours, violating office policy. The audit found 43 such instances where court sessions conflicted with PAO hours and no PTO hours were taken, per office policy. The auditors office conducted a review into this matter and determined 41 of 43 instances in which attorneys did not appear during PAO hours. The two other cases could not be verified and were insufficient to determine if attorneys worked alternative hours to make up their time, making it whether the attorneys made up the time or violated office policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pertaining to timekeeping, the audit found that around 51 percent of timesheets were not signed by a supervisor to document their review and approval. While no formal policy required supervisor sign-off under Bells administration, the audit considers it a best practice to ensure records are accurate. Current St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, Melissa Price-Smith, has implemented a weekly supervisor review policy sometime since taking over in January, according to the audit. The auditors reported that all Sunshine Law requests were tracked and addressed, but noted there were opportunities for more timely response in some instances. The auditors report made recommendations such as stronger enforcement of travel and food spending rules, formalizing service contracts, requiring PTO for any outside paid work and strengthening timekeeping and supervisory review processes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. So little time. Tomorrow might be a shorter day but youll barely be able to tell. Scientists say that Earth will spin a tad faster than usual on Tuesday shortening the usual 24-hour day by 1.25 to 1.51 milliseconds. This prediction was made by the International Earth Rotation, Reference Systems Service and the U.S. Naval Observatory, according to TimeandDate. Considering it takes Earth 86,400 seconds to make a full rotation this change is so minor that, as of now, it wont have a major impact on peoples daily lives, as reported by CNET. There have been three shorter days this summer and most people probably didnt even realize it. Don Pettit/ISS / SWNS And to many peoples surprise, tomorrow will mark the third shortest day this summer. July 9 and July 22 were two other time crunch days, according to the International Rotation and Reference Systems Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts blame the moons position for the shorter dog days of summer but theyre not positive. The cause of this acceleration is not explained. Most scientists believe it is something inside the Earth. Ocean and atmospheric models dont explain this huge acceleration, Earth rotation expert from Moscow State University, Leonic Zotov, told TimeandDate.com. And this trend of shorter days has been going on since 2020. Experts arent totally certain what is causing Earth to be in such a hurry. Quality Stock Arts stock.adobe.com July 2020 had a day that was 1.47 milliseconds shorter, and two years later, in June 2022, there was a day where 1.59 milliseconds was shaved off. Bet you never even realized youve lived anything shorter than a 24-hour day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While theyre not noticeable in the moment, scientists warn that shorter days could have negative long-term effects. Although tomorrows short day effects will be minor experts worry about what it can do in the long run. Tryfonov stock.adobe.com As our pale blue dots rotation speeds up, the diverging force might cause ocean water to shift towards the equator which in turn could potentially raise sea levels enough to flood flatlands, as explained by the Daily Mail. If Earths speedy rotation keeps at it, experts fear that the 24-hour day could shorten by two hours. As a result, humans internal clocks would be thrown out of whack and a 22-hour day would also potentially cause dangerous weather patterns, like faster and more catastrophic hurricanes, NASA astronomer Dr. Sten Odenwald explained, according to the outlet. This is an unprecedented situation and a big deal, study lead author and geophysicist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, Duncan Agnew, said earlier this summer. Who's ready for some stargazing? Or how about moongazing? How about nebulagazing? August's full moon will be coming this weekend, Aug. 9. It'll be perfect timing before the kids head back to school. Most Florida schools will open for the 2025-2026 academic year on Monday, Aug. 11. Here's what to know about what's happening in the night sky in August. When is August full moon? The August 2025 full moon arrives at 3:55 a.m. ET Aug. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A full moon occurs at the exact moment when the Earth, moon, and sun form a perfect alignment. To our eyes, though, the moon seems to be full for about three days, according to Astronomy.com. Why is August full moon called the sturgeon moon? "The name sturgeon moon comes from the giant lake sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. "This native freshwater fish was readily caught during this part of summer and an important food staple for Native Americans who lived in the region" Will clouds block view of August full moon in Florida Aug. 9? Expected cloud cover at 2 a.m. Aug. 9, 2025, the night of the full sturgeon moon. Clouds could partially block your view of August's full moon Saturday night, especially the farther south you go along Florida's peninsula. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best view will be in Pensacola, where cloud cover is expected to be 7%, compared to 59% in Key West, according to the National Weather Service. When will be the next supermoon? There won't be a supermoon in August, but there will be three in the last three months of the year: Oct. 7 Nov. 5 Dec. 4 What is a supermoon? A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moons closest approach to Earth, according to NASA. "At its closest point, the full moon can appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than the faintest moon of the year, which occurs when its farthest from Earth in its orbit." At its closest approach to Earth, the moon can bring tides that are higher than usual. Perseids meteor shower peak in August The Perseid meteor showers will peak Aug. 12-13, but the full moon on Aug. 9 may make them difficult to see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Called the "most popular meteor shower," the Perseids are active from July 23 until Aug. 23 in 2025, according to the American Meteor Society. At their peak, Aug. 12-13, there could be 50 to 75 meteors an hour shooting across the night sky according to the American Meteor Society. Best viewed after midnight. You'll see the most meteors just before dawn as you look toward the northeast, according to earthsky.org. Planets visible in August 2025 Look for these planets in August: Mercury: Pops up above the horizon during the second half of August. Appears very low in the sky. Venus: Spot this planet about an hour before sunrise high in the eastern sky. Mars: Can be observed low in the west during the hour after sunset. Jupiter: Appears in the east each morning, together with Venus, but much less bright. Saturn: Can be observed from late night to dawn. Rises around 10:30 p.m. early in the month, and around 8:30 p.m. by the end of the month. Find it high in the south as sunrise approaches. Planetary conjunctions to watch in August 2025 Venus and Jupiter: The two brightest planets, Jupiter and Venus, "shine brightly in the mornings as they appear to graze each other in the sky" Aug. 11-12, according to NASA. Moon with Venus and Jupiter: A slim lunar crescent joins Jupiter and Venus still relatively close in the sky after their conjunction Aug. 11-12. The three will appear in the east in the several hours preceding sunrise Aug. 19-20. Saturn and Neptune: The two will undergo a conjunction on Aug. 6. Look low in the eastern sky to spot Saturn, and Neptune will be due north. Viewing both planets together is rare, Astronomy.com said. You also may be able to spot Titan, Saturn's largest moon with a small telescope. See Dumbbell Nebula, M27, in August 2025 One of the easiest planetary nebulas to observe, the Dumbbell Nebula, also known as M27, appears high overhead in the first half of the night in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Dumbbell Nebula, nicknamed for its dumbbell-like shape, appears as a small, faint patch of light about a quarter of the width of the full moon in binoculars or a small telescope," according to NASA. You will need binoculars or a telescope to see the nebula. A nebula is a giant cloud of gas and dust in space. Messier 27 was the first planetary nebula discovered, according to NASA. It was spotted in 1764. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Full moon, Perseid, Dumbbell Nebula coming for August 2025 Austin Drummond, wanted for the murder of four individuals related to a found infant in West Tennessee, is now in custody. The manhunt for Drummond continued into the morning of Aug. 5 as surveillance camera footage emerged that showed him walking around Jackson, Tennessee, dressed in camouflage, carrying a black rifle. Drummond was taken into custody by the Jackson Police Department on Aug. 5. This would not have been achieved without the tireless work and dedication of our local, state, and federal partners," Sheriff Jeff Box said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what has happened in the case so far. Where was Austin Drummond caught in Tennessee? Drummond was caught in Northwest Jackson around the Pipkin Road area. The Jackson Police Department issued a safety in place order for Bridlepath Drive and Saddlebrook Drive. Pleasant Plains Road Country Club Lane is temporarily blocked off. What is Austin Drummond charged with? Since being identified as a suspect in the murders, Drummond, 28, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping, four counts of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possessing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Where is Dyer County, Tennessee? Dyer County is located about 75 miles north of Memphis. It is two counties north of Shelby County, on the other side of Tipton and Lauderdale County. Dyer County's largest city is Dyersburg, with a population of almost 37,000 residents. Who was killed in Lake County, TN? On Wednesday, July 30, the Dyer County Sheriff's Office announced that the four individuals found dead in Lake County were the missing relatives of the found infant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deceased were identified as the child's parents, Adrianna Williams, 20, and Matthew Wilson, 21, the baby's uncle, Braydon Williams, 15, and the baby's grandmother, Cortney Rose, 38. Where was the baby found compared to the family? It was reported that the infant was dropped off in Tigrett, an unincorporated community in Dyer County. This is about 40 miles south of where the parents, uncle and grandmother were found dead. TBI: Three others arrested in manhunt for Austin Drummond Three additional individuals were arrested in connection with Drummond, according to law enforcement. Dearrah Sanders, 23, was arrested Aug. 4 on a charge of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, according to a statement from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. They alleged that Sanders assisted Drummond after the murders took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tanaka Brown, 29, and Giovonte Thomas, 29, were arrested on accessory after the fact to first-degree murder on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, respectively, the agency said in a pair of statements. An update added that Brown had been charged with one count of tampering with evidence. Thomas was already booked into the Madison County Jail on an unrelated charge and was expected to be moved to Lake County Jail for arraignment, according to the statement. Who is Austin Drummond? Drummond served a 13-year sentence for aggravated robbery and retaliation charges in 2014. He was released in September 2024, despite several pending contraband charges, including allegations he had meth and a handgun. This piece will be updated as new information becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: West Tennessee quadruple murder case: Suspect Austin Drummond arrested JACKSON, Tenn. Austin Drummond, the man wanted in a quadruple murder of a family in West Tennessee, was taken into custody Tuesday morning after a weeklong search. Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley said the department received several calls about possible sightings of Drummond beginning around 8 a.m. One of those calls came in at 8:57 officers worked quickly and made the arrest at 9:05. Drummond had been living in a vacant building, though it was unclear how long he had been there, Corley said. He confirmed that building was a pool house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released the photo below of Drummond moments after he was taken into custody. Swipe left to see his updated mug shot. Who is Austin Drummond? Records show Vice Lords tie, violent past Austin Robert Drummond (TBI) photo Lake County Sheriffs Office TBI Director David Rausch could not release a motive for the killings. He said Drummonds girlfriend is the sister of two of the victims and daughter of a victim. Rausch said a couple of firearms had been recovered in the case. Drummond has been transported to an undisclosed facility, Rausch said. The arrest comes after a shelter-in-place alert was issued for those in Jackson, Tennessee, on Tuesday morning, when the Jackson Police Department said Drummond was spotted in the area of Saddlebrook Drive and Bridlepath Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area of Pleasant Plains and Country Club was temporarily blocked off, police say. John Stechauner, a witness on the scene, said he was doing work for some friends when they saw the back door of the greenhouse open, which is never left open. He said he looked up and saw a man walking through the area. Thats when he says he called 911, and within 15 minutes, Drummond was arrested. Police confirm sightings of Austin Drummond on camera in Jackson Drummond had been on the run since last Tuesday, when the bodies of James Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, were found along Carrington Road in Tiptonville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An infant who was related to the victims was also found safe in front of a house in Dyer County. The baby is safe and healthy, authorities said. Dyer county family and baby A warrant charged Drummond with 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. Bryan Avery, the sheriff of Lake County in far northwest Tennessee where the four killings occurred, said only about 7,000 people lived in his tight-knit county. When one person hurts, everybody hurts, Avery said. Police say Drummond was seen on a citizens camera system in the 700 block of Pipkin Road in Jackson on Sunday night. They released two surveillance videos showing Drummond wearing camouflage clothing and a backpack, and carrying a rifle. In one video, he attempted to open a door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three others, Giovontie Thomas, 29, Tanaka Brown, 29, and Dearrah Sanders, 23, were all arrested and charged with Accessory After the Fact to First Degree Murder. Brown is also facing a Tampering with Evidence charge. Drummond has deep connections to the Jackson area. According to the TBIs criminal history, 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. Suspect identified in deaths of 4 people in West TN Two years later, court documents state that when Drummond was 17 years old, he walked behind the register in a gas station in Jackson, pointed a pistol at the clerk, demanded she open the cash register, and took the cash inside. A jury found him guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond was released from prison last September, according to the state Department of Corrections records. He had been convicted on an aggravated robbery charge. TBI said more than one tipster may be eligible for a reward for information in the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. By Kirsty Needham, Tim Kelly and Alasdair Pal SYDNEY/TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan clinched a landmark A$10 billion ($6.5 billion) deal on Tuesday to build warships for Australia, marking Tokyo's most consequential defence sale since ending a military export ban in 2014 as it steps away from postwar pacifism to counter China. Under the agreement, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will supply the Royal Australian Navy with three, upgraded Mogami-class multi-role frigates built in Japan from 2029. Eight more frigates will be built in Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Designed to hunt submarines, strike surface ships and provide air defence, the highly automated warships can be operated by just 90 sailors, half the crew of Australia's aging Anzac-class frigates. Australia plans to deploy the ships to defend critical maritime trade routes and its northern approaches in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where China's military footprint is expanding. "It's going to be really important in terms of giving our navy the capability to project, and impactful projection is at the heart of the strategic challenge," Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said at a briefing. The Mogami, emblematic of a global shift toward versatile modular warships, offers more firepower and a 4,000 nautical miles more range than the current fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It takes our general purpose frigates from being able to fire 32 air defence missiles to 128," including "the most advanced", defence industry minister Pat Conroy said at the briefing with Marles. The deal also anchors Japan's push to forge security ties beyond its alliance with the U.S. to counter China. The defence industry partnership "makes it harder for China to play Japan and Australia off against each other and sends a concerted signal to Beijing that both countries are willing to make their quasi-alliance a functioning reality said Euan Graham, a senior analyst for defence strategy at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. The successful frigate bid eases the sting of 2016, when Australia rejected a Japanese submarine program, also led by MHI, in favour of a French design. Canberra scrapped that project in 2023, opting instead to build nuclear-powered submarines with the United States and Britain under the AUKUS pact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We took that lesson to heart. The Australian government recognized not only the technical strengths of our ships but also the unified commitment of both government and industry," Japan's Minister of Defence Gen Nakatani said at a briefing in Tokyo. INITIAL CONTRACT The initial order for three Japanese-built frigates will be Australias largest naval purchase since the AUKUS agreement, while the remaining eight ships are expected to be constructed by Austal in Western Australia. "We are currently focusing on establishing maintenance operations in Australia for the ships built here and are beginning communication with local companies," Hiroshi Nishio MHIs chief financial officer, said after the company released its latest quarterly earnings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, with Japan's biggest defence contractor untested in managing overseas military projects, MHI will tap other business units to support the work, Nishio added. Officials from both countries said pricing, sustainment, and the transfer of production to Australia remain key issues to settle before a finalized contract can be signed early next year. MHI's Mogami frigate was selected over German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems' MEKO A-200 in a meeting of the Australian government's national security committee. Shares in MHI jumped 5.7% in Tokyo. Austal closed up 7.94%, buoyed by assurances from Canberra of a pipeline of shipbuilding work, including the Mogami program. ($1 = 1.5456 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Kirsty Needham and Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Tim Kelly in Tokyo; Editing by Stephen Coates, Michael Perry, Lincoln Feast and Kim Coghill) Australias Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong has told the countrys media that there is a risk there will be no Palestine left to recognise, amid Israels devastating war on Gaza and increasing violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Wong, who did not indicate that Australia plans to change its stance and recognise Palestinian statehood, made her comments in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation ( ABC) on Tuesday morning, where she responded to questions about a mass protest in Sydney attended by hundreds of thousands of people rallying against Israels war on Gaza. Organisers said that between 200,000 and 300,000 people joined the protest across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday. Police had initially estimated that about 90,000 people took part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wong said the Australian government shared the protesters desire for peace and a ceasefire, and that the huge turnout reflected the broad Australian communitys horror and the distress of Australians, on what we are seeing unfolding in Gaza, the catastrophic humanitarian situation, the deaths of women and children, the withholding of aid. However, asked if Australia was considering taking any more concrete actions, such as imposing sanctions on Israel, Wong said: We dont speculate on sanctions for the obvious reason that they have more effect if they are not flagged. She noted that Australia had already imposed sanctions on two far-right ministers in Netanyahus government, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, in June this year, as well as extremist Israeli settlers. On Australias position regarding Palestinian statehood, Wong said: In relation to recognition, Ive said for over a year now, its a matter of when, not if. Wongs interview came as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is reportedly seeking to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of Sundays protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to questions about what he plans to discuss with Netanyahu, Albanese said he would again express his support for a two-state solution. Rawan Arraf, the executive director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, said that the only business that Albanese should be discussing with Netanyahu is cancelling the two-way arms trade between Australia and and Israel, new sanctions measures, and Netanyahus one-way trip to the [International Criminal Court] to face war crimes and crimes against humanity charges. Albanese must not give legitimacy to an accused war criminal, Arraf wrote in a post on X. While both Albanese and Wong have continued to emphasise the importance of a two-state solution, Australia has yet to follow other countries, including France and Canada, that have recently announced their plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, and join the vast majority of countries which already do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albanese also had a phone call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday, the first publicly recorded call between the pair since November 2023, according to the ABC. Responding to questions about the Sydney protest rally, Albanese said: Its not surprising that so many Australians have been affected in order to want to show their concern at people being deprived of food and water and essential services. But the state government in New South Wales, which is led by Albaneses Labor Party, had sought to prevent the march from crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the week leading up to the protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protest only went ahead after State Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg ruled that the march at this location is motivated by the belief that the horror and urgency of the situation in Gaza demands an urgent and extraordinary response from the people of the world. The evidence indicates there is significant support for the march, Rigg added. A number of state and federal Labor ministers also took part in the march, in an indication of a growing divide within Albaneses party. Independent journalist Antony Loewenstein told Al Jazeera that Sundays march showed that Australians are frustrated that our government is doing little more than talk at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are so outraged, not just by what Israel is doing in Gaza, but also the Australian governments complicity, said Loewenstein, who spoke at the march on Sunday. Australia is part of the global supply chain for the F-35 fighter jet, which Israel is using over Gaza every day, and the parts that are amongst those parts in the plane are probably coming from Australia, he said. Canberra awarded a huge contract to a Japanese firm to build advanced warships for Australias navy, deepening military ties between two nations increasingly wary of Chinese expansionism. The agreement, the biggest of its kind in the countries history, involves the sale of 11 stealth frigates able to launch long-range missiles, significantly expanding Australias maritime defense capabilities. Though neither side disclosed details, state broadcaster ABC said the initial contract for three ships was worth about $6.5 billion, and is part of a wider restructuring of the countrys military, with a focus on countering Chinas navy. The deal comes amid a broader expansion of defense spending worldwide, with European powers in particular looking to wean themselves off US dependence. Chris Elstoft, left, Australia's diplomat to the Midwest, speaks with Gov. Kelly Armstrong during a visit to Bismarck on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo provided by the North Dakota Governor's Office) North Dakota technology could be of interest to producers in Australia, said the countrys Midwest diplomat, who made the first trip here in years to scout trade and investment opportunities. Australia was North Dakotas third-largest international buyer in 2024, behind only Canada and Mexico, according to data published by the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative. North Dakota sold the country $252 million in goods last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia is especially interested in North Dakota agriculture, defense and energy products, Chris Elstoft, Australias Consul-General in Chicago, said during a visit to Bismarck this week. Uncertainty over the Trump administrations tariffs on foreign imports has not been very helpful in facilitating trade between the two nations, he said, though the relationship remains strong. Were sitting at 10%, which is not ideal, but is not unmanageable, said Elstoft. The United States consistently exports more goods to Australia than it imports. Elstoft serves as Australias representative in 12 Midwestern states: North Dakota, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. His tour is facilitated by the North Dakota Trade Office. Elstoft said this is his first visit to North Dakota, though his predecessor had last visited the state four years ago. In addition to Bismarck, he plans to visit Grand Forks, Fargo and Jamestown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Technology developed by and for North Dakota industries could be of use to producers in Australia, Elstoft said. He said North Dakota farmers sell a lot of used agricultural equipment to Australia, for example. Your farmers tend to like to have the newest model every two or three years, he said. It seems like we have a few farmers in Australia that are happy to take the harvester, or whatever it is, off their hands. He added that Australian companies produce technology and equipment for the oil, gas and mining sectors that North Dakota businesses could benefit from. Elstoft said as Australia is increasing its defense spending, its also becoming a major buyer of U.S. military products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the defense side, were very comfortable and confident that that alliance between the two countries just continues to strengthen, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Kirsty Needham and Liz Lee SYDNEY/BEIJING (Reuters) -Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Tuesday that Australia would not tolerate surveillance of its community by foreign governments, after a Chinese woman was charged with foreign interference and denied bail by a court. The woman, who has not entered a plea, appeared in court in Australia's capital Canberra on Monday after police charged her with "reckless foreign interference" for allegedly monitoring a Buddhist group in the city on behalf of a Chinese security agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court heard the woman's husband was a vice captain in a public security ministry in a Chinese province, and she had visited the Chinese consulate in Canberra in the days after her property was raided by police, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. In a series of television interviews on Tuesday, Wong said she couldn't comment on an individual case, but added Australia was taking a stand against foreign interference. "We do not tolerate harassment, intimidation, surveillance of Australians and we have a strong framework to deter foreign interference in our democracy," she said in an ABC radio interview. It is the third time charges have been brought under foreign interference laws introduced in Australia in 2018, and the first time a Chinese national has been charged under the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement the ministry "was not aware of the specifics of the case" but would closely follow developments and "safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens." "China has never interfered in the internal affairs of other countries, and firmly opposes any attempts to disrupt normal people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between China and relevant countries under the pretext of 'foreign interference'," the spokesperson added. A court suppression order has prevented media reporting the woman's name. The woman, who is also a permanent resident of Australia, faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment if she is convicted, according to Australian Federal Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police allege the woman was tasked by a Public Security Bureau of China to covertly gather information about the Canberra branch of Guan Yin Citta, a Buddhist group. China's embassy in Canberra did not respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney and Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) An Australian politician has refused to stand down despite being jailed for rape, sparking an urgent court battle to expel the sex offender from a state parliament. Gareth Ward, a New South Wales state politician, was found guilty last month of sexually abusing two young men, aged 18 and 24, between 2013 and 2015. The 44-year-old former Liberal Party member has refused to stand down from state parliament, despite sitting in prison while awaiting sentencing for his crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Minns, the state premier, said Ward had no shame, pledging to move a motion that would expel him from parliament, saying its the first and most obvious choice. Unconscionable situation Mr Minns said: Its an unconscionable situation to have someone whos currently sitting in jail in Silverwater, convicted of serious sexual offences, who is demanding to remain a member of parliament and continue to be paid. But Ward has so far stymied these efforts, obtaining a temporary injunction late on Monday that prevented the Labour government from removing him. Mark Speakman, the opposition leader, joined calls for Ward to step aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leader of the NSW Liberals, which Ward was formerly a part of, said: Every day he clings to his seat from a jail cell, taxpayers are footing the bill and the people of Kiama are left voiceless. Its not just wrong, its offensive. Ron Hoenig, the leader of the House, said the government would seek an urgent hearing this week to have the injunction lifted. He told reporters: The issue is, as you would appreciate, of considerable significance. The House needs to be able to make its judgment to protect itself. And we will be seeking a review of the judges decision. Ward said he planned to appeal his convictions, and should remain in parliament until this appeal is heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is due to be sentenced next month, for three counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. 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. By Alasdair Pal SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia's Great Barrier Reef has suffered the largest decline in coral cover in two of its three regions over the last year, research released on Wednesday showed, following a mass bleaching of its corals that was among the worst on record. The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences said the reef has experienced the largest annual decline in coral cover in its northern and southern regions since monitoring began 39 years ago, with coral cover dropping between a quarter and a third after several years of solid growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are now seeing increased volatility in the levels of hard coral cover," said Mike Emslie, head of institute's long term monitoring programme. "This is a phenomenon that emerged over the last 15 years and points to an ecosystem under stress." The reef, the world's largest living ecosystem, stretches for some 2,400 km (1,500 miles) off the coast of the northern state of Queensland. Since 2016, the reef has experienced five summers of mass coral bleaching, when large sections of the reef turn white due to heat stress, putting them at greater risk of death. The 2024 event had the largest footprint ever recorded on the reef, with high to extreme bleaching across all of its three regions, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Great Barrier Reef is not currently on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites that are in danger, though the UN recommends it should be added. Australia has lobbied for years to keep the reef - which contributes A$6.4 billion ($4.2 billion) to the economy annually - off the endangered list, as it could damage tourism. (Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast) GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) First responders are on the scene of a house fire Monday evening that left one person dead. Georgetown County deputies and crews with the Georgetown County Fire Department are at the scene of the residential fire on South Farr Avenue in Andrews, according to the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office. Authorities have requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement arson team to assist with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is developing. Count on 2 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 WCBD News 2. An investigation is underway as authorities are looking to find an award-winning climate journalist after he disappeared during a hike in a Norwegian national park. Alec Luhn, 38, disappeared July 31 during a four-day solo backpacking trip in Folgefonna National Park. Luhn, an experienced hiker, was first reported missing on Monday when he failed to catch his flight from Bergen to the U.K., prompting his family to call the authorities. Police told public broadcast company NRK that the search for Luhn was temporarily halted due to bad weather conditions of strong wind and heavy rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weather conditions started to get really bad around midnight, said Tatjana Knappen, an operations manager from Vestland police. It was not reasonable to continue the search up in the mountains. According to Oystein Torsnes, a Hardanger police chief, the stormy conditions also prevented the police from using helicopters. The weather yesterday and today is tough, and the terrain we search in is quite challenging, Torsnes told the New York Times. Instead, a volunteer search team of 30 individuals, a Red Cross rescue team, search dogs, drones, and the police had been looking for the missing man before the operation was suspended Monday night. The search resumed on Tuesday. His wife, Veronika Silchenko, last heard from him on Thursday afternoon at 3:24 p.m. local time when he texted her his itinerary, according to a phone interview with The New York Times. She is actively posting on social media to raise awareness on finding him, like on Facebook and Instagram stories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just really want him back, Silchenko said. I cant sleep or eat properly. Its very hard not to know anything. This is not Luhns first time exploring rocky terrain. As a climate journalist, his work has taken him to exploring glaciers in Alaska, Texas oilfields, Somalian droughts, along with riding a research ship on the North Sea, according to an interview with his alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic. He loves glaciers and snow, and he loves explorers, and hes a climate journalist, so for him it is always that story that now because of the climate change theyre all shrinking, and hes trying his best to go to the coldest countries, Silchenko told CBS. A Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellow, Luhn has published articles at outlets such as The Atlantic, National Geographic, The New York Times, Scientific American, TIME, CBS News Radio, and VICE News TV. GOLDSBORO, N.C. (WNCT) According to the Goldsboro Police Department, authorities are searching for an unidentified suspect for the shooting of a 15-year-old juvenile that occurred Monday afternoon. Around 2:48pm, officers responded to a Shotspotter alert in the 1000 block of Lincoln Circle. After arriving, officers found the juvenile victim suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS responded to the scene and transported him to UNC Health Wayne. The victims current condition is unknown and the shooting is currently under investigation. Stay tuned to WNCT for more information as it becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Authorities seek to identify man in stolen identity investigation OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying a man regarding the use of a stolen identity. Police seek to identify individual involving stolen identity investigation, Image OKCPD X platform Police seek to identify individual involving stolen identity investigation, Image OKCPD X platform Police seek to identify individual involving stolen identity investigation, Image OKCPD X platform Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the man (shown above) used a stolen identity to cash checks at several credit unions across the metro using a white vehicle. If you recognize this individual, contact Crime Stoppers at 405.235.7300 or go to http://okccrimetips.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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Editors Note: The video above is previous coverage on this story. BEDFORD, Ohio (WJW) A 22-year-old Maple Heights man appeared in court on Tuesday, charged with shooting and killing his girlfriend outside an AutoZone in Bedford on Monday. Darien Hobley pleaded not guilty to an aggravated murder charge at his arraignment in Bedford Municipal Court and was handed a $2 million bond, according to court officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local bait shop closing; all items up for auction Darien Hobley, Courtesy: Bedford Police Department The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the victim as 20-year-old Riley Jones of Shaker Heights. According to investigators, the deadly shooting happened just after 10 a.m. in the parking lot of the AutoZone on Broadway Avenue. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and running for cover as they called 911. I am at the Bedford AutoZone. I just watched a guy shoot a girl, one caller told dispatchers. I heard the gunshot and stepped around the truck and hes standing there over her with the gun. WJW photo Police said Hobley went into the store moments after the shooting and told employees to call 911. He then reportedly walked back outside, stood over Jones body and fled on foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Ohios hidden gems earns spot on national register Officers arrested him on a nearby street minutes later. He did not have the firearm on him at the time. We have since recovered it, said Bedford Deputy Chief Rich Suts. No fighting, just gave up right away. Jones was transported to South Pointe Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police are continuing to collect surveillance footage and interview witnesses as the investigation continues. Hobley waived his preliminary hearing, court officials said. His case is expected to go before a Cuyahoga County grand jury for possible indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. On Friday, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed bills on absentee voting and accessibility. (Photo by Will Steinfeld/New Hampshire Bulletin) For New Hampshire disability rights advocates, the slate of election-related bills signed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte last week represents a mixed bag. On the one hand, Ayotte signed bipartisan legislation to require that all cities and towns provide accessible voting machines at local elections not just those with state and federal candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other, Ayotte also approved a bill that would include more documentation requirements for absentee voters. Republicans and other supporters of that bill say the new registration requirements bring in needed oversight in New Hampshires elections, and make absentee voters face the same process as in-person voters. Disability rights groups say they could be difficult for some to comply with and could discourage them from voting. The absentee bills represent the latest in a series of changes to New Hampshires voting laws that have made them more restrictive. Most significantly, in 2024, Gov. Chris Sununu signed a law requiring new voters to show documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote, making New Hampshire voter registration the strictest in the country. Legal groups have filed two separate federal lawsuits against that law, House Bill 1569. Stricter absentee voting procedures Ayottes signing of Senate Bill 218, adding tighter requirements for absentee voter registration, helped Republicans follow through on a multi-year goal concerning voter verification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new law requires that absentee voters submit documents indicating citizenship, age, domicile, and identity when they fill in the affidavit allowing them to register to vote. To Rep. Ross Berry, a Weare Republican and the chairman of the House Election Law Committee, the new law is meant to align the documentary requirements for absentee voter registration with the new documentary requirements for in-person voting. Those in-person requirements which mandate that new voters produce a birth certificate, passport, or other document to prove citizenship took effect a week after the 2024 general election. The laws for voting by absentee ballot should be as close to voting in person as possible, and SB 218 is a major step toward accomplishing that, Berry said in a statement Friday. This is a big win for boosting faith in the outcome of New Hampshire elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats and voting rights groups have denounced the 2024 in-person registration requirements, and now say the 2025 extension will only make it more difficult for absentee voters, and voters with disabilities, to vote. They have pointed to the 2025 town meeting season the most widespread test of the in-person version of the proof-of-citizenship bill as evidence that the law could stop qualified people from voting because they do not have easy access to a passport or birth certificate. At least 96 people were turned away from the polls across the state this spring because they did not have the proper documents to demonstrate citizenship, according to a tally by the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights, a subsidiary of America Votes. Our office is concerned about legislation that would make it more difficult (to vote), said Karen Rosenberg, policy director at the Disability Rights Center New Hampshire, in an interview Monday. And I hope that people will figure out work arounds and ways to get what they need to vote, but I think its going to be very challenging. Disability voting machines now standard In contrast to SB 218, Ayottes signing of a bill to require the provision of accessible voting machines in all New Hampshire elections both local and statewide has represented a bipartisan victory for many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is sort of one of the few, if any, feel-good bills of the year, said Rep. Mark Paige, an Exeter Democrat who has helped spearhead the law. The new law, passed via House Bill 67, addresses a longstanding discrepancy. Under federal law, New Hampshires Secretary of States Office must own and operate those accessible machines, which allow voters with vision impairments and other disabilities to use a keyboard and audio cues to fill in and print out a ballot. But while federal law requires that those machines be available in all elections with federal candidates, it does not require the same for elections that are fully local, such as town meetings, annual school meetings, municipal elections, or special elections for the state House and Senate. Accordingly, for years, the Secretary of States Office did not supply cities and towns the machines for local elections, and most towns did not have them. This months law requires that all towns provide machines and also requires that the Secretary of States Office enter into agreements with all cities and towns in order to provide those machines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law comes a year after legislators passed a pilot program in which the Secretary of States Office began lending out its existing machines for the 2025 town meeting season. That practice will now continue. The law also comes after Concord and Exeter recently volunteered to buy the machines after facing legal challenges under the Americans with Disabilities Act, serving as a warning to other towns. Now, under the new law, cities and towns will not need to pay to buy or use the states voting machines. They will only be on the hook for the cost to hire a vendor to program those machines to work with the ballots in their local elections such as the town meeting warrant ballot a service that might cost between $600 and $850 per machine per election, according to guidance from the Secretary of States Office. Not a huge cost when you consider that on July 4, when they do fireworks, theyre going to eat up $1,200 in about 10 seconds, said Rosenberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on the cost, Paige said it was well worth it for voters who needed the machines. The alternative for them, he noted, could mean having to tell a pollworker who they are voting for in order to receive assistance filling out a ballot. I guess the question is how much is your secret ballot worth? Paige said. Rosenberg said the new requirements will bring needed continuity for people with disabilities. If you moved from Manchester to Concord to Plymouth to wherever, youre going to use the same machines and theyre going to be properly vetted by the Secretary of States Office, she said. In addition to signing the bill requiring the availability of the machines, Ayotte vetoed a bill last week that would create exemptions to that requirement. House Bill 613 would allow cities and towns to choose to not offer the accessible machines if no voter had specifically requested to use the machine in writing at least 60 days before Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berry and other Republicans had argued HB 613 would allow small towns, particularly those in the North Country, to save on programming costs if no voters appeared interested in using the machines. While I would have liked to see the small-town protections in HB 613 signed into law, this does not diminish the fact that today New Hampshire is taking a big step forward in increasing access to local ballots with HB 67 he said. Increasing turnout for local elections will be a high priority going into the next session, and that includes expanding access for disabled voters. But Rosenberg and other advocates had argued that bill would be unconstitutional because it would allow towns and cities to treat voters with disabilities differently from voters without disabilities. They also said it would be unfair to voters with disabilities who moved to a town within 60 days of Election Day and could not request a machine because the deadline had passed. In her veto message, Ayotte said, This legislation impacts people with disabilities and would conflict with federal law that requires accessible voting systems be available at all polling places during federal elections. NEED TO KNOW A baby Canada goose abandoned as an egg found an "unexpected family" with a pair of Sandhill cranes in Madison, Wis. The family of four (the two Sandhill cranes, their colt, and the gosling) formed in the spring of 2025 and is still going strong Madison-based photographer Alan Ginsberg has been documenting the bird family and sharing their story on Facebook At a Wisconsin pond, a pair of cranes is raising an abandoned goose as their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unlikely family formed in Madison, Wis., and resident Alan Ginsberg has been documenting the whole "feathered soap opera" on the Facebook group Wisconsin In Pictures. The cross-species clan first formed when a pair of sandhill cranes a fixture at the Madison pond returned to the area this spring with their "newly hatched" colt the term for a baby sandhill crane only to discover that their nesting spot had flooded, according to Ginsberg, a retired teacher and photographer. "So, like any good parents in crisis, they pivoted," he wrote on Facebook. The cranes found a nest left vacant by some Canada geese or so they thought. One member of the goose family had been left behind: a single egg. It hatched days later, and the gosling who emerged "promptly bonded with the first large, warm object in sight: Mama Crane," Ginsberg said. Photo by Alan Ginsberg A Sandhill crane cares for her colt and adopted gosling in Madison, Wis A Sandhill crane cares for her colt and adopted gosling in Madison, Wis All was going swimmingly for the "unexpected family" the two Sandhill cranes, their colt, and the gosling until the Canada geese returned, creating what the photographer dubbed "the cutest custody battle ever." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The geese, who were "not thrilled about the unauthorized adoption," made an appearance at the nest, which they subsequently circled for an hour, according to the photographer. As a result, the orphaned gosling cuddled up to the surrogate mom, while the crane father got protective. In Ginsberg's words, "he squared up and charged the geese like, 'Back off. He's ours now.'" Photo by Alan Ginsberg Three members of the Sandhill crane-Canada goose 'family' in Madison, Wis Three members of the Sandhill crane-Canada goose 'family' in Madison, Wis The newly formed family remained together, and has been going strong and growing since, according to Ginsberg's Facebook updates. "The gosling," he wrote, "has fully committed to its new life and struts through the marsh alongside its crane sibling like it was born for this." Ginsberg is now sharing photos of the Sandhill crane parents and their fuzzy babies strutting as postcards, with portions of each sale going to the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wis. It's a rare sight, but not entirely unprecedented, according to Smithsonian magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar family situations have arisen in Madison before, and several states away in Michigan and Alaska, per Smithsonian. Photo by Alan Ginsberg Three members of the Sandhill crane-Canada goose 'family' in Madison, Wis Three members of the Sandhill crane-Canada goose 'family' in Madison, Wis Both Canada geese and Sandhill cranes have proven very adept at moving into urban landscapes, leading to more ecological overlap, Anne Lacy, director of eastern flyway programs at the International Crane Foundation, told the magazine. With the species in closer proximity, "unusual interactions" like the crane-geese family are far more likely, Lacy 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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. And while the pond drama and resulting found family have been fun to observe, Ginsberg believes there is a larger message buried under all of the fuss and feathers. Photo by Alan Ginsberg A Sandhill crane with her colt and adopted gosling in Madison, Wis A Sandhill crane with her colt and adopted gosling in Madison, Wis The Madison-based photographer believes their story holds "some sort of message," he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If animals "can be kind and accept a stranger, so to speak, into their family, I'm seeing this as an analogy," Ginsberg told the Journal Sentinel. "It's a chance to counteract that whole concept of fear of the stranger. If these creatures can get along, why the hell can't humans?" "We've been taught lately to fear the stranger, to basically become isolated and cut ourselves off from anything that is unknown," he told the newspaper. "And here you have this blended family who have no questions to ask. They've accepted each other." Read the original article on People Back 2 School: Vaccination rates keep declining among children As students return to school, vaccination rates among children in Georgia continue to decline, raising concerns about herd immunity and the potential reemergence of preventable diseases. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of Georgia kindergarteners fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has dropped from 93% in the 2019-2020 school year to 88% in the 2023-2024 school year. This decline is below the critical threshold needed to maintain herd immunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When over 95% of the population is vaccinated, we tend to hold the diseases at bay, Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a Wellstar pediatrician, told Channel 2s Candace McCowan. When the numbers drop below that number, we start to see the reemergence of some of these diseases. Dr. Stephen Patrick, chair of health policy and management and pediatrician at Emory Rollins School of Health, is having the conversation with parents often. Every parent is just trying to do the right thing by their kid. There are just so many data inputs right now, he said. I think that is just sowing some seeds of doubt in parents. The decline in vaccination rates has been attributed to increasing vaccine hesitancy among parents. Emorys Rollins School of Public Health has identified this as a significant issue to monitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the challenges, Patrick emphasized the importance of trusting healthcare professionals. Consistently when we ask parents who they trust, their childs doctor is the most trusted source, he said. I always found that when you sit down and have a respectful and empathetic conversation, most of the time it works out well. Parents like Carly Brown express concern over the falling vaccination rates. The vaccinations are the protection, and when other people are not doing it, we are all suffering as a community, she said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Muscogee County School District Superintendent Dr. David Lewis stopped by WRBL News 3 on Monday to discuss the first day of school. Lewis explained that although the rainy weather did not help with concerns of delays on the first day, it wasnt anything unexpected. He also talked about the new safety protocols and English Language Arts curriculum taking place in the 2025-2026 school year. Lewis mentioned that weapon detection systems will be installed in the middle and high schools starting in the upcoming weeks, with installations being completed by the end of September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Dr. Lewis, the change in the English Language Arts curriculum was mandated by the state and schools in the county have been training teachers this past year. Now were implementing those standards, said Lewis. Of course the focus is on more rigorous standards, higher standards. Incorporating those things that we know our employers and our community as a whole expect our students to be able to know and do. Dr. Lewis plans to build on the momentum gained from last years K-12 initiative at Brewer Early Innovation Academy. He mentioned that the kids at Brewer had almost two years worth of growth in reading and considers that a successful part of the initiative. As the school year has begun, Lewis encouraged parents to set routines for their kids and teachers to know their impact on students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Bahrain's crown prince reaffirmed the state's consistent position in backing efforts toward a resolution that upholds the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Bahrains Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, reiterated his countrys enduring support for the Palestinian cause during a meeting on Monday with outgoing Israeli Ambassador Eitan Naeh at Al-Qudaibiya Palace. According to a report from the Bahrain News Agency, the crown prince highlighted the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement as a means to advance peace, regional stability, and development. He reaffirmed Bahrains consistent position in backing efforts toward a just and lasting resolution that upholds the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheikh Salman also stressed the critical need for continued humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, commending international partners for their relief efforts. He called for de-escalation of the conflict, the protection of civilians, and the release of hostages and detainees. Also present at the meeting were Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, Bahrains Minister of Finance and National Economy, and Hamad Al-Malki, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Bahrain normalized relations with Israel in September 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords. Palestinians climb onto a truck as they seek aid supplies in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, August 4, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) However, the country is currently without an ambassador in Israel, following a royal decree in April that reassigned former ambassador Khaled Yousef Al-Jalahma to a senior post at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Bahrain's envoy recalled shortly after October 7 Al-Jalahma, Bahrains first envoy to Israel, was appointed in March 2021 and formally took up his post in Tel Aviv that August. His appointment came in the wake of the Abraham Accords. After the October 7 attacks on Israel, Al-Jalahma did not return to Tel Aviv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was recalled shortly after the outbreak of the war, and Bahrain has made no official announcements regarding the status of his post or its diplomatic engagement with Israel. While the embassy has not been formally closed, its ambassadorial leadership has been left vacant, casting uncertainty over the future of bilateral relations. The Bangladeshi government and major political parties are celebrating on Tuesday the first anniversary of last years mass uprising that toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. More than a month of student-led violent protests ousted Hasina on August 5, 2024. The United Nations estimated that nearly 1,400 people died in the clashes. Hasina had ruled the country for over 15 consecutive years and was widely seen as authoritarian. She fled to India aboard a military helicopter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three days after her ouster, an interim administration took power, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. To commemorate the first anniversary of what it calls the "peoples victory," the government announced a series of nationwide events. The day, being celebrated as July Uprising Day, has been declared a public holiday. Yunus is scheduled to deliver the July Declaration a reference to the protests that began in July and culminated in Hasinas removal in August in the afternoon. The declaration is expected to address the students' demands for sweeping state reforms to prevent the return of authoritarian rule and to legitimize the uprising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These reform proposals were debated across the political spectrum in a series of meetings in the past months. The government has invited citizens from all walks of life to attend the main event at Dhakas national parliament complex, even arranging eight intercity trains to facilitate travel. Leaders of major political parties have also been invited. The country's largest political group, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), announced a two-day celebration, while the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamic party, will contribute to the main event with Islamic songs performed by its cultural wing at the parliament complex. Bangladesh's interim leader marked one year since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's autocratic regime by calling on Tuesday for people to seize the "opportunity" for reform. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, the 85-year-old leading the caretaker government as its chief adviser until elections, announced the polls would be held in February. He also warned against forces he said sought to roll back the democratic gains made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today marks an unforgettable chapter in the history of Bangladesh," Yunus said, describing it as "liberating our beloved nation from the grip of long-standing fascist rule". The South Asian nation of around 170 million people has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt ousted then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, ending her 15-year rule. Yunus later addressed crowds of thousands outside parliament, standing in the rain to issue a "proclamation" alongside leaders of key political parties. The document will be added to the country's constitution. "The trust of the people... as expressed by the mass uprising for addressing the political and constitutional crisis in Bangladesh is justified, legitimate and internationally recognised," he read from the document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The people of Bangladesh express their desire for ensuring good governance and fair elections, rule of law and economic and social justice, and for introducing lawfully democratic reforms for all state and constitutional institutions." The crowd, some wearing headbands made from the national flag, and including families of those killed in the crackdown on the protests, applauded Yunus's reading. Fariha Tamanna, 25, who travelled to Dhaka on a government-sponsored train, said it was "deeply satisfying" to hear the government "acknowledge the uprising". "There's still a long road ahead, so many wrongs continue," she added. "But I still hold on to hope." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kazi Solaiman, 47, a teacher in an Islamic school, said it was a day of celebration. "An oppressor was forced to flee by the people's uprising," he told AFP. "I hope Bangladesh never again becomes a land of tyranny." - 'Stand united' - Political parties had been demanding Yunus set a date for elections, and on Tuesday, he said he would write to the election commission asking for polls to he held before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in late February. "I urge you all to pray for us so that we can hold a fair and smooth election, enabling all citizens to move forward successfully in building a 'New Bangladesh'", he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasina's rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killing of her political opponents, and Yunus has pledged to overhaul democratic institutions. "The sacrifice of thousands has gifted us this rare opportunity for national reform, and we must protect it at any cost," Yunus said in letter issued to mark the anniversary. "The fallen autocrats and their self-serving allies remain active, conspiring to derail our progress." But he said that while the interim government had made "extensive reform efforts", a deal on measures to prevent a return to authoritarian rule remained elusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political parties are jostling for power ahead of elections. "Dialogue continues with political parties and stakeholders on necessary reforms, including the political and electoral systems," he added. He called for people to remember the sacrifices made last year and to work together. "Let us stand united beyond all divisions to confront and defeat these threats," he added. "Together, we will build a Bangladesh where tyranny will never rise again." Protests began on July 1, 2024, with university students calling for reforms to a quota system for public sector jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They culminated on August 5, 2024, when thousands stormed Hasina's palace as she escaped by helicopter. Hasina, 77, remains in India, where she has defied court orders to attend her ongoing trial on charges amounting to crimes against humanity. sa-pjm/lb Websites of banned Russian media outlets can still be easily accessed across the EU in the "overwhelming majority" of cases, experts said Tuesday, denouncing the bloc's "failure" to publish full lists of the websites involved. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, EU authorities banned Kremlin-controlled media from broadcasting in the bloc, including online, to counter "disinformation". But more than three years on, "sanctioned outlets are largely still active and accessible" across member states, said a report released by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), a London-based think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russian state media continues to maintain a strong online presence, posing a persistent challenge to Western democracies," the report said, with blocks by internet service providers "largely ineffective". EU sanctions banned RT, previously known as Russia Today, and Sputnik media organisations as well as other state-controlled media accused of "information warfare". The ISD report covered Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, testing the top three internet service providers in each. It identified 26 media under sanctions and tried to view 58 associated domains. In 76 percent of tests, providers failed to block access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU member states are responsible for ensuring blocks are applied by internet service providers. But the ISD report criticised the European Commission for its "failure" to maintain a "definitive list of different domain iterations" -- or website addresses -- associated with each media outlet. It said this left countries and internet service providers "without the guidance needed for effective and targeted implementation". "The issue is when they sanction Russian state media, they mention the outlet that they are sanctioning -- so Russia Today, Sputnik, etc -- but what they don't list is what domain falls under this entity," said the report's author, Pablo Maristany de las Casas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the European Commission were to list the different domains that are known to be linked to these entities, that would make it much easier for member states and the internet service providers in those member states to enforce these blocks," he said. The report urged the EC to post a "continuously updated and publicly accessible list" and include it in sanctions packages and on its online sanctions dashboard. A commission spokesperson told AFP: "It is up to the relevant providers to block access to websites of outlets covered by the sanctions, including subdomains or newly created domains." - Grey zone and mirrors - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enforcement needs to be more agile because Russia has sought to circumvent sanctions, the report's author said. "Some outlets, for example, RT, use so-called mirror domains" where they "simply copy the contents of the blocked site into a new URL -- a new link -- to circumvent those sanctions," he said. The report found that Slovakia, whose Prime Minister Robert Fico is known for his pro-Russia positions, performed the worst on enforcement, with no blocks at all. Slovakia's legal mandates to block pro-Russian websites expired in 2022 after lawmakers failed to extend them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poland was the second worst, while France and Germany were most effective overall. Most sanctioned domains had little traction in the bloc, with under 1,000 monthly views, but Germany, with its large Russian diaspora, was the exception: three domains including RT had over 100,000 monthly visitors from there. The report's author spotted another "loophole": numerous accounts on X posting links to banned media, mainly aimed at French and German speakers. In May, such accounts posted almost 50 thousand links, almost all to RT-affiliated sites, the report found. X largely blocks official media accounts, the author said, but "with these anonymous accounts that only repost this kind of content, there seems to be a grey zone and it seems not be withheld in the EU." am-del/jkb BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Dozens of cats and dogs need emergency homes after the Companion Animal Alliance reached critical overcapacity. The shelter is housing over 270 cats and 250 dogs as of Tuesday, with over 70 animals taken in in the last day. According to CAA, there is no more space, and animals are now at risk of euthanasia. As the open-intake animal shelter for East Baton Rouge Parish, we cannot turn any animal away, regardless of our capacity. Our staff is doing everything we can, but we cannot do it alone, CAA Executive Director JT Hackett. We are asking our community to step up and become fosters, adopters, and advocates for CAA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A goal has been set to get 75 cats and 75 dogs into foster or adoptive homes by Friday, Aug. 8. A reduced adoption fee of $10 is being offered for all animals until Sunday. Anyone interested in becoming an emergency foster or adopting a pet can stop at the shelter between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Companion Animal Alliance is located at 2550 Gourier Ave., Baton Rouge. Clear the Shelters: See participating Baton Rouge shelters 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Police are seeking tips in a decades-old Baton Rouge cold case. A Capital Region Crime Stoppers post on Facebook said the Baton Rouge Police Department wants information about the 1994 shooting death of Lee Jackson. The post said Jackson was 36 years old when he was shot after midnight on Dec. 5, 1994, while driving into a parking lot in the 6900 block of Renoir Avenue near Lobdell Boulevard. Click here to see photos of Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives and Jacksons family are looking for answers. Anyone with information can call 225-344-7867, use the P3 Tips app, or visit the Crime Stoppers website to send an anonymous tip. What are serial killers, and who are the most well-known? Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Baton Rouge Symphony Week is back, and with pop-up concerts happening around the Capital City. The mission of the Baton Rouge Symphony is to enhance the quality of life in our community through music. Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Symphony, Marshall Carby, says its a chance to support the art of music. We have a little bit of something for everybody the thing I love most about music is its universal and its a unifier, said Carby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This series of small ensemble pop-up concerts will be featured in six locations around Baton Rouge over a span of five days. Carby also says the 30 to 45-minute concerts give families a live look at brilliant musicians from across the country and an opportunity to get to know more about BRSOs upcoming season! The thing that makes Symphony Week is that you get to know who our musicians are. The music is picked by them, said Carby. Symphony week is August 5 -9. The dates and times are as follows: Tuesday, August 5: 12:30 p.m. River Center Branch Library (Downtown) 1:30 p.m. Our Lady of the Lake (Essen Ln.) Wednesday, August 6: 1 p.m. Ochsner Medical Center (ONeal) Thursday, August 7: 5:30 p.m. Capitol Park Museum (Downtown) Friday, August 8: 12:30 p.m. Pennington Biomedical Research Center (Perkins Rd.) Saturday, August 9: 2 p.m. Perkins Rowe (Corner of Bluebonnet and Perkins) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, visit their website. 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. The Brief One of three California Sears stores recently closed, and another will shutter later this month. That will leave the Bay Area home to the last Sears to be standing on the West Coast. The store's days may be numbered, as the property has been placed on the market for lease. CONCORD, Calif. - The Bay Area is slated to be home to the last standing Sears in California, a vestige representing one of the largest retailers in the world back in its day, and a company that was once an iconic and powerful symbol of American consumer culture. What we know The Sears at Sunvalley Mall in Concord will be the only one in the West, after the store in Whittier in Los Angeles County recently closed and another Southern California store, one in Burbank, is scheduled to close later this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Sears employee in Burbank said Aug. 31 will be the last day for that location. Concord location for lease While there has been no word on what the future holds for the Concord store, the days may be numbered for that location as well. The company that owns Sears, Transformco, has posted that the property is available for lease. The lease brochure boasts the property is in a "Premiere East Bay Location," situated in an easily accessible spot, anchored by many well-known businesses, in a community with strong spending power and the real estate offering large-scale redevelopment opportunities. "Auto center supports pad redevelopment or spin-off. Average household income exceeds $100,000 within 5-mile radius," the lease brochure advertised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KTVU reached out to Transformco seeking details on future plans for its Concord location but has not yet heard back. Timeline The historic retailer dates back to 1886, when Richard Sears began selling watches by mail order. The company took advantage of the post-World War II economic boom. In the early 20th century, Sears modeled innovation in the American consumer landscape and grew to be one of the largest department store chains and retailers in the world, with more than 3,000 U.S. locations at its peak during the 1970s. SEE ALSO:Bay Area JCPenney store set to close this weekend The company faced years of financial struggles amid changes to consumer habits, especially with the emergence of big-box retailers like Walmart and later, the explosive rise of e-commerce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 2018, Sears filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, facing plunging sales and drowning in debt. The following February, Transformco acquired the assets of Sears Holdings Corporation. Local perspective In recent years, Sears has shuttered its other Bay Area locations, including stores in San Bruno and San Jose in 2020. Last year, the department store chain closed its Stockton locations, leaving the Concord store the only one in the general region. The remaining U.S. stores are located in Florida, Massachusetts, Texas and Puerto Rico. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Bayside Aquarium at SeaWorld San Diego reopens this week with a new design and a wide variety of marine creatures. After a long-awaited renovation project, Bayside Aquarium will be ready to welcome back guests of all ages starting this Friday. The space, which is housed underneath the Bayside Amphitheater, originally opened to the public in 1965 and was known as the Marine Aquarium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The refreshed exhibit invites people to marvel up close at freshwater and saltwater species through smaller displays and a more intimate design. Featured animals include axolotls, a California two-spot octopus, brown-banded bamboo sharks and more. Wild Tunes program soothes shelter animals through music This space is about giving guests a closer look at some of the incredible species they may not usually encounter, said Danielle Castillo, curator of zoological operations, in a news release. Guests of the new aquarium will be able to come face-to-face with two axolotls, amphibians that are native to Mexico. Axolotls are known for their ability to regenerate limbs and are critically endangered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bayside Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego offer refuge and rehabilitation by serving as a temporary shelter for species such as clams, corals and others through the Wildlife Confiscation Network. The pilot program was launched by the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which ensures that animals seized at U.S. ports of entry get the immediate care they need. More information about the aquarium, including tickets and hours of operation, as well as SeaWorld San Diegos conservation efforts can be found on the parks 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. A pair of black bear cubs are catching their breath in San Diego after they were found wandering through a Northern California neighborhood last month. Wildlife officials say they don't know what happened to the bear's mother, but knew that the cubs needed help. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife rescued the cubs and brought them to the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center on July 24. Veterinarians examined the cubs and estimate they're 6 to 7 months old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: A rescued California black bear cub being raised by humans dressed as bears The bears were found in a residential neighborhood in Calaveras County, the San Diego Humane Society announced Monday in a news release. The nonprofit is one of the only facilities in Southern California with the space to rehabilitate black bear cubs as other wildlife rescues in the state are full, according to the nonprofit. Veterinarians received three bears from Calaveras County two males and a female. They were given dental exams, X-rays and other assessments while under anesthesia on July 31. Veterinarians determined the female cub had a malformed shoulder and elbow, along with a BB pellet embedded in her paw, the nonprofit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After consulting with state wildlife officials, veterinarians concluded the cub would have suffered chronic pain and mobility issues for the rest of her life, so they decided to euthanize her. Read more: Orphaned brother bears find a new home in San Diego while authorities investigate report of bear shooting This is never a decision we take lightly, Alexis Wohl, wildlife veterinary manager at the San Diego Humane Society, said in a statement. But in cases where an animals quality of life would be severely compromised, humane euthanasia is sometimes the most compassionate option. The other two cubs are now recuperating at the facility, which includes a large outdoor enclosure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no timeline for when the cubs will be released back into the wild, but the nonprofit will work with state wildlife officials to determine when that will happen. "This is a critical moment for these bears, Autumn Welch, wildlife operations manager at the nonprofit, said in a statement. We are doing everything we can to give them the best possible shot at returning to their wild home. 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. (NewsNation) There has been much online chatter about a rumored feud involving David and Victoria Beckham, their son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, from wedding dress snubs to no-shows at family events. The rumored family drama begs the question: Why are the Beckhams beefing in the first place? No Victoria Beckham wedding dress for Nicolas big day Cruz Beckham, from left, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Victoria Beckham and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham attend the Premiere of Lola at Regency Bruin Theatre on Feb. 3, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) Victoria Beckham, a former Spice Girl, is also a fashion designer, so many had assumed Peltz would be wearing a Beckham-designed dress on her wedding day, according to E! News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blake Livelys sex scene control criticized in editors texts However, when Peltz and Brooklyn married in April 2022, she wore Valentino Couture instead of a dress from Victorias wedding collection. Peltz told Variety months after the wedding that she really wanted to wear a dress from her mother-in-laws collection, but that Victoria realized that her atelier couldnt do it, forcing Beckham to pick another dress. She denied reports of issues with Victoria, alleging news outlets ran with the story. Brooklyn, Nicola ditch David Beckhams 50th birthday In May, Brooklyn and Peltz were noticeably absent from David Beckhams 50th birthday party in London, where Tom Cruise, Eva Longoria and Gordon Ramsay were in attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to People magazine, Brooklyn and Peltz did not attend Davids birthday bash because Romeo Beckhams girlfriend, DJ Kim Turnbull, would also be at the party. Matt Rife buys infamous Annabelle doll and haunted museum Brooklyn had reportedly told his father he didnt want to be in the same room as Turnbull, but David invited her anyway. Brooklyn and Kim know each other from the past, and his family knows hes not comfortable around her, a source told the outlet. On May 4, Victoria posted pictures on Instagram of herself and her other children, Romeo, Cruz Beckham and Harper, from the celebration. Beckham family drama allegedly gets worse Brooklyn and David Beckham attend the Our Planet global premiere at Natural History Museum on April 4, 2019, in London. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) Rumors of a family rift escalated when Brooklyn did not wish David a Happy Fathers Day or acknowledge Davids post celebrating the day, according to Buzzfeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David also posted a picture of himself and Brooklyn, with the caption: Love You @brooklynpeltzsbeckham. Cruz Beckham, Brooklyns youngest brother, posted messages on Instagram in July seemingly aimed at Peltz and Brooklyn, after the pair asked the Beckhams to stop going after them in the media, according to TMZ. The messages included: Youre a fraud, Instant karma gonna get you, Oh its Stockholm syndrome, and Ur dead to me. On Aug. 2, Peltz and Brooklyn renewed their wedding vows, but David and Victoria werent in attendance, according to US Weekly. There are tensions between Brooklyn and Nicola and the family, a source told People magazine. The relationship is definitely not beyond repair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Beijing lifted a severe weather alert on Tuesday but warned residents to stay vigilant against natural disasters after authorities evacuated more than 82,000 people over fears of deadly floods in the Chinese capital. The municipal weather office imposed a red rainstorm warning -- the highest in a four-tier system -- on Monday, forecasting heavy downpours until Tuesday morning. The office lifted the alert Tuesday morning, saying in a social media statement the weather system had weakened as it drifted eastwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it continued to warn of isolated downpours across outlying parts of the city, adding that people "must not let up after strong rains have passed" as landslides or other disasters may follow. Authorities evacuated over 82,000 people at risk from heavy rainfall as of Monday evening, state news agency Xinhua said, citing the city's flood control headquarters. Officials warned of flooding risks in the northeastern suburb of Miyun -- the hardest hit by the recent deluge -- as well as southwestern Fangshan, western Mentougou and northern Huairou. In Mentougou, footage filmed Tuesday by the state-backed Beijing News showed several mostly elderly residents of one village resting on camp beds in a local education centre converted to house evacuees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 1,000 people were temporarily relocated to a military training school in Huairou, according to a social media account linked to the district government. In Miyun, where dozens died last week, most of the recent floodwater had receded on Tuesday -- leaving behind a trail of debris including tree branches and piles of bricks. AFP reporters saw dented cars, toppled tractors and household items like strollers and luggage strewn across the muddy ground. Twisted metal railings and slanted utility poles still lined the roadside as workers in neon yellow vests and wearing hard hats worked to clear the wreckage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearby, trees had been uprooted, lying in a river gushing with murky brown water. Workers operating excavators cleared boulders blocking a road, while across a river, several homes lay abandoned with collapsed roofs. Last week, floods in Beijing's northern suburbs killed at least 44 people and left nine missing, according to official figures. Residents of flood-hit areas told AFP journalists they had been surprised at the speed with which the rushing water had inundated homes and villages. The devastation prompted a rare admission from local officials that there had been "gaps" in disaster readiness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Restoring order - At a meeting on Monday, the municipal government stressed the need to "restore the normal order of life and production in post-disaster areas as quickly as possible". China's public security ministry also warned people to be on guard against "rumours", including exaggerating the extent of natural disasters to create panic, state broadcaster CCTV said on Tuesday. China has been lashed by heavy rains in recent weeks, with heavy flooding in the north followed by intense precipitation along the southern coast. Parts of the southern city of Hong Kong were brought to a standstill on Tuesday by flooding caused by heavy rains, after the highest-tier rainstorm warning was issued for the fourth time in eight days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natural disasters are common across China, particularly in the summer when some regions experience heavy rain while others bake in searing heat. China is the world's biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change and contribute to making extreme weather more frequent and intense. But it is also a global renewable energy powerhouse that aims to make its massive economy carbon-neutral by 2060. isk-sam/oho/djw BELLA VISTA, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) One man is dead and another is injured in Bella Vista following a domestic incident involving a gun on August 4. According to Bella Vista police, Walter Morris, 68, entered his former wifes home on Berrydale Place around 9:33 p.m. Police investigate aggravated robbery in Fort Smith Police say Morris assaulted the woman and then shot another man who was in the home before turning the gun on himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was taken to a Springfield, Missouri hospital for his injuries and Morris was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say there is no further information 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 KNWA FOX24. BELMONT, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) There are more parts of town where liquor can be sold in Belmont. The city has only allowed ABC stores to operate in a single zoning district, and the owner of its lone store off Wilkinson Boulevard is looking to expand. A unanimous vote by City Council Monday night means there are three more districts where they could operate. In addition to the Highway Commercial district along Wilkinson and just south of Interstate 85, the state-regulated liquor stores may now operate in Traditional Neighborhood Development, Neighborhood Center Commerical and Rural Commercial. The Downtown District zoning was omitted from the proposal, which cover where the Chronical Mills property along Catawba Street. All of these zoning districts except for Downtown District may now have ABC stores. (City of Belmont) Councilman Jason Rumfelt was adamant about removing the Downtown District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These districts include Main Street downtown and the Belmont Town Center on South Point Road. There were some concerns from council members about having such a business across the street from a school; state law requires a 50-foot property separation. The decision was a hybrid approach, as they eliminated the requirement for a special-use permit for the zoning districts. The initial request proposed for ABC stores be listed as retail commercial but last month Council countered for them to be permitted where all retail commercial falls. Based on history, all the different considerations that come from the state, and were trying to all the safe guards trying to make things efficient and conducive to the benefit of the city, said Mayor Pro Tem Jim Hefferan. But Belmont Police officials said any calls to the original store are for minor occurrences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new areas that could have an ABC store still wont be able to house a discount beer and wine store. All ABC stores have to be approved by the state. The Belmont owner says he doesnt intend to move from his current location. He says he has benefitted from people across Gaston County with liquor licenses being able to purchase from there, instead of only in their municipality. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW Virginia actor Adam Turck was fatally shot Saturday while intervening in a domestic dispute A 19-year-old man shot Turck before shooting himself, according to reports Turck is being remembered by friends and family as a "hero" who was "a gifted actor, passionate activist, and beloved member of our community" A beloved local actor from Richmond, Va., is being remembered as a hero who died trying to help others, just days after he was reportedly shot and killed while trying to de-escalate a domestic dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Turck was fatally shot early Saturday morning and was kept alive for a period to donate his organs, local outlets WTVR, WRIC, and WWBT reported. "Adam will be 35 years old when he passes in the next few days, after donating his organs to help save the lives of others, Turcks family told WTVR in a statement before he was officially pronounced dead. Thats what heroes do they save the lives of others. The outlet reported that Turck was walking his dog when he happened upon a domestic dispute between a man and a woman. Turck attempted to step in and de-escalate the situation, but the man fatally shot Turck before shooting and killing himself, according to WTVR, citing officials with the Richmond Police Department. Adam put his life on the line to protect someone in need, and we will forever remember him for this sacrifice, the familys statement continued. Although we cannot go into details on the events of this past Saturday due to the nature of the event, we were told that if Adam had not been there, the person he intervened to help would not be with us today." Adam Turck/Facebook Adam Turck Adam Turck WRIC reported that dozens of friends, family, and local community members gathered at the local Firehouse Theater in Richmond to celebrate Turcks life and career. The local stage actor was memorialized as a light, both on stage and in every space he entered in a statement on social media by the Virginia Repertory Theatre, where Turck often performed over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The theater company said its members were heartbroken by the tragic loss, and called Turck a gifted actor, passionate activist, and beloved member of our community. His artistry, integrity, and fierce compassion touched so many of us, the Virginia Repertory Theatre added. This is a profound loss we share as a community. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Throughout his career, Turck had been nominated for multiple Richmond Theatre Community Circle Awards and was named the Best Actor in a Play in 2018 for his role in Hand to God, according to WWBT. Turck was most recently on stage performing in Cadence Theatres production of Smoke and was preparing to play Dracula in the upcoming Dracula: A Comedy of Horrors this fall at the Richmond Triangle Players theater, according to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turck was also a prominent member of the Richmond gym Tequila & Deadlifts, which mourned his loss with its own social media post calling the actor a dear and beloved friend. I cannot explain the size of the hole that has been left, not just in our gym community or our theater communities, but in the fabric of this world to lose somebody like Adam, gym owner Kerith Rae told WWBT. Hes the kind of person people write about in books because they want to be that good and he just was. And this world is a duller, darker place without him. Read the original article on People A prominent shipwreck explorer and husband of one of New Jerseys top attorneys died during a deep-sea diving expedition. Joe Mazraani, 47, suffered the emergency on July 29 while diving to the shipwreck of the Big Engine Steamer, 200 miles offshore on the eastern edge of Georges Bank, according to his company, Atlantic Wreck Salvage. His cause of death was not revealed at the time of the companys announcement. Mazraani suffered the emergency on July 29 while diving to the shipwreck of the Big Engine Steamer. D/V Tenacious However, it stated that a full investigation is ongoing and it has no reason to suspect diver error or equipment failure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Mazraani was larger than life. He was kind, compassionate, and generous. A mentor and a student, a friend, brother, son, and partner, Atlantic Wreck Salvage shared. Whether motoring aboard D/V Tenacious, diving into deep and dangerous water, or defending his clients in court, Joe demanded the best of everyone around him. Sometimes he demanded it grumpily but he always demanded by example. Mazraani co-owned Atlantic Wreck Salvage with his wife, New Jersey public defender Jennifer Sellitti. He was also a criminal defense lawyer by trade. Sellitti said she was on the boat when her husband died. Joe Mazraani and wife Jennifer Sellitti. Facebook Atlantic Wreck Salvage shared a final photo of Mazraani at the bow of D/V Tenacious, the boat he used for exploration and historical marine salvage, before his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mazraani was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the US when he was 15, according to his companys website. In the mid-90s, he became a certified diver and quickly took to diving sunken wrecks off the Northeast US coast and instantly developed an obsession with exploring the sunken hulks that litter the approaches to New York Harbor. Mazraani co-owned Atlantic Wreck Salvage with Sellitti. Facebook Shipwreck exploration is a way of life for Joe, his bio reads. He is president of Atlantic Wreck Salvage and operates the dive vessel Tenacious, which was specifically acquired and outfitted to accomplish several projects, including locating and exploring U-550 and other deep, uncharted wrecks in the North Atlantic, his bio reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mazraani also led the expeditions to the famed Italian liner SS Andrea Doria and has dived the wrecks of HMHS Britannic, sister ship of Titanic, and RMS Lusitania. Mazraani was also a criminal defense lawyer by trade. Facebook The beloved captain was inducted as an associate member of the Boston Sea Rovers a nonprofit organization dedicated to marine conservation and education. The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender paid tribute to Mazraani on Friday following his death. With deep sadness, we share the loss of Joe Mazraani, beloved partner of Public Defender Sellitti and a cherished member of the legal and diving communities, the office wrote on Facebook. Joe was larger than life: fearless, kind, and deeply committed to justice. Our hearts are with the Public Defender and his loved ones. Flood Watch until 7 PM Tuesday for Eastern Alabama Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday and Wednesday, Alabama will be between two high-pressure areas, one over the Southwest U.S. and the other over Bermuda. This will allow a trough of low pressure to stall across the Southeast U.S., keeping us cloudy and cooler with scattered showers and storms. Southeastern Alabama should be monitored for more heavy rain and possible flooding concerns. The Flood Watch remains in effect through 7 PM Tuesday. The chance of rain will decrease on Wednesday, with high temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s. The trough will weaken on Thursday, reducing the chance of rain. It will be partly cloudy and warmer, with spotty showers and storms. Highs will be in the upper 80s. Another trough of low pressure will build across the Southeast U.S. on Friday, bringing scattered showers and storms, with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weekend Outlook: The trough will persist across the Southeast on Saturday and Sunday. It will be hotter and more humid, with more scattered afternoon and evening showers and storms. High temperatures will be around 90. Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team: Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Germany's stricter migration policy is beginning to ease pressure on the country's resources, Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner told dpa, pointing to a recent drop in arrivals and a rise in deportations and voluntary returns. "We are seeing a significant relief in the influx of refugees," said Wegner, a member of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), noting that federal states and municipalities had reached their limits. Wegner added that twice as many people are currently leaving Berlin than arriving and that the city now has about 6,000 vacant beds for refugees. "The pressure in Berlin has eased a little," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He expressed optimism that Germany's recent policy shift would continue to show results, helping free up capacity for integration measures aimed at those entitled to stay. Wegner called on the federal government to maintain its course and urged the European Union to agree on a joint asylum system and strengthen external borders to avoid the need for border checks at Germany's borders. Berlin took in almost 32,000 refugees in 2023, including over 15,000 from Ukraine. In 2024, new arrivals dropped to just above 21,000 and 6,089 were registered in the first half of 2025. Costs for housing and supporting refugees in Berlin nearly doubled between 2022 and 2025 to 2.24 billion ($2.58 billion). Wegner said declaring a fiscal emergency to access special loans is still an option, though not currently planned. WABAUNSEE COUNTY (KSNT) The Volland Foundation supports artists from across the globe to create in a small town nestled within the scenic Flint Hills. Volland is an unincorporated community in Wabaunsee County of mostly ranchers and homesteaders. There was never much in the community except a general store and post office, both of which were closed and abandoned by the 1970s. When Patty and Jerry Reece moved into town in the early 2000s, the crumbling general store caught their eye. The couple purchased the property, located at 24098 Volland Rd, Alma, KS 66401, in 2010 to begin renovations. Now, the building stands as close to original as they could make it, and in 2021 it was donated to The Volland Foundation. My husband and I were out driving the back roads and noticed the abandoned building, Patty Reece said. We could see that the roof was gone and many windows were broken out, but the walls were very straight. It had good bones, and we had rehabilitated old, decrepit buildings before. My husband said, That could be fixed up. I took that as permission, and the rest is history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know about Topekas 2025 Food Truck Fest The old general store now serves the community as a space for arts, culture and events for community members as well as people from across the globe. The foundation is currently featuring The Charra and The Cowgirl, an exploration of the role of women in the cultural traditions of the charreria of Mexico and the rodeo of the American West, as well as Compadres, a collection of five equestrian sculptures made from carbon steel. Both exhibits run until Sept. 7. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of events, kind of a chautauqua art, music, theatre, book readings, poetry, agriculture panels, science talks, stargazing, horse shows, etc. to appeal to a wide variety of audiences, Patty Reece said. Events that bring people together and build community. The foundation also supports art and artists through its residency program. This program offers artists total access to facilities on site so they can create in isolation for six days. These residencies allow artists to disconnect from the world and focus on their work in peace. The Volland Foundation is a Place for Art and Community where creative ideas are catalyzed, realized, and shared; events nourish the human spirit, provide enjoyment, and build community; artists and other creative practitioners are supported with the gift of time and space; and economic development is enhanced in surrounding communities. Volland Foundation mission statement, per their website Junction City man nominated to Kansas Music Hall of Fame Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexandra Light is a contemporary ballet dancer based in Fort Worth, Texas who recently completed her residency from June 25 July 9. She worked on a piece entitled Prairie Run, which drew inspiration from prairies shifting rhythms and Vollands layered histories to create a piece that moves between past and present, stillness and motion. Volland was a perfect fit for me, Light said. It provided me a prairie centric, open space that was ideal, and it allowed me to leave behind the day to day and explore. (Photo Courtesy/Alexandra Light) (Photo Courtesy/Alexandra Light) (Photo Courtesy/Alexandra Light) Light hopes to continue working on Prairie Run in the future, choreographing the piece to include more dancers. Currently, she is working on a piece for the Dallas Indie Dance Fest, choreography for high school dance teams and up-coming residencies. Katrina Bello is a visual artist from New Jersey who discovered Volland through a friend who completed a residency there. Her stay was from June 10 24 and she worked on researching the area as well as collecting audio, video and images for her to create drawings in her studio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most significant thing about Volland was the gift of time, Bello said. It was like a retreat with no expectations and total freedom. Bello said she felt particularly inspired by the vastness of the prairie and the natural beauty of the Flint Hills. Her works generally focus on landscapes and take almost a year to produce, so she hasnt produced anything from her residency yet. She remarked how rare it is for artist residencies to not require some sort of presentation or display of the work they create while theyre there, and how Volland is one of the best kept secrets in the art world. Bello has been busy with a new residency with Friends of Pando in Utah lately, but she is planning on returning to Volland soon to collect more research and get started on some drawings. Former secretary of state reflects on 2024 Kansas State Flatpicking Championship Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other upcoming events include: local music nights, art residency showcases, Latin American composer Nilko Andreas, guided nature tours and more. Volland will release dates for its 2026 residencies and open applications on Aug. 29. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Dewayne Pollard already knew the first thing he was going to do in his newly built Bethany home a home that has an accessible kitchen just for him. He was going to cook tilapia with fries, or maybe even salmon. "I just want to cook. It's getting those things back. Tilapia is one of the first things I learned how to cook, so that's what I want to do. Cook," Pollard said. Former patient Dewayne Pollard tours his new home on July 29 during the Bethany Childrens Health Center's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first Mattie Home, an accessible housing initiative in Bethany. The 21-year-old from Altus is the pilot resident for the Mattie Homes Project, specifically the Dewayne Model. This project aims to provide accessible, affordable and safe housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pollards home is wheelchair accessible and smart-enabled to fit his needs. The homes development by Bethany Childrens Health Center, in partnership with Iron Bison Homes, was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on July 29. More: These are Oklahoma's 10 best places to call home, according to World Atlas. Do you agree? Pollard was a patient at Bethany Children's Health Center after a car accident six years ago in which he suffered a spinal cord injury and became paralyzed. The center serves as the landlord, and a resident pays rent and utilities for the home at a significantly reduced rate compared to what a fully accessible home would typically cost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pollard said other than going to high school, he spent most of his time in bed for three years. He would go to school, go home, get in bed, watch TV and be on his phone, and that was his life. Now, this home means no depression, Pollard said. This means navigating my life without thinking about calling somebody to come over here and help me with something. Its my independence, Pollard said. Dewayne Pollard tours his new home on July 29 during the Bethany Childrens Health Center's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first Mattie Home, an accessible housing initiative. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is equipped with features to benefit him. The kitchen has lowered countertops and sinks with knee clearance, a drawer dishwasher, a swing-door oven, and a smart stove and a smart oven that are controlled from an app. The stove will not turn on unless a pot or pan is placed on it. The sink also turns on automatically through Pollard tapping the spout rather than having to push a knob. A gap in care for those who age out of care programs for children Bethany Childrens Health Center CEO Nico Gomez said the idea spawned out of their experiences with patients who were becoming adults but having trouble with barriers of affordable housing and jobs, despite wanting to be a part of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We started to kind of lean in. Its like Can we provide affordable housing for a population that is struggling with finding it? Gomez said. And we really started to lean in and dream about what was possible, and today is the culmination of that dream in our first Mattie Home. The center's Mattie Homes are named after its founder, Mattie Mallory, who ran orphanages in Oklahoma City before moving the children to Bethany. Mallory's facility transitioned from an orphanage in the early 1900s to the pediatric rehabilitation center it is today. The center offers inpatient and outpatient services and 24-hour complex care for people from birth to 21 years old. But when patients age out of Bethany Children's Health Center's programs, there can be a gap in care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard Mills-Tetteh, the center's chief of marketing and engagement, said for patients who are cognitively functioning, this looks like challenges with accessibility and the lack of supportive services that allow for independence. For patients with complex medical and cognitive needs, many are forced into adult nursing homes. Gomez said the Mattie Homes will provide another option for these patients. More: At OWL Camp, visually impaired kids explore the outdoors, horseback riding and more Mattie Homes are intended to be transitional. There is no firm time limit for residents, but the goal is to provide a stable living environment for at least three years, Mills-Tetteh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe if we dont have a home readily available for them, they can contact the developer or a home builder and say, I want the plans that they used in Bethany for their Mattie Home for their Dewayne Model, and I have some land, will you come build me a house like that?' Gomez said. As kids age out, the rehabilitation center is limited on what it can do, so its going to stretch where it can help, Gomez said. Which is what Bethany Childrens Health Center and Iron Bison Homes are doing for Pollard. Dewayne Pollard tours the kitchen area of his new home on July 29 during the Bethany Childrens Health Center's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first Mattie Home, an accessible housing initiative in Bethany. After Preston OBrien, the owner and CEO of Iron Bison Homes, received a call from Gomez, who he has known for many years, they decided to partner for a pilot program. Gomez already had an individual in mind who had been through Bethany Childrens Health Center, so OBrien paid him a visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We went to Dewaynes hometown in western Oklahoma and spent a day with Dewayne and just got to see the unique challenges that he faces on a daily basis that, oftentimes, you and I dont have to even experience, OBrien said. It was just unbelievably inspiring how Dewayne has overcome those unique challenges as well as adapted to the status quo of a normal home. OBrien saw the challenges that Pollard faced, from light switches being in odd positions and electrical outlets being too low to countertops being too deep and thresholds being so high that his wheelchair couldn't roll over if it doesnt have enough battery power. So, Pollard became a consultant for the project. The model they decided on was the third they looked at. Dewayne Pollard cuts the ribbon on his new home on July 29 during the Bethany Childrens Health Center's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first Mattie Home. Pollard saw it completed for the first time minutes before the ribbon cutting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he was shocked, and the detailed layout is one of his favorite parts. This is real. They actually did this. They actually paid attention, Pollard said. Thats just a thought that keeps coming over in my mind is just paying attention. Nico Gomez, right, speaks alongside Iron Bison Homes CEO Preston O'Brien during the Bethany Childrens Health Center's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first Mattie Home, part of an accessible housing initiative. Gomez and OBrien are hopeful for the projects future. Mills-Tetteh said although applications are not open yet for future homes, this first Mattie Home is just the beginning. Were going to spend a few months, learning from this experience, learning from Dewayne, learning about how it is built, what we can do differently, Gomez said. Then, I expect within the next year, were going to break ground on the next home or two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Pollard wants to emphasize to others like him, that they can create their own independence. For other people, I dont know what its going to mean to them, but I want it to mean something good, Pollard said. I dont want them to look at it and be like, Oh, I didnt get that. I want them to be like, Oh, the next house could be mine. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: First resident moves into Bethany Children's Center's accessible housing WASHINGTON Powered by People, a Democratic political group started by former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke, has emerged as a top funder covering the costs of Texas lawmakers out-of-state decampment to thwart a new GOP-proposed congressional map, according to two people involved with the fundraising efforts. The expenses are mounting fast for the more than 50 Democrats in the Texas House who left the state Sunday to prevent the Republican-controlled chamber from having enough members to conduct business. Most lawmakers traveled to the Chicago area by way of a private plane from CommuteAir. They are now on the hook for lodging, meals and the $500-a-day fines they will each accrue for every day of the special session they miss. National Democratic organizations have been eager to pick up the tab for what they see as a last-ditch effort to stop a nationwide redistricting war that threatens to upend the 2026 midterms. ORourkes organization, armed with a $3.5 million war chest, has covered much of the costs so far including air transport, lodging and logistical support, a person involved with the fundraising said though other groups have been in the mix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Majority PAC, a group backed by Democratic megadonor George Soros and formed by alums of ORourkes 2022 gubernatorial bid, is coordinating with national Democratic groups to solicit fundraising from the partys regular big-dollar donors, according to two people with knowledge of the internal dynamics. The sources, each of whom were granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations that could have legal implications, declined to say which big-dollar donors were being courted or how much money Powered by People had contributed to the quorum-busting effort. Gov. Greg Abbott has warned that members could face felony charges for fundraising to cover their fines, which cannot be paid from funds accepted as political contributions, according to Texas House rules adopted by Republicans in 2023 after a prior Democratic quorum break. In a letter sent to absent Democrats Sunday, Abbott alleged that lawmakers who are soliciting funds to evade the fines they will incur under House rules may be violating bribery laws, adding that anyone who donates to the cause could also be liable. Sen. John Cornyn also asked for the FBIs assistance in locating the out-of-state Texas legislators who are potentially acting in violation of the law in a Tuesday letter, citing potential bribery charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic lawmakers have openly questioned whether the $500 daily fines are allowed. Rep. Gina Hinojosa, an Austin Democrat among the contingent stationed in Illinois, called the levies unconstitutional and an excessive punishment for participating in a quorum break that gives us the chance to best defend and represent our constituents. Rep. Ana Hernandez, D-Houston, brushed off Abbotts threat, saying Democrats were using the tools at our disposal, which is a quorum break, to fight and advocate for our communities. A spokesperson for the Texas House Democratic Caucus said, "Every dime of expense for this effort is being paid for lawfully," but declined to provide further details. In a statement, ORourke promised to have the backs of these heroic state lawmakers for as long as it takes to stop Trumps power grab, referring to the proposed new congressional map, drawn at the direction of President Donald Trump, that could net five additional seats for Republicans in Texas in the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When news first broke in early June that Republican lawmakers were meeting to discuss a White House-backed redistricting effort, Powered by People set aside an unspecified sum in preparation for another effort to break quorum, referring to the 100-member threshold needed to take up legislation in the House. ORourkes group also helped finance Democratic lawmakers 2021 departure to Washington in what amounted to an unsuccessful attempt to stop a GOP overhaul of Texas election laws. ORourke was front-and-center in that saga, raising $600,000, The Texas Tribune previously reported. The former El Paso congressman turned statewide Democratic contender has also been working the phones for the past few weeks asking Texas lawmakers to leave the state to block the break quorum, according to a person with knowledge of these discussions. Since Democrats departure, Powered by People has been funneling 100% of its donations toward supporting the quorum break. It was not immediately clear how long the Democrats would remain on the lam. A total of 57 Democrats were absent when the House gaveled in Monday afternoon, enough to prevent the 150-member chamber from establishing a quorum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders of Texas Majority PAC one of the states most prolific Democratic funders have not publicly revealed any plans for the group to contribute. The PAC spent more than $9 million during the 2024 election cycle some two-thirds of which came from Soros with most of funds directed to county Democratic Parties and local voter turnout efforts. Other Democratic groups pledged financial support. Were going to do everything we can to help resource this, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said at a Tuesday news conference in Illinois with some Texas Democrats. Its time that the Democratic Party and all people who care about democracy support them in these efforts. Texas Democrats in Congress also sent a letter on July 16 to the House Ethics Committee asking permission to fundraise on behalf of the Texas Justice Fund, according to a copy of the letter obtained by The Tribune. Contributions to the fund which is affiliated with the Lone Star Project, a Texas Democratic group would primarily be allocated to the quorum break effort, according to a person familiar with the arrangements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have yet to receive permission from the committee. Democrats were preparing for this possibility before the quorum break began. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, and other national Democrats were pitching receptive big-dollar Democratic donors on investing in the quorum break, The Texas Tribune previously reported. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who raised an eye-popping $3 million from April to June, also pledged her financial support. Whatever I'm allowed to do within the letter of the law, I am absolutely going to do it, Crockett said, calling the defecting lawmakers American heroes. The Texas House Democratic Caucus also launched a website, dubbed rigged redistricting, encouraging visitors to donate to their crusade. Kendall Scudder, chair of the Texas Democratic Party Chair, also said the state party is helping to fund the quorum break. 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. Bezalel Academy inaugurated a new art wing and international hub for the Fine Arts, Visual Communication, Photography, and Screen-Based Arts departments. In a ceremony blending celebration with cultural gravitas, the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem inaugurated a new art wing and international hub named after philanthropists Idan and Batia Ofer last week, while also presenting the prestigious Yakir Bezalel Award to four prominent figures in the world of art and culture. The event marked a major milestone for Israels oldest art institution, founded in 1906, as it continues to expand its reach and role amid growing challenges to international academic collaboration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly opened art wing consolidates Bezalels Fine Arts, Visual Communication, Photography, and Screen-Based Arts departments under one roof. It includes state-of-the-art facilities such as photography labs, print studios, 3D printing workshops, editing suites, and multiple galleries for student, faculty, and guest exhibitions. Funded by a major donation from Idan and Batia Ofer, the wing was described by Bezalel President Prof. Adi Stern as an exceptional infrastructure for training the creators who will influence the future. The inauguration also saw the launch of the International Hub, an unprecedented initiative designed to foster academic and artistic collaboration across bordersespecially significant given the increasing pressure on Israeli academic institutions amid international boycott movements since October 7. Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design campus in central Jerusalem. (credit: Wikimedia Commons) The International Hub is Bezalels answer to isolation, Stern said. At a time of severed ties, this is a bold move of faith in the power of art to connect, inspire, and lead change. Bezalel Academy honored four outstanding cultural figures with the Yakir Bezalel Award Batia Ofer, who serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Londons Royal Academy of Arts and now the Honorary President of Bezalels International Hub, said the initiative reflects an aspiration to help establish an open, lively, and inviting home for creation, research, and dialogue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, Art can bring people together, reflect complex realities, and even drive social transformation. The ceremony also honored four outstanding cultural figures with the Yakir Bezalel Award, presented annually to individuals who have made a profound contribution to the arts, culture, and society in Israel and beyond. Ofer received the award for her global philanthropic work and contributions to education and the arts, including initiatives such as Art of Wishes and leadership programs through the Ofer Family Foundation at Harvard University and in Israels Druze community. Ohad Naharin, the renowned choreographer and former artistic director of Batsheva Dance Company, was recognized for developing a unique movement language and shaping contemporary dance in Israel and internationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said Abu Shakra, artist and founder of the Umm al-Fahm Art Museumrecently designated Israels first contemporary art museum in Arab societywas honored for decades of cultural bridge-building through art and activism. Maira Kalman, Israeli-American illustrator and author, was recognized for her body of work blending art, literature, and history with emotion, humor, and profound humanism. These four recipients represent the very best of what art can be, said Stern. They have each, in their own way, shaped the cultural discourse in Israel and around the world. The opening of this wing and hub is not only a contribution to Bezalel, Ofer said. It is a statement about creativity, coexistence, and the enduring power of art to transcend borders. The Yakir Bezalel Award has previously been awarded to notable figures such as former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak, former president Reuven Rivlin and his wife Nechama Rivlin, designer Ron Arad, architect Ada Karmi-Melamede, and sculptor Dani Karavan. CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) A bicyclist was killed in a crash Monday with a northbound MTS trolley in Chula Vista, transit officials confirmed. A call came in about the incident around 12:44 p.m. at Moss Street grade crossing. Man arrested in deadly shooting inside downtown San Diego bar Trolley service on the UC San Diego Blue Line did experience some delays because of the collision, but it has since resumed normal operations, according to the MTS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident is being investigated as an accident. 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. When Congress returns from its lengthy August recess, lawmakers on Capitol Hill will only have a few weeks to work something out before the government runs out of funding at midnight on Sept. 30. And Senate Democrats will quickly have to make a decision. In the upper chamber, legislation to fund the government is subject to the filibuster and requires 60 votes. That means Republican leadership will need a handful of Democratic votes and wont be able to avert a government shutdown without the help of their colleagues across the aisle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the White House has spent much of 2025 freezing funds Congress has already appropriated, essentially robbing from the legislative branch its power of the purse. In July, congressional Republicans voted through a recissions package, signaling their approval of a small sliver of President Donald Trumps funding freezes using a legislative process that required only 50 votes. No Democrats voted for the bill. Now you have a dynamic where Republicans in Congress can make cuts with 50 votes to things that had to be agreed to with 60 votes, Devin OConnor, senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told TPM. And thats a really poisonous dynamic. That set of facts hangs over the budget process to come. 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? Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) asked in a Senate floor speech last week. Dems Prepare to Pick Their Path on Appropriations This complicated reality is foreshadowing an internal fight among Democratic senators and possibly within the larger Democratic Party that is on the horizon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats can decide that they will strike a deal with Republicans, eventually giving them the votes they need to avoid a government shutdown, and cooperate with what would likely be a lengthy, bipartisan appropriations process. That is what might have happened under normal circumstances, in bygone eras when the executive branch hadnt been holding up congressionally appropriated funds. A group of Democrats could also join Republicans to support a short- or long-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open. Or Democrats could decide they want to stand up to the ongoing impoundment by the Trump administration and follow Warrens urging, refusing to vote for legislation unless the White House guarantees that funds will be distributed as appropriated. Doing so could lead to a stalemate if the White House refuses to cooperate, putting the country on track for a government shutdown which Republicans in Congress would surely attempt to blame on Democrats, despite their own unwillingness to stand up to Trump to protect Congress power of the purse. Even if Democrats choose to cut a deal with Republicans, it will be very difficult to work out a bipartisan group of bills in the time frame senators will have following the August recess. The fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. But more significantly, it is unclear whether Republican senators could get the White House to agree to any deal they might strike with Democrats especially one that attempts to mandate an end to the administrations lawless funding freezes. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought has already said he wants a less bipartisan appropriations process, part of his defense of the Trump administrations strategy of impoundment and rescissions packages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cannot make a deal with someone who doesnt want to make a deal, Bobby Kogan, senior director of federal budget policy at the Center for American Progress, told TPM. It is not possible to force someone to make a deal with you. Even if Democrats could extract a deal from Senate Republicans, experts tell TPM, there are serious questions around whether Democrats can and should trust Republicans when it comes to any bipartisan deal they might make to fund the government. How can you actually make a deal if one sides ready to do a partisan breaking of the deal through rescissions later, Kogan said. The Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan legislative branch watchdog agency, has already issued several rulings saying the Trump administration violated the Impoundment Control Act by illegally withholding funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Impounding funds and using the rescissions process in this way is not only illegal but is also dangerous for the future of the appropriations process, experts said. It would be very difficult to justify giving your vote to something that you cant trust and something that might be kind of ripped up or revised shortly after you think youve reached a deal, OConnor said. How will Democrats know that Republicans arent going to basically cut education spending, cut medical research funding, cut disaster preparation funding unilaterally, after-the-fact, in a disguised way. And so if youre a Democrat and you care about those things, what commitment can Republicans give you that says theyre not going to do that? Democrats should want guarantees because, unlike normal times, nothing will be final when the funding deal is passed, OConnor added. An Appropriations Bill, a CR or No Deal? OConnor emphasized that both the Senate and House are currently controlled by the GOP, making the presidents party the leading voice in putting together a bipartisan deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are going to be the ones to put the deal together, but they need the 60 votes. So either they need to end the filibuster and do it all alone or they need to figure out that the burden should really be on them, OConnor, who was previously OMBs Associate Director for Economic Policy, told TPM. With the reality of the government funding deadline, it is almost inevitable that Congress will have to pass a CR legislation to keep the government funded at current levels if Democrats decide they want to stay away from the shutdown path while also avoiding a deal on an appropriations bill. Earlier this year, in March, a group of Senate Democrats joined Senate Republicans and voted for a GOP-backed full-year continuing resolution, saying that a shutdown would be much, much worse. At the time, a handful of Democrats in the upper and lower chamber attempted to extract some sort of commitment from the White House, that the funds would be spent as appropriated, in order to earn their support for the CR. Republican leadership did not take that proposal seriously and enough Democrats ultimately backed the measure to secure its passage without a commitment. That decision led to staunch criticism from many in the Democratic base, much of which was directed at Democratic leadership, and, specifically, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). If Democrats decide to coalesce around a short-term CR, that could give the White House an opportunity to continue to illegally withhold funds that were previously approved by Congress. Thats because short term CRs tend to give the administration more flexibility for very legitimate budget execution reasons, Kogan told TPM. The Risks and Benefits of Taking a Stand Democrats can also go the opposite direction and refuse to support funding the government so long as the White House insists on having the final say on what gets spent. Since any funding agreement requires 60 votes in the Senate, that would likely trigger a government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this approach also isnt without downsides. During a shutdown, the executive branch can decide which parts of the government stay open by deciding what is essential and what is not. So the White House could continue to not spend congressionally approved funds but, now, under the excuse that they are not essential services. I am not confident, in fact, Im genuinely concerned that if there were a funding hiatus under Trump 2.0, that most of the government would not reopen, that Vought would find a way to interpret the law break the law to empower the Treasury to pay people for this work, said Charles Kieffer, who served in high-level roles in the OMB during the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations and who was the staff director of the Senate Appropriations Committee. So in essence, the only parts of government that would continue are the parts of government that Russ Vought and President Trump want to continue. Others acknowledge that although a shutdown is always a bad option when it comes to discussions around government funding, the inability to make bipartisan deals with the GOP would require Democrats to roll over and accept that the executive branch is actively impeding Congress power of the purse. Were kind of having a partial, selective shutdown of the government every day because the White House is choosing which programs theyre going to stop funding and which programs theyre going to restrict in a way that almost mirrors a shutdown, OConnor told TPM. The dynamic between what things will look like if there is a government shutdown versus what things will look like if there is not is just a lot closer than its ever been before. (Reuters) -A wildfire in southern Frances Aude region near the Spanish border has scorched around 4,500 hectares (11,100 acres) of forest, the fire brigade said late on Tuesday, as hundreds of firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control. More than 1,250 firefighters have been deployed to the scene, Colonel Alexandre Jouassard, spokesperson for the civil protection agency, told BFMTV. President Emmanuel Macron said on X the fire was progressing and that "all the nations resources were mobilized." Two people were injured in the fire, including one seriously, Lucie Rosech, the deputy prefect of Aude, told BFMTV. (Reporting by Michel Rose, Editing by Franklin Paul) Among a long list of top Democrats subpoenaed for testimony before a congressional committee regarding Jeffrey Epstein include former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who lost the presidential election to President Donald Trump in 2016. Republicans on the House Oversight Committee are seeking to see whether liberals had a part in the Epstein child trafficking saga, which continues to dog Trump politically after the Justice Department announced on July 7 said that it found no plot to murder Epstein nor evidence he blackmailed anyone. Included in that announcement was an explosive declaration by DOJ that it would not be releasing its 300 gigabytes of evidence. Trump's base, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, wants more transparency when it comes to Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee also seeks the Justice Department files and any communication between former President Joe Biden or his administration and DOJ regarding the Epstein matter. Testimony is scheduled to begin Aug. 18 with former Attorney General William Barr. Others subpoenaed for testimony are these former U.S. attorneys general: Alberto Gonzalez (Aug. 26); Jeff Sessions (Aug. 28); Loretta Lynch (Sept. 9); Eric Holder (Sept. 30); and Merrick Garland (Oct. 2). Two former FBI directors Robert Mueller (Sept. 2) and James Comey (Oct. 7) also are scheduled. Hillary Clinton is scheduled to testify Oct. 9 and the former president on Oct. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Clinton did ride on Epstein's planes after he left office in 2001. Trump took his family on flights in the 1990s. Hillary Clinton's U.S. Senate campaign received a substantial donation from Epstein in 1999. Neither Bill or Hillary Clinton nor Trump has ever faced criminal accusations that they participated in Epstein's child sex crime network. Epstein in 2008 pleaded guilty to two prostitution-related felonies in Palm Beach County in the so-called "deal of the century" and served only 13 months in the county jail. In 2019, he was charged by federal prosecutors in New York with sex trafficking minors. He was found dead, hanging in his Manhattan jail cell, less than a month later. Epstein's Democratic connections While he was alive, Epstein hobnobbed with many politicians and celebrities, including two who had either reached or were to reach the White House. He was a substantial Democratic donor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hillary Clinton as a U.S. Senate hopeful received $20,000 from Epstein in 1999 through her joint fundraising committee with the Democratic Party, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Bill Clinton's presidential campaign also received $1,000 from Epstein in 1992. Here's what to know about some of Epstein's famous passengers: More: Jeffrey Epstein 2006 grand jury documents are public. Read for yourself what happened Bill Clinton flew out of Siberia, China, other places - sometimes without Secret Service Flight logs indicate that actor Kevin Spacey took a flight from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Palm Beach International Airport on Sept. 15, 2002, with Epstein and Bill Clinton. A flight with Chris Tucker, which didn't appear to include Clinton, occurred six days later going from JFK International Airport in New York to Vilo do Porto, Portugal. Clinton's aide Doug Bands was on most of the flights that Clinton was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two trips with Clinton had no notes from pilots indicating U.S. Secret Service agents were aboard. Epstein picked up Clinton in Siberia and flew him to a U.S. Naval base in Japan on May 20, 2002. Secret Service was not noted. Most entries concerning Clinton did. One other flight possibly did not include agents, but part of the entry was illegible. That was on Nov. 9, 2003, from Hong Kong to Sichuan Province in China. Clinton took off from PBIA in February and in March 2002 to Miami International and JFK, respectively. Flight logs don't indicate why any of the trips were taken. A Clinton spokesperson said in 2019 that he knew "nothing" about the crimes Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida or the sex-trafficking crimes he was charged with that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clinton was on Epstein planes for at least 17 flights in 2002-03 after he left office in 2001. The former president went to some exotic places aboard those flights Siberia, Morocco, China and Armenia, to name a few with some famous people such as Spacey and Tucker. News reports said Spacey and Tucker flew to help the Clinton Foundation with its battle against AIDS. Sarah Ferguson meets the plane at Lantana airport Some other big names, including Great Britain's Prince Andrew, either flew into or out of Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA), where Epstein parked his planes when he stayed at his mansion on El Brillo Way in Palm Beach. In a strange entry in 1998, a pilot noted that Sarah Ferguson and her children met the plane at the Lantana airport after an emergency. The Cessna had been flying from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, but there was no note that Prince Andrew was onboard, only Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein's housekeeper, Juan Alessi, testified that the divorced Duchess of York dropped by Epstein's Palm Beach mansion one time, according to documents in a lawsuit released in January 2024. "I think Sarah was there only once and for a short time," he said. "I don't think she slept in there. I cannot remember. I think she was visiting Wellington and she came to the house and we met her." Epstein reportedly once restructured and paid off a debt for the duchess. I, personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me, she said in 2011 before he was arrested in New York. I abhor pedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say. British top model Naomi Campbell says she met Jeffrey Epstein in 2001. Supermodel Naomi Campbell was another celeb who took the jets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbell took five flights aboard the Lolita Express in 2001 and 2003. Two originated in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein owned an island that was known as a place of debauchery. A couple of the flights went to the Sao Paulo, Brazil area. Epstein was always present at Victoria's Secret shows where Campbell saw him. She said she met him in 2001 after her boyfriend Flavio Briatore, of Benetton clothing fame, introduced him. Campbell has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epsteins sexual offenses, saying: What hes done is indefensible. And when I had heard what he had done, it sickened me to my stomach just like everybody else. Right now I stand with the victims." Inside the grand jury documents Post got Jeffrey Epstein prosecutor called 2 underage victims 'prostitutes.' Were they charged? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's impossible to tell whether any of these passengers flew while underage girls were aboard. According to notes that pilots made from the flights, they used mainly initials and first names for passengers. Flight log notes show Kevin Spacey, Chris Tucker and Bill Clinton flying on one of Jeffrey Epstein's planes. Donald Trump flew 8 times on Epstein's plane in 1993-97, once took wife, Marla; daughter Tiffany; Epstein's brother Mark Trump flew on Epstein's planes at least eight times, according to flight logs, most of the time to and from the airport in Teterboro, New Jersey, where Epstein was arrested getting of a plane on sex trafficking charges in July 2019. Trump's family tagged along on a May 15, 1994, trip to Washington, D.C. Aboard were then-wife Marla Maples and their daughter, Tiffany. She was about 7 months old and her nanny was in tow. Marla Maples and Tiffany Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, at the Braves/Expos spring training. Trump's third child and second son, Eric, flew on an Aug. 13, 1995, flight with his father from Palm Beach International to Teterboro, flight logs show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teterboro is 12 miles from Manhattan, where Trump resided starting in 1983 until he claimed Mar-a-Lago as his primary residence in 2017. His penthouse in Trump Tower is 11,000 square feet and three stories high. Teterboro is considered a "reliever" airport, which handles smaller aircraft that weigh less than 100,000 pounds. No scheduled aircraft fly in or out of the airport, according to its website. Trump and Epstein had ties in Palm Beach. In the 1990s, they sometimes partied together. They also got into a bidding war in 2004 for a Palm Beach oceanfront estate offered in a bankruptcy auction. It was owned by Abe Gosman, the nursing home magnate who had hit hard times. Trump won, paying more than $41 million. More: Making sense of Jeffrey Epstein's grand jury transcript and the 5-year fight to release it Epstein's relatives who live in Palm Beach County: Family aboard Epstein flew family members several times, often to New York or nearby. His parents, Seymour and Paula, lived in a West Palm Beach condo. Epstein and his brother, Mark, grew up on the Coney Island section of Brooklyn. Seymour worked for the New York Parks Department. Mark, Jeffrey's younger brother, took at least one flight. More: POST EXCLUSIVE: Never-before-seen Jeffrey Epstein biography surfaces Paula flew several times aboard Jeffrey's jets in the late 1990s and early 2000s, almost always between PBIA and Teterboro. Once she went to Westchester County Airport. Paula held on to their West Palm Beach condo until she died in 2004. Seymour had passed in 1991. Former Epstein girlfriend who was Miss Sweden, family also flew Glenn and Eva Andersson Dubin, who have a waterfront home on Palm Beach, flew on Epstein's aircraft occasionally. Eva was Epstein's girlfriend for more than a decade before she married Glenn in 1994. Glenn and Eva are philanthropists involved in New York and that's often where they flew, most often with their three girls in tow and the nannies. Glenn is a venture capitalist and Eva is a physician who established the Dubin Breast Cancer Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. She had had breast cancer herself. Eva testified for Epstein's next girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, in Maxwell's trial on sex trafficking charges in December 2021. Maxwell was convicted. Eva said she saw no inappropriate conduct from Epstein. More: How does this doctor-model-survivor keep her energy up? After Epstein had served his 13 months at the Palm Beach County Jail for pleading guilty to two prostitution-related felonies, Eva in 2009 famously told his probation officer that she was "100% comfortable" with him being around her girls at Thanksgiving dinner. The children were under 18 at the time. The couple distanced themselves from Epstein after he was arrested on sex-trafficking charges in 2019. He once said his neighbor was "a great guy," but when he was arrested in 2019 on sex trafficking charges, Trump said, "I'm not a fan." Holly Baltz is the investigations editor at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hbaltz@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Bill Clinton flew 17 times on Jeffrey Epstein's jet: Where and when? A committee of the House of Representatives has subpoenaed a slew of former officials, including former President Bill Clinton and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for testimony on the "horrific crimes" of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer issued the subpoenas to the former president and first lady on Aug. 5, after a subcommittee voted to issue them on July 23, he announced in a statement. The committee is seeking to have the Clintons complete depositions by October regarding their knowledge of Epstein's myriad sex offenses. SHAWN THEW/POOL/AFP/Getty Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2025 Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2025 Comer also subpoenaed two former FBI directors, James Comey and Robert Mueller, as well as six former Attorneys General: Merrick Garland, William Barr, Jeff Sessions, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder and Alberto Gonzales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kentucky Republican also issued a subpoena to the Department of Justice for records related to Epstein. Bill Clinton's relationship with Epstein has been a source of public fascination for years. When Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges in 2019, Clinton's spokesperson said the former commander-in-chief had been on Epstein's jet four times and had taken a meeting at his Manhattan mansion in 2002, painting a picture of a professional relationship between the pair. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Ex Attorney General Bill Barr in 2020 Clinton knew nothing of Epstein's crimes and the two had not spoken in over a decade at the time of his arrest, said the spokesperson. A rep for the Clintons did not immediately return an inquiry from PEOPLE on Tuesday. However, more recent reporting has suggested Clinton's association with Epstein may have been more extensive than previously understood. The Wall Street Journal reported that Clinton allegedly wrote a letter to Epstein for his 50th birthday, included in the same commemorative book as a bawdy alleged message from future President Donald Trump, who purportedly wrote the two have "certain things in common." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Tuesday New York Times story featuring images of Epstein's palatial Manhattan townhouse, Epstein and Clinton can be seen in a framed photograph looking warmly at each other. AP Photo/Mark Humphrey Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in 2016 Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in 2016 The subpoenas come as Trump faces increasing scrutiny over his administration's handling of the government's Epstein files and of his own long, well-documented friendship with the convicted child sex offender. 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. Months after current Attorney General Pam Bondi said on TV that Epstein's reputed "client list" was sitting on her desk, her Justice Department reported that no such list existed and there was not enough evidence to prosecute any potential co-conspirators in Epstein's massive child sex trafficking scheme. Win McNamee/Getty Former FBI Director and Special Counsel Robert Mueller in 2011 Trump has urged his followers to forget about his connections with Epstein and to focus instead on Clinton's relationship with the financier. The DOJ has since interviewed Epstein's convicted "madam" Ghislaine Maxwell, who reportedly named about 100 Epstein associates during the interview. She has since been moved to a prison with lighter security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell who is angling for a pardon or a commutation has also been subpoenaed for a deposition before Congress, though she has said she will plead the Fifth Amendment unless she is guaranteed immunity from prosecution for whatever she says. Epstein died in a federal jail in 2019 while under indictment for sex trafficking charges, in what was controversially ruled a suicide. At the time, Trump was president and Barr was attorney general. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON Legislation targeting Chinas shipyard industry would also open U.S. domestic shipping trades to foreign operators, a practice currently barred by federal law. Introduced by U.S. Reps. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, and James Moylan, R-Guam, the Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act addresses what the lawmakers say are loopholes in the law that incentivize U.S. domestic trade ships to be built and repaired in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). They contend that the law, known as the Jones Act, creates domestic shipping monopolies that artificially inflate the cost of goods imported to Hawaii and Guam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under long-standing loopholes in maritime law, Jones Act shippers can and do outsource major vessel parts fabrications and modifications to foreign shipyards, primarily those in the PRC, Case said in introducing the legislation. These modifications are not minor, and often include full engine replacements, liquefied natural gas conversions and other critical overhauls. Through further loopholes, these modifications largely avoid the 50% import duty imposed on foreign ship repair. Case cited as examples retrofits of Jones Act-compliant container ships operated by Honolulu-based Matson Inc. (NYSE: MATX) recently converted to liquified natural gas at Coscos Nantong facility in China, which has known ties to the Chinese government and military-industrial complex, he said. By closing loopholes that benefit the Peoples Republic of China and instead partnering with trusted allies like Japan and South Korea, we can grow our shipbuilding capacity, support good-paying jobs, and deliver real relief for families and businesses, Moylan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the text of the bill, the legislation would create a Foreign Ally Shipping Registry, composed of countries determined to be a U.S. ally. U.S. companies would be exempt from the 50% tax on major vessel modifications if the work is performed in shipyards located in allied nations included in the registry. Companies from those nations would also be eligible to operate foreign-built, foreign-crewed vessels in coastwise trade under appropriate regulatory conditions, in recognition of the global nature of modern shipping, Case said. The Secretary of Transportation would be able to authorize, for renewable five-year periods, a qualified vessel to transport merchandise by water, or by land and water, between points in the United States to which the coastwise laws apply, either directly or via a foreign port, according to the bills text. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Case insisted, however, that the legislation does not repeal or abandon the Jones Act, but that it restores the law to its intended purpose to serve as a foundation for national resilience, industrial strength and strategic security, rather than being hijacked by the hypocritical umbrella of national defense at the expense of increased costs of consumer goods across the country, he said in introducing the bill. It recognizes that modern maritime commerce is global, but that global alignment must be rooted in trust, shared values and common defense. Related articles: Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher. The post Bill would open US shipping to foreign allies appeared first on FreightWaves. Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes' efforts to mitigate flooding on his farm in Kangaloon, New South Wales, Australia, have dramatically veered off track. Cannon-Brookes made a name for himself as a billionaire who cares about climate issues. His neighbors were shocked that a plan to redirect excess rainwater turned into a hazard for the community. Pollution from the construction work contaminated the Stony Gully, a protected tributary within Nepean Dam that feeds Greater Sydney's major supply dams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The six-week job to create a small lake and wildlife sanctuary on Cannon-Brookes' farm is now a nearly two-year problem. Construction runoff can contaminate critical waterways, putting clean water access at risk and killing important local wildlife. Local residents are concerned about their access to clean water supplies after the snafu. The billionaire's former landmoving contractor, John Rodwell, told The Age that the lake was a mitigation effort. Rodwell said record rainfalls in the area have damaged local dams and left their walls slipping. "That area around Sugarloaf Mountain is basically sitting on an extinct volcano, and the land is all slipping," Rodwell told The Age. "In my experience, you need to talk to the landowners about these things." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the intentions may have come from a good place, this story is a reminder of billionaires' impacts on the environment. One study found that this small class of people release a million times more carbon pollution than the average person. Even so-called "climate conscious" billionaires like Cannon-Brookes contribute to this issue. Beyond putting locals at risk with his lake project, the tech CEO received criticism earlier this year for purchasing a private jet. Private jets disproportionately contribute to heat-trapping air pollution that is warming the planet and causing extreme weather events. Carbon pollution from private jets has increased by 46% in the last five years. Do you think billionaires spend their money wisely? Definitely No way Some do Most do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. It's critical that consumers educate themselves about greenwashing so that they aren't fooled by corporations or company leaders that deceptively claim to care about the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The billionaire's farm is under investigation by the Wingecarribee Shire Council and was put on notice by WaterNSW. Cannon-Brookes is engaging in remediation efforts to make things right with neighbors, reported The Age. Those efforts should be completed by the end of the year. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Bills Mafia Box is returning to McDonalds locations in Rochester and across New York. Bills fans will soon be able to head to a local McDonalds to pick up the Mafia Box, which has artwork paying tribute to the current Highmark Stadium before the teams expected move. The box includes two cheeseburgers, two medium fries, and a 20-piece McNugget. In addition to the Mafia Box, Bills fans can score a free Big Mac with a $2 purchase every time the Bills get a sack on their opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal begins on Monday, 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 RochesterFirst. PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) Rep. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay), who recently announced his resignation from the New York legislature at the end of this month, already has his next job lined up. Jones will lead operations at Clinton Community Colleges Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, or IAM. The institute focuses on manufacturing education and helping people gain specialized skills. It also is a space for companies to hold their own training sessions. The college offers electrician, cybersecurity, and other programs at the facility. Joness official title will be the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clinton Community College seeks public feedback on campus development plans Ken Knelly, acting president at the college, was enthusiastic about Joness new role. No one is more connected with local organizations and businesses or more passionate about solutions and partnerships that make our region better, he said. Jones said he saw the post as a continuation of his work in the state legislature, saying Ive dedicated my entire career to serving the North Country, and this new role allows me to continue that work in a very direct and meaningful way. The college said it hopes to partner with businesses and organizations including CV-TEC Career and Technical Education, to put the IAM on a path to success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Video: Initial coverage. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A band teacher has been indicted by the Preble County grand jury on several charges related to inappropriate contact with a student. Eaton teacher facing charges, accused of inappropriate contact with student According to documents from the Preble County Common Pleas Court filed Monday, Paul Bingle, 49, was indicted on eight charges including the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 counts of grooming, first-degree misdemeanors 1 count of sexual battery, a second-degree felony, including a sexually violent predator specification 1 count of sexual battery, a fourth-degree felony 1 count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a third-degree felony 1 count of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, a fifth-degree felony Bingle was placed on leave in July once the investigation began. He appeared in court Wednesday morning, where he pled not 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 WDTN.com. A bipartisan effort to crack down on facial recognition technology utilized by the Transportation Security Administration is experiencing delays in the Senate amid pushback from airlines citing concerns of efficiency and safety. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced the bill earlier this year seeking to implement restrictions for the TSA in how it can operate its biometrics and facial recognition technology in airports, citing concerns about security and government overreach. The bill would establish guardrails requiring most airports to instead use manual ID verification and to delete any images that are taken for facial recognition purposes within 24 hours, among other restrictions. The bill has garnered bipartisan support since it was introduced in May, with so far two Republican co-sponsors in addition to Merkley, as well as two Democratic co-sponsors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Republicans, even those who have not signed on to the bipartisan bill, have similarly expressed concerns about the TSA in recent years. Utah Sen. Mike Lee, for one, has repeatedly introduced legislation cracking down on the TSA, including a bill earlier this year that would abolish the agency altogether. Im concerned with the abuse of facial recognition technology across the board, including by the TSA, Lee told the Deseret News in a statement. We need to ensure that law-abiding Americans can go about their lives without constant surveillance by their own government, like in the United Kingdom. The Senate was set to begin consideration on the proposal last week, but those plans were later canceled by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who leads the Senate Commerce Committee. Reasons for the cancellation were not entirely clear, but it came after intense lobbying efforts by airlines and travel companies to drop the bill altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also came after apparent lobbying from TSA itself, according to Politico. The short answer is yes; the long answer is hell yes, Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., one of the three Republican co-sponsors of the bill, told the outlet when asked if TSA raised concerns. Kennedy said the TSA is working to kill the bill, which tells me were doing the right thing. But the bills leaders dont seem convinced to drop the effort just yet. And Cruz told reporters last week the legislation could still be brought up at a later time, at which he said its going to pass. Among some of the proposed changes, the bill would require TSA agents to notify travelers that they can opt out of facial screenings while going through security checkpoints in the airport and instead choose a manual verification option. It would also implement restrictions on what TSA can do with its facial image data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators such as Merkley have pushed for years to crack down on TSAs ability to use its facial recognition technology, which the Oregon Democrat says has grown in recent years to be used in more than 80 airports as of August 2025. Its been used to intimidate, to track and to intimidate freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, Merkley said. NEW YORK Democrats best bet to flip a Long Island House seat thats been red for more than a decade looks great on paper. Chris Gallant is a Black Hawk pilot, Army veteran, national guardsman, former air traffic controller and union leader and volunteer firefighter. Hes also a gay millennial, political newcomer and Long Island native. Now, Gallant is looking to prove he can turn that stellar resume into a competitive political campaign. Hes launching a bid Tuesday to oust Rep. Nick LaLota and help the Democratic Party retake the House majority in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My entire lifes been kind of grounded in service, Gallant told POLITICO in an interview. Ive always placed the mission first throughout all of my careers, and Im doing the same now. This is what I want to do to make Washington and government work again for the people. Hes got a rocky road ahead. Gallant, 36, will face a two-term House Republican who defeated his last Democratic opponent by more than 10 points. LaLota and his predecessor, Lee Zeldin, now the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, have held eastern Long Island for Republicans since 2014. LaLota had a $1.7 million campaign war chest at the end of June, according to his most recent federal filing. Democrats are hoping the path to winning control of the House in 2026 will run through New Yorks suburbs. They want to topple LaLota on Long Island and Rep. Mike Lawler in the Hudson Valley, though both are formidable incumbents. The party is also defending four districts held by Democrats, including Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi on Long Island. LaLota bested his 2024 Democratic challenger, former CNN host John Avlon, by attacking the Democratic Party at large as too woke and portraying Avlon as a wealthy outsider, tagging him in news releases with the label (D-Manhattan). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallant, by contrast, describes himself as a blue-collar guy born and raised in Suffolk County. Both he and LaLota live just outside of the boundary of the 1st Congressional District. But the Democrats upbringing, he said, helps him understand first-hand the cost-of-living crisis facing many Americans. I came back from a deployment from 22 to 23, Gallant said of his time in the Middle East. I went away and was able to fill a grocery cart for $150 and came back and can hardly fill a grocery bag for $150, so its terrible. LaLota is seeking a third term in a district that Cook Political Report does not yet include on its list of competitive races. Lawlers seat, in contrast, is ranked lean Republican. The GOP incumbent is confident about his reelection prospects. The Navy veteran, who previously was chief of staff to the Suffolk County Legislature, like other blue-state Republicans, is touting a state and local tax deduction cap increase as a hard-fought victory this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman LaLota has won three straight elections by double digits, LaLota campaign spokesperson Mary OHara said in a statement. Now, with SALT quadrupled to deliver an average of $2,800 more to Long Island families and real border security, were on track for an even bigger win in 2026. Gallant is already attacking LaLota for voting for the GOP megabill that cuts federal funding for health care and other social services. And he raised alarms about Federal Aviation Administration staffing shortages blamed for some dangerous airport conditions, speaking as a former air traffic controller. He steered clear of opining on President Donald Trump, Gov. Kathy Hochul or New York City Democratic nominee for mayor Zohran Mamdani political lightning rods for different reasons in the states battlegrounds. Its the safe route for a candidate who said he wants to hold ample town halls and seek Democratic, Republican and Independent votes from Long Islanders sick of partisan politics. NY-01 is my total focus, Gallant said. When it comes to the mayoral race in New York City, I think my goal is that whoever gets to win that race, just provide a safe environment for my constituents. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) An investigation is underway after a body was found in West Baton Rouge Parish on Monday, Aug. 4. According to Sgt. Landon Groger with the West Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office (WBRSO), the body was discovered along a pipeline access road off of Lobdell Highway around 2:30 p.m. The Louisiana State Police Crime Scene Unit assisted with processing the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5, the sheriffs office confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details are limited at this time. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. 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. BERKELEY, Mo. Despite a six-figure pay offer and bonuses on the table, workers from Boeing say this fight is about more than money. On Monday, union members stood outside of Boeings headquarters in Berkeley, Missouri, with picket signs, expressing their frustration with management. Workers told FOX 2 that Boeings latest offer does not go far enough. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily News The protest began just after midnight, after union members overwhelmingly rejected a revised four-year contract offer. Theres a lot of feeling of disrespect that comes between management and the employees. Thats a fact. Theres got to be some improvement across the board on them economics and recognizing what weve done to this point, Earl Schuessler, a striking Boeing worker, said. Another protesting worker, Jim Evans, says the contract that Boeing offered to employees is no better than what they currently have. IAM District 837 represents roughly 3,200 workers who build Boeings fighter jets and defense systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companys offer included a $5,000 signing bonus and raised average salaries to over $100,000. Some students will be exempt from new student phone ban Boeing is losing money and this is an extremely important negotiation for Boeing when its continuing to lose money and bleed talent. They are trying to brush it off like its turbulence. Its a critical point at which Boeing needs to decide its future, said Parag Amin, a business and labor expert. In regard to the protest, Boeing released a statement, saying: Were disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40% average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules. Weve activated contingency plans to support our customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 2 has learned that there are no talks currently scheduled between Boeing and union workers. Employees say they are willing to continue protesting until they receive a fair deal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jair Bolsonaro, Brazils former president, has been placed under house arrest for posting on social media during his trial for plotting a coup. The 70-year-old is banned from social media for the duration of the proceedings, and third parties are not allowed to share his public remarks. But on Sunday, his allies defied the order by sharing footage online of a call between the former army captain and his eldest son Flavio at a solidarity rally in Rio de Janeiro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bolsonaro is currently on trial at the Supreme Court accused of leading an attempt to stage a coup to overturn the 2022 election, in which he was defeated by Left-wing president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes reacted furiously, declaring that the judiciary would not allow a defendant to treat it like a fool because of his political and economic power. A Brazilian military police vehicle outside the entrance to the condominium where Jair Bolsonaro lives in Brasilia - Andre Borges/EPA/Shutterstock Criticising Bolsonaros repeated failure to comply with the courts restrictions on him during the trial, he placed him under house arrest at his home in the capital Brasilia. He also barred the countrys former leader from receiving visitors, apart from his lawyers, and from using mobile phones, and warned that any new transgression would lead to him being detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several mobile phones were seized at his home on Monday, the police said. US president Donald Trump has sought to punish Brazil, a long-time US ally, for what he sees as a politically motivated witch hunt targeting Mr Bolsonaro by imposing eye-watering tariffs on Latin Americas biggest economy and sanctioning the judge in the trial. A motorcade of Jair Bolsonaro supporters heads to his home in Brasilia to protest after Brazils Supreme Court issued a house arrest order - Andre Borges/EPA/Shutterstock Washington condemned the new restrictions on Monday night, with the State Departments Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs issuing a statement on X. Minister Alexandre de Moraes, already sanctioned by the United States for human rights violations, continues to use Brazilian institutions to silence the opposition and threaten democracy, the bureau posted. Let Bolsonaro speak! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US officials added that they would hold accountable all those who collaborate with or facilitate sanctioned conduct. The US post was re-shared by Bolsonaros politician son Eduardo Bolsonaro, who had successfully lobbied Washington to take punitive action against Brazil over the case. Supporters of Jair Bolsonaro gather outside his residence in Brasilia, August 4 - AFP In a separate post, he wrote: Brazil is no longer a democracy. He called Mr Moraes, who is presiding over Mr Bolsonaros trial and has styled himself a defender of Brazilian democracy in the face of the far right, an out-of-control psychopath. Last month, Mr Moraes ordered Mr Bolsonaro to wear an ankle bracelet and instituted the social media ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump responded in unprecedented fashion by banning Mr Moraes from the United States and freezing his assets in US banks. Flavio Bolsonaro stands next to a cardboard cutout of his father - Bruno Kauca/AFP via Getty Mr Trumps pressure campaign has angered many Brazilians but endeared him to Mr Bolsonaros conservative base. At rallies in Rio, Brasilia and Sao Paulo on Sunday, some demonstrators waved US flags or held signs reading: Thank you Trump. Mr Bolsonaro himself did not attend the rallies, having been ordered by the Supreme Court to stay home at night and at weekends throughout the trial. Prosecutors say he and seven co-accused tried to overturn his 2022 election defeat in a plot that only failed because the military did not get on board. Bolsonaro supporters attend a demonstration at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, demanding amnesty for the former president - REUTERS/Pilar Olivares He faces a 40-year sentence if convicted at the trial, which is expected to wrap up in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bolsonaros supporters stormed Brazils congress in January 2023, after Mr Lula was inaugurated, ransacking the chambers and attacking police, in scenes reminiscent of an attack by Trump supporters on the US Capitol two years before. Despite being barred from running, Mr Bolsonaro hopes to mount a Trump-style comeback in Brazils 2026 presidential election. Lula, 79, has said he may seek a fourth term, health permitting. Last year, he was hospitalised for a brain haemorrhage caused by a bathroom fall. 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 Attorney General Pam Bondi is moving forward with a Justice Department investigation into the origins of "Russiagate." Bondi has directed a prosecutor to present evidence to a grand jury after referrals from the Trump administration's top intelligence official. WASHINGTON - Attorney General Pam Bondi on Monday directed the Justice Department to move forward with a probe into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent release of documents aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the inquiry that established that Moscow interfered on President Donald Trumps behalf in the 2016 U.S. presidential election prompted the probe. Grand jury investigation What we know Bondi has directed a prosecutor to present evidence to a grand jury after referrals from the Trump administration's top intelligence official, a person familiar with the matter said Monday. That person was not authorized to discuss it by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Fox News first reported the development. What we don't know It was not clear which former officials might be the target of any grand jury activity, where the grand jury that might ultimately hear evidence will be located or which prosecutors whether career employees or political appointees might be involved in pursuing the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also not clear what precise claims of misconduct Trump administration officials believe could form the basis of criminal charges, which a grand jury would have to sign off on for an indictment to be issued. Russiagate The backstory The FBI's Russia investigation was opened on July 31, 2016, following a tip that a Trump campaign adviser, George Papadopoulos, had told a Russian diplomat that Russia was in possession of dirt on Clinton. The investigation resulted in the appointment of a special counsel, Robert Mueller, who secured multiple convictions against Trump aides and allies but did not establish proof of a criminal conspiracy between Moscow and the Trump campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inquiry shadowed much of Trump's first term and he has long focused his ire on senior officials from the intelligence and law enforcement community, including former FBI Director James Comey, whom he fired in May 2017, and former CIA Director John Brennan. The Justice Department appeared to confirm an investigation into both men in an unusual statement last month but offered no details. Multiple special counsels, congressional committees and the Justice Department's own inspector general have studied and documented a multi-pronged effort by Russia to interfere in the 2016 presidential election on Trump's behalf, including through a hack-and-leak dump of Democratic emails and a covert social media operation aimed at sowing discord and swaying public opinion. But that conclusion has been aggressively challenged in recent weeks as Trump's director of national intelligence and other allies have released previously classified records that they hope will cast doubt on the extent of Russian interference and establish an Obama administration effort to falsely link Trump to Russia. The Source Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press and FOX News. The Brief Attorney General Pam Bondi is moving forward with a Justice Department investigation into the origins of "Russiagate." Bondi has directed a prosecutor to present evidence to a grand jury after referrals from the Trump administration's top intelligence official. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Monday directed the Justice Department to move forward with a probe into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent release of documents aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the inquiry that established that Moscow interfered on President Donald Trumps behalf in the 2016 U.S. presidential election prompted the probe. Grand jury investigation What we know Bondi has directed a prosecutor to present evidence to a grand jury after referrals from the Trump administration's top intelligence official, a person familiar with the matter said Monday. That person was not authorized to discuss it by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Fox News first reported the development. What we don't know It was not clear which former officials might be the target of any grand jury activity, where the grand jury that might ultimately hear evidence will be located or which prosecutors whether career employees or political appointees might be involved in pursuing the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also not clear what precise claims of misconduct Trump administration officials believe could form the basis of criminal charges, which a grand jury would have to sign off on for an indictment to be issued. Russiagate The backstory The FBI's Russia investigation was opened on July 31, 2016, following a tip that a Trump campaign adviser, George Papadopoulos, had told a Russian diplomat that Russia was in possession of dirt on Clinton. The investigation resulted in the appointment of a special counsel, Robert Mueller, who secured multiple convictions against Trump aides and allies but did not establish proof of a criminal conspiracy between Moscow and the Trump campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inquiry shadowed much of Trump's first term and he has long focused his ire on senior officials from the intelligence and law enforcement community, including former FBI Director James Comey, whom he fired in May 2017, and former CIA Director John Brennan. The Justice Department appeared to confirm an investigation into both men in an unusual statement last month but offered no details. Multiple special counsels, congressional committees and the Justice Department's own inspector general have studied and documented a multi-pronged effort by Russia to interfere in the 2016 presidential election on Trump's behalf, including through a hack-and-leak dump of Democratic emails and a covert social media operation aimed at sowing discord and swaying public opinion. But that conclusion has been aggressively challenged in recent weeks as Trump's director of national intelligence and other allies have released previously classified records that they hope will cast doubt on the extent of Russian interference and establish an Obama administration effort to falsely link Trump to Russia. The Source Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press and FOX News. Its the moment weve fearedthe moment the Supreme Court invoked in giving Donald Trump immunity, and the moment that marks an authoritarian government at its most vulgar and vicious. On Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi signed an order directing an as-yet-unidentified federal prosecutor to convene a grand jury to investigate whether prominent officials in Barack Obamas administration, including Obama himself, purposely manufactured an intelligence assessment in January 2017. The supposed purpose of the Obama officials scheme: to promote a false narrative that Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, engaged in an operation to interfere in the 2016 U.S. election with the intent of helping Trump win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Problem #1: Theres nothing whatsoever false about this narrative. The Intelligence Community Assessment, or ICA, prepared by career professionals and our intelligence agencies, indeed concluded: Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 to undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency. But that conclusion has been repeatedly reaffirmed in multiple investigationsincluding those of special counsel Robert Mueller, the Senate Intelligence Committee, and special prosecutor John Durham. The bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee unanimously found in 2020 that the ICA was coherent and well constructed and reconfirmed that Russia engaged in an aggressive, multi-faceted effort to influence the 2016 election in Trumps favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Durhams work is particularly instructive here. Durham was a Trump U.S. attorney whom Attorney General William Barr tasked with leading an investigation into the origins of the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane probe into alleged Trump-Russia campaign ties. Durham investigated exhaustivelyover almost four yearswhether anyone broke the law in connection with the 2016 intelligence assessments. While Durhams final report found certain procedural faults with intelligence actors and the Mueller operation, it confirmed that Russian spies were behind the hacking of Democratic campaign files and the release of campaign emails. It specifically failed to find a plot approved by Hillary Clinton to tie Trump to Putin. So much for the notion, jealously protected and prized by certain Trump loyalists, that the ICA was a fraud cooked up by the Obama administration to hurt Trumps electoral prospects and thereafter delegitimize his victory. Or so you might think. But now enter Tulsi Gabbard, Trumps controversial director of National Intelligence. Trump strong-armed her confirmation notwithstanding her lack of experience in the intelligence communitya depressing point she has in common with so many Trump nomineesand her apparent pro-Syria and pro-Russia sympathies. Over 100 former intelligence professionals wrote to Congress to warn that her candidacy posed a national security risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabbard has gone on the warpath in recent weeks with a series of document dumps seeking to revisit the unanimous verdict about 2016. Last month, she appeared at the White House press podium to accuse Obama, along with former CIA Director John Brennan, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and former FBI Director James Comey, of engineering a yearslong coup against Trump. She then chimed in that the information she was releasing showed a treasonous conspiracy by top Obama administration officials. A few days later, Trump touted Gabbards comments and took it over the top, laying it on Obama himself: Its there. Hes guilty. This was treason. Unsurprisingly, both Trumps and Gabbards treason charges were constitutionally illiterate. Treason, the most serious crime a citizen can undertake against the countryand one punishable by deathis expressly defined in the Constitution, which reads: Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. Its only Trumps twisted letat, cest moi mindset that can construe a supposed political attack on him as an act of treason against the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At her White House appearance, Gabbard crowed: 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. The irrefutable evidence turns out to be stray bits of unverified intelligence that the agencies could not substantiate and that did not alter or weaken their bottom-line assessment of Russias involvement. Gabbardwho the month before her dramatic announcement had been in Trumps doghouse for saying that Iran wasnt close to nuclear capabilitycapped her deranged performance with a criminal referral to the Department of Justice, seeking investigation and prosecution of the members of the treasonous conspiracy, including Clapper, Brennan, Comey, and Obama. And sure enough, now Bondiwho, like Gabbard, is duty-bound to be apoliticalhas greenlighted the scurrilous investigation. That piled impropriety on top of impropriety. The DOJ manualwhich one suspects has been run through the shredderrequires adequate factual predicate before convening a grand jury. Its unethical to use it for a fishing expedition. That rule, in fact, is what prompted the resignation of the criminal chief of the D.C. U.S. Attorneys Office, whom Ed Martin Jr., Trumps first choice to lead the office, ordered to undertake a grand jury investigation without predication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its difficult to overstate how dangerous this moment is. Using the machinery of criminal justice to pursue manufactured charges against political predecessors is the stuff of strongmen and collapsing democracies. From Putins endless prosecutions of opposition figures like the late Alexei Navalny to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans jailing of rivals and judges after labeling them coup plotters, to the cycles of vengeance in post-coup Egypt, this is the textbook authoritarian move. It corrodes trust in democratic transitions, chills dissent, and redefines political opposition as criminal subversion. As Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt argue in How Democracies Die, once democratic norms around restraint and mutual legitimacy are breached, they rarely recover easily. Trump is mowing down the guardrails of democracyand the institutions built to stop him are watching with the sound off. Ironically, this very kind of weaponization of law enforcement to pursue political attacks was one of the dangers the Supreme Court cited in granting Trump immunity for official acts. Chief Justice John Roberts stressed that the rule was essential: Without immunity, such types of prosecutions of ex-Presidents could quickly become routine an executive branch that cannibalizes itself, with each successive President free to prosecute his predecessors, yet unable to boldly and fearlessly carry out his duties for fear that he may be next. So who is cannibalizing their predecessors now? Attorney General Pam Bondi is ordering a grand jury investigation of the Obama administration's review of the 2016 election. The Trump administration is attempting to throw a bone to their supporters, according to MSNBCs Ken Dilanian. Former U.S. attorney Joyce Vance joins Chris Jansing to discuss if there is a legal basis for such an investigation. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is hosting a Sensory Sunday soon. Sensory-friendly events help neurodivergent people enjoy and engage with places. To help limit overwhelming sensory experiences for the event, the museum is opening 2 hours early. Durning these 2 hours, the museums lights and sounds will be adjusted lower. There will be trained volunteers and additional staff available to help visitors enjoy the museum. The next Sensory Sunday will be on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good morning Dayton! book aims to inspires love of local history Boonshoft also has sensory bags available at the front desks for guests who need them. These bags have fidget tools, sunglasses, stress balls and noise-minimizing headphones. There is also a sensory-friendly space next to the new universal changing station in the Hall of the Universe area (the general-purpose quiet room is near the entrance to the Bieser Room of Wonders). If a guest is visiting with a paid Personal Care Assistant (PCA), the assistant does not have to pay a ticket fee. Qualified service dogs (Title II/Title III) are welcome. However, emotional support animals are not welcome at the museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton library holds Disability Pride Month event for the ADA anniversary There is a special Sensory Sundays Membership plan, which is offered at a lower cost for guests and families looking to participate solely in the monthly program. To learn more, click here. To learn more about what the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and the SunWatch Indian Village are doing to make themselves accessible, click here. The museum is located at 2600 Deweese Pkwy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Officials at Customs and Border Protection were instructed this weekend to stop deportations under Trump's asylum ban and process migrants under US immigration law, CBS said. US border agents were directed to stop deportations under President Donald Trump's asylum ban, CBS News reported Monday, citing two unnamed Department of Homeland Security officials. The direction comes after a three-judge panel at the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Friday partially granted an order that limited theasylum ban, saying it cannot be used to entirely suspend humanitarian protections for asylum seekers, according to CBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials at Customs and Border Protection were instructed this weekend to stop deportations under Trump's asylum ban and process migrants under US immigration law, CBS said. Last month, a lower court judge blocked Trump's ban on asylum at the US-Mexico border, saying that Trump had exceeded his authority when he issued a proclamation declaring illegal immigration an emergency and setting aside existing legal processes. The American Civil Liberties Union brought the challenge to Trump's asylum ban in February on behalf of three advocacy groups and migrants denied access to asylum, arguing the broad ban violated US laws and international treaties. An ICE agent in Los Angeles, June 2025; illustrative. (credit: US HOMELAND SECURITY/HANDOUT/ANADOLU VIA GETTY IMAGES) Trump has stepped up arrests of immigrants in the US illegally, cracked down on unlawful border crossings, and stripped legal status from hundreds of thousands of migrants since January 20. He has vowed to deport millions of people in the country illegally, even as the administration has faced dozens of lawsuits across the country for its tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the appellate court partially narrowed the scope of the lower courts order, allowing the government to use Trumps proclamation to temporarily suspend access to the asylum system, it also upheld legal limits preventing the deportation of migrants to countries where they may face torture or persecution. The United Nations Convention Against Torture US law mandates that migrants be granted certain legal protections, including withholding of removal and protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture, if they can demonstrate a high likelihood of facing persecution or torture in their home countries. These protections, however, differ from asylum in that they do not grant recipients permanent residency or prevent removal to third countries. Following the courts decision, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials were instructed over the weekend to suspend deportations under Trumps proclamation and resume processing migrants under existing immigration law, according to two Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the internal directive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBP officers were directed to handle cases using various legal mechanisms, including expedited removal and a fast-track deportation process. Although this procedure allows for swift deportations, migrants are still entitled to request asylum if they can credibly demonstrate fear of harm upon return to their home countries. However, it is possible that the Justice Department will seek to suspend the court order through the Supreme Court to push through on Trump's asylum ban. Customs and Border Protection told CBS that the administration is "Committed to ensuring that aliens illegally entering the United States face consequences for their criminal actions." "This includes prosecution to the fullest extent of the law and rapid removal from the United States," they added. "CBP will continue to process illegal/inadmissible aliens consistent with law, including mandatory detention and expedited removal." Taiwan has a far more robust claim to statehood than Palestine, Boris Johnson has said. While an analogy can be drawn between the two places, the former prime minister added, Taiwans claims for recognition are stronger. Mr Johnson told an audience in Taipei: [The Taiwanese] actually have a recognised government. They actually have boundaries that they control. They actually have a proper democratic system, none of which you could say, with all due respect, about Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwans claims are far more robust he said at the Ketagalan Forum, a security conference in Taipei. Taiwanese soldiers take part in a training exercise for a potential Chinese invasion - Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty While Taiwan and Palestine are both seeking international recognition, they differ in many ways given their distinct histories and political systems. Taiwan is an island nation located off the south-east coast of China, with a population of approximately 23 million people. It is recognised as a distinct country with its own democratic government, visa rules, airline and army. It is also largely integrated into the global economic system. The island is under threat from China, which claims the territory as its own. Wu Qian, Chinas defence ministry spokesman, said earlier this year: We will come and get you, sooner or later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only 13 countries recognise Taiwanese statehood. Britain supports Taiwans participation in international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite, but does not have formal diplomatic relations with the island. Palestine is a state under occupation, which has long sought sovereignty amid internal divisions and external threats from Israel. It is primarily managed by the Palestinian National Authority (PA), which runs the West Bank, but Hamas, the terror group, controls the Gaza Strip. Palestines borders remain contested, it has no army, no central government and does not recognise the state of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 147 of the 193 UN member states recognise Palestine. Britain, France and Canada have all signalled their intention to do so by September, putting pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli president, who is now considering full occupation of the territory. In response to questions from journalists in Taipei, Mr Johnson spoke about the global risk of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, drawing comparisons with Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Without naming either China or Taiwan, he seemed to make a veiled threat towards China that the use of force in situations like this can lead to utter disaster not just for the world, but for you. Mr Johnson noted that neither the UK nor the US want to see a change in the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific or a change in the composition of the First Island Chain, the group of islands that stretches from Japan down through Taiwan to the Philippines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he didnt elaborate on what the UK could do to maintain the status quo, he noted that the UK trade office in Taiwan, which serves as the countrys de facto embassy in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, had been very busy and things are picking up. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, told The Telegraph last week that the UK would be ready to fight if a conflict broke out in the Indo-Pacific . Mr Johnson is the third British former prime minister to visit Taiwan, following Liz Truss in 2023 and Margaret Thatcher in the 1990s. It was his first visit, and during his keynote address to the forum earlier in the day, he joked that before today he had only seen this country on my lockdown Peloton machine, which had a screen showing one of Taiwans virtual coastal paths. Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in waters off Taiwan - AFP via Getty During his speech, he also accused China of trying to bully Taiwan into submission through its grey zone coercion where it sends boats into Taiwanese waters and planes into Taiwanese airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has increased these methods of intimidation against Taiwan in recent years, which experts say is probably a strategy to demonstrate its capabilities and erode trust in the government in Taipei. Mr Johnson said that these incursions seem to be an effort to remind the world of the might of the Chinese armed forces and thereby signalling their intention by 2027 the year that Chinese president Xi Jinping reportedly told his military to be prepared for an invasion. During her visit to Taiwan in 2023, Ms Truss urged Taiwan to stand up to aggressive bullying by China, and called the government in Beijing totalitarian. 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. Boston city councilor wants humanitarian crisis declared at Mass & Cass corridor The embattled Mass and Cass corridor has long been the epicenter of Bostons opioid crisis. On Tuesday, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a resolution to declare the area around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard both a public health and humanitarian crisis. Citing discarded needles, human feces, and pubic drug use, Flynn says the citys current Mass and Cass plan isnt working. "As well-intentioned as some of the Citys efforts have been, it is wholly appropriate to finally acknowledge that the City of Bostons current plan at Mass & Cass has been an abject failure by any standard," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston 25 News has reached out to Mayor Michelle Wus office for comment. Calls in the surrounding community have grown louder over the summer after residents reported an uptick in frequent drug deals and break-ins. 311 data shows littered needle complaints have increased 42% citywide since the start of the year, compared to the same time period last year. Boston 25 News has reported on fed up families selling their homes in the area since the pandemic. "While it is important to remain compassionate to those struggling with drug addiction, the status quo of escalating crime and violence spreading from Mass & Cass cannot continue and requires difficult decisions" Flynns resolution read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boston City Council will take up the resolution on Wednesday. In the meantime, the Boston Public Health Commission issued a press release in May saying theyve seen a 38% decrease in overdose deaths in 2024. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW NEED TO KNOW A new statue of Martin Luther King Jr. is causing controversy in Winter Park, Fla. Residents slammed the "caricature"-like depiction of the civil rights icon for its "awkward" proportions, with the mayor saying she doesn't know how to solve the problem given how much it cost However, artist Andrew Luy said the feedback on his work is "greatly positive" The town of Winter Park, Fla., got a surprise last week when a new statue of Martin Luther King Jr. was unveiled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It doesn't look like him," Nora Koenecke told NBC News. Other residents describe the statue as "awkward" and not "up to the standards" they hoped to see for the iconic civil rights leader. "His head was too big, his arm was too big," said Essence Magazine co-founder Jonathan Blount, who also attended the unveiling during Winter Park's annual Heritage Unity Festival. "It looked like a caricature." Andrew Luy of Huntsville, Ala., was the artist selected by a committee of members from the arts, parks, and CRA boards to create the statue. His design was approved by the King family prior to the installation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The feedback I got from the committee and also the majority, actually all of the attendees that came to the unveiling, was greatly positive," Luy said. "I didn't have direct contact with the King estate, but from what I heard, they were very happy with the representation of the sculpture of Dr. King." https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Winter Park Mayor Sheila DeCiccio acknowledged the feedback from concerned residents. "Maybe it just didn't come out the way everybody had hoped it would," she said with a chuckle. "I don't know that there's anything we can do about it at this point, because it was a very big investment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some, like Blount, emphasized the need to redo the statue in order to pay proper tribute to the civil rights leader. "Do it over," he said. "It just isn't good enough for a permanent, lifelong representation of someone that is just so important to our history." Numerous other memorials to Dr. King have been constructed throughout the years, including "The Stone of Hope" in Washington, D.C. an iconic granite statue sculpted by Lei Yixin and erected in 2011. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty "The Stone of Hope" at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. "The Stone of Hope" at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. The statue isn't the only controversial depiction of King to be unveiled this year. In January, rapperSexyy Red found herself in hot water when she reposted an AI-generated photo of herself and Dr. King holding hands as they looked into each other's eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. King's youngest child, daughter Bernice, called out the "Skee Yee" rapper on X for sharing the image and asked her to delete it. "This is intentionally distasteful, dishonoring, deplorable, and disrespectful to my family and my father, who is not here to respond himself because he was assassinated for working for your civil and human rights and to end war and poverty," she wrote on the platform. 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. Sexxy Red took the photo down and quickly apologized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You aint wrong, never meant to disrespect your family, my apologies," she said, explaining, "Just resposted [sic] something I saw that I thought was innocent." The apology was appreciated, as Bernice later replied, "Thank you for your apology, which I sincerely accept. Please know that it was not my intention that you be denigrated. I value you as a human being." Read the original article on People (COLORADO SPRINGS) Animal lovers will remember the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) as they welcomed the first gorilla born at the zoo in almost 13 years on July 21. Well, that baby turned two weeks old on Aug. 5, and CMZoo celebrated with a gender reveal. Ashas water broke overnight and we had cameras so that we could monitor them and just check in without being too invasive to a natural process that we felt super comfortable that Asha could handle on her own, said Zookeeper Ashton Asbury. Keepers say the little guys development is going smoothly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It feels like hes making direct eye contact with you because hes kind of taking it all in as they walk around, said Asbury. This is Ashas third baby, but for Goma, he just earned the title of dad. Keepers say the fathers role is to protect the troop or his family, and Goma is doing just that. Whether it is obvious or not, he always knows where theyre at at all times and hes super good at taking it in, said Asbury. Keepers say Goma has been interacting with the baby; Asha even let him touch the baby which is not common this early on. The fact that Asha has felt comfortable with Goma and Kwisha coming up close and touching the baby has been super fun to see, said Asbury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But just like any new parents, they are still trying to figure it out. Just like parents, gorillas all have pretty different parenting styles, so itll be interesting to see how Gomas unfolds. But I would predict that well probably see him watching over the baby and potentially playing with the baby, said Asbury. Even when it comes to playtime, One of the cool things that gorilla dads, and moms, will do is theyll tickle the baby as it starts to get older. So, were always looking out for, Asha even tickling the baby, and getting to see the first milestones of the baby laughing, said Asbury. CMZoos celebratory posts highlighted that Ashas baby boy is perfectly healthy and hitting his early milestones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The little one recently reached an important gorilla milestone grasping and clinging tightly to Asha as she moves carefully around. With gentle pats and attentive care, Asha nurses and regularly checks in on her baby. While Asha enjoys bonding with her baby in private spaces like nests and dens, she sometimes shows her baby to guests near the viewing areas, said in a post to their Facebook page. As per CMZoo tradition, the baby will get a name when he turns 30 days old. So, be sure to check back with FOX21 News or CMZoos Facebook page 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 FOX21 News Colorado. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The Boys & Girls Home of Sioux City announced on Monday that they are just a few months away from opening their new behavioral health campus. At a Sioux City Rotary Club meeting today, officials announced plans to relocate children to the new building in October. All that remains at the new building are the finishing touches on the grounds and the school portion, which is located at the former Indian Hills Shopping Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Better services because well be in a better facility, well have the tools to do it. It will all be located on one floor, the doctors offices, the therapists offices, said Art Silva, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Home and Family Services. Just make it a lot easier to service the children. Right now, we have to deal with elevators coming down and collapsing and stuff. We wont have to deal with any of that. So, its just going to be an ease, and I think thats going to improve the delivery of the service. Story continues below We just got our financial commitments handled, were moving forward, starting the progress up and completing this school by the end of October, and move our children in, said Silva. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Silva said talks are in place with the City of Sioux Citys Economic Development Department regarding the future of their current building. The City is currently looking for developers to turn the former hospital into housing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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! Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Monday ordered the house arrest of former president Jair Bolsonaro over breaches of restrictions imposed by the court. De Moraes said in a statement that Bolsonaro, who had been banned from being active on social media, "ignored and disrespected" the court's measures by participating via video call in a demonstration in Rio de Janeiro. The judge said the 70-year-old former president exerted influence via social networks despite court bans by using allies to disseminate content that "incited attacks on the court and called for foreign intervention." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to newspaper O Globo, a video of one of Bolsonaro's speeches on Sunday was shared by his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, and deleted hours later. The right-wing populist was placed under night-time house arrest in July and has been wearing an electronic ankle tag as his high-profile trial entered its final stages. According to Monday's ruling, Bolsonaro will not be allowed to leave his Brasilia residence or receive visitors, aside from his lawyers. He has also been banned from using a mobile phone, including via proxy. Bolsonaro has been charged with trying to "destroy the democratic legal order" by plotting to overthrow the government of his leftist successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, following his election defeat in 2022. He denies all accusations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On January 8, 2023, Bolsonaro's supporters stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace in Brasilia shortly after Lula took office. US President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of de Moraes' handling of legal cases involving Bolsonaro, calling for an immediate end to the ongoing trial. The US on Wednesday sanctioned de Moraes, accusing the judge of leading an "unlawful witch hunt" against US and Brazilian citizens and companies, including the former president. Also on Wednesday, Trump issued an executive order imposing a 40% tariff increase on a wide range of Brazilian imports, with Brazilian diplomats saying the move is political pressure designed to support Bolsonaro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the US State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs accused de Moraes of "continu[ing] to use Brazil's institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy." "Putting even more restrictions on Jair Bolsonaro's ability to defend himself in public is not a public service. Let Bolsonaro speak," the bureau said in a post on X, adding: "The United States condemns Moraes' order imposing house arrest on Bolsonaro and will hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct." Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Monday ordered the house arrest of former president Jair Bolsonaro over breaches of restrictions imposed by the court. De Moraes said in a statement that Bolsonaro, who had been banned from being active on social media, "ignored and disrespected" the court's measures by participating via video call in a demonstration in Rio de Janeiro. The judge said the 70-year-old former president exerted influence via social networks despite court bans by using allies to disseminate content that "incited attacks on the court and called for foreign intervention." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to newspaper O Globo, a video of one of Bolsonaro's speeches on Sunday was shared by his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, and deleted hours later. The right-wing populist was placed under night-time house arrest in July and has been wearing an electronic ankle tag as his high-profile trial entered its final stages. According to Monday's ruling, Bolsonaro will not be allowed to leave his Brasilia residence or receive visitors, aside from his lawyers. He has also been banned from using a mobile phone, including via proxy. Bolsonaro has been charged with trying to "destroy the democratic legal order" by plotting to overthrow the government of his leftist successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, following his election defeat in 2022. He denies all accusations. On January 8, 2023, Bolsonaro's supporters stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace in Brasilia shortly after Lula took office. Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Monday ordered the house arrest of former president Jair Bolsonaro over breaches of restrictions imposed by the court. De Moraes said in a statement that Bolsonaro, who had been banned from being active on social media, "ignored and disrespected" the court's measures by participating via video call in a demonstration in Rio de Janeiro. The judge said the 70-year-old former president exerted influence via social networks despite court bans by using allies to disseminate content that "incited attacks on the court and called for foreign intervention." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to newspaper O Globo, a video of one of Bolsonaro's speeches on Sunday was shared by his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, and deleted hours later. The right-wing populist was placed under night-time house arrest in July and has been wearing an electronic ankle tag as his high-profile trial entered its final stages. According to Monday's ruling, Bolsonaro will not be allowed to leave his Brasilia residence or receive visitors, aside from his lawyers. He has also been banned from using a mobile phone, including via proxy. Bolsonaro has been charged with trying to "destroy the democratic legal order" by plotting to overthrow the government of his leftist successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, following his election defeat in 2022. He denies all accusations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On January 8, 2023, Bolsonaro's supporters stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace in Brasilia shortly after Lula took office. US President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of de Moraes' handling of legal cases involving Bolsonaro, calling for an immediate end to the ongoing trial. The US on Wednesday sanctioned de Moraes, accusing the judge of leading an "unlawful witch hunt" against US and Brazilian citizens and companies, including the former president. Also on Wednesday, Trump issued an executive order imposing a 40% tariff increase on a wide range of Brazilian imports, with Brazilian diplomats saying the move is political pressure designed to support Bolsonaro. The US State Department has condemned a Brazilian Supreme Court order for the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial over an alleged plot to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order Monday, saying Bolsonaro had failed to comply with restrictions previously imposed on him by the court, including use of social media and cell phones. The court decision comes at a time of tense relations between Washington and Brasilia, with the case against right-wing populist Bolsonaro being seized on by US President Donald Trump as a threat in trade negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the US State Departments Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs accused Justice Moraes of using Brazils institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy, in a post on X. Putting even more restrictions on Jair Bolsonaros ability to defend himself in public is not a public service. Let Bolsonaro speak!, said the post. The United States condemns Moraes order imposing house arrest on Bolsonaro and will hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct, it added. The court order said Bolsonaro recorded speeches to be posted on other users social media accounts in which his ankle monitor is visible, which Moraes said defied an order prohibiting exploitation of interviews or public or private speeches posted on third parties social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolsonaro will serve house arrest at his residence and will not be allowed to have visitors, except for his attorneys and people authorized by the court. The former president is also prohibited from using a cell phone, directly or through third parties. Bolsonaros eldest son Senator Flavio Bolsonaro also criticized the courts decision, saying on CNN Brasil that his father had never defied a court order. We are officially in a dictatorship. This is a sad page in the history of Brazil, he said. In February, Jair Bolsonaro was charged in connection with an alleged coup plot to overturn the results of the 2022 election and keep his opponent, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, from taking power. Part of the coup plot, prosecutors allege, involved a plan to potentially assassinate Lula, his vice president and a minister of the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing. Trump, an ally of Bolsonaro, has criticized the trial against the former Brazilian president, calling it politically motivated, something authorities in Brazil have rejected. Last week, he signed executive actions imposing a 50% tariff on Brazil, after threatening to do so if the country did not end the trial against Bolsonaro. The US has also sanctioned Justice Moraes for what it considers serious human rights violations, and announced visa restrictions against him and other court officials over Bolsonaros trial. Bolsonaros supporters and some on Brazils right have welcomed Trumps proactive interest in the case. But the current administration in Brasilia, and many others in Latin American nation, see it as the US directly meddling in its affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Lula last week slammed the US for imposing the tariff on Brazilian exports and for sanctioning the Supreme Court justice. He accused the American government of interfering in Brazils justice system, a move he called unacceptable. Stefano Pozzebon contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) Woodland Mall is getting a new restaurant: a Brazilian-American steakhouse. Texas de Brazil is set to open its doors in September. It will be located in the Von Maur wing of the Kentwood mall. The restaurant is known for rodizio-style dining, which involves continuous tableside service of fresh-carved meats like filet mignon, lamb chops and picanha, a popular cut of beef in Brazil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gauchos that is, our Brazilian cowboys roast the meats in the grill and, when theyre ready, bring them out to the dining room. Patrons of the churrascaria can signal whether or not they want a round of meat, Texas de Brazil wrote on its website. The end result is a constant rotation of the gauchos, and the meats, proceeding through the dining room. Family continues grandmas legacy of prayer and peach cobbler at new Grand Rapids restaurant The restaurant will also have a salad area with a variety of salads, cheeses, cured meats and vegetables. Texas de Brazil has locations across the country and around the world. This will be its first restaurant in West Michigan and its third in Michigan, with existing locations in Detroit and Ann Arbor. Woodland Mall is the ideal location for our first restaurant in the area, and we look forward to welcoming the community with our unique blend of Brazilian and American flavors, said Texas de Brazil President Salim Asrawi in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restaurant will be open seven days a 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 WOODTV.com. Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, prompting swift condemnation from the Trump administration, which has imposed penalties against those prosecuting President Donald Trump's ally. Bolsonaro is being prosecuted on charges of conspiring to overturn his 2022 election loss. In his order Monday, Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the house arrest of Bolsonaro on allegations he violated court-imposed precautionary measures by using the social media accounts of allies, including his three sons, one of whom is a congressman, to post statements online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moraes described the social media posts as a "continued attempt to coerce the STF and obstruct justice." STF stands for Supremo Tribunal Federal, or Supreme Federal Court, in Portuguese. "The arrest is to be served at Bolsonaro's residence in Brasilia. He will not be allowed to receive visitors, except for his lawyers and other individuals previously authorized by the STF," the order states. "The former president is also prohibited from using a cell phone, either directly or through third parties." A search and seizure of any cell phones in Bolsonaro's possession was also ordered by Moraes, who is overseeing the criminal case. "There is no doubt that Jair Messias Bolsonaro violated the precautionary measures imposed on him, as the defendant produced material for publication on the social media accounts of his three sons and all his followers and political supporters, with clear content encouraging and inciting attacks on the Supreme Federal Court and openly supporting foreign intervention in the Brazilian judiciary," Moraes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has similarly been accused of trying to overturn his own election loss, in 2020, is an ally of Bolsonaro, and has repeatedly used his executive powers to punish those involved in the 70-year-old politician's prosecution, which has prompted accusations of meddling in Brazil's judicial system. Among the measures imposed by the American president are slapping a 40% tariff on Brazilian goods and sanctioning Moraes, as well as revoking his visas and those of his family. The U.S. State Department on Monday night condemned the house arrest order as Moraes' alleged continued use of "Brazil's institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy." "Putting even more restrictions on Jair Bolsonaro's ability to defend himself in public it not a public service. Let Bolsonaro speak!" the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said in both English- and Portuguese-language statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The United States condemns Moraes' order imposing house arrest on Bolsonaro and will hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct." Brazil charged Bolsonaro in February with attempting a coup following his 2022 election loss to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. According to court documents, his supporters claiming voter fraud stormed Brazil's Congress and other federal facilities on Jan. 8, 2023. The indictment accuses Bolsonaro of spreading debunked claims of fraud in election machines as far back as July 2022 in order to prepare conditions for the coup. As part of the scheme, prosecutors said they even planned the possibility of assassinating Lula. Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing, while Trump has described the trial as a "witch hunt." By Luciana Magalhaes, Ricardo Brito and Lisandra Paraguassu SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil's Supreme Court was caught off-guard by Justice Alexandre de Moraes' decision late on Monday to place former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest, two sources at the court told Reuters on Tuesday. The order underscores Moraes' readiness to act on his own despite both polarization among Brazilians on the issue and rising tensions with the White House. It came just days ahead of the introduction of 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods entering the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump imposed the levies as a reaction to what he has characterized as a "witch hunt" led by Moraes against Bolsonaro, who is standing trial under charges of plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 electoral defeat. Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing and described Moraes as a "dictator." Moraes' ruling has sparked concern within the Brazilian government that Trump could retaliate by inflicting further damage to Brazil's economy, two sources close to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's inner circle told Reuters. But Brazilian officials are not planning to push back against Moraes. The two court sources, one of whom is a justice, told Reuters that the other Supreme Court justices were supportive of Moraes, while those close to Lula said the president has neither the willingness nor the ability to influence the Supreme Court. "It doesn't change our approach in the slightest," said the justice, who asked not to be named to discuss the matter candidly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lula administration is instead planning policies to support those industries likely to be hardest hit by Trump's tariffs and to keep diplomatic channels open with Washington, said the political sources. But the Moraes move could create obstacles for the Brazilian negotiators, said Fabio Medina Osorio, Brazil's former attorney general. "This decision can certainly make things difficult," he said. A POLARIZED COUNTRY The Supreme Court is expected to hand down a verdict within weeks on the charges that Bolsonaro and his allies plotted to overthrow democracy. It is widely expected to convict the former president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moraes' house arrest order cited a failure to comply with restraining orders he had imposed on Bolsonaro for allegedly courting Trump's interference in the case. While domestically Moraes has received praise by some for defending Brazil's judicial independence, others have accused him of overreach. The latest order drew mixed reactions, according to a Quaest poll based on social media posts, with 53% in favor and 47% against the arrest. Newspapers that had written scathing editorials about the alliance between Bolsonaro and Trump also questioned Moraes' decisions. "Moraes was wrong to order the arrest of the former president for communicating with supporters in a rally organized by the right," an editorial by Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo said. "Brazil must acknowledge that Jair Bolsonaro has broad freedom to defend himself in court and to express himself wherever he chooses, including on social media." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Supreme Court justices, too, offered differing views regarding the decision. "Alexandre de Moraes, in his ruling, not only upholds the country's sovereignty and independence but also the autonomy of Brazil's judiciary," said Carlos Ayres Britto, who left the Supreme Court bench in 2012. But former Justice Marco Aurelio Mello disagreed. "My perspective would be different given the constitutional principle of presumed innocence," he said. (Reporting by Luciana Magalhaes in Sao Paulo, and Ricardo Brito and Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia, editing by Manuela Andreoni and Rosalba O'Brien) U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Monday formally urged President Donald Trump to commute the prison sentence of former Republican congressman George Santos, calling his 87-month term a grave injustice and an example of unequal treatment under the law. In a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, Greene wrote that Santoss sentence for wire fraud and identity theft extends far beyond what is warranted and framed his conduct as campaign-related, despite extensive findings from federal prosecutors. While his crimes warrant punishment, Greene wrote, many of my colleagues who I serve with have committed far worse offenses than Mr. Santos yet have faced zero criminal charges. She provided no evidence for that claim. Santos, 37, reported to federal prison in New Jersey on July 25. He pleaded guilty in 2024 to 23 felony counts, including fraudulent Federal Elections Commission filings, identity theft, and unemployment insurance fraud. He admitted to stealing donor identities to charge their credit cards without authorization, falsifying campaign loans, lying in House financial disclosures, and using donor money for personal purchases such as designer clothing and Botox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his April 2025 sentencing, Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham celebrated Santoss conviction and sentence in a press release. Today, George Santos was finally held accountable for the mountain of lies, theft, and fraud he perpetrated," he said. "For the defendant, it was judgment day, and for his many victims, including campaign donors, political parties, government agencies, elected bodies, his own family members, and his constituents, it is justice. FBI Assistant Director of the New York Field Office Christopher G. Raia said Santos betrayed the publics trust and violated our democratic systems, and IRS criminal investigator Harry T. Chavis Jr. called him a weaver of lies who believed he was above the law. Still, Greene claimed Santos had remorse and pointed to a lack of prior criminal history. He is sincerely remorseful and has accepted full responsibility for his actions, she wrote. Commuting his sentence would acknowledge the severity of his actions and simultaneously provide a path forward in allowing him to make amends. In a tweet Monday evening, Greene wrote, George Santos has taken responsibility. Hes shown remorse. Its time to correct this injustice. We must demand equal justice under the law! (@) Her appeal comes just days after Trump said that he had not been approached about pardoning Santos, but did not rule it out. I have the right to do it, Trump told Newsmax. Nobodys asked me, but its interesting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Advocate has contacted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to ask whether the president is now considering Greenes request. Santos, the first out gay Republican elected to Congress as a non-incumbent, was expelled from the House in December 2023 following a scathing report by the House Ethics Committee. After sentencing, he pleaded with Trump on social media for clemency and promoted his Cameo account to raise money for court-ordered restitution. This article originally appeared on Advocate: BREAKING: Marjorie Taylor Greene officially urges Trump to commute George Santoss prison sentence RELATED Breast milk-flavored ice cream available in NYC: Just like mom used to make NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Theres a new spin on organic ice cream. The New York-based small-batch ice cream company, OddFellows, has partnered with a parent product company, Frida, to create a limited-time release of breast milk-flavored ice cream. More Local News The sweet, salty, and smooth ice cream is not actually made with human milk, but is artificially flavored to be oddly familiar, Frida said in its announcement. It is, however, packed with nutrients included in breast milk, such as colostrum. Parent product company, Frida, collaborated with NY-based OddFellows for a breast milk-flavored ice cream. (Credit: Frida) The limited-edition flavor is available from Aug. 5 through Aug. 10 at the Frida Breast Milk Ice Cream Pop Up at OddFellows Dumbo location at 44 Water St. in Brooklyn. Pints are also available for shipping on Fridas website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taste it for yourself, Frida wrote on social media. Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW A bride and groom were devastated to arrive at their Montana wedding venue to find it completely vandalized They found their decorations destroyed, tables overturned, wine bottles shattered, propane tanks emptied and more chaos But then they were brought to tears when the local community rallied to help save the day Bride and groom Carsen and Travis Snider excitedly arrived at their venue on their wedding day, only to discover a shocking scene of devastation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Montana couple had carefully set up for their June 28 celebration, the White Sulphur Springs venue was vandalized, per KTVQ. Tables were overturned, wine bottles were shattered and decorations were destroyed. The vandals even cut extension cords and emptied propane tanks. There were 10 clam bottles just opened up and dumped on the floor. Even chalkboard signs were cut in half, Carsen told the outlet. Courtesy of Carsen Snider A look at the destruction left by the vandals A look at the destruction left by the vandals They had those troughs outside. One was full of pop. One was full of beer. They went and stabbed every single can that was in there," Travis said, adding, "Someone was dedicated to ruining this." With nearly everything destroyed, the Sniders were left wondering how they could salvage their wedding plans and then something incredible happened. Courtesy of Carsen Snider A look at the destruction left by the vandals A look at the destruction left by the vandals 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 local community got word of the vandalism and rallied together to save the day. Several businesses offered much-needed supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Edith Hotel volunteered to wash linens and tablecloths for the couple, while also gathering picture frames and other decorations to replace those that were destroyed. Courtesy of Carsen Snider A look at the destruction left by the vandals A look at the destruction left by the vandals We felt so bad, Mack Bilbrey, who works at the hotel's front desk, told KTVQ. I called my manager and I was like, 'What can we do? What can we pull together?' https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf We just laid out a table in one of our rooms and laid out everything they could take and said, 'Take what you want,' " he added. Bar 47 collected shot glasses. Everybody kind of had something they could contribute, and we were texting people, said bar manager Amber Coburn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employees at a local grocery store pitched in by printing out new photos for the couple, and customers there heard what happened to the Sniders and wanted to help, too. Courtesy of Carsen Snider Carsen and Travis Snider dance at their wedding Carsen and Travis Snider dance at their wedding I guess there were a couple of people who donated to our honeymoon fund. They were listening to our story, Carsen told KTVQ. Miraculously, just in time for the ceremony that afternoon, the venue looked picture-perfect, with no signs remaining of the vandalism. Travis and Carsen were able to move forward with their wedding. When we came down for everything, it was like it never happened, Travis recalled, with Carsen adding, "It was happy tears at that point." Courtesy of Carsen Snider Travis and Carsen Snider on their wedding day Travis and Carsen Snider on their wedding day For the newlyweds, the experience taught them a meaningful lesson that they will carry into married life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont let stuff ruin your day because at the end of the day, love wins, Carsen told KTVQ. Seriously, love won that day, and love is all that matters. According to the outlet, the Meagher County Sheriffs Office is investigating the vandalism incident, and no arrests have been made. Read the original article on People A fire at a school was caused by fireworks and flares that were set off on Hammersmith Bridge, the Metropolitan Police said. Crews from London Fire Brigade tackled the bush fire at St Paul's School in Barnes, south-west London, at about 21:45 BST on Sunday. Two men, aged 22 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of arson, the Met said. They were later bailed pending further inquiries. No-one was injured by the blaze, the force added. 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 Related internet links NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) Its been almost a week since a 2-year-old New Britain boy choked to death at a local day care. The YWCA is closed until Aug. 24 with multiple investigations underway into what happened. Parents told News8 they are struggling to find an alternative. Im so torn apart: community mourns 2-year-old Saunti Lechey Partin said her 5-year-old daughter attended the YWCA for over a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been placing my daughter with either my mom, grandma, or her dad until she starts school. She goes to kindergarten Aug. 25, but right now its hard for me, Partin said. The YWCAs childcare program has been closed since last Tuesday, the day 2-year-old Saunti Renyolds died. Partin said theres been no direct communication coming from the YWCA only via Facebook and email. Partin said if her daughter werent going to kindergarten so soon, she wouldnt be comfortable taking her back to the YWCA. She told News8 her daughters belongings are still inside the day care, and she has no idea when shell be able to get them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for the YWCA sent News8 a statement Monday saying: We are grieving this profound loss alongside our community, and our hearts are with the childs family. Out of respect for the privacy of all involved, and to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigations, we are unable to comment further. The attorney representing Sauntis family stated that he requested the YWCA to preserve all surveillance video related to this case. The Department of Children and Families and the Office of Early Childhood are continuing their investigations. Sauntis parents are using their pain as a call to action for all day cares to have anti-choking devices like LifeVac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you could get the LifeVac on Amazon, do it, Sauntis mother, Shamyra Cooke, said. Had the Y had that, my son would still be here. Cooke spoke Saturday during a candlelight vigil honoring her son. We saved over 4,400 lives. Were coming up on 3,000 children saved, LifeVac CEO Arthur Lih said. Lih said hes pushing for all childcare centers and schools to have this device readily available. In June, Texas made a law to equip every school with anti-choking devices. The Red Cross recommends using them as a last resort if protocol fails. We definitely want people trained, but it just doesnt always work, and thats the shame, Lih 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 WTNH.com. A British hiker who had to be airlifted to safety after he ignored signs and crossed warning barriers in the Italian Dolomites is paying a high price for his rescue. The 60-year-old, whose name has not been made public, was given a bill for 14,225 ($16,400) to pay for the use of two rescue helicopters and more than a dozen specialized rescuers and support staff when he needed help on Thursday, according to the Veneto Alpine and Speleological Rescue (CNSAS). A week earlier, two Belgian hikers in the same area were handed a far smaller bill for their rescue because they are European Union citizens. The United Kingdom left the EU in 2020. A view of the Nuvolau mountain group in the Dolomites. - Sean Gallup/Getty Images More than 80 people died hiking the Italian Alps and Dolomites between June 21 and July 23, according to the CNSAS, making it the deadliest hiking season this century. Five people remain unaccounted for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescue calls have also risen by 20% over last year, which led to the closure of some of the most treacherous routes around Cortina and San Vito di Cadore, where the British hiker was rescued, Maurizio Dellantonio, chief of CNSAS, said at the weekend. A 60-year-old English hiker, who had set out that morning from Passo Tre Croci, called to say he was on the Berti via ferrata and that rocks were falling from above, the CNSAS warned on its social media on Thursday evening, noting that the man did not have equipment to give his precise coordinates. Once he had reconstructed his theoretical position, he was told not to move from his sheltered spot and to wait for help to arrive, as the mountain was currently hidden by clouds. To decide on the recovery strategy, the hikers exact position was needed, so they had to wait for the clouds to clear. When the clouds cleared, the San Vito di Cadore Alpine Rescue team unfortunately discovered that the hiker was right in the center of the landslide, at an altitude of 2,400 meters (nearly 7,900 feet). After the rescue, first responders with the CNSAS working with Italys Civil Protection decided to close more trails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation was made necessary due to hikers neglecting existing signage, which was evidently insufficient to stop people, either due to inattention or an underestimation of the risk, CNSAS said in a Facebook post. The post shows images of existing signage that clearly says closed in English, Italian and German. This measure is intended to protect the safety of those in transit, as well as the rescuers themselves, both the helicopter rescue crews and the teams on foot, the post continued. Dellantonio said the man passed at least four signs and had to crawl around a barrier and was urged by other hikers at the signposts to turn around and head back with them. The dangerous and deadly conditions across the European Alps this year is blamed on extreme weather, with unpredicted storms sweeping through causing landslides, flash flooding and blizzard-like conditions. Some of the recent rescued people have been hospitalized for hypothermia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local authorities are warning people to be prepared if they do travel to the area to climb. What happened (with the British hiker) warrants some reflection, Giuseppe Dal Ben, the commissioner of the Ulss 1 health authority in the Dolomites, told reporters at the weekend. Helicopters are essential for time-sensitive operations in harsh environments. Precisely for this reason, it is important that they are not used as taxis, endangering not only those who are providing the assistance but those who actually need it. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com British rockets will launch for the first time in 50 years. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced it had granted the first-ever vertical launch licence to Skyrora, a UK-based company, which will allow 16 flights from the SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland. It would be Britains first vertical launch since the Black Arrow programme in the 1970s, in which a handful of UK rockets were fired from Woomera in Australia, including one that took the Prospero satellite into space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The licence is for Skyroras suborbital rocket, Skylark, which can reach 62 miles high and could carry small payloads, such as scientific experiments that need access to space-like conditions. For example, observing the effects of cells in microgravity. The company is also planning a larger rocket that would place satellites into orbit. Mike Kane, the aviation and space minister, said: I am thrilled weve reached this important milestone in the UK space sector, and I congratulate Skyrora for being the first UK company to receive a rocket launch licence. This is the kind of scientific innovation and exploration that will help the UK cement itself as a global player in the space race. Skyrora is aiming to do the initial test-firing of its suborbital rockets first stage this year - Skyrora Britain first began developing space rockets in the 1950s, as a way of repurposing Blue Streak ballistic missiles, which were developed as a nuclear deterrent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UK engineers had even contemplated using the rocket to put British people on the Moon and drew up plans for an Apollo-style programme that would have beaten the US to the lunar surface and established a Moon base. The launch programme was cancelled at the beginning of the 1970s after it was deemed less expensive to use American rockets to send satellites into orbit. Earlier this year, the CAA granted the first vertical licence to the German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and had also previously licensed Virgin Orbit for horizontal launch before the company folded following a failed launch from Cornwall. UK-based Orbex has also applied for a launch licence but it has not yet been granted. 0407 Unst Rob Bishton, chief executive of the CAA, said: Granting a home-grown company, Skyrora, its launch licence is a major milestone for our space sector and our nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our work as the UKs space regulator is enabling the burgeoning launch industry to safely grow, bringing new jobs and investment with it. It is likely that RFA will beat Skyrora to launch from Britain, but both companies have faced setbacks in recent years. In Oct 2022, Skyrora attempted to launch Skylark from Iceland, but a software problem led to it falling into the sea shortly after lift-off. Likewise, an RFA rocket exploded on the launchpad at SaxaVord during testing last summer. The CAA said that it would be closely monitoring operations to ensure that Skyrora met all the requirements for launch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company is aiming to do the initial test-firing of this rockets first stage this year. Volodymyr Levykin, the chief executive of Skyrora, said: Skyrora is proud to be leading efforts that enable launch activity from the UK and we look forward to achieving a reliable commercial launch programme that benefits us all. The licence comes with a number of conditions that will need to be met before launch including adequate insurance, a data-sharing agreement with the UK Government, satisfactory arrangements with SaxaVord, and airspace agreements with other countries. Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: Congratulations to Skyrora. This demonstrates the growing strength of our domestic launch capabilities, and the thriving commercial space economy we are building across the country. 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. British military aircraft are flying over Gaza to help Israel find missing hostages, even as the UK condemns Israels actions in the war-torn region. Intelligence gathered by RAF planes is routinely shared with the Israelis, who use the information to track captured hostages, the Ministry of Defence told The Telegraph. Hundreds of missions have been flown by Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft over Gaza since the war broke out in October 2023, including last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news came as Benjamin Netanyahu considered plans to fully occupy the Palestinian territory. A senior Israeli official was quoted by the Hebrew media as saying: The die has been cast. Were going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip and defeating Hamas. Around 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are thought to still be alive. Their families fear that plans to take over the Strip could endanger their loved ones. Israels allies are also thought to be opposed to Mr Netanyahus plans, and pressure is growing on the Jewish state to wind down its military campaign and alleviate the humanitarian crisis it has caused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British military support is continuing over Gaza as Israel-UK relations reach an all-time low. The Government has sanctioned a number of hard-Right Israeli ministers and threatened to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September unless conditions in the enclave improve. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, said he was sickened by reports of Israeli troops firing at Palestinians at aid distribution centres. Britain has supported Israels military operations in Gaza by overflying the strip to help find hostages since Oct 7 2023, when Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis in a terror attack. RAF aircraft have flown nearly daily missions, gathering intelligence the MoD says is used solely to locate hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RAFs Shadow R1 plane is equipped with electronic sensors that gather data on the ground in Gaza. It is used to identify vehicle convoys, residential buildings and zoom in on individual movement in the Gaza Strip. An RAF source told The Times that the Shadow R1 aircraft had returned to Britain. It is unclear which planes have taken over intelligence gathering. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: Since early December 2023, the RAF has routinely conducted unarmed surveillance flights over Gaza for the sole purpose of locating hostages. The UK controls what information is passed to Israeli authorities and only information relating to hostage rescue will be passed to the relevant authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not comment on operational detail for security reasons. 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. It is curious to see how the ability of Britains executive to govern the country waxes and wanes. When it comes to releasing prisoners early to avoid overcrowding, the Government finds the levers of power at its fingertips. When the discussion is around the disclosure of the nationality and immigration status of suspects, however, the best that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper can apparently offer is to ask the Law Commission to accelerate its review. A cynic might think that this non-committal approach indicates a Government more comfortable with maintaining a tight grip on the flow of information in controversial cases, rather than in trusting the public to behave responsibly when given access to the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Southport riots among other events demonstrated, however, the maintenance of an official information vacuum creates room for rumours and misinformation to spread, sometimes with tragic consequences. And as we have seen, also, with the attempts to cover up the grooming gangs scandal, and the mass airlift of Afghans into Britain, that the long-term effect of this approach is to utterly destroy trust in the state institutions engaging in these efforts. This is all the more so given the apparent willingness of agencies to release information when it can assist in shaping a narrative. When a car crashed into crowds in Liverpool earlier this year, Merseyside Police decided to disclose that the arrested man was a white British national. Indeed, this same willingness means that non-disclosure of available information is now taken by some as an indication of a non-white British background. It is understandable that Britains politicians are ill at ease with the country that they have helped to create, and its attendant social strains and tensions. It is true, also, that a lack of trust in the public has marked both Labour and Conservative governments; while the Tories are now demanding an official investigation into the Whitehall spy unit monitoring social media sentiment over migrant hotels, it should be remembered that this same unit was established under a Conservative government, and deployed to monitor critics of its lockdown policies. Ultimately, however, the principles of democratic government demand that citizens are kept informed and that the state acts with their consent, rather than attempting to reshape public opinion to its liking. 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. Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.) speaks at a news conference in Lansing to unveil government transparency legislation on March 13, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) More than a month after the Michigan Legislature failed to make a deal on funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) is taking the Houses Republican Leadership to task following an announcement that schools in her district would no longer be providing free meals to all students. In a letter to parents on Monday, Okemos Public Schools announced they would need to charge for school meals, at least for the beginning of the upcoming school year due to a delay in state funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter explains that free meals are funded through a state program but without a budget for this school year, that funding is not guaranteed. Shannon Beczkiewicz, the communications coordinator for Okemos Public Schools told the Michigan Advance in an email that the uncertainty over state funding has caused challenges for schools in planning their own budgets. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Until schools have that information, they are adapting just in case past categorical funding is eliminated. If the state does restore the free meals for all students program, Okemos will be excited to provide that, Beczkiewicz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Brixie noted that House Democrats had successfully passed their budgets while in charge of the chamber in 2023 and 2024, faulting Republicans for placing schools on uncertain footing in regards to funding. It is clear that Republicans are more interested in playing politics than ensuring kids have food to eat while theyre at school. They are making one thing loud and clear: theyre okay with hungry kids. Im not okay with that, and I will continue to fight for our community and a school budget that puts our kids first and makes sure no kid has to learn on an empty stomach, Brixie said in a press release. In response, House Republicans hit back at the Democratic-led Senate. House Republicans passed a responsible budget for our schools more than a month ago, putting students and families first. We worked alongside Gov. Whitmer on finding a bipartisan deal right up until the July 1 deadline when the Senate decided to pack up and go home, Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Department of Education, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats over in the Senate are addicted to pork-barrel earmarks like a thirteen-year-old is to using their cellphone in class. They need to drop the act and start putting our kids first so we can deliver the resources Michigan schools and communities deserve, Borton said. While Borton pointed to legislative spending initiatives as the snag in budget negotiations, Senate Democrats have laid the blame squarely at the feet of Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township). Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) told reporters on the day of the budget deadline that if he and his House counterpart Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw Township) were given free rein to negotiate, theyd have something together pretty quickly. Michigans schools have suffered from decades of neglect from previous Republican majorities, resulting in underfunded mental health support, staff shortages, and unsafe conditions. Camilleri told the Advance on Tuesday. And now, some kids are literally going to go hungry at school again because Republicans are trying to completely defund the school meals program. Theyre creating uncertainty and chaos for our students, parents, and teachers all because they care more about getting their way than doing their damn jobs. Camilleri said that Democrats were interested in passing a good budget and noted that the Senate plan had been praised by parents and school groups alike. Were ready to get to a deal when Republicans give up their attempts to cut school funding, he said. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current) The closure of Broadacres Marketplace in June was so abrupt Guadalupe Media didnt have time to repair an electrical outage at her booth before she was told to pack up and leave for an undetermined amount of time. When the market finally reopened Friday after a six-week closure, Media raced to borrow an extension cord and hook up to a neighboring vendors power outlet before sunset. After more than a month of lost income, she couldnt afford to lose another day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not someone who gives up, Media said in her native Spanish. The sprawling open-air market in North Las Vegas officially reopened to the public Friday evening after abruptly shutting down on June 21 a week after Border Patrol agents carried out a raid at a swap meet in Southern California run by the same company that owns Broadacres Marketplace, Newport Diversified Inc. Videos of the immigration sweep at the California swap meet were quickly posted on social media where vendors, customers and staff in Las Vegas watched with mounting concern. Some vendors stopped showing up amid fears that Broadacres could be next. Vendors who did continue operations said foot traffic and sales cratered as customers stayed home. The weekend before the markets closure, Media said she only made $37 in sales a fraction of what she typically makes selling jewelry and accessories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people stopped coming. Sales dropped really bad. Everyone was scared, theyre still scared, Media said. Those same concerns led the owners of Broadacres Marketplace to temporarily shut down out of an abundance of caution for its vendors, customers, and staff many of whom are immigrants or second-generation U.S. citizens with family members who are immigrants. We dont want any of our customers, vendors, or employees to be detained at our business, the Broadacres Marketplace management team wrote on social media at the time. Despite claims by the Trump administration that its primary concern is detaining and deporting violent criminals, about 40% of people arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the last six months did not have criminal charges or convictions, according to data compiled by UC Berkeley School of Laws Deportation Data Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Broadacres Marketplace is the largest open-air market in Nevada and one of the top private employers in North Las Vegas, but empty stalls on Friday underscored how immigrant-owned businesses have suffered sharp losses under the immigration crackdown. Returning vendors were met with digital signs on Friday displaying information from legal aid groups, a clear indication of how much things have changed. During the markets closure, management said they partnered with legal experts and community advocates to develop a vendor alert protocol that will provide real-time updates on law enforcement activity in the area within legal guidelines. Were reopening because our vendors are ready and they deserve a marketplace that has their back, said management in a statement on their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educational materials will be available throughout the market to help vendors and customers better understand their legal rights, said management. Vendors and customers who want more direction on how to handle encounters with law enforcement at the market can also take Know Your Rights training offered by the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada in partnership with Broadacres Marketplace. Agustin Ramirez looks over his stand, where he sells a variety of fruits and vegtables. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current) Agustin Ramirez has been selling fruits and vegetables at his Broadacres stand since 1994 his most popular item are coconuts which are husked and served with lime and chili. But even sales for his signature product are slow with more customers staying away this summer. As his sole source of income, the loss of customers at the stand is a big concern for Ramirez, but hes optimistic he and his employees can weather the storm until the community feels safe enough to return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One sign of recovery was the steady stream of customers filing into the market as soon as it opened Friday evening, who were either pulled in by their loyalty to vendors theyve frequented for years or by a discounted $2 entry fee. (Tickets are normally $3 on Fridays, $2.50 on Saturdays and $3.50 on Sundays.) With fear or without fear we have to keep living, we cant shut ourselves inside for the rest of our lives, Ramirez said in his native Spanish. During the six week closure, Ramirez said he worked on preparing his undocumented employees with an exit plan in the event Broadacres is targeted by immigration officers. We already have plans, Ramirez said. Whatever happens, they know where to go, where to run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the markets role as an economic hub for immigrants, it has also created a sense of community for vendors and customers through the decades. Before Media and her husband started their business at Broadacres four years ago they were customers for more than a decade. She remembers walking through the lines of vendors with her children, who now help run the business as adults. Francisco Andredes prepares his ponies for customers. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis/Nevada Current) Generations of families have memories of letting their children ride a pony at one of the oldest businesses in Broadacres Marketplace, a round plot of ground surrounded by asphalt and more often than not eager children. Francisco Andredes, who grew up in rural Mexico, bought the business from the previous owner 14 years ago after his own children became frequent customers. Its another example of how embedded the market has become in the Las Vegas immigrant community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Maribel Sanchez started her clothing business at Broadacres 25 years ago the market was much smaller than it is now. Its growth over the years shows the strength of the immigrant community, she said. The market must now recover under difficult circumstances, as the ongoing immigration raids at job sites that drove Broadacres managers to shut down in June show no sign of abating. Broadacres heavily publicized the markets reopening and its new protocols meant to reassure vendors and customers, which Sanchez hopes will help increase business. Under a best case scenario, the markets closure and then reopening will attract customers whos havent been in years, or new customers finding out about the market for the first time. Its like being in Mexico, its a beautiful place. I hope people will come, Sanchez said. A Brooklyn bodega worker was fatally stabbed by a hothead customer who was refused the purchase of loosies, a witness to the deadly exchange said Monday. Diego Sandoval-Nava, 33, was working at a deli and mini-market on Hegeman Ave. in East New York when a man walked in around 3 p.m. Aug. 1 and caused a disturbance, police said. He asked the cashier for a cigarette, the witness, who did not want to be named, told the Daily News. The cashier wasnt paying him any attention. So the customer got upset even more and told him pretty much he was gonna come back behind the register and take the cigarettes. And the cashier pretty much said, Well, do it, and that kind of provoked them even more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers at the bodega asked the man to leave, and he did, a police source said 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. We wasnt expecting him to come back with a weapon, the witness said. He came back seconds later and he said, Yo bro, come outside. The workers open the doors, and they kind of hit his head, the witness recounted, adding, Me and another customer I was like, Oh snap. After stabbing Sandoval-Nava, the attacker ran off, the witness said, adding that Sandoval-Nava was on the floor, holding his side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics rushed Sandoval-Nava to Brookdale University Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. According to a police source, the argument that sparked the stabbing was over loosies loose cigarettes that are illegal to sell. Sandoval-Nava refused to sell them to his attacker, the source said. I do [want justice] because you took a innocent life over a cigarette, [which] is crazy, the witness said. The attacker remains on the loose. Hes not that stable, honestly, the witness said of the assailant, adding that he was known in the neighborhood. With him you can always expect something thats gonna happen when hes around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A friend of Sandoval-Nava noted that he 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 wanted to be only be identified by his first name, Andy. He leaves behind a teenage daughter back in Mexico. He was there maybe for six months, but thats his second time working at the store, Andy said, adding: Hes been there like a couple of years back when I used to live in that neighborhood. Hes just a loving guy. Honestly, he doesnt bother people. 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 initiative came after a string of killings in bodegas, including two slayings in 48 hours in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear if the bodega where Sandoval-Nava worked had been equipped with a panic button. Anyone with information on the suspects identity or whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential. A Brooklyn bodega worker stabbed to death by a customer angry he couldnt buy loose cigarettes was a proud immigrant father working hard to provide for his children back in Mexico, according to a customer who befriended the victim. Victim Diego Rodrigo Sandoval Nava, 33, made the agonizing decision to leave his daughter and son behind in Mexico six years ago and come to New York City to make money to send home. I know it doesnt seem like much for a lot of people, Sandoval Nava told friend Geysi Giron, who retold the conversation on a GoFundMe she created to raise money for the victims family. But for me, it is something to be proud of because I can provide for my family in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giron said Sandoval Nava referred to his daughter, Fernanda, as his princess and his son, Erick, as his champ. The proud papa called his kids every day and played Fortnite daily with his son, Giron said. That was the routine until Friday afternoon when an irate customer stabbed him to death during a skirmish over cigarettes. Diego, he was smart but he was not street smart. He was kind but not ready for this. He came back and stabbed Diego to death, Giron told the Daily News. His sister just graduated high school with honors and she was going to start in college in Mexico. He was her main financial support, Giron added. He has two kids back home that are going to be really affected once they receive the body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cops said Sandoval Nava, who ran the deli counter, intervened during a clash between the killer and a cashier at the mini-market on Hegeman Ave. near Van Siclen Ave. in East New York about 3:05 p.m. Cops and witnesses said they argued over the stores policy not to sell loose cigarettes, with the customer fatally stabbing Sandoval Nava as the fight escalated. Medics rushed Sandoval Nava to Brookdale University Hospital, where he died. The killer customer has not been caught. The senseless slaying left a hole in the neighborhood, Giron said. Diego was fatally stabbed at the same place he loved working in, Giron wrote in the fundraising post. Diego was protecting and defending the 18-year-old cashier who didnt know how to protect himself from angry/intoxicated customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandoval Navas decision to come to New York City was the same tough choice his own father had made when Sandoval Nava was still a boy back in Mexico, Giron said. After father and son were finally reunited in New York City, Sandoval Navas father died unexpectedly a year ago, Giron said. His dad had a heart operation and needed care, Giron wrote. Diego, after working 10 to 12 hours, would go to the hospital and sleep with his dad for weeks. He wanted to make up for all the time he had missed with his dad because he too had left them in Mexico when he was a teenager. In August 2024 his dad died after post-surgery complications, Giron wrote. Sandoval Nava raised the money to send his fathers body back to Mexico. Now Giron says she is just trying to do the same for her friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giron, a secretary at East New York Family Academy, a school in East New York, met Sandoval Nava as a customer about a year ago and connected with him because she ordered in Spanish. He was a part of the community, we had discussions about our kids. He was a good friend, Giron said. He worked seven days a week, 10 hours a day, for six years. He only took off July 4th to ride his bike in Central Park. He sent me the pictures. In May, Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the city would install panic buttons linked to the NYPD in about 500 bodegas across the five boroughs. The 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. He was the sole support for his family. Please honor him, Giron said. EAST WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (PIX11) Avant Gardner, the operator of the indoor-outdoor events complex that includes the Brooklyn Mirage, has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Mondays announcement comes after the company failed to open its newly constructed Mirage event space for the 2025 season, citing months of financial distress. More Local News Many of the Mirage shows will be moved to the Great Hall or relocated for the remainder of 2025, the company stated. The Great Hall and Kings Hall event venues will remain open and operating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gary Richards, who was introduced as the CEO two months ago, says filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is the most viable path forward. The AvantGardner event complex is a truly special music venue that has provided cutting-edge experiences over the years for artists and fans from all around the globe. Everyone I speak to has had the best sets and very special memories at the Brooklyn Mirage. I believe this Chapter 11 restructuring is the most viable path forward it will allow us to stabilize AvantGardner and focus on building for the future. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State The Brooklyn Mirage was initially scheduled to reopen on May 1 after a massive remodel, according to the venues website. But the venue has canceled, rescheduled, or relocated all of its shows since May 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The venue did not meet city standards for a permanent or temporary structure by its opening day, a spokesperson for the Mayors Office told PIX11 News. Even still, the venue maintained it was show-ready. The venues owners, Avant Gardner, have faced lawsuits alleging the venue was unsafe for various reasons, including multiple claims that concert-goers were assaulted by security at a 2023 event at the venue. Safety at the Brooklyn Mirage also became a focal point in 2023, when two young men went missing near the venue and turned up dead in Newtown Creek. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A Broome County man has been charged with making terroristic threats as a hate crime to African American federal government employees. 50-year-old Edward Connors of Endicott made multiple threatening social media posts on X targeting current and former federal employees. Connors was at his home when he was taken into custody by New York State police. He was processed at SP Endwell and taken to the Broome County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case remains under investigation and anyone with additional information should contact New York State Police at 607-775-1241. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. NEED TO KNOW Bryan Kohberger would shower for up to an hour a day and then wash his hands dozens of times throughout the day, said a fellow inmate He would not sleep during the night and would constantly roam around the room which the fellow inmate said was "annoying" when sharing a cell with him Kohberger was "intelligent and polite," said the inmate, and only got into one brief argument during the time the two men were incarcerated together Bryan Kohberger managed to keep a low profile while awaiting his murder trial, despite being the most notorious criminal at the Latah County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is according to a report filed by Cpl. Brett Payne of the Moscow Police Department, who detailed Kohbergers behavior behind bars after speaking with an inmate who had been housed in the same cell as the murderer. That inmate said Kohberger had a number of habits he found annoying but noted he never witnessed any animosity or anger from his cellmate, with the exception of a single incident that enraged Kohberger. He also noted that Kohberger was highly intelligent and polite but never once spoke about the murders he would eventually confess to in court. At the same time, said the inmate, Kohberger would often ask his fellow incarcerees to tell him about the offenses that landed them in jail. Ada County Sheriff's Office Bryan Kohberger Bryan Kohberger The inmate told Cpl. Payne that Kohbergers bathing habits were difficult to deal with at times because he would spend anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour in the shower and then wash his hands dozens of times throughout the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger spent about as much time showering as he did sleeping, according to the inmate, who said he would not only be awake all night but also constantly moving around the cell. 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. AP Photo/Kyle Green Bryan Kohberger Bryan Kohberger The only time that inmate did see Kohberger exhibit any sort of anger or violence was after he mistakenly assumed someone in the jail had been insulting him as he spoke on the phone with his mother. That individual had been watching a sporting event at the time and yelled you suck at the television, prompting Kohberger to aggressively approach the man and ask if his comments were directed at him and his mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation was quickly resolved once the two men talked things out, per the report. Kohberger is now in the custody of the Idaho Department of Corrections waiting to receive his prison placement. Read the original article on People Bryan Kohberger prosecutor Bill Thompson theorized that it was possible the Idaho Four killer had been at the scene of the crime before the night of the murders. On November 13, 2022, Kohberger, 30, brutally murdered Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21. He pleaded guilty to the slayings on July 2, and nearly three weeks later, he was ordered to serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. While the high-profile case has come to a close, there is still so much unknown about the motivation behind the murders, as well as the events leading up to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a sit-down for the 48 Hours podcast with correspondent Peter Van Sant, Thompson clarified they couldnt be certain Kohberger had been inside of the victims Moscow home before the night of the crimes, but its possible due to the unique layout of the property that made it a little bit confusing to traverse. Admittedly, if he was parked up behind the house on that bank, which we believe is where he parked, he would be able to see into the house at night and he would be able to see whose rooms were where, he added. Elsewhere in the interview, Thompson also said there may have been other potential victims that Kohberger was looking at before making his decision to kill the four University of Idaho students. Another question yet to be answered is why Kohberger spared two of his victims roommates Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke who were in the house at the time of the murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the National Enquirer previously reported, Thompson suggested that Kohberger got nervous about the time hed spent at the scene and wanted to make a hasty exit before police potentially arrived. At that point, hed been in the house probably longer than he planned, and he had killed more people than he planned, the prosecutor speculated to the Idaho Statesman. It wouldnt surprise us that the killer was scared at that point and decided they had to leave. Although Kohberger was given a chance to elaborate on his reason for committing the horrific crimes at his July 23 sentencing hearing, he declined. Kohberger has since been transferred to Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, Idaho. He is currently living in the prisons J Block, used to house offenders that are in protective custody, long-term restrictive housing and [on] death row. BURTON, S.C. (WSAV) The Burton Fire District (BFD) Filled the Tank, raising over $5,000 in donated school supplies during a drive for the Beaufort County School District this past Saturday. BFD joined forces with Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department and Beaufort County Sheriffs Office to partner with Vaden of Beaufort at the Beaufort Walmart. The school supplies will be distributed to Vadens school partners and others who are in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burton Fire Chief Harry Rountree said, It was really something to see and not only made you feel good, but also very proud. We have a generous community. Thank you! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Oasis fan who fell to his death at the bands recent Wembley reunion show has been identified. The Oasis fan who fell to his death at the bands recent Wembley reunion show has been identified Lee Claydon, a 41something father of one from Bournemouth, fell to his death during the bands concert at Wembley Stadium on Saturday (02,08.25.) He plummeted from the uppertier balcony in front of around 100,000 attendees and was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts from medics. The cause, confirmed by police, was a fall from height consistent with a sudden accident. Lees death occurred at the conclusion of the gig, as fireworks were launched after Oasis had performed Champagne Supernova. Members of his family attended the gig, though his partner Amanda and son were at home, it has emerged. Oasis in a statement said they were shocked and saddened by the tragedy and extended their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person involved. Aaron Claydon, Lees brother, has paid tribute to his tragic sibling via a fundraising page, writing alongside a picture of Lee holding huge fish: Our family has been turned upside down and are struggling to deal with this devastation and unexpected loss. He continued: Lee leaves behind his son, dad, partner, brothers, sisters, nephews and niece. Lee was a loving family man who was a role model to his son Harry Lee would have done anything for any of us. Aaron urged donations to support Amanda and the boys during this very sad time. Lees cousin Shannon Robbie added her condolences on Facebook, saying: My cousin Lee tragically passed away this weekend after no doubt having the time of his life at the Oasis concert it has devastated the whole family sharing his GoFundMe page in the hope that any donations, big or small, will go a long way towards helping his partner Amanda and the boys. An eyewitness told Daily Mail reporters about Lees death: It was horrendous. The guy fell from a balcony. Paramedics came rushing over. There was a lot of screaming and shouting it was a big fall it was heartbreaking. He was only young. Another fan added: I was directly underneath at first I thought it was a coat falling but then I looked and saw the bloke on the concrete. It was horrific to see. A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed: At around 22:19hrs on Saturday, 2 August, officers on duty at Wembley Stadium for the Oasis concert responded to reports that a person had been injured. A man aged in his 40s was found with injuries consistent with a fall. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. They have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Wembley Stadium added: Wembley Stadium medics, the London Ambulance Service and the police attended to a concert goer who was found with injuries consistent with a fall. Despite their efforts, the fan very sadly died. Our thoughts go out to his family. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, performing at the same venue the following night, appeared to pay tribute before launching into Live Forever, saying: This ones for all the people who cant be here tonight, but who are here if you know what I mean. And aint they looking lovely. DENVER (KDVR) The East Colfax Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Project is hitting some important milestones. Crews worked to install the fifth station arch at Fillmore Street and a sixth arch at Madison Street on Monday. RTD A Line train, semitrailer collide in Aurora, extended closures in place: police A total of 32 arches will be installed along the corridor, providing the setting for a canopy and shelter, passenger information displays with real-time transit information, enhanced fare collection systems that allow for payment prior to boarding, and level, multi-door boarding that improves accessibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a celebration of the infrastructure of the investment of the arches, where you can start to see the shape of what bus rapid transit is going to become, DOTI Executive Director Amy Ford told FOX31. A viewing block party supporting East Colfax businesses was held at Maria Empanada. The gathering, partnering with Historic Denver, included a Colfax-themed Trivia Night, music, prizes and Colfax Cash gift cards to support small businesses. Todays an important day for me and for all the small businesses here that are on Colfax because this shows progress, Maria Empanada owner Lorena Cantarovici told FOX31. Were not going anywhere: Community comes together to support businesses on Colfax during construction Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction has also shifted from Phase 1 to Phase 2 between Broadway and Williams streets. Up-to-date construction information is available on the projects construction dashboard. The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure says the project is progressing as planned and is on track to meet budget, schedule, safety, disadvantaged business enterprise participation and small business grant award goals, as outlined on the project dashboard. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Busted! Huge hash haul seized at OHare CHICAGO (WGN) Customs and Border Protection officers stationed at Chicagos OHare International Airport intercepted more than 70 pounds of drugs allegedly belonging to a man and woman following a routine inspection of their carry-on luggage, the agency announced Monday. A Sao Paulo, Brazil-bound couple had their checked bags searched by officers, who found that both contained heavy objects wrapped in white t-shirts inside large vacuum-sealed bags. Officers allegedly found a black vacuum-sealed bag containing a brick-sized brownish tar substance, which tested positive for marijuana hashish, 37 pounds in total, inside the unidentified womans luggage. Officers inspecting the males luggage also confiscated large vacuum-sealed bags wrapped in white T-shirts, which allegedly contained a brick-sized brownish tar substance, similar to the substance found in the womans checked bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TSA reveals top 10 Best Catches of 2024, including vape-toothpaste combo in Chicago Various bags found inside the carry-ons tested positive for cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy, in addition to marijuana. All told, CBP officers allegedly confiscated 72 pounds of hashish. The arrest occurred on Thursday, July 24, according to a release by Chicago CBP officers. TSA breaks record for busiest day ever at OHare The agency did not provide booking photos of the suspects. CBP officers and agents seized 60,470 pounds of dangerous drugs at and between our nations air, sea, and land ports of entry last month, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After a legal snarl over the medical device implanted in his heart, the state of Tennessee executed Byron Black by lethal injection Aug. 5. He was pronounced dead at 10:43 a.m. and had no last words. But his attorney did share some messages from Black in a news conference after his death. Black, 69, was sentenced to die for the South Nashville murders of his ex-girlfriend Angela Clay and her two daughters Latoya, 9, and Lakeisha, 6, in 1988. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley Henry, who works in the Federal Public Defender's office in Middle Tennessee, was visibly upset as she recounted her morning with Black. He told her he didn't plan to say last words because he has "always been shy." He left with her a message for his family and friends. "I love you, and I wont never forget you," Henry read on behalf of Black. "All of our relationships have been very special. It was my pleasure meeting everybody and the way we connected with each other. God bless you and thank you." Black also shared a message for his legal team. "Keep doing what you're doing," Henry read on his behalf. "God gave you a gift. You have power, and I can feel it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The execution took place at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. Prosecutors said Black entered the Clay home in the early morning of March 28, 1998, while the three victims were sleeping. Black shot them to death, motivated by revenge after he heard of Angela Clay's plans to reconcile with Bennie Clay, her husband. Black had been on death row since 1989 after he was convicted at trial and sentenced to death. Declared intellectually disabled by the state, Black could not be sentenced to death today due to a prohibition on executing those with intellectual disabilities after a 2002 Supreme Court ruling. He maintained close contact with his sister Melba Corley from death row, and she said his family has long believed in his innocence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessee Supreme Court cleared the path for Black to be executed despite the concerns that his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which operates similar to a pacemaker, would shock his heart as it stopped beating during the lethal injection. Gov. Bill Lee declined to grant an 11th hour reprieve. The U.S. Supreme Court as well did not intervene. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Byron Black gave message of love for his family to lawyer Byron Black, the 69-year-old man convicted of the murders of his ex-girlfriend and her two daughters in 1988, was put to death by the state the morning of Aug. 5, and he appeared to be in pain as the lethal injection drug pentobarbital flowed through his veins. The Tennessean was one of several news outlets to witnesses the execution. Media witnesses who watched Black die were unanimous in reporting that he showed both visible and audible signs of distress. The curtain to the execution room opened on Black at 10:31 a.m., showing Black strapped to a gurney and covered in a sheet with IV lines running to his body. At 10:33 a.m., he was sighing heavily. He told his spiritual advisor he was in pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's hurting so bad," Black said around 10:33 a.m. Every media witness reported hearing Black say those words, or something very similar. His spiritual advisor replied, "I'm so sorry." Steve Cavendish, editor of the Nashville Banner who witnessed both the execution of Black and Oscar Franklin Smith earlier in 2025, said Black's death appeared very different than Smith's. There were EKG strips, which measure the heart's electrical activity, attached to Black's body, according to Black's attorney Kelley Henry, a longtime public defender who represents those on Tennessee's death row. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henry, speaking after the execution, said she believes the lethal injection drug did not work as intended and that Black was tortured before his death. Witnesses said Black groaned on the gurney and attempted to lift his head multiple times as the lethal injection drugs flowed through him. Blacks attorneys and those who opposed his execution had warned his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for congestive heart failure, which works like a pacemaker, would shock him repeatedly as his heart stopped beating. But it's unclear if that was the case. Henry said there will be an autopsy of Black's body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black was sentenced to death in 1989 for the deaths of Angela Clay, 29, and her two daughters: Latoya, 9, and Lakeisha, 6. The Tennessee Supreme Court said the Tennessee Department of Correction could execute Black without disconnecting his heart device, and Gov. Bill Lee declined to grant a reprieve. The U.S. Supreme Court also did not intervene to stop his death. Tennessee's new single drug protocol Tennessee after a nearly five-year hiatus resumed capital punishment this year with a new lethal injection protocol using a single drug called pentobarbital. The state is facing a lawsuit from several Tennessee death row inmates arguing that the new protocol brings a high risk of torturous death from the drug. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents have raised concerns about pentobarbital's links to botched executions where witnesses described inmates gasping for air before they died. The U.S. Department of Justice, under former U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, halted the use of pentobarbital for federal death row inmates in January after it said it was unable to determine whether the drug causes unnecessary pain and suffering. The Trump Administration, however, has said it plans to make it easier for states to obtain lethal injection drugs. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Byron Black said he was in pain, execution witnesses say GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A new cafe opening in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market will offer everything from a cheese counter and wine bar to coffee and charcuterie options. Sav Sav by Squibb is opening inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Squibb Coffee Bar inside the market is becoming Sav Sav by Squibb as it expands into the former Aperitivo spot inside the Downtown Market at 435 Ionia Ave. near Wealthy Street. It will be a European cafe model, offering more than 70 cheese options, charcuteries boards and small plates, a full wine bar and a full coffee menu. It will also have a retail space with specialty products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to expect at this years Christkindl Markt in Grand Rapids Some of the items on the menu like the Parisian sandwich on a baguette with French cultured butter, prosciutto, Dijon and cornichons were inspired by co-owner Mallory Squibbs trip to Europe. I was lucky enough to go to Europe this summer, so I took a lot of inspiration from what we ate over there, she said. She said shed always wanted to open a concept with a larger menu and retail selection, something they cant do at the Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar on Wealthy Street. When the opportunity for a bigger space presented itself, the team went for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been fun getting the space ready for Sav Sav, Squibb said. Inside WOODTV.com: Building West Michigan So many people popping their heads in, asking when were going to open, what were going to offer, she said. Sav Sav by Squibb is opening inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Sav Sav by Squibb is opening inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Sav Sav by Squibb is opening inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Sav Sav by Squibb is opening inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Sav Sav by Squibb is opening inside the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. (Courtesy Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Sav Sav by Squibb is set to open Friday. The grand opening celebration will include caviar on potato chips and champagne by the glass. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Calhoun Community College is offering a new social work degree program for students during a critical point of a social worker shortage in Alabama. The recent announcement of the program is set to address Alabamas growing need for skilled social workers, one of the states most important and in-demand fields. With two degree pathways available, students will now be able to enter into the world of social work, where they can either join the workforce immediately or continue pursuing a four-year degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associate of Applied Science in Social Work Technology is a hands-on, two-year degree that prepares students to begin working in human services immediately after graduation. While pursuing this degree, students gain exposure to various social work environments and learn how to navigate vital community resources. Following graduation, graduates will be able to take on roles such as case managers, health advocates, counseling assistants, and behavioral health aides in hospitals, nonprofits, and social service agencies throughout North Alabama. For those who wish to obtain a four-year degree, Calhoun is offering an Associate of Science with a concentration in social work. According to the college, the Alabama Transfers initiative will allow students to transfer their general education credits to any public university in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calhoun already has a formal transfer agreement with Alabama A&M University and is currently finalizing one with The University of Alabama. Additionally, students interested in advanced degrees can complete their bachelors and masters programs fully online. Dr. Donna Estill, Calhouns Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, highlights the practical nature of these programs. These programs represent a fresh and practical approach to social work education, said Dr. Estill. We are thrilled about the opportunities they provide our students and are also deeply grateful to the community partners who have helped us shape them, Dr. Estill added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social Work Instructors have designed the curriculum with a simple goal in mind: to prepare students for the realities of the profession. Florence Flo Doughty, Calhouns lead social work instructor and a seasoned social worker with over 30 years of field experience weighed in on the program. Students wont just learn theory in this program, said Doughty. They will develop the ability to handle difficult conversations, which are a regular part of this field. They will learn to connect clients with the right community resources and become strong advocates for individuals and families in need. These are the essential tools for success in social work, she added. These programs were thoughtfully created in direct response to the growing shortage of social workers in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about this program, click here., or contact Instructor Florence Doughty at florence.doughty@calhoun.edu. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. One of Californias largest legal cannabis companies announced Monday that it would radically revamp its labor practices in the wake of a massive immigration raid at two company facilities last month. The raid led to the death of one worker and the detention of more than 360 people, including, according to government officials, 14 minors. Glass House Brands announced it had "terminated its relationship" with the two farm labor contractors who had provided workers to the cannabis greenhouse operations in Camarillo and Carpinteria. It also announced that it had "made significant changes to labor practices that are above and beyond legal requirements." Those include hiring experts to scrutinize workers' documents as well as hiring the consulting firm Guidepost Services to advise the company on best practices for determining employment eligibility. The firm is led by Julie Myers Wood, a former ICE director under President George W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company also said it had signed a new "labor peace" agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Glass House officials declined to comment publicly beyond what was in a news release, but a source close to the company said that officials wanted to "make sure we never have a situation that we had on July 10. We can't have this ever happen again." On that day, federal agents in masks and riot gear stormed across Glass House operations in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in the state's largest ICE workplace raid in recent memory. Agents chased panicked workers through vast greenhouses and deployed tear gas and less-lethal projectiles at protesters and employees. One worker, Jaime Alanis Garcia, died after he fell three stories from the roof of a greenhouse trying to evade capture. Others were bloodied from shards of broken glass or hid for hours on the roofs or beneath the leaves and plastic shrouding. More than 360 people a mix of workers, family members of workers, protesters and passersby were detained, including at least two American citizens, one of them a U.S. Army veteran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the raid, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that Glass House had been targeted because "we knew, specifically from casework we had built for weeks and weeks and weeks, that there was children there that could be trafficked, being exploited, that there was individuals there involved in criminal activity." To date, neither Homeland Security nor the U.S. Department of Justice have announced any legal action regarding the alleged trafficking and exploitation of juveniles. In its news release, Glass House said that just nine of its direct employees were detained; all others picked up either were employees of its labor contractors or were "unassociated with the company." With regards to the government's contention that it had found children working in cannabis, the company said: "while the identities of the alleged minors have not been disclosed, the company has been able to determine that, if those reports are true, none of them were Glass House employees." California labor law allows children as young as 12 to work in agriculture, but workers must be 21 to work in cannabis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raid devastated Glass House and its workforce. Numerous workers were detained or disappeared, terrified to return. Those who remained were so distraught the company called in grief counselors. Across the wider world of legal cannabis, people were also shaken. Glass House, which is backed by wealthy investors and presents a sleek corporate image in the wild world of cannabis in California, has long been known as the "Walmart of Weed." Many in California's cannabis industry feared the raid on Glass House was a signal that the federal government's ceasefire against cannabis which is legal in California but still not federally had come to an end. In the wake of the raid, the United Farm Workers and other organizations warned farm laborers who were not citizens even those with legal status to avoid working in cannabis because "cannabis remains criminalized under federal law." In its statement, Glass House said the search warrant served on the company the day of the raid was seeking "evidence of possible immigration violations." A source close to the company said officials have had no further contact with the federal government since the raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some farm labor advocates were unimpressed by the company's announcement of revamped labor practices, saying it was farmworkers who would pay the price. Lucas Zucker, co-executive director of Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, or CAUSE, said Glass House was using farm labor contractors to avoid responsibility while their workers are torn away from their families in handcuffs. This shows the double standards of our legal system, where corporations can profit from the immigrant workers their businesses depend on, yet wipe their hands clean when it becomes inconvenient, he said. He added that many farmworkers are still struggling to navigate this mess of labor contractors and have not been paid for the work they did at Glass House. A source close to Glass House said company officials want to make sure everyone who was at work on the day of the raid receives all the wages they are owed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Company officials authorized all workers to be paid through 11:30 pm on the day of the raid, because workers who had finished their shifts couldnt get out because immigration agents were blocking the doors. The source said the farm labor contractors had been paid and should have released wages to all the workers. We dont want anyone to be shorted, the source said. 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. LOS ANGELES (AP) California Democrats are considering new political maps that could slash five Republican-held House seats in the liberal-leaning state while bolstering Democratic incumbents in other battleground districts. The move comes in direct response to efforts by Texas Republicans to redraw House districts in order to strengthen the GOP hold on the chamber in 2026. A draft plan that's circulating aims to boost the Democratic margin to 48 of Californias 52 congressional seats, according to a source familiar with the plan who was not authorized to discuss it publicly. Thats up from the 43 seats the party now holds. It would need approval from lawmakers and voters, who may be skeptical to give it after handing redistricting power to an independent commission years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the proposal would generously pad Democratic margins in districts for competitive seats anchored in Orange County, San Diego County and the Central Valley farm belt, giving Democrats a potential advantage as Texas Republicans try to sway the tissue-thin balance of the House. According to the proposal, districts now held by Republican Reps. Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao and Doug LaMalfa would see right-leaning voters shaved and Democratic voters boosted in a shift that would make it likely a left-leaning candidate would prevail in each race. In districts held by Democratic Reps. Dave Min, Mike Levin and Derek Tran, the party's edge would be boosted to strengthen their hold on the seats, the source said. Democratic members of Californias congressional delegation were briefed on the new map on Monday, according to a person familiar with the meeting who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal is being circulated at the same time that Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he wants to advance partisan redistricting. He says he wont move ahead if Texas pauses its efforts. Newsom said hed call a special election for the first week of November. Voters would weigh a new congressional map drawn by the Democratic-controlled Legislature. California will not sit by idly and watch this democracy waste away, Newsom said Monday. Associated Press writers Tran Nguyen in Sacramento and Joey Cappelletti in Washington contributed. (FOX40.COM) The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced plans to close the California Rehabilitation Center in Riverside County by Fall 2026. Video above: Is property crime going up in America? According to CDCR, this is a response to projections of lower prison populations in future years and providing for needed cost savings. CDCR is committed to managing its resources responsibly to enhance public safety and best serve the people of California, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias 2025-26 budget included a plan to close a prison, one of many difficult steps needed to manage the states finances, CDCR said. The full shutdown of CRC is expected to save the state about $150 million annually from the general fund. Minimum wage increases by 40 cents in the following year CDCR stated the state will provide the support they need to the affected communities and workforce with an economic resilience plan. CDCR is taking every effort to mitigate the impact on staff, volunteers, and the population throughout the deactivation process, said the CDCR spokesperson. When it comes to the declining prison population, the adult prison population has shown a steady decline in recent years, according to authorities. This has allowed CDCR to eliminate its reliance on in-state and out-of-state contract prison capacity and the lease of the California City Correctional Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDCR incarcerated population is at its lowest point since the late 1980s, CDCR officials said. The current population is around 91,000, Click here to learn more about CDCR reduction and closures. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A California Republican is breaking with Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps ahead of next years midterm elections especially after he has become a target of Democratic retaliation in his home state. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., filed a bill on Tuesday that would ban any redistricting efforts before 2030, pouring cold water on Republican and Democratic efforts to alter congressional maps before next November. The bill would block any new maps unless mandated by the courts and it would nullify any changes that are adopted this year. The bill comes after California Democrats hinted at widespread changes to their congressional boundaries in response to a proposed map being considered by the Texas state Legislature as early as this week. A new map in California would likely put Kiley at risk in his district as he quickly emerged as a vulnerable target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiley specifically mentioned California Gov. Gavin Newsom in his statement announcing the bill, but he didnt refer to similar efforts by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who is actively considering changes to the Lone Star States congressional districts. Gavin Newsom is trying to subvert the will of voters and do lasting damage to democracy in California, Kiley said. Fortunately, Congress has the ability to protect California voters using its authority under the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This will also stop a damaging redistricting war from breaking out across the country. Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom presents his revised state budget during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, May 14, 2025. | Rich Pedroncelli The Texas Legislature was scheduled to meet this week for a special session to vote on the newly proposed map to reconfigure district lines and secure five extra GOP House seats next year. But those efforts have been delayed after state Democrats fled to blue states such as New York, Illinois and Massachusetts to block a vote on the new map. With their absence, the Texas state Legislature cannot reach a quorum, the minimum number of lawmakers required to conduct business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Legislature revealed the new boundaries last week, altering the map to create new districts in areas that President Donald Trump carried by more than 10 percentage points in the 2024 election. Most of the new districts are in heavily Hispanic areas, a crucial demographic shift that helped secure Trumps victory in November a risky gamble if Hispanic voters lean back toward Democratic candidates next year. A map of a proposed plan for U.S. Congressional Districts is seen at a Texas legislators' public hearing on congressional redistricting in Austin, Texas, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. | Eric Gay Meanwhile, Democratic leaders in the states where the Texas lawmakers retreated have said they may redraw their states maps in response to any changes in the Lone Star State. However, Kileys bill would block map changes in any state regardless of Republican or Democratic influence and void any boundary alterations that are passed before the bill is voted on. Its not clear whether Kileys bill will be brought to the floor for a vote, as top Republicans such as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., have not closed the door on the idea of redistricting to protect their slim majority next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California has a problem they have to amend the state constitution. They have to follow the law, Johnson told Fox News last week, referring to California state laws that restrict mid-decade redistricting. Im convinced the red states will and we will probably have a few more seats out of that and thats good news for me. Republicans currently hold a 219-212 majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, a historically slim margin that has often made it difficult for the party to advance legislation even with a Republican trifecta. With control of the White House and Senate, Republicans have enjoyed total control of Washington something that is at risk next November. Historical trends show that the party of the sitting president typically loses control of the House during midterm elections. If Democrats manage to flip the House, it would deal a massive blow to Trump and likely thwart his agenda for his final two years. A California Republican is pushing a bill in Congress that would ban virtually all redistricting before 2030, a move that would kill President Donald Trumps effort to flip up to five Democratic seats in Texas and also efforts to retaliate by blue states like New York and California. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., says he plans to introduce legislation on Tuesday that would bar mid-decade nationwide and nullify any new maps approved before the next census is carried out in 2030. This will also stop a damaging redistricting war from breaking out across the country, Kiley said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mike Lawler, R-New York, who represents a swingy Westchester County-based district, has said he will introduce a similar bill to ban all gerrymandering in all states. The seats represented by both Lawler and Kiley could be on the chopping block if Democrats respond to the Texas effort by gerrymandering their own congressional maps. Newsom is trying to subvert the will of voters and do lasting damage to democracy in California, Kiley said. Fortunately, Congress has the ability to protect California voters. Trump, who has pushed the Texas effort to flip Democratic seats in the 2026 midterms, showed no interest in any redistricting compromise Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats, Trump told CNBC. GOP leaders in Congress, who would need to give the green light, havent commented on the proposals by Kiley and Lawler. Although Kiley slammed Newsom, the most immediate impact of his legislation would be to nix the controversial Republican effort to rejigger Texas congressional map with the goal of changing the current 25-13 GOP edge to a 30-8 margin. The Lone Star State GOP has launched the effort after Trump demanded they find a way to give Republicans more seats in an effort to hold onto the House of Representatives in what is shaping up as a tricky political environment in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic state lawmakers fled the state Monday and for now have succeeded in denying a quorum for Republicans to move ahead. But most analysts believe the GOP can eventually muscle through its move in Texas. Republicans in other red states like Missouri, Florida, Ohio and Indiana are also considering similar efforts to nuke Democratic seats before 2026. But Democrats are considering responding with changes of their own. If Texas goes ahead with its redistricting plan, Newsom says he will push to redraw Californias map to benefit Democrats. The Golden States delegation is now split 43-9 in favor of Democrats but political insiders say it could easily be redrawn to give Democrats up to a 49-3 edge. Gov. Kathy Hochul is also vowing to fight fire with fire by redrawing New Yorks map to extend Democratic edge from the current 19-7 margin, although any such effort is unlikely to take effect in time for the 2026 vote. A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy was arrested Tuesday on charges that he solicited bribes and committed extortion while on duty, according to authorities. In June 2024, the Sheriff's Department received a complaint from a citizen regarding Deputy Cameron Romo, who was then put on administrative leave, according to a department statement. Investigators determined that Romo, 27, had allegedly committed criminal acts while he was on duty at the Hesperia station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the San Bernardino County district attorney's office filed charges against Romo, alleging extortion and soliciting a bribe, according to the statement. He was arrested about 8 a.m. Tuesday and booked into the Central Detention Center in lieu of $90,000 bail. Read more: Feds charge L.A. County sheriff's deputy accused of smuggling heroin into jail The district attorney's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Romo joined the Sheriff's Department as a deputy in September 2020 and has worked at the Hesperia station since August 2021, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with more information about this case is asked to contact Det. Antonio Alcala at (909) 890-4904. This is unfortunate that a Deputy Sheriff would engage in this type of behavior," San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Shannon Dicus said in a statement. "I am proud of all the investigators involved in bringing this case to the district attorneys office so he can be held accountable. 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. Can't imagine it Maybe I'm behind the times, but I can't imagine a marriage where you would go out and buy thousands of dollars' worth of stock and not mention it to your spouse. That's not right This Governor Abbott in Texas is threatening to fire the Democrats if they don't come back and vote for Trump's agenda, which is literally what it is. And that's outright socialism. I don't know what this country's coming to, but that's not right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are they going to do? What are the police actually going to do about the homeless problem? Businesses along Fourth Street are being broken into left and right, fences cut, tools stolen, keeping people from their jobs and getting their paychecks. All the while, the homeless are living happily under the bridge. Come on, St. Joseph PD. Get it together. Work for your constituents, not just a check. Get your facts straight This is in regard to the gentleman that called in This is a fiasco. J.F. Kennedy Jr. was killed in a plane crash. Robert F. Kennedy is the secretary of health. If you can't get your stuff straight, don't be posting it. And by the way, nobody likes to be on the losing team. So why don't you get on the Trump train as it's winning, winning, winning. CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) A Cambria County man was pronounced dead from his injuries after being rushed to UPMC Presbyterian last week. State police out of Ebensburg report that 38-year-old Jesse Gregorory, of Flinton, was involved in a two-vehicle crash just after 5 a.m. July 29. He was rushed to UPMC Altoona, where he was stabilized, then taken to UPMC Presbyterian, where he succumbed to his injuries. According to investigators, Gregory was traveling in a Saturn Ion on Route 36 (Colonel Drake Highway) in Clearfield Township when he crossed over the double yellow lines. Another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction tried to swerve and avoid a head-on collision, but was unsuccessful. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. Troopers said its unknown if Gregory was wearing a seatbelt. The other driver reported no injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. YAOUNDE (Reuters) -Cameroon's Constitutional Council on Tuesday upheld a decision to reject the candidacy of Maurice Kamto, the main rival to President Paul Biya, in a presidential election on October 12. The electoral commission in July excluded Kamto from the list of candidates approved to contest the vote. It said Kamto was barred because he was running under the banner of the MANIDEM party, which also supported a second candidate. Kamto appealed against the decision within the two-day deadline. However, Clement Atangana, President of the Constitutional Council, confirmed the ruling in a decision that cannot be appealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kamto could not be immediately reached for comment. Human Rights Watch said in a statement last week that the electoral board's decision to exclude Kamto raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process. On Monday, dozens of protesters gathered at the entrance of the Constitutional Council to show their support for Kamto but were dispersed by police firing tear gas. A police commissioner told Reuters on Monday that several people had been detained and remain in custody. In the last election in 2018, Kamto came in second place with 14% of the vote, while Biya won by a landslide amid allegations of fraud, which he rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biya, 92, has been in power for 43 years and is the world's oldest serving head of state. He announced his intention last month to seek re-election. (Reporting by Amindeh Blaise Atabong; Writing by Ayen Deng Bior and Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Alex Richardson) FILE - Cameroon Justice minister Maurice Kamto prepares to sign documents transferring the authority Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon in Archibong, Nigeria, Aug. 14, 2006. (AP Photo/George Osodi, File) YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) Cameroon's constitutional council on Tuesday rejected opposition candidate Maurice Kamto's appeal to be reinstated on the ballot for the upcoming presidential election. Kamto, a former government minister, is seen as the main challenger to long-serving President Paul Biya. Kamto had filed an appeal last month after the electoral commission did not include him in the list of approved candidates. The decision Tuesday fueled fears of unrest and increases the likelihood of another Biya victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security forces were deployed around the conference center in the capital Yaounde, where the Constitutional Council announced the verdict, and along the city's major roads. The previous day, police had fired tear gas and arrested dozens of people who were protesting in support of Kamto ahead of verdict. Kamto was considered Biyas strongest rival in past elections. He came second during the last presidential election in 2018 with 14% of the vote, while Biya cruised to victory with over 70% in an election marred by irregularities and a low turnout. Biya, 92, the worlds oldest serving head of state, said last month he would seek reelection on Oct. 12 despite rumors that his health is failing. He has been in power since 1982, nearly half his lifetime. Biyas rule has left a lasting impact on Cameroon. His government has faced various challenges, including allegations of corruption and a deadly secessionist conflict in the nations English-speaking provinces that has forced thousands out of school. Aug. 4Washington's primary elections are Tuesday, and while Spokane's City Council races aren't yet attracting the kind of big money they did in 2023, hundreds of thousands of dollars are already pouring in. It's an opportunity for the council's thin conservative minority to gain the seats needed to have some power in city government, or for the liberal majority to oust one of their loudest critics and for donors both big and small to attempt to sway the outcome. While there are three Spokane City Council seats up for election this year, one in each district, only one appears on primary ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means more cash to spend in that race and a greater need to spend it. State law limits donations from a single source to $1,200 per candidate per election; primary and general elections count as separate elections. Races with more than two candidates appear on the primary election ballot, effectively doubling the amount of campaign cash donors can send to candidates. In recent years, races with an active primary election have primarily benefited the coffers of Spokane's conservative candidates, who are significantly more likely to receive maxed-out donations and can make the most use out of the higher limit. This pattern has held thus far for the only City Council seat on this year's primary ballots: Northwest Spokane, where incumbent Councilman Zack Zappone is defending his position from two conservative contenders. They are delivery driver Chris Savage and private cigar lounge co-owner Cody Arguelles. Arguelles leads total contributions, with $45,600 raised compared to $37,000 for Zappone and roughly $35,000 for Savage. Arguelles also leads, by far, in high-dollar contributions, with four double-maxed donations of $2,400 each from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Washington political action committee, the Harley Douglass Rental Account and LKB Properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arguelles has received another 11 donations of at least $1,200 from many of the area's most reliable conservative donors: real estate, hospitality and self-storage interests. Nearly half of Arguelles' donations came directly from companies or corporate associations. These other top donors include the self-storage company Pay 'N Pak, hotel managers Peppertree Hospitality Group, the trust of the family of Jerry Dicker of GVD Commercial Properties, Backyard Public House, RenCorp property management executive Chris Batten, the Build East political action committee, commercial real estate company Kiemle Hagood CEO Gordon Hester, the Rental Housing Association of Washington, Best Western Peppertrees of Washington owner Rita Santillanes, and Alvin and Jeanie Wolff of the Wolff real estate empire. A relatively small portion of Arguelles' campaign cash comes from small-dollar donations, around $2,700 in total. Zappone, who holds the record for the most money raised by a Spokane City Council candidate from his 2021 race, is currently in the middle of the fundraising pack this year with support from labor interests and other typical liberal donors, raising around $37,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has received two double-maxed donations: $2,400 each from the local branch of the Laborers International Union of North America and the Spokane Firefighters Union political action committee. Zappone received $1,200 from another six organizations, including three other unions, retired surgeon Jerry Leclaire, former Gesa Credit Union executive Brian Griffith, and Avista. Zappone leads significantly in small-dollar donations, with $8,700, nearly a quarter of his coffers. Both Zappone and Arguelles have been relatively frugal with their campaign cash with just days left in the primary election, likely in part because anything over a $1,200 donation from an individual donor generally can't be touched before the general election. The penny -pinching may also come with the expectation that they will make it past the primaries and need to spend big in the coming months. And at least in Arguelles' case, there's $5,000 in campaign debt to consider, which would need to be paid out of surplus contributions sooner or later, depending on his performance on Tuesday. Zappone reportedly has around $23,000 cash on hand, around 62% of his takings thus far, signaling his campaign's comfort headed into Tuesday's election, while Arguelles has around $18,000, or 39% of what he's raised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Savage, on the other hand, has taken another approach entirely. This is his fourth run for Spokane City Council, and in all previous attempts he failed to make it past the primary, so his campaign cash strategy appears to be: spend it if you got it. He certainly has raised more cash this year than in any of his previous attempts, reporting roughly $35,000 in contributions, of which he has spent more than $29,000, more than either of his better-funded opponents. It appears to be part of a name-recognition blitz campaign, along with the string of public forums Savage has attended while either only Zappone or neither of his opponents joined him. It remains to be seen whether the strategy pays off, but if it does it will leave Savage in an initially precarious, cash-strapped position headed into the general election; at least temporarily, though he would likely soon attract the deep pockets currently in Arguelles' corner if the political newcomer fails to advance. Savage could also potentially ask some of his top donors to dig deeper into their own pockets, as he has attracted many high-dollar donations but few that have gone beyond that $1,200 maximum allowed for the primary election. Those current top donors include Mike Kelley, of KT Contracting; Brandon Casey, of the Casey Law Office; former Spokane County GOP vice chair Lyle Dach; retiree Brett Ellis, of Winnsboro, Texas; retired teacher Jackie Gleason; Erik Nelson, of Koru Pharmacy; and both Mark and Pam Walker, of Walker's Furniture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savage's own family also gave the lion's share of the candidate's early campaign cash, and a Friends of Christopher Savage political action committee also donated around $2,400. Despite significantly lower contributions overall, Savage's small-dollar contributions total around the same as Arguelles, just shy of $2,700. Northeast Spokane Nowhere in Spokane is there a greater disparity between warchests than in northeast Spokane, where incumbent Councilman Jonathan Bingle the only member of the city's conservative minority defending their seat this year is facing reproductive rights activist Sarah Dixit. Despite not having a primary election and being unable to raise more than $1,200 from any single source, Bingle has thus far raised more cash than almost any candidate in the city with a whopping 25 maxed-out donations. Even after an infusion of cash from a Seattle-area fundraising group, Dixit has raised only around $35,000, currently one of the smallest war chests in the city this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bingle's top contributors are a veritable who's-who of Spokane developers and real estate interests, with maximum donations from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Washington; Batton, of RenCorp Real Estate; Build East PAC; Bonnie Quinn, of KVC Development; the Rental Housing Association of Washington; Sheldon Jackson, of Selkirk Development; Jackson's wife Melanie; LKP Properties; Hester, of Kiemle Hagood; the Washington Multi Family Housing Association PAC; Urban Empire Homes; Mead Works Development; and the Spokane Home Builders Association PAC. Other maxed-out donors include restaurant owner Derek Baziotis; Dallas Low, of Golden Rule Brakes; Santillanes, of Best Western Peppertrees of Washington; the Washington Hospitality Association; Jonathan Ferraiulio, of the Pacific Holding Corporation; and Avista. Perhaps the most surprising top donor is the Spokane Firefighters Union PAC, which has typically been more closely aligned with prounion liberal candidates. Meanwhile, every one of Dixit's maxed-out donors is either from the Puget Sound area or, in one case, her father, Augustin Dixit. She was a recipient of a "money bomb" from the First Mile donor circle, which works to boost the campaigns of progressive candidates of color throughout Washington with the support of deep-pocketed West Side contributors; that added nearly $15,000 to her coffers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At most, $12,000 of Dixit's contributions have come from Spokane and more than half of that is small -dollar contributions that don't require information about the donor so the origin can't be quickly verified while the majority of her campaign is currently funded by out-of-towners. Outside of the Seattle millionaire's who funneled cash to Dixit via First Mile's recommendation, her top donors the Seattle-based caregivers union SEIU 775. South Spokane South Spokane has an interesting election this year, with the only open seat up for election and two candidates who are both Democrats but whose contributions may indicate very different kinds of supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Councilwoman Lili Navarrete held the seat until recently, and Shelby Lambdin was appointed last Monday to fill the spot for the next four months while business executive Alejandro Barrientos and former prosecutor Kate Telis seek election this November for a full four-year term. Barrientos has attempted to position himself as a moderate Democrat concerned about liberal causes like immigrant rights while being friendlier to conservative efforts for stronger law enforcement. He faces a progressive closely aligned with the council majority. Barrientos has faced accusations of being too closely linked with local business conservatives from the jump, initially due to his employer, businessman Larry Stone, whose big budget political ads and independent electioneering have hounded Spokane's progressives for years with mixed success. Those accusations, potentially potent in the city's bluest district, have only mounted as Barrientos' campaign donations have come in. Many of his top donors are the standard supporters of local conservatives: $2,400 each from the Wolff family, Patricia and Jerry Dicker, and Bonnie Quinn-Clausen and Kent Clausen, who own marketing and hospitality businesses respectively. Batten donated $1,200, developer Cyrus Vaughn donated another $1,200, retired boat dealership owner William Trudeau gave another $1,200, as have the Build East PAC, the Associated Builders and Contractors PAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative politicians have also chipped in, with attempted Republican politician Kim Plese donating $250. Spokane County Commissioner Al French initially donated $125, as did his wife Rosalie, though this was later amended so the entire $250 appears only under Rosalie's name. Telis, meanwhile, has a coffer more familiar for left-leaning candidates in the city. That coffer's bursting with unions, Democratic politicians, liberal retirees and a significant number of small dollar donations, and at roughly $53,000, it's the largest war chest in the city currently. LeClaire has donated $1,200, as has attorney and Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown's husband Brian McClatchey, SEIU 775, the Washington Education Association and the Spokane Firefighters Union. Don Barbieri and Sharon Smith of the Smith-Barbieri Progressive Fund each donated $1,200, as have Scott and Kathryn O'Hare, a partner at Austin investment firm Daylight Partners and an attorney respectively. Two retirees from the Department of Homeland Security donated another $1,200, Leslia Hope and Sheila Rawls, as did retiree Kathryn Maynard. Three members of Telis' own family each pitched in $1,200: Alex, Sherman and Karen Telis. Others have donated smaller amounts, including City Council President Betsy Wilkerson, former state Sen. Andy Billig, the Washington state Democratic Party and the Washington Machinists Council. Canadas postal workers have rejected the latest contract offers presented to them by their employer, Canada Post, extending an impasse between the parties on their ongoing labor negotiations. After a two-week government-ordered voting period, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) shot down the dual proposals, which would have increased wages by 13.6 percent over four years and brought on more part-time workers. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 68.5 percent of urban mail carriers who voted were against the deal, while their rural and suburban colleagues were 69.4 percent against. The union members have sought a 19 percent wage increase over the four-year period. And with Canada Post expanding parcel deliveries to Saturday and Sunday, neither side has been able to agree on how to staff weekend work. Its time for Canada Post to come back to the bargaining table and start seriously negotiating, said Jan Simpson, national president of the CUPW. With these votes behind us, Canada Post must now recognize that the only way forward is to negotiate ratifiable collective agreements that meet postal workers needs. The time for games is over. The 55,000 members of the CUPW have stopped working overtime for Canada Post since late May as part of their displeasure with the contract negotiations, which had lasted 18 months before the vote was ordered. That overtime ban remains in effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 100,000-member Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), Canadas largest association of small and medium-sized businesses, called the vote extremely disappointing. This just brings more uncertainty at a time when small businesses are already struggling to plan ahead. We cant keep doing this, said Dan Kelly, president of the CFIB, in a statement. If theres another strike, two in three businesses may walk away from Canada Post permanently. With more than 30 percent of voting union members supporting Canada Posts contract offer, the likelihood of a second strike appears less likely, unlike when the workers first walked off the job during last years holiday season. Our negotiators are ready to get back to work right away. Were committed to staying at the table until weve reached a deal, said Simpson. We expect the same from Canada Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the vote, Canada Post says it is evaluating its next steps. This result does not lessen the urgent need to modernize and protect this vital national service, said Canada Post in a Friday statement. However, it does mean the uncertainty that has been significantly impacting our businessand the many Canadians and Canadian businesses who depend on Canada Postwill continue. Canada Post has its hands full with the talks as questions remain regarding its own future. The national courier has been bleeding money for years, having lost $2.2 billion since 2018, and needed a $720 million loan from the Canadian federal government in January so that it could remain solvent throughout the 2025-26 fiscal year. Without that line of credit, Canada Post would have been unable to meet payroll. A report from Industrial Inquiry Commission Commissioner William Kaplan earlier this year found the postal service was facing an existential crisis, and that it was effectively bankrupt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until recently, Canada Post was able to operate in a financially sustainable manner through cross-subsidization: Low-cost urban and suburban mail delivery subsidized high-cost delivery to rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, Kaplan wrote. This model no longer works because the traditional core businessmail deliveryhas fundamentally changed: fewer letters must now be delivered to more addresses. The report, which had been criticized by the union, suggests the Crown corporation expand community mailboxes and close more rural post offices to tighten budgets. Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu, who sent the two Canada Post offers to a vote, had asked the parties to come to terms for binding arbitration to end the dispute. This had been favored by the union, but Canada Post had declined due to the lengthiness that a third-party negotiation process would likely require, particularly as the courier fights through its financial struggles. Binding arbitration was used to end multiple Canadian work stoppages last year at the countrys major seaports and Class I railroads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hajdu said it is now up to both parties to return to the table and has indicated that the Canadian government expects the parties to reach a resolution as soon as possible. The CFIBs Kelly called on government intervention to prevent another strike from happening, by extending the current collective bargaining agreement for the foreseeable future. NEW YORK (PIX11) Daycare in Central Brooklyn for two-year-old Cora cost her mother Jessi Olsen $2,200 a month. Our current payment is more than our mortgage is, Olsen lamented. More Local News Both she and her husband work full-time, but they said they still have to budget every penny carefully just to stay in the city. We dont want to leave New York, we love New York, Olsen said. She and others took their concerns Monday directly to Democratic nominee for Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He held a round table event with Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani is promising to move the city toward universal childcare. PIX11 asked him about Coras family with her mom and dad making too much for help, but too little to live comfortably. The Democratic nominee says he hears stories like it often. This vision that we have spoken about, about delivering universal childcare from children the ages of six weeks to five years is one that will be for every New Yorker, Mamdani pledged. Its one that will require us to keep the centers we have open to open new centers. And to pay the workers the amount of money they can actually live on. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams is making the case hes done plenty to help with the citys affordability crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reduced fare MetroCard, free broadband for NYCHA, no income tax, no income tax at all for low-income New Yorkers, Adams said, checking off items he says amount to giving New Yorkers a $30 billion break. This administration did that. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo said hell be rolling out a full affordability agenda soon, but has previously said getting 3-K fully expanded should be the first priority. He also noted rolling out Universal pre-K statewide while Governor. The more we can make things affordable, the better, Cuomo said. More News: NY Elections Cuomo and Adams continue to focus much of their energy on questioning Mamdanis potential leadership of the NYPD. The Democratic nominee and frontrunner in the polls last week defended eyebrow-raising past tweets about cops and defunding the police. Mamdani also said he would not expand the NYPD to help reduce OT; rather, lean into social workers to handle certain matters of concern like homelessness and mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo Monday rolled out a plan to hire thousands more police officers and boost recruitment and retention with higher salaries, along with signing and retention bonuses. He said Mamdani just does not understand public safety and dislikes police. Adams also targeted Mamdanis vision for not having police respond to certain issues, calling it an unrealistic idealize that could result in people getting hurt. The Mayor also said Mamdanis plan to stop the Strategic Response Group from responding to protests was shortsighted and could lead to protests getting out of 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 PIX11. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Massachusetts State Police assisted Holyoke crews with a car fire on I-91 north Tuesday afternoon. Connecticut River lowered three feet for dam assessment The Holyoke Fire Department said that crews were in the area of I-91 north near the Soldiers Home working to put out a small car fire at approximately 1:30 p.m. Massachusetts State Police were also at the location providing aid. (Holyoke Fire Department) (Holyoke Fire Department) 22News contacted Holyoke Fire Captain David Rex, who confirmed that the fire originated from the vehicles engine compartment. The car was towed from the area, and no one was injured as a result of the incident. 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. A care worker employed under a false name fled to Ghana after a 14-year-old girl died on his watch, an inquest heard. Ruth Szymankiewicz, who had an eating disorder, died after being left alone at a mental health hospital in Berkshire in February 2022. She had been placed under strict one-to-one supervision after she self-harmed 10 days before her death at Huntercombe Hospital, in Taplow. On Feb 12 2022, the member of staff responsible for watching her a man then known as Ebo Acheampong failed to maintain the constant supervision plan, Buckinghamshire coroners court was told. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It later emerged that Mr Acheampong had been using false identity documents and was hired by the hospital under a false name. The evidence showed he had been employed through an agency, Platinum, who checked his identity documents, and they even trained him by putting him through a day-and-a-half course, the coroner Ian Wade KC told inquest jurors. It appears that these particular processes were the norm and were sufficient to enable a hospital to employ this person. But on Feb 12, he did not keep Ruth under a constant watch. Some time around 8pm, this man ended his shift without knowing where she was and without making sure that he handed her over to another member of staff to continue the one-to-one care regime. He simply left. He let her down Ms Szymankiewicz was left unsupervised for a period of 15 minutes, during which she was able to asphyxiate herself, the coroner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acheampong never returned to work at Huntercombe Hospital, jurors were told. It seems that he learned what happened that evening, said Mr Wade. Police launched an investigation and found Acheampong had gone to Heathrow and boarded a plane to Ghana, never to be seen again, the coroner said. You will not hear from that man, and he let Ruth down, he told jurors. A post-mortem examination carried out by the Home Office later determined the preliminary cause of death to be hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a type of brain damage from a lack of oxygen. The court further heard that Huntercombe Hospital had been inspected twice by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) prior to the incident. The CQC had not reported favourably on Huntercombe, the coroner told the inquest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Active Care Group, which owned Huntercombe at the time of Ms Szymankiewiczs death, has since closed the facility. The inquest continues. 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. NATHROP, Colo. (KDVR) If you had to pick the two most popular summer campers at Silver Cliff Ranch over the weekend, Chief and Jewel would win by more than a hair. The fluffy, good-natured Samoyed dogs provided comfort and therapy for about 50 kids attending Camp Erin Denver, a bereavement camp for kids who are coping with the loss of a parent, sibling or others who are important in their lives. Carie Hallford pleads guilty under plea deal in federal Return to Nature Funeral Home case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the past 12 years, Shimmering Wings, a Denver-based nonprofit that offers support for those whove suffered a childhood death loss, has organized the camp. More than 600 campers have attended since the first camp in 2013. The children at this years camp lost loved ones to homicide, suicide, accidents, overdoses, cancer and other heartbreaking causes. Kaylee, 12, came to camp to remember her parents. On New Years Day, Kaylee, her brother, their parents and their new puppy were on a car ride on Highway 36 near Boulder when their vehicle crashed and rolled over. We had slid off the road and it all kind of happened so fast, so I dont know all the details, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaylee and her brother suffered some minor injuries and had to go to the hospital. And the sheriff walks in and he goes, Mom and Dad didnt make it. And on our way home, I was like Im never gonna see them again and when I got home, it really hit me, Kaylee said. Kaylee was one of nearly 50 children at this years camp. Grant lost his dad to a rare cancer. Theres a light bulb. No matter how many times we change it, its gonna be flickering. So hes there, he said. Donovans dad died of a stroke two years ago. When my mom came home, we had a talk and she was like, Daddy has stopped suffering, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They came to camp to take part in exercises and activities designed to help them cope with their grief, and be around other kids who can relate to the trauma and sorrow their experiencing. Camp helps kids make new bonds, move past anxiety I think seeing the kids from Friday when theyre scared and anxious and what am I doing here and to see them leaving, I mean, these kids have bonded so quickly this weekend. To see them leaving without. Yeah, thats perspective, said Barb Kamlet, camp director and executive director of Shimmering Wings. An added bonus: They got to squeeze, hug and play with Chief and Jewel, two of the most effective therapy tools at camp. USDA allows Colorado to exempt soda, sugary drinks from SNAP benefits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dogs love the kids, the kids love the dogs, said Denise, the dog handler. She first started bringing her therapy dogs to Camp Erin in 2013, soon after the death of her own daughter. Some dogs seem to understand whats going on or understand that you need a hug or understand that you need to hug them to feel better, she said. To learn more about Camp Erin Denver, or to volunteer or donate, visit the Shimmering Wings 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. Dozens of congregants from Bnai Israel in Boca Raton headed to their local Walmart on July 20 to join in on the second annual Supermarket Sweep hosted by the temple. The event, which is sponsored by the Kantor Family Center for Justice, is inspired by the classic game show. Participants were given a list of essential grocery items, including canned goods, toiletries, and pantry staples, and tasked with finding them throughout the store. All of the collected items were donated to families facing food insecurity and used to help support local organizations addressing hunger. The event raised over $2,000 in donations, most of which will help stock the Little Free Pantry at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to donating food, volunteers had the opportunity to learn about ongoing Social Action initiatives and deepen their understanding of the needs facing the greater Boca Raton community. We were able to bring our whole family and show them a mitzvah, said Marni Hamberg, who participated in the event with her husband and children. For more information about Bnai Torah volunteer opportunities and the Kantor Family Center for Justice, go to cbiboca.org/social-action. SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11) A cat seen clinging to the edge of an overpass of a major expressway in Brooklyn was rescued by a group of good Samaritans on Monday night. A sequence of videos uploaded on CitizenApp showed the small gray cat, wearing a colorful collar, perched on the edge of an overpass on the Gowanus Expressway near Exit 23 at 38th Street around 8p.m. More Local News (Credit: CitizenApp) If theres anybody out there thats animal rescue, please come, somebody come and rescue this cat. Hes going to get killed, a person behind the camera could be heard saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another clip, two people were seen standing on the shoulder of the overpass, trying to coax the little cat towards them. In its likely confusion, the lost animal jumped from the overpass to the ground below but was found by a resident shortly after. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State (Credit: CitizenApp) The person recorded themselves as they cautiously approached the cat hiding in a corner near 39th Street in Bay Ridge. The last CitizenApp clip in the saga shows the cat safely wrapped in a shirt, in the arms of one of the people who helped save it. The woman holding the grey kitty could be heard telling a firefighter she plans to take the cat to an animal rescue for help. (Credit: CitizenApp) Social media video from the nonprofit Sunset Park Cats shows that the cat is reportedly a 3-year-old girl named Juno who was taken to the emergency veterinary center, VERG Brooklyn. Animal volunteers say Juno has since been reunited with her owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) After her initial bond hearing was delayed, Catherine Hoggle was back in court Tuesday in front of a Montgomery County judge, facing charges related to the murder of her two children, who went missing more than a decade ago. Judge Jeannie Cho ruled that 38-year-old Catherine Hoggle would be held without bond, saying her release would pose a profound level of danger to the community. Cho said there is strong and sufficient evidence against her, with ample evidence of planning, deceit, coverup, concealment, deception and escape. Sarah and Jacob Hoggle, her 3-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son, went missing back in 2014 after last being seen in Catherine Hoggles care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Catherine Hoggle makes first court appearance after murder indictment in Montgomery County During Tuesdays bond hearing, Montgomery County States Attorney John McCarthy restated some of their known facts in the case, but also shared new alleged details. Prosecutors entered into evidence a drawing Catherine reportedly made the day her two children were reported missing that appears to show her children in a trash can. McCarthy also told the judge that she made statements the same day to another patient at a psychiatric facility, telling them that she had just strangled her kids. The drawing was found alongside some of her belongings while she was missing in the initial days after her two children disappeared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial charges against her in the disappearance were dropped after she was deemed incompetent to stand trial for more than 5 years back in 2022, and she continued to be held at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center a maximum-security facility where she was committed for mental health treatment for the last 10 years. Just two weeks ago, however, she was discharged from the Howard County hospital. INITIAL COVERAGE: Mother deemed incompetent to stand trial in connection with missing children On Aug. 1, she was arrested after she was reindicted on first-degree murder charges. Prosecutors on Tuesday said her Perkins discharge documents indicate she is no longer symptomatic or delusional, with no conditions issued upon her release from the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks before her arrest, prosecutors say she was staying at a halfway house or group home in Maryland and was spotted out and about in the community. She was under round-the-clock police surveillance out of concern for her third surviving child, who was five years old at the time his two younger siblings disappeared, prosecutors noted. Catherine Hoggles attorney, David Felsen, argued she cannot be held any longer under Maryland law, the same law that forced the court to dismiss her case in 2022, after she was found incompetent to stand trial. Hoggles attorneys also said prosecutors have tried multiple times to get this case back in front of a judge. Felsen said a commissioner did not initially find probable cause to sign off on a new arrest warrant, so prosecutors took the case to a grand jury. McCarthy says that is not uncommon in a murder case of this nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont ignore the law when we want to ignore the law. The law is what we have. As we stand here today, she is not competent to stand trial and she is not restored, said Felsen in a press conference with reporters following the hearing. Her mental condition has, based on the records and everything that was discussed in court, she seems substantially improved from where she was years ago. Substantially. That gives me greater hope that well be successful in meeting our legal challenge. In terms of incompetency, said McCarthy. Additional hearings for Catherine Hoggle were not immediately set in court on Tuesday. For now, she remains held without bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) A Century man was killed over the weekend in a car crash in Escambia County. Foley National Guard members to deploy to Egypt According to an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency news release, the crash happened Friday afternoon just before 2 p.m. on Alabama 21 near the 16 mile marker, approximately 10 miles north of Atmore. Charles M. Cooper, 61, was killed when the Ford Crown Victoria he was driving hit a Kenworth tractor-trailer. Cooper was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gulf Breeze man wins Florida lottery ALEA is investigating the crash, but no further information is available at the 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 WKRG News 5. Seven months into President Trump's second term, California has filed 37 lawsuits against his administration and spent about $5 million doing it. Before you go off on a government-spending rant, let me drop this figure on you: For each dollar the state has spent in litigation with Trump, it has recouped $33,600 in funds that the federal government has tried to take away from the Golden State, according to Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta. That, as he put it during a Monday news conference, is "bringing the receipts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These aren't dollars Californians were wishing for or begging for from the federal government these are funds that have already been legally allotted to the state but which the Trump administration is attempting to stop for reasons petty, ideological or both. They pay for teacher training, immunizations, tracking infectious diseases, keeping roads safe, disaster recovery and on and on. And they are predominantly your tax dollars, being withheld from your state. "What we're demanding is that we get the funding that's already been legally approved and appropriated," Bonta said. But as much as it's about paying for the basics that keep California going, it's also about protecting an inclusive and equitable way of living that defines the ethos of our state. Don't tread on us! Californians get to spend our money how we see fit. "When you add it all up, you see the totality of what's at stake: the California dream," Bonta said. "The idea that every Californian, no matter how they look, where they live or how much money they have, can send their kid to school, go to the doctor when they're sick and put food on the table and a roof over their heads." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or as Gov. Gavin Newsom put it, it's litigation not for the sake of suing, but to "defend, to stand tall, to hold the line in terms of our values, the things we hold dear." Read more: Bonta says millions spent, but billions saved, in California's legal war with Trump It's serious times, folks. Trump has made it clear that he doesn't stand for LGBTQ+ rights, for immigrants' rights, for women's rights, for due process or even public schools. But so far, the courts have held, for the most part, to their responsibility to be a check on this unbalanced administration. Of course, lawyers win cases, sometimes regardless of facts. I want to give a shout out to our state Department of Justice. Bonta may be the state's top lawyer, but there is a whole army of legal folks behind these lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $5 million spent so far has been entirely in-house, Bonta said. This cash isn't going to expensive outside counsel, but, as my colleague Kevin Rector points out, money that is funding the smart, talented attorneys and staff who work for taxpayers. More than a few of them were around during Trump's first term, when the state was involved in more than 120 lawsuits against his administration. Many of those suits were about process the haphazard, rules-be-damned way Trump seeks to implement his policies. Our California lawyers learned then that courts do in fact uphold law, and simply pointing out that rules have to be followed was often enough to stop Trump. While we now have a seasoned legal team that understands the weaknesses in what Trump is doing, the sort-of-funny part is that he's still doing it. Few lessons learned, which is good for California. So far, these lawsuits by California have ensured that about $168 billion that Trump would have cut off instead continued to flow to California. Bonta said that in the 19 cases that have made it in front of a judge so far, he's succeeded in 17, including winning 13 court orders directly blocking Trump's "illegal actions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes also secured wins outside of court, including when the U.S. Department of Education recently backed down after freezing school funding weeks before school is set to start. That funding, under threat of a lawsuit, has been restored. Bonta said that while the state is fighting every lawsuit with rigor, two are personal to him and "remain sort of the most important in terms of what they represent." They happen to be the first two suits the state filed, shortly after Trump took office. The first was about birthright citizenship, and Trump's bid to end it. It's a case Bonta says is "very meaningful" to him. Bonta was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States when he was 2 months old, living in a trailer in the Central Valley town of La Paz, the home of the United Farm Workers. His parents left their country to avoid martial law as the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos gained power, and worked with civil rights leaders including Cesar Chavez once they settled here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So it makes sense that an executive order that would leave about 24,500 babies born each year in California without U.S. citizenship hits hard with Bonta. Bonta, along with attorneys general of several other states, filed that lawsuit the day after Trump took office, in response to an executive order he signed on Inauguration Day. So far, multiple courts have expressed deep skepticism of that order, and the idea that the Constitution and prior Supreme Court rulings should be ignored in favor of Trump's position. The second case that Bonta takes personally is a multistate pushback on Trump's sweeping halt of federal funding. That case put at risk about $3 trillion nationwide, including that $168 billion in California, about a third of the state budget. Read more: After six months under Trump, California and L.A. are battlegrounds. Who benefits? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coming up next is a challenge to the deployment of Marines and National Guard troops in Los Angeles. The Trump administration has been quietly removing those soldiers in recent days, perhaps in preparation for asking the court to drop that case, which seems like a loser for them. No troops, no case. We'll see how it goes in a few days. "The Marines and the National Guardspeople arrived to quiet streets in L.A.," Bonta said. "The president has been incredibly, in my view, disrespectful to these patriots. He's treated them as political pawns." The $5 million the state has spent so far on legal fights with Trump is part of $25 million the Legislature set aside earlier this year during a special session. Bonta said that even that will likely not be enough to keep the challenges flowing for the next three and a half years. Newsom, for his part, is all in and promised that Bonta "will not be in need of resources to do his job." (And yes, I know it raises his profile for a 2028 presidential run.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as it seems ridiculous that we are setting aside this huge chunk of change for legal fees at a moment when we are facing a budget crisis, the cost of letting Trump run roughshod over our state is much higher. This is money well spent. Because it's not just our federal funding at stake, it's the California dream. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A year after a student-led uprising ousted then-Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, interim leader Muhammad Yunus marked the occasion by formally reading out the July Declaration, a symbolic roadmap that promises national unity, democratic reforms and inclusive governance. Bangladeshs first post-Hasina elections are expected in the first half of next year, although the countrys main political parties have failed to agree on an exact date, the Associated Press reports. Although last years mass protests lasted more than a month, Bangladesh was far from prepared for such a dramatic change in government, in large part because, up until the days before it happened, few observers believed the uprising would actually lead to Hasinas ouster. She had been in power continuously for 16 years, and during that time, Hasinas ruling Awami League, or AL, violently quashed the countrys political opposition and consolidated control over the judiciary, media and security structures. She had survived mass protests, including student-led demonstrations, numerous times before. The fact that these protests prompted her to step down and flee to India, then, surprised not only outside observers but Bangladeshs political elite, leading to a brief constitutional crisis. An interim government led by Yunus was installed three days later, and he promised democratic reforms and justice for Hasinas violent repression of last years protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, though, the interim government has faced increasingly complex challenges. Politically, the opposition parties that unified during the uprising quickly became divided once Hasina was gone. With the AL now banned, at least temporarily, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, is the countrys largest political force, and as a result it has pushed for earlier elections and fewer reforms. By contrast, the Jamaat-e-Islami, JIan Islamist party banned under Hasinaand the National Citizen Party, which was formed by the student leaders behind last years protests, have pushed for deeper structural reforms and even a new constitution before elections are held. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. At the same time, the country faces a growing crime wave, particularly in Dhaka, that the interim government has struggled to address. And while Bangladeshs economy has shown generally positive signs over the past year, the country faces an imminent tariff of 20 percent on exports to the United States that will likely hit the countrys textile industry hard, albeit not as badly as U.S. President Donald Trumps initial threat of 37 percent. Finally, ties with Indiawhere Hasina remains todayhave grown strained, in large part because of New Delhis reluctance to extradite Hasina in spite of requests from Dhaka. The result of all of these challenges is growing disillusionment in Bangladesh. The July Declaration offers some much-needed optimism about the countrys democratic future, but many of its promises have been made by the interim government before, and there is little sign that a political breakthrough among opposition parties is coming. That said, Bangladesh has certainly shown the capacity to surprise. The post The Challenges Facing Bangladesh One Year After Hasinas Ouster appeared first on World Politics Review. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) The Champaign County Sheriffs Office issued a total of 20 speeding tickets during a recent speed enforcement campaign, newly released data shows. The Sheriffs Office took part alongside more than 200 other Illinois law enforcement agencies in the speeding catches up with you campaign between July 11 and July 23. Between those dates, Champaign County Sheriffs deputies issued 20 speeding citations, three traffic warnings and one citation for a child restraint violation. New DMV+ in Champaign making visits faster Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies also focused on speed enforcement during their regular patrols, Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said. The faster a vehicle is travelling, the less time the driver has to react to unexpected obstacles in the roadway, Heuerman said. Weve seen many car crashes, including deadly car crashes, happen because of speeding. Thats why enforcement of speed limits is important for us as a law enforcement agency. It could save somebodys life. The police departments from the City of Champaign and the City of Jacksonville also took part in the statewide campaign. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her has named administrator Carlos Castillo as chief academic officer, among a slew of changes impacting the districts diversity, equity and inclusion efforts ahead of the new school year. Castillo previously served as Fresno Unifieds head of DEI a position that has been reconfigured, according to the district. The district told The Bee in a statement that the the roles responsibilities will be fulfilled under a new position of associate superintendent of family and student services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That position has not yet been filled. The administrator will oversee multiple departments including the Department of Prevention and Intervention (DPI), Parent University, African American Academic Acceleration (A4) and others serving our students and families, the district said. Along with the reconfiguration of the chief of DEI position, district leaders from A4 will also host listening sessions to collect community feedback on potential name changes for the program. These potential changes come as the Trump Administration takes aim at DEI programs. In February, the Department of Education unveiled an End DEI portal encouraging community members to submit reports of discrimination based on race or sex in publicly-funded K-12 schools. Fresno Unified said a possible name change is being considered to best represent the work of the department. The district didnt comment on whether this shift is the result of external pressures, such as a lawsuit by the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation in February that alleges racial discrimination against non-Black students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Fresno Unified said A4 served 7,950 students during the 23-24 school year, including 1,212 single-race Black students, the foundation accused the program of being exclusionary. From speaking to parents, its been indicated to us that the school district directly advertises these programs only to African American students, and there have been students who have attended this program and have been redirected to other programs on the basis of their race, Wilson Freeman, a Pacific Legal Foundation attorney whos representing the group, said. The school district said in February, shortly after the lawsuit was filed, that it wasnt planning any changes to its DEI department or A4 program. Charge: Motorcyclist keeps riding after his sister is thrown off, critically injured originally appeared on Bring Me The News. A motorcyclist returning home from the bar Sunday kept riding after his sister was thrown off the back of the motorcycle, according to a new criminal charge. Prosecutors in Washington County on Tuesday charged 70-year-old Lonnie W. Cory, of Inver Grove Heights, with one count of criminal vehicular operation tied to great bodily harm and leaving the scene of the crash, which allegedly happened just before 7 p.m. on Highway 61 in St. Paul Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cory was arrested at his home later that evening. As of Tuesday, Cory's sister, a 60-year-old Newport woman, remains in critical condition. The charge states she is intubated and suffered "serious permanent disfigurement" because of the crash. According to the criminal complaint, a preliminary breath test registered Cory's blood alcohol content at 0.127. Minnesota's legal limit is 0.08. Cory allegedly told police he drank earlier in the day and began drinking again after returning home. He is not currently charged with any alcohol-related offense in connection with the crash. Witness describes the crash A witness, who captured the incident on his dashboard camera, said he was traveling about 80 mph on Highway 61 when Cory passed his car on his Harley Davidson Road King, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[The witness] stated that the driver of the motorcycle flipped him off as he passed," the charge details. The witness said the driver of a Land Rover moved from the left lane into the right lane to allow Cory to pass. That's when Cory allegedly struck the driver's side rear bumper of the Land Rover. "The motorcycle wobbled, which threw [the victim] off the back of the motorcycle," the charge reads. "[Cory] continued to drive without stopping." Pixabay According to the complaint, highway cameras show Cory stop at the top of the next ramp to look back at the crash scene. He then allegedly drove southbound instead of continuing north, passing the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses who called 911 believed the passenger was dead. Medics found her alive, but with a "severe head injury", the charge details. Motorcyclist admits he knew sister had fallen off According to the complaint, Cory asked officers if his sister was okay when police showed up at his home. Cory allegedly told officers he knew she'd fallen off the back of the motorcycle "but got scared and kept driving," the charge reads. He said they were coming back home from a bar in Prescott, Wisconsin when he "nicked" a car. When he looked back, he allegedly told police, his sister was no longer on the motorcycle. Cory made his first appearance in Washington County District Court on Tuesday. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared. "The Breakfast Club" host Charlamagne tha God doubled down on his criticism of President Donald Trumps second term on Monday after Trump lashed out at the radio host in a fiery social media post. During a wide-ranging interview Saturday on " My View with Lara Trump ," Charlamagne claimed that President Trump hadnt delivered on his key campaign promises, such as improving the economy for the people who needed it the most. "I wouldnt give it a good rating, simply because the least of us are still being impacted by the worst," he said of Trumps second term. He argued that the poorest Americans would be hurt by Trumps "Big Beautiful Bill" because of its reforms to programs like Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump responded by calling Charlamagne a "racist sleazebag" in a scathing Truth Social post on Sunday. Charlamagne Tha God Names Surprising 2028 Presidential Suggestion Radio host Charlamagne tha God hit back at President Donald Trump on Monday's "The Breakfast Club." "Hes a low-IQ individual, has no idea what words are coming out of his mouth and knows nothing about me or what I have done," Trump wrote in the post, defending his record on the economy, the border, and foreign policy. Read On The Fox News App The feud continued Monday after Charlamagne responded to Trump on "The Breakfast Club." He laughed off the personal insults about his intelligence and joked that some people might agree that he's a "sleazebag." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I looked up the definition of sleazebag, says its 'a disgusting or despicable person.' Depending on who you ask, that may apply to me," Charlamagne remarked. "I personally prefer friendly, neighborhood a-hole." Charlamagne Suggests Big, Beautiful Bill Is Sign That Midterms And 2028 Election Will Be 'Fixed' But he rebutted the president's "racist" claim. "He called me a racist," Charlamagne said in disbelief. "I didn't mention race, not one time on Lara Trump!" The radio host suggested it was ironic for Trump to call him this while his administration was tackling diversity and civil rights programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I didn't bring up the fact that President Trump issued an executive order directing oversight of institutions like the Smithsonian to remove or suppress narratives about systemic racism in Black history," he said. "They want to reframe cultural memory to eliminate discussions of historical racial injustice. That, along with determination of diversity and civil rights programs, are considered very racist by a lot of civil rights advocates. I didn't even bring that up, okay? I was just talking to your base, letting your base know that you haven't kept the promises you made in regards to the economy," he continued. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Charlamagne tha God and Andrew Schulz debated how Democrats would react if President Trump accomplished things this term that the majority of Americans support. Afterward, Charlamagne emphasized that he was "rooting" for Trump to succeed, so America could succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Believe it or not, I'm rooting for you, but I need you focused and, right now, you're not focused. Ok? We need you focused on two things: the economy and [Jeffrey] Epstein. I need you to keep the promises of a great economy and the promises of transparency with the Epstein files," he said. Original article source: Charlamagne fires back after Trump's social media attack calls him a 'racist sleazebag' Charlamagne tha God hit back at Donald Trump after the president called the radio host a racist sleazebag and low-IQ individual. During Mondays episode of The Breakfast Club, Charlamagne addressed Trumps criticism while dissecting the world leaders scathing Truth Social post about him during a segment called Donkey of the Day. Trump took aim at him over his appearance Saturday on My View With Lara Trump, the Fox News show hosted by the presidents daughter-in-law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking with Lara Trump, Charlamagne alleged that the MAGA base is losing its hold over the Republican Party due to the Trump administrations handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. He also predicted that traditional conservatives are going to take the Republican Party back. I think there is a political coup going on right now in the Republican Party that people arent paying attention to, Charlamagne said. I think that this Epstein thing is going to be a way for traditional conservatives to take their party back. On Monday, Charlamagne, whose real name is Lenard McKelvey, blew off the blowback from Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont care. He called me a sleazebag. I looked up the definition of sleazebag, says its a disgusting or despicable person. Depending on who you ask, that may apply to me, he quipped on The Breakfast Club. I personally prefer friendly neighborhood a-hole. He said Im a low-IQ individual. I dont know, Ive never taken an IQ test. He went on to accuse the Trump administration of bullying its opposers and pushing false narratives. Listen, my fellow Americans, we are in a strange time right now, a time we have never seen because authoritarian strategy is being used against anyone who speaks out against this administration, Charlamagne explained. ...[Trumps] reaction to what I said on Lara Trump shows how authoritarians will attempt to bully people into pushing false narratives. Charlamagne then called out Trumps claims that hes a racist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called me a racist. I didnt mention race, not one time on Lara Trump. I didnt bring up the fact that President Trump issued an executive order directing oversight of institutions like the Smithsonian to remove or suppress narratives about systemic racism and Black history, he argued, referring to Trumps executive orderin January that demanded the Smithsonian remove improper ideology from its exhibits. The move was criticized by many as an attempt to whitewash American history and eliminate discussions of systemic racism and social justice. Charlamagne closed out his comments with a call to action to Trump. I dont care whos in the White House, he said. I want America to succeed. Believe it or not, Im rooting for you, but I need you focused and right now, youre not focused. OK? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlamagne added: We need you focused on two things: the economy and Epstein. I need you to keep the promises of a great economy and the promises of transparency with the Epstein files. Watch The Breakfast Club below. Related... Traveling through Charlotte-Douglas International Airport with children is now easier thanks to a new TSA policy. Charlotte Douglas Airport to gain new security checkpoint, process more passengers The Transportation Security Administration has launched the "Families on the Fly" campaign, aimed at families traveling with children 12 and under. What were seeing is an expedited process for the families, said Jason Pantages, Federal Security Director at John Wayne Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new policy includes dedicated security lanes for families, discounts on TSA PreCheck, and a dedicated PreCheck security line for military families. The program has also been implemented at Charleston International Airport in South Carolina, with other locations in Florida, Hawaii, and California also participating. The Families on the Fly campaign is expected to streamline the security process for families, reducing wait times and improving the travel experience at participating airports. VIDEO: CLT flyer says lines at TSA are worst theyve seen SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) If you are looking for a way to help out animals at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, theres an opportunity for you. It has been a busy summer at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. This year, along with the past five years, has been trending upwards in animals. We seem to always be at capacity during the summertime, SFAHS Community Outreach Director Dana Konzem said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jury selection starts in triple murder trial Because of the high intake of animals the humane society sees, support from the community is critical. Were 100% funded by our community. We do not receive any funding from national organizations or from the government, Konzem said. Which is why a Chase the Ace fundraiser is being held at Titans Tavern in Tea, to help the Humane Society and its mission. Its every Tuesday and you can buy online or here. And you dont have to be present to win. But its $5 a ticket. If you purchase five, I believe you get one free. Or if you bring in a donation, you get a free entry, Owner at Titans Tavern, Tiffany North, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If your ticket gets drawn that night, you get about 20% of the buy-in. If you win the ace that night, you get half the pot, Konzem said. It was something the crew at Titans Tavern was excited to jump on board with. Animals pull on everybodys heartstrings in a little bit of a different way, North said. Giving our friends with 4 legs, a hand up. Help us take care of the animals. Help us buy food, maintain our building. Just kind of make sure that we stay a safe haven, Konzem said. If we didnt have them, we would just have a whole bunch of wild animals on the streets causing who knows what else and what kind of problem. So its a cool opportunity, and a lot of the times its just forgotten about, North said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chase the Ace is taking place tonight from 6-8 at Titans Tavern, tickets are only 5 dollars. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Credit - Johner ImagesGetty Images AI chatbots have become a ubiquitous part of life. People turn to tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot not just for help with emails, work, or code, but for relationship advice, emotional support, and even friendship or love. But for a minority of users, these conversations appear to have disturbing effects. A growing number of reports suggest that extended chatbot use may trigger or amplify psychotic symptoms in some people. The fallout can be devastating and potentially lethal. Users have linked their breakdowns to lost jobs, fractured relationships, involuntary psychiatric holds, and even arrests and jail time. At least one support group has emerged for people who say their lives began to spiral after interacting with AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The phenomenonsometimes colloquially called ChatGPT psychosis or AI psychosisisnt well understood. Theres no formal diagnosis, data are scarce, and no clear protocols for treatment exist. Psychiatrists and researchers say theyre flying blind as the medical world scrambles to catch up. What is ChatGPT psychosis or 'AI psychosis'? The terms aren't formal ones, but they have emerged as shorthand for a concerning pattern: people developing delusions or distorted beliefs that appear to be triggered or reinforced by conversations with AI systems. Psychosis may actually be a misnomer, says Dr. James MacCabe, a professor in the department of psychosis studies at Kings College London. The term usually refers to a cluster of symptomsdisordered thinking, hallucinations, and delusionsoften seen in conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. But in these cases, were talking about predominantly delusions, not the full gamut of psychosis. Read More: How to Deal With a Narcissist Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The phenomenon seems to reflect familiar vulnerabilities in new contexts, not a new disorder, psychiatrists say. Its closely tied to how chatbots communicate; by design, they mirror users language and validate their assumptions. This sycophancy is a known issue in the industry. While many people find it irritating, experts warn it can reinforce distorted thinking in people who are more vulnerable. Whos most at risk? While most people can use chatbots without issue, experts say a small group of users may be especially vulnerable to delusional thinking after extended use. Some media reports of AI psychosis note that individuals had no prior mental health diagnoses, but clinicians caution that undetected or latent risk factors may still have been present. I don't think using a chatbot itself is likely to induce psychosis if there's no other genetic, social, or other risk factors at play, says Dr. John Torous, a psychiatrist at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. But people may not know they have this kind of risk. The clearest risks include a personal or family history of psychosis, or conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study Those with personality traits that make them susceptible to fringe beliefs may also be at risk, says Dr. Ragy Girgis, a professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University. Such individuals may be socially awkward, struggle with emotional regulation, and have an overactive fantasy life, Girgis says. Immersion matters, too. Time seems to be the single biggest factor, says Stanford psychiatrist Dr. Nina Vasan, who specializes in digital mental health. Its people spending hours every day talking to their chatbots. What people can do to stay safe Chatbots arent inherently dangerous, but for some people, caution is warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, its important to understand what large language models (LLMs) are and what theyre not. It sounds silly, but remember that LLMs are tools, not friends, no matter how good they may be at mimicking your tone and remembering your preferences, says Hamilton Morrin, a neuropsychiatrist at Kings College London. He advises users to avoid oversharing or relying on them for emotional support. Psychiatrists say the clearest advice during moments of crisis or emotional strain is simple: stop using the chatbot. Ending that bond can be surprisingly painful, like a breakup or even a bereavement, says Vasan. But stepping away can bring significant improvement, especially when users reconnect with real-world relationships and seek professional help. Recognizing when use has become problematic isnt always easy. When people develop delusions, they dont realize theyre delusions. They think its reality, says MacCabe. Read More: Are Personality Tests Actually Useful? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends and family also play a role. Loved ones should watch for changes in mood, sleep, or social behavior, including signs of detachment or withdrawal. Increased obsessiveness with fringe ideologies or excessive time spent using any AI system are red flags, Girgis says. Dr. Thomas Pollak, a psychiatrist at Kings College London, says clinicians should be asking patients with a history of psychosis or related conditions about their use of AI tools, as part of relapse prevention. But those conversations are still rare. Some people in the field still dismiss the idea of AI psychosis as scaremongering, he says. What AI companies should be doing So far, the burden of caution has mostly fallen on users. Experts say that needs to change. One key issue is the lack of formal data. Much of what we know about ChatGPT psychosis comes from anecdotal reports or media coverage. Experts widely agree that the scope, causes, and risk factors are still unclear. Without better data, its hard to measure the problem or design meaningful safeguards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many argue that waiting for perfect evidence is the wrong approach. We know that AI companies are already working with bioethicists and cyber-security experts to minimize potential future risks, says Morrin. They should also be working with mental-health professionals and individuals with lived experience of mental illness. At a minimum, companies could simulate conversations with vulnerable users and flag responses that might validate delusions, Morrin says. Some companies are beginning to respond. In July, OpenAI said it has hired a clinical psychiatrist to help assess the mental-health impact of its tools, which include ChatGPT. The following month, the company acknowledged times its model fell short in recognizing signs of delusion or emotional dependency. It said it would start prompting users to take breaks during long sessions, develop tools to detect signs of distress, and tweak ChatGPTs responses in high-stakes personal decisions. Others argue that deeper changes are needed. Ricardo Twumasi, a lecturer in psychosis studies at Kings College London, suggests building safeguards directly into AI models before release. That could include real-time monitoring for distress or a digital advance directive allowing users to pre-set boundaries when theyre well. Read More: How to Find a Therapist Whos Right for You Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Joe Pierre, a psychiatrist at the University of California, San Francisco, says companies should study who is being harmed and in what ways, and then design protections accordingly. That might mean nudging troubling conversations in a different direction or issuing something akin to a warning label. Vasan adds that companies should routinely probe their systems for a wide range of mental-health risks, a process known as red-teaming. That means going beyond tests for self-harm and deliberately simulating interactions involving conditions like mania, psychosis, and OCD to assess how the models respond. Formal regulation may be premature, experts say. But they stress that companies should still hold themselves to a higher standard. Chatbots can reduce loneliness, support learning, and aid mental health. The potential is vast. But if harms arent taken as seriously as hopes, experts say, that potential could be lost. We learned from social media that ignoring mental-health harm leads to devastating public-health consequences, Vasan says. Society cannot repeat that mistake. Contact us at letters@time.com. ChatGPT has added new mental health guardrails after reports of the bot feeding peoples delusions. The artificial intelligence software has changed the way humans interact with computers. And while the chatbot can give helpful advice for day-to-day problems, there are concerns about people growing too attached to the technology and improperly using it for deeper mental health issues. The Independent recently reported on how ChatGPT is pushing people towards mania, psychosis and death, citing a study published in April in which researchers warned people using chatbots when exhibiting signs of severe crises, risk receiving dangerous or inappropriate responses that can escalate a mental health or psychotic episode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on its website Monday, OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, admitted, We dont always get it right. Earlier this year, an update made the [4o] model too agreeable, sometimes saying what sounded nice instead of what was actually helpful, the AI company said. ChatGPT has added mental health guardrails after reports of the bot feeding peoples delusions (AFP/Getty) OpenAI has since rolled back the update and made some changes to appropriately help users who are struggling with mental health issues. Starting Monday, ChatGPT users who converse with the bot for an extended amount of time will receive gentle reminders encouraging them to take a break, according to the post. OpenAI worked with more than 90 physicians in more than 30 countries to build custom rubrics for evaluating complex, multi-turn conversations, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company admitted to rare instances where its 4o model fell short in recognizing signs of delusion or emotional dependency, and said its continuing to improve our models and are developing tools to better detect signs of mental or emotional distress so ChatGPT can respond appropriately and point people to evidence-based resources when needed. OpenAI has announced ChatGPT users who converse with the bot for an extended amount of time will now receive reminders encouraging them to take a break (AFP/Getty) Open AI said the bot should not give you an answer to a personal question, such as Should I break up with my boyfriend? but rather help you come to your own realization by asking you questions and weighing the pros and cons. New behavior for high-stakes personal decisions is rolling out soon, the company said. The Independent has reached out to OpenAI for more details. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) The third person involved in a home invasion turned stabbing has learned her fate in court. Katherine Smith of Chatham pleaded guilty to a charge of home invasion, which is a Class X felony. On Monday, she was sentenced to 13 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Following that, she will spend 18 months on mandatory supervised release. Urbana man gets 20 years for robbery-turned-shooting in Champaign last year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, Smith was also facing charges of armed robbery, murder/other forcible felony, but the other charges were dismissed after a plea deal was reached. The charges stem from a 2018 home invasion that escalated into murder. WCIA previously reported that on Feb. 23, 2018, Dayne Woods and Mark Meszaros broke into 19-year-old Dohndre Hughes home on East Jackson Street near McCreery Avenue through the back door. They ordered Hughes to the ground, but when he did not comply, Woods stabbed him in the chest, killing him. WCIA also previously reported that Woods, Meszaros and Smith were all originally charged with first degree murder, home invasion and armed robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 2024, Woods was found guilty on charges of home invasion, armed robbery, theft and first-degree murder. Then in August of last year, he was sentenced to 37 years in prison. Meszaros pleaded guilty to charges of armed robbery and home invasion in January, 2025. As part of a plea deal, the state dismissed the first degree murder charge. He was sentenced to 30 years in 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 WCIA.com. The Brief A woman was killed and two others were injured in a shooting while sitting in a car early Tuesday in Englewood. Police said no one is in custody, and the victims couldnt provide details about the shooting. CHICAGO - A 16-year-old girl was shot and seriously wounded Tuesday morning in Chicago's Grand Crossing neighborhood. What we know The teen was in the backyard of a home in the 7400 block of South Dante Avenue around 1:34 a.m. when someone in a gray SUV started shooting, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl was shot in both legs and was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital where she was listed in serious condition. Police said no arrests have been made. Area One detectives are investigating. The Source The information in this report came from the Chciago Police Department. PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM) A fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept just announced plans to expand into several key markets, which include right here in Pennsylvania. Chicken Salad Chick, a restaurant franchise known for its southern-style chicken salad, has announced a strategic expansion throughout the Atlantic region with several new multi-unit franchisees. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Local Business Beat According to Chicken Salad Chick, this next wave of expansion includes growth across key markets in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Here in the Keystone State, Chicken Salad Chick is welcoming two new pairs of franchisees, which include: Jacob & Sabrina Longley Pittsburgh, PA Entering the dynamic Northeast market, the Longleys are launching in an area that is undergoing a resurgence of entrepreneurship, healthcare, and lifestyle-focused brands. Amanda & Ernest Greenford Allentown, PA The Greenfords will focus on a family-focused area experiencing rapid suburbanization and economic revitalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With strong in-migration, suburban growth, and a deep-rooted appreciation for community-centered brands, the Atlantic region offers ideal conditions for franchise success, Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick, said. Were proud to grow alongside exceptional multi-unit operators who are helping us bring the Chick experience to more neighborhoods than ever before. According to Chicken Salad Chicks website, these Pennsylvania locations would become the first to debut in the Commonwealth. Chicken Salad Chick was first founded in Auburn, Alabama, by Stacy and Kevin Brown back in 2008. Today, the chicken salad franchise has grown to more than 305 restaurant locations across 22 states. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Thousands in southern China have been infected with a mosquito-borne illness in the past few weeks, in what's considered one of the most notable outbreaks of the disease since it was first detected in the country nearly two decades ago. The latest outbreak of chikungunya has infected more than 7,000 in the southern Chinese city of Foshan, with sporadic cases in other neighboring cities and municipalities in Guangdong province. So severe is the outbreak that a vice premier visited a massively affected district in the city last week and urged efforts to curb imported cases and prevent the spread of Chikungunya both within and outside affected regions, according to state-run news organization Xinhua. The rapid rise of infections in the province also prompted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a travel warning to caution visitors earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Why Mosquitoes Are So Dangerous Right Now Local officials are now working to combat chikungunyas spread, using some tried-and-tested epidemic measures to respond to infections as well as more creative efforts to reduce the population of mosquitoes that cause it. Heres what to know about the disease. What is chikungunya? Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus of the same name. The virus, according to the World Health Organization, is commonly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These species of mosquitoes are also known to carry other disease-causing pathogens, like those that cause dengue and Zika infections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Symptoms of chikungunya appear, on average, between four-to-eight days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and nausea, but a chikungunya infection is characterized by the accompanying severe joint pain that can last for months or years. The name chikungunya itself is derived from a word in the Kimakonde language of southern Tanzaniawhere the disease was first identified in 1952which means that which bends up and describes how people infected with it appear stooped because of the associated pain. People cannot move because its so painful. There are tears in their eyes, Dr. Pilar Ramon-Pardo, a PAHO/World Health Organization adviser in clinical management, told TIME in 2014. But chikungunya cannot be transmitted between humans and is rarely a fatal disease. A study published in Nature in June estimated that some 35.3 million get infected by the disease across 180 countries and territories per year, but only 3,700 deaths occur (0.01% of cases). The WHO says infants and the elderly have a higher risk of contracting a severe form of the disease. There is no cure for chikungunya, and treatment depends on the management of symptoms. How common are chikungunya outbreaks? After chikungunyas emergence in Tanzania, other countries in Africa and Asia also detected the presence of the disease, per the WHO. Urban outbreaks were recorded in Thailand in 1967 and in India in the 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2004, a massive outbreak of chikungunya originated in East Africa, particularly in Kenyas Lamu Island, where it infected 70% of the islands population. The disease then spread to other neighboring islands like Mauritius and Seychelles. India faced a widespread outbreak of the disease in 2006 when it recorded almost 1.3 million suspected chikungunya infections, most of which were from the Karnataka and Maharashtra provinces. That year, there was also a chikungunya outbreak in Sri Lanka, and the following years also saw outbreaks in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Thailand, infecting thousands. As of May 4, over 47,500 cases of chikungunya have been reported in the French island territory of La Reunion, and there is sustained high transmission across the island since the outbreak began last year, according to the WHO. In the U.S., the first locally-acquired cases were reported in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2014, per the U.S. CDC. By 2015, chikungunya became a nationally notifiable condition. The WHO noted in 2016 that the risk of large-scale outbreaks of Chikungunya virus in the United States is considered to be low, but indigenous cycles of transmission could not be fully ruled out. From 2010 to 2019, China had imported cases of chikungunyaincluding clusters in Dongguan, Guangdong in 2010 and Ruili, Yunnan in 2019according to Chinas National Health Commission. How bad is the current outbreak in China? The earliest known symptomatic case in Chinas chikungunya outbreak was on June 16, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The latest outbreaks cases are concentrated in the Shunde District of Foshan, a city of 9 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From July 27 to Aug. 2, around 2,892 new local cases of chikungunya were reported, and 95% of the cases were in Foshan. The rest were scattered in other cities and municipalities in the region, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Zhongshan. On Aug. 4, Hong Kong, the semi-autonomous region and international port China governs, reported its first imported case. Chinas CDC has attributed the 2025 outbreak to imported cases. "With the virus spreading globally, imported cases have inevitably reached China," Liu Qiyong, China CDCs chief expert in vector-borne disease control, told state-affiliated news organization CGTN. "Given the established presence of local transmission vectors, particularly Aedes mosquitoes, these imported infections have fueled sustained local transmission cycles, leading to concentrated, small-scale outbreaks in affected regions." Chinese authorities have not elaborated on the specific imported case that triggered the outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kang Min, director of the institute for prevention and control of infectious diseases at the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, warned that the current flood and typhoon season have also boosted mosquito activity, complicating disease prevention and control efforts. In response to the outbreak, Chinese authorities are borrowing from their COVID-19 playbook: conducting mass tests, isolating infected residents, and disinfecting entire neighborhoods. A worker carries out mosquito eradication efforts on a green belt in Guangzhou, Guangdong province of China, on July 30, 2025. Chen Chuhong/China News ServiceGetty Images Foshan authorities have designated dozens of hospitals as treatment centers, and increased its mosquito-proof isolation beds for infected persons to more than 7,000, per Xinhua. But across southern China, authorities have also explored more unconventional solutions: like deploying larvae-eating fish into the citys lakes which can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes, or releasing swarms of elephant mosquitoes that dont bite humans but instead prey on the Aedes mosquitoes known for carrying the chikungunya virus. Read More: What to Know About the Rare But Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Concerning U.S. Towns How can one protect themselves from chikungunya? There is a vaccine against the mosquito-borne illness, but it is not yet available to the public in China. The countrys National Health Commission asserts that preventive measures like promptly clearing mosquito breeding grounds and reducing the density of mosquito vectors are the main way to prevent infection. These methods include the mosquito coils, repellents, mosquito nets and other methods to repel, kill and prevent mosquitoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S., the CDC says two vaccines against the disease are available, and its advised that those who are traveling to high-risk areas get vaccinated against the disease. Pregnant women should reconsider travel, and should hold off vaccination until after delivery, according to the U.S. CDC. Contact us at letters@time.com. Child advocacy centers CEO retires amid boards concerns about her leadership Jinger Robins, the longtime CEO of SafePath Childrens Advocacy Center in Cobb County, has retired following her suspension without pay due to multiple concerns raised by the organizations board. Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne was in Marietta where he obtained the boards letter, dated July 24. It cited several issues such as grant and financial improprieties, timecard and payroll discrepancies, cybersecurity and policy violations and allegations of a hostile work environment including racial, ethnic, cultural harassment and nepotism. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] SafePath, which provides critical services to vulnerable children, is undergoing an internal investigation while continuing its mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chuck Boring, an attorney for SafePath, confirmed that Robins has retired and emphasized that the organization remains dedicated to its work. Those matters dont affect the work that SafePath does day in, day out, Boring said. Jinger Robins told Winne she was surprised by the boards concerns and decided to retire out of respect for the community and the children SafePath serves. She highlighted her 30-year commitment to the organization, during which she estimated SafePath has helped over 30,000 children. The Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, one of SafePaths funders, is also reviewing the concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the leadership change, Boring assured that SafePaths mission to provide forensic interviews and support to child victims remains unaffected. A March post on the Cobb County District Attorneys Instagram page praised Robins as a true champion for child advocacy and protection in Cobb County. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] China said on Tuesday it would introduce free pre-school education from the autumn, as the world's second most populous nation seeks to boost childbirth in the face of a looming demographic crisis. China's population has declined for three consecutive years, with United Nations demography models predicting it could fall from around 1.4 billion today to 800 million by 2100. There were just 9.54 million births in China last year, half the number in 2016, when Beijing ended its one-child policy after more than three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The population declined by 1.39 million last year, and China lost its crown as the world's most populous country to India in 2023. Marriage rates are also at record low levels, with many young couples put off having babies by high child-rearing costs and career concerns. On Tuesday China's cabinet, the State Council, announced that: "starting in the fall semester of 2025, childcare and education fees will be waived for children attending public kindergartens in the year before school". The policy aims to "effectively reduce the cost of education, improve the level of public education services, and provide education that satisfies the people", the State Council said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing described it as an "important measure that concerns thousands upon thousands of households and relates to long-term development". Funding for the new measure would be shared between central and local authorities, while children attending approved private kindergartens would also be eligible for fee reductions. The announcement comes a week after the country said it would offer parents the equivalent of $500 per year for each child under the age of three. At a news conference in Beijing last week, National Health Commission (NHC) official Wang Haidong acknowledged that the country had "gradually shifted from a phase of population growth to a phase of population decline". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The childcare subsidy system can directly increase people's cash income," Guo Yanhong, vice minister of the NHC, said. Chinese leaders have in recent years struggled to breathe life into the economy, beset by a years-long property crisis that has spooked would-be homebuyers and dissuaded many people from having children. China's shrinking population is also ageing fast, sparking worries about the future of the country's pension system. There were nearly 310 million people aged 60 and over in 2024. sam/oho/mtp More than 7,000 cases of a mosquito-borne virus have been reported across China's Guangdong province since July, prompting measures similar to those taken during the Covid-19 pandemic. In Foshan city, which has been hit the hardest, chikungunya patients must stay in hospital, where their beds will protected with mosquito nets. They can only be discharged after they test negative or at the end of a week-long stay. Spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, the virus causes fever and severe joint pain, which sometimes can last for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although rare in China, chikungunya outbreaks are common in South and South East Asia and parts of Africa. How widespread are the infections in China? Aside from Foshan, at least 12 other cities in the southern Guangdong province have reported infections. Nearly 3,000 cases were reported in the last week alone. On Monday, Hong Kong reported its first case - a 12-year-old boy who developed fever, rash and joint pain after traveling to Foshan in July. The virus is not contagious, and only spreads when an infected person is bitten by a mosquito that then goes on to bite others. Officials say all the reported cases have been mild so far, with 95% of the patients discharged within seven days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the cases have led to some panic, given the virus is not widely known in the country. "This is scary. The prolonged consequences sound very painful," one user wrote on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The US has urged travellers to China to exercise "increased caution" following the outbreak. The best way to prevent the virus from spreading is to reduce pools of stagnant water that allow the mosquitoes to breed, says the World Health Organization [Getty Images] What else is China doing to curb infections? Authorities across Guangdong province have vowed to take "decisive and forceful measures" to stop the spread of the disease. Those with symptoms, such as fever, joint pain or rashes, are being urged to visit the nearest hospital so they can be tested for the virus. Authorities have instructed residents to remove stagnant water in their homes, such as in flowerpots, coffee machines or spare bottles - and warned of fines up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400) if they don't do this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are also releasing giant "elephant mosquitoes" that can devour smaller, chikungunya-spreading bugs; and an army of mosquito-eating fish. Last week, officials in Foshan released 5,000 of these larvae-eating fish into the city's lakes. In parts of the city, they are even flying drones to detect sources of stagnant water. Some neighbouring cities had ordered travellers from Foshan to undergo a 14-day home quarantine, but that has since been withdrawn. Some people have compared these measures to those imposed during the pandemic, and questioned their necessity. A user on Weibo wrote, "These feel so familiar... But are they really necessary?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another wrote: "What's the point of the quarantine? It's not as though an infected patient will then go around biting other people?" China implemented severe restrictions during the pandemic, including forcing people into quarantine camps and sealing residential buildings and whole neighbourhoods on short notice for days or even weeks. What is chikungunya? Most people bitten by an infected mosquito will develop symptoms of chikungunya within three to seven days. Apart from fever and joint pain, other symptoms include rash, headache, muscle pain and swollen joints. In most cases, patients will feel better within a week. In severe cases however, the joint pain can last for months or even years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those at risk for more severe disease include newborns, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. There is no cure, but deaths from chikungunya are rare. The virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952. It then spread to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia. To date, it has been reported in more than 110 countries. The best way to prevent the virus from spreading is to reduce pools of stagnant water that allow the mosquitoes to breed, according to the World Health Organization. China is issuing invalid passports to force Uyghurs who have fled persecution into returning home, where they face arbitrary detention, forced labour and possible death. Beijings embassies are believed to be deliberately producing travel documents with incorrect information for citizens living abroad, thus setting them up for deportation. For Uyghurs, a persecuted Muslim minority, being sent back to China means they are likely to face imprisonment, re-education camps, and torture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obulqasim Ismail, who has lived in Kyrgyzstan since 1998, told The Telegraph he was given a new passport at the Chinese embassy last autumn. It had his picture, but an incorrect name (Aisikaer Nuermaimaiti) and an incorrect birth date of Aug 3 1966, instead of March 16 1973. He protested to embassy staff, pointing out that the information was inaccurate, but they forced him to accept the passport anyway. To get the passport fixed, they said I would have to go to Urumchi [in China] to complain, he said. Mr Obulqasim, 52, is now stuck in limbo, and faces deportation within days from Kyrgyzstan to China because he is in possession of a fake passport in the eyes of the Kyrgyz authorities. 0508 Passport I am afraid they would incarcerate me if I went, Mr Obulqasim told The Telegraph. Im very scared about what will happen to me if Im forced to go back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2014, Chinas crackdown against the Uyghurs has intensified significantly, with the authorities arbitrarily detaining upwards of a million people in re-education camps, and scores more in prison for crimes such as praying and fasting. Beijing is also known to target fugitives abroad. The government has specified that it provides clues about fugitivesto the countries where they are located, so that these countries would deprive them of their residency status and compulsorily repatriate them to our country or the third country in accordance with immigration laws. Who China considers a fugitive, however, is very subjective, as the state considers political dissidents and ethnic minorities, such as Uyghurs and Tibetans, who are critical of the government to be criminals. Brazen arrests on foreign soil Beijing has brazenly sent its officers into other jurisdictions to make arrests on foreign soil, as well as kidnapping foreigners in secret and sending them back to prison. It is continually adapting its methods, and is particularly adept at exploiting legal grey areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, embassies and consulates would refuse to renew passports abroad, forcing applicants to return to China to process paperwork a practice that drew uproar globally. In many cases, they also would not issue passports domestically, controlling who could and could not travel abroad. But experts say Mr Obulqasims unusual situation of being issued with a passport with incorrect information could be a new way by which China is working to claw people back they want to silence, as part of a broader campaign of transnational repression. Obulqasim Ismail has become a target for China despite being neither an activist or a dissident in the years he has spent in Kyrgyzstan We do know China actively uses deportation in cooperation with other authorities to get people back thats an official policy, said Laura Harth, of Safeguard Defenders, a human rights advocacy organisation that focuses on China. Several means of forced returns are codified in Chinese law, with repatriation listed as one measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats new in Mr Obulqasims case is that the Chinese embassy did technically issue Mr Obulqasim with a passport, but with inaccurate identifying details, causing him a host of visa problems in Kyrgyzstan now leading to likely deportation. It seems quite smart, said Ms Harth, noting that such an approach gives China plausible deniability. Mr Obulqasim, a soft-spoken man, works as a chef, and is neither an activist nor a dissident. But experts say his mere identity as an Uyghur is enough to put him in Chinas crosshairs. We see this pattern over and over again. Not just in Kyrgyzstan, but in countries where China is targeting individuals, there doesnt seem to be rhyme or reason why, said Julie Millsap, director of government relations at the Wild Pigeon Collective, a Uyghur advocacy organisation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some seem to be very ordinary businesspeople, and at times not even particularly well-connected, yet China will go to efforts to force countries to send people back as part of a broader trend. After emigrating from China in 1998, Mr Obulqasim visited his country of birth only a few times, and hasnt returned in 25 years. His remaining family members there have all since died. Uyghur women confront a riot policeman during a protest in Urumqi in the far west Xinjiang province - Peter Parks/AFP/Getty Images He built a new life, and at one point ran his own restaurant in Kyrgyzstan, where he married and had several children. Other than a few short stints working in Uzbekistan and Turkey, also as a chef, he has primarily resided in Kyrgyzstan. Before his older brother died, Chinese authorities would force him to call Mr Obulqasim to try and persuade him to return. The message from his brother was always the same: They say you should come home, just for a week or two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas intimidation of Mr Obulqasim through his brother would always intensify around the time when he sought to renew his passport, he said. The harassment was serious enough that he distanced himself from his brother. Back then, passports granted to him were only valid for two to three years. But in 2013, to his surprise, Mr Obulqasim was suddenly issued a passport valid for a decade. Uyghurs abroad of increasing concern His most recent passport renewal application was his first attempt to receive new documents since China significantly ramped up its crackdown against the Uyghurs in a campaign that many Western politicians and governments have called a genocide. It is unclear whether China has a specific reason to target Mr Obulqasim, or whether he is simply caught up in the wider campaign to place Uyghurs under lock and key, particularly those in central Asian countries former Soviet Union countries where Beijing has edged Russia out in power and influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Beijing government is primarily concerned with ensuring the ruling Communist Party stays in power, and silencing any individual or group that might challenge its authority. Uyghurs abroad have been of increasing concern, as members of the diaspora were amongst the initial whistleblowers regarding Chinas extreme human rights abuses. A protester from the Uyghur community living in Turkey holds a placard during a visit by the Chinese foreign minister to Istanbul in 2021 - Emrah Gurel/AP Photo One possible explanation for Mr Obulqasims situation is that he had simply evaded the attention of the authorities until now, because he has not had to renew his passport since 2013. Experts have also raised the possibility that he may inadvertently have a connection to people who are linked to or participated in a 1997 political uprising against the government in Ghuljia, where he was born. The erroneous passport could also have been a clerical error, but one that the Chinese embassy for some reason is unwilling to fix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Obulqasim has now applied to be registered with the United Nations as an asylum seeker, and is awaiting a response. I am so afraid that they will just come at night, put a black hood over my head, handcuff me and take me to the airport to send me to China, he said. Im not able to sleep at night, and my heart is pounding all the time. My wifes hair is turning grey, and she is constantly on the verge of crying. My kids, too, are deeply worried. They try to be around me all the time in case the police come, but if they do come, there is nothing they or I can do. I dont have a theory for why this happened to me. This is the worst phase, and I have never felt more terrified or anxious. Its terrible; I am completely at their mercy, and I have not done anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese embassy in London said it was not aware of Mr Obulqasims case and accused Western media of reporting with a biased lens on Xinjiang, the far-west region of China where Uyghurs live. It also claimed that people of all ethnic groups live and work in peace and their lawful rights are fully safeguarded and said it was evidence of the true human rights situation and the effectiveness of Chinas policies in governing Xinjiang. Neither the Kyrgyz embassy in London nor the Chinese embassy in Bishkek replied to a request for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. CHKD celebrating 20 years of Buddy Brigade with public voting NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters (CHKD) is celebrating its 20th annual Buddy Brigade by letting the public vote for their favorite dog. The program originally started with seven dogs, all bringing smiles and joy to children who are receiving treatment at CHKD. Currently, the program has 41 fluffy volunteers. When we started this program 20 years ago, we had no idea how much these pups and volunteers would mean to our patients, their families and our staff, director of Volunteer Services and Family Centered Care Joy Parker said. Buddy Brigade dogs provide unconditional love, motivation, peace of mind and so much more. Our organization has embraced pet therapy wholeheartedly, and we look forward to what the future brings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a release, since the start of the program, 233 dogs have been able to visit children receiving outpatient care at CHKDs cancer clinic. Each volunteer dog has been specifically trained to work with children and have been certified by Alliance of Therapy Dogs of Pet Partners. To mark 20 years of the program, CHKD is holding a contest on Facebook where people can vote for their favorite dogs in several categories, including most likely to steal your heart, best hair and best head tilt. The contest will run from Aug. 4-15. For more information or to vote for your favorite pup, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Continue to check WAVY.com 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 WAVY.com. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A troubled property in Harrisburgs Midtown remains troubled, city leaders said. Code violations are piling up at Governors Square, a 221-unit complex just south of Maclay Street, dealing with unsafe living conditions such as broken windows, handrails, and, in some cases, no water or electricity. The city hoped aggressive citations would improve conditions, but things havent changed much. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ICYMI: Top 5 Stories of the Week Residents have been complaining about the property for years. In the past, the city has sent letters to its owner, suggested a receivership, and even proposed funds to get it up to code. Many people have now moved out. Leaders said theres not much more they can do because they do not own the property. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Annually, the first Tuesday of August sees National Night Out across the nation, a free community event that lets the public meet and interact with first responders in their neighborhood. Several cities in the Ozarks are hosting events. Check out the list below for cities around the area hosting events. Springfield Runs from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Meador Park (2500 S. Fremont Ave) The event will have law enforcement, health and safety groups, as well as neighborhood associations present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event features a live DJ, crime and safety info booths, police and fire vehicle tours, and more. Nixa Nixas National Night Out is being held at the X Center Pool (701 N Taylor Way) from 6-8 p.m. The city says their event will have a free night of swimming, plus food, games and chances to meet your local first responders. Bolivar Bolivars National Night Out runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Bolivar Recreation and Aquatic Center (1710 W. Broadway Street) Their event has free swimming at the aquatic center, safety demonstrations, tours of emergency vehicles, a booth fair, a car show and more. Kimberling City Kimberly City is doing National Night Out a little differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of one central location, the city is holding a Free Grill and Chill event The locations are Dudes BBQ (True Value Parking Lot), Cedar Wood Resort, Schooner Bay Landing, 15 Skyline Drive, 17 Northwoods Drive, and 6 Shamrock Way. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. and features free hot dogs, gifts for kids, photos, police car displays and a chance to meet the departments K-9s. Marionville Marionvilles National Night Out is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 401 East Benton. Their event features free food, free haircuts for school-aged children, free backpacks for the first 250 students, a bounce house, live music and more. Battlefield The Battlefield, Missouri Police Department is hosting their National Night Out from 6-8 p.m. at Cherokee Trail of Tears Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good Pizza Company will have food available for purchase, but there will be free Andys custard, music, and games. A post from the police department says businesses in the area will be present as well. One city OzarksFirst reached out to that isnt having a National Night Out is Ozark. A city rep says they will have their event in September, combining it with a Guns & Hoses Softball game on September 6. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Aug. 51/6 Swipe or click to see more Citizenship awards were presented at the close of the Lawrence County Fair on July 12, in memory of those who contributed the fair's history over the years. Families of Merrill Humphreys, Dora Myers, Kristie Owens and Bub Fout were on hand to accept the awards. (Kayla Niece For The Ironton Tribune) 2/6 Swipe or click to see more Citizenship awards were presented at the close of the Lawrence County Fair on July 12, in memory of those who contributed the fair's history over the years. Families of Merrill Humphreys, Dora Myers, Kristie Owens and Bub Fout were on hand to accept the awards. (Kayla Niece For The Ironton Tribune) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3/6 Swipe or click to see more Citizenship awards were presented at the close of the Lawrence County Fair on July 12, in memory of those who contributed the fair's history over the years. Families of Merrill Humphreys, Dora Myers, Kristie Owens and Bub Fout were on hand to accept the awards. (Kayla Niece For The Ironton Tribune) 4/6 Swipe or click to see more Citizenship awards were presented at the close of the Lawrence County Fair on July 12, in memory of those who contributed the fair's history over the years. Families of Merrill Humphreys, Dora Myers, Kristie Owens and Bub Fout were on hand to accept the awards. (Kayla Niece For The Ironton Tribune) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5/6 Swipe or click to see more Citizenship awards were presented at the close of the Lawrence County Fair on July 12, in memory of those who contributed the fair's history over the years. Families of Merrill Humphreys, Dora Myers, Kristie Owens and Bub Fout were on hand to accept the awards. (Kayla Niece For The Ironton Tribune) 6/6 Swipe or click to see more Citizenship awards were presented at the close of the Lawrence County Fair on July 12, in memory of those who contributed the fair's history over the years. Families of Merrill Humphreys, Dora Myers, Kristie Owens and Bub Fout were on hand to accept the awards. (Kayla Niece For The Ironton Tribune) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citizenship awards were presented at the close of the Lawrence County Fair on July 12, in memory of those who contributed the fair's history over the years. Families of Merrill Humphreys, Dora Myers, Kristie Owens and Bub Fout were on hand to accept the awards. Trending * Westbound ramp of U.S. 52 to State Route 141 will be closed starting Monday * Two Hearts opens Ironton location Trending * Living in a rock 'n' roll fantasy * Men indicted for strangulation You Might Like News Westbound ramp of U.S. 52 to State Route 141 will be closed starting Monday Business Two Hearts opens Ironton location Ashland, KY Living in a rock 'n' roll fantasy News Men indicted for strangulation CRAWFORD CO., Kan. A collapsed ceiling leads to a change for one group of voters ahead of tomorrows election. Voters in the city of Cherokee will now be headed to the city tornado shelter to cast their ballots. When staff from the Crawford County Clerks Office arrived at the Cherokee Senior Center to set up for that election, they discovered part of the ceiling had collapsed. After deciding it wasnt safe to let voters in the building, the change was made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters in that precinct will be deciding the fate of the USD 247 school board member position 5 race. Well have the results tomorrow evening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The City of El Pasos intervention in El Paso Electrics proposed rate increase will take an important step starting this week. An administrative law judge will conduct a hearing about the rate case, starting on Thursday, Aug. 7. The hearing, which will be held virtually, is scheduled to last until Aug. 15. It will include testimony and cross-examination from El Paso Electric, the City and other intervenors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Paso City Council denies El Paso Electrics proposed rate increase The Public Utility Commission of Texas received El Paso Electrics request for a rate increase back in January and referred the case to an an administrative law judge to conduct a hearing and issue a proposal for a decision, the City said. EPE is seeking a $93 million increase to its annual revenues, the City said. The City said that is driven largely by $1.55 billion in infrastructure investments from January 2021 to September 2024 and a proposed 10.7% profit. If approved as proposed, most customer classes would see higher bills, with different impacts depending on usage patterns, the City said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, the City said the rate increase would translate to $22.39 per month for the average residential customer. Following City Councils June 24 unanimous vote to deny the proposed increase, the City has actively continued to: Engage in extensive discovery and legal analysis Prepare and file rebuttal and cross-rebuttal expert testimony related to key components of EPEs request Advocate for lowering the companys proposed return on equity (profit), changing how costs are distributed among customer classes, and scrutinizing major project expenses such as the Newman Unit 6 power plant This weeks hearing is a critical step in ensuring that any changes to electric rates are fair, transparent, and backed by solid evidence, City Attorney Karla Nieman said. We remain committed to protecting El Paso ratepayers and holding utilities accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the hearing concludes, the parties will file post-hearing briefs, and the administrative law judge will issue a proposal for decision in the coming months. The Public Utility Commission, which has the final say on the outcome of the case, is expected to make a final decision by January 2026. Moving forward with the hearing will provide the parties additional information which may help in considering potential settlement negotiations in the rate case, the City said. The Citys intervention in utility rate cases has historically provided residents and businesses over $189 million in rate relief, the City 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. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) On Monday, the new city manager for Sioux City was announced. Mayor Bob Scott announced at Mondays city council meeting that Craig Clark, who currently serves in the same role for the city of Austin, Minnesota, has been offered the position. Clark was one of the three to appear before the council last month, pitching for the job. Clark has been in that role for more than ten years, and he has Midwest ties. He has previously served as the City Administrator in Worthington, Minnesota, and Clayton, Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below Council member Julie Schoenherr said that Clark was set apart from the other two candidates. He just really brought a good sense of community. Hes very open to growing our community. He had some good projects that he presented to us that he was very mindful and instrumental in his community, that helped him in some of their economic development, Schoenherr said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of now, there is no timeline for when Clark will begin. Schoenherr thinks negotiations could last a couple of months, with Clark perhaps arriving in early fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Rachel Thompson recalled a conversation with a man at a day service center for the homeless at the Salvation Army site in downtown Santa Fe: He had held up his arms and told her why he wasnt interested in spending the night at the Petes Place shelter. He had spots on his arms, and he said, These are all scars from bedbugs, she recalled. Thompson, who helped spearhead the volunteer-run day center, said she doesnt pry into clients experiences, but several have mentioned bedbugs at the homeless shelter on Cerrillos Road. She wrote an email July 28 to city Community Health and Safety Director Henri Hammond-Paul, detailing what she had heard about bedbugs at the shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A week later, the city announced the homeless shelter will be closed for two days for treatment of a severe bedbug infestation. Employees of San Francisco-based nonprofit Urban Alchemy, which took over management of the shelter Thursday from longtime operator Interfaith Community Shelter, discovered the infestation during a deep clean of the building, the city said in a news release Monday morning. Members of the homeless community were taken to the former Warehouse 21 building in the Railyard, at 1614 Paseo de Peralta, which will serve as a temporary emergency shelter through Tuesday night while the Cerrillos Road facility, now known as Agape House, undergoes a fumigation and sanitation process. The city said all infested mattresses, bedding, and other affected furniture will be discarded and replaced. Hammond-Paul referred questions about the condition of Agape House to Urban Alchemy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokesperson Jess Montejano wrote in a text message Monday the infestation was very bad and not conditions anyone should be subjected to. Thompson, who was critical of the citys decision to end Interfaiths lease at the city-owned shelter building July 31 and bring in an out-of-state organization, was concerned about guests when she reached out to Hammond-Paul. I hope the city takes the opportunity at the end of this month to truly reset the level of care provided at Petes, she wrote in her email, referring to last weeks management transition. 080525_md_shelter2.jpg Joshua Geren, right, settles in on his cot in the former Warehouse 21 building Monday evening. The city of Santa Fe and the nonprofit Urban Alchemy established a temporary homeless shelter at the Railyard site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prepared for an emergency The temporary shelter at the Warehouse 21 building in the Railyard will be staffed by Urban Alchemy employees, with cots provided by the Salvation Army, Hammond-Paul said in an interview Monday. The emergency shelter will operate much like those the city hosts on Code Blue nights in the winter, when temperatures drop dangerously low. Several city agencies are involved in the effort, including the Facilities Management Division, the Environmental Services Division, the Office of Emergency Management and the police and fire departments. Shelter guests will be offered meals in the parking lot of Agape House on Cerrillos Road, or an alternate location if it rains. Those who choose to spend the night at the pop-up shelter in the Railyard building will be taken there. Between 68 and 75 people a night have been sheltering at Agape House, Hammond-Paul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the situation is not ideal, he said, it demonstrates city has the capacity to rapidly stand up an emergency shelter. We obviously dont like to have to exercise that capability, but I think the public should be reassured that in the event that we do need to mass shelter people, we have a lot of options, he said, noting the Genoveva Chavez Community Center could be used as a large shelter for evacuees in the event of a wildfire or another emergency. Bedbugs a constant battle Keeping the low-barrier congregate shelter free of bedbugs was a constant battle and something the organization addressed to the best of its ability without sophisticated equipment, Interfaith Community Shelter board Chair Kent Grubbs said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit had a contract with a local extermination company for monthly treatments at the facility and spot applications when needed, he said, adding the company last visited the shelter for services around the end of June. The treatment contract was proactive because bedbugs come with the territory of operating a homeless shelter, he said, noting Petes Place had more than 960 individual guests in 2024, more than half of whom stayed for a week or less. Theres a lot of churn in the population coupled with the fact that its an old building that was not purpose-built to be an emergency shelter, that also provided some obstacles for us in a lot of areas, not just pest control, he said. The shelter was established in a former pet store nearly 16 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conversations with providers in other communities about how to best prevent bedbugs have been part of the planning process for the creation of a new homeless facility with wraparound services, Grubbs said, which has become Interfaith Community Shelters main goal after the city ended its lease with the group at the Cerrillos Road building. Several ideas have been floated, such as installing a hot room where residents belongings could be warmed up to a temperature that kills bedbugs or offering storage facilities for belongings outside the main shelter building. Grubbs said Petes Place had an annual inspection from the New Mexico Department of Health focused on food safety, as well as environmental issues including pests. Long-vacant Railyard site Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former Warehouse 21 facility, built as a teen center in 2008 after a Railyard building housing the Warehouse 21 teen program was razed, has stood empty for the last six years. The citys economic development and arts departments released a request for proposals for a new proprietor of the space more than a year ago, expressing a desire for the building to become a community hub for the local creative economy. The deadline to submit a bid was in July 2024, but the city has not yet entered into any agreements for the property. Facilities Director Sam Burnett said in May officials were considering a proposal to use the second floor of the building as office space for city workers, along with creating an arts hub there. We have preliminary plans to move somewhere between 35 to 50 staff members over into that building and out of leased space, Burnett said at the time, adding it wasnt a done deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any plans to use the site for office space would likely be in tandem with the selection of an operator for an arts-focused program on the first floor, he said. City Arts and Culture Director Chelsey Johnson did not respond to a request for comment Monday on where the process stands. SHELDON, Iowa (KCAU) The City of Sheldon started a tree pickup service on Monday to help clean up after last weeks storms. The storm impacted north Siouxland, bringing with it straight-line winds recorded up to 99 miles per hour, leaving behind downed trees and damaged power lines in its wake. The Iowa Department of Transportation is playing a significant role in the pickup, providing three payloaders, three skid loaders, and 12 to 15 trucks on the streets of Sheldon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PHOTOS: Strong winds bring down trees across Siouxland Sheldon City Manager Sam Kooiker said the public tree pickup site opened just after the storm. The manual collections started the day after the storm, said Kooiker. Where people can just drop them off at one of the two main dump sites. Then we started a third dump site for just the contractors, and they hit the ground this morning at about 7. Sheldon resident Greg Sanders spoke with KCAU 9 about the violent storm that rolled in, narrowly missing his home with a fallen tree branch. All I heard was the electricity and all the transformers buzzing, but we still kept power, (we) rode it out, said Sanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All trees and branches collected will be mulched and recycled. The two posted dump sites for trees are as follows: South of Floyd River, north of city limits off Monroe Avenue. 820 Western Avenue, near wastewater plant, follow the arrows. Click here for more information from the citys 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Clark County School District leaders are applauding a new law that allows cameras on school bus stop arms. However, there are concerns over enforcement, including whether the Clark County School District Police Department even has the manpower to handle writing tickets to violators. It is really using technology to help with safety and were very excited for that, Amber Rideout, CCSD assistant superintendent of transportation said. When you see a school bus and the stop-arms are out please stop. Starting July 1, state school districts were allowed to install cameras on stop arms after Nevada lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 527 during the recent legislative session. When initially announced, AB 527 authorized the installation and use of school bus infraction detection systems on school buses and was initially introduced on March 24. The bill was approved by the governor in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators used data from BusPatrol, a safety tech company, to justify the law. Anytime that were alerted, whether its the public or one of our constituents, we definitely do the appropriate research, Rideout said. We are utilizing the data from that legislative session to better evaluate the bus stops and see if theres anything that needs to be modified. Over four months (January to May), 30 buses equipped with stop-arm AI-powered cameras captured about 11,100 violations. Given the data, CCSDPD LT. Michael Campbell still has questions. The study was based on only 30 buses, and we have over 1,000 school buses, LT. Campbell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video BusPatrol put together shows several instances where vehicles in Clark County blew past school bus stop arms. In one video, a group of children were nearly run over. My biggest concern is how much manpower it would cost us to look at every single one of those videos, and have an officer be the one thats sending those citations via mail and whos sending them, Campbell said. Anyone caught violating this would only face a civil infraction, which means theyd get cited and no points would be added to their license. Im hopeful for it. I think anything new is a possibility to save lives, Campbell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCSD has yet to choose a vendor or even put the project out for bid to install bus stop-arm cameras. The districts bus fleet is the largest in the nation among public school districts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Frederick County and other local governments could receive millions of dollars for facility upgrades and clean energy generation projects through a new grant program Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced on Monday. The Local Government Energy Modernization Program will provide $64 million in one-time funds to help local governments across the state cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with their operations. Shannon Moore, the director of Frederick County's Division of Energy and Environment, said in a phone interview on Monday that the county can apply for up to $5.88 million in grant funds through the new program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the county's Energy and Environment Division has had extensive conversations with the Maryland Energy Administration, which will administer the new program, about local projects that could qualify for grant funding. Among the possibilities are lighting upgrades, heating and cooling system replacements, insulation work, electrification of facilities that currently use fossil fuels and the installation of meters to collect data on energy use. "These projects sometimes have a fairly large upfront cost, but then they pay themselves off within less than 10 years," Shannon Moore said. "Having some cash available in a challenging financial environment is really helpful to get projects in the ground, and then they'll provide returns for years to come." Frederick County could also put some grant money toward clean energy generation infrastructure, such as solar panels to be installed on rooftops, car canopies or underused parcels of county-owned land, Shannon Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frederick County is already planning to construct a solar array with battery storage at its Prospect Center facility on Himes Avenue. An onsite microgrid will be able to draw power from the solar array and keep the Prospect Center running during severe weather events and other interruptions. The county is also looking into the possibility of solar panels for one of its new fire stations. Frederick County would agree to cover 10% of the cost of any project funded through the program, Shannon Moore said. Other counties may pay a larger or smaller share of project costs based on income. Maryland Energy Administration officials said this is to ensure that rural and under-served counties can participate fully in the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The agency designed this program to be flexible enough to be tailored to local priorities so that every Maryland county regardless of size or income can take meaningful steps forward to cut costs and combat climate change," MEA Director Paul Pinsky said in a press release on Monday. Shannon Moore said the new state grant program is especially important now that federal grants for clean energy initiatives are being eliminated or reduced by President Donald Trump's administration. A government-to-government grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a charging and fueling infrastructure grant and a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant from the Federal Emergency Management Administration for Frederick County have all been jeopardized by recent federal cuts. "This grant will help with some of that," Shannon Moore said. "It won't help with the electric vehicles, but it will help with clean energy projects and building energy efficiency projects, so we're excited about that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the $64 million in Local Government Energy Modernization Program grant funds, the state estimates that $50 million will go toward planning activities and renewable energy projects. An estimated $10 million would be awarded for energy efficiency projects and the remaining $4 million would go toward electrification projects, according to Monday's press release. The MEA is accepting applications for the program through Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. More information can be found at tinyurl.com/LGEMprogram. The Cleveland Water Alliance has deployed smart buoys for the fourth year across Ohios Lake Erie coast, including one outside of the Ashtabula Harbor. These buoys track and communicate water information, including wave height, water temperature, wind speed and water quality. CWA Director of Communications and Engagement Samantha Martin said the organization has at least one smart buoy in each Ohio county on Lake Erie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearby smart buoys are stationed in Fairport Harbor, Euclid and Cleveland. Martin said the smart buoys are used by a variety of organizations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to Aqua Ohio. Utility companies rely on the data the smart buoys provide on pH and conductivity to figure out how to treat the water, Martin said. They know exactly in that moment how to treat the water, she said. Martin said the public information can be used by boaters to learn about the conditions of the water they are considering going out into. The weather inland is not always representative of weather on water, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CWA is glad they found a public use for the data, Martin said. People can go to the Cleveland Water Alliances website, clevelandwateralliance.org, go to the Programs tab and click on Smart Lake Erie Watershed Initiative to see a map of where the buoys are placed and what data they most recently collected. The CWA works with Freeboard Technology, who places and maintains the organizations technology. People can text the station at 866-218-9973 with the code 45208 to get the Ashtabula buoys latest data. Other stations on Lake Erie have different codes to text to the same number to get data. The codes can be found by going to limno.io, clicking on View Real-Time Data, searching for the station and scrolling to the bottom of the stations page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data available from different codes can vary. Martin said the CWA trials a lot of water-communication technology like smart buoys through a Long Range Wide Area Network. She compared LoRaWAN to a sort of Wi-Fi network for the lake. The CWA trials a lot of water-related technology technology, which is core to its work, according to Martin. Martin said the CWA was formed as a way to analyze the states water economy and its wider economic impact. The Greater Cleveland area, has a lot of water experts, because of the citys history of dealing with water pollution and other water issues, she said. We have one of the largest concentrations of water experts in the world, Martin said. The CWA has a stationary sensor in Ashtabula, whose data is also hosted by Freeboard, Martin said. Jersey City has spent years trying to hide its internal investigation of a cop accused of firing his gun at civilians. It may win yet. (Photo by Fran Baltzer for New Jersey Monitor) Jersey City found a sneaky way out of its obligation to inform citizens about how it handles a bad cop among its ranks: delay until the circumstances are better. The New Jersey Supreme Court on Monday issued a decision in a yearslong dispute between the New Jersey Monitor and Jersey City over the internal affairs report concerning a police lieutenant arrested in 2019 after authorities say he drank as many as eight beers, got into a fight with his girlfriends son, and fired a gun at people gathered outside his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unanimous ruling didnt quite go Jersey Citys way it says the city cant cite the lieutenants subsequent expungement of his criminal record as a way to shield documents about his departmental discipline. But it also didnt go quite our way either, since the court said the states expungement statute requires that references to the cops criminal case must be redacted from the report. Will there be anything left after the portions related to the behavior that led to Timmins arrest are erased? Who knows? No outside party has seen the 11-page report in question. The trial court judge who ruled against us was offered a chance to review it but declined. If the internal affairs report ends up getting produced and all of its useful information is hidden behind black magic marker, kudos to the citys legal team for orchestrating a delay that may end up allowing them to keep it under wraps. Heres what happened: When we at the New Jersey Monitor first heard the details of the episode that won Lt. Michael Timmins a 90-day suspension from the Jersey City police force, we filed a records request with Jersey City to get the internal affairs report about the matter. To my mind, getting drunk and firing your gun at citizens should be cause for termination, not a 90-day unpaid vacation, so we wanted to find out how the city settled on that particular punishment. On March 18, 2022, we filed a request for it, and the city did not issue its ultimate denial until May 10 about 45 days after the state-mandated deadline for a response. We sued in June to get the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city initially told us that we couldnt get the report because the municipal interest in keeping it private outweighed the publics interest in it. Then a funny thing happened. Timmins record was expunged in August 2022 after he pleaded guilty to a lesser offense and entered into a program meant for first-time offenders. The citys legal argument then shifted to saying it would be illegal for it to hand over the internal affairs report because it would be violating the states expungement statute, which bars the release of records related to Timmins arrest and guilty plea. The Supreme Court did not agree with this argument but they did agree that the expungement statute requires that Timmins internal affairs report on his arrest be redacted of all mentions of it. In a universe where Jersey City responded to our request for the report in the timeframe the law requires, wed already have it. Instead, it may end up behind lock and key forever. And now Jersey City has given other towns a playbook to keep similar reports from ever seeing the light of day. Our attorney in this matter, CJ Griffin, shares that concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no doubt this IA report had to be disclosed under the law, but we had to sue for it and then the officer was able to get an expungement during the proceedings. Other towns will no doubt try the same thing, Griffin said. An earlier version of this story misidentified the person police say fought with Timmins in 2019. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary are among high-profile figures to be sent legal summonses from a congressional committee investigating the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Republican James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, issued the subpoenas to the Clintons and eight other individuals. The committee is seeking information about Epstein's history, after President Donald Trump's administration decided against releasing more federal files on the dead financier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That decision sparked outrage among Trump supporters and some Democrats, who refused to accept the justice department's statement that there was no "incriminating client list" in the Epstein files. Amid a rift between Trump and some of his supporters on Epstein, the committee, made up of both Democrats and Republicans, recently voted to issue the subpoenas. The panel has also subpoenaed the justice department itself for records related to Epstein. Lawyers for Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, had indicated she was willing to testify before the powerful investigatory committee, with strict legal protections. Her scheduled 11 August deposition, though, has been postponed indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Epstein legal saga has spanned two decades, with Florida police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation first scrutinising the well-connected tycoon for allegations of sexual abuse in the early 2000s. Comer wrote in letters to each person that the committee must "conduct oversight of the federal government's enforcement of sex trafficking laws generally and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr Epstein" and Maxwell. He also indicated that depositions will start this month and run through the autumn, with Bill Clinton scheduled for 14 October. Former Attorneys General Merrick Garland, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder and Alberto Gonzales were summoned, along with Jeff Sessions and William Barr, who both led the justice department during Trump's first term. Former FBI Sirectors James Comey and Robert Mueller were also sent subpoenas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clinton administration predates the Epstein investigation, but the couple's critics have long questioned their relationship with Epstein. A spokesperson has acknowledged that Bill Clinton took four trips with staff on Epstein's private plane in 2002 and 2003, and met with Epstein in New York in 2002. Clinton also visited Epstein's New York apartment around that time. The letters to each Clinton cites these incidents, as well as other alleged encounters and connections, as reasons for summoning them. Citing flight logs, US media have previously reported Clinton flew on Epstein's jet up to 26 times, occasionally without his Secret Service detail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, a spokesman said the former president "knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida some years ago, or those with which he has been recently charged in New York." The Clinton Foundation and Bill Clinton's press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Department of Justice had no comment. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for helping Epstein abuse girls [Getty Images] The committee is seeking all of the department's documents and communications on Epstein and Maxwell "relating or referring to human trafficking, exploitation of minors, sexual abuse, or related activity", as well as files from the US criminal cases against Maxwell and Epstein, documents from a 2007 agreement to not prosecute Epstein and federal investigations into the former financier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not immediately clear if individuals named by Comer will appear before the committee and, if they do, whether they will testify publicly. Over the last 200 years, only four other former presidents have received subpoenas from congressional committees, and only two provided testimony. Notably, the committee investigating the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot voted during a televised hearing to subpoena Trump, who then sued to stop it. The subpoena was dropped when the committee disbanded. Federal prosecutors charged Epstein with sex trafficking of minors and other crimes in 2019, during the first Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He died by suicide in jail that August, and almost immediately afterwards many began questioning the circumstances of his death. This summer, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced her department, after conducting a review, had found no evidence of the long-rumoured client list. She also said evidence supported that Epstein died by suicide. The government would release no more files, she said. The announcements sparked outrage among some supporters of Trump, who promised in his campaign to release Epstein records. The fight among House Republicans over the case grew so contentious that Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home early in July to block a vote over the Epstein files' release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As demands grew for the Trump administration to release more Epstein records, the justice department recently met Maxwell. A source familiar with the discussions told the BBC's US partner CBS News that Maxwell did not implicate Trump when discussing Epstein's misdeeds. Trump officials are discussing whether to make the transcript and audio of the interview public, the source told CBS. The justice department is currently seeking to release grand jury transcripts from her case. On Tuesday, Maxwell's lawyer said she opposed the release of the transcripts. "Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not," Maxwell's lawyers wrote in a filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable, and her due process rights remain." The BBC has asked the White House for comment on the subpoenas. More hazy days due to wildfire smoke in Canada are likely to stay in Massachusetts this week, before a round of potential rain and thunderstorms could hit. An Air Quality Alert on Monday covering all of southern New England is expected to be lifted by 12 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. This was issued so that people, including sensitive groups like children and older adults, could keep themselves safe from smoke particulates if they have asthma, lung or heart disease. Temperatures should cool into the high 70s or low 80s as a cold front from Canada moves into southern New England on Tuesday, the weather service said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other than cooler temperatures, forecasters expect skies to remain smoky but it may not be as noticeable with the cloudier skies, forecasters wrote. Dry conditions should continue through Wednesday, but this could change as a chance for some precipitation developing later that day and into Thursday could hit Western Massachusetts, forecasters said. Isolated showers could be aggravated by marginal instability, which could produce storms. It is not clear in terms of these potential storms timing or how severe it could be, with room for things to change. Springfield, Great Barrington and Amherst, among other communities, could see showers develop after 1 p.m. on Thursday, though these chances are low at around 20%, according to the weather service. The potential timing of wet weather differs elsewhere, with Pittsfield possibly seeing a chance for showers and thunderstorms between 2 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and before 8 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures should be in the 80s each day, while they could inch closer to the 90s by the weekend, forecasters said. More weather Read the original article on MassLive. Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The implosion of the OceanGate submersible Titan in 2023 was "preventable," because of its inadequate design and "toxic" workplace culture, according to a report released by the U.S. Coast Guard Tuesday. The Titan imploded on June 18, 2023, killing five people. The 335-page report documented the causes of the implosion and listed 17 safety recommendations to strengthen oversight of submersible operations, improve coordination among federal agencies and close gaps in international maritime policy. All five on the submersible were killed in the implosion. They were OceanGate's founder and CEO, Stockton Rush; British billionaire Hamish Harding; French maritime expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet; Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son, Suleman Dawood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The two-year investigation has identified multiple contributing factors that led to this tragedy, providing valuable lessons learned to prevent a future occurrence," said Jason Neubauer, chair of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation for the Titan. "There is a need for stronger oversight and clear options for operators who are exploring new concepts outside of the existing regulatory framework. I am optimistic the [Report of Investigation's] findings and recommendations will help improve awareness of the risks and the importance of proper oversight while still providing a pathway for innovation." Titan's imploded wreckage was found on the ocean floor about 1,640 feet off the bow of the Titanic. The Coast Guard conducted hearings last year to hear testimony from OceanGate employees and others involved in the dive. OceanGate operations director David Lochridge testified about the business climate at the company and about what he said was Rush's penchant for playing fast and loose with the rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lochridge told the panel that the company's goal was to turn a profit, that OceanGate ignored obvious safety issues, and that "very little" science was involved in carrying out the sub's dives. OceanGate's former engineering director, Tony Nissen, testified that he was fired because he refused to approve a planned expedition after the submersible was struck by lightning, which compromised its experimental carbon fiber hull. "Stockton [Rush] would fight for what he wanted and, even if it changed from day to day, he wouldn't give an inch. Most people would eventually back down to Stockton. It was death by a thousand cuts," he testified. The 21-foot Titan submersible lost contact with the crew of the Polar Prince about 1 hour and 45 minutes into its dive on June 18, 2023. Responders scoured the North Atlantic Ocean, near the wreckage of the Titanic passenger liner that sank in 1912, to find the missing vessel before its oxygen ran out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guard said in September 2024 that the Titan crew sent a message during the fateful dive that "all is well" just before the deadly implosion. It was the final communication from the Titan before the implosion. Neubauer's listed extensive causes of the disaster and recommendations for future vessels. "The board determined the primary contributing factors were OceanGate's inadequate design, certification, maintenance and inspection process for the Titan," Neubauer said in the press release announcing the report. "Other factors cited in the report include a toxic workplace culture at OceanGate, an inadequate domestic and international regulatory framework for submersible operations and vessels of novel design, and an ineffective whistleblower process under the Seaman's Protection Act. "The board also found OceanGate failed to properly investigate and address known hull anomalies following its 2022 Titanic expedition. Investigators determined the Titan's real-time monitoring system generated data that should have been analyzed and acted on during the 2022 Titanic expedition. However, OceanGate did not take any action related to the data, conduct any preventative maintenance or properly store the Titan during the extended off season before its 2023 Titanic expedition." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to list recommendations for further dives, including restrictions on oceanographic research vessels, expanding requirements to all submersibles and requiring Coast Guard documentation for all U.S. submersibles. Neubauer also recommended "adding Coast Guard personnel capacity at Coast Guard Headquarters to support new construction oversight and field inspections involving submersibles and vessels of novel design." Other recommendations include submitting Coast Guard search and rescue plans, safety requirements, whistleblower agreements and investigative protocols. In August 2024, Paul Henry Nargeolet's family filed suit demanding OceanGate to pay $50 million for the explorer's wrongful death. The family's lawsuit filed in a court in Seattle accuses OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and others of gross negligence and wrongful death. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, walks into the Senate chamber on July 1, 2025. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) Before the U.S. Senate began its August break, Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who heads the upper chambers appropriations committee, packed spending bills for the next fiscal year with millions of dollars for Maine, a tactic shes become well-known for. Collins, who is up for reelection in 2026, has advanced more than $400 million in earmarks for the state and submitted requests for nearly $9 million more that will be considered when lawmakers return on Sept. 2. Millions of more dollars that would impact the Pine Tree State are also on the line through programmatic funding, additional federal grants and agency requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But earmarks failed to be included last time around. And since resuming office, President Donald Trump has also cut otherwise congressionally appropriated funding for various grants and programs in Maine and nationally, an initial signal that Collins otherwise steadily growing appropriations power has been upended during Trumps second term. Will this time be different? Theres initial momentum. On Friday, the U.S. Senate passed three of its 12 appropriations bills, the first time since 2018 that the body has passed an appropriations bill on the floor before the start of August recess. Whats explicitly at stake for Maine in these bills can be seen in earmarks, formally referred to as Congressionally Directed Spending, for community projects, but the state could also receive funding through programmatic and other funding included in the bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the bills advanced is $9 million in earmarks for Maine in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill and more than $25 million for Maine in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration bill. The Legislative Branch bill is the third that has passed so far but that proposal does not include earmarks. Including these three bills, the Senate Appropriations Committee has marked up eight of the 12 bills so far, a step that allows the other five proposals to advance to the full body when lawmakers return from their break. The eight draft bills include a total of $422 million in earmarks for Maine, and for the remaining four, Collins submitted nearly $9 million worth of requests, according to her office. Will earmarks return? One of the bills already marked up is the proposal to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee largely rejected in this bill the Trump administration proposals to slash funding for education programs, medical research grants, health initiatives and Ukraine security assistance. That bill includes $112.4 million in earmarks for Maine, with more than $13 million for health care workforce training and almost $71 million for Maine hospitals and health care centers. But recent history cautions those allocations may not come to fruition. This past winter, the continuing resolution from GOP leadership cut all earmarks for community projects. Collins had secured nearly $361 million in earmarks before they were removed from the resolution, which she said she ultimately supported to avoid a government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress is now in a similar place, again eyeing a possible government shutdown if it fails to pass appropriations bills by the end of the fiscal year on September 30. If Congress opts for a short-term continuing resolution to avoid that, it would push the deadline to approve earmarks to a later date, but another year-long stopgap bill could eliminate all earmarks. When asked how confident Collins is that her earmarks will be included for the next fiscal year, Collins Communications Director Phoebe Ferraiolo said there could be a scenario where Congress decides to do a partial continuing resolution, which would mean passing some appropriations bills and then passing a stopgap agreement for the remaining ones. Even if [Congressionally Directed Spending] is not included again this year, there are many other ways that Senator Collins will influence spending priorities, Ferraiolo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, defense spending is always outside the earmark process and a key deliverable that Collins supporters have long praised. Last week, the committee advanced the Defense Appropriations Act, which included billions of dollars in discretionary funding for Maine-based contractors such as Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Pratt & Whitney Workforce, as well as millions in funding for defense research at University of Maine. Employees at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard told Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, and her colleagues during a tour of the facility last week that securing funding in the next budget is a key priority. What we heard from workers and leadership was clear: they need stable funding, a reliable workforce pipeline, and a Congress that has their backs, Pingree shared in a statement. Clawing back funding But stable, reliable funding has become an anomaly during Trumps second term, and so far efforts to restore many of the cuts have been piecemeal and often challenged in the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the bill to fund the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, for example, while the bill refutes many of the funding cuts from the Trump administration, the top Democrat on the committee, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state, said its only half of the equation given that the administration is intent on ignoring Congress, breaking the law, and doing everything it can without any transparency, to dismantle programs and agencies that help families. Congressional Republicans approved a recissions bill in July that cancelled $9 billion in funding for public media and foreign aid. Although a small slice of what the White House initially wanted, it represents a win for Trump and his efforts to claw back money approved in spending laws. Collins was one of two Republicans to vote against the bill. Nobody really knows what program reductions are in it, Collins said in a statement after the vote. That isnt because we havent had time to review the bill. Instead, the problem is that [the U.S. Office of Management and Budget] has never provided the details that would normally be part of this process. When Collins outlined her strategy for navigating disagreements with the Trump administration for Maine Morning Star this past spring, she said shes had some success restoring funding by having conversations outside of public view, relying on her long-developed relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is really no way to know how this will turn out and that is true every year, Ferraiolo said of 2026 fiscal year spending. Each step is important submitting request to the committee, getting it into the bill, having it survive the markup, getting the bill to the floor, having it survive conference, and having the bill signed by the president. We can never take any of these steps for granted, but each one gets us closer to success. Some voters have said Trumps withholding of congressional appropriations and funding cuts underscored why Maine needs Collins, one of Congress most senior members and top appropriators. But others argued the executives actions have revealed a crack in Collins power. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Colombian President Gustavo Petro stirred up a decades-old border controversy with Peru on Tuesday when he accused it of fully annexing an Amazon river island that has been administered by Peru for decades, but whose legal status is in dispute. Peru maintains it owns Santa Rosa Island based on treaties about a century old, but Colombia disputes that ownership because the island had not yet emerged from the river at the time. In a message on X, Petro said that Peru acted unilaterally in June when its congress passed a law that upgraded Santa Rosas legal status by converting it into a district within Perus Loreto province. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The island faces Leticia, a Colombian city of about 60,000 people located in one of the most well-preserved swaths of the Amazon. It is used by many tourists as the launching point for trips into the world's largest rainforest. The Peruvian government has just appropriated it by law, Petro wrote on X, adding that Perus actions could block Leticias access to the Amazon river. Our government will resort to diplomacy to defend our national sovereignty." In his message, the president was explaining why he plans to hold a celebration in Leticia on Thursday to mark one of the national holidays that commemorates Colombia's independence from Spain. The Colombian goverment usually celebrates the Aug. 7 holiday in the province of Boyaca in central Colombia, but farmers are currently blocking roads in that part of the country to protest environmental regulations that prohibit agriculture in high-altitude areas. Perus Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement that treaties signed by both countries in 1922 and 1929 granted Peru control of Santa Rosa and other nearby islets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peru is complying firmly with its obligations under international law and with valid bilaterial treaties the statement said. Colombia says that the treaties could not assign ownership of Santa Rosa because in the 1920s the island had not yet emerged from the world's largest river. Instead, Colombia says that the treaties determine that the border between both countries should be set along a line that follows the deepest points along the river bed. Like many rivers, the Amazon changes its course slowly over time, and erosion or changes in the weather can create or submerge islands. Colombias Foreign Affairs Ministry said Tuesday that for years it has insisted on the need to create a bilateral commission that will assign ownership of islands that have emerged between the South American countries over the past century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The island is made up mostly of forest, farmland and a small village known as Santa Rosa de Yavari, which has a population of less than 1,000 people, according to Perus latest census. Santa Rosa was previously classified as a community within the Yavari District of Perus Loreto Province. In June, Perus congress voted to turn Santa Rosa into its own district, a move that could facilitate the transfer of funds for education and healthcare, and also enable the modest village to raise its own property taxes. We have a diverse economy that relies on commerce and tourism Santa Rosas Mayor Jack Yovera told Peruvian network RPP in June, when the law to turn his community into a district was being debated by congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are many basic needs that have not been met said Yovera, who explained that as a young man he had to go to high school in the Colombian city of Leticia, on the other side of the Amazon River, due to the lack of a proper high school in Santa Rosa. The border dispute also surfaced last summer, when an official from Colombias Foreign Affairs Ministry attended a meeting between political leaders from Leticia and Santa Rosa and said that Peru had occupied the island irregularly." Yovera left the meeting in protest. Later, Colombias Foreign Affairs ministry issued a statement saying it regretted the incident and that the situation of Santa Rosa Island should be discussed only by high-level officials from both governments. Downtown Grand Junction on May 21, 2021. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline) Colorado counties on the Western Slope wrote to state leaders expressing their intention to treat enforcement of certain state laws optional under a provision in Colorado statutes that says the state must provide adequate funding if it mandates an increase in services. County commissioners in Mesa and Garfield counties said the Colorado Legislature needs to reconsider the volume and scope of unfunded mandates, as they require county governments to dedicate more time and resources without the financial support to do so. They also said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis should veto such policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These unfunded mandates, issued without the financial support required to implement them, place an unsustainable burden on local governments and the citizens we serve and undermining both fiscal responsibility and the principle of local control, both counties said in their letters, addressed to Polis, Senate President James Coleman and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, all Democrats. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Both county letters referenced a provision in Colorado statute that says when the state increases the level of service required by law, it must provide adequate funding to do so, or the mandates are considered optional. Mesa Countys letter said it instructed county staff to begin considering certain laws that dont include state funding as optional and that county attorneys are prepared to defend our exercise of statutory remedies, though commissioners hope this does not lead to unnecessary litigation. As elected officials representing communities of diverse political perspectives, we are united in our commitment to uphold this statutory protection and exercise it with discretion, both letters said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel told Newsline that counties across Colorado plan to send similar letters, which they are reviewing with their respective boards, legal, risk, and finance teams. While Garfield Countys letter did not address any specific laws of concern, Mesa County highlighted five laws commissioners said will lead to substantial, uncompensated costs. That includes a 2023 law that establishes a wildfire resiliency code board and a 2024 law that prohibits local governments from using certain forms of turf. Three other laws highlighted in the letter, all passed in 2021, concern energy benchmarking and performance standards, law enforcement accountability and information technology. Mesa County estimated the laws could each cost the county hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Republican support for the laws The 2024 turf restriction law and the 2021 information technology law both passed the Legislature with bipartisan support in a House and Senate with Democratic majorities. Republican state Sen. Janice Rich of Grand Junction in Mesa County voted in favor of both of those policies, but said she supports her county commissioners and their letter 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last seven years that Ive been in the Legislature, time and time again its been unfunded mandates that have come down and burdened the local government, Rich said. I worked in local government for 16 years, I was the elected county clerk for eight years and the elected treasurer, and I know and I understand what those burdens are when the state puts that burden on local government. Other Mesa County Republicans in the Legislature, Rep. Rick Taggart of Grand Junction and Rep. Matt Soper of Delta, voted in support of some of the laws, too. Rich said the standard language to describe how a bill will affect local government spending is minimal impact, and that any attempts to debate that on the floor just falls on deaf ears. She said she likely took their word for it at the time when she voted in support of those policies. If the majority party comes right out and admits that its an unfunded mandate, they know full well its probably not going to pass, Rich said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement emailed to Newsline, McCluskie said the laws Mesa County wrote about are important for public safety, water conservation and wildfire protection. I deeply value our partnership with local governments, and I am always willing to collaborate and engage in productive discussions with them about the issues they are raising, McCluskie said in a statement. Additionally, we expect counties will soon face a flood of new inquiries due to the devastating impacts of H.R. 1, especially regarding Medicaid and SNAP. It is crucial now more than ever to work together so we can better serve the people of Colorado. H.R.1, also known as President Donald Trumps big beautiful bill, is the tax break and spending cut bill recently passed by Congress. Eric Maruyama, spokesperson for Polis, said in a statement that bills are funded based on fiscal analysis from nonpartisan staff at the Legislature in accordance with state law, though the governor is open to suggestions about how to reduce costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major items like reducing fire risk and protecting our water are truly statewide concerns, Maruyama said. The Governor is on the Western Slope regularly meeting with businesses and hardworking Coloradans, and appreciates hearing from any county commissioners and understands the importance of ensuring local tax dollars are used to maximize the quality of life for Coloradans. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) A nonprofit is responding to Colorados 23rd Judicial Districts District Attorney following statements he made about the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office and one of their former K-9 handlers. A Douglas County jury found a Jefferson County K-9 handler not guilty last week after the dog broke out of a kennel at their home, biting and injuring a two-year-old girl and her dad in their yard. Ahead of the verdict, District Attorney George Brauchler sat down with FOX31, sharing his outrage with the defense argument. Carie Hallford pleads guilty under plea deal in federal Return to Nature Funeral Home case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit Colorado Police Canine Association sent FOX31 a lengthy statement, saying in part: We, the Colorado Police Canine Association, are a certifying organization which holds its members to standards which are above and beyond the industry norm. It is with great pride that we carry out the mission of constantly pushing our members to train and perform at the highest levels in order to serve and protect the public. Deputy Oliver was one of our members, and it is for this reason that we feel compelled to speak out against DA Brauchler as he engages in irresponsible and emotional falsehoods which erode the publics trust. Brauchler responded to the claim of emotional falsehoods, among others, made in the statement from CPCA. The nonprofit declined an in-person interview. Whats an emotional falsehood in anything? Brauchler responded. In this particular case, the emotion flows from the audacity of the conduct of the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office and its deputy in how it treated a case where there is no doubt that this deputy was responsible for the injuries of that child and the injuries to the dad, a 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it twisted and tortured a protection that exists for guys chasing down rapists and murderers and applied it to a situation where this guy is inexplicably out of earshot of his dog, in the house, claimed to be cleaning up dog pee and then leaves the dog in an unsecured cage, Brauchler added. It gets out and attacks. And were being told that this is somehow an emotional falsehood? No. And thats why the law is going to be changed because of this guy. Brauchler says he wants to change the law surrounding immunity for K-9 handlers to better specify when officers should be immune while at their homes. Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV We are never again going to be in a situation where some K-9 officer or anyone else can exploit this well-intentioned, good faith law to accommodate this kind of recklessness, Brauchler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brauchler also had a second suggestion last week ahead of the verdict. I think our sheriff and our county commissioners need to reach out to any surrounding agency, not just Jeffco, and say, if youre going to house some trained killer dog here in our community, one, youre going to register it with our sheriffs office, Brauchler said in an interview with FOX31 last Thursday. And two, youre going to notify everybody in the community. We do it for sex offenders because of the risk. Why wouldnt we do it for killer dogs? Nonprofit: Calling K-9s trained killer dogs is ignorant CPCA responded to this in the organizations initial statement, saying in part: Of the claims DA Brauchler has made, none is more egregious than to refer to our brave canine partners as trained killer dogs. This reveals the heights and depths of DA Brauchlers ignorance on the matter. Contrary to his assertion, K-9s are the least-lethal of all less-lethal tools employed by police. Canines have been utilized in law enforcement for approximately 132 years. During that long and proud history, there have been only five recorded deaths nationwide as a result of police dogs, three of which were attributable to medical complications after the fact. Considering the thousands of K-9s deployed across the nation each day and over such a vast time period, the chances of a police dog killing a person are so infinitesimally small as to be non-existent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brauchler responded to that statement on Monday. Maybe trained canine dogs pose less of a risk, but this must have been an untrained one, Brauchler said. What kind of a trained K-9 dog busts out of its unsecured cage, hops over a fence? Not to any commands, not to drug use, not to criminal activity, not to fleeing and attacks a two-year-old and then her father for trying to save her life, not to stop the dog from tickling her, but from eating her. I think that this guy has taken comments that are rightfully directed at this deputy and his untrained killer dog and tried to apply it universally. Ive never said such a thing. Later in the statement, CPCA says: DA Brauchler stated he believed that K-9 handlers should be treated in the same manner as sex offenders, forcing them to register with their home counties and make notifications to their neighbors. This is, first and foremost, insulting and derogatory to handlers, making them out to be criminals based solely on their assignment within their department. K9 handlers are inarguably the most dangerous and difficult position in all of policing. They are tasked with responding to and resolving the most violent and harrowing situations, in hopes that their K-9 partners can save the life of a fellow officer and de-escalate violent offenders. DA Brauchler treats them with utter contempt, little realizing the profound sacrifices handlers and their partners are called on to make every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let me be clear, I value and respect our canine officers, Brauchler said. I have utter contempt for this guy (Deputy Oliver) and the way that he went about trying to avoid accountability for something that was so clearly wrong, something that you, me, everybody watching this newscast would have been held accountable for. Westminster police seeking information in 1999 triple homicide cold case In regard to the registration idea, Brauchler said he is not talking about the handlers themselves; he is referring to the police dog they take home with them. The reason we register sex offenders is because we believe they pose a risk to the community and we want the community to know, hey, heres whos living next door so they can adjust their behavior accordingly, Brauchler said. This dog has proven and the way that this group has rallied to his cause, to say that, yes, these dogs ought to be immune from any consequences, no matter how vicious and unwarranted their contact, their conduct, shouldnt neighbors get to know one of them is living next door or a block over or two blocks over or three blocks over? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPCA goes on to say: Additionally, DA Brauchler would demand that handlers forfeit their privacy and safety and that of their families by forcing them to advise their neighbors of their profession, some of whom may be antagonistic towards law enforcement. Few, if any, other citizens would be willing to take such actions if they knew their families would be endangered as a result. Im pretty certain that this guy was parking a marked canine unit in front of his house every single night he drove home from work, Brauchler said. So lets not pretend that these guys live in secrecy and mask up to leave the house. Thats garbage. The Colorado Police Canine Association acknowledges the hardship endured by the young girl and her father, and we extend our sympathies, CPCA said to conclude its statement. It is, to be sure, a terrible accident. However, we wholly oppose DA Brauchler and his anti-police agenda. We will continue to certify and train the finest police dogs in the state, and as a result, contribute to the safety and happiness of the citizens our members have sworn to protect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the story aired, the feedback weve gotten has been overwhelmingly positive about this, and Im talking about from law enforcement, Brauchler said. FOX31 received a number of questions and comments from viewers after our story last week. One viewer wanted to know about the training this K-9 received with respect to the dog urinating in the house, disobedience of jumping a fence, and attacking without any command, among other questions. CPCAs president said he does not have all of the facts of this specific case, so he did not feel comfortable commenting. While CPCA decided to stick to a statement instead of an interview, the president did respond to some more follow-up questions from FOX31 based on Brauchlers responses. Brauchler told FOX31 on Monday: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in terms of, I think they take offense at the word killer, pretty sure this dog was prepared to do just that with the girl. Maybe these guys have an answer to that, that no, these dogs are trained. Once they chew through one two-year-olds leg, are they trained to automatically stop? And they would have but for dads intervention and foolishly trying to save her life, the dog would have stopped on the second leg? Is it all four appendages? When does the dog stop chewing on this toddler? Best guess is it wouldnt have. But Im happy to, if he wants to go on camera and sit down and have a conversation, send any canine officer in Colorado, I will sit down and debate this case with them and say, tell me why you think this is okay, why this should be the status of the law? CSPCA responded, saying in part: The CPCA and its handlers take any incident involving a dog under our care or deployment extremely seriously. While we deeply empathize with the emotions involvedespecially when a child is injuredwe must also carefully examine the facts of the case, the procedures followed, and whether appropriate safeguards were in place. Sign up for the FOX31 Denver Guide weekly newsletter for events and activities Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is neither accurate nor fair to suggest that there is no accountability or that we are indifferent to harm. If a handler leaves a dog unsecured in a way that creates danger to the public, we believe the agency and jurisdiction mustand in this case, didreview that for potential misconduct or policy violations. The deputy involved was criminally charged and acquitted by a jury of his peerspeers who elected District Attorney Brauchler, whose office prosecuted the case, the CPCA said. Regarding the use of terms like killer, we understand these arise from grief, anger, and fear. But its important to recognize that police or working dogs are trained tools, not autonomous actors. That distinction does not lessen our responsibilityit heightens it. When mistakes occur, the department and handler must be accountable, the group continued. We remain open to public dialogue and welcome itbut we ask that it be grounded in facts, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to protecting everyonecivilians, officers, and the communities we all serve, the CPCA 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. Education policy is headed back to the states. Just ask Sen. Michael Bennet. The Colorado Democrat surprised pundits in April by announcing his bid for governor in the upcoming midterm election. Surrounded at his introductory press conference by a coterie of political notables, and buoyed by impressive early fundraising numbers, Bennet enjoys a healthy lead in a primary that wont be decided for another 11 months. Winning the nomination fight would put him in a position to extend a Democratic stranglehold on the governors mansion that began in 2006. If elected, he would succeed Gov. Jared Polis, a fellow businessman-turned-politician who shares much of his reform-minded outlook on K12 schools; John Hickenlooper, a longtime colleague who prodded Bennet to take a job as superintendent of Denver Public Schools in 2005; and Bill Ritter, who tapped him to serve as senator four years later. With Democratic majorities controlling the state legislature, he would be able to pursue his preferred strategy to lead Colorado students out of a severe bout of post-COVID learning loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet a relocation to the statehouse would also represent something of a retreat from national politics. While not quite a media superstar, Bennet has often found his way into Washingtons spotlight, leading the Democrats unsuccessful drive to permanently expand the Child Tax Credit during the Biden administration. He also sought the presidency in 2020, standing out for his comparatively moderate stances in a field that was quickly tacking left. Bennet describes himself as disillusioned by Washingtons stagnancy and his criticism extends to his own party, which he says lost focus on children and families during the Biden administration. A decade after the end of No Child Left Behind, he believes the Democrats have allowed a complete vacuum to form on the issue of K12 schools, opening the way for Republicans to charge ahead with an aggressive push to expand private school choice. Related Denvers Reforms Led to Huge Academic Growth, Study Finds. But Will They Last? If anyone can offer a vision of educational improvement, it may be Colorados senior senator, who led a four-year turnaround of Denver schools that saw student achievement and high school graduation rates both shoot upward. Though the raft of policies that he used to achieve those results especially heightened accountability for failing schools engendered backlash, it is also cited as one of the most successful academic improvements ever seen in a district of its size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a conversation with The 74, Bennet said that he doesnt intend to lead a revival of 2000s-style reform. Instead, he spoke broadly about building an education system that would usher high school graduates into middle-class careers. I just think this is a moment when people are feeling the economic challenges so acutely, and weve got to make the decision to do what every other industrialized and rich country in the world has done: put kids graduating high school in a position to earn a living wage, he said. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The 74: Youve been a fairly high-profile senator for 16 years, and now youre aiming to leave Congress and lead Colorado. Do your plans suggest anything about your level of optimism for education policy at the national level? I have very little optimism for the future of education policy as its made in Washington. In fact, a better way of saying it is that I am completely pessimistic about our ability to deliver the 21st-century education system that our kids and teachers and families desperately need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington is going in the opposite direction, if anything: The Democratic Party has no national education policy that I can perceive, and the Republican Party has a national policy of dismantling public education and voucherizing it to the extent that theyre now incentivizing governors to fund tax credits for kids who want private education. Thats beyond the imagination of people who supported vouchers when I was a school superintendent. So with respect to education policy at the federal level, were at a moment where all there is is wreckage everywhere you turn. Thats terrible for our kids because, just to take one example, our reading scores havent been lower for 32 years. The surveys Ive seen of kids and parents satisfaction with public education in the wake of COVID are continuing to fall, principally because most kids feel like theyre not being prepared for the century were in. You mentioned the absence of concrete, consensus ideas about K12 schools within the Democratic Party. How big of a problem is that, both substantively and politically? I ask because a number of polls have seemed to show Republicans gaining on the issue over the last few years. Republicans clearly gained ground nationally on education in the aftermath of COVID. Thats shocking because the Democratic Party has always led on education in public opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im proud to come from Colorado, where [Gov.] Jared Polis has been a leader on this subject. We reopened schools in Colorado earlier than in a lot of other states, and I think the governor understood how damaging the school closures were to our kids education and mental health because of his deep commitment to education over the years. Coming out of COVID, the argument from the Republican Party has essentially been to privatize public education. I really dont think the American people support that, but Democrats at the national level have provided a complete vacuum. I often ask, at my town halls and the Democratic meetings I have, What was Joe Bidens position on public education? What was the Democratic Partys position at the last election? Nobody can name anything. Sometimes people come up with free college or deferred student loans, but nobody comes up with anything on K-12. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images) To the extent that we focused on anything well, Biden did, though I disagreed with him it was on student loan forgiveness, which leaves out the vast majority of families and kids in America. All of a sudden, we werent talking to parents who had children in our K-12 system, especially those who didnt plan to go to college. We werent talking to the many young people who arent attending college but also arent prepared to hold a job. We werent talking to teachers or people working in schools, either. We just abandoned this project to the Republicans, which was a huge mistake. Do you think the partys difficulty in setting policy priorities was particularly evident during the Biden presidency? The failure to include a permanent expansion of the Child Tax Credit in the Build Back Better negotiations of 202122 sticks out to me, particularly because its been one of your signature issues in the Senate. Its definitely fair to say that we didnt establish a set of priorities that were affordable for the American people. The Child Tax Credit is the most successful anti-poverty measure, and maybe the most successful domestic policy measure, that we have implemented since the 1960s. In the richest country in the world, our goal should be ending childhood poverty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think theres any greater education reform we could pursue than ending childhood poverty in this country. Its critical to our countrys future and to the economys present, and thats why it was where I focused. I do agree that there wasnt a huge amount of policy coherence [during the Biden White House], and it was just a question of what we could get done. In the end, Washington dysfunction didnt allow the expanded Child Tax Credit to become permanent. Now we see a version of the CTC in Donald Trumps trickle-down bill, but it has left out millions of the kids in America who could use the credit the most. Do you think its possible to achieve these kinds of goals at the state level instead? A number of states, including Colorado, have already implemented or expanded their own state-level tax credits to directly address child poverty. I am very pleased that there are states like Colorado and Minnesota and Maryland that have taken that on themselves as a way of expressing the importance of giving kids a fair shot from the very beginning. None of that obviates the need to fix our education system and bring it into the 21st century, which we clearly need to do; but frankly, its just not on the agenda in Washington, D.C. There have been many days in Washington when Ive felt that weve treated the nations children like theyre someone elses children and not our own. Related New NAEP Scores Dash Hope of Post-COVID Learning Recovery We have a national interest in the fact that our reading scores are below where they were three decades ago. We have a national interest in the fact that our kids feel like the system we have whether its K-12, higher education or workforce development is not preparing them to succeed in this economy. It is of national importance that our kids and adolescents are having an epidemic of mental health problems, which simply did not exist when I was in school, in the wake of COVID and social media. And Washington is just not interested in that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My view is that this is a moment when the states need to set an example for Washington. If I get the chance to be Colorados next governor, I hope were going to make Colorado the best place in America to raise and educate a kid. Do you think Democrats, and state education leaders more broadly, need to coalesce a brand-new education agenda? The classic education reform playbook seemed to yield fairly steady learning gains through the 1990s and 2000s in a number of areas like Denver, where you were superintendent but have since fallen out of favor. The results in Denver were extraordinary, but insufficient. We made a huge amount of progress compared to school districts all over the nation, many of which were engaged in the same kinds of reforms we were. We were able to do work in Denver that our community supported, including reforms that have been described as controversial but which had the support of most parents and kids. Its not important to re-litigate this now, but the bottom line is that Denver was one of the 10 worst-performing school districts when we started, and by the time Tom Boasberg [Bennets successor as superintendent] was leaving, we had risen to the top half of districts in math and reading. Our graduation rates were dramatically improved. I mean, there was a whole list of things we did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we could say the same about America, wed be feeling a lot better about where we are educationally. If we could say that about Colorado I would say that no kids in any other district in the state saw the gains we did in Denver wed feel a lot better. But the reverse is true: Were going backwards as a nation. In Colorado, there are school districts where the math proficiency rate is 7% for Latino students in eighth grade. The proficiency rate for reading is 24% among Latino and African American students. Its still the fundamental civil rights issue we face as a nation, and we have not addressed it. The country is becoming less fair, not more, in education. It is striking that, given the results youve cited, the Denver school board has worked to reverse some of the policies you implemented as superintendent. Last year, you and Boasberg held a press conference that it seemed to me was intended to defend the honor of the reforms you led. If elected governor, do you intend to fight for the same ideas that animated you as a district leader? Im not coming back to be Colorados superintendent of schools. Im not coming back to impose the same standards-based reform effort that we led in Denver. Times have changed, and weve seen the limitations of those reforms. But we also saw huge benefits from the way we engaged our workforce, the quality of implementation, and the ability for parents and kids to have interesting choices of schools throughout the district that met their interests and needs. Tom and I werent [at that press conference] to defend our honor. Were proud of the work we did, though we didnt do it perfectly. It was important for us to be there because the results are so clear. The outcomes were dramatically better than any similarly situated school district that I am aware of in American history. To me, the problem isnt that our politicians on both the right and the left have abandoned school reform itself. Its that weve abandoned our aspirations for our kids when it comes to their education, period. We cant tolerate a system that creates the kind of outcomes were seeing. So do you intend for your governorship to be more about issues that have developed since your time in the Senate, such as COVID learning recovery or the spread of four-day school weeks? Youre right, there are a lot of districts in Colorado, especially rural ones, that have been operating on a four-day week for a long time. I was deeply worried when the city of Pueblo went to a four-day school week. I met with some parents at the Pueblo Boys and Girls Club and asked them what they were going to do with their kids on the fifth day. What they said to me was, No one asked us whether wed be okay with our kids not attending school on the fifth day. And by the way, none of us can afford child care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is there any world in which the parents of Cherry Creek or Boulder County would be ignored in making a decision like that about school schedules? I can assure you, there would be no way that the superintendent or school board in those communities could ever get to a four-day week. Families would rebel over the child care costs alone. As I said, Im not interested in re-litigating the reforms of 20 years ago. Im interested in our state delivering an education for our young people that is relevant to the economy we have and that can put them in a position to succeed. For more and more Americans, it feels like no matter how hard you work, you cant get ahead, and your kids cant get ahead. Weve got to move our kids back to the center of our vision of what a successful education system looks like. Weve got to focus on providing kids with economic opportunity either when they decide to go to college or when they take a job that doesnt require a college degree, but that can allow them to earn a decent wage and enter the middle class. We need to get much more serious about the state of our kids mental health, which is something Ive focused on in the Senate, but that we havent been able to do anything about. Fundamentally its about enlisting the entire state to deal with these problems. There was literally nothing we could have done in Denver all those years ago without the support of a community that wanted better outcomes for their kids and had aspirations for their families that were the same as parents living in wealthy school districts. Urban parents and rural parents, parents of color and white parents, they all have that ambition. The fact that we have an obsolete system isnt anybodys fault. Ive been around long enough to know the ways in which people can just keep clinging to the status quo. I just think this is a moment when people are feeling the economic challenges so acutely, and weve got to make the decision to do what every other industrialized and rich country in the world has done: put kids graduating high school in a position to earn a living wage. If youre successful in this campaign, youll be leaving Washington and focusing on the lives of Coloradans. Im wondering what principles or policy ideas you think your party should try to draw into a national agenda on K-12 schools? I doubt it would just be fighting teachers unions or requiring more testing, which were some of the go-to answers in the 2000s. Well, its not that. I think weve learned that we were over-testing in those days. We saw the limitations of standards-based reform, and we also saw the difference that could be made through good implementation and extraordinary leadership among principals and teachers. We saw what could be achieved by unleashing the entire community to make our schools better. Colorado is ready for that. Our families want to focus on getting the benefits of high-quality education, and thats where I want to focus. If we are putting young people in the position to embark on a middle-class life, we will know we have succeeded in fulfilling our responsibilities to them. And we will know that the resources that weve spent on education have allowed kids to fulfill their parents dream for them to do better than they did, and to contribute to our democracy as well. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Many of those looking for a flight out of the Columbus Airport in the coming months will be finding themselves out of luck, as least for the time being. According to the Columbus Airport (CSG), planned runway construction, set to begin Aug. 5, will press pause on all commercial, military and large aviation operations. The day before groundbreaking begins, travelers voiced worries about what the closure could mean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think theres probably going to be a lot of concern for the community as a whole, especially our military. I think thats going to impact them heavily, Martha Madaris said. Madaris was returning from a trip to Miami with her husband. For the past 15 years, the pair has preferred flying out of Columbus when they can, due to its convenience. Now, theyll have to make the drive to Atlanta, at least until construction is over. Airport representatives estimate the project will take just over 100 days and about $24 million dollars to complete. CSG announced the Aug. 5 groundbreaking last month, saying that a geotechnical assessment indicated a complete runway overhaul was needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States, was the last commander in chief born a British subject and the first member of the Whig Party to win the White House. He delivered the longest inaugural address in history, nearly two hours, and had the shortest presidency, being the first sitting president to die in office, just 31 days into his term. Oh, there is one more bit of trivia about the man who gave us the slogan Tippecanoe and Tyler Too. Harrison was the last politician to lose his first presidential election and then win the next one (Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson managed that before him). Richard Nixon lost only to win way down the road. (Grover Cleveland and Trump are the only two to win, lose and then win again.) Read more: Column: Why MAGA's ideologues can't always get what they want Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone else since Harrison's era who lost on the first try and ran again in the next election lost again. Democrat Adlai Stevenson and Republican Thomas Dewey ran twice and lost twice. Henry Clay and William Jennings Bryan each ran three times in a row and lost (Clay ran on three different party tickets). Voters, it seems, dont like losers. These are not encouraging results for Kamala Harris, who announced last week she will not be running for governor in California, sparking speculation that she wants another go at the White House. But history isnt what she should worry about. Its the here and now. The Democratic Party is wildly unpopular. Its net favorability ( 30 points) is nearly triple the GOPs (11 points). The Democratic Party is more unpopular than any time in the last 35 years. When Donald Trumps unpopularity with Democrats should be having the opposite effect, 63% of Americans have an unfavorable view of the party. Read more: Column: Stephen Colbert's swan song is zeitgeist moment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? Because Democrats are mad at their own party both for losing to Trump and for failing to provide much of an obstacle to him now that hes in office. As my Dispatch colleague Nick Cattogio puts it , Even Democrats have learned to hate Democrats. Its not all Harris fault. Indeed, the lions share of the blame goes to Joe Biden and the coterie of enablers who encouraged him to run again. Harris dilemma is that she symbolizes Democratic discontent with the party. That discontent isnt monolithic. For progressives, the objection is that Democrats arent fighting hard enough. For the more centrist wing of the party, the problem is the Democrats are fighting for the wrong things, having lurched too far left on culture war and identity politics. Uniting both factions is visceral desire to win. Thats awkward for a politician best known for losing. Read more: Column: Yes, Mr. President, they're still talking about Jeffrey Epstein Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost the only reason Harris was positioned to be the nominee in 2024 was that she was a diversity pick. Biden was explicit that he would pick a woman and, later, an African American running mate. And the same dynamic made it impossible to sideline her when Biden withdrew. Of course, most Democrats dont see her race and gender as a problem, and in the abstract they shouldnt. Indeed, every VP pick is a diversity pick, including the white guys. Running mates are chosen to appeal to some part of a coalition. So Harris problem isnt her race or sex; its her inability to appeal to voters in a way that expands the Democratic coalition. For Democrats to win, they need someone who can flip Trump voters. She didnt lose because of low Democratic turnout, she lost because shes uncompelling to a changing electorate. Read more: Abcarian: Will Trump weaken the federal judiciary with specious accusations against judges? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her gauzy, often gaseous, rhetoric made her sound like a dean of students at a small liberal arts college. With the exception of reproductive rights, her convictions sounded like they were crafted by focus groups, at a time when voters craved authenticity. Worse, Harris acquiesced to Bidens insistence she not distance herself from him. Such clubby deference to the establishment combined with boilerplate pandering to progressive constituencies learned from years of San Francisco and California politics makes her the perfect solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Her choice to appear on Stephen Colberts The Late Show for her first interview since leaving office was telling. CBS recently announced it was terminating both Colbert and the show, insisting it was purely a business decision. But the reason for the broadcast networks decision stemmed in part from the fact that Colbert narrow-casts his expensive show to a very small, very anti-Trump slice of the electorate. I dont want to go back into the system. I think its broken, Harris lamented to Colbert, decrying the naive and feckless lack of leadership and the capitulation of those who consider themselves to be guardians of our system and our democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats all catnip to Colberts ideologically committed audience. But thats not the audience Democrats need to win. And thats why, if Democrats nominate her again, shell probably go down in history as an answer to a trivia question. And it wont be Who was the 48th president of the United States? @JonahDispatch 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. For the 25 years up to 1997, according to the Centre for Policy Studies, net migration was 68,000. In the 25 years that followed, however, that figure shot up to nearly 6 million. Our immigration system is out of control. It isnt just about the number of people whove come here, unsustainable though that is. Our migration system has also been highly un-selective. The vast majority of those whove arrived in the last few years havent come to work, and didnt need to be earning a particular salary or often anything at all to get their visa. Even those who did come here to work are often employed in low-paid jobs, and wont be paying enough in tax to account for the pressure that they put on public services, or the costs that theyll incur later in life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the researcher Karl Williams, 72 per cent of those who came as skilled workers in 2022-23 earned below the UK average salary, with 54 percent likely earning less than half of that average. But after just five years here, most of these people will qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR. With ILR, migrants can access welfare, social housing, and free healthcare, as well as stay permanently in the UK and apply for citizenship. On average, the Government spends 34,000 looking after somebody in the last year of their life. Only a small minority of recent migrants will pay enough in tax to cover those costs over the entire time that theyre here let alone to cover the cost of the benefits and services that they and their family will use over their lifetimes. Its going to cost us hundreds of billions of pounds. We simply cant afford it. But it can be fixed. Earlier this year, the Conservatives proposed a plan to reform our immigration system, including by introducing a hard cap on visas and stopping ILR from entitling people to state support. We also proposed extending the qualifying period from five years to ten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This wouldnt just mean that it takes longer for migrants to be eligible for ILR status. It would also give us an opportunity to review the visas of those who are already here. Those who come to Britain from abroad must be able to support themselves, and must be earning enough to contribute more in tax than they will cost over their lifetime. If they cant, their visa must not be renewed, and they must leave. The Government voted against that plan, but theyve committed to a consultation on ILR in the autumn. We must use that opportunity to push them not just to extend the qualifying period for ILR, including for those who are already here, but also to refuse to reissue visas to those who wont end up contributing enough. The era of mass migration has been a disaster. People can see it in their rising rents, in the pressure on their public services, and in their increasingly divided communities. Most disgracefully of all, the British people have voted to avert that disaster, time and time again. Government after government has failed to heed their warning. Its a complete scandal, and its probably the single biggest reason why trust in our political system is in such short supply. Rebuilding that trust means building a migration system thats limited and selective but it also means undoing the harm that has already been done. We can still avert the coming disaster around ILR, and we must. Katie Lam is the Conservative MP for Weald of Kent 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. SPENCER, Okla. (KFOR) Commissioner Jason Lowes District 1 Offices Road Crew announced on Tuesday, the completion of sidewalks alongside Star Spencer High School and the City of Spencers City Hall. According to Commissioner Lowe, the project was made possible through the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant from ACOG (Association of Central Oklahoma Governments) totaling an awarded amount of $313,311. Commissioner Jason Lowe hosts Spencer Sidewalk Project ribbon-cutting, Image Commissioner Jason Lowe Sidewalks are crucial for fostering safe, walkable communities, particularly for students and residents who rely on them for daily commutes. The City of Spencer, historically lacking in pedestrian infrastructure, has seen an urgent need for such developments, says Commissioner Lowe emphasizing the importance of safe connectivity and ADA accessibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OKC fire highlights Utility 23 support for front lines Commissioner Lowe said, I am beyond proud of the Spencer Sidewalk project. Students and community members for generations to come will benefit from having a safe and ADA-accessible path available during their daily commutes. Spencer Mayor Charmin Williams additionally acknowledged the importance of the project stating,, We are incredibly grateful to Commissioner Lowe and his road crew for their commitment to our community. This initiative will not only enhance the safety of our students but will also provide a much-needed boost to walkability in Spencer, making our city a better place for all residents. DETAILS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Date: Saturday, August 9th Time: 10:00 am Location: Star Spencer High School (3001 Spencer Rd, Spencer, OK 73084) The ribbon-cutting event is open to the public. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Following an incident at Ontario Beach Park last week where two children and a teacher were bit by two unprovoked dogs, community leaders and folks who live in Charlotte are calling for change. Just before Tuesdays Charlotte Community Association meeting, the associations President Jose Peo spoke with the owner of the two dogs about the incident. He explained his objective is to find common ground and work towards a mutual solution with the dogs owner. Were going to prevent this from happening again, thats the biggest thing, Peo said. Its unfortunate that it happened in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner of the dogs believed to be involved, Jerry Frost, shared his perspective on the incident. Ive never seen anyone who got bit, this is just hearsay to me, Frost said. [the police] never showed me paperwork and never gave me a ticket or anything. Rochester Police did confirm the attack happened, and News 8 spoke with the family of one of the victims. This morning, the City of Rochesters Animal Services quarantined Frosts two dogs under the citys stray clause as they were allegedly left unattended at Frosts tent, which is staked on public property. Frost said he is distraught without his dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All I got are those two dogs, Frost said. Thats my family. According to Peo, he spoke with Frost about potential solutions which would get himself and his dogs the help they need while also addressing community concerns following the attack. Peo hopes to keep the conversation open between all who are affected by the incident and plans on speaking with city leaders about what systemic change can prevent this from happening going forward. How can we get this guy and his dogs in a better position in life, while also preventing more children from being attacked by dogs? Peo said. Per city policy, the dogs will remain in-shelter under quarantine for 10 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) Jill Slack and Janet Althauser from St. Patricks Catholic Church in Urbana joined WCIA 3S Taylor Mitchell in the studio to talk about an upcoming event. Every year, the church hosts a Cellar to Garret sale. This year, the event begins Thursday, Aug. 7 and runs through Saturday, Aug. 9. Community Spotlight: Watseka Family Festival Its just a great event, lots and lots and lots of things, everything from clothes to kids stuff and beyond, Slack said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers said everyone in the community is invited to attend. Althauser said the sale begins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. On the first day, admission costs $3. On Friday, admission is free to the public and on Saturday the church will host its $3 bag sale. Attendees can buy a bag for just $3 and fill it up with as much as it can hold. To learn more, you can reach out to cellar2garret@gmail.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 WCIA.com. HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Local officials are celebrating a new company expanding in our area. The Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Sigler was in Hanover Township for the opening of Itoh Denkis USA. The company specializes in manufacturing conveyor belt systems and parts. Heres To You Kid! seeking nominations, like Nolan The opening is an expansion of its current headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials at Itoh Denki say it will bring in 30 new jobs and support 50 existing positions. Projects like this create tax revenue so local governments can support their people. More jobs mean more opportunities for local workers. A stable career with a growing company like this means people in this region can plant their own roots, buy a house, provide for their families, which in turn, strengthens our economy and our communities, Sigler told 28/22 News. The opening is part of the governors 10-year plan to increase PAs economic development. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. The demolition of a hotel described as a "blot on the landscape" has begun. Work to bulldoze the former Golden Eagle Hotel in Thornaby, on Teesside, started on Monday and is set to take months to complete due to significant levels of asbestos. The hotel has been derelict for many years but will be cleared as part of plans paid for by Stockton Council's 23.9m town improvement fund. Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, has described the works, planned for completion in spring 2026, as "one of the most complicated demolition jobs of its kind ever performed in the UK". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonald said: "Thornaby people know this has been a blot on the landscape for far, far too long. But they also know just what a complex process it's going to be to actually bring it down. "It's a very complicated building for reasons that are well known, but it's coming down." Members of the Thornaby Town Deal Board meet with demolition contractors to begin the works [Stockton Council] In April, council bosses warned people to stay out of the derelict hotel after it was set ablaze in an arson attack, while police told people not to enter the building due to the asbestos. The demolition process will involve removing that asbestos before moving on to the structure of the building, and is expected to cost 1.52m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The work is being paid for by Town Deal funding from the previous government and 1.34m from the Indigenous Growth Fund, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. 'Endless possibilities' Leaders say the start of demolition work ends years of uncertainty about the building's future. Councillor Richard Eglington, Stockton Council's cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: "This is the next step towards unlocking new opportunities for Thornaby by removing a building that has been an eyesore for a number of years and a barrier for future investment. "Given the building is situated in the middle of a busy town centre, close to businesses and residents, we are all working together to ensure it is brought down quickly and most importantly, safely." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matt Vickers, Conservative MP for Stockton West, said the possibilities for the site are "endless". "The demolition of the Golden Eagle marks a golden opportunity for Thornaby," he said. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links KANSAS CITY, Mo. Community concerns about immigration raids rise at one local convention, where the focus is on civil rights for Latino people. This weeks UNIDOS US convention, which is hosted at the Kansas City Convention Center, Hispanic leaders fear worries over immigration raids and deportations may grow after last months passage of the Budget Reconciliation Bill, also known as the Big Beautiful Bill. Councilman Eric Bunch appointed to KCATA commission amid shutdown threat Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a concern for some because of provisions it carries related to immigration. Recent raids in the Kansas City metro conducted by federal officers have convention leaders calling for unity and sweeping change. Its a very scary time for a lot of families, Carmen Feliciano, UNIDOSs US vice-president, said on Monday. Our community is living in fear. Theyre being prosecuted. Feliciano complains that immigration raids are being conducted in a heavy-handed fashion, and children are being separated from their families. Feliciano said fears are intensifying, amid concerns ICE raids may become more common after the passage of stronger immigration policies. What were seeing is theyre targeting our civilian community. Theyre targeting Latino American citizens. Its very alarming what were seeing, Feliciano said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least two of those raids happened last week, as immigration officers swept two metro Mexican restaurants. At least 12 people were taken from the El Toro Loco locations in Lenexa and Kansas City, Kansas. The Department of Homeland Security said it carried out a search warrant to rescue victims of human trafficking. At Kansas Citys Mattie Rhodes Center, John Fierro works with dozens of Latino people every day at his non-profit on Kansas Citys west side. We just need to continue to be positive. We need to continue to use our voice, and stand up for those who are being targeted and apprehended for not legitimate reasons, and we just need to stay together, Fierro said. Crispin Rea, who represents Kansas Citys 4th District as a city councilmember, said these raids have a detrimental effect on children, who often witness their loved ones being taken away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant control how the federal government makes folks feel, but at the very least, we can control how we make them feel and the extent to which they feel welcome here. Thats the goal, Councilmember Rea told FOX4. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Feliciano said for the current generation of Latino Americans, this period of history resembles the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. The UNIDOS US convention continues all week at the Kansas City Convention Center. You can find more information about it, as well as how to register and attend, 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 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) One month after 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was shot and killed near Mt. Vernon Square, his death is prompting renewed concern over intern safety in the nations capital. Tarpinian-Jachym, a University of Massachusetts Amherst student, had been interning on Capitol Hill for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) this summer. On the night of June 30, he was walking to dinner after leaving the gym when gunfire erupted at the corner of 7th and M streets NW. Police say Jachym was not the intended target. He died the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric was a really good kid. He was inquisitive, he loved people. He loved fishing and the outdoors, Tarpinian-Jachyms mother, Tamera, told DC News Now. He was very humble. He never thought he was above anybody. A woman and a 16-year-old boy were also hurt. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Reward increased for information on fatal DC shooting of congressional intern Metropolitan police recovered the suspect vehicle involved in the shooting, but no arrests have been made. Jachyms mother said that city leaders havent contacted the family. Erics a number, she said. And Im really pissed off about that. They dont care about their constituents. This is going to keep happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While D.C. crime statistics show a year-over-year drop in homicides and assaults with dangerous weapons down 13% and 19% respectively families say the data doesnt reflect their reality. Months after Trump-era firings, former feds region struggle to recover When we heard about the shooting, all of us were talking about it our staff advisors, our policies, we were all talking about it, one intern recalled. Tarpinian-Jachyms death has become a chilling touchpoint for young professionals navigating the city. William Wang, who interned on the Hill last summer, described witnessing a shooting during a recent night out in Dupont Circle an experience he says isnt uncommon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfamiliar with the District before his first stint in D.C., Wang said he booked an Airbnb for the summer in the Trinidad neighborhood. He ultimately didnt feel safe. D.C. is pretty expensive and interns especially have to find cheaper housing, said Wang. And usually cheaper housing is in unsafe areas. This summer, Wang opted to stay in dorms on George Washington Universitys Foggy Bottom campus, where he said students are much more at-ease. But, Wang added that students are eager to explore the city in their freetime, and neighborhoods like Mt. Vernon Square and Dupont Circle arent known as dangerous. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Northwest DC neighbor details shooting that killed congressional intern Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarpinian-Jachyms mother is calling for a federal takeover of D.C. governance, likening it to state takeovers of failing public schools. I dont think there should be a council anymore until they get their act together, she said. That should happen in D.C. until they prove they can handle this. Shes demanding that local leaders ensure violence is addressed at every level of the justice system from arrest to conviction. Its a systemic problem, she said. My son is gone. But somebody elses doesnt have to be. As summer internships begin to wind down, many interns say they arent deterred by the violence but may change where they live or how they move around the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pintos office responded to requests for comment, expressing condolences and pointing to safety measures Pinto has introduced. The murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was a tragedy for his family and for our entire community. Gun violence in the District has cut too many lives short, and I will continue working every day to protect the lives of all of our residents and visitors; safety must be a baseline expectation and experience for everyone in DC, Pinto wrote in part. MPD told DC News Now that there is a great deal of public interest in the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Some Connecticut Democrats have criticized a recent executive order from President Donald Trump on homelessness. Never seen it this bad: Rates of homelessness on the rise in Connecticut The executive order was signed last month instructing states to push homeless people towards treatment for mental health or drug addiction disorders. By removing vagrant criminals from our streets and redirecting resources toward substance abuse programs, the Trump Administration will ensure that Americans feel safe in their own communities, the White House said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) joined representatives at a presser condemning the executive order. They said criminalizing homelessness punishes people who are struggling financially. Many of these folks, its just a question of affordability, Lamont said. Many of these folks, its just a question of that single mom whos taking care of two jobs and just cant afford the rent. Lamont added that Connecticut is using money from a recent opioid settlement to fund rent support across the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WTNH) Back to school is around the corner, and pediatricians want parents to know how important it is to schedule vaccinations. Glastonbury mother of four Heather Serignese stays on top of her childrens health. Make sure we have the physicals, updated medical forms, one of my kids has allergies, she said. They get our vaccines when theyre needed. Dr. Jenny Schwab of Rocky Hill Pediatrics is also affiliated with Connecticut Childrens and UConn Medical School. She emphasized the importance of ensuring peoples safety regarding all recommended vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are confused and concerned about what is safest for their babies and their young children, Schwab said. She said that nothing has changed in the vaccination recommendations and schedules. She explained that pediatricians continue to follow the same vaccine schedules set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control. Schwab has seen a young death from a lack of immunization. I saw a child die of chicken pox when I was a resident, Schwab said. The child had leukemia, and they didnt have an immune system to fight chicken pox. What we have we share, and I think its important to limit the spread and do what we can to protect ourselves and others, Serignese said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwab said flu shots are always recommended yearly between September and November. She pointed out that last year, not enough people got vaccinated, and cases of the flu were much higher. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WTNH) A special event was held for Connecticut veterans in Rocky Hill on Monday night. The Veterans Farmers Market showcased fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, eggs, jams and so much more all of which were grown or made by state veterans. Enfield attracts crowd for 99th annual Italian Festiva Mondays event was part of an initiative to support local vets statewide and to strengthen the network between businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They served our great state and nation, both in peace and war, and now they continue the mission, Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch said. The mission is to serve and grow fresh produce, dairy, and livestock, and thats great food, fresh product for our local communities and the residents of the state of Connecticut. There were also veteran-owned food trucks on site, as well as a performance by Ripchord, the 102nd Army Band of the Connecticut National Guard. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Witkoff and Netanyahu agreed on a "broad consensus that a deal must include all the hostages" during the former's recent visit to Israel, one Israeli official told the 'Post.' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene an extensive cabinet meeting on Gaza and a hostage deal, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday, noting that "the prime minister is considering all available options regarding the next steps." The Israeli official told the Post that a "broad consensus that a deal must include all the hostages" was found after US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff returned to the US, following his visit to Israel. Netanyahu reached decision to fully reoccupy Gaza, PMO sources say On Monday evening, sources told the Post that Netanyahu reached a decision for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, including operations in areas where hostages are held. Visitors at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, July 30, 2025 (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90) Hamas responded to the reports about the intent to conquer Gaza, saying, "Israel's threats are repetitive, worthless, and have no influence on our decisions." The cabinet meeting follows months of talks in Doha between Hamas, Israel, and mediators to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal. This is a developing story. New homes are under construction in Spanish Fork on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) State officials have received thousands of complaints related to residential construction fraud in the last several years, a problem the Utah Department of Commerce says has cost residents a combined $32 million. On Monday, the state announced a new task force bringing together officials from the department, the attorney generals office, lawmakers, industry representatives and law enforcement to fight the growing problem, which experts say is a byproduct of the states rapid growth and new construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residential construction fraud is a broad term that can include contractors not finishing work they were paid to do, false invoicing (when contractors submit invoices for work they didnt do), manipulating the bidding process, or lying about qualifications or licenses. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX According to the Utah Insurance Department, roofing companies have been known to canvas neighborhoods after a storm or disaster offering a free inspection, only to intentionally damage or misrepresent the extent of damage to a home. Plumbers might refer homeowners to a mitigation company to inspect water damage, ask the homeowner to sign a contract up front, then recommend repairs that go beyond the homeowners insurance coverage. Those are just a few examples of the schemes that, according to the Division of Consumer Protection, are costing Utahns millions. During new construction, the division says these schemes can result in an average loss of $302,000 per customer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, the Utah Division of Professional Licensing received at least 2,146 construction-related complaints; so far this year, its already processed 1,047 additional complaints. In three years, Utahns have lost a combined $32 million stemming from construction-related complaints, the division says. The task force announced this week will be composed of various law enforcement officers, industry representatives, prosecutors, officials from the Utah Divisions of Professional Licensing and Consumer Protection, the Utah Attorney Generals Office, Sen. Cal Musselman, R-West Haven, and Rep. Thomas Peterson, R-Brigham City. As a building official by profession, Ive seen firsthand how construction fraud erodes the very foundation of trust essential for a stable housing market in Utah, said Peterson in a statement. The Brigham City Republican currently works for the state as a building official with the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management, according to his conflict of interest form. Construction fraud is a direct threat to our efforts to put homeownership back in reach for our kids and grandkids, said Musselman, who works in real estate sales and management, in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The task force will focus on aggressive enforcement of Utah fraud laws, using the states dedicated construction fraud prosecutor. It will also launch an education and outreach campaign to equip consumers with guides and best practices, provide compliance training for industry professionals, and train local prosecutors to handle construction fraud cases effectively. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE And, the task force will consider regulatory reform, researching laws in other states, collaborate with industry groups, identify gaps in Utah code and draft new rules for state regulators. The Task Forces work to root out construction fraud is an essential piece to bringing affordable housing to Utah, said Steve Waldrip, the governors senior advisor for housing, strategy, and innovation, in a statement. It fosters the trust needed for people to confidently hire quality contractors, especially when investing in and improving older, more affordable homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Commerce also recently created a new Utah Residential Construction Agreement, a contract template for homeowners and contractors intended to define project details and expectations, and protect against fraud. The agreement is designed to empower homeowners and licensed professionals. This resource can be used to fill in the blanks for a new agreement or as a comprehensive point of reference to ensure an existing contract is solid. For more information on the agreement, visit the Utah Division of Professional Licensings website. President Trump has been trying to eliminate climate regulations since his first day back in office when he signed an executive order declaring the primacy of fossil fuels. But his administration's most radical step came last week, when the Environmental Protection Agency unveiled a proposal that would rescind its 2009 "endangerment finding" the scientific conclusion that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and harm human health and well-being. This isn't just another regulatory rollback. It's an assault on the foundation of all federal climate policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: As Trump's EPA reverses landmark climate policy, California could lead a resistance The endangerment finding originally applied to vehicle emissions, but it also underpins every major federal climate rule in America: car and truck emissions standards, power plant regulations and limits on oil and gas facilities. By removing this cornerstone, Trumps EPA is repudiating federal authority to limit greenhouse gases, our most powerful tool for fighting climate change. The irony is that no industry asked for this extreme step. Car makers need stable federal rules to compete globally. Power companies have invested billions in renewable energy, which regulatory uncertainty puts at risk. Even most oil and gas companies support a national approach to limiting methane. Companies may stay quiet to avoid crossing a vengeful administration, but they know climate change is real and that some federal regulation makes business sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump's EPA puts California in its crosshairs with its proposed car rules As the federal government retreats, states such as California will try to fill the void. But Trump is trying to block them too, directing the Justice Department to challenge state climate policies. With its cap-and-trade program, renewable energy standards and clean transportation incentives, California is helping to cut harmful emissions, and it could do more. Yet even the most ambitious state measures can't substitute for the national standards needed to tackle a problem the size of climate change. The legal foundation the administration is attacking seemed unshakeable. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to regulate air pollutants that endanger human health and welfare. In 2007, in Massachusetts vs. EPA, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that greenhouse gases are air pollutants, and that the endangerment decision must be based on science. Two years later, after the EPA reviewed studies by the National Climate Assessment, the National Research Council and the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, it found that greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere are a danger, pointing to higher temperatures, worse air quality, extreme weather events, spreading drought and more food- and water-borne pathogens. Following the process set out in the Clean Air Act, the agency then established national emission standards for the sources in each sector of the U.S. economy that contribute to this problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: How the EPA's environmental about-face could upend California's climate efforts To unravel all of this, the Trump administration proposal offers a medley of strained legal and scientific arguments. First, it claims that greenhouse gases are not pollutants because they have global, not local, effects. This argument is hard to square with the Supreme Courts ruling to the contrary, but they are trying it anyway. The proposal also asserts that U.S. emissions dont contribute to harms from climate change because climate impacts are too remote and American emissions are too small a share of the global total to matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first point demands a direct link between U.S. emissions and specific climate impacts, which is impossible to prove given that the effects of climate change are the result of global pollution from numerous sources. The second point rests on a contrived method for calculating emissions piecemeal, which makes them appear vanishingly small. No category of sources, whether cars or power plants, would produce a large enough share of greenhouse gases to justify regulation under this approach. It's a test designed to be impossible to pass. Read more: Rising heat is causing students to underperform across the globe (Studies show, to the contrary, that every ton of emissions avoided counts when it comes to reducing climate risks, and that even incremental reductions bring significant public health and economic gains.) The proposal goes on to attack the scientific basis for the endangerment finding, calling it unreliable based largely on a report from the Department of Energy written by five handpicked scientists known for their outlier views. The report asserts, among other things, that global warming is on balance more beneficial than harmful, that cold temperatures are the greater threat and that extreme weather events are not worse than they have been historically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To say that such claims defy the consensus is an understatement. Relying on a commissioned report by a closed group looks especially suspect given that Trump disbanded the National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated periodic review conducted by hundreds of climate scientists and involving more than a dozen government agencies, which has warned of climate dangers in five reports since 2000. Read more: Contributor: How California can cash in on federal incentives for green power before they disappear The proposal also folds policy objections into the scientific assessment, asserting that regulating greenhouse gases simply costs too much and accomplishes too little. But this muddles the issues. Whether climate change is harmful is a purely scientific assessment. How stringently to regulate is a separate question that must weigh both costs and benefits. On that score, the proposal's cost analysis is highly skewed, citing the burdens of regulation while ignoring the substantial public health and economic benefits of limiting warming. In all, the proposals scattershot justifications seem designed to offer the conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court where the issue will likely land a variety of ways to agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all, the five members of the Massachusetts vs. EPA majority have retired or died, while three of the four dissenters remain. The current court has steadily limited that decision's reach by narrowing the EPA's authority. Given their recent rulings, the justices could well reject the proposals most far-fetched arguments while concluding that the EPA simply has broad discretion not to regulate greenhouse gases. Even if the administration ultimately loses in court, it wins by paralyzing climate action for years. Read more: Contributor: We still rely on gasoline. Why is California adding to the cost and the pollution? As EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin put it in announcing the proposal , the administration is "driving a dagger through the heart of climate change religion." But climate change isn't a religion it's physics and chemistry. And science doesnt care about politics. We cant solve climate change with regulation alone. But we certainly can't solve it by pretending the problem doesn't exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrations assault on climate action wont change the evidence or reality of climate change. As scientists have predicted, storms are growing more intense, heat waves more deadly, wildfires more destructive. We spend billions annually on disaster response while other countries surge ahead in clean energy innovation and manufacturing. China now dominates solar panel and electric vehicle production; Europe leads in offshore wind. The question isn't whether we'll eventually return to responsible climate policy we will because we must. The question is how much time we'll lose, and how much damage we'll suffer, while politics masquerades as good policy. Jody Freeman is a professor and director of the Environmental and Energy Law Program at Harvard University. She was counselor for energy and climate change during the Obama administration. 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. (Stock photo by Getty Images) After being convicted of defrauding taxpayers through false Medicaid billings, an Iowa woman is being allowed to keep her state license as a mental health counselor. Federal records indicate Kate Cross, the owner of Cross Therapy Center in Council Bluffs, provides patients with counseling, psychotherapy and other services that are billed to Medicaid. In July 2023, federal prosecutors charged Cross with health care fraud, alleging she had defrauded Medicaid by upcoding services, in part by deliberately overstating the length of telemedicine psychotherapy visits to collect a higher rate of reimbursement from Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors also alleged Cross had collected $14,000 from Medicaid for services that were not provided as billed. In June 2024, Cross agreed to a plea deal that called for a recommended sentence of 24 months of probation. Later that month, she was sentenced to two years of probation, fined $9,500 and ordered to pay $11,255 in restitution. One year later, in June 2025, the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals, citing Cross 2024 conviction, charged her with failing to comply with the American Counseling Associations code of ethics by submitting false reports to third parties. To resolve the case without resorting to a hearing, the board recently agreed to a settlement that calls for Cross to retain her license to practice in Iowa subject to three years of probation, during which time she must engage a practice monitor to ensure she is complying with appropriate billing practices. She is also required to complete six hours of training in ethics and pay a $250 civil penalty. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to immediately reach Cross for comment on Monday. LIVINGSTON, Texas Micah Crofford Brown, the man convicted of killing his ex-wife in front of their children more than a decade ago, was found dead in his cell at the Polunsky Unit in Livingston, according to prison officials. Brown, 46, was on death row for the 2011 murder of Dr. Stella Michelle Doc Ray. He was sentenced to die by lethal injection in 2013 after a Hunt County jury found him guilty of capital murder. Ray, a popular teacher at Caddo Mills High School, was shot on the night of July 20, 2011. She had called Greenville police from her car, telling them she was afraid Brown was trying to run her off the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early the next morning, Brown was found, armed and reportedly asking officers to shoot him. He was taken into custody without incident. During the 2013 trial, prosecutors argued that Brown killed Ray during a dispute over custody. A jury sentenced him to death after just one week of deliberation on punishment. Ray, 37, was known throughout the community as a dedicated educator. A Greenville High School alumna, she had recently completed her doctorate in literature and was preparing to teach at Wiley College in Marshall. Officials have not released a cause of death but say the incident is under investigation. CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) The city of Conway took a step forward in flood prevention by approving the installation of new water-level sensors in flood-prone areas, a spokesperson said Tuesday. The sensors will include the Waccamaw River at the River Walk, Kingston Lake at the railroad trestle, Crabtree Swamp at N. Main Street, and Church Street and El Bethel. There will be a public dashboard available to the community to assist with making informed decisions about water levels that become dangerous, city spokesperson June Wood told News13. The sensors will provide a tremendous benefit to City staff when making decisions and informing the community about dangerous flooding on our waterways in Conway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nichols embraces nature to tackle flooding with new stormwater park The sensors will provide real-time water level data, allowing city officials to anticipate flooding based on varying rainfall amounts, Wood said. The city will use historical data to predict future water levels. Last year, the city dealt with flooding from the Waccamaw River caused by Tropical Storm Debby about two weeks after the storm made landfall. Wood said the project is expected to cost close to $26,000. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FAR ROCKAWAY, Queens (PIX11) Four police officers were rushed to the hospital after they crashed into each other in Queens on Monday, according to the NYPD. Authorities said two marked police cruisers were headed to a crime near Beach 34th Street and Seagirt Boulevard in Far Rockaway when they collided around 10:10 p.m. More Local News All officers had non-life-threatening injuries, according to the NYPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear if the police cruisers lights and sirens were on at the time of the crash. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. CORINTH The Corinth Police Department is awaiting extradition from Texas of a suspect in a mid-July shooting. Jacob Gage Moss, 29, of Corinth, is wanted in connection with the July 15 shooting of Michael Gunn in the 3600 block of Mathis Road in Corinth. Moss fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. Police issued arrest warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon. Moss was picked up by the Conroe Texas Police Department July 31 on the warrants and was booked into the Monomosco County Jail. He will remain incarcerated there until he is extradited back to Mississippi. Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R) is pressing the FBI to intervene to help the GOP bring back the state House Democrats after they left on Sunday to stop Republicans from advancing its new congressional map. Cornyn sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday urging the agency to take any appropriate steps to help law enforcement find or arrest the lawmakers who left the state to deny the state House quorum and prevent it from being able to conduct business in the special legislative session that Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called. Since some Texas Democrats left for other states like Illinois and New York, Cornyn said the Texas Department of Public Safety may need help in tracking them down and arresting them. Abbott ordered their arrests on Monday after the state House was unable to conduct business, arguing they violated their oath of office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Live updates: Texas Dems, GOP in showdown over redistricting In a representative democracy, we resolve our differences by debating and voting, not by running away, Cornyn said. I request the FBIs assistance, as federal resources are necessary to locate the out-of-state Texas legislators who are potentially acting in violation of the law, he said. The FBI has tools to aid state law enforcement when parties cross state lines, including to avoid testifying or fleeing a scene of a crime. Texas state law institutes a $500 fine per each day the lawmakers intentionally dont attend the special session. Abbott has also ordered an investigation into whether they have violated bribery laws in accepting assistance from others to cover the cost of the fines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornyn echoed those bribery concerns. He said this matter is time-sensitive, as Abbott called a 30-day special session to vote on the new redistricting map, which could net Republicans five additional seats in the U.S. House in the 2026 midterms. Cornyn didnt mention the redistricting effort in the letter but cited that the legislature needs to address the recent flooding that happened in Texas, which claimed more than 100 lives. These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable, Cornyn told Patel. I urge you to work with Texas public officials to provide them the support they need. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn asked the FBI to help return state legislators who fled ahead of a special redistricting session. The special legislative session of the state House was called by Gov. Greg Abbott with the intent of pushing through new congressional maps. These Donald Trump-approved maps would favor Republicans and could potentially grow the states GOP delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2026 midterm elections. State-level Democratic Party representatives fled to Illinois and New York earlier this week to deny the Texas House of Representatives a quorum. In a letter sent to FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday, Cornyn asked the federal authorities to step in and aid in the return of the absent lawmakers. In a representative democracy, we resolve our differences by debating and voting, not by running away, he wrote. Since these state legislators are currently outside of Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety may need support to arrest the fleeing lawmakers I request the FBIs assistance, as federal resources are necessary to locate the out-of-state Texas legislators who are potentially acting in violation of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornyn pointed toward donations the legislators requested to help pay fines related to their absence and alleged that the fleeing Democrats may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses. These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable, he wrote. The Texas House allowed arrest warrants to be issued for the Democrats on Monday. Gov. Abbott followed that motion by ordering the Department of Public Safety to arrest the missing lawmakers. Both moves were largely symbolic as the Democratic Party members had left Texas and the jurisdiction of state officers. On Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton shared his intention to seek a court order declaring Democratic seats vacant if they do not return to the legislature by Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have abandoned their offices by fleeing Texas, and a failure to respond to a call of the House constitutes a dereliction of their duty as elected officials, Paxton said in a statement. Starting Friday, any rogue lawmakers refusing to return to the House will be held accountable for vacating their office. The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you dont show up to work, you get fired. The post Cornyn requests FBIs aid in returning absent Texas Democrats to state appeared first on Salon.com. DILLON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) The Dillon County Coroners Office has identified a 52-year-old man who was shot by authorities after a lengthy standoff on Sunday and three South Carolina Law Enforcement Division agents have been placed on administrative duty, authorities said Tuesday. Jimmy Jones of Dillon was killed in the shooting, Coroner Donnie Grimsley said. His body will be sent to the Medical University of South Carolina for an autopsy and to determine the cause and manner of death. News13 photo: Eric Cooper News13 photo: Eric Cooper News13 photo: Eric Cooper A spokesperson for Jones family Chris Stackhouse took to Facebook late Tuesday night in a lengthy post. Stackhouse said Jones family wants federal investigators to look into the case because of their lack of trust in local law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florence County Sheriffs Office said Monday it was investigating the incident that happened on Joann Branch Road in Lake View after being requested to do so by the Dillon County Sheriffs Office. Jones allegedly pointed a firearm at deputies and threatened to shoot them before securing himself inside the residence. A SLED SWAT team joined local authorities in trying to execute a search warrant, attempting to negotiate during an extensive stand-off before the suspect fired multiple rounds and was struck. During the incident, three SLED agents exchanged gunfire with Jones, who was transported to a hospital where he died, the agency said. SLED Chief Mark Keel placed the three agents on administrative duty and requested the Florence County Sheriffs Office to conduct an independent investigation of the officer-involved shooting. The agents names were not immediately available. Count on News13 for updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. The investigating judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court has ordered the detention of a military unit commander suspected in a case concerning the procurement of electronic warfare systems and UAVs, with an option to be released on a UAH 2 million bail (about US$48,000). Source: Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO); High Anti-Corruption Court; Suspilne Details: The judge partially upheld the SAPO prosecutors request and imposed a pre-trial detention measure on the commander of a National Guard unit. The detention is valid until 30 September 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This refers to Colonel Vasyl Myshanskyi. It is reported that if bail is posted, the suspect will be subject to the following obligations: to appear before the investigator, prosecutor, investigating judge or court upon request; not to leave the borders of the city of Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast without permission from the investigator, prosecutor or court; to notify the investigator, prosecutor or court of any change in place of residence and/or employment; to refrain from communicating with the individuals specified in the investigating judges ruling; to hand over to the relevant state authorities their passport(s) and any other documents granting the right to leave or enter Ukraine; and to wear an electronic monitoring device. The prosecutor's office stated that it is considering appealing the preventive measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Suspilne public broadcaster reporting from the courtroom, SAPO prosecutor Vitalii Rybalkin said that the commander of the military unit, Vasyl Myshanskyi, supposedly received a reward of UAH 250,000 (US$6,000) for purchasing more expensive radar systems from a private company. According to the investigation, the officer had ties to the former head of Rubizhne City Military Administration, Andrii Yurchenko. Myshanskyi confirmed this himself. "I havent seen him since we graduated as cadets. I knew he had become the head of Rubizhne military administration and that he had previously helped my unit. When I became a commander, we crossed paths again, and I said: If you can, allocate me some grant-in-aid so I can improve our defence capabilities. He agreed," Myshanskyi said during the hearing. He claimed that when he transferred to a combat brigade, there were significant supply issues: they lacked drones and had no electronic warfare equipment at all. Yurchenko later introduced the suspect to MP Oleksii Kuznietsov from the Servant of the People party, who also promised assistance. During the hearing, the prosecutor read out materials from covert investigative actions, including phone conversations between the suspects. However, defence lawyer Andrii Velykotskyi emphasised that most of these conversations did not involve his client, who was not a participant in them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant-in-aid was allocated at the beginning of the year, but the purchase only went through last month because it had taken a long time to find equipment that met the required standards, the suspect explained. According to Myshanskyi, throughout that period, he was approached by a representative of a private company, Dorofieiev, with various offers. The final offer for radar equipment met all the criteria, including price. After the contract was signed, Colonel Myshanskyi was invited to a shared lunch. "Dorofieiev invited me to lunch on 2 August. Kuznietsov was also there I didnt even know he would come. He handed me a bag, which I put into my backpack. I thought it was payment for what we had agreed on for buying either a car or a Starlink," Myshanskyi said. As he left the venue, he was detained by National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor requested that the suspect be held in custody for 60 days, with an alternative bail set at over UAH 7 million (US$167,000). The defence argued that the military officer could not afford that amount: from the beginning of the year through July, his pre-tax earnings totalled just over UAH 450,000 (US$10,000). He does not own any property and lives in military housing. Lawyer Andrii Velykotskyi asked the court to reduce the bail to a reasonable amount. Previously: The High Anti-Corruption Court has imposed a 60-day pre-trial detention on Yevheniia Sydelnykova, director of Akopters LLC, who is a suspect in the case concerning the procurement of electronic warfare systems and UAVs. The court set bail at over UAH 2 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 2 August, following a briefing by NABU Director Semen Kryvonos and SAPO Head Oleksandr Klymenko, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the exposure of a bribery scheme involving a Member of Parliament, heads of district and city administrations, and National Guard officers. Later, NABU and SAPO clarified that the officials had been caught taking bribes during the procurement of UAVs and electronic warfare systems. The scheme involved signing government contracts with suppliers at deliberately inflated prices. Among those exposed in the large-scale corruption case were MP Oleksii Kuznietsov from the Servant of the People party; Serhii Haidai, Head of Mukachevo District Administration and former head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration; and Andrii Yurchenko, Head of Rubizhne City Military Administration in Luhansk Oblast. The High Anti-Corruption Court imposed pre-trial detention on Haidai with the option of bail set at UAH 10 million (US$239,000). MP Kuznietsov was remanded in custody for 60 days, with bail set at UAH 8 million (US$191,000). Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Andrii Yurchenko, former head of the Rubizhne City Military Administration, has been remanded in custody for 60 days by the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine in a case concerning corruption in the procurement of electronic warfare systems, with bail set at UAH 6 million (about US$143,970). Source: Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne Details: The court also summoned detectives from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) who had detained Yurchenko and searched his home. They were questioned about the details of the search and Yurchenkos behaviour during it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yurchenkos lawyers announced that they would appeal the courts decision. Earlier, an investigating judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court ordered the arrest of a military unit commander suspected in a case concerning the procurement of electronic warfare systems and UAVs, with the option to be released on a UAH 2 million bail (about US$48,000). Yevheniia Sydelnykova, Director of Akopters LLC and a suspect in the case concerning electronic warfare and drone procurement, has been remanded in custody for 60 days by the High Anti-Corruption Court, with bail set at UAH 2 million. Background: On 2 August, following a report from NABU director Semen Kryvonos and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (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. The High Anti-Corruption Court imposed pre-trial detention on Serhii Haidai with the option of bail set at UAH 10 million (US$239,000). Oleksii Kuznietsov was remanded in custody for 60 days, with bail set at UAH 8 million (US$191,000). Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Councils are fighting back against Angela Rayners unrealistic housebuilding targets over fears it will destroy the countryside. Cotswold District Council has become the latest town hall to write to the Deputy Prime Minister, warning the targets risk irreparable harm to its rural landscape. Last year Labour pledged to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029, with local authorities required to plan for 370,000 houses annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a letter seen by The Telegraph, Cotswold council leader Mike Evemy urged the Government to apply common sense to the targets. Rayners housebuilding drive would require his district to build 1,036 homes this year, which is more than double the areas previous local plan of 420 per year. The letter said that the Cotswold district was revered around the world for its natural beauty and was the largest designated area of outstanding natural beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Mr Evemy said this meant that 80pc of land in the district was an absolute non-starter for development. He has asked the Government to reduce the target but has not yet received a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several authorities have pushed back against the targets since Labour came to power a year ago, including Bath, Arun and East Hampshire. They have argued that local factors, such as protected countryside, have not been taken into account. It is the latest in a series of criticisms that the Government is waging war on rural Britain, after it reduced vital inheritance tax relief for farmers. Bath council said the housing targets were a relatively crude calculation. Its letter to Ms Rayner said: The city of Bath is a twice-inscribed UNESCO World Heritage site which covers both the city and its green setting. Development beyond our current plans for an additional 5,000-6,000 homes up to 2029-30 puts this status at risk. Meanwhile Arun council said the housing policy continues to punish councils for matters completely outside their control. It blamed the rate at which residential permissions are being built out by the development industry for missing housing targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council leader Martin Lury told The Telegraph: I remain sceptical about the validity of setting unrealistic housing targets, given that the only time housing targets have been met was in post-war council housebuilding and therefore councils are being set up to fail yet again. He criticised the fanciful presumptions that the Government had made. East Hampshire is required to find sites for 11,000 homes by 2040. But those calculations take no account of the fact that 57pc of the district is inside the South Downs National Park, an area where development is restricted, the council said. It is the damage done by a blunt instrument a planning policy that takes no view of unique local factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But under Ms Rayners proposals, councils will be further removed from the housebuilding process. The majority of planning applications will bypass elected councillors and only larger schemes will be able to be called in to planning committees. Councillors are also losing the power to veto developments of up to nine houses. Last year, a Labour council leader said authorities are going to be on a collision course with Labour. Yvonne Gagen, of West Lancashire borough council, said: Its not just Labour councils, its Liberal Democrats, its Conservatives. Theyve all said the same thing. These planning targets are absolutely impossible and unrealistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The moves form part of Sir Keir Starmers pledge to overhaul the planning process and stop the nimbys from blocking applications. A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: We are taking decisive action to fix the housing crisis and all areas of the country must play their part to deliver 1.5 million homes. Our revised housing targets have been set in line with the needs of local areas, so more homes will be built in the right places alongside the necessary infrastructure, and not at the expense of the environment. 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. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is calling on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to revoke the nonprofit status of a Muslim advocacy group that he believes has ties to terror groups, including Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. In the letter, Cotton notes that "in the largest terrorism-financing case in U.S. history, [the Council on American-Islamic Relations] was listed as a member of the Muslim Brotherhoods Palestine Committee." CAIR was listed as an unindicted coconspirator in the infamous Holy Land Foundation (HLF) terrorism financing case. The organization later attempted, unsuccessfully, to have its name removed from the list. The Justice Department found that HLF and five of its leaders had, while working together and with others, "provided material support to the Hamas movement." In total, the groups provided Hamas with approximately $12.4M, according to the DOJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gop Bill Seeks To Ban And Deport Visa Holders Who Support Hamas Amid Wave Of Antisemitic Violence In America Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) heads to a meeting with Senate Republicans at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022, in Washington, D.C. HLF was convicted on "10 counts of conspiracy to provide, and the provision of, material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization; 11 counts of conspiracy to provide, and the provision of, funds, goods and services to a Specially Designated Terrorist; and 10 counts of conspiracy to commit, and the commission of, money laundering." "The IRS has broad authority to examine whether an entity's operations align with its exempt purpose. Tax-exempt status is a privilege, not a right, and it should not subsidize organizations with links to terrorism," Cotton wrote. Read On The Fox News App A sign for the Internal Revenue Service is seen outside its building on Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington, DC. Cair Quietly Scrubs Democrats' Praise For Group After Blowback Over Leader's Pro-hamas Comments Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CAIR characterized Cottons demand as being "based on debunked conspiracy theories," and likened the senators request to the IRS to the McCarthy era. "We are an independent American civil rights organization that has spent over thirty years defending the Constitution, countering anti-Muslim bigotry, and opposing injustice here and abroad, including discrimination, hate crimes, terrorism, ethnic cleansing, and genocide," CAIR said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Council on American-Islamic Relations co-founder and executive director Nihad Awad speaks at the 16th Annual Convention for Palestine in the U.S. Cair Director Says He Was 'Happy' On Oct. 7, Israel 'Does Not Have Right To Self-defense' "We specifically condemned the Oct. 7th attacks on civilians, just as we condemn the ongoing genocide in Gaza. This is called moral consistency. Senator Cotton should try it," the organization added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CAIR was disavowed by the Biden administration after the organization's executive director appeared to praise Hamas Oct. 7 massacre. In November 2023, just weeks after the attacks, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said he was "happy to see" Palestinians "breaking the siege and throwing down the shackles of their own land." Additionally, in his remarks, Awad appeared to further justify the attacks, saying that "the people of Gaza have the right to self-defense" and that Israel does not. The New York Times quoted then-Biden spokesperson Andrew Bates as saying that the administration condemned the "shocking, antisemitic statements in the strongest terms." The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) slammed Awads recent remarks about the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Irans nuclear sites. The national executive director said that "Netanyahu calls the shots. Trump pretends to be in charge." Additionally, the ADL pointed out that Hussam Ayloush, executive director of CAIRs Los Angeles chapter, referred to Congress and the White House as "Israeli-occupied territories." Original article source: Cotton calls on IRS to pull Muslim advocacy group's nonprofit status PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Corvallis police are urging residents to keep their small pets and children indoors after a cougar was spotted in the area burying a small deer it had killed underneath a homes porch. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife began investigating the area of NW Jon Place and Sunview Drive after someone contacted police on Thursday, July 31. Arrival in Portland is imminent: City braces for destructive invasive emerald ash borer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now we are encouraging residents in the area to keep small pets and children indoors, officials said. Anyone who sees the cougar in the area is encouraged to contact police at 541-766-6911 with details of the location. Cougar spotted in Corvallis on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Corvallis Police Department) Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. (WHTM) Whats happening in Texas is leading many states to threaten to redraw their congressional maps, but could that happen in Pennsylvania? The short answer is no, for now. Pennsylvania is a politically divided state, meaning one party cannot force its will on the other. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Carol Kuniholm is with Fair Districts PA would prefer an independent redistricting commission, but it pleased with the responsiveness of the current map. Pennsylvanias 2011 map was much more lopsided, with 13 Republican seats to just five Democratic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We went from having one of the most gerrymandered in the country to having one of the best in the country, said Kuniholm. Any activity by either party that takes power away from voters, which gerrymandering does, is wrong. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the 2011 map unconstitutional and ordered a redraw. The court redrew a new map in 2018, which was more balanced, but Republicans argued the Supreme Court overstepped its bounds. Post 2010 census map They have the authority to declare a map unconstitutional, but they dont have the authority to do is write law, said Senator Cris Dush (R-Jefferson). 2018 Pa. map The map would later change again after the 2020 census, when Pennsylvania lost a seat, bringing the total down to 17. Republicans have nine seats and Democrats have eight. Post 2020 census map Currently, Pennsylvania is considered one of the most fairly drawn districts in the country, so why should Pennsylvanians worry about what is happening in Texas? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the degree to which this has been weaponized, said David Thornburgh, co-founder of Draw the Lines, a citizen-led organization that combats gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. This is heading towards nuclear conflict as opposed to a little backyard scrap. Even Dush, a proud conservative, cringes at Texas mid-decade redrawing. If this was totally done for political means, thats not what the Constitution was set up for, said Dush. Now, Democratic states are threatening to do a little one-upmanship of their own. If both parties are playing this game where theyre capturing districts without regard for us, a pox on both their house, said Kuniholm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the map battle wont be coming to this battleground state anytime soon, thanks to narrow majorities and divided government. Of course, political winds can and do change. It could be us the next time, and its bad for the country, said Thornburgh. Despite the discussions of gerrymandering, Kuniholm says Pennsylvanians shouldnt worry. The average Pennsylvanian should be alarmed that anyone would tell a state to find more districts, more seats for one party. Thats cheating. Thats not the way our democracy should work, Kuniholm said. I think any voter should be alarmed at the idea of it, should be alarmed that the special session that Governor Abbott called to address emergency response to a tragic flood was hijacked to instead top priority draw new maps to give Republicans five extra seats in a state where they already had one of the most gerrymandered maps in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kuniholm wants an independent commission to draw maps in Pennsylvania, which has been discussed for more than a decade. However, getting people who have the power to draw maps to give up that power is easier said than done. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) With Providence City Councilwoman Helen Anthony resigning in September to more fully focus on her health, there will now be a special election to fill her seat. Anthony represents Ward 2, which consists of the Blackstone, College Hill and Wayland neighborhoods. In the video above, Boston Globe columnist Dan McGowan joined Patrick Little on 12 News This Morning to discuss who might fill her seat. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup MORE: Globe RI & 12 News Stories Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. President Donald Trumps transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, has ordered NASA to build a nuclear reactor on the moon, just weeks after being named interim head of the space agency. Duffys appointment as NASAs chief administrator came after Elon Musks pick for the post, billionaire Jared Isaacman, was abruptly jettisoned by the administration following the SpaceX CEOs public falling-out with the president. Yet despite facing questions over his ability to effectively perform two high-profile jobs, the former Real World and Road Rules star has signaled his intent to play a major role in policymaking decisions at NASA, ordering the agency to have a working lunar reactor ready to go by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is about winning the second space race, a senior NASA official told Politico, which noted that Russia and China also have plans in place to build reactors on the moon. The first country to do so could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a planned Artemis presence if not there first, Duffy told NASA in a directive. NASAs Artemis program aims to establish a long-term human presence on the moon. / Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images The Artemis campaign is part of a long-term mission by NASA to establish an enduring manned presence on the moon, and follows a promise made by Trump during his second inaugural address to send astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars. Space travel is to date one of the few science programs to receive a boost in funding by the current administration, despite the current budget slashing NASAs funding and staffing levels to its lowest point since 1961. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite predating Duffys appointment as the agencys acting administrator, the mass layoffs follow similar cuts at the Federal Aviation Administration, where layoffs came amid a major safety crisis at airports across the country and a dramatic increase in plane crashes. Sean Duffy has ordered NASA to establish a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030. / Newsday via Getty Images Over 2,000 staff are set to depart NASA over the coming months as part of a broader plan to trim the federal workforce, raising questions about where the administration will source the manpower and technical expertise needed to build and launch a nuclear reactor into space in under five years. Youre losing the managerial and core technical expertise of the agency, Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, told Politico. Whats the strategy and what do we hope to achieve here? A departing NASA staffer also told the publication the large number of people leaving would lead to a significant experience drain, with the severe budget cuts and lack of a permanent administrator leading to a drop in the agencys efficiency. Things just sound like its going to get worse, the staffer added. A NASA official said the move is about winning the second space race. / Anadolu via Getty Images Ken Wright, a former NASA technical specialist, told the Daily Beast in May the Trump administration had a problem with the non-partisan data provided by his team. Our office provided data-driven analysis not based on politics, and this new administration doesnt feel they need that kind of information or anything they disagree with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Duffy received bipartisan support for his appointment to the role, questions have been raised about his ability to carry out the two jobs simultaneously. Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a former astronaut, said it would be reasonable for Duffy to serve as NASA administrator or as transportation secretary, but not both. NASA has been hit with huge budget cuts under the second Trump administration. / Austin DeSisto/NurPhoto via Getty Images How does he figure out what the priority is? Is it the FAA, which has all kinds of problems, or NASA, which has all kinds of problems? the senator said following Duffys appointment. Meanwhile, remaining staffers are already preparing for the worst. I anticipate the time will come when they order me to compromise my scientific integrity, a high-ranking NASA scientist told the Daily Beast. [Thats] a line I will not cross. The Daily Beast has reached out to NASA for further comment, China rescues fire-stricken foreign container ship in South China Sea Xinhua) 09:32, August 05, 2025 BEIJING, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- China has rescued a foreign container ship that caught fire in the South China Sea, saving the lives of its 25 foreign crew members, the Ministry of Transport said on Monday. On July 28, four containers on a large Liberian-registered container ship suddenly caught fire approximately 190 nautical miles northwest of Yongshu Reef in China's Nansha Islands, threatening the safety of the crew and international shipping routes, according to the ministry. Upon receiving the alert from the Hainan provincial maritime search and rescue center, the ministry's Nanhai Rescue Bureau promptly initiated an emergency response and dispatched a rescue ship. The ship, which had been on routine patrol duty nearby, moved at full speed to the scene. To ensure the efficiency of rescue operations and the safety of personnel, a rescue helicopter was dispatched to transmit real-time updates on the fire situation. Visible flames were extinguished by about 2 p.m. on July 30. Following repeated inspections, rescue crews confirmed that no residual fire risks remained by the evening of Aug. 1, securing the safety of the crew, vessel and cargo while preventing secondary disasters like marine pollution. The rescue vessel remains on-site, safeguarding the container ship to ensure its subsequent voyage safety. The ministry said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of international shipping channels in the South China Sea. The successful rescue has not only tested China's emergency response capabilities in deep-sea and far-sea areas, but also demonstrated through concrete actions China's ability to safeguard the lives and property of people at sea, and to ensure the smoothness of international shipping channels. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Martha Stewart is launching a skincare range. Martha Stewart is launching skincare products The 84-year-old lifestyle guru has been working with dermatologist and laser surgeon Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali for five years on Elm Bioscience and the first products, A3O Elemental Serum ($135) and Inner Dose The Daily Skin Supplement ($50) will go on sale direct to consumers next month. Martha told WWD of the partnership: We met years ago in Miami at the Food and Wine [Festival] and started talking about skin care, and we started to work shortly thereafter on developing a really good idea for skin." Dhaval added: It became a true friendship. Martha and I had started speaking about a lot of different things. There was an intellectual curiosity about her Shortly thereafter, when I was opening my office, she was actually the first person ever in my office before it actually ever opened. The doctor began creating iterations of the products for Martha to test out, and she was very hands-on with sharing feedback and discussing clinical research. He said: Ive sent her more studies than I can count at this point [Martha] has access to anything and everything and the idea is that we want good quality, efficacious products to help us become who were supposed to be and live how we want to live. The serum contains Elms proprietary A3O complex, hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin E and blue tansy to support skins texture, radiance and collagen production, while the supplement combines antioxidants and adaptogens to target environmental stress, pigmentation and signs of aging, and Martha believes they work well together. She said: It all goes together, and its very important. What we eat is extremely important. What we drink is extremely important. To keep in good health and [achieve] successful aging, you have to pay attention to what you ingest Ive been using [the system] now for quite a while, testing the different versions of it that weve developed, and people remark all the time about the vibrancy, the prettiness and the texture of my skin. Martha suggested there will be more products to come in the future. She said: Id like to incorporate the skin care that Ive sort of developed for myself Cleanliness, thats one thing that I pay very close attention to. Ive talked to Dr. B about developing a really good toner or tonic for the skin. Weve already developed and are working on the texture now of our night cream, which [the] samples Ive been using are so good. I love them so much. You dont need 100 different products to put on your face. You need about three amazing products. KANSAS CITY, Mo. As Kansas City faces the looming threat of a complete public transit shutdown, Mayor Quinton Lucas has made a decisive moveappointing Councilman Eric Bunch to the commission that oversees the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA). The high-stakes appointment comes just four days after the City Council rejected a crucial funding package for the KCATA, throwing the future of local bus service into uncertainty. Wife of man killed in collapse at Kansas City Family Dollar files wrongful death lawsuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transit officials warn service could come to a screeching halt in less than two weeks. The clock is ticking. What was once a crisis weeks away is now measured in days. But over the weekendand continuing into Mondaya flurry of behind-the-scenes negotiations have taken place. And Monday brought the biggest development yet: Bunch is stepping into a new role on the KCATA Commission at a time when every decision could be make-or-break for the citys transit system. Were not going to see a complete shutdown of transit in Kansas City it will not happen I will not allow that to happen, Bunch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized whats at stake for thousands of residents who rely on public transit every day. The riding public who uses and depends on KCATA on a daily basis are the ones who are going to be left out to dry, he said. Bunchs appointment is seen as an effort to increase accountability and representation, especially since Kansas City, Missouri, is KCATAs largest funder and the majority of riders are KCMO residents. Weve seen 40% cost escalation from 2021 to now40%to provide less service, mind you. That should have never happened without clear communication, Bunch added. KCATA Commission Chair Reginald Townsend shares Bunchs concernbut stopped short of ruling out a shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im always optimisticI have to look at the brighter side of everything, Townsend said. But that is a real reality. Were looking at all avenues. When asked about whats been holding up progress, Townsend acknowledged communication breakdowns as a major hurdle. Im not going to say that its notin some aspects, it can be a contributing factor, he said. Expired temp tags about to be a thing of the past in Missouri Townsend said part of the cost increase is simply the reality of todays transit landscape. The industry is changing, and so are the costs to operate, he noted. Still, the countdown continues. Leaders warn service interruptions could begin as early as next week without an agreement in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the tension and uncertainty, both Bunch and Townsend say theyre committed to finding a solution. The clock is running. With just over 10 days until a potential shutdown, the question remains: Can Kansas Citys leaders come together in time to keep the buses running? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The Hunt County Commissioners Court hopes to be ready to file a proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year by the end of this week to give themselves time to make revisions before approving a property tax rate by the Sept. 30 deadline. Last year, because of errors discovered in the countys proposed budget the week prior to the deadline, the commissioners court had to adopt a tax rate no higher than its no-new-revenue rate, which came out to 32.3328 cents per $100 valuation. The no-new-revenue rate is where the rate would need to be set to generate the same amount of revenue as the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunt County Judge Bobby Stovall told the Herald-Banner that the errors discovered in the 11th hour of last Septembers budget planning were that the debt service numbers were wrong. Two weeks ago, the Hunt County Appraisal District sent out certified property values to taxing entities throughout the county (ie. city governments, public school districts, the hospital district and the county government itself). At the July 29 commissioners court meeting, Stovall announced that the no-new-revenue rate for 2025-2026, as directed by the appraisal district, is 32.5741 cents per $100 valuation a small increase of less than a quarter of a cent compared to the current rate. While a draft of the proposed budget was not presented at last weeks meeting, Stovall calculated that adding or subtracting one cent from the countys property tax rate would come out to a difference of about $1.62 million in revenue. Also at last weeks meeting, County Attorney Scott Cornuaud and District Attorney Noble Walker both encouraged the commissioners to include their offices in any cost of living adjustments for county employees. Last year, they were not included in the COLA because their offices received grant money under Texas Senate Bill 22, which is intended to help rural county-level law enforcement and attorneys offices offer pay thats more competitive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Cornuaud and Walker made the point that the grant money should be used in addition to what the county was paying their offices employees not used as a way to reduce the countys contribution to their pay. If either the arresting side or the prosecuting side is broke, you have a broken system, Cornuaud said. MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) The Mesa County Commissioners approved Tuesday to file a lawsuit against Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Gov. Jared Polis, claiming a new statute is unconstitutional. The law just went into effect June 1, says local governments including police departments and sheriffs offices cannot chare personal identifying information with federal immigration enforcement. Mesa County deputy Alexander Zwinck is alleged to have broken this law after he pulled over a 19-year-old Utah student who is originally from Brazil and has filed for asylum on June 5 and gave her information to ICE over a Signal group chat. The county said the new statute violates the supremacy clause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, this state law has turned law enforcement against law enforcement, Mesa County Attorney Todd Starr told WesternSlopeNow. Normally, the attorney general and the Mesa County Sheriffs Office enjoy a great working relationship, but in this case, thats not possible. And so, this action by the commissioners (Tuesday) simply allows us to defend our officers and get clarity for them. Weiser filed a lawsuit on July 22 against Zwinck regarding the incident, alleging that the deputy should not have shared or probed into Caroline Dias Goncalves personal identity information to help with federal immigration enforcement. State law specifies that Colorado law enforcement officers are dedicated to enforcing Colorado law and do not do the work of the federal government to enforce immigration law, Weiser said in a news release. In this case, the driver was detained by immigration authorities because of actions by Colorado law enforcement despite the absence of any criminal activity on her part. Her detention for over two weeks is directly due to this violation of Colorados laws. The commissioners approved the use of public funds for legal representation in the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mesa County Commissioners Cody Davis, Bobbie Daniel and JJ Fletcher said in a joint statement: Today, our Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize the Mesa County Attorneys Office to utilize funds for legal representation and file a federal lawsuit against Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Gov. Jared Polis, in their official capacities, in response to recent legal action taken by the Colorado Attorney General. The filing of this complaint is intended to seek legal clarity regarding the role and responsibilities of local law enforcement under current state law, Senate Bill 25-276, and to protect Mesa Countys legal and financial interests. As commissioners, although we do not oversee the personnel decisions of the Sheriffs Office, we are responsible for Mesa Countys financial stewardship, legal exposure and position. The Attorney Generals lawsuit carries large fiscal implications, and we have an obligation to ensure that these are addressed transparently and through the proper legal channels, as we continue to support the men and women of the Mesa County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriff has conducted an internal administrative review and publicly communicated the process and findings. Yet, the Attorney Generals lawsuit is based entirely on information voluntarily and transparently provided by the Mesa County Sheriffs Office. We believe this matter could have, and should have, been resolved through cooperation and communication rather than being turned into political theater. As a result of todays actions, the Mesa County Sheriffs Office will work with the Mesa County Attorneys Office to gain clarity through this legal process. We have confidence and trust that these offices will use this lawsuit to protect Mesa County, its employees, and clarify the role of law enforcement in our community in a manner that prioritizes both public safety and the publics trust. After an administrative review, Zwinck was placed on three weeks of unpaid administrative leave and was removed from his current assignment on the Western Colorado Task Force and reassigned to patrol. Four other members of the MCSO were also disciplined for their actions in the incident. Sheriff Todd Rowell apologized to Dias-Goncalves for the events that led up to her detainment. But he also urged Weiser to drop the lawsuit against his deputy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WesternSlopeNow has reached out to the governors office for comment on the countys lawsuit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso County Commissioners Court kicked off its budget process at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Aug. 4 and heard two tax rate options. The El Paso County Tax Assessor Collectors Office presented the No New Revenue and Voter Approval property tax rates to Commissioners Court as required by state law. El Paso County begins budget process for new fiscal year The two tax rates presented are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1. No-New-Revenue Rate: .409349 2. Voter-Approval Rate: .487797 As a matter of context, the Countys current rate is .426323. At this time, the County is using the Voter Approval rate as a benchmark and planning tool. The County can adopt a rate equal to or below the Voter Approval rate without triggering an election. This is the Countys policy and the approach that has been used in previous years and will give the County options on how to responsibly fund essential County services, and the majority of which are state-mandated responsibilities, the County said in a news release. El Paso Countys current and proposed tax rates remain among the lowest in the region, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of every dollar paid in local property taxes, only about 16 cents currently goes to the County, with the remainder going to other major regional taxing entities, the County said. It is important to note that the County does not set property values. Those values are determined independently by the El Paso Central Appraisal District (CAD). The Countys responsibility is to adopt a tax rate that applies to those certified values to fund public services such as law enforcement, the courts, jails, elections, public health, infrastructure, roads, parks and more, the County said. The final tax rate is scheduled to be decided at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18 during the regular meeting of the Commissioners Court. This meeting will include a public hearing on the tax rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some key dates and topics in the Countys budget timeline: Aug. 4 Receive tax rates from tax assessor and proposed County tax rate from staff Aug. 5 UMC budget session Aug. 11 County budget hearing and proposed budget presentation Aug. 18 Emergency Services districts No. 1 and No. 2 budget and tax rate adoption Aug. 18 Public hearing and adoption of County tax rate Aug. 25 If needed: Backup tax rate adoption; UMC budget and tax rate adoption Sept. 15 Final public hearing and adoption of FY26 County budget Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) Community leaders, emergency personnel and health professionals gathered in Johnstown today for the annual Health and Human Services Summit. The summit was held at the Living-Learning Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. It was hosted by the 1889 Foundation, Center for Population Health, Conemaugh Health System, and United Way of the Southern Alleghenies. The purpose is to address the needs of people in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an opportunity to bring health and human service professionals together to talk about some of the successes and challenges over the past year, Jeannine McMillan, Executive Director of the Center for Population Health, said. Johnstown Flood Museum announces reopening after weather damage Mental Fitness, A.I., and Federal Advocacy were also topics that were discussed at the summit. Although the event is annual, every three years, the results from the Community Health Needs Assessment Survey are released. This year, leaders are looking at the 2022 survey to develop action plans to address the needs over the next several years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal is really to share this roadmap with our health and human service agencies so that were all really working in the same direction to try to address some of these dire health outcomes in our region. So were hopeful that by prioritizing these areas and working together to address these areas, were going to see those successes build over the next few years, just like they have over the past three years, and see an improvement in the health and human service outcomes in our community, McMillan said. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Submissions for the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment closed in June. The results will be discussed at the Summit in 2028. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. A preliminary injunction granted late Monday temporarily blocks a new state law mandating Ten Commandments displays in classrooms from being implemented in four Northwest Arkansas school districts. (Allan Swart/Getty Images) A federal judge on Monday night temporarily blocked implementation of a new state law requiring schools to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms that was set to take effect Tuesday. Act 573 of 2025 requires that a durable poster or framed copy of a historical representation of the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in public school classrooms and libraries, public institutions of higher education, and public buildings and facilities maintained by taxpayer funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the law, posters shall be donated or purchased with funds through voluntary contributions. Posters that dont meet specifications required by the law may be replaced with public funds or private donations. Seven multifaith families with children in Arkansas public schools filed the lawsuit in federal court in the Western District of Arkansas in June against the Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville and Siloam Springs school districts. Supporters of the law have said it presents the tenets as a historical document that influenced the countrys founders in the creation of the nations laws and legal system. Families who filed the lawsuit argue the law infringes on their constitutional rights to freedom of religion. In his 35-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks said there is insufficient evidence of a broader tradition of using the Ten Commandments in public education, and there is no tradition of permanently displaying the Ten Commandments in public-school classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks agreed with plaintiffs that Act 573 likely violates their First Amendments rights, and he granted their requested preliminary injunction, which blocks the law from taking effect on Aug. 5 in the four school districts that are defendants in the suit. Brooks also denied motions to dismiss the case by the districts and the attorney generals office, the latter of which intervened in the lawsuit. Americans today might find it far-fetched to imagine a state establishing an official religion; but the Founding Fathers were not so sanguine, Brooks wrote. James Madison, the author of the Bill of Rights, warned that we should take alarm at the first experiment on our libertiesThat experiment is happening now, in Arkansas. In a statement Monday night, ACLU of Arkansas Legal Director John Williams called the ruling a victory for Arkansas families and for the First Amendment. The court saw through this attempt to impose religious doctrine in public schools and upheld every students right to learn free from government-imposed faith. Were proud to stand with our clients families of many different backgrounds who simply want their kids to get an education, Williams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Tuesday morning, Attorney General Tim Griffin said he was reviewing the courts order and assessing our legal options. Brooks rejected three arguments raised by the districts and the state for why the case should be dismissed. First, districts claimed that because compliance with the law is dependent on voluntary contributions, the likelihood of injury is too speculative. However, according to court documents filed over the weekend, the Fayetteville School District received hundreds of donated posters on Aug. 1. The Fayetteville School District filed notice Aug. 2, 2025, that it had received a donation of hundreds of Ten Commandments posters. (Photo from court documents) Second, the state argued the exact content of the displays is unknown, so plaintiffs cant reasonably predict the nature and extent of any alleged injury to their constitutional rights, and must wait until the posters appear. Brooks called this argument disingenuous, noting the law mandates the exact text and size of the posters. The unknowns are that the displays could be larger than the minimum size or contain extra historical information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks cited a recent U.S. Supreme Court case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, in which parents of public-school children alleged the districts inclusion of certain books in the English curriculum and the inability to opt their children out of the curriculum violated their constitutional right to free religious exercise. The case supports plaintiffs argument in the Arkansas case that theres no need to wait and see the context before seeking a preliminary injunction, he said. Third, Brooks rejected the states most intellectually dishonest argument that the law only mandates passive displays that invite no student participation. To support its argument, the state cited a Supreme Court case that found a stone monument of the Ten Commandments on the Texas State Capitol grounds was a passive display. Brooks said the state disingenuously omits from its discussion that the high court noted the placement of the monument on Capitol grounds is a far more passive use of the text than another case where the text confronted students every day. Contrary to the States contention, the Ten Commandments are not passive because students in public schools are forced to engage with them and cannot look away, Brooks wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arkansas families allege Act 573 violates the First Amendments Establishment Clause, which guarantees that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, and its Free Exercise Clause, which guarantees that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise [of religion]. According to Brooks, the Supreme Court has explained that a violation of the Free Exercise Clause depends upon a showing of direct governmental compulsion that burdens individual religious belief or practice. The violation of the Establishment Clause depends upon the enactment of laws which establish an official religion. Act 573 is not neutral with respect to religion. By design, and on its face, the statute mandates the display of expressly religious scripture in every public-school classroom and library, Brooks said. The Act also requires that a specific version of that scripture be used, one that the uncontroverted evidence in this case shows is associated with Protestantism and is exclusionary of other faiths. Brooks concluded Act 573 is likely to violate the plaintiffs First Amendment rights and be held unconstitutional and that the school districts and state failed to demonstrate they would be harmed if the injunction was granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his ruling, Brooks noted that 45 years ago, the Supreme Court struck down a Ten Commandments law nearly identical to Arkansas law. That precedent remains binding and renders Act 573 plainly unconstitutional, he wrote, questioning why Arkansas would pass an obviously unconstitutional law. Most likely because the State is part of a coordinated strategy among several states to inject Christian religious doctrine into public-school classrooms, Brooks wrote. These states view the past decade of rulings by the Supreme Court on religious displays in public spaces as a signal that the Court would be open to revisiting its precedent on religious displays in the public-school context. Parents have filed lawsuits against laws similar to Arkansas in Louisiana and Texas. A federal appeals court blocked Louisianas law in June. Plaintiffs in that case are represented by the same counsel as the Arkansas lawsuit. Similar laws appear to be in the works in other states, which will lead to more lawsuits until, it seems, the Supreme Court puts its foot down, Brooks said. This story was updated on Aug. 5, 2025, to include comments from the attorney generals office. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A man well known by many who have stepped foot inside the Oklahoma County Courthouse lied in honor on their second floor Monday morning. Cleo Fields, a shoe shiner on the courthouses first floor for nearly 30 years is the first person to ever do so there. I just thank God for him. He was here for me, Fieldss son Eickey said at the ceremony. I really love the courthouse because they really love him. We loved him. RELATED STORY: Polishing Shoes, Healing Hearts: Courthouse Shoe Shiner Cleo Fields Dies at 87 Beloved shoe shiner honored at Oklahoma County Courthouse. Image KFOR. Everyone was in total agreement and thought it was a fitting tribute to an amazing man, County Commissioner Brian Maughan said when talking about Fields lying in honor at the courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There wasnt a dry eye in the house. Maughan knew him well and compared it to Broadway dimming their lights for a man whos contributions to those around him cant be understated. The entire Oklahoma County court stopped today and all of Oklahoma County government stopped for a few moments today, Maughan said. He was everybodys best friend and a ray of sunshine, Oklahoma County District Judge Natalie Mai said. Mai was one of the many lives Fields touched. When I was a baby lawyer, pregnant and giant as a house, I slipped on a little bit of water on the first floor, and he helped me out, dusted me off and sent me off with a smile, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LOCAL NEWS: An Oklahoma soldiers story was almost forgottenuntil these Oklahomans told his story His shoe shine station is now decorated with pictures, flowers and loving messages. It was a place where just $10 would get you a shine, smile and uplifted spirit. He was a legend amongst those whove roamed the halls whos now remembered forever in the very same place. Beloved shoe shiner honored at Oklahoma County Courthouse. Image KFOR. Im going to miss him, but I know hes in a better place, his son said. I just thank everybody for what they done for him. On Cleos 85th birthday, the Oklahoma County Commissioners passed a resolution to declare him a courthouse legend. He was 87 years old when he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Iowa (SSN 797) are shown during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on April 5, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by John Narewski) After debate over procurement last year, the Virginia-class submarine program is on track to maintain its two-per-year cadence for the upcoming fiscal year. But Connecticut Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and other lawmakers warned that there are funding gaps in the White House budget request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courtney is seeking to fill in that gap as Congress hashes out its annual defense policy bill that authorizes, among other things, shipbuilding needs. That money could help Groton-based Electric Boat and others address the growing costs of materials and backlogs in production as the submarine industry tries to meet the long-term goals of both the Navy and a U.S. submarine deal with Australia. To shore up support for two nuclear-powered vessels in fiscal year 2026, Courtney proposed an amendment for an additional $1 billion that went into the Houses version of the National Defense Authorization Act. The House Armed Services Committee easily passed it in a voice vote in mid-July, though the bill is still working its way through Congress before its likely finalized later this year. We worked with the Navy. We basically went through 24 different line items in the Navys budget to basically scrub and squeeze funds to pay for that billion dollars, Courtney said, noting it got done in time for the committee markup of the NDAA last month. I think theres real urgency to make sure that the program keeps the momentum up and gets the right production cadence. Courtney, the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, said the shortfall comes amid the administrations two-pronged approach to funding the procurement of two Virginia-class for the new fiscal year: paying for one boat through the standard budget process and covering the other through the budget reconciliation process used to pass President Donald J. Trumps big beautiful bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That bill, which was signed into law in early July, included $4.6 billion in funding for a second boat for fiscal year 2026. An initial version of the legislation had the money designated for fiscal year 2027. Now that Congress has moved on to the NDAA and regular appropriations process, they are sorting out the funding for the other submarine. The White Houses FY26 base budget request sought about $816 million for standard procurement plus a few billion for advanced procurement of long lead-time materials for future submarines. To address what was viewed as inadequate funding for two submarines, the House committee ultimately approved the NDAA by combining the $816 million with the $1 billion from Courtneys amendment for standard procurement for FY26. Lawmakers in both parties took issue with the Trump administrations approach to funding the nuclear-powered submarines and the way it relied on the special budgetary process to pass Trumps tax bill that also included substantial defense funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., expressed dismay over the process during a June hearing with Navy officials, a few weeks before Congress approved the reconciliation bill. The shipbuilding component in the White Houses defense budget request for FY26 is $20.8 billion, which lawmakers pointed out was well below the nearly $37 billion sought last year under the Biden administration. Wicker said the Navys shipbuilding request falls far short to protect our country and game[s] the budget in anticipation of budget reconciliation, which was intended as a supplemental, not a substitute. Since that hearing, the reconciliation bill has become law and the White House released its FY26 defense budget plan in full. Electric Boat locations in Groton and Quonset Point Navy officials said they are committed to getting the industry back on track to carry out the services shipbuilding needs and bolster capacity. U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan said he visited 10 shipyards since he took the helm, including trips to Electric Boat locations in Groton and Quonset Point in Rhode Island back in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, weve allowed our shipbuilding industry to erode, hollowing out the very capacity we need to maintain credible naval deterrents. That must change. Rebuilding our maritime industrial base is not just a matter of economic policy, it is a national security imperative, Phelan said at the June hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. We do need to act with urgency, and this will take a whole-of-government approach to rebuild our capacity and expertise. The Navy and Electric Boat declined to comment on the FY26 Virginia-class funding. Courtney similarly raised concerns about a fragmented budget process for the Virginia-class program split between reconciliation and the base budget bill. But he credited the bipartisan work on the Houses NDAA for addressing the issue. He also pointed out that the director of the White Houses Office of Management and Budget will have discretion over the sub funding covered in the reconciliation bill since that agency oversaw the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just created more confusion about the normal budget process, and thats why it was such a scramble, because no one really had any clarity about the budget, Courtney said. And we still kind of dont already, because we still havent completed NDAA and we still havent completed the appropriations process. Once the reconciliation bill got passed, at least there was some clarity that you could go into the programs and try to clean up the gaps that were exposed, he continued. Theres definitely going to be more work to be done to make all these pieces sort of fit together. But between the funding through the various legislation reconciliation, the NDAA and defense appropriations legislation and his amendment, Courtney argued the Virginia-class program is very secure. Honestly, for FY26, there was never a question that there was going to be two subs whether there was a budget reconciliation bill or not, he said. And it just shows theres just huge consensus about the fact that there was going to be two subs in FY26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We worked with the Navy. We basically went through 24 different line items in the Navys budget to basically scrub and squeeze funds to pay for that billion dollars U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, a Connecticut Democrat whose district includes Groton His eastern Connecticut district includes Electric Boats Groton shipyard and many of the suppliers that work with the General Dynamics company. Electric Boat locations in Groton and Quonset Point, R.I., handle much of the Virginia-class program, along with Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. But these sub costs are changing because some of the contracts were authorized before the pandemic, and prices for materials have grown. Plus, some of the subs under construction are different models and require more to build them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Courtney noted some of the newer vessels will feature a payload module that includes more missile tubes and thus are bigger and more expensive. Ships built over the last two decades displace about 7,800 tons submerged, while the Virginia Payload Module surpasses 10,000 tons. Its new design and new size, and so thats where the cost issues arise, he said. Wicker also raised concerns at the June hearing that the upcoming Columbia-class submarines are also underfunded. Electric Boat is also the lead contractor on the nuclear-powered ballistic missiles vessels to replace its Ohio-class submarines. It is similarly working with Newport News Shipbuilding on the construction. The Houses NDAA would authorize incremental funding for one Columbia submarine, which Courtney said is the way to keep the lights on. The GOPs reconciliation didnt include any funding for that program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal of the Navy is producing two Virginia-class and one Columbia-class a year. But the actual production rate has been below that for Virginia, around 1.2 boats per year since 2022, according to a March report from the Congressional Research Service. That has resulted in a backlog, though the report said the Navy and the sub industry are aiming to get the production rate to two a year by 2028 and eventually up to 2.33 boats a year. If they can hit those markers, thatll allow contractors to keep up with the pace of Virginia-class procurement. And itll help meet the needs of AUKUS, the trade agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S., so Australia can buy between three and five Virginia-class submarines starting in the early 2030s. While it passed out of both House and Senate committees this month, the annual defense policy bill is still in the early stages. The NDAA authorizes defense spending, but lawmakers will still need to go through separate appropriations bills to allocate such funding. In the coming months, Congress is likely to use another short-term bill, or a continuing resolution, to keep the government running. While that will keep most federal funding at current levels, lawmakers can use whats known as anomalies to make adjustments and provide more funding in certain cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last December, lawmakers passed a short-term funding bill that included $5.7 billion in emergency funding for the submarine industrial base. In the fiscal year 2025 defense policy bill, Congress provided full funding for one Virginia-class submarine and incremental funding for a second. Courtney commended the Navy at a June hearing for releasing the submarine industrial base funds approved last year. He said it played a role in helping to resolve contract issues between Electric Boat and the Marine Draftsmens Association, whose membership was preparing to go on strike in the spring. He said it boost[ed] wage rates of metal trades workers in southern New England by 30% over a 5-year span. This article first appeared on CT Mirror and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (NewsNation) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly moving toward a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, with his security Cabinet expected to meet on Tuesday to make a formal decision. Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have stalled for months, leaving at least 20 living hostages suffering in limbo awaiting rescue. One of those hostages is Evyatar David. Davids cousin, Matan Eshet, appeared on Elizabeth Vargas Reports after his family saw him in a video this weekend for the first time since March, digging his own grave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its nothing you could ever picture, said Eshet. Its photos that we recognize from the dark days of the 1940s. Even in our worst dreams, we cant imagine him looking like that, being so thin, being so pale without his signature smile or light in his eyes. I didnt imagine seeing my cousin so broken. Hamas floats idea of letting aid in for Israeli hostages David was one of the over 200 people kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, at the Nova Music festival in Israel. In the video, David is severely malnourished and nearly unrecognizable, having spent 668 days in captivity. David says in the video, This is the grave I think Im going to be buried in. Time is running out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It gives us horrible flashbacks, to things we thought we were only going to see in pictures, Eshet said. Its hard. I feel like Im seeing my cousin dying in front of my eyes in this video. This screengrab from a video released on August 1, 2025 by the armed wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas, shows Israeli hostage Evyatar David in a tunnel. David, who turned 24 in captivity, was abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. (Photo by Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades / AFP) Families of hostages gather in Tel Aviv, Israel, on August 2, 2025, and watch a newly released video by Hamas showing Evyatar David, an Israeli hostage, in a severely malnourished condition. (Photo by ORI AVIRAM/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) This screengrab from a video released on August 1, 2025 by the armed wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas, shows Israeli hostage Evyatar David in a tunnel. David, who turned 24 in captivity, was abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. (Photo by Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades / AFP) Israeli President Isaac Herzog holds a photo of David looking weak and malnourished, during a press conference with Lithuanias President (not in picture) at the presidential palace in Vilnius, Lithuania on August 4, 2025. (Photo by PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP via Getty Images) Galya David (L) and Ilay Yosef David (R), mother and brother, sit next to a portrait of 22-year-old Evyatar David, held hostage by Palestinian Hamas militants during the October 7 attack, as they attend a press conference in Athens on November 6, 2023. (Photo by ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP via Getty Images) Davids brother and father believe he is being starved and buried alive as part of a propaganda campaign. Some family members couldnt even recognize his voice when they first saw the video. I think everyone can see that the way he looks like, you see that this is a dying person, said Eshet. Just in the glimpse and moment when the terrorist give him the canned food. You can see the difference in the terrorists arm compared to Evyatars arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journalist tries to set record straight on Gaza food distribution Outrage has grown among Israelis after the video of David was released. Davids father is asking Netanyahu to do whatever is possible to bring the remaining hostages home. We usually say the moment he does enough is the moment theyll be here. And if they are not here yet, he hasnt done enough to make sure they come back, Eshet 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. A rioter over the weekend threw a rock through the window of an office used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Washington, where a fire was also set, authorities said Tuesday. Local authorities in Yakima, Washington are investigating the attack as an act of arson, the Department of Homeland Security said. The suspect threw a rock through a window of a building where ICE operates an office, DHS said. Additionally, a small fire was set in the back of the building, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ice Agents Targeted In 2 Ambush Attacks In Recent Days A broken window at an ICE office in Washington state where a rioter attacked the building and a fire was set, the Department of Homeland Security said. No injuries were reported. It was unclear if ICE agents were the target of the attack, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to Fox News Digital. McLaughlin also called out Democratic leaders who support sanctuary city policies amid an increase in attacks on ICE agents. Read On The Fox News App "Make no mistake, Democrat politicians like Hakeem Jeffries, Mayor Wu of Boston, Tim Walz, and Mayor Bass of Los Angeles are contributing to the surge in assaults of our ICE officers through their repeated vilification and demonization of ICE," she said. A fire was set in the back of a building where ICE operates an office in Washington state, authorities said. "From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Colorado, an illegal immigrant from Mexico is accused of attempting to run over ICE agents while they were conducting a recent operation in Colorado Springs. In July, 10 people were charged with shooting a police officer in the neck and opening fire on other correctional officers outside the Prairieland Detention Center on the Fourth of July. A fire on the ground in Washington state following an attack at an ICE facility. ICE has seen an 830% increase in attacks against its agents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said that anyone charged with assaulting federal officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Original article source: 'Cowardly' rioter threw rock, set fire to ICE sub-office in Washington state: DHS CHICAGO (WGN) The Chicago Police Department is asking for the publics help in finding a 13-year-old girl who went missing from the citys Little Italy neighborhood. Julissa Murphy, 13, missing from Chicagos Little Italy neighborhood. (Courtesy: CPD) CPD said Julissa Murphy, 13, was last seen in the 1100 block of West 13th Street on Thursday, July 31. Police describe her as being around five feet tall and weighing around 135 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes and a medium complexion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know has information on where to find Murphy, CPD asks you to call 911 or their Area 3 Special Victims Unit at 312-744-8266. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CHICAGO (WGN) Chicago police seek the publics help in locating a gunman who the department says shot two people in Logan Square last Friday. The shooting occurred just after 4:50 p.m. Aug. 1 in the 3000 block of N. St. Louis, according to police. Police say the suspect had been wearing a distinctive Rolling Stones hoodie when he opened fire, striking a 20-year-old and a 29-year-old. CPD said the 20-year-old was shot in the shoulder and rushed to Stroger Hospital in reported in critical condition. The 29-year-olds injuries were less severe, as he arrived at Illinois Masonic Hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm, in good condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information can call Area Five detectives or leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines An investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. BOULDER (KDVR) A mountain lion that killed a dog in northern Boulder last week has been captured and released into a remote habitat, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Officials say the big cat is the same one theyve been tracking since July 25, when it attacked a couples one-year-old dog during an evening walk. The owners told FOX31 the mountain lion appeared suddenly and killed their pet within moments. Mountain lion kills Boulder dog on walk, family shares heartbreak in hopes of helping others Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of the highest mountain lion densities in the west, CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said, citing a study that found Boulder County has more lions per square mile than any other county in Colorado. CPW says it worked with Boulder police to safely tranquilize, tag and move the animal far from neighborhoods but officials warn relocation doesnt guarantee the animal will stay away. We always relocate away from human spaces, and give them better opportunities to really reinforce those wild habitats, Van Hoose said. Wildlife officials recommend keeping pets on a leash and close by, avoiding walks between dusk and dawn, and making noise to scare off animals. They say tools like air horns, flashlights, or even a car alarm can help deter a mountain lion if one is nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who sees a mountain lion is urged to report it to CPW so officials can track its movements and monitor public safety. Reports can be made online here or by calling your local CPW 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 FOX31 Denver. GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD) The non-profit organization Wounded Nature Working Veterans Project and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources cleared out 10 abandoned boats Monday in Georgetown to clean up and preserving local waters. In addition to being an eyesore, derelict and abandoned boats create navigational hazards and are major sources of pollution. Wounded Working Veterans Project Volunteer Adrian Dolcus, explained, Theyre full of lead, batteries, diesel, gasoline, motor oil, and antifreeze. Which all gets in our waterways. The CEO of the Wounded Working Veterans Project, Rudy Socha, said these abandoned boats are left where wildlife lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next generation of seafood for South Carolina, whether its just shrimp, just small flounders, whatever specialty in the marsh areas. Wed like to get them all out, get South Carolina cleaned up, and then go back to removing debris items said Socha. The organizations have been working together the past seven years. A new law went into effect in May 2025, Bill 367 which gives the SCDNR more authority to take action, reducing the time for removal, and increasing penalties. First Sgt. Jason Dozier with SCDNR said the new laws helped with the removal. Our new laws that we have in place, we hope to be able to enforce them, to keep this from happening. Which is what were doing here, said Dozier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the boats were removed, now Georgetown County will come in to properly demolish them, then take them to a landfill. Socha said the county will break up the boats, then put them into dump trucks, however officials ensure fuel tanks are not included. The Wounded Nature Working Veterans Project and South Carolina DNR said this is a growing effort to preserve South Carolinas waters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Fire activity remained high for wildfires burning throughout Arizona Aug. 5, some of which have already destroyed property and caused evacuations, according to state and federal fire officials. Among the four fires, more than 180,000 acres of Arizona wilderness had been engulfed in flames since July, and historic structures such as the Grand Canyon Lodge were destroyed. Firefighters were continually challenged by dramatic summer fire weather, which proved especially difficult in northern Arizona regions where dry, windy conditions made it easier for the fire to spread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at the wildfires currently burning in Arizona and how large they've become. Human-caused Kirkland Fire further contained Crews battling the Kirkland Fire on Aug. 5 near Prescott in central western Arizona have reached 40% containment of the human-caused blaze, according to state forestry officials. Late on Aug. 4, the Kirkland Fire was mapped at 923 acres, the same figure as the day before, and was 40% contained, according to Tiffany Davila, spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The fire started on Aug. 1 when a suspected drunk driver traveled down the freeway on a bare rim, sending sparks into the dry wilderness that lit numerous brush fires, said the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. Those fires eventually merged into the Kirkland Fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews were called off the fire overnight because it was burning in terrain often too difficult for firefighters to access, but the night was still productive, with resources organized and sent directly to the fire's edge, according to the Forestry Department. The fire remained most active on the west and northwest sides near Kingsbury Mountain and Sadies Peak, according to Forestry Department. Pre-evacuation "Set" statuses were lifted for communities near Hillside, about 2 miles away from where the fire was burning, according to Forestry Department. Crews fight for hold on 126,000-acre Dragon Bravo Fire The Dragon Bravo Fire burning on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon expanded to 126,445 acres, a jump of about 3,000 acres from the day before, according to the Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2. Burning since July 4, the fire has remained 13% contained, unchanged from the day before, according to the team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region experienced "critical fire weather," according to the team, which described winds of up to 35 mph and single-digit humidity, making for prime wildfire conditions. Similar conditions were expected to persist through Wednesday, the team said. Crews battling the fire made progress on the southwest corner of the fire, and saw containment lines hold steady on the west and north sides of the fire, according to the team. Crews planned to attack the fire directly on the southwest corner, along with the Walhalla Plateau. More than 140,000 gallons of water could now be provided by water tenders able to resupply fire crews, according to the team. A public meeting to provide an update about the wildfire will be hosted by the southwest team, with officials from Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park, at 6 p.m. Aug. 5 at Fredonia High School near 89A and Hortt Street in Fredonia, the team said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting will also be streamed on a dedicated Facebook page for the Dragon Bravo Fire. Lightning-caused Billy Fire burns near threatened buildings The lightning-caused Billy Fire was burning about 15 miles south of the community of Young, Arizona, according to the Central West Zone Incident Management Team on InciWeb. The fire started on July 9, according to the team. It has grown to 2,515 acres and was at 65% containment as of Aug. 5, with increasing fire activity mid-afternoon the day before, resulting in the fire burning in Pueblo Canyon to move towards Murphy Ranch, according to the team. The move required firefighters to engage in structure protection tactics and to include the safe burning of vegetation near threatened structures, according to the team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews expected the warm, dry weather conditions to persist, with winds added to aggravate the fire, according to the team. White Sage Fire nears full containment after more than 58,000 acres burned After it burned 58,985 acres in the Kaibab National Forest, the White Sage was 95% contained and expected to be fully contained by Aug. 6, according to fire officials on InciWeb. The fire began on July 9, according to fire officials. In addition to full containment and eventual suppression of the fire, specialized crews assessed how to bring the environment back to its original state, according to fire officials on InciWeb, a federal wildfire tracker. Local town declares state of emergency due to wildfire The town of Fredonia entered a state of emergency due to ongoing impacts from the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires burning nearby, according to Don Johnson, mayor of Fredonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An emergency proclamation on Aug. 4 stated Fredonia faced immediate threats from the wildfire, including to local businesses and communities, and destruction to local livestock and wildlife. The declaration noted the town experienced a "drastic" decline in the critical tourism industry due to the fires. The declaration also criticized national forestry agencies for the fires. "These current wildfires and others in recent years are the direct result of long-standing mismanagement of the Kaibab National Forest," read the proclamation, signed by the mayor and Tracy Stumpf, town clerk of Fredonia. It also called for a change in "land use and forest management policy," according to the declaration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stefan La-Sky, spokesperson for the fire command team responsible for the Dragon Bravo Fire, sympathized with those impacted by the wildfire but reminded those in nearby communities that firefighting efforts in the region were challenging and were happening 24/7. "We have been in full suppression efforts since the day one," La-Sky said. The more than 1,200 personnel assigned to the fire were made up of knowledgeable firefighters that knew the region well, he said. Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Crews fight to contain Dragon Bravo, Kirkland and White Sage Fires DENVER (KDVR) Multiple fires in Rio Blanco County have burned over 20,000 acres as of Tuesday morning, and hundreds of firefighters have responded to help put out the blaze. The Rio Blanco County Sheriffs Office posted an update on Tuesday and said that the Elk Fire has burned 7,750 acres and the Lee Fire is at 13,025 acres. The sheriffs office had initially incorrectly reversed the acreage numbers but since corrected it. Previous: Polis declares emergency for Elk Fire, evacuations ordered Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 297 crew members have responded to help fight the fires, according to a release from the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team. The Elk Fire began on Saturday, and the Lee Fire, which now includes the Grease Fire, was first reported on Sunday. The fires were extremely active on Monday due to hot and dry weather along with windy conditions. The fire spread to the north, east and south throughout the day. On Tuesday, similar conditions and dry vegetation present challenges for crews fighting the fire. The incident management team said that additional resources are relieving initial attack crews and will further assess the fires and plan for more suppression efforts. Crews also continue to assess and make a plan to protect structures in the Highway 64 corridor and Big Beaver drainage areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Tuesday, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect through 8 p.m., as temperatures will range in the mid-80s to low 90s and humidity will fall to 10% and below above the fires. Winds are expected to gust up to 25 mph through the evening. Aircraft will be able to fly over the fire to gain the full scope of the perimeter and support firefighters but may be limited due to smoke and wind conditions, the press release states. Lethal removal of wolf postponed due to Rio Blanco County wildfires Crews will work with the sheriffs office to provide information in real time as they evaluate the status of the fire and plan for future evacuations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White River National Forest issued a public closure on Tuesday for the area near the Elk Fire for firefighter and public safety. According to the incident management team, lightning is believed to have caused the fires. The Elk Fire near Meeker has destroyed two homes and the sheriffs office said crews are working to protect more structures from the fire. Residents in Routt, Grand, Rio Blanco, Eagle, Garfield and Jackson counties may be impacted by smoke and the areas are under an Air Quality Health Advisory. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said residents may want to stay inside if smoke becomes thick in their neighborhood, especially those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. The agency also recommends limiting outdoor activity and considering temporarily relocating if the smoke causes illness. The fires have also caused wildlife officials to postpone the lethal removal of an uncollared wolf that is believed to be responsible for multiple depredation incidents in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Crime decreased in every category in 2024, including murder, violent crime and motor vehicle thefts, according to data released by the FBI on Tuesday. It reflects a trend experts have been tracking as reported numbers of violent crimes continue to drop from a spike immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. While the report included good news, a violent crime still occurred on average every 25.9 seconds in the United States last year, according to the FBI's annual Unified Crime Report, which compiles crime statistics submitted by law enforcement agencies across the country. This year's report used data submitted by 16,675 different agencies, which the FBI said covers a combined population of more than 325 million people, or about 95.6% of U.S. residents. The FBI's report did not venture to say why the violent crime stats decreased. "It's difficult if not impossible for us to say why, and each reporting agency would have a different reason why," an FBI official said Tuesday in response to a question from CBS News during a briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI did note it has seen an increase in the number of officers shot in the line of duty. "Between 2021 and 2024, we saw 258 law enforcement officers feloniously killed in the line of duty," the FBI official said. All violent crime decreased last year Violent crime, which the FBI defines as murder, nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, was down an estimated 4.5% in 2024 compared to 2023, with each subcategory also seeing a decrease. The murder and nonnegligent manslaughter rate decreased 14.9% year over year. Robbery dropped by 8.9%. Rape saw an estimated 5.2% decrease and aggravated assault was down 3%, the report found Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The murder and nonnegligent manslaughter rate dropped for a second straight year, after dropping from 6.5 to 5.7 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. In 2024, the rate dropped again, to 5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. Over the last 20 years, the high mark in the murder rate was recorded in 2020, with 6.7 per 100,000 residents, while the lowest recorded was in 2014, with 4.4 cases per 100,000 people. Analysis from Jeff Asher, a criminal justice data expert and co-founder of consulting firm AH Datalytics, noted that while murder, rape and robberies have fallen to below pre-COVID levels following a large spike during the pandemic, aggravated assaults, while decreasing, remain "stubbornly high." In a shift from previous years, both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office contributed data to the FBI report. LAPD Chief of Detectives Alan S. Hamilton credited community and violence intervention programs in Los Angeles for contributing to the drop in crime there. "We made an investment in the future and I think these are the dividends," he told CBS News in a phone call Monday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodney Harrison, former police commissioner of New York's Suffolk County and a CBS News law enforcement contributor, said some of the drops in violent crime could be attributed to criminals shifting their efforts to online crimes like identity theft. "If they don't have to go out on the street and run drugs and can make money sitting at the computer, some criminals will do that, which presents a new challenge to police," Harrison told CBS News. Property crime also down Property crime also saw a considerable decrease of 8.1% in 2024, the FBI report found, following a 2.4% drop in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of note, motor vehicle thefts decreased by 18.6% from 2023 to 2024 following several years of increases. It's the largest one-year drop ever recorded in that category, although the overall rate of car thefts is still higher than it was in 2019, according to Asher. Other subcategories of property crime include burglary, down 8.6%, and larceny-theft, down 5.5%. The overall property crime rate in 2024 was the lowest recorded since 1961, according to the Council on Criminal Justice. Hate crimes The FBI also included data on hate crimes, based on reports from 16,419 law enforcement agencies. In 2024, those departments reported 11,679 criminal incidents and 13,683 related offenses motivated by bias based on race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender or gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overall number of such incidents decreased slightly in 2024 compared to 2023, although the FBI noted there can be fluctuations when looking at different groups. While the FBI report did not give a breakdown of the targets of hate crimes, CBS News has been tracking an increase in reported antisemitic hate crimes in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack in Israel and the subsequent Israeli military operation in Gaza. Anti-Muslim hate crimes have also been on the rise in the same time period. The Secure Community Network, which helps to track antisemitic incidents across the country, said roughly 69% of the reported religiously motivated incidents in 2024 were antisemitic, targeting Jewish people or institutions. Downward trend continuing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the FBI's report is focused on 2024, statistics for the current year are available and show a continuing downward trend, according to analysis from the Council on Criminal Justice. The homicide rate continued to decline in the first half of 2025, lowering the rate in the U.S. to a level it hasn't seen in a decade, the CCJ said. Although the group noted that while the overall numbers are going down, many cities are still seeing higher homicide rates than they did in the first half of 2019. "These numbers are promising but not surprising," Ernesto Lopez, senior research specialist at the CCJ, told CBS News. "After significant increases in violent crime starting in 2020, the decline in all major crime types across all sizes of jurisdictions is promising. These trends are closely aligned with our own findings, which show crime falling last year and continuing to fall in the first six months of 2025." The council also noted the limitations of the FBI's data, which doesn't cover the entire U.S. population and only measures crimes that are reported to law enforcement. Advocates for victims of sexual assault, for example, often note that many rapes go unreported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The police data is critical, but it's also important to remember that most crimes are not reported to police, so the overall volume is much higher than what's represented here," the CCJ told CBS News. Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm State Department puts out request for foreign nutrition aid Breaking down the crime drop reported by FBI Felonies The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Monday at 11 a.m. Quincy Bailey, 48, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, open container, possession of paraphernalia, possession of marijuana. Ambrecia Brianna Blanks, 30, of Shannon, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, driving under the influence third offense, no child restraint, suspended drivers license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Wayne Carter, 34, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Guntown Police Department, breaking and entering a commercial building, petit larceny, trespassing. Jeremy Carter, 42, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Guntown Police Department, breaking and entering a commercial building, petit larceny, trespassing. Christopher Steven Clifford, 27, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, violation of probation, possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia. Jason H. Edwards, 38, of Madison, Tennessee, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, capias for possession of heroin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joddie D. Edwards, 29, of Pontotoc, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of cocaine, speeding, expired tag, no insurance, no seat belt. Jeremy J. Fleenor, 49, homeless, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of fentanyl. James H. Owens, 62, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Verona Police Department, driving under the influence third offense, driving with a suspended license, failure to yield to blue lights. Heather M. Vinson, 43, of Nettleton, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, felony shoplifting, possession of paraphernalia. Lee County Sheriffs Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following reports were filed Monday by the Lee County Sheriffs Office. A County Road 1149, Nettleton, man said an unknown white male was walking on his property across the road. He yelled for the man to leave, and the subject began to walk down the road. He said this has been an ongoing problem for about 10 years. A Saltillo contractor said he left his 2004 Freightliner truck parked on East Garrison Street while waiting for the property owner to decide about some excavation work. When he went back two weeks later, the truck was gone. He said the truck was locked and he is the only one with a key. A County Road 1310, Mooreville, man looked out the window around 3 a.m. and saw the lights on in his work truck. Deputies responded and checked the area. The man said nothing showed on his security cameras. He felt it could have been stray cats. A footnote on the report says it was later determined that two cats got into a fight inside the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A County Road 783, Saltillo, man said a white male wearing a red shirt and red shorts rode up to his property on a bicycle with a charcoal grill strapped to the handlebars around 5:45 Saturday afternoon and asked if he could mow the mans yard. The man thought it was suspicious and wanted to file a report. A Highway 178, Mooreville, Dollar General employee said a Black female was trying to purchase three Visa gift cards for $485 each. After the cards were scanned, the customer distracted the cashier, who stepped away from the register. The female then punched buttons on the register, completing the sale and left with $1,440 in gift cards she had not paid for. The theft was caught on video. No one saw the suspect after she left the store. A review of the tape shows the woman also took bleach, laundry detergent, a chair and headphones. Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way. EAST ORANGE, New Jersey (PIX11) Millions of dollars in childcare funding just expired at midnight on Aug. 1, impacting tens of thousands of families across New Jersey. The state is no longer accepting applications from daycare subsidy vouchers through the NJ Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). CCAP received enough money in the 2026 state budget to continue funding existing clients but did not receive the $30 million needed to keep the program open for new applicants. Existing clients will also likely be faced with higher co-pays. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of funding has a direct impact on Monique Davis of Orange, who is just days away from giving birth to her second child. Her first child, a two-year-old girl, attends daycare, thanks to a monthly subsidy from CCAP. Davis expected to receive the same subsidy for her second child, but that is no longer a possibility. I am a teacher, and without this subsidy, I dont know if Ill be able to really afford my child going here, said Davis, referring to her current daycare, Zadies Early Childhood Center in East Orange. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Essentially, those parents will have to decide whether theyre going to stay home with their children, pay the high cost of childcare, or leave the workforce altogether, said Cindy Shields, senior policy advocate at Advocates for Children of New Jersey. Ive also heard stories of parents asking if they can be induced before the deadline so they can apply. The stories are unreal. Theyre really unreal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cuts are also expected to create problems for providers, who are bracing for lost revenue. As a director, Im trying to figure out where future enrollment is going to come from, said Chelsy Smith, the senior director of Zadies Early Childhood Center. Does that mean as a business were going to have to make cutbacks? Does that mean layoffs? Having children not being able to enroll especially those in infant and toddler spots are going to close classrooms, eliminate teaching jobs, and eventually for some programs, its really going to force them into a conversation about whether they can sustain to remain open, said Meghan Tavormina, director of public policy and advocacy at the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Connecticut is known for its ecological diversity due to varied landscapes and habitats, from mountains and valleys to miles of coastline, all creating a range for a variety of plants and animals. Among more of the common animals found in Connecticut include white-tailed deer, black bear, fox, skunk, raccoons, coyotes, eastern gray squirrels, eastern cottontail rabbits, and various bird species such as the American robin and downy woodpecker, according to residents, visitors and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. But some animals found in the state are more elusive and are not as easily recognizable, according to residents and to officials. Because these animals may not be as well-known, they can often be misunderstood or seen as scary, or as threats, the latter of which may not be the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are five native animals in Connecticut that are considered elusive, endangered, creepy, bizarre, or just plainly misunderstood. Lampreys They look like an eel, snake, and fish combined. Native to Connecticut, lampreys often get a bad reputation for their sinister looking mouthparts that some believe could latch onto a human, but that couldnt be further from the truth, according to Matthew Goclowski with DEEPs fisheries division. There are two species found in Connecticut including the Sea Lamprey and American Brook Lamprey. Lampreys have no jaws, but instead possess a sucking disc around the mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are a large sized fish and can be up to three-feet long, Goclowski said. They have pretty imposing looking mouths that are circular with rows of teeth that they use to grasp onto fish and hold on to suck their blood. But they pose no threat to humans or pets. The species is anadromous and spends part of its life in both salt and freshwater. In fact, lampreys only become parasitic when out in the ocean, Goclowski said. When found in the states rivers, the species is considered a filter feeder, and it burrows into the sediment. They filter out organic matter and microorganisms from the water column, including algae and other small particles, he said. Adults will enter freshwater rivers each year to spawn and their larvae will live in rivers for three to seven years, where they are filter feeders, he said. Then they move out into the ocean for a few years in a parasitic stage where they feed on fish. But that parasitic stage only occurs out in the ocean. If you see one, dont kill it, said Goclowski. Lampreys play are an important role in the states ecological diversity and act as an important food source, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the big ecological benefits they have is that adults will swim upriver, spawn, and then die, similar to salmon in the Pacific Northwest. So they are an important source of marine derived nutrients. Once they die, all sorts of things will feed on them and they offer an important boost to the lower end of the food web. They also are important filter feeders helping to aerate the river bed when they are in larvae stage, he said. Very few left Timber Rattlesnakes While timber rattlesnakes are thought to have been once common throughout the state, the total population is now believed to be less than 500 specimens. The timber rattlesnake is one of only two venomous species found in Connecticut, according to Dennis Quinn, owner of Quinn Ecological, LLC & creator of CTHerpetology.com. Once documented in over 20 towns in Connecticut, this snake is now limited to isolated populations in about 10 towns in the central and western portions of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timber rattlesnake populations have declined, mainly because of human activity and persecution, officials said. An illegal pet trade, intentional killing, habitat degradation and fragmentation, and human development have all contributed to their decline, officials said. The other venomous snake in Connecticut is the copperhead. This beautifully patterned (rattlesnake) is extremely rare in the state and is listed as an endangered species. It was probably widespread in Connecticut during colonial times, as evidenced by the many land features named rattlesnake (i.e., Rattlesnake Mountain). In the past, some Connecticut towns had bounties that encouraged people to collect and kill rattlesnakes, and many dens were repeatedly decimated, according to a spokesperson for the states DEEP. If you encounter a timber rattlesnake, officials say to observe it from a distance, calmly and slowly back away from it, and allow the snake to go on its way. Quick movements often scare snakes and may provoke a defensive strike. DEEP officials said the endangered snake is protected and illegal to kill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fisher cats While they are sometimes referred to as Fisher cats, they arent actually cats and dont eat fish. Fishers are part of the weasel family and have a similar long thin body type, although they are stockier and heavier than typical weasels. They can weigh 3 to 18 pounds, according to DEEPs Fisher fact sheet. The species hunts and eats small prey including mice, voles, squirrels, and rabbits, as well as birds, insects, and even porcupines. The fisher is native to Connecticut and can sometimes be spotted in backyards. Because they are nocturnal and solitary creatures, they are often considered elusive. They den most often in tree cavities to bear young and territories can range from 10 to 100 square miles, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fishers range through New England and much of southern Canada. The species was largely eradicated in Connecticut because of habitat loss and over-trapping by the 1900s. In the nineteenth century, fishers became scarce due to forest logging, clearing for agriculture, and overexploitation. By the 1900s, fishers were considered extinct from the state but have slowly come back during the last few decades, according to the state DEEP. A project to reintroduce this native mammal into northwestern Connecticut was initiated by the Wildlife Division in 1988. Funds from reimbursement of trapping wild turkeys in Connecticut for release in Maine were used to purchase fishers caught by cooperating trappers in New Hampshire and Vermont, according to DEEP. In what is termed a soft release, fishers were penned and fed at the release site for a couple of weeks prior to being released. Through radio and snow tracking, biologists later found that the fishers that were released in northwestern Connecticut had high survival rates and successfully reproduced. As a result of this project, a viable, self-sustaining population of this native mammal is now established in western Connecticut, DEEP said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But officials now say that the population is believed to be declining again. An ongoing study is looking into what may be behind the population decline. Fishers have not been studied as extensively as many other wildlife species, since they are often difficult to observe, according to DEEP. Through live-trapping, biologists fit select individuals with lightweight, GPS collars to track their movements on the landscape. The goal of the project is to better understand the gradual decline in the fisher population despite there being plenty of suitable habitat in Connecticut, DEEPs wildlife division said in a statement. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection wildlife division is asking people to report their sightings. Slipper limpets Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youve been on a Connecticut beach, you probably have seen their shells. Slipper limpets are a type of sea snail known for a boat-like shape, with a curved, arched top and a flat, shelf-like deck. The marine snails, also called slipper shells, are found worldwide in shallow waters and often attached to rocks or other shells. Even though they dont look like a snail, they are a snail, said Dr. Sandra Shumway, research professor emerita at the University of Connecticuts Avery Point campus. And they stack on top of each other. So when you see them in their natural environment, there are long stacks of them and they keep piling up, Shumway said. So by nature of not being attached to any permanent structure, they are easy to roll. When the tide, wind, and waves combine, they get pushed up onto the shore in large quantities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its common to find Slipper limpets shells by the thousands washed up on the states beaches near the tide line, often with them still stacked on top of one another, according to officials. The slipper limpet normally lives in stacks of up to 12 individuals, with the largest at the bottom and increasingly smaller animals on each others backs. They are very, very prolific and have beds that go for acres that can be 6-inches thick. They are also very efficient filter feeders and because of the mucous net they use to feed they can filter out very finite particles. So they help clear the water of phytoplankton, Shumway said. They primarily live on the seabed out beyond the low tide mark, she said. While they are native to Connecticut and much of the Northwest Atlantic, they are now considered a serious pest in Europe. Slipper limpets, like other mollusks, feed by filtering, or passing water over their gills. As a result, slipper limpets compete with native mollusks for food and in areas where limpet populations are high, can outcompete oysters, clams, and mussels. While the species may be considered a nuisance because of their large presence on beaches, slipper limpets are edible, with one high-end Connecticut restaurant even putting them on the menu. If you cant solve it, eat them, Shumway said. They have a lot of potential, they taste like a cross between a scallop and a quahog. They have a very nice texture and we did a couple taste tests at conferences with the National Shellfisheries Association and they went over very well. They are very, very tasty and highly underrated. Last but not least Connecticut bats Bats are included because, while they are a fascinating mammal that can fly and eat enormous numbers of insects, they often strike fear in people and are not often seen, due to their nocturnal habits. According to DEEP, there are nine different species of bats found in Connecticut, and all but one of them (the big brown bat) are on Connecticuts List of Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species. But the agency also has noted that populations of cave bats in Connecticut and across North America have suffered astonishing losses since 2006 due to a disease known as white-nose syndrome that has killed millions of bats across 40 states and eight Canadian provinces. The syndrome is a fungus that grows on the muzzle and wings of bats. According to DEEP, the affected species, known as cave bats, have declined so dramatically that several were added to Connecticuts List of Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species in 2015. Other species, known as tree-roosting bats, or the silver-haired, hoary, and red bat, are not adversely affected by WNS, but their populations have declined from historical levels in eastern woodlands, according to DEEP. The agency noted that the three species have been listed as species of special concern in Connecticut since the first official list was released in 1992. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com A man with previous DUI arrests has been accused of drunkenly causing a two-car crash on Route 244 in Pomfret last October, sending him and another person to a hospital, state police said. Micah McNaughton, 42, of Mansfield was arrested last Wednesday when he was located by state troopers, according to Connecticut State Police. Troopers had a warrant for his arrest charging him with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, avoidance of an interlock ignition device (third offense), reckless driving, improper acceleration while being passed, failure to maintain the proper lane, second-degree reckless endangerment, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under an alcohol-related suspension, operating a motor vehicle at too slow speed and multiple other motor vehicle offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges stem from a two-car crash on Oct. 1, 2024, that occurred shortly before 3:20 p.m. When troopers responded to Route 244 on a report of the crash they found two vehicles that were damaged, including a 2009 Mazda 3i which had extensive damage to its front end, side and roof, suggesting it rolled over, according to the warrant affidavit. The license plate was later found to belong to a different vehicle, state police alleged. McNaughton was the only person in the Mazda. A trooper found that he was already being treated by a medic at the scene who told police McNaughton claimed that he was passing someone when he lost control of the vehicle, the warrant affidavit said. State police alleged that McNaughton smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, according to the warrant affidavit. He allegedly told a trooper the crash occurred as he was going to Mansfield. When asked where he was coming from, he initially said Mansfield before changing his answer to Thompson, state police alleged. At the scene, state police said he allegedly made several remarks without being prompted, including Im screwed, My girlfriend is going to kill me, and Theyre going to lock me up, the warrant affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McNaughton was then taken to a hospital. On the way there, medics later told police he became unresponsive and stopped breathing, according to the warrant affidavit. Medics were able to stabilize him and told a trooper they did not believe McNaughton had suffered a life-threatening injury from the crash, the warrant affidavit said. They said they believed he was under the influence and that it may have contributed to him becoming unresponsive, the warrant affidavit said. The medics also told police McNaughton had allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day, according to the warrant affidavit. The other vehicle involved in the crash was identified as a 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The driver told state police she was driving west on Route 244 behind McNaughton as he was going somewhere between 15 to 20 mph, the warrant affidavit said. When she tried to pass him, she alleged that he sped up and would not let her by, according to the warrant affidavit. The woman said she was unable to get back into the westbound lane before the Mazda driver allegedly sideswiped her, the warrant affidavit said. She said she lost control of the Hyundai which then entered the westbound lane and struck a raised curb, causing the front passenger side wheel to become dislodged, according to the warrant affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was taken to a hospital for an evaluation. State police did not indicate in the warrant whether she was injured. A witness to the crash was able to corroborate the Hyundai drivers version of events and added that the Mazda spun out of control and hit a pole following the collision, the warrant affidavit said. Inside the Mazda, state police alleged that they found an empty beer can and several nip bottles, according to the warrant affidavit. A blood sample that was taken from McNaughton at the hospital showed his blood alcohol content was allegedly 0.24, the warrant affidavit said. The legal limit to drive in Connecticut is 0.08. State police said they found that this marked McNaughtons third DUI arrest, the warrant affidavit said. They reviewed the body camera footage from the crash and said it did not appear as though he had an ignition interlock device in his vehicle. McNaughton was held on a $75,000 bond and was expected to go before a judge in Danielson Superior Court. CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) District Attorney Champ Crocker said that deputies involved in a July 19 shooting where a suspect was injured were justified. CCSO said deputies tried to serve a warrant in the Bethel community on the morning of Saturday, July 19. According to Crocker, the homeowner directed the deputies to the basement, which was accessible through an outside door. He said deputies announced their presence, made entry to the basement and located the suspect, who had enclosed himself behind a door in the basement, after a short search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies told the suspect there was an arrest warrant and directed him to open the door, Crocker said. The suspect resisted, and announced that he had a gun and would protect himself. As deputies made entry through the door, the suspect brandished a shotgun. Deputies fired at the suspect, resulting in him being struck by one round. Crocker said that after reviewing all the evidence from this incident, he determined the deputies did face a deadly threat and were justified in the shooting. After reviewing all the available evidence, including the deputies body camera footage, I have determined that this was a justified shooting. These deputies were carrying out a law enforcement function by serving a warrant and while doing so, they were faced with a deadly threat. The suspects shotgun was loaded with buckshot and the suspect displayed every intention of shooting at the deputies. Not only was this a justified shooting, the deputies involved did exactly what they were trained to do when facing this type of danger which later included administering lifesaving first aid to the suspect. I plan to present this matter to a Grand Jury, to whom I will recommend confirmation of this decision. District Attorney Champ Crocker Following shots being fired, CCSO said that deputies rendered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene. The suspect was then transported to a local hospital for treatment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. NEW YORK As part of a $250 million public safety plan, Andrew Cuomo said Monday he wants to nearly double the size of a specialized NYPD unit as controversy around the division and police funding has heated up on this years mayoral race campaign trail. In an afternoon press conference in Midtown Manhattan, Cuomo, whos running as an independent in Novembers mayoral contest, said hed if elected add 400 officers to the ranks of the NYPDs Strategic Response Group. Cuomo also used the occasion to take a shot at Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, who following last weeks Midtown shooting said he was backing away from previous calls to defund the NYPD. Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams have both seized on Mamdanis past tweets about wanting to defund the department, arguing they show his true feelings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he became mayor, I guarantee you would see the rate of attrition increase, Cuomo said at the Midtown news conference. What police officer wants to work for a mayor who says theyre racist and anti-queer and a threat to public safety? What police officer wants to work for a mayor who doesnt have their back? Formed in 2015 mostly to respond to dangerous incidents like active shooter situations as well as mass protests, the SRG currently has about 500 members, so Cuomos proposed new hires would mark a significant expansion. The SRG has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and Democratic elected officials concerned about its members facing disproportionately high rates of excessive force accusations, especially as it relates to protest response. Mamdani, whos polling as the favorite to win Novembers election, has said he would disband the SRG and replace it with a unit focused squarely on tactical deployment, cutting out the mass protest response component. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it would be a tremendous mistake to disband them, Cuomo told reporters at his Midtown press conference, noting its members responded to last weeks horrific Park Ave. shooting that left an NYPD officer dead. Cuomo said he believes its important the SRG retains all the functions it currently plays, including protest response, but that its also key to add an additional 400 members over a four year period to increase coverage in all five boroughs, especially at big transit hubs and commercial corridors. Asked if hes at all concerned about the high rates of abuse of force accusations against SRG members, Cuomo said the NYPD needs to make sure to police their own better. If we know the line and we know when someone steps over the line, there are discipline actions, including dismissal, sanctions, etcetera, he said. So you have to strictly enforce the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual and professional misconduct accusations, floated his proposal for a larger SRG as part of a broader public safety plan that also included new details for how he envisions being able to hire 5,000 new officers to get the NYPDs total uniformed headcount to about 40,000. The main proposal Cuomo floated is making new hires eligible for $15,000 sign-on bonuses thatd push their starting salaries to about $75,000, making the wage level competitive with neighboring counties and other big U.S. cities. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who centered his Democratic primary campaign on proposals to make the city more affordable, has taken a different approach to public safety, saying he wouldnt seek to expand the ranks of the NYPD. Instead, he has said hed keep them flat and also launch a new civilian agency, the Department of Community Safety, thatd handle mental health emergency response in order to let cops focus on fighting crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press conference in downtown Manhattan on Monday, Mamdani said such a shift in focus would ensure officers arent forced to work overtime, which he argued is a big reason cops are leaving the department at high rates, citing conversations hes had with rank-and-file officers. The fact that every year we ask them to take on additional responsibilities, we are making it more and more difficult for them to respond to the very responsibilities that drew them to the job in the first place, he said. Though Mamdani now says he supports keeping the police headcount flat, he posted frequently years ago about his support for defunding and dismantling the NYPD. In one especially explosive tweet, Mamdani wrote in 2020 that the NYPD is racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety. In recent interviews with the Daily News, the heads of four of the NYPDs five main unions representing lieutenants, sergeants, detectives and captains said they are skeptical about his purported change of heart and dont believe Mamdanis pledge to keep the department headcount flat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he wins, hes going to dismantle the department and its going to take us 15 years to correct the damage hes going to do, said Vincent Vallelong, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, which has endorsed Adams for reelection. The Police Benevolent Association, the NYPDs largest union representing rank-and-file officers, was alone among the departments union heads in not knocking Mamdani. We just buried a hero police officer, said PBA President Patrick Hendry, whose union has yet to endorse in the mayoral race. We are focused on caring for his family, not on what any politician has to say. Adams, whos also running on an independent line in November and has been largely supportive of increasing NYPD funding in his first term, contended Cuomo doesnt know what hes talking about as it relates to the SRG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SRG comes with specific skills and talents that you want to use, you dont want SRG riding up on our subways just doing routine patrol or responding to routine codes of service. They have a specific task, we have enough of them to do the task, Adams told The News at City Hall in arguing against an SRG expansion. One candidate is stating he doesnt want SRG at demonstrations. Thats one candidate. Another candidate is picking an arbitrary number with no science behind it, the mayor added. _____ LA CROSSE - Dozens of people who live along the Mississippi River gathered Aug. 4 to tackle what they see as a catastrophe for one of the nation's greatest water bodies. Agencies that work on the river, like the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are facing steep budget cuts and losses of longtime staff as President Donald Trump's administration drastically shrinks the size of the federal government. Federal coordination is vital to preserving the Mississippi, because it touches 10 states, river advocates said. And federal agencies are a key part of the region's economy, they said, employing hundreds of people and helping keep the river safe for recreational use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who showed up Aug. 4 expressed deep concern about the river's future and an urgent need to act. Melinda Knutson of Onalaska, who worked for USGS and Fish and Wildlife before she retired in 2017, said she's most worried about agencies losing staff members who for decades have built expertise on the river and its challenges, from invasive species to flooding to water quality. She said friends who still work there feel berated by the narrative that federal employees don't work hard. "It's really a tragedy," Knutson said. The Mississippi River seen from the Riverside Park in La Crosse on the afternoon of Aug. 4, 2025. Federal cuts slash long-time river experts, programs The La Crosse region is home to an outsized presence of federal workers for a smaller community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, an ecological research center for USGS, employs more than 80 scientists on French Island. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, run by the Fish and Wildlife Service, is headquartered in Winona, Minnesota. And the Army Corps, which manages the river's locks and dams in the area, has an office in La Crescent, Minnesota, across the river from La Crosse. Together with state and local partners, the agencies work to safeguard the Mississippi from pollution, invasive species and the effects of climate change. Even with their efforts, the Mississippi was named the nation's most endangered river of 2025 by the environmental advocacy group American Rivers. More: Mississippi River named most endangered in U.S. Why water quality is not the issue. Many staff left local USGS and Fish and Wildlife offices as the agencies carried out reductions in force required by the Trump administration. Sabrina Chandler, who manages the wildlife refuge, said at a May meeting of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association that just 30 Fish and Wildlife staff remain at refuges along the upper river, which cover hundreds of thousands of acres of floodplain. Some refuges have just one staffer left, Chandler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kathryn Lammers, president of the refuge's local Friends group, said Aug. 4 that the Upper Mississippi River refuge is one of the country's most productive, contributing millions to the local economy. The refuge system has suffered for years from a shrinking staff and budget, she pointed out, even before the current cuts. More: 240,000 acres of the Upper Mississippi have been unspoiled for 100 years. But concerns mount. Kathryn Lammers, president of the refuge's local Friends group, speaks during the Sustain our River event at Black River Beach House in La Crosse on the morning of Aug. 4, 2025. The president's budget request for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, calls for eliminating USGS's Ecosystems Mission Area, the agency's biological research arm. The Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center is part of that arm, as well as other research stations in Madison, Ashland and Stevens Point. The science center in La Crosse, which lost staff in February as part of the Trump administration's sweeping terminations of federal workers earlier this year, produces critical research on the upper Mississippi River and other places across the Midwest and the world. For decades, its work also has included the control of sea lampreys in the Great Lakes, bringing Wisconsin's major water bodies together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists also contribute to the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program, which funds habitat restoration activities and scientific research on the upper river. The program is responsible for more than 30 years of monitoring trends on the river. More: Multiple researchers fired from La Crosse USGS science center, threatening work on invasive species and other Mississippi River issues More: Latest federal Water Resources Development Act addresses climate extremes and flooding along the Mississippi River "If we stop all the science we've done ... we can't just pick it up again," said Lee Donahue, an environmental advocate from the town of Campbell who organized the Aug. 4 event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program's budget for the current fiscal year was cut from $55 million to less than $14 million, Marshall Plumley, the Army Corps regional manager for the program, shared at the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association's May meeting. Most work has been suspended because of lack of funds, Plumley said. It's not yet clear what the program will be allocated for the coming fiscal year. Lee Donahue and Marc Schultz address community members during the Sustain our River event, before opening up the Q&A at Black River Beach House in La Crosse on the morning of Aug. 4, 2025. Donahue said she's hopeful the event will be the start of a coordinated effort to restore federal funding to river programs. She and Lammers urged those present to contact their federal lawmakers. State Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska, said the state can't replace the work that federal agencies do on the river. He asked that residents look beyond partisan politics to consider what the cuts mean to the river, which he said "brings us all together." "This is a resource to continue to fight for," Pfaff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madeline Heim covers health and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@gannett.com. More: Where does the Mississippi River start, where is it deepest, answers to key questions about one of Wisconsin's most important waterways Marie Jossa of Arcadia enjoys a moment on the Mississippi River with family, at the Riverside Park, in La Crosse on the afternoon of Aug. 4, 2025. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Advocates call federal cuts to Mississippi River scientists tragic EAU CLAIRE A national award that is the first of its kind recently recognized Chippewa Valley Technical College for their work putting prior learning assessment policies into practice. ACTs 2025 Higher Ed Policy Exemplar award for two-year colleges was awarded to CVTC last month at the ACT Summit in Nashville. While many associate ACT with standardized testing for college admissions, Lynette Livingston, CVTC provost and vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, said there is also a workforce focus. The summit involved K-12, higher education and the workforce element, as Livingston said part of the award was creating that bridge between all three. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being recognized as the very first ever of this award from an organization like ACT is an honor, she said. And I was happy to accept the award on behalf of our college, [and it] represents the hard work of our staff and faculty who have really taken our credit for prior learning policy and put it into action. Emphasizing partnerships, Livingston said, Its a nod to connecting all of the partners and doing something with resources that are available to us. We connect with our K-12 partners, as well as our institution and our workforce partners. And when we bring people together for that common focus, good things happen. Prior learning assessment policies function as a way to measure learning accumulated outside of an academic setting, potentially earning credits or advanced standing for students entering into a two-year or four-year degree. Livingston said this is not only a resource for K-12 students, but all students. It was an effort to help students who could already demonstrate the competence necessary in a mathematics course that we offer here, that we would be able to award them college credit for that, and they would be ready then for their next course and not have to take that particular math course, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of the national award, this time also marks roughly one year since Eau Claire County became designated as an ACT Work Ready Community. Eau Claire was the first in the state to receive a designation, and is among 550 other communities throughout the United States. Eau Claire County remains the only county in Wisconsin that has that designation of an ACT certified Work Ready Community, Livingston said. And its still something that is very much valued by site selectors when looking at regions for economic development and bringing in new business. Over 80 businesses in Eau Claire County signing to recognize the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a credential based on assessments in Applied Math, Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents. While working as a credential in the hiring process, the certificate is also intended to help employers create positions which identify specific knowledge and skills. Truly, I think what it means is that we have quality people here, that we have prepared a ready workforce and that an NCRC can be a nice ticket to perhaps boost an applicants confidence even in applying for a job, and certainly helping out with identifying some of their future career goals too, Livingston said. Weve got a history of bringing our folks together and accomplishing work together. And that makes our area pretty unique. NEED TO KNOW Three days after his daughter was born, Dennis Lewis was killed in a motorcycle accident on July 18 That day, he'd gone to see his newborn on his own and at the time of the crash, he was heading back home "I just want, more than anything, for him to be here," says his grieving partner, Amberly Trocke Dennis Lewis, 35, was so eager to see his newborn daughter that he drove to the Illinois hospital hours before the scheduled pickup time on Friday, July 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis had last seen his baby girl the previous night, when girlfriend Amberly Trocke was discharged, but hed come back for the solo visit because he didnt like being separated from Harley even though she'd be coming home later that same day. He wanted her to know we were there and not be alone, Amberly, a 30-year-old customer service specialist, tells PEOPLE. As she waited for her boyfriend to return home, Amberly who had given birth to their little girl three days earlier was waiting with her older daughter, Davina Jade, in the family's Round Lake Beach home. After he came back, the couple planned to drive back to Highland Park Hospital together to pick up Harley at 4 p.m. At the hospital, Dennis texted Amberly to say their daughter had woken up at the sound of his voice, mirroring how she used to kick her feet while in utero when he talked. Then, at 1:39 p.m., he called to say he was planning on grabbing food before heading home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the new dad never made it. Amberly Trocke Baby Harley. Baby Harley. An hour later, at approximately 2:39 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a collision between a motorcycle and a semi-truck at an intersection in Green Oaks, according to the Lake County Sheriffs Office. The driver of the motorcycle, later identified as Dennis, was traveling west on Route 176 with a green light ahead as he approached Bradley Road, witnesses told investigators. He went on to collide with a semi-truck turning left and was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver, a 50-year-old man from McHenry, was uninjured and cooperated with investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lake County Coroners Office confirms to PEOPLE that Dennis died from blunt force injuries of the head and neck because of the collision. An investigation into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing. Now, just a couple of weeks postpartum, Amberly is trying to navigate the chasm Denniss death has left. What I love about him is the way he took care of us and protected us, she says as her voice cracks. I just want, more than anything, for him to be here. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf The Friday of the crash, the new mom grew concerned when time kept passing, but Dennis still hadn't arrived home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 4 p.m., the much-anticipated pickup time, a friend, DJ, drove her to the hospital with Davina, whose fourth birthday was in two days, so they could bring Harley home. Along the way, Amberly called hospitals located on the route Dennis would have driven, asking if there was a patient with his name. He was not the kind of person you had to worry about, she says. So, I knew in my heart something was wrong. Amberly Trocke Dennis Lewis and Amberly Trocke with her daughter, Davina Jade (center). Dennis Lewis and Amberly Trocke with her daughter, Davina Jade (center). On the way back, Amberly was riding in the backseat with Harley and Davina when Dennis mom called to say they'd been alerted that there an accident, but didn't believe it was true. When Amberly called the police, she was told officers would meet her at her house in Round Lake Beach, but wouldnt say anything more over the phone. Thats when she knew the love of her life was dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was just screaming, crying, and I called my mom, she says. My [older] daughter is holding her ears, saying her ears hurt, but I couldn't help it because I was just so upset. Amberly Trocke The couple at their baby shower in June. The couple at their baby shower in June. It wasnt until later that Amberly learned Dennis, a transmission mechanic, was planning on proposing once their baby was born. It just hurts that we didn't get to finish that part of our life, she says. The pair met in 2022, but it wasnt until about a year ago that they became a couple. He was made for me, she says. We were made for each other. Amberly adds that although Davina wasn't Dennis' biological child, he treated the little girl like his own and planned on adopting her when she was old enough to make that decision for herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he found out that Amberly was pregnant, Dennis was thrilled, says his cousin Stephanie Cornell, who saw him recently at the couples baby shower in June. He was so proud to start his family, says Stephanie, who loved to attend concerts with her younger cousin. At the party, Dennis gave Stephanie a tour of the house hed renovated, including the newly painted nursery with tables to match, and Davinas freshly-painted room. I've never seen him so happy in my whole life than seeing him going to be a father. Her daughter, Brianna Vance, who organized a GoFundMe for Dennis family, agrees. He was so excited to bring Harley home and to raise her in the home that he and Amberly had put so much love into, says Brianna. Stephanie Cornell Stephanie and Dennis at a concert. Stephanie and Dennis at a concert. In the wake of his death, Amberly says coping has been incredibly difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She asked her family to help put together a birthday party for Davina, who keeps asking who will play with her now that Dennis cant give her piggyback rides. The 4-year-old girl also told her mom that she had a dream about Dennis. She told him that she loved him, and he said I love you back, says Amberly. She just really misses him so much. 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. Meanwhile, the mom has been in and out of the hospital with baby Harley, who is struggling with a potential gastrointestinal issue that doctors have yet been able to identify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm looking at our kids and it is just really, really, really hard," she says. Amberly Trocke Davina Jade and Dennis Lewis. Davina Jade and Dennis Lewis. Even though a piece of Amberlys heart is missing, she knows Dennis is watching over all of them. She says, "Our protector is now protecting us from above." Read the original article on People WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) Amid intensifying drought conditions, farmers in Washington County are being forced to make difficult choices to sustain their operations. The entire county is currently classified under severe drought, and many agricultural producers say they are nearing a breaking point. This summer has been especially difficult, said Ed Bowler, a rancher, farmer and member of the Washington County Water Conservancy District board. The farmers have been taking the hit. Water shortages and mounting expenses Diminished snowmelt and declining reservoir levels at key sources such as Gunlock and Sand Hollow have left farmers with only 40% to 50% of their typical water allocations. With limited supply and strict water priority systems in place, many are unable to irrigate as needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have dry years, everybody has to share in the shortage depending on your priority, Bowler said. Theres simply not enough water coming down, and when it comes to storage, you only get your allocated percentage. To make up the difference, some farmers have turned to pumping water rather than relying on gravity-fed systems a shift that comes with added financial strain. We now have to pay a premium for water, said Dennis Frei, a longtime Washington County farmer. Were paying for the power to pump, rather than using gravity flow from the reservoir. Its significantly more expensive. Efficiency efforts only go so far In an effort to conserve, Frei and others have adopted drip irrigation systems. This technique involves placing plastic rows with drip tape directly at the root level of crops, allowing for more targeted watering and reduced waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We grow tomatoes, watermelons everything is now under plastic with drip tapes, Frei said. Instead of watering an entire acre, youre only watering the row beneath the plastic. While this method helps conserve water, it requires upfront investment and ongoing maintenance. And when production costs increase, Frei said, those impacts eventually reach consumers. When farmers pay more for water, prices inevitably rise at the market, he said. Frei also operates a fruit stand in downtown Santa Clara, where he has already observed the effects. Broader implications beyond agriculture Local experts warn that the regions water concerns extend beyond agriculture. Without improved long-term storage solutions, the consequences could directly affect drinking water supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing the public needs to understand is that you must have adequate storage moving forward, Bowler said. Its not just about agriculture its about the availability of drinking water as well. It has to be supported. As the drought continues with no immediate relief in sight, farmers say the pressure to maintain output with fewer resources is becoming unsustainable. I think theres a desire to keep agriculture alive, Frei said. But if the drought persists, and if water supplies keep declining, it will almost certainly take a toll. For now, producers across southern Utah are doing what they can to adapt but the future of farming in the region remains uncertain. 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. 4MITCHELL The Dakotafest 2025 returns in mid-August, with farmers, ranchers, producers and business representatives converging on Mitchell for the state's largest ag-focused show. The three-day farm show the 29th edition in Mitchell will take place on Aug. 19-21 at 2300 E. Spruce St., and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. More than 400 exhibitors are scheduled to be in attendance. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate, while attendees age 17 and under are free. In the northwest corner of the grounds, the Dakotafest Education Building will also include some of the notable forums taking place during the show. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, a noon forum sponsored by South Dakota Farm Bureau will discuss property taxes, which has been a hot-button issue in South Dakota politics for the last few years. South Dakota Secretary of Revenue Michael Houdyshell and South Dakota Retailers Association Executive Director Nathan Sanderson are among the invited panelists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ag policy will be a top focus on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the Dakotafest Education Building. Attendees will be able to hear an update at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday on the High Plains Processing soybean facility, which is under construction south of Mitchell and is scheduled to open this fall. A 2:30 p.m. forum will involve the South Dakota Congressional delegation providing updates on agriculture policy at the federal level. Scheduled to speak are U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune, R-S.D., and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D. At 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dakotafest will hold its Women in Agriculture event, which will feature the presentation of the Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year award. The award finalists include Shelby Boomsma, of Hitchcock; Fran Fritz, of Iroquois; Shannon Kubik, of Hamill; Crystal Neuharth, of Fort Pierre; and Leanne Wieczorek, of Mount Vernon. The award is being handed out for the sixth year in 2025, while the South Dakota Farm Bureau will sponsor a Q-and-A with the finalists at 12:30 p.m. at the organization's booth (No. 445E). The Dakotafest Networking Lounge, which will include live music and a cash bar serving beer and seltzers, returns for 2025. Live music is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. daily. The lounge is located on Fourth Street on the show grounds, located near the center of Dakotafest's layout. A number of Dakotafest staples are back on the schedule for 2025, with seed plot and technical product demonstrations taking place throughout the show. A machinery ride and drive will take place near the seed plot displays on the south edge of the grounds, and livestock demonstrations are scheduled for the livestock tent area on the west side of the grounds. A daily skidsteer rodeo will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. and the kids pedal pull events will also take place at 1 p.m. daily on the northeast corner of the grounds. The always popular free ice cream social from South Dakota State University Extension will take place at 1:30 p.m. each day at booth No. 216, located between the livestock tent and the grounds' Main Street. The catastrophic deep-sea implosion of OceanGates Titan submersible was a preventable tragedy that resulted from repeated failures by the company and its late CEO to follow established safety, testing and maintenance protocols, the U.S. Coast Guard concluded in a damning report released Tuesday. The 335-page final report by the Coast Guards Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) cites multiple instances of intentional disregard for human safety by the company amid efforts to promote a false sense of safety and security by OceanGate CEO Richard Stockton Rush III, who was piloting the vessel during a planned 2023 tour of the Titanics wreckage. French submariner Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, and passengers Hamish Harding, 58, Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son Suleman Dawood, 19, were among those killed when the submersibles carbon fiber hull imploded under approximately 4,930 pounds per square inch of water pressure. OceanGate CEO and co-founder Stockton Rush is seen in 2016. Rush was piloting the Titan submersible when it imploded during a dive to the Titanic in 2023. via Associated Press This marine casualty and the loss of five lives was preventable, Jason Neubauer, Titan MBI chair, said with the reports release. The two-year investigation has identified multiple contributing factors that led to this tragedy, providing valuable lessons learned to prevent a future occurrence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The primary causal factor for the implosion was determined to be the Titans inadequate design, certification, maintenance and inspection process. The report also cites a toxic workplace culture, an ineffective whistleblower process, and Rush repeatedly undermining authority and safety practices in order to make business deadlines. For several years preceding the incident, OceanGate leveraged intimidation tactics, allowances for scientific operations, and the companys favorable reputation to evade regulatory scrutiny, the report states. OceanGates safety culture and operational practices were critically flawed and at the core of these failures were glaring disparities between their written safety protocols and their actual practices. Debris from the Titan submersible, recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic, is unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic at a Canadian Coast Guard pier on June 28, 2023. Paul Daly / Reuters The report cites testimony from former OceanGate staff and employees who detailed frequent disagreements between Rush and his engineering team. One employee described Rush having a meltdown after a submersible he was operating became stuck. All three of OceanGates directors of engineering stated that Rush took full control and made all engineering decisions independently, despite having a Director of Engineering in place. One director said Rush prioritized more cost-effective approaches and solutions over project execution and safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the companys director of marine operations argued in early 2018 that the submersibles hull needed additional testing, citing safety concerns that he had outlined in a report, he was fired, the report states. The submersible was carrying five people when its carbon fiber hull imploded under approximately 4,930 pounds per square inch of water pressure. ABACA / Reuters His recommendations were received with strong resistance and disdain from OceanGates CEO and other senior company officials, the report states. The fired employee went on to file a retaliatory complaint with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, alleging that his dismissal was in retaliation for him raising safety concerns. OceanGate responded by filing a lawsuit against him. The former director ultimately withdrew his complaint before a federal investigation began. He cited the emotional toll of the ensuing legal battle as his reason for retracting his complaint, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guard lists a number of recommendations following its investigation, including requiring operators to submit dive and emergency response plans to the local Coast Guard officer in charge. It also recommends new restrictions on submersibles that identify as Oceanographic Research Vessels, which is a designation that OceanGate sought for its submersibles due to its less stringent requirements, the report states. Related... DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) The Danville Police Department is issuing a warning to the community about phone, email, and even social media scams circulating the community. The police department said the scammers are impersonating government agencies, businesses and law enforcement. Some recent scams reported include: Person hospitalized after BB gun shooting in Danville; police investigating A scammer calling, pretending to be a police officer and threatening to make an arrest unless fines are paid with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency A scammer calling to claim your power or water will be shut off if a payment is not made to them immediately Package delivery texts or emails that contain fake links claiming to be UPS, FedEx, or USPS that steal your information A scam in which a victim is told their computer or phone is compromised, and are tricked into giving the scammer remote access or to make payments A phone scam in which a senior is told their grandchild is in trouble and needs money fast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police department said there are several things you can do to protect yourself. This includes: Never providing personal or financial information over the phone Do no trust caller ID (scammers can imitate this) If youre suspicious about a call, hang up and call the organization directly Do not pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto To report a scam, you can call the Danville Police Department at (217)-431-2250. To learn more about how to spot a scam or how to protect yourself, visit the Illinois Attorney Generals website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Since conventional explanations have failed to pony up dark matter, one physicist is looking towards the unconventional. In a series of two papers, physicist Stefano Profumo of the University of California, Santa Cruz has proposed two strange, but not impossible, origins for the mystery material responsible for the excess gravitational effects we see out there in the Universe. In the first, published in May 2025, he proposes that dark matter could have been born in a dark matter 'mirror' of our own Universe, where matter is made of dark versions of particles akin to our protons and neutrons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the other, published in early July, Profumo proposes that dark matter particles could have formed at the boundary of the cosmic horizon the edge of the observable Universe during the rapid expansion following the Big Bang. Related: Entire Planets Made of Dark Matter May Exist. Here's How We Can Find Them. "Both mechanisms are highly speculative," he says, "but they offer self-contained and calculable scenarios that don't rely on conventional particle dark matter models, which are increasingly under pressure from null experimental results." YouTube Thumbnail Dark matter is one of the most vexing problems in the cosmos. It neither emits nor blocks radiation, which means we have no way of detecting it directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With few clues to go on, we don't know what it is; we only know of its existence because somehow, the effects of gravity throughout the Universe are far stronger than they should be, once you've accounted for every galaxy, every star, and every cloud of dust drifting silent and dark between the stars. Dark matter is the placeholder name we give to whatever it is that's responsible for this gravity excess, and there's a range of theoretical candidates to explain it, from planet-sized blobs to fleeting particles. However, in spite of avid and dedicated searches, none of the candidates have been verified. For his new explorations of alternative dark matter candidates, Profumo turned to different realms of physics. For the first, he turned to quantum chromodynamics, which describes the strong force that binds quarks and gluons into particles like protons and neutrons. According to this theory, a sort of 'mirror' universe exists within ours, where the strong force is replaced by a variation that binds fundamental particles hidden from our own Standard Model. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under certain conditions in the early Universe, Profumo's paper expounds, concentrations of these hidden particles could grow dense enough to form dark matter black holes that would interact with our visible Universe only through gravity. A diagram demonstrating the generation of dark matter at the cosmic horizon during the early expansion of the Universe. (Stefano Profumo) For the second paper, Profumo invokes quantum field theory at the cosmic horizon, sort of like a universe-scale version of the black hole's event horizon the 'edge' of our observable Universe that we will never be able to probe beyond. Following the Big Bang, the Universe underwent a period of accelerated expansion according to current cosmological theory. During this time, quantum fluctuations at the cosmic horizon could have spontaneously generated dark matter particles with a range of masses. Both explanations are new and unconventional, but solidly based in current theory, and should be testable with future experiments. Further work is needed to refine the newly proposed models, but, Profumo says, they open up new possibilities for exploring and understanding the dark matter that suffuses the Universe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both studies have been published in Physical Review D. They can be found here and here. Related News A New Jersey state trooper shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend before turning the gun on himself. The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office says Ricardo Santos, a New Jersey State Police lieutenant, fatally shot Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb in Franklin Township, N.J., on Aug. 1, before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot. Santos was found dead in Piscataway in a 2008 Mercedes SUV, prosecutors say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say they learned Santos had been in a relationship with Semanchik, which ended in September 2024, and that after it concluded he "engaged in continued harassing and controlling behavior." Semanchik, a veterinarian, and Webb had recently begun dating at the time of their deaths, according to the prosecutor's office. Pinewald Pioneer Fire Co./Facebook Tyler Webb Tyler Webb 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. Authorities reviewed surveillance video taken from Semanchik's car, which showed her being followed on Aug. 1 by the same Mercedes SUV in which Santos was later found dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minutes after Semanchik parked her car at her home, a figure was seen on camera walking in a wooded area along the driveway, prosecutors say. Thirty minutes later, Webb's car arrived at the home an parked next to Semanchik's. On Aug. 2, police were called to Semanchik's home after a report of an unconscious woman. Officials later learned that the evening before, the sound of gunshots and screaming was reported by multiple 911 callers, but responding police could not locate the source. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People HUNSTVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Teachers often rely on experience and instinct to guide their lesson plans, but some classrooms are starting to integrate technology. While one test cant determine a students overall capability, it can be used to assess where a student is academically, and it helps teachers and their administration assist students who are not meeting expectations at their grade level. Teachers are now using this real time data to adjust their instruction in ways that can help students stay on track. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 19s Nawaal Jalill spoke with Assistant Superintendent, Kerri Bass, with Madison County Schools, who says their school system is using this information to monitor students progress and immediately intervene if students need help. With the results from these tests, teachers can create specific lesson plans based on those students needs. This data can also be used to compare scores with other districts and states. For parents who are unsure of these tests, and feel they could be too high stakes, Bass wants to remind everyone that one test does not determine a students overall capability, but it does help the district as a whole. Bass says that based on recent test scores, the Madison County School district has seen tremendous growth, and so has Alabama as a state. According to Bass, parent communication and involvement in a students test scores and schooling is crucial, and can make all the difference when it comes to a students success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hurricane Debby made landfall one year ago along Florida's Big Bend, then weakened as it made a slow crawl near the Southeast region for days, leaving a legacy of flooding rain and tornadoes. Debby's remnants would also produce serious flooding in the Northeast and even Canada. Debby pushed ashore as a Category 1 near Steinhatchee, Florida, on the morning of Aug. 5, 2024, then was downgraded to tropical storm status later in the day. Steering currents weakened shortly thereafter and the storm lingered near the Southeast coastal region for about three days. The slow movement contributed to serious rainfall flooding from northern Florida into southeast Georgia and the Carolinas, where rainfall totals topped a foot in multiple locations. The top amount was 22.02 inches at Moncks Corner, South Carolina, or just north of Charleston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Debby also produced more than two dozen tornadoes from Florida to the Carolinas, Virginia and Delaware, including an EF3 that destroyed homes and severely damaged a middle school in Lucama, North Carolina. Tornadoes that intense are rarely produced by hurricanes, tropical storms or their remnants. Heavy rain associated with Debby's remnants went on to produce significant flooding in a few spots across mountainous areas of northern Pennsylvania and south of New York's Finger Lakes region, where water rescues took place. Southern Quebec, Canada, also saw significant flooding, including Montreal where an all-time daily record rainfall of 5.55 inches was set on Aug. 9. Debby was blamed for 18 direct and indirect deaths and $4 billion in damage in the United States and Canada, according to the National Hurricane Center report. Satellite view of Hurricane Debby nearing landfall Aug. 5, 2024. Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s. John David Davis, 59, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at his home. He was born July 21, 1966, in St. Joseph, son of Kay and Charles B. Davis. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at the Rupp Funeral Home. Graveside Services and Interment following at the Highland Cemetery, Highland, Kansas. Pastor Rob Diamond officiating. Memorials are requested to the John Davis Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and Full obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press. Aug. 5 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1861, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln approved the first federal income tax. A wartime measure, it was rescinded in 1872. In 1944, Polish underground forces freed hundreds of Jewish prisoners from the Gesiowka Nazi work camp in an attempt to retake Warsaw from the Germans, a battle known as the Warsaw Uprising. In 1949, an estimated 6,000 people were killed and about 20,000 injured in an earthquake that destroyed dozens of towns in Ecuador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1957, Richard Clark's American Bandstand began airing nationally. Clark, who hosted the show for decades, as well as New Year's Rockin' Eve, died April 2012. On August 5, 1974, U.S. President Richard Nixon admitted ordering the Watergate investigation halted six days after the break-in. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI In 1962, police arrested South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela on charges he incited worker strikes and left the country without permission. The future president was released from prison 27 years later and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end apartheid. In 1962, Marilyn Monroe died of an overdose of barbiturates. She was 35. The 11-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter of shooting victim Prakash Singh are are comforted by mourners at a memorial service and visitation August 10, 2012, for six members of the Sikh temple mass murder at Oak Creek High School in Oak Creek, Wis. Wade Michael Page, a member of a racist neo-nazi group, has been identified as the lone gunman who killed six people, and then himself, during Sunday services at the Sikh Temple August 5. File Photo by Allen Fredrickson/UPI UPI File Photo In 1974, U.S. President Richard Nixon admitted ordering the Watergate investigation halted six days after the break-in. Nixon said he expected to be impeached. Fireworks ignite during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 5, 2016. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1981, by executive order, U.S. President Ronald Reagan fired 11,359 air-traffic controllers on strike over failed negotiations to raise their pay and shorten their workweek. In 1991, Iraq said it misled U.N. inspectors about secret biological weapons and also admitted extracting plutonium from fuel at a nuclear plant. On August 5, 2010, the U.S. Senate confirmed Elena Kagan as the newest member of the Supreme Court. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI In 2003, U.S. Episcopal officials approved election of the church's first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. In 2007, U.S. President George W. Bush signed into law a bill to allow government eavesdropping of telephone conversations and email of U.S. citizens without a warrant if there's "reasonable belief" that one party isn't in the United States. Bishop Gene Robinson (L), the first openly gay bishop, shares a laugh with senior adviser to the president Valerie Jarrett during an Easter prayer breakfast hosted by President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House, in Washington on April 14, 2014. At right is the Rev. Al Sharpton. On August 5, 2003, U.S. Episcopal officials approved election of Robinson of New Hampshire. File Photo by Martin Simon/Pool In 2010, the U.S. Senate cleared the way for Solicitor General Elena Kagan to become the newest member of the Supreme Court when it voted 63-37 to confirm her nomination by President Barack Obama. She was sworn in two days later to succeed the retiring John Stevens. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI Stevie Wonder performs a tribute to Richard Clark at the 40th anniversary American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on November 18, 2012. On August 5, 1957, Clark's "American Bandstand" began airing nationally. File Photo by Phil McCarten/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, a gunman police described as a white supremacist shot six people to death, injured four others, then killed himself at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wis. The victims were one woman and five men, and ranged in age from 39 to 84. Police treated the shooting as a domestic terrorism incident. In 2016, the Summer Olympics opening ceremony kicked off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2019, the Indian government announced plans to strip autonomy from the predominantly Muslim Kashmir region. In 2024, Bangladesh's embattled prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, resigned and fled the country after protesters stormed her official residence in Dhaka amid a growing revolt that began over quotas for government jobs. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was named head of the interim government in her stead. BARRY COUNTY, Mo. A Barry County daycare worker is charged with abusing a child under her care. Brittany Lassiter, 32, is charged with Endangering the Welfare of Child and 4th degree Assault. Shes being held in the Barry County Jail on a $15,000 bond. Barry County deputies say they were provided with video of Lassiter abusing a child, age 1, at a daycare back on July 31st. Officials say the video shows Lassiter picking up a small child by her arm and leg as she crawls out of a cot, raising her about two feet in the air, and then violently throwing the girl face down onto the cot. Court records say the video also shows the child bouncing off the cot and crying. Authorities say Lassiter then told the girl not to move again before covering her head and body with a blanket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lassiter is scheduled for a court appearance on Thursday. Noahs Ark Daycare issued a statement on social media saying its cooperating with law enforcement and that Lassiter is no longer employed there. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police were investigating a shooting in Northwest D.C. on Monday evening that left a man dead. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it was called to the 1300 block of Otis Place NW just before 10 p.m., where they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. According to the police report obtained by DC News Now, he was found in the back of a home in the area. Investigators placed crime scene tape around Otis Place NW following a shooting on Aug. 4. (Anthony Deng/ DC News Now) He was not conscious or breathing, and, despite first responders efforts, he died at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was later identified as 38-year-old Cordarall Allen Horne of Northwest D.C. Two arrested in Northwest DC bank robbery Investigators noted they found damage to the stove inside the home where Horne was found. It appeared the stove sustained gunfire and there were strike marks in the side of the stove, as well as on the passenger side of someones car. Police had a lookout for three males who were wearing all black. The trio was last seen in a black sedan driving north on 14th Street NW. The shooting remains under investigation by homicide detectives. Police asked anyone with information to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411. D.C. detectives were on the scene of a shooting in the 1300 block of Otis Place on Aug. 4. (Anthony Deng/ DC News Now) Otis Place NW street sign in Washington, D.C. (Anthony Deng/ DC News Now) Investigators placed crime scene tape around Otis Place NW following a shooting on Aug. 4. (Anthony Deng/ DC News Now) (Anthony Deng/ DC News Now) Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police said a woman was arrested after shooting someone in Northwest in the early morning hours on Sunday. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said officers responded to the 1600 block of S Street at around 1:30 a.m. for reports of a shooting. There, officers found a man who had been shot. National Night Out events in DC, Maryland, Virginia The man was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found the suspect at the scene of the shooting and arrested her. She was identified as 61-year-old Wiletta Young-Moore. She was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. MPD said the shooting was domestic in nature. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 74-year-old Liberty woman was killed in a crash Tuesday morning in Mosby when a dump truck pulled out in front of her car. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) said on X that its preliminary investigation revealed a car was traveling north on U.S. 69 when a dump truck pulled into the path of the car, causing the car to hit the dump truck. 1 injured, 1 in custody after shooting in Harrisonville Walmart parking lot Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash happened at 10:20 a.m. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Northbound 69 Highway was reduced to one lane for several hours. As of 5 p.m., Cameron Road and all lanes of 69 Highway have reopened. The MSHP is investigating the crash. FOX4 is working to learn whether the 33-year-old dump truck driver will face any charges. A spokesperson for MSHP said these investigations can take several months to complete. Stay with FOX4 for the latest updates on this and other 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today announced it has hired experienced executive Keith Bird to lead KnowBe4s global revenue efforts as executive vice president responsible for their international business in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Latin America. Bird is a 40-year technology veteran and business leader with over 20 years of experience in the cybersecurity industry. He held senior leadership and executive roles at global companies including Proofpoint, F5, Symantec, Checkpoint, SonicWALL, Extreme Networks and EDS. Bird also founded and sold two technology companies. Prior to joining KnowBe4, Bird was an Operating Partner at Banyan where he led their European operations and investment portfolio of software company acquisitions, serving as a director on a number of their boards. Keiths global experience in market growth and senior leadership roles uniquely positions him for this critical role, said Bryan Palma, CEO, KnowBe4. He has a track record of leading fast-growing companies through periods of expansion and we are ecstatic to welcome him to KnowBe4. Bird commented, KnowBe4's leadership in the human risk management category combined with the team inspired me to join the company to help drive continued growth. I look forward to supporting our customers to achieve fantastic outcomes. For more information on KnowBe4 careers, visit https://www.knowbe4.com/careers. About KnowBe4 KnowBe4 empowers workforces to make smarter security decisions every day. Trusted by over 70,000 organisations worldwide, KnowBe4 helps to strengthen security culture and manage human risk. KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive AI-driven best-of-suite platform for Human Risk Management, creating an adaptive defence layer that fortifies user behaviour against the latest cybersecurity threats. The HRM+ platform includes modules for awareness & compliance training, cloud email security, real-time coaching, crowdsourced anti-phishing, AI Defence Agents, and more. As the only global security platform of its kind, KnowBe4 utilises personalised and relevant cybersecurity protection content, tools and techniques to mobilise workforces to transform from the largest attack surface to an organisations biggest asset. More at knowbe4.com. Follow KnowBe4 on LinkedIn and X. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn when you read this story: A toxic fungus killed ten scientists working on a tomb in Poland, and its believed the same spore killed those who excavated King Tuts tomb 50 years earlier. Aspergillus flavus has the potentially to successfully target and destroy leukemia cells, but drugs derived from it must pass through a lengthy approval process. The new compound could kill cancer by disrupting cellular reproduction. After several untimely deaths occurred among those who excavated King Tutankhamuns tomb in the 1920s, rumors of a mummys curse began to spread. When more deaths occurred in a similar pattern in the 1970sten scientists died after entering the tomb of Casimir IV in Polandinvestigators found evidence of Aspergillus flavus, a toxic fungal spore which can lead to lung infections. Scientists believed the fungus may have also affected those who suddenly died after visiting King Tuts tomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While funguses can be toxic, we have also been creating antibiotic drugs from them for nearly 100 years, like penicillin derived from Penicillium mold. And now, the fungus that killed many scientists and sparked rumors of a mummys curse may become a potent cancer-fighting compound. A recent study published in Nature Chemical Biology found that certain isolated compounds from the fungus A. flavus, called ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), may be successful in targeting and destroying leukemia cells. While thousands of RiPPs from bacteria have been isolated and described, only a small number of RiPPs from fungus have been characterized. Peptides are made up of two or more amino acids linked together by chemical bonds, and amino acids are the building blocks the cell uses to synthesize proteins. Essentially, you can think of RiPPs as mini proteins, explains Jose Larios, M.D., a transplant hematologist at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. After purifying four different RiPPs, researchers found the molecules formed a unique structure of interlocking rings, which they named asperigimycins, after the fungus in which they were found. This unique structure likely disrupts the process of cell division. Additionally, when researchers added a lipid to one variant of the RiPP, it performed as well as current FDA-approved leukemia treatment drugs cytarabine and daunorubicin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cancer cells divide uncontrollably. These compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division, senior author Sherry Gao, Ph.D., said in a press release . When natural cell death doesnt occur, and old or damaged cells reproduce uncontrollably, it can cause cancer. The new compound researchers have discovered attacks cancer cells by interfering with a crucial step of cellular reproduction, Larios says. When any cell reproduces, it first copies all the genetic material known as DNA. Once the DNA has been copied, the duplicated chromosomes must migrate to opposite ends of the cell, a process facilitated by microtubules, or proteins within the cell. The research suggests this new fungal RiPP compound interferes with microtubule organization, which would lead to faulty chromosome segregation and subsequent cell death needed to treat cancer. This mechanism is similar to other microtubule inhibitors already in use. Researchers found that while the compounds were effective against leukemia cells, they had little to no effect on breast, liver, or lung cancer cells. As an oncologist who treats leukemia, I am excited about the finding of a potentially new cytotoxic compound, Larios says. However, all novel, potentially therapeutic compounds have a long and rigorous journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this promising treatment may provide us with a new way to fight cancer, its certainly not the first time fungi has been used in the medical world. The area of studying fungi to be able to determine medications is a well-established field, explains Larry Norton, M.D., senior vice president at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. It started with penicillin, and there are many other antibiotics that have been derived from fungi, he says. Theres also a class of drugs called cephalosporins used to treat bacterial infections. And statins, which are lethal to the biology of other fungi, are used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in humans. Additionally, there have been a few fungi that have actually shown anti-cancer activity. Theres one that interferes with an enzyme called PI3 kinase thats very important for drug resistance in hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer, for example, according to Norton. Of course, leukemia wouldnt be directly treated with the potentially-deadly fungus, but instead would use the chemical derived from the fungus, Norton says. But if the drug requires growing a fungus and then taking the chemical out of that fungus, especially at a large scale (which would be necessary if the treatment is approved), it will be a very expensive proposition. When you have chemicals that derive from fungi or plants, we look for ways of synthesizing it or making it artificially so that its practical to make it in sufficient purity and in sufficient volume to be able to use it as a medicinal, Norton says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before this treatment can be approved, it must go through a long process; the average time from discovery to FDA approval is 10 years, Larios says. The new compound must be tested in preclinical modelsincluding cell lines and animal trialsto determine efficacy, appropriate dose, and potential side effects. If these trials prove efficacious, a phase I clinical trial will occur to test safety for use in humans. Then, the treatment will have to go through multiple phases of clinical trials in humans before getting FDA approval. Additionally, as Norton mentions, the compound will also need to be able to be synthesized on a large scale. According to a study published earlier this year in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, only about 10 percent of drugs entering phase II trials succeed in obtaining FDA approval. So, the RiPPs presented in this study have a long way to go before possibly being used to treat leukemia in patients. As cancer cells are notorious for having unstable genomes and fast doubling times, which create conditions for evolution and selection of resistance mechanisms to existing treatments and therapies, having alternative treatment on the horizon is beneficial to the field of cancer treatment. While some cancers can be cured with early detection or even a limited number of treatment cycles, many cancers eventually figure out ways to resist our current medications, Larios says. Any new treatment modality for cancer is always exciting and hopeful for patients suffering from cancer. You Might Also Like Salt crusts crackle underfoot as Habibullah Khatti walks to his mother's grave to say a final goodbye before he abandons his parched island village on Pakistan's Indus delta. Seawater intrusion into the delta, where the Indus River meets the Arabian Sea in the south of the country, has triggered the collapse of farming and fishing communities. "The saline water has surrounded us from all four sides," Khatti told AFP from Abdullah Mirbahar village in the town of Kharo Chan, around 15 kilometres (9 miles) from where the river empties into the sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As fish stocks fell, the 54-year-old turned to tailoring until that too became impossible with only four of the 150 households remaining. "In the evening, an eerie silence takes over the area," he said, as stray dogs wandered through the deserted wooden and bamboo houses. Kharo Chan once comprised around 40 villages, but most have disappeared under rising seawater. The town's population fell from 26,000 in 1981 to 11,000 in 2023, according to census data. Khatti is preparing to move his family to nearby Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, and one swelling with economic migrants, including from the Indus delta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, which advocates for fishing communities, estimates that tens of thousands of people have been displaced from the delta's coastal districts. However, more than 1.2 million people have been displaced from the overall Indus delta region in the last two decades, according to a study published in March by the Jinnah Institute, a think tank led by a former climate change minister. The downstream flow of water into the delta has decreased by 80 percent since the 1950s as a result of irrigation canals, hydropower dams and the impacts of climate change on glacial and snow melt, according to a 2018 study by the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water. That has led to devastating seawater intrusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The salinity of the water has risen by around 70 percent since 1990, making it impossible to grow crops and severely affecting the shrimp and crab populations. "The delta is both sinking and shrinking," said Muhammad Ali Anjum, a local WWF conservationist. - 'No other choice' - Beginning in Tibet, the Indus River flows through disputed Kashmir before traversing the entire length of Pakistan. The river and its tributaries irrigate about 80 percent of the country's farmland, supporting millions of livelihoods. The delta, formed by rich sediment deposited by the river as it meets the sea, was once ideal for farming, fishing, mangroves and wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But more than 16 percent of fertile land has become unproductive due to encroaching seawater, a government water agency study in 2019 found. In the town of Keti Bandar, which spreads inland from the water's edge, a white layer of salt crystals covers the ground. Boats carry in drinkable water from miles away and villagers cart it home via donkeys. "Who leaves their homeland willingly?" said Haji Karam Jat, whose house was swallowed by the rising water level. He rebuilt farther inland, anticipating more families would join him. "A person only leaves their motherland when they have no other choice," he told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Way of life - British colonial rulers were the first to alter the course of the Indus River with canals and dams, followed more recently by dozens of hydropower projects. Earlier this year, several military-led canal projects on the Indus River were halted when farmers in the low-lying riverine areas of Sindh province protested. To combat the degradation of the Indus River Basin, the government and the United Nations launched the 'Living Indus Initiative' in 2021. One intervention focuses on restoring the delta by addressing soil salinity and protecting local agriculture and ecosystems. The Sindh government is currently running its own mangrove restoration project, aiming to revive forests that serve as a natural barrier against saltwater intrusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as mangroves are restored in some parts of the coastline, land grabbing and residential development projects drive clearing in other areas. Neighbouring India meanwhile poses a looming threat to the river and its delta, after revoking a 1960 water treaty with Pakistan which divides control over the Indus basin rivers. It has threatened to never reinstate the treaty and build dams upstream, squeezing the flow of water to Pakistan, which has called it "an act of war". Alongside their homes, the communities have lost a way of life tightly bound up in the delta, said climate activist Fatima Majeed, who works with the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women, in particular, who for generations have stitched nets and packed the day's catches, struggle to find work when they migrate to cities, said Majeed, whose grandfather relocated the family from Kharo Chan to the outskirts of Karachi. "We haven't just lost our land, we've lost our culture." zz/ecl/lb NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Convicted murderer Byron Black was put to death by lethal injection Tuesday, Aug. 5, in what experts believe is the first execution of a death row inmate with a working heart-regulating device. Black was convicted in the 1988 murders of his girlfriend Angela Clay and her two young daughters, LaToya and LaKeisha. The three were reportedly shot and killed in a Nashville home. PREVIOUS: Advocates deliver petitions urging Gov. Bill Lee to halt Byron Blacks execution Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The execution was scheduled for 10 a.m. and Black was pronounced dead at 10:43 a.m. at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville. A witness of the execution reported that Black had no last statements and at 10:33 a.m. he told an advisor, Its hurting so bad, and began groaning in pain. News 2s Tori Gessner, who was also a witness of the execution, added that Blacks spiritual advisor mentioned the victims by name in prayer. There were several legal debates ahead of Blacks execution, with attorneys arguing that the 69-year-old suffered from dementia and severe brain damage, making him no longer mentally competent to be executed. Additionally, the inmates legal team argued that his implanted heart-regulating device should be deactivated to avoid a torturous death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessees new death penalty protocol: Whats different However, on Thursday, July 31, a judge ruled in the states favor to execute Black without deactivating his heart implant. The Associated Press reported that Blacks execution was likely the first time a person was put to death with a working defibrillator. The Death Penalty Information Center and Blacks attorney said they were unable to find evidence of any other case in which a person on death row made similar claims about defibrillators or pacemakers. On Monday, Aug. 4, the United States Supreme Court denied all applications for a stay of execution and petitions for writ of certiorari. Additionally, Gov. Lee later released a statement Monday evening stating he would not intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After learning that Lee would refuse to intervene and the U.S. Supreme Court denied all appeals, the Death Penalty Action released the following statement: We already know that the cruelty is the point when it comes to how we treat the prisoners, but I wonder about the lifelong trauma that prison workers are taking on by killing a man like Byron Black. It would be one thing if he was any sort of threat, but this 69 year old man is physically helpless with his various medical conditions, and mentally he is like a child. Add to the mix the question of how his implanted defibrillator will react. The world is watching. This is an ugly moment for Tennessee. Death Penalty Action Executive Director Abraham Bonowitz Read todays top stories on wkrn.com After Black was executed, a spokesperson for TDOCs Victim Services read a statement on behalf of the victims family: I thank God for this day, a day that was a long time coming. Thirty-seven years is too long and its not our fault. He got to take that up with the master, the redeemer, he brought this on himself. Im thankful and grateful to see this day. The load and burden that has been lifted off our hearts, not just me, but my family. I thank God for making this happen. His family is going through the same thing now that we went through 37 years ago. I cant say Im sorry because we never got an apology. He never apologized and never admitted it, even on his dying bed, and he knows he did it. This is closure for my family, my sister and her two daughters can finally rest in peace. Linette Bell Blacks attorney also released a statement, which reads, in part: What happened here was the result of pure, unbridled bloodlust and cowardice. It was the brutal and unchecked abuse of government power. It was the result of a failed criminal legal system that countenanced, even rewarded, attorneys who told half-truths and untruths. Today, the State of Tennessee killed a gentle, kind, fragile, intellectually disabled man in violation of the laws of our country simply because they could. No one in a position of power, certainly not the courts, was willing to stop them. And if you think that what happened is just about one man, you are wrong. We are witnessing the erosion of the rule of law and every principle of human decency on which this country was founded. Today, it is Byron. Tomorrow, it will be someone you care about. The people who made this happen are not telling the public the truth. They should feel shame, but they seem incapable. Kelley Henry, Attorney for Byron Black According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, Black selected pizza with mushrooms and sausage, donuts, and butter pecan ice cream for his last meal on Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Rev. Jeff Hood describes his experience watching the nation's first nitrogen gas execution while testifying against HB 1489 at the Arkansas Capitol on Feb. 27, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) Ten Arkansas death row prisoners filed a lawsuit Tuesday asking a judge to block a new state law that authorizes execution by nitrogen gas, which they argue is unconstitutional. Arkansas became the fifth state to permit this form of execution when state lawmakers approved Act 302 in March. The law took effect Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the law say it will help carry out death penalty sentences. Acquiring the necessary drugs for lethal injection has been a challenge for states like Arkansas, which last conducted executions in 2017 under former Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The state executed four men over the course of a week in advance of its drug supply expiring. Opponents of the new law have said death by nitrogen hypoxia is experimental and inhumane. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of ten prisoners in Pulaski County Circuit Court Tuesday against the Arkansas Department of Corrections, the Arkansas Division of Correction, Corrections Secretary Lindsay Wallace and Dexter Payne, correction division director. In a 32-page complaint, death row inmates attorneys argue the new law is unconstitutional because it violates Arkansas separation of powers doctrine in three ways it delegates to the corrections department and its director absolute, unfettered discretion to choose between lethal injection and nitrogen hypoxia, it provides no standards to constrain the use of nitrogen hypoxia and it impairs the judicial function by imposing and modifying prior sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the complaint argues, nitrogen hypoxia for capital murder cant be inflicted on the named death row inmates because the Legislature didnt expressly make the law retroactive to sentences imposed before Aug. 5. The law also cant change their punishment of death by lethal injection to death by nitrogen hypoxia without violating the state Constitutions due process protections, according to the complaint. Arkansas juries explicitly sentenced our clients to execution by lethal injection not gas and the General Assembly cannot rewrite those verdicts to impose death by this very different and highly problematic method, Heather Fraley, an attorney for several of the plaintiffs, said in a press release. Rand Champion, DOC chief of communications, said the department has no comment at this time due to ongoing litigation. The death row inmates are requesting that the court declare Act 302 unconstitutional, rule that it may not be applied to them and enter an injunction barring the corrections department from carrying out nitrogen gas executions on prisoners whose crimes occurred before the laws effective date of Aug. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are about two dozen Arkansans currently on death row, according to the corrections departments website. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of inmates Don Davis, Ray Dansby, Andrew Sasser, Kenneth Isom, Mickey Thomas, Thomas Springs, Zachariah Marcyniuk, Gregory Decay, Stacey Johnson and Brandon Lacy. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (Reuters) -The confirmed death toll from the capsize of a boat carrying migrants off Yemen on Sunday has risen to 86, security sources told Reuters on Tuesday. The sources said the boat had been carrying 170 migrants, and that 42 had been rescued. (Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari; Editing by Kevin Liffey) DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) The Decatur Police Departments recent speeding campaign yielded big citation numbers, with more than 140 of those directly associated with speeding. From July 8 to Aug. 1, the Decatur Police Department conducted Speeding Catches Up With You, a focused traffic safety campaign with the goal of encouraging safer driving habits. This campaign was a part of a statewide effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and Illinois State Police, looking to reduce highway fatalities and injuries as a result of speeding. Decatur Police arrest John Doe for armed robbery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decatur Police issued the following citations during the enforcement period: 74 speeding citations 72 speeding warnings 12 uninsured motorists 5 DUI arrests 4 suspended/revoked licenses 2 child car seat citations 2 reckless driving citations 1 seat belt citation We continue to urge all drivers traveling through our community to slow down, obey speed limits and drive responsibly, said Sgt. Steve Hagemeyer. Every decision you make behind the wheel matters its truly not a game. In total, 172 citations were issued during the speed enforcement efforts. Additionally, the campaign aligns with IDOTs Its Not a Game initiative, emphasizing that dangerous driving behaviors have serious consequences. This speed enforcement campaign was funded by federal highway safety dollars administered by IDOT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. SOMERSET, Pa. A disaster aid decision for the state of Maryland will give Somerset County residents additional time to apply for certain flood recovery aid, officials said. Somerset County communities received government approval a little more than one week after a May 13-14 flood for residents and small businesses to apply for low-interest Small Business Administration Disaster Loans. Those loans can allow qualified borrowers to acquire funds to cover flood losses that weren't covered by insurance, as well as payroll and unpaid bill costs for small businesses, U.S. Small Business Administration officials said in a media release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A decision to grant the same approval last week for part of Maryland, including Allegany County, extends the application deadline for Somerset County because Somerset County is adjacent to Maryland's funding-eligible areas, Somerset County Emergency Management Agency Director Joel Landis said. The initial deadline to apply was February 2026 but now is extended to March 16, 2026, a release to media states. The disaster declaration covers the counties of Allegany, Garrett and Washington in Maryland; Bedford, Fulton and Somerset counties in Pennsylvania; and Hampshire, Mineral and Morgan counties in West Virginia. Through community outreach in the immediate aftermath of the flood, it's likely that anyone interested in and eligible for the funds has already applied for support but the latest move gives local residents more time to seek help if needed. A separate flood recovery loan for Somerset County residents through Pennsylvania's Disaster Recovery Assistance Program an income-dependent loan designed to support people who are denied Small Business Administration loans will still have the same deadline, Landis said. That application deadline is Aug. 25. A California Mini Corps tutor helps a migrant child at McKinley Elementary. The Trump administration said it would unfreeze funding for education programs. Migrant families relied on some of those funds, and some program leaders say damage has been done during the freeze and theyve had to shut down this summer (Photo courtesy of Butte County Office of Education). Victoria Gomez de la Torre doesnt know when or if the migrant children she serves are going to get the education help theyve come to rely on. Gomez de la Torre oversees the migrant education program for 12 central Florida counties. The federally funded service helps the children of migrant agricultural workers, who move within and between states based on planting and harvesting seasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her staff identifies agricultural workers whove migrated to the area and helps them enroll their children in school. It also helps connect them with tutoring and medical care. Earlier this summer, the Trump administration froze more than $6 billion in education funding, including money for migrant education, after-school programs, English-language programs for non-native speakers and other grants. Congress had already approved the money, but the administration said it wanted to conduct a review of the programs. The administration announced last Friday it would release the remaining $5.5 billion of the money, after unfreezing $1.3 billion earlier this month. But for Gomez de la Torres program, the damage had already been done: Without the money, it had to shut down this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We didnt have enough money left over to carry the program, said Joram Rejouis, the director of program development for the public schools in Alachua County, which includes Gainesville and is the largest of the 12 counties. Definitely, stopping the program caused damage. The program came to a complete halt when Gomez de la Torres 11 staff members were offered other positions in the school district. Throughout July, about five dozen migrant children across the 12 counties were without summer services. The funds were supposed to go out before the start of the month. Its going horrendously, said Gomez de la Torre. Migrant families depend on us, rely on our system and our help. The Alachua County program serves about 1,000 to 1,200 children of migrant workers throughout the year, many in rural farming communities. Each year, roughly 17,000 migrant children are served by programs across Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a very valuable program for a very vulnerable population, Rejouis said. Definitely, stopping the program caused damage, period for the families, for the program and for the district. Migrant children are less likely to have regular primary care and are more likely to face health conditions such as anemia and high blood pressure. Many migrant families who harvest food in the fields dont have enough food themselves. The program also helps with communication and translation among parents, teachers and guidance counselors. We were their go-to for whenever they needed something, Gomez de la Torre said. Now, they dont have us. The freeze in funds added to the uncertainty and fear created by the Trump administrations broader moves to target benefits for immigrants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced it had added Head Start to the list of public programs that would be closed to immigrants who are here illegally. After the funding announcement earlier this month, a senior official said the administration had established guardrails to ensure the funds are not used in violation of Executive Orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its anybodys guess when well come back, Gomez de la Torre said. If well come back. If people who chose to retire will return, if their retirement can be rescinded. Nobody knows exactly how its going to play out. A similar story is unfolding in California. The statewide Mini Corps program, run by the Butte County Office of Education, north of Sacramento, connects migrant children at schools and labor camps with bilingual tutors who help them during the school day. Many of the tutors are former migrant children themselves, said Yvette Medina, who oversees the program. The funding freeze forced the office to lay off around 400 workers statewide, according to spokesperson Travis Souders. Despite Fridays announcement, the organization is waiting for official word in writing before reversing layoffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres going to be many students out there who are just going to have another disadvantage to the disadvantages that we already have, Medina said. In Santa Clara County, which includes San Jose, the program was forced to shut down altogether, according to Medina. Medina grew up in migrant labor camps, following her parents to the fields at 4 a.m. as they picked cherries and grapes before she went to school. Her parents worked throughout the Central Valley, back in Mexico and up and down the West Coast, all the way to Oregon. It is devastating, she said. If it wasnt for the migrant program, I know for a fact theres no way I would have graduated high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Migrant families already are gripped with fear as the Trump administration ramps up immigration raids and arrests, which President Donald Trump insists are focused on those with criminal histories. They are terrified, Gomez de la Torre said. We had families stop sending kids to school and others who fled the country. Ruby Luis, a consultant who helps school districts across Florida identify and enroll migrant students in school, also was a migrant child. Her parents worked in orange groves, at strawberry and Christmas tree farms and produce-packing houses. Program tutors read books with her and gave her school supplies. The program took her on college tours and she enrolled via a scholarship for migrant children a first-generation college student. She eventually graduated with a degree in biology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just having even somebody to talk to you about going to college because you dont have anybody to talk to about [that], she said. Having that support was really impactful. To take that away, and then now they just have to navigate it themselves, it creates these barriers, Luis said. And it can ultimately leave these children not having access to education. 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. Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., pushed back against a firestorm of criticism that erupted on Monday after a remark she made sparked calls for her to be deported. The congresswoman, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, described herself as "both Chapina and American" and as "from both Guatemala and Chicago, Illinois." Ramirez "is the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants and an American citizen by birthright," according to the news release in which she responded to the criticism of her controversial comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She made a comment in Spanish in which she reportedly said, "I'm a proud Guatemalan before I'm an American," according to a tweet from TheBlaze, which was shared by the official Department of Homeland Security X account. House Dem Declares She Is A Proud Guatemalan Before American At Progressive International Conference When retweeting the post, DHS shared a quote, which it attributed to Theodore Roosevelt: "There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism...Americanism is a matter of the spirit and of the soul. Our allegiance must be purely to the United States. We must unsparingly condemn any man who holds any other allegiance." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., called for the congresswoman to be deported. "Denaturalize, deport, and kick her off Homeland Committee. We know where her allegiances lie," Ogles wrote on X. House Republican Calls For Third Trump Term Over Passage Of Historic Tax Bill Ramirez pushed back against the wave of criticism in a lengthy statement. "Lets call it what it is: todays attacks are a weak attempt to silence my dissent and invalidate my patriotic criticism of the nativist, white supremacist, authoritarians in government. It is the definition of hypocrisy that members of Congress who betray their oath each day they enable Trump are attacking me for celebrating my Guatemalan-American roots," she asserted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No one questions when my white colleagues identify as Irish-American, Italian-American, or Ukrainian-American to honor their ancestry. Ive consistently expressed pride in my heritage and history - a pride also often reflected in the origin stories of my colleagues. Only those who believe America should not include the children of immigrants or be diverse would attack me - and Americans like me - for honoring my roots," Ramirez continued. Democrat Accuses Trump Of Unleashing Campaign Of Terror On Illegals As La Riots Rage Ramirez stated that honoring her "Guatemalan ancestry" strengthens her "commitment to America," adding that she is one of many Americans who represent the "idea of America." "We are the living and breathing realization of the idea of America a place where a multicultural, multiracial democracy can prosper. I am the daughter of immigrants and the daughter of America. I am both Chapina and American. I am from both Guatemala and Chicago, Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Anyone who denies our claim on this country simply because we dare to honor our diverse heritage and immigrant roots only exposes how fragile and small-minded their own idea of America really is," Ramirez concluded. Original article source: Dem doubles down amid firestorm of criticism over Guatemalan loyalty: 'I am both Chapina and American' Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin joins Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss the proposed redistricting map being pushed by Republicans in Texas by threatening to redraw the Democratic-led seats, SCOTUS Louisiana redistricting case, Democrats lowest rating from voters, and many more. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. "For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name/ There is booze, there is booze" apologies to Paul Stookey According to the Wall Street Journal, six percent of couples polled by wedding-planning website Zola will host a completely alcohol-free wedding in 2025. (Coincidentally, six percent of Americas potential guests find themselves telling each other, "Dear, Id love to attend your sisters wedding in November, but I think thats the weekend Im having an emergency elective root canal, darn it.") Yes, whether its because of health-consciousness, religious values or guilt about unleashing inebriated guests on the highway, more couples are embracing the "dry" weddings trend. But their more traditional friends and family are ready to put up a fight against substitutes such as mocktails, coffee and soft drinks. And those aggrieved loved ones dont intend to holler "uncle." "Drunk uncle," perhaps, but not "uncle." Generations of celebrants have come to regard wedding reception liquor as an outright entitlement. ("I believe Sir Isaac Newton said it best: "For every gift-wrapped toaster, there is an equal and opposite flow of vermouth.") The wedding attendees even invoke scripture to bolster their position: "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: cause everybody wants an excuse to watch an impersonation of Tom Cruise in Cocktail!" "Its not really a wedding if you cant drop your inhibitions and have a little fun," is a familiar refrain. But when you consider that Aunt Zelda can accumulate four divorces, seven maxed-out credit cards and 273 speeding tickets while stone-cold sober, maybe we should keep some inhibitions handy. Many people think its an existential crisis to spend three or four hours in a room with fellow well-wishers without imbibing. Im glad they somehow manage to control their other impulses, or wedding halls would ring with cries of "Anybody seen my toenail clippers? Hey, kid, quit bearing that ring and bear a can of Cheez Whiz instead and theres five bucks in it for you. Ahhfreedom for my man-boobs! What? They dont teach you about man-boobs in flower-girl school?" There doesnt seem to be much middle ground. Most couples assume that the wedding day is THEIR Big Day. Many friends and relatives think the guests should be pampered. I guess theyre looking for one of those $8 "ultra-deluxe speshul" ceremonies that Marryin Sam promoted in the "Lil Abner" comic strip. Sam would officiate while being drawn and quartered by four raging jackasses. ("Yeah, I could go for that. But Ill provide the four jackasses. See if your father and his brothers have gotten liquored up enough.") If youre contemplating a dry wedding, dont be surprised if you suddenly get pushback from the cousins who built backyard forts with you, the former co-workers who braved countless deadlines with you, the little old ladies who taught you in Sunday school. ("Just lemme finish this second pot of coffee an maybe Ill remember which of those categories I fit in. *Hic*") If I sound prejudiced, it might be because my wife and I have been happily married for 34 years, even though our wedding reception boasted only the simple refreshments whipped up by the Methodist ladies and the single bottle of Pink Chablis that my father-in-law sprang for. Love (or her threats to pencil in an emergency elective root canal) will keep us together. (COMMENT, BELOW) Controversial author Harlan Ellison once described the work of Mr. Tyree as "wonkily extrapolative" and said his mind "works like a demented cuckoo clock." Tyree generated a particular buzz on the Internet with his column spoofing real-life Christian nudist camps. A lifelong small-town southerner, he graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. Three Democratic state lawmakers who fled Texas to block an effort to redraw the state's congressional maps to favor Republicans told CBS News on Monday they're prepared to stay out of the state for at least the next two weeks as GOP leaders threaten consequences. Dozens of Texas House Democrats headed to Illinois and other blue states over the weekend, denying the chamber's GOP leaders a quorum on Monday. The move has at least temporarily derailed a special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott to reshape the state's U.S. House district maps after President Trump publicly encouraged Texas Republicans to create five more GOP-leaning House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. One of the Democrats who left Texas for Illinois, state Rep. John Bucy III, told CBS News that lawmakers plan on staying out of the state until the end of the legislative session. Special sessions can last up to 30 days, and just over two weeks are left in the current session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if the clock runs out without a vote on the new House maps, Abbott has the power to immediately call another legislative session, state Rep. Ann Johnson acknowledged. If that happens, Democrats will "assess our options," state Rep. James Talarico said. The map that was floated by Texas Republicans last week could, if approved, tilt as many as 30 of the state's 38 U.S. House districts toward Republicans, which currently hold 25 districts. The map redraws two Democratic seats in the Rio Grande Valley, combines two seats in the Austin area and rearranges districts in the Houston and Dallas areas. Texas Democrats say they "knew there would be consequences" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP-dominated state House voted Monday to compel the absent Democrats to return to Texas, including by issuing civil arrest warrants. Meanwhile, Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to "arrest and return" the Democratic members and investigate them for "bribery" because they accepted donations to help pay for their time in other states. Abbott has also suggested there's a legal path to remove any absent Democrats from office. It's unclear whether those efforts to arrest lawmakers are enforceable outside of Texas. Rice University political science professor Mark Jones told CBS News that Republicans "can make idle threats, but as long as they are out of state, there's really nothing that they can do." "If you choose to continue down this road, you should know there will be consequences," Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Republican, said during a brief speech Monday afternoon, after the House was unable to establish a quorum. "The absconded Democrat House members were elected to meet and vote on legislation not to prevent votes that may not go their way," Abbott said in an earlier statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talarico told CBS News that House Democrats "knew there would be consequences." "We are fighting for representative democracy, and whether or not that will continue, and so we're willing to face whatever consequences may come our way," he said. In addition to redistricting, Abbott called a special session last month to handle other high-profile legislative priorities, like approving disaster relief for the deadly Texas floods. Texas Republicans and Democrats have both accused each other of holding disaster relief hostage. "Greg Abbott is prioritizing Donald Trump with this special session," Bucy told CBS News. "Instead of taking action to help the flood victims of Central Texas, he is prioritizing trying to steal five congressional seats from the people of Texas." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson rejected accusations by Republicans that Democratic lawmakers had abandoned their work, saying they were exercising "the fundamental protection by our founding fathers in the Texas Constitution that says the minority party has the opportunity to break quorum when you know that the majority has really gone off the rails." What do Texas Democrats want? This isn't the first time Democrats have fled Texas to deny Republicans a two-thirds quorum in the state House or Senate. In 2021, House Democrats left the state to block a vote on a restrictive voting law, but the walkout came to an end after just over a month, and a version of the bill ended up passing. When asked how this week's walkout would be different, Talarico argued the 2021 effort was successful because some of the most controversial provisions of the voting law like limits to Sunday voting were ultimately taken out of the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an effective tool in our toolbox to fight for our constituents and make harmful legislation less dangerous. We're hopeful that's what will happen here," he said. Some of the Texas Democrats want blue states to threaten to retaliate by redrawing their congressional maps to add more Democratic districts. The governors of California and New York have entertained the idea of carrying out redistricting to eke out more blue seats, but those moves could be legally difficult, since California has put an independent commission in charge of redistricting and New York bans political gerrymandering. All three Texas House Democrats who spoke with CBS News Talarico, Bucy and Johnson told CBS News they don't support gerrymandering in general. But Talarico said that "if one side is going to cheat, all bets are off, and maybe that kind of pressure will convince our Republican colleagues and the president to walk back from the brink." "Democrats and Republican politicians both gerrymander and it's wrong in both instances," Talarico said, but "this is particularly egregious." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is kind of like the bully that takes your lunch money every day. At some point, you got to stand up, otherwise you just end up broke and hungry," Johnson said. "We've told Republicans, 'enough you've gone way too far.'" How safe is our Social Security safety net? Full Interview: 3 Democratic Texas lawmakers on fleeing state amid GOP redistricting push Number of butterflies decreasing across U.S. After fleeing Texas to stop a vote on a proposed new congressional map for the state, a group of Texas state Democratic lawmakers were joined by the DNC chair and the governor of Illinois for a news conference on Tuesday. The proposed redrawing of Texas congressional map would add five Republican seats to the U.S. House of Representatives. CNN reported that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker shared that it is possible to redistrict in favor of Democrats in Illinois but added that its not something that I want to do. These comments came as Democratic Party leaders across the country are being called on to respond to the GOP redistricting proposal in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the news conference in Chicago, the Republican plan to redraw congressional lines was also criticized by Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin. Theyve decided to cheat, and were going to respond in kind, Martin said, per CNN. This is not the Democratic Party of your grandfather, which would bring a pencil to the knife fight, Martin added. This is a new Democratic Party; we are bringing a knife to a knife fight, and we are going to fight fire with fire. Democratic Texas state Rep. Lulu Flores made it clear that she and other members of the Texas delegation who traveled to Illinois plan to stay as long as it takes as they work to stall the Republican redistricting push in their home state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You just heard that the special session lasts til Aug. 19. Thats the very least time that we expect to be out here, Flores said in an interview on CNN. Flores also hopes efforts by Democratic governors in other states such as New York, Illinois and California to pursue their own redistricting plans in response to the proposed map in Texas would dissuade Republican efforts. We are taking it a day at a time, a session at a time. We will wait to see what the governor decides to do, Flores said, adding that the governor can call subsequent special sessions. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton speaks during a news conference in Aurora, Ill., on Tuesday, Aug 5, 2025. | Erin Hooley California proposes redistricting to add 5 Democratic House seats If Texas Republicans are successful in redistricting, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he is prepared to move forward with a proposal to redraw his states congressional map. This proposal would potentially add five Democratic seats to the U.S. House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal that were advancing with the legislature has a trigger only if they move forward, to dismantling the protocols that are well-established, Newsom said on Monday, per Fox News. Would the state of California move forward in kind? Fighting? Yes, fire with fire. To go forward with this plan, Newsom would hold a special election to get voter approval in order to undo the constitutional amendments that created Californias nonpartisan redistricting commission. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who championed the states nonpartisan redistricting system, is against Newsoms plan to add Democratic seats in California. He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that. He thinks its truly evil for politicians to take power from people, Schwarzenegger spokesperson Daniel Ketchell said, per Fox News. Arrest warrants put out for absent Texas lawmakers Republicans in Texas have voted to approve arrest warrants for the dozens of Democratic legislators who fled the state on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state troopers to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans, per BBC. The vote gives the chambers sergeant-at-arms and state troopers the authority to arrest the absent legislators and deliver them to the state Capitol building. But, since the warrants are only enforceable inside Texas state lines, the vote on Monday was mostly symbolic. The lawmakers would not face civil or criminal charges as a result of the warrant. Democratic Texas state Rep. Ramon Romero said he is willing to be arrested, as he believes that he and the other lawmakers who fled the state are standing tall, per CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill pay that price for America, he said in the Chicago news conference. That would be a very small price to pay for what we would save for these Americans that have fought so hard and against the maps that aim directly at Black and brown voices. Each day that the lawmakers fail to show up, they face a $500 fine. Abbott has threatened to charge the absent legislators with bribery if they are given public money to cover that fine. It would be bribery if any lawmaker took money to perform or to refuse to perform an act in the legislature, Abbott said, according to BBC. And the reports are these legislators have both sought money and offered money to skip the vote, to leave the legislature, to take a legislative act. That would be bribery. Texas House to try and reconvene again on Tuesday After failing to reach a quorum and quickly adjourning on Monday, the Texas House of Representatives will reconvene on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the state House to conduct legislative business, the Texas Constitution requires two-thirds of House members to be present. So, with dozens of Democrats absent, the new map could not be voted on. The Texas lawmakers are currently meeting in a special session that cant go over 30 days, this current session will end Aug. 19, per CNN. Trump says Republicans are entitled to 5 more seats in Texas On Tuesday during CNBCs Squawk Box, President Donald Trump said he supports the redistricting proposal in Texas, adding that Republicans are entitled to five more seats in the state. We have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas. I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats, Trump said. He defended gerrymandering in Texas with the claim they did it to us, as he pointed to Democratic states. The founders of a new policy think tank and political action fund hope to support public education choice candidates in Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, and Alabama. (Courtesy of the State of Tennessee) This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters Sign up for Chalkbeat Tennessees free newsletter to keep up with statewide education policy and Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two veteran Democratic education advocates announced a new public school think tank and action fund this week aimed at making inroads in four Southern states. But the outfit may face an uphill battle in states like Alabama and Tennessee, where Republican supermajorities have backed privatization efforts in recent years. The Center for Strong Public Schools Action fund will back center-left candidates in Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee, in addition to investing at the legislative policy level with its think tank arm. Former Georgia state lawmaker Alisha Thomas Searcy and Texas education advocate Garry Jones co-founded the group. Searcy said last week they narrowed their focus to four states where both the threats to undermine public education and the opportunities to strengthen it are greatest. The initiative comes as Democrats have struggled to define their education policy agenda after the erosion of what had been a bipartisan consensus around public school choice and rigorous school accountability policies. Republicans have leveraged parental frustration with COVID-related school closures and conservative backlash to more inclusive curriculum to advance private school choice policies. At the same time, Democratic politicians have backed away from education reform and charter schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While CSPS Action said it will make strategic investments in high-profile contests like the upcoming Georgia gubernatorial and state schools superintendent races, the group would likely face an uphill battle on similar goals in Tennessee. The GOP continues to dominate politics in Tennessee, where Republicans hold an entrenched supermajority in the state legislature and Democrats have failed to make substantive gains in recent cycles. A CSPS spokesperson said the group plans to focus more on state policy goals in Tennessee around accountability, funding equity for public charters, and literacy and math initiatives, though it could dip into more local issues like upcoming Memphis-Shelby County school board races. Jones and Searcy said they have raised more $1 million from national and local donors, but they declined to answer questions about who is backing the effort. Searcy noted CSPS aims to keep a spotlight on accountability, an issue that drew heated debate in the Tennessee statehouse earlier this year as Republicans pushed through Gov. Bill Lees voucher program. Though participating students must take a standardized achievement test, the program allows private schools to opt out of Tennessees standardized testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a continued GOP focus on privatization, Searcy said theres an opportunity for Democrats to embrace public charter schools, though she acknowledged there is no consensus within the party regarding public school choice. It seems that Republicans are sort of abandoning anything within the public school system, Searcy said. When you look at whos being served in charter schools, many of those students are Black and brown students, many of them are low-income students. These are students that we need to make sure still have a voice, still have access to equitable resources, whether its funding or building, because they are all in public schools. In addition to public school choice and accountability, Jones said the group would focus on more equitable school funding, supporting teachers, and improving school safety. These priorities bridge areas of traditional Democratic strength with ones where Republicans have gained ground. Searcy and Jones are both alums of Democrats for Education Reform, a group that once played an influential role in electing school board members and state legislators sympathetic to the reform agenda. Searcy was hired by DFER to expand its reach in some of the same states that now will be the focus of CSPS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DFER has seen an exodus of longtime staffers amid leadership and strategy changes, and numerous state chapters have closed. Democrats for Education Reform commissioned a poll in 2023 that found that Democrats had lost the trust of voters when it came to education. CEO Jorge Elorza at the time exhorted Democrats to embrace public school choice policies to win back these voters. In the wake of the 2024 election, Elorza went further, issuing a paper that called on Democrats to be more open to vouchers and educational savings accounts and to invest their political capital in steering these programs toward helping the neediest students. Searcy and Jones said vouchers represent a bright line that they wont cross. I want to be clear about what sets us apart, Searcy said. Its our commitment to public education. It is foundational for us, and its nonnegotiable. Were committed to remaining focused on strengthening public schools, not creating pathways that take away from them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story has also been updated to include additional information about CSPS policy plans in Tennessee. Melissa Brown is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Contact Melissa at mbrown@chalkbeat.org. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (DTX) used explicit language to describe President Donald Trump during a speech at the MoveOn Wont Back Down Tour rally in Phoenix, urging Democrats to take a more aggressive approach against Republicans and the U.S. Supreme Court. Donald Trump is a piece of s***, Crockett said. We need to call it like it is and stop letting Republicans and the Supreme Court trample on our rights. A video of her remarks was widely shared on social media. One popular X post criticized Crocketts tone and language, stating: Disgraceful Rep. Jasmine Crockett calls President Trump a piece of sh*t and says the Supreme Court have no ethic guardrails. pic.twitter.com/8CmRWbfFme I Meme Therefore I Am (@ImMeme0) August 4, 2025 But what are we going to need to do then? she continued. For me, its getting aggressive. Crockett also attacked the nations highest court: But in a functioning democracy, he still would not be able to get away with this. But hes been able to get away with this because the House Republicans are complicit. Hes been able to get away with this because Senate Republicans are complicit. But most importantly, the courts especially the Supreme Court are complicit, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MoveOn tour is designed to mobilize Democratic voters in Republican-held congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with Phoenix being one of several key stops. Ongoing Controversies Crocketts remarks come just weeks after she withdrew her bid to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. She ended her campaign following an internal Steering Committee vote in which she placed last. Democrats ultimately chose Rep. Robert Garcia (DCA) for the role. It was clear by the numbers that my style of leadership is not exactly what they were looking for, and so I didnt think that it was fair for me to then push forward, Crockett said after stepping down from the race. She retained her position as vice-ranking member on the committee. Earlier this year, Crockett also sparked backlash for mocking Texas Gov. Greg Abbott who uses a wheelchair by referring to him as Governor Hot Wheels during a Human Rights Campaign event in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Randy Weber (RTX) responded by introducing a censure resolution, calling her remarks disrespectful and unbecoming of a U.S. Congresswoman. (Dallas Express) Crockett later claimed the comment was aimed at Abbotts immigration policies, not his disability. Despite stubbornly bad approval ratings, lackluster fundraising and some potentially disastrous redistricting on the horizon, election prognosticators say not to count the Democrats out. The bad headlines for Democrats have been piling up. The Democratic Partys approval rating has fallen to a 30-year low of 34%, according to a recent Gallup poll; the Democratic National Committee is currently trailing its Republican counterpart in fundraising by tens of millions of dollars; and the Texas legislature just unveiled a new district map that could deliver Republicans as many as five new House seats in 2026. In terms of polling, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the minority leader in the Senate, addressed the partys poor polling numbers at a press conference in late July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As people see the contrast between what the Republicans are going to do and what we want to do, they are going to believe Democrats are more on their side. In one of the very polls you cited where they said Democrats were lower, they still asked Do you prefer Democrats or Republicans? Democrats, even now, were up three. Were going to be up more, Schumer said. While the poll did find that Americans do prefer the Democratic Party, 46% to 43%, Democrats are behind where they were at this point in Trumps first term. In 2017, Democrats maintained a five-point advantage, with 47% percent identifying with the party compared to 42% who identified with the Republican Party. Gallup is not the only pollster that has Democrats on track for a less-than-stellar midterm performance. In the Real Clear Politics average of polls, Democrats led Republicans on the congressional generic ballot, which asks respondents which party they prefer in general, by nine points at the beginning of August in 2017. Today, Democrats lead by just three points in the generic ballot. In terms of fundraising, Democrats have been getting crushed, at least on the national level. The RNC ended June with around $81 million compared to the DNCs $15 million. Top Democrats have indicated that theyre not sure if and when fundraising is going to pick up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I absolutely think thats happening, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told The Bulwark podcast when asked, Are people being intimidated into not participating, into not donating at this point? Im not necessarily saying that there are active threats of retribution against specific Democratic donors. I think they are watching the way that Trump targets his political enemies, and they would rather just, for this cycle, stand down and stay out of the fray, Murphy said. Its the sort of threat of retribution thats causing some, not all, Democratic donors to step back. The 2026 Senate map looks very difficult for Democrats, though there may be a pickup opportunity in North Carolina and potentially even in Texas, depending on the outcome of the GOP primary there. The focus for Democrats has been on winning back the House. But on top of all the other obstacles, there are signs that Democrats could be running in the midterms on less favorable maps than they had in 2024. Texas Republicans, at the behest of Donald Trump, are seeking to push through new House maps that would add five new districts that Trump won in 2024 by at least 10 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reaction, politicians in nine other states have indicated that they may also pursue redistricting ahead of the midterms, though its worth noting that California and New York, the two states that would give Democrats the biggest opportunities to pick up seats through redistricting, both have independent redistricting processes. Illinois where Texas Democrats have fled in order to delay the redistricting process is potentially the third-best opportunity for Democrats, although the state already has highly favorable maps for Democrats. With all these headwinds aligning against Democrats, Republican leaders have indicated that they feel bullish about their odds of retaining control of the House, despite having just passed a deeply unpopular megabill and being tied to an increasingly unpopular administration. Im very bullish on election night 26. Im absolutely convinced were going to grow the House majority. Lot of reasons for that, its not groundless optimism. Its going to be the result of a lot of hard work, Speaker Mike Johnson told CBS News Face the Nation last month. Election watchers, however, say Democrats still stand a solid if not certain chance of taking back at least one chamber of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logan Phillips, who maintains the election forecasting site Race for the White House, told Salon that while hes still developing his model for 2026, the larger picture of history suggests that theyre likely to do very well in the midterms, or at least decently well. The reason I say that is that in every single midterm election since 1978, with the exception of 2002, right after 9/11, the party out of power in the White House has won the national popular vote in midterms, Phillips said. I think two things can be true: These low polling numbers for Democrats are a big concern, especially for the long-term trajectory of the party. According to Phillips, the shift between the 2024 election and the special elections that have taken place since then would suggest that Democrats will win the popular vote by 14 points. He doesnt expect that big of a swing come 2026, however, instead predicting a popular vote victory closer to 4.5 points for Democrats, based on historical data. Part of the reason for this is that Democrats now maintain a coalition of higher propensity voters, at least compared to the coalition that got Trump elected. Phillips said that in the context of the 2026 midterms, this gives Democrats a higher baseline, though gerrymandering could give Republicans a credible path to holding on. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Miles Coleman, associate editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia, told Salon that there are other signs that the Democratic Party might actually be more organized than it was in 2017, even if its not as popular in relative terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2017, the Democrats let Republican justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court go completely unopposed, because they were so demoralized that they had lost Wisconsin in 16, Coleman said. Now that would never happen. And in 2017 it wasnt really until the Virginia governors election that Democrats kind of got their mojo back. At the same time, Coleman cautioned, Democrats have fewer clear pickup opportunities going into 2026 than they had going into 2018. In that cycle there were 25 House seats held by Republicans where voters had favored Hillary Clinton in 2016. This time around, there are just three Republican representatives in districts where former Vice President Kamala Harris won in 2024 and there are also 13 incumbent Democrats in districts where Trump won. At the same time, Coleman said, Democrats are already in the position of defending gains theyve made in the House over the past eight years, which means two things: They need to flip just a few seats to win a majority, but there are very few easy seats for them to flip. Of course its possible, or even likely, that the political ground will shift between now and when voters go to the polls in 2026, especially considering Trumps ability to drive both Republican and Democratic voters to the polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first started here back in 2019, one of our first guests was Joe Donnelly, the senator from Indiana, and he had just lost that last year in 18, Coleman said. He said his goal was If I could get a million votes, Id be doing pretty well. Well, he did, but his opponent because he was backed by Trump and Trump was involved in that race got more. The post Are Democrats blowing it? A blue wave is no sure thing appeared first on Salon.com. PARIS Denmark plans to wrap up its acquisition of ground-based air defense systems by the end of the year, with a total planned investment of as much as 25 billion Danish kroner (US$3.4 billion), according to the countrys Defence Ministry. For the long-range component, Denmark expects to choose between the U.S. Patriot and the French-Italian SAMP/T system during fall 2025, the ministry told Defense News. The country intends to conclude all contracts by year-end, including a potential purchase of additional short- to medium-range systems, the MoD said. With European policymakers observing the devastation wrought by Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, and with NATO having identified air defense as an investment priority, governments across the continent are scrambling to either bolster what they already have or put in place the means to defend their skies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denmark in the past two months secured air defense systems from three different producers in order to build an initial capability as soon as possible, 20 years after decommissioning its air defense units operating Hawk missile systems. The country will lease a NASAMS system from Norway, buy two VL MICA fire units from MBDA and an IRIS-T SLM system from Germanys Diehl Defence. The systems will be operational from approximately around end of 2025 to the beginning of 2027, NASAMS anticipated to be the first, the ministry said. The bill for pulling together the initial capacity will be more than 6 million kroner, which includes operating costs for a certain amount of time, the MoD said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four systems cover the initial capacity requirement, with no further systems in the pipeline for now, the ministry said. For the longer term, Denmark has not yet fully decided whether it needs more short- to medium-range systems, nor whether the country will continue to operate multiple systems or eventually pivot to a single system, according to the ministry. The planned purchase of the long-range system is referred to as a permanent solution, the Danish MoD said, with the combined budget for short- to medium-range and long-range systems about 19 billion to 25 billion kroner, including operating costs for a certain amount of time. For comparison, Belgium, another country that lacks any ground-based missile defense , last month announced a budget of 2 billion (US$2.3 billion) to buy and operate 10 NASAMS systems from Kongsberg, as well as another 2 billion for three long-range air-defense systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around the Baltic Sea, other countries are also building up their defenses, with Estonia on July 30 announcing plans to establish a dedicated air-defense brigade and buy additional IRIS-T, Piorun and Mistral systems, as part of 10 billion in defense spending over 2026-29. Denmarks neighbor Sweden in June announced the purchase of seven additional IRIS-T SLM systems for around 9 billion Swedish kronor (US$805 million), while Norway that same month contracted new NASAMS systems for as much as 4.8 billion Norwegian kroner ($468 million) to replace equipment donated to Ukraine. Denmark and Sweden acquired their IRIS-T systems under the umbrella of the German-coordinated European Sky Shield Initiative, with countries including Slovakia and Switzerland also buying the Diehl system through the initiative this year. DENVER (KDVR) Sunny and hot weather moves into Denvers weather forecast for the rest of the workweek. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect Monday evening for the eastern plains. Thunderstorms will be spotty, but could become strong to severe, producing hail and damaging wind gusts. FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar Weather tonight: Few Monday night, there will be a few passing clouds in the metro as rain and thunderstorms clear out of parts of eastern Colorado. Low temperatures will stay seasonal and fall to around 60 degrees. Weather tomorrow: Sunny, hot Tuesday will be hot and sunny. High temperatures will climb to the mid-90s, which is more than 5 degrees above normal for this time of year. Fire weather warnings will be in effect for parts of western Colorado again through the afternoon and evening due to dry and breezy conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead: Near record heat ahead of rain chances A warming trend continues Wednesday and Thursday as temperatures approach record levels. Both days are on track to fall shy of the daily record, but Thursday will be closest, and just one degree shy of the 99-degree record set in 1980. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up for weather alerts from the Pinpoint Weather team More heat is in the forecast for Friday with highs reaching the mid to upper 90s. Then, relief is on the way by the weekend and into the start of next week with scattered showers and storms aiding in dropping temperatures to the 80s. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WETM) An Elmira man was arrested in August on a felony warrant after deputies said he hadnt reported a new address to the sex offender registry in more than two years. Eric L. Barnes, 34, was arrested in August on the charge of failure to notify the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services of a change of information within the required timeframe, a class E felony, deputies said. Reported gunshots spark investigation in Elmira neighborhood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January 2025, deputies with the Chemung County Sheriffs Office were trying to complete an address verification for Barnes, a level 2 sex offender, at his registered address in the Town of Horseheads. When deputies went to the address, they found that other people were now living there. After talking with the new residents, they told deputies that Barnes hadnt lived at the address in more than two years. Deputies didnt know where Barnes had gone, so an arrest warrant was issued. The investigation continued and eventually led deputies to find Barned, resulting in his arrest on the charge listed 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. A sheriffs deputy rescued an alligator from a backyard pool with his bare hands, impressing onlookers who called him, Florida grown at its finest!' Just over a week ago, on July 25, Deputy Nathan Richardson from St. Johns County Sheriffs Office kicked out an unexpected guest lounging in the pool of a St. Augustine home. Police body camera video showed Richardson using a pool skimmer to guide the small gator to the edge of the pool before he grabbed it by the neck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gator thrashed in the water before getting picked up and even managed to escape and tried to make a run for it on the deck before Richardson grabbed it again a few seconds later. I gotcha. Youre fine, the deputy reassured the hissing gator. I know. Youre super mad. Body cam video showed Deputy Nathan Richardson using a pool skimmer to guide the small gator to the edge of the pool before he grabbed it by the neck (St. Johns County Sheriff's Office) The gator managed to escape and tried to make a run for it on the deck before Richardson grabbed it again a few seconds later (St. Johns County Sheriff's Office) As Richardson picked the gator up, one hand on its neck and the other holding its tail, the group of people at the house can be heard saying, You go and Wow. One of the onlookers joked, Obviously, you grew up here. And its true. The sheriffs office confirmed to The Independent Richardson is a Florida native. Upon leaving the home, someone can be heard saying, Florida grown at its finest! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richardson is then filmed holding the gator by its tail while opening his patrol car to load it into the back seat. Richardson is later filmed holding the gator by its tail while opening his patrol car to load it into the back seat (St. Johns County Sheriff's Office) For extra safety, the deputy buckled the gator into its seat. Luckily for the gator, its trespassing adventure did not result in a ride to the station but to a nearby pond. The alligator wasnt happy its pool time was over, or about the ride in the patrol car, but it was buckled in and safely relocated to a nearby pond by Deputy Richardson, the sheriffs office said in a Facebook post. For extra safety the deputy buckled the gator into its seat (St. Johns County Sheriff's Office) This wasnt Richardsons first encounter with a gator, the sheriffs office told The Independent, although they werent sure how many he had caught before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says massive human population growth in the state, paired with a demand for waterfront homes and increasingly popular water-related activities, can cause more frequent human interactions with alligators. The commission advises people to never feed the gators and to keep their distance if they see one. People should also only swim in designated swimming areas during the day and keep their pets on a leash and away from the water. The more we learn about the importance of skin health and all the ways to protect ourselves from skin cancer like melanoma, the more often we pull on a hat in the summer, slather on sunscreen in the winter, and check for moles on a regular basis. While you should always get a new spot that pops up checked out by a professional, there are some subtle signs of skin cancers that go beyond a new mark. Meet the expert: Adam Friedman, M.D., F.A.A.D., director of translational research in the department of dermatology at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences Non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, are what we call skin-derived cancers, not mole-derived, Adam Friedman, M.D., F.A.A.D., director of translational research in the department of dermatology at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, explained. That means they show up as other unusual skin changes, such as sores, scabs, irritated patches, or waxy bumpsnot moles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers make up the majority of all skin cancer cases, and they are more treatable. Basal cell carcinomas are slow-growing, often painless, and almost never spread beyond their original location, per the National Library of Medicine. Squamous cell skin cancers, meanwhile, are easily cured when treated before they begin to spread. That's why its important to learn their warning signs and symptoms so you can catch them early. On top of that, there are other rare forms of skin cancer that have nothing to do with moles, like Merkel cell carcinoma, that should be on your radar. So what type of skin changes warrant a visit with your dermatologist? Here, the signs of skin cancer you should never ignore. Itchy, red patches Basal cell carcinomathe most common form of skin cancercan show up as a small red swatch of irritated skin, Dr. Friedman said. The swatch may be itchy and peely, and so it could seem an awful lot like dry skin. When you have a cancerous skin lesion, your immune system responds to those abnormal cells, Dr. Friedman explained. That reaction can cause the redness or inflammation or scaling youre experiencing. If the patch sticks around, have your doctor take a look. Science Photo Library - DR. P. MARAZZI - Getty Images Open sores or scabs Basal cell carcinomas may also emerge as bloody, open, or scabbed-over sores, Dr. Friedman says. They almost look like the scabby skin that develops after a very bad sunburn. The likelihood of a basal cell spreading or metastasizing to other parts of your body are extremely low, but they can still be destructive, especially if theyre near your eye or mouth, he said. Jena Ardell - Getty Images Pearly, translucent, or waxy bumps Shiny, pearly bumps are another sign of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma. These areas are typically raised, often appear on the face, ears, or neck, and may have blue, black, or brown areas, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Blood vessels may be visible, and the lesion could eventually burst open, causing bleeding and scabbing. BSIP - Getty Images Red, scaly lumps Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer, may show up as red or brown rough patches that resemble old warts or scabs. With these kinds of lumps, and really with any skin wound or lesion, the biggest red flag is that it doesnt go away, Dr. Friedman said. A normal skin issue that looks like this should heal in a matter of days. If your lump or lesion persists, you'll want to get this type of spot checked out, he says. Chris Mansfield - Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craters Squamous cell carcinomas can also resemble small cratersalmost like shallow volcanoes with blood in the center. Like basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell cancers typically arent deadly, but they can do damage and cause disfigurement, Dr. Freidman says. Again, youll want to see someone if that crater persists or expands, he added. Rafael Ben-Ari - Getty Images Fast-growing, painless bump Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare type of skin cancer, but may be dangerous and spread to other parts of the body. Its often characterized by a pink, red, or purple lump commonly found on the face, neck, arms, and legs. The area can look like other types of skin cancer, but is often very firm to the touch, grows quickly, and feels painless. Getty Images Non-skin symptoms While basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas tend to confine themselves to your hide, melanomawhich is typically characterized by a new or changing moleis deadly because it eventually spreads into your body and causes systemic disease, Dr. Friedman explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a melanoma does metastasize, the types of symptoms you experience depend a lot on the location of your cancer. If the melanoma is by your lungs, you could have shortness of breath, or if its on your head, you may have headaches or vision trouble, he says. Really, the symptoms are all over the place. Unfortunately, if you dont catch a melanoma until it reaches this stage, the prognosis is grim. I hate to be dire, but if youre experiencing these symptoms because a melanoma has metastasized, youre already in big trouble, Dr. Friedman said. Theres also no predicting where a melanoma mole is likely to show up or take root, because theres really no predictable pattern, he added. Thats why its so important to pay attention to your skin by doing a self-exam at least once per month: Flagging any odd changes to your doctor ASAP can save your life. Hearst Owned You Might Also Like DES MOINES, Iowa Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris, a Democrat, is entering the race to represent Iowa in the U.S. Senate. In a video posted to her campaign website Tuesday morning, Norris and her supporters spoke about her background in education as a government teacher and her Washington experience, serving as Chief of Staff for former First Lady Michelle Obama. After coming to Iowa in 1998 to work on the campaign to elect Tom Vilsack as Governor, Norris became a high school government teacher, working in communities like Perry, Ames, and Johnston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family sues Roblox after Iowa girls kidnapping and sexual abuse As the Chair of the Des Moines School Board, Norris was at the forefront of an effort to ban cell phones in the classroom and touted the results of a pilot program at Hoover High School. How awesome is it that you not only see mental health improvements in our young people, but you see academic outcomes improve as well as a result of a cell phone policy, said Norris in the campaign video. She also highlighted one of her priorities, As a teacher and a school board member, you see the invisible burdens families are carrying. Take the Medicaid cuts. Whos it impacting? Middle class families right now, they cant afford to put food on the table. We have to find a way to make things more affordable for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norris has previously worked with Republican President George H. W. Bushs Points of Light organization, where her focus was to expand corporate volunteerism. She is the President and owner of the Horizon Group. Jackie and her husband, John, have three sons. Three other Democrats have already announced their campaigns for U.S. Senate: State Sen Zach Wahls, Rep. J.D. Scholten, and Nathan Sage, former Director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. Republican Senator Joni Ernst has not yet announced whether she will seek reelection. 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. August 2nd marks the 35th anniversary of Saddam Husseins 1990 invasion of Kuwait, and therefore the beginning of Operation Desert Shield, which would later fall under the umbrella of the overall Gulf War. Marked by deliberate strategic planning that evolved out of the post-Vietnam national malaise, what ensued was an undeniable typhoon of steel, manpower, and accurately directed coalition rage. It represented a definitive end to the preceding decades of the Cold War and the beginning of an unquestioned unipolar world governed by pure American hegemony. The lessons of the Gulf War, seemingly long forgotten by both armchair historians and key strategic decision makers alike, represent a near idyllic vision for how to fight (and win) Americas wars. These lessons are timeless, and senior American leaders would be wise to apply them to all future fights. While the engagement resulted in a decisive anti-Saddam coalition victory guided by a confluence of fortuitous circumstances, this did not happen in a vacuum. A deliberate military buildup throughout the 1980s, the establishment of a clear and feasible political objective, effective diplomatic efforts to build a strong coalition, and the lack of a serious near-peer competitor behind the scenes all paved the way for rapid success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the subsequent 2003 invasion of Iraq (and the overarching Global War on Terror), the Gulf War is often sadly relegated to the dustbin of military history. And while 2003 could mark a failure to exploit the catastrophic success of Desert Storm in 1991, what it actually shows is the failure to apply the same lessons learned the second time around. A Clear Political Objective U.S. Military personnel arrive at a base camp during Operation Desert Shield, 1990 (U.S. Army/Staff Sgt. Lee Corkran) A question that would plague think tanks for years to come was How far do we take this? After all, what was success supposed to look like? Many advocated that Desert Storm did not go far enough because it did not remove Saddam Hussein from power. This question is low-hanging fruit, given that only 12 years later, the decision would be made to indeed go all the way and remove Saddam Hussein and his Iraqi Baath party from the face of the Earth. But President George H.W. Bush knew that was not the path to victory in 1990-1991. Early on, clear political objectives were established: to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait and reestablish Kuwaiti sovereignty and governance. This was still asking a lot in 1990, when Iraqs army was the fourth-largest in the world and considered a premier fighting force. But it established a palatable political objective that could be achieved through diplomatic, information, economic, and, as needed, military instruments of national power. As Clausewitz long ago posited, after all, War is nothing but a continuation of politics. While most Americans tend to view war near exclusively through the near or total capitulation model of the Civil War, World War I, and World War II, these types of conflicts are actually more aberrations in history rather than the norm. Most wars have ended with negotiated settlements after one or all sides have had their fill, or can claim some semblance of achieving their political objectives. Coalition Building President George Bush meets soldiers of the 197th Brigade, 24th Infantry Division upon his arrival at their camp for a Thanksgiving Day visit during Operation Desert Shield. (U.S. Army) Saddam Hussein, fresh off a decade-long war with neighboring Iran, had unsurprisingly begun to upset his neighbors. Invading Kuwait meant he was beating on Saudi Arabias doorstep, and the Kingdom was understandably nervous about the seemingly unhinged dictator next door. Once Kuwait was under Iraqi occupation, roughly 20% of the worlds oil output was under Husseins control, elevating the war from a regional issue to a global one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the United States was going to take the lead in repelling this threat, it would need a coalition of the willing to expel it. What the Bush administration subsequently accomplished toward this goal was elite statesmanship. If Hussein had any hopes of rallying an axis of Arab partners motivated by ethnic or religious sensibilities, it was squashed early on. Even attempts to launch SCUD missiles at Israel in the hopes of igniting an ideological firestorm to his side of the conflict would ultimately fail to galvanize any real support. The Gulf states instead understood the risk he posed and immediately offered their support to the U.S.-led coalition. Even Syria, the only other subscriber to the pan-Arabic socialist Baath school of politics, turned its tanks on the Iraqis. The American home front also required tremendous political maneuvering in order to turn this vision into a reality. President Bush used the time between August 1990 and January 1991 to build support for this righteous cause, but it did not come with the near-unanimous contemporary support that his son would see in the immediate aftermath of the September 11th Attacks. Congress, as a representative force of the American population, ultimately gave President Bush the popular support he needed to prosecute the war, though it was not universal. The House of Representatives voted 250 to 183, and later the Senate voted 52 to 47, in favor of authorizing the use of military force. Tacit Soviet Support Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President George Bush. (Yuryi Abramochkin) A major factor that cannot be overstated in the success of the Gulf War was the lack of a global superpower to subvert American interests (as had been the case in Vietnam). The Soviet Union, while in its death throes, offered no significant roadblocks to an American-led effort to oust Hussein from Kuwait. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without the threat of the USSR undermining the effort to oust Iraq from Kuwait or providing Hussein with funds, equipment, or even direct military support, the path was clear for American and partner forces to proceed with clear conviction. Truly, Saddam Hussein was more isolated than he thought he would be in this endeavour. Popular counterfeit Bart Simpson Shirt for Gulf War veterans. What should we take away from this conflict? It represented a modern way of American warfare, enabled by precision munitions, a lopsided technological advantage, and overwhelming force derived from a popular and near-uncontested coalition of combined joint international partners. But perhaps more importantly, it stemmed from the establishment of clearly established and feasible political objectives. Once the Iraqi army was expelled by force after a sustained air campaign and a 100-hour ground war, senior leaders recognized that the objectives were met, and thus forces were able to exfiltrate in victory. Other troubled military campaigns of the 20th and 21st centuries have conversely been marked by the opposite: ill-defined objectives (such as nation-building and counterinsurgency), lack of popular support, and contention with both regional and global near-peer competitors to muddy the waters. The Gulf War marks a successful chapter in U.S. military strategy that should be emulated at all costs for future wars. History How the Gulf War created the largest airport in the world By Miguel Ortiz 21 facts about the First Gulf War Desert Storm 21 facts about the First Gulf War 21 facts about the First Gulf War By Blake Stilwell Even with a deal reached last week by lawmakers for a raise for bar advocates, more than 3,000 indigent defendants remain without a lawyer and hundreds of cases teeter on the brink of dismissal. Meanwhile, the Suffolk County district attorneys office said it is moving forward with re-charging people whose criminal cases were dismissed due to a lack of legal representation. Lawmakers could fix this. They have the money to fix this, and theyre choosing not to, said Elyse Hershon, a private criminal defense attorney in Suffolk County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are still thousands of people unrepresented, and theres still not enough lawyers in an aging bar where people are retiring and going to other work. Theres no pipeline of lawyers coming in, and thats because the pay is too low, and its been too low for decades, Hershon said. Hershon is one of 2,600 private lawyers in Massachusetts who also serve as bar advocate attorneys. She handles court-appointed cases for people who cannot afford lawyers. Bar advocates stopped taking new cases since Memorial Day as they pushed legislators for an hourly rate increase to $100, meaning thousands of criminal defendants have been left without counsel. Amid this crisis, the state court system imposed the Lavallee protocol in Middlesex and Suffolk counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under this rare rule, defendants without lawyers must be released from jail after seven day, and their cases dismissed if they are not appointed a lawyer after 45 days. Among those who have been released is a man accused of beating a pregnant woman and a woman once listed on the Boston Police Departments most wanted list. Dismissed cases include allegations of stabbings, public attacks on women and a woman accused of trying to set a family member on fire. In response, lawmakers approved a bill sent to Gov. Maura Healeys desk and still unsigned as of Aug. 5 to raise bar advocates rates from $65 an hour to $75 by 2026, and $85 an hour by 2027. It was a deal that many bar advocates rejected, saying they played no role in negotiating and that neighboring states like New Hampshire and Maine have lower costs of living with wages well over $100 an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Language to prevent another work stoppage that was included in the bill also angered the bar advocates further, Hershon said, along with the $40 million allocation of funds to the Committee for Public Counsel Servicesto (CPCS) to hire 320 more lawyers and lessen the agencys heavy reliance on bar advocates. It was really confusing to us ... Its along the terms of, you might be prosecuted or you might be sued for refusing work in the future. It seems punitive and really undercuts what independent contractors are all about, Hershon said. And as of Aug. 4, there were still 3,387 unrepresented indigent defendants across all Massachusetts District and Municipal Courts, with some in custody awaiting representation, according to a filing made Monday by CPCS. In Suffolk County, there are 127 people whose cases were dismissed without prejudice meaning their criminal charges can be refiled at any time as of Tuesday, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes about 30 people whose cases were dismissed in the central division of Boston Municipal Court on Tuesday. The district attorneys office has tracked which cases are being dismissed and is prioritizing certain cases to reopen them. When opened again, court proceedings will pick up right where they last left off. The Lavallee protocol is expected to continue as a rule in court systems until theres huge strides and a huge drop in numbers of unrepresented defendants, Hershon said, and a filing to reverse or undo it made by CPCS. But because the bar advocates are dissatisfied with legislators and how unprecedented they say the situation is, Hershon doesnt feel a Lavallee reversal will come tomorrow or next week, and its probably not going to be next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPCS said it has identified and interviewed numerous candidates based off the bills additional hiring requirement, and is prepared to make offers to between seven and ten candidates by the end of next week. Yet, the agency is also concerned how lawmakers decisions will affect Massachusetts court systems in the long term. Whether this legislation, if signed into law, will significantly ameliorate the current shortage is unknown, the CPCS filing reads. And with no end in sight to the work stoppage following the lawmakers decision, the crisis is likely to continue hurting Massachusetts court system, according to Middlesex and Barnstable County bar advocate Sean Delaney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advocates now look to band together further by setting up a nonprofit, looking into a political action committee and retaining legal counsel for advisement on the antitrust language included in the lawmakers bill, Delaney said. ... [This isnt about] only for a pay increase for lawyers, but to ensure that the poor in the Commonwealth will continue to have zealous representation long into the future, Delaney said. Were not there yet, but we are more solidified in our position today than we were a week ago because of the vindictive proposal approved by the legislature last Thursday, he said. Lavallee Protocol Read the original article on MassLive. If youre going to hook a fish, it might as well be a big one. Thats exactly what happened to the crew aboard Destin's Prime Time with Capt. Steven Pixley during the weekend while fishing a tournament out of Orange Beach, Alabama, the MBGFC Billfish Limited. Taylor Guidry hooked and hauled in a 161.6-pound escolar, which could possibly be a new record in the Gulf of America, previously known as the Gulf of Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Alabama Outdoors State Saltwater Records, the largest escolar on record is a 102-pound, 10-ounce fish caught in September 2023 by a man from Orlando. Its pretty exciting, Pixley said on Aug. 4 as they were at the docks at HarborWalk Marina. The fish was caught aboard Prime Time, a 40-foot Barker. Taylor Guidry landed this 161.6-pound escolar for a possible Gulf record. He was fishing aboard the Prime Time with Capt. Steve Pixley at the helm. We just picked it up, Pixley said of the boat owned by Chad Guidry. That was the first time weve had a hook up on that boat. The first trip and we hooked a Gulf record." So, what is an escolar? Pixley explained that an escolar is a deep-water fish and really good to eat, but only in moderation. The fish is known to be extremely oily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say you cant eat more than 4 ounces of it, he said. The escolar reeled in by Taylor Guidry weighed 161.6 pounds. It is a possible Gulf record. Where did they hook the enormous escolar? The crew were fishing about 130 miles from Destin in the early morning hours of Aug. 1 in about 6,000 feet of water. We were actually drifting at night trying to catch a tuna fish. And thats the critter that ate, Pixley said. More big fish tales: Local captains haul big fish for big money in Sandestin's Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic When the fish latched onto the bait, a live hardtail, Pixley said they werent sure what they had online. I thought it was a big swordfish the way it was fighting, Pixley said. Capt. Steve Pixley, who is 6-foot, lays down beside the gigantic escolar that measured 69 1/2 inches in length, to put things in perspective. How long did it take to reel it in? It took them about an hour-and-a-half to get the fish up and on the 40-foot Barker boat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It stayed beneath the thermocline for about 45 minutes, Pixley said, noting they couldnt get the fish to come above 300 feet. It probably took 2,000-foot of line at the first. Then once we got it up to 300 feet it just stayed there for 45 minutes, until it got tired, he said. Not until it broke the surface ... when we first started seeing color, I had no idea what it was, because Id never seen an escolar that big, Pixley said, noting he has caught 40- and 50-pounders before. Fish tales abound: Mollie brings in big haul in Biloxi billfish tournament; top tuna, second marlin I wasnt expecting that. Then once we saw it ... it was get the gaff, Pixley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did not know that God created them that big, he said at the site of the escolar. Local artist Harley Van Hyning came down to HarborWalk Marina to do a painting of the huge escolar on Monday morning. It took three of us to get it through the tuna door, he said. It freaked out on the deck for about 15 minutes. We were a little intimidated to get near that fish. It was beating the boat up pretty good." What's next for the escolar? They weighed the fish in Alabama at the tournament and paperwork was drawn up to submit for a record. More: A 468-pound blue marlin brought in $230,000 in prize money for this Destin fishing crew We had someone certify it in Alabama, but Im waiting to hear from the IFGA, Pixley said. Once everything is recorded, Pixley said they want to donate the fish to science. Local artist Harley Van Hyning came down to HarborWalk Marina to do a painting of the huge escolar on Monday morning. Pixley spoke of having Alex Fogg, the natural resource chief in Okaloosa County, take samples from the fish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alex can take core samples ... an eye and other stuff to be able to age the fish, Pixley said. More: With a 508-pound blue marlin, Pensacola crew wins $167,000 at Emerald Coast classic Theres no data on a fish that big ... so somebody should learn something, he said. Its too much fish to eat, due to the oil content. So, lets feed it to science, Pixley said. This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Destin's Prime Time lands possible Gulf record escolar Last week, Representative Delia Ramirez, a Guatemalan American representing Illinoiss 3rd district, spoke at the second Panamerican Congress in Mexico City. A snippet of her remarks has infuriated MAGA commentators, lawmakers, and even the Department of Homeland Security. But the outrage stems from an apparent mistranslation by right-wing news site The Blaze, which reported that Ramirez said: Im a proud Guatemalan, before Im an American. A video of the event shows Ramirez, who began her speech in English, saying she wanted to conclude her remarks with a few words in Spanish (...quiero terminar diciendo unas palabras en espanol), because she is very proudly Guatemalan (...porque yo soy guatemalteca con mucho orgullo). But, she continues, Primero que soy americanawhich translates roughly to First, I am American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the latter statement is oddly worded, making a direct translation difficult and leaving some ambiguity in Ramirezs meaning, The Blazes version is evidently quite a leap (and also strips the remark of its context). But, as Mark Twain is often falsely quoted as saying: A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes. The Blazes snippet and translation was shared far and wide in the MAGA-sphere. Fox News published a story on it. Senator Mike Lee asked his followers on X, Are you comfortable with this? Representative Andy Ogles demanded that Ramirez be denaturalized, deported, and removed from the House Committee on Homeland Security, posting, We know where her allegiances lie. The DHSs official X account shared the snippet with a Theodore Roosevelt quote about there being no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. As the bad-faith right-wing firestorm blazed, Ramirez issued a statement calling the attacks a weak attempt to silence my dissent and invalidate my patriotic criticism of the nativist, white supremacist, authoritarians in government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who denies our claim on this country simply because we dare to honor our diverse heritage and immigrant roots only exposes how fragile and small-minded their own idea of America really is, Ramirez said. This story has been updated. Few objects capture the modern imagination like fossils, offering glimpses of a world dominated by dinosaurs, massive mammoths and other long-gone ferocious creatures. Even in ancient times, Greeks and Romans were entranced by prehistoric remainslike bones and teeth from large extinct animalswhich they venerated in their temples and incorporated into their mythology as Cyclopes or dragons. Now, a newly discovered trilobite trinket from an ancient Roman settlement suggests that humans in classical antiquity were fascinated by these tiny fossils, too. Archeologists have discovered a roughly 460-million-year-old trilobite fossil in the Roman-era site of A Cibda de Armea in northwestern Spain. The trilobite, which likely originated from a shale bed more than 250 miles away, had been manually shaped and flattened, suggesting that ancient Romans collected and traded such fossils and may have fashioned them into ornaments or jewelry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A fossil of this type had never before been found in a Roman context," says Adolfo Fernandez-Fernandez, an archeologist at the University of Vigo in Spain who led the team. They published their discovery July 15 in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences. The roughly 460-million-year-old trilobite fossil found in the Roman-era site came from a fossil bed some 250 miles away, indicating it likely arrived at the settlement via trade. Photograph by Fernandez-Fernandez, A., Valle-Abad, P., Rodriguez -Novoa, A.A. et al. Significance of fossils in Roman times: the first trilobite find in an early Empire context. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 17, 166 (2025) The trilobite fossil showed signs of having been manually shaped and flattened. Photograph by Fernandez-Fernandez, A., Valle-Abad, P., Rodriguez -Novoa, A.A. et al. Significance of fossils in Roman times: the first trilobite find in an early Empire context. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 17, 166 (2025) Scientists had previously uncovered a trilobite fossil in a French cave in 1886 that may have been used by prehistoric humans as a pendant some 14,000 years ago. But the Armea trilobite, found at a site dating between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, is the earliest known reference to trilobites in classical antiquity, says Fernandez-Fernandez. It is also the first indication that Romans intentionally gathered and altered these fossils, perhaps into amulets. "If the trilobite had appeared unmodified, it would have had significant value, but its transformation to be set in jewelry gives it much greater scientific value," says Fernandez-Fernandez. "This gives us an idea of the importance of the fossil as a magical stone." Fossil fascination Trilobites were a diverse group of extinct marine invertebrates that first appeared roughly 520 million years ago and died off about 250 million years ago. Though they varied widely in size and shape, the creatureswhich loosely resemble horseshoe crabsall had three body segments, including their head, thorax, and tail. Their name, "trilobite," refers to the three "lobes" that divide their exoskeletons lengthwise: one central, and two on either side of the spine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Armea fossil, about an inch or so long, appears to be from the genus Colpocoryphe, which had a smooth hind section. The specimen they found preserves parts of the trilobites exoskeleton and was flattened on the underside, which the researchers say, suggests it might have been used as a pendant or bracelet. Computer simulations of the Armea trilobite specimen mounted on a leather bracelet. Illustration by Fernandez-Fernandez, A., Valle-Abad, P., Rodriguez -Novoa, A.A. et al. Significance of fossils in Roman times: the first trilobite find in an early Empire context. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 17, 166 (2025) The archaeologists recovered the trilobite among thousands of other objects at A Cibda de Armea, including ceramic pieces, pots, dishes, and vases. It was found in a large, open room that shared a wall with the kitchen and may have been used as a dump area. The Armea fossil is only the eleventh documented instance of a trilobite being excavated and gathered by ancient populations in an archeological context, and only the third from more than a thousand years ago. Many previous examples came from medieval sites and were found out of context, Fernandez-Fernandez says. "Its fascinating to imagine our ancestors collecting fossils, having the same sort of weird fascination for extinct critters as we do today," says Julien Benoit, a paleontologist at the University of the Witwatersrand, in Johannesburg, South Africa, who was not involved in the paper. The findings could also connect ancient Romans to other populations who made jewelry out of trilobites, like the Ute people of North America, Benoit says. The trilobite fossil was uncovered during an excavation at the Roman settlement site of A Cibda de Armea in northwestern Spain. Photograph by ArqueoGEAAT/University of Vigo Adrienne Mayor, a historian of ancient science at Stanford University, and author of The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and Myth in Greek and Roman Times, calls the discovery a highly significant contribution to historians understanding of how ancient populations may have viewed fossils. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor, who was not involved in the research, notes that because the trilobite was likely transported to A Cibda de Armea through trade, the discovery raises questions about whether Romans traded fossils more frequently than historians thought, and whether they understood what fossils are. While Greek and Roman literature references other large fossils, like those of mastodons and mammoths, it's less clear how they perceived trilobites. Larger fossils were "collected, measured, displayed, and interpreted as the remains of mythological monsters, giants, or larger-than-life heroes, Mayor says. Trilobites, on the other hand, "have an intriguing appearance," resembling an insect or a water creature, she says, leaving one to wonder: "Is that how they were seen in antiquity too? Fernandez-Fernandez has a hunch. He hypothesizes that Romans likely wore armored trilobite amulets because they saw them as holding mystical or protective powers. If so, he says, that belief links Roman fascinations to more modern fixations, "because protection through ancient 'magical' stones remains relevant today." Lakewood Assistant Police Chief John Unfred said, I did nothing wrong, after the City Council on Monday approved a pricey agreement that rescinds an investigation launched against him earlier this year in exchange for his early retirement and promise not to sue. After four-and-a-half months of admin leave with no investigation done to clear my name, I am glad we were able to reach a resolution agreeable to both parties, Unfred told The News Tribune outside the council chambers. Unfred, who wasnt wearing a police uniform and had his attorney, James Blankenship, at his side, declined to take any questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments came after the City Council authorized Interim City Manager Tho Kraus to approve giving Unfred, 52, a settlement of $420,998, not including severance and other standard payouts such as vacation and sick leave. Unfred must retire by March 31, 2026 or earlier as part of the deal. In March, Police Chief Patrick Smith notified Unfred that a professional-standards investigation was being brought against him, and Unfred was placed on leave, according to public records released to The News Tribune. Since then the city has been silent on what prompted the inquiry or what exactly it was about. Mayor Jason Whalen addressed some of the frustration over the lack of information during the City Council meeting, just before the agreement sailed through an oral vote on the consent agenda. Explaining City Councils public silence on the matter, Whalen said the agreement came out of pending litigation, and in cases like Unfreds the details are often provided to council members in an executive session, a private meeting. He said council members arent allowed to discuss those details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a matter like this there was no litigation filed so theres no public record of the claims and issues involved in litigation, which can be frustrating to the public, Whalen said. Resolutions are not unusual in city government, and resolutions exist to resolve fully, fairly and faithfully as best can be had disputed interests and claims. And council often takes these up and makes decisions that council believes as a body are in the best interests of the city. And thats my understanding why this is before us tonight, Whalen added. Whalens statements came about an hour into an otherwise mundane City Council meeting, including a proclamation Chief Smith helped present about the citys National Night Out against crime. Smith wore sunglasses and sat outside council chambers before and after the proclamation. He didnt appear to have any interactions with Unfred, who left after the consent agenda was passed. As part of Lakewoods agreement with Unfred, the city put out a press release Tuesday announcing Unfreds separation from the Police Department. It said after Kraus signs, Unfred will be restored to active duty as assistant chief and will be on leave for personal reasons until his retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the agreement a Notice of Standards Investigation is rescinded. Unfred has not faced disciplinary action, the press release read in part. One public commenter, Julius Brown, spoke about Smith and the citys separation agreement with Unfred. Brown is the chair of the Lakewood African American Police Advisory Committee and is a community representative on the Pierce County Force Investigation Team. Brown first praised Smith for reducing total crime in 2024 and said it was the first time he could remember Lakewood having zero homicides this late into the year. He said he sat on the hiring board for the chief position, and, when Smith was hired, he felt the city had turned a corner. But Brown said it seemed to him the city was continuing to undermine Smiths authority and overturn actions that were for the benefit of the community. He said city leaders remained silent on police officers who were found making racist and sexist jokes on the job. Smith imposed discipline in those cases, but their punishments were lightened after arbitration between the Police Department and the Lakewood Police Independent Guild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown then said Unfred wasnt deserving of the payout he was receiving. Thats not a good look for Lakewood, Brown said. The citizens of Lakewood have a say in how the money is spent. Doing under the table deals with people under investigation seems unscrupulous. Please consider your actions and how they are perceived in the public forum. After Unfreds separation agreement passed through the consent agenda, Brown told The News Tribune he worries that the separation agreement makes it seem as if Smith overstepped his bounds or did something wrong. Ive seen public comments people saying here and there on social media, Oh, yeah, this chief must have done something wrong because why would we be paying him? Brown said. Thats not the narrative we want to give. The Brief Sean "Diddy" Combs has been denied bail and will not be allowed to go home while awaiting his sentencing, the Associated Press reports. Combs has been behind bars since his arrest in September of last year. President Donald Trump has reportedly been in talks with Combs' legal team about a potential pardon. NEW YORK - Sean "Diddy" Combs has been denied bail and will not be allowed to go home while awaiting his sentencing, the Associated Press reports. Combs denied bail bid What we know A judge ruled that Combs cannot return home while awaiting his sentencing, denying his second bid for bail and siding with prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs has been behind bars since his arrest in September of last year. According to documents from Manhattan federal court, prosecutors believed federal sentencing guidelines would call for four to five years in prison, but they said this week that they now believe the sentencing range "will be substantially higher." Prosecutors argued that the heightened sentencing range raises the risk that Combs will flee before sentencing. They oppose Combs latest request to be released on $50 million bail. Dig deeper The White House is reportedly in contact with Sean "Diddy" Combss legal team to discuss the possibility of a presidential pardon, according to a report from TMZ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was expected to wait until after sentencing to decide on a pardon if Combs' latest bid for bail had been approved. However, seeing as the bid was denied, the former president could make a decision on a pardon immediately. The Source This article includes reporting from the Associated Press. LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) Amid the devastation to the Sandy Creek area of Travis County, rare fossilized dinosaur tracks may have been uncovered. Travis County Judge Andy Brown confirmed the discovery during a Travis County Commissioners Court meeting Tuesday. A volunteer reached out to me and sent me a picture, so theyd found some dinosaur prints, Judge Brown said. Photos taken by KXAN viewer Curtis Stover on July 30 show the footprints. They appear to be slightly bigger than a human foot, with three clawed toes. Alleged dinosaur tracks uncovered during the July 5 floods. (Credit: Curtis Stover) Judge Brown said the tracks were likely uncovered during the floods. These, I think, are seen because so many trees got knocked down around it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If theres any kind of flooding, any kind of heavy erosion, our events where were gonna be finding newly uncovered fossils, said Matthew Brown with the University of Texas in Austin. Brown, a paleontologist, was brought to the scene to investigate the tracks. About 115 million years ago, there were several groups of animals that were walking around what was then a beach, and leaving footprints in the mud, Brown said. Tracks like these have been seen before in Central Texas. Among the footprints are several larger ones, likely from plant-eaters, and what appears to be a larger carnivore. Acrocanthosaurus is a big meat-eating dinosaur about 30 feet long. It would have looked sort of similar to a Tyrannosaurus Rex, but a little bit more slender and longer in the body, Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UT team will bring their photos back to their lab. Theyll use GPS coordinates to determine if these tracks have been found before. Meanwhile, debris clean-up will continue in the area. Judge Brown said that an advisor will be on site to ensure that large equipment avoids the tracks. For Brown, the tracks are a good reminder that these ancient creatures once truly lived. Its easy to forget when youre looking at a bone on a shelf that this was an animal that was walking around, that was interacting with other animals, that had its own life story. If you find tracks or other fossils, you can report them to Matthew Brown with the University of Texas at Austins Jackson School Museum of Earth History. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Executive Director Bob Asztalos. (Photo via Bob Asztalos) Bob Asztalos is switching state agencies. Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday named Asztalos director of the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), making him Floridas top advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He begins on Aug. 18. Bob has dedicated his career to serving others, including his leadership at the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, DeSantis said in a prepared release. Im confident he will work hard to improve the lives of Floridians with unique abilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asztalos joins APD from the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, where he served as deputy executive director and helped lead the agency to a successful 2025 session. The governor gave me the privilege, for four years, to carry out his vision to provide outstanding care to the senior veterans who reside in our state veteran nursing homes, Asztalos said in a statement to the Florida Phoenix. It was a true honor to ensure that the waning years of their lives were meaningful. Now he has entrusted me to do the same for Floridians with unique abilities. I am blessed to make a difference in the lives of frail or vulnerable Floridians. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE His move to APD comes as the Legislature this year agreed to invest tens of millions of dollars to expand statewide a pilot project for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The program now operates only in Medicaid regions D and I, which serve Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties and is limited to 600 people on the waiting list for another Medicaid program called iBudget. iBudget provides clients with money to choose services to help with activities of daily living such as eating and bathing. Those home- and community-based services allow clients to live in their communities and outside of institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 1103 lifts the 600-person cap on the pilot program on Oct. 1, expanding enrollment statewide for people on the iBudget wait list. Enrollment opens to every Medicaid-eligible person with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those already enrolled in iBudget and the managed-care program known as the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care long-term care program. Job duties As APD executive director, Asztalos will be tasked with ensuring that statewide implementation runs smoothly. But thats not all. HB 1103 also made substantive changes to how APD operates, requiring the agency to be more transparent about the billion-dollar iBudget program, mandating that it post quarterly reports on its website regarding operations, including the numbers of clients served and people on the wait list. APD routinely posted the information on its website for years but in the last two years under the DeSantis administration has stopped making the information which the agency is required to submit to the Legislature publicly available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another administrative change in HB 1103 is the creation of a statewide family council charged with working with APD on policy. The council will work alongside the existing local family care councils. These councils have for the last 31 years worked with families of people with disabilities, sharing information about programs, services, and resources available in Florida. New AHCA Secretary Shevaun Harris (L) and new DCF Secretary Taylor Hatch (R) (Photos via Gov. Ron DeSantiss social media) Before working for the state, Asztalos was chief lobbyist for the states largest nursing home association, the Florida Health Care Association. He also lobbied for Easter Seals Florida. A Navy and Navy Reserve veteran with 29 years of service, Asztalos also served 17 years in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Asztalos replaces Lorena Fulcher, who has been interim executive director since Taylor Hatch left the post in February to head the Department of Children and Families. The DCF position was open after DeSantis shifted Shevaun Harris from DCF secretary to head the Agency for Health Care Administration. Following the Hope Florida investigation by the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Senate didnt confirm either Hatch or Harris. Following the end of the session, DeSantis reappointed Hatch and Harris to their positions. They must be confirmed by the Florida Senate next year or will be required to vacate their posts. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Those who have disabilities can sometimes be overlooked when emergencies happen. This Thursday, the Lake Cumberland Diversity Collective and the Somerset Junior Womans Club will host a discussion on how to better help people with disabilities when disaster strikes. The Disaster Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities forum will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Goodwill Opportunity Center (2305 S. U.S. 27). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The free forum is open to anyone, especially disabled community members who are thinking about disaster preparedness for any future events, like the events we experienced earlier this year with the tornado, said Lake Cumberland Diversity Collectives Bailey Patterson. It is also open to any health-related professionals and anyone who has a stake in this type of conversation, she said. Guest speakers include Lake Cumberland District Health Department Public Health Preparedness Manager Sam Price, Pulaski County Emergency Management Director Chris Mason, and University of Kentuckys Barbara Bailey. Anyone who wants to attend who has disability concerns is encouraged to reach out ahead of the forum to Patterson at bjpa244@uky.edu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, Lake Cumberland Diversity Collectives Ashley Homrich said that those who cannot attend in person should be able to view online through Zoom at https://uky.zoom.us/j/83152786611. Homrich stated that four accessible parking spots are available at the Goodwill building, but the Lake Cumberland Diversity Collective plans on providing two additional spaces with temporary accessibility parking signs. The meeting will be recorded, and we ask that folks who need (the recording) to please email Bailey (bjpa244@uky.edu) as we continue the conversation and our work with the Disabled community, Homrich said. Such a discussion is important, Patterson said, especially in light of the May 16 tornado that impacted Pulaski and the surrounding areas and resulted in at least 19 deaths total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking from my experience in education, unfortunately we know that the needs of disabled community members are often left on the back burner, if they are considered at all, Patterson said. And then in situations where there is an emergency, like a potentially deadly tornado, unfortunately inaccessibility can be a death sentence to disabled community members. She added that some people may not be able to physically get to or even enter safe shelters during those times. Patterson said that the Diversity Collective thinks it is important to hear from as many as possible within the disabled community, due to the large range of people who have different disability concerns. As such, she said they will be bringing in American Sign Language interpreters to be part of the discussion. She also said that more discussions may be held in the future to better serve the community. SAO PAULO (AP) Brazilians were divided Tuesday over a house arrest order against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly masterminding a coup plot to remain in office. The division could set the tone for next years general election. Brazils Supreme Court on Monday issued the order in a case that has gripped the South American country even as it faces a trade war with the Trump administration. Supporters of the far-right leader and some moderates see the ruling as harsh, while allies of incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other moderates want to move on and leave the issue for the judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creomar de Souza, a political analyst with Dharma Political Risk and Strategy, a political consultancy firm based in Brasilia, said that could be the dynamic of next years election. One is the effort of Bolsonaro supporters to keep strong on the right, no matter if it is pushing for amnesty in congress or putting themselves physically out there, the analyst said. The second is how the Lula administration will try to show that the country has a government. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who put Bolsonaro on trial for his alleged role in the coup plot to keep him in office despite his defeat in the 2022 election, ordered the 70-year-old former president's arrest for violating precautionary measures imposed on him by spreading content through his three lawmaker sons. That decision followed one from the court last month ordering Bolsonaro to wear an electronic ankle monitor and to obey a curfew while the proceedings are underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The polarization between supporters and critics of the former president took Brazil's congress by storm Tuesday and was also reflected in figures from pollster Quaest, which say 53% are favorable to the order against the far-right leader and 47% against it. Analysts expect another narrow election next year, with Lula running for reelection and Bolsonaro barred. The political repercussions in Brazil are getting attention from the U.S. government as President Donald Trump directly tied a 50% tariff on imported Brazilian goods to his allys judicial situation. Late on Monday, the U.S. State Departments Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs condemned the far-right leader's order for house arrest and attacked de Moraes. Bolsonaro blockade Since de Moraes order, Bolsonaro allies are pledging to stop congress unless an amnesty bill is passed in favor of the far-right leader and his supporters involved in the coup plot probe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early on Tuesday, a group of 40 pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers told journalists in the capital Brasilia they will push hard for the former president's release. Altineu Cortes, the conservative deputy speaker of the lower house, said he will put the amnesty bill to a vote if he gets the chance. I've already told speaker Hugo Motta that I will do that in the first moment I am working as the speaker of the house during one of his trips abroad, Cortes said. Later, many of the same lawmakers protested in the lower house and the senate by blocking access to the presiding tables. "This is an arbitrary action, said Sen. Davi Alcolumbre, the president of Brazil's senate. I call for serenity and spirit of cooperation. We need to start working with respect, civility and dialogue so congress can fulfill its mission in favor of Brazil and our population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Brazil's opposition say such a move would also allow Bolsonaro to run in next year's election, from which he was barred by the country's top electoral court for abuse of power in 2022. That claim is denied by many legal experts and also by Supreme Court justices. Moving on Meanwhile, Lula and his allies initially showed they wanted to move past the issue of Bolsonaro's house arrest and focus on trade negotiations with Trump, who imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian import goods starting Wednesday. Trump's justification for the measure was what he called unfair treatment of the far-right leader. I dont want to speak about what happened to that other Brazilian citizen who tried to stage a coup, Lula said during a long speech in Brasilia on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leftist leader added he will not call Trump to talk about trade because he doesn't want to" speak about it. Lula said he might instead invite him to attend (November's climate summit) COP in Belem. I came here with the compromise of not wasting much time speaking about tariffs. I will just say the least I can. If I didn't (say anything) you would go: 'Why didn't Lula speak about it? Is he afraid of Trump?' And I don't want you to leave with that impression," he said. Members of Lula's Cabinet have also avoided discussing Bolsonaro's future. A Brazilian government staffer told The Associated Press that Lula told his ministers that his reelection depends on governing, not on his predecessor's future. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the matter publicly. Moderates speak Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the next Brazilian election has the same standard of the previous face off between Lula and Bolsonaro, the winner will be decided by turnout and a very slim number of moderates. Gov. Eduardo Leite, a moderate from the Rio Grande do Sul state, embodied the split among many Brazilian voters who will likely have to chose one of the two camps in 2026. A critic of de Moraes' actions against Bolsonaro, Leite does not condone the former president's actions either. "I don't like the idea of a former president not being able to speak, and even less see him get arrested for that before he is put on trial at the Supreme Court, Leite said. Our country does not deserve to remain hostage to this legal-political tug of war that only hinders us all. Gilberto Kassab, the chairman of the centrist Social Democratic Party, has both Bolsonaro and Lula supporters in his party's ranks and said exaggeration on both sides are contaminating Brazil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I express my solidarity to the former president, I regret his arrest without discussing the merits of the issue. This is all that the country did not need, Kassab said in a statement. ___ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america When Napoleon and his legion of multinational soldiers retreated from Russia in 1812 in the face of dwindling supplies and fierce Russian resistance, little did they know how much worse was yet to come. While withdrawing from Russia, at least half of the 600,000-strong force were ravaged by the extremes of winter, starvation, and disease. A new study that has yet to be peer reviewed has now identified which pathogens helped decimate the weakened forces. Physicians at the time documented typhus, with symptoms that include fevers, headaches, and rashes. But Paris Cite University microbiologist Remi Barbieri and colleagues found no traces of the bacterium Rickettsia prowazekii, which would have been responsible for the disease. Related: 2,000-Year-Old Bones Undermine Myth About Columbus And Syphilis After extracting and analyzing ancient DNA from the teeth of 13 soldiers they instead found evidence the men suffered from a combination of paratyphoid caused by a strain of Salmonella enterica, and a relapsing fever caused by a bacterium called Borrelia recurrentis, which is transmitted by body lice . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While not necessarily fatal, the louse-borne relapsing fever could significantly weaken an already exhausted individual," the researchers explain in their paper. The Retreat of Napoleon's Army from Russia in 1812. ( Ary Scheffer Barbieri and team caution that just because their analysis did not detect typhus doesn't mean it didn't contribute to the infamous loss of soldiers, as they only took samples from 13 individuals. Over 3,000 bodies lie in the mass graves found in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2001. Other researchers have pointed out several diseases match the historical accounting of symptoms, including typhus. Many of the men were buried in their uniforms and with horses, too. The lack of weapons suggests these people did not die in battle, Barbieri and his team explain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The analysis of a larger number of samples will be necessary to fully understand the spectrum of epidemic diseases that impacted the Napoleonic army during the Russian retreat," they write. "In light of our results, a reasonable scenario for the deaths of these soldiers would be a combination of fatigue, cold, and several diseases, including paratyphoid fever and louse-borne relapsing fever." This paper has been uploaded to bioRxiv. Related News CLEVELAND (WJW) The U.S. Marshals Service is hoping newly discovered DNA evidence will help garner new tips from the public and lead to the arrest of convicted murderer Lester Eubanks who escaped from jail in 1973 and has been on the run ever since. Eubanks was serving a life sentence for the murder of 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener in Mansfield in November of 1965. Police said the teen was walking to the laundromat to help her family with laundry when she was brutally murdered by Eubanks. Woman riding e-bike killed in early morning crash in Holmes County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Eubanks was out on bond for an attempted rape three months earlier. According to a Tuesday news release from U.S. Marshals, Eubanks DNA was able to be extracted from the clothing he wore on the night of the murder. It was then entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). CODIS is a computer software program that operates local, state, and national databases of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons, the news release states. Local police chief fires back after investigation into mayors wife With the newly obtained evidence, the USMS Cold Case Unit is once again putting out a plea for information that could lead to Eubanks arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the case was turned over to the USMS Cold Case Unit for investigation in 2016, the USMS has been diligently working on locating Eubanks, following up on hundreds of leads and conducting dozens of interviews, not only throughout the country but internationally as well, according to the release. Eubanks was last seen in southern California in the 1970s and was going by the alias of Victor Young, according to the release. Its also believed that he was working as a janitor at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California in the late 80s or early 90s. He remains on the USMS Top 15 Most Wanted Fugitives list with a reward of up to $50,000 available for information leading to his location. Additionally, the USMS, working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), released an updated age progression photo of Eubanks. The pictures show what Eubanks may look like now at the age of 81. AutoZone shooting: Suspect identified, due in court Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will not rest until this case is closed, U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated. This new evidence is directly due to the perseverance of our two Cold Case Investigators who are continuously looking for new routes to pursue, and to the diligence of Dr. Nasir Butt and the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners staff who took the time to re-examine old evidence and were able to extract Eubanks DNA that we believe will lead to his arrest. Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4-WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or submit a web tip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The Brief Doctors warn diphenhydramine (sold as Benadryl) may carry serious long-term side effects. Overuse can lead to sedation, cognitive issues, and even accidental overdose. Safer allergy alternatives like Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec are widely available. TAMPA - Health experts are raising new concerns over how often Americans reach for over-the-counter medications like Benadryl, saying the drugs main ingredient -- diphenhydramine -- is outdated and overused. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine often used to treat allergies and aid sleep, but physicians say its side effects can be more dangerous than people realize -- especially when overused or taken long-term. What they're saying "Its just so overly used," said Dr. Saleh Hassan, an ER physician with Orlando Health Bayfront in St. Petersburg. "People forget that these medicines have side effects." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Hassan says accidental overdoses are common, especially when people dont realize that diphenhydramine is also included in nighttime cold and sleep aid products. He notes the drug can cause: Excessive sedation Cognitive decline (including long-term use dementia links) Heart problems Poor sleep quality Rare -- but potentially fatal -- complications in older adults The other side Not all doctors believe diphenhydramine should be pulled from store shelves. Tampa Bay physician Dr. Fadi Saba says better education, not tighter regulation, is the answer. "People need to be more educated about when to use these medications, how to use them, and what side effects to expect," Dr. Saba said. He points to newer allergy medications like Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec as safer alternatives with fewer sedative effects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: Free study in Florida aims to calm dogs storm anxiety What's next The FDA has not moved to restrict diphenhydramine, and Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Benadryl, has not responded to recent criticism. The company does recommend not exceeding 2 pills every 4 to 6 hours, and warns against off-label use for sleep. Physicians recommend speaking with a doctor before starting or continuing regular use -- especially for sleep or long-term allergy relief. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This story is based on interviews with two Florida-based physicians: Dr. Saleh Hassan of Orlando Health Bayfront in St. Petersburg, and Dr. Fadi Saba, a practicing internal medicine specialist in the Tampa Bay area. Believe it or not, you can land a job without having an interview or a selection process thanks to "open hiring." The usual procedures are familiar: A company posts a job, applications pour in, the personnel department examines them and passes the promising ones on to the respective company departments. Then managers review the applications, debate the comparative merits of the applicants and interview them. Then comes further discussion as to which candidate is the best for the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One candidate is chosen, the others receive rejection letters. Some promising candidates might be put on a waiting list for later. The problem with this selection process is that, beside the time invested, there is a major danger that employers might unconsciously show prejudice in their choice - and possibly not fill the job opening with the best candidate. It is such wrong choices that open hiring seeks to avoid. So how does it work? Here are some questions and answers provided by leading human resources experts: What exactly is meant by open hiring? The open hiring idea comes from the United States. A major bakery producing brownies began the practice back in the early 1980s. Job openings are filled without a selection process, says Monika V. Kronbuegel, an executive board member of the German Federation of Human Resource Managers (BPM). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The job is posted and the first application, often filed electronically, wins. A German Labour Office publication calls this "first come, first served." Other applicants are put on a follow-up list. The idea is that employers should be as open-minded as possible when meeting talented candidates. Age, gender, appearance, background: All these factors which come to play in a job interview and influence a decision fall by the wayside. How widespread is open hiring in actual practice? "So far, open hiring is only a peripheral phenomenon," says Professor Enzo Weber of the Institute for Labour Market and Occupational Research (IAB) in Nuremberg. To date in Germany, only a small proportion of employers have tried open hiring but the concept could catch on in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sometimes pronounced shortage of labour and skilled workers is virtually forcing this trend, says Kronbuegel, who is chief executive officer of the consulting company Global Division in Hamburg. Open hiring is quick, and does not involve testing standards which possibly could stand in the way of even filling a job opening. Ideally, open hiring would be go well for example in facility management, truck driving or warehouse work. On the other hand, the practice would not be suited for every business branch - and above all not for more highly-qualified positions, he says. Jobs with more complex demands, such as medical practitioners or lawyers, are not suited to the open hiring process. What is to be said for open hiring, what against? According to Weber, open hiring can boost diversity. Kronbuegel cites one further advantage: "Possible gaps in a resume are irrelevant because they don't even become an issue in the application process." This prevents people with such gaps from being pigeonholed, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there are also disadvantages, the most pertinent one being that important information as to how well a person is suited for the position is not known. "As such, open hiring in a pure form has less potential for more complex job positions than for those with simpler demands," Weber says. In his estimation, the open hiring principle could in future be part of a mixed approach, meaning that conventional application and selection processes are not completely abandoned, but might be greatly simplified and digitalized. A further disadvantage, Weber says, is that the "first come, first served" principle does not absolutely guarantee equal opportunity. What should companies and job candidates keep in mind with open hiring? Companies should see to it that the job is clearly described, what demands the applicants should be able to fulfill, and what tasks will be expected of them. "Flowery descriptions make no sense here. Facts must be presented in the job posting," Kronbuegel says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Job candidates for their part must be aware that companies which choose them in open hiring are giving them their trust up front, she adds. "Therefore they should be absolutely honest about their capabilities and knowledge and not try to deceive themselves and potential employers in this area." At this point, those who do not stick to the truth will sooner or later be exposed - and possibly also be quickly out of a job again. AUSTIN (Nexstar) On Monday the Texas House officially came to a standstill, as over fifty Democratic House members fled the state to prevent the House from getting the 100 members needed to convene. Their primary intention is to stop the redrawing of Texas U.S. Congressional map, a map President Donald Trump hopes will flip five U.S. House seats from Democratic to Republican. In the leadup to the quorum break, Republican Governor of Texas Greg Abbott threatened lawmakers by saying hed vacate their seats and have them charged with bribery for soliciting funds to support their trip. After the vote, he followed through, asking Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers to bring back missing House members by force, and asking the Texas Rangers to look into bribery charges. Come and take it: Democrats call Abbotts bluff In response to Abbotts initial statements, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu said, Come and take it. State Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston, expanded on the sentiment in a Monday morning news conference with New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Respectfully, hes making up some {expletive}, Jones, an attorney, said. Hes just trying to get sound bits and he has no legal mechanisms. While Abbott has authorized DPS officers to civilly arrest delinquent House members, their authority doesnt extend outside of Texas. Once theyre out of state, its almost impossible to touch them, Maynooth Law Professor Seth Barrett Tillman said. While Tillman says he doesnt believe Abbott is acting in bad faith, he does believe his arguments wont hold up in court. The Governor certainly cant send his sheriffs or marshals or certainly shouldnt send non-government workers like private bail bondsmen to cross state lines to grab people and bring them back to Texas. I think that would be lawless violence. The governments of New York, Illinois and Massachusetts where many members are currently located are unlikely to be sympathetic with Abbotts cause. However, the President of the United States might be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were looking for whatever we need to do to maintain this important work, Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said when asked about potential federal involvement. We will continue to work with everybody to make sure there is nothing off the table. I hadnt thought about (the federal Government getting involved), Tillman said. Theyre not breaking any federal law that I know of and if theres not I dont know what federal power, what marshal, what other agent of the government could reach into a state out of Texas, grab a member of the legislature and shift him over the state line without basically that action being called kidnapping. Courts are very hesitant to overturn elections On Sunday night, Abbott cited a non-binding 2021 opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, saying For any member who fails to (appear), I will invoke Texas Attorney General Opinion No. KP-0382 to remove the missing Democrats from membership in the Texas House. Despite the citation, the opinion does not give claim the Governor has any power to remove members of the Texas legislature from office. Instead, it purports that a district court could declare a seat abandoned, and therefore treat the seat as if it had been resigned. However, in the opinion the Texas Supreme Court is cited saying abandonment is a form of resignation that requires lawmakers to actually abandon their position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Resignation) is a formal relinquishment; (abandonment is) a relinquishment through nonuser, the court wrote in Honey v. Graham (1873). Abandonment implies nonuser, but nonuser does not, of itself, constitute abandonment. The failure to perform the duties pertaining to the office must be with actual or imputed intention on the part of the officer to abandon and relinquish the office. Even Paxton seem skeptical of being able to vacate members during a Monday morning interview with right-wing online talk-show host Benny Johnson. The challenge is that wouldnt be an immediate answer, Paxton explained to Johnson. Wed have to go through (the) court process and wed have to file that maybe in district that are not friendly to Republicans. So its a challenge because every district would be different. Wed have to go sue in every legislators home district to try to execute on that idea. If Paxton and Abbott even try to take vacancies to the courts, theyll face an uphill battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Abbott) certainly has the power to try, Tillman said. Tillman helped author an amicus brief in support of President Donald Trump when Colorado officials attempted to declare him ineligible for running for President. Terminating an elected official in the position he was elected is a big thing, which is what the Colorado Supreme Court learned Courts are very hesitant to overturn elections. Courts are very hesitant to overturn voters rights and courts are very hesitant to limit the participation of citizens in elections. I wouldnt call that a bribe Late on Monday afternoon, Abbott announced the Texas Rangers would open an inquiry into bribery charges against Texas House members. Reports indicate that many absentee Texas House Democrats have solicited or received funds to evade conducting legislative business and casting votes. Under the Texas Penal Code, any of those Democrats who solicit, accept, or agree to accept such funds to assist in the violation of legislative duties or for purposes of skipping a vote may have violated bribery laws, Abbott wrote. Also, it could be a bribery violation for any other person who offers, provides, or agrees to provide such funds to fleeing Democrat House members. Tillman says accusing the opposition of bribery is not only incorrect, but potentially disastrous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we usually mean by bribery is when someone takes money or property and secretes it in their closet, and doesnt pay taxes on it and they hide what theyre doing from the public because theyre trying to engineer a private benefit through exercise of their office, Tillman said. It seems to me, if a Democratic member attempts to break quorum as a general matter, if hes being transparent about receiving these funds, if he tells the public hes received it, if he spend it in a way thats to facilitate public action, which is breaking the quorum hes not doing it to repave his driveway, hes not doing it to pay for his own personal rent Hes doing it to facilitate the political action hes taking, and he pays taxes on it, then I wouldnt call that a bribe. I would call that normal politics. Tillman noted hes not an expert on Texas campaign finance law, and says this trend of calling opposition political spending a bribe picked up a lot with media criticisms of Trump during his first administration. I think it would be bad for the country if every time people engage in normal politics, we have to drag them before the courts and try them for bribery, Tillman said. And some courts are likely to make a mistake on that, and theyll actually call it bribery and convict people. And that would be a terrible thing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Doge will be at Orange County on Tuesday Morning Florida state auditors are preparing to dig deep into Orange Countys finances after property owners have seen their collective tax burden surge by $330 million annually over the past five years. A letter sent to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings outlines the states plan to review county spending and determine whether taxpayer dollars have been handled responsibly. Its not governments money. Its their money, said newly appointed Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, voicing frustration over what he called government overreach. Taxpayers arent an endless piggy bank for pet projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingoglia announced a rebranding of the states watchdog effort, previously called DOGE, now dubbed FOFA: the Florida Office for Fiscal Accountability. State auditors will begin their review at 9 am Tuesday. But Orange County leaders say theyre confident in their spending, pointing not to tax rate increases, but to the countys explosive population growth. In a statement, county officials said: Since 2020, Orange County has grown by approximately 81,000 residents more than the total population of 29 out of Floridas 67 counties. With that growth has come a spike in emergency calls. First responder workloads are up 715%, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Orange County Sheriff is requesting a 12.5% budget increase . Fire Rescue is asking for a 25% raise this year a cost the county must factor into future budgets. 9 investigates Shannon Butler asked, How do you give first responders what they need raises, equipment and still cut spending? Ingoglia said, The first role of government is to protect its people, he replied.That starts with making sure fire, police, and sheriffs deputies are fully supported. But local governments must rethink how they approach property taxes. Auditors will begin their work on Tuesday, and results could shape future state and local policies on taxation and spending. Commissioner Kelly Semrad is expected to hold a news conference before doge arrives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay with us for updates as FOFAs findings come in and how Orange County leaders respond, starting Tuesday on Eyewitness News in the morning. Do you have a story for WFTVs 9 Investigators? Click the banner below to submit a tip. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Dogs in need of new homes came to Portland and Salem after their shelters in Texas were impacted by recent intense floods. Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31 for their new chapter with the Oregon Humane Society, where caregivers hope they will find adoptive families. Arrival in Portland is imminent: City braces for destructive invasive emerald ash borer As soon as we heard the news about the flooding, we immediately reached out to offer our help, Co-Interim President and CEO Steve Kochis said. Oregon Humane Society is a part of an animal welfare ecosystem we show up and support each other in emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dogs came from three Central Texas shelters including Austin Pets Alive!, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, and Concho Valley PAWS. Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Sixteen dogs arrived in Oregon on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from shelters overwhelmed by recent Texas flooding. (Oregon Humane Society) Now that these dogs are in the care of OHS, the shelter has asked for public donations to help cover the costs of their medical needs. So far, two of the 16 dogs were adopted over the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The Department of Justice published a list of 35 jurisdictions that officials have identified as having policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws in a statement on Tuesday. The list of cities, counties, and states includes many Democrat-leaning communities, such as the city of Boston. Massachusetts, as a state, however, is not included on the list. Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design, said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Departments statement referenced an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on April 28 that accuses American states and local officials of using their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. The executive order directed the Justice Department to publish a list of sanctuary jurisdictions. On Tuesday, the department listed the following: States: California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Illinois Minnesota Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Counties: Baltimore County, MD Cook County, IL San Diego County, CA San Francisco County, CA Cities: Albuquerque, NM Berkeley, CA Boston, MA Chicago, IL Denver, CO East Lansing, MI Hoboken, NJ Jersey City, NJ Los Angeles, CA New Orleans, LA New York City, NY Newark, NJ Paterson, NJ Philadelphia, PA Portland, OR Rochester, NY Seattle, WA San Francisco City, CA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Michelle Wus office did not immediately return a request for comment on Tuesday, but she previously appeared before Congress to testify about the citys policies. Ive said it before Congress. Well continue saying it. The courts have backed us up on this as well. State law in Massachusetts, city ordinances here in the city of Boston, means that we are safe for everyone, Wu said in April. That requires each and every person to feel part of our community, to know that they belong and to be part of keeping everyone in our community safe. In June, the Trump administration retracted a list published by the Department of Homeland Security after it identified more than 500 communities as sanctuary cities. The administration withdrew the list after stiff criticism from the National Sheriffs Association, a national law enforcement group. The Justice Department did not specifically cite what policies or laws qualify the cities as sanctuary jurisdictions, but typically, the term sanctuary city refers to communities that implement rules that prevent police from asking about a persons immigration status or directly assisting federal officers with non-criminal immigration matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The laws do not bar local police from assisting immigration officers on investigations into serious public safety threats, such as drugs, weapons or human trafficking. Local police also do not interfere with federal immigration enforcement or deportation arrests. Two Massachusetts cities are locked in a legal battle with the Trump administration after the federal government threatened to withhold millions of dollars in grants over their immigration policies. Chelsea and Somerville sued the administration in February, arguing that the money they receive from the federal government should not be conditioned on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Chelsea city budget received about $14.5 million from the federal government last year. Somerville received about $19.4 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal administration wants to pressure us, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez said after a hearing in July. They want to force us to make Chelsea and Somerville less safe by diverting our local police from protecting our neighborhoods to becoming tools of mass deportation. Two weeks ago, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against New York City, Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials challenging the citys laws around immigration. In recent months, the Trump administration has launched lawsuits against Los Angeles, New York, Colorado, Illinois and Rochester, New York. The mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, recently agreed to comply with immigration detainer requests from the federal government in exchange for being dropped from the sanctuary jurisdiction list. More boston Read the original article on MassLive. Washington The Justice Department published a list of 35 "sanctuary" jurisdictions on Tuesday, vowing to bring lawsuits against states, counties and cities that limit local cooperation with federal immigration agents. "Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. "The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country." File: Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks on recent Supreme Court rulings in the briefing room at the White House on June 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images The Justice Department put 12 states on its list California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia. It also included Baltimore County, Maryland; Cook County, Illinois; San Diego County, California; and San Francisco County, California, along with 18 cities from Seattle to Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to "publish a list of States and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws" to be known as "sanctuary jurisdictions." Under the order, the Justice Department was to notify each jurisdiction of "its defiance of Federal immigration law enforcement." If the jurisdiction continued to be in defiance, the order directed the Justice Department to "pursue all necessary legal remedies and enforcement measures to end these violations and bring such jurisdictions into compliance with the laws of the United States." The Justice Department has taken legal action against a number of sanctuary jurisdictions in recent months, suing New York City in July to challenge its sanctuary city laws. Republicans in Congress have also homed in on the issue in fiery committee hearings this year, questioning Democratic mayors and governors over their jurisdiction's policies. Sneak peek: The Strange Shooting of Alex Pennig Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm Trump and Zelenskyy speak for second straight day The Justice Department on Tuesday published a list of 35 sanctuary jurisdictions, including Boston and three states in New England. In total, the DOJ named 13 states, 18 cities, and four counties that Attorney General Pam Bondi says identify with having policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws. Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design, Bondi said in a statement. The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi alleged that the following states, cities, and counties have been identified as sanctuary jurisdictions: States: California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Illinois Minnesota Nevada New York Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Counties: Baltimore County, MD Cook County, IL San Diego County, CA San Francisco County, CA Cities: Albuquerque, NM Berkeley, CA Boston, MA Chicago, IL Denver, CO East Lansing, MI Hoboken, NJ Jersey City, NJ Los Angeles, CA New Orleans, LA New York City, NY Newark, NJ Paterson, NJ Philadelphia, PA Portland, OR Rochester, NY Seattle, WA San Francisco City, CA An executive order protecting American communities from criminal aliens, which President Donald Trump signed in April, called for the publication of this list, according to Bondi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department has filed several lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions seeking to compel compliance with federal law in recent months, including one against New York City, Bondi noted. Bondi also said that Louisville agreed to revoke its sanctuary policies following a letter from the Justice Department threatening legal action. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The alleged gunman who fatally shot two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., has been indicted on hate crime and murder charges, court records show. The indictment against Elias Rodriguez, filed Wednesday, alleges he had "expressed support for violence against Israelis." He has remained in custody since the fatal shooting of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim outside the Capitol Jewish Museum on May 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 2 Israeli Embassy staffers killed in 'act of terror' in Washington, DC Federal prosecutors cite in the indictment a document allegedly authored by Rodriguez titled "Explication," dated just one day before the shooting. In the writings, the author addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and suggests the latest death toll has been underestimated. Prosecutors also point to online posts and messages allegedly written by Rodriguez dating back to January 2024 that they say showed support for violence against Israelis. Among them, on Jan. 1, 2024, Rodriguez allegedly posted to social media, "Happy New Year, Death to Israel," according to the indictment. LinkedIn - PHOTO: Capitol Jewish Museum shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez Rodriguez has not yet entered a plea in his case. A public defender representing him did not respond to ABC News' request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was initially charged via criminal complaint a day after the shooting with charges including first-degree murder. The complaint did not include hate crime charges. MORE: What to know about the suspect in the killing of a couple outside the Capital Jewish Museum Interim D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized at the time that the charges were only initial in nature. "A young couple at the beginning of their life's journey, about to be engaged in another country, had their bodies removed in the cold of the night in a foreign city in a body bag. We are not going to tolerate that anymore," Pirro said during a press briefing on May 22. "Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation's capital." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early last month, prosecutors in Rodriguez's case sought an extension for time to return an indictment against him, noting the complex and unusual nature of the charges he was facing. Tom Brenner For The Washington Post via Getty Images - PHOTO: A bystander prays while wearing an Israel flag with a cross in the middle, near the Capital Jewish Museum near the Capitol, May 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Rodriguez was seen in videos shouting "Free, Free Palestine!" inside the museum just minutes after he allegedly shot Lischinsky and Milgrim dozens of times, and later allegedly told police upon his arrest, "I did it for Palestine." The complaint alleges that Rodriguez shot the couple in the back and then fired again at Milgrim as she tried to crawl away. Lischinsky, 30, was a researcher in the political department of the Israeli Embassy, while Milgrim, 26, organized U.S. missions to Israel. President Donald Trump speaks at the Justice Department on March 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) OKLAHOMA CITY The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday sued Oklahoma over a state law giving undocumented immigrants access to in-state tuition and financial aid at colleges and universities. President Donald Trumps administration argued that Oklahoma state law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and asked the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma to find the statute invalid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma Attorney Gentner Drummond, a Republican, whose office represents the state and public officials in litigation, filed a motion Tuesday in support of the lawsuit. Attorneys for the Department of Justice argued that the law extends eligibility for in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants while not extending that treatment to U.S. citizens in other states. This unequal treatment of Americans is squarely prohibited and preempted by federal law, which expressly provides that an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible on the basis of residence within a State . . . for any postsecondary education benefit unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit . . . without regard to whether the citizen or national is such a resident, the lawsuit reads. The lawsuit references executive orders from the Republican president, this year that emphasize that federal and state governments must not grant greater benefits to individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States than to American citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma is one of 23 states and Washington D.C. that provides in-state tuition and financial aid benefits to undocumented students, according to an analysis by the Higher Education Portal, which is a platform for data, resources and policy analysis regarding immigrant student populations. Oklahoma law allows in-state tuition be offered to anyone who graduates high school in the state and resides in Oklahoma for at least two years prior to graduation. The lawsuit also argues that under the law, undocumented immigrants are eligible. Students who meet the residency requirements and provide one of Oklahomas colleges and universities with their application or a petition to legalize their immigration status can be eligible for state scholarships or financial aid, according to the lawsuit. Angela Caddell, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, said in a statement Tuesday that the Regents are in the process of determining how many students will be impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education will follow federal law, she said. State system institutions will determine their next steps in concert with their respective campus governing boards. Drummond, in his motion, sided with the Trump administration and requested that the court prevent the state statute from being enforced. Today marks the end of a longstanding exploitation of Oklahoma taxpayers, who for many years have subsidized colleges and universities as they provide unlawful benefits to illegal immigrants in the form of in-state tuition, Drummond said in a statement. Rewarding foreign nationals who are in our country illegally with lower tuition costs that are not made available to out-of-state American citizens is not only wrong it is discriminatory and unlawful. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Did you know Dolly Parton could give your child free books? From babies to Pre-K, her literacy program helps families get age-appropriate reading materials to young children. The country music icon established Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 30 years ago. Today, it's partnered with local organizations and sends a free book a month to kids ranging from birth to 5 years old around the world. According to the organization, there are 3.2 million children registered, and it has sent more than 287.5 million books to babies and young children in the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One in seven kids in the U.S. younger than 5 are in the program. Here's how to sign up in Mississippi so your kids can learn to love reading. Why does Dolly Parton give kids books? Parton started the program in 1995 in her home county. Her father couldn't read or write. It's since expanded to several states and countries. Is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library really free? There's no cost to parents and families. There are no income requirements because she wanted to be sure kids from all backgrounds can love reading and enjoy learning. Funding comes from Imagination Library and donations made to local partners. Local partners, like public libraries, school districts, United Way chapters or other charities, pay an average of $2.60 per child each month and mailing costs. Who qualifies for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library? Kids ages birth to age 5 can get free books. If there are multiple kids in one household, they can each get a book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twins get the same book, otherwise, kids born in the same year will usually get the same book. Where can I sign my kids up for free books in Mississippi? Some states have stateside program coverage, but that's not the case everywhere. There are local affiliates for more than 35 Mississippi counties, but not all of them. The program is in: Adams Bolivar Calhoun Clarke Clay Coahoma Covington Desoto - city of Hernando. Forrest Grenada Hinds Holmes Humphreys Jackson Jones Kemper Lafayette Lamar Lauderdale Lee Leflore Lowndes Madison Marion Neshoba Oktibbeha Panola Quitman County and the school district have two local affiliates. Rankin Simpson Sunflower Tallahatchie Tate Union Warren Washington Yalobusha Yazoo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can sign up online at imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/. If you can't sign up because of where you live, check out free community resources at the local library. What happens when my child turns 5? Kids turning five will get an email and video from Parton and get the graduation book, the last one in the program (Kids registered the same month they turn 5 won't get an email.) Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Dolly Parton sends MS kids free books. What to know, how to get them COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A couple of pilot programs in Columbus designed to support victims of domestic violence have ended, according to Zach Klein, Columbus City Attorney. Do I think victims are more vulnerable now because the money ran out, Klein said. Yeah, I do. The two programs were made possible by a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justices (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVF). It was part of the OVWs Firearms Technical Assistance Project Pilot Sites Initiative. Through the grant, advocates from the Nationwide Childrens Center for Family Safety and Healing were used to support victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aldi store pitched as part of 37-acre Westerville development The systems, the court system, the law enforcement system, I think it works better when theres an advocate there to help the survivor, said Mary ODoherty, executive director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN). One of the pilot programs had an advocate helping people trying to get civil protection orders in domestic relations court. The other had two advocates who responded to domestic violence scenes with police in the part of the city with the highest number of those calls. It was overwhelmingly successful through a pilot program, Klein said. We were really hoping to expand it, and thats when we had a plan together and got word from the federal government that they were going to end the program to begin with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The programs ran from January 2023 to June 2025. More than 1,500 victims were helped, according to the city attorneys office. Klein said his office was invited by the DOJs OVW to apply for more funding. However, he said his office was notified in July that funding for the project would not be released this year. Columbus, Ohio area gas prices continue to climb NBC4 reached out to the DOJ about this. A deputy director with the DOJs Office of Public Affairs shared the following email. OVW postponed initial plans to provide supplemental funding because sites participating in this initiative have sufficient funds to continue work for another year or longer. OVW generally does not provide continuation funds to recipients when they have enough money under a current grant to do the work for another 12+ months. OVW anticipates releasing a notice of funding opportunity next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Dallas Water Utilities is urging residents and businesses to follow year-round watering restrictions as summer temperatures spike and precipitation drops, increasing demand on the citys water resources. The twice-weekly watering schedule limits irrigation to assigned days based on address, with additional restrictions prohibiting sprinkler use between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April through October. Hand watering, soaker hoses, and drip irrigation remain permitted any day at any time. Additional requirements prohibit water runoff onto streets and mandate shutting off sprinklers during precipitation. Residents can report water waste by calling the citys 3-1-1 information line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These conservation measures help reduce monthly water bills while extending the life of Dallas water infrastructure. With Texas experiencing increasingly hot summers, protecting water resources has become critical for the citys long-term sustainability. Dallas Water Utilities offers free irrigation system evaluations by licensed specialists to help identify leaks and broken sprinkler heads. Property owners with automatic systems must install rain and freeze sensors to prevent unnecessary watering. The utility provides weekly watering advice via text or email to help residents optimize their irrigation schedules. These free alerts adjust recommendations based on weather conditions and seasonal needs. More information about conservation programs and resources is available at savedallaswater.com. The list of mainstream news figures that Donald Trump hasnt gone after continues to dwindle. On Monday night, Trump turned his attention to Gayle King, the co-host of CBS Mornings, by sharing a New York Post story that cast doubt on her future at the network with the pending Skydance-Paramount Global merger, thats set to close Thursday. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump posted on Truth Social: Gayle Kings career is over. She should have stayed with her belief in TRUMP. She never had the courage to do so. No talent, no ratings, no strength!!! The Post story, quoting unnamed sources, described CBS Mornings as woke, citing an appearance earlier this year by Bob the Drag Queen, winner of RuPauls Drag Race and author of the novel Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert. The story also cited the fact that King and another co-host, Nate Burleson, are Black, as is the executive producer, Shawna Thomas. The Post story cited Skydances commitment to the FCC that it would ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion programs were ended once the merger was completed. RELATED: Trump Celebrity Supporters: Famous Folks In Favor Of The 47th President The story also cited Skydances commitment to the FCC to hire an ombudsman to take complaints of bias, even though the government agencys authority over news content is very narrow, given the First Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the CBS Mornings did not immediately return a request for comment. In the morning show race, all of the networks are down versus the same period last year. CBS Mornings averaged 1.8 million viewers the week of July 21, down 10% from 2 million for the same period a year earlier. Good Morning America posted 2.63 million, down 1% from 2.66 million in the same period in 2024. Today posted 2.3 million, down 12% from 2.61 million a year earlier. In the 25-54 demo, CBS Mornings averaged 287,000, down 20% compared to 359,000 in the same period a year earlier. GMA averaged 481,000, essentially flat compared to 482,000 last year. Today averaged 474,000, down 20% from 591,000 in 2024. The figures are from Nielsen via ABC News and Adweek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some caveats, as ratings typically increase a bit for news programming in the midst of an election year. Today also benefited last year from the first day of the Summer Olympics in Paris. In advance of the FCCs approval of the merger, Paramount settled Trumps lawsuit over the way that 60 Minutes edited an interview with Kamala Harris. Even though Paramount attorneys had called the lawsuit meritless, they agreed to pay $16 million, most of which will go to Trumps presidential library. Trump also has touted CBS decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, announced just last month. The network said the show was dropped because of financial reasons. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. UPDATED: Rupert Murdochs deposition in Donald Trumps $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the media mogul and the Wall Street Journal likely will not be happening any time soon. Late on Monday, attorneys for both sides in the case filed a joint stipulation that they would not engage in discovery in the case until a judge decides whether to grant the defendants motion to dismiss, which has not yet been filed. The judge in the case, Darrin P. Gayles, later agreed to the joint stipulation. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump sued Murdoch, the Journal, News Corp. and others after the WSJ published a report on a letter in Trumps name that was included in an album given to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. The letter, the Journal reported, contains several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, which appears to be hand-drawn with a heavy marker, the Journal reported, adding that a pair of small arcs denotes the womans breasts, and the future presidents signature is a squiggly Donald below her waist, mimicking pubic hair. In the story and afterward, Trump denied writing the letter, and threatened to sue the publication if it was published. Last week, Trumps legal team filed a motion seeking an expedited deposition of Murdoch, unusual at this early stage of litigation. Trumps team cited Murdochs age, 94, and that he has suffered from multiple health issues throughout his life, is believed to have suffered recent significant health scares, and is presumed to live in New York, New York. Taken together, these factors weigh heavily in determining that Murdoch would be unavailable for in-person testimony at trial. The latest stipulation also means that Murdochs legal team wont seek Trumps deposition on an expedited basis, either, even though they had not yet sought it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the most recent court filing, Murdoch is to provide a sworn declaration describing his current health condition. That update must be provided within three days of a judge approving the stipulation. Defendant Murdoch has further agreed to provide regularly scheduled updates to the Plaintiff regarding his health, including a mechanism for him to alert the Plaintiff if there is a material change in his health. Failure to provide updates in the agreed-upon manner as set forth in the Abatement Agreement shall result in an expedited deposition of Defendant Murdoch, according to the filing. A Murdoch deposition would take place within 30 days of a motion to dismiss being denied, and it will occur in person in a mutually agreed upon location, according to the filing. That moment could be a number of months from now, depending on the speed in which it takes a judge to render an opinion. The parties also agreed to meet and confer on a discovering plan, and to exchange initial disclosures. If any of the Parties believe that discovery is required during this timeframe, notwithstanding their agreement reflected in this paragraph, a joint motion would be required to seek that discovery, according to the filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked for an update on the litigation last week, Trump told reporters that they are talking to us about doing something, but well see what happens. They would like us to drop that. So well see. They want to settle it. A spokesperson for the Journal has said, We have full confidence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Have you gotten a text from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles demanding that you pay an overdue traffic ticket? Hold off on paying that it's a smishing scam. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reminding the public of a text-scam that has been circulating this summer. It's similar to the unpaid toll scam. The texts, which allege to be from the RMV, request payment or other personal information from individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's more about what's happening. What is the traffic ticket scam? The scam involves a text being sent to you insisting that you pay for an overdue traffic ticket and threatens "to suspend your driving privileges (among other things) if you dont," according to a release last week from the FTC. If you receive any kind of message telling you to make a payment or that you need to act quickly, do not click the link," Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said in June when the scam first appeared. "The RMV will never text you looking for payment. Scammers will often convey urgency to manipulate you. If you need to perform a Registry transaction online, be sure to only use Mass.Gov/RMV." The text, however, will try to appear to look like it's from the RMV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It might include a link to pay and warn that, if you dont pay immediately, theyll report you to the '(RMV) violation database,' suspend your vehicle registration, license, and driving privileges, and charge you an additional 35% service fee," the FTC said. "The text might even threaten to prosecute you and tank your credit score but its all a scam to get your money and personal information." The Federal Trade Commission recently announced that a scam detected back in June is ongoing. The scam involves people getting texts demanding money from the Registry of Motor Vehicles. What's a smishing scam? This practice is known as "smishing," a combination of the terms, "SMS" (text messages) and "phishing." "Phishing is a type of cyberattack where criminals use deceptive methods, like fake emails, messages or websites to trick people into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details," according to the Microsoft Support website. What does the FTC recommend? Here are some tips from the FTC on avoiding these kinds of scams: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont click on any links in,or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly to get your personal information before you realize its a scam. Stop and talk to someone you trust. Reach out to your RMV if youre worried. Use a phone number or websiteyou know is real not the info from the text. In Massachusetts, use the Mass.Gov/RMV website. Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phones report junk option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once youve checked it out and reported it, delete the text. Learn more about spotting and avoiding text scams at ftc.gov/textscams. And report them to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Get a text about unpaid traffic tickets? It's likely a smishing scam. DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) A well-known pastor and civil rights advocate in Dothan attempted to postpone the citys municipal elections on Tuesday. According to court documents sent to WDHN Monday afternoon, Pastor Kenneth Glasgow and his organization, KSG Ministries, filed the motion to halt the elections, naming Sheriff Donald Valenza, Mayor Mark Saliba, ADOC Commissioner John Hamm, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, and the Houston County Community Correction Director as the defendants. In his filing, Glasgow claims that the sheriff, the Dothan City Jail administrator, and the ADOC failed to identify still eligible voters in custody and provide them with voter applications or absentee ballots for the August 5 elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glasgow says that many inmates around the state and county are still legal residents of Dothan and have a right to vote, as their alleged crimes did not involve moral turpitude. According to the Alabama Secretary of States Office, crimes that lead to the loss of voting rights in Alabama include capital murder, manslaughter, incest, theft, and more. A full list can be found here. Shortly after the motion was filed, Judge John Steensland denied Glasgows plea to postpone the election, but set a hearing for August 28. The polls are open in Dothan from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Kenneth Glasgow filing (Monday, August 4)Download Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Beer and coffee drinkers can earn rewards for getting a buzz during this years annual Brew Tour. The Brew Tour is put on each year by Douglas County Libraries and gives participants the chance to earn rewards for visiting local libraries, breweries and coffee and tea shops around Douglas County. What is Banana Ball? Savannah Bananas head to Coors Field this weekend The Brew Tour is a celebration of books, brews and community, said DCL Special Events Manager Kerri Morgan, in a statement. We love how it brings people together over shared passions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years event runs through Sept. 30 and includes more than 15 local breweries and coffee and tea shops, according to DCL, which kicked off the event on July 27 with an outdoor concert at its Castle Rock Location. Guests came out to sip and score points at the Brew Tour kickoff party July 27. (Credit Hutch Tibbetts, Douglas County Libraries) DCL-hosted events such as literary scavenger hunt are a fun way to earn points toward prizes. (Credit Hutch Tibbetts, Douglas County Libraries) Cheers to the Brew Tour! Guests enjoyed sun and fun on Aloha Plaza West in Castle Rock. (Credit Hutch Tibbetts, Douglas County Libraries) Kickoff party participants enjoyed craft brews from Brew Tour partner Bodega Beer Company. (Credit Hutch Tibbetts, Douglas County Libraries) Brew Tour participants can accrue points by logging visits to participating partners and attending DCL-hosted events at select library and brewery locations. Points can be used towards prizes and rewards, including a Brew Tour water bottle, trucker hat or sun hat, hoodie and coffee mug. Points accrued are also entered into a Grand Prize drawing for a Happy Brew Year prize package, which includes gift cards and gear to keep the brews flowing all year, DCL said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 2,200 people registered for the Brew Tour and more than 3,000 prizes were awarded during last years event, according to DCL, which said more than 1,300 registrants already signed up for this years Brew Tour by the official start date of Aug. 1. This years Brew Tour partners include: 3 Freaks Brewery, Highlands Ranch Alidade Brewing, Castle Rock Atlas Coffee, Sterling Ranch Bodega Beer Company, Parker Castle Rock Collective, Castle Rock Convict Coffee Company, Parker Deja Brew Coffee and Print, Parker Downhill Brewing, Parker and Greenwood Village Enchanted Grounds Coffeehouse, Highlands Ranch English Tealeaves Tea Room, Parker Fika Coffee House, Parker (two locations) Iron Mule Brewery, Castle Rock Living the Dream Brewing Company, Highlands Ranch and Sterling Ranch Lone Tree Brewing Company, Lone Tree Parker Pour House, Parker Rockyard Brewing Company, Castle Rock Participation in Brew Tour is free, however participants must be 18 years of age or older, and 21 years old or older to consume alcohol. More information about tour events and how to register can be found online and via the Beanstack app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Muslim YouTuber has lost a defamation claim he brought against Douglas Murray, the author and Telegraph contributor. Mohammed Hegab, who calls himself Mohammed Hijab on the social media channel, accused Mr Murray of defaming him in an article for The Spectator magazine published in September 2022. A High Court judge has now ruled that he lied on significant issues in court. Mr Murray reported that Mr Hegab, who has more than 1.3 million YouTube subscribers, had travelled to Leicester that month when rioting broke out between Muslims and Hindus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The article said he gave a speech to a group of Muslim men, mostly wearing balaclavas, hoods, masks or caps, in which he ridiculed Hindus and their belief in reincarnation. He was reported to have said: If they believe in reincarnation, yeah what a humiliation and pathetic thing for them to be reincarnated into some pathetic, weak, cowardly people like that. Mr Hegab then took legal action against Mr Murray and The Spectator, arguing that he had been referring only to followers of Hindutva, the Hindu nationalist ideology. After a four-day trial a judge ruled it was substantially true that he had been referring to Hindus as a whole, adding: It was them that he was ridiculing. Mohammed Hegabs claimed he was only ridiculing Hindu nationalists was dismissed as nonsensical - Mike Kemp Mr Justice Johnson ruled that Mr Hegab had given evidence that overall, is worthless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Hegab had claimed the article led to him losing a 3,500 per month deal to be a brand ambassador for the charity One Ummah, a 1,500 per month advertising contract with the supplements company Natures Blends and 30,000 for a Ramadan fundraising campaign with the charity Salam. In a judgment handed down on Tuesday, the judge said messages relied on by Mr Hegab for his claim have the appearance of being contrived for the purpose of these proceedings. It said the messages had addressed Mr Hegab formally despite coming from people who knew him well; they blamed the article for his alleged financial losses. Referring to the messages, the judgment also said: [They] provided material that would be necessary to support a claim for financial losses when one might not generally expect such detail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge added that they arrived at roughly the same time, which was several weeks after the article, but very shortly after a letter of claim was sent. Claims not credible The judge noted that when he was giving evidence, Mr Hegab was: Combative and constantly argumentative arguing his case rather than giving straightforward responses. Mr Justice Johnson also said Mr Hegab had made an untenable denial of vigilantism over his actions in Leicester and made claims that were not credible when he said he was unaware of having given a speech in Golders Green in front of a van displaying images of the Holocaust. Mr Hegab also described the Jewish people he encountered in Golders Green as Zionists without any objective basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be successful in any defamation claim, a litigant must show that not only were statements made about them untrue, but also that they could be harmful to their reputation. On the second of those points, the judge ruled that the article was unlikely to cause him serious reputational harm because the videos he publishes on YouTube are at least as reputationally damaging to him as the article. A vexatious litigant Michael Gove, the editor of The Spectator, said: The Spectator stands for free speech and fearless truth-telling. Douglas Murray exemplifies those virtues, and I am delighted he has been vindicated in the courts. Freddie Sayers, the publisher of The Spectator, described Mr Hegab as a vexatious litigant and said the courts decision was an important victory for free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his ruling, Mr Justice Johnson said of Mr Hegab: I am satisfied that he lied on significant issues, with the consequence that his evidence, overall, is worthless. He said that Mr Hegabs claim that he was only referring to followers of Hindutva was nonsensical. The court also heard that one of the witnesses who backed up Mr Hegabs claims of financial losses had previously been jailed for staging road accidents to fraudulently claim compensation. Mr Justice Johnson found that Mr Murrays description of Mr Hegab as a street agitator who has whipped up a mob on Londons streets was accurate. 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. Dozens of African migrants died after a boat carrying around 150 people capsized off the coast of Yemen. As Europe has ramped up its crackdown on migration across the Mediterranean, migrants have sought other routes to find better-paying jobs. Most of those on the capsized boat were believed to be East Africans attempting to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. The crossing from the Horn of Africa to Yemen has in recent years become one of the worlds busiest and most perilous, according to the International Organization for Migration, with more than 60,000 migrants arriving in Yemen last year alone. Rescuers are looking for dozens of people who are feared to be trapped after a massive cloudburst triggered heavy rains and flash floods in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Teams, including army and paramilitaries, have reached Dharali village in Uttarkashi district, which is believed to have borne the brunt of the floods. Dramatic videos of the disaster show a giant wave of water gushing through the area, crumpling buildings in its path. A tourist spot, Dharali is populated with hotels, resorts and restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cloudburst is an extreme, sudden downpour of rain over a small area in a short period of time, often leading to flash floods. It took place at around 13:30 India time (08:00 GMT) when a large amount of water came down, swelling the Kheerganga river and sending tonnes of muddy waters gushing downwards on the hilly terrain, covering roads, buildings and shops in Dharali. Eyewitnesses from a nearby village who shot the dramatic footage of the muddy water coursing through the streets could be heard shrieking, blowing whistles and shouting "run, run", but said the sudden surge did not give people the chance to get away. They said they believed many people could be trapped under the debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ancient Kalpkedar temple is also under the slush and is believed to have been damaged, they added. The sludge from Kheerganga has blocked a part of the region's main river Bhagirathi [which becomes India's holiest river Ganges once it travels downstream] and created an artificial lake, submerging vast tracts of land, including a government helipad. Concern is growing that if this water is not drained out quickly, it can pose a serious threat to towns and villages downstream. Army personnel who have now arrived at the location are making announcements asking people to stay away from the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered his "condolences to the people affected by the tragedy" in a post on social media site X. "I pray for the well-being of all the victims... Relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people," he wrote. Earlier, Prashant Arya, the senior-most official of Uttarkashi, said communication had been erratic because of poor connectivity in the area. "As it's a populated area with lots of restaurants and hotels, we've dispatched rescue teams to the site," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dharali is located 2km (1.24 miles) from Harsil, which is a popular tourist destination and also has a huge Indian army base. A camp of the paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is also located near the area. Personnel from the two forces have reached the site of the disaster and officials said they were assessing the situation. But rescue is expected to be slow because the area is continuing to receive heavy rains. Some of the injured are receiving treatment at the army camp in Harsil, reports say. DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) Steven Staines has always wanted to move to the Hill Country. Im from East Texas, which is pretty flat, he said. And Ive always dreamed of the hill country. Last June, Staines, his wife, and their kids moved into what felt like the perfect home in Dripping Springs, with expansive views of rolling green hills from all sides of the property. Definitely, the location and the fact that we had long-distance views were 100% the main selling point, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But shortly after they moved in, the view and the soundscape dramatically changed. A large storage facility was erected a few hundred feet away from his house. He said the construction sounds bothered them for months, and now, when he looks to the east of his house, a large storage facility fills the view. We love the location and the house, Staines said. But Im pretty certain we would not have bought this house if something that big was right next to it. The price tag is what it was because you have these gorgeous views, Staines continued. Having something that you would normally see on the side of I-35 in a major city We wouldnt have purchased this if it was already there. When it comes time to sell, thats going to be difficult. The project next door will eventually become a 10-Federal storage building. KXAN reached out to the company for comment but has not heard back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction has increased in Dripping Springs in recent years as its population has steadily grown. To help guide that growth, city leaders released a comprehensive plan draft in September 2024 that prioritizes community character, infrastructure, connectivity, housing, and economic development. I would say that throughout the region, communities are grappling with change, said Cliff Kaplan, program director for the Hill Country Alliance. The nonprofit advocates for development that protects the natural environment and cultural identity of the Hill Country. Kaplan said a challenge the Hill County faces is when out-of-town developers unfamiliar with the area bring in projects that may not align with local expectations. Its a struggle for every community in the Hill Country, he said. Sometimes the local government gets a real win for their community. And sometimes developments dont work out the way that the community hopes they would. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A case involving in-cab video company Lytx and the closely-watched Illinois state law on biometric surveillance is coming to an end with a judges recent approval of the settlement reached by the two sides several months ago. The case had three named plaintiffs and a broader class of drivers, with carrier Maverick Transportation and Lytx as defendants. The settlement of $4.25 million brings an end to the litigationwhich never made it to a trialthat began with a state lawsuit filed by driver Joshua Lewis in November 2021 against Maverick, which employed him, and Lytx. Later cases were ultimately all combined into the one now-settled lawsuit that made its way into the federal court system. The settlement is in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At issue was Lewis complaint that, according to the initial lawsuit, the Lytx system would scan the drivers face geometry and harnesses those biometric data points by feeding them into sophisticated algorithms that identify the drivers actions, in what amounts to constant AI surveillance. Maverick used Lytx system. Illinois is ground zero for biometrics law And it was Illinois that ended up as the venue for the lawsuit because its law on biometricsthe Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)is considered one of the stricter in the country, and has been a focus for law firms involved in the issue. It was first approved in 2008 and amended in 2024 to make it less onerous against corporations than as previously written. In an online commentary on why Illinois law has taken center stage in the discussion over the legal limits of surveillance and biometrics, law firm King & Spalding said BIPA has become the leading biometric data privacy law in the country due to its private right of action for injured individuals. The settlement agreed to by the two sides was first submitted to the court in January. With the approval last week of Judge Nancy Rosenstengel, it lays out what individual drivers who responded to the solicitation to join the class of plaintiffs will receive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of the final settlement of $4.25 million, one-third will go to the lawyers for the plaintiff, approximately $1.42 million. Ultimately, the court received responses from 3,599 unique individuals with 2,061 of them from Illinois and 1,538 from out of state. Each of the Illinois residents will receive approximately $631 and each non-Illinois resident will receive $845, according to a document filed by Lytx and Maverick attorneys in support of the settlement. The difference between the two is because the settlement called for 50% of the payouts to go to Illinois residents with non-residents accounting for the other half. The three named plaintiffs in the case, including Lewis, will each receive $10,000. How the payouts compare In the document, Lytx and Maverick described these amounts as substantial compared to other class settlements. The attorneys cited individual payouts in several other instances of BIPA-related litigation for comparison, ranging from a high of $188.59 to a low of $47. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lytx/Maverick document said the estimated full pool of potential class members at about 85,000. About 22.5% were contacted. Ultimately, the court received responses from 3,599 unique individuals seeking to become part of the class, with 2,061 of them from Illinois and 1,538 from out of state. Another transportation-related case over BIPA involving railroad BNSF resulted in a payout of about $1,000 per individual. The core of the plaintiffs argument was that Lytx violated drivers rights by not having a publicly available retention schedule and guidelines for the destruction of biometrics, and that its communications with drivers about the system were inadequate. In a statement emailed to FreightWaves, a Lytx spokesman said the company was pleased to put this settlement behind us. Although we maintain that these lawsuits are not warranted, were continuing our focus on delivering category-defining driver safety technology to meet the evolving needs of todays fleets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lytx, on its website, has made its view clear of the relationship between its system and BIPA. Lytx firmly believes that BIPA does not apply to Lytxs technology and that these lawsuits are not warranted, the company said in its statement. As designed, Lytxs in-vehicle Machine Vision + Artificial Intelligence (MV+AI) Alerting System does not collect retina or iris scans, facial geometry, or any type of biometric data, for any purpose whatsoever. Our in-vehicle MV+AI technology detects driving behaviors, not the identity of a driver. Was a precedent set? With a settlement, the companys defense of its product and its compliance with BIPA didnt get a chance to be heard in court. However, in a blog post on the website of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, one of the law firms that represented the plaintiffs and the class, the firm noted that an earlier attempt by Lytx and Maverick to have the case dismissed was rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the law firm conceded that no precedent has been set on whether Lytxs system constitutes a BIPA violation, it also saw the rejection of the defendants move to dismiss as having significance. In denying dismissal, the court reinforced a key feature of BIPA: the laws protections apply regardless of whether biometric data is used for actual identification, the law firm said. That interpretation reaffirmed BIPAs emphasis on the type (their italics) of data collected, not its immediate identifiability, and continues to drive litigation risk for companies deploying biometric and AI technologies in Illinois. More articles by John Kingston Averitt pay increase could be a sign of some acceleration in driver wages Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sequential numbers at diversified trucking operator TFI International may mark a turnaround At C.H. Robinson, improved profitability, productivity and a lot fewer workers The post Each drivers payout in Lytx Illinois biometrics case will be between about $650 and $850 appeared first on FreightWaves. Police have arrested a man accused of shooting the driver who allegedly rammed into a crowd of people outside an East Hollywood nightclub last month, injuring dozens. Fernando Ramirez, 29, of San Clemente, was thrown out of the Vermont Hollywood nightclub on July 19 and returned in a car around 2 a.m., allegedly plowing his Nissan sedan into a crowd of street vendors and pedestrians before his vehicle slammed into food carts and finally came to a stop, according to Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman. Ramirez was then pulled from the car and punched and kicked by bystanders, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As nightclub security guards tried to detain Ramirez, Efrain Villalobos, a Lawndale resident, allegedly approached from across the street and shot Ramirez once in the lower back before fleeing, police said. More than two weeks later, Villalobos has been arrested. He was taken into custody Sunday around 1:15 p.m. by officers from the Redondo Beach Police Department, according to L.A. police. After the shooting, police released video surveillance images and a physical description of the shooter and asked the public's help in identifying him. Police did not say whether a tip from the public led to Villalobos' arrest. Read more: Police search for man suspected of shooting driver who slammed into crowd outside East Hollywood club Efrain Villalobos was arrested around 1:15 p.m. Sunday by Redondo Beach police. (Los Angeles Police Department) Villalobos was booked on an attempted murder charge and was being held without bail, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 36 people were injured in the incident, some of whom were trapped under the car until authorities arrived, Hochman said. Eight of the victims suffered serious fractures, lacerations and broken bones. Ramirez faces life in prison if convicted as charged, according to Hochman. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. As most central Indiana schools head back to classrooms the first week of August, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is reminding drivers to be more aware and to slow down around school zones. Captain of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's traffic division, Fred Ilnicki, wants drivers on their morning and evening commutes to remember that they have a responsibility to help keep students safe. "That responsibility falls on all of us, not just the police department," Ilnick told reporters Aug. 5. "It's upon all of us to make these zones and make our city a safer place." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every school zone in Marion County is 25 mph, but the times in which they are enforced can vary from school to school. Ilnicki said officers will be out at various school zones to enforce the speed limit throughout the school year. "Everybody really should be driving like you see police officers in school zones all the time," Ilnicki said. Drivers could face a misdemeanor for violating Indiana's 'Stop-arm' law for school buses It is illegal for Indiana drivers to pass a bus that is stopped, has its red lights flashing, and its stop-arm is extended. This applies to all drivers on all roads except for oncoming traffic on a divided highway where the road is separated by a barrier such as a concrete wall or a grassy median. Cars are only required to stop if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus on divided highways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For roads like College Ave, where the IndyGo red line concrete barrier runs, cars do not have to stop if they are on the opposite side of traffic from the stopped bus. For drivers on a two-lane road, all vehicles traveling in both directions must stop when a stop-arm is extended. Drivers traveling in both directions on a multi-lane paved road that has no middle divider must stop when the stop-arm is extended. Drivers caught violating this law could face a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, as well as lose their driving license for 90 days. Here's how to respond to stopped school buses. How to file a traffic complaint with IMPD Ilnicki said depending on how large the school zone is can depend on how many officers are sent to monitor the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone can submit a traffic complaint to IMPD if they believe officers need to help enforce an area where speeding is occurring or other traffic violations are being noticed. Ilnicki asks that anyone submitting a complaint provide as much detail as possible about the issue, such as the times of day they notice reckless drivers, so that officers can be the most effective. To submit a traffic complaint, go to indy.gov/activity/send-a-traffic-complaint. School bus safety tips for parents The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute recommends that parents teach their children basic traffic safety rules so they can be best prepared when heading to their bus stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some other tips they recommend for families: Students should arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to come. Before the first day of school, parents should visit the bus stop with their child and show them where they can safely wait for the bus. Remind your child that they should not run or play around the bus stop. Students should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors are open before approaching the bus. Students should never walk behind a school bus. If students must cross the street, they should be at least 10 feet in front of the bus before crossing the street. Students should make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing the street to make sure they can see the driver. If a child drops something near a school bus, the safest thing to do is to alert the bus driver right away. Contact IndyStar reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis traffic: School zone and bus laws drivers need to know The two people who were killed in a high-speed head-on crash in Santa Ana on Monday were drivers of their respective vehicles, and one of them was behind the wheel of the speeding BMW that caused the collision, police said. The crash occurred just after 6:30 p.m. on Main Street near Warner Avenue, where southbound traffic spotted a speeding sedan headed north in their lanes of travel. That BMW sedan hit a black Honda head-on, sending the Honda into a white Toyota SUV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drivers of the BMW and the Honda were killed, while five others in the Toyota including a 1-year-old were hurt. Neither the baby nor the other four, ages 39, 19, 18 and 11, sustained life-threatening injuries. A fourth vehicle was also involved, but the driver of that vehicle was not hurt, police said. The driver of the BMW has been identified as Jorge Andres Delgado, 29, while the Honda driver was Leticia Placencia Alvarado, 32. Both were Santa Ana residents. Just given the fact that he was driving at such a high rate of speed for so long, we dont quite think that it was by accident, Santa Ana Police Department Officer Natalie Garcia said. Hes a suspect in this investigation. Hes passed away now, but factors such as alcohol or drugs [remain under investigation]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cpl. M. Pardo at 714-245-8208 or the SAPDs Traffic Division at 714-245-8200. Annie Rose Ramos 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. Finn Wolfhard has opened up about being overwhelmed with emotion as he wrapped filming on Stranger Things. Finn Wolfhard has opened up about being overwhelmed with emotion as he wrapped filming on Stranger Things The 22-year-old actor described the final moments of filming the Netflix phenomenon that turned him and his castmates into global stars in a chat with Variety after he shot his last scene for the show on 20 December at the Atlanta studios where the series has been filmed for nearly a decade. He said: When I walked out from doing the scene, it was just one of the greatest moments in my entire life. I didnt process it at the time because it was just so emotional. There was a lot of Champagne. The occasion drew a crowd of hundreds among them cast members who had wrapped days earlier, and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos who all gathered to witness the end of an era. Everyone was thinking about the end and was down, Finn said adding: And I would just be like, Yeah, but were all here hanging out. Its fine. And I would push it away. The actor added: I turned around from the monitors, and it was hundreds of people just hanging out for the first time in the same room after 10 years of working. And they were just watching. So if that wasnt enough of a mindfuck there, it was also like, Wait, that means its ending. Finn, who has played Mike Wheeler since the shows debut in 2016, was joined on set by Natalia Dyer, 29, Charlie Heaton, 30, Joe Keery, 32, and Maya Hawke, 26 all of whom returned to the studio despite having completed their scenes. Final direction came from Matt and Ross Duffer, the brothers behind the 1980s-set paranormal coming-of-age drama. While details of the finale remain under wraps, Finn confirmed he appears in the closing scenes with some of the kids, referring to co-stars Millie Bobby Brown, 20, Gaten Matarazzo, 22, Caleb McLaughlin, 23, Noah Schnapp, 20, and 22-year-old Sadie Sink. He said: There was a moment where there was true joy from everyone because of a moment that happened. Wrapping the series means for the first time since childhood, Finn is no longer bound to the role of Mike, the spirited, justice-driven teen who led a ragtag group of friends against the dark forces lurking beneath Hawkins, Indiana. Unlike Eleven played by Millie Mike never had supernatural abilities. Instead, his strength lay in his loyalty and quick thinking, shaped by endless board games and a sense of moral clarity. Outside of Stranger Things, Finn has built a film career that includes 17 movies grossing more than $1.8 billion worldwide. Among them are the It franchise and two Ghostbusters films. Lithuanian Prosecutor General Nida Grunskiene has said that a drone which entered the countrys territory from Belarus contained an explosive charge. Source: Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT, as reported by European Pravda Details: Grunskiene said that this incident is being investigated as a separate episode within the framework of the pre-trial investigation of war crimes in Ukraine, which was launched back in March 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drone was discovered at a training ground on 1 August. Grunskiene said that an inspection of the device showed that it contained an explosive charge, which was successfully neutralised on-site by Lithuanian military specialists. The prosecutor general noted that the drones components had been seized for various investigations. One of the main lines of inquiry is that the unmanned aerial vehicle accidentally entered Lithuanian territory. "Other versions are being investigated in parallel," Grunskiene added. Background: Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene suggested that the drone might have entered Lithuanian territory due to the impact of Ukrainian electronic warfare systems. On 1 August, the drone was found at a training ground in the Jonava district almost in the centre of the country, near the city of Kaunas. Following this, a representative of the Belarusian embassy was summoned to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to give an explanation. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Drones attacked the Tatsinskaya railway station in Russia's Rostov Oblast on the night of 4-5 August. The strike has caused a fire. Source: Russian Telegram channels; acting Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar; Russian Defence Ministry Details: Local residents reported that at least 10 explosions had been heard over the towns of Millerovo, Belaya Kalitva and Tatsinskaya in Rostov Oblast. The main strike reportedly hit the territory of the Tatsinskaya railway station, where a fire broke out following the drone attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partial power outages were recorded in some parts of Millerovo. The energy company Donenergo explained this as a "technological failure in the network of a neighbouring organisation". It is currently unclear whether the disruptions happened due to the drone attacks. "A substation caught fire in the hamlet of Verkhnetalovka in the Millerovo district. The blaze, covering an area of 500 sq m, has been extinguished," Slyusar said. The Russian authorities, as usual, have not disclosed the total number of drones involved in the attack or which facilities were damaged. Updated: The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that their air defences had intercepted and destroyed 24 Ukrainian drones. The statement said that 13 drones had been downed over Bryansk Oblast, seven over Rostov Oblast and two each over Kaluga and Smolensk oblasts. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Alessandro Arduino has researched Africas security affairs with a particular focus on the use of private military companies and other guns-for-hire across the continent. In his latest book, Money for Mayhem, Arduino examines how military privatisation intersects with international power dynamics. Drawing on fieldwork, interviews and firsthand data, he tracks actors from Russia, China and the Middle East to explore how they profit from instability across Africa. What war trends did you identify in your book? In Money for Mayhem, I chart the rise of mercenaries, private military companies and hackers-for-hire, alongside emerging technologies like armed drones. Nowhere does this rise ignite more readily than in Africa. The continent is flush with abundant natural resources that offer lucrative gains, but is hobbled by weak post-coup states desperate for foreign support. The continent has also been fractured by power vacuums, creating ineffective or weak regional and continental institutions that enable militant networks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, mercenaries and contractors have returned to the central stage in Africa. They were once the not-so-hidden hand in post-colonial civil wars, such as in Angola in the 1970s and Sierra Leone in the mid-1990s where highly trained mercenaries profited from the conflict. Today, guns for hire wield profound geopolitical influence. What did you find out about the key players? Take Russias Wagner Group. It continues to be active from Libya to Sudan. The group is known for deploying paramilitary forces, conducting disinformation campaigns and supporting powerful political figures from Mali to the Central African Republic. Following its leaders death in 2023, the Wagner Group shifted its operations. Rebranded as the Africa Corps,the group serves as a key instrument of Moscows influence on the continent. Then there are Turkish private military outfits operating from Tripoli to Mogadishu. Turkeys private military companies are fast becoming a key instrument in President Recep Erdogans foreign policy. What sets these companies apart is their ability to pair boots on the ground with Turkeys battle-proven armed drones. This fusion of a rentable army and an off-the-shelf air force could become a powerful export, serving Ankaras political and economic ambitions in Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then there are the Chinese private security companies, protecting Chinese investments and citizens in Africa. Their rise mirrors Beijings deepening footprint, where it is pouring billions into infrastructure and mining projects. In volatile nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and South Sudan, weak and unreliable local security forces have created a vacuum thats being filled by Chinese security contractors. Through the ages, the mercenarys paradox has endured: despised yet indispensable. Their business thrives on perpetual chaos. Every ceasefire threatens their livelihood. This dynamic was evident after Muammar Gaddafis fall in 2011 in Libya. Both the Government of National Accord in Tripoli and the rival Libyan National Army in the east turned to international mercenaries such as the Wagner Group and fighters from sub-Saharan Africa. This heavy dependence on foreign fighters obstructs national reconciliation. The Wagner tale is instructive. Once a Kremlin proxy in resource-rich Africa, the group amassed its own power. It was dismantled when it outlived its usefulness. The dispatch of Russian generals to negotiate Wagners fate in 2023 from Libya to Niger was a lesson in power: the puppeteer remains firmly in control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias foreign and defence ministries moved swiftly to reassure Middle Eastern and African partners that operations would continue uninterrupted after the death of Wagners leader. This signalled that unofficial Russian forces would maintain their presence on the ground. What is happening thats new? The revolution in modern warfare is evident across Africa. Mercenaries, armed drones and AI-driven disinformation campaigns are redefining conflict. Todays battlefields are evolving at such a dizzying pace that even seasoned military experts are routinely caught flatfooted. The speed of change is unprecedented. Drones, once the province of great powers, have become commonplace. Inexpensive, lethal, versatile and ever more autonomous, they patrol the skies daily, ushering in a remote-warfare era that upends ethical, strategic and tactical norms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cost of a suicide drone, for instance, typically runs into a few thousand US dollars. A battle tank averages US$34 million. Three such drones and a skilled pilot can destroy a single tank, dramatically shifting the cost-benefit equation on the modern battlefield. Africa was an early proving ground: drones shaped the Libyan civil war. Since 2019, multiple incidents of precision air strikes conducted by unknown aircraft have occurred in apparent violation of a United Nations arms embargo. In early 2025, drones served as an off-the-shelf air force in the bombing of Port Sudan. Explosions rocked the vital humanitarian gateway in Sudans ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Sudans army pinned these strikes on the Rapid Support Forces, highlighting the paramilitary groups deadly embrace of drone warfare. Lacking a formal air force, drones offer the Rapid Support Forces a low-cost, high-lethality shortcut that delivers devastating blows while cloaking its operators in plausible deniability. How else is the warfare landscape changing? War is now being waged on other fronts as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Africas youthful population consumes information primarily via social media. This provides fertile ground for propaganda, disinformation and misinformation amplified by artificial intelligence (AI) at minimal cost. Deepfakes have burst onto the scene as a dire cybersecurity threat. AI-driven disinformation at an industrial scale is already a reality, magnifying hate speech and targeting the message to intended audiences with precision and at very low cost. For example, TikToks own recommendation engine has already come under fire from African human rights groups for amplifying toxic rhetoric. Already, false narratives thrive in Africa all on their own. AIs true danger lies in its ability to turbocharge disinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governments recognise that defending the homeland no longer means guarding cables and servers alone. It also means safeguarding the integrity of information itself. What needs to be done? Based on my findings, I argue that the fractures today are tomorrows global crises. War has irrevocably changed, and its next phase is already upon us. Marshalling global vigilance is a categorical imperative or the world risks ceding control over violence. Building international consensus on already available enforcement mechanisms to regulate non-state armed actors is needed. There is also a need to strengthen global intelligence sharing to track the movements and influence of mercenaries across conflict zones. 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: Alessandro Arduino, King's College London Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Alessandro Arduino is an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) ANKENY, Iowa A Des Moines man was arrested on Monday after police say he tried to lure minors to secluded areas of an Ankeny skatepark over the weekend. The Ankeny Police Department said that officers responded to the city skatepark on Sunday after receiving reports of a man making inappropriate comments and advances to minors. According to police, multiple minors told officers that the man, identified as Trenton L. Nelson, made inappropriate advances toward them and attempted to persuade them to go to secluded areas with him. Iowa farmers battle Southern Rust, Tar Spot epidemic On Monday, Ankeny police announced that Nelson had been arrested and charged with first-degree harassment in connection to the incident. Nelson was also charged with possession of a controlled substance third or subsequent offense because methamphetamine was found on Nelson when he was taken into custody, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson was also trespassed from the skatepark and the Miracle League Park in Ankeny, prohibiting him from visiting the locations in the future. Ankeny police ask that anyone with information about this incident or potentially any other similar incidents with Nelson to contact the police department at (515)286-3333 ext. 5. Metro 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 who13.com. The Brief A student-led mural project in Duncanville is creating a memorial for Marissa Caitlyn Ladatto, who died from fentanyl. The mural, painted on a large boulder, is a reminder to the community about the dangers of illicit fentanyl. Marissa's mother, Amy Brewer, started the organization Marissa's Voice to raise awareness with the message "One Pill Kills." DUNCANVILLE, Texas - Many months in the making, an idea that became a school project at Duncanvilles Byrd Middle School has now become a reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remembering Marissa Caitlyn Ladatto but also a poignant reminder of the danger of drugs. What we know Tamia Norvell is drawing what will be more than art, a mural designed to remind the community about the dangers of fentanyl and to remember Marissa Caitlyn Ladatto. A mural that will be a memorial in the front yard of the Duncanville home that Ladatto lived and died in. What they're saying "Marissa was class of 2020. In her second week of class she lost a good friend due to suicide," said Ladattos mother and founder of Marissas Voice, Amy Brewer. Two weeks later, Ladattos grandmother died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And then from there, life just fell apart," said Brewer. Amy Brewer Six months after graduation, Ladatto died from fentanyl, that's when her mother started Marissa's Voice to bring attention to fentanyl and the message "One Pill Kills". "I am doing this because I want people to remember that illicit fentanyl is out in our community and no matter how much I scream and yell and tell people about it, it takes a visual sometimes to get it into people's heads," said Brewer. "When they're making these pills, they have no idea how much fentanyl is going into each of these pills, kind of like a chocolate chip cookie. You never know how many chocolate chips are going to be in each cookie, the same thing with fentanyl." Local perspective Brewer connected with Curtis Ferguson, an art teacher at Duncanville's Byrd Middle School. Curtis Furguson "When I met them it was like we had known each other for years and I went on to explain to her that I have a son that is also addicted to crystal meth and Ive tried everything and its going to take more than me, a power greater than me and the community, and I would be honored to do this mural with her," said Ferguson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson made it a project for all his art classes. Tamias drawing, a tiger with Marissa's image imposed over it, was selected by Amy and her husband. "Im very happy to be picked for this event. I really appreciate it. Im sorry for the loss and how she died. It is pretty sad," said Tamia Norvell. Dig deeper While a student from Byrd Middle School created the sketch, a student from Duncanville High School is leading the painting. Joycelen Haro Banks hopes with every stroke of the brush, she is painting a message that will not only become a memorial but will cause others to ask what the stone means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In hopes that learning Ladatto's story will take to heart the risks of taking street drugs "I hope they can realize that its not a joke. Its not a joke to do drugs. Its not cool, it can really hurt someone. It can really kill someone really," said Banks. What's next The mural in the front yard of the family home in Duncanville. Big John's Nursery and Landscape in Cedar Hill donated the boulder. A boulder that will be a conversation starter about what's taking the lives of so many young people. The Source Information in this article was provided from interviews conducted by FOX 4's Shaun Rabb. BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) New details have been revealed after a duo was charged stemming from an animal rescue in April. William and Alissa Lewis, both 44, of Bedford, were charged with 35 counts that include felony aggravated animal cruelty, misdemeanor neglect and summary offenses of failure to license dogs over 3 months old, according to court documents. Pennsylvania State Police reported they were called to an abandoned residence on Dauphin Road in West Providence Township in April, where they found 12 dogs, nine cats, a rooster and a duck all living in abhorrent conditions. This included dogs tied to deplorable boxes meant to be shelters and more tied up in an abandoned farmhouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a newly released criminal complaint on both individuals, troopers were on the property when the duo pulled in and exited their vehicle. They claimed the dogs tied outside were theirs, and the others belonged to a family member who abandoned them. Troopers alleged they spotted dog remains that looked like they had been eaten. According to charging documents, the duo said they werent sure if those dogs died of natural causes or if the dogs got into a fight and the other dogs began to eat their carcasses. The duo also allegedly admitted to not taking the animals for shots or to the vet for any issues due to the cost, including not taking one of the dogs that had a tumor on its chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The animals were ultimately rescued by the Bedford County Humane Society, which was also appreciative of other agencies in the area for helping with the number of animals by taking some, such as the Central PA Humane Society and Moms Pets Cat Rescue. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. While being charged, neither William nor Alissa has been arraigned in this case, court dockets show. You can read more from our previous coverage in April 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Bloomfields town government, already battered by a year of turbulence, hit another bump late last week when controversial Mayor Danielle Wong announced shes leaving more than two months before her term ends. Wongs departure sets up a key decision for the Democratic-dominated town council, which must choose a temporary replacement to serve through the November election. Wong emailed a notice to town hall Thursday announcing that shes moving out of Bloomfield and resigning on Aug. 24. That leaves about two weeks until whats likely to be a bitter primary contest on Sept. 9 between the party-endorsed candidates and a challenge slate led by several former town officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Bloomfields charter, the council gets to select an interim mayor to serve from Aug. 25 through Election Day. The selection could be a political boost for an incumbent councilor looking to build leadership credentials and name recognition before the November election. At the same time, though, it would mean coping with the widespread political sniping and bickering that has plagued Bloomfield for the past year. A nasty and divisive split over renaming the new Prosser Library in the town center dragged on for months, and bad will and mistrust is even dogging the ribbon-cutting ceremony set for Aug. 16. Neither the library staff nor trustees have been part of any of these celebration planning conversations, beyond informing the mayor and her team that this event on this date is premature, at best, and egregiously misguided at worst. She doesnt listen; we know this library board member Erin Corbett posted last week on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday at least two councilors told The Courant they are supporting Anthony Harrington to run the council through mid-November, when the newly elected council will choose a long-term mayor. Our current Deputy Mayor Anthony (Tony) Harrington has my full support to succeed Mayor Wong, Councilor Todd Cooper said. He is well positioned as the deputy to step in, having been an intricate part of the leadership and overall council that has produced initiatives, managed projects and created positive change for all of the neighborhoods and residents of Bloomfield. Majority Leader Kenneth McClary, who is leaving in November, agreed. I will be supporting Deputy Mayor Tony Harrington; he is well-positioned to fulfill the remainder of the term. He has demonstrated steady leadership and would be a strong choice to carry forward the work this council has done over the last two years to continue to stabilize Bloomfield while others tried to continue the disruption and offer no solutions on how we build Bloomfield, McClary wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrington declined to discuss whether hes interested in filling Wongs job, but offered praise for her work. The mayor has spearheaded many vibrant community projects dealing with our town parks, road restoration, affordable housing, town center economic development, youth mental health et al, he wrote. Councilor Michael Oliver said only that the council is discussing the matter, and Councilor Cindi Lloyd said she hasnt made a choice yet. While the social media contributors are doing their usual speculating, name calling and denigrating of councilors on some of the incendiary pages, I have given no thought to it as of yet, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Councilor Joe Merritt suggested Harrington is the likely choice. Even though I have the most experience having started on the town council 50 years ago, as a minority Republican it will never happen that I would be chosen to be mayor until the term ends in November, he wrote. If we do choose a permanent mayor for the three months it probably will be our deputy mayor. Wong announced April 25 on Facebook that she had decided against seeking another term. Although I will no longer serve as mayor, I am not saying goodbye to public service, Wong wrote. I look forward to cheering on this towns future and to staying involved in ways that uplift the community that has given me so much. Bloomfield will always have my heart, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will continue to serve out the remainder of my term with the same dedication and focus that I brought to day one, she said in that announcement. But just a little more than three months later, she notified town leaders Thursday that shell be leaving about 10 weeks before her term ends. Ill be moving out of Bloomfield later this summer as my family and I prepare for a new chapter, Wong wrote last week. In order to ensure a smooth transition as my children begin their new school year, I will be stepping down as mayor and from the council effective August 24, 2025, 11:59pm. Critics on social media promptly slammed her performance as mayor, while her political allies posted messages of praise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For nearly four years, Bloomfield has been led by someone who divided our community instead of bringing it together. Under her leadership, weve seen neighbors turned against each other, important issues left unresolved, and a complete lack of accountability, wrote Rickford Kirton, a former council member who is organizing a Democratic primary challenge to get back in office. While some supported her because of political alliances or personal identity, we must stop excusing bad leadership simply because someone is a woman, a person of color, or checks a box, he wrote on Facebook. Emiddio Botta, owner of the local Pasticceria Italia, wrote She did nothing but make false promises to me and my business, then she just no-showed. No one in the town had anything nice to say about her. She resigned, she abandoned the town because she couldnt finish what she promised. Republican Councilor Shamar Mahon posted Mayor Wongs tenure can be defined as out of touch and non-responsive to the will of the community one thing is for certain, Wongs time as mayor was certainly polarizing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But others defended Wong as a successful leader who was hounded by resentful former officials who were voted out when her slate was elected. Im thankful for her efforts to plan for a better town center, bring life back to Rockwell Park, and work collaboratively with the Board of Education, Democratic Town Chair Renae James wrote on Facebook. Shes been a great leader. Resident Tollie Miller posted praise for Wongs work. Thank you for bringing order to council meetings and subsequent accomplishments for our town. All the while suffering ridiculous attacks on your character from a small minded group who were voted out by citizens, Miller wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merritt also offered praise. Our current mayor has done a good job running meetings so its too bad shes leaving, he wrote. Unfortunately, mudslinging by a former councilor trying to return to office has made things unpleasant. The Netherlands will buy 500 million euros ($577 million) of US weapons for Ukraine, becoming the first NATO member to fund a full package under a new scheme to speed deliveries from American stockpiles, the defence ministry said. The purchase will be under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism launched by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte last month. Under the scheme, countries pay Washington for defence systems and munitions in US warehouses that are then shipped to Ukraine, which has been battling a Russian invasion since February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Netherlands is now taking the lead in supplying military equipment from American stockpiles," Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on X. "By supporting Ukraine with determination, we are increasing the pressure on Russia to negotiate." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in a call on Monday evening. "These weapons are badly needed," Schoof posted on X, highlighting the near-daily drone and missile attacks by Russia. The Dutch package includes US Patriot missile parts and other systems tailored to Ukraine's front-line requirements, according to the defence ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brekelmans called the Russian air strikes "pure terror" and warned that Moscow's advance into Ukrainian territory could pose a broader threat to Europe. "The more Russia dominates Ukraine, the greater the danger to the Netherlands and our NATO allies," he said. Washington is releasing military support for Ukraine in $500 million tranches under the PURL mechanism. While other allies have pledged to join the initiative, the Netherlands is the first to transfer funds. It has already pledged tanks, drones, ammunition and support for F-16 training and delivery to Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the move, calling it a vital first step under the new framework. "Great to see the Netherlands taking the lead and funding the first package of US military equipment for Ukraine," he said on X. "I thank Allies for getting Ukraine the equipment it urgently needs to defend against Russian aggression." srg/tw With its historic windmills and gabled wooden houses nestling by a meandering river, the picture-perfect and TikTok-famous area of Zaanse Schans is a must-see for any visitor to the Netherlands. But the village of centuries-old buildings near Amsterdam has become "a national symbol of overtourism", according to local authorities, who now want to charge a hotly contested entrance fee. The fierce debate over the 17.50-euro ($20) ticket planned for next year comes during a global backlash against mass tourism that has seen hotspots like Venice charge for day trips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a glorious summer day when AFP visited, long queues for the world-famous windmills snaked outside the doors and crowds shuffled over bridges, waiting in line for Instagram-ready snaps of the bucolic scenery. Buses disgorge scores of day-tripping tourists all day long, packing into a relatively small area that is public and free to visit -- for now. The council in nearby Zaanstad says the fee is vital to preserve the heritage buildings, which are coming under "severe pressure" from high tourist numbers. "For several years now, the Zaanse Schans has been a national symbol of overtourism," said alderman Wessel Breunesse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 2.6 million tourists visited last year, a figure set to rise to three million in coming years if nothing is done, the council says. An entrance fee could reduce the annual volume to around 1.8 million and bring in millions of euros to preserve these historic buildings. "Doing nothing is not an option. Without sufficient resources for adequate maintenance, the heritage will be lost in the short term (five to seven years)," said the council in a statement sent to AFP. - Tourism-dependent economy - What many tourists do not know until they arrive is that while many of the buildings date from the 16th century, the site itself is a recent and artificial oddity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After World War II, traditional timber construction was in danger of dying out for good. Eager to preserve this slice of history, local mayor Joris in 't Veld came up with a plan: he would uproot the houses and relocate them to a new protected site. The first mill arrived in 1955, the first house a few years later. Eventually, the "Zaanse Schans" site was famous enough to be officially "opened" by Queen Juliana in 1972. "The Zaanse Schans was never conceived as the international crowd-puller it is today, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world," noted alderman Breunesse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for local resident and businesswoman Ingrid Kraakman, the plan to charge an entrance fee would spell disaster, both as a citizen and for the cheese shop in which she works. "As a resident from this area, I don't want to live behind a fence... that's not OK," the 62-year-old told AFP from her 17th-century home in the heart of Zaanse Schans. Kraakman and her husband Ko have lived in the area for 33 years and believe an entrance fee would be a death blow for the local economy and jobs. "There's a lot of fear," she said, estimating that around 80 percent of the local economy is dependent on tourism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her cheese shop is brimming with tourists, attracted by free samples and souvenirs, but she said the fee would be a major drag on spending. A family of four would already be paying around 80 euros with parking, reducing their budget for on-site purchases, she noted. "They don't buy cheese. They don't buy clocks. They buy a souvenir or maybe the smallest cheese there is," she told AFP. - Referendum demand - The Kraakmans have collected more than 2,000 signatures for a referendum on the issue, but their push has so far fallen on deaf ears in the town hall. Aware of some local hostility, the council has pledged the site will stay free for locals and that there will be no physical fence around the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the plans are for next year, an amendment was introduced to allow for the possibility of delays. Now 2026 seems too short a deadline -- a "moonshot", said one local official on condition of anonymity. Most tourists said the trip would be worth it even if they had to pay. Spanish visitor Robert Duque told AFP: "It's a lovely place but sometimes it's too crowded and you don't really get to enjoy the full experience." The 35-year-old operations manager said he would welcome the entrance fee to crimp tourist volumes. "I think it's good, so we can stagger the arrival of guests and we can enjoy the facilities more," said Duque. ric/srg/rlp GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) ECU is hosting the Engineering and Technology Symposium on August 7th, which aims to connect higher education with school curricular standards. According to a press release, around 250 K-12 educators from North Carolina are expected to attend the event, which includes speakers, demonstrations, networking, and hands-on activities designed to help teachers integrate real-world technology into their classrooms. The symposium also helps schools obtain the requirements necessary for the STEM Schools of Distinction designation. Event information: Date: Thursday, August 7th, 2025 Start: 8:30 a.m. Location: East Carolina University, Main Campus Student 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 WNCT. It would come as too great a shock to the Government to admit that Donald Trump is right and Ed Miliband wrong. But its true anyway, at least in terms of the recognition by the US president of the massive national resource that the North Seas oil and gas fields are to the UK. This is a recognition that the Labour Energy Secretary seems to be resisting. Miliband has presided over a calamitous decline in the number of jobs in the North Sea in the year since his party regained power at the 2024 general election. More than 13,000 jobs about 37 every day have gone, even as the Government chooses to stand firm on its commitment not to grant any new oil and gas exploration licences in the North Sea and our dependence on foreign energy supplies grows. According to the Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) trade association, 57,200 out of a total of 117,900 jobs, both directly and in the broader supply chain, were lost in the decade after 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In almost any other industry, such devastation for families and the economy would have been marked by protest marches, a Government lobbying campaign and at least a handful of folk songs. But oil workers are not miners, even if their industry looks to be heading the same way. Preventing the issuing of new exploration licences might please the small number of teenagers and bored pensioners who have the time and energy to throw soup around art galleries and close off main thoroughfares as part of their campaign against oil, but it has also led to a significant dependence on foreign imported oil and gas 47 per cent of our total energy needs in the first quarter of this year, according to Milibands own department. Thats nearly ten per cent higher than in 2019. It threatens to be a vicious economic cycle: fewer domestic jobs in the North Sea oil sector means less tax revenue for the Treasury, while increased imports of oil and gas risk Britains carbon emissions targets because of the very act of transporting it across the globe. Never was the temptation for a department or a cabinet minister to virtue signal their green credentials greater, even at the risk of losing high-skilled, well-paid jobs in a sector that has proved indispensable to Scotland and the wider country in the last 50 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief political problem for Miliband and his officials and indeed the entire political class is that the real narrative about climate change, if told honestly, is not one that would prove popular with voters. Reducing our carbon footprint was always going to be expensive and painful. So in order to sweeten that pill, politicians of all parties started talking about a just transition. This essentially means the replacement of old jobs that are dependent on oil with new, shiny jobs that are carried out by smiling university graduates with hard hats standing in fields full of windmills. The reality, however, is that that transition will not be as smooth or as painless as our political leaders want it to be. The modern job market is not subject to the whims of governments, except at the margins, and the transition, as amply shown by the job loss figures in the last decade, will be messy and painful. Yet the pretence is seen as necessary, otherwise voters simply wont vote for parties that support saving the planet, and so the greater good must be prioritised over short-term goals like employment and prosperity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miliband could ameliorate the damage done to the North Sea jobs market by easing up on his ideological opposition to new drilling licences. During his recent visit to Scotland, president Trump described the North Sea as a treasure chest, but observed also that the Government have essentially told drillers and oil companies that we dont want you. This is evidently true. So long as the Government maintains its North Sea windfall tax on the industry, refuses to grant new drilling licences and depends on increasing volumes of foreign oil imports, there is very little for the industry, and the individuals and families that rely upon it, to look forward to. With the imminent winding down of the Grangemouth oil refinery and the loss of hundreds of jobs there the site is to be converted to an import terminal for finished fuel Scotland is set to be hit hardest by this Governments energy strategy. And Scottish voters may well severely punish Labour in the next election: could 2029 be another 2015? Historically, Labour in office has frequently found ways of compromising its high-minded socialist principles if that was what was necessary for defending the livelihoods for working people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such compromises were swiftly condemned by those on the partys Left. Now we have a cabinet minister who, in another age, would have been one of those critics. If a new, imaginative and economically serious path is to be charted out of the industrial vandalism currently being wrought on the North Sea, a new Energy Secretary might have to lead the way. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Part of the former Hallmans Chevrolet building in downtown Rochester is about to see new life with an addition to the citys coffee culture. Eden Coffee & Co. is set to open its doors in Rochesters East End later this month. The cafe will replace what used to be Bubble Fusion, which closed in 2021, inside the historic property on East Avenue. The adjacent space that housed SPOT Coffee for 25 years is still vacant. However, co-owner Lulu Karabyn says its part of where she drew inspiration for the business. My grandmother would take me and my sisters there when we first moved here from Ukraine. Its a core memory that I have, and I was inspired to create something else for the community as well that I can make my own with my husband, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karabyn has called the Rochester area home for most of her life. She moved from Ukraine with her family in 2008. She met her husband, Jordan Wood, in Nashville nearly two years ago. With a background in real estate, the couple decided to come back to Rochester to begin their business venture. I think its under the vein of nothing ventured, nothing gained. Were not hesitant to try to do something new and were hoping not only is it going to be beneficial to us, but the people around us that were going to be here serving, said Wood. When the cafe opens, customers can expect hand-crafted drinks and bakery items and plenty of florals bringing a bit of southern charm to upstate New York. The couple has spent months re-painting and re-modeling, while maintaining the buildings art deco style. Were very excited to be open and get some people to finally be able to enjoy this space that was closed off for so long. Im just really excited for people to be in here again, and the architecture speaks for itself, said Karabyn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owners anticipate opening Eden Coffee & Co. by the end of August, if not a few weeks before. Updates about the business will be shared on their Instagram account. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Last week, Orange County government took three swift hits in a row from state officials who should have been supporting one of the states economic powerhouses, not attacking it. First, the state announced it would be auditing Orange Countys spending which will almost certainly translate into an ideologically fueled hunt for spending Gov. Ron DeSantis doesnt approve of. The second, a hamfisted move to bully Orange County into modifying an agreement with federal immigration officials, featured outrageous falsehoods and an over-the-top threat to remove all seven members of the County Commission from office. Mayor Jerry Demings narrowly averted that threat by signing the demanded changes early Friday morning. But the final blow really hit below the belt and was aimed at not just the countys elected leaders, but at more than 100,000 voters who overwhelmingly approved protections for rural lands that were meant to fight sprawl and guide development into more sustainable patterns. On Thursday, county officials received a letter from the state Department of Commerce, declaring the rural boundaries and the countys entire Vision 2050 plan, a monumental revision to the countys comprehensive growth plan to be null and void. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the hill where Orange Countys leaders should stand and fight. In fact, they have already resolved to do so. But they probably didnt anticipate that their first legal opposition would come, not from developers, but a group of Tallahassee bureaucrats. Last weeks barrage of bullying from the state should only strengthen Orange Countys resolve. Its truly disgusting to watch state officials weigh in, so overwhelmingly and prematurely, on the side of big-money development interests that want to push subdivisions and strip malls into some of Floridas most fragile ecosystems. This threat is not just speculative. Last year, the commission said a firm no to a developer who wanted to dump hundreds of houses and businesses into the watershed of the Econ River. The countys rural boundaries amendment approved by 73% of voters in the November election was meant to give the county better tools to guide growth toward the countys existing urban areas. It was coupled to a second amendment that restricts developers ability to skirt county regulations by annexing into cities. Both amendments were incorporated into the countys sweeping Vision 2050 plan, an overhaul of Orange Countys blueprint for growth over the next 25 years. The plan has been in the works for nearly a decade, and was passed before DeSantis signed the law (SB 180) that state officials are now using to declare Vision 2050 and Orange Countys voter-approved growth controls invalid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 180, passed in the spring legislative session and approved by DeSantis a few months ago, started life as a common-sense measure meant to help storm-wrecked communities recover more quickly. But it contained a last-minute poison pill a measure that blocks any growth regulations that can be construed more burdensome than pre-storm rules. The change was subtle enough that most legislators missed it. But now, state officials are interpreting the law so broadly and vaguely that it could crush any attempt to update local growth decisions. This hands developers what local journalist Jason Garcia describes on his Seeking Rents site as a legal sledgehammer to demolish responsible growth decisions including plans intended to protect communities against flooding and other storm-driven ravages. It appears that this law or at least, the states interpretation of it is ripe for challenge. Orange County should lead the fight, but it should also look to Floridas other 66 counties and hundreds of municipalities for support. If Orange Countys entire growth roadmap, and two resounding votes of its residents, can be erased by a few dozen vague words slipped into legislation at the last minute, no county is safe. The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Executive Editor Roger Simmons and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com Editors note: This editorial originally ran in fellow CNHI paper the Gainesville Daily Register. Sen. King is not taking redistricting interviews at this time. That was the response back from a state senators office to a newspaper inquiry earlier this week at another CNHI publication in Weatherford, Texas, regarding Texas newly proposed congressional map. The new lines, which appear to be more concentrated in areas surrounding the Metroplex, Houston and Austin, are expected to add five Republican House seats by flipping those currently held by Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last redistricting map was produced in 2021. Typically, the process is done every 10 years, after new census data is released. So why now? Is this merely following an order from President Trump to pick up the additional five seats? Is this latest proposal an attempt to keep Republicans in power? Why is it only Democratic-elected districts that become more competitive in the new map, and none for the GOP? Is this, as some are arguing, to try and increase Republicans majority in the U.S. House? These, and more, fill our notepad. But at least for now, it seems theyll remain unanswered by King, who serves as the chair of the Senate redistricting committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its likely lawmakers may not yet want to comment on something that is still fluid. After all, theres still plenty to hash out, not including the likelihood that whatever outcome will be challenged in court. (Litigation over whether or not the current map discriminated against Black and hispanic voters is ongoing in federal court in El Paso, with no verdict yet reached.) So why not just say that? Somewhere along the way, our elected officials have begun turning deaf ears to the people they represent. Take Congress Republicans refusing to participate in town halls during the Congressional recess, for instance. Or the U.S. House closing early for the summer to avoid taking any action on the Epstein issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Just release the files, already!) Elected officials work for you. Thats not an exaggeration or an interpretation. As a resident, a taxpayer, a voter, you are literally their boss. So why are we not holding them accountable to us, to transparency about what is going on, and whether our voices are being heard? Advocacy is essential, and elected officials need to hear from their constituents. Make a call. Send an email. Show up. Contact your representatives and share your perspective (respectfully but consistently) on what issues are most important to you. Let them know youre paying attention. President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, May 17, 2025; illustrative. (photo credit: HADI MIZBAN/POOL VIA REUTERS) Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also rejected claims that Egypt is complicit in the blockade of the Gaza Strip. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Tuesday accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. He said the war in Gaza aims not only to defeat Hamas but to starve the population, commit genocide, and eliminate the Palestinian cause. The comments came as Israels security cabinet debated whether to permit a full military occupation of Gaza. Sisi said history would hold many countries accountable for their stance on the war, as he strongly rejected claims that his country is complicit in the blockade of the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, Sisi criticized the bankrupt accusations that Egypt was contributing to the suffering of Gazas population. He said history will take serious note and will hold many countries accountable and put them on trial for their position on the war in Gaza, adding that the global human conscience will not remain silent for long. Addressing claims that Egypt has played a role in the blockade of Gaza and in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, Sisi dismissed them as unfounded and absurd. The claims made by some that Egypt is participating in the blockade of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and contributing to their starvation is bankruptcy these are strange words, he said. Egyptian Red Crescent lorries with humanitarian aid, bound for the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, at the Rafah border crossing, in Egypt, July 27, 2025. (credit: Egyptian Red Crescent/Handout via REUTERS) Egypt is at the forefront of efforts to halt the war and deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza, he said. More than 5,000 aid trucks are currently stationed on Egyptian territory and are ready to enter the Strip, either from Egypt or through coordination with other nations, according to Sisi. Sisi: Egypt making 'significant efforts' to stop war, provide humanitarian aid to Gaza Egypt has not abandoned its role in facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, he said. We are making significant efforts to stop the war and ensure the flow of assistance to those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Egyptian president also clarified the logistics of Gazas connectivity to the outside world, pointing out that the enclave has five border crossings, only one of which, Rafah, is shared with Egypt. The rest, he noted, are controlled by the Israeli side. In a broader appeal to the international community, Sisi said the humanitarian situation in Gaza was being cynically exploited as a political bargaining chip, and he criticized what he called the failure of the global community to act decisively. He urged global powers to recognize the severity of the crisis and to work toward a resolution that ends both the violence and the suffering. Credit: Telegram/Babr_Mash In-cabin brawls seem to feature in the newspapers almost every week. This week, footage emerged of a passenger behaving in an aggressive manner on a flight from the Russian city of Ulan-Ude (near Mongolia) to Moscow. The crew on the flight made an intercom announcement asking passengers to assist in restraining the disorderly passenger, who was later filmed with his head bloodied and bandaged up. The plane landed safely in Moscow, where the passenger was met by local police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air rage is officially on the rise: between 2019 and 2022, the number of unruly passenger incidents on UK airlines trebled according to the Civil Aviation Authority. What should you expect if youre caught up in the chaos? Below, cabin crew member Jay Robert, who also runs the aviation industrys social media community A Fly Guys Cabin Crew Lounge, explains how airline staff deal with these incidents and what you can do to help. We watch you at the airport Passenger profiling begins at check-in. Intoxication is the main cause of disruptive in-flight behaviour so ticket counter staff undergo training to identify signs of intoxication. They dont check in passengers who appear to be under the influence of any substances. Thanks to online check-in, many passengers now bypass this initial point of contact though. It means that the boarding gate can be the first place for staff to identify anyone with the potential to be aggressive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a former airline gate agent at one of the worlds busiest airports, one of my primary objectives was to prevent problematic passengers from boarding the aircraft, while some pilots and flight attendants also conduct an initial scan of passengers pre-boarding. On one occasion, a pilot denied boarding to a passenger at my boarding gate after witnessing their behaviour towards airport restaurant staff while waiting for a takeaway order. Were trained for the worst Aviation security training typically fills at least one, if not two, days of the initial training curriculum for cabin crew. New joiners learn the airlines specific techniques for restraining violent passengers. Each airline takes a unique approach: some draw inspiration from military tactics developed by government special forces while others incorporate martial arts. The extent of training provided by an airline often correlates to the duration of its flights, with crew members on long-haul routes receiving more comprehensive training due to the higher number of passengers and limited diversion options. Cabin crew are trained in how to deal with the worst case scenario - alamy At my training college, a Taekwondo master taught us restraint techniques that he had developed to manipulate pressure points for effective immobilisation with minimal effort and injury. These skills were regularly refreshed and practised under the guidance of a black belt Taekwondo instructor during our mandatory annual training sessions. We avoid a fight if possible Cabin crew remain vigilant throughout the flight, aware that we may need to utilise our training at a moments notice. Before every journey, we participate in a pre-flight briefing to assess any potential threats and discuss and strategise about the methods we will employ should any issues arise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, alcohol consumption and the behavioural tendencies of different cultures under its influence are the primary threats to a peaceful flight. Passengers on UK routes are infamous for drinking, with destinations such as Manchester and Newcastle proving the most problematic of the lot historically. To counteract the threat, crew focus on the appropriate serving of alcohol as well as the best non-physical techniques to handle drunken Brits in order to avoid physical confrontation. As a senior crew member, Id often use a British crew member to handle British passengers: they always seemed to know what to say to get them to simmer down. We have a plan when punches start to fly Even with the most effective de-escalation techniques, conflicts still arise. The way that the crew handle these depends on several factors, including the scale of the altercation relative to the number of staff. A small crew may require assistance from other passengers to end the disturbance, whereas larger aircraft typically have a larger number of well-trained cabin staff to provide backup and diffuse any altercations. The primary objective is to separate the conflicting parties so that we can safeguard the wellbeing of all passengers and crew. But we have to consider our own safety, which influences our level of involvement in larger disputes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airlines often share the success rates of the techniques they teach us, reinforcing our trust in our training and ensuring we stick to our procedures. If aggression is directed towards us rather than other passengers (as is usually the case), its easier to deal with: our focus is on maintaining order rather than engaging in physical altercations. Surprise is our ultimate weapon In order to maximise the effectiveness of their restraint techniques, airlines dont share them with the public. Neither do they reveal the tools used by airline crew. However, airline staff get plenty of experience with communication and excel at it. Our interpersonal skills are the most effective tool that crew members can use before resorting to physical force. We are specially trained to use our verbal abilities in specific patterns to diffuse confrontations. 'Passengers on UK routes are infamous for drinking,' says Robert - getty If words fail, were forced to resort to physical measures. Handcuffs or other types of restraints are commonly available to contain disruptive passengers until the plane lands and law enforcement takes over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with procedures and training, sometimes its best to use what we have to hand in order to defend ourselves. A couple of years ago, an American Airlines flight attendant even put a coffee pot to the head of a violent passenger during a domestic flight in the USA. Were usually grateful for your help Since September 11, more passengers seem keen to play a role in resolving disruptive behaviour and flight attendants are trained to solicit assistance on some airlines. Other carriers prefer crew to handle incidents, seeking assistance only from passengers who are professionally trained in takedowns, such as police officers or soldiers. Airlines employing this approach claim it results in fewer injuries and poses less risk of harm to the restrained individual. If you are willing to assist the crew and belong to law enforcement or the military, are certified in martial arts or are a licensed medical professional, you can identify yourself as an ABP (able-bodied passenger) and provide your seat location to the cabin crew. We sometimes need medical support after the event In the aftermath of the pandemic, reports of abuse and attacks on cabin crew have reached an all-time high. We carry out our duties so as to safeguard the travelling public, but sadly we seem to be bearing the brunt of the publics diminished patience and rising aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Far too many of us are finishing our flights with cuts and bruises after abuse from passengers. Following a traumatic incident onboard, it is common practice for a responsible airline to not only provide medical care but also reach out to the crew and see if they require any additional mental health support before they can be deemed fit to resume their flying duties. We value intel from passengers Theyre our eyes and ears in the cabin and play a crucial role in aviation safety. Many potentially hazardous situations have been identified and rectified thanks to passengers alerting flight attendants after observing suspicious behaviour. Just as you are encouraged to report suspicious items in airports, I would urge passengers to report any aggressive behaviour from fellow passengers towards ground staff or cabin crew. Even seemingly minor infractions (such as sneaking alcoholic drinks on board) can lead to disruptive behaviour. This article was first published in March 2024, and has been updated with the latest information. 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. UPDATE: Power has been restored at 2:32 p.m. for customers who were affected by the outage following the structure fire, according to El Paso Electric. ORIGINAL: EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Over 1,000 residents are experiencing a power outage following a Condition 3 structure fire on Tuesday morning, Aug. 5, in Central El Paso, according to the El Paso Electric. Photo credit of El Paso Electrics website The utility said approximately 1,100 customers in the Central El Paso area may be experiencing an outage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our substation crews have been working to restore power as safely and as soon as possible, El Paso Electric added. As we previously reported, the El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) knocked down a structure fire on Tuesday morning. Photo credit of TxDOT cams. EPFD said the call came in at 10:20 a.m. at 601 N. Cotton Street about a vacant building fire. A total of 21 units and 56 firefighters responded at the scene, and the fire was knocked down as of 10:43 a.m., EPFD added. No injuries or transports were reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. (NewsNation) An elite group of Border Patrol agents has found success cracking cases away from the border, in part due to the complicated and rugged conditions the group is used to working in. NewsNation got an exclusive look at the Border Patrol Tactical Unit, or BORTAC, which has been called in on high-profile cases such as the search for escaped Arkansas convict and ex-police chief Grant Hardin, known as the Devil in the Ozarks. When (BORTAC) is the best of the best, its because of the work they do in a rural setting tracking people, Gil Kerlikowske, chief of Customs and Border Protection during the Obama administration, told NewsNation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee shooting suspect in police custody after manhunt While news of BORTACs success in locating and apprehending Hardin added to the units reputation, National BORTAC Cmdr. Christopher Voss considered it just another case of his group doing its job. Voss said in BORTACs case, how the team is built and its selectivity are by design. But the more attention the unit receives for completing another successful mission, the greater the demand becomes, as the units track record speaks for itself to state and local agencies seeking assistance from federal agents. Im glad Im not a person who has to compete against them, said Victor Manjarrez, director of the University of Texas-El Pasos Center for Law and Human Behavior and the U.S. Border Patrols retired sector chief in Tucson. Theyre just a higher-quality agent. Theyre better skilled and better equipped. BORTAC called into cases across the country After completing a rigorous training and selection process, life inside the unit becomes one dependent on balance. BORTAC agents are expected to keep an ear to the ground on current events around the country, ensuring they have a working knowledge of possible situations the unit could be deployed into. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of an influx of illegal crossings of the U.S.-Mexico border since 2021, BORTAC agent Juan Angel Vasquez said the unit has maintained a steady tempo of activity in recent years. BORTAC was credited with the 2022 capture of escaped Pennsylvania prison escapee Danelo Cavalcante, one of several high-profile cases the elite tactical unit has worked in recent years. (Photo courtesy of BORTAC). The unit was called in to help during the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, as well as the manhunt in Pennsylvania for Danelo Cavalcante in 2023. Previously, the unit had been called in response to riots in Portland after the 2020 killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, before turning its focus to immigration enforcement efforts around the country since the start of this year. Following the Hardin capture, BORTAC agents were also dispatched to Washington state to assist in the search for Travis Decker, who remains missing after allegedly killing his three daughters. Homeowner kills tenant trying to break in with harpoon: Prosecutors Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those are huge, high-profile operations, and basically, the words out there on that, Voss told NewsNation, adding that the units success has created an increase in caseload. Because of that people call us and ask us to assist them. BORTAC, the highly-trained elite tactical unit within the U.S. Border Patrol, has seen an increase in workload based on what its commander calls mission success. (Photo courtesy of BORTAC) BORTAC, the highly-trained elite tactical unit within the U.S. Border Patrol, has seen an increase in workload based on what its commander calls mission success. (Photo courtesy of BORTAC) BORTAC, the highly-trained elite tactical unit within the U.S. Border Patrol, has seen an increase in workload based on what its commander calls mission success. (Photo courtesy of BORTAC) BORTAC, the highly-trained elite tactical unit within the U.S. Border Patrol, has seen an increase in workload based on what its commander calls mission success. (Photo courtesy of BORTAC) BORTAC, the highly-trained elite tactical unit within the U.S. Border Patrol, has seen an increase in workload based on what its commander calls mission success. (Photo courtesy of BORTAC) Grant Hardin, the ex-police chief known as the Devil In the Ozarks, was captured by BORTAC agents. (Photo courtesy of BORTAC) BORTAC, the highly-trained elite tactical unit within the U.S. Border Patrol, has seen an increase in workload based on what its commander calls mission success. (Photo courtesy of BORTAC) BORTAC, the highly-trained elite tactical unit within the U.S. Border Patrol, has seen an increase in workload based on what its commander calls mission success. (Photo courtesy of BORTAC) Agents assigned to BORTAC operations told NewsNation they have not faced animosity from other law enforcement agencies they assist. Instead, because the agencies involved share an end goal, they find that other investigators are thankful for the assistance. For Voss and his BORTAC team, though, every operation, regardless of its profile, is about carrying out their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we get (in) on the ground, we get in where we fit in and were aiming for the same thing, Voss told NewsNation. And thats mission success and protecting the American public. BORTACs selection process For the agents who are assigned to high-profile manhunts or other dangerous missions, doing the job well often comes down to mindset. Vasquez said BORTAC training is meant to intentionally place potential agents through the physical and mental ringer, setting them up for success when called upon. Vasquez said maintaining a sense of work-life balance within a unit and keeping agents fresh through peaks and valleys is a very fine line to walk. It sounds cliche, but this is, like, the type of thing that everybody wants to do in this job, one of the BORTAC agents involved in Hardins capture told NewsNation. Thats why you do it, you know? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BORTAC selects only between 20% and 30% of Border Patrol agents who complete the units rigorous training process, something Voss credits as a primary reason for the units success rate. 4th military border zone established in Yuma Like Green Berets, Army Rangers, Navy Seals and other Special Operations groups, the division of federal agents counted among BORTACs elite is considered a different breed. Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety worked alongside BORTAC at Uvalde and considers the unit a last resort, called in when all other state and local resources have been exhausted. But once they were brought in, Olivarez said he appreciated the units team-first approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not so much about one agency taking credit for everything, Olivarez told NewsNation. At the end of the day, you need to work together in order to get a goal accomplished. Voss said the teams success is based on a zero fail mindset that is instilled in each agent during training, preparing them for the work ahead. Like in the capture of Hardin in Arkansas, each mission BORTAC accomplishes is met with temporary satisfaction with the understanding that another operation is likely around the corner. We never know where were going to be, and so always keeping ourselves ready is just one of those things, Vasquez said. But every time we complete a mission, there is a sigh of relief that it came to a successful law enforcement conclusion and that our folks are safe and everybody is safer because of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) The SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina Animal Shelter in Elizabeth City was fined $14,750 for violating various animal welfare regulations on Aug. 1, according to the Animal Welfare Section of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Animal Welfare Section received a complaint July 14 of allegations that the animal shelter failed to provide adequate veterinary care to animals in its care and custody. Following the allegation, the Animal Welfare Section conducted an investigation July 17. The investigation unveiled the animal shelter failed to maintain records of veterinary care, including treatments, procedures and administration of medications. These violations were discovered between March and July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All medication is required to be documented, including date, time, strength and dosage of medicine under Title 02 NC Administrative Code. The shelter also failed to properly maintain the disposition record, which included the date and type of euthanasia offered to a dog in their care, the Animal Welfare Section said. According to the Animal Welfare Section, accurate records were not maintained within the shelter and records were not provided [to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services] upon request. The Animal Welfare Section mentioned the shelter failed to properly clean the closures a minimum of two times a day and many dogs were housed in feces-covered kennels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shelters Animal Welfare Section registration renewal stated that the daily cleanings occur at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., but shelter staff stated a second cleaning had not been done. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services found the shelter to be in violation of 19 different provisions, resulting in civil penalties of $14,750. The shelter is required to pay the civil penalties within 60 days or file a written petition to appeal the penalty assessment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Elizabeth Warren was on CNBC on Monday to talk about NYC mayor contender, Zohran Mamdani. Angela Weiss / Getty Images The senator from Massachusetts got into it with CNBC host David Faber about making things more affordable by taxing the rich. Angela Weiss / Getty Images Related: These Historical Pictures Of The White House Rose Garden Before It Was Paved Over Are Absolutely Mind-Blowing Here's that interaction: ELIZABETH WARREN: What Zohran is saying is 'I want people to be able to afford to live in NYC'FABER: But raising taxes in order to do it?WARREN: Oh my goodness! Oh dear! Are you worried that billionaires are going to go hungry? pic.twitter.com/9FHkAKSv4X Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 4, 2025 CNBC/atrupar/Twitter: @atrupar "The issue is affordability. Do you know how many working families are chased out of New York City every day because they cant afford housing, they cant afford groceries, they cant afford childcare?" she said. "What Zohran is saying is, 'I want people to be able to afford to live in New York City.' Thats what keeps it a vibrant city. Thats what makes people want to live here." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody disagrees with that, Senator, but raising taxes in order to do it? Why is that the answer? Faber replied back. Related: Hillary Clinton Just Hit On One Of Donald Trump's Biggest Insecurities With Three Words "Oh my goodness! Oh dear! Are you worried the billionaires are going to go hungry?" she quipped. "No, I'm worried that theyre going to leave and spend their money elsewhere," he said back. Related: "This Is Like Applauding A Grown Man For Being Able To Wipe Their Behind": 29 Of The Best, Most Brutal, And Funniest Political Tweets Of The Week "You know they've threatened to do that over and over. You want to have a workable city? You want to have a city that's vibrant? You want to have a city where the streets are full, where there are things for sale 24 hours a day, then you need people who can live here or work here. Not people who have to take an hour and a half in." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People in the replies are loving her explanation and in agreement that billionaires will, in fact, not leave NYC. "New York City is the cultural and financial capital of the country they are not going anywhere listen to yourself talking about fucking Austin lmaooo," one person said. Related: "Btch Yall Cant Even Eat Cake Made By A Queer": 25 Political Tweets Of The Week That Are So Brutal And So True "Rich people in new york city want to be rich in new york city. They arent moving to Dallas be so fucking for real!" another person replied. And this person joked, "'they'll leave' so tax them everywhere." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thoughts, feelings, concerns? Also in In the News: "How Can You Possibly Be This Ignorant": 26 Tweets Calling Out The Sh*t Show That Is Politics This Week Also in In the News: Gavin Newsom Has Been Roasting MAGA Left And Right, And WOW, Is It Entertaining Also in In the News: "My Generation Will Never Forgive You": 25 Of The Very Best And Very True Political Tweets From The Last Week Read it on BuzzFeed.com Elon Musk is the least popular public figure in America, according to a new study. Pollster Gallup found that out of a list of 14 prominent figures, the tech billionaire came dead last, ranked just below Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. Gallup asked 1,000 random American adults between July 7 and July 21 what they thought of the figures, with 61 percent of respondents having an unfavorable opinion of the Tesla boss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others on the list included Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden and Pope Leo XIV. Though the overwhelming majority had negative reactions towards him, 33 percent of respondents to the survey said they liked Musk, and six percent said they had no opinion on him at all. Elon Musk is the least popular public figure in America, according to a new study, which found that 61 percent of respondents had negative opinions of him (AP) The worlds richest mans fall from grace has been a speedy one, having enjoyed the self-proclaimed status of First Buddy to Donald Trump currying favor with the president and his stalwart MAGA base and leading controversial efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to slash spending. Gallup put his net favorability rate at -4 at the beginning of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, following an explosive fallout between the pair in early June, in which they traded blows from their respective social media platforms, Musk was ousted from Trumps inner circle with the president even suggesting that the South African-born businessman go back where he came from. Gallup now puts his net favorability rate at -28. The worlds richest mans fall from grace has been a speedy one, having enjoyed the self-proclaimed status of First Buddy to Donald Trump currying favor with the president and his stalwart MAGA base until an explosive fallout between the two men in June (AFP/Getty) Trumps lack of faith and endorsement have also mirrored that of Teslas stocks, which have been in steady decline. The electric vehicle manufacturer last month posted a 16 percent drop in net income for the second quarter of 2025 and a 12 percent fall in revenue for the same period. Musk and his reputation have even managed to turn people off EVs in general, according to a study by Williams College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trumps favorability was better than his former besties, the president still sits at net favorability of -16; 57 percent of respondents hold a negative view of the president and 41 hold a positive one. Only two percent had no opinion. Musk is even less popular that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (AP) Several members of the presidents close circle are viewed more positively, including vice president JD Vance, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, and even Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Netanyahu and Rubio occupy the second and third lowest spots on the poll, with -23 and -26 net favorability respectively. The Independent has reached out to Tesla for comment on the poor favorability of its head honcho. The White House has apparently decided that some of the administrations DOGE-directed firings were a mistake. The National Weather Service has received permission to hire hundreds of employees, CNN reported Tuesday. That includes 450 meteorologists, hydrologists, and radar technicians to replace the ones that were let go from the agency at the behest of former DOGE chief Elon Musk. The order also includes 126 openings for front-line mission critical personnel that had been previously approved, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration official who spoke with CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agencys recent shortcomings have come under scrutiny in the aftermath of the Texas floods, which killed at least 120 people, including 35 children.* Cuts to the department had severed contracts for more than 550 people, dropping the weather services staffing levels to below 4,000 total employees and sparking fears that the country could find itself terribly ill prepared amid peak hurricane season. Its possible that some of the new hires could be former employees brought back to the agency. NWS employees have been cautiously receptive to the news, which was first announced at an all-hands meeting on Monday, according to CNN. Exhausted staffers who had been tasked with working additional hours with added responsibilities due to the abrupt layoffs are reportedly irate at the realization that their peers job loss was pointless. How much time/money is it going to cost to train a bunch of new people when we had already-trained people in place? an unidentified NOAA official told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the only recent rescission of Musks efforts atop the federal government. The Office of Personnel Management released a memo to employees Tuesday announcing the end of Musks extremely controversial email initiative requiring federal employees to document their weekly accomplishments to the department. Musk and Trump were practically inseparable until the pair fell out over Trumps big, beautiful bill, which included funds to undo some of DOGEs work. The worlds richest manand Trumps biggest financieraccused the tax plan of being pork-filled while promising to torpedo Republicans midterm success by funding their opponents campaigns. (He failed to sway any Republican votes.) In the aftermath of the bill, Trump and the tech billionaire unloaded on one another on each of their respective social media platforms, accusing each other of being unlikable, untrustworthy, and even unreal. * This post originally mischaracterized the NWS response to the Texas flooding. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Newly uncovered emails show the state agency, initially tasked with investigating reports of nude images on State Superintendent Ryan Walters office TV, asked Walters himself to decide which of his own devices should be examinedbefore passing the investigation off to law enforcement. The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) confirmed it began investigating on July 25 after board member Becky Carson filed a complaint. Carson and fellow board member, Ryan Deatherage, claim they saw multiple fully nude women on Walters office TV during an executive session of the July school board meeting. RELATED Investigators: Walters TV could stream explicit content, what actually played still unclear Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say the images showed nude women doing something involving a chiropractic table, and that after Carson confronted Walters, he turned the TV off. Carsons complaint asked OMES to investigate Walterss computers, personal devices, and cell phones. But three days later, emails show the states Chief Information Officer contacted Walters directly, writing, I was asked by OMES general counsel to get with you to inspect a few devices in your office area. Can you please let us know which devices you would like us to inspect The message also told Walters that aligning with his schedule was OMESs top priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Assistant Oklahoma Attorney General and former State Board of Education member, Tim Gilpin, criticized the arrangement. Is that proper? I dont think so, Gilpin said. It is the investigators job to figure out where to look and what they need to ask for and to do it independently of the person that theyre investigating or that agency. An OSDE employee responded that investigators could inspect the Samsung TV in Walters office at 4 p.m. on July 28. RELATED: Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office joins investigation into Walters nude images allegations OMESs investigators later reported they couldnt draw any conclusions by looking only at the TV, and said a broader investigation was needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not a law enforcement agency, Gilpin said. I wouldnt be surprised that they would tiptoe around as to what theyre looking at and from who and ask permission first and seek guidance. Now, thats why this didnt belong in their office. That same day, OMES sent a letter to Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson asking his office to take over. Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna later requested that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation get involved as well. Both agencies confirmed to News 4 that their investigations are still ongoing. Chances are its a good thing this got quickly assigned to the county sheriffs office and the OSBI, Gilpin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 asked OMES why its investigators asked Walters which devices hed allow them to inspect. The agency said even though Carsons complaint prompted the investigation, state law required OMES to obtain formal permission before inspecting devices belonging to Walters or any OSDE employee. They say that only happened when Walters contacted OMES on July 28 to request an investigationand that he only granted permission to inspect the TV. RELATED: Investigation inquiry underway after bombshell reports say board members saw naked women on Ryan Walters office TV during meeting Still, email records show OMES never followed up to ask about inspecting other devices, such as Walters phones or computers, despite Carsons original complaint specifically requesting that. Instead, OMES responded to OSDEs scheduling email by saying, Thank you for the fast response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement agencies now handling the investigation are not bound by the same legal restrictions and are expected to have broader authority to access additional devices. Meanwhile, News 4 filed open records requests with both OMES and OSDE on July 25 seeking the internet history and browser cache for Walters phones, computers, and other devices. OSDE later told News 4 that the request would need to go to OMES. OMES then said the request was outside its purview and should be directed to OSDE. To date, neither agency has fulfilled the request or clarified who is responsible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Embassy Suites by Hilton Kansas City Plaza will be closing permanently. A spokesperson for Hilton told FOX4 that the hotel is expected to close in September. Recall election date set for Jackson County Executive Frank White We can confirm the hotel is expected to close effective September 15, 2025, at which time the property will no longer form part of the Hilton portfolio, the spokesperson said via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until then, guests can continue to book stays at the hotel. Its unclear what will be replacing the Hilton hotel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. While most of my work here at The New Mexican focuses on covering Santa Fes business community, it also includes coverage of the citys nonprofit sector. Thats why youll find a question-and-answer piece with Cathy Collins, the new executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Santa Fe, in todays business section. Collins joined the local Habitat chapter in March after previously leading two Habitat chapters in New York and Connecticut. As she details in her responses to my questions, Collins has joined the organization at a particularly challenging time, an era when it seems to be more difficult than ever to provide affordable housing for people in the Santa Fe area. Despite the best efforts of a variety of organizations, progress on that front has proven elusive in recent years, judging by the high number of workers here who choose to commute from the Albuquerque area, as well as the citys burgeoning homeless population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, there are some preliminary indications that the dramatic years-long increase in housing costs here is finally slowing down or even coming to a halt. The latest figures from the Santa Fe Association of Realtors show a big drop in single-family home sales in the second quarter of this year, meaning homes are staying on the market for much longer and their price increased at only a marginal rate. Beth Caldarello, the association president, said that could lead to the emergence of a buyers market in Santa Fe soon if those trends continue. In the multifamily market, the same dynamic appears to be unfolding. Several new apartment complexes have opened or will open soon, leading one developer to tell me last week that he believes Santa Fe already is in a renters market. As I plan on detailing in an upcoming story on the local housing market, in recent months, it has become common for apartment complex managers to offer four to six weeks of free rent as an enticement to new tenants in a suddenly very-competitive environment. All of that seems to be excellent news for working-class people in Santa Fe who have been struggling for years to keep an affordable roof over their head as rising housing costs have far outstripped wage gains. Whether this will turn into a long-term trend or just become a market blip remains to be seen. But in the days and weeks ahead, The New Mexican will be examining this issue from a variety of angles, hopefully providing some clarity on how things are likely to unfold in the near future. Some good news for frequent travellers: Airports across the European Union may soon start scrapping the restriction on liquids for hand luggage, which has been an unpopular rule for years. However, carry-on luggage remains disputed territory after EU lawmakers pushed to ban airlines from charging passengers for small bags - a move strongly opposed by the aviation sector. Currently, passengers may not carry liquids exceeding 100 millilitres, and containers have to be placed inside a resealable transparent plastic bag holding no more than 1 litre in total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This rule was introduced in 2006 after authorities foiled a terrorist plot involving liquid explosives smuggled aboard a plane at London's Heathrow Airport. It took almost 20 years, but the EU has now approved scanners capable of reliably detecting liquid explosives, potentially paving the way for the lifting of these longstanding restrictions. A European Commission spokeswoman said the new computed tomography (CT) scanners, similar to those used in medical imaging, can reliably identify threats and can therefore, in theory, allow passengers to carry larger bottles. It is now up to individual airports to adopt the technology, she added. Roughly 700 scanners equipped with the new software are currently in use or being installed across 21 EU countries, the commission said. According to news reports, some airports in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Ireland are among those already using them. Not an overnight update Several EU airports had already loosened the liquid restriction in July 2024 after installing the new CT scanners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But EU officials raised doubts about the reliability of the new baggage scanners. In Germany, for example, the police and Frankfurt Airport operator Fraport drew attention to the looming rule change. The European Commission therefore re-enforced a "temporary" restriction on liquid screening "at certain EU airports" as a precautionary measure from September 1, 2024. The measure was a little more relaxed, allowing travellers to leave the transparent bags of liquids in their hand luggage, rather than placing it separately in a security tray. The EU's official approval of the new scanners now paves the way for airports to start relying on them for their security checks. However, implementation is set to take time due to outdated equipment and technical hurdles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokeswoman for Germany's ADV airport association said a full nationwide rollout will be complex and expensive, requiring not just the new equipment but structural modifications due to the size of the machines. At Frankfurt Airport the country's busiest 40 of about 190 security lanes are equipped with the new systems, with another 40 on order, a spokeswoman said. However, passengers still face the 100-millilitre limit because it's unclear which scanner will inspect their bags and some of the new devices are still missing the necessary software. Munich Airport faces similar delays, with software upgrades postponed until after the busy holiday season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Slovenia's main international airport, Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport, operator Fraport upgraded its X-ray equipment to screen hand luggage when a new terminal opened in 2021. It already uses advanced technology in accordance with the latest standard (EDS 3.1) for screening hold baggage, which enables three-dimensional analysis of the contents of the baggage and is capable of detecting explosives. "As far as hand luggage is concerned, we are currently still examining all aspects: benefits, costs, space requirements and the impact on the entire security screening process. This is a major investment, which involves not only the purchase of equipment, but also adjustments to the infrastructure and organization of the terminal," the company said. In Spain, a new CT scanner is also already in operation at Palma de Mallorca Airport and more are in the process of being installed at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, where they are operational in some inspection lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Romania, the software update necessary to meet the conditions for lifting the restrictions at airports is almost ready. The National Company Bucharest Airports informed AGERPRES that lifting restrictions depends on the completion of the installation and commissioning operations of all equipment. According to the project implementation schedule, the completion of those operations was to occur no later than the first quarter of 2026. The Romanian SRI intelligence service, which carries out security control at all airports in Romania, said in July that lifting restrictions on liquids in hand luggage will be possible exclusively at airports in Romania that have recertified and fully updated equipment. The fight for 'free' hand luggage The cost of small carry-on luggage remains a contentious issue in the aviation field. Many low-cost tickets include only one small on-board item like a small backpack or laptop bag with airlines charging extra for other hand baggage, a practice deemed unlawful by consumer rights organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, some 15 European associations requested that the European Commission launch an EU-wide investigation into the hand-luggage fee policies of seven low-cost airlines. EasyJet, Norwegian, Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea, Vueling and Wizzair "impose undue charges on consumers," the French consumer rights organization Confederation de la Consommation, du Logement et du Cadre de Vie (CLCV) said in a statement. "The European Court of Justice ruled ... in 2014 that the transport of carry-on luggage cannot be subject to an additional charge, provided it meets reasonable requirements in terms of weight, dimensions, and safety rules," the association emphasized. However, according to the collective of associations, these seven airlines impose charges for reasonably sized carry-on luggage that they classify as "large": 36 ($42) for Ryanair, nearly 43 for EasyJet and up to 280 for Vueling if the dimensions defined by the airline are not respected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the European Parliament's transport committee adopted a proposal that would allow travellers to bring a personal item into the cabin, such as a handbag or backpack, and a hand luggage of up to 7 kilograms at no extra fee. The measure, which would apply to all flights departing or arriving within the 27-country bloc, was adopted as part of a package of amendments to passenger rights rules put forward by the commission. Airlines for Europe, an industry association, condemned the proposal, suggesting it would result in higher flight prices, upping costs for those who travel light. Also in June, a Spanish court said it had temporarily suspended heavy fines imposed by the government on budget airlines Ryanair and Norwegian Air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Consumer Ministry had announced fines against five companies in November for what it identified as "abusive practices," including charging for hand luggage, providing misleading information and a lack of price transparency. Irish no-frills carrier Ryanair was specifically fined for charging passengers a "disproportionate amount" for printing their boarding passes at terminals. The British low-cost carrier EasyJet and Spanish airlines Volotea and Vueling were also among the punished firms. The proposal by the European Parliament's transport committee on carry-on luggage is still to be approved by the full parliament. It is subject to change as it will need to also be negotiated with and approved by member states before it can enter into force. Travellers will therefore have to wait a little longer if they are hoping to pack bottles of local wine or olive oil in their free-of-extra-charge hand luggage. The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, Agerpres, dpa, EFE and STA as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project. This March, Energizer Holdings launched 100% recyclable, plastic-free packaging for select household batteries across North America a major step toward sustainability and innovation. Reflecting on the change, Hugh Belgarde, senior director of North American battery operations, told Packaging World: "We were due for a modernization of our packaging footprint," highlighting the company's commitment to a fresh approach. Plastics are made from fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas pollution that drives climate change and extreme weather. By eliminating about 2.5 million pounds of plastic, Energizer is helping reduce reliance on these fuels, benefiting both the planet and human health by limiting pollution and microplastic exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of retrofitting old machinery, Energizer partnered with packaging specialist Aagard to design and build new lines tailored for plastic-free materials. The collaboration involved its marketing, sales, engineering, and procurement departments as well as Aagard's engineers, tackling challenges such as maintaining shelf appeal without plastic, managing costs, and improving flexibility common hurdles in scaling sustainable innovations. Belgarde praised the teamwork: "We're pleased with where we landed, and we know we made the right call by partnering with Aagard up front. It was a uniquely collaborative way of solving an industry challenge." Energizer's chief marketing officer, Lori Shambro, emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to sustainability, per Packaging World: "Advancing the sustainability of our packaging was a natural next step. Our forward-thinking design enhances the product experience and supports a plastic-free future." The new paper-based packaging debuted nationwide at Walmart stores and online and will replace traditional blister packs and backing cards in over 90% of Energizer's North American portfolio once retail partners complete the transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Versatility defines the new U-shaped packaging lines at Energizer's Asheboro, North Carolina, facility. These advanced systems can quickly switch between battery types, from AA and AAA to 9-volt and larger sizes. Beyond environmental benefits, the upgraded system boosts efficiency by increasing product density per case and pallet, reducing packaging materials, and easing transport and storage all of which help streamline the supply chain and may lower costs for consumers. The technology also simplifies packaging changes for operators, helping maintain product availability. Through thoughtful design and collaboration, Energizer's packaging modernization supports retailers, consumers, and communities as it moves toward a more adaptable, efficient future. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Much like mermaids, the kraken, or the hafgufa, rogue waves have been regarded as a maritime myth. These waves do not always leave a lot of data behind, making it feel as if they spring up from the depths out of nowhere. However, one monster wave did leave data behind for scientists. On January 1, 1995, a monstrous 80-foot wave slammed into the Draupner oil platform in the North Sea. This so-called Draupner Wave delivered a wall of freezing cold water onto the platform, sending heavy equipment flying across the deck and warping the structures steel railings. It confirmed what seafarers had described for centuries, Francesco Fedele, an engineer specializing in wave mechanics at Georgia Tech, said in a statement. They always talked about these waves that appear suddenly and are very large but for a long time, we thought this was just a myth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fedele is also the co-author of a study recently published in the journal Scientific Reports that finally pinpoints the origins of these legendary marine anomalies. Rogue waves are not a magical exception to the rules of physics. Instead, they are a result of these rules. A size comparison of the Draupner Wave to 3 school buses stacked horizontally on top of one another. CREDIT: Georgia Tech. Diving into modulational instability The dominant theory behind rogue wave formation has been a phenomenon called modulational instability. This is a process where small changes in the timing and spacing between waves makes energy concentrate into one wave. Instead of staying as evenly distributed waves, the pattern shifts and makes one wave grow significantly larger than the others. According to Fedele, modulational instability is mainly accurate when the waves are confined within channels, like in lab experiments, where energy can only flow in one direction. In the open ocean, though, energy can spread in multiple directions. The forces align In this new study, Fedele and the team analyzed a comprehensive dataset of 27,500 wave records collected over 18 years in the North Sea. Each of these records captured 30 minutes of detailed wave activity that measured the waves height, frequency, and direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the data revealed challenges some long-held assumptions about rogue waves. In order to occur, these enormous waves do not require an unusual force. All it takes is the right alignment of the familiar ones that create waves. Rogue waves follow the natural orders of the ocean not exceptions to them, said Fedele. This is the most definitive, real-world evidence to date. The North Sea data had no evidence of modulational instability in rogue waves. Instead, the team found that the biggest waves are likely the products of two simpler effects. The first effect is called linear focusing. This occurs when waves traveling at different speeds and directions happen to align at the same time and place. The waves then stack together to form a much taller crest (the top part of a wave) than usual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bound nonlinearities is the second effect the team saw. These occur when the natural effects of a wave stretch the shape of a wave. This makes the crest steeper and taller, while flattening the trough, or lowest point of the wave, at the same time. The distortion can make big waves even taller by about 15 to 20 percent. When these two standard wave behaviors come together, a much larger wave is the result. The nonlinear nature of ocean waves gives it an extra boost, helping it expand further. A large wave spinning a barrel near the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. CREDIT: Cavan Images via Getty Images PACOTWO Theyre part of the oceans language Since rogue waves are not mythological or theoretical, they pose real dangers to ships and offshore structures. Even so, many forecasting models still treat rogue waves as unpredictable flukes, according to Fedele. Updating these models is critical for better safety. Theyre extreme, but theyre explainable. he said. Its fundamental for the safety of ship navigation, coastal structures, and oil platforms. They have to be designed to endure these extreme events. [ Related: Extreme 3D ocean waves can reach heights 4x steeper than previously thought. ] The team is also using AI to comb through decades worth of wave data, training algorithms to detect the subtle combinations of height, direction, and timing that precede extreme waves. Their goal is to give forecasters better and more accurate tools that can predict when a rogue wave could strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the oceans rolling waves may appear random, extreme waves like rogues actually follow a natural recognizable pattern that could aid these forecasts. Each rogue wave has a kind of fingerprint in the form of a structured wave group before and after the peak that shows how it formed in the first place. Rogue waves are, simply, a bad day at sea, Fedele said. They are extreme events, but theyre part of the oceans language. Were just finally learning how to listen. Relatives of October 7 victims are suing Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, for livestreams of Hamas's massacre, broadcasting footage of their relatives' murder. A motion for certification of a class action lawsuit for more than NIS four billion ($1.15 b.) was filed on Monday by October 7 victims, their families, and users on Facebook and Instagram against corporate parent giant Meta. The motion charged that the mammoth social media companies had played a part in the atrocities that took place on that Saturday, and effectively violated the privacy rights of users by bombarding them with sensitive content. This, the motion argues, is inseparable from the broader attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The horrific images of terror and pain are forever ingrained in the minds of these families as the last moments their loved ones had on earth, reads the motion, adding that this atrocity balloons every day as long as the footage remains publicly accessible. Filed in the Tel Aviv District Court, the motion for certification filed by the representatives of the victims and families will need to be reviewed by the court to test its suitability for class action. The court will assess the strength of the case arguments: to show that a group was clearly affected, as well as proof of damages, among other conditions. If the court grants the motion, the case will then proceed as a class action, and the court will eventually rule. Burned out vehicles on Kibbutz Nahal Oz in the aftermath of Hamas's October 7 massacre; illustrative. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) The motion was signed by the Idan family from Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Maayan, 18, was killed by terrorists on October 7 after being held hostage in her own home for hours. Relatives viewed the horror of the October 7 massacre through happenstance social media scrolling Her horrific murder and the entire attack was livestreamed on Facebook for the whole world to see, reads the motion, adding that the family knew of what had happened to Maayan through a happenstance scroll on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also signed onto the motion is Stav Arava, who found out, through the Facebook app, that his family living in Nahal Oz was being held hostage, and that his brother Tomer was forced at gunpoint and while being broadcast live to convince his neighbors to open their doors to the terrorists waiting outside. Tomer was killed by terrorists on October 7. Another signatory is Mor Bayder, who learned of the murder of her grandmother, Bracha Levinson, after terrorists filmed the murder act and then posted it to her Facebook page. My grandmother, a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz all her life, was murdered yesterday in a brutal murder by a terrorist in her home... A terrorist came home to her, killed her, took her phone, filmed the horror, and published it on Facebook. This is how we found out, Bayder wrote at the time. Also signed on is the mother of a female hostage, who learned of her daughters fate on Instagram while the entire event was being broadcast live as well as a mother and her 14-year-old daughter, who were shocked and traumatized by the footage that greeted them on Facebook on that Saturday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the livestreams of the horrific acts of torture and murder remained live and available for viewing for several hours, with no outside intervention. The motion argues that these public digital spaces purport to be safe for widespread public consumption, but that proved false on October 7. Meta issue response to lawsuit According to Calcalist, Meta stated in response, Our hearts go out to the families affected by Hamas terrorism. Our policy designates Hamas as a proscribed organization, and we remove content that supports or glorifies Hamas or the October 7 terrorist attack. CyberWell, an independent nonprofit focused on combating online antisemtism and Holocaust denial on social media, released a statement on the lawsuit. "The case represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about the responsibilities of social media platforms in moderating content that incites terror and violence," the NGO stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What should have been a turning point, a moment to prioritize user safety over platform engagement, was tragically missed. As was the opportunity to re-examine laws and for platforms to invest in robust security measures to prevent similar events in the future," they added. "In the nearly two years since, social media has hosted echo chambers normalizing pro-terror and violent content, left unchecked by the very generative AI tools capable of effective, large-scale content moderation," they continued. "This landmark case raises urgent questions, not only about platform liability when social media and digital services become weapons in the hands of terrorists, but also about the new reach of terrorism in the digital universe," they commented. In June 2021, a nonprofit, environmental law firm requested a slew of public records from an embattled Natural Resource Board member, Fred Prehn. When Prehn refused to turn over text messages included in the request, the group sued. Nearly four years of litigation later, the activists are celebrating a win. Prehn, from a dentist from Wausau, was appointed to the Natural Resource Board by Republican Gov. Scott Walker in 2015. He declined to step down once his term ended in May 2021, prompting public blowback. In June 2021, the Midwest Environmental Advocates group, or MEA, filed a public records request for communications between Prehn and other board members related to his refusal to step down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 29, an appeals court ruled that MEA can seek relief in a lawsuit they filed in October 2021 against Prehn, the Department of Natural Resources and the National Resources Board. The lawsuit claimed Prehn failed to fulfill MEA's June 2021 record request when he refused to turn over relevant text messages. In a July 30 news release, MEA attorneys described the ruling as a win for government transparency in Wisconsin. In its October 2021 complaint, MEA sought an order mandating Prehn to immediately produce the rest of the records for the June request, as well as attorneys' fees and damages. Prehn filed a motion to dismiss the case, which a Dane County circuit court denied in March 2022. The parties in the case then agreed to a discovery period. By September, MEA received hundreds of new records in response to their original request through discovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2023, the circuit court resolved the lawsuit in favor of Prehn, the DNR and NRB. Although the court slighted Prehn's denial and delay in producing the records, it concluded the lawsuit became moot when Prehn provided the records during the course of the litigation. One month later, MEA filed a motion arguing that even though the records it wanted were produced, the group could still be entitled to relief. The circuit court denied the motion. In August 2023, MEA appealed the circuit court's ruling on the motion. The appeals court ruled the circuit court should have granted relief to MEA, and should not have denied the post-judgment motion. "The ability to recover attorney's fees is vital for journalists and for other groups and individuals who are forced to take legal action to secure their rights under the public records law," MEA attorney Rob Lee said in a news release from the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Text messages released throughout 2022 as part of discovery in the case revealed an exchange between Prehn and Walker, the former governor, in which Walker advised Prehn to hold on to his seat in order to counter the voices of Evers' appointees. Email communications obtained through MEA's original request also showed that since Prehn's term expired, he had spoken to lobbyists and politicians, including Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu. LeMahieu refused for months to schedule a confirmation hearing for Prehn's replacement. Amid public outcry, Prehn ultimately resigned from the Natural Resource Board in December 2022. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Environmental firm celebrates win in years-old public records lawsuit Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein, asked a judge on Tuesday to reject a US Justice Department request to unseal the grand jury transcripts in her criminal case and that of the late notorious sex offender. "Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not," Maxwell's lawyers said in a filing with the federal judge in New York who is considering the government request. "Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable, and her due process rights remain," the attorneys said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell, 63, is serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted in 2021 of recruiting underage girls for Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. President Donald Trump's supporters have been obsessed with the Epstein case for years and have been up in arms since the FBI and Justice Department said last month that the wealthy financier had committed suicide while in jail, did not blackmail any prominent figures, and did not keep a "client list." In a bid to calm the furor, the Justice Department is seeking the release of the grand jury transcripts from the cases against Epstein and Maxwell. US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, also met recently with Maxwell but has not revealed what was discussed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was asked on Tuesday about the meeting and said it was "not an uncommon thing" and was "totally above board." "I think (Blanche) probably wants to make sure that, you know, people that should not be involved, or aren't involved, are not hurt by something that would be very, very unfortunate, very unfair to a lot of people," he said. Trump also told reporters that he was not aware of Maxwell's recent move from a prison in Florida to a minimum security facility in Texas until after it happened. - 'Firestorm of false reporting' - Trump, 79, was once a close friend of Epstein, and The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the president's name was among hundreds found during a Justice Department review of the so-called "Epstein files," though there has not been evidence of wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump filed a $10 billion defamation suit against the newspaper after it reported that he had penned a sexually suggestive letter to Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003. Maxwell is the only former Epstein associate convicted in connection with his activities, which right-wing conspiracy theorists allege included trafficking young girls for VIPs and other elites. In their filing with Judge Paul Engelmayer, Maxwell's lawyers said she was "convicted in a media firestorm of false reporting" and noted that she has appealed her conviction to the Supreme Court. "The government seeks to unseal the grand jury transcripts, citing 'historical interest' without regard for how that release will affect Maxwell's privacy interests, her pending (Supreme Court) Petition, and any future litigation," they said. Her lawyers also said Maxwell has not been been allowed to review the transcripts even though the government has not opposed her request to do so. cl/jgc NEW YORK Women who allege Jeffrey Epstein abused them have accused the Trump administration, in new court filings, of trying to protect enablers of the well-connected wealth manager and criticized the government for treating victims as pawns in political warfare. In letters filed late Monday with Manhattan Federal Judge Richard Berman one of the judges who are mulling requests by the government to unseal transcripts from the grand jury proceedings against Epstein and his convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell two women took aim at the Trump administration for its handling of the snowballing scandal. They referenced the memo released last month by the Justice Department and the FBI, in which the government declined to shed light on a trove of records gathered in Epstein investigations and concluded a major review found there was no client list and that Epstein killed himself, contrary to conspiracy theories previously peddled by Trumps appointees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like the DOJs and FBIs priority is protecting the third-party, the wealthy men, by focusing on scrubbing their names off the files of which the victims, know who they are. To learn that our own president has utilized thousands of agents to protect his identity and these high-profile individuals is monumentally mind-blowing, an anonymous victim wrote in one of the letters. The letter to Berman later added, I think what I would request from you, Your Honor, is to consider having an approved third party review these documents to ensure that NO victims names or likenesses are revealed through this release. It is imperative with the scrutiny over this media frenzy that the victims are completely and entirely protected. In another letter, a second victim addressed the government: What you have done and continue to do is eating at me day after day as you help to perpetuate this story indefinitely. Why not be completely transparent? Show us all the files with only the necessary redactions! Be done with it and allow me/us to heal. You protect yourself and your powerful and wealthy friends (not enemies) over the victims, why? The victims know the truth, we know who are in the files and now so do you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second letter urged Berman to let victims attorneys review what the Justice Department wants to redact from the grand jury transcripts the DOJ is trying to unseal and slammed the government for recently meeting with Maxwell behind bars to get more information. I regrettably feel the need to come forward and shed some light on the governments motion to unseal transcripts, documents and exhibits from the case that was never tried. Sad to say, for the victims we never got our day in court. Apparently, Epstein killed himself under whose watch? Oh, was it Trumps DOJ? Hmmm, interesting, the second letter read. I ask you to have our attorneys review the suggested redactions as they are the ones who also know the victims, their names, their truths and their stories unlike the Unites States Government who did not and does not even care to know our truth. They would rather ask a convicted imprisoned sex trafficker/abuser for information. The Epstein files scandal has only continued to grow as the Trump administration has sought to contain it. Following the memo by the Justice Department and FBI, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trumps name was included in the governments nonpublic Epstein files and that hed been informed of such, and that Trump wrote a cryptic message to Epstein on the financiers 50th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has denied writing the birthday missive and is suing The Wall Street Journal. The transcripts from the grand jury proceedings against Maxwell that Trumps appointees are trying to get unsealed contain little information that is not publicly known, the government said in court filings Tuesday. The public record does not include substantive exhibits shown to the grand jurors who indicted Maxwell. Still, the Justice Department is not, for now, trying to make them public, according to the new Manhattan Federal Court filings. Trumps appointees discussed the materials in response to requests for more information from Berman and Judge Paul Engelmayer, who will rule on the motions to unseal grand jury transcripts. They included sealed annotated transcripts from Maxwells grand jury proceedings, specifically outlining whats not publicly available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an accompanying letter, the Justice Department conceded much of the information within was revealed at the British former socialites trial in late 2021 or had otherwise been reported in accounts shared by victims and witnesses publicly. The government filing asked the judges to give the Justice Department until Friday to take a position on whether grand jury exhibits should be unsealed. In an order later Tuesday, Engelmayer granted the request. Engelmayer on Tuesday also ordered the Justice Department to respond to letters submitted from the victims about the disclosure requests. The Epstein grand jury met on June 18, 2019, and July 2, 2019, according to Tuesdays filings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disgraced financier was arrested on July 6 that year on sweeping sex trafficking charges alleging he had for years abused dozens of teen girls and young women, more than a decade after he evaded justice in a maligned sweetheart deal with federal prosecutors in Florida. He was found dead a month after his arrest on Aug. 10, 2019, in his jail cell at the federal Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, with his death ultimately ruled as a suicide. The Maxwell grand jury met on June 29, 2020, July 8, 2020, and March 29, 2021, the Justice Department said in the new filings. She was indicted on July 2, 2020, and found guilty of sex trafficking counts, including one involving a minor, in December 2021. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison following her conviction, a term she had been serving at FCI Tallahassee, Fla., until her surprise transfer last week to a much cushier setup in a dormitory-style prison for women in Bryan, Texas, after meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trumps former personal lawyer, who framed the meetup as a truth-seeking mission. Tuesdays filings by the Justice Department said the government had failed to make contact with one victim of Epstein whose name featured in grand jury proceedings about the disclosure requests and would try to contact other victims who werent identified in transcripts in the coming days. _____ PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Portland and Oregon have once again been added to an official list of places with regulations that prohibit local officials from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The U.S. Department of Justice published a new list of sanctuary jurisdictions on Tuesday. The Department of Homeland Security released its own list of the eligible states, counties and cities back in May, although it was removed from the website just a few days later. Proposed ferry along Portland metro area secures tentative approval for dock usage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both lists follow President Donald Trumps April executive order establishing that federal supremacy with respect to immigration, national security, and foreign policy is axiomatic. The order directed U.S. officials to identify all sanctuary locations within 30 days, as well as strip the jurisdictions of any federal support. Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country. DHS original list identified Portland, Beaverton, Hood River and Eugene as Oregons sanctuary cities. Several counties statewide, including Multnomah County, Washington County and Marion County, were named as well. After the Trump administration released the related executive order, Portland City Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney told KOIN 6 she believed the policy was another attempt to try to bully state and local leaders. Less than three months later, the White Houses Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations, Thomas Homan also known as the border czar threatened to crack down on sanctuary cities like Portland that try to bully U.S. officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clackamas County resident exposed to bat with rabies Mayor Keith Wilson has since directed city employees to comply with federal diversity, equity and inclusion mandates. The executive order, issued just last week, states that complying with the policies will help maintain services, programs and benefits for residents. Wilson also shared a statement that reaffirmed the citys commitment to the rights of all Portlanders. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A prominent law firm suing L.A. County over childhood sexual abuse is pushing for a federal investigation into how so many children were harmed on the government's watch. The county agreed in April to a $4- billion settlement to resolve about 7,000 cases of sexual abuse inside the countys juvenile detention facilities and foster homes dating back decades. But attorney John Manly, who has about 200 cases against the county, said despite the eye-popping sum, theres still no clear picture of who is responsible for the rampant abuse. No one has been criminally charged since the deluge of cases began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is essentially Epstein Island being supervised by Los Angeles County probation officers, said Manly, referring to Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious financier who died by suicide while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. It's shocking, and there's no outrage, none, zero. It's like, 'Oh yeah, OK, we'll just take $4 billion of public money and we'll settle, and then it'll be gone.' No, we want answers. Read more: California school district faces sex abuse lawsuit. Did L.A.'s $4-billion payout open floodgates? Manly served as lead counsel for victims abused by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and former USC gynecologist George Tyndall. His firm, Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, is one of several firms that are not part of the L.A. County settlement. The first trial for his cases is set to begin this month. In a letter addressed to U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli, Manly wrote that he wanted to see the U.S. attorneys office conduct an immediate investigation into any federal crimes committed by staff within the L.A. County Probation Department, which is responsible for overseeing the juvenile facilities where much of the alleged abuse took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sad and unbelievable truth is these camps were dens of sexual predation where LA County probation officers in charge of helping these children get on track turned them into human sex toys, said the letter dated Monday. The lack of interest in prosecution of those literally engaged in a massive human trafficking operation where thousands of vulnerable children were savaged sexually reeks of politics, corruption and a malignant indifference to the children. Read more: A.G. Rob Bonta seeks takeover of scandal-plagued L.A. County juvenile halls The U.S. attorneys office declined to comment. The deluge of litigation against the county is rooted in a change in state law , Assembly Bill 218, which gave victims of childhood sexual abuse a new window to sue their abuser. Since then, the county, along with many school districts, has been flooded with lawsuits, some dating to the 1950s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Perpetrators of sexual abuse should face justice, period. Los Angeles County is committed to working closely with all federal, state and local prosecuting authorities to ensure that those who commit abuse or other crimes are held accountable," the office of the county counsel said in a statement. "Led by our Board of Supervisors, we will continue working to reform systems to safeguard young people in our care and doing everything in our power to ensure that victims get the justice they deserve." Read more: Faced with paying hundreds of sex abuse claims, LAUSD authorizes up to $500 million in bonds County officials have said it has been nearly impossible to defend themselves against these cases because many of the records were discarded long ago. Prosecuting those cases has been similarly difficult, as many victims, who were children at the time of the abuse, never knew the first names of their abusers. The perpetrators are usually identified in the lawsuits as some variation on John Doe, with few identifying details. Since the flood of lawsuits began, county officials referred only two of the cases to the district attorneys office for investigation: Altovise Abner, a probation supervisor who was investigated on suspicion of having sex with a minor at a camp in 2006, and Thomas Jackson, a former probation official who was accused by more than two dozen women of sexually abusing them when they were minors. Jackson resigned in 2023 after three decades with the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cases against both were outside the statute of limitations , according to a memo by the district attorney's office explaining the decision not to prosecute. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The European Commission on Tuesday criticized German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil's comments about his disappointment over the European Union's trade deal with the United States. "I must admit we were quite surprised to hear this statement from the German minister," a spokesman for the Brussels-based authority told reporters during a press briefing in Brussels. "I would remind you that EU member states and business stakeholders have consistently underscored that a trade conflict with the US was not a desirable course of action." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission did not specify which of Klingbeil's statements had caused surprise. However, it referred to comments in media reports that expressed views inconsistent with the discussions the commission had held with Germany in recent weeks and months. Prior to his talks on Monday in Washington with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Kingbeil criticized the EU's negotiating tactics. "I think we were too weak. We cannot be satisfied with the result that was achieved," he said. He added that it was necessary to reflect on the outcomes of the debates over the past weeks. The commission stated that EU member states, including Germany, had stressed that only a negotiated solution could ensure stability. Criticism also from the business sector US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had agreed on a base tariff rate of 15% on most EU imports to the United States in the months-long trade conflict. Not only politicians but also business representatives have expressed disappointment with the agreement. "The agreement is an inadequate compromise and sends a disastrous signal to the closely intertwined economies on both sides of the Atlantic," the Federation of German Industries (BDI) said. The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Denmark will buy $1 billion of US weapons under a new NATO scheme to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, the countries announced Tuesday. The purchases from US stockpiles are the first under the so-called Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a mechanism launched by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte last month. More are expected. The Dutch government said it would buy 500 million euros ($577 million) of weapons, and the three Scandinavian countries will jointly donate $500 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the governments highlighted the need to help Ukraine, which has faced mounting military pressure from Russia in recent months. "By supporting Ukraine with determination, we are increasing the pressure on Russia to negotiate," Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans posted on X. Brekelmans called near-daily Russian air strikes "pure terror" and warned that Moscow's advance into Ukrainian territory could pose a broader threat to Europe. "The more Russia dominates Ukraine, the greater the danger to the Netherlands and our NATO allies," he said. "Ukraine is not only fighting for its own security, but also for our security," Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson told a press conference to announce the Scandinavian initiative. Sweden will give $275 million towards the total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dutch package includes US Patriot missile parts and other systems for Ukraine's badly stretched front-line requirements, according to the defence ministry. The Swedish government said in a statement that the "support will include air defence systems, including munitions to Patriot, anti-tank systems, ammunition and spare parts". Washington is releasing weapons and military hardware for Ukraine from its stockpiles in $500 million tranches under the PURL mechanism. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the donations as "a very strong initiative that significantly boosts our ability to protect lives". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These steps are a new, real foundation for long-term security across all of Europe. Russia will never turn Europe into a continent of war," Zelensky said on X. Zelensky spoke with Trump on Tuesday, three days ahead of a deadline the US leader has set for Russia to make an initiative to halt the war. He said in a social media post that the two had discussed sanctions against Russia and "bilateral defence cooperation" but did not give details. The NATO secretary general praised the Netherlands for being the first country to announce funding to the new scheme and also welcomed the Scandinavian move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since the earliest days of Russia's full-scale invasion, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine. I commend these allies for their quick efforts to get this initiative off the ground," Rutte said in a statement. jll/mmp/jc/tw/js HONOLULU (KHON2) Hawaii wildfires move fast. When one breaks out near your home, you may have only minutes to get out. Planning ahead is critical for evacuating kupuna, keiki and pets. These situations take more time and more care. Each group needs special support, and all of them depend on you. Preparation is the difference between panic and action. Make a family plan Start by knowing your risks. If your home is in or near a forest or grassland, wildfires are a threat. Talk with your family and neighbors about evacuation routes, transportation and shelter options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fill out a written communication plan and store paper copies with your emergency kit and digital copies in your familys cloud storage. Include your contacts in your cell phone and keep it charged. Practice your evacuation plan. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to meet. Include alternatives in case roads are closed or cell service fails. FEMA has set up 43362 to text SHELTER and your ZIP code to find open shelters. You can click here to learn more. Plan with kupuna in mind Older adults face more risks in wildfires. They may have mobility issues or need medical equipment that runs on electricity. Research has shown that just 25% of older adults who use essential medical equipment requiring electricity have a backup power source for it, said the National Institute for Aging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you use oxygen, a power chair or any other device that needs electricity, talk to your doctor now and ask for manual alternatives or backup supplies. When evacuating,: Include essential health information in your emergency kit. Keep extra hearing aid batteries, prescription meds and a copy of your insurance cards with you. If you need help, tell your local emergency services in advance. Some areas offer help through Citizens at Risk programs. Ask your local government whats available. You can click here to learn more. Protect your keiki Children are more affected by wildfire smoke than adults. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air for their body size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for coughing, shortness of breath or chest tightness. If smoke is heavy, stay indoors, shut all doors and windows and avoid vacuuming or burning candles. If possible, make a clean room with a HEPA air filter. Do not use disposable masks on children under 3. They are not effective and can be dangerous. If you must evacuate, bring comfort items like a favorite toy(s), blanket(s) or snacks. Reassure your keiki and keep routines when possible. Know that children can show stress in different ways. They will be clingy, fearful or have trouble sleeping. So, be patient and keep talking to them. You can click here to learn more. Care for pets early Pets need their own plan and kit. Microchip your pets or use a collar with ID. Assign one family member to be responsible for each animal. Practice loading cats and dogs into their carriers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the pet(s) cant come with you, leave doors open and let responders know where they are. Pack leashes, carriers, water bowls, food, medicine and a photo of your pet. Include at least three days of supplies, ideally seven. Do not tranquilize your pets; they need their instincts sharp. After the fire, keep pets leashed or in a carrier. Debris, broken glass and downed lines are common. Watch for signs of smoke irritation: coughing, red eyes, discharge, heavy breathing or weakness. If you see these signs, get them to a vet right away. You can click here to learn more. Gather emergency supplies now Build an emergency kit that can last three to seven days. Keep it in a spot thats easy to grab quickly. You need to include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Water (one gallon per person per day). Nonperishable food and can opener. First-aid kit. Flashlight and batteries. Medications. Sanitation supplies. Local maps. Cell phone chargers. ID and important documents. Change of clothes and shoes. Glasses, hearing aids, assistive devices. Make a checklist of the things you cant store in the bag. When its time to evacuate, remember the five Ps: People (and pets). Prescriptions. Papers. Personal needs. Priceless items. Stay informed Sign up for weather alerts to keep informed. Its important to know that a fire weather watch means conditions are favorable for wildfires while a red flag warning means wildfires are likely to breakout within 24 hours. So, be ready to evacuate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keep a battery-powered, hand-crank or HAM radio in your kit. If your area loses power, this may be your only way to get updates. After the fire After the fire doesnt mean everything is completely safe. Follow these guidelines to help secure your safety. Wait for officials to say its safe to return, but youll still need to check air quality first. Wet down ash before cleaning. Children and pets should not help clean or be near ash. Familiar scents may be gone and pets may become disoriented. Give them time. Bring out their bedding or toys to help them adjust. Dont forget that recovery takes tim and that preparation is the first step to recovery. Kupuna, keiki and pets may all feel the stress much more deeply than you do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. If you're north of the Mason-Dixon line and have been feeling a little sweatier than usual, you're not alone. The Midwestern and Northeastern regions are just coming out of an extreme surge of heat and humidity. In fact, he week of June 21 saw a record-breaking wave of humidity across nearly 40 states, with an oppressive humidity level that felt "like a tropical rainforest," according to data from The Washington Post and global weather forecasting model ECMWF. So where is all this humidity coming from exactly? Evaporation from rainfall, waterways, and soil adds water vapor to the air, raising absolute humidity levels. But the process of transpirationwater evaporating from inside a plantalso contributes to an increase in humidity levels. One of the biggest agricultural culprits of transpiration? Corn. And this is why you've probably been hearing the term "corn sweat" a lot lately. What Is Corn Sweat? Corn sweat is a colloquial name for corn plant transpirationwhen corn releases water vapor into the air through pores in its leaves. In a way, the corn is actually sweating. Just like humans, the plant moves water from inside its structure to the outside to cool itself down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In regions where a lot of corn is grown, like the Midwest's "corn belt" (which includes portions of most Midwestern states), the amount of corn grown can actually have an impact on humidity levels. And while corn sweat will never be the only contributing factor to a sweltering humid day, it does move the needlesometimes significantly. According to the USDA, over 95 million acres of corn were planted in the States this year. One acre of corn can lead to 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water vapor in the air each day, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Thats a lot of corn sweat. We asked an expert corn farmer for even more context. "There is a definite effect of the 'feels like' temperature in a cornfield during the hottest part of the day," explains Rob Shenot, owner of Shenot Farm. But why corn specifically? He continues by adding that how the summer favorite is planted could be a factor. "When you compare corn to crops like cucumbers or peppers, corn is planted at a much higher density per acre and also grows much taller, trapping heat and moisture. The taller it is, the greater the effect." Though he notes, "Once the corn is at full maturity, the transpiration rate certainly drops." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shenot personally combats these effects by harvesting sweet corn early in the morning. "The sugar content in the ear is much higher at that time when temperatures are cooler. In the heat of the day, the sugar gets drawn into the stalk. We also harvest in the a.m. for our own comfort. If you find yourself still picking at 11 a.m., things can start getting kind of miserable." Late July to early August is the peak growing season, so corn is adding to the humidity now more than ever. While Shenot adds that Western Pennsylvania, where his farm is located, likely doesn't see any significant weather differences from corn "since most growers are sporadically located," he adds, "In the case of the Midwest, where corn can be measured in square miles instead of acres, maybe you can feel that a little more." What To Know About the Effects of Corn Sweat According to Science.org, "more humidity makes it harder for the body to maintain a safe core temperature and ward off heat stroke." So if youre having a harder time cooling down, you can blame the humidityand the corn sweat. The closer you are to corn crops, the more severe the humidity. (Sorry to all you Iowans out there!) When the temperature and humidity rise, make sure to follow ready.gov's best practices for staying safe before, after, and during an extreme heat wave. And check out our array of no-cook recipes so you dont have to unnecessarily heat up the kitchen. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES The suspect in a Lake County quadruple murder linked to an abandoned baby is now in custody after police in Jackson apprehended him on Aug. 5. Austin Drummond was wanted in connection with the killing of four people in Lake County on July 29. Drummond is facing several charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Here's what we know about Drummond, the crimes he's accused of and how he was captured after a multi-agency manhunt. What happened in Lake and Dyer counties? On July 29, witnesses said they saw someone in an SUV leave a child in a car seat on a front lawn in Tigrett, according to the Dyer County Sheriff's Office. Authorities later said there was no relationship between the child and the individual whose lawn the child was left on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff's office announced investigators identified the child and were looking to speak with the child's parents, Adrianna Williams and Matthew Wilson, the baby's uncle, Braydon Williams, and the baby's grandmother, Cortney Rose. But late on July 29, those four family members were found dead in Lake County, District Attorney Danny Goodman Jr. confirmed. On July 31, Authorities identified 28-year-old Drummond as the suspect in the four murders. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation obtained a warrant for Drummond, who is being charged with 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. Authorities arrested three other people in connection with the murders. On Aug. 1, authorities arrested 29-year-old Tanaka Brown and charged her with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. 29-year-old Giovonte Thomas was charged with the same offense on Aug. 2. Brown was also later charged with tampering with evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dearrah Sanders, 23, was arrested Aug. 4 and charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. TBI has not specified how Brown, Thomas or Sanders aided Drummond. How was the Tennessee quadruple murder suspect caught? Immediately after the TBI identified Drummond as a suspect, they said Drummond was driving a white 2016 Audi A3. That vehicle was found abandoned on July 31 in Jackson. Another vehicle was later linked to Drummond, a 1988 white Ford pickup truck with a red stripe. That vehicle was found abandoned in Dyer County on Aug. 2. Law enforcement deploy a signal booster as the search for Austin Drummond in Jackson, Tenn., on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 On Aug. 4, The Commercial Appeal reported on an affidavit filed by the U.S. Marshals Service in federal court. In that affidavit, Deputy Marshal Darrel Weldon wrote that "it is believed that Austin Drummond possibly fled the state of Tennessee." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same day, state and local law enforcement swarmed Jackson and Union University to follow up on a lead about Drummond's whereabouts, deploying drones and K-9s in search of the suspect. Read more about the manhunt: Police swarm Union University, Jackson as police search for quadruple murder suspect Later that night, the Jackson Police Department announced Drummond had been spotted on a camera system in the 700 block of Pipkin Road. Surveillance video released by the Jackson Police Department on Aug. 4 shows Drummond carrying a rifle and wearing a backpack, camouflage pants and a camouflage shirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 5, the U.S. Marshals Service announced the reward for Drummond's capture had increased to $32,500. Jackson Police block off access to Pleasant Plains Rd., near where quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond was apprehended, in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. That same morning, Jackson Police urged residents to shelter in place after Drummond was spotted in the area of Saddlebrook and Bridlepath in Jackson. The area around Pleasant Plains and Country Club was temporarily blocked off. Jackson Mayor Scott Conger announced during an Aug. 5 city council meeting that Drummond was apprehended and was in custody. What we know about Austin Drummond Drummond was given a 13-year sentence for charges of aggravated robbery and retaliation for past action in 2014, court records show. He was released in September 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to public records, a person named "Austin Drummond" was charged with several counts of contraband in a penal facility for possession of meth and a handgun in 2023. In November 2024, the same person was charged with attempted first-degree murder and contraband in a penal facility. An attorney listed for that person in public court documents declined to comment on whether this was the same Drummond police say is responsible for the murders. Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: TN quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond captured: What we know 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. Updated at 6:03 p.m. ET on August 6, 2025 When the news first broke about the four University of Idaho students who were stabbed to death in the middle of the night, the word evil was on everyones lips. I encountered it on Reddit boards and podcasts, in the tabloids, on daytime TV, and in mainstream news outlets. This was surely the work of a monster. And when Bryan Kohberger was arrested, the evidence only seemed to confirm the fact. This guy was taking classes with an expert on serial killers. Hed worn a black mask and disconnected his phone during the murders. His car had been thoroughly cleaned, and he was seen wearing surgical gloves and depositing trash in his neighbors bin. The verdict was in even before he entered court with what a body-language expert described as a sociopathic stare: This guy was immediately seen as the next Ted Bundy. The darker and more callow corners of the internet were even asking, Whos hotter? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, nearly three years later, Kohberger has been sentenced to four consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole. The families of Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves faced him in court during his sentencing and shared their grief. I was especially struck by something Goncalvess mother, Kristi, said: Youve altered my every waking moment. Kohbergers response? Nothing. No discernible remorse and, maybe even worse, no hint at a motive. Kohberger, even in pleading guilty, continues to inflict suffering on these families by refusing to provide a full confession, to explain why. And perhaps in direct response to these families, Judge Steven Hippler has urged everyone to stop focusing on that lingering question. By continuing to focus on why, we continue to give Mr. Kohberger relevance. We give him agency. We give him power. Hippler described the murders as an unfathomable and senseless act of evil. Pure and simple. End of story. And maybe that is the end of the story. Which is to say that Kohberger was simply driven to kill, didnt care about his victims, and committed murder because he wanted to. Would hearing that confession from Kohbergers own lips change anything? Would it make these families, or any of us, feel differently? [Read: The gross spectacle of murder fandom] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider the case of the Texas tower sniper, Charles Whitman, who in 1966 fatally stabbed both his wife and his mother, then climbed a clock tower with a rifle, a shotgun, and several handguns, and fired at random people for 96 minutes, ultimately killing 16 people and injuring many more before police officers killed him. (A 17th victim would die from his injuries decades later.) Unlike Kohberger, Whitman did provide a full confession in his suicide note: I dont really understand myself these days. I am supposed to be an average reasonable and intelligent young man. However, lately (I cant recall when it started) I have been a victim of many unusual and irrational thoughts. He noted that he dearly loved his wife, but that he was overwhelmed by violent impulses. He also mentioned suffering from tremendous headaches, and requested that after his death, an autopsy would be performed on me to see if there is any visible physical disorder. An autopsy was performed, and it found that a brain tumor in his hypothalamus was pressing on his amygdala, the region of the brain that helps regulate emotions such as fear, anxiety, and aggression. A commission of pathologists, psychiatrists, and other experts formed by the governor noted that abnormal aggressive behavior may be a manifestation of organic brain disease. They were not able to pinpoint a clear link between the tumor and Whitmans actions, but they were operating under a 1966 level understanding of neurophysiology, and it remains plausible that the tumor contributed to his anguish. Ive yet to meet someone who hears that story and doesnt feel a flicker of uncertainty, of reluctant sympathy. Would it change how we feel about Kohberger if they found a brain tumor pressing on his amygdala, or some psychopathy gene in his genome? Should it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [From the May 2023 issue: American madness] In a series of lectures on free will on the Waking Up app (where I am a contributor), the philosopher Sam Harris uses the Whitman case as a springboard into a broader argument: If we could truly understand the complexities of the human brain, we would think differently about how we understand human behavior too. Harris says: A brain tumor is just a special case of our having insight into the fact that physical events give rise to thoughts and actions. If we fully understood the neurophysiology of any murderers brain, it would seem just as exculpatory as finding a tumor in it. If we could see how the wrong genes were being relentlessly transcribed, and how this persons experiences in life had sculpted the microstructure of his brain in just such a way to produce states of mind which were guaranteed to make him violent, if we could see this causality clearly, the basis for placing blame on him in any deep sense would disappear. To be clear, I am not arguing against consequences for those who commit murder. On the contrary. But what those consequences should be depends upon our view of how human behavior originates. This is why I believe it serves us to ask why Kohberger did what he did. Ive been haunted by that why question in my own life. Like Kohberger, Rudy Guedethe man who broke into my home and stabbed my roommate, Meredith Kercher, to deathnever admitted to his crimes, much less offered an explanation. But fortunately (and unfortunately), in Guedes case, his motives were banal and obvious: He was caught in the act of burglarizing our apartment, he raped Meredith because he had the opportunity to, and he murdered her because he cared more about his freedom than her life. (Guede has maintained that he is innocent, and continues to insist that my then-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, and I carried out his crimes.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trajectories of Guedes life and crimes are also easier to trace, and explain, than Kohbergers: By his own admission, Guedes father took him away from his mother when he was young, then went on to neglect him. He was often left to fend for himself, and originally took to breaking into other peoples homes for shelter. As he grew older, he got into drugs, couldnt hold down a job, and burglarized to support his lifestyle. Sometimes he was arrested; more often he wasnt. He always ended up back on the streets, feeling a little more emboldened and entitled. Until one day, he encountered Meredith. After being apprehended for her murder, he falsely accused me and Raffaele he cared more about his freedom than our lives as welland, for reasons I have written about before, the police and prosecution were all too willing to selectively accept his obviously false testimony. In their efforts to demonstrate that theyd cracked the case, and in their rush to put two innocent people in prison for life, the authorities charged Guede only with sexual assault and complicity in murder, never holding him accountable for wielding the knife that took Merediths life. As a result, he got off with a light sentence. After serving only 13 years in prison, Guede ended up on the streets once more, feeling even more emboldened and entitled. The result? He is now on trial again for stalking and sexually assaulting another young woman. (Guede denies the allegations.) [Amanda Knox: My last trial] This was not a surprise to any of us who, over the course of his original murder trial, became familiar with Guedes history. Because, in a way, Guede was understandable. He never seemed to be a Ted Bundystyle psychopath, but rather a man driven by violent impulses andafter a crime he may not have planned to commita sense of self-preservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is a man like Kohberger different? In the sense that his motives are more inscrutable, yes. But one might argue that whether its murder for self-preservation or murder by meticulous design, both arise from a willingness to commit violence paired with a complete lack of empathy. Kohberger and Guede both fit that description, and they both have been labeled evil. To me, especially having been on the other side of that label, the word evil feels like a cop-out. It is an excuse to stop thinking, to ignore the evidence, to hate and punish someone law enforcement didnt, or wouldnt, understand. Even though my innocence has long since been established, I worry that when people use terms like evil to define those who are demonstrably guilty of violent crimes, they are doing so not merely to convey the unfathomability of those crimes, but to wish harm upon the guilty, not as a means to rehabilitation or deterrence, but merely for harms sake. My own family and friends found solace in the label when it was applied to my prosecutor. After all, he continued to persecute me after the police identified and captured the man who actually murdered my roommate; the man whose DNA was discovered on her body and throughout the crime scene; the man who had means, motive, opportunity, and precedentand what do you call that but evil? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as Sam Harris points out, our available decisions in life are a result of choices made by others that shape the world we find ourselves in. And even those predisposed to psychopathy have minds shaped by genes and environmental influences they did not choose. Who knows: With Kohberger, the answer may turn out to be something like industrial poisoningthe author Caroline Fraser argues in her book Murderland that this was a hidden cause behind the rise of serial killers in the 1970s and 80s. In that case, it wouldnt make sense to inflict suffering on Kohberger as some sort of moral desert, and it would make more sense to treat him as someone who is infected with a contagious and incurable diseasequarantined for his sake and ours. That is a serious consequencebeing removed from society for lifebut not one rooted in vengeance. Its more likely that we dont yet have the technology or understanding of the human brain or genome to adequately make sense of Kohbergers brokenness, in the same way that plague doctors didnt have the means and understanding to save millions of people from a preventable death in the Middle Ages. Might we tomorrow? Ask yourself: If it were possible to give Kohberger gene therapy that turned him into a sane, empathetic, and loving person, would it make sense to lock him in prison for life because he deserves it? If Kohbergers brokenness is caused by factors beyond his control, then he is extremely unlucky. I can only imagine how awful it must be to move through the world as if people are mere objects to be manipulated and destroyeda life entirely devoid of genuine human connection. I can only imagine the suffering his family is enduringthey didnt choose to have a killer for a son, and, like the families of his victims, their lives will be forever scarred by what he did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acknowledging these realities can feel like a betrayal of the victims, but I dont think it is. I believe that one way to honor the victims of horrific crimes is to closely study the roots of violence and challenge ourselves to see the horrible, banal truth: that under certain conditions, certain people can be broken, and all too often, due to our own limitations in understanding and treating, we cannot predict or prevent the terrible things that a broken person might do. [From the July 2025 issue: Inside Americas death chambers] Perhaps Judge Hippler is right that we shouldnt be looking for answers from Kohberger himself as to why the lives of Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves were so brutally and unjustly stolen. Not just because it continues to give Kohberger undeserved relevance, but because he very likely doesnt have the answers. But writing someone off as evil, as many people urged me to do with my prosecutor, is an excuse to ignore the causes of human dysfunction. Its a wall we build to separate ourselves from those who commit the worst actions we can imagine. Ironically, it also grants permission for psychopathy in its own way. Lets not forget: Crowds once cheered as criminals were drawn and quartered. What could be more psychopathic? We still execute people today in ways that are perhaps more muted, but just as ethically questionable. People talk about closure and justice, but we live in a society that encourages us to take pleasure in anothers pain and never ask ourselves why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why I keep trying, even though I sometimes fail, to feel a degree of genuine curiosity and compassion for those labeled evil. Its not easy, and I certainly had to work my way up to forgiving the man who wrongly convicted me. I still find it nearly impossible to extend compassion to Rudy Guede. Do I expect the parents of Ethan, Madison, Xana, and Kaylee to take on the challenge of viewing Kohberger with compassion? Not at all. Their rage and existential grief is justified, full stop. But for the rest of us, those who are not at the epicenter of this tragedy, have a choice: We can judge and label, or we can challenge ourselves to make sense of the senseless, in hopes that we might find a way to prevent the next tragedy from occurring. The only thing Ive found that has actually helped me heal from my own terrible experiences has been acceptance, and a desire to understand the flawed, complicated, and sometimes extremely dangerous humans around me. This article has been updated to reflect that Ethan Chapins family did not attend Bryan Kohbergers sentencing hearing. Article originally published at The Atlantic NEW YORK It would seem the most straightforward of notions: A thing takes place, and it goes into the history books or is added to museum exhibits. But whether something even gets remembered and how particularly when it comes to the history of a country and its leader is often the furthest thing from simple. The latest example of that came Friday, when the Smithsonian Institution said it removed a reference to the 2019 and 2021 impeachments of President Donald Trump from a panel in an exhibition about the American presidency. Trump has pressed institutions and agencies under federal oversight, often through the pressure of funding, to focus on the country's achievements and progress and away from things he terms divisive. The Smithsonian on Saturday denied getting pressure from the Trump administration to remove the reference, which was installed as part of a temporary addition in 2021. The exhibit will be updated in the coming weeks to reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nations history, the museum said in a statement. In a statement that did not directly address the impeachment references, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said: We are fully supportive of updating displays to highlight American greatness. But is history intended to highlight or to document to report what happened, or to serve a desired narrative? The answer, as with most things about the past, can be intensely complex. The Smithsonian's move comes in the wake of Trump administration actions like removing the name of a gay rights activist from a Navy ship, pushing for Republican supporters in Congress to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and getting rid of the leadership at the Kennedy Center. Based on what we have been seeing, this is part of a broader effort by the president to influence and shape how history is depicted at museums, national parks and schools, said Julian E. Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. Not only is he pushing a specific narrative of the United States but, in this case, trying to influence how Americans learn about his own role in history. It's not a new struggle, in the world generally and the political world particularly. There is power in being able to shape how things are remembered, if they are remembered at all who was there, who took part, who was responsible, what happened to lead up to that point in history. And the human beings who run things have often extended their authority to the stories told about them. RAW: FILE: SMITHSONIAN PLEDGES NEUTRALITY DURING TRUMP ADMIN The Smithsonian Institution emphasized its nonpartisan stance amid Trump's claims to remove the director of the National Portrait Gallery In China, for example, references to the June 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing's Tiananmen Square are forbidden and meticulously regulated by the ruling Communist Party government. In Soviet-era Russia, officials who ran afoul of leaders like Josef Stalin disappeared not only from the government itself but from photographs and history books where they once appeared. Jason Stanley, an expert on authoritarianism, said controlling what and how people learn of their past has long been used as a vital tool to maintain power. Stanley made his views about the Trump administration clear; he recently left Yale University to join the University of Toronto, citing concerns over the U.S. political situation. If they dont control the historical narrative, he said, then they cant create the kind of fake history that props up their politics. In the United States, presidents and their families have always used their power to shape history and calibrate their own images. Jackie Kennedy insisted on cuts in William Manchesters book about her husbands 1963 assassination, The Death of a President. Ronald Reagan and his wife got a cable TV channel to release a carefully calibrated documentary about him. Those around Franklin D. Roosevelt, including journalists of the era, took pains to mask the impact that paralysis had on his body and his mobility. Trump, though, has taken it to a more intense level a sitting president encouraging an atmosphere where institutions can feel compelled to choose between him and the truth whether he calls for it directly or not. We are constantly trying to position ourselves in history as citizens, as citizens of the country, citizens of the world, said Robin Wagner-Pacifici, professor emerita of sociology at the New School for Social Research. So part of these exhibits and monuments are also about situating us in time. And without it, its very hard for us to situate ourselves in history because it seems like we just kind of burst forth from the Earth. Timothy Naftali, director of the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Museum from 2007 to 2011, presided over its overhaul to offer a more objective presentation of Watergate one not beholden to the presidents loyalists. In an interview Friday, he said he was concerned and disappointed about the Smithsonian decision. Naftali, now a senior researcher at Columbia University, said museum directors should have red lines and that he considered removing the Trump panel to be one of them. DRESDEN, Germany (Reuters) -A former assistant to a politician for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) went on trial in a German court on Tuesday, charged with spying for China's intelligence agency. The defendant, identified as German national Jian G. in line with German privacy rules, is suspected of having worked for a Chinese intelligence service since 2002, say prosecutors. Dresden court spokesperson Meike Schaaf said he was charged with gathering documents and files from the European Parliament while working for Maximilian Krah, a former European lawmaker who now represents the AfD in Germany's national parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors argue some documents were partially confidential and they also accuse him of collecting personal information on the leadership of the AfD and of spying on Chinese opposition members and dissidents. The high-profile case has fuelled concern about Europe being a target for Chinese spying. Beijing has denied accusations of espionage in Europe. The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond on Tuesday to a Reuters request for comment on the German case. The case has also put a spotlight on the pro-China and pro-Russia views of some senior members of the AfD, which is currently polling at 25%, level with the ruling conservative bloc, a weekend Forsa survey showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A woman, identified as Chinese national Jaqi X., is also on trial. She is charged with helping Jian G. between August 2023 and February 2024 by providing information about flights at Leipzig airport related to the transportation of equipment and people with connections to a German arms company. Jian G. has been in detention since his arrest on April 2024 and Jaqi X. since September 2024. The court spokesperson said that if convicted, Jian G. would face a jail term of between one and 10 years due to the serious nature of the intelligence agency activity for a foreign power. Less serious cases could see a fine or up to five years in jail. Court dates have been scheduled until the end of September. (Reporting by Reuters TelevisionWriting by Madeline ChambersEditing by Gareth Jones) GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) The defense attorney representing Yvonne Missy Woods asked a district judge on Monday for a continuance of her arraignment. Attorney Tom Ward told the judge his team needed more time to look more new evidence that they must now look at in the case. Attorneys plan to file lawsuit in cold case reviewed by ex-CBI forensic scientist Just this morning, we received a disclosure of another 5,000 pages of stamped materials. Given the length of time that the allegations cover, and the breadth of the materials that we have to deal with. We are asking to set this for October 27, Ward said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge granted the continuance. Woods, a former CBI forensic analyst, is accused of more than 100 felony counts for her work at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The former data analyst is accused of a slew of charges, including cybercrimes, perjury and forgery. The DNA analyst is accused of tampering with data, which the Department of Public Safety said could lead to retrying hundreds or even thousands of criminal cases. According to an affidavit, problems with her work were reportedly found in cases including homicide, sexual assault, and robbery. James Craig found guilty of poisoning, killing wife Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31s Vicente Arenas attempted to speak with her after the hearing outside the courthouse. She did not comment. Ward, her attorney, said he had no comment. Continuances are not unusual, according to FOX31 Legal analyst Christopher Decker. It is not surprising one bit that this initial arraignment would be continued so that her defense attorney can pore through a great deal of scientific evidence, Decker said. During the hearing on Monday, Woods did not speak to the judge. Woods is expected back in court in late October. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Brief Jim Acosta published a video interview with an AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver. The avatar was created by Olivers parents to promote conversations around gun violence. AI recreations of deceased individuals are increasingly being used in advocacy and legal settings. LOS ANGELES - Former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta shared a new video Monday in which he interviews an artificial intelligence-generated version of Joaquin Oliver, one of the 17 people killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The avatar, animated from a real photograph using generative AI, appears wearing a beanie and speaks in a monotone digital voice. The segment opens with Acosta asking, "What happened to you?" to which the AI version of Oliver responds, "I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school. Its important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone." The movements of the avatars face are slightly jerky and the pacing of the narration computerized. Still, Acosta described the interaction as powerful and called it "a one of a kind interview" in his social media promotion of the episode. Why did Acosta interview an AI version of Joaquin Oliver? The backstory Joaquin Oliver was 17 years old when he was killed in the hallway of his high school on Valentines Day. According to the project Since Parkland, Oliver loved writing and brought flowers to school that day for his girlfriend. He would have turned 25 this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AI recreation was developed by Olivers parents, who invited Acosta to be the first journalist to interview it. Acosta spoke with Joaquins father, Manuel Oliver, during the video and told him, "I really felt like I was speaking with Joaquin. Its just a beautiful thing." Former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta is seen in Washington, D.C. Acosta recently published a video interview featuring an AI-generated avatar of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) Manuel Oliver acknowledged that the technology cant bring back his son but said it was a blessing to hear his voice again. He also said he looks forward to seeing how AI can be used further in the future. Acosta left CNN in January and now describes himself as an independent journalist, publishing content through his Substack blog and social channels. What they're saying The use of AI to recreate deceased individuals has prompted wide-ranging discussion around both ethics and innovation. While some critics online questioned the choice to simulate the voice and likeness of a real shooting victim, others viewed it as a meaningful tool for advocacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acosta stated in the segment that the project was initiated by Joaquins parents, and that his intention was to help tell the story of a young person whose life was cut short by gun violence. In response to the video, one user on the social platform Bluesky wrote: "There are living survivors of school shootings you could interview, and it would really be their words and thoughts instead of completely made-up." Comments have been disabled on a teaser for the video shared on X. A show you dont want to miss at 4p ET / 1p PT. Ill be having a one of a kind interview with Joaquin Oliver. He died in the Parkland school shooting in 2018. But his parents have created an AI version of their son to deliver a powerful message on gun violence. Plus Texas State pic.twitter.com/mbdM2WxwUR Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 4, 2025 The technology used in the segment reflects growing interest in AI avatars and digital memorialization, but it also surfaces questions about consent, authenticity, and emotional impact. Where else has AI been used to recreate Parkland victims? This isnt the first time Joaquin Olivers voice has been re-created using artificial intelligence. In 2024, his parents were part of a project called The Shotline, which used AI-generated voices of six victimsincluding Oliverto place robocalls to members of Congress urging action on gun reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the calls featured Olivers AI voice saying: "Im back today because my parents used AI to recreate my voice to call you. How many calls will it take for you to care? How many dead voices will you hear before you finally listen?" AI recreations have also been used in courtrooms. In one 2024 case, an AI avatar of a road rage victim was played during a sentencing hearing in Arizona. The video featured the recreated victim delivering an impact statement to the defendant, ending with a message of forgiveness. The presiding judge praised the moment, saying, "I loved that AI, thank you for that I feel that that was genuine." What's next As generative AI tools continue to evolve, so too does their role in grief, memory, and advocacy. The technology remains imperfectoften producing robotic speech or unnatural visualsbut its emotional resonance is pushing families, lawyers, and journalists to explore new possibilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, experts continue to warn that the rise of AI avatars opens the door to misinformation, identity misuse, and blurred lines between real and simulated experiences. Ongoing discussions in both the tech and ethics communities are likely to shape future use of the technology in memorials, media, and beyond. The Source This report is based on a video interview posted by Jim Acosta on social media, in which he spoke with an AI-generated avatar of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver. Additional context and reactions were reported by FOX News, which covered the interview and its use of AI to promote conversations around gun violence. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A one-time Fred Meyer employee who stole more than $60,000 to cover her gambling debts was sentenced to more than 2 years in prison on Monday, the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office said. Rainbow Melodi Stammet was spotted by Fred Meyer security officers taking cash from a self-checkout station at the Oregon City store in March 2023. Stammet admitted she took the money over an 8-month period to pay for her gambling habit. She said she spent all the money, including some at a local video poker outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Father-in-law charged with murder of Happy Valley man She was convicted in May for two counts of first-degree aggravated theft and first-degree theft. Stammet, who has no prior criminal record, was also ordered to repay all the money she stole. Stammet, now 44, told Circuit Judge Katherine Weber that she regretted her actions. She will spend 26 months in 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 KOIN.com. A formerRepublican politician just made a decision that will surely piss off PresidentDonald Trump. Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan announced on Tuesday that he has left the GOP and officiallyjoined the Democratic Party. Duncan, who served as lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023, made the announcement official in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution op-ed headlined From Republican Lt. Governor To Democrat: Loving My Neighbor Is Easier Now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the piece, Duncan said that the switch was a long time coming, starting well before Trump tried to steal the 2020 election in Georgia, but he admitted there wasnt any date on a calendar or line in the sand that points to the exact moment in time he made up his mind to become a Democrat. Duncan said his decision was centered around my daily struggle to love my neighbor, as a Republican. Although Duncan said there will never be a shortage of people or places to exercise the time-tested approach of loving your neighbor, regardless of race, religion, lifestyle or immigration status, he wrote that recent decisions by his former party to cut SNAP benefits and slash Medicaid funding go against his Christian faith. Any state-led expansion of Medicaid now will be complicated and expensive given the current dynamics, Duncan said. Nobody ever said loving your neighbor was going to be easy or cheap, just worth it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duncan also criticized Republican immigration policies, saying they have turned into a lesson on how not to love your neighbor. He added: Ordering military style raids on undocumented but law-abiding families for the sole purpose of creating a feeding frenzy on social media is the epitome of heartless, not to mention pointless. The White House did not immediately reply to HuffPosts request for comment on Duncans party switch. While Duncan told Atlanta PBS affiliate WABEthat he expects some Republican pushback, but hopes its friendly. Meanwhile, he said Democrats have welcomed him to the party, and admitted hes willing to consider running for office again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have been receiving phone calls and conversations and cups of coffee from Democrats, independents and even some common sense Republicans who are sick and tired of watching not only the direction of this party, but this country encouraging me to look into seeking higher office. And its something Ill seriously consider, Duncan said. If Georgia wants to elect somebody that wants to come into the office every day and make a difference, build consensus and turn chaos into conversations, then its something Ill certainly entertain, he added. Related... NEED TO KNOW A former sixth-grade Ohio school teacher pleaded guilty Monday to sexually abusing an underage girl over the course of 18 months Stefanie Erin Kellenberger pleaded guilty to all 21 counts against her, court records show She now faces up to 15 years in prison when she is sentenced in October A former sixth-grade teacher in Ohio has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing an underage girl over the course of 18 months, PEOPLE has learned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stefanie Erin Kellenberger pleaded guilty on Monday, Aug. 4, to all 21 charges against her, according to Richland County Common Pleas Court records reviewed by PEOPLE. The 40-year-old, who describes herself on an Instagram account as a wife, mom, teacher, will likely receive a 15-year prison sentence when she next appears in court in early October, according to the court records, which show the sentence she and prosecutors agreed upon ahead of her guilty pleas. The charges include 17 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and four counts of sexual battery, court records show. All of the charges are third-degree felonies. Zach Tuggle/News Journal Stefanie Erin Kellenberger and defense attorney James Mayer III Stefanie Erin Kellenberger and defense attorney James Mayer III Kellenberger was first arraigned last October, seven months after she was placed on leave by the Shelby City School District, according to the local Richland Source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet reported that the school districts superintendent informed parents in a letter that officials received unsettling allegations against Kellenberger and that the Mansfield, Ohio woman was accused of sexually abusing an underage girl between February 2020 and October 2021, starting when the girl was as young as 13 years old. Kellenberger was immediately placed on leave and has had no contact with students or staff since the investigation began, Superintendent Michael Browning wrote in the letter to parents at the time, according to the Richland Source. Two months later, Kellenberger was officially replaced with another teacher, the outlet reported. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf The Mansfield News Journal reported that prosecutors alleged in court that Kellenberger began grooming the underage student when she was 13 years old and began to sexually abuse her when she turned 14. "The relationship continued until the age of consent, Bryan Dove, the assistant prosecutor for Richland County, reportedly told the judge, referring to Ohios law that says 16 is the age of consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Consent was never an issue in this case," Kellenbergers defense attorney James Mayer III told the court, according to the newspaper. "It's an age thing." State prosecutors then told the court there was no use of force in Kellenbergers sexual abuse. The victim reportedly recommended Kellenberger serve three years in jail, but the judge declared that sentence was too lenient, leading the defense attorneys for the disgraced teacher and state prosecutors to come to an agreement on the 15-year recommended sentence, according to the Mansfield News Journal. Kellenberger will also have to report with the county sheriff as a registered sex offender, court documents show. She is due back in court on Oct. 6. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Read the original article on People A former Portsmouth teenager who went on a 2023 vandalism spree that targeted homes, businesses and houses of worship with graffiti advocating White supremacy and Nazism has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges, authorities said Monday. Loren Faulkner, now 19 and living in Cumberland, Rhode Island, was arrested in 2024 on a warrant for 31 counts of criminal mischief and hate-motivated criminal mischief, according to Portsmouth Police. In March 2024, Attorney General John M. Formella announced that the Rockingham County Superior Court had entered a consent decree resolving allegations that Faulkner had violated the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the settlement, Faulkner acknowledged that he was responsible for the vandalism spree. Under the terms of the decree, Faulkner was ordered to pay a civil penalty of $50,000, with all but $2,500 suspended for three years if he complies with all of the terms of the decree. Those include undergoing a behavior assessment; participating in behavior or mental health counseling and complying with all recommendations; enrolling and participating in either an educational or vocational program or seeking and maintaining employment; and completing 200 hours of community service work. According to the civil complaint, Much of the property damage was graffiti that included swastikas, one of the more well-recognized symbols of antisemitism but also racism, homophobia, and transphobia, crosses, a symbol of Christianity, and/or targets signs and symbols supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and the Black community Incidents included targeting at least two rainbow Pride flags in Portsmouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faulkner, 17 at the time, and a friend sent an email to the rest of their sophomore class at Portsmouth High School that included a video of Faulkner burning a Ukrainian flag while railing against Ukraine, Ukrainians and gay people in a curse-ridden tirade, according to the court complaint. According to the AGs Office, Faulkner also spray-painted swastikas, crosses and Stars of David at 18 places across the city, including houses of worship, businesses, private homes and public sites. Surveillance cameras captured Faulkner moving between locations and vandalizing some of them, officials said. According to prosecutors, Faulkners actions were motivated by hostility toward people because of their race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. Faulkner pleaded guilty to two Class A misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief. He received a 24-month suspended sentence, and the charges were not upgraded to hate crimes, while two additional misdemeanors were reclassified to a diversion program. The hate crime aspect of the charges could be revisited if Faulkner violates conditions of his sentence. pfeely@unionleader.com EXCLUSIVE: Chinese-made nicotine and electronic cigarette products illegally flooded U.S. markets under former President Joe Biden, endangering both adults and children and posing an "urgent threat to U.S. sovereignty, public health, and law enforcement capacity," according to nicotine awareness activist and former GOP senator Richard Burr. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Burr, who is chair of the Coalition for Smarter Regulation of Nicotine, said that even as the Biden administration cracked down on "reputable" companies like Juul, it took no action to control the flow of off-brand competitor products, most of which were manufactured and exported to the U.S. by Chinese companies through the open borders. "There was not a policy in the Biden administration to enforce the law at the border. And that's where the growth really came from," he explained, adding, "They not only didn't speak out against them, but they didn't make any attempt, any attempt, at enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Burr, Bidens director of the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), Brian King, bears special blame for overseeing an agency so crippled by inaction that, Burr said, "most of the products that are on the marketplace today not only are illegal, they have never even attempted to go through an application process at the FDA." However, a spokesperson for King vehemently denied Burr's assertions, telling Fox News Digital that "the claim that there was no attempt at enforcement is not consistent with the facts." Kamala Harris Back In National Spotlight As James Comer Floats Subpoena In Biden 'Cover-up' Probe Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burr said that currently approximately 85% of vapor and e-cigarette products sold in the U.S. are either illicit or unauthorized due to the Biden FDAs failure to enforce the law. Now, Burr is urging the Trump administration to be proactive in fixing the Chinese nicotine problem unleashed on Americans under Biden. Burr sent a letter to Trumps FDA commissioner, Martin Makary, as well as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging them to take urgent action to "restore order" to the marketplace by reforming the governments review process of nicotine and e-cigarette products and then fully enforcing against the entities responsible for growing the illicit market. In his letter, Burr describes the U.S. as being "in the midst of a crisis created by the free flow of illegal nicotine products into the U.S. marketplace, the majority of which are supplied by Chinese companies that are knowingly breaking U.S. laws." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'Was The President Up For The Job?' Steve Ricchetti Defends Bidens Fitness As Gop Seeks Answers A Border Patrol vehicle sits near border walls separating Tijuana, Mexico, from the United States, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in San Diego. "During the Biden Administration, illicit Chinese vaping products, without any regulatory oversight or consumer protections, began flooding our market," Burr wrote. "Produced overseas without meeting FDA safety standards or common tobacco product manufacturing practices, these illicit vapor products are deliberately avoiding compliance with the law, and many are intentionally marketed to underage users with youth-appealing features, for example, Gummy Bear flavors and gaming device screens." Burr further said that manufacturers of illicit vaping products often use fraudulent shipping declarations and misclassified tariff codes to evade U.S. customs and trade laws. "President Trump has rightfully warned that counterfeit pharmaceutical products, often linked to the Peoples Republic of China, threaten the security and safety of Americans," he wrote. "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the opportunity to address a similar crisis in the nicotine market by advancing a modern and common-sense approach to regulating nicotine products and effectively enforcing the Tobacco Control Act (TCA) to restore order to the marketplace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To this end, Burr urged the FDA to "advance a comprehensive, effective regulatory framework," which he said consists of streamlining the FDAs approval process for less harmful smoke-free nicotine products, providing clear regulations to the industry and enforcing the law against companies selling illicit products, providing adult smokers with accurate information on the benefits of switching from cigarettes to FDA-authorized, smoke-free products and using regulation and oversight to drive down underage use. Inside The Biden Cover-up Probe: 8 Aides Questioned, More On The Way Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference on the Autism report by the CDC at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Speaking with Fox News Digital, Burr said that both Kennedy and President Donald Trump "have embraced a healthier America that our kids should be eating healthier, should be actively involved, and we should make sure that anything that's detrimental to their ability to grow and to grow up healthy should be constricted significantly." "This is at the heart of that," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, a spokesperson speaking on behalf of King told Fox News Digital that "the claim that there was no attempt at enforcement is not consistent with the facts." They listed 30 different enforcement actions the agency took under King's tenure in 2023 and 2024, ranging from sending warning letters to potential violators to denying marketing requests to manufacturers not in compliance. "Within the past few years, the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products took many first-time compliance and enforcement actions, including setting up a joint interagency task force and conducting multiple targeted enforcement operations against illegally imported e-cigarettes in coordination with US Customs and Border Protection. This was in addition to other first of their kind actions across the supply chain focused on unauthorized products from non-US manufacturers, including monthly retailer blitzes against Elf Bar and other unauthorized disposable e-cigarette brands used by youth," they said. "The FDA and other agencies should build on these efforts and take comprehensive enforcement action against illegal e-cigarettes, particularly those popular among youth," said the spokesperson. Original article source: EXCLUSIVE: Biden failed to stop China's toxic nicotine invasion and your kids paid the price, expert warns By Darya Korsunskaya, Andrew Osborn and Mark Trevelyan MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to bow to a sanctions ultimatum expiring this Friday from U.S. President Donald Trump, and retains the goal of capturing four regions of Ukraine in their entirety, sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters. Trump has threatened to hit Russia with new sanctions and impose 100% tariffs on countries that buy its oil - of which the biggest are China and India - unless Putin agrees to a ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin's determination to keep going is prompted by his belief that Russia is winning and by scepticism that yet more U.S. sanctions will have much of an impact after successive waves of economic penalties during 3-1/2 years of war, according to three sources familiar with discussions in the Kremlin. The Russian leader does not want to anger Trump, and he realises that he may be spurning a chance to improve relations with Washington and the West, but his war goals take precedence, two of the sources said. Putin's goal is to fully capture the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, which Russia has claimed as its own, and then to talk about a peace agreement, one of the sources said. "If Putin were able to fully occupy those four regions which he has claimed for Russia he could claim that his war in Ukraine had reached his objectives," said James Rodgers, author of the forthcoming book "The Return of Russia". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current talks process, in which Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have met three times since May, was an attempt by Moscow to convince Trump that Putin was not rejecting peace, the first source said, adding that the talks were devoid of real substance apart from discussions on humanitarian exchanges. Russia says it is serious about agreeing a long-term peace in the negotiations but that the process is complicated because the two sides' stances are so far apart. Putin last week described the talks as positive. Moscows stated demands include a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the four regions and acceptance by Kyiv of neutral status and limits on the size of its military demands rejected by Ukraine. In a sign that there may yet be an opportunity to strike a deal before the deadline, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Russia this week, following an escalation in rhetoric between Trump and Moscow over risks of nuclear war. On Monday, Russia said it was no longer bound by a moratorium on short- and medium-range nuclear missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment for this story. All the sources spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Trump, who in the past has praised Putin and held out the prospect of lucrative business deals between their two countries, has lately expressed growing impatience with the Russian president. He has complained about what he called Putin's "bullshit" and described Russia's relentless bombing of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities as "disgusting". The Kremlin has said it noted Trump's statements but it has declined to respond to them. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko last week called on the world to respond with "maximum pressure" after the worst Russian air strike of the year killed 31 people in Kyiv, including five children, in what she called Russia's response to Trump's deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Trump wants to stop the killing, which is why he is selling American-made weapons to NATO members and threatening Putin with biting tariffs and sanctions if he does not agree to a ceasefire," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in response to a request for comment. FORCES ADVANCE The first source said Putin was privately concerned about the recent deterioration of U.S. ties. Putin still retains the hope that Russia can again befriend America and trade with the West, and "he is worried" about Trump's irritation, this person said. But with Moscow's forces advancing on the battlefield and Ukraine under heavy military pressure, Putin does not believe now is the time to end the war, the source said, adding that neither the Russian people nor the army would understand if he stops now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodgers, the author, said Putin has invested his political reputation and legacy in the war in Ukraine. "We know from his previous writings and statements that he sees himself as part of a strong tradition of standing up to the West and the rest of world to defend Russia's interests," he said. The Kremlin leader values the relationship with Trump and does not want to anger him, however, "he simply has a top priority - Putin cannot afford to end the war just because Trump wants it," the second Russian source said. A third person familiar with Kremlin thinking also said Russia wanted to take all four regions and did not see the logic in stopping at a time of battlefield gains during Russia's summer offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has suffered some of its biggest territorial losses of 2025 in the past three months, including 502 square kilometres in July, according to Black Bird Group, a Finland-based military analysis centre. In total, Russia has occupied around a fifth of Ukraine. Russia's military General Staff has told Putin that the Ukrainian front will crumble in two or three months, the first person said. However, Russias recent gains remain relatively minor in purely territorial terms, with only 5,000 square kilometres (1,930 square miles) of Ukraine taken since the start of last year, less than 1% of the countrys overall territory, according to a June report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. Ukrainian and Western military sources, acknowledge that Russia is making gains, but only gradually and with heavy casualties. Russian war bloggers say Moscow's forces have been bogged down during its current summer offensive in areas where the terrain and dense urban landscape favoured Ukraine, but assess that other areas should be faster to take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'HE'S MADE THREATS BEFORE' Trump's sanctions threat was "painful and unpleasant," but not a catastrophe, the second source said. The third source said there was a feeling in Moscow that "there's not much more that they can do to us". It was also not clear if Trump would follow through on his ultimatum, this person said, adding that "he's made threats before" and then not acted, or changed his mind. The source also said it was hard to imagine that China would stop buying Russian oil on instructions from Trump, and that his actions risked backfiring by driving oil prices higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a consequence of previous rounds of sanctions, Russian oil and gas exporters have taken big hits to their revenues, and foreign direct investment in the country fell by 63% last year, according to U.N. trade data. Around $300 billion of central bank assets have been frozen in foreign jurisdictions. But Russia's ability to wage war has been unimpeded, thanks in part to ammunition supplies from North Korea and imports from China of dual-use components that have sustained a massive rise in weapons production. The Kremlin has repeatedly said that Russia has some "immunity" to sanctions. Trump has acknowledged Russia's skill in skirting the measures. "They're wily characters and they're pretty good at avoiding sanctions, so we'll see what happens," he told reporters at the weekend, when asked what his response would be if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire. The first Russian source noted that Putin, in pursuing the conflict, was turning his back on a U.S. offer made in March that Washington, in return for his agreement to a full ceasefire, would remove U.S. sanctions, recognise Russian possession of Crimea - annexed from Ukraine in 2014 - and acknowledge de facto Russian control of the territory captured by its forces since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source called the offer a "fantastic chance," but said stopping a war was much more difficult than starting it. (Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya and Andrew Osborn; Additional reporting by Nandita Bose; Writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel) Greenpeace is sounding the alarm, concerned that Mallorca is in danger of losing some of the best beaches in Spain because of rising sea levels and disregard for protecting the environment, as reported by the Majorca Daily Bulletin. What's happening? Greenpeace believes that poor coastal management is to blame for the threat and that the Balearic Islands, in which Mallorca is the largest island, are ignoring rising sea levels. Elvira Jimenez, Greenpeace campaign coordinator, said that the lack of urgency to solve the problem is "pushing ecosystems to the limit," per the Bulletin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction and tourist impact are having a negative effect on the coastal habitats. There is a focus on luxury hotels and tourists' considerations for what the region can handle, while environmental concerns are being ignored. Rising sea levels due to global warming are considered the primary threat to beaches. Warming ocean temperatures and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets are the consequences. The oceans absorb much of the heat, which causes them to expand, and the melting of ice in the polar regions adds additional water to the oceans. Why is the fact that the sea level is rising important? Sea level rise is concerning because the additional water can flood coastal communities and destroy beaches, as in the case of Mallorca. This can also affect homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Human activity is contributing to the rising sea level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extreme weather events have damaging effects on the regions where they occur, and scientific evidence shows that the human-induced warming of the planet is supercharging the events, making them even more powerful and damaging. This, too, adds to the threat to coastal communities. What's being done about rising sea levels? By exploring climate issues and solutions, we can help slow the effects of global warming, which is causing sea levels to rise. If we each take small steps to protect the environment, those efforts can add up to big positive changes that can have a lot of impact. Anything we can do to reduce the pollution we contribute and the waste we produce is helpful, and spreading the word to help educate others through reliable sources is also critical to making positive change. A Greenpeace report said that the beaches in Mallorca are among the most threatened and that the water surrounding the islands is warming 67% faster than the global average. Greenpeace environmentalists do not think enough is being done to combat the threat, stating, per the Bulletin, that "with a moderate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 40% of beach retreat worldwide could be avoided." 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. Your lungs, your spine, your leg muscles...these are all big organs and body parts that do big jobs to keep you healthy and thriving. On the other end of the size spectrum is the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland on the front of your neck. But even though it's small, never underestimate the thyroid's impactit produces hormones that play a role in everything from your metabolism and heart function to your energy and brainpower. And yet, because it does so many things, it can be difficult to pinpoint when things start to go awrywhich is why up to 60% of those with thyroid disease aren't aware of their condition. Your thyroid can start to produce too many thyroid hormones, which would be considered an overactive thyroid (or hyperthyroidism), or it can release too few, making it an underactive thyroid (or hypothyroidism). Ultimately, either health condition can lead to a host of subtle symptoms. Why thyroid problems can fly under the radar It can be challenging to diagnose a thyroid problem because no two people have the same two sets of symptoms, says Anne Cappola, MD, a professor of medicine in the division of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. You can have two people with the same degree of thyroid hormone abnormality, but their symptoms are completely different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, there is no one telltale sign or signs that your thyroid is out of whack. So if you're concerned, it's always best to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will do a physical exam, evaluating the thyroid gland and the body for symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction, says Deena Adimoolam, MD, an endocrinologist at Summit Health in Clifton, NJ. "Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels can be performed as well. But before you get to that point, take note if you clock any of these subtle symptoms. If you're experiencing more than one, it may be time to give your healthcare provider a call. 1. Your weight fluctuates widely We all have our ups and downs on the scale and thats normal. But if you notice significant weight loss or gain, you might want to see your doctor. Why? One of the primary roles of thyroid hormone is to control your metabolism, Dr. Cappola explains. If you're producing too much thyroid hormone, your metabolism will speed up and you'll lose weight. Theres a misconception that an overactive thyroid would be a great way to lose weight, but youre not selectively losing fat, Dr. Cappola adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conversely, if you have an underactive thyroid, the opposite will happen: Your metabolism slows down, and you can gain weight because your thyroid is signalling that your body needs less energy. 2. You experience hair loss We're not talking about shedding a few strands in the showerthis is noticeable amounts of hair loss. According to a 2023 review published in Touch Reviews in Endocrinology, alopecia (a condition where your hair falls out in patches) is one of the most frequently seen clinical signs of thyroid dysfunction. This is especially true for people who have autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Grave's disease, the most common causes of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, respectively. Changes in thyroid hormone status can affect even your hair follicles, says Dr. Cappola. Put simply, too much or too little thyroid hormone can make your hair follicles freak out, resulting in hair loss. But its not permanent. It will grow back once things are normalized, says Dr. Cappola. 3. Your bowel movements are out of whack If youre backed up or running to the bathroom more often than usual, you might think its food poisoning or you havent been eating enough veggies. While you probably dont automatically associate gut problems with your thyroid, those influential hormones may be at play here too, either slowing down or speeding up the movement of food through your digestive tract. Indeed, a 2024 review in Frontiers in Physiology confirms that both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can disrupt this movement. How? Too little thyroid hormone might result in constipation while too much thyroid hormone can lead to diarrhea, says Dr. Adimoolam. 4. Your heart is beating faster Yes, your heart has thyroid receptors too. An overactive thyroid revs up many of your bodily systems, including your heart. When you have too much thyroid hormone, it affects the heart and one might experience symptoms of palpitations or a fast heart rate, says Dr. Adimoolam. Dr. Cappola adds you may also feel jittery or have hot flashes too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the flip side, low thyroid can slow your heart rate, per Harvard Medical School, ultimately contributing to elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure. 5. Your blood pressure is dropping or climbing Speaking of blood pressure, thyroid hormones can play games with that too. Hyperthyroidism can send your BP through the roofjust like it does with your metabolismwhile hypothyroidism can result in a low reading. 6. You're feeling down or anxious Underactive thyroid can overlap with depression, says Dr. Cappola. Since too little thyroid hormone causes your bodys systems to slow down, it can bring on symptoms of depression. On the flip side, an overactive thyroid and systems raring to go can lead to symptoms of anxiety. A study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology looked at health data from over 12,500 adults and found a strong relationship between depression and thyroid malfunction. The researchers explain that both too much and too little thyroid hormone can impact the function of the brain and the central nervous system, altering your mood. 7. You can't get out of bed We all get tired, but when your thyroid malfunctions and pumps out too few hormones, it can feel like youre in constant need of a nap. Thats because the thyroid influences energy balance in your entire body. A 2025 study in European Thyroid Journal found that among people with hypothyroidism, 89% reported abnormally high levels of fatigue. 8. You broke a bone While most of us start to lose bone density with age, an overactive thyroid can accelerate the process. Since too much thyroid throws your body into a catabolic state, where its in breakdown mode, it can weaken your bones too, increasing your risk for osteoporosis. As you lose bone density and inch closer to osteopenia (low bone density) and osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), your chances of experiencing a bone break or fracture from a fall or accident rise rapidly. 9. You're forgetting things Weve all been there: misplacing our keys or forgetting the name of someone in the office. While some of this forgetfulness can be chalked up to age, it turns out that your brain isnt immune to your thyroids influence. When your thyroid hormone levels are low, it can affect your ability to concentrate and to remember things. In a 2022 study published in Endocrine Practice, 79% of people with low thyroid reported symptoms of brain fog, citing forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, and mental confusion among the most common. 10. You have irregular periods Your thyroid also affects the activity of other hormones in the body, including reproductive hormones, per research in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, which could lead to irregular periods as well as heavy or light periods. In some cases, women may lose their periods, struggle with infertility, or experience other conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your thyroid is one of the most influential organs in your body. The butterfly-shaped gland in your neck produces hormones that regulate metabolismhow your cells convert nutrients into and use energyand ultimately keeps all the systems in your body in line and functioning properly. If your thyroid levels are offeither overactive and releasing too many hormones or underactive and releasing too few hormonesit can lead to a host of symptoms. But thyroid problems can be tricky to spot, which is why up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease aren't aware of their condition. It can be challenging to diagnose because no two people have the same two sets of symptoms, says Anne Cappola, MD, professor of medicine in the division of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. You can have two people with the same degree of thyroid hormone abnormality, but their symptoms are completely different. In other words, there is no one telltale sign or signs that your thyroid is out of whack. So if you're concerned, it's always best to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will do a physical exam, evaluating the thyroid gland and the body for symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction. Blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels can be performed as well, says Deena Adimoolam, MD, assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. With that said, here are 10 warning signs to look out for. You Might Also Like High in the Himalayas, glacial lakes and bodies of water are growing, and the landscape is responding in dangerous ways. As meltwater carves new lakes into the mountains, scientists are concerned about what could happen when those lakes burst, according to a Gulf Today report. What's happening? The Himalayan Mountain region is home to about 15,000 glaciers. These glaciers release meltwater primarily into three rivers during warmer months, with more than 500 million people depending on water from those rivers, per World Water Atlas. However, the pace at which Himalayan glaciers melt has been increasing. India's Central Water Commission report noted that bodies of water formed due to Himalayan glacier melt have expanded by 11% since 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rising global temperatures cause these glaciers to melt, forcing water into other areas. Satellite data shows that many glacial lakes are now forming at higher altitudes of around 18,000 feet or higher, making them difficult to monitor and reach in emergencies and increasing the risk of a breach going undetected until it's too late. Why are melting glaciers concerning? Himalayan glaciers and global glaciers, for that matter are far away for many, but the effects of their rapid melt can hit close to home. When glaciers turn to water, the water raises sea levels or forms new bodies of water, as is the case with Himalayan glaciers. Wherever it ends up, extra water can be hazardous to nearby communities. Places dealing with strong hurricanes and heavy rainfall might experience more destruction with higher water levels. Also, coastal communities could see higher tides and coastal flooding. Bad weather has always existed, but this is a strong example of how human-induced changes to the climate supercharge weather events. Glacial melt can also throw off growing seasons and water supply cycles that rely on predictable weather patterns to feed into water systems. For the communities that count on Himalayan rivers for water, shrinking glaciers can even lead to drought during drier months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In a normal year, you get quite a lot of spring snow melt coming down," explained British Antarctic Survey glaciologist Hamish Pritchard in a Yale Climate Connections article. "And then as that ran out, the glacier would start contributing to ice melt as well, and that was keeping the rivers flowing." As the glaciers melt, there's less ice storage available for future water needs. The problem is widespread across the Himalayas. For example, the Chorabari glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas in India is retreating close to 23 feet per year, while Nepal's Himalayan glaciers are melting about twice as fast as the global average. 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. What's being done about melting glaciers? The best way to slow glacier ice melt is to reduce the rate of planet warming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An ETH Zurich study found that if warming remains at the same level it is now, the planet could still lose about 40% of its glacier mass by the year 2100. But limiting rising temperatures to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit could help preserve more than half of the glaciers around the world. Scientists are working on tools and methods to better understand glacier ice melt and thwart its progression, like a tool that measures fractures to signal potential glacier break-off and ice piracy research. But it's also up to humans to explore critical climate issues, like ice melt, and the actions that affect it, such as relying on gas and coal for power and cutting down trees and greenery. Everyday choices, such as how to power homes and what to eat for dinner, can increase heat-trapping gases that contribute to glacier melt. Reducing energy use, choosing plant-rich meals, and supporting climate-friendly initiatives in your local community can help. On a larger scale, push for pollution-lowering climate policies and advocate for forest protection and clean energy sources, like wind and solar. 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. LANSING, (Mich.) WLNS Experts are warning that continuous exposure to smoke in the air could lead to serious health complications in the future. Mid-Michigan has been under air quality advisories since last week due to wildfires burning in Canada, and doctors say even the healthiest of people should still be careful. Mohanad Saleh, M.D., the Director of Interventional Pulmonology at the University of Michigan Health Sparrow Hospital, warns that certain groups should be extra careful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air quality index today is unhealthy for sensitive individuals sensitive individuals are the individuals who are, for example, elderly, children, pregnant, and also patients with chronic lung issues, said Saleh. Lansing resident Astrid Leyrer was cruising downtown and said the smoke has been a nuisance while trying to bike, a method he uses to get around. Ive been noticing like, the smell of the air is different, said Leyrer. Im out of breath a lot faster, which is unfortunate because I enjoy biking, I enjoy physical activities, and stuff like that. Health professionals like Saleh are worried that too much smoke inhalation could leave people with health problems down the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Normally, with age, we lose lung function, having these particulates going to our lungs that will increase inflammation in our airways, and that will exacerbate the decline of our lung function, Saleh Said. He said the air quality tends to be the worst in the early afternoon, and suggests avoiding outdoor activities during this time. He also recommends contacting a medical professional if symptoms worsen. Make sure your inhalers refilled and you have your risk inhaler when you go out. Make sure to reach your Dr. when its needed, said Saleh, especially if you have symptoms, like worsening cough, more irritation, throat, eyes, airways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saleh told 6 News that face masks dont always keep you safe, since the smoke particles are fine enough that some of them will make it through, but recommends wearing an N95 mask if you are at a particularly high risk, although even this wont guarantee safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Wildfires are intensifying across California and the western United States, fueled by extreme heat, dry fuels and gusty winds pushing several into megafire territory. Fire crews are battling four large wildfires across multiple states. The latest wildfire to explode in size is the Lee Fire burning in northwestern Colorado, about 200 miles west of Denver. The fire has scorched nearly 120,000 acres with only 6% containment. Authorities say the fire is being fueled by weather conditions and critically low moisture levels in both live and dead vegetation. Flames have been reaching heights exceeding 100 feet, with the fire spreading at speeds over 1 mph. The Lee Fire has scorched over 113,000 acres in western Colorado, becoming the fifth largest in Colorado history. This imagery from JPSS satellites showcases the wildfire growing over the last week. pic.twitter.com/7Q2f9u8D7G CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) August 11, 2025 The Canyon Fire The Canyon Fire, which ignited north of Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, has nearly reached full containment after burning more than 5,000 acres in Ventura County and forcing evacuations. A resident rides a golf cart as he exits his property while the Canyon Fire burns on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Hasley Canyon, Calif. (Photo credit: AP/Marcio Jose Sanchez) The fire initially prompted evacuation orders for approximately 4,200 residents as crews battled the blaze in steep, rugged terrain using ground forces and air support. The Gifford Fire Firefighters battle the Gifford Fire burning on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Padres National Forest, Calif. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Noah Berger) California is also facing more than a dozen active fires across the state, including the massive Gifford Fire raging in the Los Padres National Forest. Burning in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the Gifford Fire has grown to more than 120,000 acres and is now 33% contained, according to CalFire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials describe the fire as "plume-dominated," with massive smoke columns creating unpredictable winds that have contributed to rapid fire growth and spread. Nearly 500 structures are threatened, and evacuation orders remain in effect across multiple communities. The Gifford Fire burns acreage in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. (Photo credit: Getty Images) The Gifford Fire's plume-dominated behavior has led to huge daily growth, fueled by dry fuels that carry flames rapidly through the terrain, Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Scott Safechuck told the Los Angeles Times. California is currently on pace for one of its worst wildfire years in recent memory, with more than 355,000 acres burned, well above the five-year average. This year's spike in fire activity is largely due to several major fires in Central and Southern California, including three large blazes that raged in Los Angeles County in January. Even excluding those, totals still exceed the five-year average, CalFire Battalion Chief Jesse Torres told the Los Angeles Times. Dragon Bravo Fire remains largest in Lower 48 Smoke from the Dragon Bravo fire fills the Grand Canyon on July 17, in Grand Canyon, Arizona. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Farther east, the Dragon Bravo Fire along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon has scorched nearly 143,000 acres since a lightning strike ignited it on July 4. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, it is currently the largest wildfire in the Lower 48 states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Containment has reached 44%. Officials say worsening weather has caused erratic fire behavior, particularly along the northern and southwestern flanks. The fire has grown so intense it generated its own weather, producing pyrocumulus clouds-fire clouds-observed for at least seven consecutive days, according to a Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team news release. The Dragon Bravo Fire also destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge in mid-July, leading to closures of the North Rim and Inner Canyon. Section Chief Craig Daugherty of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team said crews have contained some sections but remain concerned about the fire's northern edge and southwestern areas where it continues to spread. Wildfire surge in Nevada, Utah and Arizona Elsewhere in the West, dozens of fires are active in Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency after nearly 700 wildfires erupted statewide this year. One of the most active is the Monroe Canyon Fire, which has burned nearly 72,000 acres and forced evacuations in central Utah. The fire has reached 36% containment. "Nearly three-quarters of this year's fires have been human-caused, so please use fire sense. A single spark can put entire neighborhoods at risk," Governor Cox wrote on X. The National Interagency Fire Center warned that the West will remain the nation's wildfire hotspot through at least September, with AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski noting that heat and winds will continue to spur new wildfires from west of the Rockies to east of Interstate 5. Dan Burton has trapped hundreds of wild pigs for clients of his wildlife control company in Salinas, but even he was startled when he cut one of them open and found blue meat inside. "I'm not talking about a little blue," said Burton, owner of Urban Trapping Wildlife Control. "I'm talking about neon blue, blueberry blue." Burton relayed the disturbing discovery to Monterey County officials and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency is now warning trappers and hunters to keep an eye out for possibly contaminated wildlife in the area, and not to consume the tainted meat, over concerns the blue meat is a sign that the animal may have consumed poison. "It's just wild," Burton said. The startling find of wild pigs with bright blue tissue in Monterey County suggests the animals have been exposed to anticoagulant rodenticide diphacinone, a popular poison used by farmers and agriculture companies to control the population of rats, mice, squirrels and other small animals, according to a statement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Rodenticide baits often contain dye to identify them as a poison, authorities say. (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) "Hunters should be aware that the meat of game animals, such as wild pig, deer, bear and geese, might be contaminated if that game animal has been exposed to rodenticides," said Ryan Bourbor, pesticide investigations coordinator with the state agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are urging hunters not to consume any meat from an animal with signs of the blue pigmentation in their meat or fat, and to report the find to officials. Predators and people who eat animals that were poisoned by diphacinone can suffer "secondary exposure" to the poison because the substance can remain for a time in the organs and tissue of the poisoned animal. "Generally, more than one feeding is needed to receive a toxic dose," according to a 2023 study, but people and animals that consume the substance can start feeling the effects of the poison, including signs of lethargy. Read more: Why are scientists dressing pigs in clothes and burying them in Mexico? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another study published in 2011 found that cooking meat tainted with diphacinone had little effect on the concentration of the poison, and recommended that "consumption of pig meat obtained from areas with active rodent control programs should be avoided." The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said it became aware of the wild pigs' exposure to rat poison in March, when a trapper in Monterey County reported finding several wild pigs with blue muscle and fat. The agency's Wildlife Health Lab found diphacinone in the stomach and liver of one pig, according to a statement from the agency. Rodenticide baits are often dyed so they can be identified as poison, and the unusual blue-colored muscle is a sign that the animal may have eaten the poison, or eaten an animal that had been exposed to the poison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials also warn that the blue coloring may not always be present in animals that have been exposed. The rodenticide can pose a problem for farmers and agriculture companies that use it to control animals that can destroy or damage crops, but they end up poisoning other wild animals as well, Bourbor said. Burton said his company discovered the affected animals when it was hired by an agriculture firm in late February and March to trap wild pigs that were going into the firm's fields. His company traps the pigs and then euthanizes them according to state law, he said. He usually donates the carcasses and meat of the pigs to low-income families. But in this case, the pigs were found with bright blue meat and fat when they were cut open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Poisoned pelicans fly again after the worst algal bloom in a decade "I thought, OK, that's weird," Burton said. Burton said he investigated to try to figure out how the pigs' meat had become tainted and found that the animals appeared to be targeting squirrel bait stations in the field, which were being used to control the squirrel population. "These pigs were seeking [the bait traps] out," Burton said. "I saw them trying to flip it over, breaking them, trying to get access to the poison." The pigs that were consuming the poisoned bait were not immediately dying because they were consuming bait meant to kill much smaller animals, Burton said. The pigs, which Burton said weighed between 100 and 200 pounds, appeared to be acting normally even though their tissue was visibly affected by the poison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poison is also not fast-acting even for small animals, which can stay alive for several days before the poison takes effect, he said. The pigs were submitted for testing and found to have been exposed to the poison over an extended period. Meanwhile, the firm that hired Burton's company pulled the squirrel traps off the field, Burton said, out of concern that it was drawing in groups of the pigs. "Our concern is we're seeing multiple animals doing it," Burton said. Diphacinone is mostly prohibited across California, unless it is used by a certified vector control technician, government agency, or at agricultural sites, according to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prohibition became effective in 2024 as part of a law aimed at protecting wildlife from exposure to the poison. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, a 2018 study found that about 8.3% of wild pigs tested had traces of anticoagulant rodenticide residue. Burton said his main concern was that young hunters might not be aware of the signs to look for when hunting the pigs. The agency asks anyone who comes across an animal with blue fat or tissue to contact officials at whlab@wildlife.ca.gov or (916) 358-2790. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A fuel venting issue has emerged in some of the U.S. Air Forces new F-15EX Eagle II fighters, which has reportedly left them sidelined. The root cause remains under investigation, but manufacturer Boeing is already testing multiple potential fixes. Aviation Week was first to report on the F-15EX fuel venting troubles in a larger story published last Friday about the Air Forces progress in fielding the jets. As of May, Boeing had delivered nine Eagle IIs out of what is now a planned fleet of 129 of the aircraft. On cloud nine for EX9. The first #F15EX Eagle II of Lot 2 for the @USAirForce flies home to the @142ndWG. pic.twitter.com/GjmBEvQpgx Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) May 1, 2025 Fuel venting occurs when fuel overflows from the tanks inside the aircraft and, by design, then flows overboard through special ports near the tips of the wings on the F-15, a Boeing spokesperson told TWZ today. It occurs occasionally on various aircraft, including all F-15 models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some F-15EX aircraft have vented fuel at a higher-than-expected rate, which has a joint USAF and Boeing team investigating the root cause, they continued. We have several potential solutions we are testing, including new factory work instructions requiring verification of proper torque on connectors to ensure thats not a factor, and the team is investigating if we may have a batch of valves showing problems. TWZ has also reached out to the Air Force for more information. A member of the US Air Force conducts a post-flight check on an F-15EX. USAF Airman Nathaniel Jackson As noted, aircraft, in general, are equipped with vents for their fuel tanks. In addition to providing a way for fuel to escape if the tanks are overfilled or overpressured, they also allow air in to maintain pressure. Fluctuations in pressure will occur as the fuel in a planes tanks expands and contracts due to changes in pressure and/or temperature in the air, including during rapid maneuvers, especially when inverted or on the ground. In flight, fuel venting may look like wing vortices or smoke. Problems with the vents can potentially lead to more serious issues. The fuel venting issues with the F-15EXs have been significant enough to keep some of them on the ground, at least temporarily, according to Aviation Weeks Brian Everstine. How many of the Eagle IIs delivered to date are impacted is unclear. It is also not clear why this has only emerged now, as the basic EX airframe has been flying for years. F-15EXs at Nellis Air Force Base. USAF William Lewis Its also unknown how a strike by approximately 3,200 machinists within Boeings defense business unit, which just began on Monday, may impact work to resolve the F-15EX fuel venting issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well manage through this. I wouldnt worry too much about the implications of the strike. Well manage our way through that, Kelly Ortberg, Boeings CEO, said during an earnings call last week when asked about the potential implications of a strike. Though the F-15EX fuel venting issue appears to be relatively limited at present, it does come at a time when Boeing is just starting to rebound after years of serious upheaval and problems on both the commercial and defense sides of its business. This includes technical and quality control issues that have caused delays and cost growth across a number of major programs for the U.S. military, including the future VC-25B Air Force One jets, T-7A Red Hawk jet trainers, and KC-46 tankers. Boeing did notably win the Air Forces sixth-generation stealth fighter earlier this year with what is now designated the F-47. From all indications, the F-15EX has otherwise been a model program, at least on the testing and evaluation front, helped in part by the well-established underlying design. The Oregon Air National Guards 142nd Fighter Wing has been leading the way in fielding the F-15EX operationally within the Air Force, as you can read about more in this past TWZ feature. The California, Louisiana, and Michigan Air National Guards are also in line to get a squadron each of Eagle IIs. The F-15EXs will also be assigned to two active-duty squadrons forward deployed at Kadena Air Base in Japan. The Eagle II test jets just made their first-ever trip to the Pacific in July as part of the Resolute Force Pacific 2025 large-scale exercise. One of the operational F-15EXs assigned to the 142nd Fighter Wing. USAF John Hughel Boeing has also been securing export sales, and otherwise seeing interest, in further F-15 variants that build off of the EX configuration. In the meantime, Boeing is now testing multiple options to at least mitigate the excessive fuel venting some F-15EXs are experiencing. Contact the author: joe@twz.com Former CNN host Jim Acosta faced backlash on Monday after sharing what he called a one-of-a-kind interview with an AI version of Parkland school shooting victim Joaquin Oliver, a bot created by his parents to honor their son on what would have been his 25th birthday. The interview shared to Acostas SubStack page depicts Oliver, one of 17 who died in the 2018 massacre, remarking on the cause of death and stressing why its important to talk about gun violence in schools. The AI when asked for its solution to gun violence emphasized a need for a mix of stronger gun-control laws, mental health support and community engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bot of Oliver proceeded to speak in a noticeably higher tone before discussing the late teens interests in the Miami Heat and Star Wars. Acosta who declared that the technology left him speechless called the conversation so insightful, telling the late teens father, Manuel Oliver, that it felt like the first time he really got to know his son. I felt like I was communicating with him, which is just so remarkable, Acosta said. People say, Well, AI, you know, it could be bad, it could cause all these destructive things. This is an example of how it might actually do some good, it might help some people who have suffered tremendous losses like your family have a way to hold on to who this person was, which I think is a beautiful thing. A show you dont want to miss at 4p ET / 1p PT. Ill be having a one of a kind interview with Joaquin Oliver. He died in the Parkland school shooting in 2018. But his parents have created an AI version of their son to deliver a powerful message on gun violence. Plus Texas State pic.twitter.com/mbdM2WxwUR Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 4, 2025 Manuel Oliver and his wife, Patricia Oliver co-founders of the gun-control advocacy group Change the Ref have been involved in other projects that demand action against gun violence, including a school shooting video game, a play and a site that uses AI to recreate victims voices for calls to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manuel Oliver in a video shared to X, formerly Twitter acknowledged that the AI was his and his wifes idea, adding that Acosta shouldnt be blamed for what he was able to do in the interview. If the problem that you have is with the AI, then you have the wrong problem, he said. The real problem is that my son was shot eight years ago. So if you believe that that is not the problem, you are part of the problem. While Acosta restricted those who could reply to his posts on X, it wasnt the same case on his BlueSky account, where a number of critics were stunned by the AI move. Hey Jim. Quick question. What the fuck is wrong with you, replied one user. Check out that reaction and more below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... In announcing the firing of the governments chief labor statistician last week, President Trump condemned the works of Erika McEntarfer as phony. McEntarfer was just the 16th commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics since the position was created by Congress in 1884 to keep track of unemployment during an ongoing depression of a very Gilded Age variety. The job is to produce consistent, reliable data that Congress and other agencies can use for setting their own policies. What we have turned it into, however, is some kind of political rhabdomancer, an oracle on whose divinations the results of elections supposedly hang. But, like most good governance, its actually really boring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McEntarfer was confirmed by the Senate by a richly bipartisan vote of 86-8 to a four-year term that began in 2024. But theres no doubt that Trump was within his powers to fire her. All of the other counters of beans at the bureau are civil servants, but not the bean-counter in chief, who has always been a political appointee which McEntarfer became only after more than 20 years in various statistical gigs as a federal worker bee. Until Friday, she managed the bureau and her name was on the reports, but the numbers are churned out by a hive of statisticians and researchers working in the old Post Office building next to Washingtons Union Station. The deputy commissioner, civil servant William Wiatrowski, will again serve as acting commissioner, as he has twice before during vacancies. Well see what Trump thinks of Wiatrowski and the data nerds August numbers when they come out on the first Friday of September. The president has vowed to pick an exceptional replacement for McEntarfer, and that is probably true. There will be many exceptions concerning whomever Trump sends to the Senate for confirmation to the post. In the meantime, if the August numbers are as glum as the rest of this summers, Trump may start firing his way through acting commissioners until he finds one who sees the great Republican Success the president claims McEntarfer was concealing. But he can burn that bridge when he comes to it. For now, lets think about why Trump fired McEntarfer and what he meant by phony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days before the election, [McEntarfer] came out with these beautiful numbers for Kamala, I guess Biden-Kamala, and she came out with these beautiful numbers trying to get somebody else elected, Trump told reporters Friday. Then, right after the election, she had an [$800,000] or $900,000 massive reduction said she made a mistake. The fact is that the single poorest employment report of McEntarfers tenure was the one she published three days before the 2024 election, in which the bureau reported Nov. 1 that the economy had created only 12,000 new jobs in October, a worrisome sign for former President Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. There was indeed a revision to those numbers after the election: a substantial increase to 43,000, reflecting the bureaus conclusion that the fall hurricane season had distorted the overall jobs picture. It is true, though, that Trump did complain bitterly 10 weeks before the election about the long-term revisions to the bureaus 2023 numbers that concluded the economy had added more than 800,000 fewer jobs in the previous year than initially estimated under McEntarfers predecessor. Insofar as jobs numbers rather than actual jobs affect the attitude of voters, McEntarfers bureau had given Trump a gift. But Trump was more focused on the revision itself, not the report, writing, the Harris-Biden administration has been caught fraudulently manipulating Job Statistics. If the Biden-Harris administration had been cooking the books, then why on earth would it announce such a thing during the height of the campaign, on Aug. 21, the third day of the Democratic National Convention? If Trumps goal was to knock the incumbent administrations economic policies, McEntarfer & Co. had just served up a very juicy pitch, but Trump largely ignored it in favor of the allegation of corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is possible that Friday, Trump confused the August downward revision with the November report, and that he unknowingly conflated the two events to fit his preferred narrative. But whether it was a premedicated lie or self-deception isnt really the essential point. The episode shows us what Trump thinks about data in general. Whether it is election returns or economic reports, none of it can be trusted, unless it has been provided by his own people. Thus we come to a fork in the road: Is it that Trump believes it is possible for data to be unhappy for him and accurate, but only if he chooses the people who collect the data, or, is it closer to his way of thinking that data are mostly phony and he just prefers to be the one in whose favor it is being rigged? If it is the former, that comes with its own problems. Once a leader has installed loyalists in charge of data gathering, those loyalists out of some combination of love, ambition and fear will be motivated to hide bad news. A government that loses the ability to tell itself the truth is doomed, with terrible consequences for its citizens. But what if its the latter, and Trump doesnt put much stock in data as anything more than a tool for marketing, messaging and politics? This is the kind of thinking that might be behind asking an elections official to find enough votes to overturn an election. If Trump assumes that the blue state election returns are phony, why shouldnt Republicans provide phony vote totals for his benefit? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether its the Georgia secretary of state, the chair of the Federal Reserve, his own vice president or the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, if Trump assumes that all findings are the work of political malfeasance, why shouldnt they be malfeasing in his favor? Unhappy findings, therefore, cant be matters of fact or sincere interpretation, they can only be, as Trump would say, nice or not nice. Writing in 1942 about his recollections of fighting in the Spanish Civil War years before, George Orwell framed out how first Spain and then all of Europe had been plunged into hellish madness over the course of less than a decade. What he concluded wasnt that old saw that truth is the first causality of war, but rather that the death of truth is part of what leads us to war. I know it is the fashion to say that most of recorded history is lies anyway. I am willing to believe that history is for the most part inaccurate and biased, he wrote. but what is peculiar to our own age is the abandonment of the idea that history could be truthfully written. Its not that employment data arent ever wrong, its that in a functional republic, we believe that such data can be found through an imperfect, iterative process that is pointing at something real. If we abandon that idea, then all thats left is the party line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The would-be information czars of the COVID-era and the dis-disinformation apparatus that sprang up in response to the wilderness of online life, including that part of the wilderness planted by Trump himself, frequently devoted itself to fighting wrong ideas and bad opinions. It was often Orwellian in its own way, fact-checking subjective assessments. But the real fight for the future isnt about what people think, but rather what people believe can be known. We may already be living in a post-truth era, but God help us if we are beyond caring about facts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Do Canadian researchers propose to mass-vaccinate people with crop duster-style spraying of the populace, as a social media post implies? No, that's not true: The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) have paid researchers to develop a needle-free inhaler to inoculate people one at a time against the virus that causes COVID-19. The post that pushes the crop duster idea includes a direct link to the research lab press release that shows an individual using an experimental in-mouth inhaler, not being aerial-bombed from the sky. The claim appeared in an August 3, 2025 X post (archived here) on the @toobaffled account under the title "Canada Advances Plan to 'Vaccinate' Public with Bill Gates-Funded Covid mRNA Aerosols ". It opened: Canada's liberal government is advancing plans to roll out a new Covid mRNA "vaccine" to "vaccinate" the general public using aerosols. The Canadian government is ramping up testing for a disturbing new Covid mRNA "AeroVax." The new AeroVax seeks to overcome "vaccine hesitancy" by using aerosols to "vaccinate" the general public This is what the post looked like on X at the time this fact check was written: Source: Screenshot by Lead Stories of X post on @toobaffled account. The post is illustrated with a photo of an agricultural spray plane, also known as a crop duster, trailing a fog behind it, clearly implying the Canadian government proposes to mass-spray Canadians with vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fact check does not address Gates' involvement, which is beside the point of whether Canada intends to mass its population with vaccine. The X post includes a link to Slay News' article, (archived here) which makes the same mass spraying implication. That article, however, links directly to McMaster University's press release (archived here) that shows the needle-free vaccine would be a one-at-a-time inhaler: Source: Screenshot by Lead Stories of McMaster University press release. McMaster scientists said that inhaler delivery of COVID-19 vaccine has the advantage of focusing directly where the virus first strikes: the lungs and upper airways. Nowhere in the McMaster report is there mention of the words spray, plane, mass vaccination, crop duster, or aerial. Similarly, there is no mention of spray planes, mass vaccination, crop dusters or aerial vaccination on the Canadian Government's web page devoted to the AeroVax vaccine trial (archived here.) Lead Stories used the key phrases to search for credible reporting of a spray plane vaccine using both the Google News and Yahoo! News indexes and found none. Google's index of thousands of news pages showed no evidence-based reporting of a Canadian plan to spray vaccine from planes regardless of consent from those being sprayed. Similarly, no fact-based reporting corroborated the claim about mass-spraying was found on the Yahoo! News index of its partner organizations and news services. Claim: A photo repeatedly shared online authentically showed a young Barron Trump taking a picture of his mother, Melania Trump, while straddling her lap. Rating: Rating: True A picture purportedly showing a young Barron Trump U.S. President Donald Trump's and first lady Melania Trump's youngest son taking his mother's photo while straddling her lap has been repeatedly shared online for more than a year. For example, one Threads user who shared the photograph in late July 2025 (archived) was convinced it showed the pair had an incestuous relationship. The picture also resurfaced on Reddit in August 2025 (archived). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, one Bluesky user who shared the photograph in mid-July 2025 said it was evidence of "generational depravity" in the Trump family (archived). Throughout the month, it appeared elsewhere on Bluesky (archived), in numerous Threads posts (archived, archived) and on X (archived). It also cropped up on social media throughout 2024. Some X users questioned the optics of the image because of how Melania's hands were placed on Barron's legs and how he was sitting on her thighs. Others asked whether the picture was real or generated using artificial intelligence. Another X user even declared that it was fake. Omg is that AI or real? P.J. (@PJ_Weber) March 20, 2024 However, the photo was real and was found in the Getty Images library; therefore, we have rated this claim as true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was captured in early January 2016 when Barron was 9 during a photo shoot at Trump Tower in New York City and was credited to Regine Mahaux, according to the Getty caption: NEW YORK - JANUARY 06: Barron Trump is using the new FUJIFILM instax mini 90 as he and Melania Trump are photographed at Trump Tower on January 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Regine Mahaux/MT2016/Contour by Getty Images) Similar photos showing the mother and son in different poses during the shoot were also in Getty's library. The picture resurfaced as numerous other old photos of the Trump family, and photographs of Donald Trump and deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reappeared on social media following the release of a July 7, 2025, U.S. Department of Justice memo stating that a DOJ review found no incriminating "client list" related to Epstein and no credible evidence that he had blackmailed prominent people. Sources: 'Barron Trump Is Using the New FUJIFILM Instax Mini 90 as He And...' Getty Images, 1 Nov. 2016, https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/barron-trump-is-using-the-new-fujifilm-instax-mini-90-as-he-news-photo/620364178. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement '---'. Getty Images, 1 Nov. 2016, https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/barron-trump-is-using-the-new-fujifilm-instax-mini-90-as-he-news-photo/620364194. '---'. Getty Images, 1 Nov. 2016, https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/barron-trump-is-using-the-new-fujifilm-instax-mini-90-as-he-news-photo/620364172. 'Barron Trump Is Using the New FUJIFILM Instax Mini 90 as He Is...' Getty Images, 1 Nov. 2016, https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/barron-trump-is-using-the-new-fujifilm-instax-mini-90-as-he-news-photo/620364188. PerryCook, Taija. 'Photo Shows Trump and Epstein Together at Mar-a-Lago in 1997'. Snopes, 20 Jul. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-epstein-photo-1997/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ---. 'Real Photo of Trump, Wife Melania, Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell?' Snopes, 22 Jul. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trumps-epstein-ghislaine-maxwell/. Shan, Cindy. 'Another Old Photo of Trump and Daughter Ivanka Makes the Rounds Again'. Snopes, 24 Jul. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-photo-ivanka/. Wrona, Aleksandra. 'Photo of Trump and Daughter Ivanka Posing on Bed Together Is Real'. Snopes, 24 Jul. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/donald-ivanka-trump-bed-photo/. ---. 'Photo of Trump, Epstein and Minor Girl Keeps Resurfacing. It's Not Real'. Snopes, 25 Jul. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-epstein-minor-girl-photo/. Does the scientific community as a whole share the notion that a newly discovered interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is an alien spacecraft heading to Earth for a "surprise attack" in November 2025? No, that's not true: The NASA website says that it's a comet and that it doesn't pose any risk to Earth. Three astronomers told Lead Stories that, as of this writing, the scientific community overwhelmingly shares this view. The scientist proposing the alien theory said he did so to challenge people to think, while, nevertheless, implying an interest in an influx of government money to fund that line of inquiry. The claim appeared in a post (archived here and here) on TikTok on July 27, 2025, under the following caption: Scientists at Harvard discovered an unknown object headed towards the Earth at 130,000 mph and its 15 miles in diameter and apparently is very unusual and possibly a space craft. #space #aliens The narrator in the video continued: Now they're saying it's going to be here by the end of November. They don't just think it's an object. They think it's a spacecraft coming to attack the Earth. It's called 3I/ATLAS, and they're worried about a surprise attack. This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing: Image source: screenshot of a post by @knightfallen_angel on TikTok.com According to the NASA website (archived here), 3I/ATLAS was first discovered on July 1, 2025. The shape of its path, differentiating from orbit around the Sun, allowed astronomers to conclude that it's an interstellar object, the third known of that class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some of its characteristics are yet to be determined, the scientific community agrees that 3I/ATLAS is a comet, reads the NASA website: ...it has an icy nucleus and coma (a bright cloud of gas and dust surrounding a comet as it approaches the Sun). This is why astronomers categorize it as a comet... The space agency additionally clarifies that, contrary to the posts on social media, 3I/ATLAS poses no danger to Earth: Although the trajectory of the object brings it into the inner solar system, it won't come close to Earth. As the comet 3I/ATLAS journeys through the solar system, it won't come closer than 1.6 au (about 150 million miles, or 240 million kilometers) to our planet. Despite this information being publicly available on a government website, many other posts were trending under the keywords "massive alien mothership approaching Earth": for example, here (archived here and here), here (archived here and here) and here (archived here and here). Some of them, specifically professor Avi Loeb (archived here), of Harvard University's Astronomy Department. Talking to a CBS affiliate (archived here and here) in late July 2025, he implied that the newly discovered object can be anything, including being a technological product of another civilization. On August 1, 2025, Lead Stories contacted Loeb via email to clarify his views. On the same day, he wrote back, suggesting, among other things, that "3I/ATLAS might be an alien probe based on its unusually rare trajectory". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loeb, however, went on to explain the alien theory was a kind of thought experiment, saying: I laid out this possibility in order to encourage observers who are convinced that 3I/ATLAS is a comet to collect as much data as possible in an attempt to prove me wrong... Even if 49 out of the next 50 interstellar objects to be discovered by the Rubin Observatory will turn out to be comets or asteroids, the one outlier of technological origin might change the future of humanity. He also pointed out that a draft version of one of his papers that has yet to undergo a peer review process -- "Is the Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Alien Technology?" (archived here) -- reads: We strongly emphasize that this paper is largely a pedagogical exercise, with interesting discoveries and strange serendipities, worthy of a record in the scientific literature. By far the most likely outcome will be that 3I/ATLAS is a completely natural interstellar object, probably a comet... At the same time, Loeb, who made similar claims rejected by the scientific community before (archived here), said: Committees of mainstream scientists who decide how to allocate federal funds often resist investments in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence by arguing that it is too risky and might result in wasting taxpayers' money. But if these reviewers were humble enough to ask the taxpayers what they wish to spend their tax money on, they would find the search for extraterrestrial intelligence to be at the top of the priority list. Gatekeeping and ridicule are not the landscape I wished for when I started my scientific career 45 years ago... Earlier, on July 31, 2025, Chris Lintott (archived here), a professor of astrophysics at the University of Oxford, referred to Loeb's theory of alien involvement as "absolute nonsense", continuing: It's a comet, and no danger at all. It's exciting enough we get to study an object that formed before the Sun was born, and there's no need to invent stupid stories to get attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two more astronomers told Lead Stories: The existing consensus among the members of the scientific community is that 3I/ATLAS is a comet. Jane Luu (archived here), a professor of astrophysics (archived here) at the University of Oslo, emphasized in a phone conversation with Lead Stories on August 1, 2025, that it's not just her or a few other people but many scientists who are currently studying 3I/ATLAS. She said there is no evidence to support speculations about the nature of 3I/ATLAS: Our observations have shown it's a comet. It doesn't come close to Earth: It's not on a collision course. On August 1, 2025, David Jewitt (archived here), a UCLA professor of astronomy, told Lead Stories via email: I've seen a lot of comets, and all I can say is that 3I looks to me like a comet. When asked to evaluate the potential risks posed by the comet, he said: Since Friday, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly jobs report, President Donald Trump has made repeated claims that the August report was "rigged" in order to "make a great Republican Success" on the economy look weaker. In an initial social media post from Aug. 1, Trump decried the bureau's findings that only 73,000 jobs were created in July -- a lower number than economists expected. He also condemned the sharply downward revision of jobs numbers from May and June, which totaled 258,000 fewer jobs than previously reported. Afterward, Trump fired Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the BLS commissioner nominated by former President Joe Biden and who presided over the most recent jobs report. Trump baselessly accused her of fabricating poor numbers for political reasons. (McEntarfer was confirmed by the Senate in 2024 by a bipartisan vote of 86-8.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has since alleged -- repeatedly and without evidence -- that McEntarfer also "faked" employment numbers in the run-up to the 2024 election in order to improve Democratic candidate Kamala Harris' chances of winning. Win McNamee/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House, Aug. 1, 2025 in Washington. In subsequent social media posts and in comments to reporters, Trump has made unsubstantiated claims about the BLS process for conducting and revising jobs reports and the political motivations of McEntarfer in order to benefit Democrats and undermine Republicans. The president has also made inaccurate statements about certain BLS records. Below is a fact-check on Trump's claims: False: Jobs report revisions were made before the 2024 election "In my opinion, today's Jobs Numbers were RIGGED in order to make the Republicans, and ME, look bad Just like when they had three great days around the 2024 Presidential Election, and then, those numbers were "taken away" on November 15, 2024, right after the Election, when the Jobs Numbers were massively revised DOWNWARD, making a correction of over 818,000 Jobs A TOTAL SCAM. Jerome "Too Late" Powell is no better! But, the good news is, our Country is doing GREAT!" Trump wrote in a social media post on Aug. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's claim about the timing of the 2024 jobs report revision is incorrect. In reality, the BLS released a report on Aug. 21, 2024 showing the economy had added 818,000 fewer jobs over the previous year than what had been reported beforehand. This was a decidedly negative reflection of the state of the economy under Biden-Harris and occurred before the election, not after as Trump claimed. Months after the election, in February 2025, the BLS revised those numbers as previously scheduled, revising the 818,000 figure to 589,000 jobs, meaning fewer jobs were lost than previously thought in the August revision. That information would have been useful to the Harris campaign before the election, not after. By this point, the election was complete, and Trump was already in the White House. In sum, the opposite of what Trump is alleging had occurred. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks with reporters at Lehigh Valley International Airport, Aug. 3, 2025, in Allentown, Pa. False: Recent revisions 'record-setting' Trump said there were "record setting" revisions to both the jobs numbers from the most recent report and from a year ago, ahead of the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jobs report issued on Friday included revisions for May and June that were large, but they were not unrivaled. The two-month revision in last week's jobs report was the largest since 1968 outside of a recession, according to economists at Goldman Sachs. The economy is not currently in a recession according to latest data. Further, Trump said that after he won the election in November, McEntarfer then "readjusted the numbers downward of almost one million jobs." "She had the biggest miscalculations in over 50 years," Trump said. That's not true. A 902,000-job benchmark revision in 2009 was larger than revisions from August 2024. The 2009 benchmark revision was just 15 years ago, not over 50. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also wrote in a social media post that before the election, McEntarfer "lifted the numbers for jobs to an all-time high." This is wrong for two reasons. First, BLS reported that right before the election, in a report published on Nov. 1, 2024, total employment was essentially unchanged in the previous month. Also, BLS reports are not generated by one individual -- a team of economists report and compile the data for final publication. The highest number of recorded jobs ever was during April of 2000, 25 years ago. What is the US jobs report? Revisions are normal It's also important to note that revisions to jobs numbers are common. The BLS is a nonpartisan agency that collects a wide range of employment and price data. Every month, they put out its Employment Situation Summary, also known as the U.S. jobs report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jobs report notably revises -- either downward or upward -- the previous two months' jobs totals. This is because the BLS continues to collect payroll data as it's reported. The first numbers are only preliminary. There are also revisions made based on seasonal adjustments. In total, the data is revised several times: in both of the two months after the initial jobs report, a preliminary annual revision in August and a final annual revision in February. Former BLS commissioner says it's "impossible" for a commissioner to manipulate data William Beach, the former commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics -- nominated by President Trump and who led the agency during his first term -- has disputed Trump's claims that any data was manipulated in bad faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beach told ABC Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang that it's "impossible" for a BLS commissioner to manipulate the data. "The commissioner does not even see the numbers until the numbers are completely done and they're loaded and ready to be distributed," Beach said. "Then the commissioner is briefed Wednesday afternoon prior to the Friday release. And that's the first time the commissioner sees those numbers." Beach also flatly rejected the notion that recent revisions to the May and June jobs reports were politically motivated. He confirmed that jobs report revisions are a normal and expected part of the reporting process as more survey data becomes available because businesses continue to provide more information to the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've never seen a situation where we don't have revisions," Beach said. "These are big revisions because we're probably at a turning point in the economy" --ABC News' Zunaira Zaki contributed to this report. Claim: In July 2025, a meme accurately claimed that, since U.S. President Ronald Reagan, the deficit deepened under every Republican president while it decreased under Democratic presidents. Rating: Rating: Mostly True Context: Taken in absolute terms at the end of each presidential term, the claim is true. However, while a U.S. president can direct policy and campaign for certain spending priorities and tax reforms, the budget is decided by Congress the year before it is due to take effect. In other words, a president alone cannot set the course to a budget deficit or surplus. Further, Snopes examined deficit relative to GDP, which revealed a slightly different picture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2025, a meme began to circulate online purporting to show that the U.S. budget deficit had deepened under every Republican president and shrunk under every Democratic president since Ronald Reagan, who took office in January 1981. For example, a Facebook post relayed the claim, listing the deficit change for each president since Reagan (archived): (Facebook user Care2) The post read: Change in federal deficit:Ronald Reagan +$74BGeorge Bush Sr. +$102BBill Clinton (-$383B)George Bush Jr. +$1.5TBarack Obama (-$825B)Donald Trump +$2TJoe Biden (-$942B)Donald Trump +$4T and counting Versions of this list also appeared on Instagram, Threads and X. Many such memes have circulated over the years, using various time frames. For example, in 2022, while Biden was still president, such a meme circulated claiming that for the last 50 years, only three Democratic presidents Clinton, Obama and Biden had successfully lowered the deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A review of economic data since 1981 revealed that in absolute terms, the meme was mostly correct. However, it needed more context. Deficit during each administration since Reagan Compiling data from the Office of Management and Budget, the St. Louis Federal Reserve created a chart for the U.S. budgetary deficit or surplus calculated as the difference between the country's total revenue and its spending: This data shows that indeed, since 1981, the deficit deepened under Republican administrations and shrank under Democratic ones. For example, the deficit was $78.9 billion in 1981, the first year of Reagan's presidency, and $152.6 billion in 1989, the year he left office. That difference is $73.6 billion or, as the meme rounded up, $74 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, George H.W. Bush oversaw a deepening of the deficit to $102.4 billion. Clinton then took over and presided over a deficit reduction of $383.3 billion during his eight years in the White House. This culminated in a budget surplus. George W. Bush, who followed Clinton, led the country into two wars: one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S. In the last months of his presidency in 2008, his administration worked with Congress to pass an emergency package to rescue a teetering U.S. economy as the subprime mortgage crisis took hold. These events contributed to creating a new budgetary deficit. By the time he left office in 2009, it had grown by more than $1.5 trillion. Obama, whose administration led the recovery from the financial crisis, left office in 2017, when the deficit had shrunk not by $825 billion, as the meme indicated, but by $747.2 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's first term, which saw in its first two years a deepening of $300 billion in its deficit, then contended with the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time he left office, the deficit had grown by $2.1 trillion compared with 2017. Much like Obama's, Biden's administration then oversaw the recovery from the pandemic. By the second half of 2024, for which the most recent data is available, the deficit had dropped by $942.5 billion. Using these numbers and based on available data, the meme was correct except for Obama's tenure. It was, however, too early to determine how much of a deficit would occur under Trump's second term. However, the meme was using estimates that circulated after the passage of the "big beautiful" budget bill Congress passed at the president's urging in early July 2025. But as Snopes reported, experts predicted that this new budget would deepen the deficit by $3.9 trillion over 10 years far past Trump's term limits. Bringing context to the claim Is it important to note that in the U.S., the president has limited powers over the budget. The legislative branch Congress ultimately has the last word. This is known as the "power of the purse," established by Article I, Section 9, clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution: No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time. It is true, however, that the president's team typically seeks to influence and whips up votes both in the House of Representatives and in the Senate to support its agenda and budget priorities. Each year, the White House proposes a budget through the Office of Management and Budget. It can cajole or browbeat legislators with various incentives, such as helping them get reelected or threatening to throw their weight behind another candidate within their party at the following primary elections, as Trump did with Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina who voted against the 2025 budget bill. If Congress and the president don't agree, it can lead to a so-called government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Equally important is the fact that looking at the deficit as a proportion of the U.S. economy is often a better measure of a government's fiscal health. A government might choose to spend more than in previous years to support economic recovery after a recession. In doing so, it bets that the economy will improve and that the resulting tax income will increase as consumers and companies earn and spend more. As a result, the ratio of deficit to gross domestic product can provide more clarity on a nation's ability to repay its debts. For example, if a deficit doubles and the size of the economy triples over the same period of time, the country's fiscal sustainability improves, despite a larger deficit in absolute terms. A review of the deficit-to-GDP ratio over the years revealed a slightly different picture. There, too, the Saint Louis Fed compiled OMB data into a chart: For instance, under the Reagan administration, the deficit went from representing 2.5% of the economy to 2.7% a rather stable outcome for his tenure. Under George H.W. Bush's leadership, the deficit became proportionally larger to 3.7%. Clinton, meanwhile, left office when the surplus reached 1.2% of GDP. With George W. Bush, the surplus disappeared and the deficit ballooned to 9.8% of GDP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obama's tenure then saw it shrink to 3.4%. Trump followed, overseeing a deficit that reached 11.7% of the economy in 2021, the highest of the period we've examined. Biden, who presided over the recovery from the pandemic, saw it return to the more manageable 6.3% of GDP, which remains historically high. In sum, while the meme was mostly accurate, it lacked crucial context. Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and U.S. Office of Management and Budget. "Federal Surplus or Deficit [-] as Percent of Gross Domestic Product." FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 1 Jan. 1929, fred.stlouisfed.org/series/FYFSGDA188S. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. Izzo, Jack. "The Just-Passed 'Big Beautiful Bill' Will Increase National Debt by Trillions of Dollars, according to CBO." Snopes, Snopes.com, 3 July 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/budget-bill-increase-national-debt/. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karni, Annie. "Thom Tillis, Republican Senator, Won't Seek Re-Election amid Trump's Primary Threats." The New York Times, 29 June 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/06/29/us/politics/thom-tillis-retirement.html. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. National Archives. "The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription." National Archives, The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, 14 Aug. 2023, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. "OMB." The White House, 31 Mar. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/omb/news/. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. U.S. Office of Management and Budget. "Federal Surplus or Deficit [-]." FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 30 June 1901, fred.stlouisfed.org/series/FYFSD. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. Wessel, David. "What Is a Government Shutdown? And Why Are We Likely to Have Another One?" Brookings, 17 Sept. 2023, www.brookings.edu/articles/what-is-a-government-shutdown-and-why-are-we-likely-to-have-another-one/. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025. (Reuters) -Saturday marks the 80th anniversary of the U.S. military's dropping of an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, three days after the bombing of Hiroshima ushered in the age of nuclear weapons. Following are some facts about the bombings, the only times nuclear weapons have been used in war. Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, ending its role in World War Two. HIROSHIMA: * At 8.15 a.m. on August 6, 1945, an American B-29 Superfortress bomber called Enola Gay dropped a 10,000-pound uranium-235 bomb, instantly killing about 78,000 people. By the end of that year, the number of dead reached about 140,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * The bomb, nicknamed "Little Boy", exploded about 580 metres (1,900 feet) above the centre of the city, setting off a surge of heat reaching 4,000 degrees Celsius (7,200 degrees Fahrenheit) across a radius of about 4.5 km (2.8 miles). More than half of the city's buildings lay in ruins. NAGASAKI: * At 11.02 a.m. on August 9, the United States dropped a 10,000-pound plutonium-239 bomb, nicknamed "Fat Man". * It exploded about 500 metres above the ground, instantly killing about 27,000 of the city's estimated population of around 200,000. By the end of 1945, the number of dead due to acute radiation exposure reached about 70,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TOTAL KILLED: * Japan has so far recognised the total number of deaths from the bombings, including from radiation illness and injuries, as 344,306 in Hiroshima (as of August 6, 2024) and 198,785 in Nagasaki (as of August 9, 2024). (Compiled by Neil Fullick and William Mallard) (Reuters) -Three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. and European Union still import billions of euros worth of Russian energy and commodities, ranging from liquefied natural gas to enriched uranium. India this week lashed out at what it called Western double standards, after facing renewed threats from U.S. President Donald Trump over its surging purchases of Russian crude oil. Here are the main commercial ties that the U.S., Europe, and India maintain with Russia, and their evolution over the last four years: EUROPE IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA Since the beginning of the war, trade between the EU and Russia has drastically contracted due to EU sanctions and import restrictions on some products. Imports from Russia fell by 86% from the first quarter of 2022 through the first quarter of this year, according to the latest data from Eurostat. Imports of goods from Russia in the first quarter of 2025 totaled 8.74 billion euros ($10.11 billion), down from 30.58 billion euros four years earlier. Since January 2022, the EU has imported 297 billion euros' worth of Russian goods. The EU, however, continues to purchase oil, nickel, natural gas, fertilizer, iron and steel from Russia. * OIL Four years ago, Russia was the largest supplier of petroleum products to the EU, but the EU ban on maritime imports of Russian crude oil reduced its share to 2.01% in 2025 from 28.74% in 2021. Oil imports fell to 1.48 billion euros in the first quarter of 2025 from 14.06 billion euros four years ago. * NATURAL GAS About 17% of Europe's gas still comes from Russia, via the TurkStream pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, down from 48% in 2021's first quarter. Russian LNG exports to Europe in January-June declined by 13% year on year to 7.9 million tons. * IRON AND STEEL Russia's share in non-EU iron and steel imports slumped to 7.71% in the first quarter of 2025 from 18.28% four years ago. * FERTILIZERS As for fertilizers, a sector in which the European Parliament voted in May to impose prohibitive tariffs, Russia remained, as of the first quarter of 2025, the largest exporter to the 27-nation EU. Its share fell slightly from 28.15% to 25.62% in the last four years. INDIA IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA In contrast to Europe, India's imports from Moscow surged to $65.7 billion in 2024 from $8.25 billion in 2021, data from the Indian Commerce Ministry website showed. * OIL Crude oil has been the biggest driver of the growth in Indian imports from Russia, jumping to $52.2 billion in 2024 from $2.31 billion in 2021. A failed asylum seeker drowned after attempting to jump on to the ramp of a vehicle transporter ship in a bid to travel to Canada, an inquest has heard. Walid Gomaa, who was denied asylum status when he arrived in the UK in 2021, had told a friend he intended to travel across the Atlantic, having lived illegally in the UK for four years. The Egyptian national hit his head and fell into the sea at Southampton docks on 28 April this year, after attempting to jump on to a vessel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An inquest in Winchester heard on Tuesday that the 36-year-old drowned before a rescue boat could reach him. Mr Gomaa had been spotted attempting to reach a ramp as it was being raised by crew members of the ship heading for Halifax in Canada, the inquest was told. The operator paused the raising and saw Mr Gomaa walk away, but as they started lifting up the ramp again Mr Gomaa ran and jumped towards the ramp. This was despite a crew member shouting at him to stop. The inquest heard that Mr Gomaa then hit his head and fell into the sea at Empress Dock at the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal, where he drowned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coroner Jason Pegg said: "Mr Gomaa jumped off the jetty towards the vessel. On this occasion Mr Gomaa was not able to grab hold of anything and fell towards the water between the jetty and the vessel itself." He said a post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning which resulted from a head injury and a fall into the water. The coroner added: "Mr Gomaa came to the UK in 2021 and was not given status in this country and disappeared for a period of time. "He initially claimed asylum but that was denied in 2021 and it was not until April 2025 that Mr Gomaa raised his head again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a message to Mr Gomaa's family in Egypt, who did not attend the hearing, Mr Pegg said: "I do give my condolences to Walid Gomaa's family and friends and they have my best wishes." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. A failed asylum seeker from Egypt drowned after he tried to jump onto a ship at Southampton docks, an inquest has heard. Walid Gomaa, 36, who was denied asylum when he arrived in the UK in 2021, tried to board the vehicle-transporter ship bound for Canada on April 28 this year. Mr Gomaa, who had lived in the UK illegally for four years, drowned during the attempt. A post-mortem found evidence that he had been using cannabis and cocaine recreationally at the time of his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Egyptian was spotted by crew members of the 200-metre MV Tannhauser attempting to reach the ramps finger-flaps articulated extensions at the end of the vessel as it was being raised ahead of sailing, the Winchester inquest was told. The operator paused the raising and saw Mr Gomaa walk away but as they started lifting up the ramp again, Mr Gomaa ran and jumped towards the ramp, despite a crew member shouting at him to stop. The inquest heard that Mr Gomaa hit his head and fell into the sea at Empress Dock at the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal, where he drowned before a rescue boat could reach him. Coroner Jason Pegg said: Mr Gomaa attempted a second time, warnings were shouted to Mr Gomaa but he continued despite the warnings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Gomaa jumped off the jetty towards the vessel. On this occasion Mr Gomaa was not able to grab hold of anything and fell towards the water between the jetty and the vessel itself. Mr Pegg said a post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning which resulted from a head injury and a fall into the water. They also found that cocaine and cannabis were in his system. The coroner said a friend had contacted police after Mr Gomaa had not been in touch and said Mr Gomaa had told him that he planned to travel to Canada. Mr Pegg said that when the friend asked how he was going to get there, Mr Gomaa replied: Do not worry about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coroner added: Mr Gomaa came to the UK in 2021 and was not given status in this country and disappeared for a period of time. He initially claimed asylum but that was denied in 2021 and it was not until April 2025 that Mr Gomaa raised his head again. In a message to Mr Gomaas family in Egypt, who did not attend the hearing, Mr Pegg said: I do give my condolences to Walid Gomaas family and friends and they have my best wishes. 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 Christopher Robertson, 42, of Fairburn, was arrested Friday after a standoff with FBI agents, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia. Officials said Robertson made several threats against Jewish and Black people after visiting multiple Jewish sites around metro Atlanta. Robertson will remain in jail until his next court hearing, scheduled for Thursday. ATLANTA - A North Georgia man is in jail, charged with making racial threats against Jewish and Black people, according to federal prosecutors. What we know Christopher Robertson, 42, of Fairburn, was arrested Friday after a standoff with FBI agents, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia. He made his initial court appearance Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Catherine M. Salinas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robertson is charged with communicating interstate threats. The backstory Officials said Robertson went to the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta on July 31 and was seen wandering in a secure parking lot. Staff alerted security, who approached him. Robertson had driven into the gated area without permission, according to officials. Robertson told security he was "the official spokesperson for the white race" and said he wanted to speak with a high-ranking Jewish official. After being asked to leave, he drove to The Temple, a nearby synagogue in Midtown Atlanta. There, Robertson spoke with two staff members and asked to speak with a rabbi. Prosecutors said he made derogatory remarks about Jewish people and ranted about the decline of the white race. An Atlanta police officer was present at the time, and Robertson left after the comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the encounters, the FBI reviewed several social media accounts linked to Robertson and found antisemitic and threatening video content. Officials said one YouTube video showed Robertson singing, "F*** the Jews, f*** you if you Jewish, one shot, two shot, leave you in the sewage." A Facebook post from July 28 allegedly showed Robertson holding a black pistol with a loaded magazine. In that video, he spoke about the "cultural genocide" of the white race and wrote in the caption: "I will not tolerate cultural genocide get that understood I will fight for it, I will die for it, I will kill for it." Due to the threats, law enforcement increased patrols at approximately 80 Jewish facilities across the Atlanta area. On July 31, shortly after Robertson posted on Facebook that he wanted to "chop it up with a rabbi," officials said he entered a Chabad Jewish center in Peachtree City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chabad rabbi called 911 while staff members barricaded themselves in an office. Robertson recorded the encounter and posted it on Facebook, officials said. In the video, he called himself the "official delegate of the white race" and told the rabbi that Jewish people were on the "verge of extermination." He left the building when police arrived. What we know On Aug. 1, Robertson posted another Facebook video, this time threatening Black people, saying: "We will kill the s*** out of you guys. . . . We will f***ing murder you." Officials said he specifically targeted Black individuals who "lash out openly at the white man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that day, a federal court issued a warrant for Robertsons arrest on the interstate threat charge. When FBI agents attempted to arrest him at his home, officials said Robertson barricaded himself inside for several hours. He eventually surrendered, and a firearm was recovered from the scene. What's next Robertson will remain in jail until his next court hearing, scheduled for Thursday. What they're saying Officials addressed the arrest after Robertson appeared in court on Monday. "The allegations against Robertson, which include menacing visits to Jewish facilities and vile online threats against Jews and Blacks, are of great concern," said United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "Protecting the community from hate-fueled violence is a foundational part of the Department of Justices mission, and we will aggressively prosecute criminals who abuse the internet to terrorize and intimidate others." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Robertsons alleged actions serve as a disturbing reminder of the terrifying hatred our Jewish communities encounter simply because of their beliefs," said Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta Paul Brown. "The FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement and community partners to investigate any individual who threatens the safety of our residents." The Source Information in this article came from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia. DUNCAN Fairground upgrades continue to make headway just ahead of the Stephens County Free Fair coming next week. Butch Lawson, construction manager at-risk with Hope Equipment and Construction, gave an update for the American Rescue Plan Act projects for the Stephens County Fairgrounds renovations, Stephens County courtroom upgrades during a routine meeting Monday. Lawson said projects at the fairgrounds continue to make good progress. He said construction crews began to install ceramic tile in the restroom facilities this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawson said the fire suppression crews are working inside the arena. He said crews will look to begin to install the high volume, low speed fans at the end of the week in the arena. Repairs to the existing fans will also take place. Lawson said he has a meeting with the fire suppression crews Thursday. For the courtroom at the Stephens County Courthouse, Lawson said crews are staining the benches. He said the millwork crews began the judges bench Monday. All the painting is done, he said. Last week, the board discussed a change for receipting and apportioning 911 Phone Funds for E911 dispatching services and partial salary amounts for dispatch employees and one assessor employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, the board signed a resolution to receipt the dispatching amount to the dispatch account and to pay the mapping employee from the wireless account. While the funds will come in monthly, Stephens County Clerk Jenny Moore said the money will be receipted and apportioned directly to the sheriff service fees for dispatching and for the partial salary amounts. She said the remaining collections will go into the wireless fund where the amounts will be apportioned to cover the assessors employee. This will alleviate all the monthly transfers, Moore said. In the fairgrounds report, Morgan said the Stephens County Free Fair kicks off Aug. 13. He said the fairgrounds crew continues to work on the grounds to paint and landscape prior to kicking off the fair next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan said crews did a lot of work in the past week. With no end date set, Morgan said the county board will go out for bid on the gates and the railing for the porch and patio. He said there will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting Aug. 19 and the board will open bids around Sept. 2. In new business, Meridian Fire Chief Sal Joy approached the county commissioners about a used pumper tanker to purchase. He said they got three finance bids, along with quotes for a new truck. Joy said the new trucks are over $500,000. He said the used truck is $285,000 with putting $70,000 down. Joy said the fire department is in need of a new pumper tanker. He said theyve only made emergency repairs to their current truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan questioned financing a used vehicle. Joy said he sent in three finance quotes and three additional used trucks which are comparable. Joy said the truck is a 2008 International Pumper Tanker with 15,000 miles. He said its an auto transmission. He said the pumper tanker would be a good addition to help drop the departments Insurance Service Office rating. No action was taken on the discussion. In other news, the board approved: Two fairground agreements. One for the Heart of Oklahoma Youth Rodeo in the Stephens County Arena Aug. 23-24 and one for the Devereaux Claim-A-Bull in the Stephens County Arena Sept. 6. The Stephens County Commissioners will convene for the next weekly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11 at their office, located inside the Stephens County Courthouse. Prichard Hall, a dorm at Fairmont State University, has provided on campus housing to youth in foster care during the 2024-2025 academic year. This year, housing for Middle College will be moved off campus. (Amelia Ferrell Knisely | West Virginia Watch) Fairmont State University is expanding its on-campus housing and educational program for teens in foster care, announcing that it will now serve local foster children living with a foster family or relatives. The program, known as Middle College, launched in 2024 as West Virginia has struggled to have enough homes for kids in foster care, particularly older teens. There are 6,132 children in the states child welfare system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middle College has provided housing to 16- to 18-year-olds in the foster care system while helping them complete a high school diploma and work on an associate degree before aging out of care. Only half of all youth in foster care earn a high school diploma, and between 2% and 6% go on to complete a college education. The university announced Monday that the program will expand to include 16- to 17-year-olds in foster care who live in the surrounding area with their guardians. They will not need to relocate in order to receive the educational services. We know how important permanency is to youth with experience in care, said Middle College Dean Emily Swain in a news release. This expansion will allow students to remain in a supportive environment while pursuing their educational goals. Expanding the program to meet these needs will open the doors for even more students to experience Middle College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program is now accepting applications. Middle College was launched through a partnership with KVC West Virginia and the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition to address the states foster care crisis. Programs like Middle College reflect what it truly means to be a public university, said Dr. Mike Davis, president of Fairmont State University. We have a responsibility to lift up every student with the potential to succeed and that includes students who may not have had the support or resources they deserve. When we give them access to education and opportunity, we dont just change their lives we strengthen our communities and our state. Middle Colleges housing and educational program has been free and available to foster teens statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students have access to support services, including mental health care. Middle College initially housed teens on-campus in a dorm, but earlier this year, the program opted to move the teens to off-campus housing after the Times West Virginian reported that a foster teen ran away from the program to Kentucky. In response, a spokesperson for the program said that Middle College student safety was a priority and the university needed additional space in the residence hall for its students. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) Fall River police are trying to transform a community space that the department says has become overrun with criminal activity. Police initiated Operation Clear Path Tuesday morning, to clean up the area of the Quequechan River Rail Trail, specifically the span between Rodman Street and Brayton Avenue. Over the past three years, this section of the Rail Trail has generated more than 800 calls for service, including reports of sexual assaults, overdoses, robberies, fires, assaults with weapons, and the ongoing presence of biohazardous waste, police said in a post on social media. What was once a symbol of pride in our historic city has tragically become overrun with criminal activity, drug use, violence, and hazardous conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press release, police said officers made 38 arrests on Tuesday with 33 happening on the Rail Trail. Two individuals were reportedly re-arrested hours after being released from police custody. The efficiency of the operation allowed us to redirect additional resources to North Park, another location recently impacted by drug use and unattended fires, police said in the release. That secondary effort resulted in five additional arrests. Police have not revealed any of the charges related to those arrests. ALSO READ: Fall River welcomes new Raising Canes location Police noted that people who had been living in tents along the trail had declined repeated offers of assistance with housing and rehabilitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers and police K-9s on Tuesday were focused on removing people they said were trespassers, clearing contaminated debris, and searching the area for illegal firearms and narcotics. Police said they recovered a flare gun, knives and hundreds of needles. John Vanasse told 12 News he was at the Rail Trail when police arrived with plans to stay there for a night. The police department comes rolling up on us, unannounced. They didnt give us no warning, its just hand cuffs and youre in the truck, he explained. Vanasse said he was charged with trespassing and was desperate to get his belongings back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just leave these homeless people alone, he said. They have no where to go. Where else are they going to go? Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan and the citys Director of Homeless Outreach Services Nicole Fontaine were both at the scene on Tuesday. According to Fontaine the city has continuously tried to help people experiencing homelessness, but not everyone accepts that help. Just because they were relocated from here doesnt mean that were not going to work with them, Fontaine said. She noted that the situation has become dangerous for the people who were living in the encampments. Someone pulled a gun on them last week, and the homeless people stood up for them, Fontaine explained. It wasnt the homeless population, we have dealers and gangs preying on them now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fontaine has experienced homelessness and addiction herself. Shes hopeful this operation will create a safer community for everyone. Nothing changes for our outreach team, Fontaine said. We are still going to provide all the services and treatment, they have our phone numbers, we have theirs. As part of the operation, Fall River police said there will be more enforcement in the future, with regular walking or biking patrols and routine sweeps. Fall River police have not yet revealed how many people were arrested. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. NEED TO KNOW The family of 7-year-old Calena Areyan Gruber, who survived a boat crash in Miami that killed 3 others, has released a statement about the incident "Our hearts are broken for the families who suffered the most unthinkable tragedy in last weeks collision," they reportedly said in the statement The incident claimed the lives of Mila Yankelevich, 7, Erin Ko, 13, and Arielle Buchman, 10 The family of a girl who survived a boat crash in Miami that killed 3 others is speaking out about the tragic incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7-year-old Calena Areyan Gruber was hospitalized with injuries from the July 28 incident after a boat carrying students from a sailing program was struck by a barge in Florida. She was released from Jackson Memorial Hospital on Aug. 1, NBC 6 South Florida reported. CBS Miami Scene of the boat crash near Hibiscus Island, Florida Scene of the boat crash near Hibiscus Island, Florida In a statement released on Monday, Aug. 4, Calenas parents, Karina Moreno and Enrique Viqueira said, "Our hearts are broken for the families who suffered the most unthinkable tragedy in last weeks collision," the outlet reported. This is a deeply harrowing reminder of how suddenly and senselessly life can change," the statement added. "In an instant, what should have been a day of joy and connection on the water turned into a source of unimaginable grief. Our hearts will forever remain with the families involved in this most tragic incident." Along with their statement, the parents released a photo of Calena smiling and waving before heading onto the sailboat on the day of the incident. Alexander Levitt Funerals Arielle Buchman Arielle Buchman At around 11:00 a.m. local time, the sailboat containing a total of six people was hit by a barge near Hibiscus Island, causing the boat to go underneath the vessel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calena was trapped under the 60-foot ship, but was eventually able to escape and swim out to save her life, the Miami Herald reported. She suffered open lacerations and scrapes all over her body and was transported to the hospital in critical condition, the outlet added. This was profoundly traumatic, the familys attorney, Justin B. Shapiro, told the Miami Herald. Its a miracle shes alive. "[Calena] is devastated by what happened, both physically and emotionally, Shapiro added to NBC 6 South Florida. She was acutely aware that she could have died and she repeats that to her parents and so it's going to be a long and difficult road for her." Cris Morena/Facebook Mila Yankelevich Mila Yankelevich The three victims who died in the crash were Mila Yankelevich, 7, Erin Ko, 13, and Arielle Buchman, 10. Their cause and manner of death were determined to be accidental drowning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims were all affiliated with the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, the Miami Yacht Club previously confirmed in a statement. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "We are deeply moved and incredibly grateful for the outpouring of prayers and kindness we have received from the community. We now respectfully ask for privacy as we focus on healing and processing this difficult situation," Calenas parents added in their statement. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the crash. PEOPLE has reached out to the Gruber familys attorney for comment. Read the original article on People CLEBURNE COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) The family of a Cleburne County man who was killed in flash flooding Sunday is remembering him as a hero. The Turkey Heaven Volunteer Fire Department says Cohen Turner, 22, drowned off County Road 41 after the truck he was in was swept off the road. The Turner family said he died a hero. For him to do something a lot of friends that Ive had have done, what we call the ultimate sacrifice, to give your life for another, is a heroic act and something thats selfless, said Turners uncle Danny Turner. For him to not have the training or the mindset to do it and just be that kind of a natural person to be willing to make that kind of sacrifice speaks volumes about the true character he was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Danny Turner, after the truck was swept off the road, Cohen Turner and his friend were swimming to the bank, and he pushed his friend up to grab onto a tree. In the process, he was swept away in the flood waters. Those who knew Cohen Turner said they werent surprised to hear about his selfless act. My brother was telling me about this under fortunate guy, and I wouldnt call him by name, but he lived in a small camper, and Cohen arranged to buy him a heater, which as a young man, you dont usually see that, Danny Turner said. Thats someone thats matured that do things like that. But to go make sure somebody had a nice heater around Christmas, thats the kind of things he done. Danny Turner said his nephew was the biggest outdoorsman always hunting or fishing so this news was especially devastating to hear. Man killed in Cleburne County flooding identified Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew it had to be a lot of circumstances that keep him from prevailing from something tragic because he was a good swimmer. He was smart on his feet, Danny Turner said. It was hard to catch him off guard. I kind of expected him to come up laughing saying, That one was close. Thats kind of what I expected, but thats not what we got. Not only did Cohen save a friends life, but his death is leading to change in the Turkey Heaven Volunteer Fire Department. What we are going to implement is very simple stuff, said THVFD Chief Patrick Nolen. Personal floatation devices as well as some rescue rope to be able to try to preliminarily respond and if the situation is safe enough for us to make simple rescues like that while were waiting on our additional resources. Nolen said Cohen Turner was not just well-known in the community but also well-loved by everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive known this family, Ive known the Turner family my whole life, Nolen said. This small-knit community, while we cant ever prepare for every disaster, we can try to prepare the best that we can using the situations weve been given. The family is raising money to help with funeral costs. Donations can be made directly to the Rainwater Funeral Home in cash or check form or you can contact the Turkey Heaven Volunteer Fire Department to arrange a donation through the link here. The Turner family is also accepting donations via Cash App at $dturner2013 or through Venmo at @Kaylie-Turner-7. The whole family is taking it pretty hard, Danny Turner said. It seems like with a car wreck, this caused this, and you can kind of put a defined what actions caused what. With something a freak act of mother nature and then the circumstances that followed, it makes it harder to understand, I guess, to a degree. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Six years ago Monday, nine lives were lost in the Oregon District mass shooting. Though the events of that night rattled the entire region, people in Dayton continue to mourn the loss by coming together as a community, while forever holding that night in their hearts. Moving forward 6 years after Oregon District shooting Family, friends and community members arrived at the 8-4 Memorial in the Oregon District to remember and honor the lives lost on Aug. 4, 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to come down here to honor him, and place some flowers over there, visited his grave, said Susan Scherpauer, Logan Turners aunt. I just dont want people to forget him. Turner was one of the nine people killed in the mass shooting that night. He would just envelop you in those hugs, and hes say, I love you,' said Scherpauer. The shooting rattled the entire Miami Valley, with many still feeling the effects six years later. Theres no timeline on healing, especially for those who lost loved ones, said Sandy Gudorf, co-chair of the 8-4 Memorial. Gudorf was the president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership in 2019. Six years later, she, like many other Daytonians, helped create a memorial to honor those lives lost in the tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 8-4 Memorial allowed community members to help put together a mosaic. Over 5,000 people participated. Putting thousands of pieces in the mosaic, said Gudorf. Whatever it takes, this community does. The mosaic was led by local artist, Jes McMillan, of the Mosaic Institute. It turned out that the process that we do use artistically of bringing people together to create unity, would be the perfect artistic process to bring people together for healing, said McMillan. The mosaic, mural and the phrase Dayton Strong, are all efforts to remember the lives lost, and also the resilience of the Dayton community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Especially after that tragic night, Dayton Strong resonated with so many, said Gudorf. That strength shown in the community, and in the families of those victims remembering on Monday. I mean, it was a horrendous act, and these people need to be remembered for who they were, and never forgotten, said Scherpauer. The community is still actively grieving from the loss, and say they will continue to stand together going forward. The 8-4 Memorial is located at 609 W. Fifth Street in downtown. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Brief A Santa Ana family is demanding answers after their dog was fatally shot by police. The Santa Ana Police Department said their officers encountered an aggressive dog when they responded to a call for service. The family says their dog was friendly and had just wandered outside the yard. SANTA ANA, Calif. - A woman in Santa Ana is demanding answers from police after Max, her German shepherd, was shot four times by officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family dog died the next day. Santa Ana police responded to a family disturbance call on South Orange Avenue Wednesday, July 30, around 8:35 p.m. The department said one of the two officers on the scene was attacked by a "large aggressive dog". The officer then discharged his gun. Max's owner disputes that account, saying her dog was a friendly family pet that wandered outside the yard. She said the officers dragged Max to their police cruiser and delayed getting him medical attention. "For them to take accountability for what they did. And that they have protocols and I would want them to follow those protocols and be more careful when it comes down to them using a gun," said owner Luz Vega. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dog was taken to a hospital in stable condition but died the next day. In a statement, the department said initially, officers were unable to locate the dog's owner. The family said Santa Ana police contacted them and apologized. The officer also provided them with options for moving forward, including legal action. The Source Information for this story came from a statement provided by the Santa Ana Police Department and an interview with the dog's owner, Luz Vega. John Wayne Airport in Orange County has added a special lane to make travel easier for families. Santa Anas John Wayne Airport has rolled out a dedicated screening line for families as part of the TSAs Families on the Fly campaign. When families arrive at John Wayne Airport, they will find a specially designated lane for them at the centrally located Checkpoint B, Jason Pantages, TSA federal security director for John Wayne Airport, told the Orange County Register. With Southern California being one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S. for vacationing families, I am excited that we can now expedite their screening process and enhance their overall airport experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dedicated line officially launched on July 21 and is the only one of its kind in Southern California. Other Families on the Fly lanes are operating at Orlando International (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT), with expansion to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu planned soon, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Families on the Fly benefits for families include: Dedicated family lanes at select airports nationwide Discounted TSA PreCheck fees for families coming soon Dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families KTLAs Carlos Herrera was at John Wayne Airport on Tuesday speaking with families as they tried out the new lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, its been really nice. Very short line, said one traveler from Portland. So hopefully, theyre next. The Families on the Fly line is seen at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana on Aug. 5, 2025. (KTLA) The airport also debuted a brand-new lactation pod in Terminal C, allowing quick access to mothers getting off flights. A similar pod is located in Terminal B. John Wayne Airport is definitely making things a little more family-friendly, Carlos 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 KTLA. DES MOINES, Iowa Two days after the fatal motorcycle accident that left a 34-year-old man dead, friends and family are still looking for answers. The crashed occurred at SE 30th Street and E MLK Jr. Parkway just before 9 p.m. on Saturday. The 34-year-old victim was treated by friends and bystanders on the scene, performing CPR, before medics arrived and transported him to the hospital. That is where the victim passed away. He had run into a concrete barrier that family and friends say was not properly marked by traffic cones or lights. That intersection is a construction zone for the southeast connector project, estimated to be completed in 2027. WHO 13 News talked with one of the riders who was following just behind the victim when the crash occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We was heading northbound, I was a minute behind him or 30 seconds behind him when I come up over the hill here and I see people out of their car and accident and it was you know, it was hard to see, said Russ Baker, a friend of the victim. I didnt see it until about 150, 200 yards back, there were no lights. It was starting to get dark out here. The street lights didnt work. There was none of these orange cones out here. DSM man charged for alleged inappropriate advances toward minors at Ankeny skatepark Baker said his friend leaves behind his wife and four children, all under the age of 10. The victims name has not been released yet by the Des Moines Police Department. Left behind four little babies and you know, I think it all could have been prevented, said Baker. Once it really got dark, it was pitch black down here. And to put a concrete barrier up across the main road is just uncalled for something needs to be done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker and the family are wondering why this construction zone was allegedly set up with no indicators of the concrete barrier being there. On top of Baker saying the street lights werent on and there were no cones; he also says there was no signage indicating that the road was closed 500 feet ahead. The family and friends were at the crash site on Sunday evening for a vigil for their loved one. They told WHO 13 News that they had to put the cones back on Sunday evening as they had been removed after they put them there on Saturday night. The cones were removed once again in the early afternoon on Monday. Des Moines Police told WHO 13 News that all circumstances surrounding every accident is considered by investigators. We look at all of the possible significant contributing factors, whether it be speed, control, impairment and the environmental circumstances, said Sergeant Paul Parizek with DMPD. You know, was there something in the roadway or is there a design issue there, the engineers expect that from us because this is how they learn a lot of things. So we gather that information, we make that report, and then its there for those agencies to take a look at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said in the initial report that the driver lost control of the vehicle, however the investigation is still ongoing. The victims family and friends told WHO 13 News that he didnt lose control, he was attempting to correct the motorcycle after thinking he could head down SE 30th Street all the way to E University Avenue. They also shared that he wasnt impaired that night either. The City of Des Moines declined to comment on the set up of the construction site and if it was in line with proper protocol. Metro news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. CHICAGO (WGN) Family, friends, and co-workers rallied Monday to support an ICE detainee who was taken into custody last month on Chicagos North Side. The Iranian-born man, who has lived in Chicago for decades, now faces deportation. ICE agents arrested Seyed Reza Minaey just outside his Northside home on Thursday, July 10, his family told WGN-TV. They now fear that deportation will be a death sentence for the 67-year-old detainee. Seyed Reza Minaey (Photo provided by family) Peaceful protest outside South Loop immigration office calls for compassion toward immigrants Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is not someone who is dangerous. He is not a threat to the community, said son Jonathan Minaey, who, along with other concerned family members, pleaded for help. Hes been a hard worker. Hes had businesses. (Hes) never taken government assistance and paid his taxes. Employer David Falato said over the last 10 years, he has considered Minaey an invaluable member of the Jets Pizza team. He started a GoFundMe to help bring Minaey home. The guy is like the hardest worker, Falato said. He can always be counted on. He does a ton of extra stuff for us. Hes a good soul. Hes a good person. He belongs in this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community rallying in support of Minaey hopes to raise the thousands needed to retain an immigration lawyer, as the beloved 67-year-old, who takes medication after heart surgery, sits inside a Clay County, Indiana, jail cell hoping to file a last-minute appeal. Minaeys repeated attempts to gain political asylum fell short after his lawyer died, his family said. While some launched a letter-writing campaign, others have offered to sponsor Minaey. Were just hoping to get a fair shot at getting him his visa and his green card, Jonathan Minaey said. ICE arrest of undocumented immigrant charged with concealing womans dead body potentially blocks prosecution Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family shared that the elder Minaey took part in a protest against the repressive Islamist regime, which forced him to flee to Turkey and later to America. Those reasons, the family adds, are why theyre concerned that Minaeys safety should be deported, out of fear hell be sent to Sudan. WGN-TV reached out to ICE spokespeople for comment. ICE has not yet responded. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 family of an Irish woman kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti has said they are "absolutely devastated" and described the situation as "deeply worrying". Gena Heraty, the facility's director, was among several people taken in Kenscoff, near Haiti's capital, on Sunday morning, according to mayor Massillon Jean. Her whereabouts are unknown since the group, which includes a three-year-old child, was taken from the orphanage, which cares for more than 250 children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irish broadcaster RTE is reporting that contact has been made with the gang involved in the kidnapping. RTE News says phone calls have taken place between the gang and intermediaries in the Caribbean country. Ms Heraty, who is originally from Westport in County Mayo, oversees the orphanage, which is run by the humanitarian organisation Nos Petits Freres Et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers And Sisters). It is in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10km (6.2 miles) southeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Attackers broke into the orphanage at about 15:30 local time (07:30 GMT) "without opening fire", Mayor Massillon Jean said, describing it as a "planned act". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attackers had broken through a wall to enter the property, Jean said, before heading to the building where Ms Heraty was staying. Gang members are thought to be responsible for the attack, Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste has reported. Gang violence and kidnappings are also common in other areas in and around Port-au-Prince, where the UN says armed groups control about 85% of the city. In the first half of 2025, UN figures show that almost 350 people were kidnapped in Haiti. At least 3,141 people were also killed in the same period, the UN Human Rights Office said. 'Situation is evolving' Ms Heraty's family said they were "absolutely devastated," describing the situation as "evolving and deeply worrying." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are working closely with NPFS [Nos Petits Freres et Surs] in Haiti and Ireland, the Irish government, and international partners who are doing everything possible to ensure the safe and immediate release of Gena and her colleagues," they said in a statement. "Out of respect for the ongoing efforts and for Gena's safety, we are not in a position to share further details at this time." Norma Lopez, a friend and colleague of Ms Heraty, said she was calling for her safe return, so she can continue "her good work in Haiti". "Specifically people with special needs, this is her focus because it is a big need in Haiti," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Working with her she is always thinking, what else can we do?" Tanaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has spoken to EU officials about Ms Heraty. He raised the kidnapping with the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Kaja Kallas on Tuesday. He said Kallas had agreed for the EU to designate a specific point of contact in Haiti, who will work directly with Ireland on the ongoing efforts to free the hostages. A diplomat based in the EU's team of representatives in Haiti will now be tasked as the point of contact in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris also spoke by phone to Haiti's Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste and asked that everything is done to ensure the release of Ms Heraty and the other hostages. 'A living saint' Tommy Marren, who is a presenter on Midwest Radio in County Mayo and knows Ms Heraty described her as "passionate, selfless and resilient" and said she was regarded in County Mayo as "a living saint". "She is a dedicated and loyal person who is looking after some of the most vulnerable in society," he said. "Yesterday evening, in a small parish church in Cushlough, where she grew up, the parish priest said all people can do now is pray and hope that this will have a positive outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Gena's family are absolutely distraught and devastated." 'Under constant gang threat' Harold Isaac, who is a journalist in Port-au-Prince, told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme on Tuesday that "negotiations are ongoing through various people involved to try and secure their release". "About 80 to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is under some form of gang control," he said. "It's been an ongoing situation for the whole metropolitan area for the past few years, but it has aggravated in the past few months, as the authorities struggle to regain control of the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The neighbourhood where the orphanage is located has been under gang assault for the past six months, and this attack is just a reminder, really, of how fragile the situation is." Family members of an Oasis fan who died when he fell from a height at the band's concert at Wembley Stadium on Saturday have paid tribute to him as "a loving family man". Lee Claydon, 45, from Bournemouth, was "a lovely bloke" and a "hard working family man", his father Clive said. The 75-year old said his family were devastated and that his son had "everything going for him". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, police said a man in his 40s "was found with injuries consistent with a fall" and was pronounced dead at the scene at the stadium in London Mr Claydon, a landscape gardener, reportedly fell from an upper tier of the stadium. His father said the father-of-three "may have had a couple of beers but had not taken any drugs". "People have said horrible things but it was just an accident." He said he was concerned about safety measures at the stadium but that none of his family had seen the incident. "All I know is there was beer everywhere, it's slippery, he slipped apparently, we do not know the rest of it. There's questions about the barriers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Wembley Stadium said it operates to "a very high health and safety standard" in line with legal requirements, and with regular safety inspections. Lee's brother Aaron wrote on Facebook: "Still in shock and cannot believe I am writing this, but sadly over the weekend I lost my best mate the man I looked up to and the man I was lucky enough to call my brother Lee Claydon." More than 10,000 has been donated to a GoFundMe page he set up for his brother's partner and sons. On Facebook, another family member, Shannon Gabrielle, wrote: "My cousin Lee tragically passed away this weekend after no doubt having the time of his life at the Oasis concert this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most will have seen snippets in the news I'm sure & as you can imagine it has devastated the whole family and for his closest knit family unit it's the toughest time they are going through ever right now." She added: "You just don't fathom you will go out for a night of amazing fun & not come home at the end of it." Oasis extended their "sincere condolences to the family" [Getty Images] On Sunday, Oasis said in a statement they were "shocked and saddened" to hear of the death of a fan. They added: "Oasis would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person involved." The Metropolitan Police has asked for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who had mobile video footage, to share it with them it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The stadium was busy, and we believe it is likely a number of people witnessed the incident, or may knowingly or unknowingly have caught it on mobile phone video footage." A statement from the venue said: "Wembley Stadium operates to a very high health and safety standard, fully meeting legal requirements for the safety of spectators and staff, and is certified to and compliant with the ISO 45001 standard. "We are regularly inspected by certifying authorities both on an event day and throughout the year, and we regularly review and test our plans to ensure adherence to the conditions set within the stadium's general safety certificate. "We work very closely and collaboratively with all relevant event delivery stakeholders - including event owners, local authorities, the Sports Ground Safety Authority and the police - to deliver events to high standards of safety, security and service for everyone attending or working in the venue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The band began the Oasis Live '25 reunion tour in July. Saturday's concert was one of seven sold-out reunion concerts at Wembley, which has a 90,000-person capacity across three tiers. The band will next appear at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium for three gigs over the next week and then take their tour to Ireland, Canada, the US and Mexico before returning to Wembley on 27 and 28 September. A 16-year-olds family is searching for answers after police say she ran away to potentially meet online friends. Katie Hong of Fremont, California, was last seen on July 25. Surveillance footage shows her walking from her familys home to the nearby Irvington Community Park, the Fremont Police Department said Thursday. Hong left behind a note, which referenced the park and revealed that she was running away to potentially meet with people she knew by their online screen names. The note indicated the people would not provide her with their true names, and it does not appear that Katie met these people prior to her being missing, the Fremont Police Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before she vanished, Hong was very active on various digital platforms, including gaming platforms, police said. Since July 25, investigators have not located a digital footprint that was left directly by Hong. Hong may feel that she disappointed her parents, but it isnt true, her father Sulghi Hong told local outlet KTVU. Katie Hong, a 16-year-old from Fremont, California, has been missing for nearly two weeks (Fremont Police Department) "She feels that she has disappointed us, he said. Though we dont agree. We are not disappointed with her. Yes, she made a mistake. But everyone does. Hongs family has started a GoFundMe as the search continues. The funds will go toward hiring private investigators, legal expenses and counseling for Hongs sister. The money will also cover her parents daily expenses as they take time off work to focus on the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie is a vibrant, intelligent, and beautiful young woman, the GoFundMe reads. Her smile lights up every room, and she has always been mature beyond her years. Both of Hongs parents are deaf, but she is hearing, KTVU reports. Her father works at the California School for the Deaf, where students and faculty have also joined the search efforts. As the daughter of two deaf parents, Katie has played an essential and selfless role in our family, always helping, always supporting, always loving, the GoFundMe says. Hongs family is desperate to hear from her so that we know shes safe, her uncle, James Han, told KTVU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She could be with somebody still, she could be by herself, she could be at a shelter," he said. "We don't know who, we don't know what, we don't know where or what their motive is. The last location record on Hongs phone is at Irvington Community Park, around the same time surveillance footage captured her walking. Police believe she left the phone at the park. Surveillance footage shows Katie Hong walking from her family's house to Irvington Community Park (Fremont Police Department) Police are still working to identify the people Hong was set to meet. Based on the cumulative, verifiable evidence at this time, Katie is believed to be voluntarily missing, police said Thursday. Police described Hong as 5 feet tall and weighing 100 pounds. She has brown eyes, dark brown hair and braces. She was wearing a navy-blue mid zip-up jacket, grey sweats, and a red Patagonia backpack, the police department said in an update Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fremont Police Department is encouraging anyone with information to reach out to their investigations unit or tip line. Please help us bring Katie home, the department said. She is at-risk missing based on current circumstances. A spokesperson for the Fremont Police Department told The Independent they do not have any further updates to share as of Tuesday morning. The family of one of the victims in the July 29 quadruple homicide in Lake County has started a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of burial and a funeral service. "We learned that our grandson Matthew Wilson was part of a terrible tragedy where 4 precious lives were taken," the family wrote on the fundraising page the day after the killings. "He is our grandson. "Matthew has just within the last month and half started a new job but he has no burial insurance." Wilson was one of the victims in a July 29 quadruple killing that led to a week-long manhunt for the suspect, Austin Robert Drummond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 29, witnesses said they saw someone in an SUV leave a child in a car seat on a front lawn in Tigrett, according to the Dyer County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office announced that investigators had identified the child and were looking to speak with Wilson, the child's father, and Adrianna Williams, the child's mother. But late on July 29, Wilson, Williams and two other family members were found dead in Lake County. Drummond was apprehended and arrested on Aug. 5. He is facing several charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tennessee quadruple murder victim's family starts funeral fundraiser As you walk into District Attorney Fani Willis office, housed on the third floor of Fulton County Courthouse, youre greeted by a Malcolm X quote posted along the hallway. Im for truth no matter who tells it. Im for justice, no matter who its for or against. But shes faced several tests on her ability to live up to the words from the civil rights leaders 1964 Ballot or the Bullet speech. When Willis was first elected in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Fulton County was awash in federal pandemic relief funds, millions of which were allocated to the justice system through a program called Project ORCA, designed to clear the massive case backlog and address the deadly overcrowding crisis in Fulton County Jail. As her second term began in 2024, those funds had officially dried up, and Willis, like many other department heads across the county, was forced to cut 74 positions from her office. Read More: Overcrowded and Deadly: Fulton Jail Inmates Left Vulnerable as Aid Ends The result of these cuts has had a significant impact on those incarcerated in Fulton County jail, with the number of unindicted people rising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past month, the number of people held in the dilapidated and dangerous Rice Street facility who havent been formally charged with a crime has jumped by nearly 400. Many remain locked up simply because they cannot afford to post bail. As of mid-June, 106 unindicted people had been incarcerated for more than 90 days, with 26 detained for more than 180 days. Capital B Atlanta received updated data from the Sheriffs office June 6 showing there are currently 962 unindicted people in Fulton County jail and 263 have been incarcerated for more than 90 days.. Willis, whose office is responsible for bringing charges in these cases, has repeatedly said she and her team are constrained by a limited budget. The countys purse strings are held by the Board of Commissioners, who insist they cannot match the funding level Willis is requesting. My opinion is that Commissioner Rob Pitts is a liar, Commissioner [Bob] Ellis is a liar, Commissioner [Bridget] Thorne is a liar, and [Commissioner] Khadijah [Abdur-Rahman] has decided to lie with them. They have decided that they do not care about humanity, Willis told Capital B Atlanta on Friday. Fani Willis, Fulton Countys top prosecutor, photographed in her Atlanta office (Chris Mitchell for Capital B). Theyre paying in one way or another. Youre paying it either here so we can move the cases efficiently, or you are paying $105 a day to keep those inmates there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminal justice advocates like the ACLU of Georgia, the Southern Center for Human Rights and Women on the Rise, have called on the district attorneys office to prioritize the most serious felonies and move quickly through the lower-level felony cases that can be adjudicated through accountability courts and diversion programs. In January, Capital B Atlanta published a letter sent by Willis to the countys Board of Commissioners threatening a lawsuit if her office was not sufficiently funded in 2025. When the final budget was adopted weeks later, an additional $49,031 had been added to the $39 million budget, far less than the $7 million Willis proposed. The county commissioners have remained clear that unless they raise taxes which they dont plan to do there are no additional funds for the district attorneys office. Read More: Fani Willis Interview Part Two: DA Defends Her Police Brutality Record In a wide-ranging interview at her office with Capital B Atlanta, Willis makes the case for more funding, and outlines why she sees the YSL prosecution as a success, and why she wont be seeking an appeal in the fatal police shooting of Jimmy Atchison. Support Black-Led, Independent News Capital B tells stories you wont find in many news outlets. Will you donate today to keep this important work going? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Capital B Atlanta: Youve been vocal about the need for more funding to address the unindicted case backlog. What would sufficient additional funding look like to support your department? Fani Willis; Weve been very specific. About $7 million would provide the additional funding we need. Seventy-four positions were stripped from this office, and thats how much those positions cost. Those positions were 35 lawyers, 20 investigators, 10 legal assistants, and then the remainder went to other professionals that assist in the process, like victim witness advocates that made a huge impact on the work that we were able to do. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks with Capital B reporter Madeline Thigpen in her Atlanta office. (Chris Mitchell for Capital B) In the letter you sent to the commissioners, you said, For optimal efficiency, case intake requires 47 lawyers, 20 investigators and 10 support professionals. What does the staffing level look like right now? We have 21 lawyers in that division and we have 10 investigators. So we are way understaffed in every place, and its obviously affecting things. Its really just math. In a typical month in this county, you get 1,000 new felony cases a month. Not to mention, that theres always been a backlog. Weve been able to kind of hold our finger in the dike, but we are not where we could have been if we had kept the appropriate funding. Based on numbers from the sheriffs office, the number of unindicted people in the jail has gone up quite a bit more recently than in previous months 399 people. Is your office aware of this increase? And do you have any idea of what would cause this increase? I told them that it was going to happen. And in fact, I think my prediction was that by the end of this year, we will be at 3,500. When I walked in the door, there were 3,700 people in the jail. The conditions were completely inhumane. At our optimal time, we were able to get it down to under 2,300 people in the jail, indicted and unindicted combined, which is the number that the jail has the capacity to [hold]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once you take away the people [in case intake], then those cases cannot get indicted as quickly. Its math. Its stupid what the commissioners are doing. It is not good policy. Each inmate in the jail costs taxpayers $105 a day. In a matter of [30] days, they will spend close to $9 million. They could have given me $6 million. We would make the jail more humane, and the [indictment] process would go quickly. But instead, theyve decided to have a backlog. What I am not going to ever do is go back to the way it was when I became the district attorney. When I walked in this door, there were in excess of 18,000 cases, between 2014 and 2020, that had not been indicted. Today we are at 8,000, so the cut has been huge, and weve managed to keep doing good work. But unless we get the funding, the number is going to increase. Each inmate in the jail costs taxpayers $105 a day. In a matter of [30] days, they will spend close to $9 million. They could have given me $6 million. We would make the jail more humane, and the [indictment] process would go quickly. But instead, theyve decided to have a backlog. Fani Willis Given the ongoing crisis at the Fulton County jail, how frequently does your office make an attempt to utilize drug courts and diversion programs to move people out of the jail. Before I took office as district attorney, there was no pre-indictment diversion program. I started the first ever in Fulton County, Georgia. Weve had more than 800 people come through that program. So we use it often. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accountability court is very frustrating, because it is a wonderful program, and we have up to 400 seats. Typically, theres only about 200, 220 people in it, but that is not due to lack of trying by the district attorney. You often have defendants who do not want to go through the rigor of accountability court, which is a shame, because the people that do successfully go through our accountability drug court, when they come out, theyre able to get a job [and] housing. We also have meetings monthly, and even more often, with our public defenders, where we can look at cases and make sure that people get bonds. But the reality is, citizens would be offended if they knew the people walking around on bond in Fulton County, because I believe judges feel pressure to give people bonds that have very egregious charges and criminal records that would make people fearful. Do you believe that there is anything that the DAs office can do to address the unindicted backlog at this point, or do you believe that is all at the hands of the commissioners? The district attorneys office is doing their part. We are doing the work. We have worked with our police departments to make the system work more seamlessly, meaning it is easier for us to get evidence than it has been in the past. You hear the Republicans in the state saying, Were going to be tough on crime. We want to be tough, tough on crime, but they have not provided the Georgia Bureau of Investigation with the scientists they need to move in an efficient manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can talk to any district attorney in this state, Republican or Democrat, and they will all complain to you about the rate with which they get evidence back. But what Im not going to do is indict you if I dont know. The police say this is cocaine, [but] until a drug lab says its cocaine, youre not going to get indicted because I dont have the evidence that its true. And often its not true, so we dont do that, but that would be of some assistance. The district attorneys office is doing their part. We are doing the work. We have worked with our police departments to make the system work more seamlessly, meaning it is easier for us to get evidence than it has been in the past. Fani Willis, Fulton County district attorney Senate Bill 63, that was passed last year, adding a number of charges to the list that are not eligible for signature bonds. I dont support that bill. You have people that dont get involved in the criminal justice system making decisions. We know that part of our jail population is impoverished, which is why you see people not being able to make bail. But just think about how foolish that is. Somebody stole $100, and theyre in jail for two months. Weve spent $105 a day. That bill makes absolutely no sense. I want to be very clear: Bond is only to ensure that you return to court, so people are, for the most part, entitled to a bond unless youre a danger to the community. So I am a supporter of people getting a bond up until they are convicted at trial or convicted via a plea if they can be safe while they await their charges. Whats your response to people who say expensive prosecutions against Trump and Young Thugs RICO cases did not yield the expected results? Thats incorrect, that they didnt yield the results. The case against President Trump is ongoing, and its in The Supreme Court, so people should have the information to know what theyre talking about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the YSL trial, Young Thug pled guilty to every charge in the indictment. If they are unhappy with the sentencing, they should address that with Judge Whitaker. The other reality is, of the people I indicted, 19 convictions. It was a successful trial. And if you dont believe it was successful, ask people in my community who feel safe. My trial conviction rate, and I dont play with the numbers, is 96%. I ask you to go across this country and figure out where you can find a 96% conviction rate. In the YSL trial, of all the people charged with murder, there werent any murder convictions. People were convicted. They were convicted of aggravated battery. Theyre doing serious time, theyre on paper for 40 years. It yielded a result that kept the community safe. My goal is to keep this community more safe. And you can talk to community members, they feel more safe because of the YSL prosecution. Last week, we got a conviction against Ca$h Out, another rapper whos going to jail forever. So to say that were not getting the convictions we want, or its not yielding the result, I beg to differ with you. If my community is more safe, thats the result I wanted to yield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This interview was updated June 6 to include updated data from the Sheriffs office. In part two of Capital B Atlantas interview , DA Fani Willis discusses her personal safety and concerns that her office isnt seeking justice in cases of police brutality. The post Fani Willis Calls Commissioners Liars in Jail Funds Fight appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. Two suspected spies for China, including a former aide to far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) lawmaker Maximilian Krah, went on trial in the eastern city of Dresden on Tuesday. Jian Guo, a German national, allegedly worked for Chinese intelligence from 2002, including while working in the Brussels office of Krah when he was an MEP between 2019 and 2024. Guo, who denies the charges, is accused of passing on to Beijing more than 500 documents, some deemed highly sensitive, as well as information about decisions and debates at the European Parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guo, 44, is also accused of being the handler for a second alleged operative, a Chinese national identified as Yaqi X, 39, who is accused of spying on German defence companies. Prosecutor Stephan Morweiser told reporters that the case was "without precedent" in terms of Chinese spying activity in Germany. He said it was "particularly serious" as it shed light on "the extensive espionage interests that China has in relation to political, military and economic matters in Germany and the EU". Guo is also suspected of gathering intelligence on leading AfD politicians and spying on Chinese dissidents in Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly posed as a critic of the Chinese government on social media to gain contacts among its opponents. Yaqi X. worked at a firm that provided the Leipzig airport with logistics services, and is accused of helping Guo access information on flights and passengers. The information she passed on focused on flights transporting defence equipment and "people with links to a German arms company". German media reports say she particularly targeted arms giant Rheinmetall, which is involved in making Leopard tanks and uses Leipzig airport for cargo flights. According to the charge sheet, the information Yaqi X. gave to Guo "disclosed information about the Bundeswehr's capabilities, the movements of military personnel and Germany's aims in foreign and security policy". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morweiser said that, if found guilty, Guo faces up to 10 years jail while Yaqi X. could be imprisoned for up to five years. - AfD 'power struggle' - Both defendants have been in detention since they were arrested last year. Guo's lawyer denied the charges, saying his client "did not exchange or pass on any concrete information related to intelligence". He said the timing of Guo's arrest could have been "political" as it came in the run-up to European Parliament elections in which Krah was the AfD's top candidate. But Guo's lawyer acknowledged that "it can't be ruled out that some of (Guo's) interlocutors belong to intelligence agencies". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yaqi X.'s lawyer said her client met Guo on a popular Chinese app and had a short romantic relationship with him. She said Yaqi X. did not know that Guo was a spy, but became suspicious when he asked for details on military movements at the airport. The trial could further embarrass the AfD if it leads to the information Guo allegedly collected on the anti-immigration party becoming public. According to news weekly Der Spiegel, investigators have seized records Guo kept of conversations with Krah and other AfD politicians about the private life of party co-leader Alice Weidel and an alleged power struggle with her colleague Tino Chrupalla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krah denied to the magazine ever having discussed such matters with Guo. Krah was initially the AfD's top candidate for European elections but was excluded from the party's delegation after causing furor with comments that minimised the crimes of the Nazis' notorious SS. However, he was welcomed back into the AfD fold for this year's German election and now sits as one of its MPs in parliament. The trial is expected to last until late September and Krah himself has been called to appear as a witness. Krah is also being investigated by prosecutors in Dresden on suspicion of money laundering and corruption during his time as an MEP. Krah has denied any wrongdoing and said the accusations against him are "politically motivated". jsk/fz/js Farmers in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, have issued a warning of widespread crop failures as prolonged drought threatens harvests in the region, pushing communities toward hunger. What's happening? The drought is impacting fields across Abara, Opari, Moli Tokuro, and parts of Greater Pageri, regions that typically supply food to markets in Torit and the South Sudan capital of Juba. Without enough rain, farmers are witnessing their crops fail in real time. Farmer Sam George told outlet Radio Tamazuj that the drought has withered crops, raising fears of food shortages in the country, particularly for crucial maize crops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The seeds aren't germinating well. The maize leaves are tiny because of larvae, and we can't plant againthe land is too dry," George said. "Food prices are already rising daily. Many people might flee to Uganda to escape hunger." With rain scarce and no irrigation support, farmers cannot replant critical crops. As a result, prices for basic food staples are climbing, a trend that is worsening across the region. Why are these conditions important? Crop failures have left families dependent on wild food, with nothing sprouting due to the drought and heavy winds. "Children and women are suffering," said Rose Kiriba, a farmer in Pageri. "The government must intervene with food aid." While drought has long threatened agriculture in the region, increasing global temperatures, driven by human activity, are making the situation worse. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry periods, increased evaporation, and degraded soil from deforestation are shrinking crop yields and threatening livelihoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This overheating of our planet is causing grocery prices to increase both locally and globally, disrupting ecosystems and food chains that we all rely on. And this isn't isolated to South Sudan; countries such as Cambodia, Ireland, and Morocco are also experiencing supply instability and rising grocery costs as weather extremes disrupt farming. It's a global crisis, and it's already hitting home for many. What's being done about these conditions? Farming activities continue, but the outlook is dire. "This year's harvest may be worse than in previous years," said Magwi County Commissioner Benjamin Olum Pole Pole. He urged farmers to plant drought-resistant crops such as cassava and sorghum while discouraging farmers from selling existing food stocks until they assess the harvest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Globally, we can all help by being smarter about the way we shop. Planning meals, avoiding food waste, and supporting sustainable brands can stretch your grocery budget and reduce waste, keeping more food out of landfills and money in your pocket. 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. Farmers in India's Karnataka state are facing back-to-back seasons of heartbreak, as weeks of excessive rainfall have ravaged crops and mounted debts. What's happening? One area received 262 millimeters of rainfall in just a week, which is 30% more than the June average, according to IBC World News. The excessive precipitation has devastated cowpea crops, triggering the spread of copper disease and red spot, both of which turn plants a reddish-yellow and compromise yields. Other staples, such as maize, soybean, and groundnut, are also deteriorating under the extreme conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With many still reeling from previous losses, this is piling on even more financial and emotional stress, and many say they're at a breaking point. "Every year, I invest Rs 35,000 to 40,000 per acre, but I fail to get a return. I'm mentally exhausted," farmer Keshappa said. Other locals are voicing similar frustration, particularly at the lack of government support. Some farmers say no elected officials have visited the area. With debt piling up and loan repayments becoming impossible, farmers are calling for compensation of at least 10,000 rupees per acre. They've said there may be protests if aid isn't delivered soon. Why are these crop issues concerning? Crop failures ripple across communities and economies in addition to hurting the livelihoods of farmers. When food producers are forced to take on more debt or leave their land, it puts local food systems at risk and can drive up grocery prices for everyone. And with back-to-back seasons of damage becoming more common, these challenges are only intensifying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rising global temperatures are supercharging weather events such as more intense droughts and heavier rainfall, sometimes in the same places. That volatility puts extra pressure on crops and opens the door to disease outbreaks and failed harvests. In India, where hundreds of millions of people rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, erratic weather jeopardizes generational stability and national food security. What's being done about it? Agriculture officials have recommended spraying diluted water-soluble fertilizers to help cowpea crops recover. But many farmers say short-term solutions aren't enough. With this being the second year in a row of failed harvests, local farmers are demanding more support. While policy changes and disaster relief are crucial, long-term strategies to adapt to the changing climate are just as important. That means investing in resilient farming techniques and diversifying crops to withstand increasingly unpredictable weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the long run, addressing the heat-trapping pollution contributing to rising temperatures is one of the most important steps we can take. Exploring critical climate issues can offer ideas of how to help globally and take local action in your community. 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. Four California counties have settled a lawsuit with clothing retailer Shein for a total of $700,000 after taking legal action against the company for late deliveries and failing to inform shoppers about delays, according to early-July reporting from the San Francisco Chronicle. What's happening? The suit, filed by prosecutors from Napa, Sonoma, San Francisco, and Los Angeles counties, asserted that Shein hasn't followed a California law requiring online stores to ship items within 30 days of payment. The law states that if stores can't meet this timeline, they must provide a refund, a replacement, or a written notification regarding the delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Shein did none of these things while still accepting payments and promising quick shipping. A Napa Superior Court judge approved the deal on July 9, requiring Shein to pay $600,000 in penalties to be divided among the four counties, plus $100,000 for investigation expenses. The company has also been ordered to "ship products on time as required by law," according to the Chronicle "California consumers deserve to have the products they pay for delivered in a timely manner, and Shein repeatedly violated that trust by failing to offer refunds when they couldn't deliver on time," said Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley in a statement. The DA's office said Shein "worked cooperatively" with prosecutors during the investigation, according to Women's Wear Daily. Why is fast fashion concerning? This case reflects just one of the many problems in the fast fashion industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to violating consumer protections, companies like Shein can generate huge amounts of textiles each year, using significant amounts of water, energy, and raw materials during production. Textile dyeing is also a major driver of water contamination. The manufacturing and subsequent international shipping processes pump heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere, exacerbating the planet's overheating and extreme weather conditions. Trendy fast fashion clothing can also fall apart quickly, soon accumulating in landfills and waterways, exacerbating the waste crisis. Legal troubles for Shein keep piling up too. The clothing seller has faced questions about environmentally unfriendly practices, worker treatment, and allegations of copying designs. In 2023, artists sued Shein, claiming the company had stolen their intellectual property. A bipartisan U.S. House group also previously raised concerns that the company might be using forced labor. What can be done? Consumers can fight the harmful effects of fast fashion by shopping mindfully. Buying secondhand clothing through local thrift stores or online resale platforms, for example, can save shoppers money while keeping used textiles out of the trash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When purchasing new clothes, consumers can opt for brands with transparent supply chains and planet-friendly business practices. These companies tend to use higher-quality materials and pay workers more fairly too. Before reaching for your wallet, you can extend the lifespan of the clothes you already own by washing them less frequently and repairing minor damages yourself. Learning how to mend tears and sew buttons can even be a fun and social activity. Finally, if shoppers have experienced delayed shipments without legally required notifications or any other potential violations, they might consider informing their state's consumer protection agency. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The Brief A head-on collision on US 67 resulted in the death of a motorcyclist. The driver of the motorcycle, 38-year-old Jamie Hope, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, 37-year-old Jared Trabucco, sustained minor injuries. What we know JOHNSON COUNTY, Texas - At approximately 7:40 a.m., a 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle traveling west on US 67 attempted to pass another westbound non-contact vehicle in front of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motorcycle struck an eastbound 2021 Chevrolet Silverado head-on in the eastbound lanes. What they're saying The driver of the motorcycle, identified as 38-year-old Jamie Hope of Cleburne, was killed in the collision. The driver of the Silverado, 37-year-old Jared Trabucco, was transported to Harris Downtown with minor injuries. The Source Information in this article was provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety. BUTLER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are investigating a reported stabbing early Monday morning in Butler Township. Troopers say they were called to help Butler Township Police Department on a stabbing investigation near the area of Louis Circle just before 6:30 a.m. on Monday. A 13-year-old boy is dead after he was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Hazleton following injuries suffered at the hands of his father, according to a release by PSP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing fishermans body found near Susquehanna River Through an investigation, state police say it was determined that 39-year-old Cesar Delgadillo, of Drums, caused injuries to the boys head, chest, back, and hands over several hours and prevented him from leaving. Troopers say Delgadillo has been taken into custody and charged with criminal homicide and other related offenses. Delgadillo was arraigned by a Luzerne County Magistrate, had his bail denied, and is being held at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. State police and the Luzerne County District Attorneys Office is handling the 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 28/22 News. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The FBI released a nationwide crime report, looking at data from 2024. The study shows a major improvement in every category they studied, and so has New Mexico. Suspect in UNM dorm shooting ordered to remain behind bars Between 2023 and 2024, the U.S. saw a nearly 15% drop in homicides and a 5% drop in rapes. Meanwhile, New Mexicos homicide rate fell by 7% while the exact same number of rapes were reported in 2023 and 2024. The study said that overall violent crimes reported in New Mexico fell by 3%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers looked at over 14 million criminal offences that were reported by 16,000 agencies, including states, counties, cities, and tribal departments. They said their study covers over 95% of the population. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, on Tuesday wrote a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel asking for the bureau's help in finding and arresting Texas House Democrats who fled the state Sunday to prevent a vote on redistricting. "I have asked @FBIDirectorKash to work with @GregAbbott_TX & Texas law enforcement to investigate potential CRIMINAL acts, including bribery, and to hold legislators accountable who have fled the state in a shameful attempt to stall the legislative process in the Texas House," Cornyn wrote in a post on X Tuesday. By fleeing the state, the lawmakers have left Texas House of Representatives without a quorum, meaning that no legislative activity can proceed. A quorum was not reached again Tuesday. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, has requested the FBI's help in apprehending Texas state House Democrats who have fled the state. Awol Texas Dems Threatened With Expulsion, Felony Charges For Absence Amid Redistricting Battle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In a representative democracy, we resolve our differences by debating and voting, not by running away," Cornyn wrote in the letter. "Some Texas legislators have fled to New York, and others have fled to Illinois. Since these state legislators are currently outside of Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety may need support to arrest the fleeing lawmakers." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying he will seek judicial orders declaring that runaway Democrats who fail to appear by the speakers deadline have vacated their office. Read On The Fox News App "Democrats have abandoned their offices by fleeing Texas, and a failure to respond to a call of the House constitutes a dereliction of their duty as elected officials," Paxton wrote in the statement, which he shared on X. "Starting Friday, any rogue lawmakers refusing to return to the House will be held accountable for vacating their office. The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you don't show up to work, you get fired." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ THE CORNYN LETTER App Users, Click Here: Cornyn also warned of "out-of-state actors" making public comments about protecting the missing Texas legislators. "Specifically, I am concerned that legislators who solicited or accepted funds to aid in their efforts to avoid their legislative duties may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses," he added. In an op-ed published by the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul admitted to hosting Texas House Democrats at the state Capitol and governor's residence in Albany this week, claiming they were "following a legitimate and legal tactic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As John Lewis said, sometimes you have to get into good trouble," Hochul wrote. "Thats what theyre doing and they're not alone." FBI Director Kash Patel arrives for a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, May 7, in Washington, D.C. Crockett Cheers Texas Dems Fleeing To Delay Congressional Maps Backed By 'Ridiculous Tyrant' Trump: 'Deuces!' Cornyn said the matter is "time-sensitive," as the Texas Legislature is currently in special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott with just weeks remaining. "The absence of a quorum prevents key votes on important areas of concern for Texans," he wrote. "For example, the recent Kerrville floods, which caused unbearable tragedy and destruction, is just one issue that needs to be addressed in this legislative session." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott told Fox News' Sean Hannity on Monday it was the gerrymandering in the blue states that "distorted" the politics in America. "Donald Trump won all five of these seats that we will be making Republican seats," Abbott said. "The same thing should apply in all those other states." Abbott filed an emergency petition in the Supreme Court of Texas on Tuesday seeking to remove ringleader Rep. Gene Wu, D-Texas, from office. "I made clear in a formal statement on Sunday, August 3, that if the Texas House Democrats were not in attendance when the House reconvened at 3:00 PM on Monday, August 4, then action would be taken to seek their removal," Abbott wrote in a statement. "They have not returned and have not met the quorum requirements. Representative Wu and the other Texas House Democrats have shown a willful refusal to return, and their absence for an indefinite period of time deprives the House of the quorum needed to meet and conduct business on behalf of Texans. Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, and there must be consequences." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also accuses Wu and other Texas House Democrats of soliciting and receiving benefits in exchange for skipping a vote, supporting their removal from office and allegations of bribery. WATCH: HOCHUL CLAIMS INSURRECTION IN TEXAS: Hochul Vows To 'Fight Fire With Fire' On Redistricting While Hosting Texas Democrats Who Fled State U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., announced he will introduce a bill that prohibits states from conducting more than one congressional redistricting after each decennial census and apportionment, unless required by a court to comply with constitutional or Voting Rights Act mandates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The redistricting legislation would nullify new maps adopted by states before the 2030 census, including any adopted this year. "[California Gov.] Gavin Newsom is trying to override the will of voters and abolish the Citizens Redistricting Commission so he can impose his own hyper-partisan gerrymander intended to leave California Republicans with just three out of 52 seats in Congress," Kiley wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital. "My bill will stop his corrupt scheme in its tracks." The bill would not affect state or local election processes and will apply to redistricting after last November's election. Cornyn and Kiley's offices did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The FBI declined to comment. Original article source: FBI urged to locate or arrest Texas Democrats who fled state to stall redistricting vote FBI: Violent crime numbers down in Georgia FBI data released Tuesday showed violent crime dropped more than 10% in the state of Georgia last year. Crime in the United States decreased in every category in 2024, data showed. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The FBIs report highlights a significant decline in violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Nationally, violent crime dropped by 4.5% compared to the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2s Michael Seiden sat down with Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Division to discuss the change. I think any violent crime is unacceptable, and everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their communities, their homes, Brown said. The FBIs report indicated that murders decreased by almost 15% nationwide, while Georgia saw about a 5% drop. Rape also saw a decline, with a 5% reduction across the U.S. and nearly 7% in Georgia. Despite the positive trends, the report noted that a violent crime still occurred on average every 25.9 seconds in the U.S. last year. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of officers shot in the line of duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report did not list possible reasons for the decline. Brown emphasized the importance of public trust and cooperation. The trust and cooperation of the public is essential. And so thats something thats really important to me, is that engagement, he said. Brown also mentioned the ongoing efforts to address crime. Were going to stay focused on this, continue to surge resources, continue to utilize every authority and tool we have available, and also looking at, how do we increase our partnerships and collaboration with other agencies, he said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Brief FCPS has posted a job for an executive protection agent to guard Superintendent Michelle Reid, with a salary between $80K$140K, sparking criticism over taxpayer spending. The school system cites rising threats to public officials, while critics note larger districts like Chicago do not provide similar security for leadership. The move comes amid intense national scrutiny of FCPS, including federal investigations into Title IX and Title VI violations. FAIRFAX, Va. - Fairfax County Public Schools posted a job opening for an executive protection agent tasked with ensuring the personal safety and security of FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The posted salary ranges from around $80,000 to upwards of $140,000. Taxpayers will foot the bill. In context, a new teacher's starting salary is about $58,000 in FCPS. Big picture view FCPS has recently come under intense national public scrutiny. Just two weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Education found FCPS, alongside four Northern Virginia school districts, in violation of Title IX because of their policies related to transgender students. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares referred FCPS to DOJ and DOE for discrimination against Asian American students in violation of Title VI, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOEs Office of Civil Rights opened an investigation in May. What they're saying The school system says the new security position is necessary amid rising threats to public officials. In a statement to FOX 5, a spokesperson for FCPS says: "The highly publicized tragic events around the country over the last several months illustrate the need to intensify and enhance security protocols at all organizations." Security experts say its not just the public official who becomes the target. "Individuals who are fixated on pursuing and carrying out a grievance don't always just focus on the target, the public official," says John Muffler, a security expert and former U.S. Marshal responsible for judicial security. "In many cases, they'll take it out on a family member. So it's not just about them. It's about their environment and that's loved ones." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some parents are angry about spending taxpayer money on personal security, according to FOX News' Asra Nomani. They point to larger school districts like Chicago which serves nearly twice as many students as FCPS where school board leadership does not have a security detail. Notably, there was a similar debate over adding a security detail for Betsy DeVos, the Secretary of Education during President Donald Trump's first term. DeVos was receiving death threats, and the U.S. Marshals eventually provided her with a security detail. Dig deeper TorchStone Global tracks monthly security threats to executives, celebrities, and public servants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2025, they noted 16 threats to community, local, and state government officials. TorchStone says for the first time since they began this monthly report, state and regional government officials were the most targeted group of the month. They say there is no single dynamic that explains the rise in threats to local officials. Under the governors threat of removal, Orange County commissioners on Tuesday ratified an agreement that could allow county jailers to transport immigration detainees to federal detention facilities. The vote coming after pleas to resist from dozens of community advocates was 5-2 with commissioners Nicole Wilson and Kelly Martinez Semrad opposed. But no one in the five-member majority expressed support for the amended agreement to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Instead, commissioners made clear they were acting because the alternative a board appointed by a Republican governor in one of Floridas bluest enclaves was far worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under its agreement with ICE, Orange County operates one of just seven jails in Florida that holds detainees for the federal government who are accused of immigration violations but no other crimes. County mayor Jerry Demings strongly urged commissioners to ratify the controversial addendum to that pact, which could result in county corrections officers driving detainees more than four hours to Alligator Alcatraz to be deported. Demings said the board may decide another day whether to sue over a state law requiring local governments make their best efforts to assist federal immigration enforcement efforts. That is the law Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier cited in belligerent letters and press conferences last week as requiring county commissioners to approve the agreement. Asked if she was worried DeSantis now would try to suspend or remove her from office for her no vote, Wilson acknowledged it was a legitimate threat from somebody who is potentially using illegitimate means to do it, a little, little man. She said the governor has inaccurately branded and dismissed Orange County as a sanctuary jurisdiction, when the reality of it is that weve done nothing but try to uphold the law as its been explained to us. Florida law prohibits localities from providing sanctuary to undocumented immigrants, and DeSantis and Uthmeier insisted Orange County would be doing so if it ditched the amended ICE agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demings had previously rejected the transportation amendment at a July 15 county commission meeting along with a unanimous board, but signed it Friday in a move announced 15 minutes before DeSantis, Uthmeier and the rest of the governors cabinet began a press conference in Orlando. Demings signed the amendment under protest and extreme duress, he said in a late Friday press conference, explaining that he feared his lack of compliance would put Orange County at risk for a DeSantis-appointed minion to take his job. On Tuesday, the mayor said his unilateral decision to sign the agreement was to buy time for the board to have a thorough discussion in an open meeting with the public involved. But the move got him an enraged community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 30 residents gathered near the building where the board holds commission meetings Monday evening, toting signs labeled Make ICE do their own dirty work, and Vets against tyranny while calling on their supporters to attend the Tuesday meeting to express disapproval of Demings move. Sixty community members gathered in the packed-meeting room Tuesday. Almost all of the speakers urged commissioners to side with the countys immigrant population, and once again, reject the amendment. A lone supporter of the pact, Chris Messina, a Republican candidate for Orange County mayor, said the community should join alongside Demings and support the series of ICE-related laws, citing his immigrant wife as an example. Legal immigrants like my wife bring many blessings to America when they go through the naturalization process, he said. Illegal immigration does the opposite Follow the mayors example, join with Florida law and cooperate with ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most speakers disagreed completely. Let me be clear, the Attorney Generals threat to remove duly elected officials are not about transportation, ice or fiscal responsibility, activist Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet said. Theyre about intimidation. Theyre about stripping away local power, and theyre about silencing communities like ours. Earlier, Semrad and Wilson had called for Orange County to join forces with the City of South Miami and engage in a lawsuit against the state to contest interpretation of the ICE-related law, or to file its own suit. Orange County Attorney Jeff Newton said during the commission meeting that the best efforts requirement to cooperate with ICE is ambiguous, probably purposely unclear, and would likely require a court decision to define. But joining with South Miami is likely not the countys best chance to prevail legally, he contended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were here to draw a line. This is our community. These are our tax dollars, Semrad said at a pre-meeting press conference while fitted in a Defending your dollars T-shirt. This is our future to shape, not theirs to control. Were not here to pick a fight. Were here to protect what is ours and to stand up and defend our tax dollars. Rep. Anna Eskamani D-Orlando echoed her sentiments at a pre-meeting press conference with a direct message to Gov. DeSantis: Go DOGE yourself. Her comment comes after newly appointed Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE, would target Orange County with an audit of its spending. There are so many opportunities for Governor DeSantis to look in the mirror and hold himself accountable, Eskamani said. We need to fight back. Sentinel staff writer Silas Morgan contributed to this report. ORLANDO, Fla. Under the governors threat of removal, Orange County commissioners on Tuesday ratified an agreement that could allow county jailers to transport immigration detainees to federal detention facilities. The vote coming after pleas to resist from dozens of community advocates was 5-2 with commissioners Nicole Wilson and Kelly Martinez Semrad opposed. But no one in the five-member majority expressed support for the amended agreement to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Instead, commissioners made clear they were acting because the alternative a board appointed by a Republican governor in one of Floridas bluest enclaves was far worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under its agreement with ICE, Orange County operates one of just seven jails in Florida that holds detainees for the federal government who are accused of immigration violations but no other crimes. County mayor Jerry Demings strongly urged commissioners to ratify the controversial addendum to that pact, which could result in county corrections officers driving detainees more than four hours to Alligator Alcatraz to be deported. Demings said the board may decide another day whether to sue over a state law requiring local governments make their best efforts to assist federal immigration enforcement efforts. That is the law Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier cited in belligerent letters and press conferences last week as requiring county commissioners to approve the agreement. Asked if she was worried DeSantis now would try to suspend or remove her from office for her no vote, Wilson acknowledged it was a legitimate threat from somebody who is potentially using illegitimate means to do it, a little, little man. She said the governor has inaccurately branded and dismissed Orange County as a sanctuary jurisdiction, when the reality of it is that weve done nothing but try to uphold the law as its been explained to us. Florida law prohibits localities from providing sanctuary to undocumented immigrants, and DeSantis and Uthmeier insisted Orange County would be doing so if it ditched the amended ICE agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demings had previously rejected the transportation amendment at a July 15 county commission meeting along with a unanimous board, but signed it Friday in a move announced 15 minutes before DeSantis, Uthmeier and the rest of the governors cabinet began a press conference in Orlando. Demings signed the amendment under protest and extreme duress, he said in a late Friday press conference, explaining that he feared his lack of compliance would put Orange County at risk for a DeSantis-appointed minion to take his job. On Tuesday, the mayor said his unilateral decision to sign the agreement was to buy time for the board to have a thorough discussion in an open meeting with the public involved. But the move got him an enraged community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 30 residents gathered near the building where the board holds commission meetings Monday evening, toting signs labeled Make ICE do their own dirty work, and Vets against tyranny while calling on their supporters to attend the Tuesday meeting to express disapproval of Demings move. Sixty community members gathered in the packed-meeting room Tuesday. Almost all of the speakers urged commissioners to side with the countys immigrant population, and once again, reject the amendment. A lone supporter of the pact, Chris Messina, a Republican candidate for Orange County mayor, said the community should join alongside Demings and support the series of ICE-related laws, citing his immigrant wife as an example. Legal immigrants like my wife bring many blessings to America when they go through the naturalization process, he said. Illegal immigration does the opposite Follow the mayors example, join with Florida law and cooperate with ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most speakers disagreed completely. Let me be clear, the Attorney Generals threat to remove duly elected officials are not about transportation, ice or fiscal responsibility, activist Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet said. Theyre about intimidation. Theyre about stripping away local power, and theyre about silencing communities like ours. Earlier, Semrad and Wilson had called for Orange County to join forces with the City of South Miami and engage in a lawsuit against the state to contest interpretation of the ICE-related law, or to file its own suit. Orange County Attorney Jeff Newton said during the commission meeting that the best efforts requirement to cooperate with ICE is ambiguous, probably purposely unclear, and would likely require a court decision to define. But joining with South Miami is likely not the countys best chance to prevail legally, he contended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were here to draw a line. This is our community. These are our tax dollars, Semrad said at a pre-meeting press conference while fitted in a Defending your dollars T-shirt. This is our future to shape, not theirs to control. Were not here to pick a fight. Were here to protect what is ours and to stand up and defend our tax dollars. Rep. Anna Eskamani D-Orlando echoed her sentiments at a pre-meeting press conference with a direct message to Gov. DeSantis: Go DOGE yourself. Her comment comes after newly appointed Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE, would target Orange County with an audit of its spending. There are so many opportunities for Governor DeSantis to look in the mirror and hold himself accountable, Eskamani said. We need to fight back. _______ (Orlando Sentinel staff writer Silas Morgan contributed to this report.) _______ A federal appeals court has upheld Texas requirement that potential voters must list their identification information in their application for a mail-in ballot. In Texas, voting by mail is only available for certain groups of people, including elderly voters and people with disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1 passed in 2021, voters must also include an ID number such as a drivers license number on both the vote-by-mail applications and the mail-in ballots and both numbers need to match. Opponents of the law said this provision discriminated against voters with disabilities and that it would not meaningfully cut down on voter fraud. In a Monday ruling, a panel from the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found that the updated requirement does not violate federal law. It also reversed a lower courts decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have no difficulty concluding that this ID number requirement fully complies with a provision of federal law known by the parties as the materiality provision of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, wrote Judge James Ho, a Trump appointee. Judge Patrick Higginbotham and Judge Don Willett, who were appointed under the Reagan and Trump administrations, respectively, joined Hos ruling. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton lauded the ruling Tuesday. Voter ID is one of the most crucial tools in the battle against election fraud, and Im pleased to see the court affirm our fundamental right to defend the integrity of our democratic process, he said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to this decision, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas had ruled in 2023 that the requirements infringed on the Civil Rights Act. Though later that year, Paxtons office was able to stop that decision from going into effect. These voter ID requirements were also the target of legal challenges from several civil rights groups, along with other provisions of SB 1. Following the Monday ruling, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas said its legal team is continuing to evaluate its options for a possible appeal. We are disappointed that the court permitted these flawed ID matching requirements to remain in place for voting by mail, Ashley Harris, a staff attorney for ACLU Texas, said in a statement Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In each election since S.B.1 was implemented, we have seen the continuous and arbitrary rejection of thousands of mail ballots due to this burdensome and unnecessary requirement. These rejections will continue to affect scores of eligible voters, and their disenfranchisement only weakens our democracy. A recent study from the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School found that the states requirements pushed many voters whose mail ballots or vote-by-mail applications were rejected during the 2022 primary to change their method or not vote at all. Disclosure: League of Women Voters of Texas has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. The lineup for The Texas Tribune Festival continues to grow! Be there when all-star leaders, innovators and newsmakers take the stage in downtown Austin, Nov. 1315. The newest additions include comedian, actor and writer John Mulaney; Dallas mayor Eric Johnson; U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota; New York Media Editor-at-Large Kara Swisher; and U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. A federal judge temporarily blocked some Arkansas districts from displaying the Ten Commandments in their classrooms as required under a new state law. The injunction from U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks an appointee of former President Barack Obama impacts four districts in northwest Arkansas and comes in response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of multi-faith families who argued that the religious display requirement violates their religious freedom and parental rights. The law now cannot go into effect until further court action is taken, according to KUAR. "Why would Arkansas pass an obviously unconstitutional law?" Brooks wrote in his 35-page ruling. "Most likely because the state is part of a coordinated strategy among several states to inject Christian religious doctrine into public-school classrooms." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Act 573 is not neutral with respect to religion," he also was quoted by Kuar as saying, noting that the Ten Commandments law "requires that a specific version of that scripture be used, one that the uncontroverted evidence in this case shows is associated with Protestantism and is exclusionary of other faiths." Arkansas Families Sue To Keep 10 Commandments Out Of Classroom Before New Law Takes Effect A federal judge temporarily blocked some public school districts in Arkansas from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The Arkansas law, signed earlier this year by Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, takes effect Tuesday and requires the Ten Commandments to be prominently displayed in public school classrooms and libraries. The lawsuit against it was filed on behalf of the families by the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Tim Griffin, whose office defended the law, told the Associated Press he was reviewing the decision and assessing legal options. The lawsuit named four school districts in northwest Arkansas Fayetteville, Bentonville, Siloam Springs and Springdale as defendants. The plaintiffs were asking for a preliminary injunction to pause the implementation of the law while the lawsuit is pending, according to the ACLU. "Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library rendering them unavoidable unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the states favored religious scripture," the lawsuit stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal Judge Slaps Temporary Restraining Order On Mississippi Dei Ban Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders attends an event on natural disaster preparedness with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on June 10, 2025 in Washington, D.C. The Arkansas Ten Commandments law, also known as Act 573, was signed earlier this year by the governor. "It also sends the harmful and religiously divisive message that students who do not subscribe to the Ten Commandments or, more precisely, to the specific version of the Ten Commandments that Act 573 requires schools to display do not belong in their own school community and pressures them to refrain from expressing any faith practices or beliefs that are not aligned with the states religious preferences." Brooks ruling only narrowly applies to four of the states 237 districts. It is not immediately clear if the groups who filed the lawsuit would seek a broader block of the law beyond the four districts. ACLU of Arkansas Executive Director Holly Bailey told the AP through a spokesperson that "it is clear from this order and long-established law that all should refrain from posting" the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar requirements enacted in Texas and Louisiana are also being challenged in court. A group of families and faith leaders filed a lawsuit seeking to block Texas' requirements days after it was signed into law. Last month in Louisiana the first state that mandated the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms a panel of three appellate judges ruled that the law was unconstitutional. Fox News Kristine Parks and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Federal judge blocks Arkansas Ten Commandments law in certain districts VIDEO: Lawsuit filed over Arkansas Ten Commandments in classrooms law FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. A federal court blocked an Arkansas law that would require the display of the Ten Commandments in Arkansas public schools. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Brooks issued a preliminary injunction against Act 573, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments and In God We Trust in Arkansas classrooms and public buildings maintained or operated with taxpayer funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forty-five years ago, the Supreme Court struck down a Ten Commandments law nearly identical to the one the Arkansas General Assembly passed earlier this year, Brooks said in the opinion. That precedent remains binding on this Court and renders Arkansas Act 573 plainly unconstitutional. Lawsuit filed over Arkansas Ten Commandments in classrooms law ACLU Arkansas legal director John Williams called Mondays ruling a a victory for Arkansas families and for the First Amendment. The court saw through this attempt to impose religious doctrine in public schools and upheld every students right to learn free from government-imposed faith, Williams said. Were proud to stand with our clients families of many different backgrounds who simply want their kids to get an education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawsuit filed to halt Arkansas law putting 10 Commandments in classrooms Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffins office shared a statement Monday evening after the ruling. I am reviewing the courts order and assessing our legal options, Griffin said. The bill received broad support in both chambers, with a 27-4 vote in the Senate and a 71-20 vote in the House. Funding for the displays must be acquired through private donations, as mandated by law, which also details the specific wording and size of the display. Ten Commandments, In God We Trust in classrooms is now Arkansas law The law was set to go into effect on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A federal judge has granted Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in cold blood last year, the use of a laptop in jail to prepare for the murder trial after a request from the 27-year-olds attorneys. U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett signed a letter on Monday that ordered the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where Mangione is being held, to provide the accused killer "with the laptop prepared by the government." The court document said Mangione would have access to the laptop seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mangiones attorneys, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Marc Agnifilo and Jacob Kaplan, on Friday sent the judge the letter asking for a personal computer so their client could "adequately prepare for trial and assist in his own defense." Luigi Mangione Musical Sells Out In San Francisco, Producers Eye National Tour After Smash Debut The government-prepared laptop would be disabled from accessing the internet, printers and wireless networks in accordance with regulations, the attorneys noted in the letter, adding that Mangione would only be able to access case-related documents and video provided by the government. Read On The Fox News App Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Supreme Court in New York City on December 23, 2024. Luigi Mangione's Lawyers Claim Da Used Fake Court Date, Bogus Subpoena To Get His Medical Records Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mangione is accused of ambushing Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealthcare's annual shareholder conference was being held on Dec. 4, 2024. Luigi Mangione shouts while officers restrain him as he arrives for his extradition hearing at Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Prosecutors believe the fatal shooting was meant to send a message to the healthcare insurance industry based on a manifesto found on the suspect when he was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, days after Thompson's murder. He would face the death penalty if convicted. Original article source: Federal judge grants Mangione access to laptop in jail ahead of murder trial VIDEO: Organ donation advocates sue to block Arkansas law they say threatens lives, violates constitution LITTLE ROCK, Ark. On Monday, a federal judge temporarily blocked an Arkansas law that would bring changes to the Arkansas organ donation law. U.S. District Judge James Moody issued an injunction temporarily blocking the enforcement of Act 861 amid a recently filed lawsuit against the law by Little Rock-based Southern Legacy of Life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organ donation advocates sue to block Arkansas law they say threatens lives, violates constitution Act 861 changed the law by allowing someone with power of attorney, relatives or guardians of an organ donor to halt their organ donation. The act also requires any organ procurement organization to report to the legislative council each year its activity level and the number of times a donation was halted under the terms of Act 861. Lawsuit filed to halt changes to Arkansas organ donation law Court records state that a final hearing will be set for Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. or later if the defendants ask for a later date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mazz Murray wants to join her nephew Max Murray in EastEnders. Mazz Murray's nephew Max Murray plays Joel Marshall in EastEnders Max, 18, has played Joel Marshall - whose dad is Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and step-mum is Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) - in the hit BBC One soap since March. And Mazz, 51, wants to step onto Albert Square to challenge herself as an actress and do something else other than playing lead characters in hit West End shows. Speaking in the new issue of Britain's HELLO! magazine, the Mamma Mia! legend said: "I would love to do TV drama. "I want to do EastEnders. I want to be challenged and try things that are different and new." Mazz went to theatre school to stay close to her sister Gina Murray, 51 - whose son is Max. The star explained: "I didn't want to be separated from her. "I didn't even know what theatre school was, but by the time I got there, I loved it. "Music and famous people at our home was the norm, so it was probably inevitable that we would do the same." Mazz's mum is Grazina Frame, 83, whose voice featured in the 1961 musical-comedy film, The Young Ones, and her dad is 1960s songwriter Mitch Murray, 85, who worked with The Beatles. And they both told Mazz not to be "the same" as any other actor or actress. She said: "I don't copy what people wear or things like that; I do what I want to do, however ridiculous or whatever it is. "I've always been comfortable just being different." As well as Mamma Mia, Mazz has played lead characters in Sunset Boulevard and We Will Rock You. And she hopes her sons - Zac, 14, and Charlie, 11, who she has with from her marriage to Oren Harush - are proud of her career. Mazz said: "I hope they're proud of me. "I'm aware of not embarrassing them, but it's inevitable if I'm wearing yellow lycra and singing Dancing Queen. "They're really well-adjusted and show me huge respect." Asked how she balances her stage career with motherhood, Mazz said: "I see them in the morning before they go to school, and when they come home, I have an hour and a half to tell them off and kiss them. "Then I see them when I get home. "My mum did what I do and it's all they've known." Jessica Flint. (Photo courtesy Jake Eaton) Power players in the states Republican Party and Montanas congressional delegates are among those who have signed a letter in support of Jessica Flint, a controversial appointee to the Criminal Justice Oversight Council. The gubernatorial appointment, which deals with civil rights for incarcerated prisoners, has drawn the ire of progressives in the state for removing representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union, who previously sat on the council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flint works for Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal advocacy organization. The letter to Gov. Greg Gianforte reads as a response to a separate letter penned by Disability Rights Montana to Gianforte last week. That letter, signed by a number of organizations and some Democratic lawmakers, asked for council work to stop until someone with appropriate experience was appointed. The Criminal Justice Oversight Council was created by the Montana Legislature in 2017 and consists of 18 members four legislators and 14 appointed members representing various parts of the criminal justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The councils job is to study and recommend solutions to issues in the states criminal justice system and work with the legislature. Mondays letter in support of Flint is signed by Montanas entire Republican federal delegation as well as more than 40 Republican legislators. Statewide officials signed the letter too, including Attorney General Austin Knudsen, State Auditor James Brown, Clerk of the Supreme Court Bowen Greenwood, and State Superintendent Susie Hedalen. Several members of the council Alan Doane, Jimmy Patelis and Ross Canen signed on to the letter as well. Mrs. Flint is a highly qualified and diligent advocate whose experience and integrity have earned broad respect among those who value genuine protection of rights and public safety in Montana, the letter reads. We respectfully address the concerns raised recently by some Democrat lawmakers and various liberal advocacy organizations regarding this appointment, and we affirm your decision to appoint Mrs. Flint, who is highly qualified and brings a fresh, competent perspective to this critical role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter says Flint is a State Government Relations Manager for ADF and has had roles with U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, and former U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg. She also briefly worked for the Office of Public Instruction. The ADF is not known for its prison advocacy work. The ACLU, however, is, and the civil rights organization had one of its members in whats now Flints seat since the councils inception eight years ago. The concerns raised about replacing the ACLU overlook the organizations well-documented partisan political activity, Mondays letter read. The ACLU has consistently supported Democrat candidates through significant financial contributions and voter mobilization efforts, often prioritizing issues that closely align with Democratic Party platforms. The ADFs only major work with incarcerated people seems to be around religious literature in prisons and where transgender people are housed in prisons. The ADF has not responded to multiple interview requests, including to speak with Flint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter, however, paints a picture of what role the ADF could play in state policy. ADFs advocacy, particularly in protecting female privacy and safety, addresses a critical civil rights issue within Montanas criminal justice system, Mondays letter reads. ADF has championed the rights of women in prisons who face privacy and safety violations when housed with men. The ACLU, however, has opposed such protections, prioritizing a radical gender ideology over the safety concerns of female inmates. The ACLU disagreed with the letters assertions. The ACLU of Montana is a nonpartisan organization that does not endorse candidates, ACLU of Montana said in a statement Monday. For decades we have been advocating for the health, safety and welfare of all individuals who are caught up in the criminal justice system, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mondays letter made specific references to the ADFs stance on transgender people in prisons, which last year the organization called radical. Federal changes in policy toward transgender people are changing. Federal laws under the Obama and Biden Administrations sought solutions to problems transgender people face in prison, particularly sexual assault. Transgender people face much higher rates of sexual assault in prison. A large-scale study, administered by the federal government, found in 2015 that 37% of transgender inmates were sexually assaulted during a one-year period, compared with 3.4% of cisgender people surveyed. The Trump administration has canceled grants related to the Prison Rape Elimination Act Resource Center, which some advocates have worried sends a broader message about the federal legislation that created it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prison Rape Elimination Act is federal law from 2003 that was passed in an attempt to cut down on sexual assault rates in prison. The ACLU was heavily involved with work surrounding the PREA. Its unclear how many transgender people are incarcerated in Montana, though the state does have a committee to place transgender and intersex prisoners. Flint appears to have some interest in this issue, and met Riley Gaines, a former competitive swimmer and outspoken anti-trans advocate with a national platform. Gaines was testifying for a Montana law. Jessica Flints husband, conservative talk radio host Aaron Flint, has also made recent statements on his social media regarding incarcerated people, though it was unclear if his values lined up with those of his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU claims they protect the rights of the incarcerated, yet they want to trample on the rights of incarcerated women by forcing them to be imprisoned with men proven to assault them, Aaron Flint wrote on July 25. Additionally, the letter said Jessica Flints appointment could bring reform. Mrs. Flints appointment brings to the Council a perspective equipped with strong constitutional grounding and a demonstrated ability to address complex public policy matters, the letter reads. We applaud this forward-looking decision and are confident Mrs. Flints leadership will result in policies and reforms that truly serve all Montanans. Flint Support Letter NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made the move to repeal some greenhouse gas emission regulation standards for vehicles. These changes in emissions standards will impact people buying electric cars nationally and in Albuquerque. Even though the federal tax credit will be going away, the good news is that New Mexico will offer a lesser tax credit that will not be going away. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state has rebates that will last beyond September 30, City of Albuquerque Sustainability Officer Ann Simon said. The federal rebates will expire. So nows a great time to buy; they dont just apply to new vehicles, they apply to used vehicles as well. Currently, EV buyers receive a tax credit of up to $7,500. Starting October 1, they will no longer receive this. The state, however, does have its tax credit program that gives up to $3,000 back to EV buyers in New Mexico. In addition, the state board is holding a hearing in the next few weeks to adopt a new Clean Fuel Rule. This will go along with the Clean Transportation Fuels Act, which passed last year. As purchasers of fuels, what well see are more options at the pump or more availability of different kinds of fuels and vehicles, NMED Environmental Protection Director Michelle Miano said. This would also decrease costs for fuel and vehicles available for purchase in New Mexico. The petition goes to the board hearing on September 22, and would potentially go into effect in early 2026. City and state leaders encourage New Mexicans who have been thinking of buying an EV to do so now before they lose most of the tax credits offered at the end of next month. The city also offers a program called AMP, where residents can rent an EV by the hour. The city says its a great way to try an EV out before making the commitment to buy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (right) stands beside U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins (sitting) who holds up a signed waiver allowing the state's SNAP program to ban the purchase of sugary drinks. (Gov. Patrick Morrisey's X account) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially approved West Virginias plan to disallow the use of federal food assistance benefits to purchase soda and sugary drinks. Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Monday joined USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a news conference announcing approval for West Virginias waiver for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. SNAP program benefits are paid for by the Department of Agriculture and administered through the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morrisey noted during the press conference that West Virginia ranks low or near the bottom of several public health metrics like obesity and diabetes. I believe in telling the truth to the American people about where we are because thats going to make the rise all the more better when West Virginia is able to reach her potential and to get healthy again, Morrisey said. The good news today is that we all have the power to change. And I think the people on stage here today, the wonderful staffs are working at the federal level and the state level to make that happen. I think youre going to start to see some needle movement in all these categories. Morrisey formally requested the waiver in May. He also asked to add certain hot foods to the list of SNAP-approved purchases. That part of the waiver request is still under consideration, a spokesman for Morrisey said. Changes to the SNAP program are one part of Kennedys Make America Healthy Again agenda. West Virginia was one of the first states in the nation to pass a sweeping ban of artificial dyes in foods sold in grocery stores and restaurants, another part of the MAHA agenda. The state also banned the use of food dyes in school lunches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, SNAP has used taxpayer dollars to fund soda and candy products that fuel Americas diabetes and chronic disease epidemics, Kennedy said in a news release. These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health. I thank these governors who have stepped up to request waivers, and I encourage others to follow their lead. This is how we Make America Healthy Again. The SNAP changes are also part of a health initiative Morrisey called the Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia. Other pillars included prohibiting the sale of certain food dyes in the state, and the Mountaineer Mile challenge to walk at least a mile a day. Morrisey said the changes to the SNAP program are long overdue. Im happy now that in West Virginia, taxpayers are not going to be subsidizing soda and these sugary drinks things that have no nutritional value and are directly linked to obesity, diabetes, a lot of other terrible health care outcomes, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One in six West Virginians, or approximately 277,000 residents, rely on the SNAP program for food assistance, according to the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. In addition to West Virginia, Rollins signed SNAP waivers for the states of Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The waivers change the statutory definition of food for purchase and end the subsidization of popular types of junk food, according to a news release from HHS. The changes take effect in January. The federal government approved SNAP waivers for Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah earlier this year. It is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nations history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems, Rollins said in a news release. President Trump has changed the status quo, and the entire cabinet is taking action to Make America Healthy Again. At USDA, we play a key role in supporting Americans who fall on hard times, and that commitment does not change. Rather, these state waivers promote healthier options for families in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been corrected to reflect that Morriseys request for a SNAP waiver to cover certain hot foods is still under consideration by the federal government. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Federal prosecutors in South Florida allege that Venezuelan-American tech executive Roger Pinate co-founder of the voting technology company Smartmatic secretly bribed Venezuelas longtime elections chief, Tibisay Lucena Ramirez, by transferring control of a luxury residence in Caracas to her in exchange for political favors. The alleged bribe, according to prosecutors, was intended to help Smartmatic secure Lucenas help in a commercial dispute with the Venezuela government, following the companys August 2017 accusation that the Nicolas Maduro regime committed fraud in the National Constituent Assembly electiona claim that led Smartmatic to cease operations in the country. The bribe allegation, detailed in new court filing, is expected to be used by Miami federal prosecutors as evidence against Pinate, who is charged with multiple counts of money laundering and bribery related to contracts in the Philippines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government plans to present photographs, witness testimony, and encrypted text messages to demonstrate that Pinate, 49, orchestrated the transfer of an upper-middle-class home with a pool to Lucena Ramirez between April and July 2019. Prosecutors claim the house was offered as a bribe to secure favorable treatment from Lucena, who, as president of Venezuelas National Electoral Council wielded broad authority over the countrys controversial voting system and its private vendors. Reacting to the allegations, Smartmatic said the governments filing is filled with misrepresentations. As an example, the governments citation of an alleged bribe in Venezuela in 2019 is untethered from reality. Smartmatic ceased all operations in Venezuela in August 2017 after blowing the whistle on the government and has never sought to secure business there again, the company told the Herald in an email. We have always operated lawfully, ethically, and transparently. We stand by our two-decade track record of integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the filing, the residence at the center of the alleged scheme was controlled by Pinate through a foreign shell company. Prosecutors say he worked with others including Individual 1, an unnamed co-conspirator mentioned in a broader indictment to obscure the propertys origin and prevent the transaction from being traced back to him or to Smartmatic. Text messages among the group, according to prosecutors, show that they plotted to transfer the homes title through a third party to conceal the transactions true purpose: a bribe. Ultimately, Lucena assumed control of the property, which prosecutors say was compensation for her support in resolving a commercial dispute between Smartmatic and the Venezuelan government. The filings cite Rule 404(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which permits the introduction of evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts not charged in the indictment if they help prove motive, intent, or a pattern of behavior. The Justice Department argues that the alleged Caracas bribe sheds light on Pinates methods and supports the broader claim that he systematically used illicit payments to secure or maintain contracts with election officials in various countries. The alleged bribe to Lucena occurred during a stormy period in Smartmatics dealings with Venezuela. In 2017, a public rift erupted between the company and the electoral council over the results of the Constituent Assembly elections. Smartmatic accused the Maduro regime of manipulating turnout figures, inflating them by at least one million votes, and announced it would cease operations in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 2004 to 2017, Smartmatic had been one of the Venezuelan governments most significant technology partners, supplying voting machines, election software and logistical support under contracts worth tens of millions of dollars. Pinate, as Chief Operating Officer and later President, played a key role in managing the companys relationship with the electoral council leadership. Following the 2017 fallout, Smartmatic stopped receiving payments under its contracts with Venezuela. Prosecutors allege that Pinate sought to repair the relationship and believed Lucena then still council president was essential to achieving that goal. Lucena, who died in April 2023, led the electoral council from roughly 2006 through mid-2020 and remained a central figure in Venezuelas electoral infrastructure during the presidencies of Hugo Chavez and much of Nicolas Maduros tenure. While praised by the regime as a technocrat, she was widely criticized by opposition leaders and international observers for overseeing an electoral system plagued by irregularities and manipulation. The revelations about Lucena come as Pinate faces criminal charges related to a $1 million bribery scheme in the Philippines. In August 2024, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida indicted Pinate and Jorge Miguel Vasquez, 62, of Davie, Florida, for conspiring to bribe Juan Andres Donato Bautista, the former chairman of the Philippine Commission on Elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege that Pinate and his co-defendant inflated the prices of voting machines sold to the Philippines and diverted the excess funds into secret accounts used to pay off Bautista. These illicit transactions were disguised through fake contracts, loan agreements, and coded language. the government says. The funds were laundered through accounts in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., including financial institutions in South Florida. Pinate and Bautista are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and three counts of international money laundering. If convicted, each faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count. The case has brought renewed scrutiny to Smartmatic, a company long at the center of debates over electronic voting systems, especially in Latin America. Though it has consistently defended the integrity of its technology and denied involvement in government manipulation, the firm now finds itself implicated in allegations that its senior leadership engaged in bribery as a routine business practice. Smartmatic was founded in 2000 by Pinate, Antonio Mugica, and Alfredo Jose Anzola, with the goal of providing secure digital voting systems. The company gained international prominence after the Chavez government awarded it contracts to modernize Venezuelas election infrastructure in 2004. The companys systems were used in numerous elections during the Chavez and Maduro eras, playing a central role in digitizing the countrys voting process. (Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Federal officials on Tuesday released a revised list of states, cities, and municipalities with policies meant to restrict immigration enforcement, and Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken made the list. A longer list that the U.S. Department of Justice issued in May left some observers baffled about some of the Republican-led and -leaning jurisdictions included, such as Cumberland and Warren counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the feds retracted and revised it, and now, no New Jersey counties are on the list. Even New Jersey itself isnt among the 12 states (plus the District of Columbia) that the feds have labeled as sanctuary states even though Alina Habba, New Jerseys acting U.S. attorney, vowed in April to investigate Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin over the Immigrant Trust Directive, a state order that restricts when state and local police officers can cooperate with federal immigration agents. A Murphy spokeswoman declined to comment Tuesday. In announcing the shorter list, Attorney General Pamela Bondi also blasted sanctuary policies, saying they impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk. The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country, Bondi said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department sued Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Hoboken, and their elected officials in May, asking a judge to block policies they say interfere with the Trump administrations immigration detention and deportation goals. The cities have a deadline to respond to that lawsuit by the end of August. The list released Tuesday was meant, under an executive order Trump signed in April, to identify jurisdictions that continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. States on the list are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Four counties are on the list Baltimore, Cook County in Illinois, and San Diego and San Francisco counties in California. Fourteen cities, including Philadelphia and New York City, are listed in addition to Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one city has caved to the feds pressure. Louisville last month dropped its policy of not holding people in custody on immigration detainers. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 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. Asala Ferany sat cross-legged inside her tent in a camp near Deir al-Balah, trying to soothe her youngest child. Nada, barely more than a year old, clung to her mothers neck with tiny, weak arms. The midday heat, nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit, seeped through the plastic tarp above them. Sweat trickled down Asalas face, and she had to leave the tent to get some air. Nada hadnt eaten since the night before, and the only thing left to feed her was a sachet of peanut pasteone of the last things Asala had managed to bring back from the aid-distribution point that morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is all I have, she whispered, tearing a corner of the foil packet and squeezing a bit onto her finger. I wish I could give her more, but there is nothing left. That morning, Asala and her husband, Mohammad Ferwana, had gone for the third or fourth time in a month to an aid center in Deir al-Balah, hoping to get their daughter additional treatment or food. The people in the camp look at Nada, Asala told me. They say, She is too small. Take care of her. Shes too beloved. Some even say she might not survive two more months. I keep hugging her, kissing her. So if I lose herIll know I loved her enough. Last month, Asala told me, she took Nada to a government-run health clinic that referred her to a distribution center run by aid groups. There, aid workers encircled Nadas arm with paper tape, taking a measurement known as the mid-upper arm circumference thats commonly used to assess malnutrition. As of last Wednesday, Nadas upper arm measured 4.4 inchesmeeting the threshold for severe, acute malnutrition. The aid workers gave Asala 14 red sachets of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), a nutrient-dense, high-calorie paste designed to manage wasting in children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That wasnt enough. I asked if we could have more, Asala told me. But they just shook their heads. There are too many children. Too many mothers asking. When Asala got back to the tent, she quickly tucked the RUTF beneath her clothes. Her other children tended to eye the packets hungrily, and she needed to make sure that Nada, who needed them most, got her share. All of her children were thin, their ribs visible, but Nada was fading the fastest. [Read: In three months, half of them will be dead] By early afternoon, the camp had gone quiet with hunger. Then, at 1 p.m., a black tuk-tuk rattled down the sandy path between tents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Word spread fast: The tikkiyya, a community kitchen offered by the World Central Kitchen or sometimes by other volunteers and charitable initiatives, had come. Two dented metal pots sat on the back of the tuk-tuk, filled with hot mujaddara, a simple mix of brown lentils and white rice, stripped of onions or other seasonings that have become unaffordable. Children rushed from every direction toward the sound. Suhaib, Asalas eldest at age 9, was already running, a metal pot clanging in his hands. Asala followed close behind. She told me that she accompanied her children to the tikkiya in case their pots tipped or one of them got burned. It happens. On lentils day, the pots were boiling, and my child was burnt. When they got to the front of the line, she pleaded with the aid worker for an extra portion. They gave two scoops, she told him. Its not enough for seven people. He looked away, toward the others still waiting for their ladlefuls. In addition to Suhaib and Nada, Asala has 7-year-old Layan, 4-year-old Yusuf, and 2-and-a-half-year-old Ibrahim. Back at the tent, she gathered them in a tight circle to eat their only meal of the day. I cannot dare leave one sleeping, she told me. Last time, Yusuf napped through the meal. He woke up and found nothing. He cried the rest of the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside their tent, once this meal is done, there is no other food at all. Even baby Nadas milk bottles sit empty, lined up beside other barren utensils. Mohammad, who once worked as a metalsmith in his fathers workshop, now finds himself unable to afford the most basic essentials. In the markets, staples such as eggs, milk, beef, and chicken have all but vanished. For what little remains, the prices are staggering. A kilogram of flour (approximately 2.2 pounds) now costs 120 shekels (approximately $32.50), the same price as a kilogram of tomatoes. Even eggplantsonce a modest, accessible itemare selling for 100 shekels (about $27.00) per kilogram. [Read: Were trying to do the best we can before we die] Nada weighs only 16.5 pounds. She was born under bombardment in May 2024, weighing just 4.5 pounds. We named her after her grandmother, Mohammad told me. Her name means dewdrops in Arabic. Something small, pure, and gentle. But nothing about her life has been gentle. The family reuses Nadas diapers, cleaning them with rations of water. With poor nutrition, she easily picks up diseases. She had fever, flu, diarrhea. I said maybe its teething. But shes not recovering, Asala told me. We have no medicine. Even soap has vanished. Doctors said, with these conditions, it is hard to recover, since the immune system is weak and vulnerable. Ghada Abdulfattah The family has been displaced five timesfrom Wadi As-Salqa, southeast of Deir al-Balah, to a school on Salah al-Din road; then to Mashala, west of Deir al-Balah; to Khan Younis; and now to a makeshift tent in the middle of Deir al-Balah. Their shelter is a patch of plastic and tarp held down by rocks, near the edge of a displacement zone in southwest Deir al-Balah, where Israel was engaged in a military operation from July 20 to 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shrapnel has come to us, Asala told me. A child in the next tent was injured. I worry every day they will order us to leave again, she said. Where will we go? Asala told me that her children still remember the old days, and the tastes of foods she used to cook. Fridays used to be family days, Asala remembers. My husband brought fish. We cooked chicken. The children remind me of that. Suhaib used to excel in school. He still asks for a laptopjust to learn on it. Layan talks about university. In the late evening, Asalas children again started asking about food. She tried to hush Nada with water, and to distract the others, telling them that the tikkiya might come again tomorrow, or the camp committee might give them something. In past weeks, Asala would sometimes walk to her neighbors tents to ask if anyone had a spare loaf of bread. The answer was almost always no. Now and then Mohammad hears about aid trucks passing through the border to supply organizations such as the World Food Program. He joins the crowds of men who follow these trucks, but he often returns empty-handed. At times, Asala has followed him secretly. I just want to bring something home, she told me. She described a dangerous scramble, crowds swelling with desperation: Some bring sticks. Some guns. Once, her husband returned with a few cans of tomato paste he found on the ground, crushed under peoples feet. They were cracked open and mixed with sand. I took it anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scene around the airdrops can be equally abject. On Wednesday, Suhaib and Yusuf ran toward a descending parachute, yelling: Throw something here! Throw something here! Nothing came. Asala chased it, too. I left the tent. I wasnt thinking. I ran barefoot. When I reached where it fell, it was gone. This is what theyve turned us into, she said. I felt humiliated. We are sentenced to live like this. Article originally published at The Atlantic The owner of a fencing firm has described how thieves stole farm equipment belonging to Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper from a field. A post knocker, owned by Mr Cooper, was stolen along with a tractor, which he does not own, from a field near Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, between 15:30 and 16:30 BST last Tuesday. The hired items were being used by Aylesbury firm Home and Country Fencing, whose owner, who asked to be identified only as Lewis, said he believed the thieves had been keeping watch, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Cooper declined to comment, but posted to Instagram, on which he has 2.9 million followers, writing: "Can we please make this as hot as possible! What is going on with England at the moment." The equipment was being used in a field off Hawkswood Lane. Lewis told the BBC: "They broke into the field and cut a chain off. "They had probably been watching us as it was parked out of sight behind a barn. "We had another post knocker stolen 11 months ago in Chalgrove as well." A social media post from the company, shared by Mr Cooper, suggested a "burnt out" silver 4x4 vehicle found nearby was "possibly related". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post knocker is a Protech P200S with the serial number 10698. It belongs to Mr Cooper, who lives near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, and has risen to fame in Jeremy Clarkson's farming show on Amazon Prime in recent years. The green John Deere tractor 6630 had the number plate OU11 ARF. Thames Valley Police said both were seen being driven past the BP filling station in Gerrards Cross, on the A40 Oxford Road, at 15:52 on the same day. The force is appealing for anyone with further information to contact them. NFU Mutual, the insurance arm of the National Farmers' Union, estimates that rural crime in the UK cost 44.1m last year although that was down 16.5% on the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Related stories Internet links Ferry sailings from the Isle of Man are back on schedule after a day of disruption caused by gales in the Irish Sea as a result of Storm Floris. On Tuesday, the morning sailing to Dublin by the fast craft Manannan departed shortly before 07:00 BST, while flagship ferry Manxmen left for Heysham at 08:00. It follows the cancellation of morning sailings to and from Liverpool on Monday - with the storm bringing gusts of up to 90mph - as well as the cancellation of the evening return journey to Heysham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disruption to the overnight return service to Douglas from Heysham means there will be no newspapers available on the island on Tuesday. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. Related internet links Related internet links At least 1 in 4 stillbirths in the U.S. are preventable, research shows. (O2O Creative/iStock via Getty Images Plus) About 60 pregnancies per day in the U.S. end in stillbirth. The best way to find out why a stillbirth occurred is a fetal autopsy yet these procedures are performed in only 1 in 5 of the over 20,000 stillbirths that occur each year. As I explain in my recent book, Stillbirth and the Law, the fact that so few fetal autopsies are performed after stillbirths is actually a driver of the disproprotionately high number of stillbirths in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One major exception to the rarity of fetal autopsies is when pregnancy loss ends with criminal arrest. Arrests after pregnancy loss are not new, but according to data compiled by the nonprofit group Pregnancy Justice, they have increased since the Supreme Court overturned the federal constitutional right to abortion in 2022. As a legal scholar who studies pregnancy loss and its potential legal implications, Im struck by this disparity: Autopsies are rare when the goal is general medical insight about the causes of stillbirth and pregnancy loss more generally, but they are seemingly routine when criminal consequences are possible. Stillbirth and the inevitability myth In the U.S., pregnancy loss before 20 weeks is called miscarriage, and pregnancy loss after 20 weeks is called stillbirth. Miscarriage is much more common, with some studies estimating it occurs in as many as 1 in 4 pregnancies. Stillbirth is rarer, but the incidence is still surprisingly high. Currently, about 1 in 170 births in the U.S. is a stillbirth, a rate higher than in many other high-income countries. Moreover, that number masks a dramatic racial disparity. Black women in the U.S. face double the risk of stillbirth compared with white women. In the U.S., about 60 pregnancies a day end in stillbirth. ( Maskot via Getty Images Doctors and, consequently, their patients widely assume that pregnancy losses are inevitable. Thats relatively accurate for miscarriages, especially those before 12 weeks, which researchers believe are usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities. But its not accurate for stillbirths: Research shows that abnormalities account for fewer than 8% of stillbirths after 28 weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S., at least 1 in 4 stillbirths are preventable and that rate is closer to 50% for stillbirths at term, meaning after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Yet theres been little movement toward prevention. According to a 2020 UNICEF report, the U.S. ranks 185th out of 195 countries in reductions to stillbirth rates from 2000-2019. The U.S. outpaces other high-income countries in maternal mortality rates that continue to rise dramatically and in infant and child mortality. Its also worth noting that the number of stillborn babies every year in the U.S. consistently exceeds the number of infant deaths from all causes. The rarity of fetal autopsies There is no one solution to reducing the U.S.s stillbirth rate, but gathering data about its causes is a necessary step. A fetal autopsy is widely considered the gold standard for determining the cause of death after stillbirth. The autopsy procedure is extensive, with X-rays, external evaluations of the baby and examinations of internal organs and tissue sampling. Not only are fetal autopsies extremely rare, but the data from fetal autopsies that do occur is likely not representative. Women with higher levels of education are more likely to get a fetal autopsy after stillbirth. Women with lesser income, however, have double the risk of stillbirth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One barrier is cost. Many hospitals will not cover the costs of a fetal autopsy. Medicaid does not cover the exam either, and neither do many private insurance companies. Out-of-pocket costs range from $1,500 to $5,000. Stillbirth is surprisingly expensive, and many families understandably choose to use their funds to cover other costs. (MANUEL PUGA/iStock via Getty Images Plus) Black women in the U.S. face double the risk of stillbirth as white women. The way that doctors bring up the subject of fetal autopsy can also influence whether parents decide on one. Research suggests that parents often do not receive compassionate counseling on this issue. Some parents reported feeling that providers actively discourage them from having one. Providers often lack knowledge about the benefits of fetal autopsy and of the process itself. Doctors reactions to stillbirth as a rare, freak event dissuades parents from exploring the cause of their childs stillbirth and conveys that nothing would be gained from a fetal autopsy. Finally, there simply arent enough qualified pathologists who have expertise in stillbirth evaluation in the U.S. Fetal autopsies are complex. Performing them requires synthesizing knowledge about birth defects, genetic syndromes, maternal effects, fetal development and more. Pathologists must evaluate the placenta and the umbilical cord and factor in maternal health. According to a 2019 report, only 268 out of more than 21,000 pathologists in the U.S. had specialized training in pediatric pathology. And even those pathologists are not guaranteed to have expertise in evaluating fetal or neonatal deaths. Fetal autopsies misuse as criminal evidence In my view, the rarity of fetal autopsies feeds a sort of vicious cycle. If the cause of a stillbirth is unknown, it opens the doors to suspicion that the pregnant person caused their pregnancy loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overwhelmingly, the women who have been arrested after their pregnancy loss have been from marginalized communities, suggesting that bias also plays a strong role in these arrests. And in these cases, fetal autopsies are common. For instance, authorities conducted one on the fetus of Selena Chandler-Scott in April 2025, when she was arrested after having a miscarriage at 19 weeks. A pathologist concluded from the autopsy that Chandler-Scott did not cause the miscarriage. More often though, autopsies in such cases are used to conclude that the pregnant person was at fault. Theres every reason, however, to question those conclusions. Fetal autopsies help identify underlying causes of pregnancy loss only when performed by pathologists specifically qualified to perform them. And in many high-profile criminal cases, its clear that pathologists lacked the required expertise to assess fetal deaths. Consider, for example, Rennie Gibbs, who experienced a stillbirth in Mississippi when she was 16. Her baby girl was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, yet the de facto state medical examiner at the time who was not a certified pathologist and therefore clearly lacked the needed specialization concluded she had died due to Gibbs cocaine use. Chelsea Becker of California had at least three infections that increase the risk of stillbirth, yet the pathologist, who also lacked the needed specialization, concluded the baby died due to Beckers methamphetamine use and later admitted he had never even looked at her medical history. But its hard to rebut these conclusions without building a foundation of research on why stillbirths are happening. Fetal autopsies performed by qualified pathologists to systematically assess the causes of death are a key component of that research which, I believe, will both help prevent stillbirths and decrease the inclination to blame people who experience pregnancy loss. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. A fifth suspect has been arrested for their alleged involvement in a violent fight in Downtown Cincinnati in late July. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Cincinnati Police said Patrick Rosemond, 38, was arrested in Georgia on Monday, according to our news partner WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. Once he was discovered, the FBIs Atlanta Metropolitan Major Offenders Task Force took him into custody, according to Cincinnati Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As News Center 7 previously reported, Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said they were able to identify all victims and suspects involved in the fight. Four others have been previously arrested and charged, WCPO said. Theetge said police anticipate more charges, calling for people involved to turn themselves in to police. TRENDING STORIES: The fight occurred on July 26 near the intersection of Fourth and Elm streets after 3 a.m. By the time authorities arrived on scene, the people injured were still there, but many others had already left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videos of the fight, which went viral on social media, show dozens of people involved in the altercation, with some sustaining visible injuries, our news partners at WCPO reported. The videos depict a chaotic scene where a man is chased into the road and attacked by several people, resulting in scrapes on his face and a bloody nose. Another clip shows a woman being punched in the head, followed by a man striking her in the face, causing her to fall unconscious with blood coming from her mouth. Rosemond has been charged with two counts of felonious assault and aggravated rioting, WCPO says. He is scheduled to be extradited to Ohio. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A fifth person has been arrested in the violent Cincinnati beatdown that happened on July 26. Patrick Rosemond, 38, was arrested in Fulton County, Georgia, and charged with two counts of felonious assault and aggravated riot, according to the Cincinnati Police Department. The other suspects arrested in connection with the incident are Dominique Kittle, Jermaine Matthews, Montianez Merriweather and Dekyra Vernon. Matthews posted bond last week. The FBI and Atlanta Metropolitan Major Offenders Task Force took Rosemond into custody. He will go through the extradition process before returning to Cincinnati, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beatdown happened between Elm and Fourth Streets, with videos of the incident going viral on social media. The videos show two people being attacked, which included a woman who was left unconscious after being punched and kicked several times. Cincinnati Residents On Edge After Viral Beatdown Sparks Crime Concerns: 'What's Gonna Happen Next?' One of the victims, identified as Holly, made a video update on her condition. Read On The Fox News App "It's been very, very hard, and I'm still recovering," Holly said in a video posted online. "I still have very bad brain trauma ." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cincinnati Beatdown Victim Reveals 'Very Bad Brain Trauma' In First Remarks Since Viral Assault Holly said in a new video posted online by Benny Johnson that she is getting medical attention and thanked Americans for donating to a fundraiser aimed at supporting her. "Thank you for helping me get the medical attention I need and making sure Im not homeless because I cant work until I get better," Holly said. "Each day, I'm feeling a little bit better and better." She said externally, her injuries are healing but, "internally there is a lot of damage that has been done. I've been in and out of hospitals and specialists, and it's going to be an ongoing battle for a very long time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of the approximately 100 people who saw the fight, only one called 911, Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said. "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. Fox News Digital's Rachel Wolf contributed to this report. Original article source: Fifth suspect arrested in viral Cincinnati beatdown as victim details her 'ongoing battle' Fight isnt over: Attorney who led Karen Reads criminal defense makes major announcement High-powered defense attorney Alan Jackson announced Tuesday that he is joining Karen Reads civil defense team, which has been preparing to fight a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of John OKeefe. 25 Investigates: Karen Reads legal team subpoenas state police, DAs office for records Jackson first revealed his plans on the radio during an appearance on WEEIs Greg Hill Show. Elizabeth Little, who worked alongside Jackson during Reads two murder trials, is also joining the civil defense team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement shared with Boston 25s Ted Daniel, Jackson said the fight for justice isnt over. Im proud to stand alongside Elizabeth Little as we join Karen Reads civil defense team in her relentless pursuit of justice, Jackson wrote. Karens courage in confronting abuse of power and demanding the truth is unwaveringand so are we. This fight isnt over. Not until every lie is exposed in every wrong is made right." Karen Read leaves the courthouse after she was found not guilty of second-degree murder on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds) Read, 45, of Mansfield, was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe, at her retrial in June. The lawsuit alleges that Read outrageously created a false narrative and the OKeefe family has suffered emotional injuries, severe physical pain, anguish, emotional distress and other harm caused by defendant Reads negligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days after her acquittal, Reads team filed a motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit. A formal date for the start of the civil trial has not been set. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The set of "Killers of the Flower Moon" in Pawhuska is pictured. (Courtesy photo provided by Apple/Distributed by the Oklahoma Film and Music Office) OKLAHOMA CITY Amid a period of tremendous growth within Oklahomas film industry, over three dozen communities have signed onto a state program designed to signify that theyre ready to host productions. In all, 39 communities and one tribe have completed the requirements of the Oklahoma Film Friendly Community Program, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Created in 2021 by the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, the free program helps cities and tribes across the state prepare for and attract film productions by providing certification to signify a communitys readiness to host productions. It also provides Oklahoma communities with resources that educate and assist them in preparing for incoming film and television productions, which supporters say can result in economic growth. Achieving certification signifies to the film industry a communitys readiness to host productions, which can lead to increased economic impact for local businesses and workforce opportunities for residents, said Yousef Kazemi, the state film offices outreach and production manager. The requirements of our program let film and television productions know that those communities which are certified have systems and a collaborative process in place to best support their business needs while filming on location. Required steps include creating of an enforceable permit approved and enforced by the city, designating a film friendly liaison and subcommittee to serve as a first point of contact, and photographing and identifying at least 10 different sites which could potentially be used for filming, Kazemi said. Communities need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to attract and support film and television productions, thereby promoting economic development and cultural enrichment across Oklahoma and ensuring these productions keep coming to Oklahoma, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2021, when Oklahoma lawmakers increased the cap on a film rebate program from $8 million to $30 million, the industry has seen tremendous growth, Kazemi said. Ultimately, our programs are about facilitating economic growth, job creation, and cultural enrichment in communities across Oklahoma through the promotion of the film and television industry, and that in itself is highly rewarding, he said. Crews film the second season of the television series Reservation Dogs in Oklahoma. (Photo by Shane Brown via FX/Distributed by the Oklahoma Film and Music Office) Oklahoma ranked sixth in employment growth, fourth in total compensation growth, and ninth in annual compensation per worker growth among the states that have a film incentive, said Jeanette Stanton, director at Oklahoma Film and Music Office. In 2024, productions taking advantage of the states film incentive are estimated to have created 4,173 jobs, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the most notable productions filmed in Oklahoma are: Twisters, a Hollywood blockbuster about storm chasing; Reservation Dogs, which follows Indigenous teens living in rural Oklahoma; Tulsa King, a television series that stars Sylvester Stallone; Killers of the Flower Moon, an Oscar-nominated movie exploring the murders of members of the Osage Nation tribe and the birth of the FBI; and Unbreakable Boy, which tells the story of an autistic child with brittle bone disease. Tulsa is one of the communities that has achieved the certification. Since becoming certified, the community has hosted one of its notable productions, Tulsa King, said Meg Gould, executive director of Tulsa Film, Music, and Arts Office. Goulds office actively builds location packages for incoming productions, has a directory dedicated to different locations people can film at and also has a place where people can register their own site as potential production locale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said property owners interested in being considered for future projects can upload photos to the database. Were still seeing a lot of tourism from The Outsiders movie, Gould said. Now with The Outsiders musical were getting even more attention. We had Reservation Dogs, which brought a different type of audience to Tulsa. To help communities and tribes reach film friendly status, the state offers workshops designed to help them prepare. The workshops cover topics such as obtaining necessary permits, establishing effective protocols, and understanding the production process. Having that film-friendly certification ahead of time is telling productions that were camera-ready-communities, were able to kind of get your film permits and work through this process, said Maggie Cunningham, Cherokee Films interim film commissioner and senior manager. We know what this is going to look like already. Weve been through the training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since becoming accredited, the Cherokee Nation has hosted over 30 productions such as Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People, Fancy Dance, and upcoming Cottonmouth. The city of Edmond has served as a filming location for several productions since becoming certified 2021, said Sarah London, Edmonds special events coordinator. These films bring people and tax dollars while supporting local businesses, London said. Edmond has seen an increase in filming. Because we are film friendly certified it helps us get noticed as a filming location, especially for companies that are coming in from out of state. Editors note: This story was produced through a reporting partnership between Oklahoma Voice and the University of Central Oklahomas journalism program. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Finnish President Alexander Stubb has held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, during which Russia's war against Ukraine was one of the topics discussed. Source: European Pravda, citing Stubbs post on X (Twitter) Details: Stubb described his conversation with Trump as "good and productive". "We discussed Russias war of aggression in Ukraine. President Trumps deadline for a ceasefire is approaching," Stubb said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that Finland supports all efforts aimed at an immediate ceasefire. The presidents also discussed icebreakers, which Stubb noted play an important role in ensuring security and cooperation among allies. "Finland has built 60 per cent of the worlds icebreakers. We have the capacity to build them reliably and fast," he added. Background: On 28 July, Trump stated that the US would begin imposing tariffs and other measures against Russia within ten days unless Moscow showed progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. The deadline set by Trump for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin expires on 8 August. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker previously expressed confidence that the US president could stop Russias ability to finance the war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! STAMFORD, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A fire broke out at a nursing home in Stamford on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred on August 4 at Harmony Care at Stamford, located on Columbia Street. According to administration, the fire began in the laundry room. Residents were temporarily evacuated as a safety precaution, but have since been cleared to return to the facility. At this time, no injuries have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A fire service described refilling the Flying Scotsman with water as "one of our more unusual call-outs". The famous steam engine was en route to the Greatest Gathering rail event in Derby on Saturday when it had to stop at sidings in Kettering. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue said it was called after the locomotive's road water tanker broke down. In a social media post, it said one of its carrier vehicles was called after "quick thinking from a Network Rail employee on board" the train. The Flying Scotsman was one of the star attractions at the Greatest Gathering [EPA] The Greatest Gathering was hosted by train manufacturer Alstom from Friday to Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 140 locomotives and railway vehicles were on display as part of Railway 200, a year-long commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger railway journey. The fire service said its crews "were proud to assist with a very special operation". "A great example of teamwork across services to keep history steaming ahead," it added. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Related internet links After a fire derailed plans, D's Banh Mi ready to open in former popcorn stand originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Eight months after a car struck an electrical pole and started a fire, D's Banh Mi is ready to start its next chapter. The Minneapolis-based Vietnamese sandwich shop was in the process of opening a sit-down hub for its, at that time, delivery-only restaurant when the January fire set back its plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 7, that opening will finally arrive at its wood-paneled storefront featuring a small, picnic table-filled patio. D's Banh MiD's Banh Mi/Facebook D's Banh Mi took over the former popcorn stand at 1848 E 38th St. in 2023. It was previously run as an ice cream and hot dog shop by the team behind Milkjam ice cream. Since the accident, D's Banh Mi has continued to run as a delivery-only operation. Once open, it will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Related: Spirit Halloween announces the 19 locations it will open in Minnesota this fall This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Fired Karen Read investigator Michael Proctor called to court for different murder case Michael Proctor, the fired Massachusetts State Police trooper who worked as the lead investigator in the Karen Read case, returned to court on Tuesday in connection with a separate murder investigation. Proctor, who was terminated from his role with the state police earlier this year, appeared in court to take the stand in a 2021 Milton-based murder case where he was also the lead investigator. Video obtained by a Boston 25 News photographer showed Proctor walking into Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court alongside his attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for Myles King, who is on trial for allegedly gunning down Marquis Simmons, are scrutinizing Proctors conduct during the investigation. Proctor was expected to take the stand, but the hearing was ultimately canceled. Hell now likely testify next week, according to the judge presiding over the case. Michael Proctors phone data will remain private, new court filing says Proctors firing was due to disparaging text messages he sent about Read, which were revealed during her first trial. He called Read things like a whack job and other derogatory words. He also talked about her medical issues and wrote, No nudes so far, while going through her phone. Michael Proctor Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor opens an evidence box to show the jury a broken tail light while testifying, Monday, June 10, 2024, at Norfolk Superior Court, in Dedham, Mass., during the trial for Karen Read. Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, in 2022. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor shows the jury a broken tail light while testifying, Monday, June 10, 2024, at Norfolk Superior Court, in Dedham, Mass., during the trial for Karen Read. Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, in 2022. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proctor was assigned to investigate the death of Reads Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe. He was relieved of his duty without pay this past summer after a mistrial was declared in Reads murder case and his last day with the Norfolk District Attorneys Office followed soon thereafter. Read was acquitted of murder and manslaughter in OKeefes death in June after a second trial. Proctor wasnt called to testify in the second trial. Proctor is currently seeking to regain his job through the Commonwealths Civil Service Commission. His pre-hearing appearance with the commission took place on Monday, although recording was not permitted. Michael Proctors bid to get job back two-pronged Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyers argued in court that his dismissal from the state police lacked just cause and claimed he was disciplined more harshly than other officers. The Massachusetts State Police Trial Board determined that Proctors texts and actions contributed to an image of bias, which led to his termination. His first hearing with the commission is scheduled for Aug. 19. Subsequent hearings are slated for Aug. 20, 21, 26, and 27. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW COPIAH COUNTY, Miss (WJTV) Copiah County Sheriff Byron Swilley said four volunteer firefighters were assaulted while responding to a fatal crash. The crash occurred on Lilly Road around 12:40 a.m. on August 3. 8-year-old killed in Jackson shooting, father charged According to the sheriff, three vehicles were involved in the crash. Swilley said two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision. One driver was pronounced deceased at the scene, and another was transported to the Copiah County Medical Center and then airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While responding to the scene, the sheriff said four volunteer firefighters were assaulted at the scene. No charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. After deputies cleared the accident scene, the sheriff said they made contact with the driver of the third vehicle. 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 rapidly intensifying wildfire, the Gifford Fire, is quickly spreading across the California counties of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, The New York Times reports. What's happening? A series of small fires broke out on Friday, Aug. 1, near Highway 166. The Times indicated that the "corridor [is] known for fires linked to vehicular traffic," and as of Saturday, the three fires had become one large conflagration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News about the Gifford Fire evidenced its aggressive and fast movement in that short time span. By Sunday, the wildfire burned 39,676 acres and on the morning of Monday, Aug. 4, it spanned over 65,000 acres, per San Luis Obispo's Tribune. In the early morning hours of Aug. 4, the Alameda County Fire Department tweeted about the cause of the massive conflagration, attributing it to a vehicle fire. An InciWeb update on Monday indicated the causes of the fire remained under investigation. Why is the Gifford Fire so concerning? A Weather Channel report contained an unsettling detail about the blaze: it was already "the second-largest wildfire" in California this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The largest to date was July's Madre Fire, which burned more than 80,000 acres before it was contained on July 28. Back in January, an out-of-season wildfire tore through Los Angeles, wreaking havoc, destroying structures, and killing 30 people. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), as of Aug. 4, 4,759 wildfires have occurred in 2025, and over 228,000 acres have burned. CAL FIRE's broader outlook cited several unfavorable conditions, like temperatures "consistently above average" coupled with lower-than-average rainfall in some areas. Wildfires are a form of extreme weather, one exacerbated by record-shattering heat and warmer seas. Hurricanes, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires have always occurred but as the planet continues overheating, they've intensified in tandem with those conditions. As these effects persist worldwide, they supercharge extreme weather. In turn, violent weather events become more commonplace, cause more damage, and have deadlier outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2024, Texas Tech Katharine Hayhoe spoke to PBS about the global reach of these volatile, violent weather patterns. "Climate change is loading the weather dice against us in every part of the world [and] the risk of compound events is increasing," she explained, the scope highlighting why awareness of key climate issues is critical. What's being done about it? As of Monday, Aug. 4, the Gifford Fire was at 3% containment, with low humidity and high winds potentially leading to an increase in fire activity. Several areas remained under evacuation orders, with evacuation warnings also in effect. Hotter, drier conditions were anticipated throughout the week and into the weekend, and authorities cautioned residents to monitor evacuation orders "due to erratic fire behavior." 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 firefighters extinguished an overnight fire at a second-floor apartment in McCully, displacing one resident. The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call at 3 :12 a.m. for a building fire on Kapiolani Boulevard in McCully. Six units with 27 personnel responded, with the first arriving on scene seven minutes later. Firefighters found a working fire on the second floor of a two-story walk-up apartment building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HFD brought the fire under control at 3 :25 a.m. and fully extinguished it at 3 :45 a.m. No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross assisted one occupant impacted by the fire. An investigation into the cause and origin of the fire is underway, with estimated damages. 0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Rescue teams were called to a park on the west side of Columbus and rescued a woman off a rock wall on Tuesday morning. Man hospitalized after truck, train collide in Hilliard A spokesperson for the Columbus Division of Fire said that firefighters were sent to Quarry Trails Metro Park on Dublin Road at around 12 p.m. after reports a person was stuck on the rock wall. A woman stayed on the rock wall after experiencing an anxiety attack and was helped by firefighters and park rangers to come down. She was safely lowered with no injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Park officials said this highlights the importance of training for these situations. Larry Peck, the Deputy Director of Metro Parks, said the Via Ferrata experience is something people cant just show up and do. It involves going across more than 1000 feet with metal rungs and cables and climbers must be escorted by park rangers. The parks deputy director said several rangers were with the woman and her group at the time. We talked to her for a little bit, trying to, you know, see if she felt like going on or going back. And it wasnt either. So, I think we talk to her for a good bit of time to just kind of calm her down. Shes so safe. So thats the important thing, Peck said. Peck said rangers did everything they could to calm her down but decided it would be best to call in Columbus Fire for reinforcements and help rescue her. Firefighters helped to safely lower the woman down to a boat and back to land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have done extensive training with Columbus Fire. Just because of situations like this, that may happen. Our rangers are very well trained. The folks that we have, one of our assistant managers, is actually leading the program. So, the staff thats involved, theyre well versed in what to do in these types of situations. Yes, safety is the ultimate thing, Peck said. Peck said they normally do this experience with groups of 8-10 people with at least two rangers. You can sign up for the experience through the metro parks website. The deputy director said this is the only Via Ferrata experience in an urban area in the United States. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. An investment firm will spend $6 billion for a stake in Duke Energy Florida in a deal that could play out over three years, Duke Energy, the utilitys parent company, said in U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission filings Tuesday. Duke companies reached the agreement with an affiliate of Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approvals, would play out in phases, according to the filings. Florida Progress LLC, the holding company of Duke Energy Florida, is expected to receive $2.8 billion in early 2026; $200 million by the end of 2026; $2 billion in 2027; and $1 billion in 2028, according to a Duke Energy news release that accompanied the filings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brookfield, however, would be able to pay the $6 billion sooner. Duke Energy will retain an 80.3% interest in the business and will continue to operate Duke Energy Florida with its best-in-class workforce, the news release said. Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners is part of the global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management. Duke said the deal, in part, will help with investments in infrastructure. This partnership will create value for all of our communities as we invest in generation, transmission, and distribution enhancements that increase reliability, maintain affordability, and support future economic development in our state, said Duke Energy Florida state president Melissa Seixas in a prepared statement. Duke Energy Florida is the states second-largest utility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, NC (Getty Images) Horne LLP, the company tapped to manage homebuilding and recovery from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, is facing a ban on government contract work in West Virginia. State officials informed the Mississippi-based firm on July 22 that they were pursuing debarment, or permanently banning the company from participating in government contracts, according to a letter obtained by NC Newsline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notice from West Virginia comes four months after Horne settled litigation with the federal government, in which prosecutors alleged that the company created fictitious applicant information and filed fraudulent invoices as they managed federal disaster recovery grants. Horne has denied any wrongdoing in the case, and settled for $1.2 million. Samantha Willis, who leads West Virginias purchasing agency, wrote to Horne executives in the letter that the state had found probable cause to debar the company. She cited a press release from the federal prosecutors office about the settlement. The details uncovered during the investigation show clear and convincing evidence of a wanton indifference to the interests of the public, Willis wrote, which caused serious harm to the public through the wasting of key disaster recovery resources through improper billing, or at least, a substantial likelihood of causing serious harm through the misuse of funds and delay in recovery for the communities involved. Horne LLP was chosen to manage homebuilding and recovery from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. The state has thus far received more than 800 applications. (File photo/Getty Images) A spokesperson for Horne said in a statement that the company strongly disagreed with the notice and was preparing a formal response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notice appears to rely solely on a press release related to a prior settlement, which itself contained no admission of wrongdoing and presented a one-sided characterization of events, communications director Meg Annison said. This reliance is not only legally insufficient it is fundamentally unjust. West Virginia law is clear: Debarment must be based on specific, substantiated grounds such as convictions for fraud, felony offenses related to public contracting, or other serious misconduct, Annison continued. None of these apply in our case. The settlement was reached voluntarily and without any finding of liability. It was a pragmatic resolution, not an acknowledgment of fault. Hornes lawyers are in discussions with West Virginia officials and have raised concerns about the timing and basis of this action, she added. The company has 30 days since the letter was issued to submit their response. We are confident that once the full context is reviewed including the terms of the settlement and our continued service to West Virginia agencies the notice will be withdrawn, Annison said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginias Department of Administration did not respond to requests for comment. The West Virginia case dates to 2016, when Horne was contracted to manage federal disaster block grant money. Almost a decade later, North Carolina has tasked them with overseeing a recovery program funded with $1.4 billion from the same pool of federal money. A portion of Horne LLPs bid to manage post-Hurricane Helene homebuilding in western North Carolina. (Screenshot: Horne LLP via N.C. Department of Commerce) Horne had briefed North Carolina officials on the possibility of debarment in West Virginia, said a spokesperson for the NC Department of Commerce, which awarded the Helene recovery contract. The action has no effect on the companys eligibility under a federal program like HUDs (community development block grant disaster funds), and we do not expect it to have any effect on our current contract with Horne, communications director David Rhoades said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An inspector generals report, previously reported by NC Newsline, said that the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development will not pursue suspension or debarment action against Horne. It was among the materials cited by a North Carolina-based firm that also bid on the contract and unsuccessfully protested Hornes winning bid. An attorney for Horne and North Carolina officials have pointed out that report does not contain official findings or recommendations from the inspector generals office. The companys North Carolina contract came under scrutiny from state lawmakers shortly after it was awarded. Republican legislators remain wary of Hornes involvement in prior hurricane recovery efforts that were defined for years by accounting errors and dysfunction. But both the company and state officials have said that the state agency ReBuild NC, not Horne, was directly responsible for those problems. Renew NC, the states home repair and rebuild program, is now accepting applicants for single-family housing. Multiple offices throughout western North Carolina are open, and the state has thus far received more than 800 applications. These days, you can walk down the candy aisle and have your pick from dozens of chocolate bars in a variety of flavors, everything from plain dark chocolate to cookies and cream flavored to caramel-stuffed. But it wasn't always like this. Once upon a time, chocolate was mainly consumed as a beverage, not a solid, and was most commonly used to disguise the taste of medicine. The first chocolate bar wasn't made by Milton Hershey or John Cadbury, but by a man named Joseph Storr Fry. Fry and his family's company, then known as the England-based J.S. Fry & Sons, created chocolate bars in 1847, although chocolate itself had been a coveted commodity for thousands of years in liquid form. The chocolate bar's humble beginning came when Fry discovered a moldable, solid form after he mixed melted cocoa butter with sugar, chocolate liquor, and Dutch cocoa powder. While a groundbreaking invention, the first ever candy bar wasn't exactly child-friendly due to caffeine content. Chocolat Delicieux a Manger by Fry's hit the market that year as the first chocolate in bar form. Although the invention may not have been quite as sweet as the chocolate we know today (perhaps another fact you should know about chocolate), it was a major turning point in confectionery history. Read more: 7 Vintage Candy Bars No One Remembers Anymore Fry's Chocolate Bars Were Revolutionary A square of Fry's chocolate cream in the packaging - Maurice White/Facebook Before becoming legendary chocolatiers, the Frys were apothecaries, working in medicine and pharmacy. The original Joseph Fry operated a storefront named Fry, Vaughan & Co. in the 1700s, which specialized in the medicinal use of chocolate, even going so far as to purchase a reputable chocolate company to further his business. By the time Joseph Fry passed away in 1787, his son, Joseph Storr Fry, was heavily involved with the business. The company officially became J.S. Fry & Sons in 1822, already well established as a big player in the English cocoa industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J.S. Fry & Sons might have been the first to invent chocolate bars, but the creation took off among several other chocolatiers. By 1868, the England-based Cadbury rose to popularity with "Fancy Boxes," an assortment of chocolates, and by 1900, Milton Hershey jumped on the chocolate bar frenzy with the release of his namesake bar (which is getting its own movie by the "Mean Girls" director). Fry's remained competitive in the chocolate market for several years, introducing the world to the chocolate cream bar, but the success of the business didn't last forever. Profit began to dip, factories and equipment aged, and eventually, Cadbury purchased Fry's in 1919, keeping it operational until it phased out the Fry brand in 1981. Read the original article on Tasting Table. A Scottish company has become the first UK-based rocket firm to receive a space launch licence. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licence allows Skyrora to launch from the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland. If a future launch is successful, the company could become the first British company to manufacture and launch a rocket into space from the UK. Skyrora welcomed the news. Both the Edinburgh-based company and the CAA both describing it as a "huge milestone". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The license will allow the firm to launch and operate its suborbital rocket Skylark L from the spaceport. It hopes to launch the rocket up to 16 times a year by 2030. [BBC] A number of companies hope to use SaxaVord in Unst, the northernmost point in the UK, as a launch site for commercial rockets. In January, German firm Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) was awarded the first launch operator licence allowing it to launch rockets from SaxaVord. Skyrora says Skylark L has the potential to be used for microgravity experiments at a lower cost than an orbital vehicle. The 11m (36ft) tall rocket was produced using components that were 3D-printed in the UK and it is capable of reaching 3.5 times the speed of sound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is hoped that the rocket would reach an altitude of about 310 miles (500km) and then return to Earth, which would involve passing into and out of space. Rob Bishton, the chief executive of the CAA, said: "Granting a home-grown company, Skyrora, its launch licence is a major milestone for our space sector and our nation. "Our work as the UK's space regulator is enabling the burgeoning launch industry to safely grow, bringing new jobs and investment with it." Skyrora chief executive Volodymyr Levykin said the journey to getting the license was a "long but ultimately rewarding one". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: "Becoming the first homegrown company in the UK to receive a vertical launch operator licence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Skyrora. "Safety is paramount to us, and so we are grateful to the CAA for its diligence in ensuring any launch activity is held to the highest of standards. "Skyrora is proud to be leading efforts that enable launch activity from the UK and we look forward to achieving a reliable commercial launch programme that benefits us all." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scottish Secretary Ian Murray MP called the news "a massive boost to the whole of Scotland and the wider UK's space sector". He added: "I'm very proud that Scotland is at the forefront of such pioneering technology and I look forward to blast off from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland." The SaxaVord Spaceport is a former RAF radar station. Last year, during a test known as a hot-fire, an engine exploded at the site. It resulted in a some damage to the launch platform and completely destroyed the engine. The space industry in the UK is estimated to be support tens of thousands of jobs. MESA COUNTY, Colorado (ABC4) The Mesa County Sheriffs Office has completed their administrative review of the traffic stop that led to the ICE arrest of University of Utah student Caroline Dias-Goncalves, and five officers were disciplined as a result. Related video: Colorado Attorney General sues Mesa Co. deputy for illegally sharing info with ICE Caroline Dias-Goncalves was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 4, after a routine traffic stop while she was traveling through Colorado. Information was shared with a group chat that contained Homeland Security Investigations and ICE officers, going against Colorado Senate Bill 25-276. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Mesa County Sheriffs Office administrative review, Deputy Alexander Zwinck, the deputy who conducted the traffic stop and then shared information with ICE officers, was placed on three weeks of unpaid administrative leave, and he will be removed from his current assignment and reassigned to patrol. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Colorado Attorney General sues Mesa Co. deputy for illegally sharing info with ICE, leading to arrest of U of U student The Colorado Attorney General (AG) also recently filed a lawsuit against Zwinck for his involvement in this incident. The lawsuit against Zwinck alleges that he violated Colorado law by working with ICE officials to detain Caroline Dias Goncalves. He allegedly uploaded her personal data to a Signal group chat that included federal immigration officers, and he continued to assist in her arrest despite being told that she had no criminal history. Four other officers were disciplined by the Mesa County Sheriffs Office following the administrative review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Erik Olsen was also placed on unpaid administrative leave for two weeks and will be reassigned to patrol. Sergeant Joe LeMoine was suspended without pay for two days, and Lieutenant David Holdren received a letter of reprimand that will be placed permanently in his personnel file. Captain Curtis Brammer was provided with documented counseling. Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell released a statement alongside the administrative reviews findings, in which he stated that he takes full responsibility for this incident. He added that while Mesa County Sheriffs Office has well-established practices limiting our involvement in immigration enforcement, the review highlighted the need for enhanced training. Based on our findings, the Mesa County Sheriffs Office should not have had any role in the chain of events leading to Miss Dias-Goncalvess detention, and I regret that this occurred. I apologize to Miss Dias-Goncalves, Rowell said. Additionally, Colorado SB 25-276 was signed into law only 13 days prior to Dias-Goncalvess stop, and Rowell said that the Sheriffs Office needed clarification of evolving legal responsibilities under that law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From a road trip to ICE detention: Caroline Dias Concalves story Rowell also addressed AG Phil Weisers lawsuit against Zwinck. Our ultimate goal has been to identify potential training, supervision, and policy failures within our Agency to rectify them through thoughtful and well-informed revisions, he said. It is for this reason that I am deeply disappointed in Attorney General Phil Weisers choice to announce his lawsuit against Deputy Zwinck prior to the completion of our investigation and prior to the determination of internal discipline. Rowell stated that the AGs office did not give him any notice that the lawsuit was going to be filed, and that he cooperated with the AGs office, other than refusing to allow the AGs office to interview deputies while the administrative review was pending. Rowell said that he provided an unredacted download of the Signal group chat to the AGs office, which the AG then used as evidence in the lawsuit filing. However, Rowell said that the chat also showed Colorado State Patrol Troopers sharing information with immigration officers, similar to Zwinck. The Colorado Governor also reportedly shared personal identifying information to ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State law enforcement and government are prohibited from sharing personal identifying information with ICE under SB 21-131, but no lawsuits against them have been filed. I ask that Attorney General Weiser apply the law equally to all law enforcement and government officials instead of making Deputy Zwinck an example, Rowell stated. He is requesting that the AG either file lawsuits against every officer or government official who has violated the laws, or dismiss the lawsuit against Zwinck. As it stands, the lawsuit filed by the Attorney Generals Office sends a demoralizing message to law enforcement officers across Coloradothat the law may be wielded selectively and publicly for maximum political effect rather than applied fairly and consistently, Rowell said. Rowell also requested that Homeland Security Investigations release the Signal chat records in their entirety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mesa County Sheriffs Office is dedicated to learning from this experience, both via training and through feedback from our community. As such, Mesa Sheriffs Office staff members have now received in-depth training on SB 25-276. Further training will be provided to improve comprehension and implementation of immigration-based legislative changes, Rowell concluded. 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. A flash flood driving a torrent of mud smashed into a town in India's Himalayan region on Tuesday, killing at least four people with around 100 others missing. The roaring waters tore down a narrow mountain valley, demolishing buildings as the flood barrelled into the town of Dharali in Uttarakhand state. "It is a serious situation," Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth told the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have received information about four deaths and around 100 people missing. We pray for their safety." Videos broadcast on Indian media showed a terrifying surge of muddy water sweeping away multi-storey apartment blocks in the tourist region. Several people could be seen running before being engulfed by the dark waves of debris that uprooted entire buildings. Uttarakhand State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said rescue teams had been deployed "on a war footing". - 'Wake-up call' - India's army said 150 troops had reached the town, helping rescue around 20 people who had survived the wall of freezing sludge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A massive mudslide struck Dharali... triggering a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement," the army said. Images released by the army, taken from the site after the main torrent had passed, showed a river of slow-moving mud. A wide swath of the town was swamped by deep debris. In places, the mud lapped at the rooftops of houses. State Disaster Response Force commander Arpan Yaduvanshi said the mud was 50 feet (15 metres) deep in places, swamping some buildings entirely. "Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with all available resources being deployed to locate and evacuate any remaining stranded persons," army spokesman Suneel Bartwal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a statement, and said that "no stone is being left unturned in providing assistance". Chief Minister Dhami said the flood was caused by a sudden and intense "cloudburst", calling the destruction "extremely sad and distressing". The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning for the area, saying it had recorded "extremely heavy" rainfall of around 21 centimetres (eight inches) in isolated parts of Uttarakhand. Deadly floods and landslides are common during the monsoon season from June to September, but experts say climate change, coupled with urbanisation, is increasing their frequency and severity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN's World Meteorological Organization said last year that increasingly intense floods and droughts are a "distress signal" of what is to come as climate change makes the planet's water cycle ever more unpredictable. "The devastating loss... must be our final wake-up call", said climate activist Harjeet Singh, from the Satat Sampada Climate Foundation in New Delhi. "This tragedy is a deadly cocktail", he added. "Global warming is super-charging our monsoons with extreme rain, while on the ground, our own policies of cutting hills; unscientific, unsustainable, and reckless construction; and choking rivers for so-called 'development' are destroying our natural defences." bur-pjm/aha/mlm Floridas new Chief Financial Officer released a letter sent to Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan on Monday, which accuses the city of placing conditions and restrictions on state auditors. It has come to my attention that some governmental entities are attempting to require my audit team to sign documents that limit the audit authorities of this office, wrote CFO Blaise Ingoglia. The letter follows the announcement that Florida DOGE will be visiting Jacksonville on August 7 and 8 to review city spending practices and identify potential waste. Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia sent a letter to Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan on Monday, August 4, 2025. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] I will not stand for bureaucratic red tape when looking for waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars, wrote CFO Blaise Ingoglia. My message is clear: The CFOs office has subpoena power to gain access to these files and I am not afraid to use that power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Donna Deegan made a statement Monday addressing the letter. She claims that Florida DOGE was asked to complete a single form before the August 7-8 visit, to which it refused. We go to great lengths to protect the integrity and safety of our network. As such, we require every external auditor to complete a standard one-page form to request access to our sensitive and sophisticated financial systems. We respect Florida DOGEs desire to gain access. All we ask is that they follow our well-established procedures, which are protected under the very state statute that they cited. Security should never be politicized, wrote Mayor Deegan. The City of Jacksonville already conducts self-imposed audits each year on top of what Florida DOGE is mandating, and this is part of the standard process for external auditors to gain access. Chapter 2025(199), Section 124 of Florida law states that Office of Policy and Budget personnel can be granted access to the Citys data systems and related data, subject to appropriate security considerations." Below is a copy of the document they were asked to sign: Florida DOGE has been directed by Ingoglia not to sign documents like non-disclosure agreements, technology use agreements or acceptable use policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These types of documents slow and impede the important work of the auditors and are nothing but roadblocks to the transparency that Floridians deserve, he wrote in the August 4 letter. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and State CFO Blaise Ingoglia have sent teams from the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (FLDOGE) into two major blue jurisdictions, citing ballooning budgets and rising taxes as cause for outside accountability. "Florida is the model for fiscal responsibility at the state level, and we will utilize our authority to ensure local governments follow suit," DeSantis said in a statement after sending teams from Tallahassee to Broward County and Alachua County. "Floridas DOGE efforts are owed to the taxpayer and yet another way their state is pursuing fiscal responsibility," he said of the operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FLDOGE alleged Floridians living in Broward County anchored by Fort Lauderdale have seen $450 million in additional "ad valorem" (property/auto/sales) taxes coming in to the county government. The agency said Browards operating budget expanded by $1.2 billion over a recent period in which the population only increased 5%. On the other end of Floridas Turnpike, Gainesville is primed to spend $90 million more annually than four years ago, according to DeSantis. Read On The Fox News App "This increase in spending is now levied in part on Gainesville property owners, who are expected to pay 85% more in property taxes than what they paid in 2020," a statement from the governors office read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement added that some of that rise was genuinely related to spiking property values in Florida which has seen a deluge of northeasterners escaping high-tax states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. Ingoglia called the operation part of a "new era of transparency and accountability." "For years, I've called out reckless local spending, often on things taxpayers would never support if they knew the full story," said Ingoglia, who was previously a state senator for Hernando County and the Suncoast. Desantis Goads Congress To Follow Fl's Doge Blueprint Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingoglia said it is FLDOGEs job to open the books and demand answers to "bring fiscal sanity back." Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward confirmed to Fox News Digital the city hosted FLDOGE officials and gave them "all the information they could possibly need to review the excellent work of our city for the past several years." "Im hopeful they will be able to put our best practices to work across the state, as Gainesville has seen historic improvements in crime and pedestrian safety as well as growth in affordable housing production over the past two years," Ward said. Ward said Gainesville is an "open book" when it comes to transparency of taxpayer resources and that he stands by the efficiency of his government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor went on to discuss the citys own belt-tightening, citing debt reduction and elimination of 160 staff positions and improving its municipal credit rating. Winners, Losers And Grab-bags From House Gop's Narrow Passage Of Big Beautiful Bill "We are now seeing other historically blue-leaning cities and counties in Florida undergoing similar scrutiny, and Im certain they will return good results as well," Ward said. Meanwhile, Broward officials were nonplussed at the visitors from Tallahassee. Broward County Mayor Beam Furr told Miamis PBS affiliate that as a "home rule" county, Broward reserves the right to refuse forced reallocation of resources from the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furr added that it will also cost resources for the added manpower to upload and pore through "thousands" of pages of documentation in response to FLDOGEs inquiries. Blaise Ingoglia "Its a huge imposition," he said, as the report added FLDOGE is also seeking information on surtax revenue that goes to the countys public bus system. The county also balked at FLDOGEs inquirys subsection referring to the Green New Deal, as Furr said his office has never adopted the far-left framework created by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass. But the mayor said climate change as an issue is rightly on the mind in Fort Lauderdale, which sits close to sea level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FLDOGE indicated that several other jurisdictions are under audit and may soon see agency staff visit as well. Orange, which includes Orlando and most of Walt Disney World; Hillsborough, which includes Tampa; and Pinellas, which includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, are all counties that could hear Ingoglias staff knock at their door. Original article source: Florida dispatches DOGE agents to Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville to analyze tax hikes, reckless trends Florida DOGE audit teams arrive to investigate Orange Countys spending practices Audit teams from the Florida Department of Government Efficiency arrived at the Orange County Administration Building this morning to investigate the countys spending practices. Floridas Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has initiated an audit that reviews different parts of the countys operations, such as contracting, employee raises, and expenditures related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), homelessness, environmental sustainability and transportation. We support transparency. we do not support political theatre, said Kelly Semrad, District 5 commissioner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state has expressed concern about Orange County collecting an extra $330 million through property taxes, implying that these funds might have been better used to lower homeownership costs. County commissioners counter that the audit overlooks the substantial growth since 2020, with over 81,000 new residents placing greater demand on services such as public safety. The audit teams are expected to be on-site for a few days and a report with preliminary findings will be released within 60 days. The outcome of the audit could have significant implications for Orange Countys future spending and operations, as officials await the findings due in the coming months. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A team of auditors from the Florida Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE, arrived in Orange County on Tuesday to collect a cache of files for an examination of county spending, part of an announced effort by Gov. Ron DeSantis to rein in local government. State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia briefly checked in with his team inside the countys Internal Operations building on South Street, telling reporters gathered outside that the group intends to issue a report with findings from its cursory review in 60 days. Weve seen a rise in property values with a corresponding rise in property taxes, said Ingoglia, a Republican recently appointed by DeSantis to the post. We do not think it is right that taxpayers get to foot the bill for government excesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings received a letter July 24, informing him that the on-site audit would begin on Tuesday and seeking information on more than 50 topics covering a swath of the county budget. Ingoglia said auditors will be taking a look at personnel costs and contracts signed by county officials, and comparing the cost of services among cities and counties across the state. More specifically, the letter seeks all contracts and procurements in excess of $10,000, payroll data related to salaries and bonuses over the past five years, information and materials used for any diversity, equity and inclusion training, and details of electric vehicle purchases. It even asked for information on speed bumps, raised crosswalks and other traffic calming devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many of the audits are taking aim at left-leaning cities and counties like Orange, Orlando, Gainesville and Broward, more conservative areas like Manatee County and Pinellas also received letters, Ingoglia said. He claimed that audits were chosen based on data he cited steep increases in property tax revenues and the countys budget as well as complaints received on social media and by phone. The results could bolster DeSantis crusade against property taxes, and propel a ballot initiative he hopes to put in front of Florida voters next year, Ingoglia said. Every local government, whether its a red county or blue county, is going to make every excuse in the book why they cant cut property taxes, he said. When you have rising property values, millage rates should be theoretically going down or at the very least adopting the rolled back rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demings, in the midst of his second four-year term as mayor, defended the countys budget growth as a necessity to keep up with booming growth. Since 2020, Orange County has grown by approximately 81,000 residentsa number greater than the population of 29 out of Floridas 67 counties, he said in a statement last week. This substantial growth has placed increasing demands on public services across the county. As an example, he said the Orange County Sheriffs Office has experienced a five-year increase of over 7% in calls for service, while Orange County Fire Rescue has seen call volumes rise by as much as 15% comparatively over the past five years. These trends highlight the mounting pressure on essential services as our community continues to expand, Demings said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bulk of local budgets go toward police and fire protection. At least 10 Central Florida cities and counties are weighing increasing their property tax rates this year though not Orange County with many citing costs associated with funding pay increases for cops and firefighters. Ingoglia, who said public safety should be the chief priority of cities and counties, warned elected officials considering such an increase to think again. The voters are going to speak, he said. Raise millage rates and raise taxes, and find yourself out of a job. Orlando, another Central Florida government not proposing to increase its millage, received notice of an audit last week, with the DOGE team planning to be in City Hall next week. Living in Florida is expensive, and having kids makes it even more costly. According to recent rankings lists from personal finance company WalletHub, Florida is one of the worst states for early child care and one of the worst states for health care. And both of those rankings contributed to a new worst WalletHub ranking. Florida also landed on the finance companys list of the top 10 worst states to have a baby in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres where Florida ranks on WalletHub's "worst" lists for early child care, health care and childbirth and why. Does Florida have the best healthcare? This study ranks it one of the worst Is Florida a good place to have a baby? Sunshine State ranks among worst on WalletHubs list To find the best and worst states in the U.S. for having a baby in 2025, WalletHub compared all 50 states across more than 25 metrics in four categories: cost, health care, baby-friendliness and family-friendliness. Massachusetts, North Dakota and Minnesota took the top three rankings on WalletHubs list, in that order. Florida ranked in the 10 worst states to have a baby, taking 44th place overall (or eighth-worst). Heres how Florida ranked in some of the key metrics for this study: 34th Infant mortality rate 37th Rate of low birth-weight 15th Midwives and OB-GYNs per capita 37th Pediatricians and family medicine physicians per capita 27th Child care centers per capita 21st Parental leave policy score Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child care cost in Florida: This list ranks Florida among most expensive states Where is the most expensive child care in the U.S.? Florida ranks in top 15 When it comes to child care rankings, WalletHub analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Child Care Aware through June 3, 2025, to find the prices of family-based and center-based child care and adjusted them by the median income. On the rankings list for married couple families, Florida ranked as the 13th most expensive state for child care costs, based on this data. Florida ranked a little better on WalletHubs rankings list for single-parent households, placing in 35th, with single parents typically spending around 24 to 28% of their average income on child care. Although Floridas ranking on this list is significantly better compared to other states, single parents still pay much more for child care than married-couple households. Heres WalletHubs top 15 most expensive states for child care in 2025: New York New Mexico Washington Oregon Vermont California Rhode Island Hawaii Colorado Massachusetts Nevada Illinois Florida Minnesota Virginia How much does child care cost in Florida? The cost of child care depends on the age of your children and whether you choose in-home or center-based care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Winnie, an online marketplace for child care, the average monthly cost of child care in Florida ranges from around $700 to $1,000 a month, depending on whether you choose in-home or center-based child care. The average cost of in-home childcare per month in Florida is $700. Parents of infants pay even more, with an average monthly cost of $740 per month (that's close to $9,000 a year) while parents of four-year-olds pay an average of $650 per month, Winnie says. The cost for center-based childcare increases to an average of $1,000 per month for infant care and close to $800 per month for preschoolers. Can you get free child care in Florida? Does Florida offer free daycare? Although the cost of high-quality early education is out of reach for many Florida families, there are some subsidized help options available for low-income households. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can get child care at a discount, depending on your needs, from a variety of options available to help qualifying families defer the cost of tuition, from county-issued subsidies to free pre-K programs. One of the options available for Florida families is the Florida Department of Education's School Readiness Program, which offers assistance to low-income families for child care. You can find eligibility requirements and apply for the program by visiting your countys early learning coalition website. Florida also has a free, voluntary pre-K program and was one of the first states to offer it. To qualify, children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the upcoming school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applications to Floridas voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program are accessible on the states Division of Early Learning website. There are also federally-funded programs that qualifying low-income families can use to sign up for free child care: Head Start and Early Head Start. Depending on where you live and how many programs are available, there may be a waitlist. What is Florida ranked in health care? Florida also ranked in the top 10 worst on WalletHubs list of the best and worst states for general health care. To find these rankings, WalletHub compared all 50 states across more than 40 metrics in three categories: cost, access and outcome. Heres where Florida ranked among WalletHubs worst states for health care. Mississippi Alaska Alabama Georgia Texas West Virginia Arkansas Tennessee Kentucky Florida Heres how Florida ranked in some of the key metrics for the health care study: 28th Average monthly insurance premium 24th Hospital beds per capita 32nd Physicians per capita 18th Dentists per capita 48th Percentage of insured adults 45th Percentage of insured children 26th Percentage of at-risk adults with no routine doctor visit in the past two years 38th Percentage of adults with no dental visit in the past year Contributing: Samantha Neely, USA TODAY - Florida Network This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida ranks among worst states to have a baby. Here's why When Republican candidate for governor Rep. Byron Donalds called out Democratic candidate David Jolly for a radical anti-gun past, in the dustup that followed a leading gun rights group returned fire saying it was hypocritical for Florida Republicans to accuse anyone of being soft on Second Amendment rights. Such is the complexity of gun politics in Florida where no one is happy, not Second Amendment advocates, nor those pushing for stricter regulations of the sale and ownership of firearms. Gun politics are at a standstill in the state that gave birth to the Stand Your Ground self-defense law 20 years ago and then approved a series of foundational gun safety regulations after the 2018 mass killing at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, which gun rights advocates have been trying to repeal since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The social media flap Donalds provoked when he posted on X for Floridians to tell Jolly keep his hands off their guns unfolded over several hours, drew survivors of the Parkland shooting, and Second Amendment absolutists, and shows gun control remains a potential wedge issue in the coming campaign. NEW AD: Florida Democrat David Jolly wants to take away your Second Amendment rights pic.twitter.com/KcPr9Z004a Byron War Room (@ByronWarRoom) July 28, 2025 Seven years after a 19-year-old armed with a semi-automatic rifle gunned down 17 people in a high schools hallways led to lawmakers passing the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, raising the age for firearm purchases among other things, the package of regulations now is criticized either for infringing on a constitutional right or not going far enough to promote gun safety. Donalds, then in the Florida House, opposed the package of restrictions. Jolly, who has never served in the state's Legislature, has called for tougher regulations than exist. The Gun Owners of America is party to a lawsuit to overturn provisions passed after the Parkland shootings, but the 2-million-member group also provided Jolly cover when the Republican Party of Florida joined Donalds' attack of Jolly on gun rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the gubernatorial primaries are a year away, Donalds and Jolly have no major opposition and are acting like their parties nominees. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) speaks with reporters as he leaves the U.S. Capitol for the weekend on May 17, 2024 in Washington, DC. Donalds answered questions on the House Oversight Committee's meeting to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. The Donalds campaign released a video mashup 11 comments spliced together in a 40-second stream of Jolly talking about the Second Amendment and gun culture as a MSNBC commentator. He said things such as there's a need to change gun culture, and he wants a moon shot on gun control laws, and that the Second Amendment doesnt say you have a right to walk into Walmart and buy a gun and buy ammunition. The video was backed by a statement from the Donalds campaign that Donalds has never bowed to the gun control lobby and never will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon, Fred Gutenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter was murdered at Parkland, joined the debate. No @ByronWarRoom, you are lying. @davidjollyfl wants to prevent the next shooting in Florida so that other parents don't end up like me and burying a 14 year old child. Facts are David is committed to the 2A and gun rights, while also wanting to prevent gun violence. I WILL Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) July 28, 2025 You are lying, he replied to the X account called @ByronWarRoom. Facts are David is committed to the 2A and gun rights, while also wanting to prevent gun violence. Republican Party of Florida chair Evan Power then entered the fight with a statement that painted Jolly as a delusional former congressman turned socialist cable news talking head who wants mass gun control. That drew a rebuke from Luis Valdes. The southern director for Gun Owners of America did not speak up in defense of Jolly but to blast the GOP for giving cover to Republicans who have failed to support repeal of gun regulations and provisions of the Stoneman Douglas Act. .@FloridaGOP's hypocrisy in slamming @davidjollyfl while ignoring anti-gun Republicans like @RepCassel is thicker than Florida's summer humidityand twice as suffocating. Cassel voted against repealing gun control, TWICE THIS SESSION! She voted against permitless carry too. https://t.co/nP4v6AF3qA pic.twitter.com/irOYlG6Jdj Luis Valdes (@RealFLGunLobby) July 30, 2025 When told of Valdes complaint, Powers said in Florida personal safety is a priority, and the Second Amendment protects a fundamental right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican Party of Florida stands for empowering individuals, uphold the Constitution, and ensuring safety through responsible gun ownership, Powers said. GOA is a Virginia-based group that lobbies for Second Amendment rights at both the federal and state levels. It is involved in two Florida lawsuits seeking repeal of the minimum age requirements for guns: The one on purchases enacted after the 2018 Parkland shooting that is now on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the minimum age requirement for concealed carry in federal court. Talking while the impromptu gun debate played out on X, Valdes said he thinks Jolly is wrong on Second Amendment rights, but said "going after David Jolly but not anti-gun Republicans is hypocritical." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Florida GOP leaders, especially the seven Republican state senators, including Senate President Ben Albritton and former President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, who voted for the Stoneman Douglas law have repeatedly shown to be anti-gun so he is surprised the RPOF would try to wave a pro-gun banner. Valdes cited a list of proposals that went unheard in committees during the 2025 session that would have repealed the under 21 bans on firearm purchases, concealed carry, campus carry, and the bump stock ban. All these major pro-guns legislation was blocked by Republican lawmakers and the Republican Party of Florida has the nerve to claim its pro-gun to go after David Jolly, that seems a bit hypocritical, doesnt it, Valdes said. Meanwhile, surveys find Florida scores basically as average among states for gun control. Pro-gun Ammo.com ranks Florida as the 18th most friendly gun state, while Everytown for Gun Safety ranks Florida 21st in gun safety laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What this looks like at the state capital is that while Valdes cannot get bills loosening gun regulations through the process, neither can safety advocates like Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, get bills to tighten them heard in committees. Sen. Tina Polsky looks to the gallery during opening day of the Florida legislative session on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The past seven years Polsky has filed bills to regulate who can sell or buy firearms and bullets and mandate safe storage requirements without ever getting a hearing. I know they are not going to be heard, but that doesnt mean we dont try to do everything in our power to make our world safer, Polsky told the USA TODAY Network Florida. Meanwhile Valdes said Gun Owners of America will not compromise: "We're talking about an inalienable right. A God-given right. No more, no less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There should be no compromise on the Second Amendment. To treat it as a red-headed stepchild of civil liberties is wrong, Valdes added. James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com and is on X as @CallTallahassee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Byron Donalds, David Jolly clash over gun rights records The Brief Florida has launched a pilot program assigning counties to lead ICE detainee transports. Marion County is set to coordinate between six counties, while others like Orange County cite staffing shortages. The Orange County commission votes Tuesday on whether to participate or opt out. ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida officials launched a pilot program on Monday that could help streamline U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee transports in the northern part of the state. The Florida Sheriffs Association met about the pilot program last week before it was rolled out. What we know Florida has launched a new pilot program aimed at streamlining the transport of ICE detainees across the northern and Panhandle regions of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative creates "Transportation Zones," each led by a designated county responsible for coordinating transfers to federal detention centers including the controversial "Alligator Alcatraz" facility in the Everglades. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP In Zone 8, Marion County has been tapped to lead transport efforts for six surrounding counties (Flagler, Lake, Marion, Citrus, Putnam, and Sumter) due to its staffing and transportation capabilities. What we don't know It remains unclear how counties already facing jail staffing shortages, like Orange County, will be able to comply with the states plan. Questions also remain about long-term funding, whether this pilot will expand statewide, and how counties that havent signed onto 287(g) agreements will be impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, officials have not disclosed how detainee welfare and rights will be monitored during long transports to remote facilities. The backstory Municipalities across Florida signed the 287g agreements to help with ICE cases. The most recent addendum to the agreement required assistance with transports. Some counties, like Orange County, have said they don't have the workforce or the money to accommodate those requests. What they're saying Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley said the Marion County Sheriff's Office was chosen in that area because of its resources. "This is a trial for the Northern part and panhandle part of Florida," said Sheriff Rick Staley. "It's a way for the sheriffs to help with ICE and comply with Florida law." Local perspective Leaders with the Marion County Sheriff's Office weren't available for an interview, but confirmed via email they had a dedicated transportation unit and buses that could be used for transport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county has 11 deputies on its jail transportation unit, plus four jail K9 deputies who could help. This means no officers are pulled from jail inmate staffing. SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS The number of deputies needed for transport depends on the number of detainees - but they don't anticipate any major issues. What's next Orange County commissioners are expected to vote on a new transport agreement at Tuesday's county commission meeting. Mayor Jerry Demings and commissioners maintain they don't have enough jail staff to transport detainees to Alligator Alcatraz. The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley, and Orange County Government. The Brief A Florida man is accused of stealing a vehicle from a Winter Haven repair shop. Police said the suspect, Christopher Rodriguez, 27, claimed his friend "Bubba" told him that the repair shop puts vehicles at that location so homeless people can use them. Rodriguez was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license suspended or revoked. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A Florida man is facing several charges after Winter Haven police say he stole a car from a repair shop. The backstory According to the Winter Haven Police Department, officers received information that a 2016 Honda Civic that was reported stolen was seen in the area of Lucerne Park Rd. at Winter Ridge Dr. in Winter Haven around 11:30 p.m. on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle had been reported stolen earlier in the day when the manager of Gifted Hands Auto contacted the registered owner to see if she had picked up the vehicle since it was not on the lot for the needed body repairs. READ:Attempted murder fugitive on the run for 2 years arrested after knocking down officer: WHPD Police said the registered owner explained that the vehicle had not been authorized to be taken from the lot by anyone other than employees at the shop. When officers found the vehicle in the area of 1st St. N at Ave. F NE, they pulled it over and asked the driver, 27-year-old Christopher Rodriguez, to step out of the car. Dig deeper Rodriguez claimed that he spoke to a friend named "Bubba" who said the business leaves vehicles at the location for homeless people to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then told officers that the manager at the repair shop gave him permission to take the vehicle to use to "take care of some stuff" until it was no longer needed. Police contacted the registered owner of the vehicle and were granted permission to search it. Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office Officers said clothing belonging to Rodriguez was found in the car and underneath a shirt. Officers also said they found a baggie with a crystal-like substance inside that tested positive for methamphetamine. Rodriguez was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license suspended or revoked. The Source This story was written with information provided by the Winter Haven Police Department. The Brief A 27-year-old man, Gregory Paige, was shot and killed by police in St. Marys, Georgia, on Saturday evening. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting threats and aggression before shooting Paige at the doorway of an apartment. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the case and will turn over findings to the Brunswick District Attorneys Office. ST. MARY'S, Ga. - A 27-year-old man was shot and killed by police in St. Marys, Georgia, on Sunday evening, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. What we know Gregory Paige, of Jacksonville, Florida, died after officers opened fire at the Cumberland Oaks Apartment complex on Aug. 3. Police had responded to a 911 call from a woman who said Paige was threatening to kill her and had grabbed her aggressively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When St. Marys officers and Camden County sheriffs deputies arrived, they tried to enter the apartment to arrest him, according to a press release. Officers reportedly shot Paige as he stood in the doorway. He was taken to Southeast Georgia Health System Camden Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. What's next The GBI is now conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, which is standard procedure when there is a fatal shooting involving the police. Once their review is complete, the case will be turned over to the Brunswick District Attorneys Office. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ' administration is apparently preparing to build a second immigration detention center, awarding at least one contract for whats labeled in state records as the North Detention Facility. The site would add to the capacity at the state's first detention facility, built at an isolated airfield in the Florida Everglades and dubbed Alligator Alcatraz." Already, state officials have inked more than $245 million in contracts for that facility, which officially opened July 1. Florida plans to build a second detention center at a Florida National Guard training center called Camp Blanding, about 27 miles (43 kilometers) southwest of downtown Jacksonville, though DeSantis has said the state is waiting for federal officials to ramp up deportations from the South Florida facility before building out the Camp Blanding site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We look forward to the increased cadence, of deportations, DeSantis said last month, calling the state ready, willing and able to expand its operations. Civil rights advocates and environmental groups have filed lawsuits against the Everglades facility, where detainees allege they've been forced to go without adequate food and medical care, and been barred from meeting with their attorneys, held without any charges and unable to get a federal immigration court to hear their cases. President Donald Trump has touted the facilitys harshness and remoteness as fit for the worst of the worst," while Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said the South Florida detention center can serve as a model for other state-run holding facilities for immigrants. Plans for the North Detention Facility Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Division of Emergency Management, the state agency that built the Everglades facility, has awarded a $39,000 contract for a portable emergency response weather station and two lightning sirens for what's been dubbed the North Detention Facility," according to records in the states public contract database. The equipment will help enable real-time weather monitoring and safety alerting for staff." The contract comes as the state approaches the peak of hurricane season, and as heavy rains and extreme heat have pounded parts of Florida. Immigrant advocates and environmentalists have raised a host of concerns about the Everglades facility, a remote compound of heavy-duty tents and trailers that state workers and contractors assembled in a matter of days. Last week, FDEM released a heavily redacted draft emergency evacuation plan for what the document called the South Florida Detention Facility. Entire sections related to detainee transportation, evacuation and relocation procedures were blacked out, under a Florida law that allows state agencies to make their emergency plans confidential. Despite multiple public records requests by The Associated Press, the department has not produced other evacuation plans, environmental impact studies or agency analyses for the facility. Questioned by reporters on July 25, FDEM executive director Kevin Guthrie defended the emergency response agency's plans for the makeshift facility, which he says is built to withstand a Category 2 hurricane, which packs winds of up to 110 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I promise you that the hurricane guys have got the hurricane stuff covered, Guthrie said. ___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. A team dedicated to controlling populations of invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida has deployed another unique method to find the elusive predators: robotic rabbits. The robots are remote-controlled, solar-powered and designed to look like marsh rabbits, a preferred choice of prey for the pythons, according to the South Florida Water Management District, which is funding the project as part of its Python Elimination Program. Researchers designed the devices to produce a heat signature and emit a smell designed to attract the pythons, according to the utility company. They are also equipped with cameras to monitor for the pythons' movements and alert officials when one is detected -- who can then send out a snake wrangler to detect and euthanize the animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Florida biologists prove invasive Burmese pythons are swallowing deer, alligators whole The robots were strategically placed throughout South Florida, according to the utility company. "We want to capture all of the processes that an actual rabbit would give off," said Robert McCleery, a wildlife ecologist at the University of Florida, told the Palm Beach Post. Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images - PHOTO: A Burmese pythons in South Florida, Nov. 9, 2022. Scientists at the University of Florida conducted the research, which was partly funded by the FWC. The South Florida Water Management District is funding the experiment. "Our partners have allowed us to trial these things that may sound a little crazy," McCleery said. "Working in the Everglades for ten years, you get tired of documenting the problem. You want to address it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Python farming could offer one of the most sustainable sources of meat in the world, according to a new study The researchers replaced the stuffing in 40 toy rabbits with electrical components powered by solar energy and waterproofed them to withstand the rain and humidity, according to the Post. This isn't the first time snake hunters have used creative means to capture their prey. In 2020, the FWC deployed python-sniffing detector dogs to track pythons in South Florida. In 2022, University of Florida researchers put live rabbits in cages in the Everglades to lure the snakes. Over 90 days, nine rabbit pens lured 22 pythons, leading the snakes to stay in the area for more than an hour on average, according to a state report. Joe Raedle/Getty Images - PHOTO: A Burmese python in the Florida Everglades, March 23, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Trackers have been placed on dozens of preferred python prey, such as rabbits, raccoons and opossums, which lead snake hunters to the pythons after they've swallowed the prey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials around the state pay bounty hunters to help control Burmese python populations and have attached tracking devices to male snakes, which leads them to egg-laying females. MORE: Invasive ocean species detected in Florida waters, scientists say The introduction of Burmese pythons has decimated the local ecosystem in South Florida as they breed rapidly and compete with native wildlife for food, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. An estimated 180,000 were brought into the country between 1975 and 2018, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Many entered the ecosystem through accidental or intentional release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 2000, the species had established a self-sustaining breeding population in the South Florida ecosystem, according to the USGS. The species is now distributed across more than 1,000 square miles of South Florida, including all of the Everglades National Park and across the southern coast to Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, according to the USGS. South Florida Water Management District - PHOTO: An image of one of the solar-powered, remote-controlled robots designed to look like rabbits that are being used in South Florida to lure invasive pythons out of hiding so they can be captured in a press release from July 22, 2025. But Burmese pythons are notoriously difficult to detect and capture, experts say. Detectability of Burmese pythons is an estimated 1% to 3%, meaning out of 100 snakes in a survey area, there could be a chance of spotting between one and three individuals, research has shown. At Everglades National Park, the frequency of Burmese python detection is about one python per eight hours of searching, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The U.S. banned the import of Burmese pythons in 2012. But chances of eradication are likely low at this point, according to the USGS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Python-sniffing dogs are Florida's newest weapon in fighting invasive snakes At least 76 prey species have been found in the guts of Burmese pythons over the past several decades, including mammals, birds, iguanas and alligators, according to USGS scientists. A 2012 study found that raccoon populations in the state had declined 99.3% since 1997, while opossums saw a decline of 98.9% and bobcats an 87.5% decline. Marsh rabbits, cottontail rabbits and foxes have effectively disappeared, a 2015 study found. In December 2022, a group of biologists stumbled upon a nearly 15-foot Burmese python in the midst of devouring an adult white-tailed deer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black rats seem to be the only species of mammal resistant to the pythons. Also an invasive species, they arrived centuries ago aboard ships from Europe. They reproduce quickly and can scavenge carcasses as well as eat plants, insects and scraps from humans -- allowing them to thrive, according to the USGS. But native predators may be starting to fight back, according to researchers who have documented cases of alligators, cottonmouth snakes and bobcats killing Burmese pythons. Florida's attorney general filed a lawsuit against a number of domestic and foreign companies that own porn sites he says are violating a state law requiring age verification to view adult content. The company that owns XVideos, the second most popular porn website, is among companies accused by Attorney General James Uthmeier for "endangering minors" and violating a law (HB 3) that requires websites to make sure visitors are no less than 18 years old. Multiple porn companies are flagrantly breaking Floridas age verification law by exposing children to harmful, explicit content. As a father of young children, ... this is completely unacceptable, Uthmeier said in a statement. We are taking legal action against these online pornographers who are willfully preying on the innocence of children for their financial gain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also mentioned NKL Associates (the XNXX website), Sonesta Technologies, Inc. (BangBros), GGW Group (Girls Gone Wild) and Traffic F (TrafficFactory). Requests for comment are pending with the companies. Uthmeier lists the websites as the "Pornographers" in the complaint filed Aug. 4 in Sarasota Circuit Civil court, saying they're "motivated by greed" and "willfully prey on the children and adolescents of Florida to the detriment of their health and well-being." Porn law takes effect: Porn in Florida: As age verification takes effect, some sites ignore it, some block access XVideos refers age verification questions on its contact page to a blog post from June 30. The post is on Pornbiz.com, with the title reading, "The Scam of Age Verification." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post has no author and that website's description says it is a "blog about the porn business and making money with XVideos/XNXX." The attorney general's press release described XVideos and XNXX as receiving several million visits to its website monthly from Florida. The blog post criticizes states who pass age verification laws and say it minimizes the rights of adults, saying rulings that defend age verification laws lead to "less freedom and more state control." The blog also criticizes age verification for potentially violating user privacy. Some defendants are overseas, raising jurisdictional questions The attorney general may find difficulty obtaining a response from the websites listed, as court records show most of these companies are based in the Czech Republic. Two of the defendants, Sonesta Technologies, Inc. and GGW Group, are registered as Florida businesses, in Miami. Uthmeier's lawsuit comes nearly a month after the Free Speech Coalition dropped a lawsuit in Florida for this same state law, which argued the law violated the First Amendment, the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause and federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition dropped multiple lawsuits across the country after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a similar Texas age verification law in a 6-3 opinion, Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton. But after January, porn access completely shifted in Florida. On New Years Day, Pornhub, the most popular porn website, barred access in Florida. In a statement on its website, it too raised concerns with requesting identification upon entry to its website to comply with state laws. It read: "Until a real solution is offered, we have made the difficult decision to completely disable access to our website in Florida." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the law does not specifically require one to submit ID. It requires websites to "offer anonymous age verification and standard age verification," without specifics on how to do that. The same week Pornhub left the Florida market, interest in virtual private networks, also called VPNs, increased. These networks allow users to change their listed IP address to bypass regional restrictions. The USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida previously reported a Google Trends analysis showed a spike in searching "VPN" statewide. Warning: The legal document posted below contains graphic language. Reader discretion is advised. Click here to read the document if you cannot see it above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida porn crackdown: Age checks ignored by top sites, AG says The Brief A fiery crash on I-75 in Sumter County has a 17-year-old boy facing charges after troopers say he ran from the scene. All four teen passengers went to the hospital, where FHP says a 16-year-old boy died. Investigators say they later tracked down the driver hiding in a chicken coop and arrested him. OXFORD, Fla. - A high-speed crash that caused a car to burst into flames along I-75 left a Citrus County teen dead and the 17-year-old driver facing felony charges after troopers say he ran from the scene. What we know According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 3 p.m. Monday on the southbound side of the interstate in the Oxford area of Sumter County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers say the driver of a Dodge Charger was speeding and driving recklessly before veering off the highway and hitting a tree, causing the car to catch fire. The 17-year-old driver then got out of the car and ripped off the license plate before running away, according to FHP. All four passengers in the car, ranging from 13 to 17 years old, went to the hospital. Troopers say a 16-year-old boy from Inverness later died. FHP says troopers and Sumter County deputies later caught the driver hiding in a chicken coop not far from I-75. What's next The 17-year-old faces charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving death. The Source This story was written with information from the Florida Highway Patrol. Sue Lawless. Credit: FMCSA WASHINGTON Former FMCSA Acting Deputy Administrator and Chief Safety Officer Sue Lawless will be joining Indianapolis-based Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson and Feary in October, the law firm announced on Tuesday. Lawless, who briefly lead FMCSA in an acting role after the resignation of administrator Robin Hutchison in January 2024, will help lead the law firms safety practice and will be based in its Washington, D.C. office. Sue has been a leader on the front lines in shaping policy and influencing the law within the trucking industry for many years, said Greg Feary, a Scopelitis partner, in a news release. Scopelitis is quite fortunate to gain Sues superior foresight, skill, and knowledge. She is a perfect addition to our DC office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While leading the agency as acting deputy administrator last year, Lawless weighed in on the issue of predatory towing and its effects on trucking in comments filed with the Federal Trade Commission. It is detrimental to the overall health of the trucking industry, and its time to end excessive rates, surcharges and other unfair fees associated with predatory towing, she said. Prior to her position as chief safety officer at FMCSA, Lawless served as director of the agencys Motor Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle Standards Division, as well as its assistant chief counsel for enforcement and litigation. Related articles: Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher. The post FMCSA safety chief joins Scopelitis law firm appeared first on FreightWaves. Aug. 51/9 Swipe or click to see more Children work on sidewalk art at Ohio University Southern's Bobcat Academy on Friday. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 2/9 Swipe or click to see more Lilly Raney, left, and Harper Caudill sing in Let Them Rock's show on July 25 at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Kentucky. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) 3/9 Swipe or click to see more Students, including Naly Khounlavong, of Ironton, left, rehearse "Peter Pan" in the Paramount Arts Center's summer camp. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4/9 Swipe or click to see more Jan Gullett, of the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library, read to OUS Bobcat Academy students. (Submitted photo 5/9 Swipe or click to see more A girl works on a health activity as part of the OUS Bobcat Academy on Thursday (Submitted photo) 6/9 Swipe or click to see more Children take part in yoga on day four of the OUS Bobcat Academy. (Submitted photo) 7/9 Swipe or click to see more Children enjoy lunch at Bobcat Academy. (Submitted photo) 8/9 Swipe or click to see more Ella Carr sings as part of Let Them Rock's performance at the Paramount Arts Center's summer camp. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9/9 Swipe or click to see more Aaden Shoup plays guitar in Let Them Rock's show on July 25 at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Kentucky. (Heath Harrison The Ironton Tribune) Bobcat Academy, Paramount Arts Center hosted education opportunities this month Trending * Westbound ramp of U.S. 52 to State Route 141 will be closed starting Monday * Two Hearts opens Ironton location Trending * Citizenship Awards presented * Living in a rock 'n' roll fantasy You Might Like News Westbound ramp of U.S. 52 to State Route 141 will be closed starting Monday Business Two Hearts opens Ironton location News Citizenship Awards presented Ashland, KY Living in a rock 'n' roll fantasy HARRISBURG, S.D. (KELO) Theres a new restaurant bringing some diversity to the food scene in Harrisburg, South Dakota. In this Your Money Matters, we take you to Samurai Hibachi and Sushi Express. Toto Anto is no stranger to the food industry, having spent over a decade working in a Japanese restaurant in Rapid City. But now, hes serving up his own hibachi and sushi in Harrisburg. DCI: 30 gunshots, officers justified in July 7 shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For sushi, it is authentic Japanese and for hibachi, we have hibachi, its considered like American hibachi, Anto said. Samurai Hibachi and Sushi Express just opened at the end of July, but we spoke with one customer whos already been there about four times. Its absolutely nice to have something new in Harrisburg, thats what me and my family talk about and a lot of other people. So, its really nice to see a new business open, customer Tony Grace said. Bringing something new to the community is exactly why Anto and his partner opened a restaurant up in Harrisburg. People here dont have much choice and people have to go to Sioux Falls to get this kind of food and I was thinking maybe like, you know, give it a shot to open up, Anto said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anto says he loves being in this community and he hopes people just give his restaurant a chance. I would love to give us support and give us a chance. I know we are still new and actually at this day were still trying to train employees and other staff and hopefully well get there, Anto said. Anto says they do still have open positions for staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Formal hearings on property value appeals began on Monday in Lackawanna County after tax hikes are expected to affect some property owners. Some homeowners are expressing their frustration with the process. 28/22 News Reporter Joe Mason spoke to property owners and county officials about the reassessment. Im kind of frustrated that Lackawanna County used my taxpayers money to hire this company that produced completely bogus results, Lackawanna County land owner Maksim Kunim said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reassessment appeal hearings began on Monday in Lackawanna County for property owners who disagree with the recent reassessments of their property values. The hearings are being held on the first floor of the marketplace at Steamtown. According to the countys website, the last time a property assessment was done in Lackawanna County was in 1968 Its been nearly sixty years since one of these was done. What took so long? Mason asked. I, no comment, Lackawanna County Tax Assessment Office Director Patrick Tobin replied. 163rd annual Wayne County Fair is underway The reassessed values of the 102,685 properties in the county began in July of 2022 and continued into 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were mailed to property owners in late June. Around 4% of property owners are appealing. Kunim is a land owner in the county and says the reassessment process has been frustrating. In April of this year, I received a letter from Tyler Technologies with a new value of my land, which was probably ten times higher than real market value. We had these conversations, and they told me I had to put everything on the paper and send it to Lackawanna County Assessment Office. Which I did and received no response, Kunim explained. Kunim says he spoke with county reassessment officials today and is optimistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looked like they were very understanding, but I will only two weeks of the results, Kunim told 28/22 News. Man charged with attempted homicide after allegedly causing house fire Patrick Tobin is the director of the countys Tax Assessment Office. The goals of the reassessment is to equalize the tax base, make it more fair for everyone, so that everyone is paying their fair share, Tobin stated. He says most of the complaints hes been hearing have been in regards to property sales. Most of the concerns were hearing is that they couldnt sell their house for that. But, the values are based on five comparable sales in their area that have sold near that amount, Tobin continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reassessment appeal hearings are set to last until October 31, with the county expected to certify final property values on November 14. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. The Brief Michigan prepares for primary Election Day on Aug. 5, 2025, with absentee ballots sent out in advance. The Detroit mayoral race is one of the hottest races happening Aug. 5. Voters can register in person up to Election Day in Michigan. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Mayoral candidate and former Detroit Police Chief James Craig says safety isnt just a concernits the foundation upon which all other progress in Detroit depends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "First and foremost especially with the uptick in crime and certainly the fear its created throughout our community, public safetys always got to be a top priority in Detroit," Craig told FOX 2s Hilary Golston. "You cant have a thriving city unless its safe." Big picture view Craig says safety is directly tied to economic development. He believes if the city cant secure its neighborhoods, it cant attract or retain businessesor the residents that fuel them. Craig, who led the Detroit Police Department from 2013-2021, says hes seen firsthand how instability pushed families out. "I came in with the bankruptcy and saw families leaving the city due to lack of economic opportunity, public safety and public school education." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the mayor doesnt directly control Detroits public school system, Craig believes the office has a role to play. "The Mayor certainly can use the bully pulpit. The Mayor can partner with the superintendent." He proposes creating a dedicated education secretary to help coordinate partnerships, boost after-school and summer programs, and expand opportunities for Detroit children. "Those efforts make a difference," he said. Craig says he has the type of experience to lead. "When you talk about executive level leadership, Im the only candidate that has it." He also wants to revisit some of the concessions made during Detroits historic bankruptcy agreement which wiped out billions in debt while privatizing some of the citys prized assets. "I hated when we sold off Belle Isle," Craig said. "It just feels different and it shouldnt be that way." That sentiment reflects frustration shared by many residents over the transfer of iconic public assets during the restructuring process. Belle Isle was leased to the State of Michigan in a decades -long deal that helped reduce the citys liabilities, along with turning over the Detroit Institute of Arts collection into a protected public trust and spinning off the citys water department partially into the regional Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig also says Detroiters pay too much for basic services. "Detroiters pay too much for electricity," he said, though he didnt offer a specific plan for how to lower costs. Local perspective On the topic of public safety, Craig continues to support surveillance initiatives like Project Green Light, which launched in 2016 under his leadership. The program allows police to monitor high-definition video feeds in real time from businesses and gas stations across Detroit. Today, there are more than 1,000 Green Light locations in the city, according to DPD. Craig says the impact is visible. He says hes talked to business owners in the city who told him "When I got Green Light my business went up. Im making more now than I did before," he said. "When I get gas in Detroit, I only go to Green Light locations," he added. Dig deeper But Golston pressed Craig on the broader implications of the technologyspecifically whether increased surveillance and facial recognition tools could move society toward a more carceral state, particularly with concerns about racial bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would not want to live in a society where more people are being surveilled. Certainly if its based on race," Craig said. But he defended the system as an important tool to fight crime. Golston also referenced raids like those on Colony Arms and more broadly "Operation Restore Order," which took place on Craigs watch. That initiative was a law enforcement campaign aimed at removing violent offenders from neighborhoods through coordinated raids. At Colony Arms Apartmentsa troubled high-rise in the city police conducted a sweeping operation, recovering drugs, weapons, and arresting dozens. The building had become a hotbed of complaints, from gunfire to garbage. Critics argued the operations addressed symptoms, not systems, while supporters said the actions were necessary for restoring peace. Craig has not shied away from defending such enforcement strategies. But he now says Detroit also needs leadership focused on rebuilding its middle class. Hes positioning himself as the only candidate with the credentials to do bothrestore order and rebuild opportunity. The Source FOX 2 used reporting from previous stories and interviewed the mayoral candidate. (Reuters) -Former deputy Party secretary and general manager of China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Li Yong, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption, state media CCTV reported on Tuesday. Li, born in August 1963, retired in December 2023 after reaching the mandatory retirement age, and was found to have illegally accepted property worth more than 67.94 million yuan, either directly or through others. His illegal gains and related proceeds were confiscated and turned over to the state treasury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another retired senior executive at CNOOC, Guangyu Yuan, was expelled from the Communist Party and placed under investigation for serious violations of Party discipline and the law, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announced on July 31. (Reporting by Sam Li and Lewis Jackson in Beijing, Editing by Louise Heavens) A field of summer fireweed (Photo by Dan O'Neill) The more things change, the more they stay the same. French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karrmay coined that truth in the mid-1800s for all time, including for today. In his newly released book, The Impertinent Question: The Words and Adventures of a Liberal Columnist at a Conservative Newspaper in the Red State of Alaska, Fairbanks author Dan ONeill offers some of his best columns published in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, along with other pieces published in the Anchorage Daily News and other Alaska newspapers. The News-Miner fired him in 2002. While times have indeed changed in the past quarter-century in Alaska and nationally, many of the same issues remain before us, and so speaking truth to power has not changed at all. It still gets people fired in 2025, just as it always has. ONeill sat down for an interview recently with John Creed, emeritus professor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, who taught writing and journalism for 30 years at UAFs Chukchi College in Kotzebue. Dan ONeill is a long-time Alaska writer, former columnist, historian and journalist. His books have been recognized by the Alaska Library Association, and he has been named Alaska Historian of the Year for his classic work, The Firecracker Boys, the story of Project Chariot. In 2021, ONeill was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks for his contributions to Alaska history and literature. (Photo courtesy of Dan ONeill) John Creed: Your new book is called The Impertinent Question. Whats it about? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan ONeill: It starts with the fact that, until I had sufficiently irritated enough of the right people, I was a liberal columnist at a conservative newspaper, in a conservative town, in the red state of Alaska. As you might imagine, thats a job with a limited lifespan. But while it lasted, it was quite exciting. Creed: You were sacked. Let go. ONeill: Yes. The long-gone managing editors stated reasons were a rotating set of inconsistent and unlikely explanations. Nothing to do with my work. But the firing happened right after I broke the story that the university and the Army planned to launchand crashScud missiles into the Brooks Range in northern Alaska. The Army quickly cancelled the project; the town and the university lost significant military spending, and that was the end of my column. Creed: There was some uproar over your dismissal, is that right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeill: Yes. One hundred-thirteen people took the trouble to write letters to the editor complaining about it, and more than 100 picketed outside the News-Miner offices. It was a wonderful validation of the work, deeply appreciated, but it did not move the papers management. Creed: So, the book collects your columns from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, among other editorial writings. But the pieces are not all political, not all liberal versus conservative. ONeill: Right. The pieces span 40-odd years, and they range from glimpses of Alaskan outdoor lifelike hunting, trapping, fishing, and dog mushingto some of the bizarre aspects of our political environmentsuch as the self-styled Corrupt Bastards Club in the legislature and the secret missile launch that did me in. And there are sketches of inimitable Alaska characters. Creed: Quite a few pieces offer serious takes on political affairs or social-justice issues, as you say in the introductiongay marriage, gun violence, policing methods, the mendacity, or dishonesty, of public figures, ideological bias in media, environmental protection versus economic development, the universitys proper role in society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeill: Yes, though often even the weightier ones try to grab readers with humor and to address the polemic with a light touch. So, the pieces can be funny and contentious at the same time. Occasionally I let rip, the way you would confront a bully. Creed: To offer this collection now, you must see these writings as still relevant. ONeill: I do. Were still struggling to clarify the same issues. Creed: In the book, you set each piece up with a paragraph or so of context, often relating the earlier events to the downstream reverberations apparent to us now. There are just all kinds of similarities, arent therewarnings we might have heeded, reasoning we can still apply? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeill: So far, readers have consistently said that to methat much of what I was writing about some years ago tracks quite closely with what we are facing today in the Trump era. Creed: I said relevant a minute ago, but your word is pertinent, or rather impertinent. Where does that come from? ONeill: Well, my father would have called me a s*** disturber. Probably he did. And I guess its in my bones to question authority. Of course, that trait can be obnoxious. But it can also be usefully deployed. It is usefully deployed by people who try to make new knowledge, whether in the sciences or the humanities or the arts. A journalist probing for information that is not on offeror thats being withheld or misrepresentedsometimes needs to push the limits of polite behavior, like pressing an uncomfortable question upon someone in power. The questioner needs to be skeptical of the formulaic answerthe received wisdom, the default belief systemand put the purveyors of orthodoxy on the spot. In this way, things might be shaken up quite usefully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To one person, the impertinent question is ill-mannered and boorish. To another, it is the glory and the engine of human inquiry, as the cartoonist Gary Trudeau says in the epigraph to the book. Creed: Speaking of cartoons, I see you drew some that are included in the book. ONeill: Yeah, they were published alongside the original columns. I drew some and Dan Darrow drew some. Im an amateur; hes a pro. Creed: Your work seems something like an Alaska version of what the late syndicated columnist Molly Ivinswho often used biting humor and satire to skewer politiciansdid in another big, red state: Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeill: She was an amazing talent and had a long and distinguished career. I admired her very much, but much as Id like to, I wouldnt try to borrow her literary luster. But you go ahead. Creed: The book is an excellent read. Where can people buy it? ONeill: At your local bookstore. Ill be signing books Friday, August 8th, between 1:00 and 3:00 at Title Wave Books [1360 West Northern Lights Boulevard]. And the same day, Ill be interviewed by Steve Heimel (retired public radio journalist), rounding out a three-writer event beginning at 6:00 at Cyranos Theater [3800 DeBarr Rd.]. The next day, Saturday the 9th, Ill be signing at Fireside Books in Palmer from 1:00-4:00 pm. The book is also available at Amazon.com, and vendors can get it through Todd Communications in Anchorage or direct from the publisher, Cirque Books. Disclosure: This interviewer is included in the books acknowledgements after consulting about the works structural organization but not its editorial content. A former local police chief has pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence charges. A Westmoreland County District Attorneys Office spokesperson tells Channel 11 that Shawn Denning, the former Greensburg police chief, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of tampering with evidence on Monday. On each charge, he was sentenced to a year of probation, and those sentences will run concurrently. As an officer who was sworn to uphold and enforce the law, Mr. Denning broke the publics trust and undermined the oath he took to protect and serve, a DAs office statement said in part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These charges stem from an incident where Denning was accused of stealing a backpack containing drugs from the evidence room at the police station. Denning is already serving a 15-month federal sentence for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Members of South Carolina Task Force 1 are back in the Palmetto State after Gov. Henry McMaster deployed them to Texas to help with recent flooding. The team spent two weeks in Texas working alongside other task force teams like Colorado and Oklahoma to provide aid during search-and-rescue operations. Many of the team members are service members in local fire, rescue, and task departments. The South Carolina Task Force deployed a five-person team and two search and rescue canines from areas across the state, like Greenville County EMS, Lexington County Fire Service, SC State Fire, and SC Foothills Search and Rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The force can conduct wide area rescue operations in damaged or collapsed structures and in flood or swift water environments and spent several days navigating flooded neighborhoods and areas along the Guadalupe River on foot, while relying heavily on their training and canine partners. We were doing a lot of hiking, looking in piles of debris. There were some piles of debris that reminded me of a beaver dam, Chief Brian Archibald said. It was basically large trees against large trees, which captured smaller trees and debris, the smaller broken limbs and branches, and other smaller particles of wood that then trapped dirt and sediment in there, and for the dogs to get a scent, you had to tear that apart. Archibald serves as the program director and medical specialist for South Carolina Task Force 1, but he also has 20 years of experience working in first responder departments. He spent five of those years working as battalion chief for Horry County Fire Rescue. He said that while working in Texas, he and his team adopted methods for improving their own task force from those around them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was learning a little bit about how we can be better. You put your processes to the test, see what works, what doesnt work, Archibald said. And if somethings not working, you work to strengthen that process to be better next time. The South Carolina team made it to Texas on July 8 and returned after almost two weeks in Kerr County, Texas. * * * Katie Harrill joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in June 2025. She is a native of Cumming, Georgia, and graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2024. You can keep up with Katie on Facebook, X, (formerly Twitter), or Instagram and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. When brothers Amrik and Pawan Dhindsa sold the India House restaurant in Santa Fe in July 2022, they did so without much of an idea about how they would keep themselves busy. Amrik Dhindsa described their post-India House existence as sort of semi-retired. They invested in a cannabis grow operation but, as minority partners, they didnt have an active role. It just got kind of boring, he said. You can only travel so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, it was during a visit to San Diego when inspiration struck for the brothers, illuminating their path forward. One night, the two found themselves in an elaborate, stylish, speakeasy-type cocktail bar called Raised by Wolves. It was love at first sight. The minute we walked in, my brother said, We have to do something like this in Santa Fe, Amrik Dhindsa said. Thats exactly what the Dhindsas have in mind for their new venture, called Gatsbys a Roaring Twenties-style restaurant and cocktail lounge at 500 Market St. in the Railyard. Amrik Dhindsa said he expects the new 4,600-square-foot establishment to open in six to eight weeks, and he promised it will bring a fresh concept to Santa Fe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know there isnt anybody in Santa Fe doing this, and I dont think theres anything like it in the state right now, he said. The name, of course, comes from the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel that has been adapted for the big screen four times since it was published in 1925, most recently in 2013, a version that stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire and Isla Fisher. It was Pawans son who suggested calling it Gatsbys, an idea Amrik Dhindsa warmed to immediately. He intends for Gatsbys to make its mark as a place where patrons can enjoy quality food after 9 p.m. a time when many Santa Fe restaurants have closed their doors, he said. The menu will reflect modern American fusion tastes, including high-end steaks and dishes such as coconut curry mussels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East meets West, and more things along those lines, Amrick Dhindsa said, describing the bill of fare, which also will include some staples from the old India House lineup. The Dhindsas already have hired a chef for the establishment, but Amrik Dhindsa said he was not yet able to publicly name the chef. The atmosphere at Gatsbys will lean toward the higher end of Santa Fes bar and restaurant scene, but he said no one will be made to feel out of place. Everybodys welcome. It will not be snobby, Amrik Dhindsa said, describing the ambience as elevated, not complicated. Gatsbys, in a second-floor space above Restoration Pizza and across from Sky Cinemas, will feature live music Friday and Saturday nights, and one of its main attractions will be an east-facing terrace that runs parallel to the railroad tracks and overlooks much of the rest of the Railyard District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terrace will offer an especially good vantage point for viewing concerts on the Railyard plaza or one of Sky Railway's Santa Fe flatcars, he said. Amrik Dhindsa said he and his brother are planning little renovation work to the largely open floor plan at Gatsbys, so he doesnt anticipate any issues with opening the new venture by late summer or early fall. Gatsbys will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. By catering to a late-night crowd, the Dhindsas hope to separate themselves from the competition. Theres a few places that are open late, but this place is going to be unique because of a different atmosphere and a different vibe, he said. Amrik said information about the bars opening date will be posted on the website gatsbysnm.com. People often talk about microplastics in food, but we often don't consider all the plastics used throughout the cooking process. Former "Iron Chef America" contestant Edward Lee spoke to Bloomberg about the restaurant industry's reliance on plastics. "It's not necessary," he said. "It's just that it's so convenient and it's so prevalent and it's everywhere that we don't even think about it." Lee's new fine dining restaurant, Shia, opened last November in Washington, D.C. To avoid plastic at the restaurant, staff avoid using molds to shape food and, in lieu of disposable gloves, they wash their hands more frequently. Advertisement Advertisement To plan the plastic-free space, they made a list of typical plastic items in a restaurant, which they published on OpenTable. The advantage of the item switch: no plastic. The disadvantage: higher costs, which often fall on the restaurant-goer. Shia charges $90 per person for a five-course tasting menu at the bar and $185 for a seven-course tasting menu in the dining room. According to Bloomberg, Shia's staff may have avoided anywhere from 510 to 790 pounds of plastic so far, and Lee aims to have a better sense of how much this approach to running a restaurant will cost in the coming months. Many common kitchen items are made from plastic, and many of these can be harmful. For example, the hard black-colored plastic in many utensils can contain toxic flame-resistant chemicals. Plastic food containers have also been found to leach microplastics into food, especially when heated. Plastics are made from fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Ingesting these through cooking or contamination can lead to any number of health problems, ranging from weight gain and insulin resistance to reproductive issues and cancer. Advertisement Advertisement With all the concern over plastics, it may be easy to lose sight of the positives of plastic use, especially in the restaurant industry. Disposable items are certainly more hygienic, and people with certain illnesses need to make sure they have clean and uncontaminated food preparation areas. Even plastic straws have a place, making drinking easier for many individuals. However, combining fine dining with sustainability is possible. Michelin, the organization known for awarding stars to restaurants for excellence, has begun awarding green stars. They attest to the high caliber of the restaurant while affirming their commitment to sustainable practices; 643 restaurants have been awarded green stars. 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 city would reap the benefits without having to worry about the maintenance or operation of the project. Bloomfield-based CTEC Solar is planning a 14-acre solar farm on Hartfords former landfill along I-91, a deal thats projected to yield a few million dollars to the city over the next 20 years. The agreement is the latest in a series of arrangements where Connecticut cities and towns are leasing closed landfills to solar energy companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last fall, Verogy completed a 2.5-acre solar project at Middletowns capped landfill, a project expected to generate more than a million kilowatts of clean energy a year. Danbury, Bethel, Deep River, East Haven, Groton and Montville either plan to or have completed similar facilities. The deals typically provide revenue for the host community while enabling the solar industry to cover essentially useless land with solar panels rather than taking out-of-service farmland, open fields or similar space. Hartford leaders say the agreement will be an environmental and economic win, with the city putting up no money while getting protection from sharing CTECs risks. With this agreement, the city will not I emphasize not be responsible for operation, maintenance or any damage to the array, City Architect Julia Jack told the city council committee Wednesday. Nor will it be responsible for any production shortfalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This agreement has the potential to bring to the city approximately between $2 million to over $4 million over the 20-year period, Jack said. Hartford determined it had sufficient space at the Leibert Road landfill to accommodate a solar array producing about 6.3 gigawatts hours annually, Mayor Arunan Arulampalam told the city council. This project will be the largest solar photovoltaic development deal the city has done to date, he wrote a memo in mid-July. Under the contract, CTEC is responsible for designing, engineering, install and maintaining a ground-mounted array near the center of the former landfill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the lease, the company would provide monthly payments and quarterly credits or rebates on the citys energy bill. The city stands to significantly reduce its overall electricity cost, furthering both our financial goals and moving us further toward our climate action goals, Jack said. CTEC retained Waterford-based All-Points Technology Corp. to do a detailed environmental assessment of the property, and the consultant gave a favorable report last year. The project will meet applicable local, state, national and industry health and safety standards and requirements related to electric power generation, according to All-Points. The facility will not consume any raw materials, will not produce any byproducts and will be unstaffed during normal operating conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CTEC will monitor the array remotely and will be able to de-energize the equipment in an emergency, All-Points said. Eleven years ago, a smaller array was installed on Hartfords landfill, the first time in Connecticut that such a property had been used for solar power. Solar companies have since been putting panels on everything from West Hartfords town hall to Mystic Aquarium and Cinemarks theater in North Haven. Recently theres been a flurry of similar projects at closed municipal landfills. Verogy is pursuing plans in Deep River and Montville, and Bethel previously partnered with Ameresco for a solar farm there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 100-acre Hartford Landfill was once dubbed Mount Trashmore. It previously was a toxic, smelly mar on the landscape, which for generations was east of the citys North End. It had opened in 1940, and once was an expanding and smoldering and putrid dump overburdened with trash trucked in from more than 60 towns in Connecticut and neighboring states, The Courant has reported. Now its grassland and attracts wildlife. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) As the family of a man who died after being hit by a cruiser asks that their civil lawsuit continue, the former Michigan State Police detective sergeant who was driving is asking for the suit to be put on pause while an appeal plays out in criminal court. In April 2024, Samuel Sterling ran away from a task force seeking to arrest him in Kentwood. Officers chased him to a Burger King while then-Sgt. Brian Keely pursued in an unmarked cruiser. Video released by MSP shows Sterling being hit by Keelys SUV near the restaurants entrance. Sterling, 25, was hospitalized and died hours later. Family shows News 8 a photo of Samuel Sterling. The Michigan Attorney Generals Office charged Keely with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. The case was later moved into federal court after a motion by the defense, which said it belonged there because Keely was acting as part of a U.S. Marshals task force when the death happened. In May of this year, a federal judge dismissed the criminal case. The AGs Office has filed a notice to appeal that ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trial set for civil lawsuit in death of man hit by MSP sgt In the civil lawsuit filed in January, Sterlings family alleged violations of his Fourth and 14th Amendment protections against excessive force and argued gross negligence and willful and wanton misconduct. In July, Keely asked that the lawsuit be tossed out, citing the dismissal of the criminal case and claiming qualified immunity. In a response filed Monday, Sterlings family argued that the civil case shouldnt be bound by evidence from the criminal case, saying they could still present evidence that he was civilly liable, and that he should not be protected by qualified immunity. (O)nce again, Defendants argument is premised on the notion that Plaintiff should be bound by the evidentiary record developed by the State of Michigan in Defendants criminal case, the familys response reads in part. Not only does Defendant not have authority for the notion that a hearing involving the applicability of the supremacy clause has any preclusive effect on a civil proceeding, but Plaintiff was not even a party to the criminal case. She had no opportunity to present evidence in the form and manner that she desired, nor could she challenge any of the evidence or testimony offered by the defense. The evidence on which Defendant relies is fully untested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sterling family sick, devastated after judge tosses murder case On Tuesday, Keelys attorneys filed a motion to stay the civil proceedings essentially put the lawsuit on hold while the criminal case is appealed. It argued that because the criminal case is ongoing, Keely cant participate in preparations for the civil case without risking his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. Keelys attorneys also argued the appeals court may make a relevant ruling on immunity. A trial in the civil case has been scheduled to begin Nov. 2, 2026. It is expected to take between seven and 10 days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. The Gene Snyder federal courthouse in downtown Louisville, where Brett Hankison was sentenced on July 21, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison has appealed the nearly three-year sentence he received for his role in the 2020 police raid that killed Breonna Taylor, an unarmed Black woman. The notice of appeal, filed Tuesday, comes after U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings last month sentenced Hankison to 33 months in prison for violating Taylors civil rights during the raid. Hankison appeals both the conviction and the sentence imposed in this case, the notice says. He was sentenced to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In handing down that sentence, Jennings, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, rejected the U.S. Department of Justices recommendation that Hankison be sentenced to a single day of time served. On the night Hankison and others came to Taylors apartment in March 2020 with a no-knock search warrant, police were investigating a former boyfriend of Taylors who lived at a different address. Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were in bed when police broke into the apartment. Walker fired at what he thought were intruders breaking into the residence, striking Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in his thigh. Mattingly initially sued Walker but dropped the case voluntarily in 2023. Hankison and two other officers fired their guns a total of 32 times. Hankison fired from outside the apartment through a covered sliding glass door and window, hitting a neighbors apartment. It was later determined that officer Myles Cosgrove fired the shot that killed Taylor, whose death led to massive protests in Louisville and beyond. He was not charged and was later hired by a police force in Carroll County. https:ecf.kywd.uscourts.gov:cgi-bin:show_temp.pl?file=4868762-088181.pdf&type=application:pdf SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Aug. 4RED WING, Minn. A Wisconsin man and former patient care assistant is accused of hitting and choking a patient. Tavian Siglar, 21, of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, faces felony charges in Goodhue County of criminal neglect causing bodily harm; criminal neglect deprivation and gross misdemeanor charges of criminal abuse by a caregiver; two charges of fourth-degree assault and misdemeanor charges of fifth-degree assault and disorderly conduct. According to court records, the mother of a patient being cared for at home reviewed video monitoring her son in his room that caught Siglar punching and choking him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman's son has an anoxic brain injury from 2017 and isn't able to care for himself, court records show. Videos show the incidents happened between July 17 and July 20, 2025, when Siglar was employed by Accra Homecare. According to court records, Accra fired Siglar immediately after the patient's mother contacted the company. Video shows Siglar hitting and choking the patient and calling him racial slurs and shoving an inflated medical mitrile glove into the patient's mouth. Investigators noted a bruise on the patient's chin. The patient's mother also confronted Siglar about the videos via text, court records show. Siglar admitted to choking the patient but said it was "not enough to hurt him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siglar also admitted via text to hitting him, to using the patient's with his oxygen tube and the back of his hand to choke him, tipping him back in the patient's wheelchair and handling him roughly when moving him. Siglar was granted release on a $10,000 conditional bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 27. SCRANTON, Pa. (WHTM) Former U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is joining The University of Scranton as a Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service. The university said the role will engage the Scrantonian and three-term senator across several aspects of campus life, including mentorship with students interested in public service careers. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with and mentor The University of Scranton`s next generation of public servants, Casey said Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casey served in the U.S. Senate from 2007 until losing his 2024 re-election bid to Dave McCormick by less than a quarter of a percent. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania The son of former Pennsylvania Governor Bob Casey Sr., Casey Jr. also served as Pennsylvanias auditor general and treasurer. I am truly delighted to welcome Senator Casey to our University. His Jesuit education has served him well for decades and I have no doubt he will continue to bring his Jesuit values to bear in this exciting, new role. I am very grateful to the Senator and the Leahys for making this new initiative possible, said Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to mentoring students, Casey will advise the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service on program initiatives, share expertise with regional government entities and assist university administrators with government relations and resource development efforts. Following his election loss, Casey told abc27s Dennis Owens, I have to begin a new chapter in my life but did not rule out a return to public service. You never say never, he responded. Our state is full of history, where people are in public office, and they win, they lose, they might even lose multiple times and come back. But I think the most important thing for me in the short run is they have to get a job because I need an income, because I dont have a trust fund. Casey is the only Democrat in Pennsylvania history to win three terms in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke speaks at a "Get Out The Vote" rally on October 18, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) OMAHA Former Texas Democratic U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke is coming to Nebraska Tuesday to highlight the House redistricting push by Texas Republicans and hear from Nebraskans about Americas future. Hes having a town hall at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the University of Nebraska at Omahas Scott Conference Center. The former Democratic presidential candidate has been traveling the country and hosting townhalls with his voter organizing group, Powered by People. ORourke is trying to make the case that helping Texas Democrats to stop the Trump administrations power grab is critical for Democrats nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP-majority Texas Legislature is proposing a new congressional map designed to give the GOP five additional seats in the U.S. House next year, which could spur a national, state-by-state redistricting fight ahead of next years midterm congressional elections. ORourke also plans to emphasize that Nebraska will likely be back in the national spotlight in 2026, because of an open-seat race after the pending retirement of Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon in the Omaha area. What happens in Texas will affect everybody in the country, ORourke said What happens in Nebraskas Second Congressional District is going to affect everybody in the country. Some national pundits and political experts have argued that the 2nd District race could be one of a handful that decides which party controls the House. The district has already drawn national attention for its single stray presidential Electoral College vote that has swung from Republicans to Democrats in recent years, most recently to former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ORourke joins a trend of prominent Democrats and progressives making their way to Nebraska. Vermont Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders launched his Fighting Oligarchy nationwide tour in Omaha. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz hosted a Democratic town hall earlier this year. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is coming to Nebraska in November to speak at the Nebraska Democratic Partys top annual fundraiser. ORourke has been advocating for Democratic governors to fight fire with fire in redistricting as Texas Republicans try a rare change in the middle of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most states redistrict after a new Census. The Texas effort is currently paused because Texas House Democrats fled Texas in an effort to block or delay adoption of the GOP majoritys proposed congressional maps. Democrats previously have been over-concerned with coloring within the lines, ORourke told the Examiner. [Democrats] are more focused on being right than being in power. Meanwhile, Republicans have only cared about being in power. Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has entertained the idea of retaliating with her own effort to redraw maps, as has Democrat-led California. ORourke says national Democrats need a stronger response to President Donald Trumps gains among working-class voters, including minority voters. He said Democrats have to be just as ruthless to gain more power, or it could be hard for Democrats to stop the consolidation of authoritarian power in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats in Texas, like in Nebraska, have struggled lately to win a statewide race. Its been roughly 30 years in Texas, and since U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., in 2006, ORourke said he sees it as a privilege to be fighting in these states. He said the path to power for Democrats is to invest in states that arent traditionally seen as swing states and fighting for every single person. ORourke said states like Texas and Nebraska, which often get written off, could play a major role in helping provide a check on Trumps lawlessness. The coalition has to be as broad as possible, so weve got to welcome Nebraska Republicans and Nebraska Independents and Nebraskans who voted for Donald Trump last time, ORourke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Democrat unsuccessfully ran for president in 2020 and for governor of the Lone Star State in 2022. He said he is still entertaining the idea of running for U.S. Senate in Texas and potentially a 2028 presidential bid, but said he has plenty of time to think, as the filing deadline is in December. ORourke said he has heard from people at his town halls that they want Democrats to go on the offensive. We gotta come together, ORourke said. Both states have a chance to tip the balance of power in America through the House of Representatives. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE TUPELO A former Tupelo businessman has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting an underage employee and taking pictures of other female employees while they were changing at the business. Michael Robert Cox, 38, of Arlington Drive, Tupelo, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting an inebriated 16-year-old female in October 2021. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of secretly filming or photographing women who were changing clothes or in a state of undress at his West Main Street, Tupelo, business. On the charge of sexual battery by a person in a position of trust, Circuit Judge John White sentenced Cox to 25 years but suspended 12 years. The sentence must be served day for day, with no chance for parole or reduced time for good behavior. He will get credit for the nearly two years he has spent in the Lee County Jail, dropping his prison time to around 11 years. When released, he must register as a sex offender and serve another five years of supervised release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White gave Cox five-year suspended sentences for taking pictures of undressing women. Those charges will be served consecutively, meaning Cox will have 22 years in suspended sentences hanging over his head if he runs afoul of the law again. Cox was also ordered to pay more than $9,000 in court costs, fines and restitution. In exchange for pleading guilty, District Attorney Jason Herring agreed to dismiss four other felony charges. The former owner of Cox Firesticks was scheduled to go to trial Monday, charged with two counts of sexual battery and one count of enticing a child to produce a depiction of sexual activity. Instead, he pleaded guilty on July 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, he tried to persuade a 16-year-old female employee to take nude pictures of herself in September 2021. He then had inappropriate sexual relations with the girl in late October 2021. He was arrested in September 2022 and initially released on $75,000 bond. His situation deteriorated rapidly in August 2023 after he left an irate, profanity-filled voicemail for a city code worker who said Coxs grass was too tall. He was charged with retaliation against a public servant, and the previous bond was revoked. After he was jailed to await trial, court documents say Cox told his now ex-wife to go to the business, remove multiple recording devices he had hidden there and to erase them. Instead, the ex-wife turned the devices over to the Tupelo Police Department. Those devices and the ongoing investigation led to the four charges of secretly recording women. Two female former employees said they were forced under duress to send him nude pictures. He also secretly recorded himself fondling their breasts in his office. Both women were 18 at the time. An ex-fiance and a former employee were also recorded while changing in the businesss bathroom. Cox pleaded guilty last December to the charge of retaliation against a public servant for the profanity-filled voicemail. He was sentenced to serve four years in state prison for that crime. The former UC Health doctor who performed genital ultrasounds in his bedroom on men from his running group who went there for heart scans has been found guilty of felony charges. In a decision released Tuesday, Aug. 5, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Patrick Dinkelacker found Rudel Saunders guilty of two counts of practicing medicine without a license. Saunders faces up to 12 months in prison on each count, although nonviolent offenders in Ohio typically are sentenced to probation. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saunders, 44, chose to have a non-jury trial, which took place in late July. Two men who met Saunders through the running group testified that he convinced them on various dates in 2022 to come to his Northside apartment for what they believed would be heart scans. Saunders, a resident at the time, told the men that he needed a certain number of ultrasounds for his training. One of the men testified that he was interested in the ultrasound because of a family history with heart problems. Dr. Rudel Saunders A doctor who teaches at the University of Cincinnati's medical school testified that the school did not require a certain number of ultrasounds for the credentialing process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Dinkelacker's decision, Dr. Michael Hellman said that Saunders' training "was to take place at the hospital, not at (his) residence and not without the supervision of an appropriate educator." Also, any contact Saunders had with "patients" had to take place "under proper supervision and not done outside a hospital," an official with the state medical board testified. Saunders also stood trial in April on misdemeanor charges including voyeurism, although he was acquitted. The exams were videorecorded by a camera focused on Saunders' bed. At that trial one of the men testified that Saunders had the man, who was wearing only shorts, lay on his back on his bed, with a towel covering his midsection. The man held Saunders' cellphone in one hand, which showed the ultrasound images. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After checking the man's heart and neck, Saunders told the man that the last part of the exam would involve the man's testicles. In the video, which was played in court, the man could be heard saying, "What?" "I was shocked when he said it," the man testified. "It all just happened really fast. I didn't really know what to do." Saunders' license to practice medicine was revoked in 2023 because of the allegations. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-UC Health doctor guilty for genital ultrasounds in his apartment TAIPEI (Reuters) -Former British prime minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday that Taiwan did not deserve to be bullied by China and urged the West to build economic and political relations with Taipei in the face of Beijing's campaign against the democratic island. Johnson is the third former British prime minister to visit Taiwan, after Liz Truss in 2023 and Margaret Thatcher in the 1990s, and his trip comes at a time when Britain and China are seeking to further stabilise ties as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to visit Beijing later this year. Britain, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but the two governments have close economic and culture exchanges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has in recent years ramped up military and diplomatic pressure campaigns against Taiwan, including daily military activities near the island, to assert territorial claims the government in Taipei strongly rejects. "In very difficult and intense times, this is the moment for all western countries to build economic and political relations with Taiwan, not to tiptoe away from Taiwan at the pressure from any other country," Johnson told Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in the presidential office in Taipei. "There's absolutely no case for the current Chinese bullying of Taiwan. This is a free, peaceful society. It does not deserve to be intimidated in this way. There's no point in it and I hope it stops as soon as possible," Johnson said in video footage by Lai's office. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Beijing has previously condemned visits by British lawmakers to Taiwan for what it calls interference in China's internal affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was invited to deliver a speech at a security forum by Taipei-based think tank, the Prospect Foundation, which was also attended by Lai earlier on Tuesday. At the forum, Lai vowed to build a "democratic supply chain" with allies by deepening economic cooperation and said he would boost Taiwan's defence spending to more than 3% of its GDP next year. "I'm confident that if democracies can join hands in creating more robust, more resilient global democratic supply chains, we can spur even more economic prosperity and further consolidate our democracy," Lai said. A British Royal Navy patrol vessel sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait in June. (Reporting By Yimou Lee, Angie Teo and Yi-chin Lee; additional reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Michael Perry) Former Gov. Tommy Thompson hasn't ruled out a run in 2026, while former Gov. Scott Walker has. Thompson pictured talking to reporters at the Republican National Convention in 2024. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Walker on the floor during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention. (Photo by Joeff Davis) While Wisconsins incumbent governor is opting out of seeking a third term, the open and growing field has led a couple of former governors to stir conversation about whether they will run again in 2026 or beyond. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers decision not to run makes 2026 the first open race for governor since 2010, when Scott Walker, then the Milwaukee County executive, defeated Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Former Gov. Jim Doyle, who served from 2003 to 2011, had declined to run for a third term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evers said he chose not to run again next year because he wants to spend more time with his family. Former Gov. Tommy Thompson did not rule out a run for governor in 2026 while speaking with 620 WTMJ on Monday afternoon. Why not? Thompson said in response to the question about whether he would run for governor. I havent said no. Theres a lot of good candidates and I have no desire to get in the race, but the truth of the matter is, Ill wait and see whats out there. There are two declared Republican candidates in the race so far: Washington County Josh Schoemann and Whitefish Bay manufacturer Bill Berrien. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has also been teasing a run for the last several weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only one Democratic candidate, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, has officially launched her campaign since Evers announcement on July 24. Other potential candidates include Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Attorney General Josh Kaul, state Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. Thompson is the only governor in Wisconsin to have been elected to four terms, serving from 1987 to 2001. Wisconsin is one of 13 states in the U.S. without term limits on governors, according to Ballotpedia. Thompson left the office to serve as President George W. Bushs Health and Human Services secretary. He also previously served as University of Wisconsin system president. This is not the first time that he has floated seeking a potential fifth term, having mentioned it in 2022. Thompson said Monday that his wife and children would be opposed to him running for another term, but he signaled that he feels he would be up to the task. By the time the next term starts, Thompson would be 85. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im in great physical health. My mind is sharp as hell. Ive got things that Id like to accomplish, but its way too early for me to make that decision, way too early, Thompson said. Walker, who served two terms as governor, recently said he wouldnt be running for governor in 2026 after making cryptic posts on social media that pointed to potential nonconsecutive terms. He lost the office to Evers in a close election in 2018. Im not going to be a candidate, at least not next year. It doesnt mean Ill never run again, he said in a video posted to social media. Walker, who is 57, added that he is a quarter century younger than former President Joe Biden. Looking ahead, though, Tonette [Walker] and I will do everything we can at our home here in Wisconsin to ensure that we elect a common sense conservative as governor in next years election, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walker said he would be continuing his work as president of Young Americas Foundation, a conservative nonprofit focused on youth, and emphasized that Republicans need to do better outreach to young voters. Wisconsin has only had one governor serve nonconsecutive terms. Prior to Wisconsin adopting four-year terms for its governors, former Gov. Philip La Follette served his first term as governor from 1931 to 1933 as a Republican. According to the National Governors Association, La Follette, the son of former U.S. Sen. Fighting Bob La Follette, spent a significant portion of his time in office seeking the expansion of public works, including highway construction, increased government control over the electric power and banking industries and helped set up an unemployment insurance program, which became a model for similar legislation in other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Follette ran for another term in 1932 but was defeated by Democratic Gov. Albert G. Schmedeman. After one term out of office, La Follette ran for governor again in 1934, this time as a third party candidate for the newly formed Progressive Party. He went on to serve a second and third term from 1935 to 1939. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The Fort Indiantown Gap recently announced they have broken ground on a new $11.4 million facility. According to Fort Indiantown Gap, initial construction on a new 21,170 square foot multi-purpose facility has begun. The new facility, with a price tag of $11.4 million, will be situated along Service Road in Area 4. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat Fort Indian Gap says the new facility will be used primarily for Soldier readiness processing, and units training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, this new facility will include a large auditorium with a stage and a folding wall to divide it into two equal spaces. It will also boast 10 office/ classroom spaces two of which will have operable wall partitions. Furthermore, the facility will have a breakroom/ cafe with kitchen appliances, a functional lobby space for in-processing, storage areas, and 177 parking spaces. The new facility will support our Soldiers, Airmen and their families and prepare them for future deployments and missions, Lt. Col. Adam Love, director of Fort Indiantown Gaps Department of Public Works, said. Beyond SRP, the new auditorium will serve as a flexible venue for other training and social events, briefings and collaborative activities. Its modern design and advanced audio-visual systems make it an asset not only for the Pennsylvania National Guard, but for anyone who works or trains at Fort Indiantown Gap. Initial construction began in mid-July on a new 21,170-square-foot multi-purpose facility at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. (Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Brad Rhen) It should be noted that the new building was designed to allow for a future medical building addition on the east side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Fort Indiantown Gap, the land where the new facility is being constructed had been unused for several years. Previously, this parcel was home to the post swimming pool, which closed back in 2019. This new facility will be yet another asset that will improve training and readiness for service members at Fort Indiantown Gap, Col. Kevin Potts, garrison commander, added. In addition, it will provide a modern facility that can be used for ceremonies and other events. Construction on the new facility is scheduled for completion in February 2027. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. COPPERAS COVE, Texas (FOX 44) An internal investigation into a limited number of personnel within the Copperas Cove Fire Department has resulted in four firefighters being released from duty. The City of Copperas Cove and the Copperas Cove Police Department previously announced on July 16 that internal and criminal investigations were simultaneously being conducted in conjunction with the Copperas Cove Fire Department. They said the investigation pertains to a limited number of personnel within the Fire Department, not the department as a whole. The city said on Tuesday, August 5 that this internal investigation is complete. As a result, four firefighters were implicated in city policy violations and have been released from duty. One firefighter resigned on July 9, two other firefighters were terminated on July 31, and a fourth firefighter was terminated on August 1. The criminal investigation is ongoing and is being handled by the Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city says it holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability. It is committed to continuously reviewing its operations to ensure all policies and procedures are being followed and upheld across all departments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Four people are dead and several more are believed to be trapped under debris after a cloudburst struck the Indian state of Uttarakhand on Tuesday. The severe weather event triggered flash floods and a mudslide that swept over Dharali village in the catchment area of Kheer Ganga river, in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district. "Due to the heavy rainfall/cloudburst disaster in the Harshil, Dharali area, the town of Dharali has suffered significant loss of life and property," Uttarkashi Police posted to X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of the village had no warning as a torrent of sludge slammed into the village, knocking some buildings down and blanketing others. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya confirmed the four deaths and also noted that there are several hotels, restaurants and small guest houses in the impacted area. "Continuous rain is occurring in Uttarkashi district, please exercise caution," Uttarkashi Police further posted. "Do not go near rivers and streams." "For safety, evacuate dangerous areas near the Bhagirathi River and stay in a safe place," the post continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uttarkashi Police reported the cloudburst also affected the villages of Harshil and Dharali, and that the level of the Bhagirathi River, as well as other area rivers and streams, continue to increase. The Central Command, or Surya Command, of the Indian Army has since begun rescue operations, and its Ibex Brigade, which specializes in operations in mountainous areas, has been sent to the impacted area. "Troops of [Ibex Brigade] were immediately mobilized and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations," Surya Command posted to social media. "Extent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfold." "More than 20 civilians have been safely evacuated," the Indian Army's Directorate General of Public Information reported Tuesday. "The injured are receiving timely and effective medical attention at the Indian Army's medical facility in Harshil." The Indian government's Meteorological Department put out a press release Monday that warned "heavy to very heavy rainfall" is expected to fall in Uttarakhand over the next three days and that "isolated heavy rainfall" is predicted for Uttarakhand through Sunday. LYON COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU) Four people were injured in a three-vehicle crash in Lyon County, Iowa, on Monday. Iowa State Patrol said the crash happened at Highway 75 and 210th Street. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said a mid-sized car was headed south on Highway 75 around 2 p.m. when the teenage boy driver crossed the centerline and hit the side of the trailer attached to a pickup truck. Authorities said the car then hit an SUV head-on. All three vehicles stopped either on or near the highway. Three people were sent to a local hospital, and one was taken to a different local hospital. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Fox News is throwing rare praise at Terry Moran for his admission that he found ABC News to have an anti-Trump bias. The co-hosts of Fox & Friends enjoyed Morans candor after admitting on his Substack that the network he was fired from back in June for attacking Stephen Miller on X has a bias against the current president and the people who voted for him. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets talk about bias. I worked at ABC News for almost 28 years, and Im proud to say that. But: Were we biased? Yes, Moran wrote. Almost inadvertently, Id say. ABC News has the same problem so many leading cultural institutions do in America: A lack of viewpoint diversity. He added, The old news divisions dont hear many of the voices of the country, because those voices arent in the newsroom. Yes, news teams go out with a microphone and a camera and accost people at Trump rallies; but to me that often comes off as weirdly anthropological and inaccurate, kind of like trying to understand nature by visiting a zoo. Journalist Charles Hurt wondered on Fox & Friends on Tuesday whether Moran was having his come to Jesus moment after reflecting on his years at ABC News and being fired for attacking a prominent member of the Trump administration. I guess hes kind of having this come to Jesus after the fact because he lost his job and he doesnt really know what to say, Hurt said. What hes saying now is correct. It is an anthropological study that theyre doing. They treat us like zoo animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moran was terminated at ABC News at the beginning of June following a post on X where he described Miller as richly endowed with the capacity for hatred. Hes a world-class hater, he wrote at the time. You can see this just by looking at him because you can see that his hatreds are his spiritual nourishment. He eats his hate. He also called Trump a world-class hater. The post Fox News Praises Terry Morans Come to Jesus Admitting ABC Anti-Trump Bias: They Treat Us Like Zoo Animals | Video appeared first on TheWrap. After receiving dozens of applications from Williamson County and beyond, the Franklin Police Department says it has welcomed the largest recruitment class in the department's history. Our department is growing stronger than ever, Franklin Police Chief Deb Faulkner said. The fact that we had nearly 200 people apply to join our team shows just how special this department is. The new class comes after the department announced a need for more officers In April. At that time, Franklin PD employed 143 officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Franklin's police force is considered average for the size of the population it serves, figures show. Lebanon in Wilson County, of similar size to Franklin, employs 140 officers. Murfreesboro, in nearby Rutherford County, employs 177. As an added incentive for the new officers, Franklin PD said entry-level officers who previously made $50,000 would now make $65,000 while lateral officers with P.O.S.T. certification will make $68,000. The department welcomed 14 new members on Aug. 4. Some of the new officers come from other agencies, including the Lewisburg Police Department, Columbia (TN) Police Department, Brentwood (TN) Police Department, New York City Transit Police and Sewanee Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the laterals are joining Franklin from Lewisburg. We are proud to have these recruits join our police family, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our city, Faulkner said. During the next eight weeks, the newest members of the police department will participate in hands-on, extensive training designed to prepare them for the unique challenges of serving the Franklin community, officials said. Lateral officers will then transition to the departments Field Training Program, while new officers will head to the police academy before returning for field training. Investing in our police officers is investing in the safety and future of Franklin, City Administrator Eric Stuckey said of the new recruits. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Franklin PD records largest hiring in history with 14 new officers ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) With the first day of school just around the corner, two local businesses are working to ensure no child starts the year without the supplies they need. MLN Trucking and LLServices have launched their annual Backpack Giveaway, offering more than 200 free backpacks to students in need. Each backpack comes filled with school supplies and what organizers describe as love from a community that truly cares. The event, hosted at 736 S. Grandview Avenue in Odessa, began Tuesday morning (Aug. 5) and will continue while supplies last. According to Derrick Black, CEO of Coffee and Connections, the drive is a community-driven effort to help families prepare for the new school year with confidence and care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of the Permian Basin, which picked up 25 backpacks, and Odessa Links, which also stopped by, are helping extend the giveaways reach to even more families in need. If you know a family in need, send them our way, Black said in a public message. These backpacks are completely free, packed with school supplies and love. He added, Lets continue building each other up and being the reason someone starts the school year strong. We believe in community, compassion, and growth, and this is one of the many ways we give back. Community members are encouraged to share the word of the giveaway so it can benefit as many children as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about coffee and connections, visit: https://coffeeandconnections.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 Yourbasin. WILMINGTON Ausable Freshwater Center is providing streamside property assessments as part of the Stream Wise initiative in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Stream Wise is a nonprofit program that provides resources for landowners adjacent to streams and rivers in Vermont, New York and Quebec. This marks the fourth year that AFC is the local host organization for landowners in the Ausable and Boquet River watersheds and will be the primary contact and resource for all things Stream Wise. Healthy streams are home to diverse fish and wildlife, provide vital drinking water, and create recreation and relaxation opportunities. Historically, streams and rivers have often been impacted by various land uses that disturb the native vegetation along their shores, put water quality at risk, and can increase flood potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFCs Stream Wise assessments provide landowners the tools they need to better understand their stream buffer and to take steps to improve and protect it with confidence. We love working with streamside landowners to protect their yards, their streams, and the places they care about most, Carrianne Pershyn, AFC biodiversity research manager, said. Stream Wise is a great way to learn about your property in a new way, and how small changes can make a big difference for your stream and your community. If you own land that abuts a stream or river in the Ausable or Boquet River watersheds, email marque@ausablecenter.org for more information or to sign up for a free property assessment from AFCs Stream Wise team. KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) Floods that damaged hydropower dams in Nepal and destroyed the main bridge connecting the country to China show the vulnerability of infrastructure and need for smart rebuilding in a region bearing the brunt of a warming planet, experts say. The flooding of the Bhotekoshi River on July 8 also killed nine people and damaged an inland container depot that was being built to support increasing trade between the two countries. The 10 damaged hydropower facilities, including three under construction, have a combined capacity that could power 600,000 South Asian homes. Another smaller flood in the area on July 30 damaged roads and structures, but caused less overall destruction. Elsewhere in the Himalayas, flash floods swept away roads, homes and hotels on Tuesday in northern India, killing at least four people and leaving many others trapped under debris, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Himalayan region, which crosses Nepal and several nearby countries including India, is especially vulnerable to heavy rains, floods and landslides because the area is warming up faster than the rest of the world due to human-caused climate change. Climate experts say the increasing frequency of extreme weather has changed the playbook for assessing infrastructure risks while also increasing the need for smart rebuilding plans. The statistics of the past no longer apply for the future, said John Pomeroy, a hydrologist at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. The risk that goes into building a bridge or other infrastructure is generally based on historical observations of past risk, but this is no longer useful because future risk is different and often much higher. While damage estimates from the July floods in the Rasuwa region are still being calculated, past construction costs give a sense of the financial toll. The Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge alone, for example, took $68 million to rebuild after it was destroyed by a 2015 earthquake that ravaged Nepal. The latest disaster has also stoked fears of long-lasting economic damage in a region north of the capital city Kathmandu that spent years rebuilding after the 2015 quake. Nepali government officials estimate that $724 million worth of trade with China is conducted over the bridge each year, and that has come to a standstill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank God there wasnt much damage to local villages, but the container depot and bridges have been completely destroyed. This has severely affected workers, hotel operators, laborers, and truck drivers who rely on cross-border trade for their livelihoods, said Kaami Tsering, a local government official, in a phone interview with The Associated Press. Among those affected is Urken Tamang, a 50-year-old parking attendant at the depot who has been out of work for several weeks. A small tea shop he runs nearby with his family has also suffered. Weve been unlucky, said Tamang, a former farmer who sold his land and changed jobs when work on the depot began. He added: The whole area was severely damaged by the 2015 earthquake, and just when life was slowly returning to normal, this devastating flood struck." Disasters show need for climate-resilient infrastructure Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nepal floods are the latest in a series of disasters in South Asia during this years monsoon season. Research has shown that extreme weather has become more frequent in the region including heat waves, heavy rains and melting glaciers. Climate experts said smart planning and rebuilding in climate-vulnerable regions must include accounting for multiple risks, installing early warning systems, preparing local communities for disasters and, when needed, relocating infrastructure. What we have to avoid is the insanity of rebuilding after a natural disaster in the same place where it occurred and where we know it will occur again at even higher probability," said Pomeroy, the Canadian hydrologist. "Thats a very poor decision. Unfortunately, thats what most countries do. Before rebuilding in Rasuwa, Nepal government officials need to assess overall risks, including those due to extreme weather and climate change, said Bipin Dulal, an analyst at Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bridge connecting the two countries was rebuilt to better withstand earthquakes after it was destroyed in 2015, but it appears that officials didn't properly account for the risk of flooding as intense as what occurred in early July, Dulal said. We have to see what the extreme risk scenarios can be and we should rebuild in a way in which the infrastructure can handle those extremes, said Dulal. Dulal said that large building projects in South Asia typically undertake environmental impact assessments that dont adequately factor in the risks of floods and other disasters. The center is developing a multi-hazard risk assessment framework that it hopes will be adopted by planners and builders in the region to better account for the dangers of extreme weather. Resilient structures can save billions in the long run Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024 alone, there were 167 disasters in Asia including storms, floods, heat waves and earthquakes which was the most of any continent, according to the Emergency Events Database maintained by the University of Louvain, Belgium. These led to losses of over $32 billion, the researchers found. These disasters are all wake-up calls. These risks are real, said Ramesh Subramaniam, global director of programs and strategy at the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. A CDRI analysis found that $124 billion worth of Nepal's infrastructure is vulnerable to the impacts of climate-driven disasters, creating the potential for hundreds of millions of dollars in annual losses if the country doesn't invest in resiliency. Investing a relatively smaller figure now would prevent the loss of these enormous sums of damages, said Subramaniam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subramaniam said that most climate investments are directed towards mitigation, such as building clean energy projects and trying to reduce the amount of planet-heating gases being released. But given extreme weather damage already occurring, investing in adapting to global warming is also equally important, he said. I think countries are learning and adaptation is becoming a standard feature in their annual planning, he said. Global efforts to prepare for and deal with such losses include a climate loss and damage fund set up by the United Nations in 2023. The fund currently has $348 million available, which the U.N. warns is only a fraction of the yearly need for economic damage related to human-caused climate change. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank have also provided loans or grants to build climate-resilient projects. In Nepals recently flood-ravaged region, Tsering, the local government official, said the repeated disasters have taken more than a financial toll on residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though the river has now returned to a normal flow, the fear remains," he said. "People will always worry that something like this could happen again. ___ Arasu reported from Bengaluru, India ___ Follow Sibi Arasu on X at @sibi123 ___ Follow Niranjan Shrestha on Instagram at @nirishrestha ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. A Ukrainian military unit said it built a new robot that can shoot down Russian aircraft. The 28th Mechanized Brigade put a Soviet-era missile launcher on a remote-controlled robot. The new invention is a first that is aimed at keeping troops safer in battle. A front-line Ukrainian military unit said it built a new robot that can shoot down Russian aircraft. It is said to be the first weapon of its kind in this conflict. The remote-controlled robot offers air defense solutions to front-line fighters without requiring soldiers to expose themselves to the prolific threat of drones. Ukraine has constantly found itself needing air defense options for both its cities and for its troops fighting along the front lines, and has found innovative ways to get there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russian aviation poses a threat not only to peaceful cities but also directly to the front line," Ukraine's 28th Mechanized Brigade explained in a post on the Telegram messaging app, adding that Russian planes, helicopters, and reconnaissance drones appear over infantry positions regularly. In the past, soldiers could use man-portable air defenses to shoot down the aircraft, "but now the situation has changed," the 28th said, according to a translation of the statement. Russian drones "literally hang in the air, tracking every movement and not even allowing soldiers to raise their heads from the trenches." The unit said it responded to this problem by arming a ground robot with an "Igla" surface-to-air missile system, developing the country's first air defense system mounted on an uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV). A missile launched from the ground robot. Kostiantyn Liberov via 28th Mechanized Brigade The 9K38 Igla is a Soviet-era man-portable air defense system, known as MANPADS. It is essentially a shoulder-launched weapon that fires munitions at higher-threat targets like planes, helicopters, and cruise missiles that might be beyond the reach of machine guns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear how many targets this robotic system will have the chance to engage. Over the course of the war, Ukraine has destroyed or damaged over 300 Russian aircraft and helicopters, per the open-source intelligence site Oryx, which tracks equipment losses on both sides, but aircraft of all different types are still flying. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine triggered an arms race, with Moscow and Kyiv rushing to develop and field new technology that could help give them an edge in the grinding conflict. Drone warfare and robotics have emerged as leading areas of innovation by far, as uncrewed systems are being used in combat on the ground, in the air, and at sea. Russia and Ukraine have continuously tried to adapt their drones to outsmart the enemy. The air defense robot is one of the latest examples of innovation with UGVs. The Ukrainian armed forces, for instance, have been experimenting with automated machine gun turrets, which allow troops to keep their heads down in combat. Front-line units are mounting .50-caliber machine guns and grenade launchers on ground vehicles. And a Ukrainian company is said to have developed a new ground combat robot that can carry and launch multiple first-person-view drones, acting like a mothership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other UGVs can carry out additional combat and logistics missions, such as delivering ammunition to troop positions, evacuating wounded soldiers, placing land mines, and detonating next to enemy armored vehicles. Read the original article on Business Insider PANAMA CITY Employers across Northwest Florida will gather at Florida State University Panama City for the fall Career & Internship Fair in October to hire college students and community members. According to a press release, the Career & Internship Fair will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the Holley Academic Centers St. Joe Community Foundation Lecture Hall, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City. "Bay County and the surrounding areas are experiencing significant economic growth in a wide range of industries, while also welcoming new industries to our area," Jim Allen, director of academic and registrar services for FSU Panama City, said in a news release. This means that those businesses will need additional staff and qualified talent, and FSU Panama City and Gulf Coast State College are great resources to help build pipelines of talent into those businesses. The event is open to all FSU Panama City and Gulf Coast State College students seeking employment. This event will be open to all FSU Panama City and Gulf Coast State College students seeking employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employers who would like to participate in the event may contact Allen at jwallen@fsu.edu or call 850-770-2161 for instructions on registering. New Coffee Shop: Growth mode: This Bay County coffee shop will open its second location soon. Details here. Employers must register using NoleNetwork (career.fsu.edu/nolenetwork), FSUs jobs/internship database, where an overview of each employer registered for the event can be found. Students can log in to NoleNetwork using FSU credentials to learn more about each employer or view the current list of participating employers by visiting the FSU Panama City webpage, pc.fsu.edu/students/career-services. This event is free and open to the public. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: FSU Panama City is hosting a career and internship fair. What to know A Florida convicted felon on the run for over two years on an attempted first-degree murder charge was arrested on Saturday after knocking down a police officer while trying to flee. The Winter Haven Public Safety Department said 27-year-old DArchitray L. Sapp was arrested and charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, along with charges for three warrants, including attempted first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Officers responded to an apartment complex at about 8:20 p.m. on Saturday after receiving a report that someone was at the location with a warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the officers arrived, they located Sapp, who allegedly ran into an apartment after seeing the officers. Chilling Security Footage Captures Woman's Desperate Escape From Florida Kidnapping Attempt In Parking Lot Once the officers confirmed Sapp was inside the apartment, they took steps to evacuate the innocent occupants from inside. Sapp also left the apartment, and officers attempted to place him in handcuffs. Read On The Fox News App Police said Sapp yanked his arms from behind his body to the front and took off. As he ran away, he allegedly ran into a female officer on purpose, shoving her with his shoulder and knocking her to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sapp continued to flee from the police despite officers commanding him to stop. At one point, two officers deployed their agency-issued electronic stun guns. Cocky Fugitive's Social Media Challenge To Sheriff Backfires In Spectacular Fashion Both officers successfully struck Sapp, police said, and he was taken into custody. Police noted that the officer who was knocked to the ground was not injured. Sapp, on the other hand, was taken to an area hospital where he was medically cleared following the electric stun gun deployment. He was then transported to the Polk County Jail where he was processed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nypd Hunts For Man Accused Of Beating Off-duty Cop And Stealing His Gun, Alleged Accomplice Arrested A convicted felon in Florida was arrested on several warrants, including one for attempted first-degree murder. Sapp was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence. He was also charged with the three warrants, which were for attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing to elude, giving false information to a law enforcement officer, driving with a suspended license and criminal mischief. "I am thankful that our officers were not injured during the encounter with this violent felon", Police Chief Vance Monroe said. "Our officers did an outstanding job ensuring Sapp was taken off the street and put behind bars where he belongs." Original article source: Fugitive knocks down officer during dramatic arrest after 2-year manhunt in Florida The WVMR studio in Dunmore, West Virginia. (Courtesy photo) As our congressional delegation continues to vote to stop wasteful spending, well see and hear about more and more people who will suffer from their actions. Besides the thousands who will lose their health coverage from cuts to Medicaid, cuts to public media could put residents in danger during natural disasters. West Virginia Watch reporter Lori Kersey reported on a radio station in Pocahontas County that has lost 70% of its budget after Congress voted to revoke $1.1 billion in previously approved spending for public broadcasting. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, as well as Reps. Carol Miller and Riley Moore, all voted in favor of the bill. President Donald Trump signed the bill into law late last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im proud to cast my vote for this commonsense rescission package the days of wasting money with zero regard for the taxpayer are over, Justice said in a news release. This package helps keep folks tax dollars from being spent on out-of-touch nonsense on the other side of the world and keeps it where it should be: in the pockets of hardworking West Virginians. Allegheny Mountain Radio has three stations one in West Virginia, and two in Virginia and all of them are losing substantial funding. The stations are non-commercial, and operated by volunteers and a small paid staff. WVMR, in Dunmore, has been on the air since August 1981. AMR received government funding because the stations are sole service providers in the areas they serve meaning they are the only reliable radio stations for some people. The (Federal Communications Commission) looks at the topography maps, signal strength of stations, etc, for that designation. While you can get other signals here, they are not always strong or clear, depending on atmospheric conditions, AMRs station manager Scott Smith said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When AMR posted Loris story on its Facebook page, one commenter expressed how important the stations are to him. What seems to be lost is the AMR stations are the ONLY reliable radio signals in that area of Virginia and West Virginia, wrote Jeff Connors of Roanoke, Virginia. In case of an emergency, there is no other radio station that could air the Emergency Alert System, and no way to inform the communities in case of power outages. Decisions like these are always short-sighted. Lawmakers often dont think of the worst case scenario. Sure, we can get emergency alerts on TV, but many people no longer have cable and use streaming services and if the power, cable or internet is out, they cant reach you anyway. Our smart phones put out tornado warnings, but what if winds have knocked down the cell tower or your phone is dead? If you have batteries and a radio (and please, make sure you have those in case of an emergency), then your local radio station can still reach you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Loris story, AMR had received more than 120 private donations after the news of their funding loss. Smith told Lori that number was up to 144 as of Friday morning. And while donations are great, they are not reliable funding. In 2024, Americans gave about $592.5 billion in charitable donations, according to the National Philanthropic Trust. Of that, individuals donated the most at $392.45 billion, followed by foundations with $109.81 billion, giving by bequest at $45.84 billion was next and corporations were last at $44.40 billion. Only about 9.5% of those donations went to the arts, culture and humanities. The top receiver of donations was religion at 23%, followed by 14% to human services, 14% to education, 11% to grantmaking foundations and 11% to public-society benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And before you say radio is a dying medium, a Nielson report found that AM/FM radio reaches 91% of U.S. adults each month. Even in what is considered a hard-to-reach demographic 18-34-year-olds 87% listen to traditional radio each month. That number climbs to 93% for adults 35-49, and 92% for those 50 and older. In West Virginia, where there are areas without cell phone service or broadband internet, those numbers could be even higher. Nielsen also found that traditional radios reach exceeds other music sources like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, Apple Music, Amazon Music and satellite radio across age groups. On Friday, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced it is shutting down one day after a major Senate appropriations bill did not include funding for public media, and following the Trump administration two-year rescission of funding agreed to by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The corporation helped provide Community Service Grants and raised money for 1,216 public radio stations and 365 public television stations, including Allegheny Mountain Radio and West Virginia Public Broadcasting. WVPBs radio station lost 3% of its total revenue from the cuts, and its TV station lost 11%. Public broadcasting has 11 member stations throughout the state. These stations provide free, vital news, and West Virginians should be worried that our lawmakers in Washington, D.C. see no value in that and call it wasteful. What they are really worried about is West Virginians being better informed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Fundraiser at Piedmont Park raises $40K to prepare metro Atlanta kids for new school year A fundraising event at Piedmont Park on Sunday raised $40,000 to help prepare Metro Atlanta kids for the new school year. For the Kid in All of Us, a group that has been hosting the backpack party for 22 years, organized the event. Participants donated backpacks and funds to support local children. The Georgia Tech cheerleaders kicked off the event, adding excitement and energy to the fundraiser. The community came together to support the cause, with many people making donations. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Those attending the event could either purchase a virtual backpack for the party for $40, or bring a backpack filled with supplies such as two-pocket folders, a glue stick, spiral notebooks, Crayons, index cards, a three-ring binder, filler paper, a rule, erasers, a pencil sharpener, and pencils. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 Action News was a co-sponsor of the event, and Channel 2s Jorge Estevez served as emcee. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] TEMPLE, Texas (FOX 44) The Temple community is invited to attend the funeral of a police officer. Temple PD says the family of Officer T. Charlie Aumua would like to invite the public to attend the funeral service to commemorate his life. This will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at the Vista Community Church, located at 7051 Stonehollow. There will not be an escort departing the funeral. In addition, the department has placed Aumuas patrol vehicle in front of the police department at 209 E Avenue A, and is inviting the community to stop by and celebrate the accomplishments he has achieved as an officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe has also been set up to help support the family as they travel through these next few weeks. You can make a donation here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. The draft of the law set graduated conscription targets for yeshiva students over five years, with a gradual annual conscription requirement. Even more questions surround the future of the controversial haredi (ultra-Orthodox) conscription bill in the aftermath of MK Boaz Bismuths appointment as the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman. MK Yuli Edelstein, who had led the efforts to pass the bill that would enforce the haredi conscription, was officially ousted on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edelsteins replacement with Bismuth was due to the fallout in negotiations over the haredi law proposal, which had led to the departure of the two haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, from the government in July. Upon Bismuths appointment, he immediately stated his intention to head on a new path with the haredi draft. Expressing full confidence in his abilities, Bismuth stated, We, the elected officials, represent the full spectrum of opinions in society. There are disagreements among us sometimes deep ones but I am not alarmed by that. Bismuth also expressed his belief in reaching a historic solution to the issue of haredi conscription. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The connection between ancient tradition and Torah study, the state and the IDF, its defensive force, is a winning combination. We must reach a historic solution that will lead us toward a new path, he added. The enemy does not differentiate between Jewish communities. We are all in the same boat, Bismuth said. The day following his appointment, Bismuth held meetings with reservists and had scheduled full days of meetings ahead of him with the aim of hearing all voices, his spokesperson told The Jerusalem Post. Bismuth also showed indications of wanting to speed the process of writing the new conscription law by requesting that the Knesset hold discussions on the bill during the last two weeks of August, when it is fully in recess and no longer convenes committee meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, prior to the vote for Bismuths appointment, heated clashes took place in the Knessets House Committee, as MKs expressed opposition to Bismuths appointment due to worries about what would become of the draft law. Some MKs also expressed their belief that Bismuth did not suit the role of FADC chair. Bismuth had previously been the chair of the Knessets National Security Committee. Before his time in the Knesset, which began in 2022, he was a journalist and had been the editor-in-chief of the Israel Hayom daily. In addition to a long career in journalism, Bismuth also served as Israels ambassador to Mauritania between 2004 and 2008. Edelstein: The Knesset would no longer be the same During the heated discussion before Bismuths appointment, Edelstein told all those attending to remember this day because after it, the Knesset would no longer be the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edelstein stood firmly by the outline of the conscription law that he had worked on, which he released to the public for viewing for the first time just before the meeting took place. The draft of the law set graduated conscription targets for yeshiva students over five years, with a gradual annual conscription requirement starting at 5,760 soldiers in 2025 and rising to 9,500 soldiers in the fifth year. While Edelsteins version of the conscription law had flaws, it was the best one that we had so far, the director of the Israel Democracy Institutes Center for Shared Society, Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz, told the Post on Tuesday. From the start, I said this wouldnt be a fake draft law, Edelstein explained at the meeting, referring to the previous arrangement established by law for the deferral of haredi recruitment, which expired in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I fought for a fair draft law, but the haredi leadership refused. Changing the chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee wont change anything, he said. This removal will only lead to chaos, especially as the IDF begins enforcement operations. Todays vote is the final nail in the coffin of the draft law, Edelstein said. Renovation work in a basement triggered chaos in a small town in western Germany on Tuesday, when a damaged gas pipe forced 800 people to evacuate, local authorities said. A spokesman said electricity and gas had to be cut off in the historic old town of Bad Camberg as a result of the gas leak. The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance issued a danger warning on its website for the town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gas concentration was so high that rescue workers were initially unable to enter the basement, a fire brigade spokesman said. The pressure in the basement had to be reduced to lower the concentration below the explosion limit before repair work could begin, he said. A reception centre for evacuees was reportedly set up in a rehabilitation clinic and a shuttle service provided. Renovation work in a basement triggered chaos in a small town in western Germany on Tuesday, when a damaged gas pipe forced 800 people to evacuate, local authorities said. A spokesman said electricity and gas had to be cut off in the historic old town of Bad Camberg as a result of the gas leak. The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance issued a danger warning for the town on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 150 emergency personnel were reportedly on site. A reception centre for evacuees was set up in a rehabilitation clinic, as well as a shuttle service to transport people there. The gas concentration was so high that rescue workers were initially unable to enter the basement, a fire brigade spokesman said. Residents were able to return to their homes later in the day after the leak was repaired, Mayor Daniel Ruhl said. Artwork depicting each of Indianas 92 county courthouses are now on display at the Indiana Landmarks Center in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) The Randolph County Courthouse was once saved by seven elderly women wearing nothing but porcelain replicas of the building they were trying to protect. In Rome, Indiana which long ago lost its status as Perry Countys seat the original, early 19th-century courthouse still stands proudly near the Ohio River. And in Cass County, a local artist unknowingly contributed a decades-old painting to a now-complete, and eclectic, collection celebrating Indianas county courthouses. Theyre just a few of the stories brought to life in a new temporary exhibit highlighting the states historic county courthouses, which opened Friday at Indiana Landmarks Rapp Family Gallery in Indianapolis. Artist Kathleen Crawleys depiction of the Delaware County Courthouse, now on display at the Indiana Landmarks Center in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) The exhibit features 92 original artworks one from each of Indianas counties and represents the culmination of an 18-year project led by Noblesville attorney Doug Church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paintings are all sizes, theyre all different kinds of approaches to the art, Church said during a talk at the gallery Friday evening. There are oils, pastels, pen and ink, theres a woodcut. Its really remarkable. It is eclectic to the max. The exhibit is the result of a long-running collaboration between Indiana Landmarks, the Indiana State Bar Association and the Indiana Bar Foundation, with contributions from judges, lawyers, historians, artists and community members across the state. Since 2007, Church has worked to collect an original artwork for each of Indianas county courthouses some current, some historic, and some a little of both. Church praised the buildings themselves as secular cathedrals that symbolize the rule of law and anchor communities across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no artistic restrictions on medium or style, the collection now includes everything from juried contest winners to historic pieces long stored in basements or donated by local groups Dougs courthouse project isnt just about creating beautiful artwork, though the 92 pieces are truly stunning, said Michael Jasaitis, president of the Indiana State Bar Association. This project represents something far more profound. Its about understanding that courthouses are the beating heart of our communities, the physical manifestation of our commitment to the rule of law. A statewide search As Church recounted, the project began when he convinced his own Hamilton County Bar Association to commission a painting for his 2007 installation as president of the state bar. That painting, of the courthouse just across the street from his law office in downtown Noblesville, became the first in the collection. Eighteen years and thousands of miles later, Church has amassed 91 handcrafted images plus one woodcut each representing a different courthouse. Nearly all are tied to a unique story, the lawyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The painting of the Cass County Courthouse, for example, was completed by late artist Helen Irene Miller Murphy, who left behind hundreds of works now housed with the Logansport Art Association. Church had nearly given up on Cass County when the association reached out with an offer. Noblesville attorney Doug Church discusses his 18-year effort to collect original artwork of every county courthouse in Indiana on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) They said, We found a courthouse, and were willing to sell, he recalled. Reluctantly, I responded. I said, I really appreciate that, but we want a loan. There was nothing for a while. And then I got a call, they said, Weve changed our minds. Well donate it. The Cass County piece, obtained earlier this year, was the final one needed to complete the statewide collection. The painting by Murphy, who passed away in 2015 at 103 years of age, is not dated but was likely completed in the late 1950s, Church said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another standout is the courthouse painting for Tippecanoe County, where the local bar association raised funds for a juried art contest and commissioned seven different artworks, including one of the county courthouse. The opening reception in Lafayette ultimately drew 40 submissions and hundreds of attendees. Artwork depicting each of Indianas 92 county courthouses are now on display at the Indiana Landmarks Center in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) In Randolph County, residents famously rallied against plans to raze their courthouse in the early 2000s. The resistance included seven women ranging in age from 77 to 94, recalled Clay Miller, former president of the Indiana State Bar Association and a past Indiana Landmarks board member. They were all part of the bridge club wearing only their birthday suits, strategically concealed by porcelain models of the original witness, Miller said during the Friday presentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their protest, featured in the documentary Courthouse Girls of Farmland, helped save the structure thats now topped once more with its iconic clock tower. Symbols of law and community But the courthouse buildings themselves are more than civic architecture, said historian Elizabeth Osborn. An oil on canvas painting of the Franklin County Courthouse created by Franklin County Circuit Court Judge J. Steven Cox. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) They are the brick and mortar representation or symbol of the civic ideals and aspirations of the people who commissioned them, paid for them, and saw them as important parts of their community, said Osborn, director of education at Indiana Universitys Center on Representative Government. She described Indianas courthouses as head and shoulders above their neighbors literally. Often the tallest and grandest buildings in their towns, they serve as physical symbols of justice, order and community pride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even today, Osborn noted, when courthouse interiors might be guarded by metal detectors, or even when courts move to other locations, the buildings still function as local hubs housing not just courtrooms, but government offices, public records and community events. You paid your taxes there, you registered to vote, you maybe served on a jury, she said. Courthouses were the center of the community. And now, Osborn continued, courthouses are being preserved, even after they fall out of use for their intended purposes. From basements to the gallery Many of the pieces in the exhibit were collected or discovered via chance encounters, archival hunts or personal connections, Church said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One painting, of the historic Madison County Courthouse, sat in storage at the Anderson Library for years before Church arranged its donation. His father had originally gifted the piece in honor of Churchs late mother, a trustee of the library. Some courthouses were painted by professionals, others by hobbyists. Some depict newly built justice centers, like those in Marion or Floyd counties, while others capture long-lost historic courthouses like Delaware Countys original building, replaced in the 1960s. Indiana Supreme Court Justice Geoffrey Slaughter speaks at the opening of Indiana Landmarks courthouse art exhibit on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) In Steuben County, Church accepted a courthouse painting by an unknown artist after a judge discovered it in the basement. The judge was so excited to give me this painting, Church said. Then he said, Come on up, and took me to the top of the courthouse tower. It was one of those special moments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exhibit will remain on view at Indiana Landmarks Center for the foreseeable future, though Church and the bar association hope it eventually finds a permanent public home. The ultimate objective is for the artwork to be displayed in a public place, like a state judicial building when the state of Indiana finally decides to build one. Our fingers are crossed, Church said. We want them all to be displayed, where everyone can see them. The collections mission, he added, is not just about art, but about honoring the legacy and continued relevance of Indianas county courthouses. These are the biggest buildings. The most significant architecture, Church said. Theyre secular cathedrals. And were lucky. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Happy Tuesday, and welcome to another edition of Rent Free. This week's stories include: A California homeowner files yet another challenge to a local "inclusionary zoning" program. Oregon passes what might just be the most radical YIMBY reform yet. A federal judge sides with fair housing groups claiming that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is improperly dragging its feet on awarding federal fair housing enforcement grants. But first, our lead item on California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' declaration of NIMBY martial law to prevent duplexes from being built in areas of Los Angeles affected by this year's wildfires. Gavin Newsom, Karen Bass Declare NIMBY Martial Law California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass are doing their best to ensure that no new net housing is created during the rebuilding of Los Angeles' wildfire-ravaged neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the two issued twin executive orders that collectively suspend a state law allowing builders to build duplexes on single-family zoned properties and/or divide single-family zoned lots into separate properties. The state law, Senate Bill (S.B.) 9, was passed in 2021 with the goal of enabling more small-lot starter homes and "middle housing" in the state's lowest-density areas. Bass said in a statement issued a day prior to her executive order that while she supports the goal of S.B. 9, deploying it in the context of the Palisades rebuild would strain local infrastructure and heighten future fire risks. "Legislators in Sacramento could not have foreseen the bill's impact on the Palisades community as it works to rebuild from one of the worst natural disasters in state history," said Bass in a Tuesday statement. Permitting new duplexes and lot splits "could fundamentally alter the safety of the area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics of Newsom and Bass' orders argue that S.B. 9 already contains sufficient fire safety provisions and that suspending the law will only impair efforts to rebuild the Palisades. Sonja Trauss, executive director of YIMBY Law, which litigates to enforce state housing laws, says that the governor's post-disaster emergency powers to suspend laws are more properly applied to regulations that might inhibit recovery efforts. She gives the example of suspending procurement laws to expedite the purchase of emergency supplies. Suspending a law that allows additional housing construction does not fit that mold, she says. "S.B. 9, which allows duplexes on single-family lots, doesn't interfere with recovery. It is recovery," Trauss tells Reason. "For someone who had a single-family home and now has nothing, it might be a faster path for them to rebuild up to four units if that's more economically feasible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement S.B. 9 already requires builders to meet updated ingress and egress standards. It also gives local governments discretion to deny S.B. 9 projects if they have health or safety impacts that cannot be mitigated. Nevertheless, Newsom's executive order says that "the unprecedented scale of this disaster calls for affording local governments increased discretion to ensure that SB 9 development in the rebuilding areas appropriately accounts for fire safety concerns." The practical effects of suspending S.B. 9 are likely limited. Builders have made little use of the law since it went into effect in 2022, in large part because local governments have actively limited its effectiveness by piling additional regulations and fees on duplex and lot split projects. A bill to make S.B. 9 more usable by preempting those additional local rules failed a crucial committee vote back in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bass and Newsom's executive orders attempting to streamline wildfire rebuilds have also generally excluded projects that would add additional units and additional floor space. Both have the effect of limiting builders' willingness to propose S.B. 9 projects in the Palisades. A spokesperson for the mayor's office told LAist that only seven S.B. 9 applications have been filed in the Palisades since the fire in January, out of 400 wildfire rebuild applications in the area. The Palisades fire destroyed 5,000 homes in Los Angeles in very high fire hazard severity zones. Despite the limited use of S.B. 9 in the Palisades, community groups and local elected officials have expressed concern that the law has been enabling builders to profit off of the wildfire rebuilding efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While your Emergency Orders have paved the way for an accelerated recovery by streamlining and waiving hurdles that have greatly benefitted homeowners, opportunistic developers are now using them in conjunction with state density laws to exploit a devastating disaster for their economic advantage," wrote Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park, who represents the Palisades, in a Monday letter to Newsom urging the suspension of S.B. 9. Westside Current first reported on Park's letter. Trauss says it's unfortunate that the governor and mayor bent to this local pressure campaign, given the limited use of S.B. 9 in the wildfire rebuilding efforts and the fire safety provisions already written into the law. "This was an opportunity for Mayor Bass and the governor to show leadership," she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trauss says that YIMBY Law is currently considering whether to file a lawsuit challenging the governor's suspension of S.B. 9. Oregon Gets Radical New Powers To Override Local Zoning Rules. Will the State Use Them? Oregon continues to evolve land use regulations up to the state level with the goal of overriding local obstacles to home construction. State lawmakers passed two bills this legislative session to this effect. The first, House Bill (H.B.) 2138, is a sweeping bill directing localities to amend their zoning codes to allow for a long list of housing types. Localities must allow attached and detached housing on low-density lots, permit duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes on the same lots, and allow these lots to be subdivided and sold separately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All told, this expands on Oregon's previous "middle housing" reforms that directed localities to allow smaller-unit multifamily developments in single-family zoned neighborhoods. Additionally, H.B. 2138 would require cities to give builders a "density bonus" above existing zoning limits when they're constructing affordable housing and/or handicap accessible housing. It would also direct localities to count "sleeping units" in co-living buildings as less than a full unit when applying parking minimum regulations and homes-per-acre limits. Michael Andersen of the Sightline Institute writes that this will make Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) developments more feasible under existing zoning codes. For all its reforms, H.B. 2138 is relatively standard in approach. Like other preemption bills, it tells localities that they have to amend their own zoning rules to allow certain types of projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much more radical in approach is H.B. 2258. This bill gives the state the power to compel localities to approve projects using state-approved building plans on vacant, urban lots, regardless of any local zoning restrictions. Because the state would also have carte blanche to draft those state-approved building plans and because vacant lots would include lots on which a pre-existing building had been recently demolished, this effectively means the state could require a locality to allow any type of housing almost anywhere within an urban area. The theoretical grant of power to the state to override local zoning restrictions is effectively absolute. Were the state to aggressively use its newly granted powers, H.B. 2258 could be considered one of the most radical YIMBY zoning reforms to be passed to date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how radical H.B. 2258 proves in practice depends very much on the decisions state agencies make in implementing the law. The law includes a number of clauses saying that the state "may" adopt rules for requiring localities to approve housing, and it "may" adopt state-approved building plans. That leaves it a lot of discretion to state agencies deciding when, and if, to override local zoning. The state could, for instance, write rules to override local restrictions on accessory dwelling units and townhomes, but nothing else. The political will to use the law aggressively might also not be there. H.B. 2258 passed nearly unanimously in the Legislature. The governor's office, which was the primary advocate for the bill, also did not pitch it as a major override of local zoning authority. In other words, the lawmakers who passed the bill and the executive branch officials who will implement it do not seem to envision it as a vehicle for radical zoning abolition. "My read of it as a lay person is that it gives the state vast powers that it has no current intention of using," says Andersen to Reason in an interview. "Unless someone really embraces its potential within the state land use agency, I don't really see it taking off." Nevertheless, the law is on the books now, and its grant of powers to the state to do something radical should it choose to is there. Time will tell if H.B. 2258 will ever be used to its full effect. Yet Another Challenge to Inclusionary Zoning Yet another homeowner is challenging their city's requirement that they pay hefty affordable housing fees in order to add new housing on their property. Wesley Yu of East Palo Alto, California, plans to build a single-family home and accessory dwelling unit on a vacant lot he owns next to his primary residence. In order to do so, East Palo Alto is requiring that Yu either convert one of the units into income-restricted affordable housing or pay the city a $55,000 affordable housing fee. In a lawsuit filed this past Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Yu argues this requirement is an unconstitutional exaction. Yu is being represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation. Under existing U.S. Supreme Court precedent, governments can only attach conditions to building permits that have some "essential nexus" to the proposed project's impacts. Those conditions must be "roughly proportional" to the project's impacts. Yu argues that building two units of housing on his property does not make housing in East Palo Alto less affordable. Therefore, he can't be forced to pay an affordable housing fee or create an income-restricted unit in order to get a building permit. Yu's complaint notes an added irony that, if he were to fulfill the city's inclusionary zoning requirement by making his newly built home an income-restricted affordable unit, he likely wouldn't qualify to live in it. His lawsuit is part of a flurry of recent challenges to "inclusionary zoning" ordinances that require new housing developments to contain affordable housing units or pay affordable housing fees. Homeowners in Seattle filed a lawsuit challenging that city's affordable housing mandates last month. (Read Rent Free's coverage of that case here.) While the U.S. Supreme Court's rulings on unconstitutional conditions would seemingly quite obviously preclude cities from imposing mandatory affordability requirements on new housing, lower courts have been loath to rule in favor of plaintiffs challenging inclusionary zoning. Judge Blocks DOGE's Cuts to Fair Housing Grants A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to withhold federal grants to fair housing groups. Back in March, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had canceled grants to fair housing groups, which use that money to file fair housing enforcement actions against property owners and local governments. At the time, HUD had said the grant cancellations were being done to ensure that grantees and contractors were following President Donald Trump's executive orders. Grant termination letters obtained by the Associated Press said the cuts were being done at the behest of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In response, a collection of fair housing groups led by the National Fair Housing Alliance sued the administration. They argued the administration was required by statute to release the fair housing grants. They argued a temporary restraining order was necessary because HUD has only until September 30 to award the fair housing grants, after which the funding becomes unavailable. HUD had argued that while it was taking additional time to review the award of fair housing grants, it still planned on meeting that September 30 deadline to dispense the funds in question. In a Monday-issued decision, U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia largely sided with plaintiffs. Her temporary restraining order requires HUD to produce weekly plans explaining how it will meet the September 30 deadline to distribute the grant funding authorized by Congress. "While HUD may select the grant recipients and make other decisions about how to use or allocate the funds appropriated by Congress, it may not refuse to award those funds altogether," wrote Sooknanan. Quick Links The Senate Banking Committee unanimously passed the ROAD to Housing Act, setting it up for a potential floor vote by the full Senate. Read last week's deep dive on the bill's supply portions. Bloomberg CityLab has a new piece on the explosion of data center construction in Northern Virginia, and the anti-growth anxiety it's provoking among residents. Speaking of Los Angeles's wildfire rebuilding efforts, the city's new streamlined permitting process is not as fast as you might think. LADWP's "one-stop" fire-rebuild permit desk empty. Our staff was told it is staffed by LADWP for only 2 hours a day. This is expedited rebuilding in LA City. pic.twitter.com/J7oCbooOsd Alexis Rivas (@alexisxrivas) July 30, 2025 Texas landowners on the U.S.-Mexico border face the threat of eminent domain as a result of renewed border wall construction, reports The Wall Street Journal. Derek Thompson demolishes the notion that home prices in Dallas are increasing because of consolidation among large homebuilders. The post Gavin Newsom, Karen Bass Declare NIMBY Martial Law To Stop Duplexes in the Palisades appeared first on Reason.com. Truck drivers trying to deliver aid inside Gaza say their work has become increasingly dangerous in recent months as people have grown desperately hungry and violent gangs have filled a power vacuum left by the territorys Hamas rulers. Crowds of hungry people routinely rip aid off the backs of moving trucks, the local drivers said. Some trucks are hijacked by armed men working for gangs who sell the aid in Gazas markets for exorbitant prices. Israeli troops often shoot into the chaos, they said. Drivers have been killed in the mayhem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since March, when Israel ended a ceasefire in its war with Hamas and halted all imports, the situation has grown increasingly dire in the territory of some 2 million Palestinians. International experts are now warning of a worst-case scenario of famine in Gaza. Under heavy international pressure, Israel last week announced measures to let more aid into Gaza. Though aid groups say its still not enough, getting even that amount from the border crossings to the people who need it is difficult and extremely dangerous, the drivers said. Driving aid trucks can be deadly Thousands of people packed around the road Monday as two trucks entered southern Gaza, AP video showed. Young men overwhelmed the trucks, standing on the cabs roofs, dangling from the sides and clambering over each other onto the truck beds to grab boxes even as the trucks slowly kept driving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of my drivers are scared to go transfer aid because theyre concerned about how theyll untangle themselves from large crowds of people, said Abu Khaled Selim, vice president of the Special Transport Association, a nonprofit group that works with private transportation companies across the Gaza Strip and advocates for truck drivers' rights. Selim said his nephew, Ashraf Selim, a father of eight, was killed July 29 by a stray bullet when Israeli forces opened fire on crowds climbing onto the aid truck he was driving. Shifa Hospital officials said they received his body with an apparent gunshot to the head. The Israeli military said it was unaware of the incident and that as a rule" it does not carry out deliberate attacks on aid trucks. Earlier in the war, aid deliveries were safer because, with more food getting into Gaza, the population was less desperate. Hamas-run police had been seen securing convoys and went after suspected looters and merchants who resold aid at exorbitant prices, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, with the situation unsecured, everything is permissible, said Selim, who appealed for protection so the aid trucks could reach warehouses. The U.N. does not accept protection from Israeli forces, saying it would violate its rules of neutrality, and said that given the urgent need for aid it would accept that hungry people were going to grab food off the back of the trucks as long as they werent violent. Flooding Gaza with renewed aid would ease the desperation and make things safer for the drivers, said Juliette Touma, communications director at UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. The danger for drivers is growing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ali al-Derbashi, 22, was an aid truck driver for more than a year and a half, but he quit after his last trip three weeks ago because of the increasing danger, he said. Some people taking aid off the trucks are now carrying cleavers, knives and axes, he said. He was once ambushed and forcibly redirected to an area designated by Israel as a conflict zone in its war against Hamas. There everything was stolen, including his trucks fuel and batteries, and his tires were shot out, he said. He was beaten and his phone was stolen. We put our lives in danger for this. We leave our families for two or three days every time. And we dont even have water or food ourselves, he said. In addition to the danger, the drivers faced humiliation from Israeli forces, he said, who put them through prolonged searches, unclear instructions, and hours of waiting. The war began Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 others. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to the latest figures by Gazas Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between militants and civilians and operates under the Hamas government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threats come from everywhere Nahed Sheheibr, head of the Special Transport Association, said the danger for the drivers comes from everywhere. He accused Israel of detaining drivers and using them as human shields. The Israeli military did not comment on the accusation. In recent days, men linked to a violent Gaza clan fired at drivers, injuring one, and looted a convoy of 14 trucks, he said. They later looted a convoy of 10 trucks. Hossni al-Sharafi, who runs a trucking company and was an aid driver himself, said he is only allowed to use drivers who have no political affiliation and have been approved by Israel to transport aid from crossings. Al-Sharafi said he was detained by Israeli forces for more than 10 days last year while transporting aid from the southern Kerem Shalom crossing and interrogated about where the truck was headed and how the aid was being distributed. Israeli officials did not comment on the accusations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some drivers spoke of being shot at repeatedly by armed gangs. Others said their trucks were routinely picked clean even of the wooden pallets by waves of desperate people, many of whom were fighting each other for the food, while Israeli troops were shooting. Hungry families who miss out on the aid throw stones at the trucks in anger. Anas Rabea said the moment he pulled out of the Zikkim crossing last week his aid truck was overwhelmed by a crowd. Our instructions are to stop, because we dont want to run anyone over, he said. Its crazy. You have people climbing all over the cargo, over the windows. Its like youre blind, you cant see out. After the crowd had stripped everything, he drove another few hundred meters and was stopped by an armed gang that threatened to shoot him. They searched the truck and took a bag of flour he had saved for himself, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every time we go out, we get robbed," he said. "Its getting worse day by day. - Associated Press writers Julia Frankel contributed to this report from Jerusalem and Sally Abou Aljoud from Beirut. Mariam Dagga contributed from Khan Younis, Gaza Strip. As it grinds on well into its twenty-second month, Israel's war in Gaza has set friends and families against one another and sharpened existing political and cultural divides. Hostage families and peace activists want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to secure a ceasefire with Hamas and free the remaining captives abducted during the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Right-wing members of Netanyahu's cabinet, meanwhile, want to seize the moment to occupy and annex more Palestinian land, at the risk of sparking further international criticism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The debate has divided the country and strained private relationships, undermining national unity at Israel's moment of greatest need in the midst of its longest war. "As the war continues we become more and more divided," said Emanuel Yitzchak Levi, a 29-year-old poet, schoolteacher and peace activist from Israel's religious left who attended a peace meeting at Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Square. "It's really hard to keep being a friend, or family, a good son, a good brother to someone that's -- from your point of view -- supporting crimes against humanity," he told AFP. "And I think it's also hard for them to support me if they think I betrayed my own country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As if to underline this point, a tall, dark-haired cyclist angered by the gathering pulled up his bike to shout "traitors" at the attendees and to accuse activists of playing into Hamas's hands. - No flowers - Dvir Berko, a 36-year-old worker at one of the city's many IT startups, paused his scooter journey across downtown Tel Aviv to share a more reasoned critique of the peace activists' call for a ceasefire. Berko and others accused international bodies of exaggerating the threat of starvation in Gaza, and he told AFP that Israel should withhold aid until the remaining 49 hostages are freed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Palestinian people, they're controlled by Hamas. Hamas takes their food. Hamas starts this war and, in every war that happens, bad things are going to happen. You're not going to send the other side flowers," he argued. "So, if they open a war, they should realise and understand what's going to happen after they open the war." The raised voices in Tel Aviv reflect a deepening polarisation in Israeli society since Hamas's October 2023 attacks left 1,219 people dead, independent journalist Meron Rapoport told AFP. Rapoport, a former senior editor at liberal daily Haaretz, noted that Israel had been divided before the latest conflict, and had even seen huge anti-corruption protests against Netanyahu and perceived threats to judicial independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas's attack initially triggered a wave of national unity, but as the conflict has dragged on and Israel's conduct has come under international criticism, attitudes on the right and left have diverged and hardened. - Political motives - "The moment Hamas acted there was a coming together," Rapoport said. "Nearly everyone saw it as a just war. "As the war went on it has made people come to the conclusion that the central motivations are not military reasons but political ones." According to a survey conducted between July 24 and 28 by the Institute for National Security Studies, with 803 Jewish and 151 Arab respondents, Israelis narrowly see Hamas as primarily to blame for the delay in reaching a deal on freeing the hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only 24 percent of Israeli Jews are distressed or "very distressed" by the humanitarian situation in Gaza -- where, according to UN-mandated reports, "a famine is unfolding" and Palestinian civilians are often killed while seeking food. But there is support for the families of the Israeli hostages, many of whom have accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war artificially to strengthen his own political position. "In Israel there's a mandatory army service," said Mika Almog, 50, an author and peace activist with the It's Time Coalition. "So these soldiers are our children and they are being sent to die in a false criminal war that is still going on for nothing other than political reasons." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an open letter published Monday, 550 former top diplomats, military officers and spy chiefs urged US President Donald Trump to tell Netanyahu that the military stage of the war was already won and he must now focus on a hostage deal. "At first this war was a just war, a defensive war, but when we achieved all military objectives, this war ceased to be a just war," said Ami Ayalon, former director of the Shin Bet security service. The conflict "is leading the State of Israel to lose its security and identity", he warned in a video released to accompany the letter. This declaration by the security officers -- those who until recently prosecuted Israel's overt and clandestine wars -- echoed the views of the veteran peace activists that have long protested against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'Awful period' - Biblical archaeologist and kibbutz resident Avi Ofer is 70 years old and has long campaigned for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He and fellow activists wore yellow ribbons with the length in days of the war written on it: "667". The rangy historian was close to tears as he told AFP: "This is the most awful period in my life." "Yes, Hamas are war criminals. We know what they do. The war was justified at first. At the beginning it was not a genocide," he said. Not many Israelis use the term "genocide", but they are aware that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is considering whether to rule on a complaint that the country has breached the Genocide Convention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While only a few are anguished about the threat of starvation and violence hanging over their neighbours, many are worried that Israel may become an international pariah -- and that their conscript sons and daughters be treated like war crimes suspects when abroad. Israel and Netanyahu -- with support from the United States -- have denounced the case in The Hague. dc/ser/smw/tc The Trump administration has agreed to allow Georgetown University researcher Badar Khan Suri to return to his job at the school while litigation continues over efforts to deport him because of his alleged ties to Hamas. The Justice Department and Suri revealed a settlement Tuesday in court papers that partially resolves a five-month-long legal dispute that arose after masked ICE agents arrested Suri without warning in March outside his Arlington, Virginia, apartment as part of President Donald Trumps crackdown on pro-Palestinian academics. The agreement does not address Suris right to remain in the U.S. or his attorneys claims that Secretary of State Marco Rubios bid to deport Suri violated his First Amendment rights. However, it allows Suri to resume his employment as a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetowns School of Foreign Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge ordered Suris release from immigration detention in May amid a wave of legal rebukes for the administrations targeting of other pro-Palestinian academics, including Columbia University students Mahmoud Khalil, Mohsen Mahdawi and Yunseo Chung, as well as Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk. The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to permit Suri to remain free while his lawsuit was pending. Despite his release, immigration court proceedings that could lead to Suris deportation continued. In addition, Suris civil litigation continued in the Virginia court as he sought the reinstatement of his legal status in a Department of Homeland Security database that tracks immigrant students and researchers permitted into the country. The deal revealed Tuesday will likely obviate the need for a hearing that was set for Friday in federal court in Alexandria over his bid for reinstatement. ICE had terminated Suris record in the system in March, which made it difficult for him to continue his academic work. The termination also extended to his two young children, whose student status in the U.S. was linked to their fathers. Suris wife, Mapheze Saleh, is a U.S. citizen. But her fathers former role advising Hamas leadership figured into the Trump administrations decision to target Suri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the settlement, the Trump administration has agreed to maintain Suris student status unless officials become aware of a newly discovered, independent legal ground to take action against him and give him 21 days notice before acting on it. It also made the reinstatement of his status retroactive to March 18. Suri and the other academics arrests were the centerpiece of a recent trial in Massachusetts, where U.S. District Judge William Young is weighing whether the administration engaged in an unconstitutional policy of targeting immigrants based on their protected free speech. Lawyers for Suri and the Trump administration agreed the settlement was a product of good faith negotiations intended to resolve Suris most urgent claims against the government. The settlement paperwork notes that the agreement has no bearing on whether ICE can pursue Suris deportation under federal immigration law. A lawyer for Suri welcomed the partial settlement while acknowledging that the biggest legal issues around the effort to expel the scholar from the U.S. are still being battled out at various levels of the legal system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are encouraged that the government agreed to restore Dr. Suri and his childrens status and records, Eden Heilman of the ACLU said. We know Dr. Suri is eager to rejoin the academic community at Georgetown and this will give him the opportunity to do that this fall. Spokespeople for the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A 54-year-old fast food employee was arrested following a complaint last month, according to the sheriffs office. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Kevin Kurtz, 54, of Jackson, Ga., was arrested on Monday on charges of sexual battery. According to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, Kurtz is an employee at the Chick-fil-A on Industrial Boulevard in Forsyth. The sheriffs office said it conducted an investigation following a complaint received on July 16, which led to Kurtzs arrest. He is currently being held at Monroe County Jail without bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into the allegations against Kurtz is still ongoing, and authorities have not released further details at this time. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper has proclaimed this week as Georgia Farmers Market Week, coinciding with National Farmers Market Week, to support local farmers markets and vendors across the state. The proclamation is part of several new initiatives announced by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to bolster farmers markets and their vendors. These initiatives include launching an interactive statewide farmers market map for consumers and forming a partnership with the nonprofit Generation Gap, which focuses on farmers markets. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Im proud to declare this week Georgia Farmers Market Week, and to highlight the important role farmers markets play in supporting our states number one industry, farm families, and agribusinesses across Georgia, said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. Farmers markets are more than just places to buy producethey are platforms for community resilience, economic mobility, and local culture, said Generation Gap Director Sagdrina Brown Jalal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through its Georgia Grown program, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is furthering its commitment to helping farmers markets, their vendors, and Georgias number one industryagriculturecontinue to thrive. The Georgia Grown Farmers Market map, set to be unveiled later this week, will showcase farmers markets across the state that partner with Georgia Grown, making it easier for consumers to find local markets and highlighting Georgia Grown members and products. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A mother wants answers after her 24-year-old son traveled from Atlanta to visit Jacksonville for vacation, but never returned home. Action News Jax first reported to you Friday when Clay County investigators confirmed that human remains found in May belonged to Nicholas Anderson. Nicholas was a quiet, quiet soul. He stood in the room quietly, but you knew he was there, said his mother, Mary Anderson. Nicholas Anderson's remains were discovered in May in Fleming island. The details of his death are currently unknown. Mary told Action News Jax that while in Jacksonville, her son met up with someone who he met through a dating app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andersons family filed a missing persons report with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office after he did not check out of his Jacksonville hotel room as planned on April 7. She said, Auntie, did momma tell you that we havent heard from Nicholas? And I said no. And then when she told me that my heart just dropped and I just knew something wasnt right because he speaks to someone in the family often, Mary said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] In May, the Clay County Sheriffs office found human remains in the St. Johns River off of U.S. Highway 17 in Fleming Island, which were publicly identified as belonging to Nicholas Anderson on August 1st. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he did face some challenges of his own, Mary believes its possible someone he met with may have harmed him. Mary notes that her son had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, but he was on medication. She says he would never hurt anyone. Nicholas Anderson was found dead in Fleming Island after disappearing while visiting Jacksonville. Photos were shared by his mother. Although the circumstances around his death are not yet known, Anderson wants to share a message with others about potential dating app dangers. Just be precautious, Mary said. Were in a social media world, but however, we would have to be mindful that, you know, everybody thats on there, you know, arent nice people, you know, and their intentions are not for happiness and love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clay County Sheriffs Office is still working on figuring out what happened to Nicholas Anderson. They ask that if you have information regarding this case to please call them at 904-264-6512 or submit a SaferWatch. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] A German court is expected to rule on Tuesday afternoon in a trademark dispute between Munich-based brewery Paulaner and spirits maker Berentzen over the design of a cola-orange soda bottle. Paulaner, one of Germany's leading beer producers and owner of the popular "Spezi" cola-orange-mix brand, has accused Berentzen of copying the colorful wave design used on its bottles. The company claims the design of Berentzen's Mio Mio Cola+Orange soft drink too closely resembles its own, potentially misleading consumers. The case, which carries a potential value of 250,000 ($289,000), centres on Paulaner's registered trademark of the wavy design in yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple, which it says Berentzen's bottle design infringes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paulaner argues that such visual elements have become part of its brand identity and are protected under trademark law. Berentzen, better known for its fruit-flavoured spirits has pushed back, arguing that colourful packaging is common among soft drinks and that its design uses circular shapes, not waves. Berentzen also argued it was far-fetched to assume that consumers would associate Mio Mio with Paulaner just because of colours and shapes. The court ruling comes as Paulaner steps up efforts to defend its Spezi branding. In March, it won a similar case against another beverage maker. BERLIN (Reuters) -More than 100 Israeli academics have warned in a letter that a failure by Germany to put pressure on Israel could lead to new atrocities in Gaza. "Further hesitation on Germany's part threatens to enable new atrocities - and undermines the lessons learnt from its own history," the academics wrote in the letter, addressed to senior Social Democrat (SPD) lawmakers Rolf Muetzenich and Adis Ahmetovic and seen by Reuters on Tuesday. On July 22, the two men, whose party is in the ruling coalition, had called for Germany to join an international coalition pushing for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, sanctions against Israel and a suspension of weapons deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German government - comprising the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD - has sharpened its criticism of Israel over the manmade humanitarian catastrophe visited on Gaza's 2 million people, but has yet to announce any major policy change. Israel denies having a policy of starvation in Gaza, and says the Hamas militant group, responsible for an operation that killed 1,200 people in Israel in October 2023 and took hundreds more hostage, could end the crisis by surrendering. Critics argue that Germany's response to the war has been overly cautious, mostly owing to an enduring sense of guilt for the Nazi Holocaust, weakening the West's collective ability to put pressure on Israel. "If over 100 Israeli academics are calling for an immediate change of course ... then it's high time we took visible action," Ahmetovic told the public broadcaster ARD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Britain, Canada and France have signalled their readiness to recognise a Palestinian state in Israeli-occupied territory at the United Nations General Assembly this September. (Reporting by Markus Wacket, Writing by Friederike Heine; Editing by Kevin Liffey) The former assistant to a leading member of Germany's far-right populist Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party has gone on trial in Dresden, accused of spying for China. The German Chinese dual national, identified only as Jian G - in line with German privacy rules - was an assistant to AfD politician Maximilian Krah. Jian G has been accused of working for a Chinese intelligence service since 2002, and charged by Germany's Federal Public Prosecutor General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly gathered documents and files from the European Parliament while working for Krah, a former EU lawmaker, who now represents the AfD in Germany's Parliament, the Bundestag. Jian G denies all the charges against him. Prosecutors say he worked for the AfD at the European Parliament from 2019 until 2024, and accused Jian G of using the position to gather information for China on EU Parliament consultations and decisions, including what they described as some "particularly sensitive information." He is also charged with spying on Chinese dissidents and opposition figures in Germany, and of gathering personal information about leading figures in the AfD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high-profile case has fuelled concern about Europe being a target for Chinese spying. Prosecutor Stephan Morweiser told reporters that the case was "particularly serious" as it shed light on "the extensive espionage interests that China has in relation to political, military and economic matters in Germany and the EU". When Jian G was taken into custody last year, China's foreign affairs ministry rejected his arrest as speculation designed "to smear and suppress China". It has denied allegations of espionage in Europe. Jaqi X, who is also on trial, is accused of helping Jian G [EPA/Shutterstock] Also on trial is a Chinese national named as Jaqi X. She worked at a firm that provided Leipzig airport with logistics services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From mid-August 2023 to mid-February 2024, she is accused of assisting Jian G by repeatedly providing him with information for the Chinese intelligence service about flights, cargo, and passengers at Leipzig Airport. The information related in particular to the transport of military equipment and people with connections to a German defence contractor. She told the court she knew nothing about connections to the Chinese intelligence service. The trial is expected to last until late September and reports in the German media say Maximilian Krah has been called to appear as a witness. Krah resigned from his seat in the European Parliament earlier this year. He was elected to the Bundestag in February via an AfD direct mandate in Saxony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is currently under investigation by the Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office, reportedly concerning allegations of money laundering and corruption as an elected representative in the European Parliament. Krah has called the accusations "absurd and politically motivated." Germany has sent five Eurofighter jets to Poland four weeks ahead of the beginning of the joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises Zapad-2025 (West-2025). Source: German newspaper Bild Details: Bild stated that the deployment of the aircraft was scheduled for Tuesday 5 August. The fighters were sent in the run-up to the Zapad-2025 exercises, which are set to begin in September on Belarusian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This deployment is a clear signal of allied solidarity within NATO and serves as a reliable means of deterrence and protection of our shared airspace," a spokesperson for the German Air Force told Bild. Quote: "Alongside the fighter jets, around 150 German military personnel have arrived in Poland, including members of the Boelcke squadron, as well as support and security units. Since 21 July, they have been operating as part of the so-called Alert Company', a unit capable of rapidly responding to airspace violations." Details: The deployed Eurofighters will reinforce airspace protection over Rzeszow in Poland's southeast, which had previously been covered by two German Patriot air defence systems. Read more: Is Russia preparing for war with NATO? What's behind large-scale military exercises in Belarus Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Five German Eurofighter Typhoon jets landed at an air base near Warsaw on Aug. 4 as a deterrent ahead of the planned Zapad military exercises in Belarus, the German media reported. The fighter planes landed at the Minsk Mazowiecki Air Base and will help monitor NATO airspace and potential Russian activity along the eastern flank for the next few weeks, starting on Aug. 5, a German Air Force spokesperson told DPA news agency. The Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 drills are expected to take place in mid-September and involve around 13,000 troops. Kyiv and NATO officials have voiced concern over the drills, which are set to occur amid Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This deployment is a clear sign of alliance solidarity within NATO and serves as a credible deterrent and the protection of shared airspace," a German Air Force spokesperson told Bild. The German military also deployed around 150 soldiers to Poland as NATO braces for the large-scale drills. While Belarus initially announced its intention to move the exercises deeper inland to ease tensions, Belarusian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Muraveika warned last month that this decision may be reversed due to the "difficult military and political situation." Although Minsk has not deployed its own troops in combat during Russia's war in Ukraine, it has been a key ally to Moscow. Russian forces used Belarusian territory as a staging ground for military operations in 2022, including for the unsuccessful invasion of Kyiv Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky warned in February that Russia planned to deploy up to 150,000 troops, or 15 divisions, to Belarus in preparation for a potential military escalation this year. Allied leaders have been increasingly warning about a potential armed clash with Russia in the coming years, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warning that the conflict could erupt within the next five years. Read also: Operation Vistula the expulsion of Ukrainians from post-war Poland Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A number of lawmakers from Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) on Tuesday joined calls for Berlin to temporarily take in injured children from the Gaza Strip, as the centre-left party pushes for a firmer stance in the ongoing conflict. SPD foreign policy expert Adis Ahmetovic said it was time for Germany to act. "Injured children from Gaza should receive medical care in Germany, other countries are already leading the way here," Ahmetovic told public broadcaster ARD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I expect the federal government to fulfil its responsibility and take concrete measures to take in seriously injured children." Calls on Berlin for more decisive action have been growing amid international outrage over the humanitarian situation in the embattled Gaza Strip, which experts say is on the brink of famine following nearly 22 months of Israel's military campaign, launched in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attacks. The SPD is the junior partner in the government of conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which has been in office since early May. While Merz has at times been more openly critical of Israel than his predecessor Olaf Scholz, the SPD has advocated more strongly for concrete steps over the war in Gaza than their conservative partners. SPD lawmakers urge change Earlier, SPD parliamentary secretary Derya Turk-Nachbaur also urged the government to take in children from Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can see that there are a number of initiatives in our European partner countries to fly out children and care for the seriously injured," she told broadcaster RTL/ntv. She named Norway and Italy as examples. "There are many other countries that have joined the initiative," she added, calling on the government to follow suit and take in children from Gaza. Germany has admitted Ukrainian children amid Russia's ongoing invasion, Turk-Nachbaur noted, arguing the country was therefore well-prepared to provide care. SPD deputy parliamentary leader Siemtje Moller, who travelled to Israel and the Palestinian territories last week as part of a delegation accompanying Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, sent a letter to her parliamentary group detailing her impressions from the trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Practical improvements by the Israeli government were needed to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, she wrote in the letter, which was made available to dpa. "My assessment is that the Israeli government will make little progress without pressure," wrote Moller. "If such concrete improvements fail to materialize in the near future, there must be consequences." She named sanctions against far-right Israeli Cabinet members or a "(partial) suspension of weapons exports" as possible means to increase pressure. German cities open to taking in children Three German cities - Hanover, Dusseldorf and Bonn - announced earlier this week that they plan to take in children from Gaza and Israel who are particularly traumatized or vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chancellery and the Interior Ministry have responded cautiously, however, expressing concerns over the feasibility of such evacuations. In a letter addressed to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul seen by dpa, the mayors of the three cities asked the federal government for support in implementing their plans. "What is needed now is an organized procedure at federal level that makes this humanitarian aid possible. We urge you to create the legal and organizational conditions for such a reception as quickly as possible," states the letter, which was also signed by the mayors of Kiel and Leipzig. Turk-Nachbaur conceded that some issues need to be resolved with Israel before children can be evacuated from Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need safe corridors, we need to get the ambulance transport organized and we first need the go-ahead from the Israeli side," the Social Democrat said. "We're not talking about hundreds or thousands of children," she said, noting that Italy has taken in "20, 30, 40, 50 children." "I think we can manage to take care" of a similar number, she added. When Jason Kao started traveling regularly, Delta Air Lines was the easiest option. For the past 10 years or so, Kao, 34, has often flown out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport, where Delta has plenty of flight options. The rewards started piling up as he traversed the country for work as a cybersecurity adviser. But now that Delta is increasing its use of artificial intelligence in its dynamic pricing model, Kaos loyalty is wavering. When the prices potentially may be a lot higher because of using AI to set prices, I may not be getting as good of a deal, Kao said, noting that he could start earning similar loyalty perks with other airlines. Is there much of a reason for me to stay loyal to Delta? Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaos doubts arrived after Delta President Glen Hauenstein said on an earnings call in July that he wants the airline to increase AI-based pricing to nearly 20 percent of domestic flights - up from the current 3 percent - this year. Democratic senators voiced their concerns in a letter to Delta and asked for clarity about how the AI is used; Rep. Gregorio Casar (D-Texas) introduced a bill in the Republican-led House to prohibit certain uses of algorithmic decision systems to inform individualized prices. Delta is one of many large companies adopting artificial intelligence to change the way we travel. In April, Hertz confirmed that several of its locations are using AI-assisted scanners to assess damage and send reports to customers without employee input. As of July 14, Marriott is using AI to assign hotel rooms and decide which loyalty members get upgrades. This wave of AI implementation comes after travel agents have used chatbots and other technology to help arrange and book trips for years. For travelers, prices fluctuations and less human interaction could be more common. Dynamic pricing isnt new for Delta, but some customers and consumer advocates worry about supercharged AI pricing that could be based on personal information. Those fears were bolstered by comments that Hauenstein made at Deltas Investor Day in November, when he expressed hope to have a price thats available on that flight, on that time, to you, the individual, using technology from Israeli start-up Fetcherr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before the collaboration with Delta, Fetcherr CEO Roy Cohen spoke to Forbes about collaborating with airlines. Weve been training our engine, using all the data we can get our hands on, Cohen said last summer. We are very stealth about how we work. - - - An opaque process Last week, Delta published a letter that Chief External Affairs Officer Peter Carter sent to the concerned senators denying that the airline uses personalized data in the AI-based pricing model. He said 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter also said Delta is not sharing personal data with Fetcherr and does not require customers to log in to see prices. When Lina Khan heard about Deltas new pricing model, she thought it sounded like surveillance pricing, a term for companies use of personal data to charge different rates to different customers. As the chair of the Federal Trade Commission in the Biden administration, Khan studied the practice. The FTC did not respond to The Posts questions about whether the Trump administration will continue studying it. Even if Delta isnt using peoples wages or recent searches, the lack of clarity around companies like Fetcherr worries Khan, who had not studied Deltas new tactics in detail. AI and these algorithms can turbocharge the ability to engage in surveillance pricing, Khan said. Its very salient for that reason. A lot of technological advances that were seeing in machine learning are happening concurrently with even more and more personal information being collected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data opacity is part of what led Casar to introduce the Stop AI Price Gouging and Wage Fixing Act, which would ban the use of artificial intelligence to set prices based on personal data. Delta is the first of the [U.S.] airlines to say that theyre going to price a large number of their tickets using artificial intelligence and using models that are secret and not transparent to anyone, Casar told The Post. In a disaster scenario, an airline could increase the prices on your ticket because they knew that you Googled the family obituary and that youre desperate to get to a family funeral. We cannot allow that to happen. Delta spokesperson Jessica Merrill said the airline complies with federal pricing regulations. A variety of market forces drive the dynamic pricing model thats been used in the global industry for decades, with new tech simply streamlining this process, Merrill said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many airlines have dropped bereavement fares, Delta offers flexibility and discounted fares for SkyMiles Members needing to travel due to the death of an Immediate Family member according to its website. Some frequent Delta fliers have considered a VPN or private browsing window in case such data is being used. Others have figured that the pricing model could help, especially if the data shows their unwillingness to pay more for a ticket. While Virgin Atlantic has used Fetcherrs AI-pricing technology since 2023, American, Southwest, Alaska and United said they do not use AI to determine costs for travelers. Z. John Zhang, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania who studies pricing strategies, said consumers might be surprised if all airlines plan to use this form of pricing. As long as airlines are competing with each other, theyll pursue customers with lower fares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, everybody will catch up. Everybody will go in that direction and, in the end, suffer as firms, Zhang said. Of course, thats good for the consumers. If the airlines compete harder against each other, they dont make a lot of money and people will travel at a lower price. - - - AI-generated charges for rental car damage At six locations across the country, Hertz car rental service detects damage on its vehicles by taking high-definition photos and comparing them through an AI program from the company UVeye. In the case of a notable ding or crack on a car, the system automatically sends a report to the traveler and asks for payment, Hertz spokesperson Emily Place said. If a customer disputes the charge, a Hertz employee reassesses the reported damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new scanners havent had a seamless transition. When Adam Foley headed to Atlanta to visit his brother in late June, Foley rented a car from Hertz without thinking twice. Upon arriving back in San Antonio, he received a text message from Hertz that included photos of damage and a charge for $350. He said it was the last time he would be renting with Hertz. You had to 5X zoom in and really look side-by-side to even maybe get what is going on there, Foley said. To Foley, who advises companies on how to integrate AI and automation, Hertz isnt thinking about the customers satisfaction. He disputed the charges, but his protests were futile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I tried communicating, he said. They had a chatbot [asking], Do you have any questions? on that same page. Any question you had, it looped you back to a policy page. There was no break in it to get to a human. Foley hasnt paid the charges. - - - No need to fight it In June, Marriott Chief Technology Officer Naveen Manga said at an event hosted by Skift that Marriott was working with AI technology to automate room assignments. Travel publications One Mile at a Time and View from the Wing reported that as of July 14, Marriotts Automated Complimentary Upgrade system decided through an AI model through which royalty members would receive upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This advanced system will automate the upgrade process, transforming it from a manual task into a swift operation completed in seconds, Marriott spokesperson Kelly Lavin said in a statement. Eligible members will benefit from increased visibility into their upgrades with advanced notifications, creating more anticipation before arrival and enhancing their overall experience. When Greg Guiteras, CEO of Florida-based Lorraine Travel, heard about Marriotts new system, he knew frequent travelers might be upset. But Guiteras said the AI upgrades system could do away with the connections and tactics commonly used to get upgrades, making it easier for Marriott customers to get rewards if theyve earned them. To illustrate his point, Guiteras used a hypothetical hotel guest. Mr. Smith, who might have had a good connection with the room director at a hotel in Memphis, no longer has that connection, Guiteras said. When Mr. Smith calls that contact and says, Hey, Im going to be there like usual on Friday; can you get me that upgrade? that other guys probably going to say, Hey, AI handles this right now. Ill do my best. Guiteras says that by using AI, his company can compete better with larger travel services. While talking with travelers, the agents at Lorraine use a chatbot to quickly source hotel prices or pull up pictures of potential lodging. The accuracy of the bot has been strong enough that Guiteras may let his customers use it. His optimism expands to situations like Deltas or Hertzs, even if consumers are uneasy about using AI. Im sure that there are cases where people get surprised by it, Guiteras said, confident that consumers will still want his services. But, hey, its going to be around. Theres no need to fight it. In fact, Im all about embracing it. Related Content They once shared recipes. Now her family is going hungry in Gaza. Lanternflies are swarming Virginia, threatening its $8B wine industry Trump is threatening to take over D.C. Heres what he can and cant do. The Department of Justice says it wants to release transcripts of grand jury testimony from Jeffrey Epsteins and Ghislaine Maxwells criminal trials. But Maxwell and her legal team, who have been meeting with the Trump administration and are angling for a pardon, filed a response Tuesday opposing the release. Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not, the court filing begins. Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable, and her due process rights remain. According to the filing, Trumps DOJ said that Maxwell could review the transcripts of her trials testimony before they were published but the Court denied that request. Because of this, the testimony might contain information that could damage Maxwells ongoing legal case, and should be kept secret, the filing argues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Maxwell in an attempt to gain more information about the Epstein case. Those who are skeptical of Trumps motives worried that Maxwell might lie to clear his name in exchange for a pardon. The administration is still deciding whether it will release the audio of these meetings. Maxwell is currently petitioning to appeal her case before the Supreme Court and overturn her conviction, arguing that a non-prosecution agreement Epstein made with federal prosecutors in Florida should apply to her conviction. Ghislaine Maxwell's defense team told the court on Tuesday that it opposes a judge releasing grand jury transcripts in her sex trafficking case after the Trump Department of Justice moved to unseal them. Maxwell's attorneys wrote in court papers that the unsealing would jeopardize her appeal to the Supreme Court and that their client could not take an "informed position" since the court had declined to let her defense team see the transcripts in advance. "Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not," her attorney wrote. "Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable, and her due process rights remain." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department Weighs Release Of Ghislaine Maxwell Interview Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were both indicted on federal sex trafficking charges stemming from Epstein's years of abuse of underage girls. The move by Maxwell, while expected, adds to the obstacles the DOJ must overcome to release grand jury transcripts from Epstein's and Maxwell's cases. The department had requested the material after President Donald Trump called for Attorney General Pam Bondi to do more to assuage public outcry about the DOJ's initial decision last month to withhold any further information about Epstein's case. Trump, who was among the many high-profile figures in Epstein's social circle, had previously brushed off growing calls from MAGA supporters to unveil more information about Epstein's case after the late financier was accused in 2019 of engaging in sex trafficking and sexual abuse of underage women. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a renewed public focus on Trump's relationship with Epstein prompted the president to shift his stance and claim that while some of the files were fabricated by Democrats, the DOJ should release what it could. Comer Subpoenas The Clintons, Trump's Doj In House Oversight's Epstein Probe Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks alongside President Donald Trump on recent Supreme Court rulings in the briefing room at the White House on June 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. DOJ leaders, for their part, walked back their promises to unveil new details about Epstein's case and instead said in July in a memo that they had nothing further to disclose. They said the FBI thoroughly searched through Epstein's case files and found no information that would allow them to bring charges against third parties and that much of the information was under court-ordered seals or contained confidential information about victims. The memo sparked fierce backlash, which has led to the DOJ's series of recent moves surrounding Epstein and his former girlfriend and associate Maxwell. In addition to asking the court to unseal grand jury transcripts, which the DOJ revealed Monday night contained no new information, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also met with Maxwell and questioned her for two days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ is now considering releasing the audio file of Blanche's interview with Maxwell, which took place in Florida. Maxwell had been serving out a 20-year prison sentence in Tallahassee before she was abruptly transferred to a minimum security facility in Texas that has been described as having a cushy environment compared to other prisons. Adding to the mounting pressure on the Trump administration and DOJ was a subpoena issued by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., on Tuesday to the DOJ seeking Epstein's full case file by Aug. 19. Fox News' David Spunt and Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report. Original article source: Ghislaine Maxwell opposes court unsealing her grand jury transcripts The Gifford Fire, a wildfire burning in Central California that has destroyed over 83,000 acres in five days, continues to rage and is now accompanied by two additional fires emerging nearby, according to officials. Since it started on Friday afternoon, the Gifford Fire -- which is situated within the Los Padres National Forest in Solvang, California -- has burned 83,933 acres and has only reached 9% containment, prompting evacuation orders for those in the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, officials said. While the flames have been centered around thick brush and rugged terrain, officials said over 800 structures are threatened by this wildfire. David Swanson/Reuters - PHOTO: Flames rise as firefighters battle the Gifford Fire in brush-covered hillsides west of New Cuyama, California, August 4, 2025. Nearly 2,000 personnel have been dispatched to help fight the flames, with "great progress made on the west, north and east flanks of the fire" on Monday, according to Los Padres National Forest officials. Winds could potentially reach 20 mph on Tuesday, which could "test lines already constructed," officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warmer weather on Thursday and Friday could increase the "fire behavior" and pose a threat to the already raging flames, officials said. MORE: Gifford Fire burns over 72,000 acres in California On Tuesday, officials said they will deploy helicopters to "deliver very significant water drops" and will establish two new base camps to allow personnel to "more efficiently access the fire perimeter." Noah Berger/AP - PHOTO: Smoke from the Gifford Fire fills the sky as the sun sets over Los Padres National Forest, Calif., Aug. 4, 2025. An air quality alert in Cuyama, California, and an air quality watch for the rest of Santa Barbara County continues to remain in place "until conditions improve," according to the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire is also impacting those outside of California, with smoke from the flames filtering into the Las Vegas Valley, "reducing visibility and air quality," according to the National Weather Service Las Vegas. Officials expect smoky conditions in the Las Vegas area "for at least another couple of days." MORE: Maui firefighters battle brush fire in Ka'anapali Along with the Gifford Fire, firefighters are now also battling two additional flames in Central California that began on Monday -- the Rosa Fire and the Gold Fire, according to Cal Fire. Cal Fire - PHOTO: Smoke from the Rosa Fire rises in Riverside County, California, Aug. 4, 2025. The Rosa Fire, which is situated within Riverside County, has prompted evacuation orders and has destroyed 1,200 acres as of Tuesday, according to Cal Fire. The Gold Fire, which is located in San Bernardino County, is centered around "steep, rugged terrain in the northern area of the Mountaintop Ranger District" and has burned 348 acres, Cal Fire said. As of Tuesday, the Rosa Fire is 5% contained and the Gold Fire is 0% contained, officials said. The cause of all three fires remains under investigation, officials said. NEED TO KNOW Rebekah Baptiste, 10, was found unresponsive on a highway by Arizona authorities last month She died three days later Authorities say she had significant signs of abuse throughout her body An Arizona couple is facing murder charges after a young girl was found unresponsive on a highway last month and died days later. Police in Holbrook, Ariz., discovered 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste unresponsive at the intersection of two highways on July 27, AZ Family, ABC 15 and 12 News reported, citing the Apache County Sheriff's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baptiste was transported to a medical facility where she died on July 30, per police. Her father, 32-year-old Richard Baptiste, and his 29-year-old girlfriend Anicia Woods were arrested in connection with the killing, per authorities. They're each charged with first-degree murder and child abuse, according to Apache County court records reviewed by PEOPLE. Court records did not indicate plea or attorney information for either of them. During a court appearance on Monday, Aug. 4, prosecutors alleged Rebekah had been "tortured," medical personnel determined, and was dehydrated and malnourished when she was found, AZ Family and ABC 15 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child was reportedly missing her toenails, and her condition showed indications of "child physical abuse, sexual abuse and torture," prosecutors said, per AZ Family. She was black and blue from her head to toe," Rebekah's uncle Damon Hawkins told AZ Family. "She had two black eyes, and theyre thinking the cause of death was because of a hemorrhage." Rebekah's school reportedly contacted the Department of Child Safety 12 times with concerns about her welfare but says it appeared no "meaningful action" was taken, AZ Family reported. Apache County Sheriff's Office Anicia Woods; Richard Baptiste Anicia Woods; Richard Baptiste Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. PEOPLE has reached out to DCS Arizona for comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department told AZ Family in a statement they are "actively collaborating with law enforcement in a joint investigation to ensure that the people responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice." 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 NEED TO KNOW Mark Gibbon, 62, allegedly tried to drown his daughter-in-law Jasmine Wyld after a verbal altercation between the two about his will escalated into physical violence, according to an incident report Wyld's 9-year-old daughter rushed to try and save her mother, according to bystanders, who claimed Gibbon "pushed" the girl inside and continued to hold her mother's head underwater, per the report Gibbon, a British man who was on vacation in Florida at the time, is being held without bail on charges of attempted murder and felony battery A family vacation to Florida quickly soured for one British family after the patriarch attempted to drown his daughter-in-law, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Raymond Gibbon, 62, is now facing a single count of attempted murder and two counts of felony battery following the incident which occurred on Sunday evening at the Solterra Resort in Davenport, a city located approximately 40 miles south of Orlando. What had started off as a verbal altercation between Gibbon and his daughter-in-law Jasmine Wyld escalated into physical violence as the two argued about his will, according to a copy of the incident report from the Polk County Sheriff's Office obtained by PEOPLE. At some point, Wyld's 9-year-old daughter saw what was happening from inside the family's vacation residence and sprinted outside, jumped into the pool and tried to pull her grandfather off of her mother, according to the report. A bystander later told deputies that Gibbon "pushed" his granddaughter away and proceeded to once again force Wyld's head underwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that she "observed [Gibbon] push [Wyld] under the water and hold her there multiple times" according to the report, and then watched as he "scratched Jasmine on her chest." The woman also told deputies that she instructed a friend to call 911 because "she was afraid for [Wyld's] safety as the altercation was escalating" and "believed that [Wyld] could have been drowned in this incident." Google Maps Wyld told deputies that she and Gibbon were discussing his grandchildren when they began to argue, at which point he allegedly began to repeatedly put "two hands on the top of her head to push her down under the water." In a post-Miranda interview with deputies, Gibbon allegedly said that the two had argued about stipulations he put in his will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly admitted to pushing "her under the water a few times," but claimed he never intended to drown Wyld. Deputies noted that Gibbon had no visible injuries while Wyld had a scratch across her chest. Gibbon was then booked into custody at the Polk County Jail after his interview, where he is being held without bail. Read the original article on People A truck reportedly carrying 12,000 Samsung Galaxy phones was stolen near the Heathrow Airport in London. Among the units that were stolen are 5,000 Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 models. In total, the value of the units stolen is said to be around $9.6 million. Other Samsung Products Part of Stolen Cargo According to a report by Yonhap News TV (via Android Authority), aside from the 5,000 Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 models, 5,000 Galaxy Watch 8 models are also part of the cargo stolen. In addition, the cargo also included devices such as the Galaxy S25 series and Galaxy A16 range. Authorities reportedly believe that the truck was stolen after it was moved to a warehouse. All products are insured, which means that no actual losses were incurred due to the incident. Has the Truck Been Found? After the police launched an investigation, the stolen truck was eventually recovered, according to the report. However, it has not been confirmed as of writing if the Samsung products it carried have been recovered. Launched just a few weeks earlier, the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, and the Galaxy Watch8 series have widely been anticipated by Samsung fans all over the world. All three models come with upgraded specs and features. The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, in particular, have been described by Samsung as the thinnest and most advanced in the Z series. Originally published on Tech Times Pakistan has resumed the forced deportations of Afghan refugees, after declining to extend the registration of 1.4 million Afghans living legally in the country by the end of June, when their legal status expired. Authorities said they intend to repatriate all Afghans with expired registration, in addition to the approximately 800,000 Afghan refugees living in the country illegally, the Associated Press reports. Pakistans decision to expel more than 2 million Afghan refugees comes on the heels of a similar decision by Iran, which ramped up expulsions in January. Since then, more than 1 million Afghan refugees have either fled Iran or been deported. Combined, the deportation schemes are creating a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan while threatening to destabilize the countrys fragile economy, which not only faces a severe housing and job shortage but also relies heavily on remittances from the Afghan refugees living in neighboring countries. Expulsions and crackdowns on asylum-seekers are growing more common as the international norm against what is known as refoulementreturning refugees to an unsafe country of originbreaks down. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. It isnt just Pakistan and Iran, though. These schemes are part of a global trend toward forced expulsions and anti-migrant crackdowns. European countries are increasingly implementing stricter anti-migration policies, including third-country agreements, while pressuring North African countries to deport sub-Saharan African migrants before they can cross the Mediterranean. Chile has increasingly cracked down on Venezuelan refugees entering the country, while the Dominican Republic has deported more than 100,000 Haitian refugees this year alone. India has been accused in recent months of illegally deporting thousands of Muslims, including some Indian citizens, to Bangladesh. And, of course, U.S. President Donald Trump has implemented a mass deportation scheme since returning to the White House in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, each of these specific cases has localized characteristics that make them unique, both in terms of the factors driving migration and the political dynamics creating pressure on governments to respond. In some cases, it is opportunistic populist politics and identity-based nationalist movements driving the rightward shift on the issue, as seen in Europe, the U.S. and India. In other cases, economic and even climate-related pressures are driving the crackdown, with the expulsions by Iran and Pakistan being illustrative examples. These last two cases also underscore the fact that, although refugees and asylum-seekers have become the target of populist movements in Europe and the U.S., it is often neighboring countries that bear the brunt of these crises, with little international aid or attention. Regardless of the individual features of each case, though, it is clear that expulsions and crackdowns on asylum-seekers are growing more common as the international norm against what is known as refoulementreturning refugees to an unsafe country of originbreaks down. That reflects a more general shift in which many countries see globalization and interconnectedness less as an opportunity, as was the prevailing view for decades, and more as a threat from which to be protected. Of course, plenty of counterexamples still exist, but they are decreasing in number with each passing year. In other words, the international regime that has protected refugees and asylum-seekers since the end of World War II has effectively reached its expiration date, with no new system having even been proposed to take its place. Read all World Politics Reviews coverage of migration here. The post The Global Refugee System As We Know It Is Over appeared first on World Politics Review. GAINESVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) Schools and local businesses in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties are gearing up for the seventh annual GLOW With your Hands career exploration event in September. This isnt just a field trip, its an immersive firsthand experience that helps students truly understand how their skills and interests translate into exciting real new world jobs, said Justin Dueppengiesser, the director of the Wyoming County Business Education Counsel. Crucially, GLOW with your Hands highlights the diverse pathways to success. We initially showcase careers that are accessible right out of high school, as well as those that require specialized trade training, two-year degrees or four-year degrees. Our goal is to empower students to make truly informed decisions about their futures. This years event will mark that 5,000 students have participated in the event since it launched in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These initiatives arent just about exposure, theyre about direct results, Dueppengiesser said. Theyve helped fuel almost a 40 percent increase in enrollment in related programs at Genesee Valley Bocces. The trades arent just a job opportunity, they are truly a necessity, said Forrest Hess, an agriculture instructor at Letchworth Central High School (LCHS). There are jobs waiting for these students, good paying respectable jobs, with true purpose. Hess said that LCHS is investing in teaching students about trades. They have a new STEAM innovation center, on site farm, green house, small engine repair and mechanics facility, and more. Its a reminder to our students and all of us that success does not just take one path. College is great for some, but not all, but for others, success looks like steel-toed boots, a welding mask or a well used set of tools and that is not just okay, that is awesome, Hess said. I can see it on the faces of my students each day. Theyre engaged, theyre excited, theyre imagining futures they might never had considered before. Thats what GLOW really is about, opening doors, sparking ideas and giving kids permission to dream a little differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maynard Fuller, a student at LCHS, said GLOW helped him connect the dots between what he was learning at school and the opportunities that are available in the real world. He was hired for a full time job this summer at a local farm in Perry. GLOW didnt just show me whats out there, it helped me believe in my future and for that Im truly grateful, Fuller said. The GLOW With Your Hands career exploration event will take place on Sept. 30 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. For more information, click here. Latest Local News Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. George Mason University's president will be getting a raise in exchange for the institution cutting some of its DEI programming. On Friday, George Mason Universitys governing board agreed unanimously to give a 1.5% raise to university president Gregory Washington in exchange for the school nixing some DEI programming, the Washington Post reported. In a comment following the GMUs governing board's approval of his raise, Washington said, "Regardless of how one views the events unfolding at George Mason University, todays display of unity by the Mason community is inspiring. It is a reminder of how centrally important our university is to northern Virginias families and economy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal had previously suggested Washington's days might be numbered given the prevalence of DEI on the campus. Doj Investigating George Mason University's Hiring Practices Over Alleged Discrimination Statue of George Mason on the campus of George Mason University, Fairfax, Va. President Donald Trump has signed various executive orders targeting DEI and directing educational institutions to end all DEI practices or risk losing federal funding . Read On The Fox News App Washington, who began his tenure as president at GMU in 2020, allegedly wrote a letter in 2021 highlighted by the WSJ where he said that "just 30 percent of our faculty are from ethnic minority, multi-ethnic, or international communities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you have two candidates who are both above the bar in terms of requirements for a position, but one adds to your diversity and the other does not, then why couldnt that candidate be better, even if that candidate may not have better credentials than the other candidate," Washington wrote. "This kind of thinking seems to have permeated the university in recent years," the Journal's editorial board wrote. The board highlighted work from the Manhattan Institute's "City Journal" which alleges that "one faculty search committee assessed each job candidates contribution to diversityincluding, according to an official memo, demographic diversity," another "scored candidates on, among other factors, his or her interest in diversity," and a "third boasted that it had carefully crafted a job advertisement to signal its desire to make a diversity hire." University Of Michigan, Law Journal Sued For Allegedly Discriminating Against Straight White Males On July 21, the Department of Justice announced that they are investigating GMU to determine if the university discriminated against its students on the basis of color, race, or national origin. On July 21, the Department of Justice announced that they are investigating GMU to determine if the university discriminated on the basis of color, race, or national origin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a July 16 letter , Washington hit Trumps attack on DEI. "Longstanding efforts to address inequality such as mentoring programs, inclusive hiring practices, and support for historically underrepresented groups are in many cases being reinterpreted as presumptively unlawful," Washington said. "Broad terms like illegal DEI are now used without definition, allowing virtually any initiative that touches on identity or inclusion to be painted as discriminatory." The WSJ piece also highlights that a judge in Fairfax County ordered that four George Mason board members named by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, as well as four at other universities, must be removed. Fox News Digital reached out to GMU for comment. President Donald Trump has signed various executive orders targeting DEI and directing educational institutions to end all DEI practices or risk losing federal funding. Original article source: GMU board agrees to cut DEI programs while unanimously approving raise for embattled president BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) A local restaurant suspended a promotion offering free meals to pastors after receiving a formal complaint. Beaver man arrested and charged with 2 counts of possession to deliver a controlled substance Management at Golden Corral of Beckley put a hold on the businesss Preacher Appreciation Sundays which offered a free meal to preachers of all denominations. A written complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation said the promotion is a violation of the Civil Rights Act. House of Delegates member Eric Brooks called the development disappointing and said residents who dont support the promotion could simply choose not to support the business. Various arguments can be made on this issue, but just as a citizen here in the county, its disappointing to see it, Delegate Brooks told 59News. If this policy that they have is something you dont like, we have the right to not go to that establishment. Thats how you show your displeasure with it just dont give them your money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint said the Freedom From Religion Foundation was contacted about the promotion by a concerned resident. The organization has requested documentation of steps being taken to end what they referred to as, a violation of federal and state law. Golden Corral of Beckley declined to comment on the 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 WVNS. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Fall-like feels are gone! Todays temperatures are 4 to 9 degrees warmer than yesterday morning, and the humidity is back to summertime levels. High temperatures will remain below average in the mid-80s, but it will feel like the low 90s due to the higher humidity. Scattered light showers will be periodic throughout the day. There were no storms yesterday, but with the higher humidity, an isolated thunderstorm is possible. Temperatures will remain slightly below average for most of the workweek. Nighttime temperatures are closer to normal in the low and mid-70s overnight, but the afternoon temperatures will be slightly below average in the mid-80s. No day this week will be perfectly dry; rain is expected to be scattered today through Thursday, and it will be rainier on Friday as an area of low pressure moves north, close to our area. We will monitor that area of low pressure, expected to form off a stalled front, for a 30% chance of tropical development. Tropical update Out in the tropics, Tropical Storm Dexter formed off the stalled front on Sunday. Dexter has winds of 40 mph and is expected to remain a weaker storm as it heads northeast into the North Atlantic and away from the continental U.S. There are two other areas of interest. A tropical wave off of Africa will be traveling across the Atlantic for the next seven-plus days. This is not something that requires our immediate attention, but just know it is out there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is likely to be a named storm eventually, but organization will be slow and is not likely to occur this week. The next name on the list is Erin. The seven-day likelihood of development is 40%. A closer area of interest has a 50% chance of developing (the one expected to bring more rain on Friday). It is to our east-southeast and is expected to move northwest into central, coastal North Carolina on Friday. Regardless of whether it is tropical or just an area of low pressure, it will bring rain to our area, primarily on Friday. The seven-day rainfall totals will be 2 to 4 inches. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander speaks to Dr. Dan Perli, Monadnock Community Hospital's chief medical officer, during a visit to the hospital in April. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander signed onto a letter alongside 41 other U.S. representatives asking Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Abe Sutton, deputy administrator, to back away from a proposed change to traditional Medicare. CMS announced in June it was adding prior authorization requirements to traditional Medicare as a pilot program. That means, for certain procedures, the federal government will partner with private companies to determine whether a patient on Medicare should receive care their doctor is requesting. The agency said it will use its WISeR model, a protocol officials say will allow them to root out waste, abuse, and fraud, and test artificial intelligence as a tool to expedite the prior authorizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior authorization is already a common requirement in Medicare Advantage, an alternative form of Medicare offered by government-approved private companies that eligible Americans can opt into. Prior authorization has been criticized by patients and advocates who say it creates too large of a bureaucratic burden and limits the number of providers willing to work with Medicare Advantage enrollees. A 2022 Department of Health and Human Services study shows that of the prior authorization requests that were denied, 13% should not have been. CMS is committed to crushing fraud, waste, and abuse, and the WISeR Model will help root out waste in Original Medicare, Oz said in a release announcing the move. Combining the speed of technology and the experienced clinicians, this new model helps bring Medicare into the 21st century by testing a streamlined prior authorization process, while protecting Medicare beneficiaries from being given unnecessary and often costly procedures. However, critics have argued the change simply keeps Medicare enrollees from receiving care they need. The expansion of AI-fueled prior authorization will not improve program integrity in Traditional Medicare, read the letter signed by Goodlander, which was also signed by Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, of New York; Becca Balint, of Vermont; and James McGovern, of Massachusetts. Giving private for-profit actors a veto over care provided to seniors and people with disabilities in Traditional Medicare, even as a pilot program, opens the door to further erosion of our Medicare system. The letter continued, While strong guardrails are important to prevent fraudulent claims and the wasteful delivery of unnecessary medical services, prior authorization, which imposes an overly steep burden on patients and providers, is a poor tool for achieving these objectives. Rep. Mike Flood, RNeb., was met with sharp questioning, boos and heckles Monday night as he defended President Donald Trumps sweeping budget package during a town hall in Lincoln, Nebraska. The event at the University of Nebraska drew an often-hostile crowd that pressed Flood on the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Republican spending and tax plan that slashes Medicaid and SNAP benefits, while delivering major tax cuts to highincome Americans. I truly believe this bill will allow America to experience growth, that it will allow our communities to thrive, that it will spark our economy, that it will help farmers and ranchers, that it will take care of the vulnerable, Flood told the crowd, speaking over repeated interruptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, Flood asked, Do you think that people who are 28 years old that can work and refuse to work should get free health care? drawing cheers of yes from the audience. I dont think that the majority of Nebraskans agree with you, he shot back. GOP Rep. Mike Flood at a town hall: "Do you think that people who are 28-years-old, that can work, and refuse to work should get free healthcare?" Crowd: "YESSSSSSSSSS!" pic.twitter.com/N0hGuHz6lm More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) August 5, 2025 Flood faced questions from voters who demanded to know why their congressman backed both the presidents tax plan and his hardline immigration policies, accusing him of supporting a fascist machine. One woman pressed Flood on the administrations immigration enforcement costs, referencing the controversial Florida detention center, dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, and other facilities. How much does it cost for fascism? she asked. How much do the taxpayers have to pay for a fascist country? Veterans also criticized the bill for threatening benefits they rely on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How can you stand a bill that erodes the very services that people like me, my family, and younger vets coming home today rely on? one Marine Corps veteran asked. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. The rocky reception was no surprise. Republican town halls have been going badly for much of 2025, with Floods only the latest to go viral. In April, Sen. Joni Ernst (RIowa) made headlines after an exasperated exchange over the Medicaid cuts in which she told a shocked audience, Were all going to die. Earlier, in March 2025, the NRCC had advised members to avoid public town halls altogether following intense blowback to the administrations DOGE spending cuts. During the summer recess, by contrast, the campaign arm has told members to try to sell the presidents legislative package to their home constituencies, without specifically saying they should hold in-person town halls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic strategist Paul Begala told CNN the blowback Flood received could be a harbinger for Republicans nationally, comparing it to the voter backlash after the GOPs 2017 tax cuts, and predicting an earthquake and a wave election in 2026. They lost 41 House seats in the next election, Begala said, referring to when Democrats took back the House in 2018. This combination of cutting taxes for the rich, exploding the debt, and cutting health care for working people thats not going to fly. The post GOP lawmaker accused of backing fascist machine at raucous town hall appeared first on Salon.com. Republican congressman Mike Flood received a loud dose of instant voter feedback during a fiery town hall meeting in his home state of Nebraska. Hundreds of people were lined up outside the Kimball Recital Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Monday for the meeting, which ran for 30 minutes longer than planned, Nebraska Now reports. It is Floods third town hall in recent months. Flood addressed the meeting, where he was soundly booed and heckled whenever he referenced Donald Trump or his Big Beautiful Bill, which the congressman voted for. The crowd drowned out the 50-year-old with chants of Vote him out! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, he was directly asked, Why are you covering up the Epstein files? Republican Mike Flood at a Town Hall in Nebraska August 4 2025. / screen grab After the audience cheered the question, Flood said he had sponsored a resolution to release the Epstein files to protect the victims and not re-victimize them again. Flood added that he supported House Oversight Chairman James Comer who had subpoenaed Epstein accomplice and convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell to testify in Washington. I am for the release of those records, he insisted. The thorny questions continued. Another angry local, mentioning the funding of ongoing ICE raids, asked, How much does it cost for fascism? How much do the taxpayers have to pay for a fascist country? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over a sea of boos, Flood said, Americans voted for a border that is secure and I support the president enforcing our immigration laws. Another voter directly asked Flood, You said you were not a fascist. Your complicity says otherwise. Have you ever spoken out against this administration and its Project 2025, which is a fascist machine? What is wrong with you? Flood stated, Fascists dont hold town halls with open question-and-answers. And I will tell you this, I support law enforcement, and what happened on January 6, 2021 was not right, and Im on the record saying so. Im sure you could Google it. Republican Mike Floods comments being drowned out by chants of tax the rich at his town hall pic.twitter.com/1upIeI6WRH Acyn (@Acyn) August 4, 2025 He attempted to justify changes to the Medicaid program as the audience shouted over him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those changes is that if you are able to work and you are able bodied, you have to work. Flood explained. If you choose not to work, you do not get free health care. You do not get free health care. After heavy booing, he said, So heres a question. Do you think that people who are 28 years old, that can work and refuse to work, should get free health care? After the audience cheered in the affirmative, Flood added, I dont think that a majority of Nebraskans agree with you. A sample of how Rep Mike Floods town hall has been going in Lincoln, Nebraska pic.twitter.com/fsibgaO1zh Jay O'Brien (@jayobtv) August 4, 2025 When asked how he could vote for Trumps bill, over more boos, he tried to explain cuts to aid by saying, We do not have unlimited money in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flood was also asked about the president sacking Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer after he didnt like the results she released. The Republican said, If all she did was get the data out there, I would not have fired her. But I dont know, because things are complicated. I dont know all the details. Flood is yet to speak publicly since the town hall by time of publishing. The Daily Beast has reached out to Floods office for comment. Previous town hall meetings this year have also seen Flood grilled by voters. In March he was criticized for Trumps lack of support for Ukraine and received sustained boos when he told the audience I support Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then in May, Flood admitted in a town hall he had not read key parts of the Big Beautiful Bill that pertained to measures that would make it easier for the government to defy court orders. I am not going to hide the truth, this provision was unknown to me when I voted for that, Flood said. Tennessee will move forward with the execution of death row inmate Byron Black at 10 a.m. Aug. 5 after both Gov. Bill Lee and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene. The courts have universally determined that it is lawful to carry out the jurys sentence of execution given to Mr. Black for the heinous murders of Angela Clay and her daughters Lakeisha, age 6, and Latoya, age 9," Lee said in an Aug. 4 news release. "Accordingly, I do not plan to intervene. Black's case has made national headlines over concerns that his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for congestive heart failure could cause a prolonged and painful death by shocking him repeatedly during the lethal injection execution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyers had battled to have the device disabled before the execution, but the state Supreme Court ultimately ruled that that Tennessee Department of Correction could execute Black without having to perform the procedure. The U.S. Supreme Court in an Aug. 4 ruling also denied Black's request for a stay on his execution. Black, 69, was sentenced to death in the 1988 South Nashville murders of his ex-girlfriend Angela Clay and her two young daughters, Lakeisha, 6, and Latoya, 9. He is one of the longer serving inmates on Tennessee's death row. In addition to the concerns over his heart device, Black's lawyers had also battled to have his case reviewed due to his intellectual disability. If his case was tried today, he would not be eligible for the death penalty under the new state standards. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Gov. Bill Lee declines to intervene in Byron Black execution Oregon leaders have agreed to grow a team of deployable public defense lawyers who take on demanding criminal trials following a legislative session in which they hold off on such an expansion.(Getty Images) Oregon leaders have agreed to grow a team of deployable public defense lawyers who take on demanding criminal trials, seeking to align with impending legislative requirements for the state to begin employing more of its own defense attorneys rather than hiring contractors. The Oregon Public Defense Commission vowed in a press release last week to work with the governors office and the Legislature to expand the states trial division team, a group of more than 20 specialized attorneys who work across the state to take on particularly complex or urgent criminal defense cases. The agency, led by a 13-member panel, is tasked with upholding Oregonians constitutional right to defense counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan comes after Gov. Tina Kotek approved the agencys 14.8% budget increase, saying in a July 24 signing letter that the number of Oregonians accused of crimes without representation has stabilized and has even started to decrease across Oregon. In that message, however, she said she would be pursuing a more moderate expansion of the trial division in comparison to the additional 40 state lawyers and support staff she had unsuccessfully proposed in her budget this past session. Oregon relies on a patchwork of systems to provide defense attorneys for thousands of people accused of crimes, including through contracts with nonprofits and a consortia model through agreements with private law firms. The trial division, employed in three state offices in Portland, Salem and Medford, is the smallest unit aiming to provide representation for defendants. But Kotek says that model needs tweaking, pointing to Senate Bill 337, a law passed in 2023 that mandates at least 20% of the states public defenders be state employees by 2031 and at least 30% by 2035. She referred to a June plan from Ken Sanchagrin, the commissions interim executive director, to take advantage of the trial divisions resources and expand existing caseload eligibility for contracted attorneys. Investments in the trial division are crucial if Oregon is to end the unrepresented crisis, as indicated by Director Sanchagrins analysis and plan, she wrote. Nationally, Oregon is an outlier in its heavy reliance on contractors to provide public defense services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanchagrin told the Capital Chronicle that all forms of public defense services, such as through contracts and the state trial division, are necessary. He said that he was happy to see that lawmakers backed away from a sunset on consortia contract eligibility this past legislative session, using House Bill 2614 to instead increase transparency and rules around their usage. Were all part of an ecosystem that makes the whole system work. I think that the capacity that the trial team brings in Marion County, for example, has been essential to those numbers coming down, he said. But that being said, again, its not really one versus the other. Kotek had fired the agencys previous executive director in April, saying she had not done enough to stem the states public defense crisis. At the time, the number of unrepresented Oregonians stood at more than 4,000, a figure that peaked in May and has since dropped to 3,298 as of the beginning of August, according to the states dashboard. Smaller trial division remains in place Sanchagrins June plan called for the trial division to be strategically used in the six counties where the crisis is most acute: Coos, Douglas, Jackson, Marion, Multnomah and Washington. Although his plan calls for deploying them in particularly demanding cases, he doesnt have the authority to hire more people onto the team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When lawmakers increased his agencys budget by more than 14% in the past legislative session, they chose not to include extra funding for additional lawyers for the states 46-member trial division, 21 of whom are defense attorneys. That compares to 761 attorneys employed through private law firms, coalitions of those firms, or nonprofits that contract with the state, according to the public defense commission. The trial division is based in state offices in Salem, Portland and Medford, taking on specialized cases that require representation within seven days of a person being taken into custody or handling complex dynamics such as mental health, language barriers or lengthy investigations. Lawmakers held off on expanding their numbers this past session in light of political pushback from advocates for nonprofit and consortia defense models, said Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth. But the Legislature will likely have more clarity on the efficiency of both contracting and state-employed defense lawyers in the 2026 legislative session. Lawmakers are withholding more than $22 million of the defense commissions $707.7 million budget until it delivers a report to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means in the 2026 legislative session. Those findings are expected to detail the performance of both trial division staff and contract providers who are working at under 90% of their expected capacity. I was willing to support a temporary hold on expansion of the trial division, so long as they filled out all the positions which theyre working toward and used them in a much more effective manner than previous leadership, Evans said. At the same time, (lets) try to get into a situation where we can have an apples to apples comparison of which models are actually the most efficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanchagrin, however, said he believes the funding will be made available so long as the commission is able to show lawmakers how it will ensure those providers and staff operate more efficiently. He pushed back on a question about the different impact contracted or trial division lawyers have made on stemming the states public defense shortage. I would never want to pit those two against each other, he said. Correction: There were 3,298 unrepresented individuals. An earlier version transposed two digits. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX I have been fortunate to practice in several areas of medicine in my career. This has led me to triple board certification in family medicine, palliative medicine, and addiction medicine. I speak Spanish fluently, have a spotless record, and have dedicated my career to caring for underserved patients. Despite this, after years of applying to prestigious health systems in a major city, Ive never once been contacted for an interview in addiction medicine, which is my current main focus. Not even for lower-tier clinical positions. Im not underqualified. These are jobs in high-need specialties where institutions claim theyre struggling to hire. Yet the roles consistently go to other physiciansoften with fewer credentials and less experience. Many of them trained in academic institutions, yes, but many didnt. They simply fit the image of who these systems expect to represent them. Meanwhile, someone like meLatino, multilingual, with real-world addiction medicine experienceis ghosted and I am not the only one. The quiet sorting of who belongs Academic hospitals in this city like to see themselves as progressive and inclusive. But if youre a Latino physician, especially an IMG or someone who trained outside the elite academic orbit, youre quietly filtered into a very narrow set of roles: lower-paid, high-volume, mission-driven jobs in community clinics or public hospitals. If you aim for leadership, academic appointments, or even better-resourced outpatient settings, youll hear things like, Youre needed in the community, or You can make more of a difference there. Ive been told this directly. Its presented as a compliment, but it isnt. Its a boundary. Its the unspoken assumption that my place is not in decision-making spaces, or in affluent neighborhoods, or within systems that equate prestige with whiteness and cultural neutrality. At the same time, other physiciansoften those who more closely match the unspoken expectations of elite institutionsmove quickly into roles with visibility, voice, and influence. This isnt about individual colleagues. Its about a system that has created categories of professional belonging: those seen as universal, and those seen as only relevant to the underserved. A pattern that doesnt change One health system is a case in point. In recent years, employees filed a federal discrimination lawsuit alleging racism, sexism, and retaliation. An internal report later revealed that many physicians of color within the institution felt marginalized, underpromoted, and excluded from advancement. Ive applied multiple times to positions at this institutionclinical, academic, addiction-focused. These are roles Im objectively qualified for, and in areas where the overdose crisis is spiraling. Still, Ive never received a reply. Not even a form rejection. Meanwhile, physicians with fewer credentials move into those same roles. The system claims to be committed to equity. But the results speak for themselves. ADVERTISEMENT Addiction medicine and the geography of bias The bias doesnt stop at hiring. It also affects where care is offeredand who gets access to what kind of treatment. Methadone clinics and MAT programs are still overwhelmingly placed in low-income, mostly Black and Latino neighborhoods. These are the same areas where hospitals send their community outreach programs and where physicians of color are told they belong. But quietly, more prestigious hospital systems have begun opening well-resourced outpatient addiction programs in wealthier, whiter parts of the city. These clinics have shorter wait times, more integrated care, and more funding per patient. The patients are different. The signage is subtler. The architecture says, Youre welcome here. These programs dont replace the ones in historically underserved neighborhoodsbut they do send a message: Some people with addiction get cutting-edge, discreet care. Others get overworked clinics in neighborhoods the city neglects. Its the same dynamic we see in physician hiringjust turned outward. Tired doesnt mean bitterit means aware. None of this is about personal bitterness. Ive built a meaningful career in addiction medicine. Ive worked in jails, housing shelters, mobile clinics, and community health centers. Ive seen how powerful it is when patients connect with someone who understands their culture and languagenever as a checkbox, but as a shared experience. But Ive also seen doors stay closed for yearsfor me and for many of my colleagues of color. Ive seen what gets rewarded, and what doesnt. And when the people closing those doors insist theyre committed to equity, inclusion, and public healthwell, thats when silence becomes its own form of dishonesty. Were told to go where were most needed, but that phrase has become a convenient way to keep us out of spaces with power, funding, and recognition. After 15 years, Im still proud of the work Ive done. But Im also tired of pretending the barriers arent real. They are. And theyre long overdue for dismantling. Carlos N. Hernandez-Torres is a family medicine and addiction medicine physician. HOTCHKISS, Colo. (KREX) The Leroux Fire has already burnt approximately 700 acres of private and BLM land. Firefighters from the Crawford-Hotchkiss Fire District, the BLM, the Forest Service and the National Park Service are battling the blaze. Multiple crews are on the front lines battling the Leroux fire, which started burning on Sunday around 3 p.m. near 3100 Road in Hotchkiss. Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency for Leroux Fire to support response efforts. The order took effect early Tuesday morning. The sheriff has asked for state help as a fire expands beyond local control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This order enables access to more resources and support for effective fire management and protection. The fire has caused the evacuation of 15 homes and pre-evacuation notices for 152 homes. A type 3 incident management team has been assigned. With the disaster declaration, state emergency plans are activated, and the division of homeland security and emergency management is overseeing the states response, with the division of fire prevention and control leading incident management efforts. According to BLM officials, the cause of the fire was due to a lightning strike. Firefighters currently are actively engaged with the fire. We have ground resources as well as aviation resources. Ground resources are actively protecting structures, and aviation resources are actively at the fire, BLM Colorado Southwest District Fire Mitigation and Education Specialist John Wroblewski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wroblewski from the BLM explains there was an issue with one of their planes, which has caused a setback, but not a major one. Not having the manmade tool and the capability, we just resort back to what we always do. And thats ground resources, which keeps walking the fires edge. We also have air attacks in the air, communicating to the ground resources how far the fire has progressed with topography, Wroblewski said. For the county itself, there were evacuations made on Monday morning for residents who were cleared from their homes. Delta County is established, and evacuations check in and down here at the North Fork Annex in Hotchkiss. Its where you get your license plates and Hotchkiss and drop off other paperwork. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had established earlier this morning at the Redlands Mesa Grange up there on Redlands Mesa that was in close proximity of the fire, checked on people immediately around 3 a.m., but after that the number of people coming by dropped off, Kris Stewart, emergency manager for Delta County, said. Wroblewski states, Currently, red flag warnings this entire week are going to be super-hot and dry and mixed with dry fuels. The topography of the slopes is southwest facing. Its making it very challenging for all firefighters on the line to contain this fire. Wroblewski says that a type 3 team will shift to night duty on Tuesday morning, which will provide additional support. This allows local volunteer fire departments to return to their districts and be ready for other incidents. Stewart says there have been no structures lost so far during the battle of this fire. You can sign up at deltacounty.co.gov for alerts. The county is going to be pushing out a text code for people to sign up to get specific tax updates for this fire. At last report, the fire is at 0% containment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Legally, part of the issue is that there is no set categorical distinction for haredim in the matter of military conscription, as it is a blanket requirement. The government has not yet actualized the sanctions it should impose on eligible haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men who dont report for duty despite their draft orders, the Attorney-Generals Office and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara stated on Tuesday. The offices response was to the issue of materializing a previous High Court of Justice ruling, which said the state does not have the authority or the leeway to prevent a haredi draft, given the continuous security situation Israel is in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout July, the IDF sent out the 54,000 draft orders to all eligible men in the haredi community, and also updated its enforcement and sanction plan, making it more efficient. An existing draft law that made it easy for many haredim to be exempt from service expired in June 2024, leaving behind a legislative vacuum. The coalition struggled to maintain its hold on power as haredi parties of both Sephardi and Ashkenazi sects threatened to topple the government over the next draft bill text. Legally, part of the issue is that there is no set categorical distinction for haredim in the matter of military conscription, as it is a blanket requirement. Ultra-Orthodox Jews clash with police outside the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, central Israel, April 28, 2025 (credit: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90) Former Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein was ousted from his position for insisting on relatively fair terms. Likud MK Boaz Bismuth took his place, and reports say that passing a law that the haredi parties would find favorable is at the top of his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tension and lawsuits come amid the overwhelmingly straining load that the serving public active duty and reserves has been bearing, reaching new, painful, and concerning heights when it comes to mental and emotional health. There is currently no concrete end to the war projected for the near future. Though the military has sharpened its response plan to draft dodgers in a serious way that is more effective and has begun to materialize, the government has many more tools at its disposal to apply the sanctions in a more complete way, the Attorney-Generals Office said, adding that some of these tools can be advanced already now, without special legislation. IDF possesses extensive tools to apprehend draft dodgers The militarys tools are extensive, including presence at Ben-Gurion Airport to apprehend anyone who repeatedly avoids their draft order and tries to leave the country. The office requested that one of the injunctions the court issued be extended to ensure that none of the parameters of the current draft requirements are changed. BALTIMORE Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is considering all options in the escalating national debate over the redrawing of congressional districts, though he is stopping short of the war-like rhetoric and plans that his colleagues in places like California and New York have recently used to fight Republican-led states. The Democratic governor also has not backed an effort in Maryland spurred by some members of his party in the General Assembly that would automatically begin the redistricting process if Texas or other states adopt new district maps outside of the normal once-in-a-decade endeavor. What were seeing in Texas is nothing more than a desperate partisan power grab from the Trump Administration and Republicans to retain their tenuous dysfunctional majority in the House of Representatives, Moore spokesman Carter Elliott IV said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elliott did not answer questions about whether Moore supports Maryland House Majority Leader David Moons plan for the trigger legislation or whether the governor would consider calling a special session to pass it. Lawmakers are not set to return to the State House until their regular 90-day session beginning in January. Governor Moore will continue to evaluate all options as states around the country make decisions regarding redistricting, Elliott said. Some of those states ramped up their rhetoric in recent days with Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul saying her state will not stand on the sidelines with the timid souls and California Gov. Gavin Newsom saying he will call for a special election to have voters approve a new map that would boost Democrats. This is a war. We are at war. And thats why the gloves are off and I say, Bring it on, said Hochul, who is looking to redraw the lines, in a way that would favor Democrats, as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Texas, where Republicans have looked to pass a map more favorable to their cause because of President Donald Trumps pleas, state Democrats had escaped to New York, Boston and Chicago to avoid voting on the effort. Gov. Greg Abbott issued civil arrest warrants for the fleeing lawmakers, sparking the latest comments from Hochul and others on Monday. Its the gerrymandering in the blue states that has distorted the politics in America, Abbott said Tuesday on Fox News, blaming Democrats while acknowledging Republicans plan to create five new GOP-held seats in Texas. In Maryland, Democratic leaders who control all aspects of state government have not yet gone as far as those in New York and California. There are also far fewer seats potentially at play. Californias 52 congressional districts are represented by 43 Democrats and nine Republicans. New Yorks 28 districts are held by 21 Democrats and seven Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The smaller population in Maryland is represented by seven Democrats and one Republican with the single GOP seat covering Harford County, the Eastern Shore and part of Baltimore County. U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, a leader of the most conservative bloc in Congress in the House Freedom Caucus, has served in the district since 2011. Maryland Democrats could look to carefully erode Harris Republican support in the district if they draw new maps, potentially giving the dominant party an easier path to winning all eight Maryland seats. Kick-starting that process would require support from Moore and the Democratic-controlled Maryland General Assembly. House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones office did not respond to a request for comment from The Baltimore Sun, though a key member of her leadership team Moon, the majority leader is behind the effort to push for redistricting in the state. Jones is also a board member of the national Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, whose top brass also called for states to fight back on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Bill Ferguson, meanwhile, echoed a similar message in a statement Tuesday. Its my sincere hope that we dont have to pursue this strategy, but at this point, nothing can be off the table, Ferguson said. This is a dangerous road for democracy, and whats happening in Texas right now is peak dysfunction. Democracy deserves better. _____ Attorney General Austin Kundsen addresses media and provides an update in the manhunt for Michael Brown, in Anaconda, Montana on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan) ANACONDA Local, state and federal officials gathered on the lawn in front of Deer Lodge County Courthouse on Tuesday morning to provide an update on the search for a man who shot several individuals on Friday. Michael Brown, 45, is accused of killing four people on Aug. 1 in the Owl Bar in Anaconda around 10:30 a.m.. He then fled, stealing a pickup truck. Brown hasnt been seen since Friday, officials said, and little new information was available. However, later Tuesday according to an NBC Montana interview with Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton, Brown, in fact, had been seen over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agencies are still operating under the assumption he is alive. Its unclear where Brown is. We dont have specific information, but look, he was able to escape and get up in the mountains, Attorney General Austin Knudsen said. We are absolutely operating under the assumption that he is armed and extremely dangerous. Michael Brown is pictured in this photo released by the Montana Department of Justice. (DOJ photo) Gov. Greg Gianforte said on Tuesday he has signed an executive order to help share the costs of law enforcement activity. He also held a moment of silence for the victims 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 of whom were Anaconda residents. The state has already been supporting this investigation with staff and aviation assets, Gianforte said during the press conference. This action today will ensure additional financial resources are available as we continue to track down this criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knudsen said the U.S. Marshalls Service has increased the reward for information leading to Browns capture to $10,000. Gianforte said the National Guard has provided assistance during the search. Other federal resources, including intelligence gathering were used, according to Richard Baer, an FBI official at the briefing. It was unclear from the briefing what type of intelligence resources were used. Officials had little to say on the search area, how big it was or how many people are still involved in the search. Gianfortes executive order, however, mentions there are approximately 150 personnel involved. It was unclear how much money the executive order opens up. Montana Division of Criminal Investigation Administrator Lee Johnson said the search perimeter had expanded, but did not provide further details, calling it operational information law enforcement wasnt sharing publicly. Knudsen did add there was no evidence any homes or cabins had been broken into. Sweeps have been conducted by law enforcement in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened in the initial moments between the shooting and Browns escape remains unclear. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney Morgan Smith briefly expounded on the timeline, but said the county wasnt in a position to disclose further information. A United States Marshal stands during a press conference regarding Michael Brown on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Anaconda, Montana (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan) Once Mr. Brown was leaving, I can tell you that the law enforcement response to the realization that he was leaving was nearly immediate, Smith said. But outside of that, I wouldnt be able to provide any more specifics. In Anaconda, people were walking around and there was not a heavy first responder presence in the town itself. One coffee shop was trying to figure out if they could supply caffeine for first responders and residents were talking about the shooting. When the dust settles and our community is safe again, we will answer all of the questions, Smith said. In the meantime, we ask that you take information that you see on social media with a grain of salt. We ask you to refrain from information you do not know to be true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some residents in Anaconda have complained about information being shared, including law enforcement positions and helicopter flight patterns. Social media was also afire in regards to the shooting in the immediate aftermath, per reporting from the Montana Standard. It wasnt immediately clear what information was incorrect, or if law enforcement agencies have been able to correct it. The South Dakota House of Representatives convenes on Feb. 5, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a legislative appointment Tuesday to fill a position representing the northeastern corner of the state. Rhoden appointed Nick Fosness, a Republican from Britton, to the state House of Representatives seat that was vacated in May when then-Rep. Chris Reder, R-Warner, resigned. Nick Fosness. (Courtesy of the Governors Office) Nick Fosness is a true South Dakotan, Rhoden said in a news release. He believes in the importance of hard work, community and resilience values that are essential to our states way of life. I am confident that his leadership will help us keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fosness served as the CEO of Marshall County Hospital Healthcare Center Avera for the last 13 years and is the vice president and incoming chair of the board of directors for the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations. He spent nine years serving on his local school board, including seven as president. Im honored by Governor Rhodens faith in me, and I look forward to working on issues that help my neighbors, Fosness said in the news release. Fosness will represent District 1, which includes areas in Brown, Day, Marshall and Roberts counties. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Brief The Department of Homeland Security is trying to get local and state law enforcement officers to join ICE. Law enforcement officers around Florida received an email from the DHS, recruiting them to join ICE. Several sheriffs around Florida are outraged by the email. WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Sheriffs around Florida are calling out the Department of Homeland Security after it tried to recruit hundreds of their deputies to join ICE. The backstory Some deputies in the Tampa Bay Area received an email from the DHS, asking them to consider joining ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The email was signed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Deputy Director, Madison Sheahan. READ:Deportation flights out of Alligator Alcatraz underway, Gov. DeSantis says "As someone who is currently supporting ICE through the 287(g) program, you understand the unique responsibility we carry in protecting our communities and upholding federal law," the email read. "Your experience in state or local law enforcement brings invaluable insight and skills to this missionqualities we need now more than ever." The email targets law enforcement officers who are 287g-certified, meaning they're trained to help ICE on the local level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also boasts a $50,000 signing bonus to be paid over a five-year service agreement with ICE. What they're saying Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was not happy about the email that hundreds of his deputies received. "That's biting the hand that's feeding you," Judd said. In an interview over the weekend, Judd said he's not upset that DHS is trying to recruit law enforcement officers, but he's upset with the way the department went about this latest recruitment tactic. "To talk directly to the deputies with government documents that were completed so that we could help them, that is not right," Judd said. "It's not professional. It is, you know, it's Bush league work is what it is." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ:Florida AG invites people to alert his office if their ex is in US illegally: 'Wed be happy to assist' Sheriffs around Florida feel betrayed. "You know, we're bending over backwards to accommodate you," Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. "And this is the way that you treat us." Judd says they've been a force multiplier to help ICE efforts on the local level. He says they're glad to help ICE, but he's angry that the DHS used data that his office provided in order to try to poach deputies. "We've been spending a lot of time and effort, and the next thing we know, the people who we have submitted to ICE, who have been ICE trained on our dime, by the way, received a direct email from the administration," Judd said. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri shared the following statement in response to the email: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The State of Florida and Florida law enforcement agencies have expended significant resources and invested in our personnel to ensure that we are properly staffed so that we can provide the best law enforcement services to our residents and visitors. We have partnered with ICE like no other state to help ICE do its job of illegal immigration enforcement. ICE actively trying to use our partnership to recruit our personnel is wrong and we have expressed our concern to ICE leadership." Judd and Gualtieri have championed ICE's mission on the local level, with their leadership on the State Immigration Enforcement Council. Judd says this move by the DHS lacks integrity and professionalism. "It's not the fact that they did it," Judd said. "It was the way they did and that they used our professional data that we sent them. You know, Kristi Noem needs to put her big girl pants on." Judd called on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to hold her department accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judd says he spoke with their ICE field Office Director, who wasn't aware of this email that was sent to law enforcement officers. The other side Fox 13 reached out to the DHS for a comment in response to concerns over the recruiting email. "ICE is recruiting law enforcement, veterans, and other patriots who want to serve their country and help remove gang members, child pedophiles, murderers, terrorists, and drug traffickers," a DHS official said. "This includes local law enforcement, veterans, and our 287(g) partners who have already been trained and have valuable law enforcement experience. Additionally, more than $500 million from President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill will go to increasing our 287(g) partnerships with state and local law enforcement. Like hiring, were supercharging our efforts to fulfill President Trump and the American peoples mandate to remove the worst of the worst from our country." The Source This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Kylie Jones. Aug. 4GRAND FORKS The Grand Forks Police Department recently welcomed its newest K-9 to the team and, at the end of August, he will return to Anoka, Minnesota, with his handler for the standard 12-week training program. "It's a very demanding position," said Lt. Travis Benson, who oversees the GFPD's K-9 department. "The K-9 lives with them, and that's their partner for (what could be the next) seven, eight years. They are responsible for daily upkeep and everything with that dog." Because of this, there's not often much interest in the position, but the police department has always been able to find a worthy applicant, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It takes, usually, a special person who truly wants to be with that animal," Benson said. This time, it's Officer Matthew Sylvester. He is a first-time K-9 handler. Throughout the selection process, Sylvester underwent physical fitness testing and dog handling. He was also interviewed and his work history was reviewed. His K-9, a male German Shepherd, was picked up on July 23. The K-9 was purchased from McDonough K-9, located in Anoka, which selects and imports dogs from the Czech Republic, according to its website. The company was established in 2000 by Mark McDonough, who was a police K-9 handler for 22 years of his 33-year law enforcement career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first year of the dogs' lives, they undergo some general obedience training, Benson said. Once they're about a year old, they can be purchased by law enforcement agencies. Approximately a dozen K-9s return to Anoka with their handlers to complete the rest of their training. The GFPD's new K-9 will be dual purpose like the others at the agency, trained in narcotics detection in addition to patrol duties like tracking and searching. K-9 Riot retired from the GFPD at the end of December. With the addition of this new K-9, the police department is back to its standard three dogs on staff. To make this addition, the department did some saving, and received a grant from the American Kennel Club, Benson said. Aug. 4A Dayton man who reportedly "sicced" his dogs on a man who was seriously injured in the attack was indicted by a grand jury. Derrick L. Purter, 38, is facing one count of felonious assault in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. He's scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. On July 11, Dayton police responded to a reported dog bite near Richmond and Niagara avenues. Officers initially could not speak to the victim because he was having surgery due to his severe injuries, according to Dayton Municipal Court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the officers returned later to take a report, the man said he was assaulted by another man who "sicced" his pitbulls on him, an affidavit read. The assault was reportedly captured on cellphone video. The man initially identified his attacker as Derrick Porter, but selected Purter out of a photographic lineup, according to court documents. On July 25, the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, Dayton Police Department's Violent Offenders Unit and other assisting law enforcement officers arrested Purter on Victor Avenue. Purter reportedly ignored commands initially, so crews entered a house and took him into custody. Two dogs were seized and turned over to the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center. Much of what the Justice Department wants a federal judge to unseal from the Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury investigation is already known and, at least so far, the attorney general is seeking to unseal nothing else, according to a new court filing Tuesday. The Justice Department turned over a version of the Maxwell grand jury transcripts that identifies which information is not already publicly known. That annotated version shows that "much of the information provided during the course of the grand jury testimony -- with the exception of the identities of certain victims and witnesses -- was made publicly available at trial or has otherwise been publicly reported through the public statements of victims and witnesses," the filing said. MORE: Ghislaine Maxwell engaged in 'significant pattern of dishonest conduct,' DOJ said in 2022 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department is asking two federal judges in New York to unseal the grand jury transcripts in the Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein cases. It is not asking the judges to unseal the grand jury exhibits, though the attorney general asked for several more days to consider "its position with respect to unsealing of the grand jury exhibits," the filing said. The Epstein grand jury met twice on June 18, 2019, and July 2, 2019, before he was indicted on charges accusing him of sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of minor girls. Lucas Jackson/Reuters - PHOTO: A news conference announcing charges against Ghislaine Maxwell for her role in the sexual exploitation and abuse of minor girls by Jeffrey Epstein in New York City, New York, U.S., July 2, 2020. The Maxwell grand jury met on June 29, 2020, and July 8, 2020, before she was indicted on charges she conspired with Epstein to entice minors to travel so they could engage in illegal sex acts. It also met on March 29, 2021, after she was indicted, as prosecutors sought to add charges for a superseding indictment. Maxwell was convicted and is serving a 20-year prison sentence at an all-female federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas, where she was recently moved from a minimum security prison in Tallahassee, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department said it has provided notice of the unsealing motions to all but one of the victims who are referenced in the grand jury transcripts. Federal prosecutors have been unable to contact that remaining victim. "With respect to victims who are not identified in the grand jury transcripts but who have previously received victim notifications in the Maxwell and Epstein matters, the Government will over the coming days alert those victims to the fact of the unsealing motions," the filing said. Lawyers for some victims urge caution Lawyers who who represent several victims of Epstein urged caution before the release of any grand jury transcripts. The lawyers told a federal judge on Tuesday that they "were quite surprised" to learn that the government sought to unseal grand jury testimony before conferring with the victims and their attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referencing previous litigation on behalf of victims who challenged Epstein's so-called "sweetheart deal" with federal prosecutors in Florida, the attorneys called it "especially troublingthat the government has once again proceeded in a manner that disregards victims' rights suggesting that the hard-learned lessons of the past have not taken hold." "This omission reinforces the perception that the victims are, at best, an afterthought to the current administration," wrote attorneys Brad Edwards, Brittany Henderson and Paul Cassell. The letter notes that several of their clients have contacted them expressing "deep anxiety" over whether the records, if released, would be adequately redacted to protect their privacy, The victims are generally supportive of transparency, the letter stated, but ask that prior to any disclosure of grand jury testimony that the Court afford the victims and their counsel be afforded an opportunity to review the records and to propose additional redactions necessary to avoid "re-identification or harassment" of victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The survivors support transparency when it can be achieved without sacrificing their safety, privacy, or dignity. But transparency cannot come at the expense of the very people whom the justice system is sworn to protectparticularly amid contemporaneous events that magnify risk and trauma. Several victims have already died by suicide, drug overdose, or under tragic circumstances tied directly to the trauma caused by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell," the letter stated. What key witness in Maxwell's 2021 trial says In a separate filing, a lawyer for Annie Farmer, one of the key witnesses who testified against Maxwell at her 2021 criminal trial wrote to judges in New York on Tuesday to say that Farmer "strongly supports" the release of grand jury transcripts as long as they are redacted to protect the victims. "Transparency is critical to justice, and the public has a legitimate interest in understanding the full scope of Epstein's and Maxwell's crimes, particularly where those actions caused lasting harm to others," wrote Sigrid McCawley, one of Farmer's lawyers. While supportive of the DOJ's effort to unseal the grand jury transcripts, Farmer's letter takes issue with the Trump administration's recent public statements that no further criminal investigations of Epstein associates are forthcoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To be clear, we do not agree that there is insufficient evidence to support investigations into third parties who enabled Epstein's and Maxwell's crimes and participated in them. Numerous individuals have yet to be investigated and several civil cases have been filed addressing other individuals' central involvement with Epstein's and Maxwell's sex trafficking," the letter stated. "To date, however, the combined forces of our country's law enforcement agencies have only ever arrested these two individuals in connection with crimes committed against countless young women and girls, and the Government's recent suggestion that no further criminal investigations are forthcoming is a cowardly abdication of its duties to protect and serve," wrote McCawley. Australia's famed Great Barrier Reef has suffered its most widespread coral bleaching on record, according to a government report released Wednesday that warns the natural wonder is in dire health. Scientists documented the "most spatially extensive" bleaching since records began almost 40 years ago, driven by sweltering ocean temperatures in 2024 that triggered "unprecedented levels of heat stress". The Australian Institute of Marine Science surveyed the health of 124 coral reefs between August 2024 and May 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northern and southern branches of the sprawling reef had seen the "largest annual decline in coral cover" ever recorded, the government agency found. Reefs had been battered by tropical cyclones and infestations of crown-of-thorns starfish that feast on coral. But the "number one cause is climate change," said the institute's research lead Mike Emslie. "There is no doubt about that," he told AFP. Often dubbed the world's largest living structure, the Great Barrier Reef is a 2,300 kilometre (1,400-mile) expanse of tropical corals that houses a stunning array of biodiversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But repeated bleaching events have threatened to rob the tourist drawcard of its wonder, turning banks of once-vibrant coral a sickly white. Unusually warm tropical waters triggered widespread coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef in 2024 and in the first few months of 2025 -- the sixth such event in the past nine years. "The (Great Barrier Reef) experienced unprecedented levels of heat stress, which caused the most spatially extensive and severe bleaching recorded to date," the report found. Over the past two years a mass global bleaching event has drained the life from more than 80 percent of the world's coral reefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bleaching occurs when water temperatures rise forcing coral to expel the colourful microscopic algae, known as zooxanthellae, embedded in their tissues. If high temperatures persist, the coral can eventually turn white and die. Emslie said past coral growth would help cushion the record losses and that the Great Barrier Reef was still an "amazing place". - 'Worth fighting for' - "It is still worth fighting for. We can't throw our arms up and give up," he said. The report found a rapidly growing type of coral -- known as acropora -- had suffered the most. This coral is quick to grow, but is also one of the first to bleach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report found that any recovery of the reef could take years and was dependent on future coral reproduction and minimal environmental disturbance. Richard Leck from the World Wildlife Fund compared the fluctuating health of the Great Barrier Reef to a "rollercoaster". "That is a sign of an ecosystem under incredible stress and what reef scientists are hugely concerned about is when the reef does not keep bouncing back the way it has," he told AFP. Leck said some coral reefs around the world were already beyond recovery, warning the Great Barrier Reef could suffer the same fate without ambitious and rapid climate action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average sea surface temperature around Australia was the "highest on record" in 2024, according to Australian National University. Australia is currently developing its next round of emissions reduction targets, a key obligation under the landmark Paris climate agreement. The mining superpower remains one of the world's biggest coal exporters and continues to heavily subsidise its fossil fuel sectors. lec/sft/mtp FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) After a successful 28-year-long career in law enforcement, Corporal Greg Dawson with the Fayetteville Police Department hung up his uniform for the final time on Wednesday. According to a post from FPD, Dawson is a native of Little Rock and graduate of Oak Grove High School, [he] began his service journey in the U.S. Air Force as a Security Police Officer. He later served in the Air Force Reserves, assigned to the Rescue section at Charleston AFB. Dawson began working at the Maumelle Department of Public Safety in 1997, where he served as a police officer, firefighter, and EMT. He then moved to South Carolina to continue his career at Sumter Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across both Arkansas and South Carolina, he was assigned to the K-9 Division, 4th Judicial Drug Task Force Interdiction Unit, Crisis/Hostage Negotiator, Firearms and Tactics Instructor, and was a Peer Team Leader. However, what set Dawsons service apart was his compassion for those with intellectual disabilities, as well as his fellow first responders who battle with silent struggles. Gregs impact extends far beyond our city. He served on the International Executive Council for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and founded a nonprofit organization [Responder 1st Assistance Program] that supports first responders during times of personal crisis, FPD stated. During a ceremony held at the Fayetteville Police Department on Wednesday, July 30, family, friends, and law enforcement partners from all over Arkansas gathered to celebrate Dawsons career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dawson says although his career in law enforcement has come to a close, hell continue to be involved with Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and continue the nonprofit work of he and his wife, Kasie. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Movement is a weekly newsletter tracking the influence and debates steering politics on the right. Sign up here or in the box below. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) says Republicans should take her vocal criticisms of the GOP which she insists are not criticisms of President Trump as a warning about coming troubles with their base. Im an early indicator, and my complaints are felt and being said far and wide among your average American people who voted for the president and Republicans in 2024, Greene told me in a phone interview Monday. The Republican Party is the one drifting away from what we campaigned on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene also expanded to me on being the only Republican in Congress to call Israels conduct in Gaza a genocide. Far from backing away from the term, Greene said: Its easy to call it a genocide. More on that in a moment. I had reached out to the firebrand Georgia congresswoman in wake of her comments to the Daily Mail that the GOP had turned its back on America First and that she was unsure of whether the Republican Party is leaving me, or if Im kind of not relating to Republican Party as much anymore. The comments surprised some, given Greenes ardent support of Trump, who is the leader of the GOP. She told me it is ridiculous to suggest she does not support the president. But they are part of a pattern of Greene breaking with leaders in the GOP, including Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, she called the crisis in Gaza a genocide; raised the alarm about U.S. strikes in Iran; critiqued the U.S. continuing to sell weapons to help Ukraine; and pushed for more Jeffrey Epstein disclosures despite resistance from Trump, among other gripes. Just Monday, Greene in a post lamented that there have been zero arrests in a number of MAGA-amplified scandals like the Russian Collusion Hoax, COVID, Mar-A-Lago Raid, and Epstein Pedophile Arrest, among others. She posted: Dont talk about it if you arent going to do it. Who was she talking about in that post, and who needs to change? Greene declined to name specific names. That criticism is to everyone, literally everyone, and no ones left out of that, Greene said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre going to go on television and this is for everybody and point their fingers at all these people and call them criminals, say they committed treason, then do something about it, Greene said. If they make these accusations, but yet hold no one accountable, theyre going to lose everybody. Theyre going to lose a vast majority of people who really were told they had to care about this, and they cared about it, but yet nothing got done. After Greene and I spoke Monday, CNN reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi was directing federal prosecutors to start a grand jury probe into Obama administration officials over their role in the 2016 Russia election interference investigation. The question is whether Greene is a canary in the MAGA coal mine, or whether her criticisms just put her on an island. She is a giant figure in terms of followers and attention, but some could dismiss her concerns as representing only a minor faction on the right. Greene said she is reflecting what she is hearing in her deep-red Georgia district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there is clearly some annoyance with the criticism from Greene. Asked about Greenes comments in the Daily Mail and on X, a White House official told me: President Trump campaigned on securing the border, signing tax cuts, and ending the genital mutilation of minors. Hes accomplished all three within the first 200 days. Those are all promises MTG campaigned for and should be happy about. Greene in response told me that she had posted over the weekend praising zero crossings in the past three months, and noted she voted for Trumps megabill that locked in tax cuts. But she pushed back by saying Trump has not had the opportunity to sign her bill, the Protect Childrens Innocence Act, to codify Trumps executive order banning gender-affirming care for minors because it hasnt yet gotten a vote in the House or Senate. Im not criticizing the president on this. Im criticizing everyone around him. Theyre actually working against the president by making his executive orders, his accomplishments only temporary, Greene said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenes America First critique of U.S. foreign policy going as far as to call the crisis and conflict in Gaza a genocide is perhaps the most notable break. Greene said she dubbed the situation a genocide by simply looking at the truth and being willing to speak, saying that there are many others who agree but theyre afraid to say it. I support Israel, and we want to see every single hostage released . It was horrific what happened on Oct. 7, Greene said. But its also horrific whats happening in Gaza, and many innocent people are being killed, have been killed. Christians have been killed, and children have been killed and are being starved. Its easy to call it a genocide. And I think Israel has made clear what they want to do. They really want to, basically, move all the Palestinians out of Gaza, and thats what theyre in the process of systematically doing, Greene said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I noted that even many progressive Democrats critical of Israel have not used the term genocide to describe whats happening in Gaza, as the term implies targeted destruction of an ethnic group based on their identity. American Jewish groups, not to mention Israel itself, strongly reject accusations of genocide. I think its pretty easy to understand. Its targeted at who they are, so thats their identity, Greene said. I mean, theyve bombed it to the point where its unlivable. They are in talks of trying to get other countries to take Palestinian refugees. So I dont think it can be any more clear. Welcome to The Movement, a weekly newsletter looking at the influences and debates on the right in Washington. Im Emily Brooks, House leadership reporter at The Hill. Tell me whats on your radar: ebrooks@thehill.com. Not already on the list? Subscribe here STRANGE BEDFELLOWS FOR ORGASMIC MEDITATION CONVICTS Can the right-wing outrage over weaponized prosecution give a boost to those involved with a salacious case? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those defending the sexual wellness company OneTaste are finding strange bedfellows on the right as they fight convictions of the groups founder and former CEO Nicole Daedone and its former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz. Daedone and Cherwitz were convicted in June for forced labor conspiracy in connection with their coercive scheme to obtain the labor and services of certain OneTaste employees. The company, which taught orgasmic meditation, turned from a startup celebrated for its focus on female sexuality to being criticized for alleged abuse of employees. It was the subject of a controversial 2022 Lena Dunham-produced Netflix documentary, Orgasm Inc. Its not the type of case that immediately invites a conservative defense, but defenders of Daedone and Cherwitz see an opening with those skeptical of overzealous prosecutors like those in the MAGA movement supportive of Trump and outraged about his prosecutions, as well as those of Jan. 6 rioters. The bulk of the support has come from the conservative movement, said Juda Engelmayer, the crisis publicist for Daedone and Cherwitz. Getting others to take a deep look at the underlying legal issues, he said, requires getting your head around that concept is an ick factor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The libertarian magazine Reasons senior editor Elizabeth Nolan Brown in February outlined a key argument of those defending OneTaste heads: The two face a single count of conspiracy to commit forced labor Neither woman is charged with actually forcing labor or engaging in other criminal acts. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who was once investigated by the DOJ for alleged sex trafficking but never charged, has criticized the case on his One America News show. Trump adviser Roger Stone has critiqued the FBI over the case, as well. And it doesnt end in the conservative media space. There are people privately pressing the DOJ to look into the case. One member of Congress wrote to FBI Director Kash Patel with concerns about the case earlier this year, the Daily Mail reported. The Daily Mail censored the name of the member of Congress who wrote to Patel about the case identified only as being a House Judiciary Committee member who has a law enforcement background. But Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), who fits that bill, confirmed to me that he was the one who sent the OneTaste letter to the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ick factor could be a limiting factor for the defendants as they hope for more support on the right given social conservative values opposed to the sex-positive OneTaste ethos. Daedone and Cherwitz are scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 23, and plan to appeal the conviction. GAMBLING TAX DIVIDE EMERGING ON THE RIGHT A divide is emerging on the right over whether gamblers should be able to deduct their losses on their taxes, pitting social conservatives against top Republicans who hope to reverse the recent change. At issue is a last-minute provision in the One Big, Beautiful Bill that lowered the gambling loss deduction from 100 percent to 90 percent, set to kick in in 2026. That means if a gambler broke even one year, winning $1 million and losing $1 million, the gambler would still be taxed on $100,000 worth of income on winnings. House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) said in a field hearing in Las Vegas, Nev. last month that he was open to nixing that change. I know that many members on both sides of the aisle are open to working to address it before it goes into effect on Jan. 1, Smith said. But social conservatives are starting to pipe up encouraging the opposite direction. Advancing American Freedom, the group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, is circulating a memo opposing that reversal and encouraging to lower the deduction even more: Gambling losses should not be deductible at all. Nearly all gamblers lose money, leading to further financial, health, and family problems. Congress should encourage a pro-growth tax code by declining to reinstate full expensing for gambling losses, the memo said. Further reading from my colleague Aris Folley Trumps big, beautiful bill could spell trouble for gamblers: What to know ON MY CALENDAR Its a quiet August here in Washington. Send me your interesting upcoming seminars, Capitol Hill forums, and galas to be featured in this section: ebrooks@thehill.com Monday, Aug. 25 to Thursday, Aug. 28: State Policy Network annual meeting in New Orleans, La. THREE MORE THINGS The Trump administration is not planning to mandate coverage for in vitro fertilization, contrary to the presidents campaign pledge, The Washington Post reported. The Young Republicans honored four leaders at its national convention in Nashville, Tenn., over the weekend, inducting them into the 1856 Society: Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Political Affairs Matt Brasseaux; former National Director of Election Integrity for the Trump campaign and Republican National Committee Christina Norton; The Washington Reporter Editor-in-Chief Matthew Foldi; and Trump 2024 National Delegate Selection Director John Findlay. Douglass Mackey, whose conviction over posting memes about the 2016 race was overturned by an appeals court this year, was celebrated at a bash at MAGA Capitol Hill hangout Butterworths on Friday. Napkins at the event featured the meme telling voters to text to vote that Mackey posted under an anonymous Twitter account that was the center of the conviction of conspiracy to suppress voters. WHAT IM READING Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is urging the Trump administration to commute the sentence of former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), who was sentenced to seven years in prison earlier this year to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Greene shared a letter Monday in a post on the social platform X that she said she had sent to the Office of the Pardon Attorney urging President Trump to commute Santoss sentence. A 7-year prison sentence for campaign-related charges is excessive, especially when Members of Congress whove done far worse still walk free, Greene said in her post. George Santos has taken responsibility. Hes shown remorse. Its time to correct this injustice. We must demand equal justice under the law! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos, 37, surrendered to the Federal Correctional Institution Fairton in New Jersey late last month, officially capping off the New York Republicans dramatic rise-and-fall in politics that saw him ascend as a GOP trailblazer before plunging to disgrace. After Santos was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022, the story hed told about his life began to unravel, exposing a series of outlandish lies. He was hit with 23 felony charges less than a year into his first term, spanning wire fraud and aggravated identity theft to false statements and falsifying records. Santos recognized his drama-filled tenure in Congress in a social media post published the day before he reported to prison. Commuting his sentence would acknowledge the severity of his actions and simultaneously provide a path forward in allowing him to make amends for his crimes and strive to better serve the people in his community, Greene said in her letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenes plea comes after Trump didnt rule out a pardon for Santos during a Newsmax interview that aired Friday. He lied like hell, Trump said in the interview. And I didnt know him, but he was 100 percent for Trump, he continued, adding that his vote was solid when he was in Congress. The president also said no one has talked to him about a pardon for the former GOP lawmaker, who was expelled from the House in 2023. Santos has said he will be seeking clemency from Trump. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) Dr. Aaron Moulton of Greenville was arrested and charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor after an investigation into child sexual abuse material. According to a press release, on December 21, 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip regarding child sexual abuse material, which was reported to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Following an investigation, the case was referred to the Pitt County Sheriffs Office in March 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives initiated an investigation into the CSAM and the suspect, and on August 4, 2025, warrants were issued for 31-year-old Dr. Aaron Moulton of Greenville, charging him with two counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Dr. Moulton was arrested at his residence and released after posting a $150,000 secured bond. CLICK HERE FOR 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 WNCT. The Texas redistricting fight could end up being the first test of mettle for Democrats eyeing a 2028 play for the White House. With Greg Abbott, the states Republican governor, directing lawmakers to gerrymander up to five congressional seats to add to the GOPs total, Democrats suddenly find themselves flush with political opportunity. For months, polling has shown that Democratic voters want their representatives to take on louder roles in opposition to Donald Trump. Survey after survey has shown the frustration the partys base harbors for members of leadership, frustration which boiled into rare public view earlier this year during an intra-party spat over a potential government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Texas is giving Democratic governors, at the very least, an opportunity to give the voters what they want. Thats why those same governors the ones with Democratic state legislatures to back them up, that is are lining up to threaten their own mid-decade redistricting efforts. And the list reads like a whos who of expected presidential contenders. Gavin Newsom is leading his partys effort to threaten Texas Republicans with reciprocal redistricting actions if they go through with plans to gerrymander five new seats for the GOP in Congress (AP) In Illinois, New York, and California, three of the Democratic Partys most prominent national leaders were fired up in their responses to questions this week about redistricting and their individual responses to the Texas plan to add as many as five GOP-leaning congressional seats. Adamantly backing them up was Ken Martin, the party chair who is on his own personal crusade to rebrand the Democrats national image after the bruising 2024 cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not here to tie one of our hands behind our back, Martin said in an interview with a Portland, Oregon news outlet. In the past, I think our party would bring a pencil to a knife fight. Were going to bring a gun to a knife fight. He was even more explicit at a press conference with Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas to prevent the redistricting from taking place, telling reporters: "Now is not the time for one party to play by the rules while the other party has completely ignored it. They've decided to cheat, and we're going to respond in kind." Texas State Rep. Gene Wu holds a press conference in Carol Stream, Illinois, on Sunday as Gov. J.B. Pritzker (left) plays host to the runaway Texas Democrats (Reuters) The governors vowing to match any partisan redistricting committed by Texas Republicans offered similar analogies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strongest response came from Californias Gavin Newsom, who recently visited South Carolina as it is heavily speculated that he is considering a national campaign. He vowed that his state would fight fire with fire and trigger its own redistricting process were Abbott to move forward in Texas. New Yorks Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, told reporters that she would push for ending the states independent redistricting commission, explaining that she would no longer fight with her hand tied behind my back. Were sick and tired of being pushed around when other states dont have the same aspirations that we always have, the New York governor said on Monday. I cannot ignore that the playing field has changed dramatically, and shame on us if we ignore that fact and cling tight to the vestiges of the past. That era is over Donald Trump eliminated it forever. New Yorks Kathy Hochul is pushing to end the states independent redistricting commission as both parties threaten a national gerrymandering war (AP) In Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is publicly harboring the escapee Democratic lawmakers from Texas, demurred on the prospect, though his office confirmed to Axios that he wont rule out his own reciprocal efforts: "Here in the state of Illinois, it is possible to redistrict -- it's not something that I want to do, he said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marylands Wes Moore, another rising star in the party, issued a similar statement through a spokesperson on Tuesday; all options are on the table. The Democratic leader of the states House of Delegates just introduced legislation that would allow Maryland to pursue redistricting if another state did so mid-decade. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy is prevented from pushing for state lawmakers to begin their own redistricting efforts under the states constitution. But Murphy told reporters on Monday that the issue was to be a talking point in conversations with other Democratic governors. I suspect as the Democratic governors get together for a drink or a coffee, this will be high on the agenda, he said, according to The New Jersey Globe. While Democrats are likely limited in the number of states where they could mount their own bids to boost congressional representation for their party, the sheer size and density of California and New York could give them an edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In general, the issue is providing the party the knife fight it was looking for. With three Texas lawmakers risking arrest by fleeing the state to break a quorum in the legislature, Democratic voters are seeing the first hints of effective, unified Democratic resistance to the second Trump era coalesce across the country. It still remains to be seen if Texas Republicans will even be successful in their push. Assuming the GOP isnt scared off by threats from Democrats, court challenges could still prevent the states new maps from going into effect next year or at all. Abbott, however, seems to have ignited a spark within the Democratic Party. Even Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was vowing that his party would respond from coast-to-coast to prevent his caucus from losing up to five of its members in Texas, or at the minimum respond in kind. As the Democrats leader in the House, Jeffries own political future is tied to his ability to protect his members and repair a somewhat fractured party leadership as he braces for a wave of primary contests in 2026. On Monday, the Democratic minority leader vowed: Were going to respond and respond forcefully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is going on in Texas right now in terms of this second attempt to gerrymander the map we believe violates the Voting Rights Act, Jeffries said during a CNN interview. You will not see that happen in Democratic states, but you will see governors and state legislatures and, of course, Members of the House Democratic Caucus respond in kind. There is no unilateral disarmament when were in the middle of an all-out assault by Donald Trump. UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (DC News Now) A Maryland family is desperate for answers. They want to know who drove the car that hit their loved one in Upper Marlboro and left him for dead. Police said that on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 2, 43-year-old Leroy Wedge was crossing the road when a driver struck and killed him, then drove away PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Maryland State Police in search of deadly hit-and-run crash suspect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims mother, Brenda Wedge-Boyd and her husband Matthew, want justice and the person who killed their son to turn themselves in to police. And for someone to hit him and it was daylight it was 6:20 a.m., it was light outside and it wasnt dark, and you leave my child on the street and so that hurt. I just want them to turn themselves in and deal with the consequences, said Wedge-Boyd. 43-year-old Leroy Wedge was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Upper Marlboro, Md. on Aug. 2. (Photo courtesy: Wedge-Boyd family) Fairfax County police reveals identity of 4-year-old in 1972 cold case murder Maryland State Police said they are searching for the person who was driving and hit Wedge early Saturday morning. The fatal crash happened at the intersection of Wood Branch Court and Maryland Route 202. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims mother Brenda Wedge-Boyd said she is heartbroken to lose her son and wants closure. And it still hurts that someone is still out there knowing that they hit him and they took him away from me and I didnt get to say goodbye, shared Wedge-Boyd. 43-year-old Leroy Wedge was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Upper Marlboro, Md. on Aug. 2. (Photo courtesy: Wedge-Boyd family) The case is under investigation and anyone with information can call the Maryland State Police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Federal authorities announced another group of illegal aliens has been convicted in the Panhandle for reentering the country without proper permission or approval. Prosecutors say all 22 were previously deported at least once, but returned to the United States. Most were picked up in the Pensacola or Tallahassee area. However, one was arrested here in Bay County. Guatemalan national, Cecilio Sic-Garcia, was deported twice in October 2019 and again in February 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest arrest happened on May 6th in Panama City Beach. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Theres a nihilistic attitude that permeates the Republican Party these days, an apparent belief that nothing matters anymore. Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst said it best when speaking to her constituents about Medicaid cuts: We are all going to die. They arent even trying to hide it anymore. Ten years ago, when Donald Trump emerged on the political scene as a presidential candidate, he did something a bit different than most other Republicans had done in their campaigns. He promised he would not touch Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. For decades, cutting these programs had been at the core of GOP identity. Instead, he pledged to go after Obamacare and eliminate it immediately. It will be so easy! he said. That seemed to appease the small government fanatics on the right, at least temporarily. Many of them had been scalded by the failed attempt to partially privatize Social Security in 2005, and the subsequent financial crisis a few years later had illustrated, in living color, the tremendous risk of putting Americans guaranteed retirement into the stock market. Trump, though, was still an outlier. At the same time he made his bold promise, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio were frontrunners for the Republican nomination and both were campaigning on plans to cut benefits and raise the retirement age. Their positions were met with delirious excitement by some members of the Beltway press. After all, the man who patented and popularized the negative narrative about Social Security and Medicare bankrupting the country was the sainted Ronald Reagan, who built his political career on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long before Twitter and TikTok, Reagan was a consummate showman who adroitly used the technology of the mid-1960s to spread the anti-government gospel. In 1964, while he was campaigning for Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater, the Republican nominee for president, Reagan gave a speech titled A Time for Choosing, which was televised and made into a record. In the address, he argued that Social Security was a bad deal for average Americans: A young man, 21 years of age, working at an average salary his Social Security contribution would, in the open market, buy him an insurance policy that would guarantee 220 dollars a month at age 65. The government promises 127. He could live it up until hes 31 and then take out a policy that would pay more than Social Security. Now are we so lacking in business sense that we cant put this program on a sound basis, so that people who do require those payments will find they can get them when theyre due that the cupboard isnt bare? Reagans young man would be 82 today, and he would very likely be grateful for the guaranteed income provided by the program. Theres no doubt he would be happy his 21-year-old self hadnt been tasked with investing for his old age, since the boom-and-bust cycles he experienced would have likely forced him to start over more than once. Despite the success of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the GOP has never given up on cutting the social safety net and eliminating it if at all possible. In many ways, that goal has been their basic organizing principle, even though its always been extremely unpopular. Theyre still doing it too, even though they have now taken up Trumps tactic of simply lying and assuring people they arent doing what theyre doing. Thats part of the plan too. Back in 1981, Reagan proposed major cuts to Social Security. But he largely abandoned his plans after a sharp backlash. This led the libertarians at the Cato Institute to call for a Leninist strategy and be ready to pounce when the opportunity arose. 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. The institutes Project on Social Security Privatization aimed to prepare the public to accept the idea of transitioning to private accounts they could invest in the markets. After his reelection in 2004, President George W. Bush declared he would spend his political capital on it. After debuting his plan in the 2005 State of the Union address, he barnstormed the country in support of it and the idea flamed out like a SpaceX rocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apparently, its time to try again. Yes, Republicans staged a full-blown tantrum back in 2023 when President Joe Biden suggested in his State of the Union address that they wanted to cut the program. But nobody believed their denials, since 75% of congressional Republicans had endorsed the cuts the previous summer. (They had even proposed work requirements for seniors.) That plan didnt go anywhere. But it does show that, no matter what they say or what their Dear Leader may ordain, the overall goal is not coming off the menu. In fact, theyve recently hatched another deceptive plan to get the job done. We know this because Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spilled the beans just the other day. One provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was called Trump Accounts, which are new retirement savings accounts for babies that supposedly will be opened with a $1000 contribution from the federal government. At an event hosted by Breitbart News, Bessent suggested the accounts would be so popular that people will demand the government replace Social Security with it. In a way, it is a backdoor for privatizing Social Security, he said. The White House quickly walked back his comments, saying that they have no intention of privatizing Social Security, yadda, yadda yadda. As Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said about Bessents little truth bomb, Between Bessents comments and the harm DOGE has already done to the agency, its clear Trump was lying all along about protecting Social Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump, lying? This should come as no surprise. Promise or no promise, its clear the GOP has not changed its goal one bit and the fight to protect Social Security and the social safety net should remain the essential mission of the Democratic Party. The post Guess whats back? Privatizing Social Security appeared first on Salon.com. A 14-year-old boy is accused of killing his parents in Clay County, after calling 911 from a church over a mile away. Deputies say Trevor Lee called 911 just after midnight, confessing to the shooting deaths of his parents, David Lee and Brandi Smith, whose bodies were found in their home on Silver Point near County Road 220. He was funny, charismatic, he always brought good energy, good vibes, said Kyree Bamon, Trevors best friend, expressing disbelief at the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I guess well never know what caused him to do that because, like I say, he had good parents, Brandi Smiths cousin James Lewis said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Trevor Lee, described as a good kid and a straight A student, was expected to start high school next week but is now facing serious charges. Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said that the shooting appears to have stemmed from a domestic argument between Trevor and his parents. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Bamon expressed shock and disbelief, noting that the family seemed close and always got along. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were probably the best, or one of the best, families I knew. They were funny and they treated me very well and told me all the time that they loved me like a son, he said. The Clay County Sheriffs Office is asking the community to come forward with any information that might shed light on the incident. 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. ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Most charges have been withdrawn against a woman after multiple sexually abused animals were found on a bus in Adams County, according to court documents. Online court records show more than 80 charges that include aggravated cruelty to animals and neglect of animals were withdrawn against 64-year-old Deanna Huff. She did plead guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated cruelty to animals and a firearm charge. Assistant District Attorney Kyle Reuter, who is prosecuting the case, said Tuesday that an agreement was reached with Huff that she would testify against 51-year-old Shawn Hirschbine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scheduled superload could cause delays in Cumberland County this week An agreement was reached that she would agree to testify at trial and cooperate against the co-defendant at trial if it comes to that, along with the guilty pleas she entered, Reuter said in an email on Tuesday. According to court records, Huff was sentenced to 182 days to 23 months confinement and 36 months of probation. The Adams County SPCA posted a statement onto Facebook, saying how the case was not handled appropriately. While we understand that plea agreements are a part of the legal process, we must be honest in saying that had this case been handled appropriately from the beginning, the outcome might have delivered a more fitting sense of justice for the animals who suffered. Cases of this magnitude cause irreversible trauma to everyone involved. The images and suffering we witnessed will stay with us for the rest of our lives. This was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty becasue it involved acts of bestiality, something that should never happen, yet it did, over and over again! The Adams County SPCA believes this outcome highlights a larger issue, the laws in Pennsylvania are not keeping pace with the growing severity of crimes against animals. In todays world, abuse is becoming more frequent and more disturbing. Sadly, our legal system has not evolved to match the seriousness of these crimes. Until our laws are strengthened, we know that more animals will suffer and offenders will continue getting a slap on the wrist! We urge the public to continue supporting stronger legislation, to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to hold all parties accountable for their actions. This case has forever changed us and we will never forget it or the animals who were so mistreated. Adams County SPCA Finding the bus Eastern Adams Regional Police filed charges against Hirschbine and Duff in January following a months-long investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police discovered the former school bus on June 15, 2024, around 8:30 p.m., when it broke down at the intersection of Red Hill Road and Hanover Street. Hirschbine and Huff were reportedly trying to move the bus off the roadway. Hirschbine was taken into custody when police found out he had an active warrant for distributing bestiality in West Virginia. Police found a phone number on the bus that led them to two different porn websites that were allegedly associated with Hirschbine. The animals inside Dozens of animals that include more than 30 ducks, chickens and turkeys, three German Shepherds, one Australian Shepherd, a bull, and a pony were found on the bus, which was described by police to have horrifying conditions. According to police, the animals were used for bestiality and that Hirschbine allegedly would let people watch him have sex with the animals for money, police said. Adams County SPCA rescues animals from bus, trailer Adams County SPCA rescues animals from bus, trailer Adams County SPCA rescues animals from bus, trailer Adams County SPCA rescues animals from bus, trailer Some of the animals had to be put down due to the abuse and neglect. The charges filed show that the pony and bull were sexually traumatized. As DNA swabs were being done on the animals, the pony and bull did not try to move or get away, which police said was unusual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that no DNA was found on any of the swabs. The animals were also not being fed. Do Pennsylvanias life sentence inmates deserve a second chance? The Adams County SPCA did take in more than a dozen animals that were on the bus. They also said three German Shepherds were put down because they were aggressive and did not like being touched. We cant blame them for acting this way, we can only imagine what they had been through, the SPCA said on Facebook. We will never fully know what their triggers are, so sometimes that is whats best for the animals safety and the safety of our staff. Questioning Huff and Hirschbine When police questioned Huff she had claimed that they were starting a petting zoo. However, police did find out they were also charged in New York and confronted Huff about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also on the bus was a firearm that police found after questioning Huff. Police said she talked about having a loaded handgun, which was found in the glove box. Hirschbine, police said, refused to speak about the animals and denied the allegations against him. Hirschbine is in prison in West Virginia, going through court proceedings. He faces 123 charges in the animal bus case in Adams County, according to court records. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Sacheon City) Gyeongnam province has announced 14 destinations selected as part of the Ministry of the Interior and Safetys annual Islands to Visit campaign for 2025. The list highlights islands rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local food, offering diverse experiences for travelers looking to explore beyond the mainland. This year, 14 islands in the province were selected out of 88 nationwide, including destinations in Changwon, Geoje, Sacheon, Hadong, and Tongyeong. Changwon Udo Once called Butterfly Island, Udo is easily accessible via a pedestrian bridge from Jinhae Marine Park. Its known for its laid-back atmosphere and opportunities for marine leisure activities. Geoje Isudo & Chilcheondo Isudo offers sweeping views of Geoga Bridge and even Tsushima Island on clear days. Chilcheondo, a land-connected island, is popular for scenic drives and features multiple suspension bridges connecting it to nearby islets. Sacheon Sinsudo & Bitodo Sinsudo, dubbed the Island Where the Gods Live, is known for its serene walking trails and sea views. Nearby Bitodo, featured in the classic tale Byeoljubujeon, is popular with families for its fishing park and ocean-themed activities. Hadong Daedo Daedo comprises one main island and several uninhabited islets. With its connection to Southern writers and designation as a fishing village experience destination, its ideal for families seeking a mix of nature and cultural heritage. Tongyeong 8 Island Gems Tongyeong dominates the list with eight featured islands: Yokjido: Ideal for sunrise and sunset views, with coastal paths and fresh seafood. Hansando: Rich in history, home to the Battle of Hansando site and Jeseungdang. Bijindo: Known for its white sand beaches and lively summer scene. Yeonhwado: Famous for hydrangeas in full bloom each summer and the scenic Yeonhwasa Temple. Yeondaedo: A model of sustainable island development, connected to Manjido by bridge. Daemaemuldo: A backpacking favorite with trails and striking island scenery. Chudo: Home to a 500-year-old zelkova tree and an annual island film festival. Saryangdo: Popular with hikers for its rugged trails, suspension bridges, and mountaintop views. In celebration of the 2025 campaign, the Ministry is hosting a nationwide island travel challenge until August 24. Participants can log visits through the Walk On app and social media to win prizes through a raffle. Gyeongnam Province plans to develop customized travel products for each island while improving infrastructure and convenience facilities. Officials also aim to collaborate with island residents to support sustainable tourism and local revitalization. For travelers seeking quiet coastal escapes or new cultural discoveries, these 14 islands offer a fresh look at the diversity of Gyeongnams maritime charm. GULFPORT, Miss. (WJTV) Gulfport police announced a woman was arrested during a domestic incident for hitting a person with a vehicle. The incident occurred in the area of Orange Grove Road and Highway 49 around 3:30 p.m. on August 4. Homemade explosive safely detonated in Mississippi During the investigation, police determined that Jaelyn Marie Breaux, 24, of Gulfport, and the victim had been involved in an argument. Police said as the victim began to walk away, Breaux accelerated her vehicle, turned the wheel and hit the victim. They said Breaux fled the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breaux was located and taken into custody a short time later, according to investigators. She was transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center, where she is being held on a $100,000 bond. Jaelyn Marie Breaux (Courtesy: Gulfport Police Dept.) Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. 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 gun was recently found in a diaper bag at an Ohio day care. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The discovery was made in the infant room of Kiwis Clubhouse in Gahanna on July 25, according to our news partners WBNS in Columbus. The Gahanna Division of Police said that after staff found the gun, one worker secured it and returned it to the owner. The administration of the day care filed a report hours after it happened. Police told WBNS they did not know if the gun was loaded. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents reportedly didnt find out about the incident until five days later when the day cares owner sent an email saying two employees had unexpectedly resigned following an incident involving a concerning item found in a diaper bag. WBNS reported that the email went on to say, at no point were children or staff in danger. Parents pressed for more details and eventually learned the concerning item was a gun. Some parents shared their frustration about how the matter was handled with WBNS. Its a huge slap in the face to find out five days after the incident that my children were in a potentially dangerous situation, one mother said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Josh Weiss, a spokesperson for Kiwis Clubhouse, defended the day cares handling of the situation in a statement sent to WBNS: We would like to thank our talented Kiwis Clubhouse staff, who acted swiftly when they discovered a firearm in a diaper bag in our infant room. Our staff followed all safety protocols and reporting protocols. At no time were the children or our staff in danger. We also filed a non-criminal incident report with the Gahanna Police, who confirmed no laws were broken by the parents and that our staff handled the situation properly. Weiss went on to say that the day cares safety measures proved effective, ensuring everyones safety throughout the incident. Police told WBNS that they do not believe there is an ongoing safety concern at the day care. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A squad of Second Amendment rights organizations, including the Second Amendment Foundation, the National Rifle Association, and the Firearms Policy Coalition, along with some private citizen plaintiffs, think that new changes in government taxes on owning certain weapons create a chink in the legal armor of the federal weapon registration regime established in the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA). They have thus filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Justice Department, seeking to end the registration requirements of that act. Part of the recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," the suit notes, "eliminated the making and transfer taxes on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and NFA-defined 'any other weapons,' while leaving the registration requirements intact. In other words, individuals no longer have to pay taxes for making and transferring most firearms under the NFA, but the firearms are still required to be registered." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's the rub, the plaintiffs insist. They maintain that the only valid constitutional excuse for the registration was the taxes. Thus, constitutionally, with the taxes gone, the registration requirements also must go away. As the suit puts it, with the taxes eliminated on items "including suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns," the NFA registration requirement should now be seen as "unconstitutional as applied to those arms." The Supreme Court, the filing shows, has in the past said outright that the legal defense of those NFA requirements lay in Congress' "enumerated power to 'lay and collect Taxes,'" and has held "that the NFA was 'only a taxing measure' and that the registration provisions were 'obviously supportable as in aid of a revenue purpose.'" (Those citations are from Sonzinsky v. United States [1937]). In 1968's Hayne v. U.S., to boot, the Supreme Court called the NFA "an interrelated statutory system for the taxation of certain classes of firearms." The suit also points out that the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has already ruled that the often overly malleable Commerce Clause doesn't support the registration requirements, citing the 1999 case United States v. Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit explains why the plaintiffs are aggrieved by existing NFA registration requirements. [They] value their personal privacy and do not want the federal government to obtain identifying information about their personally owned firearms, including information such as their names, home addresses, photographs, dates of birth, demographic information, fingerprints, and a detailed description of their firearms, including their quantity and physical locations. Federal law, however, currently requires that Individual Plaintiffs provide all of this intrusive personally identifying information to the federal government for them legally to make, transfer, or receive items defined and regulated as "firearms" under the NFA through its registration requirements. Individual Plaintiffs object to this burdensome registration requirement, which forces them to provide information to the federal government similar to that obtained from an individual arrested and charged with a crime. The suit goes on to complain about the burden imposed by the ATF's lengthy approval process for purchases or transfers of regulated weapons. It details specific actions the individual plaintiffs want to takesuch as transferring suppressors and short-barreled riflesbut are refraining from because they find the registration requirements too burdensome. The suit also notes that one of its plaintiffs, Prime Protection STL Tactical Boutique, "is a Black-owned federally licensed firearms store in St. Louis County with a primarily Black customer base.Prime Protection is licensed to sell NFA items under the NFA. Despite being licensed to do so and offering them for sale, however, Prime Protection has not sold any NFA items because customersand especially members of the Black communitydo not wish to comply with the NFA's intrusive requirements." The One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not eliminate the making or transfer tax on machine guns or "destructive devices" and thus those weapons would not be affected by the outcome of this suit. The suit spends a lot of time arguing that any restrictions on suppressors or short-barreled rifles do not meet the current standard of Second Amendment law as established in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, since they are not "consistent with this Nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation" and that the objects in question are not "dangerous and unusual." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the action in Second Amendment jurisprudence since 2008, when the Supreme Court established in the Heller case that the Second Amendment at the very least establishes a right to have commonly used weapons for self-defense in the home, has been about laws affecting gun ownership, carrying, and use. This new suit thus opens up a potential new frontier in rolling back laws that place restrictions on would-be weapon owners short of forbidding them to own or carry them. The post Gun Rights Groups Sue To Overturn Federal Weapons Registration appeared first on Reason.com. An unnamed Hamas official told Saudi site Al Hadath that the terror org. will not occupy government or administrative roles in Gaza after the war. Hamas will not seek to occupy, govern, or take an administrative role in the Gaza Strip after the war, an unnamed Hamas official told Saudi news site Al Hadath, while saying that it is impossible to talk about disarmament right now." "The problem has never been weapons, the official explained: The Palestinian people, along with Hamas, are under unprecedented pressure due to Israeli aggression, and we are dealing with all initiatives and pressures positively to end the aggression." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These comments came after Hamas officials announced that they dont plan to disarm until the occupation ends and an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. The official also said that the current method of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza is insufficient and fails to meet the population's needs. At the same time, he asked for an open, unregulated border crossing. Palestinian Hamas terrorists parade as they prepare to hand over hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, to the Red Cross as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza City, January 19, 2025. (credit: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters) "Hamas does not seek to be part of any arrangements concerning the management of the crossings or overseeing the entry of aid," he revealed, and demanded that the management of the crossings be Palestinian-Egyptian, as it was before the Israeli war on Gaza. Hamas warns Netanyahu that a full Gaza occupation could harm the hostages In response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intention to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, he warned that "any attempt to invade the Gaza Strip will expose the lives of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas to unprecedented danger." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also compared the hostages to Palestinian security prisoners that Israeli currently holds in prisons, who are mainly detained on terrorist activities charges. "Hamas understands the feelings of the families of the Israeli prisoners, because every Palestinian home has a prisoner in the occupation's jails," he emphasized. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) The state of New Hampshire has officially banned gender affirming care for minors, making it the first state to do so in New England. Texas Democrats fleeing state to block redistricting vote follows strategy thats had mixed results New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte signed 2 bills, the first one banned puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for people under the age of 18. The second one limits breast surgeries for minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who support the bills believe they are needed to protect children. Some advocates say they are preparing to move out of the state due to the bill. 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. New Hampshire is the first Northeastern state to ban gender-affirming health care for minors after its Republican governor gave final approval to bills that will ban the use of certain prescription medications and surgeries to treat gender dysphoria beginning next year. Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a former U.S. senator who won New Hampshires gubernatorial election in November, signed two bills Friday restricting access to transition-related care in the state, which already prohibits rare genital surgeries for minors to transition. H.B. 377 prohibits doctors from administering puberty blockers and hormones to transgender youth starting Jan. 1. Like a handful of other, similar measures adopted by nearly all Republican-led states, New Hampshires prohibition includes a grandfather clause that allows minors already receiving care to continue doing so even after the law goes into effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second bill, H.B. 712, builds on New Hampshires existing restrictions on gender-affirming surgery. The measure, which will also take effect in January, bars adolescents younger than 18 from undergoing certain procedures when they are used to treat gender dysphoria, including facial feminization or masculinization surgery and transgender chest surgery. In a statement, Ayotte said, Medical decisions made at a young age can carry lifelong consequences, and these bills represent a balanced, bipartisan effort to protect children. The New Hampshire House approved H.B. 377 in June, with two Democrats state Reps. Dale Girard and Jonah Wheeler voting with nearly all Republicans to advance the measure. Eleven Democrats were excused from voting. New Hampshire senators approved the bill in a 16-8 party-line vote. Wheeler joined House Republicans again in voting to pass H.B. 712, and 11 Democrats again were excused. The state Senate approved the measure in June in another vote along party lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire state Rep. Lisa Mazur, a Republican and the prime sponsor of both bills, celebrated their approval Friday in a post on the social platform X. My two bills that will protect NH kids from irreversible harm were just signed into law by Gov. Ayotte. We are now the 1st state in New England the whole Northeast to do so. Go NH!! Mazur wrote. In June, while defending H.B. 377, Mazur pointed to a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for minors. It is now legal and constitutional for states to regulate and or ban the use of these harmful drugs in minors, she said. LGBTQ rights groups immediately condemned Ayottes signature on the bills, which they said ignore testimony from transgender youth who have benefited from gender-affirming care and statements from major medical organizations that such care for transgender adults and minors is medically necessary and can be lifesaving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is heartbreaking to witness lawmakers inserting themselves into deeply personal, private conversations between families, their doctors, and their children, Julia Hawthorne, a board member of the state LGBTQ rights group 603 Equality, wrote on Facebook. Linds Jakows, the organizations founder, said transgender young people in New Hampshire are not only tangibly losing access to life-saving healthcare but also receiving a disturbing message of rejection from their state government. To youth impacted by these bills, please know: You are loved, you are worthy of respect and dignity, and there is a community here in New Hampshire and beyond that is ready to support you, they said. The Campaign for Southern Equality, an LGBTQ rights group that has since 2023 distributed more than $900,000 in grants to families of transgender children needing to travel out-of-state for gender-affirming care, announced Friday that it would expand its Trans Youth Emergency Project into New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every day I speak with families of transgender youth who are worried about the future. Many are panicking, unsure of where or when theyll get the medicine that their child needs to continue leading a healthy, happy life, said Van Bailey, a patient navigator for the program. These laws are cruelly thrusting families into impossible choices, and it is deeply unfair. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HOLDERNESS, N.H. (ABC22/FOX44) Driving under the influence is against the law in every U.S. state, and most countries around the world, though there are surprisingly a few exceptions. Lesser-known is that every state and the District of Columbia have laws against driving a boat drunk, too. New Hampshire State Police were called in last Wednesday on reports of a man in a boat on Squam Lake in Grafton County threatening people on the shore. They arrived about 10:00 p.m., found the boater, and determined that he had been boating impaired. National Night Out to bring police and neighbors together Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph D. Wescott, 44, of Ashland, was arrested and charged with criminal threatening along with boating under the influence, which carries similar penalties to driving under the influence in New Hampshire. Anyone with information on the incident is directed to email Marine Patrol officer Meredith Brinton at meredith.l.brinton@dos.nh.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The Rio Grande is dry in the metro again, for only the second time in 40 years. With New Mexico already in a water debt to Texas under the Rio Grande Compact, what does this mean for farmers, crops, and the local drinking water supply? This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Chris and Gabby wade through the complexities with Jason Casuga, Chief Engineer and CEO of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. He breaks down restrictions surrounding local storage of water supply, the terms of the Rio Grande Compact, and what a dry river means for future infrastructure and livelihoods. When it comes to the Compact, It should not be viewed as Texas taking New Mexicos water, I think it needs to be understood that New Mexico willingly entered into this agreement, Casuga explains. And if we as New Mexico dont faithfully honor that, then it begs the question, should Colorado honor their portion of the compact? Atrisco looking south (Old Central Bridge) 1931. Courtesy: MRGCD Casuga also clears up some misconceptions about the current water shortage in New Mexico. Ive had people tell me, Jason, I have this water right, you have to find me the water. And my answer back to them is, Well, a water right is a legal right to use water when its available, but if the water available is zero, the amount of water you get from that right is zero.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to the full conversation above to learn more about New Mexicos water management system, and the tough conversations taking place behind the scenes. View looking north showing city dry garbage dump grounds, March 23, 1931. Location of Tingleys Scenic Drive. Courtesy: MRGCD Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others. You can also watch our podcasts in video form, both on-air and online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQEs YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13. Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term KRQE or New Mexico News Insiders (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Harrisburg will offer free parking downtown on Tuesday night. The city said Mayor Wanda Williams made the decision to accommodate National Night Out, which will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Strawberry Square. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter During normal hours, much of the parking in the Downtown Improvement District is only free from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to Park Harrisburg. Areas outside of the designated zone have varied hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Park Harrisburg, which is managed by SP+ through a long-term leasing agreement, stopped offering its LUVHBG promotional code back in April. The code unlocked free parking downtown. Without the code, visitors must pay to park downtown Monday through Saturday, even during special events like National Night Out. More than 218 Pennsylvania cities will take part in National Night Out on August 5, during which neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other programs. Community safety is always front and center. Itll be the first night Harrisburg hosts the event indoors. Last year, almost every National Night Out event was rained out by monsoon-like weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here for a complete list of events across the Midstate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Last week, The New York Times reported that Harvard University was open to a $500 million settlement with the Trump administration to put an end to an ongoing feud over allegations of antisemitism on campus. But Harvard faculty familiar with the matter have refuted the claimone believed to have been leaked by White House officialsand told The Harvard Crimson that the university's president, Alan Garber, is seriously considering a court resolution rather than striking a deal. The news of a possible Harvard settlement came just five days after news broke of Columbia University's $200 million settlement with the Trump administration. As part of the announcement of Columbia's settlement, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the deal would serve as a "roadmap for elite universities," insinuating that ongoing negotiationssuch as with Harvardcould meet a similar fate. The feud between Harvard and the Trump administration was sparked in April after Harvard refused to comply with a list of sweeping demands to change governance, discipline, hiring, and admissions policies in the name of combating antisemitism on campus. For its defiance, President Donald Trump retaliated by freezing $2.6 billion in federal research grants to the university. Harvard filed suit, arguing that the funding freeze violated constitutional free speech protections. Since then, the Trump administration has deployed different tacticsincluding attempting to revoke the university's ability to enroll international students, investigating and subpoenaing information on its international students, and attacking its accreditation for violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Actto escalate the standoff and move the school closer to striking a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has publicly stated that he believes Harvard will come to a deal with his administration. According to the Times, sources said that "Trump has privately demanded that Harvard pay far more than Columbia" and that he "told aides that he will not green-light a deal unless theuniversity agrees to spend many millions of dollars." However, while the university and its over $53 billion endowment may be able to afford a $500 million settlement, Garber reportedly told faculty that academic freedom is a nonnegotiable. Appointing an independent monitor to oversee policy changeslike what was agreed to in the Columbia settlementcould also be a red line for Harvard officials. Garber has maintained that Harvard will not risk losing its academic freedom, and with its early court wins, the university may delay any settlement negotiations until after a final court ruling, according to the Crimson. However, Trump has already vowed to appeal any court opinion that rules against his administration. Even if Harvard wins in court, the university will still have to contend with the fallout and any ongoing tension between it and the administration that could potentially impact the university's bottom linelike the recent university endowment tax hike from 1.4 percent to 8 percent or following through on threats to revoke Harvard's cost-saving tax-exempt status. Columbia and Harvard have taken disparate approaches to dealing with Trump's attacks: While Columbia signaled early a willingness to negotiate and make accommodations for the president's antisemitism allegations, Harvard has taken a hard-line approach against government encroachment. Rebuffing the Trump administration's settlement attempts is yet another differentiator between the two and will help inform other institutions that may soon come under firesuch as UCLA, which recently had $200 million in federal research funding frozen by the administration over alleged antisemitism violations. Harvard officials are right to suspect that complying with Trump's demands will bring a higher level of oversight and compromise academic freedom. But to protect itself long term and mitigate against intrusive government action, Harvardand other universitiesmust eschew federal funding altogether. The post Harvard Is Wise To Not Consider $500 Million Settlement With Trump appeared first on Reason.com. (Seoul Metropolitan Government) Seoul will transform three locations along the Han River into free outdoor movie theaters for three consecutive Saturday nights from August 9 to August 23. The 2025 Hangang Movie Festival invites citizens to enjoy seven films under the bridges of Wonhyo, Cheongdam, and Cheonho beginning at 8:00 pm each Saturday. On August 9, Wonka (2024) will screen at Yeouido Hangang Park under the Wonhyo Bridge. Cheongdam Bridge will host Miracle (2021), and Loves Hachuping (2024), an animated family film, will screen beneath Cheonho Bridge. On August 16, a special lineup commemorating the 80th anniversary of Koreas liberation includes Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023), The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014), and Hansan: Rising Dragon (2022). The festival finale on August 23 will screen Hi-Five (2025) exclusively at the Wonhyo Bridge location. Headphones will be available to borrow (limited to 200) at Cheongdam Bridge via online reservation on August 5 and 12. Family attendance is encouraged, though attendees should check age ratings. The festival also features a short-form video contest, Hangang Moment.zip, showcasing 10 citizen-produced films on August 9 and 16 starting at 7 p.m. On-site and online voting will be open to the public, with a prize ceremony for five winning entries scheduled for August 23. The event includes safety precautions, cooling towels, and water to combat the extreme heat. Harvey police believe a man who died after a shooting early Sunday morning may have been targeted in retaliation after seven people were shot at a house party in the city on Saturday night. A spokesperson for the city said a man was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside a minivan in the 200 block of Calumet Boulevard early Sunday morning. According to the Cook County medical examiners office, the man who died was 28-year-old Jeremiah Adtutubofuh, of Chicago. Preliminary reports connected his death with a shooting Saturday at a house party in the 14400 block of Des Plaines Street that left one suspected shooter dead and seven people injured, including a 4-year-old boy, the spokesperson for the city said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a news conference Monday in front of the Harvey police station, police Chief Cameron Biddings provided more details about the shooting, and said the violence was part of a longstanding conflict between individuals with a long and disruptive history within our city. We now know who the bad actors are. These are not random acts of violence or anonymous individuals, Biddings said. We are very familiar with them, and frankly, they have caused harm within our community for far too long. Biddings said police have increased patrols in the area and are looking at pursuing charges where applicable. Anyone who continues to endanger this community will be held accountable, he said, encouraging anyone with information on either crime to contact police directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to incident reports, the party was underway just after 8 p.m. Saturday when two people arrived and opened fire. One of the partygoers was armed and licensed for concealed carry and returned fire, striking and killing one attacker and injuring the other. The injured suspect was taken to a hospital in stable condition and is now in police custody. The man who was killed was Charles Lipsey, 24, of Richton Park, according to the medical examiners office. Lipsey was awaiting trial in three court cases that centered on his alleged possession and sale of stolen vehicles and forging documents at the time of his death. Lipsey spent about a year and a half behind bars after pleading guilty to a 2019 instance of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, records show. In April authorities accused him of using Facebook Marketplace to sell a stolen 2023 Toyota Highlander in Lansing. About six weeks later, court records show Lipsey making a separate appearance after Chicago police arrested him for allegedly meeting a Schaumburg teenager in Chicagos Fuller Park neighborhood to sell a stolen 2022 Toyota Highlander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And on July 7, a Cook County judge issued an arrest warrant for Lipsey that accused him of using a fake vehicle title and fake drivers license to sell a 2021 Jeep Cherokee in Country Club Hills. He was arrested July 23 at a status hearing regarding the alleged Schaumburg vehicle sale, according to court records. He had planned to plead not guilty to two of the three charges, records show, and had not yet been arraigned for the case that came from Country Club Hills. His next court appearance had been set for Aug. 11, records show. Preliminary reports indicated that on Saturday five people other than the suspects were shot, the youngest of whom was a 4-year-old boy. The boy is in stable condition at a hospital, and so are the other four victims, according to a city spokesperson. Harvey City Council members Colby Chapman and Tracy Key were at Mondays news conference, though they were not invited to speak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Key, who chairs the citys public safety committee, highlighted an upcoming meeting on issues including the most recent shootings. He invited concerned residents to show up to the Harvey City Hall at 6 p.m. Aug. 13 to be vocal and speak about how they feel about their public safety in the city. People are worried and we need to make sure were on the right communication level, Key said, adding that departments including police only communicate with residents, including aldermen, through the mayors office. It makes it difficult for us to call and find out whats going on or to get information, Key said, adding that he wants residents to feel comfortable bringing their concerns to police. A statement by Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill posted on social media earlier Monday called for Harvey residents to come together in healing and rebuilding after the shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My thoughts are with the families of the victims, especially those now tending to the trauma and physical wounds of their loved ones, the 5th District commissioner said. No child should ever have to experience the terror of gunfire. No parent or resident should ever fear that a community celebration will end in chaos. These victims are our neighbors, our friends, our children. McCaskill added that she is helping organize a community town hall and prayer vigil in the coming days. HARVEY, Ill. (WGN) The Harvey Police Department has announced that two deadly shootings from over the weekend are connected to an ongoing violent dispute between two groups in the south suburban city. This was not random, Harvey Deputy Chief Derrick Charles II said. These were not acts of senseless or spontaneous violence. What were seeing is a part of a long-running conflict between two groups of individuals who have been at the center of multiple shootings over the years. At a Monday press conference, HPD said the dispute goes back nearly seven years between the two groups, and it is not known to be gang-related. The shootings are also believed to be isolated and are not a threat to public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Police probe possible link between 2 deadly shootings hours apart over the weekend in south suburban Harvey Charles said HPD has investigated the individuals involved in the past and responded to their disputes. Through interviews with family members, friends and neighbors, they have documented a pattern of violence that goes back to 2018. On Aug. 14, 2018, this all began when individuals, connected with one of the offenders, were injured in a weekend shooting [where] an individual was killed at 14620 South Halsted [Street], Charles said. Nearly one year later on July 28, 2019, police said an individual who was injured in the 2018 shooting on South Halsted was shot again in the 15600 block of Myrtle Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 14 months later, on Sept. 28, 2020, that same individual was the target of another shooting. Police said he was shot at, but not hit, in the 14500 block of Kentucky Avenue. Three years later on Oct. 1, 2023, that same individuals cousin was shot and killed, according to police. 13 months later on Nov. 8, 2024, police said three gunmen followed the same individual and his girlfriend. They opened fire on the individual, but shot and killed his girlfriend instead. Then came last weekends violence. HPD officers were called to the 14400 block of Des Plaines Street around 8 p.m. Saturday for a mass shooting at a house party. Seven people were shot, including a 4-year-old boy, but all are in stable condition following the violence, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HPDs investigation revealed two offenders showed up to the party and opened fire when someone with a Concealed Carry License (CCL) returned fire. The CCL holder killed one of the offenders and injured the other. Police confirmed the injured offender was taken to the hospital, but is now in stable condition and police custody. HPD originally thought the house party shooting was an isolated incident, but that changed after they were called to the 200 block of Calumet Boulevard around 4:50 a.m. Sunday. When officers arrived, they said they found a male victim dead in a minivan after an apparent shooting where 30-40 shots were fired. He was later identified by the Cook County Medical Examiners Office as Jeremiah Adtutubofah, a 28-year-old man from Chicago. According to police, there was another individual in the minivan when they arrived, but they were left unharmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HPD said they believe the Sunday morning deadly shooting was a retaliatory act in response to Saturdays shooting in the 14400 block of Des Plaines. These are not random acts of violence or anonymous individuals. This violence stems from an ongoing conflict with a long, disruptive history within our city, Harvey Police Chief Cameron Biddings said. We are very familiar with them and frankly, they have caused harm in our community for far too long. Biddings added that HPD has increased patrols in the areas affected by the shootings and is actively working to find solutions through multiple avenues. This includes legal action and criminal prosecution, as well as working with community leaders to mediate the ongoing dispute. HPD detectives said anyone who has information that can aid in their investigation can be granted anonymity. The Harvey Police Department can be reached at 708-825-1396. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) New Haven residents have a chance to help the city. Mayor Justin Elicker (D) and the New Haven Fire Department teamed up Monday to encourage neighbors, businesses, and other local groups to get involved with the Adopt-a-Hydrant program. National Farmers Market Week kicks off in New Haven There are more than 2,600 fire hydrants in New Haven, and they each need to be in good condition in case of an emergency. About 400 have been adopted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adopting a hydrant means making sure it stays visible, clearing out tall grass or vegetation, repairing damage or noticeable leaks and removing snow and ice during winter. Accessibility is extremely important, New Haven Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Coughlin said. A fire triples in size every 30 seconds that it doesnt have water on it. So, its catastrophic to have a blocked hydrant. Its not something we think about every day, but it is a crucial part of public safety. Any resident or business can adopt a hydrant near their property. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Developers who wanted to build a life sciences campus with apartments in Durhams Hayti neighborhood withdrew their rezoning request for the project Monday night The surprise request came over two hours into the City Council meeting, with almost 100 people packed into the City Hall chambers. About 40 people were signed up to speak. The council voted 5 to 2 to accept the developers request and effectively end the public hearing, which had started in June. Council members Javiera Caballero, Chelsea Cook, Mark-Anthony Middleton, Carl Rist and Mayor Leo Williams supported the request. Council members Nate Baker and DreDreana Freeman opposed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sterling Bay, a Chicago-based developer, had sought to rezone nearly 10 acres at 401 E. Lakewood Ave., in the Fayetteville Street corridor just south of downtown. Rezoning the former shopping center would have allowed buildings up to 500 feet tall. The rezoning request sparked controversy for many residents in Durham and in the historically Black Hayti neighborhood, which was decimated by urban renewal and the construction of the Durham Freeway in the 1960s and 70s. Many feared the large project, which proposed no affordable housing, would displace longtime residents and price out others. Some residents questioned the need for a life sciences project. Jamie Schwedler, a representative for Sterling Bay, told the council the decision to withdraw was made just hours before the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We mourn the loss of what could have been had this community been willing to accept millions of dollars for its young students and its Black entrepreneurs, Schwedler said. We respectfully ask that the council withdraw this case. Freeman called the request, which Schwedler made after summarizing the project and what it would have offered the community, disrespectful to the people who had come to meetings to express their opinions about the project and what the neighborhod needs. I dont think that anyone in the community said they didnt want to see a development. They had very specific requests if a development should happen, how a developer should be coming in like a neighbor, Freeman said. Schwedler also could have told the city before the meeting that Sterling Bay wished to withdraw its application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its disrepectful of folks time, Freeman said, turning toward the mayor. At some point, she could have texted you. Middleton said the withdrawal was a reflection of the efficacy of the organizing of local advocates in Hayti. It seems like youve gotten your victory, Middleton said. Residents gather outside Durham City Hall Aug. 4, 2025, after the developer of a controversial development for the Hayti district withdraws its rezoning application and the council approves the withdrawal. History of the project Sterling Bay bought the shopping center at 606 Fayetteville St. for $62 million three years ago. It wanted to redevelop it into a life sciences campus with a 325-unit, high-rise apartment building. Originally, the proposal featured an underground parking garage, but bedrock discovered beneath the property last year prompted Sterling Bay to seek a zoning change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved, the rezoning would have allowed buildings 300 to 500 feet tall, though Schwedler said Sterling Bay had agreed to cap the tallest building at 250 feet. The company also promised that the project would bring 1,500 jobs with average salaries of $80,000, and investment to both the city and the Hayti neighborhood. Sterling Bay said the redevelopment would honor Hayti and build toward its future with the life sciences campus. Sterling Bay proposed installing a commemorative marker on the grounds, as Heritage Square would be renamed Carolina Research Park. Since purchasing the property, Sterling Bay said, it has spent three years in talks with community members like former state Sen. Floyd McKissick, Hayti Reborn leaders Henry McKoy and Anita Scott Neville, and others about the concerns raised by a large project in the middle of the neighborhood. A Moldovan court has sentenced Evghenia Gutul, head of the autonomous Gagauzia region, to seven years in prison following a case concerning the illegal financing of the pro-Russian Sor Party. Source: European Pravda, citing TV8, a Moldovan TV Channel Details: The verdict was delivered on 5 August by the Buiucani District Court of Chisinau. In addition to Gutul, Svetlana Popan, a former secretary at the partys central office, was sentenced to six years behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither Gutul nor Popan commented on the rulings. Both were escorted out of the courtroom by police. "This is not a trial but a public execution... I can't say there's any evidence it's all fiction," said Gutuls lawyer, Sergiu Moraru, announcing plans to appeal the decision. Ahead of the hearing, police set up a barrier outside the courthouse. On the opposite side of the street, Gutuls supporters gathered, and a counter-protest was held. Background: Gutul was accused of systematically importing funds from Russia between 2019 and 2022 to finance the activities of the fugitive oligarch Ilan Sor's political party. Prosecutors had requested a nine-year sentence for the baskan (governor) of Gagauzia. She was detained at Chisinau airport in March, initially held in custody, and later placed under house arrest. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Health officials in Long Beach are urging residents to take steps to reduce flea exposure and protect public health after confirming a higher than average number of flea-borne typhus infections so far this year. As of July 31, 2025, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has reported 20 confirmed cases of typhus, a significant increase compared to the 12 cases reported during the same period last year. Officials say that if current trends continue, the city may surpass its previous record of 28 annual cases, set in 2021. Flea-borne typhus is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans through infected fleas, which are typically found on animals such as rats, opossums, and stray or feral cats. The disease is not contagious from person to person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Common symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, body aches, and rash. While the illness is treatable with antibiotics, early diagnosis is important. Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with typhus is encouraged to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing. ICE officers barred from using deceptive tactics in Southern California home raids City health officials noted that 75 percent of this years cases required hospitalization, but all affected individuals have since recovered. Although typhus can occur year-round, most cases are reported during the summer and fall. Health officials say the recent spike underscores the importance of prevention and public education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help reduce the risk of infection, the Long Beach Health Department recommends the following actions: Keep pets indoors and treat them regularly with flea control medications Avoid feeding or interacting with wild animals, including rats, opossums, and feral cats Clear overgrown vegetation and clutter around homes Cover trash bins and remove outdoor food sources Seal crawl spaces and openings under homes Report dead animals to Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562-570-7387 UPS hit with multimillion-dollar penalty after statewide investigation The Health Department is continuing to monitor the situation through case investigations and ongoing disease surveillance. It is also coordinating with local healthcare providers and expanding community education efforts in affected neighborhoods. The departments Vector Control Program is conducting assessments and outreach in areas with confirmed cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information, including prevention tips and updates, is available online or by contacting the Health Department at lbepi@longbeach.gov. Residents can also follow updates on the departments social media accounts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mosquitoes in Albuquerque, New Mexico, tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting state health officials to issue an alert. The illness spreads through bites and tends to spike in the summer. As first reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican, the advisory urges people to wear long sleeves, use repellent, and clear out standing water. What's happening? City monitors recently detected mosquitoes carrying West Nile through routine trapping efforts. No one in New Mexico has tested positive this year, though past summers have seen case counts from single digits to several dozen. Most infected people never feel symptoms. In rare cases, it leads to swelling in the brain, seizures, or death. Only a couple of mosquito species in New Mexico carry the virus, but it's enough to raise concern. Teams across the state check traps regularly, flagging species that are more likely to spread infection. That kind of targeted tracking has become key to staying ahead of bigger outbreaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aedes aegypti mosquitoes recently turned up in Oregon, and early tracking helped contain them before they spread. In Illinois and Wisconsin, West Nile deaths followed a slower response showing how fast the virus can spread when mosquito control falls behind. Why is this concerning? Mosquitoes thrive in heat and moisture, both of which are increasing with global warming. These conditions create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Outbreaks in past years often followed the first storms. Extreme heat stretches the mosquito season longer. Other places have faced larger surges. In Maine, officials considered a public health emergency after a rise in equine illness. Puerto Rico's dengue wave overwhelmed health resources beyond capacity. It's part of larger environmental issues that now show up on hospital charts. What's being done about it? State crews are reminding people to check their surroundings. Local actions like clearing pooled water and covering up make the biggest difference. When families and friends also talk about climate risks early, they can take small steps before problems grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The key is prevention," said Dr. Erin Phipps of the New Mexico Department of Health, per the New Mexican. Without a treatment, precaution is the best defense. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A Hebron man is facing charges after allegedly killing a motorcyclist, then taking off. Leevi Taylor, 26, is charged with one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to another person, a Level 4 felony. He is in custody, held on a $2,500 cash bond. The victim was identified as Jared Klassen. The crash happened just before 11:30 p.m. Aug. 2 near W. 133rd Avenue and Cleveland Street in Crown Point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police concluded Taylor rear-ended Klassen on a motorcycle, then fled. Klassen died at the scene. Porter County Sheriffs Department arrested Taylor at his home. His gold Ford Ranger had extensive front-end damage. Taylor told officers he thought he hit a deer going home from a friends home where he had a few beers. He voluntarily had his blood drawn for toxicology tests. The results are still pending. A field breathalyzer registered a .082% blood-alcohol level, documents show. He told police he wasnt sure why he didnt stop to check what he hit, or call police. He added he didnt wear his glasses while driving home. Officers wrote he was remorseful and continued to ask if anyone was hurt and that he really hoped he didnt hurt someone. A Ring video recorded the sound of a loud crash. HEBRON Hebron Democrats and Republicans have endorsed their chosen candidates to run for municipal offices this fall. The town has a town manager style of government, overseen by a five-member Board of Selectmen. Three of the seats on that board are up for re-election. Democrat Tiffany Thiele has been endorsed to run again, and Jan Lawrence was also nominated by the Democratic Town Committee to run for the seat that is currently held by Democrat Claudia Riley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republicans nominated Rob McLaughlin to serve on the board. There are currently three Republicans on the Board: Keith Petit, who is the current chair, Daniel Larson, the current vice chair, and Sean Fitzgerald, who was just appointed in June to succeed Peter Kaspar, who had to resign mid-term due to a relocation out of town. Fitzgeralds term, as is Petits, runs to November of 2027. McLaughlin is running for Larsons seat. Larson was first elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2009, and served a stint as Board Chair, but has been involved in different town roles for decades. Ive been serving the town and putting my life on the line since 1980, said Larson, an electrician who has been in the Hebron Fire Company and is a former fire chief. Hes also been a fire maintainer, emergency medical technician, burning official, deputy fire marshal and fish and game warden, to name a few roles. He said hes seen a lot of change, arriving in town when the population was approximately 3,500 people and there were more cows than people and watching the town grow to almost 10,000 residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There comes a point in time when you have to bow out gracefully, Larson said. Its time I take care of myself and my family a little bit. It was a hard decision. Ive met a lot of fantastic people. Its just time. However, he will never stop working to make the town better, even if unofficially, saying that one of his goals is to improve cell service in town. Service is markedly worse, with more dead zones and more dropped calls, Larson said, noting he planned to gain aid from state legislators for this problem. There are less land lines to fall back on as everyone switched to cell phones. The cell phone companies need to be making upgrades that benefit everyone. If people cant make emergency calls, thats a problem. Thiele, a public relations manager and former journalist, was first elected as Selectman in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Town Committee Chair Chris Lawrence said there was a mix of returning Democrats and new faces among the candidates this year. Its a good slate, she said. For the Town Clerk, incumbent Francesca Villani was cross-endorsed by both the Democratic and the Republican caucuses and will return for another term. For the Board of Finance, Democrats endorsed Ryan Herrick and Adam Ockman, while Republicans selected Brian OReilly and Michael Beaulieu. For the Board of Assessment Appeals, Maura Curran Baker was nominated by the Republican caucus. For the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Republican Party selected Chad Livernois, Christopher Cyr and Brenda Nicolo; Democrats picked David Sousa. Cyr currently sits on the commission. For Planning and Zoning Commission alternate, Democrats nominated Davis Howell, an incumbent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Zoning Board of Appeals, Adam Thiele is the Democratic candidate, while Jason Guidone, Martin Halloran and Brian Tyler are the Republican nominees. Catherine McSweeney, a Democrat, and June Danaher, a Republican, are the candidates for Zoning Board of Appeals alternate; Danaher is an incumbent. For the local Board of Education seats overseeing Hebron and Gilead Hill Elementary Schools, the Republican candidates are Toni Livernois and Alyson Nadeau-Schmeizl; Nadeau-Schmeizl is the incumbent. The Democrats endorsed Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Nicole Matthews and Heather Petit. Matthews and Petit are current incumbents and Petit is now the board chair. For the regional Board of Education, which oversees RHAM Middle/High School, Hebron residents who were endorsed included Republicans Amy DAmaddio, who previously served on the Board, including a stint as chair; Rudy Dellafiore Jr. and Jessica Hall. Hebron Democrats Michele May, Brandie OReilly and Keith Petit were also nominated for seats on the regional school board. Lawrence, the Democratic Town Committee chair, did note some of the candidates were endorsed as place-holders and may not be on the ballot in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic party will host a fundraiser on September 13, staff an informational booth at the towns Harvest Moon Festival in October, and is planning an candidate forum ahead of the elections. The Republican Town Committee meets on the fourth Monday of every month. The Department of Defense tapped into the MAGA movements obsession with the American Eagle advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney on Monday afternoon, as it shared an image of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths outfit with the caption: @secdef has great jeans. Sweeney has faced criticism for the ad campaign, which critics have argued includes racist messaging, provoking outrage from the right in response. Even President Donald Trump jumped into the fray, praising the ad after it was reported that Sweeney is a registered Republican in Florida. Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Vice President JD Vance have also made statements in support of Sweeney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president addressed reporters on the runway in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Sunday night. Shes a registered Republican? Trump asked. Now I love her ad. The Department of Defense tapped into the MAGA movements obsession with the American Eagle advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney (X/@DODResponse) Trump took to Truth Social on Monday morning to say that Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there. Its for American Eagle, and the jeans are flying off the shelves, he claimed. Critics of the American Eagle ad campaign have accused the company of spreading racist and Nazi propaganda. Some have argued that it pushes eugenic ideals with its wordplay on jeans and genes. Some of those slamming the ad campaign have argued that the two phrases harken back to the debunked racist theory pushed by the Nazis that the human race can be improved via selective breeding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color, Sweeney says in one of the ads. My jeans are blue, she adds, before a narrator says, Sydney Sweeney has great jeans. Sydney Sweeney has courted controversy with her advertising campaign for American Eagle (Getty) Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans, American Eagle said in response to the criticism. Her jeans. Her story. Well continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way, the statement added. Great jeans look good on everyone. The tweet by the Department of Defense featuring the jeans-clad Secretary of Defense faced mockery on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not a serious country anymore, the group Republicans Against Trump wrote. Hey parents, I know your son or daughter maybe in harms way and doing a lethal job, but triggering the libs is our ultimate goal here at DOD, said former Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger. Hell tell you all about them, along with Americas top secret attack plans, on a signal group chat, said Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark. I just want a serious governmentand particularly a serious Department of Defensethat doesnt waste time or energy shilling for the egos of its leadership with glam shots like this. Dont you? Surely this isnt an unreasonable expectation, said Heath Mayo, founder of Principles First. Former CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr asked, Is this what the Pentagon thought was important today? PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Woodburn man was sentenced to prison for committing a string of robberies while wearing a fake explosive vest and detonator, authorities announced Monday. Marion County District Attorneys Office said 34-year-old Nicholas Contreras-Salmion was sentenced to eight years in prison along with three years of post-prison supervision. In January 2025, Contreras-Salmion approached a register at Crossroads Grocery in Woodburn and unbuttoned his sweatshirt to show what appeared to be a vest strapped with dynamite, according to the District Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portlands speed cameras have disappeared. Heres why While holding what appeared to be a detonator, Contreras-Salmion handed the clerk a cloth bag and demanded all of the money threatening to detonate the device if the clerk did not comply, authorities said. Contreras-Salmion left the store after the clerk gave him cash from the register. About one week later, on January 30, law enforcement received a report of a suspicious device found along Bryant Street, described as a sweater with wires that looked like a bomb, Marion County Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy told KOIN 6 News. The Oregon State Police Bomb Squad responded to the scene and safely recovered the device to find it was a hoax device designed to look like an explosive vest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrival in Portland is imminent: City braces for destructive invasive emerald ash borer Later, another robbery occurred in February at an EZ Stop Grocery in Woodburn, officials said. There, a victim reported Contreras-Salmion loitered near the candy aisle and waited for another customer to enter the restroom. Contreras-Salmion then approached the counter and unzipped his sweatshirt to show what appeared to be another bomb strapped to his chest. Contreras-Salmion told the victim she had seven minutes to open the safe, but after she told him she didnt have access and moved toward her phone Contreras-Salmion pressed a button, which activated red flashing lights on his vest. Authorities said he then warned her she had three minutes to open the safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that point, the customer left the restroom, leading Contreras-Salmion to flee the store without the cash. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest Six days after the EZ Stop Grocery robbery, Contreras-Salmion was walking on Lincoln Street when he was stopped by Woodburn police. When he was stopped, Contreras-Salmion was wearing another hoax destructive device under his shirt, the District Attorneys Office said. Nicholas Contreras-Salmion was sentenced to eight years in prison for a string of Woodburn, Oregon robberies, in which he would unzip a sweatshirt to reveal what appeared to be a bomb vest at local stores (Courtesy Marion County District Attorneys Office). Nicholas Contreras-Salmion was sentenced to eight years in prison for a string of Woodburn, Oregon robberies, in which he would unzip a sweatshirt to reveal what appeared to be a bomb vest at local stores (Courtesy Marion County District Attorneys Office). Contreras-Salmion admitted to the robberies and building the fake bomb vests including the vest found on Bryant Street telling authorities he was out of work and needed money, noting at the time of the robberies he was addicted to methamphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Marion County grand jury indicted Contreras-Salmion on two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of possession of a hoax destructive device. Robbery is traumatizing enough, but the use of a fake explosive device to instill fear and force compliance by his victims is a heightened level of callousness, said Marion County Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. Woman flies in to fight, shot at Vancouver school That is especially true in Woodburn with its unbelievably tragic history involving explosive devices, Murphy said, referencing a bombing outside of a West Coast bank branch that killed a Woodburn police captain and an Oregon State Police trooper in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should also acknowledge the bravery of the Woodburn Police Officers in this case. Officers (William) Ovchinnikov and (Jonathan) Ellis recognized and approached Contreras-Salmion without knowing if he was wearing a vest or not, Murphy continued. They put the community over themselves when they arrested the Defendant on February 13. I am thankful for their service and that they were able to return to their loved ones. Chief Deputy Murphy added, This sentence reflects the gravity of the defendants actions and our offices commitment to holding individuals accountable when they attempt to harm members 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 KOIN.com. Donald Trump had an interesting morning on Tuesday. At 8 a.m., he took to the airwaves, where he spun a web of lies to justify firing the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner for a report indicating a fragile labor market. He then spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, as Trumps deadline for Russia to take steps toward peace in Ukraine approaches. (The presidents promise to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office has been broken by nearly 200 days.) Then Trump took a stroll on the roof of the White House, to the bafflement of reporters below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked what he was doing, Trump said, Just taking a little walk. Its good for your health. Asked what hes building up there, he made a vague gesture that clarified little, possibly in the shape of a dome, and said, Something beautiful. Trump was joined by James McCrery, the architect for the presidents plan to add a $200 million ballroom to the White House, suggesting the possibility of more plans to introduce the presidents dictator chic design taste to the Peoples Housewhich has traditionally been modest by design, symbolizing civic republicanism, notes scholar Andy Craig. USA Today suggested Trumps Tuesday trip to the roof could be a first for a president. But this isnt true. President Carter, for instance, recounts taking visitors up to the White House roof to stargaze and enjoy full privacy in his book A Full Life. Carter wrote a meditative poem about one such experience, in which he observed geese flying through the dimming sky over Washington. It begins: I recall one winter night going to the White House roof to study the Orion nebulae, but we could barely see the stars, their images so paled by city lights. Unlike Carter, Trump was sure to make himself the center of attention during his visit. His reflections on his experience up there were also less elevated than Carters. After disappearing from view for a few minutes Tuesday morning, the president returned, joked that he was building nuclear missiles, dodged a question about Gaza, and headed back inside. In early 2023, Energizer announced plans to wind down operations at a pair of battery manufacturing plants in Wisconsin. While the Teamsters union pressured the company, claiming Energizer planned to "deport" jobs, it ultimately bailed on Wisconsin, leaving hundreds of workers in Fennimore and Portage in the lurch. But there was hope. A startup called Wisconsin Battery Co. offered the promise to make hemp batteries in the state and create a landing spot for those displaced Energizer workers. Then, Wisconsin Battery and CEO Jeff Greene fell "completely off the radar." Most Read on IEN: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Telegraph Herald, Greene is MIA and his plans to make these new batteries appear to have gone up in smoke. IEN reached out to Greene, but he has not yet responded to our request for comment. Local officials in both Portage and Fennimore say they haven't heard from Greene at all in 2025. According to LinkedIn, Greene appears to have ended his run as the head of Wisconsin Battery as of June 2025. The company's site is offline, and emails are bouncing back; it doesn't look good. Everything started in June 2024 when Green visited Fennimore with ambitions of setting up a new packaging plant that he hoped to turn into a manufacturing hub for his hemp batteries eventually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company said it planned to use "science and technology to bring AI, hemp carbon, zinc air rechargeable and automation to the energy storage space." Wisconsin Battery claimed it was going to use hemp carbon to revolutionize standard household and hearing aid batteries, with aspirations of replacing lithium-ion batteries with a hemp carbon/lithium battery that reportedly used less lithium and lasted "up to 300% longer in charge and 800% longer in life." According to the Telegraph Herald, it appears that Greene's biggest setback occurred when he was denied a $50 million grant from the Energy Department. At the time, he thought he could find private investors, but it appears that those efforts came up short. However, not all was lost for the community, at least in Portage. Greene did perform some infrastructure improvement work that raised the value of a property still owned by the city. New York-based Hey Jane has expanded its telehealth business to Michigan, offering abortion pills and emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill or Plan B, as well as birth control and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, yeast infections, urinary tract infections and more. "We really do view it as an important step to increase access for reproductive and sexual health care in the states, and in particular, in states that have taken really significant action to protect (abortion) care," said Kiki Freedman, co-founder and CEO of Hey Jane, which now operates in 22 states and the District of Columbia. "We ... want to be sure Michiganders have as many options as possible." The expansion of Hey Jane into Michigan comes as access to in-person abortion and other reproductive health care shrinks in the state despite a 2022 ballot initiative that amended the Michigan constitution to protect the right to legal abortion. In this photo illustration, packages of Mifepristone tablets are displayed at a family planning clinic on April 13, 2023, in Rockville, Maryland. Why is it difficult to find in-person abortion clinics in Michigan? That's partly because of a physician shortage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About one-third of Michigans counties have no obstetrician-gynecologists at all, the office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reported in January, when she signed a bill into law that allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, vaginal rings, patches and emergency contraceptives. And 73 of Michigans 83 counties have no in-person abortion provider, according to abortionfinder.org. Planned Parenthood of Michigan has 10 remaining health centers in the state. It closed three Michigan clinics in April including its only site in the Upper Peninsula and consolidated two Ann Arbor locations to one. At the time, its leaders said the closures would help it remain financially sustainable amid efforts by the Trump administration to freeze federal funding for family planning services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then in July, Congress passed the sweeping "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," and President Donald Trump swiftly signed the legislation into law. Among the provisions: a one-year ban on federal Medicaid payments to any large, nonprofit health center that also provides abortions. That meant that Planned Parenthood affiliates would be unable to get Medicaid reimbursements even for such services as cancer screenings, family planning visits, counseling, and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Federal law already prohibited the use of Medicaid dollars to pay for abortions, except in very limited circumstances. Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, called it "a backdoor abortion ban" that would force the closure of as many as 200 more of its health centers. Did Medicaid funding stop for Planned Parenthood affiliates? Yes, for a little while. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah sued the Trump administration on July 7, saying the law violated their First Amendment and equal protection rights. The same day, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a temporary halt to the funding freeze, but the order expired after 14 days. Planned Parenthood said some of its health centers had to stop billing Medicaid, Reuters reported, when the temporary injunction expired. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the attorneys general of more than 20 other states, the District of Columbia and New Jersey Gov. Josh Shapiro, also sued. The Trump Administrations push to strip funding from these providers is an unlawful political tactic aimed at undermining care, even in states like Michigan, where the right to reproductive freedom is protected by our constitution," Nessel said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Right to Life President Carol Tobias, however, said the Planned Parenthood affiliates' federal lawsuit was a "desperate attempt" to take public dollars. Planned Parenthoods priority is abortion not womens health, not compassion, and certainly not life, Tobias said in a statement. On July 28, Talwani issued another ruling, finding in favor of the Planned Parenthood affiliates. She said the federal government "shall take all steps necessary to ensure that Medicaid funding continues to be disbursed." White House spokesperson Harrison Fields called her decision "not only absurd but illogical and incorrect," Reuters reported, noting that the Trump administration had appealed an earlier decision in the same case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is orders like these that underscore the audacity of the lower courts as well as the chaos within the judicial branch," Fields said in a statement. "We look forward to ultimate victory on the issue." Hey Jane's Freedman called the efforts to strip federal Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood "appalling." "We think people should be able to choose the type of care they get, whether that is in-person, whether that is through telehealth," Freedman said. "We do think telemedicine has a big potential to fill some of that gap. It can be more convenient for folks. They don't have to travel. They don't have to take off work or find child care. It can be more affordable. It can be more private and we are also able to offer full wraparound support. "But at the end of the day, we need in-person clinics, too. It has been devastating to see these closures." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medication abortion can be used only for a limited term during the pregnancy. Hey Jane prescribes the two-drug combination of mifepristone and misoprostol up until the 11th week, Freedman said. To have an abortion after that requires an in-clinic surgical procedure, she said. "People do need care beyond that ... and they absolutely should be able to get it." What is the cost of medication abortion? Cost can be a barrier for many seeking abortion. The Kaiser Family Foundation reported that among all abortion-providers in 2023, the median out-of-pocket cost for a medication abortion in the first trimester was $563. It was $650 for an in-clinic surgical abortion. The foundation found it's cheaper to get the medication from a telehealth provider. The median cost of medication abortion from virtual clinics in 2023 was $150. Hey Jane is an online abortion provider that uses medication abortion to increase access. "We know financial accessibility is absolutely critical to our mission," Freedman said of Hey Jane. "And so we are the only fully digital provider to accept private insurance plans as well as Medicaid in some states. We do everything we can to offer pricing that's as low as possible. ... We do offer a sliding scale for our cash-pay patients and partner with local abortion funds for those who need financial assistance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The out-of-pocket cost for a medication abortion through Hey Jane can range from free to $299, Freedman said, depending on insurance coverage and whether a person gets assistance from an independent abortion fund. "Abortion funds are doing some of the bravest and most important work in this care space right now," Freedman said. "We know that financial accessibility and logistical support are both critical for folks being able to get care." Can people in states with abortion bans come to Michigan for treatment? Yes. People living in states other than Michigan, where there are restrictive abortion laws or outright bans, can obtain medication abortion from Hey Jane if the patient can travel across state lines and take the medicine while they are in Michigan. "We know that patients need care across the country, regardless of where they live, and telemedicine for many can make that a bit easier if you do need to travel for care," Freedman said. "In all states, it remains fully legal to travel to a state where the care is legal to receive treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hey Jane can absolutely help you out with that. We are able to provide logistical support," and mail prescriptions to a post office for pick up. "You don't even need a P.O. Box," Freedman said. "You can pick it up at the counter with an ID," she said. "It is a good option for folks who may need to travel for support." The Guttmacher Institute reported that in 2024, more than 1,600 people traveled from other states to Michigan for abortions in 2024. Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hey Jane expands to Michigan, offers telehealth medication abortions BEIRUT (Reuters) -Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem threatened Israel directly for the first time in months in a televised speech on Tuesday, saying missiles would fall on it if it resumed a broad war on Lebanon. His comments came as Lebanon's cabinet met to discuss the fate of Hezbollah's arsenal, after Washington pressured Lebanese officials to commit to disarming the Iran-backed group and amid fears that Israel could intensify strikes if they fail to do so. Qassem said that, should Israel engage in a "large-scale aggression" against Lebanon, Hezbollah, Lebanon's army and Lebanon's people would defend themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This defence will lead to missiles falling inside the Israeli entity, and all the security they have built over eight months will collapse within an hour," he said. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November brought an end to months of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. The war killed much of Hezbollah's leadership - including Qassem's predecessor Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah - and destroyed much of its arsenal. Qassem said the war had killed 5,000 Hezbollah fighters and wounded 13,000, the first official toll the group has given. But he said the organisation remained in good order, with fighters ready to make "the harshest sacrifices" if needed. Minutes after he spoke, dozens of men on motorcycles carrying Hezbollah's yellow flags emerged from its strongholds in Beirut's southern suburbs for the second day in a row. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement REJECTS 'EXTERNAL DICTATES' Washington and Beirut have been in talks since June on a U.S. roadmap to fully disarm Hezbollah in exchange for a halt to Israeli strikes, the withdrawal of Israeli troops still occupying five points in south Lebanon and funds to rebuild areas destroyed by Israeli bombardment during the war. But with little progress on disarmament, Washington's patience began wearing thin and it pressured Lebanon's ministers to swiftly make a public pledge so that talks could continue. Qassem pushed back against the conditions, saying Israel must implement the ceasefire in full by halting its military activities in Lebanon before any other discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Solve the problem of the (Israeli) aggression, and then we will discuss the issue of the weapons," he said. Addressing Lebanese officials, he said: "I hope you don't waste time on the storms stirred up by external dictates." (Reporting by Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Alex Richardson) Beirut (dpa) Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Tuesday said his group rejects any timetable for handing over its weapons while Israeli strikes continue, warning that the move would only serve Israels interests. "We do not agree to any timetable that is presented to be implemented under the umbrella of Israeli aggression," Qassem said in a speech in Beirut. His remarks came as the Lebanese Cabinet held a session to debate the disarmament of the Iran-backed militia, following pressure from the United States for concrete steps towards disarmament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cabinet met at the presidential palace in the presence of President Joseph Aoun to discuss the issue, with two ministers belonging to the Hezbollah party in attendance. Qassem criticized a memorandum delivered by US envoy Tom Barak, describing it as a recipe for surrender, not stability. He emphasized that Hezbollah would not agree to a new deal while Israel continues to violate the existing ceasefire and Lebanon remains under pressure. Before the recent war with Israel, the Shiite organization was one of the most heavily armed non-state actors in the world. Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire after the beginning of the Gaza War in October 2023, eventually resulting in an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ceasefire came into effect in November 2024. According to the agreement, Hezbollah is to be disarmed initially in the south and near the border with Israel. But the Israeli military is still launching almost daily attacks in Lebanon, citing the desire to enforce disarmament. Israeli soldiers are also stationed at five posts in southern Lebanon. The demand to disarm Hezbollah nationwide is politically risky for Lebanon's government. There are fears that the country could slide into another political crisis if Hezbollah members withdraw from the government in protest. BEIRUT (AP) The Lebanese government asked the national army on Tuesday to prepare a plan in which only state institutions will have weapons in the small nation by the end of the year, a move that aims to disarm the militant Hezbollah group. The announcement by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam after a nearly six-hour Cabinet meeting, came shortly after Hezbollah's leader said his group would not disarm and warned that the Iran-backed faction would resume missile attacks on Israel if military operations against them intensify. Salam said the government asked the army to have the plan ready by the end of the month for discussion and approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government's move came as Beirut is under U.S. pressure to disarm the group that recently fought a 14-month war with Israel and was left gravely weakened, with many of its political and military leaders dead. The decision followed a July visit by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who called for a more decisive policy to disarm the Iran-backed group. On Tuesday afternoon, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem rejected calls for his group to lay down its weapons, speaking as the government was meeting to discuss the group's disarmament. Since the Israel-Hezbollah war ended in November with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Hezbollah officials have said the group will not discuss its disarmament until Israel withdraws from five hills it controls inside Lebanon and stops almost daily airstrikes that have killed or wounded hundreds of people, most of them Hezbollah members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rebuild its military capabilities. Israel's military has said the five locations in Lebanon provide vantage points or are located across from communities in northern Israel, where about 60,000 Israelis were displaced during the war. Since the ceasefire, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for one attack on a disputed area along the border. In a televised speech Tuesday, Kassem said Hezbollah rejects any timetable to hand over its weapons. Israel's interest is not to widen the aggression because if they expand, the resistance will defend, the army will defend and the people will defend, Kassem said. This defense will lead to the fall of missiles inside Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the war ended, Hezbollah has withdrawn most of its fighters and weapons from the area along the border with Israel south of the Litani river. Last week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated calls for Hezbollah to give up its weapons, angering the groups leadership. The ceasefire agreement left vague how Hezbollahs weapons and military facilities north of the Litani river should be treated, saying Lebanese authorities should dismantle unauthorized facilities starting with the area south of the river. Hezbollah maintains the deal only covers the area south of the Litani, while Israel and the U.S. say it mandates disarmament of the group throughout Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kassem said Hezbollah rejects a government vote over its weapons, saying such a decision should be unanimously backed by all Lebanese. "No one can deprive Lebanon of its force to protect its sovereignty, Kassem said. Hezbollahs weapons are a divisive issue among Lebanese, with some groups calling for its disarmament. Before the Cabinet meeting ended, two ministers allied with Hezbollah walked out of the session in what appeared to be a show of opposition to the decision. The Israel-Hezbollah war started a day after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack against Israel from Gaza. It left more than 4,000 people dead and caused damage worth $11 billion. NEED TO KNOW 38-year-old Grant Gardner from Minnesota has been missing in Wyoming since he texted his wife on July 29 "On August 1, 2025, the Big Horn County Sheriffs Office received information regarding an overdue hiker in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, and immediately began a search and rescue operation, authorities said in a release Gardner told his wife that he had made it to the summit of Cloud Peak on July 29, but she has not heard from him since Authorities in Wyoming are searching for a hiker who's been missing in the wilderness for seven days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Aug. 4, the Big Horn County Sheriffs Office said in a release that Grant Gardner, 38, from Minnesota, had last made contact with his wife on July 29 after embarking on a hike through the Misty Moon Lake area. On August 1, 2025, the Big Horn County Sheriffs Office received information regarding an overdue hiker in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, and immediately began a search and rescue operation, authorities added. The police said that Gardner had planned on an approximate three-day hike through the Misty Moon Lake area, eventually summiting Cloud Peak, and returning to his vehicle, completing his journey. Gardner told his wife that he had made it to the summit of Cloud Peak on July 29, but she has not heard from him since. Images By T.O.K./Alamy Stock Photo Cloud Peak as viewed from Circle Park Road in the Bighorn National Forest Cloud Peak as viewed from Circle Park Road in the Bighorn National Forest Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Gardners vehicle was located by searchers in the parking lot of the West Ten Sleep trailhead where he began his journey, the release continued. The hiking log at the trailhead revealed hed entered the wildness area as he had indicated in his hiking plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phone records showed he summited the 13,000-foot Cloud Peak Summit at around 9:00pm on July 29, 2025, and was preparing to head to a lower elevation for the night. The late hour of this summit was concerning to search managers, the release added. According to officials, Gardner indicated in a text message to his wife that the climb "was more taxing than he expected and he was tired." The multi-agency search operation has been in full effect since Aug. 1, and at least two rescuers have suffered medical conditions, and have had to receive medical care due to harsh conditions. The agencies include South Big Horn County, Sheridan County, Johnson County, Washakie County, and Park County Wyoming along with other rotor aircraft from First Flight of Wyoming, Wyoming Army National Guard, and private air craft. Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriff's Office Grant Gardner Grant Gardner Authorities said canine tracking dogs, Teton County Search and Rescues helicopter and special electronic device tracking equipment joined the operation on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search is rapidly evolving and ongoing in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, they wrote. In addition to high altitude and terrain challenges, difficult weather patterns including winds, thunder and lightning storms have made search efforts difficult at various times of the day. Anyone with information or sightings of Gardners whereabouts is asked to contact the Big Horn County Sheriffs Office at 307-568-2324 or the Wyoming Missing Person Tip line on the Wyoming DCI website. At this time our hearts go out the family. We are asking for your thoughts and prayers on their behalf, and for the searchers who are risking life safety in this beautiful but unforgiving wilderness area. Updates will be provided as appropriate, authorities concluded. Read the original article on People A small boy holding a lollipop sits in a car seat in a car, 1960s. Credit - Hulton ArchiveGetty Images Today, a child is involved in a vehicle crash every 33 seconds in the United States. However, when they are, child safety seats usually provide protection. This represents a remarkable sea change since the mid-20th century. Between 1975 and 2022, child fatalities in road accidents declined by 61%. While it is easy to take something commonplace like childrens car seats for granted, their normalization is an under-recognized public health achievement. Behind this success were a group of politically savvy characters whose relentless focus on improving the designs, awareness, and usage of child safety seats is an important model of citizen activism and public health advocacy. The postwar economic boom built suburbs and federal highways and made family cars more affordable. But it also increased risks for child passengers. Typically, children rode in parents laps, or on their own in back seats without any safety protections. In 1965, lawyer and advocate Ralph Nader published Unsafe at Any Speed, detailing safety concerns about automobiles. Naders advocacy led to the creation of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also spurred a wider movement for legislated consumer protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Making Safer Drivers Within this movement were Physicians for Automotive Safety (PAS), a group of doctors who formed via a dignified protest at the 1965 New York Auto Show. The 30 members called on other doctors to advocate against the epidemic of automobile accidents. They called for preventive countermeasures to avert injuries, including for children, laying the foundation for a robust child passenger safety movement. The issue gained broader recognition through pioneering motoring journalist Julie Candler. Writing for Womens Day in 1970, she reflected on the 58,000 children under 5 years old who had been killed or injured in car crashes over the previous year. Candler wrote movingly of the the fragile bundle of humanity who, left unprotected, would for the remainder of her days be paralyzed by an accident. Candler sparked a nascent interest in child passenger safety among parents, especially mothers. Simultaneously, pushed in part by Naders consumer protection movement, the federal government had developed a design standard for child safety seats, known as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS213). The standard focused on how child seats attached to vehicles. But it didnt address the mechanisms of protection such as absorbing crash forces and preventing ejection. As a result, many experts believe the regulation didnt do enough to protect children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates came forward to argue for improvements to car seat design and to raise public awareness about the importance of child safety seats. They included Annemarie Shelness, the executive director of PAS and Stephanie Tombrello, a social worker from Los Angeles. Shelness, Tombrello, and others worked to improve child safety seat designs, engaged in public education, and advocated for legislation. By 1972, their primary focus was pushing for improvements to the federal standard. Tombrello was working with Women for Political and Social Action (WPSA), recording and reporting on childhood injuries, while Shelness was lobbying the government to recognize the shortcomings of the FMVSS213 standard. Consumers Union, a nonprofit watchdog organization (now Consumer Reports) published results of crash tests of 15 child safety restraints. In the tests, 12 failed. These tests helped illustrate the need for better regulation, while showcasing what effective child safety seat design looked like. The next year, GM dealers began offering the seats to consumers, some even giving them away with the purchase of a family car. Shelness and Tombrello astutely demonstrated the codependency of market and state to improve public health. They recognized what the market could offersafe products from American industrybut also what it mostly provided: unsafe designs. They therefore highlighted the need for government intervention. Without improved standards, the market lacked the incentive to deliver better consumer protections. In 1981, their efforts resulted in the national FMVSS213 standard being made more rigorous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, child passenger safety advocates knew improved designs based on better standards was only half the battle. American drivers still had to actually use the seats. Mandating their use would be necessarybut this was not without resistance. A close friend of Shelness, pediatrician and PAS member Dr. Robert Sanders, frequently faced pushback in his efforts to pass child seat usage laws. Working throughout Tennessee during the mid-1970s, he heard arguments that babies belonged in their mothers arms, that kids had a right to sit in truck beds, and that parenting choices were a matter of personal liberties. Only a small fraction of families in the U.S. had or used a child car seat and state legislatures were hesitant to require it. But Sanders persisted. He relied on fellow doctors for support, met calmly with legislators, and always took a child seat with him to meetings for a demonstration. Sanders emphasized statistics, gave out fact sheets, and even told stories of signing death certificates of children in traffic accidents. His approach was to show that child passenger safety seats were a form of preventative healthcare. When dissenting voices brought up the cost of child seats, Sanders compared that to medical costs: worth it to save and improve lives. He also floated ideas to establish funds to provide federally approved child seats to families unable to afford them. His efforts were rewarded in 1977 when the Tennessee legislature passed Americas first child seat usage law requiring any child under four years of age to be in a child safety seat starting in 1978. It set an important precedent. While federal law set standards for child seat design, the states became responsible for ensuring their use. By 1985 all states had child seat use laws. Read More: If Cars Can Monitor Left-On Headlights and Rear Obstructions, They Should Be Able To Save Trapped Kids' Lives Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelness, Tombrello, and others, had successfully improved legislation regarding both design and use, and they had done so at federal and state levels. Now they kept up the work by turning to education for caregivers, who still needed to be convinced to use child safety seats, and police officers, who would need to help enforce laws requiring child safety seats. This meant distilling science, law, and statistics to be straightforward to these audiences. Leaflets were illustrated with minimal words. Parents were informed about free services they could access, while police officers were given power over new accident report forms which included information on child seat use. They sought to empower Americans to be agents of public health, allies in the fight for child safety, rather than passive consumers and obedient law followers. By the mid-1980s, these educational materials were a de facto curriculum based around the three Eseducation, engineering, and enforcement. The idea that simplification and invitation would strengthen and embed a national culture of child seat use reflected the movements practical agility and political savviness. Shelness and Tombrello showed how science supported law, how law guided the market, and how the market provided for investment in science. The approach was so successful that by 1984 NHTSA reported national car seat usage had reached 46%an increase of over 500% in under a decade. Today, that legacy remains as the NHTSA-authored National Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training. There are approximately 39,000 CPSTs nationwide who hold the qualification, who provide caregivers with child seat education for all ages of children whether at hospitals, fire stations, or through county public health outreach programs. Each car seat check is a testament to the work of advocates like Shelness and Tombrello, people who believed that public health works best with the democratization of complex science and medical knowledge. Their political agility allowed them to channel expertise directly and efficiently to those who would benefit the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gary Scales earned his Ph.D. from Temple University before founding the Child Passenger Safety Online Museum & Archive. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com. AKRON, Ohio (WJW) A former Archbishop Hoban High School teacher is charged with felony sex offenses relating to two students at the school. Chad Kendall, 36, of Akron, has turned himself in to Akron police Wednesday after a warrant was out for his arrest this month. He was wanted on two felony counts of sexual battery, Akron Municipal Court records show. Body found inside trunk of suspicious vehicle: Lorain police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendall was arrested in June on a misdemeanor count of assault stemming from a March 2024 incident in which he allegedly grabbed a student by the neck during rehearsal for a high school play, according to a police report. Kendall admitted to grabbing the student during an interview with police, according to a report. During the assault investigation, two students came forward detailing their sexual relationships with him, which allegedly happened between the spring 2023 and fall/winter 2024 semesters, according to a police report obtained by FOX 8 News. The alleged victims said they were 16 and 17 years old at the time, according to the report. After authorities searched Kendalls home and electronic devices, city prosecutors authorized the sexual battery charges, according to the report. A warrant for his arrest was filed on Friday, Aug. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendall was placed on administrative leave following his June arrest, school President Chris DiMauro said in a statement issued after that arrest: Dear Hoban Family, Yesterday, the Hoban administration was informed that a member of our teaching staff has been charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. It is our understanding that the charge involves a former students allegations regarding a situation that occurred in the Spring of 2024. Following our policies and procedures, the employee has immediately been placed on administrative leave and is not permitted access to Hobans campus while this legal process continues. We will keep you informed of significant developments. Rest assured when the incident involving the staff member was reported to us, we launched a thorough internal investigation. Based on the results of the investigation, we took appropriate action to address the situation. Being transparent with our staff and families is important, especially when challenged with difficult scenarios like this one. As always, the safety and well-being of students and providing timely communication with families remains our foremost priority. Thank you for your continued trust and support of Hoban as we navigate this situation. Archbishop Hoban High School President Chris DiMauro Wanted sex offender leads officers on 100-mph chase: police A school spokesperson on Tuesday said Kendall is no longer employed at the school. DiMauro also issued a statement Tuesday on the new sexual battery charges: Dear Hoban Family, On June 9, a third party reported allegations to the Hoban administration of serious, inappropriate conduct by Hoban teacher, Chad Kendall, which impacted student safety. The allegations did not involve a current Hoban student and had not been previously reported to us. Upon learning of these new allegations, we immediately contacted and met with the Akron Police Department. We are taking all necessary measures to support the police and their ensuing investigation. The Hoban administration has now learned that Mr. Kendall has been charged with sexual battery relating to these new allegations. We are devastated and angry that the safety of our students, which is of the utmost importance, may have been violated by someone in a position of trust. We know that this type of news is hard to receive and understand that people would like as much information about this as possible. We must, though, respect the legal process and protect the privacy of those involved. Our focus now is on supporting everyone in our Hoban community, most notably our students. If you have any information related to this matter, we encourage you to contact the Akron Police Department. Archbishop Hoban High School President Chris DiMauro Kendall pleaded not guilty to the assault charge and is due for a pre-trial hearing on the assault charge on Aug. 15 in the city court. The schools website previously listed Kendall as a choir and theatre teacher, but his listing has since been removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. 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Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America 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 Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has called for greater support at Holyrood for politicians juggling the demands of parenthood. The Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP, whose daughter turned three this month, announced on Monday that she would not seek re-election next year. Forbes has since criticised the Scottish Parliament's creche facilities, which are only available for three hours a day from Tuesday to Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Scottish Parliament said its creche capacity was limited due to space but added it was "constantly looking" for ways to support members with caring responsibilities. Forbes told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme the childcare provision "doesn't make sense". 'Pressures and guilt' In 2020 Gail Ross, the SNP's MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, announced that she would not seek re-election as she wanted to watch her son grow up. Forbes said others who had taken a similar view included SNP minister Aileen Campbell, Labour MSP Jenny Marra and former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy first minister said: "I am not the first and, unless anything changes, I am unlikely to be the last. "So many parents know the pressures and the guilt of balancing all of this." Gail Ross stood down before the last Holyrood election due to the demands of travelling to Edinburgh and being away from her family every week [SNP] Forbes, who has been an SNP MSP since 2016, covers a constituency which stretches from Mallaig on the west coast through the Great Glen to the Cromarty Firth. She has the added challenge of an eight-hour return trip from her home to Edinburgh. The former leadership contender said: "That adds a particular dimension because you know you are not going to be able to get home every night." Forbes said there were areas where Holyrood "could do more and do better", such as its creche facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added: "I have long been campaigning because it is limited to three hours a day and I don't know anybody who only works three hours a day so that doesn't make sense. "And I'm certainly not advocating for the job to be any less demanding or all consuming. "It has to be, by its very nature of representing people. "But if we can't even get some of the basic support right then it will always be difficult for mums and dads." In 2021 Marra questioned why the Scottish Parliament does not have a full-time nursery but Westminster does. Labour's Jenny Marra stood down as an MSP ahead of the 2021 election [Getty Images] Forbes said she reached her decision over the summer recess and took into account that re-election would mean committing to a full five-year parliamentary term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told the programme that when her daughter went to school she would be "anchored" to one location. The deputy first minister added that she was not willing to move to Edinburgh with a husband and three stepdaughters. Forbes said: "That is why I have come to this decision." She also expressed concern that parents would be less represented in Holyrood unless the situation changed. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth told Good Morning Scotland that Forbes would be missed at Holyrood. She added: "I think the points Kate has made about parliament and the provision of childcare are really important." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michelle Thomson, who ran Forbes' SNP leadership campaign in 2023, told the programme it was disappointing to lose a politician of Forbes' calibre, especially as she is only 35. The Falkirk East MSP described the deputy first minister's Highland constituency as "utterly vast" and the working hours in parliament as "incredibly long". She said something needed to change. Thomson added: "The provision, in terms of nursery care, is still way too slight and that is a common complaint, not just of young women with children but also men as well." Forbes confirmed her intention to stand down in a letter to First Minister John Swinney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she did not want to "miss any more of the precious early years of family life". Forbes will continue as an MSP for another nine months, with the Holyrood election scheduled for May 2026. Swinney said she had made an "invaluable contribution to public life" over the past decade. First elected in 2016, Forbes enjoyed a rapid rise to become Scotland's first female finance secretary in 2020. She was narrowly defeated in the 2023 SNP leadership contest by Humza Yousaf but returned to government as Swinney's deputy last May. She is among more than 20 SNP MSPs to have announced they will not seek re-election next year. Forbes was appointed deputy first minister by John Swinney last May [Getty Images] The Scottish Parliament said its creche capacity was limited to three hours per day by the Care Inspectorate in 2023, following a change in government regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson added: "We have had extensive discussions with the Care Inspectorate since then to explore extending that provision to offer longer periods of childcare. "However, this is not possible within the confines of the space available in the building." The spokesperson credited the introduction of hybrid working for enabling MSPs to work more flexibly and take part in business remotely. They said: "This has provided flexibility not only for those with children but also those with elderly parents, and other caring responsibilities." By Donny Kwok and Jessie Pang HONG KONG (Reuters) -Blackened skies unleashed record-breaking rains on Hong Kong and the high-tech cities surrounding South China's Pearl River Delta on Tuesday, disrupting hospitals and shuttering schools and law courts across the Asian financial hub. More than 350mm (13.8 inches) of rain had drenched Hong Kong by 2 p.m. (0600 GMT), the city's weather authorities said -- the highest daily rainfall for August since 1884. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videos showed torrents of water cascading down steep hillsides in the former British colony, breaking into white-water streams as they rushed down the many staircases linking Hong Kong's multi-tiered cityscape. The deluge prompted the weather bureau to extend its highest "black" rainstorm warning until 5 p.m. The water had risen to ankle-height outside Hong Kong's largest hospital, as medical authorities announced they would be closing clinics across the city due to the downpour. Extreme rainfall and catastrophic flooding, which meteorologists link to climate change, pose mounting challenges for officials in mainland China, sweeping people to their deaths, displacing thousands, and threatening billions of dollars in economic losses. The storms follow deadly flash floods in Southern China over the weekend, which left five dead in Guangdong province and prompted a large-scale search operation involving over 1,300 rescuers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Tuesday morning, four rivers in the province had risen to such a height that they were at risk of bursting their banks, China's state broadcaster CCTV reported. China is being battered by heavier-than-usual downpours as the East Asian monsoon stalls over its north and south, resulting in weeks of atmospheric chaos since early July. On Monday, a tornado took hold in the northern region of Inner Mongolia, while officials in Beijing on Tuesday braced for further flooding. RECORDING-BREAKING RAIN Back in the south, Hong Kong's 'black' rainstorm warning marked the fourth time in just eight days, breaking the record for the most frequent issuance of the city's highest weather alert within a single year, according to China's state news agency Xinhua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hong Kong, Guangdong Province, and Macau - which issued a Red rain warning - form the backbone of Chinese President Xi Jinping's flagship Greater Bay Area initiative, aimed at fusing Hong Kong's financial firepower with Guangdong's manufacturing and technological strength. Airports across the region reported cancellation rates of around 20% on Tuesday, according to data from Flightmaster, while speed limits on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai Macau Bridge - a flagship GBA infrastructure project - were lowered due to poor visibility. Hong Kong's airport has maintained normal operations throughout but said some flights had been delayed and passengers were advised to head to the airport only after their flight time was confirmed. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange remained open, having changed its policy to continue trading whatever the weather late last year, but the judiciary announced that courts, tribunals and register offices would remain shut until at least two hours after the 'black' rainstorm alert was cancelled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hong Kong typically receives an annual average of 2,200mm of rainfall, more than half of which usually falls from June through August. But it is not all doom and gloom - Hong Kong Disneyland announced it remains open. (Reporting by Donny Kwok and Jessie Pang; Writing by Joe Cash; Editing by Saad Sayeed) DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Air Force Reserves 445th Airlift Wing will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Honor Flight this September. The 445th and Honor Flight Dayton will fly approximately 150 veterans to Washington, D.C. and back on Sunday, Sept. 21, on 2 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. This event, Operation Honor, will recognize the 20th anniversary of the first Honor Flight. Back in 2005, retired Air Force Capt. Earl Morse asked pilots from the Wright-Patterson AFB Aero Club to fly 12 veterans on six small planes to D.C. to see the World War II Memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boonshoft Museum of Discovery to host sensory-friendly event The Air Force Reserve Command will designate one of the C-17s as the Spirit of Hanoi Taxi to honor the wings connection to the vets. This commemorates the historic C-141 aircraft that transported the first American prisoners of war from Vietnam, and was later assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing. The Honor Flight program works to provide for vets, and has a special focus on people who served in the Vietnam War. There will be a free, public concert at Wright-Patterson AFB for the welcome home celebration. Tickets must be reserved in advance. (Off-base parking will be available, and there will be shuttle buses.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For tickets and more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Negotiations over a global treaty to curb plastic pollution resume today, but opposition from the US and other oil-producing states has dimmed hopes for success. Diplomats are in Geneva for what was meant to be the final round of negotiations, after talks ended last year without conclusion. But the Trump administration which has targeted domestic environmental protection laws and science funding wants to limit the treaty to waste management, while petrostates such as Saudi Arabia and Russia want voluntary measures rather than binding caps, which the European Union and smaller nations are calling for. Plastic production is set to triple by 2060, and The Lancet said plastic pollution causes more than $1.5 trillion in health-related economic losses each year. A hospice in East Sussex has announced it is to become the UK's first dedicated hospice for the LGBTQ+ community. The move by Sussex Beacon, based in Brighton, has been dubbed a "landmark development" by NHS Sussex, aiming to combine inclusive care with expertise in specialist HIV care. The charity has been offering palliative and end-of-life care to people with HIV for more than 30 years, recently expanding its services to the wider LGBTQ+ community, regardless of HIV status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief executive Rachel Brett told BBC Radio Sussex: "The community built the Beacon back in the 80s, and now we're giving it back we're very excited." Sussex Beacon said it wanted to act as a "national resource" to improve the services of others [The Sussex Beacon] The Sussex Beacon said that decades of experience supporting those with HIV following the Aids pandemic of the 1980s and 90s had given them insight into tackling the impacts of stigma and health inequalities. A 2018 report published by Stonewall an LGBTQ+ charity found that one in seven LGBTQ+ people (14%) avoided seeking healthcare for fear of discrimination from staff. Hospice UK's I Just Want To Be Me report from 2023 also revealed that the LGBTQ+ community often found healthcare unwelcoming after coming up against insensitivities or misconceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Sussex Beacon is uniquely placed to change that," Ms Brett added. "We will not only provide inclusive palliative care, but also act as a national resource, helping other hospices improve their services for LGBTQ+ patients." 'Care is invaluable' The initiative is being supported by the NHS. Dr Amy Dissanayake, deputy chief medical officer, said NHS Sussex were delighted to be working with the hospice. "In addition to the hospice care, their experience in providing specialist community care for people living with HIV is invaluable and fully supports our ambition to bring care out of hospitals where possible and into communities," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Brett said charitable funding remained important for the hospice's long-term sustainability. It follows the closure of its 10-bed inpatient care unit to focus on community care earlier this year. Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said: "The Beacon has a proud place in the heart of the local community. "I've spoken with so many service users who said they owed everything to the Beacon, so I'm delighted that this new service model means it can continue to provide excellent HIV services and hospice care across Sussex." Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Related internet links A medical worker walks by a hospital entrance in New York City. A new study found that hospitals are increasingly buying up private physician-owned practices, and costs for services are rising. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) As more hospitals have gobbled up private physician practices, costs for childbirth and other services have gone up, according to a new study. Since the early aughts, the share of physicians in the United States working for hospitals has nearly doubled, according to the study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, a nonprofit research organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as fewer doctors work in physician-owned practices, patients or their insurers end up paying more, the studys authors found. For example: Two years after a hospital buys an OB-GYN practice, prices for labor and delivery jump an average of $475 and physician prices rise by $502, according to the study. Researchers focused on births, which are the most common reason for hospital admission among people with private insurance. This rapid acquisition by hospitals is reshaping a U.S. industry once dominated by tens of thousands of small, physician-owned practices. Only about 42% of U.S. physicians work in a physician-owned private practice, according to the most recent survey data from the American Medical Association. Nearly 47% work for hospitals, a sharp rise over the past several years. Most emergency room physicians are now employed by hospital systems or by private equity-owned staffing groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new research offers further evidence for how hospital acquisitions of private practices can result in anticompetitive price increases, said Matthew Grennan, one of the studys authors and an associate professor of economics at Emory University, in a news release. As a result, I think economists and others in the antitrust community are likely to give more careful consideration to these potential sources of harm, he said. Medical debt is a leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States, with about 14 million Americans owing more than $1,000 in medical debt, according to research nonprofit KFF. These post-merger price increases are driven by reduced competition, Grennan and his fellow researchers found. Yet theres been little effort by federal or state regulators to halt hospital mergers that could lead to higher prices for consumers. But states have taken some steps toward lowering medical costs in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bipartisan groups of lawmakers in more than a dozen states have addressed so-called facility fees, which are charges that some hospitals tack on for patient visits to hospital-owned physician offices. This year in Oklahoma, Republican lawmakers passed a bill requiring hospitals to make the cost of many of their services more transparent to patients so theyre aware of the costs. Providers can face penalties for noncompliance. A similar Oklahoma law authored by Democrats and passed last year requires debt collectors to submit evidence of a hospitals compliance with price transparency rules before filing to collect on medical debts from patients. Some states have capped the rates hospitals or physicians can charge. Colorado sets provider and hospitals rates based on a specific formula if insurance plans arent able to lower peoples premiums to a certain level, while Montana and Oregon limited the amount hospitals and other providers can charge for their state employee health plan. Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WASHINGTON (AP) The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Justice Department on Tuesday for files in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation and is seeking depositions with the Clintons and former law enforcement officials, part of a congressional probe that lawmakers believe may show links to President Donald Trump and former top officials. The Republican-controlled committee issued subpoenas for depositions with former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and eight former top law enforcement officials. The committees actions showed how even with lawmakers away from Washington on a monthlong break, interest in the Epstein files is still running high. Donald Trump has denied prior knowledge of Epsteins crimes and claimed he cut off their relationship long ago, and he has repeatedly tried to move past the Justice Departments decision not to release a full accounting of the investigation. But lawmakers from both major political parties, as well as many in the Republican presidents political base, have refused to let it go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the oversight committee, noted in letters to Attorney General Pam Bondi and the former officials that the cases of Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell have received immense public interest and scrutiny. While the Department undertakes efforts to uncover and publicly disclose additional information related to Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwells cases, it is imperative that Congress conduct oversight of the federal governments enforcement of sex trafficking laws generally and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell, Comer said. Epsteins circle Since Epsteins 2019 death in a New York jail cell as he awaited trial for sex trafficking charges, conservative conspiracists have stoked theories about what information investigators gathered on Epstein and who else knew about his sexual abuse of teenage girls. Republican lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee nodded to that line of questioning last month by initiating the subpoenas for the Clintons, both Democrats, as well as demanding all communications between President Joe Bidens Democratic administration and the Justice Department regarding Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Clinton was among a number of luminaries acquainted with Epstein, a wealthy financier, before the criminal investigation against him in Florida became public two decades ago. Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing by any of the women who say Epstein abused them. One of Epsteins victims, Virginia Giuffre, once gave a newspaper interview in which she described riding in a helicopter with Clinton and flirting with Trump, but she later said in a deposition that those things hadnt actually happened and were mistakes by the reporter. Clinton has previously said through a spokesperson that while he traveled on Epsteins jet he never visited his homes and had no knowledge of his crimes. The committee is also demanding interviews under oath from former attorneys general spanning the last four presidential administrations: Merrick Garland, William Barr, Jeff Sessions, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder and Alberto Gonzales. Lawmakers also subpoenaed former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller. However, it was Democrats who sparked the move to subpoena the Justice Department for its files on Epstein. They were joined by some Republicans last month to successfully initiate the subpoena through a subcommittee of the House Oversight Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today was an important step forward in our fight for transparency regarding the Epstein files and our dedication to seeking justice for the victims, said Democratic Reps. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, and Summer Lee, who initiated the subpoena, in a joint statement. Now, we must continue putting pressure on the Department of Justice until we actually receive every document. Will the subpoenas be enforced? The subpoenas give the Justice Department until Aug. 19 to hand over the requested records, though such requests are typically open to negotiation and can be resisted by the Trump administration. The committee is also asking the former officials to appear for the depositions throughout August, September and October, concluding with Hillary Clinton on Oct. 9 and Bill Clinton on Oct. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple former presidents have voluntarily testified before Congress, but none has been compelled to do so. That history was invoked by Trump in 2022, between his first and second terms, when he faced a subpoena by the House committee investigating the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, riot by a mob of his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. Lawyers for Trump resisted the subpoena, citing decades of legal precedent they said shielded an ex-president from being ordered to appear before Congress. The committee ultimately withdrew its subpoena. The committee had previously issued a subpoena for an interview with Maxwell, who had been serving a prison sentence in Florida for luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein but was recently transferred to a Texas facility. However, Comer has indicated he is willing to delay that deposition until after the Supreme Court decides whether to hear an appeal to her conviction. She argues she was wrongfully prosecuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Justice Department has tried to appease demands for more disclosure, it has turned attention to Maxwell. Officials interviewed her for 1 1/2 days last month. But Democrats stressed the importance of gaining direct access to the investigative files, rather than relying on Maxwells words. We need these files now in order to corroborate any claims she makes, Garcia and Lee said, adding, This fight is not over. Prosecutors say theres not much new in grand jury transcripts Another way the Trump administration is trying to address the public clamor for more transparency is by asking federal judges to unseal grand jury transcripts in the cases against Epstein and Maxwell. But prosecutors indicated Monday the public already knows a lot of whats in the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the information was made publicly available at trial or has otherwise been publicly reported through the public statements of victims and witnesses, prosecutors wrote in court papers Monday. The prosecutors also made clear theyre seeking to unseal only the transcripts of grand jury witnesses testimony, not the exhibits that accompanied it. ___ Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz in New York, David Caruso in New York and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed. Several House Democrats, including members of the "Squad," criticized the United States over the weekend at a conference in Mexico City that questioned U.S. influence and policies, with one lawmaker saying she was prouder to be Guatemalan than American. The second annual Panamerican Congress brought leftist officials from all over North and South America. Those in attendance included Democratic lawmakers: Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ayanna Presley of Massachusetts, Summer Lee of Pennsylvania and Jesus Gilberto Garcia and Delia Ramirez of Illinois. All are members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Establishment-backed Democrat Wins High-profile Congressional Primary In Arizona Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., speaks during a news conference with immigration experts, DACA recipients, and Dreamers. Over the weekend, she attended a conference in Mexico City where she said she was a proud Guatemalan before an American. During her remarks at the opening of the event, Ramirez spoke about the Trump administration's illegal immigration crackdown and her own ancestry. "Im a proud Guatemalan before Im an American," she declared in Spanish. The congresswoman also accused the U.S. of prioritizing "imperialism, militarization, conquest, control, competition in its attempt at domination." Read On The Fox News App On her website, Ramirez, the child of immigrant parents, said her husband is in the country illegally and that she is the only congressional lawmaker "in a mixed-status marriage, and fights for the rights of DREAMers like her husband, Boris, and for comprehensive immigration reform." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House condemned the remarks made by Ramirez, as well as her fellow Democrats. "These Democrats comments are despicable and underscore their commitment to putting Americans last," White House spokesperson Liz Huston told Fox News Digital. "In stark contrast, President Trump is working tirelessly to secure peace deals, deport illegal alien criminals, and advance Americas interests at home and abroad." 'War Criminal Netanyahu': 'Squad' Members Erupt Over Israel's 'Reckless' Strike On Iran Fox News Digital has reached out to Ramirezs office, as well as several lawmakers who attended the summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to immigration, speakers also voiced their views on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Colombias deputy minister of multilateral affairs, praised Tlaib during his speech, calling her a "symbol of resistance," which prompted a standing ovation once he finished speaking. The summit was organized by the leader of Progressive International, a radical left-wing group that describes capitalism as a "virus" that must be "eradicated" in partnership with Morena, Mexicos ruling left-wing party, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported. Watch: Aoc Opens Up About Meeting Zohran Mamdani, Ice Activity In Nyc Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gerardo Fernandez Norona, president of the Mexican Senate and member of Morena, called out the "persecution" of migrants in the U.S. under the Trump administration. He called it "unjust, infamous, incorrect persecution where just for being a migrant and just for your skin color or your nationality, you are persecuted." "They are not only imprisoned, but sent to a prison that has been banned since World War II, such as Alligator Alcatraz," he said. "The United States government is grieving over drug use, but I haven't seen a single raid like the one they carry out against migrants against people who sell drugs in the United States." In a TV interview before the event, David Adler, the general coordinator for Progressive International and one of the summits main coordinators, said the intention of the summit was to confront authoritarian and fascist threats and shift authority from Washington, D.C. to developing countries, the DCNF reported, in the Global South, a term used to describe a loose division of nations across different continents that are generally poorer, have high levels of inequity and harsher living conditions. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at AmericaFest, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix. The EPA said the letter was not representative of the Trump administration's objectives. On its website, Progressive Internation described the U.S. as the "lynchpin of that imperial violence a position it has carefully built over two centuries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group cited U.S. military installations overseas and the massive Pentagon budget. "US militarism sustains profound political tensions around the world. Its interventions have destroyed nation after nation, leaving a trail of violence and sorrow in their wake," the website states. "Ending US militarism means saving lives." Original article source: House Dem declares she is a 'proud Guatemalan' before American at Progressive International conference WASHINGTON The House Oversight Committee has formally demanded the Justice Department hand over its investigatory files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Committee chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) issued a flurry of subpoenas Tuesday, including to former President Bill Clinton and previous Justice Department officials, after a subcommittee voted to authorize the subpoenas last month. The Justice Department subpoena, however, sets up a potential clash between congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump, a former friend of Epsteins who has furiously insisted that speculation about the case is a distraction. The committee gave the department until Aug. 19 to produce the records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Top officials in Trumps Justice Department promised this year they would release investigatory files on Epstein, long a fixture of far-right conspiracy theories, only to reverse course in July and say no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. A subpoena is a formal request for testimony or information that Congress can enforce with court orders and contempt procedures, with potential prison time for people who refuse to cooperate. Its hard to imagine the Justice Department handing over Epstein material that it already said it would not release to the public, meaning the oversight committee would probably have to sue get the material. Its hard to imagine congressional Republicans, who are incredibly subservient to Trump, wanting to drag his administration to court or hold his attorney general in contempt. The Justice Department declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) forced a vote during a subcommittee hearing last month to subpoena the Epstein files, and the motion was approved by all Democrats, plus three Republicans Reps. Brian Jack (Ga.), Scott Perry (Pa.) and Nancy Mace (S.C.). Today was an important step forward in our fight for transparency regarding the Epstein files and our dedication to seeking justice for the victims, Lee said in a joint statement with Rep. Robert Garcia (Calif.), the top Democrat on the committee. Now, we must continue putting pressure on the Department of Justice until we actually receive every document. Committee Republicans pushed to add subpoenas for Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as former FBI Director James Comey, former special counsel Robert Mueller, and former Attorneys General William Barr, Jeff Sessions, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder and Alberto Gonzales. The subpoena votes happened as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) struggled to balance demands from the House GOP conference for access to the Epstein files with demands from the president to move on. Johnson started the Houses summer break a day early last month to escape the Epstein drama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have said they would use a special procedure to force a House vote on a bill requiring the Justice Department to release its Epstein files. Its not clear if such a bill could pass both the House and the Senate. A subpoena could be a likelier way of obtaining the material, though the Justice Department could refuse to cooperate, and getting a favorable court order could take years. The Oversight Committee has also subpoenaed Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former accomplice and girlfriend. Maxwells attorney has demanded immunity in exchange for her testimony, an offer Comer refused. Maxwell also said through her lawyer she would be eager to testify in public if Trump would give her a pardon or commute her prison sentence. Democrats have said Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking minors, will say whatever Trump wants to hear. We know that Ghislaine Maxwell cant be taken at her word, so we need these files now in order to corroborate any claims she makes, Lee and Garcia said in their statement. Its important to show folks that corruption and violations of our laws dont go unchecked, regardless of your political party or how much wealth you have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein died in jail in 2019 after being arrested a second time for alleged sex trafficking. He was first arrested in 2006 by Florida police, but federal prosecutors agreed not to press charges if he pleaded guilty to state charges, an arrangement the Justice Department later described as overly lenient. Before his arrest, Epstein socialized with the rich and famous, including the likes of Trump, Clinton and a range of celebrities. The Justice Department said Epstein victimized more than a thousand women. Trump, who is reportedly mentioned in the Epstein files, has said he cut ties with Epstein after he hired away staff from his Mar-a-Lago club. US President Donald Trump accused former President Obama of "treason" in July, without providing evidence, of leading an effort to falsely tie him to Russia and undermine his 2016 campaign. The House Oversight Committee has issued subpoenas to the Justice Department and several prominent Democratic and Republican figures for documents and testimony related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, amid growing calls for transparency from congressional Republicans. The subpoena to the Justice Department demands any Epstein-related files in its possession, with victim names redacted, as well as communications between former Biden administration officials and the department on the case. Additionally, 10 individuals have been subpoenaed for closed-door depositions from August to October. These include former Attorney General Merrick Garland, former Attorney General William Barr, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, former Attorney General Eric Holder, and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales; former FBI Director James Comey; former special counsel Robert Mueller; and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican-led committee is seeking testimony from these officials about their roles at the DOJ and FBI during the criminal investigations into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Reuters contributed to this report. Washington The House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas Tuesday to a slew of former attorneys general and FBI directors, as well as former President Bill Clinton, for testimony about the case involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The subpoenas seeking depositions from the former Justice Department officials were issued after Republicans and Democrats on a House Oversight subcommittee approved measures to authorize the demands last month as part of efforts by Congress to obtain more information about Epstein. House investigators also issued a subpoena to Attorney General Pam Bondi for documents related to the Justice Department's investigation into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, his associate who is serving a 20-year prison sentence. The department confirmed it received the subpoena but did not comment further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee is seeking testimony from Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as from officials spanning the past four presidential administrations: former Attorneys General Merrick Garland, Bill Barr, Alberto Gonzales, Jeff Sessions, Loretta Lynch and Eric Holder, and former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller. Sessions and Barr led the Justice Department during President Trump's first term. Lawmakers are seeking information from the Clintons because of the former president's past ties to Epstein and Maxwell in the early 2000s. Letters to the officials from Kentucky Rep. James Comer, a Republican who leads the Oversight Committee, are all similar. The records from the Justice Department must be turned over by Aug. 19, according to the Oversight committee, and depositions are scheduled for throughout August, September and October. "While the Department undertakes efforts to uncover and publicly disclose additional information related to Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell's cases, it is imperative that Congress conduct oversight of the federal government's enforcement of sex trafficking laws generally and specifically its handling of the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Epstein and Ms. Maxwell," Comer wrote, adding that the Oversight panel "may use the results of this investigation to inform legislative solutions to improve federal efforts to combat sex trafficking and reform the use of non-prosecution agreements and/or plea agreements in sex-crime investigations." A spokesperson for Clinton said in 2019 after Epstein was indicted on federal charges that the former president took four trips on Epstein's plane in 2002 and 2003, traveling to Europe, Asia and Africa. Angel Urena, the spokesperson, said the trips included stops in connection with the Clinton Foundation, and staff, foundation supporters, and Clinton's Secret Service detail were on every leg of every trip. Clinton also had a meeting with Epstein in 2002 and made "one brief visit" to Epstein's apartment with a staff member and his secretary detail, Urena said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Clinton knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida some years ago or those with which he has been recently charged in New York," he said, adding that Clinton hadn't spoken to Epstein in more than a decade and had never been to his island, New Mexico ranch or Florida residence. Former presidents have not successfully been compelled to testify before Congress, but several have voluntarily answered questions from committees, including Presidents Gerald Ford in 1983, Harry Truman in 1955 and William Howard Taft on numerous occasions, according to the Senate. Epstein was charged with federal sex trafficking crimes in 2019 and died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial. He had been investigated by federal authorities in Florida in the 2000s, though that ended in a federal non-prosecution agreement and a guilty plea on state prostitution charges in 2008. But Congress has renewed its focus on Epstein after the Justice Department and FBI released a memo last month that concluded Epstein did not have a "client list" of prominent figures and confirmed he died by suicide. The memo also found that there was no "credible evidence" that the disgraced financier blackmailed prominent people. The Justice Department and FBI said they did not plan to release any further information about Epstein's case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The findings rankled some of Mr. Trump's supporters, who are skeptical that there is nothing else regarding Epstein's case to make public. Amid the backlash, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Maxwell late last month for two days in Tallahassee, where she was serving her sentence before being moved to a minimum-security facility in Texas last week. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in helping Epstein recruit, groom and abuse underage girls. An appeal of her conviction is currently awaiting action from the Supreme Court. The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Maxwell for testimony last month and set a deposition for Aug. 11. But Comer offered to delay the interview while the Supreme Court considers whether to take up her case. The justices are set to weigh her petition at a closed-door conference Sept. 29, but do not have to act on it immediately. Comer said the committee will "engage in good faith negotiations" around the deposition, but would not grant her congressional immunity or send her its questions in advance two requests by Maxwell's attorney. Blanche and Bondi have also asked federal judges in New York to unseal transcripts from the grand jury proceedings in Epstein and Maxwell's cases, though federal rules typically require matters before grand juries to be kept secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the moves by the Justice Department, lawmakers have pushed for files related to Epstein to be released to the public. A clash of House members over the material led the House to scrap votes and leave Washington early for its monthlong summer recess. House Republicans put forth a non-binding resolution last month to make the files from the federal probe into Epstein public, but Speaker Mike Johnson said the lower chamber would not vote on it until September, when lawmakers return from their break. Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm Why even small choices can feel overwhelming Inside the world of Hawaii's elite lifeguard team Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) called out Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) over their responses to redistricting efforts across the country, saying the chaos needs to end. Ultimately I think that the Speaker needs to step up and show some leadership here because even our own members in states that might in some theoretical way, mathematical way stand to benefit from new maps, they dont like whats going on either, Kiley told MSNBCs Chris Jansing on Tuesday. They dont like the prospect of having their district broken up or having communities theyve represented, been voted in by, taken out of their district. Kiley, who represents a competitive House district, said he will introduce legislation on Monday that would block states from redrawing their congressional districts prior to the 2030 census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not a good thing for either Democrats or Republicans. Its certainly not a good thing for the country, he continued. So I think that the Speaker and Leader Jeffries need to show some leadership here to bring this chaos to an end, and I think that the bill that I have offered gives them the opportunity to do just that. In the same interview, Kiley also criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsoms (D) efforts to redraw maps in California as a means of fighting back against Republican redistricting efforts in red states. Newsom has said he wants to abolish the states independent redistricting commission. The old saying is that voters should choose their representatives; representatives shouldnt choose their voters, Kiley said. And I think that whats happening right now across the country, and especially in California, is a very unhealthy thing for democracy. The redistricting fight jumped into overdrive in Texas this week after state Democratic lawmakers fled the Lone Star State for blue states including Illinois, Massachusetts and New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called for those lawmakers to be arrested and brought back to the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Republican-led House on Tuesday issued subpoenas to the Justice Department and high-ranking officials for files related to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. But there was one notable name missing from the list of subpoenas: President Donald Trump. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer issued 11 subpoenas in total, including some to prominent politicians from Republican and Democratic administrations: Bill and Hillary Clinton, former FBI Director James Comey, multiple former attorneys general including Merrick Garland and William Barr, and former special counsel Robert Mueller, according to The Washington Post. But Trump himself is notably absent from that list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The subpoenas are a result of a bipartisan effort on behalf of the House to release the files. On July 23, Democratic Representative Summer Lee of Pennsylvania brought a motion to subpoena the DOJ, which passed in the House Oversight Federal Law Enforcement subcommittee with three Republicans joining Democrats in the vote. Trumps former Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta is also missing from the list of subpoenas. In 2008, as U.S. attorney in Miami, Acosta gave Epstein a secret plea deal for soliciting a minor for prostitutiona crime that, if charges had been brought federally, could have resulted in a life sentence. Acosta resigned from the Trump administration in 2019 amid scrutiny during Epsteins sex-trafficking case. Despite the publics overwhelming interest in transparency regarding Epstein, Trump has denied and deflected, blaming the controversy on a Democratic hoax and belittling members of his base who are still interested in seeing the files. Before the Justice Department issued a case-closed memo last month, Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly told Trump that his name was in the files, which isnt a surprise to anyone whos seen the mountain of evidence that Trump and Epstein were friends. This story has been updated. A new 25-year strategy aimed at improving homes, schools, roads, and public spaces has been welcomed by business leaders. Jersey's government hopes to make the island more attractive to younger generations by investing in affordable housing and repairing ageing infrastructure. The plans have been praised by Jersey Chamber of Commerce (JCC) as a "positive step", while Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) said the proposals were "long overdue" and set out what had "been missing for too long". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both warned that the strategy hinged on the next government, following the 2026 elections, being able to deliver on its promises. Funding for the programme will come from an existing capital budget of about 70m to 80m per year, chief minister Lyndon Farnham previously said. However, chair of a public accounts committee deputy Inna Gardiner believes the government will still need to borrow significant amounts. She said while she is not against borrowing, it needs to be affordable and controlled. "The current proposal doesn't set any clear limits so it doesn't define either where we had the hard caps and debt could just drift upwards, so we need to ensure that we're able to pay the debt," she said. 'Let's get moving' Investment will focus on improving roads, expanding mains water and drainage networks, as well as community focus spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JCC president Lee Madden said the authority welcomed the plan, but called for clarity on its timeline. He said: "This plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring Jersey's infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our community and economy. "However, ambition must be matched by delivery - our members are asking the same questions the public will be: how will this be paid for, and will it be delivered on time?" CEO Murray Norton said it was a welcomed step as he urged the government not to lose momentum. "Let's get moving, avoid prevarication and strike a fair balance between ambition and affordability," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JHA co-CEOs Ana and Marcus Calvani said sustainable economic growth was needed in the visitor economy. They said: "We have been calling for an urgent need for diverse economic growth and this is an encouraging response from government, not overly visionary, but focused on what is critically needed from our public sector." The JHA said it wanted to see targeted investment for affordable family housing, revitalised community spaces and an overhaul of Jersey's drainage system. Mr and Mrs Calvani added: "This plan is not about government building hotels, it's about government finally building confidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Jersey wants a thriving visitor economy, it must first deliver the infrastructure that enables private sector investment." Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links Carrying staffs like shepherds, Sophie Morice-Couteau and Geoffroy Galliot inspect the nets of a sheepfold on a steep slope in the Baronnies massif, part of their daily mission to keep wolves away. The two Bretons are volunteers who signed up to protect the flock belonging to farmer Nathalie Welker in the Drome Provencal, in France's southeast, from wolf attacks -- which have become so common that she feels under "pressure" from the predators. "The wolves are here, there's nothing to be done about that, so we need to find a response," said Welker, 57, wearing a T-shirt that reads: "I'm a farmer and proud of it" as she looked across her sun-drenched valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wolves have made a comeback in Europe, multiplying attacks on livestock and causing angry reactions from farmers, some of whom say the predators should be shot on sight. The European Union recently downgraded wolves from "strictly protected" to "protected", making such killings easier. The French government has authorised 192 wolves to be shot this year, out of the country's total wolf population of 1,013. But some say the killings do little to stop wolf attacks. The best prevention is "a human presence", said Welker, adding that she had lived alongside wolves for 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she cannot afford to pay a full-time shepherd to look after her two flocks, and instead turned to an organisation of volunteers, Pastoraloup, three years ago for help. - 'I support wolves' - Pastoraloup is run by the Ferus association, dedicated to the defence of large predators. It trains volunteers and sends them out to farmers who need assistance. Welker says she can now "sleep at night and be much less stressed". Meeting people and educating them about farming are a bonus of working with the volunteers. Around 35 farmers in the French Alps, the Jura and Brittany are taking part in the scheme this year, up from around 20 two years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morice-Couteau, 45, and Galliot, 48, are among 63 new volunteers who trained last year. "I support wolves, but I also support farmers," said Morice-Couteau, adding that the presence of the predator could become "one problem too many" for farmers. Welker fears that "major attacks" are coming, notably in the autumn, when young wolves learn how to hunt. - 'Here to help' - In October 2023, 17 of Welker's animals were killed after a volunteer left suddenly, leaving the flock without protection. At sundown, her two new volunteers herd around 50 sheep -- all meticulously accounted for -- into their night shelter, protected by a 1.4-metre (4.6-foot) high electric fence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morice-Couteau makes a last round in the dark, equipped with a headlamp, before going to bed in a tipi a few metres away, aware that wolves can strike at any time "if they see an opportunity". Morice-Couteau, who works in the cinema industry, said that she believed farmers and wolves could co-exist, but that her volunteering experience had also made her "understand the violent feelings that some farmers harbour towards wolves". Tensions have for years been building between farmers and environmentalists over the issue of wolf conservation in France as numbers of the predators have grown. Welker said there is "very strong social pressure" on farmers who use Pastoraloup which discourages others from benefiting from the programme because it is "labelled environmentalist". "We're not here for a debate," said Morice-Couteau. "We're here to help." mli-jh/sjw/rlp A kayaker discovered human remains near the Ohio River last weekend. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Cincinnati Police told our news partner, WCPO-TV, that the remains were found near the 2300 block of River Road on Saturday. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said they are investigating along with the Hamilton County Coroners Office. WCPO reports that the coroners office listed the remains in its report. The remains have not yet been identified. The circumstances of the persons death are still pending. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] STURGIS, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is cracking down on crime at the 85th Sturgis Rally, with a team of officers and DCI agents on patrol. The Division of Criminal Investigation is working to stop human trafficking, illegal drug use and violent crimes at the 85th Sturgis Rally. DCI: 30 gunshots, officers justified in July 7 shooting We have operations going to fight and catch human trafficking, we have drug-related task forces in place and overall it has been safe so far. I mean, certainly, there are those individuals out here that need our attention and we do everything we can to make sure that its a safe and fun rally, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said I think its great that the police presence is noticeable and that they are doing a good job of patrolling the area. You see them going around, you see them on the street walking, so theyre doing a great job with their police presence, Rally Rider Kem Petersen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Policing the rally works in two parts. Both with officers walking around patrolling the streets as well as patrolling the roads and then those that are working undercover that every year during the rally end up arresting around 6 to 12 human traffickers. Jackley says theyve already made one human trafficking-related arrest. The DCI drug task force has also caught people using illegal substances, including meth, fentanyl, and opioids. Jackley says they wouldnt be as successful without the publics support. We ask the help of the community. If you see somebody that looks like a danger there, see something, say something. There are law enforcement throughout Sturgis. If you see something thats concerning, just grab one of our officers and we can help, Jackley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As riders continue to enter Sturgis and enjoy their time, the Attorney General and his team will keep up their efforts to catch as many human and drug traffickers as they can. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. After enduring a Russian occupation, a manmade flood, and drone attacks that turned its streets into a human safari, the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson could soon be made completely unlivable. The extended range of Russian drones flown from across the Dnipro River has brought the main roads supplying Kherson particularly the main highway connecting the city to Mykolaiv under attack from the skies. Meanwhile, on Aug. 2 and 3, Russian forces struck the road bridge to the Korabel neighborhood in the southwest of the city, seeking to destroy the only road connection between it and the mainland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kherson, with a pre-war population of 280,000, was the only new Ukrainian regional capital to be occupied in Russias full-scale invasion, falling to Russian forces in the first week of March. Ukrainian forces liberated it in November that year. A map shows Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine's Kherson Oblast as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) As of July, less than 65,000 people remain in Kherson, according to local authorities. Those who have held out inside the city have done so amid an increasingly intense and far-reaching campaign of Russian strike drone attacks on civilian residents across the river, in a phenomenon that has been nicknamed a human safari. These drones reach further with every passing month, while Russian airstrikes and assaults on the Dnipro Delta islands are also intensifying, putting the future of normal life in Kherson under grave doubt. Neighborhood nearly cut off Consisting of a mix of high-rise apartment buildings, one-story houses and holiday homes, and a large industrial area, the Korabel neighborhood in Kherson is located on a natural island in the far southwestern corner of the city on the bank of the Dnipro River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the city's liberation from Russian occupation, the area has been one of the most dangerous and isolated parts of Kherson due to its proximity to Russian forces across the river. The humanitarian situation in the neighborhood, also known as Ostriv (Island), deteriorated further when it was the worst-affected part of Kherson city proper in the aftermath of the flood caused by Russia's deliberate destruction of the Kakhovka Dam further upstream in June 2023. Since then, as a result of repeated Russian strikes on critical infrastructure, as well as on repair teams, the area has been left without essential utilities, including gas, water, and electricity, on and off. A car with volunteers drives over a bridge damaged by the Russian airstrikes in Kherson, Ukraine, on Aug. 4, 2025. (Ivan Antypenko / Suspilne Ukraine / JSC UA:PBC / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) On Aug. 2, in a devastating blow for the remaining residents of the neighborhood, Russia struck the bridge with glide bombs, causing a large hole in the bridge's structure that blocked one lane of traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, more glide bombs targeted the bridge, with another hole created further down. As of Aug. 5, the bridge is still traversable, but with great difficulty, and evacuations are continuing. If people stay there now and that bridge gets cut off, it will be impossible to evacuate them. According to regional authorities, of the approximately 1,700 residents who remained in Korabel at the time of the strike, over 400 have been evacuated so far, including 34 children and 41 people with limited mobility. People with bags wait for registration during the evacuation in Kherson, Ukraine, on Aug. 4, 2025. (Olexandr Kornyakov / Suspilne Ukraine / JSC UA:PBC / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Volunteer helps a local resident with a cat during the evacuation in Kherson, Ukraine, on Aug. 4, 2025. (Olexandr Kornyakov / Suspilne Ukraine / JSC UA:PBC / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) According to Fedorchuk, if the bridge is destroyed completely, the evacuation of the remaining residents will become nearly impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If people stay there now and that bridge gets cut off, it will be impossible to evacuate them, she said. With Kherson so far safe from a Russian ground attack thanks to the Dnipro River, Fedorchuk asserts that the destruction of the bridge is just yet another Russian move to terrorize the residents of Kherson into leaving their liberated home city. Its clearly meant to cut people off from the city, and because it affects peoples state of mind, their morale, and its meant to discredit the authorities, she said. River front Since all of Kherson Oblast on the western bank of the Dnipro River was liberated in 2022, the river itself has become a new front line of Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, fighting began in the low-lying islands of the Dnipro River Delta, including those situated directly across from central Kherson. The delta and the islands within it are a contested gray zone, where both Ukrainian and Russian forces operate, attempting to improve their positions. In reality, the inability of soldiers on the islands to properly dig in due to the swampy ground means that troops from both sides are exposed on a permanent basis. Nonetheless, Russian strikes on the Kherson front have escalated significantly in the past few months, spokesperson for the Ukrainian militarys southern command Vladyslav Voloshyn told the Kyiv Independent. Soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 40th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade during a drill in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, on March 12, 2025. (Nina Liashonok / Ukrinform / NurPhoto via Getty Images) A barricaded road to the bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson, Ukraine, on March 13, 2025. (Ivan Antypenko / Suspilne Ukraine / JSC UA:PBC / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) In addition to a higher rate of strikes by drones, artillery, and glide bombs, Russian forces have also increased attempts to conduct assaults on the islands themselves so far unsuccessfully, losing two to three boats per day, Voloshyn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The increase in attacks across the river has led to speculation that Russia is preparing a larger ground offensive onto the western bank of the Dnipro, including into Kherson itself. Voloshyn said that Russia is still far from having the capability to succeed in such an operation. It is very difficult to hide the troops, boats, and other equipment needed for that, he said, because our satellites and aerial reconnaissance will quickly spot such a concentration. At the moment, there is no evidence of such plans. And if they gather 30 people, and they cross as a sabotage group, will they be able to capture Kherson? Unlikely. On edge In the meantime, for residents of Kherson who have gotten used to living in Russian forces crosshairs for over 2.5 years, the threat to life is only increasing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compared to more dynamic parts of the front line, Kherson's situation is unique, with a large number of people living in a regional capital that while not under immediate threat of assault and occupation is in range of almost all weapons at Russia's disposal. Right now, in the riverside areas, drones are flying around like flies. In what has been widely reported on and documented as a human safari, Russian forces use both first-person view (FPV) drones and bomb-dropping drones to attack not only vehicles, humanitarian aid distribution points, and first responders, but also individual Ukrainian civilians themselves. In a chilling display of violence, videos from these drone strikes where it is usually clearly visible that the target is a civilian resident are often posted by the Russians themselves on pro-war Telegram channels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Voloshyn, Kherson ranks among the top parts of the front line in terms of the intensity of Russian drone activity, with around 250-270 FPV drones deployed against the city and the surrounding settlements on average per day, he told the Kyiv Independent. For the civilian residents, especially in those areas closest to Russian positions, this means the constant threat of death from above. Right now, in the riverside areas, drones are flying around like flies, said Fedorchuk. Its constant stress every time you go outside, you know something could happen. As Russia improves its drone warfare capabilities and increases the distance its drones can fly, bit by bit, more of Kherson has come into range. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late June, the first reports came in of Russian drone attacks on cars on the main highway leading to Mykolaiv, leading to concerns that the city could be completely cut off. A car with volunteers drives past a burned car on the bridge damaged due to the Russian airstrikes in Kherson, Ukraine, on Aug. 4, 2025. (Ivan Antypenko / Suspilne Ukraine / JSC UA:PBC / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Rescuers work at the site of a Russian drone strike on a residential building in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, on May 25, 2025. (Serhii Ovcharyshyn / NikVesti.com / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) For now, Voloshyn said, such attacks are an exception a test of Russia's long-range drone capabilities in an area where the urban environment of Kherson presents a serious obstacle to long-range FPV drone flight. FPV drones are not yet able to reach it consistently, and for drones on fiber optic, it is necessary to fly all over the city, he said. At the moment, the enemy is now trying to work out how to achieve this. In the meantime, Ukrainian military units stationed in the area are constantly working to better protect both themselves and the residents of Kherson. According to Voloshyn, this means creating a multi-layered network of countermeasures, from powerful electronic warfare devices to anti-drone netting hung up along the key roads in and around the city. Meanwhile, the residents of Kherson are adapting in their own way, learning to live something akin to a normal life under a drone-infested sky. The first thing we have is a Telegram channel that constantly monitors these drone flights, logs them, said Fedorchuk. The channel reports where a drone is currently located, where theres likely activity Some people even carry drone detectors. But as enduring as the people are, says Fedorchuk, the mental burden of life in front-line Kherson is only accumulating, as the situation in the city continues to deteriorate. Even though we live in a fairly remote area, one of the safer parts of Kherson, when we had an encounter with a drone even in our district, I was shaken up for about a week. I kept hearing that buzzing sound in my head, she said. Honestly, its really mentally crushing truly. Note from the author: Hi, this is Francis Farrell, the author of this piece. Weve reported from over 30 front-line trips often relying on cars rental from one lovely but slightly insane company that lets journalists drive them into a war zone. Having our own vehicle would make our field reporting quicker, safer, and truly independent. Were currently fundraising to make that possible. Want to support or learn more? Contact our head of fundraising, Danica Stanciu, at d.stanciu@kyivindependent.com U.S. citizens can make tax-deductible donations through our 501(c)(3) partner. Read also: Human safari Kherson civilians hunted down by Russian drones Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A monthslong probe by the office of Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., compiled hundreds of alleged human rights violations at immigration detention centers, according to a new report about his probe first obtained by NBC News. The report states that Ossoffs office has identified 510 credible reports of human rights abuse against people in immigration custody. Of these cases, 41 include allegations of physical or sexual abuse, as well as 18 alleged reports of mistreatment of children in custody, both U.S. citizens and noncitizens, and 14 alleged reports of mistreatment of pregnant women. The report cites a Department of Homeland Security official who anonymously reported to Ossoffs office seeing pregnant women sleeping on floors in overcrowded intake cells. It also stated that a pregnant detainee who spoke with Ossoffs staff described repeatedly requesting medical attention and being told to just drink water instead of getting a checkup. Another detainee at an immigration processing center in Louisiana, who was six months pregnant, told Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., while the congresswoman was visiting the facility that she nearly miscarried twice after being detained, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to an NBC News request for comment about the reports allegations, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in an email, Any claim that there are subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are false. According to her, all detainees who are in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members. She stated that from the moment they arrive at an ICE detention facility, detainees undergo medical, dental and mental health intake screenings, as well as follow-up health assessments and have access to 24-hour emergency care. A detainee lies on a bunk in a pod at an immigration facility in Georgia. (David Goldman / AP file) Another case included in the report came to Ossoffs attention when the partner of a pregnant detainee in Georgia, who had just miscarried, contacted his office asking for help getting information after two days of not hearing from her. Meredyth Yoon, an immigration attorney and litigation director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, told NBC News she met with the pregnant detainee from Georgia, a 23-year-old Mexican national whose name is being withheld to protect her and her familys privacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Yoon and the Georgia detainees partner, who spoke to Ossoffs office, the woman began bleeding heavily about a week after medical staff at the detention center confirmed in mid-March that she was pregnant with what would have been her first child. The woman was taken to a hospital, where she miscarried. A day later, she was returned to the detention center. After she requested a doctor because she was still in pain, her partner got concerned because he had not heard from her for two days, prompting the call to the senators office. According to an immigration case status document obtained by NBC News, the woman received a follow-up medical checkup April 9, 11 days after she miscarried. There, she reported feeling pelvic pain and having moderate bleeding. In the document, an immigration officer said she was receiving medication for her pain and described her medical condition as very stable. The detainee who miscarried described to Yoon witnessing and experiencing horrific and terrible conditions, the attorney said, including allegations of overcrowding, people forced to sleep on the floor, inadequate access to nutrition and medical care, as well as abusive treatment by the guards, lack of information about their case and limited ability to contact their loved ones and legal support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE, McLaughlin said. She said it was irresponsible to report on the allegations from the pregnant detainee in Georgia whose name is being withheld, adding these FALSE claims contribute to the demonization of immigration officers. NBC News has reviewed immigration records to verify the identity and medical status of the Georgia detainee. Attorneys have reported that their pregnant clients in DHS custody have waited weeks to see a doctor and had their scheduled appointments canceled, according to the investigation. Regardless of our views on immigration policy, the American people do not support the abuse of detainees and prisoners...its more important than ever to shine a light on whats happening behind bars and barbed wire, especially and most shockingly to children, Ossoff told NBC News in a statement about the investigation. Perimeter fencing at a facility in Georgia under contract with ICE. (Mike Stewart / AP) According to the report, in at least three instances, children experienced severe medical issues while in detention and were denied adequate medical treatment, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of them is a case NBC News first reported in March. An 11-year-old U.S. citizen girl recovering from a rare brain tumor was denied medical care and allegedly kept in deplorable conditions while in immigration custody with her noncitizen parents, according to a civil rights complaint filed by the girls family. Another allegation involved a 4-year-old U.S. citizen boy with stage 4 cancer who was removed to Honduras without access to his medicines when immigration authorities deported his mother in April. Ossoffs office did not send the report to DHS in advance, but had previously inquired about some of the cases in recent oversight letters to DHS. When speaking to Ossoffs office, attorneys alleged that guards at an immigration processing center in El Paso, Texas, nearly broke a male detainees wrists after he was slammed against the ground and handcuffed for stepping out of line in the dining hall. They also reported allegations that staff at a Customs and Border Protection facility used stress positions to punish at least seven detainees for laughing and conversing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least two 911 calls in March and April from another processing center in California referenced reports of threats and sexual assault. Four other emergency calls reported similar allegations out of a processing center in South Texas, according to a report cited in the investigation. For the investigation, Ossoffs staff said it interviewed dozens of people including correctional workers, law enforcement officials, attorneys, doctors and nurses, as well as 46 immigration detainees and their families. Cases were also identified through a review of public reports and court records, as well as inspections of six immigration facilities in Texas and Georgia, the report states. Ossoffs office cited obstruction of congressional oversight by DHS as a factor limiting their ability to visit more sites and interview more detainees, the report states. DHS did not directly respond to the senators obstruction allegations when NBC News asked for a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, NBC News reported on similar allegations to those in Ossoffs report coming from immigration advocates and detainees held in detention centers across California, Texas, Louisiana, Washington, New Jersey, Florida and New York. They described experiencing hunger, food shortages, sickness and denial of access to attorneys. DHS has previously denied all allegations of inhumane conditions at immigration detention centers across the nation, as well as food scarcity allegations. The senators staff began investigating allegations of human rights violations in immigration custody six months ago after receiving allegations of detainees enduring abuse as well as receiving inadequate medical care while being held in unsanitary, overcrowded detention facilities. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com DES MOINES, Iowa In 2023, the Polk County Board of Supervisors commissioned the most comprehensive water quality study on the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. Last month, the Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment (CISWRA) was published right in the midst of unprecedented watering bans due to high nitrates in the rivers. Iowa farmers battle Southern Rust, Tar Spot epidemic On Monday night, the first public panel of the report was held. Hundreds packed Sheslow Auditorium on the campus of Drake University to hear from four of the 16 scientists who were part of the study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the presentation was a question and answer session, where the main interest surrounded the nitrate levels and drinking water. It matters. That we need to do better for public health in this state and its going to take a lot of work and a lot of commitment. Our policy is just a part of it. We need to just educate ourselves, and I know no one wants to go home and read a 200-page report, but if theres parts of it, if theres questions, reach out. I think the great thing about Iowa is that, you know, our professionals are pretty accessible, were a small crowd, Dr. Claire Hruby, a CISWRA panelist, said. To read the full report, visit the Polk County website. Metro news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. A fierce forest fire was raging in the US state of California on Tuesday, forcing hundreds of people to leave their homes. The Gifford Fire in the Los Padres National Forest, a forest area north of Santa Barbara, spread over an area of more than 290 square kilometres within a few days, according to the US Forest Service. According to the authority, more than 870 buildings are threatened by the flames. More than 970 people have been asked to leave their homes, according to media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blaze, which the US Forest Service said had ignited on Friday for unknown reasons, was 3% under control on Monday evening. More than 1,900 firefighters were battling the flames. The forestry authorities said that at least three people were injured. California has already been particularly affected by forest fires in the first half of the year. According to the fire protection authority Cal Fire, an area of almost 895 square kilometres had burnt by mid July - more than twice as much as at the same time last year. The Gifford Fire is not yet included in the data. The south of the state has been particularly affected by the fires, a spokesman for Cal Fire told the Los Angeles Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the devastating fires at the beginning of the year in the Los Angeles area, in which at least 31 people lost their lives, there have been numerous other fires. As there was little rain in winter, the vegetation was unusually dry early on, which favoured fires. Experts say it is difficult to prove a direct link between climate change and individual forest fires. One thing is certain: Climate change is causing more hot days. Heat alone does not cause forest fires, but high temperatures, drought, low humidity and wind can increase the risk of forest fires. The Des Moines River as it flows under NW 66th Avenue in Johnston. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) More than 500 individuals gathered Monday to hear what comes next following the release of an in-depth water quality report commissioned by Polk County. Another 500 watched online, to hear years worth of research on water pollutants and key steps forward at the individual, watershed and state levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One speaker said it was the first step in an effort to keep the report from just sitting on a shelf. They spent over 4,000 hours on research and compiling data, former Polk County administrator John Norris said. Their work now empowers us as citizens and voters to demand action be taken to make our waters safe. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment, or CISWRA, report was commissioned by Polk County two years ago to create an unbiased and comprehensive study of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, which serve as drinking and recreating water for Iowans in the Des Moines area and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Harkin Institute for Public Policy at Drake University gathered four of the 16 scientific advisors who authored the 200-page CISWRA report to present the findings of the report to interested members of the public. Iowa Public Radios John Wanamaker, left, moderates a discussion with researchers on Polk Countys CISWRA report at Drake University Aug. 4, 2025. From left, Wanamaker, Larry Weber, Eliot Anderson, Jerald Schnoor and Claire Hruby. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Larry Weber, a University of Iowa professor who worked on the report said water quality issues in Iowa have been going on for a long long time. But the issue was brought to the attention of many central Iowans this summer when Central Iowa Water Works, which serves 600,000 people in the region, issued its first ever lawn watering ban not because of a drought, but because the nitrate concentrations in the rivers were too high to meet summer water demands on the system. By blocking central Iowans from watering their lawns, Central Iowa Water Works facilities were able to keep nitrate concentrations in finished water below the clean drinking water standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As nitrate levels in the river went down, the utility was able to initiate a phased ending to the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While challenges to drinking water was part of the report, it also focused on sources of pollution, river flow, recreation, ecological health and suggested solutions. Sources and problems: The report found that nearly 80% of nitrate contamination in the rivers comes from agricultural sources and that the nitrate pollution in Iowa is uniquely high compared to all other states. Weber said part of the problem is the continued addition of tile lines to agricultural land in the watershed. These underground pipes help farmers drain their fields of excess moisture, but can also mean water has a more direct route from field to river, without the filtering effects of percolating through the ground. Weber said these problems will also only get worse as the effects of climate change are predicted to include heavier big rain events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue that really keeps me up at night is just the lack of progress and the lack of pace in the work that were doing, Weber said. It doesnt seem that this issue has ever really garnered the attention that it deserves. Another researcher, Eliot Anderson who is also at the University of Iowa, said impaired water quality also impacts ecological diversity of a stream. This means fewer fish and macroinvertebrates in the water that indicate a healthy stream. Manure spills, high concentrations of various nutrients and chemicals can kill off these beneficial critters, as can eroding stream banks. Anderson said the most surefire way to improve the ecosystems is to improve the ecology surrounding a river with buffers of natural vegetation. He said this not only improves the habitat, but also helps keep soil in place and can filter out some nutrients before they reach the river. Jerald Schnoor, a professor at the University of Iowa, said nitrates are not the only contaminants that worry water utilities. Algal blooms that can create toxic chemicals, pesticides, ammonia and organic carbon, pharmaceuticals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are all source water contaminants that water utilities have to deal with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schnoor said we really dont know what the health effects of all of those things together are, and the potential toxicity of PFAS in very low concentrations is something that concerns him most. Claire Hruby, a professor at Drake University who also formerly worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said these are the exact reasons why she chooses to use a reverse osmosis filtration system at her home. Hruby said the water quality concerns dont keep her from recreating in the rivers, however. Hruby said the report found that E. coli is overall much higher in Iowa streams than it is at beaches, which are regularly monitored, while streams are not. We cant tell where we are unless we have monitoring, Hruby said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the report analyzed contaminants like E. coli in the rivers, which she said come not only from ag sources but also from human sources as the river enters urban areas, Hruby said this type of monitoring is limited as is data for contamination in fish that are caught out of the rivers. The majority of efforts to combat nutrient run off from agricultural land, like those under the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, are voluntary programs. Iowa Public Radios John Wanamaker hosted a discussion portion of the event Monday and asked researchers if the state had reached a point where regulation is necessary? The crowded theater erupted in shouts of yes from the panelists and the audience. Hruby said the conversation of regulation is nuanced. She said to enforce any regulation, the DNR needs to be funded to do so. She also said she doesnt think confined animal feeding operations should be banned, but that there reasonable changes to be made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This idea that we cant talk about it at all is silly, Hruby said. We need to be able to talk about it, and what regulations might work. For starters, she said its time to raise the base levels so that everybody does something in terms of conservation efforts that she said are proven to make a difference. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BUDAPEST (Reuters) -Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto met Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik in Budapest on Tuesday to show Hungary's support, the ministers said in social media posts. Dodik has close ties with Russia, which has also backed him, saying a one-year jail term and political ban he faces in Bosnia are politically-motivated. Orban, who has the warmest ties of any EU leader with Russian President Vladimir Putin and is a critic of European Union sanctions on Russia, posted two photos with Dodik on his Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Milorad Dodik, President of the Republika Srpska in Bosnia, is in Budapest. President Dodik has been condemned for refusing to dance to the tune that Brussels is whistling. Hungary does not accept this decision," he said. Last week an appeals court in Bosnia upheld the sentence handed down to Dodik in February for defying the Constitutional Court as well as the peace envoy, whose role is to prevent multi-ethnic Bosnia sliding back into civil war. Dodik has said he will defy the ruling that bans him from political office for six years. The one-year prison term he faces could be exchanged for a fine under Bosnia's legal system. Szijjarto said in his Facebook post that "external interference" in the Western Balkans was dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The will of the regions people must be respected - questioning it threatens stability and peace. Met Milorad Dodik today to confirm Hungarys support," Szijjarto said. Orban, whom Dodik had decorated with the Serb Republic's highest award, also said on Monday on social media platform X that Hungary does not recognise the court ruling against Dodik. "Attempts by EU-appointed overseers to remove him for opposing their globalist agenda are unacceptable. He is the rightful, elected leader of the Republika Srpska," Orban wrote. Last year, the Hungarian government agreed to help finance 140 million euros ($161.39 million) of infrastructure and energy projects in Bosnias autonomous Serb Republic. ($1 = 0.8675 euros) (Reporting by Krisztina Than and Anita Komuves; editing by Barbara Lewis) During the scorching months of summer, you might think that the last thing on most folks grocery lists would be soup. Youd be wrong. At least thats what The Campbells Company said in June when reporting its recent earnings. The food and snacks conglomerate said that buyers are purchasing its condensed soups, broths, sauces and mac-and-cheese kits in higher numbers while avoiding snack-like options that offer less bang for the buck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers are cooking at home at the highest levels since 2020, said Campbells CEO Mick Beekhuizen in an earning call with investors, referencing the year when the COVID-19 pandemic led to nationwide lockdowns. Soup as an economic indicator Beekhuizen explained that shoppers are focus[ing] their spending on products that help them stretch their food budgets, and theyre increasingly intentional about their discretionary snack purchases. Thus, theres increased demand for condensed cooking soups, broths, and Italian sauces and decreased demand for optional items such as chips and crackers. These observations were echoed by the food market research firm NIQ, which recently noted that the era of indulgent, impulsive snacking is giving way to a demand for value, quality, and health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC News put it more simply: Soup is having a moment. Financial experts believe that this consumer behavior is an early indicator that people believe an economic downturn if not outright recession or depression is in the offing. As Fortune noted after the Campbells earning call demand for staple items like Campbells soups, sauces, and breads tends to increase during challenging economic times as they can transform cheaper cuts of meat or vegetables (or leftovers) into new meals. During today's economically challenging times, which are being exacerbated by the confusion surrounding potential tariffs, consumers tend to buy more foodstuffs like soups, broths and sauces that can help stretch their grocery store dollar. Tips for stretching your food dollars If youre feeling the pinch of making your food dollars go further, there are several tactics you can employ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, understand that your grocery store shopping should begin at home by taking inventory of whats in your refrigerator and cupboards. Before dashing out to the grocery store, it's important to shop your cupboards and take the time to plan meals and make a shopping list, recommends Abby Gold, a University of Minnesota health science and nutrition educator. By doing so, you are more likely to find the best buys, avoid impulse purchases, and eliminate extra trips for forgotten items. Health and nutrition educator Abby Gold of the University of Minnesota. University of Wyoming community health educator Joddee Jacobsen recommends that you plan your meals out at least a week in advance. While its tempting to run into the store on your way home to pick up food for that nights dinner, youll save more money if you plan ahead, she noted. University of Wyoming community health educator Joddee Jacobsen. After youve made your list and planned the upcoming weeks meals, now you have to decide where to shop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a densely populated area like Palm Beach County, there are numerous options including big supermarkets, membership-based warehouse stores, lower-cost/no frills grocery stores, convenience stores and farmers markets. You should avoid going to convenience stores because youll always pay the highest prices there. But farmers markets can be cost-effective for many families looking for fresh produce. Yes, the selection of products may not be as wide as whats offered at most supermarkets, but the prices are often comparable, if not lower, for a fresher product. How to be a savvy in-store shopper Gold and her colleagues at the University of Minnesota offer pointers designed to make your life easier and less expensive when you go grocery shopping. Among them: Eat before you shop because everything looks appetizing when you are hungry. Shop alone when possible because most people tend to buy more when shopping is a family activity. Know the regular prices of items you usually buy. This will enable you to recognize when advertised special prices are really a bargain. In major supermarkets where individual items do not have prices marked on them, it might help to write the price on each package after you get home, or on the shopping list, to help you remember good prices on given items. Be on the lookout for unadvertised in-store specials and also keep in mind that not all items displayed at the end of aisles are necessarily on sale. Compare national brand and generic store brand products. The store brand products are almost always less expensive. But to ensure that youre getting the same quality and nutritional value, also be sure to read the labels closely. Be aware of unit pricing which is the per-unit measure (cents per ounce or per gram). This figure is usually posted on the shelf below the product and will help you determine which size of an item is the best value. Unit prices can be calculated by dividing the price of the container by the number of ounces it contains. Buy only amounts you can store and use. The large packages may be less expensive on a unit price basis, but they are no bargain if you cant use them before they become stale or spoiled. And finally: Pay close attention when youre being checked out. Be sure the cashier or the scanner records the correct listed price for each item. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Canned soup now an economic indicator for stretching food dollars "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn when you read this article: Ted Bundy, while on Floridas death row in the early 1980s, offered to help authorities profile the Green River Killer, later identified as Gary Ridgway. Dave Reichert, the lead investigator, flew to Florida to interview Bundy, who provided insights into the mindset of a serial killer. Bundy and Ridgway shared many similarities, including both men growing up in Washington. In 1982, a series of mysterious murders began plaguing Washington states King County. As more young women disappeared, only for their remains to turn up along the Green River, investigators raced to catch the cold-blooded menace responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with no obvious leads, they turned to an unlikely source for help: Ted Bundy, the prolific serial killer responsible for at least 36 murders and, one criminologist believes, possibly as many as 100. The new Hulu documentary Ted Bundy: Dialogue with the Devil, premiering Thursday, explores how Bundys chilling, yet valuable insight assisted police in identifying and apprehending Gary Ridgway as the notorious Green River Killer. As detectives discovered, Bundy and Ridgway shared many eerie similarities, among them their Northwestern origins and their sinister methods. And, like Bundy, the full scale of Ridgways terror still remains a mystery. Bundy and Ridgway both had Washington upbringings Born in November 1946 in Burlington, Vermont, Bundy moved to Tacoma, Washington, as a child. While growing up in the area, he showed a fascination with knives at age 3 and an obsession with spying and stealing as a teen. Academics came easier to Bundy than social graces, and he graduated with a psychology degree from the University of Washington in 1972. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 1974, women in the Washington and Oregon area started going missing. The word on the street was that they would be lured into a car by a man named Ted, who pretended to be injured with his arm in a sling and in need of help. That fall, Bundy moved to Utah for law school, and women there started to disappear, too. The serial killer continued to strike wherever he went and managed to escape custody twice before his final capture in Florida in February 1978. Like Bundy, Gary Ridgway wasnt originally from Washington. The future Green River Killer was born in Utah in February 1949 then raised in Washington state near Seattles SeaTac airport. Before graduating high school, he joined the Navy and was sent to Vietnam. When he returned, Ridgway started painting trucks. He was steadily employed for decades, but around 1982, his murderous tendencies emerged. Runaways and sex workers started disappearing off of State Route 99 in Washingtons King County. Getty Images New research suggests the geographic proximity of Bundy and Ridgway might have been more than just coincidence. Author Caroline Fraser hypothesizes in her 2025 book Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers that lead and arsenic pollution might have played a role in the emergence of violent criminals in the Pacific Northwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In any case, there was a new killer on the loose and authorities were desperate for clues. Bundy offered his assistance from death row By 1986, a detective named Dave Reichert had been working on the Green River case for years. Even with 40 female victims involved and Ridgway on the suspect list, the King County sheriff didnt have any reliable leads when he got a fascinating offer to help. Bundy had been reading about the Green River Killer and saw Reicherts photo in stories, according to The New York Times. Dont ask me why I believe Im an expert in this area, just accept that I am and well start from there, Bundy wrote to Reichert from a Florida jail. At the time, Bundy had been imprisoned in Florida for six years and was awaiting his execution. Reichert flew to visit the notorious murderer with fellow investigator Robert Keppel, who was an investigator on Bundys case. According to Keppels book, The Riverman: Ted Bundy and I Hunt for the Green River Killer, Reichert said he was the only one the convicted killer would talk to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point, Bundy suggested to Reichert that the Green River Killerwhom he called Rivermanmight be going back to the sites he left the bodies and performing sexual acts and suggested that the detectives stake out fresh burial sites. It was later determined that Ridgway tended to bring victims to his home, strangle them, and dispose of their bodies in the woods. Thats how several ended washing up along the nearby Green River. Investigators felt both killers had no remorse Getty Images The information that Bundy provided helped the investigators get inside the mind of a murdererespecially one who knew the Washington area welland eventually they did identify Ridgway as the Green River Killer by matching his DNA to samples collected from his victims. He was arrested in November 2001, more than 12 years after Bundy was executed. For Reichert, the parallels between Bundy and Ridgway were immediately clear. As journalist Sarah Kershaw reported for The New York Times: The sheriff, who spent three days interviewing Mr. Ridgway alone, said he quickly realized that serial killers have a lot in common, whether they kill prostitutes, as Mr. Ridgway and Jack the Ripper did, young boys, as John Wayne Gacy did, or young women, as Mr. Bundy did. Both Mr. Bundy... and Mr. Ridgway were sexual predators who killed during or after sexually assaulting or having sex with their victims. Beyond that, both serial killers had the same mindset. First off, theres no remorse, Reichert told The New York Times. He doesnt have any feelings toward anybody, his family included. And thats what I saw in Bundy and what I saw in Ridgway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reichert also said that Bundy would tell him actions he expected Ridgway to do, but in reality, they were veiled confessions of things Bundy had already performed. It was as if Mr. Bundy was jealous of the attention the Green River killer was getting, Reichert hypothesized. Both killers were proud of their actions. As the Times continued: Like Mr. Bundy, Sheriff Reichert said, Mr. Ridgway craved attention and control and was prideful when discussing his killings. When detectives presented him with an unsolved murder to see if he would confess it, he told them: Why, if it isnt mine? Because I have pride in, in, what I do. I dont wanna take it from anybody else. Ridgways victims are still being identified Ridgway pleaded guilty to 48 counts of aggravated first-degree murder as part of a bargain with prosecutors in 2003 and was sentenced to 48 consecutive life sentences without parole. At the time, he was considered the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, though the FBI later granted that dishonor to Samuel Little, who has more than 60 confirmed victims. Im sorry for causing so much pain for so many people, Ridgway said at his sentencing. Although hes officially responsible for 49 murders, Ridgway claimed in 2013 the true number is actually 75 to 80. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have continued to identify victims of Ridgway. In December 2023, DNA testing identified a set of long-anonymous remains as 15-year-old Lori Anne Razpotnik, who disappeared near Seattle in 1982. In September 2024, Ridgway was temporarily transferred to a different prison because he offered to help find the remains of additional victims in King County, according to court documents. Investigators have only said the involved cases remain open. The full extent of Ridgways carnage might never be known. But, thanks in large part to Bundys insights, more of the truth might continue to emerge. You Might Also Like The exhibition, opening to the public on August 6, will be held at The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Givat Ram, Jerusalem. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) is unveiled a new exhibition, "Rising from the Ashes," shedding light on the extraordinary role played by archaeologists during the Israel-Hamas War, and the aftermath of October 7. The exhibition, opening to the public on August 6, will be held at The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Givat Ram, Jerusalem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through evocative visual materials and advanced technological displays, the exhibition reveals how the Israel Antiquities Authority mobilized its expertise and methods in response to the national crisis. Archaeologists participated in the search for missing persons in the Gaza border communities, and the exhibition showcases the 3D documentation and modeling of destruction across homes and settlements in the region. A guest of honor at the exhibit was Michal Gabay, the mother of Shani Gabay, who was missing for more than 40 days after losing contact with her parents just after 8:30 a.m. on October 7. Gabays husband immediately left their home to drive south in an effort to rescue their daughter, but the family was unsuccessful. Rising from the Ashes Exhibition (credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority) I was on the phone with Shani as she got to the shelter in Alumim. I was on the phone with her as they threw bombs into the shelter, as she shouted that her friends Ben and Gali had lost their legs. She told me that terrorists were there, shooting everywhere, Gabay told The Jerusalem Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shani was killed in an ambulance she was hiding in, along with more than 16 others, after an anti-tank missile was fired at the ambulance, killing everyone inside seeking refuge. Gabay played a crucial role in the exhibit, as she and her daughter shared stories of their beloved Shani, her passion for celebration, and the critical role of archaeologists in helping to identify the remains of people senselessly slaughtered in the massacre, many of which were set ablaze. The bereaved family shared their tales, projected onto three giant tablets standing free at the start of the exhibition. The critical role that archaeology and cultural heritage can play in times of crisis The exhibition is a joint initiative of the IAA, the Heritage Ministry, and the Tekuma Directorate. According to the organizers, the exhibition highlights the critical role that archaeology and cultural heritage can play in times of crisis. Archaeologist and field photographer Assaf Peretz told the Post that they uncovered far more than human remains and shards of bone. Peretz spoke of sifting through the home of two grandparents who were murdered in the massacre, and uncovering one of the last things he expected: surviving family photos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Usually when you find something emotional, it's when you find personal belongings that survived the fire. We had a very emotional case where we were able to find 15 photographs that survived the fire...and a few charred drawings that were made for grandpa, he said. Peretz added that being able to provide these findings to the mourning family helped emphasize the importance of his role. "The Alejandro Weinstein Crenovich Exhibition: Rising from the Ashes Archaeology in a National Crisis" promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking experience, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of archaeology, culture, and national identity. The pace of daily immigration arrests fell nearly 20 percent in July, as the Trump administration confronted court challenges, threats against agents, and continued protests against its mass deportation plans. Between July 1 and 27, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement averaged 990 daily arrests, down from 1,224 the previous month, according to government data analyzed by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a nonpartisan research project based at Syracuse University. Despite the slowing pace of arrests, which federal officials partially pinned on a series of recent California court rulings stopping agents from making indiscriminate arrests across the state, removals from the country were up an average of 84 more people per day during the same period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Despite a historic number of injunctions including the (temporary restraining order) in Los Angeles ICE continues to arrest the worst of the worst," Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Axios, which first reported on the drop. "From gang members and terrorists to pedophiles, everyday ICE is removing these barbaric criminal illegal aliens from American communities. The figures fall well short of the reported 3,000 arrests per day that White House deputy chief of staff and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller has reportedly urged agents to achieve. Trump has been carrying out his campaign promise of mass deporting immigrants and securing the U.S.-Mexico border (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Miller told Fox News in June that agents had been set a target of a minimum of 3,000 arrests a day, though the administration has since said in court theres no formal arrest quota in place. Nonetheless, mass immigration raids have still shaken communities across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents carried out a major operation against two legal cannabis farms in Southern California on July 10, leading to at least 361 arrests, according to federal officials. In the chaos, a man fell from a green house and died, and hundreds of protesters faced off against immigration agents. Courts in California have paused some immigration raids, in the face of accusations agents were detaining people based on their appearance, language, or job (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Guadalupe Torres said her husband, George Retes, 25, an Army veteran and U.S. citizen who works as a security guard at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, was among those arrested, leaving her to fruitlessly call local law enforcement agencies to find out where he was being detained "He really did try to leave, so I don't know what's going to happen from here. I really hope I get a phone call or something, because I'm getting torn apart. My kids are asking where their dad is. I keep having to lie, saying he's at work," Torres told ABC 7 at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retes, who said he told agents he was a U.S. citizen working legally at the farm, was subsequently released without charge, and said he plans to sue, though hes not sure which agency arrested him and held him in downtown Los Angeles for several days. "No one should be put in this position. It doesn't matter if you're an immigrant, it doesn't matter the color of your skin. It doesn't matter if you voted left, it doesn't matter if you voted right... No one deserves to be treated this way," Retes told reporters in July. "It shouldn't have happened and I hope this never happens to anyone ever again." On the ground, the nature of immigration raids has diverged slightly in red and blue states under the second Trump administration. In red states, about 60 percent of immigration arrests have taken place in prisons and jails, while 70 percent of arrests in blue states took place in the wider community, according to a CNN analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The split is partially a result of many Democrat-led jurisdictions limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. In practice, advocates say, it leads to harsher enforcement tactics against liberal areas with large immigrant populations. Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, the executive director of Lawyers for Civil Rights, told CNN he sees a deliberate federal strategy to punish Massachusetts and other immigrant-friendly states for standing up against Trumps reckless deportation machine. The federal government, meanwhile, says the continued demonization of immigration agents has put them in danger and hampered operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security said in July that agents are facing an 830 percent increase in assaults, though federal officials thus far have not provided detailed evidence of their claims. Immigration operations are expected to scale up exponentially in the coming years, thanks to an infusion of about $170 billion in border and immigration funding as part of the administrations One Big, Beautiful Bill spending package. Federal immigration officers and agents are facing an 830% increase in assaults since August 2024, federal officials said Monday. News of the marked increase in assaults on federal officers came as officials on Monday announced the arrest of a Dominican national who is accused of driving his vehicle into a Homeland Security vehicle and assaulting ICE agents in Puerto Rico. Bean Gomez-Cepeda was arrested July 2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico after a U.S. Magistrate Judge issued a warrant against him for assaulting federal agents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said in a statement Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomez-Cepeda is charged with resisting, opposing or impeding federal agents with a dangerous weapon and hitting a government vehicle with his own vehicle. Now more than ever, we need to protect the lives of the brave men and women of ICE and our partner agencies while they are doing their job to keep our nation safe, Homeland Security Investigations San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos said in a statement. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested 271 aliens as part of an enforcement action targeting immigration violators and those who pose a threat to public safety. The enforcement action ran March 18 through 22. ERO officers made the arrests across the state of Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Of those arrested by ICE during the enforcement action, 99 had criminal records that included felony convictions for serious or violent offenses, such as 1st degree murder, attempted murder, vehicular manslaughter, rape, aggravated assault, attempted robbery, battery, burglary, child neglect, cruelty toward a child, domestic violence, drugs charges such as possession and trafficking, weapons offenses, abuse of the elderly. The charges against Gomez-Cepeda stem from June 30, when an ICE team stopped a vehicle he was driving. In a failed attempt to avoid being arrested, Gomez-Cepeda drove his vehicle into one of ICEs Homeland Security Investigations vehicles, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers arrested Gomez-Cepeda and five other occupants of his vehicle, all of whom are in the United States territory illegally, officials said. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Baltimore Field Officer director Matt Elliston listens during a briefing, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Our agency and the Department of Justice are taking these crimes very seriously as we stand by our agents to ensure their safety, Gonzalez-Ramos said. Those who interfere with the execution of our job or dare to assault our agents will be prosecuted with the fullest extent of the law. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and U.S. Attorney Leah Foley have decried local attempts to obstruct ICE operations. While in Boston in June, Lyons said federal officers have been doxed on social media, and often wear masks while on duty and making immigration arrests after officers, and their families, have received death threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ran an operation with the Secret Service where we arrested someone that was going online, taking their photos, posting their families, their kids Instagram, their kids Facebooks and targeting them, Lyons said on June 2. Last month, Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj was arraigned on charges of assault and battery on a police officer and interfering with police. The charges against Haxhiaj, 45, stem from a May 8 incident on Eureka Terrace in Worcester, after chaos erupted and police officers were assaulted when federal agents detained a Brazilian woman. Body camera footage later released by the city of Worcester captured Haxhiaj and others confronting and shouting angrily at the officers and grabbing and pushing the officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A link to the full body camera video can be found here. U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered and processed Gomez-Cepeda for expedited removal in El Paso, Texas in 2023. If convicted of the first count, Gomez-Cepeda faces up to a year in jail, up to five years of probation, and a fine up to $100,000. If convicted of the second count, he faces 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 A Purdue University student and daughter of a prominent New York priest who was detained during a visa hearing last week has been released. Yeonsoo Go, 20, reunited with her family Monday night in downtown Manhattan. It comes after Go, who was handcuffed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents upon leaving her visa hearing, spent several days in a facility in Louisiana, according to the ICE database. Go came to the U.S. in 2021 on a religious dependent visa for children or spouses of religious workers temporarily in the country, Marissa Joseph, Gos attorney, told NBC News. Go, whose visa had been extended until December, was attempting to renew the visa because her mother had changed employers. It isnt clear why the student was targeted for detention, Joseph said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just so grateful for the support that Ive had, Go told the crowd of supporters after she hugged her family. ICE did not immediately respond to NBC News request to comment on the reasons behind Gos detention. And the Department of Homeland Security did not provide the family a reason for Gos release, Joseph said. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin previously described Go in a statement as an illegal alien who had overstayed her visa that expired more than two years ago. Yeonsoo Go after her release. (Andres Kudacki / Getty Images) Go, who lives in Scarsdale, New York, with her mother, Kyrie Kim, came to the U.S. for Kims work. Kim, who became the first woman ordained in the Seoul Diocese of the Anglican Church of Korea, had been invited to develop the Episcopal churchs connection to Asian communities, said Mary Rothwell Davis, an attorney for the Episcopal Diocese of New York, where Gos mother is a reverend. It was an initiative to begin a new ministry, reaching out to Asian clergy, Asian families, and to help strengthen and grow that aspect of our Episcopal and Anglican community, Davis said, just hours before Gos release. Rev. Kim is the person who was chosen to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Go, a rising sophomore at Purdue, had a smooth, uneventful visa hearing, Davis said, and was given a date to return to court. Everything seemed to go perfectly well, Davis said. So she had no idea this was coming. None. Davis said she has seen the visa herself and was unsure why McLaughlin had claimed Go overstayed her visa. We have no idea why they are alleging this, because we have a piece of paper that says she has a visa till December 2025, Davis said. This is what lack of due process does. We have evidence on our side. Theyre making allegations. We are not being given the opportunity to sort it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gos detention drew massive backlash across faith and local New York communities. Over the weekend, friends, loved ones and more gathered in downtown Manhattan to rally around the student. Davis said that as Go was being transferred to Louisiana from the facility in New York, she caught a glimpse of the supporters. She was leaving the building by bus, and she saw the Episcopal Diocese rally that was taking place in front of the courthouse, Davis, whos been in constant communication with the family, said. It was very bittersweet. New York Assemblymember Amy Paulin, who spoke to Go on the night of her release, said in a statement that she is overjoyed that so many individuals spoke out for Go. The pain, fear, and uncertainty she and her family endured over the past five days should never have happened, Paulin said in the statement. But tonight we celebrate her freedom and the strength of a community that refused to stay silent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim told reporters that though shes relieved that her daughter is back home, its also critical to remember that many others continue to contend with circumstances similar to Gos detention. Theres more who need the support, Kim said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Judge Steven Hippler filed a document on Aug. 4 relating to sealing or unsealing specific records in the Bryan Kohberger case related to the quadruple murders of University of Idaho students nearly three years ago. In July, Kohberger was sentenced to four life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole following his guilty plea in the stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. After Kohbergers guilty plea, a judge ruled to lift the gag order that had been in place since the 30-year-old was arrested nearly three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 240 orders sealing documents have been issued in the case since it began in 2022. These documents include evidence and testimony, among other things. Hippler said he would go through the documents carefully to determine which ones could be made public and that they all wouldnt be unsealed at once. On Aug. 4, Judge Hippler filed the first order to start the process of unsealing the documents. In his order, he said the court will require the defense and prosecution to indicate whether they have an objection to unsealing any specific document and if they believe [a] document should remain sealed, they must identify why redacting of materials is not an acceptable arrangement and with detail and specificity why the document should be sealed, from both legal and factual standpoint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hippler ruled that citing a court rule without more of an explanation is not a sufficient response. The response must identify each document by date, name and number of each document identified in the order for review. The court will review the documents from newest to oldest. Some of the first set of documents that need to be reviewed by the defense and prosecution are: States Exhibits S1-5-7/23/2025 Sentencing Hearing, which include photographs of each of the deceased victims and photograph of the six victims together (five (5) exhibits SEALED Order on Defendants Offer of Proof RE: Alternate Perpetrators (unredacted) Defendants Objection to Release of Privileged and Confidential Work Product Witness List - Defendants 2nd Amended Phase Two Mitigation Witness List You can see the full list of documents in the first batch here. Both sides must file their response within 14 days of the courts order. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) IDEA Public Schools in El Paso welcomed back over 6,000 students on Monday, Aug. 4, at 10 schools across the city. And one school in particular made history by welcoming its first 12th-grade students, according to a news release by IDEA. IDEA Mesa Hills College Preparatory opened in 2019, offering grades kindergarten through second and sixth grade, and added a grade level each year until fully scaled, K-12th. The graduating class of 2026 began their journey as 6th graders and are set to fulfill IDEAs mission of going to and through college by completing over 11 AP courses, career tech courses, and visiting over 15 colleges and universities, read the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the news release, IDEA Mesa Hills is one of the five campuses in IDEA El Paso, and is the only campus located on the west side of the city. Welcoming our first-ever class of seniors is an incredibly proud and emotional milestone for our campus, Norman Candelaria, principal of IDEA Mesa Hills College Prep, said. These students have grown with us since sixth grade, and watching them step into their final year is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. They are not only trailblazers for our school, but a shining example of IDEAs commitment to preparing all students for success in college and beyond. Throughout the year, IDEA Mesa Hills will commemorate this historic senior class with a series of celebrations, including senior sunrise, class photos, College Signing Day event in Spring, and more, according to the news release. Additionally, IDEA Mesa Hills hosted a senior breakfast at 9:30 a.m. on Monday to welcome and celebrate the new class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on IDEA Public Schools in El Paso, 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 KTSM 9 News. There are only five IKEA locations in Florida Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa but thanks to a new partnership with Best Buy, the popular Swedish furniture store is bringing mini-showrooms to new locations this fall. No word yet on whether meatballs will be available, but 10 Best Buy locations in Florida and Texas will each carve out a 1,000-foot area to showcase IKEA's kitchen and laundry room furnishings (and Best Buy appliances). This partnership between IKEA and Best Buy is about making great design and functionality more accessible for the many, said Rob Olson, chief operation officer, IKEA U.S. said in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar to Sephora mini-stores in Kohl's and Ulta stores in Target stores, this marks the first collaboration IKEA has made with another retailer. IKEA employees will be on hand to help customers plan and take orders while Best Buys staff will be there to provide support on the electronic and appliance side. The Lakeland Best Buy also will serve as a pick-up point for IKEA shoppers, allowing customers nearby to pick up most IKEA purchases for free whether they were ordered through an "IKEA in Best Buy design experience" or at IKEA.com, the release said. Coming soon: IKEA's new shop-in-shop is coming to a Brevard Best Buy. What you can buy, when it opens Which Florida Best Buys are getting IKEA showrooms? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas locations will be at: Store-in-stores not a new thing Retailers have often banded together to provide one-stop shopping experiences. Starbucks has spread ministores throughout supermarkets, Targets, gas stations, hospitals and airports for years. In August 2021, 1,000-square-foot Ulta Beauty shops started opening in Target stores. There are roughly more than 600 now 45 in Florida but the beauty company announed in April it was taking "a little bit of a pause" on its future expansions, according to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. In 2015, Target sold its pharmacy business to CVS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2022, Kohl's announced 400 of its stores would get Sephora beauty shops added. Currently all of the 52 locations in Florida contain Sephora hubs, and several have Babies R Us sections. Many Target and Walmart locations offer in-store mini-shops for eyeglasses, hearing tests and other options. Later in 2025, Warby Parker shops will be opening inside five Target stores in Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania, the company announced. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: IKEA opening new store-in-stores in 5 Florida Best Buys, here's where A Chelsea man pleaded guilty to three armed bank robberies where he threatened to shoot people during each robbery last year, United States Attorney Leah Foleys office said Tuesday. Keywan Kelly, 30, pleaded guilty to three counts of armed bank robbery on Monday, Foleys office said in a statement. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel Gorton scheduled Kellys sentencing for Nov. 12. Kelly was previously arrested in August 2024 and indicted in September 2024. At around 11:52 a.m. on July 1, 2024, Kelly walked inside a Bank of America in Weymouth, donned in gloves and a medical mask, Foleys office said. He walked up to a bank teller at a window and gave a handwritten note that demanded the teller give him $20,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly made several verbal threats, including Run that [expletive] before I blow this place up and Ill kill you all, the statement read. Kelly pointed a gun at the teller, who handed him $15,000, Foleys office said. Kelly demanded more and the teller gave him between $4,000 and $5,000 before he ran off. Over two weeks later, on July 16, 2024, at around 1:41 p.m., Kelly walked into a Rockland Trust in Jamaica Plain while wearing a black balaclava-style mask, black clothing and white latex gloves, Foleys office said. He walked to the bank teller and handed a note. I need 20K no DyPacks I have 4 bombs Ill Kill everyone make quick, the note read as Kelly showed a gun, Foleys office said. After he received $2,480 in cash from the teller, he ran off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, on July 26, 2024, at around 10:09 a.m., Kelly walked into another Rockland Trust bank, this time in Hyde Park, Foleys office said. He wore a black balaclava-style mask and gloves again and handed a note to the teller that said they were being robbed and they need to give me cash, while he pointed his gun at the teller. Kelly demanded $20,000 after he threatened to shoot, the statement read. He received $3,000 in cash, took back the note and ran off. Video surveillance and fingerprints found on a getaway car after the Weymouth robbery identified Kelly for investigators, Foleys office said. Investigators also detected cell phone location data from Kellys phone in the proximity of each of the three banks around the time of the respective robberies. The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. If you walked through a tunnel that connects to the Illinois Capitol to a neighboring office building, made your way through a room used for furniture storage and possessed the code to an electronic lock on an unmarked door, you could have seen the way democrats drew legislative maps in 2021. I dont make the rules and I dont have a key either, state representative Nick Smith (D-Chicago) told a reporter who had found the secret room in 2021. A parade of democratic lawmakers marched in and out of the room to see the maps being drawn by party leaders. Most declined to answer questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast forward four years and Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Illinois) is harboring some Texas democratic lawmakers who fled the state to prevent a vote on a re-districting map engineered by republicans. They are attempting to cheat, Pritzker defiantly declared Sunday night while standing beside the Texas lawmakers in Chicago. Texas House minority leader Gene Wu said, We come here today with absolute moral clarity. Illinois republicans were quick to claim hypocrisy. Gov. Pritzker broke his promise to Illinois voters not once but twice for signing one of the most gerrymandered maps in the nation, said state senate minority leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove). So whats the difference? Political maps are typically drawn every ten years, after census data is reported. Texas republicans are trying force changes now, half-way through the usual cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker, who once campaigned promising to support efforts to take the mapping pen out of politicians hands, eventually supported the maps produced by his fellow democrats. The governor now claims democratic dominance in state elections has little to do with districts being drawn in their favor. The fact we are very good in Illinois about delivering for the people of Illinois and the people of Illinois react to that and vote for our candidates is very different than cheating mid-decade and re-writing the rules because their cult leader Donald Trump tells them to do it, Pritzker said in response to reporters questions. New push for fair maps Were all grown-ups in this. We understand this is a game; but there still are certain rules, said election attorney Michael Dorf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, Dorf was the general counsel for Illinois democrats and intimately involved in drawing and defending gerrymandered maps. Hes now part of a bi-partisan group, that includes former transportation secretary Ray LaHood and former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley, pushing to limit political influence in the map-making that effects Illinois state legislative races. For congressional races and congressional redistricting, we need a national law, Dorf said. But certainly, Illinois is not going to unilaterally disarm while Texas is taking the nuclear option. This would be the third time an attempt has been made in the past decade to change how legislative maps are made in Illinois. The previous two efforts failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) said Tuesday that nothing will be off the table in response to the plan by Texas Republicans to redraw their congressional boundaries in a way they hope will give the state five more GOP seats in Congress after the midterms. We have a message for President Trump and Gov. Abbott: We are watching you, Stratton told reporters during a press conference, which included Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) and Texas Democrats. In Illinois, we dont sit on the sidelines. In Illinois, we dont take kindly to threats, and in Illinois, we fight back. If Trump and Texas Republicans wont play by the rules, we will look at every option available to stop their extreme power grab, and nothing will be off the table, said Stratton, who is running for Senate next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker noted that redistricting was not something that any of us want to have to do, saying he hoped Texas Democrats efforts would be successful at curbing the implementation a new map. But, he added, were fighting for democracy. There are no rules anymore, apparently, and so were going to have to play by the set of rules that well, that are being set out in front of us, which frankly, none of us believes is the right way to operate, he said. The Texas GOP at the behest of President Trump are redrawing the states congressional maps to benefit Republicans. Redistricting was not originally on the agenda items for the special session Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called but was added later. The move is a power play in that lines are usually not withdrawn until after a new census. Texas Democrats traveled to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts beginning Sunday to deny Republicans quorum, or the minimum number of lawmakers needed present to conduct legislative business, as the GOP tries to pass the new congressional lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas lawmakers are in a special legislative session called by Abbott over redistricting, among other agenda items. A Texas House committee passed the new GOP-friendly map last week, teeing it up for a vote on the House floor. With Democrats out of the state, however, those efforts are stalled. California and New York have signaled that theyre exploring their options over how to pass new maps in light of Texas Republicans move to redraw their map in the middle of the decade; Strattons announcement suggests more blue states could follow. Although Democrats are criticizing Republicans in Texas for passing an even more gerrymandered map, Democrats have also been criticized for doing the same in states like Illinois and New York in some cases even seeing their maps struck down because of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stratton, Pritzker, Martin and others convened in Illinois one day before the anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act, which has been used to help ensure fair representation for communities of color in election maps. Republicans are running scared that voting for this monstrosity will make them lose their majority, and they certainly will, which is why theyre trying to disenfranchise Texas voters by packing and cracking them into districts to dilute their voting power, a clear and blatant violation of the Voting Rights Act, Martin said, referring to Trumps sweeping tax and spending 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. A new law signed by the Governor will require hospitality workers to receive training on the autoimmune disorder celiac disease. People with celiac disease who eat food with gluten can suffer a multitude of symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting among other symptoms. The training will include learning about celiac disease, how to handle gluten free foods, how to properly clean to avoid gluten cross contamination and understand gluten free product labeling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Sally Turner, a republican who represents Morton and Lincoln, said since the bills passing, she has appeared on national podcasts talking about the legislation. It is raising the awareness of this disease, said the Beason Republican. You probably know a lot of people that have this disease. They just really dont talk about it that much, nor are they able to go to every restaurant that we go to. One of the biggest issues for people with celiac disease is finding a place to eat. Often times they cant find a restaurant that safely cleans their food, let alone have a gluten free menu. Turner said she experienced this firsthand when one of her staffers with celiac disease struggled to get help from kitchen staff in preparing food they could eat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cross training is extremely important so that they can actually understand how cross contamination can make people sick, the Republican said. A lot of people dont even understand that. The new law also adds sesame as an allergen. While the plan was going through the legislative process, it received unanimous support in both chambers. The Republican Senator said she was thrilled that she received such bipartisan support from a large cohort of state lawmakers. Its a great feeling that everyone cares about every Illinoisan and what happens to them every day, Turner said. These are just simple, everyday tactics that can help the health benefits of Illinoisans, and I was glad that many [lawmakers] jumped on as a co-sponsor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate bill 1288 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect January 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. We have all seen pictures and videos of large-scale destruction in Gaza since the war began. The level of devastation has again hit the headlines after photos were taken from above by journalists on board the recent Jordanian humanitarian air-drops. Ive seen it from the ground myself and the demolition is indeed truly horrifying; in places there is nothing other than piles of rubble where buildings once stood, as far as the eye can see. But this ruination should be no surprise to those who understand the way Hamas turned the whole of Gaza into a military redoubt disguised as a civilian population centre. If you see pictures following any urban battle you will observe widespread destruction of buildings after opposing forces have fought a bloody fight to gain dominance. If there is greater devastation in Gaza than on some other battlegrounds, it can be understood by Hamass contemptible way of fighting. First, the tunnel network. Tunnels have featured in armed combat for hundreds of years. But nothing before has come close to Hamass utilisation of the 400 miles of tunnels it dug over 16 years as its primary military infrastructure, shielded beneath populated areas. The inter-connected network includes tunnels just beneath the surface and down to a depth of more than 200 feet. They are used for battle manoeuvre, weapons storage, command posts and living quarters. The IDF estimates that Hamas excavated over 5,000 shafts to enter and leave the tunnels. Many of these were in ordinary houses, hospitals, schools, mosques and other buildings. To destroy tunnels or deny terrorists their use, it has often been necessary to blow up their exits and entrances. Many tunnel entrances have been booby-trapped with explosives, as have other sections of the tunnels, often concealed in the walls. Many IDF soldiers have been killed by them while entering or fighting through the tunnels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as the tunnels, vast numbers of buildings of all types in Gaza have been used by Hamas as arms dumps, including in houses and apartments. In some areas every house, every other house or every third house contains weapons and explosives. I have seen boxes of grenades beneath childrens beds, rocket launchers in kitchen cupboards and rifles stashed underneath piles of clothing. So rather than blow up the buildings, why can the IDF not simply raid the houses and seize the weapons? Because it is estimated that some 40 per cent of buildings in Gaza were also booby-trapped to kill soldiers doing exactly that, and quite a few have died. The same applies to troops entering buildings to deal with terrorists within. The IDF reports that of the total of 250,000 structures in Gaza, some 100,000 have been rigged with explosives. Many of these booby-traps are covered by covert cameras so they can be remotely detonated when the troops approach. An IDF soldiers life is worth no less than anyone elses, and destruction of a building is preferable to unnecessary death. Back in the 1980s, in Belfast during the Troubles, we discovered a house that was similarly booby-trapped by the IRA, with multiple concealed devices intended to kill soldiers and police. In that case, we also decided, rather than risk the lives of our bomb disposal experts, we would use explosives to do the job. On top of all this, sometimes IDF precision strikes against a specific building have triggered secondary blasts as the shock-waves radiate outward and detonate Hamas explosive and missile stores, bringing down adjacent buildings as well. In other cases, an attack against a section of tunnel causes more extensive collapse, undermining the foundations of buildings above. Many dont want to accept that all of this devastation is by Hamass deliberate design. They transformed Gaza into an engine of war, harnessing the entire population, every building, every inch of land, along with much of the vast quantity of international aid poured in to help their people. Just as they blame Israel for the civilian death and hunger they themselves brought about, they also blame Israel for the physical destruction. They know this tactic works only too well, bringing international condemnation of Israel from governments, international bodies, human rights groups and the media. Those who are naive enough to walk into their trap simply validate Hamass horrific methods and ensure that, given the chance, they will be used repeatedly in the future. 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. Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, N.M. (Eliza Blanning) You belong. We belong reads the sign posted above the secure entrance to CoreCivics Cibola County Correctional Center, a privately-owned immigrant detention center in Milan, New Mexico. The sign continues: We foster a welcoming culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, contributions are valued, and people are equipped for success. These sentiments are a stark contrast to the three rows of barbed wire and electric fencing that surround the entire facility, and to the purposeful placement of windows and doors that prevent people detained inside from seeing the sun. The sign is corporate propaganda, designed to hide the immense isolation, hopelessness, fear and psychological torture taking place just beyond the gates. Cibola County Correctional Center is not a detention center. It is a prison. It is one of many private prisons around the country designed to profit off of human suffering. The immigration system in the U.S. is not about law and justice; it is about racial prejudice and abuse of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Working as a summer intern at New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, I had the chance to work closely on the case of a man detained at Cibola. This man told me about growing up in Venezuela without public services, medication and reliable institutions, and how that thrust him into political advocacy and opposition to oppressive government policies. He related the first time he was violently threatened by the Maduro regime when he sought a free and fair election, and how he felt as he watched armed guards steal the presidential election ballot boxes and manipulate the results to keep Nicolas Maduro in power. Soon after, as the man stood in the street with millions of others awaiting the election results, he was struck by a tear-gas bomb from the National Guard and lost consciousness. By the time he woke up, he had been detained by the National Guard in one of their bases. They tortured him to make him unlock his phone, and then tortured him even more brutally after they found on his phone evidence of his opposition. They beat him so badly that he temporarily lost his vision. He and several others were then taken to the city landfill, where they were told to kneel with their backs facing the guards. They were then executed. He was the only survivor. The bullet from when he was shot is still lodged in his chest. Since the massacre took place in the landfill, the guards didnt even have to move the bodies. After fleeing Venezuela, the bullet wound still fresh, this man traveled through seven different countries on his way to the U.S. In Mexico, he was kidnapped and trafficked by a cartel, forced to work long days on a mango farm with minimal water and no food. His family had to pay thousands of dollars in ransom to free him. When he was finally freed, he was left alone in a plaza in Mexico and threatened with death and torture should he ever tell the authorities what had happened. He fled to the U.S./Mexico border, seeking refuge. He turned himself in to the Border Patrol, believing he had come to a land of law and justice. Instead, he has spent nearly nine months imprisoned, without adequate food, medical care or any legal representation. He fears for his family. They have been threatened and cut off from government benefits, including food, but do not have the funds to leave Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given multiple asylum bans at the border across multiple presidential administrations, this man may very well be denied asylum protection despite the immense harm he has suffered in his home country and all along the route to the United States. The immigration system does not exist in a vacuum; it is not its own entity. It is a thread in a tapestry of oppression a cog in a machine designed to oppress and to profit off of the suffering it creates, leaving thousands of separated families and broken hearts in its wake. The U.S. immigration system is primordial evil disguised behind a veil of nationalism and prejudice pandered to the public eye as valiant patriotism. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Its back-to-school time. However, as the new school year approaches, immigrant families are bracing for more than just supply lists and schedules. Theres fear that ICE arrests could happen at schools. KRON4 spoke with an immigration attorney about what parents need to know during this time of year. Wife of detained asylum seeker seeks answers from ICE ICE arrests have been reported inside Immigration courts, at sporting events and now immigrant parents are concerned they could have an encounter with ICE agents during school pick-up and drop-off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As most families prepare their kids for school with supplies and lesson plans, immigration attorney Hector Quiroga says there are parents not taking part in the back-to-school prep. Calls from families who are afraid even to go back to school sales, where there are big congregations of people, much less send their kids back to school, Quiroga said. He says many schools are preparing for empty desks and heightened fear that ICE agents will start showing up at schools to arrest parents. Prior to President Trumps executive orders, schools were considered sensitive areas where ICE arrests could not happen. Quiroga says even though the sensitive area policy has changed, administrators have some ability to stop agents from entering campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School officials do have the power to ask for a federal warrant and not allow ICE into the school. That doesnt mean they dont have the right to be on the sidewalk or on the street, Quiroga said. The immigration attorney says a federal warrant enables ICE agents to do more than an administrative one, and he encourages parents and schools to be familiar with the differences between the two. Missing Fremont teen Katie Hongs family desperate to find her Preparing for immigration raids to reach deeper into daily life and be executed and played out by agents in unmarked cars, masks and plain clothes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putting everybody in a very difficult position because its like how do we even know that the person who is trying to get in our vehicle is a lawful agent who is actually playing out lawful orders, Quiroga said. Quiroga says immigrant families preparing for back to school should contact an immigration attorney to send copies of records and paperwork. That way, if an arrest happens on a school campus, an attorney can defend your case in court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) The Holland Museum and Zeeland Historical Society will be opening a joint exhibition in 2026 called We the People, which tells the modern stories and oral histories of Michigan immigrants. The Zeeland Historical Society is going to be focusing more on Dutch immigration to the area, Michelle Stempien, executive director for the Holland Museum, said. The Holland Museum is going to be focusing more on contemporary stories of immigration. Polls: Americans want balanced approach to immigration enforcement, border security Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to a $25,000 state grant, the two organizations will soon be hiring on extra help to interview local families and begin the careful process of preserving and sharing immigrants stories. The Holland Museum and its exhibitions. (Courtesy Kate Leighton-Colburn) The Holland Museum and its exhibitions. (Courtesy Kate Leighton-Colburn) These interviews captured in video will be a part of We the People. We hope that people will go to both museums, Stempien said. That way, they can have the entire experience. Other inclusions of the exhibit will be donated and curated artifacts from Michigan immigrant families past and present. Mostly personal artifacts, Stempien said. Things that people are bringing with them when they come, so that its part of their story when they come to this country. The Holland Museum and its exhibitions. (Courtesy Kate Leighton-Colburn) The Holland Museum and its exhibitions. (Courtesy Kate Leighton-Colburn) The Holland Museum also plans to install some thought-provoking, interactive elements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stempien hopes that these immersive experiences will help West Michigan locals learn more about how the U.S. immigration process has shaped and changed over the decades. New app lets users warn others about ICE sightings What does it mean to be a Michigander, what does it mean to be an American? Stempien said. Well be asking those questions in the exhibition itself. For more information on We the People releasing in 2026, visit the Holland Museum website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire at an oil depot in Sochi, the Russian resort that hosted the 2014 Winter Olympic which is 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Ukrainian border, authorities said Sunday. Ukraine has regularly hit Russian oil and gas infrastructure in response to attacks on its own territory since Russia began its offensive in February 2022. "Sochi suffered a drone attack by the Kyiv regime last night," the governor of Russia's Krasnodar region, Veniamin Kondratiev, said on Telegram. He said drone wreckage hit an "oil tank, which caused a fire" during the nighttime attack. Sochi's mayor, Andrei Proshunin, said there were no victims and that the fire was put out several hours later. Images, broadcast by Russian media but whose authenticity AFP could not verify, showed flames and thick plumes of black smoke rising from the site. Air traffic was briefly suspended at Sochi airport, Russia's air transport regulator Rosaviatsia said. Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the fire. Air strikes on Sochi are relatively rare compared to some other Russian cities. However, Ukrainian drone attacks killed two people there late last month, according to local authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that the two sides were preparing a prisoner exchange that would see 1,200 Ukrainian troops return home, following talks with Russia in Istanbul in July. Kyiv has said it will intensify its air strikes against Russia in response to an increase in Russian attacks on its territory in recent weeks, which have killed dozens of civilians. The Russian defence ministry said meanwhile that three Ukrainian drones had been intercepted in the Leningrad region, which includes the Baltic port of Saint Petersburg. Overnight strikes by Russia inside Ukraine also left several people injured, authorities said. One missile wounded seven people in a residential district of Mykolaiv, a city near the Black Sea in southern Ukraine, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said. Three other people were injured in the northeastern Kharkiv region, she added, while authorities also reported injuries in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions in the south. "The Russians continue to wage war not against Ukrainian forces, but against Ukrainian civilians," Svyrydenko said. Last week, US President Donald Trump gave his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a 10-day ultimatum, until next Friday, to end the conflict in Ukraine. The air strikes and fighting have not abated, however, and the Kremlin has rejected the idea of a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine, which it sees as a gift to Kyiv's troops. India has accused the EU and US of indulging in trade with Russia after Donald Trump criticised New Delhi for propping up Vladimir Putins war machine by buying its oil. The countrys foreign ministry said it was forced to buy predictable and affordable Russian oil after other supplies were diverted to Europe after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It comes after the US president threatened to substantially raise tariffs on India, adding the country was buying discounted Russian oil and selling it on the open market for big profits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India called the attack unjustified and unreasonable in a statement, arguing that its dealings with Russia were a necessity for the countrys economic prospects. It added: It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion. While Brussels has vowed to wean itself off Russian oil by 2027, it still imported 22.3bn (19.3bn) worth of fossil fuels in 2024, with Moscow its third largest trading partner. India said the EUs trade with Russia, at 67.5bn (58.6bn) of goods last year, is significantly more than Indias total trade with Russia, which stood at 51.7bn in the financial year ending in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indias imports are dominated by oil, with total trade with Russia now six times higher than before the pandemic. By contrast, Brussels has reduced its trade with Moscow from 257bn in 2021. Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment, the Indian government said. Indias government also accused the US of continuing to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals. Mr Trump has repeatedly criticised Mr Modis administration in the past fortnight, both for the imbalance in trade between the nations and for purchasing Russian energy and weaponry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the US imported $87.3bn-worth of goods from India, according to official US data, while exporting $41.5bn-worth in the other direction. That leaves a deficit for the US of $45.8bn, an imbalance which Mr Trump regards as a sign that Americans are getting a raw deal. Services trade is more closely balanced, with flows of just under $42bn in each direction. Overnight, the US president ramped up his threat to increase taxes on trade with India. India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits, he posted on his Truth Social site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA. On Friday, the White House announced a raft of new tariffs on goods imports, including a 25pc tax on products arriving from India. However, the president said he will also impose a penalty on top of that rate because of Indias purchases from Russia. 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, Mr Trump posted online last week. The spat risks undoing years of work in Washington to forge closer links with New Delhi, potentially undermining efforts to prevent a rising titan on the world stage from falling into Chinas orbit. 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. India on Monday hit back at the United States and European Union over sanctions, tariffs and threats that it has faced from them in recent days over its purchase of Russian oil amid the war on Ukraine. New Delhi accused the US and EU of themselves importing substantial volumes of goods including energy in the case of Europe from Russia, while punishing India. Indias strongest pushback yet, against mounting pressure from Washington and Brussels on trade and its ties with Russia, came hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to significantly increase tariffs he had previously announced against Indian goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had last week imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports from India, which is expected to kick in from August 7. In a Monday social media post, however, he said he will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA because of Indias imports of Russian crude. In late July, the EU also slapped sanctions on Nayara, one of Indias two big private oil refiners, which is Russian-majority owned. The bloc also banned the import of refined oil made from Russian crude, again hurting Indian refiners. Until Monday night, Indias response had been muted. That has now changed. Two hours after Trumps latest announcement, New Delhi issued a statement accusing the US and EU of double standards and of, in fact, quietly encouraging India to buy Russian crude earlier. As Indias relations with the West otherwise warm and growing until recently now fray over its purchase of Russian energy, how true are New Delhis claims that the West is as guilty of enabling the Kremlins war machine as those it blames? What did India say on Monday? After hesitating for days to publicly take on Washington and Brussels directly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis government issued a terse statement on August 4, calling the targeting of India unjustified and unreasonable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, in words that suggest New Delhi is in no mood to back down. But Jaiswal also directly pushed back against suggestions from the US and EU that India in buying large volumes of Russian crude had acted in a way that broke with the Wests own behaviour. In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict, Jaiswal said, referring to Russias full-fledged invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Indias decision to import Russian oil was meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia, he added. The EU, he said, had traded more with Russia in goods in 2024 than India had. European imports of LNG in 2024, in fact, reached a record 16.5 million tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022, Jaiswal said. The US, meanwhile, continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indias response is not surprising, said Biswajit Dhar, a trade economist who has been involved with multiple Indian trade negotiations. The aggressiveness that the Trump administration has shown there had to be some reaction from India, he told Al Jazeera. For a sovereign country to hear this kind of a threat from another country is unacceptable. INTERACTIVE-Who are Russias biggest trade partners - August 5, 2025-1754385613 How significant are the US, EU sanctions and tariffs against India? Indias pushback reflects just how much is at stake for its economy. The US is Indias largest export destination: Americans bought $87bn worth of Indian goods in 2024. By contrast, India imported $41bn worth of US goods last year, leading to a large $46bn trade deficit for the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps earlier threat of 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods was already threatening to dramatically disrupt that trade. His announcement of even higher tariffs could bleed Indias export revenue further. The decision by Brussels to bar the import of refined petroleum sourced from Russian crude could also batter the profits of Indian refineries. According to market intelligence firm S&P Global, Indian exports of petroleum products to Europe have jumped from $5.9bn in 2019 to $20.5bn, largely because of Indias ability to buy subsidised Russian oil, refine it, and then sell it to the West. But stopping the purchase of Russian oil would come with its costs: After the US and Europe imposed tough sanctions on Moscow over its war on Ukraine, Russia offered discounted crude to India. The EU also introduced price caps on Russian oil shipped by European tankers. As a result, India saved billions of dollars, with Russia becoming its biggest source of imported crude. For India, say experts, it isnt just the economic calculations that make the recent threats and sanctions problematic. The West is just changing goalposts, Anil Trigunayat, a retired Indian diplomat, told Al Jazeera. So, India is just showing them the mirror with facts and figures now. INTERACTIVE-Who buys Russian crude oil - August 5, 2025-1754385618 Did the US and EU encourage India to buy Russian oil until now? Trump, in his latest post targeting India, claimed that they dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India is arguing that the same accusations levelled against it hold true against the US and EU and that they actually acquiesced to New Delhi buying Russian oil when the West no longer wanted to. They [India] bought Russian oil because we wanted someone to buy Russian oil at a price cap that was not a violation or anything, that was actually the design of the policy, because as a commodity, we did not want the price of oil to go up, Eric Garcetti, the US ambassador to India under former President Joe Biden, said at the Washington-based Council on Foreign Relations in May 2024. They fulfilled that. "India brought Russian Oil, because we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil", says US ambassador Garcetti on India buying Russian oil ; Adds,'no Price Cap violation, we did not want oil prices to go up..' pic.twitter.com/it3zku9Hbs Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 11, 2024 The logic was simple: If no one had bought Russian oil, that would have shrunk the total available oil supply with the same global demand, driving up costs. As Garcetti pointed out, Indian purchases of Russian crude helped avoid that while allowing the West to reduce its dependence on Russian energy. Until July, the EU, too, had not imposed any restrictions on the import of petroleum products sourced from Russian crude. INTERACTIVE-EU imports of Russian LNG are on the rise - August 5, 2025-1754385608 Is the West trading more with Russia than India is? Thats the other major claim from India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the facts suggest that New Delhi is right. According to the EU, its total trade with Russia was worth 67.5 billion euros ($77.9 bn) in 2024. Indias total trade with Russia in 2024-25 was worth $68.7bn. To be sure, Europes trade with Russia has fallen sharply, from 257.5 billion euros ($297.4bn) in 2021, before the invasion of Ukraine, while Indias trade with Russia has surged from about $10bn before the COVID-19 pandemic. But data shows that the bloc continues to buy Russian gas. Since the start of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the grouping has paid Moscow $105.6bn for gas imports an amount equivalent to 75 percent of Russias 2024 military budget according to the Finnish think tank the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, which has been tracking Russian energy trade through the war. In 2024, EU imports of Russian LNG rose 9 percent compared with the year before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mineral fuels make up almost two-thirds of EU imports from Russia, followed by food, raw materials, machinery and transport equipment, according to the bloc. And the US does indeed still import a range of chemicals from Russia, as Jaiswal claimed. Total Russia-US trade in 2024 stood at $5.2bn, according to the US Trade Representatives office though the numbers are down significantly from 2021, when their trade in goods stood at $36bn. Given this backdrop, Indias Foreign Ministry was absolutely right to call out the US and EU, Jayati Ghosh, an economics professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, told Al Jazeera. They are still importing from Russia. Theyre allowed to do it; we are not. Thats ridiculous. Russia, too, criticised the Western measures against India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sovereign countries have the right to choose their own trade partners, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the AFP news agency, accusing the West of trying to sever trade ties between other countries and Russia, and describing those moves as illegitimate. Is this all a trade negotiating tactic? Some Indian experts believe that the threats and tariffs from Trump are bargaining measures aimed at securing a trade deal with India that is favourable to the US. The two countries have been locked in negotiations over a trade agreement to minimise Trumps tariffs, but have yet to agree on a pact, even though India has cut tariffs on several US imports. A key sticking point is agriculture, where India has long imposed high tariffs to protect its farm sector, which represents about half of the countrys population. The way the Trump administration has been demanding that India open its market to US agribusiness thats a no-go for India, Dhar said. Our small farmers will face a serious adverse situation; so its economically and politically completely unacceptable to India. Ghosh echoed those sentiments. Theres no question of giving in on agriculture, she said. In India, you cannot give in and allow US heavily subsidised multinational conglomerates to invade our markets, when a majority of our population still depends on agriculture for a livelihood. But in recent weeks, Trump has also tried to ramp up pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire deal with Ukraine, and choking Moscows oil exports would make it harder for Russian President Vladimir Putin to sustain his economy. On Monday, Trumps Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller accused India of financing this (Russias) war. As White House spokesman Stephen Miller describes Indias continuing purchase of Russian oil as unacceptable, the extent to which India is prepared to ramp back its long-standing close relationship with Russia remains unclear. As pressure mounts from the incentives for a closer US-India relationship and a pragmatic need to move closer to a Western military alignment in the face of a growing Chinese threat, India will have to choose. Indias longstanding close relationship with Russia harks back to the Soviet era, and particularly the 1971 Bangladesh War of Liberation. In 1971, at the height of the Bangladesh (then-East Pakistan) conflict, a threatened US intervention on behalf of Pakistans then-President Yaya Khan in the form of an aircraft carrier was deterred by a Russian naval presence. Since that time, India has relied on mainly Russian-made military equipment for its forces but with an increasingly wider inventory in recent times including US, French and Israeli equipment. Prime Minister Modi maintains a good personal relationship with Vladimir Putin but is increasingly pressured by a pragmatic need to face up to their nuclear-powered rival in Pakistan and its developing close ties with China. However, with an increasingly muscular China exerting its influence in the region all previous certainties have waned considering the new reality. India sees itself increasing surrounded by potential enemies. Sri Lanka has found itself, through certain trade and development projects which have erred off plan, beholden to China. A massive Chinese base is one aspect of that. Bangladesh is increasingly turning for commercial and other reasons to a more welcoming stance towards China. In the case of Pakistan, as the most recent 100-hour war showed, China has made Pakistan a close ally if not, in the eyes of some, a proxy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without going into the details of the encounter, there is strong evidence that, with the assistance of China, significant equipment and tactical shortfalls were exposed on Indias side. Additionally, there is a perception that Pakistan won the diplomatic and presentational round too. This in mind, the Indian military are looking options for modernisation and developing a more domestic reliance for defence procurement. One key area in which India was found wanting was in the capability of its drones versus Pakistans capability, which many see as Chinas capability. In looking at solutions to this shortfall, India has looked widely at the best in class, including the Ukrainians. That has proven to be a blind alley, since their continued close association with Russia precludes any cooperation. Additionally, India has found that buying cheap Russian oil has been convenient to say the least. Before the extension of the war in February 2022, India bought around 68,000 of oil per day rising to 2.15 million barrels in May 2023 and levelling at around 40 per cent of its oil needs today, and in doing so if President Trump is to be asked funding the Russian war effort. Will that change in the short term? On one hand, Indias diplomatic pragmatism is a strong asset in an increasingly transactional diplomatic world. On the other, the burgeoning Chinese presence on Indias borders and her membership of the Quad, an association of Japan, Australia and the USA, may nudge India away from its very close relationship with Russia to a more of an association of convenience. If the Indian military was to be asked that is the way forward. But in the end, it is the direction that Prime Minister Modi is inclined to lean that will dictate the direction of travel. Perhaps a Trump charm offensive may be more decisive in the short term as opposed to any form of coercion or strong words. Colonel Tim Collins is a former British Army officer. He served with the SAS and as commanding officer of the Royal Irish for the invasion of Iraq in 2003 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. NEW DELHI (AP) India and the Philippines announced an upgraded strategic partnership Tuesday that they said will deepen trade, defense and maritime cooperation between the two nations. The countries announced the agreement after bilateral talks in New Delhi between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Indias foreign ministry spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, said the sides also agreed to expand partnerships in space, tourism, culture and digital technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the talks, Modi said India and the Philippines were committed to peace, security, prosperity and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Marcos said the strategic partnership will doubtless resonate beyond the confines of our bilateral relationship. We want to work with you for a free and open Indo-Pacific," he told Modi. Marcos arrived in India on Monday for a five-day visit as the countries deepen their defense ties. They staged joint naval exercises in the disputed South China Sea for the first time on Sunday, a high-profile military deployment that antagonized China. India also has supplied its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems to Philippines. India fired back at the United States after President Trump pledged to increase tariffs on New Delhi over the countrys purchase of Russian oil. In a statement Monday, Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the purchase of Russian oil is a necessity to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs and was once encouraged by the U.S. for strengthening global energy markets stability. The MEA spokesperson further suggested the West is being hypocritical, pointing to trade that the European Union and the United States has continued to do since the war between Russia and Ukraine began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable, the spokesperson said in the statement. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security, it added. The pushback from India comes after Trump said on Monday he would raise tariffs on India for buying and selling oil from Moscow, arguing the country doesnt care about the Ukrainian casualties suffered at the hands of the Russian War Machine. Trump did not specify the new tariff rate but said it would increase from the 25 percent tariff the U.S. president said he would impose last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits, Trump said on Truth Social. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Trump previously vowed to hit India with a penalty for buying military equipment and energy from Russia amid the war in Ukraine. China is also a major importer of Russian oil, but has not faced the same threats from Trump. Trump in recent weeks has grown increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin and shortened the timeline for him to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine to Aug. 8, at which point Trump has said he will impose secondary tariffs of up to 100 percent on Russias trading partners in a bid to isolate Moscow economically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India said it would continue buying oil from Moscow on Saturday. The Indian foreign ministry called the relationship with Russia steady and time-tested and said its stance on security energy is guided by the availability of oil in the markets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Reuters) -The Indian army on Tuesday said there had been no violation of ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) that separates Indian-controlled and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, after some Indian media reported that Islamabad had violated the truce by opening fire. "There have been some media and social media reports regarding ceasefire violation in Poonch region. It is clarified that there has been NO ceasefire violation along the Line of Control," the army said. The Pakistani army did not respond to a request for comment outside regular hours. (Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal and Shivam Patel; Editing by Kevin Liffey) Indian components are being discovered in Russian attack drones, particularly Shahed and Geran UAVs used against Ukrainian frontline forces and civilians. Source: Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Details: Yermak emphasised the need to deprive the Russians of the ability to source components from other countries and to stop the killing of Ukrainians. Meanwhile, he added that "the purchase of Russian energy resources is funding the war, which does not contribute to peace". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also cited an article in the Hindustan Times about Indian components being found in Russian drones. The newspaper said, citing informed sources, that Ukraine has officially raised the issue with both the Indian government and the European Union over the use of electronic parts manufactured or assembled by Indian companies in these drones. The companies in question are Vishay Intertechnology and Aura Semiconductor. A Ukrainian investigation found that Russia has used electronic components from these firms in the production of the Shahed-136. The sources added that the companies formally did not violate any Indian laws. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that the export of dual-use goods from India complies with its international non-proliferation obligations and is based on the country's domestic legal and regulatory framework. The ministry also reported that a relevant inspection is underway. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2025, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) reported that a component of Indian origin had been discovered in Russian weaponry for the first time. It was a clock buffer from Aura Semiconductor. In early July, DIU reported a trend of Russia replacing Western components with Chinese ones in its loitering munitions. It was noted that in May, Geran-2 drones (one of the Russian names for the Shahed) were found to contain 60-65% Chinese electronics, which marked a significant increase in their use. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! INDIANAPOLIS Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is noncommittal on calling a special session to mid-decade redistricting despite pressure from the White House, but said the issue could come up when Vice President JD Vance visits the Hoosier state. Asked whether he would call a special session to redistrict, Braun said whatever we discuss there, if that topic comes up, is exploratory. So theres been no commitments made other than that. Braun, who is a constitutionally weak governor working with a more powerful legislature, said redistricting will be a broad conversation with the speaker and president pro tem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Folks raising the most Cain about it are the ones that have gerrymandered their own states, where it looks like maybe the tentacles of an octopus," he told reporters at the Indiana Statehouse, adding: "Well see what happens." Vances visit on Thursday comes as President Donald Trump leans heavily on states where Republicans control the legislature and the governors seat to redraw congressional maps mid-cycle. That effort has triggered a fierce battle in Texas, where Republicans are hoping to create five new favorable districts if they can overcome Democrats efforts to prevent the legislature from having a quorum. Republicans currently control seven of the nine seats in Indianas congressional delegation, but some Trump allies are hoping the state will draw new maps to squeeze Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan out of his northwest Indiana district. Trump has said he hopes to gain as many as five additional seats through redistricting beyond the new Texas map. That means more states besides Texas and Ohio which is legally required to redraw its maps and could net Republicans up to three more favorable seats may join the redistricting wars. A nonprofit dedicated to embracing government transparency has launched a new phone hotline to answer Hoosiers' questions about public records and open meetings laws. The Indiana Coalition for Open Government is an education, advocacy and watchdog group that is ramping up its public presence through its new 260-ASK-ICOG hotline. Zachary Baiel, the coalition's president, said the group was motivated to launch the hotline after hearing about the backlog of such requests at the state-operated public access counselor's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Ruby, appointed by Gov. Mike Braun to be Indiana's new public access counselor, previously told IndyStar that she is working through a backlog of public access questions and complaints stemming back to last year. Her office is responsible for both educating officials about the public's right to information and answering Hoosiers' questions about the state's public access law. "One of the goals with it is to help the PAC office, hopefully," Baiel said. "We're not saying that she's not happy to take those, but they do take up time. We're happy to take other questions that might just be routine types of things." The hotline will act as an advocate for citizens navigating state public access laws, Baiel said, but it is not providing legal advice. What are public records and open meetings laws? The hotline was established to support Hoosiers who have questions related to the Access to Public Records Act and the Open Door Law. These statutes are often called "sunshine laws." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana's Access to Public Records Act enshrines the right for the public to request a broad swath of government records, though limitations do exist. Government officials are also subject to the Open Door Law, which stipulates transparency conditions for public meetings. IndyStar previously published an explainer on how to request public records. Examples of public records people can request include: police records, car accident reports, body camera footage, government contracts, staff communications, financial records, inspection reports, court records, LLC filings and property records. The federal Freedom of Information Act and related state laws enshrine the right for citizens to know the inner workings of their government. Several organizations say the right to information is critical, so citizens can be informed and use their First Amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government is that government is the servant of the people and not their master," Indiana Code reads. "Accordingly, it is the public policy of the state that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees." What's the hotline number for Indiana public access law info? Hoosiers can call the hotline by dialing 260-ASK-ICOG, which is a vanity phone number for 260-275-4264. What questions can the ICOG hotline answer? While Indiana law permits much of local and state government business to be publicly accessible, questions often arise over how to obtain information, if an agency is properly fulfilling a request and what to do if a request for information is denied. "You've got people who don't know what to do, but they want to do something, and you have others that know what they want to do, but they're running into issues," Baiel said. "We're happy to help both or really anyone who has questions like that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers staffing the hotline can assist with any and all questions related to public access, he saids: If they can't answer a question, he said they will connect a caller with someone who can. Some scenarios they can help with: General questions about how public access laws work. How to find and request a certain piece of information. What to do if my request is denied. Who to contact and how to file a request. Volunteers on the hotline can also help alleviate concerns and talk through what can sometimes feel like a frustrating process, Baiel said. "Public access can be a very lonely road," he said. "There is a support, almost therapy, component to (the hotline) as well." When can I call? Hoosiers can call the hotline anytime, but staff don't answer 24/7. If a caller doesn't connect with a volunteer, Baiel asks that they leave a message, and volunteers will get back to callers as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of why the coalition launched the hotline, Baiel said, is to be able to more immediately respond to urgent requests. For example, he said a person can call and connect with a volunteer within minutes if they are blocked from recording at a public meeting. The hotline is in a pilot period and will be available at least through the end of the summer. If public demand aligns with volunteer availability, Baiel said the goal is for the hotline to be available long term. The coalition can also be reached over email at info@indianacog.org. Who am I calling? When ringing the hotline, Hoosiers will be connected with one of three coalition board members: Baiel, Stephen Key or Gerry Lanosga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bulk of Baiel's public record knowledge comes from filing requests, giving public testimony and challenging denials. By trade, he is a business owner, but he's developed a reputation in West Lafayette as an outspoken supporter of government transparency. Key was a longtime executive director and general counsel of the Hoosier State Press Association, the state's journalism trade organization. In that role, he lobbied the state Legislature to pass laws embracing the public's freedom of information rights. And Lanosga is an assistant professor within Indiana University's Media School where he specializes in journalism history, journalisms intersections with public policy and the freedom of information. The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@indystar.com, on X at @CateCharron or on Signal at @cate.charron.28. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana hotline answers questions on public access to government info An Indiana mayor will have to appear in court after state troopers investigated a report of leaving the scene of an accident, according to Indiana State Police. Mayor Charles Wyatt, 71, of Boonville, will be issued a summons in regard to a crash about 10:43 a.m. May 14 at the VFW in Boonville, ISP-Evansville said in a news release issued Monday. The incident resulted in a charge of leaving the scene of a crash, a Class B Misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ISP alleges Wyatt was attending an event at the VFW in Boonville when he backed out of a parking spot and struck another vehicle. He was reportedly driving his city-owned 2016 Ford F150 truck at the time. After hitting the other vehicle, the mayor allegedly left the scene without contacting the other driver or police, ISP said. At the time, the other driver was still inside his vehicle and was able to obtain a license plate number and provide police with a vehicle description. Police later went to Wyatts residence in Boonville and located the truck, which had visible damage. Police said they attempted to contact someone at the residence, but no one answered the door. The Warrick County Prosecutors Office turned the case over to a special prosecutor in Knox County. After reviewing the case, a criminal charge of leaving the scene of a crash was filed and a summons will be issued, ISP said. India's top court will hear a plea for the restoration of Kashmir's federal statehood later this week, court officials said Tuesday, as the region marked six years under direct rule from New Delhi. The hearing, scheduled for August 8 in the Supreme Court, follows an application filed by two residents of the Muslim-majority territory, where a separatist insurgency has raged for years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government in August 2019 revoked Kashmir's limited autonomy and brought it directly under federal control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move was accompanied by mass arrests and a communications blackout that ran for months as India bolstered its armed forces in the region to contain protests. The removal of Article 370 of the constitution, which enshrined the Indian-administered region's special status, was challenged by Kashmir's pro-India political parties, the local Bar Association and individual litigants. The Supreme Court in December 2023 upheld removing the region's autonomy but called for Jammu and Kashmir, as the Delhi-administered area is known, to be restored to statehood and put on a par with any other Indian federal state "at the earliest and as soon as possible". "We have moved an application seeking a definitive timeline for the restoration of statehood," said the petitioners' lawyer, Soayib Qureshi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It has been quite some time since the court asked for it and elections have also been successfully held." Last November, Kashmir elected its first government since it was brought under New Delhi's direct control, as voters backed opposition parties to lead its regional assembly. But the local government has limited powers and the territory continues to be for all practical purposes governed by a New Delhi-appointed administrator. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the neighbours were granted independence from British rule and partitioned in 1947. Indian security forces were deployed in force in the Himalayan territory on Tuesday, eyeing protests demanding the restoration of its special status. sai/pjm/mtp LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) On Tuesday, communities across the country will be celebrating National Night Out. The initiative is meant to allow residents to meet their law enforcement officers in a more relaxed, casual setting. In London, Officer Hobie Daugherty said this is a night meant to strengthen the bonds between the police department as well as surrounding agencies with the community. The city of London will be hosting its National Night Out event at the Wellness Park near the Laurel County Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news Daugherty said therell be several different stands for people to check out, connecting them with community resources, as well as food trucks. This year, London police are partnering with CSX to give out toys for kids of all ages. Daugherty said people who come out will get to see some of the different types of equipment first responders use. For him, he said this is an event he looks forward to every year. Daugherty said he loves seeing the smiles on the kids faces and hopes events like this will inspire them to serve. Its something that we can maybe pique their interest now and show them that, hey, this is what were all about, Daugherty explained. We love our community, and thats really what its about, is the love for the community and wanting to serve the people that we live with here in the community and that we want to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daugherty said events like National Night Out are also great ways of establishing connections, so when tragedy occurs in a community, everyone is able to band together. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Mays deadly tornado, which tore through parts of Laurel County, was something we may never see again in this community, at least in this lifetime. Daugherty said the way the community rallied with law enforcement and first responders to help during the recovery process was one of the many drivers why he loves London. When he and his comrades were running on fumes, people who had lost everything were stepping up to help, and everyone was truly doing their part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He believes the relationships that were formed at events like National Night Out allowed residents the opportunity to truly see what the men and women who serve to protect their community do, so when they needed a hand, people who lost everything were still willing to lend one. People a lot of times see us during their worst days, Daugherty described. We hope that we can bring a shining light to our community because we love them so much that we do all kinds of programs like National Night Out, we do our citizens academy. The fire department does beat the heat. We host tons and tons of events throughout the year, and its really all about the community. National Night Out will go from 7 to 9 p.m. You can learn more 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. A French-Canadian partnership is set to revolutionize the construction industry. POINT.P and CarbiCrete have launched France's first production line for cement-free concrete. The innovative building material is reducing the carbon footprint of traditional concrete. CBS4 reported that both companies are opening a new production line in Hauts-de-France. Operations will begin in the first quarter of 2026. This facility will produce concrete blocks that avoid cement-related emissions. Standard concrete, while essential for modern construction, has a significant environmental impact. The production of cement is energy-intensive and releases planet-warming carbon pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cement and concrete production are responsible for 9% of the world's carbon emissions. CarbiCrete's patented process replaces cement with steel slag. This is an industrial byproduct from the steel industry. The eco-conscious concrete maker is turning waste into a valuable building material. The concrete hardens by injecting captured carbon dioxide within the blocks. The carbon is wholly removed from the atmosphere. This technology represents a major leap forward for sustainable construction. The cement-free blocks maintain the same strength and performance as conventional concrete. The difference is its lower carbon footprint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decarbonized concrete diverts industrial waste from landfills. It also isolates carbon pollution, offering a dual benefit for the environment. Infrastructure can be built with this material, contributing less to air pollution. Safer building materials create healthier communities and a healthier planet. A cement-free concrete will reduce the environmental impact of construction. Industrial deployment of this technology follows a successful pilot project in Quebec. Since 2023, it has proven its solidity, economic promise, and construction potential. "This launch, a major first in France, is a key part of advancing our strategy towards sustainable, low-carbon construction to meet the needs of our customers," said Nicolas Godet, POINT.P's Managing Director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The production line aims to produce 20,000 tons of cement-free concrete blocks in its first year. The partnership expects that number to double in the second year. Decarbonized concrete is developing more sustainable building practices. Jacob Homiller, CEO of CarbiCrete, expressed optimism. "We see POINT.P as the ideal partner for scaling our technology. This major milestone paves the way for wider adoption of the CarbiCrete process in Europe and beyond, bringing us closer to realizing our vision of making concrete a climate solution." Godet added that cement-free concrete is "no longer a laboratory concept, but a tangible, reliable and scalable solution for decarbonizing construction." 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. (Getty Images). On April 1, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield terminated its contract with University of Missouri Health Care, stripping in-network coverage from more than 90,000 patients. Thats one in every 70 Missourians suddenly cut off from their doctors, clinics and hospitals. Some patients lost access to cancer follow-up care, prenatal visits or stroke rehabilitation mid-treatment. Lawmakers heard public testimony from families facing serious care disruptions. One story, read aloud during a June 30 Missouri Senate hearing, involved a four-year-old who had undergone multiple heart surgeries and was at risk of losing her care team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As her parent explained: The burden this places on families like mine cannot be overstated. Were not just talking about switching doctors. Were talking about losing the very people that kept our daughter alive. The disruption was massive and statewide. This may have been a contract dispute on paper. In practice, it was an obstruction to care. In rural Missouri, there was often no alternative. No other OB. No nearby specialist. Many rural counties are classified as maternity care deserts, with fewer than half of rural hospitals offering obstetric services. Patients often travel hours or wait months for neurology, if its available at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When in-network coverage ends mid-treatment, many have nowhere else to go. Missouri does have a continuity-of-care law. But it is narrow, unenforced and largely unknown. It requires no patient notice, guarantees no continued coverage and puts the burden on providers. For most, it offered no real protection. Patients were warned months in advance that coverage could change, but notices came with no transition plan, hotline or clear options. Many expected a deal. When it didnt come, they were left stranded and confused. Patients called in panic and waited on hold for hours. Clinics were overwhelmed. Nurses and front-desk staff bore the brunt. One caregiver told lawmakers: We thought someone would step in before it happened. We did not think we would be left to figure it out alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the crisis unfolded, public pressure mounted. At a June 30 Missouri Senate hearing, MU Healths CEO accused Anthem of refusing to negotiate in good faith. Anthem countered that it had offered temporary continuity-of-care extensions, which MU declined. Labor unions condemned Anthems actions as morally unacceptable and launched town halls and petitions calling for resolution. Meanwhile, community clinics like Spectrum Health reported a 30% surge in Anthem patients, with appointment slots booked months out. By late June, MU Health had reassigned more than 30 staff to handle Anthem-related claim backlogs. Anthem made two continuity-of-care offers, including one extending coverage through Dec. 31. MU declined both proposals, citing confusion, lack of clarity and inadequate patient protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MU later described the plans as unacceptable. The focus turned to liability and leverage, not those left without access. The two sides finally reached a new agreement on July 15, restoring in-network coverage for most commercial and ACA plans, retroactive to April 1. But patients on Anthem Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans were excluded. For many, the harm had already been done. Missouri law allows patients in active treatment to request up to 90 days of continued in-network cost sharing when a contract ends. But it doesnt require insurers to notify patients or providers to explain the option. It has no enforcement mechanism, no appeals process and no agency tasked with oversight. By late June, up to 1,000 patients were reportedly still awaiting eligibility determinations under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many patients dont learn the law exists until its too late. Even when it applies, providers must initiate the request and negotiate coverage. Many plans are excluded. The law doesnt define active treatment and offers no guarantee of care. During the Missouri Senate hearing in June, representatives from MU Health Care and Anthem testified about breakdowns in continuityofcare provisions. They described fragmented communication and patients experiencing access disruptions midtreatment. The director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance detailed how her department has no real authority over these commercial products. A 2024 survey by the American Medical Association found that 94% of physicians said prior authorization delays care. Seventy-eight percent said it often leads patients to abandon treatment. Nearly one in four said it caused serious harm, including hospitalization or permanent disability. These delays strain patients and providers alike. Clinics lose revenue and staff time. Families face worsening conditions, higher bills and longer recoveries. When coverage is pulled mid-treatment, patients walk away, providers lose trust and hospitals absorb the debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouris hospitals, especially in rural areas, already operate under chronic strain. Other states have done more. California allows continued care for up to 12 months. Colorado guarantees 90 days and requires 60 days notice. New York and Texas extend protections through pregnancy, terminal illness and emergencies, with clear billing safeguards. These laws reduce surprise billing, readmissions, and costly treatment gaps. They show what meaningful continuity looks like. Missouri has chosen not to follow suit. This was preventable harm. Those with the fewest options paid the highest price. People managing cancer, pregnancy, disability or recovery from surgery were told to find new doctors, restart referrals and reschedule care. Some paid out of pocket. Others gave up treatment entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some patients were able to continue treatment. Others were dropped, billed unexpectedly or denied access entirely. Many were left navigating a maze of denials and billing codes with no clear guidance. Despite public statements, financial disclosures tell a different story. MU Health requested a 20 to 30% increase in reimbursement over three years, citing rising costs and a need to match peer academic systems. Anthem offered only a 3.3% increase and called it final. MU still posted a $53.5 million operating gain in early 2025. But Anthems parent company, Elevance Health, reported a $3.2 billion quarterly operating gain and spent $880 million on stock buybacks that same quarter. While patients waited on hold to reschedule chemotherapy, Anthem spent nearly $1 billion on buybacks. The resources were there. The leverage to protect continuity existed. But the burden fell on those already vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insurers and some lawmakers argue that stronger continuity laws would raise costs or create bureaucracy. But the real burden is not on them. It is on patients. Missouri law allows insurers to end coverage without advance notice, clear explanation, or state oversight. No agency enforces patient protections. When care is disrupted, patients must make calls, restart treatment, or go without. Lawmakers must act. Missouri should: Require 30 days notice before removing providers from networks Extend continuity-of-care protections to at least six months Mandate public reporting of provider terminations and affected patients Create a standardized appeals process with clear timelines and enforcement Empower state agencies to issue emergency orders during major disruptions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These reforms arent radical. Other states already have them. They work. They protect patients. Health insurance must be more than a product. It must be a promise. When access disappears mid-treatment, that promise is broken. If Missouri claims to protect the insured, it must also protect the treated. CORRECTION: This commentary was updated at 8:51 a.m. to clarify testimony at the Missouri Senate hearing in June. In a powerful new push for global change, some of the internets biggest stars are joining forces to bring safe drinking water to communities in need. #TeamWater, launched by popular YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober, aims to raise a whopping $40 million over the next month to support clean water infrastructure across the globe. The money raised will go to WaterAid, an international nonprofit that builds sustainable solutions like solar-powered wells and rainwater harvesting systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 2 billion people still live without safely managed drinking water, according to the United Nations. #TeamWater wants to change that by tapping into a combined audience of nearly 2 billion subscribers and turning views into impact. From emotional on-the-ground storytelling to wild water-themed stunts, creators big and small are jumping in. Mark Rober, known for his science-themed content, shared a video with his followers breaking down the importance of water filtration. The Stokes Twins, who run one of the top 10 most followed channels on YouTube with more than 129 million subscribers, recently traveled to a village in Nepal to film the installation of a 15,000-liter tank. Well-known creators like Kai Cenat, Dude Perfect and dozens more are also bringing their own signature flair to the cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the first time a group of influencers has used their platforms for good. #TeamWater follows in the footsteps of #TeamTrees (2019) and #TeamSeas (2021), two blockbuster campaigns that raised more than $50 million combined, helping to plant millions of trees and remove trash from oceans, rivers, and beaches. Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities. LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. There were at least $800,000 in damages, and several sunken boats after a massive fire on a dock at Wheel House Court in Camden County overnight. The Lake Ozark Fire Protection District says they got the call around 1 a.m. and responded to an engulfed dock, and were able to put the fire out with the help of several other departments. Reuben Zapata and Tierra Conway saw the flames from their apartment and called 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were in bed and I heard screaming and I ran to the door and just saw a huge fire, Conway said. I look outside and its just completely engulfed in flames, and so the first thing we did, I told her to get the phone and call 911, Zapata said. The two went down to the area to check on those nearby. We ran downstairs because we did know that theres a couple of families that live out here on family boats. We come out here and fish all the time, so we talked to them. We made sure that they were all right, Zapata said. Videos of the fire quickly swarmed social media, and Zapata says theyve seen plenty of people already helping those impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats something we were actually talking about this morning is just after posting the video on that Lake area group, seeing just the amount of support and like everybodys showing that their condolences for them, for the families and not knowing those people, thats a whole, whole thing. I think that the community will definitely pull together to help them out. I hope they do, Zapata said. Cody Garner with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources had been on the scene for nearly 12 hours when he talked to OzarksFirst about his teams role in the response. We got the call last night. I came down about 2:00 in the morning, got with the fire marshals office and the Highway Patrol, and then we come in and we try to contain the spill or any contaminants there. So in this case, you know, the fuel and the oil and a lot of the debris, Garner said. We try to contain that, and then once we do that, we try to make sure that the owner gets a contractor or somebody to come in and do a environmental remediation right to clean up the scene. Garner says its important to get the contamination contained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People here at the lake, they dont want to swim in fuel. When I come down here, I dont want to swim in the fuel or oil thats, you know, leaked into the lake. So the consequences could be I mean, weve got a beautiful, beautiful natural resource here and we want it to remain that way, Garner said. We want the natural life to stay here. We want the wildlife to flourish. That way we can catch it and feel comfortable eating what were catching, and then at the same time, we want to be able to come out and enjoy the lake, you know, and not have stuff in there. He adds that the fire started overnight, which brought challenges to his team as well. We have lights. Ive got the truck over there. Ive got lights on the truck so I can put those out, but still see a sheen sometimes in the water. I could smell it. You can smell it, but to see where the actual fuel or the oil is sometimes difficult, especially in the evening, you know, after dark, Garner said. I went with the Highway Patrol on their boat, circled around, found some of the areas. Zapata and Conway thank the first responders for such a prompt and massive response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement God bless our first responders. They showed up and they took care of it. They definitely did a very good job of containing it because some of the boats and the jet skis came loose, so that was a concern. There was one point the oil spread across the water, so the water came up in flames and we were kind of wondering if the other dock was going to make it or not, Zapata said. The Lake Ozark Fire Protection District says the state Fire Marshal is currently investigating the fires origin and cause. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Romania's former president Ion Iliescu, who died aged 95 on Tuesday, was long hailed as Romania's "little father" but faced charges over his role in the eastern European nation's chaotic transition from communism to democracy. The influential politician was last seen in public in 2017 when he was questioned by prosecutors. That probe related to his role in the violence during the fall of communism which led to more than 850 deaths and saw him face charges of crimes against humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Fallout with Ceausescu regime - A communist party apparatchik born on March 3, 1930, Iliescu served as former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's minister for youth. But in the 1970s he fell into disgrace and was marginalised. He rose to power during the December 1989 anti-communist uprising that toppled Ceausescu, under circumstances that remain unclear, becoming the self-appointed leader of the National Salvation Front, an interim governing body. Iliescu then won a landslide victory in the country's first democratic elections in May 1990. He was reelected for a four-year term in 1992, but was defeated at the polls in 1996, only to return to power in 2000 for a third term -- the most allowed by the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this last term Romania joined NATO in 2004 and signed the European Union accession treaty, with membership becoming effective in 2007. The former Moscow University graduate was elected to Romania's Senate in 2004 but did not run in subsequent elections, arguing that a secondary role in politics was more appropriate for a man his age. He nonetheless continued to be revered by many Romanians, especially in impoverished rural regions. His advice still counted when his Social Democratic Party -- -- a successor to the National Salvation Front -- was faced with major decisions. "Iliescu was a man of dialogue and not a bit confrontational. He would rather try to convince people than give orders," sociologist Vasile Dancu, a fellow Social Democrat who knew Iliescu well, told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said "consensus" was one of the former president's favourite words. - 'Canny politician' - "He was an affable, well-read man, who knew how to flatter people but who could also be manipulative," a former French ambassador to Romania, Henri Paul, told AFP. "A canny politician through and through." Iliescu never disavowed his hardline leftist views and blasted the "bloodsucking" western countries and international financial institutions. Over the past two decades, Iliescu had faced charges of crimes against humanity over the violence during the fall of communism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate case, he was also indicted over the decision to call in miners to crush student protests after his election in 1990. The crackdown brought widespread international condemnation. But due to legal wranglings, Iliescu has not stood trial in either case. Iliescu has denied any wrongdoing, at one point describing it as "a disgrace for Romania to indict the head of state who played a major part in its democratisation". Though he was one of the few top-ranking Romanian politicians not to be suspected of illicit enrichment, high-level corruption flourished during his terms in office and analysts said the independence of the judiciary was often trampled on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'd rather be poor but honest than rich and a thief," he used to say. Iliescu, who spoke fluent English, French and Russian, was married with no children. His wife Nina was only seen in public when the couple went to the polls, once every four years. The government announced his death in a statement on Tuesday, after he was hospitalised with lung cancer in early June. It declared August 7 a day of national mourning in his memory. mr-ani-jza-kym/rlp Romania's former president Ion Iliescu died on Tuesday in Bucharest at the age of 95. Sorin Grindeanu, interim leader of Iliescu's Social Democratic Party (PSD) lauded "the first president of democratic Romania" and said Iliescu made a decisive contribution to the country's accession to the European Union and NATO. Iliescu took power immediately after the fall of communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in December 1989. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was president from 1990 to 1996 and from 2000 to 2004, and is considered one of the most contradictory and influential Romanian politicians of the transition period. Even before the fall of communism, he harboured hopes for a perestroika policy based on the model of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. During his first mandate, he worked together with ultra-nationalist forces and brutally suppressed opposition, but he later turned against those forces. Until his death, the public prosecutor's office was investigating Iliescu's repressive policies at the time, as well as his controversial role in Ceausescu's overthrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public prosecutor's office accused him of being responsible for the deaths of 862 Romanians who were killed by security forces shortly after Ceausescu's removal from power. During his second mandate, he was one of the pioneers of Romania's accession to the EU and NATO. Iliescu was born on March 3, 1930 in Oltenita in southern Romania. He rose within the Communist Party and was Minister of Youth from 1967 to 1971 before falling out of favour with Ceausescu. Ion Iliescu, who has died aged 95, was a Romanian politician who approved the summary execution of his predecessor, the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, during the Christmas uprising of 1989, and then stepped into the presidential vacuum himself. Perhaps no other figure anywhere with roots in Soviet-influenced Eastern Europe enjoyed as much influence over his countrys affairs. Sidelined under Ceausescus megalomaniacal rule, he played a pivotal role in the bloody events marking the leaders downfall in 1989. Then and later, he revealed himself to be a wily and cool-headed operator in a menacing, Byzantine landscape. His rule was crucial in establishing the ascendancy of former second-ranking communists in sharply altered circumstances. Electoral malpractice and bouts of state-sponsored thuggery consolidated his grip on power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fears that Romania would become a second strife-torn Yugoslavia were real until Iliescu showed his adaptability by accepting democratic forms as long as the hold of the post-communist oligarchy was never in jeopardy. He accepted electoral defeat in 1996, perhaps convinced that his opponents were too weak to alter his formula for power. Iliescu at a rally in 1990: he had played a pivotal role in the bloody events marking Ceausescus downfall the previous year - Cynthia Johnson/Getty Images Cautious westernisation accelerated when he returned for a final presidential term, from 2000 to 2004. But Iliescu seemed confident that the Euro-Atlantic powers were too overstretched to insist on a complete clear-out of individuals, mentalities and practices pre-dating 1989. He was a shrewd and sinuous figure who polarised opinion but was looked up to by many who had achieved career fulfilment or security under communism or who feared chaos. Ion Iliescu was born in the southern Romanian town of Oltenita on March 3 1930. He was brought up by his communist railwayman father and his stepmother after his natural mother abandoned him. Communism in Romania seemed a dead-end cause until his teenage years. The party was dominated by minorities Jews and Hungarians and formally supported the renunciation of territories like Transylvania and Bessarabia, acquired by Romania in 1919. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its prospects were suddenly transformed when Romania was assigned to the Soviet sphere of influence in 1945 a fait accompli, since the Red Army had marched in the previous year. Iliescu was too young to participate in the mass arrests, sweeping property seizures and drastic institutional alteration that occurred as the monarchy was replaced by a communist republic. He trained as an engineer and qualified with a degree in the subject from a Moscow technical institute in 1953. Iliescu at the presidential palace in 1993 - Peter Turnley/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images At first Iliescus career flourished when the communist order was given fresh impetus by Ceausescus appointment as ruler in 1965. He was minister of youth from 1967 to 1971, a time of improving living standards and some social liberalisation in a fast-industrialising land. But his sceptical reaction to Ceausescus decision to adopt North Koreas personality-based and regimented communist regime as the chief model for Romania saw Iliescus star rapidly wane. He was demoted, appointed to run Timisoara and then Iasi for the rest of the 1970s. He acquired a reputation for modesty, efficiency and approachability in both cities. Fearful of rivals, Ceausescu appointed him head of the water council before packing him off to run an obscure publishing house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iliescu quietly compared notes with other orthodox communists as they watched with dismay how, egged on by Elena, his implacable wife and, by now co-ruler Ceausescu imposed a flagrant cult of personality. He drew on prewar ultra-nationalism to promote himself as a redeemer, along the lines of Kim Il-sung in Pyongyang. Meanwhile, disastrous economic decisions shattered the legitimacy that the communist regime had gradually built up. The wilful Ceausescus seemed unaware of the peril they faced when communist rule began to retreat due to agreements between the main Cold War rivals. Mikhail Gorbachevs request to his Bucharest counterpart to relax his arbitrary rule fell on deaf ears. With his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in 2003 - Ivan Sekretarev/AP Much speculation has raged that a plot to unseat Ceausescu was hatched between Moscow and local figures like Iliescu, who had always been uncomfortable with home-grown Stalinism distancing itself from Russia. But evidence that the drastic events unfolding between December 16 and 25 1989 were the result of a plot is very meagre. Instead, Bucharest and other cities witnessed vast demonstrations challenging communist rule. When, on December 21, Ceausescu was shouted down at a mass rally and fled in a helicopter, the country seemed to be in the throes of a revolution. Jubilation was already turning to tragedy as, in the confusion, the army fired on crowds and exchanged fire with members of the vast Securitate, leading to nearly 1,000 fatalities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is clear is that of the motley crowd of communist dissidents and revolutionaries who gathered at the besieged television headquarters on December 22, it was Iliescu who displayed the coolest head. The decision to swiftly execute the apprehended Ceausescus in a court-martial for crimes against the nation which many viewed as a lynching by insiders originated with him. The duos deaths were meant to be an expiatory sacrifice for the regimes crimes. The party was dissolved, and in its place was formed a National Salvation Front with Iliescu as its chairman. Iliescu is wlecomed to Downing Street by the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair - Paul Grover Iliescu displayed further ruthlessness in January 1990 when he decided to rehabilitate the Securitate to clear the streets of protesters. The hand of the secret police was easily visible in savage clashes which flared up in the Hungarian-majority city of Tirgu Mures two months later. Iliescu began playing the nationalist card, claiming that Romanias territorial integrity was at risk; this was the backdrop to hastily called elections on May 20 1990. After a stormy campaign, Iliescus National Salvation Front which in most places was the renamed communist party prevailed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Encampments of protesters who saw Iliescu as an imposter were cleared with shocking brutality in June 1990; coal miners were used as shock-troops by Securitate loyalists. In September 1991, Iliescu used them to oust the prime minister, Petre Roman. He drew up a new constitution whose decisions were shaped by appointees mostly drawn from Iliescus political vehicle, the Social Democratic Party. They dominated the Constitutional Court, ensuring that Romanian institutions lacked widespread endorsement. With Queen Elizabeth after lunch at Buckingham Palace in 2004 - John Stillwell/PA Genuine reforms meant to improve efficiency and introduce accountability and pluralism were elusive. Iliescu decided to rule on behalf of those in official positions whose quarrel was not with communism itself but the Ceausescus manic interpretation of it. A new oligarchy took shape, bolstered by insider privatisation in which nimble operators were able to buy up land, factories and buildings with interest-free loans. Iliescu was persuaded that Western help was essential if his hybrid regime was to last, so he respected the popular will when he was defeated in 1996. A disparate opposition was unable to acquire control of state institutions dominated by his allies and he was re-elected for a third and final term in 2000, when extremist forces sought to benefit from the rift between state and society and Iliescu was viewed as the safe option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not stand in the way of Romania joining Nato and grudgingly allowed the intrusion of some European Union norms, in the fields of justice and economic competition, to influence Romanias direction. He had retired by the time Romania joined the EU in 2007 but his behind-the-scenes influence remained strong for some years in the party whose cynical approach to power has influenced how Romania is governed down to the present. He is survived by his wife Nina, whom he married in 1950. They had no children. Ion Iliescu, born March 3 1930, died August 5 2025 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. BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) Ion Iliescu, Romanias first freely elected president after the fall of communism in 1989, who later faced charges of crimes against humanity for his role in the bloody revolution, has died. He was 95. Iliescu, who held de facto military authority during the anti-communist revolt, assumed power after Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, and his wife Elena, were executed on Dec. 25, 1989. More than 1,100 people died during the uprising, 862 of them after Iliescu had seized power. He repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Twice re-elected, in 1992 and 2000, Iliescu had largely withdrawn from public life by 2017. In recent years, his health had declined. In 2019, he underwent heart surgery, and was diagnosed with lung cancer in June. The hospital in the capital, Bucharest, where Iliescu had been receiving medical treatment since June 9, said on Tuesday that he died at 3.55 p.m. local time after medics made all efforts to provide him the necessary care and treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romania's government also confirmed his death and extended its condolences to his family and those close to the former president. It added that it would announce plans for a state funeral soon. In a statement on its official website, Romania's Social Democratic Party, or PSD, which Iliescu founded, called it a very sad day for Romania. A prominent figure of the Romanian Revolution and the history of contemporary Romania, Mr. President Ion Iliescu will remain for all of us a symbol of the politician and statesman, the statement read. He had the courage to confront Ceausescu and his dictatorship, and directed Romania irreversibly on the Euro-Atlantic path. He was a strong leader, loved by most, contested by others, as happens in democracy, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, military prosecutors charged Iliescu with crimes against humanity for failing to prevent numerous situations in which civilians were needlessly killed during the revolution. Prosecutors alleged he had spread false information through state media, creating a generalized psychosis that fueled chaos and bloodshed. The charges against Iliescu, who served as a minister in the communist government until he was sidelined in 1971, refer to a five-day period during the uprising, after Ceausescu had fled Bucharest on Dec. 22, 1989. At the time of Iliescus death, he had never been convicted, and the case remained open. In January this year, Iliescus legal woes mounted when prosecutors charged him with crimes against humanity in a second case. Prosecutors allege he implemented policies that led to a violent crackdown on civilian protesters in Bucharest in 1990, who were demanding the removal of former communists from power. Iliescu had called on coal miners from the Jiu Valley to restore order in the capital. At least four people were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite maintaining good relations with the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991, Romania became a member of the NATO military alliance in 2004 during his last presidential term. After his last term ended, he served as a lawmaker in the PSD, Romanias most dominant political party since communism ended 35 years ago. Dominic Fritz, president of the governing coalition partner Save Romania Union party, said in a post on Facebook that Iliescus passing is painful not because of his departure, but because it leaves us with so many open wounds. Many are still waiting for justice, he said. And Ion Iliescu took with him answers to questions that still plague society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For two decades after the revolution, Iliescu was Romanias most consequential political figure who helped define the countrys new democratic institutions and its Constitution, said Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant. His legacy spans from the one to oust Ceausescu to being himself a break in Romanias development and transition to full functioning democracy and market economy, he told The Associated Press. He was later accused by a growing number of Romanians of being the continuator of the Communist apparatus trying to hold on to power in an authoritarian-communist style. After President Nicusor Dans victory in Romanias tense presidential rerun in May, Iliescu congratulated the new pro-Western leader in a blog post, noting that Romania is going through a complex period and faces economic, social, and geopolitical challenges. Romania needs coherence, dialogue and a firm commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and its European path, he said. I am convinced that you will exercise this responsibility with dignity and a sense of duty to the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan described the late president on Tuesday as the central figure of the 1990s transition and said that history will judge Ion Iliescu. It's our duty to clarify the major cases of that era, so we can move forward with accountability, he said. IOWA (KCAU) A Democratic candidate has announced shes entering the 2026 Iowa Senate Race. Jackie Norris, a Democrat, has launched a campaign website and is running for the Iowa Senate. Shes a former teacher and small business owner. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt about Red versus Blue for me its about service and putting in the hard work to get things done. Im running to fight for stronger schools, affordable and accessible healthcare, and an economy that works for everyone not just the rich. I want to be a voice for all Iowans not an extremist like Joni Ernst who brushes off the very real concerns of her constituents losing their health care by saying Were all going to die,' reads a post on Norris Facebook page. To learn about her previous accomplishments, like working for Michelle Obama or overseeing Goodwill operations, click here. In June, former Senator Jim Carlin announced he will be running in the race as well. To stay up-to-date with election and race coverage, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -Ireland's Foreign Ministry called on Tuesday on Haitian authorities to ensure "everything is done" to secure the release of a group of people, including an Irish missionary and a 3-year-old child, taken by gunmen who stormed a local orphanage. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris spoke with his Haitian counterpart overnight, the government said in a statement, during which they agreed to stay in touch on their work to ensure the group is released, including missionary Gena Heraty. "It is imperative that she is released immediately," Harris said separately on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks took place over the weekend when gunmen stormed the orphanage in Kenscoff, a mountainous community on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince that has been under deadly attacks by armed gangs since the start of this year. Father Richard Frechette, who works with Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, the international charity that runs the orphanage, told Reuters a total of eight people had been kidnapped including the 3-year-old boy, six staff members and Heraty, who heads special needs programs at the orphanage. "We have not yet been able to reach a ransom agreement to free them," he said. "We hope for their fast and safe return," the charity added on social media. "Our commitment to the Haitian people remains as strong as ever." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armed gangs have in recent years targeted a number of religious, charitable and medical aid groups, including hospitals, NGOs, nuns and priests from congregations based in and around the capital, as well as foreign missionaries. A recent report by the U.N. office in Haiti (BINUH) found the situation remained "very volatile" in Kenscoff while gangs intensified and expanded their attacks in central Haiti and the agricultural Artibonite region. BINUH considers Kenscoff of "major strategic importance" as it overlooks the suburb of Petion-Ville, one of the capital's last hold-outs and the site of multiple embassies, banking institutions and hotels serving as diplomatic meeting places. Over 3,100 people were killed and 336 kidnapped for ransom in the first half of this year in Haiti, according to BINUH estimates, as the number of residents displaced by the extended conflict with the powerful gangs - largely grouped behind a coalition called Viv Ansanm - nearly doubled to 1.3 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haitian authorities have repeatedly called for more resources to fight the gangs. A partially deployed and deeply under-equipped U.N.-backed mission kicked off over a year ago but has had little effect in slowing gangs' advances. (Reporting by Sarah Morland in Mexico City, Egeder Fildor and Harold Isaac in Port-au-Prince; Editing by Sandra Maler) EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Isabella Voitzwinkler, creator of Ella Alden, was a guest on this edition of Spotlight New England. Voitzwinkler told Spotlights Ashley Erling and Audrey McClelland that she was working as an interior designer when COVID-19 hit in 2020, and was able to use her experience in design to start creating clothes at home. The California native chose to design luxury sleepwear because she feels most authentic when wearing pajamas. Since the start of Ella Alden, Voitzwinkler has expanded from selling only sleepwear to dresses, bags and more. The brand prioritizes sustainability, as each piece is handmade with quality, 100% organic cotton. The Ella Alden brand takes inspiration from Massachusetts South Shore, where Voitzwinkler and her husband currently reside. The storefront is online, but the company often makes pop-up appearances at small businesses on Cape Cod and Nantucket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow Ella Alden on Instagram for giveaways, events, and outfit inspiration. Spotlight New England airs weekdays on the WPRI 12+ TV app and WPRI.com. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The Rhode Show Today Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. BAMAKO (Reuters) -Islamic State-affiliated militants have released four Moroccan truck drivers kidnapped in January, Mali said late on Monday, according to state media, highlighting growing intelligence cooperation between the two countries. The men and their three trucks disappeared in January while crossing without an escort from Dori in Burkina Faso to Tera in Niger, an area known for jihadist threats, a diplomatic source said at the time. They were shown alongside Mali junta leader Assimi Goita in footage broadcast on Monday night by state media, which reported that they had been freed on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Junta-led Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali are battling militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State that have been destabilising West Africa's Sahel region for more than a decade. All three countries have halted defence cooperation with France and other Western forces and turned towards Russia for military support. And last year they announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), raising the risk of diplomatic isolation. Morocco has meanwhile drawn closer to the three landlocked countries. In April, the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali endorsed an initiative offering them access to global trade through Morocco's Atlantic ports. Morocco also mediated to secure the release in December of four French nationals who had been held in Burkina Faso for a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release on Sunday of the four truck drivers came as a result of cooperation between the security and intelligence services of Mali and Morocco, Malian state media reported. (Reporting by Mali newsroom; Editing by Kevin LiffeyWriting by Ayen Deng BiorEditing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Kevin Liffey) Israel will allow a limited number of approved Palestinian traders to facilitate aid via the private sector in a new mechanism to improve aid distribution in the embattled Gaza Strip, the government said on Tuesday. The measure follows a government decision to expand humanitarian aid, according to COGAT, the Israeli agency for the coordination of its activities in the Palestinian Territories. Israel has come under massive international criticism following the publication of numerous videos and images of starving Gazans and reports of dozens of deaths from hunger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aim is to increase the amount of aid supplies for the population, prevent the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement from looting the aid and reduce dependence on the United Nations and other international organizations, the agency said. Under the new mechanism, a limited number of Palestinian traders, who were selected and underwent security checks, have been approved, COGAT said. All deliveries to be strictly inspected The approved goods reportedly include staple foods, baby formula, fresh fruit and vegetables, and hygiene products. Payments are to be made exclusively via bank transfer under the supervision of a special monitoring system. All deliveries will be strictly inspected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details on how the distribution will take place were not provided. According to the United Nations, a large portion of aid deliveries is already being looted amid the chaos following 22 months of war, either by hungry civilians or armed groups. The UN has warned of an impending famine, despite Israel allowing more aid deliveries for over a week. Israel will allow a limited number of approved Palestinian traders to facilitate aid via the private sector in a new mechanism to improve aid distribution in the embattled Gaza Strip, the government said on Tuesday. The measure follows a government decision to expand humanitarian aid, according to COGAT, the Israeli agency for the coordination of its activities in the Palestinian Territories. Israel has come under massive international criticism following the publication of numerous videos and images of starving Gazans and reports of dozens of deaths from hunger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aim is to increase the amount of aid supplies for the population, prevent the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement from looting the aid and reduce dependence on the United Nations and other international organizations, the agency said. Under the new mechanism, a limited number of Palestinian traders, who were selected and underwent security checks, have been approved, COGAT said. The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and other Islamist groups invaded Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage. Israel responded with a massive military action that the Hamas-controlled Gaza health authority says has killed more than 60,000 people. All deliveries to be strictly inspected The approved goods reportedly include staple foods, baby formula, fresh fruit and vegetables, and hygiene products. Payments are to be made exclusively via bank transfer under the supervision of a special monitoring system. All deliveries will be strictly inspected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details on how the distribution will take place were not provided. According to the United Nations, a large portion of aid deliveries is already being looted amid the chaos following 22 months of war, either by hungry civilians or armed groups. The UN has warned of an impending famine, despite Israel allowing more aid deliveries for over a week. World Food Programme criticizes aid air drops Meanwhile the United Nations' World Food Programme has denounced the air drops of much-needed aid, calling them completely inadequate and dangerous. "Air drops in this situation are like plasters on open wounds: expensive, risky and barely controllable," Martin Frick, the programme's representative in Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, told dpa in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In overcrowded humanitarian zones, an orderly distribution of aid supplies delivered from the air is hardly possible the risk of injury is high, and the costs are 34 times higher than land transport," Frick said. The German Armed Forces have been conducting air drops for the last few days and are planning another air delivery on Tuesday. Other countries are conducting air drops. Frick noted that during the Gaza ceasefire, the WFP was able to bring up to 700 trucks into the Gaza Strip daily and supply over 400 distribution points with targeted aid, serving those most in need. His organization, he said has "proven that large-scale humanitarian aid in Gaza is possible via land routes if [it is] allowed to work." "More than 170,000 metric tons of food is near the border or en route enough to supply Gaza's entire population for three months," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After weeks of blockade, WFP warehouses in the Gaza Strip are empty, he said. WFP trucks are stuck for hours at checkpoints due to slow permit approvals or are forced to take dangerous routes through active combat zones. "What we need are open border crossings, fast approvals and safe corridors without armed presence. At least 100 trucks daily, via all available routes, with clear coordination," Frick demanded. "Only in this way can we regain people's trust, reopen soup kitchens and bakeries, and avert a famine." Hunger at its worst since war's start The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached "a new dimension of horror," Frick lamented. "We are witnessing the worst hunger since the start of the war," he said. "One in three people has gone days without eating, half a million people are on the brink of starvation. Children are already dying from malnutrition." Editors note, August 8, 11:30 am ET: Israels Security Cabinet has now approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. Israels restrictions on humanitarian aid in Gaza are, first and foremost, a moral atrocity. Israeli policies since March, most notably the initial shutdown on aid entering the Strip, were very obviously going to cause a hunger crisis down the line. There can be no defense for intentionally starving children. But strikingly, the policy has also become a strategic failure for Israel one that bodes one that bodes ominously for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus newly floated proposal to occupy the entire Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its aid limitations, intended to starve out Hamas, have actually strengthened the groups position and handed it new leverage in ceasefire negotiations. International outrage over the past week has prompted important Israeli partners France, the UK, and Canada to announce support for recognizing a Palestinian state. Perhaps most importantly, the suffering in Gaza has done severe damage to Israels alliance with the United States, alienating masses of Democrats and even some MAGA Republicans. This is not only my opinion. It is a point of emerging consensus of well-informed analysts across the political spectrum, who see the recent international uproar over starvation in Gaza as a catastrophe for Jerusalem. Israel may have massive military superiority in Gaza but as of this week, it has lost the war, Michael Stephens, a Middle East expert at the UKs RUSI think tank, wrote on July 29. If the policy is such an obvious disaster, both morally evil and strategically disastrous, then why did Israel do it all? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some sense, this is the question of the entire war, which Israeli generals concluded over a year ago was no longer improving the countrys security. The answer, in both cases, is the same: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu depends on Israels extreme right to stay in office, and they support ever-more-brutal war policies to further their project of Israel reconquering and resettling the Gaza Strip. The new proposal to assert control over all of Gaza is yet another sop to this faction one that, if implemented, could be a major step toward a disastrous permanent occupation of Gaza. Netanyahu, in short, is deliberately causing mass suffering and inflicting a strategic disaster on the country he leads all for the purpose of appeasing a handful of fanatics who hold his future in their hands. All the gains on the battlefield jeopardized Even before October, Gaza was in poor economic straits thanks both to Israeli restrictions and Hamass own poor governance. But the war has destroyed even the limited capacities Gazans had to sustain themselves. Roughly 95 percent of farmland is no longer operational; fishing, a vital activity in the coastal enclave, is now virtually impossible at scale, per a UN report. So today, Gazans either receive aid or face starvation a reality that was already obvious back when Israel announced its aid cutoff back in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, a statement from the prime ministers office described the policy as punishment for Hamass refusal to release Israeli hostages during ongoing ceasefire negotiations. This turned into a full-on effort to starve Hamas out. First, Israel cut off aid entirely from early March through May, blocking assistance from entering at border crossings. It then partnered with the US to support a new entity called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation a parallel aid distribution mechanism alongside traditional UN efforts designed to ensure that Hamas was not, as Israel claimed, stealing supplies. This highly militarized effort did not provide sufficient aid and also led to Israeli soldiers regularly opening fire on crowds of desperate Palestinians trying to get some of the limited supplies. There was, at no point during any of this, even the slightest bit of evidence that the aid cutoff was weakening Hamass resolve to fight no wavering in its negotiating stances or signs of mass defection from its fighters. The people who suffered were not primarily Hamas, but Gazan civilians (and the remaining Israeli hostages). The Gaza hunger crisis, building for months, came to a head in the past several weeks. At that point, reserve supplies from before the aid cutoff had all but disappeared and it became obvious that GHF wasnt providing nearly enough food to make up for Israels other restrictions. By late July, even some UN aid workers couldnt find sufficient food for themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the reality of starvation on the ground became undeniable to all but the most blinkered Israeli propagandists, the world erupted in outrage. While Israel is used to international criticism, the volume and nature of the outrage was so significant that it was forced to change policy. Israel began airdropping supplies into Gaza, opened up new corridors for UN trucks to provide aid, and unilaterally announced 10-hour daily pauses in its military operations in order to facilitate aid provision. Whether these policies actually alleviate hunger in Gaza remains to be seen. But the key point, from a military point of view, is that Israel just proved that it cannot leverage suffering in Gaza into gains at the negotiating table. Quite the opposite, in fact: The worse things get, the more Israel feels a need to change course to slow down its military operations unilaterally, without Hamas having to give up anything in exchange. The world coming down on youthat takes the pressure off Hamas, says Ilan Goldenberg, the senior vice president at J Street who recently served as a top Israel-Palestine official in the Biden administration. [The aid cutoff] actually probably causes Hamas to take a harder line in negotiations. This should not come as a shock. The October 7 attacks themselves were intended, at least in part, to provoke an Israeli overreaction something so violent and bloody that Israel would lose the worlds post-attack goodwill and even suffer severe political consequences. The more misery Netanyahus government inflicts on Gazans, the better off Hamas is in the long term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By cutting off and limiting aid, Israel made a vicious choice that played directly into Hamass hands. Months wasted playing a game the enemy couldnt lose, and if you miscalculate the consequences are justifiably on you on your head, Haviv Rettig Gur, a prominent right-leaning Israeli journalist, said on his podcast last week. Israels aid policy failed so severely, in Gurs view, that Hamas has been propped up at every turn, its resilience assured, and all the gains on the battlefield jeopardized. A long-term diplomatic disaster It is worth dwelling on why Israel cares so much about the current wave of international outrage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the Gaza war, Israel has been able to ride out increasingly hostile opinions in most countries thanks to its support among the leaders of Western democracies. The European Union is Israels trading partner, and the United States its military supplier and diplomatic patron. So long as those relationships are intact, Israel faces few serious threats from global public opinion. Yet for all Israels woes in Europe, it is the United States where it faces the most dangerous long-term threat. But in the past month, that dam has started to crack beginning what Michael Koplow, the chief policy officer at the Israel Policy Forum, calls a long-predicted diplomatic tsunami. It is not that the proposals by countries like Britain, Canada, and France to recognize a Palestinian state mean much in immediate practical terms. It is what they signal as newly possible: a world where countries begin actually treating Israel not as a peer democracy, but as a rogue aggressor more akin to Russia than an EU member state. In July, the EU floated a bid to end some research cooperation with Israel a punishment that, per key member states, will become more and more likely if the humanitarian situation in Gaza doesnt improve. Yet for all Israels woes in Europe, it is the United States where it faces the most dangerous long-term threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have been turning from Israel since the Obama presidency, a trend that accelerated sharply and dramatically during the Gaza war. And there are forces on the MAGA right, including some unsavory ones, that have long wanted to sever the Republican partys bond with the Jewish state. But recent events have been a watershed in US-Israel relations and not in a good way for Israel. Israels decision to knowingly induce an acute starvation crisis has played a clear and direct role in weakening its most important strategic relationship. For the first time, a majority of the Senate Democratic caucus voted to suspend US military assistance to Israel a move reflecting the Democratic bases increasingly harsh view of Israel. On the Republican side, President Donald Trump flatly contradicted Israels claims that there was no starvation in Gaza. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene even described Israels conduct in Gaza as a genocide. The only truly existential strategic threat that Israel faces is loss of support from the United States, Koplow says. As a direct result of [Gazas starvation], we have now seen lower support among Democrats, measured in every way. [And] anyone can see the trends in MAGA world, which is now the base of the Republican Party. Israel is sabotaging itself So if Israels starvation policy was so obviously self-defeating to say nothing of its grotesque immorality why did it do it in the first place? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The answer has two layers the first political, the second ideological. Put together, they suggest theres dim hope of positive changes so long as the current government is in power. Politically, Netanyahus coalition has exactly half of the seats in Israels parliament (60 out of 120). Even a single defecting lawmaker could enable a vote in parliament calling for early elections, which polls have long said he would lose. The math makes Netanyahu unusually dependent on the leaders of two extremist factions Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir who have repeatedly threatened to jump ship if Netanyahu compromises on maximalism in Gaza. For these radicals, the war is part of a broader ideological agenda. They believe that Israel should rightfully control all of the land between the river and the sea, and that pursuit of Israeli control and security justifies seemingly unlimited cruelty towards Palestinians. The aid restrictions reflect these twisted values: Last year, Smotrich gave a speech declaring that it would be just and moral if Israel chose to starve and thirst two million [Palestinian] citizens until the hostages are returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its not just aid: These lawmakers are the reason why this entire war continues despite the lack of obvious military benefits and widespread domestic support for a ceasefire. Smotrich and Ben Gvir have both said they would abandon Netanyahu if he agrees to stop the fighting indefinitely. These threats do not seem idle; Ben Gvir briefly quit the coalition in January in protest of Netanyahus accession to a temporary ceasefire. Netanyahu is so afraid of the consequences of losing office hes currently on trial for corruption that he has chosen to outsource portions of his war policy to these fanatics, including the most fundamental choice of whether to continue the war at all. This is the logic behind his newest idea: asserting Israeli military control over the entire Gaza Strip. Its not yet clear exactly what that would look like in practice, but we know that ground occupations have a very poor track record of destroying insurgent terrorist groups look at the US experiences in Iraq or Afghanistan. There is little reason to believe Gaza would be any different, and plenty of reasons to think it would be worse. In fact, reporting suggests IDF chief Eyal Zamir opposed the prime ministers plan in a private meeting over precisely these fears of an extended, counterproductive occupation. In pushing this plan, Netanyahu is replicating the exact same failures of the starvation campaign a policy that both knowingly causes death and suffering to Gazans while, at the same time, accomplishes little other than further alienating a world that increasingly sees Israel as an indefensible aggressor. Both policies are direct results of the fanaticism and rank self-interest that define his government. Update, August 7, 2:30 pm ET: This story was originally published on August 5 and was updated with the news of Netanyahus proposal to occupy the entire Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to announce plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, Israeli media have reported. Netanyahus decision will see the Israeli military expand its operations across the entire enclave, including areas where Hamass captives are being held, i24NEWS, The Jerusalem Post, Channel 12 and Ynet reported on Monday. The decision has been made, Amit Sega, chief political analyst with Channel 12, quoted an unnamed senior official in Netanyahus office as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas wont release more hostages without total surrender, and we wont surrender. If we dont act now, the hostages will starve to death and Gaza will remain under Hamass control. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the reported plans and called on the international community to intervene urgently to prevent their implementation, whether they are a form of pressure, trial balloons to gauge international reactions, or genuinely serious. Netanyahus office did not immediately respond to Al Jazeeras request for comment. The reports come as Netanyahu is set to convene his war cabinet on Tuesday to discuss the next steps for Israels military in Gaza as its war in the besieged enclave nears the two-year mark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu is facing growing international pressure to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza and halt the war amid mounting Palestinian deaths due to malnutrition and Israeli attacks. At least 74 Palestinians, including 36 aid seekers, were killed in Israeli attacks on Monday, according to medical sources in Gaza. The Israeli leader is also facing mounting domestic pressure to secure the release of Hamass remaining captives in Gaza, following the release of footage of detainees Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David appearing emaciated. Netanyahu on Monday doubled down on his war goals, including eliminating Hamas and securing the release of the remaining captives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must continue to stand together and fight together to achieve all our war objectives: the defeat of the enemy, the release of our hostages, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, Netanyahu said at the start of a regular cabinet meeting on Monday. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan on Monday accused the United States and other Western countries of turning a blind eye to Israeli atrocities, and said that Netanyahus government bore full responsibility for the lives of the captives due to its stubbornness, arrogance, and evasion of reaching a ceasefire agreement, and the escalation of the war of extermination and starvation against our people. More than 60,930 Palestinians, including at least 18,430 children, have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities. Forty-nine captives, including 27 who are believed to be dead, are still being held by Hamas, according to Israeli authorities. (NewsNation) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set on a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, according to multiple reports, despite growing calls for a ceasefire and a worsening hunger crisis in the area. Netanyahu on Tuesday held a three-hour security discussion, in which options for proceeding with the campaign in Gaza were presented by the IDF chief of staff, the Netanyahus office said in a statement. While there have been reports the head of the IDF was opposed with proceeding with a full invasion of Gaza, the Prime Ministers office notably said in the release: The IDF is prepared to carry out any decision made by the Security Cabinet. That potentially paves the way for Israeli military operations in areas where the remaining hostages are held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cousin of Hamas hostage: Footage looks like dark days of 1940s The Israeli Defense Forces currently have operational control of 75% of the Gaza Strip, according to the military. Hours after the report was released, House Speaker Mike Johnson met with Netanyahu. A source for the lawmaker tells NewsNation the two leaders directly talked about the ongoing war. What does declaring famine mean, and why hasnt it been done in Gaza? DHS denies withholding FEMA funding based on Israel boycotts In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security has pushed back on a report from Reuters claiming the Federal Emergency Management Agency would deny disaster relief funds to cities and states that boycott Israeli businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS said in a statement that FEMA grants are not tied to a political litmus test. Hunger crisis in Gaza deepens criticisms of Israel on Capitol Hill On Monday, the agency removed part of its terms and conditions, which required applicants to confirm they wouldnt sever commercial relations specifically with Israeli companies. Discriminatory prohibited boycott means refusing to deal, cutting commercial relations, or otherwise limiting commercial relations specifically with Israeli companies or with companies doing business in or with Israel or authorized by, licensed by, or organized under the laws of Israel to do business, it read. US officials visit Gaza amid deepening hunger crisis U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff was recently in Israel, where he met with the families of hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff told the families President Donald Trump believes there should be no piecemeal deals, several in the room confirmed. Witkoff also said the U.S. is working on an all or nothing plan to end the war and bring the hostages home, though he couldnt discuss the specific plan. Hamas floats idea of letting aid in for Israeli hostages Talks of peace continue as pressure continues to grow on Israel amid reports of starvation in Gaza. Although American and Israeli officials insist Hamas has created the crisis by stealing the aid coming into the strip, blowback from stateside officials has grown recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been votes to block U.S. weapons sales and proposals to recognize a Palestinian state. Many lawmakers have issued statements of public condemnation. Others have gone a step further, with accusations of genocide. Some of the harshest rebukes have come from conservative Republicans who have traditionally been stalwart defenders of Israels military exploits. NewsNation partner The Hill and Anna Kutz contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held talks with army chief Eyal Zamir about the next steps in the Gaza war amid reports that the government is set to order the full occupation of the coastal territory. Netanyahu's office said Zamir presented him with possible options for continuing the war, which has been going on for nearly 22 months. Details of the plans were not initially disclosed. The meeting came after several Israeli media outlets on Monday reported unanimously that Netanyahu was pushing for the complete capture of the Gaza Strip despite objections from the military leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Israeli Security Cabinet would first have to approve such a plan. Broadcaster N12 has reported that the body is due to meet on Thursday for consultations. Netanyahu has not yet commented publicly on the plans. Following the consultation with Zamir, the Kan channel reported that Netanyahu was still leaning towards fully occupying the coastal strip. The government is aware that such an approach would probably jeopardize the hostages in the Gaza Strip, according to the report. According to Israeli estimates, there are currently 50 hostages still held by Hamas, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The army leadership is reportedly very concerned about extending the fighting to occupy the Gaza Strip completely, due to the risks for the remaining hostages and Israeli soldiers. However, the statement distributed by Netanyahu's office stated: "The army is ready to implement all decisions of the Security Cabinet." By Alexander Cornwell and Nidal al-Mughrabi TEL AVIV (Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met senior security officials to finalise a new strategy for the nearly two-year war in the Gaza Strip, his office said on Tuesday, with media reporting he favoured a complete military takeover of the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory. Despite intense international pressure for a ceasefire to ease hunger and appalling conditions in the besieged enclave, efforts to mediate a truce between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, have collapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local health authorities said at least 20 people were killed by Israeli gunfire as they waited for United Nations aid trucks in the northern Gaza Strip. In southern Gaza, 20 people were wounded by Israeli gunfire as they waited to get aid from U.N. aid trucks near Morag Square near Rafah, medics said. Eight more people died of starvation or malnutrition in the last day, Gaza's Health Ministry said, while at least 80 people were killed in the latest Israeli firing. Netanyahu's office said in a statement that the prime minister had held a "limited security discussion" lasting about three hours during which military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir "presented the options for continuing the campaign in Gaza". An Israeli official had earlier told Reuters that Defence Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a confidant of Netanyahu, would also attend the meeting to decide on a strategy to take to the cabinet this week. Israeli media reported on Tuesday that the cabinet would convene on Thursday at 6 p.m. (1500 GMT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's Channel 12, citing an official from Netanyahu's office, had said the prime minister was leaning towards taking control of the entire territory. That would reverse a 2005 decision to withdraw Israeli citizens and soldiers from Gaza, while retaining control over its borders, airspace and utilities, a move right-wing parties blame for Hamas gaining power there in the 2006 election. It was unclear, however, whether Netanyahu was foreseeing a prolonged takeover or a short-term operation aimed at dismantling Hamas and freeing Israeli hostages. The prime minister's office declined to comment on the Channel 12 report. "It is still necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel," Netanyahu told new recruits at a military base. "We are not giving up on any of these missions." The U.N. called reports about a possible decision to expand Israel's military operations throughout the Gaza Strip "deeply alarming" if true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump declined to say whether the U.S., Israel's closest military ally, supported Netanyahu's plans. "I know that we are there now trying to get people fed," Trump told reporters. "As far as the rest of it, I really can't say. That's going to be pretty much up to Israel." On Saturday, Hamas released a video of the Israeli hostage Evyatar David, appearing emaciated in what seemed to be an underground tunnel. The images shocked Israelis and sparked international condemnation. Throughout the war, there has been sustained international pressure on Hamas to release the remaining 50 people taken hostage in 2023, of whom Israeli officials estimate 20 are still alive. Most hostages have been released during ceasefires following diplomatic negotiations. Israel broke the last ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PRESSURE TACTIC? A Palestinian official said the suggestion of a full Israeli military takeover of Gaza may be a tactic to pressure Hamas into concessions, while the Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged foreign nations to take heed of the reports. "The ministry urges countries and the international community to treat these leaks with utmost seriousness and to intervene urgently to prevent their implementation, whether these leaks are meant to exert pressure, test international reactions, or are genuine and serious," it said. Israel's coalition government, the most right-wing and religiously conservative in its history, includes far-right politicians who advocate the annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank and encouraging Palestinians to leave their homeland. The International Court of Justice said in 2024 that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and should end soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly two years of fighting in Gaza have strained Israel's military, which has a small standing army and has had to repeatedly mobilise reservists; some military leaders have warned against expanding the military occupation. In a sign of differences between some members of Israel's ruling coalition and the military, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir challenged military head Zamir to state he would comply with government directives even if a decision was made to take all of Gaza. The statement from Netanyahu's office said the Israeli Defence Forces were "prepared to implement any decision that will be made by the Political-Security Cabinet." HUNGER Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities and military bases near Gaza on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people, including more than 700 civilians, were killed, and 251 hostages were taken to Gaza. Israel's military response has devastated the tiny, crowded enclave, killing more than 61,000 people, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel's campaign has forced nearly all of Gaza's more than 2 million people from their homes and caused what a global hunger monitor called last week an unfolding famine. Some 188 Palestinians, including 94 children, have died from hunger since the war began, according to Gaza authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Israeli tanks pushed into central Gaza, but it was not clear if the move was part of a larger ground offensive. Palestinians living in the last quarter of territory where Israel has not yet taken military control, via ground incursions or demands for civilians to leave, said any new push would be catastrophic. "If the tanks pushed through, where would we go, into the sea?" said Abu Jehad, a Gaza wood merchant. "This will be like a death sentence to the entire population." (Reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalemn, Alexander Cornwell in Tel Aviv and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo; Writing by Angus McDowall, Andrew Cawthorne, Alex Richardson and James Oliphant; Editing by Alison Williams, Alexandra Hudson, Rod Nickel and Alistair Bell) Israeli attacks have killed at least 83 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip amid a deepening Israel-induced hunger crisis, medical sources have told Al Jazeera, as hospitals in the besieged territory have recorded eight more deaths from starvation and malnutrition. Among those killed on Tuesday were 58 aid seekers, who were shot by Israeli forces as they approached aid distribution sites operated by the United States- and Israeli-backed GHF. Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, said the same exact scenario plays out in Gaza every single day since GHF distribution sites began operating in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinians are approaching these distribution sites, waiting for food, but the Israeli forces are opening fire, Khoudary said. She quoted sources at al-Shifa Hospital as saying that the number of injured people transferred from the distribution point near northern Gazas Zikim crossing is very large. Injuries are coming with bullets in parts of their bodies that are very hard to treat, including their heads, necks and also their chests, Khoudary said. The cycle of violence is the same in all three distribution locations. The United Nations and other humanitarian organisations have heavily criticised the GHF for failing to provide enough aid and the dire security situation at and around its aid distribution sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, more than 1,560 Palestinians seeking aid have been killed by Israeli forces while trying to receive food amid the Israeli-induced starvation crisis. The attacks come as aid agencies and health officials warn of a sharp rise in starvation, particularly among children and the elderly. Salim Asfour, 75, told Al Jazeera he had been living off nothing but bread and water for months and had dropped from 80kg (176 pounds) to 40kg (88 pounds) since the start of the war. My son needs to help me walk to the bathroom, he said. How will I go get the food aid from Rafah. How will I walk 20km (12 miles)? According to Gazas Ministry of Health, eight more people have died of starvation or malnutrition in the latest 24-hour reporting period, including a child. This brings the total number of Palestinians who have died from hunger or malnutrition since Israels war began to 188, including 94 children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Israel allowed 95 aid trucks into the Strip, far below the 600 trucks per day needed to meet minimum survival needs, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The daily average now stands at 85 trucks. Gazas Government Media Office has once again warned of an intensifying humanitarian catastrophe. In a statement, it said that most of the limited aid has been looted due to security chaos being sowed by the Israeli occupation as part of a systematic policy of engineering chaos and starvation. Full Israeli takeover? Despite intense international pressure for a ceasefire to ease hunger and the appalling conditions in the besieged Palestinian enclave, efforts to mediate a truce between Israel and Hamas have collapsed. Instead, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks poised to announce plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahus office said in a statement on Tuesday that he had held a limited security discussion lasting about three hours, during which military chief Eyal Zamir presented the options for continuing the campaign in Gaza. An Israeli official told the Reuters news agency that Minister of Defence Israel Katz and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, an aide of Netanyahu, would attend a meeting later this week to decide on a strategy to take to the cabinet. Israeli media reported that the cabinet is to convene on Thursday. Israels Channel 12, quoting an official from Netanyahus office, said the prime minister was leaning towards taking control of the entire territory, which the Israeli army has mostly reduced to rubble. The UN on Tuesday called reports about a possible decision to expand Israels military operations throughout the Gaza Strip deeply alarming if true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International law is clear in the regard: Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the future Palestinian state, UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told a UN Security Council meeting. On Tuesday, Israeli tanks pushed into central Gaza, but it was not clear if the move was part of a larger ground offensive. Palestinians living in the last quarter of territory where Israel has not yet taken military control via ground incursions or forced evacuations said any new push would be catastrophic. If the tanks pushed through, where would we go? Into the sea? This will be like a death sentence to the entire population, said Abu Jehad, a Gaza wood merchant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 61,020 Palestinians, including at least 18,430 children, have been killed in Gaza since the war began in October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities. Forty-nine captives, including 27 who are believed to be dead, are still being held by Hamas, according to Israeli authorities. Israels deadly assault has also forced nearly all of Gazas more than 2 million people from their homes and caused what a global hunger monitor last week called an unfolding famine. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Tuesday warned Benjamin Netanyahu against a full occupation of the Gaza Strip, following reports that the Israeli premier is leaning towards making a major decision on the next step in the war. "What the Cabinet and government are heading towards will lead to the death of all hostages," Lapid wrote on X, saying the remaining hostages held in Gaza would die of hunger, beatings, torture or even in Israeli military operations if the army intends to capture all of Gaza. Of the 250 people abducted by the Palestinian militant group Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, 50 are still held in Gaza, with some 20 believed to be still alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opposition leader's warning came after several Israeli media outlets on Monday reported that Netanyahu was pushing for the complete capture of the Gaza Strip despite objections from the military leadership. However, the Israeli Security Cabinet would first have to approve such a plan. Broadcaster N12 has reported that the body is due to meet on Thursday for consultations. Netanyahu has not yet commented publicly on the plans. The premier met with army chief Eyal Zamir earlier on Tuesday to discuss the next steps in the Gaza war. Netanyahu's office said Zamir presented him with possible options for continuing the war, which has been going on for nearly 22 months. Details of the plans were not initially disclosed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli media reported that the full occupation of Gaza was not among the options presented by the army chief. The army leadership is reportedly very concerned about extending the fighting to occupy the Gaza Strip completely, due to the risks for the remaining hostages and Israeli soldiers. However, the statement distributed by Netanyahu's office stated: "The army is ready to implement all decisions of the Security Cabinet." A migrant rescue ship operated by German aid organization Sea-Watch in the Mediterranean has been allowed to leave the port of Lampedusa after Italian authorities detained the vessel over accusations of resisting orders, the organization said Tuesday. The Aurora has been stuck in Lampedusa since July 14, when it brought 70 migrants to the Italian island after rescuing them from distress at sea. In detaining the vessel, Italian authorities argued the crew had ignored orders to set sail for the port of Pozzallo in Sicily. A court in the Sicilian town of Agrigent suspended the administrative detention on Monday, Sea-Watch said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aid organization argued that heading for Pozzallo had been impossible at the time due to the bad weather conditions and the resulting longer journey. It said the crew of the Aurora received explicit permission to dock in Lampedusa after informing the authorities about the changed course. The court came to the conclusion that the captain acted in line with international law, Sea-Watch said in the post, describing the detention as a political attempt to prevent the organization from rescuing lives. The Italian government under far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has taken a tough a stance against migrants, especially those arriving from the Middle East and North Africa by boat. Civilian rescue groups operating in the Mediterranean, including Sea-Watch, have repeatedly accused the government of attempting to systematically obstruct their work, for example by assigning ports that require long travel times or detaining their vessels. By Alvise Armellini ROME (Reuters) -Italy will tighten controls on the supply of gender-affirming medical care for minors, according to a draft law approved by the government that has triggered protests from transgender rights advocates. The law, passed by the cabinet late on Monday but still subject to parliamentary approval, will regulate medicines such as puberty blockers and feminising or masculinising hormones for those under the age of 18 who are experiencing gender dysphoria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the government said it was needed "to protect the health of minors" and introduce "effective data monitoring." Gender dysphoria is the clinical diagnosis of significant distress that can result from an incongruence between a person's gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. The new bill states that gender-affirming medicines will only be dispensed following protocols yet to be drafted by the health ministry, and, pending that, after approval by a national ethics committee of paediatricians. It also sets up a national registry at the Italian Medicines Agency to monitor "the correct use of (these) medicines" and collect the detailed medical histories of each transgender person undergoing treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a form of profiling of trans people, with all their sensitive data, in the hands of a government-nominated agency ... it is extremely serious," Roberta Parigiani, a spokesperson for the Trans Identity Movement, told Reuters on Tuesday. She said that introducing more layers of screening for the approval of gender-affirming medical care was concerning, as it increases the risk that treatment may be delayed for young teenagers or pre-teens waiting for it. "It's not like you can wait one or two years," Parigiani said. Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a self-described enemy of what she and her allies call the "LGTB lobby" and "gender ideology," Italy has a right-wing government that espouses so-called traditional family values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the nearly three years that it has been in office, Meloni's coalition has made it harder for same-sex couples with children to be both recognised as legal parents, and has made it illegal for any couple to go abroad to have a baby via surrogacy. The draft bill could be rejected or substantially amended by parliament, but given that Meloni's coalition has a solid majority and backs its objectives, there is a high chance it will be approved. (Reporting by Alvise Armellini, Editing by Bernadette Baum) Months after a deadline for policy recommendations to expand access to in vitro fertilization passed, the White House has not released any plans for the fertility treatment. In February, Trump signed an executive order directing policy advisers to make recommendations on how to lower costs for IVF after promising to do so on the campaign trail. The order gave the Domestic Policy Council 90 days to do so, making the deadline May 19, according to CBS News. On Aug. 3, the Washington Post reported that anonymous sources said the White House currently has no plan to provide or require coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump once called himself the "father of IVF" during the campaign as he pledged to find ways to cover the cost of the treatment, either through government coverage or through a mandate on insurance companies. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for an update on the possible policy plans. More: The White House wants women to have more babies. They're ignoring part of the problem men What is IVF? IVF is the process of combining a sperm and egg in a laboratory and transferring them to a uterus, commonly used to aid conception for someone with fertility issues. Advocates for the treatment were worried that access to the treatment could come under threat after the Dobbs decision in June 2022. That fear was somewhat realized in February 2024 when the Alabama Supreme Court decided embryos had the legal status of children in a landmark case. The Alabama legislature later passed a bill to protect IVF patients and providers. Why is IVF controversial? Approximately 2% of births in the U.S. each year come from IVF pregnancies, and it can be a life-changing procedure for people experiencing infertility who want to start a family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the procedure is opposed by some religious groups, many conservative Christians, who argue that life begins the moment an egg is fertilized and that humans should leave procreation to God, not science. When the first IVF baby was born in 1979, a coalition of anti-abortion groups spoke out against the procedure. But that was after the Roe v. Wade decision, so embryos were treated as private property that the respective egg and sperm donors could decide if they wanted to implant, destroy or pass on the embryo without consequence. What has Trump said about IVF in the past? Trump has long supported IVF, but surprised many conservatives on the campaign trail when he promised to require insurance companies or the government to cover costs associated with IVF. Under the Trump administration, your government will pay for or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for all costs associated with IVF treatment," Trump said at an event in August 2024. We want more babies, to put it very nicely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a Fox News town hall in October, Trump called himself the "father of IVF," while promising coverage for the procedure, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Upon returning to the White House, Trump issued an executive order in February directing his policy advisers to make recommendations on how to lower the costs of the procedure. The order he signed had no immediate impact on the cost or access of the treatment. I've been saying we are going to do what we have to do and I think the women and families, husbands, are very appreciative of it, Trump said of the order from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Contributing: Jessica Guynn, Bailey Schulz, Adrianna Rodriguez, Liam Adams, John Kennedy, Trevor Hughes, Riley Beggin, USA TODAY NETWORK Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is IVF? Deadline for Trump's coverage plans passed months ago A longtime Joplin police officer, J.D. Love, who was regarded by his peers as a community unifier, has died. He was 88. Love and his service to Joplin were recognized and commended at a street-naming ceremony in his honor last year. A crowd that included Loves wife and family, friends, current and former police officers and residents, celebrated him with a sign marking McKee Street at its intersection with Central Street as J.D. Love Way. Ambassadors of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon-cutting after the unveiling of the new street sign. Love joined the police department May 1, 1965. Within a few years, he left for another job, according to city records, and returned to the department in 1975, working until he retired Dec. 15, 1995. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He grew up in the East Town neighborhood, and graduated from Joplin High School and Missouri Southern State University. He served as Jasper County coroner for two terms following his police retirement. He also worked at St. Johns Regional Medical Center for 16 years. Love has been recognized over the years for his work as a police officer and as one who led the way for integration of the community. During his career, he was honored three times as Officer of the Month. Those awards came in 1971, 1978 and 1979. He demonstrated his devotion to serving the people of Joplin by saying, The people are the job. They are not the interruption to the job. Judd McPherson, a Joplin attorney who is a former police officer, worked with Love. He said Monday that Love was a good mentor for young officers. He was good at approaching situations to defuse them rather than escalate them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Love also was a powerful boxer. As tough as he was, his best ability was to defuse. He was strong and had fists like an anvil, McPherson said. Former Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean said at the street renaming last year that Mr. J.D. is a man who has given so much to his community. Everybody who knows him loves him. Mayor Keenan Cortez said at the ceremony that Loves calm and respectful demeanor helped pave the way for other Black residents to integrate into the community. The legacy he has left behind for what he has already done and the good example that he has set for our community, not only what its like to be a good member of this community but to be a good steward of the responsibilities, are reasons to honor Love, the mayor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of volunteers also worked to provide repairs to Loves house in 2022. Scott Clayton, executive director of Joplin Habitat for Humanity, organized the volunteer workday because of Loves reputation. He described Love as a well-respected gentlemen who served our community. Kelley Meadows, who worked with Love at the police department and assisted with the workday, said at the time that Love taught him how to handle and treat people with respect. I like J.D., he said. Hes a really good guy, and were glad to help him. We appreciate all that he has done for us. Service arrangements have not been announced. Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy Norris campaign) Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris became the latest candidate to join the race for U.S. Senate Tuesday, saying she wants to focus on family issues like child care, education and housing. Norris, a Democrat, has a long history in politics, both in Washington, D.C., and Iowa. She worked as chief of staff for former first lady Michelle Obama and for a nonprofit run by former President George H.W. Bush, as well as on the campaigns of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack and former President Barack Obama. Now, she is chair of the Des Moines school board and president of Horizon Group, a market research and consulting firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her choice to run for Senate came largely from her experiences outside of politics, Norris said in an interview, from her time as a school board member, and formerly as a teacher and as the CEO of Goodwill of Central Iowa. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ive seen firsthand the invisible burdens that families are carrying right now, Norris said. It is so hard for our young people, when government cuts programs for hungry kids, when its harder to access childrens health care, and (when) child care workers are paid, you know, not enough and have to work two jobs to take care of our young people. Government has turned its back on families. And the red versus blue politics and yelling is not working right now. Its not getting anything done, and quite honestly, nobodys held accountable. Norris said she is able to offer a new vision as a candidate who is not afraid to get out there and say what I think, roll up my sleeves and fight, have the grit, take my experiences and get things done in the U.S. Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norris is competing for the Democratic nomination against state Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville; state Rep. J.D. Scholten, D-Sioux City, and the former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage for the party nomination. Other candidates may also join the race the Des Moines Register reported state Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, is also preparing to announce a bid for the seat in August. But Norris said she is uniquely positioned as a strong contender for the job, with extensive experience in fields like education and community service, as well as working directly with both Democrats and Republicans. If elected to the U.S. Senate, Norris said she is prepared to find ways to work with President Donald Trump and Republicans in order to accomplish meaningful policies. Americans are going to believe in government again if they actually see us putting them ahead of our party loyalties. And look, in Iowa, Trump was elected, and so, Im going to work with whatever strange bedfellows I need to, to accomplish good things for Iowa. So whether thats addressing some of the uncertainty with our tariffs, whether thats making sure we restore health access to our veterans that is what people should expect of us, is that we are not just yelling at each other, but were actually getting things done for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seat is currently held by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican. Ernst has not announced whether she is running for reelection in 2026, though she hired a campaign manager and has received encouragement from GOP leadership to seek another term. Ernst had gained national attention in May for her comment well, we all are going to die at a town hall when responding to a person who said Medicaid cuts included in the budget reconciliation bill would result in deaths. Norris said this statement was troubling, as was her decision to confirm U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. While the Iowa Republican has been criticized from the right for expressing concerns about Hegseth during the nomination process, she ultimately voted to confirm him. But Norris said Ernsts vote to support Hegseth shows a loss of integrity, as Ernst, a combat veteran and survivor of sexual assault, has been a major advocate for making changes to how the U.S. military works with women in the service and handles sexual assault cases. Hegseth has been accused of sexual assault, as well as facing other allegations about public intoxication and corporate mismanagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a military mom, I appreciate and respect her commitment to service, but when you cut programs to the very veterans youve served beside, I think youve lost your way, Norris said of Ernst. And if you stay silent when women in uniform are disrespected by the secretary of Defense, I think youve lost your way. Norris said Iowans can expect to see her in the coming months holding roundtable discussions and having conversations about issues like health care and child care affordability with the people impacted by recent policies. Most importantly, what I think youre going to see from me is hard work, listening and getting out there and taking a few risks and talking about the things that are really important to people, Norris said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SYLVA, N.C. (WSPA) Health officials are investigating after a person who spent time in Jackson County later tested positive for tuberculosis. The Jackson County Department of Public Health said on Tuesday it was working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to investigate an instance in which a person who tested positive for tuberculosis spent time in Jackson County while they were infectious. Tuberculosis is a serious but treatable disease which most often affects the lungs and spreads through the air when an individual coughs, speaks, or sings. Health officials said at this time, the risk to the general public remains low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon learning a person who had spent time in the county had been diagnosed with the disease, health officials said the person was isolated and given treatment, and a detailed contact investigation is underway to find anyone who may have been exposed to tuberculosis. Our priority is the health and well-being of everyone in Jackson County, said Anna Lippard, public health director. We are working carefully to identify and support those who may have been exposed, and were committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way. If you have not been contacted directly by the health department, there is no need to seek testing 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 WSPA 7NEWS. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Jake Dalton is coming home! Louisiana First News is proud to announce that Prairieville native and Dutchtown High alumnus Jake Dalton is joining the StormTracker Team as its new Chief Meteorologist. Dalton, a trusted face in Memphis, Tennessee, as part of the WREG weather team, brings more than a decade of forecasting experience, a deep passion for severe weather coverage, and a commitment to keeping Louisianans informed and safe. I couldnt be more thrilled to be joining the StormTracker team at Louisiana First News. South Louisiana is home; its where my interest in weather began, and I am honored to be able to lead this team to keep our area safe, said Jake Dalton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meet the Louisiana First News Team The capital area native is a graduate of Mississippi State University. Dalton has previously worked in Meridian, Mississippi, Baton Rouge and Jackson, Mississippi, where he has had extensive experience covering hurricanes and severe storms. Im excited to welcome Jake home and to have him lead our team of meteorologists. Weve assembled a dedicated team that I know will serve the Baton Rouge region well, said John Walton, news director for Louisiana First News. Jake is more than just a meteorologist; hes a communicator, a storyteller, and someone who understands the critical role weather plays in peoples daily lives, said Tim Ingram, VP & General Manager. Were thrilled to welcome him home to Louisiana and know our viewers will appreciate his expertise, energy, and down-to-earth style. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dalton joins the StormTracker Weather team, which includes meteorologists Ashley Renee, Alex Noel, Keller Watts, and student meteorologist Taylor Hunn, all dedicated to delivering accurate, dependable forecasts around the clock. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The Baton Rouge Police Department is calling on the community to come out and support one of their own. A jambalaya fundraiser will be held for Sgt. Caleb Eisworth from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at The Jambalaya Shoppe on Magnolia Beach Road in Denham Springs. Supporters will get jambalaya, two sides and a roll for $12. This is a cash-only event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those who are interested, organizers are asking for pre-orders if possible. Call 225-243-7001. Family of BRPD officer critically injured in crash thanks community, leaders for support 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. An upgraded derivative of Japans Mogami class frigate has won a competition to become the Royal Australian Navys next major surface warship. Beyond being an important new addition to Australias combat fleet, this would be one of, if not the most significant foreign arms sale for Japan since the end of World War II. Richard Marles, Australias Minister for Defence and Deputy Prime Minister, announced the selection of the Japanese bid to replace the Royal Australian Navys eight existing Anzac class types on August 5 (it is now Tuesday in Australia). Nikkei Asia in Japan first reported the impending deal on Monday, citing anonymous officials. Australia formally kicked off its search for new frigates in February 2024, as part of a program called SEA 3000. The competitors had reportedly been sworn to secrecy on threat of being kicked out of the competition or even potential criminal prosecution. The Royal Australian Navys Anzac class frigate HMAS Ballarat. USN The Royal Australian Navys Anzac class frigate HMAS Ballarat. USN Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is expected to build the first three frigates for Australia in Japan, followed by another eight at a yard in Australia, according to Australian public broadcaster ABC. The entire order has an estimated price tag of $10 billion Australian dollars (nearly $6.5 billion U.S. dollars at the rate of conversion at the time of writing). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four frigate designs were originally under consideration for SEA 3000: the improved version of the Mogami class (also referred to as the New FFM), the MEKO A-200 from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Germany, the Batch II or Batch III subclasses of South Koreas Daegu class, and the Alfa 3000 from Spanish shipbuilder Navantia. By the end of last year, the Daegu class and Alfa 3000 offers had been eliminated. It is worth noting here that Australias existing Anzac class frigates, which the winner of the SEA 3000 competition is set to replace, are based on an older version of the German MEKO design, while its Hobart class destroyers were designed by Navantia. The original Mogami class design (also known as the 30FFM), the first of which only entered Japanese service in 2022, is already a very modern design with its shape featuring some stealthy characteristics. The 436-foot-long, 53-and-a-half-foot-wide, 5,500-metric-ton displacement frigates have a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system that allows for fuel-efficient normal cruising operations and an additional burst of speed in combat. The ships have an active electronically scanned array (AESA) main radar, as well as a host of other advanced sensors and mission systems. One of the Mogamis most distinctive features is its NORA-50 UNIted COmbined Radio aNtenna (UNICORN) mast on top of the main superstructure, which contains various antennas. The frigates also have especially futuristic-looking Combat Information Centers (CIC), as TWZ has highlighted in the past. The first-in-class JS Mogami. Its distinctive UNIted COmbined Radio aNtenna (UNICORN) mast is plainly visible. JMSDF Armament-wise, the baseline Mogami class frigate has two four-round launchers for Type 17 anti-ship cruise missiles, a SeaRAM close-in defense system loaded with RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM), and a five-inch main gun in a turret at the bow. There are also two remote weapon stations, each armed with a .50 caliber machine gun, on top of the bridge for additional protection against close-in low-end threats. The Mogami design was originally slated to feature a 16-cell Mk 41 launch system array, but the seventh ship in the class, the JS Niyodo, which was commissioned in May, was the first to be fitted with it. The first six of these frigates were delivered without this capability, but they are expected to be back-fitted with it in the future. Mk 41 cells on Mogami class frigates are expected to be primarily filled with domestically-developed A-SAM or U.S.-designed RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles. Four ESSMs can notably be loaded in a single Mk 41 cell. JS Niyodo, seventh hull of the Mogami-class (30FFM) and first with the 16 cell Mk 41 VLS fitted. https://t.co/oVSZdHEoFv Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) May 22, 2025 Mogami class frigates also have a rear flight deck and hangar designed to accommodate a single Seahawk helicopter. You can read more about the design in detail here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new FFM derivative of the Mogami is longer (close to 466 feet), wider (nearly 56 feet), and has a displacement of some 6,200 metric tons. As part of the expanded design, the ships feature an enlarged 32-cell VLS array, as well as an upgraded radar, other improved sensors, and updated mission systems. A model of the enlarged derivative of the Mogami class, or new FFM. Japan Ministry of Defense What Australia-specific features the Japanese entry for the SEA 3000 competition might have are unknown. It is worth noting that the Mk 41 VLS cells on the improved Mogami class design are the longer strike length types that can accommodate a wider array of weapons. This includes Tomahawk cruise missiles, which Australia is in the process of integrating onto its Hobart class destroyers. The Australian Hobart class destroyer HMAS Brisbane fires a Tomahawk cruise missile during a test. Royal Australian Navy Overall, the upgraded Mogami class frigate would represent a massive improvement over the Anzac class design, the first of which entered Australian service in 1996 and the youngest of which are now pushing 20 years old. The final selection of the winner of the SEA 3000 competition comes at a time when Australia is facing growing demands to safeguard its own maritime interests, including being able to keep highly strategic maritime trade routes open, particularly amid growing regional competition with China. There is also the prospect of becoming involved in a major conflict in the Pacific with China, alongside allies like the United States and Japan, where naval capabilities would play key roles. With all this in mind, Australia is separately in the process of acquiring its first-ever nuclear attack submarines with the help of the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as looking to bolster its surface and subsurface fleets with new uncrewed capabilities. Purchasing Mogami class frigates from Japan also deepens Australias ties with an important ally, and vice versa. For Japan, a sale of warships would represent a major entry into the global arms market that the country has been building toward for years now. Japanese authorities and defense contractors have clearly been looking to sweeten the offer to Australia. In February, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries announced plans to expand its facilities in Canberra. The month before, Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, had said Australia could skip ahead of his country in the production queue if it picked the Mogami offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This does represent a very significant moment in the bilateral relationship between Australia and Japan, Australias Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Marles said in a statement today. This is clearly the biggest defence industry agreement that will ever have been struck between Japan and Australia. In fact, its really one of the biggest defence exports that Japan has ever engaged in. This will reportedly be the first time Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has ever built warships outside of Japan, which might help open up additional export prospects. The Mogami class has notably been floated as a potential alternative to the U.S. Navys troubled Constellation class frigates. A pair of Japanese Mogami class frigates. JMSDF All of this could have broader ramifications for Japan. The Japanese governments interpretations of its rights and obligations under Article 9 of the countrys constitution, which prohibits offensive military action, have been steadily evolving in recent years. Altogether, todays announcement that the improved Mogami class design has won the SEA 3000 competition is a major development for Australia and Japan that could send ripples beyond the Indo-Pacific region. Contact the author: joe@twz.com "The widening of the division within the international community over approaches to nuclear disarmament has made the current security environment even more challenging," Ishiba said. "But that is exactly why we must make all-out efforts to bring about a world without nuclear war and a world without nuclear weapons under the regime of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime." Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI Japan logged a new heat record on Tuesday, with the mercury hitting 41.8C, the weather office said, warning temperatures may rise further still. Temperatures the world over have soared in recent years as climate change creates ever more erratic weather patterns, and Japan is no exception. The scorching temperature in the city of Isesaki on Tuesday surpassed the previous record in the Hyogo region of 41.2C, which was set only last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tokyo has also been struggling with extreme heat. "I'm really concerned about global warming, but when it comes to my daily life, I can't live without turning on the air conditioner," office worker Mayomi Saito told AFP. "I don't really know what I should be doing. I'm just desperately getting through each day." Last month, 38,608 people were treated in hospital for heatstroke, data showed Tuesday, down from 43,195 in July 2024. Last week there were 18 deaths. In tourist hotspot Kyoto last week the mercury hit 40C, the first time any of its observation points -- the oldest opened in 1880, the newest in 2002 -- had seen such a high, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. July was also the hottest since records began in 1898, the weather agency said Friday, with the average monthly temperature 2.89C above the 1991-2020 average. Japan's summer last year was the joint hottest on record, equalling 2023, and was followed by the warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - South Korea, Vietnam sizzle - Blistering heatwaves have also hit other parts of Asia this summer, from South Korea to Vietnam, as well as Europe. South Korea saw its second-hottest July, with an average temperature of 27.1C, according the meteorological office, which has been collecting such data since 1973. The hottest July on record in South Korea was in 1994, when the average temperature reached 27.7 degrees Celsius. In northern Vietnam, 17 places across seven provinces reported record highs for the month of August, with electricity demand spiking as people try to stay cool, authorities said Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The capital Hanoi experienced its first-ever August day above 40C on Monday. In Japan, some dams and paddies nationwide are experiencing a water shortage, with farmers complaining that the sizzling heat combined with a lack of rain is slowing rice cultivation. 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. Every summer, Japanese officials urge the public to seek shelter in air-conditioned rooms to avoid heatstroke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elderly in Japan -- which has the world's second-oldest population after Monaco -- are particularly at risk. This year, western Europe saw its hottest June on record, as extreme temperatures blasted the region in punishing back-to-back heatwaves, according to the EU climate monitor Copernicus. Dangerous weather stretched into the next month, with separate research estimating that climate change made the temperature up to 4C hotter, pushing the thermometer into deadly territory for thousands of vulnerable people and greatly worsening the projected death toll. Firefighters also battled blazes across Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece and Portugal in July following a deadly heatwave. Millions were exposed to high heat stress as daily average temperatures in western Europe climbed to levels rarely seen before -- and never so early in the summer. tmo-nf-aph-stu/lb TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan recorded its highest-ever temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius (107.2 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, prompting the government to advise residents to stay indoors and promise steps to ease weather-related damage to rice crops. Readings in the eastern city of Isesaki, in Gunma prefecture, surpassed the previous high of 41.2 C marked last week in the western city of Tamba in Hyogo prefecture, the country's meteorological agency said. So far this summer, more than 53,000 people have been taken to hospital for heat stroke, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today is murderously hot," said 63-year-old auto worker Takeshi Ishikawa, who was filling his water bottle at a fountain in central Tokyo. "If it gets to 42 degrees, it would be hotter than my bath that I prepare at 40 degrees." Average temperatures across Japan have continued to climb after marking a record high in July for the third year in a row, while the northeastern region along the Sea of Japan has registered critically low levels of rainfall, raising concerns over the rice harvest. High temperatures have caused a proliferation of stink bugs in some rice-growing areas, even as the government is set to officially adopt a new policy on Tuesday of increased rice production to prevent future shortages. "We need to act with speed and a sense of crisis to prevent damage" from high temperatures, Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at a press conference. The government will offer support for pest control and measures to tackle drought, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extreme heat in 2023 had damaged the quality of rice, causing an acute shortage last year that was exacerbated by the government's misreading of supply and demand. That led to historically high prices of the all-important staple food, causing a national crisis. (Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim, Kaori Kaneko, additional reporting by Irene Wang and Miyu Arishima; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, Muralikumar Anantharaman and Kim Coghill) By Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said he would leave for Washington on Tuesday, seeking to press for President Donald Trump's signing of an executive order that would bring an agreed cut to tariffs on Japanese auto imports into effect. The U.S. last month agreed in a trade deal to lower existing tariffs on Japanese car imports to 15% from levies totalling 27.5% previously, but a timeframe for the change to go into effect was not announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duties on other Japanese goods will be cut to 15% from 25% from Thursday. "We will push the United States to make sure that an executive order be signed on the agreed tariff on automobiles and automotive components as soon as possible," Akazawa told parliament. Referring to the problem of "stacking" where goods can be affected by multiple tariffs, Akazawa also said Japan wants to make sure goods that are already levied at more than 15% would be exempt from the additional 15% rate. A table attached to Trump's July 31 executive order that addressed tariff rates for many trading partners showed a "no stacking" condition applies to the European Union, while no such clarification was given for Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Akazawa told parliament Japan has received reassurances from the U.S. that it would be treated the same way as the European Union regarding the condition. He stressed that there was no misunderstanding with the United States about Japan's $550 billion investment package agreed in the tariff deal. "We have repeatedly explained to the U.S. that Japan will invest up to $550 billion in the form of equity, loans and guarantees" through state-owned financial institutions to jointly build supply chains critical for national security, Akazawa said. "This is what we believe is our consensus." Akazawa has said equity investment would account for just about 1-2% of the $550 billion. (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki and Mariko Katsumura; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) Eighty years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, many of the remaining Japanese survivors are increasingly frustrated by growing nuclear threats and the acceptance of nuclear weapons by global leaders. The U.S. attacks on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and three days later on Nagasaki killed more than 200,000 people by the end of that year. Others survived but with radiation illness. About 100,000 survivors are still alive. Many hid their experiences to protect themselves and their families from discrimination that still exists. Others couldnt talk about what happened because of the trauma they suffered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the aging survivors have begun to speak out late in their lives, hoping to encourage others to push for the end of nuclear weapons. An English-speaking guide at Hiroshima's peace park Despite numerous health issues, survivor Kunihiko Iida, 83, has devoted his retirement years to telling his story as a way to advocate for nuclear disarmament. He volunteers as a guide at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. He wants to raise awareness among foreigners because he feels their understanding of the bombings is lacking. It took him 60 years to be able to talk about his ordeal in public. When the U.S. dropped a uranium bomb on Hiroshima, Iida was 900 meters (yards) away from the hypocenter, at a house where his mother grew up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was 3 years old. He remembers the intensity of the blast. It was as if he was thrown out of a building. He found himself alone underneath the debris, bleeding from shards of broken glass all over his body. Mommy, help! he tried to scream, but his voice didnt come out. Eventually he was rescued by his grandfather. Within a month, his 25-year-old mother and 4-year-old sister died after developing nosebleeds, skin problems and fatigue. Iida had similar radiation effects through elementary school, though he gradually regained his health. He was almost 60 when he finally visited the peace park at the hypocenter, the first time since the bombing, asked by his aging aunt to keep her company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After he decided to start telling his story, it wasnt easy. Overwhelmed by emotion, it took him a few years before he could speak in public. In June, he met with students in Paris, London and Warsaw on a government-commissioned peace program. Despite his worries about how his calls for nuclear abolishment would be perceived in nuclear-armed states like Britain and France, he received applause and handshakes. Iida says he tries to get students to imagine the aftermath of a nuclear attack, how it would destroy both sides and leave behind highly radioactive contamination. The only path to peace is nuclear weapons' abolishment. There is no other way, Iida said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A regular at anti-war protests Fumiko Doi, 86, would not have survived the atomic bombing on Nagasaki if a train she was on had been on time. The train was scheduled to arrive at Urakami station around 11 a.m., just when the bomb was dropped above a nearby cathedral. With the delay, the train was 5 kilometers (3 miles) away. Through the windows, Doi, then 6, saw the flash. She covered her eyes and bent over as shards of broken windows rained down. Nearby passengers covered her for protection. People on the street had their hair burnt. Their faces were charcoal black and their clothes were in pieces, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doi told her children of the experience in writing, but long hid her status as a survivor because of fear of discrimination. Doi married another survivor. She worried their four children would suffer from radiation effects. Her mother and two of her three brothers died of cancer, and two sisters have struggled with their health. Her father, a local official, was mobilized to collect bodies and soon developed radiation symptoms. He later became a teacher and described what he'd seen, his sorrow and pain in poetry, a teary Doi explained. Doi began speaking out after seeing the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster following a strong earthquake and tsunami, which caused radioactive contamination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She travels from her home in Fukuoka to join anti-war rallies, and speaks out against atomic weapons. Some people have forgotten about the atomic bombings ... Thats sad," she said, noting that some countries still possess and develop nuclear weapons more powerful than those used 80 years ago. If one hits Japan, we will be destroyed. If more are used around the world, thats the end of the Earth, she said. Thats why I grab every chance to speak out. At Hiroshima, learning from survivors After the 2023 Hiroshima G7 meeting of global leaders and the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the grassroots survivors group Nihon Hidankyo last year, visitors to Hiroshima and Nagasaki peace museums have soared, with about one third of them coming from abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a recent day, most of the visitors at the Hiroshima peace park were non-Japanese. Samantha Anne, an American, said she wanted her children to understand the bombing. Its a reminder of how much devastation one decision can make, Anne said. Katsumi Takahashi, a 74-year-old volunteer specializing in guided walks of the area, welcomes foreign visitors but worries about Japanese youth ignoring their own history. On his way home, Iida, the survivor and guide, stopped by a monument dedicated to the children killed. Millions of colorful paper cranes, known as the symbol of peace, hung nearby, sent from around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even a brief encounter with a survivor made the tragedy more real, Melanie Gringoire, a French visitor, said after Iida's visit. Its like sharing a little piece of history. ___ Associated Press video journalists Mayuko Ono and Ayaka McGill contributed to this report. HARTINGTON, Neb. (KCAU) Jason Jones, the man found guilty of killing four people in Laurel, Nebraska, has requested not to be at a November hearing on whether or not he will receive the death penalty. According to court documents filed on Monday, Jones submitted his request to be absent on August 2. This follows a trend, as Jones was also absent from his murder trial. Whether or not Jones will receive the death penalty will be decided on November 20 by a three-judge panel. The hearing will take place at the Dakota County Courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones was originally accused of the murder of Gene Twiford, 86, Janet Twiford, 85, and their daughter Dana Twiford, 55, at their home during the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2022. He was also accused of killing a fourth person, Michele Ebeling, 53, at her home. He then allegedly set both homes on fire. Story continues below Jones was arrested the following day. He was then charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree arson, and four counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony. Jones pleaded not guilty to the charges in May 2023. On September 26, 2024, Jones was found guilty by a jury of four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony, and two counts of second-degree arson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones wife and alleged accomplice, Carrie Jones, has also been charged in connection with the case. She is accused of one count of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and accessory to a felony. Carrie Jones is currently on trial at the Madison County Courthouse as of the time of publishing. You can follow the Carrie Jones trial here. Jason Jones is expected to appear as a witness during Carrie Jones trial prior to the death penalty hearing in November. Read more about Jason Jones murder trial here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Vice President JD Vance is visiting Indianapolis on Aug. 7 to speak with Gov. Mike Braun and Republican legislative leaders about the possibility of redistricting the state's congressional districts amid the Trump administration's push to increase the GOP majority in the House. Vance plans to meet with Braun, House Speaker Todd Huston of Fishers and Senate Pro Tempore Rodric Bray of Martinsville. The group expects to discuss several topics, Braun said, but any discussion about redistricting would be "exploratory" and no commitments have been made at this point. But Braun didn't rule out calling a special session to redraw the Hoosier States congressional districts in an attempt to squeeze in another Republican seat ahead of the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm going to listen and see where they're coming from," Braun told reporters at the Statehouse. "And again, I'm going to be listening along with the other two leaders in the legislature and everybody's going to probably have a little different point of view." Republicans already hold seven of Indianas nine U.S. House seats, but Brauns comments come as the Trump administration has encouraged other states to take up mid-decade redistricting to help maintain a GOP majority in the House after next years elections. Punchbowl News reported that the White House has been exploring the possibility of also encouraging state leaders to redistrict in Indiana. The redistricting process is already underway in Republican-led Texas where new congressional maps would give the GOP in that state five additional U.S. House seats. The effort resulted in Texas Democrats fleeing to Illinois on Aug. 3 to disrupt legislative procedures. Indiana Democrats quickly condemned the idea of a special session to draw new congressional maps. Karen Tallian, the Indiana Democratic Party chairwoman, in a statement said any redistricting in the Hoosier State shows Republicans are "afraid of the voters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sending the Vice President here to beg for another congressional seat is beyond absurd," Tallian said. "Hoosiers need to stand up against this blatant undermining of democracy." State Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, told reporters that the redistricting push is a sign of Trump's "sinking" popularity. "President Trump and Vice President Vance are so desperate they're scraping for every seat they can get through gerrymandering," Pierce said. "You have to be pretty desperate to decide having seven of the nine seats in Indiana held by Republicans is not enough." But Pierce also noted that Statehouse Democrats would not have the same ability to break quorum during a special session that Texas Democrats took over the weekend by fleeing to Illinois. Democrats are in the superminority in both chambers at the Statehouse with 30 seats in the House and 10 seats in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do not yet have enough seats to be able to do that, and maybe that's something the voters will keep in mind when they decide who they're going to support in the upcoming election," he said. What would it take to redistrict in Indiana? Braun would have to call a special session for the Indiana General Assembly if Republicans decide they want to redraw Hoosier congressional maps. Huston and Bray, both Republicans, have not responded to IndyStar questions through spokespeople about whether President Donald Trump has contacted them or if they have an appetite to draft new maps. Republicans have a supermajority, so new maps could be approved by the legislature despite resistance from Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its likely U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvans 1st District seat in Northwest Indiana would be a signature focus of any redistricting efforts at the Statehouse, although some national outlets have reported longtime Indianapolis U.S. Rep. Andre Carsons 7th District seat could be targeted as well. National Republicans have targeted Mrvans seat as a flip opportunity for the last two election cycles and are poised to again in 2026, especially as Northwest Indianas rust belt communities have voted more Republican over the years. I think this seat is one that belongs in the Republican column, House Speaker Mike Johnson told IndyStar in 2024. But Mrvan has still defeated his Republican challengers, winning reelection in 2022 by nearly six percentage points and in 2024 by eight percentage points. A press contact for Mrvan's office did not immediately respond to questions from IndyStar. When did Indiana last go through redistricting? State lawmakers last went through redistricting in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census when they made changes to both Statehouse and congressional maps. At that time, Republicans left Mrvans seat alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, they further cemented GOP grip on the 5th Congressional District after now-U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz defeated Democrat Christina Hale by four points in a nationally-watched race in 2020. Since then, Spartz has won general election contests in 2022 and 2024 by double-digit percentage points over her Democratic opponents. The 2021 congressional maps also adjusted the boundaries of the 6th Congressional District, now represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve, to include the southern portion of Indianapolis. Some Republicans at the time criticized the move as potentially minimizing the voices of more rural communities in that district. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar politics and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: JD Vance to visit Indiana amid push for redistricting The Brief Pinellas businessman Jeff Knight has officially pleaded not guilty in the deadly Clearwater boat crash. The April 27 crash killed one person and injured 10. The operator of the Clearwater ferry was also charged for not having a properly working stern light. CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Pinellas County businessman who is accused of crashing into the Clearwater Ferry in April, killing one person and injuring several others, has officially pleaded not guilty. By the numbers Jeffry Knight is facing 24 charges, including eight counts of felony leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death and serious bodily injury and 16 counts of violating different navigational rules for the crash on April 27, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis Kimerer, the captain of the Clearwater Ferry, was also charged with violating a navigation rule for failing to have a working stern light at the time of the crash. The backstory On April 27, 2025, the Clearwater Ferry was carrying 45 passengers around 8:30 p.m. near the Memorial Causeway when law enforcement officers say Knight slammed into it with his boat. The impact of the crash caused multiple injuries as well as the death of Jose Castro, according to FWC. Multiple agencies responded in the aftermath of the crash, including FWC, the Clearwater Police Department, Clearwater Fire Department, Pinellas County Sheriffs Office and the United States Coast Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Clearwater Ferry crash victim sues Jeffry Knight after deadly collision Dig deeper During their months-long investigation, FWC officials said Knight left the scene of the crash and headed south toward his home. That's when investigators said the PCSO stopped him in the water. At the time of the crash, Knight told investigators he at first stayed at the scene to render aid to ferry passengers. He said his boat began to take on water, so he left, and thats why his boat was at the Belleair Boat Ramp. In an electronic data search warrant issued by the FWC, it was revealed that passengers on Knight's boat told investigators after the crash, Knight was panicked and told them, "My life is over. I'm going to lose everything," and tried to stop them from calling 911. The warrant also alleges Knight's all-around white light was not displayed on his boat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FWC officers investigated the case, which included reviewing surveillance video, analyzing physical evidence and interviewing numerous witnesses. The Coast Guard also investigated the Clearwater Ferry's involvement in the crash. Booking photo of Jeffry Knight. Courtesy: Pinellas County Jail. The other side Knight's legal team released the following statement last week after his arrest: "Jeffrey Knight remains deeply saddened by the events of April 27, 2025, and extends his prayers to all those affected. This tragic incident deserves careful attention, not rushed judgment and certainly not public mischaracterization. Yet from the very beginning, thats exactly what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim that Jeff Knight immediately sped from the scene is false and its time to correct the record, said Knights attorney, J. Kevin Hayslett. That allegation first issued publicly by the Clearwater Police Department and quickly echoed by media outlets, public officials, and social media commentators suggested that Knight fled responsibility. In truth, Knight remained on scene for over 11 minutes, tied his vessel to the ferry, pushed it toward land to assist first responders, and instructed his passenger to call 911, which resulted in a nine-minute recorded emergency call. He didnt flee he stayed, he helped, and he made the call. But that didnt fit the early narrative, Hayslett added. Even more troubling, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has filed eight felony chargesagainst Knight not for eight distinct criminal acts, but for a single alleged offense repeated for each person on board the ferry who claims injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets be clear: these arent eight separate incidents its one allegation copied eight times. It may sound dramatic, but its not eight different acts. Its the same charge applied to each passenger, Hayslett explained. And remarkably, those charges are not based on physical evidence or objective facts, but largely on Knights demeanor after the collision. When a law enforcement agency charges someone based on how they looked not what they did thats not justice. Thats opinion masquerading as law, Hayslett said. Meanwhile, in a development that finally confirms what Knights team has stated from the outset, the ferry boat captain has now been charged for failing to maintain a required stern light a basic and critical safety device under both Coast Guard and maritime law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its ironic and frankly outrageous that Knight was vilified while the ferry was operating in complete violation of federal safety standards, Hayslett said. This is the maritime equivalent of a school bus driving at night with no tail lights and blaming the driver who couldnt see it. As a common carrier, the Clearwater Ferry is legally bound to the highest standard of care. That includes: Coast Guard inspections Working navigational lighting (including stern lights) Use of sound signals to avoid collision Proper lookout and staffing Timely post-incident drug and alcohol screening Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knight is being charged for staying calm. The ferry captain is being charged for making his boat invisible,' Hayslett said. Knights conduct on April 27 and since has been consistent, responsible, and cooperative: He remained on scene Tied up to the ferry Pushed the vessel toward land Directed a 911 call lasting over 9 minutes Voluntarily submitted to a breath test result: 0.000 Surrendered his vessel for inspection Returned from out of state voluntarily Surrendered his passport If law enforcement had even a shred of evidence Jeff was impaired, they could have and would have compelled testing. They didnt. Because there wasnt any, said Hayslett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Clearwater Ferry, partially funded by taxpayers through the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), has escaped meaningful scrutiny for its own operational failures. When an insurance company writes a million-dollar check, theyre not doing it out of generosity theyre admitting fault, Hayslett noted. This case isnt about social media narratives or political soundbites. Its about the facts and what the evidence really shows. We look forward to presenting that evidence to an impartial jury of Mr. Knights peers and finally setting the record straight, Hayslett concluded." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family spokesperson and son-in-law of Captain Kimerer also released the following statement: "The charge against Captain Dennis Kimererwho sustained life-threatening injuries in this tragic incidentis without merit. The evidence makes clear that Mr. Knight was operating his vessel at an unsafe and reckless speed. He then fled the scene of the collisionconduct that speaks volumes about where the fault lies. As any experienced boater or motorist understands, equipment malfunctions can occur in transit. A single light failure does not absolve another operator of the responsibility to navigate safely, maintain situational awareness, and adjust speed accordingly. The obligation to operate at a safe speed exists precisely to allow for the unexpectedsomething Mr. Knight negligently ignored. Additionally, public statements indicate other boaters in the vicinity could see the ferry despite the equipment failure." The Source This story was written with court documents and previous FOX 13 News reports. JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) Thousands of students across central Alabama will return to the classroom this week. That means you can expect to see the return of the yellow school bus on your drive into work. CBS 42 stopped by the bus barn for Jefferson County Schools on Monday afternoon. In three days, 488 buses will hit the road in Jefferson County. Jefferson County Schools Director of Transportation Kevin Snowden wants to remind drivers that when the red signs on the school buses are deployed, they are recognized as a legal stop sign in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before stopping for children, Snowden said that the yellow lights will be activated to warn drivers that the bus is about to come to a complete stop. The bus will come to a stop, and the stop sign comes out, Snowden said. When that occurs, then its a legal stop sign, and all traffic must stop. The states advice on preparing for back to school in Alabama Cpt. Jeremy Burkett with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said drivers on two-lane and four-lane highways must come to a complete stop. The only exception is on a divided highway. In a situation like that, when the highways are completely divided and a stop signs out, whatever the opposing lane is would not have to stop for the school bus, Burkett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burkett said the ALEA is launching its Back to School, Back to Safety campaign to remind drivers about the importance of slowing down in school zones and giving buses enough room to stop. Youre supposed to stop where you give yourself 20 feet before your vehicle comes to a complete stop, Burkett said. School bus driver Brandy Albright has been behind the wheel for five years. What is the most dangerous mistake she said she sees drivers making? People will just, theyll see the arm out, and theyll continue going, especially on two-lane or four-lane roads, Albright said. A bus will be stopped, and they will keep traveling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albrights advice to all drivers is to just leave earlier and stay off their phones while behind the wheel. The ALEA plans to increase patrols around school zones during the first days of classes, particularly in rural areas where local law enforcement resources may be limited. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Birmingham Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriffs Office held a joint press conference Tuesday to discuss Operation Safer Communities: Unity Shield. JCSO, BPD Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Irondale Police Department joined together for an operation focused on crime deterrence, community engagement and more on July 31. Driver arrested following police pursuit in Homewood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These operations here happen because people call in. We always say, if you see something, say something If you see something in your community, if you know about drug houses in your community, call us. Give us information, and we will act on the information that you give us to make sure that your street is now safer, said Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway. To watch the full press conference, click here. They announced the following: Felony arrests 18 Felony charges 18 Misdemeanor arrests 7 Misdemeanor charges 23 Other arrests and charges 34 Total arrests 59 Total charges 75 Stolen vehicles recovered 2 Traffic stops 71 Warnings 57 State UTC 250 Firearms seized 3 Narcotics seized cocaine 3g; 54 pills; and marijuana 325.8g Search warrants executed 2 Warrants cleared 83 Sex offender verifications- 55 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Stacey Williams, a model who dated Jeffrey Epstein, said that he once confessed that he had secretly filmed her while she was naked. On the latest episode of The Daily Beast Podcast, Williams told host Joanna Coles that the incident happened after the first time she stayed over at Epsteins house. He said to me, You know, I have video of you undressed, naked in the bedroom, and its one of the most beautiful things Ive ever seen. Or something really creepy like that, she recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former model said that the admission may have been Epsteins attempt to assert control over her. He liked to send out little signals and eke out little drops of what was really, I think, going on. And then he wouldnt expand upon it, Williams said. So it was just enough for you to kind of stop and think, Well, wait, what? What did you just say? The woman I am todayas a fully formed, hopefully somewhat more actualized personwould look and say, What did you just say to me? What are you signaling right now? said Williams, now 57. However, at the time, Epstein was older and had a bunch of power, so his words would stick out as odd, but it was very hazy as to the meaning, she said. Stacey Williams at a Sports Illustrated promotional event in 1996three years after she dated Epstein. / Evan Agostini / Getty Images Williams, who was about 25 at the time, dated Epstein, then about 40, for several months in 1993. It wasnt long after this incident that she broke up with him, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams, who came to New York from rural Pennsylvania to be a model, said she started dating Epstein after they exchanged numbers at a Christmas party hosted by Donald Trump in 1992. She said that dating Epstein was very odd, because he didnt like to go to restaurants. He said he didnt like humanity. She said that although they spoke on the phone daily for four or five months, they didnt have a very sexual relationship. Jeffrey Epstein took his own life in a New York City jail cell in August 2019. / Kypros/Getty Images At the time, Williams saw flashes of a dark and twisted side to Epstein, who occasionally made subtle threats to people. He liked to intimidate, she said. It would be more than 25 years before Epstein would face the justice system for the full scale of his underage sex-trafficking operation. The disgraced financier died in his prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. It was ruled a suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While appearing on the podcast, Williams recalled another shocking incident from her time with Epstein: She said she was brazenly groped by Trump while Epstein watched. The allegation, which was first reported by The Guardian in Oct. 2024, was denied at the time by the Trump campaign. The White House did not return the Daily Beasts request for comment. Williams said that Epstein brought her along as he dropped by Trumps office one day, which she says was not out of the ordinary as the two men were good friends. Williams said she froze when, out of nowhere, Trump started groping her. I was just confused because they were continuing to talk, as if nothings happening, she said. Everything Donald does is hidden in its brazenness. You just do it right out there and everyone goes, Well, that cant be happening because its totally wrong and hes doing it right in front of everyone, so therefore it cant be happening. I mean thats what went through my head at that point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein, who had no reaction while the groping was happening, became enraged after they exited the building. He just turned and started yelling at me and said, Why did you let him do that? she recalled. Epstein and Trump were friends in the 1990s and early 2000s and were often photographed together at social events. Trump and Epstein were friends in the 1990s and early 2000s. / Davidoff Studios/Getty Images Over the last month, Trump has faced a crisis centering on Epstein. The blowback was sparked by the administrations announcement that there was no evidence in the governments files on Epstein of a so-called client list or that he was murdered. The president has tried to quell the outcry. But questions and concerns about his relationship to Epstein and his handling of the files continue to swirl. Two victims of Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking ring blasted the Trump administration over the notorious case Monday, with one accusing the Justice Department of prioritizing protection of the dead pedophiles rich friends over the women he abused. I am not sure the highest priority here is the victims, justice for the victims or combating child exploitation, read one of the two letters submitted in Manhattan federal court. Rather, I feel like the DOJs and FBIs priority is protecting the third-party, the wealthy men by focusing on scrubbing their names off the files. Two victims of Jeffrey Epstein have criticized the Trump Administrations handling of the notorious case. Getty Images The second letter slammed the feds for meeting last month with Epsteins convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell who was subsequently rewarded with a prison transfer one week after the shocking sitdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two judges are now weighing the governments bid to unseal transcripts of testimony by law enforcement agents before grand juries who handed up indictments of Epstein and Maxwell in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The DOJ has promised to redact the filings to protect victims. But one of the victims who wrote to US District Judge Richard Berman asked for their lawyer to review any suggested redactions before they are made public. [T]hey are the ones who also know the victims, their names, their truths and their stories unlike the United States Government who did not and does not even care to know our truth, their letter read. They would rather ask a convicted imprisoned sex trafficker/abuser for information, the victim added, referencing Maxwell. One of the victims ripped DOJ for meeting with Epsteins convicted madam Ghislaine Maxwell rather than with victims. SDNY The same victim described feeling disdain, disgust and fear at the administrations response to the Epstein saga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wish you would have handled and would handle the whole Epstein Files with more respect towards and for the victims, the letter reads. I am not some pawn in your political warfare. What you have done and continue to do is eating at me day after day as you help to perpetuate this story indefinitely. US Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed to release a set of juicy Epstein files, but backtracked months later. REUTERS The victim who accused the administration of shielding Epsteins circle of wealthy men from scrutiny requested Berman have an approved third-party review these documents to ensure that NO victims names or likenesses are revealed through this release. It is imperative with the scrutiny over this media frenzy that the victims are completely and entirely protected. In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi hyped up the release of a cache of Epstein documents that she suggested would reveal juicy details of the notorious financiers sickening crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she later backtracked, saying that no further disclosures would be warranted after the FBI and DOJ released a July 6 memo stating that Epstein, 66, killed himself on Aug. 10, 2019, while awaiting federal trial and did not keep a client list of associates who abused girls as young as 14 contrary to widespread speculation. The about-face caused an uproar among many of Trumps supporters. On July 17, Trump ordered Bondi to request the release of the grand jury material which represents a tiny fraction of the files the government says it has about Epstein. Berman, who had been overseeing Epsteins criminal case before his death, had given the government until 11:59 p.m. ET Monday to clarify whether the DOJ wanted grand jury exhibits unsealed in addition to transcripts of testimony. The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment. For Laura Kraftowitz, starvation in Gaza isn't a distant tragedy. It's something loved ones she met while living in Gaza are facing every day. So the Detroiter spent her birthday fasting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, as part of a Jewish Voice for Peace Detroit campaign called "Let Gaza live." Lex Eisenberg of Jewish Voice for Peace Detroit said the organization is asking people to sign up to fast 12-48 hours and post about it on social media, to personal and the organization's accounts. It's part of the organization's rolling fast that aims to raise awareness for starvation in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eisenberg said the campaign hopes to pressure Michigans U.S. senators, Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters, to support Senate Bill 898 to restore funding for UNRWA, which hasn't been voted on yet, and to support future bills and resolutions to stop weapons sales to Israel. We want to use our bodies and our platform to continue to build pressure on our elected officials, especially our senators, to stop starvation in Gaza and stop the military violence and ongoing genocide, Eisenberg said. Fasting creates space for reflection and repentance, Eisenberg said. "Fasting is an important part of Jewish tradition to commemorate tragedies," Eisenberg said. "In this case, we are using it as a way to embody our solidarity with the people in Gaza and end the suffering there." Metro Detroiters participate in Jewish Voice for Peace Detroit's fast in solidarity with Gaza that started on June 14. More than 50 people have participated or plan to participate in Jewish Voice for Peace Detroits public rolling fast that started on June 14, which Eisenberg said will continue until Gaza is fed. Other ways people are taking action to support the campaign are through contacting Michigan's senators and joining consumer fasts, boycotting companies associated with the Israeli government, Eisenberg said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jewish Voice for Peace chapters across the United States are hosting similar campaigns, including hunger strikes and fasting in solidarity with Gaza. A personal connection to Gaza Zev Greenwood, of Ypsilanti, fasted for 12 hours on July 16, but said 12 hours of not eating is nothing compared to the hunger facing Greenwood's friend, Mohammed, a 27-year-old living in Gaza, and his family. Being hungry can give the tiniest grain of empathy, Greenwood said. Fasting is a powerful way to stand with (them). I can't stand where you are, but I stand with you. Greenwood met Mohammed through Narrow Bridge to Deir al-Balah, a group that connects people in Gaza to people in the United States to help fundraise for their families to buy food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I really believe connecting with people personally in Gaza is a powerful way to show up in this time. I know I can't turn (the) tide of genocide on my own, but I can help this family," Greenwood said. Greenwood has helped raise more than $22,000 for Mohammed and his community to buy food from anywhere they can get it. The fundraiser is ongoing. Kraftowitz was involved in Palestinian activism for years before Oct. 7, 2023, and lived in Gaza working with International Solidarity Movement for a year in 2003. Its really important to me to remember, in every moment, times of joy and times of grief, what is happening in Gaza. This is not just political, it's deeply personal, Kraftowitz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Dearborn Heights doctor arrested while Marco Rubio spoke to US Senate Kraftowitz said she has friends who feel like family in Gaza, who have seen their home destroyed three different times since she has known them. She said some of her friends were able to evacuate while others were not able to leave before the border closed. Kraftowitz said she loves to cook gursa, a watermelon dish also known as fattit ajir, when she's with her friends from Gaza, but won't make the dish while they are facing starvation. "This specific type of watermelon comes from countryside north of Gaza," Kraftowitz said. "They over-water (and) over-irrigate watermelons and pluck them underdeveloped, grill them over prickly pear cactus and make this incredible salsa. ... (It's a) celebratory summer meal. My fantasy is we would be able to make that together again in some context. I have a recipe I won't make while they are there and in these conditions." Hunger in Gaza As of Aug. 4, Gaza health authorities have reported 180 people, including 93 children, have died from hunger-related causes in Gaza since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, the day Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took another 251 hostage. In July, the United Nations World Food Programme said a third of Gazas population does not eat for several days at a time. More than 1,000 people have been killed trying to receive aid since the U.S.- and-Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began operating in May 2025, according to the United Nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza have died since Oct. 7, according to health officials in Gaza. The number does not distinguish between fighters and civilians. Israel rejects claims it is intentionally starving Gaza's population, and has accused Hamas of stealing international aid. Israel says it is taking steps for more aid to reach Gaza, including pausing fighting in some areas and through air drops, USA TODAY reported on Aug. 4. Slotkin said she wrote the Trump Administration with a concrete proposal to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, working with leaders from Michigans Jewish and Muslim communities on July 30, according to a post on her on X account. More: Israel releases Michigan attorney after seizing boat on hunger mission to Gaza Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 30, the Senate considered two joint resolutions to show disapproval of exporting weapons to Israel. The Senate rejected Joint Resolution 41 with a 70-27 vote. The Senate rejected S.J. Res. 34 with a 73-24 vote. Peters voted against the resolutions, and Slotkin did not vote in the last eight Senate agenda items on July 30, according to Senate meeting minutes. Both Sens. Peters and Slotkin have signed Senate Resolution 224 calling for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, yet they continue voting to send weapons to Israel, Eisenberg said. This contradiction is shameful. You can't say you want to feed Gaza while simultaneously arming the forces that are shooting people at aid distribution sites. On July 31, Slotkin posted on X that she would have voted to support the disapproval resolutions if she was back in time for the vote, based on her "concerns over lack of food and medicine getting to civilians in Gaza." "I have been a strong supporter of the Jewish State of Israel my whole life. And I still am," Slotkin posted. "But despite the fact that Hamas began this bloody round of conflict and refuses to release the hostages the images of emaciated children are hard to turn away from. As are the calls from Michiganders who have friends and family trying to survive in Gaza." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email to the Free Press on July 31, Peters said he has "continually called for the U.S. to negotiate a lasting ceasefire." "It is the most viable path to ensure desperately needed food and aid reaches innocent civilians in Gaza, secure the release of the remaining hostages, and support peace and stability in the region," Peters said. "I know this is an issue that deeply impacts a lot of people in our state, and I will continue pushing for an end to this conflict." 'Spiritual, nonviolent expression' Eisenberg said anyone can take action with Jewish Voice for Peace Detroit, whether or not they are Jewish, though the group hopes to build a community of anti-Zionist Jews in the area. Kraftowitz said her Palestinian activism has sometimes made her feel alienated from her faith, but joining Jewish Voice for Peace Detroit has helped bring her back to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Connecting with people who are very clearly connected to morals and anti-Zionism has been deeply healing," Kraftowitz said. "I'm grateful we're doing this work, and at the same time, I know it is not enough. I'm deeply disappointed in my community and want them to wake up to the urgency of this moment." Kraftowitz said fasting and other Jewish Voice for Peace campaigns center on "spiritual, nonviolent expression and demand for action." Watching the death tolls and starvation happening in Gaza can be overwhelming, but being in contact with someone from Gaza often keeps Greenwood engaged. "I feel like I can never do enough. 'Enough' is a free Palestine," Greenwood said. "These people are just like us (but also) going through genocide and forced starvation and (we need to) show up however we can. If enough of us show up and put pressure on, it can be enough." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jewish Voice for Peace posts on Instagram daily @jvpdetroit with who is fasting and why. The campaign is still looking for people to fast. Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Jews pressure officials to stop starving Gaza, arming Israel Happy Tuesday! Heres your Tuesday Tech Drop, a weekly roundup of the top stories from the intersection of technology and politics. Jim Jordan goes to bat for disinformation Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, last week launched a congressional probe into the popular streaming platform Spotify, in what is the latest Republican-led effort to discourage efforts to stem the spread of misinformation and disinformation online. In a letter to Spotify, Jordan dredges up years-old allegations of censorship by U.S. and European agencies of conservative programming on its platform, including of MAGA-friendly podcaster Joe Rogan who recently claimed that two (unnamed) former presidents called the company over his widely denounced Covid conspiracy theories, and of Steve Bannon, who was recently welcomed back to Spotify after a five-year ban for suggesting the beheading of U.S. officials such as infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci and former FBI Director Christopher Wray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have repeatedly tried and failed to prove that Big Tech platforms have worked hand in hand with the government to censor conservative voices. This appears to be more of the same. And its not the first time Jordan has name-checked Rogan while targeting a private company on behalf of his conservative agenda. Read Jordans letter to Spotify here. New MAGA mantra online A new Politico article reports on the origin of the phrase heritage American, the absurd term thats gaining popularity among far-right, white nationalist types online to describe white Americans who feel their ancestry is indispensable to an authentic American identity. Read more at Politico here. Apple update unnerves Republicans A new update to the iPhone's operating system will allow users to filter text messages from unknown numbers automatically into an unknown senders folder. And while many Apple users might be eager for a reprieve from unsolicited texts, the National Republican Senatorial Committee is quite worried the change could hamper its fundraising and voter mobilization efforts, according to an unearthed memo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more in Business Insider here. YouTubes new AI to enforce age restrictions The popular video platform YouTube, facing persistent concerns over its impact on children, announced last week that it will use artificial intelligence including a review of ones browsing history to determine users ages and enforce the sites age restrictions. Read more at Mashable. Democrats want details on DOGE Senate Democrats introduced a bill last week to require audits at dozens of federal agencies to determine whether employees, acting on behalf of the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, created cybersecurity vulnerabilities through their access to government computer systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read my blog on the bill here. Rise of the Idiot Interviewer Egyptian American comedian Bassem Youssef schooled a group of MAGA influencers known as the Nelk Boys (who are grown men, despite their name) after the group faced bipartisan backlash for hosting a softball interview (read: propaganda appearance) with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Read my report on the exchange here. For more on the controversy and the trend of MAGA podcasters embracing authoritarian talking points, check out writer Nathan Robinsons editorial The Rise of the Idiot Interviewer in Current Affairs. Photos capture devastation of Gaza from above Rare aerial photos of Gaza, obtained by The Washington Post, reveal disturbing scenes of the widespread destruction caused by Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian enclave. View the Posts interactive report here. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The Trump Justice Department has launched a grand jury investigation into whether Obama-era officials broke the law while assessing Russian interference in 2016. On Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough weighs in, calling it extraordinarily stupid and pointing to Republican-led findings that contradict the claim. Joe Scarborough tore into Texas Republicans over their idiotic plan to redraw the states congressional lines and effectively rig the system against Democrats. On Tuesday, the Morning Joe co-host called out the states GOP after playing a clip of Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows admonishing Democrats on the floor a day earlier. Theyve left the state, abandoned their posts and turned their backs on the constituents they swore to represent, Burrows said Monday of the Democrats. Theyve shirked their responsibilities under the direction and pressure of out-of-state politicians and activists who dont know the first thing about whats right for Texas. Oh, my goodness! Its almost like Lincoln talking to Congress at the beginning of the Civil War, Scarborough said sarcastically, mocking the speakers remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That guy and the rest of the Texas Legislature and Greg Abbott want to rig the system, Scarborough continued. They want to make sure that Republicans are overrepresented on Election Day. They want to rig the process. The new congressional map proposed by Republicans would give the party a likely path to pick up five seats in next years midterm elections. But Scarborough blasted the plan as shortsighted: If Texas achieves what they want to achieve, then California will go back, and then they will draw up even more rigged lines that will help Democrats, and New York state will do it. Its an idiotic thing to do, the MSNBC host and former Republican congressman said. They used to do it every 10 years. And now, I dont know if the president told them to do this or somebody else told them to do it, but its just stupid and, worse than that, its just not right. Scarborough labeled the Republicans' attempt to manipulate the map anti-democratic and noted both sides have used gerrymandering to their advantage. Its time for us to stop it, he said. This is not going to accomplish anything. You can watch Scarborough's full takedown in the clip at the top of the page. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com JOPLIN, Mo. Six local colleges and universities are recognized for their contribution to the Joplin region. During Mondays Joplin City Council meeting (8/4), Mayor Keenan Cortez recognized leadership from Pitt State, Missouri Southern, KCU Joplin, Crowder College, OCC, and NEO A&M through proclamations. The six have been credited with producing more than 2,500 jobs, more than $126 million in capital investments over the past five years, and enrolling more than 21,000 students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While each school does compete locally, officials told us theyre working together for a common purpose. We compete in some ways, but in the end were all here to support students and we all understand the value of public and private higher education, so were all in the same business for, in many ways, the same reasons, said MSSU President, Dr. Dean Van Galen. We all have our specialty areas, we all have our areas of expertise, and are areas of strength and so we work together as often as we compete. Students are going to have interests in a particular area or a desire for a particular career path and we give them a range of options that lets them take advantage of what inspires them, said PSU Interim President, Doug Ball. Both Ball and Van Galen said KCU Joplin has helped attract students to their respective universities to earn a bachelors degree, before furthering their education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JOPLIN, Mo. A Joplin man charged in a shooting from earlier this year reached a plea deal in the case. Earlier Monday, Christian Davis, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. Immediately following his plea, Davis was sentenced to seven years in prison, which was suspended and he was placed on supervised probation for five years. Judge Joe Hensley did give Davis 120-days shock-time, and gave him credit for time served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges are from an incident back in the early morning hours of March 6. Thats when officers responded to 1714 South Kentucky and found Wendell Stamps, 20, with a gunshot wound. Stamps went to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that the Trump administration should surge aid into Gaza, as Democrats increasingly take Israel and the White House to task over conditions in the territory. Shapiro said its the responsibility of the Trump administration to make sure critical aid reaches the people of Gaza. I think our nation, the United States of America, has a moral responsibility to flood the zone with aid and make sure those children that need to be fed get the food and the nourishment and the medicines that they need to be able to survive this, Shapiro said. It is awful what is happening in Gaza. And we all have a responsibility to be there for those children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiro also said the Trump administration would have an obligation to make sure Hamas did not siphon off aid intended for civilians, since his administration made a decision and broke that norm of not negotiating with terrorists. He damn well better be on the phone with Hamas trying to figure out how to get aid in there to the starving people and not have Hamas intercept it, Shapiro told reporters in southern Pennsylvanias Lancaster County. Anger in Washington over the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached new heights in recent weeks. Images of starving children have fueled public outrage, and the World Health Organization warned in July that nearly 2.1 million people faced mass starvation a charge Netanyahu has denied. Shapiro, who is one of the countrys most prominent Jewish politicians, is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats are facing increasing pressure from their voters to respond to the crisis. Last week, 26 senators backed a push by Sen. Bernie Sanders to bar U.S. arms sales to Israel. Moderate Democrats, including historically strong Israel-backers like Rep. Ritchie Torres, have also subtly changed their tone on the conflict. In response to questions about Shapiro's remarks, the White House directed POLITICO to comments President Donald Trump made Tuesday in which he said the administration is making efforts to work with Israel and Arab nations to get food to Gaza. The governor also criticized Netanyahu for denying that Gazas residents are facing starvation, saying that kind of language further isolates" Israel among nations. And thats a dangerous place for Israel to be, Shapiro said. So, I think the rhetoric coming from Prime Minister Netanyahu only creates less stability and security for Israel. The meeting followed an unprecedented official visit to the city of Ariel by a delegation of senior Trump administration officials and members of Congress led by Johnson. US House Speaker Mike Johnson took part in a historic meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Shiloh on Monday evening, marking the first high-level meeting held between a prime minister and a senior American official in the West Bank. His meeting with Netanyahu followed an unprecedented official visit to the city of Ariel by a delegation of senior Trump administration officials and members of Congress led by the speaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson, who is the third-highest-ranking official in the US political system, said in Ariel that he would work to stop the use of the term West Bank at the federal level, instead promoting the exclusive use of the term Judea and Samaria. Yesha Council: Trump admin. sees West Bank as part of Israel The visit by the speaker marked the peak of a campaign by the Yesha Council to promote the application of Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank. A few weeks ago, the council passed by a large majority a declaration calling for sovereignty to be applied in the area, stating that Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley are an inseparable part of the Land of Israel, the historical, cultural, and spiritual homeland of the Jewish people. Yesha Council director-general Omer Rahamim told The Jerusalem Post that the US sees the region as part of Israel, with the responsibility to apply sovereignty now in Israels hands. US HOUSE of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson holds a news conference on Capitol Hill, last month. (credit: LEAH MILLIS/REUTERS) In his visit, Johnson was joined by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his daughter, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen strategic ties between Israel and the US and deepen familiarity with the area, with an emphasis on the public discourse in the US surrounding Israeli sovereignty in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a gathering in Ariel with senior members of the Yesha Council, including Rahamim, chairman Israel Ganz, and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Johnson said, Every corner of this land is important to us. It is an inseparable part of our faith, and therefore, its meaning to us is tremendous. But to be here, exactly where you are, at the true cradle of our beliefs, is even more significant. Gov. Huckabee Sanders, who was present at the event, was the first US state official to pass a resolution to exclusively use the term Judea and Samaria. Her father said he tells people that God gave Israel a tiny strip of land, perhaps the most contested land in the world, and said, This is yours. He added that America has many friends and allies, but truly only one genuine partner, and that is Israel. Ganz said it was a great honor to host Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American administration under President [Donald] Trump is choosing the right side of history and walking hand in hand with the State of Israel, He stated that the recognition of the West Bank as part of Israel will lead to prosperity and improve living conditions for all residents. He thanked the delegation for its support in advancing this vision. Ariel Mayor Yair Chetboun added that hosting this summit was a national and diplomatic mission. He expressed pride that Ariel, the capital of Samaria, was chosen for the historic meeting, and thanked the US administration, Trump, and his team for their support. The Yesha Council's recognition campaign Some six months ago, the Yesha Council established a task force to lead efforts to push for sovereignty in the West Bank. The task force, which includes Ganz, Dagan, and Rahamim, is responsible for advancing the initiative with the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rahamim told the Post that following recent developments, the responsibility for applying sovereignty now rests with the government. He said it is time to correct the injustice whereby more than half a million Israeli citizens live under military rule. He emphasized that Johnsons historic visit demonstrates the deep bond and strong alliance between Americas senior leadership and the Jewish communities in the region. According to him, the fact that an American official of such rank visited the West Bank for the first time ever proves that the United States also sees the region as an integral part of the State of Israel. A pair of central figures from the Karen Read case were set to testify at a hearing to dismiss an unrelated murder case on Tuesday morning, but a judge told attorneys he still didnt have enough information to take evidence. The motion to dismiss the case of Myles King, who is accused of killing a man riding a moped in 2021, is based on hundreds of pages of what his lawyer argues is late discovery from prosecutors. That includes search warrants, jail calls and other evidence in the case. King had already been released on bail and his trial, initially set for September, has been put off indefinitely so he and his lawyers can work through the new information from prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the second day of an evidentiary hearing on the motion to dismiss, both Assistant Norfolk District Attorney Adam Lally and former Massachusetts State Police trooper Michael Proctor were set to take the stand. Lally was the lead prosecutor on the King case for nearly three years, while Proctor was the lead investigator. Both men also played key roles in the Karen Read case Proctor was later fired from the state police for his conduct during that investigation. Proctor is appealing his termination. Judges order Before either man could take the stand, Krupp told defense attorney Rosemary Scapicchio and prosecutors he needed them to provide a more thorough accounting of what documents were turned over and when. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I need you to be on the same page, Krupp said. I need you to go through every single document that was produced that you base your motion to dismiss on. Every single one, you have to address every single one. Krupp ordered the lawyers to put together a chart showing when the document was turned over or indicating it hadnt been turned over before the motion to dismiss was filed. I just need to know the universe of the problem. I need to get my arms around the scope of the problem, he said. Then I need to know, with respect to anything thats new or substantially new or partially new, why youre prejudiced by the late disclosure of that additional information. Krupp explained that he can only analyze the question of prejudice, which is at the heart of the motion to dismiss, once he is given that full accounting of all the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, he delayed the testimony of Lally, Proctor and other witnesses, instead sending Scapicchio and Norfolk prosecutors to comb through the documents together. There are real constraints on the courts ability to provide a remedy beyond the remedy that has already been provided, absent a real showing of meaningful prejudice, Krupp said. I need to understand where that prejudice is coming from. Krupp continued the case until Aug. 12. But the hearing on that date wont be for any evidence supporting or opposing the motion to dismiss, and will instead serve as a status conference where Scapicchio can further lay out the claim of prejudice. Speaking to reporters following the hearing, Scapicchio seemed frustrated by the delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now we have to waste more time going through these documents to try to determine whats new and whats not new, she said. In recent filings, prosecutors appear to be claiming that many of the documents listed in the motion to dismiss had actually been turned over already, Scapicchio added. What happened today is the Commonwealth took the position that the stuff that they gave us, thats contained in my motion, that they already admitted was new, is now not new, she continued. Next steps Its not clear exactly when the evidentiary component of the hearing will resume. Lally was in the middle of testifying under questioning from Scapicchio when the hearing was suspended the first time, and continued to Tuesday. Whenever the hearing does resume, lawyers representing Lally intend to fight to keep him off the stand, according to a court filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Patrick Hanley asked Krupp to suspend Lallys testimony until the defense could make a preliminary showing of egregious government misconduct, prejudice to Kings right to a fair trial and that dismissal was the only remedy for the prejudice. Should the Court still wish to hear from Attorney Lally, we ... respectfully suggest that his testimony should be strictly limited to the issue of whether his conduct constitutes egregious misconduct, which in light of the 26 notices of discovery providing unique discovery each time, certainly does not, the filing reads. Lally was diligent, well-meaining, and ... his conduct aimed to conform with his obligations as a prosecutor. Daniel Moynihan, a lawyer representing Proctor, is trying to limit the scope of his testimony under oath should he actually take the stand in the King case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, Moynihan moved to bar Scapicchio from asking Proctor about the Read case, claiming it was not relevant to the issues in Kings case. Moynihan also asked to be given the opportunity to question Proctor himself. Mr. Proctor must rely on questioning by counsel to bring about relevant information and dispel misinformation about any allegations of misconduct in this case, his motion reads. The case against King King is charged with murder in connection with the death of 25-year-old Marquis Simmons on Belvoir Road in Milton in July 2021. Simmons was found lying on the grass between the street and sidewalk on that road with a gunshot wound to his upper chest/shoulder. As first responders worked on Simmons, a police officer asked if he knew who shot him. Simmons told police, Mizzie... Mizzie Cash, according to a court filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors identified King as Mizzie Cash, in part using an Instagram account with the username Mizziecash617 and a YouTube video where he can be seen wearing a necklace that reads Mizzy. King lived on Decker Street in Milton, just three blocks from where Simmons was shot. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Sean "Diddy" Combs will remain in jail for sentencing on Oct. 3 after a federal judge denied the hip-hop mogul bail Monday. In Manhattan, District Judge Arun Subramanian said Combs, 55, is a flight risk and a danger to the community. The judge noted the violence he exhibited on 2016 hotel surveillance footage that shows him kicking and dragging Cassie Ventura. "Combs fails to satisfy his burden to demonstrate an entitlement to release," Subramanian wrote in his opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs has been incarcerated at the jail in Brooklyn since his arrest after a home raid in March last year. On July 2, a jury found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution after a two-month trial. Each of those counts carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. The judge denied bail then. The prosecution, in a letter to the judge, recommends at least 51 to 63 months in prison. They also didn't want bail. Defense proposed $50 million bail, he would reside at his Miami home and travel would be limited to the Southern District of New York for legal briefings. His defense lawyers, in a 62-page motion, said their client should be released because he wasn't convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking. Also, they said typically the Mann Act of prostitution applies to pimps or sexual crimes involving minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There has literally never been a case, like this one," the defense said. "Where a person and his girlfriend arranged for adult men to have consensual sexual relations with the adult, long-term girlfriend as part of a demonstrated swingers lifestyle, and has been prosecuted and incarcerated under the Mann Act." They said he was only having male escorts make "amateur porn" and not running a prostitution business. He transported male escorts not for profit or under duress in joining the "swingers lifestyle," they said. He paid them over two decades. The judge said the record shows there was not only evidence of violence but coercion or subjugation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While Combs may contend at sentencing that this evidence should be discounted and that what happened was nothing more than a case of willing 'swingers' utilizing the voluntary services of escorts for their mutual pleasure, the Government takes the opposite view: that Cassie Ventura and Jane were beaten, coerced, threatened, lied to, and victimized by Combs as part of their participation in these events," the judge wrote. Combs' attorneys also argued for release on bail because of the squalid conditions and danger among inmates at the Metropolitan Detention Center. The judge noted staff "has been able to keep him safe," even amid threatened violence from an inmate. Combs has been held in a separate area of the jail that typically houses high-profile inmates and government informants. (COLORADO SPRINGS) A district court judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought against the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and county officials over the closing of the Rockrimmon Library in 2024. The lawsuit was brought forth by a number of community groups following the Dec. 1 closure of one of only two library locations on the west side of Colorado Springs. The lawsuit alleged that the City, the El Paso County Board of Commissioners, and especially the PPLD Board of Trustees, failed in their fiduciary duties and violated open meeting laws. The lawsuit also alleged that a library cannot be closed without a vote by the public. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Group sues over closure of Rockrimmon Library Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Aug. 4, PPLD sent and update, stating that the District Court of El Paso County granted the library districts Motion for Summary Judgment on the one remaining claim, specifically PPLDs alleged violation of the Open Meetings Law. In May, PPLD said the District Court judge granted PPLDs Motion to Dismiss all claims except for the Open Meetings Law claim, requesting that the plaintiffs and the District provide additional information before he would rule on it. According to PPLD, In granting the Motion for Summary judgment on this claim, the judge found that he did not have subject matter jurisdiction to review the Board decision not to renew the Rockrimmon Library lease, and that the undisputed evidence showed that PPLD had not violated the Open Meetings Law with respect to the October 2024 Board meeting where the decision was made. Click here to read the judges decisionDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PPLD said as such, all claims against the City, County Board, and PPLD had been dismissed with prejudice, meaning the complaints cannot be brought before a district judge again. FOX21 News has reached out to Integrity Matters, one of the nonprofits named as a plaintiff in the lawsuit, for comment. This article will be updated when we hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Judge Hatchett ordered to pay attorney fees after dropping lawsuit against former sheriff Judge Glenda Hatchett is facing a court order to pay attorney fees after dropping her lawsuit against former Sheriff Kris Coody and the Georgia Sheriffs Association. Hatchett initially filed the lawsuit following an incident at a reception for the Georgia Sheriffs Associations winter conference, where Coody pleaded guilty to groping her. However, she decided to withdraw the lawsuit, citing the trauma she endured and her desire to move on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He poked me in the heart of Georgia, right. And I did not take offense to that. But then he grabbed my breast. Grabbed my breast, was squeezing on my breast, and rubbing my breast, Hatchett said about the incident in a previous interview in August 2023. The incident occurred at a Cobb County hotel during a reception for the Georgia Sheriffs Association, where Hatchett was attending as a guest. Coody, who was a member of the association, resigned after pleading guilty to the charges. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believed that the Georgia Sheriffs Association had some culpability, some liability from a civil standpoint, because this was a Georgia Association event. There were likely Georgia Association sponsors. He was a Georgia Association member and was at a Georgia Association conference, said CK Hoffler, Hatchetts attorney. Hatchett withdrew the lawsuit because she wanted to put the whole incident behind her. Judge Massey in Morgan County ruled that Hatchetts claims lacked merit, leading to the decision to award the Georgia Sheriffs Associations claim for attorney fees. The associations attorney, Kellye Moore, described Hatchetts original lawsuit as frivolous and expressed anticipation for the courts decision on the amount of the award. Hatchett retains the right to contest the ruling, indicating that the legal proceedings may continue. COLUMBIANA, Ohio (WKBN) A court judgment has ordered a foreclosure and sheriffs sale of property owned by Pidgeon Envelope LLC (Envelope 1) if they dont pay their creditors, but CEO Tarry Pidgeon said that is not happening. Read next: Birthday celebration with escort turns into time in jail: Report According to a May filing in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court, Pidgeon Envelope owes Nubridge Commercial Lending, LLC $4.4 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judgment says that Pidgeon defaulted on its promissory note with Nubridge, and now it immediately owes the principal, plus 14.99% interest, and the companys property at 41969 State Route 344 could be foreclosed. According to court records, Pidgeon had a previous agreement with Nubridge to pay off their debt no later than March 31, 2025, but Nubridge said that has not happened. Borrower breached the terms of the agreement by failing to make extension payment due February 1, 2025, and all subsequent payments, Nubridge said in its court filing. A judge agreed that Pidgeon defaulted and ordered that the debt be paid, which could include foreclosure procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed that judgment is granted in favor of the plaintiff against defendants Pidgeon Envelope, LLC and Sharon Pidgeon, jointly and severally, on the Loan and Guarantyit is further ordered that unless the sums herein found duebe fully paid prior to the entry of this decreethe premisses is foreclosed, the judgment read. The order was filed May 14. Tarry Pidgeon said that the company has been granted a 90-day extension, and it has secured financing to pay the debt. He added that operations at the plant are continuing as normal. Taxes on the property are in arrears by about $18,128 as well, according to records with the Columbiana County Auditors Office. And there are other lenders who say that Pidgeon defaulted on loans with them, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A complaint filed July 14 against Envelope1 alleges that the company owes U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union of New Mexico $25 million and that payments are in default, with a notice sent to the company in January 2025. The defendants failed to cure the defaults within the time provided, the complaint stated. Some employees have contacted WKBN to say that they have not received some paychecks on time and that health insurance benefits have been impacted. Kristen Hephner contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Correction: Bolton served on the county commission 24 years. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Julian Bolton, an attorney, civil rights advocate and former Shelby County commissioner, died Monday at age 75. Bolton held the county office for 24 years. He retired from law in 2024. Bolton grew up in Memphis Klondike neighborhood and returned to the city in 1967 to attend Rhodes College. He became active in the civil rights movement and marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is survived by his wife, Joyce Walker Bolton, their three children, and grandchildren. Flowers and condolences may be sent to Serenity Funeral Home, 1638 Sycamore View Rd., Memphis, TN. A public celebration of life will be announced in the coming days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. NILES, Ohio (WKBN) Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio has announced a multi-million dollar investment in the Eastwood Mall in Niles. On Tuesday, the nonprofit organization revealed its taking over a large space on the second floor for two new programs, both to get school kids ready for the real world with hands-on experiences. The other program, JA Finance Park, will focus on budgeting tips and tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One program, JA BizTown, will offer hands-on experience in a real-life setting. The BizTown activities allow kids to learn more about operating banks, managing restaurants, writing checks and more. For the Biztown, theyre running the entire city. We have a mayor giving speeches. We have a DJ that plays music. We have transportation going around and filling orders, making advertising purchases. Loans are being placed in the bank in the financial institution. A lot is going on, said Michele Merkel, president of JA of Eastern Ohio. JA has 60 of these facilities across the nation. This one in the Eastwood Mall will be the first in Northeast Ohio. Its expected to open in spring 2026. John Skoloda contributed to this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A woman charged with leaking grand jury information in the Karen Read murder case pleaded guilty, the Department of Justice said Tuesday. Jessica Leslie, 34, pleaded guilty in Boston federal court Monday to a charge of criminal contempt. The charge accused her of willfully disobeying court rules against disclosure of grand jury information, the DOJ said. Her plea agreement said she would serve one night in jail, which she already has served, and have two years of post-release monitoring. She is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 26. Leslie served on the grand jury as part of the investigation into Read, who was acquitted of murder in the 2022 death of her boyfriend, John O'Keefe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors said that between Aug. 11, 2022, and March 4, 2024, Leslie gave "sealed information to unauthorized individuals, including the names of various witnesses appearing before a federal grand jury, the substance of witness testimony and other evidence presented to the grand jury." Federal prosecutors did not say how they learned Leslie had leaked secret grand jury information, but sources told ABC news that authorities had been monitoring social media accounts and other communications during the case. Read was originally indicted by a Boston grand jury in June 2022 in the death of her police officer boyfriend O'Keefe. Prosecutors alleged Read hit O'Keefe with her car outside the home of a fellow police officer after a night of heavy drinking in January 2022 and then left him to die there during a blizzard. The first trial ended in a mistrial last year after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. In a second trial that ended in June, Read was found not guilty of the most serious charges against her -- murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene after an accident. She was convicted of operating under the influence of liquor and sentenced to one year of probation. On 4 August authorities in Mexicos northern state of Tamaulipas announced that the representative of the federal attorney generals office (FGR) in the state,, had been killed in an armed attack near the border city of Reynosa. End of preview - This article contains approximately 400 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options A jury in the trial of a former Tesco worker accused of planning a terrorist attack when he was 19 has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict. Alfie Coleman was arrested by counter-terrorism police in a Morrisons car park in east London, moments after picking up a Makarov pistol and ammunition in September 2023. The 21-year-old from Great Notley in Essex had pleaded guilty to possessing information likely to be useful to terrorists and attempting to possess a firearm and ammunition but denied he was preparing for a terrorist attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Old Bailey jury was unable to reach a decision after more than 24 hours of deliberations and the judge set a retrial date for Wednesday, 8 April next year. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Related internet links SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Jury selection is underway Tuesday at the Lincoln County Courthouse for the man charged with murdering three people in Sioux Falls. Justin Rackley, 32, is accused of shooting and killing three people who were gathered around a backyard fire pit. Tiny llama-like fossil found in Badlands Authorities havent said how Rackley knew the victims, only that theyd been acquaintances for a short time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been more than a year since police swarmed a Sioux Falls neighborhood, surrounding a home. In the backyard, authorities found the bodies of Kellie Reaves, Michael Thompson and Daniel Kemnitz. Tuesday, attorneys began jury selection. The process began at about 9 a.m. with a room full of potential jurors fielding questions from both the defense and the prosecution. After asking about possible scheduling conflicts and conflicts of interest, the defense told jurors where the crime took place, and asked if anyone was familiar with the home. We also learned that the investigation spanned beyond this police tape and involved three bars in western Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense attorney also made it clear that Rackley faces three counts of first degree murder and asked if anyone would feel uncomfortable seeing photos of blood and gunshot wounds. Several jurors were excused after answering the defenses questions. Then, it was the prosecutions turn. The states attorneys office made sure none of the potential jurors had witnessed the crime, and stressed the importance of keeping an open mind and making a decision based on the evidence presented. Once the jury is selected, the trial will begin. Its expected to last seven days. Another thing the defense made clear is that its entirely up to the prosecution to prove Rackleys guilt, so the defense asked if that concerned anyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Globally, women live an average of three-and-a-half years longer than men, for a variety of genetic, hormonal, and societal reasons. But women tend to have shorter health spansyears of living in good health. Partly due to the perils they face in pregnancy and childbirth, they spend more of their lives unwell, and in poor countries millions of women and children die from preventable causes. Addressing that disparity is the focus of the first major tranche of the $200 billion that Bill Gates has committed to improving global health via his Gates Foundation over the next two decades. The Microsoft co-founder announced in May that he would deploy most of the remainder of his massive wealth in an all-out effort to eradicate a slew of diseases that threaten the worlds poorest. Then, he said, the foundation that he began in 2000 with his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, will shut down. At an event with STAT News in Cambridge, Mass., to announce the initiative, Gates pointed to successes that the foundation has pulled off reducing child mortality with vaccinations, and reducing maternal mortality with simple and cheap devices to measure blood loss. The progress on childhood death has been pretty phenomenal; maternal deaths have not gone down as quickly, he said. We said, We really need to go after these things.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Anita Zaidi, president of the Gender Equality Division at the Gates Foundation, pointed to 2021 research from McKinsey which found that, excluding cancer research, just 1% of healthcare R&D is invested in female-specific conditions. And as Zaidi wrote in a commentary for Fortune today, for conditions that affect women and men, women are severely underrepresented in clinical trials, so weve barely scratched the surface of understanding how women experience common conditions like cardiovascular diseases. The foundation aims to pull off moonshot innovations using AI to diagnose and treat women, and also to expand the use of existing technology. Technology thats widely available in wealthier countrieslike an ultrasound to determine how a pregnancy is progressingremains out of reach for many women in poorer countries. In fact, Zaidi said as she announced the Foundations investment, globally 70% of women do not have access to a simple ultrasound at pregnancy. Even in wealthy countries like the U.S., Zaidi wrote, there are major gaps in womens healthcare. In North Dakota, for example, one in four women must drive over an hour to reach the nearest birthing hospital. In 2022, about 2.3 million U.S. women of child-bearing age lived in maternity deserts, defined as counties without a hospital, birth center, and doctors and nurse midwives with experience delivering babies, she wrote. The $2.5 billion in funding for research and development will focus on five areas: obstetrics and maternal immunization; maternal health and nutrition; gynecological and menstrual health; contraceptive innovation; and sexually transmitted infections. Among the areas the foundation hopes to make progress are research into the vaginal microbiome, therapeutics for preeclampsia, and non-hormonal contraception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The work to be funded has economic and business dimensions too, Zaidi emphasized: The foundation cites research showing that every $1 invested in womens health yields $3 in economic growth. Womens health is not just a philanthropic cause, Zaidi said. its an investable opportunity with immense potential for scientific breakthroughs that could help millions of women. Zaidi emphasized that the foundations $2.5 billion commitment, while enormous, is just a drop in the bucket. It covers only a part of the battle ahead to protect women and their children from dying of preventable causes. The funding is earmarked for research and development. Delivering actual solutions to women around the world is a complicated process that requires collaborations with governments, other philanthropies, and companies. It is truly a big task, said Dr. Ru-fong Joanne Cheng, the foundations director of Womens Health Innovations. We need everyone to join in, raise the visibility of these issues, raise the fact that so little attention has been paid toward the health of over half the population of the globe Its not going to happen spontaneously; it has to be intentional. It has to be deliberate. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com TOPEKA (KSNT) Hungry Topeka residents will soon have a new dining option to enjoy in 2025 with the opening of a new Italian food restaurant. 27 News got in touch with the owners of Chefs Kiss Ristorante on Monday, Aug. 4. It is a brand-new Italian-style restaurant opening this month near the citys Washburn University and promises to deliver some new flavors to locals. Head Chef Kelli Page said the restaurant will be holding an invitation-only soft opening on Sunday, Aug. 10 with a full grand opening tentatively planned for Saturday, Aug. 16. Page said customers can expect a variety of Italian foods alongside a rotating list of specials that break away from customers expectations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre gonna have a lot of traditional Italian food, Page said. I-70 construction scratches old wounds in Topeka Page, alongside her husband Jesse and co-owner Dustin Pfamatter, are the brains behind the new restaurant venture. She said a mix of her own Italian heritage and long history of working in restaurants inspired her to push for the new restaurant in Topeka. Ive always loved to cook, Page said. I grew up in restaurants. Page said when the owners spotted the space for lease at 1618 Southwest Washburn Avenue they jumped at the opportunity to get the ball rolling for Chefs Kiss. She said the restaurant has been in the works since March and experienced some delays this year due to waiting on contractors and inspectors. However, all the pieces are now falling into place with the owners nervously anticipating the day customers are allowed in. Besides the stress excitement and a little bit of nervousness because its something new for me, Pfamatter said when asked how he is feeling ahead of the opening day. I know in other markets restaurants arent doing so well. So, its just a lot of worry but its gonna pay off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pfamatter said people will be able to enjoy six signature cocktails at Chefs Kiss such as the Mob Boss or Italian Stallion. Customers will also have the option to choose from a list of wines or beers if cocktails arent their style. Woman shocked to find boa constrictor on front porch in Topeka We have some traditional Italian beverages with an American flair, Pfamatter said. Pfamatter and his co-owners believe there is a need for a restaurant like Chefs Kiss in Topeka. Moving beyond its opening day, the restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday and will be available through DoorDash during the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its my love language, feeding people, Page said. Customers will find no shortage of Italian foods on the menu. Page said there will be create-your-own pastas where people can select their choice of protein, pasta and sauces. French onion soup, manicotti, lasagna, salads, steak, salmon, stuffed mushrooms and more can be found at Chefs Kiss, according to a draft of the menu. (Photo Courtesy/Brandy Harper Photography) (Photo Courtesy/Brandy Harper Photography) (Photo Courtesy/Brandy Harper Photography) (Photo Courtesy/Brandy Harper Photography) (Photo Courtesy/Brandy Harper Photography) (Photo Courtesy/Brandy Harper Photography) (Photo Courtesy/Brandy Harper Photography) (Photo Courtesy/Brandy Harper Photography) We are hoping to be as close to perfect as we can possibly get because first impressions mean everything, Page said. Woman shocked to find boa constrictor on front porch in Topeka Page said the specials will break away from Italian food and may sometimes be dependent on the time of the year with different Cajun or Mexican-style foods to switch things up. She said the first special for opening day will be a surprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just hope everybody loves it, Page said. You can look through an early draft of the menu for Chefs Kiss Ristorante in the document below. To learn more about the restaurant, check out its Facebook page by clicking here. Chef's Kiss Draft 1 (8 x 14 in) by Matthew Self on Scribd Family turns old bank into ice cream parlor, arcade in Burlingame For more local eats news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. In a dramatic escalation, Texas Republicans voted to arrest over 50 Democrats who fled to Illinois to block a GOP redistricting vote. On Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough weighed in on what he says is a dangerous, bipartisan problem. Associate Justice Anita Earls said she would never forget the attempts to overturn the results of the 2024 Supreme Court race. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline) With a four month financing head start, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls has raised four times as much as Republican challenger state Rep. Sarah Stevens ahead of the 2026 race, new campaign finance reports show. Earls, a Democrat and the courts senior associate justice, reported raising more than $580,000 for the first six months of the year, and entered July with nearly $482,000 in cash on hand. Her campaign spent $117,237 during the first half of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stevens, a state House member from Surry County and former House speaker pro tempore, reported raising about $141,000 since announcing her run in May. Her campaign spent nearly $14,500 and ended the reporting period with about $156,000 in cash on hand. Earls average donation was under $300, with contributions coming from more than 1,900 individual donors. Over 80% of her fundraising came from within North Carolina, and she drew strong support from attorneys, professors, and social workers. Attorneys alone contributed more than $54,000. The North Carolina Democratic Party also contributed nearly $129,000. Earls received more than $80,000 from out-of-state donors, with notable contributions from Massachusetts, California and New York. Our team is proud of the record-breaking work we are doing on this campaign, campaign manager Mary Alice Blackstock said in a July statement. Justice Earls is running this race in every corner of the state, and our fundraising is further proof of that. North Carolinians know how important this election is and whats at stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stevens reported fewer overall contributions but a much higher average, about $1,500 per donor. She contributed $7,624 to her own campaign and received the maximum $6,800 from former state Rep. Harold Brubaker, who served as a House speaker in the 90s and now runs a lobbying firm. She also received donations from GOP lawmakers political committees including Citizens for Destin Hall and Committee to Elect Brenden Jones. Hall is the current House speaker and Jones is the House majority leader. Professionally, Stevens donor base included attorneys, business executives, retirees, and individuals, listed their job titles as president and business manager. She raised $13,000 from out-of-state donors, mainly in Virginia and California. The 2026 election will decide one of seven seats on the states highest court, which currently has a 52 conservative majority. Earls, first elected in 2018 after a long career in civil rights law, is the courts most senior Democrat and a frequent dissenter in rulings involving redistricting, voting rights, and public education. Rep. Sarah Stevens. (Photo: NCGA) Democrats kept the Supreme Court seat held by Justice Allison Riggs after former Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin conceded his 2024 race earlier this year. The concession followed a monthslong legal challenge in which Griffin had questioned the eligibility of about 60,000 absentee ballots, primarily from military and overseas voters. State and federal courts rejected his claims, and a federal judge ordered the election certified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victory was a key step in the Democratic strategy to reclaim a majority on the court before the next round of legislative and congressional redistricting in 2030. Given the high likelihood of legal challenges to that process, its widely assumed that the composition of the court will be extremely important. The 2026 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Floridians began early voting in most Florida counties on Oct. 21, 2024. The Florida Capitol stands in the background of an early voting sign at the Leon County Courthouse. (Photo: by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Alabama resident Roald Hazelhoff treasures his newly won right to vote. When election officials flagged the naturalized U.S. citizens voter registration for possible removal last August, the Dutch native fought back. Hazelhoff, then a 67-year-old college instructor, sued to stop Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, a Republican, from seeking to kick him and more than 3,200 other registered voters off the rolls. The lawsuit was part of a multifront legal challenge led by him and three other voters, along with voting rights groups and the Biden-era U.S. Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge halted Alabamas effort within weeks and Hazelhoff voted in his first presidential election last November without incident. Ten months later, Hazelhoff is watching with deep concern as the Department of Justice, in President Donald Trumps second term, is demanding that states turn over their voter registration lists and other election information, citing unspecified concerns with voter list maintenance. My initial reaction was of sadness that this could happen but that still a mistake could be made, Hazelhoff, who lives in the Birmingham area, told Stateline. Now, Im more in a stance of saying this is the most fundamental right afforded to citizens of the United States, and I am a legal citizen of this country and I will fight for that right. The Trump administrations effort to scoop up voter registration lists and other information from a growing number of states underscores how state-controlled voter lists are a major battleground in fights over access to the polls. The Justice Department told the National Association of Secretaries of State that it will eventually contact all states, an association spokesperson wrote in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin have so far declined to provide full voter registration lists to the department amid questions over the legality of the requests and uncertainty over how the information will be used. Maine Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows plans to deny a similar request, telling the Maine Morning Star that federal officials can go jump in the Gulf of Maine. The Justice Department declined a Stateline request for comment. Even before states began tangling with the department, how election officials oversee these lists including when and why voters can be removed was under increasing scrutiny. The stakes for voters are foundational: How states maintain the lists determines who is on them and therefore who is able to vote. Power over voter registration lists is the power to shape the electorate. Voting should be easy, not akin to trying to get a U.S. passport when its been lost or stolen and youre in Nicaragua, you know what Im saying? Hazelhoff said. It should be something that we encourage and this is not encouraged. This is the exact opposite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states in recent years have signed up for competing systems to help identify duplicate or noncitizen voter registrations, after the largest operation came under fire from Trump. Election officials in some states have also entered into ad hoc agreements with some of their counterparts to share data. Other states continue to tighten voter list maintenance requirements as well. New Hampshire legislators in June approved a bill requiring local officials to verify voter lists annually instead of once a decade; the governor signed the bill on Friday. Idaho lawmakers passed a bill, signed by the governor in April, that requires state agencies to share data with the state secretary of state to help check the accuracy of voter registrations. Chief election officials in some states tout their annual or regular elimination of registrations. Georgia Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced in mid-July that his office was sending cancellation mailers to 477,883 inactive registrants. Last week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, directed local election officials to begin a new round of removals. The registrations will be eligible for cancellation in 2029 following a federally mandated notification process, he said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is also pushing states to use a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services tool, typically used to determine the immigration status of people seeking government benefits, to identify noncitizen registered voters. The agency now allows state and local officials to conduct bulk searches using the tool, the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program, instead of one at a time. Election denialism Voter fraud and noncitizen voting rarely occur. But Trumps false claims of a stolen election in 2020, along with an uptick in anti-immigrant sentiment among conservatives before last years election, has driven attention to the voter registration lists. Election officials and voting rights activists across the political spectrum agree accurate, up-to-date voter rolls ensure that elections remain secure. They split over how to balance cleaning the lists with protecting voters from accidental deletion and where to draw the line between legitimate maintenance and politically driven purges. It has to be done fairly. It has to be done transparently. And it has to be done legally, said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan group that often challenges voter restrictions in court, including the Alabama effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that any time you are doing voter list maintenance in a way that disenfranchises more people or is careless, then there has to be a hard no on things like that, Stewart said in an interview. New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, a Republican, said he wants to find a middle ground where everything is balanced. Scanlan declined to provide the Justice Department with his states voter rolls. He wrote in a July 25 letter that state law doesnt authorize him to release the list to the department. Still, he noted that under the law the department could obtain voter lists by contacting local election officials. In an interview, Scanlan also predicted the New Hampshire legislation requiring annual verification wouldnt be an onerous change and would improve the accuracy of the rolls. He said he wants a system that makes voting easy, but one thats also transparent and ensures everyone casting a ballot is a legitimate voter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think thats where were headed, Scanlan said. Its not a straight line to get there. Undermining ERIC Trump helped usher in the era of division over cleaning voter rolls in March 2023 by attacking the Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC, and calling on states to pull out of the group. He posted on social media at the time that it pumps the rolls for Democrats and does nothing to clean them up. Within months, eight Republican-led states had withdrawn. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit allows member states to submit voter registration and motor vehicle department data. It also has access to Social Security death data and address change information from the U.S. Postal Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ERIC then identifies potential duplicate and out-of-date registrations, dead voters, and possible illegal voting. Member states also reach out to individuals who are likely eligible to vote but havent registered, a requirement that angers some Republicans. Some Democrats are now quick to point out what they see as the irony of Trumps Justice Department voicing concerns with voter list maintenance practices after the president undermined ERIC a system they say is effective in helping states clean their voter rolls. It is an extra layer of hypocrisy and ridiculousness that they would turn around and be critical of the one organization ensuring voter rolls are clean and up to date in its member states, said New York state Sen. James Skoufis, a Democrat who sponsored a bill passed by the state legislature to require New York to join ERIC. The measure hasnt been delivered to the governor. Twenty-five states a mix of red and blue states, as well as presidential swing states such as Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia use ERIC. In an email, ERIC Executive Director Shane Hamlin wrote that the organization remains committed to attracting new members. Hamlin cited the New York legislation and noted that Hawaii recently joined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican states havent coalesced around a single alternative to ERIC, but an Alabama-led system comes closest. The Alabama Voter Integrity Database, or AVID, includes Alabama and 10 other mostly Southern states; the latest state, Virginia, joined in late May. The Alabama secretary of states office, which maintains the database, didnt respond to multiple interview requests or written questions from Stateline. Voter file maintenance is the foundation of election integrity, Allen, the Alabama secretary of state, said in a June news release. Ensuring that Alabamas voter file is the cleanest and most accurate voter file in the country has been a top priority of mine since day one. As states weigh the value of ERIC and AVID, some election officials arent racing to pick a side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, a Republican, said ERIC likely isnt the right solution, though he said he had no reason to criticize it. To have an effective system, every state needs information from their neighboring states, as well as the states where their snow birds go, he said. He identified those states as Florida in the East, Texas in the Midwest, and California and Arizona in the West. Florida and Texas belong to AVID, while Arizona belongs to ERIC. California belongs to neither. We need a broader solution. Its tough in this environment, where everyones guards are up on the political spectrum, McGrane said in an interview. A total shock In Alabama, Hazelhoff said his experience demonstrates the nightmare that can unfold when voter roll cleaning crosses the line into an illegal purge. That was a total shock when that happened, said Hazelhoff, who was born in the Netherlands, moved to the United States in 1977 and became a citizen in 2022. In August 2024, he received a letter from the Board of Registrars in Jefferson County, where he lives, informing him his voter registration had been made inactive and that you have been placed on a path for removal from the statewide voter list. The reason, the letter said, was that Allen had provided information showing Hazelhoff was issued a noncitizen identification number by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security while also being a registered voter. After Hazelhoff and others sued, U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco, a Trump appointee, ruled that Allen had blown past a deadline in federal law that prohibits systematic purges of ineligible voters less than 90 days before a federal election. Allen had announced his purge 84 days before the election, she wrote, and had later admitted his purge list included thousands of U.S. citizens. He had also referred everyone on the list to the Alabama attorney generals office for criminal investigation, despite the inclusion of citizens. When Hazelhoff went to his polling place last year, he said he still felt some trepidation, even after the court ruling. He questioned whether he would be escorted out for casting an illegal vote. It worried me, Hazelhoff said. But then the actual voting experience was great and the people were polite. The system seemed to be working. Stateline reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at jshorman@stateline.org. A voter leaves a polling place after casting a ballot in the state's primary on Super Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Mountain Brook, Alabama. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) Alabama resident Roald Hazelhoff treasures his newly won right to vote. When election officials flagged the naturalized U.S. citizens voter registration for possible removal last August, the Dutch native fought back. Hazelhoff, then a 67-year-old college instructor, sued to stop Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, a Republican, from seeking to kick him and more than 3,200 other registered voters off the rolls. The lawsuit was part of a multifront legal challenge led by him and three other voters, along with voting rights groups and the Biden-era Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge halted Alabamas effort within weeks and Hazelhoff voted in his first presidential election last November without incident. Ten months later, Hazelhoff is watching with deep concern as the Department of Justice, in President Donald Trumps second term, is demanding that states turn over their voter registration lists and other election information, citing unspecified concerns with voter list maintenance. My initial reaction was of sadness that this could happen but that still a mistake could be made, Hazelhoff, who lives in the Birmingham area, told Stateline. Now, Im more in a stance of saying this is the most fundamental right afforded to citizens of the United States, and I am a legal citizen of this country and I will fight for that right. The Trump administrations effort to scoop up voter registration lists and other information from a growing number of states underscores how state-controlled voter lists are a major battleground in fights over access to the polls. The Justice Department told the National Association of Secretaries of State that it will eventually contact all states, an association spokesperson wrote in an email. Roald Hazelhoff, a naturalized U.S. citizen, voted in the 2024 election. (Photo courtesy of Roald Hazelhoff) Minnesota, New Hampshire and Wisconsin have so far declined to provide full voter registration lists to the department amid questions over the legality of the requests and uncertainty over how the information will be used. Maine Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows plans to deny a similar request, telling the Maine Morning Star that federal officials can go jump in the Gulf of Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department declined a Stateline request for comment. Even before states began tangling with the department, how election officials oversee these lists including when and why voters can be removed was under increasing scrutiny. The stakes for voters are foundational: How states maintain the lists determines who is on them and therefore who is able to vote. Power over voter registration lists is the power to shape the electorate. Voting should be easy, not akin to trying to get a U.S. passport when its been lost or stolen and youre in Nicaragua, you know what Im saying? Hazelhoff said. It should be something that we encourage and this is not encouraged. This is the exact opposite. Some states in recent years have signed up for competing systems to help identify duplicate or noncitizen voter registrations, after the largest operation came under fire from Trump. Election officials in some states have also entered into ad hoc agreements with some of their counterparts to share data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other states continue to tighten voter list maintenance requirements as well. New Hampshire legislators in June approved a bill requiring local officials to verify voter lists annually instead of once a decade; the governor signed the bill Friday. Idaho lawmakers passed a bill, signed by the governor in April, that requires state agencies to share data with the state secretary of state to help check the accuracy of voter registrations. Chief election officials in some states tout their annual or regular elimination of registrations. Georgia Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced in mid-July that his office was sending cancellation mailers to 477,883 inactive registrants. Last week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, directed local election officials to begin a new round of removals. The registrations will be eligible for cancellation in 2029 following a federally mandated notification process, he said in a news release. The Trump administration is also pushing states to use a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services tool, typically used to determine the immigration status of people seeking government benefits, to identify noncitizen registered voters. The agency now allows state and local officials to conduct bulk searches using the tool, the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program, instead of one at a time. Voter fraud and noncitizen voting rarely occur. But Trumps false claims of a stolen election in 2020, along with an uptick in anti-immigrant sentiment among conservatives before last years election, has driven attention to the voter registration lists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election officials and voting rights activists across the political spectrum agree that accurate, up-to-date voter rolls ensure that elections remain secure. They split over how to balance cleaning the lists with protecting voters from accidental deletion and where to draw the line between legitimate maintenance and politically driven purges. It has to be done fairly. It has to be done transparently. And it has to be done legally, said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan group that often challenges voter restrictions in court, including the Alabama effort. I think that any time you are doing voter list maintenance in a way that disenfranchises more people or is careless, then there has to be a hard no on things like that, Stewart said in an interview. New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, a Republican, said he wants to find a middle ground where everything is balanced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scanlan declined to provide the Justice Department with his states voter rolls. He wrote in a July 25 letter that state law doesnt authorize him to release the list to the department. Still, he noted that under the law the department could obtain voter lists by contacting local election officials. In an interview, Scanlan also predicted the New Hampshire legislation requiring annual verification wouldnt be an onerous change and would improve the accuracy of the rolls. He said he wants a system that makes voting easy, but one thats also transparent and ensures everyone casting a ballot is a legitimate voter. I think thats where were headed, Scanlan said. Its not a straight line to get there. Undermining ERIC Trump helped usher in the current era of division over cleaning voter rolls in March 2023, by attacking the Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC, and calling on states to pull out of the group. He posted on social media at the time that it pumps the rolls for Democrats and does nothing to clean them up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within months, eight Republican-led states had withdrawn. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit allows member states to submit voter registration and motor vehicle department data. It also has access to Social Security death data and address change information from the U.S. Postal Service. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ERIC then identifies potential duplicate and out-of-date registrations, dead voters and possible illegal voting. Member states also reach out to individuals who are likely eligible to vote but havent registered, a requirement that angers some Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democrats are now quick to point out what they see as the irony of Trumps Justice Department voicing concerns with voter list maintenance practices after the president undermined ERIC a system they say is effective in helping states clean their voter rolls. It is an extra layer of hypocrisy and ridiculousness that they would turn around and be critical of the one organization ensuring voter rolls are clean and up to date in its member states, said New York state Sen. James Skoufis, a Democrat who sponsored a recently passed bill to require New York join ERIC. The measure hasnt been delivered to the governor. Twenty-five states a mix of red and blue states, as well as presidential swing states such as Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia currently use ERIC. In an email, ERIC Executive Director Shane Hamlin wrote that the organization remains committed to attracting new members. Hamlin cited the New York legislation and noted that Hawaii recently joined. Republican states havent coalesced around a single alternative to ERIC, but an Alabama-led system comes closest. The Alabama Voter Integrity Database, or AVID, includes Alabama and 10 other mostly Southern states; the latest state, Virginia, joined in late May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alabama secretary of states office, which maintains the database, didnt respond to multiple interview requests or written questions from Stateline. Voter file maintenance is the foundation of election integrity, Allen, the Alabama secretary of state, said in a June news release. Ensuring that Alabamas voter file is the cleanest and most accurate voter file in the country has been a top priority of mine since day one. As states weigh the value of ERIC and AVID, some election officials arent racing to pick a side. Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, a Republican, said ERIC likely isnt the right solution, though he said he had no reason to criticize it. To have an effective system, every state needs information from their neighboring states, as well as the states where their snow birds go, he said. He identified those states as Florida in the East, Texas in the Midwest and California and Arizona in the West. Florida and Texas belong to AVID, while Arizona belongs to ERIC. California belongs to neither. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need a broader solution. Its tough in this environment, where everyones guards are up on the political spectrum, McGrane said in an interview. A total shock In Alabama, Hazelhoff said his experience demonstrates the nightmare that can unfold when voter roll cleaning crosses the line into an illegal purge. That was a total shock when that happened, said Hazelhoff, who was born in the Netherlands, moved to the United States in 1977 and became a citizen in 2022. In August 2024, he received a letter from the Board of Registrars in Jefferson County, where he lives, informing him his voter registration had been made inactive and that you have been placed on a path for removal from the statewide voter list. The reason, the letter said, was that Allen had provided information showing Hazelhoff was issued a noncitizen identification number by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security while also being a registered voter. After Hazelhoff and others sued, U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco, a Trump appointee, ruled that Allen had blown past a deadline in federal law that prohibits systematic purges of ineligible voters less than 90 days before a federal election. Allen had announced his purge 84 days before the election, she wrote, and had later admitted his purge list included thousands of U.S. citizens. He had also referred everyone on the list to the Alabama attorney generals office for criminal investigation, despite the inclusion of citizens. When Hazelhoff went to his polling place last year, he said he still felt some trepidation, even after the court ruling. He questioned whether he would be escorted out for casting an illegal vote. It worried me, Hazelhoff said. But then the actual voting experience was great and the people were polite. The system seemed to be working. 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. A voter leaves a polling place after casting a ballot in the states primary election on March 5, 2024, in Mountain Brook, Ala. Before the November 2024 election, the Alabama secretary of state initiated a purge of thousands of registered voters but was blocked by a federal judge. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) This story originally published Monday in Stateline. Alabama resident Roald Hazelhoff treasures his newly won right to vote. When election officials flagged the naturalized U.S. citizens voter registration for possible removal last August, the Dutch native fought back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hazelhoff, then a 67-year-old college instructor, sued to stop Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, a Republican, from seeking to kick him and more than 3,200 other registered voters off the rolls. The lawsuit was part of a multifront legal challenge led by him and three other voters, along with voting rights groups and the Biden-era U.S. Department of Justice. A federal judge halted Alabamas effort within weeks and Hazelhoff voted in his first presidential election last November without incident. Ten months later, Hazelhoff is watching with deep concern as the Department of Justice, in President Donald Trumps second term, is demanding that states turn over their voter registration lists and other election information, citing unspecified concerns with voter list maintenance. Roald Hazelhoff, a naturalized U.S. citizen, voted in the 2024 election. (Photo courtesy of Roald Hazelhoff) My initial reaction was of sadness that this could happen but that still a mistake could be made, Hazelhoff, who lives in the Birmingham area, told Stateline. Now, Im more in a stance of saying this is the most fundamental right afforded to citizens of the United States, and I am a legal citizen of this country and I will fight for that right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations effort to scoop up voter registration lists and other information from a growing number of states underscores how state-controlled voter lists are a major battleground in fights over access to the polls. The Justice Department told the National Association of Secretaries of State that it will eventually contact all states, an association spokesperson wrote in an email. Minnesota, New Hampshire and Wisconsin have so far declined to provide full voter registration lists to the department amid questions over the legality of the requests and uncertainty over how the information will be used. Maine Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows plans to deny a similar request, telling the Maine Morning Star that federal officials can go jump in the Gulf of Maine. The Justice Department declined a Stateline request for comment. Even before states began tangling with the department, how election officials oversee these lists including when and why voters can be removed was under increasing scrutiny. The stakes for voters are foundational: How states maintain the lists determines who is on them and therefore who is able to vote. Power over voter registration lists is the power to shape the electorate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting should be easy, not akin to trying to get a U.S. passport when its been lost or stolen and youre in Nicaragua, you know what Im saying? Hazelhoff said. It should be something that we encourage and this is not encouraged. This is the exact opposite. Some states in recent years have signed up for competing systems to help identify duplicate or noncitizen voter registrations, after the largest operation came under fire from Trump. Election officials in some states have also entered into ad hoc agreements with some of their counterparts to share data. Other states continue to tighten voter list maintenance requirements as well. New Hampshire legislators in June approved a bill requiring local officials to verify voter lists annually instead of once a decade; the governor signed the bill on Friday. Idaho lawmakers passed a bill, signed by the governor in April, that requires state agencies to share data with the state secretary of state to help check the accuracy of voter registrations. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief election officials in some states tout their annual or regular elimination of registrations. Georgia Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced in mid-July that his office was sending cancellation mailers to 477,883 inactive registrants. Last week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, directed local election officials to begin a new round of removals. The registrations will be eligible for cancellation in 2029 following a federally mandated notification process, he said in a news release. The Trump administration is also pushing states to use a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services tool, typically used to determine the immigration status of people seeking government benefits, to identify noncitizen registered voters. The agency now allows state and local officials to conduct bulk searches using the tool, the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program, instead of one at a time. I am a legal citizen of this country and I will fight for that right. Roald Hazelhoff, a naturalized U.S. citizen who sued after his Alabama voter registration was made inactive Voter fraud and noncitizen voting rarely occur. But Trumps false claims of a stolen election in 2020, along with an uptick in anti-immigrant sentiment among conservatives before last years election, has driven attention to the voter registration lists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election officials and voting rights activists across the political spectrum agree accurate, up-to-date voter rolls ensure that elections remain secure. They split over how to balance cleaning the lists with protecting voters from accidental deletion and where to draw the line between legitimate maintenance and politically driven purges. It has to be done fairly. It has to be done transparently. And it has to be done legally, said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan group that often challenges voter restrictions in court, including the Alabama effort. I think that any time you are doing voter list maintenance in a way that disenfranchises more people or is careless, then there has to be a hard no on things like that, Stewart said in an interview. New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, a Republican, said he wants to find a middle ground where everything is balanced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scanlan declined to provide the Justice Department with his states voter rolls. He wrote in a July 25 letter that state law doesnt authorize him to release the list to the department. Still, he noted that under the law the department could obtain voter lists by contacting local election officials. In an interview, Scanlan also predicted the New Hampshire legislation requiring annual verification wouldnt be an onerous change and would improve the accuracy of the rolls. He said he wants a system that makes voting easy, but one thats also transparent and ensures everyone casting a ballot is a legitimate voter. I think thats where were headed, Scanlan said. Its not a straight line to get there. Undermining the Electronic Registration Information Center, Trump helped usher in the current era of division over cleaning voter rolls in March 2023 by attacking the Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC, and calling on states to pull out of the group. He posted on social media at the time that it pumps the rolls for Democrats and does nothing to clean them up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within months, eight Republican-led states had withdrawn. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit allows member states to submit voter registration and motor vehicle department data. It also has access to Social Security death data and address change information from the U.S. Postal Service. ERIC then identifies potential duplicate and out-of-date registrations, dead voters and possible illegal voting. Member states also reach out to individuals who are likely eligible to vote but havent registered, a requirement that angers some Republicans. Some Democrats are now quick to point out what they see as the irony of Trumps Justice Department voicing concerns with voter list maintenance practices after the president undermined ERIC a system they say is effective in helping states clean their voter rolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an extra layer of hypocrisy and ridiculousness that they would turn around and be critical of the one organization ensuring voter rolls are clean and up to date in its member states, said New York state Sen. James Skoufis, a Democrat who sponsored a bill passed by the state legislature to require New York to join ERIC. The measure hasnt been delivered to the governor. Twenty-five states a mix of red and blue states, as well as presidential swing states such as Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia currently use ERIC. In an email, ERIC Executive Director Shane Hamlin wrote that the organization remains committed to attracting new members. Hamlin cited the New York legislation and noted that Hawaii recently joined. Republican states havent coalesced around a single alternative to ERIC, but an Alabama-led system comes closest. The Alabama Voter Integrity Database, or AVID, includes Alabama and 10 other mostly Southern states; the latest state, Virginia, joined in late May. The Alabama secretary of states office, which maintains the database, didnt respond to multiple interview requests or written questions from Stateline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voter file maintenance is the foundation of election integrity, Allen, the Alabama secretary of state, said in a June news release. Ensuring that Alabamas voter file is the cleanest and most accurate voter file in the country has been a top priority of mine since day one. As states weigh the value of ERIC and AVID, some election officials arent racing to pick a side. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, a Republican, said ERIC likely isnt the right solution, though he said he had no reason to criticize it. To have an effective system, every state needs information from their neighboring states, as well as the states where their snow birds go, he said. He identified those states as Florida in the East, Texas in the Midwest and California and Arizona in the West. Florida and Texas belong to AVID, while Arizona belongs to ERIC. California belongs to neither. We need a broader solution. Its tough in this environment, where everyones guards are up on the political spectrum, McGrane said in an interview. A total shock In Alabama, Hazelhoff said his experience demonstrates the nightmare that can unfold when voter roll cleaning crosses the line into an illegal purge. That was a total shock when that happened, said Hazelhoff, who was born in the Netherlands, moved to the United States in 1977 and became a citizen in 2022. In August 2024, he received a letter from the Board of Registrars in Jefferson County, where he lives, informing him his voter registration had been made inactive and that you have been placed on a path for removal from the statewide voter list. The reason, the letter said, was that Allen had provided information showing Hazelhoff was issued a noncitizen identification number by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security while also being a registered voter. After Hazelhoff and others sued, U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco, a Trump appointee, ruled that Allen had blown past a deadline in federal law that prohibits systematic purges of ineligible voters less than 90 days before a federal election. Allen had announced his purge 84 days before the election, she wrote, and had later admitted his purge list included thousands of U.S. citizens. He had also referred everyone on the list to the Alabama attorney generals office for criminal investigation, despite the inclusion of citizens. When Hazelhoff went to his polling place last year, he said he still felt some trepidation, even after the court ruling. He questioned whether he would be escorted out for casting an illegal vote. It worried me, Hazelhoff said. But then the actual voting experience was great and the people were polite. The system seemed to be working. 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Department of Justice published a new list Tuesday of "sanctuary" jurisdictions that it claims have policies, laws or regulations that obstruct enforcement of federal immigration laws. Although the list includes the Trump administrations typical targets the city of Los Angeles and the state of California it is much shorter than a previous list issued by the Department of Homeland Security. And at least one local area that has become a major battleground over immigration is not on it: L.A. County. Los Angeles County has not formally declared itself a sanctuary jurisdiction. However, the county that it is home to more than 2 million residents who are undocumented or living with undocumented family members was included on a Homeland Security list of sanctuary jurisdictions published in May. That list was subsequently removed from the department's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release, the Department of Justice said Tuesday that the new federal list of 35 cities, counties and states a much lower figure than the hundreds of jurisdictions that appeared on the previous Homeland Security list is "not exhaustive" and "will be updated as federal authorities gather further information." Read more: More than 1,000 National Guard troops leaving L.A. Newsom says Trump's 'political theater backfired' A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not answer specific questions from The Times about why L.A. County was not on the list. "These designations were made after a thorough review of documented laws, ordinances, and executive directives by the listed jurisdictions," the agency states on its website. "This initial list of designated Sanctuary Jurisdictions will be reviewed regularly, to include additional jurisdictions and remove jurisdictions that have remediated their policies, practices, and laws. Each state, county, and city will have an opportunity to respond to its placement on the list." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Justice Department list is just the latest effort by the Trump administration to ramp up pressure on cities, counties and states that have policies or laws that restrict collaboration with federal immigration authorities. But it also represents a more targeted focus. The previous Homeland Security list, which included most of California's 58 counties, sparked ridicule for its errors. It even included the conservative city of Huntington Beach, which declared itself a nonsanctuary city a few days after Trump took office and sued the state of California over its sanctuary policies. Gov. Gavin's Newsom office dismissed the new Department of Justice list Tuesday as "another PR stunt by the federal government to scare people." "Like their last failed attempt at this ridiculous and meaningless list, which they were forced to pull down within days because of the backlash, this was created without any input or criteria," Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a spokesperson for the governor, said Tuesday in a statement. "California is confident in the balance of our law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement L.A. Mayor Karen Bass also seemed committed to her city's sanctuary status. "Los Angeles' law is legally sound and we will always stand with the people of Los Angeles, especially in the face of continued assaults on our city," Bass told The Times. Now that the Department of Justice has winnowed down its inventory of offenders, California is one of 13 states, mostly on the West Coast and in the Northeast, that the Trump administration has identified as having policies or laws that impede federal immigration agents. Only four county jurisdictions across the country are included in the Department of Justice list: Baltimore County, Md.; Cook County, Ill.; San Diego County and San Francisco County. Three of the 18 cities on the list Berkeley, Los Angeles and San Francisco are in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design, U.S. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi said in a statement Tuesday. The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country. In April, Trump signed an executive order , "Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens," directing the Justice Department to work with Homeland Security to publish a list of jurisdictions that continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. The Justice Department has since taken legal action against a number of sanctuary jurisdictions including L.A., where the City Council voted unanimously in November to declare the city a sanctuary jurisdiction and block any city resources from being used for immigration enforcement. Read more: Trump boasts of deporting the 'worst of the worst.' L.A. raids tell a far different story Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and the L.A. City Council that described L.A.s sanctuary law as illegal. Officials, the lawsuit said, "refuse to cooperate or share information, even when requested, with federal immigration authorities. Jurisdictions like Los Angeles that flout federal law by prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens are undermining law enforcement at every level, Bondi said in a June statement. "It ends under President Trump." Last month, Bondi announced a "major victory" for the Department of Justice: the city of Louisville, Ky., she said, was ditching its sanctuary policies after receiving a letter from her office. "This should set an example to other cities," Bondi said on X. "Instead of forcing us to sue you which we will, without hesitation follow the law, get rid of sanctuary policies, and work with us to fix the illegal immigration crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the Justice Department said in a news release that "the federal government will assist any jurisdiction that desires to be taken off this list to identify and eliminate their sanctuary policies." L.A. County leaders have at times taken steps to oppose Trump's aggressive clampdown on immigrants. Last week, for example, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 0 to direct county lawyers to draft an ordinance that prohibits officers, including federal agents, from concealing their identities with masks, except for medical reasons or when working in an undercover operation. But county officials have stopped short of declaring the county a sanctuary jurisdiction. And on Tuesday few L.A. County leaders responded publicly to the news that the county was no longer on the federal government's official list of sanctuary jurisdictions. In a statement to The Times after the Justice Department released its list, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who abstained from last week's vote on masked law enforcement, said she had "worked hard to advance a thoughtful approach to governance one that upholds the law while respecting the dignity of all individuals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I remain committed to leading with transparency, accountability, and a balanced perspective that prioritizes both public safety and community trust," Barger said. 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. On 4 August the president of Perus judiciary,, expressed her disagreement with a government proposal to consider removing Peru from the jurisdiction of the Inter-American Human Rights System (IAHRS). End of preview - This article contains approximately 382 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options The Justice Department is weighing the release of the audio file and transcript of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanches interview late last month with Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, senior administration officials told Fox News the latest in a nearly month-long saga that has consumed the Trump administration and the attention of the public since early July. Blanches interviews with Ghislaine Maxwell took place over a two-day period in Florida, where she had been serving out a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida. The questions took place at the U.S. Attorney's office in Tallahassee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell was transferred last week without explanation to a new, minimum-security women's federal prison camp in Texas. Comer Subpoenas The Clintons, Trump's Doj In House Oversight's Epstein Probe U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks alongside President Donald Trump in the briefing room at the White House on June 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) It is unclear how long the tape and transcripts from the interviews between Blanche and Maxwell are, but they do exist, Fox News has learned, and discussions are underway today involving whether and when to release them. Read On The Fox News App Anything released by the Trump administration would almost certainly involve heavily redacting any identifying information of individuals named in the transcript in order to protect victims something Attorney General Pam Bondi has stressed in public on multiple occasions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department declined to comment on additional specifics involving the interview or its release. Still, the news comes as the Justice Department and FBI have struggled to quell the mounting public pressure on them to release more information related to the Epstein investigation underscoring the story's sticking power in a fast-moving news cycle, and among Trump supporters, who have been some of the leading voices in demanding the information be released. Comer Subpoenas The Clintons, Trump's Doj In House Oversight's Epstein Probe This pressure reached a fever pitch on July 7, after the Justice Department said in an unsigned memo that it did not plan to release more information about the investigation. They also said there was no "client list," as had been suggested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the face of mounting public protest, Tuesday's news makes clear the degree to which the Trump administration appears to be rethinking that response to the fallout. Trump, for his part, has called for the Justice Department to release "all credible" evidence in the files. "Wed like to release everything, but we dont want people to get hurt that shouldnt be hurt, and I would assume that was why he was there," he told Newsmax late last week. President Donald Trump speaks Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting with Secretary of Housing, Eric Scott Turner, left, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, center, at the White House. Also on Tuesday, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer issued multiple subpoenas related to the Epstein investigation, including subpoenaing the Justice Department for production of the "complete" Epstein files to the committee "by or before August 19," according to a letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Oversight Committee subcommittee panel also subpoenaed former government officials for depositions in the Epstein probe, including Bill and Hillary Clinton. The panel voted by unanimous voice vote in late July to subpoena the individuals, and held a separate vote on subpoenaing the Justice Departent. Fox News's Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report. Original article source: Justice Department weighs release of Ghislaine Maxwell interview SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Good morning. Heres the latest in news and weather for Tuesday, Aug. 5. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation has ruled that a Sioux Falls officer involved shooting a month ago was justified. DCI: 30 gunshots, officers justified in July 7 shooting Theres another arrest in connection with a shootout involving men in masks in downtown Sioux Falls. Another arrested in connection to masked shootout Police are investigating after gunshots were fired at a home in western Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shots fired at Sioux Falls house Sunday You never know what youll find out in Badlands National Park. Tiny llama-like fossil found in Badlands Project S.O.S., or Supply our Students, gives away backpacks and school supplies to families-in-need every August at The Banquet in downtown Sioux Falls. Families line up for Project S.O.S. If youre looking for an indoor place to play pickleball, theres a new spot that will be opening in a few months. The new indoor pickleball courts coming to SF Chances of severe storms. Weather Stay informed with the KELOLAND News app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A new recruit on the lifeguard crew at a local state park isnt who you might expect. A four-legged friend joined the team, and shes already making waves. When Kelby the canine lifeguard puts on her goggles and life vest, shes ready to get to work. Kelby, a two-and-a-half-year-old Newfoundland, has been training to save lives since she was 12 weeks old. Kelby is a lifeguard at Beltzville State Park, and she made her fourth rescue on Sunday, helping to save a mans life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Park officials say the man was in distress in the water when Kelby responded, and she helped him get safely aboard their boat. We were out on the boat close to him. We immediately responded. I got in the water, I brought Kelby with me. We were able to stabilize him in the water and bring him back to our boat, and he didnt require any further treatment or first aid. It was a very lucky situation that we were right there when it happened, American Academy of K9 Water Rescue President George Abraham told 28/22 News. Those who witnessed the rescue say it was unlike anything theyve ever seen. I saw the dog go in, the dog had goggles on and everything, and he hops right on the boat, hops off the boat, helps the guy identify everything, and it was just really cool to see, New Jersey resident Kaileigh Netland said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her impressive abilities wowed the crowd, but Kelbys skills dont stop at water rescue. Shes an instructor with our organization; shes actually able to teach the other dogs how to do the tasks and how to do the drills, Abraham added. Formal valuation appeal hearings begin in Scranton Those enjoying the park can usually find Kelby on the boat with Abraham as she keeps a watchful eye. Kelbys very in tune to everything in this park; shes been doing this for a couple years now. She knows what is normal and what isnt, and as soon as she sees something, shell be very quick to alert us to it, and then we can react and deploy, Abraham continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Kelbys help, Beltzville State Park can stay a safe place to enjoy the summer sun. Its our job as lifeguards and water rescue personnel to help everyone in the community be safe around the water. Everyone likes to come out and have a good time; we want everyone to go home with those memories, not a memory of having an incident at the lake, Abraham said. It wont be long before Kelby has some help too. The program is currently training younger dogs to become just as skillful as she is. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Police Department is asking for the publics help in finding three missing girls. Llyodianna Stevenson, Marcieann Randolph and Marcina Crawford were last seen near the 600 block of NE 38th Street in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, July 31, around 5 p.m., wearing unknown clothing. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Police said it is believed the girls may be endangered and there is concern for their safety and wellbeing. They are believed to be in the custody of a family member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stevenson, 6, Randolph, 13, and Crawford, 16, are all reported to have black hair and brown eyes. If located, you are asked to contact the KCPD Missing Persons Unit at (816) 234-5043 or call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Sen. Pat Pettey, a Kansas City Democrat shown speaking on the Senate floor in April, received results of a legislative audit of the state's inspector general's work to uncover fraud in state payments for health care services. In four years, the inspector general's work resulted in prosecution of two people and court judgments of about $7,500. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA The Kansas inspector general assigned to the attorney generals office prosecuted two cases of alleged health program fraud, resulting in judgments against perpetrators of $7,500 over the past four years. A report by the Kansas Legislatures auditing division said the inspector general from 2021 to 2024 fielded more than 5,500 complaints and opened 280 investigations. Almost three of every five cases remained open, auditors said. One-fourth were closed without action after allegations were disproven, there was insufficient evidence to proceed or the money lost was too inconsequential to justify further work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the complaints come from the Department for Children and Families and allege benefit eligibility fraud, said senior auditor Matt Fahrenbruch. The audit requested by Sen. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, was completed in July. The Legislatures audit of the inspector generals office focused on financial recovery and prosecutorial results. Auditors examined the 280 investigations, consulted court records and interviewed the inspector generals staff. The inspector generals personnel grew from four people in 2021 to 10 employees in 2024. The report indicated the inspector general referred seven cases to law enforcement for prosecution during the four-year period. Fahrenbruch said two of the seven cases resulted in judgments against defendants. In one case, an individual misrepresented household income to gain Medicaid benefits worth at least $25,000. The person was charged with multiple felonies and agreed to pay $2,500 in restitution in 2023. Auditors said the person stopped payments in 2024 after reimbursing the state $920. The other case involved a woman who forged information to claim a pregnancy to gain Medicaid services. As part of a plea agreement, she was ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 21 weve gone from four (staff) to now in 24 10 additional staff with this kind of recoup of funds? Pettey said. In one of the five cases categorized as awaiting prosecution, auditors said a person with power of attorney diverted a $186,500 inheritance from a relative who was an institutionalized Medicaid beneficiary. Local law enforcement conducted a preliminary investigation and recovered most of the money from the suspect. The inspector general took over the case and returned the funds to the victim. Inspector General Steven Anderson, who now works under Attorney General Kris Kobach, said the public should recognize the Legislature didnt appropriate funding to hire two full-time special agents until 2023. You cant do investigations if you dont have investigators. Its that simple, Anderson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said the Legislature should view cases in which an allegation was disproven as a successful conclusion to an inquiry by the inspector general. For anybody whos been wrongly accused to be exonerated is a real plus, Anderson said. So, those dont add dollars. They dont show up as recoveries. They dont show up as savings, but for the people subject to those investigations, its a win. The latest audit did make reference to a 2021 report revealing the Kansas Department of Health and Environment mistakenly overpaid companies delivering Medicaid services to disabled, elderly and low-income Kansans from 2015 to 2020. It was discovered managed care organizations hired by the state were paid $1.3 million for care associated with 25 individuals who were deceased. KDHE recovered $1.1 million from three managed-care companies by withholding subsequent state Medicaid payments. A fourth company no longer employed by Kansas repaid $171,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson said the Legislatures audit noted but didnt attempt to confirm the inspector generals estimate that oversight from his office led to $3.2 million in future savings, based on identifying and removing people who benefitted from the health assistance programs but were ineligible. We didnt evaluate the validity of the numbers as part of this limited-scope audit, said Fahrenbruch, the senior auditor with the Legislature. The audit said the concept of waste didnt meet the definition of recoupment for the state so questions about the accuracy of the inspector generals estimates werent evaluated. In addition, Anderson said the audit mentioned but didnt confirm the purported $8 million in savings that could have occurred if the states billing for emergency alert services and equipment had been handled as recommended by the inspector general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auditors also didnt explore the inspector generals estimate that $320 million in wasted funds had been identified by his office from 2021 to 2024, Anderson said. For example, in 2022 the inspector general concluded the states Home and Community Based Services program paid $193 million for 2,850 beneficiaries who hadnt used those services in more than a year, despite rules requiring monthly use to remain eligible. In its response, the Department for Aging and Disability Services agreed to take steps to improve oversight of that funding. The Kansas inspector generals office bounced around state government after being initiated in 2007 by the Legislature. It landing with the attorney general in 2017. From 2014 to 2018, the job of inspector general was left vacant. Then-Attorney General Derek Schmidt appointed an IG in 2018 and was responsible for selecting Anderson in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2025 Legislature expanded the mission of the inspector generals office to search for potential fraud, waste, abuse and other illegal acts in the states Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF. Lawmakers allocated $305,000 to expand the inspector generals staff with an additional two auditors and one investigator in the current fiscal year to address the broadened mandate. Anderson said it was his assumption the inspector general also would be available to explore fraud in the states free- and reduced-cost school lunch program. Karen Read grand juror pleads guilty to leaking details about federal investigation A Dracut woman who leaked information about a federal grand jury inquiry into the Karen read case has pleaded guilty to charges. Jessica Leslie, 34, admits that between August 11, 2022, and March 4, 2024, she told a friend details, including the names of various witnesses, when she was charged in federal court in Boston in July. That friend later posted the information online. The names of the people Leslie was leaking information to were not immediately available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read, who was under investigation in connection with the murder of her Boston police officer boyfriend, faced no federal charges. In June, a Norfolk Superior Court jury acquitted her of murder and manslaughter in the death of John OKeefe. Leslie will be sentenced on September 26. 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 In response, Yair Lapid said his faction would file a complaint with police against the communications minister for incitement and sedition. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi on Tuesday instructed his staff against recognizing the authority of the Attorney-Generals Office, in contempt of a High Court injunction against Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miaras dismissal. On Monday, the government unanimously approved Justice Minister Yariv Levins proposal to dismiss Baharav-Miara. In response, the High Court of Justice issued an injunction against the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the latest clash between the judiciary and the government, the court said no aspect of the attorney-generals position is to be changed until a decision is handed down and that the government cannot name a replacement. Karhi: A-G's legal advice now devoid of any validity In a memo sent to Communications Ministry staff, Karhi insisted that Baharav-Miaras office is no longer authorized to issue legal opinions, adding that if it does, such advice would be devoid of any validity. He further instructed the ministrys staff not to request any legal advice from the A-Gs Office without his offices approval. According to the minister, Baharv-Miara and her staffs status is no different than any other citizen. Israelis protest in support of Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara outside the courthouse in Tel Aviv, July 14, 2025 (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) Although Baharav-Miara has not officially been ousted from her role, cabinet ministers, including Karhi, have said they would stop inviting her to government hearings and committee meetings effective immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a ruling last month, Supreme Court Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg said no measure to dismiss the attorney-general would be valid until the decision is reviewed by the court. In response to Karhis memo, opposition leader MK Yair Lapid said the ministrys employees have no reason to accept the authority of the communications minister, respect his directives, obey his orders, or comply with the void instructions of a criminal minister. Lapid further noted that his Yesh Atid faction would file a complaint against Karhi with the police on the grounds of incitement and sedition. Israeli NGO calls on ministry staff to ignore Karhi's memo The Zulat Institute for Equality and Human Rights called the minister a criminal in its response to the memo, adding that Karhi seeks to turn his ministrys employees into criminals themselves through an intimidation campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zulat noted that the Attorney-Generals Office was in the process of blocking Karhis comprehensive plan to overhaul the broadcasting landscape, which the institute said would seriously harm free media. Therefore, it noted, Karhi was tainted with a serious conflict of interest and is in contempt of court, calling on Communications Ministry staff to completely ignore his memo. Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report. Drinks containing kava and/or kratom have been marketed as mood lifters and energy boosters, however, some consumers say the products are leading to addiction. Kava is a traditional Pacific Island beverage made from the roots of Piper methysticum plant that is known for producing relaxing and euphoric effects. Kratom is derived from tree leaves and is sold as a supplement, one that can produce both stimulant and sedative effects. Is kava bad for you? Substance can be addictive While kava is not considered physically addictive, as it does not cause the severe physical withdrawal symptoms that are typically associated with substance addiction, individuals may still develop a psychological dependence on kava. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individuals may develop a psychological dependence on kava, especially if it is used regularly to manage anxiety, stress or sleep problems. This can lead to higher tolerance, mild withdrawal symptoms, compulsive use, neglect of responsibilities and difficulty reducing use, says Crestview Recovery. What are Feel Free shots by Botanic Tonics? Are people becoming addicted to kava? Feel Free drinks are made from the root of the South Pacific plant kava and the leaves of the Southeast Asian tree kratom. Kava is known to have a calming, euphoric effect, while kratom is a mild stimulant that is known for having addictive qualities, says Punchdrink. These drinks are sold in gas stations, liquor stores and smoke shops to consumers 21 years of age or older. The bottle's label describes the product as a "plant-based herbal supplement," and is often consumed for "clean energy" and as an alcohol alternative, according to Punchdrink. Some individuals have reported trying the drink, and then finding themselves purchasing and drinking up to 10 two-ounce bottles a day, becoming psychologically dependent on the substance. When attempting to reduce or halt consumption, individuals compared withdrawing from kava to withdrawing from an opioid, CBS News reported. Louisiana's recent ban on kratom products. Are kava products banned in the state? Brittany Alsaker is concerned about the growing number of Kratom bottles and Delta vape pen products she and her family are finding in the wooded area and trails behind her Perdido area home. The Louisiana House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 154 (SB154), which would ban the possession and distribution of kratom. The House passed SB154 by an 87 to 6 vote and, since the bill has already passed the Senate, the legislation awaits signature by Gov. Jeff Landry in order to become a law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB154 would classify 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine as Schedule 1 drugs, which are substances considered to have a high potential for abuse and are not currently accepted for medical use treatment in the U.S. The bill would also criminalize the possession, production and distribution of kratom, according to the bill's text. While Louisiana has passed legislation regarding the possession and distribution of kratom, kava products have not been banned in the state. Although, state-level regulations have been implemented and some parishes have implemented local bans. Kava is regulated as a controlled substance for human consumption, and kava supplements must comply with specific regulations. Parishes that have banned kava locally include Rapides, La Salle, Concordia and Ascension, according to Botanic Tonics. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Is kava addictive? What to know about potentially dangerous product KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is attempting to locate a 59-year-old man who has been missing for over a week. William Keys was last seen on Saturday, July 26, around noon near 45th Street and Park Avenue, according to police. He was last seen wearing a red flannel shirt and blue jeans. Wife of man killed in collapse at Kansas City Family Dollar files wrongful death lawsuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes described as standing 58 and weighing 140 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. Key uses a walker and wheelchair to get around. Police said his family is worried about him. If you see him or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please call 911 or notify the KCPD Missing Persons Unit at (816) 234-5043. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., offered some praise for President Donald Trump's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Tuesday and said the administration had improved its customer service and had been effective on the ground. While discussing the impact of natural disasters with "At Our Table" podcast host Jaime Harrison, Beshear said he believed the American people agree that the federal government should be there at their darkest moments, "where through no fault of your own, a hurricane, a tornado, flooding has torn through your communities." Beshear gave credit to Trump's administration during the interview before suggesting it was something the president wants to scale back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The irony of all of it to me is, is Trumps FEMA on the ground has done a good job in Kentucky. They have bettered their customer service. Were not getting nearly as many complaints. Theyre getting a lot of money through individual assistance out to families, especially after flooding. Its actually a credit to his administration, and it seems to be the thing that they want to undo or unwind. Hopefully, him seeing it personally has an emotional impact because we need FEMA for that emergency response," Beshear said. Trump, Lawmakers At Odds Over Whether Fema Should Be Elevated To Cabinet-level Agency Or Completely Overhauled Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 at Conrad Washington on April 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) Just days after taking office in January, Trump announced an executive order to completely overhaul or possibly eliminate FEMA, telling reporters, "I'll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think, frankly, Fema is not good," the president added. Beshear also said public assistance was still needed for some areas of his state. "And one thing we havent seen is that public assistance really since February that helps out Laurel County, where London, Kentucky is, and Pulaski County, where Somerset is. Both of those counties went 80-plus percent for the president, but he hasnt approved public assistance that would help them as county governments since that tornado," he added. Trump Administration's Texas Flood Disaster Response 'Fundamentally Different' From Biden's Approach: Noem Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear speaks during the 2024 Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Monday, August 19, 2024. The Democratic governor, who has said he's considering running for president in 2028, also discussed some criticisms of the Democratic Party, specifically where the Biden administration could have done better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Weve got to make sure that we dont get in our own way. And what I mean by that is we've got to be able to look at things that maybe we should have done better. And, as we go forward, make sure that we are not tripping ourselves up," Beshear told Harrison, pointing to specific examples from Biden's presidency. "One of my favorite programs that the Biden administration passed was the abandoned well-capping program. These are abandoned oil and gas wells that are pumping methane up into the environment, right? Its causing global warming. Capping them is the only program Ive ever seen where the environmentalists and the industry were both on board. So, the program first comes out, we cap more than anybody else in the nation and then they double the regulations for the second round," he said. Beshear continued, "And what happens? It almost all stops." "Were doing a bunch of archaeological studies, but were not capping those wells," the Democratic governor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Former President Joe Biden during the White House Creator Economy Conference in the Indian Treaty Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. He also pointed to efforts by the Biden administration to expand internet access. "We don't have one inch of fiber in the ground right now. We created so many rules. We had to get the subcontractor, the subcontractor, and the subcontractor before we ever got any money. And to this day, all the money is still sitting with the federal government when the states are supposed to get it out. So, we've got to be effective," Beshear said. "I like to think we got to be the common sense, common ground, get stuff done type of party." Original article source: Kentucky governor praises FEMA under Trump, says its a 'credit to his administration' KENTUCKY (FOX 56) Lawmakers are discussing a possible expansion of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control by creating a new division. As the industry continues to grow, so do its responsibilities. We have 40 officers for the entire state of Kentucky. So, were going to have to really look at, you know, every time we give them more responsibilities, its more of their time, said ABC Commissioner Allyson Taylor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Matthew Koch said its the beginning stages of much-needed conversations. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: As we talked with the cannabis-infused beverages and were going through that, I think it brings up a bigger discussion, he explained. Is there a need, and what would it look like to create a division of ABCs to include all intoxicating substances? The discussion comes after the passing of Senate Bill 202 during the 2025 legislative session, which regulated cannabis-infused beverages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannabuzz Founder and CEO Annie Rouse said that the bill put a lot of regulations on her business, which cost a lot of money in additional fees. We are currently regulated by three different regulatory agencies between the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, and now the ABC. For the products that we have, we pay over $13,000 to operate just from licensing fees alone, not including product registration fees, she explained. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Rouse said as long as the conversation continues, they will continue making their voices heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) Kerr County and the City of Kerrville had a plan to prepare for and respond to disasters like the deadly Independence Day floods that killed at least 108 people including 37 children one month ago. But a KXAN review of public records found that some key parts of the plan werent followed We have not done a full-scale evacuation exercise, no sir, Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. Thomas told lawmakers at a special hearing in Kerrville on July 31, contradicting the countys own emergency management plan. From left to right: Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator W.B. Thomas, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly testified at the July 31 legislative hearing in Kerrville. (Courtesy Texas House of Representatives) I dont know how you guys can be good at what you do, Sen. Charles Perry, who chairs the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I agree, Thomas responded. The 55-page document, filed with the Texas Division of Emergency Management in November 2020, covered Kerr County, Kerrville and Ingram. KXAN obtained it this week as part of a public records request. The plan states preparedness activities will be conducted, including: appropriate training for emergency responders, emergency management personnel, other local officials and volunteer groups and periodic drills and exercises to test our plans and training. Top Kerr County leaders asleep, too late to issue flood evacuation Swiftwater rescue is just something, actually, we were looking into that, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha added at the hearing tasked with looking into what can be done to prevent a future disaster. And, you know, we dont have the area here to train. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: Ingram, Kerrville, Kerr County Emergency Management Plan Download The apparent preparation problems came despite previous weather warnings. The emergency plan calls the risk of flash flooding and river flooding Highly Likely to occur with an estimated MAJOR impact on public health, safety and property. The plan notes major disasters can occur at any time and at any place some, with little or no warning. In 2017, Kerr County, Kerrville and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority released a video warning about the regions history of monstrous and devastating flash floods. Our Cities of Kerrville, Ingram and Kerr County is [sic] exposed to many hazards, the disaster plan warns, all of which have the potential for disrupting the community, causing casualties, and damaging or destroying public or private property. A Texas flag hangs from a flood-damaged tree on the bank of the Guadalupe River, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) Thomas, who appears in the 2017 video, was the person responsible for coordinating evacuations, according to the emergency plan. Sending the warnings fell to the responsibility of Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha with Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring and Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acting in support roles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the hearing, Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, asked Kelly why an evacuation order wasnt issued. It was too late, Kelly responded. It was too late. During the hearing, it was revealed that when the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, Thomas was sick and asleep. Leitha woke up after people were already trapped on roofs. Kelly was at a house on Lake Travis, near Austin, approximately 100 miles away. Everyone here that day [July 4] was working their a off, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told Kelly during the hearing. And you were nowhere to be found. The three guys in Kerr County who were responsible for sounding the alarm were effectively unavailable, Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, remarked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County and city officials insist the storms ferocity came too fast, without warning, and the damage was unavoidable. Mayor Herring told KXAN even if he had attended the July 3 TDEM Situational Awareness Call for Severe Weather Affecting the State of Texas, it likely wouldnt have made a difference, since briefing materials, sent before 10 a.m., showed a slight risk of flash flooding. That afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for parts of the western Hill Country, including Kerrville. Asked, in hindsight, if he would do anything differently, Herring told KXAN: Well, I wish I had superhuman power to see the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A former deputy to Lois Lerner who oversaw the IRS division accused of targeting conservative groups during the Obama years was placed on leave after lawmakers raised alarms that a new sub-department she was leading was becoming politicized. In 2013, Lerner was hauled before Congress, where it was revealed her agency had wrongfully scrutinized tax-exempt applications related to the phrases "Tea Party," "9/12" and "Constitution." The Treasurys inspector general later confirmed "inappropriate criteria" was used to target conservative groups and criticized ineffective oversight of systemic bias. IRS Commissioner of Large Business and International Division Holly Paz Lerners then-deputy was placed on leave last week as lawmakers drew attention to a subordinate work-unit aimed at auditing pass-through businesses that Biden-era Commissioner Danny Werfel had created and assigned her to lead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Werfel called the new work-unit a big step in "ensur[ing] the IRS holds the nations wealthiest filers accountable," and Paz called it an "important change" in the IRS structure. Trump Scores Major Win As Senate Installs Irs Critic To Lead The Agency The exterior of the Internal Revenue Service building in Washington, D.C. However, by 2025, lawmakers, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., warned that the pass-thru-business compliance unit had transformed to be "motivated by ideology rather than principles of sound tax administration." Read On The Fox News App "Pass-through entities form the bulk of Main Street businesses across the country. This includes countless family businesses, professional services firms, and real estate ventures that serve as the backbone of our local economies," Blackburn and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., wrote to the Treasury in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around that time, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa., warned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that Pazs team "has made tongue-in-cheek political comments," including their stated wish to "make basis great again" a phrase regarding taxation loss/gain that hearkens to President Donald Trumps MAGA slogan. In that regard, Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., wrote to IRS Commissioner Billy Long in July that a Biden-era "basis-shifting transaction rule" had "extended the scope" of enforcement. Senate Doge Leader Seeks Crackdown On Tax-dodging Government Workers Lois Lerner testifies. "American taxpayers and businesses deserve clear and consistent tax rules that allow them to confidently comply with the law," Smucker wrote, adding he and Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., are seeking to have that rule "reconsidered" for the sake of unburdening "Main Street" businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chuck Flint, a former top aide to Blackburn and president of the Alliance for IRS Accountability, told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that Pazs past targeting of conservative groups makes her "unfit for government service." Flint said her statements to Congress and role as LB&I chief "places a cloud over the IRS." "Paz's Biden-era pass-through unit is now bludgeoning conservative businesses with fines and must be disbanded. Commissioner Long is flexing his muscles on the IRS Deep State and sending a signal to rogue bureaucrats by placing Paz on leave." Blackburn warned in her letter to Bessent that an IRS news release referencing targeting "complex arrangements" lacked clear definitions and created the impression that legitimate business structures could be unfairly targeted based on legal structure versus actual tax compliance risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even more concerning, the announcement explicitly states that the bureaucratic changes were designed primarily to achieve its goal of increased audit rates in this complex area." Lawmakers Take Action After Report Shows Biden-era Sba Failed To Probe 2 Million Alleged Covid Aid Fraudsters Former Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., President Donald Trump's nominee to be Internal Revenue Service commissioner. "This focus on increasing audits rather than improving compliance suggests an agenda-driven approach to enforcement," Blackburn said. In her letter, Ernst warned Bessent that Pazs team members "have also undermined their appearance of impartiality by comparing legally acceptable transactions to obscene material, saying, Its one of those You know it when you see it a joking reference to [Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewarts] attempt to define pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This team is reportedly acting independently and duplicating existing IRS processes, wasting taxpayer money, and not coordinating with the pre-existing offices," Ernst said. "Most concerning of all, the new pass-through auditors even use a new template for requesting taxpayer information theyve deemed 'The Art of the IDR,' (versus The Art of the Deal) which treats taxpayers as guilty until proven innocent." "Unfortunately, the Biden administration picked up right where Ms. Lerner and her team left off. On September 20, 2023, then-Commissioner Daniel Werfel announced, with language that resembled Democrat talking points, the creation of a duplicative new work unit [led by Paz] to specifically audit pass-through businesses and partnerships. The new office subjects these businesses to potentially two separate IRS examinations in the same year. "One would think Commissioner Werfel would go to great lengths to avoid hearkening back to previous scandals. Instead, he thumbed his nose at taxpayers by placing Lois Lerners deputy Holly Pazat the helm," Ernst wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lerner was front-and-center during the Obama-era scandal, testifying before Congress as head of the tax-exempt organizations division, as a deluge of reports of targeting right-leaning nonprofits abounded. In comments to Fox News Digital on Tuesday, Ersnt cited Paz' past role alongside Lerner whom she said together "weaponiz[ed] the IRS against conservatives under Obama, and the Biden administration doubled down on this scandal by hiring her." "Great work by Commissioner Billy Long for placing Ms. Paz on administrative leave after I exposed that she was getting the gang back together. Next up, we need to audit the tax cheats at the IRS who collectively owe $46 million in back taxes," Ernst said. During the 2013 investigation by the House Oversight Committee, Reps. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Darrell Issa, R-Calif., demanded Paz answer for "inconsistencies" from a transcribed interview with committee staff involving statements about "intervention" against Tea Party groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2015 report by then-Senate Finance Committee leaders Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Ronald Wyden, D-Ore., found that in other cases, some liberal terminology was also flagged, including "ACORN," "progressive" and "medical marijuana." "While handled poorly, groups on both sides of the political spectrum were treated the same in their efforts to secure tax-exempt status," Wyden said at the time, while then-Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, said Democrats should be equally outraged as Republicans. Fox News Digital reached out to Treasury, the IRS and an email connected to Paz for comment. Original article source: Key aide in IRS' Tea Party targeting controversy put on leave after allegations of new anti-GOP effort Kids at UPMC Childrens Hospital in Pittsburgh learned about Pennsylvania history as a way of marking Americas 250th anniversary. The Keystone Classroom initiative teaches kids about history through storytelling and activities. They met Benjamin Franklin and received goodie bags from the mascot for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This initiative will actually reach 50,000 students across all 67 counties by the time it wraps up at the end of the year. and right now we are just around that 35,000 mark, said Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patients received coloring books and other Pennsylvania-themed treats to celebrate the anniversary. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW KNOTT COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) One man is dead after a UTV crash over the weekend in Knott County. Kentucky State Police said that around 3 p.m. on Saturday, troopers were called to the Talcum community regarding a UTV crash on Starfire Haul Road. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the scene, KSP said Michael Miller, 43, was found dead. Investigators said that Miller lost control of the vehicle and was ejected after it overturned. He was not wearing a seat belt or a helmet at the time of the crash. KSP is waiting for the results of the toxicology screening. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) Three large wildfires caused by lightning strikes are burning in northwest Colorado in Rio Blanco and Moffat Counties, the Bureau of Land Management reported on Monday morning. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up for weather alerts from the Pinpoint Weather team Heres what to know about each fire: Elk Fire The Elk Fire is the largest of the three fires. Initially reported on Aug. 2, the fire has grown to 3,000 acres as of Monday morning and is burning in the Oak Ridge area, nearly 10 miles east of Meeker. The fire is burning on private, state and BLM lands. Evacuation and pre-evacuation orders The Rio Blanco Sheriffs Office ordered evacuations on Sunday and continued with pre-evacuation orders on Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sundays evacuation orders include: County Road 8, Mile Post 11 to Mile Post 16 North side of the road from Sleepy Cat to Lake Avery Mondays pre-evacuation orders include: Both sides of the road from Mile Post 16 to Mile Post 25 (Avery to Pot Hole Ranch) Both sides of the road on County Road 14 County Road 57 (Miller Creek) County Road 40 and County Road 63 An evacuation center has been set up at 200 Main Street in Meeker. The Rio Blanco County Sheriffs Office said two homes have been lost. Local Type 3 Incident Teams headed the primary attack, and the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three is expected to transition into the management of the fire on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews said that steep terrain, winds and dry fuels are forcing issues with suppressing the fire. Lee Fire The Lee Fire is the smallest of the three, but has evacuation orders as of Monday afternoon. The fire was first reported on Aug. 2 and has burned an estimated 700 acres with no containment. The fire is burning 20 miles southwest of Meeker on state-managed lands and lands managed by the BLM White River Field Office. The Rio Blanco Sheriffs Office has ordered evacuations in the area. Evacuations orders Mondays evacuation orders include: County Road 22 (Little Hills) off of County Road 5 County Road 76 intersection, County Road 3 to County Road 5 Grease Fire The last reported and second largest of the fires, the Grease Fire, has not warranted evacuation orders as of Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire was reported on Aug. 3 and is estimated to be 1,000 acres in size, with no known containment. The fire is located about 12 miles west of Meeker along County Road 22 on state-managed lands and land managed by the BLM White River Field Office. A Type 3 Control Team from Wyoming is leading efforts in both the Lee and Grease Fires. Crews are trying to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby important oil and gas infrastructure areas and a power infrastructure area. Road closures in the area The fires have forced crews to shut down several roads in the vicinity of the fire. The closed roads include: County Road 8 from Mile Post 11(Miller Creek County Road 57) to Mile Post 19 (Buford County Road 17) County Road 3 (Off County Road 5) County Road 22 County Road 76 Intersection of County Road 127 and County Road 129 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch on Monday for dry fuels, low relative humidity and gusty winds. BLM advises those who are traveling in the areas to practive caution as crews and resources will be traveling through the same routes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 nation's worst measles outbreak in more than 30 years has reached Wisconsin. More than 1,300 cases mostly children and teens have been detected in at least 40 states since January, when an outbreak began in a rural Texas community with relatively low vaccination rates against the disease, according to figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles, which is caused by a virus, is spread through the air and is highly contagious much more so than even COVID-19 or chickenpox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early August, Wisconsin health officials announced the state's first confirmed cases of the year. Here's what we know about them. How many measles cases have been identified in Wisconsin? Nine cases of measles were confirmed in Oconto County in northern Wisconsin. They are the state's first cases of measles this year. They were announced on Aug. 2. How did the nine people become infected with measles in Wisconsin? All nine people were exposed to a common source during out-of-state travel, according to the state Department of Health Services. Where did they become infected? State health officials have not released the name of the state where the nine Oconto County residents are believed to have contracted the virus. They confirmed it is in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For privacy reasons, we're not disclosing the specific location of travel," said Ryan Westergaard, chief medical officer in DHS's Bureau of Communicable Diseases, during a call with reporters on Monday, Aug. 4. What is the vaccination status of the Oconto County residents who contracted measles? State health officials have not released whether the nine people in Oconto County who contracted measles were vaccinated, citing privacy concerns. "Were really only releasing information about the county of residence and the number of cases," Westergaard said. Westergaard said the state made the decision not to release their vaccination status after weighing the individuals' right to privacy against the public's right to know. What do we know about the Wisconsin cases with measles? Not much. State health officials have not disclosed their ages or how they are connected to each other, citing privacy concerns. Has anyone in Wisconsin been hospitalized with or died from measles? None of the nine people identified with measles so far this year had been hospitalized as of Monday, Aug. 4, Westergaard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have not been any deaths in the state, he said. Is measles spreading in Oconto County or the area? State health officials consider the risk of ongoing spread in the community to be low. "There has not been evidence that others have been exposed," Westergaard said. Health officials have not identified any public places in the county or state where people may have been exposed to measles in a significant way, he said. Typically, if a person with measles is infectious and is around others in a public place for enough time, local health officials would notify the public that the place may be a source of exposure, he said. "We have not identified significant exposure to other people in the community," Westergaard said. What is being done to control measles outbreak in Oconto County and the area? When public health officials identify a case, they investigate and conduct contact tracing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All of those things have been going on now," Westergaard said. Local health officials have worked to identify places where the public may have been exposed to measles, he said. They also try to identify people who may have been exposed and come into contact with an infectious person. "We are optimistic that we know how to address these cases," Westergaard said. Wisconsin health officials have doses of the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, in stock that they are prepared to distribute to local health departments, he said. What is the MMR vaccination rate in Oconto County? About 82% of 2-year-olds in Oconto County have had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Among youth ages 5-18 years old, about 87% in Oconto County have received both doses of the MMR vaccine, according to DHS data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oconto County's vaccination rate is higher than most other counties in Wisconsin for the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine. But it still lags behind the vaccination rate that public health experts recommend as a target for preventing outbreaks of measles. The CDC recommends that children receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months, and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Public health officials aim for 95% vaccination rates in communities to keep measles from spreading. "If vaccination coverage is at 95% it would be very unlikely for that spark to essentially create a fire that will start to spread in the community," Westergaard said. How can I protect myself against measles? Public health officials recommend people check their vaccination status and get vaccinated against measles if they are not up-to-date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine is available at doctor's offices and local health departments. The Milwaukee Health Department has secured over 800 doses of the MMR vaccine. It is offering the vaccine for free at its clinics. "Make a plan if you are not up-to-date to either go to your provider or if it's more convenient, come to one of our clinics during our clinic hours," Milwaukee Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What we know about the Wisconsin measles outbreak in Oconto County Massachusetts residents have the chance to purchase big ticket items without worrying about the 6.25% tax during the sales tax holiday weekend. The holiday will be on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10, according to state officials. During the holiday, most retail items of up to $2,500 purchased for personal use will be exempt from sales tax, but not all of them. Heres what you need to know: Items that do not qualify Several items are still taxable and are not tax exempt. including meals, cars, motorboats, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products. marijuana or marijuana products, and alcoholic beverages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any single item that costs more than $2,500 is not tax exempt. If you spend more than $2,500 on an item, the entire amount paid is subject to sales tax, not just the amount that exceeds the threshold. Layaway sales also do not qualify for the sales tax exemption, according to officials. What if I purchase multiple items that each cost $2,500 or less, but the total price is more than $2,500? State officials say if the price of each individual item is $2,500 or less, you can combine as many items as you want, tax-free, even if the combined items cost more than $2,500. Exemption on clothing Unless it costs more than $175, an item of clothing of generally exempt from the sales tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, for items that cost more than $175, only the amount of $175 is subject to tax. On the sales tax holiday, if the price of an item of clothing is more than $2,500, the first $175 is not subject to tax but the rest would be. If its less than or equal to $2,500, the entire amount isnt subject to tax. Do all retailers have to take part in the sales tax holiday? Yes. All businesses must take part in the sales tax holiday if the business is open on August 9 and 10 and normally makes taxable sales of tangible property in the Bay State or to purchasers in the state. What remains taxable? Purchases by corporations or other businesses and purchases by individuals for business use. For more information about the sales tax holiday, click here. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The death of 8-year-old Genesis Mata reveals more about the little girl and her life, as well as new details on the case. Cases like this are especially tragic, especially when youre dealing with juvenile victims and some of the most innocent in our community, said Bakersfield Police Assistance Chief Brent Stratton. RELATED: 2 arrested on suspicion of murder, torture after girl, 8, found dead in Bakersfield hotel Genesis Mata was set to start second grade at Pauly Elementary next week. She loved to dance, her grandmother said at a vigil Sunday night outside of the Riverside Drive motel room where her body was found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She loved music. She loved everything, she loved people, she was a light, kind, so polite, said Ruth Mata. Genesis was found dead in a tub inside a locked bathroom of a room of the La Quinta Inn on Riverside Drive on Saturday evening. Stratton said it was a gruesome scene. The significant amount of trauma that the child sustained, and was subjected to is what lead to the charges of torture. With our investigators saying this being one of the most significant cases theyve ever seen, Stratton said. Family, community hold candlelight vigil for 8-year-old found dead in Bakersfield motel After a long night of investigating, serving multiple search warrants and talking to witnesses at the motel, 31-year-old Ray Mata, Genesis father, and 27-year-old Graciela Bustamonte, her stepmother, were arrested for murder. Mata has a history of drug and gun convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ray Mata has a child support case filed in August of 2022, ordering him to pay $512 dollars to Bustamonte for a child they shared. Mata and Bustamonte are charged with nine felonies including first degree murder, torture, mayhem, cruelty, conspiracy, and failure to provide for a child. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 17 News Alerts While we dont know the exact nature of Genesis injuries, the charges provide some insight into the trauma she endured. The charge of mayhem is described under California Law, as conduct that maliciously deprives somebody of a body part, such as disfigurement or making the body part useless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said seven other children were taken into protective custody from both Mata and Bustamonte. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering ordering the full reoccupation of the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media, a move that would draw fierce opposition internationally and within Israel. It would mark a stunning escalation of the nearly 22-month war in the territory that has already been largely destroyed and where experts say famine is unfolding. It would put the lives of countless Palestinians and about 20 living hostages at risk, and deepen Israel's already stark international isolation. It would also face fierce opposition within Israel: Families of the hostages would consider it a virtual death sentence, and much of the security establishment is also reportedly opposed to an open-ended occupation that would bog down and further strain the army after nearly two years of regional wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threat to reoccupy Gaza could be a negotiating tactic aimed at pressuring Hamas after talks mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar appeared to have broken down last month. Or it could be aimed at shoring up support from Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners. His governing allies have long called for escalating the war, taking over Gaza, relocating much of its population through what they refer to as voluntary emigration and reestablishing Jewish settlements that were dismantled when Israel withdrew in 2005. Whether they prevail will likely depend on the one person with leverage over Israel U.S. President Donald Trump. Asked Tuesday whether he thought Israel should reoccupy Gaza, he said he wasn't aware of the suggestion but that its going to be pretty much up to Israel. Ground operations in the most densely populated areas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To take full control of Gaza, Israel would need to launch ground operations in the last areas of the territory that haven't been flattened and where most of Gaza's 2 million Palestinians have sought refuge. That would mean going into the central city of Deir al-Balah and Muwasi, a so-called humanitarian zone where hundreds of thousands of people live in squalid tent camps along the coast. Such operations would force another wave of mass displacement and further disrupt aid deliveries as the U.N. agencies and humanitarian organizations are already struggling to avert famine. Israel already controls around 75% of the territory, which has been declared a buffer zone or placed under evacuation orders. With Israel also largely sealing Gaza's borders, it's unclear where civilians would go. It would also pose a major risk for the remaining 20 or so living hostages, likely held in tunnels or other secret locations. Hamas is believed to have ordered its guards to kill captives if Israeli forces approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas-led militants abducted 251 hostages in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war and killed around 1,200 people that day, mostly civilians. They are still holding 50 hostages, less than half of them believed to be alive, and recent videos have shown emaciated captives pleading for their lives. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and run by medical professionals, is seen by the United Nations and other experts as the most reliable source on casualties. Israel disputes its toll but has not provided its own. International outrage and further isolation Israel's wartime conduct has shocked much of the international community, and prompted even close Western allies to call for an end to the war and to take steps to recognize Palestinian statehood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Court of Justice is considering allegations of genocide, and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a method of war. Israel has rejected the allegations and accused those making them of antisemitic blood libel." It says it has taken every effort to avoid harming civilians and blames Hamas for their deaths because the militants are deeply entrenched in heavily populated areas. Israel has said it will keep fighting until all the hostages are returned, Hamas is defeated or disarmed, and Gaza's population is given the option of voluntary emigration, which the Palestinians and much of the international community view as forcible expulsion. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in return for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. It says it is willing to give up power but will not lay down its arms as long as Israel occupies territories the Palestinians want for a future state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another open-ended occupation Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. The United Nations, the Palestinians and others continued to view Gaza as occupied territory after the 2005 withdrawal of Israeli troops and settlers, as Israel maintained control of its airspace, coastline, most of its land border and its population registry. The full reoccupation of Gaza would pose long-term challenges that Israel is well aware of given its long history of occupying Arab lands, including the likelihood of a prolonged insurgency. Israeli support for the war already appears to have declined since Netanyahu ended a ceasefire in March, as soldiers have been killed in hit-and-run attacks. As an occupying power, Israel would be expected to maintain order and ensure the basic needs of the population are met. In the West Bank, it has largely outsourced that to the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited autonomy in population centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in Gaza, Netanyahu has ruled out any future role for the PA, accusing it of not being fully committed to peace, and has not produced any plan for Gaza's postwar governance and reconstruction. Long-term repercussions Even if Israel succeeds in suppressing Hamas, the reoccupation of Gaza could pose an even more profound threat to the country. It would leave Israel in full control of the territory between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, which is home to around 7 million Jews and 7 million Palestinians most of the latter denied basic rights, including the vote. Even before the war, major human rights groups said the situation amounted to apartheid, something Israel vehemently denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unless large numbers of Palestinians are expelled no longer merely a fantasy of Israel's far-right Israel would face an all-too-familiar existential dilemma: Create a Palestinian state in the 1967 territories and preserve Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, or rule over millions of Palestinians indefinitely and hope they never rally behind the idea of equal rights in a binational state. Israel would no longer be able to point to Hamas' rule in Gaza, or factional divisions among Palestinians, as reasons to avoid such a reckoning. And when Trump leaves office, it may find it has few friends to back it up. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to occupy the Gaza Strip, a move that includes operating in areas where hostages are being held and could potentially put them in further danger. The Jerusalem Post detailed on Monday that a source in the Prime Minister's Office confirmed the plan, which could be pursued against the wishes of Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. "If this does not suit you, then you should resign," the outlet says the government told the general. 49 hostages are still in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. Several local outlets have confirmed the decision to occupy the enclave, escalating the conflict even further. The development comes after negotiations to achieve a ceasefire collapsed yet again in July. Reuters noted that U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said last Saturday that he was working with the Israeli government on a plan to effectively end the war in the enclave. The outlet quoted another senior Israeli official who said that after the meeting "an understanding was emerging between Washington and Israel" on a need to shift from a partial deal to one that would "release all the hostages, disarm Hamas, and demilitarize the Gaza Strip." However, the official later added that pursuing a deal would be pointless, claiming that "Hamas is not interested in a deal and therefore the prime minister is pushing to release the hostages while pressing for military defeat." Local outlet Haaretz also reported on Friday that his government has the backing of the Trump administration to begin annexing the strip if Hamas doesn't agree to a ceasefire proposal. The first areas to be annexed would be those in the buffer zone, followed by some in the northern part close to the cities of Sderot and Ashkelon. It would continue progressively until the whole strip is annexed. It is not clear what would happen to the two million Palestinians living in Gaza. The Netanyahu government could move forward despite warnings from almost 20 former senior security officials, who on Sunday issued a joint video calling for the war to end. They argued that Israel has lost more than it won and that the fighting has continued for political reasons rather than military ones. Originally published on Latin Times A man accused of killing four family members of a baby girl that he left unharmed in a western Tennessee front yard miles from the crime scene last week was captured on Tuesday. Austin Robert Drummond, 28, was taken into custody after a search that put a community along the Mississippi River on edge and amid several unanswered questions surrounding the July 29 quadruple homicide in Tiptonville. Here's a closer look at what we know and don't know about the investigation: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did officials connect the killings with the baby? The investigation into the familys killings in Tiptonville began after an infant in a car seat was found in a front yard in the Tigrett area, roughly 40 miles (65 kilometers) away. The Dyer County Sheriffs Office said in a statement that a caller reported that a minivan or midsize SUV had dropped the baby at a random individuals front yard. The sheriffs office later said they were working with investigators in neighboring Lake County, where four people had been found dead. Officials determined those people were the childs parents, grandmother and uncle. Why was the baby found so far from the crime scene? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is not clear. Detectives believe Drummond drove the baby about 40 miles from Tiptonville, where they say he fatally shot the four adults, to the town of Tigrett, where the baby girl was left in a front yard. They haven't said publicly why Drummond chose that house. Dyer and Lake counties District Attorney Danny Goodman declined in an interview with The Associated Press to elaborate on what detectives know about this aspect of the case. He said only that the baby girl is safe now and in the custody of other relatives. What was the motive? Investigators have not revealed why they think Drummond carried out the killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodman said Drummond knew the four people hes charged with killing and that Drummonds girlfriend is the sister of the childs grandmother, but its unknown if he has any connection to the baby. The victims were found fatally shot in a wooded area near Reelfoot Lake, a swamplike body of water near the Mississippi River and not far from the Missouri border. Did the suspect act alone? Police say Drummond had help in the killings, but haven't elaborated further. Tennessee authorities charged Tanaka Brown, 29, and Giovonte Thomas, 29, with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Investigators allege both men assisted Drummond, 28, in the killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dearrah Sanders of Jackson, Tennessee, was also charged with being an accessory after the killings. Did Drummond have a criminal background? Yes, an extensive one. According to court records, Drummond 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 robbery, 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 parole hearing, Drummond said he was on Xanax the night of the robbery and doesnt remember robbing the gas station. He said the firearm was a BB gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 hearing. He pleaded guilty in February 2015 to 13 counts of retaliation for past action and was given a combined 13-year sentence. His sentence ended in September 2024, according to Tennessee Department of Correction records. 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 was charged for several activities inside the prison, including attempted murder, after he completed the sentence that originally put him behind bars, Goodman said at a news conference. Drummond was out on bond on the other charges at the time of the killings, Goodman said. What happens next? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond is expected in court in Tiptonville for an arraignment later this week. He faces four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping and weapons offenses, officials have said. Goodman said hes yet to decide whether to seek the death penalty, but said it is very likely hell pursue it. An attorney who represented Drummond in his case as a teenager did not return an earlier message requesting a comment. A telephone listing for Drummond could not be found, and an automated message from the local public defenders office said to call back later. ___ Associated Press writer Jonathan Mattise contributed to this report. On July 24, 2025, Oklahoma state Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters announced that teachers moving to the state from "blue states" would be required to take a test in order to ensure they could teach to the state's standards. The proposed test, which Oklahoma City's newspaper The Oklahoman described as "anti-woke" and Fox News described as "America first," was supposedly created in partnership with the conservative advocacy group PragerU. The initiative aligns with efforts U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has taken to exert greater control over the education system. With such claims came social media discussion. Snopes readers wrote in and searched the site asking us to fact-check the claim, as well. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMkpRDSufjK/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes reached out to the Oklahoma Department of Education for more information about the test, since there was little information publicly available about it outside of Walters' answers at a public July 24 board meeting, including what information would be featured on it and which states it would apply to. In addition, at least one board member expressed concerns over the test's legality and there was a debate over whether the policy can be implemented without the board's approval. As such, we have elected to not attach a rating to this post. Here's what we do know: During the meeting, Walters said the test was a response to practices in California and New York long considered Democratic strongholds, hence the reference to them being politically "blue" which he said "continued to adopt standards and requirements on their teachers that run antithetical to our standards." His proposal, therefore, was that teachers coming from those states had to take a test to ensure they aligned to Oklahoma standards. This means that the test would not apply to any teacher already working in Oklahoma. "You're not going to come in here and teach that there's 27 genders," he said. "You're not going to undermine American exceptionalism by teaching anti-American and antisemitic hate." (Snopes found no references to "27 genders" in California or New York standards). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters said the test was being worked in collaboration with the conservative advocacy group PragerU, long known for sharing misleading and sometimes inaccurate information about history, science and race. It was reportedly ready to be rolled out "within the next two weeks or so," in early August 2025. However, Walters did not provide exact information about who would be required to take the test. While he named California and New York by name (in an interview with Fox News Digital, he added Maine to that list), he also said the Department of Education was looking at "seven or eight other states right now that are moving in that direction." He also did not provide much information about what material would appear on the test. The Oklahoman reported that he called the material "very straight forward, very matter-of-fact, very common sense." NonDoc, a non-profit community newsroom, reported the test would cover "knowledge of the U.S. Constitution," "understanding of American exceptionalism" and "fundamental biological differences between boys and girls." Several of Walters' fellow board members raised questions about the test, however. NonDoc reported that board member Michael Tinney, a lawyer, said he saw "several legal problems," while board member Ryan Deatherage asked Walters how Oklahoma was determining that current Oklahoman teachers met the standards. The Oklahoman noted board member Chris Van Denhende asking a question about why the test was required, since teacher contracts already mandate teaching to the standards. Walters told Fox News Digital that Van Denhende was "a puppet for the teachers union." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NonDoc also reported that Walters said the finalized test did not need to be brought before the board. However, whether that's actually true is unclear. The Oklahoman wrote that Deatherage asked Walters to provide legal documentation for why that was the case, and the board's attorney said he would need to research the question. This is not the first controversial policy Walters has attempted to implement in Oklahoma public schools. Snopes previously reported on a change to the state's history curriculum that requires teaching high schoolers debunked conspiracy theories about election fraud in the 2020 election. He's also (so far, unsuccessfully) ordered public schools to teach the Bible. Sources: Anderson, Kayden. "Walters Says an 'anti-Woke' Test for Teachers Moving to Oklahoma Will Be Ready Soon." The Oklahoman, https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2025/07/24/ryan-walters-woke-test-for-teachers-from-left-wing-states-will-be-ready-soon-oklahoma-education/85357938007/. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025. "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling." The White House, 29 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-indoctrination-in-k-12-schooling/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Independent Online Journalism." NonDoc, 25 Jul. 2025, https://nondoc.com/about-nondoc/. Ndisabiye, Sasha. "Deriding Media and the 'peanut Gallery,' Walters Touts New Teacher Test That Could Face 'Legal Problems.'" NonDoc, 25 Jul. 2025, https://nondoc.com/2025/07/24/deriding-media-and-the-peanut-gallery-walters-touts-new-teacher-test-that-could-face-legal-problems/. Nelson, Joshua. "Oklahoma Requires 'America First' Certification Test for Teachers Fleeing Blue States." Fox News, 28 Jul. 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/media/oklahoma-requires-america-first-certification-test-teachers-fleeing-blue-states. "Oklahoma Supreme Court Blocks Superintendent Ryan Walters' Attempts to Purchase Bibles and Bible-Infused Instructional Materials." American Civil Liberties Union, https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/oklahoma-supreme-court-blocks-superintendent-ryan-walters-attempts-to-purchase-bibles-and-bible-infused-instructional-materials. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Oklahoma's Top Education Official Orders Schools to Teach the Bible." NBC News, 27 Jun. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/oklahoma-ryan-walters-bible-taught-in-school-rcna159307. Olmstead, Molly. "The Man Who Brought You Trump Bibles in Schools Is Truly Back at It Again." Slate, 22 Jul. 2025. slate.com, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/07/oklahoma-woke-teacher-screenings-ryan-walters.html. Sutherland, Callum. "Oklahoma to Roll Out 'America First' Test for New Teachers." TIME, 1 Aug. 2025, https://time.com/7306969/oklahoma-education-america-first-teachers/. "Watch: Ryan Walters Talks Prager U-Backed 'anti Woke' Test for out-of-State Transfer Teachers." The Oklahoman, https://www.oklahoman.com/videos/news/2025/07/24/ryan-walters-speaks-on-prager-u-backed-anti-woke-test/85357840007/. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025. Question : What does the Transportation Security Administration do with the pictures it takes of us passengers going through the airport security lines ? I saw a sign saying I didnt have to get my picture taken but I didnt want to risk slowing down the line by finding out what would happen if I said no. Answer : The latest generation of Credential Authentication Technology, known as CAT-2, is used at many U.S. airports, including Hono lulus. These units use facial recognition technology to verify the identity of an adult passenger at the TSA airport security checkpoint, comparing the photo taken by the machine to the photo in the ID presented by the traveler, which the machine scans. Like first-generation CAT, CAT-2 also verifies the passengers flight status, without them showing a boarding pass. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology, according to the TSA website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CAT-2s one-to-one facial matching capability means that no stored database of comparison photos is needed because the unit simply compares an image from the document presented by the passenger against an image taken of the passenger at the checkpoint. The photo-taking is voluntary, the TSA says throughout its website, including in its 2025 travel tips. If a passenger chooses not to have their photo taken, they may have their identity checked manually without penalty or losing their place in line, it says, advising passengers who do not want their photo taken to simply tell a TSA officer staffing the checkpoint. For details on how TSA is using facial recognition technology, see the agencys privacy impact assessments, fact sheet and biometrics technology web pages. Find links to this information via. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Q : Is it true that Social Security is getting rid of paper checks ? We need more information about this ! A : The Social Security Administration says that starting Sept. 30 it will no longer issue paper checks for benefit payments, transitioning exclusively to electronic payments. The agency says that less than 1 % of beneficiaries currently receive paper checks and that it is sending them letters urging them to enroll in direct deposit with their financial institution, so that payments can automatically flow to their checking or savings account. Or, if the beneficiary doesnt have a bank account, he or she can sign up for a Direct Express card, which is a prepaid debit card designed for federal benefit payments, according to the SSA website. For more information, go to. Q : With all the talk and plans for the final disposal of the Falls of Clyde sailing ship docked at Pier 7, I was wondering whatever happened to the Hawaii Maritime Center ? I remember visiting the center years ago before it was closed and really enjoying learning about the major cruise lines that visited Honolulu and a display about Mark Twains time in Hawaii. Will the Hawaii Maritime Center ever be opened again ? Has the Bishop Museum moved the displays of the Hawaii Maritime Center ? If so, where ? A : The Bishop Museum closed the Hawaii Maritime Center in May 2009 and gave up its Pier 7 lease in 2017. Some items that had been displayed at the center were moved to Bishop Museum, especially those that focused on Native Hawaiian voyaging traditions. The center, which chronicled Hawaiis maritime history, including during the period when the Falls of Clyde was hauling sugar and, later, oil, is not expected to reopen. The decaying ship, built in 1878, is expected to be scuttled by the end of this year.------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------ Russian President Vladimir Putin is confident that Russia can weather Washington's potential new sanctions and doubts they would have a significant impact on the country's economy, Reuters reported on Aug. 5, citing its undisclosed sources. The development comes as a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Russia to reach a peace agreement in Ukraine draws near. Trump warned that if no deal is reached by Aug. 8, his administration will impose secondary tariffs that could impact countries that continue buying oil from Russia, such as India and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin is reluctant to provoke Trump and recognizes that pressing ahead with the war could jeopardize a potential thaw in relations with Washington and the West, but his military objectives remain the top priority, two sources told Reuters. One of the sources said Putin aims to fully seize Ukrainian Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts before entering any serious peace negotiations. Three sources with knowledge of the Kremlin's internal discussions said Putin's unwillingness to halt the offensive is fueled by his conviction that Russia holds the upper hand, and by doubts that further U.S. sanctions would have a meaningful impact after more than three years of sustained economic pressure. Read also: Russian gasoline prices hit record high amid Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, Russian media reports Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced on July 29 that tariffs on Russian exports would be implemented within 10 days if the Kremlin failed to end its war in Ukraine. The proposed measures include sweeping secondary tariffs on countries that continue to import Russian oil, gas, and other goods. Following the move, Trump said that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, may travel to Russia on Aug. 6 or 7 just days before a deadline. Witkoff met with Putin in April despite being appointed as Trump's envoy to the Middle East. His interactions with Putin, including the use of Kremlin-provided translators and repetition of Russian narratives about the war, drew criticism from officials in Washington and abroad. According to Reuters, some in the Kremlin doubt that Trump will follow through with his threats. Putin still reportedly believes he can again befriend the White House and restore trade relations with the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump began his second presidential term with the aim of brokering a swift peace deal in Ukraine, he has increasingly voiced frustration with the stalled progress. Facing Russia's refusal to accept a ceasefire and intensifying Russian strikes against Ukraine, Trump has adopted a more critical tone toward the Kremlin, even greenlighting arms sales to Kyiv. Read also: We spot them, we destroy them Ukraine fights for Kostiantynivka as Russia closes in on three sides Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia accused the United States on Tuesday of exerting illegal trade pressure on India after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened again to raise tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil. "We hear many statements that are in fact threats, attempts to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements to be legal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We believe that sovereign countries should have and do have the right to choose their own trading partners, partners for trade and economic cooperation, and to choose for themselves the forms of trade and economic cooperation that are in the interests of a particular country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said that from Friday he will impose new sanctions on Russia as well as on countries that buy its energy exports, unless Moscow takes steps to end its 3-1/2 year conflict with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled no change in Russia's stance on the war, despite the looming deadline. New Delhi has called Trump's threats "unjustified" and vowed to protect its economic interests, deepening a trade rift between the two major economies. Two Indian government sources told Reuters on the weekend that India will keep purchasing oil from Russia despite Trump's threats. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) The United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced on Aug. 5 that the Trump administration had determined the location of its next "Alligator Alcatraz," as Indiana's Miami Correctional Facility, dubbing it the "Speedway Slammer." COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer. Today, were announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds. Thanks to @GovBraun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indianas Speedway Slammer. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the @CBP Home App, Noem said in a statement on X. COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer. Today, were announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds. Thanks to @GovBraun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) August 5, 2025 This news follows the announcement Gov. Mike Braun's office made on Aug. 1 that the Indiana Department of Correction would add 1,000 beds at the Miami Correctional Facility for immigrant detainees and push forward on the executive order he signed in January. Braun directed Indiana law enforcement agencies to "fully cooperate" with the federal crackdown on illegal immigration, including investigating, arresting and detaining undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership. Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration and will continue to lead the way among states," said Braun in a statement to Fox News about the announcement. BREAKING: DHS confirms to @FoxNews that the next Alligator Alcatraz will be in the state of Indiana at the Miami Correctional Facility & will be branded as the Speedway Slammer. DHS says it will expand ICE detention capacity by 1,000 beds, will house some of the worst of the pic.twitter.com/ZS4yglmvOt Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) August 5, 2025 The Miami Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison located at the former Grissom Air Force Base about 70 miles north of Indianapolis, can house up to about 3,100 people. Annie Goeller, chief communications officer for IDOC, said part of the facility has not been filled because of a staffing shortage. More: IDOC prison to house up to 1,000 immigrant detainees as part of effort to ramp up arrests Concerns of immigration enforcement activities in Indiana In recent months, Indiana residents and local advocacy groups have raised concerns about the state's growing involvement with the Trump administration's immigration enforcement goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 15, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined plans to use Camp Atterbury as one of two new sites that would be used to temporarily hold "illegal aliens" for the Department of Homeland Security. The Trump administration is prepared to hold up to 1,000 ICE detainees at this military facility, according to Democratic U.S. Rep Andre Carson. Braun told IndyStar that as of Aug. 5, the Trump administration has not established a timeline for when it will move forward on converting the military base into an immigration detention center "When it comes to our state, we're going to cooperate when it comes to what I've said before, as we're housing detainees that have broken the law after they entered illegally, we're going to cooperate with the federal government," Braun told the IndyStar. "When it comes to any of the other issues on due process and so forth, we want to make sure we're doing that the right way as well." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noe Padilla is a Public Safety reporter for IndyStar. Contact him at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoerPadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana's immigration detention center dubbed the 'Speedway Slammer' SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) Kentucky State Police are investigating after a Shelby County deputy shot and killed a man on Monday. State police said the Shelby County Sheriffs Office responded to a domestic incident at a home on Blackwell Road in Shelbyville, where a deputy saw a man and woman outside the home. Police said 41-year-old Ryan McBride, from Shelbyville, allegedly retrieved a firearm and began shooting in the direction of the deputy, hitting a piece of his equipment and causing minor injury. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency did not say how many shots were fired. The deputy, who has not been identified, then shot McBride. The Shelby County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene, officials said. The deputy was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: No other injuries were reported, and the investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Men in military uniform shouldered the three white coffins out of a schoolyard in Kyiv on Tuesday, carrying a Ukrainian mother and her two children killed by the Russians to be buried. Residents held each other and wept as they bid a final farewell to their neighbours, who died at dawn on Friday, when a barrage of Russian drones and missiles pounded the Ukrainian capital for hours. Across a leafy park next to the school, flowers, toys, and portraits of those killed were laid beneath the remains of a nine-storey residential building gutted in the attack, which killed at least 31 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is difficult to imagine the grief of our brother, who lost two little daughters and his beloved wife in an instant," said the military unit of Igor Gumeniuk, the serviceman whose family was buried. Local media reported that Irina and her children Anastassia, 13, and Alina, 10, had fled the fighting in the eastern Donetsk region -- where Russia has concentrated its firepower -- before settling in Kyiv. "Alina and Nastya were sincere, kind and bright girls. We will remember their smiles, their kind hearts, their desire to live and learn," the girls' school that held the ceremony wrote on Facebook. One of Irina's final social media posts from last month showed the family meeting in eastern Ukraine with Igor, an active serviceman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were happy together all day for the first time in eight months," she wrote on Facebook, alongside pictures of the family relaxing by a river. Russia has stepped up its long-range drone and missile attacks on Ukraine over recent months as US-led efforts to end the more than three-year invasion appear to stall. Thirty-nine-year-old doctor Roman Moskalenko, whose body was found beneath the rubble in Kyiv, also received a farewell from his fellow medics. "His colleagues remember him as attentive, caring, and professional," Kyiv's Vechirniy media outlet reported. A day earlier, six-year-old boy Matviy Marchenko was buried outside the capital in his father's native village, according to local media. bur-jbr/asy/sbk Molly stands in the rubble of her home that burned down in the L.A. wildfires in January 2025. Credit - Courtesy Molly Baz Sifting. A new word in my vocabulary. Or at least as used in this particular context. I was used to sifting flour into cheesecake batter and powdered sugar over freshly baked cookies. I did that a lot in my beloved butter-colored kitchen. Now that kitchen was gone, lost with the rest of my home to the fires that devastated Southern California, including my sweet little town of Altadena, in January, and I was standing in a hardware store looking for a KN95 mask, googles, a pair of rubber boots, and extra thick gloves. It had been three weeks since wed left, and while I'd heard stories from those who had returned, including my husband, I had not gone back myself to survey the damage. I had been hunkering down in a friends parents place, on nonstop calls with insurance companies and banks, all the while trying to keep a big goofy smile on my face for my 7-month-old son, but also, and most importantly, I couldnt muster the courage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a special house. My husband designed every square inch of it and outfitted every room with his own furniture. We brought our first child there from the birth center, in the wee hours of the night. I developed recipes and shot a cookbook in that kitchen, hosted countless late-night dinner parties in our cozy living room, and even shot a billboard campaign breastfeeding my son on the island countertop. That house held a lot. It was a home not just for me, but for everyone who stepped foot in it. Even when you recognize that the important thing in life is the health and safety of your family, and you truly believe it, the loss is still painful. I might not have returned at all, much less sifted through the pile of rubble, had I not thoughtlessly left my engagement ring in my jewelry box in my bathroom. Molly Baz and her husband in their kitchen Courtesy Molly BazJustin Chung You never think it will happen to you. This type of tragedy happens to other people. A friends cousins best friend, separated by several degrees. Stories reported only via a game of telephone, secondhand. The winds were whip-strong the evening we fled, yet our hearts told us that of all the endangered homes nestled below the Eaton Canyon mountain range in our special pocket of the world, ours would be spared. Thats just how things work. Its the law of something, though I dont know what. We were evacuating out of an excess of caution, not necessity, on the recommendation of a couple of neighbors and spooked-out friends who warned that if winds shifted, the fires might creep over our way in the night. Cell phone reception had been spotty all day and the power had been out for hours, so despite murmurings of a fire erupting across town in the Palisades, news of the blazing ridge a half a mile from our home hadnt reached us. Santa Anas was the word on the street, but Angelenos arent scared of little action from Ana. Were no stranger to her force, and until now she had been all talk. Strong but unmighty, you might say. And so we took next to nothing, guided only by a flicker of candlelight. One suitcase between the three of us, hastily filled in the dark. A pair of crumpled sweatpants from the bedroom floor, the shiny black nursing bra that lived in the drawer of my bedside table, a breast pump, three passports, our sons freshly administered birth certificate, two laptops, and one ratty old black sweater that never sparked joy in the first place. Ill-fitting, pilling around the collar, and certainlyand I cannot stress this enoughnot worthy of being the only article of clothing aside from a pair of sweatpants left to my name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days and weeks that followed, mental snapshots of lost belongings would sporadically pop into my head. Images both welcome and unwanted all at the same time. Difficult to acknowledge, yet each a tiny comforting memory, representing a life lived fully, fearlessly, and meaningfully. Id be on our daily morning walk, a routine established years back that made me feel whole and prepared to face the day, when a vision of the contents of my bedside table would suddenly reveal itself: a note my best and oldest friend wrote me on the day of my sons birth, a strip of photos from our very first ultrasounds, and a pile of at least 17 neglected chapsticks that I now missed so much. In general I live without a lot of regrets. I prefer to look forward, not backward. But in those days I kept returning to the same question: What was I thinking? How could I have grabbed my passport and not my engagement ring? A replaceable form of legal documentation rather than the symbol of my marriage, the single most important relationship in my life aside from the one with my totally scrumptious son? As I drove down our street for the first time since its demise, I felt nothing. Utter shock. Total lack of comprehension. Though I thought I had a sense of what to expect, you cant really picture what a barren, burnished, houseless piece of land will look like until you witness it firsthand. The whole of Altadena flattened, dry, and lifeless. Its such an unimaginable sight that your logical brain comes to a screeching halt. I marched straight into the rubble. I think subconsciously I wanted to feel something, and I knew that if I thrust myself inside the now wall-less boundaries of what was once a place I called home, I would. Silently, I walked through the house clocking melted, misshapen remnants that helped me find my way. Through the garage, past the metal frame of my old Mercedes, up into the kitchen where singed cast-iron skillets oriented me, and finally into our bedroom and bathroom, which made itself known thanks only to a pile of still intact but discolored tiles that had once lined our shower. I knelt down, overwhelmed at the task ahead and started to gently brush away the ash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There it was. My cloudy, tarnished, flattened engagement ring. No more than three seconds into the sifting, exactly where some deeply intuitive part of my soul told me it would be. Since the fires, Id been overwhelmed by expressions of love. My husband turned a sorrowful moment into a joyful one when, on a trip to the mall to buy socks because my only pair had become brown and ragged, he reminded me that wed always said there is no greater luxury in life than a fresh pair of socks. My blissfully ignorant son learned to sip out of a straw and then immediately upon mastery of the task, reached out for me to share his delicious juice. Less than 24 hours after we evacuated, my brother drove back to our still smoldering home to salvage the few remaining discernable items, then quietly cleaned them and kept them safe until he knew I was emotionally ready to receive them. A woman Id never met DMd me offering to drop off a bag of groceries and a quart of home-cooked lamb ragu. I knelt there in the rubble for a few minutes, my eyes welling up with tears. Then I pocketed the ring and made my way back to my car. I had everything I needed. Contact us at letters@time.com. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Leaders in Washington are prioritizing national security, with the recently passed spending bill bringing the defense budget to more than a trillion dollars. Military contractors based in the Rocket City are preparing to meet the demand for new defense technology. L3Harris helps develop the missiles used by troops around the globe. HCMS releases statement following concerns over teachers prior child assault arrest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were seeing that demand signal, and were prepared for it, said Mark Farley, the Vice President of Site Operations & Manufacturing at Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris company. The company recently opened a second solid rocket motor manufacturing facility in Huntsville. The components that were making here go into the solid rocket motor, Farley said. Theyre critical to the fit form and function of that solid rocket motor to meet the mission that we need to meet. Solid rocket motors can power machines as large as intercontinental ballistic missiles. The small- and medium-sized versions of these propulsion systems are what power tactical missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moulton city councilmember accused of taking mail, debit card fraud L3Harris newest facility is producing components for the Javelin and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System. Weve got significant growth opportunities in terms of automation, manufacturing, mod modernization, and really a great workforce as a base, Farley said. The 379,000-square-foot facility in Huntsville currently employs 40 people, with 100 new jobs expected over the next few years. L3Harris employs 700 people across Huntsville. Executives said the companys focus lies in meeting the nations defense needs. Were very well capable of contributing to the Golden Dome in the future, Farley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents Golden Dome project hopes to create a multi-layer defense system capable of destroying missiles before they strike the U.S. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Since 9/11, there have been more than 90 deaths and an injury count of about 1,000 as a result of Islamic terrorist incidents in the United Kingdom. Given public concern about the terror threat in particular and Islamism in general, you might think that theatres would be staging work that explores violent religious extremism and the challenges facing liberal democracies. But 20 years on from the 7/7 bombings, it feels as though major theatrical responses to these pressing topics are in short supply. Go into a West End theatre and youll face a bag search (and with the implementation of Martyns Law named after a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing counter-terrorism will become even more of a concern for venues). But that reality rarely impinges on our stages. Playwrights have gone from being relatively outspoken about extremism during the War on Terror to being oddly muted now. Is it fear of reprisals? There are security concerns but I dont think the climate, as things stand, is impossibly intimidatory. The focus has shifted, post the October 7 attacks of 2023, to Gaza and Israel, with feelings so inflamed that the majority of theatre has gone into shut-down mode. Manchester Royal Exchanges cancellation of its autumn production of A Midsummer Nights Dream last year, owing in part to a pro-Palestinian statement embedded within it, would suggest nervousness across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even before that, it felt as though theatre was disengaging from the subject. Yes, weve seen a welcome surge of plays about Muslim lives Waleed Akhtars Olivier-winning The P Word (2022), Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khans Peanut Butter and Blueberries (2024) and Emteaz Hussains Expendable (2024), which broached grooming gangs, to name three. But how Islam might broadly affect Britain has drifted to the sidelines. In 2018, the RSC staged a rewrite of Molieres Tartuffe that relocated the comedy to a Pakistani-Muslim community in Birmingham - Topher McGrillis On the one hand, its possible there has been increased sensitivity about the risk of promoting extremism. Take the furore over Homegrown a look at the radicalisation of young Muslims by Omar El-Khairy and Nadia Latif for the National Youth Theatre. The play was cancelled in 2015, owing to NYTs artistic director Paul Rosebys concerns about its extremist agenda. That felt like a missed opportunity to grapple with a crucial subject. On the other hand, as with todays political debate, theatre practitioners (almost exclusively Left-leaning) might be fearful of finding themselves being lumped in with the far-Right if they dont tread carefully. Who will write the difficult, defining plays on the subject? And will they be supported? The worry is that circumspection will become entrenched once as expected the Government adopts a definition of anti-Muslim hatred/ Islamophobia, which will be rolled out across the public sector, without parliamentary consultation. This will be based on an undisclosed proposed definition by the working group established earlier this year, chaired by Dominic Grieve KC, which has now finished its call for evidence. Dominic Grieve chairs a group established to provide a working definition of Anti-Muslim hatred/Islamophobia - Simon Dawson The wrangle over the 2018 APPGs (All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims) definition of Islamophobia as a form of racism indicates how fraught this will likely be; that was adopted by the Labour Party and the London Assembly under Sadiq Khan but was opposed by the think-tank Civitas and set aside by the (Tory) government in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While reassuring noises have been made that the new definition will be non-legislative and compatible with the unchanging right of citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression, I find it implausible that it wont have a negative impact on the arts, and live performance especially. Why? Because I suspect that organisations in need of funding, whether from the Arts Council or local councils, will instinctively avoid or neuter work that might draw accusations of Islamophobia which in its earliest description, by the race equality think-tank the Runnymede Trust in 1997, was summed up as unfounded hostility to Islam. Once institutionalised as a label, it seems bound to become ubiquitous not only making officialdom nervous but causing an indirect climate of censorship via peer pressure. Part of theatres purpose is to hold a mirror up to society, and a culture which restricts its areas of concerns is hastening its way to irrelevance. We owe that sense of mission to the ancient Greeks who looked at the demands of the state, the commands of faith and the imperatives of the individual: the fanaticism of a religious cult in The Bacchae, our capacity to go mad and self-destruct in Medea. Theatre goes to the darkest places, and in doing so, sheds essential light. Often it has run the gauntlet of disapproval and censorship: nearing the end of its run in the West End, Shaws Mrs Warrens Profession was banned in its day for its portrayal of prostitution but valuably anatomised dire economic realities. DV8s Can We Talk About This? was a deft, thought-provoking survey of Western liberalism and Islamic extremism Of course, theatre must be pluralistic, nuanced and give voice to a wide range of people and subjects whether its climate change or social care and entertain us to boot, but there can be no elephants in the room. In the recent past, theatre didnt duck the issue of Islamic extremism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National under Nicholas Hytner, in particular, seized the initiative, attracting controversy with Richard Beans 2009 satire England People Very Nice, which comically stereotyped East End immigrant communities over the centuries, with radicalised Islam entering the scene in the third act. In 2012, DV8s Can We Talk About This? was a deft, thought-provoking survey of Western liberalism and Islamic extremism, ranging from the Rushdie Affair to the Danish Muhammad cartoons furore. In 2018, the RSC staged a rewrite of Tartuffe that relocated Molieres comedy about faux-religiosity to the Pakistani-Muslim community in Birmingham (with the plays credulous patriarch falling under the spell of a radical mystic). This wasnt about vilifying a faith group from a position of privilege. It was laying claim to theatre as a rigorous but playful means of lampooning foibles as old as time and the allure of affected devoutness. It is increasingly hard to imagine such a production being staged today, yet the RSCs Tartuffe is just as relevant now as it was seven years ago. As the debate around Islamophobia rages, theatre needs to be up for the fight. The way things seem to be going, though, that looks worryingly unlikely. 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 incarcerated person working at a North Carolina prison. As a workaround to a labor shortage, North Carolina is relying on some of its incarcerated workforce to install air conditioning in prisons. (Photo from the Department of Adult Correction website.) There are many things that have changed for the better in North Carolina prisons over the last century. That said, its also true that North Carolina summers have always been miserably hot and that commercial air conditioning was first introduced nearly a century ago facts that render the lack of air conditioning in many of our states prisons today an absolute scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Correction has been pursuing an initiative to finally end this tortuous situation, but there remains a long way to go as many facilities remain unairconditioned. And that harsh reality is a threat to everyone in the facility guards and incarcerated people alike especially men and women prisoners who are elderly and in bad health. The bottom line: As with the lack of adequate staff and so many other inhumanities in our prison system, its our cheapskate legislatures refusal to appropriate adequate funds that is ultimately to blame. One wishes each lawmaker would have to spend a summer night in one of these facilities to experience the cruel and unusual punishment their inaction is inflicting. For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield. Dangerously unclear food allergy labels are putting residents and tourists at serious risk, campaigners say. Deputy Steve Luce, the Environment Minister, admits Jersey is "way behind" on labelling, as the government launches a 10-week public consultation for islanders to give their opinion on a proposed new Food Law. Allergen labelling is currently not mandatory, but the government plans to introduce a licensing scheme for food businesses and update food hygiene standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neva Richardson, from the Jersey Food Allergy Group, said the island had been waiting for these changes for "more than ten years". Deputy Steve Luce said the changes would be focused on food businesses [BBC] The government said it hoped the plans, if approved, could be rolled out next year. Luce said: "We've been waiting for it for a long time, actual food businesses have been well prepared for this - they know it's coming and they welcome it. "The public won't see very much change, they will be buying food in shops, it will be very clearly labelled and they will have the assurance that in the food preparation kitchen that the chefs and those people preparing that food have been doing it correctly." Life or death Ms Richardson, who has a son with a dairy allergy, said the legislation was essential to protect people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: "Jersey is significantly behind most of the rest of the world and to everyone that visits the island they often think that we are the same as the UK. "That is where we have found that there are such differences that it is dangerous for a lot of people with allergies and for anyone who wants to know what is in their food. "For people that suffer with an allergy it is a matter of life or death in some cases, severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis which then can lead to death - it may seem that people are being a little bit picky or fussy about what is in their food but for some people it is really very serious." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Richardson said the changes needed to come in soon to make people feel safer and to allow for more informed choices. She said: "We've got to think about balance and we don't want to delay the legislation by making minor exemptions to things. "We would encourage anyone that is serving food, be it charity events or temporary markets, to have allergy labelling, but we wouldn't want that to stop this legislation going through." She added that the sooner everyone can adopt clear labelling the better for the whole island. "People [who] are suffering from intolerances and allergies will be able to feel just that little bit safer when they eat out," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) In a recent Forbes article, Lafayette was called an Underrated Louisiana City and is considered the Beating Heart of Cajun Culture. The article highlighted how Lafayette offers unique opportunities and experiences with its attractions, food, music and Cajun Culture. Though it tends to fly under the radar compared to larger nearby cities, those who venture to Lafayette will be richly rewarded with a seamless blend of time-honored tradition and contemporary charm, with a thriving seafood scene, esteemed museums and plenty of cozy shops to explore all across the region. Jared Ranahan, Forbes writer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forbes continued to mention Lafayettes enriched history of Cajun, Creole and Native American communities and how the stories of our ancestors come alive through our lively zydeco music performances and tourists excursions like the Cajun Food Tours and Vermilionville. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest The article also spotlighted our thriving culinary scene by mentioning several of our local food favorites such as The Cajun Table, Spoonbill, Pops Poboys, Bordens Ice Cream Shoppe, Five Mile Eatery and Vestal. Lafayette has mastered the art of traditional Pelican State favorites, but the city is no slouch when it comes to innovative contemporary dining either. Ranahan wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forbes wrote about how as Lafayette honors their ancestral roots through their food and tours, it carries an inviting, contemporary charm that leaves everyone wanting more. The article concluded by painting a perfect day in Downtown Lafayette from snagging coffee from Reve Coffee Lab, searching through CDs and vinyl at Lagniappe Records, buying books at Cavalier House Books, art trips to Hilliard Art Museum, dancing at Downtown Alive! then ending it with an evening at Blue Moon Saloon and Hideaway on Lee. With the praises of the citys blend of tradition and modernity, Forbes created a must-read for all those interested in exploring The Hub City. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A Lakota East teacher has been arrested on a sexual battery charge. According to the Butler County Sheriffs Office, Justin Daniel Dennis, 42, was arrested on Aug. 4 following an investigation into an alleged relationship between Dennis and a student. Ex-school bus driver facing rape, sexual battery charges The sheriffs office says detectives initiated a criminal investigation following allegations of an inappropriate sexual relationship between Dennis and a female student that occurred during the 2021-2022 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the time, police say Dennis was employed as a high school teacher and served as an advisor for a student assistance group in which the victim was involved with. Detectives conducted an extensive investigation and obtained a warrant for Dennis arrest after gathering sufficient evidence. He was taken into custody without incident on Monday afternoon. Dennis is facing charges of sexual battery, a third-degree felony. He is currently being held in Butler County Jail. Teachers are placed in positions of trust and authority, especially when working closely with students, said Sheriff Richard Jones. This betrayal of trust will not be tolerated. We will continue to aggressively pursue justice for victims and ensure the safety of our children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there are any other alleged potential victims of Justin Dennis, please contact detectives at 513-759-7347. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MOORESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) There is a fight brewing in Iredell County over hundreds of acres of land owned by Dale Earnhardts widow, Teresa. Ms. Earnhardt is looking to rezone her land south of Mooresville along Patterson Farm Road as a developer seeks to construct a data center. But the proposal has faced opposition from neighbors and even other members of the Earnhardt family. People packed Mondays meeting of the Mooresville Board of Commissioners as the board was set to pick a date for a public hearing on the proposal. Earnhardts request for an annexation and rezoning by Mooresville would give the site access to town water and other services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Development is being overseen by Tract, a company that finds and sets up sites for tech companies. A promotional video from Tract argued that Mooresville is an ideal site for a data center, it is both centrally located in an economic hub of North Carolina and also near Duke Energy transmission lines capable of serving a high-tech facility. But those who live near the site are not thrilled about the project and are worried their quiet, rural neighborhood will be transformed into an industrial monstrosity. Were just asking the town of Mooresville to be responsible about the growth and think about what they want to put out there, if anything at all, said Kerry Pennell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dales eldest son, Kerry, and his wife, Rene, attended Mondays meeting, where Rene spoke during public comment. Rene Earnhardt speaks in opposition to rezoning at the Mooresville commissioners meeting How they have gotten this far with this project is a joke. I urge each of you to think about the charm, the town, the people, she said. Neither Teresa Earnhardt nor a representative from Tract spoke during the meeting, but in that same promotional video, Tract insisted that a data center would only benefit the area, that one data center can provide more than 100 good-paying jobs, including opportunities for entry-level employees. Town commissioners agreed to a September 15 hearing. Mooresville Mayor Chris Charney is adamant that the process will be transparent and that no decision has been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANGSTON, Okla. (KFOR) Oklahomas only historically black college is taking strides in improving its campuses with the help of federal and state dollars. Dr. Ruth Jackson, President of Langston University, told News 4, Our campus is beautiful largely because of its historic nature, but what also accompanies that is aging infrastructure problems with electricity and plumbing. OKCFD tactic to try and lower cancer exposure during fires Langston University. (KFOR) The $12M funding will be split among projects across the three campuses in Langston, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It definitely does mean a lot. Me being a senior, I was able to see a lot of improvement over the years, Ashton Wright, a student at the university, said. Dr. Jackson said their goal is to modernize campus without hiking tuition for students. We recognize that the majority of our students rely on some portion of financial aid to assist them, Dr. Jackson said. A big chunk of the funds will be used to make improvements in their residential and academic spaces. This includes tossing their older window units to make way for new air conditioning systems, as well as a new elevator in Sanford Hall. The projects are being paid with federal dollars from pandemic Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds, and money set aside by the state of Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Chuck Hall, who represents the Langston area, because hes been an advocate for funding across the state for state institutions, Dr. Jackson said. Students around campus also expressed gratitude for the improvements. Another student, Devon Hall, told News 4, Knowing that a very strong black institution is still striving to this day and still evolving into modern society, its just awesome. Langstons Oklahoma City campus will also be getting a new roof after being damaged in a storm last year. Housing H-VAC units will be up and running by December, with other projects finished by August 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Technicians with the Los Angeles Police Departments bomb squad were below a 210 Freeway overpass in Sylmar on reports of alleged military ordnance spotted at the location Monday, authorities confirmed to KTLA. According to police, officers responded to the 11800 block of Terra Bella just before 12:30 p.m., though they were unable to say what type of potential explosives or munitions were seen. Aerial footage from Sky5 showed at least four LAPD cruisers near the overpass, with yellow crime scene tape cordoning off the area where the bomb squad was working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No evacuations were ordered and authorities said there was no threat associated with the incident. LAPD bomb squad on the scene in Sylmar where alleged military ordnance had been spotted beneath the 210 Fwy overpass on Aug. 3, 2025. (KTLA) This is the third case of military ordnance found in Los Angeles County in little more than two weeks. On July 18, a grenade believed to be inert killed three deputies with the L.A. County Sheriffs Department at the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East L.A. The grenade and two others were found by a woman in Santa Monica the day before as she was cleaning out an apartments storage bin. Investigators believe the grenades had been stolen from the U.S. military by a previously enlisted person. That case remains ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just a week later, family members who were cleaning out the home of a deceased relative found what they believed to be military ordnance and brought the devices to LAPDs Pacoima Station, prompting a bomb squad investigation with cooperation from the U.S. military. Officials determined the items were safe to move, and the LAPD Bomb Squad packaged them for transport to a secure storage site. The U.S. military was expected to collect them at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A large fire is raging in southern France, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the local prefecture. More than 2,400 hectares of land and vegetation were burnt by the blaze in Ribaute, close to Carcassonne, according to the reports. Colonel Alexandre Jouassard from the civil defence authority told broadcaster BFMTV that 4,500 hectares were affected by the fire that broke out in Ribaute. According to Jouassard, the flames spread with unusual speed, and it is unlikely that the fire will be extinguished by the evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 1,000 firefighters battled the blaze, which was fuelled by strong winds. The sub-prefect of the Aude region, Lucie Roesch, told BFMTV that two people were injured. Several communities near Ribaute were evacuated as a precaution, according to BMFTV. A campsite was also evacuated, reported broadcaster France Info. Numerous roads were closed due to the fire. The Brief Largo Fire Rescues extrication team will head to Croatia in September for the World Rescue Organizations competition. They placed 15th out of 37 last year. LARGO, Fla. - Every Friday for at least four hours, Largo Fire Rescues extrication team trains to be able to respond on the worst day of someones life. "We just commit to it," Lt. Billy Stark, the teams Incident Commander, said. "Guys have a lot of passion for this, and it's showing." They get to show that passion to the world in one month. The volunteer-based team qualified for the World Rescue Organization extrication competition in Croatia that starts Sept. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They bring in 37 to 40 teams from all over the world and they compete in a three-day extrication challenge. So, they'll set up two to three vehicles with two patients inside and you have anywhere from 12 to 25 minutes to remove both patients and safely treat them," Lt. Stark said. Theyre judged on command presence, tactical abilities and medical assessments. Last year was their first time at worlds. They placed fifteenth out of 37. What they're saying "We've grown so much in the last year just from our social media and other fire departments that have reached out to us. We host classes now and teach other fire departments what we do for the street-wise, not necessarily competition. We also hold seminars for the competitors to come here and judges will come over and assess us and help us prepare for the events that are coming in the future," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its something I've never dreamed, it would be this big that we're doing. All the guys, we talked about it last week, we never expected in our career to be at this level. And now that we are excited, but we're just as passionate and teaching is our main focus," Stark said. "We want people to get better. We want to be able to use the tools properly and help the public in this area. A lot of us have families that live around here, and we want the person that's going to run on our family to be treating them just like we would. So, we really want to pass on the knowledge that we've learned, and it's just been, it's been a very humbling, very exciting, and very tiring experience too." READ: Tampa ranks 13th-worst city in US for traffic: ConsumerAffairs study Lt. Stark said this year, they expect to be in the top 10. "It'd be nice for the city of Largo to have a top 10 education team in the entire world. It's a very good bragging right. We're just excited to keep this thing going," he said. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source FOX 13s Kailey Tracy spoke with Largo Fire Rescue for this story. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) With daytime temperatures forecasted to exceed 100 degrees this week, the City of Las Cruces will open cooling stations through at least Saturday, Aug. 9, the City announced. A cooling station is a place that offers temporary shelter from the heat for the elderly, high-risk residents and the public. Residents are encouraged to call cooling stations beforehand to verify they are open. The following cooling stations will be open through Friday, Aug 8 with the times listed: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frank OBrien Papen Community Center 304 W. Bell Ave. (575) 528-2455 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Henry R. Benavidez Community Center 1045 McClure Road (575) 541-2006 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Meerscheidt Recreation Center 1600 E. Hadley Ave. (575) 541-2563 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal 300 W. Lohman Ave. (575) 541-2500 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Munson Center 975 S. Mesquite St. (575) 541-3000 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sage Cafe 6121 Reynolds Drive (575) 528-3151 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following cooling stations will be open from on Saturday, Aug 9 with the times listed: Meerscheidt Recreation Center 1600 E. Hadley Ave. (575) 541-2563 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal 300 W. Lohman Ave. (575) 541-2500 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives, neighbors and pets. Also, those working or spending time outdoors should take extra precautions. When possible, strenuous activities should be limited to early morning or evening hours. Residents should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; weakness and moist skin; irritability or confusion; and an upset stomach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heat stroke symptoms include: dry, hot skin with no sweating; mental confusion or loss of consciousness; and seizures or convulsions. Heat stroke is an emergency and residents should immediately call 911 if anyone is experiencing these symptoms. People at a higher risk of heat-related illness include: infants and young children; older adults; people with disabilities; anyone with chronic heart or lung problems; overweight persons; those who work outdoors or in hot settings; users of some medications, especially some drugs for mental disorders, movement disorders, allergies, depression, and heart and circulatory problems; and isolated persons who wont know when or how to cool off or call for help. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location as quickly as 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 KTSM 9 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The family of the retired California police chief killed in a hit-and-run two years ago has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the two young men accused in the crime and the company that manufactured the car that prosecutors say they stole. Jesus Ayala, 19; and Jzamir Keys, 18, are accused of intentionally ramming into Andreas Andy Probst, 64, killing him on Aug. 14, 2023. Probst was riding a bicycle in a marked lane near Tenaya Way and Centennial Parkway in the northwest Las Vegas valley. Ayala was driving a stolen Hyundai Elantra with Keys sitting in the passenger seat, prosecutors said. It does not appear the two men, who were 18 and 16 at the time, respectively, knew Probsts former job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car involved in the crash, which prosecutors believe was stolen that morning from an apartment, was later found ditched near Craig Road and Jones Boulevard less than 10 minutes from the crash site, the 8 News Now Investigators reported that year. Police found a screwdriver stick in its steering column, documents said. Ayala and Keys stole the car via the TikTok method or Kia boys, the lawsuit alleges, which allows a person to steal the vehicle via the steering column, tools and a USB drive. Defendants Ayala and Keys were able to steal the Hyundai Elantra due to a defect or defects in the vehicle that resulted in certain Hyundai and Kia model vehicles to be prone to theft using the TikTok method, the lawsuit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the Probst family allege the car was deemed defective due to Hyundais failure to incorporate all necessary anti-theft devices to prevent it from being started and driven, the lawsuit said. In addition, lawyers point to security controls on key fobs and the steering column itself. Jesus Ayala, 19; and Jzamir Keys, 18, are accused of intentionally ramming into Andreas Andy Probst, 64, killing him on Aug. 14, 2023. (KLAS) The lawsuit demands a jury trial and a minimum $15,000 in damages, which is standard in Nevada civil cases. Representatives for Hyundai did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Amid the widespread thefts, the company released an anti-theft software upgrade for certain car models. A jury trial in the murder case was scheduled for January. Both Ayala and Keys remain in custody at the Clark County Detention Center without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ayala also faces several charges in other criminal cases, including robbery with a deadly weapon for an incident in 2023 and charges connected to a jail fight in April. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editors Note: This article has been changed to accurately reflect details of Lentz sentencing. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Amadeo Quindara can still point out his dried blood in the garage two years after a Filipino hate crime attack. The Las Vegas senior is asking if a 90-day jail sentence is fair or a stain on justice. Video showed Lentz entering the garage and yelling, police said. When Lentz exited the garage, with what appears to be blood on his right hand, he yelled die repeatedly. (KLAS) On Monday, Clark County District Court Judge Jennifer Schwartz sentenced Christian Lentz to serve a 90-day jail sentence in the May 2023 attack on his neighbor. Prosecutors said Quindara was targeted in the attack for being Filipino. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filipino family demands justice in Las Vegas hate crime We keep on thinking if maybe we werent Asian, maybe this would have been a different sentence, Philip Quindara, Amadeos son, said. We keep on hearing that were not treated fairly. Were not treated as equals. This is a moment that kind of backs that up. Warning the following photos may be disturbing. (KLAS) Amadeo Quindara can still point out his dried blood in the garage two years after a Filipino hate crime attack. (KLAS) Amadeo Quindara can still point out his dried blood in the garage two years after a Filipino hate crime attack. (KLAS) Amadeo gathered with his family inside the garage where the attack happened. Philip questioned whether the efforts of a two-year legal battle culminated in justice for his father. DA upgrades charges against Las Vegas man accused of attacking 75-year-old neighbor We have to continue to fight, he said. This is kind of stirring up more emotions. This is not going to go away, but now we have to live with the fact that 90 days is in our heads now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family agreed they felt a 4-to-10-year sentence was fair for the crime committed and the danger to Amadeo. Lentz, who no longer lives in the neighborhood, will serve probation for five years and must graduate from the courts mental health diversion program. In May 2023, Christian Lentz attacked his neighbor, Amadeo Quindara, (pictured in center) then 75, in Quindaras garage. Prosecutors said Lentz targeted Quindara because he is Filipino. (KLAS) Schwartz noted Lentz was released from custody in 2023 and has stayed out of trouble and attended therapy. If he violates probation, he will serve prison time for 12-to-30 years. This is a crossroads between mental health and justice, Schwartz said. This is your only chance. Hell be out in November, out before Christmas, Philip said. Hes going to get probation, fine, but 90 days, the outrage is immense at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leonida Quindara, Amadeos wife, was the first to rush into the garage when her husband was beaten by Lentz. She said they dont spend as much time in the garage after the attack, but the support from groups like Bamboo Bridges have been a comfort. Christian Lentz appears in court for sentencing on Aug. 4, 2025. (KLAS) Mindy [Lloyd] is the number one who come here and is our backbone, Leonida said. Its our first time to go to the court, and we dont know nothing. She comes here to support us. Amadeo said the sentencing caused him to question many aspects of the justice system, including what the outcome wouldve been if the roles were reversed. What would have happened if I was the one that went in his house? Amadeo said. Would I hear the same thing? Would I get the same three months if I did the same thing to him? I go in that place because I get in there, I dont know. Maybe not, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A woman is accused of fleeing to California with her children after allegedly killing her ex-husband in Las Vegas, according to an arrest report. Shamier Hines, 37, faces charges of open murder and conspiracy to commit murder, records showed. On June 22, around 11 a.m., Las Vegas Metro police responded to a home in the 5700 block of Coleridge Way near Sahara Avenue and Nellis Boulevard after receiving a report from a neighbor that a foul smell was coming from the home and they believed it was a dead body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The address had several prior events related to a missing person, identified as Kenneth Hines, police said. When officers arrived, they smelled the foul odor and found a dark substance, which appeared to be blood, coming from the corner of the garage door. Officers entered the home and in the garage, found a pile of clothes from which the smell was coming. As they started to look under the clothes, they found Kenneth Hines body, according to police. Detectives found spent cartridge cases, a bullet, and bullet fragments near the body. They also found blood spatter on a vehicle in the garage that was registered to Kenneth Hines. The body was covered in a plastic shower curtain and a bed comforter. There was also an oil-absorbent powder and soil placed near Kenneth Hines head in an attempt to prevent any fluids from seeping away from the body, police said. In the backyard, officers discovered a large hole that someone had dug and two sets of boots nearby, one appearing to be adult size and the other appearing to be child size, police said. The Clark County Coroners office determined Hines cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and ruled a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives discovered that the home belonged to Shamier Hines, who was Kenneths ex-wife. Their divorce was finalized in May, and they were in a custody dispute where Shamier recently regained partial access to the two children she shared with Kenneth, according to police. On June 14, Kenneth Hines spoke to his mother on the phone and said that he was going to drop his son off at Shamiers house and pick him up for Fathers Day the following day. On June 15, surveillance footage showed Kenneth Hines vehicle pulling into the garage at Shamiers house around 2 a.m. and Shamiers vehicle driving in behind it. Detectives later learned that Shamier purchased one-way bus tickets for herself and her four children, which departed from the Las Vegas Greyhound Bus Line at 4:35 a.m. June 15, and arrived in Los Angeles Union Station at 10:20 a.m. When buying the tickets, Shamier used her real name, however, she altered her childrens names and dates of birth, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 16, Kenneth failed to call in and did not show up for work. On June 18, Kenneths mother reported him missing to Las Vegas police. She also called in for a welfare check at Shamiers home, however, officers conducted a knock-and-talk at the home but were unable to contact anyone, police said. On June 19, Kenneths family also reported his son missing since they knew he was supposed to be in his fathers custody. Three days later, officers discovered Kenneths body at Shamiers home. Police located Shamier in Long Beach, where officers detained her eldest son and removed a pistol from his pocket. Long Beach detectives also removed the younger children from the home, and they were taken to the Childrens Advocacy in Los Alamitos, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shamier told police that on June 14, one of her younger sons discussed a potential relationship between Kenneth and his other son, with whom he did not have a good relationship with. Shamier called Kenneth, and he came over to the house, parking on the street, police said. Kenneth, Shamier, and their son went into the garage to have a conversation, during which Kenneth said that they were both wrong, which upset his son. Shamier then told police that Kenneth got in her face and pulled out a knife. She then went back inside the house briefly before going back into the garage, where she saw Kenneth begin to pull out his phone, the report said. Shamier then grabbed Kenneth and screamed, and started to pray for Kenneth to come back. Shamier said she saw blood coming from his mouth and felt his chest, but felt nothing, the report said. Shamier then moved Kenneths car into her garage and fled to California with her children, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shamier was booked into the Clark County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 (WGN) The last member of the so-called ComEd Four has been sentenced for his role in a bribery scheme, concluding a case that reached the top of political power in Springfield and brought down one of the most powerful politicians in Illinois history. Federal Judge Manish Shah on Tuesday sentenced Jay Doherty to one year, one day in prison plus a $500 fine. Doherty was the one-time head of the City Club, who prosecutors say served as a middleman in some of the dealings between ComEd and disgraced former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ComEd Four were convicted in May 2023 in a high-profile federal corruption case related to efforts to influence Madigan by providing jobs, contracts, and payments to his allies in exchange for favorable legislation for ComEd. Doherty also kept upwards of $220,000 for himself, according to prosecutors. You knew full well what this arrangement with Mr. Madigan was about and how it worked and how you fit within it, Judge Shah said. What I see are serious crimes committed by an insider who knew better, could have prevented it, and could have helped remedy it. Ex-Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan sentenced to 90 months, $2.5 million fine The ComEd Four Longtime Madigan confidant Michael McClain and former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore both received 24-month sentences. Former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker got 18 months. Madigan, himself, received a seven-and-a-half-year sentence in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dohertys attorney noted the nearly 80 letters of support sent in by friends, family, and former colleagues, while adding that Dohertys net worth is now essentially worthless. Doherty did, however, do what most of his co-defendants did not directly address the judge. Your honor, Im here to tell you that I was wrong in my actions and in my thinking, he said. Im deeply ashamed that I have been associated with that type of corruption in any way. I have no one to blame but me. I am sorry. Judge Shah approved Dohertys request to travel to California to see members of his family before reporting to federal prison by September 30. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Department of Justice on Tuesday for files in the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, part of a congressional probe that lawmakers believe may show links to President Donald Trump and other former top officials. The Republican-controlled committee also issued subpoenas for depositions with former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and eight former top law enforcement officials. The committees actions showed how even with lawmakers away from Washington on a monthlong break, interest in the Epstein files is still running high. Trump has repeatedly tried to move past the Justice Departments decision not to release a full accounting of the investigation, but lawmakers from both parties, as well as many in the presidents political base, have refused to let it go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the latest: RFK Jr. pulls $500 million in funding for vaccine development The Department of Health and Human Services will cancel contracts and pull funding for some vaccines that are being developed to fight respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary and a longtime vaccine critic, announced in a statement Tuesday that $500 million worth of vaccine development projects, all using mRNA technology, will be halted. The projects 22 of them are being led by some of the nations leading pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Moderna. The mRNA vaccines are credited with slowing the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy said in the Tuesday statement that he wants the health department to move away from mRNA vaccines, calling on the department to start investing in better solutions. He provided no details on what those technologies might be. Trump says FBI may have to help bring Texas Democrats back to state After Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas called on the FBI to help locate and arrest Democrats who left the state to block a vote on a new congressional map, Trump said, They may have to. A lot of people have demanded they come back, said Trump. You cant just sit it out. You have to go back, you have to fight it out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal experts and even Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton say it would be difficult to enforce consequences against the Democratic lawmakers. Texas House rules allow for fines of $500 every day the Democrats are absent. The House also issued civil warrants for the missing lawmakers to be arrested and returned to the House. Trump says he knew nothing about Ghislaine Maxwells prison transfer Asked about Maxwell going from a federal prison in Florida, to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas, Trump said, I didnt know about it all, but added, Its not a very uncommon thing. Trump was also asked about deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche having interviewed Maxwell, Epsteins ex-girlfriend, and said hed not spoken to Blanche about the encounter. He did say, however, that, Whatever he asked would be totally appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said that anything he talked about with her is something that would be totally above board. Trump says Vance is probably heir apparent to his MAGA movement The president said Vance is doing a great job and would be probably the favorite at this point in response to a question about the vice presidents prospects as the Republican nominee if he runs for president in 2028. But Trump also said he thought Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also somebody that maybe would get together with JD in some form. Trump said there are other incredible people who might make good candidates and said its too early, obviously, to talk about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says he may use National Guard or military at the 2028 Olympics Trump says well do anything necessary to keep the Olympics safe and said that includes potentially deploying our National Guard or military. His statement comes after the president sent National Guard troops to Los Angeles to respond to immigration protests earlier this year. Los Angeles is hosting the 2028 Games beginning on July 14, 2028. Trump says hell name his pick for Federal Reserve official this week Trump told reporters that he plans to name his pick to join the Fed Board of Governors soon, though he is choosing whether hell nominate someone to permanently join the board and possibly succeed Jerome Powell or simply serve out the remaining monthslong term of Adriana Kugler, who resigned as a governor last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill be making that decision before the end of the week, Trump said. The president repeated that he has four candidates to succeed Powell, whose term as chair ends in May 2026. Trump has said Kevin Hassett, his White House economics aide, and Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, are two of his picks. He declined to name the two others. Trump says occupation of Gaza pretty much up to Israel Asked Tuesday whether he supported Israel occupying all of Gaza, Trump said he wasnt aware of the suggestion but that its going to be pretty much up to Israel. We are there now trying to get people fed, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that his administration has provided funds to supply food to the people of Gaza that are obviously not doing too well with the food. Federal judge rules Trump administration cannot reallocate billions meant for disaster mitigation A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from reallocating more than $4 billion meant to help communities protect against natural disasters. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns granted a preliminary injunction sought by 20 Democrat-led states while their lawsuit over the funding moves ahead. The states argue the Federal Emergency Management Agency lacks the authority to end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and redirect more than $4 billion of its funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program aims to harden infrastructure around the country against potential storm damage. Noting money for the program was allocated by Congress, the states say any attempt to redirect it would run afoul of the Constitution. Trump says US meeting with Russia tomorrow and will make decision on tariffs Trump said well see what happens regarding his threat to tariff nations that use Russian oil, which could increase import taxes dramatically on China and India. We have a meeting with Russia tomorrow, Trump said regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Were going to see what happens. Well make that determination at that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said in response to a reporters question that he has not publicly committed to a specific tariff rate. Trump signs Olympics executive order Trump has signed an executive order creating an Olympics task force ahead of the 2028 Games, which the U.S. is co-hosting. Organizers said the upcoming Olympic torch relay will go to all 50 states for the first time, and presented Trump with a set of medals commemorating the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded during the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. Can I say I won them athletically? Trump asked. Trump uses White House auditorium his administration derided as Biden fake Oval Office President Donald Trump is using a White House auditorium that his administration poked fun at his predecessor, Joe Biden, for using. Trump is set to sign an executive order creating an Olympics task force ahead of the 2028 Games in the South Court Auditorium instead of the Oval Office, where he typically signs such directives. The Biden administration frequently held events with Biden in the auditorium -- drawing criticism from Trump officials. Alina Habba, a former Trump attorney who was his choice as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, posted on X from the auditorium in March, declaring, Were in Bidens FAKE Oval Office. The following month, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the same room Joe Bidens former office that he pretended to be his office. Trump sends US delegation to Polish president inauguration A U.S. delegation led by Kelly Loeffler, the administrator of the Small Business Administration, is headed to Warsaw for the inauguration of incoming Polish president Karol Nawrocki. Nawrocki, who will be sworn in Wednesday, is a conservative historian and staunch nationalist whose beliefs are considered in line with that of Trump. Administration officials encouraged Polish voters ahead of the election to support Nawrocki. Others in the delegation to Warsaw include Vince Haley, Trumps domestic policy chief, and speechwriter Ross Worthington. Michigan Gov. Whitmer meets with Trump to discuss tariffs and Medicaid cuts Once political adversaries, Michigans Democratic governor met with Trump at the White House on Tuesday the latest in a string of meetings between the two during Trumps second term. Ive always said that Ill work with anyone to get things done for Michigan, Whitmer said in a statement. Thats why Ive continued to go to Washington, D.C. to make sure that Michiganders are front and center. Whitmer said she traveled to the White House to discuss the impact tariffs are having on Michigans economy, especially our auto industry. According to Whitmer, they also discussed the harm Michigan will face due to changes in the Medicaid program, due to the tax and spending bill signed into law by Trump. The White House did not offer comment or confirm that the meeting occurred. Trumps push for drilling and mining sharpens debate for Alaska Natives The once-abundant salmon populations of the Kuskokwim River in southwestern Alaska have declined so sharply in recent years that authorities have severely restricted subsistence fishing on the waterway. Theyve imposed even tighter restrictions on the Yukon River to the north. Various factors are blamed for the salmon collapse, from climate change to commercial fishing practices. The impact is not just on food, but on long-standing rituals, including at fish camps where elders transmit skills and stories to younger generations. So when Alaska Natives debate proposals to drill, mine or otherwise develop the landscape of the nations largest state, it involves more than an environmental or economic debate. Its also a spiritual and cultural one. We have a special spiritual, religious relationship to our river and our land, said Gloria Simeon, a Yupik resident of Bethel, Alaska. US-Brazil relations hit low as Trump backs Bolsonaro with sanctions Analysts say the White House embraced a narrative accusing Brazil of undermining the rule of law and committing human rights abuses. Trump described Bolsonaros prosecution by Brazils Supreme Court as a witch hunt, a phrase he also has used to describe the previous probes into his own actions. Bolsonaro faces charges of attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election. The White House has appeared to embrace a narrative pushed by Bolsonaro allies in the U.S. that the former Brazilian presidents prosecution for attempting to overturn his 2022 election loss is part of a deliberate breakdown in the rule of law, with the government engaging in politically motivated intimidation and committing human rights abuses, according to Trumps statement announcing the tariffs. Justice Department says much of whats in Epstein grand jury transcripts has already been made public Much of the information was made publicly available at trial or has otherwise been publicly reported through the public statements of victims and witnesses, prosecutors wrote in court papers Monday. They noted that the disclosures excluded some victims and witnesses names. The filing aimed to support the DOJs request to release the usually secret grand jury records amid a public clamor for more transparency about the investigation into Epstein, six years after the financier died in prison. Prosecutors also said last week that some of what the grand jurors heard, the public eventually did too, referring to Maxwells 2021 trial and various victims lawsuits. There were only two grand jury witnesses, both of them law enforcement officials, prosecutors said. DOJ attorneys made clear Monday that theyre seeking to unseal only the transcripts of grand jury witnesses testimony, not the exhibits that accompanied it. Trump setting up a 2028 Olympic Games task force The White House says Trump later Tuesday is signing an executive order establishing a task force for the Los Angeles games in three years. Trump has said the Los Angeles Olympics are among the events hes most looking forward to in his second term. The 2028 Games will be the first Olympics to be hosted by the U.S. since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. Trump administration wants to end abortion coverage through Veterans Affairs The administration is calling to remove abortion coverage from the list of medical benefits for veterans and their families, saying its not needed. The Department of Veterans Affairs posted the proposed rule change Monday and opened a public comment period on it that runs through Sept. 3. The department said in its proposal that it wants to ensure it provides only needed medical services to our nations heroes and their families. The department says it would still provide abortion in life-threatening circumstances something state laws allow, even in places where bans are in place. But critics of the change note abortion wouldnt be provided when pregnancies are the result of rape or incest. Amy Friedrich-Karnik, director of federal policy at the Guttmacher Institute, said in a statement that the change would cut off millions of veterans and their families from services. Read more about abortion coverage at the Department of Veterans Affairs Democrats are rallying to make the Texas redistricting fight go national National Democrats are closing ranks behind Texas state lawmakers whove left the state to prevent, at least for now, Republicans from satisfying President Trumps wishes for a gerrymandered congressional map that would help Republicans in the 2026 midterms. Standing with Texas legislators gathered in Illinois, Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin promised Tuesday that the party is bringing a knife to a knife fight rather than stand by. He warned that the GOP plan in Texas is a test case for the rest of the country and a model for other red states to lie, cheat and steal away to victory. California officials are considering their own effort to further tilt their U.S. House delegation to Democrats to counter Texas. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Tuesday that Trumps push in Texas is not democracy thats not America. He mocked Texas leaders for doing Trumps bidding. When Donald Trump calls, they say, Yes, sir, right away, Pritzker said of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, whos running for the Senate in 2026. Trump says hes checking out the new White House ballroom space After making observations from the White House roof, Trump walked over to an area above the briefing room, briefly interacting with reporters gathered below. Asked why he was on the roof, Trump said he was taking a little walk and mentioned the ballroom on the other side. Last month, the White House announced that construction on a massive, new $200 million ballroom the first structural change to the Executive Mansion itself since the addition of the Truman balcony in 1948 would begin in September. One of the five men with him appeared to be James McCrery, architect for the project. Just another way to spend my money for this country, Trump said. Anything I do is financed by me. Trump pops out on the roof of the West Wing He appeared to be taking stock of several areas including the roof of the press briefing room and the Rose Garden. Wearing a suit with a red tie, Trump walked the area Tuesday with several other people, as someone with them took photographs. Trump may have been surveying ongoing renovation and construction work at the White House. He returned to the presidency with grand ideas for remaking the building, like paving over the Rose Garden and building a massive ballroom. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he spoke to Trump by phone Tuesday It comes days before the U.S. deadline for Russia to stop the killing in its 3-year-old invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy said the two leaders discussed the possible severe sanctions on Russia that Trump has threatened to announce Friday. Such a move can change a lot in the war, Zelenskyy said on social media. Ukraine and the U.S. are also working on an agreement for bilateral drone production, he said, adding his thanks for Trumps efforts to end the war. The White House did not immediately return a message seeking information on the call. Laura Loomers conspiratorial followers are already cannibalizing her for participating in the swamp. Just a day after reports emerged that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had tapped the far-right 9/11 truther to help identify leakers among his staff, Loomer has now herself become the subject of intense scrutiny. Some conspiracists are accusing her of being a plant for pharmaceutical companies concerned about administration policies that could cut into their bottom dollar, reported The Bulwark. The self-appointed loyalty enforcer has had enormous success influencing the Trump administration from the safety of her X account: An analysis by The Daily Beast found that at least 16 individuals were fired from the federal government after Loomer singled them out as covert Democratic agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now her intraparty success is coming back to bite her. At issue is the recent firing of Dr. Vinay Prasad, who until last week was in charge of the Food and Drug Administration division that oversees vaccines and gene therapies. Prasad resigned from his position after Loomer accused him of being disloyal to the president, alleging he owned a Trump voodoo doll. (The claim is a mischaracterization of a rhetorical anecdote Prasad spelled out in a podcast episode.) Of note for far-right influencers: Prasad was in the midst of duking it out with Massachusetts-based drug manufacturer Sarepta over the companys drug Elevidys, which treats Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The FDA put Elevidyss clinical trials on hold last month after two patients died while taking the drug, and after another individual passed away while taking a related treatment. All three people died from acute liver toxicity. Shortly before Prasad resigned, the FDA reversed course on its decision, deciding that some patients who still had the ability to walk could receive the drug. Loomers peers considered the connection between her attacks on Prasad, the new FDA decision, and Prasads firing fairly obvious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right-wing Big Pharma critic Kevin Bass accused Loomer of being a plant to oust FDA official Vinay Prasad. American Majority CEO Ned Ryun wrote that Loomer was funded by Sarepta Therapeutics to take Vinay out, referring to the influencer as completely nuts. The reason I find this and you so loathsome is that this behavior is the antithesis of the MAGA and MAHA movements, Ryun added. Loomer has rejected the claims, writing to her 1.7 million followers on X that she hasnt accepted any money from Big Pharma. Far-right activist Laura Loomer has been accused by her MAGA critics of being funded by Big Pharma. The accusations come after several federal workers targeted by Loomer have been fired, such as the NSA general counsel and a Biden alumna appointed to West Point, The Bulwark noted. Another, Dr. Vinay Prasad, left his role at the top of a treatment-approval division at the Food and Drug Administration after Loomer accused him of disloyalty to President Donald Trump. Prasad said he resigned in order not to become a distraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right-wing pharma critic Kevin Bass wrote on X on July 29 that FDA is once again a paid arm of pharma. You can thank @LauraLoomer, Bob Goldberg, @AllysiaFinley, and the folks at @WSJ. Pharma paid them to coordinate and pull off the coup. This is a blatant lie. I dont work for Big Pharma. Im a loyalty enforcer, Loomer said in response on X. I bring to light what others want hidden. Big Pharma didnt pay me to do anything. I have been independently conducting my own vetting operation of Trump admin officials. I simply report the facts. Laura Loomer has targeted several administration officials who have since been fired and resigned (Getty Images) A number of high-profile people within the MAGA movement noted that Loomers targeting of Prasad came as he was in a battle with the drug manufacturer Sarepta because of its treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Prasad had long criticised the FDA for approving the drug made by Sarepta, called Elevidys. Loomer was quick to deny the allegations in a statement to The Independent, saying, I do not work for Big Pharma. I work in support of President Trump on the outside of the administration where I identify and expose disloyal officials in the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vinay Prasad has a history of calling himself a progressive leftist, and he has stated publicly that he hates President Trump, and that he supports Democrat policy issues, Loomer added. The MAGA base didn't vote for radical Democrats to serve in the Trump administration. I provided evidence of all of Vinay Prasad's anti-Trump comments. He and his supporters are just angry they got caught. Loyalty matters, and so does vetting. Last month, three patients died of what seemed to be acute liver toxicity. Two were taking Elevidys, and the third was undergoing a related treatment. The FDA took action and placed Elevidyss clinical trials on hold. However, on Monday, just before Prasads resignation, the FDA backtracked and announced that patients able to walk could get the drug, noting that one of the deaths had been unrelated. Loomer stands accused by some on the MAGA right of taking money from Big Pharma, which she vehemently denies (Getty Images) Loomers rightwing critics argued that the confrontation between the drug company and Prasad was connected to the posts shared by Loomer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bass wrote on X on July 31 that Sarepta used Laura Loomer as a plant to oust FDA official Vinay Prasad. Alex Berenson, formerly of The New York Times, gained notoriety among skeptics of the medical establishment for his early commentary on Covid. He wrote that the pharmaceutical industry taught its critics a powerful lesson after Prasad was dismissed. Similarly, conservative activist Ned Ryun asked on X if Loomer was completely nuts and suggested that she had taken a payment from the drug company. The fact of the matter is you got funded by Sarepta Therapeutics to take Vinay out; probably thru a middle man for deniability but still pharma money funding it all, said Ryun. The reason I find this and you so loathsome is that this behavior is the antithesis of the MAGA and MAHA movements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FDA chief Marty Makary said Monday that he would like Prasad to return to the agency, prompting Loomer to ask, Why would a Trump hater and devout progressive leftist be welcomed back into the admin by his own choice? Why do these people on the Left who has made their way into the admin think their decisions get to override President Trumps and @SusieWiles? she added in a lengthy tweet on Tuesday. Why do they think they even have a choice? Its called the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION. Not the PRASAD administration. Youre such a moron, Ryun responded. Dear God it is hard to quantify what a corrupt, unethical liar you are. You dredged up old tweets. You gonna do that for RFK or JD or anyone else? Or just who your pharma funds dictate? This prompted Loomer to directly address Ryun, saying in part, I dont work for Big Pharma. Ill be honest, I want to work for President Trump. Thats who I want to work for. I dont know who is paying you to attack me nonstop because youre a grown married man with 4 kids and this is like your 27th tweet about me in 72 hours, but its called LOYALTY. In mid-July, far-right activist Laura Loomer fired off a lengthy post on X targeting a senior Customs and Border Protection official, accusing him of having "Anti-Trump, pro-Open Borders, and Pro-DEI Bias," and demanding his removal from the federal government. "Why is this guy a Senior national security advisor at CBP, and why is he the Director of the National Vetting Center at @CBP?" Loomer wrote of the official, Monte Hawkins, who served under four presidents, both Democrat and Republican, and was previously appointed by the Trump administration in 2018. Less than 48 hours later, after also sending an appeal directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Loomer says an official personally contacted her, thanked her for amplifying the information, and later informed her that Hawkins had been removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump pulls surgeon general pick following Laura Loomer complaints "I posted my report 2 days ago. Now he's FIRED," Loomer wrote on X. When asked about Hawkins' status, a DHS official told ABC News that Hawkins was placed on administrative leave. The episode is a clear example not only of how Loomer's pressure campaigns operate, but how she has increasingly carved out an unofficial but influential role as a political enforcer targeting administration officials she sees as disloyal to President Donald Trump. 'I don't keep count anymore' In Trump's second term, Loomer's efforts to single out officials for removal are being treated with growing urgency by the federal agencies she targets -- handing an outside ally of Trump a significant level of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomer, who got her start as an undercover operative for the right-wing sting group Project Veritas, has been on a self-proclaimed mission to rid the administration of officials she says are disloyal to the president -- particularly those who served under the Biden administration or have previously disparaged Trump -- including some who served in Trump's first term. David Dee Delgado/Getty Images - PHOTO: Laura Loomer speaks to the media prior to the beginning of former President Donald Trump's Trial at Manhattan Criminal Court, April 15, 2024, in New York City. By ABC News' count, Loomer's pressure campaigns have so far contributed to the ouster of at least 15 individuals from Trump's second administration, through either direct firings or the withdrawal of senior political nominations, across six different federal agencies. "I don't keep count anymore," Loomer told ABC News when asked how many officials she had helped force out. "There's too many to keep track of." Just last week, the Trump administration pushed out FDA vaccine chief Dr. Vinay Prasad, removed NSA General Counsel April Falcon Doss, and rescinded Jen Easterly's appointment as chair of West Point's social sciences department -- each move coming shortly after public attacks and pressure from Loomer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So many scalps this week! Stacking them up!" Loomer wrote on X this week following a string of ousters thanks at least in part to her efforts. Easterly, who previously worked for President George Bush's national security adviser Condoleezza Rice and led the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency under President Biden, posed Thursday on LinkedIn, "As a lifelong independent, I've served our nation in peacetime and combat under Republican and Democratic administrations" and that "Unfortunately, the opportunity to serve again at my alma mater was rescinded -- a casualty of casually manufactured outrage that drowned out the quiet labor of truth and the steady pulse of integrity." Loomer's campaigns have helped lead to the departures of officials from agencies including the National Security Agency, the National Security Council, the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Defense. Most of the officials had held or were nominated for senior roles in the administration, including NSA Director Gen. Timothy Haugh, federal prosecutor Maurene Comey, and Trump's original pick for surgeon general, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat. Loomer told ABC News she finds her targets through a mix of research and tips she receives from her tip line or from followers on social media. Some tips even come from other Trump administration officials, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do a lot of the research myself ... I get tips every day," she said. Once she identifies a new target, Loomer says she often privately flags her findings to the relevant cabinet official or agency, urging them to take action. But if she feels her research is being ignored, Loomer says she will take the fight public and use her large social media following to ramp up the pressure for the administration to take action. "Sometimes I go private, and then sometimes I post," Loomer said. "But if too much time passes between the time that I go private and the time that action is taken, I have to go public." "People think they can just sit on their laurels and wait and twiddle their thumbs, and that's not how it works," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A major part of Loomer's leverage seems to show itself when she goes public with her attacks. Loomer's posts targeting officials often go viral on X and throughout MAGA circles, quickly grabbing millions of impressions and tens of thousands of likes and reposts, putting more pressure on the administration to act. 'I have communication with the president' But that wasn't always the case. For years, Loomer was banned from posting on Twitter for violating hate-speech policies with anti-Muslim posts targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar. She was reinstated when tech billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk purchased Twitter and renamed it X -- but even then, Loomer complained to Musk that her account was being throttled and shadowbanned, two ways in which the platform is said to limit access to content. Those claims stopped at the end of January, and Loomer's X account impressions surged -- as did her efforts to target administration officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through her work, Loomer says she's in direct contact with senior officials across the federal government and the White House -- as well as Trump himself. "I have communication with the president. I'm a big supporter, and I'll remain a supporter," Loomer said. When asked how many cabinet officials she's in touch with regularly, Loomer said, "I mean, I know a lot of people." "I've been in this line of work for a very long time," she said, describing her outreach as requesting comment as part of her journalism. But unlike most journalists, Loomer is usually calling for those officials to be fired, and often celebrates the results. Julia Beverly/Getty Images - PHOTO: Laura Loomer arrives at Philadelphia International Airport on The Trump Organization's Boeing 757 ahead of a Presidential Debate, September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia In some federal agencies, her social posts have helped fuel anxiety, with some staffers sharing them in internal group chats whenever a new official is targeted, sources told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the barrage of attacks, few of those targeted by Loomer have publicly responded to her claims. One person close to someone Loomer targeted told ABC News that many of her targets are afraid to speak out due to fear of retaliation and the potential impact on their future career prospects. "For a number of folks if you don't have the platform she does you're bringing a butter knife to a real knife fight," the person said. Asked about Loomer's influence, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement to ABC News, "It is not only appropriate, but critical for the Administration to continue to recruit the most qualified and experienced staffers who are totally aligned with President Trump's agenda to Make America Great Again." "The results that this Administration has already delivered for the American people -- from peace deals to trade deals -- prove that President Trump has assembled the best and brightest talent to put Americans and America First," Desai said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Far-right activist Laura Loomer pushes back amid criticism of her proximity to Trump Trump, asked over the weekend about Loomer's influence, said that while she is known as being "radical right," he views her as a "patriot." "I think she's a patriot, and she gets excited because of the fact that she's a patriot," Trump told reporters. "And she doesn't like things going on that she thinks are bad for the country. I like her." In March, Loomer launched her own consulting firm, Loomered Strategies, where she says she advises clients on opposition research and vetting. She told The New York Times that she has five clients and that overall her activities earn a gross income of about $300,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Loomer's profile has risen, some critics online have accused her of being paid to target specific officials and appointees, which Loomer has pushed back on. "Wow you're telling me I could have been paid $100,000 for simply pointing out the obvious that a Trump hater who loves the radical left shouldn't be in the Trump admin?" Loomer wrote last week on X, responding to a critic accusing her of being paid to target Prasad. 'My own independent agency' With her growing list of "scalps," many in the MAGA base have called for Loomer to be given an official role inside the Trump administration, and have questioned why that hasn't happened yet. It's something she claims the president has offered her multiple times, but has been blocked each time. The relationship between Loomer and White House staff is viewed by some as an ongoing balancing act, as senior officials work to utilize her impact and influence -- and close relationship with the president -- while still trying to keep her at a distance, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. Some inside the administration have used Loomer's work as a tool to target other officials they are seeking to have removed, sources said. "I had four jobs given to me in this Trump administration that basically have been taken away from me because some of President Trump's staff suffer from the incurable disease of professional jealousy," Loomer said. MORE: Loomer, far-right activist, urged Trump to remove NSA director and others: Sources If she continues to be denied a formal position, Loomer told ABC News that she plans to keep operating as her "own independent agency." "If I'm going to be denied access by jealous staffers, and I'm also going to be denied access to the press room as a credentialed member of the press, even though I'm more deserving than most of the people who have access, then I have to operate as my own independent agency," she said. "So it's basically like my own agency that operates outside of the confines of the White House and the federal government," Loomer said. Loomer says she doesn't know which staffers around Trump are stopping her from joining the administration in an official capacity, but she does not blame the president. "I have no idea" who those staffers are, she said. "That's a question for the media to go find out. I just think it's really bizarre that I could be hired four times and [get blocked]. I don't hold it against President Trump for the way that some of his staff behaves towards me. But it is an elephant in the room." When asked, the White House did not answer questions about whether Loomer had been offered positions in the administration that were later denied, or why. MORE: Trump's effort to quell MAGA revolt over Epstein files seems to add fuel to the fire Loomer's efforts to remove officials haven't all been successful, with a few officials having survived her attacks. One in particular has remained in place despite months of criticism dating back almost to the start of Trump's second term: Attorney General Pam Bondi, who Loomer has targeted for her handling of the Epstein files and other issues. "I mean, I'm not a fan. I'm not a fan, but everybody knows that," Loomer said when asked whether her view of Bondi had changed. Asked if she still believed Bondi would be fired, as she's called for since February, Loomer replied, "Probably not." "President Trump has already made his decision on her. But like I said, I mean, I stand by my reporting," Loomer said. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) People allergic to gluten often have a tough decision to make when looking for a restaurant, but a new law in Illinois aims to make it easier for people with celiac disease to dine out and enjoy multiple menu options. Lawmakers said the new law will ensure food handlers get familiar with the disease, and show them how to safely handle gluten-free foods. New gun safety laws aim to improve gun storage, firearm tracing in Illinois Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 1288 requires training for workers in the restaurant industry. Lawmakers said it also makes sure theyre educated on other allergens, like sesame. This is something Maize in Champaign said theyve been doing for years. Owner Armando Sandoval said while this new law wont change their operations much, it gives businesses guidelines. We already do it. We use our fryer. We dont fry anything that has gluten, Sandoval said. So, we really did a lot of things, but with this, it sort of makes it a little bit more concise and more clear for us to take steps for the safety of the customers. Lawmakers said celiac disease affects about one in one hundred people worldwide. They said even a small amount of gluten can lead to harmful reactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB1288 was passed unanimously by legislators, and signed into law 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 WCIA.com. New Hampshire will become the second state in the nation to invalidate driving privileges for anyone issued an out-of-state license who is an illegal immigrant. Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed the bill into law late last week, along with another to deny temporary shelter or housing in public schools or colleges to anyone in this country illegally absent the state declaration of a specific disaster. Gannon authored change to out-of-state drive license privileges for illegals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Bill Gannon Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Bill Gannon, R-Sandown, the author of the states ban on sanctuary city policies, also authored this crackdown on undocumented immigrants who are able to get driver licenses in other states. New Hampshire law already banned illegal immigrants from being able to receive a drivers license here. States may elect to grant licenses as they please. Accordingly, New Hampshire reserved the right to decide who accessed its roadways, Gannon said during the first hearing on his original bill last winter. Florida became the first state to adopt the policy, with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis pursuing the change during the midst of his GOP presidential primary bid in 2023. DeSantis dropped out of the race days before the first-in-the-nation primary in New Hampshire that Donald Trump won by double digits over former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gannon stressed that tourism-heavy Florida has seen no adverse economic impact from it. Gilles Bissonnette, legal director with the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire, argued that the Granite State lacked legal standing to contest the validity of any documents lawfully issued by another state. Adopting such a change would be New Hampshires first change to the interstate compact it joined in 1986 in which all states agree to have their motor vehicle agencies cooperate with one another, he said. Bissonnette maintained this could have other adverse consequences. Licenses identify people, inform authorities of their vetted background and operative capabilities, Bissonnette testified. Licensed drivers are more likely to be insured and less likely to flee the scene of an accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Morasco, director of the Division of Motor Vehicles, said making this change would not invalidate New Hampshires membership in the compact. Florida has remained in the group since adopting its law, Morasco said. Many dont ask for immigrant status Many states, including Massachusetts, do not ask license applicants about their immigration status. But Jennifer Bailey, DMVs assistant director, said Delaware and Connecticut would be the only states at issue because they are the only two that issue distinct ID cards or licenses to undocumented immigrants. Last fall, officials announced Florida would also deny driving privileges to illegal immigrants holding licenses from the states of Vermont, Rhode Island and Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshires new law had strong support in the caucuses of House and Senate Republicans. But Gov. Kelly Ayotte didnt get to sign it until late last week because Gannon convinced the Senate to kill his original bill (SB 13) after concluding that the House had gone too far with it. The Senate passed that bill along partisan lines 15-8 with all Senate Republicans in attendance backing it. At the urging of House Transportation Committee Chairman Tom Walsh, R-Hooksett, the House added to the ban a license for any immigrant granted temporary asylum status here. In response, Gannon asked and the Senate agreed on a voice vote to kill his bill with the House changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, the Senate attached Gannons bill to an unrelated one that also became law which lays out the process to return firearms to anyone who has a court take them away due to a restraining order once that order has been lifted (HB 506). Party-line vote The House voted largely along party lines, 197-159, for that amended bill and the Senate endorsed it by a 16-8 count. Rep. Juliet Harvey-Boulia, R-Tilton, proposed the ban (HB 71) on illegals staying in temporary shelter in response to occurrences in other states. House Deputy Majority Leader Joe Sweeney, R-Salem, was also on the bill. Both changes to laws affecting illegal immigrants take effect on Sept. 30. klandrigan@unionleader.com JEFFERSON The Ashtabula County Law Library has moved down the street from the Ashtabula County Courthouse to an office adjacent to the bureau of motor vehicles on Route 46. ACLL Director Shara Parkomaki has been with the library for 11 years and is getting adjusted to the new facility. The Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners moved the office so the former law library can eventually be used for Ashtabula County Probate Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its good. Parkomaki said. Its an adjustment. This space is beautiful. She said the space is smaller than the former office so some of the law books were not able to come to the new facility. Parkomaki said the plan is for some of the older law books to be moved to another facility in the county, but the details are not complete. We still have legal resources available for everyone, Parkomaki said. The office is open to the public from 7 a.m.-5 p..m. Monday, Tuesday at Thursday and 1- 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Parkomaki said. She said the office will be closed on Fridays, but attorneys will be equipped with key fobs to enter the office after hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners have been working to maximize space at the courthouse, and in 2026, will move Western County Court in the space where probate court presently operates. Parkomaki said there are three terminals that can be used for public law research, word processing and printing. The Ohio Justice Bus will still come to town four times a year so advice on domestic issues may be found, Parkomaki said. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are everywhere, but California is trying to change that with a new bill that will protect the health of its residents. According to the Environmental Working Group, the California Legislature put forth Senate Bill 682, which would ban the sale of cleaning products, cookware, plastic food packaging, ski wax, and dental floss that intentionally contain PFAS. If enacted, the ban would go into effect in 2028. California already has a ban on PFAS in certain items, including paper food packaging, cosmetics, menstrual products, textiles, firefighting foam, and some children's products, so S.B. 682 would expand on this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EWG said, "Given California's position as the world's fourth largest economy, any state regulation tends to set a de facto national standard." Companies likely wouldn't make products for just California; they would sell them elsewhere, meaning other states would benefit too. Other states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Illinois, have already banned the use of PFAS in cleaning products, cookware, and other products. S.B. 682 is a big step toward protecting people from being exposed to PFAS, which are linked to cancer and other health problems. When products contain them, they leak into the soil, water, air, and food. People are exposed to them by consuming contaminated water and food. PFAS are so widespread that 97% of Americans have them in their bloodstream. Companies have reportedly spent a lot of money fighting bills like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, as reported by the Guardian, an army of lobbyists has fought against bills that would ban PFAS. According to that analysis, which looked at lobbying records, major chemical producers such as 3M and DuPont didn't want consumers to know about the harmful effects of PFAS, so they delayed the news being released to the public. If you're concerned about being exposed to PFAS while bans are taking effect, you can use natural cleaning products. They can save you $90 annually, even if you use them just half the time, and keep harmful chemicals out of your home. 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. Representatives from Maryland and Virginia have joined together on a new bill that targets an invasive fish species in D.C.-area waterways. Reps. Steny H. Hoyer, Sarah Elfreth, Rob Wittman, and Jen Kiggans introduced the Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act just after the July 4 holiday, according to the Southern Maryland Chronicle. If passed, the bill would create a pilot program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that incentivizes catching invasive blue catfish in Chesapeake Bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program would provide grants to pet and animal food manufacturers in the region that prioritize harvesting the invasive fish, while also building infrastructure needed to manufacture, process, and ship their products. The NOAA would collect data and report the MAWS Act's economic and ecological impact in the area to Congress to influence similar projects around the country. The blue catfish was introduced to the region decades ago, though at the time, it was thought this species could only tolerate freshwater. In the years since, the fish species has expanded its range by swimming out into the salty bay and back into connecting freshwater systems. As a result, the population has grown out of control, dominating the local habitat by eating native species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Invasive species not only affect local populations, but they also throw off the natural balance of the ecosystem. When this occurs, the area will struggle to act as a carbon sink, which can contribute to the rapid overheating of the planet. Ecological restoration projects in the area have already proved successful with the Chesapeake Bay oyster population, so this measure would be another step in the right direction. 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. Officials and even restaurateurs in both Maryland and Virginia have promoted recreational fishing of the blue catfish, but the MAWS Act would take the measure further by throwing local industry into the mix. "The Chesapeake Bay supports thousands of jobs and feeds millions of people, but its future is under threat from invasive blue catfish," said Congresswoman Kiggans. "The MAWS Act is a creative, bipartisan solution that helps our watermen, protects native species, and turns an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity." 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. BOSTON (WWLP) Qualified immunity for police officers was a hot-button issue on Beacon Hill in 2020 during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, and lawmakers are debating similar policies once again. Reproductive Shield Act sent to gov. Qualified immunity would protect law enforcement officers from liability in civil lawsuits unless their conduct violated statutory or constitutional rights. It is intended to protect police officers from unnecessary lawsuits and ensure they can properly continue their duties, but some say it just shields them from accountability for their actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a Beacon Hill judiciary committee meeting last week, lawmakers considered a bill that would remove the requirement for plaintiffs to prove threats, intimidation, or coercion by a law enforcement officer in a civil rights lawsuit and faced significant pushback from officers. One lawyer representing police officers says this will cause frivolous lawsuits and impede law enforcements ability to do their job. He says there are already accountability mechanisms at the federal level and through a standards and training commission. This is not about shielding misconduct, said general counsel for the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Eric Atstupenas. What does not exist is a state ready for the wave of litigation this bill would invite. Lawmakers, who had previously recommended removing the language, say there are many other instances of egregious behavior beyond threats, intimidation, or coercion and getting rid of the requirement would allow more plaintiffs to get justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House committee members need to make a recommendation on this policy by late September, and are tasked with balancing protections from qualified immunity with the needs of plaintiffs seeking restitution. 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. LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Lawrence County Sheriffs Office is searching for a missing and endangered man. According to LCSO, deputies are searching for 83-year-old Robert Eugene Williams. Robert Eugene Williams (Courtesy: Lawrence Co. Sheriffs Office) LCSO told News 19 that Williams may be living with a condition that may impair his judgement. He is described as a white male with who is 511 and weighs 178 pounds with brown eyes and partially gray hair. Williams was last seen on Tuesday, July 29, wearing khaki shorts in the area of in Town Creek around 10:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said that Williams may be traveling in a white GMC Sierra with Alabama License Plate 42C044W. If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Robert Eugene Williams, please contact the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office at (256) 974-7911 or call 911 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell is predicting a pardon for convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, whose accomplice Jeffrey Epstein died in prison while awaiting trial as long as she exonerates President Donald Trump from any potential involvement in their crimes. Trump has been shown in footage and photos from the 1990s and early 2000s socializing with Maxwell and Epstein, whose ties to powerful figures, along with Epsteins apparent jailhouse suicide in 2019, fueled enduring rumors of a client list U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested she was reviewing earlier this year. Weve all seen the photographs of Donald Trump hanging out with Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein during the Epstein and Maxwell reign of terror against more than a thousand children, ODonnell said during Mondays edition of The Last Word. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has openly dismissed public demands for any remaining Justice Department files on Epstein to be shared. But amid mounting backlash over this scandal, the administration now appears to be considering a deal with Maxwell. From left: Donald Trump and his then-girlfriend, Melania Trump, with Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago in 2000. Davidoff Studios Photography/Getty Images U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche visited Maxwell last month, only for Trump to claim he wasnt aware of the meeting. Last week, the Bureau of Prisons transferred Maxwell from a low-security federal prison in Florida to a minimum-security facility in Texas. Donald Trump just now has no idea why his former criminal defense lawyer became the very first deputy attorney general in history to go to a prison to interview a convicted sex trafficker who the president of the United States personally wishes well, said ODonnell. Trump did indeed wish her well when asked in 2020 about Maxwells then-recent arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODonnell noted that Trump is now in a position to make his own well-wishes come true, as he personally has the ability to free Maxwell who was convicted of trafficking and recruiting children for sexual abuse by Epstein, but is suspected of having had far more clients before her 20-year sentence is up. ODonnell argued that a pardon for Maxwell could be damaging to Republicans, however, so Trump would have to time it strategically. If Donald Trump lets Ghislaine Maxwell out of prison on his last day in office in exchange for her publicly insisting that she and Jeffrey Epstein were never really friends with Donald Trump and that Donald Trump knew nothing about anything illegal that they ever did, well, the last day of the presidency would be the time for him to do that, he said. And then Donald Trumps wishing her well will really and fully come true, he concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors said that Maxwell and Epstein were predators together and molested kids together, ODonnell reminded viewers, since some pro-Trump voices are already suggesting that a pardon would be justified if she helps authorities identify other potential accomplices or clients. ODonnell also reiterated how curious it is that Maxwell, who personally molested children, was moved to a much more pleasant facility after speaking with Trumps lawyer. Her sentencing rules do not even allow her to serve time there, he said, so someone had to wish really hard for that to happen. So shes now guaranteed a very easy time in federal custody for the remainder of the Trump presidency, he added. And then, on the last day of the Trump presidency, Ghislaine Maxwell could walk free in exchange for never saying anything negative about Donald Trump. Watch the full monologue below: Need help? Visit RAINNs National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website. Related... SILVER CITY, N.M. (KRQE) Its hard to say which is worse: the death of a five-year-old near Silver City, the horrific conditions in which she died, or the fact that family, teachers, and police all tried to help her with calls to the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department. There were five different investigations into the family over the course of two years. But, another lawsuit filed on Monday against the state accuses workers of lying on reports, ignoring abuse and neglect claims, and just taking the word of two drug-addicted parents. VIDEO: Deputies find dead 5-year-old during Silver City callout An autopsy revealed that five-year-old Xaquie Bynum died of carbon monoxide poisoning on the floor of a filthy shack with no running water or heat near Silver City in March 2024. It was a result of coal burned inside the tiny home for heat. She tested positive for meth. Her seven-year-old brother survived and also tested positive for meth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Sara Crecca has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against CYFD and its workers in this case. It alleges that Xaquie died as a direct result of CYFDs incompetence. Well, she deserved much better. And the way she died is so horrific. I cant imagine what she went through, said Crecca. The First Investigation Fails to Recognize Warning Signs Two years before the death, in 2022, CYFDs first investigation went nowhere. A Grant County Sheriffs Deputy found Xaquies brother, who was five at the time, lying in the back of a truck in a store parking lot with no supervision. A CYFD caseworker was called in and tracked down his parents, Adame and Matthew Bynum. First, at a motel, where the general manager told her, they left the room filled with ankle-high trash, and the company had to deep-clean the room several times. Despite knowing that, according to the lawsuit, the case worker didnt check inside the trailer the family was now staying in, to make sure it was safe. Instead, attorneys said the case worker just took the word of the parents, who also lied about no longer having drug or domestic violence issues. It stated that the case worker knew the boy wasnt enrolled in school, but attorneys said CYFD told Adame to just rely on family or friends if she needed help with the children. The investigation was closed. A Second Failed Investigation According to the lawsuit, a second investigation in August 2023 was also a failure. This time, Silver City police called CYFD, saying Adame had the two young kids in the car with no seatbelts or car seats. He reported that the kids hadnt bathed in a while, and the car smelled horrific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another CYFD case worker was called in, and a report said he had a face-to-face meeting with Adame at her mothers home. Attorneys said that is just not true. Adame later told CYFD she was living with her mother, and the case worker believed her lie, and once again, no one checked to see how the kids were living. Investigation closed. The integrity of each and every investigation is so critical because when theres no integrity in the first investigation, then by the fourth, youre relying on three other investigations where facts were left out. Nobody laid eyes on the home. A Third and Fourth Failed Investigation The allegations against CYFD go on and on. In November 2023, the lawsuit laid out a third and fourth failed investigations, including a family member reporting the kids didnt have a toilet and couldnt bathe. The lawsuit states CYFD didnt check. School staff reports to CYFD were made on serious abuse and neglect concerns, saying the kids were coming to school so dirty, they had to clean them up. They claimed the mother showed up with bruises, again the state didnt visit the home. A CYFD supervisor stated in a report that there are no drug or domestic violence issues with the family, and the parents provided a safe and stable home in the past year. A month later, another school employee called CYFD again, saying the boy showed up with a black eye, and kids made fun of him because of his poor hygiene. Attorneys said CYFD finally visited the home. The case worker would tell the family to clean their home, but never checked if they did. Two more investigations closed, declaring the abuse and neglect allegations were unsubstantiated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The one worker that actually bothered to step foot in the home identified issues with the heater and no running water. And that by itself is not a reason to take a child in. Its together with the bruises on the child. The concerns from the school, the parents having different stories that dont match each other, said Crecca. Fifth Investigation: More of the Same In January 2024, a fifth investigation was launched after a person from the kids school called CYFD, saying theyre worried about the kids not having running water. Adame had told her that Byunum beat her, and Xaquie had more than 19 absences during the past four months. It would take a month before CYFD did anything. The case worker wrote that the parents wouldnt talk to her, so they declared the allegations unsubstantiated, and the case was closed. That case worker never went to the home and checked on the family. Xaquies Death Two weeks later, deputies found Xaquie dead. Her death would come just 23 days after Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham promised change within CYFD. The number one priority of that department is protecting children and improving their well-being. That is not what is occurring in the State of New Mexico, said Gov. Lujan Grisham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crecca said that all of this was handled in violation of New Mexico law and CYFD policy. We need something dramatically different, not just some tweaks here and there. We need something dramatically different from CFYD in order to rely on them to protect our children when we call them as a community. I want to know when I call and I witness something, that its being taken seriously. We should all be able to do that, said Crecca. The lawsuit states the entire staff at CYFD in Silver City was fired. But its not known if it was because of this case. CYFD and the governor would not answer KRQE News 13s questions, saying, Due to pending litigation on this case, it would be premature to comment. The childrens biggest advocate is their grandmother, who also begged for help from the state. After the death, CYFD placed Xaquies brother in her care. But, CYFD was making plans to place the boy back with his parents, who are charged with intentional abuse of a child resulting in death. When the grandmother raised concerns, the state sent her this letter saying they were taking him away from her because she spoke out. That alleged retaliation is also part of the lawsuit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RACELAND, Ky. (FOX 56) Raceland-Worthington Independent Schools is under fire in a recent lawsuit that accuses multiple school employees of the abuse and neglect of a student with autism. Kristen Gleason is a mother to five children with disabilities. According to court documents filed in July, four of her children were enrolled at Raceland-Worthington Middle School for the 2023-2024 school year. Once school started, she reportedly began noticing a significant change in behavior in one of her children, who is diagnosed with autism, communication receptive disorder, and echolalia, despite always enjoying school before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child, identified in the lawsuit as O.G., typically communicates by using repeated phrases mimicking the tone or actions accompanying the phrase he initially heard. Court documents claim that O.G. began regressing, experiencing disrupted sleep, appetite loss, and concerning vocal patterns. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Beginning in August and continuing through October 2023, Gleason recalled O.G. using a splitting, teeth-clenched tone to say things like the following while holding his ears with brows clinched and a scowl. I hate you! Stop whining. I swear, Im tired of this crap! Stupid idiot. Sit down and shut up! You know what Im talking about. Listen. To. Me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterwards, court documents note that O.G. would begin to cry. Around September, he began to beg not to go to school, saying things like, Please, no school. Ms. Horn really mad, really mean. Im so scared. Because O.G. couldnt explain what was happening, in October, Gleason decided to send a recording device in his backpack. The device captured the teacher and multiple aides screaming at each of Gleasons four special needs children over five days, depicting multiple instances of aggression and intimidation. According to the lawsuit, listening back to the recording, Gleason could hear smacking noises, children whimpering or crying, threats, and the school employees discussing their actions. On one occasion, special education teacher Erin Horn and aides Jake Dixon, Horn, and Brandon Elkins could be heard discussing times theyve had to physically handle children, including O.G. Horn reportedly said that her handling may not have been the safest position, but then I was like, screw it. The lawsuit states that Elkins chimed in, claiming that hes handled O.G. like a pro. Horn can often be heard calling for Dixon to handle the children and reportedly taunting them about his arrival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news By October 13, 2023, court documents report that Gleason has reported whats captured on the recordings multiple times. Six days later, a paraeducator reported that it appeared that O.G.s bag had been searched for the recorder. Gleason stated that shed been in communication with Principal Kyle Russell, Special Education Director Beckie Brown, and Superintendent Larry Coldiron on multiple occasions, pleading that her allegations not be taken lightly. Eventually, she pulled O.G. from school. Director of Pupil Personnel Kristen Waller, Coldiron, and Russell contacted her in November, saying that their internal investigation found the claims were unsubstantiated. According to the lawsuit, Gleason reported what happened to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around February 2024, the cabinets investigation substantiated threats of physical abuse, per court documents. In the July 31, 2025, lawsuit, Gleason accuses the district and its employees of negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, outrage, and wrongful expulsion, among other charges. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news Court documents show that the plaintiffs hope for a trial by jury. FOX 56 has reached out to the school district for a statement but has not received a response. None of the defendants named in the lawsuit has been criminally 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 FOX 56 News. Alan Jackson, the prominent defense attorney who led Karen Reads defense team during her criminal trials, announced Tuesday that he would represent Read in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of her boyfriend, John OKeefe. Read, 45, was acquitted of all charges connected to the death of OKeefe, a Boston Police officer, in June following her second trial. She was convicted solely of operating under the influence, for which she received a year of probation. But Read still faces a civil case brought by the family of OKeefe that accuses her of causing his death. The civil case was largely paused during the criminal proceeding but is expected to move forward now that the trial is over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson made the announcement on the Greg Hill Show Tuesday morning, adding Elizabeth Little, a partner at his law firm who also represented Read, would join the civil team as well. In a brief statement provided to Boston 25 News, Jackson said he was proud to stand with Little as they joined Read in her relentless pursuit of justice. Karens courage in confronting abuse of power and demanding the truth is unwavering and so are we. This fight isnt over. Not until every lie is exposed in every wrong is made right, he told the station. Jackson was instrumental in pushing Reads claim that she was being framed for OKeefes death. Prosecutors claimed Read hit OKeefe with her car on Jan. 29, 2022, outside the Canton home of a fellow Boston Police officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Jackson and other members of Reads defense claimed she was the victim of a widespread law enforcement conspiracy that set her up. Since Jackson and Little are both based in California, one of the Massachusetts-based attorneys on Reads civil team will need to ask a judge to allow them to represent Read. Such motions are typically allowed. Thus far, Read has hired six lawyers to represent her in the civil action, not counting Jackson or Little. Damon Seligson, Charles Waters and Aaron D. Rosenberg, who work at the firm Sheehan Phinney, all joined Reads defense team last month, according to court filings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They joined three lawyers from the firm Melick & Porter, who already represented Read: Christopher George, William L. Keville Jr. and Marissa K. Palladini. The civil case is pending in Plymouth Superior Court. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22. More about the case Read the original article on MassLive. Multiple vehicles were broken into outside hotels in Ohio early Monday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Six of the break-ins occurred in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn, and four more were reported near a Hyatt hotel near Polaris, according to Columbus Police, who informed our news partner, WBNS-TV in Columbus. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects reportedly wore masks near the Holiday Inn, according to Columbus Police. It is currently unknown if the two incidents are connected. No arrests have been made, WBNS says. No information has been released about the suspects. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEED TO KNOW Four people are dead and around 100 are missing after a cloudburst caused a flash flood in and around a tourist town in India Officials said about a dozen hotels have been washed away and several shops have collapsed in wake of the flood India's army reportedly said 150 troops have been deployed to the town and have already helped rescue around 20 people At least four people have died after a flash flood wiped out an entire town and left several victims trapped, and around 100 are missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flood occurred in Dharali, a Himalayan mountain village in the Uttarakhand state of India, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, according to the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. The flood began in the early afternoon after a cloudburst caused the Kheerganga river to swell, leading muddy water to inundate the village in Uttarkashi district and surrounding areas, according to the BBC. Footage shared by local news outlets showed the water rushing into the tourist area, which has many hotels, resorts and restaurants. Prashant Arya, an administrative officer, said about a dozen hotels have been washed away and several shops have collapsed in the wake of the flood, according to the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arya also said four people had been killed, while other officials suggested the death toll may rise, AFP reported. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth told the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency that, along with the casualties, around 100 people are missing. Indo Tibetan Border Police via AP An Indo Tibetan Border Force doctor treats a victim of a flash flood that swept away many houses in Dharali, a Himalayan mountain village in the Uttarkashi district of Indian state of Uttarakhand, Tuesday, Aug.5, 2025. An Indo Tibetan Border Force doctor treats a victim of a flash flood that swept away many houses in Dharali, a Himalayan mountain village in the Uttarkashi district of Indian state of Uttarakhand, Tuesday, Aug.5, 2025. Meanwhile, India's army reportedly said 150 troops have been deployed to the town and have already helped rescue around 20 people. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said rescue agencies are on a war footing as they respond to the disaster, according to the AP and AFP. We are doing everything possible to save lives and provide relief, Dhami said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with all available resources being deployed to locate and evacuate any remaining stranded persons," said Suneel Bartwal, army spokesperson, AFP reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his "condolences to the people affected by the tragedy" in a translated post on X, adding that, No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I pray for the well-being of all the victims, Modi said, later noting, Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. Read the original article on People Flash floods have swept through a Himalayan village in northern India, killing at least four people and leaving more than 50 missing, according to officials, who warned that the toll could rise further. Videos broadcast on Indian media on Tuesday showed a terrifying surge of muddy water sweeping away buildings in Uttarakhand states Dharali village. Several people could be seen running before being engulfed by the dark waves of debris that uprooted entire multistorey buildings. A wide swath of the village was swamped by deep debris. In places, the mud lapped at the rooftops of houses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four people were killed and many more have been rescued so far, Uttarkashi district administrator Prashant Arya told local media. A massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the Kheer Gad area near Harsil, triggering a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement, the Indian Army said in a post on X. Rescue teams were deployed on a war footing to the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, said state Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in a statement on Tuesday, adding: We are doing everything possible to save lives and provide relief. Teams from the army and disaster response forces reached the area, local authorities said, with workers trying to rescue people trapped under debris and sludge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indias National Disaster Management Authority said it requested three helicopters from the federal government to assist in the rescue and relief operations, as rescuers struggled to access the remote terrain. Luckily, most of the people were at a fair in a safe location, said a disaster official who asked not to be named, since he was not authorised to speak to the media. Images released by the army, taken from the site after the main torrent of water had gone, showed a river of slow-moving mud. Red warning issued Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to those affected by this tragedy No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people, he said in a statement posted on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning for the area, and recorded extremely heavy rainfall of about 21cm (8in) in isolated parts of Uttarakhand. It also forecast more heavy rains in the region in the coming days. Authorities have asked schools to remain closed in several districts, including Dehradun and Haridwar cities. Sudden, intense downpours over small areas known as cloudbursts have become increasingly common in Uttarakhand, a region prone to flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season from June to September. Cloudbursts have the potential to wreak havoc by causing intense flooding and landslides, affecting thousands of people in the mountainous regions. Experts say cloudbursts have increased in recent years partly due to climate change, while damage from the storms also has increased because of unplanned development in mountain regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 6,000 people died and 4,500 villages were affected when a similar cloudburst devastated Uttarakhand state in 2013. A 2023 report by Nepal-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development found that glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates across the Hindu Kush and Himalayan Mountain ranges. The study found that at least 200 of the more than 2,000 glacial lakes in the region are at risk of overflowing, which can cause catastrophic damage downstream. The UNs World Meteorological Organization said last year that increasingly intense floods and droughts are a distress signal of what is to come, as climate change makes the planets water cycle ever more unpredictable. By Maya Gebeily and Laila Bassam BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanon's cabinet on Tuesday tasked the army with drawing up a plan to establish a state monopoly on arms by the end of the year, a challenge to Hezbollah, which has rejected calls to disarm since last year's devastating war with Israel. The Iran-backed group is under pressure from its rivals in Lebanon and from Washington, who want Lebanon's ministers to publicly commit to disarming the party and worry that Israel could intensify strikes on Lebanon if they fail to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The session at Lebanon's presidential palace was the first time the cabinet addressed Hezbollah's weapons - unimaginable when the group was at the zenith of its power just two years ago. Ministers met for nearly six hours. In a concluding statement, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the cabinet had authorized Lebanon's army to develop a plan to ensure that all arms across the country would be confined to six specific state security forces by the end of the year. But as ministers met, Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem resisted calls to disarm in a televised speech, saying: "I hope you (Lebanese officials) don't waste time on the storms stirred up by external dictates." He threatened Hezbollah would respond if Israel resumed a broader war on Lebanon and said any decision on Hezbollah's arms would have to come through a consensus reached with the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The strategy is not a timetable for disarmament," Qassem said. "The issue has become simply: give us weapons, but no national security. How is that possible? We do not accept it, because we consider ourselves a fundamental component of Lebanon." Two Shi'ite Muslim ministers left the session before the statement was agreed upon in a signal of their disapproval. Two other Shi'ite ministers were not present due to travel. US PROPOSAL ON AGENDA Lebanon's Information Minister Paul Morcos said the army would have until the end of the month to submit its plan. He said the cabinet had discussed U.S. proposals to disarm Hezbollah but had not reached an agreement, and would resume its debate in a session on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack proposed a roadmap to Lebanese officials to fully disarm Hezbollah, in exchange for Israel halting its strikes on Lebanon and withdrawing its troops from five points they still occupy in southern Lebanon. That proposal included a condition that Lebanon's government pass a cabinet decision clearly pledging to disarm Hezbollah. With little progress on the proposals, Washington's patience began wearing thin. It pressured Lebanon's ministers to swiftly make the public pledge so that talks could continue. But Lebanese officials and diplomats say such an explicit vow could spark communal tensions in Lebanon, where Hezbollah and its arsenal retain significant support among the country's Shi'ite Muslim community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qassem on Tuesday read out parts of Barrack's proposal in his address, rejecting each clause. As he finished speaking, dozens of motorcycles with men carrying Hezbollah flags set out from one of the group's strongholds in Beirut's suburbs for the second time in two days. Hezbollah's main ally, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, was in talks with President Joseph Aoun and the prime minister, Salam, ahead of Tuesday's session to agree on a general phrase to include in a cabinet decision to appease the U.S. and buy Lebanon more time, two Lebanese officials said. Berri's proposed wording would commit Lebanon to forming a national defence strategy and maintaining a ceasefire with Israel, but would avoid an explicit pledge to disarm Hezbollah across Lebanon, the officials said. But other Lebanese ministers plan to propose a formulation that commits Lebanon to a deadline to disarm Hezbollah, said Kamal Shehadi, a minister affiliated with the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's frankly no need to kick the can down the road and postpone a decision. We have to put Lebanon's interest first and take a decision today," Shehadi told Reuters. Lebanese officials and foreign envoys say Lebanese leaders fear that a failure to issue a clear decision on Tuesday could prompt Israel to escalate its strikes, including on Beirut. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire last November ended the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, though Israel has continued to carry out strikes on what it says are Hezbollah arms depots and fighters, mostly in southern Lebanon. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily and Laila Bassam; Editing by Alison Williams, Rod Nickel) Teachers prepare to assist families with enrollment at a Welcome Center event particularly meant to help immigrant families, held in the Lees Summit R-7 School District Stansberry Leadership Center (Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon). It might be easy to miss, but the Lees Summit R-7 School District is changing. English Language Development Coordinator Melisha Otero is in her sixth year with the district. In that time, shes seen the number of English language learner (ELL) students increase dramatically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2020-21 school year, the number of ELL students hit a recent low of 222, according to state records. By the 2023-24 school year, the latest state data available, that number had nearly doubled. Otero said its even higher now as the district prepares to enter the school year with about 550 active ELL students. Another 184 who recently learned English are being monitored. Thats only about 3% of the districts most recently reported enrollment. But it represents one of the ways Lees Summit has become more diverse, requiring it to adjust to meet the needs of its current students. Last year, the district introduced a phone interpretation service called Propio. Events such as family culture nights attempt to build inclusivity. And a two-week welcome center in the districts central office is open to all but specifically geared toward immigrant families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Otero said the number of teachers for English language learners has roughly doubled since she joined the district, to 17. Shed like to see even more staff. She also wants the school district and broader community to understand how rapidly the ELL growth is happening and how to support and include students. Its challenging, just because I feel like we are the unseen population in the district, she said. If you look at numbers, its obvious that our department has grown. But Lees Summit is still slow to grow in accepting the fact that theres a huge change in diversity in our population here. Who are the ELL students? Theres diversity among ELL students as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slightly more than half speak Spanish, 9% Arabic, 5% Urdu and 5% Vietnamese, Otero said. With 38 languages represented in the district, there are lots of smaller percentages as well. Jermaine Wilson, assistant superintendent of equity and student services, also named Pashto, Russian, Korean, Pohnpeian, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Turkish and French as among the districts languages. Otero said many of the families have fled hardships in their home countries. Most are refugees or asylum seekers. Refugees have permission to move to the United States because of persecution in their homelands. Asylum seekers arrive in the U.S. and go through a legal process seeking to stay because of persecution in their home country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our department has really worked on being welcoming to our families, Otero said. They feel safe here. ELL students make up a small percentage of the district, but that percentage is increasing. In 2009, the earliest state data available, ELL students were less than 1% of the districts enrollment. By 2023-24, the percentage had tripled to about 2.5%. The 550 students Otero counted for this coming year would be more than 3% of the districts most recently reported enrollment. The increased ELL enrollment comes as the district has become more diverse overall. Lees Summit schools were more than 95% white in 1991, the earliest data available from the state. Enrollment is now less than two-thirds white. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The percentages of students receiving free and reduced-priced lunch often used as a proxy for the number of low-income students in a district has also significantly increased. Otero said it might take time for the district to register that its also becoming more diverse linguistically. When people think of diversity, they think of skin color, or they think of socioeconomic status, and thats not the only thing thats diverse, she said. Cultural and linguistic diversity is important. Providing support On a Thursday in July, Otero and two English language teachers were stationed in the districts central office to help families enroll. Snacks and school supplies were lined up on tables. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event, known as the Welcome Center, was especially intended to help non-English speaking families with school enrollment. Otero said the event drew eight families the first year it started but had far exceeded that number less than halfway through its two-week span this year. The fact that weve still helped 140 students enroll with whats going on politically, just lets us know that were doing our job, having them feel safe, she said. Our teachers work really hard to not just teach their students English but to also build those relationships. English language development teachers are trained to teach students English even if they dont share a language in common, Otero said. About half of the English language teachers in Lees Summit are bilingual, which is helpful in communicating with some families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teachers go above and beyond to help with needs outside the classroom as well, Otero said, such as making sure families have food, school supplies or reminders to sign paperwork. It could even mean accompanying a teen to an ultrasound appointment. Otero said the teachers take care of families so well that it helps the program fly under the radar. Were not the squeaky wheel, she said. But she tries to be loud in advocating for more resources, reaching outside the district to groups such as churches for extra support. They donated calculators because we dont have any money right now, she said. Whatever my teachers and my families need, Im always willing to advocate for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Awareness and support outside of the department are growing too. ELL students used to be bused to centralized sites, Otero said, which gave the impression that regular classroom teachers werent responsible for them. I wouldnt say theres not acceptance. I think its just ignorance, Otero said. Our program is kind of invisible because, in comparison to other departments, its significantly smaller. But the amount of growth is 10 times more than any other department. ELL teachers have worked hard to provide professional development and help classroom teachers feel a shared sense of ownership for their students, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district also recently invested in Propio, a phone interpretation service that staff can use to help communicate with families. They can walk into a school and say that they have a language need, or (if) anybody in the front office suspects theres a language need, they can offer the services, Wilson said. We can get somebody on the phone within five minutes to help interpret. That helped out a lot with families feeling welcome in our buildings. While families usually prefer in-person interpretation, Otero said, the service helps fill in the gaps when a staff member who speaks the needed language isnt available. Thats especially key for languages like Pashto where it can be hard to find local interpreters. Otero said shed always like to see more resources, particularly more ELL teachers. And the political climate has made things more difficult as well. Throughout most of July, schools were in limbo over whether the federal government would release funding for migrant education and English language acquisition. Otero has also worried some immigrant families wont come to school. When I have my families not feeling safe, or have my high school kids dropping out because they dont feel safe, that doesnt resonate well with me, she said. We find ways to graduate these kiddos. They work really, really hard. Ultimately, Otero said, the goal is not just to help students achieve academically. We want our students to learn and be successful, but we also want them to feel accepted and part of a community, she said. Once they graduate and have a piece of paper that says, You graduated, I want them to have (something) beyond that, so they can have a good future, she said. They came here for that. This article first appeared on Beacon: Kansas City and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. A cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases increased to 58 cases Monday night, according to the New York City Department of Health. Five zip codes in Central Harlem have seen two people die from the Legionnaires' disease outbreak since July 25, 2025, according to officials. Here's what we know: What 5 zip codes in Central Harlem were affcted by New York City Legionnaires' disease outbreak? There are five New York City zip codes in Central Harlem affected by the Legionnaiers' disease outbreak. They include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10027 10030 10035 10037 10039 Is New York City doing remediation to stop the spread of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem? Yes, remediation required by the New York City Health Department has been completed for 11 cooling towers with initial positive screening results showing the presence of Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease. What is Legionnaire's disease? Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella, according to the CDC. How does someone catch Legionnaires' disease? Legionnaires' disease is caused by consuming water or mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria, according to the CDC. What are the symptoms of Legionnaire's disease? How do I know if I have Legionella? Legionnaires' disease brings flu-like symptoms that may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure. Symptoms include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cough Fever Headaches Muscle aches Shortness of breath Is Legionnaires' disease highly contagious? Should Kentucky residents be concerned about the New York outbreak? The risk to most people is low, and the disease is not contagious, according to the CDC. No cases have been reported in Kentucky as of Tuesday morning, Aug. 5. How to prevent Legionnaires' disease in showers? Legionnaires' disease is a waterborne illness, so the CDC recommends cleaning pipes and devices that use water to remove germs and debris. CDC-recommended prevention methods include: flushing showerheads and faucets that haven't been used recently regularly cleaning devices that use water According to the CDC, manufacturer instructions for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance should be followed on cooling towers, decorative fountains, and hot tubs. Can you recover from Legionnaires' disease? Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics. Most healthy people usually recover after being affected, but complications are possible, according to the CDC. What are the long-term effects of Legionnaires' disease? The CDC says about 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease die from it. According to the legionellacontrol.com, other long-term effects include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement fatigue neurologic symptoms neuromuscular symptoms Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Chris Sims is a digital content producer for Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What is Legionnaire's disease NYC Harlem outbreak cause? Is it contagious? The New York City Department of Health updated the cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases to 58 people Monday night. The Legionnaires' disease outbreak covers five zip codes in Central Harlem, where two people have died from the disease since July 25, 2025, according to officials. Here's what we know: What 5 zip codes in Central Harlem were affcted by New York City Legionnaires' disease outbreak? There are five New York City zip codes in Central Harlem affected by the Legionnaiers' disease outbreak. They include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10027 10030 10035 10037 10039 Is New York City doing remediation to stop the spread of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem? Yes, remediation required by the New York City Health Department has been completed for 11 cooling towers with initial positive screening results showing the presence of Legionella pneumophila, a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease. What is Legionnaire's disease? Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella, according to the CDC. How does someone catch Legionnaires' disease? Legionnaires' disease is caused by consuming water or mist contaminated with Legionella bacteria, according to the CDC. What are the symptoms of Legionnaire's disease? How do I know if I have Legionella? Legionnaires' disease brings flu-like symptoms that may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure. Symptoms include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cough Fever Headaches Muscle aches Shortness of breath Is Legionnaires' disease highly contagious? Should Indiana residents be concerned about the New York outbreak? The risk to most people is low, and the disease is not contagious, according to the CDC. No cases have been reported in Indiana as of Tuesday morning, Aug. 5. How to prevent Legionnaires' disease in showers? Legionnaires' disease is a waterborne illness, so the CDC recommends cleaning pipes and devices that use water to remove germs and debris. CDC-recommended prevention methods include: flushing showerheads and faucets that haven't been used recently regularly cleaning devices that use water According to the CDC, manufacturer instructions for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance should be followed on cooling towers, decorative fountains, and hot tubs. Can you recover from Legionnaires' disease? Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics. Most healthy people usually recover after being affected, but complications are possible, according to the CDC. What are the long-term effects of Legionnaires' disease? The CDC says about 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease die from it. According to the legionellacontrol.com, other long-term effects include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement fatigue neurologic symptoms neuromuscular symptoms Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Chris Sims is a digital content producer for Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Legionnaire's disease NYC outbreak 2025: Is it contagious? What we know A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City has grown, with two confirmed deaths and more than 50 people affected, health officials announced. As of Aug. 4, the New York City Department of Health reported that 58 individuals in Central Harlem have been diagnosed with the illness since July 25, USA TODAY reported. The affected ZIP codes include 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. The department previously stated on July 30, that 22 cases and one death had been reported, with the suspected source traced to a cooling tower in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooling towers, water systems typically located atop buildings, can emit mist containing Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires' disease. Following testing, 11 towers in the cluster zone tested positive for the bacteria. NYC Health confirmed on Aug. 4 that all 11 towers have undergone remediation. What is Legionnaires' disease? What causes it? According to the CDC, Legionnaires disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which people can contract by inhaling mist containing the bacteria. Legionella was first identified following a 1976 outbreak among attendees of an American Legion convention in Philadelphia. The affected individuals developed a severe form of pneumonia, which was later named Legionnaires disease. What are the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease? Symptoms of the disease can take 2-14 days after exposure to develop and can include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cough Fever Headaches Muscle aches Shortness of breath Other symptoms, such as confusion, diarrhea or nausea can also occur. Is Legionnaires disease treatable? Legionnaires disease is typically treated with specific antibiotics and can often be cured, especially when caught early, said the CDC. While most healthy individuals recover, often with hospital care, many exposed to Legionella dont get sick. However, people aged 50 and older, or those with conditions like cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, kidney or liver failure, or weakened immune systems, face a higher risk of developing the illness. Is Legionnaires' disease fatal? Legionnaires disease can lead to serious complications such as lung failure and even death, said the CDC. About one in ten people who contract the illness will die due to complications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The risk is even higher for those who develop Legionnaires disease while staying in a healthcare facility, with approximately one in four dying from the infection. Is Legionnaires' disease highly contagious? Should Tennessee residents be concerned about the New York outbreak? The risk to most people is low, and the disease is not contagious, according to the CDC. People can get Legionnaires' disease by breathing in mist containing Legionella bacteria. It generally does not spread from person to person. Has there ever been a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Tennessee? On June 26, 2017, the Tennessee Department of Health was alerted by the CDC to two travel-associated cases of legionellosis. The patients, from Florida and the United Kingdom, had both stayed at the same hotel in Memphis. The following day, the Shelby County Health Department identified a third case in a local resident who had also visited the hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three individuals tested positive for Legionella via urinary antigen tests and reported using the hotels hot tub, said the CDC. A joint investigation involving state and local agencies was launched, which included environmental health, epidemiology and laboratory analysis. Shelby County environmental health specialists inspected the hotels aquatics facility and found issues with water treatment monitoring and low chlorine levels. On June 28, the department of health received reports of four additional travel companions who became ill after exposure to the same facility. Two of them were confirmed to have Legionella, including one person who died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contributing: USA TODAY Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What is Legionnaires' disease? Has there been an outbreak in TN? ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) A fish fry was held Monday evening at Big Daddys restaurant in Odessa that aimed to bring community members together. The event was hosted by city officials and Team Odessa. Mayor Cal Hendrick, who advocated for the event, believed that this event would allow citizens to share a meal with their neighbors and get to know each other. In addition to this, Mayor Hendrick also wanted to give citizens the opportunity to speak and interact with their fellow city council members. Dont fight your neighbor. Instead, you come up with solutions, Mayor Hendrick said. So thats what were about. Lets find solutions to our problems. Lets not fight each other. Lets be part of the solution. So tonight, lets start right here. Come have dinner. Come learn about one another. Again, no matter where you live, any part of Odessa, youre all part of one greater thing, and that is the city of Odessa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big Daddys restaurant themselves were honored to host this event, saying that it was a great idea for the community. I thought it was great, Keatyn Armstrong, son of the owner, said. To have the people of Odessa, the city council in here, showing that theyre putting in work, that they want to dive into with the people of Odessa the roots of Odessa. Mayor Hendrick tells us he wishes to see more events like this happen in the future while he is mayor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. To the editor: Let me get this straight: Southern California Edison is opposed to a plan that would reduce the profits its shareholders receive in order to replenish a fund that exists to pay for the fire damage Edisons equipment may have had a hand in causing ( Newsoms plan to raise $18 billion for state wildfire fund faces tough opposition, July 31)? This from a utility whose negligence and mismanagement caused the Thomas and Woolsey disasters and possibly the Eaton fire. I dont know which is worse: Edisons unabashed greed or Gov. Gavin Newsoms idea that customers should pay for Edisons past and potential misdeeds. The entire proposal should be scrapped. Bill Waxman, Simi Valley .. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the editor: Help me understand economics and politics: Southern California Edison profits for 2024 came in at $1.69 billion , an increase of 9.8% from 2023. The total compensation for Steven D. Powell, CEO of SCE, was $3,950,818 in 2024 . The total comp for Pedro J. Pizarro, CEO of Edison International, was $13,809,571 for 2024. But they want customers of SCE to help pay for wildfire damage? All through a minimum increase some of us need to help feed our families. Instead, why doesnt the governor concentrate more on rooftop solar, which would lower those consumers monthly costs and help prevent wildfires? Kenneth Brown, Pasadena .. To the editor: Newsom's plan to pay for fire damage is shortsighted because it doesn't address the root causes of the Eaton and other fires. Had we not dumped tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, we wouldn't be so frequently stuck with billions of dollars in damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking forward, making electricity more expensive discourages investment in heat pumps, electric vehicles and other clean technologies. The big polluters are all of us with gas cars. But the governor is right in that California needs new revenue to pay for past and future damage. A better solution is to make polluters pay for the damage they cause, which is right in the name of Senate Bill 684/Assembly Bill 1243, the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025, authored by Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D-Panorama City) and Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay). Of course, profitable fossil fuel companies will object, but lawmakers with guts should be told to care about those of us who breathe this air and our grandchildren, who will suffer more if we stay on our same polluting path. John Schaefer, Santa Rosa This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. To the editor: The Los Angeles Times has reported on this issue before, and it seems obvious that a few simple steps could potentially alleviate much of the problem ( With fake liens, antigovernment agitators aim to damage political opponents credit, careers, July 30). Filing a false lien should be a felony in every state. The filing fee should be cheap (e.g., tens of dollars) but filing should require affirmation of truthfulness, similar to tax filing, and should remind the filer that it is a felony to file falsely. And of course, filing should notify the target. Prosecutors should additionally charge abusers with harassment. Randall Gellens, San Diego This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. To the editor: Another headline for this story could be, President Trump fires competent government official because he didnt like her accurate jobs report" ( A raging Trump digs in on his trade war, fires official after brutal jobs report, Aug. 1). Or, as some say, hes shooting the messenger because he doesnt like seeing job numbers that reflect a damaged economy. Erika McEntarfer is a career civil servant known for her professionalism and accuracy who has worked as a labor economist for the federal government for two decades and was approved as commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics by the Senate in a bipartisan 86-8 vote. Even current Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio voted for her . Dismissing data, facts and professional opinions, Trump asserts the numbers are faked. This view and approach by a president are very dangerous. The governments reliance on the many competent career employees who report on current and developing data in so many areas of importance, from medical data to military information, is jeopardized by Trump's self-serving fictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael H. Miller, Pasadena .. To the editor: What did Trump think would happen when he sent an oligarch with a metaphorical chain saw to eviscerate federal agencies? Answer: A lot of people are out of work. An unpleasant statistic. What did Trump think would happen when he sent troops of masked agents into Southern California to mostly take brown-skinned people, without due process, from our streets? Answer: a massive loss of workers in the food industry, elder care, child care, construction and more. Another unpleasant statistic. Trumps apparent solution: hire a new spokesperson for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one who knows how to lie in MAGA speak. Suzanne Schechter, Oxnard This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Brief A routine traffic stop in Lewisville on Sunday led to the discovery and seizure of 285 pounds of marijuana. The driver, 31-year-old Deyu Huang, was arrested and charged with a second-degree felony for possession. Huang is currently being held in Denton County Jail on a $35,000 bond. LEWISVILLE, Texas - A routine traffic stop for expired registration and no insurance in Lewisville on Sunday led to a major drug bust after police officers discovered and seized 285 pounds of marijuana from a hidden compartment within the vehicle. What we know Lewisville Police Departments Officer Slaughter conducted a routine traffic stop for expired registration and not having insurance on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Transportation Code prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with expired registration, and without insurance. Officer Slaughter informed the driver, 31-year-old Deyu Huang, that the vehicle was going to be towed for not having insurance, according to LPD's policy. Deyu Huang (Denton County Jail) According to Lewisville police, while conducting an inventory of the vehicle, Officer Slaughter could smell the odor of unburnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Which gave probable cause to search the vehicle further than an inventory would allow. During the search, now aided by Lewisville police officer Acosta, officers discovered and seized 285 pounds of marijuana from a sealed compartment within the vehicle. Dig deeper Huang was charged with possession of marijuana between 50 and 2,000 pounds. That is classified as a second-degree felony. Huang is being held in Denton County Jail on a $35,000 bond. The Source Information in this article was provided by the Lewisville Police Department. LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) Summer break is wrapping up, and students, parents and teachers are all preparing for school to start up once again on Aug. 11. For Lexington City Schools, they are finalizing preparations before school is back in session. Such as renovations to its middle school, updating policies and general maintenance. Developers get first-hand look at historic Lexington building There has been tons of work happening, and so know that, here in Lexington City, we are ready. We are ready for the babies to come on Monday, said Lexington City Schools Superintendent Nakia Hardy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lexington City Schools finished one of its bigger projects over the summer is now ready for students to begin the new school year. Crews have been working for over a couple of years to make sure that our middle school is ready. Youre going to see brand new classroom ceiling tiles. The opening, as you drive up to Lexington Middle School, has had a huge, huge facelift, said Hardy. Lexington City Schools are also bringing back and updating some policies for parents and students, K-12, most notably assigned seating on bus routes and the clear bag policy. We have a clear backpack policy, ensuring that if they have a cell phone here at the elementary school, its definitely not needed. But if you do, please ensure that you understand that the cell phone must be turned off and placed in their bookbag, said Lakeshia Wilson, assistant principal at Pickett Elementary School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For students in elementary and middle school, cell phones must be put away at all times. High schoolers are only allowed to use it during their lunch period, so students can be focused on learning when in the classroom. We get connected to those devices, and they can be a bit of a distraction. So we want to make sure that our students are free from those distractions, and they have the opportunity to be focused, engaged, and most importantly, have fun in the classrooms while youre learning, said Hardy. While Lexington City Schools are getting ready for the school year, Harry wants to remind students and parents to do the same. Start putting in place a regular bedtime for all of your students, no matter if theyre in elementary, middle, or high. Wake them up in time like they are getting ready to get on the bus. Start to work on that even Saturday night and Sunday night, said Harry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lexington City School Administration encourages parents to join them on Aug. 7 for its open house events. For more information on times for each schools open house, you can visit the Lexington City Schools 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 FOX8 WGHP. A suspect has been identified in the 2024 murder of a Long Island man, and investigators believe the wanted woman is hiding in Queens, police said this week. Majorie Quarrie, 50, is suspected of murdering Conrad Gowan, 36, in a Jamesport residence on March 4, 2024, Suffolk County Police said in an alert. An arrest warrant for second-degree murder has been issued. Quarries birth name is Nicola Watson, but she commonly uses the other name, according to authorities. She has been arrested at least twice before under the name Majorie Quarrie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the day of the murder, Quarrie was attempting to visit Gowan, her boyfriend, at the home in Jamesport where he worked as a live-in health aide, police said. However, Gowan was juggling multiple girlfriends at the time, and another woman was inside the home when Quarrie arrived, according to investigators. Gowan stopped Quarrie from entering and she stormed away, cops said. But Quarrie returned to the residence late at night, stormed in, argued with Gowan and stabbed him in the neck, police said. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Though Quarrie is a native of Jamaica, Suffolk police believe she did not flee the country. Instead, they believe she is working cash jobs off the grid throughout Queens, and she has family in the borough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the murder, Quarrie was also working as a live-in health aide but was using the name of a friends child to cash her checks, cops said. She has no cell phone or social media presence and is known to frequently change her appearance with a variety of wigs, according to police. Theres not a day that goes by that I dont think about my nephew and cry about my nephew, Gowans aunt, Debbie Thompson, told WABC. LIBERTY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A baby, kidnapped and carried across state lines, a high-speed chase, and a heroic takedown. Watch the final moments of a high-speed pursuit, when a split-second decision by Liberty County Sheriffs Deputy Sgt. William Buckhalt stopped a desperate suspect from taking his own life. No hesitation at all, Sgt. Buckhalt said. I wasnt really sure if he was pointing it at me or pointing it out to himself. I saw the break of the barrel. Saw him put his lips on the barrel, and thats when I reached in and grabbed the gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chase began after an amber alert was issued for a two-month-old from Georgia. A local citizen recognized the license plate from the Amber Alert, reported the location to 911 dispatchers, and stayed on the line until Liberty County deputies conducted a traffic stop on the suspect. From there, the suspect fled. Thats when the Florida Highway Patrol happened to be right there. They got involved, too, and they started going down 20, Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold said. The pursuit continued through Liberty and Gadsden counties, reaching speeds of over 90 miles an hour. Liberty County chase ends with suspect caught, baby found safe Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers repeatedly tried to stop the vehicle. Our guys began to realize, wait, there may be a really small child in this truck. Lets change our tactics. And thats when they went to try to do their pit maneuvers at intersections at a slower speed, which the first one was unsuccessful. But the last one came and brought it to a conclusion, Florida Highway Patrol Capt. Jason King said. In a final act of aggression, the suspect drove forward and rammed an FHP sergeants vehicle. As officers approached, they saw the suspect place an AR-15-style rifle barrel into his mouth and Sgt. Buckhalt stepped in. Thats a split-second decision to reach in and grab a rifle to save a suspects life, which one would think thats kind of strange, but our job is to save everyones life, King said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the altercation, the suspect briefly escaped and ran into a wooded area. Deputies and troopers arrested him within minutes. The suspect was identified as 23-year-old Maurtez Edwards, reportedly the father of the infant, Montez Harris. Georgia authorities say Edwards forcibly took the infant from his mother. The child was not harmed. Two FHP troopers stayed with the baby at the hospital until he was reunited with his mother. I wasnt sure how old the child was, but I knew that if he was of any age, he would remember the traumatic event for the rest of his life. And I meant that he was not going to do that in front of that kid, Buckhalt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It definitely could have been a terrible situation all the way around, Arnold said. Very heroic and very brave of him. During the chase, Bibb County, Georgia, deputies warned Florida officials that the child may be in extreme danger because Edwards has previously been charged with crimes against children. He is currently in the Liberty County jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. An under-threat library has described the response to its book appeal as "heart-warming" after more than 1,000 were received. In June, Woodston Library in Peterborough, alongside St Augustine's Junior School, launched a campaign to tackle the city's low literacy rates ahead of the Summer Reading Challenge, a national initiative encouraging pupils to read six books during the summer holiday. Jennie Storey from Friends of Woodston Library said they had "books coming in from all over the country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are over the moon with the result," she said. "We worked with the school and invited book recommendations from the pupils themselves. "The school told us that the children were delighted to be involved in the project. "It was a really successful book appeal, and we have managed to stock up the shelves with new and inspiring reads. "It is really amazing, and this is the sort of initiative that could help make a real difference and boost literacy rates." Sam Brunt, head teacher at the school, which is opposite the library, previously said he hoped the campaign would be a "major success". The donated books will start their journey at Woodston Library but will be made available through the city's library network [Friends of Woodston Library] In 2024, two-thirds (67%) of pupils in Peterborough attained the national average for reading by the time they left primary school, compared with 74% nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This dropped to just 56% among Year 6 pupils who received free school meals, according to a Peterborough City Council report from March. The appeal was made to overcome the impact of an eight-month book buying ban imposed by the council that has recently been lifted. Knitted hearts have replaced graffiti on the library walls to make the space more "more accessible and welcoming", volunteers said [Friends of Woodston Library] Woodston Library is one of several libraries on a list of assets owned by the council that could be sold or repurposed to balance its budget. The authority has also proposed reducing the number of static libraries in the city from 10 to three to reduce its spending. Ms Storey, who has been campaigning to save the library, said: "We have several sold-out children's events throughout the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know what else much we can do with the community to show how much this library is needed and wanted." Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Linda Yaccarino, less than a month after stepping down as CEO of Elon Musks X, has found her next gig. Yaccarino has been named CEO of Miami-based eMed Population Health, which calls itself the leading digital health platform for GLP-1/GIP population health management. That refers to the class of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yaccarinos hiring is a game-changing moment in eMeds mission to make safe, effective and sustainable chronic care accessible directly through an all-in-one, digital-first experience, the company said Tuesday. Further, as the company expands its services to accommodate additional national and global employer and government partnerships, Yaccarinos years of experience will be instrumental in developing innovative programs focusing on the future of peptide population health management. Yaccarino stepped down last month from Musks X (formerly Twitter) after two years leading business operations at the social network. She didnt provide a reason for why she left X. Prior to X/Twitter, Yaccarino was chairman of global advertising and partnerships at NBCUniversal, where she oversaw all aspects of advertising, partnerships and strategic initiatives, and had spent 20 years in ad sales and marketing roles at Turner. Yaccarino, in a statement provided by eMed, said, The healthcare industry has been disrupted by technology, but not yet completely transformed by it. There is an opportunity to combine technology, lifestyle and data in a new powerful way through the digital channels that impact consumers directly in ways that have never been done before. To be a leader in todays healthcare marketplace, companies need to have a fearless tenacity that allows them to not only grow, but to also be brave enough to step forward and redefine an entire industry. The previous CEO of eMed was Wendi Mader, who before joining the company in July 2024 spent 17 years as an executive at Quest Diagnostics. Mader is no longer with eMed, a company rep said. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Former X CEO Linda Yaccarino has found a new job. Yaccarino has been named the CEO of eMed Population Health, a digital health platform that partners with companies and government agencies to manage programs for GLP-1 weightloss drugs. She comes to the role after leaving the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in July, after two years in the role. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yaccarino did not say why she was departing X, but the move came after a bumpy ride at the company, including Elon Musk loosening Xs content moderation policies, which led to hate speech and inappropriate content on the platform and spooked some advertisers. Before X, Yaccarino was the head of ad sales for NBCUniversal. In the new role, she will work with the company to form partnerships with additional national and global employers, as well as the government. The companys digital platform features at-home diagnostics, proctor-led screenings and physician-guided prescribing that can be used for employee health benefits and government health programs globally, according to the press release. The healthcare industry has been disrupted by technology, but not yet completely transformed by it. There is an opportunity to combine technology, lifestyle, and data in a new powerful way through the digital channels that impact consumers directly in ways that have never been done before, Yaccarino said in the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be a leader in todays healthcare marketplace, companies need to have a fearless tenacity that allows them to not only grow, but to also be brave enough to step forward and redefine an entire industry. We are very well-positioned to be that tenacious leader, striving toward our ultimate goal of improving global healthcare outcomes through our groundbreaking services and platforms, she continued. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Linda Yaccarino, the former CEO of the Elon Musk-owned social media platform X, has a new leadership gig in the weight loss space. Yaccarino on Tuesday was named the CEO of eMed, a Miami-based telehealth company that dispenses GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic. The appointment marks a shift for Yaccarino, who has a background largely in marketing, advertising and media world. Prior to joining X, Yaccarino worked in various advertising and global partnerships for NBCUniversal and Turner for several decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press release, eMed said that Yaccarino is arriving in a game-changing moment in the companys five-year old history, which is to make safe, effective and sustainable chronic care accessible directly through an all-in-one, digital-first experience. The company added that her experience would be instrumental as it looks to accommodate more national and global employer and government partnerships. The healthcare industry has been disrupted by technology, but not yet completely transformed by it, Yaccarino said in a press release. There is an opportunity to combine technology, lifestyle, and data in a new powerful way through the digital channels that impact consumers directly in ways that have never been done before. EMed got its start during the height of the pandemic in 2020, offering Covid tests and services. However, it has since pivoted to weight loss drugs, joining Weight Watchers, which recently exited bankruptcy and is forging a similar path of selling GLP-1 drugs online. Yaccarino didnt immediately respond to CNNs request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She joined X, then called Twitter, in June 2023, which was about eight months after Musk bought the social media platform. Her main task was to help fix the platforms flagging advertising business, after the billionaire alienated brands with his controversial comments and changes to the platform. But her tenure had been marked by repeated public relations crises, including scrutiny over antisemitic and other hateful content spreading on the platform, viral false claims around international conflicts and ads that appeared alongside pro-Nazi content on the site. That led some brands to pull their spending, for which the Yaccarino-led X sued an advertising industry group a lawsuit Yaccarino announced in a video message to all X users, in which she decried what she referred to as a conspiracy to boycott the X platform. (The industry group, Global Alliance for Responsible Media, shut down days after the lawsuit was filed.) A day before she announced her departure, the companys Grok chatbot began pushing antisemitic tropes in responses to users, however it wasnt clear that her exit was connected to that incident. The company later apologized. CNNs Clare Duffy contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com U.S. and Chinese officials may be able to settle many of their differences to reach a trade deal and avert punishing tariffs, but they remain far apart on one issue: the U.S. demand that China stop purchasing oil from Iran and Russia. China will always ensure its energy supply in ways that serve our national interests, Chinas Foreign Ministry posted on X on Wednesday following two days of trade negotiations in Stockholm, responding to the U.S. threat of a 100% tariff. Coercion and pressuring will not achieve anything. China will firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests, the ministry said. The response is notable at a time when both Beijing and Washington are signaling optimism and goodwill about reaching a deal to keep commercial ties between the worlds two largest economies stable after climbing down from sky-high tariffs and harsh trade restrictions. It underscores Chinas confidence in playing hardball when dealing with the Trump administration, especially when trade is linked to its energy and foreign policies. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, emerging from the talks, told reporters that when it comes to Russian oil purchases, the Chinese take their sovereignty very seriously. We dont want to impede on their sovereignty, so they would like to pay a 100% tariff, Bessent said. On Thursday, he called the Chinese tough negotiators, but said Chinas pushback hasnt stalled the negotiations. I believe that we have the makings of a deal, Bessent told CNBC. Gabriel Wildau, managing director of the consultancy Teneo, said he doubts President Donald Trump would actually deploy the 100% tariff. Realizing those threats would derail all the recent progress and probably kill any chance for Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to announce a trade deal if they should meet this fall, Wildau said. In seeking to restrict oil sales by Russia and Iran, a major source of revenue for both countries, the U.S. wants to reduce the funding available for their militaries, as Moscow pursues its war against Ukraine and Tehran funds militant groups across the Middle East. China plays hardball When Trump unveiled a sweeping plan for tariffs on dozens of countries in April, China was the only country that retaliated. It refused to give in to U.S. pressure. If the U.S. is bent on imposing tariffs, China will fight to the end, and this is Chinas consistent official stance, said Tu Xinquan, director of the China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. WTO is the acronym for the World Trade Organization. Negotiating tactics aside, China may also suspect that the U.S. wont follow through on its threat, questioning the importance Trump places on countering Russia, Tu said. Scott Kennedy, senior adviser and trustee chair in Chinese Business and Economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Beijing is unlikely to change its posture when it sees inconsistencies in U.S. foreign policy goals toward Russia and Iran, whereas Beijings policy support for Moscow is consistent and clear. Its also possible that Beijing may want to use it as another negotiating tool to extract more concessions from Trump, Kennedy said. Danny Russel, a distinguished fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said Beijing now sees itself as the one holding the cards in its struggle with Washington. He said Trump has made it clear he wants a headline-grabbing deal with Xi, so rejecting a U.S. demand to stop buying oil from Iran or Russia is probably not seen as a dealbreaker, even if it generates friction and a delay. Continuing to buy oil from Russia preserves Xis strategic solidarity with Russian President Vladimir Putin and significantly reduces the economic costs for China, Russel said. Beijing simply cant afford to walk away from the oil from Russia and Iran, he said. Its too important a strategic energy supply, and Beijing is buying it at firesale prices. China depends on oil from Russia and Iran A 2024 report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that roughly 80% to 90% of the oil exported by Iran went to China. The Chinese economy benefits from the more than 1 million barrels of Iranian oil it imports per day. After the Iranian parliament floated a plan to shut down the Strait of Hormuz in June following U.S. strikes on Irans nuclear facilities, China spoke out against closing the critical oil transit route. China also is an important customer for Russia, but is second to India in buying Russian seaborne crude oil exports. In April, Chinese imports of Russian oil rose 20% over the previous month to more than 1.3 million barrels per day, according to the KSE Institute, an analytical center at the Kyiv School of Economics. This past week, Trump said the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on goods from India, plus an additional import tax because of Indias purchasing of Russian oil. Indias Foreign Ministry said Friday its relationship with Russia was steady and time-tested. Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff and a top policy adviser, said Trump has been clear that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing the Ukraine war by purchasing oil from Russia. People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil, Miller said on Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures. He said the U.S. needs to get real about dealing with the financing of this war. DIDI TANG, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Do you think your job will be spared from disruptions by AI? Microsoft has ranked professions according to how much they seem to overlap with the current capabilities of artificial intelligence, and the list is going viral as people speculate about which jobs are most at risk or most secure from AI. As one TikToker put it, My dishwasher job is safe. Thank God. But the truth is more complicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this new report, Microsoft researchers studied 200,000 anonymized conversations with Microsofts AI-powered assistant Copilot and its performance with occupational data to see which professional tasks have the most crossover with AIs capabilities. Using worker surveys, researchers created an AI applicability score, and jobs with a higher score were the most likely to be impacted by AI. But if your job is on this list, dont fret: It doesnt yet mean these jobs for humans are going to be obsolete anytime soon. Our study explores which job categories can productively use AI chatbots; it does not provide evidence that AI can replace jobs, Kiran Tomlinson, the lead study author and senior Microsoft researcher, told HuffPost in an emailed statement. But the professions on this list do offer clues as to which industries are facing the greatest upheaval from AI. Interpreters, translators and historians topped the list but one expert interpreter thinks the study misunderstands their job. Jobs in the trades had the least AI applicability, while jobs involving written communication had among the most. guoya via Getty Images The Microsoft study suggests that having a college degree will not protect you from your job getting upended by AI. In terms of education requirements, we find higher AI applicability for occupations requiring a bachelors degree than occupations with lower requirements, the study stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who often sit at desks typing away on computers, also known as knowledge workers, are the ones whose jobs are most likely to top the list. They include interpreters, translators, historians and writers. Our research shows that AI supports many tasks, particularly those involving research, writing and communication, but does not indicate it can fully perform any single occupation, Tomlinson said. Here were the top 20 jobs with the highest AI overlap, according to Microsoft research: Interpreters and translators Historians Passenger attendants Sales representatives of services Writers and authors Customer service representatives Computer numerical control tool programmers Telephone operators Ticket agents and travel clerks Broadcast announcers and radio DJs Brokerage clerks Farm and home management educators Telemarketers Concierges Political scientists News analysts, reporters, journalists Mathematicians Technical writers Proofreaders and copy markers Hosts and hostesses The work of interpreters and translators had the highest overlap with current AI chatbot capabilities, but an expert interpreter said the study simplifies the demands of those jobs. The study findings give a clinical answer based on data, and its not at all taking into account ... the complexity of what language is all about, said Bridget Hylak, a court-certified interpreter and current administrator of the American Translators Associations language technology division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one, interpreting and translation are two distinct professions, Hylak said, and we see much more longevity with a traditional interpreter role for the time being than we would with traditional translators. Thats because translators focus on written communication, but interpreters have to do real-time, high-stakes interpretations of human interactions in medicine, law and foreign policy in which a mistake could cause a war, Hylak noted. Hylak said AI-backed tools like Google Translate can help translate the lowest-stake communications, like letters to friends, but an official document where the stakes are high, where life or liberty is on the line, or someones health is on the line, those kind of things really do need a human in the loop, Hylak said. In other words, an AI chatbot cannot replace the knowledge and relationship-building skills of an interpreter when they matter most, like in a hospital or courtroom: These are the kinds of things people dont want to take a chance on, dont want to get sued, Hylak said. Top 40 Jobs That Chatbot AI Cant Yet Do Well Although there are many jobs that are currently facing AI disruption, there are still many professions that require skills that only a human can do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Physically demanding jobs that require manual labor and communicating with people face-to-face had lower AI applicability scores, according to the Microsoft report. People in the trades who operate heavy machinery, like dredge operators, overall had jobs that dont overlap as much with what AI can currently do. Likewise for many health care and service workers, like massage therapists and housekeepers. Here is the list of 40 jobs with the least AI overlap, according to the study: Phlebotomists Nursing assistants Hazardous materials removal workers Helpers (painters and plasterers) Embalmers Plant and systems operators Oral and maxillofacial surgeons Automotive glass installers and repair[er]s Ship engineers Tire repairers and changers Prosthodontists Helpers (production workers) Highway maintenance workers Medical equipment preparers Packaging and filling machine operators Machine feeders and offbearers Dishwashers Cement masons and concrete finishers Supervisors of firefighters Industrial truck and tractor operators Ophthalmic medical technicians Massage therapists Surgical assistants Tire builders Roofer helpers Gas compressor and gas pumping stationoperators Roofers Roustabouts in the oil and gas industry Maids and housekeeping cleaners Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators Logging equipment operators Motorboat operators Orderlies Floor sanders and finishers Pile driver operators Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators Foundry mold and coremakers Water treatment plant and system operators Bridge and lock tenders Dredge operators But before you consider these jobs safe from AIs encroaching influence, know that artificial intelligence is coming for every industry. The anxiety over losing your job to AI remains very real, even if thats not exactly what the Microsoft research concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a report released this week by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, U.S.-based employers cited the adoption of generative AI technology as the reason for more than 10,000 job cuts this year. Everyone inevitably will be impacted by AI use in logistics and commerce and medicine and law, Hylak said. The speed with which we adapt, with which we educate and train people to use it properly, is really going to be key. She used her own profession as an example: Its only by utilizing these technologies that we will be able to stay in business, any one of us, if were serious as a linguist. Related... By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) -Lithuania's foreign ministry has written to the NATO military alliance asking it to help strengthen its air defences, it said on Tuesday, after two military drones crossed into its territory from Belarus last month. "This must not be only Lithuania's responsibility, because we are defending the eastern NATO flank," Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO and European Union member Lithuania borders Russia and Moscow's ally, Belarus. The letter from Lithuania's foreign and defence ministers to NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte said the alliance must show it is ready to defend "every centimetre of its territory". In an emailed comment, NATO said it was monitoring the situation closely. "The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Grynkewich, has the ability to decide measures he deems necessary. Allies are also procuring and developing detection and counter-drone capabilities," NATO said. In the most recent incident, a drone crossed into Lithuania on July 28, which Lithuania suspects was directed by Russia at Ukraine, but that it was disoriented by Ukraine's defences, Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drone was found crashed in a military training area about 100 kilometres (62.14 miles) from the border with Belarus and contained 2 kg (4 lb) of explosives, the chief of staff of the Lithuanian army, Dainius Paskevicius, told reporters. Sakaliene had earlier identified the object as a Gerbera drone, a wooden copy of an Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drone, which Russian military is known to use. Another Gerbera drone entered Lithuania from Belarus on July 10, causing alarm before authorities determined it was not dangerous. Gintautas Paluckas, then prime minister, and Speaker of Parliament Saulius Skvernelis were briefly taken to bomb shelters in response to the drone entering Lithuanian airspace, according to their spokespersons. (Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; editing by Barbara Lewis) Eighty years ago, a weapon was used which would transform modern warfare and the entire world forever. Hiroshima, in Japan, was the target of the first ever nuclear weapon, dropped by the US Air Force on 7 August 1945 - killing more than 150,000 people in the months afterwards, according to some estimates. Although victory had been declared in Europe four months earlier, American forces continued to fight Japan over the summer, in what would be the final months of the protracted Pacific War. Hiroshimapremium (AFP/Getty) Just three days after the catastrophic nuclear attack on Hiroshima, Nagasaki met a similar fate. It had been just weeks since the first successful test of a nuclear weapon was masterminded by J. Robert Oppenheimer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eighty years later, The Independent takes a look at the direction nuclear warfare took after that seminal day - and how different nuclear weapons are now How has the nuclear bomb developed since 1945? Nicknamed Little Boy, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima exploded some 1,800 feet above the city, where it delivered around 12.5 kilotons of TNT. Large sections of the city - five square miles - were razed to ashes. Within just four days, 120,000 people were killed, many instantly vaporised and others dying due to the impact of the burns and radiation in the days afterwards. Little Boy was a gun-type weapon, which detonated by firing one mass of uranium down a cylinder into another mass to create a self-sustaining nuclear reaction, the National Museum of the US Air Force explains. Weighing about 9,000 pounds (4.5 tons), it produced an explosive force equal to 20,000 tons of TNT [explosive]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delivered by the USAAF B29 bomber `Enola Gay, Little Boy has now been entirely taken out of operational use - but its creation had set US and Russian scientists into a frantic race to develop the largest and most powerful nuclear weapons, in the largest quantities. This photo obtained from the US Air Force shows the B-29 bomber "Enola Gay," with Col. Paul W. Tibbets piloting, landing on an airstrip on Tinian in the Mariana Islands August 6, 1945, after dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima (US Air Force) Seven years after the two Japanese cities were decimated by the atomic bomb, the US tested a brand new type of nuclear weapon: the hydrogen bomb. First tested at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands, the hydrogen bomb was 500 times more powerful than the one used in Hiroshima. It is believed that many if not all current nuclear weapons in Americas stockpile are hydrogen - or thermonuclear - weapons. The largest ever bomb test was conducted by the Soviet Union, who tested a 58-megaton atmospheric nuclear weapon nicknamed the Tsar Bomb near northern Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent decades, following many years of international efforts to prevent the production of new nuclear weapons, the US has focussed on modernising its existing stockpile. According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS), the US has begun a modernisation programme which will ultimately see every nuclear delivery system replaced with newer versions over the coming decades. How large have nuclear arsenals grown? The Hiroshima bomb was dropped a mere three weeks after the Trinity test, the first successful test of a nuclear weapon the world had ever seen. At the time, the American nuclear arsenal consisted of two weapons: the bombs which were used to destroy large areas of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a catastrophe for the Japanese people, hundreds of thousands of whom were killed. But it was seen by some as one of the main reasons World War Two came to an end when it did. Fast forward five years and the US had developed 299 more nuclear weapons, a nuclear arsenal nearly 60 times larger than that of the Soviet Union, which contained five, having tested its first nuclear bomb just one year earlier in 1949. A view of the city of Hiroshima before and after the first atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 aircraft on the city on August 6, 1945 (AFP/Getty) After a rapid period of dramatically increasing stockpiles during the Cold War saw the US stockpile hit a peak of 31,255 in 1961 and the Russian stockpile peak at 45,000 in 1986 - according to BAS estimates - numbers steadily decreased for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) says the US has approximately 5,044. Russia is estimated to have around 5,580, making it the worlds largest stockpile. In descending order of the size of their arsenal, the other seven countries believed to have nuclear weapons are China, France, United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, North Korea. Not all of these countries openly admit they possess the weapons. In the eight decades since the catastrophes in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear weapons have never been used in combat - but the incomparable destructiveness of hydrogen bombs and the sheer number of nuclear weapons in the world makes their risk far greater. SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Little Rock man has been arrested in connection with two separate shootings in Springdale and Marianna, according to court documents. Rodney Tillman, 18, was arrested by the Washington County Sheriffs Office for three counts of second-degree criminal mischief, one count of committing a terroristic act and one count of aggravated assault. Rodney Tillman, 18 (Courtesy: Washington County Detention Center) A probable cause affidavit filed in Washington County said that on July 7, Tillman shot at a group of people during an altercation at an apartment complex parking lot in Springdale and struck four cars with bullets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses reported seeing a man in a black sweatshirt and a mask flee the scene of the shooting. The affidavit said Springdale police officers were unable to catch the man. Tillman was later identified by investigators as a suspect through photos and videos provided by the Marianna Police Department. Photos showed Tillman posing with guns and a necklace that said Willie Tillman on it. Arraignment rescheduled for Devils Den double homicide suspect The affidavit said Willie Tillman was murdered in Springdale on April 29. MPD told Springdale police that Rodney Tillman was wanted for first-degree battery, aggravated assault and committing a terroristic act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillman reportedly shot two people during an incident in Marianna on April 18. He is described in the affidavit as a Black male with a light skin tone. Tillman is 6 feet tall, weighs 130 pounds and has a skeleton tattoo on his right hand. A warrant was issued for Tillmans arrest on July 14. Court records say Tillman is scheduled to appear in Washington County Circuit Court on Aug. 18 at 7:45 a.m. He is being held on a $50,000 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 KNWA FOX24. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) Transparent-faced fish drift through dusky waters. Snowlike flecks of dead plants sift down from the world above. Soft sponges peek through the soot of the seafloor. Only occasional mutters among marine biologists break the thick silence. Somehow, this livestream of sea life in the South Atlantic has Argentines hooked. The researchers behind this remotely operated vehicle filming life-forms 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) undersea told The Associated Press on Monday that they never expected their wonky deep-sea expedition to become such a social media sensation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video feed has attracted more than 1.6 million views a day on YouTube, dominated TV news broadcasts and even sparked a national conversation about the defunding of Argentine science under libertarian President Javier Milei. It was a huge surprise for us, said expedition leader Daniel Lauretta. Its something that fills our hearts because we want to spread the word. Outfitted with high-definition cameras and state-of-the-art sensors, the roving robot captures the enigmatic organisms of Mar de Plata's submarine canyon with exceptional clarity and detail for the first time. The region, where the warm current from Brazil meets the cold current coming up from the Falkland Islands, is known for its little-studied biodiversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In dives lasting around eight hours a day, the camera encounters an array of surprising creatures lurking in the inky depths off the coast of Buenos Aires: An orange starfish so bright it drew comparisons to Patrick of SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon fame, a sea cucumber viewers nicknamed sweet potato, a deep sea crab that looked like a hairy spider. The colors, the zoom capability that really amazed me, Lauretta said. I think that feeling reached the public too. Often peaking at some 50,000 simultaneous viewers, the livestream from the deep-sea research vessel kicked off last week and runs until Aug. 10. Argentine researchers and international experts from the nonprofit of Wendy Schmidt and former Google CEO Eric E. Schmidt, the Schmidt Ocean Institute, use the vehicle to map the underwater gorge, collect samples and identify scores of new species at a depth below the reach of sunlight, where scientists have only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to understanding marine life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Few viewers have been able to resist the impulse to anthropomorphize the featured life-forms, assigning zodiac stars to invertebrate and sharing social media quizzes along the lines of Which deep sea creature are you based on how you handle stress? (If you ignore the world, youre a translucent squid; if you explode with anger, youre apparently a pistol shrimp.) Argentines are very passionate about everything that happens in Argentina, said Georgina Valanci, 40, her eyes fixed on floating translucent fish while crocheting on Monday. I think it represents a bit of the pride that something like this is being done in our country. Most Argentine researchers on the expedition come from Conicet, Argentinas leading scientific funding and research body, shining a light on the institute's work at a moment when its funding is under attack. President Milei has taken his bureaucracy-slashing chainsaw to Argentine research projects and grants, curbing science spending as a part of a broader drive to eliminate Argentinas chronic fiscal deficit and bring down inflation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State-backed science organizations have lost 4,000 positions in the last year and a half a combination of layoffs, frozen contracts and resignations over poor working conditions and low pay. Conicet suffered a 21% budget cut in real terms last year. Salaries for Conicet researchers have lost 35% of their value. Many warn that the measures are setting off a brain drain. Seizing on the surge of public excitement about Conicet, researchers have called for a 48-hour nationwide strike Wednesday to draw attention to their plight. Although Milei has not commented on the livestream, his allies have expressed disdain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They should livestream an offshore drilling operation instead, said Alejandro Alvarez, an official in Milei's government, referring to growing crude production in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale formation an oil boom that Milei hopes can help revive the nation's crisis-stricken economy. It's a beautiful process of wealth creation and natural resource exploitation that will make Argentina greater." In the meantime Argentines seem content to be mesmerized by orange starfish. ___ Associated Press journalist Cristian Kovadloff in Buenos Aires, Argentina, contributed to this report. - This story has been updated to clarify that the name of the institute is the Schmidt Ocean Institute, not the Schmidt Ocean Institute Foundation. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has condemned gerrymandering as truly evil after current office holder Gavin Newsom unveiled his redistricting plan. In retaliation against President Donald Trumps push for aggressive partisan redistricting in Texas, Newsom said he aims to redraw Californias U.S. House maps before the 2026 midterm elections. Now Schwarzenegger, the architect of Californias nonpartisan redistricting system, is preparing to campaign against Newsoms partisan gerrymandering proposal. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is ready to take on incumbent governor Gavin Newsom on resdistricting (AFP via Getty Images) He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that. He thinks its truly evil for politicians to take power from people, Schwarzenegger spokesperson Daniel Ketchell told Politico on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes opposed to what Texas is doing, and hes opposed to the idea that California would race to the bottom to do the same thing. Newsom said Thursday that he was considering asking the state Legislature to place his proposition to alter the map on Novembers Uniform District Election ballot. This is not going to be done in a back room, Newsom told reporters. Its going to be given to the voters for their consideration in a very transparent way, so they know exactly what theyre doing. The move is seen as a response to Texas lawmakers plan to approve a new congressional map aimed at flipping five Democrat-held districts to Republican control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislatures ongoing special session ground to a halt on Sunday after Texas Democrats fled from their state to Chicago and New York evening to block the redistricting vote. On Monday, Newsom, a Democrat, told reporters that he is ready to fight fire with fire. California Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to fight fire with fire after Trumps Texas partisan redistricting push (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) If the governor secures a two-thirds majority in the state Legislature to place his proposal on the ballot, it could derail a key legacy of Schwarzeneggers seven-year tenure as Californias last GOP governor from 2003 to 2011. Schwarzenegger is reportedly preparing to be the face of a No campaign, reuniting many of the forces that came together during his time in office to oppose Newsoms measure if it appears on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charles Munger Jr, a GOP donor who funded the push to create the independent commission, wrote on X last month: Any attempt to undermine the nonpartisan California Redistricting Commission will be strongly opposed in the courts and at the ballot box. Munger, the son of Warren Buffetts business partner, was one of the California Republican Partys leading funders during Schwarzeneggers governorship. The 78-year-old Hollywood star led the effort to curb gerrymandering in California, resulting in two successful ballot measures in 2008 and 2010. That pair of constitutional amendments placed an independent commision, not a lawmaker, in charge of drawing Californias political map once per decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After leaving office, Schwarzenegger lobbied other states to adopt nonpartisan systems with mixed results in Michigan, Colorado, Virginia and Ohio. He also filed an amicus brief when the U.S. Supreme Court took up a landmark case on gerrymandering in 2019, arguing that the tactic undermines democracy and voter trust. HONESDALE, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Next July Fourth, our country will celebrate its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Preparing for the historic milestone, 28/22 has more from a brewery in Wayne County that was selected to make the official America250 beer for Pennsylvania. Cracking a cold one to celebrate our countrys birthday, just 11 months early. Independence Day is every day at the Runaway Train Brewery, after it was selected to create the official beer to celebrate Americas 250th birthday next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we got the call to do that, immediately there was euphoria and then there was like, We really have to do this. This has to be the best beer, and the best label, and the best artwork weve ever made, said Vince Benedetto. Honesdale, a place famously known as the birthplace of the American railroad, where the signing of the Declaration Lager took place. Its delicious! said Greg Pollock. The lager is light, crisp, and 4% alcohol. A beer they say is for the people. This is a huge honor, not only for Runaway Train, but for Honesdale and the history that we have here. We worked really hard on this one and Im super excited about it, said Pollock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tons of that work started with the beer itself, including locally-sourced PA grain, and lots of taste tests. Helped us choose the grain, what sort of hops, and how the yeast is going to perform, and then from there I built the recipe, milled in the grain, and had a 10-hour brew day, explained head brewer, Kevin Getts. As for its label, it showcases Independence Hall, the founding fathers, the Declaration of Independence, and all 67 Pennsylvania counties. You got the symbolism that represents the birth of the country in July of 1776, but also we wanted it to really show off Pennsylvanias role in that story, which is significant, said Benedetto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The declaration will be sold exclusively at the local brewery until 2026. Liberty and Lager for all awesome! said Pollock. A portion of the lagers proceeds will go directly to America250 PA, supporting events in honor of our nations birthday 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 28/22 News. Cincinnati Childrens Centerville location will temporarily close at the end of the day on August 8, due to a construction issue. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The closure is expected to last several months as the necessary construction work is completed. During this time, appointments will be moved to other Cincinnati Childrens locations, with efforts made to keep the same date, time, and provider for patients, according to a statement. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some visits may be switched to telehealth to accommodate patients during the closure. Cincinnati Childrens will contact patients and families in the order they are scheduled to discuss their options. Centerville Primary Care will temporarily relocate to share space with Liberty Primary Care, ensuring continuity of care for patients in the area. Cincinnati Childrens said it will provide updates on the reopening of the Centerville location as more information becomes available. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) Volunteers from the Mahoning County Democratic Party are collecting donations ahead of the back-to-school season. The school supply drive began Tuesday at 10 a.m. and runs till 6 p.m. at the Party Headquarters in Boardman. Volunteers will also be collecting supplies Aug. 7, 9, 12, and 14. Supplies will be donated across Mahoning Countys public schools. Organizers are asking for new school supplies backpacks, notebooks, pens, crayons, markers, folders, glue sticks and more. They say the collection stems from an effort to take the burden off teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the cuts of the current administrations, which honestly havent come into effect yet, but will, theyre going to need any kind of supplies that we can give them. Teachers spend a fortune every year out of their own pockets. So, were hoping maybe we can help that, said Brad Williams, a volunteer with the Mahoning Valley Democratic Party. Supplies can be brought to the Party Headquarters, located at 5111 Market Street, Suite 3, in Boardman. Below are the times for future collections. Aug. 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Voters around West Michigan went to the polls Tuesday, deciding on local issues like bonds, millages and primaries for municipal offices. Inside woodtv.com: Election results A $49 million bond for Holland Public Schools passed with 71% of the vote. A Delton-Kellogg Schools Millage passed in Barry County and the Galesburg Library Bond Prop failed in Kalamazoo County. Fire millages passed in Kent Countys Grattan Township and Newaygo Countys Ensley Township. In Allegan Countys Laketown Township, a reallocation of millage funds passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Muskegon Township, voters renewed a public safety millage but again rejected a millage increase. The measure failed in May, too. Not every municipality had something on the ballot you can always go to Michigan.gov/vote to see if theres anything in your area. I always say a small election is a big election, Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons told News 8 Tuesday morning. Theyre determined by who shows up, but every decision thats made impacts everybody. In Kent County, voters in Cedar Springs, Grattan Township, Solon Township and Tyrone Township had issues on the ballot. These small elections are critical. They impact how much taxes you pay. They impact who represents you at the local level. And that really is important, Posthumus Lyons emphasized. So we want to make sure everybody has an opportunity to get out, cast their ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find election results on woodtv.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 WOODTV.com. A Chinese citizen was charged yesterday under Australias recent foreign interference laws with covertly collecting information about an Australian Buddhist association, police said. The woman, an Australian permanent resident based in the capital Canberra, is only the third person charged since the laws were passed in 2018 and the first to be accused of interfering with the general population, Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt police said. She was charged in a Canberra court with covertly gathering information about a local branch of the Buddhist association Guan Yin Citta on behalf of the Public Security Bureau of China. The association is banned in China. Police have not detailed her alleged objectives. We allege the activity was to support intelligence objectives of the Chinas Public Security Bureau. This is the first time the AFP has charged a person with foreign interference that allegedly involves targeting members of the Australian community, Nutt told reporters. Foreign interference is a serious crime that undermines democracy and social cohesion. It is a crime carried out by or on behalf of a foreign principal that involves covert and deceptive conduct or threats of serious harm or menacing demands, Nutt added. The woman, who was arrested at her home Saturday, cannot be named publicly due to a court order. She was remanded in custody and faces a maximum 15 years in prison if convicted. The Chinese Embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond yesterday to a request for comment. She is the first foreign national to be charged under the sweeping laws that created a rift between Australia and China when they were first announced in 2017. Vietnam-born Melbourne businessman and local community leader Di Sanh Duong was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison last year over an attempt to influence a former federal government minister on behalf of China. Sydney businessman Alexander Csergo also was charged with foreign interference for allegedly accepting payments for information from two suspected Chinese spies. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, said the nations main domestic spy agency had made a signficant contribution to the latest arrest. Foreign interference of the kind alleged is an appalling assault on Australian values, freedoms and sovereignty, Burgess said in a statement. The charge comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mends bilateral relations with China that plumbed new lows under the previous Australian administration over issues including foreign interference laws. Albanese traveled to Beijing last month to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the fourth time since the Australian leader was first elected in 2022. ROD McGUIRK, MELBOURNE, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Corporation for Public Broadcasting just had its funding cut after nearly six decades of producing renowned educational programming, cultural content and emergency alerts for natural disasters. This comes after President Donald Trump signed a bill on July 24, canceling approximately $1.1 billion which was approved for public broadcasting. The fiscal year for the corporation will end on Tuesday, Sept. 30. One local NPR station, WYSO, is forging its path ahead in a time full of uncertainties. 2 NEWS spoke with its music director, Juliet Fromholt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the news came down that we were losing our federal funding, and now that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will be ceasing operations, WYSO has gone into fundraising mode, said Fromholt. Ohio House and Senate budget plans to slash library funding She explained that the majority of support for the station was already coming from the community. She said this is something the station is remarkably grateful for this support. What were hoping for now is that the community will continue to step up and do so in a more sustainable way. Currently, 10 percent of our listenership donates, said Fromholt. Weve figured out, through a lot of budgeting scenarios, knowing that losing federal funding was a possibility, if we got to 20 percent of our listenership donating, that would help fill that gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the communitys response has already been heartwarming, wonderful and creative. The station has a notable presence in the Miami Valley and works hard to support local voices/musicians, spread inspiration and information. Community mourns loss of WYSOs Reentry Stories host, Mary Evans She stressed WYSO and its colleges at PBSs ThinkTV and WDPR are still here, just more reliant than ever on local support. The biggest thing we want folks to know is that we are still here. Were still going to be here. There has been some confusion: that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting shutdown means that public media is going away. That is not the case immediately, said Fromholt. I hope that is not the case for anyone in public media throughout the county. There are some rural stations that are at far more risk than we currently are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact on the creators is still somewhat unknown. Fromholt explained that, unlike other stations around the country, WYSO is not experiencing imminent layoffs currently. However, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting paid for the stations licensing rights to air music. It currently doesnt know how the cut will affect this. To learn more about WYSO, click here. 2 NEWS will follow the effect of federal budget changes on local organizations closely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Three local nursing students have met their fundraising goal and are now helping children aboard a Mercy Ship in Africa. PAST COVERAGE: 3 Belmont Abbey nurses get rare internship aboard Mercy Ships Channel 9 first reported on Belmont Abbey College students Emma Harris, Caroline Gutierrez, and Eric Dike in June when they were raising money to take part in the prestigious internship. They are now aboard the Africa Mercy Ship off the coast of Madagascar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mercy Ships are staffed by medical professionals who volunteer their time to provide life-changing surgeries to children and adults who otherwise would go without. Your donations helped these nursing students get the internship, and they are now helping the people who need it most. VIDEO: 3 Belmont Abbey nurses get rare internship aboard Mercy Ships SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK) Over the weekend, fifty-one House Democrats went to Illinois to stall a meeting that was scheduled to take place Monday at 3 p.m. for a redistricting vote. This move by Texas Democrats has ignited fiery reactions nationwide from both sides of the aisle. District nine representative, Trent Ashby, said the efforts to redraw the map are to make it more constitutionally effective. What we are attempting to do here in Texas is nothing new, Ashby said. If anything, what were trying to do is make sure that our current congressional districts are constitutional and reflect the will of Texas voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats prevent Texas House from moving forward with Trump-backed congressional map Some Republican lawmakers believe the current map does not correctly represent specific groups, specifically in the states two largest cities, Dallas and Houston. Democrats are concerned that this could heavily favor the GOP in elections. Smith County Democratic Chairman Hector Garza said this is all a power play to give five new Republican seats in the U.S. House. Theyre doing it now because they have a fear of losing the house, Garza said.They have a fear of losing votes and losing seats on this. If they were truly making America great again, then they wouldnt have to worry about losing seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Abbot is now threatening to arrest and remove the elected officials from their positions. Authorities seek publics help after Tyler shooting Republican representative, Joanne Shofner, claimed the Democrats are taking the cowards way out and, the governors playing hard ball, the speakers playing hard ball because of this, as he can legally, that their seats are vacated. Chairman Garza said he doesnt believe Abbott can fire the officials, since they were elected by the people, and predicts lawsuits would follow. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) The YWCA of St. Joseph, St. Joseph NAACP and Missouri Western State University are calling for nominations for the Kelsy Beshears Racial Justice Award. Kelsy B. Beshears is recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Civil Rights Movement in St. Joseph. The Kelsy Beshears Racial Justice Award can be presented to an individual, group or organization that embraces Beshears' commitment to promoting racial justice and eliminating racism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nomination forms and a list of past award recipients can be found at ywcasj.org/day-of-commitment. Submissions must be sent to rfrost@ywcasj.org no later than Thursday, Aug. 14. The award will be presented at the 29th Annual Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, in the YWCA Terrace Room, located at 304 N. 8th St. Aug. 5After nearly three decades in elected office at the municipal and state level, Kettering Mayor Peggy Lehner will not seek another term. Her husband, Dr. James Lehner, is retired, so Lehner said she is going to enjoy retirement with him. "I have thoroughly enjoyed serving in the city, both as mayor and previously as council member and certainly as state legislator. I've enjoyed every minute of it," said Lehner, 75, who said it's time to give younger people a chance to step up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although she will not hold political office, Lehner said there are still a lot of issues and needs in the greater community, particularly those affecting children and the poor. "I don't think any of us can afford to walk away from some of these public issues, and I don't intend to. I just won't do it as mayor, but I will serve as called and where I think I can make a difference," Lehner said. Elected mayor in November 2021, Lehner returned to the Kettering City Council where she was an at-large councilwoman from 1998-2008. She succeeded her longtime friend Don Patterson, the city's longest-serving mayor who spent 16 years in the role. They were both first elected to council seats in 1997 and served together for 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Peggy was impactful on everything she did," said Patterson, who added that he was honored to have served with her. During their shared time, the city of Kettering experienced a growth in population with new and expanded businesses to provide jobs for residents and the revenue needed to benefit the community. "We had a shared vision of what needed to be done," Patterson said. Returning to familiar surroundings as mayor, the issues facing the city were not. She provided leadership as the city navigated COVID-related health issues and the impact of the work-from-home trend. In the Ohio Statehouse, Lehner served for 12 years in Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate, where she led the education committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a state senator, the Republican in 2015 unveiled a bipartisan bill to overhaul Ohio's charter school system to bring more accountability and background checks. She also co-sponsored a bill requiring schools to notify parents within two hours if a child doesn't show up for school. "Peggy is the definition of a true public servant. She leads with heart, cares deeply about others, and has dedicated her career to improving and saving the lives of children through her work in education and health care," said U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. "Tina and I wish her and Jim all the best in a well-earned retirement." Lehner said her first introduction to public issues was on the Ohio Ethics Commission, where she served from 1991-97. Before that, the mother of five children and grandmother of 14, including a grandson who died in October 2021 in a rowing accident, was president of Ohio Right to Life from 1984-88 and active at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, where she served on the parish council from 1984-87. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She credits Husted among others for encouraging her to run for Kettering City Council. She followed Husted to the Ohio Statehouse, where she was elected first to the House seat he vacated, then to his former Senate seat. After her election to the Ohio House, Lehner was in a unique situation when she was appointed to the Ohio Senate to fill out the last month of Jeff Jacobson's "lame duck" session before she assumed her House seat. Husted was House speaker so he was not able to fill his new seat early. She quit following his political path because he went up too high, she joked, serving as Ohio's secretary of state and lieutenant governor before his appointment to the U.S. Senate to fill Vice President JD Vance's seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she is winding down her public role, Lehner said the political climate is worrisome and that she is concerned it will deter people from stepping forward. "It's my sincerest hope that good people will continue to run for these public offices," she said. "We shape our own lives and we shape our own communities. And if we fail to do that, then I'm just fearful of the quality of communities we will have. So I really really encourage people to get involved and be part of finding solutions instead of creating problems." Three seek mayor's post Kyle Boze, a Fairmont High School teacher, and councilmen Bob Scott and Bryan Suddith have pulled petitions to run in the mayor's race, according to the Montgomery County Board of Elections website. Only Boze's petitions have been filed and certified, records show. The filing deadline is Aug. 21 for the Nov. 4 general election. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) Residents across the Valley have been opening their electric bills and doing a double-take rates have surged. Read next: Warren mayor addresses recent violence The Northeast Ohio Public Energy Councils aggregation rate jumped from 6.49 cents per kilowatt hour to 8.9 cents in June. The spike in electric bills across Warren and other NOPEC communities has left some residents speechless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It almost doubled, and I wasnt expecting that. I knew it was supposed to go up, but that was a surprise, said Warren resident Deb Reel. On Monday, residents got a clearer picture of whats driving the rate hike, as the Northwest Neighborhood Association hosted a public meeting in Warren to hear from NOPEC. In recent years, the retirement of coal power plants has really created a void because new electric power plants have not been built to replace those who have been retired, said Tony Ramos, NOPEC relationship manager. Ramos says the power grid is feeling the strain with higher demand from things like eletric vehicles, smart homes and even data centers, while fewer plants are generating electricity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until we rebalance that demand-supply situation, were going to continue to experience these challenging rates, Ramos said. Behind the scenes, wholesale electricity prices are surging, too. Capacity charges a fee generators receive to guarantee future power supply jumped 800% last year. For residents looking to save, experts suggest adjusting your thermostat, unplugging unused switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, and sealing any leaky doors or windows. Ive done the LED light bulbs. I have Alexa that helps control the lights when I walk out of the room, they turn them off, Reel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budget billing allows residents to receive a regular standing bill each month to avoid any budget shocks, but you will be charged for any overages. Residents can also shop around on their own, but be aware of terms and conditions. There are fees. How long does that rate last? The nice thing about NOPEC is we dont charge any of those fees. It doesnt cost you anything to join. It doesnt cost you anything to leave, Ramos 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. INDIAN ORCHARD, Mass. (WWLP) Local drivers are voicing their concerns over one bridge connecting Springfields Indian Orchard to Ludlow. The bridge in question is the West Street bridge between Indian Orchard and Ludlow, but the section of the bridge experiencing the deficiency is on the Springfield side, according to Springfield DPW Director Chris Cignoli. Garage fire on Abbe Ave in Springfield put out Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cignoli said that structurally, the bridge is fine, as it was inspected a few months ago, but they have hired an engineer to inspect it and create a few repair scenarios, as well as ensure there are no other issues that need to be addressed. He said the West Street bridge may be seeing more traffic than usual, as there is no weight limit. One of the other bridges, the Route 21 bridge, has recently implemented a weight restriction. They anticipate the West Street bridge repairs will consist of rewelding the deck structure. Cignoli said that once the engineers create repair scenarios, the DPW has to coordinate with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in Northampton. They are hoping that will take place within the next month. 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. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Residents in London are still working to recover after the deadly tornado, but there was a particular item that stood strong in the storm. That item was gifted to someone whom first responders call a true leader. A flag that originally waved in front of the airport was still standing strong despite the airport being one of the hard-hit areas. The flag only had small tears; the bulk of it stayed intact. First responders agreed to dedicate and present the flag to London Mayor Randall Weddle. I was shocked. Really heart-touching. That night was traumatic for this whole entire community, Weddle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First responders from all sectors of the community came to City Hall on Tuesday to surprise Weddle with the flag. After a big reveal, Weddle was in shock that he was the one selected to receive it. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: It just goes to show you how selfless they are. They didnt want to put it on the fire department or police or the rescue squads wall. They thought of me, and I didnt know that I was really doing much of anything that night in the storm, directing traffic, running where they needed me to go. I watched them suffer and pack body after body and person after person out of there, Weddle said. The next step is choosing a spot for everyone to see it, and the idea is that this flag, still being intact, represents how the community stayed together despite a terrible storm. Bryan Johnson with the London/Laurel rescue squad said wherever it goes, he hopes its a beacon of hope for many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im hoping its a reminder of if theyre going through a hard time or struggling with anything, everything is temporary. Theyll get through it. There are organizations and people here to help, and we look for every opportunity we can to help them, Johnson said. Its a day the mayor said hell never forget, as the flag represents a community that refused to fall apart at the seams. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: I was doing everything that I could untrained. For them to give that to me, thats something, Weddle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. SOUTH LAUREL A three-vehicle crash on American Greeting Card Road Friday resulted in one fatality, multiple injuries and the arrest of one driver on a vehicular homicide charge. According to a release from the Laurel County Sheriffs Office, the crash occurred around 12 midnight Friday morning, approximately 11 miles south of London. A Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Kimberly Hedrick, 55, of London, was traveling southbound when it crossed the centerline striking a northbound Chevrolet Aveo head on and critically injuring its driver, Benita Vickers, 55, of Corbin. The Tahoe then collided with a Hyundai SUV and went airborne, landing on a guardrail. The Aveo and Hyundai came to rest blocking the roadway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LCSO stated that Vickers was transported to Baptist Health Corbin and pronounced dead shortly after arrival by Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley. A male passenger in her vehicle was also injured and taken to BRMC. Hedrick was taken to Saint Joseph London for treatment of minor injuries. Deputies noted the odor of alcohol and slurred speech, and Hedrick was charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence and lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center. Having been arraigned Friday morning, Hedrick is scheduled to appear in Laurel District Court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing. At press time, she remained at LCCC in lieu of a $50,000 bond. The driver of the Hyundai identified as David N. Wynn, 39, of London fled the scene, according to LCSO. Investigators say he is wanted on an outstanding warrant. Two female passengers in the SUV were taken to BRMC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are actively seeking information on Wynns whereabouts at this time. Anyone with information on Wynn are asked to contact the Laurel Sheriffs Office at 606-864-6600, or personal message the sheriffs office on their facebook page at Laurel County Sheriffs Office, or email to g.acciardo@laurelcounty sheriff.gov. Information received will be strictly confidential. Sheriffs accident reconstructionist Detective Brad Mink is leading the investigation. Assisting on the investigation for the Laurel County Sheriffs office were Detective Sergeant Taylor McDaniel, Detective Tommy Houston, Lieutenant Brett Reeves, Shift Sgt. Robert Reed, Deputy Jared Hale, and interdiction unit Justin Taylor. Other agencies assisting included London- Laurel County 911 Center, LondonLaurel County Rescue Squad, Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, and West Knox Fire and Rescue. KENTUCKY (FOX 56) While many eyes were on Kentuckys US Senate candidates at this weekends Fancy Farm Picnic, there was another story to watch in the race for Kentuckys 1st Congressional District. Lets make some noise for the demI mean, the guy running against Jamie Comer, emcee Ashli Watts quipped. The lone Democrat to speak at this years picnic arguably faced the most hostility on the stage, not only receiving swipes over the partys near non-attendance at the event but also facing down a largely Republican crowd. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to build this new table because James Comer doesnt give us a seat at his table; he benefits when small farms and communities failed, John Drew Williams said during his speech, prompting a roar of boos across the pavilion at the mention of Comers name. Williams is seeking to unseat incumbent Comer to represent western Kentucky in Congress. The political outsider is a Murray State grad and has a background working in a family-owned construction business. Why did this Democrat break with others and show up? He told FOX 56, simply, that this is home. This is what matters to me: the community space, like the community service that this place is putting on, and the upliftment of our spaces. And so, like, thats why Im here. Ive been coming to this since middle school. I live in Marshall County, Kentucky. I live right next door, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My opponent next year is here, and I honestly dont know his name, but he is sitting up here all alone, Comer said, jabbing Williams. He ended his speech jokingly gifting William an endorsement from Joe Biden signed by the autopen. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Comer has easily held the seat since being elected to it in 2016, often receiving more than 70% of the vote. As Comer eyes reelection to Congress in 2026, his fellow Republicans are signaling a run for Kentuckys highest office could be soon to follow. Arent we ready to send a Republican back to the governors mansion? Speaking of, I thank God every day for James Comer, but doesnt Gov. Comer sound better? Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell asked during his speech, which was met with loud approval of cheers from the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Starting next month, vehicles from Hong Kong traveling northbound across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to Guangdong Province will no longer require appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except on certain days such as Hong Kong or mainland public holidays and their eves. The measure was praised by local drivers who hope authorities will soon adopt a similar appointment-free approach for Macau vehicles heading north on non-holiday weekdays that do not coincide with Hong Kongs policy days. Currently, drivers under the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme have to pre-book the date and time of their planned journey to Guangdong before noon on the day before the trip. The Hong Kong Transport Department (HKTD) said it will soon set out all the reservation-free days in the following six months on its website. A spokesperson from the HKTD said, Booking is required on specified dates, including Hong Kong or Mainland public holidays and the day before, toll-free days of the HZMB and other dates specified by the authority. Booking is also required on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The Schemes eligibility, application procedures, and balloting remain unchanged. The updated policy reflects efforts to better manage vehicle flow, particularly by diverting traffic from busy weekends, which tend to see higher volumes crossing the HZMB and various border points. While local residents urge authorities to follow HK policies, some local business owners have expressed opposite feelings, encouraging the continuation of the current restrictions, fearing that loosening them might reduce local commercial activity by diverting resident traffic and consumption outward. Lei Chong Sam, a member of the Transport Consultative Committee, emphasized the rationale behind the new measures and issues related to Macaus situation to the local broadcaster, TDM. He stated, The purpose of these measures is to divert weekend northbound traffic from Hong Kong vehicles and alleviate congestion on the bridge. Regarding Macau vehicles, Lei noted that their northbound traffic volume is relatively limited and that the current appointment system is effective after recent optimizations. He added, Considering Macaus close proximity to the mainland, allowing appointment-free northbound travel on weekdays could further affect the local community economy. Macau must consider this carefully and cannot implement appointment-free northbound travel on weekdays. Like this: Like Loading... LONG COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) Long County District 5 Commissioner Robert Parker has resigned, as Governor Kemp accepted his resignation Tuesday. Kemps acceptance of the resignation came in a letter and said, I am in receipt of your email regarding your resignation as the district 5 Commissioner on the Long County Board of Commissioners. Your resignation is hereby accepted, effective immediately. Long County manager Chuck Scragg confirmed the resignation to WSAV News 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker was arrested in February for alleged theft of government property. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) conducted an investigation into the allegations, all while Long County faced deep budget cuts. A LOOK BACK: Long Co. Commissioners answer financial, legal questions Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. When Elizabeth Gore received an email two years ago informing her that America First Legal (AFL) was bringing a class-action lawsuit against her company, Hello Alice, she thought it was spam. AFL is a conservative activist group that was cofounded in 2021 by Stephen Miller, one of President Donald Trumps closest allies and a deputy chief of staff in Trumps second term. According to its website, AFL exists to oppose lawless government overreach and fight to restore the rule of law in the United States. Gore couldnt fathom why Millers organization would take an interest in her company, a business-to-business platform that serves mom-and-pop companies, offering them, for example, a data-backed assessment of their financial fitness, and potential access to a Hello Alice credit card and other forms of capital. She sees Hello Alice as part of a patchwork of companies, government agencies, and nonprofits safeguarding one of the main paths to the American Dream itself. But the message wasnt spam. America First Legal alleged that when Hello Alice made a $25,000 grant available to Black-owned commercial vehicle businesses, it violated a Civil Rights Act law from 1866 that bans racial discrimination in contracts. The AFL email kicked off a long, emotionally draining legal battle that has consumed Gore and her cofounder, Carolyn Rodz, ever since, Gore explains, even as Hello Alice has continued to grow. Though the battle is playing out far from the national spotlight, its providing a testing ground for legal arguments that might help companies defend their diversity-oriented programs against claims of reverse racism. A $25,000 two-year battle The program in question was sponsored by Progressive, the insurance company, a codefendant in the suit, along with Circular Board, Hello Alices parent. The legal challenge was brought on behalf of Nathan Roberts, a white man in Ohio who owns a company called Freedom Truck Dispatch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the tussle briefly appeared to be over: A federal judge in the Northern District of Ohio agreed to dismiss the case because the plaintiffs failed to show that Roberts would have won the grant if the competition for it had been race-neutral. In legal terms, he didnt have standing to bring the case, a finding related to a couple of specifics about the situation. (For one, Roberts didnt apply for the grant during the application window and sued the company only after the window closed.) But America First Legal appealed that decision, and in late July the lawsuit came before the Sixth Circuit appellate court in Cincinnati, where AFL again argued its client suffered an injury because he wasnt able to apply for the grant. Now, based on the discussion before a three-judge panel at the Sixth Circuit, it appears that the Hello Alice lawsuit will solidify a reliable, if unsexy tool that companies can use to defend against claims of reverse racism in anti-DEI campaigns: arcane rules and technicalities. For years, corporations have used procedural grounds to evade charges of discrimination in employment-related lawsuits brought by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ employees, and others. The Hello Alice case may show that companies can successfully protect themselves against politically motivated anti-DEI lawsuits the same way. We were really gratified by the courts questions, Neal Katyal, a prominent attorney who leads the Supreme Court and appellate practice at the Washington, D.C., law firm Milbank, and is representing Hello Alice, told Fortune. Indeed, many of those questions definitively zeroed in on procedural issues. (The court asked, for example, what about Hello Alices terms and conditions prevented AFLs client from applying for the grant.) They obviously had read everything and asked exactly the right questions. And we very much look forward to the Courts resolution of this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Issues like these could help defendants scuttle cases before the two sides even approach larger questions, including: Was the federal contract law in question ever meant to help address reverse discrimination? (For the record, Hello Alice argues it was not.) And is giving money away as a grant a form of free speech, similar to making political donations? (The 11th Circuit Court has rejected that argument in a separate case, but the matter hasnt reached the Supreme Court.) The outcome of the Hello Alice case may also signal to businesses that they dont need to preemptively roll back programs for marginalized groups out of fear. AFL did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Fortune attempted to reach Freedom Truck Dispatch, but found a phone number listed for the company was out of service. A push for inclusion Since Hello Alice got off the ground a decade ago, Gore says, the company has served 1.6 million small businesses, helping them secure loans and benefit from a wealth of information and resources. We have all the financial planning software they need to build their business plans, Gore explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cofounders also spend part of their time advocating for small-business owners and raising funds for philanthropic grants. To date, Hello Alice has issued $60 million in small grants across the U.S., according to Gore. Part of our commitment since day one was to ensure that small businesses who have some kind of barrier to entry, that we dig in and ensure theyre part of the platform, she says. The company has helped veterans, for example, and women whove been in the care economy, both groups of people who may not have the credit histories needed to launch a company. Hello Alice is facing off against a movement that has lately gained momentum. Conservative activists who assert that corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are a form of reverse discrimination have been emboldened by support from the judiciary system and the White House. In 2023, the Supreme Court decision in the Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) case banned colleges from considering race as part of their admissions process, a shift that sent companies scrambling to figure out what the new law meant in the private sector. Separately, President Trump issued executive orders this year that banned certain types of DEI at companies with federal contracts and warned that his administration would investigate private sector firms discovered to be the most egregious offenders of DEI. Whether the Hello Alice case will answer larger questions about DEIs legality remains to be seen. Initially, this case presented the big question: Can affirmative action be permissible in the corporate setting? Katyal explained. But the trial court said that the plaintiffs didnt even get to ask that question. They werent allowed to because they didnt meet the legal requirements to be able to bring a case in federal court. Now, says Katyal, the question before the Sixth Circuit is, Can someone try and complain about a program to give grants to minority-owned businesses when they cant even allege they would have gotten the grants anyway? Gore and attorney Neal Katyal outside the courthouse in Cincinnati where a panel from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in Hello Alices case in July. As the legal battle has played out for Hello Alice, Gore has found support from friends and clients across the political spectrum. Were based in Houston, Texas, and [theres a large] amount of folks who you would think would be against us, and they werent, she said, adding, Think traditional white male biker companies and trucking companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gore says the business owners who have discussed the issue with herwhether they identify as Republican or Democratdont think the government should be telling businesses how to deploy their money. Thats what her legal team believes, too: Private businesses should have the freedom to run or reject affirmative action programs like the grants for Black businesses. Whether such DEI initiatives are good for a company, morally justified, or, as AFL claims, racist, should be debated in a boardroom and not in a federal court. And there is nothing inherently illegal about a private company offering a grant dedicated to a minority population. Playing offense Lately, many companies have rolled back cohort-specific DEI programs just to avoid the kinds of costly headaches that Hello Alice has faced. Kenji Yoshino, a constitutional law professor at NYU School of Law and director of its Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, believes thats the right approach for our times. Yoshino explains that his center has been beating the drum on moving from cohorts to content. That is, he suggests companies make programs such as diversity-focused fellowships in the workplace available to anyone who wants to apply, without changing the ultimate mission of the fellowship. That really allows a company to do an end run around the SFFA decision, he says. At the same time, he applauds Gore for sticking with her program for Black business owners and preparing to advance not only the technical argument in the lawsuitshowing that the white male trucker doesnt have the grounds to suebut perhaps much more. Beyond questions about the original intention behind Section 1981, or whether these grants constitute a contract, theres that more complicated question about First Amendment rights that has yet to reach the countrys highest court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Gore or another business owner can get the law to say that they are merely expressing their views with DEI grant programs, says Yoshino, that would be the biggest win of all. Finding levity Sticking with this lawsuit has not been an easy decision. When it first hit, Hello Alice was in the middle of a Series C raise, and Silicon Valley Bank, its second-biggest investor, had just collapsed. Hello Alice also had to disclose the lawsuit to other investors, and there was this fear factor around AFL, says Gore. So that capital flew out the door. But there was a lot at stake, she adds. If AFL were to prove that grants for minority-owned businesses violated Section 1981, millions of dollars for American small businesses could be lost. So far, the cost of fighting the lawsuit has surpassed $1 million. The night before the Sixth Circuit oral arguments, she had dinner at a restaurant near the courthouse in Cincinnati. It turned out that the restaurant, Frankies, was a Hello Alice customer. For Gore, it was a reminder of the importance of her work. In heavy times, she says, it gave me levity. An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Elizabeth Gores cofounder, Carolyn Rodz. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com WASHINGTON Signals of labor market weakness go beyond the headline numbers that prompted President Donald Trump to fire the governments head statistician last week. The jobs report released Friday showed a slowdown in hiring, a slight uptick in the national unemployment rate, and a few other clues that the economy is softening including an increase in long-term unemployment. The number of people jobless for six months or more increased from 1.6 million to 1.8 million in July, representing 24% of the unemployed. Its the most people experiencing long-term joblessness since the end of 2021 and the highest percentage since February 2022, when the economy was still recovering from coronavirus lockdowns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valerie Wilson, a labor economist at the liberal Economic Policy Institute, said the modest rise in long-term joblessness could reflect employers getting pickier about hiring as President Donald Trumps tariff regime changes the cost of doing business. People who have been unemployed for longer have clearly had some challenges in getting back into the labor market, Wilson told HuffPost. I think that as things have softened, and employers are facing more uncertainty given the sort of chaotic nature of economic policy in this country, that it would be harder for those people to find new jobs. The presidents latest array of tariffs on goods imported from other countries amounts to a $1,219 tax increase on American households this year, according to an estimate by the conservative Tax Foundation, though the tariffs are subject to frequent change. People unemployed 27 weeks or longer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS.gov Persistently high long-term joblessness was a hallmark of slow recovery from the Great Recession that officially ended in 2009. It disproportionately affected older workers, becoming a self-perpetuating problem as employers sought job applicants with minimal or no gaps on their resumes. HuffPost readers: Dealing with long-term unemployment? Tell us about it email arthur@huffpost.com. Please include your phone number if youre willing to be interviewed. Some economists worry another recession could be around the corner. The overall unemployment rate remained low in July, at just 4.2%, and the economy has continued to add jobs, albeit at a slower pace than previously estimated. Bureau of Labor Statistics data suggest the last three months were the weakest for job growth since the pandemic. Trump fired the BLS commissioner on Friday, claiming without evidence that the numbers were somehow rigged to make him look bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The labor force shrank slightly in July, helping hold down the unemployment rate even as the number of employed workers declined. Wilson noted the unemployment rate for Black Americans rose to 7.2%, up from a recent historical low of 4.8% in April 2023. Over the last two months, were seeing the black unemployment rate pick up, which is another one that as that starts to rise, we start to look for signals of a broader slowing in the economy, Wilson said. DENVER (KDVR) A Longmont man turned himself in to the Boulder County Jail on Aug. 1 after police obtained an arrest warrant for him on 20 counts of sexual exploitation of a child. In a press release, the Boulder County Sheriffs Office said an investigation began after a special agent with the FBI alerted the detectives with Boulder County Digital Forensics that the agent had reportedly received child sexual abuse material files during an undercover operation from a person within the Boulder County area. 2 dead after car rolls 320 feet down mountain, lands in river Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, the FBI and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force identified the possible suspect as Michael Anthony Reyes, 33. The agencies obtained a search warrant for Reyes home within the city of Longmont, located in the 800 block of Bowen Street, BCSO said. On Sept. 3, 2024, the sheriffs office said that investigators served the search warrant and seized several electronic devices. The electronic devices went through processing within two forensic labs, including the BCDFL. The BCSO said that the alleged evidence from the processing of those electronics resulted in probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant for Reyes relating to charges for the distribution of child sexual abuse material. Since the Boulder County Digital Forensics Lab started working these investigations, three things have been made clear. First, there are individuals distributing and using child sexual abuse material in every community; so, we are fortunate to have this outstanding team pursuing these cases in Boulder County. Second, these cases involve actual victims because of what the videos depict. Finally, in this jurisdiction, the investigators and prosecutors will work hard to search out offenders, protect victims, and fight for justice, said District Attorney Michael Dougherty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 1, Reyes was booked into Boulder County Jail and faces 20 counts of sexual exploitation of a child relating to distribution of child sexual abuse material, depicting a child under the age of 12 years, BCSO said. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox On Monday, Reyes was released from the Boulder County Jail after posting a $20,000 secured bond. The sheriffs office notes that Reyes also had additional conditions after posting bond, saying he can not have contact with anyone under 18 years old and cannot have access to social media or electronic cloud storage 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 FOX31 Denver. BLUEFIELD A veterans advocate whose many works included helping bring more accessible health care to his fellow veterans recently passed away. Alphonso Hancock, known to his family and friends as Al, was 87 years old when he passed away on July 26. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served his country for 23 years. This service included two tours of duty in Vietnam as well as other postings around the world until he retired in 1979. He later returned home to McDowell County where he taught school for 14 years. Hancock worked for years to help create a local clinic which now serves Mercer Countys veterans and others across the region. A mobile clinic started stopping at Bluefields Stadium Drive in 2014. In June 2015, this health care unit was replaced by a clinic off North Walker Street in Princeton. By January 2019, a larger veterans clinic in Courthouse Square building near Morrison Drive replaced it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tony Whitlow, founder and now curator of the Mercer County Veterans Museum in Princeton, said getting a local clinic was a great deal for the areas veterans. In the past, veterans drove up to Raleigh County and the Veterans Administration Hospital there. They dont have to go all the way to Beckley to see the doctors up there and thats a huge plus for people down in Mercer County and McDowell County, Whitlow said. Some people come from Virginia to use that clinic, too. A clinic being in Princeton was a tremendous help to the veterans in this area. County Commission President Bill Archer, formerly an editor and reporter at the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, recalled how Hancock gave his time to other community projects. In one instance, Hancock worked with Archer and other volunteers to clear and restore one of Mercer Countys cemeteries. We worked on the Oak Grove Cemetery in Bluewell for a year and a half every week, he said. We worked every weekend no matter what and we were out once on Christmas Day out in the snow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While cutting and clearing away brush that Christmas Day, Archer knocked Hancock down by accident. And Hancock demonstrated his humor. Hancock said Archer had brought only four lunches for five people that day, so he decided to take me out. Hancock was also a regular visitor at the Mercer County Commission. He would still come up to the courthouse from time to time and explain to me a project that needed to be done and I would work toward them however I could to see them to success, Archer said. The Mercer County Commission is planning to honor Hancocks memory with a resolution, he said. Hancock requested that no service be held, according to the obituary in Saturdays Bluefield Daily Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In lieu of services, Hancokcs family invites all who knew him to honor his memory with a donation to the WVU College of Law Veterans Advocacy Clinic, P.O. Box 6130, Morgantown, WV 26506-6130. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.seaverfuneralservice.com. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com *NOTE: This story contains graphic content* LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) A Longview Facebook post sparked controversy Tuesday morning after a McDonalds was vandalized with pro-Palestinian and swastika graffiti. Muslim leaders increase security after vandalism reports at Texas and California mosques The McDonalds located at 128 W Loop 281 was vandalized with red spray paint, including damage to the camera, drive-through sign and walls of the business. The vandal(s) wrote multiple pro-Palestinian rhetoric, such as free Palestine and kill the billionaires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos courtesy of Samantha Wise McDonalds Corporation, one of the worlds leading food service brands, had previously released an official statement about its position in response to the conflict in the Middle East. We are dismayed by the disinformation and inaccurate reports regarding our position in response to the conflict in the Middle East. McDonalds Corporation is not funding or supporting any governments involved in this conflict, and any actions from our local Developmental Licensee business partners were made independently without McDonalds consent or approval. Our hearts are with all of the communities and families impacted by this crisis. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone. We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our people in the region while supporting the communities where we operate. McDonalds Corporation Cleaning crews were on scene Tuesday morning to clean up the damage by power-washing the business. Despite this, McDonalds is still open to the public. Upshur County man gets 10 year prison sentence after vandalizing Union Grove high school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Longview Police Department said they have taken a report of the vandalism and they are currently investigating the incident. 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. (COLORADO SPRINGS) D11s newest school is about to open for the new school year, welcoming an inaugural class this August after they had their groundbreaking back in May. Colorado Springs School of Technology will be opening its doors to 9th and 10th graders on August 12. The school focuses on subjects in the technology field with four pathways: Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership. You can still enroll your child in the Colorado Springs School of Technology on their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with the four pathways, the students also get education in English, math, science, and social studies, and during their first year, they take intro classes for the four pathways subjects. Later on, theyll get to decide which one they want to pursue. Extracurricular opportunities are still available to the students as well. Colorado Springs School of Technology doesnt offer them, but they help connect the students to other schools in the area to whatever they want to do, whether it be sports, theatre, choir, or band. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Step away from big-city stresses and pay a visit to this town with "storybook charm." Sewanee, Tennessee, was recently named a place to visit for townsizing travelers, or those choosing to explore serene small towns over traditional tourist favorites like Nashville or Gatlinburg. Sixt compiled a list of the top 25 off-the-beaten-path towns across the United States. Sewanee ranked at number 3 on the rental car company's list. It was the only Tennessee town to make the rankings. "With a population of just 3,000, a low noise level of 40 decibels, and over 64 different local businesses, this quiet, walkable town is perfect for those looking to unwind and explore at a slower pace," Sixt wrote about the town in its rankings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sewanee is home to the liberal arts college, The University Of The South. The private school has more than 1,700 undergraduate students and offers 37 majors, according to the college. While in town, enjoy The University Of The South's 13,000-acre campus, take a hike with the picturesque mountain views, and visit the area's local restaurants and shops. What is townsizing? Townsizing is a new travel trend, according to Sixt. In this trend, travelers are seeking out slower, more intentional travel in small towns rather than going to large, bustling cities, which have a traditional tourist appeal. Townsizing has become an increasingly popular way to vacation, according to the New York Times. Where is Sewanee, Tennessee? Sewanee is a small town located in Franklin County, Tennessee. The city is about 52 miles away from Chattanooga and 93 miles from Nashville. The city is set near the renowned Bonnaroo farm in Manchester. Both are accessible off Interstate 24 in Middle Tennessee. What airport do you fly into to get to Sewanee? The two commercial airports nearest to Sewanee are Nashville International Airport or the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of which airport you fly to, you'll need to get a car and drive to Sewanee after your flight. Top 10 places to visit with small-town charm The University of the South, commonly known as Sewanee, is located in Sewanee, Tenn. Seeking a small town vacation? These are the top U.S. towns where you should pay a visit, according to Sixt. Decorah, Iowa Cape May, New Jersey Sewanee Houghton, Michigan Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Yellow Springs, Ohio Ketchum, Idaho Mystic, Connecticut Marfa, Texas Nashville, Indiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee town named top small-town travel destination by Sixt DENVER (KDVR) Locals are heartbroken after a restaurant on South Broadway announced it is closing after almost 30 years. The Hornet has been serving American cuisine for 29 years, located just a block from the Mayan Theater. While many locals consider it an institution of Denver, on Monday, it announced that it will soon be closing its doors. Popular Colorado Mexican restaurant opens location in Denver Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many things have changed and become more complicated over the years at 1st & Broadway, we would prefer to celebrate all of the amazing times that you shared with us. We are profoundly thankful for our incredible neighborhood and this city for supporting our local business over the years. Serving our guests was always our greatest privilege, the restaurant said on social media. (KG) BZ20REALESTATE The Hornet restaurant is located at 76 Broadway. Broadway, between Speer Boulevard and Interstate 25, has had a resurgence of residential and commercial real estate development in recent years. Karl Gehring/The Denver Post (Photo By Karl Gehring/The Denver Post via Getty Images) After the restaurant said its closing on Aug. 9, diners took to the restaurants social media, sharing decades worth of memories. Some people commented that The Hornet was an institution, and it was the spot to take friends visiting from out of town. Meanwhile, others said The Hornet held sentiments. One person commented that they went to the restaurant on the anniversary of their mothers death, as it was her favorite. Another person said it was the spot of her husbands first date 15 years ago, and it was where he proposed. What is Banana Ball? Savannah Bananas head to Coors Field this weekend Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is soo soo sad. This is like losing a close friend. They have been a staple of the neighborhood and its just sad to lose another great spot in Baker, said one comment. The Hornet said on social media that it has made friendships for life, with regulars and team members who had worked there for decades. The Hornet has always taken pride in being a place for truly everyone. We always aimed to be your second home. We are proud that people, from all walks of life, shared our space comfortably. You made coming to work an absolute pleasure. Our staff will truly miss seeing your faces each day, the restaurant said. The restaurant said it will open at 4 p.m. on Aug. 9 to celebrate one last shift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we will miss our time together immensely, we want to send a heartfelt thank you to all of our staff, past and present, who have contributed to The Hornet legacy of wonderful memories and experiences. You made it all possible, the restaurant said. The Hornet was an affiliated venue with the Underground Music Showcase, which was the largest and longest-running independent music festival in Colorado before it ended this summer after 25 years. Its unclear if the festival had something to do with the restaurants closing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) U.S. Secretary Brooke Rollins signed a waiver Monday that ends the purchase of junk food using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Louisiana. The waiver is tied to a national health initiative known as Make America Healthy Again. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. celebrated the signing of six SNAP waivers that ban the purchase of food items like sodas and candy using SNAP benefits. Federal officials said the change is set to go into effect in 2026. Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order in May that directed the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to submit a waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, SNAP has used taxpayer dollars to fund soda and candyproducts that fuel Americas diabetes and chronic disease epidemics, said Kennedy. These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health. I thank these governors who have stepped up to request waivers, and I encourage others to follow their lead. This is how we Make America Healthy Again. States with SNAP waivers approved: Arkansas Colorado Florida Idaho Indiana Iowa Louisiana Nebraska Oklahoma Texas West Virginia Landry, RFK Jr. sign Louisiana bill inspired by Make America Healthy Again movement Read a statement from Landry below. Today, because of the leadership of President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Kennedy, Louisianas SNAP program just became much stronger and healthier, benefiting children and families for generations to come. Gone are the days of taxpayers subsidizing unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits. With todays waiver signing, I am proud to say that Louisiana isnt just participating in the MAHA movement, we are leading it. Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for being a great friend to Louisiana! Louisana Gov. Jeff Landry Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank faces more challenges amid SNAP changes Louisiana leaders want residents to make healthy choices The waiver approved by the USDA is part of state officials push to get Louisiana residents to make healthy choices with food and lifestyle. According to Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein, people are still allowed the freedom to drink a soda or eat a candy bar, but it wont be covered by SNAP benefits anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we can reduce the amount of ER visits from diabetes, from having strokes, heart failure, heart attacks, just by 10%, youre saving the taxpayer billions of dollars, but more importantly, you are saving lives, Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham said on Landrys podcast. Incentives are part of the officials plan to get residents to eat healthy. One example is a SNAP-related pilot project encouraging the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables by offering bonus benefits. The program just expanded to five more parishes. 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. * Road Tragedy Four local youths killed in a car crash on Avenida da Amizade; three others hospitalized * New ZAPE experiment MGTO will partner with the Association of Returned Overseas Chinese Macau to host a 10-day night market in ZAPE, transforming the area with food stalls and cultural creative booths * Customs seize products worth approximately MOP2.42 million and detains four suspects in intellectual property rights operations * Melcos expansion beyond borders will not harm the Macau market * HK cancels passports, bans financial support to 16 overseas activists DOWNLOAD PDF Tuesday, August 5, 2025 edition no. 4773 Like this: Like Loading... A second conspirator involved in a methamphetamine smuggling ring that brought drugs into a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison facility has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison. Veronica Wertz, 49, of Amarillo, received a 57-month sentence on July 9 for her role in funneling methamphetamine into the William P. Clements Unit, a high-security prison located in Potter County, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorneys Office. Wertz first pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, Wertz was romantically involved with an inmate at the Clements Unit who was secretly working with former prison guard Ricky Eugene Hall to smuggle drugs into the facility. Wertz admitted to receiving drugs through the mail, which were then given to Hall so that he could sell the meth to inmates inside the prison walls. The smuggling operation allegedly used a network of burner phones, coordinated drops, and secret handoffs in areas such as the prison laundry rooms and kitchen. Hall would hide the contraband in his corrections officer uniform, and used a storage unit in Amarillo to stockpile the meth and other illegal items he intended to sell or distribute to the inmates. According to the U.S Attorneys Office, law enforcement agents uncovered more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, a stash of cell phones, and a collection of other contraband during a search of the former COs storage unit. Hall, 33, pled guilty in January and was sentenced in June to 97 months in federal prison by Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, the same judge who handed down Wertzs sentence. This case highlights the stellar work of numerous law enforcement agencies working together to halt a stealthy contraband smuggling conspiracy shamefully led by a corrections officer occupying a position of trust. We are proud of the investigative work in this case and that we brought those involved to justice, said U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson. (FOX40.COM) The Lowrider community said in a Facebook post on Monday that they are saddened after the Lowrider Lane and Broadway street signs went missing, according to the Sacramento Lowrider Commission. These signs are not just markers of a street, said the commission. They represent years of advocacy, history, and love poured into honoring our lowrider community and its rightful place in Sacramentos cultural surroundings. Video Above: Californias history of Lowriding on full display at the California State Fair The post went on to explain the historic value and impact of Lowrider Lane, and said the name was earned by generations of the community who worked hard to see themselves be recognized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To have these signs stolen is more than vandalism, its a blow to something meaningful we all built together, said the post. The commission asks those with information on the missing street signs to help return them to restore what was lost. The post emphasizes the communitys importance of cultural parks, landmarks and significant spaces. Stockton Police Deputy Chief retires after nearly 28 years of service These are not just physical locations, they are sacred ground shaped by decades of history and pride, said the post. We remain committed to protecting and uplifting our culture. And we will continue to fight for its visibility, our value, and our voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX40 reached out to local law enforcement and is waiting to hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Around this time 20 years ago, Democrats were in a tough spot: Republicans controlled the U.S. House and Senate; a Republican president had just won a second term; and Democrats struggled to agree among themselves on a possible comeback strategy. In the months that followed, however, the party focused considerable energy on a specific priority: recruiting veterans. As The New York Times reported in February 2006, For Democrats struggling to win back Congress, it seemed like the most obvious of election strategies: erase the Republican advantage on national security by running real-life combat veterans as candidates. The contingent of Democratic candidates whod served in the military became known as the Fighting Dems, and several of them won amid a blue wave cycle, fueled in part by public opposition to the war in Iraq. (The 2006 list includes some familiar names, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee last year.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two decades later, the circumstances are somewhat similar U.S. wars in the Middle East are over, but Republicans control Capitol Hill and a GOP president is in his second term and Democrats appear to be borrowing a page from their old playbook. Politico reported on a Democratic recruit in a key New York congressional district. Chris Gallant is a Black Hawk pilot, Army veteran, national guardsman, former air traffic controller and union leader and volunteer firefighter. Hes also a gay millennial, political newcomer and Long Island native. Now, Gallant is looking to prove he can turn that stellar resume into a competitive political campaign. Hes launching a bid Tuesday to oust Rep. Nick LaLota and help the Democratic Party retake the House majority in 2026. My entire lifes been kind of grounded in service, Gallant told Politico. Ive always placed the mission first throughout all of my careers, and Im doing the same now. This is what I want to do to make Washington and government work again for the people. Its far too early in the process to gauge Gallants chances. While LaLotas voting record is arguably to the right of his competitive Long Island district, the Republican incumbent has raised a lot of money, and its been a while since Democrats have held this seat. But the larger point is that Gallant is hardly alone. The Times reported over the weekend: One candidate in Michigan would be the first Navy SEAL to serve in the House as a Democrat. Another Democrat in Arizona is a former Marine drill instructor seeking to be the first woman from the Marines to serve in the House. A third Democrat in New Jersey is a former Navy helicopter pilot whose campaign logo incorporates pilot wings. The Democratic Party is turning to an unusually large crop of military veterans in an effort to flip the House in 2026, recruiting and promoting veterans in some of the top battleground districts. Theres still plenty of politicking left to do, and we dont yet know how many of these recruited military veterans will fare in upcoming primaries. But as Democrats look ahead, their strategy at least has a decent track record. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com There was an odd point in June when the Trump administration curtailed immigration raids on farms, then reversed course, only to reverse course again, leaving many to wonder exactly what the policy was. As Politico reported, the president is apparently moving toward some kind of resolution, and he sketched out something akin to a policy during his latest CNBC interview. Trump said his administration will continue to deport criminals, but that he wants to work with farmers to find a solution for their workers, oftentimes immigrants who have lived in the country illegally for decades and are paying taxes. He suggested the White House was working on a touchback program for some workers, requiring them to leave the U.S. and reenter through a legal pathway, an idea that faces strong opposition among immigration hawks who view exceptions for one industry as a slippery slope. We cant let our farmers not have anybody, the president added. But during the same interview, Trump went quite a bit further by sharing some thoughts on what he believes makes immigrant farm workers unique. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After claiming that Americans who live in the inner city wont do farm work, Trump argued, Theyve tried. Weve tried. Everybodys tried. They dont do it. These people do it naturally. Naturally. I said, What happens to a farmer the other day What happens if they get a bad back? He said, They dont get a bad back, sir, because if they get a bad back, they die. I said, Thats interesting. ... In many ways, theyre very, very special people. For now, lets not dwell on the fact that the president, who has an unfortunate habit of sharing the details of conversations that never occurred, probably didnt have this conversation with a farmer the other day. Its far easier to believe that Trump just made all of this up. (The sir is a tell.) Lets instead dwell on the fact that Trump seemed to suggest that immigrants are naturally designed for farm work. If that rhetoric sounds at all familiar, it is not your imagination. The New York Times reported last fall, about a month before Election Day 2024: With the presidential race in its closing weeks, Donald J. Trumps language has grown increasingly strident on the issue of immigration. But as he continues to demonize undocumented migrants as violent criminals, the former president is also reviving another old habit: invoking his long-held fascination with genes and genetics. For decades, including long before he became a political figure, Mr. Trump has been publicly obsessed with bloodlines and his stated belief that genetics are the best predictor of a persons success. Indeed, this was a staple of the Republicans 2024 messaging, complaining about undocumented immigrants poisoning the blood of our country and the degree to which the U.S. was dealing with those with bad genes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Months later, as NBC News reported, Trump appeared on Fox Noticias. Hispanic people have been supportive of me like no other candidate, the Republican claimed, adding, Theyre great people. They work so hard. They are very, very entrepreneurial, always have been, always will be. See, thats genetics, too. You know, we talked about genetics before. Thats genetics, too. The president's perspective on the issue appears to be getting worse. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Fashion retailer Madewell will open a 4,575-square-foot men's and women's clothing store in fall 2025 at The Corners of Brookfield, according to an Aug. 5 news release from The Corners. Part of the J. Crew Group, Madewell is known for its denim and "elevated everyday style," according to the release. The shop offers discounts and deals for those who sign up for its "Madewell Insiders" loyalty program, including 15% off in-store and online for shoppers who are teachers, students, first responders, medical personnel or military. The Madewell at The Corners to carry both men's and women's items The location will be the first Madewell store in southeast Wisconsin to carry both men's and women's merchandise. It will be located next to Free People on the southeast side of Market Street in a vacant space, according to Kathryn Whitlock, public relations representative for The Corners of Brookfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Madewell location at Mayfair Mall carries women's clothing. A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter did not immediately receive a response from the retailer on whether the new Corners store would impact the existing Wauwatosa location. Renderings of The Corners of Brookfield's Market Street feature a new slate of retailers, including the recently announced Madewell store, and significant public realm enhancements. Madewell is the latest tenant to be announced as part of a 'reimagined' Market Street The store is the latest newcomer in a string of announced tenants for the town center's "reimagined" Market Street along the east side of the town center. Market Street's tenant and design makeover is in part to "attract the brightest and freshest brands" to the walkable town shopping center, Robert Gould, CEO of Brookfield Corners, LLC, said in the release. Those plans included ending the Silverspot Cinema's lease, closing the upscale movie theater in mid-June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The theater, which opened in 2019, will be updated as retail space that has yet to be announced. Alo Yoga, a Los Angeles-based luxury activewear and wellness brand, and women's clothing store Evereve, are both under construction with expected opening dates later in summer 2025. MeatEater, an outdoor lifestyle shop specializing in hunting, fishing, cooking and camping, is also opening its first Wisconsin location at The Corners of Brookfield shopping center in early fall. Not far from Market Street at 20340 W. Lord St., brunch spot Waking Daisy opened July 18. Luxury apartments are included as part of The Corners changes Plans for 278 luxury apartments at the site of what used to be La Quinta Hotel and two restaurants are also moving forward at The Corners, with construction expected to begin in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 40,000-square-foot development, known as the West End, is being developed with Mandel Group, Inc. and will include a fitness and wellness club for all tenants at The Corners. Bridget Fogarty reports on Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Elm Grove. Contact the reporter at bfogarty@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Madewell at The Corners will carry both men's and women's clothing MADISON COUNTY, Ala (WHNT) On Monday, students loaded up their backpacks and entered the halls at schools in Madison County for the first time this year. School leaders said the start of a new year brings a special type of excitement. GALLERY: Send in your 2025 Back-to-School Photos To wait and see what these kids are going to do, the accomplishments that theyre going to make, and the growth that theyre going to make over this year. thats whats exciting about the job, said Superintendent Ken Kubik. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said safety is a top priority in Madison County schools. We have 28 SROs going to be placed throughout the district, so were getting more coverage there, Kubik said. Theyve also hired 9 different school psychologists to work with elementary students. In addition, theyre implementing mandatory background checks for all volunteers and chaperones. We want to make sure that when your child is on a field trip, that they are with people who have been background checked and cleared to make sure that theyre safe at all times, he said. So were always looking at trying to be proactive, and were always trying to be one of the leaders in safety in the state. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App Madison County serves over 20,000 students across 30 different campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were just really excited to see what this group this year, 25-26, is going to generate for accomplishments for the students of Madison County schools, Kubik said. He said they are also always prepping for growth. In fact, they just broke ground on the new Hazel Green Middle School last month. Although in the meantime, theyre ready to see what this school year holds for their teachers and students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. MAGA celebrated conservative media personality and comedian Alex Stein after he interrupted an NBC News streaming show on Monday by shouting, MSNBC sucks. Stein, 38, interrupted correspondent Ryan Chandler, barging in front of the camera and shouting MSNBC sucks, repeating himself several times before he was led away. Ironically, he was not interrupting MSNBC but NBC News Now. Sometimes this happens, and we can understand that that can happen, and while we love free speech, were going to keep control here, anchor Kelly ODonnell, who is NBC News White House correspondent, explained. A 2022 event featuring Alex Stein and Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes at Penn State was canceled following protests from students. The organization has been designated as a terrorist group in Canada and New Zealand. / Leah Millis/Reuters After crossing back to Chandler, Stein could still be seen shouting in the background; while his shouts were largely unintelligible, an additional MSNBC sucks could be heard, forcing ODonnell to end the segment prematurely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stein, who hosts Prime Time with Alex Stein for Glenn Becks Blaze Media network, then bragged on X about his antics, posting, MSNBC is the saddest excuse for a news network and telling them they suck on their own airwaves feels fantastic. MSNBC is the saddest excuse for a "news" network and telling them they suck on their own airwaves feels fantastic pic.twitter.com/WvKYusfKxg Alex Stein #99 (@alexstein99) August 4, 2025 Others in the MAGAverse were quick to praise Stein, including influencers Benny Johnson, Nick Sortor, and the right-wing Libs of TikTok X account. Not all seemed clear that he had not interrupted MSNBC but NBC News Now. The two share ownership as part of NBC, although MSNBC is being spun off as part of a corporate reorganization. Chaya Raichiks Libs of TikTok celebrated Steins interruption while far-right commentator Sortor called Stein a national treasure. Prominent MAGA X personality Gunter Eagleman posted, LMFAO! @alexstein99 just jumped into an MSNBC broadcast and yelled MSNBC SUCKS! We ALL agree! Alex Stein hopped into a live NBC News hit at the Texas Capitol and didnt disappoint On repeat: MSNBC sucks! MSNBC sucks! MSNBC sucks! pic.twitter.com/bqwjZ210jO Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 5, 2025 Stein was in Austin to appear in front of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, where he spent an extended amount of time making multiple jokes about transgender athletes and transgender people in the military, arguing that he was in favor of the latter because, Transgenders are some of the meanest people on planet Earth, so theyd make [good soldiers], before going on to attempt to draw a link between transgender people and mass shootings. Stein also suggested that the military use transgender people dealing with suicidal ideation as suicide bombers. More than 40 percent of transgender adults in the U.S. have attempted suicide, according to a UCLA study. Alex Stein ENRAGES TRANSGENDERS for supporting bathroom bill@alexstein99 pic.twitter.com/MX4OLpssBN Prime Time with Alex Stein (@alexstein69420) August 4, 2025 Stein is known for distasteful stunts, including staging a fake protest in support of amnesty for Big Booty Latinas under Trumps immigration laws. He made headlines in 2022 when he harassed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, shouting at her, Look at that booty on AOC! Thats my very big booty Latina! He was also briefly suspended from Blaze Media after asking President Donald Trumps daughter-in-law Lara Trump her views on sodomy. A Maine police officer who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement almost two weeks ago has been moved to a second facility, according to reports. Jon Luke Evans, a Jamaican national who is a reserve officer at the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, was arrested July 25 after he attempted to purchase a firearm for his police work after his visa expired, ICE said in a statement. The police department said that although reserve officers are issued firearms, they are never asked to purchase any other firearms for the performance of their duties. For the past few weeks, reports have placed Evans at different detention centers across New England. He was initially held at Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Massachusetts, according to WCVB and The Boston Globe. ICE subsequently moved him to the Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island, according to WCVB. It was not immediately clear why he was transferred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Tuesday afternoon, Evans location is unclear. The Independent has asked ICE to confirm Evans location but the agency did not respond. Attempts to trace Evans relatives were unsuccessful. ICE said agents detained Evans after he tried to buy a firearm in Biddeford, Maine. The attempted purchase triggered an alert at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Jon Luke Evans, a Jamaican national who is a reserve officer at the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, was arrested July 25 after he attempted to purchase a firearm for his police work after his visa expired, ICE said in a statement. (ICE) Evans lawfully entered the United States in September 2023. One week later, he was scheduled to take a flight out of the country, but never boarded. He violated the terms of his lawful admission when he overstayed his visa, ICE said. The fact that a police department would hire an illegal alien and unlawfully issue him a firearm while on duty would be comical if it werent so tragic. We have a police department that was knowingly breaking the very law they are charged with enforcing in order to employ an illegal alien, ICE ERO Boston acting Field Office Director, Patricia H. Hyde, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of Evans arrest, the Old Orchard Beachs police chief, Elise Chard, and Diana Asanza, town manager, issued a joint statement on how he got the job. Evans applied to be a seasonal reserve officer in April, a job which entails community service, beach patrol, and providing support for the department during the summer months. As part of the hiring process, the town compiled a 153-page personnel file on Evans that included his IDs cards, medical records, educational records, and additional background information. The police department then thoroughly verified the information and found it to be accurate. Evans also completed an I-9 federal immigration and work authorization form to verify that he was legally authorized to work in the U.S. After Evans passed a physical test and other exams required for the role, the police department then submitted the completed I-9 form to the Department of Homeland Securitys E-Verify Program, which allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 12, DHS verified that Evans was authorized to work in the U.S., reporting his status as Alien Authorized to Work, the police chief and town manager said. Evans would not have been permitted to begin work as a reserve officer until, and unless, DHS verified his status, they added. DHS verified Evans Form I-766 an employment authorization document which showed he could hold employment in the country through March 2030.. The department only learned of his arrest from ICEs news release, Chard said. Officer Jon Luke Evans receives his police badge. DHSs E-Verify system verified he was authorized to work in the U.S., the Old Orchard Beach Police Department said, while DHS says the police department had a reckless reliance on the system (Old Orchard Beach Police Department via AP) Simply stated, had the federal government flagged his information the Town would not have hired Mr. Evans, Chard continued. Any insinuation that the Town and Department were derelict in our efforts to verify Mr. Evans' eligibility to work for the Town is false and appears to be an attempt to shift the blame onto a hard-working local law enforcement agency that has done its job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police chief had earlier explained that while reserve officers are issued firearms by the department, theyre not allowed to purchase or carry any other firearms for the performance of their duties. Evans probationary employment status is now under review. In hiring Evans, our department and our community relied on the Department of Homeland Securitys E-Verify program to ensure we were meeting our obligations, and we are distressed and deeply concerned about this apparent error on the part of the federal government, Chard said. The Independent has contacted a DHS spokesperson for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the Old Orchard Beach Polices remarks about the apparent flaws in the DHSs E-Verify system, Assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent that the police department had a reckless reliance on the system. "Usage of E-Verify does not absolve employers of their legal duty to verify documentation authenticity, and all employers should take necessary steps to effectively verify legal employment status, she said. The Old Orchard Beach Police Departments reckless reliance on E-Verify to justify arming an illegal alien, Jon Luke Evans violates federal law, and does not absolve them of their failure to conduct basic background checks to verify legal status. Katherine Ostler votes while her 8-year-old son Henry looks on at the Main Library in Salt Lake City on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) This week, Utah joined a growing list of states getting requests for confidential voter roll data from the federal Department of Justice. If these states say no, the law, federalism, and election security are on their side. That is exactly what they should do. Back in March, the Trump administration issued an executive order on election integrity. This order sought to standardize some state election laws and security standards, citing federal laws such as the National Voter Registration Act and Help America Vote Act. Among other things, it criticized states for embracing various methods of voting and ballot counting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast forward to today. In recent weeks, states from Maine to California (including my home state of Utah) have gotten letters from the federal Department of Justice requesting private voter information. It has been reported that the DOJ told the National Association of Secretaries of State that it intends to send these letters to all 50 states. These letters cite the Help America Vote Act and suggest that the DOJ is seeking to ensure compliance with this federal law. The requested information includes descriptions of various state election processes and procedures, as well as a states current statewide voter registration list. The latter presents a serious problem that jeopardizes legal compliance and election integrity. Some of the information on voter rolls is public information that is required to be public under federal law. On the other hand, some voter roll information is sensitive, private identifying information. When it comes to disclosing confidential voter roll information, election officials in Utah and elsewhere should follow the wisdom taught to school children in dealing with people pushing harmful things on them: Just say no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sound legal analysis puts the law on the side of doing so. The federal Privacy Act of 1974 requires federal departments like the DOJ to provide public notice of any effort to collect data even publicly available data to allow public discussion and comment on the desired federal data gathering before it takes place. That hasnt happened. Additionally, states that share voter roll information with the DOJ without entering into data-sharing agreements required by law may be subject to legal liability. Just as problematic is how the DOJ request for voter roll information undermines election security by making it easier to commit election fraud. The foundation of the integrity of American elections lies in our tendency to avoid centralizing authority and information regarding elections prioritizing federalism over politics. Federal entities create voter equipment standards, states typically maintain voter rolls, local election officials handle and count ballots, and voters themselves ensure their ballot remains secure until it is cast. In other words, widespread voter fraud in the United States under the current system requires the co-opting of all levels of government or society simultaneously. This is why there is so little concrete evidence of actual voter fraud in America, even with so many elections happening every year. There are anecdotal stories that raise the specter of possible fraud, such as when someones friend or relative is sent a ballot that they shouldnt have gotten, but these stories primarily illustrate how the people themselves are preventing possible fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is federalism the disbursed responsibilities and safeguards at every level of government across the nation not top-down federal attempts like this latest DOJ compliance effort, that ensure election integrity. How much easier would election fraud become if the DOJ collected all voter data in a central database? Potential fraudsters would breathe a sigh of relief if they only had to hack one federal voter database instead of 50 state voter databases. Whether based on the law or election security principles, and regardless of which party controls the federal executive branch, states should say no to the federal DOJ request for private voter information. They will be protecting election integrity if they do. This commentary was originally published by Utah News Dispatch. Like Maine Morning Star, Utah News Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor McKenzie Romero for questions: info@utahnewsdispatch.com. This article was produced for ProPublicas Local Reporting Network in partnership with the Bangor Daily News. This story appears as part of a collaboration between The Maine Monitor and Maine Focus, the investigative team of the Bangor Daily News, a partnership to strengthen investigative journalism in Maine. You can show your support for this effort with a donation to The Monitor. Read more about the partnership. When Jasmin Belanger agreed to a plan to pay $750 in back rent, she had no idea how the decision would haunt her. It wasnt until 10 months later, while apartment hunting to distance herself from an ex-boyfriend she said had abused her, that she discovered an eviction on her record. She hadnt ever been ordered to move out, having paid her back rent on schedule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it turned out that the 2023 deal she made in court with her landlord to help her avoid eviction created a paper record that made it look like she had been evicted. That black mark kept her from finding a new place to live. Belangers landlord was the Bangor public housing authority, which operates apartments for low-income residents. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development strongly encourages public housing authorities to offer so-called repayment agreements to tenants who have fallen behind on rent in order to help them stay in their homes. It recommends that authorities reach these deals before cases reach eviction court. But housing authorities have flexibility as to how to design and enforce such agreements. And the way these second-chance opportunities are executed in some parts of Maine verbally in eviction courts with little judicial oversight has come back to harm even tenants who meet every term of their deals. Thats because judges here dont pause eviction cases even when tenants and housing authorities reach agreements. In fact, those judges often grant landlords possession of properties at the time that repayment deals are made expediting the process of kicking out tenants who violate the agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states have taken steps to prevent this, requiring landlords to return to court to evict tenants who dont fulfill the terms of their repayment plans. Housing authorities also could choose to pause or close eviction cases if repayment agreements are made in court, but they rarely do so in Maine, said Erica Veazey, an attorney with Pine Tree Legal Assistance, a legal aid group based in Portland that represents low-income tenants throughout the state. Most housing authorities in Maine, including Bangors, told the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica that they follow HUDs guidance and try to reach agreements with tenants outside of courts. But court records show thats not always true in Bangor, the states second-largest housing authority. There, 54 tenants had repayment agreements made in court, according to the newsrooms examination of eviction filings between 2019 and 2024. All 54 tenants ended up with eviction judgments in court records, including those who may have repaid their debts. (If a repayment agreement was made outside of court, it would not appear in any official record.) Maines court system is one of the last in the country to rely on paper records, making a holistic accounting of such ghost evictions difficult. But the Bangor cases show for the first time how these repayment agreements can backfire for tenants against the intent of the HUD guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presented with these findings, Mike Myatt, executive director of Bangors housing authority, said he did not know public housing residents would automatically end up with evictions on their records if they entered into repayment agreements in court. I dont quite understand or know how those processes may be changed, Myatt said, but we would certainly lead an effort or be part of an effort that would change those rules. Mike Myatt, executive director of Bangors housing authority. He said he did not know that public housing residents would automatically end up with evictions on their records if they entered into repayment agreements in court. Photo by Linda Coan OKresik of the Bangor Daily News. HUD, during President Donald Trumps first term, began urging housing authorities to reach repayment agreements before taking tenants to eviction court in July 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. In January, just before President Joe Biden left office, the agency reemphasized that guidance as part of new safeguards for public housing tenants; that doesnt include a recommendation about whether evictions should be included on tenants records as part of such deals. HUDs intent seems pretty clear: Eviction filing should be a last resort for housing authorities and not essentially a way to strong-arm tenants into agreeing to whatever terms you want to put them under, said Hannah Adams, a senior attorney at the National Housing Law Project, a nonprofit legal advocacy center for low-income tenants and homeowners. She practices in Louisiana, where judges regularly sign off on repayment agreements without entering an eviction judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the more than three dozen tenants contacted by the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica, only Belanger agreed to publicly share her experience about the consequences of having an eviction on her record. An eviction, even one that never actually happened, can haunt a persons financial record for years, visible to lenders and prospective landlords and hurting opportunities to obtain credit or rent a home, Adams said. Asked to comment on a range of questions, including the effect of housing authorities deviating from federal guidance, HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett issued a statement saying the Trump administration is reviewing all rules finalized during the last administration. Many artificially raised the cost of housing and administration of HUD programs, Lovett said. HUD is looking into this specific rule and considering necessary options to revise or remove this burden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency did not respond to follow-up questions about whether or how it would revise the guidance about repayment agreements. Perils of court-based deals Belanger said she fell behind on her rent in 2023 because she was paying to stay at a hotel to live away from her ex. She had also lost income because she was no longer showing up regularly to her cosmetology job due to the stress. An eviction notice delivered to her door in May 2023 prompted her to meet with a financial counselor at the Bangor housing authority. The counselor advised her to seek a repayment plan in order to remain in her apartment and avoid eviction court, Belanger said. But the housing authority initially refused, telling her that she could only get a repayment plan in court, according to a text message from a housing authority representative to Belanger. The text message appears to contradict Myatts characterization of his agencys standard practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myatt would not explain why Belanger was not allowed to enter into an agreement before court, saying he could not speak about individual eviction cases even with Belangers permission. Every eviction case is unique and has different circumstances, he said. We go above and beyond to help people stay in their housing. When her court date arrived two months later in July, Belanger said the process moved quickly. The judge called her name, and she was ushered to a conference room off the courthouse hallway where the housing authoritys attorney, Joseph Bethony, verbally offered her a deal: She could remain in her apartment if she paid her back rent. She said he never mentioned anything about an eviction going on her record. Bethony declined to comment, referring the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica to Myatt. There is no guidance on what housing authority attorneys are supposed to tell tenants when making repayment agreements, Myatt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal is to keep families housed and collect the very important rent we need to pay our expenses, Myatt said. Our counsel works with everyone to accomplish that goal. Belanger, who did not have an attorney, said she agreed to the repayment plan without seeing it in writing. Maine judges typically do not review repayment agreements made in eviction court between housing authorities and tenants. Photo by Linda Coan OKresik of the Bangor Daily News. She returned to the courtroom, where a judge asked if she had reached an agreement with the housing authority. She responded yes and the hearing ended, Belanger said. She believed the deal had been simple: Pay what she owed, make the payments on time and the housing authority would let her stay. The repayment agreements are drawn up by attorneys for the housing authority and are not typically reviewed by judges, according to Barbara Cardone, a spokesperson for the Maine Judicial Branch. Cardone said the courts authority in eviction cases is limited to determining whether the landlord can take possession of the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The housing authority said it does not give tenants the agreements to sign in court. After the hearing, the agency sends a letter to the tenant outlining the repayment agreement and terms of the court ruling. Myatt said he does not review the agreements. The copy of the agreement that Belanger eventually received was dated seven days after the court hearing and was signed by Bethony but not Belanger, according to the document reviewed by the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica. The one-page document said Belanger had agreed that the judge ruled in favor of the housing authority, which would have the power to immediately evict her if she does not pay her rent and back rent on time over the next year. She would not understand the implications until March 2024, while trying to move away from her ex, when a prospective landlord informed her she would not get the apartment because an eviction judgment had been entered against her in court. Belanger even had a reference letter from the housing authority saying that she had fulfilled her repayment agreement and her previous struggles paying rent were due to the monies she has had to spend staying away from her apartment to be safe, according to an email reviewed by the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica. I had paid off all of my debt, Belanger said in an interview. I would have fought this if I had known this was a consequence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myatt, head of the Bangor housing authority, said he trains his staff to use court-based agreements as a last resort. He said tenants should not be punished with eviction records if theyve fulfilled their agreements. If the obligations are met, he said, the eviction should be lifted. There is currently no way to expunge an eviction record in Maine. A housing complex managed by the Bangor public housing authority. It is the states second-largest housing authority. Photo by Linda Coan OKresik of the Bangor Daily News. Unlike in Maine, other places across the country have set up more guardrails around repayment agreements and evictions. Massachusetts requires all repayment agreements made in court to be in writing and approved by judicial officials. In addition, landlords cant automatically evict tenants who dont abide by their agreements; they must return to court to prove tenants did not uphold their side of the deals before obtaining enforceable eviction orders. In SeaTac, a Seattle suburb, local ordinances require eviction proceedings to stop in court if a tenant and landlord agree to a repayment agreement, so tenants do not wind up with evictions on their records. In Portland, Oregon, the public housing authority allows residents to sign repayment agreements at any point before eviction hearings. Nicole Summers, an associate professor at Georgetown Law who has extensively studied eviction settlements, refers to repayment agreements as civil probation. Thats because these agreements often include rules and conditions governing tenants behavior well beyond paying off back rent. In Maine, Veazey said that under some agreements, violating public housing rules by failing to mow your lawn or smoking too close to the building can lead to a tenants forced removal without having to return to court for an eviction order. In Presque Isle, the housing authority gave a public housing resident 48 hours to pack up and leave after she missed a rent payment. The woman, featured in a story by the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica in December, was homeless for three years after violating the repayment plan she had made in court. When there is no repayment agreement in place, landlords normally must provide tenants 30 days notice for most lease violations before filing eviction cases in court. Belangers agreement in Bangor featured a similar trigger for eviction. She wasnt just required to pay what she owed, she also had to make future rent payments on time for 12 months. In the two years since Belanger agreed to the repayment deal in court, she said she has felt trapped. Despite a positive reference from the Bangor housing authoritys director of property management, landlord after landlord rejected her rental application because of the eviction. It took the single mother of a toddler nine months to get into another apartment far away from her ex, who was out on bail after being arrested for allegedly beating and threatening to kill her. (He was later found not guilty after a trial.) Belanger said shes afraid to move again because the paper eviction hasnt gone away. Im probably still going to have this hassle coming along with me wherever I go. Mariam Elba of ProPublica and Christina Wallace contributed research. This story was supported in part by a grant from the Fund for Investigative Journalism. Bae Kyung-mi was five years old when the Americans dropped "Little Boy", the atomic bomb that flattened Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Like thousands of other ethnic Koreans working in the city at the time, her family kept the horror a secret. Many feared the stigma from doing menial work for colonial ruler Japan, and false rumours that radiation sickness was contagious. Bae recalls hearing planes overhead while she was playing at her home in Hiroshima on that day. Within minutes, she was buried in rubble. "I told my mom in Japanese, 'Mom! There are airplanes!'" Bae, now 85, told AFP. She passed out shortly after. Her home collapsed on top of her, but the debris shielded her from the burns that killed tens of thousands of people -- including her aunt and uncle. After the family moved back to Korea, they did not speak of their experience. "I never told my husband that I was in Hiroshima and a victim of the bombing," Bae said. "Back then, people often said you had married the wrong person if he or she was an atomic bombing survivor." Her two sons only learned she had been in Hiroshima when she registered at a special centre set up in 1996 in Hapcheon in South Korea for victims of the bombings, she said. Bae said she feared her children would suffer from radiation-related illnesses that afflicted her, forcing her to have her ovaries and a breast removed because of the high cancer risk. She knew why she was getting sick, but did not tell her own family. "We all hushed it up," she said. Some 740,000 people were killed or injured in the twin bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. More than 10 percent of the victims were Korean, data suggests, the result of huge flows of people to Japan while it colonised the Korean peninsula. Survivors who stayed in Japan found they had to endure discrimination both as "hibakusha", or atomic bomb survivors, and as Koreans. Many Koreans also had to choose between pro-Pyongyang and pro-Seoul groups in Japan, after the peninsula was left divided by the 1950-53 Korean War. Kwon Joon-oh's mother and father both survived the attack on Hiroshima. The 76-year-old's parents, like others of their generation, could only work by taking on "filthy and dangerous jobs" that the Japanese considered beneath them, he said. Korean victims were also denied an official memorial for decades, with a cenotaph for them put up in the Hiroshima Peace Park only in the late 1990s. Kim Hwa-ja was four on August 6, 1945 and remembers being put on a makeshift horse-drawn trap as her family tried to flee Hiroshima after the bomb. Smoke filled the air and the city was burning, she said, recalling how she peeped out from under a blanket covering her, and her mother screaming at her not to look. Korean groups estimate that up to 50,000 Koreans may have been in the city that day, including tens of thousands working as forced labourers at military sites. But records are sketchy. "The city office was devastated so completely that it wasn't possible to track down clear records," a Hiroshima official told AFP. Japan's colonial policy banned the use of Korean names, further complicating record-keeping. After the attacks, tens of thousands of Korean survivors moved back to their newly-independent country. But many have struggled with health issues and stigma ever since. "In those days, there were unfounded rumours that radiation exposure could be contagious," said Jeong Soo-won, director of the country's Hapcheon Atomic Bomb Victim Center. Nationwide, there are believed to be some 1,600 South Korean survivors still alive, Jeong said -- with 82 of them in residence at the center. Seoul enacted a special law in 2016 to help the survivors -- including a monthly stipend of around $72 -- but it provides no assistance to their offspring or extended families. "There are many second- and third-generation descendants affected by the bombings and suffering from congenital illnesses," said Jeong. A provision to support them "must be included" in future, he said. A Japanese hibakusha group won the Nobel Peace Prize last year in recognition of their efforts to show the world the horrors of nuclear war. But 80 years after the attacks, many survivors in both Japan and Korea say the world has not learned. US President Donald Trump recently compared his strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. "Would he understand the tragedy of what the Hiroshima bombing has caused? Would he understand that of Nagasaki?" survivor Kim Gin-ho said. In Korea, the Hapcheon center will hold a commemoration on August 6 -- with survivors hoping that this year the event will attract more attention. From politicians, "there has been only talk... but no interest", she said. The Macao Tourism Government Office (MGTO) announced yesterday that it will partner with the Association of Returned Overseas Chinese Macau to host a 10-day night market in ZAPE. The market will transform Rua de Cantao and Rua de Pequim into a pedestrian zone filled with food stalls and cultural creative booths. The event is set to kick off on August 15 under the theme Discovering the Flavors of ZAPE, and it aims to bring together the pedestrian streets in the area, including Rua de Cantao, Rua de Pequim, and Rua de Xangai, said Cheng Wai Tong, deputy director of MGTO. According to Cheng, MOP4.6 million has been allocated for the events overall budget, which MGTO and the association will jointly cover. This means participating businesses wont need to make any additional investments. MGTO will invest the larger share amounting to MOP3.6 million. Cheng emphasized that the event aims to promote local economic development by attracting tourists to spend money. Although the event will last for only 10 days, we hope to use this opportunity to lay the groundwork for future community renovations that better align with tourists needs and spending habits, he said. The same official added that the ZAPE area has been lacking in community events, making this upcoming event significant, given the areas characteristics. This event will be a pioneering effort for this area. MGTO plans to closely monitor it to gauge how the community and visitors respond, Cheng said in response to a media inquiry. According to Cheng, the MGTO has engaged in discussions with 21 hotels and businesses in the district, with participation steadily increasing. During the event, the authorities will gather feedback from ZAPE residents to ensure a balance between the needs of tourists and them. He noted that recruitment for the event has already started, and activities will be extended into the evening to cater to the nightlife habits of residents there. However, he emphasized that business hours will not extend past midnight. POP MART CITYWALK quite successful Concurrently with the unveiling of ZAPEs night market, Cheng said that the activity co-organized by the MGTO and POP MART has been quite successful so far, attracting visitors to the area and boosting consumption. Noting that overall results will be announced once the activity concludes, MGTO unveiled yesterday data that states that in the first two phases, from June 6 to July 26, the event attracted approximately 343,000 visitors to the four community-based installations and activity hubs. The consumption-based lottery received 1.28 million entries, with 850,000 users triggering lottery opportunities through purchases. The total eligible transaction amount reached MOP1.6 billion. Like this: Like Loading... (Image by Cat Willett for ProPublica) This article was produced for ProPublicas Local Reporting Network in partnership with the Bangor Daily News. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published. When Jasmin Belanger agreed to a plan to pay $750 in back rent, she had no idea how the decision would haunt her. It wasnt until 10 months later, while apartment hunting to distance herself from an ex-boyfriend she said had abused her, that she discovered an eviction on her record. She hadnt ever been ordered to move out, having paid her back rent on schedule. But it turned out that the 2023 deal she made in court with her landlord to help her avoid eviction created a paper record that made it look like she had been evicted. That black mark kept her from finding a new place to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belangers landlord was the Bangor public housing authority, which operates apartments for low-income residents. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development strongly encourages public housing authorities to offer so-called repayment agreements to tenants who have fallen behind on rent in order to help them stay in their homes. It recommends that authorities reach these deals before cases reach eviction court. But housing authorities have flexibility as to how to design and enforce such agreements. And the way these second-chance opportunities are executed in some parts of Maine verbally in eviction courts with little judicial oversight has come back to harm even tenants who meet every term of their deals. Thats because judges here dont pause eviction cases even when tenants and housing authorities reach agreements. In fact, those judges often grant landlords possession of properties at the time that repayment deals are made expediting the process of kicking out tenants who violate the agreements. Some states have taken steps to prevent this, requiring landlords to return to court to evict tenants who dont fulfill the terms of their repayment plans. Housing authorities also could choose to pause or close eviction cases if repayment agreements are made in court, but they rarely do so in Maine, said Erica Veazey, an attorney with Pine Tree Legal Assistance, a legal aid group based in Portland that represents low-income tenants throughout the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most housing authorities in Maine, including Bangors, told the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica that they follow HUDs guidance and try to reach agreements with tenants outside of courts. But court records show thats not always true in Bangor, the states second-largest housing authority. There, 54 tenants had repayment agreements made in court, according to the newsrooms examination of eviction filings between 2019 and 2024. All 54 tenants ended up with eviction judgments in court records, including those who may have repaid their debts. (If a repayment agreement was made outside of court, it would not appear in any official record.) Maines court system is one of the last in the country to rely on paper records, making a holistic accounting of such ghost evictions difficult. But the Bangor cases show for the first time how these repayment agreements can backfire for tenants against the intent of the HUD guidance. Presented with these findings, Mike Myatt, executive director of Bangors housing authority, said he did not know public housing residents would automatically end up with evictions on their records if they entered into repayment agreements in court. I dont quite understand or know how those processes may be changed, Myatt said, but we would certainly lead an effort or be part of an effort that would change those rules. Mike Myatt, executive director of Bangors housing authority. He said he did not know that public housing residents would automatically end up with evictions on their records if they entered into repayment agreements in court.(Photo byLinda Coan OKresik/BDN) HUD, during President Donald Trumps first term, began urging housing authorities to reach repayment agreements before taking tenants to eviction court in July 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. In January, just before President Joe Biden left office, the agency reemphasized that guidance as part of new safeguards for public housing tenants; that doesnt include a recommendation about whether evictions should be included on tenants records as part of such deals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HUDs intent seems pretty clear: Eviction filing should be a last resort for housing authorities and not essentially a way to strong-arm tenants into agreeing to whatever terms you want to put them under, said Hannah Adams, a senior attorney at the National Housing Law Project, a nonprofit legal advocacy center for low-income tenants and homeowners. She practices in Louisiana, where judges regularly sign off on repayment agreements without entering an eviction judgment. Of the more than three dozen tenants contacted by the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica, only Belanger agreed to publicly share her experience about the consequences of having an eviction on her record. An eviction, even one that never actually happened, can haunt a persons financial record for years, visible to lenders and prospective landlords and hurting opportunities to obtain credit or rent a home, Adams said. Asked to comment on a range of questions, including the effect of housing authorities deviating from federal guidance, HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett issued a statement saying the Trump administration is reviewing all rules finalized during the last administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many artificially raised the cost of housing and administration of HUD programs, Lovett said. HUD is looking into this specific rule and considering necessary options to revise or remove this burden. The agency did not respond to follow-up questions about whether or how it would revise the guidance about repayment agreements. Perils of court-based deals Belanger said she fell behind on her rent in 2023 because she was paying to stay at a hotel to live away from her ex. She had also lost income because she was no longer showing up regularly to her cosmetology job due to the stress. An eviction notice delivered to her door in May 2023 prompted her to meet with a financial counselor at the Bangor housing authority. The counselor advised her to seek a repayment plan in order to remain in her apartment and avoid eviction court, Belanger said. But the housing authority initially refused, telling her that she could only get a repayment plan in court, according to a text message from a housing authority representative to Belanger. The text message appears to contradict Myatts characterization of his agencys standard practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myatt would not explain why Belanger was not allowed to enter into an agreement before court, saying he could not speak about individual eviction cases even with Belangers permission. Every eviction case is unique and has different circumstances, he said. We go above and beyond to help people stay in their housing. When her court date arrived two months later in July, Belanger said the process moved quickly. The judge called her name, and she was ushered to a conference room off the courthouse hallway where the housing authoritys attorney, Joseph Bethony, verbally offered her a deal: She could remain in her apartment if she paid her back rent. She said he never mentioned anything about an eviction going on her record. Bethony declined to comment, referring the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica to Myatt. There is no guidance on what housing authority attorneys are supposed to tell tenants when making repayment agreements, Myatt said. Our goal is to keep families housed and collect the very important rent we need to pay our expenses, Myatt said. Our counsel works with everyone to accomplish that goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belanger, who did not have an attorney, said she agreed to the repayment plan without seeing it in writing. Maine judges typically do not review repayment agreements made in eviction court between housing authorities and tenants. (Photo by Linda Coan OKresik/BDN) She returned to the courtroom, where a judge asked if she had reached an agreement with the housing authority. She responded yes and the hearing ended, Belanger said. She believed the deal had been simple: Pay what she owed, make the payments on time and the housing authority would let her stay. The repayment agreements are drawn up by attorneys for the housing authority and are not typically reviewed by judges, according to Barbara Cardone, a spokesperson for the Maine Judicial Branch. Cardone said the courts authority in eviction cases is limited to determining whether the landlord can take possession of the property. The housing authority said it does not give tenants the agreements to sign in court. After the hearing, the agency sends a letter to the tenant outlining the repayment agreement and terms of the court ruling. Myatt said he does not review the agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The copy of the agreement that Belanger eventually received was dated seven days after the court hearing and was signed by Bethony but not Belanger, according to the document reviewed by the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica. The one-page document said Belanger had agreed that the judge ruled in favor of the housing authority, which would have the power to immediately evict her if she does not pay her rent and back rent on time over the next year. She would not understand the implications until March 2024, while trying to move away from her ex, when a prospective landlord informed her she would not get the apartment because an eviction judgment had been entered against her in court. Belanger even had a reference letter from the housing authority saying that she had fulfilled her repayment agreement and her previous struggles paying rent were due to the monies she has had to spend staying away from her apartment to be safe, according to an email reviewed by the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica. I had paid off all of my debt, Belanger said in an interview. I would have fought this if I had known this was a consequence. Myatt, head of the Bangor housing authority, said he trains his staff to use court-based agreements as a last resort. He said tenants should not be punished with eviction records if theyve fulfilled their agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the obligations are met, he said, the eviction should be lifted. There is currently no way to expunge an eviction record in Maine. A housing complex managed by the Bangor public housing authority. It is the states second-largest housing authority. (Photo by Linda Coan OKresik/BDN) Unlike in Maine, other places across the country have set up more guardrails around repayment agreements and evictions. Massachusetts requires all repayment agreements made in court to be in writing and approved by judicial officials. In addition, landlords cant automatically evict tenants who dont abide by their agreements; they must return to court to prove tenants did not uphold their side of the deals before obtaining enforceable eviction orders. In SeaTac, a Seattle suburb, local ordinances require eviction proceedings to stop in court if a tenant and landlord agree to a repayment agreement, so tenants do not wind up with evictions on their records. In Portland, Oregon, the public housing authority allows residents to sign repayment agreements at any point before eviction hearings. Nicole Summers, an associate professor at Georgetown Law who has extensively studied eviction settlements, refers to repayment agreements as civil probation. Thats because these agreements often include rules and conditions governing tenants behavior well beyond paying off back rent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Maine, Veazey said that under some agreements, violating public housing rules by failing to mow your lawn or smoking too close to the building can lead to a tenants forced removal without having to return to court for an eviction order. In Presque Isle, the housing authority gave a public housing resident 48 hours to pack up and leave after she missed a rent payment. The woman, featured in a story by the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica in December, was homeless for three years after violating the repayment plan she had made in court. When there is no repayment agreement in place, landlords normally must provide tenants 30 days notice for most lease violations before filing eviction cases in court. Belangers agreement in Bangor featured a similar trigger for eviction. She wasnt just required to pay what she owed, she also had to make future rent payments on time for 12 months. In the two years since Belanger agreed to the repayment deal in court, she said she has felt trapped. Despite a positive reference from the Bangor housing authoritys director of property management, landlord after landlord rejected her rental application because of the eviction. It took the single mother of a toddler nine months to get into another apartment far away from her ex, who was out on bail after being arrested for allegedly beating and threatening to kill her. (He was later found not guilty after a trial.) Belanger said shes afraid to move again because the paper eviction hasnt gone away. Im probably still going to have this hassle coming along with me wherever I go. Mariam Elba of ProPublica and Christina Wallace contributed research. This story was supported in part by a grant from the Fund for Investigative Journalism. Bangor Daily News reporter Sawyer Loftus may be reached at sloftus@bangordailynews.com. Severe weather across the United States has caused challenges for many travelers over the past few days. Over the weekend hundreds of flights were canceled and thousands were delayed as inclement weather conditions rocked major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Denver International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. Cancellations Continued on Saturday, Aug. 2 Late last week the most-traveled airport in the United States, Atlanta, was forced to cancel over 200 flights from Delta alone as the airport was under a heavy deluge of poor weather conditions. Storms in the area persisted over the weekend as the airport reported 330 delays and 76 cancellations, according to Travel and Tour World. Delta Air Lines, which uses Atlanta as a major hub, alone was forced to cancel nearly 70 flights and suffered 194 delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Atlanta was hardly the only major airport that left travelers delayed or looking for a new flight home. Newark Liberty International Airport recorded 349 delays and 46 cancellations as United Airlines made up 144 of the delays and nine of the cancellations. Other major hubs like Charlotte, Dallas and Philadelphia also suffered a number of cancellations, bringing the daily total to just under 300. Ground Stop at Denver International Airport Not included in the totals from Travel and Tour World were the heavy delays and cancellations from Denver International Airport, which was forced into a ground stop from the Federal Aviation Administration thanks to more severe weather. According to FlightAware, there were a total of 874 delays with another 79 cancellations with SkyWest being the most impacted with the cancellation of 63 total flights. SkyWest, Delta and Southwest all suffered at least 156 delays with Delta leading the unfortunate statistic with 311 delays on the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newest data from FlightAware shows delays and cancellations are down from previous days in the United States on Sunday, Aug. 3. Related: Southwest Airlines Announces Change on All Flights Starting August 13 Major Airlines Suddenly Cancel More Than 300 Flights first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 3, 2025 In early July, Germany's economy ministry proposed a draft law that would prioritize geothermal energy projects over fossil fuels, according to Reuters. If passed, it would streamline the approval process for building geothermal facilities and other geothermal-powered appliances, such as heat pumps and heating pipelines, as well as ease restrictions. The ministry hopes to pass this law by early 2026. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal power is drawn from replenishable hot water reservoirs underneath the Earth's surface. The heat energy is converted to steam, which is then converted into electricity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike finite fossil fuels, geothermal energy is sustainable over long periods of time. Geothermal power plants also use less land, create less pollution, and consume less water than their more traditional counterparts. The German government isn't the only one waking up to the potential of geothermal energy projects. For example, Fervo Energy, a U.S.-based company, is building dozens of wells to get a head start on this renewable power resource, cutting down the usual drilling time by 70%. Geothermal provides Iceland with 66% of its primary energy, according to the government, lessening its reliance on imported coal and boosting its economy. Fortunately, you don't have to wait for your country to pass similar laws to use this resource. If geothermal energy piques your interest, geothermal heat pumps can be beneficial. They're more efficient home heaters than those powered by fossil fuels and can cut down on your energy bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the law has not yet been passed at the time of writing, the German government seems keen on making it happen. A new draft was published a few weeks after the first, proposing even faster approval procedures and legal clarifications, per Think Geoenergy. It would be the first law of its kind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. NEED TO KNOW Jacob Zieben-Hood was found dead at the New York City home he shared with his husband, Donald Zieben-Hood, on Friday, Aug. 1 Prosecutors allege that Donald, 40, cut Jacob, 34, with a knife on the head and leg during a confrontation on Thursday evening On Sunday, Aug. 3, Donald was arrested on charges of burglary, criminal contempt and weapons possession but not charged with the death of Jacob A male model has been arrested after his fitness trainer husband was found dead with multiple stab wounds at their New York City home, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At approximately 4 a.m. local time on Friday, Aug. 1, Jacob Zieben-Hood, 34 who worked for the personal training company SystimFit, per his Instagram was found dead at his Harlem apartment on West 138th Street, NBC 4 New York reported, citing charging documents. A New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, "Police responded to a 911 call for an unconscious male inside 250 West 138 Street within the confines of the 32 Precinct. Upon arrival, officers observed an unconscious 34-year-old male with multiple stab wounds to his legs. EMS responded and pronounced the male deceased on scene." Police confirmed in their statement that no one has been charged with his death at this time, but their investigation is ongoing. Dave Kotinsky/Getty Donald and Jacob Zieben-Hood Donald and Jacob Zieben-Hood Jacob was discovered slumped over a toilet with multiple wounds across his body, NBC 4 New York reported, citing prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had a gash on his head and several wounds to the back of his leg, including one that was deep enough to penetrate the muscle, per the outlet. Jacob's husband, Donald Zieben-Hood, 40, has been arrested following the incident, per the New York Daily News. He was arraigned on Sunday, Aug. 3, on charges of burglary, criminal contempt and weapons possession. Donald has not been charged for the death of his husband, but the case is being investigated as a homicide, according to NBC 4 News. Jacob and Donald had allegedly got into a fight in their Harlem apartment at around 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, the evening before Jacob was found dead, PIX11 reported, citing court records. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Authorities are pictured at the scene after Jacob Zieben-Hood is found dead on Aug. 1, 2025 Authorities are pictured at the scene after Jacob Zieben-Hood is found dead on Aug. 1, 2025 Jacob allegedly called his father during the confrontation and told him his husband had been preventing him from leaving the apartment and threatening him with a knife, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacob's father alleged that he could hear Donald in the background of the call, yelling at his son and calling him names, NBC 4 New York reported. Donald claimed he fell asleep following the alleged dispute, before waking up around 4 a.m. to find Jacob dead, per the New York Post. JP Yim/Getty Donald Zieben-Hood Donald Zieben-Hood Prosecutors allege that Donald cut Jacob with a knife on the head and leg before calling 911, PIX11 reported. He told the operator he had an order of protection against him and was worried he'd be arrested for violating the order. When police arrived at the scene in the early hours of Friday morning, the defendant who officials said had three cuts on his arm that needed stitches allegedly claimed Jacob had attacked him with a knife, according to NBC 4 New York. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The couple had a history of domestic abuse dating back to 2022, the outlet noted, citing officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald has two open criminal contempt cases, including one for allegedly strangling his husband twice in one night, PIX11 reported, citing prosecutors. The New York State Unified Court System didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Contact information for an attorney representing Donald Zieben-Hood was unavailable. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People FIRST ON FOX: New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appeared at a church over the weekend led by a pastor with a history of controversial statements on race, anti-Israel ties and support for reparations. "My profound thanks to Rev. Stephen A. Green and the Greater Allen AME for the honor of addressing their beautiful congregation in Jamaica, Queens this morning," Mamdani posted on X late Sunday. Mamdani spoke at the church for over 10 minutes and delivered a politically charged sermon that weaved in Scripture in an attempt to justify his campaign platform. Near the end of his sermon, Mamdani said New York City and the United States are facing a "dark moment." He then called the Trump administration an "authoritarian government" and slammed ICE for "abduct[ing]" immigrants." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That is not justice. It is cruelty and it is criminal. These are our neighbors. These are people who are guilty of only wanting a field of their own to harvest," he continued. New York Lawmaker Sounds Alarm On Potential 'Devastating' Effects Of Mamdani Victory: 'Chaos' He went on to target the issue of affordability in New York City, an issue that has resonated with his supporters, and asked, "What good is New York City being the greatest city in the world if New Yorkers cannot afford to live here?" Read On The Fox News App Green, who called Mamdani his "brother and friend," repeatedly said, "Amen" after the sermon and thanked him for attending. Like Mamdani, who has espoused several controversial political views, Green is no stranger to pushing his radical views on social media. In 2021, he called for a "new U.S. Constitution" on social media, saying the country needs a document that "guarantees the right to vote, abolishes the electoral college, provides reparations for slavery, guarantees annual income, and so much more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2022 Facebook post, Green, who calls himself a "global thought leader at the intersection of faith and social justice" and an "activist," called on President Joe Biden to establish a commission on reparations because the "impact of slavery and its vestiges are felt in every aspect of life for Black people." "I was proud to be arrested at the DC Airport with my comrades to protect voting rights, DC Statehood, and reparations," Green said in a 2021 Facebook post that included a video of him being arrested. "We must continue to escalate our actions across the nation in order to protect voting rights. This is our revolutionary summer. Hold on, we must keep our eyes on the prize." "Trumps executive order is still entrenched in White Supremacist nationalism," Green posted on Facebook in June 2018. "We can not ease up on our pressure to abolish ICE and open our borders." Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani campaigns in New York City on April 16, 2025. In another Facebook post that year, Green insisted on "abolish[ing] the system of policing in this nation" and amplified a separate post accusing the system of policing in the United States as being anti-Black. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One month after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Green participated in a rally calling for a ceasefire. Pastor Jamal Bryant, who Fox News Digital previously reported has a long history of praising notorious antisemite Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, was one of the leaders at the rally. Bryant is the leading voice behind the recent boycott of Target. Liberal activists urged the public not to shop at the retailer in response to the company's rollback of DEI guidelines. Green also led another rally the following February that was promoted as a "peace pilgrammage" for Gaza, saying, "We walked 150 miles to push the Biden administration to demand a ceasefire to protect the lives of all precious Palestinians and to pursue the beloved community." "The Black prophetic tradition calls me to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God as we speak out against genocide, occupation and war," he continued, appearing to take a shot against Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timeline: Evolution Of Mamdani's Defunding Police Rhetoric To This Week's 'Damage Control' In recent weeks, Mamdani has faced an onslaught of attacks as old interviews and past social media posts were unearthed, including several from 2020 and 2021 calling for defunding police. "We need a socialist city council to defund the police," Mamdani posted on X in July 2020. "Queer liberation means defund the police," Mamdani posted on X in November 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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, last week, in the wake of a Midtown Manhattan shooting that left a NYPD officer dead, Mamdani said his calls to defund the police were made out of "frustration" over George Floyds death and appeared to distance himself from his past rhetoric. His comments left several in the community unconvinced that he had genuinely turned the page from antagonizing the police, believing the walkback was politically driven as the city reels from the worst mass shooting in half a century. Fox News Digital reached out to the Mamdani campaign and Green for comment. Original article source: Mamdani preaches from pulpit of radical pastor pushing reparations, abolishing police: 'Brother and friend' The Brief A 41-year-old man was shot in the chest and killed Monday around 5:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of West 56th Street on Chicagos South Side. He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center; no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. CHICAGO - A 41-year-old man was fatally shot Monday evening on the citys South Side, according to Chicago police. What we know The shooting occurred shortly after 5:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of West 56th Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the man was standing near a sidewalk when he was shot in the chest. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not been released. What's next Further details on the shooting haven't been released. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. NEED TO KNOW A 61-year-old California man was killed after being struck by multiple vehicles The Los Angeles Police Department reported that the victim died on the way to the hospital Authorities are now looking for the drivers that were involved in the fatal incident A man has been killed after being involved in multiple hit-and-run incidents in Los Angeles. At around 9 p.m. local time on Sunday, Aug. 3, the 61-year-old man was struck by a car traveling northbound on La Brea Ave. while crossing an unmarked crosswalk on Rosewood Avenue. The victim was then struck by at least two other vehicles, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release shared to X on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the vehicles that struck the pedestrian stopped to identify themselves, render aid, or call 911 to get him assistance as required by law, said the LAPD. GoogleMaps Street view of corner of La Brea Avenue and Roseland Street in Los Angeles Street view of corner of La Brea Avenue and Roseland Street in Los Angeles The Los Angeles Fire Department's paramedics responded to the scene. The victim was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital, per the release. No further details on the victim have been released at this time. A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered to anyone who can provide any information on the offenders as part of the Hit-and-Run Reward Program Trust Fund, the LAPD said. The fund was created under the amendment of the Los Angeles Administrative Code in April 2015. Motorists are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves, the police said, per the release. Getty Stock photo of a Los Angeles Police Department vehicle Stock photo of a Los Angeles Police Department vehicle Police are asking anyone with information to contact Officer Lopez Del Haro, Serial No. 34345, or Det. Moreno, Serial No. 32013, South Traffic Division at 323-421-2500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. PEOPLE has contacted the LAPD for further comment. Read the original article on People GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) On Tuesday, Patrick Egan, accused of strangling a KKCO reporter in a bias-motivated attack, pleaded not guilty. Sunshine Rides driver arrested for bias-motivated assault at KKCO Egan allegedly followed a KKCO reporter from Delta back to KKCO, reportedly asking for his ID and if he was an American citizen. When the two arrived at KKCO, Egan allegedly tackled and choked the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not Patrick: Man who assaulted KKCO reporter appears in court Egan faces charges of second-degree assault by strangulation, bias-motivated crimes and harassment. Egans trial is set to start Jan. 12, 2026 and is expected to last five days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. STATHERN, England (WJW) A man from England has been charged in connection with several children getting sick during a summer camp in July. According to a press release from the Leicestershire Police Department, 76-year-old John Ruben was charged with three counts of ill-treatment of a child after a report was received on July 27 that children at a summer camp being held at Stathern Lodge had become unwell. Vermilion gas station canopy partially collapses during crash; driver hospitalized Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubens charges relate to three different children at the summer camp. On July 27, emergency services arrived at the scene and took eight boys between the ages of 8 and 11 to the hospital as a precaution, the release stated. Ruben was also taken to the hospital. All have since been discharged. CBS News reported that Ruben was arrested after allegedly giving children sedative-laced candy. The news outlet also reported that he appeared in Leicester Magistrates Court on Saturday, Aug. 2, where he did not enter a plea. The Guardian reported that Ruben was ordered to remain in custody until his next hearing on Aug. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is your water discolored? Heres whats causing it The owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are independent from those people who use or hire the lodge and are not connected to the incident, the release stated. This is an active criminal investigation and we ask that people do not speculate further about the incident, particularly on social media platforms. Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands Janine McKinney said, This has been an extremely upsetting and shocking moment for the community, and especially for the children and parents most directly affected. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. HOLDENVILLE, Okla. (KFOR) Law enforcement agencies from several counties spent the day tracking down leads in an attempt to find a man accused of a Sunday night home invasion and assault. He was taken into custody on Monday in Seminole County. Holdenville Police said Joshua Draper was wanted for busting into a home on South Oak Street and assaulting a man and woman. The man was stabbed and rushed to a local hospital, where he was in critical condition on Monday. Officers said Draper was considered armed and dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive known the guy for a long time, said Brian Stephens, who lives across the street from where the attack happened. RELATED: Holdenville Police investigating home invasion, aggravated assault Stephens said he had just pulled up to his home Sunday night when he heard a commotion. I came up front to help my mom get some stuff in the house, and they were screaming, coming from the front door, said Stephens. He said he heard someone yelling for help. We seen lights and we came up here and he was laid up in the driveway with the ambulance around him, said Stephens. Police said Draper pulled up to the neighborhood on his motorcycle. They said that after the assault, he left on the bike before ditching it about a mile away off Main Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers have yet to confirm the motive behind the attack, but Stephens said the three were involved in a love triangle. [Draper] was in jail when they started seeing each other, said Stephens, referring to the two victims inside the home. Draper has a long list of prior arrests, including one from last year for domestic abuse. He was recently released from prison. District 22 District Attorney Erik Johnson told News 4 that his drug enforcement task force issued a search warrant for Draper Sunday night. Weve got good cooperation with law enforcement in Hughes County, said Johnson. We anticipate he will be in custody soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is currently no information on what charges Draper might face, as that will be up to the district attorney. News 4 will keep you 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A man suspected of targeting and killing members of his girlfriend's family and leaving a baby abandoned in front of a stranger's home has been arrested in rural Tennessee. The weeklong manhunt for Austin Robert Drummond ended after local authorities instituted an early morning shelter-in-place for residents near Jackson after he was sighted there. Residents were warned to lock doors and windows as police searched for him. Police accuse Drummond, 28, of killing the baby's parents, grandmother and teenaged uncle before abandoning the infant in front of a stranger's house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest "marks an important step in restoring safety to our community," Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley said. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Director David Rausch had called the killings "targeted" and said the suspect had a relationship with the family. Police elaborated on that after his capture, saying on Tuesday that the killing spree targeted members of his girlfriend's family. Authorities did not offer a motive but said at least one of his girlfriend's sisters were killed, along with her mother. Drummond was caught after multiple people called law enforcement at 8:00 CDT (14:00 BST) on Tuesday to say they had seen the suspect, Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley said during a news conference. They arrested him shortly after, at 9:05 local time, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest comes a week after a baby, left in a car seat, was found in front of a stranger's home in Tigrett, Tennessee on July 29, prompting a search for the parents. Soon after, the four family members were found dead about 40 miles (64km) away in Tiptonville. It prompted a statewide manhunt for Drummond. The baby is safe and being cared for, authorities have said. A photo of Drummond's capture shared by the TBI shows him in a black hoodie in a wooded area in Jackson, about 70 miles south of Tiptonville, where the family was found dead. The victims have been identified as James M. Wilson, 21, and Adrianna Williams, 20, the baby's parents; Cortney Rose, 38, the infant's grandmother; and Braydon Williams, 15, the baby's uncle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three other people have been arrested and charged with assisting Drummond after the quadruple killings. Before his arrest, police released footage appearing to show Drummond carrying a gun and wearing camouflage clothing while trying to enter a building. A $32,500 reward for information that would lead to his arrest was offered on Monday as authorities scrambled to end the search. Drummond is facing charges including 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 He was previously convicted of robbing a convenience store in 2013 with a gun. He was released in September 2024 after serving 13 years in prison, according to Tennessee prison records. In 2020, a district attorney warned the state's parole board against releasing Drummond early, citing threats to jurors and multiple disciplinary actions while in prison. "This type of behavior clearly demonstrates that Drummond has no desire for rehabilitation and is not capable of living among society," Jody Pickens wrote. NEED TO KNOW Authorities in Tennessee apprehended Austin Drummond, who is accused of killing four people Previously, two men and a woman were arrested and charged as accessories after the fact Drummond is accused of the murders of Adrianna Williams, 20, James M. Wilson, 21, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, and abandoning an infant. Authorities in Tennessee say they have arrested the man accused of killing four family members and abandoning an infant in a stranger's yard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin Robert Drummond is accused of killing Adrianna Williams, 20, James M. Wilson, 21, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, who were found dead on July 29, authorities said. Their bodies were discovered after James and Adrianna's baby was found 25 miles away. Following a multi-day manhunt, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Drummond was in law enforcement custody in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5. Previously, authorities had obtained a warrant for Drummond's arrest on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Austin Robert Drummond Austin Robert Drummond The victims were the mother, father, grandmother and uncle of the infant, who was found in Dyer County, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummonds empty car was found on Friday, Aug. 1, over an hours drive away from where the four deceased individuals were located, the Dyer County Sheriff's Office said. Cortney Rose/Facebook; Adrianna Williams/Facebook(2) Cortney Rose, Adrianna Williams and Matthew Wilson, Braydon Williams Cortney Rose, Adrianna Williams and Matthew Wilson, Braydon Williams 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. Prior to Drummond's capture, authorities arrested two men and a woman who are accused of assisting Drummond after the alleged murders. On Monday, Aug. 4, the TBI said Dearrah Sanders had been arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Before that, Tanaka Brown and Giovonte Thomas were arrested and charged with the same crime. Read the original article on People BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A man appeared in court Tuesday on charges of domestic violence after a weekend incident. Read next: Columbiana company facing foreclosure due to unpaid debts Caden Moffo, 20, was arraigned before Judge Joseph Houser on Tuesday morning on two misdemeanor charges of domestic violence. The charges stem from an incident just before 1 a.m. Sunday, after police received multiple calls for a domestic episode reportedly involving a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police reports state Moffo said he wanted to talk to a woman known to him, and after she got into the car to speak with him, he drove off with her to a different residence. At that residence, the woman told police that Moffo kept pulling a gun out of his waistband and claiming he would kill her. The victim told police she thought the gun was real, but the investigation revealed it was actually a BB gun shaped to look like a Glock pistol, according to reports. At the secondary location, the woman told police Moffo threw a cup of bleach on her outside the home. While Moffo told police he had slammed a bottle of bleach on a table and it only splashed on her shirt, reports state bleach was found on her clothes and in the grass near the residence. Moffo was arrested at the scene on charges of domestic violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is set to return to Boardman court Sept. 2 for a pretrial. Court records show Moffo was indicted by a Mahoning County Grand Jury in June on charges of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer. He entered a guilty plea in that case and will be sentenced Aug. 15 before Judge Maureen Sweeney. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man accused of robbing an armored truck in Summerlin served probation for the same crime in another part of Las Vegas several years ago, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. On July 16, Devonte Jackson, 29, allegedly robbed an armed truck outside of a bank on Charleston Avenue near Hualapai Way, Metro police said. Jackson stole an estimated $300,000, according to a police source. On July 29, troopers in Texas, with the help of the FBI, took Jackson into custody in Centerville, Texas, Metro said last week. Police booked Jackson into the McLennan County jail in Waco, Texas, on one count of robbery with the use of a deadly weapon and one count of coercion with force with the use of a deadly weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, Jackson entered an Alford plea on charges connected to a 2018 armored truck robbery involving the theft of $14,000, records said. The plea involved charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and prohibited ownership of a firearm. An Alford plea means a defendant does not admit guilt but believes prosecutors have enough evidence to sway a jury to convict. Prosecutors did not recommend a sentence to Clark County District Court Judge Jasmin Lilly-Spells before she sentenced Jackson to probation for three years, documents said. The 2018 armed truck robbery involved a Loomis money transport van parked outside of an east valley fast food business, documents said. At the time of his arrest in 2019, police said Jacksons DNA matched a swab taken from a pistol the trucks security guard was carrying. Prosecutors said that the guard was the only person who had ever handled the weapon. At the time of his sentencing, Jackson was already a convicted felon and had served prison time for attempted theft, records said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, probation officers requested Jackson be dishonorably discharged from probation for failing to comply with all his conditions involving community service and employment, documents said. Lilly-Spells determined Jackson had successfully completed his program and honorably discharged him. Jackson had not yet returned to Las Vegas to face his new charges as of Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. NEED TO KNOW Police arrested a man in Brazil after he was allegedly caught with 600 baby tortoises on a bus The tortoises were hidden in his luggage, and some of them died during the drive He reportedly told police that he was planning to sell them at a market in Rio de Janeiro A man in Brazil was arrested after approximately 600 baby tortoises were found stuffed inside suitcases in a luggage compartment on a bus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, July 31, the Federal Highway Police apprehended the suspect after the animals were discovered on an interstate bus, which was traveling from Natal to Rio de Janeiro, per the Associated Press. Officers stopped the vehicle at around 2:30 p.m. local time for a routine inspection on the BR-116 highway in Teresopolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, the news agency reported, sharing a video of the shocking findings. Viral Press Hundreds of baby tortoises were found in suitcases on a bus in Brazil Hundreds of baby tortoises were found in suitcases on a bus in Brazil Police found hundreds of red-footed baby tortoises inside the suitcases belonging to a commuter during a search of the luggage compartment, per the AP. The suspect boarded the bus in the city of Feira de Santana, in the state of Bahia, local news agency Agencia Brasil reported. Viral Press Hundreds of baby tortoises were found in suitcases on a bus in Brazil Hundreds of baby tortoises were found in suitcases on a bus in Brazil He was allegedly planning to take the animals to Duque de Caxias, in Rio de Janeiro, to sell them at an open-air market, the outlet stated. 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. Viral Press Hundreds of baby tortoises were found in suitcases on a bus in Brazil Hundreds of baby tortoises were found in suitcases on a bus in Brazil The tortoises would sell for approximately $125 each, per Agencia Brasil. Some of the animals had already died en route to the location, due to the poor transportation conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect reportedly told police he was being paid for transporting the hatchlings, but an amount wasn't revealed. Officers claimed he'd been arrested for the same crime in 2015, Agencia Brasil noted. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Brazil's Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro and the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) The Aiken Department of Public Safety has arrested a man on several criminal charges, the department said on Tuesday. Tyrone James, 50, was arrested Aug. 5 and charged with Assault and Battery in the First Degree, Kidnapping and Criminal Sexual Conduct w/ a Minor in the First Degree. According to arrest warrants, the Criminal Sexual Conduct charge stems from an incident that took place in 2017. James is accused of sexual battery involving a 7-year-old victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrest warrants allege the Assault and Battery and Kidnapping charges are from an incident that occurred on Jan. 4, 2025. James is accused of striking a victim in female victim in an argument and making threats with a knife. According to the Aiken Department of Public Safety, it is possible that there are additional victims who have not yet come forward. Those with information are asked to contact Det. Hunter at (803) 642-7752 or submit an anonymous online tip at: https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/offices/public-safety/crime-tip. The Aiken County Sheriffs Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and ATF assisted in the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that sent two people to the hospital, where one of those victims was pronounced dead. Jeffrey Alvarez, 29, has been arrested and is being held for investigation of vehicular homicide and investigation of leaving the scene of an accident involving death. The final determination of charges is up to the Denver District Attorneys Office. 5 dead, 1 injured after head-on crash, vehicle fires in Grand County: CSP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Denver Police Department said the crash occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 2, and told FOX31 that it was searching for two people who fled from the at-fault vehicle in the crash. Officers told FOX31 that the at-fault driver had apparently been speeding in the left lane of I-25 when the crash occurred, and swerved to hit a vehicle in the far right lane. That car then spun out, and one person from that vehicle was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. Then, the at-fault vehicle drove up the northbound ramp from I-25 to Speer Boulevard, hit a barrier and rolled over. The agency said a person from the at-fault vehicle was found outside the car and later died after being transported to a hospital. The victim has not yet been identified, and police did not say on social media if they are still searching for a second suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. McDONALD COUNTY, Mo. An Anderson man will not go to prison for his role in a McDonald County child abuse case. Last week Kyle Condreay, 39, pleaded guilty to first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree assault. As part of a plea deal, Condreay received a seven-year suspended prison sentence and five years supervised probation. Condreay was one of three people arrested last December when Goodman police responded to a home they say had several health and safety violations. FOUR STATES CRIME Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers say the home had animal feces and urine in various rooms of the house, holes in the floor and partially collapsed walls and ceiling in other rooms. Investigators with the Childrens Center say the kids said Condreay would hit, kick, and beat them. During his plea hearing, Condreay admitted to hitting at least one of the kids with a belt, causing injury as well as allowing the kids to live in unsuitable conditions. Two women were also arrested in this case: Christina Bennett, 39, is scheduled to be in court next week and the case against Brandi Rudd has been sealed 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) A Mississippi man is charged with the rape of a teenager after an incident last year, court documents say. According to documents obtained by News 19, Treyveon Putman of Greenville, Mississippi, is charged with second-degree rape involving a 13-year-old girl in 2024. Court documents say on May 2, 2024, officers with the Decatur Police Department responded to Decatur Morgan Hospital for a report of a rape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Decatur Police detective told the court that the officers made contact with a woman who said her 13-year-old daughter had been sneaking out to meet a 24-year-old man, later identified as Putman. Records say police were told the two had sex. Records also show that the victim said in an interview that she and Putman had sexual intercourse. Jail records show that Putman was booked into the Morgan County Jail on July 21, 2025. He is being held on a $15,000 bond. Previous reporting done by News 19 shows that Putman was also arrested in 2024 by Madison Police for second-degree statutory rape, second-degree sodomy with a girl strong arm and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD said it began an investigation into Putman after it received a tip from the Decatur Police Department at the beginning of June 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) Police have arrested a man accused of robbing a Pawtucket gas station over the weekend. Robert Smith, 60, was taken into custody Monday and charged with first-degree robbery. Officers were called to the Gulf Express off East Avenue Sunday to investigate reports of a robbery. Robert Smith (Courtesy: Pawtucket Police Department) Police said the suspect walked into the store, claimed he had a gun and threatened to shoot the clerk in the head. He then ran out of the store with an undisclosed amount of cash from the register. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives were able to identify the vehicle the suspect took off in using the citys automated license plate readers. Police said the detectives spotted the vehicle later on while surveilling the city. The detectives pulled the vehicle over and determined that the driver, later identified as Smith, resembled the suspect who had robbed the gas station. Smith was taken into custody as a result of the traffic stop. Smith faced a judge Tuesday morning and was ordered held without bail as a probation violator. Court records indicate Smith pleaded no contest to another robbery in the city more than nine years ago and was sentenced to 20 years with 12 to serve and the remainder suspended. He also has a criminal record dating back to 1986. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rhode Island Department of Corrections told 12 News Smith was released from prison back in April for good behavior. Smith is due in court for a probation violation hearing on Aug. 19. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A 22-year-old man was charged after allegedly firing a gun into a Goodlettsville business. According to court documents, on July 2, an employee arrived at her workplace in the 800 block of Wren Road when she saw the front of the business has been struck by bullets, and found several shell casings in the road. Reports said an office window and two interior walls were struck. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Investigators later discovered that Tyler Kidder, 22, was arrested in the area of Wren Road the night before the business vandalism was reported. Goodlettsville Police officers had responded to Wren Road after receiving several calls from citizens who reported hearing gunshots. There, they found Kidder riding up and down the road on a minibike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers searched Kidders backpack, they reportedly found a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and two boxes of ammunition. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com He was placed under arrest and the firearm was taken for evidence. Investigators later matched the bullets shot into the Wren Road business to the bullets found in Kidders possession. He was booked into Metro jail on charges of felony vandalism and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 DeKalb County man was sentenced after being convicted of a violent home invasion and stabbing in Brookhaven nearly five years ago. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jimmy David Mills, 60, of Atlanta, broke into a home off North Druid Hills near Lenox Park Boulevard around 4:15 p.m. on September 17, 2020, according to the Brookhaven Police Department. The DeKalb County District Attorneys Office states surveillance footage showed Mills entering the house where a couple and their baby were present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the wife, Kristy Ottofy, who was in the shower, received a notification from their home security system indicating that the back door had been opened. She called out, but Mills entered the bathroom and questioned her about being alone. Its really scary. Feels like a movie, not real life, Kristy Ottofy told Channel 2 Action News. He asked me if I was alone, and I started screaming for my husband. Her husband, Paul Prae, who was working in his office, grabbed a bat and ran in to confront Mills, attempted to force him out of the house, police said. Otttofy grabbed her 4-month-old and ran upstairs to hide. Police say Mills had a pocket knife and stabbed Prae in the face and stomach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After I hit him with the bat, thats when he came in straight for my eye, Prae said. It was obvious he was trying to attack my eye and missed by this much. I thought, I might die right now. My life might end right now. Mills ran away, leaving behind a trail of blood and the knife used in the attack. He was later detained by police after being spotted shirtless and holding a bloody shirt. TRENDING STORIES: Last Thursday, a DeKalb County jury found Mills guilty of multiple charges, including home invasion in the first degree, aggravated assault, and possession of a knife during the commission of certain felonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge sentenced Mills to life in prison plus 26 years. In 2015, Mills was arrested for attacking two women inside a condo on Keys Crossing Drive, less than one mile from the other attack. In the previous attack, Mills also carried a knife. He was convicted of aggravated assault and burglary and sentenced to prison in June 2016. He was released on parole. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] (NewsNation) A 26-year-old man is in custody after he allegedly attempted to kidnap a toddler at a Virginia shopping mall. According to the Fairfax County Police Department, a young girl was near a play area in the Fair Oaks Mall when a man picked her up and walked away. Police said the girls father was inside the play area with his other child and did not notice the girl walking away. The man, later identified as Andres Caceres Jaldin, walked in the direction of a store where the girls mother was shopping, and when spotted, both parents followed him to the second floor of the mall where they confronted him. The girl was let go unharmed, and Caceres Jaldin then fled the mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin Drummond has possibly fled the state: U.S. Marshals He was arrested later that day at a hotel in Chantilly and charged with abduction of a minor and grand larceny auto theft after police realized he was driving a stolen vehicle. Chief Kevin Davis, speaking to a local news outlet, described the incident as scary and said things could have turned out worse had the suspect not been spotted by the girls mother. The perpetrator, when he picked her up, he could have gone in four different directions. If he didnt go in the direction of the store where the mom was, where she saw him, God knows what would have happened, Davis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carceres Jaldin is being held without bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. DENALI PARK, Alaska A man died, and a woman was injured after their vehicle struck a moose in south-central Alaska's Denali National Park last week. The incident occurred early Friday morning at 1 o'clock local time, just south of the entrance to Denali Park Road, which serves as the gateway to the national park. The 24-year-old driver and passenger were heading north when they collided with the moose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Park Service said the man was pronounced dead on the scene, and the woman was transported to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for her injuries. A small moose walks near the Denali Bus Depot on May 25, 2019. They noted that the two were citizens of Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The NPS is working with the Bulgarian Embassy to notify the next of kin. How To Watch Fox Weather The NPS reminds the public that moose and other large animals along Alaskas roads are often active during the night and at dawn and dusk. During those times, the animals can be difficult to spot. Drivers are asked to follow these guidelines: Slow down, particularly during low-light conditions. Remain vigilant and keep a look out for animals near the road. Turn on your high beam headlights to increase visibility when possible. Wear seatbelts and avoid distractions while driving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing between 5 and 6 and a half feet at the shoulder, moose are the largest member of the deer family, according to the NPS. The agency added that male moose can weigh 900-1,400 pounds, and female moose can weigh 700-1,100 pounds. Original article source: Man dies after car crashes into moose in Alaska national park A suspect was apprehended by authorities after being accused of running an illegal logging operation in a protected forest reserve. As reported by Malay Mail, a 59-year-old man was arrested in Lahad Datu, Malaysia, for "encroaching" on the Lahad Datu Forest Reserve, a conservation area known for its rich biodiversity of tropical flora and fauna. The arrest was part of a joint operation conducted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Sabah Forestry Department. Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, the director of the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone, detailed the alleged crimes that were uncovered by authorities, noting that 2.02 hectares of land had been the focus of the operation. "Checks revealed illegal activities, including mangrove tree logging, open burning, and the planting of oil palm, fruits, and vegetables," Ali said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to allegedly participating in an array of illegal activities inside the boundaries of the reserve, the suspect may have been living there, according to authorities. "A residential house and a swiftlet bird nest structure were also built without permission," said Ali. The suspect, whose name has not been revealed by authorities, is accused of violating the Forest Enactment 1968, legislation regarding forests and forest produce in Malaysia. His case will be handed off to the Lahad Datu Forestry Department. According to a report from Interpol, the illegal timber industry and its trade are worth up to $152 billion a year. This represents 15% to 30% of all timber traded across the globe. However, its impacts can be felt well beyond local economies. Illegal logging can destroy the habitats of vulnerable species and even contribute to deforestation. Forest and wildlife reserves are crucial tools for conservation and protection efforts to help counterbalance the impact of illegal activities. Reserves are developed in an attempt to preserve natural habitats and protect biodiversity. These measures can go a long way toward promoting a stronger ecosystem that can benefit the food chain. 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. Editors note: This video may be disturbing to some people. It depicts violence against a small dog that may be upsetting to some people. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 47-year-old man is facing animal cruelty charges after a year-old video surfaced allegedly showing him physically abusing a small dog, the El Paso County Sheriffs Office said. Charles Lee Lipscomb III, 47, is facing two charges of cruelty to non-livestock animals, the Sheriffs Office said. Lipscomb, who was already in jail on unrelated charges, was rebooked into the El Paso County Detention Facility. His total bond was set at $15,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office said they received a report on Friday, Aug. 1 involving what it called a disturbing video involving a man physically abusing a dog. Even though the footage was believed to be recorded a year earlier, deputies acted, collected evidence and generated a criminal report. The case was assigned to detectives from the East Montana Patrol Station, who identified the suspect as Lipscomb. They were able to secure two warrants for cruelty to non-livestock animals. The dog is in good health and currently residing with its rightful owner, the Sheriffs Office said. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We take animal cruelty seriously, Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. There is no excuse for abusing a defenseless animal, and we will continue to hold offenders accountable. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A jury has found a man not guilty of four sexual offences against a 14-year-old girl in a city centre park, but was unable to reach verdicts on two further charges. Nicholas Foreman, 43, of Christchurch, Dorset, was on trial at Winchester Crown Court facing two counts of rape and one of sexual assault, and three alternative charges of sexual activity with a child. The alleged offences were said to have taken place in Houndwell Park, Southampton, on February 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 17 hours of deliberations, the jury found Foreman not guilty of the sexual assault charge, the alternative charge of sexual activity with a child as well as the two charges of rape. But they were unable to reach verdicts for the alternative charges of these two offences. During the trial, the judge ordered the jury to find the defendant not guilty of a further rape charge and an alternative charge of sexual activity with a child, after the prosecution stated there was no case to answer on these two counts. Charles Gabb, prosecuting, said the Crown Prosecution Service would consider whether it would seek a re-trial on the two charges which the jury had not reached verdicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was listed for a further hearing on 13 August and Foreman was remanded in custody until then. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. More on this story Related internet links OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma City police arrested a man after he allegedly tried to attack a mentally disabled strip club janitor with a knife. According to authorities, Lawrence Kuykendall was identified on camera on August 2, 2025, calling the janitor at Bare Assets a racial slur and then charging at him with a knife. Lawrence Kuykendall, Image OKCPD Police say the janitor hit Kuykendall with a broom, then jumped on him and started beating him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kuykendall was taken to a local hospital for medical attention and then booked into jail for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and racial harassment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. *** Related coverage in video player above *** DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A local man is accused of releasing his dogs to attack someone with the intention to harm last month. Court records show 38-year-old Derrick Purter has been indicted after a reported assault occurred on July 11. According to the Dayton Police Department, officers responded to reports of a dog bite in the area of Richmond and Niagara avenues. The 60-year-old victim said he had been assaulted, and that a male suspect has sicd his pitbulls on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack was captured on cell phone video, showing several people involved alongside the suspects dogs. The victim suffered numerous injuries, including multiple dog bites to his neck and hands. Through investigation, the suspect was identified as Purter and a warrant was obtained for his arrest. A task force involving the U.S. Marshals Office and DPD arrested Purter on Victor Avenue on July 25. Several others involved in this incident have also been arrested, according to police. The two dogs were seized and turned over to the Animal Resource Center. The Montgomery County Grand Jury charged Purter with felonious assault (serious physical harm), a second-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. A man has been jailed for 14 years after 11m worth of Class A drugs were found hidden in an air compressor. Ryan King, 38, of Tollerton Road, West Derby, Liverpool, was part of an organised crime group that tried to smuggle 159lbs (72kg) of cocaine and 112lbs (51kg) of heroin into the UK in March 2022. The drugs were found at Killingholme Port, near Grimsby, after arriving in an unmanned trailer from the Hook of Holland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King was due to go on trial but was sentenced at Hull Crown Court on Tuesday after he changed his plea to guilty. Ryan King pleaded guilty at Hull Crown Court and was jailed for 14 years [National Crime Agency] King pleaded guilty to two counts of the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a Class A drug. His DNA was found on the drugs packages and a tracker by National Crime Agency officers. King was arrested at Liverpool John Lennon Airport in December 2022 when he returned from Alicante. Ryan King's DNA was found on the drugs packages [National Crime Agency] NCA operations manager Carl Barrass said: "The loss of those drugs and the loss of King damages the crime group behind the smuggling attempt. "They have lost a huge amount of money which cannot now be ploughed back into further offending, and the drug seizure means they will not be pushed around our communities causing misery." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices Related internet links FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) A man pleaded guilty to charges filed after a cloud of noxious gas was released during a theft at the Fruitport Township Meijer in September. Alexae Johnson, 39, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of retail fraud, a felony count of placing an explosive device with intent to alarm and being a habitual offender, according to the Fruitport Township Police Department. PD: Gas cloud in Fruitport Township Meijer sends 4 to hospital Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was charged in November. The charges stem from Sept. 24, when police were called to the Meijer on Harvey Street near E Sternberg Road in Fruitport Township for the report of an unknown noxious gas. Arriving officers found a small gas cloud in the store that smelled strongly of chlorine. Investigators found a plastic bottle in the home goods section, likely the result of swimming pool type chemical(s) placed inside the bottle, police said. Four people were treated at a local hospital and released. Man charged for noxious gas cloud at Fruitport Twp. Meijer Johnson was caught on surveillance camera and observed stealing at the same time the chemical cloud was released. Police said the cloud was a distraction for the theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Michigan Department of Corrections lists Johnson as a parolee since February 2024 after serving time for drug charges and breaking and entering. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A local man pleaded guilty to pandering obscenity involving a minor on Monday, Aug. 4. Scotty Reineke was at Darke County Common Pleas Court for a plea agreement, where he pleaded guilty to 2 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor. Both are third-degree felonies. His sentence was 30 months on each count, totaling 5 years consecutively. Beavercreek police request help in 1k theft case from Dicks House of Sport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was initially charged with 10 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor; all are third-degree felonies. Officials believe the offenses happened last year, in 2024, on Sunday, July 28, through Tuesday, July 30 and Thursday, Aug. 3. The state of Ohio dismissed counts 1-5 and 8-10 because of the plea agreement. Reineke pled guilty to counts 6 and 7. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A Norfolk man was sentenced to six years in prison Monday for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in addition to being a felon in possession of firearms, according to the United States Attorney. On May 13, 2024, law enforcement performed a controlled delivery of cocaine with 46-year-old Stanley Desmarat. According to law enforcement, Desmarat arrived in a rental vehicle and retrieved the cocaine shortly after it was delivered. He was arrested shortly afterwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also performed a controlled purchase with Desmarat in February 2024. Three handguns, one of which were stolen, was recovered after investigators conducted a search of Desmarats residence. Various ammunitions and magazines were also recovered. He had been convicted in 2003 for the manufacture, sale, or possession with intent to manufacture or sell controlled substances and in 2007 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Paul Hendrix III was sentenced to five to seven years in prison after pleading no contest to charges related to attempted trafficking of opium or heroin in connection with the death of Heather Hayes, our partners at The Gaston Gazette reported. ALSO READ: Channel 9 goes inside DEA lab for behind-the-scenes look at fentanyl crackdown Hendrix, 26, was implicated in the death of 32-year-old Heather Hayes, who was found unresponsive in her bedroom in May 2023. The investigation revealed that Hayes had been purchasing fentanyl from Hendrix through a middleman, Chad Hughes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Attorney Travis Page stated that Hendrix was selling pressed pills that looked like Xanax but were actually fentanyl. Mr. Hendrix has created a hole in a family thats going to be hard to replace, Page added. Hendrixs attorney, Larry Hoyle, mentioned that Hendrix has realized his mistakes and feels remorseful. He just feels awful about what happened, Hoyle said. Chad Hughes, the middleman in the drug transactions, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Hayes death and was sentenced to four to six years in prison. During the investigation, Hendrix sold drugs containing fentanyl to a confidential informant, further implicating him in the illegal drug trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superior Court Judge Karen Eady-Williams noted that Hendrix had no prior criminal record but emphasized the severity of his actions. Drug dealing is a crime of greed, she said, urging Hendrix to avoid returning to such a lifestyle. Judge Eady-Williams expressed hope that Hendrix would become a productive member of society after serving his sentence, highlighting the need for those with addiction to receive help rather than being exploited by dealers. VIDEO: Deputies seize 2 kilos of fentanyl during traffic stop A man who dressed in a wig and womens clothing while using pen cameras affixed to his shoes to film girls in bathrooms and changing rooms at the Wrentham Outlets was sentenced to prison on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton handed down a 16-year prison sentence to Jacob Guerrero, 27, of Woodland, California, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Massachusetts announced. Guerrero had previously pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a child in 2024 and transporting child pornography in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Department of Justice, Guerrero staked out the home of the juvenile victim for two weeks, taking notes of times when she and her siblings showered, changed, and went to bed. On March 17, 2021, he climbed to the top of a garage attached to the 11-year-old victims home, stood outside the window, and recorded a video of the victim changing before she went to bed. Investigators say Guerrero took similar notes of children residing in several other homes in Massachusetts. Later that year in December, Guerrero was charged with attempting to film minors in bathrooms and changing rooms at the Wrentham Outlets while wearing a wig and attaching pen cameras to his shoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacob Guerrero is a deeply disturbed and dangerous man who devised a twisted plan to prey upon children, specifically to abuse and exploit them, said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. With these hideous crimes, this predator has forfeited his right to walk among us and will be kept behind bars and away from children for quite some time. My sincere thanks to the Wrentham Police Department for their hard work and partnership on this case. 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 A Manchester man is facing multiple charges including burglary, assault and armed robbery, in connection with what police are calling a violent crime spree in the area of Precourt Park and Nutt Pond. Just before 5 p.m. Monday, Manchester Police responded to a report of a burglary in progress at 95 Faltin Drive. As officers investigated, a second report came in about a possible suspect running through a yard near 50 Purchase St. Zacharie Hart Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zacharie Hart Officers reported seeing a man matching the suspects description walking near MOMS Motorcycles of Manchester on Willow Street. The man, identified by police as Zacharie Hart, 29, of Manchester, allegedly attempted to run but was taken into custody. Around the same time, officers located an unoccupied vehicle that had crashed at the dead end of Baker Street near the Queen City Avenue rail trail. Police said the vehicle appeared to have been driven through the dead end but was stopped by bollards and posted signs. A metal pipe was found inside the vehicle, according to police. Shortly after Harts arrest, police received another report of an armed burglary and car theft on Marguerite Street. In that incident, an elderly woman reported she was assaulted with a pipe, a second individual was also allegedly attacked, and a vehicle was stolen and later crashed into a parked car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said after obtaining and reviewing video footage from multiple sources, investigators identified Hart as a suspect in each of the incidents. Hart was arrested and is charged with two counts of burglary, armed robbery, first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, attempted first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of conduct after an accident, two counts of felony criminal mischief, reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, violation of bail conditions, and being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon. pfeely@unionleader.com CLARKE COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) International chemical manufacturer Mancuso Chemicals Limited will establish operations in Pachuta, located in Clarke County. The project is a $5.52 million investment and will create 17 jobs. Mancuso Chemicals is a Canada-based, research-driven manufacturer of high-end industrial chemical products. The company operates internationally in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru. A Mississippi monkey sanctuary helps veterans with PTSD find peace Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This strategic investment and long-term commitment to developing the site in Mississippi was made easier by the clear support that the state and county showed to welcoming us to this area. We intend to make use of the impressive local infrastructure available to help us efficiently move our products in and out of the state and to become a respected part of the local business community, said Antonio Mancuso, president of Mancuso Chemicals Ltd. According to officials, Mancuso Chemicals is establishing a logistics distribution center in Pachuta to which the company will import products from its facilities in Canada and Peru. Mancuso Chemicals eventually plans to expand the Pachuta site to include manufacturing operations and extend its reach into the Mexican market. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program. Clarke County and the village of Pachuta are assisting with the project. Mancuso Chemicals plans to complete the project and fill the new jobs over the next five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Manor Independent School District Board of Trustees called for a multi-million bond election to appear on voters ballots this November. The board unanimously approved calling for a $385 million bond election to appear on the Nov. 4 ballot after months of engagement and planning centered around improving student safety, updating learning environments and providing access to up-to-date technology, according to the school district. The bond is broken into three propositions, with Proposition A being the most expansive: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prop A: Safety, facility improvements, and bus replacements Prop B: Technology upgrades Prop C: A new fine arts addition Manor ISD said if the bond is approved, there will be no tax rate increase for homeowners. Prop A According to the Manor ISD website, the total cost for Proposition A would be $359.5 million. Prop A projects would include: Purchasing new and additional security cameras Access control (badging system) upgrades Network infrastructure and security to support panic buttons and emergency communication PA systems Class translation system Blake Manor Elementary School renovations and upgrades Bluebonnet Trail Elementary School renovations and upgrades Decker Elementary School renovations and upgrades Shadowglen Elementary School classroom addition Child Development Center relocation costs Manor High School Farmhouse renovation for special education 18+ program Manor High School renovations to house MEA in the future Manor New Tech High School renovations and additions to increase capacity to 1,200 Manor High School complex addition Renovate what was formerly the Manor Elementary Early Learning Center, or MEELC, for admin and student programs Maintenance building expansion and renovation Districtwide maintenance and 5-year renewal projects (Roofs, HVAC, etc.) Purchase of new buses Prop B The total cost for Proposition B projects would be $8.5 million, per the districts website. The projects under this proposition would include new devices for scholars and staff districtwide, the website said. Prop C Projects under Prop C would include performing arts additions at the Manor High School Complex and would cost a total of $16.5 million, according to the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manor ISDs website says a community meeting schedule will be held soon. More information can be found 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 KXAN Austin. MANSFIELD The Town of Mansfield is in negotiations with an insurance company about the Silver Sneakers program. At the latest Town Council meeting, one of the discussions included the cancellation of the Silver Sneakers program from the Community Center. Before the meeting, several members of the program wrote letters to the Town Council expressing their concerns. Mayor Toni Moran said people are concerned that access to the Mansfield Community Center for seniors will be limited if Silver Sneakers is not available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are doing what we can to avoid that, Moran said. Right now, we are in negotiations with the insurance company that offers this program to get better compensation for members use of the center. Moran added she is hopeful they can report the progress at the next Town Council meeting and that closing the budget gap without raising taxes is one of their priorities. Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth said he hopes to have a more in-depth discussion about the program at the next meeting. I think [residents] expressed concerns that were consistent with concerns when we did the informational meetings, specifically about changes in hte membership options, Aylesworth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aylesworth added he is encouraged and optimistic by the response the town had received from both the informational meeting and the Town Council meeting from the public. He said people spoke about both the Silver Sneakers program and the Renew Active program. Historically, they have been completely unwilling to entertain really new financial terms or renegotiate new financial terms with the town, Aylesworth said. Ever since we formally indicated to our members that we were discontinuing the programs, they have reemerged with serious interest. According to Aylesworth, he has been speaking with the insurance companies regularly, and they have made significant progress. I am optimistic that we will be able to agree to terms that are financially responsible for the town that will allow us to continue, Aylesworth said. We will go back to the council and provide an update. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, it is up to the Town Council to decide whether to reverse the decision they made back in June. We will see where things will go, Aylesworth said. We have discussed potential terms that are dramatically better than anything they ever suggested they would be willing to agree to in the past. Aylesworth added the goal is to provide the Town Council with a comprehensive summary of terms and the best deal they can come up with at the next meeting. The next Town Council meeting is on Monday, August 11, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 4 South Eagleville Road, Storrs Mansfield. About five months ago, Greenville became the third base of operation for Anderson UnderBridge; a 20-year-old company that manufactures heavy duty, highly mobile hydraulic platforms to improve under-bridge access for bridge inspectors. On Monday, Andersons location in Greenville which will largely be an equipment rental center, maintenance shop and training facility for how to operate of the companys equipment had its official coming out party with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and representatives with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers as special guests. When a lot of you drove here, you probably went over a lot of bridges along the way, Anderson UnderBridge CEO Jamie Roush said. And while you may not think much about whats under the bridge, there is a lot going on under there and those bridges have to be inspected at least once every two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are about 6,000 bridges in the U.S. and about half of them are considered to be substandard, Roush told the Herald-Banner. What we specialize in is getting inspectors under those bridges quickly, safely, and much more easily [than with scaffolding or similar methods]. AEMs stop at the celebration was part of its month-long tour of manufacturing facilities in Texas. AEM is a trade association that advocates for the American manufacturing industry by lobbying as well as other ways and also organizes manufacturing trade shows. We represent those who equip America to build, feed and power the world, AEM CEO Megan Tanel said. And Texas is the hub of manufacturing in the country which is why were spending a whole month celebrating here. In terms of available positions, Anderson UnderBridge is currently accepting applications for truck drivers and service shop technicians for the Greenville facility. Job seekers can apply online at www.andersonunderbridge.com/careers. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is urgently appealing for international aid as more than 1.3 million displaced Sudanese return to war-ravaged areas like Khartoum, Gezira, and Sennar. While their homecoming signals hope, it comes amid worsening humanitarian crises in Sudan and neighboring Uganda, because many are returning to ruins, said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCRs regional director. In Al Fashir, North Darfur, nearly 900,000 civilians are trapped under a 14-month siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), facing starvation and daily shelling. Aid convoys have been blocked or attacked, and community kitchens now serve highly nutritious porridge to malnourished residents, many of whom are children. There is a famine of the first degree in al Fashir. All the basic necessities for life are not available, said Mohamed al Doma, a local aid organizer who fled the city. Meanwhile, Uganda hosting nearly two million refugees, including tens of thousands from Sudan is also facing a funding emergency. With only 25% of required resources secured, Tropical Storm Dexter weakened slightly overnight, but is expected to strengthen a bit before dissipating later this week. Dexter became the Atlantic hurricane season's fourth-named storm off the coast of North Carolina on Aug. 3. Track all active storms Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Dexter could bring increased surf and a moderate risk for rip currents to Florida and the Atlantic coast as it continues to move farther into the Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, the fourth named storm in the Atlantic develops Aug. 15, with the first hurricane developing Aug. 11. The last three storms in the Atlantic have formed ahead of historical averages. Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Dexter. See expected path Special note about spaghetti models: Spaghetti model illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The Hurricane Center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. Track Tropical Storm Dexter Will Dexter become a hurricane? While some slight strengthening is possible, Dexter is not expected to become a hurricane. Wind shear and dry air are forecast to keep Dexter from strengthening as it moves farther from the U.S. into the northern Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center. Track active Atlantic storms and disturbances This auto-updated graphic shows a map of all active storms in the Atlantic basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can't see the graphic? Open in a new browser. See NWS weather radar of storms across Florida, southeastern US Latest weather watches and warnings issued in Florida Excessive rainfall forecast across Florida Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Tropical Storm Dexter spaghetti models, map. Tropics update from NHC Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wants President Donald Trump to commute the prison sentence of her disgraced former colleague George Santos, whos been locked up less than two weeks. Santos was sentenced to 87 months in prison for committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in April. He checked into New Jerseys Federal Correctional Fairton, located about 140 miles from Manhattan, on July 25. In her petition to the Office of the U.S. Pardon Attorney, Greene asks for Trump to consider setting the former representative from Queens free sooner than later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a Member of Congress, I worked with Mr. Santos on many issues and can attest to his willingness and dedication to serve the people of New York who elected him to office, Greene wrote. She conceded that Santos should be punished for his crimes, but believes his 7-year sentence is too severe. While his crimes warrant punishment, many of my colleagues who Ive serve with have committed far worse offenses than Mr. Santos yet have faced zero criminal charges, she claimed without offering examples. After lying about nearly all of his academic and professional qualifications to get elected to Congress in 2022, Santos was charged with crimes including a scheme to steal financial information from campaign contributors, then repeatedly charging those accounts without permission. He was expelled from the House of Representatives in December 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene wrote in her letter that commuting Santos sentence would be an acknowledgement by the President that Santos had committed crimes, while also allowing him the opportunity to serve his community as a free man. Greene didnt specify when she believes Santos should be released. She concluded her request by using a term often used by the President in social media posts. Thank you for your attention to this matter, Greene wrote. Santos complained in the days leading to his imprisonment that his pardon requests were not getting the Presidents attention. Trump has used his clemency power to excuse more than 1,500 criminals convicted on the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and has not ruled out pardoning high-profile sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, but he hasnt showed an interest in working with Santos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos surrendered to prison authorities after bidding a dramatic adieu to supporters. Well, darlings The curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed, he wrote on X before going to prison. Conservative attorney George Conway warned that President Donald Trump is steering the nation toward a constitutional crisis. Conway, a longtime Trump critic, shared a report on political turmoil in Israel, where the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted to fire the attorney general who is prosecuting him in a corruption case. The Supreme Court blocked the firing pending judicial review, but one government minister said they would ignore that decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conway warned that Trump might try that next in the United States. Mark my words, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Trump will defy our Supreme Court too. Its just a matter of time. Mark my words: Trump will defy our Supreme Court too. Its just a matter of time. https://t.co/VLydfzCaSQ George Conway (@gtconway3d) August 4, 2025 Trump and his administration have repeatedly attacked judicial rulings, slow-walking and in some cases threatening to ignore orders, especially in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an immigrant wrongly sent to a prison in El Salvador. Aug. 4For Annie Young, using professional skills to impact a community in a positive way is one of the best things about working in the marketing industry. Entering her new role as marketing communications manager of Discover Kalispell, Young looks forward to doing just that. "I'm inspired by this place, the joy it brings me personally and the opportunity to help others," Young said last week. "Seeing this team at Discover Kalispell do that day in and day out ... I'm thrilled to be a part of that." As the marketing communications manager, Young is responsible for the development and supervision of marketing and communication strategies, including working with agency partners to amplify the brand presence, continue to build out email marketing, managing the website and designing promotional products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing up, Young spent her childhood moving and traveling across the country as her father served in the Air Force. She attended the University of Arkansas, where she majored in journalism, advertising and public relations, and officially landed in the Flathead Valley about five years ago. Prior to moving to the valley, Young would often visit the region, enjoying the mountains and clear blue lakes. With the knowledge and experience of being a visitor to now having a local perspective, Young is uniquely positioned to amplify Discover Kalispell's voice. "I'm really excited to continue the work that's being done here and build on that. Specifically making sure Kalispell is positioned as an opportunity to experience Montana authentically," Young said. Prior to joining Discover Kalispell, Young spent 10 years as the marketing and communications director for Central Washington University Advancement, where she worked on the college's branding, design, marketing, merchandising and production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She looks forward to using the skills she's acquired over the years in a new way that works with the local business community. "The goal is to make sure we're supporting tourism in a way that supports local businesses but also preserves the way of life here," she said. Young, her husband Derek and her son Dillon live in the Flathead Valley. Her daughter, Sydney, lives in Lolo. Young officially started at Discover Kalispell at the end of June. Discover Kalispell is Kalispell's marketing organization that manages a sales and promotion strategy while working closely with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and the business community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fun opportunity for visitors and residents both is the Huckleberry Treat Trail challenge through Discover Kalispell, Young said. The challenge includes a list of savory and sweet drinks and meals across the valley that includes huckleberries. Those who check in at the stops can earn points for a chance to win prizes. To learn more, visit discoverkalispell.com/huckleberry-treat-trail/. Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com. Mail ballots received by the Montgomery County Board of Elections during the 2022 primary are sorted during a ballot canvass. (File photo courtesy Montgomery County Board of Elections) Maryland election officials responded to a Justice Department request for the states voter rolls and procedures for maintaining them with a detailed description of election laws and directions on how federal officials could look up the publicly available information for themselves. The six-page letter from the Maryland State Board of Elections, dated July 30, was in response to a July 14 letter from the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division asking for evidence that the state is complying with the statewide voter registration list maintenance provisions of the National Voter Registration Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter to Maryland was just one of a number of letters that Justice has sent to states probing the integrity of voter rolls. So far, those letters have mostly targeted Democrat-led states, but federal officials told the National Association of Secretaries of State that they expect to eventually reach all 50 states and the District of Columbia with their requests. Maryland Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis responded with a detailed description of state and federal laws that dictate how state and county election officials maintain voter rolls and remove anyone who is ineligible to vote. That includes getting records of deaths, convictions and name changes from state and Federal agencies, sharing that information with county election officials, contacting any voters on those lists and canceling a voters registration when statutorily-required conditions are met. The letter went on to note that state law includes safeguards against prematurely removing a voter from the rolls. Improper cancellation leads to disenfranchisement of an eligible voter. That is why it is a detailed process. It must be certain, DeMarinis said in the letter. Marylands process errs on the side of removing any doubt in the cancellation before potentially disenfranchising a voter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Justice Department letter raised questions about the states efforts to purge duplicate and ineligible voters including those who are dead, convicted or undocumented. The feds letter requested voter registration data from November 2022 to November 2024. It also also asked the state to provide the number of voters identified as ineligible to vote during that period as a non-citizen, adjudicated incompetent or because they had a felony conviction. Federal attorneys set a 14-day deadline for state officials to provide the information. DeMarinis said the state was reviewing mailing records cited in the Justice Department letter, but would not be able to meet the two-week deadline to respond. In response to the Justice Departments request for the states current voter registration list, however, DeMarinis said federal officials could download that data on their own, pointing them to the state page on purchasing voter data and the directions to do so. The state also downplayed the findings of an October 2023 audit of voter roll maintenance by the Office of Legislative Audits, which cited the possibility of double registrations or possibly deceased residents who remained on state voter rolls. State elections officials at the time said auditors exaggerated those claims, and DeMarinis last week pointed to his offices response to the audit then. That response spelled out the states rigorous process of cross-checking registrations that, in the case of duplicate registrations, found at most a potential 0.00645% rate of duplicates among all active Maryland voter registration records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department letter was one of two the state received last month, demanding information on voter registration and on state and county election officials efforts to keep the rolls up to date and free of unqualified voters. The second letter, received four days after the Justice Department request, came from lawyers representing a group of local, state and national Republicans who alleged implausibly high levels of voter registration, both statewide and in some individual counties. The GOP letter, directed to the state board and boards of election in Howard and Montgomery counties, threatened to bring a lawsuit against the state and local boards if you fail to take specific actions to correct these violations within 90 days. State and local officials said last month that they were still reviewing that letter. But DeMarinis last week, in his letter to the Justice Department, expressed confidence that the system of keeping accurate voter rolls, while protecting the sacred right to vote, is sound. The State Board works diligently to ensure that every eligible Marylander can register to vote in accordance with federal and state laws, he wrote. And as referenced above, election officials in Maryland continue that diligent work to maintain up to date voter rolls. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Leominster man now facing a federal indictment is accused of stealing more than $1.3 million by depositing a forged tax refund check and then laundering the money using cashiers checks payable to shell companies. Jesse El-Ghoul, 31, was indicted on one count each of theft of government funds and bank fraud and four counts of money laundering, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. El-Ghoul was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on June 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the charging documents, El-Ghoul owned and operated Affordable Motor Group in Leominster and owed back taxes for the business. On March 29, 2024, El-Ghoul allegedly deposited a tax refund check for $1,344,863, payable to Affordable Motor Group into his business bank account. Prosecutors allege that the check had been issued by the U.S. Treasury to a Canadian company, based on its 2021 tax return, and the check had been forged and altered to be payable to El-Ghouls company. In the days after depositing the check, prosecutors allege El-Ghoul returned to the bank and bought cashiers checks for $235,280, $223,591, $202,643, and $425,000 payable to shell companies and to a law firm in connection with a third-party real estate transaction in eastern Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted of theft of government funds, El-Ghoul faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. If convicted of bank fraud, El-Ghoul faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. If convicted of money laundering, for each charge El-Ghoul faces a sentence of 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, whichever is greater. 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 A lottery player from Massachusetts will receive $1,000 a week for the rest of their life after they claimed a winning scratch ticket on Monday. The prize was from the $1,000 A Week For Life scratch ticket game, which was released for $5 per ticket in February. Theres still five top prizes of $1,000 a week for life to be claimed as of Aug. 5. The winning ticket was purchased at a Citgo gas station in Lowell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, another lottery player claimed $1 million on Monday from a winning 300X lottery ticket they bought at the One Stop Mart in Springfield. Overall, at least 824 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Monday, including 13 in Springfield, 37 in Worcester and 78 in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. The two largest lottery prizes won so far in 2025 were each worth $15 million. One of the prizes was from a winning Diamond Deluxe scratch ticket sold in Holyoke, and the other was from a 300X scratch ticket sold on Cape Cod. Massachusetts State Lottery Read the original article on MassLive. A police officer who pleaded guilty to charges connected to a series of domestic assaults has been decertified by the Massachusetts law enforcement watchdog, a move that carries a lifetime ban from police work in the commonwealth. Nivaldo Mendes, a former member of the New Bedford Police Department, was charged in January with three instances last year of misdemeanor assault and battery on a family or household member. He also faced two felony charges of strangulation or suffocation stemming from two of the incidents, records on file in Taunton District Court show. The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, a police oversight agency created after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, revoked Mendes policing certification during a closed-door vote on July 17, according to a filing posted on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is the 57th police officer the board has decertified. New Bedford Police officials placed Mendes on paid administrative leave just before the New Year, at which point he had been on the job for under a year, according to WPRI-TV and the New Bedford Light. Mendes agreed to plead guilty to the three misdemeanor charges in February. A judge sentenced him to a year and a half of probation. The two felony counts were continued without a finding, a ruling that allows them to be dismissed if Mendes maintains good behavior and meets the conditions of his probation. One lawyer listed as having represented Mendes in the case said he was no longer a client. A second lawyer who represented Mendes did not respond to a voicemail seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The POST Commission is required to decertify any officer convicted of a felony and treats a continuation without a finding as equivalent to a conviction. Of the nearly five dozen officers the board has decertified, many though not all were convicted of felonies ranging from drunken driving to child exploitation. The board also has broad discretion to pull an officers certification for egregious but noncriminal misconduct. It has decertified officers accused of repeatedly using excessive force, falsifying records and using drugs or alcohol on the job. By law, each of their names are submitted to a national registry of decertified officers, intended to provide notice to far-away police departments if the former officers cross state lines in search of police work. Recent POST Commission stories Read the original article on MassLive. The bustling, working Port of Durres recently had a regal visitor. "Opera," a superyacht, visited Albania's busiest harbor to guzzle diesel by the hundreds of thousands of liters. "Owned by an Abu Dhabi prince, the $450 million Opera superyacht is so massive that it not only towered over the cargo cranes in Albania's busiest harbor but made container stacks look like Lego bricks," reported Luxury Launches. The boat was constructed by German yacht builder Lurssen, who is well-known among billionaires. Coming in at just under 12,000 GT (gross tonnage, a metric used to express the internal volume of a ship) and 479 feet, Opera ranks among the world's largest vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even a refueling task becomes a big deal when involving a vessel as big as the Opera superyacht. The yacht was supplied with around 320,000 liters of diesel," reported Luxury Launches. Superyachts are among the most environmentally damaging assets owned by the ultrawealthy. Oxfam estimates "the average annual carbon footprint of each of these yachts to be 5,672 tonnes. It would take the average person 860 years to emit the same pollution." "If everyone on Earth emitted planet-warming gases at the same rate as the average billionaire, the remaining carbon budget to stay within 1.5C would be gone in less than two days, the Oxfam analysis said, rather than current estimates of four years if carbon emissions remain as they are today," reported Jonathan Watts for the Guardian. Oxfam's senior climate justice policy adviser Chiara Putaturo put it more bluntly: "The evidence is clear: the extreme emissions of the richest, from their luxury lifestyles and even more from their polluting investments, are fuelling inequality, hunger and threatening lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superyacht pollution is exempt from many international regulations. Billionaires can register these destructive vessels in countries with lax environmental and tax laws (e.g., Panama, the Cayman Islands, or the Marshall Islands) to avoid scrutiny. Because of this, they remain largely unchecked a status symbol with destructive costs However, there are many concrete efforts worldwide to reduce the increasing number of superyachts. Ports are starting to charge higher fees or deny entry to yachts altogether. And policy-makers and researchers are working to increase taxes on private jets and superyachts, which amount to pocket change for the ultra-wealthy, but would have major impacts on the 99%. Tax pressure is not the only tactic for tackling these super-polluters. Innovation is also a path forward. Superyacht builders like Lurssen are working on yachts that operate without diesel, instead using fuel-cell technology. Do you think billionaires spend their money wisely? Definitely No way Some do Most do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Peter Lurssen first announced the yard's commitment to fuel cell development in 2021, describing the system as more efficient and easier to maintain than traditional diesel engines," according to Yacht Buyer. 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. SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) More than 800 structures are threatened by a massive wildfire in central California that left at least three people injured as it burned through Los Padres National Forest. The Gifford Fire scorched more than 129 square miles (334 square kilometers) of coastal Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with 7% containment, according to a U.S. Forest Service update on Tuesday morning. More than 1,900 personnel are battling the blaze that grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield. The causes of the fires are under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blaze is burning through steep terrain and creating a huge smoke column, said Capt. Scott Safechuck, a spokesperson with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. A lot of its in really inaccessible areas where even bulldozers cant even get into, Safechuck said, adding that aircraft is being added to the firefight. The smoke will affect parts of Southwest California, the National Weather Services Los Angeles office said, noting that wildfire smoke is a health risk. Smoke was expected to move toward the south and east. The blaze threatened about 872 structures and forced the closure of the highway in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people in Santa Barbara County. About 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Santa Barbara and 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, the hilly agricultural region is dotted by sprawling California live oaks and Sycamore trees and is known for its strawberry fields and wine industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters made great progress on the west, north and east flanks of the fire and significant efforts were made to ensure structure protection on the south end, officials said in an update Monday evening. Two new base camps were being established on the north and east sides of the fire, allowing more efficient access to the fire perimeter. Officials said they expected more helicopters to be able to deliver significant water drops Tuesday with a drone doing reconnaissance. A warming and drying trend was expected to continue from Wednesday through the weekend, with temperatures up to 90 to 100 degrees Thursday and Friday, with increasing fire behavior, officials said. A motorist was hospitalized with burn injuries after getting out of his vehicle and being overrun by flames, U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Flemming Bertelson said. Two contract employees assisting firefighters were also hurt when their all-terrain vehicle overturned. Ranchers evacuated cattle Monday as aircraft made water drops on the encroaching flames. Four Moroccan truck drivers who were kidnapped in northeastern Burkina Faso earlier this year have been freed, the Malian government announced on Sunday, August 3, in a statement broadcast on national television. The drivers were abducted on January 18, 2025, near the border with Niger, in a volatile area plagued by terrorist activity. According to Malian authorities, they were being held by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, a Daesh-affiliated jihadist group active in the Sahel region. The government confirmed that all four men were found safe and unharmed, though it did not provide further details about the circumstances of their release. Their liberation was made possible through close cooperation between Malian and Moroccan intelligence services specifically Malis National State Security Agency and Moroccos General Directorate for Studies and Documentation (DGED). The two agencies had been working together since the kidnapping, conducting joint investigations described as determined and professional. This successful operation brings a positive end to a case in a region where kidnappings of civilians, aid workers, and transport operators are common. It also underscores the growing security cooperation between Sahel countries and their international partners in the fight against terrorism. (NewsNation) Comedian Matt Rife is one of the funniest people on the planet. His recent purchases, though? The complete opposite. Last week, Rife, along with his friend, YouTube creator Elton Castee, announced on TikTok that they bought the home and museum of Ed and Lorraine Warren, which included the infamous Annabelle doll, according to People.com. This might be the most important and prominent piece of paranormal history in the world. Ed and Lorraine Warren are who took demonology and ghost hunting, and paranormal investing, and made it mainstream, Rife said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know a lot of you guys dont know [what] any of this means whatsoever, but if you follow ghost stuff, this is about as big as it gets. MADRID, SPAIN OCTOBER 27: Replica of the doll from the movie Annabelle decoration at the Parque Warner Madrid during the Halloween season on October 27, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Benito/Getty Images) Rifes announcement comes just weeks after Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator on an Annabelle doll tour, died suddenly. Tourist faces nearly $21K in medical bills after bat encounter Rivera, who was a fixture in the paranormal world, was a member of the New England Society for Psychic Research team that guided a ghost hunt that took people to the Jennie Wade House and the Haunted Orphanage in Gettysburg. He had built credibility and a vast following on social media off the eerie superstitions tied to Annabelles haunted past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Annabelle, the haunted doll, which is housed in Connecticut, was visiting Gettysburg with Rivera as part of the Devils on the Run Tour at the time of his death. Authorities said that the doll was not present when Rivera passed away. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Nearly two years to the day since devastating wildfires that killed more than 100 people and left thousands homeless the Hawaiian island of Maui is fighting another blaze in roughly the same location. The Maui Emergency Management Agency said on Monday that firefighters were "slowly containing" a brush fire in the hills above Kaanapali, about two miles north of the deadly 2023 Lahaina wildfire. The Honoapiilani Highway was closed for about two and a half hours on Monday afternoon while helicopters drew water from the ocean to dump on the fire, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an emergency evacuation order. Leave immediately," the agency told Kaanapali residents at around 1.48 p.m. local time. "Do not delay. Evacuate now and drive away from fire. Smoke and debris may be hazardous." In under an hour the evacuation order was lifted after firefighters succeeded in stopping the blaze from spreading any further. Smoke from a wildfire fills the air on Maui, Hawaii, on Monday (County of Maui) The wildfire that broke out in the same area on August 8, 2023, was the countrys fifth deadliest such event on record, tearing through and almost destroying the historical town of Lahaina. After five months, more than 6,000 people on the island were without permanent long-term shelter with the American Red Cross housing displaced residents in empty rooms in hotels and condos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tragedy exposed dangerous gaps in Hawaii's fire prevention planning and infrastructure, while a later investigative report accused state officials of failing to prepare for or respond to the fire with enough urgency. But now officials say things have changed. An aerial view of destroyed and cleared properties with vegetation regrowth one year after the Lahaina wildfire in Hawaii (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Were all more aware, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen told Maui Now last week. "I think were more on guard. I think we probably all do a better job of taking care of each other, helping each other." The Maui Fire Department's total budget has grown from $60 million to $70m, with another $190m for housing assistance, recovery, repairs, and disaster mitigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More firefighters and support staff have been hired, as well as more inspectors to check on potential fire hazards. New job roles have also been created to help relieve some of the demand on fire battalion commanders. More emergency vehicles have been ordered, and existing ones have been upgraded with thermal imaging devices. There are also more weather stations and cameras, and a new electricity plan that calls for power lines to be shut down when the risk of fire is particularly high. Firefighters in Maui are battling a brush fire burning above Kaanapali, Hawaii, on Monday. The fire is near the old Sugar Cane Train warehouse, the Maui Emergency Management Agency said. Both lanes of Honoapiilani Highway between Puukolii Road and Lower Honoapiilani Highway have been shut down amid firefighting efforts, according to the agency. Maui Emergency Management Agency - PHOTO: Firefighters in Maui are battling a brush fire burning above Kaanapali, Hawaii, on Monday. MORE: Maui wildfires a year later: The major developments amid the cleanup and recovery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maui County Fire Department said in an update on X that the fire "is slowly being contained." Officials asked motorists to avoid the area. "Smoke continues to impact the highway, necessitating the continued road closure," the department said. The blaze is just a couple of miles north of where the devastating Lahaina wildfires occurred nearly two years ago. The fires, which became the fifth deadliest in U.S. history, left over 100 people dead, destroyed thousands of structures and parched the local landscape. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. McDonalds has announced a new lineup of beverages coming to select locations soon. The fast food restaurant will begin selling new drinks, including cold coffees, fruit refreshers and crafted sodas as part of a market test in 500 stores this September, according to Newsweek. The menu shift news comes just over a month after McDonalds announced the end of its collaboration with Krispy Kreme, who were supplying McDonalds with doughnuts since 2022. Both companies described the relationship as unsustainable, according to Newsweek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonalds will debut its new lineup at locations in Wisconsin, Colorado and nearby states. The new lineup of drinks includes new creations such as the Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew, Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, Sprite Lunar Splash, and Popping Tropic Refresher. They will be available in select stores starting Sep. 2. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Measles symptoms typically show up 7 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms like fever higher than 102.2F, cough, runny nose or red eyes may indicate early stages of measles. (Getty Images) After measles was detected in wastewater in Coeur dAlene, Idaho health officials are encouraging medical providers to look for the disease. Wastewater surveillance a recently expanded public health tool that involves studying traces of diseases in sewage water doesnt necessarily mean officials will detect cases of the infectious disease they spot. But the detection suggests someone had measles in the North Idaho area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho health officials have not reported any measles cases in state residents this year, during the nations worst outbreak of the highly contagious virus in decades. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Idaho health officials believe someone in the Coeur dAlene area was infected with measles, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn said in an interview. But officials arent sure whether they were traveling through the area, or if they even knew they had measles, she said. We think this is real. And we want to use it to say to people, Hey, measles is in the area. Please check your immunity records. Consider making sure youre up to date and your children are up to date on the measles vaccine, Hahn told the Idaho Capital Sun on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measles virus was detected in Coeur dAlene from a sample taken on July 29, the Panhandle Health District announced last week. The health district did not know of any suspected or confirmed measles cases in its area in North Idaho, but encouraged medical providers to consider measles as a possible diagnosis for people who have similar symptoms, according to the health alert issued Aug. 1. What to do if youre exposed to measles The viruss serious complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis and, in rare cases, death. A high fever, cough, runny nose, rash and red, watery eyes are common measles symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, says. There is no antiviral treatment for measles, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People with measles symptoms should not enter health care settings without calling ahead, and should contact their health care providers. People exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Vaccination is the best measles prevention, officials say. But Idaho has a spotty vaccination rate Measles which can live in the air up to two hours after someone infected leaves is highly contagious but rare. Up to 90% of non-immune people in contact with an infected person can become infected. Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles, health officials say. Idaho has the lowest rate of kindergartners nearly four out of every five who are reportedly up to date on their measles vaccine, according to CDC data. On average, nearly 91.6% of kindergartners across the U.S. are up to date on their measles vaccine, compared to 78.5% of Idaho kids, the data show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a separate CDC vaccine survey found a higher measles vaccination rate for young Idaho kids, estimated at 88.7%. And some of the one-fifth of Idaho kindergarteners without confirmed vaccination rates might be vaccinated, Hahn told the Sun. Idaho has the highest opt out rate for school vaccine requirements, with 14% of parents opting their kids out compared to just 3% nationally, Idaho Education News reported. Those parents that are saying Im exempting my child from this requirement, Hahn said. That doesnt necessarily mean theyre unvaccinated. We cant exactly call it a (vaccination) rate for that reason. The United States worst measles outbreak in decades The United States is experiencing its worst outbreak of the highly contagious measles virus in decades, Stateline reported. This year, health officials have confirmed 1,333 measles cases across 40 states by late July, the CDC says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. thanks to vaccines. In May, South Central Public Health District reported that a visitor to Idaho had measles. Idaho has not reported cases of state residents with measles since 2023, when an outbreak in southwest Idaho led to 10 measles cases, Hahn said. The outbreak started with an Idaho resident exposed during international travel, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Alicia Schaupp holds her daughter's hand during a medical treatment. Courtesy photo. In Minnesota and across the nation, hardworking families like mine are bracing for impact after our Republican members of Congress voted to cut spending on Medicaid by $1 trillion over the next decade. As a result, 17 million Americans will have coverage ripped away from them, all for tax breaks whose biggest beneficiaries will be billionaires and big corporations. The latest estimate reported by the Minnesota Reformer shows at least 140,000 Minnesotans will lose coverage. The consequences of this bill will be felt for years to come, but some of its worst provisions will take effect in a matter of months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families like mine rely on Medicaid to keep our children, and our loved ones, healthy. Our family receives Medicaid for our 11 year old daughter. She has a primary immune deficiency as well as a tethered spinal cord. Her medication costs over $75,000 a year, which we could not afford on our own or with my husbands insurance. Medicaid helps my daughter maintain her health so she does not end up critically ill with severe infections. It also prevents hospital visits and allows her to remain in school. Medicaid also helps cover the costs to monitor her tethered spinal cord and provide her with life-changing physical therapy. Without it, she could be at risk of losing her ability to be mobile. Medicaid has changed her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting in 2026, families in Minnesota will feel the full force of the severe health care cuts. First, premiums and out-of-pocket costs will skyrocket for people who purchase their own health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and many will lose coverage altogether due to miles of red tape. Then, devastating cuts to Medicaid will begin to take effect. The savings are expected to come from pushing people off Medicaid through increasing eligibility verification. If we dont vigilantly submit the correct paperwork, my daughter could lose her coverage. At risk are hospitals whose patients are on Medicaid; seniors who need Medicaid for their nursing home care; and people fighting addiction or cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costs will skyrocket across the board: Minnesotans will be forced to travel further for maternity care and emergency rooms, face longer wait times due to hospital closures, and it will be harder for families to get covered and stay covered. I fear for my daughters future and for the millions of Minnesotans who rely on Medicaid to live. She did not ask for this. Nothing we did caused this. She was simply born with it. Both my husband and I are hard-working, tax-paying citizens that just happen to have a child with complex medical needs. For my daughter, this isnt just about policy; its about survival. Without Medicaid, she loses access to the treatment that keeps her healthy, in school and full of life. The damage will be felt in every corner of the country, including across Minnesota. In addition to people losing their health coverage, our local economy will suffer, with 18,000 jobs at risk in Minnesota due to these cuts. Now that the bill is law, President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans fully own the consequences. They jammed it through despite the fact that the American people overwhelmingly disapprove of these cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When our premiums spike and out-of-pocket costs soar, families like mine will remember their vote. When we have nowhere to go for treatment, well remember their vote. When our coverage is ripped away, well remember their vote. When the obituaries pile up because people can no longer afford the care they need to stay alive, well remember their vote. Congressional Republicans must answer for the fallout. As a mother, I wont get over it as Sen. Mitch McConnell suggests, and I beg you dont either. Sabrina Corner applies an Omnipod insulin pump to the arm of her son, Kaleb Bolden, 14, at home in New Orleans on July 30, 2025. Bolden has Type 1 diabetes and relies on school nurses to administer his medication while at school. Credit: (Christiana Botic/Verite News and Catchlight Local/Report for America) Hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to federal health care spending, passed last month as part of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, could mean that, over the next 10 years, millions more Americans will be left without health insurance of any kind. But the sweeping domestic policy bill which Trump signed into law on July 4 wont just impact American households. They could also hit public school budgets. School districts across the country rely on federal Medicaid dollars to pay for medical services and counseling for students, as well as related personnel expenses, such as school nurse salaries. Medicaid payments to schools total more than $7 billion every year, including tens of millions every year to Louisiana public schools, according to a Healthy Schools Campaign study released this March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But much of that funding could be at risk following the passage last month of Trumps massive domestic policy bill. For schools, particularly those in high-poverty areas such as New Orleans where 60% of children are enrolled in public health insurance programs Medicaid cuts could mean less access to health care for students. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The cuts could also stretch school budgets in other areas. Schools are legally required to provide certain medical services, such as for students with disabilities who are enrolled in a special education program. Jessie Mandle, the national program director of the Healthy Schools Campaign, said some schools may have to make difficult budget decisions weighing cuts to non-medical staffing, building maintenance or school programming in order to pay for those services. I want to make sure that school districts understand that these tough decisions that theyre making now are directly connected to the provisions of this bill, that they are not making these devastating choices in isolation, that they are making these decisions because of the provisions of this bill, Mandle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than direct budget cuts, the new law achieves Medicaid cost savings primarily through changes to how the program is administered including a work requirement and a more stringent renewal process that will make it harder for people to qualify for and stay on Medicaid. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that nearly 12 million people could lose health coverage over the next decade as a result of the changes. Schools that provide health services to students enrolled in Medicaid bill their costs to the program through the Louisiana Department of Health. The department reimburses schools for the health care services they provided over the school year, including the salaries of the people who provided them. Money from the reimbursements can be reinvested anywhere in the school, increasing the amount of funding that schools have access to in a given fiscal year. But if fewer students are enrolled in Medicaid, then less Medicaid money will be available to schools. Sabrina Corner, a Medicaid recipient whose son, Kaleb Bolden, is in eighth grade at Mary McLeod Bethune Charter School in Gentilly, said the schools medical services have been instrumental in making sure he takes his medication. Kaleb, who has Type 1 diabetes, needs to take insulin after every meal and any period of physical activity, including gym and band class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school plays a big part, Corner said. Because he is a child, he cant do it himself. He needs to have supervision and of course I cant just leave my job or wherever I am to give him the meds. And its very important that he gets his meds because its his life. He has to take this in order for him to live every day. Sabrina Corner at home in New Orleans on July 29, 2025. Corners son, Kaleb Bolden, who has Type 1 diabetes, is insured through Medicaid and relies on school nurses to administer his medication while at school. (Christiana Botic/Verite News and CatchLight Local/Report for America) Its not clear how much Bethune receives in Medicaid reimbursement funding. Though its a charter school governed by an independent nonprofit board, it is one of five charter schools for which the NOLA Public Schools district administers federal funds. As a result, unlike most New Orleans schools, it does not independently report its Medicaid reimbursements to the Louisiana Department of Education. Bethune school officials did not respond to emails and phone calls from Verite News. According to school financial data maintained by the Department of Education, public schools across the state received about $85 million in Medicaid reimbursements during the 2023-2024 school year, the last year for which financial data is readily available. Of that, $5.3 million went to schools in New Orleans, a Verite News analysis found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly half of that went to KIPP New Orleans Schools. With eight schools in its portfolio, KIPP New Orleans is the largest charter school operator in the NOLA Public Schools district, which is made up almost entirely of charters. According to Kristen Horwood, director of budget planning and fund administration for KIPP New Orleans, the charter network received about $900,000 this year in Medicaid reimbursements for this school year. But that number has previously been much higher. In the 2023-2024 school year, for example, Medicaid reimbursements to KIPP New Orleans schools totaled more than $1.9 million, according to state records. Without that funding, wed have to scale back on everything, Horwood said. We would have to reduce workforce. We would have to reduce programs, including academic interventions for students. Its just basically getting down to the basics, which is not enough to give our students what they need. Special education services could be threatened, too Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which governs special education services, public school students with disabilities must be placed on education plans tailored to their needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such plans may call for students to be given extra time on tests or provided access to speech-to-text software for assignments. But they can also include medical services, such as physical therapy, mental health counseling or speech pathology. Schools are legally required to follow those plans. And the federal government reimburses certain medical costs for special education students but only if theyre enrolled in Medicaid. Nationwide, Medicaid cuts in schools are expected to lead to school health staff layoffs, a reduction in mental and behavioral health services and a reduction in resources for students with disabilities, according to the March survey of 1,440 public schools across all 50 states by Healthy Schools Campaign. The combined effects of these rollbacks will affect student achievements, survey respondents and Horwood said. Melissa Francis, a New Orleans parent union organizer with grassroots advocacy group Step Up Louisiana, agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students who have disabilities often rely on Medicaid to cover therapies for speech, physical therapy, occupational therapy, Francis said. I know these cuts will limit these services, making it harder for them to function in school. And New Orleans schools already struggle to accommodate students individual education plans, Francis said. The Orleans Parish School Board has been under a federal consent agenda since 2015 that monitors school compliance with IEPs for students with special needs. In the decade since, monitors have found that half of the schools in the district in noncompliance with special education requirements. Until about a decade ago, schools were only eligible for Medicaid funding that was directly tied to special education. But in 2014, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services changed existing policy so that health care costs for all Medicaid-enrolled students are reimbursable, even if those services such as vision and hearing exams are free for all students. Louisiana was the first state to expand its school-based Medicaid program in 2015, allowing reimbursements for nursing services delivered to all students on Medicaid. And in 2020, Louisiana expanded the program to cover all medically necessary services for students on Medicaid. New Schools for New Orleans, an education advocacy group, found in 2023 that New Orleans schools had an estimated $10.5 million in possible Medicaid reimbursable funding, but due to complexities in billing and lack of resources, schools were only receiving around 40% of that. Since then, New Schools for New Orleans, the Orleans Parish School Board and the New Orleans City Council have collaborated to increase the amount of Medicaid reimbursements schools receive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orleans Parish School Board member Olin Parker said the NOLA Public Schools district has made expanding access to physical and mental health services for students one of its priorities. He fears that reduced Medicaid reimbursements will force schools to make cuts elsewhere in their budgets to keep up with federal requirements for special education students. Now youre spending your own fund balance on what used to be reimbursable services, that means you have less money to pay your teachers, Parker said. That means you have less money to invest into your school buildings. That means you have less money to invest in the programming thats happening at your schools. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Tarrezz Thompson of Columbus owns a business teaching children with learning disabilities. She says maintaining Medicaid benefits is already highly complicated. New work requirements will makes things much worse, she said. (Photo by Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal.) People pushing cuts to the safety net in Ohio and nationally say they want to stop freeloading and waste. Ohioan Tarrezz Thompson does everything those people say they want. She owns a small business, teaching small children with learning disabilities who mostly come from low-income families. Shes helping herself and her family by giving those kids and their families a hand up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Thompson, a mother of six and the recipient of a kidney transplant, said maintaining health and other benefits is a confusing, arbitrary process already. She warns that with budget cuts and new state and federal work requirements, many families will be forced from the system not because they dont want to work, but because the hassle will make maintaining benefits virtually impossible. And that, she said, will only compound the problems that drove people to need help in the first place. Thompson, who works with the Ohio Organizing Collaboratives Care Economy Project, said that the families she works with have a take-what-comes attitude, but many dont appreciate whats about to hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most families are aware of whats coming down the pike, she said. Theyre operating out of their own post-covid trauma and theyre like, well figure it out when we get there. I tell them, you arent in a position to provide medical care for your children. Thats a lot of money. Without insurance, its even more. Disruption President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act will slash nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid spending over 10 years. Those cuts include about $33 billion in Ohio, according to estimates KFF released late last month. It will slash another $230 billion in federal food assistance over the same period. KFF estimates that most of Medicaid savings will be achieved through attrition caused by work requirements. Those rules will take effect at the start of 2027. Many of the SNAP work requirements took effect the day Trump signed the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While making unprecedented cuts to programs for the poorest Americans, the law gives $1 trillion in tax cuts to the richest 1%. It also balloons the deficit by $3.4 trillion, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine has requested permission from federal authorities to impose state work requirements on the 770,000 residents who are enrolled as part of the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The feds havent ruled on that request. The work requirements come even though 92% of non-disabled Medicaid recipients under 65 are either working, or couldnt due to caregiving responsibilities, or were ill, or in school. They also come despite the fact that work requirements implemented in Arkansas in 2018 increased the number of the uninsured, while having no effect on employment. Real people SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson said it can be bewildering to try to work and maintain benefits even without the new requirements. Her youngest child is disabled, and he and the rest of her kids who are still minors qualify for traditional Medicaid. But Thompson said she keeps getting bounced around between traditional Medicaid, the expansion group, and a changing methodology to consider her eligibility. What Ive been experiencing this year is they keep moving me from what program is covering my Medicaid, she said, explaining that in the past month alone, she received three notifications that shed been moved from one program to another. I got moved from Medicaid to the Medicaid Adjusted Gross Income program. Its supposed to be for individuals without children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Morrow County Job and Family Services website gives a flavor of how hard to understand the rules can be when it tries to explain Medicaid Adjusted Gross Income Program, or MAGI, rules: Will MAGI rules apply to everyone seeking Medicaid coverage? it asks in a Q&A. MAGI-Based Eligibility applies to individuals who are considered Covered Families and Children (CFC) Medicaid categories including families, children up to age 19, pregnant women, and adults 19 64 who are below 138% Federal Poverty Level (FPL), it says. MAGI rules also apply to time-limited coverage for individuals who were enrolled in Medicaids parent category and lost eligibility due to increased earnings or spousal support. What the many changes have meant for Thompson are doctor visits in which she thought she was covered, but then told that she was not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also needs to take prescription drugs and have regular lab work because of her kidney transplant. Repeated changes have resulted in coverage denials totaling about $1,000 that she cant pay. On top of being a mother and running a business on a shoestring, she has to deal with that as well. Its a bureaucratic nightmare, she said. I dont know that the changes happened. I go to my doctors. They tell me my coverage has ended and then I have to restart the cycle to find out how to get their services covered. I currently have four medical bills that Im trying to resolve. They were actually covered, but when they submitted them, they got denied for non-coverage. Thompson has tried to get health coverage in the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act, but she kept getting denied when it was determined that she was eligible for Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its pretty stressful, said Thompson, whose calm outward demeanor belies her stress. My cortisol level is really high. Double whammy, widespread pain When the new bureaucracy and funding cuts kick in, Thompson is unlikely to get much relief. She said she was worried about how the changes might affect her son, who starts college in the fall and will turn 18 just a month later. And she worries about how they would affect her business, because most of her students families are on Medicaid and other assistance as well. Whats scary to me is that all these changes in some way, shape, or form are going to touch me, Thompson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When families lose housing, food assistance, or health care, they become destabilized, she said. What happens is they move wherever they need to go to get that stability, she said. Many families have moved out of my service zone or even out of the state, so I lose revenue. That puts my program in crisis mode because I still have to pay expenses to maintain the program. Thompson is far from alone. In a state where more than 25% of people are on Medicaid, such destabilization threatens to become commonplace or at least, more commonplace. She described what happened to the family of one of her clients during the covid pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a grandmother, a mother, three daughters, and an adopted child living in a house, Thompson said. The mother, the grandmother, and one of the daughters were working, and the mother was handling all of the bills. She fell behind on rent and got an eviction notice. They were scrambling to come up with $2,500 on a place that was costing them $500 a month, Thompson said, explaining that the amounts might not seem like much, but for people in such situations, its an impossible amount. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man from Memphis could be responsible for multiple home improvement store heists in Eastern Tennessee. According to the Mt. Juliet Police Department, the 41-year-old was arrested Sunday after over $7,000 worth of merchandise was found in the back of his van. Police said an officer patrolling some retail areas spotted the van parked at a Lowes without a license plate. Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Dept. The officer said inside the van were stacks of merchandise in plain view. They said store employees had not discovered the theft yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mt. Juliet police said the man driving the van ran from officers and was taken into custody after a short foot chase. Courtes: Mt. Juliet Police Dept. Investigators have not identified the man arrested, but believe he is connected to similar thefts across the region. He was arrested for felony theft, burglary, and evading arrest at a Lowes last August. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Charges in a health care fraud case include that Memphis residents billed for drugs that weren't available for purchase. (Getty Images) Photo shows a judge's gavel and a roll of $100 bills. Just City Memphis is dedicating $50,000 toward posting bail for people being held pretrial in honor of Rockez McDaniel, a 33-year-old who died while in custody awaiting arraignment in late July. (Getty Images) This story was updated to include a comment from the Shelby County Sheriffs Office. Memphis organization Just City dedicated $50,000 toward paying bail for low-level offenders on Friday in honor of Rockez McDaniel, a 33-year-old who recently died while awaiting arraignment in the Shelby County jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDaniel faced misdemeanor charges for evading arrest and escape after officers arrested him in response to a mental health call, according to court documents. Officers tased McDaniel after he shoved one of the responding officers in an attempt to escape, police say. He made a second attempt to escape after being taken to Regional One Hospital for unspecified medical treatment. After being medically cleared at the hospital, McDaniel was taken to the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center, also known as 201 Poplar. There he stayed without arraignment or assigned legal representation for seven days until his death. His bond was set at $1,000 a price he was unable to pay for his release, according to Just City. Rockez McDaniel, 33, died in the Shelby County Jail while awaiting arraignment. (Photo: Tennessee Department of Correction) The Shelby County Sheriffs Office reported that McDaniel died on July 28 after experiencing a medical emergency while in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the circumstances that led to his death. An autopsy is being performed, according to TBI. Organizations launch Rockez McDaniel Bailout In response, Just City and a coalition of local organizations launched the Rockez McDaniel Bailout, an emergency $50,000 allocation from Just Citys Memphis Community Bail Fund. The bailout effort is targeting people who have been incarcerated in the jail for about a week with little or no movement in their case. Just City typically pays a maximum bail of $4,000 per person, a bail threshold that is generally set for lower-level charges. The organization also completes internal checks on types of charges and history before issuing bail payments. It didnt take us long to find 30 people who are in a position that is very vulnerable if they have any sort of health problems at all, Just City Executive Director Josh Spickler told Tennessee Lookout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are people who have not been convicted of a crime, have not faced a judge or a jury, and who have not received a sentence, yet they are being held in dangerous, inhumane conditions for weeks on end, Spickler said. The purpose of the Rockez McDaniel Bailout is to locate and free as many of them as we can before another life is lost to the Sheriffs negligence and disorganization. The organizations Memphis Community Bail Fund posted pretrial bail for about 500 people from 2015 to 2020, according to a 5-year report published by Just City. Of those bail fund clients, 91% returned to court, the organization reported. Its a welcome relief that bail funds are being used as intendedto help people bond out, Joseph Fox, a Shelby County Sheriffs Office lieutenant, wrote in an email to Tennessee Lookout on Wednesday. The Shelby County Sheriffs Office is always open to revisiting others suggestions and working together toward effective solutions. The Sheriffs Office declined to comment on the open investigation. Organizations demand accountability from Sheriffs Office Just City and partnering organizations also issued three demands to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office. Those include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Releasing a training plan and committing employees and resources to the jails intake and release departments, with the goal of reducing booking time to 36 hours by Sept. 1, and further reducing it to 25 hours by the end of 2025. Releasing a plan for employees to monitor the daily jail roster for people who have not been taken to court or received appointed counsel within 48 hours of booking, with the goal of getting all inmates to court within 72 hours of booking. Releasing a plan to divert people with diagnosed mental health conditions to available resources within 24 hours of arrival, with the goal of entirely avoiding booking people who are experiencing mental health episodes into the jail by Jan. 1. Just City Bail Fund and Advocacy Coordinator Laramie Wheeler said McDaniel would still be alive had he been taken to court as scheduled. These are people who have not been convicted of a crime, have not faced a judge or a jury, and who have not received a sentence, yet they are being held in dangerous, inhumane conditions for weeks on end. Josh Spickler, Just City Court records show McDaniels arraignment was initially set for July 21, the day after his arrest. Bail screening forms showed the court did not recommend release without supervision because of the nature of offense, probability of conviction and the likely sentence as it relates to the safety of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the arraignment and a required bail hearing review never happened. The court date was rescheduled to July 22, and then to July 28, before finally being pushed to July 29. By that time, McDaniel was dead. From what we can tell, the thing that got in the way, the thing that caused Mr. McDaniel to die at the hospital after being found unresponsive in intake, was that he had not been taken to court, Wheeler said. Rockez McDaniel would still be here if the Shelby County Sheriffs Office had done their job, she said. And the family, his friends, all of us here today we want to know why he was never seen in court. We want to know why he was never assigned an attorney. We want to know why they did not do their jobs No one deserves to die while being held in jail. Sheriffs Office has requested funds for new jail The Sheriffs Office issued a news release on July 24 four days before McDaniels death advocating for funding for a new jail facility. The release cites a rise in bookings, court slowdowns, and delays state transfers for inmates who have been convicted and sentenced to time in a state penitentiary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. hired retired Criminal Court Judge Bobby Carter to assist in working with other criminal justice agencies to reduce the jails population. Bonner also employs an Expeditor who attempts to get cases on the docket more quickly when inmates are hospitalized and assists in obtaining more rapid mental health evaluations and testing, according to the release. (Bonner) is also moving many of those charged with misdemeanors to another part of the jail to keep them safe while they are awaiting court appearances, bond, release, etc., the release states. The jail staffs a mental health team, including a full-time director and part-time psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, according to the jails website. Its not clear what, if any, treatment or resources McDaniel received while in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spickler rejects the idea that a new jail is a solution. (McDaniels death) did not happen because the jail was 50 years old, he said. This happened because a whole chain of people did not do their jobs. Most of them work for the sheriff. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX At least 14 civilians were killed and dozens more injured in what has been described as a horrific massacre by Sudans Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Qarni village, northwest of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. The attack, reported on Monday by the independent watchdog Emergency Lawyers, targeted civilians attempting to flee the area amid a months-long RSF siege. Several individuals were also reportedly abducted. The group decried the escalating humanitarian crisis, pointing to the near-collapse of health systems, acute food and medicine shortages, and rising malnutritionparticularly among children. El-Fasher, a critical lifeline for aid operations in Darfur, has endured over a year of RSF-imposed restrictions and violent clashes, despite repeated international calls for a ceasefire and safe humanitarian access. The rights group has urged the global community to intervene by establishing humanitarian corridors and initiating an international probe into RSF actions. Since the outbreak of war between the RSF and the Sudanese army in April 2023, over 20,000 people have been killed and 14 million displaced, according to UN figures. However, independent research suggests the death toll may exceed 130,000, highlighting the scale of devastation in Sudans ongoing conflict. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (FOX4) A recently released analysis from Colorados 9-8-8 suicide hotline says the majority of statewide residents calling to seek help are men. Local public health experts tell WesternSlopeNow, the reason men are more likely to die by suicide in Mesa County and nationwide is immediate access to guns. Years of national studies have deemed men more likely than women to die by suicide, even though the suicide attempt rates according to Mesa County experts are fairly equal. But officials say, while women are more likely to attempt suicide with overdose, men are more likely to use a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials tell WesternSlopeNow the lethality of the weapon leads to a disproportionate impact on male suicide deaths, especially in places with high levels of gun ownership like the Western Slope. Experts say, there is no singular reason for suicidal thinking, but men are disproportionately affected by major risk factors such as substance abuse and mental health concerns. Veterans, who are statistically more likely to be male, are particularly vulnerable, given their access to lethal means, and higher risk for social isolation and substance use. But while the factors leading to suicide are varied, were told there is an equation for preventing suicide deaths when using a firearm time plus distance equals safety. An act as simple as safely storing and locking up a gun can buy someone enough time to reconsider a suicide attempt. If you or a loved one is suffering from thoughts of suicide, please call the 9-8-8 hotline. In emergencies, dial 9-1-1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Virginia-based nonprofit Mercy Chefs is hosting a Back-to-School Block Party in Portsmouth Wednesday. The event is from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on 711 Washington Street. The nonprofit is holding the event to alleviate the financial burden of school supplies for children and parents alike while bringing the community together over warm meals. Were excited to host this block party as a way to love and support our neighbors here in Portsmouth, said Chef Gary LeBlanc, Founder and CEO of Mercy Chefs. Its more than just a meal or a backpackits about showing families theyre not alone and that their community stands with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to free meals, Mercy Chefs will have a live DJ, a gaming truck, an interactive mad scientist demonstration, a dunk tank and a pie-eating contest. Students can also expect to receive free haircuts and backpacks loaded with school supplies. For more information, visit the link here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. A banner reading "Mess with Texas" is flown around the State House, reportedly one of six state capitals subjected to the message Monday. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Mess With Texas Project) A small plane circled the Maryland State House throughout Monday morning and afternoon, trailing a banner with a call to action: MESS WITH TEXAS. It was an apparent reference to the redistricting fight in Texas, where state Republicans are pushing for a rare mid-decade redistricting plan that would flip five U.S. House seats currently held by Democrats before next years elections. Texas Democratic lawmakers fled the state to prevent a scheduled vote Monday on the redistricting bill, while Democrats in other states are considering responding in kind if Texas goes through with its plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland is among those states. Whats happening is ruinous, really, to there being any sort of state parity or ground rules, said Del. David Moon (D-Montgomery) of the proposed Texas redistricting. Ultimately, it just helps take accountability away from elected officials. Moon who said he saw some of the on-the-lam Texas House Democrats in Boston at the National Conference of State Legislatures convention Monday said last month that he plans to introduce a bill that would automatically trigger a Maryland redistricting if any other state redistricted outside of the regular decennial census period. Typically, states redraw their congressional district boundaries every 10 years, when decennial Census numbers come out, so for Texas to do it mid-decade would be ruinous, Moon said. If the once-per-decade norm is broken by one state, it can affect all other states, said Moon, the House majority leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If one of the 50 states decides to break from the norm and redistrict whenever they want, thats just not a sustainable system unless every other state also exercises that same right, Moon said. Ideally, once everyone has the same power, nobody exercises it, because its destabilizing the Congress itself to have the prospect of redistricting happen every election cycle. A plane flies over the State House Monday trailing a MESS WITH TEXAS banner. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters). Maryland is one of the Democratic-led states considering such a response to Texas. More planes trailing Mess with Texas banners, backed by an anonymous group of self-described democracy advocates, according to Politico, had plans to fly over state capitols Monday in New York, Maine, New Jersey, Illinois and California. It was not immediately clear who was behind the effort. Employees at two aerial advertising companies, FlySigns.com and Aerial Advertising Outdoor Maryland, were unable to confirm whether the planes had been rented from them. A MESS WITH TEXAS banner was spotted Monday over Albany, according to posts on Facebook and Reddit, where New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) stood with five Texas Democratic lawmakers and said New York was looking into how it could mount a mid-decade redistrictinf if Texas does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland House Minority Leader Del. Jason Buckel (R-Allegany) said he is also against mid-decade redistricting. But Texas is growing much faster than Maryland potentially fast enough to merit one or two additional congressional districts compared to 2020, he said. Texas is a much larger state with more minority seats than Maryland, Buckel said, so even if it redistricts, there will still be Texas seats available to Democrats. In Maryland, only one of the states eight congressional seats is held by a Republican. Under what Del. Moon is proposing, he wants to potentially gerrymander a map that would have absolutely zero Republican representation in the state, Buckel said. Thats just kind of absurd, and I dont think theres a way for them to do it. Maryland Del. Joe Vogel (D-Montgomery) wrote in a post on X that he will co-sponsor Moons bill if it moves forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vogel said he doesnt support partisan gerrymandering, and he hopes that Texas backs away from its effort. But if Texas engages in partisan mid-decade redistricting, then Maryland will engage back, Vogel said. Im by no means excited about this. First, because I do not generally support partisan gerrymandering, and second, because I think that this could result in a nationwide battle around redistricting in a way that I think further polarizes our country, Vogel said. But, again back to this point: Texas is starting it. Texas lawmakers are starting it. Moon called the current once-per-decade redistricting norm basically a treaty among the states, but said that treaty requires cooperation by all 50 states, which cant be done if Texas redistricts now. This era of unilateral disarmament is over, Moon said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Social media giant Meta was forced to apologize to a Canadian teacher who lost her Instagram account after they falsely accused her of sharing material depicting child sexual exploitation, abuse and nudity, according to a report. It took high school history teacher Megan Conte several days just to get in touch with an actual human at Meta to try and make her case but her account still wasnt reinstated. When I read what I was accused of, I was very hurt. I was very surprised, especially considering what I do for a living, Conte told CBC Toronto. And there was no one I could contact no human. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The social media platform took action only after being contacted by CBC, the outlet reported, and then issued an apology to Conte. Its unclear why Meta objected or what her posts included before the ban. Were sorry we got this wrong and that you were unable to use Instagram for a while, an email from Meta to Conte read. Sometimes we need to take action to keep our community safe. Meta, owner of Instagram, was forced to issue an apology after it incorrectly banned a high school teacher, claiming her account had material depicting child sexual exploitation. (AP) Conte isnt the only one concerned with the confusing ways social media moderators, such as those who banned her Instagram, operate. An online petition started by Brittany Watson, also banned by Meta, rallies against the perceived over-reliance by social media companies on artificial intelligence and has gained over 34,000 signatures, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media isnt just social media anymore. Its now part of daily lives, Watson said. Now, theyre taking that away without any explanation. Watson hopes her petition forces social media sites to improve moderation tools, telling CBC, I think the robots need to be reset. While Watson and Conte have no proof that artificial intelligence is behind their bans, tech expert Carmi Levy told CBC it would be impossible for Meta to use humans alone to moderate its sites. With over three billion regular users of these platforms, theres no way that Meta could hire enough people in the world to cover everything that gets posted, Levy said. Automation is the only way they can make this scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Meta said they use a combination of people and technology to track violations of its community standards. We take action on accounts that violate our policies, and people can appeal if they think weve made a mistake, the spokesperson added. (FOX40.COM) A man was sentenced to 16 years in prison, while another man pleaded guilty for their roles in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in the Sacramento region, according to the United States Department of Justice. Video Above: More than 2,300 pounds of meth is found hidden in celery at Georgia farmers market Court documents show that Jose Manuel Ontiveros Verdugo, 40, of Stockton, and Jorge Omar Arredondo-Garcia, 47, of Lodi, conspired with their co-defendants and others between July 2019 and December 2019, to distribute methamphetamine in Stockton and throughout the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation led to an undercover source buying 11 pounds of methamphetamine and a half pound of heroin from the drug trafficking organization. The DOJ said authorities stopped a shipment of 50 pounds of methamphetamine going to Nebraska, and a 21pound shipment going to Pennsylvania. Verdugo was sentenced to 16 years in prison, while Arredondo-Garcias sentencing is scheduled to be sentenced on November 4. Arredondo-Garcia faces a statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Meanwhile, the charges for the co-defendants Gregorio Ontiveros Verdugo, 42, Alberto Navarro Zapata, 39, and Wilfredo Reyes, 50, are pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Metro Atlanta schools use AI as teaching tool As students return to school, some districts are incorporating artificial intelligence into various aspects of education, such as lesson plans and assignments. The use of AI in education is being seen as a significant technological advancement, with educators aiming to equip students with essential skills for the future workforce. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Heather Van Looy, Director of Instructional Technology at Fulton County Schools, highlighted that initial concerns about AI centered around potential cheating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the focus has shifted to teaching students how to effectively use AI. We really have to be teaching our students how to use it, she said. The integration of AI includes creating chatbots that represent historical figures, allowing students to interact and ask questions in a controlled environment set by teachers. AI is also being used to assist teachers by generating sample lesson plans quickly, potentially saving time and increasing efficiency. Shannon Kersey, Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Teaching, emphasized the goal of seamless integration of AI across schools and grade levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative aims to balance efficiency with the need to familiarize students with AI, preparing them for a future where these skills are increasingly important. RELATED: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Brief The air quality in Metro Detroit is affecting people's health, according to doctors. Dr. Wasfeh Musheinesh has seen a lot of breathing attacks. Musheinesh says its all because of the Canadian wildfires and blowing that soot into Metro Detroit. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Coughing a lot lately? Youre not alone. Wildfires in Canada are causing Metro Detroit a lot of problems, including an air quality alert that continues through Monday night. What they're saying Dr. Wasfeh Musheinesh, or Dr. Mush, is seeing a lot of breathing attacks. He heads the largest free clinic in Michigan HUDA, the Health Unit on Davison Avenue on Detroits West Side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 2 caught up with him at his clinic in Lincoln Park. "We are seeing needle nights coming in with respiratory distress," he said. "They are wheezing, hacking and everything." Musheinesh says its all because of the Canadian wildfires and blowing that soot into Metro Detroit. Dig deeper After a short medical history, checking the lungs, possibly getting an x-ray- and then blowing into a lung capacity machine, the doctor can get a better idea of how badly the air is affecting a patient. "Typically, if you became more serious, Id put an IV and give you all the medication in the IV," said Musheinesh. "Which weve been doing a lot and get good results with it? Substantial results, but its a shame that we have to reach there." OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Multiple metro schools are implementing a cell phone ban for students this school year. Oklahoma City Public Schools, Edmond Public Schools, Putnam City Schools and El Reno Public Schools have added this new policy to their rule books. RELATED STORY: New Oklahoma law prompts El Reno Public Schools to ban student electronic devices usage The policy says that students will no longer be permitted to use personal electronic devices throughout the entire school day, or from bell to bell. This comes after Senate Bill 139 passed through the Oklahoma Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar devices will not be allowed to be used, accessed, or displayed by students during the day, including class time, passing periods, and lunch. Putnam City Schools calls the initiative Pause The Screen, Chase The Dream. The goal is to reduce distractions, improve engagement and provide a safe and respectful space for students. According to Putnam City Schools: Students must silence and store all personal electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, wireless earbuds or headphones, tablets, and similar items District-issued devices are not included in this policy Wired headphones may be used with District-issued devices Bell-to-bell means from the start of the school day to the end of the school day, including lunch and passing periods Parents and guardians needing to contact their student should call the school office. Messages will be delivered, and students may use the office phone to return calls Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students may use their personal devices in the following situations: During active emergencies requiring immediate communication for safety, including calls to 911 For medical monitoring needs, such as glucose checks As part of documented accommodations in a students 504 Plan, IEP, or Medical Plan RELATED STORY: New bill would ban phones bell-to-bell for middle and high school students Schools in the metro are responding to the change. While we must comply with the states legislation, open communication remains a priority to OKCPS. We will measure the impact of this policy at schools and continue to collect feedback and make adjusts as needed. says OKCPS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edmond Public Schools believes in the power of presence and the importance of all students being present physically and engaged in the learning environment. says EPS. The Putnam City Schools Board of Education approved an updated districtwide personal electronic device policy in compliance with a new Oklahoma law that requires all school districts to limit the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. says PC. It is important to understand that this new policy is not about punishmentit is about creating the best learning environment possible for all students. Reducing distractions in the classroom supports academic success, student engagement, and stronger social connections. said Matt Goucher, Superintendent of El Reno Public Schools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP) Authorities arrested an outspoken activist and immigration advocate in southern Mexico on Tuesday, a day before a group of migrants was planning to march to the country's capital to protest their treatment. According to a federal official, Luis Garcia Villagran was arrested in Tapachula, in the state of Chiapas, for alleged crimes related to his work with migrants. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the case. Garcia Villagran's relatives who were waiting outside the Attorney General offices in the southern city of Tapachula, near the border with Guatemala, declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The activist-lawyer has accompanied many caravans over the years that formed in Tapachula, demanding safe passage to the U.S. border or speedier processing of asylum applications in Mexico. The caravan planned for Wednesday had the more limited goal of reaching Mexico City, where there are more opportunities for work, since U.S. President Donald Trumps administration has effectively shut off the possibility of requesting asylum at the U.S. border. In recent years, the Mexican government has worked to contain migrants in southern Mexico far from the border with the United States. At times, this strategy has swollen migrant numbers in Tapachula until hundreds set out walking in protest. Chiapas is Mexicos poorest state and migrants complain there is little work or available housing. Last year, some migrants accused Garcia Villagran of extortion and state prosecutors opened an investigation. The Chiapas state prosecutor's office has not said where that case stands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexican authorities have arrested immigration activists in the past. In 2018, activist Irineo Mujica was arrested as he led a protest in Ciudad Hidalgo, a city at the Guatemala-Mexico border. He heads the organization Pueblo sin Fronteras, or People without Borders, and was accused at the time of property damage and resisting arrest. On Tuesday, Mujica condemned Garcia Villagran's arrest in a video released on his social platforms and accused the Mexican government of criminalizing immigration and those who advocate for migrants' rights. Mujica was arrested again in 2019 with another activist as the Mexican government negotiated with the first Trump administration to avoid threatened tariffs. They were released days later due to lack of evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuban migrant Jesus Perez said on Tuesday the arrest of Garcia Villagran was meant to keep them from leaving Tapachula, but we're going to leave. In recent days, he said, immigration agents and National Guard troops had been carrying out operations in places where migrants gather, calling it an attempt to intimidate them. ___ Verza reported from Mexico City. CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico (AP) Mexican investigators on Tuesday pointed to organized crime in the killing of a top federal official in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas the previous day, saying it was likely retaliation for the authorities' recent seizures of stolen fuel there. On Monday, gunmen killed Attorney Generals Office Tamaulipas state delegate Ernesto Vasquez Reyna in broad daylight, in the middle of the busiest avenue of the border city of Reynosa. The Attorney Generals Office said in a statement that preliminary information suggested the killing was retaliation by a group it did not name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images from the scene of the assassination showed a smoldering black SUV and Vasquez Reynas body on the pavement. Authorities did not offer details on the attack other than to say that two additional vehicles were involved, and that one of them was recovered. The fuel seizure in July in Reynosa was described as a great setback for organized crime. The statement said more than 475,000 gallons (1.8 million liters) of gasoline were seized, along with tanker trucks, pumps and containers for storing the fuel. Reynosa is controlled by a faction of the Gulf cartel known as the Metros. Numerous drug cartels have gotten into the business of selling stolen gasoline as another line of illegal revenue. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Graphical abstract. Credit: Environment & Health (2025). DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.5c00160 A new preclinical study has found exposure to nanoplastics may contribute to the rapid progression of Alzheimer's disease and subsequent spread from the brain to other key organs such as the liver, heart and gut. The research, "Cerebral to Systemic Representations of Alzheimer's Pathogenesis Stimulated by Polystyrene Nanoplastics," is published in the journal Environment & Health. The study, co-led by Monash University and South China University of Technology, investigated how environmental-level polystyrene nanoplastic exposure influences the progression of Alzheimer's disease from the brain to other parts of the body. Studies in mice revealed that nanoplastic-induced neurological damage is not confined within the brain, but expands systemically through the gutliverbrain axis. In mice exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics, Alzheimer's-like symptoms were shown to stimulate 'microglia' immune cell activation in the brain, leading to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. This in turn led to peripheral health implications beyond the brain, including fatty liver disease, abnormal build-up of fat and gut microbiota imbalance. Humans are involuntarily exposed to plastics through inhalation, dermal contact and the consumption of contaminated food and water, and plastic particles have been detected in human lungs, bloodstream and, very recently, in the human brain. This, however, is the first study to show how rapidly nanoplastics can evolve from the brain to other parts of the body. Lead author of the study, Professor Pu Chun Ke, an Adjunct Professor at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, said the findings further support mounting evidence that nanoplastics are a hidden threat to our health. "These findings, although still early stage, suggest that nanoplastic-induced neurological damage is not confined within the brain but expands systemically through the communication network connecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and central nervous system, otherwise known as the gut-liver-brain axis," Professor Ke said. "As a result, nanoplastics set off a chain reaction whereby Alzheimer's disease develops and spreads from the top down." Professor Ke, who has been spearheading research into plastic-induced health implications for nearly two decades, said these findings highlight the urgent need to better understand the interplay between the local neurological and systemic effects of an environmental-level nanoplastic exposure, along with their broader, yet unknown, implications for human health. "Furthermore, while the current study was focused on polystyrene nanoplastics, future studies should investigate whether different nanoplastic variants elicit similar or distinct neurotoxic effects, to support comprehensive risk assessment and the development of preventive strategies for environmentally induced neurological disorders," Professor Ke concluded. Professor Ke and his team first reported how nanoplastics impair algal photosynthesis back in 2010. Since then, he has gone on to lead research into the role of nanoplastics in promoting the onset and progression of other diseases, including Parkinson's and vascular damage. More information: Yue Wang et al, Cerebral to Systemic Representations of Alzheimer's Pathogenesis Stimulated by Polystyrene Nanoplastics, Environment & Health (2025). DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.5c00160 HERMOSILLO, Mexico (AP) The United States suspension of live cattle imports from Mexico hit at the worst possible time for rancher Martin Ibarra Vargas, who after two years of severe drought had hoped to put his family on better footing selling his calves across the northern border. Like his father and grandfather before him, Ibarra Vargas has raised cattle on the parched soil of Sonora, the state in northwestern Mexico that shares a long border with the United States, particularly Arizona. His family has faced punishing droughts before but has never before had to contend with the economic hit of a new scourge: the New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite. U.S. agriculture officials halted live cattle crossing the border in July the third suspension of the past eight months due to concerns about the flesh-eating maggot which has been found in southern Mexico and is creeping north. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The screwworm is a larva of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly that can invade the tissues of any warm-blooded animal, including humans. The parasite enters animals skin, causing severe damage and lesions that can be fatal. Infected animals are a serious threat to herds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture calls it a "devastating pest" and said in June that it poses a threat to our livestock industry, our economy, and our food supply chain. It has embarked on other steps to keep it out of the United States, which eradicated it decades ago. As part of its strategy the U.S. is preparing to breed billions of sterile flies and release them in Mexico and southern Texas. The aim is for the sterile males to mate with females in the wild who then produce no offspring. The U.S. ban on live cattle also applies to horses and bison imports. It hit a ranching sector already weakened by drought and specifically a cattle export business that generated $1.2 billion for Mexico last year. This year, Mexican ranchers have exported fewer than 200,000 head of cattle, which is less than half what they historically send in the same period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Ibarra Vargas, considered a comparatively small rancher by Sonoras beef-centric standards, the inability to send his calves across the border has made him rethink everything. The repeated bans on Mexican cows by U.S. authorities has pushed his family to branch into beekeeping, raising sheep and selling cow's milk. What he earns is just a fraction of what he earned by exporting live cattle, but he is trying to hold on through the lean times. Tiempos de vacas flacas" times of the lean cows as he calls them. At least it lets us continue ranching, the 57-year-old said with a white cowboy hat perched on his head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reinvent to survive Even as ranchers in Sonora intensify their efforts to make sure the parasitic fly never makes it into their state, theyve had to seek new markets. In the past two months, theyve sold more than 35,000 mature cows within Mexico at a significant loss. We couldnt wait any longer, said Juan Carlos Ochoa, president of the Sonora Regional Cattle Union. Those sales, he said, came at a 35% lower price difference compared with the export value of a cow. Thats hard to stomach when beef prices in the U.S. are rising. The U.S. first suspended cattle imports last November. Since then, more than 2,258 cases of screwworm have been identified in Mexico. Treatment requires a mix of manually removing the maggots, healing the lesions on the cows and using anti-parasite medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some ranchers have also started retail beef sales through luxury butcher shops referred to as meat boutiques." There are other foreign markets, for example Japan, but selling vacuum sealed steaks across the Pacific is a dramatically different business than driving calves to U.S. feedlots. The switch is not easy. An uncertain future With his calves mooing as they ran from one end of a small corral to the other waiting to be fed, Ibarra Vargas said he still hasnt figured out how he will survive an extended period of not being able to send them to the U.S. The recent two-year drought reduced his cattle stocks and forced him to take on debt to save the small family ranch that has survived for three generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juan Carlos Anaya, director of Agricultural Markets Consulting Group, attributed a 2% drop in Mexicos cattle inventory last year to the drought. Anaya said Mexican ranchers who export are trying to get the U.S. to separate what happens in southern Mexico from the cattle exporting states in the north where stricter health and sanitation measures are taken, but the damage is already done. Were running out of time, said Ibarra Vargas, who already laments that his children are not interested in carrying on the family business. For a rancher who doesnt have a market or money to continue feeding his calves, its a question of time before he says: you know what, this is as far as I go. __ Sanchez reported from Mexico City. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) New Mexicos public radio and television stations are bracing for impact with the feds clawing back more than a billion dollars in funding nationally. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KANW is an NPR-affiliated station in Albuquerque broadcasting across central and northern New Mexico. Theyre facing a $240,000 budget cut, but unlike other stations, they said they will be able to keep operating. The citizens of New Mexico and our listeners all throughout the world, because we have listeners that listen to us streaming, theyve really stepped up and theyve really come to the aid of public radio stations, said Development Director at KANW Heidi Brown. KANW said the cuts are 29% of their overall budget, helping pay for local news and election coverage, NPR programming, and equipment. It comes after President Trump signed a bill rescinding public broadcasting funds, arguing national public media outlets are biased and not a necessary expense. For decades, Congress has funded the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is now expected to lay off most of its staff in September. Much of the corporations money went directly to PBS and NPR stations across the country, running educational programming and other content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown said she is worried about the stations in rural America, which she added provide notifications to the public about storms, floods, and fires. There are parts of New Mexico that are very rural that, without KANW, undeserved, minority, rural populations wouldnt hear those announcements because they dont have cell service, said Brown. Another public radio station serving much of northern and central New Mexico, KUNM, is also dealing with cuts representing about 12% of its budget. They said it may delay plans to expand local news gathering. Leaders at KANW and KUNM said the federal funding cuts will not have an impact on local staffing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Michael Patrick Gallagher, 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. He was born on January 24, 1952, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Thomas J. and Catherine M. (Smith) Gallagher. He was a beloved brother, uncle and friend. Find obituaries from your high school Mike was raised on Youngstowns South Side where he first attended St. Dominics Catholic School and then graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1970. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A natural leader, he forged many lifelong friendships during these early years. These same friends, along with family, surrounded him with love and support during his brief illness. Following high school, Mike began a skilled trade apprenticeship with Genex Tool & Die. Upon completion, he embarked on a career spanning more than 40 years as a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker with GM/Packard Electric and its successor companies, including most recently APTIV. Known for his sharp intellect, boundless curiosity and unforgettable storytelling, Mike was a proud member of Mensa. His passion for learning and adventure fueled a love of travel. With his fleet of motorhomes, he explored the country, visiting museums, attending events and seeking new destinations time and again. Proud of his Irish heritage, Mike was an active member of the Trumbull County Ohio Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). He also belonged to several other organizations, including the Mahoning and Trumbull County Historical Societies, the Youngstown Saxon Club and the Cortland Ohio Moose Lodge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Christine Gallagher of Andover, New Jersey; his partner, Colleen Patchin of Warren, Ohio; his nephew, Thomas Gallagher and wife Monica of Rockaway, New Jersey; his niece, Megan Gallagher of Coeur DAlene, Idaho and countless dear friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 4:00 7:00 p.m., at Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market Street in Boardman. A brief service will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Lake Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mikes memory to Angels for Animals, 4750 West South Range Road, Canfield, OH 44406 (www.angelsforanimals.org), a cause he strongly supported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market Street in Boardman. Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to give condolences to the Gallagher family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Patrick Gallagher, please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Wednesday, August 6 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Michigan state House Speaker Matt Hall and Rep. Alabas Farhat take a picture on Jan. 14, 2025 | Anna Liz Nichols Updated at 9:40 p.m. The leader of the Michigan House Democratic caucus asked Republican leadership to reinstate state Rep. Alabas Farhat of Dearborn as the minority vice chair on the chambers appropriations committee after a political falling out saw him ousted, but in a letter sent Monday, House Speaker Matt Hall said that was out of the question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farhat was the minority vice chair on the powerful House Appropriations Committee until late last month when House Republicans failed to muster enough votes to pass the chambers version of a school cell phone ban and major changes to life-without-parole sentencing guidelines for 19- and 20-year-olds. Hall, a Republican from Richland Township, was adamant in public statements following the vote that he had deals with House Democrats to push the bills across the finish line in a bipartisan fashion, only to have those deals broken when every House Democrat voted against the measures. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The fallout from the cell phone ban bill, sponsored by state Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester), has given way to another battle of wills between the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-led Senate. It also resulted in Hall kicking Farhat off his leadership seat on the appropriations committee, further deepening the chasm between minority Democrats and the leaders of the House GOP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall said weeks ago that he was interviewing replacements for Farhart, but Puri had asked Hall to bring the Dearborn representative back into the fold. In a letter sent to Puri on Monday, Hall punted that idea square across the playing field. Representative Farhat has demonstrated an inability to represent your caucus and work in good faith to pass key, bipartisan legislation and a school budget that prioritizes students over special interests, Hall said of his reasoning. This appointment is arguably the most important role for any House Democrat during this period of divided government. Its vitally important that it is filled with someone who can help Governor Whitmer and I deliver a final budget by September 30th. Hall reiterated that he was interviewing and speaking with Democratic members, seeking a replacement who demonstrates the ability to secure buy-ins from your caucus when making commitments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you would like to recommend another member who can represent House Democrats in this position, I will take it into consideration, Hall said, before recounting his side of the story on why Farhat was ejected. The events leading up to Representative Farhats removal last week are clear to us all. He was planning to support the commonsense legislation that was brought up for a vote including priorities for the governor as well as Wayne County but ultimately voted no after a long public argument with you and your leadership team. In response, Farhat told Michigan Advance that he read Halls letter and that he felt bad for the speaker. Hes spiraling a bit, Farhat said. I have faith though that the institution will level set and I do agree that the governor wont sign a bad budget. Ive asked my office to prepare the voicemail and forward all calls during the Matt Hall Government Shutdown to his office. Farhat added that, in the meantime, he and House Democrats will be ready to negotiate a roads deal and a people-focused budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall said it was his view that Farhats change of heart came even after we agreed to approve his amendment to one of the bills and agreed to pass other bills sponsored by his fellow Democrat members. I have negotiated several successful deals while serving in the Legislature, and the governor and I have shown an ability to work together and forge a productive relationship. We know how this is supposed to work, Hall added. Legislative Democrats would benefit from following the lead of Governor Whitmer instead of clinging to the negative governing philosophies that resulted in yours being the only caucus in the nation to completely lose control of their chamber last year. 8.4 The speaker had previously told Puri and House Democrat that he didnt need them to pass a budget and that their participation depended on how much they were willing to engage with his caucus. Hall, however, certainly needed House Democrats at least twice to help get bills over the finish line, once on a failed attempt to amend the Senates education with one of several substitute bills, and the kerfuffle that saw the first go at a school cell phone ban shrivel in the House last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Hall warned in his rejection letter that if Puri and House Democrats wanted to play a meaningful role in the remaining term, it must begin by demonstrating a willingness to engage in good faith and prioritize real results over political maneuvering. Michiganders expect their elected officials to lead with integrity, stand by their word, and put the public interest ahead of partisan gamesmanship, Hall said. This story was updated to include a response from state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) and to clarify that he remains on the committee. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A Michigan man has been charged with harassing and interfering with U.S. Border Patrol agents while taking prisoners to a correctional facility in northern Michigan. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan says a criminal complaint has been filed against 30-year-old Jacob Len, of Ypsilanti. Prison near Baldwin to open as ICE detention center According to the attorneys office, Len is accused of impeding, intimidating and interfering with the agents while they were conducting their official duties. The incident happened July 7 along I-96 in Livingston County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the agents were traveling on Interstate 96, Len drove his BMW sedan toward one of the marked Border Patrol vehicles and flipped off the agents with his middle finger, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release. Immediately after clearing the front bumper of the lead Border Patrol transport van, Len abruptly cut in front of the transport van to quickly brake to avoid a collision. The driver of the trailing Border Patrol vehicle was forced to quickly brake to avoid smashing into the transport van. Len repeated his sudden braking maneuver twice before exiting the freeway. Jerome Gorgon Jr., the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, called Lens alleged actions shameful. Suspected Venezuelan gangster arrested by ICE in Traverse City While zipping around in his BMW, this defendant cavalierly endangered the hardworking agents who put their lives on the line every day protecting our country, the illegal aliens they were tasked with safely transporting, and other drivers going about their lives, he stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal charge of assaulting a federal officer, which includes forcible assault, intimidation or opposition, is a felony that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Len was formally charged Monday in Detroit and released on bond. He is due in court on Aug. 25 for a preliminary examination. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) speaks ahead of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing the last bill in the Reproductive Health Act in Lansing on Dec. 11, 2023. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) Last week, members of Michigans Progressive Womens Caucus celebrated a federal court decision blocking the Trump administrations effort to defund Planned Parenthood. Republicans big, beautiful bill which was signed into law on July 4, put in place a one-year ban on Medicaid payments to health care providers who offer abortion care and received more than $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planned Parenthood, which offers sexual and reproductive health care at nearly 600 health centers across the county, argued the policy was part of a yearslong plan to shut down the nonprofit, with the bill threatening to close 200 health centers across 24 states. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwanis July 28 order requires the government to continue reimbursing these facilities through Medicaid. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Planned Parenthood provides thousands with necessary reproductive care and family planning services. The Trump administrations move to withhold Medicaid funding puts necessary health care at risk. I am glad that the courts have thus far upheld this funding, but I am nonetheless concerned about future cuts to both Planned Parenthood and Medicaid. We must remain diligent, state Rep. Laurie Pohustky (D-Livonia), the caucuss chair, said in a statement on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pohustky pointed to additional Medicaid cuts in Republicans tax and spending bill, warning that millions will be removed from coverage. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, 10 million uninsured individuals are expected to lose Medicaid coverage over the next decade. Planned Parenthood health centers are necessary for many across our state, and it is absolutely essential that patients who use Medicaid still have access to contraception, STI and cancer screenings and all the reproductive care they need and deserve, Pohutsky said. 23 states including Michigan and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration late last month over the One Big Beautiful Bill Acts provision to defund health centers like Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood clinics are a critical part of Michigans healthcare system, delivering vital services to communities across the state, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. The Trump Administrations push to strip funding from these providers is an unlawful political tactic aimed at undermining care, even in states like Michigan, where the right to reproductive freedom is protected by our constitution. I remain committed to standing up for Michiganders ability to access the healthcare they need from the providers they trust. A west Michigan Christmas tree farm is set to supply the official White House Christmas tree for 2025 a first for a Michigan grower in four decades. Korson's Tree Farms, a Christmas tree grower in west Michigan, was named grand champion in the National Christmas Tree Association's Christmas tree contest and was selected to provide the official White House Christmas tree for 2025, the farm said in a social media post. The biannual contest by the National Christmas Tree Association, based in St. Louis, gives Christmas tree growers across the country a chance to have their trees featured in the White House and vice president's residence each Christmas season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upcoming honor will mark the first time a Michigan Christmas tree farm provided the official White House Christmas tree in 41 years, Korson's Tree Farms owner Rex Korson said. "(1985) was the last time that a Michigan tree was displayed at the White House and won the national (Christmas) tree contest to win that right so we're pretty proud to end that streak," Korson said. The 1985 winner was Stephen Vander Wiede, who supplied a blue spruce, the Association's website notes. Korson's, a Christmas tree wholesale farm, previously had a tree placed in the vice president's residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the 2025 White House Christmas tree: Who will provide the 2025 White House Christmas tree? Korson's Tree Farms will provide the official White House Christmas tree for 2025, the grower announced in a July 26 Facebook post. The Michigan tree farm won national grand champion in this year's Christmas tree contest through the national association, the post read. The tree will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House, Korson said. When the holiday season kicks off, Korson will travel to Washington, D.C., to present the Christmas tree, on a horse-drawn carriage, to first lady Melania Trump at the White House, according to tradition, Korson said. "We're very excited about the opportunity," Korson said. "We're proud to be able to represent real Christmas tree farmers across the United States and carrying on that tradition of providing a real Christmas tree for the White House." What happens next? Now that Korson's Tree Farms has been selected as a grand champion, the White House chief usher and superintendent of grounds will travel to the farm in Michigan during the fall to select the official White House Christmas tree for 2025, Korson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Christmas tree has yet to be formally picked, Korson's Tree Farms is considering concolor fir, a variety with a silver-blue needle and citrus scent, Korson said. Korson's Tree Farms will cut the desired Christmas tree and send it to Washington, D.C., for the holiday season, he said. What is Korson's Tree Farms? Korson's Tree Farms is a wholesale tree grower, including a variety of Christmas trees, according to its website. The family-owned farm began in 1973 and is based in Sidney Township, nearly an hour northeast of Grand Rapids. The family business began with Rex Korson's parents, the original owners Wayne and Vicki Korson, and Korson's son is now starting to work at the farms the third generation continuing at Korson's Tree Farms, Rex Korson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Growing real trees, it's very rewarding knowing that we work hard all year round and knowing that the trees that we're growing are the centerpiece of families' holiday traditions," Korson said. What did Korson's Tree Farms previously win in the contest? Korson's Tree Farms won the reserve champion in the 2015 Christmas tree contest, providing that year's official Christmas tree to the vice president's residence, the farm's website says. The farm has entered the national Christmas tree contest six times since 2009, Korson said. It has also competed in the Michigan Christmas Tree Association's contest, including in 2024, and won grand champion in 2017, presenting a Christmas tree to then-Gov. Rick Snyder, according to its website. What is the National Christmas tree contest? The National Christmas Tree Association hosts a biannual contest to select each year's official White House Christmas tree and the official Christmas tree for the vice president's residence, according to the association's website. What is the National Christmas Tree Association? The National Christmas Tree Association is a nationwide association for the U.S. Christmas tree industry, featuring more than 4,000 affiliated businesses, 700 active member farms and 29 state and regional associations, its website says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Christmas Tree Association could not immediately be reached for comment. Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: West Michigan tree farm wins White House Christmas tree contest COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Members of the Mothers of Butterflies, Olivia Dugger Chambers and Rubie Neal, dropped by WRBL News 3 and spoke to anchor Teresa Whitaker to discuss the upcoming Gateway Church Disability Awareness Fair. July 26 had marked the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is a landmark civil rights law in the U.S. that prohibits discrimination based on disability. The law also ensures equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life that includes: employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to share our wealthy information with mothers, caregivers, fathers it doesnt exclude because we are Mothers of Butterflies, but anyone that is taking care of their loved ones that are exceptional, said Neal. Were covering everyone that has a disability. So it doesnt matter what type of disability. It can be autism, it could be intellectual, paraplegic, quadriplegic so it doesnt matter, but we have come together to form the Mothers of Butterflies and a family member can be a butterfly, said Dugger Chambers. So, were sponsoring the Gateway Church Disability Awareness Fair at our local church. The event is set to take place at the Gateway Church in Columbus at 6650 Buena Vista Road from 10 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 WRBL. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. While the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature wages maximum warfare to carve new GOP House seats for the 2026 election and solidify President Donald Trumps lock on Congress, significant obstacles impede Gov. Ron DeSantis desire to do the same in Florida. The Texas Legislature met in a special session at Trumps request and quickly came up with a new gerrymandered congressional district map last week that would take away up to five seats from the Democrats. That spurred Democrats to leave the state to prevent a vote on the new map, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in turn has threatened to oust them from office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he thinks Florida could come up with three to five new Republican seats, based on conversations hes had with the U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, but he has stopped short of calling for a special session himself. Were looking at it seriously. I would look favorably to the Legislature taking it up, so stay tuned on that, DeSantis said last week at a news conference. That may be a tall order in a Republican-dominated Legislature that is nevertheless increasingly resistant to the states lame-duck governor. State Rep. Alex Andrade, a top Republican from Pensacola, said Monday that DeSantis is not in a position to force us to do anything that we dont think is a good idea. All wed have as an impetus for this is partisanship. House Democratic leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa said she does not trust a word coming out of DeSantis mouth about redistricting because its all coming from Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is about Florida getting more Republican seats positioning himself for another run for president in 2028, she said. He is more concerned about posturing for his next political opportunity than concern about the well-being of the people of Florida, Driskell said. So far, Florida GOP legislative leaders have remained silent on holding a special session on redistricting, which would be a massive, expensive logistical process. And there appears to be little appetite among Republican members of Floridas congressional delegation, many of whom are gearing up for reelection and unlikely to want to reshape districts in ways that change their voter base. DeSantis vetoed the Legislatures last attempt at drawing new congressional district lines and forced his own map on them in 2022, one that eliminated two Black congressional districts and spurred lawsuits from voting rights groups. The map was upheld by both the federal courts and the Florida Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But his grip on the Legislature has slipped since he strong-armed voting districts on them. When he tried to impose his will on the Legislature in January over immigration enforcement, the Legislature rejected his plans and passed several bills of its own, creating a standoff that was resolved by a compromise. Andrade, who served as the House health care budget chief last session, said he speaks with House Speaker Danny Perez of Miami once a week, said he hasnt heard anything on redistricting from the leadership. The impetus and data required for an accurate, constitutional middecade redistricting isnt there, he said. Odds are wed be redistricting with no real basis, and drawing partisan lines. That would violate the state constitution, which prohibits redrawing lines for political purposes. If maps were to get litigated with no other justifiable reason than political gain, we would lose in court. Andrade said. There has to be some other justification for me to take it seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they drew up their congressional map based on the 2020 census three years ago, Andrade said, We had to bend over backwards to avoid looking partisan. The Legislatures map would have given Republicans just two additional seats. DeSantis map handed the GOP four seats, giving its congressional delegation a 20-8 majority and helping secure the partys narrow control of Congress in the last two elections. It would be impossible to avoid obvious partisanship this time around without conducting a new census, Andrade argued. DeSantis said he wants a new census but acknowledged it would be difficult to redistrict Florida given the short time frame between now and the midterms. Now theyd have to do that relatively soon, because you need time to draw maps and you need time to get that done, DeSantis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redistricting is traditionally done every 10 years following the census to determine how many seats each state gets in the 435-member House of Representatives and to distribute federal funds. DeSantis argued last week that the population has grown enough to require a mid-decade census and reapportionment. DeSantis said the state was cheated out of a second new congressional seat the state was awarded one after the 2020 census during the last round of reapportionment because the census was poorly conducted, but Democrats said he had a chance to prevent that from happening. Democrats pushed to create a committee in 2019 to oversee the census count to make sure Florida residents didnt get undercounted and ensure that citizens get the full number of representatives they deserve. DeSantis rejected that plan, saying it wasnt the states responsibility to make sure everyone got counted. He also said he didnt want to spend state money counting the heads of noncitizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The census was off because DeSantis failed to work aggressively with local governments and community groups to make sure the marginalized populations were not undercounted, said Daniel Smith, head of the political science department at the University of Florida. Now, DeSantis wants a middecade census that counts only the people who are legally allowed to be in the U.S. But the Constitution requires an enumeration of the people in each state every 10 years, and gives Congress broad powers to decide how to accomplish that, Smith said. You dont get to choose who you count. Smith said the governor has painted himself into a corner by not wanting to count noncitizens, because theyre the reason Florida got even one extra seat. You take those people out of the equation and Florida is going to lose seats, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matt Isbell, a Democrat consultant who specializes in analyzing election results by district and precinct level, said DeSantis is full of nonsense. Conducting a midcycle census would be a massive, expensive undertaking that may not even produce the result that DeSantis wants, he said. Its a gamble. You risk losing seats and right now you have 20 solid Republican seats, Isbell said. Driskell said redistricting could easily backfire on the GOP. You never know what issue would be to get voters to have a change of heart, she said. Voters care about having their representation taken away. _____ 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: Overview of antigen prediction and testing for the iPSC-based vaccine against colorectal cancer. Credit: Theranostics (2025). DOI: 10.7150/thno.111400 A research team at National Taiwan University has developed a new stem cell-based vaccine that could help prevent and treat colorectal cancer. In a study published in Theranostics, Prof. Tzu-Tang Wei and colleagues from the Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, highlight the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a vaccine against colorectal cancer. Their research demonstrates that iPSC-based vaccines can both prevent and treat colorectal cancer, offering new insights for cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development. iPSCs are versatile cells created by reprogramming adult cells using genetic techniques. They have shown promise in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Prof. Wei's team found that cell lysates derived from iPSCs, combined with an immune-stimulating agent called CpG, can effectively prevent and slow colorectal cancer growth in mouse models. Further analyses using mass spectrometry and computer simulations identified two proteins, HNRNPU and NCL, which are highly expressed in both iPSCs and colorectal cancer cells but not in normal cells. Laboratory and animal experiments confirmed that these proteins can be presented by dendritic cells to activate T cells, thereby triggering a strong immune response against colorectal cancer. "Our findings suggest that using iPSC-derived materials can train the immune system to recognize and fight colorectal cancer cells early on," says Prof. Tzu-Tang Wei. Graduate students Si-Han Jwo, Shang-Kok Ng, and Chin-Tzu Li contributed equally as co-first authors. More information: Si-Han Jwo et al, Dual prophylactic and therapeutic potential of iPSC-based vaccines and neoantigen discovery in colorectal cancer, Theranostics (2025). DOI: 10.7150/thno.111400 While Texas House Democrats are still missing in action, Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton filed a bill to dump the delinquent legislators from office. When Texans dont show up for work, they get fired, Middleton told The Dallas Express. The same thing should apply to these Democrats that have fled to Illinois. Democrat state representatives fled on Sunday, stalling Republican-friendly redistricting during the special session, as The Dallas Express reported. Speaker Dustin Burrows issued arrest warrants on Monday, and Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state troopers to arrest them and return them to the state capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middleton filed SB 62 the same day, which would vacate from office any state legislator with seven unexcused consecutive absences. Officials would call a special election to replace them. The bill has yet to advance to committee. If two-thirds of the state Senate and state House vote to pass the bill, it will take effect immediately. But if not, it will take effect 91 days after passage. Middleton told The Dallas Express that once legislators reestablish quorum, this would apply to any state Democratic seats that remain vacant after the bill takes effect. He also said this could prevent similar delays in the future. Moving forward, its explicitly clear in our law that after seven days of not showing up to work, your office is vacant, Middleton said. But thats on top of what we can already do, and should do, right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middleton applauded Abbotts recent order to arrest the delinquent Democrats and return them to the House. He also pointed to Abbotts recent directive to the Texas Rangers to investigate them for potential bribery. Middleton cited Texas Penal Code 36.02 and said the Democrats may have committed multiple felonies and bribery. If they accept a benefit in order, and on the condition that they would not vote, and would deny quorum for the redistricting bill, he said, that seems like a pretty open and shut case to me. There is currently a call of the House, according to Middleton. Once the Democrats are returned, legislators can reestablish a quorum and conduct business again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats are currently holding up bills like flood relief, the Womens Privacy Act, the ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying, and redistricting, which Middleton said is particularly important to national politics, adding five more Texas Republicans to Congress. He said he would not back down. This could be the difference in the next Congress, in 2027, whether or not were able to pass President Trumps America First agenda, Middleton said. Texas has the opportunity right now to potentially save the entire country with this redistricting bill. Middleton drew backlash Monday for asking on social media if Democrat state Rep. Gene Wu is back in China. He told The Dallas Express he did not mean anything racial by the comment, but meant to point to Wus record of supporting communist China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu was one of the main opponents of measures to keep the Chinese Communist Party from buying Texas land, both in 2023 and 2025, according to Middleton. He also called on Wu to apologize to President Donald Trump, after the Democrat apparently wished he died of COVID Hard to serve a prison sentence if youre dead. This is about putting Texas first, about putting America first, Middleton said. He criticized the truant Democrats for fleeing to Illinois to protest gerrymandering. Illinois redistricted in 2022, apparently gerrymandering several districts to maximize Democrat victories. Theyve run away to one of the most corrupt and gerrymandered states in the nation, Illinois, Middleton said. Frankly, its a dereliction of duty. The message is simple youve abandoned your duties, youve abandoned your office, and we need to find representatives that will do what they said they were going to do, and show up to work, Middleton said. On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly made a provocative visit to an Israeli-held area that has been deemed an illegal settlement by the United Nations. Axios reported that the Louisiana Republican and several other GOP lawmakers made an unannounced trip to Israel over the weekend amid growing criticism of the countrys government as it continues its deadly occupation of Gaza. On Monday, Johnson was photographed in the Ariel region of the occupied West Bank, and a pro-Israel GOP activist on the trip cited him as saying the territory is the rightful property of the Jewish people. : " ' @arik3000 : pic.twitter.com/jmP8DWPNhb (@IsraelHayomHeb) August 4, 2025 The Palestinian Foreign Ministry reportedly condemned Johnsons visit as provocative incitement that encourages settler crimes and land confiscation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trips timing certainly reveals a contrast between the speaker, who is a staunch backer of the Israeli government, and the increasingly outspoken number of Israel critics in Congress a group that includes MAGA loyalists. (Johnson had planned a trip to address the Israeli parliament in June, but it was postponed because of the conflict between Israel and Iran.) As I recently wrote, more than two dozen Democratic senators denounced the raft of settler violence in the West Bank against people of Palestinian descent that has also killed Americans. So while some members of Congress seem disturbed by settler expansion and the deadly violence it has involved, the House speakers propagandistic appearance at the Ariel settlement seemingly emboldens the purveyors of that violence to continue. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com FILLMORE, Utah (ABC4) The Millard County Commission unanimously approved a rezone Tuesday, paving the way for its second major data center facility to be built. Mark McDougal, a partner with Joule Capital Partners, went before the commission asking for a rezone of 4,000 acres of rural Millard County. Our plan is to take this area and make it into an exquisite artificial intelligence data center campus. Millard County approved a multi-billion dollar artificial intelligence data center Tuesday. (Courtesy//MJ Jewkes) Mark McDougal went before the Millard County Commission to request approval for a multi-billion dollar artificial intelligence data center Tuesday. (Courtesy//MJ Jewkes) The Millard County Commission approved a 4,000-acre artificial intelligence data center Tuesday. (Courtesy//MJ Jewkes) The data center is a multi-billion-dollar project and is expected to bring in billions more in revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDougal told ABC4 the project is expected to begin construction and house tenants as early as 2026. The data center will host major artificial intelligence companies from across the globe. These data centers could be a huge blessing to everyone in Millard County, Millard County Commission Chair Trevor Johnson said during a public meeting on the rezone. Vicki Lyman, a Commissioner with Millard County, noted the increase in tax revenue. The data centers will bring in tax base which will make our property taxes decrease. Two adults and child found dead in Millard County Not all residents are as optimistic about the data centers. One resident who lives across the street from the property said he moved to Millard County to avoid industrial zones. Theres a reason we chose to live there. Wed like to try and preserve that as much as we can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative with the Millard County Sheriffs Office also raised concerns about the project and the constructions effect on traffic. Im not worried about the zoning, but just how that traffic is going to affect that McCormick Road where we have little kids, we have animals, one resident said in Tuesdays meeting. McDougal says despite being Utahs largest geographical area for a data center, his companys designs are meant to respect the privacy of the citizens, a group he identifies with. This project is actually on the farm that my family and I have been farming for the last two decades. I grew up here as a boy, McDougal told ABC4. Our hope is that we can integrate with the local population. We want to be neighbors. Triple C Farms, will be the site of a new AI data center. (Courtesy//MJ Jewkes) Triple C Farms, will be the site of a new AI data center. (Courtesy//MJ Jewkes) The site of the future data center is found about a 25-minute drive northwest of Fillmore on a farm known as Triple C Farms, where McDougal is also an owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDougal created Joule Capital Partners in 2017. In the same year, companies like Facebook and Apple invested heavily into leasing data center capacity on top of building up their own centers. Now, the approval of the project moves to a conditional use permit, which will mark the final step before Joule can begin construction. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. 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. Michael Miller is feeling humbled and fortunate to take over as principal of Logansport High School with the 2025-26 school year quickly approaching. Miller takes over for the beloved Matt Jones who stepped down after 14 years as principal. He remains with the Logansport Community School Corporation in a part-time role as executive director of the alumni association. Miller spent the 2024-25 school year as an associate principal, learning from Jones and adapting to the high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes no stranger to LCSC. A 2004 graduate, hes spent 18 years with Logansport, beginning as a fifth-grade teacher. Hes been in administration for the past 13 years, moving from an elementary school principal to the intermediate school principal and now high school. Working alongside Jones last year was a blessing, he said, and he thanks Superintendent Michele Starkey and the LCSC board of trustees for helping make that a possibility. It made for an easier transition. One of the things I found really cool last year is that many of these kids Ive had (as a teacher) or have seen growing up through Logansport schools, he said. To be able to see them now as high school students and for us to recognize each other in the hallway just meant a lot to me. Miller felt his past experience as an elementary and intermediate school principal will help him understand where the students have been on their academic journeys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The education landscape is changing everywhere and one of the first challenges Miller confronted was the new Indiana high school diploma. He said the high school has had to balance the classes needed for the students who will graduate under the old diploma standards will added what the class of 2029 and beyond will need for their diploma. The preparation for the transition began last year and included the school administration, guidance department, junior high school and the Century Career Center. Miller felt the school was in a great position to start the year while making sure they continue to provide the best opportunities for students. One of those opportunities is the partnership with Ivy Tech that allows for students to earn their Indiana College Core credits and even complete an associates degree in high school. Eighty-two Logansport High School students went through the Ivy Tech commencement ceremony on May 10. Twenty-four of those students earned an associates degree as well. I think those are huge incentives for our students, said Miller. Last year we had around 1.8 million dollars that was saved in tuition costs because of the opportunities that we provide at Logansport High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school has always prided itself in having every graduate ready to enlist, enroll or be employed when they finish. That wont change under Miller. Those are the big three things and they have always been the three big things here, he said, adding that he would work to make sure structures are in place to ensure that students can accomplish one of the three goals at the end of their high school career. Miller is the perfect replacement for Mr. Jones, and will continue the great tradition and culture at Logansport High School, said Starkey. He will maintain high expectations for staff and students all the while making sure that they are supported in order to be successful. I am extremely confident that LHS is in great hands and I look forward to what the future holds under Mr. Millers leadership. Joining Miller in his new journey is new assistant principal or curriculum Lindsey Hagerty. J.D. Dubes returns in his role as assistant principal of student services. We have a great team here and thats what it is all about, he said. MINDEN, La. (KTAL/KMSS) In preparation for back to school, a Minden native is hosting an event that will include giveaways and fun activities for kids. Michael Anthony is the second Michael Anthony & Friends back-to-school giveaway on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Elegance on Union, 310 Union Street, from 11 am until 2 pm. Anthony said that after the events success in the first year, it was a no-brainer to continue for a second year. He said many of his friends contacted him to offer help in various ways, ensuring this years event is bigger and better. He is excited about the support and donations he has received for the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a lot of my friends partnering with me to make this event a major success. From NBA 2K26 soundtrack to empowering Shreveports youth, meet Big Fella Zil He said it is a joy to give back to the community in which he was raised. My prayers have always been that, you know, when God blesses me, that Ill be able to give back to others. And thats my biggest goal, is for me to give back to the community that I live in. A DJ will be on site curating the sound of the event, as well as food to celebrate the children of Minden as they prepare to go back to school. When asked about his next community endeavors, Michael Anthony mentions that he is in the early stages of an organization called Next Generation, which aims to cultivate youth for future growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MINERAL WELLS The city of Mineral Wells is reporting its 20-month fight with water customers who protested a 146% rate hike has been dismissed. The protest to the Public Utility Commission, filed by resident Terri Glidewell, on behalf of water customers in the citys extraterritorial jurisdiction, has been before the State Office of Administrative Hearings since December 2023. The administrative law judge overseeing the dispute had most recently denied an April request by Glidewell to summarily grant the ratepayers request to return rates to their pre-December 2023 levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city had announced the significant rate hike was necessary to flow adequate funds to the district that is building the $200 million Turkey Peak Reservoir. The case has been in and out of mediation during its lifespan, and the administrative law judge had renewed its progress toward an unnamed trial date. Glidewell preempted that with her July 31 motion to withdraw. Her motion is the last entry on the utility commissions website, and there was no signed dismissal order from the court as of Monday morning. The dispute also was marked by ratepayers who did not join the protest, or withdrew after initially joining, citing concerns the city would seek to recover its legal fees from the protesters if it prevailed. The city did not respond by deadline to questions about the finality of the protest and whether it would ask the judge to charge its legal expenses to the protesters. Aug. 4GRAND FORKS A Gonvick, Minnesota, man pleaded guilty Monday, Aug. 4, to gross sexual imposition for engaging in a sexual act with a juvenile girl. Anthony Levias Eley, 56, gave an Alford plea to one Class AA felony count. An Alford plea means Eley is maintaining his innocence, but acknowledges there is enough evidence that if he took the case to trial, it is likely he would be convicted. An additional two counts of Class AA felony gross sexual imposition would be dismissed under a proposed plea agreement, as well as two counts of Class C felony possession of certain materials prohibited and one count of Class C felony contributing to the deprivation or delinquency of a minor through sexual conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eley originally pleaded not guilty to all six criminal charges in January of 2024. In February 2023, a 9-year-old girl disclosed she had been sexually abused by Eley in the past, according to an affidavit filed in the case. The girl said Eley also made her engage in a sexual act with another child and recorded it, threatening to show others if she told anyone what happened, the affidavit said. Eley told law enforcement he did record the two children engaging in a sexual act, but claimed to have just walked in on them and wanted to scare them, according to the affidavit. A search warrant was obtained for Eley's email account after law enforcement couldn't find the aforementioned video on any phones inside his residence. The video was located in the email account, as well as a photo, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video and picture were believed to be taken in Grand Forks during 2021, and the sexual abuse was believed to have occurred from around August 2020 through July 2021. If the plea agreement in Eley's case is accepted, he will be sentenced to 50 years with 35 years suspended, leaving him 15 years to serve in prison. He will have credit since his Dec. 2, 2023, arrest. Under the proposed plea agreement, he would be on supervised probation for five years after being released from prison. He would be required to register as a sex offender and have no contact with the victim in the case. Eley's sentencing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 24. Prior to that date, a pre-sentence investigation will be carried out that could help inform the penalties imposed in the case. Like many cities in the United States, Blaine, Minnesota, is facing a housing shortage. In 2021, the city took steps to address this issue by passing Local Ordinance 21-2489, which permitted property owners in residential districts to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)a self-contained, mini-homeon their properties. While the ordinance was designed to bring more housing to Blaine, the City Council has yet to approve an ADU and recently denied an application to a local family who is looking to build an affordable housing unit on their property. The family is now suing the city. In March, Blaine residents Alex and Lynda Pepin submitted their application for a conditional use permit (CUP) to build an ADU on their property, which would provide affordable housing for families struggling to get back on their feet. The detached ADU was expected to cost the Pepins between $130,000 and $140,000 and met the size and occupancy requirements set by the 2021 ordinance. The ADU application, which was the first to be submitted to the city since the ordinance passed, was approved by the city's Planning Commission in a 42 vote in April. Despite the planning commission's vote, a staff report recommending approval, and code compliance, the Blaine City Council denied the Pepin family's permit to build an ADU in May, a decision the family is appealing with the Institute for Justice (I.J.). The denial followed a public forum where opponents voiced inaccurate concerns about the ADU's impact and character. Opponents claimed the Pepins would house "random/unknown people" who would be "in the [neighboring] park" "where children are constantly running around," and that the ADU would be a "horrible eye-sore." The meeting ran out of time before the Pepins were able to rebut the claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matt Liles, a litigation fellow and attorney at I.J., tells Reason that the Pepins complied "not only in the letter of the law, but also in the spirit of the law with everything that Blaine requires for property owners who want to build an ADU." The ruling was "made up," he adds, and the Council had to "come up with some reason to deny it, because they couldn't rely on the law." Councilmembers who voted against the ADU repeatedly referred to the original "intent" of the law as a reason for denial, relying on the second and fourth criteria, which require compatible zoning and relation to existing need for a CUP as justification. The Council also declined to provide formal reasons for the dubious denial, despite being required to do so under Minnesota law. Liles criticizes such "inherently vague and nebulous" requirements, arguing that they grant excessive discretion to city officials and restrict property rights. The city's attorney, Tom Loonan, agrees with Liles; he reminded the Council during the meeting that the residential zoning code permits ADUs and that examining the intent of the ordinance is a "slippery slope" when existing laws are in place. Minnesota law prohibits the use of neighborhood opposition alone in denying CUPs and limits the role of the city officials to "evaluating how the CUP application meets the ordinance standards." Still, councilmembers like Jess Robertson, Tom Newland, and Leslie Larson referenced vague criteria and unsubstantiated neighbor complaints about views, parking, and property values. Liles disputes the assessment, noting that duplexes and apartments exist nearby. He argues that an ADU won't ruin the neighborhood's residential character, contrary to the Council's implication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilmembers Chris Ford and Terra Fleming voted to approve the ADU, with Ford noting he voted based on "what the law says," rather than relying on emotion or neighbor hearsay. Fleming also questioned colleagues' use of the zoning code to deny the permit, noting their absence during the passage of the 2021 ordinance and arguing that the ADU complied with the code. Two weeks after they denied the Pepins' CUP application, the City Council established a one-year moratorium on any ADU applications, noting that "the Council discussed the intent of the accessory dwelling unit ordinance and determined the current regulations do not align with the original intent." Despite the Planning Commission's vote to accept the Pepins' new ADU plans, which they labeled a "mother-in-law unit" in an attempt to challenge previous rejections, the City Council once again denied the proposal on Monday. This decision followed renewed objections from neighbors and the Pepins' refusal to accept conditions that would prohibit renting the ADU and require proof of their relation to the occupant upon request. Now, the Pepins are moving forward with their lawsuit, which would have proceeded "even if the city had followed the law," Liles says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pepins identified a legal solution to the housing problem in their community and addressed it. Instead of standing in their way, the City Council would better serve the city of Blaine by following suit. The post Minnesota Town Denies Family Permission To Build Affordable Housing Unit on Their Property appeared first on Reason.com. New York Post columnist Miranda Devine told Fox News host Will Cain on Monday that President Donald Trump wanted accountability over "Russiagate" against Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama. "I think the reason that I think there will be accountability this term is because President Trump told me that he regrets now being so merciful to Hillary Clinton in his first term," Devine told Cain in his podcast, "Will Cain Country." Devine interviewed Trump on her "Pod Force One" podcast last week, where he claimed Obama had committed treason after DNI Tulsi Gabbard accused his administration of promoting a "contrived narrative" that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to benefit Trump, which led to a sprawling collusion investigation that dominated his first term in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He realizes now that accountability is a deterrent, that these people, they need to be heads on pikes," Devine said. Fox News host Will Cain spoke to New York Post columnist Miranda Devine during his podcast on Tuesday about President Trump and Tulsi Gabbard's allegations about Obama officials regarding Russiagate. Tulsi Gabbard Details Bombshell Claims Of Obama-era Cabal's 'Treasonous Conspiracy' Against Trump "So whether it's Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, certainly John Brennan and James Clapper, there are allegations quite firmly evidenced of perjury and also conspiracy," she added. Read On The Fox News App Attorney General Pam Bondi directed her staff Monday to act on the criminal referral from Gabbard related to the alleged conspiracy to tie Trump to Russia, and the Department of Justice is now opening a grand jury investigation into the matter, Fox News Digital reported on Monday. Former President Barack Obama and former CIA director John Brennan in the East Room at the White House on Jan. 7, 2013, in Washington, D.C. Obama Now 'Squarely In Russiagate Crosshairs,' Journalist Matt Taibbi Claims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi personally ordered an unnamed federal prosecutor to initiate legal proceedings and the prosecutor is expected to present department evidence to a grand jury, which would allow the department to secure a potential indictment according to a letter from Bondi reviewed by Fox News Digital and a source familiar with the investigation. "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 during his conversation with Devine. "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." Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Hillary Clinton speaks during the "A Special Evening With Hillary Clinton" at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival at Theater des Westens on February 19, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images) The president went on to call out Obama, who has denied the allegations. Trump also discussed Hillary Clinton and the "terrible things she did with the Steele Dossier." Original article source: Miranda Devine says Trump told her he regrets being 'so merciful' to Hillary Clinton in first term SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Mission man is behind bars charged with first-degree murder. 27-year-old Lucas Guerue is accused of killing 30-year-old Callie Short Bull on March 20th in Todd County. Another arrested in connection to masked shootout Federal court documents say shes one of two women Guerue deliberately hit with his car. He is also charged with assault with intent to commit murder, because the second alleged victim 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 KELOLAND.com. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Trump administration aims to bar U.S. veterans from receiving abortions at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in cases of incest, rape or when the pregnancy puts their life at risk. The move would revoke abortion access for vets and eligible family members expanded in 2022 under the Biden administration. The expansion included states that ban abortion. At the time, VA said those bans posed "urgent risks" to pregnant veterans' lives. On Friday, the Trump administration called the 2022 rule change "inappropriate" and "legally questionable," according to The Washington Post. Conservative opponents of federal funding for any abortion-related services hailed the move. A VA spokesperson said the change would bring VA "back in line with historical norms" and called the current policy "politically motivated." Public comment on the proposed rule change will be accepted through Sept. 3, and a final rule could go into effect soon after. In the meantime, the VA said it will continue to care for pregnant patients whose lives are at risk. Minority Veterans of America opposes the proposed rule. Its director, Lindsay Church, predicts it will dissaude vets from getting VA care. "If you were a veteran, what would you choose?" Church said to The Post. "I wouldn't choose the institution that told me that I absolutely have to be dying. I would go anywhere else." From 1999 to 2022, nearly all abortions and abortion counseling for vets and their spouses, children and others covered by VA benefits were excluded from coverage. Biden's move was among a handful of strategies officials could deploy to safeguard their access to abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. The protection applied only in rare cases, however, according to The Post. The VA mirrored U.S. Defense Department policy. It provides for funding or performing abortions for service members and beneficiaries but only in cases of rape, incest or to save the mother's life. Biden's VA called it "unconscionable" that vets lacked access to the "same critical services" provided through the Defense Department policy. The VA policy was geared to vets in states hostile to abortion, especially in the South, where the procedure was most severely restricted in Roe's wake. Some of those states, legislators attempted to bypass that guidance, vowing to punish VA workers who performed abortions in defiance of state law. That led the Justice Department to say it would defend VA medical workers, no matter their location. The VA estimated in 2022 that it would provide more than 1,000 abortions a year under the Biden rule change. The Trump administration's proposal said the actual number is fewer than 150 a year. Its proposal says the VA will continue to treat vets who miscarry or have an ectopic pregnancy, in which the embryo implants outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are never viable and threaten the mother's life. The administration's proposal has been in the works for months, The Post reported. In April, a letter signed by more than 100 Democratic lawmakers urged VA Secretary Douglas Collins to keep the Biden-era policy on the books. A Christian legal group that opposes abortion, the Alliance Defending Freedom, met with VA officials July 9. A copy of a written submission posted on the Federal Register argues that the Biden rule change was an instance of federal overreach. In a cost analysis of VA abortions, the alliance stated that "pro-abortion policies place our nation's labor forceand our entire economic futureat great risk." More information: There's more about federal coverage of abortion at the health policy organization KFF. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. PORTLAND, Ore (KOIN) The summer outdoor festival season continues across the metro area, including Portlands popular Mississippi neighborhood. Three neighboring restaurants in the area are coming together to host the Mississippi Summer Block Party, a free community event on Thursday, August 7, from 4 7 pm at the north end of Mississippi Avenue in North Portland. Representatives from Rangoon Bistro, Estes and Kates Ice Cream joined us on AM Extra with a preview of all the delicious bites you can try at the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CLINTON, Miss. (WJTV) The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson is looking to expand their care with a new partnership with Mississippi College. Officials with Mississippi College (MC) announced their partnership with the VA Medical Center. This partnership will allow qualified students at the university to gain clinical experience by providing counseling services to veteran patients at the facility. Mississippi with 2nd largest youth mental health desert in US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions developed a mutually beneficial arrangement by establishing the Jackson VA as a placement site for MC counseling students. This initiative provides a great opportunity for our students to serve veterans in a meaningful way right here in Mississippi, said Keith Randazzo, MC assistant provost for academic innovation. Through this partnership, MC agreed to send students in the clinical training portion of the universitys counseling program to the VA to help provide counseling services directly to veterans. Students in the clinicals are required to accrue a certain number of hours for their clinical training. This partnership can help these students to acquire the necessary hours for their degree while also gaining vital work experience. When they go to the VA, our students will be providing mental health counseling services to VA clients under a VA supervisor, said said Kayla Acklin, MC assistant professor and chair of counseling. A faculty supervisor will also be overseeing their work. Theyll be operating as if they are counselors theyll help write treatment plans and case notes and assist with case management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supervisors at the VA Center will assign caseloads to students, who will be expected to carry them for a full year. The students will participate in the treatment of clients from a variety of demographics and diagnoses. MC plans to begin sending fully trained counseling students to the VA Center this fall. 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. LOUISIANA (KLFY) A Mississippi couple arrested by Louisiana Bureau of Investigation for defrauding Medicaid of over $162,000. Elina DeLeon,35, and Vincent Delon,51, of Carriere, Mississippi are each charged with one count of government benefits fraud, officials said. According to Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, they received a criminal referral from Louisiana Department of Health regarding allegations that Vincent and Elina DeLeon, both Medicaid recipients, allegedly concealed their place of residence and other information for purposes to receive Medicaid benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this investigation, it was discovered between March 2023 and June 2025, Vincent and Elina DeLeon presented false information by failing to accurately report their marital status, household income, and place of residence. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Louisiana couple hid marriage to defraud Medicaid Agents learned the couple had moved to Mississippi two years before their scheme was discovered. As a result, the couple defrauded the Medicaid program of more than $162,000. On Monday, agents arrested Vincent and Elina DeLeon and the couple was booked without incident at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Photo illustration by Getty Images. The Office of Disciplinary Council has filed two complaints against a former Office of Public Defender staff attorney alleging professional misconduct. In 2023, lawyer Scotti Ramberg admitted by failing to respond to questions she tried to take possession of a house without its owners permission following a lawsuit that was settled in Missoula County District Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramberg, the Missoula attorney in the complaints, did not respond Monday to a request for comment. The Office of Disciplinary Council investigates and prosecutes grievances against lawyers. Ramberg previously worked as a staff attorney for the Montana Office of the Public Defender. In March 2024, the Office of the Public Defender said Rambergs last day as a staff attorney was March 8, but she was working on contract. Monday, OPD spokesperson Andrea Moore declined to provide Rambergs status with the state. Im unable to provide any additional information about Ms. Rambergs current involvement with OPD at this time, Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Office of Disciplinary Council filed two complaints against Ramberg dated July 29 that include multiple allegations of dishonest acts. The complaints allege five total breaches of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct, which govern the ethical conduct of attorneys in the state. One complaint includes new details tied to the lawsuit a property owner and his representative filed against Ramberg alleging she filed illegal liens against his home in Missoula after trying to force its foreclosure in a complex scheme. Sometime after 2005, the owner moved to California into an assisted living facility, leaving the house vacant, the complaint said. The homeowners association filed a lien with the Missoula County Clerk and Recorder for unpaid water assessments in 2007 and a notice of noncompliance in 2017, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2020, the homeowners association filed a second lien, which superseded the first, the complaint said. It said in December 2020, Ramberg formed a couple of limited liability entities to which the homeowners association later assigned all interest. The HOA took action through its lawyer, Rufus Peace, who shared an address with Ramberg, according to earlier reporting by the Daily Montanan. Ramberg earlier declined to comment on the nature of their relationship and did not respond to a voicemail for comment Monday. The property owner and representative sued to invalidate the liens and for damages, as well as for numerous other claims resulting from her unlawful use and possession of the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the earlier lawsuit, the court found Ramberg admitted she entered the house, changed the locks, took property from the premises, and took possession of the house without permission. The complaint filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel alleged she violated rules against dishonest conduct numerous times; violated a rule that protects people who do not have legal representation; and violated a rule that prohibits communication with a person known to have a lawyer. The complaint said in the course of the case, Ramberg conducted an interview with the property owner despite being aware that J.B. was represented by counsel. The rules of conduct prohibit communication by a lawyer with a person who is known to be represented by another lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also alleges Ramberg violated a rule that prohibits conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit and misrepresentation. Respondents explanations surrounding taking possession of J.B.s property are both inconsistent and unbelievable, the complaint said. It said she offered different explanations for taking possession of the property. It said she filed construction liens for work she allegedly completed, but she never provided receipts or documentation, and she never served notice of the liens on the property owner as required. One of the limited liability entities Ramberg formed filed a construction lien for $73,123.13, and another for $36,200.44 against the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the lawsuit had been filed, Ramberg said she had a contract to purchase the house, an agreement allegedly signed by J.B. However, the contract was not notarized, the complaint said. The terms of the contract are also highly disadvantageous to J.B. Notably, (Ramberg) never produced this document as a defense in the lawsuit, the complaint said. It said she swore to the court she didnt have contact with the property owner and couldnt serve him notice directly, but once litigation ensued to prevent foreclosure, she found him and interviewed him. The complaint also said Ramberg submitted a claim to an insurance company for a new roof, which had been replaced in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it said she reported the roof was in good shape in 2021 when she bought the policy, although photos and testimony demonstrate it was in disrepair both before and after. Whether she informed the insurance company or failed to correct its misunderstanding, the insurance company paid for a complete roof replacement based upon these statements, the complaint said. It said the contract Ramberg produced with the property owner offering to sell her the house contained terms that were highly unfavorable to the property owner and highly favorable to her. It would have Ramberg purchasing the house for less than 22% of its market value, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, (Ramberg) was allowed to live in the house rent free, indefinitely, the complaint said. (She) also indicated that this contract allowed her to rent the property and keep the proceeds. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel said she produced no evidence showing she instructed the property owner to seek counsel or inform him she was not a disinterested party, another violation of the rules of professional conduct. When the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the unrepresented person misunderstands the lawyers role in the matter, the lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to correct the misunderstanding, the complaint said. That means not giving legal advice, other than advising the person to get a lawyer, if the lawyer knows or should know a conflict of interest is possible, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second complaint alleges Ramberg violated a rule that says it is misconduct for a lawyer to commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on their honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer, or to be deceitful. It said in December 2023, she and her ex-husband participated in a contentious hearing in Missoula County District Court. It said her husband accidentally left his phone and wallet on a table, and she threw them into the trash. A bailiff retrieved them, and her ex-husband collected them 15 minutes or so later. Roughly one month later, Ramberg asked a security guard if the court had recorded the incident on camera, and the guard confirmed it had, the complaint said. (Ramberg) described the incident to the security guard, indicated that the video would incriminate her, and asked him to delete the recording, the complaint said. It said Ramberg then said she was joking and walked away. In April 2024, the Missoula County attorney accused Ramberg of misdemeanor theft of lost or mislaid property, and Ramberg was found guilty in a bench trial and did not appeal, the complaint said. The complaint said Ramberg admitted to throwing away the wallet and phone, admits to the conversation with the guard, although said she was joking, and admits to the charges and conviction, but said she was not in her right mind at the time. Ramberg has the opportunity to respond to the complaints, and a hearing with a panel of the Commission on Practice is possible. Should the Commission on Practice find the allegations warrant disciplinary action, it could recommend a range of punishment, from a public admonition all the way to disbarment. The Commission on Practice makes recommendations to the Montana Supreme Court, which oversees the body and issues the decisions on discipline. NEED TO KNOW Matthew A. Proctor, 41, is facing a charge of felony abuse or neglect of a child Proctor allegedly hit the teen while the teen was having a seizure The victim was taken to Childrens Mercy Hospital where he was treated for a concussion and jaw pain A Missouri man was arrested after he allegedly punched a 15-year-old boy while the teen was having a seizure. Matthew A. Proctor, 41, is now facing a charge of felony abuse or neglect of a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas City police were called to a residence around 11 a.m. on July 29 after a report of a disturbance. The homeowner told police that Proctor showed up at her home stating that someone had answered the phone disrespectfully, per a probable cause statement viewed by PEOPLE. Proctor allegedly asked for his kids and the alleged victim came outside and yelled at him. Matthew hit [alleged victim] in the face with a closed fist about three times and [alleged victim] fell to the ground, per the statement. [Alleged victim] began to have a seizure and Matthew hit him two more times in the face. Proctor allegedly fled the scene with one of his sons before being taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen was taken to Childrens Mercy Hospital where he was treated for a concussion and jaw pain. The teen and his family had plans to go to Worlds of Fun a theme park in Kansas City before the incident. In an interview with police, Proctor alleged the teen struck him in the mouth twice before he punched him in the side of the head. Matthew was informed that [alleged victim] had injuries on both sides of his face, his jaw, and he had a concussion, the statement reads. Matthew said he didnt know how [alleged victim] got injured on the other side of his face because he only hit him one time. He later suggested the injury was from [alleged victim] falling to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ring Camera footage showed a male who appears similar to Matthew approaching a person standing on the steps of the porch before the alleged victim stepped outside. "Matthew then strikes [alleged victim] twice in the right side of his head/face," police said. The teen "falls to the ground and Matthew strikes him one more time while he's down." The male presumed to be [alleged victim] never appeared to hit Matthew, according to the statement. A bond hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 6. Read the original article on People Since the June protests, crowds have attended meetings demanding that the Modesto City Council repeal or amend a controversial ordinance that bans face coverings during public gatherings. During the past two council meetings, attendance has been above average with public speakers largely denouncing elected officials for what they say is inaction. The City Council has the power to take up the issue, but its members dont agree on what to do. Youve now had two City Council meetings where people are coming and bringing these claims to you, yet no action has been taken, said Harlan Devin, a public speaker at the July 22 council meeting. We will be back every City Council meeting until you treat these protesters correctly, until this ordinance is repealed and until theres an independent investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 14, six people were arrested during the ICE Out and No Kings protests. Five of them were arrested on suspicion of violating the mask ordinance. On top of public outcry, the American Civil Liberties Union and the First Amendment Coalition sent letters to the city of Modesto demanding the ordinance be repealed. The ACLU accused the Police Department of enforcing the ordinance at the ICE Out Protest organized by the Central Valley Black, Indigenous & People of Color Coalition differently than it did the No Kings Protest. The ACLU threatened legal action and demanded the City Council repeal the ordinance. A few protesters were detained by Modesto police, at least one for allegedly wearing a mask with an intent to commit a crime, during a rally at Tenth Street Plaza in Modesto on Saturday, June 14, 2025. But what does it take to amend or repeal a city ordinance? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Modesto residents have called for the immediate repeal of the citys mask ban ordinance and criticized the City Council for not adding the issue to a recent agenda. The council is the only governing body that can repeal or amend the ordinance. There is nothing in the city charter that prevents the council from taking up the issue on its own. The City Council cannot vote on items not posted on an agenda, but it can refer items to be placed on a future agenda. Legal issues such as pending litigation can be discussed by City Council members in closed session with the city attorney. Closed session meetings have agendas listing the cases under discussion, and any items relevant to the public interest can be shared in a regular council meeting. Because the ACLU letter threatened legal action, it can be discussed in closed session. So far, no closed session agenda indicates the council has discussed the letter. City Council thoughts In response to the ACLUs letter, Councilmember Chris Ricci said in a statement that an amendment or repeal of the ordinance should begin with a recommendation from the Community Police Review Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CPRB was created in late 2022 on the recommendation of the working group Forward Together with the intent of providing accountability to MPD. Many other council members agree with Ricci and say the CPRB would need to make a formal recommendation before the council considers an amendment or repeal to the ordinance. Mayor Sue Zwahlen, like Ricci, said she believes the matter should be introduced by a recommendation from the CPRB. Councilmembers Jeremiah Williams and Eric Alvarez also agree with this approach. I just want to hear from all the community groups, CPRB, the experts on this municipal code, and I will weigh all of that out and then make a decision going forward, said Zwahlen. I have not, at this point, made a firm decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CPRB provides recommendations and advisory oversight to the Police Department and the City Council through the city manager, who then determines whether to move forward with recommendations. According to the CPRB bylaws : The City Manager shall receive and evaluate all recommendations issued by the CPRB, to include determining what next steps, if any, will be taken relative to those Recommendations. An ad-hoc committee was formed by the CPRB to scrutinize the ordinance. Committee chairperson Wendy Byrd said it will report its findings to the CPRB on Aug. 20. The board will make a determination of what they want to do with that information, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not about having to go through the CPRB, its about including the CPRB as part of a collaborative approach in coming up with solutions, Byrd stated in a text message sent to The Bee. Councilmember Nick Bavaro said that before he would take action on the mask ordinance, hed want the potential repeal or any amendments to go through the citys Safety and Communities Committee, an advisory committee to the City Council. He also noted that City Attorney Jose Sanchez was consulting with First Amendment attorneys in response to the ACLUs letter. Bavaro said he hoped Sanchezs findings and a presentation by MPD can be heard during a committee. That would inform his decision on the matter, he said. Councilmember David Wright said he believes the ordinance is fine as it is. He cited the potential for destruction of property as one of his reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes you have people coming in from other cities that want to disrupt a protest, or they want to cause havoc, and a lot of the time they will wear a mask, said Wright. And thats something we just dont tolerate. He acknowledged there was no destruction of property at either protest in June. Regardless, Wright said if protesters want to wear masks, they need to have something from their doctor, and they need to wear the right type of mask for the medical reason. As to whether hed be willing to amend the ordinance to be more specific in this regard, Wright said hed be open to looking at it but didnt know how he would vote on it. It does not appear the council will take action on the mask ban this month. With most members either wanting the CPRB to deliver a recommendation or to hear a presentation in committee from the city attorney, the matter may have to wait until fall before the council makes a decision. Government is time consuming, believe me, theres nothing that moves quickly, said Bavaro. A court in Moldova has sentenced a Kremlin-friendly regional politician to seven years in prison for funneling money from Russia to finance a political party. Evgenia Gutul, the leader of Gagauzia, a historically pro-Russian ethnic region in southern Moldova, was detained in March on suspicion of electoral fraud and sentenced on Tuesday. Prosecutors said that from 2019 to 2022, Gutul channeled undeclared funds into the country to finance a political party founded by Ilan Shor, Reuters reported. Shor is a pro-Russian businessman who has been convicted of fraud in Moldova and now lives in exile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gutuls conviction comes just weeks before Moldovans vote in a crucial parliamentary election, in which Maia Sandu, the pro-Western president of the former Soviet country, is hoping to retain her governing majority. Sandu was reelected as president last year in a vote held on the same day as a referendum on joining the European Union, which Moldovans backed by a razor-thin majority. Both votes were marred by what prosecutors said was a massive vote-buying scheme orchestrated by Shor, who has spent much of his time in Russia since he was convicted for his role in the 2014 theft of $1 billion from Moldovan banks. Before the referendum, Moldovas national police chief said some 130,000 citizens had received a total of $15 million from Shor in exchange for voting no or persuading others to do so. The police chief said it was clear that Russia was financing the scheme; Moscow has denied meddling in Moldovan politics. Gutul's sentence was handed down at a courtroom in Chisinau, Moldova's capital. - Elena Covalenco/AFP via Getty Images Gutul, a former secretary for Shors now-banned party, was elected governor of Gagauzia in 2023. That election also drew accusations of vote-buying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Gutul was sanctioned by the EU for actions destabilizing Moldova and promoting separatism in her region. Gutul denies wrongdoing and claims her prosecution was politically motivated. In March, she penned a letter to Donald Trump, claiming that she, like the US president, had been subjected to propaganda efforts and pressure from the corrupt globalist elites. Responding to her sentencing Tuesday, Gutul said she would appeal the ruling, which she claimed was an attempt to intimidate Gagauzians who dare to vote for a party other than Sandus Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). This decision has nothing to do with justice. This is a political reprisal, planned and executed on orders from above, she wrote on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin also claimed the verdict was politically motivated, and that Moldova was systematically suppressing the opposition. In effect, people are being deprived of the opportunity to vote for those they prefer. Of course, what we are seeing is a clear violation of democratic rules and norms in this country, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday. Moldovas parliamentary election will be held on September 28. Although Sandus PAS won by a landslide in the last vote in 2021, Moldova has since faced major economic and security challenges spilling over from Russias invasion of Ukraine, stirring anti-government sentiment in parts of the country. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Evghenia Gutul, the head of Moldova's autonomous Gagauzia region, was sentenced to seven years in prison on Aug. 5 over illegal funding of the now-banned pro-Russian Shor Party, Moldovan news outlet NewsMaker reported. A Chisinau court ruled that the politician was guilty of systematically bringing funds from Russia to Moldova for the party's needs between 2019 and 2022, when she was its secretary. The Shor Party, founded by fugitive pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor, was banned by Moldova's Constitutional Court in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling comes shortly after Moldovan President Maia Sandu accused Russia and Shor's allies of planning to interfere in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections. Gutul was also sentenced for "deliberately receiving money from an organized criminal group" in the amount of 42.5 million Moldovan lei (about $2.5 million). Prosecutors said the funds were used by the Shor Party to pay for anti-government protests, among other purposes. Svetlana Popan, another former party secretary, was also jailed for six years over illegal party funding in the case. Gutul was sentenced to seven years in a semi-closed prison, a form of correctional facility with a less strict regime than a full-closed prison. She must also pay the state roughly $2.5 million as compensation. The ruling can be appealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The politician was detained in March and was later held in house arrest. She denies the charges, calling them politically motivated. Ahead of the verdict, Gutul's supporters staged a protest in front of the courthouse. Gutul, who has been governor of Gagauzia since 2023, has been sanctioned by the U.S. and the EU for her ties to Shor. Chisianu and the Western countries also accuse the regional leader of maintaining ties to Russia. Gagauzia is an autonomous territory in southern Moldova that partly borders Ukraine's Odesa Oblast. It has traditionally favored closer relations with Russia while opposing EU integration. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the verdict against Hutsul a "disgrace, a calamity, and a disaster that has befallen Moldova and its people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent years saw Moldova's pro-EU leadership increasingly warn against Russia's attempts at destabilizing the country's political situation and its path toward European integration. Read also: Operation Vistula the expulsion of Ukrainians from post-war Poland Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Donald Trumps massive tax bill was met with an exceedingly cool reception including loud boos during another raucous town hall for Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) on Monday. Id ask you please not to refer to that monstrosity as the big, beautiful bill, one voter requested to loud cheers at the event in Lincoln, Nebraska, that was aired live by PBS. Its the name of the bill, though, Flood said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floods attempts to justify SNAP cuts and Medicaid work requirements both policies introduced in the legislation to cover the costs of tax cuts also faced vocal opposition from the audience, with multiple voters raising concerns about specific changes to veterans benefits. If you are able to work and you are able-bodied, you have to work. If you choose not to work, you dont get free health care, Flood said to overwhelming jeers. Tax the rich, tax the rich, attendees chanted at one point. The crowd reaction at the town hall underscores the deep unpopularity of Trumps tax bill and how it could prove electorally harmful to Republicans in the coming midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event also marks the latest time that Flood has been confronted by angry constituents this term, and signals voter discontent with Trumps broader approach to issues as varied as the Jeffrey Epstein files, ICE detention and the recent firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. How much do taxpayers have to pay for a fascist country? one voter questioned while listing the costs of operating a remote detention facility in the Florida Everglades. Flood offered platitudes and pleaded ignorance when pressed on a number of topics, stating that the country didnt have unlimited money to cover social programs, and that theres a lot he didnt know about the shock BLS firing. He also seemed to praise himself for taking constituent questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fascists dont hold town halls with open question-and-answer series, Flood said. Related... The brother of a Montana man who is on the run after allegedly shooting four people to death in a small-town bar has a brother who is currently serving a life sentence, Fox News Digital has confirmed. William Brown was sentenced to 110 years in prison in 2002 for the stabbing death of another man in Anaconda, Montana, which stemmed from an argument over a relationship, according to Kbzk. The first 100 years of the sentence were handed down for the murder, and the other 10 for the use of a deadly weapon during the crime. Brown is the brother of Michael Paul Brown, 45, who is a fugitive from justice after he allegedly shot and killed four people in a bar, also in the town of Anaconda, on Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Army veteran allegedly opened fire in The Owl Bar at around 10:00 a.m. on that day, killing 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 the victims are from Anaconda. Since then, an intense manhunt has been underway in mountainous central Montana, as authorities desperately try to apprehend Brown, who they say is armed and dangerous. What precipitated the shooting remains unknown. Read On The Fox News App On Friday evening, authorities released a photo of a shirtless Brown wearing black shorts, climbing down what appears to be concrete steps. They also announced that they had located a white Ford F-150 truck belonging to Brown, which they say he used to flee the scene of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A SWAT team raided his home, but did not locate him. In a Sunday night update, authorities said the search for Brown included air and ground resources. The Department of Criminal Investigations in Montana released a new photo of Michael Brown fleeing the scene after allegedly shooting and killing four people at a bar on Aug. 1, 2025. Brown was an armor crewman in the Army from January 2001 to May 2005 and served in the National Guard from April 2006 to March 2008, Army Public Affairs confirmed to Fox News Digital. He deployed to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005 and left the service with the rank of sergeant. He also served in the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009. Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner contributed to this report. Original article source: Montana fugitive's brother serving life sentence for separate murder conviction in same town The International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, to recuse himself from the case investigating crimes against humanity in Venezuela because a family of member of his is investigating the South American country. The Washington Post noted that appeals judges at the ICC concluded there was "reason to believe that a ground for disqualification" due to the family relationship. Khan is already on leave from the entity due to an unrelated investigation involving sexual misconduct. Khan had led the Venezuela investigation since 2021 following allegations that the country's authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro, arbitrarily detained, tortured, and executed political opponents. The case is the ICC's only open investigation in Latin America and was initiated following a 2018 request from several countries in the Western Hemisphere: Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. The conflict concerns were first raised publicly in September 2023 by the Arcadia Foundation, a Washington-based nonprofit, after the Post reported that Venkateswari Alagendra, Khan's sister-in-law, was involved in the defense team. Khan denied any wrongdoing, stating in court filings that he had not shared confidential information or participated in meetings involving Alagendra. However, the court found that their familial and prior professional ties were sufficient to disqualify him, noting that a "fair-minded and reasonable observer" would perceive an inability to be impartial. Khan must formally request his removal from the Venezuela case within three weeks. Originally published on Latin Times This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A large new study will follow the health and well-being of thousands of transgender and gender nonconforming young people in the U.K., researchers at King's College London announced Thursday. The $14 million study will track up to 3,000 children and teens who have received care from the National Health Service (NHS) for gender-related distress. The goal is to better understand how gender-diverse young people are doing over timephysically, mentally and sociallyand how health services can better support them. "What is clear from the current evidence as highlighted is there's no single story or experience that defines these young people," Michael Absoud, a pediatric neuroscience specialist and one of the lead researchers, told The New York Times. "This study is about listening to themunderstanding their stories and their journeys and building a robust evidence base that reflects that diversity," he said. Participants will fill out yearly surveys about their quality of life, gender identity and body image. Their parents will also be surveyed. The study will be observational, meaning no treatments will be changed. Participation is voluntary, the college said. As of last year, the U.K. stopped allowing the use of puberty blockers for children under 18, unless they are part of a clinical trial. The change followed a review led by Dr. Hilary Cass, an independent pediatrician, who found that the existing evidence around gender-affirming care wasn't substantial. "The reality is that we have no good evidence on the long-term outcomes of interventions to manage gender-related distress," Cass told The Times. The review will collect information regarding the fact that many young people seeking gender care may have other overlapping health concerns, such as autism, ADHD, anxiety or depression. Cass recommended more care that looks at the whole person, The Times reported. The number of young people seeking gender care through the NHS has grown in recent years. Most of the recent increase has been among those assigned female at birth, said lead researcher Emily Simonoff, a professor of child psychiatry at King's College London. "There's been a real shift in the number of referrals, over the last 10 or 15 years," Simonoff told The Times. "What was considered a rare problem 15 years ago is now much more common." Long wait times for care have also increased. The country's only youth gender clinic recently shut down, and new regional centers have been opened to offer more care. The study will also collect data from these new centers. Simonoff noted that public debate around gender-affirming care has become more polarized in recent years, mostly due to a lack of long-term research. "A lack of evidence base allows toxic views to be more rampant," she said. "What we hear from young people and their parents and caregivers is that they're worried about the lack of robust evidence to guide what treatment is going to be most helpful for them." A clinical trial to study the effects of puberty blockers on young people is also part of the King's College initiative. The trial was supposed to begin in 2024 but is still waiting for approval from government regulators. Some experts have raised ethical concerns, noting that joining the trial is the only way young people in the U.K. can now access puberty blockers. Others argue that with so many seeking care, it would be unethical not to do the research. In the U.S., where many states have banned gender-affirming care for minors, some experts say this U.K. research effort is a step forward. "Investments in research and clinical trials should be lauded," Dr. Scott Leibowitz, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and board member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, told The Times. But he expressed concern about the current U.K. ban, adding that these studies "have come at the expense of youth and families in the U.K. being able to access care for the last year." More information: The HHS Office of Population Affairs has more on gender-affirming care and young people. 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. (NewsNation) Montana officials said the search for the suspect in a deadly bar shooting is expanding as it enters a sixth day. Officials did not give specifics on where the search has expanded but said there are several local, state and federal teams taking part in efforts. In a press briefing Tuesday, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said Michael Paul Brown, 45, is still at large and that law enforcement has been unrelenting in their search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once found, I have no doubt the Montana Department of Justice will prosecute this killer to the full extent of the law to bring justice to those grieving the loss of a loved one, and solace to members of the Anaconda community, Gianforte said. Gianforte added he signed an executive order Tuesday morning releasing emergency funds, which will help local law enforcement agencies pay their employees overtime and continue the search. Fifth Cincinnati brawl suspect arrested Brown, 45, a U.S. Army veteran, is accused of killing four people at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on Friday. The victims were identified as bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelly, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Ballie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Brown fled the scene in a stolen vehicle with clothes and camping gear. They also warned he could return to the city, which has a population of approximately 9,000 people. The U.S Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to Browns capture. He is believed to be armed and dangerous. Anyone with information that leads to Browns arrest is asked to call the tip line at 1-877-926-8332. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Fifty people, including 17 children, are working to get back into their homes after flooding at the Wayne Manchester Towers last month. My understanding is that there was an unmarked utility line that the Purple Line construction team encountered, and that resulted in a water main break, Chris Gillis, Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) director of policy and neighborhood development, said. Gillis said the break caused significant flooding to 20 apartments on the first two floors of the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people lost personal property, he said. Clothes, mattresses, those sorts of things that were lost. Fields at RFK to remain open, active during stadium construction County leaders asked MHP to help the families impacted. One hundred percent of everything we raise will go immediately back to the families, so itll be direct cash assistance to these families, and they can determine what their most pressing needs are, Gillis said. Gillis said some families will be able to move back into their apartments in the next few weeks. DC News Now reached out to Purple Line officials for comment on this incident. Their full statement can be found below: On July 25, 2025, a subcontractor of the Purple Line construction partner, Maryland Transit Solutions encountered an unmarked, abandoned water pipe. This unexpectedly affected a nearby active water main, which resulted in water flowing from the construction site into the nearby Wayne Manchester Apartment building located at 75 East Wayne Avenue in Silver Spring. Working with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), the flow of water was stopped, sandbags were installed to contain water, and on-site clean-up began. The Montgomery County Department of Emergency Management provided emergency assistance for impacted residents, relocating them to a nearby hotel and coordinating services. We deeply appreciate the partnership from Montgomery County in responding to this incident. The projects emergency response included not only temporary hospitality for impacted residents, but also assistance initiating insurance claims with the assistance of Spanish and Amharic speaking translators. Purple Line crews remained on-site throughout the weekend to clean up, assess, and respond to the needs of residents. A site assessment which will inform the repair schedule was undertaken. Remediation work and building inspection are ongoing and are being coordinated through the Wayne Manchester Towers Apartments property management team. Additional resident assistance is being coordinated through Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. While it can be difficult to predict underground construction challenges, especially when unmarked or aging utilities, we are committed to working closely with WSSC and other stakeholders to improve coordination and mitigate risks in the future. Statement from Purple Line officials Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Local Democrat lawmakers speak out on GOP redistricting EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) State Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, did not join about 50 other Democrats who fled out of state to break quorum and prevent a vote on a controversial Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan. Instead, Moody said his role is to stay in Austin and he wont quit fighting fascism. Moody said that the GOP redistricting plan, requested by President Donald Trump, would add five more Republican seats to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats prevent Texas House from moving forward with Trump-backed congressional map Monday, Aug. 4, Moody appeared at the state Capitol, made a motion that confirmed the lack of quorum and then voted against a Republican move to issue arrest warrants for absent Democrats. The Texas House voted Monday to track down and arrest more than 50 Democratic lawmakers who were not present when the chamber gaveled in, the Texas Tribune reported. After the 85-6 vote, House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he would immediately sign civil warrants for each of the legislators, empowering the chambers sergeant-at-arms and state troopers to arrest and bring them to the Capitol, according to reporting done by the Texas Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is what Moody and other legislators from the Borderland are saying about the fight over redistricting. State Rep. Joe Moody Moody said he will be staying in Austin and continuing the fight there. The best way I can fight back is at the Capitol, which is why Ive chosen to stay now that quorum has been broken. Ill be looking my Republican colleagues in the eyes and asking them to look into their souls: They know this is wrong, Moody said in a statement. Here is what Moody had to say in its entirety: I fought these corrupt maps in committee and will continue fighting them every chance I get. Republicans arent even hiding it theyve admitted these maps are meant to silence voices and votes. Trump is destroying our economy, our communities, and our way of life to serve himself, so he knows hell lose Congress if he doesnt cheat. And now the governor is threatening to arrest and remove elected representatives who are using legal, legitimate ways to stand against that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of that is the playbook of dictators, not American leaders. And they confirm that were at war for our democracy. I support my fellow Democrats whove left the state to protect all Texans votes. But there are many battles on many fronts in a war. The best way I can fight back is at the Capitol, which is why Ive chosen to stay now that quorum has been broken. Ill be looking my Republican colleagues in the eyes and asking them to look into their souls: They know this is wrong. As for the governors threats, while Trump is trying to steal a future election with his maps, our governor wants to steal elections that already happened last year. Its not just immoral its illegal. He cant declare vacancies, absolutely cant fill them, and no honest person could claim a legislative tactic long used by both sides is a crime. Its disgusting, fascist nonsense. We need a democracy that works for the people again, one we can all trust. I wont quit fighting fascism on all fronts until that dream is a reality again. State Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso State Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso, is in Chicago, fighting the GOP redistricting effort from there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez told KTSM that under these maps as drawn by the Republican Party, a Hispanic vote would only count a third as much as white voters. Once El Pasoans understand what is in these maps, the level of segregation and the message they are sending to the Latino community, that a Latino vote is only one third as valuable as a white vote, I dont think that will fly with a lot of Latinos in Texas, Perez said. Perez said he will do all it takes to ensure that these maps, as they currently are, dont pass. It will be very detriment to Texas as a whole and again very detrimental to Latino and Black communities. I will do whatever it takes and I wont be intimidated by the governors threats, he told KTSM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is part of a written statement Perez sent out in addition to his interview with KTSM: Today, theres a warrant out for my arrest. Not because Ive committed a crime but because I made a choice, in good conscience, to stand against the most unjust, racially engineered map Texas has seen since the segregationist era and the struggle for civil rights, Perez said. Im in Illinois alongside my Democratic colleagues, to do all that is within my power to fight for my hometown and the people who sent me to Austin families from El Paso who deserve fair representation. My constituents are overwhelmingly Hispanic, and under the proposed redistricting plan, their voices would be systematically excluded by design. Donald Trump and Texas Republicans have designed a map that would give white voters three times more political power than Hispanic voters. Under this proposal, a Hispanic vote would be worth only a third of that of white voters in Texas. Thats not just unfair, its fundamentally undemocratic. Rep. Claudia Ordaz, D-El Paso Rep. Claudia Ordaz, D-El Paso, said she was excused from the legislative session for a personal health matter, but she stands in full solidarity with my Democratic colleagues who have broken quorum to stop this shameless power grab. They are standing up for every Texans right to fair representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is part of the statement that Ordaz sent to KTSM: I strongly oppose Texas unprecedented, discriminatory mid-decade redistricting scheme orchestrated by Donald Trump to maintain power. In El Paso, the proposed map strips our community of key assets like Fort Bliss, the El Paso International Airport, and the new Veterans Affairs Health Care Center. It shoves them into a district that stretches across 27 counties all the way to San Antonio. El Pasoans and all Texans deserve representation from their local communities. I will continue to prioritize the needs of every Texan and reject this map. As a Latina and lifelong El Pasoan, I know what this is really about: silencing communities of color. Once again, Republicans are drawing maps to protect power, not people. Republican Party response Michael Aboud, chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, said Democrats who fled the state have abandonded their responsibility. He also said it is a good thing that modern-day Democrats were not around during the time of the Alamo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is what he said in part: Today, the Texas House Democrats chose to abandon their responsibility to the people of Texas. Instead of fulfilling their duties and honoring their oath of office, they fled from the task at hand. Its fortunate for Texas that they werent around during the Alamo, where sacrifice and courage were essential. The actions of the Texas Democrats show a lack of leadership and commitment to the states welfare. The people of Texas deserve better. When facing difficult challenges, true leadership means stepping up, even when the outcome seems uncertain. A person fights with all their might, knowing that, although they may lose a single battle, the larger struggle remains. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Key points The FDA has reclassified a recall of Bunge North America's NH European Style Butter Blend as Class II, the second-highest warning level for recalls. An estimated 64,800 pounds of the butter were recalled due to failure to disclose a milk allergen in the product. The butter was distributed to 12 centers across the U.S. and one in the Dominican Republic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reclassifying a recall on more than 64,000 pounds of butter as Class II, putting it at the second-highest warning level, due to undeclared milk allergens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 14, the FDA issued an initial notice for Bunge North America, which had voluntarily recalled 1,800 cases of its NH European Style Butter Blend, equivalent to an estimated 64,800 pounds, after discovering that the product contained an allergen milk that was not disclosed on the label. According to the initial recall, the butter was distributed to 12 centers located across the United States and one in the Dominican Republic. The recalled product is packed in white paperboard cases with the product code 5023937, UPC code 1 00 78684 73961 2, and Lot code 5064036503 printed on the packaging. Related: How to Dine Out Safely With Food Allergies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although this recall was already serious, on July 30, the FDA reclassified it as a Class II recall, which it defines as "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." The FDA lists milk as one of its major food allergens alongside "eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame," the last of which was added in 2023. It might seem obvious that butter is made from milk, but the law states that it must be declared on the label to ensure all consumers have access to the information they need if they are allergic to one of these major allergens or are lactose intolerant. Related: The FDA Just Axed 52 Food Standards Here's What It Means for Your Groceries Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 states, "Ingredients in foods must be listed by their common or usual name," as "in some cases, the common or usual name of an ingredient may be unfamiliar to consumers, and many consumers may not realize the ingredient is derived from, or contains, a major food allergen." The act's language makes it clear why this matters, noting that "approximately 2% of adults and about 5% of infants and young children in the United States suffer from food allergies, and each year, roughly 30,000 individuals require emergency room treatment and 150 individuals die because of allergic reactions to food." There have not been any adverse reactions reported in connection with this recall; however, as always, consumers who may be affected by milk allergies should discard the product immediately. Fast facts: Bunge North America NH European Style Butter Blend Product recalled: NH European Style Butter Blend Amount recalled: 64,800 pounds Product code information: Product 5023937, UPC 1 00 78684 73961 2, Lot code: 5064036503 Reason for recall: Allergen labeling, undeclared milk Read the original article on Food & Wine (QUEEN CITY NEWS) With the start of the new school year right around the corner, local law enforcement agencies are hosting their National Night Out events on Tuesday. The annual community festivals are held by many towns and cities across the Charlotte area, and by more than 70 neighborhoods within the Queen City. The events often have food and drinks and are designed to bring neighbors together, promote public safety and serve as a reminder of community resources as the students and teachers prepare to go back to school. Here are some in the Charlotte area, with a few already postponed due to the rainy weather expected Tuesday. Charlotte 71 locations, including NoDa, Windsor Park, Tuckaseegee Recreation Center, Camp Greene, Hidden Valley, SouthPark Mall, Highland Creek and more. Officials said the one in Uptown has been moved to Tuesday, Aug. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Held throughout the day, most begin between 5 and 6 p.m. Belmont 5:30-7:30 p.m. Stowe Park Concord (Cabarrus Co. Sheriffs Office) 5-7 p.m. Cabarrus Arena & Events Center Cornelius Postponed to Oct. 7 Gastonia Postponed to Oct. 7 Kannapolis 5:30-7:30 p.m. Swanee Theatre (New location) Lincolnton 6-9 p.m. Several locations, (Leewood Acres, Oaklawn Community, Crestview Community & more) Matthews 6-9 p.m. Stumptown Park Stallings Postponed to a later date Some municipalities hold National Night Out events later in the year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. 65% of Jewish respondents said they believed Israel is a good place to live, 67% of Arab respondents agreed Survey also found growing reluctance to travel abroad amid surging antisemitism Despite the trauma of the October 7 attacks and 22 months of war with Hamas, most Israelis remain deeply connected to their country, expressing a strong sense of national belonging and optimism for the future, according to report by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) released on Tuesday. The survey also found a deepening bond between the Druze community and the state, and a growing reluctance to travel abroad amid surging global antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IDI President Yohanan Plesner said the report challenges the narrative of a country unraveling. Despite a brutal war and deep internal disagreements, most Israelis remain deeply attached to the country and committed to its future, he said. These are powerful indicators of social strength. The July 2025 Israeli Voice Index surveyed 753 adults in Hebrew and Arabic, representing Israels adult population. Conducted July 2731 by the institutes Viterbi Center, the poll has a margin of error of 3.57%. Recruiting of new IDF soldiers at Tel Hashomer base in Ramat Gan, August 5, 2025 (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90) No desire to emigrate among Jews or Arabs Among both Jews and Arabs, most respondents said they had no desire to emigrate. Eighty-four percent of Jewish Israelis said they would not consider moving abroad, and among Arab citizens, that figure stood at 69%. The study found that interest in emigration has actually dropped slightly since 2022. One explanation may be the rise in antisemitism abroad, which has dampened enthusiasm for emigration, the authors wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among Jewish respondents, 65% said they believed Israel is a good place to live, and 67% of Arab respondents agreed. This includes a strong sense of connection to the state and its challenges - especially among the Druze community, where 90% of respondents said they felt a part of the country. That number was significantly higher than among Muslims (58%) and Christians (56%). Among the Druze, the sense of belonging to the state is especially strong, and in fact stronger than among Jews, the report said. Slightly over half of Jewish respondents and nearly half of Druze said Israels military intervention in southern Syria - where more than 1,000 Syrian Druze were killed in clashes with Sunni Bedouins backed by the Syrian army - was appropriate, while about a quarter in each group viewed it as too limited. Among non-Druze Arabs, one-third said the response was too limited, 19% called it excessive, and about a quarter declined to take a position. 65% of Jewish Israelis optimistic about Israel's future Another sign of confidence: The majority of Jewish Israelis, 65%, said they are optimistic about Israels future. Among Arab Israelis, optimism was slightly lower at 48%. Overall, these figures have remained remarkably stable over the past two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey also captured shifting travel patterns. Among Jewish respondents, 23% said they had canceled or postponed trips abroad because of antisemitism - a sharp increase from 13% in 2022. That number rose to 34% among religious Jews and 36% among Orthodox respondents. Many cited concerns about safety, hostility toward Israeli travelers, or increased scrutiny of Israeli passports at foreign borders. Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamass attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 50 remaining hostages, around 30 are believed to be dead. New Mexico Medicaid Director Dana Flannery appeared virtually at the Medicaid Advisory Committee's meeting at the Health Care Authority headquarters in Santa Fe on Aug. 4, 2025. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM) New Mexico Medicaid Director Dana Flannery told the state Medicaid Advisory Committee on Monday the New Mexico Health Care Authority will need more staff to comply with the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law last month. By Dec. 31, 2026, states must renew Medicaid recipients paperwork at least every six months. New Mexico currently confirms eligibility annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you enhance the frequency of those, the likelihood of more people falling off the rolls of Medicaid is much stronger, Flannery said. The new law also adds work requirements to the renewal process, meaning Medicaid recipients will have to prove theyve completed 80 hours of work or community service per month, or meet exemption criteria to enroll in and maintain coverage. Flannery said the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has not yet offered guidance about what kind of proof people will need to qualify for an exemption. While several parts of the new federal law will lead to people losing their health insurance, work requirements alone will result in approximately 88,000 people in New Mexico getting kicked off the rolls, Flannery said. This doesnt mean, necessarily, that people arent doing the work requirements or arent already working, she said. A lot of people fall off of Medicaid due to not doing the paperwork required to stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will cost $32.7 million initially for New Mexico to change its system for administering these benefits, and $6.5 million each year thereafter, according to a preliminary cost estimate provided by Health Care Authority Director of Communications Marina Pina to Source NM. Flannery told the committee shes still working on an exact number of full-time workers she will need to increase the pace of processing Medicaid paperwork. Her agency is deciding whether to ask the federal government for an extension to delay the work requirements, she said. Gary Housepian, executive director of Disability Rights New Mexico, told the committee his organization thinks many more people could lose their health insurance as a result of the new law, including those who dont qualify for Social Security but are still disabled and wont be able to meet the work requirements to receive Medicaid and SNAP. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham told Face the Nation on Sunday that there is no real way to implement the health care changes in the new law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its more paperwork for the federal government, for state governments, for county governments, for local hospitals, for independent providers, Lujan Grisham said. Its more paperwork for everyone. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Guidance for police on sharing the immigration status and ethnicity of crime suspects "needs to change", the home secretary has said, following calls for details to be released of two men charged over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old in Warwickshire. Yvette Cooper told the BBC: "We do want to see more transparency in cases, we think local people do need to have more information." The men under suspicion of the alleged rape are reportedly Afghan. Warwickshire County Council's Reform UK leader claims they are asylum seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not confirmed this. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the police's decision not to publish the details a "cover-up". Guidelines on disclosing personal information are being reviewed but Cooper said it is up to individual police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service to decide what is released. Warwickshire Police has previously said once someone is charged with an offence, the force follows national guidance that does not include sharing ethnicity or immigration status. The two men accused of the offence in Warwickshire are Ahmad Mulakhil, who has been charged with two counts of rape, and Mohammad Kabir, who has been accused of kidnap, strangulation and aiding and abetting the rape of a girl aged under 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Mulakhil, 23, appeared before magistrates in Coventry on 28 July, and Mr Kabir, also 23, appeared in court on Saturday. Both were remanded in custody. In a letter to the home secretary and Warwickshire Police's Chief Constable, Reform's Warwickshire County Council leader George Finch claimed the police risked "disorder breaking out on the streets" of the county. Responding to Finch, Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith said he was "confident that Warwickshire Police has treated this investigation seriously from the outset" and the force "did not and will not" cover up alleged criminality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that the immigration status of the suspects is now public knowledge and that he has asked the Home Office to confirm the full immigration status of Mr Mulakhil and Mr Kabir. In a statement, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: "It is essential to state that policing decisions - such as whether to release details about a suspect - must follow national guidance and legal requirements." He added that he would not speculate on the personal circumstances of those involved while court proceedings were active. Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Tuesday about the alleged rape in Warwickshire, the home secretary said it was "an operational decision" how much information could be revealed in the middle of a live investigation but said "we do want to see greater transparency". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She later told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We do think the guidance needs to change". Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch agreed that the ethnicity and immigration status of suspects should be revealed. Badenoch warned that the public would "start losing faith in the justice system and police if they feel things are being hidden." She said that police and home secretary were "saying different things" on the issue and that she is "not convinced we'll see that transparency." 'Most officers want that information out there' Emily Spurrell, chair of the Association Of Police And Crime Commissioners, told the BBC that police had had "a very difficult job in these kinds of instances". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most officers I speak to want to get that information out there, they know the public want to know what's going on, who's being held to account," she added. But she said police were trying to "walk that line" of going public with information and ensuring suspects had access to a fair trial. The Law Commission is conducting a review into what information or opinions someone should lawfully be able to publish after a suspect has been arrested. Following a government request, it has agreed to speed up its reporting on the parts of the review that relate to what the government and law enforcement can do to counter misinformation, including where there are possible public order consequences of failing to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Southport murders committed by Axel Rudakubana in July last year led to speculation about the suspect's ethnicity and immigration status. False rumours spread online that he was a Muslim asylum seeker, fuelling widespread rioting in the aftermath of the killings. An independent watchdog concluded in March that failure to share basic facts about the Southport killer led to "dangerous fictions" which helped spark rioting. Jonathan Hall KC, the UK's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said it would have been "far better" for the authorities to share more accurate detail on the arrest of Rudakubana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the "ineffectual near silence" from police, prosecutors and the government after the attacks led to disinformation that sparked the rioting. Merseyside Police took a different approach last June after a car drove into crowds during Liverpool's Premier League victory parade - they confirmed soon after the incident that they had arrested a "white British man". BAMAKO, Mali (AP) Four Moroccan truck drivers, who were kidnapped in January in West Africa by the Islamic State group and held captive for months, have been released, Malian authorities said. The truckers were traveling 3,000 miles to transport electrical equipment from Casablanca to Niamey, the capital of Niger, before they were reported missing on January 18, 2025, in northeastern Burkina Faso, near the border with Niger. The Malian government said in a statement read on public television late Monday the truck drivers were released safe and sound Sunday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added the four were held by the Islamic State in the Sahel Province, a subgroup of the Islamic state group. Malian public television showed video of the drivers wearing traditional Malian clothes in the company of junta leader Gen. Assimi Goita. The Malian government said their release was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts between Malis National State Security Agency and Moroccos foreign intelligence service. Mali, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, has for more than a decade battled an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following military coups, the three countries expelled French forces and turned to Russias mercenary units for assistance, but the security situation has been deteriorating. In May, extremist fighters abducted two Chinese nationals during an attack on an artisanal gold mining site in Mali. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, Moroccan authorities said they arrested a dozen people who were planning attacks on behalf of the Islamic State in the Sahel Province subgroup. Morocco has worked to present itself as a regional leader and is forging deeper ties with countries in the Sahel. Foreign ministers of landlocked Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso said they were backing a Moroccan initiative granting them access to the Atlantic ocean using its ports. Last year, Rabat mediated the release of four French intelligence agents held in Burkina Faso. Akram Oubachir reported from Rabat, Morocco. The switch to a more focused job for Bradley crew members has already paid off with higher gunnery scores for at least one armored brigade combat team. Last year, the Army announced the creation of a 19C military occupational specialty, or MOS, for a dedicated Bradley crewmember. The infantry MOS 11B previously filled that role, but troops with that specialty were also required to split their time with dismounted duties outside of the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army to create new armor-aligned Bradley crew member job field The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas, was one of the first armored brigade combat teams, also known as ABCTs, to undergo the change. The same brigade was recently named one of the Armys Transformation in Contact armor brigades. The move from 11B to 19C, meanwhile, wasnt a mandatory one. The Army sought soldiers to volunteer. Within each of the divisions three brigades, 178 soldiers with the 11B specialty transitioned to 19C. For the division, the total amounted to 534 troops transferring from 11B to 19C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the service members then underwent a series of training courses to specialize and fine-tune their skills in the Bradley. And the work paid off, according to Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Muir, the division Bradley master gunner. Prior to the 19C implementation, the Bradley gunnery results saw six crews earn the distinguished designation, 23 earn superior, 29 qualified and 58 less than qualified. Those who were given the less than qualified designation were required to reshoot, said Col. Jose Reyes, brigade commander. After the transition to the 19C MOS, 31 crews earned distinguished, 35 earned superior, 43 qualified and 21 less than qualified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leadership matters, Reyes said. One of the reasons 2nd ABCT was able to be a lot more successful was the emphasis that leaders put on gunnery excellence. Muir said that having realistic expectations and time management helped crews focus on the basics, which improved their proficiency. The brigade is currently in the field training now, transitioning from live fire to maneuver proficiency, Reyes told Army Times. Next, theyll complete platoon situational training exercises before moving to company-level exercises. Thats all in preparation for their fall rotation at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between now and then, the unit will receive new gear, such as drones and electronic warfare tools, as part of its Transformation in Contact initiative. But the focus, Reyes said, is the force structure, or how theyll employ their assets in the field in different ways to see how best an armored formation should fight. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A health worker administers a polio vaccine to a child in Karachi, Pakistan, April 21, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Fareed Khan For the past decade, Sughra Ayaz has traveled door to door in southeastern Pakistan, pleading with parents to allow children to be vaccinated against polio as part of a global campaign to wipe out the paralytic disease. She hears their demands and fears. Some are practicalfamilies need basics like food and water more than vaccines. Others are simply unfoundedthe oral doses are meant to sterilize their kids. Amid rampant misinformation and immense pressure for the campaign to succeed, Ayaz said, some managers have instructed workers to falsely mark children as immunized. And the vaccines, which must be kept cold, aren't always stored correctly, she added. "In many places, our work is not done with honesty," Ayaz said. The World Health Organization and partners embarked on their polio campaign in 1988 with the bold goal of eradicationa feat seen only once for human diseases, with smallpox in 1980. They came close several times, including in 2021, when just five cases of the natural virus were reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan. But since then, cases rebounded, hitting 99 last year, and officials have missed at least six self-imposed eradication deadlines. Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries where transmission of poliowhich is highly infectious, affects mainly children under 5, and can cause irreversible paralysis within hourshas never been interrupted. The worldwide campaign has focused most of its attention and funding there for the past decade. But in its quest to eliminate the disease, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has been derailed by mismanagement and what insiders describe as blind allegiance to an outdated strategy and a problematic oral vaccine, according to workers, polio experts and internal materials obtained by The Associated Press. Officials have falsified vaccination records, selected unqualified people to dole out drops, failed to send out teams during mass campaigns, and dismissed concerns about the oral vaccine sparking outbreaks, according to documents shared with AP by staffers from GPEIone of the largest and most expensive public health campaigns in history, with over $20 billion spent and nearly every country in the world involved. In Afghanistan and Pakistanwhich share a border, harbor widespread mistrust of vaccines, and have weakened healthcare systems and infrastructurelocal staffers like Ayaz have for years flagged problems to senior managers. But those issues, along with concerns by staffers and outside health officials, have long gone unaddressed, insiders say. Officials tout the successes3 billion children vaccinated, an estimated 20 million people who would have been paralyzed sparedwhile acknowledging challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Remote villages are hard to reach, some cultural and religious authorities instruct against vaccination, and hundreds of polio workers and security staff have been killed because of their alignment with a Western-led initiative. Dr. Jamal Ahmed, WHO's polio director, defended progress in those two countries, citing workers' tailored response in resistant pockets. "There's so many children being protected today because of the work that was done over the past 40 years," he said. "Let's not overdramatize the challenges, because that leads to children getting paralyzed." Ahmed said he believes authorities will end the spread of polio in the next 12 to 18 months. Its latest goal for eradication is 2029. The campaign says about 45 million children in Pakistan and 11 million in Afghanistan must be vaccinated this year. Children typically need four doses of two drops each to be considered fully immunized. Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, who has served on advisory groups for WHO, the Gates Foundation and others, said campaign officials should listen to the criticism of its tactics. "Continuing blindly with the same strategies that we have relied on since eradication began is unlikely to lead to a different result," he said. A health worker administers a polio vaccine to a child in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, Oct. 29, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Shafiullah Kakar Documents show yearslong problems on polio vaccination teams Internal WHO reports reviewing vaccination drives in Afghanistan and Pakistan over the past decadegiven to AP by current and former staffersshow that as early as 2017, local workers were alerting significant problems to senior managers. The documents flagged multiple cases of falsified vaccination records, health workers being replaced by untrained relatives and workers improperly administering vaccines. On numerous occasions, WHO officials noted, "vaccinators did not know about vaccine management," citing failure to keep doses properly cold. They also found sloppy or falsified reporting, with workers noting "more used vaccine vials than were actually supplied." According to an August 2017 report from Kandahar, Afghanistan, local government authorities and others interfered in choosing vaccinators, "resulting in the selection of underage and illiterate volunteers." Vaccination teams worked "in a hurried manner," reports said, with "no plan for monitoring or supervision." A team in Nawzad, Afghanistan, covered just half of the intended area in 2017, with 250 households missed entirely. Village elders said no one visited for at least two years. Vaccine workers and health officials in Afghanistan and Pakistan confirmed the issues in the documents and told AP it's hard for campaign leadership to grasp the difficulties in the field. Door-to-door efforts are stymied by cultural barriers, unfounded stories about vaccines, and the region's poverty and transience. "Most of the time when we go to vaccinate and knock on the door, the head of the house or the man is not at home," said one worker, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to talk to the press. "Many people find it offensive that a stranger knocks on the door and talks to a woman." Some workers find families have moved. Occasionally, they say, the encounter abuse. "We have shared these problems with our senior officials," the worker told AP. "They know about it." In an email response to AP's questions about officials' knowledge of the issues, WHO polio director Ahmed noted "operational challenges" in Afghanistan and Pakistan and said the program has "robust monitoring and evaluation processes." Worker Ayaz described "fake finger marking"placing the ink used to show a child is vaccinated on their pinky even when no vaccine has been given. "There is so much pressure," Ayaz said. A health worker, left, marks a house after administering polio vaccines in Karachi, Pakistan, April 21, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Fareed Khan Critics point to continued use of the oral polio vaccine Before the first polio vaccine was developed in 1955, the diseasespread mostly from person to person, through contaminated water and via fecal particleswas among the world's most feared, paralyzing hundreds of thousands of children annually. People avoided crowded places during epidemics, and hospital wards filled with children encased in iron lungs after the virus immobilized their breathing muscles. Polio is mainly spread when people are exposed to water infected with the virus. In countries with poor sanitation, children often become infected when they come into contact with contaminated waste. WHO says that as long as a single child remains infected, kids everywhere are at risk. Eradication demands near-perfectionzero polio cases and immunizing more than 95% of children. But public health leaders and former WHO staffers say campaign efforts are far from perfect, and many question the oral vaccine. The oral vaccineproven to be safe and effectivehas been given to more than 3 billion children. But there are some extremely rare side effects: Scientists estimate that for every 2.7 million first doses given, one child will be paralyzed by the live polio virus in the vaccine. In even rarer instances, the live virus can mutate into a form capable of starting new outbreaks among unimmunized people where vaccination rates are low. Worldwide, several hundred vaccine-derived cases have been reported annually since at least 2021, with at least 98 this year. Most public health experts agree the oral vaccine should be pulled as soon as possible. But they acknowledge there simply isn't enough injectable vaccinewhich uses no live virus and doesn't come with the risks of the oral vaccineto wipe out polio alone. The injectable vaccine also is more expensive and requires more training to administer. More than two dozen current and former senior polio officials told AP the agencies involved haven't been willing to even consider revising their strategy to account for some of the campaign's problems. Dr. Tom Frieden, a former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who sits on an independent board reviewing polio eradication, said it would be impossible to eliminate polio without the oral vaccine. But he's urged authorities to find ways to adapt, such as adopting new methods to identify polio cases more quickly. Since 2011, he and colleagues have issued regular reports about overall program failures. "There's no management," he said, citing a lack of accountability. Afghan children wait in line to get a polio vaccine in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, May 26, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Shafiullah Kakar Last year, former WHO scientist Dr. T. Jacob John twice emailed WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling for a "major course correction." John shared the emails with AP and said he's received no response. "WHO is persisting with polio control and creating polio with one hand and attempting to control it by the other," John wrote. In his response to AP, WHO polio director Ahmed said the oral vaccine is a "core pillar" of eradication strategy and that "almost every country that is polio-free today used (it) to achieve that milestone." "We need to step back and really care for the people," he said. "The only way we can do that in large parts of the world is with oral polio vaccine." Ahmed also pointed to the success WHO and partners had eliminating polio from India, once considered a nearly impossible task. In the four years before polio was wiped out there, health workers delivered about 1 billion doses of the oral vaccine to more than 170 million children. Today, nearly all of the world's polio casesmostly in Africa and the Middle Eastare mutated viruses from the oral vaccine, except for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Scott Barrett, a Columbia University professor, called for an inquiry into how things went so wrongparticularly with a failed effort in 2016, when authorities removed a strain from the oral vaccine. They miscalculated, leading to outbreaks in more than 40 countries that paralyzed more than 3,000 children, according to an expert report commissioned by WHO. Last year, a mutated virus traced to that effort paralyzed a baby in Gaza. "Unless you have a public inquiry where all the evidence comes out and WHO makes serious changes, it will be very hard to trust them," he said. Mistrust of the polio eradication effort persists With an annual budget of about $1 billion, the polio initiative is among the most expensive in all of public health. This year, the U.S. withdrew from WHO, and President Donald Trump has cut foreign aid. WHO officials have privately admitted that sustaining funding would be difficult without success. Some say the money would be better spent on other health needs. "We have spent more than $1 billion (in external polio funding) in the last five years in Pakistan alone, and it didn't buy us any progress," said Roland Sutter, who formerly led polio research at WHO. "If this was a private company, we would demand results." Villagers, too, have protested the cost, staging hundreds of boycotts of immunization campaigns since 2023. Instead of polio vaccines, they ask for medicine, food and electricity. A police officer stands guard while a health worker, center, administers a polio vaccine to a child in Karachi, Pakistan, April 21, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Fareed Khan In Karachi, locals told AP they didn't understand the government's fixation on polio and complained of other issuesdirty water, heroin addiction. Workers are accompanied by armed guards; Pakistani authorities say more than 200 workers and police assigned to protect them have been killed since the 1990s, mostly by militants. The campaign also is up against a wave of misinformation, including that the vaccine is made from pig urine or will make children reach puberty early. Some blame an anti-vaccine sentiment growing in the U.S. and other countries that have largely funded eradication efforts and say it's reaching even remote areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. In suburban southwest Pakistan, Saleem Khan, 58, said two grandchildren under 5 were vaccinated over his family's objections. "It results in disability," said Khan, without citing evidence for his belief. "They are vaccinated because officials reported our refusal to authorities and the police." Svea Closser, professor of international health at Johns Hopkins University, said Pakistan and Afghanistan were less resistant to immunization decades ago. Now, people are angry about the focus on polio and lack of help for diseases like measles or tuberculosis, she said, spurring conspiracy theories. "Polio eradication has created a monster," Closser said. It doesn't help, she added, that in this region, public trust in vaccine campaigns was undermined when the CIA organized a fake hepatitis drive in 2011 in an attempt to get DNA and confirm the presence of Osama bin Laden or his family. Workers see that continued mistrust every day. In a mountainous region of southeastern Afghanistan where most people survive by growing wheat and raising cows and chickens, a mother of five said she'd prefer that her children be vaccinated against polio, but her husband and other male relatives have instructed their families to reject it. They believe the false rumors that it will compromise their children's fertility. "If I allow it," the woman said, declining to be named over fears of family retribution, "I will be beaten and thrown out." 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. (Reuters) -A Ukrainian attack on municipal workers in Russian-held Luhansk region killed five people on Tuesday, Russia-appointed officials in the region said. Leonid Pasechnik, the Russia-appointed head of the region, wrote on Telegram that four workers trying to maintain water supplies in the city of Svatove had been killed in the strike. The head of the region's health service, quoted by Russia's state-run TASS news agency, later said a worker wounded in the strike had died in hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luhansk is one of four Ukrainian regions that Russia annexed in 2022 -- along with Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia -- seven months after launching its full-scale invasion of its smaller neighbour. Moscow said in June it had secured control over the entirety of Luhansk region. It holds parts of the other three. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Sandra Maler) Aug. 4SANTA FE The recent internal ethics investigation into top Senate Democrat Mimi Stewart marked the first time in years that a complaint against a New Mexico lawmaker led to a public hearing. But there has been no shortage of filed complaints. With the exception of the complaint against Stewart, all other allegations of misconduct filed against lawmakers in the last five years there have been a total of 17 were quietly resolved without any details being publicly released, according to legislative records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the complaints that date back to January 2020 were dismissed following an internal investigation, while others were informally settled or withdrawn. The recent trends have prompted some current and former legislators to say flaws in the system need fixing. Former state Sen. Mark Moores, a Republican who stepped down last year, said New Mexico's current legislative ethics system is tainted by partisan politics. "The system is working as intended, because the system was set up so leadership could still retain control," Moores said . He said the system should be changed to more closely model the congressional ethics system, which features an independent, nonpartisan office that reviews allegations of misconduct against members of Congress and staffers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public currently lacks confidence in New Mexico's legislative ethics system, Moores added, in large part because leading legislators function as gatekeepers of sorts who determine whether complaints filed against lawmakers should move forward. "You're never going to have a fair hearing against anyone in leadership because they appoint their cronies," he said. Sen. Katy Duhigg, D-Albuquerque, said lawmakers have struggled to find the right balance between transparency and protecting themselves from possible politically-driven complaints. "I think each time we see this process used, we see areas that need improvement," said Duhigg, who chairs the Senate Rules Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she would support changes to the legislative ethics system such as simplifying the wording of ethics policies and protocols, along with mandatory mediation to try to resolve complaints involving legislators and staffers. "I think we are on the right road, but there is room for improvement," Duhigg said. A recent history of tie votes The complaint against Stewart, the Senate's president pro tem since 2021, was filed by a legislative staffer in February after the veteran lawmaker allegedly shouted at her during a heated moment during this year's 60-day legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an initial panel of lawmakers found probable cause existed to advance the complaint, a legislative ethics hearing subcommittee recommended last week the complaint against Stewart be dismissed. But the recommendation was made via a party-line 4-3 vote, with retired state Supreme Court Justice Richard Bosson siding with the subcommittee's three Senate Democrats. The three Senate Republicans appointed to the panel voted against dismissing the complaint, while maintaining that sanctions should be imposed in the case. The presence of a retired judge or attorney on the subcommittee was due to a 2022 rule change that was intended to allow for tie votes to be broken, said Randall Cherry, the Legislative Council Service's assistant director for legislative affairs. Before that change was made, several internal ethics probes stalled due to tie votes, according to legislators familiar with the investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transparency issues and concerns One of the reasons the public is left in the dark about most legislative ethics investigations is the existence of confidentiality provisions in both state law and the Legislature's anti-harassment policy. Specifically, the policy stipulates that harassment complaints and documents related to any investigation shall be kept confidential, even under New Mexico's public records law. The confidentiality provision was challenged in a 2022 lawsuit filed by a lobbyist who had accused then-Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto of sexual harassment. But the lawsuit was dismissed a year later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amanda Lavin, the legal director of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, said citizen complaints are generally required to be made public under a Court of Appeals ruling. She also said the open government group believes any disciplinary action taken by the Legislature against its own members should be public information. But Lavin also pointed out the Legislature is not subject to New Mexico's Open Meetings Act, and state law allows legislators to hold certain types of meetings behind closed doors. "There are a lot of things they can discuss in private and then not even have to disclose what was discussed," Lavin said. The majority of new London housing projects approved this year will essentially provide no parking for residents, as Sir Sadiq Khan is accused waging a campaign against motorists. Some 62pc of housing developments involving 10 or more homes that have been approved so far this year have been car free, according to Glenigan, a construction data company. This means the number of parking spaces planned account for 5pc or less of the number of homes under development, suggesting most residents will not be able to park their cars there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major new developments with only scarce parking include Asdas proposal for a 1,600-home development in west London, which will include only disabled parking; and a 1,500-property plan for Limmo Peninsula in Newham, east London, which Sir Sadiqs Transport for London last year boasted was effectively car-free. So far, 2025 has seen the highest proportion of car-free housing projects approved in London on record. It is also the first time in eight years that essentially parking-free housing projects have accounted for the majority of approvals. The milestone follows a series of policies introduced by the Mayor of London that have made it more expensive to own a car in the capital. This includes the ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez), which was expanded two years ago to cover the whole of the capital, and the congestion charge, which is rising by 20pc to 18 next year. Sir Sadiqs development strategy drawn up in 2021, known as the London Plan, also mandates car-free developments for swathes of the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mayor of Londons policies are designed to improve Londons air quality, with Sir Sadiq claiming that toxic air pollution kills an estimated 4,000 Londoners each year. However, critics say Sir Sadiqs policies are punishing residents who rely on cars, and argue that the parking plans are unrealistic. Andrew Boff, London Assembly member and the City Hall Conservatives representative on planning matters, said: Parking is infrastructure, and by removing parking from developments you simply move the issue to other parts of the local area rather than remove the problem altogether. Mr Boff said the Mayor had made it clear how little he thinks of those who need to rely on their motor, despite his dependence on vehicles to get around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: The London Plan requiring developments to be car-free is only going to make this issue worse: as weve been saying, making something car-free only realistically means it will be parking space free. Last month Sir Sadiq faced claims he was waging a fresh war on drivers in the capital, after an official accidentally leaked a document containing a series of anti-motorist proposals. Measures included cutting the number of car parking spaces available in the city, painting more double yellow lines and expanding controlled parking zones. Allan Wilen, the economics director at Glenigan, said: Congestion charge and Ulez have added to motoring costs and particularly for frequent short journeys around town. This may be reducing the attraction of car ownership for some households, especially in areas with good transport links and access to car clubs, prompting developers to downgrade parking provision as a selling point on new developments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition a car-free design for a development will free up space, allowing more homes on the site or the inclusion of more green space and other amenities. He added that the higher number was in part a response to residents concerns that new developments will exacerbate traffic congestion locally. The 62pc car-free figure compares with 45pc of housing projects in the first half of 2024 and 40pc during the first six months of 2023. The last time car-free developments edged into the majority during a comparable period was in 2017, when they amounted to 51pc of all new-build residential projects in London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: The Mayor is committed to making the best use of land to ensure we can build the affordable homes Londoners need. Developments that are not dependent on cars can deliver significantly more homes on the same area and help create genuinely liveable, sustainable neighbourhoods. 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 full sturgeon moon will peak soon over Pennsylvania, and residents can also enjoy viewing the peak of a popular meteor shower soon after. This months moon is referred to as the sturgeon moon because of the abundance of fish typically found in late summer, according to the Farmers Almanac. Many moon names come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources. In addition to the sturgeon moon, August will bring the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, which the American Meteor Society describes as the most popular meteor shower of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Perseids will peak overnight Tuesday, Aug. 12 into Wednesday, Aug. 13, the American Meteor Society reports. The Perseid meteor shower has been active since July 14 and will end Monday, Sept. 1. The waning gibbous moon is expected to reduce the showers visibility this year, so you might only be able to see the Perseids brightest meteors. Heres when to see this years sturgeon moon over Pennsylvania, plus when to catch more full moons in 2025. When will the sturgeon moon peak? The sturgeon moon will peak at 3:55 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time Saturday, Aug. 9, according to the Farmers Almanac. AccuWeathers forecast says the night of Aug. 9 will be mostly clear in State College, with a low temperature of 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The moon generally appears full the day before and after its peak illumination. For those planning to stargaze the night of Friday, Aug. 8, you can expect clear conditions, AccuWeather reports, and the night of Sunday, Aug. 10 will be overcast and humid. The moon will rise in State College at 8:46 p.m. Aug. 9, according to online clock Time and Date. When to see more full moons in 2025 After the sturgeon moon, stargazers will have four more opportunities to see a full moon this year. Heres when to look, from Astronomy.com: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday, Sept. 7: Corn moon Monday, Oct. 6: Hunters moon (supermoon) Wednesday, Nov. 5: Beaver moon (supermoon) Thursday, Dec. 4: Cold moon (supermoon The Central Pennsylvania Observers will host a free, public stargazing event from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Penn State Arboretum. A majority of Americans are stressed about grocery costs, according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. In the poll, 53 percent of respondents said that the cost of groceries is currently a major source of stress, while 33 percent said it is a minor source of stress and 14 percent said it is not a source of stress. On Friday, President Trumps economy entered into a rough patch after the July jobs report showed the labor market only gained 106,000 jobs in the last three months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicated the economy and labor market are much weaker than previously thought, and is set to raise questions about whether Trumps tariff regime is stopping businesses from hiring. Within Trumps first year back in office, his tariff policy has rattled markets, strained relationships with allies such as the European Union and Canada and resulted in increased economic uncertainty. The AP-NORC survey also found that 47 percent of respondents said the cost of housing is currently a major source of stress, while 27 percent said it is a minor source of stress and 25 percent said it is not a source of stress. The AP-NORC survey took place from July 10 to 14, featuring 1,437 respondents and a margin of error of 3.6 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) A Maryland woman with a long history of severe mental illness has been held without bail after she was recently rearrested and charged with murder in the 2014 disappearance of her two children almost three years after an earlier case against her was dropped. A judge dismissed the previous murder charges in 2022 because Catherine Hoggle had been repeatedly found incompetent to stand trial. But that didnt stop prosecutors from indicting Hoggle again after her recent release from a state-run psychiatric hospital where she spent the past 11 years. The new indictment marks the latest twist in a case that began when her toddler son and daughter went missing and were never found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catherine Hoggle, 38, was arrested Friday. She appeared in Montgomery Circuit Court for a bail review hearing Tuesday afternoon, wearing a tan jumpsuit and glasses. She sat quietly and listened to the proceedings, without showing any obvious emotion as prosecutors laid out the allegations against her. Montgomery County States Attorney John McCarthy alleged that Hoggle confessed to strangling her children during a conversation with another woman attending a group-therapy session around the time of their disappearance. McCarthy also described a drawing he said Hoggle made in response to a prompt about eliminating stressors from your life: It showed children being thrown into a trash can. You think you have stress in your life? I just strangled my two children, Hoggle told the woman, according to McCarthys account. Defense attorney says Hoggle remains mentally incompetent Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoggles attorney, David Felsen, criticized the states attorney for introducing facts during what he called a 45-minute opening statement meant for the beginning of a criminal trial, not a bail hearing. Felsen argued that Hoggle remains mentally incompetent to stand trial. That finding hasnt changed since 2022, he said. As she sits, she is non-restorable, he told the court. But prosecutors argued she had been functioning enough over the past few weeks to show a substantial change in her mental state that allowed for her recent discharge from Marylands Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center. Since then, McCarthy said she was simply free in the community, living in a group home and walking around town. He raised concerns about the safety of a third surviving child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoggles mother also criticized the circumstances around her release from the hospital. Lindsey Hoggle told reporters after the hearing that her daughter was abruptly discharged into the community from shackles and handcuffs to living on her own in a dorm-like facility. She should be receiving psychiatric treatment, not sitting in jail, Lindsey Hoggle said. But Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Jeannie Cho ordered Hoggle held without bail because she could otherwise pose a flight risk and a great danger to the community. There is a great deal of information that showed a concerted effort to hide herself and conceal the evidence and to be deceptive, Cho said before announcing her ruling. The judge noted that Hoggle is currently prescribed 22 different medications. Keeping her on this treatment regimen could be difficult in a group home environment with little to no supervision that I can glean, Cho said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is still not exactly clear why Hoggle was released from the hospital. First arrest was in 2014 Her children, Sarah and Jacob Hoggle, were ages 3 and 2 respectively when they were last seen in September 2014. Catherine Hoggle also went missing around the same time. The childrens father reported them all missing. Hoggle was found days later, walking in a nearby town. Police said she refused to tell them where the children were. She was initially arrested and charged with neglect and abduction, both misdemeanors. She was sent to the state-run psychiatric hospital for treatment. Then in 2017, she was indicted on murder charges. A judge ruled she was incompetent to stand trial and imposed continuing court-ordered treatment. Under state law, authorities had five years to declare her competent to stand trial. That didnt happen, so in 2022, a Montgomery County judge dropped the charges against her, citing the five-year time limit. Hoggle was ordered to remain involuntarily committed for psychiatric treatment because she was still considered a danger to herself or others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Tuesdays hearing, Hoggles attorney raised questions about the strength of the states case. He presented records showing that a court commissioner had found insufficient probable cause to issue an arrest warrant for the murder charges. In response, prosecutors took the case to a grand jury instead, which issued the indictment. Prosecutors said nothing about that process weakens their case. Family members seek answers Hoggles mother and other family members watched from the courtroom gallery, including the childrens father, Troy Turner, whose shirt was emblazoned with a message seeking justice for Sarah and Jacob. In remarks after the hearing, Turner said he still wants answers. He said he hopes that by prosecuting Hoggle again, the court system will finally reveal what happened to his children. Authorities say a motorcyclist who had allegedly been drinking crashed into an SUV on U.S. 61 in St. Paul Park on Sunday night and then fled, leaving behind an injured passenger who had been ejected from the bike. The Minnesota State Patrol confirmed the 70-year-old motorcyclist was arrested at his residence in Inver Grove Heights about 90 minutes later at 8:30 p.m. He was arrested on suspicion of DWI and was booked into the Washington County jail. The crash, shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday, occurred at U.S. 61 and 70th Street when the driver of a 2002 Harley-Davidson Road King and the driver of a 2016 Land Rover LR4 crashed while both were driving northbound on the highway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motorcycle passenger, a 60-year-old woman from Newport, was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered life-threatening injuries. She was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Her condition was not available Monday. A 62-year-old Florida man and a 56-year-old Florida woman in the SUV were not injured. Related Articles Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene asked President Donald Trump on Monday to grant clemency to former Republican Rep. George Santos, the notorious fabulist who began his seven-year prison sentence last month. Greene, a close Trump ally and conservative firebrand, said she sent a letter to the Department of Justice asking them to present a case to Trump for clemency consideration for the former New York member of Congress. In the letter, she said Santos sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges extends far beyond what is warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Santos has taken responsibility. Hes shown remorse. Its time to correct this injustice, Greene said on X. Santos, who pleaded guilty in April and reported to federal prison in New Jersey on July 25, became a household name shortly after he was elected to Congress in 2022, when The New York Times reported several outlandish lies he told about his backstory during his congressional campaign. The details of Santos falsehoods, his misuse of campaign funds and falsifying financial records were ultimately compiled in a scathing House Ethics Committee report in 2023, triggering a House vote to expel Santos later that year. When asked on Friday about possibly pardoning Santos, Trump acknowledged the former New York congressmans wrongdoing but didnt rule out granting him clemency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobodys talked to me about it, he said in an interview with Newsmax. Santos has repeatedly said hes asked the Trump administration to consider pardoning him. In a social media post weeks before he reported to prison, he claimed that House Speaker Mike Johnson had blocked the Trump administration from granting him clemency. While presidents in recent history have waited until the end of their terms to sign pardons and commutations, Trump has already granted clemency to many people in the first year of his term some of whom, like Santos, hadnt completed their sentences. On his first day in office, Trump granted clemency to hundreds of people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. Since then, hes issued dozens more pardons and commutations, including to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and to Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality TV stars convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. U.S. Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene (L) talks to then-Rep.-elect George Santos in the House Chamber during the third day of elections for Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2023. Credit - Win McNameeGetty Images Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling for President Donald Trump to commute the sentence of her former colleague George Santos, who reported to a federal prison last month after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. In a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, Greene said she believed the former New York congressmans seven-year sentence extends far beyond what is warranted and accused current members of Congress of committing far worse offenses, though she didnt specify which individuals or actions she was referring to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023 just months into his first term, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison in April after pleading guilty last year, and has been incarcerated since July 25. I wholeheartedly believe in justice and the rule of the law, and I understand the gravity of such actions, Greene wrote in the letter, which she shared on the social media platform X on Monday night. However, I believe a seven-year sentence for such campaign-related matters for an individual with no prior criminal record extends far beyond what is warranted. BREAKING: I just sent a letter to the Office of the Pardon Attorney urging President Trump to commute the sentence of former Congressman @MrSantosNY. A 7-year prison sentence for campaign-related charges is excessive, especially when Members of Congress whove done far worse pic.twitter.com/Isj2mxlhsd Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) August 4, 2025 Greene went on to say that Santos committed himself to serving his constituents and did whatever it took to represent their interests in Washington, D.C, adding that he is sincerely remorseful and has accepted full responsibility for his actions. Read More: MAGA Stalwart Marjorie Taylor Greene Signals Potential Split From Republican Party Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While his crimes warrant punishment, many of my colleagues who I serve with have committed far worse offenses than Mr. Santos yet have faced zero criminal charges, Greene said. I strongly believe in accountability for ones actions, but I believe the sentencing of Mr. Santos is an abusive overreach by the judicial system. Commuting his sentence would acknowledge the severity of his actions and simultaneously provide a path forward in allowing him to make amends for his crimes and strive to better serve the people in his community, she continued. Trump has granted clemency to a number of people since he was sworn in for his second term, including some of his own supporters who had been convicted or charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. He has also pardoned multiple former politicians who were convicted of a variety of charges, including fraud and campaign finance offenses. When asked about Santos in an interview with the right-wing cable news channel Newsmax on Friday, Trump acknowledged that the former New York congressman lied like hell but didnt close the door on the possibility of pardoning him, saying, Nobodys talked to me about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santoss brief time in Congress was dominated by controversy after the New York Times reported that he had lied about key parts of his biography and campaign, including claiming he had worked at prestigious Wall Street firms. He was expelled from Congress following his indictment on nearly two dozen criminal charges and the release of a House Ethics Committee report finding that there was substantial evidence he violated federal law. Roughly three-quarters of the House voted to expel him, including 105 Republicans. Greene was one of the 112 Republicans who voted against expelling Santos. Contact us at letters@time.com. Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is calling on the Trump administration to commute the sentence of former Congressman George Santos, who was sentenced to seven years in prison earlier this year after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft. George Santos has taken responsibility, Greene wrote on X, sharing a letter she sent to the Justice Departments Office of the Pardon Attorney. Hes shown remorse. Its time to correct this injustice. I wholeheartedly believe in justice and the rule of the law, and I understand the gravity of such actions, the letter reads. However, I believe a seven-year sentence for such campaign-related matters for an individual with no prior criminal record extends far beyond what is warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene claimed Santos, who has sold Cameo videos speaking to fans and hosted a podcast playing on his reputation called Pants on Fire, was sincerely remorseful and has accepted full responsibility for his actions. Marjorie Taylor Greene wants the Trump administration to lighten the seven-year sentence against George Santos, the scandal-plagued former New York congressman who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft (AP) In April, Santos was sentenced to 87 months in prison for wire fraud and identity theft after pleading guilty last year and agreeing to nearly $374,000 in restitution payments. The following month, the former New York representative, who prosecutors accused of pocketing thousands of dollars in donor funds, appealed to the president for a full pardon. Previously, I was not entertaining a pardon because I didnt know what my judgment would be. Now, I am in the process of filling an application to a pardon for the president. Ill take a commutation, a clemency, whatever the president is willing to give me, Santos said in an interview with Piers Morgan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do believe this is an unfair judgment handed down to me, he added. There was a lot of politicization over the process. Santos, 37, is now in custody at a federal prison in Fairton, New Jersey. He was expelled from Congress in December 2023, following the release of a damning ethics report. He shared a goodbye post on X before entering prison thanking his allies and critics alike. Well, darlingsThe curtain falls, the spotlight dims, and the rhinestones are packed, he wrote. From the halls of Congress to the chaos of cable news what a ride its been! Was it messy? Always. Glamorous? Occasionally. Honest? I tried most days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos was charged with 23 felony counts for three alleged schemes to use donor money and government assistance funds to enrich himself while running for Congress. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Republican, who was elected in 2022, also grabbed headlines for exaggerating details about his education and work experience, as well as his mothers whereabouts during 9/11 and his Jewish heritage. Greene has sought presidential intervention for controversial figures before. In May, she asked the president to pardon Derek Chauvin, the then-Minneapolis police officer who murdered George Floyd in a widely seen 2020 incident that set off national protests. Actress Sydney Sweeney is still seeing headlines for her divisive collaboration with American Eagle. The Florida resident has been embroiled in controversy for nearly a week over her campaign with the clothing retailer, which features the tagline "Sydney Sweeney has good jeans" a play on the word "genes." Critics said the ad was glorifying whiteness and a dog whistle for racist ideologies. However, supporters have defended the "Euphoria" star and retailer, saying they are making a light-hearted ad "too deep." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's everything to know about Sweeney's collaboration with the retailer, from the outrage to where to find the jeans. What is the controversy about Sydney Sweeney? American Eagle released its campaign with Sweeney last week, featuring several videos of the star wearing a pair of pants called "The Sydney Jean." One of the videos features dialogue from Sweeney, saying: "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color." "My jeans are blue," Sweeney adds in the video. Social media lit up online as shoppers voiced their concerns on what they saw as a harmful message about beauty ideals, race and "good" versus "bad" genes. According to USA TODAY, some said the ad's characterization of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed white woman as having "great genes" was a subtle nod to eugenics, the highly controversial and discredited belief that the human population can improve or advance itself through selective breeding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See Trump, Vance comments: Sydney Sweeney sees controversy over American Eagle campaign After days of discourse about the ad campaign, the clothing retailer spoke out and doubled down in an Instagram post shared Aug. 1. "'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way," the statement read. "Great jeans look good on everyone." Sweeney has not yet spoken out about the controversy, which also saw White House officials offer their input. What do the Sydney Sweeney jeans look like? According to the American Eagle website, the "Sydney Jeans" are a low-rise, wide-leg jean in a medium wash. It also features a pink butterfly embroidery on the back and a removable chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also features the retailer's "Real Good" badge, which says it is one of the most sustainable items in its collection. How much are the Sydney Sweeney jeans? Proceeds go to charity The "Sydney Jeans" retail for $89.95, American Eagle, with 100% of the purchase price donated to the nonprofit organization "Crisis Text Line." The Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential text-based mental health support and crisis intervention for those in the United States and Puerto Rico. What are the reviews of the Sydney Sweeney jeans? NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 01: Billboards of actress Sydney Sweeney is seen outside of an American Eagle store on August 01, 2025 in New York City. American Eagleas recent denim ad campaign featuring Sweeney has drawn backlash for language and imagery that critics say echoes eugenics-era rhetoric, following a tagline referencing agreat genesa alongside visuals of Sweeney in blue jeans. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) The "Sydney Jeans" have a rating of 4.5 out of 5. A few of the reviews did address the controversy, showing support for Sweeney. "Its a sad day when people get mad because a beautiful woman is modeling jeans. ALL beauty and good genes of any shape and color are allowed to be celebrated," one reviewer wrote. "Stop the insanity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was one 1-star review, writing that "it doesn't fit all diverse body types." How many American Eagle stores are in Florida? According to its website, there are 40 American Eagle stores across Florida. To find a store near you, check it out here. What other items are in the Sydney Sweeney collab with American Eagle? In addition to the jeans, Sweeney's collection also features a denim jacket in a matching medium wash for $79.95. Sales of this jacket also go to the Crisis Text Line. "An ultra-flattering take on your go-to jean jacket, featuring a cinched waist that hugs your body just right," the website says. "A limited-edition piece inspired by Sydney's on-set look, specially designed with celeb stylist Molly Dickson." Where is Sydney Sweeney from, where does she live in Florida? According to Architectural Digest, Sweeney purchased a $13.5 million oceanfront mansion in Florida in 2024, just outside of Key West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They revealed the property features "six bedrooms and eight bathrooms spread across 7,720 square feet, with a 330-gallon aquarium, a 520-bottle wine room, a chefs kitchen, a home gym, and a game room." They also note the property has a large infinity pool with a swim-up bar and an attached spa, with a spacious back deck surrounded by tall palm trees. It also appears that there is a private boat launch. Her Florida mansion marks Sweeney's fourth home for her real estate portfolio. She owns property in Los Angeles and Bel Air in California, and has also revealed that she bought her great-grandma's home. It's unknown where the house is, but she shared it was a "two-bedroom, cute house." This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Sydney Sweeney ad for American Eagle, price and reviews of jeans Rep. Mike Flood faced a barrage of criticism at a packed town hall in Lincoln, Nebraska, Monday evening as audience members repeatedly confronted him over his support for President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill, immigration policy and what they described as threats to democracy. It didnt take long for those gathered for the meeting at the University of Nebraska to erupt in chants of tax the rich, while the Republican congressman attempted to defend his decision to vote for the the presidents massive agenda. I truly believe that this bill will allow America to experience growth, that it will allow our communities to thrive, that it will spark our economy, that it will help farmers and ranchers, that it will take care of the vulnerable. And more than anything, I truly believe this bill protects Medicaid for the future, Flood said, speaking over outbursts from the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flood, one of few members of his party to hold in-person events during springs congressional recess as the GOP looked to avoid blowback from the presidents DOGE initiative, heeded the National Republican Congressional Committees updated guidance to focus this August district work period on selling Trumps agenda. With the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law just a few weeks ago, this is a critical opportunity to continue to define how this legislation will help every voter and push back on Democrat fearmongering, the memo from the NRCC, the House GOPs campaign arm, stated. But as he did earlier this year, Flood met a largely hostile crowd. The congressman was pressed on everything from the presidents sweeping tax and spending cuts legislation to veterans issues, Medicaid funding and the war in Gaza during a wide-ranging question-and-answer period all against a backdrop of near-constant heckling, chants and booing from the audience. Still, the he maintained his position on the presidents domestic agenda package. Is every bill perfect? No, but I supported this bill, he told the crowd. Republican faces raucous crowd In one tense back-and-forth in Nebraska, an audience member confronted Flood about government spending and authoritarianism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My question is fiscal, the attendee began, referencing reports that the makeshift immigration detention facility in Florida dubbed Alligator Alcatraz is expected to cost $450 million to operate for a single year. How much does it cost for fascism? How much do the taxpayers have to pay for a fascist country? the attendee asked, as the crowd erupted in applause. Flood responded, Americans went to the polls in November, and they had a choice between a Democratic candidate that had an open border, no enforcement, fentanyl, drugs, human trafficking, and they had a choice between that and a candidate that said close the border, get illegal immigrants out of our country, stop the fentanyl, stop the human trafficking, stop the drugs, stop the crime, stop the violence. Thats what Americans voted for. Americans voted for a border that is secure, and I support the president enforcing our immigration laws, which, by the way, were written by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audience appeared to grow increasingly agitated, with continued shouts hurled at the congressman. Another member from the audience accused Flood of staying silent in the face of what they called a fascist machine, referring to the conservative blueprint Project 2025. You said in Seward that you were not a fascist, the person said. But your complicity says otherwise. Fascists dont hold town halls with open question-and-answer series, he responded. The audience again booed. Despite his efforts to present the recently passed budget bill which one constituent called the big, ugly bill as a solution for Medicaid funding and rural hospitals, audience members attacked Flood over cuts to SNAP benefits, veterans programs and health care access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans in the audience criticized him for backing a law they said threatens benefits for those who served. How can you stand a bill that erodes the very services that people like me, my family, and younger vets rely on? one Marine Corps veteran asked. Flood said he had personally met with the VA secretary and promised improvements to the system but offered no specifics. The Nebraska lawmaker also fielded a question on the Jeffrey Epstein files a topic that has consumed Capitol Hill in recent weeks but yielded limited exchanges so far in the early public town halls during lawmakers break from Washington. Read aloud by an aide at the event, the written question posed: Why are you covering up the Epstein files? It was met with raucous applause from the audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flood responded: Lets be very clear at the next pro forma session of the Congress, you will find my name as a sponsor on a resolution from the House Rules Committee to release the Epstein files to protect the victims and not re-victimize them again. He added that he supports Congress subpoena of Epsteins former associate Ghislaine Maxwell for a deposition, and declard: I am for the release of those records. Democrat talks presidential pardons The topic also arose at a Democrats town hall Monday night in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin made a case against presidential pardon power. Asked by an audience member if she thinks the presidential pardon power should be limited, Slotkin called it a quirk of history that does not make sense in America for either party, for any reason. Sen. Elissa Slotkin questions during a Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on January 14 in Washington, DC. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images To me, it is just a strange thing that the president of the United States has a few extra chits in their pocket to give away, she continued, adding that she doesnt think people who are wrongly imprisoned should be in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As pressure grows on the Trump administration to release more information related to the Epstein case, the president hasnt ruled out a pardon for Maxwell, who met recently with a top Justice Department official and also was transferred to a lower security prison camp from where she was previously being held. Asked last week if clemency was on the table in exchange for Maxwells testimony, Trump said, 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. Slotkin expressed wariness that Trump is talking about pardon for Maxwell in year one of his presidency, not the end of his presidency, which is what you typically see. Look, I thought it was controversial with President Biden, too. It was controversial with everyone that Obama or Clinton or Bush did. So to me, its just this weird kind of literally get out of jail free card that I just think muddies the waters, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you have a president who has a deep, deep problem with corruption, it just can be taken to such a dangerous degree that hes letting out pedophiles and criminals, violent people because hes paying back favors to others. I just cant support that, she continued. The Michigan senator, who delivered what she called her economic war plan for America and argued against the massive domestic policy bill that Trump signed into law July 4, addressed another issue that looms large for lawmakers when they return to DC in a matter of weeks: government funding. As Democrats weigh how to approach negotiations with Republicans to keep the government funded past the September 30 deadline, Slotkin, who did not vote for the GOP-led bill to avert a shutdown earlier this year, said she would not be open to any proposal without a commitment by Republicans to restore some of the health care-related funding they have voted to slash. For me, for my vote, for my willingness to join in that negotiation, youre going to have to restore something of Americans health care in order to get me back on that team, she said. Washington event cut short amid protests In Washington state, Democratic Rep. Adam Smiths town hall was abruptly canceled Monday evening amid protests, with local police saying they arrested three people and charged them with trespassing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Smith took the stage, TVW Washington states public affairs network, which was broadcasting the town hall announced on its website, Town hall cancelled mid-meeting due to protests. Todays town hall was intentionally disrupted to attempt to silence a democratic conversation between a Representative and his constituents. This behavior is unacceptable, Smith later posted on social media. One of my staff members was physically assaulted during the chaos an act that crosses every line of civil discourse. A Renton Police Department spokesperson said three protesters were arrested and charged with trespassing on the Renton Technical College in Renton, Washington, where the meeting was being held. The police spokesperson, Meeghan Black, said she was not aware of any assault on a member of the congressmans staff and no one was charged with assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black told CNN that nine protestors initially entered the venue and started loudly protesting, three of whom walked on stage and were subsequently arrested. This story has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Dalia Abdelwahab contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com An early-morning fire that quickly engulfed a Long Beach apartment complex on Tuesday has left several residents displaced and at least three pets killed, fire officials said. The incident was reported shortly before 1 a.m. on East 17th Street near Junipero Avenue. Arriving firefighters immediately called for additional units after finding smoke and fire coming from the second, third and fourth floor balconies of the four-story building, Long Beach Fire Department Capt. Crabtree confirmed to KTLA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators believe the blaze began on the second floor before spreading to the top of the building. Firefighters rescued more than a dozen animals, including dogs, cats and birds, Crabtree said. Sadly, crews did find two cats and one dog deceased in the fire. Residents told KTLAs Carlos Herrera that they believe more pets are unaccounted for and may be found dead. Flames engulf an apartment building in Long Beach on Aug. 5, 2025. (OnScene.TV) The Red Cross has responded to the location to assist eight residents who were displaced in the fire. One of those residents said that he and his wife were asleep when the fire started. My wife and I were in our bedroom, the man said. We went to bed early tonight, and someone came running, Hey, the buildings on fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crabtree said no residents were injured in the fire. The cause remains under investigation. KTLAs Nancy Fontan 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. Munich-based brewery Paulaner won a legal dispute on Tuesday against spirits maker Berentzen over the design of a cola-orange soda bottle. The Munich Regional Court deemed the bottles of Mio Mio Cola+Orange, a product of the spirits-focused company from Lower Saxony, too similar to Paulaner's Spezi bottles. The court ordered Berentzen to cease selling the drink in this design, with a penalty of up to 250,000 ($288,520) for non-compliance. Additionally, the company must pay damages and destroy all bottles already produced in this design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling is not yet legally binding. The court's decision was not based on whether the two bottles could be confused but rather on whether the colour scheme could lead customers to believe the Mio Mio product was associated with Paulaner. Paulaner welcomes the ruling "We are pleased that the court fully followed our legal opinion," said Paulaner spokeswoman Birgit Zacher. She added that the brewery would now seek talks with Berentzen. "Our aim is not to demand damages but to protect our colour trademark." Zacher did not specify whether Paulaner would insist on the destruction of the already produced bottles. The wallpaper defence fails Berentzen unsuccessfully argued that colourful designs are common for cola-mix drinks. It claimed it was far-fetched to assume that consumers would associate Mio Mio with Paulaner based on colours and shapes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company noted that its bottle featured circles rather than waves and said its design was not inspired by Paulaner but by a similarly designed wallpaper in the former student room of its current marketing director. But that did not hold up in court. Paulaner's lawyer had already dismissed the wallpaper argument as irrelevant during the oral hearing in early July. The key legal question, the lawyer argued, was whether Berentzen had its own previous trademark rights to the design. That could not be established simply by the existence of a wallpaper design. The court agreed with that position. Paulaner has trademarked the wave design of its bottle in the colours yellow, orange, red, pink and purple. This is not the first time the Munich brewery has taken legal action over perceived violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the Munich Regional Court ruled in favour of Paulaner in a similar case involving the Brauerlimo product from the Karlsberg brewery in Homburg. Why Paulaner went to court Paulaner argued that when competitors launch cola-mix drinks with bottles similar to its own this weakens its brand. The brewery said it needs to take action to establish its legal trademark position with an eye toward other manufacturers bringing visually similar products to the market. However the company said it always first seeks dialogue. In 2022, Paulaner was on the other side of the table - as a defendant in another Spezi-related dispute. The smaller Riegele brewery from Augsburg contested the rights to the name Spezi with the Munich brewery and unsuccessfully sought licensing fees for the name. The City of Muscatine will once again participate in Iowas Deer Management Zone Program during the upcoming 2025-2026 urban bow hunting season. Approved by the Muscatine City Council on July 17, this years season will run from Sept. 20, 2025, through Jan. 10, 2026, a news release says. A 10-point white-tailed deer walks through the woods in Freeport, Maine, in this Nov. 10, 2015, file photo. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File) Muscatine has partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in the city-wide deer management effort since the 2006-2007 season. Over the past 19 years, hunters have harvested a total of 862 deer within city limits, including 36 during the 2024-2025 season. Hunting guidelines Bow hunting is permitted only on approved private properties of two acres or more within city limits. Parcels may be combined to meet the acreage requirement. All hunters must maintain a 150-foot minimum distance from any occupied structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All IDNR rules and regulations for deer hunting in Iowa remain in effect and apply within the City of Muscatine. Mandatory informational meeting Hunters wishing to participate in this years season must attend a required informational meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Muscatine Aquatic Center, Weed Park. The meeting will include important updates, including information about limited opportunities for hunting on select public properties. Required shooting qualification To ensure safety and proficiency, all hunters must pass a qualifying shoot prior to participating in the city hunt. Tests will be held at the lower parking lot of the Weed Park Maintenance Facility, 1211 Weed Park Drive, on the following dates: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday, Aug. 23 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 5-7 p.m. Licenses and required paperwork All necessary licenses and paperwork must be obtained in person from the Muscatine County Recorders Office (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). This is the only authorized location to obtain proper documentation for deer hunting within city limits. Deer harvest check-in To support program tracking and compliance, hunters are required to check in all harvested deer at the Muscatine Fire Department, 312 E. 5th St., between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. Hunters must bring their city-issued hunting license and supporting documentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, contact the fire department at 563-263-9233. More Information For details about the bow-hunting season, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 563-263-0241. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Germany and Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah has said he will always speak up on subjects like racism because it is important not to remain silent. "We must not duck away from supposedly taboo subjects. We have to talk openly about it - including openly about our feelings," Tah told Bayern club magazine 51. Hamburg-born Tah, 29, who has an Ivorian father and a German mother, said expressing his feelings was the only way others can understand what is going through his mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I got together with my wife, who is German-Italian, she didn't know a lot of things, for example about everyday racism," he said. "She couldn't really understand certain things. t was extremely important that I explained to her how I feel in certain situations and why some things hurt me. "She wouldn't have known otherwise. That's why I think it's so important to talk about it openly." Tah joined Bundesliga champions Bayern this summer after 10 years at Bayer Leverkusen, highlighted by their unbeaten domestic 2023-24 campaign for a maiden Bundesliga title and success in the German Cup. (NewsNation) Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace made a name for herself fighting the transgender issue. And now, shes hoping she can ride that wave into the South Carolina governors mansion. Mace launched her gubernatorial bid this morning at her alma mater, the Citadel in Charleston. So far, Mace is doing well in the polls, leading by a slim margin over South Carolinas Attorney General Alan Wilson. However, 52% of citizens remain undecided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mace tells On Balance shes running and is looking forward to bringing her Trump in high heels mindset for 2026. To follow President Trumps agenda, we have a real opportunity in 2026 to deliver America-first policy state by state in the midterm elections, Mace said. We need governors who are going to take that lead and implement those policies. Redistricting battle intensifies as Texas Democrats extend Illinois stay to block vote; GOP issues civil arrest warrants Mace added that South Carolina, being the bright red state it is, had a sanctuary sheriff who last year went rogue and was letting illegal aliens who are rapists, murderers and pedophiles out into the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says those are the issues worth pushing for change in her run. These fights are worth fighting for, whether were talking about illegal immigration or men and womens spaces or, in my case, in the state of South Carolina, we have the highest state income tax in the southeast. Theres nothing combative about wanting a bigger, better and brighter future for the entire state of South Carolina. RFK Jr. reviewing ouster of preventive task force members Mace is hoping to get the endorsement of President Trump, even going on to describe him as the key to success in any race. I mean, he is a kingmaker, in this case, a possible queenmaker in the race for governor of South Carolina, she said. Were also unveiling policies that Donald Trump, I believe, will support, and were going to work hard to earn his endorsement, to earn support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Napheesa Collier update: Lynx star expected to miss 'at least two weeks' originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier will miss "at least two weeks" with a right ankle sprain suffered in Saturday's blowout win over the Las Vegas Aces, according to ESPN's Kendra Andrews. "Imaging revealed (Collier) avoided major injury when she went down against the Aces on (Saturday)," Andrews posted on X. "Shell be re-evaluated in two weeks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier, 28, was recently named the WNBA's Western Conference Player of the Month for a third consecutive month. She's the league's leading scorer at 23.5 points per game and also ranks ninth in rebounding (7.5), fourth in blocks (1.6), and fourth in steals (1.6). Collier, the best player on the WNBA-leading Lynx (24-5), is the heavy favorite to win league MVP honors at this point. An absence of at least two weeks could allow others to re-enter the MVP mix, but Collier has been so dominant that she could theoretically still win it without playing another regular season game. If Collier is set to be re-evaluated in two weeks, the earliest she could return would be on Tuesday, August 19 against the New York Liberty. That would mean missing four games: 8/5 at Seattle, 8/8 vs. Washington, 8/10 at New York, and 8/16 vs. New York. The Lynx also play Atlanta on the 21st and then face Indiana on the 22nd and 24th. In total, the Lynx have 15 games remaining in the regular season, which ends on September 11. Based on Andrews' report, Collier should be able to return in plenty of time to be ready for the postseason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lynx currently have a 5.5-game lead over second place in the WNBA, giving them plenty of cushion to withstand this injury. Without Collier, it's possible new trade acquisition DiJonai Carrington will enter the starting lineup alongside Courtney Williams, Bridget Carleton, Kayla McBride, and Alanna Smith. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared. US space agency Nasa will fast-track plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, according to US media. It is part of US ambitions to build a permanent base for humans to live on the lunar surface. According to Politico, the acting head of Nasa referred to similar plans by China and Russia and said those two countries "could potentially declare a keep-out zone" on the Moon. But questions remain about how realistic the goal and timeframe are, given recent and steep Nasa budget cuts, and some scientists are concerned that the plans are driven by geopolitical goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nations including the US, China, Russia, India and Japan are rushing to explore the Moon's surface, with some planning permanent human settlements. "To properly advance this critical technology to be able to support a future lunar economy, high power energy generation on Mars, and to strengthen our national security in space, it is imperative the agency move quickly," US transport secretary Sean Duffy, who was appointed temporary head of Nasa by President Donald Trump, wrote to Nasa, according to the New York Times. Mr Duffy called for proposals from commercial companies to build a reactor that could generate at least 100 kilowatts of power. This is relatively small. A typical on-shore wind turbine generates 2-3 megawatts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea of building a nuclear reactor as a power source on the Moon is not new. In 2022 Nasa issued three $5m contracts to companies to design a reactor. And in May this year, China and Russia announced they plan to build an automated nuclear power station on the Moon by 2035. Many scientists agree that it would be the best or perhaps only way to provide continuous power on the lunar surface. One lunar day is equivalent to four weeks on Earth, made up of two weeks of continual sunshine and two weeks of darkness. That makes relying on solar power very challenging. In 2020 China planted a flag on the Moon on its Chang'e-5 mission [CNSA/CLEP] "Building even a modest lunar habitat to accommodate a small crew would demand megawatt-scale power generation. Solar arrays and batteries alone cannot reliably meet those demands," suggests Dr Sungwoo Lim, senior lecturer in space applications, exploration and instrumentation at the university of Surrey Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nuclear energy is not just desirable, it is inevitable," he adds. Lionel Wilson, professor of earth and planetary sciences at Lancaster University, believes it is technically possible to place the reactors on the Moon by 2030 "given the commitment of enough money", and he highlights that there are already designs for small reactors. "It's just a matter of having enough Artemis launches to build the infrastructure on the Moon by then," he adds, referring to Nasa's Artemis spaceflight programme that aims to send people and equipment to the Moon. There are also some questions around safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Launching radioactive material through the Earth's atmosphere brings safety concerns. You have to have a special license to do that, but it is not insurmountable," says Dr Simeon Barber, planetary science specialist at the Open University. Mr Duffy's directive came as a surprise following recent turmoil in Nasa after Mr Trump's administration announced cuts of 24% to Nasa's budgets in 2026. That includes cuts to a significant number of science programmes such as the Mars Sample Return that aims to return samples from the planet's surface to Earth. Scientists are also concerned that this announcement is a politically-motivated move in the new international race to the Moon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It seems that we're going back into the old first space race days of competition, which, from a scientific perspective, is a little bit disappointing and concerning," says Dr Barber. "Competition can create innovation, but if there's a narrower focus on national interest and on establishing ownership, then you can lose sight of the bigger picture which is exploring the solar system and beyond," he adds. Mr Duffy's comments about the potential for China and Russia to potentially "declare a keep-out zone" on the Moon appear to be referring to an agreement called the Artemis accords. In 2020 seven nations signed the agreement to establish principles on how countries should co-operate on the Moon's surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accords include so-called safety zones to be established around operations and assets that countries build on the Moon. "If you build a nuclear reactor or or any kind of base on the moon, you can then start claiming that you have a safety zone around it, because you have equipment there," says Dr Barber. "To some people, this is tantamount to, 'we own this bit of the moon, we're going to operate here and and you can't come in'," he explains. Dr Barber points out that there are hurdles to overcome before placing a nuclear reactor on the Moon for humans to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nasa's Artemis 3 aims to send humans to the lunar surface in 2027, but it has faced a series of set-backs and uncertainty around funding. "If you've got nuclear power for a base, but you've got no way of getting people and equipment there, then it's not much use," he added. "The plans don't appear very joined up at the moment," he said. The United States is rushing to put nuclear power reactors on the Moon and Mars, and hopes to launch the first system by the end of the decade. A new NASA directive -- first reported by Politico and seen by AFP on Tuesday -- calls for the appointment of a nuclear power czar to select two commercial proposals within six months, framing the push as crucial to outpacing a joint Chinese-Russian effort. Signed by acting NASA chief Sean Duffy, who is also US transportation secretary, the July 31 memo is the latest sign of the agency's shift towards prioritizing human space exploration over scientific research under President Donald Trump's second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since March 2024, China and Russia have announced on at least three occasions a joint effort to place a reactor on the Moon by the mid-2030s," it says. "The first country to do so could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a planned Artemis presence if not there first." The idea of using nuclear energy off-planet is not new. Since 2000, NASA has invested $200 million towards developing small, lightweight fission power systems, though none have progressed towards flight readiness, according to the directive. The most recent effort came in 2023 with the completion of three $5 million industry study contracts that focused on generating 40 kilowatts of power, enough to continuously run 30 households for ten years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike solar power, fission systems can operate around the clock -- invaluable during the weeks-long lunar nights or Martian dust storms. Advances in technology have made such systems increasingly compact and lightweight. NASA formally committed to using nuclear power on Mars in December 2024 -- the first of seven key decisions necessary for human exploration of the Red Planet. Based on feedback by industry, surface power needs should be at least 100 kilowatts to support "long-term human operations including in-situ resource utilization," meaning things like life support, communications, and mining equipment to collect surface ice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It assumes the use of a "heavy class lander" that carries up to 15 metric tons of mass, and targets a "readiness to launch by the first quarter of FY30," meaning late 2029. NASA's Artemis program to return to the Moon and establish a lasting presence near the south pole has faced repeated delays. The timeline for Artemis 3, the first planned crewed landing, has slipped to 2027, a date few see as realistic given the planned lander, SpaceX's Starship, is far from ready. China meanwhile is targeting 2030 for its first crewed mission and has proven more adept at meeting its deadlines in recent years. ia/des Aug. 4 (UPI) -- NASA's Lunar Trailblazer mission to the moon ended in failure after the government agency lost contact with the spacecraft one day after the launch in February and never regained communication despite extensive efforts. The mission ended Friday, NASA said Monday in a news release. On Feb. 26, the satellite was part of the IM-2 mission by Intuitive Machines aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center. The spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin Space, successfully separated from the rocket 38 minutes after launch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another spacecraft, the Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment, touched down on the lunar surface on March 6 near the moon's south pole. But because the Athena lander was resting in its side inside a crater, the mission lasted only 10 hours instead of 10 days because it couldn't recharge its solar cells. The Lunar Trailblazer didn't make the 238,000-mile journey from Earth to the moon's surface. "At NASA, we undertake high-risk, high-reward missions like Lunar Trailblazer to find revolutionary ways of doing new science," Nicky Fox, associate administrator at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said. "While it was not the outcome we had hoped for, mission experiences like Lunar Trailblazer help us to learn and reduce the risk for future, low-cost small satellites to do innovative science as we prepare for a sustained human presence on the moon. Thank you to the Lunar Trailblazer team for their dedication in working on and learning from this mission through to the end." Limited data after the launch determined Lunar Trailblazer's solar arrays were not properly oriented toward the sun. The batteries then were depleted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA said several collaborating organizations worldwide listened for the spacecraft's radio signal and tracked its position. "As Lunar Trailblazer drifted far beyond the Moon, our models showed that the solar panels might receive more sunlight, perhaps charging the spacecraft's batteries to a point it could turn on its radio," Andrew Klesh, Lunar Trailblazer's project systems engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said. "The global community's support helped us better understand the spacecraft's spin, pointing, and trajectory. In space exploration, collaboration is critical -- this gave us the best chance to try to regain contact." Based on ground radar and optical observations, the Lunar Trailblazer was in a slow spin going into deep space. The spacecraft became too distant and its signal would have been too weak even if it got energy. JPL built the satellites' high-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper imaging spectrometer to detect and map water and minerals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Spectrometer has been approved for a future orbital flight. The Union of Oxford, with funding by the British Space Agency, built the Lunar Thermal Mapper instrument to gather temperature data and determine the composition of silicate rocks and soils to improve understanding why water content varies over time. "We're immensely disappointed that our spacecraft didn't get to the Moon, but the two science instruments we developed, like the teams we brought together, are world-class," said Bethany Ehlmann, the mission's principal investigator at Caltech. "This collective knowledge and the technology developed will cross-pollinate to other projects as the planetary science community continues work to better understand the Moon's water." In the 1990s, NASA's Clementine mission detected water on the moon -- the first spacecraft to completely map the lunar surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lunar-mapping missions are intended to further scout surfaces for water that could sustain humans. The Artemis II is scheduled to reach the moon no earlier than April 26, and a crewed Artemis III is planned for mid-2027 aboard the Orion spacecraft. Humans have not been on the moon since 1972. A Nashville facility accused of dumping untreated industrial wastewater into the city sewer has pleaded guilty to criminal charges and agreed to pay a fine. Allwaste Onsite, a Tennessee company doing business as Onsite Environmental, pleaded guilty Aug. 5 to violations of the Clean Water Act, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. As part of the plea agreement, Onsite Environmental will pay a fine of $512,000 and serve three years of probation. During the probation term, Onsite Environmental is required to properly treat industrial wastes according to a detailed facility operating plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Onsite Environmental had a facility treating liquid non-hazardous industrial wastes before discharging them into the sewer, the news release states. The company was required to remove pollutants in the wastes before discharging them, according to the news release. The company failed to do so over weekslong periods twice. The news release states Onsite Environmental employees discharged untreated or partially untreated waste into the Metro sewer from Dec. 5-22, 2022, and from Jan. 4-17, 2023. The company was charged June 16, 2025. The pleas were entered at a hearing Aug. 5, 2025, court records show. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec.15, according to the news release. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville company pleads guilty to dumping untreated waste into sewer NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) An 18-year-old is facing multiple felony charges after he allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at staff members at an apartment complex. According to an arrest affidavit, the incident took place on Monday, Aug. 4. Police said a woman called authorities to report that a man had pulled out a gun and pointed it at staff. MNPD: Suspects sought in connection with June shooting that left driver injured Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived at the complex, witnesses told them that the teenidentified as 18-year-old Lamonte Garrett and his childs mother were in one of the rooms of the leasing office while their one-year-old child, who was reportedly outside the room, was crying for approximately 30 minutes. Staff members said when they asked if the pair could assist the child, Garrett became agitated and began to argue with one of the staff members. Witnesses told police that the argument continued outside, where some pushing occurred between a staff member and the 18-year-old. At some point, Garrett reportedly reached into a backpack, pulled out a pistol and pointed it at the staff member. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staff members added that Garrett was carelessly waving around the pistol and the barrel of the weapon pointed in their direction. The 18-year-old took off shortly after police were called, according to an arrest report. Police added the childs mother was still at the scene when officers arrived and refused to provide Garretts name, describing him as a friend. Since she didnt live at the complex and was only visiting a family member, staff wanted her trespassed from the property. When officers followed the childs mother to conduct a standby as she grabbed her things, they found Garrett standing outside of an apartment. He allegedly told law enforcement that he feared for his life, which is why he grabbed the gun and pointed it at the staff member. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County Even though there was no video of the altercation, police said Garrett was taken into custody due to three witnesses stating that the weapon was pointed at the staff member before being recklessly aimed at others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Booking records show Garrett was charged with three felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The 18-year-old is being held in Metro Jail on a $20,000 bond. No additional information was 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 WKRN News 2. CLEVELAND (WJW) Downtown Cleveland is gearing up to welcome thousands of journalists, media professionals and students for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention, kicking off this Wednesday at the Huntington Convention Center. This year marks a major milestoneNABJs 50th anniversaryand for the first time in its history, the annual event is being held in Northeast Ohio. Black journalists still make up less than 10% of U.S. newsrooms, said Rhonda Crowder, president of the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is your water discolored? Heres whats causing it That makes this convention not just a celebration, but a crucial space for connection, opportunity and advancement. Fellowship, networking, growth and job opportunities this convention is where emerging journalists come to sharpen their skills and get advice, said Crowder. We are super excited and super honored to host this 50-year celebration, said Emily Lauer with Destination Cleveland, the citys tourism bureau, which has been working behind the scenes for six years to bring the convention to town. Powerball jackpot hits $426 ahead of Monday drawing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 3,000 visitors are expected to attend, bringing a wave of energy and economic boost to Clevelands downtown. Attendees will dine at local restaurants, stay in area hotels and explore attractions such as: The Cleveland History Center Riddle Urban Farm Huff Winery The Civil Rights Museum The MidTown Collaboration Center Destination Cleveland estimates the convention will generate a $3.5 million economic impact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Native Vote. Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, officially announced Tuesday that he is entering the race for the United States Congress. A descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, James is running as a Democrat in Arizonas 5th Congressional District. He will first need to secure his partys nomination in a primary election that has not yet been scheduled. If successful, he will challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Andy Biggs, who has represented the district since 2017, in the general election set for November 3, 2026. 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 Our democracy is under threat, and families are still struggling to keep up with the cost of living. Washington needs more leaders who listen, focus on solutions, and show up for the people they represent not for cable news, James said. If elected, James would make history as the first Native American to represent Arizona in Congress. Originally from rural North Carolina, James has led the National Centerone of the nations largest organizations dedicated to supporting Native-owned businessessince 2017. Under his leadership, the organization has nearly doubled its revenue, expanded its client base from 200 to over 1,000 annually, and increased participation at its flagship event, the Reservation Economic Summit (RES), by nearly 30%. Today, the National Center serves over 4,000 businesses each year and plays a major role in advancing economic opportunity throughout Indian Country and beyond. Jamess tenure has been marked by pragmatic leadership and a focus on policies that make a tangible difference, particularly for underserved communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before joining the National Center, James held senior roles within the Obama administration at both the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration (SBA). At the SBA, he led the creation of key initiatives like Startup in a Day and SupplierPay, both aimed at simplifying access to capital and ensuring small businesses were paid more quickly by large corporate buyers. As head of field operations, he helped expand financing access for veterans, women, and minority entrepreneurs, leveling the playing field for underrepresented business owners. Over the course of his career, James has been appointed to several national advisory councils focused on trade, economic equity, and digital inclusionearning bipartisan trust as a problem-solver committed to tackling complex challenges. Arizonas 5th Congressional District, located in the Phoenix East Valley, is a fast-growing, suburban area known for its economic strength and demographic diversity. The district leans Republican and has been held by Biggs since he first won election in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a husband and father raising my family here in Gilbert, Ive seen firsthand whats at stake, James said. Our schools need more support. Our roads, water systems, and broadband infrastructure need serious investment. According to a statement from the Chris James for Congress campaign, a series of listening sessions and community events will be held across the district in the coming weeks, offering voters a chance to meet James, share their concerns, and help shape the campaigns vision for the future. With his announcement, James becomes the second Native American candidate running for Congress in Arizona. Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is also seeking election in the states 2nd Congressional District. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court has ordered the arrest of Colonel Vasyl Myshanskyi, the head of a National Guard unit suspected in a corruption case involving the purchase of electronic warfare equipment and drones, Suspilne reported on Aug. 5. Myshanskyi, along with five other suspects, is accused of signing government contracts with supplier companies at intentionally inflated prices, resulting in significant losses to the state budget. Oleksii Kuznietsov, a lawmaker from President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party, and Serhii Haidai, a former governor of Luhansk Oblast, are among the key suspects in the case uncovered by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The corruption revelations came days after Ukraine's parliament reversed course on the law curtailing the independence of NABU and SAPO. Zelensky signed a new legislation restoring the independence of the two anti-graft bodies after days of street protests and a pushback from foreign partners. Myshanskyi was remanded in custody until Sept. 30, with the possibility of bail set at Hr 2 million ($48,000). Prosecutors said they are considering appealing the court's decision. SAPO prosecutors said Myshanskyi received Hr 250,000 ($6,000) in kickbacks for procuring overpriced radar systems from a private company. Previously, the High Anti-Corruption Court ordered Haidai taken into custody, with bail set at Hr 10 million ($240,000). Kuznetsov was remanded for 60 days, with bail set at Hr 8 million ($20,000). Investigators claimed Myshanskyi had ties to another suspect, former Rubizhne Military Administration head Andrii Yurchenko, a connection Myshanskyi confirmed in court, Suspilne reported. Yurchenko was also detained on Aug. 5 in connection to the case, Suspilne reported from the courtroom, with bail set at Hr 6 million ($143,867). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Zelensky restores anti-corruption agencies independence but leaves one key change intact Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. COLCHESTER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) National Night Out was first held in 1984, established by volunteer policeman Matt Peskin in the suburbs of Philadelphia, to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. It promotes relationships between police and the communities they serve. South Burlington names new police chief The events give people a chance to meet their local police officers in a more relaxing and fun setting. Events vary from place to place, but traditionally are family-friendly with food and live music. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years events are happening Tuesday, August 5, in towns including: Vermont Essex/Essex Junction joint event at Essex High School from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Milton Bombardier Park West, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Barre City Currier Park, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Manchester Dana Thompson Memorial Park, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Rutland City Meadow Street Park, 3:45 to 7:15 p.m. Swanton Village Green Park, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Springfield Rotary Field (North Springfield), 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. New Hampshire Claremont Pleasant Street, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Gorham Gorham Common, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Lebanon Academy Square, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Other towns and cities may be holding events this year as well; check with your local police department 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 ABC22 & FOX44. Meadville City Council will not meet tonight, but at least one council member will be taking pot shots from constituents lined up in Diamond Park. Jim Roha volunteered for a turn in the dunking booth as the city hosts its National Night Out event from 5 to 7 in Diamond Park, directly across the street from the City Building conference room where council meetings take place. Itll be fun, Roha said Monday of his plan to hop in the dunk tank. Hopefully, itll be 90 degrees out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if it proves cooler, as forecasts predict, the councilman said he participated in an evening dunk tank event years ago at the fair and was ready to take a cool dip in the water. Rohas five great-grandchildren will be among the visitors who have an opportunity to toss a softball in hopes of dunking him. If they prefer not to dunk a family member, they can take a turn when Meadville Central Fire Department firefighters or other volunteers climb in the tank. The event marks the fourth consecutive year Meadville has hosted a National Night Out, and 2025 is set to be the largest yet. In addition to free hot dogs being grilled up by city police officers and sliced watermelon to snack on, the event will feature live music; a touch-a-truck gallery with fire trucks, police vehicles and ambulances; Magic Steve; the Tree Family Party Piggies; kids games; chalk art; the Meadville Public Library book bike and much more. The DonutNV food truck will also be on hand for those who would like to purchase a treat after downing a hot dog. National Night Out, typically staged on the first Tuesday in August, was introduced in 1984 as an annual countrywide campaign to promote camaraderie between police officers and community members. Meadville city staff members have used it as a chance for representatives of all of the citys departments to connect with residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even one of Meadville Police Departments K9 officers will be on hand to greet visitors and offer a demonstration of typical training activities. Roha said he was hoping to be involved in the K9 demonstration, too, after his turn in the dunk tank, but said the exercise would probably involve tracking or drug detection rather than donning the bite suit used for simulated apprehensions. If theres a different exercise they are willing to perform, I told them I would volunteer for that, he said. Meanwhile, Cambridge Springs, Police Chief Tad Acker and his officers, as well as members of the Cambridges Springs and Venango volunteer fire departments, borough employees, borough council and community volunteers, are looking forward to the eighth annual National Night Out in the borough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Night Out will be held at the Carnival Grounds off Snow Alley from 5 to 8. Children will be given free tickets that they can use to choose prizes; there will be games and other activities; police officers will fingerprint kids for the Child ID Program; and members of the Cambridge Springs and Venango volunteer fire departments will have equipment on display so children can get a closeup look at the vehicles that firefighters drive when they answer a call. For the adults, there will be a basket raffle, with tickets available for purchase. Food and refreshments will be available for a nominal fee. All money raised goes toward funding next years event. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) Law enforcement agencies around the country are holding events looking to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and neighborhoods. National Night Out looks to bring a sense of community and bring police and neighbors together. In the Tri-State, Evansville Police is hosting its NNO at the CK Newsome Center from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The Henderson Police Department is going to be holding its first NNO event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gibson County Sheriffs Office is going to be holding its event at the Gibson County Fairgrounds from 4 to 8 p.m. Other Indiana agencies in the following cities are scheduled to hold their share of events: Boonville, Chandler, Lynnville, Mount Vernon, Oakland City, Petersburg, Princeton, Rockport and Tell City. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). The National Park Service announced Monday that it will be restoring and reinstating a statue of Confederate General Albert Pike. "The National Park Service announced today that it will restore and reinstall the bronze statue of Albert Pike, which was toppled and vandalized during riots in June 2020," the Monday announcement from the National Park Service read. "The restoration aligns with federal responsibilities under historic preservation law as well as recent executive orders to beautify the nations capital and re-instate pre-existing statues," it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Wesley Hunt Defends Trump's Move To Restore Robert E. Lee's Name To Military Base WASHINGTON, DC - June 20, 2020: The pedestal where the statue of Confederate general Albert Pike remains empty after it was toppled by protesters at Judiciary square in Washington, DC on June 20, 2020. Protests have continued across the country in reaction to the death of George Floyd. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images) On June 19, 2020, also known as Juneteenth, the day that recognizes the end of slavery in the United States, protesters toppled the statue of Pike and set it on fire. Pike, who was a Confederate general in the Civil War, also served as an associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Read On The Fox News App The vandalization occurred during the anti-racism riots that erupted across the country after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Trump Announces He Is 'Restoring' The Names Of Several Bases Changed Under Biden The announcement pointed to President Donald Trumps executive orders on "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful," and "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." The announcement pointed to President Donald Trump s executive orders on "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful," and "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The orders call for the protection of American monuments, preservation of American history and heritage, and combating the "revisionist movement." In a statement to Fox News Digita l, White House official Lindsey Halligan said, "Thank you to the National Park Service for announcing the restoration of the Albert Pike statute after it was unlawfully toppled and vandalized." Halligan added, "Erected in 1901 and funded entirely by private Masonic organizations, the statue stood for over a century as a tribute to Pikes contributions as a scholar and Masonic leader. Such action aligns with President Trumps Executive Order 14253, which calls for reinstating monuments removed under ideological pressure. Its encouraging to see our National Park Service stand up for historical preservation, due process, and the rule of law." Original article source: National Park Service announces it will restore, reinstate statue honoring Confederate General Albert Pike WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The National Park Service announced it will restore and put back on display a statue of Confederate General Albert Pike in Washington, D.C. Demonstrators took down that statue during protests in 2020 that followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. In a press release, the Park Service said its restoring the statue to comply with President Donald Trumps executive orders calling for the restoration of truth and sanity to American history and to make the District of Columbia safe and beautiful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pike was a Confederate brigadier general and a senior leader of the Freemasons. His was the only statue of a Confederate leader in Washington, D.C. Ive long believed Confederate statues should be placed in museums as historical artifacts, not remain in parks and locations that imply honor, said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), in a statement. A statue honoring a racist and a traitor has no place on the streets of D.C. The Trump administration has also moved to restore names of U.S. military bases changed in the wake of the 2020 protests. President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth celebrated the restoration of Fort Bragg in North Carolina in June. The base was originally named after Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration changed it to Fort Liberty in 2023 but in February, Hegseth announced the name would be changed back to Bragg, after another soldier with the same name, Army Private First Class Roland Bragg, who fought in World War II. In the same way, the Trump administration also restored the names of Fort Hill, Fort Pickett, Fort Lee, Fort Gordon, Fort Hood, Fort Polk and Fort Rucker. The National Park Service said the statue in D.C. should be back up in October. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The National Park Service (NPS) announced Monday that it will be restoring and reinstalling the statue of a Confederate general that was toppled in D.C. in June of 2020. In a news release, NPS said that the restoration aligns with federal responsibilities under historic preservation law as well as recent executive orders to beautify the nations capital and reinstate pre-existing statues. National Zoo celebrates giant panda Bao Lis 4th birthday, marking first birthday in DC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statue of Albert Pike was authorized in 1898 and dedicated in 1901. NPS said that the statue honors Pikes leadership in Freemasonry. Pike served 32 years as Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient Rite of Scottish Freemasonry. Over a hundred years ago, Scottish Rite Masons commissioned a statue to celebrate the Masonic and civic achievements of one of our own members, Albert Pike. The statue was at that time gifted to the people of the United States. The Federal government, as the entity representing the owners of the statue, is fully responsible for its care and display. James D. Cole, 33 Sovereign Grand Commander Supreme Council, 33 | Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, USA NPS page about the Brigadier General Albert Pike Memorial states, Pike was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, and this is the only outdoor statue of a Confederate in Washington, DC. As a result, the memorial stirred opposition since it was first planned. Since 1992, members of the D.C. Council have called on the federal government to remove the statue. In a statement released after NPS made its announcement, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released a statement saying that she will reintroduce a bill to permanently remove the statue and donate it to a museum or similar organization. Ive long believed Confederate statues should be placed in museums as historical artifacts, not remain in parks and locations that imply honor. The decision to honor Albert Pike by reinstalling the Pike statue is as odd and indefensible as it is morally objectionable. Pike served dishonorably. He took up arms against the United States, misappropriated funds, and was ultimately captured and imprisoned by his own troops. He resigned in disgrace after committing a war crime and dishonoring even his own Confederate military service. Even those who want Confederate statues to remain standing would have to justify awarding Pike any honor, considering his history. Given the NPS announcement that it will reinstall the statue, I plan to reintroduce my bill to remove the Pike statue and authorize the Secretary of the Interior to donate the statue to a museum or a similar entity. A statue honoring a racist and a traitor has no place on the streets of D.C. Eleanor Holmes Norton statement Fields at RFK to remain open, active during stadium construction Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NPS said that the statue has been in storage since it was originally vandalized and destroyed during protests. Restoring it is part of the Executive Order on Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful and the Executive Order on Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. It feels like a punch in the gut because were just regressing back to before all that blood, sweat and tears went into the movement, said activist Jason Charter. Charter was charged in 2020 for allegedly orchestrating the vandalism. The U.S. Attorneys office said he was caught on video dousing the statue with flammable liquid and lighting it on fire. Those charges were later dropped. But he did take a plea deal in the attempt to take down the Andrew Jackson statue. He was charged with misdemeanor trespassing and served three years of probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (The Pike statue) represents a history of genocide. It represents a history of slavery and white supremacy. This man was also a member of the KKK, Charter said. And the fact that our government has statues of men who have committed horrible atrocities shows me that our government is OK with these types of actions. NPS said that crews will start to prepare the site shortly. NPS estimates that the statue will be fully restored and reinstalled by October of 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. BRUSSELS (AP) NATO has started coordinating regular deliveries of large weapons packages to Ukraine after the Netherlands said it would provide air defense equipment, ammunition and other military aid worth 500 million euros ($578 million). Sweden also announced Tuesday it would contribute $275 million to a joint effort along with its Nordic neighbors Denmark and Norway to provide $500 million worth of air defenses, anti-tank weapons, ammunition and spare parts. Two deliveries of equipment, most of it bought in the United States, are expected this month, although the Nordic package is expected to arrive in September. The equipment is supplied based on Ukraines priority needs on the battlefield. NATO allies then locate the weapons and ammunition and send them on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Packages will be prepared rapidly and issued on a regular basis, NATO said Monday. Air defense systems are in greatest need. The United Nations has said that Russias relentless pounding of urban areas behind the front line has killed more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians. Russias bigger army is also making slow but costly progress along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. Currently, it is waging an operation to take the eastern city of Pokrovsk, a logistical hub whose fall could allow it to drive deeper into Ukraine. European allies and Canada are buying most of the equipment they plan to send from the United States, which has greater stocks of ready military materiel, as well as more effective weapons. The Trump administration is not giving any arms to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new deliveries will come on top of other pledges of military equipment. The Kiel Institute, which tracks support to Ukraine, estimates that as of June, European countries had provided 72 billion euros ($83 billion) worth of military aid since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, compared to $65 billion in U.S. aid. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said that American air defense systems and munitions, in particular, are crucial for Ukraine to defend itself. Announcing the deliveries Monday, he said Russias attacks are pure terror, intended to break Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to the Netherlands, posting on social media that Ukraine, and thus the whole of Europe, will be better protected from Russian terror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the deliveries are coming at a time when Russia is trying to scale up its strikes. This will definitely help protect the lives of our people! Germany said Friday it will deliver two more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine in the coming days. It agreed to the move after securing assurances that the U.S. will prioritize the delivery of new Patriots to Germany to backfill its stocks. These weapon systems are only made in the U.S. As an organization, NATO provides only non-lethal assistance to Ukraine like uniforms, tents, medical supplies and logistics support. The 32-nation military alliance has mostly sought to protect NATO territory from possible Russian attack and avoid being dragged into a war against a nuclear power. But its support role has expanded since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, even as his administration insists European allies must now take care of their own security and that of their war-ravaged neighbor. Trump has made no public promise of weapons or economic support for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said on July 28 that the U.S. is "going to be sending now military equipment and other equipment to NATO, and theyll be doing what they want, but I guess its for the most part working with Ukraine. ___ Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, and Kirsten Grieshaber and David Keyton in Berlin contributed to this report. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has thanked Denmark, Norway and Sweden for their swift decision to fund a military aid package for Ukraine. Source: Rutte on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: On Tuesday 5 August, Sweden, Norway and Denmark announced that they will jointly allocate around NOK 5 billion (about US$487 million) to a NATO initiative aimed at supplying American weapons to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rutte expressed gratitude for the countries prompt actions in financing the aid package. "This will deliver life-saving equipment & critical supplies to the front-line, strengthening Ukraines hand & helping them deter aggression as they pursue lasting peace," he said. Background: On 4 August, it became known that the Netherlands prepared an aid package for Ukraine, which includes components and missiles for a Patriot air defence system. Last week, Germany announced that it will deliver two Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, following an agreement with the United States that guarantees Berlin priority access to replacements for the systems it provides. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Navy flew a solar-powered, unmanned drone for 73 hours straight, recharging the planes batteries during the daytime on solar power to fly through night hours without coming back to earth. In total, officials with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division flew the Skydweller drone off the Mississippi coast for nearly 220 hours, or over nine days, with breaks on the ground for inclement weather. The longest single flight was 73 hours, or about three days straight. And engineers think the plane can fly longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The constraints between the size of the range and the weather at this time of year in that region just didnt cooperate to allow us to go further, said Bill Macchione, he divisions manager for drone projects. Theres no reason to believe we couldnt have run that entire 220 hours, continuous. Made from carbon fiber, the Skydwellers four electric propeller engines draw their power from solar energy. The drones wingspan is as wide as a Boeing 747 aircraft, but the plane weighs just 5,620 pounds or about the same as a Ford F150 pickup truck. As it flies during the day, solar panels that cover nearly every inch of the plane power the engines and store excess energy in batteries. The batteries power the engines at night. The Navys July test flight was prepped to get the drone close to the solar cycle, in order to prove that the solar-powered drone could generate and store enough electricity during the daytime to fly all night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The test was not the first time Skydweller has logged multiple days aloft, but its previous long flights included a crew. The Swiss-made plane previously flew as the Solar Impulse, including a trip around the world in several legs in 2016 with two pilots on board. Flying three days with no pilot, though, puts it in the same league as other experimental all-solar aircraft designed solely for flight with no notable cargo capacity, like the Airbus-made Zephyr S. That plane, in testing overseen by the Army, flew 26 days in a 2022 flight. Macchione said Skydweller should eventually be capable of that type of range and loitertime. It could have potentially stayed airborne much, much longer and thats part of that test portion that were trying to get to, Macchione said. Next is bring it to an area where follow-on tests will look at flying it over a larger operational area and then test sensors on surrogate ships and track them during a multi-day operation. The Navy office has been experimenting with the Skydweller as part of larger Department of Defense interests to find platforms that extend the length of continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Skydweller, Macchione said, can just sit overhead an area and basically stare, kind of in what folks call a pseudo satellite role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Pentagon increases its use of satellite technologies and continues to use long range unmanned aircraft like MQ-9A Reaper drone and the Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft for intelligence-gathering operations, expensive systems which Macchione equated to buying an expensive race car to go to work every day. Skydweller is cheaper to buy and can be flown for missions dictated by combatant commanders. These types of platforms could potentially offer more of the local commanders a little more direct control over things that could be persistent and obviously, compared to a space program, an air vehicle is significantly less expensive, just fundamentally, Macchione said. With no onboard defensive measures, the Skydweller isnt intended to replace those other technologies but rather give the local commanders a cheaper and more-direct option to do surveillance and reconnaissance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can focus those precious assets on priority missions, Macchione said. In this case, this asset could be performing that constant surveillance, and [a commander] can direct those rapid response, highly capable assets he has under his command to address and prosecute targets of interest that are identified or that are maintained by this platform. Before the most recent flight, Macchione ran previous tests for 16 and 22.5-hour flights under a technology development agreement that Skydweller Aero Inc. signed with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research & Engineering. In 2020, the Naval Air Warfare Center began testing Skydweller to address U.S. Southern Command operational challenges, including drug trafficking and border security, according to a Navy release. A SOUTHCOM official said the tests showed a potential for mission benefit with lower operating cost if long-dwell autonomous platforms can be more operational deep in our [area of responsibility]. The test flights were part of a Congressionally approved research project called COLDSTAR to develop surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities like autonomous aircraft, like the Skydweller, and high-altitude balloons that can remain on station for weeks to months, according to a release from Skydweller Aero Inc. Renewables Skydweller may solve the problem of constant battery swaps or recharging that has plagued other systems based on electric power, as the Army found in a recent exercise with battery-powered drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transporting thousands of batteries to power non-solar drones poses a logistical nightmare, Dr. Mike Kweon, an Army lab program manager focused on power and propulsion research, said in a 2020 release. Without solving how to handle the energy demand, all other advanced technologies using artificial intelligence and machine learning will be useless for the Army, Kweon said. On the battlefield, we do not have the luxury to replace batteries for hundreds of [unmanned aerial vehicles] and recharge them for hours. 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 News Air Force creates a second super squadron in South Korea Air Force creates a second super squadron in South Korea By Nicholas Slayton The limitations of powering new emerging technologies that rely on batteries instead of fuel is something that services are thinking about in a future conflict where military leaders anticipate a host of logistics challenges. The 2022 National Defense Strategy stated the Pentagon needed to make reducing energy demand a priority and seek to adopt more efficient and clean-energy technologies that reduce logistics requirements in contested or austere environments. Since then, the services have looked at a variety of renewable energy options to provide power sources in a contested environment, like mobile microgrids and electric vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, solar-powered drones are limited by adverse weather conditions and their power output, compared to jet-fuel-powered platforms that can move more rapidly, Macchione said. The new systems will require soldiers skilled in getting the most out of battery life. Folks operating it at the ground control station are really focusing on energy management. Thats a whole other discipline, I should say that has to be managed on solar platforms. Its their version of fuel quantity, he said. If youre looking at a regular aircraft and youre like, how much fuel do we have? This is the equivalent of that. Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System, will step down from his role in June 2026. (Photo: NCCCS) The North Carolina Community College System will soon embark on a search for its fifth new president in roughly six years. Current president, Dr. Jeff Cox, announced plans to retire from the position at the end of the fiscal year in June 2026. Cox became the 11th president of the 58-campus system in June 2023, having served as the president of Wilkes Community College for nine years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In announcing his departure, Cox called the presidency the greatest honor of his career. As a first-generation college student from rural Alleghany County, I could never have imagined that one day I would lead the states community college system. Our colleges play a pivotal role in changing the lives of 600,000+ students every year, Cox said in a prepared statement. Cox is credited with overseeing the early implementation of Propel NC, a new model for funding North Carolinas community colleges that prioritizes connecting students to high-demand, high-wage jobs. The system also credits Cox with strengthening partnerships with K-12 schools and universitiesto help drive a statewide enrollment recovery. Enrollment at public two-year colleges jumped 8.3% this Spring compared to a year earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past year, Cox had Hurricane Helene recovery added to his plate. The storm impacted nearly 74,000 students and more than 6,000 faculty and staff. State Board of Community Colleges Chair Tom Looney acknowledged Coxs steady hand and long-term impact. Dr. Cox stepped up at a critical moment and brought much-needed stability and experience to the system, serving with heart, Looney said. Cox plans to depart in 10 months, hoping that his early notice provides the State Board with adequate time to conduct a comprehensive search to find the next system president. Indeed, North Carolinas community college system has found it challenging to hold on to its leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox was preceded in the position by Thomas Stith, former chief of staff to Gov. Pat McCrory. His appointment in December 2020 was considered to be a popular choice among conservative leaders in the state. But after just 18 months in the role, Stith resigned abruptly leaving William Carver to serve as the systems interim president. Prior to Stith, the role was held for three years by Peter Hans. Hans was lured away to become president of the UNC System, a position he has held since the summer of 2020. The 58-campus system is viewed as a critical component in helping the state meet its educational attainment goal of having two million North Carolinians with a degree or industry credential beyond high school by 2030. When Cox took the helm, he said it was a crisis that 30-40% of the states high school graduates were not pursuing a post-secondary degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, North Carolinas post-secondary completion rate for students who began at a 2-year public institution is 50%. Finish Line Grants have helped bolster that number in recent years by aiding students on the cusp of graduating with housing, medical needs, and other unforeseen financial challenges. The State Board of Community Colleges will outline its formal transition process in the coming months. This will likely include the hiring of a national search firm with expertise in higher education. While the State Board can select its finalist for the position, the General Assembly will have the final say. Legislators often credit the North Carolina Community College System with helping the state keep its top ranking for business and helping recruit new industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2022 study found that combined the 58 college campuses have a $19 billion annual impact on the states economy and support 1 out of every 19 jobs across North Carolina. In June, the system along with Guilford Technical Community College announced plans to tailor a new curriculum for the future workforce of JetZero. Economic developers say the aviation start-up will bring more than 14,500 jobs to North Carolina. NEWPORT, N.C. (WNCN) Christian Corbitt, the founder of Apex Fossils and owner of Encounter Scuba discovered a nearly 6-inch fossilized Megalodon tooth 35 miles off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina. The Megalodon tooth is one of the oceans most coveted prehistoric treasures. Corbitt told CBS 17 he spent two days and one night anchored offshore to find it. He said he performed four advanced decompression dives per day to search the ocean floor for fossilized remains of the ancient apex predator. (Photos courtesy Christian Corbitt) (Photos courtesy Christian Corbitt) Theres some training required. We were 35 miles offshore. We spent two days offshore so we had to anchor there and sleep on the boat overnight, said Corbitt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using a closed-circuit rebreather system he said he was able to stay underwater far longer than traditional scuba gear allows. Every dive involved deep decompression stops. Any mistake, whether in gas management or missed stops could have led to serious injury or even death, said Corbitt. (Photos courtesy Christian Corbitt) (Photos courtesy Christian Corbitt) In total, Corbitt recovered 33 complete fossil shark teeth, including specimens from Megalodon, Chubutensis, and Carcharocles benedeni, along with fossilized whale ribs, ear bones, and a number of still-unidentified relics. Some of it is millions of years old. To check out more of Corbitts finds or to purchase one you can visit @apex_fossils on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. From left to right: U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, Rep. Mike Flood and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce CEO Jason Ball speak at a federal legislative summit at Nebraska's Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Neb. (Erin Bamer/Nebraska Examiner) ASHLAND, Nebraska Nebraskas congressional delegates spoke optimistically about federal policies helping the states economic future, despite some warning signs that Nebraskas agricultural industry is struggling. Three of Nebraskas federal representatives U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, Sen. Pete Ricketts and Rep. Mike Flood shared their thoughts Tuesday at a summit hosted by a collaboration of three of Nebraskas largest chambers of commerce. Reps. Don Bacon and Adrian Smith did not attend. Bacon was out of town, and Smiths flight was delayed out of Scottsbluff, though both sent video messages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All five said good things about the federal budget reconciliation bill that passed in early July, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. Ricketts said the bill is fantastic for families, because it prevents potential tax increases. He estimated the changes would increase families average annual income between $4,000 and $7,000 over the next three years. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb. (Courtesy of U.S. Senate photographers) Fischer said the bill also includes some safety measures for Nebraskas agricultural businesses that normally would have been included in the federal farm bill, which has yet to pass. These include improved trade promotion authority and better disaster aid for farmers, she said. Their optimism comes at a time of increasing reservations about the economy, both nationally and in Nebraska. The U.S. Labor Department just released a jobs report that erased roughly 258,000 that previous reports had estimated were added in May and June, reducing the job growth to about 19,000 new jobs in May and 14,000 jobs in June. Additionally, Nebraskas Gross Domestic Product dropped more than 6% during the first quarter of 2025 , according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The report largely blamed the loss on a slowdown in the states ag industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some have argued that President Donald Trumps aggressive tariff tactics have introduced uncertainty that hinders Nebraska businesses. But Flood said there were signs of a slowdown in Nebraska agriculture that predate Trumps second administration. He said he expressed these worries at the chambers summit last year. Weve seen this coming for the better part of a year, Flood said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX At the time, Floods concerns were rooted in Nebraskas ongoing drought, but he said former President Joe Biden also shared some of the blame. Smith has argued previously that Biden did too little to promote agricultural trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the explanation lies in price drops in popular Nebraska row crops like corn and soybeans. Both Ricketts and Bacon said as much, and Ricketts said the budget reconciliation bill should help farmers by doubling U.S. investments in trade promotion and increasing opportunities for Nebraska farmers overseas. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb. (Courtesy of Ricketts campaign) The summits keynote speaker Rodney Davis, a former Illinois congressman and head of government affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, defended Trumps tariff strategy. He speculated that Trump is taking a more aggressive approach for leverage, and guessed that if it causes too much economic pain Trump will be quick to change his direction. When you have leverage, you can make things better, Davis said. Even Smith, who acknowledged he isnt the biggest fan of tariffs in his video message, said Trumps policies have leveled the playing field internationally. Ricketts said allied countries like Australia and the United Kingdom have increased their purchases of U.S. exports because of these policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fischer shared similar thoughts, saying that though tariffs make people nervous, Trumps approach has forced trade conversations where there previously werent any. She claimed members of Nebraskas agricultural community said they are willing to give Trump time to enact these policies to see what benefits can be gained. U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb. (Courtesy of Flood campaign) This differs from the perspective of John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, who has said the U.S. is facing the worst farming financial crisis since the 1980s. He said hes been fielding calls to a crisis hotline for farmers that he helps operate, where people have shared their financial struggles. Though he has sympathy for tariff policies, he said they have to be done carefully and expressed reservations about now being the right time to act so aggressively. Theres desperation in their voices, Hansen said of the crisis calls hes received. Theyre up against the wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Flood said he doesnt believe Trumps tariffs are contributing to Nebraskas agricultural slowdown, he hopes the presidents negotiations will wrap up by Christmas. He noted that for businesses to thrive, they need certainty and predictability in federal policies. Certainty is what I crave, Flood said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE David Mourer and his niece Rena Mourer visit the entrance to "Alligator Alcatraz" at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport on July 12, 2025, in Ochopee, Florida. Members of Congress were given their first visit to the new state-managed immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades that officials have named Alligator Alcatraz. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) OMAHA Nebraska reportedly is being considered as a home to one of the state-run, federally funded migrant detention centers that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hopes to launch across the country in the likeness of Alligator Alcatraz. Aerial view of migrant detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida. President Donald Trump was present at the opening at an abandoned airfield in the Everglades wetlands, as part of his expansion of deportations. (Alon Skuy/Getty Images) Noem, in an interview with CBS News published Monday, said she hopes to establish a handful of similar detention centers near airports and jails in other states in the coming months, using Floridas so-called Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades as a model. She said she had already appealed to governors and state leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And CBS said potential sites already under consideration include Nebraska, Arizona and Louisiana. Many states that support President Donald Trumps mission of securing the border have empty or underused prison-like facilities, Noem noted. She said locations Homeland Security is considering are by airports and runways, which she said would help cut costs through quick turnarounds. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates under the umbrella of Homeland Security. State-owned property that could fit her site preferences could include land near the Omaha Correctional Center by Eppley Airfield and the Nebraska National Guard base near the Lincoln airport. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillens office shared a statement Tuesday, saying that his team continues to be in communication with federal partners on how Nebraska can best assist in these efforts. Gov. Jim Pillen on a 2024 visit to the Texas-Mexico border. He visits with members of the Nebraska National Guard, whom he deployed to help Texas patrol its border. (Courtesy of the Nebraska Governors Office) Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the governor is staunchly committed to keeping Americans safe, our nations borders secure and getting criminals off our streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said it was premature to comment on potential detention operations, adding: Gov. Pillen will make details public at the appropriate time. An ICE spokesperson told the Examiner in a statement Tuesday that the agency could not confirm individual pre-decisional conversations but said it would confirm that ICE is exploring all options to meet its current and future detention requirements. The agency blamed the Biden administrations border policies, and added: ICE is proud to say we have enhanced enforcement and routine daily operations that have resulted in a significant number of arrests necessitating greater detention capacity. Noems strategy reportedly builds upon the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center that opened last month at a jetport in the South Florida marshlands. It was built in just days and has the capacity to house at least 3,000 migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort would be assisted by the $45 billion set aside for ICE in President Donald Trumps recently adopted big beautiful bill. A prayer vigil near the entrance to the state-managed immigration detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Nebraska State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha, a legislative watchdog on criminal justice issues, criticized the notion of Nebraska as a host site. The idea of Nebraska operating a state-run detention facility is crazy and should not move forward, he said. Our focus should be on addressing the current budget deficit and reversing the decline of our states economy, both of which will only worsen with proposals like this. McKinney said that under the Trump administration, enforcement efforts have expanded far beyond individuals labeled as criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many law-abiding immigrants are being unjustly detained and torn away from their families, he said. Nebraska State Sen. Margo Juarez was terse in her reaction. Her South Omaha area district includes the worksite where a June 10 high-profile immigration raid took place, the largest enforcement operation in Nebraska since Trump took office the second time. There is no way we will welcome an Alcatraz, Juarez said. Look elsewhere. More than 70 undocumented immigrants were apprehended during the ICE-led raid at Glenn Valley Foods. Roughly 25 of the workers are still being detained at a North Platte jail, hours from where their families live. That jail contracts with the federal government to hold ICE detainees who are in removal proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas County officials had previously opted not to renew a federal contract under which it was paid to hold ICE detainees at its Omaha jail. Editors note: This story has been revised to add comment from ICE and State Sen. Margo Juarez. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX David Mourer and his niece Rena Mourer visit the entrance to Alligator Alcatraz at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport on July 12, 2025, in Ochopee, Florida. Members of Congress were given their first visit to the new state-managed immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades that officials have named Alligator Alcatraz. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) LINCOLN, Nebraska Nebraska reportedly is being considered as a home to one of the state-run, federally funded migrant detention centers that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hopes to launch across the country in the likeness of Alligator Alcatraz. Aerial view of migrant detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida. President Donald Trump was present at the opening at an abandoned airfield in the Everglades wetlands, as part of his expansion of deportations. (Photo by Alon Skuy/Getty Images) Noem, in an interview with CBS News published Monday, said she hopes to establish a handful of similar detention centers near airports and jails in other states in the coming months, using Floridas so-called Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades as a model. She said she had already appealed to governors and state leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And CBS said potential sites already under consideration include Nebraska, Arizona and Louisiana. Many states that support President Donald Trumps mission of securing the border have empty or underused prison-like facilities, Noem noted. She said locations Homeland Security is considering are by airports and runways, which she said would help cut costs through quick turnarounds. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates under the umbrella of Homeland Security. State-owned property that could fit her site preferences could include land near the Omaha Correctional Center by Eppley Airfield and the Nebraska National Guard base near the Lincoln airport. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillens office shared a statement Tuesday, saying that his team continues to be in communication with federal partners on how Nebraska can best assist in these efforts. Gov. Jim Pillen on a 2024 visit to the Texas-Mexico border. He visits with members of the Nebraska National Guard, whom he deployed to help Texas patrol its border. (Photo courtesy of the Nebraska Governors Office) Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the governor is staunchly committed to keeping Americans safe, our nations borders secure and getting criminals off our streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said it was premature to comment on potential detention operations, adding: Gov. Pillen will make details public at the appropriate time. An ICE spokesperson told the Examiner in a statement Tuesday that the agency could not confirm individual pre-decisional conversations but that it will confirm that ICE is exploring all options to meet its current and future detention requirements. The agency blamed the Biden administrations border policies, and added: ICE is proud to say we have enhanced enforcement and routine daily operations that have resulted in a significant number of arrests necessitating greater detention capacity. Noems strategy reportedly builds upon the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center that opened last month at a jetport in the South Florida marshlands. It was built in just days and has the capacity to house 3,000 migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort would be assisted by the $45 billion set aside for ICE in President Donald Trumps recently adopted big beautiful bill. A prayer vigil near the entrance to the state-managed immigration detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Nebraska State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha, a legislative watchdog on criminal justice issues, criticized the notion of Nebraska as a host site. The idea of Nebraska operating a state-run detention facility is crazy and should not move forward, he said. Our focus should be on addressing the current budget deficit and reversing the decline of our states economy, both of which will only worsen with proposals like this. McKinney said that under the Trump administration, enforcement efforts have expanded far beyond individuals labeled as criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many law-abiding immigrants are being unjustly detained and torn away from their families, he said. Nebraska State Sen. Margo Juarez was terse in her reaction. Her South Omaha area district includes the work site where a June 10 high-profile immigration raid took place, the largest enforcement operation in Nebraska since Trump took office the second time. There is no way we will welcome an Alcatraz look elsewhere, Juarez said. More than 70 undocumented immigrants were apprehended during the ICE-led raid at Glenn Valley Foods. Roughly 25 of the workers are still being detained at a North Platte jail four hours from where their families live. That jail contracts with the federal government to hold ICE detainees who are in removal proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials of Douglas County government previously opted not to renew a federal contract under which it was paid to hold ICE detainees at its Omaha jail. This story was originally published by Nebraska Examiner, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Aaron Sanderford for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican U.S. Representative Mike Flood endured a contentious town hall meeting in Nebraska on Monday, as opponents of President Donald Trump's sweeping tax- and spending-cut bill booed and heckled him for over an hour. Flood fielded questions about Republican funding cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for lower-income Americans, food assistance and funding for Trump's controversial crackdown on undocumented immigrants from his Lincoln audience. He argued that it was important to deny public health coverage to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and to able-bodied adults who refuse work and then drew cheers backing the release of government files on disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Congress on its summer break, Republicans including Flood are trying to promote Trump's landmark legislation, nicknamed the "big, beautiful bill," which extended the president's 2017 tax cuts and ramped up spending for border security and the military. It will also add $3.4 trillion to the $36.2 trillion federal debt and leave about 10 million people without health coverage. "There's a lot of information out there that's wrong. We protected Medicaid. We cut $2 trillion out of the future debt. We worked to get results. And this bill builds for growth," he said to a chorus of boos. At times, angry audience members chanted: "Vote him out!" "How much does it cost for fascism? How much do the taxpayers have to pay for a fascist country?" asked one woman, who was irate about Trump's immigration crackdown and the use of disaster relief money to pay for an immigration detention center in South Florida nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flood's district is heavily Republican and not among the roughly three-dozen House seats expected to be competitive in next year's midterm elections, when Republicans will be defending their narrow House of Representatives majority, currently 219-212 with four vacancies. At his town hall, Flood, 57, responded to critics by saying that voters backed Trump's policies in the 2024 election: "Americans voted for a border that is secure. And I support the president enforcing our immigration laws." He later told another questioner who criticized him for not speaking out against Trump: "When I see something that I don't agree with, I don't run to the TV station as my first stop. I try to stop it before it gets worse." After the meeting, Flood told reporters: "I like to think that I was able to answer their questions. They may not agree with my answer. But the questions are always good and that makes me a better member of Congress." (Reporting by David Morgan, Editing by Scott Malone and Deepa Babington) Nebraska Republican Rep. Mike Flood endured another torrid town hall event in his state on Monday, with audience members booing and heckling him and demanding answers on the Jeffrey Epstein files. Flood was subjected to yells and hostility throughout the meeting, with rowdy Lincoln residents yelling, interjecting and breaking into chants including Free Palestine, tax the rich and vote him out, NBC News reports. The congressmans constituents were particularly incensed about Epstein, President Donald Trumps firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner Erika McEntarfer, the impact of his One Big Beautiful Bill and the administrations brutal illegal immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accused of being complicit in a coverup of the Epstein files, Flood said he supported their release, pledged to co-sponsor a nonbinding House resolution calling for their publication and said he supported Kentucky Rep. James Comers efforts to compel the pedophiles jailed accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell to sit for a deposition. U.S. Representative Mike Flood talks to constituents during a town hall in Lincoln, Nebraska, on August 4 2025 (Scott Morgan/Reuters) On Trumps decision to fire McEntarfer on Friday after accusing her of publishing incorrect data, Flood was less definite, insisting we do not know all the details behind the presidents decision. I dont know what the situation was with the Department of Labor person. Neither do you. I dont know. I dont know, he said. I can tell you Ive been an employer for a lot of years, and theres always two sides to every story, and I dont know what that side was. I will say this, though, if all that person did was get the data out there, if all that, and I dont know thats the case, but if thats all they did, I would not have fired her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding Trumps signature tax and spending legislation, which passed Congress last month without a single Democrat voting for it and despite many of Floods fellow Republicans expressing deep reservations about its likely impact on welfare recipients, the congressman insisted there was a lot of misinformation being circulated about the bill. He was nevertheless peppered with questions about how the multi-billion dollar increase to the national debt would be paid off and, in one extraordinary moment, attempted to turn the tables on his interlocutors by asking them: Do you think that people who are 28-years-old, that can work, and refuse to work, should get free healthcare? They answered, emphatically and as one: Yes! An angry member of the public shouts at Flood during his Lincoln town hall on Monday evening (Scott Morgan/Reuters) In another exchange, Flood was asked: With $450 million being allocated to Alligator Alcatraz and ICE burning through $8.4 million a day to illegally detain people, how much does it cost for fascism? How much do the tax payers have to pay for a fascist country? The reference to Trumps new migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, popular with his MAGA base, was repeated by another member of the audience, who dubbed it Alligator Auschwitz instead, according to NBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flood stuttered in response: Americans voted for a... for a border that is secure, and I support the president enforcing our immigration laws, which, by the way, were written by Congress. The answer only inspired further boos and derision. The Nebraska Democratic Party reportedly urged its members to attend the representatives town hall, as it did in May when the politician was also given a hard time, not least when he admitted he had not read the full text of the Big, Beautiful Bill before voting for it. Flood, who was elected to Congress in 2022, also suffered boos and heckles at another event in March, when his constituents were concerned about Elon Musks apparent unchecked influence over the president before their very public falling out in June. The Addition Financial Foundation is set to unveil newly renovated needs spaces at four Central Florida public schools on August 5, 6, and 7, aimed at supporting homeless and low-income students. By April 2025, over 15,000 homeless students were in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake Counties, underscoring the urgent need for these initiatives. The Renovate to Educate program now emphasizes creating needs-based spaces that offer essential resources to vulnerable students, supporting homeless and low-income families across Central Florida. These spaces contain food, clothing, and hygiene items to support students and their families in need. The events will be held at Engelwood Elementary School in Orlando on August 5, Millennium Middle School in Sanford, Leesburg Elementary School in Leesburg on August 6 and Lakeview Elementary School in St. Cloud on August 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Addition Financial Foundation partnered with Seminole State Colleges Interior Design Program to evaluate each schools needs. Addition Financial volunteers then executed the renovations, which involved painting, constructing furniture, stocking shelves and laying new flooring. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. SOLON, Ohio (WJW) Van and Karen Perch adopted their mixed breed dog, Winston, from a local shelter when he was just six months old. The laid back Winston, said to be great with kids, hates rides in cars but likes to bark at the Amazon delivery truck as it passes through their neighborhood. He also likes to go out routinely for walks. Hes a walker and we are fortunate to have a bike trail and some other things around the area, said Van Perch. We usually get in about a two-and-a-half or three-mile walk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East side house fire: Cleveland firefighter taken to hospital, damages estimated at $200K Sundays walk, however, was cut short after Winston found and instantly claimed a whole fried chicken drumstick that had been thrown out along a roadside. Once he latches onto food, its like an iron jaw so we couldnt take it away from him, said Van. We finally got home, my wife Karen said, lets put him in the backyard and try to keep an eye on him, see if we can snatch it away from him.' But rather than give up his prized possession, Winston did his best to swallow it whole. Picture the drumstick the big thick part of it just lodged in his throat. said Van. At first you could hear him wheezing so we were trying to get him to cough it out. He started running around the backyard and got Kems attention next door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kem Cook, a next door neighbor and a career nurse who has worked in a hospital emergency department, was out on her patio. I saw Winston laying now on his side and I could hear Karen saying, come on buddy, come on buddy,' said Cook. She did pick him up and she gave him some Heimlich thrusts, but he was at that point kind of out of it, not completely but lethargic. Cook also started trying to perform the Heimlich maneuver, but the drumstick was lodged deep enough that she could not even really see it. Van found a pair of pliers and tried grabbing onto the bone to remove it from Winstons throat, but he was only able to get pieces of it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spotted lanternfly changing look: How to spot them now And, things were going from bad to worse. I think I ran in to get the car keys thinking we would try to get him to a vet as soon as possible, Kem came over and said we dont have time, said Van. The Heimlich may have moved the drumstick enough that, with the dog virtually unconscious, Cook could now reach in, wrap her fingers around it and tug it out. I pulled it out and he was floppy I could tell he wasnt breathing, and his tongue was so blue it was black, she said. Instinctively, Cook said she started CPR. I think its just, you know, a chest is a chest, a heart is a heart, she said. Ive seen enough videos. Ive seen people do it and I know that its best done when a dog is on his side and he was on his side, so I just went right in the middle of the chest where I knew his heart would be and just started compressing using human principles, hard and fast. Just compress, compress, compress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few strokes and he came back, and we stopped and all of a sudden he just gasped and I was like hes, breathing, hes breathing,' Cook added. I was never so happy to hear him cough, said Van. Winston was raced 30 minutes to a veterinary hospital where he was examined and x-rayed and given a clean bill of health. They were kind of surprised, you know, it was a combination of reaching into his mouth with a pair of plyers and getting ahold of the bone and pulling it out and the CPR, the chest compressions and everything, said Van. Kem said when she got the text showing her a picture of Winston alive and well, she became emotional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are lucky to have good neighbors and we are lucky that the dog is a hearty dog and here we are today and we are able to talk about it, said Van. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has defended his decision to allocate more than 800,000 to gender identity services in Northern Ireland. His department announced the move last month, but it has faced criticism from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) as well as some Ulster Unionist assembly members. The Belfast Health Trust runs the Brackenburn Clinic, based in south Belfast, which has a service for adults experiencing gender dysphoria. There is also a separate service for young people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister said the decision to put extra funding into the services came because he wanted Northern Ireland to be part of the UK-wide ban on puberty blockers. Puberty blockers ban The trust said there were currently 1,163 adults on the waiting list, as well as 45 children and young people on a separate waiting list. Nesbitt said the adult and youth services were being amalgamated to ensure those seeking help did not find themselves on a "waiting list cliff edge" when they turn 18. Puberty blockers work by suppressing the release of hormones and can be prescribed to children questioning their gender. Last year, the government tightened the rules on the drugs, with the Stormont Executive supporting an indefinite ban in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was made clear to me this would not happen unless we put some money to revive the gender identity clinic, which was basically lying dormant through a lack of funding," added the minister. He cited concerns over people accessing the drugs through "international providers" that the Department of Health had "no control" over, as the gender identity service was not up and running. "There is an example of a doctor who is Spanish working out of Romania, prescribing through Singapore - we have no control over the safety of that operation so that's why we decided to put some money into the gender identity service," he said. The minister said gender identity services had started in Northern Ireland in 2014, and that the clinic would put a "huge emphasis on psychological and psychiatric help". Alexa Moore from the Rainbow Project welcomed the funding and said there has been a "crisis" in gender identity services in NI for eight years [BBC] What has been the reaction? The Rainbow Project said it "cautiously welcomed" the investment into the clinic, but that the department needed to ensure a high quality of care for those accessing services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Alexa Moore, from the Rainbow Project, said there has been a "crisis" in gender identity services in Northern Ireland for eight years. "These services collapsed and we've been waiting since then to get a barebones services up and running. "Access to transition related healthcare is not a bad thing for many people and it can be lifesaving care for some people," she said. She said it is important for trans people to be a part of the conversation going forward. DUP assembly member, Jonathan Buckley said the policy represents misplaced priorities and "a track in the wrong direction" from the minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I felt the minister should have brought it to his executive colleagues to have a robust public discussion and debate about what is in the best interest of our young people and wider society," he added. He said he had concerns about "gender ideology" at clinics. The TUV assembly member Timothy Gaston called for the extra funding to be withdrawn and is to submit a public petition on the issue to the assembly next month. Jonathan Buckley said he had concerns about "gender ideology" at clinics [PA Media] Confirming a report in the News Letter that several years ago a five-year-old child had been accepted as a patient to the service, Nesbitt said he was still "asking questions about what had happened there". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm also still asking questions about who knew what in terms of ministers over the years, it is really important we are clear about what this service does and does not do," he added. Currently, the longest wait for an adult to be seen at the clinic is more than seven years. The trust said it wanted to sincerely apologise to those affected by delays, which it put down to an "insufficient workforce due to the absence of a commissioned service and workforce recruitment challenges". "Demand for the service has also increased significantly over recent years. We fully accept that the waiting time for gender services is unacceptable and not in keeping with the waiting time directive," a statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People in Northern Ireland can change their legal gender under the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) 2005. However, they need to be at least 18 years old and provide two medical reports, one from a specialist detailing their diagnosis of gender dysphoria and another listing any treatment or surgery they may have had to change their sexual characteristics. They also must prove they have lived full-time in their acquired gender for at least two years and have to apply to a UK gender recognition panel. Last month, the Equality Commission said it would seek a declaration from the High Court to address "uncertainties" over how to apply the UK Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman in Northern Ireland. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a multistate lawsuit to try and prevent the White House from cutting off billions of dollars in funding for electric vehicle infrastructure. Michigan is now one of 20 states, plus Washington D.C., attached to the lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Local issues on West Michigan ballots today Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 with bipartisan support, appropriating $5 billion for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formal Program. Of those funds, Michigan was set to receive $87 million between 2022 and 2025. However, once he took office on January 20, President Donald Trump issued an executive order instructing federal agencies to stop those payments. Those funding disbursements were frozen even though Nessel claims the president does not have the authority to hold Congressionally appropriated funds. The Trump Administrations decision to unilaterally cut off these funds is not only unlawful it jeopardizes Michigans EV infrastructure, while threatening our economic growth and environmental progress, Nessel said in a statement. The freeze held up approximately $29 million that state programs had already included in their future infrastructure plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will continue working to protect this critical funding and the future of transportation in our state, Nessel stated. In June, a federal judge in Seattle agreed with the plaintiffs, issued a partial preliminary injunction and ordered the White House to roll back the executive order. The USDOT says they are still assessing its legal options. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Freed hostages have recounted the terror of languishing in a Hamas tunnel while the blasts from Israeli air strikes move ever closer. Now, under a plan being considered by Benjamin Netanyahu, those same tunnels may well shudder from the sound of IDF tanks and automatic gunfire directly overhead. In what appears to be a major gamble, Israels government seems poised to announce the full occupation of Gaza in what it says is a final attempt to rescue the hostages and wipe out Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan would mean smashing arguably the only consistent taboo in the IDFs nearly 23-month-long campaign: namely, conducting major ground operations in areas where hostages are believed to be held. A tent camp where displaced people are living in part of Gaza City is struck by an Israeli bombardment on Monday - Ahman MK Ibrahim/Anadolu via Getty Images The main areas affected are Gaza City in the north of the Strip and Deir al-Balah in the centre. Largely because Israeli intelligence thinks the hostages are being held there, these are the last major conurbations in Gaza not to have been substantially flattened, and they are currently home to around 1.4 million Palestinians. The strategy is not without significant risk. Critics believe the remaining hostages would probably die in the operation. Meanwhile, Mr Netanyahus generals are said to be deeply opposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli prime minister hinted at his plan in an oblique video address on Monday, in which he said: We are committed to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists. It coincided with a series of unattributed leaks from his office suggesting that occupation of Gaza was now the preferred option, following the collapse of formal negotiations with Hamas last month. This appears at variance with a plan of encirclement reportedly being worked up by military chiefs, under which the IDF would establish semi-permanent zones around population centres from which to launch raids against Hamas. On Tuesday, Sharren Haskel, Israels deputy foreign minister, confirmed to The Telegraph that the occupation plan was something that is still being discussed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families of the hostages are, by and large, appalled. That means one thing, said Viki Cohen, mother of captured soldier Nimrod. It means they will only bring our brothers back in coffins. Maybe there will be a miracle and our heroic soldiers will be able to save one or two people. Much of Gaza has been flattened by Israels onslaught, with only the areas where hostages are thought to be held being spared - Jehad Shelbak/Reuters The thinking at the top levels of government, however, is that the plight of the hostages 20 are believed to be alive is now so dire that Israel cannot afford to wait for a ceasefire deal that is acceptable to both sides. It means, they say, that applying overwhelming military pressure is the best chance. This follows the release of harrowing videos in recent days of Evyatar David and Rom Braslavsky in an emaciated state, with Mr David being forced to dig what he said was his own grave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, with the images of Rom and Evyatar that were published this weekend, it is proof that the longer this goes, the more in danger they are, Ms Haskel said on Tuesday. Hamas right now is killing them slowly, starving them, torturing them, mentally, physically. They cannot survive much longer in the hands of that death cult. So the only way to bring them back is through military operations. An Israeli unit searches buildings. Benjamin Netanyahus government insists the remaining hostages cannot last much longer in captivity - Israel Defense Forces Sources close to Mr Netanyahu insist that he has Donald Trumps backing for the new plan. However, reports suggest it is being opposed by the military. The Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, is widely thought to believe that the IDF has gone as far as it can in safely pressuring Hamas to return the hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This weeks political leaks have not been kind to him. Several Israeli outlets reported a senior official as saying: If that [the plan] doesnt work for the chief of staff, he should resign. Many in Israels commentariat are now expecting and those in the community of former military and security chiefs actively hoping that he will do just that. Mr Netanyahus son, Yair, no stranger to controversy, also appeared to join in the attack, claiming on social media that Lt Gen Zamirs appointment had not been his fathers idea. Retired military chiefs plea to Trump The generals decision to cancel a trip to CentCom in the US has been taken by some as a sign of crisis at the top of the command structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes at an exceptionally fragile time for relations between Israels political and security establishments, following an open letter by no fewer than 550 retired senior military and spy chiefs to Donald Trump, begging the US president to pressure Mr Netanyahu to end the unjust war in Gaza. The image of IDF commanders as politically neutral professional servants is central to Israels conception of itself as the only democracy in the Middle East. This may have been on the mind of Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, when he urged Mr Netanyahu and his chief of staff this week to keep their disagreements behind closed doors. Benjamin Netanyahu on a visit to northern Gaza with ministers and commanders, including IDF chief of staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir - Haim Tzach/GPO Even if they do, some fear that by asking an exhausted and depleted army to expand its operations yet further, Mr Netanyahu and his allies put that ideal at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fighting into areas where hostages are held in order to release them safely also risks stretching the credulity of centre-ground opinion in a country already gripped by protests. Poll after poll indicate that while the majority of people are emotionally in favour of pummelling Hamas, their priority is returning the hostages immediately, if necessary by striking a deal to end the war. For the civilians of Gaza serially displaced, intensely bombed and plagued by hunger it could pile on further disaster. A feature of the campaign of the last three months Operation Gideons Chariot, which was also supposed to pressure Hamas into releasing the hostages has been to demolish large areas of residential neighbourhoods using air power, army ordnance engineers or civilian contractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In practical terms, it means the southern city of Rafah no longer exists, along with tracts of Khan Younis. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are now in makeshift refugee camps and tented cities in the coastal enclave of Al Mawasi and numerous other locations. If the same approach was taken to Gaza City, another million people roughly half the Strips population risk becoming internally displaced. 0608 IDF control of Gaza There has been talk for a month now of Israel constructing a humanitarian city on the rubble of Rafah, into which all civilians would be ordered while the army attempts to finish off Hamas. However, this too has reportedly prompted opposition from Lt Gen Zamir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Haskel said on Tuesday that the scheme bitterly criticised by much of the international community remained government policy. However, she said that ministers had requested the plans from the military, suggesting that a workable blueprint has yet to be signed off. Some in Israels media fear that without a robust refugee plan in place, assaulting Gaza City and Deir al-Balah, where another 400,000 people reside, could escalate the humanitarian crisis past the point where the countrys international reputation can recover. Ironically, talk of occupation came just as Israel agreed to let private goods into the Strip, in parallel to UN and NGO supplies, for the first time in months in an effort to ease the suffering. 0608 Gazas damaged buildings Despite the concerns, there are prominent voices in Israel who argue that expanding the fighting could successfully return the hostages. Lt Col Yaron Buskila, a former special forces officer and director general of the hawkish Habithonistim Movement, said this week that fighting towards terrorists known to be holding hostages could work. You can carry out a raid on a structure and create the element of surprise or, alternatively, you can reach the site, apply pressure and, in the course of that pressure, hold negotiations, he said. After all, negotiations themselves are a weapon since they create communication that forces the captors to choose between different alternatives. Critics say continuing war is Netanyahus only plan For Mr Netanyahus critics, the touted full occupation has fuelled speculation that his only plan is to continue the war, because his ultra-nationalist coalition partners will collapse his government if he does not. For those on the Left, both inside Israel and abroad, new large-scale assaults on populated areas will be taken as further evidence of ethnic cleansing of Gazans, a charge Israel utterly rejects and says is based on anti-Semitism and Hamas propaganda. Nevertheless, opponents will point to Mr Trumps February vision of a Middle East Riviera for Gaza, a rich mans paradise from which Gazans have been removed. Israel currently says it would facilitate the voluntary departure of Palestinian civilians from the Strip. However, it has so far not succeeded in finding a third country willing to accept refugees. Any final decision on the full occupation of Gaza would need to be formally signed off by Israels security cabinet, which is expected to meet in the coming days, once Gideon Saar, the foreign minister, returns from New York, where he is taking part in a special session of the UN on the plight of the hostages. In the meantime, all eyes will be on Lt Gen Zamir for any hint of public dissent. Some interpreted an order he gave to cancel the emergency extension of reserve call-up duration, meaning the army will be reduced in numbers later this year, as just such a hint. However, he is reported to be phlegmatic in private, repeatedly inviting critical ministers to replace him, if they can think of someone better to do the job. In public, he continues to toe the line, telling soldiers on a recent visit to Gaza that they will fight on for as long as necessary in the absence of a ceasefire deal. On Tuesday, on a visit to Gaza, Israel Katz, the defence minister, appeared to fire a shot across Lt Gen Zamirs bow when he said the IDF will professionally implement ministers decisions. If history is anything to go by, that is exactly what it will do. US president could be key More level-headed Israeli commentators argue that Lt Gen Zamir knew what he was getting into when he accepted Mr Netanyahus offer of promotion to chief of staff, and that those hoping for a dramatic resignation will wait in vain. Which leaves Mr Trump. While he has repeatedly voiced concern about the humanitarian crisis and is known to want a ceasefire, he has conspicuously taken Israels side in blaming Hamas for the recent collapse in talks, as well as echoing Israeli rhetoric about using alternative methods to return the hostages. His thinking on the way ahead may be influenced by the visit to Gaza last week of Steve Witkoff, his Middle East Envoy, whose counsel he appears to value. After all, the last time Mr Witkoff set foot in the benighted enclave was just before Mr Trumps Riviera speech in February. 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. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pushing for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip in a massive expansion of the countrys military operations in the enclave. His move, according to Israeli media, comes as ceasefire talks with Hamas stall and Israel pushes for a comprehensive plan to end the conflict, rather than piecemeal truces. Israel is in the tightest spot it has been in at any point in the war, one analyst told The New York Times. The country is facing intense international criticism, domestic discontent, and internal political rifts: The government voted Monday to dismiss the attorney general, a prominent Netanyahu critic who is prosecuting his ongoing corruption case. Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly backing a plan to seize full control of the Gaza Strip, despite misgivings from military officials and growing international criticism of Israel. During a high-level meeting with Israeli security officials Tuesday, Netanyahu said he favored occupying the Gaza Strip even if it meant that Hamas, the militant group that rules the enclave, kills or harms hostages seized during attacks nearly two years ago, reports The Times of Israel. The meeting highlighted a disagreement between Netanyahu and Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, chief of staff for the Israeli Defense Forces, reports The Jerusalem Post. Netanyahu said Israel will only be able to free the hostages with a change of approach, according to the paper. Zamir responded that occupying Gaza could be a trap that endangers the hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since launching its campaign to eradicate Hamas, Israel has faced growing international backlash on the toll it's taken on Palestinian civilians who've faced death, displacement and, more recently, widespread starvation. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on Tuesday accused Isreali of committing genocide in Gaza, claiming the war was no longer about releasing hostages and that the situation has become "a diplomatic bargaining chip," reports Israel Hayom. People hold placards with photos of Israeli hostages and yellow flags at a protest for the release of hostages held in Gaza and against the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office during a security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Tuesday. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI "This war is no longer about achieving diplomatic aims or freeing the hostages, but has become a war of starvation, genocide, and the elimination of the Palestinian issue," el-Sissi said. Netanyahu's reported shift in his position comes days before a scheduled meeting Thursday of the Israeli Security Cabinet to discuss the direction of the campaign, the news outlet the Times of Israel also reported. People hold placards with photos of Israeli hostages and yellow flags at a protest for the release of hostages held in Gaza and against the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office during a security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Tuesday. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI The meeting did not include ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, both members of the Security Cabinet who have voiced support for occupying Gaza, reports Israel Hayom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben-Gvir on Monday said in a post on X that the "The Chief of Staff is required to state clearly that he will fully comply with the directives of the political echelon, even if a decision is made for conquest and decisive action." A woman carries a sign reading "END THE WAR SEAL THE DEAL" during a protest for the release of hostages held in Gaza and against the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office during a security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Tuesday. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI Netanyahu's office on Tuesday posted a brief statement to X confirming the three-hour meeting. "The IDF is prepared to carry out any decision made by the Security Cabinet," the statement added. People hold placards with photos of Israeli hostages held in Gaza during a protest for the release of hostages held in Gaza and against the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI The Israeli Defense Forces currently controls about three-quarters of the Gaza Strip and has avoided operations in areas where it suspects Hamas is holding hostages out of concerns they will be executed, according to the Times of Israel. The Netherlands will become the first European state to provide cash to purchase U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine, under a plan agreed to by President Donald Trump and NATO chief Mark Rutte. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced Monday his nation will contribute 500 million ($576 million) to a fund called the NATO Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. Brekelmans said the funding would go toward Patriot systems and missiles, a mobile surface-to-air interceptor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Developed in the 1980s and still considered one of the U.S.s most advanced air defense systems, the Patriot can thwart attacks from aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Trump's Nato Deal To Arm Ukraine Wins Over Gop Skeptics Last month during a White House meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte, President Trump promised Europe would spend "billions" on U.S. weapons to arm Ukraine. A new Patriot system and the missiles to go along with it could cost around $1.1 billion, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The newest version of the missile costs around $4 million a piece. Read On The Fox News App Last month during a White House meeting with Rutte, Trump promised Europe would spend "billions" on U.S. weapons to arm Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Billions of dollars worth of military equipment is going to be purchased from the United States, going to NATO And thats going to be quickly distributed to the battlefield," Trump said. Trump, Rutte Announce 'Really Big' Nato Arms Package Amid New 50 Day Deadline Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Netherlands for the funding on X. "Ukraine, and thus the whole of Europe, will be better protected from Russian terror," he wrote. "I am sincerely grateful to the Netherlands for their substantial contribution to strengthening Ukraine's air shield," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rutte also thanked the Netherlands and encouraged other European NATO allies to follow suit. "This is about getting Ukraine the equipment it urgently needs now to defend itself against Russian aggression," he said in a statement. "I have written to all NATO Allies, urging them to contribute towards this burden-sharing initiative, and I expect further significant announcements from other Allies soon." The Netherlands has emerged as one of Ukraines top defense donors, committing close to 3 billion in military aid since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. Dutch support has included tanks, F-16 training, and now, contributions toward strategic air defense platforms like the Patriot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new Trump-NATO agreement came after Republicans expressed frustration with the nearly $128 billion in aid the U.S. has offered to Ukraine, arguing Europe should take up the burden. At the same time, Trump has increasingly grown impatient with Russian President Vladimir Putin during peace negotiations. White House envoy Steve Witkoff is set to head to Moscow this week before the deadline Trump gave Putin for ending the war. The president has threatened to slap steep tariffs on Russia and any nations that do business with it if this weeks negotiations fail to produce a deal. Original article source: Netherlands becomes first NATO ally to buy US weapons for Ukraine The Netherlands on Monday said that it would become the first NATO country to buy air defence systems from the United States to deliver to Ukraine. "Ukraine needs more air defence and ammunition now," Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a post on X. "As the first NATO Ally, the Netherlands will deliver a 500 million [$578 million] package of US weapon systems (incl. Patriot parts and missiles). This helps Ukraine to defend itself and the rest of Europe against Russian aggression." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, US President Donald Trump announced he would authorize the sale of US-made Patriot missile defences to European NATO countries, which would in turn supply them to Ukraine. "The Netherlands is the first country to follow up on the NATO-US weapons deal that includes the purchase of American air defence systems for Ukraine," Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on X. "These weapons are badly needed. Ukraine is still fighting every day to defend itself against Russian aggression, such as large-scale drone attacks. In doing so, Ukraine is also fighting for freedom and security in Europe." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke with Schoof by phone on Monday, said he was "sincerely grateful to the Netherlands for their substantial contribution to strengthening Ukraine's air shield." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The package is worth 500 million euros and includes American weapons, including missiles for the Patriots. The first such step among NATO countries and at a time when Russia is trying to scale up its strikes. This will definitely help protect the lives of our people!" On Friday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that Berlin would deliver Patriot launchers to Ukraine in the following days. He added that further system components would be delivered within the next two to three months to strengthen Ukraine's air defence with additional Patriot batteries. Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three years. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A family member connected with one of two high-profile cases that have moved through the Horry County Coroners office is calling for the removal of one its top-ranking employees, accusing her of mishandling both. Those claims against Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard are backed by a recently launched online petition thats garnered more than 1,100 signatures as of Monday. The coroners office is denying any wrongdoing. While relatives of both families mentioned in the petition Chris Skinner and Scott Spivey say they had nothing to do with its creation, Skinners sister told News13 she supports getting what she believes is justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that its empowering, but I also think its sad. I think its sad that two people have lost their lives and that there has been injustice done to both, said Tamra McDermott. A deadly case of road rage On Sept. 9, 2023, Horry County police responded to a road rage shooting along Highway 9 and Camp Swamp Road that led to the death of Tabor City resident Scott Spivey. The accused gunman a well-known North Myrtle Beach restaurant owner named Weldon Boyd was found by authorities to have acted in self-defense and was never charged. State Attorney General Alan Wilson now running for governor declined to prosecute, citing insufficient evidence. Since then, two veteran Horry County police officers have left the force either by choice or termination as evidence of tampering in the case has emerged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But police arent the only ones that have drawn the Spivey familys frustration. News13 Investigates: Scott Spivey case takes dramatic twists two years after deadly Horry County road rage shootout The night of the shooting, Spiveys body was left in his truck and towed from the Longs area where it happened to police headquarters in Conway. The coroners office said although rare, such decisions were made collectively among deputy coroners. In Spiveys circumstance, it was to avoid an incoming rainstorm and keep officers safe on a busy road. The petition accuses the coroners office of leaving Spiveys body inside his vehicle for six hours in the late summer heat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willard, who was out of town on the day of the shooting, isnt certain of that. A drowning shrouded in mystery The other case dates back to Sept. 6, 2021, when quadriplegic Chris Skinner drowned in a neighborhood pool. Photo courtesy of Tamra McDermott Video shows him underwater for about 40 minutes before first responders pulled him out. Police at the time questioned Skinners wife Suzie, who said he was not suicidal leading to a determination that the drowning was accidental. In June, Suzie Skinner married Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller, whose own recent past has been dogged by controversy since the 2024 suicide of his then wife Mica in North Carolinas Lumber River State Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Timeline: The saga of John-Paul and Mica Miller Miller admitted to police that he was tracking Mica and is now under investigation by the FBI, though the agency hasnt offered any details on that probe. He also is the subject of two civil lawsuits from women claiming sexual assault. Because of these ties, Skinners sister questioned her brothers death and inconsistencies in police and coroner reports. I was not notified about Chris Skinners death until several hours after this incident occurred because, again, we are notified by the hospital when a death occurs at the hospital, McDermott said. And he was pulled from that pool and taken to Grand Strand and lived on life support for several hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coroners office reopened Skinners case earlier this year but said nobody within their office had any questions about Skinners cause or manner of death based on details provided by Suzie at the time in 2021. McDermott said the coroners office didnt conduct an independent investigation to determine a cause of death. Willard said they trusted the word of detectives on scene, hospital medical information and her own conversation with Suzie. She did tell me she was going to wrap everything up in mid-February. She was going to have the manner of death changed and she was going to have Suzie Skinner charged, McDermott said. And those were her words, not my words. McDermott said Willard failed to ask pertinent questions during her sit-down with Suzie, including details of extramarital activity that may have driven Skinner to suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well, she was going to ask Suzie why she told the police in 2021 that no family lived in town, she said. Outside of the petition, McDermott said she plans to take other steps to hold Willard accountable. For her part, Horry Countys long-time chief deputy coroner said shell continue to do her work. They can say whatever they want. Theres not much we can do to stop them. All we can do is just continue to do the best job that we can. The community knows it. Well be fine, she said. Meanwhile, Willard said the FBI has been reviewing Skinners case since March. Calls for action echo out of Conway Spiveys sister Jennifer Foley in May took to the podium at an Horry County Council meeting, tearfully speaking for almost 10 minutes about investigative holes in her brothers case, eventually calling on Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint a special prosecutor for independent review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many local and state lawmakers supported her request, which to date has not been granted. We will continue to fight for justice, she said May 9. That is the price we pay for loving Scott. We will not stop until all the acts of these officers and anyone else involved is held accountable. All we ever wanted is the truth. The state Attorney Generals Offices decision not to prosecute Boyd came after 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson asked the agency to assist Horry County Police following a social media post by Boyd days after his confrontation, thanking authorities for their work. We will continue to advocate for Scotts case to be reopened with a thorough investigation by an honest prosecutor who is willing to examine all of the evidence, Foley said. A continuing crusade Two months before Foleys dramatic plea, McDermott made one of her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My parents and I want Chriss children to know that we love them, she said in a statement. It has been deeply painful that our honesty and cooperation with law enforcement have led to an intentional effort to separate us from them. While this has caused us great pain, we remain hopeful for reconciliation and for the understanding that truth and integrity must guide us. Our cooperation is not an act of division, but one of lovefor Chris, his memory, and the justice he deserves. The family never questioned what investigators found but divulged that Skinner had directly confronted John-Paul Miller at some point. Dashcam video later obtained by News13 shows who Chriss family says is Miller and Mica with Suzie at the pool the morning of when Skinner died. But recent events over the past year have led not only his family but outsiders to press authorities to take another look at the incident. When the police were doing their investigations on the scene, they were told certain things. And now there has been some acknowledgment that some of those things are inaccurate, McDermott said. And they realize theres some falsehood to some of the statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here. * * * 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. Supporters of New Hampshire's school cellphone ban should build on this success by identifying the next step in harm reduction: in-home education about the effects of overusing social media and screens. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) From a young age, I recall my parents relentlessly emphasizing the dangers of smoking. They were aware of its negative impact on my health and were determined to prevent me from developing an addictive and destructive habit. Their message, coupled with the national anti-smoking campaigns of the late 1990s, helped me internalize the positive habit of never picking up a cigarette. Seemingly, my entire generation internalized this habit. The rate of smoking tumbled when it came to millennials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast-forward to 2025, there is a parallel national campaign targeting something equally detrimental and in ubiquitous use by Generations Z and Alpha: social media and screens. At this point, the harmful effects of excessive social media use and prolonged screen time are well-documented. This national campaign aims to decrease the time developing minds spend on screens and social media. This summer, New Hampshire joined this effort by implementing a statewide, bell-to-bell ban on student cellphone use in public schools. For its supporters, this ban is considered a substantial step toward mitigating the digital harms that affect societys most intelligent individuals. However, several challenges still persist. Supporters of the ban should build on this success by identifying the next step in harm reduction: in-home education about the effects of overusing social media and screens. There is one caveat to mention here. While I was advised never to pick up a cigarette, it would be foolish to tell developing minds to never pick up screens or social media. Given how economically integrated social media and screens are, at the right age, young minds must be allowed to demonstrate the positive habits they have learned with these technologies to become college- and career-ready. Positive habits such as: limiting screen time, information literacy, focusing strategies, and resilience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below are four book recommendations for parents and guardians raising children in the age of screens and social media. By reading these books, parents and guardians will gain a better understanding of how the current digital information environment is harming developing minds. They will also be empowered to develop strategies that help their children develop positive digital information habits. Four must-read books for parents and guardians In Stolen Focus, Johann Hari examines why sustained attention is eroding via the technology developing minds are using every day. Parents and guardians will find practical guidance for nurturing sustained attention in their children. Hari outlines strategies to establish screen time limits that will enable offline curiosity and deeper thinking. He also places a premium on the value of family routines that reinforce focus and critical thought. For Hari, attention is not merely personal, it is a necessary component of positive social interactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This book stands out as the most indispensable work on this list. In this seminal work, Jonathan Haidt establishes a direct link between the alarming rise in mental health concerns among young people and the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media. His research has played a pivotal role in shaping a national push to establish clearer limits on screen use and delay access for children. The book outlines steps families can take to support in-person interaction, improve sleep, and encourage childhood resilience through minimally supervised, physical play. Haidts work is currently guiding lawmakers and educators in their creation of new policies and curricula. For parents and guardians, it is a practical resource for building healthier digital habits in the current digital information environment. Mike Caulfield and Sam Wineburg offer a practical guide to navigating the overwhelming amount of digital information available. The book presents clear schemas, such as the SIFT method, for evaluating sources and identifying synthetic content, including AI-generated images and false websites. Designed for readers of all ages, it is highly accessible and emphasizes adopting daily habits that can be immediately implemented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents and guardians can use this book with their children as a step-by-step workbook, building routines for checking credibility online. The authors emphasize straightforward solutions rather than alarm. In an information environment unlike any experienced by previous generations, the book provides families with tools to navigate the internet more cautiously. In How to Raise a Healthy Gamer, Alok Kanojia examines how gaming has become a dominant behavioral and developmental force for Generations Z and Alpha. He outlines how many children use games to process information, often at the cost of real-word social connection and emotional health. Rather than push for blanket restrictions, Kanojia offers families practical ways to mitigate harmful patterns and reset habits. The book provides structure for parents and guardians to rebuild trust and positive routines around gaming. Emergent AI considerations A book examining the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on developing minds is conspicuously absent from the above list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI, as a consumable product, is quite nascent. In the form of Large Language Models, it has only been around for fewer than four years. Consequently, research on its long-term impact is not available. Despite this, several emerging concerns persist. One concern is that interactions with AI could result in increased data collection from children by tech companies. This not only raises potential legal issues related to laws protecting children from online data mining, but also prompts deeper questions about how this data might be used to influence or manipulate young minds. Another concern is how children are interacting with AI companion chatbots. These companions mimic human behavior, are hyper-enabling, and tailor themselves to the users exact desires. This alluring mixture of attributes has led some users to become so emotionally enamored that they propose marriage to their AI companion. Furthermore, recent lawsuits against tech companies by parents have alleged that their children took their lives because of the isolating, unhealthy, and ill-regulated relationships that they developed with AI companions. The final area of concern that demands attention is the impact that persistent AI use has on critical thinking development. There has already been some research about the cognitive offloading that occurs when an individual forgoes a deep-thinking task such as writing or research by leveraging AI. Even Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, has been vocal about the cognitive harms overreliance on AI can cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much like social media and screens, AI is poised for profound economic integration. Therefore, young minds need to develop positive AI literacy and collaboration habits. In addition, a national education campaign is needed to illuminate the potential risks of AI for developing minds. By the late 1990s, the chance to educate the public about the dangers of smoking had nearly slipped away. The harm had already been done, and the effort to reverse it was arduous and legally fraught. Today, a similar situation has emerged with social media and screen use. The education efforts are still catching up and still measuring the harm. As artificial intelligence becomes more present, it is imprudent to wait for its potential harm to evince itself. Now is the time to encourage positive habits and cultivate a clear understanding of harm, before the same mistakes are repeated. A congressional watchdog determined Tuesday that the Trump administration broke the law when it directed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to cancel hundreds of research grants earlier this year. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found the NIH violated the Impoundment Control Act when it canceled 1,800 grants in an effort to follow a series of executive orders aimed at cutting federal funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, according to a report from the agency. The 1974 law regulates how the president can cancel or delay federal funds that Congress has already appropriated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GAO also found the NIH violated the law when it awarded $8 billion less in grants between January and June of this year compared to the same time in 2024 to follow the Trump administrations executive orders. President Trump issued several executive orders shortly after taking office in January targeting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. One of those orders instructed federal agencies to cancel all equity-related grants and contracts within 60 days. A week later, the Trump administration directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in late January to order the NIH to stop posting notices of grant review meetings in the Federal Register and to remove any documents in the process of being posted to the publication. This move prevented the agency from reviewing and awarding grants for roughly two months, according to the GAO report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NIHs actions to carry out these executive directives, coupled with publicly available data showing a decline in NIHs obligations and expenditures, establishes that the NIH intended to withhold budget authority from obligation and expenditure without regard to the process provided by the Impoundment Control Act, the report reads. In the report, the GAO notes the HHS issued notices lifting the pause related to Federal Register notices and is aware of the White House directing NIH officials in July to pause grants, research contracts, and training, which have since been reversed. But the agency could still not confirm that more money toward grant appropriations has returned. The GAOs report findings are not legally binding in any way but have the power to influence Congressional opinion. A federal court ruled in June that the grant cancellations were illegal. Some Democratic lawmakers have called for the White House to stop pausing the flow of money to NIH medical research, which could halt future medical advances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is critical President Trump reverse course, stop decimating the NIH, and get every last bit of this funding out, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash) said in a statement. Murray serves as vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The longer this goes on, the more clinical trials that will be cut short, labs that will shutter, and lifesaving research that will never see the light of day. A spokesperson for the White House and NIH could not be immediately reached for comment. A spokesperson for the HHS sent its response to the GAO report to The Hill, noting that the submissions pause to the Federal Register has been lifted and peer-review scheduling has resumed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 New Jersey man who was renting a basement apartment was fatally shot by his landlord Sunday while trying to break into the unit with a harpoon. Amir Ali, 33, was shot while trying to force his way inside the home in Lodi around 11 p.m., according to the Bergen County prosecutors office. Ali reportedly tried to use a handheld harpoon while trying to access the apartment through the houses front door before trying to break a window and smash his way inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 62-year-old homeowner confronted the victim believing he was a home invader before shooting three times. He told ABC New York he only realized afterward it was Ali, who had recently begun renting the apartment without any issues. He said the suspect didnt speak during the incident. Authorities found Ali unconscious at the scene and rushed him to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The homeowner, who was not identified, has not been charged; an investigation is ongoing. I really didnt want to have to do this, the homeowner told ABC. FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. (PIX11) A New Jersey State Trooper is identified as a suspect in the killings of two people at a home in Hunterdon County, before turning the gun on himself, according to New Jersey officials. 33-year-old Lauren Semanchik and 29-year-old Tyler Webb were identified as the victims. More Local News Neighbors told PIX11 News they heard gunshots coming from a home on Upper Kingtown Road in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township Friday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were outside, so we clearly heard shots, said the neighbor, and then we heard the screams. Police responded Friday night but did not find anything. The next day, a 911 call was made just after noon after someone discovered the bodies. After the first two or three shots, then we started hearing the screaming, said another neighbor, and then that was followed by two or three more shots and silence. Police say Semanchik and the State Trooper, identified as Ricardo Santos, who was a Sergeant First Class, were dating and had broken up last year, and that she was now dating Webb. After their breakup, Semanchik had also alleged that Santos engaged in continued harassment and controlled behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State A video surveillance recording system in Semanchiks vehicle showed a white 2008 Mercedes SUV following her closely as she left work on Friday. While the vehicle eventually stopped following as Semanchik turned into her driveway, an individual was seen stealthily walking through the wooded area along the driveway shortly after, officials say. Police say Santos was found dead in the same vehicle in Johnson Park in Piscataway later that evening. Police say a semiautomatic handgun was also found in the vehicle. In a Facebook post, Semanchiks animal hospital, where she served as a veterinarian, said she will be remembered as one of the kindest souls you could encounter, and a friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Webb served in the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company in Ocean County. His sister told PIX11 News he was proud to serve his community, and his family is heartbroken. His best friend, Tim Hull, told PIX11 News in a statement, in part, I hope he is remembered not only for how he left us, but for how fiercely and generously he lived. Fundraisers have been established to support the families of Semanchik and Webb. Investigations are ongoing. The Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant David Petelle or Detective Quayshaun Brooks at (908) 788-1129 or the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers support, information, and local resources. You can also click here for additional hotlines in your area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Dr. Violette Cloud, Behavioral Health Services Division Director Nick Boukas, Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo and Administrative Office of the Courts Director Karl Reifsteck question state officials during a Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act Executive Committee meeting in Santa Fe on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo by Austin Fisher) The panel in charge of New Mexicos mental health reforms on Tuesday approved the initial steps toward creating a locally driven system for treating mental health diagnoses. New Mexico this year enacted Senate Bill 3, which is meant to rebuild the states systems for treating mental health diagnoses by allowing local communities to identify the resources they need. The new law created the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act Executive Committee, and made it responsible for implementing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five-member committee in June adopted 13 behavioral health regions, in which counties, municipalities, Native American nations and community health organizations are expected to work together. On Tuesday, the committee unanimously voted to endorse a project timeline for the regions created by Behavioral Health Integration and Reform Administrator Esperanza Lucero. She told them the overarching goals include strengthening capacity for mental health treatment and finding solutions that will be sustainable in the long-run. We want this to be the last reform that New Mexico goes through, Lucero said. Next week, the AOC expects to open up applications for county managers in each region to designate one entity either a government or a nongovernmental organization responsible for identifying gaps between which mental health services exist and what their communities need, Lucero told the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each region will then hold a workshop at which they will vote on up to five local priorities, which will inform an application to the committee for grant funding, Lucero said. Some regions may have similar priorities, she said, but the way they address them will be unique. Those solutions may include, for example, medication assisted treatment for substance use disorder; newly built community mental health centers; or psychosocial rehabilitation services. Those are some of the most needed mental health services in New Mexico, according to initial findings from a third-party study conducted by Public Consulting Group presented to the committee by HCA Director of Behavioral Health Transformation and Innovation Kristie Brooks. Lucero said she hopes some regions will hold workshops and ask for grants by the end of this year, and the rest will apply in 2026. The grants will come out of a specific pot of money totaling approximately $209 million approved by lawmakers in the state governments annual budget in the most recent session, according to a breakdown presented to the committee by Legislative Finance Committee Principal Analyst Ruby Ann Esquibel. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PONTOTOC While getting older is something everyone faces, its not always a picnic in the park. Although depression and anxiety can become a part of every stage of life, it should not be considered a normal part of the aging process. Some common issues older people face include anxiety, hopelessness, sleeping difficulty, appetite changes, grieving loss of independence, loss of loved ones, loneliness and coming to terms with never being able to do some things anymore. Many feel isolated. Some seniors are on the verge of giving up, said Liz Williams, director of Senior Outpatient Counseling Program at NMMC-Pontotoc. Some are angry. We are here to offer help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The counseling program offers assistance to older adults who are facing emotional and/or mental health issues. Often the families of older adults might benefit from the help offered by the program. Medicare and most supplemental insurance policies are accepted. We expect all to just deal with aging, Williams said. Yes, its a part of life, but telling seniors to, Just deal with it; suck it up, Buttercup, does not work. Once we get seniors here, for most it becomes a safe place for them to open up. Referrals to Senior Outpatient Counseling may come from anyone, from a physician, a friend or family member or the patient himself/herself. Once that is done, someone from the program usually visits the older adult at home to introduce them to the program. After hearing about the counseling program, many will show up for in-person programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Program participants have an opportunity to gather in a group therapy setting as many as three times a week. Cultivating new social connections can alleviate loneliness and offer opportunities for conversation with people who are dealing with common concerns. A licensed therapist is on hand to shepherd the group. Many are scared to death at the thought of coming to the clinic for this program, Williams said. But, typically, if we go to them for the initial meeting in their own environment, most will then come in and see the clinic, what it looks like. That usually decreases their anxiety. If we get them here, they usually come back." For those who might need a lift to and from the clinic, no worries; transportation is available, and participants come from Oxford, New Albany, Houston and Tupelo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides group therapy, another program goal is to cultivate gratitude to help navigate the challenges of aging. One thing we try to do is journaling, Williams said. I encourage them to put their thoughts on paper throughout the day or keep a notebook by their bed and write down things for which they are grateful a good nights sleep, waking up another day. After seniors have taken part in the program for a while, certain changes become obvious to staff members. We see the life come back into them, Williams said. They feel more themselves, they laugh and joke. Its a great thing to see." Even before the conflict, Tehran estimated it needed more than $500 billion in foreign investment just to modernize outdated roads, grids, and ports, but now, resources would go to rebuilding. The cost of rebuilding Iran after the brief but devastating 12-day war against Israel may exceed half a trillion dollars, with an economy strained by sanctions, capital flight, and investor jitters, Middle East scholar and Lt.-Col. (res.) Dr. Moshe Elad told Maariv on Tuesday. Elad warned that Tehran must now divert scarce resources from social services and long-promised infrastructure upgrades to basic reconstruction, while trying to calm domestic unrest and reassure skittish partners abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Direct war damage alone runs to tens of billions - mostly energy and infrastructure, Elad told Maariv. Israeli missile strikes and cyberattacks, he says, destroyed or crippled at least 120 residential towers, power stations, and key nuclear-enrichment facilities. Internet blackouts in the run-up to the ceasefire carried an extra price tag of roughly half a billion dollars. Even before the conflict, Tehran estimated it needed more than $500 billion in foreign investment just to modernize outdated roads, grids, and ports. Now a large share of resources will go to rebuilding the wreckage, Elad noted, forcing the government to shelve or pare back major development plans that were meant to placate a weary public. Iran entered the war demanding the release of about $70 billion in overseas assets and courting huge energy deals with India, China, and Russia. Those aspirations are now on hold. Sanctions have tightened, investors fear fresh volatility, and even long-time buyers such as China are sending cautious signals. Elad argues that instead of the hoped-for relief, Tehran now faces a worsening economic crisis marked by capital flight and a credit squeeze. THE AFTERMATH of an Israeli strike on a building in Tehran, June 2025. (credit: WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY/REUTERS) Mounting pressure at home from economic pains Economic pain is feeding social unrest. Prices for basic goods have surged, and unemployment in hard-hit provinces is climbing. The regime has responded with mass arrests and expedited executions aimed at deterring dissent. Thousands have been detained, and the little popularity the regime had is gone, Elad added, warning that flashpoints like Ahvaz, Tabriz, and Mashhad could ignite larger protests if reconstruction stalls or bread-and-butter subsidies shrink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To coordinate the recovery, President Masoud Pezeshkian has convened a new Supreme National Security Council that includes senior defense, intelligence, and legal officials. Their immediate tasks: to restore power to industrial hubs, reopen damaged highways, and reassure foreign insurers that shipping lanes and pipelines are safe. Yet without hard currency, progress will be slow. Even if sanctions eased tomorrow, a Tehran-based economist tells Maariv, it would take years to line up the financing, labor, and materials for a project list this long. The economic shortfall hampers Irans ability to rebuild its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) missile sites and restart advanced centrifuge production - the same programs that once gave it leverage in nuclear talks. Israeli strikes killed at least 11 senior scientists and 20 IRGC commanders, hollowing out technical expertise and leadership. Elad believes Tehran will now struggle to grow replacements quickly, further delaying any bid to return to full-scale enrichment or regional power projection. Moscow has condemned the strikes but offered no aid; Beijing remains Irans biggest oil customer but is unwilling to bankroll reconstruction. In Europe, Tehrans reliance on cyber-proxy groups and criminal networks has deepened its pariah status. Instead of deterring its rivals, Iran is the one deterred and isolated, Elad concluded. If the regime cannot show visible progress within the next six to twelve months, analysts say, economic grievances could merge with political anger over succession planning for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, now 86. How twenty years of buildup collapsed in twelve days of fighting, Elad quipped, may soon describe not just Irans military assets but its economic hopes as well. Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein who after his death was convicted of sex trafficking girls and young women as his accomplice, is opposing the governments requests to unseal the grand jury transcripts in her criminal case. The Trump administration has been firefighting the fallout from the so-called Epstein Files since the DOJ released a memo last month that contained little new information and concluded no further investigation was warranted into the late sex offenders alleged sex trafficking scheme. Since the uproar, which has included Republican lawmakers and many from his MAGA base, President Donald Trump asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to make public any and all pertinent grand jury transcripts in the Epstein and Maxwell criminal cases. Experts say these documents only account for a small fraction of the files related to the investigations. The grand jury transcripts are sealed, and Maxwells attorneys say she wants to keep them that way as she continues to make appeals to the Trump administration to toss or lessen her prison sentence. The 63-year-old is serving 20 years after being convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and other counts for her role in the scheme to sexually exploit and abuse teenage girls and young women with Epstein. Her attorneys have taken an appeal of her conviction to the Supreme Court. Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not, Maxwells attorneys wrote in a Tuesday filing. The public interest in the Epstein case cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable, and her due process rights remain. Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, is opposing the governments requests to unseal the grand jury transcripts in her criminal case. (US District Court for the Southern District of New York) The Supreme Court will consider whether to take up her appeal in September. If the judge allowed the transcripts to be unsealed before then, her lawyers argued, the documents could impact any future litigation. Releasing the raw transcripts would inevitably influence any future legal proceeding and cause severe and irrevocable reputational harm, her attorneys said. Maxwell has never been allowed to review the documents. Her lawyers asked the court to deny the governments motion to unseal the transcripts. The judges overseeing the cases previously asked the government to address legal questions before they can consider releasing them. On Monday, the DOJ gave the judges annotated versions of the transcripts, identifying what information is not publicly available. However in an attached memo, Bondi admitted that much of the information in the transcripts is already in the public domain. The enclosed, annotated transcripts show that much of the information provided during the course of the grand jury testimonywith the exception of the identities of certain victims and witnesseswas made publicly available at trial or has otherwise been publicly reported through the public statements of victims and witnesses, Bondi wrote. The attorney general also noted that the government has provided notice about its requests to unseal transcripts to all but one of the victims referenced in the documents. The Government still has been unable to contact that remaining victim, she wrote. After meeting with the DOJ last week, Maxwell was moved from a federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida to the Federal Prison Camp Bryan in southeast Texas. The Florida prison was classified as a minimum security prison, where she was detained in an honor dorm for the best-behaved inmates, and activities included yoga and pilates. The Texas prison mainly houses those convicted of white-collar crimes and minor offenses and boasts a sports field, gym, arts and crafts activities, and a theater program. Earlier this week, two of Epsteins victims criticized the Trump administrations handling of the case. The victims remained anonymous and filed their letters in the New York case related to the late pedophile. The latest attention on the Epstein Files, the Client List is OUT OF CONTROL and the ones that are left to suffer are not the high-profile individuals, IT IS THE VICTIMS. Why the lack of concern in handling such sensitive information for the victims sake? one wrote in a Monday filing. Another wrote: Dear United States, I wish you would have handled and would handle the whole Epstein Files with more respect towards and for the victims. I am not some pawn in your political warfare. President Donald Trump asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to make public any and all pertinent grand jury transcripts in the Epstein and Maxwell criminal cases. (NBC News) Furor has mounted over the administrations handling of the case since the Justice Department released its July 6 Epstein memo. In it, the DOJ confirmed that Epstein died by suicide and said there was no evidence to support the existence of a client list of high-profile individuals involved in his alleged sex trafficking. The memo put to an end months-long anticipation for new Epstein information. In February, Bondi had released Phase 1 of the files, a tranche of documents that included mostly publicly available information. She also suggested that the client listwas sitting on her desk. Parts of Trumps MAGA base and prominent lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for heightened transparency around the Epstein files. Those calls grew louder after the Wall Street Journal published a report last month claiming that the president drew a sexually suggestive 50th birthday card for Epstein in 2003. Trump has vehemently denied making the card and sued the Journal in a $10 billion defamation case. The Wall Street Journal also reported that DOJ officials told the president in May that his name, among many others, had appeared in the Epstein Files. Being named in the files does not suggest any wrongdoing. The presidents name was reportedly redacted from documents as the administration prepared for their potential public release, Bloomberg reported last week. The Trump administration has declared itself the most transparent in history. MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Milford fire officials say no one was injured after a home caught fire early Tuesday morning. It was around 2 a.m. fire crews were dispatched to the 60 block of Alden Place for report of a fire in the stairwell of a wood frame, Cape Cod-style home. Kayaker rescued offshore near Walnut Beach in Milford At the scene, they reported heavy fire coming from a second-floor window and learned the homeowner and one dog had already safely evacuated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Red was notified. Fire officials said the fire is under investigation by the Milford Fire Departments Fire Marshal Division. No injuries reported after fire breaks out in Milford home on Aug. 5, 2025. No injuries reported after fire breaks out in Milford home on Aug. 5, 2025. No injuries reported after fire breaks out in Milford home on Aug. 5, 2025. No injuries reported after fire breaks out in Milford home on Aug. 5, 2025. No injuries reported after fire breaks out in Milford home on Aug. 5, 2025. No injuries reported after fire breaks out in Milford home on Aug. 5, 2025. No injuries reported after fire breaks out in Milford home on Aug. 5, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. ODESSA, Texas(KMID/KPEJ)- The annoying little blood sucking insects, can be found everywhere. The Mosquitoes in Midland have been found carrying the deadly West Nile virus. But experts are assuring the public that they shouldnt be worried. Erin Faulk, owner of Mosquito Shield said that standing water is what attracts mosquitoes the most. The life cycle of mosquitoes can be as long as a little teaspoonful of water can start about 200 eggs to be in the process of the life cycle. So, getting rid of standing water is the biggest thing, Faulk said. Then trying to clean up your tall, overgrown weeds. Weve had a ton of rain, and so alleys and dumpsters. The city of Odessa is also taking some measures by spraying when it gets bad. They go out at dawn and dust, when mosquitoes are the most active. But here in Odessa, you always dont worry about it until its time to worry about it, when it comes to West Texas, because its rare that we get rain, Jathan Escontrias, operation manager for solid waste department said. This year, weve had quite a bit of rain. So now weve gotten the responses from the public about mosquitoes here, mosquitoes there, and its concerning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escontrias said that people should take precautions for themselves as well, and not only rely on the citys spraying. You want to wear those loose clothes, and then you want to wear the most common stuff that they sell in stores, Escontrias said. Anything that contains DEET is going to help you out. It is always best to put on some kind of protective spray and use citronella candles when outside because those little buzzing insects love CO2. Putting on personal protective spray, treating your own property is always a great idea as well. When we treat for people, we tell people at least a 90% reduction in mosquitoes, so thats great, Faulk said. However, when youre concerned about something like West Nile potentially causing a problem, then I always recommend still maybe treating yourself. Faulk said you should wear light colored clothing covering as much skin as possible. Also, if you want to get your house sprayed you can contact Mosquito Shield at (432)296-1166. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KXAN put together a day-by-day breakdown of what we witnessed as we reported from Travis County in the aftermath of these floods. You can find that breakdown below. AUSTIN (KXAN) After Travis County Judge Andy Brown was questioned by state lawmakers over the countys initial response to devastating Independence Day weekend floods, the county is releasing more information about the overall search and rescue effort. Travis County Judge Andy Brown questioned by lawmakers over flood response Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday, Travis County released a Texas Task Force Urban Search and Rescue report. Those search and rescue crews responded to the floods alongside local resources (locally, firefighters from emergency service districts across Travis County, the sheriffs office and Austin Fire were among those responding). According to that report, the timeline in which the state task force was deployed to and utilized in Travis County was as follows: July 4: Texas Task Force 2 deploys to Llano July 5: State teams helped Travis County with hasty search, damage observations July 8: Task force established a base of operations and began coordinated search ops Those teams say they found numerous vehicles, debris piles and one set of human remains. Over the next days, the search and rescue crews reported 66 critical interactions meaning they rescued/located someone or found human remains, according to the report. They also made 426 damage observations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report said more than 270 people were assigned to Travis County Division Zulu, which is the team assigned to Travis County to assist with the flood recovery and search effort. Some of those crews came from outside of Texas including crews from Florida, Illinois, Alabama and California. Last known missing person from Burnet County is Marble Falls area volunteer fire chief, sheriff says The report says all missing persons from the Sandy Creek area have been located, which means the Big Sandy Creek search is complete. Crews are still searching Cow Creek in an attempt to locate the Marble Falls Fire Chief. According to the report, crews have found several items related to that search including equipment, a vehicle and vehicle parts, medical equipment, a department-issued T-shirt and a helmet along a 9-mile stretch. Nobody came: Concerns from volunteers, residents One of the central concerns from public speakers at Thursdays Texas Legislatures joint Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding was that residents didnt see search and rescue crews. Travis County Fire Rescue in Leander on July 6, 2025 (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) Nobody came. No emergency services came to them in the hours after the flood waters receded, their 911 calls went unanswered, said Melanie Strong, a woman who volunteered in Sandy Creek, during her testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Brown was questioned about that later, he said the county could have better communicated directly with the residents of the impacted areas so they would know exactly what Travis County and state responders were doing. But he also said Travis County had every available resource working search and rescue in the first few days after the floods. No question that we had every resource possible there from Travis County, from TDEM, on those first two days, those were the days where they were they were doing search and rescue, Brown said during the hearing. A timeline from KXANs reporting KXAN reporter Grace Reader first touched base with Judge Brown around 9 a.m. the morning of July 5. At that point, rain was still impacting significant portions of Travis County and water was still high in impacted waterways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown confirmed that he was being briefed by responding agencies, though he was not yet at the emergency operations center. At 10:22 a.m. on July 5, Brown spoke with Reader on the phone for roughly six minutes about what his teams were telling him and answering questions KXAN had about impacted areas. Brown told Reader he was also working on a disaster declaration, which came out that afternoon. KXAN arrived at the emergency operations center in Lago Vista before noon on July 5. There we spoke to Lago Vista City Council Member Shane Saum and Fire Chief Donnie Norman, who runs ESD 1. Emergency operations center in Lago Vista during the flooding event July 5 (KXAN photo/Eric Henrickson) Norman told Reader that starting around 1 a.m. on July 5, the county received its first water rescue call to 911. Then low water crossings started to become impassable and the calls started to pick up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It started a whole sequence of events with rescues. To this point, at 11 a.m., as Im giving this interview, weve been through dozens of active rescues, Norman told KXAN on July 5. At that point, two people were confirmed dead and roughly a dozen people were reported missing. This is an all county response between Travis and Williamson County, not just exclusive to ESD 1, Norman said. We have resources that are here from Travis County ESD 11, Travis County ESD 6, Austin Fire Department, Austin-Travis County EMS, Travis County Office of Emergency ManagementIm probably going to leave some people out but its an all hazard, all hands on deck response, Norman said during that July 5 midday interview. That day Reader also spoke to a man who helped rescue a family from rising floodwaters. We also spoke to the family who was saved. Both said that despite calling 911, help didnt come fast enough and those impacted had to take matters into their own hands. Travis County Fire Rescue in Leander on July 6, 2025 (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) I had called 911 and they sent me to fire dispatchBy the rate it was going I kind of got frustrated in the moment and I said, well send help or not, I gotta get to work,' Matthew Crowder, the man who saved a family near Jonestown, said. He estimated water started to rise to a dangerous level along the creek near Jonestown at roughly 4:30-5 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reader spoke with firefighters who had been working since the first calls came in around 1 a.m. July 5, including Lt. Jared Truair, with Travis County Fire and Rescue ESD 1. He gave some insight into the challenging dynamics firefighters were facing trying to reach all the people who needed help. Truair described the first call he was sent to where he ended up being trapped by flood waters himself, before finally being able to cross and make his way back toward his coverage area to continue taking calls. Water had already crossed the roadway behind us and so we were kind of stuck, Truair said. At that point about an hour later the water in front of us receded, we decided to proceed west towards Marble Falls to come back to try to get to our district. The next morning, Sunday, July 6, Reader met first responders, search crews and Judge Brown at the Round Mountain Baptist Church around 8 a.m. Dozens of local resources gathered for that briefing before being sent to search the Big Sandy Creek area. Fire crews search for missing people in vehicles and homes on the morning of July 6 near Big Sandy Creek (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) KXAN spoke to Brown at the church, which on July 6 had become the new meeting place for first responders and search crews. He told us then that the dozens of crews would be searching along Big Sandy Creek all the way down to Lake Travis, along with Cow Creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reader then followed those local search and rescue crews out into the Big Sandy Creek neighborhood where we watched them look through vehicles, knock on doors and sift through debris piles. In the days following the flood, KXAN received tips from residents concerned that search and rescue crews were not still in the Travis County area. On July 10, Reader drove through the impacted area to ensure search and recovery crews were indeed in Travis County, as leaders said they were. We found multiple crews from the Texas Task Force on July 10 as a result. One group was searching along the Big Sandy Creek banks downstream from the Sandy Creek neighborhood. The Texas Task Force on July 10 in the Big Sandy Creek area (KXAN photo/Grace Reader) On July 15, KXAN was there as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met with Brown, other local leaders and response teams at an operations center in Leander. At that point, several people from Travis County were still reported missing. Brown also posted photos with search and rescue crews, specifically K9 units, that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 16, Reader was with Judge Brown as he met with search and rescue crews from Alabama and then toured parts of Lake Travis on a boat from the sheriffs department. Brown broke down the search and rescue process for us during an interview that day. If youre up in the neighborhood, you would not see these teams here. But the fact is that because of the way the flood worked, a lot of the things that were in the neighborhood got washed all the way down here to the lake and so they have to search that entire area, Brown explained when we asked about concerns that search and rescue were not in Travis County. Brown said every day crews were marking where they had been and communicating with each other about what had been searched or what needed additional attention. There was a board in the emergency operations center that helped track that information and crews were also using a cell phone app. On July 17, the state task force report says all missing persons from the Big Sandy area had been accounted for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. (COLORADO SPRINGS) North Cheyenne Canon Park is asking visitors to refrain from throwing a very specific item onto the ground at the park. On Tuesday, Aug. 5, the park called against using confetti for pictures in North Cheyenne Canon Park, as it can be detrimental to the ecosystem. As fun and pretty as some think it is, it is trash and ends up in the creeks and does harm to the birds and wildlife that try to eat it, the park wrote via social media. The park added that even biodegradable confetti can take a significant amount of time to break down and cause damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone ends up having to clean it up, and that is a drain on park resources, North Cheyenne Canon Park wrote. We understand that confetti can add a festive touch to celebrations and events, however we stand by our Leave No Trace Principles and encourage all visitors to join us in a pack it in pack it out philosophy. Confetti can negatively impact our park ecosystems, be harmful to wildlife, and disrupt natural habitats. The clean-up process also takes away valuable resources and time from our maintenance teams. We strive to maintain the natural beauty and integrity of our parks and open spaces for all to enjoy and have always discouraged leaving trash behind. We ask that all visitors be respectful of the natural environment by helping us keep our open spaces clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone. City of Colorado Springs The park follows the Leave No Trace principles, which help keep trails and open spaces healthy and sustainable. Visitors are asked to always dispose of waste properly and respect 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 FOX21 News Colorado. LUCKNOW, India (AP) Flash floods swept away several homes and shops in northern India, killing at least four people and leaving many others trapped under debris, officials said Tuesday. Local television channels showed flood waters surging down a mountain and crashing into Dharali, a Himalayan mountain village in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. The flood waters inundated homes, swept away roads and destroyed a local market. About a dozen hotels have been washed away and several shops have collapsed, said Prashant Arya, an administrative officer, adding that rescuers, including the Indian army and police, were searching for the missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said rescue agencies were working on a war footing. We are doing everything possible to save lives and provide relief, he said in a statement. Indias National Disaster Management Authority said it had requested three helicopters from the federal government to assist in the rescue and relief operations as rescuers struggled to access the remote terrain. Officials have not provided a figure for those trapped or missing. Indias weather agency has forecast more heavy rains in the region in the coming days. Authorities have asked schools to remain closed in several districts, including Dehradun and Haridwar cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudden, intense downpours over small areas known as cloudbursts are increasingly common in Uttarakhand, a Himalayan region prone to flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season. Cloudbursts have the potential to wreak havoc by causing intense flooding and landslides, impacting thousands of people in the mountainous regions. Over 6,000 people died and 4,500 villages were affected when a similar cloudburst devastated Uttarakhand state in 2013. Experts say cloudbursts have increased in recent years partly due to climate change, while damage from the storms also has increased because of unplanned development in mountain regions. The flooding in northern India is the latest in a series of disasters that have battered the Himalayan mountains, which span across five countries, in the last few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flooding and landslides as a result of heavy rains and glaciers melting due to high temperatures have killed over 300 people in Pakistan, reported the countrys disaster agency. In 2024 alone, there were 167 disasters in Asia including storms, floods, heat waves and earthquakes which was the most of any continent, according to the Emergency Events Database maintained by the University of Louvain, Belgium. These led to losses of over $32 billion, the researchers found. A 2023 report by Nepal-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development found that glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates across the Hindu Kush and Himalayan Mountain ranges. The study found that at least 200 of the more than 2,000 glacial lakes in the region are at risk of overflowing, which can cause catastrophic damage downstream. ____ Associated Press writer Sibi Arasu in Bengaluru contributed to this report. Aug. 4The longtime chief of Northern Lakes Fire District has retired after more than 30 years with the department. Pat Riley, 54, said he spent his first Monday as a civilian after he started as a volunteer firefighter with Northern Lakes in 1995. "I've given it everything I have. It's time to turn it over," Riley said. Riley was one of scores of emergency personnel who responded June 29 to the shooting on Canfield Mountain that killed two firefighters and left a third paralyzed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The shooting didn't have a direct impact on my decision," Riley said. "But it also motivated me to move. I have been contemplating this for some time." Riley has served as chief for more than nine years after having started at the department as a full-time firefighter in 1997. Kevin Croffoot has been named interim chief. "This is the first and only department I ever worked for," Riley said. Riley's retirement follows the announced departure of Chris Way, who for about five years was the chief of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. According to a news release, Way has accepted a new job in South Carolina. Alec Luhn went missing on July 31 in Norway. Officials are searching for a 38-year-old Wisconsin journalist, last seen by his wife as he set off alone on a hike in a national park in Norway. Alec Luhn was last seen the afternoon of July 31 as he was headed from Odda, Norway, on a solo backpacking trip to explore the glacier at Folgefonna National Park in southwestern Norway, according to Facebook post from his wife, Veronika Silchenko. Stormy conditions have made the search efforts more treacherous, according to an X post from the Norweigan Red Cross. Sket etter savnet mann ved Folgefonna fortsetter under krevende forhold. Frivillige fra Rde Kors @Hjelpekorps startet sk sammen med Norske Redningshunder i natt. Sket fortsetter i dag sa lenge vrforholdene tillater det. Foto: Rde Kors pic.twitter.com/erTI35fVSt Norges Rde Kors (@rodekorsnorge) August 5, 2025 Luhn is from Stoughton in Dane County, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated from in 2010. He's an award-winning international freelance reporter, mainly covering the environment since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Silchenko and Luhn's Milwaukee-based parents couldn't immediately be reached for comment on Aug. 5. Silchenko told the New York Times that the couple were visiting family in Norway. On July 31, she left to go home to London and Luhn went on his hike. She described her husband as an experienced hiker and it wasn't unusual for him to go on hikes alone. She didn't expect to hear from him because of the spotty phone service in park, the report said. When Luhn missed his return flight home on Aug. 5 she alerted authorities, Silchenko said. I just really want him back, she said. I cant sleep or eat properly. Its very hard not to know anything. Luhn often travels for work. He's reported from a glacier in Alaska, oilfields in Texas, a drought in Somalia and a research ship on the North Sea. He was a foreign correspondent in Russia for the Guardian, Telegraph and VICE News. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, he became a full-time climate and science journalist, which was a longtime interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In spring 2025, Luhn was a science journalist in residence at the UW School of Journalism and Mass Communication and has plans to work on a project at the university in 2026, according to Kathleen Culver, director of the journalism school. Luhn was on campus for a week in April and does remote work from the U.K., Culver said, adding she's known Luhn since he was a student on campus. "I'm really worried," Culver said. "He was heading out back to the U.K. and he said, 'I knew I would love working with students, but I didn't know I would love it this much.'" Luhn wants to do more mentoring of students next year and Culver is working on him returning to a role at the school, she said. "I am very much looking forward to this being a survival story," Culver said. "And him having lots of things to tell students as he mentors them." This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Norweigan officials search for Wisconsin journalist Alec Luhn On its surface, American Eagles ad campaign starring actress Sydney Sweeney repeats a play on words used by other denim brands touting their good jeans. But the ad goes beyond the clothing by directly linking a White woman the blonde-haired, blue-eyed Sweeney to having great genes while seemingly wearing a pair of great jeans. Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue, Sweeney says, as the camera pans up her body. The video ends with a voiceover proclaiming, Sydney Sweeney has great jeans. The ad is a reference to a famous 1980 Calvin Klein commercial featuring then 15-year-old Brooke Shields. While the original is controversial on its own, one difference is the absence of the language great jeans, or commentary on Shields physical appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweeneys recreation quickly drew backlash, becoming the latest fault line reflecting the countrys deeper political divisions. Critics of the American Eagle ad have said their anger is about more than one advertisement: Its about the choice to release this ad in the current political climate, as well as the long history of white supremacist messaging in media and politics. President Donald Trumps war on diversity halted efforts to discuss the history of people of color, LGBTQ+ people and women, and the systemic inequities that affect them. The White House has criminalized Brown and Black immigrants as the administration ramps up detentions and deportations. These actions have parallels to the early 1900s in the United States, when laws limiting immigration came in tandem with the rising eugenics movement. Conservative media and public officials have dismissed the comparisons between the American Eagle ad and eugenics as liberal outrage and have issued supportive statements. On Monday Trump entered the chat to praise Sweeney on his social media platform Truth Social after a journalist notified him that Sweeney is a registered Republican, according to reporting from BuzzFeed. Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there, Trump wrote. Its for American Eagle, and the jeans are flying off the shelves. Go get em Sydney! The president then went on to criticize Jaguar for what he described as a seriously WOKE advertisement from eight months ago that features a group of Black, Asian and White models in colorful, futuristic clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days before, American Eagle posted on Instagram that the ad is and always was about the jeans and stated that the company will celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone. The concept of eugenics is a pseudoscience first coined by a British statistician in 1883. It became a global movement in the 1900s, centering on the idea that some groups of people have good genes and others have bad genes and are therefore unfit members of society. American eugenicist Madison Grant authored the influential 1916 book The Passing of the Great Race, which described Nordic features, including pale skin, light hair and blue eyes, as an indicator of purity and other combinations as disharmonic. Throughout his book, Grant noted that women were key to maintaining genetic purity. The view that the Negro slave was an unfortunate cousin of the white man, deeply tanned by the tropic sun, and denied the blessings of Christianity and civilization, played no small part with the sentimentalists of the Civil War period, Grant wrote. It has taken us 50 years to learn that speaking English, wearing good clothes, and going to church and school, does not transform a Negro into a white man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to historians, Adolf Hitler referenced the work in anti-Semitic writings that became the basis for his Nazi regime that killed more than six million Jewish people and an estimated five million non-Jewish people during the Holocaust from 1933 to 1945. Mothers and infants gather on the stoop of the Cathedral of St. Paul, Minnesota during a Better Babies Contest in the 1920s. (Minnesota Historical Society/CORBIS/Getty Images) Throughout the rise of the American eugenics movement, White women were an integral part of the propaganda, both as symbols of genetic purity referenced by men and as organizers actively working to spread eugenics teachings. American teacher Mary de Garmo is cited as the creator of better babies contests at the Louisiana State Fair in 1908. Judges evaluated babies and young children on their lineage and perceived flaws seemingly as a way to promote wellness in children. Years later, Mary T. Watts and Florence B. Sherbon developed spinoff events called Fitter Family contests. Competitors submitted records of their family traits and a team of medical doctors conducted physical and mental evaluations to determine a grade of eugenic health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A column written in Popular Science magazine by U.S. Senator Arthur Capper of Kansas in 1923 commended the competitions as a useful tool to encourage people to be more selective about the partners they choose to have children with. Men and women marry with little scientific thought as to their physical and mental fitness for bearing and rearing children, Capper stated. When the children come they too often are brought up in the same haphazard fashion in which their parents chose each other. Is it any wonder that the number of mentally and physically unfit increases? Fear of disability or neurodivergence significantly shaped laws and policies. In the early 1900s, dozens of U.S. states passed laws that legalized the forced sterilization of those deemed unfit to procreate. These procedures largely affected poor women, women of color, LGBTQ+ people and those with physical or developmental disabilities. California became the third state to enact a sterilization law and it accounted for the largest share more than 20,000 of sterilization procedures in the United States between 1909 and 1979. In 1927, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 8-1 to uphold the constitutionality of states right to forcibly sterilize tens of thousands of people around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eugenics movement also stoked growing xenophobia at the time, leading to the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and the Immigration Act of 1924, establishing nation-based quotas that limited migrant entry from Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, including Jewish people seeking to flee the Holocaust. Today, critics of the Trump administration have drawn a throughline between the current political landscape and this dark history. Disability rights activists have sounded the alarm on rhetoric from officials they say echoes these eugenics. The secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for example, has without evidence stated that autism destroys families and childrens lives. The administrations immigration policies have also faced wide criticism. Public polling by the Pew Research Center indicates that a larger percentage of Americans disapprove of the administrations overall approach to immigration, which includes immigration agents surveilling schools and playgrounds, and the official White House social media pages using memes and jokes alongside images of immigrants being rounded up into planes for deportation. Trump has a history of criticizing Haiti and countries in Africa as shithole countries. Last year, he stated that he would like more immigrants from nice countries like Denmark and Switzerland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eye color most commonly associated with people from those two countries is blue like Sweeneys. The post Its not just good genes. Its a dark reminder of history. appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Melissa Calhoun, a former high school teacher in Brevard County, was reprimanded and placed on probation for using a students preferred name without parental consent. Calhoun, who taught AP English, referred to a student by a nickname that did not align with the students biological gender, violating a new Florida law requiring parental permission for such actions. This was not a mistake. This was a conscious and deliberate decision to engage in gender affirmation without parental knowledge, said Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The controversy surrounding Calhouns actions arose amid Floridas new legislation mandating that teachers use only a students legal name unless parental permission is granted in writing. The Brevard County School Board decided not to renew Calhouns contract, citing the potential risk to her teaching certificate. Despite attempts by the Department of Education to withdraw from a settlement, the Florida Education Practices Commission allowed Calhoun to keep her teaching certificate under probation. Charlotte Wintz, a member of the Commission, expressed discomfort with the case and questioned the laws implications. Education officials highlight that the case underscores ongoing debates surrounding parental rights and teacher responsibilities in Florida, as well as the wider implications of the states nickname law. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. [WATCH: Previous coverage in the video player above.] CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) The Cleveland Heights Police chief is speaking out after the citys mayor was critical of the department and the way officers handled situations involving his wife. Chief Chris Britton released a four-page statement Tuesday concerning the matter. On Thursday, July 31, Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren held a press conference in the council chamber at city hall, where he spoke for more than an hour, addressing an incident involving his wife, Natalie McDaniel, and which Cleveland Heights police officers responded to, the statement reads. I tried to attend this press conference, but the mayor barred me from the room, keeping me from directly hearing and responding to what he had to say. With me out of the room, he proceeded to disparage me, the Cleveland Heights police force, and our entire community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local bait shop closing; all items up for auction The chief said he watched the press conference online and felt it was necessary to address what he said were false accusations, claims, and characterizations made by the Mayor. Mayor Khalil Seren held an hour-long press conference last week to discuss the way officers handled an issue with his wife, who was accused of trespassing into a home. The mayor said his wife was looking for a contractor at the house to ask about flooring. He said she knocked on the door, and then when the door opened, she reached in to close it. He said she never walked inside the house. He said officers detained her for a couple of hours and took her cell phone as part of the investigation. WJW photo Security video from the home shows Natalie McDaniel outside of the home taking pictures of a sign in the yard that reads Vote Yes Sept. 9, RECALL SEREN. A Cleveland Heights Police report states the homeowner called police to report a woman he did not know had just walked into his home. The homeowner provided a video that shows McDaniel walking onto the front porch. The report further states that the video also shows her reaching for the front door handle from approximately 3 feet away, then disappears from the camera frame. The report adds she was out of the frame of the camera for 17 seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 911 call: Man accused of killing girlfriend during argument outside local AutoZone Since the matter involves the mayors wife, the police department asked for an outside investigation. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office is now investigating. Obtained by I-Team There are so many things wrong with what Mayor Seren had to say, that it is hard to know where to begin, the chiefs statement reads. The chief added that many of the mayors statements at the press conference are flat out false and self-serving and not in the best interests of the city, and they need to be called out as such. It should also be noted that Mayor Seren also serves as the safety director for the city. This position effectively places him in a leadership role in connection with the police department. For him to say that he has lost confidence in the police administration is astonishing, because for more than three years, he has overseen the police department, along with myself. During that time, he has never revealed any of these claimed concerns to me or to any other ranking member of the department, the chiefs statement reads. During the press conference, Mayor Seren told the press that he was concerned about a troubling pattern of behavior within the police department, and he indicates that there is something deeply wrong with this community, and a cultural problem within the division of police. I strongly disagree. The only troubling pattern of behavior I see is the behavior of Mayor Seren and his wife, which has unfortunately plagued our city with controversy for months. This latest incident with his wife is just another one to add to the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief also mentioned another recent incident involving the mayor and his wife. A hidden gem in Ohio earns national recognition For example, on December 6, 2024, in an incident that has been highly publicized, Sergeant Jason Moze was filling in as security at City Halls front desk when he experienced Ms. McDaniels erratic and explosive behavior firsthand. When Sgt. Moze was unable to answer Ms. McDaniels questions to her satisfaction, she proceeded to engage in turbulent and alarming and aggressive behavior in a public place. Instead of addressing his wifes behavior or trying to mediate the situation, Mayor Seren responded by throwing Sgt. Moze under the bus, instructing the law department to pursue felony charges against him for illegal wiretapping because his body camera was activated during the incident. Let me be clear: Sgt. Mozes use of his body camera at the time and place in question was consistent with relevant police policy and procedure. In the same situation, I would have done the same thing. He followed procedure and did nothing wrong. But in return for doing his job, he had his name publicly dragged through the mud, most notably by the mayor, the statement reads. Fast forward to April of this year, when we received a report from law department staff, after discovering that Mayor Serens laptop was left in the law departments conference room, during a time when an interview was scheduled, of an employee who had filed a human resources complaint about the mayors wifes presence and her behavior at City Hall. It appeared that the laptop was surreptitiously placed and intended to record the private investigative activity in the room. Having CHPD investigate this allegation would have been a very obvious conflict of interest, so I contacted other outside law enforcement agencies and the matter was ultimately referred to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office, where it is now being reviewed. The FOX 8 I-Team has filed requests for the police body camera video of the Dec. 6 incident, but the city has refused to release it. The I-Team filed a complaint in the Ohio Court of Claims asking for the video, and that case is still pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors response to the investigation into his wifes recent behavior reveals his true colors, the chief wrote. Instead of treating Cleveland Heights police officers like the dedicated public servants they are, Mayor Seren implied that Iand CHPD as a wholeare racially biased. There is absolutely no factual basis for any such claim. Again, it is merely an attempt to distract and deflect. The chief added that no one on the department is perfect but they strive to be. I am proud of each and every member of this department who comes to work each and every day and provides an exceptional level of service, the chief stated. I wear my badge with pride and dignity. The mayors attempt to publicly denigrate CHPD officerssome by name only reflects HIS true nature. It says nothing about the Cleveland Heights Police Department or any individual member. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Nearly 24 years after the 9/11 attacks, New York lawmakers say the health program created to care for survivors and responders is faltering and they're demanding answers. In a new letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand raised concerns about staffing shortages, frozen research grants and ongoing communication blackouts at the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides care to more than 140,000 people exposed to toxic dust at Ground Zero, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Ron Agam/Getty Images - PHOTO: New York City firefighters work at the World Trade Center after two hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers, Sept. 11, 2001, in New York. "This is unacceptable," the senators wrote. "Individuals with 9/11-related conditions should not have to rely on repeated uproars from the public and the media to obtain the care they are owed under the law and so desperately need." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senators pointed to a pattern of administrative setbacks over the past six months, including a hiring freeze, restrictions on staff travel, and the halting of key steering committee meetings. While some staff have been reinstated, they noted that the program still operates with fewer people than when Secretary Kennedy took office in February. Mariam Zuhaib/AP - PHOTO: Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks during a news conference on tariffs on Capitol Hill, July 31, 2025. The WTCHP was created under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to provide long-term medical monitoring and treatment to those impacted by the attacks. Last year alone, enrollment grew by 10,000 people and at least that many more are expected to enroll in the coming year, according to Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, an advocacy group for 9/11 responders and survivors. But with only 80 staff members currently supporting the program -- down from the authorized level of 138 -- advocates say delays in care and treatment approvals are growing worse. MORE: As health program stalls and certifications stop, some critically ill 9/11 responders are left without care Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have always fought to keep the funding and maintaining of the World Trade Center Health Program a bipartisan cause, and while I continue to look for a Republican partner in the Senate, I am proud of the strong partnership I have with Representative Garbarino and his House Republican colleagues," Senator Gillibrand said in a statement to ABC News. She added, "Right now, the main issue is the care of the responders and survivors who put their lives on the line when our nation was in its darkest hour. We are seeing deep logistical issues in the program that Secretary Kennedy must address. The ball is in his court for how we can best assess next steps so that responders and survivors continue to receive the lifesaving care that this program provides and that they deserve." One critical concern the letter points to is the lack of communication. The senators say in the letter that an ongoing "temporary" communications ban, which is now in its eighth month, has disrupted routine meetings and cut off vital feedback from the 9/11 community. The senators say program staff are also barred from traveling to monitor clinics and contractors, which lawmakers warn could result in billing delays and lapses in care. Also on pause is the petition process that allows for the consideration of adding new illnesses to the list of covered 9/11-related health problems, including cardiac and autoimmune condition, according to the senator's letter. The program had promised decisions by March, but none have been announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senators also questioned how a planned reorganization, which involves moving the WTCHP under a new agency called the Administration for Healthy America, will affect staffing, research and oversight. Many 9/11 health advocates applauded the letter, agreeing it's time to get the program moving after months of inaction. MORE: 'We're all ticking time bombs': Budget cuts gut 9/11 health protections as community braces for crisis "Given Secretary Kennedy's record of chaos for the first six months of his administration and with the 24th Anniversary of 9/11 just a few weeks away, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer are calling attention to continuing issues with the World Trade Center Health Program that the Secretary must address," said Benjamin Chevat, the executive director of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Feal, a prominent 9/11 advocate and founder of the FealGood Foundation, said he is also grateful to the senators for their support of survivors. "We shouldn't keep having to have this conversation," Feal said. "Kennedy needs to be held accountable, and I hope he honors this program and protects it from future cuts." Gary Smiley, a former firefighter who is a survivor of the attacks on the World Trade Center and now the WTC fire inspector's liaison, agreed that Kennedy has not done enough for the program. "The administration has promised us time and time again that this communications pause was temporary. Eight months is not temporary. Eight months is a failure to act," Smiley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC News reached out to HHS for a response but did not receive one immediately. However, at a senate hearing in May, Kennedy acknowledged of the program that "We made a couple of mistakes," and promised to address them. "With the 24th anniversary of 9/11 approaching," the senators wrote, "we must do everything in our power to uphold our promises to those still suffering from the aftermath of that day." City Council Democrats are planning to override Mayor Adams veto of a bill that would decriminalize unlicensed street vending but theyre likely to let stand another veto he recently issued that relates to a proposal for building a Ballys casino in the Bronx, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The Council Dems staked out the split plan during a private conference meeting Monday, the sources told the Daily News, speaking on condition of anonymity. In the meeting, the sources said Council Democrats, including Speaker Adrienne Adams, agreed to try to override the mayors veto of a bill they passed recently that would make it so that unlicensed vending of food and other products is subject to civil fines, as opposed to criminal summonses, as is currently the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council Democrats and other supporters have argued its important to decriminalize such violations at a time President Trumps administration is pursuing an aggressive crackdown on undocumented immigrants in New York. Many street vendors are immigrants, and Council Dems have argued that subjecting them to criminal summonses for violations could make them easier targets of the Trump administrations deportation efforts. The mayor, who has faced accusations of being beholden to Trump since the presidents Justice Department dismissed his corruption indictment, argues it would pose a public safety risk to prevent NYPD officers from being able to write criminal summonses for some forms of unlicensed vending. It wasnt immediately clear exactly how soon the Council could vote on overriding the street vendor bill veto, but sources said its likely going to take place this month. In order to successfully override a mayoral veto, two-thirds of the Councils 51 members must support it. On the Bronx casino front, the sources said Council Democrats agreed in the meeting theres too little time and too little political willpower in the lawmaking body to override the mayors recent veto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benjamin Fang-Estrada, a spokesman for Speaker Adams (D-Queens), wouldnt discuss the internal conversations on the matter. In a statement, he said, If the mayor wants to do the casino applicants work for them and carry their water with all his conflicts of interest, thats his decision. Mayor Adams issued that veto last week, too, undoing a decision by the Council to deny Ballys, a gambling operator, a key land use permit it would need to be in contention for getting a license from the state to build a casino in the Bronxs Ferry Point Park. The mayor issued the veto because he said Ballys which two of his close political advisers have done lobbying and consulting work for deserves to stay in contention for a potential casino license as the state continues to mull which bidder to award the lucrative permit to. Had the mayor not vetoed the Councils decision, the Ballys casino bid would have been dead on the vine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Council condemned the casino veto after it happened. However, its Democratic members agreed in Mondays meeting that trying to override it would be too complicated, the sources said. Thats, in part, because the Council would have to pull off an override on the Ballys matter by early next week due to rules that set a tighter timeline for objecting to mayoral vetoes on land use matters. The sources told The News that Democratic leaders in the Council conceded in the meeting it would be difficult to get two-thirds of the lawmaking bodys members to coalesce around such a push in just a few days, especially this time of the year, when many are vacationing. Theres little appetite to go into a big fight for something where the state ultimately has the final decision-making power, one source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the Councils override plans, Zachary Nosanchuk, a spokesman for the mayor, defended both of his vetoes, saying they put New Yorkers needs first. One protects the potential for billions in private investment, good-paying jobs, and economic opportunity in the Bronx; the other protects New Yorkers safety, health and the hard work of small-business owners operating legally and in good faith, jeopardized by unlicensed vendors operating with impunity once their illegal activities are decriminalized, he said. Before this summer, the mayor had already vetoed three other Council legislative packages, including a measure placing more reporting requirements on NYPD officers. In each of those cases, the Council overrode his vetoes. NEW YORK City Council Democrats are planning to override Mayor Eric Adams veto of a bill thatd decriminalize unlicensed street vending but theyre likely to let stand another veto he recently issued that relates to a proposal for building a Ballys casino in the Bronx, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The Council Dems staked out the split plan during a private conference meeting Monday, the sources told the Daily News, speaking on condition of anonymity. In the meeting, the sources said Council Democrats, including Speaker Adrienne Adams, agreed to try to override the mayors veto of a bill they passed recently that would make it so that unlicensed vending of food and other products is subject to civil fines, as opposed to criminal summonses, as is currently the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council Democrats and other supporters have argued its important to decriminalize such violations at a time President Donald Trumps administration is pursuing an aggressive crackdown on undocumented immigrants in New York. Many street vendors are immigrants, and Council Dems have argued subjecting them to criminal summonses for violations could make them easier targets of the Trump administrations deportation efforts. The mayor, who has faced accusations of being beholden to Trump since the presidents Justice Department dismissed his corruption indictment, argues it would pose a public safety risk to prevent NYPD officers from being able to write criminal summonses for some forms of unlicensed vending. It wasnt immediately clear exactly how soon the Council could vote on overriding the street vendor bill veto, but sources said its likely going to take place later this month. In order to successfully override a mayoral veto, two thirds of the Councils 51 members must support it. Spokespeople for the mayor didnt immediately return a request for comment late Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Bronx casino front, the sources said Council Democrats agreed in the meeting theres too little time and too little political willpower in the lawmaking body to override the mayors recent veto. Benjamin Fang-Estrada, a spokesman for Speaker Adams, wouldnt discuss the internal conversations on the matter. In a statement, he said: If the mayor wants to do the casino applicants work for them and carry their water with all his conflicts of interest, thats his decision. Adams issued that veto last week, too, undoing a decision by the Council to deny Ballys, a gambling operator, a key land use permit it would need to be in contention for getting a license from the state to build a casino in the Bronxs Ferry Point Park. The mayor issued the veto because he said Ballys which two of his close political advisers have done lobbying and consulting work for deserves to stay in contention for a potential casino license as the state continues to mull which bidder to award the lucrative permit to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had the mayor not vetoed the Councils decision, the Ballys casino bid would have been dead on the vine. The Council condemned the casino veto after it happened. However, its Democratic members agreed in Mondays meeting that trying to override it would be too complicated, the sources said. Thats, in part, because the Council would have to pull off an override on the Ballys matter by early next week due to rules that set a tighter timeline for objecting to mayoral vetoes on land use matters. The sources told The News that Democratic leaders in the Council conceded in the meeting it would be difficult to get two thirds of the lawmaking bodys members to coalesce around such a push in just a few days, especially this time of the year, when many are vacationing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres little appetite to go into a big fight for something where the state ultimately has the final decision-making power, one source said. Before this summer, the mayor had already in his first term vetoed three other Council legislative packages, including a measure placing more reporting requirements on NYPD officers. In each of those cases, the Council overrode his vetoes. As blood gushed from a gaping gash on his leg, a fitness trainer and social media influencer found dead in his Harlem apartment was desperately calling his father to relay what was happening even texting him a picture of what was likely the fatal knife wound. Victim Jacob Zieben-Hood told his worried dad that the attacker his estranged, violent husband was coming at him with a knife and would not let him out of the apartment, according to prosecutors. The father even heard the husband shouting vile insults at his son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new details about the horrific death of Jacob Zieben-Hood, 34, are the highlight of court documents which also lay out the timeline of events. What they show, according to prosecutors, is that court orders and police intervention werent nearly enough to save the victim from a violent death in the Harlem home he once shared with his quick-tempered husband, a model. The victims father heard the defendants voice in the background screaming at the victim and calling him derogatory names, an assistant Manhattan district attorney said in court Sunday night. Hours later, the victim was slumped over on the floor covered in blood with gashes from his head and multiple stab wounds to the back of his leg, including a stabbing on the back of his calf that penetrated his muscle, the prosecutor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autopsy results will determine if the knife wounds that killed him were accidental, self-inflicted or the result of a homicide, officials said. Meanwhile, the victims estranged husband, Donald Zieben-Hood, 40, was held without bail following an arraignment on burglary, criminal contempt and weapon possession charges after defying an order of protection directing him to stay clear of the Harlem apartment where cops found his husband dead on a toilet after a bloody clash between the two men. According to a criminal complaint, Donald told cops that he and Jacob got into a fight Thursday evening around 7 p.m. A short time after the fight began, Jacob sent a picture of the leg wound to his father. Donald, meanwhile, didnt make the 911 call until almost nine hours later, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cops said it was Donald who called police to the W. 138th St. apartment near Frederick Douglass Blvd. at 4 a.m. Friday, telling responding officers that Jacob had attacked him. Donald did not mention any of the victims injuries, but said that he himself was gashed wide open and needed medical attention. He had three cuts to his arms that required stitches. The victim, meanwhile, was slumped over on the toilet, covered in blood, dead. Prosecutors said an order of protection had barred Donald from being in the apartment or in contact with Jacob after at least two violent attacks in the past six months. It was among Donalds first concerns when talking with authorities, police said. I have an order of protection placed against me, Donald told a dispatcher during the 911 call. Im totally getting arrested, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said they believe the leg wounds Jacob suffered cut an artery, and that the victim bled to death. Multiple knives were recovered from the apartment. The charges could be upgraded to murder, officials said. According to court records, the Thursday night into Friday morning clash wasnt the first time Jacob had been attacked. There were nine domestic violence reports documenting Donalds pattern of violence against his husband, dating as far back as 2022, prosecutors said. In March 2024, a neighbor called 911 after hearing the defendant and victim screaming. Just this year alone, Donald was arrested twice for two alleged attacks on Jacob. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald was arrested earlier this year for two assaults against his husband in the Harlem apartment one at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 26, and the other early the next day. He was accused of choking Jacob and then two hours later choking him again and hitting him in the face. Jacob almost lost consciousness in the earlier incident and suffered swelling, pain and cuts to his face in the second assault, prosecutors say. Donald was hit with a slew of charges including assault, strangulation, harassment, criminal obstruction of breathing and contempt of court in that case and was freed on $20,000 bail. At about 7:05 p.m. on June 14, Donald allegedly confronted Jacob outside their Harlem home with a knife and said, I will attack you, according to a criminal complaint. He was charged with menacing and contempt of court and released on $5,000 bail. Donald is due back in court Aug. 28 for those cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Musto, a former Village Voice writer, described Donald as a slick go-getter who once worked at a Chelsea gay bar called Splash. He basically came off nice and the opposite of obnoxious, Musto said. But that was quite a few years ago. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) For years Clinton Sensabaugh has bounced around from shelter to shelter. Hes looking forward to a new shelter planned for a currently vacant and fenced-in space at Northwest 6th and Glisan in Portland. The Oasis, as it will be called, will offer restrooms, showers, food plus access to housing and health services in what the city hopes is a safe space. I think people are gonna be out here regardless, if you have that or you dont have that, Sensabaugh told KOIN 6 News. So giving them that gives them an opportunity for something other than being on the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oasis, run by the California-based nonprofit Urban Alchemy, is one of two the city is targeting to expand days services for the homeless. The other, run by JOIN PDX at NE Halsey and 81st, will expand its existing day center. The fence surrounding a vacant lot at NW 6th and Glisan where a day shelter called The Oasis is planned, August 4, 2025 (KOIN) The fence at NW 6th and Glisan where a day shelter called The Oasis is planned, August 4, 2025 (KOIN) A homeless tent outside the fence at NW 6th and Glisan where a day shelter called The Oasis is planned, August 4, 2025 (KOIN) The citys goal is to offer more services and extended hours to better support people moving between day and night shelters. Shelters, particularly overnight shelters, have been a long-standing issue. I think when we heard there was gonna be day shelters we thought there were gonna be shelters involved in that and not a day place, I guess, said Todd Zarnitz with the Northwest District Association. And that seems to be whats happening here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pearl District residents boo Wilson over homeless shelter Last week, city leaders faced tough questions from Pearl District residents about a new overnight-only shelter at NW 15th and Northrup. Zarnitz wants the city to take a stronger stance on drug use and crime. Were gonna have to dial it in and, you know, make sure that the community is safe and that the community is successful in its totality, he said. With many neighbors concerned about what happens when overnight shelters close, city officials promise that daytime resources like The Oasis will help connect people to long-term support and housing options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Keith Wilson asked Portlanders to trust the process. Zarnitz said hes trying. I think were cautiously interested to see how this works. I think generally we just want to help people and not just fulfilling a campaign promise. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The U.S. exploration company OceanGate used "intimidation tactics" to "evade regulatory scrutiny" in the years leading up to the June 2023 Titan submersible tragedy, according to findings released by the U.S. Coast Guard Tuesday. Those conclusions are part of an over 300-page report released by officials into the incident, which killed five people onboard when the sub imploded underwater while on an expedition to see the wreckage of the Titanic. "This marine casualty and the loss of five lives was preventable," Jason Neubauer, who led the Coast Guard's investigation into the incident, said in a statement Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For several years preceding the incident, OceanGate leveraged intimidation tactics, allowances for scientific operations, and the company's favorable reputation to evade regulatory scrutiny," the Coast Guard report said. "By strategically creating and exploiting regulatory confusion and oversight challenges, OceanGate was ultimately able to operate TITAN completely outside of the established deep-sea protocols." The report outlines several key causes behind the Titan submersible's demise. That included the fact that the "design and testing processes for TITAN did not adequately address many of the fundamental engineering principles that would be crucial for ensuring safety and reliability in such an inherently hazardous environment," the report said. The report also faulted OceanGate for its continued use of the Titan sub even though the vessel had previously been damaged in "a series of incidents that likely compromised the integrity of the hull and other critical components of the submersible." On the day of the tragedy, the sub's hull "experienced a critical event that compromised the structural integrity of its pressure vessel, resulting in an instantaneous and catastrophic implosion," according to the Coast Guard's investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guard report also found that OceanGate had a "toxic" safety culture and corporate structure, and that its operational practices were "critically flawed." That included a workplace environment which "used firings of senior staff members and the looming threat of being fired to dissuade employees and contractors from expressing safety concerns." In February 2018, OceanGate's former director of marine operations filed a whistleblower complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, alleging he was dismissed because he voiced safety concerns about the "first TITAN hull's development and testing plans." In response to the complaint, OceanGate filed a lawsuit against the former employee, accusing him of violating a confidentiality agreement he had signed with the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That whistleblower complaint was not processed in a timely fashion by relevant U.S. federal agencies, according to the Coast Guard's report, and the ex-employee withdrew the complaint, citing the "emotional toll of the ensuing legal battle." "The two-year investigation has identified multiple contributing factors that led to this tragedy, providing valuable lessons learned to prevent a future occurrence," Neubauer said. Among those killed aboard the doomed vessel was Stockton Rush, co-founder of OceanGate, the Washington state company that owned the Titan. The implosion also killed veteran Titanic explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet; two members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood; and British adventurer Hamish Harding. The Coast Guard's findings pointed the finger of blame largely at Rush, who investigators said ignored warnings about the hull damage that had been identified during a previous exploration in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Rush's overconfidence influenced OceanGate's personnel, contractors, and mission specialists, creating an environment where safety concerns were ignored or underemphasized in favor of operational continuity," the Coast Guard's analysis found. Had Rush survived the tragedy, the Coast Guard said that it would have recommended the U.S. Department of Justice to consider pursuing a criminal investigation into his actions, which the report said "exhibited negligence that contributed to the deaths of four individuals." In a statement following the release of the Coast Guard report, Jane Shvets, legal counsel to OceanGate, said: "We again offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who died on June 18, 2023, and to all those impacted by the tragedy. After the tragedy occurred, the company permanently wound down operations and directed its resources fully towards cooperating with the Coast Guard's inquiry through its completion." Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm State Department puts out request for foreign nutrition aid Breaking down the crime drop reported by FBI NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Old Dominion University, alongside the city of Norfolk, will celebrate the opening of their new ODU Maritime Autonomous Systems Test Site (MASTS) Friday, Aug. 8. The MASTS is designed to serve as a testbed for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The event will take place from 9:3010:30 a.m. at the Willoughby Boat Ramp, located on 1311 Bayville Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODUs president Brian O. Hemphill is set to speak and attendees can view The Mayflower, an 18-foot research vessel and view collaborative work in autonomous maritime systems. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) Warren Mayor William Doug Franklin hosted a press conference along with law enforcement and city officials Tuesday morning to address recent violence in the city. Read next: Health inspectors return to El Cowboy for 2nd inspection The conference follows three separate shootings in the city that seriously injured three people and left at least one person dead, marking the fourth homicide in Warren for 2025. Mayor Franklin extended his sympathies to the victims and said authorities will ensure the perpetrators are held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an attack on our peace, our safety and, quite frankly, our way of life, Franklin said. The string of violence started around 9:15 p.m. Saturday on Phillips Drive SW. Then, around 2:40 a.m., another shooting was reported in the 300 block of Scott Street. Around 5:20 a.m., Convenient Food Mart in the 1400 block of Elm Road was the location for a fatal shooting. Officials announced that David Lee Owens III, 31, was the man killed. We have surveillance video from these locations where we can see multiple independent parties present during the time of violence, and our office phones arent ringing, said Eric Laprocina, the detective sergeant of the Warren Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police and city leaders have pleaded with the public to come forward with any information they might have. All tips or information given can remain anonymous. With no information from the public, that is really tying our hands with getting to the bottom and trying to stop this violence from happening, Detective Nicole Smith said, of the Warren Police Department. This is a community problem, and it requires a community solution, Franklin said. Law enforcement cannot do all of this alone. They need help from the community. This violence is an affront, Franklin said. Its an affront to everything we stand for as a community. This will not be tolerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials say they will seek to declare Convenient Food Mart a nuisance and call for its immediate closure, claiming past efforts to work with management to curb the violence that occurs there have been unsuccessful. Store employees told WKBN on Monday that they have complied with the citys requests, which include closing on weekends from 2 to 4 a.m. Prosecutors said there is clear evidence it was open and selling liquor after hours. They were open, they were operating, and they were selling liquor after hours an absolute blatant disregard for the laws, said Warren City Prosecutor Traci Timko. She said they will file the nuisance paperwork in the coming days. Dawn Cobb, Convenient Food Marts office manager, said the business is not responsible for the violence, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt a time for blame because theres no blame other than the individuals that pulled the triggers. We didnt serve alcohol. We didnt do anything to cause the effect, Cobb said. City prosecutors say they will be petitioning the Trumbull County Common Pleas court for a temporary restraining order against the store. It would allow the city to board up the business at least until a hearing is held on it. Franklin also called for the community to unite and say, Enough is enough. He also encouraged people to support youth, offering them different paths. Anyone with information is asked to come forward and report it to police, no matter how small. The investigating detectives say it is their priority No. 1 to get the perpetrators off the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your tip could be the crucial piece of the puzzle that helps us solve these crimes and bring closure to the people that are grieving, Franklin said. We will not rest until every lead is followed, every witness is interviewed, and every perpetrator is held accountable. Including especially the Elm Road convenience store, which has been a nuisance for a long time, Franklin said. For anyone who has something to share, theyre asked to contact Det. Nicole Smith at 330-841-2684. No official charges have been filed, and investigators are not yet sure if any of the shootings are related. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Officials in Dedham, England, issued an urgent plea to those visiting Dedham Vale National Landscape: Stop littering. Dedham Vale is a nature preserve off the River Stour. The area is culturally significant, as it was captured in a famed painting, "The Hay Wain," by John Constable. Dedham Vale is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning it is protected and conserved by the British government. Local authorities are required to consider the preservation of the parks when reviewing proposals for utility expansions or public access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But conservative councillor Darius Laws said the area has looked more like a music festival than a park recently. He shared a video likening the littered grass to a scene at Glastonbury, SWNS reported. Laws informed the outlet that there were overflowing trash bins, empty beer crates, and discarded vapes around the nature preserve. "This is a beautiful part of the country, and it's not OK. It makes local wildlife sick and ruins nature," Laws told SWNS. Litter is not only an eyesore for visitors enjoying the natural wonders of Dedham Vale. It also threatens the livelihoods of local wildlife that may get caught in or ingest the trash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, waste finds its way into nearby waterways, and local fishermen worry the River Stour is becoming irreparably polluted. SWNS noted that the river has already been contaminated by local sewage, livestock runoff, and industry pollution. Water pollution impacts wildlife in and around the river as well as humans who rely on it for food and income. Microplastics in the river can be ingested by fish and, consequently, the people who eat those fish presenting a number of health risks. This is just one reason the need to curb littering is urgent. "We live in a beautiful village in a beautiful part of the world," Laws said. "We're [welcoming] to visitors but they've got to be responsible." 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. Rhinoceros breeding sites sound pretty cool, don't they? Wrong not when it's invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles setting up shop on the Big Island of Hawaii. What's happening? Detection teams recently uncovered two new breeding sites for the destructive coconut rhinoceros beetle in the Kona region. That brings the total to three since the first was found in the area nearly two years ago a worrying trend for local agriculture and native plant life. These beetles, native to Southeast Asia, bore into the crowns of palm trees and feed on sap, slowly starving the trees and leaving them vulnerable to disease and collapse. A single beetle can kill several trees during its lifespan. In Hawai'i, they threaten vital crops like coconuts, bananas, pineapples, and sugarcane not to mention iconic palm trees that define the island's landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must use all our available resources and intellect," said Parwinder Grewal, the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources dean, in a statement quoted by Big Island Now. "Failure is not an option." Why is this beetle concerning? This isn't just about losing a few palm trees. When invasive beetles like these move in, they push out native insects and animals that have lived here for centuries. That throws off everything from the plants that grow to the food people rely on. In a place like Hawaii, where the environment is so connected, that kind of disruption spreads fast. In Hawai'i, where the environment is uniquely adapted and isolated, even a small disruption can spiral. Coconut rhinoceros beetle infestations can devastate agricultural economies and reduce access to native plants that local communities have depended on for generations. And when palms die off, their absence leaves open space for other invasive species to move in, compounding the damage. What's being done about the beetle? Teams are working hard to stop the spread, deploying nearly 400 traps and treating more than 1,000 trees across the island, per Big Island Now. Crews continue targeted surveillance in Kona and have stepped up community outreach to promote early detection and prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are asking residents to avoid moving mulch or green waste that could hide beetles and to report signs of infestation, such as bored holes in tree crowns or V-shaped cuts in fronds. Other conservation efforts show that collective action works. From controlling sea lamprey in the Great Lakes to protecting Hawai'i's coral reefs, community-driven interventions have made a real difference. In a place as ecologically rich as Hawaii, protecting native species isn't just about saving trees it's about safeguarding culture, food security, and the future of the islands themselves. 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. VIDEO: Tips for preventing house fires OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) Thirteen people have been displaced and an apartment complex suffered $1 million in damages following a Monday night fire near the 300 block of 32nd Street in Ogden. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Slater said fire crews responded to the fire just after 11 p.m. on Aug. 4 and found smoke and flames coming from the windows and roof of the multi-story apartment building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The apartments were quickly evacuated, and crews took a defensive approach, tackling the fire from the outside to protect surrounding buildings Once fire conditions improved, crews reentered the building to extinguish fire in hidden roof lines and knee walls, Slater said in a media release. Due to the rapid response and coordinated efforts of the crews on scene, the fire was successfully extinguished. The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation, according to Slater. The fire had consumed a large portion of the attic space of the apartment building. The Red Cross was on scene and assisted the 13 residents who were displaced by the fire. One firefighter was treated on scene for heat exhaustion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We commend the professionalism and teamwork displayed by all responding personnel, whose actions helped protect the surrounding community, said Slater. 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. Smart energy meter. (Stock photo via Getty Images) As areas across Ohio struggle with power outages and blackouts during the high heat, energy companies are seeking to increase utility bills. This comes as new testimony accuses the states utility regulating body of trying to go easy on and help energy companies. Its been a hot and expensive summer. Its gone up, I would say about a third this year, Parma resident Sean Brennan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brennan knows that his utility costs typically go up this time of year, but its what is happening behind the scenes that worries him. The utilities really have an inordinate amount of power, despite the fact that the power should really rest in the hands of the people, he said. He became a Democratic state representative, trying to help people like him frustrated by bills. This is why he is worried that FirstEnergy is petitioning the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to approve a rate hike of $190 million. If approved, the Ohio Consumers Counsel (OCC) estimated that Cleveland Illuminating Company consumers will see a $13 price increase per month, Ohio Edison will have a $3 spike, and Toledo Edison a $1.50 increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In testimony provided to the PUCO by a representative from FirstEnergy, they said that their current base distribution rates are insufficient to provide them reasonable compensation for the electric distribution. This means they claim that it takes them too much money to get power to homes. If things were done in a more transparent manner, I think theyd have a lot more credibility when they make those types of arguments, Brennan said. The PUCO is still under fire for its part in the Ohio House Bill 6 scandal, where their former chair, Sam Randazzo, was accused of being a key player in the largest bribery scheme in state history. How we got here Back in 2019, former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder took a $61 million bribe in exchange for legislation to give utility company FirstEnergy a $1 billion bailout at ratepayers expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2023, a jury found Householder and former GOP leader Matt Borges guilty of felony racketeering. Neil Clark, a lobbyist accused in the racketeering scheme, died by suicide after pleading not guilty in 2021. Householder was sentenced to 20 years in prison while Borges got five. Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, former FirstEnergy Senior Vice President Michael Dowling, and Randazzo were all hit with state bribery charges. Each pleaded not guilty during their joint arraignment in mid-February 2024. In April 2024, Randazzo became the second defendant to die by suicide. New details At the end of June, a legal transcript from the OCCs cross-examined an auditor who admitted that PUCO staff asked him to delete information and recommendations that would have helped protect consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OCC said that PUCO, under Randazzo, was encouraging auditors to go easy on utility companies and to let them review drafts of the audits before publishing. No one was available to defend the PUCO or FirstEnergy, but the utility giant did give us a statement, saying they could not comment on whether they had been working with the PUCO for better audits. We are unable to comment on the PUCO hearings or matters related to HB6 given the ongoing litigation, FirstEnergy spokesperson Hannah Catlett said. She added that the price hike request included other provisions. Separately, the rate review request FirstEnergy filed with the PUCO aims to recover costs of providing distribution service to customers, including significant service reliability improvements made in recent years, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utility company AEP, which also benefited from the corrupt legislation, dove further into why prices increased. This summer, the generation portion of bills increased 27% for customers on our standard service plan because of the imbalance between supply and demand. While the generation supply charge shows up on customers AEP Ohio bills, it is not an AEP Ohio charge and we make no profit off of it. We pass the charge through, dollar for dollar with no markup, from the generation suppliers to the customers, an AEP spokesperson said. The PUCO never responded to our request for comment. Householders attorney Scott Pullins previously told us that there is a reason costs go up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our electric grid needs to be modernized, and Im assuming that those are where those costs are going, Pullins said. Brennan said this is unacceptable, as FirstEnergy and other companies continue to have outages and blackouts in the 90-degree heat. A lot of folks out there feel that theyre powerless, pun intended, Brennan said. The PUCO will continue to evaluate the increase request. Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook. This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Ohio Republican U.S. Sens. Jon Husted, left, and Bernie Moreno, right. (Official photos.) Ohio Republican U.S. Sens. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted both swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States and bear true faith and allegiance to the same before taking their seats. But their promised loyalty to the rule of law was quickly supplanted by unyielding loyalty to a twice-impeached felon with a vindictive streak. It appears their unwavering commitment to bear faith and allegiance is first and foremost to Donald Trump. Obeyance without question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They support and defend whatever he wants legislatively, regardless of consequences. Moreno and Husted both approved massive Trump tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, businesses, and large corporations that will balloon our national debt by trillions while leaving behind or raising costs for millions of working families in Ohio and across America. They voted for the big beautiful bill that overwhelmingly favors the richest 10% in the country while savagely gutting programs everyday families depend on from health care and food assistance to public safety programs. The Ohio Republicans will doge and weave about the severe ramifications of the wildly unpopular bill they enacted but rave over the no taxes on tips temporary program that will, in fact, result in little to no benefits for many workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohios GOP senators decided early on to singularly appease Donald Trump (and give lip service to constituents?) in straight party line votes on his flagship legislation (even if it cruelly defunds programs for Ohioans trying to make ends meet) and on whomever he nominates, regardless of quality or controversy. For a minute last week, it seemed their slavish devotion would keep them in sweltering D.C. during the entire August recess. Trump demanded the Senate confirm his backlog of nominees, who should NOT BE FORCED TO WAIT, before adjourning. Moreno and Husted had their blanket yes votes ready to go but Senate Democrats suddenly grew a spine to thwart Trumps ultimatum. Who knew? They conditioned approval for historically bad nominees (who) deserve a historical level of scrutiny on the release of congressionally appropriated funds (largely for the National Institutes of Health) illegally frozen by the White House. Trump went into a tailspin on social media, telling Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to GO TO HELL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the standoff went nowhere, and senators headed home without a deal and just a handful of confirmations. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Still, Moreno and Husted will always have bragging rights for their roles in confirming what is easily one of Trumps most appalling picks for the federal judiciary. Both Ohio Republicans helped put Emil Bove, Trumps former criminal defense attorney and so-called Justice Department enforcer of his retribution campaign, on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals where Bove could conceivably review one of hundreds of lawsuits against the Trump administration. Where his impartiality would be a punch line in a bad joke. Bove demonstrated total sycophancy to the president during his corrosive stint at the Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pardoned all the Jan. 6 insurrectionists criminally convicted for violently storming the U.S. Capitol. Bove complemented that depravity by personally firing Jan. 6 prosecutors (purely for political reasons) while echoing Trumps assertion that their arduous case work was a grave national injustice. Bove also called for the FBI agents who investigated the attack to be identified and fired. He ordered career prosecutors in New York to abruptly drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams in an apparent quid pro quo for Adamss help in Trumps immigration roundups. Stunned attorneys resigned in protest rather than abdicate our legal and ethical obligations in favor of directions from Washington. Multiple whistleblowers came forward with corroborating accounts of Bove encouraging Department of Justice lawyers to defy court orders and intentionally mislead judges about administration policies. They warned Republican senators that Bove had lied during his confirmation hearing. Over 900 former DOJ prosecutors and dozens of former federal and state judges pleaded with senators to reject such a manifestly unfit nominee for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench. Yet, instead of recoiling at all the red flags raised about Boves alleged misconduct, nearly every Senate Republican, including Ohios Tweedledee and Tweedledum, rewarded him with an appellate court judgeship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, it was more crucial for them to be counted as unswerving Trump loyalists than to preserve the integrity of federal courts. Federal judges must adhere to a code of ethics that requires them to maintain and enforce high standards of conduct, to respect and comply with the law, and, most importantly, to not be swayed by partisan interests. A ton of evidence plainly showed Bove did not meet these minimum qualifications but Republican senators, like Moreno and Husted, pretended otherwise. They surrendered their constitutional mandate to advise and consent and lined up behind a faithful Trump footsoldier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By rushing to confirm Bove to a powerful circuit court without bothering to hear from witnesses with substantiated testimony about his purported lawless behavior every Senate Republican, save two, declared fealty to Trump over duty to protect the rule of law and an independent judiciary. They betrayed their oath of office and those who naively expected more of their U.S. senators than to blindly execute Donald Trumps agenda no questions asked. Shame on you, Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted. Do better for your state and country. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Fire Department is implementing another step to help firefighters health and safety as they are exposed to smoke, debris and cancer-causing chemicals. The unit is called Utility 23 and holds an extra set of gear for firefighters at a scene. It consists of three layers of gear that help protect us from the elements that we might encounter while inside, said Jack Alexander, a Corporal at the OKCFD. LOCAL NEWS: OKCFD implements new gear policy during SE OKC commercial fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While on scene, firefighters can rotate their gear, which gives a quick turnaround to continue serving the community. It allows the crews to stay in service, minimizing downtime and having a fresh set of clean gear, said Alexander. In addition to allowing fire crews to work continuously at a scene, theyre also exposed to carcinogenic elements more than the average person, so switching out the gear means theyre less exposed for a longer period. Utility 23 is housed at Station 23 in OKC (KFOR) Firefighters can switch out gear at a scene to help their health and safety and serve the community more efficiently (KFOR) Crews battling a fire Sunday night used Utility 23 while on scene. On this particular fire, we had 3 crews on the inside doing search and fire attack, and all of those 3 crews will get their gear traded out 12 sets, batt. Chief Greg Lindsay, OKCFD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a rotating cycle to get their old gear back. Usually we have a four to five day turnaround, so, within less than a week, theyll have their original bunker gear back, said Chief Lindsay. LOCAL NEWS: New form helps first responders get to emergencies efficiently But it all helps in the long run for their health and safety in the future as they work to protect Oklahomans every day. By trading into a clean set of gear, it helps lower the exposure from all the carcinogens and stuff and hopefully longevity-wise wise it decreases the risk of cancer in firefighters, said Alexander. Oklahoma City Fire said Utility 23 will go to a scene at a request from the incident commander or any confirmed commercial fire or larger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, pictured May 8 at the state Capitol, said his investigation into alleged images on state Superintendent Ryan Walters' office TV discovered a "bizarre accident." (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomas House speaker said Tuesday a bizarre accident likely caused images of nude women to appear on state Superintendent Ryan Walters office TV. Two law enforcement agencies said Tuesday that they are still investigating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters recently had a Samsung TV installed in his office that, when powered on, automatically displayed the Samsung TV Plus Channel 1204 (Movie Hub Action), House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said in a news release. Hilbert said he learned Tuesday morning from Samsung that the channel was airing the 1985 film The Protector followed by the 2017 film The Foreigner during the timeframe when two members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education reported seeing the explicit images during a private portion of their July 24 meeting. Descriptions of scenes in the The Protector are consistent with what board members reported seeing on Walters TV, Hilbert said. The film also matches images of a doctor, a nurse and a white lab coat that Walters told Hilbert he saw when he turned around toward the TV screen, according to the speakers release. State Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks with news reporters after an Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting on July 24. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) Walters previously said the board members allegations were categorically false and suggested it was a set-up by Gov. Kevin Stitt, whose appointees made the claims. His office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hilbert said he and the Office of Management and Enterprise Services investigated the matter. He contacted a government affairs specialist at Samsung to request what aired on that channel during the time and date of the meeting, he said. The cause of the images, Hilbert said, seems to be the TVs default display, not an intentional act by Walters or his staff. A planned conspiracy is also highly unlikely, he said. In my opinion, the most plausible explanation for what occurred that day is that the television, which had only been in the superintendents office for fewer than two months, automatically launched Samsungs free streaming service and began playing a film that contained explicit content, without anyone in the room realizing it at the time, Hilbert said. This information seems to vindicate both the state superintendent as well as the two board members. The two board members, Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage, did not immediately return requests for comment Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are still investigating the matter, representatives of both agencies confirmed. The Senate president pro tems office didnt immediately comment on Hilberts report. Barbara Hoberock contributed to this report. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE OKLAHOMA CITY (KNWA/KFTA) Oklahoma will soon be among nearly a dozen states to remove certain foods from food stamp purchases. The Department of Health & Human Services said on Monday that waivers for Oklahoma, West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana and Texas were approved. Gov. Kevin Stitt said in June that the state was seeking federal permission to exclude soft drinks and candy from the list of items that can be purchased under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to drink a bottled soda, you should be able to have that right, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously said. But the federal government should not be paying for it with taxpayer money. Ex-NFL player convicted in Oklahoma of dog-fighting-related charges after 190 dogs seized Stitt applauded President Donald Trumps administration for approving the waiver. We are making Oklahoma healthy again. I am proud to join Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy in their mission to improve the health and well-being of all Americans, Stitt said. Its common sense making sure taxpayer dollars arent funding the very foods that fuel obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease will pay dividends for generations. Im grateful that our waiver is officially approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those states joined Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, whose waivers were signed earlier this year. The changes are set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. OKLAHOMA COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) Oklahoma City Police arrested a man after a nurse says he grabbed her twice while she was trying to treat him. According to a probable cause affidavit, Francisco Webb was on a bed in the hallway of the emergency room in the early morning hours of August 3 when he allegedly grabbed a nurse while she was trying to check hit vitals. LOCAL NEWS: Man hit with broom & beaten after threatening strip club janitor with a knife Francisco Webb. Image courtesy Oklahoma Co. Detention Center. During the alleged assault, the nurse says her watch fell off and Webb scratched her right arm, breaking the skin. The officer on scene says he saw the redness on the nurses wrist and right bicep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Webb was discharged from the ER, he was arrested and taken to the Oklahoma County Jail for assault and battery of emergency medical care providers. In Oklahoma, its a felony to assault a health care provider after Governor Kevin Stitt approved the Medical Care Provider Protection Act in May 2020. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EDMOND, Okla. (KFOR) An Oklahoma man recovering after being shot by his wifes boyfriend outside of an Edmond business says he doesnt believe the shooters claim that the incident was in self-defense. Court documents say the shooting happened on July 22, outside a plasma donation center. 21-year-old Micah Hill told investigators he shot Andres Winslow in self-defense. Hill said he was sitting in his girlfriends car, who is also Winslows wife, when Winslow approached the car and looked inside. Hill said that he was scared, given his previous history with him. Micah Hill. Image courtesy Edmond Police. Hill said Winslow had previously spat in his face, threatened him, and even showed up at his job looking for him, resulting in Hill being fired. Documents said that because Hill was afraid, he grabbed a gun from his girlfriends purse and got out of her car. Hill told police that Winslow lunged at him, so he shot him twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: New documents shed light on what led up to a shooting in Edmond In an interview with News 4 on Monday, Winslow denied any wrongdoing in connection with the case, saying he only asked Hill questions because his kids had told him previously that Hill had hit them. He also admitted he knew his wife and Hill were seeing each other. When I did see him, I asked him, Hey, were you putting your hands on my kids?' said Winslow. Thats all I asked. I didnt say I was going to hurt him or anything. How can I lunge at you if Im 10 feet away from you? If you see the film, I did not lunge at all; all I was doing was asking him questions. News 4 questioned Winslow about why he was at the same donation center as his wife and Hill in the first place. He said that the day of the incident was also his daughters birthday and that he was stopping by the plasma donation center to donate and get money to buy her a present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to get her a gift, said Winslow. And I was like, man, Im just going to, Im going to go to the plasma donation place and get me a quick $70, you know, to get her another gift, and thats what I was there for. You know, I wasnt anticipating to see anybody there, let alone them, you know. Winslow said his doctors told him he was shot five times, and he had to be hospitalized for over a week. He said hes now recovering at home, but cannot currently work and is having to use a walker to get around. It is painful, said Winslow. Very painful. Court records show Winslows wife filed two protective orders against him in Logan County this year. A May order alleging Winslow harassed her was denied. However, a June order saying Winslow was abusive was granted. He denies being abusive and says that he felt like he wasnt listened to in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I felt like I wasnt going to be heard, said Winslow. I wasnt heard at all. You know, I just felt like no matter what, shes a woman, were not going to believe you. Winslow also denies deliberately violating the order, which says he shouldnt have contact with his wife unless its about their children. I was not out there looking for an altercation at all, at all, said Winslow. Winslow said he was also bothered by Hill being released from the Oklahoma County Jail over the weekend without any kind of notification to him. Nobody has reached out to me, said Winslow. I found out through a text that he got out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jail records show Hill was released on August 2 due to a judges order. News 4 reached out to the Oklahoma County District Attorneys office Monday for an explanation. A spokesperson says the jail had to legally release Hill because criminal charges had not been filed at the time of his release; those charges are now pending. The system has failed me, said Winslow. This guy does not want me alive, clearly. News 4 also received the following statement from Hills family: Our family stands firm on the belief that this was self-defense. After everything we have heard about the victim we have no doubts that it is self-defense. We will stand by Micah throughout this whole thing. We, as a family are now fearful that Dre Winslow is going to come back and retaliate. Micah Hills 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Supreme Court chamber is pictured Dec. 7, 2023. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahomas new academic standards for social studies are poised to take effect for the coming school year, as the state Supreme Court this week declined to pause their implementation. A group of 33 parents, faith leaders and teachers filed a lawsuit July 1 against state Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education, asking the Court to block the new standards, which dictate what topics public schools must teach to students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs contend the new pro-Bible standards will violate religious freedoms by imposing Christian beliefs on students and that the state Board of Education failed to uphold proper procedures when approving them. The Court on Monday declined to apply a temporary pause to the new standards. The justices gave no explanation in doing so. This means the standards can take effect while the lawsuit is still pending. Attorneys representing both sides of the case gave oral arguments last week to a Supreme Court referee, who asks questions and compiles a report for the justices to review. The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys from the national organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State and a local advocacy group, the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Courts decision is disappointing but not the resolution of the case, said Alex Luchenitser, associate vice president and associate legal director at Americans United. We have presented a strong case to the court that Walters new standards will violate students and families religious freedom by promoting one version of Christianity and advancing Christian Nationalist disinformation, Luchenitser said in a statement. Were hopeful for a final ruling in favor of our clients that protects religious freedom, public education and church-state separation for all Oklahomans. In a statement Tuesday, Walters said the decision is a huge win for hardworking Oklahoma families who hold American principals dear. Its no secret, Christianity is under attack by the Left, he said. Under my watch, their America-hating, Christian-hating agenda will never get near a single student in an Oklahoma classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters administration developed the new standards, which the state Board of Education approved and the Oklahoma Legislature permitted to take effect. Under the new standards, students will begin learning in second grade about biblical stories and the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth that influenced the American colonists, founders and culture. Fifth and eighth graders will be taught the Judeo-Christian values of the American colonists. High-school standards generated significant controversy over new language that suggests there were discrepancies in the results of the 2020 presidential election, such as sudden halting of ballot-counting in select cities in key battleground states, sudden batch dumps, an unforeseen record number of voters and the unprecedented contradiction of bellwether county trends. The standards also claim the origin of COVID-19 was a Chinese laboratory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both claims had been added to the standards without Walters and his staff acknowledging or drawing attention to it. Half of the sitting state Board of Education members said they werent aware the language had been added until after they voted to approve the standards. The plaintiffs contend both the 2020 election and COVID-19 standards present inaccurate and politically motivated claims. A similar but separate lawsuit is pending before the state Supreme Court. Another group of Oklahoma parents, grandparents and educators represented by former Attorney General Mike Hunter have asked the Court to overturn the new standards on procedural grounds. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE From 1966 to 2013. physical education students would do the pull-up test, flexibility test and the mile or Pacer test. It was all part of the Presidential Fitness Test. In 2013, the Obama Administration disbanded it to go a different route with physical education. They created the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which focused more on meeting the individual fitness needs for an individual. On July 31, President Trump signed an executive order to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test and the Presidential Fitness Award. Sherrard School District Superintendent Carl Johnson believes this will bring added competitiveness to gym class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont view competition as a bad thing, said Johnson. If its something that will make kids try a little bit hard to succeed at something, do a little bit better, or be a little more physically fit, I personally have no problem with that. He is worried that it may not be the answer. He said childhood obesity has tripled since 1966. He believes they need to find a way to get kids into exercise and lifelong sports. To what extent is (the Presidential Fitness Test) going to drive a kids excitement? asked Johnson. Its going to be minimal, is my guess. Johnson related it to other classes in school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is the test the answer? In most cases in academics the answer is no, said Johnson. Its Can we change behaviors? a situation where curriculum is leading to a healthier lifestyle for kids. Johnson wants to see whether the competitiveness from the test will be the encouragement the kids need to be healthier. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. If you were a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine in the 1990s, chances are you dined at a Don Pablo's. Don Pablo's was known for its affordable food, house-made tortillas, and its kitschy decor that resembled a cinematic version of a Mexican town square. Back in its heyday, Don Pablo's was a well-known franchise boasting 120 restaurants, making it the second most popular Mexican restaurant franchise behind Chi-Chi's. Yet, a variety of factors led to the chain's demise. The last Don Pablo's closed in June 2019. Nevertheless, Don Pablo's is fondly remembered by diners who frequented the establishment. On Reddit, Don Pablo's fans swap stories of what made the restaurant so unique. "The one I knew had a WORKING FOUNTAIN in the middle of the room," a Don Pablo's fan exclaims, adding, "It was MAGNIFICENT." Fans wax nostalgically about the chain's menu items like queso and Southern spoonbread. Some Reddit users take to the platform's threads on salsa to find the restaurant's closely-guarded recipe, which one Don Pablo's fan claimed was the best they've ever had. Needless to say, the restaurant was quite popular. So, what happened? Read more: Fogo De Chao Meats Ranked From Worst To Best The Downfall Of A Tex-Mex Icon Don Pablo's sign on building - Ken Wolter/Shutterstock DF&R Restaurants, known for steakhouse chain, Harrigans, first opened Don Pablo's in Lubbock, Texas, in 1985. During its formative years, this Tex-Mex establishment was well-received and experienced rapid growth in the mid-1990s. In 1995, DF&R sold Don Pablo's to Apple South Inc. (later known as Avado Brands), owner of Applebee's. Avado would grow the Don Pablo's franchise to a whopping 120 restaurants in under 10 years, but sometimes, rapid growth isn't always a good thing. Avado had difficulty keeping up with its expanding portfolio, and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2004 and again in 2007. The number of Don Pablo's locations dropped sharply to 45. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don Pablo's changed hands multiple times, and the lack of consistency was hard on the brand. It was purchased by Rita Restaurant Corp. after Avado's bankruptcy. Food Management Partners acquired the chain in 2014. The constant changes, coupled with the rise of fast-casual Mexican chain restaurants like Chipotle, added to Don Pablo's troubles. Though Don Pablo's parent companies changed, the restaurant refused to adapt to to the digital age, opting out of a heavy social media presence and online ordering. Unfortunately, 2017 proved a pivotal year for Don Pablo's, and the brand filed for bankruptcy. Just two years later, the last location closed in Deptford, New Jersey, making Don Pablo's a relic of the past. Read the original article on Mashed. DILLON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A person was fatally shot Sunday after exchanging gunfire with authorities while barricaded in a home. The Florence County Sheriffs Office said Monday it was investigating the incident that happened on Joann Branch Road in Lake View after being requested to do so by Dillon County. The person reportedly pointed a firearm at deputies and threatened to shoot them before securing himself inside the residence. A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division SWAT team joined local authorities in trying to execute a search warrant, attempting to negotiate during an extensive stand-off before the suspect fired multiple rounds and was struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither the victims name nor the officer involved was immediately released. * * * 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. It was June 5, 1944 one day before Allied landings on the coast of German-occupied Normandy and the American Eighth Air Force was setting out to bomb enemy coastal defenses from the Cherbourg Peninsula to the Pas de Calais. Among the participating bombers were Consolidated B-24s of the 489th Bombardment Group (Heavy), led by the groups deputy commander, Lt. Col. Leon R. Vance. Thanks to the past few months onslaught by VIII Fighter Command there was little to no aerial opposition from the Luftwaffe. However, German anti-aircraft guns remained plentiful and continued to take their toll of the American bombers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On this occasion it was Vance who found himself on the receiving end of that flak with his B-24 and crew facing heavy odds against making their way home. Despite graduating from West Point in June of 1939 and assigned to the infantry, Vance managed to wrangle a transfer into aviation. On Sept. 13, 1939, he arrived in Texas for his primary flight training. Initially a ground officer, Vance decided to switch to flight training and after attending schools at Tulsa, Randolph and Kelly fields, earning his wings in September 1940. By December 1943 he had qualified on four-engine bombers and had risen rapidly through the ranks to lieutenant colonel and deputy commander of the 489th Bombardment Group (Heavy), then forming at Wendover, Utah. By April 1944 the 489th shipped out to Royal Air Force airfield Halesworth, England, as one of the last groups attached to VIII Bomber Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vances first combat mission came a little over a month later, on May 30, 1944, and proved to be a less-than-triumphant debut. Setting out to strike the German air base at Oldenburg, Vance was leading the group in his first sortie aboard B-24 Sharon D, named after his two-year-old daughter. Vance with his daughter, Sharon, in 1944.(The Enid Events/Newspapers.com) As the group crossed the Dutch coast 10 miles south of its briefed checkpoint it ran into a heavy flak barrage. Minutes after removing his helmet because he considered it uncomfortable, a navigator was shot dead from a shell splinter. Another plane had to ditch in the North Sea due to a fuel shortage. In what would only be his second sortie of the war, Vance and the 489th took off on June 5, targeting the fortifications at Wimereux, France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the B-24s approached their targets, Vance was standing on the platform behind the pilot and copilot when his plane was bracketed by a concentration of flak. The pilot, Capt. Louis Mazure was killed instantly when a piece of shrapnel struck him on the temple. The copilot, 2nd Lt. Earl Carper, was wounded and Vances right foot nearly severed and hanging from the framework. In spite of the carnage, Vance ordered his men to complete the bomb run before turning for home. Once the bombs were dropped and the group underway over the North Sea, Vances men found three of their engines out of commission, the nose of the plane was shattered, fuel was leaking everywhere and a 500-pound bomb was still hanging up in the bomb bay. Despite this, Vance and his copilot managed to nurse the plane to the English coast, but when he ordered his crew to take to their parachutes, one told him that their radio operator was too injured to jump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance then ordered the crewmen out, leaving him to try and coax the B-24 into the water. With his movements limited by what remained of his mangled right foot, Vance worked the ailerons and elevators, using a side window as his sole sighting reference, and managed to ditch the plane on its sole remaining engine. As Sharon D sank an explosion blew off his injured foot, cutting him clear of it and the plane. Inflating his life jacket and seizing a piece of floating wreckage, Vance spent the next 50 minutes searching for the other crewman, who regrettably never turned up, before an RAF air-sea rescue craft found him. After two months in hospital, Vance joined other badly injured personnel being evacuated stateside aboard a Douglas C-54 Skymaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tragically, however, on July 26 the transport plane vanished somewhere on the Iceland-to-Newfoundland leg of its transatlantic flight. His body was never recovered. Vance was recommended to be awarded the Medal of Honor and it was confirmed in January of 1945 it was the only Medal awarded to a Liberator crewman operating from Britain during World War II. His widow, Georgette Drury Brown, requested to delay the ceremony until the medal could be presented to their daughter. On Oct. 11, 1946, Maj. Gen. James P. Hodges presented Sharon her fathers Medal of Honor. She was just three-year-old at the time of the ceremony. One of the four University of Idaho murder victims, Xana Kernodle, likely interrupted her killer, Bryan Kohberger, as he was attacking the first two students, according to the lead investigator. When Kohberger broke into the college students' home in the early hours of Nov. 13, 2022, he first stabbed best friends Maddie Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, who were in Mogen's bed on the third floor, authorities said. "He chose to go in and kill someone -- one right away became two, because they were in bed together," Idaho State Police Lt. Darren Gilbertson told ABC News. Kaylee Goncalves/Instagram - PHOTO: A photo posted by Kaylee Goncalves shows University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Goncalves. The four were found dead at an off-campus house on Nov. 13, 2022. MORE: Bryan Kohberger seen moments after arrest in newly released photo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kernodle had just grabbed her DoorDash delivery and was eating in the kitchen on the second floor when she likely heard that commotion, Gilbertson said. Investigators believe Kernodle went up the stairs toward Mogen's room, which could've distracted Kohberger, Gilbertson said. When Kernodle interrupted the attack in Mogen's room, Kohberger may have been "thrown off" and felt "like he has to do something," Gilbertson said. Idaho Statesman/TNS via Getty Images - PHOTO: Four University of Idaho students were found dead at an off-campus home on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. MORE: Idaho murders: Investigators speak out about targets, motive and interviewing Kohberger Kohberger left Mogen's room to follow Kernodle downstairs, Gilbertson said, and in that moment, Kohberger left the knife sheath containing his DNA behind -- which helped lead to his capture nearly seven weeks later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators believe Kohberger didn't panic and run after Kernodle, but instead walked down the stairs, Gilbertson said. Investigators think this is when Kohberger said, "It's OK, Im here to help you" -- a phrase one of the two surviving roommates said she overheard from a male voice in the house, according to court documents. Kohberger likely moved systematically, Gilbertson said, noting that a beer pong table near the stairs wasn't disturbed. Kyle Green/Pool/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse during his sentencing hearing, in Boise, Idaho, July 23, 2025. MORE: Idaho killings latest: Motive unknown but 'new information could come out,' former chief says Gilbertson said investigators believe Kernodle uttered the words, "somebodys here," which was overheard by a surviving roommate on the first floor, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When Xana made it to her doorway" on the second floor, Gilbertson said, "Kohberger begins to stab her." Kernodle was in an "intense struggle" for her life and suffered over 50 stab wounds, a police report said. Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, who was in her bed, was also fatally stabbed. Kaylee Goncalves' sister, Alivea Goncalves, called Kernodle a "hero," telling ABC News the 20-year-old's actions showed "savage bravery ... to say, 'Something's not right, and I'm gonna go see, I'm gonna go help.'" MORE: Kaylee Goncalves' sister speaks out about courtroom confrontation with Bryan Kohberger Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Kohberger was given four life sentences plus 10 years after pleading guilty to all charges in the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Maddie Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. Authorities say a motive is not known and Kohberger declined to speak on his own behalf at sentencing. According to Gilbertson, Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University at the time of the killings, had conversations with peers and co-workers in which he would ask probing questions like, "How would you kill someone?" Investigators believe the crime could've been Kohberger's way of testing out his thesis, Gilbertson said. Moscow police said they don't know which victim was the specific target and have not found any link between Kohberger and the victims. But investigators did find Kohberger had multiple pictures saved from social media of female WSU students, Gilbertson said. ABC News' Jenna Harrison contributed to this report. COPACABANA, Bolivia (AP) More than 50,000 people from Bolivia and neighboring Peru make a pilgrimage every August to Copacabana, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, to honor Bolivia's patron saint, Our Lady of Copacabana. In the main event of the celebration, a replica of the wooden-carved figure of the Virgin Mary leads a procession. Her official feast is Feb. 2 coinciding with Candlemas but Aug. 5 marks the anniversary of her canonical coronation as the patron saint of Bolivia by a papal bull issued by Pius XII in 1925. This year is the 100th anniversary. She has granted me various miracles, said Elizabet Valdivia, who traveled 12 hours by road and boat from the Peruvian city of Arequipa to join the procession. She gave us our car, the possibility of raising my son, and I always ask her to watch over our jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The birth of a sacred icon Our Lady of Copacabanas basilica has safeguarded this Virgin Mary figure since the late 16th century. Her history dates back to 1583, when Inca descendant Francisco Tito Yupanqui crafted a figure in her honor. According to Marcela Cruz, a guide at the museum next to the basilica, Yupanqui had a dream about the Virgin and molded a clay figure to depict her. He showed it to the chaplain, but after being rejected and mocked, he went for a walk by the lake. There, he encountered the image of the Virgin as an Inca maiden, Cruz said. Thats why her image is so simple. Inspired by the apparition, Yupanqui set off for the city of Potosi, about 330 miles (530 kilometers) from La Paz, the current capital city. There, he carved the image that is now revered in the basilica from a maguey tree trunk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Yupanqui traveled back to Copacabana, the town was under Spanish occupation, and both the Aymara and Quechua Indigenous people now nationals from Bolivia and Peru were at the site for evangelization purposes. She arrived at dawn on Feb. 2, and both the Aymara and the Incas bowed down to welcome her, Cruz said. A shrine of faith, gratitude and generations of prayer The museum named after Yupanqui displays hundreds of gifts that devotees have presented over the centuries. These include capes embroidered with gold thread, votive offerings, letters in braille and silver crowns resembling those Simon Bolivar melted down to secure Bolivian independence in 1825. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Lady of Copacabana is the mother who welcomes all of her children regardless of their race or culture, said Itamar Pesoa, a Franciscan friar residing at the convent adjacent to the basilica. Within Bolivia, she is the queen. According to Pesoa, pilgrims travel from all over South America to present her with offerings. Some women who were unable to have children thank her for enabling them to become mothers. Others praise her for helping them recover from serious illnesses. Several Masses in her honor are celebrated daily starting Aug. 4. This devotion continues to be passed down from generation to generation and inspires many to follow Christ, Pesoa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yupanquis original figure has not left the basilica for a procession since her coronation in 1925, but devotees revere her replicas nonetheless. In a nearby chapel, parishioners light candles one per miracle requested and patiently wait for them to burn out before leaving. Sandra Benavides, who traveled from the Peruvian city of Cuzco, lit a candle and prayed for good health. She said some years ago she fell and the accident nearly killed her, but the Virgin interceded. Our Lady of Copacabana is miraculous, Benavides said. She is as if she were my mother, whom I have never had. ____ 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. The UKs one-in-one out returns deal with France is set to begin in a matter of days, the government has announced, as pressure piles on ministers to take further action to stop people from making the dangerous journey across the Channel. The agreement, announced by the prime minister in a joint press conference with Emmanuel Macron last month, means that for each small boat migrant sent back across the English Channel, an asylum seeker will be allowed to enter the UK from France under a legal route. At the time, Sir Keir Starmer said it was a breakthrough moment which would turn the tables on the people smugglers who bring them here. Labour is seeking to deter smuggling gangs in a bid to bring down small boat crossings (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire) The treaty was ratified on Monday, meaning that anyone entering the UK on a small boat can be detained immediately on arrival and returned to France by the UK government with the Home Office expecting detentions to begin within days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU Commission, Germany and other member states have also given the green light to the agreement - quashing previous concerns that the bloc could oppose the deal. Under the new returns treaty, any adult migrant who crosses the Channel will now be at risk of return under the pilot scheme if their claim for asylum is considered inadmissible. Immigration Enforcement have set aside space at immigration removal centres, the government said, while Border Force have an operational strategy ready to identify and process groups of inadmissible migrants for removal. The Home Office also said it had learnt lessons from the lengthy legal challenges which hampered the failed Rwanda scheme, saying it is prepared to robustly defend any legal challenges to removal within the initial trial phase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The treaty governing the pilot scheme will remain in force until June 2026, during which time both countries have committed to "continually reviewing the effectiveness of the approach in order to decide the long-term future of the arrangements after June 2026", the government said. Migrants in France who want to come to the UK will be able to submit an Expression of Interest application for the new legal route online, at which point the Home Office will make a decision. They will need to satisfactorily establish their identity and nationality and will be subject to strict security and eligibility checks. Anyone who arrives in the UK by small boat and is returned to France will not be eligible for the legal route to the UK under the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, while anyone who tries to re-enter the UK having already been returned to France once will be returned again as a matter of priority. Sir Keir Starmer said the treaty is the product of months of grown-up diplomacy delivering real results for British people as we broker deals no government has been able to achieve and strike at the heart of these vile gangs business model. The days of gimmicks and broken promises are over we will restore order to our borders with the seriousness and competence the British people deserve, he added. The home secretary added: While the UK will always be ready to play its part alongside other countries in helping those fleeing persecution and conflict this must be done in a controlled and managed legal way, not through dangerous, illegal, and uncontrolled routes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will develop the pilot step by step and will trial different approaches as part of it, and alongside this scheme, we will continue to take action at every level to dismantle the criminal enterprise behind this vile trade, boosted by the 100 million in new investment announced this week to support increased enforcement against the gangs." Labour has put a pledge to crack down on the number of people coming to the UK on small boats at the centre of its plan for government. But with boat crossings at a record high, and the asylum backlog still above 75,000, there is mounting pressure on ministers to take more drastic action - pressure which is exacerbated by the success of Reform UK in the polls. Last week figures showed that the number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel topped 25,000 the earliest point in a calendar year at which the 25,000 mark has been passed since data on Channel crossings was first reported in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes amid escalating protests across the UK opposing the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, with a number of people arrested after a protest outside a hotel in Canary Wharf in London on Sunday. In recent days, the government has announced further measures to support their crack down on illegal migration, including pouring an extra 100m into their efforts.The money will support the pilot of the new returns agreement with France, paying for up to 300 more National Crime Agency (NCA) officers and new technology and equipment to step up intelligence-gathering on smuggling gangs. Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announced the one in, one out deal during the French presidents state visit last month (Leon Neal/PA) (PA Wire) Meanwhile, anyone who advertises small boat crossings or fake passports on social media could be face up to five years in prison under a new offence to be introduced under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Speaking on Monday, Dame Angela Eagle told Sky News ministers are doing the detailed work to bring down the asylum backlog, adding: Weve taken 35,000 people off our streets who have no right to be in our country and sent them back to their countries of origin within a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as tensions continue to flare over the issue, shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said he thinks the publics patience has snapped. This is issue is beyond party politics - it is causing immense harm to communities, peoples lives are being wrecked as a result of it, and we simply have to fix it. I respect people who are peacefully protesting outside hotels this weekend. I understand why they feel so concerned. Theyre seeing their communities damaged, he added. While they are already glittering across the evening sky, the most popular meteor shower is about to reach its peak, with a chance of large fireballs exploding against the black backdrop of night. The Perseid meteor shower has already streaked across the sky since July 17 and will continue until Aug. 23, but they should reach peak speed and volume between Aug. 12 and 13, according to NASA. The best time to check out the Perseids is during the pre-dawn hours, but astronomers suggest viewing them as early as 10 p.m. As the Perseids appear, they typically leave behind long wakes, or brief glows of light and color behind them, the space agency stated. The meteor shower typically has around 25 meteors fly through the sky per hour, but as many as 50 to 100 can be seen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perseids are also known for their fireballs, NASA stated on its website. Fireballs are larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak. This is due to the fact that fireballs originate from larger particles of cometary material. For these reasons, NASA said that astronomers consider the Perseids as the best and most popular meteor showers of the year. So, where in the night sky can stargazers spot the Perseids? The showers radiant point, or the placement of where a celestial object is in the night sky, is in the direction of the constellation Perseus, NASA stated. More news about the night sky Read the original article on MassLive. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania Lottery player was awarded an online prize of more than $2 million. The PA Lottery says a player from Warren County, Pennsylvania, won an online prize of $2,021,096.49 in the MONOPOLY Progressive Jackpots game, which is the largest eInstant prize won on the online game. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts MONOPOLY Progressive Jackpots game is a connect-style game with jackpots across multiple states, according to the PA Lottery. Prizes can be won in any participating state at any time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Online games can be played on tablets, computers, or mobile devices using the PA Lottery website or app. Players can also purchase various tickets online. Pennsylvania is one of 15 U.S. jurisdictions to sell online lottery products, per the PA Lottery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) The Community Resources Council (CRC) announced the launch of its Rockin for the Vets online silent auction, a fundraising initiative to support the CRC SAFE Homes program. The auction began on July 21, and is a key part of the organizations ongoing efforts to raise $35,000 to help veterans in the community secure safe, quality housing. The CRC SAFE Homes program addresses many challenges faced by veterans like the difficulty of using a qualified VA loan to purchase a home. This program creates a level playing field by purchasing homes at a reasonable price, performing all necessary renovations, and selling them directly to veterans. Homes are sold leaving a minimum 20% equity from the date of purchase, giving veterans and their families a strong start and a safe place to call home. Rock band born in 1969 is coming to Kansas, heres when Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The silent auction will feature a variety of items like four tickets to see Kansas, 38 Special and Jefferson Starship on September 25 at Azura Amphitheater, a lawn manicure and a class on couponing. Community members are encouraged to visit the auction page to bid to items and learn more about the CRC SAFE Homes program. For more local eats news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) The special election to decide the fate of a 1% sales tax that has been in place for over 50 years in Opelousas, has been a major topic of discussion throughout the year. Now, residents have the chance to let their opinions be heard as early voting has officially begun. The 1% sales tax provides the city with just under $6 million a year and goes towards road work, infrastructure repair and also the salaries of city workers, including first responders. City officials have warned residents that the loss of that revenue can result in many of these employees having to lose their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you vote, No, then you say, Lay off the officers. Lay off your firefighters. Lay off the ones that we just gave a raise to that work for the city every day. Thats what youre saying. Thats what youre saying to the families that are living off of this income. Prepare yourself to be laid off,' Alderman at Large Marvin Richard said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest With early voting beginning on August 2, registrar of voters Byron Stelly says 46 residents have shown up to vote in person and 164 residents have mailed in their ballots. While many residents are yet to vote, members of the city council including councilman John Guilbeaux have voiced how important the sales tax is to the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guilbeaux says, This is detrimental to the city and the citizens of Opelousas. You take away $6 million from the citys operating functions. You think things are bad? Its going to be a lot worse, said Guilbeaux. Early voting is currently taking place and the special election for the sales tax renewal is scheduled for August 16. Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me over and over? I might as well surrender. Back in the day, even before he took office for the first time in 2017, President-elect Trump sent a clear message to Communist China and the world that he was not one to be hindered by convention or well-established protocols that no longer made sense at least to him. Thus, when he received a congratulatory telephone call from Taiwans then-president Tsai Ing-wen, herself only in office for eight months, he accepted it routinely and graciously, like any of the other good wishes received from world leaders. He dismissed the cautions from his advisers that, ever since President Jimmy Carter broke off diplomatic relations in 1979 with the Republic of China (Taiwans official name), high-ranking American officials simply do not have direct contact with Taiwanese counterparts. He brusquely told those with the raised eyebrows that he would speak with anyone he chose to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His refreshing message of defiance gave hope to Taiwanese and their supporters in the U.S. and around the world. The new sheriff in town, it seemed, would do a lot less diplomatic pussyfooting regarding Beijings supposed sensitivities about all things Taiwan. For the next four years, Trump was supported in his more direct approach toward both Taiwan and China by a superb national security team of truth-telling China hawks. These included Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, successive National Security Advisors John Bolton and Robert OBrien, their deputy Matt Pottinger, Assistant Secretary Randy Shriver, and a range of other mid-level foreign policy and national security officials who shared clear-eyed views about the manifold threats posed by the regime of the Chinese Communist Party. After his second election, the new incoming Trump administration did not announce a congratulatory phone call from Taiwans new president, William Lai Ching-te either because Lai had been advised by U.S. officials not to initiate one and thereby irritate China, or because (less likely) the call occurred but was not publicized. A less ambiguous explanation pertains to the Trump teams decision not to allow Lai to make a New York stopover during his planned trip to South America, now canceled by the embarrassed Taiwanese president. Trumps rejection of Lais brief pass-though visit breaks several years of U.S. tradition, a favorite Trump practice. But this disruption, instead of advancing Taiwans short-term advantage and Americas long-term interest, represents a significant step backward in the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was clearly taken to set the stage for Trump-Xi trade talks and Trumps hoped-for visit to Beijing. There may be an even more sinister explanation for cancellation of Lais travel. Purely conjectural at this point is the possibility that intelligence sources detected a Chinese threat against Lai and recommended a prudent cancellation of his travel, with public reports from both the U.S. and Taiwan sides providing a convenient cover story. Even the most innocent explanation of Lais aborted stopover is an inauspicious indication of how Trump will calculate his balancing of U.S. interests between China and Taiwan. It may also reflect the role of Trumps undersecretary of policy at the Pentagon, Elbridge Colby, who long opposed the Biden administrations flow of arms to Ukraine as a diversion of resources Taiwan needs to deter or defend against Chinese aggression. At his confirmation hearing, Colby said that Taiwan is important to U.S. interests, but not existential. It is a new and cramped understanding of U.S. interests which depend heavily on the international perception of U.S. credibility and its incalculable value in reassuring allies and deterring adversaries. The danger of diminished credibility was demonstrated with Bidens disastrous abandonment of Afghanistan, which was followed within months by Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. The harm to Americas reputation was only partially undone by Trumps dramatic strikes on Irans nuclear facilities last month. But doubts about U.S. credibility remain because the Iran operation, while hardly a pinprick like so many prior military strikes, may have been a one-off, not to be repeated, and Iran defiantly continues restoring and advancing its nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dangerous Taiwan analogue would be, for example, a Chinese seizure of Quemoy or some other Taiwanese island, or a Chinese blockade, followed by a largely symbolic U.S. military strike that fails to convince Beijing to back off. Washingtons dilemma then would be whether to escalate the kinetics and risk derailing the trade talks and Trumps Beijing visit, or to accept the new status quo. It illustrates the increased leverage Trump has foolishly granted Xi and the erosion of diplomatic standing he has gratuitously inflicted on Taiwan. China has its own cards to play, of course, including withholding rare-earth minerals critically-needed by the U.S. defense industry. The U.S. cannot afford to buckle under those pressures without further eroding overall security credibility. Trump only recently acknowledged that he was frequently taken in by Putins empty promises about ending the war in Ukraine just as he strongly implied in 2019 that Xi had deceived him about the nature and origins of COVID. Yet, in both cases, he returned time and again to placing his trust in the dictators words and relying on their nonexistent good faith. Worse, the converse of his credulity with Americas authoritarian adversaries is reflected in his apparent contempt for our democratic friends and allies in Ukraine and Taiwan. While Trumps recent comments indicate he may have finally seen the light on Putin, his pursuit of a trade deal and quest for a China invitation suggest another double-win for China. China has managed to achieve these so-called win-wins during every U.S. presidential trip since Richard Nixons. In exchange for allowing a Trump visit this time, Beijing will extract added U.S. concessions during the trade talksbeyond, e.g., Trumps flexibility on Tik-Tok, at the same time it benefits from U.S. deference to China on Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To borrow Trumps assessment of most of his predecessors, this is the way to Make America Stupid Again. The only way Trump can restore Americas lost credibility and deter a tragic miscalculation by China is to declare clearly and publicly that he will commit all the military force necessary to defend Taiwan. Joseph A. Bosco served as China country director in the office of the secretary of defense,2005-2006. He is a member of the advisory board of the Vandenberg Coalition and the Global Taiwan Institute. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ostentatious religiosity is often an attempt to overcompensate for some decidedly less-divine behavior. The Trump administrations draconian deportation regimes defending such evil with Bible verses is a recent example of this timeless tradition. Twice in the past month, the Department of Homeland Security has posted Bible-themed propaganda on its social media accounts. Isaiah 6 was the first passage DHS bastardized. As images of helicopters and tactical agents ominously scroll, the narrator says: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I; send me. The second hype video mirrors the first. Dark images of militaristic immigration enforcement actions are paired with Proverbs 28: The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the Bible memes, another recent DHS social media post displayed the painting American Progress with the caption A Heritage to be proud of, a Homeland worth Defending. The 1872 painting is one the most famous images of Manifest Destiny, which gave a religious justification to the unchecked westward expansion of the United States and the genocide of Indigenous people. These posts come as DHS begins a hiring spree to add an additional 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel authorized by the megabill Trump signed into law July 4. Why the sudden biblical references from the militarized Trump immigration machine as it creates a concentration camp in Florida? As the brutal cruelty and injustice behind its actions comes more clearly into view, perhaps it feels the need to give the rank and file a sense of religious fervor. Imbuing millions of deportations with a divine mandate acts as a sort of pre-emptive pardon for actions that would otherwise be condemned by basic morality. Nothing girds the conscience like saying youre on a mission from God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS Bible craze also arrives at a time when the department is facing increasingly vocal opposition from a broad spectrum of religious groups in the United States. A fourth lawsuit from religious groups was filed last week in federal court demanding that ICE stop desecrating houses of worship by storming in to make immigration arrests. Theres already a federal order in place preventing ICE from targeting a group of Baptist, Quaker and Sikh houses of worship on religious freedom grounds. When the National Guard and the Marines were needlessly deployed in Los Angeles, faith groups protested. And Leo XIV, the first American pope, has consistently criticized President Donald Trumps immigration policies. There is growing pressure on DHS to release two clergy members, Imam Ayman Soliman and Maryland pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal, from immigration detention. Soliman served as a chaplain at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital before his asylum status was revoked. Fuentes Espinal pastored for 15 years and was detained for overstaying his visa. A growing number of Americans are souring on Trumps deportation policies, according to an NBC News analysis of recent polling. From Alligator Alcatraz to a South Africa refugee resettlement plan that reportedly welcomes only white people, the Trump administrations blatant cruelty stands in stark contrast to the message of welcome consistent across faith traditions. TO EVERY CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIEN IN AMERICA: Darkness is no longer your ally. You represent an existential threat to the citizens of the United States, and US Border Patrol's Special Operations Group will stop at nothing to hunt you down. pic.twitter.com/Ts4Cnjp70n Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 28, 2025 DHS attempt to cherry-pick Bible verses to justify its policies is a battle it cant win. Anyone who has a basic understanding of the Bible understands that Gods concern for immigrants and refugees is clear throughout Holy Scripture. No fewer than 92 verses in the Old Testament refer to the Hebrew word for immigrant. In the New Testament, Jesus makes it clear that how we welcome immigrants is a reflection of how we would welcome him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration officials who created this propaganda either dont understand basic concepts in the Bible or are attempting something much more sinister. What if they do understand the consistent call across faith traditions to welcome immigrants? What if they understand it so deeply that they need to create this propaganda to muddy the waters? The religious appeal would then become less than some benign Christian nationalism and morph into a state-sponsored attempt to undermine a core religious teaching. Lets be clear: U.S. immigration enforcement agents arent on a religious mission. Implying so undermines the secular nature of government. But theres more going on here: invoking Gods name is a desperate attempt to sanctify an agenda that is abominable. DHS Bible-quoting recruitment video is a confession of moral bankruptcy. A government confident that its policies are just wouldnt need to borrow Gods authority to sell them. By wrapping itself in scripture, the Trump administration has only confirmed what its critics, including many devout believers, have been saying all along: This deportation crackdown isnt a divine mandate, its a national disgrace, and faith communities will not be fooled into blessing it. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com NewsNation National Correspondent Robert Sherman has found himself on the frontlines of some of the worlds biggest stories: from Ukraine to Israel and across the United States. He shares what hes seeing on the ground. Subscribe to his newsletter: Frontlines with Robert Sherman here. (NewsNation) Three-and-a-half years. Three-and-a-half years of war. Three-and-a-half years of bombs falling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three-and-a-half years of sleeping underground for the sake of safety. Get fact-based, unbiased news coverage 24/7 with the NewsNation app. Download it here. That is the so-called new normal for people in Ukraine as the war with Russia continues on. The precautions are hardly excessive. Just Thursday, over 30 people were killed in a major attack on Kyiv, including 5 children. Thats the single largest attack we have seen since 2024. Other cities like Kramatorsk, Odesa and Mykolaiv are coming under fire in recent days as well. Multiple sources of pressure are currently colliding, on the one hand from Russia, the other from Washington as President Trump reups his threat to institute new economic sanctions on the Russians if they dont move towards peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those sanctions include secondary tariffs on major trade partners. Today, the president wrote on Truth Social, India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Bryan Kohberger evidence unveils Operation Turtle Shell transport plan Will the pressure lead to anything tangible? The overwhelming sentiment we are hearing from Ukrainians is no. Theyve been down this road before, seen economic sanctions hurled at Russia, and it hasnt made much of a difference in their lives. Russia has pressed on through all of them. I asked one first responder at a missile impact site exactly how often this happens where civilians get caught in the line of fire. His response was rather blunt: Ordinary civilians are suffering every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All this week, I will be reporting from Ukraine for NewsNation ahead of the presidents deadline. We intend to give you an inside look at the war and show you what is happening on the ground here. Tonight, the focus will be on the people and the lives they lead while under siege. One programming note: Wednesday, Ill be taking you to the frontlines where well go inside one of the Ukrainians drone workshops. This is where modern warfare is reinventing itself at a rapid pace, and unconventional fighting reigns supreme. I asked the Ukrainians point-blank if they think the United States is ready for the new era. Their response? No. You can watch my report from The Hill Sunday for a sneak peek here. Catch my reports every night this week on Elizabeth Vargas Reports at 7 p.m. ET. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as an aside, thank you for all of your support surrounding my book, Lessons from the Front. Its been a blessing to see a renewed interest in my reporting from Ukraine this week. As Ive said before, the day Russia invaded Ukraine and I was on a plane to Europe, my life changed forever. For those stories and more, you can preorder my book through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Bloomsbury. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On July 5, 2024, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that he had no idea who is behind Project 2025, the nearly 900-page manifesto published in April 2023 by the conservative Heritage Foundation for use by the next conservative president to reshape the federal government. Trump went on to say that some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal, and that anything they do, I wish them luck, but have nothing to do with them. Many voters presumably believed Trump when he said he knew nothing about Project 2025 and disavowed its objectives. Others including non-MAGA voters ignored Project 2025 or simply waved it away as hyperbolic fuel for the base, assuming that such a hellscape could never actually take hold in America, even under Trump 2.0. Now, over six months into Trumps second term, Project 2025s roadmap for dismantling American government is 47 percent complete. Thats according to the website Project 2025 Tracker, which bills itself as a comprehensive, community-driven initiative to track the implementation of Project 2025s policy proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The website counts 317 proposals in total. So far, 115 are complete, including eliminating the U.S. Agency for International Development, banning transgender individuals from serving in the military and funding ICE for 100,000 detention beds. An additional 64 proposals are in progress, such as cutting off government contracts to entities that enforce a woke agenda, ending a settlement agreement establishing basic standards for immigrant children in federal custody, downsizing the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (too focused on climate alarmism), privatizing TSA airport screening (so constitutional guarantees do not apply to traveler searches), cutting off Justice Department and FEMA grants to states and localities that balk at Trumps immigration policies, prosecuting local prosecutors who exercise discretion in deciding whether to prosecute immigration cases, reducing the corporate income tax rate, fully commercializ[ing] the National Weather Service and eliminating the Department of Education. The other 53 percent or 138 proposals remain on the Trump administrations to do list. In 1997, civil rights activist and author Maya Angelou warned the graduating class at Wellesley College that, when someone shows you who they are, believe them. Although the news coming out of the White House can feel relentless and exhausting, it remains imperative that every American in this moment become informed and brace themselves for whats coming. If we dont even know what is going on, theres no way to slow it down, let alone stop it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Project 2025 tracker, the list of policies still in the works includes requiring schools that receive federal funding to give all students the military entrance test; adding a citizenship question to the census; focusing census outreach on conservative groups; rescinding regulations implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; phasing out federal funding aimed at schools serving low-income children; passing the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act; repealing protections for unaccompanied minors encountered near the border; mandating time-and-a-half compensation on a sabbath; classifying teachers and librarians as sex offenders if they discuss gender ideology with minors; repealing child labor laws to allow teenagers to work inherently dangerous jobs; allowing companies to evade paying overtime; prohibiting the intelligence community from monitoring so-called domestic disinformation; and abolishing the Federal Reserve to move to a free banking system. Some people reading this partial list will understandably balk, thinking that Trump cannot do some of these things without Congress or point out that some seem obviously unconstitutional. But those arguments mean very little anymore. The Republican-led Congress has abdicated its constitutional prerogatives in deference to Trump. The far-right majority on the Supreme Court has repeatedly flouted bedrock legal principles (often with no explanation) in furtherance of Trumps agenda. Neither of those branches will save us. Other readers might fall back on shoulder-shrugging, disbelief, denialism or even fear. Many will assume that, however horrific things get, they wont affect me. A perusal of the Project 2025 tracker might change some of those minds. It certainly should. On September 17, 1787, a Philadelphia socialite named Elizabeth Willing Powell reportedly asked Benjamin Franklin after the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy? Franklin responded, A republic, if you can keep it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a speech to the convention that day, Franklin stated that the new American system can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government. So here we are. Increasingly, regular Americans seem to be waking up to the urgent constitutional crisis but have no idea what to do about it. Thats a sobering, but eminently understandable, response. But this is for certain: Doing nothing guarantees that nothing will change. Zero plus zero is still zero. We all have to at least try. Kimberly Wehle is author of the book Pardon Power: How the Pardon System Works and Why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Orange County commissioners voted 5-2 to ratify the new agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The agreement will allow ICE to request county correctional officers to transport immigration detainees to the Everglades facility called Alligator Alcatraz. Commissioners Nicole Wilson and Kelly Martinez Semrad voted against it. Mayor Jerry Demings signed the agreement last week after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier threatened his the commissioners removal from office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the vote, Demings said there will likely be future litigation against the state, but more research by the county attorney is needed first. Demings has previously expressed concerns about the jails capacity to assist ICE. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The Brief Orange County commissioners voted Tuesday on an ICE agreement to transport detainees, which Mayor Jerry Demings says he signed last week under state pressure. Following several hours of discussion and public comment, commissioners voted 5-2 to ratify the agreement. The dissenting votes came from District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson and District 5 Commissioner Kelly Semrad. ORLANDO, Fla. - In a contentious and emotional meeting Tuesday, the Orange County Commission voted 5-2 to approve a controversial state-mandated addendum involving the transport of suspected undocumented immigrants to "Alligator Alcatraz," an immigration detention facility in the Everglades, despite concerns over legality, staffing shortages, and public outcry. Strike a deal with ICE or get removed from office The backstory After several hours of discussion and public comment, commissioners voted 5-2 to ratify the agreement. The dissenting votes came from District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson and District 5 Commissioner Kelly Semrad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote to approve an agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) followed a direct threat from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Jame Uthmeier: sign the addendum or risk removal from office. Mayor Jerry Demings said that the county was backed into a corner due to a state law, so it needs to be passed. Demings signed the ICE agreement last week, allowing the county to assist in transporting suspected undocumented immigrants. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP At the heart of the dispute is a provision that would require the county to provide corrections officers to help transport suspected undocumented immigrants to a new state detention facility, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents say the requirement would strain an already under-resourced jail system and compromise local public safety. By the numbers The Orange County Jail is currently operating with a 24% staffing shortage, equivalent to more than 200 vacant corrections officer positions. As of the day of the vote, the jail housed 3,145 inmates94% of whom are awaiting trial rather than serving sentences. Statewide data from the Department of Corrections show that pretrial detainees made up an average of 84.3% of the Florida jail population in 2024, up from 80.8% in 2023. Commissioner Semrad held a "Defending Your Dollars" news conference Tuesday morning ahead of the county commission meeting. She cited internal figures indicating the number of inmates held on federal immigration detainerswithout local criminal chargeshas surged by more than 3,400%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding to financial concerns, it costs Orange County $145 per day to house an inmate, but federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reimburses only $88. That leaves the county covering a $57-per-day shortfall for each ICE detainee. Political coercion What they're saying Dist. 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson and Dist. 5 Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad cast the two dissenting votes. "It may mean that Im removed from this board, but this is a hill thats worth me standing on," said Commissioner Semrad. "I dont think I can vote in a way that is contradictory to the oath I took because of a threat," said Commissioner Wilson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS More than 60 residents addressed the commission during public comment, urging leaders to reject the addendum and challenge the state in court. "This is a moment that sets precedent and history in Orlando," one speaker said. "Please stand with us. We stand with you." Mayor Jerry Demings expressed willingness to fight the measure legally but said doing so after being removed from office by the governor would be futile. "The destruction, the damage that could be done in that period of time could be catastrophic," Demings said. "You would have unduly exposed our community to that calamity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Mike Scott called it the most difficultand frighteningvote hes faced in office. "This may be a bookend, or it may be the end of one chapter and the start of another," he told FOX 35. What's next Demings said the county is still exploring litigation options against the state but noted that the battle would be waged from within officenot from the sidelines. The Source This story was written based on previous FOX 35 News reporting. Additional details about Orange County Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrads remarks were shared during her "Defending Your Dollars" news conference held on Aug. 5, 2025. Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 4, led by Orlando District Fire Chief Spencer Bashinski, was deployed to Texas following deadly flooding that caused significant devastation. Texas experienced more devastation than Bashinski anticipated. The devastation was probably more than I envisioned going in, Bashinski said. His team spent days searching for missing people in the debris, Things like complete houses knocked away, trees knocked over, large debris fields that were 100 feet high and several hundred feet wide, he described. When asked what he discovered during the search, Bashinski became emotional. I dont know how to answer that. What he and other first responders went through highlights why mental health support for first responders is more important than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Deborah Beidel is the Director of UCF RESTORES, a clinic that treats trauma in first responders. Our search and rescue teams are out there really going through and seeing some things that sometimes no one should have to see, she said. UCF RESTORES recently launched a mobile unit, designed to travel with teams, like Task Force 4, to provide mental health care on the ground. We wanted to have a place of respite for them where they could come get peer support, Beidel explained. That type of support is key for Bashinski, Every night we debriefed together around dinner... focused on the things that went well, he said. UCF RESTORES has trained more than 2,700 peer support specialists, offering patients empathy. So not only have they been in the same situations, but they know how to ask the same questions to help people process what theyve been seeing all day, Beidel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The care also continues long after the emergency ends, as about 10% of first responders experience PTSD. UCF RESTORES uses exposure therapy to treat it, which includes recreating the triggers that can cause anxiety attacks, nightmares, and flashbacks. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Thomas Wentzell, MD, has pleaded no contest to charges related to his wife Linda Wentzells death and received a 12-year prison sentence. Wentzell was taken into custody by the Windermere Police Department after an investigation into the death of his wife, who was discovered dead at their home on Magnolia Street on December 2. Its a very quiet community. The only arguments that Ive ever heard has came out of that house, said a neighbor of the Wentzells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers arrived at the Wentzell residence around 1:30 a.m. and discovered Linda Wentzell unresponsive. Thomas Wentzell was the sole person present in the home at that time. Authorities observed discrepancies in Wentzells initial interview statements, leading to additional scrutiny. On the morning of his arrest, Wentzell reached out to the Ocoee Police Department, revealing his suicidal thoughts and admitting to the murder of his wife. He was subsequently detained and taken to the Orange County Jail. Wentzells sentence accounts for 245 days already served and mandates a payment of $518 in court costs. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. More than $1 billion has been pledged in just two days by European NATO partners to purchase U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 5, calling it proof that NATO's new defense initiative is working. The funding comes as part of a new NATO initiative that enables member countries to finance high-priority U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine through NATO's Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). Launched following the NATO Summit in July, the program is designed to accelerate arms procurement for Kyiv by sourcing equipment directly from the U.S. market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I had a very good conversation with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte," Zelensky wrote on X. "In two days, we have over one billion dollars from our European NATO partners for the purchase of American weapons. This is evidence that NSATU (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine) is working, and the decisions of the NATO Summit in The Hague are being implemented." NSATU is a command that coordinates the provision of military equipment and training to Ukraine by NATO allies and partner countries. NSATU was created after the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. in July 2024. In their phone call, Zelensky and Rutte discussed Russian attacks on Kharkiv and other Ukrainian cities, as well as efforts to expand military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rutte confirmed the funding in his own post on X, writing: "Good call with President Zelensky, welcoming over $1 billion in funding from Allies for U.S. equipment for Ukraine, coordinated by NATO. This support is essential to save lives, help Ukraine defend itself, and achieve a just & lasting peace." Sweden, Norway, and Denmark announced on Aug. 5 a joint contribution of $500 million to the initiative. Denmark is pledging about $90 million, Sweden $275 million, and Norway $135 million. Earlier, the Netherlands committed 500 million euros (approximately $579 million), becoming the first country to fund the initial package under NATO's Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). "Speed is absolutely critical," said Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. "That is why we have decided to allocate funds to the initiative immediately." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NATO-U.S. initiative, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in July, allows European countries to finance American weapons for Ukraine. The agreement paves the way for Ukraine to receive additional air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition in the coming months. Read also: Food shortage is coming experts warn Russias war on inflation risks Soviet-style economy collapse Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editor's note: The article contains graphic footage. Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) special forces fought off a Russian attempt to advance in Sumy Oblast, "destroying more than eight Russian companies" during the battle, the agency said on Aug. 5 "Total Russian losses: at least 334 killed, more than 550 wounded," HUR claimed, releasing a video of the engagement. Russian forces entered Sumy Oblast earlier this year after recapturing most of neighboring Kursk Oblast in Russia, aiming to carve out a "buffer zone" along Ukraine's northeastern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the recent engagement, soldiers of the Tymur Special Unit moved behind Russian lines and cleared out the Russian positions, disrupting the supply of provisions and ammunition in the process, the intelligence agency said. "According to intercepted communications, Russian soldiers refused to attack the positions of the Tymur Special Unit, citing fabricated reasons," HUR claimed on its Telegram channel. 0:00 / 1 The intelligence agency did not specify the exact date or location of the skirmish. A video published by the agency purports to show close-range combat between Ukrainian special soldiers and Russian forces, drone and artillery attacks against Russian positions, and killed Russian troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent could not verify all the claims. Russia has intensified its operations in Sumy Oblast in June as part of its summer offensive, though Ukraine claimed it had managed to halt the Russian advance and even recapture some villages. The Ukrainian military confirmed on July 27 that its forces had retaken the village of Kindrativka, only a few days after the liberation of the border settlement of Andriivka. While Russia continues to hold about a dozen border villages in Sumy Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed last month that Ukrainian forces are "gradually pushing the Russian forces out." Read also: Pokrovsk is the city of my childhood. Now I watch it die Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. CLIVE, Iowa 515 Brewing Company in Clive is searching for a new owner. After over 12 years in business the current owners of the microbrewery announced they are stepping down. In a post published to Facebook the co-owners Ryan, Bailey, Brandon, and Dave said opening 515 Brewing was a dream come true, but theyre ready for the next chapter. Playing card threats lead to arrest of Iowa man on terrorism charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opening 515 Brewing and crafting our own beer was truly a dream come true, the post reads in part. But more than the brews themselves, the greatest joy has been sharing them with all of you our amazing community. Every smile, every toast, and every story shared with you has been a gift. Brewing has been a big part of our lives, and were so grateful for every moment. Along with the owners stepping away, the head brewer, Barb Becker, announced her retirement. Barb is credited with creating many of the fan favorite brews and earning prestigious awards for the brewery. The owners said that the brewery will remain open as they search for the next person to take over and continue to grow the brewery. Anyone interested in the opportunity can reach out to the owners by emailing info@515brewing.com. Metro news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Those fresh out of university are used to hearing the question: Whats next? Yet for more and more graduates, the answer is a seemingly endless job search and depressingly an application for benefits. There are more than 630,000 graduates claiming Universal Credit, according to data released last week by Parliament. This number, which is equal to more than one in nine of all those claiming, represents graduates of all ages not just those who have recently left university. However, the growing number of benefit-claiming graduates underlines how difficult the job market is for young people. Graduate unemployment rose between 2023 and 2024, according to the latest Government data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those entering the job market say they face an increasingly dehumanising experience where they are being rejected by AI bots before ever speaking to a human. Graduates told The Telegraph that theyd been left with no choice but to move back into their parents homes, take unpaid internships, and in some cases apply for benefits as they face a tightening jobs market. Serena, is on universal credit after graduating from the University of Warwick in 2023. The 23-year-old, who amassed over 50,000 in student debt from her undergraduate course, originally wanted to work in marketing, and has had some freelance roles. She is currently applying to any job advert she sees. The Jobcentre is one of the most demoralising places. They are meant to help and support you getting into work, but they really dont do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of the time I go in for my five-minute appointment, and they say: Hows the job search going? And I say, Yeah, Ive applied for all of these, but Ive not got anything, then they say, OK, well see you next week. A little bit of extra money to help Serena, who moved back in with her parents in west London, says that a number of her friends are in a similar situation. I was one of the first [of us] to realise that university graduates can get universal credit. We didnt realise it was a thing, so I got a lot of my friends to apply for it as well. Its a little bit of extra money to help us. She adds: My friends and I are all struggling to find jobs post-university. It took some of my friends a year to even find short-term or part-time jobs. I got rejected from Wetherspoons, and I have two years of bartending experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont even know what companies are looking for at this point. Companies have become less keen to hire graduates who have previously been seen as cheap labour with high potential. Data from jobs platform Reed shows that vacancies for graduates typically at the bottom rung of the ladder have almost halved from 7pc of total available jobs in 2018 to just 4pc now. According to Indeed, graduate job postings in the 12 months to June are down 33pc compared to a year earlier. The shift is being accelerated by artifical intelligence (AI). Dario Amodei, chief of AI firm Anthropic, has warned that half of administrative, managerial, and tech jobs for the under-30s could vanish before the end of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employment rate for graduates aged between 21 and 30 dropped from 87.2pc in 2023 to 86.5pc in 2024, according to the latest government figures. A never-ending cycle Sofia, another 23-year-old living in London with her parents, is also struggling for employment. She studied at the London School of Economics, and graduated in 2023. Having done a finance internship as a student and not enjoyed it, she decided to chase her dream of being a journalist. Shes now applied for hundreds of jobs. But she has repeatedly been told that she doesnt have enough experience even for internships. Its honestly just a never-ending cycle. The way to get experience is by doing things for free, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont even bother with entry-level jobs. I apply for internships, grad schemes things which are really aimed at my level. If you do even get a rejection, thats nice. Sofia says that shes been offered a volunteer role at a local radio station. The catch? Shed have to pay 10 a month to the station to do it. Last September, more than a year into her search, she applied for Jobseekers Allowance. She says: I had the Jobseekers Allowance, which is only for six months, and it didnt help me get a job. The benefit pays as much as 72.90 a week for those aged up to 24, and up to 92.05 for those over 25. Those out of work, or on less than 16 hours a week, are eligible as long as they have paid Class 1 National Insurance in the past two to three years and it can be claimed alongside Universal Credit. How much a claimant gets is dependent on their circumstances. In the meantime, Sofia has been tutoring for an hour a week online and working in retail to try to make ends meet. She is considering going back to university for a masters degree to help her get more experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was lucky enough that my parents were very much like, You go after what you want. They could see I was putting in all this effort, using all of the resources that I have, she says. You really just have to have the odds in your favour. No matter how special you think you are, its not going to affect anything. Nicholas Stephenson, a recent graduate and researcher at think tank Onward, says: This is increasingly a problem affecting graduates regardless of university, degree or classification. I know Biomedicine, Physics, and PPE graduates from Russell group universities who are still searching for a job a year after graduation and cant even secure anything part-time, leaving them with no choice but to go on to Universal Credit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephenson adds that where there are surpluses of young people, retailers and fast food outlets are inundated with job applications. He says: A single opening for a sales assistant my friend applied for received over 500 applications and held a group interview with nearly 50 candidates. Its so bad that even charities are ghosting people trying to gain some experience through volunteering. Im not desperate enough Some have decided not to take benefits and to instead rely on their family, or whatever income they can scrounge together. Another 23-year-old graduate based in Hampshire, who did not want to be named, said: I havent taken Jobseekers Allowance, because Ive had freelance work to tide me over. The way that my life is set up, I dont feel like I am someone who should be taking Jobseekers Allowance at the same time, because I dont think Im desperate enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily, another graduate avoiding claiming benefits, graduated from the University of Glasgow last year. Despite having experience as a student journalist, she failed to land a postgraduate role in the media or public relations, so shes taken a job working in a call centre. However, she says that a number of friends who are in similar positions have been forced to claim either the Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit. Emily adds: I have applied for hundreds of roles since before I graduated. The way applicants are treated by these companies is disgraceful. We go through three or four stages, jumping through every hoop, to not even be sent a courtesy rejection email or feedback on where we went wrong. Its really dehumanising. The pressure of finding a job as a graduate is high for these young people. Serena wants to live up to the expectations she has for herself and to build a life of her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says: It feels disappointing. Especially being the first to go to university in my family, you have these expectations put upon you that you go to university and then youre going to get a good corporate job and earn a good salary, and live that life. It can be quite disheartening. I want to be able to build a life. 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. Paleontologists name new species of reptile in Petrified Forest ARIZONA (ABC4) Paleontologists with the Petrified Forest National Park have named and described a new reptile within the park that lived in Arizona during the Triassic Period According to the National Park Service, a combined effort between the Petrified Forest National Park and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History contributed to the discovery of a Triassic-era reptile that was unusually long-necked. The paleontologists conducting the study collected samples from a site known as Thunderstorm Ridge in the Petrified Forest. They collected large amounts of rock and then rinsed those rocks with water through fine metal screens. From there, they were able to examine the sediment under microscopes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their examination revealed the bones of a new kind of tanystropheid reptile. According to the study, tanystropheids have unusually long necks that can be twice as long as their body and tail combined. Rendering of a long-necked tanystrophied reptile, courtesy: Petrified Forest National Park The discovered reptile species has been called Akidostropheus oligos, which means tiny, spiked back bone. The species reportedly had a neck bone smaller than the average pinky fingernail and the neck has a unique spike on the top of it. The study also indicated that northern Arizona was warm and wet during the Triassic Period- approximately 220 million years ago. Tanystropheids like Akidostropheus oligos may have lived in swampy ponds or small rivers. These fossils may indicate that there was a larger diversity of tanystropheids in Northern Arizona. Additionally, the fossils provide important anatomical data about tanystropheids. However, researchers concluded that they would need more complete fossils would be needed to determine more about Akidostropheus oligos. 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 vandalised painting of an early 20th Century politician will cost at least 24,000 to repair, emails have revealed. Palestine Action activists were filmed damaging the portrait of Lord Balfour at Trinity College, Cambridge. The repair cost was disclosed via insurance company correspondence obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Trinity College said it could not disclose the full restoration assessment documentation owing to "commercial sensitivity and security concerns". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestine Action, which was banned last month, said one of its activists had slashed the painting and sprayed it with red paint. Footage of the incident in March 2024 was posted on social media. "Revealing the current location of the painting and restoration studio would pose a security risk," the college said. "However, we can confirm that the overall cost of the restoration is approximately 24,000." Lord Balfour was foreign secretary in 1917 when a declaration was made pledging Britain's support for the establishment "in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is seen by some historians as a starting point for the Arab-Israeli conflict. Shortly after the vandalism, Palestine Action issued a statement admitting responsibility. It said: "Palestine Action ruined a 1914 painting by Philip Alexius de Laszlo inside Trinity College, University of Cambridge, of Lord Arthur James Balfour the colonial administrator and signatory of the Balfour Declaration." Last March, Cambridgeshire Police confirmed it would be taking no further action. A spokesman said: "A thorough investigation was carried out but the investigation has now been filed pending any new information coming to light." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC obtained the redacted email correspondence between the college and its insurance broker, Aon. The emails described how in November 2024 the painting was moved to a new location in Cambridge and that "the restoration work is very involved". The correspondence also revealed that the college's attempt to make a claim under a terrorism clause failed due to it not meeting the definition. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Related internet links As kids return to school this fall, many parents are paying close attention to how their children are adjusting. Maybe your child has already expressed frustration with reading, seems distracted in class or simply says, I hate school. Or maybe they are excelling at a level that far exceeds their peers. While its tempting to dismiss these concerns as back-to-school jitters or not urgent, they may actually be early indicators of something deeper and thats where psychological testing and therapy can be a game changer. At Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS), weve seen a rise in parents seeking answers. Over the past several years, our team has conducted more than 100 psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults. These tests evaluate a range of concerns from ADHD and learning disorders to giftedness, autism spectrum traits and personality dynamics all with one goal in mind: to help people understand how their brain works and how they can best thrive. As a licensed psychologist who has specialized in psychological testing for 11 years, I often remind families that testing is not just about identifying a problem. Its about unlocking potential. A thorough evaluation provides a roadmap pinpointing learning styles, strengths and social-emotional patterns that can guide tailored support both at home and in the classroom. So, when should parents consider testing? There are a few key red flags: If your child resists reading or writing, struggles to sustain attention, or shows a noticeable drop in academic performance, it may be time to explore testing. Other times, a teacher, counselor or pediatrician may recommend an evaluation based on classroom behavior or learning difficulties. Testing is also important for early identification of gifted learners. In public schools, children must be tested by age 5 or when theyre entering kindergarten. Traits of giftedness can include intense curiosity, a preference for adult conversations and a deep love of learning. For ADHD, early detection is especially important. A child must exhibit symptoms before age 12 for a formal diagnosis, and those symptoms must appear in at least two settings such as at school and at home. ADHD can affect everything from organization and memory to long-term academic and professional success. Testing every three years is generally recommended to track development and ensure continued support (gifted testing excluded). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: By caving on DEI, Palm Beach County School Board sets a bad example for students Physiological testing gives students the tools they need to succeed While the benefits of psychological testing are vast, the real impact lies in what happens after the evaluation. For my patients we provide specific, individualized recommendations to help your child succeed. Whether its academic accommodations, social skills groups, therapeutic support or parenting strategies, our goal is to give families practical tools for moving forward with confidence. We also provide therapy in cases where necessary this may include children who have continuous anxiety, fears about being around peers, trouble making or keeping friends, intense fear of rejection and judgement and bullying. Unfortunately, without proper diagnosis or therapy, students may develop an aversion to school or struggle silently until adulthood, when difficulties in college or work environments finally bring things to light. Testing early gives children the best chance to succeed before challenges become overwhelming. Opinion: Florida anti-vax parents use religious cop out and risk all of our kids' lives Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that its never too late to learn more about how your childs brain works. I often tell families that testing is like assembling a puzzle. Parents come in with a handful of missing pieces, and together, we create a clear picture of whats going on and what to do next. So, as the school year gets underway, I encourage parents to tune in. Listen when your child says something is hard. Watch for signs of stress or avoidance. And dont wait for a report card to raise questions. Early intervention doesnt just help kids do better in school it helps them feel better about themselves. Every child deserves to learn in a way that works for them. Psychological testing and therapy are two powerful ways to make that happen. Dr. Arielle Burdo Dr. Arielle Burdo is Licensed Psychologist and the Psychological Testing Program Manager at Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service in West Palm Beach. Join the Conversation: The Palm Beach Post is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. Email us at letters@pbpost.com. Letters are subject to editing, must not exceed 200 words and must include your name, address and a daytime phone number to confirm the letter is for publication. We only publish names and cities with the letters. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: ADHD, autism testing could help your kid succeed in school | Opinion The Department of Justice is reportedly probing allegations that Obama administration officials fabricated evidence of Russian interference during the 2016 election, doubling down on attempts to distract from its controversial handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Per reports from CNN and Fox News, Attorney General Pam Bondi has called on prosecutors to initiate a grand jury investigation into these claims a move that could lead to subpoenas of former officials and even potential indictments. A DOJ spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis decision effectively endorses Trumps latest baseless conspiracy theory which has included accusing Obama of treason and comes as the administration has struggled to move on from criticism over its handling of the Epstein files. In recent weeks, Trump argued that Obama and his team manipulated intelligence to delegitimize his presidency, pointing to an announcement from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard as proof. Gabbard, in July, released files that she says indicate Obama officials produced a contrived narrative that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help President Trump win. She also referred the issue to the DOJ for a criminal investigation and suggested that these actions were effectively a coup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabbards interpretation distorts past conclusions drawn by members of the intelligence community, who determined that Russia fielded an influence campaign to damage former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and boost Trump. That finding was also backed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the Senate Intelligence Committee including now-Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While Gabbards files provide new information, they dont negate prior findings that Russia sought to influence U.S. voters during the 2016 election, NPR reports. Obama spokesperson Patrick Rodenbush has dismissed Trumps accusations as a ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction as well. Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes, Rodenbush said in July. Related... (FOX 5/KUSI) Panda Express is about to crank up the heat. The American Chinese food chain is testing its newest and spiciest entree, Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken, in several U.S. markets starting this week. The new menu item uses the fiery kick of Buldak, the renowned South Korean sauce. This new dish is the first time Buldaks producer, Samyang, partners with an American chain. Buldaks legendary heat is the perfect spark to reinvent an American Chinese favorite, said Evelyn Wah, the vice president of brand innovation at Panda Express. As the first U.S. restaurant brand to partner with Buldak, Panda is proud to introduce Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken a bold, explosive, and shareable experience that our guests, especially Gen Z, crave. Its the spiciest dish weve ever launched, bringing a new level of heat to our menu like never before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These California restaurants are now recommended by Michelin Guide The new dish takes the traditional sweet and sour flavor and brings up the intensity to crispy chicken breast bites coated in rice batter, tossed in a wok and accompanied with red bell peppers, onions and the custom Buldak sauce. Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken will be available starting Tuesday, August 5, until October 7 at the following test markets: Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, Houston, New York, Orlando/Daytona/Melbourne, Phoenix (Prescott), San Diego, Seattle-Tacoma, and Washington, D.C. (Hagerstown). Tap here to see a map of locations serving the new entree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enjoy! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Paramount Theatre is putting on hold its Bold Series as the city of Aurora looks at pulling back on discussed financial support of the organization. The Aurora Civic Center Authority, which owns and operates the Paramount Theatre, sent a letter to subscribers on Monday announcing that the hiatus of the Bold Series would begin after the final performance of its current production, True West, on Aug. 31 at the Copley Theatre in downtown Aurora. According to the letter, the citys previously-communicated financial support of the organization could be reduced by up to 65%, a change made after programming and budgeting had already been committed for 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision was not made lightly. The Bold Series has been a vital and vibrant part of our programming, offering compelling, provocative, and important work in an intimate setting, authority officials said in the letter. We are immensely proud of the stories told on the Bold stage and the artists who brought them to life. In addition to the Paramount Theatre, the Aurora Civic Center Authority owns and operates the Copley Theatre, Paramount School of the Arts and North Island Center plus manages the city-owned RiverEdge Park and Stolp Island Theatre. The move comes amid budgetary concerns at the city of Aurora, with Mayor John Laesch saying at a recent public meeting that the city is facing a significant hole between revenue and expenses in 2026, and that the city has been giving the Aurora Civic Center Authority way too much. However, on Tuesday, Laesch told The Beacon-News that the Paramount is an important crown jewel in the city of Aurora, and that he would work hard to make sure it doesnt shut down on my watch, though it isnt close to doing that. He previously said that the Paramount is vital for our downtown and, without it, many of the restaurants in downtown would likely end up closing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly-announced move to put the Bold Series on hold means the upcoming productions of Covenant and Ride the Cyclone in the series are canceled, and those with tickets will be refunded, according to the organizations letter to subscribers. The change will take the organizations overall programming from 900 to around 700 performances annually, and further reductions both in theater and school programing may be coming, the letter said. Plus, the Aurora Civic Center Authority reduced its full-time staff by around 20% early this week, President and CEO Tim Rater said. In response to the authoritys announcement about the programming cuts, the Actors Equity Association released a statement calling Laeschs proposed funding cuts a betrayal, citing promises he made on his campaign Facebook page of more art, more community, and to continue supporting the Paramount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Actors Equity Association is a labor union that represents over 50,000 professional actors and stage managers. However, Laesch said he has been consistent in calling for the Aurora Civic Center Authority to find a way to become financially stable, including during his time as an alderman at-large on the Aurora City Council. Its very frustrating that its reached crisis mode, he said. Some changes could have been made and adjusted sooner. It could have been made under the previous administration. Actors Equity Association Assistant Executive Director for the Central Region, Andrea Hoeschen, called on the Aurora City Council to reverse the proposed cuts. She warned in the statement that the cuts would mean fewer jobs and would harm the citys economy, as patrons who come downtown to attend shows often also pay for things like food and parking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This budget is short-sighted and will only hurt the city in the long run, Hoeschen said in the statement. According to the Aurora Civic Center Authoritys financial facts webpage, the organization brought out more than 630,000 people in 2024 across performances and events held at Paramount Theatre, Copley Theatre, Stolp Island Theatre and RiverEdge Park. Of those attendees, more than 80% came from outside Aurora, according to the webpage. The most recent national Arts & Economic Prosperity study, which was referenced on the authoritys webpage, found that those who attend nonprofit arts or culture events spent more than $38 per person per event, not including the cost of the ticket. Based on those numbers, the Aurora Civic Center Authority likely generated around $24 million just from those who attended its performances and events in 2024. The authoritys website also highlighted the growth that has taken place in downtown Aurora since the Broadway Series started at the Paramount Theatre in 2011, noting the opening of many new businesses, restaurants and residential properties along with several renovation projects. According to the citys own Downtown Revitalization Open Data Portal, the growth and evolution of downtown in recent years has been largely anchored in the arts and supported by a vibrant small business community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Aurora Civic Center Authority has so far not been funded by local property taxes, according to the organizations financial facts webpage. Before 2021, the authority only got money through the city as part of a redevelopment agreement with the downtown Hollywood Casino, the webpage says. Because the casino was built on land owned by the authority, it gets a portion of the head tax paid by the casino and collected by the city. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aurora gave some of the funds it received through the federal American Rescue Plan Act to the authority, among other local organizations, according to the webpage. In total, the authority has received over $11.5 million in federal funds from the city since 2021, the webpage states. The Aurora Civic Center Authority was facing a $7 million gap in its 2026 budget, and under former Mayor Richard Irvin, the city was considering filling that gap as part of a larger plan to make the organization financially self-sufficient again, Rater said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $7 million in planned support from the city represented roughly 20% of the organizations overall yearly budget, he said. But, just days after being elected as the citys new mayor, Laesch said that the City of Lights Center, a 4,000-seat theater and event space that would have been managed by the Aurora Civic Center Authority, was pretty much dead. The proposed venue was seen by proponents as a significant piece of the three-part plan to make the Aurora Civic Center Authority financial sustainable, but Rater said that since the project is no longer happening, it makes sense that Aurora would work to reduce the amount it supports the authority as it faces larger budgetary constraints. Although Laesch has said that the center would cost too much and didnt make much sense to him or others, Rater previously said it would have helped the organization be financially stable without the citys help, which was backed by data compiled by CH Johnson Consulting, a Chicago-based real estate consulting firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city previously intended to take out bonds to pay for the authoritys $7 million budget gap and start construction on the City of Lights Center this year as part of the second phase of the three-part plan, according to past reporting. Now, under a new mayoral administration and in the midst of the 2026 budgeting process, the city is looking to give the Aurora Civic Center Authority far less. City staff previously calculated that the city could afford to support the authority with around $2.5 million, but further along in the budget process, that number may be less, Laesch said. I understand that ACCA doesnt want a steep decline. Neither do I, but the math is going to drive that number, he said. Aurora Civic Center Authority officials said in their letter to subscribers that, if the city of Auroras financial outlook and willingness to support our programming shifts in the future, they are optimistic that they will get the chance to bring back the Bold Series and other programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rater is hopeful that the city and the authority can work together to reach a common sense number that both are comfortable with, he said. But if the city does end up funding the authority far under the $7 million mark, that would mean additional cuts beyond what have already been made, though it is unclear right now where those cuts would come from, according to Rater. He said the Paramount School of the Arts programing and staffing could be impacted, along with other programs. Laesch said his administration has made suggestions to the Aurora Civic Center Authority on ways to become more financially stable, including by adjusting subscriptions and ticket prices. But when asked about the idea, Rater said tickets were already competitively priced with other theaters, and that the authority is committed to making its shows accessible to the community. However, the tickets can get expensive, and the prices do go up each year, he said. The Aurora Civic Center Authority could only do whats profitable, but that would mean less shows, less people and less activity downtown, according to Rater. As a municipal corporation, its mission is to bring people downtown and expose them to the arts, he said, not turn a profit. rsmith@chicagotribune.com Parents were asked to pick up their children after a power outage forced the closure of more than a dozen schools in San Bernardino on Tuesday. The power outage comes amid rising temperatures and poor air quality across Southern California. The afternoon high for San Bernardino on Tuesday was expected to approach triple digits. The hot temperatures combined with the outage prompted the San Bernardino City Unified School District to close the following schools: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chavez Middle Salinas Nutrition Services Shandin Hills Kendall Complex Holcomb Hillside North Park Cajon High Palm Avenue Vermont PDC North Verdemont Kimbark Newmark Muscoy We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as Southern California Edison works to restore power, the SBCUCD posted on Facebook at 8:22 a.m. Parents were asked to arrange for the pick up of their children as soon as possible. The post directed parents to the SBCUSD website 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 KTLA. Fact checked by Sarah Scott Parents/Getty Images Theres so much to love about summer: long, sunny days, beach trips, laid-back vacations, and spending lots of time outside. But on the flipside, all that time outdoors can also mean sunburns, skinned knees, and bug bites. Bug bites are often harmless, but some can carry harmfuleven deadlyviruses. One such virus is encephalitis, which can lead to flu-like symptoms, seizures, and even death. Encephalitis can be spread by mosquito or tick bites, and cases may be rising due to climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what do parents need to know about encephalitis, and what are the major symptoms to look out for? Ahead, two experts share more details about the condition and what to do if you suspect your child may have been infected. What Is Encephalitis? Chances are youve probably heard of encephalitis, but you may not be familiar with the condition and its symptoms. Encephalitis is defined as an inflammation of the brain, which can be bacterial or viral; the viral infection is often spread via mosquito or tick bites. While many people think of encephalitis as a rare condition, Dr. Ava Easton, CEO of Encephalitis International, says its more common than you might realize; she estimates around 1.5 million cases a year globally, or three people every minute. It often surprises people to learn that encephalitis has a higher incidence in many countries than motor neuron disease (ALS) and bacterial meningitis, she shares. Our hope is to raise awareness of the condition so that people think about it in the same way they think about sepsis and meningitis. Why Are Encephalitis Cases Increasing? Dr. Easton emphasizes that researchers dont know for sure if cases are increasing, as "surveillance and data capture around the condition is currently poor. (Encephalitis International is trying to change that!) However, there's cause to believe that cases are increasing, and climate change could be a factor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the earth warms, new and emerging infections, including those that cause encephalitis, will continue to rise, she explains. The vectors that can spread infectious disease like mosquitoes and ticks are moving to new communities and environments. The situation is complicated as we begin to live in closer proximity to animals, and our more rural areas decrease. All these factors affect public health, sometimes dramatically. Dr. Easton cites the Zika outbreak in Brazil, which was considered a relatively innocuous virus until it moved into a new community without immunity; the Zika virus caused death and disability among newborn babies in particular. Another example is the Japanese encephalitis outbreak in Australia in 2022, which occurred when flooding swept across the country, bringing with it mosquitoes who infected Australians without immunity. How to Protect Your Children from Encephalitis According to Dr. Easton, some forms of encephalitis are preventable, but others are not. Vaccination is a key first step; Dr. Easton cites the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and influenza vaccine as two examples. If youre heading out on vacation, particularly to another country, you may want to consider travel vaccines to help protect against Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Many people don't think about travel health in Europe, yet large parts of the continent are susceptible to tick-borne encephalitis, Dr. Easton says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The easiest way to help protect your childrenand yourselfis to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes and ticks in the first place. Dr. Easton advises using bug repellent spray, wearing long sleeves and pants in particularly buggy areas, and avoiding stagnant water, where bugs can thrive. Its also a great idea to institute regular tick and bug bite checks for the whole family when you come in from the outdoors. Symptoms Parents Shouldnt Ignore Symptoms can vary depending on severity, but Dr. Michel Toledano, a neurology specialist at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Minnesota, says that there are several important signs parents shouldn't ignore. Early symptoms often resemble those of the flu but can escalate quickly, he explains. Some symptoms to pay attention to include: sudden high fever headache vomiting confusion or disorientation seizures difficulty speaking or understanding language vision problems excessive drowsiness or trouble waking sudden changes in behavior or personality Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In babies or toddlers, look out for irritability, poor feeding, or a bulging soft spot (a.k.a the fontanelle) on your babys head. Your parental instincts may also come in handy when it comes to your childs health. I am a great believer in instinct, says Dr. Easton. If it feels wrong, then check it out. If your child is suffering from encephalitis, it must be treated ASAP. Viral encephalitis is often treated with antiviral medications, but many virusesincluding those spread by mosquito and tick bitesdont always respond to those treatments, says Dr. Toledano. In these cases, supportive care is essential and may include fluids, oxygen, and medicines to control seizures or reduce swelling in the brain, he says. If encephalitis is linked to an autoimmune reaction or another non-infections cause, he says, doctors may use treatments like steroids. Your hospital stay depends on how severe the illness is; it can vary from just a few days to several weeks or even months, Dr. Toledano says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont hesitate to have your child checked out if you think you may have been exposed to encephalitis. If encephalitis is not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications such as memory problems, changes in personality or behavior, epilepsy, physical disabilities, or developmental delays, Dr. Toledano explains. In the most severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment make a significant difference to a childs chances of recovery and can help prevent long-term damage. Read the original article on Parents ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) A Parkton man who surrendered to Robeson County authorities on multiple sex charges is being held on a $5 million bond, Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said. Johnathan Huley Jacobs, 43, turned himself in Monday to juvenile investigators. Hes charged with 10 counts of second-degree criminal exploitation of a minor. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) A Parkton man is being held without bond for his role in a violent encounter last month, Robeson County authorities said. Ashen J. Garcia Jr., 24, of Parkton, is facing charges of indecent liberties with a child, statutory sex offense with a child, crimes against nature, second-degree kidnapping, contributing to the delinquency of a child and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Deputies responded to the 4000 block of North Carolina Highway 83 just after 6 a.m. on July 31, where a person was shot and sustained non life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short time late, Maxton police arrested Garcia during a traffic, leading to a sexual assault investgiation. * * * 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. MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A man convicted for his role in a 1993 murder has a parole hearing set for October. Steven Daniel Miner pleaded guilty to murder for Edward Lee Williamss death during a burglary in Marshall County. Miner was trying to take guns, CDs, money and ammunition from Williams house, documents say. Attempted murder suspect arrested by U.S. Marshals, Limestone County Deputies According to the Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles website, Miner has a parole hearing date scheduled for October 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Steve Marshalls Office said that before the shooting, Lee Williams, Edward Williamss son, had asked Casey McWhorter and Miner to murder his father. On Feb. 18, 1993, McWhorter and Miner were dropped off near Edward Williams house and the pair went into the house. After going through the house, McWhorter and Miner waited for Edward Williams to get home. When he got home, Marshall said Edward Williams saw Miner and took his rifle away from him. McWhorter then came out and shot Edward Williams a total of 11 times. Examination of his body later found that bullets struck several of his internal organs, including his liver, kidney, heart, and brain. Additionally, his aorta and pulmonary artery were pierced, causing half a gallon of blood to accumulate in his chest cavity, the Attorney Generals Office wrote. In the May 1994 term, a Grand Jury indicted Miner on three capital murder charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Count 1: First-degree murder during robbery Count 2: First-degree murder during robbery Count 3: First-degree murder during burglary On June 21, 1994, Miner applied for youthful offender status since he was 16 at the time of the murder. That request was denied, court records show. In July 1994, a guilty plea was filed, saying that the state amended Miners indictment by striking all counts but count three, the murder during burglary charge. In the agreement, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of murder for that count. Miner was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, and on July 25, 1994, Miner was booked into the Childersburg Correctional Based Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, on February 23, 2020, the Alabama Department of Corrections said Miner escaped from the Childersburg Work Release Center around 9:30 p.m. ADOC said he was not found in his bed during a count of inmates at the facility. Morgan County Sheriffs Office spokesman Mike Swafford told News 19 the U.S. Marshals Office followed a tip that Miner was inside a home on Pitts Road in the Eva area in Morgan County. When authorities arrived, they saw Miner at the house. MCSO said the agencies tried to make contact with Miner when someone inside the house walked out of the house and surrendered to law enforcement. The sheriffs office said Miner indicated that he was alone and was not going to come out. He also expressed that he had an explosive device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALEAs Bomb Squad and MCSOs SWAT team joined the agencies already on the scene. A Morgan County judge issued a search warrant for the home and authorities deployed tear gas. After several rounds of gas, MCSO says that Miner came out of the home and was taken into custody. Following his escape, Miner was taken to the Bibb County Correctional Facility to continue his lifetime sentence. Because of the brutality of the murder, McWhorter was given the death penalty and was executed on November 16, 2023, the AGs office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a multi-state coalition Tuesday, urging Congress to block shield laws that protect abortion providers from prosecution. The coalition sent a letter to congressional leadership seeking federal legislation to override these state laws. The request represents an escalation in the legal battle over abortion access following the Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs decision. Shield laws, enacted by several states after Dobbs overturned Roe v. Wade, prevent local authorities from cooperating with out-of-state abortion investigations. The attorneys general argue these laws violate constitutional provisions requiring states to honor each others legal proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These shield laws are a direct attack on the rule of law and a grave threat to our constitutional order, Paxton said in the August 5 press release. They embolden lawlessness, weaken our ability to enforce Texas laws, and trample on the rights of sovereign states to protect the unborn. The coalition contends that shield laws undermine state sovereignty and violate the Constitutions Full Faith and Credit Clause and Extradition Clause. They want Congress to use its constitutional authority to preempt these state protections. Paxton specifically called for action against what he termed radical anti-life policies, including statutes that allow unconscionable late-term abortions. The letter did not specify which congressional powers the coalition believes would authorize such federal intervention. The move follows Paxtons recent legal action against a New York County Clerk who refused to enforce a court judgment against an abortion provider. That provider allegedly mailed abortion-inducing drugs into Texas illegally. Texas maintains some of the nations strictest abortion laws since the Dobbs decision returned the issue to individual states. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) Agriculture is an economic driver in Central Illinois and knowing its impact paid off, in cash, for top students. The Youth Crop Scouting Competition took place at the University of Illinoiss Crop Sciences Research and Education Center in Champaign. Teams consisted of up to seven high school students, and they prepared all year for this. Competitors took a written test and identified various crops, equipment, and insects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vermilion Co. Farm Bureau wants solar projects focused on non-productive land At each of the ten stations, they were judged for their knowledge, professionalism, and teamwork. A University of Illinois official said that Ag is a major back bone in the area, and its important younger people learn about it. Its exposing them to something thats not in a classroom. You get to go out and have fun, and thats what Ag is all about, Meagan Diss, an extension specialist, said. Were out in the field, having fun, and its really a great time to learn and explore before youre in college and before youre deciding that major. You have that chance to go out and experience it first-hand. A total of more than $1,000 was awarded to the top four teams. The top two teams advanced to compete in regionals. Itll take place in Ames, Iowa, on Sept. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. MIDWAY, Utah (ABC4) A Payson man has been charged after he allegedly attempted to kidnap a 15-year-old girl and subsequently punched a security guard multiple times when he was confronted. Abel Torres, 54, has been charged with kidnapping, assault, threat of violence, and intoxication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, deputies with the Wasatch County Sheriffs Office were dispatched to an alleged fight near a resort in Midway on the night of Aug. 3, 2025. When they arrived, four men were in a verbal altercation, and a security guard was trying to break up the fight. READ NEXT: Neighbor charged with sexual abuse after allegedly luring 6-year-old into home with candy One of the men, later identified as Torres, was handcuffed and placed into a patrol vehicle because he was not complying with deputies orders to end the fight. Two of the men involved in the altercation told police that they were fighting because Torres had attempted to kidnap one of the mens sister-in-law. The victim, a 15-year-old girl, told deputies that she was waiting in her brother-in-laws truck while he and a friend were working. She got out of the truck and decided to go look for them when Torres allegedly approached her and began speaking to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torres asked the 15-year-old to come with him, and she refused. The victim told police that he then grabbed her hand and tried to pull her over to his vehicle. She was able to break free, at which point he tried to strike her. The teen managed to get back into her brother-in-laws truck and locked the doors. While this was happening, the victim was on the phone with a friend. The witness told the Wasatch County Sheriffs deputies that she had witnessed it all happen and even saw Torres attempt to touch the victim again while she was fleeing. A friend had accompanied Torres to the resort area and was one of the men involved in the verbal altercation. The friend told deputies that he was looking at the hours for a local recreation site when he saw Torres speaking with a young girl. He stated that he tried to get Torres to stop, but left when he was ignored, allegedly before the teen was grabbed. TOP STORIES: Tooele County man accused of shooting at victims multiple times in road rage chase Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, while in the same area, the friend told deputies that he was approached by the girls brother-in-law and his friend. They accused him of touching the 15-year-old, and he left the area to find Torres. The brother-in-law and friend told deputies that he was running away from them. When the friend told Torres about what happened, he allegedly went to confront the two men. The brother-in-law reported that Torres began yelling racial slurs and other obscenities when he approached and got in [their] faces. Torres appeared to be drunk and reeked of alcohol, according to his brother-in-law and his friend. The two men waved down a security guard for help. The security guard reported that while he was attempting to separate the two sets of men, Torres refused to comply and was pushing him. Torres allegedly began yelling racial slurs and obscenities again, as well as stating that he was going to kill the men. Torres then punched the security guard in the stomach multiple times. Deputies arrived shortly after and took Torres into custody. He was booked into the Wasatch County Jail shortly after 9 p.m. 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. KENT, Ohio (WKBN) PBS Western Reserve has made a statement following last weeks announcement that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will close. In the statement, the Kent-based TV station said it does not have any additional impacts that [it knows] of at this time. Officials with PBS Western Reserve were sad CPB will close but not surprised. The statement went on to say PBS Western Reserve will carry on CPBs mission to inform, educate and enrich the public. With the help of our community, there is no doubt that we will do just that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PBS Western Reserve services the Youngstown area and parts of Western Pennsylvania. CPBs announcement came after President Donald Trump signed a bill July 24 eliminating money for public broadcasting. PBS Western Reserve, among other local TV and radio stations, spoke to First News last week on how the funding cuts affect them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Following the death of Leah Jordan, co-owner and founder of Pearls Books, team members reflect on her life and legacy. Pearls Books is an independent bookstore in downtown Fayetteville, founded in 2021 by Leah and Daniel Jordan. In March 2022, Leah was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, also known as a grade four astrocytoma. The news when we got it was that it could be a year or two, Jordan said. She did radiation, she did chemo, did radiation again. And she had a year and a half, or a year maybe, of health that seemed fairly steady and like, okay, maybe we could live like this for a long time, you know? And then the cancer came back last summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas public school students to receive free breakfast daily starting this school year Despite another radiation treatment, Leahs condition grew worse. Meanwhile, staff members continued helping ensure that business at Pearls ran smoothly. Pretty immediately, I learned how amazing our staff is, Jordan said. The people who have been here with us since the beginning, being able to lean on them and rely on them from a very early stage of the store being open, I think, was really good for me. And it allowed the store to become what it is in a large part due to our staff. Leah Jordan died on July 14th. Daniel Jordan said family and Pearls staff often visited them while Leah was on hospice care, leading up to her death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not always able to have those final moments with the people that we love, and to be able to tell them what they mean to us, Jordan said. I count myself very lucky, and my family very lucky, that we did get to talk to her and tell her how much her life has meant to everyone. Staff members at Pearls reflected on their time knowing Leah, saying she was their friend as well as their boss. I think we connected as readers, said Julia Paganelli Marin, Event and Social Media Manager at Pearls. Then over the last couple of years, our friendship grew. I could ask Leah for advice about relationships or just being a person; she was always really open with me and honest about her own life and experience. I just feel really grateful that she shared so much of herself with me. Hallee Israel, the Operations Manager at Pearls, was hired before the store opened, and said Leah had a great impact on her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really just cant even put into words how important it is to me to be able to have a place that I work at that I enjoy. That also has connected me with people that are lifelong friends now, including Daniel and Leah, Israel said. Shes a friend and somebody who is just so special, and has really helped me grow as a person and helped me feel just confident in myself. Daniell Jordan said after Leahs death, the store received a multitude of phone calls, cards, and well-wishes from customers and community members in Fayetteville. Every time I read something like a note that someone leaves, or a comment, or a card that someone gives us, Jordan said. It just reminds me of how beautiful a person Leah was, and is, and that her legacy and her love for other people and her impact will live on for a long, long 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 KNWA FOX24. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania state lawmaker plans to introduce a bill that would expand opportunities for hunters. The bill, proposed by Sen. Daniel Laughlin (R-49), would allow hunters in Pennsylvania to use semi-automatic firearms with a three-round capacity limit for hunting. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania In a sponsorship memo, Sen. Laughlin says the Pennsylvania Game Commission authorizes the use of semi-automatic rifles for small game, but prohibits their use for big game hunting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo says the practice of using semi-automatic weapons for small game is widely accepted in other states, as Sen. Laughlin says many hunters already use semi-automatic shotguns for turkey and waterfowl hunting with a 3-shell limit. The memo notes that this legislation would not allow high-capacity magazines or fully automatic weapons. Laughlin says the bill simply aligns Pennsylvanias hunting laws with other states and provides more options to hunters who may be unable to operate bolt-action or pump-action rifles effectively. This document has not been submitted for introduction yet. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. COAL TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM) Nearly two dozen Pennsylvania lawmakers recently went to a prison to hear from those serving life sentences, also known as lifers, about possible criminal justice reforms. Legislative fixes were proposed, but at the core of the conversation was a basic moral question: Do you believe in second chances? If so, does that also apply to those who have taken a life? Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania abc27s Dennis Owens was the only journalist to join Pennsylvania lawmakers at SCI Coal Township as they spoke with prisoners about whether redemption is possible. My slogan, Dennis, is we are not our crimes, said SCI Coal Township inmate Rob Pezzecca. We have grown to become so much more, and I am not my worst day. Pezzecca, who killed and dismembered his landlord in 1998, is currently serving life. Has been serving a life term for 27 of his 48 years. Im trying to bring people in to show that we are not the monsters that everyone thinks we are, said Pezzecca, who was a driving force behind a historic committee hearing at the state prison in Coal Township. Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate, heard directly from lifers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It left me with an answer, asking the question, What amount of time equals justice and what amount of time becomes revenge for a crime?' said State Rep. Nikki Rivera (D-Lancaster County). Hearing the prisoners testimonies about their transformation and to hear their superintendent, McGinley, advocating for them in their transformation, it kind of opened my eyes a little bit. It was really inspiring, meeting folks serving life prison sentences with ideas on legislation, said Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery County). They are caring. They are compassionate. They have a lot to offer. The question remains: Should they get a second chance at freedom? Some of these folks never killed anybody, said Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia County). They were present when a crime was committed and someone was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its called felony life. Pennsylvania is one of the few states with it, but several lawmakers want to abolish it. Whether youre the person who was the main aggressor in a crime or whether you drove a car, your role doesnt matter, said House Speaker Johanna McClinton (D-Delaware/Philadelphia). If youre sentenced to life without parole, it means you die in jail. In some instances, the actual killer gets out while the accomplice does life. How is that justice? asked Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R), the co-founder of the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus. That doesnt seem to be justice to me. Many argue that the commutation process overseen by the Board of Pardons is also unjust. The Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and three gubernatorial appointees make up the board. They must vote 5-0 to recommend a commutation to the Governor. Some want the threshold lowered to 3-2. Senator Bartolotta prefers 4-1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant get five people to agree on what to put on a pizza, said Sen. Bartolotta. In the rare case a lifer gets recommended for commutation, its up to the Governor to decide. This means three elected officials, who may have future political goals, can choose to free inmates with a past. Theres a lot of risk, said Rep. Briggs. It only takes one or two people to do something awful to scare people from being compassionate, but I think we are a better Commonwealth. The public wants second chances. Governors want second terms in office. Former Gov. Tom Wolf, for instance, commuted five lifers in his first four years. That number jumped to 50 in his final four years, with no future elections. Wolf was by far the most generous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some lawmakers want automatic parole hearings if, say, an inmate is over 50 years old and has served more than 25 years, or over 60 years old and has served 30 years. Its the Department of Corrections,' said Sen. Bartolotta. What are we correcting if we give no hope of anything and if we dont try to reward good behavior and at least give them a voice after 25 years? Many also argue that elderly infirm lifers should at least have a chance at release. We dont want to spend money on people who are elderly, who are no longer a threat, and who have, in fact, been redeemed, said Speaker McClinton. What we want to do is not open the door, but provide a window for them to apply for parole and be considered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone deserves to die in prison, said Pezzecca. But Pezzecca knows that he likely will, despite his relentless behind-bars advocacy and good behavior. I am completely guilty of my crime, said Pezzecca. In Pennsylvania, both political parties now agree: No more masks! But for whom? Some people might say that for that crime, which was heinous, Pezzecca should just stay behind bars for the rest of your life. Pezzecca has one message to those people: I say to them, meet the person I am today, Pezzecca 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 ABC27. A sprawling missile defense conference kicks off Tuesday in Alabama, but no one on stage can mention the Pentagons most ambitious missile defense project. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths office, according to the events organizers, has banned officials at the event from talking about President Donald Trumps favorite weapon system: the nascent multibillion-dollar Golden Dome missile shield. The clampdown follows new Pentagon rules that ban personnel from participating in think tank and research organization events a major channel for communicating policy and gathering outside input. And it occurs alongside a broader tightening of the departments public engagement, including reducing press conferences and limiting media access in the building to prevent a stream of embarrassing leaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville this week typically showcases the Pentagons missile defense priorities. Organizers expect it will draw 7,300 attendees and 300 exhibitors this year, with Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins among the headliners. But Hegseths public affairs office told organizers to keep Golden Dome off the agenda and muzzled government speakers at least until a separate event on Thursday, according to event spokesperson Bob English. A lot of [attendees] are coming this year because of Golden Dome, English said. Unfortunately, last week, [the Defense secretary's office] came out and said they don't want us talking about Golden Dome during the symposium. The Pentagon, when asked for comment, pointed to a July announcement about the creation of an office to oversee the missile shield's development. Officials provided no additional information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers described frantic days assessing the new rules' implications. There was confusion for about 48 hours about exactly what the policy was or what they intended us to do or not to do, English said. Officials will still have some conversations about Golden Dome, but in a more structured setting. The Missile Defense Agency posted a notice this week that it will brief industry in an unclassified session Thursday, laying out what threats the shield is meant to stop, what mix of defenses it may use and how the Pentagon wants to buy and build it. But experts contend the conversation belongs in public. When it comes to Golden Dome, start talking, said Tom Karako, a missile defense expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. There are good answers to these questions because the threat is profound. But there needs to be a lot more communication and persuasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fledgling initiative, launched by Trump soon after he returned to office, received $25 billion in the recently signed GOP megabill. Proponents envision a $175 billion program. The Senate confirmed Gen. Mike Guetlein in July to lead the new Golden Dome office, which aims to unveil the systems architecture by mid-September and conduct the first integrated flight test in late 2028. PERRY (KSNT) A local community in Jefferson County is recovering from a temporary setback after a churchs blessing box was damaged last week. Perry Methodist United Churchs blessing box was started in 2019, a year after Perrys only grocery store closed. The box was made to provide food and hygiene items to those in need. Outreach Coordinator Paula Hladky said people were saddened by the blessing box s vandalism. Someone allegedly shattered the boxs glass and broke it the week prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do have the new doors on now, and everythings good, but we had a lot of people who were so disappointed in the last week, Hladky said. We just hope everybody loves it: New Italian restaurant promises new flavors for Topeka residents People can make donations of non-perishable items to the blessing box for now due to the heat. The church asks that you take what you need and leave some for the next person. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. AUSTIN (KXAN) One of the best meteor showers of the year is just days away from its peak, where viewers can see up to 60 meteors per hour falling from the sky. Unfortunately, this year our view will be slightly obstructed due to our friendly neighbor: the moon. In this 30-second exposure, a meteor streaks across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, in Spruce Knob, West Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Peaking the night between August 12 and August 13, the Perseids occurs as the Earth travels through a debris cloud left by the Comet Swift-Tuttle when it passed through our solar system in 1992. However, a full moon will occur on August 9. This means the sky will be very bright and meteors will be hard to see. Days later, August 16, the moon will reach the third quarter phase, where the right half is dark. This means less light and a chance to see the tail end of showers peak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is we have the best view yet of a meteor in just three years. Experts believe that an extra dense cloud of dust left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle is in our path. Based on current calculations, in 2028 we will pass through this dense dust cloud and see the number of meteors in our sky multiple compared to typical showers. What is a meteor shower? Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through the tail of a comet. Tiny particles of dust left behind by a comet form a trail in its wake. When Earth passes through this tail, those particles burn up in our atmosphere. The Perseids are formed from the Comet Swift-Tuttle. It passes through our solar system every 133 years. The last time it was here was in 1992. A Perseid meteor streaks across the sky above a camping site at the Negev desert near the city of Mitzpe Ramon in Israel on August 11, 2020, during the Perseids meteor shower. (Photo by Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images) How do you see the Perseids? The meteor shower can be seen in the Northern Hemisphere. NASA typically recommends looking to the sky during the pre-dawn hours. Get as far from city lights as possible when viewing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The moon will be at 84% brightness during this time. The good news, the Geminids meteor shower in December will have great visibility. A new moon will occur during its peak. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Authorities are searching for two persons of interest after a trail camera was vandalized and salmon were poached from a Jackson County fish hatchery in 2024 and again in 2025. According to Oregon State Police, the two persons of interest were first spotted by a trail camera at the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, Oregon on August 12, 2024, before returning to the hatchery Aug. 27, 2024. The persons of interest were seen wearing motorcycle helmets entering the stream around 8 p.m. and attempted to spear salmon, according to OSP. Trail cameras showed one person driving a red Harley Davidson or a similar motorcycle while the second person drove a black sport bike, officials said, noting they also brought a black German Shepherd with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Monday press release, Oregon State Police said the persons of interest may have returned. Arrival in Portland is imminent: City braces for destructive invasive emerald ash borer Around 5 a.m. July 5, 2025, two masked people who match the description of the persons of interest from 2024 were seen on camera approaching the outflow fish trap wearing baggy clothes and were accompanied by a black German Shepherd. Oregon State Police are searching for two persons of interest after a trail camera was vandalized and salmon were poached from the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, Oregon in 2024 and 2025 (Courtesy Oregon State Police). Oregon State Police are searching for two persons of interest after a trail camera was vandalized and salmon were poached from the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, Oregon in 2024 and 2025 (Courtesy Oregon State Police). Oregon State Police are searching for two persons of interest after a trail camera was vandalized and salmon were poached from the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, Oregon in 2024 and 2025 (Courtesy Oregon State Police). Oregon State Police are searching for two persons of interest after a trail camera was vandalized and salmon were poached from the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, Oregon in 2024 and 2025 (Courtesy Oregon State Police). One of the people on camera waded across the river and ripped the antenna off of the cellular camera while the second person stayed on shore holding what appeared to be a large salmon net, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, fish and wildlife troopers discovered a broken antenna, and the trail camera pushed to the side Washington County deputy files $23M suit after 2023 eviction order shooting Staffers with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife later found the lock to the fish trap had been cut, officials said, noting an unknown number of salmon were netted from the trap. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Turn in Poachers tip line at 1-800-452-7888. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MANILA, Philippines (AP) A top Philippine security official on Tuesday condemned Chinas latest rocket launch, which caused suspected debris to fall near a western Philippine province. Authorities said the incident sparked alarm and posed a danger to people, ships, and aircraft. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the suspected Chinese rocket debris that fell near Palawan province Monday night, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said. However, he added that these posed a clear danger and risk to land areas and to ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels near the expected drop zones. We condemn in no uncertain terms the irresponsible testing done by the People's Republic of China of its Long March 12 rocket which alarmed the public and placed the people of Palawan at risk, Ano said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People were alarmed after hearing loud explosions Monday night in Palawans Puerto Princesa city and nearby towns, Ano said, adding that local residents also saw a fireball cross the sky that later exploded causing the ground to shake. Chinese officials did not immediately comment on Ano's statement. Chinas official Xinhua News Agency reported that the Long March-12 rocket that lifted off Monday night from a commercial spacecraft launch site on the southern island province of Hainan successfully carried a group of internet satellites into pre-set orbit. It was the 587th mission by the Long March carrier rockets, Xinhua said, citing the launch site. It was not immediately clear if Chinese authorities notified nearby countries like the Philippines of possible debris from its latest rocket launch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such Chinese rocket debris have been found farther away from the Philippine archipelago in the past. The Philippine Space Agency said Monday that debris from the rocket launch was expected to have fallen within two identified drop zones about 21 nautical miles (39 kilometers) from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan and 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers) from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, an area of coral reefs in the Sulu Sea off eastern Palawan that is popular among divers and conservators. Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space, the space agency said. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. Philippine aircraft and vessels were deployed Tuesday to search for the rocket debris, Ano said. He asked the public to notify authorities if they find any piece of debris but warned them not to touch them because of possible toxic fuel residues. A standoff in Texas over redrawn U.S. House maps escalated as dozens of Democratic lawmakers fled the state to block a vote on a redrawn congressional map sought by President Donald Trump to shore up Republicans 2026 midterm prospects. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. PINE BLUFF, Ark. The Pine Bluff Police Department announced a new record with its latest class of recruits. A spokesperson said 18 recruits appeared before the Pine Bluff City Council in full uniform on Monday, Aug. 4. Pulaski County officials discuss crime-fighting strategies in meeting on Wednesday Sixteen of the new recruits will begin training at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy from Aug. 25 to Nov. 21, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department also announced the hiring of two certified full-time officers, 45-year-old Jidancia Mitchell and 26-year-old Damian Durham, along with four new part-time certified officers: Cainna Tyson, 38; Efrem Elliott, 58; Corquis Chism, 36; and Joseph ONeal, 38. Pine Bluff police arrest woman accused in Walmart theft, searching for second suspect A spokesperson said all officers were hired between April and July 2025. This expansion brings the departments total personnel count to nearly 100, including detectives and other divisions, officials said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. PITTSBURGH (WKBN) The Pittsburgh Pirates have activated pitcher Johan Oviedo from the 60-day injured list. In a corresponding roster move, the Pirates have designated relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera for assignment. Oviedo last pitched for the Pirates in the 2023 season, posting a record of 9-14 with a 4.31 ERA, striking out 158 batters in 177.2 innings. Following the 2023 campaign, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This season, Oviedo made six rehab appearances with every full-season minor league affiliate. He has posted a record of 1-2 with a 3.12 ERA. In six starts, he has pitched 17.1 innings, allowing 6 earned runs on 14 hits with 21 strikeouts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An anti-abortion demonstrator holds up a sign during a rally. (Olivier Douliery/Getty Images) The two Planned Parenthood reproductive health clinics in Louisiana will close their doors at the end of next month, its regional leader announced. Its parent organization has cited a decrease in donor support and Trump administration policy as reasons for its cutbacks across the country. Anti-abortion activists have had Planned Parenthood in their crosshairs for decades, although neither the Baton Rouge or New Orleans locations have ever been licensed to perform the procedure. Its medical staff provides birth control, tests for sexually transmitted diseases, cancer screenings and other health care services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a decision we wanted to make; it is one we were forced into by political warfare, Melaney Linton, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, said in a statement. Anti-reproductive health lawmakers obsessed with power and control have spent decades fighting the concept that people deserve to control their own bodies. These extremists have done everything they can to defund Planned Parenthood, dismantle public health infrastructure, and block patients from the care they rely on. This cruelty and failed leadership are the reasons we are here today. A reduction in staff and services at Planned Parenthood facilities nationwide began even before Congress approved President Donald Trumps expansive tax and spending measure in early July. Dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill, its provisions include a reduction in Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood clinics, even though federal money already cannot be used to administer abortions. The organization estimates about 200 of its more than 600 facilities are at risk of closing. Gov. Jeff Landry called Planned Parenthoods closure announcement a major win for the pro-life movement here in Louisiana in a social media post. I have fought hard as Attorney General and now as Governor to rid our state of this failed organization, Landry wrote. Abortion should NEVER be considered healthcare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Liz Murrill, who was Landrys solicitor general when he held the AGs job, also celebrated the news of the clinic closures. This is welcome news, Murrill said in a statement. Planned Parenthood built its business around promoting death. Louisiana choose [sic] life. We will always protect women and babies. Benjamin Clapper, president of Louisiana Right to Life, said in a statement that Planned Parenthood could have chosen to remain in Louisiana had it stopped performing abortions. He added that the organization has spent $1 million in Louisiana and Texas to help pregnant women travel to other states where the procedure is legal. Planned Parenthood is a national abortion business that has long sought to bring its abortion agenda to Louisiana, Clapper said. Todays announcement is further indication that their priority has always been abortion and their profit margins rather than helping women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abortion is allowed in very few instances under Louisiana law, specifically when the life of the mother is at risk, when she faces significant injury from delivery or if the fetus is not expected to survive. Some physicians in the state have been reluctant to perform such emergency abortions, saying state law doesnt offer enough clarity on when the procedure is permissible. Health care professionals could face prison time and fines if they perform an illegal abortion in Louisiana. Murrill is attempting to prosecute a New York doctor for allegedly prescribing and mailing abortion medication to a Louisiana woman who gave the pills to her pregnant minor daughter. The physician, Dr. Margaret Carpenter, is protected by her states shield laws, which keep her from being extradited to face charges in Louisiana. Murrill and other Republican attorneys general have called on Congress to strike down those shield laws. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The playground at a Southeast Portland academy was intentionally torched in the early hours of Sunday, Portland police told KOIN 6 News. The playground at CAIRO Academy near SE 139th and Stark was intentionally set on fire shortly before 2 a.m., officials said. PPBs Major Crimes Unit is looking into the case on the possibility this was a bias crime. The flames destroyed the outdoor space we had just completed, built with love and care for children from immigrant, refugee, and low-income families, CAIRO Academy Executive Director Abdikadir Bashir said in a statement. This new facility and a project was a promise to our children: that they belong, that they are safe, and that they are seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrival in Portland is imminent: City braces for destructive invasive emerald ash borer Academy officials will hold a press conference Tuesday to address the arson and their plans to rebuild. The playground at CAIRO Academy near SE 139th and Stark in an undated photo (CAIRO Academy) The playground at CAIRO Academy near SE 139th and Stark was intentionally set on fire, August 3, 2025 (CAIRO Academy) There is also a GoFundMe fundraiser, organized by CAIRO Academy, to help rebuild the playground. The CAIRO Academy the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization has a stated mission to advocate for and act to increase equity and social justice through programs, services, community organizing and collaborative leadership that create equitable opportunities for African refugees and immigrant children, youth and families to thrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pigeon feeding ban sparks political and religious controversy in mumbai Sameer Surve and Faizan Khan A senior member of the Shiv Sena said on Monday that the obsession with pigeons had contributed to their high population and serious health risks for Mumbaikars. Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Manisha Kayandes statement came as senior BJP leaders, including Mangal Prabhat Lodha, raced to placate members of the Jain and Gujarati communities, who are angered by the decision of civic authorities to shut down kabootarkhanas in the city. In Jainism, feeding pigeons is a form of jeev daya, or compassion for living beings, one of the central tenets of Jain ethics. Kayande said the issue should be viewed through the lens of public health not politics or religion. I have a PhD in zoology and 33 years of teaching experience. The health hazards associated with pigeons are real and proven by research. Their feathers and droppings carry harmful fungi and bacteria that can lead to serious lung diseases like fibrosis and hypersensitive pneumonitis, she said. The health of citizens must come first. Nowhere in Jain scriptures does it say that only pigeons must be fed. One can feed any animal. This obsession with pigeons has led to overpopulation and serious health risks, she said. Kayande, who raised the issue in the legislative council last week, also questioned the silence of the Jain community over bird deaths during kite festivals in Gujarat, calling out the selective outrage. The MLC pointed out that places like the Dadar Kabootarkhana, which has now been covered by tarpaulin to prevent people from feeding pigeons, were originally water fountains. Kayande also took a swipe at Lodha, and said the matter was being politicised. Lodha, the minister of skill development and entrepreneurship, recently wrote to the BMC seeking a balanced approach that considers religious and cultural sentiments of people. He suggested relocating pigeon feeding to open areas like Bandra Kurla Complex or Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Last Saturday, the Bombay High Court ordered strict action against pigeon feeding, following which the BMC covered the Dadar Kabootarkhana with tarpaulin. Sandip Doshi, a resident of Dadar and caretaker of the Dadar Kabootarkhana, said, We have met Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar and Ghatkopar East MLA Parag Shah. We are voters of the BJP, and we are hoping the BJP will help solve this issue. This is not just our issue; this is for the birds. As the main ruling party, the BJP should solve this issue and give us justice. Kalidas Kolambkar, a BJP MLA from Naigaon, met with the Jain community of Dadar on Sunday. I have told the community that we can fight this case in court. We will try to get a stay order. This is a sentimental issue for people, he said. The BMC fined 142 people and collected Rs 68,700 in fines for feeding pigeons between July 13 and August 3. The highest fine collected was from the Dadar Kabootarkhana, where the BMC collected Rs 22,220 in fines from 51 people. Fifteen people were fined at Bandra Talao. Playground at local park intentionally set on fire; Dayton Fire wants those responsible Street crews tore down part of a playground after a fire destroyed it. Officials said someone set the fire on purpose at Bomberger Park in Dayton. There is a childcare center at the Turkish American Center, and the children love to play at Bomberger Park. However, all thats left are three swings, a small slide, and a dinosaur. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Fire Chief Brad French told News Center 7 his firefighters headed for the park around 4 a.m. Sunday. They found playground equipment that had been set on fire. They put the fire out, and thankfully, there were no injuries, but there was significant damage to the playground equipment and significant dollar loss going to be involved in this incident as a result of the fire, French said. He said fire officials believe the fire was intentionally set. We think this was an act of arson, and we want to find out who did it, French said. Debbie Venys with the German Club said, Its heartbreaking driving by it. Coming here every day, She continued, Part of the German Fest Picnic with moving the festival here, having moved into Bomberger Park has been key because it brings more opportunities for families, and thats what German Fest Picnic is all about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During mass on Sunday, they collected donations and gave them to different organizations. And we made a donation several years ago toward the fundraising for Bomberger Park, so its very key and near and dear to us with the playground equipment, Venys, said. This Sunday, August 10, they will be donating to help rebuild Bomberger Park. We have a lot of neighborhoods in the city of Dayton that have a lot of community pride, and they have nice things in their neighborhood. They want to keep them nice, French said. I want to try to make sure folks understand that this wont be tolerated in the city of Dayton. And were going to continue to investigate until we find out who did this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French told News Center 7 that if anyone has information about the fire, they should call the fire department at 937-333-TIPS or Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] KNOXVILLE, Iowa A man police say wrote threats on playing cards and distributed them at the Knoxville Walmart Monday night has been charged with threat of terrorism. The Knoxville Police Department said William Kisling, 44, was arrested at his residence in Harvey following the incident. He is also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers were dispatched to the Walmart at 8:24 p.m. on a report of a potential threat. The store was being evacuated when police and deputies with the Marion County Sheriffs Office arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to protect your car amid rising vehicle thefts in Des Moines A criminal complaint filed in the case said some of the playing cards the suspect distributed contained messages written on them, such as Kill Yourself, NO WARNING SHOT, and MASS MURDER RAMPAGE.' Investigators identified Kisling as the suspect after surveillance video showed him leaving the store, entering a vehicle, and leaving the area. Court documents said a vehicle linked to the suspect was found at his Harvey residence in the 200 block of Cinder Avenue. Kisling was found at the location and a search warrant was executed on his vehicle and home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Kisling admitted to distributing the playing cards at Walmart and was arrested. Cards matching those left at Walmart were found on him when he was taken into custody. Kisling is being held in the Marion County Jail on a $5,000 bond. Iowa 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 who13.com. The man wanted in the killings of the parents, grandmother and uncle of an infant found abandoned in a front yard in western Tennessee last week has been arrested, police said. Austin Robert Drummond, 28, was taken into custody amid a search on Tuesday, Jackson police said. His arrest came shortly after police had warned residents of Jackson, which is about 74 miles (119 kilometers) away from the crime scene in Tiptonville, to stay inside their homes, having received a report that he was spotted in a neighborhood. It came after two tips from members of the community, officials said at a news conference Tuesday. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch said he couldn't give a motive for the crime yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond is expected in court in Tiptonville for an arraignment later this week. He faces four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping and weapons offenses, officials have said. It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. An automated message from the public defenders office said to call back later. Dyer and Lake counties District Attorney Danny Goodman told The Associated Press in a phone interview Tuesday that he has yet to decide if he'll seek the death penalty, but said it was very likely he would. Goodman said Drummond shot the family members, and that Drummonds girlfriend is the sister of the infants grandmother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were actually all associated with one another, Goodman said. So it wasnt a random attack. Tuesday's search left the community, situated on the Mississippi River in western Tennessee and more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) southwest of Nashville, on edge, according to the district attorney. The biggest emotion has been fear, Goodman said. You dont usually hear about in small towns much you know, a quadruple homicide. He added: The two emotions are, one is shock, and the second would be fear. Hours before the arrest, Jackson Police posted a roughly 20-second video surveillance clip showing someone they said was Drummond, wearing camouflage and carrying a firearm, trying to enter the door of an unspecified building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley said the calls from the public helped officers arrest Drummond, who had been staying in a vacant building near the woods where he was taken into custody. The investigation into the family's killings in Tiptonville began July 29 after an infant in a car seat was found in a front yard in the Tigrett area, roughly 40 miles (65 kilometers) away. The Dyer County Sheriffs Office said in a statement that a caller reported a minivan or midsize SUV had dropped the infant at a random individuals front yard. The sheriff's office later said they were working with investigators in neighboring Lake County, where four people had been found dead. Officials determined those people were the child's parents, grandmother and uncle. Authorities later identified those people as James M. Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson and Adrianna Williams were the infant's parents, while Rose was Adrianna and Braydon Williams mother. Investigators determined the four relatives had not been seen since the night before, according to Goodman. A relative had called 911 after finding two vehicles in a remote area, and the four bodies were found in nearby woods, Goodman said. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch has said it's believed the killings were a targeted attack by Drummond. The baby, identified by Goodman as a girl, is safe and being cared for by other relatives. Goodman said authorities believe Drummond drove the baby from Tiptonville to Tigrett, where she was left in a yard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TBI has already charged Tanaka Brown, 29, and Giovonte Thomas, 29, with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Investigators allege both men assisted Drummond, 28, in the killings. Dearrah Sanders of Jackson was arrested on Monday and charged with being an accessory after the killings. Drummond's criminal history includes prison time for robbing a convenience store and threatening to go after jurors. He was also charged with attempted murder while behind bars. An attorney who represented him as a teenager had not returned earlier messages from the AP. Police have arrested a man suspected of opening fire at the driver accused of plowing his vehicle into a crowd and injuring dozens of people outside a popular Los Angeles nightclub in July. Efrain Villalobos, 28, was arrested on Aug. 3 in Redondo Beach, a coastal city about 21 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. His arrest comes just days after police had identified Villalobos as the suspected gunman in the July 19 shooting. In the early hours of July 19, a vehicle crashed into a packed crowd, leaving the Vermont Hollywood nightclub in the busy neighborhood of East Hollywood. After the crash, police said bystanders pulled the driver out of the vehicle and attacked him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the altercation, police said a man later identified as Villalobos approached the scene from across the street and shot the driver once in the lower back. The suspect then fled from the scene on foot and remained at large for about two weeks. Villalobos was booked on suspicion of attempted murder without bail, police said in an updated statement on Aug. 4. They did not provide additional details on his arrest but said the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration. Devil's Den case: Details emerge in hiker deaths; school teacher charged with capital murder What happened in the East Hollywood car crash? The chaotic scene unfolded at about 2 a.m. local time on July 19 as a crowd of patrons left the Vermont Hollywood, according to police. The driver, who was identified as Fernando Ramirez, 29, had been kicked out of the nightclub before returning minutes later and ramming his vehicle into the crowd, police and prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car came to a stop after colliding with several food carts, which became lodged underneath the vehicle, according to police. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said 37 people were injured in the crash. Injuries ranged from "minor abrasions to serious fractures and lacerations to broken bones," and several victims were briefly trapped beneath the car, according to authorities. Ramirez was charged with 37 counts of attempted murder and 37 counts of assault with a deadly weapon, Hochman said. He faces multiple sentences of life in state prison if convicted on all counts. NYC shooting: 4 victims mourned; NYPD to search suspect's Las Vegas home Arrest follows extensive search Following the crash, police launched an extensive search for the man suspected of shooting Ramirez. On July 21, investigators asked for the public's help, releasing surveillance photos from cameras near the venue that showed the suspect wearing a blue Dodgers jacket, a light blue jersey with the number "5," and blue jeans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities had warned the public that the suspect was considered armed and dangerous, and urged the public to contact police with any information that could lead to his arrest. "We understand the emotions involved, but when the threat had ended and the suspect was no longer actively harming others, the use of deadly force was both unlawful and dangerous to everybody present," Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said at a July 22 news conference. On Aug. 1, police said the suspected gunman was identified as Villalobos, who was believed to be in the Redondo Beach area. He was described as a Hispanic man with a shaved head, brown eyes, 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighing about 160 pounds. Police noted that Villalobos has "distinctive features," such as gauged piercings in both ears and multiple tattoos, including his last name on his right forearm, the phrase "respect is earned not given" on his inner right arm, and the name "Miabella" on his left inner arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles police said investigators were working with the Redondo Beach Police Department to locate Villalobos. Redondo Beach police arrested him at around 1:15 p.m. local time on Aug. 3, and Los Angeles investigators took the suspect into custody. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Police arrest man suspected of shooting driver who ran into LA crowd COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus police are investigating an incident in which a person was found lying in a ditch and seriously injured on the east side of the city. According to a CPD release, officers found a person in a ditch off Stelzer Road, just north of East 7th Avenue in East Columbus. The incident, which occurred Sunday night at 9:30 p.m., is believed to be a result of the victim being struck by a vehicle. Former Ohio State lineman, charged in Dublin fatal crash, had prior impairment incidents The person was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries and the Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit responded to the scene to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said there are no witnesses to the incident at this time and ask anyone with information to contact the Columbus Division of Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS to remain anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. LIBERTY, Ohio (WKBN) Police are investigating after a disturbance was reported at Belmont Pines Hospital. Police were called to the behavioral health hospital on Churchill Hubbard Road around 7:40 p.m. Monday for what an early police report describes only as a disturbance. First News reached out to Belmont Pines for further information and received the following statement, in part: The care and safety of our patients is our top priority. Last night, we had an instance whereby three patients at our hospital instigated a disruption. Liberty Police Department were called to assist. No patients were injured. Due to HIPAA patient privacy laws, we cannot offer any additional comment on specific patients/residents in our care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue to look into this incident. Check back here for updates. Nadine Grimely contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) On Monday, authorities responded to a natural gas leak in Round Rock, a social media post from the Round Rock Police Department said. Around 3:30 p.m. RRPD assisted fire personnel with the gas leak near McNeil Road and Round Rock West Drive, the post said. According to the post, Round Rock West Drive is closed to traffic from McNeil Road to Saint Williams Church while crews work on repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers should expect the closure to last about five to six hours. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. After one week on the run, law enforcement officials said the arrest of quadruple homicide suspect Austin Drummond, tagged as armed and dangerous, on the morning of Aug. 5 in Jackson was a safe surrender. Hours before the arrest, Drummond was spotted by a Jackson citizen's home surveillance camera on foot carrying a rifle, wearing camouflage pants and sporting a backpack. He tried to open a door, but it was locked, the footage showed. Drummond was finally captured in the woodline of the Bridlepath Drive area in Northwest Jackson and, according to TBI Director David Rausch, is currently being transported to an undisclosed facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson police closed Bridlepath and its crossroads the morning of Aug. 5 as the parameters of the search closed in ahead of the capture. More: Family of victim in Tennessee quadruple murder starts GoFundMe for funeral costs Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley described Drummond's capture as being executed "without any further harm to the public or to any law enforcement officers," during an afternoon press conference at Carl Perkins Civic Center on Aug. 5. Suspect hid in vacant facility Corley said Drummond was not armed upon apprehension and is believed to have been staying in a vacant facility. Several weapons were seized with no current confirmation of their possible connection to the quadruple homicide, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Abandoned baby to Austin Drummond's arrest: What happened in TN quadruple murder case Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley speaks during the press conference following Austin Drummond's arrest inside the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. More: Austin Drummond captured after days-long manhunt. What to know in the TN quadruple murder case No motive for the quadruple homicide has been released at this time. Corley shared that search operations of this magnitude are made using a methodical approach based on intelligence, physical evidence and technology. He said law enforcement's approach shifted to a dynamic one. Several calls were made to JPD just after 8 a.m. about sightings of Drummond in Jackson. After a citizen's call came in at 8:57 a.m., Drummond was arrested by 9:05 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, Corley commended the three JPD officers who apprehended Drummond: Officers Terry Troutt, Corey Compton and Kaitlyn Drown. Jackson officers that apprehended Austin Drummond from left to right; Terry Trout, Kaitlyn Drown, and Corey Compton, seen during the press conference following Drummond's arrest inside the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Law enforcement maintained a heavy presence on Aug. 4 around the area of Union University in Jackson after a tip to local law enforcement was made about his sighting. West TN families can 'sleep more soundly' "Tonight, families of West Tennessee can sleep more soundly," U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller said. "Austin Drummond is once again behind bars." Rausch noted that Drummond's arrest is merely phase one and that the extensive work of the investigative process begins now. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rauch answers questions from media during the press conference following Austin Drummond's arrest inside the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. More: Where was quadruple homicide suspect Austin Drummond caught in Tennessee? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Family of victim in Tennessee quadruple murder starts GoFundMe for funeral costs More: Abandoned baby to Austin Drummond's arrest: What happened in TN quadruple murder case As far as the $32,500 reward, Rausch stated that the obtained information will be vetted and likely divided among several individuals. Suspect's history leading to arrest Danny Goodman, District Attorney for the 29th Judicial District, previously shared that Drummond had been indicted by a grand jury in Lake County on drug-related charges and was later charged with attempted first-degree murder while incarcerated. Danny Goodman, District Attorney General for the 29th Judicial District, speaks during the press conference following Austin Drummond's arrest inside the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. "In terms of his prior charges that he also has picked up while he was in prison, all of those will certainly be taken into consideration as we move forward in the justice process," Rausch said. "Yes, all of his activities will certainly be considered, not only in our investigative effort and the justice process, but certainly in his housing, and he'll be managed going forward." Evading authorities for one week Goodman stated that Drummond's case is one that "started almost seven days ago to the exact minute." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was last Tuesday, a little after 3 p.m., when we got the first call of the infant who had been abandoned, and that started this whole process," Goodman said. Due to its crossing of judicial jurisdictions, Goodman shared that he will be working alongside Jody Pickens, District Attorney for the 26th Judicial District, on Drummond's case. Drummond is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping, four counts of a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony in Lake County. More: Lake County quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond now in custody Jackson Police block off access to Pleasant Plains Rd., near where quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond was apprehended, in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Drummond, 29, was arrested and charged in connection with the July 29 deaths of James Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, in Lake County. (Center) Cortney Rose, Braydon Williams, (right) and Adrianna Williams (left) were killed (ages 38, 15 and 20 respectively at time of death) during a quadruple homicide with Austin Drummond as the suspect, who evaded authorities for a week before being arrested Aug. 5. Remembering the victims "Their names deserve to be spoken, their lives deserve to be remembered, and their families deserve justice," Jeff Box, Dyer County Sheriff, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funeral services were held for Wilson in Newbern, Tenn., on Aug. 5, just hours after Drummond was arrested. Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box speaks during the press conference following Austin Drummond's arrest inside the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. "The baby was dropped off in my county, the victims were residents of Dyer County," Box said. "I left the funeral home just before I got here today of one of the victims, and I spoke with both his mom and dad, and they wanted me to sincerely thank with great, great gratitude each responding agency." Three people have since been arrested and charged in connection with Drummond on accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, including Tanaka Brown, 29, Giovante Thomas, 29, and Dearrah Sanders, 23. Infant found abondoned is 'doing well' Earlier in the day of July 29, before the four deceased individuals were discovered, an infant was found abandoned alive in the front yard of an individual's home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dyer County Sheriff's Office posted to their social media that they were looking to speak with Cortney Rose, Adrianna Williams, and James Matthew Wilson, II in reference to the abandoned infant. The four family members were later found deceased along Carrington Road in Tiptonville. Adrianna Williams and James Matthew Wilson are the parents of the infant, while Rose is the grandmother and Braydon Williams, 15, is the baby's uncle, according to Johnson-Williams Funeral Home in Newbern, Tenn. Rose was the mother of Adrianna and Braydon Williams. During the Aug. 5 press conference, Box shared that the infant is "healthy and doing well." Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rauch speaks during the press conference following Austin Drummond's arrest inside the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, Tenn., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. "In terms of the relationship between the suspect and the victims, the suspect's girlfriend is the sister of a victim, is the daughter of a victim, and is the sister of, well, two victims," Rausch said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond's relationship to the victims was previously described as "familial." Along with expressing sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims, Miller shared the following statement. "To the families of Lake County who lost loved ones, Drummond's arrest cannot restore what has been taken from you," Miller said. "We only hope that we can help give you assurance that justice will be had. To the baby girl who will tell one day her story of survival, we look forward to all that you will do. God bless Tennessee, and God bless America." 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: What to know about arrest of quadruple homicide suspect in Jackson, TN DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A young man was hospitalized after being shot on Monday evening, and another was arrested for allegedly shooting him. According to the Dayton Police Department, the shooting happened sometime before 6:35 p.m. Officers were dispatched to Miami Valley Hospital for an arrival with a gunshot wound. The young man, a 26-year-old, had a non-life-threatening injury. He told officials he was shot near East First Street and North Terry Street. Officials said they found the suspect, a 25-year-old male, in the 700 block of Steele Avenue. He was arrested and taken to the Montgomery County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vehicle flips, another strikes concrete post in Darke County crash This shooting is being actively investigated by the Dayton Police Departments Violent Offender Unit. The case will be presented to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office, which will handle the consideration of charges. 2 NEWS will follow this case closely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. NEED TO KNOW On Oct. 10, 2021, a female college student at Washington State University reported that a man in a ski mask and armed with a knife broke into her home and then entered her bedroom That man fled the home after the female student, who he likely believed to be sleeping, forcefully kicked him in the stomach as he stood over her bed The attack happened at 3:30 a.m. in an off-campus home were four sorority girls lived, details similar to the Moscow murders which would occur a little over one year later Police in Washington investigated Bryan Kohberger after a college student reported that a man with a knife broke into her home and entered her bedroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident happened on Oct. 10, 2021 eight months before Kohberger moved to Washington and enrolled at Washington State University, but on the same weekend that the school's Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology hosted an event for prospective and incoming students, according to documents released by the Pullman Police Department and obtained by PEOPLE. Authorities launched an investigation into Kohberger as a potential suspect less than two weeks after his arrest for the murders of four University of Idaho students just 10 miles away in the town of Moscow. The police report in the Pullman case and probable cause affidavit in the Moscow murders detail two very similar suspects targeting very similar victims in a very similar setting at almost the exact same time with the same weapon. Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Bryan Kohberger with defense attorney Anne Taylor Bryan Kohberger with defense attorney Anne Taylor A 20-year-old student called 911 to report that she woke up in the middle of the night to find a masked man with a knife entering her bedroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE is choosing to withhold the name of the female student because of the nature of the incident. That man then positioned himself at the foot of the bed seemingly unaware that the female was now awake, at which point the female forcefully kicked him in the stomach. The armed intruder then fled the home, according to the young woman. 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. At no point did the intruder speak, and the roommate whose room was on the same floor of the home later told police that while she did not see anything, she did hear someone loudly running up the stairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That roommate then called police after the female student who encountered the intruder came to her room and told her about the masked man with a knife. Police developed a few leads at first but they all had alibis at the time of the attack, and within a few weeks the case went cold. Related: Xana Kernodle Fought for Her Life to Stop Bryan Kohberger and Possibly Ensured He Didn't Get Away with Murders Then a possible break in the case came 14 months later when Sergeant Christopher Engle began to investigate Kohberger as a possible suspect on Jan. 10, 2023. Much like the Idaho murders which he would later confess to, this was an attack that happened in the middle of the night at an off-campus home where a group of young women were living. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four residents of the home in Pullman were also all sorority sisters, and just like Kohberger did during his attack, the intruder wore a ski mask and brandished a knife when he broke into the residence. Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, (standing), Madison Mogen (on shoulders), Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke (left to right) Dylan Mortensen, one of the two surviving roommates in the Moscow attack, told police Kohberger was "clad in black clothing and a mask" on the night he murdered her four friends. What's more, both Kohberger and the suspect in this case entered the residences through an unlocked back door. The investigation of Kohberger was brief, however, and shut down nine days later when the Graduate Program Coordinator informed Sgt. Engle that there was no record of the future criminology student attending any campus events that weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police did not appear to look into the possibility of Kohberger going on a non-sanctioned visit that weekend, which would have been while he was enrolled at DeSales University in Pennsylvania. Kohberger would finish out his graduate studies at that school in May 2022, and by July, was living 2,500 miles away in Pullman preparing to begin his doctoral studies. He is currently residing in a maximum security prison run by the Idaho Department of Corrections after being sentenced to four life terms for the murders of: Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. Read the original article on People Crater-sized potholes, broken roads, and the ongoing metro mess have turned Thane into a commuters nightmare. The chaos has reached such an extent that even Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who hails from Thane, was compelled to step in after his office and social media handles were flooded with angry complaints. With traffic crawling and tempers flaring, the citys roads have become a daily battleground. Taking serious note of the public outcry, the Deputy CM, on Monday, held a meeting with concerned officials, pulling them up for repeatedly failing to resolve the citys traffic issues. He expressed strong dissatisfaction over the inconvenience being caused to the public due to administrative inaction. Ahead of the meeting, Thane police announced the closure of the Waghbil bridge on Ghodbunder Road due to large potholes. The closure was shared on the police departments official X handle, stating that pothole repair work was being carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD). Angry locals took to the Thane Polices X handle to lash out at contractors and government officials over the crumbling roads. One user fumed, The contractor, by whose grace this substandard work was done, should be booked and blacklisted! Another user, Rohit Bandekar, tagged senior officials and ministers, demanding action: Do you have any mental or social desire to arrest these contractors and publicly issue a fine receipt for everyone to see? A general physician from Thane said she had stopped taking emergency cases because she could no longer predict how long it would take to reach the patient. "Traffic has made our lives completely unpredictable. Im a general physician and often travel between hospitals to attend to emergency cases. What should take just 15 minutes sometimes stretches to three hours," said Dr Veena Kavalkar. "Ive been witnessing this for the past seven years. While bridges are being constructed and roads are being built, they often give way after just one spell of rain. Roads are frequently closed by the police due to potholes and their poor condition. I dont believe simply pulling up officials will solve the problem. The government needs to give special attention to Thanes traffic issuespeoples lives are being made miserable. The ongoing metro construction is only adding to the chaos, with mud and debris spread everywhere," she added. Ashok Gupta, a freelance journalist from Thane who has been reporting on traffic chaos and crumbling roads for over two decades, said, "This is the same story every monsoon. Roads are patched up just before the rains, but the quality is so poor they dont survive even a single downpour. Whenever a minister visits, contractors fill potholes just for showbut nothing really changes. Accidents and even deaths continue to happen because of these pathetic roads and dangerous potholes." Citizens are extremely troubled by the persistent traffic congestion in Thane and its surrounding areas, said Shinde, while reprimanding the officials. He directed that all concerned agencies must work in coordination to make the area free of traffic jams. He also expressed strong displeasure over the continued failure to effectively resolve traffic congestion issues. Shinde told officials that residents have been facing severe traffic bottlenecks, especially during peak hours, at locations such as Kopri, Majiwada, Ghodbunder Road, the Gaimukh Ghat to Fountain Hotel stretch, and the Shilphata area. Complaints in this regard have been recurring. During the meeting, concerns were raised about the continuous congestion on Gaimukh Ghat Road, which remains unresolved. He also called for proper traffic management planning to tackle congestion in four critical areas: Thane, Bhiwandi, Shilphata, and Kopri. While repairing roads, officials must ensure high construction quality. Apart from this, road conditions in Ulhasnagar have also worsened significantly this monsoon, posing serious safety hazards and daily inconvenience for residents. Though repair work was carried out before the rains, the shoddy quality has led to massive potholes resurfacing within weeks. Key stretches such as Nehru Chowk, Gol Maidan, and the Ulhasnagar No. 4 market are among the worst hit. Bapu Sawant, social worker from Ulhasnagar said, It has become difficult to tell whether there are potholes on the road or a road within potholes. Traveling on this bridge is becoming increasingly dangerous by the day. Children, women, and senior citizens are all fearful. Many people have reduced the use of their vehiclesbut whats the alternative? If the administration doesnt act in time, well have no choice but to protest. This is not a road anymore; it has become a trap of accidents. The municipal corporation should now fear not the potholes, but the publics patience running out. Adding to the chaos is haphazard parking, which has further choked traffic flow. In response, civic authorities have begun towing improperly parked vehicles to ease congestion. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Mustang Ridge Police Department is investigating after a report of a jugging that happened at an IHOP Monday afternoon. Mustang Ridge PD said on social media that officers responded to the jugging shortly after 1 p.m. at the IHOP at 17500 Camino Real. What is jugging? Austin police see uptick in cases Jugging is a form of robbery. A suspect follows a victim from a bank, ATM or check-cashing store to their next location. There, the suspect threatens or assaults the victim and demands or takes the money, KXAN reported in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the victim had recently withdrawn a sum of money from a bank in Austin and was followed to the IHOP. Two suspects were caught on surveillance cameras from a business breaking into the victims vehicle in an attempt to steal the cash. However, the suspects took the wrong bag. The driver of the suspect vehicle, described as a white four-door sedan, possibly a 2017 Kia Sorento LX with tinted windows, was also caught on surveillance footage. The suspect is described by police as a Black woman, around 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a medium build and wearing a black shirt and dark pants. No license plate was visible on the vehicle, according to police. Jugging suspect seen on surveillance video (Mustang Ridge Police Department Photo) Jugging suspect vehicle seen on surveillance video (Mustang Ridge Police Department Photo) The second suspect allegedly broke the passenger side window of the victims vehicle during the jugging, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to remind the community to remain aware of their surroundings, especially when conducting financial transactions, Sergeant Jorge Cruz with Mustang PD said in the release. With the communitys help, we hope to identify and apprehend these suspects quickly. Anyone with information on this case, including surveillance footage or suspicious activity, is urged to contact police via email at patrol@mustangridgetx.gov or by calling 512-361-8189. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Police are investigating after a window was smashed in at a local business in July. According to the Chambersburg Police Department, on July 21, officers received a report that someone smashed a businesss windows in the 100 block of South Main Street in Chambersburg. Police said the incident happened between July 18 and July 21. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Chambersburg Police Department or submit a tip 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 ABC27. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Three employees with the San Angelo Police Department received checks on Aug. 4 for their help with the July 4 flooding recovery. Officers presented a total of $6,000 in checks from members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 22, $2,000 for both police officers and a dispatcher. The names of the officers have not been shared for privacy reasons. My top priority is flood recovery Rep. Drew Darby files five flood response bills Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of our donors suggested why dont we give it to the police officers that have to work that have damage to their homes, so thats what we decided to do, Mickey Englert, President of Fraternity of Police. We gave a certain amount to Kerr County flood relief, and we gave the other rest to these officers and personnel here. The retired officers also donated funding to flood relief for people in Kerr 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. DENVER (KDVR) Authorities are looking for a woman accused of committing bank larceny in the Denver metro area by using sleight of hand theft. The Metro Denver Crime Stoppers issued a crime alert looking for a woman believed to have committed bank larceny on July 23 and July 24. The Crime Stoppers said she allegedly asked the bank teller to exchange money, then she performed sleight of hand theft, also known as distraction theft, where she used deceptive hand movements. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Denver Police Department are looking for the female suspect who is described as a white woman in her 20s to 30s with a heavy build. Woman wanted for allegedly committing bank larceny (Courtesy of FBI Denver) Woman wanted for allegedly committing bank larceny (Courtesy of FBI Denver) Woman wanted for allegedly committing bank larceny (Courtesy of FBI Denver) The Crime Stoppers also believe she victimized banks in Arvada, Denver, Lafayette, Thornton and Westminster. Anyone with information is asked to contact Denver Police or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or metrodenvercrimestoppers.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for up to a $2,000 reward. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EAU CLAIRE A man authorities say repeatedly slammed his car into one driven by a woman was in court Monday as the case continues. Zackery Brummond, 36, Eau Claire, faces charges of first degree recklessly endangering safety, stalking, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, telephone harassment and hit and run. All but the hit and run charge have domestic abuse enhancements. Domestic abuse enhancements do not immediately elevate the penalties beyond a $100 surcharge for each offense under Wisconsin law. But if a defendant has two prior such offenses the third may increase the maximum penalties or elevate a misdemeanor into a felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, the woman told investigators Brummond had been awake for days due to drug addiction and has been threatening to hurt her and telling her he wants her dead. The harassment led to an incident at a grocery store on North Clairemont Avenue in which Brummond crashed his car into the drivers side of hers two or three times. The woman told authorities Brummond then got out and attempted to break her window, while yelling about her owing him money. She had a friend in her car at the time, and the friend got out and ran as Brummond attacked. But she knocked the womans purse out of the car as she ran. Brummond spotted it and picked up the purse. He stole money from it before leaving. The woman told investigators Brummond had also repeatedly called her workplace and accused her of selling drugs while working. She said the accusations were false, but still caused trouble for her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later Brummond called her and said he had hit her car again. She went out to where it was parked and found it had been sideswiped. Investigators saw damage to her car consistent with her accounts of both attacks. The court previously set a $10,000 bond for Brummonds release and prohibited him from having any contact with the woman, her family, or her employer. County records listed him as an inmate at the Eau Claire County Jail as of Monday morning. The reckless endangerment charge is the most serious Brummond faces. Its a Class F felony, which carries the potential for 7.5 years in prison and five years extended supervision. Fines can reach $25,000. Stalking is a Class I felony, which carries up to 18 months in prison. Brummond is next due in court for a preliminary hearing in late August. Police, Mayor Wu celebrate National Night Out after violent weekend Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox mingled at Iacono Playground one of their many stops Monday as a part of National Night Out. The two-day event that promotes partnership with police and communities, though, comes after a violent weekend in Boston. Sunday evening just before midnight, police responded to Dudley Street in Roxbury. They found a man shot several times when they arrived. He was rushed to the hospital and later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 10 minutes later, police responded to Wrentham Street in Dorchester for reports of a shooting. They found a man shot, suffering from non-life threatening injuries. Violence never should be tolerated, said Commissioner Cox. Violence happens from time to time, no matter where you are in the world. But, the fact is, we do need the publics help. Police tell Boston 25 News they have yet to make an arrest in either shooting. Were going to try to hold that person accountable, Cox added. People may not want to hear it, but in comparison to the rest of the world, were still doing quite well, in general. But, its a continuous process... Theres always more work we can do. But, in reality, theres no excuse for violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Michelle Wu echoed the same message. No family should have to deal with that, she told Boston 25 News Monday regarding the shootings. We are providing resources, working with family members, and trying to make sure we can do whatever is possible in the moment. She finished, Safety isnt just about statistics. Safety in Boston, its kids sliding down the slide, seniors coming out getting their burgers and hot dogs, and highlighting the good work thats happening in everyone of those neighborhoods. Police and city leaders will travel to events in South Boston, Chinatown, the North End, and more Tuesday for the second day of National Night Out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are asking anyone with information on the two shootings contact them. Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft had this to say about the weekend violence: My thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and my heart breaks for them. People need to feel safe and all the more reason why it is important to create awareness about public safety - much like weve been doing tonight at all of the national night out events with the Boston police. People deserve to feel safe in their communities and it is important that we come together to support the family of the victim after this senseless tragedy. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego police are searching for a suspect who reportedly robbed a bank in Clairemont on Monday afternoon. Police said the man entered a bank near the corner of Genesee and Balboa Avenues around 4 p.m. and handed a note to a teller. Bicyclist hit, killed by trolley in South Bay That teller gave the suspect an unknown amount of cash and the suspect fled the business. Police described the suspect as a man about 20 years of age, measuring 5 feet 8 inches. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a black hat, a hoodie and brown pants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police ask anyone with information about the suspect or robbery to call 1-888-580-8477. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. CHICAGO Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of a woman who officers say has been missing for over a week and suffers from schizophrenia. Chicago police say a search is underway for 47-year-old Sandra Adams, who has been missing since Sunday, July 26. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland According to officers, Adams was last spotted around 10 a.m. that day near the intersection of East 71st Street and South Jeffery Boulevard, in South Shore on the citys South Side. Photo provided by Chicago police shows 47-year-old Sandra Adams, who has been missing since Sunday, July 26, 2025. Officers said Adams is known to frequent areas along East 71st Street, between South King Drive and South Chicago Avenue, but may also be in an area along 79th Street in the 4th police District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Adams, who has brown eyes and black hair, stands either 5-foot-1 or 5-foot-2 and weighs between 130 and 140 pounds. She was last spotted wearing a white shirt, blue shorts and Nike shoes. Officers say the missing woman suffers from schizophrenia and is known to have a tattoo of an s on one of her ankles, along with a squiggly line. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAY SHORE, Long Island A man is now in surgery, according to police, after they shot him in an encounter in which hed threatened them repeatedly with a sword. It happened after the 33-year-old man, identified by police as Joseph Restaino, called 911 at around 1:20 p.m., according to Kevin Catalina, the Suffolk County police commissioner. More Crime News He makes the call, Catalina said in a news conference at the scene on Ohio Avenue late Tuesday afternoon. He claims that he has hostages at the scene. He claims that hes going to commit violence, and possible suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers responded within four minutes, the commissioner said, and when they got to the door of the mans home, he approached them while carrying a sword. The sword was sheathed, Commissioner Catalina said. He then takes it out. Hes told to drop the weapon before he unsheathes it and then again on a couple of occasions after he takes it out he was told to drop the sword, Catalina said. The two officers used a taser on the man, and when that didnt work, said the commissioner, they used their guns, shooting multiple times. Some backup officers had also come onto the scene according to witnesses. Kelvyn Velez, who lives near the home where the shooting was, on Ohio Avenue between Massachusetts and Rhode Island Avenues, described what he saw and heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Crime News Its like, Bam! Bam!' he said, imitating the gunfire. I see like three or four police running to the fence, and the next time I see the guy on the ground. Thats it. Velez and other witnesses said that the response was significant, with at least a dozen police vehicles and at least four ambulances on scene, in minutes. One of the ambulances, operated by Brentwood EMS, transported the man from the scene. Velez described the shooting victim as being in bad condition. Video he recorded immediately after the shooting showed a man being transported, with a lot of blood visible on his face and torso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ana Romero lives two houses over from the shooting scene. She said that she came home shortly after gunfire rang out, and that incident is exceptional, in the worst way, in their Bay Shore neighborhood. Its really sad, Romero said. I feel really sorry. The investigation is expected to continue into the evening. Theres no word yet about the suspects condition or any possible charges against him. This is the second incident in as many weeks in which Suffolk County officers responded to a call and were approached by a person wielding a weapon. In the previous case, an officer was shot in the face, but is expected to make a full recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tuesdays incident, responding officers were treated for trauma and tinnitus, according to the police commissioner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW A 4-year-old boy found dead in 1972 has been identified using forensic genealogy after more than half a century Investigators for the Fairfax Police Department announced its findings on Monday, revealing the boy's mother is believed to have killed him with her boyfriend Detectives now believe the mother and her boyfriend killed their 6-month-old son as well around the same time A mystery that haunted Virginia detectives for more than half a century has finally been solved though it's too late for justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fairfax County Police Department announced Monday, Aug. 4, that it solved the mystery surrounding the death of a 4-year-old boy found in Massey Creek under a bridge in Lorton, Va., in 1972. The boy, who was never identified until forensic genealogy recently helped crack the case, had been found beaten to death in the creek on June 13 of that year, according to police. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma, ruling the death a homicide, Fairfax police said Monday. With no immediate leads, a local church group gave the unidentified child the name Charles Lee Charlet and arranged for his burial at Coleman Cemetery in Alexandria, Va. The case remained unsolved for over 50 years. But in its news release Monday, the local police department said detectives recently caught a break using forensic genealogy testing, ascertaining the boys identity through DNA recovered off just a few millimeters of hair from his body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fairfax police explained that the DNA led detectives to a family in Philadelphia, who told authorities that their deceased relative, Vera Bryant, had a 4-year-old son who went missing after she and her boyfriend left with their two young children for Virginia in 1972. The boys name was Carl Matthew Bryant, detectives learned. Fairfax County Police Department News Fairfax County Police Department News Fairfax County Police Department News Detectives then exhumed Vera Bryants body to confirm the maternal link, the Fairfax Police Department said in a news release. In July, testing confirmed that Vera was the unidentified boys mother. Fairfax officials said that after identifying the boy and his mother, and speaking with their modern relatives, detectives believe that Vera Bryant and her boyfriend James Hedgepeth were responsible for Carls killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vera died in 1980, and Hedgepeth who officials said was previously convicted of murder and had a violent criminal history is also dead. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Fairfax County Police Department News; NCMEC Fairfax County Police Department News Fairfax County Police Department News While the mystery surrounding young Carl has finally been solved more than five decades later, there are more that remain. Primarily, detectives said they want to find the body of Carls younger brother James Bryant, who was 6 months old when he disappeared around the same time as Carl. Detectives believe the boys' parents were also responsible for James' death and that he was dumped somewhere along the same route they traveled in 1972 when Carl's body was dumped in the Massey Creek. But Fairfax police marked Mondays announcement as a milestone, finally closing a cold case whose answers had evaded investigators for 53 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see the extent of that boys injuries and what he had suffered through, Im happy to be here today announcing that at least weve identified him," Fairfax Police detective Melissa Wallace said at a press conference Monday. "He can have his name, we can get him his name back on his gravestone and the family can have some semblance of closure or resolution." 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 Gov. Jared Polis discusses K-12 school funding with U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon at the National Governors Association meeting in Colorado Springs on July 25, 2025. (Delilah Brumer/Colorado Newsline) As the 2024-25 chair of the National Governors Association, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, selected K-12 education as the priority of the NGAs yearlong initiative. Titled Lets Get Ready! Educating all Americans for Success, the project defined its purpose in its call to action: Identify solutions to address the belief that schools are not preparing graduates adequately for the work force today. The initiative had support from philanthropic foundations and companies that promote technology-related solutions, school choice, data-driven accountability, and other neoliberal market-based reforms in public education. One of the supporters, Stand Together Trust, founded by Charles Koch, provided millions to groups that back charter schools and other alternatives to public education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the project team members were involved with organizations that prioritized redesigning the public education system. Polis has been a longtime supporter of expanding charter schools and workforce training as ways to address deficits in student outcomes, and eight of his staff worked on this project. Project team member Jen Walmer was on Polis staff in his first administration, and she worked previously as the Colorado director of Democrats for Education reform, which continues to call for Democrats to support school choice and charters. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The project team also included representatives from Watershed Advisors, All4Ed, Savi Advising, and the Urban Institute. Watersheds CEO, Kunjan Narechania, was the CEO of the all-charter Recovery School District in New Orleans. Several Watershed and All4Ed staff either worked or trained in the Chiefs for Change program, which Jeb Bush founded to promote charter school models. All4Ed promotes online learning in both charter and district schools. Savi Advisings founder, Archana Patel, worked for KIPP charter schools and was the senior director at the Broad Academy, a training ground for school leaders to promote charter schools. The Urban Institute published research that downplayed the effects caused by charter schools in exacerbating school segregation. The Institute received $11 million from the Walton Family Foundation and other foundations to identify measures of students skills and competencies in prekindergarten (PK) through 12th grade that drive economic mobility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polis chaired seven convening sessions to determine the projects outcomes. Featured experts at the sessions included Eva Moskowitz, founder of Success Academy Charter schools in New York; Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, a computer-based learning system; Geoffrey Canada, founder of Harlem Childrens Zone charter schools; John B. King, founder of the Uncommon schools charter chain; Angela Duckworth, co-founder with Dave Levin (KIPP charter school chain founder) of the now defunct Character Lab; and Steve Levitt, author of Freakonomics and a promoter of personalized AI tutoring. The final recommendations focused on four areas: academic foundations, workforce preparedness, civic engagement and lifelong well-being. The report offered a myriad of strategies to accomplish these goals: data tracking from early childhood through high school for work readiness, state dashboards, more testing and apprenticeships, increased use of technology, data analytics, performance management, and personalized learning. During the sessions, there were multiple examples of how to use private capital to facilitate desired outcomes. On July 25, Polis presented the final report to the governors, and he invited Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to share her views. McMahon commented that a return to shop classes would serve some students better for their future job opportunities. She stated, We have to rethink how were doing education from beginning to end the goal is to get people into a productive job. Charter schools were not directly highlighted in the final recommendations, yet McMahon stressed that the governors should open charter and micro schools, asserting that states who do open more charter schools see more and more progress being made in education. McMahon also reassured Polis that Title V funding would be increased by $60 million to $500 million to expand and sustain more charter schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days after the release of this report, the National Center for Charter School Accountability published the first of a three-part report detailing a nationwide decline in the number of charter schools since 2020. This new report questions the need for expanding charter schools considering their declining enrollment and financial difficulties. While workforce preparation is an important part of schooling, defining education primarily as a pipeline for economic productivity in the marketplace ignores the broader purposes of education. The Polis report neglects to focus on the essential role educators provide in developing positive relationships with students, and the benefits students gain through an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, collaborative learning and exposure to the arts, social sciences and the humanities. Focusing primarily on charter schools as the answer to Americas problems in education negates the findings that 70% of parents are satisfied with their local public schools, as well as the research that charter schools have not proven to be the answer to Americas education problems. Will the NGA plans for success for Americas students become a reality? Given the current economic and political climate from the federal government, significant traction on these ideas is uncertain. Chester Finn, the conservative, pro-choice voice with the Fordham Institute, said the report had some good stuff, but it also has no real focus. Last fall, Kent McGuire, education program director at the Hewlett Foundation, and former charter school educator Matt Wilka, described how todays youngest citizens have been particularly ill-served by neoliberalism, with its emphasis on individual choice, standards, and competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polis and McMahon seem to be promoting their own versions of neoliberal corporate educational solutions to enhance the private sector while ignoring the negative effects and the limitations of past reforms. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Brief A large pool of Detroit candidates for mayor will be whittled down to the top two in tomorrow's primary. Issues like blight, crime and education are on the forefront of Detroit residents who spoke to FOX 2. Political consultant Adolph Mongo says senior citizens will be the ones to decide the election. DETROIT (FOX 2) - With less than 24 hours before the polls open for Tuesday's Primary, Detroit voters will ultimately decide what top two names will appear on the ballot for the mayoral race in the November election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many say that they know exactly what they want in the citys next leader. "Someone to help finish what the other mayor was doing, it seems to be working," said Travis Cook, Detroit voter. The backstory Last year Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced he would not seek a fourth term as mayor leaving the door open for a new leader in the city. Cook admits he hasnt decided who to support out of the long list of candidates, one that includes a religious leader, former police chief and former and current Detroit City Council members. "Theres a lot of work here. You definitely have your work cut out for you," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 2 caught up with a lifelong Detroiter who made her voice heard in early voting. She won't reveal who got her support but she has a number of issues she wants the next mayor to tackle including crime among youth. "Stop all these children dying, its ridiculous," said Angela Gamlin. Political consultant Adolph Mongo agrees. "Crime. If we dont see it, its smacking us in the face," he said. "We got all these kids getting shot everyday." Speaking of youth, many want education and the citys school system to be a key priority. "A lot of the tax base is coming back in many ways, but I feel like the school is more than anything have taken a hit and thats what we need to build a community back," said Christopher Gruse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters are also concerned with blight, the local economy, and job creation in the city. Mongo says the new mayor will have a full plate of issues to deal with. "We dont need on the job training from anybody," he said. "If they dont have the experience, I dont know why they ran." He also predicts that the most prominent voice in this election will be from the senior citizens. "Social security will decide the election not social media," Mongo said. "That means the senior citizens. Those are the ones who go vote all the time and they do it all the time. These young people they own social media, but when it comes time to mark the ballot, you cant find them." The Source Information for this report came from speaking with voters and political insider Adolph Mongo. Adolph Mongo, Detroit political insider The European Union intends to push for sanctions against China over its support for Russia in the war against Ukraine. Source: Unnamed EU diplomat in comments to a Politico journalist, as reported by European Pravda Details: The EU made this move following a July report by Reuters, which revealed that Russia had secretly obtained Chinese engines for drones. The engines were reportedly shipped to Russia via front companies under the label of "industrial refrigeration units" to circumvent Western sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report raised alarm in Brussels. Fifteen EU member states contacted Beijing about the deliveries, but China either denied involvement or refused to respond. "The report is accurate and it shows China is escalating its role, both quantitatively and qualitatively," the diplomat said. "Its fair to say that without Chinese support, the war would look very different right now." The diplomat noted that the EU was aware of the drone shipments before the media reports surfaced. "After August, well push for sanctions," the diplomat said, adding that the EU must not underestimate its economic leverage. "We want dialogue, but also action." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: China has repeatedly denied supplying weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, insisting that it does not provide arms to either side and maintains a neutral stance on the war. However, the United States said last year that Beijing had effectively taken Russias side and was directly aiding its war production. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (KRON) Pilates enthusiasts, get your grippy socks ready. A popular Pilates studio is opening two more Bay Area locations. Solidcore, which has a membership-based format, has two new studios opening soon in Walnut Creek and San Francisco. Solidcore is a high-intensity, low-impact full-body workout on a Pilates-inspired reformer, where patrons can create the strongest version of themselves, according to the companys website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local studio combines heat and heart to transform mind and body The Walnut Creek locations address is 1645 Mount Diablo Blvd. at the Olympia Place shopping mall. Pure Barre once occupied the space, which is now permanently closed. Per Solidcores website, this studio is slated for summer 2025. On the other side of the Bay, the SF location is in Mission Bay at 1155 4th Street, which is scheduled to open its doors this fall. Solidcore currently has two studios in San Francisco, one in the Castro District and the other in Marina. There are also studios in San Jose and Mountain View. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) In 2016, the Portland City Council adopted Vision Zero, a plan to stop traffic deaths completely by 2030. Clearly, thats not working, as two more pedestrians were killed in crashes this past weekend in separate parts of the city. One of those crashes happened around SE 122nd and Ash, one of Portlands high crash network intersections. Last year in Portland, 69 people died in traffic crashes, up from 62 the year before. Pedestrian dies after late night Northwest Portland crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Highway safety experts are pushing for city leaders to go for a new plan instead of Vision Zero. The plan 30 by 30, has a goal to reduce traffic deaths by 30% over the next 5 years. David Harkey the president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said they still believe in the concept of Vision Zero, but we feel like we really need this interim target to help us move in the right direction. Harkey, who spoke to WBTV in Charlotte, North Carolina, said he saw a sharp incline in traffic-related deaths in recent years. If we can get everybody on the same page and moving in the same direction, I think people will take notice and we will start to see changes in policy and practice that will make a difference, Harkey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the Portland City Council will review the progress made with Vision Zero. KOIN 6 News will follow this story. Gina Hicks, who lives near SE 122nd and Ash, said shes not surprised at the fatalities in the area. Portland traffic deaths decline, but deadly trends persist, new report says We have a lot of people here with mental health problems right out in traffic, and the traffic doesnt always stop at this white line, Hicks said. When the traffics backed up, they will go through the intersection and nobodys expecting that. And so its a danger to pedestrians. She said shes nearly been hit at this intersection. Being in a wheelchair, unless theyre looking, they cant see me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We got the intersection behind me and that walk signal takes a long time to change. And so people tend to just walk out in and take their chances, she said. The traffic is really heavy through here. In the meantime, Gina Hicks said something needs to be done. They need to have, like, better marking through here, maybe more warning signs if theres a stop coming up here, she said. Its a danger to pedestrians. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A Metro Council member is proposing a new ordinance aimed at cracking down on excessive vehicle noise in Nashville neighborhoods. The focus is on modified mufflers, loud engines and revving cars that disturb residents in their homes. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts District 29 Council Member Tasha Ellis is leading the effort. She introduced a bill that would create stricter limits for how loud a vehicle can be in residential areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current standard allows for noise to be plainly audible up to 200 feet away. Under the proposed changes, that limit would drop to 75 feet. When you hear a car go by and theres that loud backfire, or it sounds like gunshots Pow, Pow, Pow youre in your house wondering, was that a gun or was it a car? Ellis said. Metro Nashville already has a 2008 ordinance banning modified mufflers and limiting exhaust noise to what can be heard from 200 feet. But Ellis said that the law is rarely enforced, especially because loud vehicles are not often treated as an emergency. No, it wasnt enforced, she said. But with our new South Precinct coming online, were trying to get rules in place that officers can actually enforce. Key changes under the proposed ordinance (BL2025-955) A new 75-foot noise limit in residential zones. It would be illegal for exhaust noise to be plainly audible inside a home or from 75 feet away. Bus noise limits near hotels in Commercial Attraction zones. Parked buses would not be allowed to emit engine or backup-beeper noise audible at the nearest wall of any lodging. A $50 minimum fine for every violation. The previous ordinance did not guarantee a city fine. A dedicated reporting option through HubNashville. Residents can submit complaints that will be routed to the appropriate department for enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People feel safer, she said. Theres no statistic that can convince someone to feel safe. They have to feel that in their own home, and this is one way to do that. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The ordinance must pass three separate readings in the Metro Council before becoming law. If the process moves forward as expected, Ellis said the new rules could be in effect by mid-September. The bill was introduced in Metros Infrastructure and Transportation Committee and is expected to go before the full council for a vote 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 WKRN News 2. A Powerball player in Washington won $100,000, just missing the $429 million jackpot, lottery officials say. The ticket matched four winning numbers and the Powerball and the buyer had paid for the Power Play multiplier in the drawing Monday, Aug. 4, the Washington Lottery said. The lucky ticket was sold at a Chevron gas station in Lake Stevens, which is about a 35-mile drive northeast from Seattle, lottery officials told McClatchy News in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Washington player won $50,000. That ticket was sold at a Fred Meyer store in Vancouver, which is about a 10-mile drive north from Portland. A ticket sold in Texas won $2 million and tickets sold in Pennsylvania and Vermont won $1 million each. The winning numbers were 8, 9, 19, 31 and 38 with a Powerball of 21. The Power Play multiplier was 2x. Powerball jackpot rises Nobody won the grand prize, which rises to an estimated $449 million , with a cash value of about $203.9 million, for the next drawing Wednesday, Aug. 6, the national Powerball site said. More than 515,000 other Powerball tickets sold in the United States also won prizes ranging from $4 to $100,000, the lottery said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Powerball jackpot was last won May 31, when a California player hit the $204.5 million grand prize. What to know about Powerball To score a jackpot in the Powerball , a player must match all five white balls and the red Powerball. The odds of scoring the jackpot prize are 1 in 292,201,338. Tickets can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times and price vary by state. Drawings are broadcast Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:59 p.m. ET and can be streamed online . Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website. What are the luckiest states to play Powerball? Heres where players hit the jackpot Wife left in disbelief over husbands big Maryland lottery win. So many zeros Playing lottery was not on mans agenda until friend convinced him. It paid off CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Changes to how people can vote in Louisiana are underway, while parish officials are getting prepared for confusion at the polls. Dale Sibley, the Caddo Parish Registrar of Voters, gave a presentation to parish commissioners Monday afternoon detailing how his office is working with the state to implement the new closed primary system that was approved by the state legislature. The state is running advertising campaigns to inform the public. Closed primaries are partisan and now separated by Democrat, Republican or No Party in Louisiana. So registered voters of that party can only vote in the primary of their party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sibley said residents can expect a longer election process with at least three voting dates before a winner emerges. This will affect voters during next years election cycle. He encourages residents to check their registration before they go vote. Unlike the past, with this closed primary system if you are not a register Republican or a registered Democrat or a No Party person who chooses one of those parties, you cannot vote in the closed primaries. I say that because many people despite how they registered years ago vote different ways and forget their original registration, Sibley said. Sibley also told the commission he visited Oil City to see about a possible early voting location being opened there which the commission has requested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said however out of the three locations he visited none would facilitate as a proper polling spot. Sibley said Mayor Cheryl Clifton Driskell gave him a tour of the former community center and the towns newest community center. Sibley also toured the Louisiana State Oil & Gas Museum just to see if it could work. However he said there are too many exhibits to work around for an early voting building. Sibley told the commission he is personally not in favor of three early voting locations in the parish because it could led to more potential problems. During the meeting, they also spoke about how parish registrar of voters retains independent control of local elections under state law and commissions authority is restricted to funding measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A world-class aviation destination, a national cultural asset, and the premier aviation museum of the southeast has a new president. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum has welcomed over 100,000 visitors since it opened its doors a little over a year ago on the campus of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. On Tuesday, it welcomed a new leader to guide the museum to its next chapter. Filling the shoes of outgoing president Stephen Saucier wont be easy, but non-profit and innovation leader Stephanie Hathaway is ready to take the reins. She assumes the role, effective immediately, following the retirement of Saucier, who guided the museum through its transformative capital campaign and grand reopening in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Captain Sully discusses impact of retiring Charlotte museum visionary The Sullenberger is now in Hathaways capable hands. As a longtime Charlotte-area education leader and museum executive, Hathaway brings two decades of experience at institutions including Discovery Place. The chair of Sullenbergers board of directors says her passion for education and aviation, proven ability to build inclusive learning environments, and enterprising drive make her the right leader at the right time for the museum. The museum is poised for success, and I look forward to expanding our education reach, moving out into the community a little further than weve gone before, bringing in audiences that have never experienced the museum, Hathaway said. Building upon our educational initiatives that weve started and expanding those, expanding the reach of those. And then, of course, you know, expanding our community partnerships throughout the state of North Carolina and into South Carolina. Captain C.B. Sully Sullenberger, whose iconic landing of US Airways flight 15-49 Miracle on the Hudson inspired the museums renaming and expanded mission from the former Carolinas Aviation Museum, endorsed Hathaways appointment. Saucier, who worked closely with Captain Sully, will serve as a strategic advisor to Hathaway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the new exhibit coming to the Sullenberger Aviation Museum The museums mission is to motivate and equip the next generation to pursue careers in STEM, aerospace, and aviation. In partnership with Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum generates an estimated 8.4 million dollars in economic impact for the region. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. President Donald Trump hit back at Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett on Tuesday, calling her "a very low IQ person" during an interview on CNBCs "Squawk Box." "I won the election in a landslide," Trump said. "And obviously thats only, you know, were only six months in, but my poll numbers are better now, much better than during the election. Part of that is because the Democrat Party is self-destructing. I mean, when you have low IQ, people like Crockett, I wonder if shes any relation to the late, great Davy Crockett, who is a great, great, a great gentleman. I wonder if shes got any relationship to Davy Crockett, the great old Davy Crockett." During a liberal rally on Sunday, Crockett called Trump a "piece of s---." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Mocks Democrats' Election Losses While Warning About Aoc And Crockett's Radical Influence President Donald Trump hit back at Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett on Tuesday, calling her "a very low IQ person" during an interview on CNBCs "Squawk Box." "Listen, Donald Trump is a piece of s---. OK, we know that," she said to a cheering crowd at the Phoenix stop of MoveOns "Wont Back Down Tour." Crockett also said that Democrats must be "aggressive." Read On The Fox News App "But what are we going to need to do then?" she asked. "For me, its getting aggressive." Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture On Tuesday, Trump said Crockett was "one of the leaders" of the Democratic Party, which he argued was "lost." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But you have this woman, Crockett, shes a very low IQ person," the president said. "Somebody said the other day shes one of the leaders of the party. I said, you got to be kidding. Are they? The Democrats are lost. They have Trump derangement syndrome so bad that they cant walk. They cant talk. They dont know where theyre going. [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer is finished. Schumer look, I watched him the other day. Hes lost all of his confidence." Jasmine Crockett Mocks Trump, Says He's Threatened By Her 'Effective' Message "Squawk Box" host Joe Kernen said that it will be hard for Trump to break a 60 percent approval rating in any poll because of "TDS," or "Trump derangement syndrome, but Trump contended that the country is doing better than ever. "Squawk Box" host Joe Kernen said that it would be hard for Trump to break a 60 percent approval rating in any poll because of "TDS," or "Trump derangement syndrome," but the president contended that the country is doing better than ever. "One year ago, one year ago, our country was dead," Trump said. "Now we have the hottest country anywhere in the world by far. And that was told to me by every leader of NATO, which theyd do whatever I want that was told to me by the king of Saudi Arabia, by the leaders of UAE, by the leader of Qatar, by many, many. We were a dead country one year ago. Today, were the hottest country anywhere in the world. And Im very happy to help." Original article source: President Trump hits back at Jasmine Crockett, calls her a very low IQ person Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence is available 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). If you or someone else is in immediate danger or an emergency, please call 911 immediately. PRICE, Utah (ABC4) A Price father has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing his son while they were ironing out their differences at his residence. Franklin Allred, 82, has been charged with one count of murder, a first-degree felony, with the domestic violence enhancement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, on Aug. 1, 2025, just before midnight, Carbon County dispatch was contacted by a man stating that he had just shot his son. Deputies and medical personnel responded to the scene. Deputies detained Allred for allegedly being noncompliant and refusing to exit the home. Medical responders attempted life-saving efforts, but the victim was ultimately declared deceased. During the 911 call, allegedly placed by Allred, he claimed that he had just shot a man at his home, and explained that it was his son when questioned further. Allred stated that he was alone at the house and that his son was being aggressive to him. When dispatch asked more questions, he reportedly stopped answering but did not hang up. READ NEXT: Payson man charged for attempting to kidnap teen, assaulting security guard in Midway, documents say When the investigating Carbon County Sheriffs deputy arrived at the scene, he located the victim just inside the front door, lying on his back with a gunshot wound to his chest. Medical responders had cut off his clothing during life-saving efforts, and the deputy noted an empty holster on the victims belt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputies who arrived on the scene first explained that they had removed the gun from the holster and secured it for safety reasons. The investigating deputy noted that on a table in the room, there was another gun, one in a holster, and next to it was what appeared to be a cup of wine. A large glass jug of wine and another cup were on a nearby table, and a green beer bottle was next to the victim on the floor. Another beer bottle was located outside near a fire pit that was still warm, according to documents. The deputies noted a strong smell of alcohol throughout the house. Evidence recovered by crime scene technicians at the residence revealed that Allred had likely shot at the victim from a sitting position, as the bullet had ricocheted off the ceiling. Allred was transported to the hospital to treat a wound on his right arm. Deputies at the hospital told the investigating deputy that Allred was crying, making statements about shooting his son, and claiming his son had threatened him while at the hospital. After he was discharged, the investigating deputy met with him at the Carbon County Jail for an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TOP STORIES: Woman arrested for stalking Post Malone, violating protective order What the suspect said during the interview During the interview, Allred allegedly stated that he didnt know how he got to the jail and didnt know what had happened to his arm. He stated that the last thing he remembered was ironing out differences while sitting around the fire pit with his son. Allred explained that his son had felt jealous of his sisters and felt he wasnt as important as them. He stated that the victim would get drunk and call him names, and he had finally decided to sit down with his son and talk the situation out. According to court documents, Allred stated that his son had encouraged him to drink and he had given in. Frank [Allred] then described him and the victims relationship as good until last night, documents say. He explained that he and his son were hashing things out, and both were mad. Allred allegedly admitted to overdoing it (drinking more) on purpose during the argument. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the arrest statement, Allred told the deputy that he is afraid of his son when his son drinks, and explained that he becomes intimidating and can be very aggressive, described as yelling. When asked if the victim was intimidating during the fight, Allred stated that he started to but ended friendly and good-natured by the fire. ROAD RAGE: Tooele County man accused of shooting at victims multiple times in road rage chase Allred stated that he possessed a firearm that he kept on a table in the room where the shooting occurred. He explained that he did not keep it loaded, but there were rounds in the magazine. When asked whether he thought the victim had a gun with him, Allred stated that he didnt see one, but knew that the victim owned a handgun and a rifle. The deputy asked Allred if he ever thought the victim would hurt him, and Allred said he didnt think so, and that the victim did not have a gun while threatening him. Allred then asked if the victim was dead, and allegedly became upset and asked if he was in trouble and going to go to prison when the deputy confirmed that his son had passed away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allred told the deputy that he couldnt believe hed actually shoot, but if he did, the victim must have scared him. He went on to say that his son had pressured him to drink wine and again stated that the victim must have done something to scare him for him to shoot him. Due to Allreds statement that there had never been an occasion that he felt the victim would hurt him and his comments about shooting his son on the 911 call, Allred was booked into the Carbon County Jail and charged with murder. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. NEED TO KNOW A 20-year-old college student and priest's daughter was detained by immigrant officials following a visa hearing on July 31 Four days later, she was released on her own recognizance after the religious community rallied around her The U.S. Department of Homeland Security claimed that she "overstayed her visa that expired more than two years ago," but an attorney for the Episcopal Diocese of New York denies that, saying her visa was valid through the end of the year A college student and daughter of an Episcopal priest was detained after a standard visa hearing in New York City. Days later, she was reunited with her mom after she was brought back to Manhattan from a Louisiana detention center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything just feels surreal, Yeonsoo Go, 20, said after she was allowed to leave Federal Plaza Immigration Court with her mother, Rev. Kyrie Kim, on the evening of Monday, Aug. 4, CW affiliate WPIX reported. I always had faith that I would be out soon, she added, according to CNN affiliate WCBS. Before her arrest, the Purdue University student who moved to the United States from South Korea with her mom back in 2021 told a friend she was nervous because of the wave of detainments under the Trump administration, the outlet reported. Then, on Thursday, July 31, Gos fears became reality. Mary Davis, an attorney for the Episcopal Diocese in New York, where Go's mother is a priest, told CNN that the hearing was part of the process to convert her religious workers dependent visa, known as a R-2 visa, to a student visa. In a separate interview with NBC News, Marissa Joseph, identified as Gos attorney, said the student was renewing her visa because her mother had changed employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 31, Go was told she was due back in court in October, but when she and her mother exited the courthouse, ICE agents were waiting for the young woman, ABC affiliate WABC, FOX affiliate WNYW and CNN reported. They thought they had come for a routine hearing, for due process, and they really fell into a black hole of unknown, Davis told CNN affiliate WCBS, adding that Go was absolutely terrified. Neither attorney immediately responded to PEOPLE's request for comment. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf In a statement obtained by PEOPLE before her release, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed that Go had "overstayed her visa that expired more than two years ago." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, lawyers for the Episcopal Diocese of New York have denied this, saying that her visa wasn't set to expire until December. We have no idea why they are alleging this, because we have a piece of paper that says she has a visa till December 2025, Davis told NBC News. This is what lack of due process does. We have evidence on our side. Theyre making allegations. We are not being given the opportunity to sort it out. DHS and ICE did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's questions about Go's release. GoFundMe Yeonsoo Go Yeonsoo Go Gos case is one of a number making headlines since President Trump returned to the White House and began cracking down on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump's successful campaign was centered on a law enforcement message to seal the southern border and remove millions of migrants in the country illegally with a focus on dangerous people and people with criminal backgrounds some of the deportations have stirred debate. The local religious community was heartbroken by Gos detainment, Rev. Anne Marie Witchger, a priest of St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery and a colleague of Rev. Kim, tells PEOPLE. Soo came to this country legally and is lawfully here, says Rev. Witchger, adding that both Go, who is gearing up her second year at Purdue University, and her mom are important members of the community. Following the 20-year-old student's arrest, the religious community rallied around her, and a GoFundMe has been created to help with legal fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We call for the end of weaponization in our courts," Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, said while advocating for her release over the weekend, according to WNYW. "We stand up for a New York and a country that respects the dignity of every person." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Following Go's release, New York Assemblymember Amy Paulin released a statement of support. The pain, fear, and uncertainty she and her family endured over the past five days should never have happened, Paulin wrote. But tonight we celebrate her freedom and the strength of a community that refused to stay silent. Andres Kudacki/Getty Yeonsoo Go (C) cries as she reunites with her mother, Episcopal priest Rev. Kyrie Kim (L) Yeonsoo Go (C) cries as she reunites with her mother, Episcopal priest Rev. Kyrie Kim (L) Lawyers told WABC that the student's case is ongoing and they are cooperating with government officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Davis told CNN, Weve worked very hard for our voices to be heard and to lift her up, and to convey the message that Soo does not deserve to be in detention andits been heard. Read the original article on People The number of primary school pupils in Jersey has fallen by 5.6% in the last two years, a study group has said. Policy Centre Jersey (PCJ) examined data from Public Health Jersey which found the number of babies born in Jersey had fallen by almost 10% in 2024 compared to the year before. The report also found four schools across the island had recorded declines of more than 10%. The charity said that with fewer children to teach, it was likely people would call for smaller class sizes rather than fewer schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said: "Jersey has an unusual structure of primary school provision - there are 24 separate schools with an average of 254 students at each, however, six of the schools have over 350 students while nine have fewer than 200. "There may well be a need for some restructuring particularly among the smaller schools... in practice there will be pressure for smaller class sizes rather than fewer schools." PCJ said it was hard to see how the government could address the falling birth rate without potential "financial incentives" to encourage people to have more children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said: "More generally, if the high cost of living in Jersey is causing a reduction in the number of young people who might otherwise have chosen to live in Jersey to choose not to do so then this can be tackled only by measures to reduce the cost of living, specifically the cost of housing." The government announced that it had launched a new 25-year strategy to improve the island's public infrastructure to address the island's high cost of housing and ageing infrastructure. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links NEED TO KNOW The Charity Commission of the U.K. has released the results of a probe into Sentebale, the charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho The Charity Commission found no evidence of "widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity" or " 'over-reach' by either the chair or the Duke of Sussex as patron" However, a source tells PEOPLE that Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso see no way back to the charity while Chandauka remains chair Prince Harry is speaking out following the conclusion of an investigation into the nonprofit he co-founded nearly two decades ago alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and says that despite being cleared, the damage is already done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 5, the Charity Commission for England and Wales announced it found no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir at Sentebale, following an investigation into claims made by the charitys current chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. The Commission also found no "overreach" by either Chandauka or Prince Harry, 40, who stepped down as Sentebales patron in March following what he described as a breakdown in leadership. However, the Commission criticized all sides for allowing the conflict "to play out publicly" and cited poor internal governance and a "failure to resolve disputes internally severely impacted the charitys reputation and risked undermining public trust in charities more generally." Jason Koerner/Getty Prince Harry and Dr. Sophie Chandauka speak at a panel in Miami Beach, Florida on April 11, 2024. Prince Harry and Dr. Sophie Chandauka speak at a panel in Miami Beach, Florida on April 11, 2024. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement responding to the findings, a spokesperson for Prince Harry said, "Unsurprisingly, the Commission makes no findings of wrongdoing in relation to Sentebales Co-Founder and former Patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. They also found no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment or misogyny and misogynoir at the charity, as falsely claimed by the current Chair." "Despite all that, their report falls troublingly short in many regards, primarily the fact that the consequences of the current Chairs actions will not be borne by her but by the children who rely on Sentebales support," the spokesperson continued. A source tells PEOPLE that Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso see no way back to the charity while Chanduka is in place, but that they are keeping their options open. Both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso are devastated by what has effectively been a hostile takeover by Sophie Chandauka," the source close to the former trustees and patrons says. "This was Prince Seeiso and Prince Harrys life work. They established it 19 years ago and in that time put in blood, sweat and tears and their own money into building this charity up to what it was: a multi-million pound charity that delivered nothing but good for the beneficiary community that is supported in Lesotho and Botswana. Brian Otieno/Getty Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry in Maseru, Lesotho on Oct. 1, 2024. Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry in Maseru, Lesotho on Oct. 1, 2024. Sentebales current board said it accepted the Charity Commissions findings and committed to carrying out the regulators recommendations. In a statement, the organization said it supported the Commissions Regulatory Action Plan issued to address their internal dispute policy, improve the charitys complaints and whistleblowing procedures and establish clearer processes for delegating authority. The Commission will monitor progress in the Action Plan, which includes timescales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chandauka said, I appreciate the Charity Commission for its conclusions, which confirm the governance concerns I raised privately in February 2025. The experience was intense, and it became a test of our strategic clarity and operational resilience." Saying that Sentebale has continued to support young people in Lesotho and Botswana, Chandauka added, "I thank every dedicated colleague and the courageous new Board members who have stayed focused on the mission in the face of unprecedented media glare. The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviors displayed in private. We are emerging not just grateful to have survived, but stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious and with our dignity intact." "Despite the recent turbulence, we will always be inspired by the vision of our Founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, who established Sentebale in memory of their precious mothers, Princess Diana and Queen Mamohato," she added. "To all who believe in our mission: please walk with us as Sentebale recovers, renews, and rises to meet the hopes and expectations of the next generation." A source close to the former trustees found it "appalling" that Chandauka invoked the name of the founders and their late mothers in her statement "for her own good." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Charity Commission announced on April 3 that it was launching a regulatory compliance case "to examine concerns raised" about Sentebale after Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso issued a shocking statement announcing that they were stepping down from their roles as Sentebale's patrons due to infighting within the organization. The exit stemmed from a breakdown in relations between Sentebale's chair, Chandauka, and board of trustees members, who also stepped down. On March 27, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso said in a joint statement, "With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as Patrons of the organisation until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same. It is devastating that the relationship between the charitys trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation." The princes said that Sentebale's trustees asked Chandauka to step down, and she sued to remain chair. Harry and Seeiso, 59, said they were "truly heartbroken" that the trustees felt forced to step down and added, "Whats transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebales beneficiaries, so we will be sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about. " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chandauka spoke out in several interviews to share her side of the story, painting a different picture of the events that led to this point. In a March 29 interview with the Financial Times, the Zimbabwean corporate finance lawyer said her relationship with Prince Harry took a turn after she refused his team's request to defend his wife, Meghan Markle, after an awkward photo moment between them at a Sentebale event in April 2024 led to negative media coverage. Alamy (From second left) Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Dr. Sophie Chandauka pose for a group photo at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge benefitting Sentebale at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida on April 12, 2024. (From second left) Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Dr. Sophie Chandauka pose for a group photo at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge benefitting Sentebale at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida on April 12, 2024. According to Chandauka, the Duke of Sussex urged her to publicly address the incident that unfolded during the trophy presentation ceremony at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Florida, but she refused. "I said no, were not setting a precedent by which we become an extension of the Sussex PR machine," Chandauka said. A source close to Sentebale patrons and trustees told PEOPLE that the dispute at the crux of the controversy is rooted in governance concerns, not personal grievances. Chandauka was named Sentebale's chair in July 2023 after serving on its board from 2009 to 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Sentebale source familiar with the situation told PEOPLE at the time that the organization was in stable financial standing when she became chair, but the situation changed under her leadership. Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on April 9, 2025. Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on April 9, 2025. 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! Though the Charity Commissions findings bring some closure, they also underscore just how much damage has been done, both to the charitys public image and its founding partnership. Regardless, the source tells PEOPLE that Prince Harry remains "absolutely dedicated to supporting the children of Lesotho and Botswana." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How that happens, he will keep his options open. Whether that means raising money for pre-existing charities that are doing good work in those countries or establishing something independent and new," the source says. "It is very early days." The source adds, Im positive that Prince Harry would want to work with Prince Seeiso again and deliver for Lesotho. Read the original article on People 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. Whatever quarrels one might have with Senator Bernie Sanders, his thinking would seem to be immune from medieval anti-Semitic influence. Yet last month, after Sanders denounced the Netanyahu governments extermination of Gaza, the pro-Israel group AIPAC attacked Sanderss statement as a hate-filled rant and despicable blood libel. Extraordinary claimssuch as the charge that the Jewish senator from Vermont is anti-Semitic to the point of spreading ancient slanders against his own peoplerequire extraordinary evidence. Yet large segments of the conservative and even centrist wings of the American pro-Israel movement have whipped themselves into such a frenzy of paranoia that they are making accusations like this without much effort at justification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism is not new, but it has exploded in the postOctober 7 era, in which the rising menace of genuine Jew-hatred on the left and right alike has been accompanied by a growing chorus of hyperbolic, bad-faith accusations. This dynamic might seem paradoxical, but the two phenomena exist in a natural symbiosis. Anti-Semites often insist they are being targeted merely for criticizing Israel; their defense becomes more effective when many people are, in fact, being called anti-Semitic merely for criticizing Israel. [Yair Rosenberg: Americas anti-Jewish assassins are making the case for Zionism] The hallmark of this style of politics is that, although it does not explicitly state that all criticism of Israel is inherently anti-Semitic, it acts as though that were true. Consider another recent episode. Late last month, The New York Times ran a photo of a child in Gaza, who the accompanying article said was born a healthy child but had recently been diagnosed with severe malnutrition. Later, it added an editors note clarifying that he also had pre-existing health problems, which should have been noted in the photo caption. Newspapers make errors from time to time, especially while covering wars, when verifying facts is more dangerous and difficult. Yet some conservatives immediately determined not only that the error reflected an institutional bias against Israelhardly an indisputable premise, given the anger that the Times has generated on the left for its reporting on such topics as sexual violence by Hamasbut that this bias in turn reflected animus against Jews. The media were so eager to produce a story about Jews behaving amorally that they dropped all skepticism in the face of a sensationalistic claim from a terrorist group with a known history of lying, wrote the National Review editor Philip Klein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noah Pollak, a Trump appointee at the Department of Education, did not even grant that the error was inadvertent, charging on X that the paper had deliberately published a falsehood: This is a really strange way of saying We ran a front page blood libel claiming Israel is starving a baby to death, but its not true and we actually knew it wasnt true at the time, but it promoted hatred of Jews so we ran it anyway. Likewise, Seth Mandel, writing in Commentary, treated the error as an act of anti-Semitic malice: Pointing to a suffering child and saying the Jews did this when in fact the Jews did no such thing is an intentional act. As with the Sanders episode, none of these critics offered any explanation as to why the Timesa newspaper whose executive editor, along with many staffers, is Jewishwould be institutionally committed to whipping up anti-Semitic animus. The proliferation of the term blood libel as a rhetorical tic is especially revealing. The blood libel is a medieval conspiracy theory that posits that Jews murder Christian children in order to use their blood in religious ceremonies. It was used for centuries to incite murder against Jews. My wifes grandmother once told me that her mother had a vivid memory of being a child in 19th-century Russia, hiding under a bed and watching a Cossack plant a dead child in her familys home to blame on the Jews. To claim that Israel murders Arab children for religious ends would be a blood libel. And because anti-Semitic ideas mutate over time, some forms of obsessive hatred of Israel assign the Jewish state an almost demonic place in the imagination. Anti-Semitism can express itself as an inability to process Israels actions, whether good or bad, in the terms one would use for other nations. But to the extent that the outrage over civilian deaths in Gaza is not categorically different from that surrounding, say, the American counterinsurgency in Afghanistan, Israels critics are treating it as a normal state. Some elements of the contemporary pro-Israel right have refused to accept that. They have, instead, repurposed the phrase blood libel to cast almost any complaint about the Israeli war effort as anti-Semitic. Because arguments about the scope of war inherently revolve around the propriety of violence, this tactic has limitless application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This rhetorical move is striking in its resemblance to the style of the illiberal left. If you identify your own political position with a vulnerable group, you can accuse anybody who disagrees of opposing the group, thus circumventing the need to defend your position on the merits. The most common fallacy associated with this form of backward reasoning is to assume that any argument a bigot might use is bigoted. Because racists oppose affirmative action, its defenders sometimes assume all opponents of affirmative action are racist; likewise, because anti-Semites hate Israel, some of its defenders treat opposition to Israel as presumptively anti-Semitic. In some cases, the homage is explicit. Some campus activists have demanded that pro-Israel Jews receive the kind of protective treatment that university administrators have previously extended to students from, or speaking on behalf of, other marginalized groups. (Others have merely asked that schools fairly apply content-neutral rules to activists who seize common spaces or shout down pro-Israel speakers.) This would be a logical demand if you believe that illiberal discourse norms have benefited minority students and fostered tolerance. But if you believe that theyve generated resentment without helping their supposed beneficiaries, as members of the pro-Israel right generally do, then it is a strange racket to try to get in on. The Trump administration has turned these illiberal concepts into official government policy. Its higher-education agenda revolves around the use of pretextual charges of anti-Semitism to withhold funding and subject universities to political interference. It has detained immigrant students for criticizing Israel and worked with right-wing activists to target protesters and issue draconian demands for reform. How could a movement prone to hair-trigger charges of anti-Semitism identify itself so closely with this administration? President Donald Trump has welcomed an anti-Semitic and even Nazi-curious faction into his coalition, normalizing rhetoric that not long ago would have been disqualifying in a Republican administration. (Kingsley Wilson, a Defense Department spokesperson, has dabbled in anti-Semitic memes, including attacking the memory of Leo Frank, perhaps the most famous victim of anti-Semitic violence in U.S. history.) Trump himself has routinely discussed Jews in crude terms, as money-obsessed and primarily loyal to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, the alliance has a certain logic to it. The pro-Israel right is not so much expanding the definition of what constitutes anti-Semitism as shifting it, so that it covers far more criticism of Israel and far less behavior that would traditionally have fit the bill. After Trump criticized unethical bankers as shylocksdrawing a wrist slap from the Anti-Defamation League, which has otherwise supported his campus crackdownthe Commentary editor John Podhoretz wrote on X, Trump bombed Iran. He can say Shylock 100 times a day forever as far as Im concerned. Here Podhoretz is following in the tradition of his father, Norman, who preceded John as editor of Commentary, once an esteemed journal of Jewish thought. Thirty years ago, after Pat Robertson published a conspiratorial book arguing that a tiny sect of European bankers had controlled world affairs for decades, Norman Podhoretz defended Robertson from charges of anti-Semitism in a lengthy essay. In my view, he wrote, Robertsons support for Israel trumps the anti-Semitic pedigree of his ideas about the secret history of the dream of a new world order. [Michael Powell: The double standard in the human-rights world] At the time, Robertsons crankish views may have seemed marginal enough that his allies could pretend they were tolerable. The door that Podhoretz cracked open for one nutty televangelist has since swung wide open for hordes of obsessive anti-globalists, Nazi-meme appreciators, and other enemies of the Jews. Building a coalition united by its total indifference to Palestinian human rights requires teaming up with some people who may lack a certain moral refinement when it comes to the Jews. But you go to political war with the coalition you have, not the coalition you wish you had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This alliance harms the Jews in two obvious ways. First, it provides cover for the legitimization of a strain of far-right anti-Semitism that had been frozen out of mainstream political influence since the demise of the America First movement at the start of World War II. Second, it weakens the fight against left-wing anti-Semitism by diluting the charge through overuse. Flooding the public square with counterfeit accusations devalues the currency. And allowing the cause to be turned into cover for a crackdown on the left that is at best loosely related to defending Jews inevitably subjects the idea of opposing anti-Semitism to cynicism. The pro-Israel rights response to that critique is, of course, to label it as anti-Semitic. Jews are being threatened with consequences for being seen as exercising undue influence over campus life, writes the Manhattan Institute legal-policy fellow Tal Fortgang. American culture has passed through an era in which elements of the social-justice left sought to shut down opposition to their agenda by branding disagreement as bigotry. Members of the pro-Israel right, who gained power in part by riding the backlash against the excesses of left-wing illiberalism, have now decided to borrow its techniques. Can they truly not imagine that they will generate a backlash of their own? Article originally published at The Atlantic Michigan GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers speaks at a rally on Saginaw Valley State University campus in Michigan ahead of President Donald Trump on Oct. 3, 2024 ahead of the presidential election | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols A Texas oil billionaire with deep ties to the Christian Nationalist movement and a rising presence in the national GOP scene, has contributed $5 million to a super PAC backing Republican Mike Rogers U.S. Senate campaign in Michigan, marking a foray into Midwest politics. Tim Dunns contributions to the Great Lakes Conservative Fund, or GLCF, were made in two installments of $2.5 million each in April and June and accounted for more than 98% of the PACs total fundraising during the first half of 2025, according to a mid-year report filed July 31 with the Federal Election Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunn, the CEO of Midland-based CrownQuest Operating, has long been a major financier of far-right political causes in Texas and beyond, with his deep-pocketed influence drawing national attention for pushing Christian nationalist ideology, which critics say aims to reshape American democracy to reflect a narrow interpretation of Christian values. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Former Republican Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, who is Jewish, told the Texas Tribune that Dunn felt he was unqualified to hold that position, telling him in 2010 that only Christians should hold leadership positions in that states lower chamber. CNN also reported that former associates of Dunn said his ultimate goal was to replace public education with private Christian schooling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A request for comment by Michigan Advance was sent to Dunn, but has yet to be answered. Dunns support of Rogers, a former mid-Michigan congressman seeking the GOP nomination to run for U.S. Senate in 2026, marks a significant foray into Midwest politics by an out-of-state donor known for reshaping Texass Republican Party in his own image, but who has also shown an increasing interest in influencing national politics. While the Great Lakes Conservatives Fund is an independent expenditure-only committee and is legally prohibited from coordinating directly with Rogers or his campaign, Rogers has not publicly spoken about Dunns involvement in the race, and his campaign did not respond to a request for comment by Michigan Advance. The Detroit News reported that the PAC spent more than $21 million on Rogers unsuccessful 2024 U.S. Senate run, which he narrowly lost to now-Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Dunns political network has also come under fire for its ties to white supremacists and antisemites. In 2023, a top official at one of Dunns Texas-based PACs, Defend Texas Liberty, met with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, who has openly espoused antisemetic views including that the Holocaust was exaggerated. While Dunn called the the Fuentes meeting a serious blunder, the Texas Tribune uncovered numerous close ties between other associates of Fuentes and the Defend Texas Liberty PAC, which Dunn later shut down before launching a new PAC called Texans United for a Conservative Majority. Regardless, Dunn has become one of the most influential Republican donors in the country, donating $5 million to President Donald Trumps 2024 campaign for the White House, while also co-founding the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank that has produced more than a dozen officials now staffing the Trump administration including Education Secretary Linda McMahon and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Rogers, meanwhile, has cleared the GOP field and is the lone Republican seeking the nomination for Michigans U.S. Senate seat. President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a "productive conversation" with U.S. President Donald Trump on Aug. 5, discussing ending Russia's war and coordinating military and diplomatic efforts. The call between the leaders takes place three days before Trump's deadline for Russia's President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. "We are grateful to Trump for all efforts toward a just and lasting peace," Zelensky wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is truly a must to stop the killing as soon as possible, and we fully support this." The two leaders exchanged assessments of the battlefield situation, noting that "the Russians have intensified the brutality of their attacks," Zelensky's post read. The Ukrainian president added that Trump is "fully informed about Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities and communities." Russia's most recent mass attack on Kyiv was also its most deadly, killing 31 and injuring more than 150 on July 31. Zelensky also spoke about sanctions, saying that Moscow is "sensitive" to the prospect of new U.S. penalties and to Trump's "resolve," calling it a lever that "can change a lot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two leaders also discussed expanding defense cooperation. Zelensky said Ukraine has already prepared a draft agreement on drone cooperation with the U.S., and is ready to finalize what he called "one of the strongest agreements this could be." Zelensky thanked the United States and NATO partners including the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark for committing more than $1 billion in funding for American weapons to be delivered to Ukraine. The scheme was proposed by Trump in June. Under this initiative alliance countries would purchase U.S.-made arms, including air defense systems, and send some of them to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior American diplomat John Kelley told the U.N. Security Council on July 31 that Trump expects a peace deal by August 8. "President Trump has made clear this must be done by Aug. 8," Kelley said. "The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace." Trump warned on July 29 that unless Russia agreed to halt its invasion, sweeping new sanctions would take effect within 10 days. These include secondary tariffs on countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, and other exports a move that could significantly affect major Russian trade partners such as China and India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Witkoffs Russia visit is one last chance for Putin before Trump takes action, analysts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Saar wrote that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir is required to express his professional opinion clearly and unequivocally to the political echelon. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and politicians backed IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir on Tuesday, calling on him to voice his opinion amid the current split between the government and military on the next steps in the war. The backing came after National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvirs claim that Zamir is required to comply with the state on its choice of military action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zamir is expected to attend a security consultation meeting on Tuesday evening with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. Sources have said that Netanyahu reached the decision for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, including operations in areas where hostages are being held. The backing for Zamir to voice his opinion on the matter came after Ben-Gvir stated that the chief of staff was required to state clearly that he will fully comply with the directives of the political echelon, even if a decision is made for conquest and decisive action. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attends a Knesset meeting in Jerusalem, June 17, 2025; illustrative. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Shortly afterward, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made a post contradicting Ben-Gvirs statement on X/Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saar wrote that the chief of staff is required to express his professional opinion clearly and unequivocally to the political echelon. I am convinced that he [Zamir] will do so, Saar continued. He is not required to clarify the subordination of the military echelon to the governments decisions, and this is self-evident, certainly for someone who has served the country in uniform for decades, Saars post concluded. Politicians firmly backed Zamir as well, calling on him to voice his opinion even if doing so would require going against the government. MK Benny Gantz (Blue and White) wrote that the situation was a reckless attack by ministers against the chief of staff, simply because he fulfilled his duty and expressed his professional opinion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gantz also called the situation first-rate security negligence. In the State of Israel, the chief of staff is subordinate to the political echelon that has always been the case, and always will be but he is not a puppet on a string and not a rubber stamp, the former IDF head said. Lapid: Disagreements should remain behind closed doors Opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote that disagreements between the prime minister and chief of staff should remain in a closed room, rather than be public. When the chief of staff knows that every disagreement will leak, when he knows someone will use it against him, he wont say everything he thinks, he wont bring up certain issues and the decision-making process is harmed, Lapid wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats Party member Nimrod Sheffer wrote in an X post that he has known Zamir for many years, and believes he is the right person to lead the IDF during its most difficult and challenging time in the history of the state. This is the time to tell the reckless government, enough is enough and not resign, Sheffer wrote. Zamir had canceled his arranged high-level visit to the United States that was scheduled for Tuesday earlier this week, deciding to remain in Israel while Gaza ceasefire talks were at an impasse. He was appointed to be Israels chief of staff in February after his predecessor Lt.-Gen. (ret.) Herzi Halevi resigned, citing military failure during the October 7 Hamas attacks. Amichai Stein and Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report. This time last year, Donald Trump was swearing through his teeth that he wasnt affiliated with Project 2025. But little more than half a year into his second administration, the initiative is reportedly already 47 percent complete. The Project 2025 Tracker, which labels itself as a comprehensive, community-driven initiative to follow the implementation of the 900-page far-right manifesto, has counted the progression of 115 complete proposals out of the projects 317 total. Some federal agenciessuch as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and USAIDhave already been entirely reworked according to Project 2025s goals. Project 2025 had six goals for USAID. The White House, for which Project 2025 had 13 listed objectives, is currently 92 percent complete, according to the tracker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 64 proposals are currently in progress, according to the tracker, including initiatives at the Department of Homeland Security, the Defense Department, the Energy Department, and the Department of Commerce. They include policies that would require federally funded schools to administer military entrance tests to all students, adding citizenship questions to the census, rescinding elements of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, phasing out federal funding for low-income children in schools, classifying K-12 studies relating to gender ideology as sexual offenses, allowing companies to skirt overtime pay, and abolishing the Federal Reserve, among dozens of others. Trump faced enormous blowback from conservatives last summer after he was accused of being tied in with the Heritage Foundation, the christo-nationalist group that drafted the manifesto. But he managed to change the opinion of American voters by lying repeatedly. I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it, Trump wrote on Truth Social in July 2024. I disagree with some of the things theyre saying, and some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them. Since Inauguration Day, Trump has packed his administration with Project 2025 appointees, including its architect, Russell Vought, whom Trump tapped to run the Office of Management and Budget. A plan to rezone about 300 acres in The Nations aims to allow more housing units per lot in a neighborhood that's becoming increasingly expensive. On Aug. 5, the Metro Nashville Council will hold a public hearing for what Rollin Horton the neighborhoods council representative calls The Nations Neighborhood Plan." It has been in the works for nearly two years. The rezoning would come with an accompanying urban design overlay, which sets design specifications for the area. (The plan is) essentially delivering on our neighborhoods priorities things like increased walkability, greater tree coverage, supporting our current, future local neighborhood businesses, providing different housing options for residents, as well as facilitating the continued redevelopment of our industrial and legacy commercial businesses into more neighborhood-focused mixed uses, Horton told The Tennessean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents, meanwhile, argue that the large-scale rezoning would burden local schools and the neighborhood's infrastructure. The proposal has already earned a recommendation for approval from the Planning Commission, leaving it with an easier path toward a green light through the Metro Nashville Council. Here's what else to know about the rezoning plan. What are the nuts and bolts? Most of the acreage in the plan would affect residential properties, whose new zoning category would allow up to 40 housing units per acre. Current residential standards in the area only allow for single- and two-family homes which Horton said are becoming progressively more expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But simply allowing more units per acre doesnt mean that all new housing in the neighborhood will be massive in scale. Horton said nearly all residential units would be capped at a height of 35 feet, about as tall as a typical two-story building. And Horton said the proposed zoning is proportional to the size of a lot. The typical lot size in the neighborhood is a tenth of an acre, he said, which equates to a maximum of four housing units. The height limits further help to curb that scale. Horton said hed anticipate the most common type of new development would likely be townhomes. The proposal also would impose restrictions on impervious surfaces that allow little or no stormwater infiltration into the ground, like pavement and parking lots. Thatd be a first for the neighborhood. Currently, entire lots can be covered with concrete, but the proposed changes would cap the amount of impervious surface on a single- or two-family homes property at 50% of the lots size. The urban design overlay would also nearly triple the neighborhoods tree density requirements and provides incentives for planting new trees. Pushback coming from a community group This proposal isnt without opposition. Namely, thats coming from a group called Save Our Nashville Neighborhoods, a coalition formed in District 23 where Belle Meade is located that has since expanded to activity across the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent posts on the groups website directly target The Nations rezoning plan, with one post saying it was not born from a neighborhood request but from a political ideology, perhaps motivated by a desire to land political points for career-building. That post calls the rezoning a wealth-creation tool for a select few. It also claims the plan will worsen the neighborhoods existing issues with flooding, overburden schools and make the neighborhood more expensive to live in. Theres a lot of misinformation out there, unfortunately, thats being promulgated primarily by an outside political group, Horton said. This (plan) heightens impervious surface restrictions to combat flooding they say itll make flooding worse. This triples the tree preservation and planting requirements they say itll destroy trees. A lot of people say itll create skyscrapers in the neighborhood, but it actually makes sure buildings will be shorter than what were building today. The plan, Horton said, is an attempt to implement missing middle housing, or at least give the option on the remaining lots left in the neighborhood for new development. He said he expects that development to come not all at once but spread over several years or even decades. Change is going to come to this neighborhood, whether we do this plan or not, Horton said. Currently, its already been significantly redeveloped. Theres a small share of lots that havent been redeveloped yet those are being built into three-story McMansions that regularly go for $1 million, or up to $1.5 (million) now. What happens next? The rezoning proposal is on the agenda for the Aug. 5 council meeting on second reading. That means itll come with an accompanying public hearing, during which members of the public can provide feedback for or against the proposal ahead of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the rezoning plan earns enough votes to move forward in the process, itll still need one more round of approval before its officially adopted. That would likely come at the groups next meeting on third reading. Austin Hornbostel is the Metro reporter for The Tennessean. Have a question about local government you want an answer to? Reach him at ahornbostel@tennessan.com. Get Davidson County news delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Proposed rezoning plan for The Nations would affect 300 acres DES MOINES, Iowa The Des Moines Police Department is sharing ways the community can protect their vehicles amid increasing car thefts in the city. Sergeant Paul Parizek with the Des Moines Police Department said one effective tool is a steering wheel lock. Hyundai Corporation has donated over 165,000 locks to over 1,200 law enforcement agencies. DMPD received a limited amount and recently distributed around 50 locks to community members during the Downtown Farmers Market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family, friends of deceased motorcyclist frustrated with lack of answers following accident This comes as the department is warning about an increase in auto theft in Iowas capital city. Nationally, there is a decrease in this crime, but locally, that isnt the case. Parizek said the most concerning part of this increasing crime is that most of the thieves are teens, who are inexperienced drivers. Weve had a case where the suspect was as young as 11 years old, and a lot of times they think its a game, but its not. When you look at the past few years, weve had several stolen cars that have crashed, and theyve resulted in the deaths of about seven teenagers. And thats a big number. And while these things are spread out, people tend to forget about those incidents. We dont, and those families dont. And we need to kind of curb this trend, or were going to see it happen more, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2024, four teenagers died after crashing a stolen vehicle into a tree on Davis Avenue in Des Moines. This incident stands out to law enforcement because the tragic outcome could have been prevented. According to DMPD, kids are learning how to steal cars through a social media trend, called Kia Boys, where they are learning how to start Kias and Hyundais without the key. Des Moines Police say more than a quarter of the stolen cars so far in 2025 are Kias or Hyundais. Thats why steering wheel locks are recommended. As seen above, drivers can place a lock on the steering wheel to prevent thieves from driving away with the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parizek said thieves are more likely to move on from a vehicle when they see a lock on the wheel. Kia or Hyundai owners can also bring their vehicles to their dealer to fix the ignitions vulnerability, so their vehicle is less likely to be stolen. Those who steal a vehicle can legally face two charges, according to Parizek. The first is an aggravated misdemeanor for operating without the owners consent, and perpetrators can also be charged with theft in the second degree, which is a felony. Parents have to intervene. This isnt something police can do. We cant arrest away this problem. You cant lock your car, hide your keys and its going to stop. Parents need to talk to their kids, Parizek said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of the Kia Boys trend on social media, vehicles are also being stolen in Des Moines because keys are left inside. Des Moines Police are urging people to park in well-lit places at night, hide valuables from view, dont leave your keys in your car or your car running unattended, and lock your car. Metro 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 who13.com. A video of the incident spread on Chinese social media and ignited public anger [Social media screengrab] A school bullying incident in southern China has sparked a series of protests and calls for more justice for the 14-year-old victim. A video of the girl being slapped, kicked and forced to kneel by three other minors went viral in the Jiangyou city in Sichuan province last week. The police said the three suspects are all female, aged 13, 14 and 15 - and two of them had been sent to "specialised schools for corrective education". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As news of the incident spread on social media, many felt the punishment was too light - especially after claims that the girl had been bullied for some time and that her mother, who is reportedly deaf, had pleaded with the authorities for more justice for her daughter. In a series of videos, shot by the perpetrators, the victim can be heard saying she would call the police after being repeatedly hit with a stick. Then one of the girls attacking her said they were not afraid. Another said she had been to the police station more than 10 times, and claimed she was set free in less than 20 minutes. These comments have resonated with those who fear that not enough is being done to punish bullying in China. The incident has prompted a wave of public anger online and protests erupted outside the local government offices in Jiangyou. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 1,000 people gathered in the street on 4 August and stayed past midnight, according to local shop owners. One of them told the BBC that "things got bloody" after police used batons and electric prods to control the crowd. Several videos posted online appear to verify his account. Officers can be seen dragging protesters along the street and hitting them with batons. A witness also said he saw a few water bottles being thrown at the police. "People just wanted justice," he said. "People were upset about the [lack of] punishment." The witnesses who spoke to the BBC were unwilling to give their names as the police have reportedly urged locals not to talk about the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a call to the local Public Security Bureau, the BBC was told that there were "limitations on foreign press asking questions". Bullying in school has become a highly sensitive topic in China [Getty Images] Protests in China are not uncommon, but they are quickly shut down and censored on state-run media and the internet. The demonstrations in Jiangyou have forced the police to issue a second statement to clarify rumours that the assailants were the daughters of a lawyer and a police inspector. These claims are false, police said. "Two of the parents are unemployed, two are working outside the province, one is a local salesperson, and one is a local delivery driver," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police have punished two people for spreading fake information online saying their posts have "seriously disrupted public order and caused bad social impact". A lawyer based in Shanghai said in an online post that this incident has highlighted an ongoing legal dilemma for Chinese officials. "The penalty for causing minor injuries is too mild, while the physical and mental trauma suffered by victims is overlooked by the law, which leads to a significant imbalance in the protection of their rights," he wrote on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. His credentials have been verified by the BBC, but he is unwilling to be named. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bullying has become a highly sensitive topic in China in recent years, and student deaths over alleged bullying have triggered protests in the past. In January this year, the death of a teenage boy sparked violent protests in a city in north-west China. Objects were hurled at police during demonstrations in Pucheng in Shaanxi province. Authorities said the teenager fell to his death in an accident at his school dormitory, but there were allegations on social media of a cover-up. Last year a Chinese court handed down lengthy sentences to two teenagers who murdered a classmate in Hebei province with a shovel. The 13-year-olds buried the victim in an abandoned vegetable greenhouse. The victim was bullied by his classmates, his family and lawyer had alleged, while the court said that he had "experienced conflict" with the convicted teens. The Brief The Bear Gulch Fire in Mason County has burned over 4,500 acres, with Level 3 evacuations near Lake Cushman. Utility companies in Washington are preparing for power shutoffs to prevent equipment from sparking new fires. Meanwhile, experts emphasize the need for comprehensive fire management plans involving multiple stakeholders. KING COUNTY, Wash. - The Bear Gulch Fire continues to burn through Mason County, scorching more than 4,500 acres with just 3% containment reported as of Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Level 3 "Leave Now" evacuations are in effect for areas near Lake Cushman, as firefighters work around the clock to gain control of the fast-moving blaze. Big picture view The growing wildfire threat isnt just forcing residents to flee its also putting pressure on utility companies to prevent their equipment from sparking additional fires. With hotter, drier and windier conditions becoming the norm, utilities across Washington are preparing for potential power shutoffs aimed at protecting communities. Wildfires of today are not the same as a decade ago What they're saying "We've gone from wildfire season to wildfire years," Andre Coleman, chief scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coleman says the wildfires of today are not the same as a decade ago. "Oftentimes, hotter fires, more dynamic fires, look a little different than they did a decade ago," Coleman said. That intensity is now reaching areas historically untouched by fire, including the western slopes of the Cascades. Experts estimate 60 to 70% of wildfires are human-caused. "It could be from electrical infrastructure could be from a burn that got away, the campfire that wasn't extinguished," Coleman continued. Utility companies are stepping up their efforts Dig deeper As wildfires spread faster and with more destructive power, utility companies are stepping up efforts to minimize their role in ignitionssometimes by shutting off power altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A public safety power shutoff could occur within a given area of our service territory we have environmental risks that are extreme for fire conditions," Ryan Murphy, director of electric operations for Puget Sound Energy said. Murphy explained that these planned outages are triggered when fire conditions reach a dangerous threshold, specifically, during stretches of high wind, low humidity, and dry conditions. "In those situations our goal is to shut power off in those high-risk areas in order to avoid the ignitions of course," Murphy explained. High-risk zones have been identified PSE has already identified high-risk zones for 2025, including parts of Vashon Island, Ellensburg, Glacier and several other communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company aims to give customers at least 48 hours notice of a shutoff, especially those who rely on power for life-saving medical equipment. Beyond shutoffs, the utility is also deploying "enhanced power line settings" to reduce the chance of sparking a fire. "Unless there is a tree that falls in or a failure on our electrical system, our customers will see no difference when were in enhanced power line settings," Murphy said. While PSE didnt need to use the shutoff program last year, the company says its continuing to modernize its infrastructure and is investing in undergrounding lines, trimming vegetation, reinforcing poles and installing high-definition cameras for real-time monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are trade-offs there are environmental trade-offs there are operational trade-offs. Were very mindful of affordability, so we really need to know that undergrounding electrical lines is the most cost-effective way to reach that mitigation," Murphy said. Are these utility efforts enough? Experts say utility efforts alone arent enough. "We need to be managing on a more landscape level," Coleman said. "That means involving the cities, the state, whoever the landowners are. Whether there's a private landowner, state landowners, federal landowners and really work towards building out more comprehensive fire management plans and work together on this." Maps of active wildfires and risk areas are available on the National Interagency Fire Center website. The Source Information in this story came from Puget Sound Energy, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE Hundreds attend vigil for man shot, killed outside Seattle church Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voter guide: What to know about the 2025 WA primary election Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes addresses recent gun violence Seattle ranks 89th for rental housing prices To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news. Its hardly unusual for a radio station to invite the listener to turn on and tune in, but Radio 4 has been encouraging us to drop out too. All throughout this week and next, Tim Hayward is taking The Trip (Radio 4, Mon-Fri; all episodes on BBC Sounds), a deep dive into the world of psychedelics, while on Tuesday night Ed Prideaux was Trip Shocked (Radio 4, Tues), which covered much of the same territory. A quick Google of the word psychedelics tells you why there is such a glut of interest. The first three headlines: Can psychedelic therapy go mainstream?, Psychedelic medicine could revolutionise how we treat mental illness and Psychedelics may offer hope for treatment of eating disorders. The next few hundred headlines are similar. The psychedelics are coming for your mental health. Psychedelics, as Prideaux said, have had a reputational glow-up in recent years, transforming in the public mind from bogeyman life-destroyers favoured by opt-out beatniks to miracle drugs for all and any mental health conditions. Prideaux who took LSD on four occasions 10 years ago when he was 17 and, among the enjoyable moments, suffered from violent stomach pains and HPPD (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder) is both surprised at the surge in popularity of psychedelics and concerned about their spread as a medical cure-all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It hardly needs stating that Prideaux found that not nearly enough research or clinical trials have been done around the medical use of the drugs the question is, why then are they being pushed so aggressively towards the mental health sector? Tim Hayward looks into the science, culture and history of psychedelics in Radio 4s The Trip - Mike Sim The answer was depressingly obvious. In the first quarter of 2025, more than $350m was invested in psychedelic biotech companies. Like the opiate industry before it, the psychedelic lobby in the US has been evangelical about promoting its products, roping in veterans suffering from PTSD (as they did with opioids and veterans living with pain). Side-effects, malpractice and even deaths have been unreported or brushed under the carpet as a booming new market seeks to take advantage of a sea change in public and political opinion (one of those hundreds of headlines reads: How MAGA learnt to love psychedelics). Instead there exists a mushy atmosphere of woowoo, with phrases such as net-zero trauma and inner healer bandied around among the easy-win headlines about magic mushrooms curing depression. Theyll change your life, man. Well, yes, quite possibly, but could we have a few more double-blind clinical trials first? Prideaux did not deny that psychedelics seem to work incredibly well, and incredibly quickly, for some people suffering from a broad spectrum of mental health conditions. Haywards series, meanwhile, uncovered another depressing truth in the pre-prohibition era of psychedelics, in the early to mid-20th century, research was booming, but the whole industry was driven underground when the societal winds changed in the 1960s. Only now are we starting to scratch at the surface of what psychedelics might be capable of. Preparing microdoses of psilocybin, a derivative form of magic mushrooms - Science Photo Library RF Hayward wanted, in particular, to find out what was going on in a brain altered by psychedelic drugs, which led to some extremely entertaining segments about drug users chatting to superintelligent gnomes and the idea that the key to understanding human consciousness lies in the venom gland of the Colorado River toad. Yet while both programmes hinted that humanity is on the cusp of unlocking all sorts of exciting things via the substances that led to Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, the overall effect was a little dispiriting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political fear brought about the suppression of research into psychedelics more than half a century ago, and now the allure of private financial gain is getting that research moving again. I lost count of the amount of times a neuroscientist ended a sentence with but we just dont know enough yet or but the evidence isnt here yet. Journalists look for simple narratives, said one researcher to Prideaux. I tried looking for one, but these trips messed with my mind. More research is needed. 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 new "Innovation district" is to be developed at a yet-undisclosed spot within the larger boundaries of the Omaha Inland Port Authority. The larger port authority boundaries are shown on this map. Planning for that innovation district is in early stages, and another public hearing to gather community input is to be held Thursday, Aug. 7. (Courtesy of City of Omaha) OMAHA The future North Omaha innovation district set to launch with help from $30 million in state funding will be the topic of a community workshop hosted Thursday by the Omaha Inland Port Authority. With public input encouraged, the gathering from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Swanson Conference Center on Metropolitan Community Colleges Fort Omaha campus will feature interaction with a project consultant exploring ideas for how the district will look and operate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district is intended to support entrepreneurship, job creation and economic growth through cutting-edge startups and creative businesses. It is to reflect community culture, needs and policies that promote inclusive growth without displacement of residents or businesses, according to a statement from Manne Cook, an urban planner with Lamp Rynearson, part of the consulting team. Thursdays meeting builds upon one held in May that kicked off a six-month visioning process for the new district to be developed within the boundaries of the port authoritys roughly 3,000 acres in North Omaha, near Eppley Airfield. Community members are encouraged also to review guiding principles for the initiative and comment online through Aug. 14. The innovation district is one of the major projects to be steered by the authoritys nine-member governing board, which formed last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also planned in the designated area is an industrial-focused business park funded by a separate $90 million state grant. Inland port authorities were created as a tool by the Nebraska Legislature to help stimulate jobs and businesses. Lawmakers bestowed powers on such entities, which must be approved by the state as well as the city, that include selling bonds to finance construction and infrastructure within the designated zone. Omahas Inland Port Authority Board is scheduled to meet earlier the same Thursday, Aug. 7, for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. That gathering, at 9 a.m., is to be held in Building 21 at Metros Fort Omaha campus. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (PUEBLO, Colo.) A Pueblo County jury has awarded a woman over $1 million in damages after she suffered a traumatic brain injury when a drunk driver hit her. The case was tried in Pueblo and concluded after a four-day trial. The jury found that Amrie Mares, the defendant, had been driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.16 and was speeding at 57 mph in a 35-mph zone when she lost control of her car and struck Pueblo local Christine Sanchez. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, 0.08% is the legal limit for a DUI. When Mares struck Sanchezs car at the intersection of West 4th Street and Abriendo Avenue, her car overturned and landed on its roof following the collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez suffered a traumatic brain injury, in addition to injuries to her neck, ribs, collarbone, right shoulder, and upper back. This jury sent a clear message, said counsel for Ms. Sanchez. Drunk driving will not be tolerated in Pueblo. This community values the health and safety of its citizensespecially those whose health is taken from them through no fault of their own. According to her lawyer, Sanchez continues to face ongoing treatment and physical and cognitive impairments. Sanchez received $1.36 million in damages, including $60,000 in punitive 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 FOX21 News Colorado. A second-year pharmacy Purdue student and daughter of an Episcopal priest arrested by ICE in a claim that she overstayed her religious visa has been released and returned home after five days in custody, according to several news outlets. Yeonsoo Go (center), a 20-year-old South Korean student attending Purdue University, reunites with her mother, Episcopal priest the Rev. Kyrie Kim (right), after being released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on August 4, in New York City. Go was arrested and detained in a federal facility nearby before being moved to one in Louisiana. She was released on her own recognizance. The Journal & Courier confirmed via ICE's website that Yeonsoo Go, 20, was in custody at a facility in Richwood, Louisiana. But multiple outlets, including CNN and the Washington Post, reported that she was released later on Monday, Aug. 4. The Post quoted an attorney for the Episcopal Diocese of New York, where Go's mother is a priest, that "in a wonderful turn of events," the young woman from South Korea was returned to her community Monday at a federal plaza immigration court in Lower Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an emotional video on social media, Go was sobbing and hugging loved ones, the Post said. "I'm just so grateful for the support I've had," she said in the video. Faith leaders and immigration advocates in this country and South Korea had called for Go's release. "There have been media reports of a visa situation involving one of our students," Purdue published in a terse statement on Sunday. "The dean of students' office has reached out to the student's family." Purdue confirmed that Go is a second-year student in the pharmacy program. According to news reports, Go was detained July 31 outside of a federal courthouse in Manhattan after an immigration hearing. Her deportation has been placed on an expedited pace, according to the UK Mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Go arrived in the U.S. in 2021 on a religious visa, according to news reports. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin told media outlets that Go is an illegal alien who overstayed her visa, with McLaughlin stating it expired over two years ago. Go was arrested on July 31 and placed in expedited removal proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to questions for more information on Go's case, the Post reported Tuesday morning. The Diocese's Facebook page linked to a CBS News report that quoted Mary Davis, a lawyer for the diocese, who said Go's visa is actually valid through December 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They thought they had come for a routine hearing for due process, and they ... fell into a black hole of unknown," Davis told CBS News, according to the Diocese's post. "Soo has been absolutely terrified." This is absolutely horrifying," Indiana state Rep. Chris Campbell, D-West Lafayette, said in a prepared written statement. "Yeonsoo Go is a young woman who came to the U.S. on a legal, religious workers dependent visa. "An attorney for the Episcopal Diocese in New York, where Gos mother serves as a priest, says that her current visa doesnt even expire until December. Go is trying to update her paperwork; shes following the law, but ICE grabbed her outside of court. Arresting people outside of the courthouse proves that this isnt about legal immigration. Its even more concerning that her parents found out about her transfer to Louisiana from online records. Its cruel." This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue pharmacy student ICE detained over visa issue released Russian leader Vladimir Putin is reportedly unlikely to agree to US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to make progress in ending the war in Ukraine, as he remains confident in the military strength of the Russian Armed Forces. Source: Reuters, citing sources Details: Sources familiar with the discussions in the Kremlin told Reuters that "Putin's determination to keep going (with the seizure of Ukrainian territory ed.) is prompted by his belief that Russia is winning and by scepticism that yet more US sanctions will have much of an impact after successive waves of economic penalties during 3-1/2 years of war". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the one hand, the agency notes, citing two sources, Putin does not want to anger Trump and understands that he may lose the chance to improve relations with Washington and the West, but his military goals take precedence. "Putin's goal is to fully capture the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, which Russia has claimed as its own, and then to talk about a peace agreement," one of the sources told Reuters. One source noted that the current negotiation process, in which the Russian and Ukrainian sides have met three times since May, was an attempt by Moscow to convince Trump that Putin is not rejecting peace, although the talks were devoid of real substance except for discussions on humanitarian exchanges. "Russia says it is serious about agreeing a long-term peace in the negotiations but that the process is complicated because the two sides' stances are so far apart. Putin last week described the talks as positive," Reuters recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the agency's sources also reported that Putin is privately concerned about the recent deterioration in relations with the United States. "Putin still retains the hope that Russia can again befriend America and trade with the West, and 'he is worried' about Trump's irritation," said an unnamed source. But given Russia's gains on the battlefield and the heavy military pressure on Ukraine, Putin does not believe now is the time to end the war, the source said. They added that neither the Russian military nor the public would understand if he chose to stop at this point. The Russian leader values his relationship with Trump and does not want to anger him, but "he simply has a top priority Putin cannot afford to end the war just because Trump wants it," said the second Russian source. Another source familiar with the Kremlin's thinking confirmed that Russia wants to capture all four Ukrainian regions and sees no logic in stopping the war during the summer offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Earlier, Trump said that the US will begin imposing tariffs and resort to other measures against Russia in 10 days if Moscow does not show progress in ending the war in Ukraine. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council and former president, responded by saying that Trump is "playing the ultimatum game with Russia". He also said that "each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war" and clarified that this was not between Russia and Ukraine, but with "his own country". On 4 August, Trump said that Steve Witkoff, his Special Envoy for the Middle East, would likely visit Russia on Wednesday or Thursday. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Putnam City Public Schools Superintendent Fred Rhodes meets with a student advisory committee at Putnam City West High School. Rhodes will retire after the 2025-26 school year. (Photo provided by Putnam City Public Schools) OKLAHOMA CITY Another superintendent from one of Oklahomas largest school districts is set to depart, with longtime Putnam City Public Schools leader Fred Rhodes announcing his retirement. Rhodes will bring his 50-year career in public education to an end after the 2025-26 school year. He made his announcement Monday evening at a school board meeting in the northwest Oklahoma City district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhodes will be the latest superintendent departure among Oklahomas largest public school systems. Edmond Public Schools, Yukon Public Schools, Tulsa Union Public Schools and Bixby Public Schools each have had their superintendents retire in the past year while the states three largest districts Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma City Public Schools and Epic Charter School also experienced leadership changes in recent years. The school board of Putnam City, Oklahomas seventh-largest district, accepted Rhodes retirement. It will take effect July 1, 2026. Rhodes has led the district of 18,800 students since 2013. His 13 years in charge will make him one of the longest-tenured superintendents in Putnam Citys 112-year history, according to a district news release. The Putnam City school board will contract with the Oklahoma State School Boards Association to help search for Rhodes successor, the release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a retirement letter addressed to the school board, Rhodes wrote that he was professionally born in Putnam City when he started there as a student teacher in 1976. Later that same year, the district hired him full-time to teach at Wiley Post Elementary. At the time, Wiley Post used an open-school concept that featured large communal learning areas and few interior walls. Putnam City Public Schools Superintendent Fred Rhodes started his first teaching job in 1976 in the district at Wiley Post Elementary. (Photo provided by Putnam City Public Schools) Rhodes said he loved absolutely everything about the schools unique structure. He taught there for four years and then became the schools assistant principal. After working as an assistant principal at Dennis Elementary, Rhodes was hired as the inaugural principal at Will Rogers Elementary when the school opened in 1983. He remained there for 22 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I loved Will Rogers so much, I actually thought that was where I would be when I retired, Rhodes wrote. But, Someone else had a different plan. In 2005, Rhodes moved into the central office administration in Yukon, where he became an award-winning assistant superintendent. The Putnam City school board hired him back in 2013, this time as superintendent, a position he enthusiastically accepted. Rhodes letter didnt specify why this year was the right one to retire. Instead, he thanked current and former members of the Putnam City school board, as well as the districts community, for allowing me to serve as the 24th superintendent of the premier public school system in the state of Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By working together, for a common cause, we have accomplished great things for, most importantly, the students, Rhodes wrote. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Municipal elections will be held across Alabama on Aug. 26. Voters in North Alabama will be asked to decide on mayoral races, city council races and, in some communities, school board races. News 19 is Your Local Election Headquarters! Click here for more election coverage In order to provide voters with detailed information about the candidates running for mayor in 12 North Alabama cities, News 19 sent out a number of candidate questionnaires starting in mid-July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are going to post the answers we received over the next 10 days. Not every candidate responded, and that will be noted. Some answers will also be edited for length, grammar or spelling reasons, but otherwise the content will be published as submitted. Viewer feedback is always welcome. In Guntersville, incumbent Leigh Dollar is facing challenger Jeff McLaughlin in the race for Mayor. Both Dollar and McLaughlin provided answers to the questions below. 1. Please provide a short biography Dollar: I have lived in Guntersville my entire life, except while away at the University of Alabama, where I earned an accounting degree. I am a CPA and have an accounting office, Dollar & Watson LLC in Guntersville. I have three boys: John Clay (wife Tori), Cade and Cale. I have two grandsons, John Wilson and George, and a granddaughter Alli. My parents are George Barnett and the late Dianne Barnett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin: Born in Decatur, grew up in Guntersville, raised in Guntersville, graduated high school in Guntersville and after college and teaching in Birmingham, then law school, I came back to Guntersville to raise my family and build a law practice. I have been the managing partner of McLaughlin & Edmondson, LLC for thirty years. 2. What led you to run for Mayor? Dollar: I have always wanted to run for Mayor since I was in high school. My father was mayor when I was born, but was city attorney my growing-up years, so I was always around local politics. In 2012, I ran for my first election and now in 2025, Im running for my 4th term. Im seeking office to continue the significant strides weve made over the past 13 years, but there is still more to be done. I am excited to keep working with the outstanding team at the City to build on the progress weve already made and continue to move our community forward. McLaughlin: Over the years, and especially the last year or so, a number of folks in town have asked me to run. I believe in public service, so I decided to throw my hat into the ring this summer. 3. What will be your top priority if you are elected? Dollar: If elected, I will keep working with the outstanding team at the City to build on the progress weve already made and continue to move our community forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are several larger projects that I want to work towards if elected, which includes the continued renovations to the remaining recreation facilities, the addition of Fire Station #3 north of the river, and safety improvements at key intersections. Large projects take a significant amount of time and effort and a proven ability to work in a positive way with your council to make them happen. McLaughlin: My top priority would be doing whatever can be done by the City to improve our school system. Guntersville City Schools used to be in the top 10 or at least the top 25 systems in Alabama. Through working with the school board, I want to see Guntersville return to that higher level. Our children need it and deserve it, and the school system is probably the No. 1 driver of economic development in a town like Guntersville. Companies looking to locate here want to know Guntersville has a top-flight school system. 4. What are the main challenges currently facing the city? How do you plan to address those issues? Dollar: Overall, I feel Guntersville is in great shape, but you can always be better. I work every day to make this City better than it was yesterday. One of the issues we have to work on is managing the growth of our City. Guntersville is no longer a hidden gem, and it takes smart planning to maintain the quality of life of residents as we enjoy the benefits of increased tourism and other job-creating business development. Maintaining that focus will be a top priority during if I am re-elected. One specific issue is the ongoing issue of stormwater draining due to older infrastructure that has been in place for a very long time. The City requires new developments to have proper drainage (which sometimes has to be tweaked if not functioning properly). Stormwater infrastructure is very expensive and the City is slowly working on troublesome areas. Overall, keeping up with all infrastructure is a critical issue moving forward as we continue to grow. We will continue working with utilities, engineers, and others in the planning process to ensure we have the proper infrastructure. McLaughlin: See above comments about our schools. Another issue is economic development. With Huntsville booming, we need to plan what we want Guntersville to be 5-10-20 years out. We want intelligent growth. Recently, the City approved a sixth Dollar General Store in Guntersville, right across a state highway from one of our elementary schools. A lot of people, especially school-age kids parents and those in the neighborhoods adjoining to the new store, were opposed to that. The City needs to evaluate applications like the one from the 6th Dollar General very closely and do whats best for the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are plenty of other issues. Walking the streets and knocking on doors, Ive heard a lot from residents. Theyre concerned with the things Ive raised, and they are also concerned about speed bumps, municipal debt, agreements the City has made with developers, maintaining and improving our infrastructure (like our roads, sewer system, and surface water run off system, etc.). 5. Do you have a personal hero? Who is it and why? Dollar: My personal hero(es) would be my parents. They have always been my strongest supporters and encouraged me my entire life. They taught me the value of education, hard work and serving my community. They always told me that I could do anything that I set my mind to. McLaughlin: I suppose my personal heroes would be my parents. They raised five children and imprinted in all of us the need to work hard, think for ourselves, and to help our neighbors. And all that with a great sense of humor. 6. Tell us something about you that might surprise people. Dollar: I love to travel and have been to all 50 states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin: I dont think I have anything like a hidden talent or anything worthy of surprise. However, it may surprise some of your readers that theres a politician who wont accept donations I ask that those who would like to contribute to put that money into their church or favorite charity maybe the United Way instead. Lots of politicians talk about doing good, but this way were doing real good, right now! 7. Why should people vote for you? What makes you stand out from the other candidates in the race? Dollar: Guntersville is a truly special placea great place to live, work, and play. But maintaining and growing this quality of life doesnt happen by chance. As your Mayor, I will continue to focus on whats best for our community and work to preserve our citys excellence for both residents and visitors. Guntersvilles unique geographical location gives us a distinct advantage for growth, and were already seeing the positive impact of that growth. But the potential is even greater, and much of the groundwork has been laid to leverage that potential. Im committed to continuing this work by promoting smart, sustainable development, with an emphasis on tourism and recreation as well as on commercial and industrial development. Our city is full of opportunities, many of which are already turning into real accomplishments every day. Im proud of the role that positive leadership has played in those successesfrom fostering strong relationships with the City Council to creating a culture of teamwork and ownership within our city staff. The results speak for themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Mayor, one of my top priorities has been to protect and optimize Guntersvilles natural resources. This includes not only maintaining infrastructure but also enhancing our resources to support responsible growth. Under my leadership, weve made great progress in both areas. It takes strong management, financial stewardship, and a forward-thinking vision. As a CPA, I have the financial ability to manage the large budget that comes with running a City. You have seen my forward-thinking vision in action over the past 13 years, and I have no plans of slowing down. My experience with proven leadership and results - is what sets me apart from my opponent. Plans are always important, and the improvements and success of Guntersville over my three terms as mayor are the best indicators of a well-planned and well-managed City. McLaughlin: I hope people can see that I have experience, which will help me to serve in the office to the benefit of all our citizens. I tried to evaluate everything I voted on when I served in the Legislature from 2001 to 2010 from as to whether it was best for the people I represented, not the special interests, the lobbyists, or the monied interests. I would take that same approach to serving as mayor of Guntersville. News 19 will be posting more candidate Q&As for mayoral races across the Tennessee Valley in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) -The Libyan Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdulhamid al-Dbaiba, says the granting of licences to official currency exchange offices by the Central Bank of Libya (BCL) is a major step forward in ensuring the existence of legal and secure channels for currency transactions Aug. 4On Saturday, Aug. 2, United Food & Commercial Workers Local 663 members at Quality Pork Processors (QPP) ratified a new contract with the company, securing a three-year agreement with historic wage increases and a ratification bonus. Workers gained a 15.6% raise, the largest wage increase ever seen at QPP. Workers will see a $2.20 an hour raise in the first year, and a total increase of $3.10 an hour over the three-year contract. On top of the increase, workers will also receive a $200 ratification bonus, and improvements to their vision and dental benefits. "I'll be celebrating this contract with my co-workers" said Josh Nelson, a worker in the Cut department at QPP. "Having the negotiations room packed with members won us more money than we ever have before." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This contract for meat-packing workers in Austin follows a 2023 increase Hormel workers also won, setting a new meat-packing industry standard. "The workers at QPP stood together to demand a contract that values their hard work with fair wages and dignity," said UFCW 663 President Rena Wong. "In Austin, a proud union town, workers made it clear: fair pay isn't optional, it's necessary." Quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond lived a comfortable life inside his prison cell filled with TV streaming, alcohol and video games, according to pictures he uploaded to Facebook. Authorities continue to search for Drummond, 28, who allegedly killed James M. Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, according to the Dyer County Police Department. Their bodies were discovered on July 29. Police said an infant that was found on the front lawn of a random individual's house is related to all four of the victims. Drummond served 13 years in Tennessee prison after being convicted of aggravated robbery and retaliation. The retaliation charge occurred while Drummond was in prison. He was released from prison on Sept. 1, 2024, according to the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pictures posted to Drummond's Facebook show that he had a Roku, handheld video game device, at least one cell phone, and a pantry filled with food. Tennessee 'Associates' Of Quadruple Murder Suspect Arrested In one picture, Drummond can be seen with a bottle of Ciroc Vodka. Read On The Fox News App "Ciroc..... almost home living it up till I get there," Drummond wrote on Nov. 18, 2023, just under a year before he was released. Former NYPD Detective and security expert Pat Brosnan told Fox News Digital the prison wardens didn't do their job correctly. "I think there was a measure of both irresponsibility, neglect, and probably some recklessness as well in relation to not just the wardens, but the senior management staff, the captains, the deputy warden, the lieutenants," Brosnan said. "But the reality is they're supposed to have very frequent checks of the cells. They call them shakedowns. They shake down and make sure there's no drugs in there or any contraband. That's part of their policy and protocol in the state prison system, as well as the federal prison system." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brosnan said it's "absolutely" a possibility that Drummond knew someone who worked at the prison, and that's why he had the contraband. Vehicle Of Tennessee Quadruple Murder Suspect Found As Details Of Criminal Past Emerge Austin Drummond seen in a previous prison booking picture. When Drummond allegedly killed the four individuals, he was out on bond in relation to an attempted murder charge. The attempted murder charge was filed in Dec. 2024, but officials said the alleged crime occurred while Drummond was still in prison. It's unclear how Drummond got the contraband into prisons controlled by the Tennessee Department of Corrections, but he was charged four times with getting contraband into a penal facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesperson told Fox News on Friday that the vehicle was found in Jackson, Tennessee, but Drummond wasn't inside. A law enforcement official briefed on the matter told Fox News Digital that Drummond is likely still in Tennessee. Drummond is wanted on charges of alleged first-degree murder, kidnapping, four counts of a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Anyone with information about Drummond's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Dyer County Police Department by calling (731)-285-2802 or 1-800-TBI-FIND. Fox News Digital reached out to the Tennessee Department of Corrections for comment. Original article source: Quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummonds lavish life behind bars included alcohol, TV streaming Police in Jackson, Tennessee, arrested quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond on Tuesday morning following a lockdown alert for local residents. The Jackson Police Department announced officers took Drummond into custody after warning residents in two areas of the city to shelter in place. Police earlier released surveillance video of Drummond approaching a local church while armed with a rifle. Police said a "confirmed" sighting of Drummond happened along the 700 block of Pipkin Road in Jackson on Sunday night and that he should be "considered armed and dangerous." Jackson Police Department Public Information Officer Stephanie Graham told Fox News Digital the sightings which were captured on surveillance video were at a local church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quadruple Murder Suspect Austin Drummonds Lavish Life Behind Bars Included Alcohol, Tv Streaming 101.5 FM News Talk Jackson spoke with Ricardo Contreras, who says he tipped off police after seeing Drummond walking in the woods. "We were working over here and we saw the guy walking in the middle of the woods. And we thought, like, 'nobody wants to walk in the middle of the woods in the middle of this stuff," Contreras said. "So I call the police immediately." Read On The Fox News App The area Drummond was spotted in is about four miles from where investigators found an abandoned vehicle believed to have been driven by him late last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of two videos released by police, Drummond appeared to be trying to open a door to get inside of a building around 11 p.m. Sunday. A reward for information leading to his capture has now surged to $32,500, with the U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force assisting in the manhunt. The Jackson Police Department announced that Austin Drummond was arrested on Tuesday. "Our priority is finding Austin Drummond and helping deliver justice for the victims families. The combined effort of agencies from every level including the Office of Governor Bill Lee is evidence of our commitment to preserving peace and ensuring the safety of our communities," U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller said in a statement. WATCH: DRUMMOND SPOTTED ON SURVEILLANCE VIDEOS: Drummond, 28, is a suspect in the killing of four people in Tiptonville, a town located roughly 125 miles from Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee Associates Of Quadruple Murder Suspect Arrested The victims James M. Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15 were discovered in Tiptonville on Tuesday. An infant found on the front lawn of a random individual's house on July 29 is related to all four of the victims, officials said. Drummond is facing four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping and weapons offenses. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has so far arrested three individuals that they described as "associates" of Drummond. Tennessee quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond was spotted in Jackson, Tennessee, on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. Giovonte Thomas, 28, Tanaka Brown, 29, and Dearrah Sanders, 23, were all charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder in connection with the manhunt for Drummond. Brown also faces one count of tampering with evidence, the agency said. Original article source: Quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond captured after intensive Tennessee search A Rhode Island woman was killed in a three-vehicle crash on I-195 in Seekonk Sunday night, according to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office. The woman has been identified as 18-year-old Providence resident Abriana Herrera Perez, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Massachusetts State Police responded to reports of the crash on the westbound side of the highway around 11 p.m., the district attorneys office said. Emergency responders found Herrera Perez in the roadway with fatal injuries and declared her dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities located three vehicles that were involved in the crash, the district attorneys office said. One was a black Mazda 3 that came to rest in the right travel lane. The second was a red Toyota Tacoma, which they found upside down in the median, and the third was a blue Yamaha motorcycle, the district attorneys office said. All three had disabling damage. The 33-year-old man who had been riding the motorcycle was injured in the crash and taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, the district attorneys office said. The 69-year-old woman who had been driving the Tacoma was taken to the same hospital with minor injuries. Herrera Perez and three other teens were in the Mazda 3 at the time of the crash, the district attorneys office said. An 18-year-old woman, a 17-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl were all taken to Rhode Island Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bristol County District Attorneys Office is investigating the crash. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Race organisers at Utah's famed Bonneville Salt Flats have confirmed that a veteran driver died in a 283mph (455km/h) crash while trying to break the land speed record. Driver Chris Raschke lost control of his rocket-shaped vehicle about two miles into the run, according to a statement from the Southern California Timing Association, which runs Speed Week - an event that has been running since the 1940s. Tributes are pouring in for Raschke, who took home the fastest time of the week at last year's event with a speed of 459mph, according to Hot Rod magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was treated for his injuries but died at the scene, organisers say. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Race director Keith Pedersen said that his death on Sunday was a blow to the entire racing community. "It's much more of a camaraderie and community, and that builds a lot of friendships and trust," Pedersen said. "He's a big part of it, and he will be sorely missed." Raschke was driving Speed Demon III, the latest iteration of the team's vehicle. The Speed Demon team said in a statement that it was "deeply devastated" by his death. Steve Watt, Speed Demon's crew chief, told BBC News that Raschke died while performing a test, known as a "shakedown", and that the car wasn't "even at half speed". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was supposed to be a simple easy run," he said on Tuesday. "We don't know what happened," he said, adding that there was no known mechanical failure. Race announcer Brian Lohnes paid tribute in Hot Rod magazine, writing that Raschke was "a pillar of an industry, he was a skilled operator of one of the fastest wheel driven cars in history". "And he was, like so many of us, fully consumed with cars and the universe around them". The glassy surface of the Bonneville Salt Flats has attracted drivers from all over the world, and has featured in films such as Independence Day and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prehistoric lakebed is located about 100 miles west of Salt Lake City, and saw its first motorised race in 1914. The current land speed record for wheeled vehicles stands at 763mph, set by Royal Air Force pilot Andy Green in 1997 in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. On Facebook, New Zealand's Kiwi Coupe team were among the competitors paying their respects. "Our thoughts are with Chris's family and also the whole, hurting Bonneville family...because everyone who ventures onto the salt to go fast, are family," wrote one team member. Another praised him for how he helped them resolve engine troubles, with another poster writing: "Chris will be setting records in heaven". This is an adapted excerpt from the Aug. 4 episode of The Rachel Maddow Show." As Donald Trump continues to push around the nations universities suspending their federal funding and then shaking them down to comply with his demands some colleges have decided to do deals with the White House. In recent weeks, Brown University coughed up $50 million and Columbia University paid more than $200 million. Last week, there was reporting that an even bigger deal was in the works. The New York Times reported that Harvard University was preparing to fork over $500 million to appease Trump. However, according to the schools student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, the universitys president told the faculty he is absolutely not considering such a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paper reports: The University is seriously considering resolving its dispute with the White House through the courts rather than a negotiated settlement. Then there are the law firms that Trump has been pushing around. Nine big law firms struck deals with the president after he began issuing executive orders targeting certain firms. Four firms refused to make deals with Trump; they fought back and all four firms won in court. Despite their success, new reporting from Reuters found that Trumps assault on law firms has nevertheless had what is presumably the desired effect: Some big law firms are scaling back their pro bono work for the kinds of people or organizations the Trump administration is trying to victimize or persecute. At the same time, smaller law firms and new purpose-driven legal organizations are being formed to make up the moral difference, to do the work that these big law firms are too cowardly to do and to stand up for people being fired by Trump when theyve done nothing wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, The New York Times reported on a new firm of just four lawyers including two who were fired from the Justice Department this year by Trump that is focused on challenging the administration in court, specifically with the aim of getting precedent-setting cases before the Supreme Court that could curtail the presidents power. There are also those fighting against the administration who are using the standards of the legal profession, its internal ethics and rules, as a way to stand up and push back. The Freedom of the Press Foundation has taken on Trumps Federal Communications Commission chairman by filing a disciplinary complaint against him with the D.C. Bar Association. The complaint accused the FCC chair of, among other things, intimidating media outlets in violation of professional conduct rules he is bound to follow as a lawyer. Meanwhile, the D.C. Bars disciplinary board has just recommended that former Trump lawyer Jeffrey Clark be disbarred for his role in trying to help Trump overturn the 2020 election. The board said Clark should be disbarred to send a message to the rest of the Bar and to the public that this behavior will not be tolerated. On top of these efforts, a legal watchdog group has filed professional ethics complaints against three lawyers who currently work for Trumps Justice Department. The Legal Accountability Center has accused the attorneys of making false statements to a federal judge while defending the Trump administration in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rule of law is under direct assault right now, and its greatest threat comes when those within the legal system fail to do their duties and stand up against the attack, Michael Teter, the groups executive director, told The New York Times. The message that needs to be heard by all attorneys representing the government is that even though the Trump administration isnt interested in following the rules, we are watching. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com DENVER (KDVR) A rail worker was hospitalized with serious injuries after train cars derailed in Denver overnight. The Denver Fire Department said in a post on Facebook that crews responded to the BNSF rail yard after train cars derailed, trapping a worker. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Responding crews rescued the man, and he was taken to a hospital with severe injuries to his right leg, DFD said. A BNSF train derailed in Denver, trapping and injuring a rail worker. A BNSF train derailed in Denver, trapping and injuring a rail worker. A BNSF train derailed in Denver, trapping and injuring a rail worker. A BNSF train derailed in Denver, trapping and injuring a rail worker. Overnight, an employee was injured while performing work inside our Denver yard. He was taken to the hospital where hes being treated for his injuries. For the sake of privacy, we are not releasing the name of the employee, BNSF said in a statement on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BNSF said the cause of the incident is 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 FOX31 Denver. Editor's note: The story was updated with the latest casualty figures in Kharkiv Oblast. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least 10 civilians and injured at least 17 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on Aug. 5. Russian forces launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile from Russia's Bryansk Oblast and 46 Shahed-type drones and decoy drones from Kursk, Bryansk, Orel, and Primorsk-Akhtarsk against Ukraine overnight, according to Ukraine's Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's air defense and electronic warfare intercepted 29 drones, while the Iskander missile and another 17 drones reached their target. Drone and missile debris fell at three locations in southern and northeastern Ukraine. "Last night, the Russians launched a ballistic missile and nearly 50 UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) against Ukraine, most of them Russian-Iranian 'Shaheds.' Many drones were shot down by our defenders, but unfortunately, there were hits," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Russian forces struck six settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, with the town of Lozova suffering the heaviest damage and casualties, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. Between 2:45 and 4:40 a.m., the town was targeted by 34 drones, resulting in two deaths and five injuries. Five other people, including a 14-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, suffered shock. Among the injured were four railway workers, who were hospitalized with minor to moderate injuries. The fatalities included a mechanic on duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian attack damaged railway infrastructure and started fires at the station and on the roofs of the depot buildings. Later, Syniehubov reported that the Russian strike had also damaged an energy facility, though he did not provide further details. Rescue teams are continuing to clear debris and search for possible victims beneath the rubble, Syniehubov added. Train service is expected to resume once emergency operations are completed. Lozova Mayor Serhii Zelensky called it the heaviest attack against the town during the entire full-scale war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past day, Russian attacks also killed a man and a woman, both aged 49, in the village of Lyman, located in the Vovchansk community of Kharkiv Oblast. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian strikes killed four people in the village of Stepnohirsk and the town of Huliaipole and injured another two in the Zaporizhzhia district. Russian forces launched 431 strikes across 16 localities in the region in the past day, according to the local military administration. In Kherson Oblast, Russia targeted 37 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson, over the past day. As a result of the attacks, two people were killed and another seven were injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. In Donetsk Oblast, three people were injured in the towns of Kostiantynivka and Dobropillia, as well as in the village of Illinivka, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The world now sees that sanctions against Russia, and secondary sanctions against all those who help it profiteer from oil, can work if they are strong enough. Therefore, pressure must be increased, and this will undoubtedly contribute to peace," Zelensky said. Read also: Pokrovsk is the city of my childhood. Now I watch it die Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Ramsey County board of commissioners unanimously approved the settlement of two lawsuits Tuesday for a total of more than $700,000. The lawsuits involved two men who alleged mistreatment during the their time as county jail inmates. In one settlement, the county agreed to pay $242,500 to Ching Vang after he alleged correctional officers at the Ramsey County jail used excessive force. In another, the county will pay $460,000 to Matthew Breen who alleged Ramsey County jail employees were negligent, resulting in serious medical complications for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both settlements, the county denied the claims. County officials declined to comment on the settlements Tuesday. Breens lawsuit According to Breens lawsuit, which was filed in 2023, while he was an inmate at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center in 2022, a dental appointment was scheduled in order to surgically extract one of his teeth which was decayed. However, prior to the appointment, Breen was attacked by another inmate, resulting in a broken femur and need for a wheelchair, according to the lawsuit. On the day of his dental appointment, according to his lawsuit, Breen was unable to get into the squad car for his appointment as he was handcuffed and could not get out of his wheelchair. He alleges county employees did not help him and fabricated that Breen refused to go to the appointment and ordered him back into the jail, ignoring an accommodation request. Over the next few weeks, Breen developed a serious bacterial infection called Ludwigs angina, eventually resulting in hospitalization, the complaint said. He then underwent multiple surgeries, tube feedings and speech therapy, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breens attorneys could not be reached for comment as of Tuesday. Vangs lawsuit Vangs lawsuit filed in February last year, states that a correctional officer at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center was patting Vang down during a booking on a DUI charge in 2022 when the officer lifted Vangs foot and Vang lost his balance. The lawsuit says officers then slammed Vangs face against a wall and pulled his arms up behind his back, breaking one of them. Vang initially refused an injury assessment by a nurse at the jail before suffering extreme and constant pain overnight and repeatedly requesting medical attention, according to the lawsuit. An X-ray taken the next day at the jail showed a fracture in Vangs arm. After his release from the detention center, Vang went to the Regions Hospital emergency room where it was confirmed he had a fracture in his arm. Vang has since received physical and occupational therapy and been treated for PTSD related to the incident, according to the lawsuit. This is a fair result for an injury that never should have happened, said Vangs attorney Joseph Heegaard in a statement Monday. When the County takes someone into custody, it assumes responsibility for that persons safety. Minnesotans deserve to be treated with dignity and respect no matter the circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement is part of creating change within the corrections system, said Ryan Vettleson, Vangs other attorney. Holding corrections officers responsible for mistreating detainees is how we foster change in the corrections industry and hopefully stop misconduct from happening to others in the future, Vettleson said in a statement. This settlement is another step down that path. Ramsey County officials approved another settlement with a woman last month for $1 million after she was raped by the driver of an Arkansas-based prison transport company contracted by the county. Related Articles Why is Sen. Rand Paul fighting to protect an industry that hurts kids in his state? The senator (whos taken campaign contributions from marijuana and hemp industry groups) recently made a big splash when he blocked a bill that would have banned hemp-derived marijuana products, saying he was making the move to help hemp farmers in Kentucky. Kentuckys floral hemp croplands, at 2,100 acres harvested last year, make up a minuscule fraction of the more than 12.4 million acres of the states farmland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a new report by the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center shows that between 2023 and 2024, ER visits for marijuana-related poisonings among Kentuckians under 18 rose 43%. The data also showed that between 2018 and 2024, ER visits for any marijuana-related disorder went up 96%. And guess what? The reports author, Mira Mirzaian, specifically cited gummies and candies and other edibles containing hemp-derived THC as a big cause for concern. Hemp-derived THC is a dangerous psychoactive chemical. The FDA has determined it can cause hallucinations and loss of consciousness. U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) speaks to reporters as Republican lawmakers struggle to pass U.S. President Donald Trumps sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 27, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz Dangerous Hemp-derived THC is legal because of an error by Congress. THC can also cause a syndrome known as CHS, cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. Thats where you suffer bouts of uncontrollable vomiting and the new report shows that emergency room visits for CHS doubled in Kentucky between 2021 and 2024, and that the condition is hitting kids hard. (There is no cure for CHS, by the way). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hemp-derived THC can do even worse: In Virginia in 2022, a 4-year-old named Tanner Clements died after eating Delta-8 gummies by accident. McConnell: We can protect kids from THC and grow KY's hemp industry | Opinion This catastrophe is caused by hemp-THC profiteers putting those candies and gummies in packaging that mimics popular brands of kids snacks. The whole industry is taking advantage of something federal lawmakers never intended to happen. Sen. Mitch McConnell led the charge in 2018 to legalize hemp for industrial purposes. Not hooking kids on new drugs. Thats right. This dangerous stuff is only legal because of an error by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ever since, legislators focused on restoring sanity to public health have been fighting to close that loophole. This year, a key appropriations bill included language that would have done it. Why did Rand Paul block a ban on poisonous Delta-8 products? But Sen. Paul decided to stand in the way. He has helped out the hemp-THC industry before. He introduced the HEMP Act of 2024, which aimed to raise the potency cap on hemp-THC products. Now hes done them another huge favor. The question is: Why? Blocking a ban on products containing poisons like Delta-8 wont help Kentuckians or anyone else. In fact, given the data in the KIPRC report, it sure looks like it will make lives worse for everyone in Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gerth: Nate Morris was a mean, nasty garbage man trashing McConnell at Fancy Farm | Opinion Legalizing and regulating these products will only magnify the harms were already seeing. In Arkansas, hemp-derived THC was doing so much public health damage that the state overwhelmingly passed a full ban on all drugs derived from hemp. In Connecticut, hundreds of poison control calls for kids have hit the state since 2019. Nationally, poison control centers have dealt with more than 10,000 Delta-8 exposures since 2021. All the data we have and all the good science on the issue says products like this have no business being sold to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THC is linked to all kinds of problems well beyond ER visits. A 2024 study found a link between it and violent behavior. A study from earlier this summer in the British Medical Journal found a double risk of cardiovascular death associated with the drug. An April JAMA study found a hugely increased risk of dementia for users, as compared to the general population. In other words, THC in any form is going to hurt people. And that goes double when it comes wrapped up in bright colors and kid-friendly packaging as so many hemp-derived products do. Sen. Paul made the wrong call. For Kentucky and for America. Agree or disagree? Submit a letter to the editor. Kevin Sabet Kevin Sabet is a nationally recognized expert on drug policy and the president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: THC, marijuana industry preys on KY kids. Sen. Paul is wrong | Opinion Since at least the 1500s, people have been mesmerized by the legend of a so-called rat king. Usually depicted as a mass of a rodents with their tails tied in a knot, the specific details can vary by the telling. In some stories, the group is led by one rat that directs the rest, perhaps with psychological powers, while in others, the whole group works together, like some kind of amalgamated monster. In one version or another, the rat kingwhich can refer to the whole group of animals, or simply the dominant ratis an idea that has appeared in all forms of pop culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Giant Fossil Rodent Had an Awesome Bite) But is there any truth to the rat king legend? Some experts have argued that historical rat king discoveries could have been hoaxesalthough they couldnt rule out the possibility that such a thing is physically possible. Meanwhile others are convinced. (How rats became part of city life.) The rat king is not a legend, argues Andrei Miljutin, curator at the University of Tartu Natural History Museum in Estonia, in an email. In contrast to gods and humanoids, everyone can see and study rat kings at museums in different countries. Two of them are housed in the very building where I am writing this message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Miljutin, who says rats are his favorite animal and that he somewhat fell into studying rat kings, stresses that the discovery of one is nothing to celebrate. Indeed, it is a death sentence. The animals suffer from permanent pain. They cannot move around normally to find food and water, and what is worse, they are helpless, he says. As rats scramble over one another, their tails can become entangled. Above, a miniature sculpture by 19th century netsuke artist Ikkan depicts five rats in a ball. Photograph by Heritage Art/Heritage Images/Getty Images An illustration of a rat king drawn by German physician M. B. Valentini in 1714. Tales of rat kings date back at least to the 1500s. Photograph by Interfoto/Alamy Stock Photo What is a rat king? In a 2007 study published in the journal Proceedings of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, Miljutin found that, before 2005, there were 58 rat king sightings he deemed reliable, though just six of these were preserved in museums. Interestingly, some common themes emerged. With the exception of one rat king documented on the island of Java in Indonesia, all the rat kings were from the same speciesthe black rat, or Rattus rattus. Most were identified in Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium, and findings often seemed to coincide with spates of cold weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Carolina the giant rat retires as a hero after saving many lives.) Therefore, Miljutin concluded that rat kings are most likely to occur in areas where both cold winters and black rats are found. As for how the tails of the rats became entangled, it seems true rat kings are not a result of knotting, but rather the product of some other sticky material. In one case Miljutin investigated in South Estonia in 2021, he says, the knot of tails looked like a large ball due to the incorporation of a mixture of clay soil, poultry manure, straw, and feathers. Interestingly, those rats were still alive by the time Miljutin got to them. This makes him one of the very few people known to have seen a living rat king phenomenon in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The local news channel even captured video of the 13 tangled-up black ratsall young rats of both sexes. How rat kings could happen As an urban rodentologist of more than 30 yearswho has even been described as the rat king of New York himselfBobby Corrigan has come across this legend more than once. I have been asked in the press multiple times about rat kings, and I always reply I have not personally witnessed it in my long career, says Corrigan, who spent 16 years teaching at Purdue University and is now a consultant for RmC Pest Management Consulting. But after reviewing Miljutins evidence, Corrigan says hes convinced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For sure, it is real, but it is rare, he says, or at least rare to us humans. Maybe not to the long-tailed rats of the world. (Is it time to finally ban glue traps in the U.S.?) There are also several aspects of rodent behavior and anatomy Corrigan has seen firsthand that align with what would be necessary to create a rat king. Rats have a behavior where they all get together in very tiny spaces in walls and ground burrows. Its called hugger-muggering, says Corrigan. They all get really close together to exchange body heat, because they dont hibernate. Similarly, Corrigan says rat tails are composed of cartilage, which makes them very flexible, and many rat species use their tails to curl around branches to provide some extra grip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, rat tails cannot be tied into a knot, he says. Finally, while he finds it unlikely any trapped rodents would obey a master and function as one, rats do establish hierarchies, similar to primates or canines. Often there will be a dominant male that mates with all the females and keeps a territory, says Corrigan. So, is there a dominant rat in the area where there is a social structure, and could you call that rat king? Yes. While rats and rat kings might seem frighteningespecially as theyre portrayed in pop cultureCorrigan says he takes a different point of view. We probably owe 20, maybe 30, additional years to our own [life expectancy] to rats, he says. Weve tested every single cancer drug in the world on them, every pharmaceutical, and we continue to do so. These animals are a tremendous benefit to humankind, says Corrigan. The first group of workers to unionize at an Activision Blizzard subsidiary has ratified their inaugural labor deal. A group of quality assurance testers at the Wisconsin-based studio Raven Software has voted unanimously to support a tentative contract deal, the Communications Workers of America union announced Monday. The contract enshrines wage increases, crunch time protections and promotions and layoff processes. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based in Middleton, Wisconsin, Raven Software has recently worked on multiple titles within the Call of Duty franchise. Its also known for Heretic, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force and Star Wars Jedi Knight: Knight Academy. The unions bargaining unit includes 19 quality assurance workers. After more than three years of organizing and bargaining, seeing it finally pay off feels incredible, bargaining committee member Erin Hall said in a statement. Its a contract that actually values the work QA does. The new deal increases union members wages by a minimum of 10 percent over two years, the union said on Monday. The contract attempts to regulate so-called crunch time when video game workers are required to work vast amounts of overtime to meet a project deadline by requiring that the studio give workers at least a weeks advance notice before any mandatory overtime and offer flexibility on scheduling that overtime. The deal additionally bars the studio from scheduling mandatory overtime during the majority of weeks in a single quarter. Also enshrined are job descriptions, disability accommodations, a promotions procedure and a layoffs process. The Raven Software workers made headlines in January 2022 when they announced that they were attempting to form a union with the backing of the Communications Workers of America. Though CWA had previously won a union at the indie studio Vodeo Games (now defunct), the Raven Software effort marked the first time that the recent video-game organizing movement tested a AAA company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Activision Blizzard declined to voluntarily recognize the group, union organizers ultimately prevailed in a National Labor Relations Board election later that year. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. DENVER (KDVR) Raven Space Systems, a 3D printing company that specializes in aerospace-grade composites, is bringing its new headquarters to Broomfield. The announcement came in a joint statement made by Gov. Jared Polis and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade on Monday. The companys headquarters and manufacturing facility are expected to bring 392 new jobs to the Colorado workforce. Westminster police seeking information in 1999 triple homicide cold case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado is the best place to live, work and do business, and we are thrilled to see Raven Space Systems expand in Colorado. The company will help advance our states thriving aerospace ecosystem and create 392 good-paying jobs, said Polis in a press release. The company joins the aerospace ecosystem in Colorado, which already features more than 2,000 aerospace companies. Raven Space Systems will fill the niche of curing materials immediately after deposition. The company will bring its patented Microwave Assisted Deposition 3D printing technology to minimize labor, tooling and waste to rapidly manufacture aerospace-grade thermoset and ceramic composites, Raven Space Systems reports. Applications by the company include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hypersonics Propulsion systems Reentry vehicles Satellites Aircraft Missiles Rockets We are excited to relocate to Colorado and become part of its robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The support weve received has been incredible, and we believe Colorado is the ideal place to scale Raven and maximize our impact, said Blake Herren, CEO of Raven Space Systems. Raven Space Systems expects to bring 392 new jobs with an average wage of $130,867 per year. That figure is 119% of the current average wage in Broomfield. The company is hiring in positions, including: Engineers Technicians Managers Operators Executives Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RTD A Line train, semitrailer collide in Aurora, extended closures in place: Police The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $5,852,666 in performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits for the company in the next eight years. The incentives require Raven Spaces Systems to meet net new job creation and salary requirements. The company was considering Kansas and Missouri for expansion, but ultimately settled on Colorado. One of the current four employees is in Colorado already. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW The Florida Department of Health confirmed 21 illnesses, including two with severe complications due to consumption of raw milk Health officials said all cases are linked to the same farm and that sanitation practices are a concern The CDC recommends against the consumption of raw milk and notes that pasteurized milk reduces the risk of infections Florida health officials are sending out a warning after several people were hospitalized after consuming raw milk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Aug. 4, the Florida Department of Health confirmed that there have been 21 illnesses, including six children under the age of 10, and seven hospitalizations due to the consumption of raw milk. Of those cases, at least two involved patients who suffered severe complications. All cases were linked to raw milk from the same farm. Raw milk refers to milk that has not been pasteurized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Food and Drug Administration are among the many health organizations that consider the process of pasteurization "crucial" as it "[kills] harmful germs that can cause illness" especially in vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults and pregnant women. The pasteurization process involves "heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time," according to the FDA. It kills organisms responsible for diseases such as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf The recent cases in Florida resulted in infections of Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases, the health department said. "The producers handling of raw milk and milking procedures are vital in prevention of contamination. Many people consume raw milk safely." The CDC recommends against consuming raw milk as it can lead to serious health risks, especially for certain vulnerable populations. The agency notes that pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks. Jann Huizenga/Getty Gallon of Milk Gallon of Milk Health officials encouraged residents to educate themselves of the potential risks associated with consumption of raw milk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the first time experts have recently raised concerns about the consumption of raw milk. 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. Last year, two children in California reportedly contracted bird flu after drinking raw milk after the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that the virus was detected in a retail sample of raw milk, which was subsequently recalled. Read the original article on People Florida health officials are warning about the risk of consuming raw milkafter more than 20 people, some whom are children, were left sick with E. coli and campylobacter bacteria-related illness amid a growing health trend. State health officials linked the campylobacter and shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections, also known as STEC infections, to an unnamed farm, citing sanitation practices as a particular concern, according to a Monday announcement by the Florida Department of Health. The department warns that STEC bacteria can result in kidney failure and a breakdown in red blood cells, known as hemolysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been 21 cases, including six children under the age of 10, and seven hospitalizations linked to consuming raw milk, or milk that has not gone through the pasteurization process to kill off harmful bacteria, produced at the farm. Popular medical content creator Dr. Zachary E. Rubin, a pediatrician certified in allergy and immunology, shared a TikTok video in which he explained the Florida outbreak is a result of the lies that have been spread across the internet, social media, by some celebrities and influencers talking about the potential benefits of raw milk that are not better than it being pasteurized. The outbreak comes amid a trend in recent years of wellness and fitness influencers promoting raw milk consumption. A quick search for raw milk on TikTok and Instagram shows these influencers making claims that the product reduces gut inflammation or contains more nutrients than pasteurized milk. In Florida, raw milk can only be sold for non-human consumption, such as for animal food, and must be labeled as such, according to the health department announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the health department did acknowledge raw milk contains disease-causing bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, it added that many people consume raw milk safely. Consumers have reported benefits of raw milk consumption, including better taste and protective effects for asthma and allergies, the departments press release read. This is disinformation, Rubin said, addressing the reported benefits in his video. This is likely written by a wellness influencer or someone that is influenced by a wellness influencer trying to promote raw milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also disputed the wellness and fitness influencers claims, stating that pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks of raw milk consumption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However the states health department wrote in its release that Floridians are encouraged to use this information to make informed decisions about their health and sources of raw milk should they choose to consume it. Among those promoting raw milk consumption is health conspiracy theorist and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who last year argued the Food and Drug Administration had an aggressive suppression on psychedelics and raw milk. FDAs war on public health is about to end. This includes its aggressive suppression of psychedelics, peptides, stem cells, raw milk, hyperbaric therapies, chelating compounds, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, vitamins, clean foods, sunshine, exercise, nutraceuticals and anything Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) October 25, 2024 In April, Kennedys FDA suspended a quality control program for testing of fluid milk and other dairy products due to job cuts. Related... Angela Rayner is pressing ahead with plans to raise the minimum wage for 18-year-olds despite warnings from business groups that it will price them out of the jobs market. The Deputy Prime Minister has unveiled proposals backed by trade unions to eliminate the 2 gap between the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds and their older counterparts. At the moment, people aged 21 or over must be paid at least 12.21 an hour compared with 10 for those aged 18 to 20. Ms Rayner has asked the Low Pay Commission, which recommends minimum rates to the Government each year, to draw up plans to scrap the discriminatory age bands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as Labour tries to woo younger voters in an attempt to see off the growing threat from Nigel Farages Reform UK Party, which is currently leading the polls. Ms Rayner set out plans last month to lower the voting age across Britain to 16 by the next general election in a move she claimed will strengthen democracy. The Low Pay Commission will be tasked with setting out a path to lift the minimum wage for young workers to the full adult rate. Ms Rayner said the policy showed Labour was delivering on its promise to make low pay a thing of the past. However, bosses warned that Labour was already taxing jobs for young people out of existence, with businesses already reeling from a 25bn National Insurance raid last autumn. Kate Nicholls, the chairman of UKHospitality, said another jump in the minimum wage for young adults would risk destroying even more of their jobs instead of helping workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand the Governments objective of fair pay, but you can only have fair pay if you have got a job that actually pays, she said. At the moment, those jobs are being taxed out of existence due to changes in the NIC [National Insurance contributions] rate. Pubs, hotels and restaurants which often give youngsters their first jobs have been hammered by the 25bn raid on employers. Ms Nicholls said the result has been a jobs bloodbath in the hospitality industry. She said: Now is not the time to make big jumps again in employment costs, when we have already seen 84,000 jobs lost in the hospitality sector over the last six months. You need to look at it in the context of the overall employment market, and of the economic environment. Now is not the time to be imposing significant additional costs. Jane Gratton, from the BCC, said: There are almost one million young people who are not in employment, training or education and it must be priority to engage them with the world of work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employers want to help but the rising cost of employment, following on from the National Insurance rise in April, is making that very difficult for many firms. Any changes to the age threshold of the National Living Wage must take this into account. If wages rise too fast in this age group, it could lead to less opportunities and jobs for young people entering the labour market. In its election manifesto last year, Labour promised to remove the discriminatory age bands, so all adults are entitled to the same minimum wage, delivering a pay rise to hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK. Ms Nicholls argued that the context has changed out of all recognition [since then] because of the change in the threshold on NICs, which is impacting on youth employment in particular and part-time work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, this year lowered the threshold at which employers pay National Insurance on staff wages to just 5,000. It has drawn far more part-time workers into the scope of the tax, lumping companies with higher costs and putting them off recruitment. Ms Nicholls said: All the warning signals on the labour market are flashing red. Now is the time for caution, not going too far. Ms Rayner insisted that the move would get more money in peoples pockets, adding: This remit is the next milestone in our plan to get more money in working peoples pockets, raise living standards in every part of the UK, and get our economy growing. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) An Ascension Parish resident is working towards joining the United States Navy submarine force. Seaman Recruit Mesiye Stirgus, of Prairieville, is currently in the Naval Submarine School. The recruit is working towards becoming a machinists mate. Stirgus is training to be a machinists mate. (Photo courtesy of Navy Office of Community Outreach) Stirgus has been in the U.S. Navy for ten months. The Prairieville native graduated from Saint Amant High School last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ascension Parish resident is training to be a part of the non-nuclear, submarine auxiliary. I grew up kind of alienated and with a lot of drama, Stirgus said. I tried to be social, but I didnt have a lot of friends. I have a few close friends that Ive had for years. Because of all of that, I taught myself to be social yet not into anyones business thats not mine. The St. Amant High School graduate followed the guidance of his parents. I joined the Navy because my parents told me to, Stirgus said. I was in a sketchy environment, and my parents thought joining the military would be better for me. I had been looking for jobs on Indeed, but couldnt find anything. They said the military would be a good way for me to start my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Navy, when Stirgus finishes training, the sailor will either help or be on board a Navy submarine. World War II Marine killed in action laid to rest in Louisiana This year is the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy. 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. HAUULA, Hawaii (KHON2) Living in rural communities comes with challenges, including limited resources, especially during a disaster. A tsunami warning on Tuesday, July 29, gave us a stark reminder of that. But one group has been working on emergency preparedness with the Hauula community since 2009, and progress is being made. Kaneohe man reflects on surviving 1946 Hilo tsunami Some of the issues Hauula faces, along with other rural communities on the Windward Coast, are power outages, which impact water access. Then theres the two-lane road, the only way in and out of Hauula. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many, many people are in the flood and tsunami zone, so that creates a problem getting out of that area, and then where do they go? You know, thats another big problem. So thats why everyone needs to have a communication plan with their family, an emergency plan, stressed President of Hui O Hauula Dotty Kelly-Paddock. This is something that caregivers should be aware of. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The big additional thing thats hard for kupuna is mobility. Some people dont have a lot of mobility. Some people dont have transportation. So all of those things have to be arranged, said Kelly-Paddock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hui O Hauula, a non-profit run by Kelly-Paddock, has been helping kupuna prepare for emergencies before they hit. Thanks to grants from AARP and the Harold Castle Foundation, she said, they were able to purchase Starlink Internet devices and generators for the Windward side. This is an amazing thing to have, because you can actually have good communication even when all the power is down and everything else, and that is key. We learned that in Maui because that was a problem there, said Kelly-Paddock. Councilmember Matt Weyer, who represents this side of the island, applauds the work of these community groups and said safety is the top priority. Check out more news from around Hawaii Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because oftentimes when an emergency strikes, its going to be our neighbors that are there on the ground with us. You know that the first few seconds are crucial, and of course, increasing emergency response times. So thats why we advocated so hard in our most region, recent budget to increase ambulance services on that side. We should see two over the next year or so, said Weyer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Northern Vietnam is sweltering under a blistering heatwave, with 17 places across seven provinces reporting record highs for the month of August and electricity demand spiking as people try to stay cool, authorities said Tuesday. Temperatures peaked on Sunday and Monday across the densely populated Red River Delta region, a hugely important industrial and agricultural area, with the capital Hanoi experiencing its first-ever August day above 40C. While Vietnam experiences hot weather every year, scientists say human-driven climate change is causing more intense weather patterns, including higher temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The normally bustling streets of Hanoi were quieter on Tuesday as locals hid from the burning heat. Flower seller Ngo Thu Thuy told AFP of her exhaustion from riding her flower bike in the heat. "I earn less as no one bothers to buy flowers in this heat. I still have to try my best to earn my living" said Thuy, 38, covered from head to toe to protect herself from the sun. A construction worker who identified himself as Nam said "too many buildings and vehicles" has turned Hanoi into "a pan on fire" over the past two days. Records set in past heatwaves in 2021 and 2024 were broken at 17 weather stations around the north, though rain forecast for Tuesday evening is expected to bring cooler temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One weather station in downtown Hanoi recorded a high of 40.3C, beating the city's previous August record of 39.8C set in 2021. Outside Hanoi, stations in the provinces of Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, Lang Son, Bac Ninh, Haiphong and Ninh Binh all reported record August highs. "The air humidity in Hanoi and the delta area on Monday was only up to 52 percent, causing a distinct feeling of dryness and heat," Vietnam's top weather forecaster Nguyen Van Huong said in a statement released by the ministry of agriculture and environment. Vietnam's electricity company EVN said consumption in Hanoi hit an all-time record at 1:28 pm (0628 GMT) on Monday as residents sought to cool off with fans and air-conditioning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I cannot imagine spending the night without air conditioning over the past few days," office worker Dang Xuan Huong told AFP. "It's so strange that we are in August and it is still burning hot", Huong said. But relief could be on the way -- rain forecast for Tuesday night is expected to bring temperatures down. tmh/pdw/dhc ATLANTA (WJBF) The American Red Cross is calling on you to donate blood and help prevent critical shortages. The American Red Cross of Georgia operates across eight chapters in the state, supporting hospitals and saving lives daily. You also have a constant need for cancer patients, sickle cell, pregnant women as well as those who need major surgery. We would like to encourage people to roll up their sleeve and donate blood, said Allison Flexner, with the American Red Cross of Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blood donations drop in summer due to travel, but the need for blood is constant for surgeries, trauma, and emergencies. Who can donate? 17+ years old At least 110 lbs In good health Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, yet only 3 percent of the population donates. You will be in the chair for about 10 minutes and there is a brief moment of discomfort when the needle goes in your arm but its not painful. And you are most importantly helping save lives and it is one of the altruistic things you can do to help someone you may never meet, said Flexner. The Red Cross app lets you see where your donation goesusually to local Georgia hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information can be found at RedCross.org/volunteers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ZACHARY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Copper Mill Elementary School science teacher and LSU Shreveport (LSUS) masters graduate Regena Hartley Beard is Louisianas Teacher of the Year. (Image courtesy of LSUS) Eleven years ago, her principal gave her a challenge, presented as an opportunity. To teach something she had no experience in. I had never touched a robot in my life. I liked how my principal worded that an opportunity but he was right, it changed my career path. Im super grateful for that opportunity, even if I didnt think it was one at the time, said Beard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fostering youth leadership: the MJHS student council formula Beard currently teaches a sixth-grade robotics class and integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with computer science into her fifth-grade science class, which earned her the 2026 Louisiana Teacher of the Year Award and the Mercedes-Benz that comes with it. Beard, who started coding and robotics clubs at her school, was taken aback by the award. It still hasnt sunk in, and Im super proud just to have been nominated. To know that my peers thought that highly of me, and to keep advancing round after round in a state with thousands of brilliant educators, its amazing to be recognized in that way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas middle school principal recognized as exemplary leader After 21 years in the Zachary Community School District, Beard believes that exposure to STEM should start early. Ill use my son as an example he had options to take band and choir in elementary school, and hes still in the band today. STEM is our future, and if were not exposing our students to STEM at younger ages, they are missing out. This kind of exposure gives them more opportunity to expand their view of the world when they are younger. Maybe its not for them, but they need to know whats out there. Beard is also involved in district and state advisory panels that prepare guides to integrate computer science into their lessons, and was nominated for a Presidential Award for Excellence in 2022. That nomination pushed her to return to school for her Masters Degree. (Image courtesy of LSUS) Being a state finalist for the Presidential Award made me think that maybe I can go somewhere with this, to have people believe in me on a national level. Without that nomination, I dont think I would have stepped outside of my comfort zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beard graduated from LSUS in 2023 and won a Presidential Award for Excellence in January 2025. When her time in the classroom is over, she wants to continue helping other teachers with similar implementation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KETK) A regional SWAT team has arrested a 23-year-old with a history of violent crimes in connection with a burglary involving a stolen AK-47 pistol in Jacksonville on Tuesday. Suspected abductor arrested for sexual abuse of East Texas teen The Jacksonville Police Department said officers were dispatched to a reported burglary at around 7:47 a.m. involving an AK-47 pistol that was stolen. The suspect, who was captured on surveillance footage, has been identified as 23-year-old Jayden Duane Hopson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to his criminal history, including charges of murder and aggravated robbery, the Cherokee County Regional Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was activated. courtesy of Jacksonville Police Department After officials obtained an arrest warrant for burglary of a habitation, the SWAT team, alongside the Henderson County Sheriffs Office SWAT team, arrived at Hopsons residence at around 1:36 p.m. and took him into custody without incident. Four others were detained for questioning. During the search, officers located and took into custody the stolen firearm. The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jacksonville Police Department extends its appreciation to all agencies involved for their professionalism and teamwork in bringing this operation to a safe and successful conclusion, the police department said. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. The Brief An Indiana man is accused of groping a teen girl on a Spirit Airlines flight. The girl told police she woke up to find the man touching her inappropriately. The man was removed from the flight and is under investigation, having been charged with sexual battery. ORLANDO, Fla. - A registered sex offender from Indiana is facing charges after allegedly groping a 17-year-old girl on a Spirit Airlines flight from Indianapolis to Orlando last month, according to Orlando police. What we know According to a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the victim told investigators that the incident began when she asked the passenger in the window seat if she could take a picture out of the window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man seated in the aisle seat, identified as John Daniel Fowler, 65, allegedly asked her to send the photo to him and gave her his phone number. She said she attempted to avoid further conversation, but Fowler continued trying to engage her. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP Throughout the flight, the girl said Fowler repeatedly placed his hand on her seat. She pushed his hand away each time, according to the report. As the plane landedbut before any doors openedshe said she awoke to find Fowler touching her inappropriately. She said she alerted a flight attendant, who moved her to the front of the plane and relocated Fowler to the rear. The backstory Before boarding the flight, Fowler allegedly became agitated when asked to pay a $100 fee for oversized luggage and said he hoped the "plane would crash," according to a criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS Despite the alarming remark, he apologized and was permitted to board. Once in flight, the teen passenger says Fowler tried to engage her in unwanted conversation and physical contact, culminating in the reported incident that prompted her to scream. What we don't know It is unclear if any policies were violated by allowing Fowler to board after his earlier outburst at the Indianapolis gate. What they're saying Flight attendants confirmed that the girl reported the incident before the plane reached the gate, officials said. Spirit Airlines issued a statement, "Safety is our top priority and we have zero tolerance for the behavior as alleged. The allegations are serious and we will provide any necessary assistance to law enforcement in their investigation. Additionally, this individual is no longer welcome on any of our flights." The other side When interviewed by police, Fowler claimed he had reached down to retrieve the girl's thermos, which had fallen, and accidentally touched her leg as he sat back up. He denied being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Source This story was written based on documents filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and by Spirit Airlines. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 68-year-old registered sex offender was arrested for kidnapping and sexually abusing a woman last month in the Horizon area, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO). EPCSO said that Lorenzo Davila, age 68, a registered sex offender with the Sheriffs Office, was arrested at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, and charged with aggravated kidnapping with sexual abuse with a bond initially set at $100,000. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility, where his bond was increased to $220,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 4:30 p.m. on July 23, deputies were dispatched to Cousins Drive about a report of unlawful restraint and assault. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a woman who reported that she had been abducted by a man, later identified as Davila, according to EPCSO. EPCSO said that the victim stated Davila had forcefully taken her to his residence in an unknown desert location in the Horizon area without her consent. While there, she was assaulted after refusing his sexual advances. The victim was able to escape and flagged down a passerby, who brought her home safely. Due to limited information at the time, the case was forwarded to Criminal Investigations Division detectives at the Peter J. Herrera Patrol Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through a thorough investigation, detectives identified Davila, and a warrant for his arrest was issued on charges of aggravated kidnapping with sexual abuse, EPCSO said. EPCSO said deputies launched an extensive search and successfully located Davila near a relatives residence in the 13000 block of Grand River. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. WASHINGTON (AP) When the coronavirus surged during President Donald Trumps first term, he called for a simple fix: Limit the amount of testing so the deadly outbreak looked less severe. When he lost the 2020 election, he had a ready-made reason: The vote count was fraudulent. And on Friday, when the July jobs report revisions showed a distressed economy, Donald Trump had an answer: He fired the official in charge of the data and called the report of a sharp slowdown in hiring phony. Trump has a go-to playbook if the numbers reveal uncomfortable realities, and thats to discredit or conceal the figures and to attack the messenger all of which can hurt the president's efforts to convince the world that America is getting stronger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our democratic system and the strength of our private economy depend on the honest flow of information about our economy, our government and our society, said Douglas Elmendorf, a Harvard University professor who was formerly director of the Congressional Budget Office. The Trump administration is trying to suppress honest analysis. The Republican president's strategy carries significant risks for his own administration and a broader economy that depends on politics-free data. His denouncements threaten to lower trust in government and erode public accountability, and any manipulation of federal data could result in policy choices made on faulty numbers, causing larger problems for both the president and the country. The White House disputes any claims that Trump wants to hide numbers that undermine his preferred narratives. It emphasized that Goldman Sachs found that the two-month revisions on the jobs report were the largest since 1968, outside of a recession, and that should be a source of concern regarding the integrity of the data. Trump's aides say their fundamental focus is ensuring the data accurately describes reality. Not the first time Trump has sought to play with numbers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has a long history of dismissing data when it reflects poorly on him and extolling or even fabricating more favorable numbers, a pattern that includes his net worth, his family business, election results and government figures: Judge Arthur Engoron ruled in a lawsuit brought by the state of New York that Trump and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing loans. Trump has claimed that the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections were rigged. Trump won the 2016 presidential election by clinching the Electoral College, but he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton, a sore spot that led him to falsely claim that millions of immigrants living in the country illegally had cast ballots. He lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden but falsely claimed he had won it, despite multiple lawsuits failing to prove his case. In 2019, as Hurricane Dorian neared the East Coast, Trump warned Alabama that the storm was coming its way. Forecasters pushed back, saying Alabama was not at risk. Trump later displayed a map in the Oval Office that had been altered with a black Sharpie his signature pen to include Alabama in the potential path of the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's administration has stopped posting reports on climate change, canceled studies on vaccine access and removed data on gender identity from government sites. As pandemic deaths mounted, Trump suggested that there should be less testing. When you do testing to that extent, youre going to find more people, Trump said at a June 2020 rally in Oklahoma. Youre going to find more cases. So I said to my people, Slow the testing down, please. While Trump's actions have drawn outcry from economists, scientists and public interest groups, Elmendorf noted that Trump's actions regarding economic data could be tempered by Congress, which could put limits on Trump by whom he chooses to lead federal agencies, for example. Outside observers can only do so much," Elmendorf said. The power to push back against the president rests with the Congress. They have not exercised that power, but they could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House says having its own people in place will make data 'more reliable Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, took aim at the size of the downward revisions in the jobs report (a combined 258,000 reduction in May and June) to suggest that the report had credibility issues. He said Trump is focused on getting dependable numbers, despite the president linking the issue to politics by claiming the revisions were meant to make Republicans look bad. The president wants his own people there so that when we see the numbers, theyre more transparent and more reliable, Hassett said Sunday on NBC News. Jed Kolko, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics who oversaw the Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis during the Biden administration, stressed that revisions to the jobs data are standard. That's because the numbers are published monthly, but not all surveys used are returned quickly enough to be in the initial publishing of the jobs report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Revisions solve the tension between timeliness and accuracy, Kolko said. We want timely data because policymakers and businesses and investors need to make decisions with the best data that's available, but we also want accuracy. Kolko stressed the importance in ensuring that federal statistics are trustworthy not just for government policymakers but for the companies trying to gauge the overall direction of the economy when making hiring and investment choices. Not every part of the jobs report was deemed suspect by the Trump administration. Before Trump ordered the firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, Erika McEntarfer, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer trumpeted the findings on native-born citizens, noting on Fox Business Network's Varney & Co. that they are accounting "for all of the job growth, and thats key. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first run for the presidency, Trump criticized the economic data as being fake only to fully embrace the positive numbers shortly after he first entered the White House in 2017. The problem is that the firing of the labor statistics commissioner might make the data even less dependable. It is unfortunate that the BLS Commissioner is being made a scapegoat, particularly as firing her is only likely to reduce reliability as thousands of BLS employees now realize that their jobs could be at risk if they deliver bad news," said Betsey Stevenson, a University of Michigan economist and a former chief economist at the Labor Department. White House says transparency is a value Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenge of reliable data goes beyond economic figures to basic information on climate change and scientific research. In July, taxpayer-funded reports on the problems climate change is creating for America and its population disappeared from government websites. The White House initially said NASA would post the reports in compliance with a 1990 law, but the agency later said it would not because any legal obligations were already met by having reports submitted to Congress. The White House maintains that it has operated with complete openness, posting a picture of Trump on Monday on social media with the caption, The Most Transparent President in History. In the picture, Trump had his back to the camera and was covered in shadows, visibly blocking out most of the light in front of him. ___ Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report. The remains of recently identified World War II airman will arrive in Milwaukee later this week and will be escorted back to his hometown of Shawano for a funeral. U.S. Army Air Forces Pvt. Herbert McLaughlin was killed in action at Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. He wasn't officially accounted for until Dec. 17, 2024, more than 80 years later. U.S. Army Air Forces Pvt. Herbert McLaughlin was killed in action at Pearl Harbor in 1941. McLaughlin, 31, was assigned to Headquarters Squadron, 17th Air Group at Hickam Airfield on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, they expanded to Hickam Field, where they targeted U.S. aircrafts, ships, barracks, supply buildings and the base chapel. McLaughlin was killed in the attack that lasted four hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At first, the remains of U.S. Army and U.S. Army Air Forces personnel were interred in the Schofield Barracks Cemetery until the American Graves Registration Service disinterred the remains in August 1947. Twelve men from Hickam Field were unidentified and reburied in the Nation Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. Seven decades would pass before the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency exhumed the 12 unknowns in June 2019. Scientists used anthropological and DNA analysis to positively identify McLaughlin. McLaughlin's remains will arrive at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on Aug. 6 and will be escorted back to Shawano by an honor guard provided by the Patriot Guard Riders. Funeral services will be held that same day at Woodland Cemetery. Digital billboards welcoming home U.S. Army Air Forces Pvt. Herbert McLaughlin will be displayed throughout Wisconsin. Over 50 digital billoards, donated by Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Adams Outdoor, Jones Outdoor and Link Outdoor, will be displayed throughout Wisconsin welcoming McLaughlin home. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Remains of Shawano WWII airman will arrive in Milwaukee this week Grimes County, Tx (FOX 44) An autopsy ordered for Texas Renaissance Festival George Coulum lists the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head. The autopsy paperwork says the manner of death determined by the justice of the peace, was recommended as suicide. The autopsy for Coulum, often known as King George, was conducted by the Fort Bend County Medical Examiners Office. Law enforcement confirmed that Coulum was found dead at his home in Todd Mission, Texas the morning of May 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His death came after he as ordered to sell his kingdom earlier that month following a lengthy legal dispute. A Grimes County judge had upheld the sale of the property and had ordered its assets and land to change hands following a failed $60 million deal. The Texas Renaissance Festival was known as an event which transported visitors into the magic and splendor of the Renaissance era. According to the official event website, it was the largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed attraction in the United States. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. The workforce development program carried out by the Utah State Correctional Facility could offer answers to the national labor shortage, according to one Utah lawmaker. Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, toured the facility in a two-hour visit on Monday, gathering details and information about the workforce and apprenticeship opportunities offered to inmates while serving out their sentences. The visit was made to help craft legislation emulating the Utah program on a national level to help address the countrys labor shortage, Owens told the Deseret News. Im hoping, as we talk about this and I go back to D.C., that Utah can be the model, Owens said in an interview with the Deseret News. I hope we can have the resources, the collaboration, and that we can show what it looks like when a state is very, very purposeful and then the rest of the country can benefit from how we do this and how we approach it. Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, talks with Rebecca Brown, Utah Department of Corrections deputy executive director, while touring the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Owens cited the most recent jobs report posted last week that showed 7.4 million job vacancies and an unemployment rate of 4.2% in the month of June, according to the Labor Departments monthly analysis. That puts the unemployment rate at roughly 7.2 million people, which Owens characterized as a mismatch compared to the jobs available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a need, but were not able to fill that need because our workforce is not prepared to walk in and go to work, Owens said. So we have to bridge that gap. Theres a couple areas that I feel that the federal government has somewhat of an oversight in that we can drive this initiative, and thats in the correction arena. Utah facility offers apprenticeships, hands-on experience Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, looks at a roll of recently printed license plates, made by Utah State Correctional Facility inmates, while touring the Utah Correctional Industries building at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The state correctional facility offers multiple opportunities for inmates to prepare for a return to the workforce through hands-on training and what it refers to as the Makin It Work program. The facility hosts classes for inmates to learn valuable skills such as responding to high-pressure situations and problem solving, according to the Utah Correctional Industries website. Those seminars are available to all inmates, including those with scheduled release dates and those without. The apprenticeship programs then offer hands-on training for a variety of industries such as machining, customer service, upholstery, graphic design, welding and more. The programs are designed to give inmates the required training needed that they are qualified for job openings upon release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody has a different talent, different interests and different passions, Owens said. Apprenticeships are very, very important so when they come out, theyre ready to go to work. Owens pushes to recreate Utah program on national stage Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, shakes hands with Alfredo Lolani, an inmate and certified peer support specialist, in the Bear 2 building while Owens tours the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News As lawmakers explore options to address the national labor shortage, Owens said he is prepared to return to Congress in early September with plans to sell his colleagues on the Utah way. It just so happens that here in Utah, we have gotten it right, Owens, who sits on the House committee tasked with overseeing U.S. workforce policy, told the Deseret News. We understand that the purpose for correction is to prepare for the next chapter in which they can move forward and be productive. Utah has another unique strength that has positioned itself as a possible national leader, Owens said: empathy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owens described the nature of inmate-corrections officer relationships inside the facility as mostly collaborative and understanding noting officials emphasized the need to humanize one another at least twice while on his tour. The Utah congressman lauded the states ability to truly believe in the hearts of people, pointing to that as the secret to success if applied to national efforts. I think the correction system could be a gold mine if we approach it the right way and find those who truly want to have that next step to move out, and then give them the tools and opportunities to make that happen, Owens said. I think Utah, because of our culture of service and innovation, I think we can be a state thats done correctly. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace officially launches her 2026 bid for governor on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (David Wren/Special to the SC Daily Gazette) This story originally appeared on South Carolina Daily Gazette. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolinas coastal 1st Congressional District became the fifth GOP candidate to enter the 2026 governors race Monday, saying shes running to hold the line. Mace, the first female cadet to graduate from The Citadel, officially launched her campaign during an early morning event at her alma mater. She has been teasing an impending bid for months on social media and talking to voters across the state to prepare for an announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said stay quiet. I spoke up. They said sit down. I stood up. They said play nice, and I fought back, Mace told about 100 supporters gathered in the courtyard of Capers Hall at the states military college. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Im running for governor because South Carolina doesnt need another empty suit, she continued. It needs a governor who will fight for you and your values. She pointed to her years at The Citadel as giving her the courage and discipline Id need to take on lifes toughest battles, noting she entered the Corps of Cadets after dropping out of high school at age 17 and initially going to work at Waffle House. She graduated in 1999, three years after The Citadel changed its male-only admission policy for cadets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats where I learned what it means to hold the line no matter the pressure, no matter the odds, she said. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace officially launched her bid for governor on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in the courtyard of Capers Hall at The Citadel. (David Wren/Special to the SC Daily Gazette) Mace joins an already crowded field for the primary. Republicans who have already announced bids over the last month are Attorney General Alan Wilson, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell of Spartanburg County, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and most recently, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman of Rock Hill. Attacks and accusations While the 47-year-old single mother only just made it official, she has been sniping at the competition, both on social media and in front of voters. Mace has taken shots at Evette as a glorified ribbon cutter who only smiles and waves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes a nice lady, Mace wrote on social media in June. No edge. No guts. No shot. But Wilson, whos in his fourth term as South Carolinas top prosecutor, has been the primary focus of Maces criticism. At the start of the year she began calling Wilson a do-nothing attorney general. Then in February, Mace took to the House floor and accused four men, including her ex-fiance, of some of the most heinous crimes against women imaginable during a nearly hour-long prepared speech. The congresswoman said she discovered thousands of photos taken with hidden cameras as well as recordings the predators made of themselves sexually assaulting women over years. She was among the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Law Enforcement Division confirmed after her speech that it was investigating at least one of the men for assault, harassment and voyeurism. The investigation started Dec. 14, 2023, after SLED was contacted by U.S. Capitol Police. Mace also accused Wilson of not addressing the crimes against her and other women. All four men accused have denied the accusations and one has sued for libel and defamation. Reporters and supporters gather ahead of U.S. Rep. Nancy Maces announcement in the courtyard of Capers Hall at The Citadel on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (David Wren/Special to the SC Daily Gazette) Wilson said neither he nor anyone in his office had any knowledge of the accusations until her speech. It also is not the attorney generals job to start a police investigation, his office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Mace has sued one of the other men for defamation. And a woman, identified as Jane Doe, who says she was a victim of three of the men has filed her own civil suit. All of those lawsuits are ongoing. Maces political career Mace unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham in 2014. She placed fifth in that seven-way GOP primary, which Graham won without needing a runoff. In January 2018, she won a special election to the South Carolina House representing parts of Charleston and Berkeley counties. She replaced a GOP legislator who resigned amid a yearslong Statehouse corruption investigation. In 2020, Mace ousted one-term Democrat Joe Cunningham for the 1st congressional seat, flipping the district back into Republican control. The district was then redrawn as part of the Legislatures redistricting process following the 2020 census to favor a Republican and Mace easily won re-election with more than 58% of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mace won her last GOP primary with the endorsement of President Donald Trump. But during her early days in Congress, the two had a rocky relationship. Mace condemned Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol and was among House Republicans who voted to impeach him in the aftermath. In her first re-election bid, Trump backed her GOP challenger, though Mace ultimately won that primary. Shes since become one of Trumps most fervent allies. I think that anyone that wants to run statewide or any election, really, in 2026 or 2028 beyond, will need the Presidents support, Mace previously told reporters. A firebrand Her first campaign ad touts her firebrand reputation and includes Trump calling her a fighter. On Monday morning, she didnt directly talk about Trump, but her fiery speech focused on his policies, including immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She promised to fine businesses that hire immigrants living in the U.S. illegally $1,000 a day and work closely with federal immigration officers to round up illegals who are flooding our state. Anyone who is here illegally will get deported immediately, Mace said. 1st District race Maces announcement that shell run for governor creates a second opening in South Carolinas congressional delegation. State Rep. Mark Smith told the SC Daily Gazette on Monday that he will run to replace Mace. The Lowcountry needs a proven leader in the 1st Congressional District and Im ready to step up, the Daniel Island Republican wrote in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters first elected Smith, CEO of McAlister-Smith Funeral Homes, in 2020 to the state House seat previously held by Mace. Last week, GOP state Sen. Wes Climer of Rock Hill announced hes running for the 5th District. She promised to sign a bathroom bill into law, saying mentally ill men dont belong in womens spaces. She didnt give specifics. But South Carolina already has such a law for K-12 public schools, which remains in place pending a final ruling on a challenge in federal court. She also promised to rid libraries of what she termed pornography and ban the use of pronouns in classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want kids coming home with As and Bs not they and them, she said. State law already restricts childrens access to sexual books in public libraries, as per a state budget directive proposed by Kimbrell, one of her GOP primary opponents. A separate state regulation in effect since June 2024 bars books with sexual conduct from public school libraries and classrooms. The latest decisions by the State Board of Education brought to 21 the total number of books librarians have been required to remove from shelves. Her message resonated with supporters at the 7:30 a.m. event, many of them waving Hold the Line signs or wearing Get Maced stickers. Im a sixth-generation Charlestonian and Id like to see a woman in the governors office, said Francis Beylotte. Men in South Carolina have messed it up forever. I think she has the character and experience now. Shes paid her dues, and its justified. In 2010, then state Rep. Nikki Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, became South Carolinas first female and first minority governor. Her departure in 2017 to become Trumps first United Nations ambassador put then-Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster in the governors office. Having won two full terms since, McMaster is South Carolina longest-serving elected governor. He cant seek a third. We need change in South Carolina, added Jenson Estey of Daniel Island. Kind of like President Trump change up the norms. Mace was introduced by Kaitlyn Czuar, whose 10-year-old son Tanner was one of three people hit by a car during a May 1 hit-and-run on Sullivans Island. Mace awarded Tanner the Congressional Patriot Award for his courage in the wake of the incident. Kaitlin Czuar said Mace is someone who understands that protecting families and defending children isnt political its a priority. Czuar said Mace notices people. She hears them and she stands with them. Shes a trailblazer and a servant leader who puts South Carolina families first. More controversy Mace has made headlines for her conflicts with multiple transgender people. It began with the election last November of Delawares Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress. Mace introduced a resolution to ban transgender women from using womens restrooms in the U.S. Capitol and House office buildings, later seeking to expand that to all federal property. She was then criticized for using a slur to the LGBTQ community during a House Oversight Committee hearing in February. In April, Mace got in a conflict with a transgender student at the University of South Carolina when the student asked Mace to apologize for using the word tranny during an April event hosted by USCs chapter of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit that advocates for conservative viewpoints on high school and college campuses across the country. Following that exchange, an Upstate transgender woman threatened on social media to kill Mace. The woman was arrested and charged with threatening the life of a public official. That case is still pending. Town hall series announced Ahead of officially launching her campaign, Mace also announced a statewide series of speaking engagements that her team is calling the Mother of All Town Halls, starting in Myrtle Beach Wednesday. No questions off limits, no topics too tough, Maces spokeswoman Sydney Long said in a statement to NBC affiliate WCBD News 2 . Shell be traveling across South Carolina to speak directly with residents. Mace has previously been criticized for not holding in-person town halls, including a profanity-laden conflict with a man in an Ulta Beauty store who questioned her for her lack of events. SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. SC Daily Gazette maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seanna Adcox for questions: info@scdailygazette.com. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku believes that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is on track to become Kenyas next Head of State. Speaking during a panel discussion on K24 TV, Ruku described Kindiki as a hardworking and dedicated leader, saying, Prof. Kithure Kindiki is a man who will one day be the president of the republic of Kenya and is a very diligent person. Ruku praised Kindiki for his active role in driving economic empowerment forums, an initiative under the Kenya Kwanza administration aimed at offering financial support to Kenyans in need. He also highlighted Kindikis journey to high office as a powerful symbol of determination. He is a very committed Kenyan and for him to have come from a small community to be the DP of Kenya, that tells you the spirit that Prof Kithure Kindiki carries, Ruku added. According to the Public Service CS, Kindikis leadership and humility have won him admiration across the country and positioned him as a natural contender for the presidency in the years ahead. Ruku Defends Kindikis Empowerment Forums Ruku also took aim at critics of Kindikis empowerment forums, accusing them of lacking innovation and offering no real alternatives. He defended the initiative, which has faced scrutiny over the source of its funding, and dismissed the criticism as baseless. And for someone to say that an empowerment program that Prof. Kithure Kindiki is championing that the money is coming from sources which are not known, its only that that person is not very innovative, doesnt think outside the box, even without the box, Ruku argued. The Public Service CS didnt hold back when addressing former Chief Justice David Maraga, who had earlier suggested that the funds being distributed through the forums could be proceeds of corruption. Ruku dismissed the remark as unfounded and politically motivated. He maintained that the empowerment forums are a legitimate effort by the government to uplift Kenyans and should be seen as a bold, people-driven alternative to traditional state programs. SPARTA, Mich. (WOOD) The village of Sparta took the next steps toward becoming a city Monday. At its sixth public meeting in five months, the cityhood advisory committee adopted the finalized version of a report recommending cityhood. The report list the pros and cons of becoming a city and outlines the formal process. Village of Sparta considers becoming a city From this step, now it goes to the village council, then the village council has to put together what the boundaries are gonna be. We want the city boundaries to be the same as the village boundaries, explained Robert Carlstrom, chair of the citizens advisory commission on cityhood and village councilmember. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said a lot of the differences between being a city and a village is procedural. (A village) was also meant to be a transitional form of government, Carlstrom said For the most part, most of the transitions from village to city happened in the 60s. The village of Spartas population is double or triple those of surrounding cities, Carlstrom remarked, saying Sparta is one of the largest general law villages in the state. He thinks its a good time to become a city. By becoming a primary form of government, you have more autonomy, you collect all your own taxes, and youre in control of your elections, the voter rolls, and so thats really the biggest change. The makeup of the community isnt gonna change going from a village to a city, Carlstrom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City of Grand Rapids OKs agreement to study US-131/Wealthy Street interchange As a city, Sparta would have to do its own assessing and elections, which are currently done by Sparta Township. Carlstrom said the cost of that will come down to about $50,000, which will most likely be balanced out by a 1% tax administration charge for the township that will be collected by the city. The identity is not gonna change. For all intents and purposes, the village already operates as a city. We have a police department, we have a joint agreement with the township so that we chip into the fire department, we have parks and recs, we plow the streets, we have a water plant, we have a sewer plant so, its really not gonna change that much, said Carlstrom. But Sparta Township Supervisor Dale Bergman said thats exactly why he doesnt believe the village should be a city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not in favor of the cityhood, I am in favor of working together. I think weve really done well together for many years, Bergman said, citing a park project, the fire department and the library. International music act joins Sparta Celtic Fests 15th year Eventually, the decision whether to become a city will go before village voters. But that process could take up to a year. The village must draft a boundary petition to be approved by the state, then there will be an election for charter commissioners, who would put together a charter that will go to voters. Im encouraging the residents of the village to not vote in favor of the city. Id rather see things the way they are and I dont like to fix something that isnt broken. And I dont really think its broken, Bergman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, visit the cityhood tab on the Sparta website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A recent report found that Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) failed to properly background check thousands of employees, volunteers and staff members prior to their start date. The Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report revealed that the school system is not monitoring criminal histories for all employees, not ensuring criminal history checks are conducted for contractors and volunteers prior to starting work and the report also showed that not all people who work with students have undergone a Child Protective Services (CPS) check. To find out that there are people in the school [who] havent even been properly vetted is mindboggling, MCPS parent Dawn Iannaco-Hahn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report determined that more than 12,000 MCPS employees do not have their criminal histories regularly monitored. The school division began using the FBIs Rap Back Service in January 2019 as a way to monitor new employees criminal history. My initial thought is, how did this fall through the cracks like that? MCPS parent Rami Kandel said. I mean, protecting our children is among the most important things that MCPS should be doing, and clearly, numerous people took their eyes off the ball that allowed this to happen. Congressional interns death sparks student concern, as mother says feds should take over DC In November 2024, MCPS reported that 12,655 employees were not yet enrolled and hadnt received a criminal history check since 2019. Some volunteers also reportedly didnt undergo a criminal history check, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school division responded to this finding by reiterating that every employee completed an initial criminal background check before being cleared to work; they cited past administrations as the reason behind the failed upkeep of post-hire monitoring. My kids are older, but if I was the parent of a kindergarten student, younger elementary, I would be far more upset because those kids dont have the same awareness and verbal skills to say whats going on, Iannaco-Hahn said. There is also no formal procedure in place for how MCPS should handle a situation if a background check on someone comes back with a criminal history. Kandel shared his thoughts on how he believes it should be handled. Remove that person from the school, he said, the teacher from the classroom, the administrator from the school. Whoever it is, remove them from the school and make sure that the students are not affected negatively by whatever this person has done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MCPS Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor, Ed.D., responded to the OIG report in a statement. Nothing is more important to this school system than our duty of care for the students we serve and the families who entrust their children to MCPS. Our team is already implementing our action plan to close these gaps. While we have concerns with the Inspector Generals report, the underlying issues it raises should have been addressed years ago. This work is our focus, it is important, and it will be done. Thomas W. Taylor, Ed.D. Statement Additionally, MCPS is supposed to submit a Child Protective Services (CPS) query request at the time of hire for anyone who may have unsupervised access to students. The report found that 4,900 individuals did not have initial CPS queries made. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich found these findings to be very concerning. The Department of Health and Human Services was asked to help establish a timeline to process the backlog of background checks, Elrich said. These lapses are unacceptable and must be addressed immediately, Elrich stated in a Monday release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Beirut (dpa) Lebanon's Cabinet has set a deadline for Hezbollah to lay down its arms by the end of the year, the state NNA news agency reported on Tuesday. The decision reportedly came in a meeting at the presidential palace chaired by President Joseph Aoun, with two ministers linked to the Iran-backed militia walking out in protest. Further discussions are due to take place on Thursday, amid ongoing pressure from the United States for concrete steps towards Hezbollah's disarmament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem earlier said his group rejects any timetable for handing over its weapons while Israeli strikes continue, warning that the move would only serve Israels interests. "We do not agree to any timetable that is presented to be implemented under the umbrella of Israeli aggression," Qassem said in a speech in Beirut. Qassem criticized a memorandum delivered by US envoy Tom Barak, describing it as "a recipe for surrender, not stability." He emphasized that Hezbollah would not agree to a new deal while Israel continues to violate the existing ceasefire and Lebanon remains under pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the recent war with Israel, the Shiite organization was one of the most heavily armed non-state actors in the world. Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire after the beginning of the Gaza war in October 2023, eventually resulting in an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon. A ceasefire came into effect in November 2024. According to the agreement, Hezbollah is to be disarmed initially in the south and near the border with Israel. But the Israeli military is still launching almost daily attacks in Lebanon, citing the desire to enforce disarmament. Israeli soldiers are also stationed at five posts in southern Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demand to disarm Hezbollah nationwide is politically risky for Lebanon's government. There are fears that the country could slide into another political crisis if Hezbollah members withdraw from the government in protest. According to NNA, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the government will continue discussions on the US proposal during another session scheduled for August 7. He added that the Cabinet "assigned the Lebanese Army to draft a plan to consolidate all weapons under state control by the end of the year, to be presented before the Cabinet by August 31." BOSTON (WWLP) A bill meant to protect reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare passed in the Bay State last week: heres a closer look at what it does for Massachusetts residents. Lawmakers reconsidering qualified immunity for police Since taking office, the Trump administration has reduced funding and decreased access to abortion and reproductive care, and banned services and insurance coverage of gender-affirming care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Massachusetts lawmakers updated a 2022 version of the Shield Act to protect patients and providers. This bill limits what and how personal data is released, allows prescription labels to name only the prescribing practice and not the specific provider, and codifies emergency access, medically necessary abortions. The legislation helps people who can become pregnant and transgender people on its face, but gender-affirming care is actually for everyone. Treatments like hair transplants, laser hair removal, breast implants, and hormone therapy for testosterone levels all fall under the category of gender-affirming and are protected by this bill. Despite widespread support for the bill from lawmakers, these officials and advocates alike say it may not be enough. Lawmakers see a response to the Trump administrations policies like a game of whack-a-mole, and they say further changes to state laws may be necessary in the coming months and years. A total of 27 lawmakers voted against this Shield Act update, including four Democrats, and it is now on Governor Healeys desk awaiting her signature. 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. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) speaks to a reporter during an emergency march and picket rally outside of the Governor's Mansion on August 04, 2025 in Austin, Texas. A crowd gathered to protest the ongoing redistricting proposal, which has garnered nationwide attention, during a special session in the Texas legislature. Texas Democratic lawmakers have fled the state in an attempt to protest and deny the proposed plan. Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to remove lawmakers who do not return by today. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Redistricting the art of drawing the district boundaries that determine representation is messy, opaque, confusing, and inherently political. It typically happens only once a decade in each state, after the census produces new demographic data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that once-a-decade cadence now looks like the next political norm to fall. Its customary for the party in control of redistricting to draw maps that weaken the voting power of the opposition while maximizing its own political advantage. Gains in technology and data have made it possible to draw lines ever more precisely. I define redistricting as the only legalized form of vote-stealing left in the United States today, said the late Thomas Hofeller, a prominent Republican redistricting consultant in 1991. Even so, recent events suggest the current no-holds-barred political climate could take the partisan machinations of redistricting to a higher level. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott cited constitutional concerns when he called a special session of the state Legislature to draw new congressional maps, but there is also a clear political motive that Republicans havent been shy about discussing. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The midterm elections are nearing, and the party in power typically loses seats. President Donald Trump, a Republican, has said that the Texas GOP should seek to redraw the lines in a way that allows them to add as many as five seats to the Republican column. A proposed map released this week aims to fulfill that objective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is reportedly also urging other Republican-controlled states, including Missouri, to consider redistricting in a way that would boost the GOPs chances of picking up seats, though that could mean some incumbents will have to run in more competitive districts. Ohio is engaged in a legally mandated redistricting that Republicans, who control the process, also hope will yield more seats. This has set off a sort of redistricting arms race, with Democratic leaders in other states saying they could redraw lines to offset Republican gains. Importantly, leaders in some states that have tried to make redistricting less partisan by shifting control to commissions or adopting other limitations are suggesting they intend to sidestep them. For example, California has used an independent redistricting commission for decades, but Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said the heavily Democratic state must respond to the push in Texas by drawing new maps that benefit Democrats. Theyre not screwing around, Newsom said. We cant afford to screw around either. We have got to fight fire with fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom and other Democratic leaders have said theyre seeking workarounds that would allow a midcycle redistricting in the state. For example, the state attorney general said he believes lawmakers could draw new maps that would be put before voters in a special election. Democratic governors in Illinois, New York, and New Jersey have also said theyre exploring options, but the barriers are higher than in Texas. In most of the states under Democratic control, maps already heavily favor Democrats as in Illinois or the legislature has limited authority over redistricting. Changing that on a timeline that would allow new maps for the midterms would be difficult. One thing is certain: Any new maps are likely to face court challenges over how political power is distributed among districts. Those will come at a time when the Supreme Court may be poised to consider another challenge to the landmark Voting Rights Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the last term, the justices didnt rule on a high-profile Louisiana redistricting case, instead announcing they would hear new arguments on it during the 2025-26 term. Other redistricting cases, too, could be headed to the court. In the end, its hard to tell what will happen, except that voters who have packed Texas legislative hearings on the redistricting proposal, even before proposed maps were released may not have much say. This news analysis was originally distributed in Votebeats free weekly newsletter. Sign up to get future editions, including the latest reporting from Votebeat bureaus and curated news from other publications, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Ohio Democratic governor candidate Amy Acton, left. (Campaign photo). Ohio Republican governor candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, right. (Getty Images.) Ohios candidates for governor have filed their first campaign finance reports, offering a glimpse of two starkly different campaigns. Democratic candidate Amy Acton raised $1.35 million a record, her campaign said, for a non-incumbent Democratic governor this far from election day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy dramatically out-raised his opponent, bringing in $9.7 million over the same stretch. Also last week, a super-PAC supporting Ramaswamy reported almost double that amount, led by a $10 million contribution from Pennsylvania billionaire businessman Jeff Yass. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ramaswamy, whose net worth is about $1 billion, has yet to put any of his own money behind his bid. Raising this historic amount in just four months sends a powerful message: Ohioans are eager for bold, transformative leadership that will propel our state to new heights, Ramaswamy Campaign Manager Jonathan Ewing said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a year out from election day, Ramaswamy has largely cleared the Republican field. Hes picked up endorsements from President Donald Trump,Vice President JD Vance, and the Ohio Republican Party. Prominent Republicans including Attorney General Dave Yost and Treasurer Robert Sprague saw the writing on the wall and abandoned their own bids for governor. Former Morgan County school board president Heather Hill is still in the race. Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel has previously said he is considering running. Acton is the only Democrat to declare her candidacy for governor at this point. Actons campaign touted the number of small dollar donations they received and the fact that they got checks from all 88 of Ohios counties. Although the campaign couldnt match Ramaswamys fundraising totals, they cast that as a positive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Vivek Ramaswamy continues to rely on personal wealth and billionaire donors to fund his race, Amy is proud of the tens of thousands of small-dollar donations from grassroots supporters in all 88 counties, Acton Campaign Manager Philip Stein said. Were excited to continue to bring people together from all sides of the political spectrum who know shes the right choice for Governor. On social media, Acton emphasized the contrast between the campaigns expenditures as well. Acton said shes been driving around Ohio in a union-worker built Jeep like a normal person, while Ramaswamy has given $160,000 of campaign funds to what appears to be one of his own companies (V Leasing LLC) for a private jet to fly in. The Ohio Capital Journal reached out to Ramaswamys campaign about V Leasing but got no response. The address listed for the company, however, is a residence owned by Ramaswamy and his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the V Leasing expenses, Ramaswamys campaign racked up another $66,500 in travel expenses with two private airfare companies. You cannot make this up. While I have been traveling across Ohio in a car (a Jeep made by @UAW members, Ill add) like a normal person, @VivekGRamaswamy has given $160,000 of campaign funds to what appears to be one of his own companies (V Leasing LLC) for a private jet to fly pic.twitter.com/2Q3fSgZHTu Dr. Amy Acton (@amyactonoh) July 31, 2025 What to make of it University of Cincinnati Political Scientist David Niven stressed that this far out, theres no way to know what issues will define the race. But the early presence of a super-PAC means a lot more money, and a more nationalized race. Niven warned thats a double-edged sword. (Ramaswamy) is nationalizing the race, but hes going to nationalize it in both directions, Niven said, which means hes going to inject national interest in his campaign, but hes also going to inject national interest in his opponents campaign. In 2022, Peter Thiel poured $15 million into then-U.S. Sen. candidate JD Vances campaign. That helped Vance make it out of a crowded primary field, but probably not as much as Donald Trumps endorsement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the primary, Vances Democratic opponent former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, out-raised Vance significantly. But when it came to outside spending, from groups like super-PACs, Republicans ended up with a distinct advantage. The same pattern played out in last years U.S. Senate race between then-Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and Republican challenger Bernie Moreno. One way or another, Niven thinks Ramaswamy leading the money race is a near certainty: But with a reputation for harsh rhetoric and a massive personality the Republican candidate might rub some voters the wrong way, which could give Democrats an opening, but only if their candidate can get the campaign off the ground. In contrast, Niven pointed to pollsters finding large shares of voters who didnt know who former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley was shortly before she faced Gov. Mike DeWine in the 2022 election. Even if Acton is running a solid fundraising operation, Niven argued the campaign needs to figure out how to convert that into attention before voters head to the polls. She hasnt had a moment to seize Ohioans attention, Niven explained. She hasnt had a moment where, you know, everyone in Ohio is thinking about what she had to say or what she did. Thats a very high standard. Thats what shes got to be working for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, I dont know that a Democrats done that in Ohio in the last 20 years, he added, But thats the goal right now. The 2026 Election In addition to the statewide race for Ohio governor in 2026, all of Ohios other statewide executive offices are up for election as open seats, and the state also has one Ohio Supreme Court race and another U.S. Senate race. Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, who was appointed by DeWine to fill Vances seat after he was elected vice president, will face his first election cycle for the seat. Gaming and technology businessman Chris Volpe of Columbus is the only announced Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026. Recently former Sen. Sherrod Brown met with U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, fueling speculation Brown might make a 2026 run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers made Ohio Supreme Court races partisan in 2022. The sole remaining Democratic justice on the 6-1 court, Jennifer Brunner, faces a challenge from Republican Justice Patrick F. Fischer, as Fischer would be, by law, too old to run for reelection to his own seat in 2028. Current Republican Ohio Auditor Keith Faber is running for attorney general in 2026; current Republican Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is running for auditor in 2026; and current Republican Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is running for secretary of state in 2026. Also running in the Republican primary for secretary of state is retired Air Force intel officer Marcell Strbich. A Republican primary for the nomination for Ohio treasurer features former state Sen. Niraj Antani, current state Sen. Kristina Roegner, and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren. Bryan Hambley, a cancer doctor with University of Cincinnati Health, is the only announced Democratic candidate for Ohio Secretary of State. Former state representative Elliot Forhan has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Ohio Attorney General. No Democrats have yet announced their candidacy in 2026 for Ohio auditor or treasurer. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Missouri Republicans are considering redrawing their states congressional lines to add another red House seat, the latest volley in a national battle over control of the lower chamber in 2026. The state currently has a six Republican, two Democrat House delegation. And while no map has been released, a redraw would likely target Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleavers Kansas City-based district. Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, said he was open to the idea in an interview with Fox 2 News that was published on Monday. "Is Missouri represented properly in Washington, D.C., and quite frankly, what can we do to support President Trumps agenda? he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kehoe "will always consider options" which "provide congressional districts that best represent Missourians," his spokesperson Gabby Picard wrote in a statement to POLITICO on Tuesday. Both parties are currently locked in a national fight to gerrymander state lines ahead of the midterms. Republicans in Texas have put forward a new map that could flip as many as five seats red sending Texas Democratic lawmakers scrambling out of the state to deny the legislature the quorum needed to pass the map. And in response, Democrats in other states particularly California are eyeing ways to do their own mid-decade redistricting. In an interview with CNBC Tuesday, President Donald Trump said Republicans were entitled to the seats in Texas. A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether Trump is pushing for Missouri to redistrict, but Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins told The Missouri Independent in July that he had received a call from a White House staffer encouraging it. Cindy OLaughlin, Missouri Senates president pro tem, said in a statement to POLITICO no decision has been made yet, but that if Kehoe calls a special session the Senate will be ready to engage in those discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleaver, the Missouri Democrat whose seat would likely be affected by the potential redistricting, said Democrats in states like California and New York are now required to respond in kind. I think this is absolutely awful what theyre doing, its not helpful or wholesome for our democracy, Cleaver said. But, I think Democrats are going to be required not only by their constituency, but by the demands of democracy, to fight back. Cleaver said he spoke to Kehoe on the phone about redistricting after learning about it on the news, but that neither man made requests or commitments to each other out of respect. However, the lawmaker, who has served in the House since 2005, noted that his team is already working on legal options in the case the plan moves forward. If we cant convince Republicans that this is damaging to their brand and to this country, then well have to convince a judge, Cleaver said. Republican leaders said they wanted to send their members home to sell constituents on their megabill and selling they are. Rep. Lisa McClain, who chairs the House Republican conference, is visiting manufacturers in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania swing districts of Reps. Tom Kean, Rob Bresnahan, and Ryan Mackenzie this week. Members with redder bases are organizing in-person town halls including Rep. Mike Flood of Nebraska, who held one Monday night. Im sure that will be very spirited, Flood joked to Semafor beforehand. Democrats, meanwhile, are going on the offensive: Rep. Mark Pocan held a town hall in a GOP-controlled Wisconsin district last week, while Rep. Yassamin Ansari wrapped a four-district tour of Arizona. Sen. Mark Kelly is participating in another Arizona event today, and Rep. Gabe Vasquez will hold a roundtable in New Mexico Wednesday. Rescue crews are searching for US climate journalist Alec Luhn, who vanished while hiking on a glacier in Folgefonna National Park in southwestern Norway. Luhn, who has worked for multiple news outlets including the BBC, departed for his hike from the town of Odda on 31 July, according to his wife Veronika Silchenko. He did not show up for his return flight to take him home on Monday, leading her to call authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rescue operations are continuing, although officials say they are being hampered by poor weather that is preventing helicopters from flying patrols. Rescue crews are using dogs and drones to conduct the search, the New York Times reported, citing Ingeborg Thorsland, a spokeswoman for the Norwegian Red Cross. His wife said that he is an experienced outdoorsman who has previously camped in poor weather conditions. "Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic," Ms Silchenko told CBS News, the BBC's US partner. "He loves glaciers and snow, and he loves explorers," she said, adding that as a climate journalist, he is attempting to visit glaciers that are rapidly shrinking due to climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's trying his best to go to the coldest countries," she said. Mr Luhn, 38, is currently based in London, but has recently lived in Moscow and Istanbul, according to CNN. He has previously reported for numerous outlets, including The Atlantic, National Geographic, The New York Times, Scientific American, Time magazine, and CBS. Last year, he wrote for the BBC about Canada's "zombie" fires, which burn year round and are believed to be growing more common. A research expedition in Chile's Patagonia recently captured footage of a small group of rare, endangered huemul deer also known as the South Andean deer in the southern region of the country. The conservation nonprofit Rewilding Chile shared this footage on Instagram, describing the sighting as "[confirmation] of the presence of a never-before-documented subpopulation of huemuls (Hippocamelus bisulcus) at Cabo Froward." The newly discovered little herd comprised one adult male deer and two younger male deer, in addition to one adult female deer and her young. According to an Outdoors.com report, fewer than 1500 huemul deer disperse in small, isolated populations across Chile and Argentina only around 1000 in Chile, in fact, per EcoCamp Patagonia. The researchers anticipate that, having stumbled upon one such unexpected group, there may be others like it, suggesting that the huemul species has a stronger chance for recovery than scientists once believed. Trail cameras may help them further push this theory and strengthen preservation efforts by ensuring experts can keep track of population numbers even without the need for direct intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protecting biodiversity both in Patagonia and elsewhere around the world is essential to maintaining a healthy, balanced planet. Whether through pollination, population control, or some other behavior, every species helps shape the dynamic of a particular ecosystem in its own way, and the loss or endangerment of any one can gradually spiral into the collapse of the ecosystem as a whole. Meanwhile, the success and diversity of a thriving ecosystem are sure to bolster local economies as tourists flock to marvel at the vibrant display of wildlife. In Chile, keeping Cape Froward a refuge for huemuls may be part of the solution. "The huemul discovery reinforces Cape Froward's potential as a stronghold for biodiversity facing climate stressors," reported the Rewilding Institute. "Its vast, intact ecosystems include carbon-storing peatlands, temperate forest, and a rich mosaic of marine and terrestrial habitats." 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. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) wants the government to scrap the Hustler Fund warning that the initiative is financially unsustainable and fundamentally flawed. In a report released on Monday titled Failing the Hustlers, KHRC argued that the fund, officially known as the Financial Inclusion Fund, has failed to uplift low-income Kenyans as promised. Instead, the rights group accuses the programme of lacking a well-defined framework to empower those at the economic bottom in a sustainable way. KHRC stated that simply redesigning or reforming the fund will not solve its deep-seated legal, political, and structural issues. The commission insists that abolishing the fund is the only viable option moving forward. Skyrocketing Default Rates and Budget Cuts The report notes a worrying pattern of budget cuts: the Treasury cut the Hustler Fund budget to Ksh.300 million in the 2025/26 budget, down from Ksh.5 billion last year, and Ksh.10 billion in 2023/24. KHRC also cited a 2023 Auditor Generals report showing a 32% default rate, with Ksh.10.9 billion in defaulted loans out of Ksh.32 billion that was disbursed. The rights body now estimates the default rate at a staggering 68%, meaning for every Ksh.500 disbursed, Ksh.340 is lost. This growing debt burden, KHRC warns, is forcing the government to borrow more, primarily through Treasury bills to keep the programme afloat. According to the commission, default rates began rising sharply in mid-December 2022, climbing from 40.7% on December 14 to a staggering 68.3% by December 20. The data also shows that elderly borrowers were the most affected. A staggering 78% of defaulters were aged over 90, while 12% were under 30. Borrowers aged between 30 and 90 years recorded the lowest default rate at just 5%. KHRC attributes the surge in defaults to the funds unrealistic 14-day loan repayment window, which it says sets up vulnerable Kenyans for failure rather than financial empowerment. If the government is truly genuine about empowering Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid, it must go beyond populist headline, the commission said in its report. Otherwise, the Hustler Fund is quickly proving to be another politically convenient but economically unsustainable initiative. Flawed Design and Lack of Recovery Mechanisms KHRC also criticized the operational framework of the Hustler Fund, calling it opaque, poorly designed, and financially unsustainable. In its latest report, the rights body points to weak loan application requirements, vague recovery procedures, and an overall lack of transparency in how the fund operates. The Commission highlighted that borrowers can easily access loans through mobile money platforms without any collateral or stringent eligibility checks. With no clear loan recovery regulations in place, the commission warns the Fund is losing money fast. The numbers dont add up, KHRC states. When combined with the cost of operations (estimated at three percent) and the governments borrowing costs to finance the Fund (8.2 percent). The report also criticizes the Fund for failing to cater to the diverse needs of borrowers. KHRC argues that the Hustler Fund doesnt offer tailored financial products or the necessary support services to promote long-term business success. The regulations do not provide a structured financial literacy framework beyond the digital disbursement of funds, the commission notes. Political Motives and Damaged Credit Culture KHRC concludes that without urgent reforms or a complete overhaul, the Hustler Fund risks becoming another wasteful, politically driven programme. The commission has warned that the Hustler Fund is being misused as a tool for political patronage rather than genuine economic empowerment. In its scathing report, KHRC argues that the fund was designed more to fulfill a campaign promise than to foster long-term self-reliance among low-income Kenyans. According to the report, the funds heavy politicization has damaged its legitimacy and shifted its purpose away from addressing real financial needs. Instead, it serves as a post-election reward mechanism and a tool for political messaging, KHRC states. The widespread perception that it is a handout, and therefore repayment is optional, has destroyed the credit discipline and financial education needed for sustainable lending. The commission also points out that this perception has crippled financial education efforts and made sustainable lending nearly impossible. Despite the funds flaws, the report shows that uptake remains highest in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nakuru counties, where borrowers continue to rely on the product even as its long-term sustainability remains in question. A vitiligo research group has "hit pause" on its forthcoming AI therapy bot after learning about negative mental health effects that other chatbots have been having on users. The Vitiligo Research Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and helping sufferers of the pigment-loss skin condition, cited recent news stories about so-called "AI psychosis" the unofficial group of symptoms, including paranoid delusions, that AI seems to induce in certain users as its rationale for pausing its own advice chatbot. "Take Geoff Lewis, a bigname [venture capitalist] who also happens to be an OpenAI investor," the foundation notes in a news release about its decision. "He went down a ChatGPT rabbit hole and started posting wild conspiracy theories it 'helped' him uncover. [Silicon] Valley took notice not because he'd cracked some hidden code, but because people were worried about his mental health." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis isn't the only headline-grabbing case of AI psychosis. As Futurism, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and other outlets have reported, the problem of seemingly AI-induced delusions has gotten so bad that people are being hospitalized, involuntarily committed, jailed, and even dying because of it. Seeking to circumvent such malign consequences, some folks have even started a support group for AI psychosis sufferers and their loved ones. With a recent study out of Stanford and Carnegie Mellon that found AI chatbots have a tendency to collude with delusions, give bad advice, and exhibit stigma against mental health disorders, the folks at the Foundation thought it might be time to put their own support bot on hold. As the release notes, the nonprofit had initially planned to add the therapy chatbot to Vitiligo.ai, its AI question-and-answer tool that provides, per the website, "deep insights into vitiligo research, treatments, nutrition, and mental health" resources. Putting the tool to the test, Futurism asked Vitiligo.ai if it was a therapist or could provide therapy. In both instances, it told us "no," but offered to assist in other ways and advised us to find a licensed therapist instead. An exchange with a chatbot overlayed on a colorful background. The first query asks The news release went on to reveal that the therapy bot provided some strange outputs when the Foundation beta-tested it behind the scenes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Weve seen enough weird behavior in test runs odd responses, unhelpful 'reassurance,' even accidental validation of misconceptions that we hit pause," the statement reads. "Until the underlying models are safer, vitiligo.ai wont cross that line into therapy." "Empathy without accountability isnt therapy," the release concludes, "and the last thing anyone with vitiligo needs is a chatbot that feels supportive while quietly making things worse." For all the harm we've seen come from chatbots in recent months, this nonprofit's choice to delay its therapy bot is refreshing although it'll be interesting to see whether it sticks to its guns, or ultimately ends up releasing the bot with additional safety controls. More on therapy bots: AI Therapist Goes Haywire, Urges User to Go on Killing Spree Canadian wildlife has found a home in the heart of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the province's biggest city, according to CKOM. What's happening? CKOM spoke with Dr. Ryan Brook, a professor of animal science, about the growing moose population. "They're not just passing through; we're seeing moose reproducing inside the boundary of the city of Saskatoon," he said. His team of researchers doesn't just operate on the city's fringes, either. They set up cameras throughout the city and found moose activity near train yards and highways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They've also picked up on frequent coyote activity and compiled years' worth of data on Saskatoon's coyotes, though Brook told CKOM that the local government hasn't done much with the info. Why do growing urban wildlife populations matter? This boom in moose and coyote populations could spell bad news for city residents and animals alike. While some species can adapt to urban environments, moose are unfortunately not one of them. They've been known to get trapped in yards, knocking down fences and walls. The problem with coyotes is a bit different. Their versatility has helped them thrive in urban environments across North America, according to Live Science. However, they can become accustomed to human interaction, which puts both humans and coyotes in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Animals that lose their fear of humans are more likely to get into altercations, often resulting in euthanasia, according to the BBC. This all stems from habitat fragmentation. As more land gets developed, more wildlife lose their homes and are forced to compete with humans for shrinking resources. Saskatoon isn't the first city this has happened to, and it won't be the last. What's being done about it? Unfortunately, not much. Brook told CKOM that Saskatoon's city government has expressed little interest in doing anything about the growing moose population. Since coyotes are more well-established in the city, there are more laws regarding them, such as a feeding ban. However, Brook said that there's more work to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of decisions are being made right now about coyotes without any data in hand, and I have a real problem with that," he told CKOM. "We're hoping someone wants to listen." He suggested more thorough garbage management as a way to limit human-animal interaction. If you'd like to help on an individual level, consider donating to climate causes that are dedicated to aiding wildlife. 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 a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately 828 million people across the world are suffering from hunger, making the need to address global food insecurity more urgent than ever. However, The Conversation reported that progress in this area may soon be attainable, as a research team from Simon Fraser University's School of Mechatronics Systems Engineering has created a prototype of a sensing robot powered by artificial intelligence that can monitor the water needs of tomato plants all on its own. As changing climates and hotter temperatures across the globe make traditional farming more challenging, autonomous indoor farming systems may be the future. These systems would be able to manage environmental conditions, water, nutrients, and more, with the help of AI, revolutionizing how people produce food and making it easier to farm in areas with limited arable land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This method of farming could also help reduce the global drought crisis. Current water management techniques in indoor farming include automated irrigation systems and soil moisture sensors, but these methods can be imprecise, leading to overwatering or under-watering. The robot created by the team from Simon Fraser utilizes plant electrophysiology responses, or the electric signals that plants emit, to determine the hydration needs and health of the plant. As the robot is more precise than current water management techniques, it promotes plant health and efficient water use while reducing waste. Advances in robotics and plant physiological signal monitoring have already shown that sensing a plant's electrical signals can offer specific and real-time data while allowing for precise and timely interventions. The Simon Fraser robot enhances these processes by continuously monitoring the state of a plant's health, thereby making the response more effective. Even better, recent research and innovations have improved researchers' ability to detect plant stress and disease, and these products could be integrated with robots, like Simon Fraser's, to create comprehensive plant health monitoring systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the help of multifunctional AI-powered robots like this, agriculture could see reduced waste, increased crop yields, optimized use of resources, and an increase in global food security, thus contributing to the overall sustainability goal of cleaning up the agriculture and food industries. The use of these robots could significantly curb pollution as well, making the air cleaner for farming communities and reducing respiratory diseases. However, the most significant goal of utilizing AI-powered water management while farming could be its help in easing the drought crisis. The Simon Fraser team's goal is to create easy-to-deploy and affordable sensor robots that can be used on smaller farms. While The Conversation didn't mention a timeline for when such sensor robots could hit the market, the development of the Simon Fraser robot is an excellent step toward progress in mitigating global food and water scarcity. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) A south Austin church experienced what its pastor described as an act of hate over the weekend. How they chose to respond, though, was the opposite. Life in the City United Methodist Church, located off South Congress Avenue on East Monroe Street, was vandalized with a message written in red spray paint, and its LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag that flies in the front of the church was torn down and shredded. Photo of the Life in the City United Methodist Churchs Progress Pride flag that was shredded in an act of vandalism over the weekend. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) The churchs Lead Pastor, Glenn Luhrs, who goes by Pastor Glenn, called it unnerving and said the church community feels as though theres been an assault. He said he wouldnt dignify the spray-painted message by repeating it, but the church posted photos on its website and social media, asking the community to respond in love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our community feels as if this has been an assault, Pastor Glenn said. We recognize this as being a hate crime, and it is our work to respond in love and in community, which is who we are as Christians. Pastor Glenn said church leadership immediately started communicating about how to respond as a group, and they landed on repainting the facade of the church using the Progress Pride flag colors and a new message that reads, love is the greatest commandment, referencing Matthew 22:36-40 in the Christian Bible. I mean, its already known and expressed, but now weve just put it on the walls, Pastor Glenn added. Life in the City United Methodist Church paints Pride mural, holds healing service in response to anti-LBGTQ+ vandalism. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Life in the City United Methodist Church paints Pride mural, holds healing service in response to anti-LBGTQ+ vandalism. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Life in the City United Methodist Church paints Pride mural, holds healing service in response to anti-LBGTQ+ vandalism. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Life in the City United Methodist Church paints Pride mural, holds healing service in response to anti-LBGTQ+ vandalism. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Life in the City United Methodist Church paints Pride mural, holds healing service in response to anti-LBGTQ+ vandalism. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Life in the City United Methodist Church paints Pride mural, holds healing service in response to anti-LBGTQ+ vandalism. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Life in the City United Methodist Church paints Pride mural, holds healing service in response to anti-LBGTQ+ vandalism. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Life in the City United Methodist Church paints Pride mural, holds healing service in response to anti-LBGTQ+ vandalism. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) He said the flag will likely be turned into art the same way the spray-painted message was both acts of hate becoming symbols of the churchs work to continually lean towards transformation, in the pastors words. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paint on the outside of the church is really, its really an outward sign, Pastor Glenn said. We can repaint walls. We can repair this flag. We can have it turned into art, and we probably will, but our work is continually leaning towards transformation, and not only for our own transformation, but for that of our community and for the betterment of all of humanity. Life City made a social media post about the act of vandalism on Friday, saying whoever did it clearly oppose our mission of radical inclusivity in Christ. The post went on, saying that Life in the City strive[s] to welcome those on the outside to the inside of the circle because Jesus greatest commandment was for us to love our neighbor as ourselves. And we will continue to do that, even to those who chose to deface our church buildingas we know, the church is not the walls, it is the people and the community. Another post on the churchs social media, authored by Pastor Glenn, pointed out a recent attack that happened at Barton Springs, in which a transgender woman and her friends, a man who attempted to intervene, were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses: Transgender woman, friends assaulted at Barton Springs; man hurt intervening These are not isolated events. They are part of a growing pattern of violence and dehumanization targeting LGBTQIA+ people and other marginalized communities, the post said. Pastor Glenn, who has only been at Life in the City for about six weeks, has been a pastor for nearly 10 years. Before following that calling, he served in the Air Force for 21 years, then worked in the nonprofit sector for a while. When asked why he thought someone would do something like vandalize a church, he said, Well, its too great to just simply write it off as a misunderstanding, or we interpret Scripture differently than other Christians do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Folks carry different ideologies about what Christianity looks like, and they feel a need to respond, he continued. In this case, the individual that vandalized our church responded with messages that were hateful, and in turn, we are seeking ways to be not just visible in the community, but integral in the community, a place of healing and a place of forgiveness in the community. The church is doing that not only through the visual aspect of the mural, but theyre also holding dedicated services and supporting LGBTQ+ organizations and community members. On Sunday morning, the church held a celebration service for the new mural, and there will be a Healing Prayer Service on Wednesday evening. Life in the City is also currently giving 10% of the donations and tithes it receives to OutYouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crystal Paul, the artistic director of Life in the City, said the church has a community partner every quarter of the year that they partner with to support. She said the timing of the current partnership with OutYouth is kind of ironic. Paul said that affirmation of the LGBTQ+ community is a core part of the churchs identity, but the church also works to support all marginalized communities. Another part of Life in the Citys identity has been resilience. Paul said the church has had a number of big events worldwide and locally that have impacted the church body, but they keep going. When this kind of thing happens anything in the world, anything in our area, that kind of punches us in the gut were going to still stand up, were going to shake off that dust, and were going to continue to march in love, Paul said. Were going to continue what Jesus told us to do, which is to love God and love our neighbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pride flag repeatedly stolen from outside Cedar Park church Were very blessed to have Pastor Glenn, who came to us just a few weeks ago, she said. You know, this has happened early in his tenure and our prior pastor to that had the COVID pandemic happen. So what that says to me is we are a resilient community. Pastor Glenn said several other churches throughout Texas have taken the message of what happened at Life in the City and turned it into a message about changing hearts and minds. Paul added that church leadership is hopeful that the mural helps amplify the message that Life in the City intends to be a safe third space for those who need it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul said the Austin Police Department has increased patrols in the area following the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A Florida restaurant is raising eyebrows and awareness by offering free pizza to anyone who brings in a Burmese python, according to a recent article. Wildman's Pizza, Pasta & Pythons, located in Everglades City, has cooked up this bold deal as part of a broader effort to combat an invasive species that's threatening Florida's fragile ecosystem. Owned by wildlife conservationist and TV personality Dusty "Wildman" Crum, the pizzeria blends comfort food with conservation. On the menu: calzones, meatball pasta, Detroit-style pies and a "Large House Specialty" that's not edible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers who show up with a captured Burmese python can claim a free $24 pizza, no questions asked. The restaurant doubles as a community space for snake hunters, especially those participating in the Florida Python Challenge, a 10-day annual competition that encourages the removal of these destructive invaders. The Burmese python, introduced to Florida after Hurricane Andrew destroyed a breeding facility in 1992, has wreaked havoc on local ecosystems. The species preys on native wildlife, and with few natural predators in the Everglades, it's spread rapidly. Removing them helps restore balance to the region's biodiversity. While not everyone's backyard includes 10-foot pythons, invasive species are a more common problem than you might think. Invasive plants like kudzu, English ivy, and even certain grasses can smother native ecosystems, consume water resources, and become a costly headache for homeowners. Swapping them out for native alternatives can save time and money on maintenance, reduce water bills, and support local wildlife. Landscaping with native plants can help build a healthier ecosystem, especially for pollinators, which are crucial to protecting our food supply. Even replacing just part of your lawn makes a difference. Think about rewilding your yard if you want to reap these benefits and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turns out, in the Everglades, pizza really can help save the planet. 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. BOSTON (SHNS) Residents from continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and elder advocates aired their frustrations through a string of letters embedded in a commissions newly filed report, after the panel was unable to unanimously agree on recommendations that could have installed greater financial protections for older adults and boosted their representation on governing bodies. The 29 CCRCs across Massachusetts which provide a mix of housing, social supports and medical care, including some with skilled nursing facility units charge significant entrance fees that can be equivalent to the price of buying a home. Two residents appointed by Gov. Maura Healey to the Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities submitted dissenting reports over unresolved policy issues, including establishing a clear timeframe for refunding entrance fees and mandating that each CCRC board include at least one resident member with voting rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delays in refunding these depositsoften high six figures in valuecan cause significant financial harm, especially when funds are needed to pay for care in another facility, settle estates, or support survivors, wrote Christine Griffin, a commission member and vice chair of the Linden Ponds Resident Advisory Council in Hingham. Griffin continued, The lack of a statutory deadline allows providers to delay refunds indefinitely. Other states have adopted reasonable time limits for such refunds. The Commissions failure to follow suit leaves Massachusetts residents unprotected and reinforces an unfair power imbalance between providers and residents. Still, the report noted that [m]any residents and families feel that there needs to be more transparency and a deadline to when entrance fees are refunded. Refunds are given once a living unit is reoccupied, which can take months or years, in rare cases, the report said. Wait times may be longer during crises, such as economic recessions or pandemics. David VanArsdale, a commission member and resident of Edgewood Retirement Community in North Andover, said in his dissent that CCRC boards should always include a resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The residents are paying the bills and committing much of their life savings to live in the CCRC, they have earned the right to have a voice on the Board. Why is this questioned? VanArsdale wrote. Is there a defensive fear that a resident may raise difficult questions for management or reveal actual events or issues effecting everyday living in a CCRC? Commission member Jessica Costantino, director of advocacy at AARP Massachusetts, on July 11 had voiced the organizations support for entrance fee refunds within 90 days, requiring CCRC licensure or certification, and resident representation on boards, among other policies, according to the report. By only recommending policy changes that all Commission members could agree upon, AARP believes we are missing an opportunity to truly strengthen the quality of CCRCs and consumer protections of current and potential CCRC residents, Costantino wrote in a follow-up letter July 30. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. The Bureau of Labor Statistics last week issued a steep downward revision to May and June's hiring numbers, prompting President Trump to call the edits "miscalculations" by the department's commissioner, whom he subsequently fired, in a social media post on Aug. 1. While the downward revision of May and June payroll growth by 258,000 marked the largest two-month downward revision to the jobs numbers since 1968, revisions themselves are not uncommon. Revisions are "a feature, not a bug" of the agency's reporting process, Erica Groshen, former BLS commissioner under the Obama administration told CBS MoneyWatch. Larger revisions have been recorded, but only when the economy has been in a recession, according to a Goldman Sachs analysis of BLS data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the BLS processes its reports The BLS surveys both households and businesses for its monthly jobs report. After releasing an initial report, it's common for the agency to issue revisions to the prior monthly figures, as more accurate data is collected over time. That's because while some survey recipients respond to the agency's surveys immediately, others report data late. In the interest of reporting employment information in a timely manner, though, the BLS initially issues its monthly jobs report based on an incomplete collection of responses. "The BLS wants to get the information as accurate as possible, but it doesn't want to wait too long to put out information that's useful," Groshen said. "So it puts out preliminary numbers, saying they are an estimate, then it gathers more information and improves that estimate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you send out a survey to a bunch of people, some will turn it back in on time and some of them won't," Michele Evermore, a former Department of Labor employee and senior fellow at The Century Foundation, a progressive, independent think tank told CBS MoneyWatch. "The faster you make a determination, the more you're going to have to fill in the blanks," she said. In the interim, the BLS relies on scientific modeling to paint a more complete picture of the state of the job market. "You have to fill in the gaps, and the more reports you get back, the more holes you can fill, and the more accurate a report you get." Eventually, the inclusion of late responses to surveys by both employers and workers enables the agency to provide a more accurate picture of the state of hiring and unemployment in the U.S., Evermore explained. The cuts to the number of jobs that were added in May and June were spread out across both public- and private-sector jobs. The downward revision to public-sector payroll growth "mostly reflected lower state and local government job gains," Goldman Sachs analysts wrote in a research note. Private-sector job gains were previously overstated because of incomplete response data, according to the analysts. Groshen acknowledged that the revisions were "definitely on the large side," but that "they happen, and are the product of the same monthly process." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuts pertaining to government jobs were driven primarily by reductions in hiring by state and local education establishments, according to the BLS. Groshen attributes the job cuts to the expiration of pandemic-era government subsidies that are leading to a pullback in hiring. "These subsidies were cut, so they are not hiring as many people as they had been in the past, and state and local governments often report late, so that information came in late," she said. Evermore, of The Century Foundation, noted that the BLS revisions only apply to jobs that were added in both May and June, and not to "the pool of all the jobs in the U.S." "While it seems like a big revision, percentage-wise, it's floating on top of the entire labor market. So while it's big, it's not as dramatic as some people are acting like it is," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dismissal of BLS commissioner In his Truth Social post on Friday, Mr. Trump accused BLS commissioner Erika McEntarfer of political bias before announcing her dismissal in response to the downward revision of jobs numbers. "I have directed my Team to fire this Biden Political Appointee, IMMEDIATELY. She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified. Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can't be manipulated for political purposes," the president wrote. Despite being probed for answers,, the White House has not provided any evidence that the numbers were manipulated for political purposes. According to Groshen, the drastic revise of the job numbers don't reflect a "failure" of the BLS to do its job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not a failure and it's not bias. It's not like the commissioner said, 'Oh, I think I'm going to change that numbers.' The commissioner has no power, no ability to do that." Evermore concurred. "Having worked with BLS for years, it's impossible to cook the books as things stand," she told CBS MoneyWatch. On Tuesday, California congressman Rep. George Whitesides, a Democrat, introduced a bill that his office said would prevent the president from "unjustly firing the head of a statistical agency for politically-motivated reasons." Called the Statistical Agency Integrity and Independence Act, it asserts that a President may only dismiss the head of a federal statistical agency for cause, including demonstrated inefficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now more than ever, as our economy reels from the impacts of haphazard tariffs and instability, we need data we can trust," Whitesides said in a statement Tuesday. He added that Mr. Trump's decision to fire McEntarfer "sets a dangerous precedent." Data collection For years, it's become increasingly difficult to collect complete data based on surveys fielded to hundreds of thousands of employers and individuals, according to Groshen. "There is a very long-term term trend of a declining response rate, which is bedeviling the system," she said. That's in part because some surveys are fielded over the phone, and American households are increasingly ditching landlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Strohl, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, a research policy institute, echoes others in noting that BLS releases monthly jobs numbers knowing that they'll be revised. But the agency prioritizes timeliness over 100% accuracy because "the currency of the data is still important," he said. Low response rates only about 70% of employers surveyed respond on time make revisions inevitable. according to Strohl. "A month later, the response rate goes up to 90%-95%, so you have 25%, or 150,000, more firms reporting their data," he said. Additionally, weekly shocks to the economy, such as created by tariffs, adds another layer to the challenge of releasing accurate jobs data each month. "The U.S. economy is going through a huge number of shocks on a weekly basis," Strohl told CBS MoneyWatch. "Tariffs are being threatened and applied, and there is a level of economic uncertainty affecting the job market." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, he said, some job seekers are having offers rescinded as major universities lose research grants. "That's stopping hires from working on projects the money was going to feed," he said. Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm DOGE savings are a fraction of what the department claims, CBS News analysis finds Trump says "we are entitled to 5 more seats" in Texas Bangladeshs interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has unveiled a roadmap of democratic reforms as the nation marks a year since a mass uprising toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Rallies, concerts and prayer sessions were held in the capital, Dhaka, on Tuesday as people in the South Asian nation celebrated what many called the countrys second liberation after its independence from Pakistan in 1971. The anniversary culminated with Yunus, the 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate presiding over Bangladeshs democratic overhaul, announcing that he would write to the chief election commissioner requesting that national elections be arranged before Ramadan in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will step into the final and most important phase after delivering this speech to you, and that is the transfer of power to an elected government, he said. Yunus had previously said elections would be held in April, but key political parties have been demanding he hold them earlier and before the Islamic holy month in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people. On behalf of the government, we will extend all necessary support to ensure that the election is free, peaceful and celebratory in spirit, the interim leader added. Hasinas rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protests against Hasinas rule began on July 1, 2024, with university students calling for changes to a quota system for public sector jobs. They culminated on August 5, 2024, when thousands of protesters stormed Hasinas palace as she escaped by helicopter. Hasina, 77, fled to India and remains there. She has defied court orders to attend her ongoing trial on charges amounting to crimes against humanity. On Tuesday, Yunus called for people to seize the opportunity for reform. He also warned about people whom he said sought to undermine the nations gains, saying, The fallen autocrats and their self-serving allies remain active, conspiring to derail our progress. Dialogue continues with political parties and stakeholders on necessary reforms, including the political and electoral systems, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those gathered in Dhaka included families of those killed in the crackdowns on last years protests. Police were on high alert throughout the city with armoured vehicles patrolling the streets to deter any attempt by Hasinas banned Awami League party to disrupt the days events. Protesters also welcomed Yunuss move to formally read out the July Declaration, a 28-point document that seeks to give constitutional recognition to the 2024 student-led uprising. He added that trials for those responsible for the July killings of 2024 were progressing swiftly. Fariha Tamanna, 25, said it was deeply satisfying to hear the government acknowledge the uprising. Theres still a long road ahead. So many wrongs continue, she told the AFP news agency at a rally. But I still hold on to hope. WASHINGTON (AP) The Department of Health and Human Services will cancel contracts and pull funding for some vaccines that are being developed to fight respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and the flu. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in a statement Tuesday that 22 projects, totaling $500 million, to develop vaccines using mRNA technology will be halted. Kennedy's decision to terminate the projects is the latest in a string of decisions that have put the longtime vaccine critic's doubts about shots into full effect at the nation's health department. Kennedy has pulled back recommendations around the COVID-19 shots, fired the panel that makes vaccine recommendations, and refused to offer a vigorous endorsement of vaccinations as a measles outbreak worsened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health secretary criticized mRNA vaccines in a video on his social media accounts, explaining the decision to cancel projects being led by the nation's leading pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, that offer protection against viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and H5N1. To replace the troubled mRNA programs, were prioritizing the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that dont collapse when viruses mutate," Kennedy said in the video. Infectious disease experts say the mRNA technology used in vaccines is safe, and they credit its development during the first Trump administration with slowing the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Future pandemics, they warned, will be harder to stop without the help of mRNA. I dont think Ive seen a more dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business, said Mike Osterholm, a University of Minnesota expert on infectious diseases and pandemic preparations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted mRNA technology offers potential advantages of rapid production, crucial in the event of a new pandemic that requires a new vaccine. The shelving of the mRNA projects is short-sighted as concerns about a bird flu pandemic continue to loom, said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. It's certainly saved millions of lives, Offit said of the existing mRNA vaccines. Scientists are using mRNA for more than infectious disease vaccines, with researchers around the world exploring its use for cancer immunotherapies. At the White House earlier this year, billionaire tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison praised mRNA for its potential to treat cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, vaccines have required growing pieces of viruses, often in chicken eggs or giant vats of cells, then purifying that material. The mRNA approach starts with a snippet of genetic code that carries instructions for making proteins. Scientists pick the protein to target, inject that blueprint and the body makes just enough to trigger immune protection producing its own vaccine dose. In a statement Tuesday, HHS said other uses of mRNA technology within the department are not impacted by this announcement." The mRNA technology is used in approved COVID-19 and RSV shots, but has not yet been approved for a flu shot. Moderna, which was studying a combination COVID-19 and flu mRNA shot, had said it believed mRNA could speed up production of flu shots compared with traditional vaccines. The abandoned mRNA projects signal a shift in vaccine development priorities, the health department said in its statement, adding that it will start investing in better solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let me be absolutely clear, HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them," Kennedy said in the statement. Speaking hours later Tuesday at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska, alongside the states two Republican U.S. senators, Kennedy said work is underway on an alternative. He said a universal vaccine that mimics natural immunity" is the administration's focus. It could be effective we believe its going to be effective -- against not only coronaviruses, but also flu, he said. Associated Press writers Lauran Neergaard in Washington, Mike Stobbe in New York and Becky Bohrer in Juneau contributed. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Monday he is reviewing whether to remove all members of an influential advisory committee that offers guidance about preventive health services. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is composed of medical experts who serve four-year terms on a volunteer basis. They are appointed by the HHS secretary and are supposed to be shielded from political influence. The task force reviews reams of scientific evidence to make recommendations on services such as cancer screenings, HIV prevention medications and more. It makes its recommendations using a grading scale, and ObamaCare requires insurers to cover services the task force recommends with a grade of A or B at no cost to patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal first reported late last month that Kennedy was considering firing the panelists because they were too woke. During a press conference about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Kennedy did not deny that removing the members of the task force was under consideration. The task force has done very little over the past five years, and we want to make sure it is performing, and it is approving interventions that are actually going to prevent the health decline of the American public. And it hasnt, he said. Were looking at the personnel and were making the decision now, but no decision has been made. Kennedys office abruptly postponed the July meeting of the task force, alarming some Democrats and public health leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discussion on removing the entire task force comes on the heels of a Supreme Court decision in June originally focused on a recommendation to cover certain HIV-prevention drugs. The ruling asserted Kennedy has the power to hire and dismiss panelists at will, as well as to potentially delay or veto the recommendations they issue something no prior administration has done. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President William Ruto insists he is the right man for the job, declaring that he possesses the right mix of experience, education, and resolve to usher Kenya into a new chapter of growth and transformation. During a meeting with leaders from Tharaka-Nithi County at State House, Nairobi, Ruto dismissed his critics and doubled down on his promise to deliver on the countrys top priorities. He highlighted his long track record in public service, academic background, and intimate grasp of Kenyas challenges as reasons hes best suited to lead. I have enough experience. I have been an MP for 15 years and I have been Deputy President for 10 years. Isnt that experience enough? Ruto asked. The President drew bold comparisons between his leadership qualities and those of Kenyas past presidents, saying, I have the courage of Jomo, the understanding of Moi, the education of Kibaki, and the plan we shared with Uhuru Kenyatta. He emphasized that his youth and humble upbringing offer him a rare perspective that keeps him grounded in the real struggles of everyday Kenyans. I am not very old. Dont you think I am youthful he asked. I was born in the village, so I know the problems Kenyans are going through. Ruto said he has no excuse to fall short, noting that his blend of experience, education, and the opportunity at hand puts him in a strong position to deliver. Why would I fail to deliver? I do not have an excuse, so I have to do the difficult job, he declared. President Ruto at the same time brushed off mounting criticism of his leadership style and policy choices, saying hes too focused on delivering results to be distracted by political noise. That is why some people are making noise, but I do not have time for that, he said. Kenya has never had the opportunity to be led by a person who has experience, education and knowledge about the country like me. He stressed that true transformation demands bold, timely decisions, arguing that Kenyas progress has long been hindered by leaders afraid to act decisively. Our country will only move forward if leaders make decisions that are not only necessary and bold, but also right, he asserted. Ruto highlighted key gains under his administration, including advancements in Universal Health Coverage, affordable housing, education access, and agricultural reforms. He noted that Kenyans are beginning to feel the tangible benefits of these flagship policies. I am pleased that our decisions in these areas are paying dividends to the citizens of our country, he added. (KRON) A man armed with a knife was shot to death by two Richmond Police Department officers near the intersection of First Street and Barrett Avenue in Richmond Monday night, the Richmond Police Department told KRON4 at the scene. Richmond Police Department officers responded to the 400 block of First Street around 5 p.m. for a 911 call about an armed man inside a home threatening to kill people, Richmond PD said. Officers approached the front door of the home and a confrontation ensued between the officers and the armed man, police said. During the confrontation, the officers shot and killed the man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were immediately confronted by a subject who was armed with at least one knife, directly outside the residence, RPD said in a statement Monday night. At that time, two officers discharged their firearms, and an officer-involved shooting occurred. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are actively investigating the shooting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. A road in Leicester is closed due to a burst water pipe which has caused "significant damage" to its surface. Police said St Peters Road in Highfields was closed between the junctions of St Stephens Road and East Park Road due to flooding. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from the Central Station were in attendance at the water leak and advised members of the public to avoid the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Severn Trent said teams were working to repair the burst water pipe and added it was confident the fix would be complete by 10:00 BST. A spokesperson for the water company added: "We'd like to apologise to those experiencing no supply, poor pressure or discoloured water in the LE2 and LE5 areas of Leicester this morning. This is due to a burst water pipe on St. Peters Road. "Our teams are on site working to repair this and restore your water supply as soon as possible." Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Related internet links Aug. 4Robert R. Meyer Robert R. Meyer "Bob" was called to eternal life on July 10, 2025. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in New York City, Bob began a life of service early on. He served in both the New York City Transit Police and the New York City Police Department. In 1968, he and his wife Carol, along with their daughter Theresa, moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Bob joined the Albuquerque Police Department. After retiring from APD, he continued serving others in a new capacity as a security officer with the Honeywell Corporation. Before marrying Carol, his devoted wife of 59 years, Bob served in the United States Air Force as a personnel specialist, completing four years of active duty and two years in the reserves. His commitment to public service continued with 24 years in the United States Coast Guard Reserves, where he served as a port security specialist and retired with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. Bob was a lifelong learner who deeply valued education. He earned a Bachelor and Master of Arts in History from St. John's University in Queens, New York; a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of Albuquerque; and a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. His love of learning enriched every chapter of his life and career. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Carol and their children: Theresa of Ruidoso, NM (granddaughter Meagan), Eric and his wife Brooke of Denver, CO (granddaughters Sydney and Lauryn), Claremarie of Rio Rancho, NM, Andrew of Albuquerque, NM and his lifelong partner Martha Hennings; grandson Michael and granddaughter Melissa Gerrard and her husband Luke), Carolyn Gallagher and her lifelong partner Sara Loewe of Castle Rock, CO. Bob and Carol made their home in Ruidoso for over 30 years, where Bob found peace and happiness among the mountains he loved, especially "his trees." Final arrangements were entrusted to New Dawn Cremations in Ruidoso, NM. A Funeral Mass will be held on August 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Eleanor's Roman Catholic Church, 140 Junction Road, Ruidoso, NM. Inurnment with full military honors will take place at Fort Stanton Veterans Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the Gulf Coast, "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts is returning to the region to document its recovery after the storm. In her new special, "Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm with Robin Roberts," Roberts, a Gulf Coast native, will look at how Katrina has shaped the region and how the local communities -- including her hometown of Pass Christian, Mississippi -- have come together to rebuild. The special will air Friday, Aug. 29, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu and Disney+ for bundle subscribers, Roberts announced Tuesday on "GMA." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'The Yellow House' author is rebuilding her childhood home that was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina through words "It is hard to believe it's been 20 years," Roberts said on "GMA" while reflecting on the "damage and heartache" the region suffered. It was on Aug. 29, 2005, that Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane, becoming one of the five deadliest hurricanes in United States history and causing over $100 billion in damage, according to the National Weather Service. Morry Gash/ABC News - PHOTO: Robin Roberts joins a small army of volunteers who are helping to cleanup and rebuild Robin's hometown of Pass Christian, MS, which was 80% destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, Sept. 27, 2005. Roberts' on-the-ground reporting at the time of Katrina showed the devastation the storm brought to Mississippi and Louisiana, and the early efforts to rebuild. ABC News - PHOTO: ABC's Robin Roberts reporters on Hurricane Katrina, Aug. 30, 2005. In "Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm," Roberts returns to New Orleans to speak with musicians, including Grammy-award winner Harry Connick Jr., about the return of the city's music and culture scenes, including its beloved Jazz Fest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filmmaker explores years of trauma experienced by New Orleans kids following Hurricane Katrina Traveling to her hometown of Pass Christian, Roberts spoke with the town's former mayor and visited her former high school and beloved local spots. Tune into "Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm with Robin Roberts" on Friday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC. Stream the next day on Hulu and Disney+ for bundle subscribers. The Walt. Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, Hulu and Disney+. Rwanda is home to one of Africa's most remarkable species: the endangered mountain gorilla. With only about 1,000 left in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, about a third of them reside in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, where conservation efforts have successfully increased their population from just 250 a few decades ago. ABC News - PHOTO: "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts and her guide spot mountain gorillas in the wild at Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Robin Roberts talks visit to Rwanda Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts ventured into this lush rainforest for a once-in-a-lifetime trek, hiking steep ravines and battling dense brush to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures, climbing to an altitude of 8,000 feet. "Never thought I'd say that," she said in a "GMA" segment that aired on Tuesday. During her trek, Roberts encountered gorillas up close, witnessing their family dynamics. ABC News - PHOTO: "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts and her guide spot mountain gorillas in the wild at Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. At one point, she saw a silverback named Marambo towering above, munching the leaves from a twig like corn on the cob. "He's so human-like," Roberts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts' journey was not just about adventure, but also about supporting conservation and Rwanda's economic development. ABC News - PHOTO: "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts and her guide spot mountain gorillas in the wild at Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. ABC News - PHOTO: "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts and her guide spot mountain gorillas in the wild at Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. As a developing country, Rwanda has long struggled with basic services like running water. Yet, thanks to the growing popularity of gorilla tourism, the country is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The influx of tourism revenue is not only supporting the conservation of these endangered animals but also bringing vital improvements to local communities. Irene Murerwa, Rwanda's Chief Tourism Officer, shared with "GMA" that a portion of tourism revenue is reinvested into the community to fund schools, health centers, and critical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will be allocating 10% of the total tourism revenue back into the communities," she said. Local artisans at Handspun Hope -- a nonprofit supporting women through craftwork -- are thriving thanks to the growing demand for their handcrafted goods. ABC News - PHOTO: "GMA" co-anchor Robin Roberts travels to Rwanda to see how gorilla tourism is supporting conservation efforts and transforming local communities. Many of these women, who have overcome significant hardships, now earn a steady income from their beautiful creations sold in hotels, souvenir shops, and online. One touching story highlights the positive impact tourism is having. A tourist, who was impressed by the artisans' work and the challenges they faced, offered to pay the full salary for a medical team to care for them for an entire year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The communities near Volcanoes National Park also benefit from tourism. For example,10-year-old Sedrick shares that the money generated from the park helps pay for his schooling and also brings business to his mother, who works at a nearby market. With improved infrastructure, schools, and healthcare, Rwanda is steadily working toward its goal of becoming a middle-income nation. The ultimate bucket list adventure: Trekking to see the mountain gorillas of Rwanda It's a remarkable transformation for a country that, not long ago, was marked by the scars of genocide and poverty. The positive cycle created by gorilla tourism is not just saving these majestic creatures, but also helping Rwanda reshape its future, providing opportunities and a brighter outlook for generations to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Roberts, the experience left her with a profound connection to the endangered creatures, she said. "I'm going to take away that we have more in common than not," she said. "Looking into their faces, watching their personality blossom in the hour we spent with them it's humanity in a way that I'd never experienced before." Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall fired the new Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System for the first time. GMARS can launch a number of long-range precision fires, like ATACMS, PrSM, and GMLRS. It carries twice as many of these munitions as the now-celebrated HIMARS launchers. A new rocket system designed by the US and its allies and boasting a ton of firepower was just test-fired for the first time. The Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) can launch twice as many munitions as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Lockheed Martin announced the successful first live fire of the GMARS at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The system fired Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, which are precision-guided munitions used by the US Army, as well as allies and partners. GMARS is designed to be a versatile long-range precision fire launcher that can work with existing US and allied platforms, including HIMARS, Lockheed Martin said in a statement. It can carry two Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), four Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs), and 12 regular GMLRS or the extended range versions, all developed by Lockheed Martin. That loadout gives the GMARS a range of potential firing options and doubles what the celebrated HIMARS can carry. ATACMS boast a maximum range of 190 miles, while PrSM, the weapon's planned replacement, can strike targets out to 310 miles. GMLRS, as a kind of rocket artillery rather than a tactical missile, has a more limited range at 43 miles. The extended range variant goes out to 93 miles. These precision-guided munitions operate with guidance systems like GPS, sensors, and laser guidance, which allow them to zero in on specific targets. Long-range precision fires like these are a top priority for the Army amid its sweeping transformation initiative announced earlier this year, in which US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Army needed to field long-range missiles that can strike land and maritime targets by 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PrSM plays an important role in these initiatives. In June, for instance, the Army tested the new missile, which can be used flexibly against land and sea targets, against a moving maritime target. A HIMARS launcher in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, in 2023. Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images The Army has also explored flexible HIMARS employment for fast strikes at greater ranges. Other critical long-range fires efforts center on the new Mid-Range Capability, or Typhon. Ongoing conflicts, like Russia's war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, have demonstrated to the Army a need for these systems. In its statement on the recent test-firing, Lockheed Martin said the GMARS is based on German defense company Rheinmetall's HX series of tactical military trucks and supports improved interoperability the ability to work together between US and allied launchers and munitions, particularly in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Better interoperability between systems has become a forefront want from the Army and its international allies and partners. Last month, Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of US Army Europe and Africa, said the Army wanted more commonality between its systems and those of its allies, particularly for long-range fires and air defenses. "Right now, there are many nations that if they buy a platform and another nation buys that platform, they're not interoperable because of that lack of common operating system," Donahue said at the LANDEURO Conference in Germany. "We want it to be one system optionally manned," he added, "and we want to be able to take munitions from any country and shoot through that." Similarly, modularity, meaning they can be reconfigured with different hardware and software depending on mission objectives, combat environments, enemy countermeasures, and individual soldier or personnel demands, is a top priority. Read the original article on Business Insider LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo. A man is in custody after southwest Missouri authorities say he attempted to use a stolen credit card to purchase tens of thousands of dollars worth of tires. Aurora-Marionville police arrested Trancito Merida Gutierrez, who is now facing stealing and fraud charges for crimes that allegedly took place in Aurora, Missouri back in July. Authorities said Gutierrez, who owns a roofing company, stole credit card information from a victim and used the card to buy 24 Goodyear tires from Jimmy Michel Motors on July 28, 2025 a purchase totaling over $10,000. Gutierrez reportedly had an employee of his pick up the tires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Michel Motors contacted police afterwards, which launched an investigation. According to investigators, Gutierrez had already bought eight tires from the same location via similar means. Later on August 1, Gutierrez placed another order for 32 tires, totalling more than $13,000. Despite trouble processing the transaction across multiple credit card numbers, he was eventually successful by splitting the cost between cards, investigators said in their probable cause. This time, when an employee was sent to pick up the batch of tires, they were arrested by AMPD officers. The employee told investigators he was instructed by Gutierrez to deliver them to a property in Pierce City. A search warrant for the Pierce City location uncovered the 32 tires, which were recovered by Jimmy Michel Motors. A recently arrived Gutierrez at the property was also arrested. His identity was corroborated by a Jimmy Michel Motors employee who spoke to Gutierrez over the phone prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gutierrez maintained he bought the tires legally via cash from Facebook Marketplace before changing his story multiple times in police interviews. The investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. "Oh, Stanley!" Groups of people in short curly red wigs, brightly colored caftans and bulky jewelry are coming through towns all over Michigan. Here is what it means and how to get involved. (L to R) Anna Matty, 47, of Lapeer, Michelle Foster, 54, of Shelby Township, Sally Wilsher, 52, of Troy and her sister Sarah Wilsher walk to Jimmy Johns Field in Utica for a double header baseball game on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. The four woman participated in the Mrs. Roper Romp dressed with a red wig and a romper that the character was known for wearing in the 1970s TV sitcom. What's a Roper Romp? A Roper Romp is a group of people decked out in costumes mimicking Mrs. Helen Roper from the 1970s television show "Three's Company." 'Roper Romp' craze grows in Michigan with 'Three's Company' flair: How it started Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roper Romps can take many forms, but usually involve going out on the town as a large group of Helens. Romps are best planned in walkable cities and by giving bars and restaurants a heads up, said Denise Downie Ramirez, 59, of Commerce Township, who planned romps in Wixom and Milford last year. Sometimes, bars even create special drinks or rename existing ones to fit the "Threes Company" theme. She said shes seen Helen Hurricane and Regal Beagle, the name of the bar Jack, Chrissy and Janet hang out at in the show. Adults have a lot of pressure (on them), whether its jobs, financial, relationship, health, Ramirez said. This gives you permission to let go and go have fun for a night and be silly. You find a bunch of like-minded people to have fun. What to wear Facebook is the Roper Romp hub. According to a post in the Mrs. Roper Romp group, with more than 80,000 participants, Darla Pollock-Ward from Cassopolis who organized a Roper Romp there in June, the dress code is simple: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Red curly wig or headscarf. Beads or big, gaudy necklace. Caftan or mumu, the brighter the better! Sandals with painted toenails. Most romps also feature Mrs. Roper's in sunglasses, too. Where to buy the look Metro Detroit rompers said they got their outfits from thrift stores, Amazon and everywhere in between. (L to R) Sarah Wilsher, 54, of Sterling Heights and her sister Sally Wilsher, 52, of Troy look as on as Anna Matty, 47, of Lapeer takes a selfie before they walked over to Jimmy Johns Field in Utica for a double header baseball game on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Thrift : You never know what you'll find at a thrift store, which can make it the perfect place to find unique jewelry and dresses that Mrs. Roper would have loved. Etsy: Sellers on Etsy handcraft caftans, wigs, jewelry and more. Walmart and other stores : Many stores sell caftans and other colorful dress options, jewelry and sunglasses. Amazon: Kits with sunglasses, wigs, caftans and jewelry are sold together on Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While most rompers go as Helen, some people join the fun as Stanley Roper, Helen's husband, and Crissy Snow, a main character in "Three's Company." Upcoming Michigan romps The Facebook Mrs. Roper Romp group also includes information about romps happening all over the U.S. and the world. Some Michigan places have their own groups, for example, Mid-Michigan Roper Rompers and The Mrs. Roper Romp (Ypsilanti, MI). Aug. 9 in Royal Oak : Edo in Royal Oak is hosting a romp and luau on its patio from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. The event is free to attend. A portion of the restaurant's profits that night will go to Peter Maxwell's Nice Matters Foundation. There will be music by Olivia Dear and art by Slaw. Sept. 6 in Jackson: The Greenwood Acres Family Campground is hosting a romp starting at 5:30 p.m. Participants will parade around the campground. Sept. 21 in Sterling Heights: Mrs. Rompers are headed to Firekeepers Casino via bus, leaving from 14 Mile and Schoenherr. The group will leave at 9 a.m. and return around 6 p.m. The cost is $60 and includes the bus fare, $20 casino play and $5 food credit. The event is a fundraiser for the Sterling Heights Lions Club and will celebrate what would have been the 107th birthday of Audra Lindley, who plays Helen Roper on the show. Amy Huschka: also contributed to this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), Twitter/X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). Stay connected and stay informed. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Roper Romps are coming to Michigan: How to create an outfit Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a Rosen visit to Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, and Iraq in May, 2025. (Photo posted by Rosen's U.S. Senate account on X). Nevada Democratic U.S. Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto were among a minority of Senate Democrats voting against efforts to block some additional weapons sales to Israel last week. A majority of Senate Democrats supported resolutions sponsored by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, to halt a $675 million bomb sale to Israel and shipments of 20,000 assault rifles. The U.S. has provided nearly $20 billion in military aid to Israel since the 2023 Hamas attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosen and Cortez Masto, along with several other Democrats and every Republican, voted against the efforts, which ultimately failed. In an email to Nevada Current Monday, a spokesperson for Rosen said the senator believes the U.S. must continue supporting our ally Israel and its security and, at the same time, continue working to make sure that significantly more humanitarian aid especially food reaches Palestinian civilians. Rosen also believes the U.S. should continue pushing for actions that stop civilian suffering, bring the hostages home, and bring an end to this war, the statement said. Cortez Mastos office didnt respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last weeks effort to prevent authorizing additional U.S. weapons deliveries to Israel came as Israel has repeatedly inhibited the delivery of food and aid relief to Gaza, which has led to mass starvation among Palestinians and added to the death toll. Growing support to prevent arms from being sold to Israel 27 Democrats voted to stop the sale of assault rifles while 24 voted for the resolution to prevent the sale of bombs reflects a more noticeable shift in congressional perspectives on Israels military actions. Even Nevadas Senate Democrats, among the bodys most moderate, have indicated increasing apprehension over Israels Gaza policies. The day before their votes to provide more weapons to Israel, Rosen and Cortez Masto were two of 44 Democrats who signed a July 29 letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff calling for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza is also unsustainable and worsens by the day, the senators wrote. Hunger and malnutrition are widespread, and, alarmingly, deaths due to starvation, especially among children, are increasing. The letter also noted the failure of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is funded by the U.S. and administered by Israel, and has been charged with providing aid in Gaza. The foundation has failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis and contributed to an unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll around the organizations sites. To prevent the situation from getting even worse, we urge you to advocate for a large-scale expansion of humanitarian assistance and services throughout the Gaza Strip, including through the use of experienced multilateral bodies and NGOs that can get life-saving aid directly to those in need and prevent diversion, the senators wrote. The letter also called for support of diplomatic efforts to return all hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosen also recently cited the need to ensure humanitarian aid directly reaches the Palestinians who need it the most. Since the Hamas attacks, Rosen, long a staunch supporter of Israel, has strongly backed Israel and defended the actions of the Israeli government. Rosen joined six other senators in May 2024 to condemn the International Criminal Court, which sought arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza. In a letter signed by Republican and Democratic senators including Rubio, still a senator at the time, Rosen and her colleagues called the courts action judicial overreach and urged then-President Joe Biden to protect our ally and American interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has exercised its right under international law to self-defense in response to an armed attack. Israel has taken significant actions to protect Palestinian lives as Hamas uses civilians as human shields, the senators wrote. Rosen again blasted the ICCs outrageous actions in November when it issued the arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Hamas militants attacked southern Israel Oct. 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people in the attack. Since then, an estimated 60,000 Gazans, including 18,500 children, have been killed. The United Nations has reported 90% of 2.1 million residents in Gaza have been displaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week was not the first time multiple Senate Democrats have attempted, and failed, to block weapons sales to Israel. Humanitarian aid and international groups, such as Human Rights Watch, have long warned Israel was mass starving Gaza as a weapon of war. As the crisis in Gaza has intensified in recent weeks, there have been more images and reports of mass famine caused by Israel. Several international groups, including two prominent Israeli human rights groups, have called Israels actions genocide. Meanwhile public support for increased military action for Israel has also faded. Only an estimated 32% of adults in the U.S. back Israels military actions in Gaza, according to a poll released by Gallup in July. Disapproval of Israels action has reached its highest point since the Hamas attacks, at 60%. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Ruby Louise Davis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was 92 years old. Ruby was born on September 30, 1932, in Youngstown, Ohio, the third of eight children born to Joseph Brown, Sr. and Estella Evans Brown. Find obituaries from your high school She was educated in the Youngstown Public Schools and graduated from North High School in 1952. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A woman of deep faith, Ruby accepted Christ at a young age and became a member of Alpha and Omega First Baptist Church, where she began a lifelong journey of service, fellowship and compassion. A spirited and ambitious young woman, Ruby worked as a nanny and as a locker room attendant at the Tippecanoe Country Club to fund her admission to Youngstown University. Though financial hardship prevented her from completing her degree, she remained determined and resourceful, taking a job in the cafeteria at Strouss Department Store. It was there that a chance pairing in a co-workers wedding brought her together with the love of her life, David Davis. Ruby and David married, settled on Youngstowns East Side, and built a beautiful life together with their two daughters, Gloria and Kim. Ruby made history in her own quiet, determined way. She became one of the first African American employees at Packard Electric, a division of General Motors. Starting on the assembly line, her intelligence, precision and work ethic earned her a promotion to quality control inspector, making her only the second African American to hold that role in the company. Ruby retired in 1988 after a 30-year career with General Motors. After retirement, Ruby and David moved to Atlanta to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Rubys passion for service flourished after joining Providence Baptist Church in 1994. She served as President of the Nurses Guild, organized American Red Cross blood drives and a comprehensive Health Fair and was a cherished member of the Mothers Board and Missions Ministry. Her calming presence, loving nature, and gift for encouragement brought comfort to many. Ruby also had an entrepreneurial spirit. In Ohio, she was a top direct sales producer for Faye Swofford handbags and luggage. In Atlanta, she partnered with her daughter Gloria to co-found Atlanta Cards, the first African American manufacturers rep company contracted to sell Hallmarks Mahogany Cards to retail stores. From 1988 1998, Atlanta Cards became a standout exhibitor at the National Stationery Show in New York and the Atlanta Gift and Merchandise Marts. She was also a Tour Guide at WSB Television Station in Atlanta for several years. A social light and elegant presence, Ruby and David were known for their vibrant social life, attending parties, balls and celebratory events with friends across the country. Yet Rubys heart always remained rooted in her faith, her family and her mission to uplift others. To know Ruby was to love her. Her beauty, grace, warmth and wisdom made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, her precious brothers, Clarence, Brown, Hubert Brown, Orrin Brown and Joseph Brown, Jr. and her beloved sister, Juanita Trimble. She is survived by her devoted husband of over 65 years, David Davis; daughters, Gloria Williams (Bobby) and Kim Mailey (Charles); grandsons, Alexander Padgett (Seychelle) and Justin Mailey; sisters, Henrietta Jeter and Jeannie Coleman (Simmie) and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends. Ruby Louise Davis lived a full and meaningful life, grounded in love, guided by faith and marked by kindness. Her legacy will continue to shine in the lives of all she touched. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., (Viewing at 10:00 a.m.) at Providence Baptist Church, 1777 Hawthorne Avenue, College Park, GA 30344. A Final Farewell Celebration will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., (Viewing at 9:00 a.m.) at Alpha and Omega Baptist Church, 3120 Winton Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44505. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burial will follow at Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44505. Local arrangements entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruby Louise Davis, please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Wednesday, August 6 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. PLP leader Martha Karua has sharply condemned President William Ruto for trying to blur the lines between his administration and that of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.. During an interview with Kameme TV on Monday, August 4, 2025, Karua accused Ruto of using Uhurus recent State House visit deliberately in order to create a false impression of togetherness. She called out leaders who manipulate the image of retired presidents for personal or political mileage, insisting that Uhuru deserves dignity and respect as a former Head of State. Uhuru should be given his respect like the former Head of State, she said firmly. Karua emphasized that using former President Uhuru Kenyatta as a pawn in political battles is both wrong and disrespectful. We in the opposition would not like to attach him like a shield in a war, she said. Karua noted that after years of public service, Uhuru deserves peace, privacy, and the dignity that comes with retirement. We havent lacked ways to talk to him, she explained. Because when a person grows old, there is a respect he is given under his position as a retired President. She warned that dragging Uhuru back into the political arena sends the wrong message to the country. Uhuru shouldnt be dragged into the day-to-day politics of this country. He should be left to rest, she added. Her remarks follow Uhurus brief appearance at State House during a virtual international meeting, a moment Rutos camp quickly used to suggest a 2027 re-election deal was already in motion. Like now I saw Ruto attaching himself to Uhuru so that Kenyans can view that he and Uhuru are together, Karua said. She accused the President of attempting to manipulate public opinion. Because he has seen his government is falling like a pack of cards, she said, suggesting the move stems from desperation. Karua urged leaders to uphold integrity when engaging with retired Heads of State, saying the office of the former President should be treated with dignity, not used for political theatrics. SHEBOYCAN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) Dog owners in Sheboygan now have more places to walk and play with their pets, thanks to a recent decision by the citys Common Council. In an effort to make the city more pet-friendly, several local parks have been officially designated as dog-friendly, with clear rules about on- and off-leash areas. DNR: Bear with head stuck in a jar successfully rescued in Northern Wisconsin Dogs are allowed ON-LEASH at the following parks: Evergreen Park Jaycee Park to Mill Road along the Pigeon River corridor South Beach (from Indiana Ave to Clara Ave) Lakeview Park North Point Park and North Point Overlook Greenwing Drive retention ponds Camelot Blvd greenspace (12001400 block) Kiwanis Park Area 8 Biergarten (except during festivals) Dogs are allowed OFF-LEASH at: Lakeview Park Beach Sheboygan and Town of Wilson Dog Park Pigeon River Park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheboygan Police Department reminds pet owners to be responsible and always clean up after their dogs. For full park details or further updates, residents are encouraged to follow the Sheboygan Police Department on Facebook or visit the citys official website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. A new telehealth program is now live in Paradise, Texas, marking a significant milestone in the effort to expand access to medical care in rural areas of the state. The service, Tap Telehealth, is offered by MD Health Pathways as part of the companys broader initiative to bring virtual healthcare to communities where seeing a doctor can mean long waits, long drives, or both. With just an internet connection, residents can now connect with licensed medical providers for routine consultations and care. Were proud to bring Tap Telehealth to Paradise, said Dr. Dirk Perritt, CEO of MD Health Pathways, in a release. This launch represents a significant step toward making healthcare more accessible and convenient for families, while also strengthening the communitys overall health infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local officials say the program could reduce the burden on emergency services by offering an alternative for non-urgent issues that might otherwise end up in the ER. The innovative services provided by MD Health Pathways make a very interesting addition to the open market, said Paradise City Administrator Chance Willeford in a release. The City of Paradise is pleased to play a part in making it possible for our residents to shop for medical care that suits their personal needs at the lowest prices available. Residents will receive informational materials as part of a community outreach effort. Use of the program is voluntary and designed to be easy for families to adopt. MD Health Pathways positions Tap Telehealth as a key tool in reshaping healthcare, offering fast, accessible care that aims to meet the needs of communities like Paradise conveniently and affordably. Russia has accused the United States of putting trade pressure on India after US President Donald Trump voiced his intention to raise tariffs with India. Source: European Pravda; Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian leader, quoted by Reuters Quote from Peskov: "We hear many statements that are in fact threats, attempts to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements to be legal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Peskov said that Russia believes "sovereign countries should have and do have the right to choose their own trading partners, partners for trade and economic cooperation, and to choose for themselves the forms of trade and economic cooperation that are in the interests of a particular country". India has become the world's largest purchaser of Russian oil exported by sea, buying oil at a discount and increasing its purchases from almost zero to about a third of its imports. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces have attacked Ukraine with Iskander-M ballistic missile and 46 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones of various types since the evening of 4 August. Ukrainian air defence has managed to down 29 of these drones, but hits have also been recorded. Source: Ukraine's Air Force Quote: "As of 08:00, air defence has downed/jammed 29 enemy Shahed UAVs and decoy drones of various types in the country's north and east. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seventeen UAV strikes were recorded in the east, there was one ballistic missile hit and debris from downed drones fell in three locations in the south and north-east." Details: The drones were launched from the Russian cities of Kursk, Bryansk, Oryol and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, while the missile was fired from Russia's Bryansk Oblast. Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups from Ukraine's defence forces were involved in repelling the attack. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Kremlin is weighing a proposal to pause its long-range strike campaign in Ukraine as a potential concession to U.S. President Donald Trump, even as it remains committed to continuing the war, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 5, citing undisclosed sources familiar with the matter. Russia has now three days left until the deadline set by Trump on July 29 to end its war in Ukraine. According to Bloomberg, Russian officials are exploring options ahead of a visit by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow this week. One possible offer under consideration is a limited "air truce" involving a pause in drone and missile strikes, but only if Ukraine agrees to participate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the importance of the meetings with Witkoff, but declined to comment on any specific proposals. Trump confirmed on Aug. 3 that Witkoff, may travel to Russia on Aug. 6 or 7. "I think next week, Wednesday or Thursday, (he) may be going to Russia," Trump told reporters. "They would like to see him. They've asked that he meet, so we'll see what happens." Witkoff have already met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in April. His interactions with Putin, including the use of Kremlin-provided translators and repetition of Russian narratives about the war, have been criticized from officials in Washington and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russian President Vladimir Putin is not expected to agree to a full ceasefire, Moscow is seeking ways to ease mounting pressure from Trump, Bloomberg writes. "Trump needs some kind of a 'gift,' a concession from Russia," Sergei Markov, a Kremlin-aligned political analyst, told Bloomberg. "An air truce could be such a gift." The idea of an "air truce" was also raised last week by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during talks with Putin on Aug. 1, though the Russian president did not comment publicly. Lukashenko previously discussed the concept with Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg during a rare U.S. visit to Belarus in June. Kellogg is expected in Kyiv later this week for meetings with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said he held "productive" phone talks with Trump on Aug. 5, including discussions on sanctions and recent Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities. Read also: Witkoffs Russia visit is one last chance for Putin before Trump takes action, analysts say Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia is able to send an additional 9,000 soldiers per month to fight in Ukraine despite incurring heavy losses, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Tuesday. The Russian military aims to form another 10 divisions by the end of the year, Syrskyi wrote on Facebook. "We therefore have no choice but to continue mobilization measures, improve combat training and strengthen the drone component of our armed forces," the army chief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syrskyi put the number of Russian casualties in the war at more than 33,000 soldiers in July. Syrskyi said the situation was particularly critical in the frontline sections near Pokrovsk, Dobropillia and Novopavlivka in eastern Ukraine. In recent days, military observers from both sides have reported Russian territorial gains particularly near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in the Donetsk region. Remaining Ukrainian forces are increasingly threatened to be cut off, with the remaining corridor to Ukrainian controlled areas only measuring some 15 kilometres, according to the reports. The situation for Ukrainian forces is reportedly also deteriorating in Kostiantynivka, a former industrial hub in the area. Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022. Russia has formerly pulled out of a treaty prohibiting the deployment of short and medium-range nuclear missiles, warning the West to expect further steps. As missiles continued to rain down on Ukraine, Dmitry Medvedev, Russias former president, blamed Nato countries for their withdrawal from the Cold War-era agreement. Medvedev, who has been exchanging barbs on social media with Donald Trump, made his comments after Russias foreign ministry said Moscow no longer considered itself bound by the moratorium on the deployment of short and medium-range nuclear missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian foreign ministrys statement on the withdrawal of the moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range missiles is the result of Nato countries anti-Russian policy, Medvedev posted in English on X. This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with. Expect further steps. Medvedev, who now serves as deputy head of Russias powerful Security Council, did not elaborate. The US withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty in 2019, citing Russian non-compliance. Russia later said it would not deploy such weapons provided that Washington did not do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister, signalled last December that Moscow would respond to what he called destabilising actions by the US and Nato. Since the situation is developing towards the actual deployment of US-made land-based medium and short-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian foreign ministry notes that the conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar weapons have disappeared, the ministry said in a statement. The INF treaty, signed in 1987 by Mikhail Gorbachev, the then Soviet leader and Ronald Reagan, the US president, eliminated an entire class of weapons ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (311 to 3,418 miles). Medvedev, seen initially in the West as a potential moderate and reformer, has become one of the most hawkish senior officials on foreign policy in Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump last Friday said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved to the appropriate regions in response to remarks from Medvedev about the risk of war between the nuclear-armed adversaries. Overnight, Russian strikes hit a railway station in eastern Ukraine, killing a mechanic and wounding four workers, the national rail company said. Russian terrorists inflicted a massive strike on the railway infrastructure of Lozova, Ukrainian Railways said in a Telegram post. A duty mechanic of one of the units was killed, four more railway workers were wounded. All the wounded are receiving necessary medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several trains have been rerouted, it added. Lozovas mayor said two children were among the wounded and residential quarters had been damaged. The aftermath of the attack on Lozova railway station - Instagram Lozova has survived the most massive attack since the beginning of the war, Sergiy Zelensky said in a Facebook post. Two people were also wounded in a separate Russian drone attack on Zaporizhzhia, the regions military administration said. Ukraines air force meanwhile said air defence units had downed 29 Iranian-made Shahed drones overnight in the north and east of the country. It comes as a deadline set by Mr Trump for Russia to take steps to ending the war in Ukraine or face unspecified new sanctions looms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three rounds of peace talks in Istanbul have failed to make headway on a possible ceasefire, with the two sides appearing as far apart as ever. Mr Trump confirmed that his envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Russia this week, where he is expected to meet Vladimir Putin. 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. Russia announced Monday it will no longer be bound by a self-imposed restriction on the deployment of short- and medium-range nuclear missiles, pointing to efforts by the U.S. and its allies to develop and deploy similar weapons systems in Europe and Asia. Since our repeated warnings in this regard have been ignored and the situation is developing along the path of the actual emplacement of the US-made ground-launched INF-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, the Russian Foreign Ministry has to state that the conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar weapons have ceased to exist, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a lengthy statement. The Ministry is authorized to declare that the Russian Federation no longer considers itself bound by the relevant previously adopted self-restrictions, the ministry added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia imposed the moratorium after the U.S. backed out of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in 2019, accusing Moscow of breaching the agreement, which barred both military powers from deploying intermediate-range missiles that have a range of between 310 miles to 3,400 miles. The Foreign Ministry did not say when or where Russia may deploy the weapons. Decisions on the specific parameters of response measures will be made by the leadership of the Russian Federation based on interagency analysis with regard to the scope of the deployment of the US and other Western ground-launched INF-range missiles, as well as to the overall evolution in the area of international security and strategic stability, the statement said. The announcement came just days after President Trump said the U.S. military was moving two nuclear submarines closer to Russia in response to highly provocative statements made by Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is currently the deputy chair of Russias Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medvedev has been highly critical of U.S. foreign policy and is known for provocative and saber-rattling threats toward Washington, but is seen as having little decisionmaking power in the government. Russias move also comes after Trump shortened the deadline for Mowcow to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine and get on a path toward a potential peace agreement. Trump, who has called for the end of the war in Eastern Europe that has raged for nearly three-and-a-half years, spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, exchanging assessments of the situation on the ground, going over potential sanctions against Russia and joint efforts by European nations to supply Ukraine with more weapons. We also discussed our bilateral defense cooperation with America. The draft agreement on drones has already been prepared by the Ukrainian side, we are ready to discuss it in detail and conclude it. One of the strongest agreements this could be, Zelesnky wrote Tuesday in a post on the social platform X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia this week for what the president said was the Kremlins last chance to reach a peace deal before Washingtons sanctions kick into place. Trump said Witkoff may be going to Russia on Wednesday or Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Reuters) -Russia lodged a formal protest to Israel following an alleged attack on a Russian diplomatic vehicle near the settlement of Givat Assaf near Jerusalem, according to a statement issued by the Russian foreign ministry. "On July 30, a vehicle of the Russian Federation's mission to the Palestinian National Authority, bearing diplomatic license plates and carrying personnel of the Russian diplomatic mission accredited by Israel's Foreign Ministry, was attacked near the illegal Israeli settlement of Givat Assaf, near Jerusalem, by a group of settlers," Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement. The incident occurred "with the acquiescence of Israeli military personnel, who were present at the scene and did not attempt to stop the attackers' aggressive actions", she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters was not able to independently verify the Russian foreign ministry's report. Zakharova said the Russian embassy in Tel Aviv had submitted an official demarche to Israeli authorities. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Stephen Coates) LONDON -- Russia is ramping up a grinding summer offensive in eastern Ukraine as Kyiv appeals to President Donald Trump for more military aid and intensified pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin's latest push comes at a pivotal moment. Prevailing Ukraine-skepticism inside the Trump administration may be softening as White House frustration with the Kremlin grows -- but the president, who has in the past often acted in an unpredictable and transactional manner toward Ukraine, could still turn away from Kyiv. The European Union is still marshalling its vast industrial resources to help arm Ukraine, having already taken the lead in economic support for the war-weary nation. The bloc does not yet appear willing or able to shoulder the military burden so far mostly carried by the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And at home, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's apparent efforts to weaken anti-corruption bodies sparked street protests, while the armed forces' persistent manpower strain is necessitating difficult conversations about widening conscription brackets and hardening responses to draft-dodging. Russia's now-routine huge drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's cities are also increasing the pressure. Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A military car drives on a road under anti-drone nets installed by Ukrainian servicemen at an undisclosed location in the eastern Donetsk region on July 8, 2025. What began as a broad Russian push all along the 600-mile front in eastern and southern Ukraine now appears to be narrowing into three axes of attack -- in the northeastern Sumy region and in the eastern Donetsk Oblast cities of Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka, two important defensive hubs. "The Russians did not have a very clearly definable beginning for this summer campaign season," Pasi Paroinen, an analyst at the Finland-based Black Bird Group told ABC News. "They intensified their attacks pretty much almost all across the front line around May and towards June." "The Russians are probably starting to reach the point where they will start to pick up the pace of the offensive," Paroinen said. "Overall, it is likely that the trend is going to be worse and worse for the Ukrainians over the summer. I don't see the Russians running out of steam anytime soon." Donetsk cauldrons In Donetsk, Ukrainian troops are engaged in a familiar dance, slowly ceding territory while seeking to inflict maximum damage on attacking Russian units. The costs appear high for Moscow's forces, with the Ukrainian army claiming to be "eliminating" around 1,000 Russian troops per day. But the attacks keep coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is growing alarm over Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka, which are at risk of being surrounded in the coming months. Russia has been struggling to take Pokrovsk for more than a year, but recently has managed to advance on the city's flanks. This means Russian forces are increasingly threatening Ukraine's supply lines, in part by intensively targeting them with drones. Russia last week also claimed to have finally captured Chasiv Yar, an important heavily fortified town that Ukraine has used to choke Russia's offensive towards Kostyantynivka for over a year. Although most independent analysts say the Russian claim was premature, the Washington D.C.-based Institute for the Study of War assessed Russia will "likely complete the seizure of Chasiv Yar in the coming days." It will open up more opportunities for Russia to strangle Ukrainian forces in Kostyantynivka. MORE: Trump envoy Witkoff to head to Russia for 'last chance' Ukraine ceasefire talks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many analysts remain skeptical that the mauled and plodding Russian forces are capable of achieving a significant breakthrough. But some Ukrainian and independent military analysts worry that small but accumulating Russian advances could snowball into a bigger crisis for Ukraine's frontline, as manpower shortages continue to worsen. The advances may also help persuade Putin he is right to maintain the war and continue rebuffing ceasefire demands from Kyiv and Washington. Earlier in the summer, Russian forces attacking in small groups with light vehicles -- among them motorcycles -- scored significant success, allowing them to "mitigate the effects of the Ukrainian drones by launching a lot of simultaneous assaults," Paroinen said. But those Russian units are now largely spent, he added, with time needed to train and equip their replacements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In general, the basic tactics are relying even more on the manpower advantage and using those small infantry attacks in combination with heavy usage of firepower," Paroinen said. Inna Varenytsia/via Reuters - PHOTO: A Ukrainian serviceman looks up to check for Russian combat drones in the frontline city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on July 31, 2025. Fighting back in Sumy In Sumy, at least, Ukrainian forces say they have largely stalled the Russian push. Maj. Oleh Shyriaiev -- the commander of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment fighting in Sumy -- told ABC News that Russian forces pushed between 9 and 13 miles into the northeastern border region in places, though said that forward momentum has largely been arrested. In recent weeks, the 225th has advanced, taking back the villages of Kindrativka and Andriivka. But the Russians are also still pushing, Shyriaiev said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are trying to move forward in small groups" towards the city of Sumy, Shyriaiev said, speaking to ABC News from close to the front line while visiting wounded members of his unit at a medical facility. "Their troops constantly get new replenishments and they are still trying with so-called 'meat assaults' to find a way to move forwards," he added of the enemy forces, using a common term in Ukrainian military parlance to refer to Russia's unsophisticated, high-casualty assault operations. The city of Sumy, which is around 15 miles from the current front line, is already under fire. MORE: 'They do not surrender': Ukraine commander details fight with North Koreans in Russia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sumy is under constant threat," Yuriy Boyechko, the founder and CEO of the Hope for Ukraine charity, told ABC News. "Russian drones terrorize the city daily," added Boyechko, whose teams have been evacuating local residents from areas close to the fighting. "The area is relentlessly bombarded by missiles and smaller drones continue to target civilians," he added. Russian forces in Sumy are striking along roads, through towns and woodlands, Shyriaiev said. The later summer weather may offer new opportunities for Moscow's troops, with secondary roads and other terrain dried out and offering new avenues of assault. Among the Russian units in Sumy are some of the most celebrated within Russia -- and among the most reviled in Ukraine due to their alleged involvement in a litany of war crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade, 40th Separate Guards Naval Infantry Brigade and 76th Guards Air Assault Division are all in the fight, Shyriaiev said, though added that even Russia's elite units are relying on "meat assaults." 225th Separate Assault Regiment Press Office - PHOTO: This photo shows members of Ukraine's 225th Separate Assault Regiment Press Office at an undisclosed frontline location in eastern Ukraine. "All the advances that they were able to achieve were done at the cost of using a lot of infantry," the commander said. "Against every one fighter of the defense forces of Ukraine, they are putting up 10 people on the Russian side." Paroinen suggested Russian forces are thin on armor. "The Russians have been using fewer and fewer heavy vehicles like tanks and infantry fighting vehicles," he said. "In Sumy, for example, they have been almost completely absent." Perhaps the most punishing aspect of the Russian offensive is its use of so-called "glide bombs," munitions dropped by jets from as far as 25 miles from the front line, making it difficult for ground-based anti-air weapons to stop them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glide bombs have been a constant danger to Ukrainians holding positions along the front, but recent months have seen the Russian air force significantly increase their use. "They really are just methodically pounding every Ukrainian position, using five to 10 glide bombs just to destroy one treeline," Paroinen said. "The accuracy of these weapons is enough to effectively dismantle the defenses." Addressing the glide bomb problem could prove "really important" for Ukrainian defenders, he added. Shyriaiev concurred, saying glide bombs are making operations "very difficult" in Sumy. "Every time our regiment has any type of success, the Russians are using glide bombs against them. They consider it worthwhile to use a glide bomb when they see a group even as small as four to five servicemen," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When we were liberating Andriivka and Kindrativka, they were using 30 to 50 glide bombs in a 24-hour period," Shyriaiev recalled. 225th Separate Assault Regiment Press Office - PHOTO: This photo shows the flag of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment at an undisclosed frontline location in eastern Ukraine. American arms Throughout Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian forces have sought to address Russia's manpower advantage through technological superiority -- both by adopting Western-produced arms and innovating new weapons, prime among them first-person view drones. President Donald Trump's return to office has thrown the continuation of American military aid into doubt. Still, Putin's relentless long-range strikes and frontline offensives have prompted Trump to promise new weapons for Ukraine -- much to the relief of Kyiv. American weapons are still making a real difference at the front, Shyriaiev said. "All of the successful actions that we have, all of this success in liberating our territory that we have been able to achieve, have been accomplished with the help of American weapons," he explained. HIMARS missiles, Javelin anti-tank weapons, Claymore mines, grenades and 5.56 mm-caliber American assault rifles are particularly valued by the 225th, he said. Alexei Baranovsky, a military journalist and a veteran of the pro-Ukraine Freedom of Russia Legion, told ABC News that long-range defensive and offensive weapons could help shift the battle in Kyiv's favor. Anatolii Stepanov/Reuters - PHOTO: Ukrainian troops fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launch system toward Russian troops near the frontline town of Pokrovsk, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on April 19, 2025. "We need air defense systems -- Patriots -- to protect our cities from missile and drone strikes," he said. "Second, long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory at military facilities," Baranovsky added, suggesting the American-made Tomahawk cruise missile would be top of Ukraine's shopping list. Soldiers at the front are hoping Trump's frustration with the Kremlin boils over into a sustained policy pivot in supporting Kyiv's war effort, Shyriaiev said. In July, the president set a 50-day ultimatum for Putin to accept a ceasefire or risk new U.S. economic measures. Trump then shortened the window to "10 to 12 days," citing "disappointment" at Russia's continued attacks. "Fifty days is nowhere near enough for Putin to make any meaningful advances or have any type of spectacular success in the Sumy, Kharkiv and Donetsk directions, which is where the main thrusts of his offensive are happening," Shyriaiev said. "I am sure that we will be victorious -- and we will be victorious with the help of the United States," Shyriaiev added. MORE: Russia launches 6,400 drones, missiles into Ukraine in record-breaking month Nonetheless, Ukraine is suffering from severe manpower strain. Discussions continue in Kyiv about broadening conscription brackets in a bid to fill the ranks, a divisive and politically sensitive subject. "People are exhausted, there's no disputing that," Shyriaiev said. "But we would like to finish this war so that our children won't have to fight it again later." As to the swathes of Ukraine already lost to the invading Russian troops, the commander acknowledged it will be a "difficult" and "long process" to reclaim it. "For that, we need long-range weapons so that we would be able to strike the enemy's logistic pathways, their military industry centers, their oil processing industry and all of the places where their army is amassing," he said. "Plus, of course, we need the intelligence help from the United States." ABC News' Patrick Reevell contributed to this report. The Office of the Government Spokesperson has cautioned Kenyans applying for the NYOTA Project to stay alert, following a surge in fake online pages targeting hopeful youth. In a statement issued on Monday, August 1, the office stressed that all information regarding the NYOTA Projectincluding updates on Business Support, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and On-the-Job Experiencewill only be shared through official channels. ALERT: NYOTA Project Applicants Beware! All updates on business support, RPL, and on-the-job experience will only be shared via the official NYOTA website and verified social media pages, the statement read. The warning follows a sharp spike in applications to the government-sponsored scheme that earns a KSh6,000 monthly stipend for successful applicants.. With more interest in the scheme increasing by the day, imposter pages have started posing as official communication, putting unsuspecting applicants at risk. The NYOTA Project confirmed a growing wave of online fraud targeting applicants. The team assured that the sole official news, such as application updates and upcoming developments, will be posted on the authentic website and social media sites of the project. NYOTA further clarified that the program does not charge any fees for services, warning applicants to ignore anyone asking for payment. To keep applicants informed, the project will make use of the mobile phone numbers provided upon registration to send tailored updates. The project urged applicants to stay alert and avoid sharing personal details on unverified sites. We encourage youth to visit the project office or their nearest sub-county youth office for any information relating to the Project, the NYOTA team said. You can also reach out to us through the toll-free line 0800222221 and our official social media pages. MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian forces pressing their slow advance through eastern Ukraine have captured the village of Sichneve in east-central Dnipropetrovsk region, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. Russian forces have for months been pushing westward along sections of the 1,000-km (620-mile) front line, capturing new villages nearly on a daily basis, mainly in Donetsk region. Ukraine's military says its forces are holding their frontline positions and on Monday issued a pointed denial that its troops were surrounded in Pokrovsk, a logistics hub in Donetsk region under heavy attack for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian forces now hold about 20% of Ukraine's territory since invading their smaller neighbour in February 2022 and have formally annexed four regions -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Moscow says it has full control of Luhansk region and holds parts of the others, plus Crimea, a peninsula it seized in 2014. Authorities in Kyiv made no mention of Moscow's latest announcement of a captured village in Dnipropetrovsk region and for weeks have denied that Russian forces have entered the region. Reuters could not independently confirm the battlefield report. The General Staff of Ukraine's military said Ukrainian forces continued action to contain Russian forces that have been trying to move closer to Pokrovsk, once a city of 60,000 residents and site of Ukraine's only colliery producing coking coal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the same time, some sources are disseminating information suggesting that our units are surrounded in Pokrovsk," it said in an evening report. "This is absolutely not true." Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, writing on Facebook, said Russian forces were trying to advance along the entire length of the front line. He said Ukrainian forces were facing the toughest fighting near Pokrovsk and two other areas of Donetsk region. But he added Kyiv's troops had "achieved successes" in Sumy region on Ukraine's northern border, where Russian forces had secured a foothold in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said they continued to fight in Russia's Kursk region, where Kyiv staged a mass incursion a year ago. Russia said it had expelled all Ukrainian troops from Kursk in April. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan, Ron Popeski and Sandra Maler) MOSCOW (AP) Russia has declared that it no longer considers itself bound by a self-imposed moratorium on the deployment of nuclear-capable intermediate range missiles, a warning that potentially sets the stage for a new arms race as tensions between Moscow and Washington rise again over Ukraine. In a statement Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry linked the decision to efforts by the U.S. and its allies to develop intermediate range weapons and preparations for their deployment in Europe and other parts of the world. It specifically cited U.S. plans to deploy Typhoon and Dark Eagle missiles in Germany starting next year. The ministry noted that such actions by the U.S. and its allies create destabilizing missile potentials" near Russia, creating a "direct threat to the security of our country and carry significant harmful consequences for regional and global stability, including a dangerous escalation of tensions between nuclear powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It didn't say what specific moves the Kremlin might take, but President Vladimir Putin has previously announced that Moscow was planning to deploy its new Oreshnik missiles on the territory of its neighbor and ally Belarus later this year. Asked where and when Russia could potentially deploy intermediate-range weapons, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that it's not something to be announced in advance. Russia no longer has any limitations, Russia no longer considers itself to be constrained by anything, Peskov told reporters. Therefore Russia believes it has the right to take respective steps if necessary. Decisions on specific parameters of response measures will be made by the leadership of the Russian Federation based on an interdepartmental analysis of the scale of deployment of American and other Western land-based intermediate-range missiles, as well as the development of the overall situation in the area of international security and strategic stability, the Foreign Ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's move follows Trump's nuclear messaging The Russian statement follows President Donald Trump's announcement Friday that hes ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines based on the highly provocative statements of Dmitry Medvedev, who was president in 2008-12 to allow Putin, bound by term limits, to later return to the office. Trump's statement came as his deadline for the Kremlin to reach a peace deal in Ukraine approaches later this week. Trump said he was alarmed by Medvedevs attitude. Medvedev, who serves as deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council chaired by Putin, has apparently sought to curry favor with his mentor by making provocative statements and frequently lobbing nuclear threats. Last week. he responded to Trump's deadline for Russia to accept a peace deal in Ukraine or face sanctions by warning him against playing the ultimatum game with Russia and declaring that each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war. Medvedev also commented on the Foreign Ministrys statement, describing Moscow's withdrawal from the moratorium as the result of NATO countries anti-Russian policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with, he wrote on X. Expect further steps. INF treaty abandoned in 2019 Intermediate-range missiles can fly between 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310 to 3,400 miles). Such land-based weapons were banned under the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Trump withdrew from the pact in his first term, citing Russian violations, which Moscow denied. It, in turn, alleged the U.S. had committed violations. The treaty was terminated in 2019, but the Kremlin declared its self-imposed moratorium on their deployment until the U.S. makes such a move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collapse of the INF Treaty has stoked fears of a replay of a Cold War-era European missile crisis, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union both deployed intermediate-range missiles on the continent in the 1980s. Such weapons are seen as particularly destabilizing because they take less time to reach targets, compared with intercontinental ballistic missiles, leaving no time for decision-makers and raising the likelihood of a global nuclear conflict over a false launch warning. Russias missile forces chief has declared that the new Oreshnik intermediate range missile, which Russia first used against Ukraine in November, has a range to reach all of Europe. Oreshnik can carry conventional or nuclear warheads. Putin has praised the Oreshniks capabilities, saying its multiple warheads that plunge to a target at speeds up to Mach 10 are immune to being intercepted and are so powerful that the use of several of them in one conventional strike could be as devastating as a nuclear attack. Putin has warned the West that Moscow could use it against Ukraines NATO allies who allowed Kyiv to use their longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/ By Dmitry Antonov and Mark Trevelyan MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia said on Tuesday that it would no longer place any limits on where it deploys intermediate-range missiles that can carry nuclear warheads. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was speaking a day after Russia said it was lifting what it called a unilateral moratorium on deploying intermediate-range missiles, saying this was a forced response to moves by the U.S. and its allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia no longer has any restrictions on this matter, Russia no longer considers itself limited by anything," Peskov told a daily briefing. "Russia considers itself entitled, if necessary, to take appropriate measures, to take appropriate steps." Western security analysts said the "moratorium", in fact, was long dead, if it had ever existed, but the Russian announcement was intended as an aggressive signal to the West at a time of high tension over the war in Ukraine. "It sends a message to Europe: dont forget that weve got these missiles," Nikolai Sokov, a former Soviet and Russian arms control negotiator, said in a telephone interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The whole idea is really to get Europeans to think more about what they plan to do, or to kind of cool them down." Sokov said Russia's announcement was a formality given its deployment of a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile called the Oreshnik, which it test-fired at Ukraine last November. President Vladimir Putin said last week that the Oreshnik had gone into serial production and been delivered to the armed forces. He has said it will also be deployed in Belarus, a Russian ally which borders three NATO countries. Military analysts say it could be fired with either conventional or nuclear warheads. HISTORIC TREATY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Cold War neared its end, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed a landmark treaty in 1987 to scrap all ground-based shorter-range and intermediate-range (INF) nuclear and conventional weapons, defined as those with ranges between 500 km and 5,500 km. But the pact, seen at the time as a sign of easing tensions between the rival superpowers, unravelled over time as relations deteriorated. The United States withdrew from the treaty in 2019 during Donald Trump's first presidency, citing alleged violations that Russia denied. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the United States said last year it would start deployment in Germany from 2026 of weapons including SM-6s and Tomahawks, previously placed mainly on ships, and new hypersonic missiles. These are conventional systems but some could also, in theory, be fitted with nuclear tips, and security experts say Russian planning would have to allow for that possibility. Gerhard Mangott, a Russia expert at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, said the planned deployments of INF missiles in Europe by both NATO countries and Russia signalled a looming arms race. If one side fired such a missile, the other would have only minutes to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In central Europe, the warning time will be reduced to about four to five minutes, so this makes an unintended nuclear escalation much more likely," he said in a phone interview. Since the start of the Ukraine war, Russia has delivered numerous warnings to the West not to intervene directly and risk a nuclear war. This week, however, Russia played down the significance of an announcement by Trump that he had ordered a re-positioning of U.S. nuclear submarines in response to what he called threatening statements from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. "We do not believe that we are talking about any escalation now. It is clear that very complex, very sensitive issues are being discussed, which, of course, are perceived very emotionally by many people," Kremlin spokesman Peskov said. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov in Moscow and Mark Trevelyan in LondonEditing by Gareth Jones) Moscow urges caution in the use of "nuclear rhetoric," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Aug. 4, amid inflammatory language from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and pushback from U.S. President Donald Trump. "Russia is very attentive to the topic of nuclear non-proliferation. And we believe that everyone should be very, very cautious with nuclear rhetoric," he told Russian state media. Days earlier, Medvedev said increased involvement from Washington to end Russia's war against Ukraine could bring the U.S. and Moscow closer to direct conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump previously announced an Aug. 8 deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire with Ukraine. If it fails to reach an agreement, Russia will face U.S. secondary sanctions. The measures could impose tariffs on Moscow's trading partners, including Brazil, China, and India. In response to Medvedev's threats, Trump slammed the former Russian leader for his inflammatory remarks and said he ordered two U.S. nuclear-powered submarines to be repositioned to "appropriate regions." Peskov noted that U.S. submarines "are always on alert," claiming that Russia is not interested in escalating tension between the two nations. Russian leaders, including Medvedev, have repeatedly threatened nuclear escalation and spread Kremlin propaganda portraying Russia as the victim of Western aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war," Medvedev said on July 28. "Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country." In April, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu claimed Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if faced with "unfriendly actions." Trump has toughened his rhetoric on Russia as the U.S. fails to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He has described Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine as "disgusting" amid his new shortened deadline for a ceasefire. Read also: Pokrovsk is the city of my childhood. Now I watch it die Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces attacked the Nikopol and Synelnykove districts in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on 5 August, injuring four people. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration Quote: "Throughout the day, enemy attacks targeted the district centre and the Marhanets, Myrove, Pokrovske and Chervonohryhorivka hromadas in the Nikopol district. The aggressor used drones and artillery. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three people were injured. A 72-year-old woman was taken to hospital. A 47-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man injured in the strikes will be treated on an outpatient basis." Details: The strikes damaged seven houses, a disused building, a gas pipeline and a power line, causing fires to break out. In the Synelnykove district, the Russians hit the Mezhova, Velykomykhailivka and Slovianka hromadas. A 64-year-old man was injured. Infrastructure, a house, a car and a power line were damaged. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian drone strikes in Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast left three civilians dead on Aug. 4, the regional prosecutor's office reported. The attacks killed three people in the Chuhuiv district, southeast of Kharkiv. One drone strike hit a residential building in the village of Losivka. The attack caused a fire at the building. Emergency responders recovered the body of a 47-year-old man from the rubble after the fire was extinguished, the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Volchanska community, a Russian first-person-view (FPV) drone struck a moped moving along the road. The attack killed two people: a 49-year-old man and a woman who has not yet been identified due to the severity of her burns. The local prosecutor's office is investigating the attack as a possible Russian war crime. Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Ukrainians in areas near the front line have reported that Russia uses FVP drones to hunt and kill civilians. Residents in Kherson Oblast have referred to the tactic as "human safari." Kharkiv Oblast, on Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia, is a frequent target of Russian drone, missile, and guided bomb attacks. The latest deadly Russian strike comes less than a week before U.S. President Donald Trump's deadline for Moscow to make a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has warned that Russia has until Aug. 8 to make a deal ending the war in Ukraine or face sanctions in the form of secondary tariffs on energy exports. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv hits 5 Russian fighter jets in occupied Crimea, destroys 1 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The price of Ai-95 gasoline hit a new record high on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX), the Russian state news outlet Kommersant reported on Aug. 4. The spike in prices is reportedly linked to ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries in Russia. Russian Ai-95 gasoline prices have surged to over 77,000 rubles ($946.6) per ton, Kommersant reports. A market source told the publication that Ukrainian attacks on Aug. 2 contributed to the increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks overnight on Aug. 2 targeting industrial sites throughout Russia. The strikes hit facilities in Ryazan, Penza, Samara and Voronezh oblasts, Ukraine's General Staff reported. The attack hit an oil refinery in Ryazan Oblast, the military said. According to Kommersant's source, these attacks damaged refineries that process about 40,000 tons of Russian crude per day. Repairs could potentially take anywhere from one to six months to repair. The price hike comes days after Russia on July 28 imposed a sweeping ban on gasoline exports, in effect until the end of August. Reuters reported on July 24 that the aim of the ban is to stabilize the domestic market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian government has resorted to temporary gasoline export bans multiple times over the past two years, typically to address domestic fuel shortages and alleviate high prices. Russia boasts an annual gasoline production exceeding 40 million metric tons. Its primary importers of refined fuel are Egypt and Turkey. Ukraine regularly launches drone strikes at Russian oil depots in an effort to erode the country's energy profits which finance Moscow's full-scale invasion and limit fuel supplies to the Russian military. Read also: Pokrovsk is the city of my childhood. Now I watch it die Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian strikes across eastern Ukraine killed six people, including a mechanic at a railway station, and wounded at least a dozen people, authorities said Tuesday. "Russian terrorists inflicted a massive strike on the railway infrastructure of Lozova," the Ukrainian Railways company posted on Telegram. Ukraine's railways have been heavily targeted by Russia's army throughout its invasion, launched in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow has escalated aerial attacks ahead of a Friday deadline by US President Donald Trump to make progress towards peace or face massive new sanctions. The nighttime strikes on Lozova in the eastern Kharkiv region left a passenger train mangled and charred and damaged the station building, with a pile of rubble on the platform. Two people were killed in Lozova, Kharkiv's Governor Oleg Synegubov said on Telegram. Among them was "a duty mechanic of one of the units", Ukrainian Railways said, adding that several trains had been rerouted. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had launched more than 25 Iranian-designed Shahed drones at the city, striking civilian infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The railway was damaged, including a depot and a station," he said on social media, adding that 10 people were wounded in the attack. Ukraine's air force said Russia fired 46 attack drones and one ballistic missile in the barrage, down from the several hundred that Moscow has launched in previous nighttime attacks. A separate Russian strike on Ukraine's northeast Sumy region killed two people at an "agricultural enterprise" and wounded three employees, authorities said. In the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, two more people died after "the Russian army hit a house with an FPV drone," said its governor, Ivan Fedorov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Russian-occupied Lugansk region, four water utility workers were killed on duty in a Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Svatovo, Moscow-installed officials said. Trump's deadline looms after three rounds of peace talks in Istanbul failed to make headway on a possible ceasefire, with the two sides remaining far apart. Russia's army has escalated attacks and accelerated its advance on the ground to capture more Ukrainian territory. US envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Russia this week, where he is expected to meet with President Vladimir Putin, ahead of the Friday sanctions deadline. bur-mmp-asy/jc/js The Krasheninnikov volcano in Russias far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula erupted early Sunday, marking its first activity in approximately 600 years, just days after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck the region. The eruption sent an ash plume soaring nearly 20,000 feet into the sky, according to the Kamchatka branch of Russias Ministry for Emergency Services. This is the first historically confirmed eruption of Krasheninnikov volcano in 600 years, Olga Girina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team, said in a statement to Russian state news agency RIA, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The volcano, located in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve and standing at 6,089 feet, produced an ash cloud that drifted eastward toward the Pacific Ocean, with no reported impact on populated areas. The ash cloud has drifted eastward, toward the Pacific Ocean. There are no populated areas along its path, the ministry noted on Telegram. The eruption followed a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake on July 30, one of the strongest ever recorded, which triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, from Japan to Hawaii and as far as New Zealand. The quake, centered 143 miles south of the volcano, also prompted the eruption of Klyuchevskoy, Kamchatkas most active volcano, hours later. A subsequent 7.0-magnitude earthquake on Sunday led to temporary tsunami warnings for three areas of Kamchatka, which were later lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts suggest a possible link between the seismic activity and the volcanic eruptions. Clive Oppenheimer, a volcanology professor at the University of Cambridge, told Newsweek, The connection is plausible. There is statistical evidence that very large earthquakes might trigger some eruptions of volcanoes within some hundreds of kilometers of the epicenter. But the mechanisms are not well understood. He added that seismic disturbances might accelerate eruptions in volcanoes already primed to erupt. Harold Tobin, a seismology professor at the University of Washington, told NPR that while the quake alone likely did not cause the eruption, its seismic waves could have destabilized magma systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wouldnt have experienced really extreme shaking, Tobin said. Nonetheless, seismic waves that are passing through the earth are certainly affecting underground systems like potentially magma thats in cracks in the rock inside a volcano. Kamchatka, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the worlds most seismically and volcanically active regions, hosting about 300 volcanoes, 29 of which are active, according to NASAs Earth Observatory. Vsevolod Yakovlev, acting director of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, said the eruption was not something out of the ordinary for a region with high volcanic activity, though staff were evacuated for safety, per NPR. An orange aviation warning code was issued due to the ash plume, signaling potential disruptions to air travel. Authorities are monitoring seismic patterns and lava flows, with evacuation protocols in place for low-lying coastal areas amid ongoing aftershocks and heightened regional alertness. A peaceful neighborhood in Mwabungo village, Ukunda, turned into the scene of a major police operation after detectives uncovered a hidden drug lab operating behind closed doors. Acting on days of surveillance and intelligence, officers from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and Kenya Police raided a fortified one-acre compound suspected to house an illegal drug operation. The team stormed the property, shielded by high walls and a guarded gate, and found a fully equipped lab stocked with chemicals and packaging materials labeled with names of well-known narcotics. The operation, police say, appeared to be highly organized and had likely been running for some time. Authorities arrested two individuals at the scene: Gianardi Giulio, a 37-year-old Italian national, and Moses Nanoka Egadwa. Further investigations revealed parts of the compound that were being used to cultivate what is suspected to be cannabis. The two suspects remain in police custody and will be charged in court. The National Police Service has vowed to intensify its raids on drug trafficking cartels, citing the importance of ensuring the safety of Kenyan communities. The officers commended the Anti-Narcotics Unit for the work it is doing and urged the public to report any suspicious activity that would assist in combating the spread of illegal drugs. See Photos Inside the Mwabungo Drug Den below. DeepState posted a report on the morning of 5 August revealing that Russian forces have occupied the village of Popiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast. Source: DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts Details: The analysts noted that Russian troops had taken control of Popiv Yar and made advances near the settlements of Toretsk, Shcherbynivka, Voskresenka and Poltavka. Background: Ukraine's General Staff reported that on 4 August, Russian forces carried out the highest number of attacks on the Pokrovsk front, where Ukrainian defenders repelled 45 assault attempts. On the night of 6-7 July, DeepState reported that Russian forces had occupied two settlements in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Two people, including a railway worker, were killed in a Russian attack on the city of Lozova on the night of 4-5 August. Four more railway workers have sustained injuries. Source: Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukrainian state-owned railway operator; Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office on Telegram; State Emergency Service on Telegram; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote from Ukrzaliznytsia: "Russian terrorists launched a large-scale strike on the railway infrastructure of Lozova. As a result of the enemy attack, the railway station and other infrastructure facilities were damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A duty mechanic from one of the units was killed, and four other railway workers were injured." Updated: At around 12:00, Syniehubov added that the death toll in Lozova had risen to two. Quote: "It is reported that one person was killed at the scene and a woman died in hospital. Nine more people were injured, with children among them. Four people remain in hospital in a serious condition." Aftermath of the Russian attack on Lozova Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Details: Most people managed to reach shelter in time. Medical assistance is being provided to those who were injured. Due to the attack, train No. 66/65-166/165 Uman-Cherkasy-Kharkiv is currently operating on a diverted route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The same is expected for other trains heading towards Kramatorsk the diversion, powered by a backup diesel locomotive, will cause delays of up to an hour. Passengers who were travelling to or from Lozova will be transported to trains in Paniutyne by bus," Ukrzaliznytsia added. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Lozova Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Updated: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office confirmed that the attack on Lozova occurred between approximately 02:30 and 03:00. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Lozova Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office "The enemy used over 30 Geran-2 attack drones. Railway infrastructure, residential buildings and an energy facility were damaged. Fires broke out in the city," the statement reads. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Lozova Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Among the 10 injured are a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Lozova Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine The State Emergency Service of Ukraine added that transport infrastructure facilities had come under fire. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Lozova Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine "Some buildings collapsed, and six fires broke out. Administrative, production and storage facilities and other buildings were on fire, as well as the railway stations roof," they said. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Lozova Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Background: Earlier, it was reported that one person had been killed and 10 others injured in the overnight attack on Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula last week has triggered the activity of seven volcanoes in the area, according to the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). The RAS said this is the first time in almost 300 years that seven volcanoes erupted at once in the region. The director of the institute, Alexey Ozerov, described the situation as an "extremely rare phenomenon that can be described as a parade of volcanic eruptions." The magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck late on July 29 caused several aftershocks, including a magnitude 6 aftershock in the Pacific Ocean near Kamchatka at 6 a.m. local time Tuesday morning, according to the Kamchatka branch of the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Sergey Kistanov/Instagram via AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: RUSSIA-VOLCANO-ERUPTION-QUAKE Among those erupting is the Klyuchevskoy Volcano, which the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team reported to be spewing ash on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The earthquake has now caused the southern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula to shift southeastward, according to the local branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Unified Geophysical Service. Artem Sheldr/AP - PHOTO: An aerial view of the eruption of the Krasheninnikov volcano of the Eastern volcanic belt, about 125 miles northeast of the regional center of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, Aug. 3, 2025. MORE: 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russian coast is world's largest since 2011, USGS says The Kamchatka branch of the Federal Research Center "United Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences have calculated the surface of the Earth shifted to the southeast, with the greatest shift occurring in the south of the peninsula reaching almost 2 meters. The greatest shift occurred in the south of the peninsula, a movement that is comparable to the horizontal displacement that resulted from the 2011 earthquake in Japan. Seismologists acknowledge the peninsula has "shifted somewhat more modestly," although they do not specify the exact amount. Institute of Volcanology and Seismology/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: The Krasheninnikov Volcano spewing smoke and ash during an eruption in the Kamchatka Territory, Russia, Aug. 3, 2025. MORE: Scientists explain why Russia's magnitude 8.8 earthquake didn't trigger a massive tsunami Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eruptions follow the volcanic activity of the Krasheninnikov Volcano, which saw lava flow in the last week for the first time in nearly 600 years. Local officials said the last lava flow was recorded in 1463. A Russian seismologist told local media that there is a direct connection between last week's powerful earthquake and increased volcanic activity in Kamchatka. "We attribute the eruptions to the earthquake, which activated the magmatic foci and provided them with additional energy," Alexey Ozerov, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and director of the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, told TASS, a state-affiliated media in Russia. Artem Sheldr/AP - PHOTO: An aerial view of the eruption of the Krasheninnikov volcano of the Eastern volcanic belt, about 125 miles northeast of the regional center of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, Aug. 3, 2025. The Krasheninnikov volcano is located less than 150 miles away from the epicenter of the earthquake that struck off the east coast of the Russian peninsula on July 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intense quake was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, and the world's largest since 2011. It spurred tsunmai warnings from Japan to Hawaii and the West Coast of the United States. Yuri Demyanchuk, The Russian Academy of Sciences' Vulcanology Institute via AP - PHOTO: In this photo released by The Russian Academy of Sciences' Vulcanology Institute, The Klyuchevskoy volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, erupts in northern Kamchatka Peninsula, Russian Far Eat, on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Volcanic activity is common for the Kamchatka Peninsula, which is home to 29 active volcanoes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, with three of those currently erupting previously laying dormant according to the RAS Massive eruptions began at 6 a.m. local time on Sunday, prompting the evacuation of personnel in the area, according to the Kronotsky Nature Reserve's website. The regional Ministry of Emergency Situations said there are no settlements along the ash plume's path of the Klyuchevskoy and said there are no registered tourist groups in the volcano's vicinity. Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Rwanda on Tuesday agreed to accept hundreds of U.S.-deported migrants as part of a broad effort by the Trump administration to get African nations to take in deportees. "Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement," Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told Politico and The New York Times. Rwanda's societal values, Makolo claimed in a statement, were "founded on reintegration and rehabilitation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rwanda's foreign minister Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe initially confirmed the talks in May. Its notorious 1994 genocide that killed over 800,000 Tutsi and Hutu peoples and later recovery made the small African country stand on its own in the eyes of the global community. The Trump administration issued requests to at least 15 African nations, including South Sudan and Eswatini, to accept illegal migrants supposedly unable to return to their native country. A second Rwandan government official told said the United States will provide funding but declined to outline a figure. Last month, an internal memo out of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement indicated the federal agency intended to expand its effort to deport immigrants to other countries abroad where they do not hold citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House previously signed off on a $6 million infusion of U.S. dollars to El Salvador to imprison Venezuelan and Salvadoran citizens. Meanwhile, Rwandan officials said the U.S.-infused money will support further work and training programs by its immigration authority. The Rwandan official granted anonymity indicated its government agreed to demands as an opportunity to form closer ties to Washington. In early July, President Donald Trump met at the White House with the leaders of Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon to talk over trade. Within days the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the administration was permitted to deport eight migrants to war-torn South Sudan held at a U.S. military base in neighboring Djibouti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anonymous Rwandan government official said Tuesday that as a small country, "any time you can find a way consistent with your own policies and values, to be able to talk to a major country about something that it is interested in and not just asking them to take an interest in your issues," that it creates a "more productive" and a "more balanced" diplomatic relationship "that's good for both sides." However, the official did state that it's an "obviously not equal" relationship. Rwanda has reached a deal with the Trump administration to take in migrants deported from the United States, becoming the third African nation to do so, amid complaints that governments on the continent are being pressured by the White House to receive them. Foreign US deportees, originally from other nations, had earlier been sent to South Sudan and Eswatini; a US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson described both groups as barbaric criminals. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed to CNN on Tuesday that the East African nation had agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in a deal that allows the government to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When approved, the migrants, she said, will be provided with workforce training, health care, and accommodation support to jump start their lives in Rwanda, allowing them to contribute to one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the last decade. Rwanda, a nation of less than 15 million people, is not new to discussions around third-country deportations to its territory. It has previously partnered with the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) to temporarily host asylum seekers and refugees evacuated from North African nation Libya, with nearly 3000 arrivals recorded between 2019 and 2025, according to the UN organization. In 2022, it reached a controversial migrant deal with the United Kingdom to receive deported asylum seekers who arrived illegally in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal did not materialize due to legal disputes and was subsequently scrapped after Keir Starmer became prime minister last July. Rwanda suggested at the time that it had no plans to reimburse the more than $300 million it received from the UK for the deportations. Makolo did not tell CNN how Rwanda stands to benefit from housing US deportees. She also did not disclose whether the US migrants would be kept in the same accommodation that Rwanda had planned to house deported UK asylum seekers. We will provide more details once these have been worked out, Makolo said. Rwanda revealed in May that the nation was in the early stages of talks to receive immigrants deported from the US, according to Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has persevered in its attempts to strike agreements with several African countries to accept its unwanted deportees despite outrage from Africans who insist that their continent should not be treated as a dumping ground for individuals considered unfit to live in the US. In early July, the US Supreme Court paved the way for the Trump administration to deport certain migrants to countries other than their homeland with little notice. One major hurdle for previous administrations had been dealing with countries who refuse to accept returns of their own nationals, and US President Donald Trump had directed top officials in a January executive order to facilitate international agreements to send migrants elsewhere. The United States is constantly engaged in diplomatic conversations with foreign nations who are willing to assist us in removing the illegal aliens that (former US President) Joe Biden allowed to infiltrate American communities, a White House official told CNN Tuesday. The US has also faced criticism for allegedly pressuring some of Africas powerhouses, such as Nigeria and South Africa, to take in its foreign deportees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of Rwanda, concerns linger over the safety of refugees given the nations human rights record. During the heated debate over Rwandas deal with the UK, the UNHCR commended Rwanda for generously hosting thousands of refugeeson a temporary basis, but warned there were serious risks that externalization poses to refugees, including refoulement (sending refugees to a country where they could face persecution). At the time, Rwanda pushed back against the UNHCR, insisting it does not refoule asylum seekers. CNNs Kit Maher contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Rwanda has confirmed it will accept deported migrants from the United States, as President Donald Trump continues to push for mass deportation from the North American country. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Rwandan government, Yolande Makolo, acknowledged that the African country had agreed to receive up to 250 deported individuals. Rwanda is now the third African country, after South Sudan and Eswatini, to strike a deal with the US to accept non-citizen deportees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation, Makolo said in a statement obtained by the Reuters news agency. But the Trump administrations efforts to rapidly deport migrants from the US have raised myriad human rights concerns, not least for sending people to third-party countries they have no personal connections to. Some of those countries, including Rwanda, have faced criticisms for their human rights records, leading advocates to fear for the safety of deported migrants. Other critics, meanwhile, have blasted Trump for using African countries as a dumping ground for migrants with criminal records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this weeks statement, Makolo appeared to anticipate some of those criticisms, underscoring that Rwanda would have the final say over who could arrive in the country. Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement, she said. Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade. Trumps mass deportation campaign In 2024, Trump successfully campaigned for re-election in the US on the premise that he would expel the countrys population of undocumented immigrants, a group estimated to number around 11 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But many of those people have been longtime members of their communities, and critics quickly pointed out that Trump lacked the infrastructure needed for such a large-scale deportation effort. In response, the Trump administration has surged money to immigration-related projects. For example, his One Big Beautiful Bill, which was signed into law in July, earmarked $45bn for immigration detention centres, many of which will be run by private contractors. An additional $4.1bn in the law is devoted to hiring and training more officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with another $2.1bn set aside for bonuses. But the Trump administration has made expelling migrants from the country a top priority, prompting legal challenges and backlash to the rapid pace of such deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics say deported migrants have been denied their right to due process, with little to no time allotted to challenge their removals. Then, there are the cases where undocumented migrants have been deported to third-party countries where they may not even speak the language. Within weeks of taking office in January, Trump began deporting citizens of countries like India, China, Iran and Afghanistan to places like Panama, where migrants were imprisoned in a hotel and later a detention camp. Trump also accused more than 200 men, many of them Venezuelan, of being gang members in order to authorise their expedited removal to El Salvador in March. Lawyers have since cast doubt on Trumps allegations, arguing that many of their clients were deemed to be gang members based on little more than their tattoos and fashion choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Salvador reportedly received $6m as part of a deal to hold the men in a maximum security prison, the Terrorism Confinement Centre or CECOT, where human rights abuses have been documented. The men were ultimately released last month as part of a prisoner exchange with Venezuela, but a federal court in the US continues to weigh whether the Trump administration violated a judges order by allowing the deportation flights to leave in the first place. Deportations to Africa In May, the Trump administration unveiled efforts to start third-party deportations to countries in Africa as well, sparking further concerns about human rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, Libya was floated as a destination, and migrants were reportedly loaded onto a flight that was prepared to take off when a judge blocked its departure on due process grounds. The Libyan government later denied reports that it was willing to accept deported, non-citizen migrants from the US. But the Trump administration proceeded later that month to send eight migrants on a flight to South Sudan, a country the US State Department deems too dangerous for Americans to travel to. That flight was ultimately diverted to Djibouti, after a judge in Massachusetts ruled that the eight men on board were not given an adequate opportunity to challenge their removals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven of them hailed from Laos, Vietnam, Cuba, Mexico and Myanmar. Only one was reportedly from South Sudan. The Trump administration said all eight had criminal records, calling them sickos and barbaric. A spokesperson pledged to have them in South Sudan by the US Independence Day holiday on July 4. The US Supreme Court paved the way for that to happen in late June, when it issued a brief, unsigned order allowing the deportation to South Sudan to proceed. The six conservative members of the bench sided with the Trump administration, while the three left-leaning justices issued a vehement dissent. They argued that there was no evidence that the Trump administration had ascertained the eight men would not be tortured while in South Sudans custody. They also described the deportations as too hasty, depriving the men of their chance to appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affected class members lacked any opportunity to research South Sudan, to determine whether they would face risks of torture or death there, or to speak to anyone about their concerns, the justices wrote, calling the governments actions flagrantly unlawful. In mid-July, the Trump administration also began deportations to Eswatini, a tiny, landlocked country ruled by an absolute monarchy. It identified the five deported individuals as hailing from Laos, Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba and Yemen. This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back, administration spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin wrote on social media. Lawyers for the five men have since reported they were denied access to their clients, who are being held in a maximum-security prison. Cosying up to Trump? Little is known so far about the newly announced deportations to Rwanda. It is not yet clear when deportation flights to Rwanda will begin, nor who will be included on the flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters, however, reported that Rwanda will be paid for accepting the deportations in the form of a grant. The amount is not yet known. Rwanda also has set parameters for whom it may accept. No child sex offenders will be allowed among the deportation flights, and the country will only accept deported individuals with no criminal background or whose prison terms are complete. But the deportation announcement continues a trend of Rwandan authorities seeking closer relations with the Trump administration. In June, President Trump claimed credit for bringing peace between Rwanda and its neighbour, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He invited leaders from both countries to attend a ceremony at the White House and sign a peace deal. Critics, however, noted that the deal was vague and did not mention Rwandas support for the M23 paramilitary group, which has carried out deadly attacks in the DRC. The deal also appeared to pave the way for Trump to pursue another one of his priorities: gaining access to valuable minerals in the region, like copper and lithium, that are key to technology development. In an interview with The Associated Press news agency, Rwandan political analyst Gonzaga Muganwa said that his governments recent manoeuvres seem to reflect the mantra that appeasing President Trump pays. Muganwa explained that Tuesdays agreement to accept migrants from the US will strengthen the two countries shared bond. This agreement enhances Rwandas strategic interest of having good relationships with the Trump administration, he said. Rwanda previously struck a deal in 2022 with the United Kingdom to accept asylum seekers from that country. But the British Supreme Court nixed the agreement in 2023, ruling that Rwanda was not a safe third country to send asylum seekers to. Rwanda has said it will accept up to 250 migrants from the US in a deal agreed with President Donald Trump's administration. Under the scheme the deportees would be given "workforce training, health care, and accommodation to jump start their lives in Rwanda", government spokesperson Yolande Makolo confirmed to the BBC. A condition of the agreement was that Rwanda would have "the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement", she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has not commented on the deal directly but told the BBC it was constantly talking to countries "willing to assist us in removing the illegal aliens that [ex-President] Joe Biden" had allowed to "infiltrate" the US. Since Trump came back into power in January, he has focused on a sweeping mass deportation scheme to remove undocumented migrants from the US quickly, a key election promise. Murmurs of a deal between Rwanda and the US came out in May, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was "actively searching" for a country to take some of what he described as the "some of the most despicable human beings". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has been courting several African countries to accept deported migrants whose home countries have refused to take them back. Eswatini and South Sudan have recently accepted some, including deportees who are convicted criminals. Ms Makolo told the BBC that Rwanda had gone ahead with the deal with the US because "nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement". She added that Rwandan society values were founded "on reintegration and rehabilitation". This echoed comments from May when Rwanda's foreign affairs minister said the country, which went through a genocide in the mid-1990s, was led in the "spirit" of giving "another chance to migrants who have problems across the world". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under a deal agreed with the UN refugee agency and African Union six years ago, nearly 3,000 refugees and asylum seekers trapped in Libya were evacuated to Rwanda between September 2019 and April 2025. The UN says many of these people have subsequently been resettled elsewhere. Rwanda had a deal with the UK, agreed with the Conservative government in 2022, to accept asylum seekers. But the UK scrapped the scheme, which faced numerous legal challenges, after Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government took office in July last year. It is not clear what is planned for the facilities prepared in Rwanda for migrants who had been due to arrive from the UK [AFP/Getty Images] The UK had paid Rwanda 240m ($310m), even building places to house the asylum seekers. It is not clear what has happened to these facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Reuters news agency reported that an unnamed Rwandan official had said the US would give Kigali an unspecified grant as part of the deal, but this has not been confirmed. Ms Makolo told the BBC that more details would be provided once they had been worked out. Human rights experts have raised concerns that removals to a nation that is not a migrant's place of origin - known as a third country - could violate international law. Rwanda has previously been criticised for its human rights record, including the risk that those sent to the East African nation could be deported again to countries where they may face danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Rwanda's government maintains it can provide a safe place for migrants. The country has also come under fire for backing the M23 rebel group embroiled in the conflict in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo - an accusation it has denied. In June, a ceasefire deal was signed in Washington by Rwanda and DR Congo as part of an ongoing peace process aimed at ending three decades of instability in the region. Additional reporting from the BBC's Barbara Plett Usher in Nairobi and Bernd Debusmann Jr at the White House You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts The General Union of Workers (UGT) has announced a state-wide strike at Azul Handling, part of the Ryanair group, in response to what they describe as "continuous precariousness" and "constant breaches" of labour rights. Azul Handling provides ground handling services to Ryanair group airlines at numerous Spanish airports. It will face a series of work stoppages at all of its work centres and operational bases in Spain from 15 August. That includes airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago de Compostela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Initially, the strike will take place on 15, 16 and 17 August, in three time slots: from 05:00 to 09:00, from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 21:00 to 23:59. It will then continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 31 December 2025. If you are travelling to or from any of the above airports from mid-August onwards, you are advised to check with Ryanair if your flight will be affected. UGT calls for better conditions for its workers The strikes follow a request for mediation by the Air Sector of FeSMC-UGT to the Interconfederal Service of Mediation and Arbitration (SIMA), aimed at opening talks before any industrial action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the union, the reasons for the protest include the lack of consolidation of working hours for permanent part-time staff, the imposition of additional hours under duress, and what they describe as excessive disciplinary measures. They also highlight ongoing breaches of the Joint Committee of the Sectoral Agreement's recommendations on economic guarantees and pay bonuses. UGT accuses the company of imposing unlawful limits on returning to work after medical leave and blocking family-friendly working hours by refusing to offer flexible schedules. "Azul Handling maintains a strategy of precariousness and pressure on the workforce that violates basic labour rights and systematically ignores union demands," said Jose Manuel Perez Grande, federal secretary of the FeSMC-UGT air union. The union is calling on Azul Handling to withdraw the sanctions, comply with the rulings of the agreement and open real negotiations to improve the working conditions of more than 3,000 workers throughout the country. "They gave Hamas free gifts. Let me be clear: These countries prolonged the war," he said. Those who continue to back a Palestinian state have "directly assassinated the hostage deal and ceasefire," Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said in a statement at the UN on Tuesday. "They gave Hamas free gifts. Let me be clear: These countries prolonged the war," he said. Sa'ar discussed the recent videos released by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad of hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavsky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bones standing out in their skin. Like living skeletons... this is satanic," he said. Brother of Evyatar David addressed UN Ilay David, older brother of hostage Evyatar David, addressed the members of the UNSC. Gideon Sa'ar delivers a press conference at the UN, August 5 2025. (CREDIT: OHAD KAB) "Evyatar is the kindest person I know. He is shy, but full of life. He has the soul of a musician," Ilay said. Since his kidnap from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, Evyatar "and the other hostages have endured an unimaginable nightmare," Ilay said, adding that this is not just a "figure of speech." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know now from medical reports that Evyatar and the other hostages are on the brink of death, and may only have days to live. My little brother now weighs only 40 kilograms," David added. "The world has heard about the atrocities of Hamas, but what is happening to Evyatar and Guy (Gilboa-Dalal) is an act of calculated depravity," David accused. Each report of the hostages' status "makes our fears worse," David explained, stating that "we do not know how much time they have left." "My brother was a living skeleton, his voice barely recognisable. my little brother was forced to speak to the world and was forced to dig his own grave inside the filthy dark tunnel in Gaza," David stated, addressing the Hamas propaganda video released over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My father cannot sleep, and my mother has not stopped crying. what would you do, if God forbid, it was your son, father, brother? We cannot wait any longer," David added. "For us the mission is very clear, and urgent: We must ensure that all hostages are being released immediately and unconditionally," he commented. "The last video exposed another horrifying truth; the chubby and well fed arm of the terrorist. Hamas confirmed what we have known for month: The terrorists have plenty of food. The only ones starving in the tunnels are the hostages," David stated. "They use them and starve them as a weapon of war," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Freed hostages) "Tal Shoham and Omer Wenkert testified to this - the terrorists always had food nearby, and would relish in this while the hostages starved," David noted. "This is a humanitarian crisis: the one of the hostage, the very soul of humanity is being scarred by Hamas," he continued. "I am here to make a direct and urgent call to this esteemed body: We must request the immediate release of every hostage. The time for deliberation has run out. Their lives depend on immediate intervention," he stated. "We must call for humanitarian aid to reach the hostages. They have not received a shred of humanitarian aid since they were taken captive, this is a flagrant violation of international law!" David stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We all have a responsibility!" David announced. "To the leaders of the world to every member of this council and every member of this council: your silence is complicity I urge you don't let them die." "All leaders should unite to pressure Hamas and its partners. Act now, before its too late. Save Evyatar David, bring my little brother home," he concluded. Adrianna Reams was forced to grow up faster than shed ever imagined. Now 17, Reams is the sister of Sade Robinson, a 19-year-old college student who was murdered while on a date in 2024. At the Aug. 1 sentencing of Robinsons convicted killer, Maxwell Anderson, Reams told a Milwaukee County judge how the murder upended her life: Some days, instead of going to school, she was searching for Robinsons body, learning how to navigate communication with law enforcement, and figuring out how to console their grieving mother with each new update. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reams said she quit her job to escape the constant reminder that her sister, Robinson, who was her guide and support system, had been stolen. Authorities said Anderson killed Robinson on April 1, 2024. Robinson who was first reported missing by co-workers helped her sister get a job at the Wisconsin Country Club, where the siblings worked together. I couldnt go back to a job where I couldnt spend time with her hearing the way she changed peoples lives with her smile, or her laugh, Reams said, during her victim impact statement. The 17-year-old struggled to read from a prepared statement without breaking down in tears or her voice cracking. Reams, who is in high school, sat in court during most of the seven-day murder trial in June as prosecutors presented surveillance footage, cellphone data, and other witness testimony in the murder trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello sentenced Anderson to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He did not present a defense at the trial, where he was convicted of first-degree intentional murder for killing and dismembering Robinson. The jurors deliberated for 45 minutes. Reams joined her mother, Sheena Scarbrough, and Robinsons father, Carlos Robinson, in asking Crivello to sentence Anderson to life in prison. The judge also received a letter of support for a life sentence for Anderson from an anonymous person. He sits there without an ounce of guilt, Reams said, unable to speak her sisters name without crying. All my sister did was meet someone, and he stole her life. I cannot meet any person without the fear that theyre going to harm me. He stole my sanity. This man should never walk free again, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson, 34, maintained his innocence when given the opportunity to speak during the two-hour hearing. I did not commit these crimes, he said. But Crivello was not moved. I dont think youre remorseful in any way. I dont think that you have gotten to the point of taking any form of responsibility for what transpired, the judge said, adding that justice for her family would be having Ms. Robinson here today. She was an innocent victim. A girl, I hope, more young ladies would want to be like, Crivello said. Carlos Robinson said becoming Sades father changed everything for him when she was born. But, he said, what Anderson did to her was inconceivable. A frame grab from a video entered as evidence in the murder trial of Maxwell Anderson shows Sade Robinson leaving her apartment on April 1, 2024. (Angela Peterson/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via the Associated Press, Pool) Sade Robinson, 19, was in her last semester at Milwaukee Area Technical College, aiming for a career in the military. At the time of the murder, she lived on her own and worked two jobs to be self-sufficient, her mother said. Her sister, Reams, accepted her posthumous criminal justice degree in May 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 1, 2024, she went on a first date with Anderson, bar hopping in town. She was reported missing by co-workers when she didnt show up to her shift that next day. Robinsons family is suing two local bars that served Robinson alcohol even though she was a minor, according to television station WISN. In the suit, her mother said that the bars contributed to Robinsons death by allegedly over-serving alcohol to the 19-year-old while she was with Anderson. During the murder trial, prosecutors showed video of Anderson nearby Robinsons torched car. Scarbrough, Sade Robinsons mother, wasnt notified right away by law enforcement about her daughters reported disappearance a painful experience that now drives her advocacy. Through the Sades Voice Foundation, shes pushing for legislative change. She said a bill sponsored by state Rep. Shelia Stubbs would reform how police handle missing person investigations. Stubbs reintroduced the bill for the third time on July 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said parts of Sade Robinsons body have not been found. My daughter had a lot of life left to live, Carlos Robinson said. I dont even have her completely to be able to put her at peace it brings me night terrors. The family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Anderson in June 2024. During the sentencing, the judge said Anderson has a criminal history dating back to 2014 that includes domestic violence and domestic disturbance convictions. His attorneys said he plans to appeal his conviction. Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified where Adrianna Reams and Sade Robinson worked together. The sisters worked at the Wisconsin Country Club. The post Sade Robinsons Killer Gets Life as Family Demands Missing Persons Reform appeared first on Capital B News. The government has rolled out biometric registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to improve how patients are identified and make healthcare access more efficient across the country. While launching the initiative at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that biometric registration is now fully in use at all Level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals nationwide. Effective immediately, SHA will stop using OTP-based authorisation, Duale announced. From now on, all approvals must be done through biometric health IDs or the Practice 360 App, he added. CS Duale revealed that the Ministry of Health is currently onboarding Level 2 and 3 health facilities onto the SHA system, as part of a wider push to digitize healthcare services starting at the grassroots level. To support this rollout, the government has introduced the Practice 360 App, a geo-tagged and geo-fenced platform designed to fight fraud and prevent doctors from sharing authorisation codes improperly. This tool will help us stop the unauthorised sharing of pre-authorisation codes by medical practitioners, said Duale. With the Practice 360 App, healthcare workers can now view, approve, and manage pre-authorisation claims and the services they provide, all from one place. Since its launch, the Social Health Authority (SHA) has onboarded over 25.1 million Kenyans and nearly 10,000 hospitals, clinics, and health centres. Through the Social Health Insurance Fund, the Authority has already reimbursed Ksh47.5 billion, with another Ksh6.9 billion disbursed via the Primary Healthcare Fund. Duale noted that Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital has submitted claims worth Ksh1.4 billion and received over Ksh1 billion in payments. That tells you our facilities, whether public, private, or faith-based, are seeing real value from the investments theyve made in healthcare, he said. How to Sign Up For convenience of access to everyone, SHA biometric registration is now available through a variety of convenient channels. Kenyans can register by dialling *147# on their mobile phones, logging onto the official SHA website, or taking part in ongoing physical registration drives across the country. The new system introduces biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, to identify individuals securely and streamline healthcare services. We are not just automating processes. We are building a system that protects patients and safeguards public funds, said Duale. No more paper records. No more fake claims. No more double-billing. Every shilling contributed by Kenyans must work for Kenyans, Duale declared. Alongside the Biometric Health ID (BHI) and the Practise360 App, CS Duale also announced two other digital innovations the National Product Catalogue and the Health Information Exchange (HIE). The National Product Catalogue blocks fake drugs by ensuring only verified medicines are used, while the HIE allows secure sharing of patient data across facilities and counties. The Ministry will launch a pharmaceutical Track-and-Trace system next month and enhance digital oversight through KMPDC to weed out fraudulent facilities under Taifa Care, Duale added. These digital tools mark a new era of efficient, transparent and patient-focused healthcare delivery. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) In the morning of Aug. 5, San Angelo City Council voted on considering a new future interstate highway formula program that will possibly have a positive economic impact to the community. WATCH: FULL San Angelo City Council LIVE stream 8-5-25 The city council agenda took in consideration of agenda item L: A Future Interstate Highway Formula Program A Future Interstate Feasibility Study for the Heartland Expressway, Theodore Roosevelt Express and a portion of Ports-to-Plains High Priority Corridors Future Interstate Designation for the Heartland Expressway, Theodore Roosevelt Expressway and a Portion of Ports-to-Plains High Priority Corridors and Numbering Future Interstate Segments (Major Hofheins) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 5 Council Member Karen Smith described this agenda item as a big deal and probably has the biggest impact on our community going forward. This new interstate is meant to be a trade route from Mexico to Canada. Major Hofheins stood in front of the city council members and informed them about these resolutions. One of the reasons this item was brought up was because of the trade routes currently taken by trucking companies are using highway systems that arent fit for them. Even though the federal government has given the designation for a future interstate they didnt give federal funding for it. These have to be publicly funded and if not done properly could take around 20 years to complete. It was said that every little community along this new proposed interstate is funding their part to get it done in a timely manner. The advisory committee for Ports-to-Plains requested that communities adopt the three resolutions that were listed previously in the article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This makes it a cohesive effort border to border, said Major Hofheins. It was said during the meeting that the new interstate would bring more money to the local economy and would help it grow because more people would be coming through. The city council members voted in support to consider this motion and voted 6-0. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A San Angelo man was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of two children while being required to register as a sex offender in a federal court in San Antonio. Carlos Julian Ruiz, 29, was required to register as a sex offender for sexually assaulting a child in 2013, according to the United States Attorneys Office. He was identified in January 2023 as one of three individuals involved in a mobile messaging app group dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children, and who was sexually assaulting and exploiting numerous female children, including a seven-year-old girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruiz shared several images of the girl in the group chat, and an investigation determined that Ruiz had sexually assaulted her on numerous occasions between Sept. 1, 2022, and Jan. 13, 2023. In December 2022, Ruiz transported two girls, ages three and two, from their home in the Northern District of Texas to a hotel in San Antonio, where he allegedly met his co-defendant, Trevor Metterhauser, who had flown in from New Jersey with supplies he intended to use to facilitate the sexual assaults of the children, including Oxycodone. Ruiz filmed Metterhausers acts of sexual abuse with a video camera. According to Ruizs plea agreement, he agreed to provide Metterhauser with access to one of the girls with the purpose of sexual assault and production of child sexual abuse material. Metterhauser was allegedly a member of the mobile messaging group and is currently awaiting trial in a separate case in New York, having not yet appeared in federal court within the Western District of Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through an FBI investigation, agents learned that Ruiz had befriended the parents of the two girls when the three-year-old was an infant. Ruiz routinely spent extended periods alone with both children and sexually assaulted them. San Angelo man indicted for sexual abuse of a minor A violent offender who committed unspeakable and abhorrent crimes against children has been brought to justice, thanks to the exceptional work of FBI Albany, FBI Dallas, and the FBI San Antonio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, said the FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp. Multiple victims have been rescued, and the FBI remains unwavering in its commitment to work in close partnership with law enforcement and the U.S. Attorneys Office to protect children and pursue those who prey on our most vulnerable. Ruiz was arrested in February 2023 and charged in both the Western District of Texas and the Northern District of Texas with a total of five counts: one count in each district for sexual exploitation of children and one count in the Western District of Texas for aiding and abetting the sexual assault of a child. He pleaded guilty to the first four counts in November 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Angelo man indicted on 6 child sex crime charges Those who use children for their own twisted sexual gratification will not walk free in the Western District of Texas, said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. Here in the Western District, we will aggressively and consistently push back against this darkness that has, sadly, become so prevalent in our society. I want to thank our law enforcement partners who helped bring Ruiz to justice, and I want to thank our colleagues in the Northern District of Texas for their work on this case. The FBIs Field Offices in San Antonio, Dallas and Albany, New York, investigated the case with assistance from the Tom Green County Sheriffs Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) During a City Council Budget Workshop on Aug. 5, the San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith explained to the City Council members why the San Angelo Police Department (SAPD) needs money to upgrade. Griffith explained to the council members that the current SAPD building holds up to 75 employees which included an admissible court and a jail. He said they are scattered all over the place. Griffith claimed the building hasnt been expanded since before JFK got shot in 1962. He claimed the police department building is number one in priority moving forward. He said getting a portable building will be able to allow SAPD to limp by for the next four to five years until they are ready to look for an actual new building to house all their employees. Griffith said they are looking at the most cost-effective way. He even said that this portable building will have life outside of the current police department building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said this must be done to show the police department employees that they are valued and just for the department to have enough space to operate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A community group, Neighbors for a Better Pacific Beach, filed a lawsuit Monday against the City of San Diego and real estate developer SDRE. The lawsuit is challenging the proposed 136-unit ADU project near Bluffside Avenue and Pacifica Drive in Pacific Beach. We have been informed by the city that the project is being processed as a ministerial project, said attorney Josh Chatten-Brown. That means it can be approved at any moment without community input, environment analysis or transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chatten-Brown says each ADU would be about 450 square-feet, and Neighbors for a Better Pacific Beach say the rent has been advertised to investors at about $3,000 a month. City approves tighter ADU restrictions, too late for some Clairemont residents Its not affordable housing, said resident Trudy Grundland. Chatten-Brown says the city could give the project a green light without public input, cultural and environmental analysis. He says the project would sit on well documented Kumeyaay Nation land. I want to make sure it isnt destroyed and lost. If there are human remains there we want to make sure they are not disturbed, said Elder Jesse Pinto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This should be as complicated as putting up a high rise. Its 136 units. It should be looked at with detail so its done correctly, added Grundland. Reforms to bonus ADU program head to San Diego city council for second reading The project would sit next to military housing and worried residents say theres not enough street parking to accommodate that many residents. There there will be Ubers, deliveries, Amazon, said Grundland. Its just going to be chaotic. Its an abuse of the ADU process. ADUs were intended to be accessory dwellings, granny flats. This is essentially a defacto apartment complex, said Chatten-Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SDRE said in a statement, The homes at Chalcifica have followed all required review and approval processes, and we will continue to work closely with city officials, planners and the appropriate agencies every step of the way. Our focus remains on building attainable housing options for hardworking San Diegans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN DIEGO The Diocese of San Diego is launching a new ministry aimed at supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they navigate the challenges of the U.S. immigration system. The initiative, called FAITH, is designed to ensure no one faces court hearings alone. At a meeting held at the San Diego Catholic Pastoral Center, more than 50 community members signed up to become volunteers for the program. Many of them will accompany migrants to their immigration court appointments, offering support, compassion, and a visible show of solidarity. Theyre going to see that they are not alone, that we are with them, said Carlos De Alva, a local musician and new volunteer. We are people of faith, and this is what we are supposed to do as Christians, accompany those in need. De Alva, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico, says his personal experience inspired him to be part of the program. Invited to perform music at the ministrys kickoff event, he says he felt called to do more than just play. Just by being there, I think thats going to make a big difference, he said. The ministry emphasizes accompaniment providing emotional and spiritual presence for individuals and families who may otherwise feel isolated or afraid as they face the legal complexities of seeking asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop Michael Pham said the ministry is rooted in compassion and faith. We are here for them, and they know that we are on their side, Pham said. Volunteers not only received a blessing during the ceremony but also attended a safety orientation to help ensure the well-being of both the migrants and those accompanying them. For De Alva, being part of the ministry is more than a moment, its a movement. My hope is that these individuals will be able to work, live, and thrive in our communities without fear, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) San Juan Countys fire and rescue team has been working hard to fight wildfires this season. Theyve responded to multiple state fires and are assisting California in pre-positioning efforts to better prepare for potential fires. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bloomfield Police Department posted a shout out to the team after a recent rescue, where a puppy was stranded in the middle of San Juan river on an island until being saved by the fire and rescue team. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Early election results in the San Tan Valley incorporation campaign showed voters overwhelmingly supporting the effort to become a town. The early results consisted of all early ballots that had been accepted and were processed as of Aug. 4, according to Pinal County. That comprised 10,505 early ballots of the 37,036 that were mailed. There were 1,838 check-ins at the polls today, according to James Daniels, a Pinal County spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 55,081 registered voters who were eligible to vote in the Aug. 5 election. The county Election Department was expected to tabulate all Election Day ballots overnight, Daniels told The Arizona Republic. On Aug. 6, the department will continue to process the early ballots dropped off at polls or drop boxes, he said. Arizona allows voters to drop off early ballots at the polls on Election Day, and those ballots must still be processed and verified before they can be tallied. Election results in Arizona are unofficial until local officials have tabulated and canvassed the results. It's unknown how many ballots remain to be counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. The canvass for the election was scheduled for Aug. 18 at the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room in Florence. Several incorporation efforts for San Tan Valley had been proposed in the past decade, but none had been placed on a ballot. Prior efforts were halted because of opposition from neighboring cities, local homeowners associations and some residents. The San Tan Valley incorporation committee hosted a watch party at the Rural Metro Fire Station in Copper Basin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler Hudgins, chairman of the local incorporation committee, said the room erupted when the first batch of early results was publicized. San Tan Village: What's under construction near along Ray Road in Gilbert? Hudgins said he got emotional when he saw the first results come in and said incorporating was "the right thing to do." "This needed to happen. It should have happened a long time ago. We're glad it happened today and San Tan Valley can start building its future," he said. He called the work the incorporation committee did over the past two years a "labor of love." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If successful, it would be the largest incorporation in Arizonas history, according to a news release from Pinal County. Supporters of San Tan Valley incorporation efforts attend an election watch party at Rural Metro Fire Station in Copper Basin on Aug. 5, 2025. Incorporation for the town was leading in early returns. Why does San Tan Valley want to become a town? San Tan Valleys incorporation area encompasses approximately 34.6 square miles. The area has nearly 100,000 residents. In 2018, the county projected the area's population including areas not within the proposed town boundaries could reach about 310,000, fully built out. The committee filed more than 10,500 signatures and the county found 7,531 of those signatures were valid on May 1. Residents vying to become a town have told The Republic they were tired of playing catch-up on building roads and infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved a plan that would create a commercial core in the area. It could have a broad economic impact. The committee has estimated it would receive $51 million in state shared revenue annually. Hudgins said San Tan Valley has been overlooked for far too long. The incorporation effort has also received support from Pinal County Supervisor Mike Goodman, who represents the area, the Queen Creek Town Council and other East Valley cities. The Rural Metro Fire Department also announced on July 29 that it was committed to serving the area and was prepared to consider negotiations with any future San Tan Valley Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story has been updated to add new information.) Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek and can be reached at maritza.dominguez@arizonarepublic.com or 480-271-0646. Follow her on X @maritzacdom. Like this story? Get more East Valley news straight into your email inbox by signing up for our free weekly East Valley Newsletter, which comes out on Wednesdays. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: San Tan Valley voters favor incorporation in early results Websites of banned Russian media outlets remain easily accessible in the EU in the "overwhelming majority" of cases, according to a report released by the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD). Source: Euractiv, a EU-focused news and analysis website, as reported by European Pravda Details: The report notes that after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the EU authorities banned Kremlin-controlled media from broadcasting within the Union, including online, to counter "disinformation". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, more than three years later, "sanctioned outlets are largely still active and accessible" in member states, the report says. "Russian state media continues to maintain a strong online presence, posing a persistent challenge to Western democracies," it adds, noting that internet service provider (ISP) blocking is "largely ineffective". The EU sanctions targeted RT, formerly known as Russia Today, and Sputnik, along with other state-controlled outlets, accused of conducting an "information warfare". The ISD report covered Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Czechia and Slovakia, testing the three largest internet providers in each of these countries. The researchers identified 26 sanctioned media outlets and attempted to access 58 associated domains. In 76% of tests, providers failed to block access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Member states are responsible for ensuring that ISPs enforce the bans. However, the ISD report criticises the European Commission for its "failure" to maintain a "definitive list of different domain iterations" or web addresses linked to each outlet. The lack of such a list has left countries and ISPs "without the guidance needed for effective and targeted implementation", the report states. "The issue is when they sanction Russian state media, they mention the outlet that they are sanctioning so Russia Today, Sputnik, etc but what they don't list is what domain falls under this entity," said Pablo Maristany de las Casas, the reports author. "If the European Commission were to list the different domains that are known to be linked to these entities, that would make it much easier for member states and the internet service providers in those member states to enforce these blocks," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report calls on the European Commission to release a "continuously updated and publicly accessible list" and include it in its sanctions packages and on its online sanctions dashboard. Maristany de las Casas says enforcement must also be more flexible as Russia attempts to bypass sanctions. "Some outlets, for example, RT, use so-called mirror domains where they simply copy the contents of the blocked site into a new URL a new link to circumvent those sanctions," he said. The report also points out that Slovakia, whose Prime Minister Robert Fico is known for his pro-Russian stance, recorded the poorest enforcement results, failing to block any sites. Poland ranked second worst, while France and Germany were the most effective overall. Most sanctioned domains had little popularity within the bloc, with fewer than 1,000 monthly visits, but Germany with its large Russian diaspora was an exception: three domains, including RT, attracted over 100,000 monthly visitors from there. Background: On 4 August, Latvias National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) decided to block access to ten more websites spreading Russian propaganda. In late July, NEPLP blocked access to several Russian sites, particularly platforms used to recruit soldiers for Russias war against Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Zozobra's insurer wrote an email to event organizers July 1 essentially sealing the fate for a dozen trees at Fort Marcy park: "The underwriter has approved and bound the coverage under that condition that the nine trees in the river bed and the three trees across are cut down," states the email, obtained by The New Mexican. Ray Sandoval, event chair for the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fes annual Burning of Zozobra, told a crowd at the park last week the century-old scorching of Old Man Gloom can't go on as scheduled Aug. 29 if 12 Siberian elm trees which pose an "indirect" safety hazard don't come down. The city of Santa Fe has approved the felling, City Manager Mark Scott confirmed Monday; though, he was uncertain when crews would cut the trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elms have become a topic of controversy, pitting neighbors and other park users and tree lovers against Zozobra devotees. 042924_LS_FtMarcyTrees_1_RGB.jpg Cindy House of Santa Fe walks her dog over the bridge between Magers Field and Fort Marcy Ballpark while coming back from the dog park last year. Vocal opponents of the plan were organizing community meetings at the park Tuesday and Thursday evenings to discuss the matter, but some feared the trees might be gone before they could hold the gatherings. One social media post late Monday, labeled "breaking," said a group would "mobilize" at daybreak Tuesday to "Save the Fort Marcy Trees." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott said he believes he approved the removal of the trees July 30. "It's a very difficult decision to make, but I didn't have much choice because it was either remove the trees or the event was off," Scott said. Sandoval did not know about the city's approval of the request, he said Monday, and Scott said he had not notified Sandoval directly. Zozobra organizers have said the trees create a hazard by blocking the view in Fort Marcy park's Magers Field, across an arroyo from the Fort Marcy Ballpark, where the massive marionette is burned; that prompts too many attendees to gather on a bridge over the arroyo, which would present risks in an emergency evacuation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics of the tree removal say there hasn't been enough communication or community input on possible solutions, and they weren't notified of the issue soon enough, with last week's public meeting on the trees coming only about a month before Zozobra's burning. "If there was an actual conversation happening about these trees months and months ago that gave us time to talk about solutions, to see the documentation, to hear all the different sides, to really look at this with time and space and public interest in mind I think if they were still decided to be cut down, and we went through that process and it felt fair, this would not be happening," said Thalia Varshay, who lives near Fort Marcy park and is organizing against the tree removal with other people in the community. Safety concerns surrounding the trees were echoed in a letter from the Santa Fe Police Department that was attached to Sandoval's July 9 request to Scott for approval of the tree removal. "The persistent overcrowding on the bridge has created a serious chokepoint and a significant stampede hazard," the letter reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter also notes crowds in previous years have been unresponsive to commands to clear the bridge area. Organizers have been looking for a way to solve the issue without cutting down the trees since 2017, including having police guard the bridge and displaying the event on a jumbotron, Sandoval said. Now, he said, they've run out of options. "The trees are the last resort, not the first," he said. Varshay cited what she called a lack of transparency about the organizers' process of seeking alternative solutions. She questioned how many other insurance providers Sandoval approached in an effort to avoid the tree removal, noting she and her peers had reached out to local companies that said they had not been contacted by Zozobra organizers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Zozobra organizers have approached other insurance companies, Sandoval said, "They're like, 'Are you serious?' They don't even have a conversation." He added, "We're very fortunate that we're part of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe that can pull that insurance, because I will tell you that without our fellow clubs, there is not a market for Zozobra insurance." 082924_GC_ZozobraDay05rgb.jpg (copy) Zozobra becomes engulfed in smoke as the fire spirit dances before him at Fort Marcy park last year. The Kiwanis Club has secured $200,000 for the tree removal, The New Mexican reported last week. Sandoval has said the trees will be replaced with new plantings following a public process for gathering feedback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Varshay said she wants to believe the tree replacement will happen, but she pointed to challenges in growing trees in Santa Fe's dry climate. "They might plant trees, they might die. They're not going to be that big for decades," Varshay said. "And we also are taking out healthy, mature trees that are already thriving in our climate, which is irresponsible." Scott said his decision to approve Sandoval's request was largely about safety. "I feel terrible about the fact that people would feel like this was a choice of trees over people," he said. (KRON) The Santa Rosa Police Department is launching its third Missing Person Monday social media campaign to raise awareness for adults who are missing. The police department wrote, We are launching a third Missing Person Monday campaign. Each week, we will highlight several missing adult cold cases with the hope of locating the missing adults or generating new leads in their cases. After SRPD highlighted 30 cases last year, five missing adults were found, police said. One of the five adults had been missing for two decades, police said. This Monday, SRPD highlighted the following five missing person cases: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you know the whereabouts of any of the featured missing people, call Santa Rosa police at 707-528-5222, or your local law enforcement agency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. China's Harbin supports local enterprises to carry out technological transformation Xinhua) 09:53, August 05, 2025 An engineer reviews turbine blade data at a coordinate measuring machine laboratory of Harbin Turbine Co., Ltd. in Harbin northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 26, 2025. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) This photo taken on July 25, 2025 show an automated production line for single-phase electricity meters at an electrical measuring instruments factory in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) This photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows a China independently developed 500MW hydro turbine generator unit at Harbin Electric Machinery Co., Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) A worker operates intelligent numerical control device at a smart workshop of a coil factory in Harbin Electric Machinery Company Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 24, 2025. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) A robot is pictured on the production line at a workshop of Harbin Dongan Auto Engine Co., Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 24, 2025. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) Intelligent manufacturing equipment processes and assembles products at a workshop of Harbin Dongan Auto Engine Co., Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 24, 2025. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) This photo taken on July 25, 2025 show an automated production line for single-phase electricity meters at an electrical measuring instruments factory in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) This drone photo shows a smart workshop of a coil factory in Harbin Electric Machinery Company Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 4, 2025. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Photo by Liu Yang/Xinhua) This photo taken on Feb. 26, 2025 shows a robotic arm on an intelligent production line for small and medium-sized blades at a blade factory of Harbin Turbine Co., Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) A worker is pictured at a workshop of Harbin Dongan Auto Engine Co., Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 24, 2025. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) Intelligent manufacturing equipment processes and assembles products at a workshop of Harbin Dongan Auto Engine Co., Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 24, 2025. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) Workers use AI-powered detection for flaw inspection at a pipe factory of Harbin Boiler Co., Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 26, 2025. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) This photo taken on July 25, 2025 show a robotic arm on an automated production line for single-phase electricity meters at an electrical measuring instruments factory in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Xinhua/Wang Song) This drone photo shows a smart workshop of a coil factory in Harbin Electric Machinery Company Ltd. in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 4, 2025. Harbin, one of China's traditional industrial bases, has been harnessing digital and intelligent technologies as a key pathway to upgrade its traditional industries in recent years. From 2021 to 2025, the city has invested a total of 500 million yuan (about 69 million U.S. dollars) to support local enterprises to carry out technological transformation, with an average 20 percent annual growth in such investment. (Photo by Liu Yang/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - As conflict intensifies between rival militaries in Sudan, the UN humanitarian wing (OCHA) expressed alarm on Monday over mounting civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions across the country SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issued a statement Tuesday responding to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carrs brief filed on Monday. AG Chris Carr supports lawsuit against Savannahs gun ordinance The Attorney General has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of interest in helping cities like Savannah address the deadly impact of illegal and stolen firearms, Mayor Johnson said. Rather than using his constitutional authority to assist in protecting our communities, he has chosen instead to take adversarial positions against the very citizens he is sworn to defend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said, In Savannah, we believe it is not only possible, but necessary, to protect the Second Amendment and second graders and teenagers. Public safety is not political; it is a shared responsibility. We look forward to presenting our case in court and to standing firmly for the safety and wellbeing of all Savannah residents. Carrs brief supported a lawsuit filed against Savannahs firearm regulation ordinance. Carr said, No matter how much the mayor disagrees with our laws, he cannot openly infringe on the Second Amendment rights of our citizens. Progressive politics arent a defense for government 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 WSAV-TV. The Scandinavian NATO countries Sweden, Denmark and Norway are providing a total of more than $500 million for an initiative to speed up arms deliveries from the United States to Ukraine. Sweden is contributing $275 million to the Prioritized Ukraine Requirement List (PURL) initiative coordinated by NATO, with Denmark pledging 580 million Danish kroner ($90 million) and Norway 1.5 billion Norwegian kroner ($146 million), the governments of the three countries announced on Tuesday. As part of the initiative, the participating countries will purchase defence equipment from the United States and then make it available to Ukraine so that it can defend itself against the ongoing Russian invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Scandinavian package includes missiles for Patriot air defence systems, Sweden's Defence Minister Pal Jonson told a press conference in Stockholm. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte thanked the three countries for their contribution. The funding ensures the delivery life-saving equipment and essential goods to the front line, strengthening Ukraine's position and helping it to fend off aggression while striving for lasting peace, Rutte said in a post on X. The Scandinavian countries have been among the largest donors to Ukraine since the outbreak of the Russian war in Ukraine almost three and a half years ago. The Netherlands had already announced a similar package worth around 500 million as part of PURL on Monday. HONOLULU (KHON2) School is back in session, and attendance is a top priority. Recent tsunami warning gives good reminder to stay prepared in rural areas Attendance matters, to have our kids in school every day for the full day. Its so important to know that when kids are in school, that is when the learning happens, Superintendant of HIDOE Keith Hayashi said. The Hawaii State Department of Education has expanded students access to transporation that will provide safe and reliable rides to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From local farms to school cafeterias: Big shifts coming So last year our high school students, with partnership [from the county] were able to leverage the county busses. This year, that offer is being expanded to middle school students. So we have about 2,000 more students who have signed up, middle school students, said Hayashi. Back to school: Inside Hawaiis childhood education crisis Access to free school lunches has been provided for more students. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You This year we have about 11,000 more students who will be eating free those reduced students who qualified for reduced lunch this year will eat free, said Hayashi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A focus on integrating more local ingredients has also been a priority. Hayashi added, We really want to focus on locally sourced [meals] so we are offering many options this year. HIDOE wants to remind parents and the community of their responsiblities during the school year. New carpool program hits the road, driving change for students transportation We want to remind all the parents and the communities to be sure and be aware. Students might be walking to school safety is really important, said Hayashi. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 Keeping students in the classroom can become a lot eaiser with more accessible transportation for students of all ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This article was originally published in Chalkbeat. Trump wants to put money for homeless kids into a block grant. School staff are wary. Federal funding for homeless students has helped Metro Nashville Public Schools meet kids evolving needs for decades. It has sent tutors to family shelters to help children with their school work. It has paid for transportation when families got priced out of their homes and suddenly had to move cross-county. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter And it pays for liaisons like Catherine Knowles, who for 28 years has listened to what homeless families say they really need and tried to respond. Thats why the district has a hotel-friendly food pantry filled with items like shelf-stable milk, microwaveable mac and cheese cups, and just-add-water cereal bowls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were giving that recognition of: We really do see what youre going through, Knowles said, and we then have the flexibility to be responsive to that because we have funding and we have dedicated resources. The Trump administration has proposed doing away with this dedicated funding. The presidents Education Department budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 consolidates money for homeless students and 17 other programs into a single, much smaller K-12 block grant. States would get $2 billion, down from the roughly $6.5 billion the federal government spends now. Schools could keep spending that money on the students and activities envisioned in federal law, or on a range of other activities, such as promoting patriotic education, or improving instruction in math, reading, science, and history. In the current federal budget, Congress allocated $129 million to support homeless students with McKinney-Vento funding, named for the 1987 federal law that guarantees homeless children certain educational rights. Thats a tiny fraction of the roughly $18 billion the federal government spends specifically on high-poverty schools. Liaisons like Knowles worry homeless students will fall down the priority list if schools no longer get funding specifically to serve them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is such increasing need among students in public education, in general, Knowles said. Without McKinney-Vento dedicated funding specifically spelling out our responsibilities and the rights of students experiencing homelessness, Im just afraid it could kind of all get lost in the shuffle. Why Congress set aside money for homeless students The Education Department has said the block grant would give states and schools the ability to spend federal funds more in line with their needs, without the unnecessary administrative burdens imposed under current law. Several Republican governors have said theyd welcome education block grants. And some states, such as Iowa, that are seeking more flexibility in how they spend their federal education dollars have said they would continue to meet the needs of unique student groups, including homeless students. Right now, the federal government gives each state money for homeless students based on their share of Title I funds, which support students in poverty. Then the state awards the money to districts on a competitive basis, because the sum is too small to divide among all of them. Around 1 in 5 school districts nationally get McKinney-Vento funding, which means many districts are required to hire homeless liaisons and meet homeless students needs without dedicated funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But school liaisons and advocates for homeless youth are calling on Congress to maintain funding for students experiencing homelessness as a standalone program. In the early days of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Congress tasked states and schools with rewriting policies and collecting data about students experiencing homelessness. That work exposed gaps in support, and prompted Congress to set aside money specifically for these students in 1990. The dedicated funding was about responding to those barriers, said Barbara Duffield, the executive director of the nonprofit SchoolHouse Connection. In addition to legal protections, you also have to have somebody who goes out looking for you, makes sure you have a ride, actually makes sure you can get enrolled. Since then, McKinney-Vento funding has played an outsized role in under-resourced communities that lack shelters, and where the school literally might be the source of services for these families, Duffield said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers and school staff also point out that students experiencing homelessness have specific needs and greater academic challenges than even other children from low-income families. Homeless students have higher rates of absenteeism and are less likely to graduate from high school than their housed peers, even when compared with other kids living in poverty. Just imagine: If you go to a school that has high poverty, youve already been in poverty your whole life, and now youre also unhoused, said Jessica Smith, a social worker who is the McKinney-Vento coordinator for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. It looks completely different than a student who just is low-income. Those babies need assistance, too, but our babies need just a little bit more of a focus. Smith, for example, uses part of her districts McKinney-Vento funding to take high schoolers who live on their own without help from a parent to visit colleges and trade schools. In Tennessees Robertson County Schools, McKinney-Vento funding provides students experiencing homelessness with clothing that meets the districts dress code. And recently, it allowed the district to hire a translator to work specifically with Spanish-speaking homeless families, said Jennifer Dusky, a social worker who also serves as the districts homeless liaison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rural community 30 miles north of Nashville is a major tobacco producer and attracts many migrant families. As that population has grown, the translator who handles requests from across the district couldnt meet all the needs of homeless families and still get her other duties done, Dusky said. It was a need, for sure, to have a dedicated translator, Dusky said. Homelessness is not a comfortable thing for anyone to talk about, its very vulnerable and very scary. And then, of course, you add in the fact that youre in a new country, you dont speak the language. Theres all these fears and theyre very hesitant to talk with us. I totally get that. When the district hired a Spanish-speaking translator who had experienced homelessness herself, she helped identify, and provide support to, more homeless children. You can almost see the comfort just come over their face whenever they see her and talk to her, Dusky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when the district got half as much McKinney-Vento funding from the state this year as it has in years past, Dusky got a preview of the tough trade-offs schools nationwide would face if standalone funding went away. Her district had to decide if it could afford to keep the translator and the person who maintains McKinney-Vento records. For at least the next year, the district will dip into its own pocket to do so, but Dusky isnt sure how long that will last. What can our program realistically withstand? she said. What can our community support? Congress will decide if block grant proposal advances It is unclear whether Congress will approve the block grant proposal for homeless students and other programs. The Senate Appropriations committee rejected the block grant in the bipartisan education budget bill they approved Thursday, and kept McKinney-Vento funding at $129 million a year. The House Appropriations committee wont consider the education portion of the presidents budget until it returns from recess in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some worry that Congress could repeal all or part of the law that authorizes McKinney-Vento funding to make the block grant legal, potentially leaving homeless students with fewer protections. Just a handful of states guarantee homeless students the same main educational rights outlined in federal law; most do not have any spelled out in state law, according to a recent report by SchoolHouse Connection. Smith in Kansas City, Kansas, worries what that could mean for her students, many of whom stay over the state line in Kansas City, Missouri, because there are no shelters in her community. When that happens, both districts share the cost of transporting the child to school, Smith said, but shes not sure what would happen if Missouri and Kansas decided to spend their block grants differently. If we dont have something that focuses on this particular population theyll get overlooked as they often do already, Smith said. This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is preparing for a new role. The longtime Hollywood action star who was the last Republican elected governor in Democrat-dominated California is gearing up to oppose the push by current Gov. Gavin Newsom to scrap the state's non-partisan redistricting commission. "He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that. He thinks its truly evil for politicians to take power from people," Schwarzenegger spokesperson Daniel Ketchell told Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom, whom pundits view as a likely contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, aims to redraw California's congressional maps, to give the state five more blue-leaning House districts ahead of next year's midterm elections. The push by Newsom is a counter effort to negate a move underway by Republicans in GOP-dominated Texas to create five more right-leaning congressional districts at President Donald Trump's urging. Newsom Vows To Fight Fire With Fire In Congressional Redistricting Battle Read On The Fox News App California Gov. Gavin Newsom calls for a new way for California to redraw its voting districts during a news conference in Sacramento, California, on Friday July 25, 2025. The Republican push in Texas is part of a broader effort by the GOP across the country to keep control of their razor-thin House majority, and cushion losses elsewhere in the country, as the party in power traditionally faces political headwinds and loses seats in midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his political team are aiming to prevent what happened during his first term in the White House, when Democrats stormed back to grab the House majority in the 2018 midterms. Awol Texas Dems Threatened With Expulsion, Felony Charges For Absence Amid Redistricting Battle "Texas will be the biggest one," the president told reporters recently, as he predicted the number of GOP-friendly seats that could be added through redistricting in the reliably red state. "Just a simple redrawing, we pick up five seats." Scores of Texas Democrats in the state legislature fled the state, to prevent Republicans from holding votes to pass the new maps. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has called for those lawmakers to be arrested and prosecuted upon their return to the Lone Star State. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, seen at an awards ceremony in Berlin, Germany, on Sept. 17, 2024, is gearing up to oppose an effort in his home state to upend the state's non-partisan redistricting commission. The moves by Republicans and Democrats to implement rare mid-decade redistricting is opposed by Schwarzenegger, who championed California's nonpartisan redistricting system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hes opposed to what Texas is doing, and hes opposed to the idea that California would race to the bottom to do the same thing," Ketchell added. Hochul Vows To 'Fight Fire With Fire' On Redistricting While Hosting Texas Democrats Who Fled State Schwarzenegger, during his tenure as governor, had a starring role in the passage of constitutional amendments in California in 2008 and 2010 that took the power to draw state legislative and congressional districts away from politicians and place it in the hands of an independent commission. While the Republican push in Texas to upend the current congressional maps doesn't face constitutional constraints, Newsom's path in California is much more complicated. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (left) and current Gov. Gavin Newsom are on opposite sides in the push for mid-decade congressional redistricting. The governor is moving to hold a special election this year, to obtain voter approval to undo the constitutional amendments that created the non-partisan redistricting commission. A two-thirds majority vote in the Democrat-dominated California legislature would be needed to hold the referendum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The proposal that we're advancing with the legislature has a trigger only if they move forward, to dismantling the protocols that are well-established," Newsom said on Monday. "Would the state of California move forward in kind? Fighting? Yes, fire with fire." Newsom said the people of California would have the final say. "We will offer them the opportunity to make judgments for themselves, again, only if Texas moves forward," Newsom said. Original article source: Schwarzenegger pushing back against Newsom redistricting bid in California Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is ready to campaign against a partisan gerrymandering plan that current officeholder Gavin Newsom is hoping to place on the November ballot, according to a spokesperson. He calls gerrymandering evil, and he means that. He thinks its truly evil for politicians to take power from people, said Schwarzenegger spokesperson Daniel Ketchell. Hes opposed to what Texas is doing, and hes opposed to the idea that California would race to the bottom to do the same thing. Californias last Republican governor was the leading man behind the pair of constitutional amendments that more than a decade ago yanked authority for drawing legislative districts from politicians and placed it in the hands of a newly created independent commission. After the successes of those two measures at the California ballot, Schwarzenegger campaigned for similar changes (with mixed results) in Michigan, Colorado, Virginia and Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the fight has returned to his home state, as Newsom aims to redraw Californias U.S. House maps before the midterm elections to offset a similar Republican-led effort unfolding in Texas. Since such a move would undo the constitutional language added by the Schwarzenegger amendments, it would require voter approval. Newsom said today he is very confident he can secure the two-thirds legislative supermajority he would need to put the question on a November special-election ballot. Schwarzenegger is preparing to take a starring role in a No campaign, reuniting many of the forces that came together in 2008 to pass Prop 11 (which created the commission for California legislative maps) and in 2010 for Prop 20 (which extended its authority to congressional maps). Several of the leading outside groups that gave good-government ballast to the earlier efforts including the League of Women Voters and California Common Cause are challenging Newsoms proposal. Philanthropist Charles Munger Jr., the most significant benefactor to the redistricting measures, began last month to commission polls and focus groups as he assembles a team for another ballot campaign, POLITICO reported last week. Munger, the son of Warren Buffetts business partner, emerged as one of the California Republican Partys leading funders during Schwarzeneggers governorship. Schwarzenegger was first elected upon the 2003 recall of Gov. Gray Davis and went on to win a full term in 2006. After leaving government and returning to acting, he has remained involved in politics on a few issues that advisers say he considers central to his legacy, including climate change and independent redistricting. His Netflix action comedy FUBAR is currently in its second season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwarzenegger has also emerged as a prominent antagonist of President Donald Trump, whom he called un-American while endorsing Kamala Harris in last years election. A redistricting campaign could find the two former Celebrity Apprentice hosts campaigning alongside one another, as Trump argues a Democratic gerrymander would be a threat to Republican dominance and Schwarzenegger argues for the integrity of a nonpartisan process. Its too early right now for him to fully unleash the standard Arnold gerrymandering stump speech, Ketchell said. But itll come. This reporting first appeared in California Playbook PM. Exposure to "forever chemicals" can impact male brains while they're developing. What's happening? New research by the University of Rochester's Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience has revealed the worrying impact of forever chemicals, or PFAS, on the development of males' brains. When studying the forever chemical perfluorohexanoic acid, or PFHxA, on mice, scientists discovered a correlation between early exposure to the chemical and an increase in anxiety-related behaviors and memory deficits in male mice. Female mice were not affected by the exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researcher Ania Majewska remarked: "This finding suggests that the male brain might be more vulnerable to environmental insults during neurodevelopment." Why are PFAS such an important issue? PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are human-made chemicals that do not easily break down. First used in the 1940s, PFAS have now found their way into drinking water, food, food packaging, and many other everyday items. These chemicals have been linked to many health issues, such as decreased fertility, developmental effects or delays in children, increased risk of some cancers, and a weakened immune system, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Originally, PFHxA was thought to have less impact on health compared to other PFAS, but this study may prove that there are many negative effects of PFHxA exposure, especially in young men and boys. How can I avoid PFAS? PFAS pervade so much of the planet that avoiding them entirely is unrealistic. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avoiding nonstick pans is an easy way to reduce PFAS exposure, as these chemicals are almost always used to prevent food from sticking to cookware. You could also make sure to purchase glass or metal containers for food leftovers rather than storing things in plastic. In fact, switching all kitchen utensils to wood, metal, or glass, rather than plastic, is bound to reduce the amount of PFAS you consume. You could also install a water filter to lower the levels of PFAS that you consume. Some governments, such as the United Kingdom and the European Union, have committed to reducing PFAS by introducing regulations on these harmful chemicals. In the U.S., according to Safer States, "36 states have introduced 219 policies to protect people from toxic chemicals, and 169 state policies have been adopted in 30 states." 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. SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT) Last month, Scottsboro Police arrested Daniel McCarn after a more than 20-hour manhunt. McCarn is charged with attempted murder of a police officer, after SPD says he shot a lieutenant. Priceville Police launch Mondays Most Wanted to help with backlogged active warrants Scottsboro Police told News 19 that the use of a new drone and thermal technology played a huge role in McCarns capture and arrest. Law enforcement closing in on McCarn next to a set of railroad tracks after a day-long manhunt. News 19 spoke with Lieutenant Coty Durham, SPDs Public Information Officer, and the man who piloted the drone during the manhunt. Durham said he spotted McCarn near the railroad tracks that Saturday night, thanks to a heat signature that was visible on the drone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We saw a heat signature beside the railroad tracks that just kind of looked out of place, he said. It kind of looked like a starfish. Moments later, law enforcement closed in and made the arrest. He complies without any issue, and they start handcuffing him, Durham said. Scottsboro Police say McCarn shot SPD Lieutenant Derek Porch early in the morning on Saturday, July 26th. Police say the shooting happened when McCarn was trying to run from officers who were responding to a domestic call. McCarn got away on foot and evaded law enforcement all day, prompting the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to issue a Blue Alert. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App McCarn was finally arrested just before 10:00 p.m. that Saturday. He was found alongside the train tracks near Old Larkinsville Road in Scottsboro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Durham said the thermal drone proved to be invaluable in the search. Without this, it definitely would have taken a lot longer, if we were able to find Mr. McCarn at all, he told News 19. He said SPD has only had this drone technology since May. However, just hours after the manhunt, the department ordered a second set. The exact same setup that we had that helped us catch Mr. McCarn, were getting an exact replica of it, Durham said. So at any given time, any critical incident, we will be able to have two drones up in the sky. Durham said that the department is thankful for the tips it received from the public and the help it got from more than a dozen law enforcement agencies during the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prelim hearing set for woman charged in Huntsville realtors kidnapping Despite the heat and the long hours, he said, Everything we did that day was focused on finding Mr. McCarn. Daniel McCarn shortly after being taken into custody. Image Credit: Scottsboro Police. Scottsboro Police said Lieutenant Porchs injuries are non-life-threatening, and he is expected to recover. Daniel McCarn is being held at the Jackson County Jail on a $10 million bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on August 20th. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has taken over this 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 WHNT.com. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ordered parties in a Louisiana redistricting case to submit briefs on whether majority-minority congressional districts violate the 14th and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which experts say is a signal the court may be considering invaldiating what remains of the Voting Rights Act. (Jane Norman/States Newsroom) The U.S. Supreme Courts request to the parties in a Louisiana redistricting case could affect Alabamas similar, long-running battle over congressional boundaries. In an order issued Friday, the justices asked parties to address whether the states creation of a second majority-Black congressional district violated the Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which provide for congressional representation and due process and forbid the denial of the vote based on race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say the move could signal that the U.S. Supreme Court is looking to overturn Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which forbids election laws that discriminate based on race, color or membership in language minority groups. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A lower federal court in 2023 ordered Alabama to draw a second opportunity district for Black voters after ruling that Alabamas racially polarized voting patterns where white voters tend to support Republicans and Black voters tend to support Democrats meant a map approved by the Republican-dominated Legislature in 2021 did not give Black voters a chance to choose their preferred leaders. The courts ruling in the case, known as Allen v. Milligan, leaned in large part on Section 2 of the law, and Jason Mazzone, a professor of law at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, wrote in a n email that the Supreme Courts order for supplemental briefing was a very big deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case might result in the Court invalidating entirely Section 2 of the VRA on the basis that the Constitution is color blind and it bars race-conscious districting, including when mandated by Congress to remedy historical racial discrimination in voting, Mazzone wrote. Such a result would represent a massive change in election laws and practices with seismic consequences for democratic processes at every level of government. The Louisiana case, Louisiana v. Callais, stems from a map drawn by the state legislature that created a second majority-minority district to comply with the Voting Rights Act. The map was subsequently challenged as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander by a group of non-Black voters. The Milligan plaintiffs sued Alabama shortly after the Legislature approved a new congressional map in 2021. A three-judge panel ruled for the plaintiffs in early 2022, but the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the lower courts original ruling. The court upheld it in 2023, which led to a special session of the Alabama Legislature that July. Legislators approved a map that House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, signaled was an attempt to get the case back before the U.S. Supreme Court. The lower court rejected the map and the nations high court upheld that ruling on appeal. The court later had a special master draw a new congressional map for the state. Under the map, Alabama in 2024 elected two Black U.S. representatives to serve together for the first time in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a trial earlier this year, the panel in May ruled that the Alabama Legislature intentionally discriminated against Black voters in approving the map in the July 2023 special session. The court is currently considering sanctions for the state, which could include requiring any future maps to win approval from the court, a process known as preclearance. Deuel Ross, a lawyer with the Legal Defense Fund who represents plaintiffs in Alabamas redistricting case, offered a more cautious view in an interview on Monday. Ross noted that the court had the U.S. Supreme Court had a chance to invalidate Section 2 of the VRA in the Milligan case two years ago, but chose not to. Just two years ago, a majority of the Supreme Court in Milligan expressly agreed that the Voting Rights Act is constitutional, Ross said. Ross said the Supreme Courts request for briefs doesnt necessarily mean that the justices are looking to strike down the Voting Rights Act. Theyre asking about a particular district in this specific Louisiana map, Ross said. Scrantons mayoral election picked up two independent candidates who each hope to oust Democratic incumbent Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti in the Nov. 4 general election. Republican Patricia Trish Beynon previously secured the GOP nomination to challenge Cognetti, who won the Democratic nomination in the May 20 primary. Now, as expected, Eugene Gene Barrett, a former longtime executive director of the Scranton Sewer Authority and a former city councilman, met Fridays deadline to file paperwork to run for mayor as a independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Barrett had announced plans to run in the Democratic primary for mayor but then didnt and decided instead to run as an independent. On Friday, the Cognetti campaign communications director, Wendy Wilson, issued a statement that called into question Barretts record as sewer authority director and as a councilman. As a councilman, Barrett voted in late 1991 in favor of having the city designated as financially distressed under state Act 47. The state approved the designation in early 1992. The city would not shed the distressed label until 2022, when Cognetti was mayor. Barrett also for years served as executive director of the Scranton Sewer Authority and was in that role when former Mayor Bill Courtright pushed for the authority to sell the sewer system to Pennsylvania American Water. That resulted in the landmark $195 million sewer sale completed in December 2016, which was a major step in the citys financial recovery but the loss of a valuable asset. Gene Barrett represents the ghosts of Scrantons dark past; Mayor Paige Cognetti is the citys bright future, Wilsons statement said. Scranton has come a long way since Gene Barrett has been in office. Mayor Paige is driven by the tenets of good government and ensuring that elected officials prioritize their constituents over their own special interests. She has rightfully done a great job of earning the trust of voters. Reached Monday for comment, Barrett issued to The Times-Tribune his resume listing extensive public, private and military service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have spent over 40 years in public and private service dedicated to Scranton, along with seven years of active duty in the Army, Barrett said in an email. Now they have real competition (for mayor) or they would not have responded so negatively to my entering the race. The other independent candidate for Scranton mayor who met Fridays deadline to file the required paperwork was Rik Little. Listing his address as homeless, Little filed Thursday for mayor as the AAAMission from God party candidate. Scranton City Council Meanwhile, in the race for three open seats on Scranton City Council, current council President Gerald Smurl who initially ran in the Democratic primary but withdrew in March amid issues with certain signatures on his nomination petitions filed to run as an independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smurls entry into the council race as an independent makes him the sixth candidate in a contest that has three, four-year council terms up for grabs. The other five council candidates are Virgil Argenta, Patrick Flynn, Sean McAndrew, Marc Pane and incumbent Councilman Tom Schuster. Flynn, McAndrew and Schuster won the Democratic primary, while Pane won the GOP primary. Argenta lost in the Democratic primary but got enough Republican write-in votes to win a GOP nomination. McAndrew also secured a Republican nomination through GOP write-in votes. The three council seats available are those of Schuster, Smurl and Bill King, who is not seeking reelection. The three winners of the general election would join on council the other two members not up for reelection this year: Jessica Rothchild and Mark McAndrew. Elsewhere in Lackawanna County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Lackawanna County Department of Elections, other candidates who filed to run as independents for various municipal offices include: Valley View School Board, Region 1: Julie Budd-Kulenich. Throop Borough Council: John Richardson. Spring Brook Twp. Supervisor: Ken Genovese. South Abington Twp. Supervisor: Dean Faraday. Friday is the deadline for challenges to independent candidates filing of their papers to run. Staff Writer Jeff Horvath contributed to this report Scranton Mayor-Elect Paige Gebhardt Cognetti at Scranton City Hall in Scranton on Nov. 7, 2019.Patricia Trish Beynon, Republican candidate for Scranton mayor in 2025 primary and general elections. (PHOTO PROVIDED / COURTESY OF PATRICIA BEYNON)Eugene Gene Barrett of Scranton, candidate photo for Scranton mayoral election in the 2025 Democratic primary. (PHOTO SUBMITTED / COURTESY OF EUGENE BARRETT)A campaign poster of Rik Little, who met the Aug. 1, 2025 deadline to file as an independent for mayor of Scranton in the Nov. 4 general election. Photo taken on July 10, 2025 in the 500 block of Cedar Avenue in South Scranton. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) Rescue personnel hoisted a badly injured hiker who was stranded Sunday at Big Falls waterfall in the San Bernardino Mountains. (San Bernardino County Fire) After tumbling 25 feet down a waterfall in the San Bernardino Mountains on Sunday and crashing onto a rocky pool below, an injured hiker was fortunate someone heard him screaming for help. A 911 call was made and a rescue helicopter responded rapidly, using ropes to hoist the man several hundred feet into the air and then to safety, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. "Gosh, this person got lucky, because first of all they didn't die, but it was also good weather, good visibility, someone heard them calling for help, and the helicopter was available," department spokesperson Shawn Millerick said. "It was the best time to have any injury like that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hiker lost his footing trying to cross a slick, moss-covered pool at the upper level of Big Falls waterfall in Forest Falls, sending him plummeting down to the lower pool, according to the Fire Department. A specialized rescue helicopter from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded to the incident around 3:45 p.m. and lowered a paramedic to the pool. The paramedic then worked with fire personnel on the ground to secure the patient in a rescue basket and airlift him to a trauma center. This hiker was far from the first to take a tumble at this notorious spot, authorities said. Hiker Falls 25 feet Down Waterfall onto Rocks Forest Falls, CA- Yesterday afternoon, at approximately 3:45 p.m., San Bernardino County Fire responded to a reported hiker screaming for help midway up Big Falls. The reporting party couldnt see the hiker but could hear the pic.twitter.com/br0OIe50gD San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) August 4, 2025 "It's a common occurrence out there. The waterfall is fairly accessible to a parking area, so it gets a lot of attraction and visitors," Millerick said. "People, more often than not, fall from the same exact location and are found lying in the same exact position every time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are signs warning of the dangers of the waterfall, but hikers often ignore them, Millerick said. "To try to bring someone down in a stokes basket [or rescue littler] by hand is very cumbersome, time-consuming and aggravates their injuries, so the best thing is to take them out by a helicopter," he said. Nevertheless, doing so has its challenges as the helicopter must be flown very close to the wall of the canyon in order to lower the ropes down to the secluded pool below. "It's a dangerous operation to begin with," Millerick said. Read more: Man dives off California waterfall, two others try to save him; all three drown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hiker's injuries were severe and probably included several broken bones but, thanks to the quick action of the rescue team, did not appear to be life-threatening, he said. Not everyone who attempts to clamber across the falls is as lucky. In 2022, there were two fatalities at Big Falls a 33-year-old man who tumbled an estimated 80 feet to the base of the fall in May and a 43-year-old man who suffered a 20-foot fall in July, according to the Sheriff's Department. When these sorts of accidents happen, people are often separated from their phones and unable to call for help. Sometimes they wind up stranded overnight as the pool where they often land is not clearly visible from below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fire Department reminds people to stay on marked hiking trails at all times and avoid climbing on or around any waterfalls. 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. Sean Diddy Combs has been ordered to remain behind bars until sentencing despite his attempts to be granted release on bail. In court documents released on Monday (Aug. 4), and viewed by VIBE, Judge Arun Subramanian detailed his legal reasoning for keeping the disgraced Hip-Hop mogul in custody. As for risk of flight or danger, Combs fails to meet his burden by clear and convincing evidence, detailed the ruling. Increasing the amount of the bond or devising additional conditions doesnt change the calculus given the circumstances and heavy burden of proof that Combs bears. On this basis alone, Combss application is denied, Judge Subramanian explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the flight-or-danger requirement was satisfied, there are no exceptional reasons warranting a departure from what Congress has required, the ruling continued. Combss Mann Act arguments might have traction in a case that didnt involve evidence of violence, coercion, or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution at issue, but the record here contains evidence of all three. Judge Subramanian also addressed arguments from Combs legal team that their client is swinger not a criminal which was presented ahead of trial and echoed in the most recent request for bail. While Combs may contend at sentencing that this evidence should be discounted and that what happened was nothing more than a case of willing swingers utilizing the voluntary services of escorts for their mutual pleasure, the Government takes the opposite view: that Cassie Ventura and Jane were beaten, coerced, threatened, lied to, and victimized by Combs as part of their participation in these events. Last month, Combs was found guilty on two federal counts of transporting women across state lines for the purpose of prostitution and acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges after an 8-week federal trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the fifth time the judge has denied the request. He had previously attempted to be released ahead of the trial three times, and again once the verdict was reached. The most recent attempt comes from a motion filed last week, as Combs attorneys asserted a proposed bail package listed a $50 million bond secured by his home in Miami, co-signed by three financially responsible people. His attorneys also argued for the Harlem natives conviction be vacated or that he be granted a new trial, claiming that the jurys conviction of Mr. Combs under the federal Mann Act was unconstitutional. Earlier this week, Combs ex-girlfriend Virginia Gina Huynh, publicly identified herself as the woman named Victim-3, and advocated for his release. Huynh did not testify as prosecution had lost contact with her and her lawyer ahead of trial. Casandra Cassie Fine, Diddys pop star ex-girlfriend did however take the stand and after his conviction, argued against his release. Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community, detailed a letter from Fines legal team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2025. He faces up to 10 years for each count. VIBE has reached out to Combs legal team for a statement regarding Judge Subramanians decision. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEW YORK Sean Diddy Combs will remain in custody ahead of his sentencing on prostitution offenses, a Manhattan judge ordered Monday in denying his latest request for bail. Federal Judge Arun Subramanian said Combs request, which asked the court to free him to house arrest in Miami, Fla., on a $50 million bond a head of his Oct. 3 sentencing, did not lay out exceptional circumstances warranting his release and failed to prove he did not pose a risk of flight or a danger to the community. The rapper has been held at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center since his September arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs fails to meet his burden by clear and convincing evidence, Subramanian wrote. Increasing the amount of the bond or devising additional conditions doesnt change the calculus given the circumstances and heavy burden of proof that Combs bears. Combs, 55, was found guilty on July 2 of two counts of transporting people for prostitution in violation of the federal Mann Act, each of which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years. The hip-hop entrepreneur was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have carried a life sentence. Prosecutors initially said federal guidelines suggested Combs should serve four to five years in prison, but last week indicated theyd seek a substantially higher term than that. In his latest motion for bail, the rap mogul argued that the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office had misapplied the Mann Act charges and criminalized an innocent swingers lifestyle, saying Combs was the only john being held in a U.S. prison for hiring male escorts for him and his girlfriends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyers said the sordid, so-called freak off sessions where jurors heard he directed male performers to engage in sex acts with his partners usually while he watched, masturbated, and filmed were the equivalent of amateur pornography made for private viewing. Prosecutors pushed back on that framing Friday, saying Combs was no ordinary john but an overtly violent person who held debased sex parties where participants were drugged and brutalized. They said the law was clear that his continued detention was mandatory under the Bail Reform Act. Combss Mann Act arguments might have traction in a case that didnt involve evidence of violence, coercion, or subjugation in connection with the acts of prostitution at issue, but the record here contains evidence of all three, the judges Monday order said. After Combs was found guilty but acquitted of the more serious charges, the judge declined to release him, citing admissions his lawyers made during the case about his history of assaulting women. They had argued that he wasnt charged with such, and the evidence of beatings had no bearing on the crimes in the indictment. Lawyers and reps for Combs did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment. ________ The Downtown Dayton Partnership is starting its search for the perfect tree to be the centerpiece of the 2025 Dayton Holiday Festival, set to be lit during the Grande Illumination on November 28 at Courthouse Square. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The selected tree will be wrapped in thousands of lights and displayed on the Courthouse Square stage throughout the holiday season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trees owners will be recognized during the official tree-lighting ceremony, and the tree will be cut down, the stump removed, and transported at no cost to them. TRENDING STORIES: The ideal tree should stand approximately 40-50 feet tall, be full with minimal bare spots, and preferably be a Colorado green spruce or blue spruce, though other grand evergreens will be considered. It must be located in the front or side yard of the nominees property with clear access, free from power lines or transit cables. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nominations for the tree can be submitted through a Google Form available on the Dayton Holiday Festival webpage. A search crew will select the winning tree by the end of October. The 2025 Dayton Holiday Festival and Grande Illumination are presented by AES Ohio. Details about this years festival activities, maps, program, and additional sponsors will be made available at daytonholidayfestival.org in the coming months. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) One month has passed since Larry Burton disappeared from an unlicensed care facility in Greensboro. Police say 74-year-old Larry Darnell Burton was last seen on July 2 around 10:30 p.m. Officers responded to a report of Burtons disappearance around 7:15 a.m. on July 3, on the 1200 block of Moody Street. Burtons family said he was placed at a facility that they were led to believe was a care home. On Friday afternoon, a representative at the facility told FOX8 that the facility is independent housing. 74-year-old Larry Darnell Burton (Greensboro Police Department) He has his own home with three bedrooms. If he could go to an independent living facility, he could have just went home where my two sons could have helped him. He did not need to go to an independent living facility. That doesnt make sense, Burtons daughter Latonya Swift said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that HMF Family Home Care is not licensed by the North Carolina Division of Health Services Regulation. In a letter obtained by FOX8, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services formally urged the Guilford County District Attorneys Office to pursue criminal prosecution against the facility for operating without a license and neglecting Burton. Through open records, FOX8 obtained a cease-and-desist email the state sent to the facilitys owner, ordering the location to be shut down. The email address that the state used to contact the owner was also the same email address on file with the state for the owner of a licensed care facility in Gibsonville. FOX8s Gretchen Stenger visited the Gibsonville facility to confront the owner with the information. The person who answered the door declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX8 followed up with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to ask about the possible connection between the two facilities. In a statement, a DHHS spokesperson said: The Department may take action against a facilitys license for reasons pursuant to G.S. 131D- 2.7. Based on the law, the operation of an unlicensed adult care home or the prosecution of criminal charges does not impact the license or operations of other facilities licensed by the same individual. We cannot comment on possible or ongoing investigations. FOX8 also reached out to Greensboro police. A spokesperson for the department said: The departments Criminal Investigations Division is conducting an ongoing missing person investigation involving Mr. Larry Burton, who was reported missing on the morning of July 3, 2025 from 1215 Moody Street. The search for Mr. Burton continues and we urge anyone who may have any information about his location to please contact 911 or share it anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers. Any investigative updates will be shared when additional information becomes available for public release. We appreciate the communitys efforts in this search and their support of the Burton family. Because no one is currently facing criminal charges, FOX8 is not naming the owner of the facility 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 FOX8 WGHP. RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) The inmate who escaped during a work detail in Rutherford County has been found and taken into custody, according to the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office. Third arrest made in TN quadruple murder: TBI Joseph Beard of Dickson, 43, was picking up trash in the 8800 block of John Bragg Highway around 3:31 p.m. when he walked away from the work crew, according to Captain Jason Smitty of the Correctional Work Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with the RCSO said, Beard was taken into custody just before dark on Monday. According to Rutherford County Sheriffs Lt. Derek Oeser, there is no longer a threat to Readyville residents. Joseph Beard (Courtesy: Rutherford County Sheriffs Office) The Murfreesboro Police Department, as well as other law enforcement agencies, were called in to assist with the search. K-9 units and drones have been deployed in the effort, the RCSO said. The Tennessee Highway Patrols helicopter is on the way to assist. Teen injured in shooting, investigation underway in Antioch The RCSO credited the THP, Cannon County Sheriffs Office and Murfreesboro police for their help in finding Beard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beard was serving time for a violation of probation and was set to be released on Aug. 24. He is now expected to face a charge of escape, according to the RCSO, and is being detained in the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Norwegian police confirmed that Alec Luhn was found alive Wednesday morning and is being transported to a hospital via a rescue helicopter. He appeared to be in good condition other than an injury to his foot. Luhn, 38, who has worked for The Guardian, The New York Times and The Atlantic, was reported missing on Monday to the Norwegian authorities after he did not appear for a scheduled flight from Bergen to England. Authorities confirmed that Luhn is now on his way to Haukeland University Hospital in a rescue helicopter with no injuries major reported other than one to his foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luhn had been on vacation with his family in the days before he set out on the hike. In England, Luhn lives with his wife, Veronika Silchenko, an Emmy-winning television journalist, who posted on social media urging anyone who may have seen Alec to get in touch. Alec Luhn - PHOTO: Luhn pictured with his wife, Veronika Silchenko. MORE: New Jersey man missing for over 1 week in Grand Canyon: National Park Service Luhn had set out alone on the hike on July 31 from the town of Odda on the northeast edge of the Folgefonna, a wilderness park in western Norway that is home to the country's third-largest glacier. Local police told Norway's public broadcaster NRK that a volunteer search was launched after he was reported missing and a rescue team, as well as the police, sniffer dogs and drones renewed the search for Luhn on Tuesday before being called off due to weather conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bad weather the night before had forced the search with a helicopter to be suspended overnight, local police said. "The weather started to get really bad around midnight. At that time, it was not reasonable to continue the search up in the mountains," Tatjana Knappen, an operations manager at Western Police District, told NRK. Knappen said a strong gale was forecast to continue on Tuesday, but it was hoped there would be a possible window for the helicopter to operate. Alec Luhn - PHOTO: Alec Luhn, 38, a prominent climate journalist, sent a photo to his wife during a hike in Norway on July 31. MORE: Hiker and his daughter found dead after going missing on Mount Katahdin in Maine: Officials Raised in the Midwest, Luhn graduated from the University of WisconsinMadison in 2010 and worked as a foreign correspondent in Moscow for around a decade, primarily for The Guardian and The Telegraph newspapers. He later switched to focus on covering the effects of climate change. Luhn is a Pulitzer Center reporting fellow and currently writes for the Scientific American magazine. Along with a number of awards, Luhn also has two Emmy nominations. Luhn is an experienced hiker who regularly travels to remote and challenging environments as a reporter, also often spending his vacations seeking out wildernesses, his friends and family said. He has trekked as part of a scientific expedition deep in the wilderness in Alaska and visited the Arctic in both Canada and Russia. He has also worked in conflict zones, including in Ukraine and Somalia. Paz Yepez, 22, didnt expect Metras BNSF line to be that busy during Lollapalooza weekend. But heading downtown on the festivals second day, Aug. 1, Yepez stressfully searched past jersey-wearing teenagers and varying colors of hydration packs for any remaining seat in her train car. Yepez, visiting from Miami, had taken a rideshare to the festival the day before from her cousins house in Berwyn. On Friday, she was heading into the city to explore Chicagos Riverwalk and Chinatown. Wow. You know everyone heres going to Lolla, she said, looking into the packed, chattering car she struggled to find a seat in. If Yepez had known the citys festival energy extended to its suburbs turning the ride there into its own social experience she wouldve loved to take the train there, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicagos Lollapalooza festival July 31 to Aug. 3 brought thousands of people like Yepez to the South Loop. While some traveled from across the world, many came from suburbs, catching a train to see popular artists, including Tyler the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Korn and Sabrina Carpenter. While not every bus and train held an overwhelming crowd, CTA, Metra and Pace ridership has increased each year for Lollapalooza, according to Regional Transit Authority executive director Leanne Redden. On Friday, Yepez eventually scored a seat on the inbound BNSF Line train. But a family of five searched in vain for their spot. Their two young kids walked wearily throughout the car. I dont want to keep going, the younger girl said to her father, rebalancing herself in the moving car after each bump and sway. The family traveled the car twice looking for a spot to hold them together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the train progressed eastward, popular stops, including the Hinsdale and Brookfield stations, added masses of festivalgoers. A group of girls with green wristbands got on at the Downers Grove Main Street station, and repeated the familys vain search. As they turned toward the cart they came from, one friend said this feels like the walk of shame. At Union Station, a flood of people spilled from the trains doors almost as if a concert was about to begin below the station. As herds of people split off, additional Metra employees surrounded the stations entrance. Police and K-9s were stationed nearby. Its more about crowd control now, a Metra employee stationed outside of track eight said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lollapalooza Metra ridership linked to Lollapalooza was up from previous years as the 2025 festival got underway Thursday and Friday. The festival weekend provides a significant increase in revenue, said Metra director of communications Michael Gillis. Though ridership numbers from the weekend were not yet available, Gillis said last years Lollapalooza Thursday marked the highest festival ridership numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing 227,000 riders back to Metra trains. While seven Metra lines were equipped with extra cars and train times for the festival, Gillis said, at the busiest times, some trains were standing room only. Some, such as the BNSF train Yepez was riding, were so busy that conductors didnt check tickets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A conductor who operated Fridays train and who did not want to be named, said he was called in to work that day. Although he wasnt planning to work a busy festival day, many people are calling off this weekend, he said. Apart from Lollapalooza, the conductor said the BNSF line gets much busier for St. Patricks Day, when way more people, filter into Union Station from the citys suburbs. Although the called-in conductor said he is not the one cleaning, riders traveling to and from big events sometimes get sick typically from alcohol, dehydration and other festival-related reasons. Those messes, a problem, he said, get cleaned when someone gets to it. While the school year is rapidly approaching for Florida teachers, they still have an opportunity to celebrate the summer season a little longer. SeaWorld Orlando is offering free unlimited admission to its theme park for active and Florida-certified teachers until early September. "In recognition of the importance SeaWorld places on education and the critical role educators play in shaping the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the next generation of global citizens, SeaWorld will offer free admission for Florida-certified K-12 classroom teachers to amplify their educational efforts both in and out of the classroom," the theme parks says on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's how to cash in on this year's offer and what you can do at the theme park. Where is SeaWorld Orlando? SeaWorld Orlando is located at 7007 SeaWorld Drive in Orlando, Florida. How can teachers register for SeaWorld's teacher pass? A lighthouse at SeaWorld Orlando. According to SeaWorld officials, teachers can pre-register online using the ID.me website to receive the SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card eVoucher. To take advantage of the offer, teachers will need to select the Teacher ID button in the top-right, select Sign up, and then enter an e-mail address (personal e-mail address recommended) and a password. ID.me requires a Department of Education (DOE) number to audit eligibility for the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After you are verified, you will need to access SeaWorld's website and complete the ticketing process. After this process is complete, your tickets will be emailed to you. What if I teach at a private school? Can I still sign up? Eligible private school teachers can also provide a letter from the principal on school letterhead confirming employment as a K-12 teacher, along with a Florida photo ID and the most recent (30 days) paystub to the SeaWorld front gate entrance. When does the SeaWorld teacher pass expire? Teachers can make unlimited visits to the park through Sept. 4, 2025. SeaWorld offering limited Guy Harvey-themed cards SeaWorld Orlando Teacher Card holders can purchase a Guy Harvey commemorative card for a $5 donation for a limited time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "SeaWorld will donate 100% of the net proceeds, before taxes, to the Guy Harvey Foundation supporting scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage ocean conservation and best practices for sustainable marine environments," the website shares. Purchase your Guy Harvey card now at SeaWorld Orlandos front gate ticket window. Is SeaWorld's waterpark, Aquatica, a part of the pass? Florida Teacher Cardholders have the option to add Aquatica Orlando to their Teacher Card for $47.99. Can teachers purchase guest tickets along with their passes? A family sees a dolphin at SeaWorld Orlando Yes, you can; however, these tickets are not complimentary. Single-day tickets to SeaWorld currently start at $89.99, down from $143.99 during their summer sale. They also offer multi-day bundles and packages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SeaWorld also offers a "Fun Pass" that allows guests to visit the park anytime until Dec. 31, 2025. The pass costs $99.99 during their summer sale. What attractions are at SeaWorld Orlando? SeaWorld Orlando is a theme park, zoo, and aquarium that offers multiple rides, shows, and up-close animal encounters for guests to experience. According to Visit Orlando, animal rescue and rehabilitation have been the heart of everything they do. For thriller seekers, the theme park offers multiple roller coasters and rides to get your heart racing, including Mako, Ice Breaker, and Infinity Falls. On the tamer end, the Flamingo Paddle Boats and Abby's Flower Tower are suitable for all ages. As for animal lovers, guests can enjoy the Jewel of the Sea Aquarium, Dolphin Cove, and other animal attractions for up-close looks at their favorite sea creatures. When can school start in Florida for the 2025-2026 school year? Florida law prohibits schools from starting any earlier than Aug. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the 2025-2026 school year, Aug. 10 falls on a Sunday. Florida school districts set their start dates, but the earliest school can start is Monday, Aug. 11. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SeaWorld is giving free admission to Florida teachers. See 2025 deal COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The second phase of an Easton apartment complex that is promoted as affordable housing has begun welcoming residents, and units are filling up. The Columbus-based nonprofit developer Homeport held a grand opening event for the second phase of its Easton Place Homes development, consisting of 100 rental units, on July 30. However, residents have been moving into the second phase for two months, and it is currently about 75% leased, according to President and CEO Leah Evans. The Easton Place Homes complex is located on a 2.61-acre site, located at 3792 Easton Commons. The second phase of apartments contains 24 one-bedroom, 59 two-bedroom and 17 three-bedroom apartments in four three-story buildings. The interior of an apartment included in phase two of Easton Place Homes. (Photo courtesy/Vincent Nobel) The exterior of buildings included in phase two of Easton Place Homes. (Photo courtesy/Vincent Nobel) (Photo courtesy/Vincent Nobel) The new units join 50 existing apartments that debuted in 2023 as part of the complexs first phase. The initial units include eight one-bedroom apartments, 34 two-bedroom apartments and eight three-bedroom apartments, across three three-story apartment buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The development will serve as affordable housing for at least the next 30 years, with rents set for families and people who earn between 30% and 70% of the areas median income. For example, 30% of the areas median income in Columbus in 2025 equates to about $31,000, according to Homeport. Private, charter school transportation improves in Columbus Evans said the maximum rents are $1,166 for a one-bedroom apartment, $1,390 for a two-bedroom apartment and $1,585 for a three-bedroom apartment. But residents could, for even a three-bedroom, could be paying as low as $618, Evans said. It just depends, because we have varied rent levels based on income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second phase of the complex, which features a community room, management office and fitness room, offers convenient access to shopping and employment, according to a Homeport news release. With city leaders declaring Easton as the second-largest job center in Columbus, outside of Downtown, Evans said the units offer convenient housing for local employees. Just in terms of workforce and job and economic development opportunities, having housing right in the hub of that is really valuable, particularly when youre talking about low- and moderate-income people, Evans said. Statehouse lawmakers again cast a line to hook walleye as Ohios fish Homeport shares ownership of the project with Georgetown Companies, the entity that developed Easton Town Center. The new development marks Homeports 48th community in Franklin County, according to Evans. KMG Property Management is in charge of the day-to-day management of the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third and final phase is expected to consist of 50 more units, bringing the complexs total to 200 apartments. Developers expect construction to begin next year and to begin welcoming residents in spring or summer of 2027, Evans said. The project took advantage of low-income housing tax credits from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, along with funding from Franklin County and the City of Columbus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. During the meeting, tensions flared between Prime Minister Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. The Israeli Security Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Thursday to discuss a potential full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, including areas where hostages are believed to be held. The decision to hold the meeting was made following a high-level discussion on Tuesday, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the participation of Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, and other top defense officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a closed security consultation that lasted about three hours, during which the Chief of Staff presented various options for continuing the military campaign in Gaza," a statement from the Prime Ministers Office said. During the meeting, tensions flared between Netanyahu and Zamir. Netanyahu stated: We need to change the approach taken so far, only then will we be able to free the hostages. Zamir, following the decision to pursue a full occupation of Gaza, warned that it could become a strategic trap. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against backdrop of IDF soldiers at war in Gaza (illustration). (credit: Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla, JACK GUEZ/AFP) This proposal endangers the hostages, but the IDF is preparing to implement the decision immediately once it is made, Zamir said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the meeting, during a visit to Gaza, Katz emphasized that the main objectives of the war are to defeat Hamas and create the conditions necessary for the return of the hostages. Once the political echelon makes the necessary decisions, the military will execute them professionally, just as it has in all arenas of the war thus far. As defense minister responsible for the IDF, it is my duty to ensure this happens, and I will, Katz said. Regarding the ongoing hostage negotiations, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post that there are internal disagreements within Hamas over the current proposal on the table, which involves the release of 10 hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire. In recent days, most senior Hamas officials have left Qatar for Turkey and have reduced their contact with Qatari mediators. A diplomatic source told the Post that the door has never been closed to a potential deal, but at the moment, such a deal does not seem realistic. Hamas responds to 'Israel's threats' Hamas responded to the reports about the intent to conquer Gaza, saying, "Israel's threats are repetitive, worthless, and have no influence on our decisions." The cabinet meeting follows months of talks in Doha between Hamas, Israel, and mediators to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal. JERUSALEM Ofir Braslavski watched as his emaciated son, Rom, writhed in anguish on a dirty mattress somewhere inside the Gaza Strip, in video footage released by Palestinian militants in recent days showing the agony of Israeli hostages. You see your child dying before your eyes, and you cant do anything, he told The Associated Press on Monday from his home. It drives you crazy, its unbearable. New images of two skeletal hostages have horrified Israelis and added pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire with Hamas, even as his government considers another expansion of the war, which has already destroyed much of Gaza and pushed it toward famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video released by the Islamic Jihad militant group, Rom Braslavski says injuries in his foot prevent him from being able to stand. In another video, released by Hamas, Evyatar David says he is digging his own grave and speaks of days without food. The videos led tens of thousands of Israelis to take to the streets on Saturday night and demand a ceasefire deal, in one of the largest turnouts for the weekly protests in recent months. Braslavski said Rom looks much worse than he did in a video released four months ago. There, he also looks terrible, but he had this hope in his eyes where he felt he was still going to get out and it would be OK, Braslavski said. Now, in the last video, he looks completely turned off, its as if hes waiting for death. His eyes are turned off, he probably doesnt want to endure this suffering anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braslavski said his son, who was working as a security guard at a music festival in southern Israel during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that triggered the war, is usually a strong, happy-go-lucky kid. The video released last week, in which his son sobs and begs for his life, is the first time hes seen his son cry. Netanyahu said Monday that he will convene the Cabinet this week to discuss how Israel can meet the three goals he has set for the war: defeating Hamas, returning the hostages and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. But his plans to potentially increase military operations are meeting staunch opposition from within Israel, including letters of protest from leading security leaders and cultural figures. The footage of the Israeli hostages has stirred condemnation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was very shocked by the videos and this unacceptable violation of human dignity, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The videos were released as international experts say a worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding in the coastal territory, where Israels offensive has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and made it nearly impossible to safely deliver food and other humanitarian aid. Images of starving Palestinians have drawn international condemnation of Israels conduct. Families of the hostages fear that the lack of food threatens the remaining hostages, too. Fewer than half of the 50 remaining hostages are believed to be alive, the rest either killed during the October 2023 attack or while in captivity. Netanyahu said he was shocked by the images of the two hostages and met with the Red Cross to ask that it bring hostages food and medicine access that the organization says has never been granted by Hamas. When I see these, I understand exactly what Hamas wants, Netanyahu said on Sunday. They do not want a deal. They want to break us using these videos of horror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was appalled by the harrowing videos and called for access to the hostages. Hamas said it is ready to respond positively to Red Cross requests to deliver food to hostages, if humanitarian corridors for aid deliveries are opened in a regular and permanent manner in Gaza. It denied starving the hostages, saying they suffer from the same hunger as ordinary Palestinians. Braslavski said that in the video of his son, the captors appear to be well-fed. This hunger is on purpose, you can see that, he said. Its not because were not letting aid go in. Israel has requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the hostages, which will take place on Tuesday. Israels Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he will travel to New York for the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel did not allow any food, medicine or other goods to enter Gaza from early March until mid-May, when it eased its blockade on the territory of some 2 million Palestinians. The United Nations says nearly 1,400 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid since then, mostly by Israeli forces as crowds head toward aid sites run by an Israeli-backed American contractor. The Israeli military says it has only fired warning shots. Gazas Health Ministry said Monday that five more Palestinian adults died of malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours. A total of 87 adults have died of malnutrition-related issues since the ministry started counting such deaths in late June, it said. Ninety-three children have died of malnutrition-related causes since the war in Gaza began, the ministry said. Israels government has denied that people are starving to death in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Hamas attack on southern Israel that sparked the war, and another 251 were abducted. Israels retaliatory military offensive has killed more than 60,900 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The ministry, which doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but says women and children make up over half the dead, is part of the Hamas government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and other independent experts view its figures as the most reliable casualty count. Israel has disputed the figures but hasnt provided its own. NEW YORK Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Monday that Democratic Party leaders whove been slow to back mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani need to get on board because the upstart candidates focus on affordability offers a blueprint as Dems across the country are facing electoral setbacks. Mamdani has struggled to shore up support from establishment New York Democrats, including U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Gov. Hochul, despite winning the June 24 Democratic primary. New York City is the place to start the conversation for Democrats on how affordability is the central issue, the central reason to be a Democrat, and that delivering on it in meaningful, tangible ways that will touch working families is why were here, Warren said at a Mamdani campaign stop in Manhattan on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The progressive, who ran for president in 2020, said her message was to elected officials hesitating to back Mamdani, while slamming former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whos running as an independent in Novembers mayoral election, as bending a knee to billionaires. New York City is seen as a bellwether for the countrys politics, and the success to date of Mamdanis campaign, which features policy proposals aimed at affordability, populist messaging and ground outreach, has attracted attention from across the country as national Democrats struggle to find a clear vision. But, citing concerns about Mamdanis pro-Palestinian stance and call to raise taxes, some mainstream party leaders have been slow to embrace his candidacy. Mamdani and Warren appeared together Monday at a childcare campaign event at the DC37 unions downtown Manhattan headquarters. Childcare advocates gathered to talk about the high cost of childcare and the need for more affordable, or free, options. Expanding free childcare has been a core tenet of Mamdanis campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contrasting Mamdani with Cuomo, the Massachusetts senator said the former governors strategy is to go to a handful of billionaires, have em give you a bunch of money and hope that you will be able to flood the city with a bunch of negative ads and somehow thats going to float him to the top. That strategy, Warren said, is ripped from a tired political playbook. Mamdani also attacked Cuomos reliance on wealthy donors, including some who support President Trump, during the primary race. What New Yorkers showed by a record margin in a democratic primary was that they wanted a vision of this city that would make it affordable for each and every New Yorker, Mamdani said. Talking to reporters in Midtown Manhattan, Cuomo challenged Warrens claim that hes focused on catering to billionaires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont even know what that means I represented the people of this state, I fought more for the working families of this state and accomplished more for the working families of this state than either of them, frankly, he said before listing off some of his gubernatorial accomplishments, like raising New Yorks minimum wage and jacking up taxes on millionaires in 2021. What did they actually do? he continued. Im a pragmatic progressive. I dont just talk about it, I do it. _____ The Texas Senate on Wednesday again approved a bathroom bill proposal that would restrict transgender people from using bathrooms in government and school buildings that match their identifying gender. Senate Bill 7 passed 18-2 in the upper chamber, as some Democrats were in Boston on Wednesday and not present on the floor. The bill would mandate that people only use restrooms in government buildings and schools that match their sex assigned at birth. Similar restrictions would also be placed on prisons and womens violence shelters based on biological sex, which the bill also defines. SB 7 is one of two bills currently filed in the Texas Legislature after Gov. Greg Abbott put the provisions on the special session agenda. Supporters of SB 7 and similar legislation have framed the bill as a way to protect women from discomfort and predation in private spaces. The bills author, Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, said the bill was common sense that upheld basic biblical truths. To do this, Middleton said the bill has greater enforcement capabilities than previous bills: SB 7 institutes a $5,000 first-time fine for agencies or schools where violations occur, which increases to a $25,000 fine for subsequent violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A committee substitute that was filed Monday contained a provision mandating that the 15th Court of Appeals have exclusive jurisdiction to any civil action brought from the bill, and added its own definitions of male and female. More than 400 people registered to testify in person or through writing on SB 7, most of whom were against the bill. Of those, more than 100 gave in-person testimony during a Senate State Affairs committee meeting Monday that at times became emotional over fears or recollections of harassment and abuse. During that testimony, opponents of the bill said they feared that attempts to enforce the law would evolve into discriminatory scrutiny and surveillance affecting both cisgender and transgender women. The bill does not specify what agencies or schools would need to do to ensure the law is enforced, save that they take every reasonable step to ensure no violations occur. Middleton said on the Senate floor Wednesday that invasive searches or inspections of people entering bathrooms would not be considered a reasonable step. I won't just lose access to a restroom. I'll lose access to the future in the state I worked so hard to build, said Autumn Lauener, vice president of the Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Scholars, on Monday. I'll be forced to use the men's restroom in workplaces that perceive me as a threat, risking harassment or worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those testifying against the bill also said it would cause undue suffering for trans people, and that legislators were wasting time that could be used for relief for victims of the Hill Country flooding. Supporters of the bill maintained that it would protect women, and that they felt unsafe sharing restrooms or changing rooms with transgender people. Women and girls deserve to have privacy in their private spaces, and accommodating fewer than 1% of the population who believe they can alter their gender is not reason enough to put women and girls at risk, True Texas Project President Fran Rhodes said. Advocates for family violence shelters who testified also said they wanted language in the bill changed that lumped shelters in with spaces like restrooms because they worried it would de-incentivize victims from seeking help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed into law, SB 7 will join a slew of other bills set to take effect in September that will also affect how trans people in the state will be able to live their lives. The greatest hurdle the bill will face is in the House, as the lower chamber has never passed a bathroom bill from the floor. While the House has a bill identical to SB 7 filed with a majority of the chamber signed on as coauthors, a similar display of support during the regular session still amounted to little movement. Bathroom bills have historically faced significantly less obstacles in the Senate, where Lt. Gov Dan Patrick has voiced for years his support for similar proposals. Senate Bill 240, which was nearly identical to SB 7, passed through the upper chamber during the regular session before dying in the House. If the bill does make it to the House floor, it still may still be left untouched, as most of the chambers Democrats fled the state on Sunday in a bid to break quorum and block Republican redistricting efforts. The move could stifle progress on any bills for the two weeks left in the special session. 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. Following the dramatic video of an American Airlines flight evacuating on a Denver runway last month, Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois is sending a letter to new FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford demanding answers on evacuation safety. "The FAA needs an evacuation standard that reflects the reality of flying today," Duckworth told CBS News in a statement. "The American people deserve to know whether the FAA is taking this responsibility seriously and complying with the law to ensure the flying public can be safely evacuated from an aircraft during an emergency." Duckworth, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, is concerned about the ability to evacuate an airliner in 90 seconds or less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Video showed passengers exiting with carry-on bags and, according to at least one passenger, the process took 10 to 15 minutes the latter estimate exceeding FAA's 90 second evacuation standard by 10 times," she wrote in her letter to Bedford. The senator is seeking details about three recent evacuations. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating after American Airlines Flight 3023, traveling from Denver to Miami, experienced a landing gear issue during takeoff with 173 passengers and six crew members on board. The Boeing 737 Max 8 was going nearly 150 mph when the pilots slammed on the brakes. As passengers used emergency exit slides to evacuate, flames could be seen coming from the landing gear on July 26. "We heard a loud boom, and I said 'That's not good,'" passenger Mark Tsurkis recounted. "Most of the people evacuated safely, except a few people who decided to take their luggage with them and that kind of, you know, that endangered others and endangered them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, a Delta A330 in Orlando experienced an engine fire, prompting passengers to evacuate. Kyle Becker, who was sitting in row 35, said he opened the window as soon as he heard people yell "fire!" "There was a fire on the engine," Becker told CBS News at the time. "[It] was a little scary just never had happened to me before. Start thinking, like, OK, what are the next steps. Trying to remain calm." This incident also prompted an FAA investigation. And in March, another American Airlines Boeing 737 experienced a fire stemming from an engine issue while it was parked at a gate at Denver International Airport. Passengers filled the wing of the plane trying to escape the smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone was screaming, 'There's a fire. There's a fire,'" Helen Prager, who was on the plane, recalled. "Literally at the gate and I was screaming, 'Get the doors open.'" The FAA and NTSB are looking into the fire. "While FAA has yet to disclose how long any of the referenced passenger evacuations took, these incidents once again raise serious questions about FAA's 90 second evacuation standard as well as FAA's assumptions about how evacuations occur in real world conditions (such as the assumption every passenger will comply with instructions to deplane without carry-on bags)," Duckworth wrote in her letter. She wants the FAA to disclose how long the evacuations took and how many passengers took their bags with them, as well as how many children, seniors and passengers with disabilities were on board each of the flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senator is also seeking an update on evacuation testing that Congress mandated the FAA complete within one year of the FAA's reauthorization bill passing. That deadline passed in May. The updated testing was to replace a series of tests the FAA conducted in 2019 that did not include any real-world scenarios such as luggage in the cabin and passengers who were children, seniors or not able-bodied. Last year, Duckworth told CBS News she did not believe she could get off a plane during an emergency in under 90 seconds. "Not at all confident, not at all confident. I often fly where I'm not wearing both my artificial legs," said Duckworth, who lost both of her legs while serving in the Iraq War. "I don't think it's realistic anymore. Conduct a real test and let's see what the realistic standard is." Duckworth asked the FAA to respond to her letter by Aug. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need answers. Are the current [plane] evacuation standards, are they adequate?" former NTSB chair and CBS News transportation safety analyst Robert Sumwalt said. "It's definitely time for the FAA to go back and reassess what standards they're using for evacuations. It's been almost 35 years since those standards were published." The FAA told CBS News it will respond directly to Duckworth. "Safety is our top priority," the FAA said. "That's why the FAA's message to passengers is simple: if you have to evacuate, leave your bags behind and follow crew instructions." Earlier on Tuesday, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford addressed the American Airlines incident in late July. "We were all disappointed that many of the passengers on board did not respond to the flight attendant's request to evacuate timely," he said at a news conference. "Grabbing bags, that's just wrong." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can't have somebody at the front of the line grabbing their overhead bags and keeping people in the back of the airplane from being able to safely evacuate, so we will be doing some education, to make sure that it's clear that passengers on board not only have an obligation, but it's the right thing to do for everybody on board is to listen to the flight attendants and obey their their instructions," he said. Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm Key takeaways from 2024 FBI crime report Trump defends firing labor statistics chief: "Give me a break" By David Shepardson (Reuters) -A group of seven Republican U.S. senators on Tuesday asked the Commerce Department to evaluate potential data security vulnerabilities posed by Chinese open-source AI models like DeepSeek. The senators led by Ted Budd and include Jon Husted, Todd Young, John Cornyn, John Curtis, Bill Cassidy and Marsha Blackburn want the Commerce Department to detail any threats from data collected by applications being fed back to Chinese servers or whether the AI models are feeding American personal or enterprise data to China's military or to companies with Chinese military ties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter also asks for details on "any findings related to how Chinese open-source models may have improperly accessed export controlled semiconductors or violated use terms of U.S. models to advance their capabilities." Senators have introduced bipartisan pieces of legislation to prohibit DeepSeek from operating on any federal government devices or networks and to prohibit federal contractors from using DeepSeek in government contracts. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in January it appeared DeepSeek had misappropriated U.S. AI technology and vowed to impose restrictions. The Commerce Department did not immediately comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Reuters reported DeepSeek is aiding China's military and intelligence operations, citing a senior U.S. official, adding that the Chinese tech startup sought to use Southeast Asian shell companies to access high-end semiconductors that cannot be shipped to China under U.S. rules. The U.S. conclusions reflect a growing conviction in Washington that the capabilities behind the rapid rise of one of China's flagship AI enterprises may have been exaggerated and relied heavily on U.S. technology. Hangzhou-based DeepSeek sent shockwaves through the technology world in January, saying its artificial intelligence reasoning models were on par with or better than U.S. industry-leading models at a fraction of the cost. (Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Franklin Paul and Alistair Bell) PHILADELPHIA - The clock is ticking, and Pennsylvania Democratic lawmakers are calling on their Republican counterparts in Harrisburg to act now. What we know Representative Morgan Cephas and other members of the Philadelphia House Delegation held a news conference on Monday morning, urging their GOP counterparts to approve a state budget that includes funding for SEPTA and other mass transit providers before August 24th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If SEPTA does not get the funding by that deadline, the agency says they will eliminate 32 bus routes and shorten and reduce service on other routes, metro, and regional rail lines. The budget was passed in the state house and is now in the hands of the state senate. "Four bills have been sent to the state Senate to consider mass transit funding were just waiting for a response," said Representative Jordan Harris, Democratic Appropriations Chairman. The proposed budget includes $168 million for SEPTA. If SEPTA does not receive the funding, the cuts will come just in time for School District of Philadelphia students to begin classes on August 25th. What they're saying "It is SEPTA that steps up and moves the students around," said Representative Mary Isaacson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers said they wanted to hold the press conference in Republican Senator Joe Picozzis district, who introduced legislation on SEPTA, to urge him to call on GOP leadership to take action, though he was not directly invited to the news conference. In a statement on Monday morning, Picozzi released a statement: "Since taking office, I have been working to deliver crucial funding to keep our trains and buses running. I have introduced legislation to make SEPTA safer and bring additional accountability, which is supported by SEPTA leadership. This legislation is laying the groundwork for a bipartisan deal to deliver the necessary funding for our public transit system. Bottom line: Im fighting to save SEPTA through both funding and increased safety and accountability. Im calling for all Philadelphia leaders to stand together for our city and to work across the aisle to get this done." Buddy Duffin, a Northeast Philadelphia resident, says walking far is a bit of a challenge, so he is grateful the Route 88 bus stops right outside of his apartment, for now. Thats one of the lines that SEPTA will eliminate come August 24th if they dont get the funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I take it everywhere," he said. "I take it four days a week to go to my program, and if it stops, its going to change up everything." In a statement FOX 29, Senate Majority Leader Joe 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." Just over six months into Donald Trumps second presidential administration, Late Night host Seth Meyers is starting to lose his mind a bit over the headlines he has to dig into during A Closer Look. So much so that, on Monday night, the NBC host spent a little longer on a story about radioactive wasps, simply because Im stalling. To kick off the fan-favorite segment, Meyers looked back on olden times, when he could start things off by just talking about a new infrastructure bill proposed by former President Barack Obama. But in 2025, the comedian noted, the headlines are relentless and insane and to prove it, he rattled some off. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before I even get to the title card, I have to come out here and say something like Donald Trump fired the commissioner of Labor Statistics because the jobs numbers were bad for him. The administration showed leniency to convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell by moving her to a minimum security prison, he listed. The President threatened war with Russia by announcing on his crappy social media site that he was moving nuclear submarines into the region. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced that it was shutting down after being defunded. The Senate confirmed former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro is the U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C., Meyers continued. These were only about half of the major headlines from just the last few days others included the discovery of radioactive wasps, the president weighing in on Euphoria star Sydney Sweeneys jeans ad, and more prompting Meyers to wonder how much might have changed between taping the show and when it actually aired. If youre watching this on TV at 12:30 in the morning, there might be a breaking news ticker under me that says theres no more Internet, were back to 13 states, and the wasps can vote now! Meyers joked. Point is, I dont want to take a closer look, but guys, its in my contract. For more on this, its time for, you know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he properly got into the segment, Meyers spent quite a few minutes on the radioactive wasp story a nest was found at a South Carolina location that once made nuclear bomb material as it was one of the only headlines not related to or caused by Trump. That said, the host did wonder if Trumps weird puffy hand was actually the result of him injecting venom from said wasps in an attempt to get superpowers. Meyers then surmised that Trumps dance style is actually just the man attempting to fly, and that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt would absolutely push the story that the president has wasp powers. Eventually, though, Meyers acknowledged how long he was dwelling on the goofy idea. Guys, look, if you think Ive spent too much time on this wasp story, its because the rest of the news is also st and Im stalling, he admitted. Because I dont want to get to the rest of the news. You can watch Seth Meyers full A Closer Look segment in the video above. The post Seth Meyers Loses It Over Relentless Crazy Trump Headlines: Im Stalling Because I Dont Want to Get to the Rest of the News | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against several online pornography companies for failing to comply with the states age verification law, HB 3, which aims to protect minors from accessing explicit content. The lawsuit targets Webgroup Czech Republic, NKL Associates, Sonesta Technologies, GGW Group, and Traffic F, accusing them of failing to verify age before granting access to adult content, as required by the law enacted last year. Multiple porn companies are flagrantly breaking Floridas age verification law by exposing children to harmful, explicit content, said Attorney General James Uthmeier. As a father of young children, and as Attorney General, this is completely unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companies named in the lawsuit include WebGroup Czech Republic, a.s. d/b/a XVideos.com, NKL Associates, s.r.o. d/b/a XNXX.com, Sonesta Technologies, s.r.o. d/b/a BangBros.com, and others. These websites are accused of openly defying the age verification requirements since the law took effect on January 1, 2025. XVideos.com and XNXXX.com, two of the websites mentioned, are particularly popular, receiving hundreds of millions of visits monthly worldwide, including several million from Florida alone. In April, Attorney General Uthmeier sent letters to some of these companies demanding compliance with the law, but no changes were made, prompting the legal action. The lawsuit seeks to enforce compliance with HB 3 and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, aiming to protect minors from exposure to harmful content. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Sex offender accused of groping teen next to him on Spirit Airlines flight A registered sex offender is accused of groping a teenager on a Spirit Airlines flight from Indianapolis to Orlando. According to the criminal complaint filed in federal court, Orlando police were dispatched to Orlando International Airport right after a Spirit Airlines flight landed on July 29. Court documents say a 17-year-old girl said the man sitting next to her on the plane, identified as John Daniel Fowler, would place his hand over her seat and she would move his hand away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told police she later fell asleep in her seat and woke up to Fowlers hand under her blanket as he touched her inappropriately. The teen says she screamed until she caught the attention of a flight attendant who immediately relocated her to the front of the aircraft and relocated Fowler to the rear of the aircraft. Fowler denied the allegations, saying he was reaching for the teens thermos when he accidentally touched her leg. Fowler is listed on the Indiana sex offender registry following a conviction for sexual battery in 2023. In that case, he was also accused of inappropriately touching a child while she was sleeping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit says before the flight took off from Indianapolis, Fowler got in an argument at the gate over being charged $100 for the size of his luggage. The filing states he responded by blurting out that he hoped the plane would crash. After he apologized, he was allowed to board the aircraft. Spirit Airlines didnt answer WFTVs questions on why he was still allowed to board after this incident, but released a statement saying in part, Safety is our top priority, and we have zero tolerance for the behavior as alleged. Spirit Airlines says Fowler is not allowed on its flights anymore. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. CHAMBERLAIN, S.D. (KELO) 44-year-old Terry Gleason of Chamberlain acknowledges the uphill battle he faces. I am an unknown, Gleason said Saturday. Not very many people know me, and so it is a long shot, but I feel at the same time, some of the other candidates are also long shots. I think I have just as much to give to South Dakota as any other candidate. 2025 Sturgis Rally: Crashes, vehicle counts all up Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gleason is a registered Republican running as an independent for governor of South Dakota in 2026. KELOLAND News interviewed him in person on Saturday in Chamberlain and discovered while preparing this report on Monday that Gleason is on the states sex offender registry; he was convicted in 2000 of raping a 15-year-old girl. In a phone conversation Monday with KELOLAND News, Gleason denied raping the girl and says his status as a sex offender should not prevent someone from voting for him. Part of his motivation to run for governor, Gleason says, is to provide an example. To show my kids that even though an independent has little chance to actually win in the state, go for it, Gleason said. If you have a dream, go for it. A hope for an inclusive South Dakota is among the biggest issues for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should all have the same rights, Gleason said. Were all human. Were all South Dakotans and just wanting to live our life happy. Thats one of my biggest deals. Drug trafficking has also caught his attention. Cutting off the head of the snake instead of going after the little tail of the snake of the little dealers and the little buyers, Gleason said. Go after the trafficking. Republicans Toby Doeden, Jon Hansen and Dusty Johnson are also in South Dakotas 2026 gubernatorial race along with Democrat Robert Arnold. Current Gov. Larry Rhoden has yet to announce if he will run to stay in 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 KELOLAND.com. The ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is forcing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to transmit to Congress agreements reached with the governments of Costa Rica and Panama for accepting deported migrants, including asylum-seekers, vulnerable women and children. In a letter sent last week, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) invoked a 2023 federal law that the State Department must provide international agreements or nonbinding instruments that are the subject of a written communication from the Chair or Ranking Member of either the Senate Foreign Relations or House Foreign Affairs committees. This letter constitutes the statutorily required written communication, Shaheen wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She raised alarm over the approximately 500 third-country nationals deported to Central America since February and many back to their countries of origin. Shaheen said dozens of those deported remain in vulnerable situations in Panama and Costa Rica, at risk of exploitation, statelessness and other harm. These individuals included Iranian Christians fleeing religious persecution, Afghan women escaping the Talibans ruthless crackdown and Russians facing political persecution for protesting Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Shaheen wrote of the initial migrants who were deported. While some chose to return to their countries of origin, dozens of deported migrants are still in Panama and Costa Rica with no clear path forward. The Trump administration has made cracking down on immigration a focus of the presidents second term, claiming to expel violent criminals and illegal migrants, but working to terminate the asylum process, canceling protected status for temporary residents and drumming up criminal allegations against legal visa holders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a visit by Rubio to Central America in late January, the U.S., Panama and Costa Rica announced expanded cooperation on migration, with the two Central American countries accepting hundreds of third-party nationals deported from the United States. Human rights groups warned of those countries becoming a black hole for deported migrants. Those facing deportation to their home countries told human rights groups they feared serious risks to their lives or safety. In her letter to Rubio, Shaheen also called for information about what steps the administration has taken or is taking to ensure that these individuals are not trafficked for sexual or labor exploitation, rendered stateless or sent to a country where they will be subjected to torture or other harm. Human rights groups report that migrants who cannot return to their country of origin due to fear of persecution or death are now living in shelters in or near the city with limited support from charitable groups, Shaheen wrote. This includes several young Afghan women who are without their families. Their legal status and future are uncertain; some who have sought asylum have already been denied. With limited money, little to no Spanish, and unclear legal status, many of these migrants, particularly women and children, are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaheen cited that in Costa Rica, deported migrants, including 100 children, face similar challenges. In June, Costa Ricas Constitutional Court ordered the government to release migrants deported from the U.S. and held in a temporary shelter since February, saying the government had violated the migrants rights. For those still in the country and unable to return home, their future remains uncertain, Shaheen wrote. I look forward to your prompt response. Regarding the letter, the State Department told The Hill: As a general practice, we do not comment on Congressional communications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WHTM) Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro called the claims made by Israels Prime Minister that there is no starvation in Gaza abhorrent. The World Health Organization said Sunday there have been 63 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza this month, including 24 children under the age of 5 up from 11 deaths total the previous six months of the year. Gazas health ministry has reported additional deaths that have not been independently verified. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza, Netanyahu said last month. We enable humanitarian aid throughout the duration of the war to enter Gaza otherwise, there would be no Gazans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is wrong. He is wrong, Shapiro said Tuesday at an event in Lancaster County. Shapiro, who is Jewish, has been outspoken against antisemitism and his support of Israel following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. After calling for the release of the remaining hostages being held by Hamas, Shapiro on Tuesday called for the United States government to dramatically increase the aid for those in Gaza. The fact that kids are starving in Gaza is not okay. It is not okay, said Shapiro. And I think everyone has a moral responsibility to figure out how to feed these kids. It is true that Hamas intercepts aid. It is true that the aid distribution network is not as sophisticated as it needs to be. But given that, I think our nation, the United States of America, has a moral responsibility to flush the zone with aid, and make sure those children that need to be fed get the food and the nourishment and the medicines that they need to be able to survive this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Health Organization says acute malnutrition in northern Gaza tripled this month, reaching nearly one in five children under 5 years old, and has doubled in central and southern Gaza. The U.N. says Gazas only four specialized treatment centers for malnutrition are overwhelmed. The leading international authority on food crises, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, has warned of famine for months in Gaza but has not formally declared one, citing the lack of data as Israel restricts access to the territory. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Shark Attack Survivor Bethany Hamilton Sends Bold Message to Dog Owners After Son Is Bitten originally appeared on Parade. Bethany Hamilton is making an urgent plea to dog owners everywhere. After one of her sons was recently bitten by a dog, the pro surfer took to social media to send an important request to anyone who owns a dog with "poor" behavior. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A couple of weeks ago, my son got bit by a dog," Hamilton, 35, wrote in a post shared to her Instagram Story on Monday, adding that the attack was "Not provoked" and "super random." "The dog was on a leash even," she continued, while noting, "I'm feeling very disappointed in dogs and dog owners. I feel like the amount of unruly dogs nowadays is higher than ever." Hamilton, who is a shark attack survivor, went on to encourage dog owners, "If you have mean dogs PLEASE leave them home. Also, if your dog is getting really old and grumpy, leave them home." Hamilton also included a photo of her son's injury in the post, writing, "Wish it was me instead but glad it wasn't worse. Also glad it wasn't my toddler..." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award-winning surfer was the victims of a shark attack in 2003, which caused her to lose her left arm. Just 13 years old at the time, Hamilton was surfing along a Hawaii beach when the incident occurred. Now a mom of four, Hamiltonwho still surfs and often advocates for practicing shark safetywants dog owners to be more vigilant about their pet's behavior, particularly in terms of safety. "I think society at large should have no tolerance for unruly dogs in particular," she added in her post, noting that she reported the dog involved in the attack "for the future safety of the local community." Related: Bethany Hamilton Thought She Was Asked to Be a Judge on 'The Masked Singer' Shark Attack Survivor Bethany Hamilton Sends Bold Message to Dog Owners After Son Is Bitten first appeared on Parade on Aug 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Sheetz, a Pennsylvania-based 24-hour convenience store and gas station chain, will replace two landmark properties a former Fraser bank and a long-closed Roseville church as part of its growing expansion into southeast Michigan. In Fraser, Sheetz will begin preserving part of the former State Bank of Frasers facade as it moves forward with construction of a new location at 14 Mile and Utica roads. The facade preservation will precede demolition of the rest of the building, according to a Sheetz news release. A full buildout of the new store will follow bringing made-to-order food like burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes and coffee, along with fuel pumps and other amenities to the Macomb County community. In Roseville, Sheetz plans to demolish the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which closed in 2017, and the neighboring Apple Annies restaurant. The project appears to be moving forward after a judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by a local artist that challenged the citys approval process. The court ruled the suit lacked merit; an appeal is pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While we are still awaiting a decision from the circuit court on an appeal of the citys approval, we are confident the project will be upheld, as previous rulings have affirmed," Nick Ruffner, Sheetzs public affairs manager, said in a statement. "The appeal in Roseville is not a lawsuit against Sheetz. It is a legal challenge to the citys approval and does not involve any litigation directed at Sheetz." After three failed sale attempts, the Archdiocese of Detroit selected Sheetz as the most viable buyer of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In a July 31 letter to parishioners, Father Greg Piatt of St. Pio Church said Sheetzs offer was $500,000 higher than the next closest bid and had broad support from church and city leaders. "We are proud to bring a Sheetz location to Roseville," Ruffner said. "Our stores are designed with the local community in mind, and we are committed to being a responsible and respectful neighbor." As part of the Fraser project, Sheetz said it plans to build a 3,000-square-foot public park and pedestrian plaza to honor the sites history. According to the company, it also committed $50,000 to the city of Fraser for road improvements and worked with city officials to include additional landscaping and a traffic-calming median at the sites entrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were grateful for the partnership of Frasers city leaders as we move forward with this exciting new location, Justin Mandel, Sheetzs director of regional real estate, said in a statement. As preservation work begins, we are committed to honoring the history of this site while building something that serves the communitys future. More: Sheetz is getting blocked in Michigan. Why? Too many regulations. | Opinion Both developments are part of Sheetzs broader expansion into Michigan. The family-owned company operates more than 750 stores in states including West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina. All locations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sheetz says it plans to open 50 to 60 locations in the region and invest $500 million over the next five to six years. Two stores have already opened in Romulus, with others under construction in New Baltimore and Warren. A third store is expected to open this fall in Chesterfield. Additional stores have been approved in Taylor, Macomb Township, Roseville, Ypsilanti, Novi and other communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some proposed stores have sparked criticism from residents and nearby business owners, citing concerns about traffic, commotion and competition with local businesses. In Livonia and Farmington Hills, city councils rejected proposed Sheetz locations after community pushback. At the opening of Sheetz's first Michigan store in August 2024, President and CEO Travis Sheetz told the Free Press the criticism is par for the course. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sheetz to build new stores in Fraser, Roseville UPDATE: According to the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, Trang Nguyen has been located. SHELBY COUNTY, Texas (KETK) The Shelby County Sheriffs Office announced on Tuesday that they are searching for a missing 47-year-old woman. Courtesy of the Titus County Sheriffs Office Officials said Trang Nguyen was last seen on Sunday at 6211 SH 87 N. in Center. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the sheriffs office at 936-598-5601. 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. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar has removed a controversial flag that has been flying outside the Public Safety Building for nearly 2 years. Akshar announced on social media that he has taken down the Israeli flag that went up shortly after the Hamas terrorist attacks that occurred on October 7th, 2023. The Sheriff says he did so on the advice of the county attorney after local peace activist groups threatened to sue, citing a New York State law dating back to the late 1800s banning the flying of foreign flags upon any state, county or municipal buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Akshar says he has also flown the Ukrainian flag outside of the Sheriffs Office in solidarity with that foreign country in its war with Russia. He says lowering the flag does not reduce his support for the Israeli people and local Jewish Americans. Akshar says he opposes growing instances of anti-semitic violence and rhetoric in the U-S. The groups Broome County Peace Action, Veterans for Peace and Pax Christi argue that Israel is committing genocide with its War in Gaza and that local government should not be endorsing 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 WIVT - News 34. The owner and operator of the container ship involved in a deadly Baltimore bridge collapse in March 2024 are suing the ships builder, alleging a defective control panel design caused a power outage that led to the disaster. The Dali twice lost power as it was departing Baltimore harbor and drifted out of control into a support of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, collapsing the span and killing six highway workers. The collapse also caused an extended supply chain snarl at the Port of Baltimore, which hosts a major coal terminal and had been the leading U.S. hub for vehicle imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a lawsuit filed July 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, owner Grace Ocean Private Limited and operator Synergy Marine Private Limited accused Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the ships builder, of negligence that caused the fatal incident. The plaintiffs charged that a defective design, specifically a loose wire in an electrical switchboard, caused a power outage at 1:25 a.m. the night of the collapse, cutting power to the engine and steering systems. The National Transportation Safety Board in a 2024 report found that a cable that should have connected to a control for blackout protection was loose. That could have caused the switchboard to lose power without being detected. Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine have denied wrongdoing since April 2024 but late that same year agreed to pay $102 million for civil claims brought by the federal government and other incident-related costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs are seeking damages for vessel repairs and coverage for any third party claims. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: China trade fight weakens Matson earnings Panama ports sales challenge could turn into Trump win Why a French shipping magnate with US ties is interested in China-owned port terminals Rail deal will open new markets for top US container port The post Shipbuilder sued by owner, operator of ship in deadly Baltimore bridge collapse appeared first on FreightWaves. A respected scuba diver and shipwreck explorer died after a medical emergency during a deep-sea expedition off the coast of Cape Cod. Joe Mazraani, a 48-year-old criminal defense attorney from New Jersey, was exploring a wreck 200 miles off the Massachusetts coast aboard his vessel, the D/V Tenacious, when disaster struck last Tuesday on the eastern edge of Georges Bank. The dive team was able to pull Mazraani back on board the boat before administering CPR, but were unable to revive him, his wife Jennifer Sellitti said in a statement on behalf of their company Atlantic Wreck Salvage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mazraanis cause of death was not immediately clear. Sellitti, a top New Jersey public defender, said that a full investigation is underway and there is currently no reason to suspect diver error or equipment failure. Mazraani and his wife Jennifer Sellitti pictured in a tribute posted by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (New Jersey Office of the Public Defender) Mazraani had set out to identify a lost Atlantic steam ship submerged in 200ft of water called the Big Engine Steamer. The wreck had been discovered previously during a search for Le Lyonnais, a French steam ship that sank in 1856, whose story was documented by Sellittis recently published book The Adriatic Affair. Sellitti was reportedly on the boat when her husband died. He was kind, compassionate, and generous. A mentor and a student, a friend, brother, son, and partner, she wrote. Whether motoring aboard D/V Tenacious, diving into deep and dangerous water, or defending his clients in court, Joe demanded the best of everyone around him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I loved Joe fiercely, and he loved me back just the same. We were partners in everythingespecially this, Sellitti concluded. The New Jersey State Office of the Public Defender paid tribute on Instagram, mourning the loss of the cherished member of the legal and diving communities alongside a photograph of Mazraani and Sellitti. After becoming a certified diver in the mid-90s, the Lebanese native had led dives to some of the hardest-to-reach wrecks on the Atlantic seaboard. The explorer used the DV Tenacious to locate several lost vessels in the North Atlantic, including the German submarine U-550, which was sunk off the coast of Nantucket in 1944 by U.S. Navy battleships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mazraani also led expeditions to the SS Andrea Doria, RMS Lusitania, and HMHS Britannic, the sister-ship to the Titanic. Both Mazraania and Sellitti are U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, according to their companys website. In his legal career, Mazraani co-founded the law firm Mazraani & Liguori LLP in 2006 after graduating from Seton Hall Law School in Newark. Mazraani helped free Timothy Puskas in 2024, who had served 10 years of a 40-year sentence when he was exonerated after being wrongly convicted for the 2014 murder of former Rutgers University student William McCaw. A supermarket has been fined 20,271 by a court after repeatedly ignoring council orders to remove an unauthorised extension built in front of the shop. Reading Borough Council said planning enforcement officers had warned Grosik Supermarket, on Oxford Road in Reading, Berkshire, in 2021. The council said the front extension had been erected without the necessary permission and the business ignored enforcement notices in both 2023 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This resulted in a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court , where the local authority said the business had pleaded guilty. The council said magistrates described the business's behaviour "to be particularly poor, having built something and then dragged its feet for years". They had taken as an aggravating factor that the structure was "harmful to the street scene on the Oxford Road, setting set a bad example to other shops". The local authority said they had also taken the view the company had benefitted financially through the unauthorised structure. Magistrates said the structure was "harmful to the street scene on the Oxford Road, setting set a bad example to other shops" [Reading Borough Council] The company was fined 16,666,ordered to pay a 2,000 victim surcharge and prosecution costs of 1,605. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Micky Leng, lead councillor for planning, said it was "a shame" that the business had chosen to repeatedly ignore the council. "The council does not want to see any local business fined or taken to court, which is why when planning enforcement officers provide them with the opportunity to take action, they should respond promptly," he said. "We would always advise any business if they are in any doubt about what may require planning permission to make contact with the council in advance of any works taking place, or it could prove costly in the long term." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Similar stories Related Links Georgia State University plans to demolish the historic building at 148 Edgewood Ave. SE in Atlanta, a decision that has drawn criticism from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The universitys decision to demolish the building comes after a public hearing in May on the plans. The building, constructed in 1926 by the Georgia Railway and Power Company, is part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Landmark District and was listed on the Georgia Trusts 2025 Places in Peril. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation condemned in a Tuesday news release Georgia States decision to replace it with greenspace for the Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza despite the buildings historic significance and structural soundness. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] By removing this building from the Landmark District, GSU will erode the significance of the district and eradicate a tangible link to our citys past, said Georgia Trust President and CEO W. Wright Mitchell. The Georgia Trust condemns GSUs short-sighted decision not to adaptively reuse this property in a manner that could benefit Georgia State students and the city of Atlanta. Channel 2s Steve Gehlbach talked to Mitchell back in late June about the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Gelhbach he would like adaptive reuse of the structure and really service the students of Georgia State and also the citizens of Atlanta. This is something that belongs to us, PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Georgia State University acquired the 148 Edgewood Avenue property in 1966. The university used the structure for various academic purposes, including as a facility for its photography department. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation also said the universitys decision directly contradicts the Universitys own 2014 Campus Historic Preservation Plan, which recognized the building as worthy of long-term preservation and investment, and noted its potential to be adaptively used to meet the Institutes educational mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GSU in a May news release said of the building, the structure has been vacant for more than two decades and would require millions in renovations and modernizations to be suitable for use. The Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza will include a new paved walkway, grassy lawn and bench seating areas. It aims to provide a larger, dedicated area for recreation and community-building for Georgia States Greek life community. The project is part of Georgia States $107 million Building Pathways for Success Initiative, which seeks to create a central campus hub linking various parts of the downtown campus. Georgia State University plans to commemorate the buildings facade with a mural on the Greek Housing building, integrating historical elements into the new plaza. Plans also call for the reuse of the brick from the 148 Edgewood building in the plaza. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) For the second consecutive season, the 2025 USHL Western Conference Shootout will be held in Sioux City. The preseason round-robin tournament will feature six teams out of the Western Conference, including the host Sioux City Musketeers. Sioux City will play Fargo on Thursday, September 4th followed by home tilts with Des Moines and Sioux Falls on the 5th and 6th of September, respectively. All three Sioux City games are slated for 7pm puck drops. Western Conference Shootout Schedule all games at Tyson Events Center Thursday, September 4th Fargo at Sioux City 7 p.m. Friday, September 5th Sioux Falls vs. Omaha Noon Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tri-City vs. Fargo 3:30 p.m. Des Moines at Sioux City 7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6th Omaha vs. Fargo Noon Des Moines vs. Tri-City 3:30 p.m. Sioux Falls at Sioux City 7 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RUTHVEN, Iowa (KCAU) The Ruthven Fire Department has started a fundraiser for the construction of a new, modern fire station. The goal is to raise $800,000. According to a press release from the department, the current station was built in 1978 and is no longer appropriate for the current fire and rescue needs. A lack of space for modern equipment, training areas and volunteer accommodations were cited as the chief concerns. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department is entirely run by volunteers. In addition to Ruthven, it provides emergency services for a handful of other rural communities, including Lost Island Township, Lake Township and Freeman Township. The fundraising campaign is hosted through the departments Facebook page. Donations will go to an account at the Iowa State Bank location in Ruthven. Donors can make contributions through Venmo, or mail donations to Iowa State Bank, PO Box 249, Ruthven, Iowa (51358). Make sure to mention the fundraiser. Interested donors can also reach out with any questions to Ruthven Fire Chief Kevin Bates at 712-260-4474. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials emphasize that every gift, no matter the size, can make a real impact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sir Anthony Cleaver, who has died aged 87, was the UK chief of the computer giant IBM and later a prominent figure in the nuclear industry, with a multiplicity of other public roles in the fields of engineering, education and music. Cleaver built a 32-year career with the New York-headquartered International Business Machines Corporation during an era when its world-leading System/360 mainframe computers and their successors set new technological benchmarks for the corporate world. It was often said that no one ever got fired for buying IBM; at its peak, the company commanded a dominant UK market share and was much admired for a culture summed up by Cleaver as the pursuit of excellence, service to the customer and respect for the individual which became the credo for his own wide-ranging senior career, very often concerned with challenges of organisational change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having joined in 1962 as a trainee instructor, Cleaver was one of the first to teach IBM colleagues and customers the capabilities of System/360 after its launch in 1964. He went on as a systems engineer to lead a team which designed the first cash dispenser for Lloyds Bank and installed IBM equipment for the first time at the Bank of England a decision that had to be endorsed at Cabinet level, the Bank having hitherto been a customer of IBMs fading British rival, the so-called national champion ICL. Rising steadily through the management hierarchy, Cleaver migrated from engineering towards marketing roles and served in New York and Paris before returning to oversee the UK launch of the IBM PC, the first mass-market desktop computer. Mentored by the then chairman and industry leader Sir Edwin Nixon, Cleaver became general manager for the UK in 1984 and chief executive from 1986 to 1990, when he succeeded Nixon as chairman until 1994. By then he had also been appointed chairman of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, where he led a reorganisation culminating in the 1996 flotation of its commercial arm, AEA Technology, as the Major governments last privatisation. Cleaver chaired AEA Technology until 2001 when it withdrew from nuclear consultancy to focus elsewhere and later also chaired the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Anthony Brian Cleaver was born in Lambeth, south London, on April 10 1938. His father William was a violinist who built player-pianos and cinema organs before making a career in the travel trade; his mother Dorothea, nee Peeks, was a pianist, mathematician and primary-school teacher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brought up in Hertfordshire, Anthony was educated at Berkhamsted School and did National Service in the Intelligence Corps at GCHQ and in Cyprus before taking up a scholarship to read Greats at Trinity College, Oxford. Cleaver addresses the UK Energy Policy Forum in 2007 - Felipe Trueba/Avalon Towards the end of his time there, a careers adviser reviewed Cleavers answers to a multiple-choice questionnaire and told him: No question, you should go into computers. Barely knowing what a computer was, he applied to all the companies in the field whose names he could find, and won a graduate place at IBM. In later years, Cleaver was a non-executive director inter alia of the insurer General Accident, Smith & Nephew in medical technology and the UK arm of the US aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin. Among smaller companies, he was involved in start-ups and flotations in fields ranging from cable television to recruitment. His last corporate role, until 2021, was as chairman of Nova Financial, an investment platform. Describing himself as a serial chairman, he led the Industry Development Advisory Board (1993-1999), the Medical Research Council (1998-2006) and the Governors of Birkbeck College (1989-1999). He was an instigator of the Big Bang Fair, which encourages young people towards careers in engineering and technology, and a force behind several bodies concerned with the impact of business on the environment, for which he was named in the UN Environment Programmes Global 500 Roll of Honour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the boardroom Cleaver was passionately interested in music, to which he acknowledged that I owe my very existence, his parents having first been brought together as youthful duet partners. His chairmanship of the Royal College of Music (1999-2007) was unquestionably one of the highlights of my life; he was also deputy chairman of English National Opera and master of the Musicians Company. Anthony Cleaver was knighted in 1992. Amiable and energetic, he began every day whenever he could with a swim, often in the Serpentine in Hyde Park. He married first, in 1967, Mary Cotter, who died in 1999, and secondly, in 2000, Jennifer Graham, who survives him with a son and daughter from his first marriage. Sir Anthony Cleaver, born April 10 1938, died July 13 2025 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. Stock photo via Getty Images. My elderly mother-in-law is all the rage with charitable groups. Particularly the ones that are opaque at best, and deceptive at worst, in their snail mail. As public concerns mount about dwindling Social Security reserves, these mailers may be flying into senior Virginians mailboxes more frequently. Grandma, whos 92 and lives with The Boss and me, recently received three cash solicitations within a week regarding the solvency of Social Security. Wed never heard of the senders before, and we surmised their monikers could confuse folks about their bona fides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They all begged for money and signatures, as one missive termed it, to help bolster the payment of Social Security benefits well into the future. That letter assigned my mother-in-law a registration number how official! as part of advocating for a Social Security guarantee. (No sender, for example, was nearly as recognizable as AARP, the nonprofit thats been around since 1958 and says it fights for the priorities of everyone age 50 and over.) Among the warnings from the National Campaign to Guarantee Social Security, which is a project of the Federation of Responsible Citizens: There is no greater economic crisis facing our nation than the impending crash of Social Security. Ill spare you the pages of ALL CAPS from the letter. There are some nuggets of truth about the claims regarding Social Security, but theyre missing vital context. Nor is there proof that these solicitors can deliver. Similar letters arrived from the American Federation of Senior Citizens, another project of the FRC (why do you need two Social Security projects from the same umbrella group?) and the Senior Citizen Association of America, part of the National Senior Citizen Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latter sought a signature for an enclosed Social Security amendment petition and a contribution. Red flags immediately went up for my wife and me. They should for you, too, especially if you have an aging parent inundated with these come-ons, or are musing about forking over cash to such sketchy outfits. Unsolicited mail asking for money, especially with urgent or emotional appeals, should be treated with caution, a Social Security Administration spokesperson told me by email Thursday. Roughly 68 million people received some form of Social Security benefits at the end of 2024. The agency encourages the public to not send money or personal information until they have verified the organizations legitimacy, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such solicitations might be from 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups that indeed exist, but they might have marginal clout. They are lobbying groups in which donors cant deduct money for federal income tax purposes. Both FRC and the NSCC fall into that category. Are benefactors merely enriching the employees and board members of these organizations? Im betting the letters arrived so closely together because the programs viability was the subject of news articles this summer. The trust funds for Social Security and Medicare will run out of money in less than a decade, according to a report, and the programs trustees warned that the funds depletion date is closer than predicted a year ago, The Washington Post noted. If Congress doesnt overhaul the programs financing, automatic cuts will slash Social Security benefits by 23% and Medicare hospital benefits by 11% in 2033. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, theres a huge caveat, The Post said in its June 18 primer: Decreasing benefits would be so unpopular that Congress would face great pressure to act. Thats correct. Lawmakers would probably need to consider a mix of benefit cuts plus new revenue such as higher taxes to fund Social Security, perhaps taxing wages above the current threshold of $176,100, the article continued. Because retirees are such a dependable, consistent voting bloc, craven Congressional members who have delayed tackling the problem for ages would feel the weight of self-preservation and finally do something. Spokespersons for both of Virginias senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, told me they hadnt received complaints from constituents about the solicitors Id mentioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I phoned and emailed officials at FRC and NSCC. I asked about their purported value, what percentage of their donations goes to actual lobbying, and more. My messages werent returned. That left me to seek out financial documents online, the groups websites, and message boards that mentioned the organizations usually negatively by family members of letter recipients. Charity Navigator, which rates nearly a quarter-million nonprofits, says the FRC got its IRS ruling as a 501(c)(4) in 1990. But the ratings organization doesnt cover such lobbying groups in detail. FRC is based in Alexandria, Virginia. The ratings group said the NSCC gained its IRS ruling in 2010, but its also a 501(c)(4). Its based in Reston, Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which monitors charitable groups seeking donations in the commonwealth, said the FRC and NSCC register with it annually. It had no records of complaints related to organization names that Id provided. ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom, said FRC had $12.4 million in revenues and slightly less in expenses on Form 990 for 2023. The only executive compensation was $60,000 for Denise Singleton, listed as president/director. Professional fundraising fees were $530,600, or 4.3% of total expenses. You dont find out much about FRC on its website. Click on accomplishments, and it touts activities it completed in 2018. ProPublica reports the NSSC had $2.5 million in revenues and nearly $2.7 million in expenses for 2023. It listed no money for employee compensation. It showed $400,000 in professional fundraising fees, or 15% of total expenses. David M. Coyne, listed as a director, signed the letter to my mother-in-law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I interviewed Linda Benesch, spokeswoman for Social Security Works, an organization cited in news articles on the federal program. She said she follows Social Security stories in the news media and cant recall the groups I was writing about ever being quoted or mentioned. They arent members of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, which brings together the major organizations that advocate for seniors, she added, by email. The council has more than 60 organizations, including hers. I asked Benesch why even donate to such nonprofits, since our individual House and Senate members should be fighting for us without having to pay them extra. I think theres a place for both calling your members of Congress directly and supporting advocacy organizations that have capacity to build direct relationships with members of Congress, Benesch said. However, people should always do their research before donating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the latter, we agree. Our U.S. representatives and senators are there for a reason. If youd like to also donate to nonprofits fighting for Social Security, make sure theyre legit and effective. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX JOHNSTOWN, Pa. United Express carrier SkyWest Airlines has a new contract to continue carrying travelers to and from the Johnstown region's airport. The four-year deal is SkyWest's longest contract yet for John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, allowing the airline to continue serving passengers in the region through Oct. 31, 2029. "This gives us a lot of stability. It gives the community the confidence that SkyWest is going to be here" when travelers are looking for flights, Airport Manager Cory Cree said. "It's not just short-term anymore." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airport officials recommended SkyWest this summer over several other carriers seeking to serve Johnstown, but had to get the U.S. Department of Transportation's blessing as part of the Essential Air Service program process. That approval arrived Monday in a two-page letter. In the decision, Department of Transportation officials cited SkyWest's record of success, community support for its proposal and the contract's lower cost as supporting factors. The contract subsidy, which is $5.6 million in the first year and averages $5.9 million over the life of the span, is 30% lower than Johnstown's current expiring contract, wrote Cindy Baraban, an aviation deputy with the Department of Transportation. That reflects "success in growing passenger enplanements at Johnstown," she wrote. SkyWest's daily service to Chicago O'Hare International and Washington Dulles International airports on CRJ200 jets has drawn crowds back to the airport, with annual passenger numbers rising for three straight years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately 35,000 people flew to or from Johnstown in 2024, a number the airport is on pace to top this year. More than 21,000 people have already flown to or from the airport this year, with five months of travel still ahead. That includes 11,460 "enplanements," or paid boardings, through Monday, Cree said. Cree said the new contract that goes into effect this fall will be "seamless" for travelers. Daily flights to Chicago and Dulles, Virginia, will remain at the same departure times, and SkyWest will continue hosting two extra flights over the weekend on its own dime. That gives Johnstown a total of 14 round-trip flights per week. "It's going to be the same reliable service they've been providing," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airport's higher passenger totals boosted its commercial status to "primary" non-hub in 2024, which enables it to receive a minimum of $1 million annually in Airport Improvement Program funds for maintenance and safety projects. Cree and other airport officials have also credited SkyWest for its willingness to work with local leaders on education, training and economic development efforts in recent years. Airport officials are hopeful that could lead to more collaborative opportunities in the future, now that SkyWest is committed to four more years in Johnstown. "We value our industry partnership (with SkyWest) and we're going to continue to explore ways to expand on that partnership," he said. Editors Note: A previous version of the video above incorrectly reported which agency would receive Martindales potential repayment. The agency is the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development which sets the rules surrounding project extensions and repayments not the Texas General Land Office, which only administers the federal funds. The video has been updated. MARTINDALE, Texas (KXAN) To Cindy Woolley, the ground radar machine looked like a lawnmower. She watched as the surveyor pushed it across the weedy, uneven ground of Crayton-Spruill Cemetery. Each time the machine revealed a set of buried human bones, the operator marked it, pushing a little pink flag into the ground. In all, the 2023 radar survey revealed 29 graves. Many of them likely the final resting places of people enslaved by one of the areas original landowners, John Crayton, and his family, according to Woolley and court records. They were buried up to 150 years ago. Woolley, a descendant of Crayton, and her family commissioned the survey to get a better understanding of what lies beneath the historic plot of land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The slaves graves are unmarked because, according to local lore, about 100 years ago, the Ku Klux Klan stormed through, ripped out the slaves headstones and threw the markers into a nearby ravine and river. Cindy Woolley, head of the Crayton-Spruill Cemetery Association and descendent of the graveyards namesake, has worked to preserve the historic Martindale site for years. Recently, the riverside cemetery became central to the citys goal of rebuilding NW River Road and the fight against that federally-funded, multimillion-dollar project. (KXAN/Kelly Wiley) Now, a contingent of Martindale residents say the cemetery is under threat again, this time by a major construction project. Crayton-Spruill Cemetery, the little graveyard tucked behind arching boxelder and elm trees, has become central to the small towns battle over a $6.7 million federal-grant-funded road and drainage endeavor. Construction, if it ever happens, would remake nearby NW River Road, one of Martindales primary arteries connecting its single-street downtown with homes and businesses to the northwest. Woolley, who doesnt live in Martindale, said she would prefer to stay out of the drama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just have an interest in my family being buried here, she said. Regardless of Woolleys desire to stay out of it, the cemetery sits at the terminal end of a proposed drainage culvert that would send storm water into a ravine at the graveyards edge, within feet of graves. 2,000+ acre industrial park raising concerns from neighbors In July, the Texas Historical Commission sent a letter to the city, causing work to be halted until questions about the cemeterys ownership and long-term flood protection were resolved. The disagreements over how, and whether, to move forward have caused a rift among locals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those in favor of the project argue the grant funds give the city a chance to make vital improvements, which the city couldnt otherwise afford, to a decrepit and flood-prone road that has needed repeated repairs after storms. Concerns over potential damage to the cemetery are overblown, they say, and shouldnt derail such a important civic improvement. Furthermore, ending the project now could cause a complicated grant unwinding process and leave Martindale on the hook for more than $1 million in grant funds already spent a sum that could bankrupt the city, according to state records and the towns mayor, Laura Sanchez Fowler. Meanwhile, opponents of the project say construction will disturb the graves of enslaved people a moral injustice that transcends the importance of fixing a road and drainage issue and the plan to dump storm water into the cemetery-adjacent ravine would exacerbate erosion and damage graves. On top of that, the city opted against alternative project plans that wouldnt have affected the cemetery. The project has been years in the making, with three different Martindale mayors overseeing it, with Fowler taking the helm in May. At a city council meeting in late July, two months into her term, everything came to a head when a measure to finally cancel the project came up for a vote. City Council meeting From Fowlers perspective, the project had been delayed too long. With a lawsuit over ownership of the cemetery pending in court, the Historical Commissions request to pause construction would inevitably push the timetable for completion past critical deadlines in December 2026 and January 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have finally got to a point where the hurdles are so high, Fowler told KXAN in an interview. I dont see a path where we can get through the grant on time and within the budget that we have available to do it. Aside from the timeline obstacle, she also had ethical concerns about construction being done right up to the edge of the graveyard and the city becoming adversarial toward the descendants of the towns founders. Two graves, both with unmarked headstones, in Crayton Spruill cemetery. In 2023, Woolley and her family contracted a ground-penetrating radar survey of the graveyard, and small flags were placed where bones were discovered. Woolley later had small unengraved headstones placed at those locations to add permanence. The unmarked graves could date back well over a century and contain the remains of people enslaved by the cemeterys namesake: John Crayton. (KXAN/David Barer) It felt wrong because there are slaves that are buried there. We have a whole history of the KKK coming through and defiling the graves, Fowler said. It doesnt feel right. Work begins to rebury dozens of remains uncovered at one of Austins oldest cemeteries Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martindales grant funds originates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a pot of $4.2 billion sent to Texas in 2019 after the devastation of 2017s Hurricane Harvey. That tranche of federal funds, called Community Development Block Grant Mitigation funds, is administered by the Texas General Land Office, or GLO, according to the agency. Eligible projects can include, but arent limited to, natural and green infrastructure, public facilities, housing, buyouts or acquisition, activities designed to relocate families outside of floodplains, and public service activities, according to GLO. In its grant management plan, the city said the project would increase resilience to disasters and reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of loss of life, injury, damage to and loss of property, and suffering and hardship, by lessening the impact of future disasters. The proposition of cancelling such a substantial grant hasnt sat well with some in the city, including City Council Member Mike McClabb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the July hearing, when the agenda item came up to cancel the grant, McClabb spoke up for the contingent that wants to see the project completed. It is not fair for a half dozen people in this town to try to stop this project that benefits everybody in this city, McClabb said at the meeting. What is the rush to stop this grant? What is the rush to kill it right now? The hearing grew contentious, with Fowler and McClabb raising their voices. Mike, you need to stop Fowler said, before McClabb verbally cut her off. No, no. I am an elected official, and I can say what I want to say, McClabb responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two traded words, speaking over each other, with Fowler accusing McClabb of browbeating people and not allowing others to speak. At one point, Fowler called a city policeman over, nearly requesting McClabb be tossed from the meeting. You are going to throw me out for what? McClabb responded. McClabb stayed, and the council voted to table the motion to cancel the grant until the city could make further inquiries with the GLO and meet with the project engineers and attorneys involved. The heated meeting underscores how divisive the project has become. Two locals, Patricia Matthews and her husband Quintin Matthews, have been at the forefront of opposition to the project. Local opposition What we are trying to stop is bulldozers coming in and disturbing the ground and erosion from the flood waters they are planning to drop in here and washing away someones sacred burial place, Patricia told KXAN in an interview at the graveyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposition to the project was small at first, but grew after Patricia strung up a sign at the cemetery gate publicizing the potential impact of construction. From Patricia and Quintin Matthews perspective, the whole ordeal could have been avoided if the city had chosen an alternative design there were two other drainage routes that could have bypassed the cemetery. But, the couple said, previous city leadership wanted NW River Road fixed, so they opted for a project that would run the drainage system under the street, thus requiring the road to be rebuilt. Patricia Matthews spoke with KXAN at the Crayton-Spruill Cemetery in July. Matthews and her husband Quintin have opposed the project, citing concerns about damage to historic graves of enslaved people buried there. (KXAN/David Barer) To the Matthews, the city has stretched the intended purpose of the federal mitigation grant funds to fit its desire to fix NW River Road. In an 11-point complaint from December 2023 submitted to the city, Patricia laid out her concerns over what she described as false and misleading claims the city made in its grant application. The city overstated the impact of flood mitigation, sewer infrastructure benefits and how past flooding affected emergency vehicle traffic, among several other issues, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city rebutted every aspect of the complaint in a detailed 17-page response Fowler sent on July 17, concluding that after full investigation, the City of Martindale did not find evidence of any intentional falsification or civil rights violations in our CDBG-MIT grant application or project execution. Former and current city leaders spoke with KXAN and offered their own rebuttals to those allegations and explained why the project should move forward. Actually an improvement To former Martindale Mayor Kathrine Glaze, opposition to the project is less about the cemetery and more about not wanting construction nearby, and change. The project, from Glazes standpoint, would benefit the cemetery. We are trying to save it, Glaze said. Its actually an improvement, in the long run. Glaze, City Council Member Matthew McGovern and McClabb also met with KXAN at the cemetery. The culvert, if rebuilt in the ravine, would help stop erosion on the side of the graveyard from storm water, McClabb said. Martindale City Council Member Mike McClabb is pushing for the city to rebuild NW River Road. McClabb stands at the edge of the Crayton-Spruill Cemetery, with gravesites in the background, and next to the ravine that would receive storm water from a new drainage culvert. (KXAN/Kelly Wiley) The city has followed the advice of engineering experts guiding the city, McGovern said, and theyve been told the project wouldnt affect graves. I defer to the experts, the engineer, McGovern said. Its not up to the council or citizens to make the judgement. We have to defer to the experts. McGovern recused himself from voting on the issue because he lives on NW River Road within the construction zone, and his home is involved in eminent domain proceedings. He also acknowledged his and Glazes personal association with the alternative options for drainage that the city did not choose. As part of the grant process, the city provided three project options. One would have diverted floodwater between McGoverns and his neighbors properties, and a second option would have diverted water through Glazes property, McGovern said. Those two options raised significant concerns that caused the city to move on, McGovern said. For one, the storm water would be sent directly into the river at the level of the river, which would affect the property owner on the opposite bank by adding to the natural flow. By sending water directly into the river, or floodway, the other options would get the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, involved and potentially hitch up the project with red tape, he explained. Because of those concerns, McGovern said, the engineers recommended sending the water into the ravine by the cemetery, which is out of the floodway and where the water is naturally going. McClabb and others have also raised alarms over stopping the project because it could cause Martindale to have to pay back more than $1 million grant funds theyve already used. The GLO while stressing HUD is in charge of funding and rules said it has been providing technical assistance to Martindale with the goal of helping the city use the grant funds and stay in compliance with federal regulations. The feds can demand repayment if all documentation and steps taken arent audit proof, the GLO said. Our goal is to help communities like Martindale use the funds while avoiding any missteps that would result in repayment of funds to HUD, a GLO spokesperson said in a statement. It is an unfortunate fact that the bureaucracy and economic liabilities involved in using federal grant funds are major deterrents for many communities. Feds refer Texas Harvey funding discrimination case to Justice Department McClabb said he hoped the city could get an extension on the 2026 grant deadline. He also wants the city to communicate with the Historical Commission and get all parties involved, including the engineers, together to discuss how to move forward. A letter and a lawsuit Though opposition to the project has been brewing for years, a July 9 letter from the Historical Commission officially halted work, according to Fowler. The commission notes new information has become available showing the cemeterys ownership is unresolved, and more than two dozen new graves were discovered by ground radar near the construction zone. This indicates that further archeological research and ground truthing would be required prior to any ground disturbance in the vicinity of the Crayton-Spruill Cemetery, according to the letter. After getting the letter, the city reached out to the Commission for clarification and got a stark response, Fowler said. They said you are not allowed to do anything. Dont pick up a shovel. Dont continue to work on easement acquisitions. Dont do anything until the lawsuit is complete with the cemetery and an actual owner is declared. Lawana Holland-Moore, a program officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said problems similar to what Martindale is encountering with its road project are not uncommon across the country. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit that works to save historic locations across the country. Holland-Moore works on the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the largest historic preservation effort ever undertaken on behalf of Black historic sites, she said. Many Black cemeteries in the South were essentially abandoned, Holland-Moore said, particularly after the Great Migration, when more than 6 million Black people left the South between 1910 and 1970. Like in Martindale, struggles over cemeteries across the country have centered on questions of ownership and damage from storm water runoff, she said. You cant make decisions based, you know, as to what to do with the cemetery or burial ground, without knowing who owns it or who is responsible for it, Holland-Moore said. The laws vary from city to city and state to state. To settle who rightly owns the Crayton-Spruill Cemetery, Cindy Woolley and the Crayton-Spruill Cemetery Association in February sued the City of Martindale and the San Marcos Missionary Baptist Church, which no longer exists, according to the lawsuit. Woolley is listed as the president and Quintin Matthews as the secretary treasurer of the Crayton-Spruill Cemetery Association, according to its 2024 public tax report. The lawsuit lays out a history dating back to 1842, when John Crayton was deeded several thousand acres in the area. He sold 1,000 of those to George Martindale the citys namesake in 1852. Twenty years later, Crayton deeded land to the San Marcos Missionary Baptist Church to be used for a cemetery for whites and blacks, according to the lawsuit. A stipulation was made that the church would always keep the portion of the land southwards from W. W. Spruills grave to the mouth of the ravine emptying into the San Marcos River as a burial ground for colored persons, according to the lawsuit. Woolley, a direct descendent of Crayton, took an interest in the history of the land in the 1980s. Back then, the graveyard was severely overgrown, so Woolley and family members cleared, weeded and began maintaining it, she said. Cindy Woolley, far left, works with a group to clear and clean the Crayton-Spruill Cemetery in 1998. Woolley has been actively working to preserve the historic location for decades. (Courtesy/Cindy Woolley) As threats to Black cemeteries persist, a movement to preserve their sacred heritage gains strength In 2002, the graveyard was designated a historical cemetery by the Texas Historical Association, and, in November of that year, Woolley and family members paid for a historic marker. The city paid little interest in the cemetery for decades, Woolley said. Then, in September 2023, she got a letter from the City of Martindale indicating its interest in purchasing cemetery land a right of way, drainage easement or temporary construction easement for the road project. The city offered almost $21,000 in just compensation, according to court records. Three months after the citys letter, Woolley officially formed nonprofit Crayton-Spruill Cemetery Association. In February of 2025, the lawsuit was filed in Caldwell County to clear up the title. The interest and tussle of the cemetery surprised Woolley. I mean its been ignored all these years. Why now? Woolley asked. Why? Because of the project that they are wanting to push through, Woolley added. Investigative Photojournalist Chris Nelson 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 KXAN Austin. An industrial accident at a cement plant sent up a dust cloud over Yreka on Tuesday morning, prompting Siskiyou County officials to temporarily ask residents to stay indoors. The cement plant, located in the southeast section of the city, experienced some type of incident, according to county officials. Shortly after 8:30 a.m., residents were asked to shelter in place because of the presence of airborne cement particles. Video from an Alert California camera overlooking Yreka showed the cloud spread across the landscape and eventually dissipate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Turn off AC units, keep doors and windows closed. Limit outdoor activities. The cause of this incident is not known at this time. Additional information will be issued as it becomes available," the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The city located roughly 260 miles north of Sacramento, near the Oregon border was under a shelter-in-place order for less than an hour, according to Sage Milestone of the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office. "The alert was issued out of an abundance of caution," Milestone said. "The concern was that in large concentrates the particles would be hazardous. But the cloud has since dissipated." Residents were advised that any particles that settled on vehicles or outdoor structures were safe to wash away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siskiyou County officials said they would release more information regarding the incident. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A local jeweler has announced they are closing their Springfield location. After 107 years in business, Smith & Son Jewelers in Springfield is closing its doors. Current owner Andrew Smith said the reasoning behind the decision is time with family. AIC hosts registration rush to streamline student enrollment Smith said his father is retiring, and he would like to spend more time with his children he also has a few grandchildren on the way. Even within the first two hours of their sale, Smith said they could see the support from the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been unbelievable, Smith said. We had a line out the door, and its just been spectacular. Its a little bittersweet, so I love it. Smith & Son doesnt have a specific timeline for their closure, but said they will be open as long as they still have jewelry items available and repaired items to be picked up. They are having amazing deals on their items, so they say not to wait too long if you are interested. While Smith & Son in Springfield is closing, their Enfield, Connecticut, location will remain open. 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 Public Works Department in New Smyrna Beach has implemented a dedicated yard waste pickup schedule to assist residents with hurricane readiness. The schedule is divided into five zones, each with pickups on different days to handle larger yard waste piles. Pruning trees to prevent damage from falling branches is an important part of hurricane preparedness. The updated schedule permits residents to place yard waste piles of four cubic yards or more at the curb for pickup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This special pickup schedule is in addition to the regular yard waste collection, which will still occur across the city every Wednesday. Residents are reminded that branches must be less than six inches in diameter and four feet long, and grass clippings, leaves, and small debris should be placed in cans or bags curbside. By implementing this schedule, New Smyrna Beach aims to help residents prepare for hurricane season and reduce yard debris damage. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. As top federal officials gathered in the capital on Monday to promote a new push to restrict soda and junk food from SNAP purchases, a Texas food access expert was hundreds of miles away, explaining how recent changes to the same program have expanded healthy options for people experiencing poverty. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins hosted a joint press event in Washington as part of President Donald Trumps Make America Healthy Again initiative, unveiling new SNAP waivers and calling for broader federal restrictions on sugary drinks, as previously covered by The Dallas Express. If you want to buy a sugary soda the U.S. taxpayer should not pay for it, Kennedy said. The U.S. taxpayer should not be paying to feed kids foods, the poorest kids in the country, that will give them diabetes. The Breakdown: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to ban SNAP users from buying soda nationally. New waivers approved for Florida, Texas, and four other states on Monday. Kennedy and Rollins say the goal is to improve health and reduce Medicaid costs. Meanwhile in Texas, advocates say online SNAP expansion is helping. The tension underscores a national debate on food access vs. government regulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the Great American Farmers Market in Washington, Kennedy said sugary drinks and candies make up nearly 17% of current SNAP expenditures and argued the government pays twice first through SNAP benefits, then through the downstream cost of chronic diseases. Rollins echoed that message. One way is disallowing taxpayer-funded benefits to purchase unhealthy items like soda, candy, and other junk food, Rollins explained. SNAP is a supplemental nutrition program meant to provide food benefits to low-income families essential to health and well-being. Rollins signed new waivers on Monday for Florida, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado. These come in addition to previous waivers in Arkansas, Utah, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska, which restrict soda and candy in various forms starting in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her remarks, Rollins framed the effort as both fiscally responsible and morally urgent, citing statistics about obesity, diabetes, and mental health challenges in children. Over 75% of American youth between the ages of 17 and 24 are ineligible for military service because of obesity, poor physical fitness, or mental health challenges, explained Rollins. Yet some believe Kennedy and Rollins work to limit soda to promote health is misguided. The problem with soda consumption in the U.S. is not SNAP users, Hilary Seligman, a public health researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, previously told The New York Times. If you try to solve this problem using SNAP as a lever, so only SNAP people are impacted by it, what were likely to do is just increase stigma for people who are trying to make ends meet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some former Obama and Biden officials agree with Seligman. It doesnt pay for everyones food for the entire month, former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told NYT. So what would prevent people from spending their own money on sugary drinks or soda? The notion of restricting it for nutritional purposes really isnt a valid reason. While the Trump administration officials were speaking about SNAP, Celebrindal Roberts, procurement and logistics manager for Farmshare Austin, was addressing attendees at the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, held at Texas State University. Roberts offered a more local perspective on SNAP, noting that her nonprofit has accepted SNAP since 2016 and began accepting online SNAP in October 2024. She described online payments as a game-changer, explaining that they reduce delivery and administrative costs, allow for unattended home delivery, and increase access to healthy food for people in areas with limited grocery infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You sell more food with Double Up Food Bucks and SNAP online, Roberts said. Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a program that allows SNAP users to double the value of their benefits when buying fruits and vegetables. Roberts praised the program but noted it currently does not cover canned goods or honey, which limits its reach in some food-insecure households. Roberts also said the online system has improved safety for delivery drivers and staff by reducing the need for carrying cash. Refunds from canceled or delayed orders are now returned directly to customers SNAP cards, making the entire process more seamless for users and vendors alike. Farmshare Austins 13-acre certified organic farm supplies a mobile market, home delivery program, and postpartum food access initiative. The group serves 25 ZIP codes in the Eastern Crescent of Austin and Travis County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While battles continue to rage about the prudence of various changes and innovations with SNAP, Kennedy insists that change is long overdue. For 20 years Democrats and Republicans have been talking about this on Capitol Hill, he said. We have no problem with [soda consumption] taxpayer dollars should not be funding these injuries to our children, Kennedy said. Despite previous legal hurdles faced by states seeking to restrict SNAP purchases, Rollins and Kennedy say the administration is now working to bypass congressional gridlock and encourage all governors to submit waivers. It remains to be seen whether the growing push for restrictions will be met with resistance from health equity advocates, grocers, or SNAP recipients themselves. But both Kennedy and Rollins framed the reforms as a defining front in Trumps broader push for nutrition, not just food assistance. (WJW) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants a rare wildflower removed from the federal list of Endangered and Threatened Plants thanks to its recovery. According to the FWS, Virginia sneezeweed was listed as a threatened species in 1998. At the time, only 25 populations of the bright yellow flower were known in Virginia. But, since then, more than 55 populations have been discovered in Missouri, and a population has been found in Indiana, too. Local bait shop closing; all items up for auction The Virginia sneezeweeds risk of extinction is much lower now than when it was listed due to an increase in the number and range of the known populations, coupled with seed banking, propagation, and partner-led conservation efforts, explained a recent media release. Courtesy of Rhonda Rimer/Missouri Department of Conservation Natural History Virginia sneezeweed is in the sunflower family, but differs from Common sneezeweed, which can be found in much of the United States, according to the U.S. Forest Service. UNSPECIFIED CIRCA 2003: Common sneezeweed or Large-flowered sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Asteraceae. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images) As for its name sneezeweed unlike ragweed, which is commonly associated with pollen allergies, experts explain that sneezeweed does not have small pollen grains; therefore, it doesnt cause a lot of sneezing. Instead, an author for the U.S. Forest Service said that its name likely comes from a historic use of when the flowers crushed, dried leaves and heads were used to make a form of snuff which caused sneezing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Ohios hidden gems earns spot on national register In certain cultures and times, sneezing was regarded as a desirable way to rid the body of evil spirits or a way to loosen up a head cold, so that a sneeze-producing remedy was desirable, writes Sue Trull for the U.S. Forest Service. To learn more about this flower and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services proposal to remove it from the list of threatened species, 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. She says her decision not to stand for re-election next year is for domestic reasons and her desire to see more of her family. This means, sadly, in a Parliament not exactly stuffed with talent, there is no doubt that Kate Forbes will be much missed. Scotlands Deputy First Minister is one of the few talents perhaps the only one on that lacklustre SNP front bench. And if it really was a party with genuine ambitions and a determination to do the best for their country, it would have elected her in 2023 when she stood as a candidate for the vacancy caused by Nicola Sturgeons resignation. That was the opportunity for the SNP to put Sturgeons egotistical madness and her determination to become an international figure behind it and elect someone with a fresh outlook on the genuine priorities of Scottish people. Issues such as the appalling gap in educational standards between rich and poor Scots, the shocking NHS waiting times, and Europes worst drug death record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there wasnt really much of a chance of her party electing her. They knew she was the best candidate, with a stack of academic achievements and a genuine appeal to a wide cross-section of Scottish society. But as the voting system was announced, and after Sturgeon made it plain that she wanted her disciple Humza Yousaf as her successor, the die was cast. And just to rub salt in the wound, no sooner had Yousaf been sworn in as First Minister than he offered Forbes the post of rural affairs minister that she was quick to reject it was a significant demotion from her the post as finance minister. But many SNP members had another and to my mind disreputable reason for withholding their support for Forbes becoming SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland: her religious beliefs. She is a member of the Free Church of Scotland. As a result, many SNP members rejected her views on gay marriage, abortion and trans rights. And she was further criticised for saying that having children outside of marriage was wrong. However, she insisted that she would have been haunted had she not answered questions about her religious beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her defeat by Yousaf saw his continuation of the disastrous Sturgeon policy agenda, but when he resigned she declined to contest the leadership, leaving the way clear for John Swinney to be elected unopposed. However, she accepted Swinneys offer as Deputy First Minister but while he tried to unpick Sturgeons unpopular legacy, her presence and perhaps even influence on the national political stage appeared to diminish. At this stage were left with the public explanation for her decision not to contest next years Scottish Parliament election, but an intelligent politician such as she has shown herself to be would surely have been able to see clearly how the land lies with her party. It is essentially returning to the bare bones of its political agenda, and has decided to focus its campaign next year almost entirely on independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Ms Forbes will understand, theres nothing else for the nationalists to try and sell to the voters; certainly not its education and NHS policies. And there appears to be very little support for breaking up Britain in this troubled world. As is often the case in Scottish politics, Scottish Labours deputy leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, summed up the situation best. In offering Kate Forbes her best wishes she added: Kate Forbes was the future once but now, like many of her counterparts in the SNP, she can see the writing on the wall. The truth is this is a tired government with no vision and no ideas. 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. Energy experts warned at a Tuesday conference that surging electricity prices could encourage upgrades to existing facilities but are still to low for new projects. (Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Energy Soaring electricity prices that have boosted residents utility bills likely wont be enough to incentivize the development of new power generation that could ease the crunch, a panel of industry experts said Tuesday at a conference hosted by New Jerseys energy regulator. The risks borne by energy investors are still too great despite surges in wholesale electricity prices over the past two years, the experts said, especially in an uncertain regulatory environment and given the long time horizons associated with standing up new generation. Current price levels could be sufficient to encourage output upgrades at existing facilities, they added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that we have to be realistic about clearing prices continuing to ascend in order to get price signals to developers for new build, said Richard Levitan, president of Levitan & Associates, an energy management consultancy. We could be looking at price signals that are much, much higher closer to $700 per megawatt-day. That would be more than double the clearing price PJM Interconnection, the grid operator for New Jersey and 12 other states, reached at a capacity auction in July, where wholesale energy prices climbed to a record $329.17 per megawatt-day. That was up from $269.92 the year before, and $28.92 in the July 2023 auction. This years price doesnt fully reflect demand in the grids wholesale energy market. As part of a settlement with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, PJM agreed to cap clearing prices for this years auction at roughly $325. The interconnector estimated capacity prices would have closed about 18% higher, at $389 per megawatt-day, without the cap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julys auction results are expected to raise ratepayer bills by between 1.5% and 5% in June 2026, depending on a residents state. Katharine Perry, deputy director of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities resource adequacy program, said the agency expects capacity prices to be between $500 and $600 per megawatt day in next Julys auction. A result in that range could roughly double the cost of wholesale electricity. When the collar is removed in the not-too-distant future, well be looking skyward, Levitan said. Those increases could be defrayed if projects queued to connect to PJMs grid do so, even if they provide a fraction of generation on PJMs grid. Demand effects are magnified when peak load approaches the grids capacity, so the addition of even relatively small generation projects can meaningfully decrease prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey ratepayers electricity bills rose by roughly 20% due to surging electricity demand in last Julys capacity auction and a separate generation auction run by the Board of Public Utilities. Elected officials have diverged on the causes. Republicans point to Gov. Phil Murphys renewables-heavy energy agenda and his administrations focus on offshore wind, which is all but dead after the Trump administration paused or withdrew permits and leases for those projects. Democrats like Murphy blame PJM for being too slow to connect some projects to its grid. PJM, in an annual report published in June, said about 158,000 megawatts of generation were awaiting connection to its queue, including roughly 18,000 from New Jersey projects. About two-thirds of the New Jersey capacity was from offshore wind projects that are essentially defunct. Historically, about 20% of projects queued to connect to PJMs grid eventually do, though that number had fallen to about 7% amid delays in recent years, said Evan Vaughan, executive director of pro-renewables advocacy group MAREC Action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Price pressures make it difficult to predict how many projects will clear the queue in the near future, he said. Industry officials have noted there is a mismatch between supply, which has been largely static as new projects struggle to come online or existing plants are shut down, and demand that is surging to meet the energy needs of power-hungry artificial intelligence data centers. The scale and suddenness of these centers energy demands are hard to understate, said Tim Gallagher, CEO of ReliabilityFirst, a non-governmental regulatory body tasked with ensuring electricity reliability in a region that spans from New Jersey to the Great Lakes region. Just to put things in perspective, some of these large AI-related data centers, they propose campuses that use between 1 and 2 gigawatts of electricity, Gallagher said. Thats as big or bigger electric demand as the city of San Francisco, and instead of evolving in 85 square miles over decades, youre talking about a few hundred acres in 24 months to three years from concept to implementation. Expansion Kati Austgen, director of public engagement at the Nuclear Energy Institute, on Tuesday said that uprates upgrades that improve the output of existing facilities require less investment than brand new infrastructure. Price signals from the capacity market could be enough to encourage those expansions, Austgen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really conducive to pursuing uprates, and so thats a sign that the economic signals are working for uprate-type expansions, she said. Were also seeing in PJM that its useful as a signal to restart some recently retired nuclear plants that were retired for economic reasons. She said uprates, which would typically expand nuclear or fossil capacity, could add roughly 500 megawatts of nuclear capacity to PJMs grid by 2031. Liam Baker, senior vice president of regulatory affairs at Alpha Generation, which operates fossil plants in New Jersey and some nearby states, warned political objections could be a major barrier to uprates at fossil facilities, citing yearslong local opposition to gas plants in Kearny and Newark. We need to tone down the rhetoric and tone down the hostility when people mention natural gas or nuclear or even batteries, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois was widely criticized on social media this week over a clip where she said her pride as a Guatemalan comes before her pride of being an American. "Im a proud Guatemalan before Im an American," Ramirez declared in Spanish at the second annual Panamerican Congress in Mexico City over the weekend. The comment drew outrage on social media, including from many conservatives, suggesting the congresswomans allegiance is misplaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Are you comfortable with this?" GOP Sen. Mike Lee of Utah posted on X. Illegal Migrant With Dui Rap Sheet Facing Vehicular Homicide Charges After Head-on Crash Kills Mom, Daughter Rep. Delia Ramirez attends a news conference in the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 5, 2024. "Well, okay then," actor James Woods posted on X . "Hasta la vista" Read On The Fox News App "Imagine saying that while serving in the U.S. Congress," GOP Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York posted on X. "The Democrat Party no longer even pretends to put America first. Embarrassing." "Any person who values any other country over America does not belong in Congress," conservative commentator Charlie Kirk posted on X . "Period." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The anger over Ramirez is not about how she defines herself, but about what it is to be an American," Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley posted on X. "It is a shared identity, an article of faith that defines us all." The comment drew the attention of the Department of Homeland Security, which posted on its social media page a quote from former President Theodore Roosevelt in response. Dhs Scoops Up Trans Illegal Alien Charged With Heinous Crime On Child In Sanctuary City: 'Worst Of The Worst' Rep. Delia Ramirez speaks during a news conference with immigration experts, DACA recipients and Dreamers. "There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism... Americanism is a matter of the spirit and of the soul," the post said . "Our allegiance must be purely to the United States. We must unsparingly condemn any man who holds any other allegiance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Shocking to hear a member of Congress openly state her loyalty to another country," Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy posted on X. "If your primary allegiance is to a different nation, then you shouldnt be allowed to make laws that bind Americans. Thats not controversial, its obvious." "She should be arrested, denaturalized, and deported," conservative commentator Matt Walsh posted on X . "It shouldn't even be controversial to say this. It's obviously what should happen in cases like this." Ramirez, who sits on the House Committee on Homeland Security, also accused the U.S. of prioritizing "imperialism, militarization, conquest, control, competition in its attempt at domination." On her website, Ramirez, the child of immigrant parents, said her husband is in the country illegally and that she is the only congressional lawmaker "in a mixed-status marriage, and fights for the rights of DREAMers like her husband, Boris, and for comprehensive immigration reform." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramirez defended her comments in a statement released by her office. Activists rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program at the U.S. Capitol on June 15, 2022. "Honoring my Guatemalan ancestry only strengthens my commitment to America," the statement said. "That is the truth I carry with me always. And it is a truth that many Americans carry with them." "Anyone who denies our claim on this country simply because we dare to honor our diverse heritage and immigrant roots only exposes how fragile and small-minded their own idea of America really is." Fox News Digitals Louis Casiano contributed to this report Original article source: Social media erupts after House Dem makes 'shocking' comment about America during overseas trip AUSTIN (KXAN) Starting April 1, 2026, people who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, benefits in Texas will no longer be able to buy certain types of food, including sweetened drinks and candy. Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the federal government approved his request to ban the purchase of those items under SNAP. Abbott asks USDA to prohibit unhealthy foods from SNAP benefits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new SNAP guidelines will ensure taxpayer dollars are used to purchase foods that provide real nutritional value, Abbott said. The change means SNAP recipients will not be allowed to buy: Candy Drinks with artificial sweeteners Beverages with five grams or more of added sugar In May, Abbott sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins requesting the USDAs Food and Nutrition Service allow Texas to restrict the purchase of what he called unhealthy foods with SNAP funds. In the letter, Abbott wrote that, under the Trump administration, states now have more flexibility to eliminate the opportunity to buy junk food with SNAP benefits and assure that taxpayer dollars are used only to purchase healthy, nutritious food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP serves more than 3.2 million Texans each year and provides over $7 billion in taxpayer-funded support for food access, according to the governors 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 KXAN Austin. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Sonora ISD has publicly released the new cell phone policy for the 2025-2026 school year. The banning of cellular devices comes directly from the state, but Senora ISD has clarified what will happen if students are caught using or refuse to give up their piece of technology. According to their Facebook post, there will be a three-strike policy, and they are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1st offense $20 fine. Parents must make an appointment to pick up their students communication device at the end of the day. 2nd offense $20 fine. Communication device will be held until the end of the following school day. Parents must make an appointment to pick up their students communication device at the end of the day. 3rd offense $20 fine. Communication device will be held until the end of the school week. Parents must make an appointment to pick up their students communication device at the end of the day. If a student refuses to surrender their communication device when requested, they will be suspended. They also state: Communication devices are expected to be turned off and put away from the first bell until the last bell, including lunches and passing periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Facebook post 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. South Korea has begun dismantling loudspeakers that blare anti-North Korean propaganda across the border, as President Lee Jae Myung's liberal administration seeks to mend fractured relations with Pyongyang. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry said the removal was a practical measure to ease inter-Korean tensions without impacting the militarys readiness posture. The move follows the suspension of propaganda broadcasts in June on orders from Lee, an advocate of reconciliation who has framed warmer relations with North Korea as a matter of economic benefit a way to minimize a geopolitical liability long blamed for South Koreas stock market being undervalued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strengthening peace in the border regions will help ease tensions across all of South Korea, and increasing dialogue and exchange will improve the economic situation, Lee said at a news conference last month. Elementary school students watch the North Korean side from the Unification Observation Post in Paju, South Korea. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press) First used by North Korea in 1962, with South Korea following suit a year later, propaganda loudspeakers have long been a defining feature of the hot-and-cold relationship between Seoul and Pyongyang, switched on and off with the waxing and waning of goodwill. The last major stoppage was during a period of detente in 2004 and lasted until 2015, when two South Korean soldiers stationed by the border were maimed by landmines that military officials said had been covertly installed by North Korean soldiers weeks earlier. Played by loudspeakers set up in the DMZ, or demilitarized zone, a 2.5-mile-wide stretch of land between the two countries, South Koreas broadcasts once featured live singing and propagandizing by soldiers stationed along the border. In recent years, however, the speakers have played pre-planned programming that ranges from outright opprobrium to more subtle messaging intended to imbue listeners with pro-South Korea sympathies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Who is Kim Yo Jong, sister and right hand of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un? The programming has included K-pop songs with lyrics that double as invitations to defect to South Korea, such as one 2010 love song that goes: Come on, come on, dont turn me down and come on and approach me, or weather reports whose power lies in their accuracy and have occasionally been accompanied by messages such as, Its going to rain this afternoon so make sure you take your laundry in. With a maximum range of around 19 miles that makes them unlikely to reach major population centers in North Korea, such broadcasts have come under question by some experts in terms of their effectiveness. Still, several North Korean defectors have cited the broadcasts as part of the reason they decided to flee to South Korea. One former artillery officer who defected in 2013 recalled being won over, in part, by the weather reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whenever the South Korean broadcast said it would rain from this time to that time, it would always actually rain, he told South Korean media last year. South Korean army K-9 self-propelled howitzers take positions in Paju, near the border with North Korea. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press) North Korea, however, sees the broadcasts as a provocation and has frequently threatened to retaliate with military action. In 2015, Pyongyang made good on this threat by firing a rocket at a South Korean loudspeaker, leading to an exchange of artillery fire between the two militaries. Such sensitivities have made the loudspeakers controversial in South Korea, too, with residents of the border villages complaining about the noise, as well as the dangers of military skirmishes breaking out near their homes. At night, [North Korea] plays frightening noises like the sound of animals, babies or women crying, one such resident told Lee when the president visited her village in June, shortly after both sides halted the broadcasts. It made me ill. Even sleeping pills didnt work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it is doubtful that the dismantling alone will be enough for a diplomatic breakthrough. Relations between Seoul and Pyongyang have been in a deep chill after the failure of the denuclearization summits between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018, as well as a separate dialogue between Kim and then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Read more: Why South Korean young men and women are more politically divided than ever Tensions rose further during the subsequent conservative administration of Yoon Suk Yeol, who was president of South Korea from 2022 until his removal from office this year. Yoon is being investigated by a special counsel on allegations that he ordered South Korean military drones to fly over Pyongyang in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruling party lawmakers have alleged that the move was intended to provoke a war with North Korea, and in doing so, secure the legal justification for Yoons declaration of martial law in December. During Yoons term, Kim formally foreswore any reconciliation with Seoul while expanding his nuclear weapons program. That stance remains unchanged even under the more pro-reconciliation Lee, according to a statement by Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leaders younger sister, published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency last month. "No matter how desperately the Lee Jae Myung government may try to imitate the fellow countrymen and pretend they do all sorts of righteous things to attract our attention, they cannot turn back the hands of the clock of the history which has radically changed the character of the DPRK-ROK relations, she said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A North Korean soldier standing guard in a watch tower next to a giant loudspeaker near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas in Paju on June 12, 2025. Credit - Anthony WallaceAFP/Getty Images South Koreas military has started to dismantle the loudspeakers that blare anti-North Korean broadcasts along the countrys border. The action is Seouls latest diplomatic gesture to its long-time rival neighbor. This is a practical measure aimed at helping ease tensions with the North without compromising the militarys state of readiness, South Koreas Defense Ministry said via an X post originally published in Korean on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relations between the two Koreas were at an all time low in years under South Koreas former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached over his martial law declaration last December, as the two sides engaged in tit-for-tat psychological warfare campaigns. After a yearslong pause, South Korea resumed its Voice of Freedom border loudspeaker broadcasts of K-pop hits from the likes of supergroup BTS, as well as world news, weather reports, and anti-North Korean messages, in June last year. This was done in response to the North launching trash-filled balloons over the South. The Norths balloon attack was itself in retaliation for activists in the South launching balloons filled with propaganda leaflets calling North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a bloodthirsty dictator towards Pyongyang. Where Yoon believed in an aggressive, confrontational approach to the North, South Koreas newly-elected President Lee Jae-myung wants to ease tensions between the two sides. Lee promised in his inaugural address at the National Assembly on June 4 to restart talks and open a communication channel with the North in order to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula through talks and cooperation. Read More: South Koreas Impeachment Saga Ends. But Its Troubles Are Far From Over Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North and South Korea have technically been at war since 1950. An armistice in 1953 paused fighting, but did not formally bring an end to the war. (South Korea did not sign the armistice.) Heres a look at where relations currently stand. Latest gesture of conciliation The dismantlement of the loudspeakers, which is due to be completed by the end of this week, is the latest conciliatory gesture by the South. In June, the South Korean government announced that it had suspended all of the loudspeaker broadcasts. South Koreas Ministry of Unification is also reportedly considering permitting individual tours to North Korea in an attempt to improve relations. Since June, Lees government has moved to discourage activist groups in the South from carrying out their leaflet campaigns including indicating a possible ban on any attempts via laws on aviation and public safety. The moves have angered some activists who argue that they undermine efforts to transmit information to the North. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a proactive, long-term step by the South to create a friendly atmosphere ahead of any possible resumption of dialogue, Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies, told the South China Morning Post. Read More: Lee Jae-myung Aims to Steer South Korea Past Its Moment of Crisis and Mounting Challenges North Koreas seemingly lukewarm reaction North Korean officials have not yet responded to the Souths gesture, nor has any apparent move been made to take down or halt its own loudspeakers, which broadcast discomforting noises across the border that have been known to resemble grinding metal, loud gongs, and howling wolves. Colonel Lee Sung-jun, a spokesperson for South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, told South Korean news outlet Yonhap News Agency that the South has not observed any indication of the North removing its own loudspeakers so far. Overall, the North has thus far rebuffed the Souths peace gestures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the ROK [Republic of Korea], which had stoked the atmosphere of extreme confrontation in the past expected that it could reverse all the results [of its actions] with a few sentimental words, nothing is [a] more serious miscalculation, said Kim Jong Uns sister Kim Yo Jong in late July. Earlier this year, the North also banned performances of the song Bangapseumnida (Glad to meet You), which is widely seen as a symbol of reconciliation. And last year, the North revised its Constitution to reclassify the South as a hostile state and the countrys principal enemy. Information channels to the North run by Radio Free Asia and Voice of America have also been hamstrung by U.S. President Donald Trumps aid funding cuts. The North has steadily moved closer to Russia, which has exacerbated already strained diplomatic efforts between Pyongyang and Washington and between Moscow and Seoul. North Korea signed a security partnership with Russia last year, opened regular direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang in July, and has repeatedly affirmed its unconditional support of Russias actions in its war with Ukraine. The North has reportedly sent up to 30,000 North Korean troops and millions of artillery shells to support Russia on the frontlines of the war, according to Ukrainian and South Korean officials. Meanwhile, North Korea has insisted on its position as a nuclear weapons state. The year 2025 is neither 2018 nor 2019, said Kim Yo Jong in a July statement. The latter years marked a period of rapprochement between the two Koreas, when they signed the Inter-Korean Military Agreement, which was effectively forsaken due to various violations. Trump and Kim Jong Un also signed an agreement in principle around denuclearization in 2018, although talks faltered in 2019 when the U.S. refused sanctions relief for North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the U.S. fails to accept the changed reality and persists in the failed past, the [Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea]-U.S. meeting will remain as a hope of the U.S. side, Kim Yo Jong said in July, although she acknowledged that the relationship between Trump and Kim Jong Un is not bad. No matter what policy is adopted and whatever proposal is made in Seoul, we have no interest in it and there is neither the reason to meet nor the issue to be discussed, she added. Contact us at letters@time.com. Southeast faces dangerous flash flooding as heavy rain returns Torrential downpours led to dangerous flash flooding across central North Carolina Wednesday. Two people died after their vehicle was swept off a flooded road and into a ditch in Nash County, North Carolina. A zone of 2-4 inches of rain occurred from northeastern South Carolina to eastern North Carolina. A separate area from central North Carolina to a portion of Virginia was also struck by flooding rain. AccuWeather.com Flash flooding problems have riddled the southeastern United States since late last week. The same stalled front will continue to lead to localized flash flooding incidents, but the areas of prime concern will continue to meander around the region. More rounds of flooding rain will unfold near the Atlantic coast later this week and through the weekend, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The zone from southwestern Georgia to parts of central North Carolina has received 2-5 inches of rain since Monday with some localized amounts of 6-8 inches. Small streams and rivers were already swollen by rain that has drenched the region since late last week. River flooding can continue into the day Thursday for areas previously drenched by rain. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP As drying expands inland for the latter part of the week, downpours are forecast to ramp up near the Carolina and Georgia coasts, due to a potential tropical storm just offshore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any low pressure area that forms just offshore should take on a northeastward drift as steering breezes develop. Earlier this week, there was concern that these steering breezes would remain light and variable, and that might have resulted in many days of torrential rain in parts of the Southeastern states. AccuWeather.com Torrential downpours, flooding problems, and rough surf will still occur later this week along the Carolina coast and parts of the Georgia and Virginia coasts. From Thursday to Sunday, several inches to a foot of rain could fall along the Carolina and Georgia coasts. Coastal communities such as Wilmington, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, may want to closely monitor the forecast in the coming days. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. 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) The legislators have left, but the special session of the Alaska State Legislature will continue through at least Aug. 19 as House and Senate majority leaders seek to prevent Gov. Mike Dunleavy from repeatedly ordering lawmakers back into session. Ordinarily, the Alaska Constitution prohibits legislators from recessing stopping business for more than three days. Taking a break for longer than that requires the consent of both the House and the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, after voting to override two of Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavys vetoes, legislators passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 101, which would allow the Legislature to take a break for more than three days. Immediately after the Houses vote on that resolution, Rep. Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks, called for reconsideration a re-vote on the issue. He and all 18 other members of the Houses Republican minority caucus opposed the resolution and wanted to see lawmakers keep meeting in hopes that it would pressure them into discussing education policy changes that Dunleavy has proposed. Ordinarily, reconsideration takes place on the next legislative day. But because lawmakers arent scheduled to meet again until the 19th, it becomes a moot point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an interesting problem, right? Stapp said on Monday. The real key in the uniform rules (of the Legislature) is enforcement, and I guess the Senate could compel the House to come back, but theyre not going to. Special sessions run for 30 days unless ended early; lawmakers are currently adjourned until Aug. 19 and would have to meet at least once in order to keep the session moving. Dunleavy told reporters in a news conference on Saturday that he called the special session for lawmakers to address his policy ideas for public education. Some of the governors ideas were discussed and voted down during the spring regular session. Dunleavy introduced three bills on Saturday related to tribal education compacting, teacher bonuses and education tax credits, that were referred to committees. Members of the House and Senate majority caucuses, which control the legislative agenda, have said they arent interested in following the governors schedule and will consider education policy via an out-of-session task force thats scheduled to begin meeting Aug. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most legislators have already left Juneau, and some are traveling to the annual summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures, taking place in Boston this week. Any education legislation would be taken up in the next regular session, which begins in January, members of the majority caucuses said. If legislators had adjourned the special session on Saturday after voting to override Dunleavys vetoes, the governor could have called for a new special session, bringing lawmakers right back into session. Speaking on the House floor on Saturday, Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, said the purpose of SCR 101 is to prevent Dunleavy from doing just that. Its a maneuver, he said. I get it. And its something that I would probably do, maybe, if I were sitting in your seat, Mr. Speaker. We all know how politics works. Unfortunately, those of us outside this room dont know how politics works. A Spirit Airlines pilot who was allegedly stalking teenagers was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and "removed from duty" by the airline. Dominic A Cipolla, 40, has been charged with stalking two teenagers, according to a July 11 criminal complaint. The charges originate in Johnson County, Kansas, and include birthdates for the alleged victims 12 and 17 years old. Cipolla was arrested by law enforcement at the airport in New Orleans on June 17 in connection to the criminal allegations, according to The Guardian. After he was taken into custody, police took him to jail before transferring him to Johnson County, Kansas, on August 2. He bonded out after posting $12,500 and he is scheduled to return to court on August 12.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Guardian, Cipolla alleged actions with the younger victim and are considered a felony. If convicted, Cipolla could be sentenced to one to three years in prison. Spirit Airlines pilot Dominic Cipolla was removed from duty after he was arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on July 17. He was wanted on stalking charges that allegedly involved teenage victims. (AFP/Getty) The other charges he faces is a misdemeanor, which could land him a fine of up to $2,500 or up to a year in jail. The charges related to Olathe, Kansas, a town in Johnson County. According to the court documents, Cipolla lives in Kansas City, Missouri, which is about 22 miles north of Olathe. However, officials have released few details of his alleged crimes. Spirit Air confirmed to the Guardian that it is "aware of a matter involving a pilot at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport ... which was unrelated to the performance of their job duties." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pilot was removed from duty pending our investigation into the matter, the airline said in its statement. And we arranged for another pilot to operate the flight. According to the Guardian, Cipolla joined Spirit in 2022 and spent time in the U.S. military. Spirit has faced other connections to sex-crime arrests in recent days. One of the airlines passengers a registered sex offender was recently arrested for groping a teenage girl sitting next to him. John Daniel Fowler, 65, of Indiana, told police that he had merely been reaching down to help right the thermos of the 17-year-old girl in the next seat after it tipped over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He reportedly tried to talk to the teen, but she didnt want to. A criminal complaint alleges that after falling asleep under a blanket, the teen awoke to find Fowlers hand underneath her blanket rubbing her crotch. Fowler was charged the same day with abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft. If hes convicted, he faces three years in a federal prison. On top of the charge, prosecutors may push for a 10-year enhancement for having committed a new crime while a registered sex offender. [WATCH: In the video player above, spotted lanternflies invade a Cleveland winery.] (WJW) Have you spotted one yet? According to the Ohio State University Extension Office, more and more calls are coming in reporting sightings of spotted lanternfly. The uptick in calls started in early July as experts said the invasive and damaging insects in Ohio were nearing their adult stage after emerging from egg masses in the springtime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local bait shop closing; all items up for auction Now, Extension Educator Amy Stone, said in a recent update, that adult spotted lanternfly will begin to make their presence known using their wings to fly and glide until the first frost. The pest goes through four stages before becoming an adult. The key identifiable characteristic that you will see is the color change from black with white spots, to red with black and white markings, wrote Stone. The next stage that we will see will be the adults. Adult SLF have strong legs for jumping, just like the immatures, but also have wings, making them more mobile. Vince Burkle, of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, holds an adult spotted lanternfly found in Huntington, Indiana, on Aug. 17, 2022. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune) According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the destructive pest was first identified in Ohio in 2020. Theyre known to feed in large numbers on sap from grapevines and other agriculturally important plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman riding e-bike killed in early morning crash You may remember previous calls for action from the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking people if they saw one to report it and kill it. In April, the ODA expanded the spotted lanternfly quarantine to include 18 Ohio counties. Those counties include: Belmont Carroll Columbiana Cuyahoga Erie Franklin Hamilton Jefferson Lorain Lucas Mahoning Muskingum Ottawa Portage Seneca Summit Trumbull Wood CLICK HERE to learn more about how to spot a spotted lanternfly and what you can do to help minimize their spread. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) A Springfield man was arrested on Sunday after police said he committed an armed robbery and retail theft at a CVS Pharmacy over the weekend. The crime happened on Sunday around 8 p.m. at the store on Carpenter Street. Commander Jarod Maddox with the Springfield Police Department told WCIA that the person arrested was Thomas R. Wilson, 33 of Springfield. Former Gibson City store employee accused of videotaping women, children in restroom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was some altercation between him and a clerk, Maddox explained. During that altercation, he revealed a firearm and left the business with some items. The clerk was not hurt during the robbery, Maddox added. Records from the Sangamon County Jail show Wilson was booked into the jail at 11:43 p.m. on Sunday, within a few hours of the robbery. He is facing preliminary charges of armed robbery and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, which are Class X and Class 4 felonies, respectively, as well as a misdemeanor count of retail theft. Maddox said that while Wilson was booked on these charges, he is unsure if Wilson was formally charged by the Sangamon County States Attorneys Office. Court records show no cases opened against Wilson as of Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Maurice Winda, 48, was arrested by police on July 26, 2025, for allegedly assaulting and threatening a woman multiple times in December 2024. Online court records state that Winda is charged with first-degree sodomy or attempted sodomy and three counts of second-degree domestic assault. Maurice Winda mugshot (Courtesy: Greene County Sheriffs Office) According to the probable cause statement, at the victims residence on Dec. 30, 2024, Winda held a knife to the victims head and ordered her to have sex with him, threatening to slit her throat if she hurt him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, Winda accused the victim of making sexual remarks to her male friend. Then, Winda began assaulting the victim by hitting her with a bat and choking her at least five times, court records state. He also stomped on her chest while in bed and held a knife to her throat and head, saying, Ill put this in the top of your head, and threatening to gut her. Former Greene County deputy arrested for stalking The victim told investigators Winda tried to make her ingest a meth shard, telling her, she was going to take it, then die, and he would wrap her body up so it decomposes to the point that no one could tell how she died. The victim suffered multiple injuries from the assault, including several broken ribs and injuries to the spleen and liver. Investigators interviewed Winda, who said there was no disturbance between them and that she was fine the last time he saw her. When asked about the accusations of beating her and telling her he would wrap her body up, investigators said Winda seemed defensive, and said she told law enforcement that because she knows he has a criminal history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents note Winda has been convicted or charged in multiple assaults. The most recent incident was from a death investigation in St. Francis County, Arkansas, in May 2021, where his ex-girlfriend Robin Allmon, who was reported missing for several days, was found dead and wrapped in a sheet in a home in Hughes. Winda was not charged in Allmons death, but he pleaded guilty to abuse of corpse and was placed under probation for 10 years, Arkansas court records state. The probable cause statement from SPD says the remains were too decomposed to determine the cause of death. Winda will next appear in court for a hearing on August 18, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Sri Lankas Parliament has voted to fire the countrys police chief for misconduct and gross abuse of power in the islands first impeachment of an inspector general. Lawmakers on Tuesday voted to sack Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was accused of sending a team of armed officers on a botched raid in 2023 in Weligama that triggered a gun battle with a separate police unit, leading to the death of an officer. No one opposed his removal while one member abstained. The decision came after a parliament-appointed committee opened an inquiry into the allegations against Tennakoon and last month released a report that found him guilty of 19 charges related to misconduct and abuse of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee found that he had spearheaded the questionable, illegal act of shooting at the W15 hotel in Weligama, where a local police unit opened fire on a team sent by Tennakoon to intimidate the hotels owner. A state prosecutor told the committee that the police chief, who headed a force of 85,000 officers, was running a criminal network and was unfit to serve, even at the lowest ranks. There has been no reaction from Tennakoon since the impeachment process was initiated last month. The 54-year-old is the first head of police in the islands history to be dismissed. He was appointed police chief in 2023 by then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe despite protests from opposition lawmakers and civil rights activists who said he was not fit for the post. Before his appointment, Sri Lankas highest court had ruled that he tortured a suspect in custody by rubbing menthol balm on his genitals. For months, Action News Jax has reported on a series of serious e-bike crashes involving children in the county. The resolution, presented by county attorney Richard Komando, encourages S.A.F.E.T.Y practices: Stay visible: If operating on any public roadway, an electric bicycle, electric motorcycle, or other electric motorized devices should have a front white light, a rear red light, turn signals, and an audible horn capable of being heard within twenty feet of a vehicle under normal operating conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avoid accidents: Operators should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid accidents or collision causing injury to any person or property. Far-right: If a bicycle lane is not available, operators should ride on the far-right side of the travel lane. Exercise due care: Operators should use due care while operating on sidewalks and verbally announce they are approaching pedestrians as required by Florida law. Ten mph or less: If operating on a pedestrian path, operators should limit their speed to 10 mph or less. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your helmet: Operators of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric motorized devices should wear a helmet. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The sheriffs office says that through their education campaign, theyve made contact with 200 individuals, increased their interaction with riders, and distributed education materials. In the new school year, the sheriffs office and St. Johns County Schools will join forces to teach more e-bike safety classes in 17 district middle schools. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Commissioner Christian Whitehurst applauded the joint efforts with county leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I used to see kids all the time, no helmets... Flying around... And I can tell you just based on my observations, driving around, kids are wearing helmets now, and I have to believe thats a result of the good work that you and your staff are doing. 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. ST. LOUIS St. Louis City has asked FEMA to extend the disaster assistance application deadline from Aug. 11 to Oct. 10. We submitted that application for the extension last week. We believe we made a very, very, very strong case, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said Monday. A FEMA representative told FOX 2 News the agency has granted such extensions in the past for areas with severe widespread impacts. Spencer said more than 100 people a day are visiting the three disaster assistance centers set up in St. Louis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urban League Entrepreneurship and Womens Business Center 4401 Natural Bridge Ave. Sumner High School 4248 Cottage Ave. Union Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church 626 N. Newstead Ave. These centers operate weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also contact FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance with their applications. We know theres still a gap. Were in the process right now through partners at the Board of Alderman and throughout the nonprofit and volunteer community that are knocking on doors right now, the mayor said. As the current deadline draws closer, Spencer says the city is sharing data with FEMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its allowed us to pinpoint the exact households that still need to be interacting and applying for those funds, she said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Spencer says together, theyve identified 700 storm victims whove yet to apply for assistance. Those who have applied have received $31 million in FEMA disaster relief funds in the St. Louis area following the May 16 storm. More than 6,700 people in St. Louis City have been approved for assistance. Were doing what we believe is everything possible to not only see that extension through but get the folks that need that assistance the ability and the information they need to make that decision and move forward with the applications, Spencer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should know this week if the deadline is extended until Oct. 10. Regardless FEMA tells us getting the initial application started is key. They say you dont need to have everything finalized from the get-go. Applications can be modified over time and FEMA encourages applicants to stay in touch with the agency about their needs even after filing. You can apply for assistance in person at one of the local centers, over the phone, or online. Stay in touch with FEMA about your needs Keep receipts for disaster-related purchases Provide contractor estimates for repairs Read your letter from FEMA carefully For the May 16 disaster, the deadline to apply with FEMA is currently August 11. After the deadline, you are encouraged to stay in touch with FEMA about your needs. Just make sure you submit your initial application before the deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. St. Paul cyberattack: City processing applications 'the old-fashioned way' originally appeared on Bring Me The News. The City of St. Paul is carrying out city business with pen and paper in the wake of a major cyberattack. In an update Monday, the city said the July 25 breach is still impacting internal and online services including those utilized by the Department of Safety and Inspections. "To provide continued service until full functionality is restored, we will temporarily process permits and licenses the old-fashioned way: on paper and in-person," the city shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said the shutdown of city's information systems is a "defensive measure" as the breach, which authorities believe was carried out by an external actor, remains under investigation. In the meantime, permit and license applications can be filed in person at the department's office at 375 Jackson St. The St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections office at 375 Jackson St. Photo courtesy of Google Streetview. What applicants should know: Applications can be printed from the City webpage and completed before an office visit. Applications are also available in office. Simple permits and licenses may be able to processed while you wait, though you will need to make payment for it to be issued. The city is currently accepting cash, checks, and credit cards. However, checks or credit card payments will not be processed until the systems are restored. City officials are still working on a submission process for permits requiring significant review of construction plans. Applicants with a plan requiring in-depth review should email to DSI-BuildingPlanReview@ci.stpaul.mn.us for more information. Class N business license applications should be sent to dsiweb@ci.stpaul.mn.us . Do you have questions? Reach out to the City directly at dsi-informationcomplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us. According to city officials, most people don't need to worry about their personal information being stolen as a result of the cyberattack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For the vast majority of people who live, work and play in this city, we're sure that none of their personal, sensitive information has been accessed through this crime," Carter said last week. Related: St. Paul emergency services fully operational despite continued impacts of cyberattack This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared. The Brief St. Pete is the latest city to get a DOGE audit. The state DOGE office says it has identified a major increase in property tax. The mayor says the city will cooperate with the audit. State requests documents on sustainability, equity roles and parade funding ST. PETERSBURG, Fla - The City of St. Petersburg is the latest municipality under scrutiny by the Florida Department of Governmental Oversight and Efficiency (DOGE), as state auditors continue their statewide review of local spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A letter dated August 1 outlines several areas the state wants more documentation and explanation on, including sustainability efforts, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, transportation spending and homeless outreach services. Tax burden, transparency, and targeted areas The DOGE letter claims that St. Petersburg taxpayers have faced an "annual burden" on property taxes thats increased by more than 75 percent over the past 6 years. According to the state, DOGE is tasked with identifying what it calls "excessive spending." Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the broader statewide audits during a press conference Friday. What they're saying "Clearly, a lot of taxpayers are seeing that they are paying more in property taxes than they ever have before, and where is that money going?" DOGE auditors are already conducting on-site reviews in Pinellas County this week, with Hillsborough County scheduled for next week. Now, St. Petersburg is also on the calendar with auditors expected on August 13 and 14. Beyond the basics: DEI, sustainability, homeless services, and parades under the microscope While some of the DOGE document requests are standard, including employee compensation, grant management, utility spending, and transportation costs, the St. Petersburg letter goes further than some of the counties in our area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auditors are asking for specifics on Green New Deal-style initiatives, including ties to a Bloomberg program, DEI programs and homeless services. Theyve also requested meetings with four city employees whose titles relate to equity, diversity, sustainability and resilience. Funding for major city events including St. Pete Pride and the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade may be reviewed. When asked about the parade funding, a city spokesperson said they may have more information to share later this week. Critics call it retaliation, not oversight Florida State Representative Michele Rayner condemned the audit as politically motivated. "Working Floridians are drowning under low wages and soaring costs just to call this state home," she said in a statement. "Instead of confronting the real crises hurting our people, the Governor is dispatching state agents to punish local communities like St. Petersburg for doing their job: serving their communities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOGE letter also warns that the city could face financial penalties for failure to comply. READ: Tampa City Council helps clear big hurdle toward preserving the historic Jackson House Mayors response St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch says the city will comply with the audit and continue to prioritize transparency. "My administrations Principles for Accountable and Responsible Government continue to guide our work," Welch said. "We will address any questions that may arise from the States process and move forward with clarity and accountability in the best interest of the residents of St. Petersburg." Tampa not involved FOX13 also reached out to the City of Tampa to see if it has received a similar letter from DOGE. A city spokesperson confirmed it has not. The Source Sources for this report include a letter sent to the City of St. Pete, Governors press conference, statements from St. Pete Mayor and statements from State Rep. Michele Rayner. An equestrian boss who had sex with an underage girl offered her family 50,000 to drop the charges, a court heard. Guy Simmonds, 37, and fellow rider Lauren Jarvis, 26, plotted the threesome with the schoolgirl. The pair then agreed to a pact of silence about the sex session, which took place after horse-riding lessons. Cardiff Crown Court heard the pair had no doubt at all that the schoolgirl was under 16 and vowed to keep it secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Hartson, prosecuting, said: At all times, he knew how old she was and so did Jarvis. The victim told him herself in one of the very first messages she sent him. They didnt care about her age when they were planning and engaging in a so-called threesome with the victim. They also knew what they did was wrong and they agreed a pact of silence when they got wind she had started to talk about it. The court heard Simmonds bragged he was a top showjumper after targeting the underage girl on Facebook. Lauren Jarvis claimed any messages about a threesome were a wind-up - Wales News Service Mr Hartson said there was a clear element of grooming behaviour from Simmonds before the sex took place in Jarviss home in January last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one message read to court, the girl asked Simmonds what he would make her do and he replied: You will both do what daddy says. It will be fun. Simmonds later messaged Jarvis saying: Hey, I have a feeling that she has said about us. If anyone asks, for sake of both of us nothing ever happened that night xx. Jarvis replied: Hey, whos she told? Oh god has she really, whats she trying to do, make our lives hell? Of course I will xx. The court heard Simmonds told police he did not have any form of sexual contact with the victim. But he made calls to his mother from prison instructing her to pay the victims fickle family 50,000 to drop the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: There is 20,000 in my account. Just f-----g give it to them. I dont care. 20,000 now and then 10,000 a year for three years. Simmonds claimed he had been given permission to stray from his partner Rebecca Dimes, 34, on the condition she did not want to know anything about it. Jarvis claimed any messages about a threesome were banter and a wind-up. Simmonds, of Undy, Gwent, and Jarvis, of Newport, were both found guilty by a jury of sexual activity with a child. Simmonds was found not guilty on five other charges of sexual activity with a child relating to the same victim. Judge Lucy Crowther adjourned the case for sentencing on September 29. 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. GOSHEN A call about a domestic dispute involving weapons on Monday led to a three-hour standoff with police and an eventual arrest. Officers were dispatched at 3:05 p.m. to a residence in the 400 block of a Kansas Drive in response to a domestic dispute involving weapons, the Goshen Police Department said. Upon arrival, officers learned that a 34-year-old resident of the home was armed and making threats toward family members. The other occupants of the home were able to secure themselves in a room and safely call 911. With the assistance of officers, they eventually were able to exit the residence unharmed, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A standoff with the armed man ensued, during which Goshen Police negotiators communicated with him for several hours. At approximately 6:14 p.m., the subject exited the home voluntarily and was taken into custody without further incident, police said. The man was identified in booking reports as Timothy Joshua Schneider, 33. He was being held on preliminary felony charges of intimidation, unlawful use of body armor and a misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of 911 service. An investigation into the incident continued. Stanford University is set to lay off hundreds of employees, citing changes in federal policy under the Trump administration. The elite California private school laid off 363 employees last week, a university spokesperson told The Independent. The move affected roles across departments, including those working in administration, research, alumni relations and campus operations, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The university is providing support resources as well as layoff benefits to eligible employees, school officials said in a July 31 statement. Nonetheless, these are difficult actions that affect valued colleagues and friends who have made important contributions to Stanford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The layoffs are the result of ongoing economic uncertainty and anticipated changes in federal policy such as reductions in federal research funding and an increase in the excise tax on investment income, according to a letter from Stanford Vice President for Human Resources Elizabeth Zacharias reviewed by the Chronicle. President Donald Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill which he signed into law last month increased Stanfords endowment tax from 1.4 percent to 21 percent, the Chronicle reports. Stanfords $37.6 billion endowment is among the largest in the country. Stanford also lost a significant amount of federal research funding as agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation are impacted by ongoing funding freezes, the Chronicle reports. Stanford University laid off 393 employees, citing ongoing economic uncertainty and changes in federal policy (Getty Images) Stanford has also been forced to make a $140 million reduction in its general budget for the upcoming year, according to a June statement from the schools president and provost. The school officials cited significant budget consequences from federal policy changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These changes include reductions in federal research support and an increase in the endowment tax, the statement reads. Stanford University's endowment tax rose to 21 percent under recent GOP legislation (Getty Images) The Trump administration has taken aim at higher education this year, and some schools have made deals with the administration to ensure federal funding isnt withheld. For instance, Columbia University in New York City agreed to pay the Trump administration a $200 million settlement last month to prevent funding cuts over claims that the elite school failed to combat antisemitism. Columbia University has not admitted wrongdoing and does not agree with the governments conclusion that it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, according to a July 23 statement from the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not, however, denying the very serious and painful challenges our institution has faced with antisemitism, the statement continues. For these reasons, we took several important corrective steps in March, many of which are in this agreement, including a new provision for a liaison to the Jewish community, situated in University Life. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. Travelling to the U.S. is becoming not only more cumbersome, but also more costly, under the second Trump Administration. On top of a slew of charges it already intends to levy on U.S. visitors, the State Department plans to roll out a year-long visa bond pilot program which will require certain business and tourist visa applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000 as a condition of the visa issuance. The visa bond program is a revival of a program from the first Trump Administration, which required nationalities from 23 different countriesmost of which are in Africato post similar bonds. That program, announced in late 2020, had a six-month timeline but the department did not fully implement it because the COVID-19 pandemic caused an international travel slowdown, according to a government notice on the Federal Register Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second Trump Administrations visa bond pilot program is set to take effect on Aug. 20. It's intended to protect Americas borders and the American people by holding foreign visitors accountable for departing the United States on time, according to a cable that the Washington Post obtained which bore the signature of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Read More: What to Know About New Social Media Screening Rules for Student Visas Its the latest tightening of visa application measures, as part of the Administrations strict immigration agenda. In late July, the State Department announced that it will require almost all nonimmigrant visa applicants to attend in-person interviews. Heres what to know about the visa bond program: Which travellers have to post visa bonds? The notice did not specifically mention particular countries. But it said that the department will announce the countries via the website travel.state.gov no less than 15 days before the program takes effect with a brief explanation of the basis for requiring bonds. The department also stipulated that the list of countries may be amended throughout the pilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The countries will be identified based on high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations, a State Department spokesperson is quoted as telling Reuters. The notice said it will determine the countries with the highest overstay rates based on a 2023 Department of Homeland Security report. Several countries in Africa, as well as Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and Yemen recorded the highest overstay rates for those visiting for business or tourism, per that report. Many of the countries with those high overstay rates also are part of Trumps travel ban. Citizens of the 42 countries and territories enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program would not have to post a bond. The VWP enables travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. The State Department has estimated that the number of visa applicants that fall under the pilot program will hover around 2,000 for the whole 12 months, according to the notice. The department said it expects the parameters of, and the countries included in, the Pilot Program to be limited due to the number of aliens expected to be found otherwise qualified for visas, and uncertainty as to the number of aliens who will choose to post a visa bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Why the Trump Administration Is Pausing New Student Visa Interviews at Embassies Across the World How big is the visa bond? The size of the bond is up to a consular officers discretion, according to the notice, and may vary from case to case. Covered visa applicants will be required to post a bond of up to $15,000, but the State Department gave consular officers three options for bond amounts: $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000. Consular officers can determine the exact amount of the bond based upon the applicants circumstances. The payment amounts have been determined after consultations with the Treasury Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bond is payable under the following conditions: the traveler violates the condition of their visa status; the traveler files an unexcused untimely application for change of status or extension of their lawful admission or the traveler stays in the U.S. after the period of admission expires. Its also deemed payable if the traveler timely and properly files an application for change of status or extension of their lawful temporary stay but does not leave the U.S. within 10 days after such request was denied. Meanwhile, the bond should be canceled when there has been substantial performance of all conditions imposed by the terms of the bond. Contact us at letters@time.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The conditions inside a state agency are coming to light after some workers have said it is too cramped and downright dangerous. News 4 told you last Thursday, July 31, that employees at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services had to return to full-time on Monday. We heard from both an employee and department leaders on how the first day back went. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: State employee upset at mandate, says there is not enough office space Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You could definitely tell people were very depressed, people were very down, an employee said. Another employee that News 4 spoke with, who wishes to remain anonymous, also spoke about the first day back inside the office. I probably spoke to at least 17 or 18 new people today, that I can think of, and not a single one had a positive thing to say about being in the office, another employee said. In the story we brought you last week, the agency is now in compliance with Gov. Kevin Stitts executive order that was issued in December 2024, ending remote work. The department kept employees part-time remote anyway, due to a lack of space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That changed when Greg Slavonic took over as interim commissioner. They have made the cubicles really, really small so that they can fit everybody, an employee told us last Thursday. They are putting three, four people into areas that were like made for one person office. An employee that News 4 spoke with on Monday had confirmed those concerns that a co-worker shared last week, regarding the lack of space. A co-worker of mine and I, we were actually on a call at the same time, and we could hear, you know, you could hear each other in the background of those calls, the employee said. So, it was really hard to have like what felt like a professional, effective meeting that way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also say mold is a problem. Ive been working here for close to three years, and its been on there as long as Ive been here, the employee said. The employee went on to say that they were told the mold was removed a few weeks ago. However, photos shared with News 4 on Monday show otherwise. When I wiped my stuff down this morning, there were still stuff on it, the employee said. News 4 reached out to agency leaders about the latest concerns. ODMHSAS is taking a phased approach to in-person operations at its Central Office to ensure employees have appropriate workspaces and to maintain a safe, functional environment. The building continues to meet OSHA and fire safety standards, including air quality guidelines. The Department takes all employee concerns seriously; at this time, no issues have been identified that fall outside of acceptable safety parameters. ODMHSAS continues to focus on fostering a respectful and supportive workplace for all employees. ODMHSAS Spokesperson However, employees tell us the whole thing is a head-scratcher. They ask why make a change when everything was already running smoothly? There is not a single thing at our job that we need to do at the office that we could not do in our own homes, the employee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employees that News 4 has spoken to believe this change will stay in effect throughout Slavonics tenure as interim commissioner. They are worried their work efficiency will decline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is giving a boost to a Charlotte business and agricultural facilities across the state with grants as part of the Food Hub and Farm Stops Program. MDARD reports that the program is the states first-ever program aimed at strengthening Michigan`s middle-of-the-supply-chain agri-food systems. Seven businesses and non-profit organizations will be awarded nearly $342,000 for operating as farm stops, which procure local food from in-state farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MDARD says that they awarded $361,920 in funding in May to similar food hubs. 6 News spoke with MDARD Director Tim Boring, who says that these projects receiving grants will range from grocery store expansions to cold storage upgrades. These are innovative business models that really work on providing increased opportunity for how farms get products onto consumers plates here, somewhat kind of like a farmers market atmosphere, but doing it inside a traditional brick and mortar facility, that has some just increased accessibility for consumers, said Boring. The recently established Eaton Meat in downtown Charlotte is one of the grant recipients, receiving $50,000. 6 News will be in Charlotte tomorrow to visit the store and see how they are putting the grants to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MDARD Farm Stop grant recipients: Ark Companies $50,000 Charlotte Boulangerie 9 LLC $49,000 Suttons Bay Barry Community Foundation $50,000 Hastings Coveyou Scenic Farm $48,594 Petoskey Lakeview Hill Organic Farm LLC $49,992 Traverse City Lively Holdings, LLC $50,000 Maple City YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids $44,000 Grand Rapids Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Alberto P., a juvenile, was apprehended by state and local authorities in east Charlotte at approximately 5 a.m. Tuesday after escaping custody on June 25. PAST COVERAGE: Teen still on the run after escaping custody during doctor visit in Steele Creek The escape occurred when law enforcement took the teen from the juvenile detention center in Concord to a doctors office in Steele Creek. Alberto P. was being held at the Cabarrus Juvenile Detention Center for adult charges of fleeing to elude arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his apprehension, Alberto P. will be returned to secure custody at a Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention juvenile detention center. VIDEO: Teen still on the run after escaping custody during doctor visit in Steele Creek NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The numbers are in and the big winner of the Virginia State Lottery is students and teachers across the Hampton Roads region. According to Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, in the 2025 fiscal year, the Virginia Lottery generated more than $901 million for K-12 public education. This $901 million contribution from Virginia Lottery profits is a powerful testament to our steadfast commitment to investing in the future of every student, Youngkin said. Every dollar generated through the Lottery directly supports the teachers, schools, and programs shaping the next generation of Virginians, reinforcing our promise to provide a world-class education. This vital source of funding represents nearly 10 percent of our K-12 education budget to ensure that classrooms across Virginia have the resources they need to foster learning, innovation, and opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second-highest total since the Commonwealth voted to create a state-operated lottery in 1987. FY24 saw a historic $934 million in proceeds for public schools. A release states that during FY25, the lottery garnered over $5.52 billion in sales with $4.24 billion won in prizes, a 2% increase from last year. In FY25, 78% of the total sales went to prizes, opposed to just 76% in FY 2024. School districts in the Hampton Roads area in line to see north of $235 million due to the lottery, the release states. How much each district will receive can be seen below: Virginia Beach $40.7 million Newport News $38 million Norfolk $34.5 million Chesapeake $31.9 million Hampton $24.7 million Portsmouth $22 million Suffolk $12.2 million Accomack County $7 million York County $6.4 million James City County $5.4 million Isles of Wright $4.1 million Gloucester County $3.5 million Southampton County $3.1 million Franklin City $2.2 million Northampton $1.8 million Poquoson City $1.1 million Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can see a list of school districts and how much they are receiving here. The lottery has been used to raise money for education since 1999, and in that timespan, over $17 billion has been distributed to Virginia public schools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. JASPER COUNTY, SC. (WSAV) The South Carolina Board of Education voted to take full control over Jasper County School District Tuesday, dissolving the local board just days before the new school year. This is only the third time in South Carolina history that a school district has faced full state control. After years of financial mismanagement and leadership failures, the states top education officials will officially take over Jasper County Schools. State Superintendent Ellen Weaver has declared a state of education emergency for the county. A recent state investigation found years of poor decisions, failing to submit audits, mismanaging funds and misconduct against former Superintendent Rechel Anderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson is accused of spending taxpayer money on personal travel, submitting false documents, abusing her authority and is now under criminal investigation. The district has already lost control of its finances, but todays vote handed the state full authority over every aspect of school operations. I just want to know what is going on with the school board, and our children, a concerned citizen Yolanda Underwood said. The future of our children is in their hands. This is our tax dollars. It should be handled right. We trust these people that we put into place to handle it the right way. The state will appoint leadership to run the district. The board can appeal the decision but only has 10 days to act. This vote will impact more than 2,600 Jasper County students. The last full state takeover in South Carolina had a recovery period that lasted years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The state Senate will hold a public hearing with a roundtable discussion on data centers next week in Archbald, organizing a panel of experts in the town with the most proposed data center projects in Lackawanna County. The Senate Majority Policy Committee will host the public hearing on data center development Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Valley View High School auditorium, 1 Columbus Drive, Archbald, state Sen. Rosemary Brown, R-40, Middle Smithfield Twp., said in a news release Monday. The three-hour hearing will include a panel composed of local officials, representatives from business and labor interests, the energy sector, conservationists and economic developers, according to the announcement. Brown and state Sen. Dave Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., will chair the hearing. In a newsletter Friday, Brown invited residents to submit feedback and questions that they would like addressed by the panel in order to help shape the discussion. Comments must be submitted at least five days prior to the hearing by visiting senatorbrown40.com/data-center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown said in her newsletter that the goal of the hearing is to help local governments, residents and state government better understand data centers, their operations and what role the state plays in their development. Recently, conversations around data center development have become more frequent. The topic is appearing in local headlines, at community meetings, and in communications to me raised by residents across our district, she wrote. As this complex issue continues to evolve, so does the need for clear, reliable information and meaningful public dialogue. The hearing provides a critical opportunity for local government, state officials and the public to come together and explore the facts surrounding data center development, Brown said in a statement Monday. As this issue continues to spark strong opinions and concerns, its more important than ever that we engage in informed, constructive dialogue based on reliable information, she said. At my request, the Senate Policy Committee is convening this hearing in my district so we can better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with this rapidly evolving industry and ensure that any decisions made are in the best interest of our residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Argall, whose district encompasses Schuylkill, Carbon and southern Luzerne counties, echoed Brown in an accompanying statement, saying he looks forward to learning more about the important issue. Locating data centers in Northeast Pennsylvania could improve our economy; however, we must ensure that our local communities are protected from any harmful side effects, said Argall, who is the chairman of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. There are at least five data center projects proposed in Lackawanna County with three in Archbald, one in Jessup and one the largest in the county in Clifton and Covington townships. John Augustine, president and CEO of Penns Northeast, will be among the panelists next week after Argalls office invited him to attend. Penns Northeast is a Pittston-based collective aiming to promote new investments, jobs and business opportunities by promoting Northeast Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Augustine lauded Brown and Argall for convening the forum and giving subject matter experts the opportunity to present facts. For example, with water consumption being a major concern surrounding data centers, especially in communities like Clifton and Covington townships who rely on well water, Augustine said that as the industry changes and advances, companies are using less water and relying more on air cooling. Northeast Pennsylvanias colder climate will also lower the need for cooling, reducing how much water they use, he said. Augustine expects the hearing to address other items like timelines, potential local tax revenues, land usage, noise pollution and hours of operation. The data centers themselves want to educate they want to be good neighbors, Augustine said. Its important to have an educated public. There has not yet been a public forum regarding the various permitting and zoning issues in different municipalities, and Augustine anticipates the hearing will showcase some best practices from other towns, ideally helping local municipalities to streamline their permitting process for data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope that it brings more people to the table to understand the myths and be able to discern them from the facts, he said. Archbald resident Kayleigh Cornell, who co-founded the Archbald Neighborhood Association, said she is very pleased that Brown and Argall are hosting the hearing in Archbald. Cornell has used the neighborhood associations Facebook page as a platform to share news and information on data centers proposed in the borough, posting meeting times and agendas, proposed legislation and relevant news articles. We hope that there is a well-rounded representation of panelists, including some that have experience with mega data centers, she said. This is a welcomed meeting, and we appreciate our elected officials for hosting it. For those unable to attend, the hearing will be livestreamed at policy.pasenategop.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma Supreme Court has denied a stay on the new social studies standards set to take effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The latest decision was part of a lawsuit, filed July 1st, involving 33 Oklahomans. In the lawsuit, the group claimed State Superintendent Ryan Walters, the State Department of Education, and the State Board of Education violated the Open Meetings Act. It also claimed the standards were unconstitutional by promoting religious teachings in schools and offering lessons that were not age appropriate for young students. 33 Oklahomans file lawsuit; ask State Supreme Court to halt social studies standards Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the lawsuit included a separate request that asked the State Supreme Court to issue a stay on the standards until Justices could make a decision in the case. That would mean the standards would be paused, but the request was denied Monday. Attorneys from American United for Separation of Church and State and Oklahoma Appleseed have been representing the group of Oklahomans in the suit, which includes pastors, parents, students, and teachers. Social studies standards lawsuit tossed out, former AG speaks out Americans United sent News 4 a statement on Mondays decision. While its disappointing that the court has not taken immediate action to block implementation of Superintendent Ryan Walters religiously coercive new social studies standards, Mondays ruling is not a final resolution of this case. We have presented a strong case to the court that Walters new standards will violate students and families religious freedom by promoting one version of Christianity and advancing Christian Nationalist disinformation. Were hopeful for a final ruling in favor of our clients that protects religious freedom, public education and church-state separation for all Oklahomans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KFOR reached out to Walters office for comment on the ruling but have yet to hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BOSTON (SHNS) With record-breaking wildfires, floods and storms battering communities nationwide and President Donald Trump pushing to slash federal disaster aid state lawmakers are being urged to build their own emergency management systems and resilience programs, or risk being caught unprepared. That was the message from experts and lawmakers Monday during a panel on state-level disaster relief at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual summit in Boston. As uncertainty grows around the future of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, panelists warned that waiting on Washington could leave states vulnerable in an era of accelerating climate threats. We have no idea what FEMA or this disaster apparatus will look like this time next year, said Christian Cunnie, director of emergency management at Suffolk University. The solutions must come at this point from the state level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cunnie painted a picture of the national landscape: FEMA is losing seasoned staff, federal disaster aid thresholds are rising, and damage assessment teams have been dismantled. Proposals before the FEMA Review Council could quadruple the threshold for federal assistance, and President Trump has also spoken for months about eliminating the agency altogether. The Trump administration has argued that FEMA has become bloated and overly reliant on federal dollars to address disasters and that states should be prepared to handle, while also claiming the agency has not been successful in its disaster relief efforts in recent years. In June, the president said, We want to wean off FEMA and we want to bring it down to the state level, CBS reported. Trump also said, Its extremely expensive and, again, when you have a tornado or a hurricane or you have a problem of any kind, in a state, thats what you have governors for. Theyre supposed to fix those problems, and its much more local and theyll develop a system, and it will be a great system. Some states have already laid the groundwork for state disaster relief funds and programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Terri Cortvriend of Rhode Island said during Mondays NCSL panel that a 2018 initiative called Resilient Rhody, a state infrastructure bank, helped towns conduct vulnerability assessments and apply for small grants typically around $250,000 to fund top-priority resilience projects. So far, 31 of the states 39 towns have received a portion of $24 million made available through the program. In New Hampshire, small towns like Acworth, population 850, have been devastated by floods with little to no path for state help. After a 2021 storm wiped out years of road repairs in a single night, Rep. Judy Aron discovered there was no statutory vehicle to provide the town with relief from the state. Since then, she has pushed legislation allowing towns to request state loans after a governor-declared disaster bypassing delays tied to waiting for FEMA aid, which only comes after the president makes a disaster declaration. For some of these small towns, $100,000 is a lot of money, Aron said. Certainly it doesnt fix the entire problem but we do have these plans in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panelists stressed that many emergency management agencies across the country are simply not equipped for the rising pace and complexity of disasters. We had a recent study come out that showed that 50% of local emergency management agencies had one or fewer full-time employees, Cunnie said. A quarter of those emergency management agencies nationwide had zero full-time staff. Kristiane Huber, who moderated the panel and leads The Pew Charitable Trusts U.S. conservation work, highlighted other state innovations. Maine passed legislation to help with flood-proofing homes, Virginia created a loan program to reimburse homeowners for mitigation work, and Alabama runs Strengthen Alabama Homes, an incentive program to protect against wind damage. Cunnie encouraged lawmakers to frame resilience spending as a financial win. Spending $1 up front will recover between $6 and $12 in recovery funds after a disaster, he said. Lets pitch it as cost avoidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also urged lawmakers to take advantage of the political window after a disaster takes place in their state as an opportunity while they have the attention of other legislators and the public, to push through a new disaster relief program. Thats what happened in Massachusetts, he said. Working with lawmakers including Sen. Jo Comerford and Reps. Natalie Blais and Adam Scanlon, the state established a State Disaster Relief and Resilience Fund to cover local disasters that dont meet the damage threshold to trigger FEMA relief. We were seeing that [flooding and wildfires] were more localized and regionalized, rather than statewide, so we werent hitting that $13 million state threshold, Cunnie said. So [the fund] now allows the state of Massachusetts to pitch in when we dont meet those federal aid thresholds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the grim forecasts, panelists remained optimistic that state-level leadership can help blunt the impacts of national policy shifts. Reflecting on a recent hearing in Texas following catastrophic floods, Cunnie repeated the message of the states emergency management director: We must do better. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) WorkForce West Virginia announced a Statewide Virtual Job Fair scheduled for August 2025. According to a press release from WorkForce West Virginia, the virtual job fair will take place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is open to both job seekers and employers. A bill banning food dye in West Virginia schools takes effect Friday We invite you to unlock your potential at WorkForce West Virginias Statewide Virtual Job Fairs. Employers and job seekers are encouraged to seize this opportunity to connect and grow together. Last month, nearly 90 employers attended to connect with more than 560 job seekers. Scott Adkins | Acting Commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia Those who wish to participate in the Statewide Virtual Job Fair at the beginning of August, both employers and job seekers, will need to register for the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Job seekers who attend the event are advised to have a clutter-free background and to dress professionally. The job fair portal will include a list of participating employers, channels for attendees to register and log in, and a Job Seeker Training video. Once employers register for the first time, they can make a Virtual Booth that will allow them to connect with people looking for jobs. More information about WorkForce West Virginia and the Statewide Virtual Job Fairs can be found by visiting WorkForce West Virginias website or by emailing wfwvvjf@wv.gov. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. N.C. Gov. Josh Stein, shown here at Kipos Greek Taverna in Chapel Hill after flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal, said Tuesday that making the Department of Motor Vehicles a standalone agency would be costly and time-consuming. (Photo by Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline) North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein opposes a reorganization of the Department of Motor Vehicles that would make it a standalone agency, his office indicated Tuesday. A day after the release of State Auditor Dave Bolieks report recommending to split off the DMV from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, his report has drawn mixed reactions, particularly among Democratic officials and state government employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boliek argued in the 435-page audit report that operating as a standalone agency would better allow the DMV to make budget and staffing requests directly to the governor and the General Assembly and engage in statewide planning. A spokesperson for Stein wrote in a statement that he would not support the split, citing cost and logistical hurdles. The Governor appreciates the Auditor taking the time to produce a comprehensive report on the DMV, the spokesperson wrote. While our office agrees with many of the findings and DMV is already working on improvements, we also believe any restructuring would be costly and time-consuming and would distract from our shared goal of fixing the most critical issues at the DMV. That position echoes the rationale under which DMV Commissioner Paul Tine and Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins opposed the proposal. In a seven-page response to the audit, they wrote that enhanced collaboration between the DOT and the DMV is essential to accelerating progress on key customer experience and operational efficiency initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separating would require significant resources and would distract from efforts to improve customer experience and operations at DMV, they wrote. DMV faces budgetary constraints that could be more effectively solved with other mechanisms. The legislature has sole control over how many people work at DMV. Thats the way it is, statutory authority lies with the legislature. They have sole control over pay increases for state employees, including DMV employees SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins (Courtesy photo) Ardis Watkins, executive director of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, also shared reservations about the recommendation in an interview with NC Newsline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im afraid the next thing is going to be a march towards some kind of privatization, which doesnt help anybody, especially the taxpayers, who would pay more under a privatized scheme, Watkins said. Republicans in the General Assembly have long wanted to privatize the agency. She said her organization appreciates the efforts Boliek took to contact workers and highlight their concerns, particularly around low pay and workplace safety, but she said those takeaways should have been the key message of the report, rather than the restructuring recommendation. What matters is that the legislature act to remedy pay and staffing issues, she said. The legislature has sole control over how many people work at DMV. Thats the way it is, statutory authority lies with the legislature. They have sole control over pay increases for state employees, including DMV employees, Ardis said. I hope that not only will the legislature hear Auditor Boliek, that we need more people and we need to pay them enough to keep them, but I hope theyll understand this goes beyond DMV. Wayne Goodwin, the former head of the DMV appointed by former Gov. Roy Cooper, wrote on social media that he felt vindication at todays news, with many of Bolieks findings echoing concerns he raised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My hope is that all the stakeholders especially the Legislature will *work together* with others and *not attack, belittle, demonize, point fingers at, and politicize* an agency, its dedicated workers, and its agency leaders whose mutual aims are to provide secure credentials in an efficient manner, reduce lines, and shrink wait times, Goodwin wrote. North Carolina GOP Chair Jason Simmons said in a press release that the state of the agency is an indictment on Coopers tenure, as the former governors Senate campaign kicks into gear. Auditor Boliek and his team are revealing mismanagement of this agency under the tenure of Roy Cooper, Simmons said. We greatly appreciate Auditor Bolieks effort to deliver on a campaign promise to clean up state government. As for Cooper, once again we see he was more concerned with the needs of left-wing special interests than the people of North Carolina. In a press conference presenting the report Monday, Boliek attributed blame for staffing and technology issues to past leadership, though not just to Cooper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would assume that if the governor had been paying attention to what was going on previously, that something would have been done to assist the DMV, he said. Multiple governors have known about this. Steins office wrote that with the right leadership and follow-through, we will get results, expressing support for Tine as the DMVs new head. We are already impressed with the speed at which Commissioner Tine and his team are making much-needed improvements, Steins spokesperson wrote. We look forward to continued partnership with DOT, DMV, and the Auditors Office to reduce wait times and deliver a better customer experience. Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Stella Rimington, the first female chief of the British Security Service MI5 and the first woman to "head any intelligence agency in the world," has died at the age of 90. Rimington, who joined MI5 as a typist in the mid-1960s in India and was the inspiration behind Judi Dench's M in the James Bond series, died Sunday night. She was "surrounded by her beloved family and dogs and determinedly held on to the life she loved until her last breath," her family said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rimington joined MI5 full-time in 1969 and was promoted to director general in 1992. Born in 1935 in south London, Rimington's career with MI5 was dominated by the Cold War and threats from the Soviet Union. Not only was she the first female chief, she was also the first director general to be publicly identified when appointed. Her roles with the agency included "counter-subversion, counter-espionage and counter-terrorism," MI5 said Monday in a statement on its website. "She oversaw MI5 taking lead responsibility for countering Irish republican terrorism in Great Britain, the move of MI5's headquarters to Thames House and instituted a policy of greater public openness to demystify the work of MI5, including beginning a program of releasing MI5 files to The National Archives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rimington retired from MI5 in 1996 and was made Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath that same year. "I'm proud that I was the first woman DG and that, during the time I was there, MI5 changed from being an old-fashioned closet organization," Rimington told the Guardian in 2011. "I still thought the essence of the Cold War and spies and stuff was fun. You know, going around listening to people's telephones and opening their mail and stuff," she said in a separate interview after leaving the agency in 2001. Rimington wrote her autobiography, "Open Secret," that same year, followed by a series of eight novels with a fictitious MI5 officer, named Liz Carlyle. She also wrote two more novels with the character Manon Tyler as a CIA agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current MI5 director general Ken McCallum paid tribute to Rimington on Monday, calling her "the first publicly avowed Director General of MI5" and the "first avowed female head of any intelligence agency in the world." "Her leadership ushered in a new era of openness and transparency about the work MI5 does to keep this country safe," he said, "a legacy that continues to this day." Donald Trumps apparent reluctance to publicly back Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greenes gubernatorial bid triggered her potential break with the GOP, according to an expert. Once one of the presidents most loyal supporters, Greene ramped up her anti-Republican rhetoric over the weekend, claiming that she had become disillusioned with the party and questioned its treatment of female politicians. In an interview with the Daily Mail, the conservative firebrand blasted the Trump administrations handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, criticized U.S. strikes on Irans nuclear facilities in June and condemned Israel over its actions in Gaza. Expert says Marjorie Taylor Greene turned on the GOP after President Trump declined to support her gubernatorial ambitions (AFP via Getty Images) Gabby Birenbaum, The Texas Tribunes Washington correspondent, pointed to one possible source of Greenes fury: her reported ambitions to run for Georgia governor and Trumps lack of public support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think part of the subtext here, right, is she wanted to run for higher office in Georgia, and reportedly he discouraged her, she told CNN Tuesday morning. I mean, I'm sure that has to sting if you're her. In public, Greene has maintained that she has always been Trumps most outspoken ally, and there is no break between her and the president. MTG has become more openly critical of her party of late (REUTERS) Greene announced last Tuesday (July 29) that she will not run for governor next November, citing a desire to focus on her district and a growing frustration with what she called Georgias good ole boy political system. I am humbled and grateful by the massive statewide support that I have to run for Governor, and if I wanted to run we all know I would win, she wrote in a lengthy X post. Its not even debatable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weeks before shutting down rumors surrounding a potential gubernatorial bid, Greene pulled her name out of the race for the U.S. Senate seat up for grabs held by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. The Congresswoman was reportedly under fire from GOP colleagues including Trump who were concerned she might win big at the conservative primary but come up short in a general election. Trumps political team commissioned a poll that showed Greene losing a potential Senate race in Georgia by double digits, sources told the Wall Street Journal last month. The president reportedly shared the result with Greene to discourage her from running in 2026, the sources added. BOTETOURT, Va. (WFXR) Officials with Botetourt Fire and EMS say a team effort helped repair a road, reconnecting dozens of homes that had been cut off for several days. According to officials, a 25-foot span of the roadway was gone when crews responded to a call on the day of the storm, Thursday, July 31. Thirty homes were cut off due to the damage. Crews went door-to-door at the impacted homes, offering people who lived there the chance to stay somewhere else for a while Botetourt Fire and EMS officials say no one took them up on it that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The road is privately owned, meaning VDot isnt responsible for fixing it the owners are; but officials jumped into action anyway, reaching out to local businesses to see if they could assist. APEX Energy offered to help, and a crew of nearly a dozen from APEX and Faulconer Construction was on site within an hour, said Botetourt Fire & EMS. In addition to those crews, the Virginia Department of Forestry also pitched in, widening areas to allow trucks through. According to officials, this helped emergency crews develop a backup plan in case they needed to respond to an emergency. The road recovery was completed by the end of the day on Saturday, August 2. The Botetourt Fire and EMS released the following statement expressing their thanks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many thanks go out to the APEX and Faulconer team, as well as Virginia Departments of Forestry, Transport, and Emergency Management, as well as the Governors Office and the Secretariat of Homeland Security and Public Safety. This was a team effort to ensure that the situation was resolved in a timely manner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) Over the past few years, WCIA has chronicled the journey of an infamous emu that made its way across Central Illinois. Now, the story of Lady Emu is being brought to life in a book. The bird escaped from a farm in Danville in 2022, along with nearly a dozen others, and went on quite the adventure. Most of the emus that escaped were caught relatively quickly except for one. PREVIOUSLY: Emu still on the loose in Vermilion County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lone emu on the loose was on the run for almost two years. During that time, she made her way from I-74, Gifford, Homer and many places in between. Lady emu was eventually captured in 2024. Author Emily Chappell and illustrator Jennifer Heidrick joined WCIA 3s Amanda Brennan in the studio to talk about what creating the book looked like. Every community in Vermilion County is highlighted in the book. A lot of those small communities get overlooked because theres not a lot of big news happening in those communities but theyre full of great people, Chappell said. I thought it would be a good story to put down on the page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can learn more about how to purchase a book on Facebook. Proceeds from the book will go towards Vermilion County Farm Bureau Ag In The Classroom, a program which promotes Vermilion County agriculture through education in schools and the community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. For the second year in a row, Detroit will be the site of Story Fest, an evening of storytelling from journalists, podcasters and artists across Michigan. The event will take place Oct. 9 at the Detroit Opera House. Producers Back Pocket Presents will feature storytellers from the Detroit Free Press, Michigan Public, Outlier Media, WDET-FM and BridgeDetroit, among others. Tickets are on sale now. Early bird pricing starts at $15 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year's event sold out the Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Insititute of Arts and featured stories from some of the same newsrooms and others telling stories behind their journalism. The Detroit Free Press' Georgea Kovanis shared her experiences spending a year, along with photographer Mandi Wright, with Amanda, a woman addicted to drugs but is helping others like her distributing harm reduction items that have saved lives. Laura Weber Davis of Michigan Radio gave the audience a deep dive lesson on Detroit Pizza; Steve Neavling of the Metro Times shared his experiences investigating fires and the Detroit Fire Department for a year for his website Motor City Muckraker and Model D and Metromode contributor Khan Santori Davison shared a personal story on the influence of Detroit hip hop. Detroit Story Fest is sponsored by the Knight Foundation and Detroit Opera. Back Pocket is seeking sponsorships for the evening: sponsorship@backpocket.media. Story Fest 8 p.m. Oct. 9 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway Street, Detroit Tickets start at $15: https://bit.ly/DETStoryFest This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Story Fest, a night behind the scenes of journalism, returns to Detroit Researchers from Pew Charitable Trusts say a floorplan like this could make a huge dent in Albuquerque's housing shortage while also converting vacant downtown office space. This "dorm-style" living would mean rents of about $700, with shared restrooms and kitchens. (Photo courtesy Pew Charitable Trusts) Researchers with a national think tank on Tuesday published a report that offers a unique solution to Albuquerque and Santa Fes housing shortages: affordable, co-living complexes with shared bathrooms and kitchens. In Albuquerque, the Pew Charitable Trusts proposal represents a possible key to the puzzle of converting vacant office spaces into housing. By turning the centers of office complex floorplans into shared bathrooms or kitchen spaces, all renters will live in apartments with natural light, and developers can keep costs low by reducing the number of individual kitchens and plumbing features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albuquerque had a 24% downtown office vacancy rate in the first quarter of 2025, according to the report, which translates to approximately 535,000 square feet of downtown vacant office space. Across the city in the first quarter of 2025, nearly 2 million square feet of office space lies empty, representing a city-wide vacancy rate of 14%, according to a market report from Colliers investment management. According to the report, thats a decrease, but only slightly, from the 16% vacancy rate in the first quarter of 2021, when many offices across the city and nationwide were emptied due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While office buildings in Albuquerque sit empty, homelessness has greatly increased across the city, growing by 108% since 2017, a rate more than two times the national average. Median rents here also increased 46% between 2019 and 2024. Santa Fe has seen similar growth. Alex Horowitz, director of the Pew Charitable Trusts housing policy initiative, told Source New Mexico on Monday that flexible co-living, which he also called dorm-style housing, would make the most sense in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe for low-income, rent-burdened households, mostly of one or two people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not housing for people coming off the street, necessarily, but it would slow inflows into homelessness sharply by offering housing at a lower price point, he said. In consultation with the Gensler architecture firm, researchers mocked up floor plans based on actual Albuquerque buildings, Horowitz said, and arrived at estimated rents of $700 and approximate public subsidies of about $230,000. In such a building, instead of having 60 bathrooms, you might have 18 or something, and thats plenty, but that gets costs down sharply. Same with the kitchens, he said. And by being located near commerce, right near stores, near transit, that puts people in a good spot to be able to get around, get to a job, school, services whatever they need. And Horowitz said the same concept is true for Santa Fe, even though it doesnt have the same central business district or inventory of large office buildings. Pew recommends developers build neighborhood-scale co-living apartment complexes, a model researchers said may also be suitable for similar communities across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Albuquerque and Santa Fe this would be a way to add a lot of low cost housing that would be much less expensive to build than regular apartments and certainly less than houses, and would enable lower rents in two cities that badly need housing at a lower price point, he said. Current median rents in Santa Fe are nearly $1,500, according to the report. Pew estimates rents would be $800 at one of the complexes it hopes developers would build. Horowitz estimated current per-unit building costs for developers are about $300,000. By converting Albuquerque office space into apartments, that price plummets to $130,000 a unit, he said. In Santa Fe, even with the cost of building a new complex, the savings the co-living model produces brings the price down to $184,000 a unit, according to the report. In addition to the report, Horowitz and a co-author wrote an article about their proposal here, and Horowitz will testify next week in Los Lunas to the interim legislative committee tasked with rural development and policy. WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A new study says a majority of Americans are stressed about grocery costs. Tax-free weekend in MA: Save 6.25 percent on retail purchases As grocery prices continue to rise, its becoming much more difficult to buy groceries and even harder not to be overwhelmed. A new survey done by the Associated Press shows that 53% of respondents say the cost of groceries is a major source of stress in their lives, while 33% say its a minor source of stress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another study shows that in 2025, overall food prices are predicted to increase by 2.9 percent, despite President Donald Trump stating that he would lower costs if elected and that grocery prices are currently decreasing. 22News spoke with local shoppers in West Springfield, and heres what they had to say. This tiny thing of fruit is 3.40 and thats cheap, sometimes it can go up to five, said Ruth Shatel. The prices were pretty high, there were things I thought Id buy and then I thought, I can do without it, said Diane Kautcmann. The overall consensus was that prices for healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and meat are especially out of control, while junk foods are cheaper. 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. There's a better way of treating binge eating disorder, a new study argues. The method, called "regulation of cues," reduced patients' odds of binge eating by 20% compared to those who got standard cognitive-behavioral therapy, researchers reported Aug. 4 in JAMA Network Open. "The study showed that our treatment could reduce binge eating more than standard therapy even after the six-month follow up," researcher Kerri Boutelle, a professor of pediatrics at the University of California-San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regulation of cues helps people by teaching them to become more attuned to the signals sent by their body when they are naturally hungry or full, researchers said in background notes. Many people with eating disorders have lost touch with these signals or tend to ignore them. The therapy also helps people learn to distinguish between true physical hunger and cravings driven by emotions, and also to resist the temptation posed by foods that can trigger overeating. For this new study, researchers recruited 129 overweight or obese veterans being treated by the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. All the vets either had binge eating disorder or were at high risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Binge eating -- uncontrollably consuming large amounts of food -- is common among military veterans, affecting 65% of female and 45% of male vets, researchers said. Military service frequently requires people to eat on the run or go without food, putting veterans at greater risk for binge eating. The first-line treatment for binge eating is cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which people normalize their eating habits and address thoughts and behaviors that contribute to binging, researchers said. But CBT doesn't result in meaningful or lasting weight loss, researchers noted. Researchers randomly assigned 63 of the patients to undergo regulation-of-cues therapy alongside a weight-loss program that included calorie monitoring and exercise. The rest received standard CBT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who received regulation-of-cues therapy had a lower risk of binge eating, and also lost a greater amount of weight after five months, results show. However, the weight differences did not last longer. "These findings suggest that targeting how individuals respond to food cues, rather than just focusing on eating behaviors or thoughts, may offer a more effective and lasting treatment for binge eating," Boutelle said. "But more research is needed on the effects on weight." More information The University of California-San Diego has more on regulation-of-cues therapy. Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Planting trees isn't just good for the planet; it can also save lives, according to a new study. Researchers examined tree cover across 744 European urban centers in 36 countries, analyzing its relationship with air pollution levels and fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone-related mortality. They estimated that each 5 percentage point increase in tree canopy could prevent 4,727 premature deaths related to air pollution annually across these urban centers. They also estimated that reaching a canopy cover of 30% within each city could prevent 11,974 premature deaths annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our results highlighted the potential public health benefits of increasing tree coverage in urban environments, contributing to sustainable, liveable, and healthier cities," they stated. This isn't the first study to point out the positive health impacts of green spaces. For instance, one paper found that living near trees is good for heart health. Research out of Boston University showed that people living in greener urban areas experience slower cognitive decline as they age. Plus, trees are an important ally in the fight against rising global temperatures, as they help store carbon. According to One Tree Planted, a tree absorbs an average of 22 pounds of carbon dioxide per year during its first 20 years of life. While an overwhelming amount of evidence points to planting more trees for human and planetary health, the authors of the newest study admitted that reaching their recommended mean tree coverage could be challenging, especially in dense areas or in places facing water scarcity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To meet the recommended 30% tree canopy cover, tree planting programmes need to target not only public spaces but especially private spaces such as residential yards, as well as peri-urban areas," they stated. Meanwhile, people around the world are coming together to plant more trees. Mastercard's Priceless Planet Coalition has committed to planting 100 million trees around the world by 2030, while a Detroit partnership is aiming for 75,000 new trees across the city. Plus, thousands of volunteers in the United Kingdom have planted over 300,000 trees in recent years. In addition to joining in on tree planting initiatives, you can help by doing your web searching with Ecosia, a green search engine that has put more than 150 million trees in the ground. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. Tired of Winning Yet? President Trumps firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has notched a new accomplishment for the bumbling autocrat: drawing the ire of economists that businesses rely on to forecast the broader economic environment and plan their operations. On Friday, the National Association for Business Economics (NABE), which describes itself as the premier professional association for business economists and others who use economics in the workplace, denounced Trumps move, calling Erika McEntarfers removal baseless and Trumps accusation of her manipulation of jobs data unfounded. The organization defended McEntarfers credentials and BLSs professionalism. This unprecedented attack on the U.S. statistical system threatens the long-standing credibility of our economic data infrastructure, its statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends of the BLS, a partnership of the American Statistical Association, the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics, and the NABE, similarly warned the McEntarfer firing undermines the credibility of federal economic statistics that are a cornerstone of intelligent economic decision-making by businesses, families, and policymakers. One of the Friends of BLS co-chairs, William Beach, McEntarfers predecessor who Trump had nominated for the post in 2017, took these warnings to national television. Yesterday, Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at the real estate company Redfin, posted a video on social media explaining why economists are freaked out right now because trustworthy data is crucial for business decisions. In my entire career, Ive never seen economists this upset, she said. It is hard to imagine another presidential action that would trigger otherwise obscure professional associations of data economists to alert the public of an unprecedented attack on the gold standard of official government statistics, or to the ability of American companies to conduct business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the McEntarfer firing was a third rail for the business community, a constituency that Trump absolutely cannot afford to cross. Americans already worried about the state of the economy are not going to want to hear that economists, including those analyzing the real estate market, are freaked out. Trump can hardly use his standard line of attack that his critics are radical left lunatics when the business community says he is sending American companies into turmoil. While many Republicans were characteristically compliant and fell into lockstep with Trumps latest meltdown, Democrats are out front making the case that prices are up, and Trumps tantrum tariffs, recklessness, and stupid policies are to blame. The MAGA Evangelical Running Human Resources at the State Department Its almost hard to be shocked anymore by the characters Trump has tapped for top positions in federal agencies, but at Puck News, this Julia Ioffe profile of Lew Olowski, who is running human resources for the State Department, is a stunning cascade of bizarre revelations. Once a member of the legal team for convicted Serbian war criminal Radovan Karadzic, Olowski had been a first-tour foreign service officer since 2017 when Marco Rubio summoned him to Washington from an overseas assignment in January. He alarmed department veterans by giving weird speeches about God, prayer, the Bible, and dolphins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He quickly made a name for himself at Foggy Bottom by marching into the office of the ombuds and telling everyone that they were being put on administrative leave, and that their office was being dissolved, Ioffe writes. The offices employees later discovered that they had been transferred to the Office of Civil Rights, whose chief counsel was Heather Olowski, Lews wife, and the minister of a church that the couple runs. From there, Olowski set about rooting out all supposed DEI by changing the way the State Department recruits and promotes people, including by introducing the concept of fidelity as an attribute that diplomats should be graded on. Fidelity to Trump, that is. DHS Promptly Reverses Threat to States FEMA Funds Over Possible Israel Boycotts On Friday, the Trump administration threatened states FEMA funds should they adopt any policy supporting Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel. The reason, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement to Reuters, was that the BDS movement is antisemitic, and the department is very committed to enforcing all anti-discrimination laws and policies. By Monday afternoon, though, the department had reversed course, with a spokesperson issuing a statement that FEMA grants remain governed by existing law and policy and not political litmus tests. The Art of Blowing Up the Deal This weekend, Trump sabotaged bipartisan negotiations for the Senate to vote on Trump nominees in exchange for restoring billions of dollars in federal funding. With the Senate then recessing for the summer, Trump ended up with nothing, Igor Bobic reports at HuffPost. Bondi Directs DOJ to Convene Grand Jury, Apparently to Go After Obama Attorney General Pam Bondi has reportedly ordered Justice Department prosecutors to convene a grand jury to present evidence of supposed wrongdoing in the 2016 origins of the Russia investigation. This dangerous development in the retribution campaign against Democrats appears to be based on Trumps chaotic effort to distract from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal; Trump is baselessly accusing former President Obama of treason and unsuccessfully trying to tie Hillary Clinton to the probe against him. Warning Signs Are Flashing Bright Bright Red on Texas Redistricting Gambit Former U.S. Attorney General under Barack Obama Eric Holder tells Mother Jones Ari Berman that Trumps authoritarian move to direct the Texas legislature to redraw its congressional maps to favor Republicans needs to be opposed by any means necessary. It also has some swing district Republicans worried. Musk Is the Gift that Keeps on Givingto Trump New lobbying and campaign finance disclosure filings reveal that Elon Musks X gave a $1 million in-kind contribution to Trumps inaugural committee, Anna Massoglia reports at Influence Brief. Whats more, Musk continued to donate to Trump-aligned political action committees, even after their supposed falling-out this spring. Republican Attorneys General Take Aim at Interstate Sale of Abortion Pills The Republican attorney general of Arkansas, Tim Griffin, is threatening to sue websites that provide information about medication abortion, part of a broader GOP effort to threaten the accessibility of abortion pills across state lines, Susan Rinkunas reports at Autonomy News. Make Everyone Hate America Again The State Department is proposing a requirement that foreign travelers seeking business or tourist visas be required to post up to a $15,000 bond. Two Storied Institutions Deconstructed in the Trump Era At the Columbia Journalism Review, Jon Allsop takes stock of the slow-motion demise of the Washington Post since the takeover by owner Jeff Bezos and publisher Will Lewis. In New York magazine, Noah Shachtman tells the inside story of how the Anti-Defamation League, founded to fight antisemitism and discrimination, began aligning with Trump, and made equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism central to its mission. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! CAIRO (AP) Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of sending Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces against the military in the countrys civil war. The foreign ministry said in a statement Monday that the Sudanese government has irrefutable evidence confirming mercenaries from Colombia and some neighboring African countries were sponsored and financed by Emirati authorities. The statement didn't share the evidence or name the neighboring countries. This unprecedented phenomenon poses a serious threat to peace and security in the region and across the continent, the foreign ministry said, asserting that hundreds of thousands of mercenaries were hired from across the African continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an emailed statement to The Associated Press, the UAE's foreign affairs ministry said the government categorically rejects the allegations and denied involvement in the war by backing armed groups. The UAE emphasizes that these claims are merely attempts to derail the peace process and evade the moral, legal, and humanitarian obligations to end the conflict and pave the way for a transitional process that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people for security, stability and development, the statement by the ministry's media office added. There was no immediate response from Colombia. The civil war in Sudan erupted in April 2023 in Khartoum before spreading across the country following simmering tensions between the RSF and the army. The fighting has killed over 40,000 people, displaced as many as 12 million and pushed many to the brink of famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan has long accused the UAE of being involved in the war by supplying the RSF with weapons, but the Gulf country has denied that claim. In November, an Amnesty International report said armored vehicles manufactured by the UAE and equipped with French defense systems had been captured by the Sudanese military. A spokesperson for the Emirati government said at the time that the UAE was the target of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at undermining our foreign policy, regional role and humanitarian efforts. Sudan's army and the RSF both have been accused of committing atrocities like ethnic cleansing, extrajudicial killings and sexual violence against civilians, including children. Record heat, massive fires, deadly floods... August has barely begun, but the summer of 2025 is already marked by a cascade of destructive and deadly weather in the northern hemisphere. "Extreme temperatures and precipitation have become more intense and more frequent on a global scale," says Sonia Seneviratne, a professor at ETH Zurich and member of the UN-mandated climate science advisory panel, the IPCC. "We are in the midst of climate change," Fred Hattermann, a scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The risk of extreme events has increased significantly," he said, noting that 2024 was the first year in which the planet's average surface temperature was 1.6 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial benchmark. That deceptively small jump makes a huge difference. Higher temperatures increase evaporation, so that more water is stored in the atmosphere. This, in turn, increases the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding. "with every increment of temperature rise the risk of more and stronger extremes increases," Hattermann added. - 50C in the Gulf, Turkey - Already in May, temperatures exceeded 50C in the United Arab Emirates. On August 1, the thermometer hit 51.8C, just under the all-time record of 52C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire Gulf region is suffocating: the Saudi capital Riyadh recorded temperatures of 44C, while Kuwait frequently hit 50C. As did Iraq, where air conditioning has become vulnerable to chronic power cuts, and water reserves are at their lowest level in years. Turkey saw the 50C threshold exceeded for the first time: the town of Silopi on the border with Iraq and Syria reached 50.5C on July 26. The country has experienced thousands of fires this summer amidst a severe drought. In Asia, meanwhile, Japan broke its all-time temperature record on Tuesday with 41.8C in the city of Isesaki, northwest of Tokyo. The country's iconic cherry trees, emblematic of the archipelago, are blooming earlier than ever due to the heat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Torrential rains in Hong Kong - On Tuesday, Hong Kong saw the highest rainfall total for August in more than 140 years of record-keeping: 35.5 centimetres (14 inches) in a single day. On mainland China, a week earlier, severe weather killed at least 44 people and left nine missing in rural districts north of Beijing. - Pakistan floods, Finland heat - 266 people, nearly half of them children, have already lost their lives in Pakistan due to torrential rains sweeping across the country. The 2025 monsoon, which started early, was described as "unusual" by authorities. Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province, recorded 73 percent more rainfall in July than in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People come to Scandinavia to seek cooler climes, but since July Norway, Sweden and Finland have experienced sustained temperatures more typical of the Mediterranean. August 3 marked the end of a 22-day period with temperatures above 30C in Finland: a record. In Rovaniemi, a Finnish city north of the Arctic Circle, temperatures reached 30C, higher than in southern Europe at the same time. - Mega-fires in Canada - Canada is experiencing one of the worst forest fire seasons on record, amplified by drought and above-normal temperatures. Other parts of the world are also burning, from Scotland to Arizona and Greece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the European Union's Copernicus weather and climate observatory, total smoke and greenhouse gas emissions since the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere are among the highest ever recorded. dep-jmi/mh/bc An anticipated summer debut for the redesigned Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach has been delayed, with a fall opening now more likely. A representative of Oetker Hotels, the Vineta's Germany-based management company, confirmed that officials are hoping to unveil the 41-room "masterpiece" hotel previously the Chesterfield later this year, but have not announced an official date. "We are looking at a fall opening, although we dont have a formal opening date at this time," the representative said. "As with any construction project, there is still much to work through until we can confirm an actual date." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hotel officials had hoped the four-story landmarked building at 363 Cocoanut Row would be ready to welcome guests this summer. John Hart, a project executive with Delray Beach-based Mouw Associates, told the Town Council in February that he anticipated construction on the building to be complete by June 30, barring any significant construction delays. Hart was granted a second waiver for a six-month building permit extension to complete construction work on the hotel at that meeting. Work continues on The Vineta Hotel on Cocoanut Row in Palm Beach July 22. Council members granted an initial waiver in August 2024 because of changes to the scope of the project as well as "unforeseen" structural and utility issues with the landmarked building, Hart said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second waiver became necessary as the project continued to face structural and utility challenges as well as supply chain disruptions, Hart told council members. That waiver expires Sept. 15, and hotel officials have not indicated whether they will pursue a third waiver for a six-month building permit extension. As of Aug. 4, Oetker officials had not yet requested another waiver, the town said. The hotel was purchased for $42 million in April 2022 by British billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben. It closed five months later for renovations. Oetker officials originally targeted a late 2024 reopening date, which was then pushed to the first quarter of this year. The company's website now says the hotel is "slated for a 2025 opening." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vineta will reopen as a 41-room luxury hotel with restaurant, nightclub and pool space. Renovation plans include external sitework improvements, facade renovations and alterations, and interior demolition and alterations that include enlarging the existing hotel rooms on the second, third and fourth floors. Also planned are interior layout changes to the ground floor to accommodate an expanded food and beverage program. In April 2024, Oetker announced that Sweden native Emanuela Setterberg Di Vivo had been named the hotel's managing director. Prior to her appointment, Setterberg Di Vivo worked for renowned international luxury hotel brands, including Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari Hotels, Ferragamo, Rosewood, Dorchester Collection and One&Only. In addition to the Vineta, Oetker Hotels manages 11 other "masterpiece" hotels in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. They include: Palacio Tangara in Sao Paulo, Brazil; The Lanesborough in London; Le Bristol Paris in Paris, France; The Woodward in Geneva, Switzerland; Hotel La Palma in Capri, Italy; Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa in Provence, France; Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France; Jumby Bay Island in Antigua & Barbuda; Eden Rock-St Barths in St. Barthelemy; L'Apogee Courchevel in Courchevel, France; and Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company also manages more than 150 private villas and estates around the world. Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Vineta Hotel's anticipated summer debut in Palm Beach pushed to fall Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - Sudan has officially claimed that mercenaries from a number of countries are involved in the raging war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023 CHESTER The 103rd Littleville Fair had a record-breaking weekend Aug. 1 to 3, with sunny skies all three days. Highlights included truck and diesel truck pulls, dairy and beef cattle show and ox teamsters challenges, juried crafts and homemade goods in Exhibit Hall, live bands outdoors and lots of free events for kids. Littleville Fair Association President Moe Boisseau and Treasurer James Burke said the total three-day attendance was 3,212, not counting the more than 520 children that attended, which is a new record for the fair. Many of the visitors praised the improvements that have been made the last couple of years through grants and volunteer efforts. Burke said in the past few years, over $200,000 was spent to upgrade fair facilities. The future for the fair is to start installing drainages and pave the main road starting this fall, utilizing $100,000 of grant funds from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Burke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday morning was the oxen challenge for youth who were showing their skills with teamed working steer, leading them around a course and pulling challenges. Ten-year-old Jameson Fournier of Westhampton climbed on the back of one of the steers after a successful showing in the just-cart class. His father, Rob Fournier, said it takes four years for a steer to become a fully trained oxen. Jameson, a 4-H member, shows under the name of JJB Meadow Farming. Also entering the steer pulling challenge was 5-year-old Bradley Kickza of Deerfield with Whitey and Chance, who seemed more than willing to follow the lead of their young handler. Three-year-old Brooke Loomis of Granville was enjoying free face painting by Phim Mar of Happy Face Painting, before trying her hand milking Daisy Dayville, a new cow exhibit for kids. Brookes father also observed that the fair has come a long way in the last couple of years. In the new Craft Barn next door, Ed Popielarczyk was captivating his young audience with his magic show and balloon sculpting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Volunteers Chris and Jeff Brooks of Westfield were barbequing chicken outdoors for the afternoon dinner in the Dining Hall. Weve been doing this for quite a few years now. We definitely enjoy it, said Jeff Brooks. Its a good little fair to help out, added Chris Brooks. Sunday featured a turkey dinner in the hall. Volunteers Mary Junkins and Nancy Boisseau were selling raffle tickets in the Exhibit Hall, where blue ribbons were plentiful for the display of plants and produce, quilts and arts and crafts. Among them, David Janisieski of Blandford earned a handful of blue ribbons with his potted herbs, Andrew Mason of Huntington won blue for his turtle in the category of children under 9 paper plate art, and Rachel Gordon of Peru won blue for her handmade sculpture of an octopus and pirate ship. Outside, the Family Jungle of Westfield invited brave fairgoers to meet their snakes, reptiles and large tortoises. David Gould of Feeding Hills, who said he always loved snakes, helped owners Nelly and Robbie Rivera to hold their 8 foot Burmese python for a photo, while Nelly also had their Asian water monitor on a leash. Elizabeth Massa, a multi-blue ribbon winner for her photographs and rock collection, and Karen McTaggart of the Western Mass Hilltown Hikers had a booth featuring progress on the Chester Granite Saw, a WMHH restoration project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chester-Blandford Police Chief Jen Dubiel, Officer Santi Messina and his therapy dog Nikko all smiled for the camera, next to Chester Fire Department volunteers Madalyn Smith, Florence Bolduc and Courtney and Robert Littlefield. Following the childrens blueberry pie-eating contest, Littleville Fair volunteers also took a turn, some with a pumpkin pie and all baked by Lee Myers, which Leslie Stokowski, Stephanie Hunter, Jeff Stokowski, Nancy Boisseau and Andy Myers all happily dove into. Nancy Boisseau finished first. The nonprofit Littleville Fair Association is composed entirely of volunteers that plan, manage, and operate the long-running country fair that is committed to advocating for agriculture and agricultural events, as well as year-round fundraising events for the fair. The next event the association has planned is a car show on Sept. 13 in the Fairgrounds on Kinnebrook Road. Read the original article on MassLive. CENTRAL TEXAS (FOX 44) The law enforcement commumity continues to mourn the loss of Temple Police officer Taolua Charlie Aumua, a drowning victim at Lake Belton last Friday. There is support for members of the law enforcement community and their families through a nonprofit called The 100 Club. Heart of Texas 100 Club executive director Brent Stroman paid a visit to our studio to tell us what the 100 Club is all about. You can watch our interview in 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 KWKT - FOX 44. The Supreme Court on Friday ordered additional arguments in a major case centered on whether race can factor into drawing congressional maps, a clear sign that redistricting remains top-of-mind for the justices ahead of the 2026 midterms. Justices ordered both parties in Louisiana v. Callais to return for additional arguments next term. At issue is whether Louisiana's latest congressional map which includes the creation of a second, majority-Black district should be considered an unconstitutional "illegal racial gerrymander." The Supreme Court order comes months after justices first heard oral arguments in the case in March. It requires both parties to file supplemental briefs by mid-September, outlining in further detail their view of whether Louisiana's intentional creation of a second majority-minority congressional district "violates the Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendments to the U. S. Constitution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reply briefs should be filed no later than Oct. 3, the Supreme Court said in the unsigned, single-page order just three days before the high court gavels in for the 2025-2026 session. Supreme Court Hears Pivotal Louisiana Election Map Case Ahead Of 2026 Midterms Supreme Court justices attend the 60th inaugural ceremony on Jan. 20, 2025 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The order comes after the Supreme Court in June said they would not decide the case this term as had been expected punting it to the fall for further consideration. At the time, the justices said they needed more information before ruling on the case. Read On The Fox News App The issue underscores the challenges states face with congressional redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana has revised its congressional map twice since the 2020 census. The first version, which included only one majority-Black district, was blocked by a federal court in 2022. The court sided with the Louisiana State Conference of the NAACP and other plaintiffs, ruling the map diluted Black voting power and ordering the state to redraw it by January 2024. The new map, S.B. 8, created the second Black-majority district at the center of the Supreme Court case. However, S.B. 8 was almost immediately challenged by a group of non-Black plaintiffs in court, who took issue with a new district that stretched some 250 miles from Louisiana's northwest corner of Shreveport to Baton Rouge, in the state's southeast. They argued in the lawsuit that the state violated the equal protection clause by relying too heavily on race to draw the maps, and created a "sinuous and jagged second majority-Black district." Federal Judges Grill Trump Lawyers Over 'Liberation Day' Tariffs On Eve Of Enforcement The Supreme Court said in the unsigned, single-page order that reply briefs should be filed no later than Oct. 3. That map remains in place for now, until the Supreme Court can hear the additional information submitted to the court this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oral arguments in March focused heavily on whether Louisiana's redistricting efforts were narrowly tailored enough to meet constitutional requirements and whether race was used in a way that violated the law, as appellees had alleged. The high court's request for additional information comes at a pivotal time for the U.S., as new and politically charged redistricting fights have popped up in other U.S. states ahead of next year's midterm elections. In Texas, tensions reached a fever pitch this week after Democratic state legislators fled the Lone Star State to block Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's ability to convene a legislative quorum needed to pass the state's aggressive new redistricting map, which would create five additional Republican-leaning districts. Under the state's constitution, two-thirds of the House legislators must be present for the body to conduct business. With an eye to this rule, Democratic lawmakers fled the state to Chicago, New York and Boston beyond the reach of Texas authorities and of Abbott, who has little power in the near-term to compel their returns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor has, however, threatened to take them to court to have them removed from office altogether. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott delivers remarks in October 2023 in Austin, Texas. In a press conference Monday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stressed the magnitude of the redistricting efforts, and vowed to explore "every option" in redrawing state lines. "We are at war," Hochul said, speaking alongside the six Texas Democrats who fled to her state. "And that's why the gloves are off and I say, bring it on," she added. The move is part of a broader redistricting push aimed at helping Republicans defend their slim House majority. As with most midterms following a new presidents election, 2026 is expected to serve as a referendum on the White House raising GOP concerns that they could lose control of the chamber. Original article source: Supreme Court orders new arguments in pivotal elections case The Supreme Court closed its most recent term with an important ruling on religion in public schools. In Mahmoud v. Taylor, the Republican-appointed majority sided with parents seeking to opt their elementary school children out of instruction involving LGBTQ-inclusive books, over Democratic-appointed dissent that said the court was casting aside long-standing precedent to usher in a new reality. Now, as the justices prepare to retake the bench in October for their next term, another contentious religion-in-school issue is working its way through the lower courts. That new issue is actually an old one: the Ten Commandments. Its not just old in a biblical sense but also in a modern American legal one, because the Supreme Court seemingly settled the matter in 1980. In a case called Stone v. Graham, the court rejected a Kentucky law requiring public schools to display the biblical commands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, red states have sought to revive the practice. But theyve run into a problem: the courts. More specifically, theyve run into the Constitution, Supreme Court precedent and judges willing to apply those tools to the facts at hand. The latest example came Monday, when a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against an Arkansas law on Ten Commandments displays. U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks didnt seem to think it was a close call. The Obama appointee wrote that the case begins and ends with Stone, referring to the 1980 high court precedent, which he said had analyzed a law almost identical to the one before this Court and found that it violated the Establishment Clause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That clause is the part of the First Amendment that says, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, and its free exercise clause is the part that goes on to say or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Broadly speaking, free exercise claims have found favor at the Roberts Court the Maryland books case being a recent example while establishment clause claims have not. Notably, the judge cited that Mahmoud case several times in his ruling against Arkansas. For example, in lambasting what he called the states most intellectually dishonest argument that the law requires only passive displays and doesnt require student participation the judge said the commandments are not passive because students in public schools are forced to engage with them and cannot look away. To support that point, he cited Justice Samuel Alitos opinion in Mahmoud, in which Alito wrote that the governments operation of public schools implicates direct, coercive interactions between the State and its young residents. Noting that Louisiana and Texas also recently passed commandments display laws, Brooks observed: Similar laws appear to be in the works in other states, which will lead to more lawsuits until, it seems, the Supreme Court puts its foot down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That raises the questions: Will the Supreme Court put its foot down? And what would doing so look like? Depending on how these brewing cases shape up across the country, one option for the justices could be to rebuke the states by not getting involved at all. That is, if all the lower courts that address the issue unanimously rule against the states, then the justices could effectively uphold those rulings by declining to take up any state petitions asking the justices to overturn them. But if a split emerges in the lower courts, then the high court might be more inclined to step in and issue a new ruling. Of course, if the justices do weigh in, then all bets are off on how the issue would fare. As I noted previously, the Stone decision wasnt unanimous. In particular, its worth keeping in mind a dissent in that case from Justice William Rehnquist, for whom Chief Justice John Roberts clerked in 1980, as it happens and whose views are more represented on todays court. The Establishment Clause does not require that the public sector be insulated from all things which may have a religious significance or origin, Rehnquist wrote then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if todays court is inclined to broadly affirm the Stone precedent, it might still take up the case to put its own stamp on the matter. On that note, another justification to weigh in anew could be that the Stone case was decided in summary fashion, without full briefing and argument, which drew dissenting complaints at the time a sort of proto shadow docket critique of that era. At any rate, as Judge Brooks put it, the matter begins and ends with Stone for now. But, as ever, whether thats the end of the story is ultimately up to the justices. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Members of the Nevada Immigrant Coalition protesting executive orders targeting immigration in January, 2025. (Photo: Michael Lyle/Nevada Current) A myth often repeated in the debate around immigration suggests there is a right way to come to America and a wrong way. The supposed distinction is sometimes equated with legal or illegal entry into the U.S. Its sometimes likened to waiting in line versus cutting the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This framework does not reflect reality. The experience of countless immigrant families in the U.S. shows there is no unambiguous division between right and wrong ways to immigrate. Certain individual cases might map onto a straightforward conception of good and bad. Some people have filled out paperwork and waited years for authorization before crossing the border. Others have snuck across with criminal intent. It is also true that a country has a right and obligation to control the flow of immigration across its borders. But for millions of immigrants, whose journey to America involved extreme hardship, outmoded laws, dysfunctional bureaucracies, complicit American employers and life or death decisions, reality refuses to fit into tidy policy abstractions, and it defies simple notions of right and wrong. For years, U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans has told the story about how his grandfather immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico the right way the legal way. The Fort Lupton Republican, who represents Colorados 8th Congressional District in Congress, leveraged the story to boost his credibility as he endorsed President Donald Trumps plan for mass deportations. He contrasted his own familys purported right immigration story with the wrong one of millions of U.S. residents to argue they deserve to be deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You need to go stand in that line and do it the right way, do it the legal way, so you are not leapfrogging over those folks like my grandfather, who did it the right way and did it the legal way, he said in January. But as Chase Woodruff, Newslines senior reporter, discovered through a search of public documents, Evans grandfather, Cuauhtemoc Chavez, entered the U.S. with his family without authorization and lived unlawfully for many years in El Paso. He was once arrested for an immigration violation and faced deportation proceedings. Woodruffs investigation was news because Evans had made the false story about his grandfather, who died in 2014, central to his support for a cruel federal policy that is causing immense harm to families and communities across the country. But the real falsehood was not that Chavez had actually immigrated the wrong way. It was that it was ever so easy to define what the wrong way even is. Immigrating to America is very hard to do. Even immigrants who follow strictly legal paths to U.S. residency face a monster bureaucracy of restrictions and complexity, and even those legal paths are part of a system that American lawmakers of all stripes admit has been broken for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too many migrants, the journey is more than hard its fatal. The U.S. southern border is among the deadliest land migration routes in the world. Last year almost 1,300 migrants in the Americas died or went missing, most of them at the U.S.-Mexico border. A stretch of the border along New Mexico and west Texas is especially deadly for migrants, according to a joint investigation by Source New Mexico and The Texas Tribune. From January 2023 to August 2024, 299 human remains were reported in the region, known as the El Paso sector. But many people decide that the journey is worth risking, because conditions in their home country are too difficult or impossible. They might be motivated by economic destitution, political violence, crime or a natural disaster, against which points of administrative rectitude can appear petty or misplaced. The way that a representative in the U.S. House labels wrong could be the only way an immigrant has found to keep loved ones alive. Sometimes the choice is not between right and wrong but between wrong and death, which is hardly a choice. Chavez was 5 years old when his mother took him and five siblings across the border to El Paso in December 1929. Chavezs father had died only two months earlier, records obtained by Woodruff show. The family settled in El Segundo Barrio, an El Paso district that one resident, Chicano poet Lalo Delgado, described as a square mile of poverty and misery. But despite difficulties the Chavezes immigrated based on the same factors immigrants must weigh today. My family fought tooth and nail for the American dream so that future generations like me could have a better life, Evans himself has said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuauhtemoc Chavez went on to serve honorably in World War II and earned U.S. citizenship in 1946. He was later president of a union representing civil service workers at Fort Bliss in Texas. America is better off for his presence in the country. After Newsline published Woodruffs investigation last week, Evans who declined to speak with Newsline about the story seemed to acknowledge that rigid moral categories resist application to human beings struggling to survive and thrive. I think Ive always talked about doing it the right way, which is in reference to the fact that (my grandfather) joined the military and served his country, Evans said when questioned by a CPR reporter about Woodruffs findings. In other words, what immigrants contribute to their adopted country can outweigh the infractions of their arrival, and the totality of their experience can overcome particular episodes of blame. The Trump administrations immigration policy would be a lot more humane, and it would better serve America, if it operated under the wisdom of this insight. This commentary was originally published in Colorado Newsline. CISCO, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A suspect accused of beating and trying to rob a man outside a bathroom at a gas station in Cisco has been arrested, and a clerk was charged as well for allegedly being involved in the crime. Joey Dewayne Porter and Henry Stephen Letney have both been charged with Aggravated Robbery in connection to the incident, which happened at a Stripes gas station on I-20 in Cisco in July of last year. Court documents state a suspect later identified as Porter approached a victim as he was exiting the bathroom and demanded money. When the victim refused, Porter then allegedly beat him with a metal object until the victim was able to escape. Porter then fled as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documents state detectives later determined Letney, who was working as a clerk at the store, conspired with Porter to commit this crime. Porter and Letney remain held in the Eastland County Jail on bonds totaling $75,000. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) A suspect in the 1995 killing of a police officer from the nation's capital has been arrested nearly 30 years after her body was found in her Maryland home, police said Tuesday. The Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland did not immediately identify the person arrested in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Denna Fredericka Campbell, an officer for the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington. County police were expected to release more information about the arrest and investigation at a news conference Wednesday in Gaithersburg. Campbell was a four-year MPD veteran. Her live-in boyfriend, who discovered her body in her Silver Spring apartment, was initially charged with murder back in 1995, but that was dropped two months later, according to published reports. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The suspect in an April 4 stabbing death in Cornersburg pleaded not guilty Monday at his arraignment in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. Judge Maureen Sweeney continued a $1 million bond for Camilo Barreto, 38, who is charged with murder for the April 4 stabbing death of Nestor Diaz, 37, during a fight at a home on Tippecanoe Road. A trial date of Aug. 18 was set before Judge Sweeney. That date will almost certainly be pushed back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the stabbing took place during a fight over property. Barreto fled but was tracked to the Pittsburgh suburb of Baldwin Borough, where he was found and taken into custody. He was booked into Allegheny County Jail on a warrant from Youngstown and held until he was extradited to Youngstown. Police said Diaz was at his home when Barreto, who used to live with him, showed up and the two argued over property before the victim was stabbed. A grand jury indicted Barreto July 24. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The Brief A Fort Worth man is wanted in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Anthony Rangel at a house party on June 15. An arrest warrant has been issued for 28-year-old Daleshawn "Bolo" Hopson, who police believe may be on the West Coast. Rangel's family is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. FORT WORTH, Texas - An arrest warrant has been issued for a man who is wanted in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Anthony Rangel. Rangel was killed in a shooting at a Fort Worth house party on June 15, 2025, Father's Day, around 12:30 a.m. Daleshawn Hopson The backstory Police say the shooting happened in the 2600 block of Houston Street in Fort Worth. Rangel and two others were shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say two females were fighting over one of the shooting victims. Unknown suspects arrived at the house party, and one of them got into a fight with one of the shooting victims. The suspect then pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots. Police say the suspect left the scene in a vehicle. 19-year-old Anthony Rangel (Source: Family members) Warrant out for suspect Dig deeper An arrest warrant was issued on June 20 for 28-year-old Daleshawn "Bolo" Hopson. Investigators believe he may be hiding on the West Coast. He has known ties to Stockton, California, Washington State and Fort Worth. His current location is unknown. Hopson has two distinct facial scars; one beneath his left eye and another over his right eyebrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fugitive Unit is actively searching for him, and the victim's family is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest. What you can do If you have any information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 817-469-8477. Tips can remain anonymous and may also be submitted online at www.469tips.com. The Source Information in this article is from the Fort Worth Police Department. (FOX40.COM) The Placer County Sheriffs Office is investigating the possibility that there may be additional victims connected to an attempted rape that happened on Sunday afternoon. Video above: Is violent crime going up in America The sheriffs office said the suspect, who was arrested on Sunday, has been identified as Sergiy Fedcyk, 27, of Sacramento. Vacaville police schedule DUI checkpoint at undisclosed location Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to PCSO, deputies responded to an attempted rape call at around 5:30 p.m. at Dry Creek Park. When they arrived at the scene, they noticed a patrol car was involved in a crash at the intersection of Baseline and Walerga Roads. The two deputies who were inside the car had minor injuries, and the crash is being investigated by the Roseville Police Department, PCSO said. PCSO is asking the public if anyone has any video footage from the area between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, including from dashcams, bike cams, or cell phones, to send it to the sheriffs department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Suspect Most Wanted for probation violation in Abilene accused of drive-by ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A fugitive Most Wanted in Abilene for probation violation is accused of committing a drive-by shooting that injured a person inside a home. ORyan Ross received 8 years of probation in April after pleading guilty to Deadly Conduct for an incident that happened at an Abilene home in May 2024. Ross is now wanted on a motion to revoke that probation, and he is this weeks featured fugitive on Abilene Crime Stoppers Most Wanted segment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state Ross is accused of firing several rounds into a home occupied by his friends ex-girlfriend and two others. One of the occupants was shot in the leg. $500 $1,000 cash rewards offered for Abilenes Wanted Criminals During the investigation, the documents state the ex-girlfriend was able to provide text messages that said Ross friend was goin to shoot her. Ross was later interviewed and did admit to being present during the shooting by said it was his friend that opened fire. The friend told police Ross was the shooter. Abilene Crime Stoppers is now offering a $1,000 cash reward for any information leading to Ross arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A suspect on the run since allegedly murdering four people in Tennessee was captured Tuesday morning after a dayslong manhunt, authorities announced. Austin Robert Drummond had been wanted in connection with the slayings of 38-year-old Cortney Rose, her two children, 20-year-old Adrianna Williams and 15-year-old Braydon Williams, and her daughters boyfriend, 21-year-old James Michael Wilson. Their bodies were discovered on July 29 in a wooded area in Tiptonville, after a baby was found abandoned in the front yard of a home some 40 miles away. All four of the victims were related to the infant, who was not harmed, police said. Wilson and Adrianna Williams were the babys parents, Rose was the grandmother and Braydon Williams was an uncle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Jackson after he was caught on a home security camera in the area late Sunday night. The clip showed him carrying a rifle as he approached the front door of a home, located on Pipkin road. A vehicle associated with Drummond was also last week found in the same city, not far from Union University. A motive for the grisly quadruple slaying remained unclear as of Tuesday, but police said Drummond had a previous relationship with the family and reportedly used to date Roses sister. Authorities have arrested three others in connection with the case, including Tanaka Brown and Giovante Thomas. Theyre both facing a count of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, and Brown was additionally charged with evidence tampering. On Monday, police announced the arrest of Dearrah Sanders, who has also been charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. All three suspects are accused of helping Drummond, but authorities have not specified how they were involved in the slayings. Drummond meanwhile is facing 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, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Mugshot of Brian Chavez, courtesy of the Anaheim Police Department SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK) A California man has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a Smith County teen who has since been found. The Smith County Sheriffs Office said a 15-year-old from the Bullard area was reported missing after last being seen on July 26 at around 11 p.m. She was later found across state lines and her suspected abductor, Brian Chavez, was arrested in Placentia, Calif., on July 30 at around 3 a.m. Longview McDonalds vandalized with pro-Palestinian graffiti Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Chavez now faces three criminal charges in Smith County involving sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16, according to the Smith County Sheriffs Office. The sheriffs office released the following video during the teens disappearance, which shows a man entering her residence. Smith County Crimes Against Children Investigators were able to track down Chavez as he moved across state lines. The sheriffs office worked alongside the Anaheim Police Department in this case. We appreciate the efforts of the Anaheim Police Department for their quick and timely assistance with the apprehension of Brian Chavez and for taking [the teen] into protective custody, the sheriffs office said. She is now safely back home with her parents. 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. Suspected drunk motorcyclist fled scene after passenger ejected in crash originally appeared on Bring Me The News. A Twin Cities motorcyclist is in custody after he allegedly drove drunk and fled the scene of a crash that left his passenger with life-threatening injuries Sunday, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Mike Lee said the motorcyclist, a 70-year-old Inver Grove Heights man, fled the scene of the crash on Highway 61 in St. Paul Park and was later arrested at his home on suspicion of DWI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A crash report states the motorcyclist was traveling northbound on Highway 61 just before 7 p.m. Sunday when he crashed into a Land Rover, which was also northbound, at 70th Street. The motorcycle passenger, a 60-year-old Newport woman, was ejected from the Harley Davidson Road King and suffered life-threatening injuries. Pixabay The driver of the motorcycle and the two occupants of the Land Rover were uninjured, according to the patrol. Neither the motorcycle driver or passenger were wearing helmets at the time of 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 4, 2025, where it first appeared. DENVER (KDVR) A man suspected of driving under the influence and causing a deadly crash that killed a Golden police officer pleaded not guilty in court on Monday. Stephen Geer, 43, pleaded not guilty in court to one count of vehicular homicide DUI, two counts of vehicular assault DUI, third-degree assault reckless, and driving under the influence. Initial coverage: Golden police officer killed, another hospitalized in crash that closed Highway 58 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boulder District Attorneys Office told FOX31 that Geers attorney said on the record during Geers Monday hearing that they are considering a plea offer from the district attorneys office and scheduled a pre-trial conference for Sept. 2. Geer is accused of causing a chain reaction crash on Highway 58 in November that led to Golden Police Officer Evan Dunns death. Prosecutors say Dunn was pinned under one of the vehicles involved in the crash. Dunns partner officer at the scene was injured, as were two other people, but all three have recovered. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Bond was set Tuesday at $50,000 each for two men accused in the 2023 kidnapping of a woman in Poland Township. Read next: Warren mayor addresses recent violence James Sladewski, 43, and Samuel Shipton, 40, each entered not guilty pleas at their arraignment before Judge Maureen Sweeney in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to charges of kidnapping, a first-degree felony and felonious assault, a second-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were secretly indicted via direct presentment July 24 by a grand jury based on an Oct. 20, 2023, overdose call Poland Township police answered at a home on Youngstown Pittsburgh Road. A search warrant followed as a result of that call. Both men were also originally charged on Dec. 18, 2023, in Struthers Municipal Court with felonious assault, but court records show that those charges were dismissed on Dec. 27, 2023. Prosecutors did not say in court why the case was reopened. Reports from the original overdose said that when police arrived, they found a woman in an upstairs bedroom who was unconscious and had cuts, bruises and marks that appeared to come from something that may have been restraining her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said paramedics who were called to the house at about 3:20 p.m. had to revive the woman with Narcan, an opioid reversal drug, before she was taken to the main campus of St. Elizabeth Health Center. The house was packed with boxes, filth, records and turntables, reports said. Reports said police have been to the home several times for drug abuse calls and domestic abuse calls, and the main resident of the home was on parole after serving a four-year prison sentence for selling methamphetamine. A man in the house said the woman was his on and off girlfriend and that she had returned there earlier in the day after being out with several other people and was acting strange. At the hospital, reports said the woman had a fractured rib and sternum, a partially collapsed lung, and a blood test found five different drugs in her system. She spoke to police the next day and told them she did not know what happened to her, reports said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman checked out of the hospital after police left against medical advice. She left wearing only a gown and hospital pants, saying she needed to get back to her boyfriend, reports said. A criminal complaint filed in Struthers Municipal Court said Shipton was the victims boyfriend and Sladewski was a friend of Shiptons. As part of their bond, neither man is allowed any contact with the victim. A Sept. 22 trial date was set for both men. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By John Revill ZURICH (Reuters) -Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Business Minister Guy Parmelin flew to Washington on Tuesday, the government said, in a last-ditch effort to avoid the 39% tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on exports to the United States. The U.S. tariffs, hiked from the initial 31% rate announced in April, have sent Switzerland reeling after they were announced on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The higher duty is due to take effect on Thursday. During their visit, Keller-Sutter and Parmelin will "facilitate meetings with the US authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland", the government said. It did not comment on which parts of the U.S. government they would meet in Washington or whether a meeting was scheduled with Trump. A person familiar with the Trump administration's thinking, said they were confident that a deal could be worked out with Switzerland if it responded quickly with a better offer. "There was some kind of bad interaction, but that can blow over, if the Swiss come with a meaningful offer," the source said, referring to a phone call between Trump and Keller-Sutter on Thursday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is a large trade deficit, especially in per capita terms," the source added. Trump referred to the conversation with Keller-Sutter in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, adding he was concerned about the U.S. trade deficit with Switzerland. "Look, I did something with Switzerland the other day," he said referring to his phone call with Keller-Sutter. "The woman was nice, but she didn't want to listen, and they paid essentially no tariffs," he told the broadcaster. "And I said, we have a $41 billion deficit with you, madam....and you want to pay 1% tariffs. I said, you're not going to pay 1%, we lose, because I view deficit as loss." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EMERGENCY MEETING The Swiss government held an emergency meeting on Monday to decide its response to the tariff hike, and said it was ready to make a "more attractive offer" to the United States. It was also ready to pursue negotiations beyond the August 7 deadline. Bern gave no details of what extra incentives could be offered to secure a better deal, but it did say it was not considering any countermeasures against the U.S. Parmelin has previously said that Switzerland buying more U.S liquefied natural gas (LNG) was under consideration, while further investment by Switzerland in the United States could also be an option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aim of Keller-Sutter and Parmelin's trip was to present "a more attractive offer to the United States in a bid to lower the level of reciprocal tariffs for Swiss exports, taking U.S. concerns into account," the government said on Tuesday. Some Swiss business leaders, including Nick Hayek, CEO of watchmaker Swatch Group, had called on Keller-Sutter to visit Washington to do a deal with Trump directly. A trade barrier of 39% would be a major blow for the export-orientated Swiss economy by reducing access to its biggest overseas market for its watches, machinery and chocolate, economists have warned. Hans Gersbach, an economist at KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH, a University in Zurich, said the Swiss delegation would have to make a substantial offer to win a reprieve from the 39% tariff, with the visit representing a last-ditch effort to negotiate down the import duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Something marginal won't be enough it has to be a significant number, which Trump can present to his supporters as a victory for his negotiations," said Gersbach. "It's crucial Keller-Sutter and Parmelin meet Trump and speak with him directly. He is the decision-maker," added Gersbach, who thought there was reasonable chance of success. The Swiss government knew how serious the situation is, and was putting all its efforts into getting a deal, he said. "A 39% tariff on Switzerland, especially with the EU agreeing a rate of 15%, would be an immediate shock to the Swiss economy," said Gersbach. (Writing by John Revill, additional reporting by Madeline Chambers, Andrea Shalal and Bhargav Acharya, Editing by Miranda Murray and Giles Elgood) Switzerland's president was in Washington on Tuesday in a last-minute push to stop steep new tariffs, but with no appointment to plead her case to US President Donald Trump. Switzerland faces a 39-percent duty, one of the highest among the dozens of economies that will be hit by new tariffs expected to come into force from Thursday. President Karin Keller-Sutter and Economy Minister Guy Parmelin were visiting Washington "to facilitate meetings with the US authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland," the government said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The aim is to present a more attractive offer to the United States in a bid to lower the level of reciprocal tariffs for Swiss exports, taking US concerns into account." But a White House official told AFP there was "no meeting with the President scheduled at this time." Trump had originally threatened in April to slap a 31-percent tariff on Switzerland. But he surprised the export-driven country last week when he decided to hike the rate to 39 percent despite numerous discussions between Swiss and US officials aimed at reaching a deal. The Swiss government noted that the country will be hit by much higher tariffs than what other wealthy economies, such as Britain, Japan or the European Union, are facing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government "reaffirmed that it was keen to pursue talks with the United States on the tariff situation," and the president and economy minister were visiting Washington "for this reason," Tuesday's statement said. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, however, told CBS television on Sunday that the tariffs on global trading partners, which are coming into force this week, "are pretty much set." Trump signaled that a separate initially "small" tariff on imports of pharmaceuticals from around the world -- a key sector for Switzerland -- could come "within the next week." But the sector-specific tariff could rise to 150 percent in a year and eventually be as high as 250 percent, he added, saying the delay was to allow companies to shift production to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pharmaceuticals represented 60 percent of Swiss goods exports to the United States last year. - Swiss surplus - Keller-Sutter and Parmelin were accompanied by a small delegation, including the heads of the economy and international finance departments, a Swiss government official said. But the official declined to give details about the potential meetings. The government said it will "issue a statement as soon as there are any relevant developments for the public." The United States is a key trading partner for Switzerland, taking 18.6 percent of its total exports last year, according to Swiss customs data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keller-Sutter has said Trump believes that Switzerland "steals" from the United States by enjoying a trade surplus of 40 billion Swiss francs ($50 billion). Swiss companies have urged the government to negotiate a lower tariff. "I am convinced that Donald Trump wants to make a deal and show it to his US voters," Nik Hayek, the head of watch firm Swatch, told Le Temps newspaper in an interview published late Monday. But, Hayek added, "President Karin Keller-Sutter has to react and find a solution in person there." rjm-lth/sbk/sla/st GENEVA (AP) After weeks of working with U.S. officials to try to avoid hefty tariffs on Swiss goods, negotiators from Switzerland got assurances that a deal was all but done. Swiss businesses vowed to pour tens of billions in investment in the United States in the coming years. Still, President Donald Trump said no to any special deal. Now a scramble is underway ahead of Thursday, the deadline for when the whopping 39% tariff on Swiss products announced last week goes into effect. Switzerlands President Karin Keller-Sutter and other top officials traveled to Washington on Tuesday to try to convince Trump that the measure among the highest from the Trump administration was too much and could cut profits for famed Swiss industries like chocolates and watchmaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new rate is over 2 1/2 times higher than the one on European Union goods exported to the U.S. and nearly four times higher than on British exports to the U.S. raising questions about Switzerlands ability to compete with the 27-member bloc that it neighbors. Under the U.S. announcements from last Friday, the export duties imposed on Swiss companies will now only be surpassed by those on firms from Laos, Myanmar and Syria, which are facing 40-41% rates. A cautionary tale Switzerland's case is a lesson in dos and donts of doing business with Trump. The thinking goes, if a rich country with economic might that excels in technology, pharmaceuticals and finance cant convince the U.S. president to scale back the high tariffs, who can? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump himself seems to be focused on a single, high number: Switzerlands trade surplus in goods with the U.S. In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Trump alluded to a recent call he had with Keller-Sutter, saying the woman was nice, but she didnt want to listen and that he had told her: We have a $41 billion deficit with you, Madame. It was not immediately clear where that $41 billion figure came from. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. ran a $38.3 billion trade imbalance on goods last year with Switzerland. That figure excludes exports of services. Keller-Sutter, who also serves as Switzerlands finance minister, has faced criticism in Swiss media over the last-ditch call with Trump before a U.S. deadline on tariffs expired Aug. 1, which some say appeared to make things worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A surprise move The 39% rate is even higher than the 31% on Swiss goods announced on Trump's Liberation Day in early April before the Swiss started negotiating with U.S. officials. The new figure took many Swiss business leaders by surprise. Its hard to negotiate when youre dealing with someone as unpredictable as Donald Trump, said Ivan Slatkine, head of the Federation of Romandie Enterprises, which groups companies in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. We had a (Swiss) government that gave the impression the deal was done, it only awaited a signature from the president, Slatkine told The Associated Press over the phone. We have the impression that we were punished, but we dont know why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States is Switzerlands second-biggest trading partner after the EU, which nearly surrounds the Alpine country of more than 9 million. The Swiss government said Tuesday's trip was meant to facilitate meetings with the U.S. authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland. Swiss officials have argued that American goods face virtually zero tariffs in Switzerland, and the Swiss government says the wealthy Alpine country is the sixth-biggest foreign investor in the U.S. and the leading investor in research and development. Switzerlands powerful pharmaceutical industry which promised tens of billions of investments in the U.S. in recent months amid the tariff worries is exempt from the 39% rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Slatkine said the steep tariff level could be aimed to send Switzerland's Big Pharma epitomized by Roche and Novartis a message that it too could come under pressure. The Swiss stand The trip comes a day after Switzerlands executive branch, the Federal Council, held an extraordinary meeting and said it was keen to pursue talks with the United States on the tariff situation, according to a government statement. After consulting with Swiss businesses, the council said it had developed new approaches for its discussions with U.S. officials and was looking ahead to continued negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Switzerland enters this new phase ready to present a more attractive offer, taking U.S. concerns into account and seeking to ease the current tariff situation," the council said. According to figures published by the Swiss Embassy in Washington, the U.S. has been Switzerlands most important goods export market since 2021, while Switzerland is the fourth most important export market for U.S. services not goods. The bilateral trade volume in goods and services between Switzerland and the U.S. reached a total of $185.9 billion in 2023, the embassy says on its website. KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) For nearly four decades, the World Health Organization and partners have been trying to rid the world of polio, a paralytic disease that has existed since prehistoric times. While cases have dropped more than 99%, polio remains entrenched in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. In its quest to eliminate the virus, WHO and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have been derailed by mismanagement and what insiders describe as blind allegiance to an outdated strategy and a problematic oral vaccine, according to workers, polio experts and internal materials obtained by the Associated Press. Officials tout the successes 3 billion children vaccinated, an estimated 20 million people who would have been paralyzed spared while acknowledging challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan. WHO polio director Dr. Jamal Ahmed defended progress in those two countries, citing workers tailored response in resistant pockets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some takeaways from APs report on whats happened in one of the most expensive efforts in all of public health. Documents show major problems on polio vaccination teams Internal WHO reports reviewing polio immunization in Afghanistan and Pakistan over the past decade given to AP by current and former staffers show that as early as 2017, local workers were alerting problems to senior managers. The documents flagged multiple cases of falsified vaccination records, health workers being replaced by untrained relatives and workers improperly administering vaccines. On numerous occasions, WHO officials noted, vaccinators did not know about vaccine management, citing failure to keep doses properly cold. They also found sloppy or falsified reporting, with workers noting more used vaccine vials than were actually supplied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an August 2017 report from Kandahar, Afghanistan, vaccination teams worked in a hurried manner, reports said, with no plan for monitoring." A team in Nawzad, Afghanistan, covered just half of the intended area in 2017, with 250 households missed entirely. Village elders said no one visited for at least two years. Polio workers say problems have gone unaddressed Health officials in Afghanistan and Pakistan told AP their efforts to vaccinate children are often stymied by cultural barriers, misinformation about the vaccines, and poverty. Sughra Ayaz has traveled door to door in southeastern Pakistan for the past decade, pleading for children to be immunized. Some families demand basics such as food and water instead of vaccines. Others, without citing proof for their beliefs, repeat false rumors and say they think the oral vaccine doses are meant to sterilize their kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ayaz said that given the immense pressure for the campaign to succeed, some managers have instructed workers to falsely mark children as immunized In many places, our work is not done with honesty, she said. Some scientists blame the oral vaccine Polio eradication demands perfection zero polio cases and immunizing more than 95% of children. But some scientists and former WHO staffers say the campaigns efforts are far from perfect, blaming in particular the oral vaccine. It's safe and effective, but in very rare instances, the live virus in the oral vaccine can paralyze a child. In even rarer cases, the virus can mutate into a form capable of starting outbreaks among unimmunized people where vaccination rates are low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Except for Afghanistan and Pakistan, most polio cases worldwide are linked to the vaccine; several hundred cases have been reported annually since 2021, with at least 98 this year. Most public health experts agree the oral vaccine should be pulled as soon as possible. But they acknowledge there isnt enough injectable vaccine which uses no live virus and doesn't come with the risks of the oral vaccine to eliminate polio alone. The injectable vaccine is more expensive and requires more training to administer. More than two dozen current and former senior polio officials told AP the agencies involved havent been willing to even consider revising their strategy to account for campaign problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, former WHO scientist Dr. T. Jacob John twice emailed WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling for a major course correction. John wrote that WHO is persisting with polio control and creating polio with one hand and attempting to control it by the other. Ahmed told AP the oral vaccine is a core pillar of eradication strategy and that almost every country that is polio-free today used (it) to achieve that milestone. Critics say there's no accountability Dr. Tom Frieden, who sits on an independent board reviewing polio eradication, said he and colleagues have urged WHO and partners to adapt to obstacles in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Since 2011, the board has issued regular reports about program failures, but had little impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no management, he said. With an annual budget of about $1 billion, polio eradication is among the most expensive initiatives in public health. WHO officials have privately admitted that sustaining funding will be difficult without signs of progress. Roland Sutter, who previously headed polio research at WHO, said donors had spent more than $1 billion in Pakistan trying to get rid of polio in the last five years and made little progress. If this was a private company, we would demand results," he said. Ahmed pointed to the program's many successes. "Lets not overdramatize the challenges, because that leads to children getting paralyzed, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mistrust of the vaccine persists Vaccine workers and health officials say its hard for campaign leadership to grasp the difficulties in the field. Door-to-door efforts are stymied by cultural barriers, unfounded stories about vaccines, and the regions poverty and transience. The campaign is up against a wave of misinformation, including that the vaccine is made from pig urine or will make children reach puberty early. Some blame an anti-vaccine sentiment growing in the U.S. and other countries that have largely funded eradication efforts. In a mountainous region of southeastern Afghanistan where most people survive by growing wheat and raising cows and chickens, many are wary of the Western-led initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A mother of five said she'd prefer that her children be vaccinated against polio, but her husband and other male relatives have instructed their families to reject it, fearing it will compromise their children's fertility. If I allow it, the woman said, declining to be named over fears of family retribution, I will be beaten and thrown out. ____ Cheng reported from London. ____ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Campers form a half-moon around the flagpole, feet in the dewy grass, chests rising and falling in breaths that dance with the morning birdsong. They are 7 and 9 and 12 and 14, dressed in bandannas and dirt. For 90 seconds, they close their eyes and breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth and think about their happy place. For many, that place is this campground. There is the boy who cries when he talks about the baby sister he no longer sees. Here, he brings the house down for Led Zeppelin karaoke. Theres the girl who watched helplessly as her father hit her brother. Here, she speaks up for a peer being teased. There are the siblings weeks away from middle school whose mom died. Here, they comfort friends who know the same pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the last four years, the local arm of Camp HOPE America has invited child survivors of domestic violence into a summer rite of passage: Come, spend five nights singing songs, tubing down the river, dangling from bunk beds. But do so with peers who understand your past, those who know the enduring horrors of brutality at home. The sleepaway camp is put on by local domestic violence resource centers the Spring of Tampa Bay, CASA Pinellas and Sunrise of Pasco County in partnership with the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. Camp is free regardless of family income. The Times is withholding the full names of the attendees and camp location to protect survivors of domestic violence. At the beginning of the week, campers are outfitted with water bottles, sleeping bags and personal hygiene kits they take when they leave not all of them have such basic needs covered at home. Through workbooks and chats around campfires, they learn how to cope. To talk. To dream. Statistics show that millions of children in the U.S. witness violence at home each year. Theyre more likely to struggle with drugs or alcohol. Many live with anxiety, and some develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mindy Murphy, CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay, sees the fallout. Not every kiddo is going to grow up to become a victim or an abuser, Murphy said. But an awful lot of them are without some sort of intervention. Camp HOPE is the antidote, she said at least part of it. The morning breathing ritual ends. Eyes flutter open to the sound of a timer. The campers throw their hands up in a final stretch before they walk in groups to the breakfast hall. You guys did it, says a counselor with John Lennon glasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Were on the last day! Excitement and sadness mingle in the groups hollers and moans. Soon, they will return to school, sleep in their own beds, leave this place of whimsy and heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But not just yet. *** In a lodge with concrete floors and wide tables, the campers fill their plates. They chow on walking tacos served in Doritos bags and pizza baguettes dressed in marinara. This morning, they pile dishes with pancakes and strawberries. Holy moly! a counselor calls. Guacamole! the campers roar back. Mac and cheese! the counselor booms. Everybody freeze! the campers sing, and a hush falls over the dining hall. From the outside, this camp looks like any other. Thats by design. But woven into days of horseback riding and scavenger hunts and hours at the campground pool, small-group activities help kids make sense of their most difficult experiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At other camps, I might get called a cry baby, says a girl with curly brown hair. But its just trauma that they wouldnt understand. A red-headed friend throws an arm around the girls shoulder and nods. Camp HOPE was founded in San Diego in 2003. Organizers believed that, while women escaping violence needed nuanced, thoughtful services, so did their families. The effects of trauma can take years to manifest in kids, showing up in new ways as they form their own relationships. Many are the children of women who sought help at domestic violence centers in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties, Murphy said. Others come through word of mouth a friend shared a flier and the parent reached out. More than two decades later, camps operate in at least 23 states. Campers report becoming more resilient. They begin to part with the notion that all conflict results in violence, to learn that debate doesnt have to spell harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what theyve seen, Murphy said. Were teaching them that it doesnt have to be dangerous. You can disagree with somebody, and nobody gets hurt. Many campers arrive with their heads down. Theyve seen their dad strangle their mom. Theyve been physically violated. Those memories dont go away just because the abuser does. On this morning, three girls with beaded bracelets that read brave and compassion line up before their table and break out in a jagged dance, limbs flying. They quickly melt into giggles. See how funny we can be sometimes? one says. A counselor in her early 20s listens in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are funny, she affirms. You are full of joy. *** Under a pavilion, kids with sticky fingers click on helmets and try to find bikes that fit their growing bodies. Raise your hand if you dont know how to ride, a counselor instructs. Annelise steps forward. At 14, she is one of the oldest in the group. Tall and thin, she carries a small pink backpack and a water bottle covered in stickers. She rode once when she was little, she says, but that was years ago. At Camp HOPE, campers memorize truth statements, positive mantras they call on when things get hard. Life is tough, but so are you. Hope fuels my every step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hope is never lost. With a big inhale, Annelise steps forward. Im going to try, she says. Let me just do a little breathing so I can relax. Annelise straddles the seat and pushes off. A counselor walks alongside her, steadying the handles, and she begins to pedal. It is not smooth. It is not fast. She falls to the side, then gets back up and falls again. She wobbles but keeps on pedaling, eventually circumventing the track of sod and sand. When she returns to the starting line, everyone claps. That was awesome, says a boy. You didnt give up. Later, during archery, Annelise doesnt hit the bullseye, but she gets pretty close, sinking her arrows into the target. When a younger camper fails to get a single on the board, he breaks down in frustrated tears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can do this, Annelise says, wrapping him in a hug. Hope is never lost. To get help around Tampa Bay Pinellas County: CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) can be reached on its 24-hour hotline at 727-895-4912 and via an online chat feature at casapinellas.org. Walk-ins are welcome at the Family Justice Center at 1011 1st Ave. N in St. Petersburg. The Haven at Hope Villages can be reached on its 24-hour hotline at 727-442-4128 and hopevillagesofamerica.org. Hillsborough County: The Spring of Tampa Bay can be reached on its 24-hour hotline at 813-247-7233 and thespring.org. Pasco County: Sunrise of Pasco County can be reached on its 24-hour hotline at 888-668-7273 or 352-521-3120 and at sunrisepasco.org. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. THONOTOSASSA Yaumara Martinez hasnt hugged her 16-year-old autistic son in nearly a year. Martinez, a nail technician who lives in Thonotosassa and works in Lutz, was hoping to reunite with him until a travel ban signed by President Donald Trump in June stopped the process and blocked her son, Kevin Willians Martinez, who lives in Cuba, from coming to the United States. The travel ban, known as Proclamation 10949, restricts permanent U.S. residents from bringing relatives from 19 countries, including Cuba and Venezuela. Only spouses, parents and children under 21of U.S. citizens are allowed to enter under the current rules. Martinez is a lawful permanent resident, but not a citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We thought we were getting close, that after so many years wed finally be together, said Martinez, 37, as she looked at photos of her son from when they went to the pool, from when they shared a family lunch. Now everythings frozen, I cant bring him. Families like Martinezs say the administrations policies are cutting off options for legal immigration. Martinez became a permanent resident in 2023 after arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border six years ago. She supports her family in Cuba and sends what she can each month. Her only child lives in rural Pinar del Rio with Martinezs 63-year-old mother, who also takes care of her own elderly mother recovering from two strokes. Martinez married in 2022. Her husband, a U.S. resident for 20 years, filed a family petition shortly afterward to bring Kevin. At the time, immigration officials estimated the process would take about two years. Now, it could take 53 months, if it moves forward at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From January to March, the number of pending cases grew by 1.6 million, reaching a record 11.3 million. Thats the most in at least decade, according to the Seattle-based Boundless Immigration group. Stricter immigration enforcement during the first Trump administration led to more deportations and limits for Cubans arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. In his second term, Trump has imposed zero-tolerance policies that affected Cubans who once could stay afterward. Florida is home to approximately 1.6 million residents of Cuban origin, representing 7% of the states total population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Martinezs immigration lawyer, Lisette Sanchez, of Tampa, sent a request to U.S. immigration officials in 2024 asking to speed up the case. The filing included medical records, personal letters, forms, and details about the familys situation. The request was denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then came the travel ban. Now, the Department of Homeland Security said the ban will be reviewed every six months. But Sanchez said that for families with certain pending petitions, there is no timeline. Its indefinite, she said. The case is still open, but theres no legal way to move it forward. Martinezs husband has not yet applied for U.S. citizenship because he has not met the English language requirement. That means the petition cant be reclassified into a faster category reserved for U.S. citizens. I never wanted to do anything illegal. Ive followed every rule, Martinez said. Theres nothing else to file. The government shut down every door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez is now studying for her naturalization exam. She hopes to become a U.S. citizen and reopen a path to bring her son. Recently, Joseph B. Edlow, the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said in an interview with The New York Times that the test to become a U.S. citizen is too easy and should be changed. Sanchez said the Trump administrations claim to support legal immigration doesnt match its actions. Were talking about a child with a severe disability, with a stable home waiting for him, and a mother doing everything right, said Sanchez. What else do they want? In Cuba, Martinezs mother continues to care for Kevin, who she said is nonverbal and in need of therapy and support that isnt available in Pinar del Rio, located in the northwestern part of the island. My son needs therapy and care, but more than anything, he needs me, said Martinez. All that I want is to have my son with me. The Brief The Tampa Bay area ranks 13th-worst when it comes to populous metropolitan areas with bad traffic, a ConsumerAffairs study says. The Oklahoma-based research team looked at three factors: average commute times, daily hours of congestion, and the rate of fatal car crashes. Tampa was ranked #24 last year, which means the city jumped up 11 spots this year. TAMPA - A study by ConsumerAffairs ranked Tampa as having the 13th-worst traffic after studying data in the nations 50 most populous metropolitan areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The biggest thing that we saw and what led to (Tampa) getting their traffic rank being so much worse this year was congestion getting significantly worse," ConsumerAffairs media relations specialist Lauren Jobe told FOX 13. Dig deeper To conduct this study, the Oklahoma-based research group pulled data from the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). ConsumerAffairs looked at three factors: average commute times, daily hours of congestion, and the rate of fatal car crashes. Tampa ranked higher than the national average in all three categories, according to the organizations research team. "Roads are now congested for about four and a half hours a day. That's an hour and 45 minutes worse than the year before. So all in all, that adds up to about 40 days a year of drivers stuck in gridlock traffic - and significantly higher than the national average," Jobe said. "So Tampa drivers are spending about a week and a day longer than the average American." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We asked the ConsumerAffairs team why they think congestion has gotten worse in Tampa. "It can also be a sign of a solid economy," Jobe said. "People moving to Tampa or any other major city: That can actually be a pretty good economic indicator that there's a lot of growth happening." Researchers found the Tampa driver has an average commute time of 28.3 minutes, which is a 1.1% decrease from last year, but is still higher than the national average (26.9 minutes). Meanwhile, Tampa reported 14.01 fatal car crashes per 100,000 people, which is a 12.8% decrease from last year, but is also higher than the national average (11.33). READ: Progress Boulevard closure begins for major drainage project in south Hillsborough County Local perspective Several Tampa Bay area drivers told FOX 13 they believe 275 has some of the worst traffic. So what do they think is causing the congestion on roads across the area? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The construction -- the constant construction! -- and just people that don't know how to drive," Terrie Mills said. "I honestly don't know, but it seems like it's that way every single time -- even when we come down to the beach -- every single time, it's always at 275, there's a standstill," Amanda Maggio said. "Traffic is just always, it's horrible." Big picture view According to ConsumerAffairs worst traffic list, Miami came in 3rd; Orlando in 12th; Tampa in 13th, and Jacksonville in 23rd. For a look at the full list, click here. The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Ariel Plasencia. If you suffer from arachnophobia, this is the time of year when you're most likely to run into one of your worst nightmares: a tarantula. It's mating season for most of the 29 species of tarantulas in the United States, 10 of which can be found in California, according to Los Padres National Forest. Around this time, tarantulas tend to leave their burrows to hunt for a mate and they will travel up to 20 miles on their eight fuzzy legs to make a love connection. In Southern California, the two most common species are the Mojave blonde tarantula Aphonopelma iodius, which resides in the Mojave Desert area, and the California ebony tarantula Aphonopelma eutylenum, which lives in the south and eastern regions of San Diego and Imperial counties, said Danny McCamish, senior environmental scientist for the California State Parks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During mating season, which begins in August and can last until December, male tarantulas leave their burrows in search of a mate. "This highly visible behavior contrasts sharply with their otherwise cryptic, burrow-dwelling lifestyle," said McCamish. Outside of mating season, tarantulas only emerge at night to hunt. "Mating season for tarantulas is not uniform across the United States," McCamish said. "Instead, it depends heavily on regional climate, elevation and species-specific biology." Read more: The perfect dog breeds for very specific L.A. people Where you'll find a tarantula looking for love During mating season, tarantula sightings are common during dusk and nighttime hours, especially following warm days and before seasonal rains, McCamish said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They can be spotted moving around in chaparral and shrub but also in the deserts and mountain areas, said Doug Yanega, senior scientist at UC Riverside's Entomology Research Museum. One indicator of a possible tarantula sighting is a Tarantula hawk wasp buzzing around. This wasp hunts the spider to feed its offspring, according to the National Parks Service. The large blue-black wasps with bright orange wings are "a much better way to estimate the spider population than trying to actually find the spiders, which are intensely secretive," Yanega said. McCamish said some of the best-known locations for observing the California ebony tarantula include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northeast desert region : Joshua Tree National Park, including Black Rock Canyon and the Cottonwood Spring area near the southern entrance to Joshua Tree. You'll also find the eight-legged creatures along the road (at night) in the Mojave Trails National Monument also known as the "Heart of the Mojave." Central Coast region : The oak woodlands of Kern County near Hart Park, the Los Padres National Forest north of Santa Barbara and in Ventura near Casitas Pass. Greater Los Angeles : Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Malibu Creek State Park, the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains, Leo Carrillo State Park and Topanga Canyon. Southern desert and mountains: Eastern San Diego County including Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and the Stonewall Mine in the Laguna Mountain region. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park within the Colorado Desert of Southern California, particularly in the Borrego Palm Canyon and Yaqui Well areas. Experts say the male spiders may travel up to 20 miles throughout the mating season to find a connection, but the distance depends on the weather, food availability and other environmental conditions. While this is a solitary and competitive journey, you might wander across a swarm of tarantulas who happen to emerge at the same time. "Anecdotally, people can experience this 'horde' or 'swarm' in the desert during mating season late at night, if conditions are right, when hundreds can be seen crossing remote desert roads slowly on their mating search, McCamish said. A male tarantula on the prowl for a female in Mount Diablo State Park. (Susanne Rust / Los Angeles Times) How tarantulas court and the timeline for eggs hatching When a male locates a female tarantula, he "initiates a courtship ritual involving rhythmic tapping and vibration to signal his presence and avoid predation," McCamish said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the female is receptive, mating occurs. "Males don't live very long, and females often aggressively rebuff potential mates, so small or weak males may never successfully reproduce," Yanega added. On average, males live seven to 10 years, whereas females can reach 20 to 25 years or more, according to experts. After mating, the female may eat her counterpart, which is why some males try to escape. The female will then store the sperm in structures called spermathecae and eventually construct an egg sac where the eggs remain until they hatch the following spring or summer, said Sarah Crews, from the California Academy of Sciences' department of entomology. The baby tarantulas are known as "spiderlings." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The spiderlings probably hang out for a bit, then disperse and make their own burrows, likely not traveling too far," Crews said. Can a tarantula kill or injure me? Tarantulas are harmless unless grabbed. Researchers say their bodies are covered with "irritant hairs" that, if touched, can cause dermatitis and a rash. When a spider needs to protect itself from a predator, it rubs its hairs to ward off the danger. "This is why you sometimes see tarantulas with 'bald spots,'" Crews said. "They do it when they are stressed, so if you come across one and it starts doing that, best to leave it alone ... while it won't hurt humans, you don't want to stress out the poor guy he has enough problems at this point". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarantulas are often vilified in movies, but they are actually shy, slow-moving and reluctant to bite. Native tarantulas in the United States pose no serious threat to humans and only bite if severely provoked, McCamish said. The venom from a tarantula bite typically won't kill a human, but it can cause minor pain, swelling or itching. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The men shared bear hugs, showered praise on each other, and made appearances side by side at stadium rallies a big optics boost for two populist leaders with many ideological similarities. Each called the other a good friend. In India, the bonhomie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump was seen as a relationship like no other. That is, until a series of events gummed up the works. From Trumps tariffs and Indias purchase of oil from Russia to a US tilt towards Pakistan, friction between New Delhi and Washington has been hard to miss. And much of it has happened far from the corridors of power and, unsurprisingly, through Trumps posts on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has left policy experts wondering whether the camaraderie the two leaders shared may be a thing of the past, even though Trump has stopped short of referring to Modi directly on social media. The dip in rapport, some say, puts a strategic bilateral relationship built over decades at risk. This is a testing time for the relationship, said Ashok Malik, a former policy adviser in Indias Foreign Ministry. The White House did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Simmering tensions over trade and tariffs The latest hiccup between India and the US emerged last week when Trump announced that he was slapping 25% tariffs on India as well as an unspecified penalty because of Indias purchase of Russian oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For New Delhi, such a move from its largest trading partner is expected to be felt across sectors, but it also led to a sense of unease in India even more so when Trump, on social media, called Indias economy dead. Trumps recent statements reflect his frustration with the pace of trade talks with India, according to a White House official who was not authorised to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal administration thinking. The Republican president has not been pursuing any strategic realignment with Pakistan, according to the official, but is instead trying to play hardball in negotiations. Trump doubled down on the pressure Monday with a fresh post on Truth Social, in which he accused India of buying massive amounts of oil from Russia and then selling it on the Open Market for big profits". They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The messaging appears to have stung Modis administration, which has been hard-selling negotiations with Trumps team over a trade deal by balancing between Indias protectionist system while also opening up the countrys market to more American goods. Strenuous, uninterrupted and bipartisan efforts in both capitals over the past 25 years are being put at risk by not just the tariffs but by fast and loose statements and social media posts, said Malik, who heads the India chapter of The Asia Group, a US advisory firm. Malik also said the trade deal the Indian side has offered to the US is the most expansive in this countrys history, referring to reports that India was willing to open up to some American agricultural products. That is a politically sensitive issue for Modi, who faced a yearlong farmers protest a few years ago. President Donald Trump meets with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office of the White House. February 2025 - Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Trump appears to be tilting toward Pakistan The unravelling may have gained momentum over tariffs, but the tensions have been palpable for a while. Much of it has to do with Trump growing closer to Pakistan, Indias nuclear rival in the neighbourhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, India and Pakistan traded a series of military strikes over a gun massacre in the disputed Kashmir region that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan denied the accusations. The four-day conflict made the possibility of a nuclear conflagration between the two sides seem real and the fighting only stopped when global powers intervened. But it was Trumps claims of mediation and an offer to work to provide a solution regarding the dispute over Kashmir that made Modis administration uneasy. Since then, Trump has repeated nearly two dozen times that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan. For Modi, that is a risky even nervy territory. Domestically, he has positioned himself as a leader who is tough on Pakistan. Internationally, he has made huge diplomatic efforts to isolate the country. So Trumps claims cut a deep wound, prompting a sense in India that the US may no longer be its strategic partner. India insists that Kashmir is Indias internal issue and had opposed any third-party intervention. Last week Modi appeared to dismiss Trumps claims after Indias opposition began demanding answers from him. Modi said that no country in the world stopped the fighting between India and Pakistan, but he did not name Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also appeared to be warming up to Pakistan, even praising its counterterrorism efforts. Hours after levying tariffs on India, Trump announced a massive oil exploration deal with Pakistan, saying that one day, India might have to buy oil from Islamabad. Earlier, he also hosted one of Pakistans top military officials at a private lunch. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia, an expert at New Delhis Jindal School of International Affairs, said Trumps sudden admiration for Pakistan as a great partner in counterterrorism has definitely soured the mood in India. Chaulia said the best-case scenario is that this is just a passing Trump whim, but he also warned that if financial and energy deals are indeed being struck between the US and Pakistan, it will dent the US-India strategic partnership and lead to loss of confidence in the US in Indian eyes". Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indias oil purchases from Russia are an irritant India had faced strong pressure from the Biden administration to cut back its oil purchases from Moscow during the early months of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Instead, India bought more, making it the second-biggest buyer of Russian oil after China. That pressure sputtered over time and the US focused more on building strategic ties with India, which is seen as a bulwark against a rising China. Trumps threat to penalise India over oil, however, brought back those issues. On Sunday, the Trump administration made its frustrations over ties between India and Russia ever more public. Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House, accused India of financing Russias war in Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow, saying it was "not acceptable". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller's remarks were followed by another Trump social media post on Monday in which he again threatened to raise tariffs on goods from India over its Russian oil purchases. India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine," Trump wrote. Some experts, though, suspect Trump's remarks are mere pressure tactics. Given the wild fluctuations in Trumps policies, Chaulia said, it may return to high fives and hugs again. Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump visited India during his first term. February 2020. - Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. India says it will safeguard its interests Many expected India to react strongly over Trump's tariff threats considering Modis carefully crafted reputation of strength. Instead, the announcement prompted a rather careful response from Indias commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, who said the two countries are working toward a "fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, Indias Foreign Ministry also played down suggestions of any strain. But in a statement late Monday, it called Trumps criticism unjustified and unreasonable and said it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security". It said India began importing oil from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, calling it a necessity compelled by global market situation". The statement also noted US trade with Russia. It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia, the statement said. In June this year, Paul Henderson received test results showing elevated PSA levels. In this weekly diary, he will be sharing what life is like in the weeks that follow: the tests, the scans, the fear and what its like when you have to sit down with your loved ones to discuss the possibility of cancer. After the urgent letter telling me that I may have cancer, two long weeks of worrying followed. Worrying alongside many emotional conversations with my wife, Marilyn, and practical discussions on what a diagnosis might mean. Its not all doom and gloom, but were both anxious about what the future might hold. Like many families, over the years weve felt the effects of cancer at first hand most recently when Marilyns mum lost her battle with the disease last year so we know how bad things can get. But we keep reminding ourselves that we arent there yet. Weve decided to hold off telling our children until we have a better idea about what were dealing with. In all honesty, its a relief to put that off for a few weeks at least. Instead, we talk about the practicalities. If it is cancer, will I be able to keep working? Where can we get help if we need it? Who are the friends and family we can count on for love and support? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We try, however, not to get carried away. At this point, my cancer is suspected, not confirmed. Its comforting because when it comes to PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests, a higher than normal level does not automatically mean you have cancer. Although it can indicate the presence of disease, it may be that other prostate problems have caused your PSA score to rise, such as having an enlarged benign prostate or prostatitis. In the days following my own abnormal result, information like this gave me some comfort and a sense of perspective. After I received an initial PSA of 18.1, my doctor pointed out that I shouldnt jump to any conclusions. There are a few things that can cause a high PSA, Dr Mahmoud explained. Vigorous exercise, recent sexual activity, even a urine infection can skew the result. This unreliability and occasional inaccuracy is one of the reasons the test is not recommended as a primary screening tool for prostate cancer. However, as a general rule the higher the PSA level especially anything over 10 the greater the likelihood of a serious problem. The first step in establishing if that is the case is an MRI. As I waited for my scan date, a second PSA test ordered by my GP returned a score of 17.3. I thought this, perhaps, was a good sign? After my initial panic, the rational part of my brain kicked back into gear and I stopped planning for the worst. Instead, I began hoping for the best. Perhaps I had been overdoing it at the gym? Did I have sex before my first test? Maybe I didnt have cancer after all. With this new-found positivity, Marilyn and I were looking forward to the MRI. I took the earliest appointment they had available at Whipps Cross University Hospital, and arrived in the early afternoon on a Saturday, exactly two weeks after my PSA result had been returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The multi-parametric MRI scan itself is quick and painless, lasting barely 20 minutes. And although it wouldnt be able to diagnose cancer, it would produce a more detailed image of the prostate and highlight any areas of concern. Just over a week later I got the news that abnormalities have been detected and that I will need to schedule a biopsy. Having initially failed to ask the right questions when confronted with my PSA test result, this time I make sure to ask for clarification. Did I understand the information I received? Absolutely not. So I asked if they would email me a copy of the MRI result. When it arrived minutes later, I was none the wiser. I studied the information and drew a blank. It was a short but detailed one-page typed report written in radiography shorthand and detailed the size of the prostate and the quality of the study as good, referring to axial images of my anterior left midgland, a PZ-TZ, no bone lesions but patchy changes that may be Likert 3. The Likert scale was something I was familiar with. This five-point scoring system is used by radiologists to assess the likelihood of prostate cancer 1 indicates a very low probability of cancer, while a score of 5 indicates the opposite. So Likert 3 not great, not terrible. I shared the result with Marilyn and she came to the same conclusion. Perhaps we were clutching at straws a little bit, but it didnt seem like the end of the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That came the day after. Whilst working from home, my failure to grasp the MRI result nagged away at me. What was it saying that I couldnt read? So I did what we all do these days and consulted Dr Google. Copying the details, I asked AI to explain the scan in English. And like an online Alan Turing it did exactly that. Thats when I realised that my wife and I had both missed something. Although there was an area on the right side of my prostate that was a Likert 3, the real problem was the tumour on the left side likely Likert 5. This wasnt a red flag. It was a fluorescent distress flare that was illuminating the night sky. I was devastated and all my optimism vanished in an instant. According to Cancer Research UK, If you have a Likert score of 3 or more, this result on its own doesnt mean that you definitely have prostate cancer. But its more likely that you do. Getting that kind of news when you are alone is hard to deal with, but I knew worse was to come. Because when Marilyn came home from work I would have to break the news to her. And it broke my heart. When she walked through the door she knew instantly something was wrong. We sat down and I talked her through it. A big part of me hoped Id got it wrong but I knew I hadnt. And so did she. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tears came thick and fast. We both knew in our hearts this was cancer. The biopsy would simply confirm how bad it was. This was the real deal. Frequently asked questions Answered by the Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurses team Why are we still using PSA tests? While the PSA test isnt perfect, Prostate Cancer UK supports its use as the best first step we currently have in identifying men who may be at risk of prostate cancer. The test isnt specific for prostate cancer, other things can cause it to rise, such as benign prostate problems, or a urinary tract infection (sometimes referred to as false positives) and there are smaller number of men who do have prostate cancer, but their PSA level never rises (false negatives), which is why its not currently used as part of a national screening programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the PSA test can help detect prostate cancer at a point when treatment is more likely to be effective, and it can help save lives. Prostate Cancer UK recommends that men at higher risk, including Black men and those with a family history, are proactively offered a PSA test from age 45. For all men, the charity strongly supports access to PSA testing within a framework of informed choice, so individuals understand both the potential benefits and the risks before deciding whether to go ahead. Until better tests are available, PSA remains low-cost, and important gateway into the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway, while research continues, through studies like the Transform trial, to develop more accurate screening tools for the future. Whats the purpose of an MRI scan? A raised PSA result can mean that there might be a prostate problem but PSA results alone often cant tell us what that problem might be. An MRI creates a detailed image of the prostate and the surrounding areas. This helps your doctor to determine whether an abnormality can be seen which might be suggestive of prostate cancer and if so, whether further tests such as a prostate biopsy might be needed. A prostate biopsy is the only test which can definitively diagnose prostate cancer, but the MRI can help to correctly identify those men who need a biopsy and to prevent many men from having unnecessary invasive procedures if they dont need them. What should I do if I dont understand my MRI results? Ideally, MRI results are best placed to be interpreted and explained by the medical team looking after you, this might be by a doctor or a specialist nurse. This allows the results to be discussed in a personalised way, taking into account all of your results so far, any risk factors and medical history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some terms which may be discussed with you such as a Likert or PI-RADS score, this tells you how unlikely or likely it is that any abnormality seen on the MRI is a clinically significant cancer or not. PI-RADS and Likert scores have the same values, and your score will be between 1 and 5. After getting your score, you and your doctor will decide whether you need to have a biopsy. Your doctor may suggest you have regular PSA blood tests so that any changes in your PSA level are picked up early. Youll also be offered treatment for any urinary symptoms. Or you and your doctor may decide that you should have a prostate biopsy, as it will help to confirm whether there is cancer that needs to be treated. How can I ask for emotional support after getting test results that indicate cancer? Having tests for prostate cancer can cause a lot of worry, stress and anxiety. These feelings are very normal. We often hear the waiting for tests and the results, that feeling of not knowing, can be the hardest. And then theres the shock when you get the news that you have prostate cancer. You may feel like you have no control over what is going to happen to you. The waiting period might feel very long, and the future may feel uncertain. There is no right or wrong way to deal with these feelings. Some people find it helpful to carry on with their usual activities as much as possible. Continuing with everyday activities, such as going to work or looking after the grandchildren, or doing the school run can be a welcome distraction from the worry. Other people may feel they cannot concentrate on anything else or even function normally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some people look for more information about prostate cancer during this time. Searching for information can help you feel more in control while you wait for your results. But this is not always helpful. Some information can be confusing or upsetting or cause more worry and anxiety. Be mindful that you may find information that does not apply to your situation. Write down any questions you may have and ask your specialist when you get your results. It may help to talk to your loved ones and get support from your family and friends. Speak with your specialist or nurse if you have any concerns. If your mental health is affected significantly speak with your GP. Your GP can assess whether any specific intervention is necessary, like medication or counselling. There are prostate cancer support organisations like Prostate Cancer UK we have a specialist nurses helpline and plenty of resources that people and their families find helpful at this stage. Other organisations that can help are Macmillan Cancer Support, Penny Brohn UK and Cancer Research UK. It can also be helpful to find out about local support services in your area, for example Maggies centres or support groups. Its helpful to take a loved one with you when you get your biopsy results. Some people dont remember anything after being told they have prostate cancer so having another person present can help you remember. It can also help to take a pen and note pad with if you are not able to write anything down, ask the doctor or nurse to do this for you. Find out who your key worker or key person is thats assigned to you so you know who to contact at the clinic if you have more questions. 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. Teen accused of killing parents in Middleburg asks 911 dispatcher to pray for him Action News Jax is learning new details from the 911 calls released from the night that Clay County deputies say 14-year-old Trevor Lee killed his parents. According to Trevors arrest report, his father, David Lee, 44, and mother, Brandi Smith, 44, were found shot in their bedroom, and deputies said there were several spent shell casings in that room. The Clay County Sheriffs Office shared two calls, one made by Trevor Lee and one made by his older sister, Ayanna Russell, who lives in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell told Action News Jax on Monday night that her brother is not a monster. Both calls are heavily redacted. In the call Trevor made, he can be heard telling the dispatcher he needs to pray. RELATED: Its devastating: Neighbors react after sheriff says teen shot, killed parents in Middleburg Trevor: Im going to pray. I need to pray. Dispatch: You need to pray? Trevor: Yes maam. Sheriff Michelle Cook said Monday that after shooting his parents, Trevor walked to a nearby church and turned himself in to deputies. RELATED: Guess well never know: Family, friend reflects on teen accused of killing parents in Clay County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also asked the dispatcher to pray for him, and they agreed to do so. Trevor: Maam? Dispatcher: Im listening to you, hon. Trevor: Can you pray? Dispatcher: Go ahead, Ill listen to you. Trevor: Well, I was asking, I was going to ask if you could pray for me, maam. Dispatcher: Ill definitely be praying for you, son. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] After this exchange, other dispatch traffic could be heard on the call advising crews heading to the church to be aware of a possible ambush. Russell stayed on the phone with dispatchers for nearly 20 minutes while deputies tried to track down her brother and get into the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew it. I knew we shouldnt have had a (expletive) gun. I told them. I told them, she said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Trevors arrest report said he was eventually taken into custody without incident in the parking lot of Cross Pointe Church. A spokesperson for State Attorney Melissa Nelsons office said Lee had a detention hearing Tuesday morning in juvenile court and is being held in a juvenile detention facility. We asked if Nelsons office will charge him as an adult. A spokesperson said its still an active investigation and that decision hasnt been made. They said Lees next hearing is August 13 in Clay County. 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. A teenager who mysteriously disappeared from her Moreno Valley home overnight has now been missing for over four months, and her family is asking for the communitys help in finding her and making sure shes okay. According to the nonprofit National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), 17-year-old Denlynn Phelps said goodnight to her family before going to bed on March 18. Denlynns mother, Chris Phelps, said nothing seemed out of the ordinary. However, the next morning, Chris woke up to find her daughter was nowhere to be found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denlynn, we love and miss you so much, Chris said in a message she hopes will reach her daughter. Even if you dont want to come home, please call anyone in the family to let us know that you are okay. If you need anything, please reach out and we will be there for you. Chris told NCMEC that there has been no communication from Denlynn since she went missing, and that her family is deeply concerned for the teens well-being. She emphasized that Denlynn may need medical attention and urged the public to please come forward with any information regarding her whereabouts. NCMEC described Denlynn as 5 feet 4 inches tall, and said she weighed about 125 pounds when she was last seen. She also has hazel eyes and brown hair. Authorities believe that Denlynn may stay in the local or surrounding areas or may travel out of state, the nonprofit stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about Denlynn or her disappearance is asked to contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Riverside County Sheriffs Office (California) at 1-951-955-2400. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. CHICAGO (WGN) A teen girl was hospitalized after she was injured in a drive-by shooting on the citys South Side early Tuesday morning. Chicago police say the shooting unfolded just after 1:30 a.m. in the 7400 block of South Dante Avenue in Grand Crossing. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines According to police, the victim, a 16-year-old girl, was in the yard of a residence in the area when an unknown offender traveling in a gray SUV opened fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the shooting, the individual responsible fled the scene in an unknown direction. Officers said the teen girl was struck in both legs and was later taken to the hospital, where she was listed in serious condition. Currently, it is unclear what led to the gunfire and officers say an investigation is now underway. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact CPD Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. We are getting a break in the monsoon this week with much drier and hotter weather moving in. High temperatures will likely break records for parts of New Mexico this week. Much drier air continues moving into New Mexico today. There is still some moisture in place across eastern New Mexico, but a growing area of high pressure overhead is keeping the state hot and dry. Temperatures today climbed into 90s and triple digits. Even hotter weather moves in Tuesday as high pressure settles into the state. The high pressure system will keep the entire state hot and mostly dry. Temperatures will continue to hover near record levels through at least Friday, with a few locations across the state breaking record highs each afternoon starting Wednesday. Temperatures around the Albuquerque Metro could hit 100 as early as Tuesday afternoon, with a higher chance through the rest of the week. Heat Advisories will likely be issued each afternoon through at least Friday. There is a good chance the Metro will set a record high of 100 on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few spotty afternoon storms will be possible across some of the mountain peaks beginning Wednesday afternoon. Rainfall accumulations will generally be light and most of the rain may even evaporate before reaching the ground. More monsoon moisture will work its way into the state starting this weekend, bringing rain chances back as early as Saturday. They will also help to cool high temperatures off a couple degrees into early next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Tenants in States of Guernsey housing will no longer have to pay to provide carpets and floor coverings when they move under new rules. The States of Guernsey said this was the result of work which began during the last political term by the Committee for Employment & Social Security and was handed over to the Committee for Housing to progress. It added the committee was looking to obtain prices from potential suppliers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The change is expected to be introduced early next year but will depend on the response to the sourcing and contractor availability, it said. Previously, tenant Aimee Coutu called for a change in States policy after spending about 10,000 removing and fitting carpets in three States of Guernsey homes she has lived in with her young family. Existing rules meant tenants had to pay to remove carpets on moving out, unless Housing decided it could stay. It also meant many floors were left bare for new tenants. Deputy Tina Bury, president of the committee for employment and social security, said: "Private renters and Guernsey Housing Association tenants are generally not expected to provide their own floor coverings when moving into a new property, so this levels the playing field and brings the States in line with standard practice as a modern landlord." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Steve Williams, president of the committee for housing, said: "I know that Deputy Bury and the previous Members of her Committee felt very strongly that it was no longer acceptable to expect tenants to move in to properties without floor coverings and be expected to take out loans or rely on family or charitable support, and so I'm delighted that my Committee can oversee the next stage of this important policy development." 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 The state of Tennessee on Aug. 5 executed death row inmate Byron Black despite concerns from medical experts that his implanted heart device might repeatedly shock him. He was pronounced dead at 10:43 a.m. and had no last words. He did leave a message with his attorney, expressing love for his family and friends and encouragement for his legal team. Black, 69, had been on Tennessees death row since 1989 for the South Nashville murders of his ex-girlfriend Angela Clay and her two daughters Latoya, 9, and Lakeisha, 6. He died by lethal injection at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessean along with several other news outlets witnessed the execution. Black sighed, took in deep breaths and appeared to groan in pain during the process. At one point, he murmured, "It's hurting so bad." His spiritual advisor replied, "I'm so sorry." Speaking after the execution, Black's lawyer Kelley Henry, a federal public defender who had represented him for 25 years, said she believes he was tortured. Henry said she plans to request the autopsy report and the electrocardiogram report to show how his heart responded. She said Black should not have raised his head in pain and that the lethal injection drug, pentobarbital, did not work as planned. "Today, the state of Tennessee killed a gentle, kind, fragile, intellectually disabled man in violation of the laws of our country, simply because they could," she said "No one in a position of power, certainly not the courts, was willing to stop them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black's unique case made national headlines as his lawyers battled the state to have his implanted heart defibrillator disabled before the execution out of fears that it would repeatedly shock him as his heart stopped, causing a prolonged and painful death. However, the Tennessee Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the state could move forward with the execution without deactivating the heart device. Black was the second man put to death by the state in 2025 after the Tennessee Department of Correction developed its new execution protocol following a five-year hiatus prompted by revelations the state failed to follow its previous procedures. Black was served his final meal of pizza with mushrooms and sausage, donuts and butter pecan ice cream at 4:45 p.m. Aug. 4, according to Tennessee Department of Correction spokesperson Dorinda Carter. Victim's relatives 'thank God for this day' Angela Clay's sister Linette Bell said in a statement read by a state employee that Black's death delivered long sought closure for her family. Now, Angela and her two daughters can rest in peace, Linette Bell's statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I thank God for this day, a day that was a long time coming," the statement from Linette Bell read. "Thirty-seven years is too long, and it's not our fault." Now, Black's family is going through what she and her family went through 37 years ago, Linette Bell's statement said. "I can't say I'm sorry because we never got an apology," the statement said. "He never apologized, and he never admitted it. Even on his dying bed, he took it to his grave with him. And he knows he did it." Marie Bell, Angela's mother, thanked the Lord she could see closure, her statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I hope that we can be in peace from this day forward." Witnesses: Black showed visible, audible signs of distress on the gurney Media witnesses who watched Black die were unanimous in reporting that he showed both visible and audible signs of distress. The curtain to the execution room opened on Black at 10:31 a.m., showing him strapped to a gurney and covered in a sheet with IV lines running to his body. At 10:33 a.m., he was sighing heavily. He told his spiritual advisor he was in pain. Around 10:36 a.m., Black stopped moving and appeared to lose consciousness. He was pronounced dead at 10:43 a.m. Steve Cavendish, editor of the Nashville Banner who witnessed both the execution of Black and Oscar Franklin Smith earlier in 2025, said Black's death appeared very different than Smith's. A battle over Blacks mental impairment In addition to the concerns over his heart device, Black was intellectually disabled with an IQ ranging from 57 to 76. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state had declared him intellectually disabled, but the Tennessee Supreme Court in July declined a new review of his case since it had already been adjudicated before the state changed its standards. If Black were tried today, he would not be eligible for the death penalty. Blacks lawyer Henry, a longtime federal public defender of those on Tennessees death row, said Black is the first person with an intellectual disability to be executed in Tennessee since the state reinstituted capital punishment in 1972. Questions over Black's heart device Black, who suffered from congestive heart failure, had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) that worked like a pacemaker to maintain his heart rhythm. The battle over disabling the device caused a confusing legal tangle for the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a three-day hearing in July, a medical expert testified that Black may experience extremely painful, repeated shocks from the device as the lethal injection drug shut down his system. A Davidson County Chancery Court judge ruled that the state must have the device deactivated at Nashville General Hospital on the morning of his execution. But Nashville General later said it had never agreed to perform the procedure. That state had argued that Black would be unconscious and unlikely to feel pain. The U.S. Supreme Court in an Aug. 4 ruling denied Black's request for a stay on his execution, and Gov. Bill Lee said in a news release he did not plan to intervene. Protesters, supporters gather outside prison By 10 a.m., more than two dozen people had gathered to protest the death penalty. They conversed softly; there were no chants. A fence separated the areas designated for supporters and opponents of the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bethany Mann was dressed in all black, with a solemn look in her eyes. She called the death penalty "legalized lynching." She said she had gotten to know people in Riverbend's "Unit 2," where the inmates sentenced to death live, and she said she believes the death penalty is not the answer. Emily Harrington was protesting Black's execution and said a person with mental disabilities like dementia should not be executed. And after spending more than 30 years on death row, like Black has, Harrington believes "they're not the same person." "You're just creating more victims, more crime," Harrington said. "It's just a vicious circle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some family members of the victims believe Black's death is deserved. Nicoule Davis was 13 when Byron Black killed her cousins. Now 51, Davis and her family gathered outside the prison holding neon signs that read "justice served." "It's time for a celebration," Davis said. "We've been waiting for years and years." A crime that rocked South Nashville Bennie Clay listens to his sister, Joyce Wilson, discuss the 1988 murders of his then wife, Angela Clay, and their two daughters on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. The murders on March 28, 1988, shocked the South Nashville community. Angela Clay, 29, and her two girls were sleeping when Black entered the house and shot them to death. Black had dated Angela when she was separated from her husband, Bennie Clay, and Black apparently became enraged when he heard of their plans to reconcile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the murders, Black had been out of jail on work release for shooting Bennie Clay in the shoulder. Before the execution, Bennie Clay said he had forgiven Black through God. Black is the second person to be executed in Tennessee this year since the state resumed capital punishment after a five-year hiatus. In May, the state executed Oscar Franklin Smith for the murders of his estranged wife Judith Robirds Smith and her two teenage sons, Chad Burnett and Jason Burnett, in Nashville. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee executes Byron Black despite concerns about heart device Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has authorized 160 members of the Tennessee National Guard to deploy to Washington, DC. (Photo by Tenn. Air Guard Master Sgt. Kendra Owenby) Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is mobilizing the National Guard to help federal agents with President Donald Trumps mass deportations. Responding to questions from the Tennessee Lookout, the Governors Office restated Tuesday what Lee has said several times, Tennessee stands ready to support President Trumps efforts to secure our nations borders and remove the most violent criminals from our streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting on a request for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the governor authorized National Guard troops to assist with administrative and clerical duties at Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facilities in Tennessee. Guard members, working under the governors orders but being paid by the federal government, will help ICE with data entry, case management and logistical support, according to the governors spokesperson, Elizabeth Johnson. The mission is in the planning stage, and the Guard will work with state and federal agencies to decide how to respond to the request, according to Johnson. Key Republican leaders in state government have supported the presidents deportation moves from the outset, including Lt. Gov. Randy McNally of Oak Ridge. I absolutely agree with the use of National Guard personnel for the purpose of providing administrative and logistical support for ICE as they enforce immigration law. Our laws have been ignored and our border has been overrun for too long. Tennessee stands ready to support President Trumps efforts to restore order to the border in any way it can, McNally said in a statement to the Lookout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee has made no secret of his plans to use state personnel to back Trumps deportation of millions of immigrants. But while the governor mentioned aiding with the removal of violent criminals, Trump hasnt limited deportation to those accused of serious crimes. The governor asked state agencies to start preparing for deportation efforts on the first day of Trumps second presidential term in January. Tennessee is reported to be one of 20 states whose Republican governors agreed to assist ICE with deportation tasks such as paperwork. But National Public Radio reported the Department of Homeland Security is considering using National Guard troops for detention and transportation of immigrants as well as finding fugitives. Democratic Rep. John Ray Clemmons of Nashville criticized the move Tuesday, saying Congress set aside nearly $170 billion for immigration enforcement and border security, including $75 billion for ICE. He questioned why Tennessee taxpayers should help with deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, if Gov. Lee wants to play Army and mobilize the National Guard, he should have it deliver food and aid packages to the children across Tennessee who he intentionally refused to feed this summer, Clemmons said. Lee declined to include the state in a federally-funded summer food program, turning down an estimated $75 million that affected about 700,000 children and opting for a $3 million state-run program for fewer kids. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A man convicted of killing his girlfriend and her two young daughters in the 1980s said he was hurting so bad while he was given a lethal injection Tuesday in Tennessee, where authorities had refused to deactivate his implanted defibrillator despite claims it might cause unnecessary, painful shocks as the drugs were administered. Black's attorney said they will review data kept by the device as part of an autopsy. Black died at 10:43 a.m., prison officials said. It was about 10 minutes after the execution started and Black talked about being in pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked for any last words, he replied, No sir. Black looked around the room as the execution started, lifting his head off the gurney multiple times, and could be heard sighing and breathing heavily. All seven media witnesses to the execution agreed he appeared to be in discomfort. Throughout the execution, a spiritual adviser prayed and sang over Black, at one point touching his face. Oh, it's hurting so bad," Black said, as he lay with his hands and chest restrained to the gurney, a sheet covering up past his lower half, and an IV line in his arm. I'm so sorry. Just listen to my voice, the adviser responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black was executed after a back-and-forth in court over whether officials would need to turn off his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, or ICD. Black, 69, was in a wheelchair, suffering from dementia, brain damage, kidney failure, congestive heart failure and other conditions, his attorneys have said. The nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center said its unaware of any other cases with similar claims to Blacks about ICDs or pacemakers. Blacks attorneys said they havent found a comparable case, either. Black killed his girlfriend and her 2 daughters 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 Clay's sister said Black will now face a higher power. His family is now going through the same thing we went through 37 years ago. I can't say Im sorry because we never got an apology," Linette Bell, Angela Clay's sister, said in a statement read by a victim's advocate after the execution. Black's lawyer said the execution was shameful. Today, the state of Tennessee killed a gentle, kind, fragile, intellectually disabled man in a violation of the laws of our country simply because they could," attorney Kelley Henry said. The legal fight over Black's defibrillator Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In mid-July, a trial court judge agreed with Blacks attorneys that officials must have the defibrillator deactivated to avert the risk that it could cause unnecessary pain and prolong the execution. But Tennessee's Supreme Court overturned that decision Thursday, saying the other judge lacked authority to order the change. The state disputed that the lethal injection would cause Blacks defibrillator to shock him and said he wouldnt feel them regardless. Henry said Black's defense team will carefully review autopsy results, EKG data from Black and information from the defibrillator to determine what exactly happened during the execution. The lethal injection protocol is still being challenged in court. She said she was especially concerned about his head movement and complaints of pain because the massive dose of pentobarbital used to kill inmates is supposed to rapidly leave them unconscious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that he was able to raise his head several times and express pain tells you that the pentobarbital was not acting the way the state's experts claim it acts, Henry said. Prison officials did not comment on witnesses and Blacks attorney saying he appeared conscious or his complaints of pain. It was Tennessees second execution since May, after a pause for five years, first because of COVID-19 and then because of missteps by state corrections officials. Twenty-eight men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S., and nine other people are scheduled to be put to death in seven states during the remainder of 2025. The number of executions this year exceeds the 25 carried out last year and in 2018. It is the highest total since 2015, when 28 people were put to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black's condition Black had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, which is a small, battery-powered electronic device that is surgically implanted in the chest. It served as a pacemaker and an emergency defibrillator. Blacks attorneys have said a doctor can send it a deactivation command without surgery. The legal case also spurred a reminder that most medical professionals consider participation in executions a violation of health care ethics. Intellectual disability claim In recent years, Black's legal team has unsuccessfully tried to get a new hearing about an intellectual disability they say he's exhibited since childhood. People with intellectual disabilities are constitutionally barred from execution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His attorneys have said that if they had delayed a prior attempt to seek his intellectual disability claim, he would have been spared under a 2021 state law. That is because the 2021 law denies a hearing to people on death row who have already filed a similar request and a court has ruled on it on the merits." A judge denied Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk's attempt to get Black a new hearing. Funk focused on input from an expert for the state in 2004 who determined back then that Black didnt meet the criteria for what was then called "mental retardation. But she concluded that Black met the new laws criteria for a diagnosis of intellectual disability. ___ Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this story. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) Tensions were high on Monday evening in London as the city council proposed a bombshell resolution in a public meeting. Some members tried to impeach the mayor. This comes on the heels of several recent lawsuits and allegations made against Mayor Randall Weddle. It was a packed and vocal crowd at the London Community Center as the city council presented more than a dozen charges against Weddle, including violating proper procedure in dismissing members of the London Housing Authority and claims he harassed city employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution seeks to remove the mayor from office, but it came as a shock to many. I had no idea this was going to be brought up tonight, said City Attorney Larry Bryson. Community members who support the mayor said there is insufficient evidence to support the councils claims. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Ive not seen anything that supports what is in this resolution that they put in the amended agenda, said Katie Johnson, who works in London. Theres nothing that backs it up. Nothing that I have seen that truly backs that up other than hearsay. Weddle said the council should be obligated to conduct a proper investigation before taking any further action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve stated these charges without one exploratory committee, one investigation not one time come into the city hall to look into documentation without going to the Housing Authority to look at documentation, said Weddle. Youve read social media, and now you want to charge me with a bunch of lies. Attorney Brandon Voelker is representing several people behind some of the claims. He said former London police officer Jared Hale was forced out of his job following alleged harassment and defamation at the hands of Weddle. Voelker claims this happened after Weddle released a dispatch call between Hale and the judge executive on the internet following the death of Doug Harless. It would appear that what they were trying to do was somehow deflect from the fact that whats been heavily reported, and I think even confirmed, is that people were going to the wrong house and shot an innocent man, said Voelker. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although there was heated discussion between the council and mayor and an abrupt end to the meeting, an attorney representing the council told FOX 56 the resolution to impeach the mayor will move forward to the next phase. There was no citation of any laws that were violated in this motion, said TJ Roberts, who was representing Chris Wiest Attorney at Law PLLC. So as a result, I would say that this motion was validly adopted. A hearing will now be scheduled for that vote to impeach, but attorneys said it would take a unanimous vote to remove Weddle from 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 56 News. A Texas appeals court this week denied Attorney General Ken Paxtons office's request to question a nun who leads Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, one of the states largest migrant aid organizations. In a 2-1 ruling issued on Monday, the three-judge panel of the 15th Court of Appeals reaffirmed a lower courts ruling from last year. The 11-page ruling said the attorney generals office had the burden of proof to demonstrate that the benefits of forcing a pre-suit deposition outweigh the burdens to Catholic Charities. Given Catholic Charities cooperation with the investigation, the documents it produced, and its provision of a sworn statement answering the (Office of the Attorney Generals) questions, the trial court was within its discretion to deny Paxtons request to question Sister Norma Pimentel, the leader of the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is one of several in which the attorney generals office has targeted groups that work with migrants across the state. The probes began after Abbott in December 2022 directed Paxtons office to investigate the role non-governmental organizations may have in planning and assisting illegal border crossings into Texas. As part of these efforts, in March 2024, Paxtons office requested a sworn statement and to make a representative of the organization available for questioning. Catholic Charities declined and instead provided more than 100 pages of documents and a sworn statement from Pimentel. Unsatisfied with the organizations response, Paxtons office asked a judge to allow Paxtons investigators to question the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valleys leadership. In July 2024, a state judge in Hidalgo County denied Paxtons request after an evidentiary hearing. In Texas, lawyers can question someone under oath for an investigation before a lawsuit is filed, but they need a judges approval to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, in a statement after the ruling, Pimentel said the organization would always strive to fulfill its legal obligations while continuing its mission. 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. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is moving forward with a plan to remove quorum-breaking House Democrats from office, asserting that by leaving the state they have abandoned their positions, his office announced Tuesday. Paxton said he would begin asking Texas courts on Friday to remove the Democrats if they do not return to Austin. Democrats have abandoned their offices by fleeing Texas, and a failure to respond to a call of the House constitutes a dereliction of their duty as elected officials, Paxton said in a statement. Starting Friday, any rogue lawmakers refusing to return to the House will be held accountable for vacating their office. The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you dont show up to work, you get fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal process to remove the lawmakers will likely take time. First, Paxton must file a case against each individual absent Democrat in various district courts, a process that would surely lead to appeals and could drag out long beyond the end of the special session on Aug. 19. Even if Paxton succeeds in getting them removed, Gov. Greg Abbott would need to call for special elections to fill the seats, according to Texas law, which says that an unexpired term in office may be filled only by a special election. Abbott sought to accelerate the process by bypassing district courts and filing an emergency petition Tuesday with the state's Supreme Court against Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu. Paxton issued a nonbinding legal opinion in 2021 during Democrats last quorum break, which Republican Gov. Greg Abbott cited on Monday while also accusing the lawmakers absconded from their responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that opinion, Paxton took no position on whether breaking quorum is constitutional. He also declined to say whether fleeing Democrats could or should be removed from office. Rather, he called it a fact question for a court that he said was beyond the scope of his office to decide. He noted instead that he could file what are known as quo warranto actions in court, asking a judge to determine whether the missing lawmakers had officially vacated their seats. When Abbott made the same argument on Monday, Democrats responded simply: Come and take it. Democrats have fled Texas to blue strongholds like Illinois, New York and Massachusetts in order to prevent the legislature from voting on a recently-drawn congressional map pushed by President Donald Trump that would give the GOP five more friendly seats ahead of next years midterms. Democrats are going to fight this tooth and nail and until the will of the voters is respected, Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin said during a press conference Tuesday. This is not the Democratic Party of your grandfather, which would bring a pencil to the knife fight. This is a new Democratic Party. We're bringing a knife to a knife fight." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Constitution allows for quorum-breaking, and lawmakers and legal experts alike were quick to dismiss Paxtons claims that Democrats had abandoned their positions. Later on Tuesday, Texas Sen. John Cornyn who is facing a strong primary challenge from Paxton wrote a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel requesting the arrest of Democrats who left the state, arguing they broke the law by violating their oath of office. These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable, Cornyn wrote in his letter. Responding to a question from reporters about Cornyns letter, Trump said the FBI may have to take action to bring the Texas Democrats back to the state. (The FBI) may have to, he said. The governor of Texas is demanding they come back. The FBI declined to comment. Kyle Cheney and Shia Kapos contributed to this report. As soon as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) vowed to oust, arrest and replace Democratic state lawmakers who left Texas to slow down Republican lawmakers efforts to redraw state congressional maps in their political favor, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made a big show of backing Abbotts attempted display of strength. Democrats in the Texas House who try and run away like cowards should be found, arrested, and brought back to the Capitol immediately, he posted on Elon Musks X on Sunday. We should use every tool at our disposal to hunt down those who think they are above the law. An hour later, he posted again, suggesting the radical Democrats who fled the state to prevent their Republican colleagues from reaching a quorum during their special session to approve mid-decade redistricting maps would be hit with the full force of the law without apology. I support the immediate arrest of these rogue lawmakers whove fled their duties. These radical Democrats are spitting in the face of every Texan they swore to represent. This is cowardice and dereliction of duty, and they should face the full force of the law without apology. https://t.co/cE6fZowNmR Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) August 3, 2025 In other venues, however, he has been casting doubt on whether he is the man who will follow through on those threats. During a conversation with right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson, he conceded that Abbotts threats to charge Democrats who fled the state with felonies a task that would likely fall to his office might not be realistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breaking quorum means that state Democrats will incur daily fines of $500 and the potential for legal action, according to state House rules. Abbott has maintained that state Democratic lawmakers could be charged with felonies if they solicit any funds to pay the $500 daily fine for skipping the legislative session, which, of course, he called in order to shove through a new congressional map that would potentially give Republicans five seats currently held by Democrats in the U.S. Congress. Its a move that President Trump has pushed, as his party holds a razor thin majority in the House ahead of the midterms. Wed have to go through a court process, and wed have to file that maybe in districts that are not friendly to Republicans, Paxton said in a Monday interview with Johnson. So its a challenge because every district would be different. Wed have to go sue in every legislators home district. He alluded to a similar challenge during a conversation with Steve Bannon on Thursday last week, before this all erupted over the weekend. The House rules and the Senate rules both allow for these people to be arrested if they leave, he said. The challenge is, if they go out of state, we lose jurisdiction, and that its been a challenge in the past, but in the end, as long as the governor is willing to keep calling sessions, ultimately they have to come home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Democrats who have fled the state have mostly gone to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts while they wait out the special session. But Abbott is expected to call more special sessions to try to pull off midcycle redistricting ahead of the midterms. Texas Democrats employed a similar tactic in 2003 when Republicans in the state legislature tried to pull off an at-the-time unprecedented mid-decade redistricting. My colleague Josh Marshall gets into the history and the parallels more here. Texas House Speaker Signs Civil Arrest Warrants When Texas Democrats did not show up for the special session Monday afternoon, denying the GOP a quorum, the Texas Republican-controlled House passed a motion that gave state House Speaker Dustin Burrows permission to issue civil warrants to arrest the Democrats who didnt attend the special session. Not long after, he announced he had signed the warrants. Per CNN: Dustin Burrows, the Republican speaker of the Texas House, urged absent Democrats to return to the state, saying that he had signed the civil arrest warrants and that he was working with Texas law enforcement to locate members. Texas Dems Dare Abbott, Paxton to Arrest Them In response to Abbotts demand that Democrats return to the state House by 3:00 p.m. CT Monday or risk being removed from membership in the Texas House, the Texas House Democratic Caucus issued a statement: Come and take it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas state Rep. Jolanda Jones, who is also an attorney, said from a press conference in New York Monday that Abbotts threats were smoke and mirrors. There is no felony in the Texas penal code for what he says. So respectfully, hes making up some shit, Jones said. Subpoenas from Texas dont work in New York, so hes going to come get us how? This is wrong, this is un-American and this is undemocratic, state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (D) said from Illinois on Sunday. And America, we need to wake up. Republicans are stealing our democracy right before our very eyes. Just after Abbotts supposed deadline for the Democrats to return to the state passed at 3:00 p.m. CT Monday, he tweeted the following, dramatic post: BREAKING. More coming later today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wSY14APU96 Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 4, 2025 The Best Of TPM Today Texas Redistricting Quorum Flight Time Warp! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Breaks His Campaign Promise to Fund IVF Yesterdays Most Read Story Texas Starts a Nationwide Gerrymandering War What We Are Reading Bessent hails new Trump accounts as backdoor for privatizing Social Security What JD Vance, Pam Bondi, and Sam Altman Cant Stop Listening to, According to the Panama Playlists Opposition Party Decides to Oppose NEED TO KNOW The San Antonio Aquarium has responded after a 6-year-old boy was left covered in bruises from an encounter with a giant Pacific octopus The San Antonio Aquarium said "The octopus displayed typical, curious behavior by touching and holding the childs arm" The aquarium claims the mother of six-year-old son Leo "leaned her child over the exhibit barrier, allowing him to reach into the habitat without staff supervision" The San Antonio Aquarium is defending its giant Pacific octopus after it left a 6-year-old boy's arm covered in bruises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred during a July 14 visit, which the boy's mom, Britney Taryn, later spoke about in a viral TikTok video. "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," she recalled at the time, adding that the octopus wrapped itself around Leo's arm and was "not letting go." Now the San Antonio Aquarium is addressing the incident. "At the San Antonio Aquarium, the safety and well-being of our guests, staff, and animals are our top priorities," a representative for the aquarium tells PEOPLE. According to the representative, the octopus exhibit which is not being described as a touch tank includes "a 1,000+ gallon habitat intentionally designed with a tall barrier to provide safety for both guests and the animal." "Reaching the octopus requires a person to lean fully over the wall of the enclosure and reach approximately 24 inches down from the top edge," the representative shares. "In this instance, the guest leaned her child over the exhibit barrier, allowing him to reach into the habitat without staff supervision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The behavior the octopus displayed towards the boy, says the representative, was "typical, curious behavior by touching and holding the childs arm." "At no point was the octopus aggressive or attempting to harm the child," the statement continues. "Our staff responded promptly to assist, ensuring the child was safely removed from the interaction. We want to emphasize that our Giant Pacific Octopus is a healthy, well-cared-for animal that thrives in its habitat and does not exhibit harmful behavior toward guests or staff," The statement concludes, "Octopuses are highly intelligent and curious creatures, and their interactions with humans are often playful and exploratory. However, as with any animal encounter, there are inherent risks, which is why we have strict protocols in place to ensure safety for all." https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a new statement to PEOPLE, Taryn reiterates that she does "not blame the octopus." "We understand that its behavior is completely natural," Taryn tells PEOPLE. "Our goal is to advocate for better conditions for the animals and to ensure that they are housed in environments that are safe and appropriate." Taryn is also addressing the aquarium's claims that she lowered her son closer to the exhibit. "The San Antonio Aquariums response is not only false; it is defamatory and appears to be a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the serious issues at hand," she says. "Contrary to the aquariums claims, no medical attention was offered for my son, and I was not asked to sign an incident report," Taryn tells PEOPLE. "Several other adults were with me at the time and can attest to this. Because blame was never my intent, I only later sent an email solely to formally document the incident out of concern for the animal and the safety of others, but I received no response." Taryn continues, "Typically, contact with the octopus in that exhibit would only be possible by lifting a child over the glass, something we have done in the past under direct staff instruction. This tank is never staffed, and the public is often left to interact with the animals unsupervised. The only signage provides instructions for a feeding encounter." 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 response to the incident, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is calling for the release of the giant Pacific octopus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released on Aug. 1, the organization said, "This slimy facilitys exploitative encounters are a recipe for disaster, as injuries abound when timid animals such as octopuses are denied everything natural and important to them and subjected to a barrage of grabbing hands." The statement continued, "For everyones sake, PETA is calling on the San Antonio Aquarium to stop forcing wild animals to interact with humans and release this octopus to her natural habitat, if possible, or an accredited facility where she can finally live in peace." Read the original article on People The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has dismissed recent claims circulating on social media that E20 petrol, petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol, causes a drastic drop in fuel efficiency. In a detailed statement, the ministry said such allegations are factually incorrect and not backed by scientific analysis or expert opinion. The ministry clarified that while ethanol has lower energy density than petrol, the impact on fuel efficiency is only marginal. In a social media post the ministry stated that "the allegation that E20 leads to drastic drop in fuel efficiency is factually incorrect". The ministry stated that for vehicles designed for E10 and calibrated for E20, mileage may drop by just 1-2 per cent, while in other vehicles, it could be around 3-6 per cent. This drop can be further reduced with better engine tuning and use of E20-compatible parts, which leading automobile manufacturers have already adopted. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has confirmed that E20-compliant vehicles with upgraded components have been available since April 2023. On the issue of material corrosion, the ministry stated that safety standards for E20 are well-established through BIS specifications and Automotive Industry Standards. In some older vehicles, minor replacements such as rubber parts or gaskets may be needed after 20,000 to 30,000 kms, but these are inexpensive and usually done during regular servicing. Addressing environmental concerns, the ministry highlighted that ethanol is a renewable fuel that helps reduce CO2 emissions. India's ethanol is now produced not only from sugarcane but also from surplus rice, maize, damaged foodgrains, and agricultural waste, especially under the push for second-generation (2G) biofuels. A study by NITI Aayog found that ethanol made from sugarcane and maize emits 65 per cent and 50 per cent less greenhouse gases, respectively, compared to petrol. The ministry also emphasized the benefits of ethanol in improving vehicle performance. Ethanol has a higher octane number (~108.5) than petrol (~84.4), which helps improve engine performance and ride quality in modern vehicles. The ministry stated "Vehicles tuned for E20 (having increased RON) deliver even higher performance". Additionally, its higher heat of vaporization lowers the intake manifold temperature, increasing air-fuel mixture density and engine efficiency. The government noted that ethanol blending also boosts energy security by reducing crude oil imports. Since 2014-15, India has saved over Rs. 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange due to ethanol substitution. It has also led to payments of over Rs. 1.20 lakh crore to farmers, supporting rural incomes and employment. Ethanol blending has helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 700 lakh tonnes. The ministry concluded that the concerns about E20 harming vehicles or causing consumer hardship are not based on facts. (ANI) As we've been talking about for days now, Texas is trying to eliminate five Democratic House seats. The only problem is that Texas Democrats have fled to Illinois to block a vote. Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Related: These Historical Pictures Of The White House Rose Garden Before It Was Paved Over Are Absolutely Mind-Blowing And now, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is threatening to file felony charges and remove them from office. He's also issued warrants for their arrests. Brandon Bell / Getty Images One of those Texas Democrats, Representative Jolanda Jones from Houston, has responded to these threats in a now viral clip. Houston Chronicle / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what she said: Texas Rep. @JonesJolanda on Abbott's arrest threats: I'm a lawyer. There is no felony in the Texas penal code for what he says. Respectfully, he's making up some shit, okay? He has no legal mechanism. He's putting up smoke and mirrors. pic.twitter.com/xfXK4eDxoV FactPost (@factpostnews) August 4, 2025 CSPAN/factpostnews/Twitter: @factpostnews Related: Hillary Clinton Just Hit On One Of Donald Trump's Biggest Insecurities With Three Words "I'm a lawyer. Part of my practice is criminal defense work. There is no felony in the Texas penal code for what he says. Respectfully, he's making up some shit, okay?" "He's trying to get soundbites, and he has no legal mechanism. And if he did, subpoenas from Texas don't work in New York... Subpoenas from Texas don't work in Chicago... So, let me be clear, he's putting up smoke and mirrors." Related: "This Is Like Applauding A Grown Man For Being Able To Wipe Their Behind": 29 Of The Best, Most Brutal, And Funniest Political Tweets Of The Week Rep. Jones doubled down in the replies, saying, "Hes absolutely making up fake laws. I aint scared and neither are my Democratic colleagues! #ProudQuorumBreaker." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are loving the energy. "Need to see this kind of smoke from every Democrat in elected office from the local to federal level," one person said. Related: "Btch Yall Cant Even Eat Cake Made By A Queer": 25 Political Tweets Of The Week That Are So Brutal And So True "More of this please. We cannot tolerate this republican sh*t," another person commented. And we have this person saying the obvious: "She cooked his ass!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in In the News: "How Can You Possibly Be This Ignorant": 26 Tweets Calling Out The Sh*t Show That Is Politics This Week Also in In the News: Gavin Newsom Has Been Roasting MAGA Left And Right, And WOW, Is It Entertaining Also in In the News: "My Generation Will Never Forgive You": 25 Of The Very Best And Very True Political Tweets From The Last Week Read it on BuzzFeed.com WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The balance of power in Washington could hinge on Texas, as the Republican-led state legislature tries to redraw its congressional map, but their plans are being blocked by Democrats who fled the state. So far more than 50 Democrats have left the state to hold up the Republican redistricting plan. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to remove members who dont show up. Republicans in the Texas legislature are unable to pass a redrawn congressional map. After dozens of Texas Democrats fled the state preventing the GOP-house from advancing a plan pushed by President Trump aimed at adding five more Republican seats in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fight to protect democracy is not confined to one state, said Texas State Rep. Mihaela Plesa (D). The Democrats who left were welcomed by blue state leaders, some who say theyre considering redistricting in retaliation. The gloves are off, and I say bring it on, said Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.). New York Governor Kathy Hochul stood with Texas Democrats in Albany Monday. Other Democrats went to Chicago where they were joined Sunday by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. This is not about rigging the system in Texas, its about rigging the system against the rights of all Americans, said Pritzker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Abbott says the Democrats face potential felony charges. Lawmakers who left havent said how long theyll hold out. Were doing it because we feel it is the only way we can protect Texans, said Texas State Rep. Gene Wu (D). The Democrats face $500 fines for each day theyre not present. Governor Abbott has threatened bribery charges for any who are accepting funds to cover those fines. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) There have been some questions raised by critics about the ethics around Democrats leaving Texas, breaking quorum to delay a vote on newly proposed controversial redistricting maps. Texas Democrats leave the state to block vote on redrawn House map backed by Trump Some of those questions are related to fundraising efforts to help pay fines theyre facing. Theyve been raising money for this for some time, said Brian Smith, a St. Edwards University professor of political science. It is $25,000 plus, if theres more than 50 members outside the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That measure was put in place back in 2023 by Republicans after Democrats left the state in 2021 to break quorum over voting laws. Texas governor threatens to remove Democrats who left state Fundraising to help pay fines is not illegal because the money isnt going into any individual candidates treasury, Smith said. It seems to me that the only way some of the fleeing Democrats can avoid bribery charges is to not break quorum. It seems that would eliminate any potential quid pro quo connected to any payment they received to deny a quorum and skip a vote. https://t.co/eyTbgybLvW Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 4, 2025 That would be unethical, Smith said. Texas has been the wild west in terms of campaign finance, meaning you can raise unlimited amounts of money and from a whole lot of different sources. Its a tactic used by both Republicans and Democrats. Governor Abbott has suggested that Democrats who broke quorum Monday could face bribery charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is part of the optics, its not really bribery, Smith said. Its finding a wealthy donor to help defray your cost which is allowed in Texas. Remaining Texas House members moved for absent Democrats to be arrested Monday. The two sides remain in a standoff for now. Its all about is there going to be enough time when the smoke clears, the dust settles, for a map to get through the legislature, through the lawsuits, through the Voting Rights Act and ready for the spring 2026, primaries, Smith 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. The Brief Texas Democratic lawmakers were still in Illinois to prevent a redistricting attempt by their GOP colleagues. Gov. Greg Abbott called for the lawmakers' arrests for fleeing the state and preventing the legislature from working. Democrats are calling out Texas Republicans' plan to redistrict congressional districts with President Trump's support. WARRENVILLE, Ill. - Texas House Democrats broke quorum during a special congressional session on Monday by traveling to blue states, including Illinois, over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued civil arrest warrants, accusing them of abandoning their legislative duties. What we know On Monday, the Texas State House convened briefly, but at least for now, Democrats have prevented their GOP colleagues from moving forward with a new congressional map. Redistricting typically occurs every 10 years and was last completed in Texas in 2021. But last week, Republicans introduced plans for new congressional district mapping, backed by President Donald Trump. Such a move would allow Republicans in Texas to flip up to five House seats currently held by Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were all there when these maps were passed in 2021 by unanimous votes of the Republicans," said U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Texas. "They swore at that time, these maps were the most beautiful maps, they were perfect." "They literally want to take us back by disenfranchising Black and Brown communities. And we say no, we say hell no," added Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Texas. House Democrats say they'll do whatever it takes to block this latest attempt at re-mapping. On Sunday, dozens of representatives from Texas traveled to Illinois and other blue states like Massachusetts and New York ahead of Monday's session. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has already warned that he will try to remove them from office if they dont return. Then, on Monday, Abbott called on the Texas Department of Public Safety to issue civil warrants for their arrest. What they're saying The Texas House Democrats who had traveled to Illinois met in west suburban Warrenville on Monday evening to protest the redistricting attempt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This special session was supposed to be about saving lives after a tragedy," said Rep. John Bucy III, D-Texas. "But instead of holding hearings on flood prevention, Greg Abbott and Donald Trump held eight hearings on redistricting." In Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker welcomed dozens of Texas lawmakers on Sunday night. "This is not just rigging the system in Texas," Pritzker said. "Its about rigging the system against the rights of all Americans for years to come." At the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 701 in Warrenville, lawmakers from Texas were joined by Illinois Representatives Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi to talk about the widespread political impact they feel this could have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You can gerrymander the hell out of that map, but guess what, two can play that game, other states will do exactly the same thing and neutralize what you're trying to do in Texas. It's not going to work," said U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois. "If they succeed in Texas, they will take this to other states. They will take this to the county court level, they will take this to the commissioners, the school boards," said U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Texas. On Monday, FOX 32 spoke with political analyst Thom Serafin, who noted that Pritzker is placing himself in the national spotlight, possibly signaling a future presidential bid. He also shared that there is an ironic history of gerrymandering in Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They come to Illinois, the most gerrymandered state in the union," Serafin said. "The reason Mike Madigan, the (former) Speaker of the House, was in control for 40 years, the longest surviving speaker in the history of the country, is because he was able to gerrymander the state. Fifty years ago, there were 24 congressmen in Illinois. We had 13 Democrats and 11 Republicans. Today, we have 17 [congressmen] 14 Democrats and three Republicans. The state has been gerrymandered to death." What's next Just how long could Texas Democrats stay in Illinois? The special congressional session isn't set to end until Aug.19, so it is possible they wait this out for a couple weeks. CHICAGO About two-dozen Texas Democrats huddled around a monitor inside a hotel auditorium just west of Chicago Monday to watch as their Republican colleagues gaveled back into session and threatened consequences for their mass departure. Minutes later, as they stared at their phones, Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the ordering of their arrest. The atmosphere, according to a person in the room, remained tense while the bell rang to call the session to order but turned more defiant and boisterous during the speakers remarks and press conference. More than a thousand miles away in Austin, Texas, the Democrats who didnt flee the state hunkered down for the final 15 days of a special legislative session set to end Aug. 19. They gathered to address, in part, a mid-decade redistricting proposal pushed by President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The splitscreen capped a 24-hour frenzy that began when dozens of Texas Democrats fled the state to protest the remapped congressional lines designed to keep Republicans in power during next years crucial midterms. And it underscored the high stakes of the standoff: A president clamoring to cling to partisan control at every level helped by a high-profile red state governor facing a coup from the opposing party. And despite an uncertain endgame and the possibility of Abbott simply calling for another special session, Democrats here are planning extended stays and making arrangements for children and relatives to visit them, according to one person close to the lawmakers who was granted anonymity to speak freely about a sensitive matter. Democrats, who broke quorum by leaving the Lone Star State, now face an uncertain path. Past quorum breaks, like their 2021 effort to block passage of an elections bill, have been minimally successful. Without the necessary number of legislators needed to conduct business, the Republican-controlled state House cant vote on the plan that could cement its partys power in Congress next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See my bags here, state Rep. Rafael Anchia said late Sunday evening as he headed to the bus bound for the Q Center, a hotel and conference center. I'm prepared to be here for as long as it takes to make sure that we stop the redistricting this session, and we're going to feel our way through additional special sessions, if they're called by the governor. A White House official told POLITICO Trumps team is taking a pretty hands-off approach to the brewing battle, deferring to Texas Republicans. We made our case and now were counting on them to get it done, added the person, who was granted anonymity to freely discuss a matter being privately negotiated. State Rep. Ana-Maria Rodriguez Ramos, chair of the Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus, captured her groups predicament in an interview. We really do not have a choice, she said. What is our alternative? Rolling down and rolling over for Trump's economy to continue to destroy America? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The risks are big for Texas Democrats from $500-a-day fines, to extradition, to the more unlikely scenario of Abbott replacing them with hand-picked legislators, to facing civil arrest for violating the Legislatures rules. They do not, however, face any civil or criminal charges and can only be forced back into the Capitol to take votes. Its unclear who would foot the bill for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines members are collectively racking up by abstaining from the legislative session. There are also political risks. Texas Democrats are not just missing votes related to redistricting, but also on legislation that would provide relief following last months devastating floods. No one is fooling around this time in Texas, said Dave Carney, an adviser to Abbott. In the past, it was like, they came back. Everything was forgiven. It was like kumbaya. That's not happening. Theres no appetite to say, 'Okay, never mind. Were going to let you do this anytime you fucking want.' Abbott also threatened to arrest Texas Democrats in 2021 when they used the same walkout tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Abbott chooses to call multiple special sessions to pass the redrawn map that would net five GOP-friendly seats, lawmakers could run into time constraints: New lines must be adopted by early December in order to take effect for the 2026 midterm cycle. The Legislature could collide with filing deadlines for the midterms. Under state law, candidates can declare their intent to seek office from Nov. 8 through Dec. 8, but the state legislature has the authority to extend the deadline. Each side lacks good options to resolve the stalemate. Earlier in the day, appearing on the MAGA influencer Benny Johnsons show, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton acknowledged the struggles ahead for Abbott and his fellow Republicans, saying his first move would have been to chain them to their desk and not let them out of the door, before adding, I think the governor is going to be forced into calling several special sessions." In an interview on Fox News' "America's Newsroom" Monday, Abbott said the lawmakers have forfeited their seats in the state legislature because they are not doing the job they were elected to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And across blue state capitols from Austin to Springfield Monday afternoon, planes flying "Mess With Texas" banners arced through the skies, capturing the newly weaponized redistricting arms race playing out at fever pitch. As more than two dozen Texas Democrats huddled in Chicago, some of their colleagues met in the New York State Capitol with Gov. Kathy Hochul. Flanked by six Texas lawmakers, the governor openly embraced a full-fledged gerrymandering of congressional districts in New York to favor fellow Democrats, a further escalation of the national drama. There, Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones questioned Abbotts legal rationale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a lawyer. Part of my practice is criminal defense work. There is no felony in the penal code for what he says, Jones said. So respectfully, hes making up shit. Hes trying to get sound bites, and he has no legal mechanism, and if he did, subpoenas in Texas dont work in New York, so hes going to come get us how? Others traveled to Boston for a National Conference of State Legislatures meeting, among them: state lawmakers Sarah Eckhardt, Royce West, Armando Walle and Ana Hernandez. They plan to fly to Illinois on Wednesday. Leaving a private lunch with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker in Boston, Walle said Democrats are fundraising on their behalf. Back in Texas, Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he would entertain a motion for civil arrests of those who fled the state. The House then voted to send the sergeant at arms to bring the departed members back to Texas. Lawmakers voted to arrest their absent colleagues a vote that only applies to Democrats within state lines. While Burrows can sign civil warrants compelling state troopers to arrest legislators and bring them to the Capitol, they will not face civil or criminal charges for leaving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House is set to reconvene Tuesday at 1 p.m. "The people of Texas are watching, and so is the nation," Burrows said to Democrats from the House floor. "And if you choose to continue down this road, you should know there will be consequences." Jake Traylor, Bill Mahoney and Kelly Garrity contributed to this report. Texas Democrats who fled their state on Sunday face $500 daily fines as they try to stall GOP efforts to redraw the Lone Star States congressional maps, along with Gov. Greg Abbotts (R) call for their arrest. Democrats are denying the Republican-led state House the numbers it needs to function and pausing progress on the redistricting proposal but the move comes with big risks for the participating lawmakers. The threats ratcheted up Monday afternoon when Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety, after the state House issued warrants, to locate, arrest and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, each quorum-breaking Democrat faces a daily fine of $500 while theyre holding up the state Legislature, on top of the costs of living away from their homes in the Lone Star State. Now that more than 50 lawmakers have fled the state, the risky standoff could become increasingly expensive. Heres what to know: Fines came after last quorum break This isnt the first time Texas Democrats have broken quorum to stall legislative business, a strategic move for the minority party in the state House. They walked out over a separate redistricting battle back in 2003, then again in 2021 as Republicans tried to pass new voting restrictions. Both times, Democrats were successful in slowing things down, though the bills ultimately passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than two years after Democrats 2021 quorum break stalled things for more than five weeks, the Texas House approved new punishments for lawmakers who break quorum. Members absent from sessions of the House without leave for the purpose of impeding the action of the house, according to the rules passed in 2023, face fines, reprimand, censure and potential expulsion, and are also obliged to pay their share if a sergeant-at-arms has to be dispatched to bring back lawmakers. Donors could help offset costs Democrats have shared few specific details about how theyll offset the costs incurred through their protest. The Texas Tribune reported last week that some donors appeared prepared to help out if a walkout occurred, as some in the party considered how to work around rules that prevent lawmakers from using their campaign funds to pay the fines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), speaking to reporters alongside some of the Texas Democrats who fled to his state, stressed on Sunday that the state lawmakers have the right to raise money but deferred on whether he would personally support them financially. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), at a similar presser in Albany, said she expected there will be exorbitant legal expenses for the lawmakers and encouraged others to step up and invest in these brave soldiers for our democracy. Separately from the fines, the costs of spending time out of state will also rack up. In 2021, before the rule change to add fines, a group aligned with former Rep. Beto ORourke (D-Texas) reportedly gave $600,000 to help fund lodging, meals and transportation during Texas Democrats stay in Washington, D.C., for the last quorum break. Costs could vary depending on timeline State legislators in Texas make just $600 per month as their base salary, plus a per diem for each day the state Legislature is in session, set at $221 per day as of 2023. With fines of $500 per day, just a few weeks of a quorum break could quickly exceed the lawmakers base salaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quorum was broken for four days in 2003, and nearly six weeks in 2021. The state lawmakers who have fled are likely trying to run out the clock on the ongoing 30-day special session, which kicked off July 21. But Abbott has the authority to call an unlimited number of additional special sessions, including back-to-back blocks. Democrats could theoretically try to stay out of the state until November, when the filing period for 2026 primary candidates opens in Texas, to stall the maps from taking effect before the midterms. But staying away from their offices also puts a pause on other business, keeping the chambers from passing legislation on other issues. Its unclear how long Democrats may be willing to stay away, whether or not they can afford to financially. Were here. Were committed to this. Were all away from our families. This is not a decision that we take lightly, Texas state Rep. Gene Wu (D) said on Monday, when asked about how long he could see the effort going. Abbott threatens bribery charges over fines, orders arrests to compel return The state Democrats taking part in the quorum break risk losing their seats in the House, as Abbott has threatened to remove missing lawmakers from membership who were not in attendance when the state House reconvened on Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott also argued that any state lawmaker who accepts support to cover the fines may have violated state bribery law. He said the same could be true of someone who offers, confers or agrees to confer such funds to the fleeing members. In addition to abandoning their offices, these legislators may also have committed felonies. Many absentee Democrats are soliciting funds to evade the fines they will incur under House rules, Abbott said in a statement. Bribery charges could come with additional fines. And on Monday afternoon, Abbott ordered the arrest of what his office called delinquent Texas House Democrats to ensure compliance with state House Speaker Dustin Burrowss (R) warrants for members to return to the chamber. The governor said on the social platform X that theres more coming later today and tomorrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbotts move came shortly after the Texas House Democratic Caucus responded to the governors threats with the message come and take 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 The Hill. The Brief Texas House Democrats held a press conference on Monday to explain their decision to break quorum and leave the state in protest of new redistricting maps. In response, House Republicans have issued civil arrest warrants for the more than 50 absent Democrats. The legality of removing the lawmakers from office is unclear, and it is unknown if law enforcement in other states will cooperate with the warrants. In the press conference earlier today, Texas House Democrats remained a united front in the decision to break quorum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, back in Austin, House Republicans were all set to start the debate on the new redistricting maps. Instead, they issued arrest warrants for all the Democratic members that were not present. What we know The standoff between Texas House Republicans and Democrats intensified on Monday afternoon when more than 50 Democrats did not show up. Preventing the house from reaching quorum. Republican leaders say this walkout stalls other legislation like flood relief, and while this is true, no bill for flood relief has been put up for debate yet. Texas Democrats argue that the proposed maps would suppress minority voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My community is a majority minority district, and so when we do these kinds of, play political games that Republicans want to play with our communities, it hurts people like mine in my district," said Texas House Rep. Jessica Gonzalez. Dig deeper Republican house leaders issued civil arrest warrants for the members who were not present. "I have signed the civil arrest warrants, we will work with DPS to locate members," said Texas House Speaker and State Rep. Dustin Burrows. These warrants are only active within state lines and one way to avoid this is by fleeing the state. Democrat representatives are currently spread out across Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts. Local perspective Governor Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Safety to assist in the arrests. He also mentioned the possibility of removing members who vacate their office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legality of doing so is still unclear. When asked if he agrees with the governor, house speaker Dustin Burrows didn't give a direct answer. "You have asked me a legal question, and as a lawyer, I try not to give legal answers without knowing all the facts and the law," said Burrows. What they're saying SMU political science professor Matthew Wilson says removing lawmakers from their seats would be unprecedented. "I don't think the governor wants to do that unless he feels like this is just never ending, and his hand is forced, but that would be a huge escalation of this process," said Wilson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members who break quorum also face a fine of 500 dollars a day for being absent after republican leaders passed a rule in 2023. "Now, the governor has talked about trying to charge Democrats who accept money from donors to pay for their fines with felony bribery. Now, that would be a different ballgame if that were to happen. Then they could make extradition requests to these out-of-state law enforcement jurisdictions," said Wilson. Wilson says if it came down to arresting state representatives, it's unknown if law enforcement in Democratic states like Illinois and New York would cooperate. The backstory Texas Democrats stood in solidarity on Monday evening in Chicago to address the nation about their plans for breaking quorum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has previously said he wants to add five Republican seats to maintain the Republicans' slim U.S. House majority. The proposed maps show Democrats could lose seats in North Texas, Houston, Austin, and South Texas. When Democrats broke quorum in 2021, it lasted nearly five weeks before representatives returned, and legislation passed. What's next The special session ends on August 19th. Governor Abbott will likely call an additional special session, and the 30-day clock restarts. The Source Information in this article was provided by FOX 4's Amelia Jones. The Brief In 2002, Republicans gained control of the Texas House and Senate. Rep. Tom DeLay, of Sugar Land, was the House Majority Leader, and he pushed for a mid-decade redistricting to boost Republican number in the Texas congressional delegation When redistricting was considered in the next regular and special sessions, Democrats fled to Oklahoma and New Mexico to break quorum and prevent a vote. HOUSTON - When Republicans gained complete control of the Texas Senate and House in 2002, Sugar Land Rep. and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay started pushing for congressional redistricting that would improve the Texas Republican presence in Washington. That process started in the 2003 legislative session, and Democrats made many of the arguments they're making now about disenfranchising Democratic-leaning voters. Then, as now, when they could not beat the measure, House Democrats escaped to Oklahoma until time ran out for the bill to proceed. Later, in a special session, Senate Democrats went to New Mexico, where they stayed until the session ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then-Governor Rick Perry called a subsequent special session, and the new map was approved. The maps, largely, survived legal challenges and resulted in a Republican majority, in the Texas delegation, for the first time since Civil War reconstruction. What they're saying "What they're doing here is signaling the intensity of their opposition, as well as put a national spotlight on Texas' redistricting effort, in the hope that both it generates a counter-reaction in democratically-controlled states, but also damages the Republican party in Texas, in terms of its image," says Rice University political analyst Mark Jones, about the Democrats actions. "I think the danger for Republicans is, more, that they're drawing aggressive maps assuming voters in 2026 are going to vote like they did in 2024: very strongly Republican. If they miscalculate and voters vote like they did in 2018, during Donald Trump's first term, and Republicans have a much weaker election, instead of increasing Republican seats, this could result in the loss of one or two Republican seats." The Source Interviews and Fox 26 archives Attempting to thwart a Republican move to draw more GOP districts, Democratic lawmakers in Texas fled the state for Illinois. That maneuver, however, wouldnt work in Florida if Gov. Ron DeSantis called lawmakers in for a redistricting session, to redraw the states congressional district lines. Floridas constitution only requires a simple majority for a quorum for the Legislature to conduct business, and Democrats comprise a superminority in the House and Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Florida the rules are different so leaving the state wouldnt help Democrats stop a mid-decade redistricting cycle here, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, a Black Democrat from Tampa, said. Instead, Driskell said Democrats will lean on public opinion to prevail upon Republicans not to pass a partisan gerrymander. It was the public, with 63% of the vote, that passed the anti-gerrymandering Fair District amendments to the state constitution in 2010. We will do everything that we can to make sure that the public is aware and so that they can also put public pressure on their elected officials, Driskell added. More: What is redistricting? Will Florida redraw maps to give Republicans more House seats? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the Fair District amendments were weakened by the recent Florida Supreme Court ruling upholding the current congressional districts. The court ruled the map preferred by the plaintiffs, which kept intact a district that stretched from Jacksonville to Tallahassee, would have been unconstitutional because it was drawn for racial reasons. The district was previously held by former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat from Tallahassee. Related: Former US Rep. Al Lawson of Tallahassee eyes Florida governor race in 2026 The ruling, though, stopped short of completely erasing the Fair District amendments. The other provisions banning drawing district lines to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent still apply, as do the requirements for lawmakers to stick to municipal, county or geographic boundaries for the lines where possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If lawmakers stick to those rules if DeSantis calls them in for a redistricting session, it could be difficult to add more reliably Republican districts. DeSantis, though, doesnt think the Fair Districts amendments are constitutional and is likely to push the Legislature to pass maps to directly undermine them. The way (Fair Districts) was done, many people believe runs afoul of the federal constitution, DeSantis told reporters July 30. If that's the case, then I think the Florida Supreme Court's position would likely be, well, this is just it's unenforceable at this point because it's constitutionally defective from a federal perspective. I happen to share that view. Trumps re-drawing push Redistricting is usually only done once every ten years, following the national census. But Texas is moving ahead with their mid-decade redistricting after President Donald Trump said the GOP-led state could gain up to five seats for Republicans by redrawing the map. Such a move would help keep the U.S. House in Republican control. The GOP has a 220-212 advantage over Democrats in the chamber. Three Democrats have died in office since March. If Democrats hold those seats in special elections, they would need to net three districts in the November 2026 elections to take control of the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Florida, Republicans have a 20-8 edge on Democrats in the congressional delegation. Democrats, who pushed for a federal anti-gerrymandering law in 2021 that Republicans opposed, have said they will fight GOP attempts at mid-decade redistricting by doing their own redrawing in states under their control. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said hell find a way to work around his states independent redistricting commission. DeSantis has said his office is reviewing the Florida Supreme Courts ruling and is considering calling a special session on redistricting. There could be another court case, though, that affects any redrawing session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court on Aug. 1 issued a short order calling for briefs over a lawsuit involving Louisianas congressional district maps, which raise the issue of whether the States intentional creation of a second majority-minority congressional district violates the Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the order states. That case could further erode section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which erased state laws that inhibited or blocked Black people from voting. A major decision in that case could be a firmer basis for redrawing Floridas maps than Trumps partisan reasoning. Depending on how the Court rules, the U.S. Constitution may compel the Legislature to revisit its current districts, said Michael Morley, faculty director of Florida State Universitys Election Law Center. Thus, it would be prudent for the legislature to wait until after the Court rules in the pending VRA case before engaging in further redistricting efforts. The prospect of the VRA being undermined is particularly jarring for Driskell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To use the Equal Protection Clause (of the Fourteenth Amendment) to undermine section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which effectively is what gave Black Americans the right to vote in 1965 - less than 100 years ago - to me is such perverse interpretation of both the Voting Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause and it could have devastating impact on what both the Texas and Florida legislatures are allowed to get away with, Driskell said. Effectively stopping Republicans from pushing through new districts, though, will be difficult. Unlike when lawmakers fled to Georgia in 1891 (over a U.S. Senate seat election) and in 1931 (over gas tax distributions), high-footing it to another state wouldnt disrupt the Legislatures proceedings. Democrats could still kick up a fuss. In 2022, when the Legislature was poised to pass DeSantis maps, House Democrats raucous demonstration on the floor delayed its passage for several hours. Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Texas Democrats' redistricting tactics wont work in Florida politics Republican Governor Greg Abbott has demanded that Democratic Party state lawmakers who fled the state be arrested. But the runaway representatives told the Daily Beast that Abbott does not have the power to back up his threat. More than fifty Texas House Democrats skipped town on Sunday in an effort to block a vote as Republicans look to redraw congressional maps that would benefit them. The Democrats exit on Sunday broke quorum, so the Texas House could not hold a vote. Abbott warned that if lawmakers were not back in the state by the time the House reconvened on Monday, lawmakers faced being arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That deadline came and went without Democrats returning, prompting Abbott to order their arrests. Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call for the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber, Abbott said in a statement. To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol. Multiple Texas House Democrats who left the state told the Daily Beast, they were not fazed by what they insisted were empty threats. BREAKING. More coming later today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wSY14APU96 Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 4, 2025 First of all, theres no crime, much less a felony in the Texas penal code, said Texas state Rep. Jolanda Jones, who has been a lawyer for 30 years. It is a fake threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also dismissed Abbotts Sunday warning he would remove Democrats from office, noting it would require a vote in the House and the Senate. Theyre lying about what the law is. Its just disingenuous, Jones said. The Texas Democrat said even if Abbott had the power to follow through on his threats, she would still take a stand. Sometimes in life, you got to pick a side, and Im picking the side of right, Jones said. Dr. King got arrested. John Lewis got arrested. They got arrested multiple times. Democrats were adamant they would hold the line, despite Abbotts order as well as $500 daily fines while theyre gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not going to be sought after and arrested like criminal fugitives. It doesnt work that way, added Texas state Rep. Jon Rosenthal. What makes this so dire right now is its really an attack on our entire system of government. The Republican redistricting pushed by President Donald Trump that Texas Democrats are trying to block could give the GOP five additional seats in Congress and allow them the keep their majority. Other red states are also considering redistricting as well, while blue states like California and New York have vowed they would retaliate with their own redistricting to help Democrats. Rosenthal fears the GOP redistricting push in Texas has become a race to the bottom, but claimed: The Republican Party has shown that they dont have a bottom. We've got four words for Greg Abbott and his threats. #txlege pic.twitter.com/ei0aGRvNne Texas House Democrats (@TexasHDC) August 4, 2025 Rosenthal was among the Democrats in the House who also broke quorum in 2021 to protest a Texas GOP bill restricting vote-by-mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Democrat called the move the option of last resort, but he said he was prepared to remain out of state as long as it would take, while acknowledging the chances of blocking redistricting for good were slim. Rosenthal, an engineer by trade, said he could survive in the wild and was prepared for the long haul. I am prepared to leave the state for as long as I need to leave the state to save Texas and to save America, Jones declared. The transmission of policy rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is visible in the outstanding books of banks, and fresh loans are given at relatively higher margins, according to a recent report by CareEdge Ratings. The report highlighted that scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) are witnessing a decline in spreads due to the ongoing rate transmission process. It stated, "The transmission of policy rate cuts is more visible in the outstanding book, while fresh loans are being priced with relatively higher margins." In June 2025, SCBs experienced compression in spreads as the impact of policy rate cuts became more prominent. The report noted that fresh loans are being priced with relatively higher margins, showing that banks are adjusting to the evolving rate environment. The report also pointed out that private sector banks (PVBs) witnessed a faster rate transmission compared to public sector banks (PSBs). It stated: "The greater proportion of EBLR-linked loans, such as those tied to the repo rate or Tbills, in PVBs enabled faster transmission compared to PSBs." With the RBI implementing liquidity measures, banks have been able to reduce deposit rates. However, the demand for retail credit remains subdued, and banks are showing a cautious approach towards aggressive credit expansion due to sustained pressure on margins. The report also mentioned that the lending rate on outstanding rupee loans declined by 22 bps to 9.45 per cent, mainly due to the policy rate cuts, weak credit demand, and competitive pressures. This drop was further supported by a higher share of floating-rate loans in the portfolio. Meanwhile, the fresh spread for SCBs compressed by 22 bps to 2.87 per cent in June 2025. Surplus liquidity, rate cuts, and muted credit demand contributed to this reduction. The lending rate on fresh loans dropped significantly by 58 bps month-on-month to 8.62 per cent, while the fresh deposit rate also fell by 36 bps to 5.75 per cent. The report concluded that the rate cuts by the RBI are gradually passing through the banking system, especially in the outstanding books, with both lending and deposit rates adjusting accordingly. (ANI) Texas House Democrats departed the state Sunday in an attempt to halt a redistricting Monday vote, claiming that the legislation is "using an intentionally racist map" to undermine the voices of Black and Latino voters in the state of Texas. Democrats absence means that Republicans are unable to go ahead with a scheduled vote under House rules, blocking the potential passage of redistricting legislation that would establish a new congressional map that could lead to five new GOP U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections. "This is not a decision we make lightly, but it is one we make with absolute moral clarity," state Rep. Gene Wu, the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said in a statement Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Democrats Flee State To Block Trump-backed Redistricting Vote In Dramatic Legislative Move J.B. Pritzker, governor of Illinois, left, and State Representative Gene Wu, a Democrat from Texas, during a news conference at the Democratic Party of DuPage County office in Carol Stream, Illinois, Aug. 3, 2025. Most of the House Democrats fled to Chicago, while others headed to New York and Boston. The Texas House stipulates that at least 100 members of the 150-member chamber must be present to conduct business, and roughly 50 Democrats are absent meaning the vote is stalled until they return. It's unclear how Democrats plan to proceed, and Wu told reporters that precise plans were still up in the air. Read On The Fox News App The redistricting legislation would shift Democrat voters from toss-up districts into ones that are more solidly Republican, and also move other Republican voters into districts that lean more toward Democrats ultimately paving the way for more GOP seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt the first time Democrats have fled the state in protest of legislation. In July 2021, more than 50 Democrats also left the state of Texas and headed to Washington, D.C., to tie up Texas legislation that would implement new voting restrictions in the aftermath of President Donald Trumps loss of the 2020 election, which some Republicans claimed was "stolen." Specifically, the measure Democrats opposed included new voter ID restrictions for those voting by mail and prohibited drive-by voting and extended voting hours. Likewise, the measure included new limitations for those who work at the polls, and barred local election officials from distributing a mail-in ballot to anyone who hadnt officially requested one. Democrats ultimately returned to Texas weeks later, after multiple members caught COVID-19 while in D.C., and House Republicans finally passed the measure in August 2021 before Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed it into law in September 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, Republicans Race To Redraw Texas Congressional Map As Democrats Threaten Legal War Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to arrest the Democrats who departed the state Sunday, should they not be back by 3 p.m. Monday when the Texas House reconvenes. Meanwhile, Abbott threatened to arrest the Democrats who departed the state Sunday, should they not be back by 3 p.m. Monday when the Texas House reconvenes. Even so, there is no indication of when the Democrats plan to return to Texas. "Rather than doing their job and voting on urgent legislation affecting the lives of all Texans, they have fled Texas to deprive the House of the quorum necessary to meet and conduct business," Abbot said in a statement late Sunday. The Texas Democrats have attracted support from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who labeled the Democrats decision to flee Texas a "righteous act of courage," and accused Republicans of attempting to silence "millions of voices, especially Black and Latino voters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Texas Democrats were left with no choice but to leave their home state, block a vote from taking place and protect their constituents," Pritzker said in a news conference Sunday. The Texas Democrats have attracted support from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who labeled the Democrats decision to flee Texas a "righteous act of courage." Fox News Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report. Original article source: Texas Dems also skipped town in 2021 to avoid a vote, and several caught COVID-19 in DC Members of the Texas state House vowed to continue their fight against Republicans efforts to redraw the congressional district map after Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered their arrests for leaving the state to deny the chamber quorum. A group of state House members and Texas Democrats in the U.S. House gathered for a press conference Monday after the state legislators left the Lone Star State to prevent the GOP from voting on a measure that would enact mid-decade redistricting and could help Republicans pick up seats in next years midterm elections. Although the state House members still in Texas came together earlier in the day for the special legislative session that Abbott called, they were unable to conduct any business because of the lack of quorum, which requires two-thirds of the members to be present. While Democrats are a significant minority in the body, more than 50 of them left the state for Illinois, New York or Massachusetts, enough to stall the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who went to Illinois slammed the proposed map as blatant racism during the press conference, arguing it would dilute the political power of Hispanic and Black communities through gerrymandering. State Rep. Ana-Maria Rodriguez Ramos (D), chair of the Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus, said Republicans should be focusing on affordability and health care, but theyre pushing the racist radical redistricting map instead. If passed, the new map could allow the GOP to pick up five additional U.S. House seats currently held by Democrats. Rodriguez Ramos said more than 60 percent of Texans are Hispanic, African American or Asian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But they want to silence our voice, she said. This is nothing short of blatant racism. State Rep. John Bucy (D) said he didnt run for office to walk out of the state Capitol, but cast Democrats actions as necessary. He said Democrats broke quorum because upholding their oath of office sometimes means refusing to play along in a rigged game. He said the special legislative session Abbott called was originally supposed to be about aid after significant flooding in Texas that killed more than 100 people, but President Trump and Abbott held hearings on the redistricting plan instead. Were not running away, Bucy said. Were running into the fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt political theater its survival, he added. Because if we lose the power to choose our leaders, we lose everything. The press conference also featured U.S. House members who could lose their seats if the new map goes through. Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Texas), who previously served in the state House, encouraged Democratic-led states to respond with similar measures if Texas ultimately approves the map. Various Democratic governors, including Californias Gavin Newsom and New Yorks Kathy Hochul, have expressed interest in redrawing their own states lines if Texas does it first. Johnson said Democrats should declare gloves are off and that if Republicans do it in Texas, theyll respond in their own states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats are no longer going to sit by, handcuffed, she said. This is an all-out war. Everything is on the table. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), whose seat is also at risk, argued that if Republicans in Texas succeed in redrawing the map, the GOP will try it in other states as well. He said the courage of the state House members should be commended. Its not just Texas, he said. It really is the United States of America, because if they succeed in Texas, they will take this to other states. They will take this to the county court level. They will take this to the commissioners, to the school boards. They will take this across the country, but theyll do it if only we stand by and watch them. The decision by the state House members to leave the state to deny quorum, and Abbotts call for their arrests, has stoked tensions even further as the increasingly national conversation over redistricting spreads to more states. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) said Sunday that his state would protect the Texas House members from the threat of arrest while theyre in Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move will at least delay Republicans plans to pass the new map, but whether Democrats will ultimately be able to affect the result is unclear. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Judith McGeary says federal rules are squeezing small Texas farmers, and shes urging Congress to act. At a gathering of small producers in San Marcos on August 4, Judith McGeary of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) called on Congress to pass a slate of bills she says would reduce regulatory burdens and restore fairness to meat processing and agricultural marketing systems across the country. McGeary, a Texas attorney, livestock farmer, and longtime activist, said farmers face growing obstacles to legally selling meatespecially in Texas, where small-scale slaughterhouse capacity remains limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meat processing is one of the biggest issues that our farmers face, McGeary told The Dallas Express during the Southern Family Farmers and Food Systems Conference, which FARFA co-hosted with the Small Producers Initiative at Texas State University. FARFA is backing three federal bills: the PRIME Act, the Local Foods Act, and the OFF Actall aimed at helping small-scale farmers and ranchers compete in a consolidated marketplace. PRIME Act: would allow states to legalize intrastate sales of custom-slaughtered meat, bypassing some USDA facility requirements. Local Foods Act: seeks to clarify and protect on-farm butchering rights for consumers who purchase shares of live animals. OFF Act: would increase transparency and limit conflicts of interest in mandatory checkoff programs that fund national marketing campaigns. McGeary, FARFAs executive director, says current laws favor large meatpackers and saddle small operations with burdensome regulations. However, according to McGeary, two bills pending in Congress could change that: the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act and the Local Foods Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PRIME Act, backed by a bipartisan coalition in both chambers, would allow states to legalize the sale of custom-slaughtered meat within their borders. Under current law, most meat intended for sale must be processed in USDA-inspected or state-inspected facilities. These are often located hours away, forcing small farmers to pay high transportation costs or risk mixing their locally raised products with mass-market meats, McGeary explains. A previous report from Feedstuffs notes that custom-slaughtered meats are inspected annually but are exempt from federal inspection regulations if the meat is for private use, and that the PRIME Act would give states the flexibility to regulate such sales to consumers, restaurants, and grocery stores inside their own borders. However, support for the bill is not unanimous across all cattle-connected organizations. NCBA is in favor of reducing regulatory burdens, but not at the expense of food safety, said National Cattlemens Beef Association President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer, in a recent press release. While the PRIME Act is well intentioned, allowing uninspected beef to enter the retail market is dangerous to consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGeary said the bill recognizes that existing custom exempt processors already serve hunters and homesteaders without widespread safety issues. These are incredibly safe, she said. Theyre regulated, theyre inspected, but at a different level. The second bill, the Livestock Owned by Communities to Advance Local (LOCAL) Foods Act, aims to clarify federal rules around on-farm butchering when consumers purchase a share of a live animal, an increasingly popular approach for families seeking grass-fed or pasture-raised meat. McGeary says the USDAs shifting guidance has left these arrangements in a gray area. I want to go buy half a cow to put the meat in my freezer for my familys use, McGeary said. There are a lot of people that want to do this and right now thats a gray area. Critics argue that scaling back regulations could endanger food safety, but McGeary said the risk is overblown and consumers should be free to choose. If thats how you feel, then dont do it, she said. People have been doing this forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She argued that large meatpackers benefit from federal rules, which apply uniformly whether a processor handles 300 cows an hour or 20 to 50 a week, making compliance far more expensive for small-scale operations. Beyond processing, McGeary is also urging Congress to pass the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, a bipartisan reform of the federally mandated checkoff program, industry marketing funds collected from farmers without their consent. Checkoff programs are behind well-known campaigns like Beef. Its Whats for Dinner, but McGeary said those slogans dont benefit local producers. It doesnt even promote buying American. It certainly doesnt promote buying grass-fed, she said. Its purely a commodity, which actually works against local grass-fed producers. She also criticized the flow of checkoff dollars to private nonprofits that, while technically barred from lobbying with the funds, can still use them to support their operating budgets, which can, in effect, support staff who may lobby against reforms sought by small farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who reintroduced the OFF Act in May with Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), said in a statement that the bill would bring accountability and transparency to a system that has faced repeated allegations of fraud and misuse. Checkoff dollars too often get channeled to lobbying groups who advocate against the best interests of many of the farmers who are required to pay into the program, Booker said. The OFF Act would require audits, public budgets, and ban conflicts of interest among checkoff board members, according to a Booker press release. McGeary said the reforms are long overdue. If were going to have the checkoff, lets have transparency and accountability, she stressed. Their books need to be wide open. The North Dakota Stockmens Association opposes the OFF Act. The North Dakota Stockmens Association is opposed to the bill. When the Humane Society of the United States, an extreme animal rights organization that fights against animal agriculture at every corner, is championing the legislation, it leaves little question that this is poor public policy designed to impair, not support, the hardworking cattle ranching families across the country. I see it as a thinly veiled attempt by opponents of animal ag to eliminate the checkoffs we use to promote our products, Jason Leiseth, president of the North Dakota Stockmens Association, said, per Tri-State Livestock News. The legislative push comes as FARFA continues its broader mission of advocating for local, diversified agriculture. The group, which does not accept funds from agribusiness corporations, describes itself as a grassroots effort to support independent family farmers and protect a healthy and productive food supply for American consumers, according to FARFAs website. McGeary said small farmers want the freedom to compete. Let people make a choice which option they want, she said. The redistricting battle in Texas has taken a turn. After state House Democrats returned from their walkout, they were informed on Monday that they would need a police escort when they leave the chamber floor in order to prevent them from fleeing the state again before the House reconvenes on Wednesday. State Rep. Nicole Collier, however, refused to sign what Democrats are calling permission slips, and she spent the night on the chamber floor in protest. My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights, she said. I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier added that her community, which is majority-minority, expects her to fight for fair representation. When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination, she said. Dozens of Texas House Democrats fled to Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts on Aug. 3. They hoped that their absence would deny the chamber the quorum it needs to conduct business and, as a result, block the proposed congressional map, which is designed to aggressively favor the Republican Party in the 2026 midterm elections. They later said they were prepared to return once their Republican colleagues adjourn the special legislative session and California releases a retaliatory map of its own. Advocates have criticized the Texas map, unveiled just days before the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, for potentially chipping away at the political power of Texans of color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas state Rep. Jolanda Jones is one of the Democrats who left the state. The districts that are targeted overwhelmingly are Black districts [that are represented by Democrats], Jones said at a press conference earlier this month. Theyre pitting [U.S. Rep.] Jasmine Crockett against [U.S. Rep.] Marc Veasey. And theyre pitting [U.S. Rep] Al Green against [the vacant] CD18, where there was a Black representative. For instance, in Greens current district, which includes a portion of the Greater Houston area, the Black voting-age population would drop from 39% to 11%. Similarly, the Black voting-age population of Veaseys Fort Worth-based district, currently 25%, would also drop. On Aug. 14, California Gov. Gavin Newsom formally called on state lawmakers to approve a Nov. 4 ballot measure that would temporarily allow California to redraw its map without having to go through its independent commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres more information about the latest developments in the Lone Star State and beyond. Why did Texas House Democrats flee the state? For months, President Donald Trump has been pushing his allies in Texas to redraw district lines. Doing so could give the Republican Party five additional seats in the U.S. House in next years midterm elections. Historically, midterm elections havent been kind to the party of the sitting president. Trump is attempting to build on Republicans 219-212 majority in the House, where four seats are vacant. It wasnt until after Trump called Abbott this summer that the Texas governor put redistricting on the agenda for a special legislative session, according to The Texas Tribune. The 30-day session began on July 21. Its agenda included 18 items, from national disaster preparation and property taxes to redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas House Democrats slammed Abbott for putting items related to this summers deadly flooding on an agenda that they say was filled with partisan priorities. The lawmakers hoped to run out the clock on the session by leaving the state, though Abbott has already called another session. Yet the battle over map-drawing is expected to have ramifications across the U.S. And some say that it could possibly trigger a redistricting arms race. Democratic leaders in a number of other states including California, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York have vowed to retaliate if Texas House Republicans continue with the unusual move to redistrict in the middle of the decade instead of after the next census in 2030. And according to some legal scholars, the U.S. Supreme Court likely wont provide a way out of the crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court determined in 2019s Rucho v. Common Cause that partisan gerrymandering presented a non-justiciable political question, so federal courts couldnt intervene and hear those cases, Melissa Murray, a law professor at New York University, told Capital B. The only avenues for relief would be state courts or redistricting commissions. What are politicians saying about the Texas map? Crockett, a vocal Democratic critic of the Trump administration, blasted state Republicans on Aug. 3, but said that the issue is bigger than Texas. This isnt just about the five seats in Texas, Crockett told MSNBC. This is about a power grab. Its about basically setting the tone for what Donald Trump will try to do throughout the country so that he can suppress the voices of Black and brown folk just so that he can stay in power. Texas state Rep. Ron Reynolds, one of the Democrats who left the state, echoed some of these thoughts, saying that he and his colleagues wont relent to an authoritarian president that wants to steal and racially gerrymander our Black and Brown districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also pressured Republican state lawmakers in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Ohio to redraw their maps. Some Democratic leaders have vowed to use every tactic at their disposal to prevent any mid-cycle redistricting. Everything is on the table, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who has met with the Texas Democrats, said on July 30. Weve got to preserve democracy. Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon, also a Democrat, went even further. He told The Associated Press on Aug. 1 that he would introduce a bill permitting mid-cycle redistricting if Texas continues down its current path because we cant have one state, especially a very large state, constantly trying to one-up and alter the course of congressional control while the other states sit idly by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who runs the Democratic Partys redistricting efforts and has traditionally pushed for a nonpartisan approach, seemed to give the green light at least for now to Democrats exploring map-drawing outside the census period. We have to understand that the nature of the threat that has been put upon the country through what theyre trying to do in Texas has really increased the danger to our democracy, he told ABC News on Aug. 3. As a result of that, weve got to do things that, perhaps in the past, I would not have supported. I think that responsible Democrats in other states have to take into account the threat to our democracy, the need to preserve our democracy, so that we can ultimately try to heal it, he added. And I would hope that they will take steps that are, again, as I said, temporary but responsible. What does the walkout say about the Voting Rights Act? Texas state lawmakers board a bus following an Aug. 3 press conference at the DuPage County Democratic Party headquarters in Carol Stream, Illinois. The group of Democratic lawmakers left Texas so that a quorum could not be reached during a special session called to redistrict the state. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) To many advocates, the redistricting battle illustrates the precarious state of voting rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 13, Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu, one of the Democrats who left the state, called the Texas map a racist and unconstitutional gerrymandering effort. He also said that it was an attempt to stifle Americans who have had enough. This latest controversy erupted on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which some legal scholars say is standing on its last leg. Over the past decade, the Voting Rights Act has been scaled back through various legal challenges. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court gutted a section of the act that required jurisdictions with histories of discrimination against Black voters to secure federal approval before changing its election laws. If we dont know our history, we dont know nothing, Khadidah Stone, who was a plaintiff in a major 2023 Supreme Court case, recently told Capital B. Especially if you arent a white man, you need to be putting yourself on the line fighting for voting rights just as much as anybody else. Whats the next move for Democrats? Though many Democratic leaders are exploring retaliatory measures, not all of them can move as quickly as Texas House Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because different states have different procedures for redrawing maps. In Texas and a number of other Republican-controlled states, state legislatures handle redistricting. This means that in these states the task of redrawing maps is simpler and faster and that the party in power can almost guarantee that its lawmakers will be reelected. Meanwhile, in many Democratic-controlled states, including California and New York, redistricting is done through an independent commission. This is meant to minimize partisan influence and maximize competitiveness, though reliance on this model also slows down the speed with which maps can be redrawn. It remains to be seen how Democratic leaders countermoves will play out. This story has been updated. The post Texas Rep. Stays Overnight in Chamber to Oppose Map She Says Hurts Black, Latino Voters appeared first on Capital B News. Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the arrest Monday of House Democrats after they fled the state before a vote could be taken on proposed redistricting maps. The Democratic lawmakers fled to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts to prevent a quorum Monday afternoon and the advancement of voter maps that would benefit Republicans in next year's midterm elections. "Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans," Abbott, a Republican, said in a statement. "By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans," Abbott continued. "This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol." On Monday, Texas House Republicans voted 85-to-6, authorizing the House sergeant-at-arms to arrest Democrats who fled the state in protest and prevented a quorum. According to the Texas Constitution, two-thirds of the state House must be present to conduct legislative business. The proposed congressional redistricting map, released last month, could add five new GOP congressional seats. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas claims the maps were "designed to dilute the voting power of communities of color." In addition to facing arrest, the missing House members also face $500 daily fines for breaking quorum. Abbott said he will investigate any Democrat who solicits funds to support their effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Reports indicate that many absentee Texas House Democrats have solicited or received funds to evade conducting legislative business and casting votes. Under the Texas Penal Code, any of those Democrats who solicit, accept or agree to accept such funds to assist in the violation of legislative duties or for purposes of skipping a vote may have violated bribery laws," Abbott said. "Also, it could be a bribery violation for any other person who offers, provides or agrees to provide such funds to fleeing Democrat House members." The Texas House Democratic Caucus issued their response Monday to Abbott's threat, saying, "Come and take it." Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu told reporters in Illinois that it was within their moral responsibility to leave the state. "We're not here to have fun. We're not here because it is easy, and we did not make the decision to come here today lightly," Wu said. "But we come here today with absolute moral clarity that this is absolutely the right thing to do to protect the people of the state of Texas." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas House is scheduled to reconvene Tuesday at 1 p.m., local time. The current special session is scheduled to end on Aug. 19. Texas state Rep. John Bucy said Democrats are "not running away" but instead "running into the fight." "Look, I didn't run for office to walk out of the Capitol, but I also didn't run for office to stand by while democracy is stolen in broad daylight," Bucy said from Illinois. "Texas Democrats broke quorum because sometimes, the only way to uphold your oath is to refuse to play along with a rigged game." The Texas Legislature attempted to meet Monday to consider a redistricting plan that would favor Republicans, but Democratic members who left the state over the weekend did not return, denying the quorum needed to convene the session. Gov. Greg Abbott vowed to take steps to remove those lawmakers from their seats, and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he had signed civil arrest warrants for the absent Democrats. Republicans "can make idle threats, but as long as they are out of state, there's really nothing that they can do," said Mark Jones, a Rice University political science professor. More than 50 Texas House Democrats left the state on Sunday, leaving the chamber short of the two-thirds quorum needed to bring a vote to the floor. Democrats are protesting the President Trump-led effort by Republicans to redraw the state's U.S. House congressional map, which could net the GOP up to five more seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are fighting for representative democracy, and whether or not that will continue, and so we're willing to face whatever consequences may come our way," Democratic state Rep. James Talarico told CBS News. Texas Republicans on Monday and Tuesday returned to the Capitol in Austin but did not have enough members for a quorum, so the session could not be called to order. How are Texas officials trying to force Democrats back? Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday said he would ask a judge to declare the seats vacant, after Burrows gave the Democrats until Friday, Aug. 8, to return. "This House will not sit quietly while you obstruct the work of the people," Burrows said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To assist Burrows, Abbott said Monday that he had ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to "locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans." But the Texas DPS does not have jurisdiction to arrest them out of state. Within the state, they could be placed under civil arrest, which would compel them to return to the Legislature. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican, said Tuesday that he had contracted the FBI to "to aid in Texas state law enforcement efforts to locate or arrest potential lawbreakers who have fled the state." Rep. Ann Johnson, a Houston Democrat, told CBS News' Ed O'Keefe in an interview Monday that "a quorum break is written into the Texas Constitution," and "the threat of arrest is something that should be an alarm for a lot of folks." What laws are Abbott and other Republicans alleging are broken? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott claimed Monday on Fox News that the Democrats could face bribery charges if their costs while out of state are being covered by others. "I think based upon comments made by legislators themselves, they face a possibility of facing bribery charges, which is a second-degree felony in the state of Texas, there's one way to cure that, and that is if they get back to the state of Texas and make quorum today at a hearing that we have at 3 o'clock, they can cure themselves of any quid pro quo that would subject them to potential bribery charges," Abbott said. But Jones noted that "Texas, compared to other states, has very loose ethics laws." "The governor is certainly welcome to make that argument, and theoretically it has a limited level of potential to move forward, but at the end of the day, if you look at Texas ethics law and look at all of the things that are allowed under Texas ethics law we would rank receiving money to pay a fine at the lower end at the potential for an ethics violation, let alone things that are illegal," Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornyn also noted the bribery claims in his letter to the FBI, writing that he is "concerned that legislators who solicited or accepted funds to aid in their efforts to avoid their legislative duties may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses." Abbott said Sunday that if members didn't return by 3 p.m. CT Monday, he'd "invoke Texas Attorney General Opinion No. KP-0382 to remove the missing Democrats from membership in the Texas House." Abbott was citing a 2021 opinion from Texas' Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, which was written after a previous walkout when Democratic lawmakers left the state to protest a change in the voting laws. The opinion, which is nonbinding, says a "district court may determine that a legislator has forfeited his or her office due to abandonment and can remove the legislator from office, thereby creating a vacancy." But Jones noted that the only legal ways to remove a Texas lawmaker is either for the person to be expelled by a vote of two-thirds of the Legislature which happened when legislators voted to expel Republican Rep. Byron Slaton over misconduct in 2023 or by voters at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican state Rep. Briscoe Cain posted on social media Monday that he would file a bill to declare a seat vacant if a legislator missed seven consecutive days of a session. But since there is no quorum, that bill can't receive a vote at least for now. Why did Texas Democrats flee the state? Abbott called a special session last month to take up the redistricting effort, along with 17 other issues, including relief for Texas flood victims, a review of the flood warning system and emergency preparedness, and a THC ban. Congressional redistricting, however, was to be considered first. Texas has a part-time legislature which meets for 140 days every other year. The governor has the right to call a 30-day special session to address certain topics. The current special session started on July 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott can call as many special sessions as he wants, which means that if Democrats run out the clock on this special session, he could call another one as soon as it ends. After the 2023 legislative session, for example, Abbott called four special sessions, which kept lawmakers in Austin into December. He convened the first one only hours after the legislative session ended. Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm Constituents confront Rep. Mike Flood over Trump budget law at heated town hall Titan submersible disaster was preventable, Coast Guard report says NEED TO KNOW Texas House Democrats left the state on Sunday to deny quorum, which was required for the State House to pass legislation Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of Texas House Democrats who left the state, and the House Speaker vowed to sign civil warrants, which will only apply to Democrats within state lines The Texas House was set to vote on a new congressional map that could lead to more Republicans in the U.S. House Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of Texas House Democrats who left the state to prevent the passage of a new congressional map of the state designed to give Republicans more seats in the U.S. House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of Democrats left Texas, making it impossible for the Texas House, which is dominated by Republicans, to establish the quorum needed to pass legislation. On Monday, Aug. 4, House members in Austin voted 85-6 to arrest the Democratic lawmakers who were not in the Capitol, per the Texas Tribune. House Speaker Dustin Burrows vowed to sign civil warrants for the Democrats who left the state, but the warrants will only apply to Democrats within state lines. Many have already left for Illinois, New York and Massachusetts. "This house will not sit quietly while you obstruct the work of the people," Burrows said, per CBS Austin. "The people of Texas are watching and so is the nation." After the House issued the warrants, Abbott, 67, also ordered the arrest of delinquent Texas Democrats. Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Illinois Gov. J.B. Prtizker (left) with Texas State Rep. Gene Wu in Carol Stream, Ill. on Aug. 3 Illinois Gov. J.B. Prtizker (left) with Texas State Rep. Gene Wu in Carol Stream, Ill. on Aug. 3 Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, The governor said in a statement. By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott said he ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans, adding, This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol. He has no legal mechanism, Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones, who traveled to New York, said on Monday, per the Associated Press. Subpoenas from Texas dont work in New York, so he cant come and get us. Subpoenas in Texas dont work in Chicago... Hes putting up smoke and mirrors. Abbott also sent a letter to the members who left Texas on Sunday, Aug. 3, threatening to invoke a legal opinion by the state's attorney general to "remove the missing Democrats from membership in the Texas House." He claimed members could also face felony charges for fundraising to pay the $500 daily fine that would rack up for each they they are out of Austin. "Come and take it, the Texas House Democratic Caucus said in response Sunday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas House has 150 members, and at least 100 are needed to attend to reach a quorum. There are 62 Democrats, meaning that if 51 or more are missing, the ongoing special session cant pass any bills. There are just over two weeks left of the special session, which Abbott called after the devastating Hill Country floods. In his proclamation calling for the legislature to meet, Abbott also listed other priorities, including redrawing congressional districts and passing a bathroom bill that would require transgender people to use bathrooms that match their birth sex in public buildings. Sergio Flores/Bloomberg via Getty Texas State Capitol in Austin Texas State Capitol in Austin https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Democrats havent said how long they plan to stay out of Texas. State Rep. Gene Wu, the Texas House Democratic Caucus leader who traveled to Illinois, said they will do whatever it takes, but added, What that looks like, we dont know. Texas Democrats also left the state in 2021 to protest new voting restrictions. In that case, the Texas Supreme Court said House leaders could physically compel missing members to attend, but Democrats werent forcibly brought back. They returned after 38 days, and the bill passed anyway. 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 Texas House adjourned on Monday after the arrest warrants were approved and is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday. Read the original article on People AUSTIN (Nexstar) The Texas House gaveled in Monday short of a quorum after more than 50 Democratic lawmakers fled the state over the weekend to block a vote on creating a new U.S. congressional map that would give Republicans an edge to pick up five additional seats. Even though 100 members were not in the lower chamber the needed amount for a quorum House members voted on a motion to have the sergeant-at-arms track down absentee lawmakers, under warrant of arrest if necessary, and bring them back to Austin to reestablish quorum. Here are the Texas House Democrats who broke quorum Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House voted to issue a call of the house, which locks members of the chamber in unless they are permitted to leave, and it allows the Speaker to issue arrest warrants for members not present. All six present Democrats voted against the motion. House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he immediately signed the warrants for the civil arrest of the lawmakers who fled Texas. I will do everything in my power to establish quorum and move this body forward by any and all means available to this office, Burrows said from the dais. To those who are absent, return now. Show the courage to face the issues you were elected to solve. Come back and fulfill your duty. Gov. Greg Abbott also released a statement shortly after the House gaveled out, ordering the Texas Department of Public Safety to track down lawmakers. To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans, Abbott said. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news conference following the motion, Burrows said he has talked to Abbott and will work with DPS to locate the absent lawmakers. While our work may be delayed, whether its tomorrow or next week, the House will complete its required duties, Burrows said. Texas law enforcement does not have jurisdiction beyond the state line to arrest lawmakers, some of whom went to New York and Illinois. When asked by a reporter if he would accept any help from the Trump administration to bring back lawmakers, Burrows said there is nothing off the table. There is one member who said that they are doing a fundraiser here in Austin tomorrow, and Ive sent that fundraising letter to DPS and said they should be invited to attend as well, Burrows said. Well see how that goes forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, both those present and those absent, released statements throughout the day on the move to break quorum. Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, said in a statement I do not take breaking quorum lightly, but in this case I believe that doing so is the only way I can fulfill the role I was elected by the people of HD-101 to do. Turner is part of the group that fled to Illinois. Moody was present at the Capitol on Monday, despite being part of previous quorum breaks. In a statement, he said he stayed back so that the Democrats had a representative to advocate against the redrawn maps in-person. I support my fellow Democrats whove left the state to protect all Texans votes, Moody said. The best way I can fight back is at the Capitol, which is why Ive chosen to stay now that quorum has been broken. Ill be looking my Republican colleagues in the eyes and asking them to look into their souls: They know this is wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Ana Hernandez, D-Houston, said that she left the state because the redrawn maps dilute Black and Latino voting strength in her home city of Houston. Leaving the state was not a decision I took lightly. But I wont stay in a process that shuts out my community, Hernandez said. My responsibility is to them and Ill keep fighting to make sure theyre heard. Texas Democrats break quorum, ask for donations for fines. Is it ethical? Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, expressed the same sentiment, calling quorum breaking a last resort. It is unclear how long the Democrats will remain out of state. The longer they do, the more fines they will incur, at a rate of $500 per day, per member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott released an additional statement Monday calling on the Texas Rangers to investigate Democrats on bribery charges. Today, I ordered the Texas Rangers to immediately investigate fleeing Texas House Democrats for potential bribery and any other potential legal violations connected to their refusal to appear for a quorum, conduct business and cast votes, Abbott said. That investigation should extend to anyone who aided or abetted such potential crimes. Speaking from the dais, Burrows had a message for the Democrats, urging them to return home. To those who are absent, return now. Show the courage to face the issues you were elected to solve. Come back and fulfill your duty. Because this house will not sit quietly while you obstruct the work of the people, Burrows said. The people of Texas are watching, and so is the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On their first full day in Illinois and other northern states, Texas House Democrats who fled their home state to block a Republican-led midterm congressional redistricting plan on Monday encouraged leaders in Democratic states to actively look at redrawing their own boundaries and abandon the national partys long-standing support for politically fair maps to counter partisan gerrymandering. State Rep. Gene Wu of Houston, the leader of the Democratic minority in the Texas House, also dismissed Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts threats against the House Democrats, which include the governor saying hed seek their removal from office or the filing of felony bribery charges for leaving the state on Sunday to prevent Republicans from advancing their new map. Frankly, Democrats say, Come and take it, Wu said, directing his comments to Abbott and the majority Republicans, while appearing on CNN from Chicago. The historic Texas fighting phrase comes from the 1835 launch of the Texas Revolution against Mexico. Its all bluster, sound and fury, signifying nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call to action by Texas Democrats for Democratic-led states to redraw their boundaries follows the currently stymied effort by Abbott and Texas Republicans who offered a map that could flip five districts to the GOP in 2026 in an effort to sustain what is a narrow Republican U.S. House majority in Washington, D.C., to assist Trump in the final two years of his second presidential term. The Texas House met at 3 p.m. Monday with Republicans planning to vote on the new boundaries in a special session. But due to a lack of a quorum caused by the Democrats absence, the chamber adjourned until 1 p.m. Tuesday. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he would sign civil warrants for each of the legislators, giving the House sergeant-at-arms and state troopers the power to arrest the missing Democrats and bring them to the Capitol. Abbott followed suit, instructing his Department of Public Safety to make arrests. But since the warrants apply only within Texas state limits, the moves were largely symbolic since the missing Democrats have relocated to the Chicago suburbs, New York and Boston. Legal experts have questioned Abbotts ability to engage law enforcement in activities outside of Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To run to states like New York and Illinois to protest redistricting is kind of like running to Wisconsin to protest cheese. Its just kind of outrageous, Abbott told Fox News. Those are New York and Illinois, two hallmark states. Theyve already done redistricting to Republicans. Kendall Scudder, the chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, told CNN Democrats have long been on board with efforts to push independent, nonpartisan redistricting efforts. But in light of the Republicans efforts in Texas to redraw congressional boundaries mid-decade, he said it was time for Democrats to act. I hope that blue states across the country see this as a signal flare and start carving up their own seats because Democrats have to stop trying to be the only adults in the room, Scutter told CNN. When Republicans are not willing to play fair, and Republicans are not willing to make sure that everyone gets a seat at the table and is able to be heard, then we need to stand up and fight back with gusto, Scutter said. And I hope that blue states around the country are taking notice, and that theyre going to step forward and start carving up their states as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law in 2021 a congressional map approved by the Democratic-led General Assembly that gives the party a 14-3 majority over Republicans in the states U.S. House delegation. But Pritzker may be leaving the door open to a potential congressional redistricting in Illinois, despite myriad questions most notably that candidates for the states March 17th Democratic primary can begin gathering petition signatures on Tuesday. Pritzkers office retweeted a YouTube podcast from July 29 in which progressive podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen asked the governor if he is considering calling a legislative session to do exactly what theyre doing in Texas and what (Democratic Gov.) Gavin Newsom has said that hed be willing to do in California? Yeah, like I said, everythings on the table. Its why Ive spoken up about it, Pritzker told the podcaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, midstream redistricting was not something that we Democrats would do, but if they force us, weve got to put everything on the table. Weve got to make decisions that maybe we wouldnt have made before, Pritzker said, which was prior to the Texas lawmakers walkout. I think that governors across the country that have the ability, maybe its the ones that where weve got trifecta, weve got to do everything we can to stand up to what Donald Trump and Greg Abbott are trying to do, he said. A trifecta is what exists in Illinois where Democrats control the governors office and both houses of the legislature. But Jon Maxson, a spokesman for Democratic House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, said, there have been no discussions on a new congressional map for Illinois. Political experts also question whether Democrats have the ability to wring out an additional Democratic seat at the expense of Republicans from the current map lines. While most Illinois Democrats applauded Pritzkers support for the Texas Democrats, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson who has a cool relationship with Pritzker appeared to take a shot at Pritzker for focusing on another states issues instead of his own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As much as I appreciate Illinois helping out people from Texas, the South Side and the West Side could use that same level of energy, Johnson said Monday while announcing an expansion of Sustainable Community Schools, a model in which Chicago Public Schools partners with the Chicago Teachers Union. The mayor and governor have frequently been at loggerheads over Johnsons stalled Springfield agenda, which includes a demand for more funding for CPS as well as new taxes. In New York, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who met with some of the Texas House Democrats on Monday, vowed to look into redoing that states map. Alls fair in love and war. Thats why I am exploring with our leaders every option to redraw our state congressional lines as soon as possible, Hochul said. This is a war. We are at war. And thats why the gloves are off and I say, Bring it on. To move forward with such a plan in New York, Democrats would have to abolish their independent redistricting commission, a process that is complicated to unwind and could involve amending the states constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley of Chicago has been a sponsor of federal legislation that would ban midterm redistricting. But he told CNN that for Democrats, You have to fight fire with fire. We see the results here, the mess that were in. It shouldnt be this (way) on either side, but theyre forcing the issue now, and we have to react, he said of Republicans. The Texas Democrats face the prospect of $500 per day fines and Abbott has threatened to go to court to seek their removal from office, contending their absence means their seats are vacant and he can appoint their successors. But Ken Paxton, the GOP Texas attorney general, acknowledged the opinion he offered that Abbott relied upon to threaten lawmakers removal from office was never tested in court. Additionally, Paxton, in a Fox News interview, cast doubt on another threat levied by Abbott that lawmakers could face felony bribery charges if they solicited or received funds during their absence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu said the House Democrats arent concerned about Abbotts and Paxtons threats. We have committed to sacrificing our lives to protect the people of (the) state of Texas, and that is exactly what we do. The $500, whatever theyre going to fine us, that is nothing compared to the pain the American people have felt, and the people of Texas have felt, he said. We know that the governor has no power to reach into other states and, legally by law, by federal law or state law, the president has no ability, no authority, to legally come get us, he said. Ron Safer, a former federal prosecutor now in private practice, said the Texas governor and attorney general do not have any authority within reason to use law enforcement to compel Democratic lawmakers to return to Austin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a political issue. It has no place in the criminal justice system, Safer said, adding that theres no federal crime that I can think of that comes close to addressing this. If Paxton wanted to pursue allegations that Democratic lawmakers had misused campaign funds, he has the authority to open an investigation, Safer said, but thats not going to yield a quick arrest warrant, which is what hes looking for. TEXAS (KFDX/KJTL) One Texas organization hopes to prepare Texas to make sustainable decisions when it comes to natural resources. The Texas A&M Forest Service and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative have launched an online forestry education course. This course will provide access to forest and natural resource concepts to all formal and informal educators, academic administrators, natural resource personnel and others who engage in public outreach about forests across the United States and Canada. Forest literacy is fundamental for navigating our interconnected world and building a sustainable future, said Melanie Villegas-Portillo, Texas A&M Forest Service Conservation Education Program Specialist. This course will strengthen each learners ability to engage, educate and advocate for the forests through informed action and shared understanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the course, attendees will cover topics such as forests ecological and societal roles, forest ecosystem functions and indicators of forest health, forests roles in human well-being, biodiversity and climate resilience and more. The course is entirely online, self-paced, and can be completed in only two hours. All participants who pass the course will receive a certificate of completion. Texas teachers seeking continual professional educational credits may request their Texas Education Agency certificate after completing the course. The concepts in this course are designed within the scope of the Texas Forest Literacy Plan, which is available to students, teachers, and families to teach the critical role forests play in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about the Forest Literacy course and enroll, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 5: iValue Group, a leading technology advisor for enterprise security and digital transformation, has announced a strategic partnership with Cyberbit, a global leader in cyber skill development and simulation-based cyber range exercises. The partnership brings Cyberbit's hands-on cyber readiness platform to Indian enterprises, helping them build high-performance cybersecurity teams equipped to defend against real-world threats. Cyberbit delivers one of the most advanced simulation platforms in the world, equipping SOC teams, incident responders, and cybersecurity professionals with real-time practice on live-fire scenarios. The platform supports a range of cyber-attack simulations using commercial-grade tools, aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, and is already widely adopted by government, industry, and academic institutions worldwide. "Cybersecurity is a global goal. Security teams and communities cannot work in isolation. Our partnership with iValue is a powerful step toward building a stronger, more connected ecosystem and deepening our reach across India," said Nick Wetton, Chief Revenue Officer at Cyberbit. "With iValue's network and market expertise, we're doubling down on our commitment to empower resellers and deliver unmatched value to our customers, all under the strategic leadership of Regional Director, Gaurav Pandey, who continues to drive growth and deepen our impact across the region." Through this partnership, iValue will make Cyberbit's platform available to enterprises, universities, and public sector organizations across India. Enterprises will be able to assess cyber readiness, reduce response times, and close the skills gap through realistic, role-based skill development. "The stakes in cybersecurity have changed. Enterprises no longer have the luxury of learning during an incident. Our partnership with Cyberbit gives Indian organizations access to one of the most proven and scalable platforms for real-time cyber preparedness. The platform serves as a readiness benchmark across industries." -- R Venkatesh - Co founder and CRO at iValue Group The addition of Cyberbit to iValue's cybersecurity portfolio strengthens its ongoing focus on supporting enterprises with strategic technologies that address talent, process, and threat visibility gaps. With Cyberbit, customers can assess, practice, and certify their teams on the skills required to respond under pressure, without risking live environments. About iValue Group: iValue Group the fastest-growing Strategic Technology Advisor, secures and manages enterprises' digital assets in hybrid-cloud environments. With 500+ experts, we offer custom solutions and services, partnering with top OEMs across India, SAARC and SEA. iValue cloud based CoE showcases 25+ integrated solutions stack across OEMs to facilitate risk-free technology adoption in double quick time for our Partners business growth. iValue has direct presence across India, SAARC and Southeast Asia, with local teams covering business and technical needs of partners to address their customer needs across the regions. For more information about iValue Group, please visit www.ivaluegroup.com. About Cyberbit: Cyberbit closes the cybersecurity experience gap by enhancing the proficiency of security teams and executives through ActiveExperiences -- extremely realistic Live-Fire Exercises, Labs, Quests, and Crisis Simulations that mirror real-world threats. Our platform rapidly spins up virtual cyber ranges, emulating complex networks and security environments to build hands-on expertise. Defenders develop operational muscle memory under pressure, while executives strengthen decision-making in high-stakes scenarios. With over 70% of our experts from military or first-responder backgrounds, our approach is informed by real adversarial tactics. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, Cyberbit ensures operational cyber readiness when it matters most. For more information about Cyberbit, please visit www.cyberbit.com. (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) 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 Tuesday! Thanks to Scott Bland for helming the ship while I was on vacation. In todays edition, Steve Kornacki breaks down how Donald Trumps 2024 margins in Texas congressional districts would change under the GOPs proposed map, and what that means for the 2026 race for the House majority. Plus, Shannon Pettypiece examines the fears that Trump is undermining the reliability of government data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here. Adam Wollner How Texas proposed map would affect the battle for the House Analysis by Steve Kornacki The new congressional map proposed by Texas Republicans has yet to be enacted and may still be altered, but it makes clear the partys intent to pick up five new seats from the state in next years midterms. Under the proposal, three districts currently represented by Democrats would be transformed into Republican bastions. All three went decisively for Kamala Harris in last years election, but based on the new lines would have backed Donald Trump by double digits. There are also two Democrats currently representing districts that voted for Trump last year. Those districts would become even more pro-Trump under the GOPs plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, there wouldnt be a single district in which the presidential contest was decided by single digits in Texas. If enacted, a Republican gain of three seats from this plan seems almost automatic. But there would likely be suspense in South Texas, where the two Democrats targeted Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez would each have a fighting chance to hang on. While this heavily Hispanic border region has historically been overwhelmingly Democratic, Trump made staggering inroads here in the last two elections. But locally, Democrats still hold most offices and retain a powerful infrastructure. Its an open question whether this support for Trump will manifest itself in turnout for Republican candidates when the president himself isnt on the ballot. On paper, Cuellar has the better chance of surviving. He was re-elected by 5 points last year even as Trump carried his 28th District by 7 points. Under the GOPs proposed lines, Trumps margin would tick up to 10 points, a tougher slog for Cuellar but one that his 2024 performance suggests he can handle. Of course, Cuellar faces another form of political danger as well in the form of federal corruption charges. If he isnt in the mix in 2026, his seat will become vastly harder for Democrats to keep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Gonzalez, he held on to his seat by about 3 points last year, as Trump won the 34th District by 4 points. That Trump margin would swell to 10 points with the new GOP map, making Gonzalez an underdog especially with Republicans recruiting a strong challenger. But if next years midterm environment is favorable to Democrats, Gonzalez would certainly be competitive, especially with Trumps name absent from the ballot. Nationally, Texas Republicans plan would increase the number of Democrats representing districts that voted for Trump last year to 16. And with Ohio Republicans poised to embark on their own redistricting effort, that number would likely rise further to 18 or 19. These added pick-up opportunities are crucial to the GOPs chance of holding the House: A net-loss of just three seats would hand control to Democrats. The latest on the Texas redistricting fight: Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows quickly gaveled the chamber in and out of session today, lacking the minimum number of state lawmakers to move on to regular business after dozens of Democrats fled the state. Appearing alongside Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and a group of Texas House Democrats, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said that his party is not rolling over to Trump and bringing a knife to a knife fight. Pritzker said he would consider calling a special session to reopen Illinois congressional maps, where Democrats already control 14 of 17 seats. GOP Sen. John Cornyn is urging the FBI to assist Texas law enforcement agencies in finding or arresting Democratic legislators who left the state. Some Republicans representing competitive districts in blue states are speaking out against their partys push to redraw congressional lines in Texas. How Trump is reshaping government data By Shannon Pettypiece Meteorological data collected by some weather balloons has been halted. Statistics for HIV among transgender people were scrubbed from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website. And basic public figures, like how many people work for the federal government, have been frozen or delayed for months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the federal government, President Donald Trump has been wielding his influence over data used by researchers, economists and scientists, an effort that was playing out largely behind the scenes until Friday, when he fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The agency collects and publishes economic data, and Trump accused its former chief, Erika McEntarfer, of giving fake employment data last week showing a recent slowdown in the labor market. The numbers were rigged. Biden wasnt doing well, he was doing poorly, Trump said in an interview on CNBC, referring to the jobs numbers. Presidents of both political parties often seek to spin government data to their benefit, cherry-picking numbers that put their agendas in the best light possible. But McEntarfers firing has drawn criticism from economists, Wall Street investors and even Republicans who are raising wider concerns about the continued reliability of government data once seen as the gold standard. 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 politicized, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said in an interview. You cant really make the numbers different or better by firing the people doing the counting. Read more from Shannon Today's other top stories Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner. 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 The Brief Copper theft is a growing problem in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with Texas now ranking third in incidents on AT&T's network. The thefts cause loss of phone and internet service, including access to 911, for homes and businesses. AT&T is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. DALLAS - Copper theft is a growing problem across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. And Texas now ranks third highest in copper theft incidents across AT&Ts nationwide network. Copper Theft Why you should care Despite what some may think, copper theft is not a victimless crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When copper is stolen, it often leads to the loss of phone service and internet for both residential customers and businesses. "When this happens, it takes our customers out of service. They dont have access to their phones or internet. They dont have access to 911, emergency services," said Alisha Remek, the vice president of construction and engineering for AT&T. Local perspective One of AT&Ts buildings in Dallas, which houses network infrastructure, has been broken into at least a dozen times. Video shows one thief hooking a chain up to a truck to rip a rear-access door open. Once inside, the thief stole copper lines for a generator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AT&T also shared several photographs that show where copper wiring has been stolen from utility pole lines all across North Texas. Miguel Flores is a cable splicer for AT&T in Dallas. He said the thieves are now accessing manholes, including some that are 20 feet deep, to strip the copper wiring from underground. "These manholes are filled with toxic fumes. Anyone who goes in without the proper equipment and training for that matter could essentially not come back," Flores said. Replacement copper isnt readily available and has to be ordered. "Every time this happens, its becoming more and more difficult for AT&T to source this copper to replace the services that have been interrupted," Flores said. What you can do AT&T is hoping that by making the public aware, people will report suspicious behavior to their local police department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company is also offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The Source FOX 4's Alex Boyer gathered details for this story by interviewing representatives with AT&T in Dallas. The Brief The standoff between Texas House Democrats and Governor Greg Abbott continues after lawmakers left the state Sunday. The break in quorum is an attempt to stop a vote on a gerrymandered congressional map. Gov. Abbott has called for an investigation into bribery and the arrest of the lawmakers. HOUSTON - Texas House Democrats have broken quorum by fleeing the state - to block a scheduled vote on a newly drawn congressional map that would expand Republican power in Washington. Texas redistricting fight continues: House Democrats flee the state What we know Governor Greg Abbott is calling it a "dereliction of duty" and has ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate the lawmakers for potential violations of state law, including bribery. Governor Demands Investigation and Arrests What they're saying "Today, I ordered the Texas Rangers to immediately investigate fleeing Texas House Democrats for potential bribery and any other potential legal violations," Abbott said in a statement released Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement goes on to say, "Reports indicate that many absentee Texas House Democrats have solicited or received funds to evade conducting legislative business and casting votes. Under the Texas Penal Code, any of those Democrats who solicit, accept, or agree to accept such funds to assist in the violation of legislative duties or for purposes of skipping a vote may have violated bribery laws." Per the Texas Penal code, for a bribery law to be broken, a clear quid pro quo must be present - meaning representatives would have to accept money in exchange for skipping the vote. Can They Be Arrested? Dig deeper Gov. Abbott has also ordered for the arrest of the Democrats who left, saying in a release, "Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber. To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breaking quorum is not a criminal offense. Its a civil violation - meaning law enforcement can physically detain and return lawmakers to the Capitol, but only within state lines. Because the lawmakers have headed to Chicago, Washington D.C. and New York, Texas authorities currently have no jurisdiction to arrest them. In 2021, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that absent lawmakers could be compelled to return to the chamber, but only if theyre inside Texas. Whos Paying for the Quorum Break? By the numbers A spokesperson for the Texas House Democratic Caucus says the trip is being privately funded through campaign donations and outside support, not taxpayer dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers get a state-issued per diem, roughly $221/day, while in session. The payments are sent at the end of the month. Some lawmakers have pubically stated they will not be accepting their per diem - but a blanket protocol hasn't been announced. What Happens to the Rest of the Agenda? Big picture view There are 18 items on the governors special session agenda, including flood disaster funding, school safety, and efforts to restrict THC statewide. But none of those measures can move forward without a quorum. House Speaker Dade Phelan issued a statement calling the walkout "irresponsible and dangerous," noting that "lives and communities impacted by the Hill Country floods are left waiting for answers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House cannot conduct business, debate, amend, or vote until 100 of the 150 members are physically present. As of Monday afternoon, only six Democrats were in the chamber. Additionally, any official actions taken this session will not transfer to a new one if the Democrats don't return by the end of the current session. "Nothing productive can occur during this special session because, even from a procedural process, everything starts anew with the next special session," said political Analyst Mark Jones. Jones says some speculate that Republicans purposefully put the redistricting vote ahead of the other measures in an attempt to prevent a quorum break. The Source Governor Greg Abbott statement, Texas Constitution Article III Section 10, Texas Penal Code 36.02, Texas House Democratic Caucus More than 50 Texas House Democrats have fled the state to try to stop Republican state lawmakers from redrawing congressional districts maps that could help the GOP flip five Democratic seats during the 2026 midterm elections. A majority of the remaining members of the Republican-controlled Texas House have voted to track down and arrest their absent colleagues through civil warrants signed by House Speaker Dustin Burrows a largely symbolic move since the warrants can only apply in Texas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton plans to ask a court to declare that Democrats who fled essentially vacated their seats. Legal experts say its inconsistent with the Texas Constitution to argue a quorum break qualifies as abandoning an office. Republican lawmakers have said that redrawing congressional boundaries will allow GOP candidates to pick up as many as five seats, but that it does not guarantee them wins. Democrats say the proposed reconfigurations take away power from Black and Latino voters. They also say the proposal splits up local communities, moving many voters into districts that also cover far-away regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Greg Abbott directed state lawmakers to redraw the districts at the urging of the Trump administration. Redrawing congressional districts in the middle of a decade is rare, but allowed. Abbott also warned Texas House Democrats that he would attempt to have them removed from office if they do not return to Austin. Map targets Austin, Dallas, Houston and South Texas A draft of the new map released in late July proposes to reshape a handful of districts in Texas major metro areas to be more favorable to Republicans, while pitting a few Democratic Congress members against each other in next years elections: South Texas: The districts currently held by U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen would become slightly more favorable to Republicans. Dallas-Fort Worth area: U.S. Rep. Julie Johnsons Dallas-anchored district would be overhauled to favor Republicans. U.S. Rep. Marc Veaseys would remain solidly blue but drop all of Fort Worth Veaseys hometown and political base. This could set up a primary between Veasey and Johnson. Austin area: A proposed GOP seat could trigger U.S. Reps. Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett to face each other in a primary for Central Texas lone remaining blue district. Otherwise, one of the two would have to step aside or run an uphill race for Casars new district, based in San Antonio and the solidly red outlying counties east of the city, that Trump would have won by 10 points. Houston area: Four Democratic districts would be altered. The biggest change would be in the 9th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Al Green, that would shift to the eastern parts of Houston and Harris County, where no current member of Congress lives. Under that proposed change, Trump would have carried the district by 15 percentage points. [Texas House Republicans unveil new congressional map that looks to pick up five GOP seats] Texas Republicans acknowledge plan aims to benefit GOP Currently, Republicans hold 25 of Texas 38 House seats. The proposed map could help Republicans pick up five more. The plan would dismantle four congressional districts that the U.S. Department of Justice said unconstitutionally combined Black and Hispanic voters. The state has disputed that charge in an ongoing lawsuit, arguing the lines were drawn without an eye toward race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The draft advanced by a House committee would have likely faced changes before getting final approval from both chambers of the Legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott, but Texas Republicans made their partisan intentions clear. Setting aside the legal justification offered by the DOJ, state Rep. Todd Hunter, the Republican state lawmaker championing the redistricting legislation, said the proposed five new districts are based on political performance. While the newly drafted district lines almost certainly assure Republicans at least some new seats, an analysis of the tentative redistricting plan suggests the GOP is far from guaranteed to gain all five seats. Texas Democrats seek allies in other states Most of the House Democrats fled to the Chicago area, where they held a press conference with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Aug. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others headed to New York for at least a day to meet with Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has condemned Texas mid-decade redistricting effort and entertained the idea of retaliating with new maps in her state. A third contingent of lawmakers departed for Boston to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual legislative summit, alongside some Texas Senate Democrats, according to a source familiar with the senators plans. At a press conference, state Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, told reporters that they were taking the redistricting fight day by day and he wasnt sure exactly what the caucus' next steps would be amid financial strains. Were all away from our families that weve already been away from for six months, he said, referring to the 140-day legislative session that ended in early June. Weve been away from our jobs. Weve not earned a lot of income this entire year. ... This is not a decision that we take lightly. Staying away will cost Democrats financially Before Democrats in the Texas House decamped, members of Congress were encouraging deep-pocketed donors in the party to help cover expenses, which include not only lodging and other travel costs, but also $500-a-day fines adopted by House Republicans after Democrats fled in 2021 in an unsuccessful bid to stop Republicans from passing an overhaul of the states election laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday that members could face felony charges for soliciting funds to pay the fines, which he argued could amount to violations of the states bribery laws. On Monday, he asked the Texas Rangers to investigate whether any Democratic lawmakers had violated bribery laws. Legal experts said that would be difficult to prove bribery allegations in court. Powered by People, a Democratic political group started by former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke, has emerged as a top funder covering the costs of Texas lawmakers out-of-state decampment, according to two people involved with the fundraising efforts. [Beto ORourkes political group is a top funder for Texas Democrats exodus to block GOP congressional map] The expenses are mounting fast for the more than 50 Democrats in the Texas House who left the state Sunday to prevent the Republican-controlled chamber from having enough members to conduct business. Most lawmakers traveled to the Chicago area by way of a private plane from CommuteAir. They are now on the hook for lodging, meals and the $500-a-day fines they will each accrue for every day of the special session they miss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Democratic organizations have been eager to pick up the tab for what they see as a last-ditch effort to stop a nationwide redistricting war that threatens to upend the 2026 midterms. ORourkes organization, armed with a $3.5 million war chest, has covered much of the costs so far including air transport, lodging and logistical support, a person involved with the fundraising said though other groups have been in the mix. Texas Majority PAC, a group backed by Democratic megadonor George Soros and formed by alums of ORourkes 2022 gubernatorial bid, is coordinating with national Democratic groups to solicit fundraising from the partys regular big-dollar donors, according to two people with knowledge of the internal dynamics. Republicans threaten to remove Democrats from office Abbott on Tuesday asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove Houston Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, from office, following Abbott's threat to have Democrat expelled if they did not return to the Texas Capitol. [Gov. Greg Abbott asks Texas Supreme Court to expel House Democratic leader who left state] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Ken Paxton, who threatened to file similar legal actions earlier in the day against multiple House Democrats, has acknowledged that this would likely be a lengthy and complicated process. This could kick off a legal process that would require the Texas attorney general or a local district attorney to file a lawsuit against each state lawmaker asking a judge to remove them on the grounds that they have abandoned their office. But the removal would not be guaranteed as legal experts say there would be no grounds for a judge to rule that participating in a quorum break warrants removal from office. After Texas House Democrats broke quorum in 2021 to block restrictive voting measures, the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court acknowledged that the Texas Constitution allows for members to deprive the state House or Senate of a quorum. House Speaker agrees to sign warrants, but theyre mostly symbolic After the majority of the remaining House members voted to compel the absent Democrats back, House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he would immediately sign civil warrants for each of the legislators, empowering the chambers sergeant-at-arms and state troopers to arrest and bring them to the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will not face civil or criminal charges from the arrests. The warrants apply only within state lines, making them largely symbolic as most of the legislators in question decamped to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts to forestall passage of the GOPs proposed redraw of Texas congressional map. Denying quorum is a political strategy that rarely works History and political scientists suggest that quorum breaks are largely symbolic and have limited success blocking legislation. While the Democrats technically can prevent the GOPs redistricting effort by breaking quorum, it would require the entire delegation to stay out of the state until at least November, which political scientists say is unlikely given historical precedent. Texas Democrats 2021 quorum break collapsed after six weeks when internal divisions fractured Democratic unity and three Houston Democrats returned citing the COVID-19 pandemic. That allowed the controversial legislation to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Denying quorum has been a Texas political strategy since 1870] If Texas Republicans succeed, they could trigger a redistricting arms race Democratic leaders across the country, particularly in New York and California, have also vowed to fight back by redrawing Congressional district lines in other states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom told aides he will move forward with a plan to redraw his states congressional lines to install more Democrats if Texas Republicans pass their own updated map, according to a person with direct knowledge of Newsoms thinking. The move would set up a national fight. Disclosure: National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. The lineup for The Texas Tribune Festival continues to grow! Be there when all-star leaders, innovators and newsmakers take the stage in downtown Austin, Nov. 1315. The newest additions include comedian, actor and writer John Mulaney; Dallas mayor Eric Johnson; U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota; New York Media Editor-at-Large Kara Swisher; and U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) A political standoff that started in Texas is now going national. Democrats prevent Texas House from moving forward with Trump-backed congressional map Democratic lawmakers are fighting a republican redistricting plan that could change the balance of power for the entire country, and a local expert is providing insight. Texas republicans are trying to redraw the lines to give themselves five more republican leaning congressional seats, which would give their party and President Trump an important advantage in the 2026 midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas democrats are fighting redistricting, with dozens of them fleeing to New York and Illinois Sunday night to block a vote on the new maps. 22News spoke with political consultant Anthony Cignoli about this move, which marks the second time in four years..That Texas democrats have done this. This is a whole new kind of political fighting, Cignoli says. This is Lets try to win the election before we get to the election, before the people have a chance to make their voice heard for who they want to represent them in the Congress of the United States, in the House. Thats a very negative thing. Some blue states like Illinois, California, and New York are looking at redrawing their congressional maps to add Democratic seats. 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 Texas House approves arrest warrants for Democrats who fled the state to block a GOP-favored redistricting plan. Attorney General Pam Bondi orders a grand jury investigation into the Obama administrations review of Russias actions during the 2016 election. And the double-edged sword facing travel influencers in Afghanistan. Heres what to know today. Texas House approves the arrests of Democrats who fled the state Republican lawmakers voted to issue arrest warrants for dozens of Democrats who fled Texas to block the GOPs plan to redraw the states congressional lines. The House requires a quorum to proceed with a vote and with 51 of the states 62 Democratic House members out of the state, the legislation is effectively stalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve shirked their responsibilities under the direction and pressure of out-of-state politicians and activists who dont know the first thing about whats right for Texas, said Republican Speaker Dustin Burrows. This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. Shortly after gaveling in, Republican lawmakers locked the chamber doors and moved for the sergeant-at-arms to send for the lawmakers under warrant of arrest, if necessary. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott called for a special session of the Legislature this summer with redistricting on the agenda, an issue President Donald Trump has said would allow the GOP to pad their slim majority in the U.S. House with five more seats. The move enraged many Democrats who consider it a power play to prioritize House seats before passing legislation to address the disastrous floods that killed over 100 people in Kerr County, San Antonio, this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the chamber, they proceeded with a House vote and signed the civil arrest warrants, but Democrats have shrugged off threats so far. A majority traveled to Illinois and others to Boston and Albany, N.Y., but their next steps arent clear. The special legislative session cannot last more than 30 days, but Abbot could continue to call new sessions indefinitely. Read the full story here. More politics news: U.S. ties with India, a key security partner in Asia, are being tested by trade, tariffs and New Delhis purchases of Russian oil. Meanwhile, the European Union will pause its plan to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods while trade negotiations continue. White House officials began their search for a permanent replacement after Trump fired former Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. Ron DeSantis has a longstanding presence in the Florida GOP, but after losing his presidential bid, the momentum within the states Republican Party seemed to shift towards Trump. Pam Bondi orders grand jury probe of Obama administration review of 2016 election Attorney General Pam Bondi at a news conference at Drug Enforcement Administration headquarters in Arlington, Va., on July 15. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered Justice Department prosecutors to launch a probe into whether Obama administration officials committed federal crimes in a review of Russias actions during the 2016 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his supporters have long claimed that intelligence and law enforcement officials attempted to undermine his first term by overstating Russias interference in the 2016 election and investigating Trumps aides over any possible contacts with Moscow. Special Counsel Robert Mueller found that Russia intervened in 2016 to undercut Hillary Clinton but found no evidence that the Trump team colluded with the Kremlin, as some on the left had previously suggested. In an official letter signed by Bondi, an unnamed federal prosecutor is now instructed to begin presenting evidence to a grand jury to secure potential federal indictments. The letter doesnt specify what the charges will be, who the grand jury will investigate or give a timeline for completion. The announcement is the latest in a series of actions by the Trump administration designed to rewrite the history of the 2016 election and seek retribution against those whom Trump accuses of trying to sabotage his first term in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story here. Read All About It Growing frustrations with AI and other emerging technologies have prompted a new slur just for robots. The Agriculture Department allowed West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas to bar participants who receive SNAP benefits from using their aid for certain types of processed foods. A federal judge rejected Sean Diddy Combs efforts to be released from prison ahead of his sentencing. A bronze statue depicting Confederate Gen. Albert Pike will be reinstalled in Washington, D.C, after demonstrators toppled and burned it in 2020. Staff Pick: Travel influencers boost tourism to Taliban-run Afghanistan Margaritta during a recent trip to Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Margaritta) When I read about the three-month solo trip Margaritta, a 33-year-old travel influencer from Germany, took through Afghanistan, my heart soared. It is rare to read anything about Afghanistan that isnt about war, violence or extremism, so it was a welcome relief to find someone appreciating the countrys heart-stoppingly beautiful landscape and fascinating history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Margaritta says that she felt fantastic and safe in Afghanistan. She and other travel influencers explore the countrys landlocked, mountainous terrain and its tribal culture, with their glowing account contesting what has been painfully evident over the decades: that the country is unsafe and hostile to women. Heres the thing: Afghanistan is one of the worlds most violent countries, and arguably one of the worst places to be born a girl (if you look at maternal mortality rates, as well as laws that prohibit girls from studying beyond the age of 12 and women from working outside the home -- just to name a few). I fear Margaritta and others sunny travelogues risk whitewashing the harsh realities of life for the people of Afghanistan, not only its women. They also betray a lack of interest in or understanding of why some of us wealthy, white Westerners might be treated like a queen. In sum, its great to share your adventures, but probably while keeping at the front of your mind that millions of people may well be living desperately difficult lives under harsh and austere circumstances that rosy travelogues might entirely miss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement F. Brinley Bruton, assistant managing editor for international news NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified Ever heard of onion shampoo? No, well, its the latest trend that is supposed to promote hair growth. Dont worry, it wont leave your strands smelling funky. Want to learn how to make matcha? Class is now in session for matcha making 101. Tea experts share a step-by-step guide and what to look out for when shopping for products. Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week. Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Kaylah Jackson. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The decision by Texas Democrats to flee the state has ratcheted up tensions and started a new phase in the redistricting war around the country. Democrats from the Lone Star States Legislature fled to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts starting Sunday to avoid giving Republicans the quorum needed to pass a highly unusual effort for partisan, middecade redistricting that could benefit them in next years midterms. In response, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered the arrest of the delinquent Democrats, not long after Republicans in the state House passed a motion directing officials to bring them back to the state under warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, Abbott said in a statement Monday afternoon. By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty. The rapidly escalating tit for tat underscores how the redistricting battle has turned into an all-out national brawl ahead of what both parties expect to be a fiercely fought midterm election. Lets be clear, this is not just rigging the system in Texas, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) told reporters on Sunday, flanked by Texas Democrats. Its about rigging the system against the rights of all Americans for years to come. The Texas Democrats decision to break quorum or the minimum number of lawmakers needed in order to conduct business in the Legislature came as Republicans look to advance an even friendlier GOP congressional map that could net them five additional seats ahead of next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The redistricting move was encouraged by President Trump as Republicans brace for an unfavorable political environment next year and the possibility of Democratic investigations into his administration if the party loses the House. Democrats have portrayed the redistricting effort as a naked power grab by Republicans. The current map, authored by a Republican-dominated statehouse in 2021, gives Republicans 65 percent of the state congressional seats a sizable advantage over the 55 percent of the state electorate who votes for the party. But if Trump gets the five additional seats he wants, that advantage would expand to 80 percent of the states congressional House caucus a 25 percent advantage secured with no additional need for persuasion. A Texas House panel advanced the House map last week, teeing it up for a floor vote. With Democrats out of the state, however, the efforts to pass the new map are temporarily stalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the threats of arrest, Abbott also said he would strip lawmakers who failed to return to the state Capitol of their seats. Texas lawmakers already incur a daily $500 fine and threat of arrest for breaking quorum, and Abbott previously threatened them with bribery charges if national Democrats pick up the tab. Texans dont run from a fight they face it head on, Abbott wrote on the social platform X. These Texas Democrats that fled the state are not serving Texans. They are serving themselves. They forfeited their seats and are facing potential felony charges. Speaking to reporters in Illinois on Sunday, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu said they didnt make the decision lightly to leave the state, but he added that this was absolutely the right thing to do to protect the people of the state of Texas. Democratic leaders from across the country were quick to join in the fight. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has said hes weighing several options, including through a ballot measure or through the state Legislature, for how to proceed as the Golden State eyes redrawing its own maps in response to Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker has vowed to protect lawmakers who traveled to his state from the threat of arrest from top Texas leaders. And while hosting several Texas Democrats in her state on Monday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said she will explore different options available to redraw her states maps. Were sick and tired of being pushed around when other states dont have the same aspirations that we always have had, and I hold those dear, but I cannot ignore that the playing field has changed dramatically, Hochul said. And shame on us if we ignore that fact and cling tight to the vestiges of the past. That era is over. The support from national Democrats, and the threats of arrest, mark a sea change from when Texas Democrats last left the state in response to Republican midcycle redistricting efforts in 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision then also occurred in response to a then-unprecedented middecade redistricting push by Republicans, which eventually transformed the states congressional delegation from a comfortably Democratic majority to one with 2-to-1 Republican dominance and locked in the GOPs generational control over the state Legislature. The latest Texas battle comes as redistricting has become increasingly normalized by both sides. When Republicans took the state House for the first time in 2002, they took power despite generations of redistricting by the states long-dominant Democratic majority giving weight to arguments that they deserved their own stab at drawing new lines, Southern Methodist University historian Cal Jillson said. While Democrats have rebuked Texas GOP leaders for gerrymandering an already Republican-favored House map, the party has also been criticized for doing the same in states like New York and Illinois, both of which have hosted Texas lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, a court struck down a map passed by New York Democrats in 2022 over partisan gerrymandering, mandating a court-appointed special master to draw the House lines instead. The broader redistricting tit for tat has also prompted a reversal among some Democrats around redistricting commissions, which were created with the intent to distance lawmakers from the process of drawing maps. At the same time, the redistricting battle has also created fissures within the GOP, some of whom are against midcycle redistricting. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) is introducing legislation that would block new House maps from being implemented ahead of the next U.S. census in 2030, though notably a statement from the California Republican only invoked Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Republican argument that Texas redistricting is their means of addressing what they call an unfair national map marks how much things have changed. Unlike in 2003, you cant make the argument that Republican redistricting is redressing an unfair map in Texas, Jillson said, because the gerrymandered maps the state GOP is now trying to redraw are ones that state Republicans drew just four years ago. Abbott and the majority of state congressional Republicans opposed redistricting, which they worried would threaten their seats until Trump applied pressure, The Texas Tribune reported. Republicans also say there are risks involved if Abbott tries to oust Democrats from their offices. So you take them out of office and you have elections, then you still dont have a quorum. Then you kind of basically shot yourself in the foot, explained lobbyist and political consultant Bill Miller, who served on state Rep. Tom Craddicks (R) transition team in 2003, when Craddick was Texas House Speaker and the architect of that years bitter redistricting fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only thing that I would say from my experience is these wounds that are created by these fights dont heal easily, and theyre remembered, he said. A long time in ways that people forget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed Republicans are "entitled to five more seats" in Texas, where a redistricting battle is playing out among state lawmakers. But the Lone Star State's political showdown has national implications, with control of the U.S. House potentially at stake. Republicans started the 119th Congress with the smallest House majority in nearly 100 years. Currently, the party has a 219-212 majority with four vacancies. When those vacancies are filled, Democrats would need to only net three seats next November to win back the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Texas governor orders police to find and arrest Democrats who fled over redistricting ABC News - PHOTO: U.S. House of Representatives party breakdown as of Aug. 2025 House Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to lose three Republican in any vote where all members are present. The slim margin created some headaches for Johnson in delivering Trump's sweeping tax cut and spending bill, rewriting cryptocurrency rules and more. In a bid to defend the fragile majority, or even expand it, Trump's political operation approached Texas Republicans in June about redrawing the state's congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Eric Gay/AP - PHOTO: A map of U.S Congressional Districts proposed plan is seen at a Texas legislators' public hearing on congressional redistricting in Austin, Texas, Aug. 1, 2025. Midterm elections historically have been unkind to the president's party, though Johnson said last week when Texas Republicans introduced the new maps that the GOP would "defy history" and "grow the majority in the House" in next year's races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new map could net Republicans between three and five seats if enacted, analysts previously told ABC News. The proposed changes would impact districts in Austin, Dallas and Houston -- areas that have typically voted blue. The Texas redistricting efforts, which are rarely done mid-decade between the census, has prompted major pushback from Democrats. MORE: GOP success with new Texas House map could hinge on Latino voters: ANALYSIS Democratic lawmakers fled the state in protest, denying Republicans the necessary quorum to vote on enacting the new map. In response, Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest the Democrats and bring them back to Austin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump on Tuesday defended the move in a phone interview with CNBC. "We have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas, I got the highest vote in the history of Texas as you probably know. And we are entitled to five more seats," Trump said. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump signals while boarding Air Force One at Lehigh Valley International Airport, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, in Allentown, Pa. Democratic leaders have pledged to try to counter the Texas Republican effort with new maps of their own. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, at a news conference alongside several Texas House Democrats in Albany, said she will try to gerrymander her state's map -- though noted it was unlikely to be done before the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Were already working on a legislative process, reviewing our legal strategies, and well do everything in our power to stop this brazen assault," Hochul said. "The gloves are off, and I say 'Bring it on.'" MORE: Texas GOP AG says prosecuting Democrats who fled state will be a 'challenge' California Gov. Gavin Newsom, too, said if Texas moved forward with the new map then they would respond by putting their own redistricting plan before voters this November. Both states currently use independent commissions to draw their maps following constitutional amendments. "Whatever they are doing will be neutered here in the state of California, and they will pay that price," Newsom said on Monday. Some defenders of Texas Republicans plan to rejigger the states congressional districts at the behest of President Trump might be inclined to suggest theres some fair rationale for the move. Not state Representative Mitch Little, a Texas Republican who explained brazenly to CNN Tuesday that its a Machiavellian partisan maneuver. CNNs Brianna Keilar asked her guest why the Texas GOP is attempting to redistrict now when it just did so four years earlier after the last U.S. census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little put it plainly: Because we can. We have the votes. Its legal for us to do so. Its legal for us to draw the lines based on political performance. We have three Hispanic-predominated districts in south Texas that we believe that we can carve out for Republican leadership in the United States Congress, he saidwhich, he claimed, will be a good thing for Texas. Because you can, Keilar repeated. Why should you, though? Little replied: Because its good for our party, its good for our state, and we need to ensure that Donald Trumps agenda continues to be enacted throughout his second term, Little said. (Note that our party apparently came to mind quicker here than our state.) Little and his fellow Republicans, he continued, see this gerrymander as the difference between Democrats trying to impeach President Trump again during the second half of his final term as president of the United States or accomplishing the agenda that all the voters in Texas, by a significant majority, sent him to accomplish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So youre doing this for President Trump? Keilar pressed. Were doing this for Texas, Little insisted. President Trump doesnt call me. I dont think he has my phone number. But what I would submit to you is: This is the best thing for Texas and its representation in the United States Congress. Texas state Rep. Brian Harrison (R) claimed Monday the Republican Party will never have the White House again if Democrats overtake the majority in the Lone Star State. Im here to speak for myself. And what I care about is working to make sure that the will, the interests, the desires and quite frankly, what the voters of Texas deserve to have happen, which is their elected Republican Legislature, stand up and do what they want, which is make sure the state of Texas where the line in the sand for the future of the country, Harrison said Monday night on CNNs The Source when asked why the redistricting push in Texas, which was approved by President Trump, is taking place. Theres no doubt about that. As goes Texas, so goes the nation, he told host Kaitlan Collins. If we ever lose Texas to the Democrats, the Republicans will never have the White House again. So, its incumbent upon us, people like me, in the legislative branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrison added, If you want to ask the governor a question about what motivated him to do something, feel free to ask him. I mean, he called the special session as a member of the legislature. Trump won Texas, which carries 40 Electoral College votes, in the 2024 presidential election by nearly 14 points against former Vice President Kamala Harris. The redistricting push kicked into higher gear Monday as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered that Texas Democrats, who fled the state, be arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Dozens of state-level Democrats have left the Lone Star State, breaking the state House quorum and looking to remain outside of Texas until the special legislative session, which gaveled last month, ends. The lawmakers are hoping to slow down the GOPs effort to pass a mid-decade redistricting plan, as Trump has said he would like the Republican Party to gain five House seats in the state during next years midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic governors in other states, including New York, have warned they might fire back by altering the congressional lines in their states to make them more favorable for their partys candidates. State Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) said the Democrats who fled Texas should be swiftly arrested, punished, and face the full force of the law for turning their backs on the people of Texas. State House Texas Democrats have argued their action was necessary, accusing the GOP of rigging the forthcoming midterm election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PNN Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 5: Praveg Limited (Praveg, The Company), (BSE Code: 531637), - Praveg Limited is pleased to announce that it has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from the Deputy Conservator of Forest, Porbandar Forest Division, for managing the high-profile World Lion Day 2025 celebration to be held on 10 August 2025 at Timdi, Dwarka District, Gujarat. The value of the contract is approximately 3.99 Cr. The event, which will be graced by the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, is expected to host a gathering of over 8,000 attendees, including dignitaries, officials, and the general public. The scope of work awarded to Praveg includes: - Design and setup of venue infrastructure including domes, lounges, and seating - VIP and VVIP hospitality arrangements with lounges, dining, and amenities - Audio-visual systems, live streaming, and branding across the venue - Event logistics, security installations, catering, and guest management The project reflects the scale and importance of the World Lion Day celebration in a region synonymous with the majestic Asiatic Lion and underscores the government's continued commitment to wildlife conservation awareness. This assignment is a testament to Praveg's proven capabilities in managing large-scale, protocol-sensitive public events. The company's ability to deliver complex projects with precision continues to earn it the trust of institutions and stakeholders across the country. Dr. Vishnukumar Patel, Chairman of Praveg Limited, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Winning the contract to manage the World Lion Day 2025 celebration is both an honour and a responsibility we hold in high regard. This event holds special importance for Gujarat, and we are proud to contribute to a platform that brings attention to our state's conservation efforts and cultural heritage. This recognition highlights the trust placed in our team's ability to plan and deliver events of scale with discipline, creativity, and efficiency. It is a reflection of the hard work and quiet dedication that often happens behind the scenes but always with the audience and purpose in mind. As we prepare for this occasion, our focus remains clear: to ensure every detail is thoughtfully executed and every stakeholder feels the impact of a well-managed, dignified public event. My gratitude goes out to the entire Praveg team, whose steady commitment continues to shape our journey forward." (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) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday asked the state's highest court to remove the Democratic House leader from office, escalating efforts to end the holdout that is blocking redrawn U.S. House maps sought by President Donald Trump. Bypassing lower courts, Abbott filed a rare emergency petition straight to the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court just three days into a walkout by Democrats. It hinges on a legal theory that even some Republicans have acknowledged is untested, arguing that absent legislators have effectively forfeited their seats by not returning to the Texas Capitol. The move intensifies Republicans' attempts to compel dozens of Democrats back to Texas, including signing civil arrest warrants and mobilizing state troopers. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn asked the FBI earlier Tuesday to help find and arrest Democrats, and Trump later told reporters that federal agents may have to get involved, though he did not elaborate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, and there must be consequences, Abbott said. The lawsuit from Abbott, a former state Supreme Court justice, seeks the removal of state House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Gene Wu, who is one of dozens of members of his caucus staying in Chicago. The governor asked the court to respond by Thursday. Wu, a former prosecutor in Houston, said leaving Texas to halt the maps was not an abandonment of my office but a fulfillment of his oath. Unable to defend his corrupt agenda on its merits, Greg Abbott now desperately seeks to silence my dissent by removing a duly-elected official from office, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas leaders try turning up pressure Republicans face barriers to following through on their threats just as Democrats still have obstacles in the way of stopping Republicans from ultimately approving the map sought by Trump to shore up his partys 2026 midterm prospects. Legal experts and even Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton say it would be difficult to enforce consequences against the Democratic lawmakers while they are safely camped out in sympathetic Democratic-controlled states and effectively out of reach of Texas law enforcement looking to bring them home. Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate against Cornyn in the 2026 GOP primary, threw out some of the earliest calls for arrests. But even he has called enforcing the various threats a challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until they show up themselves back in Texas, sometimes it's hard to actually execute on that," Paxton said in interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson. By leaving Texas for Illinois, New York and Massachusetts, the Democrats prevented the 150-member state House of Representatives from reaching a quorum for a scheduled vote on the new U.S. House voting map. Trump hopes to pick up five Republican seats from Texas in 2026. Republicans hold an 88-62 majority in the House, and the Texas Constitution requires at least 100 members be present to do business. With at least 51 Democrats absent, the House failed to reach a quorum Monday and again Tuesday. The current special session ends Aug. 20 but Abbott can keep calling lawmakers back to the Capitol to pass the redistricting bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Republicans sought changes after a previous walkout Following a walkout by Texas Democrats in 2021, Paxton issued a nonbinding legal opinion that argued the state could sue the lawmakers to have their seats declared vacated. This week, Paxton said that could be a long process that would require individual lawsuits filed against each missing lawmaker, sometimes in district courts he said would not be friendly to Republicans. Still, Paxton said Tuesday that he will press ahead with lawsuits if lawmakers don't return by Friday. We'll see where it goes, Republican state Sen. Charles Perry said. "Its a tall order to remove an elected official from the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott also ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate possible bribery charges related to how the Democrats are paying for their quorum break, alleging anyone who financially helped them leave the state could be culpable. State Rep. James Talarico, one of the Democrats who left, encouraged donations to support their effort. And thats appropriate because this fight is for the people and it should be funded by the people, he said. David Froomkin, an assistant law professor at the University of Houston Law Center, said the removal effort and bribery charges would be on weak legal ground, and the threats of arrests and investigations are more likely meant to intimidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its much more aggressive hardball than we have seen in battles over the quorum requirement, Froomkin said. In general in this country today, were seeing incumbents be much more inclined to make aggressive use of their power in order to try to maintain their power." ___ This story restores a dropped word to correct a statement from Rep. Gene Wu. He said leaving the state was not an abandonment of my office," instead of an abandonment. ___ Nadia Lathan in Austin, John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, and Joey Cappelletti in Washington contributed. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) There are new developments in the Texas redistricting fight thats expanding across the country. President Donald Trump is weighing in, California is planning a counter move, and some leaders are calling for the FBI to get involved. Texas Democrats have blocked a vote on new maps by taking refuge in Democrat states, but the fight is only escalating as political leaders jockey for an advantage in the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Texas Democrats strategic travel successfully prevented Mondays vote on redistricting, state leaders seem confident they will eventually be able to approve new maps that could hand Republicans five additional congressional seats. While our work may be delayed, whether its tomorrow or next week, the House will complete its required duties, said Texas Speaker of The House Dustin Burrows (R). The Texas House issued arrest warrants for the absent Democrats and Governor Greg Abbott authorized state troopers to track them down and bring them back. Senator John Cornyn is asking the FBI to help state law enforcement with those arrests Ill pay that price for America and I think everyone behind me would say theyd do the same, said Texas State Rep. Ramon Romero Jr, (D). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The battle has national implications. If Texas Republicans are successful, it could give their party a major advantage heading into the 2026 midterm elections and holding on to control of the House is crucial if GOP leaders want to continue advancing President Trumps agenda. We have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas, said Trump. Democrats are fighting back. In California, lawmakers are considering a plan to undercut Texas changes by redrawing their own maps to create five new democratic districts. Now is not the time for one party to play by the rules while the other party has completely ignored them, said DNC Chair Ken Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors of New York and Illinois have also suggested theyre open to redistricting in their states to give Democrats more seats. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dozens of Texas Democrats have secretly left the state in a dramatic effort to stop Republicans from holding a vote that could determine the balance of power in the US Congress. Republican Governor Greg Abbot has issued orders that they be arrested on sight - and fined $500 a day. He has also threatened to expel them from office. The Democrats left because at least two-thirds of the 150-member legislative body must be present to proceed with a vote on re-drawing Texas's electoral map. The plan would create five more Republican-leaning seats in the US House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This high stakes battle may seem both bizarre and confusing but it is one that could spread to other states in advance of next year's national midterm elections. At its heart, it's a bare-knuckle fight over political power, who can wield it most effectively and who can keep it. Why does Trump want redistricting? The US House of Representatives is made up of 435 legislators who are elected every two years. They represent districts with boundaries determined in processes set by their state governments. Who draws the lines and how can go a long way in shaping the ideological tilt of the district and the likelihood that it elects a Democrat or a Republican. At the moment, the House rests on a knife edge with 219 Republicans and 212 Democrats. There are four vacancies likely to be filled by three Democrats and one Republican in special elections later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wouldn't take much of a shift in the political winds for Democrats to take back control of the House of Representatives in next year's midterm elections. And the party that controls the lower chamber of Congress has powers that extend far beyond simply setting the legislative agenda for the next two years, as important as that may be. House leaders can launch sweeping investigations of presidential actions, as Democrats did in the second half of Donald Trump's first term and Republicans did in Joe Biden's final two years. They can also dig in on policy issues and trigger government shutdowns. They can even vote to impeach a president, as Democrats did in December 2019 and Republicans contemplated during Biden's presidency. Trump appears focused on taking steps to improve his odds of avoiding a similar fate in his second term. He is reportedly fixated on the midterm races and encouraging Texas lawmakers to draw new congressional maps that could increase the likelihood of Republicans winning more House seats from there. How does redistricting usually work? District lines are typically redrawn every 10 years, after a national census, to reflect shifts in the population within and between states. The most recent regularly scheduled redistricting took place in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some states, the process is set by independent commissions but in others the state legislatures are responsible for line-drawing and the results can frequently be crafted by the party in power to give their side a distinct advantage. In North Carolina, for instance, Republican-drawn lines gave their party 10 of the state's 14 House seats in last year's national elections even though Trump only won the state by a slim margin. Democrats in Illinois hold 14 of the state's 17 House seats, while former Vice-President Kamala Harris won the state with 54%. If Trump has his way, and the maps lead to a five-seat gain next year, Republicans would control 30 of the state's 38 seats. Last year, he won Texas with 56%. So what could happen next? The Republican push in Texas has leaders in Democratic-controlled states calling for a response, which could set off a redistricting "arms race" that spreads across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Governor Gavin Newsom, for example, has asked legislators in his state, where Democrats control 43 of the 52 seats, to find ways to increase their advantage. Governors Kathy Hochul in New York and JB Pritzker in Illinois have issued similar calls. "Everything's on the table," Pritzker wrote in a post on social media. "We've got to do everything we can to stand up and fight back - we're not sitting around and complaining from the sidelines when we have the ability to stop them." Grassroots Democrats, many of whom have been frustrated by the inability of their party's national political leaders to block the Trump administration's policy agenda, may welcome such confrontational language. States like California and New York have laws that mandate congressional districts be drawn by a bipartisan commission to create constituencies that are compact and fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such efforts were the result of a push to remove political considerations from the redistricting process, but now some Democrats view those moves as unilateral disarmament that gave Republicans an advantage in the fight for a House majority. "I'm tired of fighting this fight with my hand tied behind my back," Hochul told reporters at the New York Capitol in Albany on Monday. "With all due respect to the good government groups, politics is a political process." She said the "playing field" has changed dramatically during Trump's second term and Democrats need to adjust. Democrats may not have the final say, however. Republicans are already looking beyond Texas for more places to pick up seats. Vice-President JD Vance is reported to be considering a trip to Indiana later this week to push for new district lines in that state. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently said his Republican-dominated state may undertake a similar process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite its explicit political designs, all of this is fair game under the US Constitution at least the way a narrow majority of the US Supreme Court interpreted it in a landmark 2019 case. Partisan "gerrymandering", as the process is sometimes called, has a long tradition in US politics one that frequently creates oddly shaped constituencies that stretch for miles to include, or exclude, voters based on their political affiliations, all with the goal of giving one party an electoral majority. The Republican move in Texas isn't even without precedent. In 2003, Republican leaders redrew their congressional maps to boost their electoral advantage. The state's Democrats even responded in a similar way leaving the state to delay the legislative proceedings. The redistricting ultimately passed after enough Democrats returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a risk in all of this, even for the party doing the line-drawing. While the goal is to maximise the number of seats where victory is probable, in an election where one side outperforms expectations even seemingly safe seats can flip sides. Texas, and other redistricting states, could create an electoral map that does not survive a political deluge, leading to otherwise avoidable losses at the ballot box. In a close election, however, every seat counts. And if next year's midterm elections continue the recent trend of narrowly decided political battles, what happens in state legislatures over the next few months could have dramatic political consequences in Washington DC and, consequently, across America. [BBC] Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here. The Brief Abbott orders arrest of delinquent Dems who fled state to break quorum Dems say they left to stop further redistricting efforts Proposed redistricting map would impact multiple Democrat-held seats, could bring up to five GOP congressional wins in 2026 AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered Texas DPS to arrest delinquent House Democrats who fled the state in order to break quorum to stop further redistricting efforts in the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the Texas House was set to have a second reading of House Bill 4, which proposes new congressional district maps that would impact multiple Democrat-held seats and create five new majority Republican districts. The proposed map, if passed, could result in Democrats losing at least one seat each in North Texas, Houston, Austin and South Texas. However, without a quorum, the Texas House did not have enough members in the chamber on Monday afternoon to take up business and has been adjourned until Tuesday afternoon. Abbott, Burrows, Paxton threaten arrests What we know House Speaker Dustin Burrows urged the "no shows" to return and said he would sign arrest warrants for those who do not return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest House Democrats after he issued an ultimatum on Sunday, calling for the Dems to return by 3 p.m. August 4. "By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty," said Abbott. "Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber. To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol." Attorney General Ken Paxton has also said he will "hunt down" and arrest the runaway Democrats. Texas House Dems respond to threat, call to come back home What they're saying The quorum break held because of Democrats like state Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock), who had a short response to the call to come back home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Will not, no," said Talarico. Talarico flew to Chicago on Sunday where he is holed up with a group of other Democrats in a hotel. "If we allow this power grab to go through with no response, or with the typical back and forth that you see on the House floor, it will mean that they're going to do this more and more in the years to come, right," said Talarico. Reportedly, 51 Texas Democrats, the majority being from the House, left the state. "So you peeing on me, and you telling me it's raining, and you expect me to believe it. Wrong answer," said State Rep. Jolanda Jones (D-Houston). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones was among those who found refuge with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. "We're looking at mechanisms where I can be supportive on the other side of the equation, not the government side, but the political side, and encourage others to step up and invest in these brave soldiers for our democracy," said Gov. Hochul. The Texas House Democratic Caucus issued a four-word response to Abbott's threats to remove Democrats from office and/or arrest them, which read "Come and Take it." Abbott defends revision of congressional maps What they're saying On Monday, during a FOX News Channel interview, Abbott defended the rewrite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could bring up to five GOP congressional wins in 2026, but according to Abbott, the new districts will also help Hispanic voters. "The district lines will solidify the Barbara Jordan African-American district in the Houston area, and it will add four new Hispanic districts. And so, there's actually going to be more racial minority districts in the state of Texas," said Gov. Abbott. Abbott also spoke about his Sunday statement that accused Democrats of forfeiting their elected offices. It also came with a warning. "It would be bribery if any lawmaker took money to perform or to refuse to perform an act in the legislature. And the reports are these legislators have been both, they sought money and they offered money to skip the vote, to leave the legislature, to take a legislative act. That would be bribery," said Gov. Abbott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That threat brought a sharp rebuke from state Rep Mikaela Plesa (D-Dallas). "Look, the Governor is very good at manipulating the truth, right? And what he's saying is not completely accurate. He knows that we're using a tool that was given to us by the founders of the Texas Constitution. He knows what the rules are," said Plesa. It was noted in the interview with Abbott that Texas Democrats went to states that have already put a redistricting squeeze on their Republicans. Talarico acknowledged the pushback to that. "No, it's wrong here, too. It is wrong in both political parties. It is wrong in every state. It's why I have filed a bill to take the power to draw political maps out of the hands of politicians, Democratic or Republican, and put that power in the hands of the people. That's how we clean up our political system. It's how to end gerrymandering once and for all," said Rep Talarico. Dig deeper Most walkouts and stalling tactics under the Capitol dome by Democrats have failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, voting reform legislation triggered a dash to Washington DC. In 2013, State Senator Wendy Davis spoke for nearly 13 hours to filibuster an abortion bill. In 2003, a six-week-long stay in Ardmore, Oklahoma and in Albuquerque, New Mexico was in reaction to redistricting. In 1979, six Democratic Senators broke quorum and were successful in preventing legislation to change the presidential primary date. The Source Information in this report comes from a variety of sources, including Gov. Greg Abbott's office, FOX News Channel, Attorney General Ken Paxton's office, interviews and reporting by FOX 7 Austin's chief political reporter Rudy Koski and previous reporting by FOX 7 Austin and FOX Television Stations. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a Texas measure this week, protecting mail-in ballots with ID numbers. Former President Joe Bidens administration and left-wing activists sued Attorney General Ken Paxton and other state officials, targeting Texas Election Integrity Protection Act of 2021, or S.B. 1, which required election safeguards, like matching mail-in ballots voter ID numbers to a state database. Biden and a large number of left-wing voting groups sued in U.S. v. Paxton. They claimed this provision violated the Civil Rights Act, denying the right to vote for an error or omission that is not material in determining voter eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, on August 4, the Fifth Circuit upheld Texas voter ID match requirement. This ruling is a clear victory for secure elections and for all Texas voters, said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley in a release. Texass commonsense safeguards for mail-in ballots are essential to protecting the integrity of every single ballot cast. S.B. 1 requires voters to include a registration ID number on their mail-in ballot application and return envelope so that election officials can confirm their eligibility with a Texas Department of Public Safety database. The RNC, the Dallas County Republican Party, the Harris County Republican Party, the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee all intervened in the suit since 2021, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A district court previously struck down the provision in November 2023, siding with the Biden administration, as Bloomberg previously reported. The Fifth Circuit paused the injunction in December of that year. When the Fifth Circuit sided with Texas this week, it overturned the previous district court judgment, according to documents published by Bloomberg. Judge James Ho cited precedent recognizing that mail-in ballots are not secure and mail-in ballot fraud is a significant threat. He said the court had no difficulty finding Texas provision complied with the Civil Rights Act. The Election Protection and Integrity Act of 2021 combats mail-in ballot fraud in Texas by generally requiring voters who wish to vote by mail to provide an identification number, Ho wrote. The ID number requirement is obviously designed to confirm that each mail-in ballot voter is precisely who he claims he is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fifth Circuit found Texas voter ID match requirement complies with federal law, because it is designed to verify eligibility not disqualify eligible voters, according to the release. As long as Democrats and the left are fighting to overthrow the will of the American people who support these safeguards, the RNC will be there to meet them in court, Whatley said. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A Cambodian solider guards the grounds of the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, February 8, 2011 . | Credit: Paula Bronstein/ Getty Images This article originally appeared in History of War magazine issue 149. The border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in July 2025 originate in the region's colonial era over a hundred years ago. At least 12 Thai nationals and an unknown number of Cambodians were killed during the fighting, according to the BBC. The attacks took place in a disputed region known as the 'Emerald Triangle', which lies between Cambodia and Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area is home to the Preah Vihear temple complex, a UNESCO heritage site dating back to the 11th century. Tensions between the two countries persisted throughout the 20th century, and was preceded by French and British colonial interests and interventions in southeast Asia. Tensions on the border escalated during the chaotic periods of the Vietnam War, CambodianVietnamese War, and the Khmer Rouge dictatorship. Origins of the Thailand-Cambodia dispute In the early 20th century Thailand was still known as Siam, a kingdom that while under economic control of the British Empire and its unstoppable merchant fleet, had largely preserved its independence. The kingdom spent decades refashioning itself into a modern state, aided in the process by treaties with England and France that agreed on lasting borders. Having formulated the borders of Indo-China (Vietnam) from the mid-19th century onward, France also wrangled distant Siamese provinces with treaties in 1904 and 1907. Similar arrangements were settled with the British in 1909, which ended years of incursions from the Malayan peninsula, as well as from Burma (Myanmar) in the northwest. After renaming itself Thailand in 1939, modernisation progressed with the usual characteristics of Southeast Asian countries foreign investment and centralised government helped along by the country's location. Its capital Bangkok not only flourished at the mouth of a river delta but also had access to a vast gulf. Thai army soldiers secure the grounds of a venue in Bangkok, for peace talks between pro- and anti-government groups. May 22, 2014 | Credit: Rufus Cox/Getty Images The country's interior was neatly bracketed by dense forest and mountains, leaving uninterrupted wetlands suited for large-scale rice cultivation. These advantages gave its borders paramount importance, even during the Second World War. The non-aligned Thai state fought Vichy forces in 1940 in a sudden rebuke to decades of amity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With as many as a dozen coup d'etats sweeping its government since the 1930s Thailand's democratic tradition is unchanged today: civilian leadership in name only, while former generals enjoy important government positions with the monarchy's blessing. This age-old problem metastasised as the Cold War loomed over Southeast Asia. By the 1960s, Bangkok's pseudo-military junta, where former generals monopolised the civilian high offices with the explicit backing of the monarch, eagerly joined any arrangement to keep the ongoing war in Vietnam at bay. This meant the unfailing support and largess of the United States. Cambodian soldiers at a military base, preparing to go to Preah Vihear temple in Preah Vihear province, February 6, 2011 | Credit: KHEM SOVANNARA/AFP via Getty Images Thailand was also briefly a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and managed to shape the newly minted Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional bloc that brought it in league with Indonesia, a country that swayed from one alliance to the next depending on its leaders' calculations. But the 1970s and the victory of North Vietnam in 1975, as well as communists seizing Laos and Cambodia that same year, unravelled Thailand's hedging. By the middle of that decade a refugee crisis almost overwhelmed its eastern provinces as exiles from Cambodia and the fallen Republic of Vietnam arrived by any means necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isolated and enjoying diplomatic support from China, the murderous Khmer Rouge regime that dominated Cambodia was now a heavily armed menace, and the Thai army had the thankless task of keeping them at bay. Young guerrillas celebrate the capture of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, to the Khmer Rouge, April 17, 1975. | Credit: Roland Neveu/LightRocket via Getty Images CambodianVietnamese War In 1979 Vietnam launched a surprise invasion of Cambodia, which created another refugee crisis and replaced the challenge of an unstable regime with a Vietnamese occupation now on Thailand's doorstep. Just as in the early 20th century, Bangkok preserved its strength and sought compromise. With a communist rebellion snuffed out through amnesty and cash handouts in 1982, heartfelt diplomacy with China became essential. The re-emergence of a viable Cambodian state in the late 1990s and its modest prosperity was not the godsend Thailand needed. Having grown to the second-largest economy in the region and with its political fault lines unresolved, Bangkok had the twin headaches of rampant drug trafficking on the Myanmar border and a post-war refugee crisis on the Cambodian border. Refugees travelling to the Thailand border, fleeing the Vietnamese invasion, 1979 | Credit: Roland Neveu/LightRocket via Getty Images The independence of the kingdom once known as Kampuchea, later subsumed by French colonialism in the late 19th century, always left endangered borders where rebellion and illicit trade flourished. The risk was always too great for Bangkok to withstand, whether in the primacy of the Chakri kings or today's thinly veiled junta, so the occasional show of force was almost inevitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Successive prime ministers cultivated their counterparts in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, including the affable and nepotistic Hun Sen (his son has since replaced him), but the lingering question of the border remained, especially in the romanticised 'Emerald Triangle'. While neither country sees the status of their border and its landmarks as existential both have an abundance of arable land blessed by fair weather all year round the stark ruins of heritage sites like the Preah Vihear temple complex become flash points because of overzealous border policing. A Cambodian soldier walks past Preah Vihear temple, near the Thai border in the Cambodian province of Preah Vihear, July 21, 2008 | Credit: TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images The 2025 border clash The Royal Thai Armed Forces have sought to contest the 'emerald triangle' region several times in 30 years but have never launched a full-scale war. Prudence has often prevailed because the army is preoccupied with domestic politics in an affluent society. If revisionism were the cause of the border dispute, it is a very mellowed-down version as neighbouring countries in the ASEAN bloc insist on mediation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem endures as the modern statehood of Cambodia and Thailand demands that present borders be revised, with the view from Phnom Penh favouring international court rulings while Bangkok prefers the historical approach of bilateral agreements. The Thais are sticking to their successful compromises with colonial powers and Cold War rivals. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (C), Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (L) and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (R) at the ceasefire conference, July 28, 2025 | Credit: MOHD RASFAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) When cross-border artillery duels erupted in the middle of 2025 the almost quarter-million Cambodian and Thai civilians who fled for their lives hastened a summit organised by Malaysia over a weekend. When a smiling Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim eventually settled the conflict with vague promises and glowing news coverage it seemed the world breathed a sigh of relief. At the very least, the worst was averted for a time. Top defence officials of Thailand and Cambodia began talks in Malaysia on Monday to hold the ceasefire on the border, a week after the worst fighting broke out between the two Southeast Asian countries in decades. The meeting of the General Border Committee, a bilateral mechanism established between two neighbours to resolve border issues, will continue for four days, concluding with the meeting of the defence ministers of the two countries on Thursday. The defence ministers' meeting will be joined by observers from Malaysia, the US and China. The meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur at a neutral venue and was extended from one day to four days at the request of Thailand due to the sensitivity of the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malaysia brokered a ceasefire with the help of delegations from the US and China on 29 July after five days of fighting killed 43 people and displaced hundreds of thousands on both sides of the border. Mostly civilians were killed in the border clashes that included artillery fire and jet fighter sorties after the two sides blamed each other for triggering the conflict. While the ceasefire holds, the Cambodian defence ministry on Sunday accused Thailand of violating the ceasefire agreement by using excavators and laying barbed wire in a contested border area. Thai residents who fled homes following the clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers, rest at an evacuation center in Surin province, Thailand (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Thailand said both sides are maintaining their position without any significant movements, however, it accused Cambodia of reinforcement along the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But "there are reports that the Cambodian side has modified their positions and reinforced their troops in key areas... to replace personnel lost in each area," said Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a Thai military spokesperson. Cambodia also demanded that Thailand release 18 of its captured soldiers as soon as possible. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, center, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet left and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai pose for photos after talks on a possible ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia in Putrajaya A man walks inside a building, damaged by an artillery, during a visit of delegation of foreign diplomats to inspect a damaged area along the Thailand-Cambodia's border, following a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, in Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia (REUTERS) Thailand said in a statement that the group are being treated well as "prisoners of war" and will be released after "a complete cessation of the armed conflict, not just a ceasefire." The clashes, which began near the ancient Ta Moan Thom temple in Thailands Surin province, quickly spread to other disputed areas. Cambodian officials accused Thailand of launching air strikes and dropping bombs on roads inside its territory. Thailand blamed Cambodia for laying new landmines one of which injured a Thai soldier and prompted a swift military response, including the deployment of F-16 fighter jets. Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered a ceasefire in his capacity as Asean chair, while the US president Donald Trump has claimed credit for pressuring the two warring parties into a ceasefire after he said threatened to cease tariff deal talks. The Bangladeshi government and major political parties are celebrating on Tuesday the first anniversary of last years mass uprising that toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. More than a month of student-led violent protests ousted Hasina on August 5, 2024. The United Nations estimated that nearly 1,400 people died in the clashes. Hasina had ruled the country for over 15 consecutive years and was widely seen as authoritarian. She fled to India aboard a military helicopter. Thousands join celebration Thousands of people joined the crowd at Manik Mia Avenue, in front of the parliament building, to celebrate the day. Many were seen dancing and singing to the rhythm of drums. They also shouted slogans to demand a speedy trial of Hasina for being so brutal to civilians and killing hundreds of people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They released hundreds of balloons in the sky at 2:25 pm (0825 GMT), marking the time Hasina fled the country a year ago. The tyrants escape brought the final triumph after a long struggle. We are celebrating the victory today, Shanin Alam, one participant from Dhakas Mirpur neighbourhood, told dpa. Meanwhile, at least 10 people were wounded after toy gas balloons accidentally burst in the crowd. Seven of them were treated at state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Nobel Peace Prize winner in control Three days after her ouster, an interim administration took power, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. To commemorate the first anniversary of what it calls the "peoples victory," the government announced a series of nationwide events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day, being celebrated as July Uprising Day, has been declared a public holiday. In the afternoon, Yunus readout the July Declaration pledging to give last year's uprising constitutional and state recognition. He also pledged that crimes committed during Hasina regime would be prosecuted. The government formed from the next national election will adopt the declaration, Yunus said. Declaration calls Hasina regime 'fascist' In the 28-point declaration, Yunus called the Hasina regime a "fascist government," citing many incidents of enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings, silencing opposition voices, and plundering public resources during her more than 15-year rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also alleged that Hasina attempted to establish a one-party rule in Bangladesh through the last three rigged elections between 2014 and 2024. He vowed to establish a society and a democratic system that upholds the rule of law, human rights and moral values, and free from corruption and exploitation. Thousands of families trapped in the besieged city of el-Fasher in western Sudan are at risk of starvation, the World Food Programme (WFP) warns as the countrys brutal civil war rages well into its third year. Since May last year, el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, has been under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been at war with the government-aligned Sudanese armed forces (SAF) since April 2023. The RSF has encircled the city, blocking all major roads and trapping hundreds of thousands of civilians, who have dwindling food supplies and limited humanitarian access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone in el-Fasher is facing a daily struggle to survive, said Eric Perdison, the WFPs regional director for East and Southern Africa. Peoples coping mechanisms have been completely exhausted by over two years of war. Without immediate and sustained access, lives will be lost. El-Fasher is the last major city in the Darfur region still held by the SAF. It has come under renewed attack by RSF fighters this year since the paramilitary was ousted from Sudans capital, Khartoum. A major RSF assault on the Zamzam displacement camp near el-Fasher in April forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee. Many have sought shelter in the state capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the WFP, prices for staple foods like sorghum and wheat, used to make traditional flatbreads and porridge, are as much as 460 percent higher in el-Fasher than in other parts of Sudan. Markets and clinics have been attacked while community kitchens that once fed displaced families have largely shut down due to a lack of supplies, the United Nations agency added. Desperate families are reportedly surviving on animal fodder and food waste while acute malnutrition is soaring, especially among children. According to the UN, nearly 40 percent of children under five in el-Fasher are now acutely malnourished, and 11 percent are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rainy season, which peaks in August, is further hampering efforts to reach the city as roads rapidly deteriorate. Last year, famine was first declared in Zamzam and later spread to two other nearby camps al-Salam and Abu Shouk and some parts of southern Sudan, according to the UN. Irreversible damage The war has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and created what the UN describes as the worlds largest displacement and hunger crises. The country in effect is split in two with the army controlling the north, east and centre of Sudan and the RSF dominating nearly all of Darfur and parts of the south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, a Sudanese coalition led by the RSF announced it was establishing an alternative government in a challenge to the military-led authorities in Khartoum. The new self-proclaimed government could deepen divisions, worsen the humanitarian crisis and lead to competing institutions as the war rages. The crises are happening as UN agencies face one of their worst funding cuts in decades, compounded by decisions by the United States and other donor states to slash their foreign aid funding. Funding cuts are now driving an entire generation of children in Sudan to the brink of irreversible harm amid a scaling-back in support, UNICEF warned on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children have limited access to safe water, food, healthcare. Malnutrition is rife, and many good children are reduced to just skin, bones, Sheldon Yett, UNICEFs representative in Sudan, said, speaking via videolink from Port Sudan. Children were being cut off from life-saving services due to funding cuts while the scale of need is staggering, UNICEF said. With recent funding cuts, many of our partners in Khartoum and elsewhere have been forced to scale back. We are being stretched to the limit across Sudan with children dying of hunger, Yett said. We are on the verge of irreversible damage being done to an entire generation of children in Sudan. Only 23 percent of the $4.16bn global humanitarian response plan for Sudan has been funded, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been one year since famine was confirmed in Zamzam camp, and no food has reached this area. El-Fasher remains under siege. We need that access now, Jens Laerke of OCHA said. Meanwhile, a cholera outbreak in North Darfur has further added to the desperation of families there. Deaths due to the water-borne disease have risen to 191 in the region, according to Adam Rijal, spokesman for the General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur. At least 62 people have died from the disease in Tawila in North Darfur, Rijal said in a statement. Nearly 100 people have also died in the Kalma and Otash camps, both displacement camps located in the city of Nyala in South Darfur state. About 4,000 cases of cholera have been reported in the region, according to the statement. (Photo by Getty Images) This article was first published by The 19th. When Liuba Grechen Shirley ran for Congress in 2018, she began a journey that helped change federal policy to ensure parents like herself could use campaign funds to pay for child care. The Democrat has been public about her struggles with balancing a campaign and securing child care. Less known was the harassment and threats of violence that Grechen Shirley says she experienced at the time. Her car window was smashed, and anonymous calls popped up at her daughters nursery school, which was listed on public records filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were people who called and harassed the nursery school because they could find that thats where I was spending money, she said. None of this deterred Grechen Shirleys run for office, an ultimately unsuccessful bid but one that launched years of advocacy to make sure candidates at all levels of elected office could use campaign dollars for child care expenses. To date, 40 states allow its use, a recent milestone thats taken years due to the nations patchwork of laws and regulations. Now Vote Mama the umbrella organization Grechen Shirley founded that supports parents who run for office is elevating the use of campaign funds for security measures. Its lobbying entity has begun advocating for policies on the state level that ensure parents and others with concerns about the safety of their families have more financial means to protect themselves. The organizations research arm, Vote Mama Foundation, released a report on Monday that shows federal candidates are increasingly spending money on security. While the expenditures do not focus on parents, the reports findings conclude that the increase in spending indicates a dwindling sense of safety for candidates, which creates a barrier to entry for caregivers seeking office and discourages a new generation of candidates with young families from running for office up and down the ballot nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The possibility that parents might forgo such political engagement is likely to impact their already limited representation in elected office: Vote Mama Foundation has collected data on mothers with minor children and estimated that they are just 8 percent of state legislators. They represent just 6.8 percent of all federal legislators. Campaign funds for child care opens the door for more moms to run and to serve in office, but campaign funds for security it keeps that door open, by ensuring safety shouldnt be a deterrent for people who want to run for elected office, Grechen Shirley said. Federal candidates had been able to use campaign funds for security expenses on a case-by-case basis since 2009, but an FEC rule in 2024 clarified the use of such funds for the reasonable cost of security measures for a federal candidate, federal officeholder, member of their family and employees. Among the buckets of allowable expenses: Security devices such as hardware, locks, alarm systems, motion detectors and security camera systems; Structural security devices such as wiring, lighting, gates, doors and fencing; Security personnel; Cyber security software, devices and services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vote Mama Foundation, which appears to be the only organization tracking security spending, analyzed security-related transactions in FEC filings between 2014 and 2024. It estimated more than 860 candidates for federal office spent over $41 million on security measures during that time with 2020 and 2024 accounting for nearly half of all spending. The bulk of the federal spending on security 78 percent was done by men, and nearly 80 percent of that amount was spent by White men. While women represent just 22 percent of security spending, women of color make up 63 percent of that amount nearly two-thirds. While the Vote Mama report focuses on federal campaign spending, Grechen Shirley said the new data connects the dots on the shortcomings of state-level policy, which will need to play out individually. North Dakota recently became the 10th state to allow for spending campaign funds on candidate safety and the first since the June assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her spouse. Lawmakers in Oklahoma have recently returned to the subject, and the Minnesota legislature now plans to cover costs for enhanced home security for lawmakers. Vote Mama is calling on more states to allow campaign expenditures in order to empower more parents to run for and stay in office. It notes such policies should come at no expense to taxpayers since candidates would be using the money theyre raising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports of harassment and threats of violence against elected officials and candidates have become more common. Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI), a nonpartisan research initiative out of Princeton University that tracks and mitigates political violence in the United States, maintains a public dataset that shows more than 250 incidents of threats and harassment targeting local officials have been reported in the first half of 2025 up 9 percent from this point in 2024. BDI, in partnership with the organization CivicPulse, also maintains a quarterly survey of local elected officials, and its latest findings show many officials are seeking more safety support, including for personal security and enhanced privacy protections. One in 3 women reported their gender identity as a perceived driver of the hostility they faced, compared to just 1 in 50 men. Among recent interviews with elected officials, BDI staff say there are elected officials who are mothers who have indicated they do not plan to run for higher office explicitly because they fear the safety risks to their children. Others say they plan to wait until their kids are young adults. Some of these mothers already have safety strategies in place to limit what information they share publicly about having kids. Shannon Hiller, executive director of BDI, said almost half of all women in the survey report that they worry about threats, harassment or attacks in the future thats the case for about a third of men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not just only a problem for women, but its important to note that this sort of climate is impacting certain types of officials even more than others, she said. The issue reached renewed attention following the death of Hortman and her spouse in a shooting at multiple private residences that also injured Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his spouse. The alleged gunman, who reportedly had a hit list of multiple Democrats besides Hortman and Hoffman, has been arrested. That follows an alleged arson at the official residence of Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in the spring, and years of attempted attacks and threats of violence against others. Last year, after President Donald Trump was shot in the ear in an assasination attempt at a campaign event in Pennsylvania, the incident drew public condemnation from women who have been targets of political violence. No one should have to risk their lives to serve in office, to stand up and fight for their constituents, Grechen Shirley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, noted that running for the legislature or local office is often a low-paying part-time job, even though the public expectations can make it feel like a full-time gig. That already made it a tough sell for women candidates, especially those with young children, who must now contend with safety concerns that disproportionately impact them. Women make up less than a third of elected officials at any level of office. If it has a chilling effect on women running for office or running for reelection, were at risk of losing womens voices, she said. When you lose womens voices in these decision-making bodies where policy is made that affects all of our lives then you think about our democracy, it really puts in many ways our democracy at risk. Security spending is used across the political spectrum. From 2014 to 2024, Democrats spent more than $18 million, and Republicans spent more than $14 million. Trump spent $6.8 million on security measures, according to the report. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran for president last election cycle before being tapped to be health secretary, spent $5.7 million. Former Vice President Kamala Harris spent $1.7 million on security. In Congress, former Sen. Krysten Sinema spent $1.4 million, followed by former Rep. Cori Bush with $831,000 and Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez with $666,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grechen Shirley said there is bipartisan support for addressing security concerns among elected lawmakers and candidates. Both Democrats and Republicans are getting threats. This is something that is common sense, and its already approved at the federal level, she said. Now we have to get this approved at the state level to make sure that people are safe. In a recent policy brief with the Brennan Center for Justice, BDI called for expanded access on the state-level for personal security measures and data collection on the issue. The brief also noted the Trump administrations rollback of security protections for former officials and the presidents clemency of nearly 1,600 participants convicted in the January 6 attack on the Capitol has created a more permissive environment for politically motivated attacks. Hiller said that context is important if the public wants to better understand how to address political violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People have to be thinking about holding their elected leaders accountable if theyre contributing to that kind of climate and permissive environment around threats and harassment in particular, she said. This story was originally reported by Barbara Rodriguez of The 19th. Meet Barbara and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. Indian textile exporters says that exports loss because of U.S the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump will be compensated by gains in exports due to free trade agreements (FTAs) which India's has signed with other nations. Exporters remain confident about their future and are urging the Indian government to take proactive steps to support the industry. Champalal Bothra, National Chairman of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) told ANI that, "Despite Donald Trump imposing tariffs on India, the textile industry is not facing any problems. We want to tell the Indian government that the 35 per cent of our exports that go to the US can be compensated through free trade agreements (FTAs), by amending government policies and by exporting to other countries by reducing costs. If any country tries to bind it, India will not stop. The trader here will not work under the pressure of tariffs; it will find a new market and thrive." In the exclusive conversation with ANI, textile traders from Surat said that their market will not be affected by the new tariffs. They believe that Indian traders are capable of overcoming such challenges by exploring new markets and reducing manufacturing costs. Bothra added, " India's textile traders are in such a strong position that they can create their market anywhere in the world. The US introduced Indian clothes in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia in such a way that it showed India as a competitor to China." He further stressed that with proper government support, especially for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), India can face tariffs effectively. "New markets can be found in Europe, South Africa, Japan or Central Asia," he said. Echoing a similar sentiment, textile trader Vikas Gupta said, "The tariff being imposed by the US is in discussion; side by side, the Indian government should explore parallel options, like changes in policies and subsidies, so that our manufacturing cost reduces and the 35 per cent supply to the US is maintained along with finding other markets." He added, "We can then also take it as an opportunity. There are European, African and Asian countries where we have the scope to compete. If the government policies are good, we can also supply material to Vietnam, Bangladesh and China. People of Surat have never worked under pressure and never will. We will maintain our business through reduced costing instead." With confidence in their resilience and a call for better policies, India's textile industry is gearing up to overcome global trade challenges and continue its growth. (ANI) Five people from New York including two juveniles were arrested on Monday and accused of trying to use counterfeit money at a number of businesses in Westport. Police began receiving numerous reports around 4:30 p.m. indicating several people were allegedly trying to use the phony currency at various stores, according to Capt. Eric Woods of the Westport Police Department. Woods said officers had a good description of the suspects and the vehicle they were using. One suspect was found inside Choice Pet at 374 Post Road East, he said. The others were found nearby in a vehicle, according to Woods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation found that the group had allegedly passed numerous counterfeit bills at different businesses, Woods said. Jaquane Murray, 31, of New York, New York was charged with 11 counts of first-degree forgery, four counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree forgery and one count of risk of injury to a minor. He was released on a $30,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 15 in Stamford Superior Court. Akeelah Garrett, 18 of the Bronx, New York was charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree forgery and one count of first-degree forgery. She was held on a $20,000 bond and was expected to face a judge on Tuesday. Rosbert Cabrera, 18, of the Bronx, New York was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree forgery and one count of first-degree forgery. He was released on a $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Woods, a 15-year-old boy from the Bronx, New York was also arrested on four counts of first-degree forgery and two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree forgery. He was issued a juvenile summons and released to a guardian. A 17-year-old boy from New York, New York was charged with two counts each of first-degree forgery and conspiracy to commit first-degree forgery. He was also issued a juvenile summons and released to a guardian. Sweden, Norway and Denmark will jointly allocate approximately NOK 5 billion (approx. US$486 million) to a NATO initiative to supply American weapons to Ukraine. Source: a statement by the Norwegian government released on Tuesday 5 August, as reported by European Pravda Details: Norway, Sweden and Denmark are joining forces to provide military assistance to Ukraine in order to meet its priority needs for defence equipment this assistance is being coordinated by NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assistance will be provided under the new Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which aims to ensure the rapid delivery of US weapons and equipment to Ukraine. The support will also strengthen Ukraine's air defences, particularly by supplying additional missiles for Patriot air defence systems. Norway will initially allocate NOK 1.5 billion (US$145 million) to the initiative. Together with Sweden and Denmark, it will fund a package totalling approximately NOK 5 billion. The statement noted that the Netherlands has funded an aid package of similar value and several more are expected shortly. These aid packages may include support in the areas of air defence, ammunition and other crucial equipment. Each is expected to be worth around US$500 million, and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe will play a key coordinating role in the formation and implementation of these deliveries, including the repair and modernisation of equipment already transferred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For security reasons, the exact contents of each package will not be disclosed. Quote from Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik: "This summer, we have witnessed Russia's relentless continuation of its illegal attacks against Ukraine, along the front lines and against civilian targets in cities. With this contribution, we want to facilitate Ukraine's rapid access to the necessary equipment, while strengthening NATO's cooperation on Ukraine's defence and ensuring peace on Ukraine's terms." Background: On 4 August, it became known that the Netherlands prepared an aid package for Ukraine, which includes components and missiles for a Patriot air defence system. Last week, Germany announced that it will deliver two Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, following an agreement with the United States that guarantees Berlin priority access to replacements for the systems it provides. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Getty Images As a parent of a child with a disability, a longtime educator, and an advocate for students with disabilities, Ive seen firsthand how Michigans current special education funding system falls short. It falls short of what schools need, and most importantly, it falls short of what students deserve. Thats why Im proud to support the Michigan Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint, better known as the MI Blueprint. Its a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a smarter and more equitable funding model for special education. One that puts students, not systems, at the center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that the momentum is real, and its been building for a long time. Over the last seven months, more than 1,000 Michiganders have helped shape the MI Blueprint through surveys, stakeholder meetings, and open conversations across the state. Parents, educators, advocates, and school leaders have brought their insight to the table, working together to co-create a model that reflects what students actually need. This has been a transparent and inclusive process from the start, grounded in Michigan experiences and shaped by Michigan voices. That community-driven momentum is being echoed at the highest levels. As we draw nearer to Michigans 2026 gubernatorial election, candidates have begun sharing their education platforms with some including education funding reform as a priority. Transitioning Michigans education funding approach to a weighted student funding formula that is decoupled from local property wealth and instead focused on what students need just makes sense. This alignment from families and advocates to statewide leaders underscores the urgency and the opportunity in front of us. Right now, Michigan reimburses districts for just 28.6 percent of special education costs. Thats one of the lowest rates in the country. This leaves districts scrambling to meet their legal and moral obligations with insufficient state support. The burden falls hardest on low-wealth communities that cant raise additional local revenue and are restricted by caps on millage increases, deepening existing disparities and limiting opportunity for the students who need the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not just a budgeting problem. It is a civil rights issue. The MI Blueprint project was launched in response to this challenge, through bipartisan action by the state legislature. Since then, weve drawn from the best available research, including recent costing-out studies in neighboring Ohio and the groundbreaking School Finance Research Collaborative adequacy study here in Michigan, and applied it to local data, policy context, and lived experience. Now we are in the home stretch with the model taking shape and a final report due to the legislature this October. It will include a clear and actionable framework with a new weighted funding formula that can create a fairer, more predictable system. This is not a theoretical exercise. It is a blueprint for change, and it has the backing of many advocates, educators, and families across Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To fellow educators and district leaders: youve helped shape this process every step of the way. Your continued engagement matters. Lets finish strong. To families across Michigan: this is about your children. Their needs and your voices are the backbone of this effort. Every child deserves the resources they need to succeed, no matter where they live or how much support they need, and the MI Blueprint helps us get there. And to our legislative leaders: the table is set. You asked for an objective, data-informed framework, and the MI Blueprint delivers. As you consider education priorities this fall, this is an opportunity to follow-through on what you asked Michiganders to deliver to you. We dont get opportunities like this very often. Lets seize it, together. Brandon Wright, a Peru resident who broadcasts a podcast dealing with the paranormal, will be appearing at the Walton & Tipton Township Public Library at 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 13. The event is free. "I have always been fascinated by the stories and experiences that people have shared, even at a young age," Wright said in statements provided by the library. "Ghosts, UFOs, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, all of those sort of stories always got my interests, even if I didnt necessarily believe in them. "It wasnt until I had my own personal experiences that I started to really question just how much we actually understood about the world around us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright is the owner and operator of Tinfoil Tales, a podcast that features guests talking about encounters with UFOs, Bigfoot sightings, and other paranormal events. The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. He said he started his podcast with the hopes of reaching other people who have had their own similar experiences and were not comfortable to actually talk about it with anyone else. Wright's goal is to remove the stigma that can sometimes be attached to the idea of talking about strange things that happen. The library is considering a Facebook livestream of the event for those who live too far away, but would like to enjoy the material. We will make that announcement the closer we are to the event, said library director Kristi Hileman, who hopes to fill the seats first before deciding upon a livestreaming option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright said he believes there are more people showing an interest in the phenomena than in previous years, due to more open-mindedness and the help of television shows, movies and podcasts like his own. "We are currently living in a time where there are congressional hearings about UFO/UAP sightings and a movement for a total disclosure of information just in the UFO community alone," Wright said. "Now add in the other strange incidents like hauntings, or even cryptid sightings like Bigfoot, and we are just at the tip of the iceberg for what seems like a shift in how people are starting to view these sort of events. Technology, Wright said, is helping sustain a continued interest in the paranormal and allows people to get more evidence of what they believe to have occurred. To reserve a place, call the library at 574-626-2234 or send an email to waltonlibrary@walton.lib.in.us. There is also a sign-up sheet at the circulation desk at the library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would like for anyone who has an interest in this sort of topic to come out and listen to some of the strange stories Ive uncovered from around the local area," Wright said. "I would like for everyone who attends to learn about some of the local history and legends from around our area but to also understand that its important to listen to the accounts of other people. "While it isnt possible to verify every story someone may claim, its important to listen and try to understand that whether we believe or not, that doesnt mean that this person is wrong or not dealing with something we dont fully understand." Wright encourages anyone with their own experience to share their story. "The more information I can gather, it helps me try to make sense of what we could be experiencing or seeing," he said. "Overall, I just hope everyone attends learns a little bit and leaves with a little more open mindedness with the regards to the mysteries that surround us." PORTLAND, Maine The 2023 Titan submersible disaster could have been prevented, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a report Tuesday, but OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush ignored safety warnings, design flaws and crucial oversight that may have resulted in criminal charges had he survived. Rush and four passengers were killed when Titan suffered a catastrophic implosion as it descended to the wreck of the Titanic, sparking a dayslong search in the North Atlantic off Canada that grabbed international headlines. The Coast Guard convened its highest level of investigation in the aftermath, and the disaster has led to lawsuits and calls for tighter regulation of the developing private deep sea expedition industry. The Titan was owned by OceanGate, a private company based in Washington state. The Coast Guard report found the companys safety procedures were critically flawed and cited glaring disparities between safety protocols and actual practices. Preventing the next Titan disaster Jason Neubauer, with the Marine Board of Investigation, said that the findings will help prevent future tragedies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a need for stronger oversight and clear options for operators who are exploring new concepts outside of the existing regulatory framework, he said in a statement. OceanGate suspended operations in July 2023. A spokesperson for OceanGate, Christian Hammond, said the company has been wound down and was fully cooperating with the investigation, and offered condolences to the families of those who died and everyone affected. Coast Guard report describes red flags at OceanGate Investigators repeatedly point to OceanGates culture of downplaying, ignoring and even falsifying key safety information to improve its reputation and evade scrutiny from regulators. OceanGate ignored red flags and had a toxic workplace culture, while its mission was hindered by lack of domestic and international framework for submersible operations, the report says. Numerous OceanGate employees have come forward in the two years since the implosion to support those claims. The report says firings of senior staff members and the looming threat of being fired were used to dissuade employees and contractors from expressing safety concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By strategically creating and exploiting regulatory confusion and oversight challenges, OceanGate was ultimately able to operate TITAN completely outside of the established deep-sea protocols, the report found. Debris from the Titan submersible is unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. John's, Newfoundland, on June 28, 2023. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press via AP) The Marine Board concluded that Rush exhibited negligence which contributed to the deaths of four people. Had Rush not died in the implosion, the case would have been handed off to the U.S. Department of Justice and he may have been subject to criminal charges, the board said. The report also states that OceanGate reclassified its submersible passengers as mission specialists to bypass small passenger vessel regulations and allow submersibles to be designated as oceanic research vessels. Former mission specialists and OceanGate employees said their participation was purely for a ride in the submersible, not for scientific research, the report states. Titans inadequacies Investigators found the submersibles design, certification, maintenance and inspection process were all inadequate. Coast Guard officials noted at the start of last years hearing that the submersible had not been independently reviewed, as is standard practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessels carbon fiber hull design and construction introduced flaws that weakened the overall structural integrity of its hull, the report stated. Mounting financial pressures in 2023 led to a decision by OceanGate to store the Titan submersible outdoors over the Canadian winter, where its hull was exposed to temperature fluctuations that compromised the integrity of the vessel, the report said. The report also contends that Rush submitted a fraudulent sea service letter signed by OceanGates chief operations officer to the Coast Guards National Maritime Center to obtain his credentials. In the letter, Rush claimed past service as a crew member on Titan and misrepresented the size of the vessel, when in fact it had never been registered or admeasured. The Marine Board said one challenge of the investigation was that significant amounts of video footage evidence that had been captured by witnesses was not subject to its subpoena authority because the witnesses werent U.S. citizens. The victims of the Titan disaster In addition to Rush, the implosion killed French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, British adventurer Hamish Harding and two members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family of Nargeolet, a veteran French undersea explorer known as Mr. Titanic, filed a more than $50 million lawsuit last year that said the crew experienced terror and mental anguish before the disaster. The lawsuit accused OceanGate of gross negligence. The Titans final dive Titan had been making voyages to the Titanic site since 2021. The Titans final dive came on June 18, 2023, a Sunday morning when the submersible would lose contact with its support vessel about two hours later. The submersible was reported overdue that afternoon, and ships, planes and equipment were rushed to the scene about 435 miles south of St. Johns, Newfoundland. Wreckage of the Titan would subsequently be found on the ocean floor about 330 yards off the bow of the Titanic, Coast Guard officials said. Associated Press writers Kimberlee Kruesi in Providence, Rhode Island, and Leah Willingham in Boston contributed to this report. Originally appeared on E! Online New details have surfaced in the Titan submersible tragedy. Two years after the OceanGate Expedition vessel imploded with five passengers onboard, including its CEO Stockton Rush, the United States Coast Guard found the deep-sea exploration company was to blame for the "preventable tragedy," according to the report of investigation obtained by E! News. "The board determined the primary contributing factors were OceanGate's inadequate design, certification, maintenance and inspection process for the Titan," an Aug. 5 USCG press release announcing the report said. "Other factors cited in the report include a toxic workplace culture at OceanGate [and] an inadequate domestic and international regulatory framework for submersible operations and vessels of novel design." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An in-depth examination from the U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Board of Investigation published Aug. 4 found that "OceanGate's failure to follow established engineering protocols for safety, testing, and maintenance of their submersible was the primary causal factor." More from E! Online The 327-page report noted that "the loss of structural integrity of the Titan's carbon fiber hull," which was glued to titanium end sections, caused the implosion on June 18, 2023, just 90 minutes into its expedition to the Titanic wreckage. In addition to Rush, passengers Hamish Harding, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood were killed in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency alleged that OceanGate's design and testing for the Titan "did not adequately address many of the fundamental engineering principles that would be crucial for constructing a hull" that was expected to reach the Titanic shipwreck at 12,500 feet. The report also accused the company of continuing to use the submersible after a series of dives in 2022 that "compromised the integrity of the hull and other critical components of the submersible without properly assessing or inspecting the hull." Xinhua News Agency/Shutterstock As for the structure itself, the Coast Guard noted that the design of the vessel's carbon fiber hull introduced "flaws that weakened the overall structural integrity" due to "winding, curing, gluing, and the thickness" of its material. Along with failing to conduct detailed investigations into the vessel after "mishaps that negatively impacted its hull and components during dives," the company was accused of firing and dissuading employees who expressed safety concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other contributing causal factors, according to the Coast Guard's findings, included Stockton's "sustained efforts to misrepresent Titan," which provided a "false sense of safety to passengers and regulators," as well as the company's "disregard for proper storage, operational shortcuts, and failure to conduct rigorous safety assessments." EyePress News/Shutterstock The report accused OceanGatewhich charged each passenger $250,000 for the voyageof prioritizing "operational goals and financial considerations over safety, ignoring warnings from both industry experts and internal staff." "Had OceanGate taken the warnings more seriously, involved independent safety experts, or adhered to more rigorous testing and safety protocols," the report noted, "many of the risks that contributed to the eventual implosion could have been mitigated or avoided entirely." E! News has reached out to OceanGate for comment and has not yet heard back. For a closer look at the Titan's final passengers, keep reading. Shahzada Dawood & Son Suleman Dawood On June 18, 2023, a deep-sea submersible Titan, operated by the U.S.-based company OceanGate Expeditions and carrying five people on a voyage to the wreck of the Titanic, was declared missing. Following a five-day search, the U.S. Coast Guard announced at a June 22 press conference that the vessel suffered a "catastrophic implosion" that killed all five passengers on board. Pakistani-born businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood, both British citizens, were also among the victims. Their family is one of the wealthiest in Pakistan, with Shahzada Dawood serving as the vice chairman of Engro Corporation, per The New York Times. His son was studying at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Shahzada's sister Azmeh Dawood told NBC News that Suleman had expressed reluctance about going on the voyage, informing a relative that he "wasn't very up for it" and felt "terrified" about the trip to explore the wreckage of the Titanic, but ultimately went to please his father, a Titanic fan, for Father's Day. The Dawood Foundation mourned their deaths in a statement to the website, saying, "It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of Shahzada and Suleman Dawood. Our beloved sons were aboard OceanGagte's Titan submersible that perished underwater. Please continue to keep the departed souls and our family in your prayers during this difficult period of mourning." Stockton Rush OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush was the pilot of the Titan. The entrepreneurwho founded the research company in 2009 in Everett, Wash.had long been interested in exploration. Rush, 61, previously said he dreamed of becoming the first person on Mars and once said that he'd "like to be remembered as an innovator." In addition to leading voyages to see the remnants of the Titanic, Rush had another surprising connection to the historic 1912 event: His wife Wendy Rush is the great-great-granddaughter of a couple who died on the Titanic, Ida and Isidor Straus. Hamish Harding British billionaire Hamish Harding confirmed he was a part of the mission in a June 17 Instagram post, a day before the submersible went into the water and disappeared. "I am proud to finally announce that I joined @oceangateexped for their RMS TITANIC Mission as a mission specialist on the sub going down to the Titanic," he wrote. "Due to the worst winter in Newfoundland in 40 years, this mission is likely to be the first and only manned mission to the Titanic in 2023. A weather window has just opened up and we are going to attempt a dive tomorrow." Hardingthe chairman of aircraft company Action Aviationsaid the group had started steaming from St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada and was planning to start dive operations around 4 a.m. on June 18. The 58-year-old added, "Until then we have a lot of preparations and briefings to do." His past explorations included traveling to the deepest part of the ocean in the Mariana Trench, telling Gulf News in 2021, "It was an incredibly hostile environment. To travel to parts of the Challenger Deep where no human had ever been before was truly remarkable." The Dubai-based businessman also circumnavigated the Earth by plane with the One More Orbit project and, last year, took a trip to space on Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin New Shepard rocket. Harding shared his love for adventure with his son Giles, described as a "teen explorer" on his Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul-Henri Nargeolet As for the fifth member, a representative for French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet told the New York Times that he was a passenger on the Titan, with Harding also referencing him on Instagram as a member of the team. The Times described him as a maritime expert who was previously part of the French Navy. The 71-year-old was a bonafide Titanic specialist and has traveled to the wreckage 35 times before. Nargeolet served as the director of RMS Titanic, Inc., a company that researches, salvages and displays artifacts from the famed ship, per the outlet. Alongside fellow passenger Hamish Harding, he was a member of The Explorers Club, founded in 1904. The Titan As Harding noted in his post, the submersiblenamed Titanwas a part of an OceanGate Expeditions tour that explores the wreckage of the RMS Titanic, which infamously sank in 1912. The company expressed its sympathies to the families of the victims. "These men were true explorers who shared a distinct spirit of adventure, and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world's oceans," OceanGate said in a statement. "Our hearts are with these five souls and every member of their families during this tragic time. We grieve the loss of life and joy they brought to everyone they knew." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Multiple contributing factors including OceanGates toxic workplace environment and profit-over-safety ethos led to the entirely "preventable" implosion of a submersible that killed five people off Newfoundland two years ago, Coast Guard investigators said Tuesday. The findings were released in a 327-page report that outlined a series of critical flaws and recommendations aimed at heading off future potential tragedies. This marine casualty and the loss of five lives was preventable, said Jason Neubauer, the chairman of the Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation, which was charged with probing the Titan disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OceanGate consistently sidestepped safety concerns in a bid to maximize profits, the investigation found. "In summary, OceanGate repeatedly prioritized operational goals and financial considerations over safety, ignoring warnings from both industry experts and internal staff," the Coast Guard said. "OceanGates consistent pattern of neglect evident in its disregard for proper storage, operational shortcuts, and failure to conduct rigorous safety assessments underscores their troubling prioritization of cost and time-saving measures over safety." The planned dive to the historic wreck of the Titanic on June 18, 2023, ended in disaster after the Titan lost communication with its OceanGate handlers, setting off a frantic search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, it was determined that the submersible imploded and instantly killed all five people on board, including a 19-year-old, officials said. The Titan's hull experienced a "critical event that compromised the structural integrity of its pressure vessel, resulting in an instantaneous and catastrophic implosion" at 10:47 a.m. that day, according to the report. Neubauer said: The two-year investigation has identified multiple contributing factors that led to this tragedy, providing valuable lessons learned to prevent a future occurrence. There is a need for stronger oversight and clear options for operators who are exploring new concepts outside of the existing regulatory framework." Investigators cited OceanGates continued use of the Titan after a series of incidents that compromised the integrity of the hull, as well as its failure to conduct detailed investigations after mishaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OceanGate leaders fired senior staff members and threatened other terminations to dissuade employees and contractors from expressing safety concerns," investigators also said. During the Coast Guards investigative hearing last year, OceanGates former engineering director, Tony Nissen, testified that he was fired because he refused to sign off on a planned expedition after lightning struck the submersible, compromising its experimental carbon fiber hull. Nissen also testified that OceanGate had no designated safety officer and that "most people would eventually just back down" to CEO Stockton Rush. Nissen said he turned down a request by Rush to be the Titans pilot on missions to tour the Titanic because he didnt trust Rush or the operations crew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators found that OceanGate "leveraged intimidation tactics" to "evade regulatory scrutiny" and ultimately operate the Titan "completely outside of the established deep-sea protocols." The report said the lack of oversight and experienced OceanGate employees allowed Rush to "completely ignore vital inspections, data analyses, and preventative maintenance procedures, culminating in a catastrophic event." OceanGate bypassed "rigorous testing," which led to "significant" failures in the Titan's design, investigators said. It didn't do enough research to determine whether the Titan's materials would hold up under high pressure, according to the Coast Guard. "OceanGate failed to dedicate the requisite time and resources to these crucial processes, which likely contributed to undetected vulnerabilities in the submersibles hull," investigators found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Without detailed research and testing on the bonding capabilities, there was a high risk that structural failure would occur at the interface under the extreme conditions experienced by a submersible." Days before the implosion, the Titan crew encountered several challenges during a test dive, with mission specialists expressing concern that Rush was rushing, the report says. They "felt Mr. Rush was beginning to get 'antsy' and 'clearly frustrated' and that Mr. Rush made the statement, 'Im going to get a dive in, even if it kills me,' according to the report. Rush, 61; French diver and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77; British billionaire Hamish Harding, 58; Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48; and his 19-year-old son, Suleman, all died in the implosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Coast Guards final report into the Titan submersible tragedy confirms that unregulated behaviour, a lack of accountability, and a fundamentally flawed design cost the lives of all on board, including our beloved Shahzada and Suleman, the Dawood family said in a statement. "No report can alter the heartbreaking outcome, nor fill the immeasurable void left by two cherished members of our family." Support personnel lost all communications and tracking with the Titan around the time of the implosion at 10:47 a.m. When the Titan did not surface as expected at 3 p.m., OceanGate's protocol directed support personnel to first search the surface for three hours before seeking outside emergency help. The report said the team notified the Canadian Coast Guard of the Titans distress at 7:10 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canadian Coast Guard directed the team to contact the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Boston, which initiated the distress phase and prompted a multinational search-and-rescue operation. The fatal implosion was confirmed days later on June 22, 2023, when a remotely operated vehicle found a piece of the Titan and other debris from the submersible on the seafloor, according to the report. OceanGate has since "permanently wound down operations," an OceanGate spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. "We again offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who died on June 18, 2023, and to all those impacted by the tragedy," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators conceded that, despite all the missteps chronicled in their report, the biggest problem of all could be the lack of clear domestic and international standards for submersibles. There is a lack of "regulatory frameworks for submersible operations" that can "address the complexities of modern submersible technologies and practices," the report said. Many of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigations proposed safety fixes revolved around the regulation of submersibles. Among them, the group recommended expanding federal and international requirements to all submersibles and instructing all submersible operators to submit dive and emergency response plans to the local Coast Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without clear standards, virtually all key operational practices were dictated by Rush, with no one seriously questioning him. "Compounding these issues, the companys leadership structure concentrated virtually all decision-making power in the hands of its CEO, Mr. Rush," the report says. "Although OceanGate had a Board of Directors, Mr. Rushs dominant behavior rendered it largely ineffective." For years, Rush ran the operation with an iron fist without regard for opposing viewpoints, investigators said. During a Jan. 19, 2018, meeting with OceanGate's director of operations, who acted as one the company's top safety officers, Rush complained that "we've gotten to the point where his experience and his estimation of the correct way" are "fundamentally opposite of the approach that I want to take," the report says. The director of operations was fired a short time later, and "the messages were clear to OceanGate's remaining senior staff that opposing views needed to be completely stifled," according to the Coast Guard. Financial hardships might have also played a role in the disaster, with the company under pressure to turn a profit. By 2023, "OceanGate resorted to asking employees to temporarily forgo their salaries in exchange for future repayment," the report says. A former director of engineering, who was not named and left the company in early 2023, told investigators that "these economic pressures severely undermined the already low safety standards at OceanGate," the report says. "The safety was being compromised way too much," the former engineering director said. OceanGate typically charged $250,000 for the Titanic experience a steep jump in price from $105,129 it charged in 2021, according to the report. OceanGate made a show of associating itself with "prominent institutions like" the University of Washington, Boeing and NASA to bolster its reputation. "OceanGate leveraged the relationships to lend credibility to its design and aspirational claims, which OceanGate proudly touted on their website and through social media," the report says. But as the Titan project progressed, "it became apparent to OceanGates partners that critical safety concerns were not properly addressed" as the company moved "forward with manned testing" on a "timeline that could not be accomplished safely," investigators said. The Dawood family said it hopes the incident serves as a turning point and one that drives meaningful reform, rigorous safety standards, and effective oversight within the submersible industry. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (NewsNation) The Titan submersible disaster that killed five people on the way to the Titanic was preventable, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a report Tuesday. The Coast Guards Marine Board of Investigation report found OceanGate, which owned Titan, had safety procedures that were critically flawed, noting that the core of the failures inside the company came down to glaring disparities between their safety protocols and actual practices. Titans design, inspection processes were inadequate Investigators determined the main contributing factors were the submersibles inadequate design, certification, maintenance, and inspection process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also cited OceanGates culture of downplaying, ignoring and even falsifying key safety information to improve its reputation and evade scrutiny from regulators. OceanGate ignored red flags and had a toxic workplace culture, while its mission was hindered by the lack of a domestic and international framework for submersible operations, according to the report. The report also alleged that for several years preceding the Titans explosion, OceanGate leveraged intimidation tactics, allowances for scientific operations, and the companys favorable reputation to evade regulatory scrutiny. NASA chief wants to build a nuclear reactor on the moon The board found OceanGate failed to properly investigate and address known hull anomalies following its 2022 Titanic expedition. Investigators determined the Titans real-time monitoring system generated data that should have been analyzed and acted on during the 2022 Titanic expedition. However, OceanGate did not take any action related to the data, conduct any preventative maintenance or properly store the Titan during the extended off-season before its 2023 Titanic expedition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also included 17 safety recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight of submersible operations, improving coordination among federal agencies and closing gaps in international maritime policy. Titan probe will help prevent future tragedies: Investigative board chair Jason Neubauer, MBIs investigative board chair, said that the findings will help prevent future tragedies. The two-year investigation has identified multiple contributing factors that led to this tragedy, providing valuable lessons learned to prevent a future occurrence, he said in a statement. There is a need for stronger oversight and clear options for operators who are exploring new concepts outside of the existing regulatory framework. DOJ to launch grand jury probe over Obama-Russia allegations What happened to OceanGates Titan? The disappearance of the Titan off Canada in 2023 led to a search that garnered worldwide attention, and the Coast Guard convened its highest level of investigation in the aftermath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Titan lost contact with its support vessel an hour and 45 minutes into the dive at 12,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Officials searched for the submersible for four days, until evidence of an implosion was found on the ocean floor. OceanGate co-founder Stockton Rush was among the five who died. Other victims included Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood and his son, Suleman Dawood. After the implosion, Washington state-based OceanGate suspended its operations. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Tommy Robinson has claimed a man he allegedly assaulted at St Pancras railway station in London was drunk and charged at him. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested at Luton airport on Monday evening in connection with the incident, which happened last month. Footage shared on social media appeared to show a man pacing around the station, with another person lying still on the floor nearby. Credit: @CrimeLDN / X Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, British Transport Police (BTP) said Robinson had been released on police bail until Sept 2 as inquiries continue. The alleged assault at St Pancras occurred at around 8.40pm on July 28. In a post on X, Robinson called on the Metropolitan Police to release CCTV footage of the incident although the Met is not involved in the investigation, which is being led by BTP. In a self-filmed video, he said: What the footage will show you is that I was walking home (when) another gentleman who came off the train and he should be leaving St Pancras saw me, followed me, confronted me, got in my face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For minutes I tried to get away from him. I tried everything. I tried telling him to leave me alone. I warned him so many times please get away, stop accosting me, leave me alone. He threatened me. He chased me basically, until the point where he got to the top of the stairs, which is where (there are) some accounts of what happened. No one has seen what happened previously. Thank god its on CCTV. You can see him harassing me, in my face so much, and you can see me trying to get away, so much. I didnt defend myself, even though I probably should have. When you see the footage, I should have done it a minute before. I didnt defend myself until it came to a physical confrontation. Until he came at me and as he came at me I defended myself. Thats it, and thats whats on camera. He charges at me. He doesnt just come at me. He charges at me with his hands up. Robinson was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken into custody after arriving in the UK on a flight from Portugal - The Sun Robinson claimed twice in the video that the man was drunk during the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken into custody after arriving in the UK on a flight from Faro, in Portugal. He had been wanted for questioning after leaving the country to travel to Tenerife in the early hours of July 29, BTP said. The victim was taken to hospital with what police described as serious injuries, and was discharged last Wednesday. BTP initially said it was making arrest inquiries but, in its update last Tuesday, said a suspect had boarded a flight and was no longer in the UK. Robinson claimed in his video that his trip had been planned before the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: I contacted the police straight away (after the incident). My solicitor contacted them at 6am the next morning. We made them aware of where I was, made them aware of the date I was coming home. Ive shown evidence to the police (that) my accommodation, everything, was booked before this incident. Before this incident happened, I had a trip planned. Fact. He claimed he informed police when his plane would land at Luton Airport. Video footage obtained by The Sun shows Robinson being arrested by five police officers on arrival in Britain. I dont know why they made that big scene and you get the video of all those police wagons arresting me when I was coming back for an interview I had planned, Robinson said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the minute it happened Ive been in communication with the police. There was no running away, there never has been. I willingly came back, but I was coming back when I was coming back anyway. 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 2025 Niche list of Tennessee's best public high schools is a mix of traditional and magnet schools, with one charter school also making the cut. Niche, a ranking and review organization, bases its list on an analysis of statistics, U.S. Department of Education data and reviews from students and parents. The organization considers factors like state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates and teacher quality, among others. The full list of Tennessee's best public high schools, which includes nearly 500 schools, can be found at niche.com/k12/search/best-public-high-schools/s/tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at the top 20 public high schools in Tennessee, along with the top five traditional, magnet and charter schools, according to Niche. Top 20 public high schools in Tennessee for 2025 Graduates cheer during the class of 2019 Hume-Fogg Magnet High School graduation at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, May 21, 2019. No. 1: Hume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville, magnet) No. 2: Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro, magnet) No. 3: Ravenwood High School (Brentwood, traditional) No. 4: Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School (Nashville, magnet) No. 5: Brentwood High School (Brentwood, traditional) No. 6: L&N STEM Academy (Knoxville, magnet) No. 7: Madison Academic High School (Jackson, magnet) No. 8: Farragut High School (Knoxville, traditional) No. 9: White Station High School (Memphis, magnet) No. 10: Collierville High School (Collierville, traditional) No. 11: STEM School Chattanooga (Chattanooga, traditional) No. 12: Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (Chattanooga, magnet) No. 13: Franklin High School (Franklin, traditional) No. 14: Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, Upper School (Chattanooga, magnet) No. 15: Merrol Hyde Magnet School (Hendersonville, magnet) No. 16: Valor Flagship Academy (Nashville, charter) No. 17: Oak Ridge High School (Oak Ridge, traditional) No. 18: Nolensville High School (Nolensville, traditional) No. 19: Dobyns-Bennett High School (Kingsport, traditional) No. 20: Hamilton County Collegiate High at Chattanooga State (Chattanooga, traditional) Top 5 traditional public high schools in Tennessee for 2025 Graduating seniors sit down at the start of the Ravenwood High School class of 2023 commencement ceremony at the Curb Event Center in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, May 27, 2023. No. 1: Ravenwood High School (Brentwood) No. 2: Brentwood high School (Brentwood) No. 3: Farragut High School (Knoxville) No. 4: White Station High School (Memphis) No. 5: Collierville High School (Collierville) Top 5 public magnet high schools in Tennessee for 2025 No. 1: Hume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville) No. 2: Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro) No. 3: Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School (Nashville) No. 4: L&N STEM Academy (Knoxville) No. 5: Madison Academic Magnet High School (Jackson) Top 5 public charter high schools in Tennessee for 2025 No. 1: Valor Flagship Academy (Nashville) No. 2: Crosstown High School (Memphis) No. 3: Memphis Rise Academy (Memphis) No. 4: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (Chattanooga) No. 5: Ivy Academy (Soddy-Daisy) This story was updated to add a gallery. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Top 20 public high schools in Tennessee: 2025 Niche rankings NewsVoir Pune (Maharashtra) [India], August 5: In a significant step toward strengthening global democratic engagement, a landmark delegation of over 130 Indian legislators will participate in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Summit in Boston, USA, from August 4 to 6, 2025. The initiative for Bharatiya delegation of legislators is being facilitated by National Legislators' Conference Bharat (NLC Bharat), a pioneering platform dedicated to empowering Indian legislators and fostering national and international legislative collaboration, cooperation and dialogue for sharing knowledge and best practices. The delegation--comprising Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) and Members of Legislative Councils (MLCs) from over 24 Indian states and representing a diverse spectrum of 21 political parties--embodies the rich and inclusive tapestry of Bharat's democratic leadership. This historic journey began in 2024, when a pioneering group of 50 legislators participated in the Legislative Summit held in Louisville, USA--an initiative unprecedented in independent Bharat and undertaken neither by the government nor any other institution. Now, in a landmark moment, the delegation has grown to an unprecedented 130 legislators--marking the largest-ever Indian legislative presence at any global conference. This first-of-its-kind endeavour aims to foster cross-border learning, enhance legislative capacity, and provide exposure to international best practices in governance and lawmaking. Rooted in the success of the inaugural NLC Bharat 2023 in Mumbai, this international visit is part of a long-term vision to create non-partisan, knowledge-driven platforms for legislators. At the NCSL Summit, legislators from Bharat will participate alongside over 2,000 U.S. legislators and more than 7000 legislators from different parts of the world in sessions addressing AI in governance, digital democracy, cybersecurity, voter confidence, and policy innovation. Dr. Rahul Karad, Founder, NLC Bharat, said, "This is not just a delegation. It is a living expression of Bharat's democratic strength and unity in diversity -- never before has such a large and representative group of Honourable MLAs and MLCs come together to engage the world on such a scale. What makes this moment even more special is the spirit behind it -- the desire to learn, to grow, and to lead with wisdom and vision. When our legislators step into this international arena, they carry not only their personal aspirations, but the hopes of a billion citizens and the essence of an ancient civilization. Our goal is simple yet profound -- to build meaningful bridges across democracies, to learn from each other, and to kindle conversations that transcend borders and strengthen governance." The itinerary includes academic orientation programs on U.S. legislative systems, visits to local institutions and state assemblies, and meetings with Indian-origin leaders across politics, academia, and industry. These engagements aim to foster meaningful dialogue between the world's two largest democracies and deepen ties with the Indian diaspora. The Boston delegation is part of a larger vision to create a series of international exposure programs for Indian legislators, with future visits being planned to countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Through this structured engagement model, NLC Bharat aspires to build a stronger, more informed, and globally connected legislative ecosystem--one that enhances India's democratic credentials and positions Bharat as a leader in democratic innovation on the global stage. (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) In a scathing open letter, luminaries from the AI industry and beyond are calling on OpenAI to prove that it hasn't betrayed humanity in favor of profits. Referring to themselves as the "legal beneficiaries of your charitable mission" that is, members of the human species OpenAI pledged to benefit when it was granted nonprofit status in 2015 the open letter, signed by the likes of AI Godfather Geoffrey Hinton and AI researcher Gary Marcus, charges the Sam Altman-run company with essentially playing God. "OpenAI is currently sitting on both sides of the table in a closed boardroom," the letter reads, "making a deal on humanity's behalf without allowing us to see the contract, know the terms, or sign off on the decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the letter notes, OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit with an overarching principle: to ensure that any future artificial general intelligence (AGI), or human-level AI, "benefits all humanity." But with its attempts to move away from nonprofit status and restructure as a for-profit entity, the letter's long list of signatories which include British film and TV star Stephen Fry, for some reason are no longer convinced that OpenAI plans to uphold the humanity-benefitting part of the bargain. "We call for at least a basic level of transparency about how this transition will affect your legal commitments to the public," wrote the signatories, who include several OpenAI expats like alignment researcher Jacob Hilton and Georgetown researcher Helen Toner, who worked to oust Altman during November 2023's failed CEO coup. The group then issues a seven-point list of demands about the specifics of the restructuring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond asking whether OpenAI will continue to uphold its "legal duty to prioritize" humanity over profits, the signatories also asked what role the company's nonprofit board will play going forward, whether it will "abide by its commitment to devote excess profits to the benefit of humanity," if any AGI it manages to produce will be commercialized, and if it will compete with other companies that might attain AGI. "The stakes could not be higher," the letter contends. "The decisions you make about governance, profit distribution, and accountability will shape not only your organization's future but also the future of society at large." This is, of course, neither the first nor will it be the last open letter aimed at OpenAI. Earlier this year, many of the same signatories from this more recent communique sent two letters to the attorneys general of California and Delaware urging them to halt the company's restructuring. At the time, they argued that switching to for-profit status would undermine the company's mission to benefit humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And last summer, a group of then-current and former OpenAI employees made even bolder claims in yet another open letter, alleging they were being silenced about the dangers that could occur if what the company is building comes to fruition. With their signatories seemingly convinced that humanity's very existence is at stake, this steady drip of open letters to and about OpenAI can only be viewed as a net good for the public though it's hard to say how much these missives will ultimately matter. More on OpenAI: OpenAI Admits ChatGPT Missed Signs of Delusions in Users Struggling With Mental Health A senior member of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) on Tuesday joined calls for Berlin to temporarily take in injured children from the Gaza Strip. "We can see that there are a number of initiatives in our European partner countries to fly out children and care for the seriously injured," SPD parliamentary secretary Derya Turk-Nachbaur told broadcaster RTL/ntv. She named Norway and Italy as examples. "There are many other countries that have joined the initiative," she added, calling on the government to follow suit and take in children from Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany has admitted Ukrainian children amid Russia's ongoing invasion, Turk-Nachbaur noted, arguing the country was therefore well-prepared to provide care. Calls on Berlin for more decisive action have been growing amid international outrage over the humanitarian situation in the embattled Gaza Strip, which experts say is on the brink of famine following nearly 22 months of Israel's military campaign, which was launched in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attacks. Three German cities - Hanover, Dusseldorf and Bonn - announced earlier this week that they plan to take in children from Gaza and Israel who are particularly traumatized or vulnerable. The Chancellery and the Interior Ministry have responded cautiously, however, expressing concerns over the feasibility of such evacuations. In a letter addressed to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul seen by dpa, the mayors of the three cities asked the federal government for support in implementing their plans. A senior member of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) on Tuesday joined calls for Berlin to temporarily take in injured children from the Gaza Strip. "We can see that there are a number of initiatives in our European partner countries to fly out children and care for the seriously injured," SPD parliamentary secretary Derya Turk-Nachbaur told broadcaster RTL/ntv. She named Norway and Italy as examples. "There are many other countries that have joined the initiative," she added, calling on the government to follow suit and take in children from Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany has admitted Ukrainian children amid Russia's ongoing invasion, Turk-Nachbaur noted, arguing the country was therefore well-prepared to provide care. Calls on Berlin for more decisive action have been growing amid international outrage over the humanitarian situation in the embattled Gaza Strip, which experts say is on the brink of famine following nearly 22 months of Israel's military campaign, which was launched in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attacks. Three German cities - Hanover, Dusseldorf and Bonn - announced earlier this week that they plan to take in children from Gaza and Israel who are particularly traumatized or vulnerable. The Chancellery and the Interior Ministry have responded cautiously, however, expressing concerns over the feasibility of such evacuations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter addressed to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul seen by dpa, the mayors of the three cities asked the federal government for support in implementing their plans. "What is needed now is an organized procedure at federal level that makes this humanitarian aid possible. We urge you to create the legal and organizational conditions for such a reception as quickly as possible," states the letter, which was also signed by the mayors of Kiel and Leipzig. Turk-Nachbaur conceded that some issues need to be resolved with Israel before children can be evacuated from Gaza. "We need safe corridors, we need to get the ambulance transport organized and we first need the go-ahead from the Israeli side," the Social Democrat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're not talking about hundreds or thousands of children," she said, noting that Italy has taken in "20, 30, 40, 50 children." "I think we can manage to take care" of a similar number, she added. (NewsNation) A woman from Massachusetts owes nearly $21,000 in medical bills after an unexpected bat encounter while on vacation in Arizona. Erica Kahn was vacationing in Northern Arizona last August when a bat got trapped between her and her camera while she was photographing the night sky. When Kahn screamed, the bat partially flew into her mouth. Bryan Kohberger evidence unveils Operation Turtle Shell transport plan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bats are one of the major rabies vectors, in part because their bite is small enough to go unnoticed. Because rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms begin, anyone who interacts with a bat or finds one in their home needs to get postexposure rabies vaccines as soon as possible. But Kahn was recently unemployed and had decided not to get COBRA coverage to extend the plan offered by her previous employer because of the cost and the fact that she was in good health. When you leave a job, you have 60 days to sign up for COBRA, and the coverage is retroactive to the day your employer-provided coverage ended. After her interaction with the bat, Kahn bought a private policy online and then went to get rabies vaccines. She was seen at hospitals in Arizona, Colorado and Massachusetts to get the series of shots that are given at specific intervals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kahn had confirmed with the insurer that emergency services were covered, but there was a 30-day waiting period on the plan. Soon, Kahn began getting bills that started adding up to more than $20,000. Where the summer COVID-19 infections are hitting hardest Insurance companies may institute waiting periods because they dont want people to wait to buy insurance until after something happens. But that leaves people like Kahn powerless against bills. Waiting 30 days to get the vaccinations could have been deadly since rabies incubation periods can be as short as a week, and healthy bats dont typically fly into people, making it more likely that the bat Kahn tangled with was infected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kahn has gotten a new job and negotiated one bill down by hundreds of dollars and set up a payment plan for another. She is continuing to appeal the rest of the denials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 United States Department of State has announced the first foreign citizens to be subject to bonds of up to $15,000 should they visit the country on tourist visas. On Tuesday, Zambia and Malawi, both African countries, were the inaugural entries on a list of countries that the State Department will subject to visa bonds. The idea, announced earlier this week, is to impose bonds on countries whose citizens have high rates of overstaying their US visas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tourists from those countries would have to pay an amount ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 at the time of their visa interview to enter the US. Then, if the tourist departs on or before their visas expiration, that amount would be refunded to them. The money would also be returned if the visa were cancelled, if the travel does not occur, or if the tourist is denied entry into the US. Should a tourist overstay their visa or apply for asylum or another immigration-related programme while in the US the federal government would keep the money. More countries, in addition to Malawi and Zambia, are expected to be added to the list. The bond requirement is slated to take effect for those two countries starting on August 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This targeted, common-sense measure reinforces the administrations commitment to US immigration law while deterring visa overstays, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump has taken a hardline approach to immigration since his return to office in January for a second term. On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order called Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which denounced the unprecedented flood of illegal immigration into the US. It pledged to forcefully execute US immigration laws. That executive order was ultimately cited as the basis for the new visa bonds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bonds are part of a pilot programme announced on Monday, slated to last 12 months. This [temporary final rule] addresses the Trump Administrations call to protect the American people by faithfully executing the immigration laws of the United States, a filing to the Federal Register reads. Every year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) releases a report about visa overstays in the US. The most recent report, released in 2024, found that there were 565,155 visa overstays for fiscal year 2023. That amounted to only 1.45 percent of the total non-immigrant admissions into the US. In other words, 98.55 percent of the in-scope nonimmigrant visitors departed the United States on-time and in accordance with the terms of their admission, the report explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its breakdown of country-by-country overstay rates, the report indicated that both Malawi and Zambia had relatively high visa overstay rates, at 14.3 and 11.1 percent, respectively. But Zambia and Malawi are both smaller countries with relatively few tourism- or business-related arrivals in the US. According to the report, only 1,655 people arrived from Malawi in fiscal year 2023 for business or pleasure. Of that total, 237 overstayed their visas. Meanwhile, 3,493 people arrived from Zambia for tourism or business during the same time frame. Of that total, 388 surpassed their visa limits. Those numbers are dwarfed by the sheer numbers from larger, more populous countries with larger consumer bases. An estimated 20,811 Brazilians stayed in the US longer than their tourism or business visas allowed, for instance, and 40,884 overstays were from Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have also pointed out that the newly imposed bonds put travel to the US already a pricey prospect further out of reach for residents of poorer countries. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an advocacy group, was among those that denounced the new bond scheme as discriminatory. It described the system as a form of exploitation a legalised shakedown in a statement on Tuesday. This is not about national security, said Robert McCaw, CAIRs government affairs director. Its about weaponising immigration policy to extort vulnerable visitors, punish disfavored countries, and turn Americas welcome mat into a paywall. Citizens of countries that are part of the USs visa waiver programmes are not subject to the visa bonds unveiled this week. Migrants attempting to land on a beach in Spain were tackled to the ground by locals and tourists before being taken into custody by police. Footage showed 13 men diving off a boat and swimming to the shore, where some were physically restrained by beachgoers in a tourist town in Andalusia, in the south of the country. The incident took place at Sotillo beach in Castell de Ferro on Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage recorded on phones by witnesses showed a motorboat approaching the packed beach at high speed. The men, reportedly of North African origin, started diving into the water and racing up to the shore. Footage showed 13 men diving off a boat and swimming to the shore One clip showed a migrant detained by a bare-chested man in orange trunks, who sat on top of him until police arrived. Another showed a beachgoer escorting a man from the sea. Amid the chaos and commotion, some of the migrants tried to blend in with those on the beach, according to witnesses. We all stood there staring, not quite knowing what was happening, Alberto Garcia, a nearby restaurant owner, told Ideal, a local newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We thought it was a recreational boat, but when we saw that they started throwing objects into the water and people starting to get out, we realised it wasnt normal, he added. A migrant evades the grasp of a beachgoer The Civil Guard in Castell de Ferro said they were able to arrest nine of the migrants after being called by lifeguards. Without commenting on the role the public played, it added that the Civil Guard did the bulk of the work. A clip showed a migrant being detained by a half-naked man in orange trunks It is not clear what happened to the other four men, who may have fled into the town. Those who were detained are now being held at a local migrant centre. Jose Antonio Martos, the deputy head of Granadas regional authority, called it an isolated incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrival of migrants to Granadas beaches is very low in 2025. In fact, this is only the second boat to reach our shores this entire year, he said. Nine of the 13 migrants were intercepted Spain is now on the front line of the EUs migration crisis as a crackdown on small boats in the Mediterranean has pushed more people to attempt the perilous trip from West Africa to the Canary Islands. In 2024, a record number of migrants more than 63,000 arrived in Spain through irregular routes, with over 46,000 of those reaching the Canaries. Morocco, Senegal and Mali were the most common countries of origin. The arrivals last year surpassed the almost 40,000 migrants who reached the Canary Islands in 2023. However, the figure for the whole of Spain was below the record set in 2018 of more than 62,000. 0608 Migrant crossings in Spain The Spanish political Right blamed Pedro Sanchez, Spains prime minister and a staunch advocate for greater migration which he calls the great motor of economic development for opening the door to illegal migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Sanchezs Left-wing government has introduced legislation giving residency to half a million undocumented migrants in Spain, and allowing failed asylum seekers to get jobs. The moves are at odds with Spains European neighbours who are tightening border controls. In July, Vox, the far-Right party which is Spains third-largest political force, vowed to deport around eight million people who had not adapted to our customs if it won the next election, which is expected in late 2027. 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. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) State troopers blocked off lanes on Interstate 70 in Washington County after a disabled tractor-trailer caught fire on Tuesday morning. Maryland State Police (MSP) told DC News Now that around 2 a.m. on Aug. 5, troopers responded to I-70 East, near US-40, for the disabled truck. Child dies, 2 firefighters injured after house fire in Suitland: PGFD Their preliminary investigation revealed that the truck was hauling apples when the fire started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported at the scene. As of Tuesday morning, two lanes on the highway remained closed. Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A 42-year-old Midland man was arrested last Friday night after a traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected crack cocaine and a juvenile who had previously been reported missing, according to a probable cause affidavit. Ahmad Saleem Madyun was taken into custody just before midnight on Aug. 1 after a Flock Safety camera alerted Midland Police Department officers to his vehicle, a white 2007 Lincoln Navigator, in the area of N. Big Spring Street and W. Cuthbert Avenue. An officer initiated a felony stop after confirming Madyun had an active warrant and a prior conviction for assaulting a peace officer. Police also noted the vehicle had unconfirmed insurance. Officers observed Madyun in the drivers seat and two female juveniles in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said one of the passengers was a teen reported as a runaway just days earlier. She had reportedly been located with Madyun on at least two previous occasions, including at a local motel on July 24. According to the affidavit, Madyun had previously been arrested in connection with harboring the same juvenile. During the stop, police reported finding a small plastic baggie containing a white, powdery substance in Madyuns pocket. Based on officer training and experience, the substance was suspected to be crack cocaine. Additional plastic baggies with residue were also reportedly found inside the vehicle. Because the traffic stop occurred within 1,000 feet of the Midland YMCA, a drug-free zone enhancement was added to the narcotics charge. The juvenile passengers were released to the custody of their guardians Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madyun was transported to the Midland Police Department for questioning and later booked into the Midland County Central Detention Center. He is currently facing multiple charges, including: Aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, a second-degree felony with a $250,000 bond Possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone is a third-degree felony with a $20,000 bond Harboring a runaway child, a Class A misdemeanor with a $5,000 bond Additional jail records show Madyun was also booked Aug. 2 on two misdemeanor charges: Class C theft and failure to appear. His bond is a combined $275,000. Madyun remains in the Midland County Detention Center as of Tuesday, August 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 world's smallest carnivorous mammal was spotted in southern Korea for the first time in eight years, according to The Korea Herald. The least weasel was seen in South Korea's Jirisan National Park. This is the first sighting here since 2017. Despite being up to 7 inches in length and weighing up to 5 ounces, the species is estimated to eat between 2,000 and 3,000 mice per year. This has earned it the name "mouse-catching mouse" in North Korea. The park sits in three southern provinces: North and South Jeolla and Gyeongsang. While the least weasel is rarely seen in this area, its population is stable globally, with a habitat covering most of Eurasia and North America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was first found in South Korea in 1927 in the northern province of Hamgyong and has since spread across the country, including Jeju Island and Ulleungdo Island. The Siberian subspecies seen in Korea can also be found in Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Least weasels are so good at hunting mice that ancient Greeks and Phoenicians are said to have used them for rodent control in homes. Unfortunately, this transportation has also posed a threat as an invasive species when introduced to isolated islands. For example, New Zealand has dedicated campaigns to eradicate the least weasel and other harmful invasive species. According to the government, the least weasel has applied pressure on populations of Whitaker's skink, lizards, birds, and invertebrates. The least weasel was first spotted in Jirisan National Park thanks to trail cameras. This technology helps conservationists gather reliable data on especially elusive animals. Best of all, it doesn't disturb the animals in the way that direct human observation might. Armed with better data, stewards can provide improved habitat protection for at-risk wildlife. Commenters on Instagram were enamored with the least weasel spotted in Jirisan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's adorable, cute," said one community member. "Looks like an otter living in the mountains cute," said another. 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. The State Department announced Monday that some travelers to the U.S. will have to pay $15,000 bonds for a visa, money they could lose if they overstay their allotted time. The Trump administration claimed to be addressing what it referred to as a clear national security threat. The State Department was planning on testing a similar program towards the end of the first Trump administration, but didnt act on it as foreign travel came to a stop amid the Covid-19 pandemic, The New York Times noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those coming from countries with high visa overstay rates looking to enter the U.S on a tourist or business visa would be expected to pay a bond of at least $5,000, the department added. Those who dont leave on time forfeit the funds, while those complying with their visas will get the money back. The public notice, which is set to go into effect on August 20, was issued by the State Department and didnt state which countries would be affected. It did say that it would be based on visa overstay data collected and shared by the Department of Homeland Security. Some visitors to the U.S. will now have to make bond payments to ensure they dont overstay their visas (Getty Images) The applicant on any canceled bond will be entitled to a full refund. There will be no accrued interest on visa bonds that are issued and canceled as part of this pilot program, the notice said. This comes as the Trump administration continues its broad crackdown on illegal immigration after President Donald Trump promised mass deportations during the 2024 campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the new rule was announced, a notice in the Federal Register said it was a key pillar of the Trump administrations foreign policy to protect the United States from the clear national security threat posed by visa overstays and deficient screening and vetting. Pointing to data collected by DHS in 2023, the notice stated that more than half a million people coming into the U.S. via air and sea ports of entry most likely overstayed their visas. Visitors required to pay the bonds would have to arrive and depart from the U.S. via airports selected to be a part of the program. The State Department said it would make the revelation 15 days before the bonds were enacted. State Department notice said the pilot program would also apply to visitors from countries where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient (Getty Images) The notice also said that the year-long pilot program would also apply to foreigners from countries where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient. It would also apply to those granted citizenship based on pledged investments or those without a residency requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consular officers granting the visas will be able to decide the amount of the bond, the notice said. It added that the program is intended to test the State Departments previous belief that bond payments are too cumbersome to be practical. While consular officers already have the power to put in place bond requirements on those applying for visas, the notice stated that the State Departments official Foreign Affairs Manual said that such bonds will rarely, if ever, be used. It said that the practical considerations were untested. Kampala, Uganda (PANA) - Since the beginning of 2025, 600 refugees have arrived in Uganda each day, bringing the total number of new arrivals to almost two million VMPL Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 5: In a move that significantly elevates the scope and strength of its neurosciences capabilities, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills is proud to welcome Dr. Randhir Kumar, a renowned name in neurosurgery, as Clinical Director & Senior Consultant - Neurosurgeon, Neurointerventionist and Endoscopic Spine Surgeon. With over two decades of clinical expertise and global fellowships in Endoscopic Spine Surgery (USA, Germany), Dr. Randhir's association marks a new chapter in the hospital's commitment to advanced, minimally invasive brain and spine care. Dr Radhir brings unmatched proficiency in Brain Tumor Surgery, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Endoscopic Neurosurgery, Skull-Base and Cranial Surgery, and Neurovascular and Stroke Interventions. His experience in cutting-edge endovascular and endoscopic techniques will further enhance the hospital's approach to advanced neurological care, especially in precision-driven, minimally invasive procedures. His depth of experience in both open and endoscopic neurosurgical techniques will help set new standards in patient outcomes, precision surgery, and post-operative recovery at CARE Hospitals. Sharing his vision for the role, Dr. Randhir Kumar said, "Joining CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills is a privilege, and I'm excited to be part of a healthcare institution that blends clinical excellence with compassion. My goal is to build a high-performing, multidisciplinary neurosurgery program that puts patients first while driving innovation in complex neuro and spine procedures." Welcoming him to the CARE family, Biju Nair, Zonal COO, CARE Hospitals, remarked, "Having Dr. Randhir Kumar on board is a proud moment for us. His impressive global exposure and mastery in neuro and spine surgery will truly raise the bar for our Neurosurgery Department. We are confident that his leadership will shape CARE Banjara Hills into one of South India's premier destinations for advanced neurological care." Dr. Randhir will also play a pivotal role in mentoring younger clinicians, streamlining neurosurgical pathways, and introducing international protocols to ensure safety, efficiency, and excellence in every patient journey. About CARE Banjara Hospital Located in the heart of Hyderabad, CARE Banjara Hospital is the flagship tertiary care hospital of CARE Hospitals Group. With nearly three decades of legacy in delivering exceptional clinical outcomes, the hospital is a center of excellence across multiple specialties, including cardiac sciences, critical care, oncology, organ transplants, and robotic surgeries. CARE Banjara Hospital continues to pioneer innovations that bring world-class healthcare closer to the community. (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) TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (WOOD) One of the 11 stabbing victims in the rampage at the Walmart near Traverse City told News 8 she has pity for the mentally ill man accused of driving a knife into her back. She has forgiven him. Its the first time a victim in the July 26 attack has spoken publicly. The 84-year-old Traverse City-area woman the oldest victim in the attack is recovering at home after several days in the hospital. The only visible evidence of the attack: some abrasions on her legs, bruises on her elbows and a shiner on her right eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am the elderly lady outside of Walmart, said the woman, who asked that News 8 not use her name. We lost him: Mom of stabbing suspect says system failed him and society She said she had gone to Walmart that afternoon for only one reason: to return a package of frozen plant-based sausage, which was already expired when she bought it a few days earlier. I went in, went to customer service, got $3.83 back for my sausage, turned around and I heard two blood-curdling screams, she said. Everybody was screaming and I only had, what, maybe 50 feet to get out the door. She reached the front door, still unaware of the reason for the screams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of a sudden I got hit in the back, I thought pushed, like a stampede because of people coming out. I thought I got pushed harder than Ive been pushed in my life. It felt like a truck hit me and I went straight down. My knees didnt buckle or anything. I just went straight down, she said. She said she landed on the sidewalk just outside. I went flat as a flounder, she said. Man who helped stop Walmart stabber: Like there was a demon in him Emergency services respond after multiple people were stabbed at a Walmart in Traverse City, Mich., Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Jan-Michael Stump/Traverse City Record-Eagle via AP) A woman helped her up. This very nice lady that Id like to thank. I dont know her name and I dont know who she is, she said. When I stood up, I looked down and I was just gushing in blood, and I had no clue where it came from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman used a black T-shirt to try to stop the bleeding. Bound it up and she held me and she put that against my side of my back, and she held that, she said. Her husband was home in a wheelchair, so the woman helped her call her daughter. I told my daughter Id been stabbed and I was at Walmart, to go to your dad, Im fine, theyre going to bring an ambulance, she said. But her cellphone didnt disconnect, so her daughter listened in for the next 45 minutes as ambulance paramedics treated her and as doctors worked on her in the hospital. It is a miracle because it relieved her because she could hear, Your vital signs are good. She heard everything, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How hospital staff activated as stabbing spree unfolded very quickly Bradford Gille, 42, had plunged the blade of a 3.5-inch folding knife once in her upper back, hitting her right lung. Doctors told her that scar tissue from a previous surgery likely kept it from collapsing her lung. This photo provided by the Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Office on Sunday, July 27, 2025, shows the knife that authorities say was used to stab 11 people at a Walmart. The woman is among six patients who have been treated and released from Munson Healthcare since the stabbing. Three remained in good condition there as of Monday, while two others had been transferred to other facilities. She never saw the attacker; never felt the stinging of the knife. She has since learned of her attackers mental illness a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, psychotic episodes, in and out of institutions, off and on homelessness after smoking marijuana laced with something when he was 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just felt nothing but pity for this boy because hes never had a chance, the stabbing victim said. Traverse City Walmart stabbing suspect had history of digging up bodies Gilles mother last week told News 8 she blamed the mental health system. My heart goes out to her because shes tried for a long time to get help, the victim said. She said she believes the stabbings illustrate the failures of the mental health system. She blames the government for shutting down mental health institutions. I think were getting the fruits of it until we do something to help these people to be permanently in an institution of some sort, but it has to be where they can still live and progress and have a life within that institution that is good, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prayer vigil honors victims of Traverse City Walmart stabbing Gille is charged with 11 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism. Hes expected back in court Wednesday for a probable cause hearing. The victim said she believes prison is the wrong place for him. I hope that he can stay on his medication. I hope that hes incarcerated, not incarcerated in a jail. I dont think a jail is any place for him to be. But a state hospital like we used to have in Traverse City that was really run well once upon a time. We need to go back to something like that, she said. The survivor holds up a patch of a trooper who helped her. A few days after the stabbing, the Michigan State Police trooper who helped tend to her injury visited her at home. He gave her the patch from his uniform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said, My uniform was covered in your blood and I had to throw it away, but this patch was still good, and I wanted to give it to you,' 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 WOODTV.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) County leaders, along with the Central Texas Community Foundation, announced the foundation launched a website where those affected by the catastrophic July 5 flood can apply for financial assistance. After the floods, the foundation established Travis County CARES and WilCo CARES, which are relief funds to support families affected. Tuesdays event provided more details on how residents can apply for help, how grants will be distributed and the fundraising progress to date. The website is under the 2025 Flood Relief tab on the nonprofits website, which includes information for those who either need assistance or wish to donate to Travis, Williamson and Burnet counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to its website, the Central Texas Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity that lets people create charitable funds, which are pooled with others to grow over time. The resulting money would be able to be distributed as grants to local nonprofit organizations. The flood hit Sandy Creek, Cow Creek, Liberty Hill, Leander, Georgetown and Granger, according to the nonprofit foundation. Anyone directly affected in those areas can apply for funding, Amy Merida, executive director of Central Texas Community Foundation, said during the conference. Merida was joined by Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Williamson County Judge Steven Snell. Brown said working with this has been a time of immense heartache. But nonetheless, he said this has also been a time of Texans helping Texans. He announced the Donate Travis County CARES tab that is now available on the nonprofit foundations website for anyone who wishes to help their fellow Texans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please go to the community cares fund link and donate today, Brown said during the conference. There is a similar tab for Williamson County, which Snell announced as the Donate Wilco CARES tab. The St. Davids Foundation contributed an initial $100,000 in matching funds to support the Travis County and WilCo CARES Funds, according to the Central Texas Community Foundation. St. Davids will match those funds through Aug. 15. Every dollar donated will be matched, up to $100,000. That means your gift will go twice as far in supporting the recovery of local families and businesses, the Central Texas Community Foundation said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When an army of people gives what they can, what they have, they can change the world. Every dollar counts, Merida said. She said there are impact maps available on the website that are shaded. Those wishing to apply for funding can search their address, and if it pops up in a shaded area, they are good to apply. Applications are available in English and Spanish. We know that people are hurting and tired and they need funds now. As soon as every applicant that is in the area has had time to get the materials they need as quickly as possible, we will open up the funding and will distribute those funds, Merida said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A former assistant to a far-right German lawmaker in the European Parliament goes on trial on Tuesday over accusations of spying for Chinese intelligence. Prosecutors believe that the defendant, who is only named as Jian G in line with Germany's strict privacy laws, has been working for a Chinese secret service since 2002. A German national, Jian G used to work as an assistant in the parliamentary office of Maximilian Krah, a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party who sat in the European Parliament from 2019 to 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jian G is accused of having gathered intelligence and confidential documents and passed them on to Chinese contacts while working for Krah from September 2019 until April 2024, when he was arrested. He also faces accusations of having gathered information on leading AfD politicians and spying on Chinese dissidents. His co-defendant, Chinese national Jaqi X, is accused of having assisted Jian G. At the time, Jaqi X worked for a logistics service provider at Leipzig Airport in eastern Germany and is said to have repeatedly provided Jian G with data on flights, freight and passengers - in particular regarding the transport of defence goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dresden court has scheduled 13 trial days until the end of September. Krah, who is now serving as a lawmaker in the German parliament, is a highly controversial figure himself, even within his own party. He faces a separate investigation over accusations of bribery by China and money laundering related to his time in the European Parliament. He has rejected the claims. WHITLEY COUNTY Two individuals charged in connection with a deadly moped crash that occurred in August 2024 appeared in Whitley District Court on Thursday for a bond hearing, during which a jury trial date was also set. Danisha Martin, 32, of Corbin, and Darius Wade, 31, of Lexington, are facing serious charges following the incident, which resulted in the death of Martins young daughter. According to a KSP release at the time, the fatal crash took place near the 26-mile marker of Interstate 75 in Whitley County, when the moped operated by Wade with the child as a passenger was struck by a Kia Sportage SUV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wade was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, while the child was first taken to Baptist Health Corbin and later transferred to UK Medical Center, where she was pronounced deceased. Wade has since been charged with murder, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, operating a moped without a license, and unauthorized use of an off-highway vehicle. Martin was charged with complicity to commit murder. At Thursdays hearing, the court ruled to lower the bond for Wade from the initial amount $250,000, to $100,000 Martins original bond amount. The cash bond adjustment was determined appropriate by the court. A jury trial for both is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 22, of this year. Martin and Wade remained lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center at press time. DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) A man charged with importing drugs to Indonesia faces up to 15 years in prison under the country's tough drug laws in a trial that began Tuesday on the tourist island of Bali. William Wallace Molyneaux V, a U.S. citizen, was arrested May 23 after he allegedly collected a package containing illegal drugs at a post office near Kuta beach, a popular tourist spot. Prosecutor I Made Dipa Umbara said the arrest followed a tip that Molyneaux received a suspicious package by mail from London. Balis Narcotic Agency seized the package and investigators reported they found 99 Adderall pills in seven silver medicine boxes containing 1.86 grams of amphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 27-year-old resident of Brooksville, Florida, told authorities that he was addicted to amphetamines because he has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Molyneaux told authorities he bought Adderall online from the dark web and paid the equivalent of $250 in Monero, a cryptocurrency, while on vacation in Bali, Umbara said. ADHD medications, such as Adderall, consist of amphetamines and are therefore illegal in Indonesia, no exceptions, Umbara told the Denpasar District Court. Molyneaux faces multiple charges including importing drugs, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine up to 10 billion rupiah ($609,980). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A court document showed Molyneaux was transferred from a detention center to a rehabilitation center in Bali on July 9 after Molyneauxs U.S. doctor provided a written statement saying he suffers ADHD and needs treatment. The panel of three judges adjourned the trial until Aug. 12, when the court will hear witness testimony. Indonesia's strict drug laws include possible execution by a firing squad for convicted traffickers. About 530 people are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, including 96 foreigners, according to Ministry of Immigration and Corrections data. Indonesias most recent executions of an Indonesian citizen and three foreigners were carried out in July 2016. Aug. 4After a wet July, New Mexicans can expect a few days of hot and dry weather as August kicks into high gear. On Tuesday, heat advisories will be issued around the state. Albuquerque and Roswell are among the places where temperatures are expected to reach at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque. The steamy weather is a stark contrast to the cool and damp July that Ruidoso and other cities and towns experienced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the month, the village officially received 3.56 inches of precipitation, NWS meteorologist Carter Greulich said. However, NWS does not have enough reliable stations in the area and the amount could differ depending on where it rained, he said. Ruidoso spokesperson Kerry Gladden said the town got more than a few inches of rainfall, especially on July 8, when a man and two children were killed during a flash flood. Ruidoso was not the only place to get a lot of precipitation. Tucumcari received 6.55 inches of rain, which is about 135% above average, 2.79 inches, Greulich said. On the flip side, Farmington got 0.07 inches, which is about 91% less than average, 0.75 inches, he said. Albuquerque got close to its normal amount of July precipitation after it received 1.22 inches in July, about 15% below average for the month, 1.43 inches, Greulich said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the chances for rain will be low in the coming days, the heat is expected to return as highs across the state are expected to reach the upper 90s and low 100s. Roswell residents could see temperatures in the lower-100s through Friday, Greulich said. To deal with the hot weather, people should stay hydrated, take breaks if they are working outside, look for shade and make sure loved ones are staying cool and drinking plenty of water, he said. In Albuquerque, one way people can stay cool is to go to a park. The city announced it will turn on the sprinklers at several parks from 1-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of "Operation Cooldown 2025." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the operation, on days when Albuquerque is forecasted to reach 100 degrees or higher, Parks and Recreation offers sprinkler play in five parks around the city. On Tuesday, the sprinklers will be on at Briar Ridge, Alamosa, Chelwood, 4-H and Ridgecrest parks. The following day, they will be operating at Redlands, Loma del Norte, Singing Arrow, Dennis Chavez and Aztec parks. "Sprinkler play in parks gives families a fun, free way to cool off during (the) daytime heat," Parks and Recreation spokesperson Emily Moore said in a news release on Monday. People can also soak in some late summer fun at a city spray pad or in an outdoor pool or indoor pool. Aug. 4DODGE CENTER, Minn. Triton Public Schools is considering hosting a special election to ask voters to approve a capital projects levy for the district. The Triton school board is hosting a special meeting on Monday, Aug. 4, to discuss the possibility. Although the board has not voted about whether to put the question to voters yet, the proposed amount of the levy would provide $650,000 a year for 10 years. "We want to make investments in our future," said Triton Superintendent Luke Letterman. "And that requires additional funding in some of our facilities, in transportation, and other critical areas in order to make sure we continue to improve." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the district does put the question before voters, it would likely hold the special election in November. Letterman went on to say that the district could use the funding for a number of needs, such as curriculum, technology upgrades and deferred maintenance. One of the more prominent areas the district would use the funding for, however, is transportation. Letterman said the district's initial plan is to use the funding to help replace a bus, or two, per year. Monday's special meeting comes on the heels of a survey the district contracted to gauge voter reaction to the proposed levy. According to a presentation on the results, a weighted average of 59.7% of respondents said they would support a levy of $650,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the introduction of the survey, the district needs to ask voters for additional funding for a couple reasons. One is that funding from the state "has not kept up with rising costs." However, the district also said in the survey that it has been impacted by declining enrollment, which has been an issue for many school districts in the state. According to the survey introduction, the district had to reduce spending by $500,000 in 2023-24 and by another $800,000 for the upcoming year of 2025-26 "to reflect the reduction in student enrollment." As of 2024-25, Triton Public Schools had a student population of 889. The district is located in Dodge Center, roughly 20 miles west of Rochester. "Our unassigned fund balance has been declining," Letterman said, referring to the district's savings. "If we have a dedicated funding source for this work, we would not need to draw as much from our general fund and we'll be better prepared should emergencies or the unexpected arise." A New Jersey State Police sergeant, who once served on Gov. Phil Murphy's security detail, is suspected of killing his former girlfriend and the volunteer firefighter she was dating in a house in Franklin Township before dying by suicide, authorities said. Following Sunday's double homicide, police discovered Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Jorge Santos dead in a Mercedes SUV from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot in Johnson Park in Piscataway, New Jersey, according to a statement from the Henderson County Prosecutor's Office. Killed in what investigators said was a "targeted act" in Pittstown, Henderson County, were 33-year-old Lauren Semanchik, a local veterinarian, and 29-year-old Tyler Webb, a volunteer firefighter from Forked River, New Jersey, according to the prosecutor's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Why domestic violence survivors may not be able to 'just leave' abusive relationships "Considering the suspect's subsequent suicide, we recognize that many questions remain, and healing will take time. While justice in the legal sense may not proceed, our commitment to supporting survivors and preventing furture tragedies remains unwavering," Henderson County Prosecutor Renee Robeson said in a statement. Franklin Township police officers responded to Semanchik's home around around 12:22 p.m. on Sunday after a 911 caller reported finding an unconscious woman there with "apparent physical trauma," according to the prosecutor's office. Upon entering the Pittstown home, officers found Semanchik and Webb dead from "apparent gunshot wounds from a semiautomatic firearm," according to the prosecutor's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are looking into the possibility that Semanchik and Webb were killed on Friday night, officials said. Detectives learned that a 911 call came in around 7:08 p.m. on Friday from an area near Semanchik's home in which a dispatcher could hear gunshots and screaming in the background, the prosecutor's office said. Officers responded to the call and checked the area but did not find the source of the gunshots and screaming, according to the prosecutor's office. As the investigation unfolded, detectives zeroed in on Santos as the primary suspect after learning he had previously dated Semanchik. "After ending her relationship with Santos in approximately September 2024, Semanchik accused Santos of "harassing and controlling behavior," according to the prosecutor's statement. WABC - PHOTO: Lauren Semanchik and 29-year-old Tyler Webb were found dead in Semanchik's Franklin Township home over the weekend and their suspected killer is New Jersey State Trooper Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Jorge Santos. The investigation uncovered a video surveillance system with a rear-facing camera that Semanchik had installed in her car, authorities said. Detectives combed through the surveillance footage from Semanchik car and saw that when she left work at the Long Valley Animal Hospital around 5:25 p.m. on Friday, she was followed to her home by a 2008 Mercedes SUV matching Santos' vehicle, according to the prosecutor's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after 6 p.m. on Friday, an individual was recorded on surveillance video "surreptitiously walking through the wooded area along the driveway" of Semanchik residence, authorities said. The video also showed Webb's vehicle arriving at the home around 6:45 p.m. Investigators collected a semiautomatic handgun from the vehicle that Santos' body was found in and believe the suspect used the firearm to commit the homicides and take his own life. Santos served in the New Jersey State Police's executive protection unit, which guards the governor, officials said. He was most recently assigned to the agency's dignitary protection unit, which guards high-ranking state officials. "We are shocked and devastated by this horrific tragedy," a spokesperson for Murphy said in a statement. "Due to the law enforcement investigation currently underway, we will refrain from further comment at this time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: A 4-year-old boy killed in 1972 finally has been identified. But what happened to his baby brother is still a mystery. Friends and colleagues of both victims mourned their horrific death and Robeson urged "anyone experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse to seek help and know thy are not alone." "Not only was Lauren a phenomenal veterinarian, she was one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter and a friend to us all," a colleague of Semancik's at Long Valley Animal Hospital told New York ABC station WABC. The Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company in Bayville, New Jersey, where Webb was a volunteer firefighter, released a statement on social media, saying, "Tyler served our department with dedication and honor." "His contributions to our company and community will never be forgotten," the department wrote in the post. Tropical Storm Dexter weakens offshore as 2 other tropical waves brewing Tropical Storm Dexter continues to be a relatively weak system as it slowly moves away from the United States. Dexter is expected to dissipate within the next 24 to 36 hours. The system will not make landfall or have any direct impact on land before it transitions into a post-tropical cyclone. Meanwhile, a tropical wave near the coast of Georgia and South Carolina is being monitored closely. Although currently disorganized, there is a possibility that it could move onshore, but it is expected to head northwest, away from Central Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another area of interest is a tropical wave off the coast of Africa, which has a higher chance of development. It is projected to move into the central Atlantic. Channel 9 will continue to monitor the tropical wave near the Georgia and South Carolina coast and provide updates on Eyewitness News. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. VMPL New Delhi [India], August 5: Did you know that 90% of traders lose money in the stock market? But what if there was a way to turn the odds in your favor? Enter SpringPad, a platform that's revolutionizing the way people invest by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. Their SpringPad Workshop is not just another workshop, it's a transformative experience that's empowering investors to make smarter, data-driven decisions. And the best part? Customers are raving about it. Everything about SpringPad AI Trading Workshop SpringPad's workshop teaches participants how to leverage AI tools to analyze market trends, identify profitable opportunities, and build sustainable wealth. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, this workshop offers something for everyone. It's no wonder that SpringPad reviews are lighting up platforms like Reddit and Quora, with users sharing their success stories and praising the workshop's practical approach. Take Naman, for example. A novice investor, Naman attended the SpringPad workshop, and within months, he doubled his portfolio. "The AI tools and strategies I learned from SpringPad were a game-changer," he says. "I never thought investing could be this straightforward." Stories like Naman's are not uncommon. SpringPad's Trustpilot page boasts a 4.7-star rating based on over 3,000+ SpringPad AI reviews, with participants highlighting the workshop's clarity, hands-on learning, and real-world applications. One reviewer even called it "mind-blowing," noting how it made stock selection easy and boosted their confidence. What Makes SpringPad Stand Out? The SpringPad AI Trading Workshop is led by industry experts, including Pratik Chakraborty, a renowned figure in AI and finance with over nine years of experience managing portfolios worth more than 25 crore, and Rahul Chandra, a rare holder of CFA, FRM, and CAIA certifications. "Our goal is to democratize investing," says Rahul. "With AI, anyone can make informed decisions and build wealth, regardless of their background." Participants learn to utilize AI tools such as SpringPad, ChatGPT, and Claude to analyze market data, decode financial statements, and even automate trades. The PEAK framework, developed by Pratik and Rahul, guides attendees through quick market analysis, precision trading, and identifying high-potential stocks. A 58-year-old doctor who attended the workshop described the automation tools as "amazing" and immediately enrolled in SpringPad's AI trading course. Designed for Everyone You might be wondering if AI trading is too complex or only for tech-savvy individuals. The truth is, the SpringPad workshop is designed for all levels. Even if you're a complete beginner, the step-by-step guidance ensures you can grasp the concepts and start applying them. With a simple SpringPad login, you gain access to a wealth of resources, including workshop materials, AI tools, and a supportive community of like-minded investors. Real Results, Real Reviews The buzz around SpringPad AI trading reviews in India is hard to ignore. On Trustpilot, one participant shared, "The teachings were so easy to understand. The amazing automation with proof of smart trading in the SpringPad workshop blew me away." Another newbie trader said, "I never saw anything like this before. It made analysis and stock selection so easy, and now I'm confident I can pick stocks without hesitation." On SpringPad Reddit and SpringPad AI Quora threads, participants praise the practical approach and tangible results. SpringPad's website reinforces its mission: "Financial knowledge is common, but financial literacy is not, and we at SpringPad aim to remedy this." By offering expertly crafted training, they empower individuals to take charge of their finances. Transparency and Trust Investing carries risks, and SpringPad is upfront about this. Their website notes that the workshop is for educational purposes and doesn't guarantee financial success. However, the knowledge and tools provided--such as utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok, empower participants to make informed decisions with confidence. As one Trustpilot reviewer put it, "The focus is on how to find good stocks using AI. It's an interesting and modern approach." Ready to Transform Your Investing? The SpringPad AI Trading Workshop is your gateway to smarter, AI-powered investing. With expert guidance, cutting-edge tools, and a supportive community, it's no wonder thousands of investors are leveraging these strategies to optimize their returns. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best and harness the power of AI in your investments. Register for the SpringPad workshop today and start your journey toward financial success. Company: SpringPad Website: https://springpad.in/ Email: support@springpad.in Call: +91 91473 62805 Address: House No - 35/A, Narsing Road West, Ambicapatty, Ambicapur Pt I, Silchar, Cachar, Assam, India, 788004 (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) A tropical storm formed in the Pacific Ocean on Monday, just as another began heading away from the U.S. Tropical Storm Henriette, which developed at around 5 p.m. in the eastern Pacific, was centered some 985 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Henriette has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving to the west-northwest at around 15 mph, according to the advisory. Weather maps show the tropical storm edging over 2,200 miles east-southeast of Hilo in Hawaii. Tropical Storm Henriette forms in the Pacific after storm Dexter moves on (NOAA) Forecasters have not issued coastal watches or warnings to land yet, but stressed Henriette is expected to strengthen over the next couple of days as it moves over the central east Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some slight strengthening is forecast during the next day or so, followed by gradual weakening, forecasters said. Dexter became a tropical storm on Saturday night. As of late Monday, it was stirring up in the Atlantic Ocean about 345 miles north of Bermuda, the NOAA said. It had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph on Monday and was moving northeast. Forecasters expected it to continue moving away from the U.S. over the course of the week before being downgraded to a remnant system by the weekend. However, they warned that the tropical storm could re-strengthen in a couple of days as Dexter becomes an extratropical cyclone. Dexter is moving to the northeast in the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to pass north of Bermuda (NOAA) Dexter is the fourth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Henriette is the eighth named storm of this years eastern North Pacific hurricane season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the weekend, Hurricane Gil was churning in the eastern Pacific Ocean but did not threaten and decreased in strength Sunday, forecasters said. The NOAA satellite image shows Tropical Storm Gil located south-southwest of the southern Baja California Peninsula last Thursday (NOAA) Gil had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and was moving west-northwest at 20 mph. With warmer-than-normal ocean waters, forecasters are expecting yet another unusually busy hurricane season for the Atlantic. Last year was the third-costliest season on record, as it spawned killer storms Beryl, Helene, and Milton. The Associated Press contributed to this report. NEED TO KNOW Kieran Shingler wound up being diagnosed with a potentially deadly brain tumor after thinking that he just had the flu or Covid The 26-year-old was given only a year to live after being diagnosed at 23 in 2022 He has defied the odds but is undergoing treatment again as his tumor has started to grow A man in England thought he'd come down with the flu before receiving a devastating diagnosis and being told he could just have one year to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kieran Shingler, 26, from the U.K. town of Warrington, began to experience a headache, sore throat and runny nose in November 2022. At first, he put it down to a case of flu or Covid. However, a test for the latter came back negative, and as the weeks went on, he started to feel worse and was unable to keep food down, per the Manchester Evening News. Medics at Warrington Hospital performed an emergency CT scan. Shingler was then transferred to The Walton Centre hospital in the city of Liverpool, "where he had four major brain surgeries, including an emergency surgery on Christmas Day [of that year]," a GoFundMe page previously set up to raise money for the family amid ongoing medical treatment confirmed. The page stated that Shingler was 23 years old when he was "unexpectedly diagnosed with a high grade cancerous brain [tumor]." Abbie Henstock / SWNS Kieran Shingler Kieran Shingler Shingler, who is a truck driver, underwent a biopsy at The Walton Centre which revealed he had a grade three astrocytoma, according to the Manchester Evening News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the Mayo Clinic, an "astrocytoma is a growth of cells that starts in the brain or spinal cord." "The growth, called a tumor, starts in cells called astrocytes. Astrocytes support and connect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord," the organization explained. Abbie Henstock / SWNS Kieran Shingler Kieran Shingler After meeting with an oncologist at Liverpool's Clatterbridge Cancer Centre on Jan. 5, 2023, Shingler underwent 30 sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy within a month. Doing so successfully shrank the tumor, according to the Manchester Evening News. According to a GoFundMe update posted this summer, Shingler was told his tumor had started to grow again in June after going 19 months without any treatment. Over that time, his tumor had continued to shrink. Abbie Henstock / SWNS Kieran Shingler Kieran Shingler "When I was diagnosed with a brain [tumor], I was scared, angry and always questioned why. I couldnt have got through the past couple of years without the support of my friends and family but especially my [mom] and [partner] Abbie [Henstock]," Shingler said, via the Manchester Evening News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf Abbie Henstock / SWNS Abbie Henstock and Kieran Shingler Abbie Henstock and Kieran Shingler "They always made sure to put me before themselves and I will always be so grateful. Abbie especially has stuck by my side and remained strong for me as I lost my [mom] last year. I wouldnt be where I am today if it wasnt for [her]," he added. Henstock, 26, said, "Kieran just wasn't getting any better; he couldn't keep food down, and he was getting excruciating headaches. He was so fit, he was doing a triathlon, working out, we just knew something wasn't right this wasn't Kieran." Abbie Henstock / SWNS Kieran Shingler pictured doing a triathlon in 2021 Kieran Shingler pictured doing a triathlon in 2021 She recalled, "Kieran had an MRI scan and they told us that the [tumor] was blocking fluid from going to his spine. They said he would need an emergency endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) - a procedure used to treat hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain's ventricle." Abbie Henstock / SWNS Kieran Shingler Kieran Shingler One of the surgeries Shingler had was a craniotomy, the Manchester Evening News reported. He also underwent a surgery to fit a permanent shunt a device that diverts fluid from one area of the body to another an hour after being told about his grade three astrocytoma diagnosis, back on Dec. 29, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the Mayo Clinic, "A craniotomy involves removing a portion of the skull for brain surgery. A craniotomy may be done to take a sample of brain tissue or to treat conditions or injuries that affect the brain." Abbie Henstock / SWNS Abbie Henstock and Kieran Shingler Abbie Henstock and Kieran Shingler After being told that his tumor had started to grow again in June, Shingler has been undergoing further chemotherapy. "He was put back on chemotherapy to help get this back under control. We would love to continue to raise money for charities close to our hearts as well as making memories and doing the things Kieran loves, which can be as simple as going to a yummy breakfast and coffee," the GoFundMe page stated. 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 family said the money they'd raised over the years had "allowed us to buy a Hyperbaric Oxygen Tank, a red light machine and a PEMF [Pulsed Electromagnetic Field] machine, all of which have shown this helps and increases his recovery and helps with [Shingler's] short-term memory loss." The GoFundMe page had raised over $36,000 as of Tuesday, Aug. 5. PEOPLE has reached out to Shingler for an update on his recovery. Read the original article on People WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) Insight Hospital and Medical Center plans on reopening in the coming weeks, according to a statement from a spokesperson. Officials with Insight met Tuesday with Trumbull County Commissioners and other government officials about its plans for the future. Insight CEO Dr. Jawad Shah shared that the reopening of Insight Hospital is just weeks away. He just wouldnt give a specific number of weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that the hospital is critical to the area because of the wait times you see in the other hospitals, you know that the capacity is not there to take care of the whole community, Shah said. Shah said $30 million was lost in the situation with Steward. Insight has completed a change of ownership and is ready to resume operations once it passes the final inspections by the Ohio Department of Health and others. Shah wouldnt say how many workers will be needed, but Insight also has to complete labor agreements before they return. And that remains a concern. So my biggest concern now is, where are they going to find all these people? There are a lot of people who have gotten other jobs, thank God, said Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy. Shah says all of the equipment is in the hospital MRIs, CT, and the lab is intact. Only one scanner is gone, and he says it was an older model anyway. The first things to reopen are expected to be the emergency department, laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy. And the success of those will dictate what happens next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant have these health deserts. We need to make sure that the people here have services in proximity to where they live, said Congressman Dave Joyce, R-14th District. Insight is ready. Shah believes growth can return. The hospital has redesigned operations, and the change of ownership gives Insight a path to create its opportunity. So to me, the idea that now we have full control over the back office, the software, everything related to the structure and workings of the hospital, that that is going to be hard work, absolutely, but its within our capabilities now, Shah said. There has been no change of ownership yet for Hillside. That is still to be worked out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say the next steps are the most labor-intensive. Insight will be in full control, including everything related to the structure and workings of the hospital. The hardest part to me is when I dont have control over something and Im feeling its effects, which is what happened with steward and what they did to us, Dr. Shah said. Chelsea Simeon contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. During her nine hours speaking with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche last month, Ghislaine Maxwell said nothing during the interview that would be harmful to President Donald Trump, telling Blanche that Trump had never done anything in her presence that would have caused concern, according to sources familiar with what Maxwell said. The Trump administration, meanwhile, is considering publicly releasing the transcripts from the interview, multiple sources familiar with the internal discussions told ABC News. Maxwell's meetings with Blanche took place for nine hours over two days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Grand jury transcripts in Ghislaine Maxwell case contain nothing new, DOJ filing says There is also an audio recording of the interview, the sources said, but it's not clear whether the administration plans to release the audio to accompany any public release of the transcript. The public release of the transcripts could come as soon as this week, the sources said. Maxwell, an associate of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was convicted of sex trafficking and other charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022, which she was serving at a federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida, until her recent move to a more relaxed federal prison camp in Texas. She is appealing her conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC previously reported that it was Maxwell who requested the interview with the DOJ, according to sources familiar with the matter. Maxwell is also asking the Supreme Court to review her conviction and Trump has not ruled out a pardon for her. ABC News - PHOTO: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche departs his hotel for a meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell in Tallahassee, Fla., July 25, 2025. Maxwell's lawyer, David Markus, said following her meetings with Blanche that Maxwell would welcome any relief. He also said Maxwell was asked about "one hundred different people," and said "she didn't hold anything back." Trump, asked Tuesday whether he approved the prison transfer for Maxwell, said, "I didn't know about it at all, no. I read about it just like you did. It's not a very uncommon thing," Trump also just said that anything Blanche discussed with Maxwell during his meetings with her would be "totally above board." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his first day of meetings with Maxwell, Blanche tweeted that "The Department of Justice will share additional information about what we learned at the appropriate time." CNN first reported the administration was considering releasing the transcripts. MORE: Ghislaine Maxwell received limited immunity during meetings with deputy attorney general: Sources In an interview with Newsmax last week, when asked when Americans could hear about the contents of the meeting, Trump said: "I don't know, because I haven't spoken about it, but he's a very talented guy, Todd Blanche, and a very straight shooter, and I think he probably wanted to know, you know, just to get a feeling of it, because we'd like to release everything, but we don't want people to get hurt that shouldn't be hurt. And I would assume that was why he was there. I want to release everything. I just don't want people to get hurt." Neither the the White House or the DOJ immediately responded to a request for comment from ABC News. After U.S. intelligence reports proved that Russia meddled in the 2016 election, it is coming back up, 8 years later. Attorney General Pam Bondi is ordering a grand jury probe to look into whether Obama administration officials committed federal crimes. Former Federal Prosecutor Brendan Ballou, former Federal Public Defender Liz Oyer, former Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) and former Special Assistant to President Biden Meghan Hays join Erielle Reshef to weigh in on Bondis performative actions. The Trump administration on Monday approved six additional states seeking to ban food stamp recipients from purchasing processed food. Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Texas and Florida received federal waivers to adjust Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) guidelines outlawing the purchase of junk food with state funds in 2026. Colorado was the first blue state to adopt the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP is a supplemental nutrition program meant to provide health food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Monday before signing the waivers. That is the stated purpose of the SNAP program, the law states it and President Trumps USDA plans to deliver on it, she added. Rollins approved the effort in May after Nebraska received the first federal waiver to ban soda and energy drinks from food stamps purchases. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has lauded the measure as a part of his Make America Healthy Again campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. taxpayers should not be paying to feed kids foods, the poorest kids in our country, with foods that are going to give them diabetes. And then my agency ends up, through Medicaid and Medicare, paying for those injuries, Kennedy said Monday. Were going to put an end to that, and were doing it step by step, state by state, he added. Researchers have long argued that SNAP restrictions are unlikely to change eating patterns, and that it will be costly for the federal government to track 650,000 food and beverage products on the market and 20,000 new products introduced annually, according to economic policy researcher Diane Whitmore Schanzenbachs 2017 testimony before the House Committee on Agriculture. However, Trump administration officials have lauded the effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope to see all 50 states join this bold commonsense approach. For too long, the root causes of our chronic disease epidemic have been addressed with lip service only, said the U.S. Food and Drug Commissioner Marty Makary, according to NBC 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 The Hill. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) The Trump administration has dismissed five out of seven members on Puerto Ricos federal control board that oversees the U.S. territorys finances, sparking concern about the future of the islands fragile economy. Four of the five are Democrats. A White House official told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the board has been run inefficiently and ineffectively by its governing members for far too long and its time to restore common sense leadership. Those fired are board chairman Arthur Gonzalez, along with Cameron McKenzie, Betty Rosa, Juan Sabater and Luis Ubinas. The boards two remaining members Andrew G. Biggs and John E. Nixon are Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board confirmed in a brief statement that the five were terminated and noted that the board would continue to fulfill its mandate and work in the interest of the people of Puerto Rico. Sylvette Santiago, a spokesperson for the board, did not immediately return a message seeking comment on whether the board members would fight the decision. Meanwhile, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, a New York Democrat, criticized the dismissals though she acknowledged what she said were serious and longstanding concerns about actions the board has taken, including implementing austerity measures. This sudden purge by Donald Trump is not about justice or reform," she said in a statement. "It simply creates an opening to stack the Board with even more extreme, pro-bondholder appointees who will continue to put the needs of hedge funds over the Puerto Rican people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board was created in 2016 under the Obama administration, a year after Puerto Ricos government declared it was unable to pay its more than $70 billion public debt load and later filed for the biggest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. In remarks to the AP, the White House official claimed the board had operated ineffectively and in secret and said it shelled out huge sums to law, consulting and lobbying firms. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the subject, also accused the boards staff of receiving exorbitant salaries. Puerto Rico is struggling to restructure more than $9 billion in debt held by the states Electric Power Authority, with officials holding bitter mediations with creditors demanding full payment. Its the only Puerto Rico government debt pending a restructuring, with the White House official accusing the board of preferring to extend the bankruptcy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February, the boards executive director, Robert Mujica Jr., said it was impossible for Puerto Rico to pay the $8.5 billion that bondholders are demanding. He instead unveiled a new fiscal plan that proposed a $2.6 billion payment for creditors. The plan does not call for any rate increases for an island that has one of the highest power bills in any U.S. jurisdiction as chronic power outages persist, given the grids weak infrastructure. Alvin Velazquez, a bankruptcy law professor at Indiana University, said he worries the dismissal of the board members could spark another crisis in Puerto Rico. This is really about getting a deal out of (the power company) that is not sustainable for the rate payers of Puerto Rico, he said. Velazquez, former chair for the unsecured creditors committee during the bankruptcy proceedings, also questioned if the dismissals are legal, since board members can only be removed for just cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats the cause? he said. What youre going to see is another instance in which the Trump administration is taking on and testing the courts. The dismissals were first reported by the Breitbart News Network, a conservative news site. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps administration illegally withheld $8 billion in funding to the National Institutes of Health, blocking critical medical research and threatening thousands of jobs nationwide, according to a congressional watchdog agency. The decision by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a nonpartisan agency, follows similar findings of the White Houses illegal impoundment of spending previously approved by Congress, including funds for electric vehicle charging, museums and libraries, Head Start and K-12 schools. Its also the latest example of how the Trump administration is trampling on Congresss constitutional power over the purse. In this case, the White House has been found in violation of the Impoundment Control Act, which restricts the presidents ability to withhold appropriated funds from being spent by the executive branch. The law was passed in 1974 in response to President Richard Nixons attempts to impound funds for programs he didnt like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NIH has offered no evidence that it did not withhold amounts from obligation or expenditure, and it has not shown that the delay was a permissible programmatic one, the GAO said in a statement on Tuesday. Therefore, we conclude that NIH withheld budget authority from obligation or expenditure in violation of the ICA... If the executive branch wishes to make changes to the appropriation provided to NIH, it must propose funds for rescission or otherwise propose legislation to make changes to the law for consideration by Congress, the watchdog added. The findings underscored the stakes of a battle that has occupied much of Washington since Trumps inauguration in January. Democrats are incensed by what they see as an illegal power grab by the White House, one that, according to their tally, has blocked at least $425 billion in funding owed to the American people. Over the last six months, President Trump and his administration have done just about everything they can to wreck our nations medical research system, and they have dangerously set back our efforts to cure cancer, Alzheimers, and so much else, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement on Tuesday. Cutting off investments Congress has made into research that saves millions of lives is as backward and as inexcusable as it gets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just Democrats who are crying foul about the Trump administrations decision to freeze funds approved by Congress. Last month, they were joined by 13 Republican senators who pressed the White House to release roughly $15 billion in other NIH funding aimed at fighting cancer, cardiovascular disease, and rare pediatric disorders. Republican senators also successfully pushed the administration to release billions of dollars in frozen education funding. The clash over spending is likely to come to a head next month. Lawmakers must fund the government for the next fiscal year by Sept. 30, and they have vastly different preferences on how to spend taxpayer dollars. Republicans in the House and the Senate are not on the same page, while the White House is pushing for sharp reductions in spending that Democrats have called a nonstarter. For the moment, at least, the GAO findings are little more than slaps on the wrist for an administration bent on going around the law. The agency has the power to sue the administration, but it is not currently planning to do so. But that didnt stop Democrats from criticizing the White House and urging their GOP colleagues to join them in calling for the release of more funding. Donald Trump is not a king, and the laws of our land are not suggestions, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) said in a statement on Tuesday. Congressional Republicans need to stop placating the administration and start holding Trump and his administration accountable for not following the law. White House AI Director Michael Kratsios unveiled Americas aggressive push to export artificial intelligence technology to Asia-Pacific allies during a speech on Tuesday in South Korea. Speaking at the APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, a city located in northwestern South Korea, Kratsios outlined the new American AI Exports Program. The program will package complete AI technology stacks for allied nations. Our hope is that AI will be a powerful tool for bilateral diplomacy, Kratsios said. We believe that by packaging the American AI stack and making it available to you, we can strengthen our friendships, empower each of our nations AI innovation, and secure a peaceful future of shared prosperity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The export packages will include AI chips, data centers, cloud services, and specialized applications. Federal financing tools, such as loans and guarantees, will support priority deals. Kratsios compared the current AI competition to the Space Race of the 1960s. He cited White House AI Czar David Sacks, who called President Trumps recent AI Action Plan speech the most significant technology address since Kennedys announcement of the moon landing. We meet in a time much like the one President Kennedy described in 1962, in an hour of change and challenge, in a decade of hope and fear, in an age of both knowledge and ignorance,' Kratsios said. The director emphasized Americas current technological edge. He argued that competitors remain dependent on U.S. innovations and models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American companies and American ideas still lead the way, he stated. The administration promises to support both proprietary and open-source AI development. Kratsios delivered a blunt warning to APEC members about their technology choices. He contrasted American dynamism with what he called European stagnation. You can follow the European model of fear and overregulation, and be inevitably left behind, he said, or you can take our offered handshake and make a deal. The Trump administration has moved swiftly on AI policy since announcing its Action Plan on July 23. Executive orders have addressed biased AI procurement, data center construction, and technology exports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kratsios positioned the export program as advancing mutual prosperity while maintaining U.S. leadership. He promised AI packages would respect customer nations sovereignty and data privacy needs. Thanks to President Trump, American AI is open for business, he declared. We are ready to make deals under the dealmaker in chief. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to in-vitro fertilization following a report from The Washington Post that said he had abandoned a campaign promise to cover treatment costs. On Sunday, the Post reported that the administration decided not to mandate IVF coverage via the Affordable Care Act because it could not legally classify IVF as an essential health benefit. President Trump pledged to expand access to fertility treatments for Americans who are struggling to start families, a White House spokesperson said in a statement to the Post. The Administration is committed like none before it to using its authorities to deliver on this pledge. What did Trump pledge to do for IVF? Last August, in the midst of the 2024 presidential cycle, Trump told supporters at a Michigan campaign rally that in a second term he would facilitate access to IVF through government subsidies or health care regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump later said again the administration would be paying for that treatment for all Americans that get it ... or well be mandating that the insurance company pay. Trump did not provide details of how this would be done. He did express that the reason for this policy and a proposal to implement tax deductions for newborn expenses was because we want more babies, and later called himself the father of IVF at a woman-only town hall event in October. Patrick Brown, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center who focuses on developing a robust pro-family economic agenda, said Trumps campaign pledge came when the campaign was throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks. On Feb. 18, Trump issued an executive order instructing the Domestic Policy Council to provide recommendations within 90 days to protect access and reduce costs for IVF treatments that can range from $12,000 to $25,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has yet to announce any new programs or rules to make IVF less expensive. Does IVF open a Pandoras box? As a pro-life conservative, Brown said he is glad the administration backed off from its IVF plans. In addition to straining the federal budget and increasing health care premiums, the IVF mandate would have opened up multiple Pandoras boxes, Brown said. The IVF process results in a significant percentage of fertilized eggs being discarded, which some people view as akin to abortion. But Brown says he believes IVF technology is changing in ways that push against traditional pro-family values. In recent years, doctors have begun forming embryos with the DNA of three parents, U.S. parents have employed sex-selective IVF in favor of daughters, and advocacy groups have argued that IVF makes parenthood a fundamental right for anyone or any groups of individuals, regardless of gender or marital status who wants it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are we trying to help people who have been struggling to conceive naturally have a child? ... Or are we actually using technology to remake the family? And thats something that is profoundly unconservative, Brown said. Still, most Americans support IVF. For people who struggle with infertility, it is seen as a gift. A study from Pew Research Center last year found 70% of American adults support IVF access, including 63% of Republicans. When Trump announced his executive order in February, Alabama Republican Sen. Katie Britt applauded the presidents move. IVF is fundamentally pro-family, helping aspiring parents across our nation start and grow their families, she said at the time Does IVF increase the birth rate? As he awaits the outcome of discussions by the Domestic Policy Council, Brown said he hopes the administration keeps a focus on reducing costs without pursuing IVF policies that subsidize ethically questionable experiments or create bad incentives for prospective parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the government were to provide or mandate IVF coverage, it might persuade individuals to wait longer to try to have children, according to Brown. But this is risky considering the low rates of success of IVF, especially for older women. The idea that we would put the full faith and credit of the federal government and say, Dont worry if you cant conceive, or if you want to put off having a family until youre in your late 30s, because well pay for it, thats selling a false bill of goods because you cant guarantee that, Brown said. Other countries have tried to subsidize IVF, including Israel, Japan and Spain, but they have not seen an increase in birth rates, which raises the question of whether Trumps IVF policy would achieve its aims, Brown said. Was the big, beautiful bill pro-family? While the passage of Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act, made some efforts to bring down the cost of family formation it was a mixed bag at best, according to Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget megabill made some positive investments in child-rearing, Brown said, providing tax credits for school vouchers and creating newborn savings accounts, but the expansion of the child tax credit to $2,200 was much less than Brown had hoped. The One Big beautiful Bill was kind of a dud on the pro-family side, Brown said. As the administration moves on from an early focus on immigration law enforcement and tariffs, Brown said it should focus more on bringing down the cost of living, and encouraging healthier lifestyles, for couples hoping to start a family. VMPL New Delhi [India], August 5: Protrainy, an ed-tech platform focused on upskilling core engineers across sectors like construction, manufacturing, oil & gas, renewables, ESG, and architecture, has raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding. The round was led by IIMA Ventures, with participation from leading Indian and US-based angel investors including Dhiraj Sinha (Co-Founder, SucSEED Indovation), Suresh Reddy,Dr.Moti Vyas, Avantika Sahay, AIC Nalanda, and others. The fresh capital will be used to strengthen content development, boost marketing and user acquisition efforts, and grow the core team to meet rising demand for industry-relevant technical education. Founded by Biswajit Shaw, an engineer with on-ground experience at JSW, Protrainy was born out of a firsthand understanding of the disconnect between traditional engineering education and industry expectations. Co-founder Bishal Shaw later joined the venture, helping shape it into a scalable, structured learning platform for India's next generation of core engineers. "We started Protrainy to address a critical skill gap in professional education across core sectors like construction, manufacturing, and energy. This investment is not just capital, it's a vote of confidence in our mission to make Industry Ready learning accessible to every engineering student and professional in India. It aligns strongly with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," said Biswajit Shaw, Founder & CEO of Protrainy. Protrainy offers a mix of cohort-based learning, on-demand video courses, and project-driven modules, all led by seasoned industry professionals. The platform has already built strong traction, with over 20,000 learners having completed its programs and a growing community of more than 100,000 users across its ecosystem. Notably, more than 70% of its learners have gone on to secure new roles, salary increases, or promotions at leading firms. Protrainy has partnered with top globally recognized institutions and departments like EICT Academy IIT Guwahati,I Hub Divya Sampark IIT Roorkee, AICTE NEAT 4.0 and other acclaimed institutions and seasoned technical professionals from leading corporations. Through these collaborations, Protrainy is launching vetted and co-branded upskilling programs designed to deliver Industry Ready capabilities to both professionals and students. "Protrainy is solving a niche but vital challenge with a scalable, impact-driven model. Its mission to improve employability among India's core engineers fits well with our investment philosophy. We're proud to back a founder who understands this industry from the inside out," said Vipul Patel, Partner - Seed Investing at IIMA Ventures. As India's ed-tech sector matures, Protrainy's vertical-first approach sets it apart. With this funding, the company plans to scale its user base, expand into adjacent engineering verticals, and deepen its impact on India's middle-income workforce (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) President Donald Trumps administration is weighing the release of an audio recording of the Justice Departments recent interview with Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, senior administration officials told CNN and Fox News on Tuesday. The reports come days after Maxwell, whos serving a 20-year sex-trafficking sentence, was transferred from a Florida federal prison to a lower-security facility in Texas without explanation, fueling criticism of the Trump administrations lack of transparency around the Epstein case and raising questions about a potential deal with Maxwell. A final decision has not been made, one of the officials told CNN. Another said that if the recording were released, it likely would be in the next few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissed the reports in a statement to HuffPost. Donald Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell Getty Trump told Newsmax on Friday that hed like to release everything, but we dont want people to get hurt that shouldnt be hurt. The Justice Department declined to comment. The recordings would come from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanches meeting with Maxwell last month, which the Justice Department promoted as an effort to dispense more information about the Epstein case to the public. Blanche said the Justice Department would share additional information about what we learned [from her] at the appropriate time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting came as Trump and DOJ officials remained under immense scrutiny for reneging on promises to release the rest of the Epstein files documents theyve used to rile up Trumps base for years. Part of the debate about releasing audio of the interviews, sources told the outlets Tuesday, centers around whether doing so would push the controversy further into the spotlight. Last week, Maxwells lawyer wrote in a letter to members of Congress seeking Maxwells testimony that shed be willing to speak in exchange for a pardon or commutation from the president. Trump didnt rule out the possibility when asked about it last month, simply saying hes allowed to issue one to her. Related... On Friday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued a secretarial order that could effectively prohibit his agency from issuing permits for wind and solar on federal lands unless they produce as much energy per acre as fossil fuels or nuclear power, reports Heatmap News. Specifically, the order directs the Interior Department to consider "a reasonable range of alternatives that includes projects with capacity densities meeting or exceeding that of the proposed project," when conducting a review under the National Environmental Policy Act. "Based on common sense, arithmetic, and physics, wind and solar projects are highly inefficient uses of Federal lands," the order reads. "On a technology-neutral basis, wind and solar projects use disproportionate Federal lands relative to their energy generation when compared to other energy sources, like nuclear, gas, and coal." On one hand, the announcement could signal a return to sound energy policy. Under former President Joe Biden, the federal government paused new oil and gas leasing (eventually lifting the ban) and supercharged renewable energy development on federal lands. Political favoritism of green energy sources, which run at full power less than 40 percent of the time and need more land to produce a megawatt of electricity than other conventional sources, coupled with the retirement of baseload energy sources, has undermined the outlook of the U.S. electricity grid, according to the Energy Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Trump administration is trading Biden-era energy favoritism for its own. The order says in no uncertain terms that laws governing federal land management call into question "whether the use of Federal lands for any wind and solar projects is consistent with the law, given these projects' encumbrance on other land uses, as well as their disproportionate land use when reasonable project alternatives with higher capacity densities are technically and economically feasible." The order is not surprising given President Donald Trump's animosity toward renewable energy sources since being reelected. In January, the Interior Department issued a 60-day pause on all renewable energy leasing on federal lands, and last week, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management closed off 3.5 million acres of offshore waters that had been designated as suitable for wind energy development. In July, Burgum directed his agency to review its policies and end those that give preferential treatment to wind and solar. This order was given in response to an executive order signed by Trump to end "market distorting subsidies for unreliable, foreign controlled energy sources." At the same time, the Trump administration has moved to streamline the deployment of other energy sources, including coal, which developers and markets are moving away from. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July, mandates at least 4 million additional acres of federal land to be opened up for coal mining, explains the Institute for Energy Research. The president has also called coal "beautiful," as his administration has fast-tracked permits for coal mines. A president using the federal government's management of lands to influence national energy policy is not uncommon, but it does highlight a larger issue of the government owning too much land. The federal government is the nation's largest landowner, controlling roughly one-third of all the land in the United States. Public lands are also responsible for a significant share of oil and gas productiona share that has increased in recent years as more companies have increased drilling activities and operations, according to the Energy Information Administration. This large swath of ownership has allowed presidents from Barack Obama to Donald Trump to use the far-reaching power of the government to reward and punish energy sources as they see fit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Sen. Mike Lee (RUtah) attempted to decouple the government from land management by authoring an amendment to the Big Beautiful Bill Act, requiring the federal government to sell 0.42 percent to 0.63 percent of all the public land it manages. While the amendment was shot down by the Senate parliamentarian, "the problem with [the] public lands proposal," wrote Reason's Christian Britschgi, was "that it [didn't] sell off enough land." At the end of the day, Burgum's order may not have a significant effect on renewable energy development. Federal lands are only responsible for about 4 percent of the nation's renewable energy generation and, as of January 17, only 48 renewable energy projects comprising a little over 500,000 acres are undergoing review by the Bureau of Land Management. (Compare this to the 32,000 acres of oil and gas leases across over 22 million acres awarded by the agency in FY 2024.) Still, the announcement does further solidify the Trump administration's position on renewable energy sources and its willingness to use the federal government's management of lands to accomplish its goalswhich hurts consumers and America's energy competitiveness. The post The Trump Administration's Move To Halt Wind and Solar Development on Federal Lands Reverses a Biden Priority appeared first on Reason.com. President Donald Trump answered Tuesday whether he would try to campaign for the White House a fourth time around. During a phone interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box," Trump was discussing Bureau of Labor Statistics job numbers that he argues were "rigged" during the 2024 presidential election to inflate former President Joe Biden's economic performance. While discussing gerrymandering, Trump said he "got the highest vote in the history of Texas" a claim CNBC anchorman Joe Kernen initially challenged but then admitted a network fact-check showed Trump did get the highest number of votes in Texas. "I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, a record that they say won't be beaten unless I run again," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Confirms 2 Nuclear Submarines Are 'In The Region' To Counter Russia President Donald Trump talks to the media as he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 28, 2025, in Scotland. CNBC anchorwoman Rebecca Quick interjected, "Are you going to run again? The Constitution" "No, probably not," Trump responded. "Probably not." Read On The Fox News App "And you're not going to, and you're not going to fire Jay Powell," Kernen added, referencing tensions between Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Trump circled back to address Quick directly: "I'd like to run," Trump told the anchorwoman. "I have the best poll numbers I've ever had. You know why. Because people love the tariffs, and they love the trade deals, and they love that countries they love that foreign countries aren't ripping us off. For years, they ripped us. A friend, and foe and a friend. And the friends were worse." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 22nd amendment of the U.S. Constitution says a person can be elected president only twice. If someone takes over as president as a vice president would due to death or resignation and serves more than two years in that term, the amendment states that person can only be elected president once more. It effectively sets a maximum of 10 years for any person to serve as commander-in-chief. President Donald Trump takes a tour of the roof of the West Wing of the White House along with Architect James McCrery on Aug. 5, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Trump Goes After Schumer: Tell Him 'Go To Hell' George Washington set the tradition of stepping down as president after two terms, but the amendment came about in response to Franklin D. Roosevelts unprecedented four terms. Roosevelt served during the Great Depression and World War II. Trump earlier this year both teased and distanced himself from the idea of a third term, as some conservative circles have floated changing the 22nd amendment to allow an exception for nonconsecutive presidencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Trump, the last and only other president to serve two nonconsecutive terms was Grover Cleveland in the late 1800s. In May, Trump said he considered it a "compliment" that "so many people" wanted him to run in 2028 but said it was not something he was interested in pursuing. MSNBC's Kristen Welker interviews President Donald Trump on May 2, 2025. "I have never had requests so strong as that. But it's something to the best of my knowledge, you're not allowed to do," Trump told MSNBC's Kristen Welker. "There are many people selling the 2028 hat, but this is not something I'm looking to do. I'm looking to having four great years, and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican. A great Republican to carry it forward. But I think we're going to have four years, and four years is plenty of time to do something really spectacular." Trump said he believed the MAGA movement could survive without him, floating Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors. Original article source: Trump answers question on whether he'll try to run again Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr said that President Donald Trump calls him up three or four times a week to hound him with the same question. Kennedy was speaking at an event Monday with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to push a policy banning sugary drinks, candy and junk food from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as part of his Make America Healthy Again agenda. Six months into his second term, Trump wants to know why arent people healthier yet, Kennedy told reporters at the press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have full support from the president, Kennedy said. He wants this done. He promised to make America healthy again, and hes gonna do that. He called me last night, Kennedy added, referring to the president. He calls me three or four times a week and says, Where are you? Why arent people healthier yet? So hes keeping me under pressure. Six months into his second term, President Donald Trump wants to know why arent people healthier yet, Robert F. Kennedy Jr told a press conference Monday afternoon. (AFP/Getty) Mondays event was promoting a policy adopted by West Virginia, Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Florida, barring SNAP participants from using food stamps to buy junk food. They join Arkansas, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, Indiana and Nebraska in the SNAP waiver initiative. SNAP is a lifeline that keeps more than 41 million Americans, or 12 percent of the population, from going hungry. More than 13 million recipients are children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past 20 years, lawmakers in several states have proposed stopping SNAP from paying for everything from bottled water and soda to chips, ice cream and luxury meats such as steak. Critics said that the SNAP waiver ignores decades of evidence showing that incentive-based approaches not punitive restrictions are the most effective, dignified path to improving nutrition and reducing hunger, said Gina Plata-Nino, a deputy director at the Food Research & Action Center, a nonprofit advocacy group. Trump passed the largest-ever cuts to the program in his signature One Big, Beautiful Bill by restricting eligibility for SNAP enrollment and diverting a significant chunk of the programs costs to states. The Associated Press contributed reporting. President Donald Trump claimed in a CNBC interview Tuesday that he had nothing to do with Attorney General Pam Bondis grand jury probe into Obama officialsbut hes certainly not mad about it. Anchor Joe Kernan asked the president, who called in to the program, Youve talked about how you want success, not retribution. The Justice Department is now tapping a grand jury to look into the intelligence communitys assessment of what was happening with Russia [in the 2016 U.S. election]. You have nothing to do with directing the Justice Department in that? Nope, I have nothing to do with it. Pam is doing a great job, Trump responded. I will tell you this: They deserve it. I was happy to hear it, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Years after a bipartisan Senate panel and the CIA confirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified documents that she claimed proved otherwise. Now Bondi plans to subpoena Obama-era officials for their purported role in what Trump has deemed the Russia hoax. Whether or not Trump directed Bondi to relitigate an already-closed chapter of his historyconveniently launched at the same time hes being walloped by his base for his mishandling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and documented proximity to the dead pedophilewe cant say for sure. But its certainly in line with the years of disinformation hes spread about the matter, and his appetite for revenge. Speaking of relitigating, Trump continued in his response to Kernan, claiming that multiple elections have been rigged: What they did with the electionwhat they did with the last election too, but it was too big to rigwhat they did in the 2020 election is grotesque, I mean that was a rigged election 100 percent. Kernan laughed, responding, We cant relitigate that. We cant relitigate that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hearing his interviewers casual comeback, Trump observed, You know, a year ago you wouldve been upset if I said that. Today its different. Now I say it all the time: It was a rigged election. Hes not wrong. Trumps relentless lies have browbeaten the American people into submission, and his administrations claims that there was no Russian interference in the 2016 election are just another example, whether Trumps behind the probe or not. President Donald Trump detoured from touting his tariff-based economic policies to make a plainly racist claim about migrant laborers during his Tuesday morning appearance on CNBCs Squawk Box. Echoing the bigotry of centuries past, the president claimed that migrants are uniquely suited to physically strenuous farm work, asserting that it comes naturally to them. In many ways, Trump added, theyre very, very special people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comment came as Trump acknowledged that his severe crackdown on immigration, including arrests of people who are following judges orders, has impacted U.S. agriculture, which relies heavily on migrant labor. Much of that workforce is Latino or non-white. Were taking care of our farmers. We cant let our farmers not have anybody. These people, you cant replace them very easily, Trump said on CNBC. You know, people that live in the inner city are not doing that work. Theyre just not doing that work. And theyve tried, weve tried, everybody tried. They dont do it, he went on. These people do it naturally naturally, he said of the migrant laborers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump then recalled asking a farmer what happens to such workers if they get a bad back. He said, They dont get a bad back, sir, because if they get a bad back, they die. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that around 40% of farm laborers are working in the country without proper authorization; farmers report difficulty in finding enough local workers to help them at harvest time. In recent decades, the U.S. has seen a surge in migrants fleeing economic instability and violence in South and Central America, although numbers have plummeted since Trump retook office with the promise of mass deportations. Related... Donald Trump and Wall Street Journal owner Rupert Murdoch on Monday struck a deal related to the presidents lawsuit against the paper over its publication of a story detailing a bawdy birthday message Trump allegedly wrote to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. While Trump had initially sought to have Murdoch deposed swiftly, citing, in part, his advanced age and long-standing health issues, the president has now agreed to remove that request, according to a Monday court filing first reported by Politicos Josh Gerstein. Trump sued Murdoch, the Journals publisher and the reporters who authored an article the newspaper published last month reporting that the president wrote a lewd message to Epstein as part of an album British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell compiled for the disgraced financiers 50th birthday in 2003. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has denied writing the letter, attacking the newspaper for publishing its story and taking legal action over the report. Mondays agreement stipulates that until the Defendants Motion to Dismiss the Complaint is adjudicated, the Parties agree not to engage in discovery. The filing, though, notes that if the defendants motion fails, Murdoch shall be deposed in person within 30 days of that decision. The document states that Murdoch has three days from when the court approves the agreement to provide Trump with a sworn declaration describing his current health status. Defendant Murdoch has further agreed to provide regularly scheduled updates to [Trump] regarding his health, including a mechanism for him to alert [Trump] if there is a material change in his health, the document states. Failure to provide updates in the agreed-upon manner as set forth in the Abatement Agreement shall result in an expedited deposition of Defendant Murdoch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump last week told reporters Murdoch wanted to settle the case. They are talking to us about doing something but well see what happens, Trump said. Maybe they would like us to drop that, so well see ... yeah, theyre having, they want to settle it. When I get treated unfairly, I do things about it, he added. Related... President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Pulitzer board is before the Florida Supreme Court. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester for Iowa Capital Dispatch) Attorneys for the Pulitzer Prize Board are before the Florida Supreme Court trying for a delay of a defamation lawsuit Donald Trump filed after it recognized reporting about alleged collusion between his 2026 campaign and Russia. They want to shelve the dispute at least until Trump leaves office, pointing to a potential conflict should a state court seek to exercise authority over the nations top executive. The case is in Florida because Trump and one of the board members live here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A state trial judge and the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal rejected that argument, ruling there was no need to delay adjudication of the case. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1997 that presidents were not immune from lawsuits against themselves while in office. Trump filed the defamation lawsuit against the Pulitzer board, the group that decides who wins Pulitzer prizes, after it bestowed a joint award in 2018 to The New York Times and The Washington Post for their reporting on alleged Russian interference in Trumps first election. Special Counsel Robert Mueller reported in 2019 that his investigation uncovered insufficient evidence of collusion between the Russians and Trump campaign, despite multiple efforts from Russian-affiliated individuals to assist the Trump campaign. Mueller left unresolved whether Trump committed obstruction of justice. At trial and before the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeals, the Pulitzer board had argued the case should be dismissed or at least halted until Trump leaves office. Trump, who brought the case, argues the case should carry on. Both courts sided with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the president is a willing participant, courts do not risk improperly interfering with the essential functioning of government, the the 4th DCA concluded. The president by virtue of his exceptional position is uniquely equipped to determine how to use his time, to assess the attention a lawsuit will require, and to decide whether the lawsuit will divert him from his official business. When an officeholder chooses to initiate litigation, courts must assume the officeholder already has weighed the burdens on their official duties. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Pulitzer attorneys argue that halting the case would avoid constitutional conflicts they believe could arise from Trump serving as plaintiff in a case that could involve official acts as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Tuesday filing in the Supreme Court, Trumps attorneys counter that the high court should decline review because the lower courts chartered no new territory, the issues are unlikely to recur, and petitioners arguments are so obviously wrong. The two courts below resolved Petitioners motion to stay the litigation against them on the not-so-novel proposition that a party generally lacks standing to assert the constitutional rights of others, Trumps St. Petersburg-based lawyers wrote. This Court only has jurisdiction to exercise its discretionary review of a district courts opinion when the court below construes a constitutional provision. Since that did not occur in this case, this Court must decline review, Trumps attorneys wrote. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Customs and Border Protection detains a man outside an Immigration and Customs building during a protest in Portland, Oregon, June 14, 2025. AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File Thefirsttime I learned of Donald Trumps political aspirations was in 2015, when he announced his intent to run for president and made a speech claiming that Mexico was sending scores of violent criminals over the border. As an immigrant from Mexico, hearing him talk about my community in that way was jarring. But like many others, I didnt think he could actually rise to power, given his political inexperience and, well, his personality. Ten years later and just a few months into his second presidential term, Trump is just as eager to purge the U.S. of its Latin American immigrants. This time around, hes realizing it wont be as easy as he thought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he started his second presidential term, Trump was ambitious. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller announced in May that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would seek to arrest at least 3,000 immigrants per day to reach the administrations mass deportation goals, as severaloutletsreported. The number is outlandish; its assumed that hes looking for people who have committed crimes, but those who are paying attention are seeing it play out differently. In a court filing last week, Justice Department lawyers said the Department of Homeland Security had never actually set such a quota for arrests and deportations, The Guardian reported. This sudden amnesia about that lofty quota feels a bit suspect. Trumps whole campaign was run on the premise of arresting and deporting as many undocumented people as possible. In his process of trying to get rid of them, it seems that Trump is learning how beautifully entwined immigrants are in the fabric of this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The backtracking on this 3K-a-day quota might boil down to the reality that there arent nearly as many undocumented criminals as the administration had hoped. ICE has resorted to arresting people who are leaving immigration courts, some of whom are in the middle of seeking legal asylum. Even when allegedly playing dirty, the administration has managed to deport only around 700 people per day. On top of that, 65% of the immigrants detained since last October have no criminal convictions, according to the Cato Institute. Its fascinating to see the administration run into the limitations of its own narrative about immigrants. The way I see it, its only choice now is to try and gaslight us and say there was never a goal for how many people it wanted to arrest and deport. It makes sense, though, when you consider that there are approximately 11 million undocumented people in the U.S., most of whom are contributing to and deeply ingrained in our communities and our economyso much so that the agricultural industry has even pushed back on mass deportations. Growing up in Texas, my family had friends who had first arrived in the U.S. undocumented and eventually obtained citizenship. Some of them went on to become doctors, teachers, or had their own businesses. Their status was not something they talked about openly, and likely not something the people around them knew. What many dont realize is that there are immense financial and social barriers to obtaining U.S. citizenship that make it pretty difficult for most. Some immigrants even have to win a lottery to get in literally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I was 15, my own familys immigration status was challenged, and we had to leave the U.S. When we did, many of my friends were shocked I spoke fluent English and was active in school activities, and they just assumed I was like any other American kid. Like millions of others, we didnt fit neatly into any of Trumps stereotypes about who immigrants are. These stereotypes, instead of fading as this country gets more diverse, are being amplified even further during this administration. Its time for a reality check. Related... NewsNations Robert Sherman brings you a special report, Ukraine: On the Frontlines, on Saturday, Aug. 9, examining the countrys years-long effort to stave off Russian aggression. The one-hour program will air 8p/7C. Not sure how to find NewsNation on your TV? Use our Channel Finder. (NewsNation) Russia and Ukraine traded attacks overnight as President Donald Trumps deadline for Moscow to reach a ceasefire draws near. Trump has threatened Russia with sanctions if it fails to make a deal by Aug. 8, but the threats have done little to curb violence in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor of Lozova, near Kharkiv in the northeast, said Russia launched a large-scale drone attack at his city overnight hitting infrastructure and residential areas, according to reports. At least one person was killed and several were injured, including children. Israels Netanyahu to pursue full Gaza takeover: Reports Local officials called it the most intense attack the city has seen since the invasion. Ukraine launched a drone attack of its own near the southern Russian city of Rostov, striking a power substation and a railway, Reuters reported. That railway serves as a logistics hub in southern Russia for transporting grain and oil. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff to travel to Russia As the fighting continues, a last-ditch effort at diplomacy is scheduled. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow on Wednesday, according to state news agency TASS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to acknowledge the Friday deadline set by Trump, the Kremlin said it welcomes all dialogue with Witkoff. DOJ to launch grand jury probe over Russia allegations against Obama officials Six months into Trumps term, the war in Ukraine which he promised to end within hours of retaking the Oval Office is an everyday reality for residents in the region. Words are one thing and actions are another, and maybe, just maybe, Trump is able to do something completely different from what hes doing today, Sofia Panchenko, of Kyiv, told NewsNation. So, he is such an unpredictable person that anything can happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think thats exactly what all of the Ukraine is thinking. Biden was very understandable but basically without much action, she added. Trump to raise tariffs further on India over Russia oil purchases Russia scraps self-imposed moratorium on some missiles The latest attacks came hours before Russia declared itself no longer bound to its self-imposed moratorium on nuclear-capable intermediate-range missiles. Russias Foreign Ministry connected the decision with Americas own efforts to develop and deploy intermediate-range weapons in Europe, saying the moves create destabilizing missile potentials in the region. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 5: After weeks of tasks, transformations, and turning points, the curtains closed on a spectacular Season 3 of OMG Face of the Year with a resounding message: true talent goes far beyond the surface. Held in Mumbai, the grand finale of India's biggest digital talent hunt turned the spotlight on individuality, self-expression, and breakthrough stories that inspired. The Show saw the presence of Devanggana, Amit Khanna, Rehan Shah, Jayanthi Ballal, Pankaj Kharbanda & Many More. The evening crowned three exceptional winners: - Miss OMG 2025 - Rashmita Shettigar (Karnataka) - Mr. OMG 2025 - Piyush Lalwani (Maharashtra) - Streax Professional Hairstyle Icon of the Year - Priyanka Sinha (West Bengal) For Miss OMG Rashmita Shettigar, the journey was one of self-discovery. "When I arrived, I didn't know where I belonged. But this experience showed me that being different is my strength. This win represents every young woman who's been told she's either too much or not enough," she said. Mr. OMG Piyush Lalwani shared how the competition helped him grow beyond expectations. "OMG challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. The person I've become is stronger and more self-assured--and that means more to me than any title. Streax Professional Hairstyle Icon of the Year winner Priyanka Sinha reflected on her artistry through hairstyling: "Hair is an extension of who we are. Each challenge allowed me to explore and present my creativity. This title is recognition of that expression and vision." Runners-up who impressed with their grit and individuality: - 1st Runners-up - Mr. OMG: Faizan Khan from Uttarakhand, Miss OMG: Prisha Bakshi from Maharashtra - 2nd Runners-up - Mr. OMG: Rajeev Pawar from Karnataka, Miss OMG: Ahana Chauhan from Maharashtra - Streax Professional Hairstyle Icon of the Year 1st Runner-up - Bhaskar Jyoti from Assam - Streax Professional Hairstyle Icon of the Year 2nd Runner-up - Durmit Garge from Gujarat The finale was elevated by the presence of beauty icons like Sini Shetty (Femina Miss India 2022), Rohit Khandelwal (Mr. World 2016), and television personality Shivam Khajuria, who cheered on the finalists with their encouragement and charisma. The event was judged by an accomplished panel from fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries: - Rochelle Chabra - Head, Streax Professional - Abhijeet Adurkar - General Manager, The Resort, Mumbai - Akash Manwani - Vice President, D'Cot Fashion - Kannagi Desai - Beauty Editor, Elle India - Shirin Merchant - Technical Ambassador, Streax Professional The journey doesn't end here -- audiences can now witness every raw moment, every challenge, and every breakthrough in the OMG Face of the Year Season 3 six-part reality series, streaming on Hungama OTT. Powered by Passion, Backed by Vision: This edition was brought to life by the generous support of Title Sponsor Streax Professional, Powered by The Resort, and Co-powered by D'Cot Fashion. Speaking about the partnership, Rochelle Chabra shared: This was our first collaboration with OMG Face of the Year, and it couldn't have been more aligned with our vision. By merging it with the Streax Professional Hairstyle Icon of the Year, we were able to spotlight not just exceptional styling skills, but the power of individuality and creative expression. At Streax Professional, championing hairstylists isn't just something we do -- it's deeply embedded in our brand's DNA. For years, we've consistently empowered, educated, and elevated them to the forefront, and this platform further strengthens that commitment. Parimal Mehhta, the show's founder and curator, emphasised the platform's evolution and cultural relevance. "Season 3 affirmed something truly significant -- that today's generation values authenticity just as much as visibility. It's no longer just about looks or performance; it's about meaning, intention, and personal voice. OMG Face of the Year has transformed into a powerful platform where emerging talent can share their real stories, challenge norms, and be unapologetically themselves. We're not just discovering stars -- we're nurturing changemakers. The anticipation for Season 4 is already building, and it promises to be even more inclusive, expressive, and bold." Abhijeet Adurkar, General Manager, The Resort, Mumbai, added: "The Resort has always been known to host meaningful events. Supporting a platform like OMG, which empowers young talent, aligns perfectly with our spirit of celebration. " Akash Manwani, Vice President, D'Cot Fashion, said: "Platforms like OMG bring that philosophy to life by putting the spotlight on confidence, voice, and personal style. We're proud to be a part of that story." About OMG Face of the Year: As India's biggest digital talent hunt, OMG Face of the Year is the ultimate launchpad for the next generation of models and artists. Now in its explosive third season, it's the most talked-about event in the Indian beauty and fashion scene. About Streax Professional Streax Professional, a brand closely associated with style and glamour in the salon business, was launched in 2004 by Hygienic Research Institute. Streax Professional is the smart choice for smart Indian stylists and consumers. Launching innovative products with well-researched formulations, especially suited to Indian hair types, Streax Professional is the forerunner in the professional segment with the widest distribution network. Streax Professional Hair colourant range (Colour, Developer and Ultralights) is on a continuous growth path and has a partnership with over 40,000 salons across India. About Hygienic Research Institute Hygienic Research Institute Private Limited (HRIPL) is a prominent Indian leader in beauty and personal care products, specialising in hair care, skin care, and salon services. With over 60 years of legacy since 1957, HRIPL has grown from a single-brand promoter-owned entity to a multi-brand, multi-category organisation backed by private equity Premji Invest and is known for brands like Vasmol, Streax, and Streax Professional, along with Florozone in skin care. Committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, HRIPL operates with a vision to offer excellent products and services globally while fostering growth and spreading happiness. The company boasts a robust manufacturing legacy across six locations, adhering to international quality standards. HRIPL is honoured with accolades such as Great Place to Work, Best Workplace for Innovation, and recognition in the FMCG sector, underscoring its commitment to excellence in workplace culture and innovation. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) President Trump is rattling the U.S.s formidable nuclear saber amid his growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putins refusal to halt the war in Ukraine, just days ahead of Trumps deadline for a ceasefire. Trump last week said he was moving two nuclear submarines closer to Russia in response to threatening rhetoric from a top Kremlin official. On Sunday, he confirmed the vessels were now in the region. Its not clear if Trump is referring to nuclear-armed submarines or nuclear-powered attack submarines, but the confusion adds to the threat, which coincides with the presidents Friday deadline for Russia to end the war or face further economic isolation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say its a risky tactic unlikely to sway Putin, who has stood in the way of the presidents campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of returning to the White House. I dont see a lot of the benefits or the advantages, given that the Russians know very well that we have, for decades, had nuclear-armed submarines that could target what matters to them, said Erin Dumbacher, the Stanton Nuclear Security Senior Fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations. I see more risk than reward to using statements like this. While experts dont see an imminent threat, they warn against careless and bombastic statements that could lead to risky miscalculation and confrontation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does this mean that all of a sudden we should all be going to the cellar and locking ourselves in? No, said former Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.), who is the executive director of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, in a call with The Hill. Of major concern is nuclear rhetoric that could all too easily lead to mistake or miscalculation resulting in catastrophe. Trumps verbal engagement with an essentially powerless Russian politician is inappropriate and unhelpful, he said in an earlier statement. What is needed is a steady hand, not someone who allows his anger at a personal insult to risk escalating to a dangerous situation. Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy for peace missions, is expected in Moscow later this week to push Putin to agree to a ceasefire. If that fails, Ukraines supporters are hoping Trump will pull the trigger on secondary tariffs on countries that import oil from Russia, in a bid to choke off the Kremlins ability to finance its war. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday downplayed the movement of the U.S. submarines to its nearby waters, saying it does not want to be dragged into a tit-for-tat escalation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In general, of course, we would not want to get involved in such a controversy and would not want to comment on it in any way, Peskov told reporters, according to Reuters. Of course, we believe that everyone should be very, very careful with nuclear rhetoric. Peskov added that Russia does not currently see the movement as an escalation. It is clear that very complex, very sensitive issues are being discussed, which, of course, are perceived very emotionally by many people, he added. Trump announced the move after what he called highly provocative statements from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the deputy chair of the countrys security council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medvedev had criticized Trumps foreign policy and threat of sanctions. Earlier this week, Trump reduced a 50-day timeline for Russia to reach a ceasefire, after repeatedly lashing out at Putin for continued attacks on Ukraine. Medvedev, a frequent anti-Western critic seen as having little decision-making power in the Russian government, said Trump is playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10, and he warned about the risk of war between nuclear-armed adversaries. He also referenced Russias dead hand capabilities a Cold War relic that describes Moscows ability to launch a nuclear strike even if the Russian leadership is taken out. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, Trump responded in a Truth Social post. I hope this will not be one of those instances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has wielded Americas nuclear arsenal in the past, particularly during his attempts to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions during his first term. Trump often raised the prospect of nuclear war with Pyongyang, boasting he would unleash fire and fury on the country, and that he had a much bigger and more powerful nuclear arsenal. Trumps latest move to send two U.S. nuclear submarines to circle near Russia is unlikely to cause major concern for Moscow, given that such vessels patrol oceans across the globe daily, experts said. But the heightened rhetoric and concerns for miscalculation are underscoring key gaps in nuclear arms control and nonproliferation efforts. The Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday said it was not bound by a moratorium on short- and intermediate-range missiles, in what Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said was a response to U.S. discussions to deploy long-range conventional missiles to Europe. The missiles were banned under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which Trump pulled out of in his first term in response to Russian violations of the treaty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia is set to expire in February. The treaty put restrictions on America and Russias nuclear arsenals and allowed reciprocal inspection and verification. Russia suspended its participation in the treaty in 2023, and the U.S. took countermeasures that effectively suspended American participation, raising concerns among nuclear arms control experts about the next steps. Im not seeing a lot of conversation about what would happen after that, in an effort to restrict or limit or even maintain the current levels, said Dumbacher, who most recently was a CFR international affairs fellow with the Pentagon. In that role she helped craft language signed on by the U.S. and China that humans, and not artificial intelligence, should control nuclear weapons. Dumbacher pointed out Russia is not a party to that agreement, which speaks to Medvedevs threats of Russias dead hand capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think every nuclear weapons country should sign on to some sort of confidence building measure like that, where we say were never going to hand this decision over to a machine, she said. Even as Trump heightens his rhetoric against Russia, the president has highlighted nuclear arms control as a priority. In a speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, he said he wanted nuclear arms reduction talks with both Russia and China. And Trump boasts of halting fighting between Pakistan and India as averting a nuclear war. Rose Gottemoeller, who served as deputy secretary-general of NATO from 2016-19, noted Trumps success in getting Putin in 2019 to a freeze on all nuclear warheads, as well as his signal more recently that he is not interested in the U.S. building more warheads. Todays U.S. political reality mandates that the next arms control treaty has to be wholly owned by President Donald Trump if it is to be successful, Gottemoeller wrote in an article for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists late last month, pointing out that any new arms control treaty will need the ratification of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the willingness that President Trump has already shown to take on the issue of constraining warheads, the current U.S. administration has the opportunity to forge into new territory on nuclear arms control. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. David "DC" Carey, with his dog, Honey Dew, prepare to move from a Nashville homless encampment after law enforcement cleared the area in May 2025. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Tennessee is at the forefront of making homelessness invisible, and I fear that the Trump administrations recent executive order on street homelessness will bolster the states approach to moving unhoused Tennesseans out of sight whenever possible. Homelessness is the consequence and visible failure of housing and healthcare policies that have pushed more and more households to the brink of existence in every county including urban, suburban and rural areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Tennessees total homelessness numbers have not stood out at the national level so far, it nonetheless has become a testing ground for conservative think tanks like the Cicero Institute that lobbied state politicians to lock people away rather than house them. Consequently, Tennessee became the first state in 2022 to make camping on public property a felony. But Tennessees legislature has not stopped there. The most recent laws targeting unhoused Tennesseans passed this year. Most notably, one law requires the Department of Transportation to develop agreements with counties for the removal of camps along highways, under bridges and overpasses. The legislature removed a $64-million fiscal note and shifted the cost for the cleanups as well as finding housing and services to local jurisdictions. The Trump administrations executive order is called Ending Crime and Disorder on Americas Streets. It outlines a move in addressing homelessness away from housing-oriented solutions to forced civil confinements, predicated on the argument that confinement will give people the recovery services they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem is that without housing, we wont end homelessness. And without funding for both housing and support services, authorities in rural Tennessee will be left with the only option of sending their unhoused constituents to the larger cities in the hope they find services there. With city shelters already full to the brink, well see an increase in street homelessness. Even hyped up encampment closures, like those in Nashville, wont be able to stem that tide. Studies show that putting people into institutional settings and forcing them into treatments is not effective. Simply put, if locking people up to end homelessness would work, Tennessee would already have solved street homelessness. We certainly have all the laws on the book for it. Another aspect of the complex issue is cost. While the new executive order aims to shift funding from housing programs to temporary programs including mental health facilities, a quick cost comparison seems to support my belief that we will serve fewer people with these forced confinements and treatments. I recently looked at the per diem cost of jail versus an inpatient psychiatric bed and compared it to a permanent supportive housing program for people with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A jail stay in Davidson County costs about $115 per night. An in-patient psychiatric bed at East Tennessee Behavioral Health has a per diem cost ranging from $675 to $2,500. A supportive housing bed with intensive case management for people with mental illness and/or substance use issues, run by nonprofits specialized in housing people experiencing homelessness in Tennessee, costs about $80 per day. On the surface, all of these policies, laws and executive orders may sound reasonable to anyone who is comfortably housed and actually cares about their unhoused neighbors. But to advocates like me, these policies are putting bigger targets on people who already have fallen through our safety nets. Knoxville, Memphis, and Chattanooga actually showed a double-digit reduction in homelessness between 2022 and 2024 through their housing-focused approach. Nashvilles encampment closure strategy did not show the same results. But rural counties are left to fend for themselves as homelessness becomes more visible. Grundy County officials struggle with homeless encampments hidden in the woods. Since COVID, Maury County has seen a tremendous increase in street homelessness. And this past January, volunteers in Cheatham County conducted the first outdoor homelessness count, which was eye-opening for government and faith leaders who believed there was no street homelessness in their county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rural homelessness used to be less visible as people stayed in cars, campers and dilapidated housing without electricity or plumbing. In recent years, however, outdoor homelessness has increased and become more visible. The people seen in our rural counties are from the community they still live in and are connected to the people who work there, which makes it hard for local authorities tasked to arrest them and force them into criminal or civil confinements. So what can local governments do? In my opinion, local leaders should take a regional approach to homelessness and ask state legislators to stop what essentially boils down to Band-id approaches by criminalizing homelessness and forced treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, a regional approach that is led by rural county and rural city officials could convince the legislature to invest in funding for: Street outreach teams that consist of health and mental health professionals as well as social workers to assist people where they are while helping them access housing and then continue to offer recovery services once they are in housing; and The creation of a state-funded rental assistance demonstration program that is co-designed by cities and counties to help prevent and end homelessness in rural areas. State departments, specifically the Tennessee Housing Development Agency and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, already have experience in similar federally funded programs and easily could help rural communities develop these approaches. Tennessee could become a national model for making homelessness invisible permanently by investing in people rather than in facilities that will only offer a stopgap measure to move the poorest Tennesseans out of sight in the short-term. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Trump administration is eyeing additional barriers to the development of solar and wind energy on public lands. In a memo made public late Friday, the administration said that it would seek to block projects that take up a lot of room, calling wind and solar highly inefficient uses of Federal land. The memo said that the administration would only permit those energy projects that are the most appropriate land use when compared to a reasonable range of project alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In doing so, it will put together a report of further actions that are needed to accomplish this goal. Gargantuan, unreliable, intermittent energy projects hold America back from achieving U.S. Energy Dominance while weighing heavily on the American taxpayer and environment, said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in a written statement. The renewable industry balked at the effort saying it could have significant impacts on developing wind and solar energy on public lands. Depending on how its ultimately implemented, it could have serious implications for new projects moving forward, said Gene Grace, general counsel for the American Clean Power Association, a renewable lobbying group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Hensley, the organizations senior vice president for Markets and Policy Analysis, also said that while wind and solar projects may be large, that doesnt necessarily mean theyre bad for the environment. In the case of wind and solar, they do require much larger total project footprints, but the amount of land thats actually disturbed is a fraction of the total project size, said Hensley, who noted that wind in particular is very efficient if you consider land thats actually disturbed rather than the entire size of a wind farm. Its the latest in a long string of actions taken by the Trump administration to hamper wind and solar, including on public lands. President Trumps big beautiful bill cut tax credits for these energy sources. Separate memos issued by the Trump administration said it would consider barring future wind projects and subject wind and solar to an elevated review process, which is likely to slow them down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Donald Trumps victory in 2024 largely shattered the efforts to prosecute him for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election. But dozens of his allies still face state-level criminal charges for their roles in the plot. The five cases against them have plodded along for years, mired in procedural gridlock, prosecutorial bungles and appellate review. None of those cases is anywhere near a trial, yet they all remain pending a state of legal limbo that exemplifies the nations halting struggle to reckon with, and achieve accountability for, Trumps failed bid to seize a second term despite Joe Bidens victory nearly five years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, one of the cases will be at the Nevada Supreme Court for arguments on a key procedural issue. Two others, after long stretches of dormancy, could be revitalized in the next several months. The upcoming developments could determine whether any of the defendants ever have to face a jury for meddling in the election even as Trump uses his office to perpetuate the bogus claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him. At the core of all the cases is the effort, in December 2020, to assemble false slates of Trump electors in states he narrowly lost. Dozens of the Republicans activists who posed as electors remain under indictment. But some of the cases also sweep in more prominent Trump allies, like his former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and conservative attorneys John Eastman and Rudy Giuliani. Technically, Trump himself is even still a defendant in one of the cases: the racketeering conspiracy case in Georgia brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. But it is extremely unlikely that Trump will ever have to face those charges. For the next three and a half years, he is protected by the office of the presidency, and after that, hell retain broad immunity from prosecution. But there is one legal tool that Trump doesnt have in his arsenal. The five pending cases are all in state courts, so Trump has no power to pardon his allies like he can in federal cases or order his Justice Department to drop the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a look at where all of the 2020 election prosecutions stand. Arizona: A new grand jury? Last year, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, indicted 18 Trump allies with efforts to fraudulently overturn the states 2020 election results. Grand jurors wanted to charge Trump himself but were talked down by reluctant prosecutors. Instead, the indictment labeled Trump an unindicted co-conspirator and mastermind of the alleged plot. The case once represented one of the starkest threats to Trumps orbit. Meadows, Eastman, and Giuliani were all indicted. So were Trump aide Boris Epshteyn and former state GOP chairwoman Kelli Ward. But now the case is a mess. Last fall, the presiding judgerecused himself after defendants criticized him for sending an internal email urging male colleagues to speak out against sexist attacks on Kamala Harris. His replacement, Sam Myers, ruled last month that the entire case was flawed because grand jurors were never shown the full text of the Electoral Count Act, the 1887 law at the heart of some of the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayes has appealed the ruling, which put the case on hold pending review by higher courts. That pause is likely to continue into the fall. If Mayes loses, her office would have to assemble a new grand jury to consider reissuing the charges one that could take a sharply different direction than the last one. Even if Mayes prevails and preserves her case, the earliest it will resume is late 2025. And if it does, a long list of motions by defendants to dismiss the charges, citing a complex array of constitutional principles, awaits. Those could take months to resolve. Among them: Defendant Christina Bobb, a Trump ally now serving as an attorney for the conservative public records group Judicial Watch, has moved for Mayes disqualification from the case altogether. And Meadows is asking Myers to dismiss the charges against him, saying federal law and the Constitution shield him from the charges. Georgia: Willis fights to save her case This is the only case in which Trump remains a defendant, but it is also the most dysfunctional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willis, the Atlanta-area district attorney, brought the ambitious racketeering case in August 2023, but it has been mired in two years of controversy and drama. Trump and other defendants claimed that Willis, a Democrat, had a conflict of interest stemming from her romantic relationship with one of her handpicked top prosecutors. In December 2024, an appeals court agreed, ruling that Willis and her entire office must be removed from the case. Willis is appealing that decision at the Georgia Supreme Court. Her appeal has been pending for seven months. A state Supreme Court ruling that upholds Willis disqualification would trigger a process to transfer the matter to a different district attorney, who could drop the case altogether or revisit her charging decisions. That would mean months, or even years, of further delays. And even if Willis remains in charge, the trial judge overseeing the case must resolve a flood of motions from more than a dozen defendants who are trying to gut the charges or get them dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maintaining the charges against Trump himself will be a Herculean task. Most legal experts believe that it would be unconstitutional for a state-level prosecutor to pursue criminal charges against a sitting president. In theory, Willis could keep the charges on ice with the goal of reviving them against Trump after he leaves office in 2029. But at that point, the evidence would be nearly a decade old. And in his capacity as a former president, Trump would have strong claims of immunity under the U.S. Supreme Courts 2024 landmark decision that declared him broadly immune from similar federal charges stemming from his 2020 election subversion. Michigan: A long slog with little action Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, was the first state prosecutor to bring a case over the effort to upend the 2020 results. In July 2023, she unsealed charges against the 16 Republican activists who cast false electoral votes for Trump in Michigan. The case against one of those defendants was dropped, but the other 15 defendants remain. The case has grinded along slowly, with the charges facing review from Kristen Simmons, a state judge appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simmons has scheduled a hearing for Sept. 9. The slow pace of the proceedings has reportedly frustrated both pro-democracy groups and some defendants. Its unclear if or when the matter will go to trial. It briefly rose to the federal courts this year when one of the defendants, Clifford Frost Jr., asked a federal judge to intervene and prevent the prosecution from advancing, claiming it was politically motivated. But U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker, a George W. Bush appointee, declined to step in, citing precedents that frown upon federal courts disrupting state proceedings. An appeals court backed him up in April. Nevada: A volley over venue Like the Michigan case, this case is limited to fake electors. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, brought charges in December 2023 against the six Republicans who cast false electoral votes in the state in 2020. But the case has been bogged down by a technical issue: the proper venue for the case to proceed. Ford filed the charges in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas. The defendants argue that he shouldve filed them in the state capital, Carson City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That dispute has reached the Nevada Supreme Court, which will hear arguments on Wednesday. Even if Ford wins and reinstates his case in Clark County and wins a lengthy series of pretrial fights over the evidence in the case a trial is unlikely to occur until well into 2026. (Ford has since become a candidate in the Nevada governors race next year.) Wednesdays argument will be the first significant courtroom action for any of the 2020 election cases in months. Wisconsin: Pending motions to dismiss The youngest of the five cases and the one with the fewest number of defendants is in Wisconsin. Though it has not been waylaid by process disputes like other cases, it too has plodded along slowly. The states attorney general, Democrat Josh Kaul, filed the charges in June 2024 against three key Trump allies: Ken Chesebro, an architect of Trumps strategy to deploy false electors to stoke controversy on Jan. 6, 2021; James Troupis, a Wisconsin-based attorney who helped craft the Trump campaigns strategy in that state; and Mike Roman, a Trump political operative who helped implement the elector strategy across the country. Theyre awaiting a ruling on their efforts to dismiss the case, which have been pending for several months. President Trump fired five of the eight members of Puerto Rico's Financial Oversight Management Board, which oversees the U.S. territory's budget plan. The island has been trying to find its way to fiscal solvency after struggling with its debt for years. Mr. Trump dismissed the board's chairman Arthur J. Gonzalez, Cameron McKenzie, Betty A. Rosa, Juan A. Sabater, and Luis A. Ubinas, leaving only two board members in place, in addition to one appointed by the Puerto Rican governor, CBS News confirmed, according to a White House official. This was first reported by Breitbart. Four of the fired members were appointed by Democratic presidents, while the fifth, Betty A. Rosa, was nominated by Mr. Trump during his first term and later renominated by President Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the remaining board members was nominated by President Barack Obama and reappointed by Mr. Trump, while the other was nominated by Mr. Trump and later renominated by Biden. Seven members are appointed by the president six of whom are selected from lists provided by the majority and minority congressional leaders, and one is chosen at the president's discretion and one ex officio member picked by the governor of Puerto Rico, who serves on the board but has no voting rights. A White House official said the board has been "run inefficiently and ineffectively by its governing members for far too long, and it's time to restore common sense leadership." The financial oversight board was created by Congress in the last year of the Obama administration by the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, known as PROMESA. It was established to help Puerto Rico address its fiscal crisis and prioritize and expedite badly needed infrastructure projects for the Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oversight board said in a statement it was informed by the White House that the president had terminated the five members and that it would "continue to work to fulfill the mandate of PROMESA and in the interest of the people of Puerto Rico." Though PROMESA was enacted in 2016, Puerto Rico's Electric Power Authority's debt has yet to be negotiated, as bondholders continue to fight for billions that's due to them. File: The Puerto Rico Electric Authority (Prepa) Palo Seco Power Plant during Tropical Storm Ernesto in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. / Credit: Xavier Garcia/Bloomberg via Getty Images Amid the ongoing legal battle over how much Puerto Rico's Electric Power Authority owes its bondholders, Democrats in Congress have also been weighing in. At a hearing in July about the financial board's performance, Democratic Rep. Nydia Velazquez of New York slammed bondholder Golden Tree Asset Management, which is considered the main objector to the Financial Oversight Management Board's proposal to cut the principal payment on PREPA bonds from $8.5 billion to $2.6 billion. "They took advantage of a distressed government to buy cheap debt, and now they demand the maximum payment. This isn't longer the story of PREPA's bankruptcy. It's a story of Golden Tree versus the people of Puerto Rico," Velazquez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Calls to eliminate the board now, simply because of its spending on consultants and its refusal to agree to the PREPA bondholders' overreaching demands are premature," Jared Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. According to Puerto Rico's national newspaper El Nuevo Dia, the island's Republican governor, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, previously said that the financial oversight board needs to leave "immediately." Gonzalez-Colon said in a statement she "will work alongside whoever will be part of the new board, once President Trump makes the announcement." A day after the hearing, right-wing activist Laura Loomer wrote on X that President Trump had the power to fire members of the board and "replace it with a new board." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The failure of lawyers and consultants to resolve the bankruptcy of Puerto Rico has left the people of Puerto Rico without power, or a path forward," Loomer said. According to the text of PROMESA, "the President may remove any member of the Oversight Board only for cause." The White House official told CBS News no decisions about the replacement of the five members have been made yet. Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm Meta shuts down millions of WhatsApp accounts linked to scams. Here's what to know. U.N. warns of potential Israeli military expansion in Gaza Donald Trump didn't like the slight gain in jobs that the government reported for July. So he fired the commissioner for labor statistics, who nobody had heard of until 10 minutes ago. Problem solved? Well, not exactly. Erika McEntarfer, the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, didnt unilaterally make the decision that the economy added just 73,000 jobs in July. That figure was produced by hundreds of Labor Department analysts, following established rules, before it reached her level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Economic Adviser Fires Back At Nbc Host Over 'Shooting The Messenger' Claim About Bls Firing For the president to claim, without proof, that this was "rigged"to make him, and Republicans look baddoesnt change the underlying reality. The number was disappointing. That hasnt changed. Read On The Fox News App The same goes for the downward revision of 258,000 jobs in the previous two months. That is incredibly common. It happened during the Biden administration, in one case a downward revision of an earlier jobs estimate. Its a standard adjustment made once more information has become available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the economy is what it is. Dumping the Biden appointee doesnt change that. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One on August 1, 2025 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Maybe theres a problem with the constant revisions, but thats been going on for years. McEntarfer should have put out a more detailed statement. There has been an avalanche of media criticism for the president undermining confidence in the reliability of the numbers we all depend on. Kevin OLeary, the "Shark Tank" investor, told CNN: "I did not agree on whacking the commissioner. I dont like that. Whacking statisticians makes no sense whatsoever. You dont shoot the messenger." Trumps BLS chief in the first term, Bill Beach, said "the commissioner doesnt do anything to collect the numbers. The commissioner doesnt see the numbers until Wednesday before theyre published. By the time the commissioner sees the numbers, theyre all prepared Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I was commissioner, we had a 500,000 job revision during President Trumps first term," he told CNN. "And why do we do that? Because firms are created or firms go out of business, and we dont really know that during the course of the year, until we reconcile against a real full count of all the businesses." Trump Vows To Replace Labor Statistics Chief With Someone 'Competent And Qualified' Democrats, of course, are going haywire. Janet Yellen, Bidens Treasury secretary and Fed chief, said it reeked of a "banana republic." So once the president names his own person, will the markets and the public have confidence that future jobs numbers are real? Or will that appointee cook the books in his favor? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps case: "Last weeks [sic] Jobs Report was RIGGED, just like the numbers prior to the Presidential Election were Rigged. Thats why, in both cases, there was massive, record setting revisions, in favor of the Radical Left Democrats. Those big adjustments were made to cover up, and level out, the FAKE political numbers that were CONCOCTED in order to make a great Republican Success look less stellar!!! I will pick an exceptional replacement." U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen talks to reporters during a news conference at the Treasury Department on Oct. 22, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Millions of business decisions are made based on the jobs number being a fair and reasonable estimate, based on Labors survey of participating companies. But lets pull back and look at some other recent Trump actions. The Office of Special Counsel is now investigating Jack Smith, who brought two criminal cases against Trump, for violating the Hatch Act. Thats the law that bars government officials from making blatantly partisan comments. But its usually ignored: When Kellyanne Conway was accused of violating the act and recommended for dismissal, Trump just blew it off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ex-CIA director John Brennan and fired FBI chief James Comey are under criminal investigation for allegedly politicizing intelligence in 2016. Doj Criminally Investigating Former Obama Officials For Handling Of Russia Probe Trump has also ordered a criminal probe of Barack Obama for his actions in 2016 and declared him guilty of "treason." Id just offer a reminder that Trumps special counsel in the first term, John Durham, investigated all this and brought no charges against these men. I know that his files have recently been declassified, but Durham wrote: "The offices best assessment is that the July 25 and July 27 emails that purport to be from Benardo," a man funded by George Soros, "were ultimately a composite of several emails that were obtained through Russian intelligence hacking of the U.S.-based thinktanks." Durham indicted only three minor officials. Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to members of the media at the US Department of Justice building in Washington, DC, on August 1, 2023. Trump is extremely aggressive, of course, whether its suing the media (winning $16-million settlements from ABC and CBS); targeting Ivy League universities (Columbia agreeing to pay a $200-million penalty); ordering an investigation of first-term cybersecurity official Miles Taylor (better known as Anonymous); ordering federal agencies to cut ties with WilmerHale (and saying it was because Robert Mueller worked there), along with defunding NPR and PBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh, and did I mention that the current president has also ordered an investigation of pardons and other actions by Joe Biden, aimed at showing he was too mentally impaired to do the job? The former president, who is being treated for prostate cancer, dismissed the idea as "ridiculous." All this projects an image of strength, enabling Trump to drive the news agenda. But it also reveals a president preoccupied by past grievances and determined to settle scores with opponents he believes unfairly targeted him. And thats why Erika McEntarfer is suddenly out of a job. Original article source: Trump fires labor official over weak jobs number, orders criminal probes of past opponents A Democratic California gubernatorial candidate is using Donald Trumps own words against him in a campaign ad attacking the president over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Businessman Stephen Cloobeck, who is hoping to replace the term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom in the 2026 election, is launching a large-scale online and TV campaign to suggest that Trump is for they/them in reference to the pair of convicted child sex offenders, while the Democrat is working for you. Donald Trump has also known Jeffrey Epstein's co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell for decades. / New York Daily News Archive / Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) The tagline is a play on Trumps Kamala is for they/them attack line he used against the former vice president during the 2024 campaign, which went after Kamala Harris pro-transgender stances, including support of gender-affirming medical treatment for prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cloobeck is keeping the heat on Trump by reminding voters of his relationship with the pedophile Epstein, who died in August 2019, and Maxwell, who is currently serving 20 years in prison for helping the disgraced financier abuse children. The ad highlights Trump and Epsteins yearslong friendship and includes headlines about the saga surrounding Epstein that Trump has failed to shake off, despite wave after wave of distraction attempts. Stephen Cloobeck declared he is running for California governor soon after the 2024 election results were confirmed. / Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images This includes reports noting the presidents MAGA base is furious at his administration for not releasing the Epstein files as promised, how the late pedophile attended Trumps wedding to Marla Maples in 1993, and Trump telling reporters he cut ties with Epstein because the financier stole young workers from Mar-a-Lago. One of the women Trump alleged Epstein stole from him was Virginia Giuffre, a sex trafficking victim of Epsteins who took her own life in April. Cloobecks ad will also aim to capitalize on the latest update in the narrative engulfing Trumpthat Maxwell has been moved to a minimum-security facility in Texas amid ongoing suggestions the president is considering pardoning her in exchange for her testimony. Trump has previously noted that, while no one has asked him to pardon Maxwell, he would be allowed to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transferring Maxwell to Club Fed shows once again that Trump has no sense of justice and no respect for the rule of law, Cloobeck said, referring to the prison camp where shes now held. Ghislaine Maxwell destroyed the lives of too many young women and girls, and they deserve better. Her crimes were so horrific that even a 20-year prison sentence feels light. So why did Team Trump hand her this big favor? And whats next, a full pardon? Cloobeck, the founder of Diamond Resorts International, said he was running for California governor to go toe-to-toe with Trump to fight against his corruption. The Trump is for they/them ad will air across California, as well as New York, Washington D.C., and the presidents adopted home state of Florida, where Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Kamala is for they/them was considered one of his most successful ads of the 2024 campaign, and its various forms aired more than 30,000 times, including in all seven swing states, reported NPR. Analysis from Future Forward, Harris main super PAC, found that the ad shifted the race 2.7 percentage points in Trumps favor after viewers watched it, according to The New York Times. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Beast. President Trump is seeking to promote U.S. energy in his trade negotiations, but announcements about agreements so far have been light on details, and actual outcomes are largely mysterious. Recently, the Trump administration and the European Union announced a trade deal under which the EU will buy $750 billion in U.S. energy by 2028. An EU webpage said the deal includes the intention to procure more US liquified natural gas (LNG), oil, and nuclear fuels and cutting-edge technologies and investments over the next three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the administration announced another deal with South Korea that included the purchase of $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products Trump wrote on social media. The latest agreements come after one with Japan last month. That deal amounted to $550 billion in Japanese investments in U.S. industries, including energy infrastructure and production, semiconductors and mining. Reuters reported Monday that the administration also reached a trade deal with Malaysia that included an agreement under which state energy company Petroliam Nasional Berhad will buy $3.4 billion per year of U.S. LNG. While there appears to be a focus on energy in these deals, in many of them, its not clear exactly what kind of energy will be purchased in what quantities, who will supply it or who will buy it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of still open questions, said Aaron Bartnick, who served as an economic security official for former President Bidens White House. Clara Gillispie, a senior fellow for climate and energy at the Council on Foreign Relations, said theres still a lot we dont know about what these deals look like, including in terms of how ambitious these actually are. She said part of the issue is that its not clear what even counts as energy. You have in some of the detail deals references to energy products. Some say energy exports from the U.S. LNG is often referenced as part of a suggestive, but not necessarily all inclusive list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bartnick, who is now a fellow at Columbia Universitys Center on Global Energy Policy, said the deals would be expected to result in the purchase of more U.S. energy if the terms as outlined, are executed. But thats a big if. Ill be very interested to see how these foreign governments work with the private companies in their respective countries in order to coordinate these investments, he said. On the U.S. side as well, decisions are made by private companies, rather than anything run by the state, and in many cases, if deals were economic, its possible they would have already been made with or without a trade deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Gillispie noted there are things that governments can do to more positively influence the competitiveness of U.S. energy supplies in their own markets. You could, for example, see governments look at waiving of certain import taxes or other fees that might be levied against energy imports, specific to waiving them in the U.S. case, she said. Olympe Mattei-dOrnano, a European gas analyst at BNEF, said in a statement shared with The Hill that the EU deal in particular may be difficult to actually achieve. Total energy imports from the US accounted for less than $80 billion last year vs $250 billion promised. The pledge is not legally binding but could spur a gesture from the EUs side to provide incentives/guidelines to increase EU buyers contracts with US LNG projects, Mattei-dOrnano said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She indicated at least some of the purchases may have happened anyway, given the pivot away from Russia in recent years. However, the U.S. energy industry has appeared supportive of the Trump administrations efforts. We welcome President Trumps announcement of new trade frameworks that will expand new export market opportunities and support American energy development, Rob Jennings, vice president of natural gas markets at the American Petroleum Institute, a major oil and gas lobbying organization, said in a statement to The Hill. Jennings, however, also called for a faster infrastructure buildout in the U.S., saying, We can provide even more of that supply to our allies with more infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a bizarre attack on Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), a prominent critic, calling her low-IQ before wondering whether she is related to 19th-century frontiersman Davy Crockett. Trump was dubiously touting his poll numbers in a CNBC interview when he took aim at the Democratic Party. The Democrat Party is self-destructing, he began, using a Republican misnomer for the party. I mean, when you have low-IQ people like [Jasmine] Crockett... I wonder if shes any relation to the late, great Davy Crockett, who is a great, great, a great gentleman. I wonder if shes got any relationship to Davy Crockett, the great old Davy Crockett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HuffPost has contacted Crocketts office for comment. Trump also scoffed at the idea that the Texas Democrat, who was first elected to the House in 2023, was one of the leaders of her party. They have Trump derangement syndrome so bad that they cant walk, they cant talk, they dont know what theyre doing, he said. Davy Crockett, American pioneer and member of the U.S. Congress, is shown in an undated portrait drawing. He was born in 1786 and died in 1836 at the Alamo in San Antonio. via Associated Press An American folk hero, Davy Crockett was a soldier and lawmaker whose adventures on the frontier were popularized by a Disney television series from the 1950s. The 21st-century Crockett, meanwhile, recently launched a series of high-profile attacks on the president. On Sunday, she labeled Trump a piece of shit, but also called out those in Congress and on the Supreme Court for enabling his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a functioning democracy, he still would not be able to get away with this, Crockett said at the progressive policy group MoveOns Wont Back Down tour stop in Phoenix. Elsewhere in his Tuesday interview on CNBCs Squawk Box, Trump said he will probably not run for president again, even though he said he would like to despite being barred by the Constitution. The president also got fact-checked on air as he repeatedly said he has the best poll numbers [hes] ever had. Host Joe Kernen made clear that Trump enjoys high support among Republican voters, but not the overall electorate. .@POTUS: "The Democrat Party is self-destructing. I mean, when you have Low IQ people like Crockett I wonder if she's any relationship to the Late, Great Davy Crockett?" pic.twitter.com/MllKVG0ZRQ Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 5, 2025 Related... By Joseph Ax (Reuters) -The escalating political fight over the Texas congressional map is spreading across other states across the country, triggering an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting arms race with the balance of power in Washington at stake. At President Donald Trump's urging, Texas Republicans have proposed new congressional districts aimed at flipping five Democrat-held U.S. House seats in next year's midterm elections, further skewing what is already considered a deeply partisan map in that state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Democratic governors elsewhere - most notably Gavin Newsom of California, the only state with more congressional districts than Texas - have threatened to retaliate by mounting their own redistricting efforts. "Donald Trump is a cheater, and so is Governor Greg Abbott," JB Pritzker, the Democratic governor of Illinois, told reporters on Tuesday. Standing alongside him were several of the Democratic lawmakers from Texas who fled their home state on Monday to deny Republicans a quorum and prevent a vote on the proposed new map. "As far as I'm concerned, everything is on the table," Pritzker said. Democrats need to flip only three Republican-held seats to retake the majority in the 435-seat House next year, so even modest gains for either party via redistricting could prove decisive. If Democrats win the House, they could stymie much of Trump's legislative agenda and pursue multiple investigations into his administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The practice of partisan gerrymandering - manipulating district lines to benefit one party over another - has a long tradition in the United States, but the advent of powerful software and sophisticated voter data has allowed mapmakers to drill down to individual streets and neighborhoods. Redistricting typically occurs every 10 years to incorporate the U.S. Census count. Trump has broken with that convention by openly pushing Texas Republicans to pursue a rare mid-decade redistricting for partisan gain, even though the existing map, which Republicans drew just four years ago, resulted in the party winning 25 of the state's 38 seats. "I won Texas. I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats," Trump told CNBC on Tuesday, referring to the 2024 presidential election. Trump has encouraged other Republican states to follow suit. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters last week the administration believes as many as five states could redraw their maps, including Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed a willingness to take such a step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEMOCRATS VOW TO FIGHT BACK Ohio Republicans will draw a new map ahead of the November 2026 election that could flip at least two Democratic seats. In Missouri, where Democrats hold two of the state's seven seats, some Republican lawmakers have had preliminary conversations about a new map, according to a source familiar with the matter. Other Republican-controlled states that could in theory use redistricting to target Democrats include Kansas, Kentucky and New Hampshire. Democrats, meanwhile, face some legal hurdles in their biggest states. In California, where redistricting is overseen by an independent commission, voters would likely have to approve giving Democratic lawmakers the power to draw a new map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom said on Monday he would put the issue before voters this autumn if Texas moves forward. Experts say a Democratic-drawn map could easily target five Republican incumbents, even though Democrats already hold 43 of the state's 52 seats. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Monday that she would not "fight with my hand tied behind my back." Even so, any new map in her state would require voters to approve a constitutional amendment, and that process cannot take place before 2026. In Illinois, where Pritzker and the Democratic-controlled legislature have no restraints, Democrats already hold 14 of the state's 17 U.S. House seats, leaving them without much room to maneuver. THREATS TO TEXAS DEMOCRATS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Texas Governor Abbott filed an emergency lawsuit on Tuesday asking the state Supreme Court to remove state Representative Gene Wu, the House Democratic caucus chair, from office, arguing he abandoned his seat by fleeing the state. Wu did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier this week, he brushed off Abbott's threat to seek Democrats' removal, calling it "all bluster" and daring him to "come and take it" in an interview on CNN. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton also said he would seek similar court orders against other Democratic lawmakers. David Froomkin, a law professor at the University of Houston, noted that the Texas Supreme Court has previously ruled that lawmakers have the constitutional right to break quorum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Courts have generally taken the view that a legislator has surrendered their seat when they have chosen to surrender their seat," he said. "Here, they're not intending to vacate their offices they're exercising their offices by trying to prevent the passage of legislation they find troubling." Abbott's lawsuit follows warrants issued by the Republican Speaker of the Texas House, Dustin Burrows, for authorities to bring the absent lawmakers back to the statehouse for a vote. Abbott has ordered state law enforcement to help enforce them. But the Democrats have all left the state, putting them beyond the reach of any state agency. Trump told reporters late on Tuesday that the FBI "may have" to get involved in forcing Democrats back to Texas. (Reporting by Joseph Ax in New York; Additional reporting by Nandita Bose and Jeff Mason in Washington; Editing by Frank McGurty and Howard Goller) Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) has reported robust performance for the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), marking a transformative year driven by technology adoption, business expansion, and strategic partnerships. The company recorded a consolidated total income of Rs 2,079 crore and a profit after tax of Rs 1,613 crore. The company has recommended a maiden dividend of Rs 0.50 per share, signalling confidence in long-term value creation. JFSL, a core Investment Company registered with the RBI, operates through subsidiaries such as Jio Credit, Jio Insurance Broking, Jio Payment Solutions, and Jio Payments Bank, besides its joint ventures with BlackRock for asset and wealth management. Among the key milestones achieved in FY25, the JioFinance app, JFSL's flagship digital platform, crossed 4 million downloads and catered to over 8 million monthly active users across all digital properties by March 2025. JPBL's customer base reached 2.31 million, with a threefold rise in deposits, now at Rs 295 crore. Jio Credit's assets under management surged from Rs 173 crore to Rs 10,053 crore during FY25. JFSL also received approvals from SEBI for its asset management and wealth management businesses under the JioBlackRock JV. The company acquired the remaining stake in JPBL from SBI, making it a fully owned subsidiary. K.V. Kamath, Chairman JFSL highlighted that India's resilient economic growth and technology-driven transformation provide fertile ground for financial innovation. He emphasised the role of next-generation AI, including Agentic AI, in powering hyper-personalised services and fraud detection, while underlining the importance of trust and data protection. Isha M. Ambani, Director JFSL noted that JFSL is building a financial ecosystem where access is not limited by geography or economic status. The group's core belief, that finance should be simple, empowering and inclusive, is realised through intuitive digital journeys offered via the JioFinance app. Hitesh Sethia MD & CEO of the company said FY25 was a pivotal year that saw the company scale digital operations, expand product offerings, and grow distribution networks. "We infused Rs 1,346 crore into operating entities and our JVs with BlackRock to support scale-up with discipline," he said. Among the business highlights of the year, Jio Credit launched fully digital loan journeys including loans against shares and mutual funds, and scaled to 10 Tier-I cities. Jio Payments Bank issued over 560,000 RuPay cards, achieved over 1 million monthly UPI users and grew its business correspondent network to over 14,000. Jio Payment Solutions secured RBI's payment aggregator licence, introduced UPI International at the Paris Olympics and launched voice-based UPI alerts for feature phone users. Jio Insurance Broking facilitated Rs 900 crore in premiums across 1.81 million policies with 34 insurer tie-ups and 61 plans on offer. JioBlackRock JV received regulatory nods across asset, wealth, and broking verticals and aims to democratise investments using AI-led digital on boarding. The company aims to deepen financial inclusion by leveraging AI, advanced data platforms, and customer insights to deliver tailored financial products. With technology and trust at its core, JFSL is positioning itself as a leading financial platform for 'Access Progress Now', the theme of its FY25 report. (ANI) President Donald Trump recently broke with decades of strategic silence when he publicly revealed the repositioning of U.S. nuclear-powered submarines in a thinly veiled warning to Russia. The announcement targeted at Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman and former President Dmitry Medvedev after his latest nuclear threats sent shockwaves through the defense world not just for its provocation, but for the sheer fact that it was said out loud. Presidents have long moved military assets like aircraft carriers and bombers to signal resolve. But submarines, especially the covert, nuclear-powered kind, are rarely mentioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We rarely, if ever, talk about submarine movements unless theres been an undeniable accident," Gene Moran, a former Navy captain and Pentagon strategic advisor, told Fox News Digital. Plenty of other military assets Patriot batteries, aircraft carriers, even B-52 bombers are deployed publicly to send a diplomatic message. But this time, the secretive nature of the nuclear submarine positioning may have been the reason for the choice. "Submarine deployments are unverifiable," said Moran. "Thats what gives them strategic value, but also what makes this announcement clever if you're aiming for a headline." Read On The Fox News App Trump moved nuclear submarines to "appropriate regions" near Russia after provocative comments from Russia's former President Dmitry Medvedev. Trump Confirms 2 Nuclear Submarines Are 'In The Region' To Counter Russia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice Admiral Mike Connor, former commander of U.S. submarine forces, said Trumps statement may have sounded bold, but was in fact consistent with long-standing doctrine. "He didnt really give away too much," Connor, who now serves as CEO of maritime tech company ThayerMahan, told Fox News Digital. "Its generally understood, by our potential adversaries, that our submarines are out there, have been out there for 60-plus years, and are able to strike pretty much where they want, when they want, if needed." "Its a more gentle message done this way," Connor added. "Its not really in your face. Its just a reminder of what already exists." The president was vague in revealing his plans, only announcing that nuclear submarines would be positioned in the "appropriate regions" following Medvedevs accusations that he was escalating the war. Trump told reporters Sunday the submarines are "already in the region, where they should be." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moran said Trump may have simply aligned a routine rotation with a strategic message. "It doesnt cost anything," he said. "But if you do it repeatedly, it begins to reveal where your thresholds are. That has long-term consequences." He also cast doubt on the depth of coordination behind the announcement, saying "Submarines dont just move at the snap of a finger." Matthew Shoemaker, a former defense intelligence official, echoed that point. "Its certainly unusual to announce it from an operational perspective," he said, "which means this is primarily about sending a message to the Russians rather than trying to achieve a military goal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Repositions 2 Nuclear Submarines After 'Highly Provocative' Russian Comments Meanwhile, Trump's frustration with Putin has grown in recent weeks amid stalled negotiations to end the war, prompting him to scale back the deadline for Russia to agree to a peace deal. Trump's disclosure of the submarine presence puts additional pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table, according to Bryan Clark, a retired submarine officer and director of the Hudson Institute think tanks Center for Defense Concepts and Technology. "We have used very sparingly submarines to try to influence adversary behavior before, but this is pretty unusual, to do it against a nuclear-powered adversary like Russia in response to a nuclear threat by Russia," Clark told Fox News Digital Monday. "So I think this is trying to essentially push back on Russia's frequent and long-standing threats to use nuclear weapons in part of the Ukraine conflict." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Cancian, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, believes its more likely that two already-deployed U.S. submarines were repositioned rather than any new vessels dispatched. "At any one time there are about a dozen U.S. submarines deployed," he said. "We probably just moved two of them to different spots. There hasnt been any report of new submarine sailings youd have heard about that." Retired Navy Capt. Todd Sawhill, who served as a targeting expert with the Joint Staff and U.S. Central Command, said theres precedent for moving submarines in response to tensions but rarely is it spoken of this openly. "It is atypical to have a sitting president telegraph it so plainly," Sawhill said. "Its consistent with Trumps desire to direct-message, so in that sense its not surprising. But its not how these things are usually done." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts agree that once a U.S. submarine leaves port, it becomes difficult though not impossible for adversaries to track. "These are very tightly controlled pieces of information," Cancian said. "The U.S. has good confidence that deployed submarines arent being followed though weve been wrong before." Shoemaker noted that geography plays a significant role. "The closer one gets to an adversarys shores, the more likely they can find and track our subs," he said. "So it depends on where exactly these subs are sent near Russia." Moran added that both sides exaggerate their tracking capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its easy to claim you know where your adversary is," he said. "But with modern submarines, thats a very difficult task." Submarine positioning is rarely discussed, and more difficult to track, but adversaries know they're used in international waters for surveillance and deterrence. Connor also pointed to a recent case that underscored the low-profile potency of submarines. "A few weeks ago, there was a strike on Iranian nuclear weapon component manufacturing sites," he said. "There was a lot of noise about the fact that some Air Force planes flew from the U.S. and struck two deeply buried targets. And it was more or less a side note that a submarine who knows which one or where it was struck 30 targets at the same time." "Its a capability thats always there, not often used and doesnt need to be talked about too overtly to be effective." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But unlike the Iran strikes, it appears improbable that the submarines dispatched in response to increased tension with Russia would see the same kind of action, according to Clark. That's because the U.S. hasn't directly intervened militarily to back Ukraine, and the locations where these submarines operate are not best suited to launch attacks against Russian adversaries, since the cruise missiles would go over Nato countries like Romania, Clark said. "It's unlikely to be a cruise missile attack that we threaten or even conduct," Clark said. "I think it's much more likely that we will be using attack submarines to sort of convey to the Russians that we can hold important targets of their own at risk if they do decide to escalate." Asked whether Russia might respond with its own maneuvers, Shoemaker was unequivocal: "Yes, almost certainly. Russia routinely and historically likes to do comparable responses to American actions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moran pointed to a recent example from 2024: "Russia moved ships near Cuba, and we responded by surfacing a submarine in Guantanamo Bay. Thats a case of operational schedules aligning with an opportunity to send a message." But such cat-and-mouse signaling carries risk. "Missteps can be made. Things can be misinterpreted," Moran warned. "Weve been here before." Connor agreed that the oceans will remain a chessboard of silent signaling. "Both countries have the freedom to operate as they would like in international waters," he said. "Theyve done that for decades and will likely continue to do so." The move appears to be part deterrence, part diplomacy. Trump "is showing annoyance with Russias unwillingness to negotiate seriously on Ukraine," said Cancian. "But more significantly, hes pushing back on Russias nuclear saber-rattling a pattern thats existed since the beginning of the war." Original article source: Trump lifts veil on US submarines in warning shot to Kremlin in 'clever' repositioning move Nearly half of the initiatives laid out in Project 2025 which is considered by many to be a blueprint for the second Trump administration have already been implemented by the president, a rolling analysis has found. Just over six months into Donald Trumps second term, approximately 115 of the 317 objectives set forth in the far-right playbook, authored in 2023 by the Heritage Foundation, have become a reality. Thats about 46 percent, according to the Project 2025 Tracker, an online spreadsheet created by two Reddit users and updated as Trump announces policies. It appears to be one of the only publicly available resources regularly updated with data on Project 2025 objectives and administration action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of those objectives have been implemented through executive orders, such as shutting down the Department of Education, eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language from the federal government, and restoring implementation of the death penalty for certain crimes. Other objectives have been pushed forward through Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was passed by Congress in July. Some of those objectives include eliminating electric vehicle incentives and adding work requirements for Medicaid. An online tracker of Project 2025 objectives found that nearly half have been implemented under the leadership of President Donald Trump (AFP via Getty Images) Its unsurprising that many of Project 2025s Mandate for Leadership objectives have become part of Trumps agenda. Several of his senior staff are authors of or contributors to Project 2025, including Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, senior trade adviser Peter Navarro, border czar Tom Homan, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley, and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other staffers have ties to the Heritage Foundation, which produced the more than 900-page mandate. Despite the administrations close ties to the Heritage Foundation and enacting some nearly identical policies to those named in Project 2025, Trump had insisted on the campaign trail that he knew nothing about the mandate and acted as though he was very unfamiliar with it. The Project 2025 Tracker says that around 63 policies in Project 2025 are currently in progress. One example is the language in Project 2025 that encourages the president to revoke guidance that prohibits adoption or foster agencies from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity. While Trump has not signed an executive order directly doing so, his executive order establishing the White House Faith Office includes language that encourages the team to make recommendations promoting foster care and adoption programs in partnership with faith-based entities while promoting religious freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Paul Dans, a conservative lawyer who oversaw Project 2025, told CNN that Trumps first few actions were exactly what the Heritage Foundation set out to do. This is exactly the work we set out to do, Dans said at the time. Its still in the early first stages of bearing fruit, but we wanted to make sure the president was ready to hit the ground running on day one. The rapidity and the depth of what theyve rolled out this quickly is a testament to the work done in Project 2025 and other presidential transition projects. Deciding to condition FEMA aid on support for Israel has not panned out well for the Trump administration. Grant orders issued by the agency directed states and cities to certify that they would not avoid or end commercial relations specifically with Israeli companies while receiving the federal disaster relief funds, Reuters reported Monday, citing official notices it had obtained. But in the wake of the news, fierce bipartisan backlash effectively forced the White House to nix the operation. MAGA influencers including Candace Owens, Nick Fuentes, and Matt Walsh came out in staunch opposition to the effort, accusing Donald Trump of failing to put America first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remember to pledge allegiance to Israel before your house is destroyed by a fire or hurricane, it could save your life, wrote Fuentes on X. Owens, meanwhile, claimed that Trump had fully betrayed America for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. If you cannot see that now you are completely blind, the talk show host wrote. Best 100 million Miriam Adelson ever spent. Walsh simply stated, There is just no way to reasonably claim that this qualifies as America First. Hours after initial reports broke about the conditioned aid, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement insisting that there is NO FEMA requirement tied to Israel in any current NOFO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that doesnt mean that future funding is protected from similar efforts. The notice underscored DHSs ability to deny funds to any entity it deemed affiliated with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which aims to curb Israels violence in Gaza by peeling financial support away from the nation and its businesses. No states have lost funding, and no new conditions have been imposed, the notice reads. FEMA grants remain governed by existing law and policy and not political litmus tests. DHS will enforce all anti-discrimination laws and policies, including as it relates to the BDS movement, which is expressly grounded in antisemitism. Those who engage in racial discrimination should not receive a single dollar of federal funding. But a review of the order shows that it did indeed originally contain language conditioning aid on support for Israel. Following the backlash, the language was quietly edited to remove the reference to anti-Israel boycotts. And as journalist Saagar Enjeti noted on X, the DHS makes it clear the admin reserves the right to deny these funds based on the Anti-Boycott Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They still might do it. Theyre just not saying it out loud right now, he added. The off-color FEMA order was just the latest in a long line of warnings from the Trump administration regarding its alliance with Israel and Netanyahu. The Department of Homeland Security announced in April that boycotting Israel was forbidden for any state or city intending to receive federal funding, and the White House has rescinded billions of dollars from universities around the country for failing to meet Trumps metric of support for Americas genocidal Middle Eastern ally. India is under escalating economic pressure from the US, while its regional rival Pakistan hails closer ties with Washington. US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to substantially raise tariffs on New Delhi, currently 25%, for buying Russian oil. India said it wont stop its purchases, remaining defiant in the face of Trumps threats. The strategy contrasts with that of Pakistan, which landed a more favorable US tariff rate of 19%, in part because of Trumps interest in the countrys oil reserves, but also because Islamabad didnt ruffle feathers on the geopolitical front, an expert told Nikkei. Pakistans powerful army chief is personally courting Trump, The Economist wrote, reflecting a shift in US policy toward the region. President Donald Trump has given major pharmaceutical companies 60 days to slash prescription drug prices, threatening to deploy every tool in our arsenal if they fail to comply. The ultimatum came in letters sent last week to 17 leading drugmakers demanding they match the lowest prices offered in other developed nations. The aggressive move signals Trumps determination to fulfill campaign promises on healthcare costs, as Americans continue paying significantly more than consumers abroad for identical medications. Early signs suggest the pressure campaign may already be yielding results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House announced that Trumps letters warned companies they must take immediate steps to lower costs for American patients. There is no reason American consumers should pay exorbitantly more than other countries for the same drug in the same packaging and manufactured in the same factory, the administration stated. At least two major pharmaceutical companies have already responded to the pressure. AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot told reporters his company has proposed price cuts for certain U.S. drugs, while British drugmaker GSK confirmed its in talks with the Trump administration about lowering costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters set a September deadline for action, giving companies roughly two months to implement pricing changes. Trumps approach represents a significant escalation in efforts to address pharmaceutical pricing disparities between the United States and other nations. This direct approach to the pharmaceutical industry marks one of Trumps most aggressive healthcare policy moves since taking office. Washington President Trump has suggested in a handful of appearances in recent months and years that he's looking at ways to run again for president, though the Constitution limits any person to being elected to the office twice. But in his latest comments on the issue, the president downplayed talk of a third term. The president told NBC News in an interview that aired on May 4 that "I'll be a two-term president." And when asked on Aug. 5 whether he'd run again, he said "no, probably not," though he added, "I'd like to." The comments came after he told NBC in March that he was "not joking" about seeking another term in office, after repeatedly publicly musing about the possibility. He also said at the time that despite the constitutional limitations, "there are methods which you could do it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump supporters like former strategist Steve Bannon have called on the president to run again, and Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, introduced a resolution earlier this year to amend the Constitution to allow Mr. Trump to be elected to another term. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also said of Mr. Trump's prospects of serving a third term, "not without a change in the Constitution." He told reporters, "I think that you guys keep asking the question and I think he is having some fun with it, probably messing with you." Experts say changing the Constitution is extremely unlikely. Election law scholars raised the possibility that talk of a third term, whatever its likelihood, may function as a show of strength to try to stave off the perception that Mr. Trump is a lame-duck president. Here's a timeline of Mr. Trump's comments on a third term: "We're probably entitled to another four after that" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump flirted with additional time in office beyond two terms when he sought reelection in 2020. During a rally in Minden, Nevada, the president predicted he would win four more years in the White House, and even suggested that he could go on to another term after his second. "We're going to win four more years in the White House. And then after that, we'll negotiate, right?" Mr. Trump said. "Because we're probably, based on the way we were treated, we're probably entitled to another four after that." "Am I allowed to run again?" Shortly after returning to office, Mr. Trump again made reference to another term at a rally in Las Vegas on Jan. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It will be the greatest honor of my life to serve, not once but twice or three times or four times," Mr. Trump quipped to applause from the crowd, before adding that "no, it will be to serve twice." Then on Jan. 27, Mr. Trump joked to Republican lawmakers about a third term. Speaking before the House GOP conference in Florida, Mr. Trump touted the money he'd raised for another race that he said "I assume I can't use for myself." "But I'm not 100% sure because, I don't know," the president continued, to laughter from House Republicans. "I think I'm not allowed to run again. I'm not sure. Am I allowed to run again?" "Should I run again? You tell me." At the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 6, Mr. Trump said, "They say I can't run again that's the expression." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Then somebody said, 'I don't think you can.' Oh," the president added. On Feb. 20, the president again joked about an additional term at a White House event to mark Black History Month, as he celebrated the support he saw from Black Americans in the 2024 election. "Should I run again? You tell me," Mr. Trump said, as supporters chanted, "four more years!" "There are methods" In an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker on March 30, Mr. Trump said, "I'm not joking" about serving a third term, and for the first time mentioned an awareness of potential paths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are methods which you could do it," Mr. Trump said in a phone interview, adding that "it is far too early to think about it." The president pointed to his favorability rating and suggested that Americans would like him to serve a third term. Mr. Trump told Welker, "I have had more people say, 'please run again,'" while noting "we have a long way to go before we even think about that." On Air Force One Sunday night, he spoke with reporters and briefly addressed questions about a third term and reiterated that it's still a distant consideration. "No matter how you look at it, we've got a long time to go. We have a long time. You know, we have almost four years to go," Mr. Trump told reporters. "But despite that, so many people are saying, 'you've got to run again.' They love the job." While speaking to reporters on Monday in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump denied that he has ever looked into running for another term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People are asking me to run," he said. "There's a whole story about running for a third term. I don't know. I never looked into it. They do say there's a way you can do it. But I don't know about that. But I have not looked into it." Mr. Trump was also asked whether it would open the door to Democrats running former President Barack Obama, who served two consecutive terms, against him. "I'd love that," Mr. Trump said. "That would be a good one. I'd like that." "I'll be a two-term president" In another interview with Welker conducted on May 2, Mr. Trump downplayed talk of seeking another term. The president said "so many people want me to do it," saying he has "never had requests so strong as that." But he added that "it's something that, to the best of my knowledge, you're not allowed to do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not something I'm looking to do," Mr. Trump said. "I'm looking to have four great years, and turn it over to somebody ideally a great Republican, a great Republican to carry it forward. But I think we're going to have four years and I think four years is plenty of time to do something really spectacular." Asked about moves by his allies to make another term possible, like by seeking a constitutional amendment, the president said "that's because they like the job I'm doing, and it's a compliment. It's really a great compliment." "There are ways of doing it," the president added, alluding to a possible write-in vote or move to elect Vice President JD Vance and have him turn the power over to Mr. Trump. But the president said he's "not looking at that" and hasn't had official meetings about possible avenues. "I'll be an eight-year president," Mr. Trump said. "I'll be a two-term president." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'd like to run" In an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Aug. 5, Mr. Trump touted the support he saw in the 2024 election among Texas voters, calling it "a record that they say won't be beaten unless I run again." When asked whether he plans to run again, the president responded, "no, probably not." He added, "I'd like to run," citing his poll numbers. "People love the tariffs, and they love the trade deals," Mr. Trump said. "And they love that foreign countries aren't ripping us off anymore." Quadruple murder suspect captured in Tennessee, officials confirm What to expect from Netanyahu's security cabinet meeting about Gaza Ukraine says Indian components found in Russian drones WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said declining energy prices could pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the war in Ukraine. "If energy goes down enough, Putin is going to stop killing people," Trump said in an interview on CNBC. "If you get energy down, another $10 a barrel, he's going to have no choice because his economy stinks." Trump last week set a deadline for August 8 for Putin to move to end the war in Ukraine or face tougher U.S. sanctions. His administration has also been pressuring India and China to stop buying Russian oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told CNBC that the drop in energy prices was due to increased production, including by the OPEC countries and others, and he expected further declines. "If you notice OPEC and OPEC+, they're drilling more because I think they want me happy," he said. OPEC+ agreed on Sunday to raise oil production by 547,000 barrels per day for September, the latest in a series of accelerated output hikes to regain market share, as concerns mount over potential supply disruptions linked to Russia. The move marks a full and early reversal of OPEC+'s largest tranche of output cuts plus a separate increase in output for the United Arab Emirates amounting to about 2.5 million bpd, or about 2.4% of world demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight OPEC+ members held a brief virtual meeting, amid increasing U.S. pressure on India to halt Russian oil purchases - part of Washington's efforts to bring Moscow to the negotiating table for a peace deal with Ukraine. The International Monetary Fund last week slashed its forecast for Russian economic growth to 0.9% for this year, from its previous forecast in April of 1.5% growth. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Giles Elgood) Republican Attorney General Gentner Drummond and the U.S. Department of Justice are asking a judge to declare unconstitutional an Oklahoma law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at Oklahoma colleges and universities. A complaint and the joint motion seeking a consent judgment were filed Tuesday, Aug. 5, in U.S. District Court in Muskogee. The joint motion lists eight federal attorneys as representing the United States, which filed the lawsuit. Drummond and Oklahoma Solicitor General Garry Gaskins are listed as representing Oklahoma. Under the policy of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the executive agency that oversees public higher education in the state, an undocumented student from Oklahoma is eligible to pay in-state tuition rates, which are considerably less than those paid by out-of-state students attending Oklahoma colleges and universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That policy says a person who resided in Oklahoma at the time of graduation from an Oklahoma high school and has resided in the state with a parent or legal guardian for two years prior to graduation from high school will be eligible for in-state status. Oklahoma colleges and universities are responsible for determining students in-state and out-of-state status consistent with OSRHEs policy. The lawsuit says the policy stems from a state law that spells out similar requirements for granting in-state tuition to students who "cannot present to the institution valid documentation of United States nationality or an immigration status permitting study at a postsecondary institution." The law was last amended in 2007. Angela Caddell, a spokeswoman for OSRHE, said in a statement that the agency's officials were aware of the court filings and "will follow federal law." She continued: "State system institutions will determine their next steps in concert with their respective campus governing boards." Gov. Kevin Stitt also has not yet commented on the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond, who is running to succeed Stitt as governor, said he is taking part in the legal action on behalf of taxpayers who for many years have subsidized colleges and universities as they provide unlawful benefits to illegal immigrants in the form of in-state tuition, Drummond said. Rewarding foreign nationals who are in our country illegally with lower tuition costs that are not made available to out-of-state American citizens is not only wrongit is discriminatory and unlawful. Immigration advocates criticize lawsuit: 'An economic loss for these universities' The lawsuit quickly drew pushback from people who advocate on behalf of immigrants' rights. Lorena Rivas, an immigration attorney with the Tulsa-based law firm Rivas & Associates, said targeting criminals is one thing, but targeting undocumented students who call Oklahoma home, went to school in the state and are trying to better their communities is another. "These kids aren't eligible for financial relief," she said. They're not getting government assistance to attend these schools because they're not eligible for it. In fact, they're paying these things out of pocket, so I can imagine that this is also going to discourage them from attending school here, which will be an economic loss for these universities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mary Boren, a Democrat from the University of Oklahoma's home in Norman, said as a legislator and educator, she believes the state is stronger when all high school graduates have a fair shot at higher education. "Targeting undocumented students who grew up here, without a criminal background, and who call Oklahoma home is mean-spirited," she said. "Denying in-state tuition won't secure our borders or make Oklahoma more prosperous." Norman Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman said he believed the lawsuit would not only harm students, but the state's workforce, economy and future. "This kind of action targets young people whove grown up in our communities, graduated from our schools, and are working hard to build better futuresfor themselves and for Oklahoma," he said in a statement. He later added that, "OUs undocumented students are part of the fabric of our city and campus community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, an OU spokesperson said if the Oklahoma law is found to be unconstitutional, this would affect a small number of students at OU, adding the university would reach out to those students directly. OU will make all applicable changes to its procedures to comply, the spokesperson said. The Trump Administration has targeted several states with similar laws and policies as part of his broader effort to curb illegal immigration. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trump sues Oklahoma to exclude immigrants from in-state tuition rates Republican Attorney General Gentner Drummond and the U.S. Department of Justice are asking a judge to declare unconstitutional an Oklahoma law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at Oklahoma colleges and universities. The request came along with a federal lawsuit challenging the state tuition rate law. The Trump administration has tried for months to block states from extending lower tuition rates to students who are undocumented. Minnesota, Kentucky and Texas also have been targeted. What sets Oklahoma apart from some of the other states is that Drummond the state's top law officer is siding with Trump's Justice Department from the outset of the case, which began Tuesday, Aug. 5. Drummond signed on to a joint motion asking the U.S. District Court in Muskogee to invalidate the law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court filing lists eight federal attorneys as representing the United States. Drummond and Oklahoma Solicitor General Garry Gaskins are listed as representing Oklahoma, which is referred to as the defendant in the case. The legal action quickly drew pushback from critics, who said the move would deal an economic blow not only to immigrant students but to the state as a whole. Under the policy of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the executive agency that oversees public higher education in the state, an undocumented student from Oklahoma is eligible to pay in-state tuition rates, which are considerably less than those paid by out-of-state students attending Oklahoma colleges and universities. That policy says a person who resided in Oklahoma at the time of graduation from an Oklahoma high school and has resided in the state with a parent or legal guardian for two years prior to graduation from high school will be eligible for in-state status. Oklahoma colleges and universities are responsible for determining students in-state and out-of-state status consistent with regents board policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit says the policy stems from a state law that spells out similar requirements for granting in-state tuition to students who "cannot present to the institution valid documentation of United States nationality or an immigration status permitting study at a postsecondary institution." The law was last amended in 2007. Angela Caddell, a spokeswoman for the state regents, said in a statement that the agency's officials were aware of the court filings and "will follow federal law." She continued: "State system institutions will determine their next steps in concert with their respective campus governing boards." In a statement, a University of Oklahoma spokesperson said if the Oklahoma law is found to be unconstitutional, this would affect a small number of students at OU, adding the university would reach out to those students directly. OU will make all applicable changes to its procedures to comply, the spokesperson said. A spokesperson for Oklahoma State University said it complies with federal laws and would monitor the "latest developments and guidance from the federal government." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kevin Stitt also has not yet commented on the suit. Drummond, who is running to succeed Stitt as governor, said he was taking part in the legal action on behalf of taxpayers who for many years have subsidized colleges and universities as they provide unlawful benefits to illegal immigrants in the form of in-state tuition. Immigration advocates criticize lawsuit: 'An economic loss for these universities' Lorena Rivas, an immigration attorney with the Tulsa-based law firm Rivas & Associates, said raising the price for undocumented students to attend colleges in their home states could create a bigger economic fallout. "They're not getting government assistance to attend these schools, because they're not eligible for it," she said. "In fact, they're paying these things out of pocket, so I can imagine that this is also going to discourage them from attending school here, which will be an economic loss for these universities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Mary Boren, a Democrat from OU's home in Norman, said as a legislator and educator, she believes the state is stronger when all high school graduates have a fair shot at higher education. "Targeting undocumented students who grew up here, without a criminal background, and who call Oklahoma home is mean-spirited," she said. "Denying in-state tuition won't secure our borders or make Oklahoma more prosperous." Norman Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman said he believed the legal challenge would not only harm students, but the state's workforce, economy and future. "This kind of action targets young people whove grown up in our communities, graduated from our schools, and are working hard to build better futures for themselves and for Oklahoma," he said in a statement. He later added that, "OUs undocumented students are part of the fabric of our city and campus community." (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trump sues Oklahoma to exclude immigrants from in-state tuition rates PNN New Delhi [India], August 5: Tourism Finance Corporation of India Limited (TFCIL, The Company), (NSE - TFCILTD | BSE - 526650), one of the leading companies providing financial assistance to tourism-related projects have announced its Unaudited Financial Results for Q1 FY26. Key Financial Highlights * Total Income of 65.82 Cr, YoY growth of 6.44% * EBITDA of 59.85 Cr, YoY growth of 5.73% * PAT of 30.56 Cr, YoY growth of 20.31% * PAT Margin of 46.43%, YoY growth of 536 Bps * EPS of 3.30, YoY growth of 20.44% * The Management is upbeat for the future after the best ever quarterly financial performance by the company: Highest PAT, growing NIMs and Net NPAs at Nil. * With a Fund Raise on the Anvil, Rating Upgrades imminent and a Proposed Stock Split recently announced by the Company's BOD, there is a lot to look forward to for TFCIL in the upcoming quarters. Q1 FY26 Key Highlights Income & Profitability: * Total Income increased by 6.44% YoY to Rs. 65.82 Cr from Rs. 61.84 Cr. * Income from operations was Rs. 63.71 Cr, an increase of 3.09% YoY. * Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew significantly by 19.62% YoY to Rs. 38.16 Cr. * Profit After Tax (PAT) recorded a robust increase of 20.31% YoY, reaching Rs. 30.56 Cr. * Earnings per Share (EPS) stood at Rs. 3.30 compared to Rs. 2.74 in the corresponding quarter last year. Financial Position: * Tangible Net Worth improved to Rs. 1,238.37 Cr from Rs. 1,149.12 Cr, marking a YoY growth of 7.77%. * Gross Loans (AUM) increased to Rs. 1,711.67 Cr from Rs. 1,553 Cr in the same quarter last year. Asset Quality: * Gross NPA significantly improved, reducing to 0.24% from 2.81% YoY. * Net NPA reduced to Nil from 1.54% YoY, indicating strong recovery management. Operational Efficiency: * Net Interest Margin (NIM) increased notably to 6.44% from 5.08%. * Return on Loans & Advances improved to 13.12% compared to 12.22%. * Operating expenses declined by 6.05% YoY to Rs. 27.66 Cr, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency. Capital Adequacy & Gearing: * The Capital Adequacy Ratio remains robust at 62.68%, significantly above the regulatory requirement. * Overall Gearing Ratio improved to 0.71:1 from 0.90:1, indicating a healthy capital structure. (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) If youve flipped on cable TV in West Palm Beach this year, you may have noticed a wave of political ads. But these spots werent necessarily for the public: They appear to be targeting just one person, President Donald Trump. Since Trump returned to the White House, interest groups have spent about $2 million on TV ads in the West Palm Beach media market, according to a Wall Street Journal story. Many of those ads are designed to catch the attention of a single viewer as he relaxes at Mar-a-Lago or tunes in from his motorcade enroute to his Palm Beach estate. West Palm Beach TV ads made just for President Trump One ad showed Trump in front of a roaring crowd, promising to cure cancer and Alzheimers. That message came from a group with ties to the pharmaceutical industry, reportedly hoping to persuade Trump to reverse his administrations drug pricing policy, according to the Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another ad from an auto manufacturing coalition pushed back against looming tariffs, with a narrator urging Mr. President, together we can drive innovation and American manufacturing. Lets do it. The ad, according to Alliance for Automotive Innovation president John Bozzella, was meant to reintroduce the new administration to the countrys largest manufacturing sector," according to the Journal. Its all part of a growing strategy in Washingtons influence industry known as the audience of one. Groups with priorities before the president are spending big on ads that technically reach many but are clearly tailored for Trumps eyes. These ads tend to praise him first, then nudge him toward a policy ask. West Palm Beach becomes a key market for policy-driven ads West Palm Beach ranks third nationwide for issues-based ad spending since the 2025 inauguration, trailing only Washington, D.C., and New York, according to ad-tracking firm AdImpact. That puts it ahead of far larger markets like Los Angeles and Dallas, and well above its rank during the 2024 election cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even government agencies are getting in on the action, the Journal reported. A Department of Homeland Security ad aired in the region this year as part of a targeted national and international campaign, said Kristi Noem, DHS secretary. The ad encouraged undocumented immigrants to leave our country now. If you dont, we will find you and we will deport you. In the ad, Noem herself appears on camera, saying: Thank you, President Donald J. Trump, for securing our border, for deporting criminal illegal immigrants and for putting America first. The influence game isnt new, but it has evolved. During Trumps first term, lobbyists often bought airtime on networks he was known to watch, especially Fox News. This time, the strategy is more location-specific. Groups like the vaping lobby, aluminum manufacturers, and Medicare Advantage advocates have poured money into TV ads in Trumps media markets, first in West Palm Beach, and more recently, in northern New Jersey near his Bedminster club, where the president spends his summers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican media strategist Joe Corbe told the Journal that campaigns aimed at Trump often begin with praise and then push policy. They want him to see it, to feel like the message is urgent and important, Corbe said. White House spokesperson Kush Desai dismissed the idea that TV spots influence Trumps decisions, saying his policies are guided solely by the best interest of the American people," according to the Journal. Still, as long as Trumps TV is on, special interests seem more than willing to pay for airtime, just to get one mans attention. Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Lobbyists spend millions on West Palm Beach ads aimed at Trump The Trump administration is considering publicly releasing an audio recording of an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell and senior officials from the Department of Justice about Jeffrey Epstein, according to a new report. It was not previously known that such a recording existed, and officials are currently discussing whether or not to release a transcript of the discussion between the British socialite and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Maxwell, 63, was the disgraced financiers ex-girlfriend, and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after her 2021 conviction for her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse multiple girls. Her attorneys have taken an appeal of her conviction to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interview between the socialite and the DOJ came following ongoing pressure on the administration to be more transparent over the Epstein case, following a July 6 memo which stated that convicted pedophile died by suicide in 2019 and there was no evidence to support the existence of a so-called client list. Such claims caused uproar among the MAGA faithful. Ghislaine Maxwell, 63 (right), was the ex-girlfriend of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein (left), and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after her 2021 conviction for her role in a scheme to sexually exploit and abuse multiple girls. Officials are weighing up whether to release a transcript of an interview between her and DOJ officials (US District Court for the Southern District of New York) Sources told CNN that the audio recording was currently being transcribed and digitized, but that some parts that may reveal sensitive information like the names of victims would need to be redacted. The outlet reported that as of Tuesday morning, a final decision on whether to release the recording and the transcript, had not been made. CNN also reported that, per its sources, some within the administration were concerned that making details from the interview public would bring the Epstein controversy back into the public spotlight, when many officials close to the president believe the story has largely died down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked for comment by The Independent, the administration denied that any such decisions were being made about the transcript, and that Trump had already addressed the issue. It was not previously known that such a recording existed, and officials are currently discussing whether or not release a transcript of the discussion between the British socialite and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche (AP) In a statement, Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director, said: This is nothing more than CNN trying desperately to create news out of old news. He already addressed this issue in an interview with Newsmax, a real news outlet that routinely gets better ratings than CNN. Discussions about the recordings and transcript come after the DoJ admitted that the grand jury transcripts in Maxwells criminal case, contain mostly publicly available information. Trump previously asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to make public any and all pertinent grand jury transcripts in both the Epstein and Maxwell cases, in order to stymie the ongoing furore. A judge overseeing Maxwells case asked the government to provide more information to the court. The department provided a version of the transcripts that identifies which information is not publicly available. However, Bondi admitted in a Monday filing that much of the information in the transcripts was already made publicly available. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his administration will release new rules and regulations on migrant farm labor, as the countrys need for workers and the food they help produce clashes with his vow to deport undocumented immigrants. Trump said that his administration will continue to deport criminals but that he wants to work with farmers to find a solution for their workers, oftentimes immigrants who have lived in the country illegally for decades and are paying taxes. He suggested the White House was working on a touchback program for some workers, requiring them to leave the U.S. and reenter through a legal pathway, an idea that faces strong opposition among immigration hawks who view exceptions for one industry as a slippery slope. In some cases, were sending them back to their country with a pass back in legally Were sending them back, and then theyre schooling, theyre learning, theyre coming in, theyre coming in legally. We have a lot of that going on, but were taking care of our farmers, Trump said in an interview with CNBC. We cant let our farmers not have anybody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy debate has roiled the White House for months, as the presidents aides weigh ideas from across the administration. Officials are debating how to placate farmers need for migrant labor without appearing to offer amnesty to undocumented immigrants. Administration officials have also discussed expanding access to the H-2A program for non-seasonal agricultural industries, like dairy, an issue that has long received Republican support but it would fall short of replacing the estimated 320,000 undocumented farm workers already in the U.S. And any touchback program, or moves that provide these workers with a path to legal status, will be criticized by immigration hawks who view such exceptions as a form of amnesty. Trump, who has appeared sympathetic to both farmers and immigration hawks, said Tuesday that the farm laborers arent easy to replace an argument that runs up against critics argument that native-born workers could fill the jobs. The president said that people that live in the inner city wont do the work. Theyve tried. Weve tried, Everybodys tried. They dont do it. These people do it naturally. Naturally, Trump said. I said what happens to a farmer the other day what happens if they get a bad back? He said, They dont get a bad back, sir, because if they get a bad back, they die. I said, Thats interesting. In many ways, theyre very, very special people. Trump did not say who told him this. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Republicans were entitled to five more seats in Texas, in one of his first public comments on the states new proposed congressional map. Trump had remained quiet on the states redrawn map since it was introduced, despite brewing commotion over the Republican partisan gerrymander that prompted dozens of state Democratic lawmakers to flee the state in a last-ditch attempt to block the maps passage over the weekend. The map could net Republicans as many as five seats in the state. It has triggered an arms race across the country, with Democratic-controlled states most notably California pledging to gerrymander their own maps in response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas, Trump told CNBCs Squawk Box. I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats. Texas Republicans last week unveiled a new congressional map of the state that, if passed by the states legislature, would boost the partys chances of maintaining control of the House in the 2026 midterms. It came after pressure from the Trump aides to redraw the map, along with the Department of Justice alleging that the previous map could be illegal, even as Trump makes it clear the redraw is predominantly driven by politics. Scores of Democratic state lawmakers left the state in an attempt to stop Republicans from implementing the map by denying the legislature a quorum. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has repeatedly vowed to expel the absent Democrats from the legislature if they fail to return to the state for its ongoing special session. Trump on Tuesday bashed the departed Democrats, some of whom fled to Illinois on Sunday, calling the situation terrible. Andrew Howard contributed to this report. President Trump early Tuesday touted an appeals court ruling upholding Texass requirement that voters to provide a drivers license or other identification number for their mail ballot to be counted. THIS IS GREAT NEWS!!! Should be Nationwide!!! President DJT Trump wrote on Truth Social. A three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit unanimously ruled on Monday the requirement does not violate a provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prevents states from denying a persons right to vote over paperwork errors that are not material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number-matching requirements are obviously designed to confirm that every mail-in voter is indeed who he claims he is. And that is plainly material to determining whether an individual is qualified to vote, wrote U.S. Circuit Judge James Ho, rejecting the argument. Ho was joined on the panel by U.S. Circuit Judge Don Willett, both Trump appointees, and U.S. Circuit Judge Patrick Higginbotham, an appointee of former President Reagan. In Texas, voters can vote by mail if they meet certain criteria, like being disabled or age 65 or older. The states Republican-controlled Legislature passed the new check in 2021 as part of a broader election integrity bill, S.B. 1. It requires voters to provide a state identification number or the last four digits of their Social Security number on their mail-in ballot application and ballot envelope. Clerks reject ballots that dont comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration and several civil rights groups filed lawsuits soon after the laws enactment. Texas and the Republican National Committee (RNC) appealed to the 5th Circuit after U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez Jr. blocked Texas from enforcing the requirement. An appointee of former President George W. Bush, Rodriguez ruled that the number-matching requirement violates the Civil Rights Act because it is not material to a voters eligibility. The 5th Circuits decision reverses that finding, ruling that the materiality provision only covers voter eligibility determinations and not mail-in ballots. The 2021 Act easily complies with the materiality provision in any event, Ho wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, RNC Chairman Michael Whatley called the ruling a clear victory for secure elections. Texass commonsense safeguards for mail-in ballots are essential to protecting the integrity of every single ballot cast, Whatley said. As long as Democrats and the left are fighting to overthrow the will of the American people who support these safeguards, the RNC will be there to meet them in court. Updated 11:03 a.m. EDT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Trump trails progressive stalwarts Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in favorability polling, according to a new survey conducted by Gallup. The poll, which was released Tuesday morning, found that among 14 prominent figures, Trumps net favorable rating was negative 16 points, with 41 percent of respondents having a favorable view of the president and 57 percent saying the opposite. Another 2 percent had no opinion about Trump. Ocasio-Cortezs net favorability was negative 4 points, with 34 percent having a favorable view of her and 38 percent having an unfavorable one. About 28 percent had no opinion about her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Biden, whose public support while in office never recovered after dropping midway through his term, accumulated a negative 11 point favorable rating, placing him in the middle of the list. About 43 percent of U.S. adults had a favorable view of Biden, while 54 percent said the opposite. Another 3 percent had no opinion. Pope Leo XIV had the most positive image out of the 14 public figures on the list, with 57 percent having a favorable view and 11 percent having an unfavorable one. About 31 percent had no opinion about the American-born pontiff. Second on the list was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a positive 18 rating, while Sanders was in third place at positive 11, the survey found. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Vice President Vance had an identical net favorability of negative 11 points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among Trump administration officials, the favorability has dropped the most for Secretary of State Marco Rubio and tech billionaire Elon Musk, with each dropping by 24 points, Gallup noted. Rubios net favorability is at negative 16 points, with 31 percent having a favorable view of the former Florida senator and 47 percent having an unfavorable one. Musk, the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency who had a public fallout with Trump over the presidents signature tax and spending bill was at the bottom of the list with negative 28 net favorability, a 24-point drop since January. Gallup noted the dampened favorable ratings of key Trump administration officials since January are broadly consistent with the decline in Trumps job approval rating over the same period, down 10 percentage points. A late July Gallup poll found that Trumps approval rating was at 37 percent, down 10 points since taking office. A recent The Economist/YouGov survey found the presidents net approval rating to be 15 points underwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll was conducted from July 7-21 among 1,002 adults. The margin of error was 4 percentage points. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Racists have for centuries attempted to justify their belief that they are made of superior stock by making absurdist, unfounded claims about the supposed innate differences between races. Today, President Donald Trump appeared on CNBCs Squawk Box to discuss the economic impacts of his first months in office, as well as inform the public of his belief that undocumented migrants are more naturally inclined toward hard labor. Speaking about how his administrations crackdown on undocumented immigration is affecting the American agricultural sector, Trump said that in some cases, were sending [migrants] back to their country with a pass back in legally. We cant let our farmers not have anybody, Trump added in reference to undocumented farm laborers, primarily of Hispanic origin, who are being targeted for deportation by his Department of Homeland Security. These [are] people that you cant replace them very easily you know, people that live in the inner city are not doing that work. Theyre just not doing that work. And theyve tried weve tried, everybody tried. They dont do it. These people do it naturally, naturally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should go without saying that no group of people feels an intrinsic urge to cultivate the land for sub-livable wages and at constant risk of detainment and deportation, but the president doubled down. I said, What happens if they get it to a farmer the other day what happens if they get a bad back? He said, They dont get a bad back, sir, because if they get a bad back, they die. You know, in many ways theyre very, very special people, Trump added. As special as they may be to the president, his administration has treated undocumented workers especially farm workers with a singular cruelty that has become increasingly dangerous. Migrants have been sent to foreign gulags where they were denied due process rights and allegedly tortured. Raids have targeted workplaces and farms in enforcement actions that one migrant told The Guardian makes them feel like theyre being hunted like animals. And as much as Trump claims farmers and land owners who employ undocumented migrants are going to be taken care of, his administration is actively engaged in efforts to significantly increase the size of ICEs agent pool. A widespread recruitment effort boasts that new agents could be entitled to a $50,000 signing bonus, $60,000 in student loan forgiveness, and other perks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the administration made a public show of cruelty toward the nations migrant population, farmers and other industry workers began to complain that the roundups and deportations were affecting their ability to conduct business. In June, the backlash became so intense that the president was forced to make a soft pivot in order to appease one of his core constituencies. We cant take farmers and take all their people and send them back because they dont have maybe what theyre supposed to have, maybe not, he said at the time, ordering a brief pause in enforcement. The concession didnt last long: Within weeks, CBS News reported that after appeals from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, roundups of undocumented farm workers resumed with a vengeance. Trump said today that he wants to work with farmers to find a solution, but given his administrations thirst for deportations, its unlikely migrant laborers will ever be able to work in peace as long as he is in power. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. President Donald Trump tore down the Democratic Party during an interview with CNBC on Tuesday morning and targeted his frequent political foe, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, deriding her as an example of one of their low IQ members. In a long-winded, and occasionally rambling, interview with Squawk Box, the president lashed out at the opposing political party for being lost and self-destructing. In between speaking about his economic policy record and plans for tariffs, the president took some time to insult prominent members of the party with whom he often quarrels. Using one of his commonly used phrases, Trump said members of the Democratic Party are low IQ people and cited the Texas congresswoman as an example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, when you have low-IQ people, like Crockett, Trump began before suddenly going on a tangent. I wonder if shes any relationship to the late, great Davy Crockett, who was a great, great gentleman, he said, falling back on the late, great appellation he generally reserves for the fictional Silence of the Lambs serial killer Hannibal Lecter to oddly decry illegal immigration at campaign rallies. I wonder if shes got any relationship to Davy Crockett. The great old Davy Crockett, Trump pondered. President Donald Trump lashed out at Rep. Jasmine Crockett for being a low IQ member of the Democratic Party (Getty Images for MoveOn) Davy Crockett was a politician and pioneerman who represented Tennessee in the House from 1827 until 1835. His legacy is often remembered for his larger-than-life storytelling and involvement in the Texas Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politically, Davy Crockett was staunchly opposed to President Andrew Jackson and switched from being a member of the National Republican Party to the Whig Party, which opposed strong presidential use of executive power, expansion of territory in the U.S., and advocated for the establishment of a national bank. Jasmine Crockett has never publicly said whether or not she is related to Davy Crockett. There is no evidence to suggest the two are related at this time. Although Trumps comment was not necessarily an insult, he has used his platform to bash Crockett, who vehemently disapproves of the president and many of his allies. After Crockett insulted Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Trump called her a lowlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crockett has previously suggested Trump is mentally or physically unfit to serve as president and challenged him to an IQ test. Shes also publicly called the president a "ridiculous tyrant and piece of s***. Trump has often claimed that those who bash him have Trump derangement syndrome diminishing criticisms as illogical, irrational, and done as a personal attack rather than a policy critique. The Democrats are lost. They have Trump derangement syndrome so bad that they cant walk, they cant talk, they dont know where theyre going. Schumer is finished. I watched him the other day, hes lost all of his confidence, Trump said on CNBC. (NewsNation) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with President Donald Trump on the phone about a potential path to end the war with Russia. We are grateful to @POTUS for all efforts toward a just and lasting peace. It is truly a must to stop the killing as soon as possible, and we fully support this, Zelenskyy wrote on social media Tuesday. Many months could have already passed without war, had Russia not been prolonging it. Zelenskyy said he and Trump discussed a recent Russian strike on Kyiv, as well as European aid packages for Ukraine, to which the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Denmark have committed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO allies would offset US aid to Ukraine under PEACE Act He also said Ukraine has prepared a draft agreement on drones with the United States and said he was ready to discuss in detail and conclude it. The leaders reportedly also spoke about sanctions on Russia ahead of Trumps Aug. 8 deadline for a ceasefire. Their economy continues to decline, and thats exactly why Moscow is so sensitive to this prospect and President Trumps resolve, Zelenskyy wrote in the post. This can change a lot. The conversation comes as U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to travel to Moscow on Wednesday in an effort to make progress on a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Office of Special Counsel has opened an investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith, alleging he may have broken a law that bars federal workers from engaging in political activities a probe that feels politically motivated, considering Donald Trump and his allies have historically scoffed at ethics laws and that a dozen people in Trumps first administration were found to have violated such laws. The Office of Special Counsel, led by former right-wing podcaster and 2020 election denier Paul Ingrassia, confirmed on Saturday that it was looking into allegations that Smith violated the Hatch Act, a 1939 law that says federal workers cant engage in partisan activities when operating in their official capacity. Smith, who was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022 to investigate Trump for allegedly attempting to subvert the 2020 election and unlawfully retaining classified documents, resigned from his post in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a longtime Trump ally, demanded an investigation into Smith last week, claiming that the former special counsel had used his DOJ role to influence the [2024] election. He further alleged that Smith had pushed for an out-of-the-ordinary, rushed trial over Trumps alleged attempts to subvert the 2020 election, defraud the public and intimidate voters by inspiring his supporters to violently attack the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress met to certify the election. Cotton claimed Smiths actions were only meant to help Democratic nominee Kamala Harris win the 2024 race. There is no other reason, Cotton wrote on social media. But Smiths handling of the Jan. 6 case has been well-documented, and not just in his massive final report which Trumps lawyers tried to block from going public. There are also thousands of pages of court records that Smiths team and Trumps attorneys both filed over the course of many years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is also well-documented is Trumps pattern of retaliation against his perceived enemies, and Smith is clearly on his enemies list. Also well documented? How the Trump administration has historically treated the Hatch Act. Richard Painter, a White House ethics lawyer during President George W. Bushs administration, described the abuses succinctly in a November 2021 tweet. An entire administration at the most senior levels devoted to illegally using federal office to promote the presidents political campaign, he wrote. Disgusting. The probe into whether Smith blurred the lines between politics and his official position comes as Trump continues toblur (or obliterate) the linesbetween his business ventures and the presidency. And oversight conducted by anyone who isnt already baked into Trumps inner circle, despite their experience or expertise, is unwelcome: In the first few weeks of his second administration, Trump fired 18 inspectors general and watchdogs meant to oversee corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also fired OSC special counselHampton Dellinger, who was tasked with enforcing the Hatch Act, in February, and made several changes that weakened the law. Weeks after Dellinger was fired less than halfway into what was supposed to be a five-year term the Office of Special Counsel announced it was rescinding a policy he had put into place last year, which forbade federal employees from wearing or displaying the campaign merchandise of a candidate actively running for office. That included buttons, hats and signs in the workplace. This attempt to keep personal politics out of the federal workplace put too great a burden on First Amendment interests, OSC said in a memo issued in April. The memo also reopened a loophole that Dellinger had closed on how and when certain federal workers specifically, political appointees who dont face Senate confirmation but are handpicked by the president, like White House staffers are disciplined for Hatch Act violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are now referred directly to the White House to face consequences, rather than the Merit Systems Protection Board, the semi-independent body historically tasked with protecting federal workers from politically motivated firings. (Trump fired Cathy Harris, whom former President Joe Biden appointed as chair of the board, without cause, prompting her to sue. The Supreme Court refused to reinstate her while her litigation against the administration plays out.) Consequences are not something Trump appeared to care about when it came to his staffers violating the Hatch Act during his first administration.Even after the OSC under then-special counsel Henry Kerner a Trump appointee recommended Kellyanne Conway be fired for ethics violations, Trump kept her on. It looks to me like theyre trying to take away her right of free speech, and thats just not fair. It really sounds to me like a free speech thing. It doesnt sound fair, Trump said on Fox & Friends in 2019. The OSC made one other key change this spring: Employees who have left the federal workforce before a formal Hatch Act complaint is made against them can no longer be disciplined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear how or even if the Trump administration can actually penalize Smith, who resigned months ago. Penalties for Hatch Act violations include removal from federal service, reduction in grade, debarment from federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000, according to the Justice Department. The Office of Special Counsel did not reply to HuffPosts multiple requests for comment. The targeting of Smith may be an attempt to distract from the still-mounting scandal over Trumps relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the devastating costs of Trumps tariffs, and the wide-ranging criticism the administration has received for its blatant disdain for due process, immigrants, trans people, womenand children, and the poor. Beyond attempting to rewrite the history of Jan. 6 or targeting Smith solely for the sake of punishing him, what Trump stands to gain by dragging Smith through the public square isnt clear. OSC can subpoena documents, conduct interviews and essentially hold a trial of its own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As former federal prosecutor Andrew Weismann recently pointed out, relitigating Smiths investigation could backfire spectacularly. Trump spent years trying to avoid and largely being successful at avoiding any of these cases going to trial. And if hes going to have a trial here, thats going to be a forum for Jack Smith and people to put on the evidence that he has tried for so long to avoid, Weismann said on MSNBC. Related... VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 5: IDFC FIRST Bank announces the launch of RemitFIRST2India, a next-generation digital remittance platform that allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to send money to their families in India quickly, securely, and with zero transfer fees. NRI customers of IDFC FIRST Bank can simply log-in to the Mobile Banking App and make the transaction. For non-IDFC FIRST Bank NRI users, the platform offers a simple, paperless onboarding journey through a dedicated web-portal. RemitFIRST2India has been launched in partnership with SingX, a leading remittance provider licensed by Monetary Authority of Singapore, to offer a fully compliant and seamless cross-border payment experience. Currently, the platform supports transfers from Singapore and Hong Kong, with expansion plan across other countries. It also keeps the customer updated on each step of a transaction with live transaction tracking. The platform has been designed with a strong focus on speed, transparency, and easy access. Key Features of RemitFirst2India: * Zero Transfer Fees: Send money without any processing or platform fees* Competitive, Guaranteed Forex Rates: No hidden markups/charges* Seamless Digital transfer: Speedy paperless transfer to any bank account in India with real-time tracking* Welcome Benefits: Enjoy extra Forex margin on the first three transfers for new users Speaking about this launch, Ashish Singh, Head Retail Liabilities, said, "RemitFIRST2India is more than just a remittance solution -- it is a reflection of our customer-first philosophy. We've designed it to be intuitive, transparent, and truly global. Whether you are an existing customer or new to the Bank, you can now send money home in just a few clicks, no charges and with complete peace of mind. This launch strengthens IDFC FIRST Bank's position as a digitally forward bank that delivers secure, efficient, and affordable banking solutions to the global Indian diaspora " Atul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SingX said, "With world attention centred around India, NRI flows into India are likely to double in the next 5 years. Traditionally NRIs have sent money to India for family maintenance purposes. We are increasingly seeing a number of NRIs remitting funds to India to participate in Indian debt and equity investments. We are delighted to partner with IDFC FIRST Bank to launch an innovative service which enables NRIs to transfer funds to India in a smoother and more cost-effective fashion." NRI Customers with IDFC FIRST Bank can send money directly using their mobile banking app without any additional registration process. New customers can also experience a frictionless process, where they can complete a quick, one-step profile creation and immediately proceed to book their transaction. For more on How to Send Money to India details: Visit https://www.idfcfirstbank.com/nri-banking/remittance/send-money-online About the Bank IDFC FIRST Bank is a fast growing, new age Private Sector Bank created in India with a vision of building a world-class Bank in India, focused on Ethical, Digital, and Social Good Banking. The Bank has 35.5 million live customers, a customer deposit base of Rs. 2,56,799 crore and loans and advances of Rs. 2,53,233 crore, spread over 60,000 cities, towns, and villages across India. It has 1,016 branches but is built as a digital first Bank in scale, scope, and approach. Its customer deposits are growing at 26% YoY and Loans & Advances growing by 21% YoY (June 30, 2025) based on friendly user digital interface, ethical approach, customer friendly products, strong brand, and high corporate governance. Its technology stack is built on advanced technology using cloud native experience layer, microservices led architecture, and powered by advanced data platform, analytics, and Artificial Intelligence. Its mobile App has over 2 million views and is rated 4.9 on Google Playstore and 4.8 on Appstore. The App is rated #1 in India and #4 App in the world by The Forrester Digital Experience Review: Global Mobile Banking Apps, Q4 2024 for prioritising Customers' financial well-being, comprehensive suite of financial management features, and personalized financial insights, providing educational resources and expert guidance through its Financial Wellness Corner and IDFC First Academy. The 7 Core Principles of IDFC FIRST Bank 1. Vision: Building a world-class Bank in India, focused on Ethical, Digital, and Social Good Banking. 2. Universal Bank: IDFC FIRST Bank is a Universal Bank, offering a comprehensive range of services, including Retail, MSME, Rural, Startups, Corporate Banking, Cash Management, Wealth Management, Deposits, Government Banking, Working Capital, Trade Finance, and Treasury solutions. 3. Ethical Banking: The Bank adheres to a "Near and Dear" test, ensuring its products are so customer-friendly that employees can confidently recommend them to loved ones. The Bank is committed to doing right by customers even when no one is watching and believes that income earned unethically is not worth earning. So, the Bank has simplified descriptions, calculations, and legal jargon to avoid confusing customers and offers "ZERO FEE Banking" on all savings account services, including SMS alerts, IMPS, RTGS, NEFT, cash deposits, non-home branch access, ATM withdrawals, cheque books, Demand Drafts, Pay Orders, duplicate statements, and other commonly charged services. It is the first and only bank in India to do so. 4. Customer Friendly Banking: IDFC FIRST Bank credits interest monthly on savings accounts. For credit cards, it offers lifetime-free cards with no minimum spend conditions, non-expiring reward points, zero interest on ATM cash withdrawals, and dynamic low APR. Any applicable fees are transparent and clearly explained. 5. Digital Banking: The Bank's modern technology stack delivers high-quality services across mobile, branch, internet banking, call centres, and relationship managers. 6. Social Good Banking: The Bank is financially inclusive with high asset quality. It has financed over 38 million customers, including 16 million lifestyle improvement loans, 15 million loans to 4.3 million women entrepreneurs, 6.5 million vehicle loans, 1 million sanitation loans, 1 million livelihood loans, 300,000 SME loans, and 100,000 home loans. 7. ESG: The Bank holds high ESG scores, reflecting its commitment to financial inclusion and social responsibility. (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) SAO PAULO (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump has made clear who his new Latin America priority is: former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a personal and political ally. In doing so, he has damaged one of the Western hemisphere's most important and long-standing relationships, by levying 50% tariffs that begin to take effect Wednesday on the largest Latin America economy, sanctioning its main justice and bringing relations between the two countries to the lowest point in decades. The White House has appeared to embrace a narrative pushed by Bolsonaro allies in the U.S., that the former Brazilian president's prosecution for attempting to overturn his 2022 election loss is part of a deliberate breakdown in the rule of law, with the government engaging in politically motivated intimidation and committing human rights abuses, according to Trump's statement announcing the tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message was clear earlier, when Donald Trump described Bolsonaros prosecution by Brazils Supreme Court as a witch hunt using the same phrase he has employed for the numerous investigations he has faced since his first term. Bolsonaro faces charges of orchestrating a coup attempt to stay in power after losing the 2022 election to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. A conviction could come in the next few months. The U.S. has a long history of meddling with the affairs of Latin American governments, but Trump's latest moves are unprecedented, said Steven Levitsky, a political scientist at Harvard University. This is a personalistic government that is adopting policies according to Trumps whims, Levitsky said. Bolsonaros sons, he noted, have close connections to Trumps inner circle. The argument has been bolstered by parallels between Bolsonaros prosecution and the attempted prosecution of Trump for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss, which ended when he won his second term last November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes been convinced Bolsonaro is a kindred spirit suffering a similar witch hunt, Levitsky said. Brazil's institutions hold firm against political pressure After Bolsonaros defeat in 2022, Trump and his supporters echoed his baseless election fraud claims, treating him as a conservative icon and hosting him at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Steve Bannon, the former Trump adviser, recently told Brazils news website UOL that the U.S. would lift tariffs if Bolsonaros prosecution were dropped. Meeting that demand, however, is impossible for several reasons. Brazilian officials have consistently emphasized that the judiciary is independent. The executive branch, which manages foreign relations, has no control over Supreme Court justices, who in turn have stated they wont yield to political pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the court ordered that Bolsonaro be placed under house arrest for violating court orders by spreading messages on social media through his sons' accounts. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the case against Bolsonaro, was sanctioned under the U.S. Magnitsky Act, which is supposed to target serious human rights offenders. De Moraes has argued that defendants were granted full due process and said he would ignore the sanctions and continue his work. The ask for Lula was undoable, said Bruna Santos of the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington, D.C., about dropping the charges against Bolsonaro. In the long run, you are leaving a scar on the relationship between the two largest democracies in the hemisphere. Magnitsky sanctions twist the law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three key factors explain the souring of U.S.-Brazil ties in recent months, said Oliver Stuenkel, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: growing alignment between the far-right in both countries; Brazils refusal to cave to tariff threats; and the country's lack of lobbying in Washington. Lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaros third son, has been a central figure linking Brazils far-right with Trump's MAGA movement. He took a leave from Brazil's Congress and moved to the U.S. in March, but he has long cultivated ties in Trumps orbit. Eduardo openly called for Magnitsky sanctions against de Moraes and publicly thanked Trump after the 50% tariffs were announced in early July. Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern, author of the Magnitsky Act, which allows the U.S. to sanction individual foreign officials who violate human rights, called the administration's actions horrible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They make things up to protect someone who says nice things about Donald Trump, McGovern told The Associated Press. Bolsonaro's son helps connect far right in US and Brazil Eduardo Bolsonaro's international campaign began immediately after his father's 2022 loss. Just days after the elections, he met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. As investigations against Bolsonaro and his allies deepened, the Brazilian far right adopted a narrative of judicial persecution and censorship, an echo of Trump and his allies who have claimed the U.S. justice system was weaponized against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brazils Supreme Court and Electoral Court are among the worlds strictest regulators of online discourse: they can order social media takedowns and arrests for spreading misinformation or other content it rules anti-democratic. But until recently, few believed Eduardos efforts to punish Brazils justices would succeed. That began to change last year when billionaire Elon Musk clashed with de Moraes over censorship on X and threatened to defy court orders by pulling its legal representative from Brazil. In response, de Moraes suspended the social media platform from operating in the country for a month and threatened operations of another Musk company, Starlink. In the end, Musk blinked. Fabio de Sa e Silva, a professor of international and Brazilian studies at the University of Oklahoma, said Eduardos influence became evident in May 2024, when he and other right-wing allies secured a hearing before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It revealed clear coordination between Bolsonaro supporters and sectors of the U.S. Republican Party, he said. Its a strategy to pressure Brazilian democracy from the outside. A last-minute tariff push yields some wins Brazil has a diplomatic tradition of maintaining a low-key presence in Washington, Stuenkel said. That vacuum created an opportunity for Eduardo Bolsonaro to promote a distorted narrative about Brazil among Republicans and those closest to Trump. "Now Brazil is paying the price, he said. After Trump announced sweeping tariffs in April, Brazil began negotiations. President Lula and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin Brazils lead trade negotiator said they have held numerous meetings with U.S. trade officials since then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lula and Trump have never spoken, and the Brazilian president has repeatedly said Washington ignored Brazils efforts to negotiate ahead of the tariffs implementation. Privately, diplomats say they felt the decisions were made inside the White House, within Trumps inner circle a group they had no access to. A delegation of Brazilian senators traveled to Washington in the final week of July in a last-ditch effort to defuse tensions. The group, led by Senator Nelsinho Trad, met with business leaders with ties to Brazil and nine U.S. senators only one of them Republican, Thom Tillis of North Carolina. We found views on Brazil were ideologically charged, Trad told The AP. But we made an effort to present economic arguments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the delegation was in Washington, Trump signed the order imposing the 50% tariff. But there was relief: not all Brazilian imports would be hit. Exemptions included civil aircraft and parts, aluminum, tin, wood pulp, energy products and fertilizers. Trad believes Brazils outreach may have helped soften the final terms. I think the path has to remain one of dialogue and reason so we can make progress on other fronts, he said. ___ Associated Press writer Mauricio Savarese in Sao Paulo contributed to this report. HONOLULU (KHON2) The Haleiwa Backyards Project proposal sits between Joseph P. Leong and Kamehameha Highway and stretches from North Shore Marketplace to Ace Hardware. Tsunami Advisory canceled for Hawaiian Islands Anyone whos been to Haleiwa knows that its very quaint, charming, genuine, historic town that still has that plantation feel, said Denise Antolini, North Shore resident. The developer is looking to build roughly 160 low-rise apartment units with 30,000 square feet of office and retail space, parking and a wastewater management system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, wastewater is a huge issue. The number of cars that this development would bring into an already congested area is also a really huge issue, Antolini added. The developer, Andy Anderson, said they plan to build their own wastewater treatment plant and said they do not plan to add people to North Shore but to relocate residents in areas like Waialua and Sunset so they can live closer to work. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You During Tuesdays, July 29, tsunami warning, the North Shore was gridlocked from Kahuku to Wahiawa, with cars at a standstill around Weed Circle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were faced with the perfect scenario on Tuesday, I have said time and time again, that we have strained resources and limited options and that couldnt have been proven in a bigger form than on Tuesday, said Racquel Achiu Hill, North Shore Neighborhood board vice chair. Its not just this project, its any project that is being put into an area that is so restricted and so limited on resources, Hill added. Despite roughly 1,000 testimonies against the project along with a petition, the city councils zoning committee has moved Bill 37 along, and on Wednesday, Aug. 6, will decide in full council whether the lot should stay country or become urbanized. If this project goes through, Im sure we will see lots of proposals to gobble up the other open space in Haleiwa, Antolini said. And pretty soon, Haleiwa will not be the charming rural plantation town that it is, you know that it has been for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill 37 focuses strictly on the state land use district boundary being amended. If it passes, the developer would still have to go back to the zoning committee for a zoning change. Following last weeks hearing, Council Member Matt Weyer said he sent a letter to the developer to see if they would be open to selling the property to the city or local community groups with money from the Clean Water Natural Land Fund. Check out more news from around Hawaii Anderson said the community needs smart housing solutions and doing nothing is not an acceptable option. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two women were rescued twice from a fast-moving river in only a matter of hours, Oregon firefighters said. The pair went tubing without life jackets Aug. 2 on the Willamette River in Albany, Albany Fire Department spokesperson Sandy Roberts told McClatchy News by email Aug. 5. Rescuers responded to the Monteith Park area at about 1:55 p.m. and found the women clinging to dense brush along the riverbank, firefighters said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts said the portion of the river that runs along Monteith Park has dense 20-foot tall vegetation growing along the bank. Underwater trees and snags are also thick in this portion of the river, Roberts said. The fire department helped the women out of the river. But it wasnt long before firefighters got another call to help the same women a second time. Firefighters responded to the river just before 4:30 p.m. and helped the pair out again, rescuers said. There were no reported injuries, so the women were released, firefighters said. Its not known if alcohol or drugs were involved, Roberts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire department encourages anyone going in or near a river to wear life jacket and avoid getting into water where theres a fast-moving current. Inflatable tubes meant for pools should also not be used in rivers, rescuers said. The fire department has a free life vest kiosk with all sizes at Bryant Park, which is just southwest of Monteith Park. Albany is about a 25-mile drive south from Salem. Man vanishes after jumping in river, Washington rescuers say Cries from forest werent what they seemed. Camper was singing his heart out Anglers hear cries for help, leading to man missing for days at lake, AZ cops say By Huseyin Hayatsever ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey's parliament launched a commission on Tuesday to oversee the disarmament of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group following its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan's call for it to end its insurgency. Thirty PKK militants burned their weapons in a ceremony in northern Iraq last month, marking a symbolic first step towards ending a decades-long struggle with Turkey in which more than 40,000 people have been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus told lawmakers at the opening of the first session that one of the commission's responsibilities would be to oversee the disarmament process. "With the complete disarmament, the preparation of legal regulations that will make peace permanent is also among the responsibilities of this commission," Kurtulmus said. The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies, began its insurgency in 1984. It decided in May to disband, disarm and end its armed struggle, saying it "has completed its historic mission". Its goals shifted over the decades from seeking an independent state to seeking greater Kurdish rights and limited autonomy in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All but one parliamentary party are represented in the commission, marking the first time multiple parties have formally gathered in parliament to address the peace process. The main opposition CHP joined the commission on condition that it address democratisation steps, while the nationalist opposition IYI Party refused to take part, saying it will legitimise PKK demands. The PKK's decision to disband came after a public call from its long-imprisoned leader Ocalan, prompted by a surprise proposal in October from Erdogan's ultra-nationalist ally Devlet Bahceli. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party, Turkey's third-largest, played a key role facilitating Ocalan's peace call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Permanent peace is possible through a democratic solution process based on a legitimate and inclusive political foundation," DEM's Gulistan Kocyigit told the commission. She said the DEM demands collective rights for Kurds, including the right to education in their mother tongue and steps to strengthen local governance. DEM's Meral Danis Bestas said steps should be taken to allow a review of Ocalan's aggravated life sentence. (Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever, additional reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun; Editing by Daren Butler and Hugh Lawson) A Turkish media outlet reported that the President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, would visit Kyiv in the coming days at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Ambassador Nariman Dzhelyal has stated that this information is not accurate. Source: Turkiye Gazetesi news agency, citing Ukrainian Ambassador to Ankara Nariman Dzhelyal; Dzhelyal in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda Quote: "Ukrainian Ambassador to Ankara Nariman Dzhelyal announced that President Erdogan would soon visit Kyiv and one of the main topics of discussion will be the ratification of the free trade agreement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The talks are also expected to cover Ankara's efforts towards a peaceful resolution of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Updated: Later, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda, Dzhelyal stated that the information was not accurate. Quote: "The Turkish media outlet, to put it mildly, distorted the information. Note they dont provide a source where I allegedly said this, they dont give a quote, they simply claim I made the statement." More details: Dzhelyal added that both he personally and the entire Embassy of Ukraine in Turkiye are working to arrange a visit by Erdogan to Ukraine at the invitation of President Zelenskyy. In particular, he personally conveyed the invitation once again via Turkiyes Minister of Trade, whom he met on 4 August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "But at this time, there is no information suggesting that such a visit by Erdogan to Ukraine is possible in the coming days." Background: Following three rounds of talks in Istanbul, Erdogan expressed optimism that Ukraine and Russia would soon hold further negotiations aimed at ending the war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! CHICAGO (WGN) A popular bar in West Town is closing its doors at the end of the month. Biker-themed bar Twisted Spoke on North Ogden Avenue announced on social media it will be closing on Aug. 31 after 30 years. The bar said their lease on the property is expiring, and now felt like the right time to unwind and hang it up. Legendary Chicago restaurant Gale Street Inn permanently closes doors Everything dies. Bars, rocknroll, reputationseven the hard men who built them. After 30 years of blood, grease, and bourbon, Twisted Spoke is grinding to a halt. The lease is up. Spend more time with family, the restaurant wrote on social media. August 31st is the last ride. No more Fatboys. No more wings that could raise the dead. No more Road Rash Mary to cure your sins. 4 Whiskey Wednesdays left. 4 rooftop brunches in the blazing sun. Thats it. After that? Well be sitting in the wreckage, chain-smoking and scheming. Bad ideas never die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report from Block Club Chicago, however, said perhaps a different version of the bar could exist again at some point, as owner Mitch Einhorn said hes not ready to retire just yet. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Im retaining the intellectual property for Twisted Spoke, so, who knows, maybe a neighborhood little dive bar will become available thats more affordable, and well have a second edition, he said. Einhorn added the cost of labor and food, along with the decline in late-night dining after the COVID-19 pandemic, also contributed to the decision to close Twisted Spoke. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two additional people have filed a lawsuit against Delta Air Lines and Japan Airlines over a ground collision between two passenger jets at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport earlier this year. According to the complaint filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, Donna Robertson and her brother Cary Baylis were aboard Delta flight 1921 when it was struck by a Japan Airlines plane on February 5, 2025. A similar lawsuit was filed in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Delta flight was headed to Puerto Vallarta and was stopped on the ramp, awaiting permission to approach the runway, when Japan Airlines flight 68, arriving from Tokyo, clipped the Delta planes tail with its wing. The incident happened around 10:15 a.m. near the S Concourse and the airports south maintenance hangar. Delta said at the time there were no injuries reported and apologized for the delay in travel. However, the lawsuit alleges that both plaintiffs sustained injuries that worsened in the days after the crash. Robertson, who has a history of back surgeries and had a wheelchair notation on her ticket, was reportedly holding a baby and assisting her other child when the impact caused her knee to slam into the seat in front of her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her body went into spasm, according to the complaint. Baylis, who is non-verbal and has autism, did not speak after the crash, but Robertson says she could see him favoring his right shoulder, back, and leg. The pair remained on the plane after other passengers deboarded, waiting for medical assistance. The complaint also points to international law as a key element in the case. Because the Delta flight was bound for Mexico, attorneys argue the Montreal Convention of 1999 governs liability. That treaty allows for compensation of up to about $215,000 per passenger without the need to prove fault. Beyond that threshold, Delta would have to prove it was not responsible for the injuries and that another partysuch as Japan Airlines, airport ground crews, or air traffic controlwas solely to blame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs need only establish that they were passengers on the Delta plane and prove the nature and extent of their injuries, the initial lawsuit stated. The Montreal treaty also unusually provides that it is Delta that must prove that it was not at fault. The lawsuit includes claims of treaty liability, common carrier negligence, negligence, gross negligence, loss of consortium, and negligent infliction of emotional distress against one or both airlines. Robertson is also listed as Baylis legal guardian. According to the filing, the lawsuit seeks over $75,000 in damages and a jury trial. The first lawsuit has a trial date set for Jan. 25, 2027. It also calls for injunctive relief requiring pilot retraining on taxi procedures and safety. LOZOVA, Ukraine (Reuters) -Russia carried out its largest attack on Lozova, a railway hub east of Ukraine, on Tuesday, with dozens of drone strikes that left two people dead and wounded 13 others, including two children, Ukrainian officials said. Governor Oleh Syniehubov said the attack involved 34 drones and damaged the train station and a nearby rail depot. It temporarily knocked out power to 80% of the town of around 50,000 in the Kharkiv region, which is connected by rail to strategic cities in Ukraine's east. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Critical infrastructure, apartment buildings and private homes have been damaged ... Lozova has endured the largest attack since the beginning of the war," Serhiy Zelenskiy, head of the town council, wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Rubble and debris littered the station, a stately Soviet-era building which was heavily damaged in the attack. "For Lozova it was a very unusual situation. Of course there have been strikes before, but nothing as big as what we had this evening," said local resident Oksana Samoilenko, 41. Some residents with cars had left the town earlier in the morning following the strike, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia said one of its employees was among the two people killed and four others wounded. Ukraine's air force said it had downed 29 of 46 drones launched by Russia across Ukraine overnight. One ballistic missile and 17 drones struck various locations, it said. There was no immediate comment from Russia. Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (Reporting by Vitalii Hnidyi and Anastasiia Malenko and Dan Peleschuk in Kyiv; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Bernadette Baum) By Karen Freifeld (Reuters) -Two Chinese nationals in California were arrested and charged with illegally shipping tens of millions of dollars' worth of AI chips to China, including Nvidia H100s, the U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday. Chuan Geng, 28, of Pasadena, and Shiwei Yang, 28, of El Monte, exported the advanced Nvidia chips and other technology to China from October 2022 through July 2025 without the required licenses from the U.S. Commerce Department, the Justice Department said, citing an affidavit filed with the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the affidavit, Geng and Yang's El Monte-based company, ALX Solutions, was founded in 2022, shortly after the U.S. imposed sweeping export controls on technology to China to slow Beijing's military modernization and began to require licenses for the chips. China opposed the U.S. move as harming normal trade. Over 20 shipments from ALX went to shipping and freight forwarding companies in Singapore and Malaysia, which are often used as transshipment points for illegal goods to China, a federal agent, who works for the Commerce Department, said in the affidavit. ALX received a $1 million payment from a China-based company in January 2024 and other payments from companies in Hong Kong and China, not from the freight forwarding companies, the agent said. Nvidia H100s are advanced chips that can be used to train large language models and many other applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records show that from at least August 2023 to July 2024, ALX Solutions bought over 200 Nvidia H100 chips from San Jose, California-based server maker Super Micro Computer, declaring that the customers were in Singapore and Japan, the agent said. On one 2023 invoice valued at $28,453,855, ALX said the customer was in Singapore, but a U.S. export control officer in Singapore could not verify the chips arrived in the country and the company did not exist at the listed location, the document says. "This case demonstrates that smuggling is a nonstarter," a Nvidia spokesperson said in a statement. "We primarily sell our products to well-known partners...who help us ensure that all sales comply with U.S. export control rules." Diverted products have "no service, support or updates," the statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Super Micro said in a statement it was "firmly committed to compliance with all U.S. export control regulations." It said it did not comment on ongoing legal matters, but cooperated with authorities in any such proceedings. Geng and Yang appeared in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday, the Justice Department said. Geng, a permanent resident, was released on $250,000 bond. Yang, who overstayed her visa, has a detention hearing on August 12. Lawyers for the defendants did not respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld; Editing by Alistair Bell, Bill Berkrot and Lincoln Feast.) Three people are dead and 67 are sick as a Legionnaires' outbreak in New York City continues to grow. The disease a type of severe pneumonia that thrives in warm water was first detected in Harlem on July 25, the New York City Health Department said. By July 30, one person had died and 22 had contracted the disease. Now, less than a week later, those numbers have risen sharply. The three deceased people were not named in the Tuesday announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legionnaires is contracted by breathing in mist containing Legionella bacteria, which come from freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. Health officials say that cases from the disease cluster were found in five Harlem ZIP codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039, along with the bordering communities. Cooling towers large heat exchangers in industrial areas operating in the impacted zones were sampled, and the health department informed owners of the buildings where positive results were found. They were told to initiate remediation within a day. The disease, which can cause lung failure, leads to death in one of every 10 cases. Legionnaires is proven to be more dangerous to those who contract it during a hospital stay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The potentially fatal disease causes lung failure and leads to death in 1 of every 10 cases Symptoms can strike anywhere from two to 14 days after a person has been exposed to the bacteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patients can expect typical pneumonia-like symptoms, including a cough, fever, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. In some cases, infected people can also experience confusion, diarrhea, or nausea. Officials have now completed their remediation for the 11 cooling towers found with initial positive screening results. Anyone in the impacted area since late July who has experienced flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, said the health department. Legionnaires disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older, those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin," deputy chief medical officer Dr. Toni Eyssallenne said. PNN Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 5: Hunar Online Courses, a skill-tech platform to empower women by helping them learn new skills and become financially independent, hosted India's biggest-ever virtual graduation ceremony for 10,000+ Hunar students from 28 states across the country - a celebration to mark the skills of Indian homemakers, young girls and working women as certified! -The graduating students were from various skill-based courses provided by Hunar in fashion, food, and beauty. -The milestone event was supported by veteran Fashion Designer and Hunar Mentor, Neeta Lulla, along with Actor, Entrepreneur and Hunar Online Courses' Investor & Partner, Shilpa Shetty Kundra. - Hunar has a community of more than three million women, and 30% of their students are financially independent today, earning over Rs. 50,000/- each month. The online graduation ceremony was witnessed by 19,000+ viewers across the nation. Audience members showed their immense support and appreciation through 6,000+ comments and 14,000+ reactions. Many women even began their journey of learning with Hunar, inspired by the success of the graduating women. On the graduation day, Hunar presented various awards, honours and offered business start-up funds to their graduating students to further their futures. The event also had a special message from Actor, Entrepreneur and Fitness Influencer, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who has also been an investor and partner of Hunar Online Courses for 3 years. In her message to the graduating students, she said, "Congratulations to each and every one of my 10,000 students who have turned their talent into a certified skill and earned nationwide recognition." Shilpa also announced scholarships & start-up funds to Hunar's students. Nishtha Yogesh, Founder and CEO, Hunar Online Courses, said, "We never thought that one day we would be hosting the country's largest online graduation ceremony with more than 10,000 students! This is a testament of fulfilling Hunar's mission to help Indian women start their entrepreneurial journey and achieve financial independence. Throughout the entirety of our students' academic journeys, our expert faculty and staff have supported them to achieve their full potential. We will continue to help Indian women start their entrepreneurial journey by honing their skills in a field of their interest, and all from home." Fashion legend and a Hunar mentor, Neeta Lulla, also attended the event to support and to witness the success of her students. She said, "I am amazed to see these talented women gain certification and recognition for their skills. As their mentor, I feel proud and privileged that I was able to help them reach this milestone of success. I have many memories attached to their journey - from mentoring and guiding them to encouraging them towards their goal." The show also served as a launch of the Hunar Hamper - a unique gift box containing handcrafted fashion, food and home decor goodies which are created by Hunar's students. These hampers were launched to support homegrown brands of Indian women, to celebrate their art & to help them grow their brands & businesses. Remarking on the success of the event, some of the Hunar students said, "We started our journey of learning from home. But today, being appreciated, certified and awarded in front of thousands of viewers from all over the country, we are so proud of our journey. We have learnt skills, developed confidence, and become strong and independent women today, thanks to Hunar Online Courses!" Students of Hunar Online Courses learn more than 55+ courses in the fields of fashion, food, and beauty. Classes are comprised of pre-recorded classes & live classes by certified teachers, industry experts and veterans like Neeta Lulla. Students receive constant faculty support, a free starter-kit with material & can earn NSDC certifications - all from home & in their own language! Hunar also organises an Annual Live Digital Show, Hunar Utsav, which is a national platform for students to display their creations and connect with retailers to start their own brands. Additionally, students have an opportunity to intern with Hunar and other top brands through their Internship Programme, which is designed to help them start a career. Hunar Online Courses has a growing community of more than 30 Lakh women and 65,000 students. 30 per cent of Hunar students are running their enterprises successfully, earning over INR 50,000 every month. About Hunar Online Courses Hunar Online Courses is an online learning platform based in Hyderabad, which aims at empowering women across the country by helping them learn new skills and become financially independent. It offers a wide variety of courses ranging from fashion designing and home decor to baking and beauty. Their unique course, such as fabric designing, garment making, bag making, jewellery designing, baking, chocolate making, bridal make-up courses and Entrepreneurship courses, bring out the creative side of individuals and help them grow. Hunar also has government-recognised courses, certified by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Hunar takes pride in its student community of women who have learnt new skills, built their own identity, and started their own home businesses or online enterprises, through the support of Hunar Online Courses. (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) HOUSTON - Two recent college graduates and fraternity brothers were killed in a fiery crash early Saturday morning in Midtown Houston, after police say a suspected drunk driver ran a red light and collided with their vehicle. What we know Ronnie Burns II and Jayden Fleming, both 22 years old and recent graduates of Florida A&M University (FAMU), died at the scene. The two were in town attending Texas Greek Picnic events and were members of the FAMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Jayden Fleming (left) and Ronnie Burns, II (right) were attending Texas Greek Picnic festivities in Houston when the crash occurred. They died on the scene. (Submitted photo with permission) The crash happened around 2 a.m. on August 2, according to Precinct 7 Constable James Phillips. Deputies say they first spotted a black Ford pickup truck driven by 21-year-old Rene Hernandez hitting multiple vehicles and fleeing the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Hernandez allegedly continued driving and ran a red light at the intersection of Smith and Elgin. The truck then slammed into a white Lexus carrying Burns and Fleming. "I'm sure when Mr. Hernandez left that bar, he didn't think that he'd be involved in two murders," Phillips said. "To the young folks who are drinking and driving, don't do it. Catch an Uber. Catch some mode of transportation, but don't get behind the wheel." Keanu Capers, Alpha Xi chapter Polemarch (President) of Kappa Alpha Psi at FAMU, described the tragedy as deeply painful for their fraternity and school community. "It's difficult, having these conversations with the families...seeing how the communities are affected at this time," Capers said. "It's not just the brothers, it's the community as a whole. These individuals affected everybody." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe has been set up for the two young men on behalf of Capers. Hernandez, who sustained injuries in the crash and underwent surgery, is currently in custody and facing murder charges. He will be transferred to the Harris County Jail once he is released from the hospital. A female passenger in his vehicle reportedly suffered minor injuries. Friends, family, and fraternity members continue to grieve the loss of Burns and Fleming, whose visit to Houston was meant to be a weekend of cultural celebration and unity. The Source FOX 26 spoke with the Harris County Precinct 7 Constable's Office and members of the FAMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Waco, Tx (FOX 44) Two men are in custody after one is accused of pointing a firearm at a Waco officer responding to a robbery Monday night, resulting in that officer firing a shot. No one was hurt in the incident that started in the 2000 block of South 14th Street. Police got the call at 8:39 p.m. The victim told officers wo men had taken a firearm from him at gunpoint, The suspects were gone when officers arrived and a search of the area began. Police said one, identified as 20-year-old David Rodriguez, was located in the 100 block of Lyndon Circle. Officers continued the search and a little later found the other, since identified as 18-year-old Jakari Jordan. David Rodriguez. Jordan is accused of pointing a firearm at the officer, who then fired his duty weapon. The suspect was not hit and fled but was taken into custody after a short pursuit. Jakari Jordan. A weapon was recovered with Jordan being charged with aggravated assault of a police officer and additional charges pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges against Rodriguez were pending Monday night. The incident was listed as still under investigation Tuesday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Two of the men charged in connection with the 2019 shooting death of Charlotte nursing student Kendal Crank pleaded guilty in court Tuesday. Tychicus Unique Dobie admitted guilt to several charges, including voluntary manslaughter, for his role in the March 28, 2019, shootout that killed 27-year-old Crank, a mother of two who was caught in the crossfire while driving to nursing school. Dobie will serve between 59 and 83 months behind bars. With over six years, 2,322 days, already served, much of his sentence has effectively been completed, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Suspect in Charlotte shootout that killed nursing student out on bond after 6 years in jail Marquis Smith also pleaded guilty, but not to directly taking part in the shooting. Instead, he admitted to being an accessory after the fact to voluntary manslaughter, helping Dobie and Adonis Smith escape from police. Prosecutors said Marquis Smith helped hide the car used in the shooting and tried to dispose of the murder weapon. As part of a plea, his original first-degree murder charge was reduced. He will serve a total of 45 to 73 months in prison, but, similar to Dobie, Marquis Smith has also received credit for the 2,322 days he has already spent in jail, court documents confirmed. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said the Charlotte mother was an innocent bystander, driving through the intersection of East 28th Street and North Tryon when shots were fired. Prosecutors said Adonis Smith, Dobie, and others were involved in a shootout at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adonis Smith, the third suspect, was released on bond earlier this year after spending six years in jail without a conviction. His first trial ended in a mistrial. A new trial date has not been set. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Crime & Public Safety Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Two people were killed and five others were hospitalized after the driver of a BMW sped the wrong way on a city street in Santa Ana and crashed into three other cars, according to the Santa Ana Police Department. The collision occurred around 6:35 p.m. Monday on Main Street, just north of Warner Avenue, according to Santa Ana Police Officer Natalie Garcia. Two people died at the scene and five others were hospitalized and listed in stable condition, Garcia said. Of the two who died, one was the driver of the BMW and the other was the driver of another car. They haven't been publicly identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video posted on Instagram shows the BMW speeding north along the southbound lanes and almost hitting a Tesla, whose driver shot the video, according to KTLA5. The Santa Ana Police Department didn't immediately respond to a request for further comment. 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. Two civilians have been injured in an attack by a Russian FPV drone on the village of Bilenke in the Zaporizhzhia district. Source: Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, on Facebook Quote: "A Russian FPV drone attacked Bilenke. A 43-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man have been injured." Details: Fedorov said they are receiving all the necessary treatment. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MAYNARD, Mass. (WWLP) Two women were arrested Tuesday morning in connection with an alleged house of prostitution operating out of a Main Street business, following a weeks-long investigation by local and state police. The Maynard Police Department stated that 57-year-old Meiying Cheng of Flushing, New York, and 68-year-old Jianping Wu of Malden were arrested during a search at Asian Spa, located at 107 Main St. Two women arraigned in Pittsfield students death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both women were charged with: Deriving Support from Prostitution Inducing Prostitution on Premises Keeping a House of Prostitution Engaging in Sexual Conduct for a Fee Police said they began investigating the business after receiving concerns from residents. The warrant, served early Tuesday, resulted in the seizure of cell phones, cash, checks, account information, ledgers, and other materials investigators described as consistent with organized prostitution operations. This investigation began with community concerns, and we heard those concerns and took action, said Maynard Police Chief Christopher Troiano. The Maynard community that we are a part of will not tolerate this type of activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheng and Wu are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Concord District Court. For further updates, the Maynard Police Department advises checking their official communication channels. 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. British police detain a protester for holding a sign that reads "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action," in London on July 5, 2025. Credit - Guy SmallmanGetty Images The Metropolitan Police have issued a stern warning to anyone planning on attending a Palestine Action protest in London this coming weekend, stating their intention to make mass arrests. This comes weeks after the British government proscribed the network as a terrorist group, with the decision fiercely contested by the group itself, as well as other organizations including Jewish Voice for Labour and Amnesty International. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are aware that the organizers of Saturdays planned protest are encouraging hundreds of people turn out with the intention of placing a strain on the police and the wider criminal justice system, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement to TIME. Our officers will continue to apply the law in relation to Palestine Action as we have done since its proscription. Anyone showing support for the group can expect to be arrested. Here is everything you need to know about Palestine Action and the upcoming protest. What is Palestine Action? Palestine Action is a network which takes aim at the infrastructure that sustains the Israeli occupation, claims co-founder Huda Ammori, who established the group in July 2020. Its activists mainly target arms manufacturers such as Elbit Systems, which earlier this year signed a contract with the Israeli government worth $275 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were very clear that our primary purpose is disruption the point is not simply to raise awareness or put pressure on politicians. We bypass politicians and go straight to the aggressors, Ammori told The New Left Review in April. Palestine Action staged break-ins at Elbit sites across the U.K. last year in the city of Bristol, and at a factory in the county of Kent, where around 1 million ($1.33 million) worth of property was reportedly destroyed. Read More: In Europe, Free Speech Is Under Threat for Pro-Palestine Protesters What do we know about the upcoming Palestine Action protest? The protest, which urges the U.K. government to "lift the ban" on Palestine Action, is scheduled to take place in London on August 9, organized by the group Defend Our Juries (DOJ). The group is asking for at least 500 people to commit to attending the protest, holding signs that read: I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not believe it will be practically or politically possible for the police to arrest 500 people for holding cardboard signs against the genocide, DOJ said in its briefing document for the protest. More than 20 people were arrested on July 5 during a similar demonstration in central London, in which attendees held signs with the same statement. Ahead of the upcoming protest, DOJ wrote an open letter to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, saying: We would like to alert you to the fact [that] we may be committing offences under the Terrorism Act tomorrow, Saturday 5 July, in Parliament Square at about 1 p.m. Some 300 prominent British Jewish figures have also signed a letter, calling on the British government to reverse its designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We consider the proscription of Palestine Action as illegitimate and unethical, the letter reads. "The government should stop deflecting attention from genocide by linking non-violent protest to terrorism. Israel has repeatedly denied accusations of genocide. Our defence forces target terrorists and never civilians. Hamas is responsible for the suffering in Gaza, spokesperson David Mencer said, who strongly rejected the accusations of genocide made by two prominent Israeli human rights group on July 28. Israel is currently under investigation by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for charges of genocide, first brought forward by South Africa in December 2023 claiming acts and omissions by Israel towards Palestinians in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were issued arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November. They stand accused of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza, which Israel has rejected. When and why did Palestine Action become a proscribed group in the U.K.? The group was proscribed as a terrorist group under the 2000 Terrorism Act by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The decision came into effect on July 5, after members of the group broke into a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire on June 20, spray painting two Voyager jets and damaging them with crowbars. The British Government said that the group has orchestrated a nationwide campaign of direct criminal action against businesses and institutions and that it prepares for, promotes, and encourages terrorism. Proscription will enable law enforcement to effectively disrupt Palestine Action, the government order read, meaning that support for the group is now deemed a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestine Action was proscribed alongside two groups described as white-supremacist movements, the Maniacs Murder Cult and the Russian Imperial Movement. Amnesty International voiced its concern over the decision regarding Palestine Action, saying: The U.K. has a deeply flawed and overly broad definition of terrorism which human rights monitors including Amnesty International have been warning about for years. This latest disturbing move only serves to highlight that those warnings were justified. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk also issued a warning about the move, calling it disproportionate and unnecessary and urging the British government to reverse its decision and review its counter-terrorism legislation. Read More: Former IDF Chiefs Call on Israel to End War in Gaza as Netanyahu Claims Starvation Is Hamas Libel Are Palestine Action appealing the decision? Palestine Action filed an appeal to temporarily block the move, which was rejected by a High Court judge. The ruling was then challenged by the group at the Court of Appeals, but this was also rejected, bringing the ban into effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 30, the same High Court judge who originally blocked the appeal, Justice Chamberlain, then approved Palestine Action co-founder Ammori to legally challenge the government proscription. I consider it reasonably arguable that the proscription order amounts to a disproportionate interference with the article 10 and article 11 (European convention of human rights) rights (freedom of expression and assembly, respectively) of the claimant and others, Chamberlain said. Contact us at letters@time.com. Protestors at the University of Michigan mark the one year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, as they demand the university divest its holdings from Israel. Oct. 7, 2024. Photo by Jon King. Updated at 4:16 p.m. Nearly a dozen University of Michigan students and alumni have been brought up on disciplinary charges for their participation in pro-Palestine protests over the last year a move that has sparked concern for the right of free expression on campus and the over-policing of student protest movements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university administration is currently in the process of holding disciplinary hearings against 11 protesters, including leaders from Students Allied for Freedom and Equality, the Muslim Student Association, Arab Students Association, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Graduate Employees Organization, a branch of AFT Local 3550. At least four of those individuals faced criminal charges lodged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for trespassing or resisting arrest when police cleared a protest encampment from the university in May 2024. Those charges were dismissed in May of this year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX University officials, however, are still seeking formal reprimands, disciplinary probation and suspension in abeyance against student protesters. For alumni facing disciplinary action, the university is considering a lifetime ban from all future U of M activity, including reenrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kathleen Brown is a graduate student and a member of AFT Local 3550. She is one of the current 11 students and alumni facing ongoing disciplinary action through the universitys Office of Student Conflict Resolution. Brown is also among the third round of students facing disciplinary action related to Gaza and Palestinian solidarity protest movements at U of M. For her, the hearings and potential consequences feel more like punishment for political dissent than the universitys stated goal of protecting students and the larger institution, especially after the state dropped the criminal charges. Those did not stick because protesting is not yet a crime, so now, theyre getting us on these disciplinary charges, which have a much lower burden of proof, Brown said. The university can allege anything and can basically punish us with anything. Theres no due process in this. The university has said that the right to free speech and expression is protected, but claimed the Palestine protests were disruptive, compromised operations and infringed on the rights of others at U of M. In an email to the Advance, Kay Jarvis, U of Ms director of public affairs, added that protests are welcomed as long as those protests do not threaten the safety of the university community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university has been clear that we will enforce our policies related to protests and expressive activity, and that we will hold individuals accountable for their actions in order to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all, Jarvis said. When asked to confirm the current disciplinary action against the 11 students, Jarvis said the university does not comment on individual cases due to confidentiality and privacy concerns. All disciplinary actions go through the Office of Student Conflict Resolution, detailed in the universitys statement of student rights and responsibilities, and are typically resolved within six months after receiving a formal complaint. That timeframe can be extended, though, to allow resolutions through external proceedings, although Jarvis did not say what that might entail. The proceedings have stemmed from several protests, including a sit-in at a university administration building just a month after the Israeli military assault on Gaza began, which was launched in retaliation to the militant group Hamass Oct. 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel that killed more than a thousand Israelis and took more than 250 hostages. The resulting Israeli military response has killed more than 60,000 people according to Gazas health ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other protests have included an action outside a regents gala and the break up of the encampment in the universitys Diag area, both in May 2024, and a memorial march on the one year anniversary of the latest conflict, which is more frequently being described as a genocide of the Palestinian people. A student protester at the University of Michigan speaks into a megaphone at an encampment at the University of Michigan on May 21, 2024 | Photo courtesy of TAHRIR Coalition Brown is facing the lighter side of potential consequences with a formal reprimand planned. She said she and others have already been subject to several hearings over the protests and that they will continue for her this month. In her view, the proceedings are a way to make student protesters pay for standing in solidarity with Palestinians and other oppressed groups. In previous proceedings with two separate groups of students punished on disciplinary grounds, the Office of Student Conflict Resolution found that the complaints were unsubstantiated, but Brown said the universitys student office overturned that finding and sanctioned the students anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any avenue they can pursue, the administration is pursuing, with no respect for our constitutional rights, Brown said. Several lawsuits, including one in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, have been filed against the university as a result of the disciplinary action of student protesters. One is focused on the universitys decision to still seek sanctions against students after the institution cleared them of disciplinary charges. Brown said the university was making an example of these students due to the politically controversial nature of the Palestinian solidarity movement. Anything that has to do with talking about Palestinian freedom and Israeli war crimes and genocide has been like mercilessly persecuted. This is very reminiscent to McCarthyism and anti-communism because they have used every weapon available to them to try and crush this movement, including police violence, she said Activists say U of M building culture of fear against student movements Beginning last year, the university said it would uphold its commitment to protect student free speech, but that it would not allow disruptive activity and that it was in the process of drafting a policy to address it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university also reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights to enhance its response to situations where free speech actions might create a hostile environment for others. In June of this year, the university noted in a news release that its security strategy now includes using an outside firm to track student activists with plainclothes security personnel. That turned on the university quickly when it came to light that contractors allegedly drove a car at a student, impersonated a person with disabilities when confronted or accused students of robbing them. What happened was disturbing, unacceptable, and unethical, and we will not tolerate it, Interim University President Domenico Grasso said in a statement from June. Going forward, we are terminating all contracts with external vendors to provide plainclothes security on campus. Brown said the escalation of surveillance on student activists was creating a culture of fear to prevent students from exercising their First Amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have leaned on state repression. Dana Nessel has used the FBI to break down peoples doors, Brown said. Shes charging students, who were just on the Diag and got beaten by police, charged with felonies. She tried to put us in a cage for protesting genocide. The Michigan Daily, the universitys student-led newspaper, reported that there are concerns the university plans to branch off its Office of Student Conflict Resolution into a subsidiary Office of Student Accountability, which Brown and others have likened to a private court system within the student disciplinary framework. Whereas the current office has a restorative justice aim, the new office would focus more on punitive measures. In a statement, the TAHRIR Coalition, one of the organizations behind the student protests, said the new office would continue to retaliate against those who fight for university divestment from Israeli-linked companies and an end to the military occupation in Gaza and the West Bank. [University police gather] intelligence against students, identifying them through the Michigan State Police Biometrics Database, then sends the information to Student Investigator Donovan Golich, who relies exclusively on police evidence, TAHRIR said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golich is the program manager for formal conflict resolution at the university. Activists have described his work as both investigatory in nature and with authority to bring disciplinary action against students. Brown said that includes facilitating the very disciplinary processes he initiates. A university spokesperson did not respond to additional questions from the Advance on the creation of the new office, Golichs role, and if his work served as a conflict of interest slanting the proceedings. Brown called the new office a massive expansion of policing on campus. She also fears that the universitys and the states crackdowns could extend well beyond the current focus on Palestinian solidarity. Im the former vice president of our labor union, the graduate employees organization, and we have a contract campaign coming up. And what does it mean for us? Brown said. We have pickets, we have protests. If those are now violating this statement of student rights and responsibilities, because they disrupt [operations], that means we cant ever have pickets or protests. Theyre using these like very nit-picky rules that theyve made, and theyre using the enforcement of that as a means of criminalization. This story was updated to reflect that it is the University of Michigan administration which is seeking disciplinary action against selected students. Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A special session of the U.N. Security Council was set to convene Tuesday morning at the request of Israel to discuss the dozens of its citizens being held in Gaza after Hamas released footage of starving hostages over the weekend. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called for an urgent meeting of the 15-member council after shocking videos of hostages Evyatar David, 24, and Rom Braslavski, 21, in which they appear severely emaciated, were circulated by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. "The international community must make it not worthwhile for the terrorists. The world must put an end to the phenomenon of kidnapping civilians. It must be front and center on the world stage," he said at a news conference Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He thanked the United States and Panama for seconding his call for the special session meeting in New York. The Israeli consulate in New York upped the pressure by uploading the video of David for all to see on a giant screen in Times Square in midtown Manhattan. "Hamas kidnapped him. Hamas tortures him. Hamas is starving him. This is what real hunger looks like. This is what truth looks like. Evyatar David is being starved by a Nazi terrorist organization that dares, with the backing of parts of the media, to spread the blood libel that Israel is starving the people of Gaza," Consul General Ofir Akunis said in a post on X. "We will continue to expose, everywhere and at all times, the lies of these vile terrorists and their collaborators. Now his face is on Times Square -- because the world can't look away anymore." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas insisted that the same provisions were provided to the hostages as those available to its members and ordinary people in Gaza and that it did not purposely starve them, stressing that the enclave was in the depths of the hunger crisis. World leaders joined in the condemnation of the images of the hostages released after Hamas said it would not lay down its arms until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy led the criticism, calling what he described as hostages being paraded for propaganda "sickening" and demanding their release without conditions. French President Emmanuel Macron said Hamas stood for "abject cruelty," while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was left shocked by the images and reiterated that no cease-fire could be reached without the hostages' release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calling the videos "appalling," the International Committee of the Red Cross said in a post on X that the images provided "stark evidence of the life-threatening conditions in which the hostages are being held," and demanded it be allowed to visit them. "We know families watching these videos are horrified and heartbroken by the conditions they see their loved ones held in. We reiterate that all hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. This dire situation must come to an end now." Israel said David and Braslavski are among 22 hostages who remain alive out of 49 still being held captive. In its latest update posted to social media Tuesday morning, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said the number of malnutrition deaths recorded by hospitals in the Palestinian enclave in the past 24 hours had risen to 188 martyrs, including 94 children. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Police say an Uber driver was assaulted and carjacked by at least six people at a Southwest Memphis cemetery. The driver told officers it happened on July 26 in the middle of the afternoon when he went to the New Park Cemetery on Horn Lake Road to pick up a female customer. The Uber driver said when he arrived at the cemetery, four females and two males got into his red 2018 Nissan, and when he stopped at the front gate of the cemetery, one of the females sprayed him in the face with pepper spray. Female carjacking suspects. Courtesy: MPD The driver said thats when he was pulled from the car and assaulted, and the group drove off in his vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPD has released video of the four female suspects who were later captured on camera at a shopping center in the 3800 block of Jackson Avenue. In February, a female Uber driver was carjacked by two men and two women at a convenience store in South Memphis. The victim said she dropped all four off at the County Line Express, but when three of the suspects got out of the car, the fourth carjacked her with a gun. She says the man threatened to shoot her if she did not get out of the vehicle. And in April, two 17-year-olds were arrested for allegedly dragging an Uber driver out of his car at gunpoint in the airport and stealing his car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you recognize the suspects wanted in the cemetery carjacking, 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. Washington DC [US], August 5 (ANI) Hours after he mentioned raising tariff on India, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would increase the tariff charged on imports from India from the current rate of 25% "very substantially" over the next 24 hours due to New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil, Reuters reported. "They're fueling the war machine, and if they're going to do that, then I'm not going to be happy," Trump told CNBC in an interview, according to Reuters. According to the report, he added that the main sticking point with India was that its tariffs were too high but did not provide a new tariff rate. Trump had said on Monday that the United States will "substantially raise" the tariff paid by India for buying "massive amounts of Russian Oil", stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market "for big profits". Trump's announcement, made on his social media platform Truth Social, came days after he announced a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on India and an unspecified penalty for importing oil from Russia. "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" the US President said in the post. Soon, after the US President's remark, India said that "the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable". A statement by official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said that the government will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. The spokesperson said that India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. "In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability. India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the statement noted. MEA spokesperson said that the European Union in 2024 had a bilateral trade of Euro 67.5 billion in goods with Russia. In addition, it had trade in services estimated at Euro 17.2 billion in 2023. "This is significantly more than India's total trade with Russia that year or subsequently. European imports of LNG in 2024, in fact, reached a record 16.5mn tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21mn tonnes in 2022." The spokesperson said that Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment. "Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the statement said. India has, earlier too, defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. The government had clarified that India's energy purchases are guided by market dynamics and national interests. "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," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week, answering queries on Trump's announcement of a penalty for purchasing Russian oil. Answering another query, Jaiswal said India's relations with any country are based on their own merit and shouldn't be viewed through the lens of third countries. "Our ties with any country stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership," he added.Answering a query on Friday, Trump indicated that if India stops buying Russian, it will be a good step. Trump announced the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and a penalty for importing Russian oil in the last week of July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. There are apprehensions that global crude prices could jump to USD 200 a barrel if India were to stop buying Russian oil, which will severely harm consumers. (ANI) A British couple held in Iran on espionage charges spoke by phone Tuesday with relatives in the UK for the first time since they were detained in January, their family announced. It comes after their children learned over the weekend that Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both 52, have been moved to separate prisons in and near Tehran, heightening fears for their welfare. Iranian authorities seized the pair in Kerman, in central Iran, in early January while they were on a round-the-world motorbike trip, claiming the following month that they were suspected spies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little had been known about their whereabouts or welfare since. Distraught relatives have become increasingly vocal demanding that Iran allow the couple to phone home, and permit British officials more access to them. "For 213 days, we waited. Hoped. Held our breath. And today, we finally got those phone calls," Lindsay's son Joe Bennett said in a statement. "We finally heard their voices. After seven long months with no direct contact, we can now say what we've been desperate to say all this time: Lindsay and Craig are alive." Bennett added the call lasted for around eight minutes, during which "we laughed, we cried, and for a few brief moments, it felt like the weight of the past seven months lifted". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 31-year-old said that "while it was amazing to hear their voices, we must also keep our eyes firmly on the real issues". "Lindsay and Craig still haven't had a consular visit in months," he added. Bennett also urged the UK government to indicate "what it intends to do to secure their release", calling its "ongoing silence" over its strategy "deeply concerning". Craig's son Kieran Foreman said his separate call with his dad was "a massive relief". "It brings us back up from the hole of despair we have been in," he added, noting it gave him "hope". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview Monday, Bennett, of Folkestone in southeast England, told AFP that he had learned the previous day that Lindsay had been transferred to Qarchak women's prison near the capital. Human rights groups repeatedly criticise the dire conditions reported there. Meanwhile, he revealed Craig had been moved to Tehran's infamous central prison, also known as Fashafouyeh, which is about 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of the capital and has similar notoriety. jj/jkb/gv A "one-in, one-out" deal in which Britain can return some migrants who cross the English Channel in small boats back to France came into force on Tuesday, as the UK government battles people smuggling gangs. The interior ministry said British authorities were "operationally ready" and that migrant detentions were expected to begin "within days" following the ratification of the agreement. "Today we send a clear message -- if you come here illegally on a small boat you will face being sent back to France," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement after striking the deal with French President Emmanuel Macron last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement seeks to curb record levels of irregular Channel crossings, which are causing discontent in Britain and helping fuel the rise of the hard-right Reform UK party. Under the arrangement -- for now a pilot scheme set to run until June 2026 -- irregular migrants arriving on UK shores could be detained and returned to France if they are deemed ineligible for asylum. In exchange, the UK will accept an equal number of migrants from France who can apply for asylum via an online platform, giving priority to nationalities most vulnerable to smugglers and people with ties in Britain. - 'Determination to save lives' - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The text of the treaty published on Tuesday stipulates that Britain will submit a request for transferring a person back to France within 14 days of their arrival in Britain. The whole process of returning someone could take three months and the UK will cover all the costs. Unaccompanied minors will not be eligible for deportation under the scheme, the treaty adds. The two governments signed the final text last week, with the European Commission giving its "green light on this innovative approach", Britain's Home Office said in a statement late Monday. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau wrote on X that the accord would come into force on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I reaffirm France's determination to stop the flow and save lives," he said. Refugee charities have criticised the deal, urging the British government to provide more safe and legal routes for asylum seekers instead. The number of migrants making the dangerous journey in flimsy dinghies this year crossed 25,000 at the end of July, the highest tally ever at this point in the year. The rise, which the government has partly attributed to extended periods of good weather, means Labour leader Starmer is struggling to fulfil one of his campaign main pledges from his general election win last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Social media ads - In recent weeks, anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters have clashed outside hotels housing asylum seekers in Britain, with some marches turning violent. Starmer has tried to portray the deal as a diplomatic victory after years of faltering cooperation between France and the UK on the politically sensitive issue. "This is the product of months of grown-up diplomacy delivering real results for British people as we broker deals no government has been able to achieve," he said. While the agreement has also met with criticism in northern France, where some officials say the scheme is too favourable to the UK, Nigel Farage's anti-immigrant Reform UK party says it does not go far enough to secure Britain's borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no numbers mentioned in the treaty, and interior minister Yvette Cooper said Tuesday that she would not put a figure on how many migrants would be deported under the deal. UK media has reported that it could be about 50 a week. "Of course, it will start with lower numbers and then build, but we want to be able to expand it," Cooper told BBC radio. The Home Office this week pledged 100 million ($132 million) for law enforcement, including additional staff and technology, to "tackle" the gangs who organise the crossings. Starmer's government also said it would make it an offence to promote dangerous immigration routes into the UK on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the new provision, which will be part of a border security bill making its way through parliament, those found advertising such crossings could be fined and face up to five years in prison. According to a Home Office analysis, 80 percent of migrants arriving via small boats told officials they used social media during the process. aks-pdh/jkb/sbk Since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia is reported to have lost approximately 1,050,000 troops killed and wounded. Source: UK Defence Intelligence update dated 5 August on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: The report states that 260,000 Russian soldiers have been killed during the unprovoked war against Ukraine in 2025 alone. Intelligence analysts noted that monthly Russian casualties have been decreasing since March 2025, with the average daily toll in July reaching 1,072 troops the lowest level since April 2024, although still high. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK intelligence report also highlights that this moderate decline in losses has occurred despite Russia maintaining high-intensity offensive operations along the entire line of contact. A graph accompanying the report shows that after a sharp drop in casualties in early 2023, annual loss rates began to rise again in 2024 and 2025. Background: On 11 July, UK intelligence estimated that Russia had lost around 236,000 troops (killed and wounded) in 2025 alone. Earlier in July, the head of Estonias military police stated that Russian losses in Ukraine have already surpassed Soviet casualties during the Winter War with Finland. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The British Defense Ministry hasnt disclosed which aircraft are currently being used to help find the hostages, after the Shadow R1 used in other operations was sent to Britain. The UKs government has been helping Israel with finding the hostages by flying Royal Air Force (RAF) planes over Gaza, British officials told the newspaper The Times. The paper noted that these operations have been made since the beginning of the war with Hamas, with multiple reconnaissance planes being flown over Gaza after taking off from Cyprus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The British Defense Ministry hasnt disclosed which aircraft are currently being used to help find the hostages, while Flight tracking data showed Shadow R1s have flown hundreds of missions over Gaza. These planes, specialized in surveillance and reconnaissance, arent currently stationed at the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, with a military source confirming to The Times that they had returned to Britain. The Defense Ministry confirmed to the site that these missions were still ongoing even despite an apparent lack of Shadow surveillance flights. A view of the security gate of RAF Akrotiri, a British military base in Cyprus, September 25, 2024 (credit: YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU/REUTERS) Israeli-British relations are at an all-time low The report comes out after a series of decisions by the Labour-led British government, mainly the announcement that it would recognise a Palestinian state if Israel didnt fight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and strained relations between the UK and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the UK Cabinet that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state in September, unless the Israeli government takes "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza." Even in this context, the RAF has maintained its surveillance missions over the Gaza Strip. According to a Defense Ministry source, they are only sharing information that could help locate the hostages. Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) has obtained classified internal documents on Russia's newest strategic nuclear submarine, K-555 Knyaz Pozharsky, the agency claimed on Aug. 3. The submarine is a Project 955A BoreiAclass vessel, a crucial component of the Kremlin's nuclear triad. Each vessel is equipped with 16 launch silos for R-30 Bulava-30 intercontinental ballistic missiles, with each missile capable of carrying up to 10 warheads. The materials obtained by HUR include detailed lists of crew members along with their roles, qualifications, and physical fitness levels, combat instructions, schematics of the vessel's combat layout and survivability systems, and the crew's organizational structure, the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documents also contain internal regulations for cabin and living quarters, protocols for transferring wounded personnel and cargo, towing procedures, and various operational guidelines. Ukraine also said it had gained access to engineering records, including a technical report on the inspection of a damaged radio buoy, which names the commission members and the companies involved in the evaluation. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine gains access to classified data on russia's new nuclear submarine "knyaz pozharsky" : https://t.co/QTRQIl1XNQ pic.twitter.com/KE0r9YK2Gv Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) August 3, 2025 The intelligence agency also secured an excerpt from Knyaz Pozharsky's schedule book, a detailed document that governs the vessel's daily combat duties and routine operations. The Kyiv Independent could not immediately verify the claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to HUR, the Knyaz Pozharsky submarine officially joined the Russian Navy's Northern Fleet, 31st Submarine Division, on July 24, 2025. Its home base is Gadzhievo in Murmansk Oblast in northwestern Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally presided over the ceremony marking Knyaz Pozharsky's entry into active service, HUR said. "The information obtained by the intelligence officers allows us to identify the features and technical limitations not only of Knyaz Pozharsky but also of other Project 955A submarines, which are critical to maintaining Russia's imperial myth," the statement read. Russia's fleet plays a key role in Moscow's military operations against Ukraine, being used to launch missiles and drones against ground targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once seen as a dominant force in the region, Russia's Black Sea Fleet has suffered significant losses since the start of the full-scale invasion, increasingly coming under pressure from Ukraine's growing naval drone capabilities and Western-supplied weapons. Ukrainian drones have destroyed several Russian vessels, including the Caesar Kunikov landing ship, the Sergei Kotov patrol ship, the Ivanovets missile corvette, and multiple high-speed landing crafts. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv hits 5 Russian fighter jets in occupied Crimea, destroys 1 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine has detected Indian-made components in Russian Shahed-type attack drones, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak confirmed on Aug. 5, adding Moscow must be denied access to supplies that "enable the killing of Ukrainians." "Unfortunately, we are detecting Indian-made components in Russian attack drones including the Shahed/Geran models," Yermak said on X. President Volodymyr Zelensky's top aide shared a story by the Hindustan Times, which reported that, according to its sources, Ukrainian diplomats have formally raised the issue of Indian parts in Russian drones with the Indian government and the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news comes as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration accused India of helping to fund Russia's war by importing Russian oil. Trump imposed a 25% tariff on India starting on Aug. 1 shortly after lambasting New Delhi over purchasing Russian energy and weapons. While Yermak raised the issue amid a growing scrutiny over India-Russia ties, this is not the first time that Ukraine has identified alleged Indian parts in Russian weapons. Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reported in April that "a component made in India a clock buffer from Aura Semiconductor was found in a Russian weapon" for the first time. According to the Hindustan Times, Ukraine appealed to the Indian Foreign Ministry on at least two occasions that Indian-made parts were found in Iranian-designed Shahed "kamikaze" drones last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue was also reportedly raised with EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan when he visited New Delhi last month. The Indian newspaper wrote that Ukrainian authorities identified electronic components from Vishay Intertechnology and Aura Semiconductor that were used in the production of Shahed's voltage regulator unit and the drone's satellite navigation system. Sources told the Hindustan Times that the companies technically did not violate any Indian laws. The Kyiv Independent has reached out to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry for comment. While the West has sought to curb the supplies of dual-use goods Russia needs for the production of drones and other military equipment, Moscow continues to obtain the parts via third-party countries like India, Turkey, or China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Positioning itself as neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war, India has also become one of the chief buyers of Russian oil, second only to China. New Delhi sharply increased Russian imports after the outbreak of the full-scale war, taking advantage of deep discounts and falling European demand. Seeking to pressure Moscow into a peace deal in Ukraine by curtailing its oil revenues, Trump has threatened to impose secondary 100% tariffs on Russia by Aug. 8 unless the Kremlin agrees to a peace deal. Trump's warning was followed by reporting that Indian state-owned refineries temporarily suspended Russian oil purchases and several oil tankers carrying Russian crude were idling off India's western coast as the nation's refiners sought alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, unnamed Indian officials later told the New York Times that the White House announcement did not prompt any change in energy or trade policy in New Delhi. Read also: Russian gasoline prices hit record high amid Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, Russian media reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine will resume shipping through the Bystre canal in Odesa Oblast effective 6 August, allowing the passage of vessels with a draught of up to 4.5 metres. Source: Ukrainian media outlet AgroWeek Quote: "The Bystre canal was temporarily closed to shipping after a dredger exploded near the town of Vylkove [Odesa Oblast] on 23 July. Following this, vessels were forced to use an alternative route through the Sulina canal, where fees are significantly higher." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: This led to an increase in voyage costs for vessels operating on short routes and complicated the situation in the Danube freight market. Now, shipowners who previously faced restrictions are seeing new opportunities, the outlet notes. During the closure of the Bystre canal, many shipowners were forced to raise their freight rates to compensate for the additional costs of passing through Sulina. However, the prices demanded by carriers turned out to be unacceptable for cargo shippers. "After the reopening of the Bystre canal, market participants expect a partial revival of Danube freight flows thanks to more balanced conditions for negotiations between sellers and buyers," AgroWeek writes. Background: On the evening of 23 July, a dredger belonging to the Delta Lotsman branch of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority exploded. The vessel had been in the Bystre estuary carrying out scheduled works with 11 crew members on board. Three employees were killed in the explosion. The maritime approach canal was temporarily closed to vessel traffic. Earlier, it was also reported that the Ukrainian Navy banned merchant vessels carrying explosive materials from entering Ukrainian ports. Importing companies redirected vessels with ammonium nitrate and ammonia bound for Ukrainian ports to Giurgiulesti (Moldova) and Galati (Romania). Last year, Turkiye, Romania and Bulgaria launched joint mine clearance operations in the Black Sea to improve shipping safety, particularly for Ukrainian grain exports. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Key developments on Aug. 5: Ukraine obtains classified data on Russia's newest nuclear submarine, intelligence claims 'Productive' phone call with Trump focused on ending war, sanctions, drone production, Zelensky says Three Nordic countries to fund $500 million in US weapons for Ukraine Russia considers air truce proposal to Trump without ending war, Bloomberg says Over 330 Russian troops killed in failed attack in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine's intelligence claims, shows footage Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) has obtained classified internal documents on Russia's newest strategic nuclear submarine, K-555 Knyaz Pozharsky, the agency claimed on Aug. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The submarine is a Project 955A BoreiAclass vessel, a crucial component of the Kremlin's nuclear triad. Each vessel is equipped with 16 launch silos for R-30 Bulava-30 intercontinental ballistic missiles, with each missile capable of carrying up to 10 warheads. The materials obtained by HUR include detailed lists of crew members along with their roles, qualifications, and physical fitness levels, combat instructions, schematics of the vessel's combat layout and survivability systems, and the crew's organizational structure, the statement read. The documents also contain internal regulations for cabin and living quarters, protocols for transferring wounded personnel and cargo, towing procedures, and various operational guidelines. Ukraine also said it had gained access to engineering records, including a technical report on the inspection of a damaged radio buoy, which names the commission members and the companies involved in the evaluation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us 'Productive' phone call with Trump focused on ending war, sanctions, drone production, Zelensky says President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a "productive conversation" with U.S. President Donald Trump on Aug. 5, discussing ending Russia's war and coordinating military and diplomatic efforts. The call between the leaders takes place three days before Trump's deadline for Russia's President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. "We are grateful to Trump for all efforts toward a just and lasting peace," Zelensky wrote on X. "It is truly a must to stop the killing as soon as possible, and we fully support this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two leaders exchanged assessments of the battlefield situation, noting that "the Russians have intensified the brutality of their attacks," Zelensky's post read. The Ukrainian president added that Trump is "fully informed about Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities and communities." Russia's most recent mass attack on Kyiv was also its most deadly, killing 31 and injuring more than 150 on July 31. Zelensky also spoke about sanctions, saying that Moscow is "sensitive" to the prospect of new U.S. penalties and to Trump's "resolve," calling it a lever that "can change a lot." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two leaders also discussed expanding defense cooperation. Zelensky said Ukraine has already prepared a draft agreement on drone cooperation with the U.S., and is ready to finalize what he called "one of the strongest agreements this could be." Read also: Last chance Witkoff effort in Russia unlikely to change Trumps course, analysts say Three Nordic countries to fund $500 million in US weapons for Ukraine Sweden, Norway, and Denmark will jointly contribute $500 million to a new NATO initiative aimed at delivering high-priority U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine, the defense ministries of three countries announced on Aug. 5. The funding will be channeled through NATO's Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which enables fast-track purchases of U.S. arms to meet Ukraine's most urgent defense needs. The weapons will be sourced directly from the American market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an important initiative from NATO and the U.S. It helps ensure that Ukraine quickly receives crucial military equipment to defend themselves, and it strengthens cooperation between the United States and European countries in their support of Ukraine," Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said. Denmark is contributing approximately 580 million Danish kroner (around $90 million), while Swedenis pledging $275 million and Norway about $135 million, according to official statements. The support comes under NATO's Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism. Earlier, the Netherlands funded the first PURL package with a contribution of 500 million euros ($579 million). Denmark's Defense Ministry emphasized that the NSPA mechanism allows for swift procurement a key factor given the urgency of Ukraine's battlefield demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russias oil and gas revenues fall for third consecutive month Russia considers air truce proposal to Trump without ending war, Bloomberg says The Kremlin is weighing a proposal to pause its long-range strike campaign in Ukraine as a potential concession to U.S. President Donald Trump, even as it remains committed to continuing the war, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 5, citing undisclosed sources familiar with the matter. Russia has now three days left until the deadline set by Trump on July 29 to end its war in Ukraine. According to Bloomberg, Russian officials are exploring options ahead of a visit by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow this week. One possible offer under consideration is a limited "air truce" involving a pause in drone and missile strikes, but only if Ukraine agrees to participate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the importance of the meetings with Witkoff, but declined to comment on any specific proposals. Trump confirmed on Aug. 3 that Witkoff, may travel to Russia on Aug. 6 or 7. "I think next week, Wednesday or Thursday, (he) may be going to Russia," Trump told reporters. "They would like to see him. They've asked that he meet, so we'll see what happens." Witkoff have already met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in April. His interactions with Putin, including the use of Kremlin-provided translators and repetition of Russian narratives about the war, have been criticized from officials in Washington and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russian President Vladimir Putin is not expected to agree to a full ceasefire, Moscow is seeking ways to ease mounting pressure from Trump, Bloomberg writes. "Trump needs some kind of a 'gift,' a concession from Russia," Sergei Markov, a Kremlin-aligned political analyst, told Bloomberg. "An air truce could be such a gift." Read also: Food shortage is coming experts warn Russias war on inflation risks Soviet-style economy collapse Over 330 Russian troops killed in failed attack in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine's intelligence claims, shows footage Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) special forces fought off a Russian attempt to advance in Sumy Oblast, "destroying more than eight Russian companies" during the battle, the agency said on Aug. 5 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Total Russian losses: at least 334 killed, more than 550 wounded," HUR claimed, releasing a video of the engagement. Russian forces entered Sumy Oblast earlier this year after recapturing most of neighboring Kursk Oblastin Russia, aiming to carve out a "buffer zone" along Ukraine's northeastern border. During the recent engagement, soldiers of the Tymur Special Unit moved behind Russian lines and cleared out the Russian positions, disrupting the supply of provisions and ammunition in the process, the intelligence agency said. "According to intercepted communications, Russian soldiers refused to attack the positions of the Tymur Special Unit, citing fabricated reasons," HUR claimed on its Telegram channel. The intelligence agency did not specify the exact date or location of the skirmish. A video published by the agency purports to show close-range combat between Ukrainian special soldiers and Russian forces, drone and artillery attacks against Russian positions, and killed Russian troops. Note from the author: Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has held a meeting to review the performance of Ukrainian forces in July. Source: Syrskyi on Facebook Quote: "The Russian leadership aims to form 10 new divisions by the end of the year, two of which have already been created. Therefore, we have no choice but to continue mobilisation measures, improve combat training and strengthen the drone component of our forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are continuing the corps reform to make troop management more effective. The vast majority of the newly established army corps have taken responsibility for their areas and the assigned troop sets." Details: Syrskyi also said that the most difficult situation is on the Pokrovsk, Dobropillia and Novopavlivka fronts. Meanwhile, there have been advances on the North Slobozhanshchyna front in liberating Sumy Oblast, and fighting continues in Russia's Kursk Oblast. Quote: "In July, we achieved significant success in the use of DeepStrike assets dozens of enemy defence industrial base facilities were struck. Our drones and other strike assets have significantly reduced the aggressor's defence industry capabilities and hit its military targets, including Shahed and other weapon storage sites, military airfields, training grounds, as well as defence, electromechanical, chemical and oil refining plants." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Russian total losses in July amounted to over 33,200 personnel killed and wounded, which is 800 more than in the previous month. Despite this, Russian forces continue to reinforce their ranks by 9,000 personnel each month. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine's Defence Ministry has approved a new camouflage pattern, MM-25, which will be used for the production of uniform items. Source: Ukraine's Defence Ministry; BBC; former Ukrainian Defence Ministry advisor Dana Yarova Details: The decision was made in June 2025 at the request of Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and following many appeals from service members. This is not a replacement for the current MM-14 (pixel) pattern but an additional option, similar to the already approved "olive", "coyote" and MM-16F patterns. The new design is intended to improve concealment in certain conditions and meet the needs of troops who are already using similar patterns, sometimes at their own expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Central Logistics Development Directorate has updated the technical specification A01XJ.29979-539:2025 (02) "Cotton and blended fabrics", adding the new MM-25 camouflage pattern. The directorate says that over ten manufacturers have expressed interest in reviewing the pattern and its colour palette. "Our goal is to provide the military with the necessary uniforms and equipment and to create conditions so Ukrainian producers can officially supply the army with essential material assets," said Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Kaiola, Chief of the Central Logistics Development Directorate. The Defence Ministrys procurement agency DOT has launched a tender process for the first trial batches of products featuring MM-25. In 2025, they plan to purchase 20,000 pieces of items with the new camouflage to assess production capacity and gradually integrate the pattern into the Armed Forces' supply system. Quote from Mykyta Chichkan, Director of the DOT Gear and Clothing programme: "We understand that the new requirements for supply pose a challenge both for the customer and manufacturers. After receiving the military's request, we initiated the procurement of five items covered by these updated standards. Our aim is for troops to receive clothing that meets their real needs and for manufacturers to be able to fulfil these orders to a high standard." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Defence Ministry expects the new pattern to offer more options for combat units and open up opportunities for producers already working with similar printing and tailoring technologies. The statement about the new MM-25 camouflage pattern appeared on 29 July on the website of the ministry's Central Logistics Development Directorate. Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military news outlet, citing specialised resources Boroshno News and First Division, said MM-25 is essentially a copy of the world-famous MultiCam pattern. Former Defence Ministry advisor Dana Yarova criticised the ministry's initiative, arguing that MultiCam's popularity is not due to the pattern but to the quality of the fabric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Yarova: "Troops wear MultiCam not because it looks better or blends better with terrain, but because the fabric is different: lighter, breathable and able to withstand stress and it doesn't rot on the body after 48 hours in a dugout. And now the Ministry of Defence is proposing to keep the existing fabric and just recolour the pattern. Because it's easier to make money by changing the colour than by innovating." Details: Yarova also noted that manufacturing fabric with this pattern is significantly more expensive, as MultiCam uses seven colours compared to five in the pixel pattern. She said only one manufacturer in Ukraine currently has the technical capacity to produce such fabric and full production retooling could take up to a year. Meanwhile, Yurii Hudymenko, Head of the Anti-Corruption Council at the Defence Ministry, told the BBC that over the past year and a half, several units, including military intelligence, had sent requests to the General Staff and the ministry for official supplies of uniforms with this pattern. Now, following the ministry's decision, they will be able to receive the necessary uniform sets from the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also pointed out that the differences between the pixel and MM-25 patterns are not only visual but also concern the fabric, usage conditions, types of missions and even frontline identification. "For special forces, it's both a protective element and a status symbol, which I say as a former serviceman myself. For example, regular ground troops wear pixel camouflage, while special forces wear MultiCam. There is a rule like that on the line of contact. It's an important element for identifying special units," Hudymenko emphasised. For reference: In 2014, the Defence Ministry announced the transition to a new camouflage pattern, MM-14 "pixel". It replaced the Soviet oak leaf pattern and was modelled on Western forces camouflage designs. Since its introduction, all material kit has been produced in the pixel pattern, including military uniforms. Unlike the blurred shapes of the oak leaf, the new pattern consisted of pixelated squares in shades of swamp green, grey-green, dark grey and light green on a beige-sand background. A separate version with dark blue colours was developed for the Navy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MM-14 was designed to provide camouflage in urban, forest and steppe environments. Its main purpose is to blur the soldier's silhouette at various distances and to make detection more difficult, including by night vision devices. MM-25 (short for "camouflage pattern 2025") is stylistically similar to the US MultiCam pattern. This camouflage was developed by Crye Precision in 2002 for the US armed forces. It consists of seven colours and is used across different terrains to provide adaptive concealment. Ukrainian troops are already using uniforms with a similar pattern, often purchasing them at their own expense due to the fabric's comfort and suitability for combat conditions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! India is actively involved in the discussions on the India-USA Bilateral Trade Agreement, which aims at expanding trade and investment and deepening the US-India trade relationship to promote growth that ensures fairness, national security and job creation, especially in the labour-intensive sector, including agricultural products. According to Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today said that the ongoing discussions are focussed on how to take an integrated approach to strengthen and deepen bilateral trade by mutually increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepening supply chain integration. Further, the livelihood interests of our farmers and requirements of food security have always been paramount for the Government while negotiating trade agreements with our international partners, including the US.The remarks have significance as the two sides could not conclude due to the American demand to get comprehensive access in the Indian agriculture and dairy sector. In March 2025, India and the US started talks for a balanced and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The goal of this was to finish the first stage of the Agreement by October-November 2025.Speaking on the BTA in Lok Sabha, Piyush Goyal on July 31 informed that there have been many virtual meetings between the two sides. "The government is examining the implications of recent developments. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is engaged with all stakeholders to gather their feedback and assess the situation," Goyal added. "The government attaches utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, and all sections of industry. We will take all necessary steps to secure our national interest," Goyal added. (ANI) (Reuters) -Ukraine's prime minister said on Tuesday that she and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had discussed prospects for completing the first three projects of a new investment fund within its first 18 months of operation. Yulia Svyrydenko, the main driving force behind the creation of the fund, said she and Bessent had discussed the fund's operations and "continuing and strengthening cooperation in the defense and investment sectors". "We are working on expanding its mandate so that the fund can also invest in the defense sector," Svyrydenko wrote in English on the X social media platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The first meeting of the board of directors is scheduled for September. The task is to launch the first three projects within 18 months." Svyrydenko was speaking to Bessent for the first time as prime minister since her appointment last month. As first deputy prime minister, she had signed the agreement setting up the fund in April as part of an accord, heavily promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump, to develop Ukraine's mineral resources. In her comments, Svyrydenko also said she and Bessent had discussed a potential broad defence agreement that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has cited regarding production and sale of Ukrainian drones. They also discussed the prospect of imposing tougher sanctions on Russia, a measure Ukraine has long sought. Trump has warned Russia that he will introduce more sanctions on Moscow if it does not make more progress on ending the war before a deadline set for Friday. (Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Sandra Maler) Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Ukrainian drones targeted the Tatsinskaya railway station in Russia's Rostov Oblast overnight on Aug. 5, local media reported. The railway station acts as a logistics hub for nearby oil infrastructure and is used to transport grain. Russian gasoline prices hit a record high, with the cost of Ai-95 gasoline hitting a record level on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) amid Ukrainian strikes on Moscow's oil infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 10 explosions occurred throughout Rostov Oblast as air defenses responded to the drone attack, local media reported. In the town of Millerovo, power outages reportedly occurred. Mobile networks partially shut down in the region, the electric utility company Donenergo said. Ukraine's military has not commented on the attack, and the claims could not be independently verified. Rostov Oblast acting Governor Yuriy Slyusar in the morning of Aug. 5 reported that Russia's military "repelled a massive air attack" in the Bely Kalitva, Tatsinsky, Chertkovsky, and Millerovsky districts of the oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At a farmstead in Verkhnetalovka, Millerovsky district, a substation caught fire," with the blaze later extinguished, he said. Another fire broke out and was quickly put out near the Tatsinskaya railway station, with a canopy in a home's yard burning, Slyusar said. No one was injured in the drone attack, he reported. Tatsinskaya is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Ukraine's border with Russia and approximately 305 kilometers (189 miles) from Ukrainian-held territory near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Ukraine regularly strikes military infrastructure deep within Russia in an effort to diminish Moscow's fighting power, as it continues to wage its war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overnight on Aug. 4, drones operated by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) struck five Russian fighter jets at an airfield in Saky, in Russian-occupied Crimea. The drone attack destroyed a Su-30SM aircraft, damaged another, hit three Su-24s, and hit an aviation weapons depot. A "massive" Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Archeda railway station in Russia's Volgograd Oblast on Aug. 4, causing rail disruptions and temporarily shutting down operations at a regional airport. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile system in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine's General Staff reported on Aug. 4. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv hits 5 Russian fighter jets in occupied Crimea, destroys 1 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Ukrainian military is repelling Russian attempts to create a bridgehead for a possible assault on Kherson. Information circulating on social media about the alleged landing of Russian sabotage groups in Kherson is not true. Source: Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Defence Forces of Ukraine's South, in a comment to Ukrinform news agency Details: Voloshyn said the overall situation on the Kherson front remains quite difficult. The Ukrainian military reports up to a dozen Russian assaults each day, all concentrated in the island zone of the Dnipro delta from the southern islands of Kozulyskyi, Zabych, Nestryha, Bilohrudyi, and Velykyi Vilkovyi to the northern part of the zone near the Antonivka railway and motorway bridges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voloshyn reported that Russian forces are trying at all costs to gain a foothold on the islands and take control of the entire island zone. From there, they could begin preparing for possible operations to cross the main channel of the Dnipro and land on the right bank, where Kherson is located. Meanwhile, the spokesman stressed that Ukrainian intelligence currently does not observe any Russian group capable of carrying out a breakthrough and capturing bridgeheads on the right bank. However, Russian forces continue to strike Kherson using drones, aircraft, rockets, and, quite often, guided aerial bombs. Voloshyn also refuted claims circulating on social media about Russian sabotage groups infiltrating Kherson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "As for claims about infiltrations by sabotage and reconnaissance groups (SRGs), thats disinformation there are no such groups in Kherson. Even if an SRG did manage to infiltrate, what would it achieve? Would it take control of the entire Kherson Oblast? Well, it would engage some of our forces and resources in combat, but in the end, such a group would be quickly wiped out. These reports about SRGs supposedly entering Kherson are nothing more than blatant disinformation and enemy psychological operations." Details: Voloshyn commented on the bridge connecting the mainland part of the city to the Korabel residential district, saying it is a logistical facility essential for civilian life and did not play a significant role in the defence system. The bridge has been damaged by Russian forces. Quote: "This is civilian infrastructure. The bridge, currently partially damaged, did not play a significant role in the defence system. However, because of the damage, civilians living in the Korabel (Ostriv) district have been cut off at the time of the strike, according to the Oblast Military Administration, about 1,800 residents remained there. Thats why local authorities decided to evacuate them. In other words, this strike on civilian infrastructure is a clear act of terrorism by the enemy, targeting the civilian population. There are no military facilities nearby; this was simply a strike aimed at disrupting the normal functioning of everything that sustains the district." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian historian and photographer Ihor Klymovych was killed in action in Kharkiv Oblast at the end of July. He served as a junior lieutenant in the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. Source: Ihors wife, Oleksandra Klymovych, on Facebook Quote from Oleksandra: "My love, my soul, my universe, my life, they have taken you from me, and on 30 July I died with you. You were killed nine weeks before the birth of our daughter, whom you were waiting for so much and who will now never see or know her incredible father." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Ihor worked on costumes for Nataliia Vorozhbyts film Demons. "Ihor worked with us on the film Demons in the costume design department. He was principled, kind, professional, precise, genuine he was a truly wonderful person," Nataliia wrote. The date and place of Ihors funeral will be announced later. Ihor graduated from the Institute of Tourism at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University. He actively participated in the Revolution of Dignity [a series of protests in Ukraine in 2013-2014, sparked by the government's decision to halt a European Union association agreement ed.]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ihor travelled extensively across Ukraine, collected artefacts, and was interested in the reconstruction of Kyivan Rus and medieval culture. He was an expert on historical weapons, everyday life, clothing and traditions. He was the first Ukrainian to become a member of the international experimental archaeology association EXARC. In 2021, Ihor won the audience award in the Traveller Photographer of the Year contest, and in the same year, presented his photo exhibition Man and War in the town of Stryi (Lviv Oblast), featuring 48 black-and-white photographs taken at the front. In 2022, Ihor joined the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. He developed methods for moral and psychological support, gave lectures and organised excursions and meetings with cultural figures for servicemen. He was also engaged in the evacuation of cultural heritage: together with his brothers-in-arms from the 3rd Assault Brigade, he rescued a 900-year-old Polovtsian stone statue from Donetsk Oblast, transporting it under Russian attacks to the Dmytro Yavornytskyi National Historical Museum in the city of Dnipro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February this year, Ihor was promoted to the rank of junior lieutenant. Previously: On 14 July, Artem Naliato, a 21-year-old Ukrainian who had been adopted as a child by an Italian family, was killed in action while defending Ukraine against Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian special forces on Tuesday claimed to have killed more than 330 Russian troops in a dawn raid behind enemy lines. Kyivs defence intelligence (HUR) said a Russian advance in Sumy was stopped cold when troops from its elite Timur unit infiltrated enemy positions and eliminated scores of Vladimir Putins soldiers in close-quarter fighting and with co-ordinated drone and artillery strikes. HUR did not specify the exact date or location of the battle, but Russias push into the region has stalled in recent weeks because of Ukraines strong resistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A video released by HUR showed Ukrainian fighters approaching the target in a low-flying helicopter before engaging the enemy in a wooded area with assault rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers. Explosions and screams were heard as Ukrainian artillery pounded enemy positions, and dead bodies lay on the ground. Outside the trees, Timur troops could be seen speeding in open-top trucks down unmetaled roads and hand-launching drones in fields. 0608 Ukrainian special forces Overwhelmed Russian soldiers were heard over intercepted radio transmissions refusing to attack Ukrainian positions, HUR wrote. [They were] justifying themselves with far-fetched reasons, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 334 Russian troops were killed and over 550 wounded, HUR said. It signed off the video with: The armed struggle continues! Glory to Ukraine! HUR said the operation disrupted Russian supplies of food and ammunition. The action was carried out by the forces of the Chymera, Yunger, Stugna, Siberian Battalion, Aratta, 1514, Paragon, Art Division, First Line, Raven Group, and 6th Special Operations Unit, which are part of the overall Timur Special Unit. Russian forces entered the Sumy Oblast earlier this year after recapturing most of the neighbouring Kursk Oblast in Russia. They aimed to carve out a buffer zone along Ukraines northeastern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine claimed to have halted the Russian advance and even to have recaptured some villages. Severnnyi, a Russian military blogger, wrote on Monday that Moscows forces had been surrounded in the Oleksiivka area of the region. He said: They have us trapped. Water on three sides, and Ukrainians on the fourth. The elite Timur unit is an umbrella command within HUR that coordinates a number of specialised forces. The group takes its name from its leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Timur, who planted a Ukrainian flag in Crimea for the first time in 10 years in a special operation in August 2024. In March 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that HUR operators from the Timur unit were actively fighting Russian-aligned forces in Sudan. 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. Liana Avetisian and most of her family fled Ukraine in 2023 and have built a new life in the U.S., resettling in DeWitt, Iowa, which calls itself the Crossroads to Opportunity. The town has been just that for more than 75 Ukrainians, welcomed by people like Angela Boelens, who has helped many of the refugees with housing and jobs, at first on her own and then through an organization she helped found called Iowa Nice. "I get a phone call every week from employers saying, 'Do you have anybody from Ukraine who needs a job?' Because we have a workforce shortage in Iowa and our population is declining," Boelens told CBS News. Back in Kiev, Avetisian sold real estate. In the U.S., she took a job at a window replacement company, a field where she had no previous experience. "To find people that want to work and take pride in their work to our standards is not easy," said Sam Heer, who hired Avetisian. "I want more Ukrainians." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heer employed Avetisian, her husband and her cousin before their two-year work permits expired. As the war in Ukraine continues, most European countries are renewing work permits of Ukrainian refugees. The Trump administration has not, pausing all immigration applications filed by migrants from Latin America and Ukraine earlier this year. Heer told CBS News he voted for President Trump in the 2024 election. When asked what he would tell the president or his administration about the Ukrainian refugees, Heer said, "These people are hard to come by. They've been through upheaval just to get here and then, all of a sudden, what they thought they were building toward is shaken. When people do the right things and follow the rules, they should be rewarded." But for Avetisian and her teenage daughter, the opportunity in Dewitt could be slipping away. "They were promised to stay until it's safe to return. It's not safe to return. It's not even close," Boelens said. "And when we make a promise to people, I feel we keep it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boelens says many more work permits are about to expire, leaving Ukrainian refugees in limbo. They may not be forced to leave. But without a job, they can't afford to stay. "It's not safe to go back to Kiev," Avetisian said when asked if she would return home. "Every day, every night, it's bombing," she said, noting that her mother, who is still in Ukraine, sends her videos of the attacks. After enduring the pain of leaving everything behind, refugees like Avetisian just hope to stay rooted in the American heartland they now call home. Global stock markets react to Trump's sweeping tariffs in effect now Sean "Diddy" Combs wants to go back to Madison Square Garden in the future, attorney says Israel's Security Cabinet approves plan to take over Gaza City The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday of famine in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur region. The city has been cut off from humanitarian aid, leaving the remaining population with little choice but to survive on the few supplies still available, according to a statement. El Fasher has been under siege by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since May 2024 and is the last major city in North Darfur still under government control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan has been engulfed in a bloody power struggle since April 2023 between de facto leader Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the RSF. More than 12 million people have fled the conflict, and according to the UN, over 26 million people roughly half the population are at risk of hunger. Dire conditions in El Fasher A year ago, the United Nations declared a famine in the Samsam refugee camp, located about 20 kilometres from El Fasher. The RSK attacked and destroyed the camp in the spring, forcing some of its residents to flee to El Fasher. Around 300,000 people remain in the besieged city, living under increasingly desperate conditions, according to UN estimates. Blockade drives food prices sky-high The WFP has been unable to deliver food to the city by land for more than a year due to blocked access routes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone in El Fasher is facing a daily struggle to survive, said Eric Perdison, WFPs regional director for eastern and southern Africa. The WFP continues to support 250,000 people in the city with digital cash to purchase food still available in local markets. However, this is far from sufficient to meet the enormous needs of the besieged population. Food prices have risen dramatically. Basic staples such as sorghum and wheat, used to make traditional flatbread and porridge, cost up to 460% more in El Fasher than in the rest of Sudan, according to the WFP. Reports indicate that some families are surviving on animal feed and food waste. The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday of famine in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan's North Darfur region. The city has been cut off from humanitarian aid, leaving the remaining population with little choice but to survive on the few supplies still available, according to a statement. El Fasher has been under siege by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since May 2024 and is the last major city in North Darfur still under government control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan has been engulfed in a bloody power struggle since April 2023 between de facto leader Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the RSF. More than 12 million people have fled the conflict, and according to the UN, over 26 million people roughly half the population are at risk of hunger. Dire conditions in El Fasher A year ago, the United Nations declared a famine in the Samsam refugee camp, located about 20 kilometres from El Fasher. The RSK attacked and destroyed the camp in the spring, forcing some of its residents to flee to El Fasher. Around 300,000 people remain in the besieged city, living under increasingly desperate conditions, according to UN estimates. Blockade drives food prices sky-high The WFP has been unable to deliver food to the city by land for more than a year due to blocked access routes. Everyone in El Fasher is facing a daily struggle to survive, said Eric Perdison, WFPs regional director for eastern and southern Africa. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR) With the summer heat, humidity, and poor air quality, cardiologist Dr. Russell Silverman said it is the perfect storm for someone with a pre-existing health condition such as lung or heart disease. The weather were experiencing has added fuel to the fire for such individuals. We also have air that is sinking, and its bringing it down to the surface, also along with a lot of sunshine. If you heat the surface, it causes the air to rise, and it starts circulating. So youre mixing that smoke to the surface, Emanuelle Sera, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When people spend time outdoors, they are exposed to harmful particles that get trapped in their lungs, Silverman said. It sticks to the lining of the lungs, and it actually crosses into the blood stream through the air sacs in the lungs, the alveoli, and once it gets into the blood stream, its very inflammatory, Silverman said. Sera said that the number 50, or around it, is indicative of the Air Quality Index being safe. Around 6 p.m., on Monday, August 4, the number in East Syracuse was around 153, which is considered unhealthy. Silverman recommends indoor activities. But if someone needs to be outside for an extended period of time, even if they do not live with a pre-existing health condition, it is recommended that they wear an N95 mask to avoid particle inhalation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because in the long run, you may end up paying a price, he said. We dont know the long-term side effects of this type of exposure. Cancer is certainly a concern, every 30, 40 years down the road. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. Street Legal Industries, headquartered in Oak Ridge and owned by the Poarch Creek Indians of Alabama, has been honored with the prestigious Small Business Award from United Cleanup Oak Ridge (UCOR). The award recognizes the companys exceptional contributions to the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) environmental cleanup efforts. The announcement was made during UCORs 2025 Small Business Awards Ceremony, which celebrates companies that have significantly advanced DOEs mission on the Oak Ridge Reservation. Street Legal earned the award for its successful completion of a technically complex, competitively awarded construction project. The company provided critical environmental support services while working collaboratively with local labor and DOE stakeholders. This award is a tribute to the hard work and resilience of our entire team, especially our partners in the local union labor force whose skill and dedication were instrumental in completing this complex scope of work safely and efficiently, said Pat Bisese, President of Street Legal Industries. It also reflects the strong collaboration weve had with DOE throughout the project, from planning to execution. Earning this recognition in our home community of Oak Ridge makes it all the more meaningful. Were proud to support the Departments mission and to contribute to a cleaner, safer future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Street Legal was recently acquired by the Poarch Creek Indians of Atmore, Alabama, a Tribal nation that owns and operates more than 40 diverse businesses across the United States and the Caribbean. Stephanie Bryan, Chair and CEO of the Poarch Creek Indians, shared her pride in the companys accomplishments, stating, It is extremely gratifying for us, as a Tribal nation, to have one of our companies play a pivotally important role in this large and complex environmental cleanup project for the U.S. Department of Energy. We commend the dedicated team at Street Legal for their superlative work and congratulate them on this recognition. UCORthe Department of Energys lead cleanup contractor in Oak Ridgeselected award recipients based on their performance, safety record, innovation, and collaboration in executing mission-critical projects. Street Legal has been a consistent contributor to DOEs Oak Ridge Environmental Management mission since 2000. 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 Gaza City, Gaza (PANA) - As civilians in Gaza face starvation and humanitarian aid is insufficient, Manar, an employee of the United Nations refugee agency (UNRWA), describes the harrowing daily lives of Gazans who are often forced to sleep on an empty stomach The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting hosted a high-level Conference with State and Union Territory Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Secretaries on August 5, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan, Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Sanjay Jaju, and other senior officials addressed the conference, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said. The Conference aimed to strengthen Centre-State coordination in public communication, ensure full-scale implementation and functionality of Press Sewa Portal and India Cine Hub, and explore collaborative opportunities for developing film infrastructure and promoting India's creative economy across regions. Addressing the Conference, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan said that the Indian Cinema Hub portal has been revamped into a unified single-window system, offering streamlined access to filmmaking permissions and services across India. With GIS features and common forms, it supports ease of doing business and showcases India's film-friendly policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per the press release. The Minister also highlighted grassroots cinema initiatives that empower women and local communities through low-cost theatres. He emphasised that major global events, such as WAVES 2025 and IFFI Goa, attract global talent, boost India's creative economy, promote cultural diplomacy worldwide, and empower the creative minds of tomorrow. He placed special emphasis on the recently launched Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), which aims to skill youth in animation, gaming, music and other creative fields, highlighting the Government of India's efforts to boost the creator economy in the country, as per the press release. During the event, I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju emphasised the vital role of Centre-State collaboration in effective communication and media development. He highlighted the rise of digital creators, vernacular media and the need to empower district-level I&PR setups. He urged all states to integrate with the Press Sewa Portal for smoother publication processes and flagged concerns over disjointed responsibilities in media departments across states. Jaju also highlighted the economic potential of cinema and content creation, stressing the need to expand beyond metros and support local talent. Initiatives like India Cine Hub were introduced to promote filmmaking and enable creators to monetize content. He termed the WAVES Summit a global movement and announced plans for a Radio Conclave during IFFI in Goa to deepen dialogue and cooperation across the media ecosystem, according to the press release shared by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. One of the major focus areas of the Conference was sensitization and onboarding of the concerned officers of the State and UTs on the Press Sewa Portal. Developed by the Press Registrar General of India under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023, the portal was a single-window digital platform that facilitated registration and compliance processes related to periodicals. Another key highlight was the emphasis on revamped India Cine Hub Portal, which went live on 28 June 2024. This portal now functions as a single-window system for film-related facilitation across India, offering integrated access to filming permissions, incentives, and resource mapping at the Central, State, and local levels. Seven States and two UTs had already completed full integration, while twenty-one States and six UTs had been onboarded through a Common Application Form. The India Cine Hub portal supported GIS-based location mapping, crowdsourced content from industry professionals, and differentiated workflows for filming, non-filming, and incentives. The conference discussed processing of applications and contributing verified data to improve India's appeal as a global filming destination,Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said. (ANI) NICOSIA (Reuters) -Decades-old property disputes stemming from Cyprus's unresolved division are stirring tensions on the island, threatening to derail fragile progress in United Nations-led reconciliation attempts. Recent detentions on both sides over disputed property claims have exposed the enduring grievances of tens of thousands of internally displaced people. "I'm very concerned. I fear the property issue will cause major problems in the coming months," outgoing U.N. envoy Colin Stewart said in an interview with Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five Greek Cypriots have been in Turkish Cypriot custody since July 19 and face charges of trespass for visiting Trikomo, a predominantly Greek Cypriot area before the island was split by a Turkish invasion in 1974, triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup. Now known by the Turkish name Iskele, it has attracted considerable development in recent years. A property developer active in the region holding joint Israeli and Turkish citizenship has been in custody for more than a year in Cyprus's south on accusations of cashing in on Greek Cypriot properties. In May, a court jailed two people from Hungary for brokering sales of Greek Cypriot-owned properties in the north. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides called the arrest of the Greek Cypriots an "act of piracy". In response, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar - who had previously accused Greek Cypriots of weaponising the property issue by prosecuting the developer - criticised Christodoulides for showing disrespect to Turkish Cypriots and the judicial process. Both are key players in a U.N.-backed process to foster trust-building between Cyprus's Greek and Turkish communities, but progress has been slow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cases highlight the complexity and sensitivity over territory on the island, where the seeds of partition were sown after independence from Britain in the early sixties, when a power-sharing administration fell apart. Most people who fled communal conflict could never return, and in many cases in the north properties were re-distributed. "This underlines the need for a settlement, because the only way to address the property issue is to solve the Cyprus problem," a diplomatic source told Reuters. (Reporting By Michele Kambas; Editing by Alex Richardson) COVID-19 vaccination rates amongst Wisconsinites are still lagging as cases rise in nearly every U.S. state. Recent epidemic trend data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that COVID-19 cases in 40 states, including Wisconsin, are growing. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in an Aug. 1 email it continues to recommend the vaccine for pregnant women and all residents 6 months and older, despite rollback on federal guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: State health officials urge kids, pregnant women to get COVID-19 vaccine despite federal pullback Officials reaffirmed the current vaccine is "well-studied and safe and effective." Current COVID-19 activity is "minimal" in the state, according to DHS, but there's been a noted increase in state laboratory testing and emergency department data. For the week ending July 26, 176 COVID-19 tests came back positive in Wisconsin or 4.9% of the 3,587 ran, according to state data. That's up from 2% of positive cases for the week ending June 28. Moreover, about 0.3% of emergency department visits showed a positive COVID-19 diagnosis for the week ending July 26, up from 0.1% a month prior, state data shows. "Some cases" of the newest variant, NB.1.8.1, have also been reported in Wisconsin, according to DHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Have any cases of the new COVID-19 strain been reported in Wisconsin? What to know about NB.1.8.1 How many Wisconsinites have received updated COVID-19 vaccine doses? Just 18.3% of Wisconsin residents or about 1.082 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025 as of Aug. 1, DHS data shows. How to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin: Vaccines are available at doctor's offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. You can find the administrator closest to you online at https://www.vaccines.gov/en/. For uninsured residents, the states Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults programs also provide free or low-cost vaccinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 9 measles cases were reported in Wisconsin. Here's how to check your immunization records Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Wisconsin: DHS says you should get tested for COVID-19 if: You are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms You have been exposed to the virus You are around those at risk of severe illness There are several options to get tested in Wisconsin. Health officials recommend contacting a doctor or primary health care provider, pharmacy, tribal or community health center to see if testing is offered. More: Wisconsin health officials say RFK Jr. 'destroying trust' with purge of CDC vaccine panel This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Need a COVID-19 booster? How to get vaccinated in Wisconsin Nearly 1,000 registered nurses seeking to unionize at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital won a victory with the National Labor Relations Boards decision to set a vote later this month. The secret ballot vote on whether the 940 nurses will be represented by SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania will be held Tuesday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 23, in an auditorium at the hospital in Pittsburgh, according to an order dated Aug. 1 from the NLRB. The vote will include full- and part-time RNs at the hospital, although no decision has been made on whether neonatal intensive care unit charged nurses or lactation consultants who also work at the hospital will be a part of the bargaining unit. Nurses and SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania petitioned the NLRB on May 27, seeking to unionize the nurses at the hospital. UPMC, the nurses and SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania argued during a June hearing over whether RNs who serve as charge nurses could be excluded from the union if they spend more than 10% of their time as supervisors. NLRB didnt agree with UPMCs contention that they were statutory supervisors. Click here to read more from our partners at the Pittsburgh Business Times. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A migrant rights group has accused the administration of US President Donald Trump of concealing a hunger strike at a newly opened immigration detention centre in the Florida Everglades. Detainees at the facility, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," have been refusing food for nearly two weeks, according to the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC). "We don't have to assume that that's happening because we see ambulances, because the family members are telling us, the detainees themselves have gone on record on various publications," FLIC representative Thomas Kennedy told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday rejected the reports as "FAKE NEWS" in a post on X, writing: "There is NO hunger strike." Broadcaster CNN also quoted the agency as saying that detainees receive three meals a day, as well as access to water and other drinks. Kennedy, however, said that several detainees had been hospitalized and called the government's denial a "weird and easily disprovable lie." "The DHS is saying that a hunger strike is not taking place, when the detainees themselves are saying, we are on hunger strike," he added. Last week, Kennedy published videos showing ambulances leaving the facility and said about a dozen men were involved in the protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one Cuban migrant and his wife told NBC News and Spanish newspaper El Pais that he was refusing food in protest and had been taken to hospital. CNN had previously reported on poor conditions at the site, citing relatives and Democratic politicians. They described extreme heat, broken toilets and a lack of clean water, food, or legal counsel, allegations that the US administration rejects. Trump inaugurated the facility in late June. The centre is designed to house thousands of migrants awaiting deportation as part of Trump's mass deportation strategy. US attempts to interfere with South Africa's domestic issues have brought relations between the nations to "a low", Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told AFP in an interview Tuesday. Tariffs of 30 percent -- the highest on any sub-Saharan African country -- are set to hit certain South African exports Friday in the absence of a trade deal, coming after months of escalating tensions over a range of domestic and international policies. "In the past we have not had this situation where another government would want to interfere on a domestic issue like it is now," Lamola said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since the last 30 years, there have been disagreements with the US administration on a number of issues, but the diplomatic lines of engagement have always been open," he said, adding relations had "reached a low". Pretoria's ties with Washington plummeted after President Donald Trump took office in January. South Africa's failure to reach a new trade deal to avoid the heavy levy on its US exports has been criticised at home, including by parties in the coalition government which have accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and his team of diplomatic missteps. On top of disagreements over a range of issues, including South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice, Washington in March expelled Pretoria's ambassador after he criticised Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Lamola told AFP that South Africa had done "everything possible under the sun" to reach a deal on the tariffs, among those set to take effect against several countries from August 8. "The trade department had signed what was provided to us (by Washington) as a non-disclosure agreement... and we are waiting to hear from the US," he said. Political disagreements -- including on policies meant to redress racial inequalities that linger 30 years after the end of apartheid -- had not come up in trade talks with the United States, he said. "Issues outside trade have not yet been brought to the table, but if they arise, we will have to engage with them," the minister said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is important that we maintain our sovereignty and engage with the US at the level of a mutual sovereign state," he added. The looming tariffs could cost South Africa around 30,000 jobs, government officials said Monday, with the United States its second-largest trading partner by country after China. fal/jcb/br/kjm (Reuters) -The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of repair and sustainment support for M777 howitzer artillery guns and transportation and consolidation services to Ukraine for an estimated total of $203.5 million, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. The principal contractor for equipment, repair services, and sustainment support for the howitzers will be BAE Systems , while the principal contractor for transportation and consolidation services will be determined from approved vendors, the Pentagon said in a statement. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Ryan Patrick Jones in Toronto) US Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered prosecutors to open legal proceedings into allegations that political opponents of Donald Trump may have conspired to falsely accuse him of colluding with Russia in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election. According to the BBC's US partner CBS News, prosecutors will submit evidence to a grand jury - a group of members of the public who will decide whether formal charges will be filed. It is unclear, however, what those charges might be and who could be charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was elected president in the 2016 election, beating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. He has always accused political foes of smear over the so-called Russiagate allegations. Last month, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accused former President Barack Obama and his national security team of a "years-long coup" against Trump. Gabbard alleged that intelligence about Russian meddling in the 2016 White House election had been politicised by the Obama White House to falsely tie Trump to Russia. Trump reacted by accusing Obama of "treason" - and an Obama spokesman called that claim "bizarre". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats said nothing in Gabbard's findings invalidated a US intelligence assessment in January 2017 concluding that Russia had sought to damage Clinton's campaign and boost Trump in the vote three months earlier. A 2020 bipartisan report by the Senate intelligence committee also found that Russia had tried to help Trump's 2016 campaign. Fox News reported last month that ex-CIA Director John Brennan and ex-FBI Director James Comey were under criminal investigation relating to the TrumpRussia probe. Both have long denied any wrongdoing and accuse Trump of subverting the justice system. Half of Trump's first presidency was overshadowed by an investigation from his own justice department into whether he had conspired with Russia to sway the 2016 outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resulting Mueller report found no proof that Trump or his campaign had co-ordinated with the Kremlin, and no-one was charged with such crimes. The debate over Russiagate was reinvigorated last week when an appendix to another justice department investigation into the affair was declassified. The 29 pages from Special Counsel John Durham's inquiry cites a March 2016 memo from a US intelligence source stating that Hillary Clinton had approved a plan to smear Trump as a Russian asset. Durham cites "what appear or purport to be original" emails that hackers affiliated with Russian intelligence might have obtained from an employee with a non-profit organisation run by liberal donor George Soros. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the messages appeared to have been sent by Leonard Benardo, senior vice-president at Open Society Foundations, Soros' philanthropic arm. It apparently refers to a Clinton foreign policy adviser, Julianna Smith. The email, dated 26 July 2016, reads: "Julie says it will be a long-term affair to demonize Putin and Trump. Now it is good for a post-convention bounce. Later the FBI will put more oil into the fire." There is nothing illegal about a political smear, but Trump allies suggested the email, if genuine, showed that federal investigators could have been part of the scheme. Durham, however, found no proof of such an FBI conspiracy. According to the appendix, Benardo told Durham that "to the best of his recollection" he did not draft the email, although he noted that some of the verbiage further down sounded like something he would have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The special counsel also interviewed Smith, who said she did not recall receiving such an email from Benardo. Durham made no determination in his appendix whether the emails were authentic, or if they had been doctored by Russian spies. But Omar Waraich, a director at Open Society Foundations, told the BBC the Benardo emails were "crude forgeries". "The claims that Open Society helped orchestrate an FBI investigation are outrageous and false," a statement from the nonprofit said. Durham's main 306-page report, published in 2023, found the original FBI probe into Trump's campaign had lacked "analytical rigor" and relied on "raw, unanalysed and uncorroborated intelligence". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US officials found the Russian meddling in 2016 included bot farms on social media and hacking of Democratic emails, but they ultimately concluded the impact was probably limited and did not actually change the election result. The US will begin sending illegal migrants to Rwanda after it signed a deal to accept deportees. The African nation will accept up to 250 migrants removed under Donald Trumps mass-deportation programme, a Rwandan government spokesman told Reuters. The deal was inked in Kigali in June, the official said, adding that Washington had already sent a preliminary list of 10 deportees to be vetted by Rwanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation, said Yolande Makolo, a spokesman for the Rwandan government. Under the terms of the agreement, Kigali has the final say on each individual proposed for resettlement, with those who are approved offered workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support. This is designed to jump-start their lives in Rwanda, the spokesman said, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the last decade. Yolande Makolo, Rwandas government spokesperson said the deal would allow deportees to jumpstart their lives - Jean Bizimana/Reuters Rwanda will be paid by the United States to take the migrants, in the form of a grant, an official said, though declined to say how much the grant was for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of migrants taken could also rise beyond 250 by mutual consent. Those deported would not have to stay in the country and could leave anytime they chose. Kigali will only accept those who have finished their prison terms or those who have no cases against them. The country also said it would not accept child sex offenders. Mr Trump has been sounding out several African countries for deals to take migrants as part of his mass deportation campaign. Migrants have already been sent to South Sudan and the Eswatini, which the White House said had received six depraved criminals last month after their own countries refused to take them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rwanda agreement is the latest third-country deal the Trump administration has signed as it aims to ramp up efforts to deport millions of illegal migrants. The administration has already signed deals to remove convicted criminals to South Sudan and Eswatini two sub-Saharan African nations. In March, 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members were deported to El Salvador, where they were held in the countrys Cecot prison. Rwanda has already received some US deportees, including at least one Iraqi national, according to a diplomatic cable unearthed in May. It is not yet clear where migrants deported to Rwanda will be housed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph previously reported that the country may look to repurpose housing paid for by the UK as part of any deal with the US. Those are details that will be discussed at an appropriate time, a top Rwandan government official previously said when asked if British facilities will be used for the American scheme. In March, 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members were deported from the US to El Salvador - Anadolu The then Tory governments attempt to deport migrants to Rwanda faltered in 2023 when five judges on the UK Supreme Court shot it down. Sir Keir Starmer officially scrapped the Conservatives Rwanda deportation policy immediately after entering Downing Street, without a single enforced removal having taken place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, just four migrants were sent to the African nation on a voluntary basis. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has repeatedly criticised the Rwanda scheme as a waste of 700m of taxpayers money. The multi-million-pound sum comprised 290m in payments to Rwanda, in addition to the cost of chartering planes that never took off, detaining then releasing hundreds of migrants, and paying for upwards of 1,000 civil servants to design the scheme. In total, the UK spent at least 318m to fund asylum facilities and boost economic development in the African nation. The White House was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In downtown Boise, the sidewalks aren't just warm with summer heat they're literally powered by it. Beneath the Idaho Capitol, a massive underground hot spring fuels the nation's oldest and largest geothermal heating system, The Arbiter reported. Unlike most geothermal systems in the U.S., Boise's taps directly into natural hot water from the earth, a rarity in American cities. "Our geothermal system is essentially tapping into a hot spring that sits under Boise and that's unique," Amy Parrish, sustainability director at Boise State University, told The Arbiter. "It's not something that a lot of communities have access to." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boise began harnessing this subterranean heat resource in 1982, The Arbiter reported, and it remains the only U.S. state capital that heats its Capitol building using hot water from beneath the ground. Boise State University also relies on the system to heat major buildings like the Student Union, the Center for Visual Arts, and the Administration building as part of its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Today, this network quietly delivers clean, renewable energy to more than 6 million square feet of homes, offices, and schools. It's a powerful example of how legacy infrastructure can still lead on climate. Keeping that system running, however, takes careful coordination. The Arbiter reported that this past spring, the city began a multi-month project to replace aging geothermal pipelines along 10th Street, a necessary investment in long-term reliability and safety. As with any major infrastructure project, the work has brought temporary disruptions to nearby traffic and businesses. But once complete, the new system will be stronger and more efficient, ensuring the benefits of clean geothermal energy continue for decades to come. Because the city's geothermal system is a shared resource, Boise State has a contract designating it as an "interruptible service." That means in the rare case of a service pause, like during maintenance or a repair, campus buildings can temporarily switch to natural gas heating. "If the flow was low for some reason, they could stop giving us service and prioritize buildings downtown," Parrish explained to The Arbiter. Geothermal energy is one of the most dependable renewable power sources available. It doesn't rely on sunshine or wind to function, and it emits far less pollution than dirty energy sources like oil or gas. That makes it a critical part of the broader shift toward clean, diversified energy a win for both the climate and public health. "I think one of the exciting parts about it, seeing that it's not just a beneficial source of clean energy in Boise, but something where we can set an example for other communities to follow," added Ryan McGoldrick, the program director of Conservation Voters for Idaho, per The Arbiter. "They can come and learn from our experts and help implement a new clean energy source in other places." 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. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The catastrophic implosion of the Titan submersible that killed five people in 2023 could have been prevented, a U.S. Coast Guard investigative board found on Tuesday, calling the vessels safety culture and operational practices critically flawed. The Titan vanished during a descent to the Titanic wreck on a tourist expedition, losing contact with its support ship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a tense four-day search, its shattered remains were discovered strewn across the seabed 1,600 feet (488 meters) from the bow of the legendary ocean liner that sank in 1912, claiming more than 1,500 lives. OceanGate, the U.S.-based company that managed the tourist submersible, suspended all operations after the incident. A company spokesperson said on Tuesday the company again offered its deepest condolences to the families of those who died "and directed its resources fully towards cooperating with the Coast Guards inquiry through its completion." The chair of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation, Jason Neubauer, said the accident was preventable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is a need for stronger oversight and clear options for operators who are exploring new concepts outside of the existing regulatory framework," he said in a statement with the release of the 300-page report. Chloe Nargeolet, whose father, French oceanographer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, died on the submersible, said she was satisfied with the investigation. "The OceanGate boss didnt do his job properly and obviously my father didnt know any of that," she said. "It was not random or bad luck, it came from something. It could have been avoided. The board determined that the primary contributing factors were OceanGates "inadequate design, certification, maintenance and inspection process for the Titan." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also cited "a toxic workplace culture at OceanGate," an inadequate regulatory framework for submersibles and other novel vessels, and an ineffective whistleblower process. The report added "for several years preceding the incident, OceanGate leveraged intimidation tactics, allowances for scientific operations, and the companys favorable reputation to evade regulatory scrutiny." The board found that OceanGate failed to investigate and address known hull anomalies following its 2022 Titanic expedition. It said data from Titans realtime monitoring system should have been analyzed and acted on during that expedition. It also criticized OceanGate for failing to properly store the Titan before the 2023 Titanic expedition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report faulted the absence of a timely Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation into a 2018 OceanGate whistleblowers complaint combined with a lack of government cooperation, calling them a missed opportunity and added "early intervention may have resulted in OceanGate pursuing regulatory compliance or abandoning their plans." (Reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru and David Shepardson in Washington and Layli Foroudi; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Howard Goller) The controversy surrounding the AI-altered ending of the Dhanush-starrer 'Raanjhanaa' has gained momentum, as after filmmaker Aanand L Rai and Dhanush, now actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has spoken about it and shown his support for the creators. He said, "I will always stand with the creator of the film. And, if the creator of the film was unhappy about his or her work being changed, I will always support the creator. So that's where my loyalty lies. The rest, the finer print of what happened there, I am not privy to. But that's all I can say about that" The ace star was speaking to the media during the teaser launch of his film '120 Bahadur'. The film is a tribute to Major Shaitan Singh Bhati PVC and the soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment. It draws inspiration from the legendary Battle of Rezang La. Farhan will be seen donning the role of Shaitan Singh Bhati PVC. Farhan's business partner, and producer, Ritesh Sidhwani, said, "I agree with Farhan. I think AI is something we need to embrace and use in the most right way and effective way. And I have said this even before. There were times when, I am talking of earlier times, when we used to do research based on going to a library, reading a book, opening that. Then Google came into our lives and we started doing it in a different way. I think you need to use AI smartly". "And don't get lazy with it. But I absolutely agree with the fact that you can't do it without the consent of something. I haven't seen this but I have heard about it and read about it. And I don't think it's cool that if the filmmaker as well as the actors and the people involved have not given the consent, it shouldn't be done. So I think AI is here but you have to use it very smartly. And use it to your advantage", he added. 'Raanjhanaa', originally directed by Anand L Rai and starring Dhanush, was re-released with an altered climax created using AI, sparking a heated debate among many. Dhanush, who played the lead role, took to X earlier and shared his discontent with the same. "The re-release of Raanjhanaa with an altered climax has completely disturbed me. This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul, and the concerned parties went ahead with it despite my clear objection," he wrote in the statement. Dhanush added, "This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago. The use of Al to alter films or content is a deeply concerning precedent for both art and artists. It threatens the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema. I sincerely hope that stricter regulations are put in place to prevent such practices in the future." He captioned it with, "For the love of cinema" https://x.com/dhanushkraja/status/1952040800398795224 'Raanjhanaa,' filmmaker Aanand L Rai also strongly voiced his opposition on social media. Taking to Instagram, Rai shared a long note. "The past three weeks have been surreal, and deeply upsetting. To watch Raanjhanaa, a film born out of care, conflict, collaboration, and creative risk, be altered, repackaged, and re-released without my knowledge or consent has been nothing short of devastating. What makes it worse is the complete ease and casualness with which it's been done. And yet, in the middle of all this, the support and solidarity from the industry, our audiences, and the larger creative community have reminded me of what Raanjhanaa stood for in the first place - connection, courage, and truth. I'm deeply grateful for that," he wrote. The filmmaker further asserted that he did not support or endorse the AI-altered version of 'Raanjhanaa,' stating that it is unauthorised."I had no role in it. Neither did the team that made the film. And whatever it claims to be, it is not the film we intended, or made. This was never just a film to us. It was shaped by human hands, human flaws, and human feeling. What's now being circulated is not a tribute. It is a reckless takeover that strips the work of its intent, its context, and its soul. The idea that our work can be taken and modified by a machine, then dressed up as innovation, is deeply disrespectful. To cloak a film's emotional legacy in a synthetic cape without consent is not a creative act. It's an abject betrayal of everything we built," he continued in the post. Rai concluded the post by acknowledging the hard work done by the original team of the film, including the writer, the actors, the composer, the lyricist, the technicians, and the entire crew. Following the announcement of the AI-altered version of 'Raanjhanaa,' Aanand L Rai had expressed deep concerns over the makers' rights and consent. Featuring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor in the lead roles, the film was released in 2013 and was a critical and commercial success. Over the years, 'Raanjhanaa' has maintained a cult status among viewers. Meanwhile, talking about Farhan Akhtar's '120 Bahadur', the makers unveiled the official teaser of the film on Tuesday, offering a gripping glimpse into the 1962 Indo-China war. Set against the backdrop of the legendary Battle of Rezang La, the teaser opens with rising tensions between India and China before Farhan's character declares, "Hum piche nahi hatenge (We will not step back)." 'Yeh wardi sirf himmat nahin, balidaan bhi maangti hai! Based on the incredible true story is a war forged in snow and sealed with sacrifice. 120 Bahadur, teaser out now. Releasing in cinemas near you on 21st Nov, 2025.," Farhan Akhtar wrote on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM9bgIryP_d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Shot across Ladakh, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, the makers have seamlessly recreated the war front. From the frozen terrains to battlefield silence, every frame carries weight. '120 Bahadur' is directed by Razneesh 'Razy' Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and Amit Chandrra. The film is slated to release in theatres on November 21, 2025. (ANI) The US state of Tennessee has executed an inmate despite concerns that a heart implant would shock him back to life, potentially causing extreme pain during the lethal injection. Byron Black, 69, convicted of a triple homicide in 1989, was pronounced dead at 10:43 local time (16:43 BST) at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, prison officials said. The US constitution bars cruel punishment, and Black's lawyers had argued that executing him without deactivating the defibrillator would cause a prolonged and painful death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven media witnesses present reported that Black appeared to groan in pain during the process. At one point, he was heard saying: "It's hurting so bad." It is not yet clear what caused the apparent pain. Black's attorneys have said they will review the data kept by the device as part of the autopsy. Black was convicted of fatally shooting his 29-year-old girlfriend Angela Clay and her two daughters, Latoya Clay, 9, and Lakeisha Clay, 6. He maintained his innocence, but his appeals were denied. Angela Clay's sister, Linette Bell, issued a statement following the execution, saying the day brought closure to her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His family is going through the same thing now we went through 37 years ago," she said. "I can't say I'm sorry because we never got an apology. He never apologized and he never admitted it, even on his dying bed, he took it to his grave with him. And he knows he did it." Black became the 28th inmate to be executed in the US this year, with at least eight more executions scheduled. Capital punishment is legal in 27 states, as well as on the federal level. He was in a wheelchair and was suffering from several ailments including dementia, brain damage, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure, CBS News, the BBC's US partner, reported citing his lawyers. Black also had a cardioverter-defibrillator surgically implanted into his chest, which served as a pacemaker and emergency defibrillator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today, the state of Tennessee killed a gentle, kind, fragile, intellectually disabled man in a violation of the laws of our country simply because they could," Black's lawyer Kelley Henry said. In mid-July, a trial court judge agreed with Black's lawyers that officials would have to deactivate his defibrillator to avert any unnecessary pain or prolong the execution. But Tennessee's supreme court intervened to say the trial court judge lacked the authority to make the ruling. The state disputed the claim that the injection would cause his defibrillator to shock him, and argued that he would not feel them either way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Supreme Court refused to intervene in the case. US lawmakers on Tuesday subpoenaed former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton for testimony on Jeffrey Epstein, in a major escalation of the controversy surrounding the investigation into the notorious sex offender. The Clintons were among multiple former Democratic and Republican government officials -- as well as the Justice Department -- targeted by investigators reviewing the handling of the disgraced financier's case after he died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. The White House has been facing increasingly intense demands to be more transparent after the Justice Department angered Trump supporters -- many of whom believe Epstein was murdered in a cover-up -- when it confirmed last month that he had died by suicide in his prison cell and that his case was effectively closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department also said Epstein had no secret "client list" -- rebuffing conspiracy theories held by Trump's far-right supporters about supposedly high-level Democratic complicity. Trump has urged his supporters to drop demands for the Epstein files, but Democrats in the Republican-led Congress -- with some support from majority lawmakers -- have also been seeking a floor vote to force their release. "By your own admission, you flew on Jeffrey Epstein's private plane four separate times in 2002 and 2003," House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer wrote to former president Clinton. "During one of these trips, you were even pictured receiving a 'massage' from one of Mr. Epstein's victims." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has been seeking to redirect public attention from uproar over its handling of the affair with a series of headline-grabbing announcements including baseless claims that former president Barack Obama headed a "treasonous conspiracy" against Trump. Epstein was for years a friend and associate of Trump and numerous high-profile people before he was convicted of sex crimes and then imprisoned pending trial for allegedly trafficking underage girls. His death supercharged a conspiracy theory long promoted by Trump supporters that Epstein had run an international pedophile ring and that elites wanted to make sure he never revealed their secrets. After Trump returned to power in January, his administration promised to release Epstein case files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Past relationship - When Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on July 7 that she had nothing to release, Republicans were furious -- and Trump has attempted to control the scandal ever since. The case got even more complicated for the president after a Wall Street Journal report that he had written a lewd birthday letter to Epstein in 2003. Trump denies this and has sued the Journal. The Journal then dropped a separate story, saying Bondi had informed Trump in May that his name appeared several times in the Epstein files, even if there was no indication of wrongdoing. Other officials targeted by the Oversight Committee include former FBI director James Comey, former special counsel Robert Mueller and ex-attorney generals Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Merrick Garland, Bill Barr, Jeff Sessions, and Alberto Gonzales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their depositions will take place between mid-August and mid-October. Comer also issued a subpoena to the Justice Department for records related to Epstein -- including its communications with Trump's predecessor Joe Biden and his officials. Lawmakers have also been seeking testimony from Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving 20 years in prison for her role in his alleged crimes -- although her cooperation is considered unlikely. The latest move from Comer comes after Democrats on the oversight panel forced a vote to issue a subpoena just before the August recess, with three House Republicans backing the effort. "Justice must apply to everyone, no matter how rich, powerful, or well-connected they are," said Summer Lee, the Democratic congresswoman who introduced the motion. ft/mlm benedek/Getty Iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty and Grand Canyon are among the 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the United States that stand to be affected by the Trump administrations decision to withdraw from the United Nations-backed organization at the end of next year. The administration announced the US withdrawal from UNESCO in late July, claiming the organization works to advance divisive social and cultural causes that are at odds with the administrations America First foreign policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is tasked with preserving more than 1,200 World Heritage sites around the globe, which are considered by the agency to have outstanding universal value. They include some of the worlds most popular travel destinations like the pyramids of Giza, Machu Picchu, and the Great Barrier Reef. For the 19 US National Park Service-managed parks and monuments that have also been granted UNESCO World Heritage status, the news of UNESCOs withdrawal comes on the heels of sweeping staff layoffs and federal funding cuts that impact Americas popular public lands. This is just one more backwards step, says Brenda Barrett, a representative for the nonprofit Coalition to Protect America's National Parks. Heres what travelers should know about how the Trump administrations latest move could impact tourism at UNESCO World Heritage sites. Jump to Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What does UNESCO do? The cultural and educational arm of the United Nations, Paris-based UNESCO was founded after World War II and has a stated mission of strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication. UNESCO currently counts 194 nations among its members, and works on goals like conserving biodiversity, advancing education, addressing artificial intelligence challenges, and ensuring that its vast global network of World Heritage sites are properly preserved. UNESCOs 1,248 World Heritage sites, deemed by the agency to have strong cultural or natural significance, span 170 countries; 26 of the sites were newly inscribed last month. The Staten Island Ferry cmart7327/Getty Why is the US leaving UNESCO? The Trump administration cited political and ideological differences as the reasoning behind its withdrawal. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in an emailed statement that UNESCO "supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes. US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in an official statement that participation in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States and said the agency places outsized focus on the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. Bruce additionally accused the organization of having an anti-Israel bias, citing a 2011 decision by UNESCO to admit Palestine as a member state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a statement that the US decision contradicts the fundamental principles of multilateralism. She added that US claims of anti-Israel bias contradict the reality of UNESCO's efforts, highlighting the organizations work in Holocaust education and combating antisemitism. This marks the third time that the US, a founding member of UNESCO, has cut ties with the agency, which it previously pulled out of in 1984 and 2018 before later rejoining the organization. What UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in the US? There are 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the US, including designated cultural assets like Philadelphias Independence Hall and New Mexicos Taos Pueblo, and natural ones like Yellowstone National Park and the Everglades National Park. UNESCO recognition has been known to provide a boon in publicity and international traveler interest for listed sites. It's a stamp of world approval, particularly for foreign visitors, says Barrett, from the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, who added that many travelers treat the catalogue of World Heritage sites as the ultimate travel bucket list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below, see the full list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the US by location: Glacier Bay cruise - Alaska nature landscape. Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, USA. Scenic view from cruise ship vacation Alaska travel showing mountain peaks and glaciers. Maridav/Getty How will this affect travel to the US? The US withdrawal is set to take place on December 31, 2026, and the US will remain a full member of UNESCO until then. An active membership in UNESCO is not a requirement for having a site listed, and the 26 existing World Heritage sites in the US will not lose their UNESCO designation, according to a UNESCO spokesperson. However, the US withdrawal will mean a loss of American influence around what future UNESCO projects are supported and funded. At the moment, 17 sites in the US are on the tentative list for consideration for inscription on the World Heritage List. Concerns about their prospects post-withdrawal have been raised at places like Serpent Mound in Ohio, where local media reported that the site could now see years of delay in World Heritage nomination. Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas for Intrepid Travel, a small-group adventure tour company that frequently incorporates UNESCO sites into its itineraries, raised concerns about the potential impacts. Stepping away from UNESCO risks reducing critical international support, funding, and technical expertise for their preservationin areas like ecosystem protection, education leadership, and cultural heritage stewardship, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnes was particularly concerned about how the move could further impact the National Park Service, which manages most of the US World Heritage sites, and is already facing what he calls severe domestic threats from staffing cutbacks and funding cuts. Nearly 25% of permanent National Park Service staff has already been lost in 2025. The National Park Service was known for its incredible expertise, its historians, its archeologists, its climate change specialists, its wildlife biologists, says Barrett. And all of them contributed to conserving the values that the parks had, but particularly the World Heritage park values. Will international UNESCO sites be impacted? Azoulay said the US withdrawal was expected by UNESCO, and that steps had been taken to diversify the agencys funding sources since the US first pulled out in 2018. US contributions now represent 8% of UNESCOs total budget. Azoulay added that UNESCO intends to continue carrying out its mission despite inevitably reduced resources, and that organization is not considering layoffs at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A UNESCO spokesperson tells Conde Nast Traveler that the agency does not anticipate changes for the visitor experience at World Heritage sites as a direct result of the US withdrawal, and that US travelers will always be welcome to UNESCO sites. The relationship between UNESCO and the American people is not stopping, the spokesperson says. Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler The Latest Travel News and Advice The US will require citizens from Malawi and Zambia to pay a $15,000 (11,300) deposit for a tourist or business visa, according to the US state department. The 12-month pilot programme aims to curb visa overstays "or where screening and vetting information is considered deficient", according to a notice published by the state department. Officials say that citizens of countries other than Malawi and Zambia may soon also need to pay a similar deposit, which will be returned at the end of their visit to the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US administration has taken several steps to further President Donald Trump's agenda of stemming illegal immigration. Trump signed an executive order on the first day of his second term to this effect. The state department notice, published on Tuesday, says: "Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure (B-1/B-2) and who are nationals of countries identified by the Department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering Citizenship by Investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program. "Consular officers may require covered non-immigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance, as determined by the consular officers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Figures published in 2023 by the US Department of Homeland Security show that about 14% of visitors from Malawi overstay their visas, compared to 11% of Zambian visitors. Other countries with high overstay rates include Haiti (31%), Myanmar (27%) and Yemen (20%). Zambia Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe told the BBC that the government was "engaging our counterparts to get a full understanding of the implications and what can be done, if anything, to address the underlying issues". Since coming to office in January, Trump has signed orders to roll back humanitarian programmes for migrants from certain countries who are already in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican president has also banned foreign nationals from 12 countries from travelling to the US, and imposed partial restrictions on another seven. His administration has revoked visas for hundreds of international students and detained several others on college campuses across the US, often without any warning or recourse for appeals. The state department has said it is targeting those who were involved in activities that "run counter" to US national interests. Many of those targeted have participated in some form of pro-Palestinian activity. But there have been other cases where cancellations appear to be connected to those with some sort of criminal record, or legal infractions like driving over the speed limit, immigration lawyers have said. Additional reporting by Shingai Nyoka Donald Trump and his special envoy are planning to dramatically increase the US role in delivering aid to starving people in Gaza, according to American and Israeli officials. One source told Axios that the Trump administration will take over management of the humanitarian effort because Israel is failing in the task. The world has been horrified by images from the war-torn Palestinian enclave showing emaciated children and desperate parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump dispatched Steve Witkoff, his Middle East envoy, to Gaza last week to see for himself what could be done. On his return, Mr Witkoff discussed stepping up the US effort in a meeting at the White House on Monday. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff (right) and Mike Huckabee (centre), US ambassador to Israel, visit Gaza A US official said Mr Trump was not thrilled about taking on the role but could see no alternative. The starvation problem in Gaza is getting worse, the official told Axios. Donald Trump does not like that. He does not want babies to starve. He wants mothers to be able to nurse their children. Hes becoming fixated on that. Ceasefire talks are stalled after two and a half years of conflict, and aid agencies fear the territory is headed for famine unless something drastic changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump recently broke with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, on the scale of the crisis. The president said he disagreed with Mr Netanyahus assessment that there was no starvation in Gaza, explaining that Those children look very hungry. As Mr Trump returned from his UK trip last week, he also said he had discussed the shocking photographs with the first lady. Theres nothing you can say other than its terrible, he said. A severely malnourished nine-year-old girl in hospital in Gaza City - Anadolu Israel supports the new US plan, according to an Israeli official. They are going to spend a lot of money in order to help us significantly improve the humanitarian situation so that it will be less of an issue, the Israeli official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Few other details of the proposal were made available and Mr Witkoffs office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The president doesnt want to see the US being the only country throwing money at this problem. Its a global problem. And hes been tasking Witkoff and others to make sure everyone is stepping up, our European friends and our Arab friends, said an official. The conflict began when Hamas gunmen attacked Israel on October 7 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing 251 hostages. Mr Netanyahu has made clear he has no plans to ease up on the assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is still necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel, Mr Netanyahu told new recruits at a military base. 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. Some visitors to the U.S. may soon have to post a bond of up to $15,000 before they are granted a visa to visit the country. In a notice posted to the Federal Register on Monday, the State Department said it would begin a 12-month trial of visa bonds starting in 15 days. The requirement could apply to business and leisure visitors from countries the department identifies as "having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient," according to the notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pilot program will require some visa applicants to post a bond of $5,000-$15,000 to obtain a business or tourist visa to the U.S., and will require applicants to travel via certain U.S. airports, which have not yet been announced. Citizens of Canada, Mexico, and countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program are exempt from the bond requirement. For those who are required to post a bond, funds will be returned to travelers if they depart in accordance with the terms of their visas. A similar pilot program was launched in November 2020 during the last months of President Donald Trump's first term in office, but it was not fully implemented due to the drop in global travel associated with the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department was unable to estimate the number of visa applicants who could be affected by the change, and has not yet disclosed which countries will be covered by the pilot. Many of the countries targeted by Trump's travel ban also have high rates of visa overstays, including Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar and Yemen. "In line with an America First Foreign Policy, fully enforcing U.S. immigration laws bolsters American security, promotes lawful travel, and ensures foreign visitors depart the United States on time and in accordance with the terms of their visas," a State Department spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement. Numerous countries in Africa, including Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo, also had high overstay rates, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data from fiscal year 2023. Contributing: Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This story was updated to add new information.) Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New State Department rule will require $15,000 bond from some visitors By Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration will require visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi to pay bonds up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas under a pilot program launching in two weeks, the State Department said on Tuesday. "Starting August 20, 2025, any citizen or national traveling on a passport issued by one of these countries who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond in amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, determined at time of visa interview," the State Department said in a notice on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A notice about the program, which gives U.S. consular officers worldwide the discretion to impose bonds on visitors from countries with high rates of visa overstays, appeared on the Federal Register on Monday but no country names had been mentioned. A State Department spokesperson on Monday said countries would be identified based on "high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations." The spokesperson, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the list of countries may be updated from time to time. The bond amount will be returned to the applicant if the applicant leaves the U.S. within the allowed window of time in line with their visa and complies with all the terms of their visa status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a focus of his presidency, boosting resources to secure the border and arresting people who are in the U.S. illegally. He issued a travel ban in June that fully or partially blocks citizens of 19 nations from entering the U.S. on national security grounds. Numerous countries in Africa, including Burundi, Djibouti and Togo, also had high overstay rates, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data from fiscal year 2023. Visa holders who have posted a visa bond must arrive and depart the United States via three specific ports of entry, the State Department notice said on Tuesday. It listed those as Boston Logan Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Washington Dulles Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It warned that if such travelers arrive or depart from anywhere else, they could be denied entry or their departure may not be appropriately registered. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Leslie Adler) EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Tuesday afternoon that he will be seeking legal action against Democrat legislators who fled the state, including two El Paso state representatives who recently fled the state to prevent a vote on a controversial Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan. Speaker of the Texas House, Dustin Burrows, R-Texas, ordered members to return to the Capitol by Friday, Aug. 8. Those who fail to return will be subject to aggressive legal action by Paxton, a news release from Paxtons office stated. Democrats have abandoned their offices by fleeing Texas, and a failure to respond to a call of the House constitutes a dereliction of their duty as elected officials, said Attorney General Paxton. Starting Friday, any rogue lawmakers refusing to return to the House will be held accountable for vacating their office. The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you dont show up to work, you get fired. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel to investigate and hold Democratic legislators accountable. I have asked @FBIDirectorKash to work with @GregAbbott_TX & Texas law enforcement to investigate potential CRIMINAL acts, including bribery, and to hold legislators accountable who have fled the state in a shameful attempt to stall the legislative process in the Texas House. Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) August 5, 2025 Democrats who represent El Paso speak out on GOP redistricting As a maneuver to avoid legislative responsibilities, on August 3, 2025, many members in the Texas House of Representatives absconded from the state. Their stated goal was to prevent the legislature from properly meeting, in violation of their oath of office. Out-of-state actors have made public comments about protecting the Texas legislators who are currently hiding out of state from any accountability for their actions. I request the FBIs assistance, as federal resources are necessary to locate the out-of-state Texas legislators who are potentially acting in violation of the law. The FBI has tools to aid state law enforcement when parties cross state lines, including to avoid testifying or fleeing a scene of a crime. Specifically, I am concerned that legislators who solicited or accepted funds to aid in their efforts to avoid their legislative duties may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses. U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full letter is displayed below. Letter-to-FBI-on-Texas-LegislatorsDownload Democratic state representatives who represent El Paso, Vince Perez and Joe Moody, both spoke with KTSM 9 News on Monday after Governor Greg Abbott ordered Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to track down the lawmakers who fled the state and bring them to the Capitol. While in Illinois, Perez told KTSM on Monday he is fighting the GOP redistricting effort from there. Perez is one of the missing members who Gov. Greg Abbott said had to return to the chamber. I think that one, the fact that Republicans are acting so quickly to suppress dissent, I think is reflective of just how bad these maps are. I think the more that people learn about the maps, the more that people realize the level of segregation, the level of representation of whats being done to Hispanics and blacks in Texas, I think it becomes very difficult for Gov. Abbott and for President Trump to defend. Well, personally, I dont think President Trump cares, but for Texas Republicans who are calling this the big, beautiful bill, they think the discrimination thats contained in this bill is beautiful. They think that representing only 90 percent of white Texans while not having to represent the rest of the state is beautiful. It is a very serious map that has very grave consequences for our communities. I personally think that Greg Abbott and the Republicans are doing whatever they can so they dont have to talk about this map and defend it for two weeks because its very undefendable. I think all Texans, whether youre white, black, Republican, or Democrat, they understand the basic concept of fairness and when they look and see that were starting to create a government that only responds to a minority of a population and is only held accountable by a minority of voters, it undermines our system of Democracy. You dont want to have a government that doesnt feel its accountable to the people as a whole, but thats what Republicans are creating with this map. State Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso Moody told KTSM he did not join the other 50 Democrats who fled the state and decided to stay in Austin to fight fascism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Claudia Ordaz, D-El Paso, explained to KTSM she was excused from the legislative session for a personal health matter. She pointed out in a statement that she stands in full solidarity with my Democratic colleagues who have broken quorum to stop this shameless power grab. They are standing up for every Texans right to fair representation. Escobar criticizes redistricting map as unfair to El Paso Last month, U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, shared her concerns on the redistricting, saying that it will negatively impact El Pasos representation in Congress. Abbott and fellow Republicans have also threatened to try to remove the Democrats from office if they dont return to the Capitol. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. By Jana Winter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Violent crime fell 4.5% in the United States last year, marking the second consecutive annual decline, while hate crimes decreased by 1.5%, the FBI said in its annual national crime report released on Tuesday. The report is based on data collected from 16,675 state and local law enforcement agencies, which together represent about 86% of the FBI's crime data reporting program. It showed a decline in overall crime across the country following a pandemic-era spike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a 14.9% drop in murder and non-negligent manslaughter - the lowest rate in nine years - and a 5.2% decline in incidents of rape. It said 64 law enforcement officers had been feloniously killed in the line of duty last year. Firearms were involved in 46 of those deaths, according to a summary of the Uniform Crime Reporting Program report, which noted that assaults on law enforcement reached a 10-year high in 2024, with 85,730 officers assaulted in the line of duty. Not all law enforcement agencies provide this data to the FBI, and metrics used for the provided data are not always the same across agencies and jurisdictions. The summary report also highlighted nationwide decreases in property crime offenses in 2024. It said property crime decreased 8.1%, with burglaries down 8.6%. There was an estimated 18.6% decline in motor vehicle theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Relevant data helps police fight violent crime by aiding in resource allocation and it helps families learn more about their communities," FBI Assistant Director Timothy Ferguson said on a call with reporters on Tuesday. In the next few weeks, FBI officials said, the bureau will start releasing monthly reports to better assist law enforcement agencies. As we move toward monthly data releases and more agencies submit diverse data on a more frequent basis we can produce an even more timely and accurate picture of crimes in the United States, Ferguson said. (Reporting by Jana Winter; Editing by Scott Malone, Helen Popper and Mark Porter) jimfeng/Getty Visiting the United States is about to get exorbitantly expensive for certain travelers. The US State Department has announced the launch of a visa bond pilot program that will require tourists and business travelers from specific countries to pay bonds of either $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 as part of their visa application process. Officials published a notice of the 12-month trial program in the Federal Register on Tuesday, August 5. According to the notice, the bonds will apply to visitors from countries with high visa overstay rates or where screening and vetting data for travelers is deemed deficient, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. However, the official list of countries has yet to be announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notices says that the trial program will be apply to all B1 and B2 visa applicants from a forthcoming list of countries. B1 and B2 visas are for business, tourism, or a combination of both and are typically valid for six months to one year. The B1 and B2 visas were selected for the pilot because their admission period to the US will be concluded within the one-year pilot "allowing for data collection at all stages of the process," according to the notice. For now, the bonds in the pilot program won't apply to student visas, which can be valid for several years, or other visa types. The bond amount each visa applicant will be required to post will be based upon the applicants circumstances as determined by the consular officer but in an amount of no less than $5,000, unless the bond requirement is waived, the notice states. Guidance in the documents show that consular officers will be advised to set the bond at $10,000 in most cases. Officials say that the programs list of countries will be released on the State Departments website when the bonds take effect in late August. After the initial list is published, countries could be added or removed on a rolling basis. The notice states that more than 500,000 travelers are suspected to have overstayed their US visas in 2023, according to DHS data. Travelers who comply with all the terms of their visasincluding departing the US on time and not accepting unauthorized employmentwill have their bonds refunded. On the other hand, travelers who breach their visa terms will forfeit the bond amount. Visa applicants will receive a State Department email to the address provided on their application with the link to post their bond amount via the US Treasurys Pay.Gov service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visitors from the 42 countries with which the US has a visa waiver agreement would automatically be exempt from the bond program, as they do not need an entry visa for stays of 90 days or less. The new bond payments will apply to all B1 and B2 visas for the listed countries. The visa bond program is scheduled to take effect 15 days after being published in the Federal Register, which would be August 20, 2025. When the initiative launches, travelers subject to the bonds will only be allowed to travel in and out of specific US airports that participate in the program, according to the federal notice. Airports will be chosen for the program based on their capacity to automatically confirm that travelers have left the US, which likely means hubs with facial recognition technology at the Customs and Immigration checkpoint. The list of airports will be announced 15 days before the program launches and can be updated on a rolling basis. Visa bond policies have been proposed by federal officials numerous times, including by the first Trump administration. However, past policies have always been deemed too complicated and cumbersome to realistically execute. The goal of this pilot program, the federal notice states, is to assess whether visa bonds are feasible on an ongoing basis. The bond programs announcement comes as the US also plans to begin charging some travelers a $250 visa integrity fee. That fee, which is set to debut by the end of the year, will apply to all non-immigrant visa applicants and could also potentially be refunded to travelers who comply with the terms of their visas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler The Latest Travel News and Advice According to the outlet, West Mercia Police confirmed the allegations against the 55-year-old broadcaster, who is now due to appear in court next Wednesday. "Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape. He is due to appear at Telford magistrates' court on 13 August 2025," a police spokesperson said as quoted by Deadline. The show "The Repair Shop," made by Warner Bros. Discovery-owned production company Ricochet, launched in 2017 and sees members of the public bringing their treasured possessions and heirlooms to be fixed. The show proved to be a hit, moving from a daytime slot to primetime on BBC, with Blades becoming a household name in the process, as per Deadline. In 2023, it won a BAFTA award for a royal special edition in which King Charles (then Prince Charles) was a guest and brought a clock and a vase to be fixed. Host Blades has also appeared on 'Celebrity MasterChef,' 'The Great Celebrity Bake Off' and 'Strictly Come Dancing,' and fronted a BBC documentary, 'Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51.' He was honoured with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2021, reported Deadline. According to the outlet, the host is currently awaiting trial on a separate charge of controlling and coercive behaviour against his estranged wife. He pleaded not guilty to the charge -- which relates to the period between Jan. 1, 2023 and Sept. 12, 2024 -- at a court hearing last October, reported Deadline. Blades stepped back from presenting "The Repair Shop" last year. (ANI) NEW YORK (AP) U.S. prosecutors said Tuesday they won't seek the death penalty in their cases against Mexican cartel kingpin Ismael El Mayo Zambada and Rafael Caro Quintero, the drug lord charged with orchestrating the 1985 killing of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent. Caro Quintero, 72, and Zambada, 75, have pleaded not guilty to an array of drug trafficking charges. The prosecutions are separate, but they similarly target two of Mexicos most notorious narcos. It is unclear whether taking the death penalty off the table signals any possibility of a plea deal with either or both men. Their lawyers welcomed the decision but were circumspect about what happens next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caro Quinteros attorney, Elizabeth Macedonio, said she and her client look forward to resolving this matter quickly to bring closure to all parties. Zambada's lawyer, Frank Perez, said the government's decision marks an important step toward achieving a fair and just resolution. Prosecutors said last winter that they were having plea discussions with Perez. Prosecutors wouldn't comment further Tuesday after telling judges in brief letters that Attorney General Pam Bondi had directed them not to pursue capital punishment for Caro Quintero, Zambada, or a third defendant, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, known as The Viceroy." Sent from Mexico to the U.S. last winter along with Caro Quintero, he also has pleaded not guilty. Carrillo Fuentes' lawyer, Kenneth Montgomery, said he and his client are very thankful and think it was the right decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cases are unfolding in the same Brooklyn federal courthouse where infamous Sinaloa cartel co-founder Joaquin El Chapo Guzman was tried and convicted. The Sinaloa cartel is Mexicos oldest criminal group, with various incarnations dating to the 1970s. It is a drug trafficking power player: A former Mexican cabinet member was convicted of taking bribes to help the cartel. Guzman and Zambada built it from a regional group into a huge manufacturer and smuggler of cocaine, heroin and other illicit drugs to U.S., authorities say. While Zambada was seen as the cartel's strategist and dealmaker, prosecutors have said he also was enmeshed in its violence, at one point ordering the murder of his own nephew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zambada avoided capture for years, until he was arrested in Texas last year, after what he has described as a kidnapping in Mexico. One of Guzmans sons, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, was arrested with Zambada and has pleaded not guilty in a Chicago federal court. Caro Quintero headed the Guadalajara cartel, parts of which later merged into the Sinaloa organization. The White House has called him one of the most evil cartel bosses in the world." Prosecutors say he is responsible for sending tons of heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine into the U.S. and had DEA agent Enrique Kiki Camarena abducted, tortured and killed as revenge for a marijuana plantation raid. The killing was dramatized in the Netflix series Narcos: Mexico. ___ Associated Press writer Philip Marcelo contributed. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) One local college has been named one of USA Todays Top Vocational Schools in America. According to USA Today, Tom P. Haney Technical College, a public vocational school in Panama City, was ranked on the list. Haney is known for its wide variety of hands-on training in automotive technology, aviation mechanics, healthcare, HVAC, and more. They continue to shape the future of Bay Countys skilled workforce, delivering high-quality education and workforce training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a part of the major tax and spending bill signed into law by President Donald Trump in July, Congress expanded Pell Grants to career training programs as short as eight weeks. This will aim to make workforce training more affordable and accessible for students who need to quickly gain new skills or improve existing ones. The legislation will take effect in July 2026. These rankings were judged on five primary metrics: graduation rate, graduates salary, years it takes to pay off net cost, social mobility, and diversity. To read the full list, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. DENVER (KDVR) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has allowed Colorado to exempt sugary beverages and soda from being purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds. The announcement was made on Monday, following the states submission of the waiver request on May 13. The waiver will take effect in 2026, according to a release from the USDA. Japans oldest person is a 114-year-old retired doctor who carried an Olympic torch in 2021 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SNAP waiver is designed to bring a focus on healthy eating, according to Colorado Governor Jared Polis. The waiver changes what foods can be purchased through SNAP. Beneficiaries can still purchase milk-based drinks and 100% juice drinks with their SNAP benefits, but sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks with sugar or artificial sweeteners, will be excluded. The waiver specifically excludes sugary drinks with at least 5 grams of sweetener per 12 ounces, and the governors office emphasized that this waiver will not limit the purchase of any milk-based drinks, or baby formula. In a statement, Polis called Colorado one of the healthiest states in the nation and noted that its 24.9% obesity rate is among the lowest of the 50 states. He called the rate too high and said it endangers and shortens the lives of too many Coloradans. Todays waiver is a big step towards improving the health of Coloradans, and reducing obesity rates, diabetes, and tooth decay, Polis wrote in his announcement. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is designed to support the nutritional needs of those struggling to put food on the table, and this waiver will help to ensure that more Coloradans participating in SNAP have access to healthy foods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because many local grocers make stocking decisions in part based on SNAP eligibility, Im confident that this waiver will also help reduce food deserts in Colorado by reducing shelf space for soda and increasing it for other nutritional food products eligible for SNAP, Polis continued. We also look forward to USDA approval of two additional waivers requested by Colorado to expand choice and further boost access to healthy, convenient foods for families across our state. Colorado cities previously took action against sugary drinks This is not the first action taken in Colorado against sugary drinks. In February 2024, 16 restaurants in Louisville removed sugary drinks from kids menus in an effort to combat childhood obesity after Boulder County declared the issue a public health emergency. Denver passed a measure in 2024 as well, requiring water or unflavored milk and milk substitutes to be listed as the free option in a kids meal. Measles exposure from out-of-state visitor reported near Monarch Pass Im proud that Colorado has stepped up to make sure nutrition is prioritized, said Colorado Department of Human Services Executive Director Michelle Barnes in the governors announcement. SNAP is a vital program and serves as a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. Healthy, nutritious food is an important part of any familys health and wellbeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorados SNAP waiver was approved by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on Monday in connection with waivers in West Virginia, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The USDA said in a release that before the waivers were approved Monday, SNAP recipients could buy anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods, and personal care products. For years, SNAP has used taxpayer dollars to fund soda and candyproducts that fuel Americas diabetes and chronic disease epidemics, said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy in the USDAs release. These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health. I thank the governors who have stepped up to request waivers, and I encourage others to follow their lead. This is how we Make America Healthy Again. Rollins pointed to President Donald Trumps Make America Healthy Again initiative and applauded his cabinet for taking action in that direction. It is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nations history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems, Rollins said. President Trump has changed the status quo, and the entire cabinet is taking action to Make America Healthy Again. At USDA, we play a key role in supporting Americans who fall on hard times, and that commitment does not change. Rather, these state waivers promote healthier options for families in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States sue Trump, saying he is intimidating hospitals over gender-affirming care for youth The other two waivers Colorado is seeking would let SNAP beneficiaries purchase hot prepared foods from grocery stores, such as rotisserie chickens, and streamline the process to accept SNAP benefits for farmers market vendors. Additionally, a bill Polis signed into law in May seeks approval from the USDA to allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits at participating restaurants. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 U.S. Department of Agriculture is using the audio from an argument scene between Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver from Noah Baumbachs 2019 film Marriage Story to scare wolves away from cattle. After the wild animals killed 11 cows during a 20-day period in Oregon, the USDA started deploying quadcopters that used thermal cameras to reveal wolves in the darkness, according to the Wall Street Journal . When the drones detect the predators, they shine a spotlight on them and emit alarming sounds from loudspeakers to scare them away. I need wolves to respond and know that, hey, humans are bad, Paul Wolf, USDA district supervisor, told the WSJ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USDA also uses the sound of fireworks and gunshots to scare off the wild animals. Since they started using wolf hazing" in Oregon, only two cows were killed in 85 days, according to the WSJ. "The particular audio from The Marriage Story was chosen to test the effectiveness of the human voice at deterring wolves, as it has both male and female voices to represent the range of different tones," the USDA told The Times. "While the pilots have the ability to speak directly to the wolves through the speaker on the drone, this standard audio was chosen to control for individual differences in tone." The scene being used involves Nichole (Johansson) and Charlie (Driver) exchanging verbal jabs with each other. Marriage Story follows a couple going through a divorce and fighting for custody of their child. Netflix released the film, written and directed by Baumbach, in 2019. It was nominated for six Oscars, including one for best picture. Both Johansson and Driver earned nominations for their performances. Sign up for Indie Focus, a weekly newsletter about movies and whats going on in the wild world of cinema. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) was awarded a $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundations (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. According to officials, the initiative aims to increase retention and graduation rates for high-achieving, underprivileged students pursuing STEM degrees that require Calculus I. Over its six-year duration, the project will provide scholarships to 60 full-time undergraduate students across disciplines including chemistry, computer science, computer engineering, forensics, geology, marine science, mathematics, ocean engineering, physics and polymer engineering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mississippi College, VA Hospital partner for counseling services Titled Calculus to Careers: Scholarships Targeting Academically Rising Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Students (STARSS), the program offers faculty mentoring, targeted tutoring through TRIO Student Support Services, graduate school advising via the McNair Scholars Program and professional development opportunities through the Center for Pathways Experiences. Students can also earn a graduation cord by completing and reflecting on career-focused experiences. I envision this initiative as a transformative experience for both students at Southern Miss and the broader university community, said Dr. Hugh Broome, associate teaching professor of chemistry and principal investigator (PI). By providing financial support, using existing university services, and applying research-based interventions, we aim to increase the number of STEM graduates at Southern Miss. This project also brings together an interdisciplinary team of mentors that will model collaboration and enrich our academic culture. To qualify for the STARSS program, students must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents; be full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates majoring in one of the 17 programs requiring Calculus I; be Pell Grant eligible; have an ACT composite score between 22 and 30; maintain a high school GPA between 3.321 and 3.951; and successfully complete an interview process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) has returned to Norfolk following an eight-month deployment to Europe and Africa. The Laramie, a U.S. Navy fleet replenishment oiler, was able to successfully execute 77 replenishment services to 50 Navy ships and 15 coalition ships during its deployment in the 6th Fleets area of operation. USNS Laramie homecoming (WAVY photo) The Laramie arrived to Norfolks port around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laramie executed 77 underway replenishments, safely delivering more than 1.6 million gallons of fuel, 700 pallets of essential supplies, and transferring personnel to 65 U.S. and Allied ships, said Rear Admiral Mark Haigis, deputy commander of the Military Sealift Command. The ship also played a vital diplomatic role with 18 port visits, which included Italy, Greece and Cyprus, strengthening international relations and contributed to maritime safety. And according to Haigis, it allows our warships to stay on station so they can stay in the Eastern [Mediterranean Sea] instead of having to go back to ports like Souda Bay (Greece) or to Rota (Spain) to refuel or rearm, theyre able to stay on station and theyre there when theyre needed. Operating off the of coasts of Israel and Syria in the Mediterranean Sea, the crew of 86 civil service mariners delivered fuel, essential supplies and mail to U.S. and allied ships. Anthony Cirello Deck Cadet on USNS Laramie. You have a ship that basically, the distance from this pier is the distance between the two ships, said Anthony Cierllo, deck cadet on the USNS Laramie. And you have all of these pallets going over, you have fuel lines going over, and youre doing that sailing parallel to each other for a good couple of hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After deploying back in November, the ship traveled over 14,000 miles in 247 days and Tuesday, pulled into Norfolk for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Weve had some crew turnover here and there, but a lot of this crew, theyve been here since the start of the deployment, said USNS Laramie Capt. Arick Akerberg, and they made the whole trip, so theyre all very excited to get home. [Im] hoping to get people out of here shortly so they can go see their families. After a short break, the crew will clean their tanks at the Craney Island fuel depot then off to a shipyard in Mobile, Alabama for maintenance. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PROVO, Utah (ABC4) A Utah based company is bringing World War I stories to life using artificial intelligence. At Storied, employees collected millions of draft cards and newspaper articles, uploaded them to their cloud, and used A.I. to paint a better picture of thousands of people who served the country during WWI. Those stories are available to the public for free through August 5. I dont really have time to read through all of these articles, but the headlines are fun, Jack Reed told ABC4.com as he was scanning old newspaper articles. While he was focusing on clippings from the 1980s, the company has uploaded articles dating back to the 1600s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mosquito abatement district explains how it tests for West Nile virus, gives tips for avoiding bites Its all part of a large database. Storied is a family history site where you can learn more about your family, easily turn that into stories and then ultimately produce an heirloom book of all the cool stories that youve gathered, CEO Kendall Hulet explained. Now, there are even more stories for people to find. We just released the WWI draft cards, stated Hulet. All males in the United States between 18 and 45 had to register for the draft for World War I. He told ABC4.com that with the help of some partners, Storied sorted through tens of millions of these documents. Weve turned thousands and thousands of those into stories as weve collected them. The stories theyve put together help give a more in-depth look at the lives of Americans who served. That included my own grandfather who was actually a German immigrant, Hulet said. His story is crazy because he came over from Germany, he was only 22, and he had to register for the U.S. Army to fight against the Germans, which was his homeland. So, it was kind of a crazy story for our family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The archive also includes stories like that of Raymond Franklin Crow. With the use of A.I., Storied was able to bring his story to life in a video. Raymond Franklin Crow was the first Utah soldier to die in France in 1918, the videos narrator said as pictures of Crow flashed across the screen. How airboats are tied to Utahs duck hunting regulations When war was declared against Germany with his cousin, Douglas Morris, he was quick to respond to the call for volunteers and was an inspiring example to all who knew him, continued the narrator. The videos weave a single persons story into the greater tapestry of the countrys history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In France, Raymond was hit by flying shrapnel, fell into the arms of his buddies with the words on his lips, Goodbye boys, theyve got me! said the narrator. He was 21 years old and honored as the first from Utah to be killed in action; 664 others from the Beehive State eventually lost their lives during WWI. Ultimately, the new archive helps bring generations together. Our A.I. helps you learn more about the backstory of a record and interprets it, stated Hulet. It reads it and then tells you what was going on behind the scenes so that you understand what was going on in the life of your ancestor. August 5 is the last day the public can access the draft records for free. After that they will be available through a subscription. 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 federal judge has made a ruling in favor of a Utah religion that uses psychedelic mushrooms in a first-of-its-kind case that put the states new religious freedom law to the test. The faith group, Singularism, claims Provo City and Utah County violated the new law and other laws when police seized its psilocybin and scriptures last November and filed criminal charges against its founder, Bridger Lee Jensen. The city and county maintain that Singularism is motivated by a desire to sell illegal drugs, not to practice and promote a religious faith. U.S. District Judge Jill Parrish determined the prosecution was brought in bad faith as part of a larger effort to harass" the groups entheogenic religious practices and in hopes of giving the government a second opportunity to litigate the free-exercise of religion issues that emerged in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution has already caused Singularism to lose many of its practitioners and affiliates, and forcing plaintiffs to wait until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings to secure their free-exercise rights would be the equivalent of issuing a death warrant for their nascent religion, the judge wrote. Parrish denied Provos and Utah Countys motion to dismiss the lawsuit and ordered county prosecutors to stop the criminal proceedings against Jensen pending a ruling in the federal case. Religious freedom protections In 2024, Utah lawmakers passed a state-level Religious Freedom Restoration Act that gives Utahns more power to challenge government actions that interfere with their religious beliefs. In a world thats increasingly hostile to religion, these amendments are an important expression of Utahs long-established commitment to religious freedom, Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, said in February 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB150 was signed into law the next month. Eight months later, Singularism cited the law in a case thats now testing the limits of that long-established commitment by asking whether religious freedom protections extend to a new faith group using psychedelic mushrooms in its ceremonies. Earlier this year, Parrish granted Singularisms request for a preliminary injunction, ruling that Utah government officials cannot claim to support religious freedom if they prevent Singularisms practitioners from living according to their beliefs. For that guarantee of religious liberty to mean anything, the laws must protect unfamiliar religions equally with familiar ones, both in design and in practice, she wrote. That earlier ruling caught the attention of religious freedom experts nationwide, who say the first-of-its-kind Utah case raises familiar but still hotly debated questions about the purpose and scope of religious liberty laws. What is Singularism? Jensen, who describes Singularism as a nondogmatic, spirituality-based religion, has said he didnt set out to put Utahs religious freedom protections to the test. He said his goal was to share his spiritual beliefs with others and enable them to deepen their faith through psilocybin tea ceremonies as he has. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potential practitioners are screened before they take part in the ceremonies. Insights shared by the people who take part, called voyagers, are added to the groups scriptures. Jensen opened Singularisms spiritual center in an office park near Utah Valley Hospital in 2023. He said he invited local officials to visit and learn more, but no one took him up on the offer. In November 2024, Provo police served a search warrant at the center and confiscated the groups psilocybin and scriptures. County prosecutors charged Jensen with possession of psilocybin with the intent to distribute, possession of THC and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. UTAH (ABC4) As Utah families prepare to go back to school, public health officials are concerned about potential measles outbreaks due to low vaccination rates statewide. This year, Utah has seen a total of eleven measles cases so far, all of which have been in unvaccinated individuals. Additionally, Utah has seen a decade-long low in vaccination rates amongst Kindergartners. One new measles case in Utah, bringing total cases to 11 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2024-2025 school year, only 88.6% of Utah kindergartners had received the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccination. That is a lower rate than any recorded school year between 2011-2012 and today, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An increasing number of Utah kindergartners had exemptions from vaccinations in the 2024-2025 school year than in previous years as well. 10.3% of all kindergartners had an exemption and only .3% were for a medical reason. The rest had a non-medical reason, which may be a personal or religious exemption. Overall, the United States has seen increased exemption rates and lower vaccination rates in 2025. According to the CDC, over half of all states saw decreases in MMR and other vaccines. Additionally, exemptions increased in 36 states and DC, with 17 states reporting exemptions exceeding 5%. This year, the United States recorded the highest number of measles cases since 1992, according to CDC data. Community Immunity Additionally, areas in which less than 95% of their population is vaccinated against a given disease lack herd immunity. Herd or Community immunity is when enough of the community is vaccinated against a disease and that disease has little opportunity to spread within the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a population has herd immunity, even those who arent able to be vaccinated are more protected against that disease. This can ensure that vulnerable populations, such as newborns and those with chronic illnesses, are less likely to contract that diseases. Vaccination Effectiveness With the increase in cases, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is urging people to get vaccinated against measles. Rich Lakin, the Immunization Director with Utah DHHS, noted that there is a very strong correlation between vaccination rates and the disease rate. One dose of the MMR vaccine is reportedly 93% effective, and two doses is 97% effective at preventing measles. While those who are fully vaccinated may still be infected, cases are rare, and symptoms are typically milder than in those who are not vaccinated against measles. Courtesy: Center for Disease Control and Prevention DHHS is also working to raise awareness and prepare different school districts for the potential increase in measles cases. Lakin says, That school or classroom [that] has high exemptions, then there could be a dramatic increase in cases within that school. If a case attends a school that has very low exemptions, then you would see either zero to very small outbreak within that school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also recommends that, to prevent a measles outbreak, people should be vaccinated and, if exposed to measles, should isolate themselves. 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. In June, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to the protests against arrests of migrants living in the country illegally. Trump decided to call up the National Guard to quell the protests despite California Gov. Gavin Newsoms pushback. Not only did the governor deem it unnecessary, he accused Trump of escalating the violence. Was the president right to deploy the troops to California? Half of Utah voters surveyed, or 50%, said they strongly or somewhat approved of Trumps move in the latest Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll conducted by HarrisX. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 37% said they strongly or somewhat disapproved, while 12% said they dont know whether they approve or disapprove of the presidents decision. Anna Owens, Deseret News Jason Perry, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, said the response from Utah Republicans isnt surprising since they also give Trump high marks on immigration. But in a broader sense, these results display the cautious approach Utahns take regarding the federal governments power to send in the National Guard in response to a protest without approval from the state, said Perry. Federalizing the National Guard for protests has been rare in American history, and when it has happened, it has often been remembered as controversial, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People may think of the Civil Rights era or the 2020 demonstrations after George Floyds death those events left a lasting impression. Even when voters support a presidents policies, many prefer decisions about public safety to stay with state leaders they know and trust." In this March 29, 1968, file photo, striking sanitation workers march past Tennessee National Guard troops with bayonets during a 20-block march to City Hall, one day after a similar march erupted in violence, leaving one person dead and several injured, in Memphis, Tenn. | Charlie Kelly The poll conducted by HarrisX surveyed 802 registered voters in Utah from July 9 to 16. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Not the first time National Guard deployed without a states request Trumps decision made headlines, especially since it was the first time in decades that a president sent troops to a state without a governors request. Utah voters were asked whether the president should be able to deploy troops as he saw fit or if he should wait for the green light from the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three-fifths of respondents, or 58%, supported the presidents authority to do so single-handedly. But 42% of voters said troops should only be mobilized upon a governors or mayors request. Anna Owens, Deseret News A large majority of Republicans 76% supported a presidents sole authority, while 81% of Democrats said they preferred the president to respond to a request. There are many examples in American history of the National Guard assisting during natural disasters, and Utahns are more familiar with those situations, which helps explain the strong support, Perry noted. A truck from the Florida National Guard goes out to help residents trapped in their homes as waters rise after Hurricane Milton caused the Anclote River to flood, Friday, Oct. 12, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. | Mike Carlson It is far less common to see the National Guard involved in riots or protests, and even less common to see it enforcing domestic policies like immigration law. Those actions feel more controversial and political, so public support is naturally more divided, he said. In what cases is National Guard deployment acceptable? The latest Deseret News survey also asked voters in which cases they think the president should be able to mobilize the National Guard without a governors approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large majority, about 70%, said its permissible during natural disasters. In fact, Democrats (66%) and Republicans (75%) found consensus on this point. Anna Owens, Deseret News But the divide between the two sides of the aisle was evident in other cases. About one-third of voters supported the mobilization to assist with deportations (35%) and respond to protests (33%). A large chunk of the support comes from Republicans, half of whom support the use of the National Guard for aiding in deportations and clamping down on protests. Meanwhile, roughly 12% of Democrats and 22% of independents think the same. And roughly 58% of voters said they think the move is an appropriate response to riots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diving deeper, approximately 75% of Republicans and 46% of independents agreed with the use of troops in this instance, regardless of the states approval. Only 26% of Democrats concurred. Party identity plays a role, but so does the information people consume, Perry said. Many conservatives watched coverage that emphasized violence or unrest, which made the response seem necessary. Others saw coverage highlighting peaceful demonstrations, which led to more opposition. British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has tweaked its voting process for the international TV category so that all of its 6,000 members are allowed to determine the nominations and winners, reported Deadline. Previously, the round one voting longlist was carried out by members, but round two and three voting was conducted by a jury. According to the outlet, the awards body said it has "opened up the international category to voting members as part of our commitment to greater member engagement across the TV Awards and in recognition of our global membership," as quoted by Deadline. "We believe this change will strengthen the category and ensure the very best international programmes get the recognition they deserve," it added, as quoted by Deadline. This new move by BAFTA is a reflection of an ever-globalising world of television, as the international TV category has given some interesting winners over the past few years. According to Deadline, in 2024, it was given to Netflix France series 'Class Act', which beat off competition from huge hits like 'The Bear', 'Beef' and 'Succession'. A year prior, the controversial 'Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story' beat the likes of Jennifer Ortega's 'Wednesday' and 'The White Lotus'. Last year's winner was Disney+'s Shogun, reported Deadline. Hilary Rosen, chair of BAFTA's Television Committee, said, "This year, the most notable change to the rulebook is the International category, which will now be determined by our 6,000-strong TV voting membership. Awarding creative excellence and inspiring future talent is central to BAFTA's mission, so we look forward to commemorating the achievements of the exceptional people who bring TV to life on and off-screen next Spring." In another tweak, BAFTA has said that for submissions with at least five candidates, the body will allow one exemption for a senior team member who might not be UK-eligible, as long as 80% of the team are UK-eligible and there is a clear reason for the exemption. "This reflects how our industry works today, while maintaining our commitment to celebrating UK talent and craft," it added, while pointing to the increase in international co-productions being submitted to the awards, reported Deadline. Last year's BAFTA TV Award nominations saw records broken by the American streamers, who picked up multiple nods for 'Baby Reindeer', 'Slow Horses' and Rivals. BAFTA has opened up entries to this year's TV Awards and listed key dates, including the main awards taking place on May 10 and the crafts on April 26. Nominations will be announced in March next year, according to Deadline. Hilary Rosen, chair of BAFTA's Television Committee, said: "In a year when we saw that TV still has the power to spark national debate and where we honoured the exceptional creativity and craft of British and international TV, I'm delighted to open entries again for Britain's biggest celebration of the small screen," as quoted by Deadline. BAFTA 2025 took place at the Royal Festival Hall within London's Southbank Centre on May 11. (ANI) A small group of toddlers sit on the carpet in a home daycare as they play together with toy animals. (Getty Images) Virginia parents, like parents everywhere, strive to plan for their childrens futures. One Virginia politician is proposing a new way for them to do that, with a plan he says will ensure children born and raised in the commonwealth get financial support for their education and positioned to buy their own homes down the road, funded partially by the states booming data center industry. In a video posted to X last week, Del. Josh Thomas, D-Prince William, suggested creating opportunity accounts for Virginia children that would start out with a $1000 deposit from the state. The state would then add an additional $100 a month until the child is 18. That would lead to about $50,000 being set aside for young Virginians to use towards education or housing. Thomas framed opportunity accounts as similar to 529 education savings plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea is also similar to the recently passed pilot program from the Trump Administration in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that would put $1,000 into accounts for American children that go into low-cost stock investments and then parents may add to the account if they want to. Thomas said not every family can afford to contribute to those accounts and many families are looking for new ways to save money and invest in their children. So why not create a program that dives directly to the number one pain point for Americans and Virginians, which is the cost of living, Thomas said. It would set up every new adult to be able to either mostly or significantly fund education or completely cover the down payment on a starter home. The way Thomas proposed to pay for the accounts is, in part, through state tax revenue from data centers. Over a third of the worlds data centers are housed in Virginia and currently the state provides a significant tax exemption that entices the companies to build their facilities in the commonwealth. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission reported the state gave companies a $928-million tax break in fiscal year 2023. Local governments are able to reap the tax revenue rewards while the state is under the current tax incentives that exempt the centers from sales and use taxes that are set to expire in 2035. Data centers are eligible to be exempt from the state sales and use tax for certain computer equipment and software that is purchased or leased if they meet certain investment and job creation standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just someone who has always pushed for data centers to pay their fair share, I think that fair share is in the form of alleviating the pain that ratepayers are going to pick up for more grid infrastructure to support data centers, Thomas said. I think its also in the rates that theyre gonna pay for just more energy usage and construction as well. A new deal or extension of the tax breaks will have to be negotiated years before the sunset is anticipated. Thomas said the entirety of the tax break wouldnt go away but some of the money they generate for the state could be used to invest in Virginias children in a new way. I think a policy like opportunity accounts is the type of creativity that Americans and Virginians are demanding from the Democratic party and so I would love to see something like that happen in Virginia, Thomas said. The accounts would only be for children who are born and remain in Virginia until they are 18. If a family moves out of the state then the money is routed back into the fund and the child misses out on the money, Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas is in preliminary discussions with fellow lawmakers on where else the money for the opportunity accounts could come from. Should he move forward with the idea it would be filed as a bill for the 2026 General Assembly session that begins in January. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Veterans Affairs officials will extend community care authorizations for up to one year for procedures related to 30 separate medical specialties, a move that critics charge could potentially put taxpayers on the hook for expensive and ineffective medical treatments. Department leaders on Monday said the change is needed to ensure that veterans medical care outside the federal health systems is not delayed or disrupted by cumbersome regulation. Currently, patients need to get reauthorizations every three to six months for the community care appointments. No veteran should have their health care disrupted by red tape, VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement announcing the new policy. This change means better continuity of care, which leads to better health outcomes. It also improves convenience for veterans and cuts administrative work for VA staff and community care partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list of specialty services covered includes cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, neurology, psychiatric outpatient treatments, optometry, some orthopedic work and addiction medicine. VA leaders move to end all abortions at department medical sites Officials said the year-long authorizations will allow community providers to manage care with fewer administrative barriers and greater flexibility while also reducing paperwork for veteran patients. Community care has been a topic of controversy within the department since President Donald Trumps first term in office. He frequently promised to expand choice for veterans in their health care, charging that many faced long wait and travel times for federal health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democrats on Capitol Hill have charged that outsourcing too much of veterans medical care to the private sector amounts to privatizing the departments health care responsibilities, and that the oversight of non-VA clinics is already too lax. They have also charged that outside clinics dont face the same standards and scrutiny as department-run health offices, which could lead to substandard care for veterans if VA experts are not closely monitoring patients medical progress. Despite the concerns, community care usage has risen significantly in recent years. In fiscal 2017, the department paid for nearly 27 million outside care appointments, roughly 27% of VA total scheduled medical visits. By fiscal 2023, that number had grown to almost 47 million, about 39% of the total. Budget plans for fiscal 2026 call for community care programs to rise to roughly $34 billion in spending, almost four times the total a decade ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And last week, lawmakers on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee advanced plans for revamped standards for community care appointments, a move designed to codify eligibility triggers for outside care programs. House Democrats had strongly opposed an early draft of the bill, but the revised Senate measure passed out of committee with bipartisan support. House Veterans Affairs Committee ranking member Mark Takano, D-Calif., voted against the measure and called Mondays policy change an attempt to shift more medical care from the federal system into private practices. VA is abdicating its responsibility to provide care coordination, he said. The Trump Administrations push to outsource VA care puts veterans with complex care needs at serious risk of falling through the cracks, as VA shifts more responsibility for coordination onto a private sector that is neither equipped nor accountable to manage their care the way VA can. But Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, took to social media in support of the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By extending community care authorizations for 30 health care specialties, VA is cutting through red tape and bringing greater consistency to the delivery of care for veterans, he wrote. A full list of medical services covered under the new rules is available on the VA web site. New data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the rate of vaccinations among kindergartners has dropped once again. Statistics show more than 280,000 kindergartners are not protected against measles. More Coverage: WGNs Medical Watch Why the hesitancy? Dr. Sarah Nosal, president-elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), joined WGNs Evening News at 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4, to discuss the dangers of vaccine-exhaustion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many families are not engaged with their regular family doctor or pediatrician, (and are) not getting all of their questions answered, Nosal said. I think finding that trusted source to ask those questions about, How important should this be? When were asking families now and surveying across the country, families are saying, This is not as important as it used to be, 10, 20 years ago to have your child vaccinated, and thats really concerning. Watch the entire interview in the video player above. Sign up for our Medical Watch newsletter. This daily update includes important information from WGNs Dina Bair and the Med Watch team, including, the latest updates from health organizations, in-depth reporting on advancements in medical technology and treatments, as well as personal features related to people in the medical field. Sign up here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee Knoxville have hired outside firms to investigate the status of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs following leaked videos that reportedly show university staff admitting the programs havent changed despite state and federal law banning the practice. Vanderbilt University announced it had hired the firm Baker Donelson to conduct an independent investigation. The University released the following statement: Vanderbilt has hired the firm Baker Donelson to conduct an independent review of recent incidents involving covert recordings of university employees. Baker Donelson will be tasked with reviewing the specific circumstances related to the recordings and identifying steps the university can take to ensure all employees fully understand the universitys policies and consistently act in accordance. The university will review the findings and recommendations of the report and take any appropriate follow-up actions. As part of our protocol, staff involved will step back from regular responsibilities to allow the review to unfold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vanderbilt is committed to being a destination for the most promising individuals from a broad range of perspectives and creating an environment where they can realize their full potential. It comes after the conservative website, Townhall, obtained secret recordings of what some Republican lawmakers say are university staff at Belmont, Vanderbilt, and UT Knoxville saying the schools have not stopped their DEI programs. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom This year, Tennessee Republicans passed two controversial DEI-related bills, which banned DEI-based hiring and DEI programs within the government and public universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We saw in the past few years in our nation the discriminatory practices of diversity, equity and inclusion have risen up, and it prioritizes identity over merit, and in the state of Tennessee, were going to make sure merit is the way we go forward, Rep. Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville) said. All three universities have said theyre in compliance with state and federal law. However, Rep. Maberry told News 2, if the allegations regarding the DEI programs are true, the schools are breaking the law and will face consequences. I know that there most likely are disgruntled employees at these colleges that are not happy, necessarily, with what the law now states, but in Tennessee, we are leading the nation in removing discrimination from our state government, our state agencies and our colleges, and we want everyone out there to know that if youre going to continue practicing these things, you are breaking the law and youre going to have to suffer the consequences, Rep. Maberry said. TN Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) wrote letters to all three universities urging them to stop their DEI programs or potentially lose federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Maberry told News 2 he hopes the investigations by the independent firms will lead to some transparency. If these videos came from internally, then the college itself is doing their own investigation, thats great that theyre doing that, but it would probably be good to have an outside agency to look into whats happening there to have confidence in the system, Rep. Maberry said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Belmont University previously issued the following statement about the recordings: We are deeply saddened that these videos portray Belmont as having a shadow operation as nothing could be further from the truth. Its also disappointing that Rep. Ogles and others perceive such an approach as being representative of Belmont Universitys character and values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a Christian institution, Belmont believes that every human being is created in the image of God and is worthy of respect. Our Office of Hope, Unity & Belonging, The HUB, was established in 2022 to inspire the campus community to fully live in light of Christs resurrection. The HUBs staff works tirelessly toward the goal that every Belmont studentregardless of background, religion, ethnicity, political party or perspectivefeels valued and respected throughout their time at the University. The employee in this video was not authorized to represent the University on these topics nor speak on behalf of Belmont as an institution. News 2 also reached out to UT Knoxville. A spokesperson sent us the following: We are beginning to construct the plan and process for the independent review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mike Veale passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on Aug. 26, 1961, to Charles and Marilyn Veale, Mike grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1979. Mike began his career working at Kmart and NuWay before completing his apprenticeship as a union pipefitter. He went on to become a licensed Master Plumber and shared his knowledge by teaching at the Local 45 Apprenticeship School. Mike also graduated from the UA Instructor Training Program at Washtenaw Community College. Throughout his life, Mikes work shaped the communities of Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas quite literally, as many businesses he helped build still stand today. His passion for service extended far beyond his trade. Mike volunteered countless hours and served on numerous boards, most recently at the Bartlett Center, Northwest MO Central Labor Council, South Central Buchanan County Fire Department, and the Workforce Development Board of North Missouri. His dedication to helping the vulnerable, no matter their age, was a core part of who he was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike married the love of his life, Cynde Zoubek, and they had two amazing sons, Brandon and Jackson. Even after retiring from his trade, Mike continued to use his skills and compassion to serve others. He volunteered at the KCMO Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, supporting the Kansas City Police Department. He also obtained his security license and enjoyed working security for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bruce Veale; and his son, Jackson Veale. He is survived by his wife, Cynde; son, Brandon (Alex) Veale; grandchildren, Ben and Eli; and his sister, Leigh Ann (Kevin) Pray. The Veale family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who supported Mike during his courageous fight against lymphoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10 a.m. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bartlett Center, the KCMO Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, or to any organization serving the vulnerable in your community. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press. PITTSYLVANIA, Va. (WFXR) The Virginia State Police are investigating a pursuit that began in Halifax County and continued to Pittsylvania County, which led to a fatal two-vehicle crash. According to officials, a trooper assigned to Halifax County attempted to stop a Kia SUV in the county for speeding, but the vehicle fled to Pittsylvania County. The car was traveling north in the southbound lane for a short distance before it hit a Ford Focus head-on. Virginia State Police identified the driver of the Ford Focus as 17-year-old Nelson Michael Smith, from Providence, NC. Officials say he was wearing his seatbelt and died at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violent crime continues to rise statewide, according to Virginia 2023 report The driver of the Kia SUV was identified as Alton Willie Devone Wade, 26, of Sum Spring, Va, by officials. Wade was airlifted to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. Police report that two other passengers in the car were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Wade had been charged for the death of Nelson Michael Smith, as well as multiple charges related to the pursuit. Virginia State Police states this incident is still 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 WFXRtv. The Brief Phoenix city officials say LSG Sky Chefs is still not in compliance with the city's heat ordinance. The company is a vendor at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Employees came forward in a July 2 Phoenix City Council meeting, revealing the company's catering trucks were without working air. PHOENIX - A company under investigation for not doing enough to protect their employees in Arizona's extreme heat is under fire once again. What we know Officials with the City of Phoenix say LSG Sky Chefs, a company that works on Sky Harbor's tarmac, is still not complying with the city's heat ordinance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last couple of weeks, the two parties are not seeing eye to eye on the air conditioning standards in these catering trucks. The backstory The city's Aviation Department requires enclosed trucks on the tarmac to have the capabilities to cool down to 75 degrees, or 40 degrees less than the outdoor temperature. LSG Sky Chefs employees came forward in a July 2 Phoenix City Council meeting, revealing the company's catering trucks were without working air. Employees said they were promised new trucks in May. "Working without functioning units, its insufferable and even dangerous," one employee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have a family. I got so many bills to pay, but I feel unsafe working under that condition," said another employee. Now, in the dead of the summer heat, the Aviation Departments investigation found LSG Sky Chefs noncompliant. "I mean, the fact that as a city, we had to do this and that is not something that some of these companies think about day in and day out on how it would keep their workers safe. I just think it's inhumane," said Phoenix City Councilmember Betty Guardado. What's next The Aviation Department will now do regular inspections. If found in violation, the letter states, "LSG Sky Chefs will be subject to all remedies available to the city, including termination." The other side In a statement, officials with LSG Sky Chefs said it will be removing vehicles from operation that do not have functioning air. The company plans to continue productive conversations with the city of Phoenix to address any outstanding issues and has recently purchased cooling towels for staff. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) A federal program aims to connect every American to high-speed internet, and Vermont has been allocated $229 million to help make that happen. Vermonts Community Broadband Board (VCBB) said Monday that it had finished receiving applications for the VT-BEAD program. Were on track to get all Vermonters served with broadband, enabling and empowering them to work, learn, socialize, and take advantage of all the opportunities the digital world offers, said VCBB Executive Director Christine Hallquist. Hallquist is also known as the Democratic nominee for Vermont Governor in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applicants had to submit bids to supply high-speed internet access to one or more areas of the state. An area could be as small as the town of Richmond, which has just 1 address listed without high-speed internet, or as large as the coverage area of NEK Broadband and CV Fiber, which has nearly 8,000 addresses listed. Two Vermont communications union districts want to merge VCBB will now evaluate the applications and determine the winning bids. After that, the federal government will also need to approve the selections. By 2028, we want to be at 100 percent, said Hallquist in an April interview with ABC22/FOX44s Matt Holderman, included at the article above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VCBB to sponsor new Broadband Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Training Hallquist previously expressed her concern that the Trump administration would cut funding for the program, specifically naming competition from SpaceXs Starlink internet service, which she called an unproven technology. SpaceXs CEO, Elon Musk, was then a close ally of Trump, though the two have had disagreements in recent months. However, after the federal government released new guidance, she said she was cautiously optimistic. This was the second round of applications for VT-BEAD. Vermont completed applications earlier this year, but went into a second round to comply with the new federal guidance. The guidance mainly loosens restrictions for bidders, eliminating requirements that they address climate change and net neutrality in their applications, among others. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Police in Ontario shut down multiple roads in the King area when a pair of bison broke through a fence and escaped from their pasture. York Regional Police issued an alert on social media Monday warning drivers in the area to avoid the area of Keele Street and Davis Drive due to the presence of loose bison in the area. Local residents were warned not to approach the animals. Garrett Mac Sweeney, the farm's owner, said the bison are currently in their mating season, which makes them more aggressive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That was quite scary," Mac Sweeney told CityNews. "We noticed they were very aggressive this past week and the week before." Police confirmed the two bison were safely returned to the farm about two hours after the initial social media alert. Mac Sweeney said the bison had broken through the fence around their pasture. "This is the first time in 13 years since we've had the bison that they've gone through the fence like this," Mac Sweeney said. We are getting a break in the monsoon this week with much drier and hotter weather moving in. High temperatures will likely break records for parts of New Mexico this week. Much drier air has moved into New Mexico this weekend, bringing even drier weather to the state today. There is still some moisture in place across eastern New Mexico, but a growing area of high pressure overhead is keeping the state hot and dry. Temperatures today are climbing into 90s and triple digits. A couple isolated storms are possible in far southeast and northeast New Mexico. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 10 PM for Union County. Even hotter weather moves in Tuesday as high pressure settles into the state. The high pressure system will keep the entire state hot and mostly dry. Temperatures will continue to hover near record levels through at least Friday, with a few locations across the state breaking record highs each afternoon starting Wednesday. Temperatures around the Albuquerque Metro could hit 100 as early as Tuesday afternoon, with a higher chance through the rest of the week. Heat Advisories will likely be issued each afternoon through at least Friday. There is a good chance the Metro will set a record high of 100 on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few spotty afternoon storms will be possible across some of the mountain peaks beginning Wednesday afternoon. Rainfall accumulations will generally be light and most of the rain may even evaporate before reaching the ground. More monsoon moisture will work its way into the state starting this weekend, bringing rain chances back as early as Saturday. They will also help to cool high temperatures off a couple degrees into early next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. According to the outlet, in the 'Twisted-Wonderland' universe, the seven villainous figures have been transformed into revered historical legends known as the Great Seven. Each villain's legacy led to the establishment of a specific dormitory at Night Raven College, creating distinct magical communities within the academy. Students are sorted into these houses based on their personalities and magical aptitudes. Disney's 'Twisted-Wonderland' debuts October 29 exclusively on Disney+. According to Variety, the anime centres on a Tokyo high schooler named Yuken Enma who gets whisked into a magical realm populated by characters inspired by classic Disney baddies. The fictional Night Raven College serves as a training ground for aspiring sorcerers, with dormitories themed around villainous icons like the Queen of Hearts, Scar, Ursula, Jafar, the Evil Queen, Hades and Maleficent, reported Variety. Enma finds himself a fish out of water at the academy, lacking magical abilities while trying to figure out how to return to his own world. The series will track his misadventures alongside fellow students Ace and Deuce as they clash with the temperamental dorm leader Riddle Rosehearts, reported Variety. The project continues Disney+'s anime expansion, joining current offerings like romantic comedy 'Murai In Love' and action series 'The Fable' and 'Go! Go! Loser Ranger!' on the platform's growing slate. 'Murai In Love' follows a high school student's comedic attempts to win over his teacher, while 'The Fable' tracks an accomplished assassin forced into hiding for a year. 'Go! Go! Loser Ranger!' depicts an ongoing conflict between an invading Monster Army and the popular Divine Dragon Rangers. The streamer also has 'Cat's Eye' in development, focusing on three sisters who operate a cafe during the day and work as cat burglars at night, reported Variety. (ANI) Gov. Mike Braun was careful in his comments Tuesday about potential redistricting in Indiana to net a GOP seat or two in Congress. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) As President Donald Trump looks to increase the Republican majority in Congress, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun confirmed on Tuesday that Vice President JD Vance will come to Indianapolis likely to make a personal redistricting appeal. Whatever we discuss there, and if that topic comes up, its exploratory, Braun said. Theres been no commitments made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visit is part of a nationwide push to net more Republican seats in the historically narrow U.S. House of Representatives most notably in Texas, where Trump has said the GOP is entitled to more seats. Indiana redraws congressional boundaries every 10 years with new census numbers, and Hoosier leaders will have to determine if its legal to do so early. Mentioning Texas, Braun said that redistricting outside of the traditional ten-year cycle is not going to be a calm process, adding that well see what happens. Indiana Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, pans any explicitly partisan redistricting efforts at the Indiana Statehouse on Aug. 5, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) But Indiana Rep. Matt Pierce warned against redistricting explicitly to grow a partisan advantage, worrying that such an effort could take us down a very bad path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because after that happens, our congressional institution is going to be illegitimate. People are going to ask themselves, Does this really reflect the will of the people? asked Pierce, a Democrat from Bloomington. Once you lose legitimacy as a government, you dont have a democracy anymore. This is no small thing thats happening here this is basically a knife fight for democracy and the Democrats better act like it. In retaliation, some Democrat-led states have floated the possibility of redrawing their maps to net more seats in Congress for their party, namely California and New York. Both of those states would have to reckon with state laws that put redistricting in the hands of non-partisan commissions, however. States like Illinois and Texas already have an F from the Gerrymandering Projects report card for their redistricting process. Indiana, meanwhile, has an A grade for its congressional map. The number of competitive seats in Congress has dwindled. Theoretically, any candidate could win in the U.S. Houses 435 seats but, realistically, only 18 seats are considered to be a toss up. Senate positions are selected by the entire state and, as such, will not be impacted by redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are not a whole lot of seats in the House of Representatives that really could swing towards one party or the other, said Steven Webster, an associate professor of political science at Indiana Universitys Bloomington campus. The reality is that most seats are pretty safe for one party; and so a lot of times you kind of have a pretty close balance of power in the House. Tip ONeill, a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, once famously said all politics is local, though he didnt originate the sentiment. Webster, however, said that increasingly, the opposite is true. These are ostensibly state-level issues, but theyre reflecting these national political debates, he continued. Congressional maps in Indiana Indiana has nine congressional districts. Two are held by Democrats, while all of the Republican districts are considered to be safely and reliably red. Of the Democratic seats, one includes two-thirds of Marion County and would be difficult to redraw without diluting GOP voting margins in surrounding districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the seat in northwestern Indiana, held by U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan since 2021, has been a Republican target in the past and is Indianas most competitive seat. Mrvan held onto the seat in 2022 with nearly 53% of the vote against Republican Jennifer-Ruth Green, who is now the states secretary of public safety. That margin grew slightly to just over 53% in 2024, when Mrvan won over Republican Randy Niemeyer. Steven Webster, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Indiana University in Bloomington (Photo from IU) And with parties scrambling to get any seat possible, Webster said that the Mrvans district is the obvious target. Pierce, the House Democrat, said even Texas had to grapple with concerns that by redistricting in an explicitly partisan manner they might accidentally create new districts that were actually competitive. In the era of artificial intelligence and data and thousands of data points about every voter, you can really gerrymander with precision, said Pierce. so my concern is that this technology will allow them to accomplish their goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braun seemed to be hesitant about the prospect, repeatedly referring to other states with so-called gerrymandered maps that have districts where it looks like the tentacles of an octopus. Though both major parties are guilty of gerrymandering for political gain, he pointedly referred to Democrat-controlled Illinois and even Indianas own legislative maps in the early 2000s, when Democrats led the state. I think its a little rich, in the sense that theyre making that kind of case about it, he said. gerrymandering has been their specialty, not ours. Its unclear if state law would allow legislators to move forward with redistricting. A 1995 non-binding opinion from the Attorney Generals Office found that lawmakers could not redistrict state House and Senate seats mid-cycle. Here, the text, history, and case law surrounding the pertinent constitutional provisions point unerringly to the same conclusion: attempts to redistrict in a manner other than that specified in Article 4, Section 5 of the Indiana Constitution are forbidden, read the opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierce, who is also an attorney, noted that the opinion only specifies the timing of drawing up legislative maps not those for Congress. Indiana Constitution Article 4, Section 5: The General Assembly elected during the year in which a federal decennial census is taken shall fix by law the number of Senators and Representatives and apportion them among districts according to the number of inhabitants in each district, as revealed by that federal decennial census. The territory in each district shall be contiguous. I think President Trump and his handlers know that his popularity is declining; and I think they feel a wave coming; and theyre willing to do anything to thwart the will of the people, said Pierce. But with states like California and New York threatening to counter potential Texan gains, political operatives are looking to see where else maps could be redrawn a process that Pierce decried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called for nonpartisan redistricting commissions in every state, a movement that has failed to gather enough momentum at the Indiana Statehouse but said Democrats couldnt unilaterally disarm in the current environment. This is a knife fight for democracy, and we have to get in there, and we have to fight hard, Pierce said. If that means trying to counterbalance these illegitimate moves on the parts of Republicans to try to redraw these maps in the middle of the decade, then weve got to try to counterbalance that. If we just sit back and let this happen and we end up with an illegitimate Congress really, our democracy is hanging by a thread and, at that point, then maybe its even over, he continued. So we have to fight hard to try to prevent this from happening. Can they do that? If the Republican supermajority decides to move forward it would require a special session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braun would have to call it, but House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate Majority Leader Rodric Bray would set the agenda. Neither Huston nor Bray responded to a request for comment. The two-week special session in 2022 cost taxpayers $240,000, which went to lawmakers per diems and travel expenses. However, that session came during a time when Indianas coffers were overflowing as opposed to today, when the state is laying off workers and cutting expenses. When asked about the cost, Braun declined to make any pre-statement on that, but said he and legislative leaders will listen to pitches from those interested in redistricting. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Webster called the idea politically plausible, saying that if a special session is called, I would not be terribly surprised. I think this is a trend thats likely to extend beyond just Texas or Indiana, he added. Barring a special session, lawmakers arent expected to consider new laws until January when candidates will start filing to run for a seat in Congress. I think its all going to come down, as most things in politics do, to how things get framed, said Webster. An enterprising politician could attempt to frame it in a way that takes away from any criticism about the cost, he said, though Democrats would be likely to highlight that budget hit. Whether that will be sufficient to stop Republicans from doing it is another question, Webster concluded. Editor-in-Chief Niki Kelly contributed to this story. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX WARNING: The video in this post may contain graphic imagery. Viewer discretion is advised. MURRAY, Utah (ABC4) Police have identified the victim in the fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Thursday in Murray, where surveillance footage captured the moments two vehicles struck the victim and left the scene. The victim has been identified as 53-year-old Kimberley Jean Jespersen. According to her daughter Nastasha Dickinson, Jespersen was a mother of four and a grandmother of 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was outgoing. She would do whatever it took. She would take her shirt off her anybody, Dickinson told ABC4 News Monday in an emotional interview. Her grandbabies were her everything. She loved her grandbabies, Dickinson said. Shortly after 11 p.m. on July 31, Jesperson was crossing 4500 South from the southeast corner of State Street, when a passenger car turning east from State Street struck her in the crosswalk. Police described this as a minor collision. The car stopped, and Jesperson was seen on video standing at the drivers side window of that first car in the eastbound lanes. The light changed, and a truck approached the intersection, swerved to avoid hitting the stopped passenger car, and hit Jesperson. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Murray Police seek help in identifying vehicles in fatal hit-and-run Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the second collision, both vehicles continued east on 4500 South and left the area. Maybe things would have been different if [the driver] stopped all I know is that my mom is gone, Dickinson said, who was celebrating her birthday Thursday, when she learned her mom was struck by a vehicle and rushed to the hospital. The second vehicle caused critical injuries, and Jesperson was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where she later died from those injuries. Police previously released footage of the incident from a private company called CollisionCam, which showed both vehicles involved in the hit and run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first vehicle is a dark colored hatchback passenger car, and the second vehicle is a dark colored truck. Police also stated that the truck involved will most likely have damage to the front or passenger side of the vehicle. Police are continuing to ask the public for assistance in finding the drivers involved in this incident. If you have any information, please contact Murray Police at 801-840-4000 and reference case number MR2025-23474. Jespersons family has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for funeral and memorial costs, which you can find here. This is the second auto/pedestrian hit and run accident in Murray this year. 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. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A victim was hospitalized after an overnight assault at an Abilene bar. Abilene police say officers were called to Cabaret Club on the 1900 block of Butternut Street around 1:20 a.m. Tuesday and found a victim lying on the ground suffering from head injuries. This victim was hospitalized and his current condition has not been disclosed at this time. Officers are now investigating this as an incident of assault and no arrests have been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stick with BigCountryHomepage.com for any additional 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Numerous victims of Jeffrey Epstein took aim at the public legitimization of his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell as they urged a federal judge considering unsealing grand jury transcripts to take their privacy into account when making his decision. Lawyers Brad Edwards and Paul Cassell, who represent numerous victims, including a woman who testified at Maxwells criminal trial, also questioned the motives of the Justice Department as the Trump administration tries to tamp down criticism from some of his most ardent supporters after deciding not to release a trove of investigative files. In a letter filed Tuesday to the judge overseeing the Maxwell case, the lawyers said Maxwells meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche last month and her transfer to a lower security prison was jarring for victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For survivors who bravely testified, the perception that Ms. Maxwell is being legitimized in public discourse has already resulted in re-traumatization, they wrote. The letter offered the most critical reaction to date from victims of Epstein and Maxwell, some of whom have long-standing distrust of the federal governments history investigating Epstein. After evading a federal prosecution in 2007 through a secret nonprosecution agreement, Epstein was indicted in 2019 in New York with sex trafficking, but weeks later died by suicide before trial. Maxwell is the only person charged and convicted in the scheme. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence and has appealed her conviction. The survivors support transparency when it can be achieved without sacrificing their safety, privacy, or dignity, the lawyers wrote in a letter to the judge weighing unsealing transcripts from the investigation into Maxwell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But transparency cannot come at the expense of the very people whom the justice system is sworn to protect particularly amid contemporaneous events that magnify risk and trauma: the public platforming of Ms. Maxwell as a purportedly credible commentator despite her sex-trafficking conviction and perjury charges, her transfer to lower-security custody, a government request to unseal filed without conferral, and the looming specter of clemency, they added. Another law firm representing Annie Farmer, who testified that Maxwell recruited and sexually assaulted her alongside Epstein, pushed for the unsealing of transcripts but noted in a footnote her concern that Maxwell will benefit from the recent confluence of events. (E)pstein escaped justice through his apparent suicide, and Maxwell is now, to the victims horror, herself attempting to escape justice by negotiating for herself a potential pardon or commutation of her sentence, Farmers lawyer Sigrid McCawley wrote. The victims of her crimes unequivocally object to any potential leniency that the Government may be considering offering Maxwell, a convicted sex trafficker. The concerns were laid out in letters that are among several submitted to the two judges considering unsealing grand jury transcripts in the Epstein case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards and Cassell said victims were not consulted by the government before Maxwells transfer to a lower security prison, which they view as extraordinarily insensitive and suggestive of ulterior purposes, the lawyers wrote. Nor were they consulted before the motions to unseal were filed, the lawyers said, adding, This omission reinforces the perception that the victims are, at best, an afterthought to the current administration. For some, the Maxwell conviction is the only meaningful measure of criminal accountability; its erosion would be devastating, the lawyers wrote. CNN has reached out to the Justice Department for comment. Maxwell opposes releasing Epstein grand jury documents For her part, Maxwell on Tuesday argued her legal interests outweigh the publics interest in Epstein and urged the judge to deny the Trump administrations motion to unseal grand jury transcripts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Ghislaine Maxwell is not. Whatever interest the public may have in Epstein, that interest cannot justify a broad intrusion into grand jury secrecy in a case where the defendant is alive, her legal options are viable, and her due process rights remain, David Oscar Markus, Maxwells attorney, wrote to the judge. Markus said since they have not seen the grand jury transcripts, he has no choice but to oppose their release. Maxwell is appealing her conviction on sex trafficking and other charges. She has asked the Supreme Court to take up her case and any potential reversal could result in a new trial. Public curiosity is insufficient when Maxwells legal and reputational interests are at stake. These factors weigh heavily in favor of preserving the secrecy of the grand jury materials, Markus said. The reputational harm from releasing incomplete, potentially misleading grand jury testimony, untested by cross-examination, would be severe and irrevocable, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Maxwell met with Blanche for interviews spanning more than nine hours over two days. She was subsequently moved from a low-security prison in Florida to a low-security prison camp in Texas. The Trump administration is debating releasing transcripts of Blanches interview with Maxwell. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The nations largest charter system has dealt a crushing legal blow to its foes but challenges remain for the once-revolutionary movement. After a series of recent losses, the charter sector in Los Angeles claimed a clear win in June when a California State Supreme Court judge struck down a Los Angeles Unified policy banning charters from using classrooms at roughly a third of the citys schools. The policy, which went into effect this year over heated opposition and after a series of contentious board meetings, barred charters from using nearly 346 LAUSD campuses, out of about 1,000. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Proponents of the rule including the majority of the school board argued it would protect schools with programs for Black students, low performing priority schools, and community schools with social services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the California Charter Schools Association said it unfairly blocked one in five students those who attend charters from using LAUSDs schools. CCSA took its opposition to court, arguing that the rule violated a state law to provide charters with classrooms at district campuses. The CCSA won, but L.A.s charter movement must still confront a potentially hostile LAUSD board and headwinds faced by many schools in L.A. and other big American cities including declining enrollment, squeezed budgets and federal government immigration enforcement. Its a victory, not just for charter schools, but for public school families across the district, said Keith DellAquila, who is vice president, Greater Los Angeles local advocacy for the CCSA. CCSAs latest legal win is just one of several times it has prevailed over LA Unified in court over policy overreach, DellAquila said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It means you cannot privilege one group of students over another simply based off of where, or which model of public school their families have chosen to attend, he said. Still, L.A. County Superior Court Judge Stephen I. Goorvitch upheld portions of the district policys charter colocation policy in his decision, allowing LAUSD to restrict charters from school buildings on the basis of capacity or safety issues. The ruling still gives LAUSD latitude on where to allow charter schools to operate, a point district officials focused on in their statement on the ruling. We are very pleased with most aspects of the courts ruling, which denied all of CCSAs contentions aside from two lines in the policy, reads LAUSDs statement, adding: CCSA significantly mischaracterizes the plain language of both the policy and ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LAUSD officials said the district has carefully reviewed the courts ruling and is evaluating all available options but reps for LA Unified wouldnt say if the district would appeal the decision. We remain firmly committed to serving the best interests of all students in our school communities while continuing to meet our legal obligations, concluded the districts statement. L.A. Unified has 235 charter schools, more than any other U.S. school system. L.A.s charter schools outperform the citys schools according to this Stanford research and enroll high numbers of poor students and students of color. State law gives charter schools across California the right to public school classroom spaces that are reasonably equivalent to those offered to other public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But charters have waged legal battles against the district for years, just to gain access to classrooms, DellAquila said. He hopes CCSAs latest win is decisive, but hes not confident it will be. Charter schools now command a record 22% of the districts enrollment, DellAquila said, giving them a bigger slice of the city than any other large U.S. district. Charter schools in L.A. are losing students like schools across the U.S., he said, but LA Unified is losing kids faster. And the district just lost an important legal battle with the charter sector. Judge Goorvitch concluded in his June 27 ruling that the LA Unified policy, which the Board of Education approved with a one-vote majority in 2024, prioritizes District schools over charter schools and is too vague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the district will respond now is largely up to the board. So far, its members arent talking. A spokesman for LAUSD Board Member Rocio Rivas, who co-authored the policy, referred a request for comment to LAUSD and declined to make Rivas available for an interview. LAUSD Board President Scott Schmerelson didnt respond to requests for comment on the ruling. Reps for United Teachers Los Angeles, the powerful local teachers union that backed the campaigns of Rivas and Schmerelson, and also supported the colocation policy that was just struck down, also didnt respond to requests for comment. Morgan Polikoff a professor of education at USC Rossier, said the win could put some wind in the sails of the L.A.s once mighty-yet-still-massive charter school sector, a national model for charters which has been under fire for years, and yet retains its relevance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He questioned the need for the policy at a time when LAUSD enrollments have shrunk drastically leaving empty and underused classrooms. Enrollment in LA Unified fell to around 400,000 kids this year, down from a peak of nearly 750,000 students in 2002. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and board president Schmerelson have each suggested some schools might have to be closed if the trend isnt reversed. Some estimates put the district at about 40% under capacity in terms of building utilization, but LAUSD doesnt have an official reckoning. So why is the district trying to throttle charter schools when it has classroom space to spare? Its about money, said Polikoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District and charter schools are both funded by the state on a per-pupil basis. Shrinking enrollments mean shrinking school budgets. The district is trying to retain marketshare, he explained. The district had basically walled off about a third of their campuses, sort of ironically, the kinds of campuses serving the students who are most likely to enroll in charter schools, said Polikoff, Maybe not ironically, probably intentionally. The number of LAUSD schools sharing space with charters has dropped by nearly half in the last seven years, according to documents presented at the LAUSD boards charter committee in May. Enrollment in the district overall is down about 45% from its peak more than two decades ago, Polikoff pointed out, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the policy had had stuck, the district would have had a bit of a guardrail to protect enrollment declines in some of its campuses. And now that isnt there anymore, he said. Both sectors are struggling, right? And that, I think, is a story of demographic trends in the city. Falling enrollment means fewer charter schools have to share space with district-run public schools. This coming school year, 41 LAUSD schools will house an independently run charter school on their campus, down from 72 in 2018. In the 20172018 school year LAUSD provided nearly 23,000 seats for charter kids, itll provide about 9,000 in-district seats this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With fewer kids from charter schools in district schools, and enrollment dropping and empty classrooms growing across LAUSD, there ought to be less conflict now between district and charters, said Yvette King-Berg, executive director of Youth Policy Center Charter Schools, which enrolls about 850 students across three schools in L.A. King-Berg, who serves on CCSAs board and has four decades of experience working LAUSD and Pasadena schools, said the ruling moves us back to whats reasonable. Issues such as declining enrollments, dropping attendance due to immigration enforcement and falling budgets are common to all LAUSD public schools, she said. Taxpayers paid for these school buildings, and if all the taxpayers funds are flowing equally for all kids, we shouldnt be pushing any group of kids out, said King-Berg. So its my hope that we can find a way now which is a little bit more fair. To Croatia and Serbia, Operation Oluja means very different things. For Croatians, it is a moment of victory and celebration. For Serbians, it brings memories of war crimes and forced displacement. In early August 1995, the Croatian army recatured the breakaway region of Krajina in just 84 hours. Most of the ethnic Serb population fled. To mark the 30th anniversary of the operation, authorities in the Croatian capital Zagreb held the largest military parade in the country's history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, 3,500 soldiers, police and war veterans marched along Vukovar Avenue in the capital. They were marking the events of 4 to 7 August 1995, when Operation Oluja Storm in Serbo-Croatian crushed the self-declared Serbian Republic of Krajina and restored control over 14 percent of Croatias territory. Tens of thousands of people watched the parade. They saw some of the armys newest equipment, including Turkish Bayraktar drones, German-made Leopard tanks and 12 second-hand French Rafale fighter jets. This was only the fourth military parade in Croatia since independence in 1991. Today, everyone will have seen the strength of the Croatian state, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on public TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Zoran Milanovic said once again that Operation Oluja was key to changing the course of the 19911995 war. 'Victory for Croatia' We are fully aware and I want those who succeed us to be aware too that this is a victory for Croatian soldiers, the Croatian people and the Croatian leaders of the time, said Milanovic, who is also head of the armed forces, before the parade began. More commemorations are planned for Monday 5 August a key date in the operation and a national holiday in Croatia called Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day. But the war left deep scars. The Croatian Helsinki Committee said 677 civilians were killed during Operation Oluja and over 22,000 homes destroyed. Some Serbian sources say around 2,000 people died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The offensive forced almost the entire Serbian population of Krajina about 200,000 people to flee. The Republic of Krajina had been set up in late 1990 by Serb leaders who rejected Croatias independence. Croatian airstrikes and artillery then hit convoys of tractors, buses and cars carrying people to safety in Serbia. It was not until 2020 25 years later that Croatia officially expressed regret for the crimes committed against Serbs. Milanovic said at the time, We celebrate victory; we hate no one. Serbia denounces ethnic cleansing Few Serbs have not returned to Krajina. Their families had lived there since the 1600s, when the Habsburg Empire gave them land in exchange for guarding the border with Ottoman-controlled Bosnia-Herzegovina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, there are just over 120,000 Serbs in Croatia five times fewer than in 1991, just before the war. In Serbia, Operation Oluja is viewed as a large-scale act of ethnic cleansing. A memorial event is held each year on 3 August, the day before the 1995 offensive began. This years ceremony was called Oluja is a pogrom, we will remember it forever. It was attended by President Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Minister Duro Macut and the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije. The Serbian government has also advised citizens not to travel through Croatia between 1 and 10 August. In both countries, commemorations are marked by nationalism. Each side blames the other and there has been little effort to reconcile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attempts at dialogue have often been attacked. In 2020, Boris Milosevic a Serb political leader in Croatia joined official Croatian commemorations. Several ministers in Belgrade called it shameful and humiliating for the entire Serbian nation. But some Croatians are also questioning how the event is remembered. The Croatian government has decided to celebrate the end of the war by celebrating the war industry, said the Centre for Peace Studies. Tanks do not feed people, weapons do not heal. Voice of America director Michael Abramowitz has been fired after he refused a demotion that would have also required him to relocate, his attorneys said in a court filing Monday. In a letter included in that court filing, John Zadrozny, senior adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media told Abramowitz he has been given 30 days notice he will be terminated, effective Aug. 31. The letter specifically cited Abramowitzs refusal to accept the demotion and relocate, which Zadrozny characterized as a disciplinary issue. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abramowitzs lawyers are already seeking a partial summary judgment in the matter and submitted news of his being fired to the court as part of that effort. They are asking for a court ruling by no later than Aug. 29, two days before his termination takes effect. Abramowitz informed VOA staff in late July, in a letter he also shared on Linkedin, that his lawyers were filing court challenges to Trump administration efforts to remove him from his job. I wanted you to be aware that my lawyers have filed a motion in federal court today challenging efforts by USAGM to remove me as director of Voice of America. They believe USAGMs action is plainly illegal. I cant say much about the details of the case beyond what is laid out in the court filing. But I do want to stress that this action is not about me personally but about preserving the rule of law and fulfilling VOAs vital mission of delivering fact-based news and information about America to the world, he wrote. His firing comes amid the Trump administrations much larger attack on press independence, as well as its efforts to shutter VOA entirely along with affiliated networks including Radio Free Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abramowitz has fiercely opposed those efforts, including a lawsuit filed in March after the Trump administration attempted to illegally shut down VOA. Hundreds of VOA staffers were fired in June, leaving the outlet with just 200 employees, a mere 15% of the headcount it had before Trump assumed office in January. The post Voice of America Director Fired After Refusing Demotion and Reassignment appeared first on TheWrap. Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz has been terminated for refusing to accept a demotion that would see him run a small broadcasting station in North Carolina, a reassignment he has called illegal. In a Friday letter sent to Abramowitz, which was included in a court filing on Monday, U.S. Agency for Global Media senior advisor John Zadrozny informed the director that he would be terminated at the end of the month. I am proposing that your failure to accept a directed geographic reassignment warrants removal from your position for such cause as to promote the efficiency of the Federal service, Zadrozny wrote. The USAGM is the agency that oversees VOA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much like other staffers at Voice of America, Abramowitz is suing the Trump administration over the presidents executive order that dismantles the USAGM. As his case has continued to move forward in federal court, Kari Lake the MAGA loyalist whom Trump has installed to manage USAGM has sidelined hundreds of VOA employees while effectively shuttering the network. After sending the vast majority of Voice of America staff reduction-in-force notices in June, however, Lake rescinded the layoffs a week later after staff encountered errors in the documents. Employees were informed at the time that USAGM would be running another RIF in the near future. Meanwhile, most of the staff remain on administrative leave, though some have been recalled to active duty. Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz has said that his termination for refusing to accept a reassignment to a low-level post in North Carolina is illegal. (AP) According to Abramowitzs court filing this week, Lake ordered him on July 8 to accept a transfer to manage the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station in Greenville, North Carolina, or face termination. Abramowitz noted that he had sent a response later that month refusing the reassignment as it did not appear to be lawful, noting that the acting CEO of USAGM had been placed on leave and Trump had dismantled the board that approves such moves. This notice, which would remove me from my position as Director of Voice of America on September 6, 2025, or potentially before that if I refuse the transfer, is illegal, he wrote in a July 29 letter. Under the law, I can only be removed from my position as director of VOA with the approval of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. No such action has been taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Abramowitzs refusal to accept the demotion, Zadrozny told him on Friday that he was fired due to a failure to accept directed geographic reassignment, something Abramowitzs attorney noted in the court filing was ironic. Right in the middle of litigation about Defendants willingness to follow the law, they are firing Director Abramowitz for refusing to accept a reassignment because he insisted that Defendants follow the law, the lawyer wrote. Abramowitz also noted that the reassignment to the low-level post appeared to be nonsensical based on the reasons the USAGM laid out. In addition, the August 1 letter claims that it was indicated that your presence in Greenville was needed to support an evaluation of the potential for an expanded USAGM staff presence at that facility. This purported rationale does not make sense, he stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand that Defendants have indicated that they only plan to broadcast in four languages at VOA (Mandarin, Farsi, Pashto and Dari), Abramowitz added. But the Greenville station, which has historically provided shortwave radio broadcasts mainly to West Africa and Latin America, does not serve countries that speak any of those languages. The USAGM did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Kari Lake the MAGA loyalist whom Trump has installed to manage USAGM has sidelined hundreds of VOA employees while effectively shuttering the network (Getty Images) In the lawsuit brought by other VOA staffers against the government over Trumps executive order, a federal judge excoriated Lake and other White House officials for failing to show that they had been abiding by his ruling that mandated a restoration of VOA programming. The Court concludes that judicial intervention is needed to ensure the defendants compliance with the preliminary injunction, Judge Royce Lamberth wrote last week, adding that the administration officials appear to be violating numerous statutory provisions and have been providing misleading and contradictory information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, Lake has occasionally deployed a skeleton crew to VOA offices, providing minimal broadcasting services and news programming in an apparent effort to comply with the courts ruling. Lamberth, meanwhile, noted in his latest court order that Lake was doing the exact opposite of what she claimed her intent was, which was to get rid of wasteful spending at VOA. When Congress appropriated $260 million to VOA., Lamberth wrote, referencing the 2025 budget for Voice of America. It did not anticipate that such a significant sum of taxpayer funds would be used to pay employees to sit at home for months on end, making no contribution to VOAs statutory mandate. The legal term for that is waste, and it is precisely what federal appropriation law aims to avoid. Just last week, one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history struck Kamchatka, Russia on July 29, triggering tsunami warnings as far as the West coast of the United States. "At 11:24am local time, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake occurred near the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia," wrote the U.S. Geological Survey. "Tsunami alerts were issued around the Pacific Basin. It followed a magnitude 7.4 foreshock on July 20 and is near the epicenter of the 1952 magnitude 9.0 event." A Second Volcano Erupts in Russia Not long after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia, the Klyuchevskoy volcano on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula began erupting. One of the most active volcanoes in Eurasia, it wasn't a complete surprise that the Klyuchevskoy volcano erupted following the earthquake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, less than a week later another major volcano in the area spewed debris in a rare eruption not seen for over 600 years. "This is the first historically confirmed eruption of Krasheninnikov Volcano in 600 years," Russian state news agency RIA cited Olga Girina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team, as saying, via SkyNews. A Rare Eruption for the Krasheninnikov Volcano The Kronotsky Nature Reserve issued a statement revealing the volcano sent ash four miles into the sky. Staff members have been evacuated from the area, the statement said, adding that the volcano was too far from towns in the region to pose a danger to people, via the New York Times. The eruption began at 6 a.m. local time on Sunday, when staff from the nature reserve on a research trip at the volcano spotted gas and vapor spewing from its crater before staff members were evacuated from the area. No towns or villages are reportedly in reach of the ash plume following the eruption. Related: Massive Russian Earthquake Triggers Eruption From Major Volcano: Video Volcano Erupts for First Time in 600 Years After Another Natural Disaster first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 3, 2025 Natural disasters wreak havoc and destruction that can cost millions of dollars and devastate communities. But oftentimes, out of the horror comes hope, goodwill, and a reason to be optimistic. One such example recently occurred in Turkey. The country has been dealing with raging wildfires that have destroyed over 49,000 hectares (189 square miles). Izmir, which is Turkey's third-most populous city, was one of the hardest-hit areas. After a call went out on social media by the Animal Project Association, an organization called HIPDER, and the Afalina Animal Rights Community, around 100 volunteers gathered in the city's Buca district to find animal survivors in the forest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Hurriyet Daily News, after the fire was deemed under control, the volunteers managed to rescue a blunt-nosed viper, two lizards, and two tortoises. A veterinarian on site treated the injured animals and prepared them for relocation. Unfortunately, fires continue to get worse around the globe because of warming temperatures. Research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests climate change is leading to warmer, drier conditions, which are making fires larger and more intense. Incredibly, this is only the latest good news of volunteers coming together to fight the effects of climate change. A group from Massachusetts recently helped assess the state's drainage systems to prevent flooding and preserve ecosystems during periods of intense rainfall. Last July, after Hurricane Beryl slammed through Texas, local residents banded together to rescue nearly 1,800 distressed animals. Like these incredible volunteers, there are many things we can all do to help the environment. First and foremost is taking local climate action to help our communities. It is also imperative that we donate to climate causes to make sure organizations trying to help are properly funded so they can do their important work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funda Bonomo, the founding president of HIPDER, was amazed by the volunteers. "We put out a call and received an incredible response," they said, per the Daily News. "We came together and managed to rescue several animals. The effort is still ongoing, so we hope there will be more." One of the volunteers elaborated on the group's efforts. "Everyone gave their all to rescue even a single animal," Izgen Cebbar said. "We were exhausted, sweating, but we didn't give up." 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. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood lashed out at the previous Aam Aadmi Party government, saying that parents were going to court with their children over fees. Earlier on Monday, Ashish Sood tabled the "Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees), Bill, 2025" in the Delhi Assembly, stating that the legislation seeks to end commercialisation of education and take action against those exploiting it for profit. Ashish Sood told reporters, "... For ten years, Aam Aadmi Party was sitting in its air-conditioned rooms, and parents were going to court with their children for fees. We have entered the parents in the process of determining fees... It is mandatory to have the principal or head of the school or one person from the management, three teachers and five parents, including SC/ST, OBC, and women, who will together look at 18 parameters, records of the school and decide whether the school needs money or not. Everyone will have to be unanimous about the uniformity; only then can the fees be increased for three years..." The proposed law aims to regulate the arbitrary fee hikes by private schools in the national capital, providing relief to lakhs of students and their families. "Education is not a thing to be sold. This bill aims to halt the commercialisation of education. We are bringing the bill to take action against those mafias who are selling education..." Sood said while tabling the bill. The Bill was tabled on the first day of the Monsoon session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly, which commenced on Monday and will continue until August 8. However, the session may be extended depending on the exigencies of legislative business. In a separate statement, the Delhi Education Minister said, "Today, I have come here with a permanent solution to the problems faced by millions of parents and children in Delhi, and to a legacy issue that has been ignored for decades." Sood stated that education is "a sacred duty -- a duty we must fulfil for the progress and prosperity of our motherland." He emphasised that the aim of education should not be 'earning', but rather 'learning' and nation-building. "This bill is a small effort on our part to honour Dr. Mukherjee's vision and to ensure that education does not become a burden on the people of India, but instead becomes a path leading them to a better future," he said. Giving historical references, he discussed how the central government has resolved long-standing legacy issues over the decades, such as the Ram Mandir, Chenab Bridge, Article 370, and the electrification of every village. He stated that the Delhi government is now also "focused on resolving the capital's old and complex issues, one of the most important legacy issues being the continuously rising fees of private schools." "This is not a recent problem, but a question that has troubled Delhi's parents for many decades," he clarified. (ANI) Volusia County celebrates surge in top-rated schools ahead of new year Students and educators in Volusia County are preparing to return to the classroom as the district celebrates its recent A rating. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Volusia County Schools have seen a significant improvement, with 28 individual schools receiving an A rating, up from 17 the previous year. I saw the potential that was there, we just needed to work together and remain focused on our vision. Very proud of where we are today, said Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent of Volusia County Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 55,000 students are currently enrolled in Volusia Public Schools. However, due to Floridas school voucher program, the district expects a decrease of 1,400 students, which could lead to fewer dollars for the district. To address potential budget shortfalls, the district is re-evaluating staff ratios and working to attract more students back to public schools. Dr. Balgobin highlighted the districts competitive advantage, offering a variety of services, including AICE and IB programs, foreign language academies, and dual enrollment opportunities. Safety remains a top priority for the district, with Dr. Balgobin emphasizing that every student has a right to feel safe in their educational setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the new school year approaches, Dr. Balgobin reassured parents of the districts commitment to both the academic achievement and the safety and security of their students. See more in the video above. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Lawn signs promoting candidates seemed to multiply overnight ahead of Election Day in Detroit as mayoral hopefuls made their last-minute attempts to lure voters to the polls to support them as the race was narrowed from nine candidates to two. On a hot August day with Canadian wildfire smoke in the air, Detroiters went to the polls in a trickle with turnout expected to range between 13%-18% for the Aug. 5 primary election, according to Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey. At Detroit Lions Academy on the city's west side around lunchtime, several voters made their way inside the school to have their voices heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pablo Marcos, 24, moved to the city a few years ago after living in Grand Rapids and attending school in Ann Arbor. As a newer Detroit resident, he said he wants to be politically engaged and planned to vote for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, saying that, while shes not as progressive as he might hope for, he said she feels like a safe choice. Among changes he would like to see, Marcos criticized public subsidies for developers who dont always follow through on their promises and called for more affordable housing. He also said he wants a mayor who can stand up to President Donald Trumps policies, from his deportations to funding cuts. I mean the list could on, but someone who wants to stand up and has a backbone for the people they serve not just the donors they get their money from, he said of his vision for Detroits next mayor. Michigan primary election results 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omar Deadwilder, 43, who said he works with youths with disabilities as a vocational counselor for the state, also said he planned to vote for Sheffield, touting her experience on the City Council. We need somebody in there who knows what theyre doing day one, he said. While he said he likes Pastor Solomon Kinloch as a pastor, he said he would have a steep learning curve if elected mayor. He has a good heart for the city, but I dont think he would know what to do day one, Deadwilder said. As for Adrianne McCutchen, 56, of Detroit, she declined to say how she planned to vote. Im just looking forward to the candidates being narrowed down, she said. She touted what has happened in the city during Mayor Mike Duggans tenure and hopes growth in the city will continue under his successor, though she also expressed hope for some change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, hopefully this candidate will at least enhance the neighborhoods. The city, overall, needs it, she said. Campaigners for different candidates at both North Rosedale Park Community House and Renaissance High School, however, expressed concern that voter turnout was unusually thin this year. Two campaigners for mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins said that they had been there since before 7 a.m., and by 2 p.m., they had only seen about 35 voters cast their votes. Political signs for the Detroit mayoral race and city council line the sidewalk in front of the precinct 208 at the Detroit Public Library Sherwood Forest branch on Seven Mile Road in Detroit, on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. An elderly couple at Renaissance High provided a possible explanation. Gerald and Mary Ellen Clark, 91 and 86 respectively, said Renaissance was their third polling place of the day. Though they declined to say who they were voting for, the pair said that they drove to Fick Elementary School as they had for years, only to find it closed. The next polling location they tried didn't serve their district, and they hoped to get lucky on the third try with Renaissance. More: Detroit mayoral candidates sprint across city to squeeze in final efforts to reach voters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Detroit's mayoral race has garnered significant publicity, municipalities in metro Detroit, including Hamtramck, Southfield and Pontiac, have narrowed down mayoral options who will vie for a seat in November as well. Over in Southfield, the polls seemed a little busier at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Fannie Tillman, 54, was accompanied to the polls by her son Jacob, 19, who attends university in Alabama. Despite the age gap, taxes and road repairs were at the top of their priorities. "My taxes are not coming down, and I'm not getting enough city services for what I'm paying for," said Fannie. "I'm getting the silliest fines for things that are not warranted." At the same time in Sterling Heights, Joseph Hunter, 39, turned to Chat GPT to help him winnow down the candidates he should vote for in the city council primary, looking for some guidance on who the more progressive candidates are. Only one name came up: Michael V. Radtke Jr., but he began doing some more digging from other results, being sure to check the sources the artificial intelligence relied on, he said. Outside of Harwood Elementary School, before he went inside to vote, he said he also planned to vote for Robert Mijac, Maria G. Schmidt, Barbara A. Ziarko and Deanna Koski. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter, who works for LGBT Detroit, moved to Sterling Heights a couple of years ago, and said that while he has had mostly positive experiences with city government, he cant say the same about the citys police, detailing questioning from an officer after Hunter said he parked his car to see a movie asking him what he was doing there and insinuating that he does drugs. So when I really sit back and think about what I hope city council can do, I would say something about policing to where its not as hostile to people of color, he said. Back in Detroit, Previn Dixon, 60, came to North Rosedale Park Community House to vote with his wife as they had done for years. Dixon said he hopes the next mayor can do more to end violence in the community, especially in light of the recent drive-by shooting in a Detroit park that took the lives of 4-year-old Samir Grubbs and 18-year-old Daviyon Shelmonson-Bey. "My wife and I, we have several young children. We came out to vote for a brighter future for our children," said Dixon. Youve got violence, kids getting shot in the streets. We need some stronger leadership to combat that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Dixon didn't say who he planned to vote for, he stressed the importance of showing up to the polls. "Every voting opportunity I've never missed a vote," said Dixon. "Next four years, thats going to be very important for whos going to have the reins running our city." This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit voters trickle into polls for primary election The big story: School districts across Florida are seeing their student numbers dip this year as they prepare for the first day of classes. The states expanded voucher program looms large over the shift. The effects range from minimal in places like Collier County, as Gulf Shore Business reports, to fairly significant in districts such as Orange County, as Spectrum 13 reports. The Broward County school district sought to get behind the numbers. It asked families who withdrew what prompted their decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One key takeaway: They didnt feel like their children were getting a great education. Read more from the Sun-Sentinel. To combat the movement away, school districts are taking steps to better market themselves to families, the NY Times reports. Hot topics Work from home: The University of South Florida is the latest state university to end its COVID-era work from home policies. State grades: Theres a growing push to shift Floridas school grading model as critics suggest its become too easy to get an A or B, WPTV reports. Security: Florida schools wont have to be in constant lockdown mode as they implement new, less confusing rules about when doors and gates must be locked, WCTV reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School choice: Education commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas says the competition of school choice helps improve public education, Floridas Voice reports. Legal counsel: The Duval County school district wants lawmakers to change the city of Jacksonvilles charter so the district and city dont have to share their general counsel, the Florida Times-Union reports. Officials recently learned the general counsel double billed the district for more than $334,000 in fees, WJAX reports. Efficiency efforts: The University of Florida shuttered its Office of Sustainability and released three employees, WCJB reports. Charter schools: A new Pasco County charter school expects to open with 680 students, Tampa Beacon reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budgets: Orange County teachers union leaders and at least one school board member are questioning the school districts use of a nondisclosure agreement to prevent some employees from talking publicly about the budget, WKMG reports. State leaders criticized the Escambia County school boards vote to increase its property tax rate, contending the district spends too much on administration, WEAR reports. Back to school: The Miami-Dade County school district welcomed more than 300 new teachers, most of whom were changing careers, WTVJ reports. From the court docket ... A former vice president of the Duval County teachers union pleaded guilty to conspiracy and fraud charges related to the stealing of more than $1 million from the organization, Jacksonville Today reports. Dont miss a story. Heres a link to yesterdays roundup. Before you go ... Looking for a fresh new sound? See if Wet Leg captures your attention. More than three years after Travis Reinking was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of four people in an Antioch Waffle House in 2018, Reinking's attorneys appeared in a Nashville courtroom Aug. 4 in an attempt to revive his case. Reinking's attorneys argue that he is entitled to a new trial. The attorneys say errors by the prosecutors, former defense attorneys and the judge at Reinking's first trial, which turned solely on the jury's determination of whether he was sane enough at the time of the shooting to be found guilty, led to jurors receiving an incomplete picture of Reinking's mental health issues and state during the attack. Reinking has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. A 208-page filing from the defense, led by Stephen Ross Johnson of Knoxville, makes meticulous note of the alleged flaws in the first trial. But the defense emphasizes one "glaring" problem: Reinking's attorneys did not obtain their own mental health experts or conduct their own psychological evaluations of him before his first trial. In a written statement filed in court, David Raybin, a defense attorney described by the state Supreme Court as an expert in criminal law, called that decision "inconceivable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision lies with Judge Mark Fishburn, who presided over Reinking's trial in 2022, and sentenced him to four consecutive life sentences. Taurean C. Sanderlin, 29; Joe R. Perez, 20; DeEbony Groves, 21; and Akilah DaSilva, 23, died after Reinking walked into the Waffle House after 3:20 a.m. April 22, 2018, and opened fire with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. State Rep. Shaundelle Brooks, DaSilva's mother, was at the hearing on Aug. 4. "Back in court today, still fighting for justice for my son Akilah," Brooks wrote in a post to X that morning. "He was only 23, talented, kind, full of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The man who took him from me wants another trial. But wheres Akilahs second chance?" Back in court today, still fighting for justice for my son Akilah. He was only 23, talented, kind, full of life. The man who took him from me wants another trial. But wheres Akilahs second chance? We wont let the truth be rewritten.#JusticeForAkilah#WaffleHouseMassShooting pic.twitter.com/cyfHcksyCy Rep. Shaundelle Brooks (@Natrixdreammom) August 4, 2025 The defense has the burden of proving that Reinking was insane. The Davidson County District Attorney's Office, in a filing from Aug. 1, argued a new trial should not be granted on the "benefit of hindsight." "The fact that the jury found the defendant guilty was not due to anything other than the overwhelming evidence of his guilt, and nothing would change that result," the response reads. Fishburn has cleared his docket for the rest of the week to hear the case. It is not clear if the hearing will last that entire time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why Waffle House shooter Travis Reinking is asking for a new trial NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Antioch Waffle House shooter wants a do-over with his murder trial. A hearing for Travis Reinking started Monday morning in Nashville. Reinkings attorneys want to convince a judge that his previous legal team failed him by not showing he was insane when he killed four people 29-year-old Taurean Sanderlin, 20-year-old Joey Perez, 23-year-old Akilah Dasilva, and 21-year-old DeEbony Grove on April 22, 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vast majority of Mondays hearing was a testimony from one forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Shawn Agharkar, who has spent time evaluating Reinking in person. RELATED | Their lives matter: Mother of Waffle House shooting victim speaks out as convicted killer seeks new trial Dr. Agharkars testimony included what he called a very clear schizophrenia diagnosis before 2018. He mentioned Reinkings countless delusions, including that he and Taylor Swift were a couple and that the CIA was trying to kill him, and said that further testing indicated that Reinking has brain damage. He understands shooting, he understands what hes doing there but the motivation behind it and the reasoning of what he believes is happening, thats psychotic, Agharkar explained in court. People who suffer from delusions believe them to be absolutely real. This is what makes them difficult to treat because theyre hearing that this isnt happening, or that we dont believe you, or this isnt true. And they say, It absolutely is true, youre crazy! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given his mental state, Dr. Agharkar was asked directly by the defense whether he thought Reinking understood what he was doing. No, not at all. I mean its very clear. And really, all the doctors said that, Agharkar answered. He truly believed, still believes, that these things (were) happening. So no, its very clear his reality is not the rest of ours reality. He believed he was acting in self-defense. He said he had been tormented and tortured by the CIA for a long time, Agharkar added. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The prosecution did cross-examine Agharkar and said theyve never questioned that Reinking has schizophrenia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, their argument continues to be that his actions were premeditated and calculated, and he understood what he was doing. They pointed to Reinkings journal entries before the shooting where he mentions mass killings and the troubles he was experiencing. The hearing is expected to last most, if not all, of this week. Reinking himself will not be in attendance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Democrats have spent years issuing warnings over Republican threats to redraw the political maps that could determine the balance of power for years to come. Now, theyre prepared for war. After protracted legal battles to unwind Donald Trumps executive actions and unsuccessful attempts to derail the presidents agenda in Congress, Democrats appear to have reached a breaking point and are ready to do some map-making of their own, reluctantly preparing to fight fire with fire. They have repeatedly stressed that the GOPs gerrymandering imperils American democracy. But Democratic officials across the country are now embracing the idea, reasoning that years-long legal challenges and public pressure over illegal voter suppression are no longer enough to keep up with the GOPs power trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alls fair in love and war, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said Monday as she signaled efforts to draw up new maps in her state as soon as possible. This is a war. We are at war, she added. And thats why the gloves are off, and I say, Bring it on. New York Governor Kathy Hochul says Republican attempts to redraw congressional districts heading into 2026 is a declaration of war that could be met with similar partisan redistricting in Democratic-led states (AP) Trump is looking to avoid a repeat of his first term, when Democrats flipped the House at the midpoint and largely stalled his agenda from advancing through Congress. This time around he wants Republican-led states to redraw their congressional districts to ensure the GOP remains in power in 2026. Last month, the president commanded Texas Republicans to do a simple redrawing of the states congressional maps, the heavily-contested boundaries that establish districts for each member of the House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Governor Greg Abbott had summoned state lawmakers to the state capitol in Austin for an emergency session to do just that. Days after Trumps demands, Texas Republicans put together a map that gives them five more seats in the House. On August 1, the Texas House redistricting committee held the only public hearing on the proposal. Republicans voted it out of committee the next morning on a party-line vote, setting up a quick vote in the full state House of Representatives, which Republicans control. Im not beating around the bush, Texas state Rep. Todd Hunter told the committee. We have five new districts, and these five new districts are based on political performance. Contra Abbott and the Justice Department, he admitted the map was being redrawn for partisan purposes. Under Trumps direction, Texas Republicans are trying to rewrite the states congressional map to increase the likelihood that voters will elect more GOP members to the House of Representatives to preserve the partys majority in Congress (AP) Committee chair Cody Vasut also admitted the move was purely about improving political performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But by the time Texas Republicans were prepared to vote on the new maps on August 4, Texas Democrats had already left the state. Nearly 60 Democratic members of the state House have fled elsewhere, breaking quorum to derail a vote and promising to stay away from Texas for the duration of Abbotts 30-day session. Texas Republicans subsequently ordered arrest warrants and directed state marshals to haul Democrats back to the capitol a largely symbolic maneuver confined by state lines. Its also expensive; missing members are racking up $500 in daily penalties for every day they miss work. But for Democrats, its a high-profile act of obstruction that puts Republicans on notice. This is not a decision we make lightly, but it is one we make with absolute moral clarity, Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu said from Illinois after leaving the state with several Texas Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu, the states Democratic caucus chair, said the GOP has put forward a racist, gerrymandered map that seeks to use racial lines to divide hard-working communities that have spent decades building up their power and strengthening their voices. Governor Abbott has done so in submission of Donald Trump, so Donald Trump can steal these communities power and voice, Wu continued. We will not be complicit in the destruction of our own communities. The developing war over congressional maps follows a series of Supreme Court decisions that have gradually chipped away at the Voting Rights Act and constitutional guardrails to protect against racial gerrymandering, or carving up electoral maps to prevent racial minorities from electing their preferred candidates. Federal courts have generally blocked the creation of congressional districts that crack or pack communities of color to dilute their voting strength. After Texas redistricted in 2021, voting rights advocates challenged the new maps in court, arguing that state lawmakers drew up racially gerrymandered districts that discriminated against minority voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Texas has nine districts where no one racial or ethnic group has a majority; in eight of them, Black, Hispanic and Asian voters combined create a so-called "coalition district majority. Trumps Department of Justice claims that three of those districts are unconstitutional coalition districts which constitutional law scholars and voting rights advocates say is a deliberately bad-faith reading of the law. Texas Minority Leader Gene Wu blasted a proposed congressional map from Texas Republicans as an illegal and racist, gerrymandered map intended to disenfranchise minority voters (AFP via Getty Images) Trumps demands to redraw maps in the middle of the decade, largely to hold on to power to avoid any political blowback in 2026, could trigger what Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin has called a race to the bottom nationwide. Former attorney general Eric Holder, who chairs the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, has spent the last several years fighting off partisan gerrymanders, including Democratic-led maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the wake of Trumps threats, Holder is now telling Democratic officials to embrace what leverage they have and be unabashed in our desire to acquire power. This midcycle redistricting ploy in Texas, and potentially in other states, is something that has to be met in the moment, Holder told The New York Times. Our commitment to fairness didnt blind us to this new reality, and I think that weve got to take these extraordinary steps, with the hope that we can then save democracy and ultimately heal it. If you give Donald Trump unchecked power for two years beyond 2026, given what theyve done in six months, I just wonder what kind of shape will the nation be in come Jan. 20, 2029. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has also called on Democratic state legislatures to pursue redistricting mid-cycle, but Democrats dont hold enough legislative majorities to win an all-out, state-by-state battle. Republican state legislatures oversee 55 Democratic congressional seats. Democratic state legislative majorities, meanwhile, oversee only 35 GOP districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All options must be on the table including Democratic state legislatures using their power to fight back and pursue redistricting mid-cycle in order to protect our democracy, committee president Heather Williams said in a statement. Californias Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has signaled his state is prepared to retaliate with its own partisan-fueled redistricting plan that would add more Democratic seats to the House of Representatives (Getty Images) Republicans are preemptively trying to stop Democratic states from joining the fight. Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley of California wants to stop a damaging redistricting war from breaking out across the country, brushing up against demands from his party leaders for the by-any-means-necessary battle to preserve, and expand, the House majority next year. California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose state holds a whopping 52 House seats, has also planned retaliatory map-making to target vulnerable Republican seats in the state. Other Democratic-led states are expected to follow, potentially blowing past the guidance from independent redistricting commissions that are designed to prevent lawmakers from crafting partisan, racist and otherwise discriminatory maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochul has considered disbanding New Yorks commission altogether. Im tired of fighting this fight with my hands tied behind my back, she said this week. When we say we cannot use that power to the fullest, were abdicating the responsibility we all have. Republicans take over the legislature? They can have it. Until then, were in charge, and were sick and tired of being pushed around. Republicans only have Trump to blame, she said. The playing field has changed dramatically, and shame on us if we ignore that fact and cling tight to the vestiges of the past, she said. That era is over. Donald Trump eliminated that forever. This year, people are seeking emergency care for tick bites in the highest level since 2017, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and reported cases of Lyme disease have continued to rise through the years. Experts say the increases are driven by warmer temperatures due to climate change and the expanding presence of ticks in more areas in the US and Canada including places where people are less familiar with the risks and how to prevent disease. When we first started doing this [in the mid-1980s], there were very few cases of Lyme disease reported in Canada. Lyme disease is pretty well established in Canada at this point, said Dr. Thomas Daniels, the director of the Louis Calder Center, Fordham Universitys biological field station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyme disease-carrying deer ticks are mostly active when temperatures are above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and they thrive in areas with at least 85% humidity, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. It likes to be in humid areas, not wet areas, but humid areas, said Daniels. If you sample on a lawn that gets baked in the sun all day, youre not going to find ticks. You go 20 feet into the woods where its shady and the temperatures generally lower and theres more ground cover, you will find ticks. The threat from ticks and mosquitoes, which drive transmission of diseases such as West Nile, dengue and malaria, is already increasing. Because of increases in temperature that weve already seen, because of human impacts on the climate, the temperature is already getting more suitable for transmission of disease here in the United States and North America, Dr. Erin Mordecai, an associate professor of biology at Stanford University, said at a news briefing on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while climate change is contributing to the expansion of tick habitats, its not the sole driver. Human changes to landscapes also shape where ticks are found. Its never just one factor, right? Dr. Jean Tsao, a professor at Michigan State University who studies disease ecology, said at a news briefing. In the continental US, most of the changes in the range is probably due to land use change affecting wildlife communities. Also management of wildlife populations, such as the white-tailed deer. That plays a major role for many of these ticks. What is Lyme disease? Deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks, are the primacy ticks that carry Lyme disease. During the nymph stage, when they are most active, the ticks are about the size of a poppy seed and are easy to miss. As they feed on blood, they can transmit pathogens, including the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. This transmission occurs through the ticks saliva, which enters the hosts bloodstream during feeding. Brian Fallon, director of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University, told CNN on Friday that infection can cause a range of multisystem symptoms. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can go to various parts of the body including the heart, central nervous system, the brain or peripheral nerves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The onset of Lyme disease may also present in different ways. Most people think of the Lyme rash as a bulls-eye target rash. In fact, thats not the most common presentation, said Fallon. The most common presentation is more of a pinkish, reddish rash. But the main thing is that it expands in size from a small rash to five centimeters or larger. Fallon notes that some people may also see more than one rash on different parts of their body. As the disease develops without treatment, more serious symptoms may emerge. Symptoms may last for months or even years, said Fallon. Its recognized mainly by the rash early on, if youre lucky enough to see it, and then later, by symptoms such as the neurologic symptoms that may manifest as a facial palsy or a meningitis causing severe headaches with stiff neck or shooting pains or severe stabbing pains, Fallon said. There may be cardiac symptoms such as palpitations or slow rhythms; muscle pain and fatigue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can be profoundly debilitating, he said. Protective measures are not fool-proof Daniels says that although there are measures that can be taken to decrease the likelihood of a tick bite, prevention methods are not foolproof. The most important protection against Lyme disease is tick removal as soon as possible, he said. The key is to get the tick off you as quickly as possible. None of these [tick-borne] pathogens are transmitted very quickly, except for Powassan virus, which can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes. But the infection rate for [humans] is very, very low, said Daniels. For Lyme disease, youve got a 24 to 48 hour window of opportunity there to get the tick off, because it takes some time for the tick to gear up through its feeding to actually transmit the bacteria. A sign warning people about Lyme Disease is seen at the Norma Johnson Center. - Andrew Dolph/Times-Reporter/USA Today Network/Imagn Daniels advises people to wear more clothes in the summertime. The longer we can keep the tick on the outside of our bodies and not on our skin, the less likely it is to find a place to attach. Clothes can also be treated with permethrin, an insecticide that repels ticks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When hiking, Fallon advises people to stay on the trail, as ticks roam in leafy areas and wood piles. Daniels advises people to conduct a tick check for themselves and each other if theyre in an area with ticks. Its helpful because the ticks may go behind your knee, or they may go and bite you in the back, and you cant see your back or reach your back. Take a shower at the end of the day, because that may help to wash off some ticks that havent fully attached yet, he said. If a tick is attached for a prolonged period of time, Fallon says that it would gradually blow as big as a raisin from continuously sucking blood. If you do find a tick, experts advise people to use tweezers to take out the tick from underneath its body. Dont try to burn it off with a cigarette. Dont try to put anything toxic on it. Remove it with a tweezer, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced the closure of all remaining hotel shelters in the Bay State amid the formal termination of her executive emergency focused on the states Biden-era migrant influx. Meanwhile, Mike Kennealy -- her Republican rival in the 2026 gubernatorial sweeps who also served as the states housing secretary under GOP Gov. Charlie Baker -- is telling the Democrat, "I told you so." Healey described her emergency order period as a success, saying that when she took over from Baker, "families were being placed in hotels all across the state, and families were staying in shelter for months sometimes years at a time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was no plan in place to reform the shelter system to handle the surge in demand, protect taxpayer dollars or help families leave shelter. We can all agree that a hotel is no place to raise a family. So, we took action," Healey said, as the state employed hotels, community centers and even a defunct prison to house the influx. It'll Upend The Community: Pa Town Roiled By Talk Of Migrant Housing In Civil-war Era Orphanage Gov. Maura Healys administration has already spent $830 million so far in FY25 which started on July 1 accommodating more than 4,000 families who have been receiving taxpayer-funded shelter, food, education, legal aid and case management. In 1983, then-Gov. Michael Dukakis signed what remains the nations only statewide right-to-shelter law, which set in motion the conditions for such a migrant housing crisis. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healey and the Democratic-majority legislature in Boston revised Dukakis law to a six-month limit on that right, and to require proof of residency as well as proper immigration paperwork with some exceptions. Kennealy said he warned Healey about a "potential, looming migrant crisis I warned her in writing." "She didnt listen," he posted Tuesday, accusing Healey of "playing politics" with the Biden-era migrant crisis and "selling false hope" to migrants and taxpayers. Massachusetts Resident Condemns Right-to-shelter Law Turning Bay State Into Destination For Migrants Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The hotels may be closed for now, but the crisis lives on through the HomeBASE program and runaway spending," Kennealy said, adding that if elected he will "audit and fix it." Kennealys comments came weeks after a report showed Bay Staters will spend as much as $1 billion cumulatively on the states emergency shelter program in FY-2025, with migrant families making up a significant share of those receiving assistance. The costs work out at about $3,496 per week per family, or around $1,000 per person per week for the program, known as the Emergency Assistance system, according to the states Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities. A Healey spokesperson told the Boston Herald on Monday that the governor "inherited a disaster of a shelter system" from Kennealy, whom she said offered scant substantive advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click To Get The Fox News App "Gov. Healey is the one who took action to implement a length of stay limit, mandate criminal background checks, require residents to prove Massachusetts residency and lawful immigration status, and get families out of hotels," Karissa Hand told the paper. A Kennealy spokesperson told the paper the now-candidate had warned both Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll of the impending crisis in-person. Fox News Digitals Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Original article source: 'I warned you': Left-wing governor scraps migrant shelter plan after $1B blowup WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Warren man received a sentence Tuesday following a jury trial in a shooting case. William Ramos, 30, was sentenced to an indefinite prison sentence of between two and three years in prison after he was found guilty of one count of improper discharge of a firearm at or into a habitation, a second-degree felony, according to a news release from the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office. The case involved a February 23, 2025, incident at a Warren apartment complex where Ramos reportedly fired a gun through a door to an apartment. No one was injured in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury acquitted Ramos on a charge of aggravated menacing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Washington County Sheriffs Office deputy is suing property managers of a Tualatin apartment complex after he was critically injured in a shooting while serving an eviction notice. The lawsuit seeking $23 million in damages was filed July 25 against the Timbers at Tualatin apartment complex, the propertys community director Nicole Mutziger, property owners FPI Management and Pacific Urban Investors, LLC. In the complaint, Washington County Sheriffs Office Deputy Charles Doze alleges the property managers were negligent by failing to inform deputies the tenant they were serving an eviction notice to was armed and say managers could have done more to de-escalate leading up to the day of the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portland car stolen with 1-year-old still inside found in Morrow County The case goes back to July 26, 2023, when Doze was dispatched to the Timbers at Tualatin complex located along Southwest Nyberg Street with other deputies to serve a court-ordered eviction notice to 34-year-old Kristafer James Graves. According to Dozes lawsuit, Graves was terminated from his employment in October 2021, and was noticeably withdrawn, uncommunicative, and uncooperative with management at the property, including Defendant Mutziger, from at least April 2023, having failed or refused to pay rent or to answer or respond to phone calls, text messages, and emails. The lawsuit claims that property management had previously tried to enter Graves apartment but found he either barricaded the door or installed an unauthorized lock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest Just before 10:30 a.m. the day of the shooting, when Doze and the other deputies arrived at the complex, they were met by Mutziger and the propertys maintenance team, who warned that Graves barricaded the door to his apartment and gave the deputies permission to knock it down. When Doze and the deputies tried to enter the apartment, Graves fired on the officers with a handgun, the lawsuit says. Authorities noted Doze suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds to his face, arms and chest. Deputies fired back at Graves as he barricaded himself back in his apartment before Washington Countys Tactical Negotiations Team responded to the scene, and after gaining access inside the apartment, found Graves dead in the apartment bathroom, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrival in Portland is imminent: City braces for destructive invasive emerald ash borer The lawsuit argues that the property management team was negligent and should have reasonably suspected that Graves might pose a danger to himself or others, adding they had a duty to warn Doze and his fellow officers of that reasonable suspicion and failed to do so. The complaint further alleges the property managers were negligent for proceeding with eviction immediately, rather than through a series of inquiries to Graves. The lawsuit added that the property mangement team failed to de-escalate the situation after initially discovering Graves barricaded himself and failed to ban the possession of firearms by tenants as a condition of the lease and failed to conduct welfare checks on Graves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit seeks $20 million in non-economic damages for Dozes injuries, including pain, terror, and mental suffering, he faced in the period during and after his injuries, along with $3 million for economic damages for loss of income and benefits along with medical expenses. Families find sense of security at renovated Ronald McDonald House in N Portland In a statement to KOIN 6 News, a spokesperson for Washington County Sheriffs Office said, Chuck is an incredible human and a dedicated professional. His continued recovery is an inspiration. While healing, members of our team routinely reach out to check on him, and find him in good spirits. Pacific Urban Investors, LLC. declined to comment on the pending litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KOIN 6 News has reached out to Nicole Mutziger, Timbers at Tualatin and FPI Management. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar on Monday announced that more than 12 lakh new students have enrolled in government schools across the state this academic year, attributing the rise to improved standards of education in the public sector. Speaking to ANI, Dilawar said, "This time, more than 12 lakh enrollments have taken place, i.e. new students have taken admission in the government schools. The reason for this is that the inclination towards government schools has increased." He added, "The standard of education in government schools has improved in the last 1.5 years. The national survey that has been conducted has given us better results than the average." According to Dilawar, a recently conducted national-level education survey revealed that Rajasthan now ranks 3rd among all states, up from its earlier position at 13th or 14th. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for releasing the 20th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, under which over Rs 20,500 crore was transferred to more than 9.7 crore farmers across the country. Speaking on the occasion, CM Sharma highlighted the significance of the scheme, stating, " Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, transferring Rs 20,500 crore to over 9.7 crore farmers...PM Modi has rightly said that the nation will not develop until the farmers of the country develop...The money is transferred into the bank accounts of farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode..," he said. (ANI) The operations also included activities from the Kfir Brigade, which located dozens of mortar shells, grenades, explosive devices, and additional hidden weapons. An activity coordinated with the Armored, Combat Engineering Corps, and the Yahalom Unit located and dismantled an underground tunnel route approximately 2 kilometers long in southern Khan Yunis, the IDF Spokesperson Unit said on Tuesday. The operations also included activities from the Kfir Brigade, which located dozens of mortar shells, grenades, explosive devices, and additional weapons that had been hidden inside a military structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troops from the Kfir Brigade have so far dismantled hundreds of terrorist infrastructure sites, located dozens of weapons, and eliminated terrorists in the area, the IDF stated. IDF operation in the West Bank confiscates hundreds of thousands in terrorist funds IDF located and confiscated combat equipment and hundreds of thousands in terrorist funds during raids in the Palestinian town of Bartaa, northern West Bank. IDF located and confiscated combat equipment and hundreds of thousands in terrorist funds. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) The forces conducted searches in over 50 structures, where they located and confiscated combat equipment and hundreds of thousands in terrorist funds, as well as apprehended two suspects, the military added. In another operation, IDF soldiers operated in the cities of Hebron and Yata, apprehending four wanted individuals, and an additional wanted individual was apprehended in Tulkarm. The IDF, Israel Border Police, and the ISA will continue to operate wherever required in order to thwart terrorism and maintain the safety of Israeli civilians, the statement concluded. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan on Tuesday will announce charges in connection with two homicides. Ryan plans to detail the charges during a 2 p.m. news conference at the Middlesex District Attorneys Office in Woburn. Ryans office didnt release any additional information on the homicides or the nature of the charges. Boston 25 News will stream Ryans update live. Click here to watch. 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 Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin will give remarks to reporters Tuesday morning, as the redistricting fight in Texas shines light on Democrats efforts to expand the Voting Rights Act (VRA). The duo will be joined by a group of Texas Democrats who fled to Illinois as the GOP in the state looks to pass a new Congressional map with the support of President Trump. The Democrats argued the move violates the VRA and could give Republicans an unfair advantage in the 2026 midterms. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) threatened the Democrats with arrests, as their move stalled votes. Pritzker has vowed to help protect those who left the Lone Star State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press conference is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. EDT. Watch the live 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 The Hill. Seeking to avoid a vote on redrawing five congressional districts, Texas Democrats fled their home state for bluer pastures. Dozens of Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives arrived in Chicago on Sunday while others flew to Albany and Boston. A supportive Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker met the Texas Democrats after they landed Sunday evening at OHare International Airport. At a late-night news conference, Pritzker praised the Texans for displaying a righteous act of courage as he called Trump a cult leader and would-be dictator. The Illinois governor also criticized Texas Republicans for using a special legislative session in Austin, aimed at providing relief for last months flood victims in the states Hill Country, to please Trump and use it as political cover to push through a racially gerrymandered congressional map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas House Democrats urge blue states to redraw congressional lines to counter Texas GOP Lets be clear, this is not just rigging the system in Texas. Its about rigging the system against the rights of all Americans for years to come, Pritzker said at the news conference, held at the west suburban Carol Stream headquarters of the DuPage County Democratic Party. Pritzker vowed to do everything we can to protect the visiting Texas Democrats from threats of arrest by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton because theyre doing the right thing. Members of Texas Democratic congressional delegation who arrived in Chicago on Sunday are scheduled to speak during a Monday evening press conference. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. CDT. The event will be livestreamed here. The execution of Tennessee death row inmate Byron Black is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 5 at Riverbend Maximum Security Institute in Nashville. Black's case has made national headlines over concerns that his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for congestive heart failure could cause a prolonged and painful death by shocking him repeatedly during the lethal injection execution. Black, 69, was sentenced to death in the 1988 South Nashville murders of his ex-girlfriend Angela Clay and her two young daughters, Lakeisha, 6, and Latoya, 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyers had battled to have the defibrillator disabled before the execution, but the state Supreme Court ultimately ruled that that Tennessee Department of Correction could execute Black without having to perform the procedure. The U.S. Supreme Court in an Aug. 4 ruling also denied Black's request for a stay on his execution, and Gov. Bill Lee said in a news release he did not plan to intervene. Witnesses set to speak after Tennessee execution After the execution, prison officials, media witnesses and others will speak at a news conference. Watch it live here. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Byron Black execution: Watch witnesses speak afterward Republicans may be in power right now, but that doesn't make them immune from criticism even in bright red states like Nebraska and one conservatives constituents took that to a whole new level on Monday night. The GOP is no stranger to being heckled and booed at city council meetings, rallies, and town hall meetings just look at JD Vances propensity for inspiring anger in crowds but House Republican Rep. Mike Flood just faced an onslaught of hostile Nebraskans when he tried to defend President Donald Trumps massive spending and tax bill that contains cut to Medicaid, ABC News reports. Given your full-throated support of the bill, whatever we call it, and your view of the facts, Id like to know how you expect tp pay back a lot of this debt that is going to be layered onto our grandchildren because were not willing to make our rich part of our society pay their fair share, one Nebraskan in the audience asked the congressman to cheers from the crowd. (@) x.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Flood attempted to explain himself, he was drowned out by the audience chanting, Tax the rich, tax the rich! At other points during the town hall meeting, Flood was met with boos, heckling, and people shouting vote him out so loudly that he had to stop talking, including when he was trying to explain that cutting Medicaid was the answer to cutting healthcare costs, despite the Bipartisan Policy Center reporting that the Trump administrations One Big Beautiful Bill will cost the country $3.4 trillion. (@) x.com But it was one Nebraska citizen who took her opportunity at the podium to ask a question that has probably been on many peoples minds these days. While asking a fiscal question where she referenced ICE spending millions every day to illegally detain people, the makeshift immigration detention facility dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, and FEMA dollars being used to open more concentration camps, one woman asked, How much does it cost for fascism? How much do the taxpayers have to pay for a fascist country? as the crowd erupted in applause. (@) x.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flood may have just entered the find out stage of f*ck around and find out, but he isnt the only Republican who is facing backlash from their constituents. (@) x.com Iowa Republican Ashley Hinton was heckled and laughed at when she praised Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill and defended his decision to accept a jet from Qatar. (@) x.com Angry constituents didnt hold back when Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) defended Trump and Elon Musks sweeping cuts to the government at a town hall meeting in March. The interaction with the crowd became so hostile that Edwards even had to be escorted from the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre taking away my Social Security, f*ck you! one U.S. Veteran shouted while the crowd cheered him on and applauded. (@) x.com Republican Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall walked out of his own town hall meeting early after people angry about the Trump administrations budget cuts and funding freezes made their voices heard. The senator was booed as he entered the meeting and was quickly asked questions about veterans being fired by Musks Department of Government Efficiency, but instead of answering his constituents questions, he ended the meeting and walked out. (@) x.com Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds faced a contentious crowd at a town hall in April. The attendees shouted from the crowd while the congressman kept asking, do you want to yell, or do you want to hear? The crowd erupted into applause when one person asked, Do you approve of Elon and DOGE invading our Social Security files? But Donalds only got boos when he tried to answer. (@) x.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And these are all just examples of Republicans being shut down by their own constituents since Trump took office. We hate to see the damage the Republican Party is doing every day they hold onto power, but it's highly satisfying to see them squirm when their voters hold them accountable! This article originally appeared on Pride: Watch MAGA politicians die inside as their voters turn on them at town hall meetings RELATED The protest comes as a response to the government's decision to expand the operations in the Gaza Strip and Netanyahu's order to occupy the strip. Demonstrators gathered on one of Israel's main highways following reports of the government's decision to expand the operations in the Gaza Strip and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considering to occupy the strip. "We will not agree to expand the fighting at the expense of the lives of our starving brothers and sisters," said protesting groups, and added: The entire nation is losing its mind after the horror videos of Rom and Evyatar starving and tortured - and the cabinet met to sentence the kidnapped to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the protest, 16 demonstrators were arrested. As of Wednesday morning, 14 have been released and two are set to appear before the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court. The protest blocks the Ayalon South Highway in Tel Aviv, with people marching with signs and several fires ignited in the vicinity. Police and firefighters were deployed to the protest, with security officials warning that if the area is not evacuated, theyll use force to disperse the gathering. Protesters gather at the Ayalon Highway. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI) One of the protesters was arrested by the police and taken to the Lev Tel Aviv police station in the city center. Protest in Tel Aviv asks for the end of the war An overwhelming majority of the public is demanding an end to this bloody war and the return of our brothers and sisters home. But the will of the people does not interest the most detached and cruel government in the history of the country, said an official statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will not allow you to shed any more blood of soldiers and kidnapped people for crazy messianic delusions of occupying Gaza. This nightmare cannot continue. End the war, get out of Gaza, and bring everyone home - immediately. Israeli media outlets reported that the protest aims to march towards the north, in the direction of Tel Aviv, while blocking the flow of traffic. WEBSTER, Mass. (WPRI) Goose, the 5-foot-long water monitor lizard who escaped from a Webster home two weeks ago, is no longer on the loose. Massachusetts Environmental Police Captain Scott Amati confirmed Monday that the lizard was captured Saturday in Douglas. Amati said Goose, who was being illegally kept as a pet, escaped out of a second-floor window last month while his owner was away. Gooses owner brought the lizard to Massachusetts from New Hampshire and was trying to rehabilitate him, according to Amati. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amati said Gooses former owner was cited for possessing the lizard and not having an importation permit. Though the owner did not have a permit for the lizard, Amati acknowledged that Goose was well taken care of. (Courtesy: Webster Police Department) (Courtesy: Webster Police Department) (Courtesy: Webster Police Department) Goose went on quite the escapade, having been spotted a week after his disappearance in nearby Thompson, Connecticut. Massachusetts Environmental Police officers searched for Goose and came upon him several times in Douglas, but were unable to catch him. The only reason we were able to find him is because he came out to sun himself on the asphalt to get warm, Amati explained. Amati said Goose was captured Saturday off Southwest Main Street after he was discovered hiding in a cavern under the root of a tree roughly two miles from his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I looked in there, and there was a tongue sticking out at me, Amati recalled. Amati said officers tried to lure Goose out using hard-boiled eggs, but he refused to budge. It wasnt until the officers brought out pieces of chicken that the lizard became interested enough for them to grab him using catch poles. It was very surreal, but we were able to catch him, Amati said. Hes a very strong animal, given his size. Amati said no one, including Goose, was injured in the process. Goose was placed into a container and brought to Rainforest Reptile Shows Oasis, which is a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Beverly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Goose was extremely hungry after being on the lam for so long, he appeared to be in good health. Rainforest Reptile Shows announced on social media that the lizard will be examined by an exotic veterinary specialist Tuesday. Goose, whos believed to be between 5 and 8 years old, will eventually move into a specially-designed habitat at the sanctuary. Water monitor lizards dont typically pose a threat to humans, dogs or cats, but are best admired from afar. The lizards primarily eat rodents and enjoy climbing trees, swimming and sunbathing, according to Massachusetts Environmental Police. 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. Aug. 4ROCHESTER Rochester Public Utilities is looking to hike the price of water for customers. At a meeting Tuesday, Aug. 5, RPU will make its case for a 9% increase in water rates and a 6% increase in electric rates. Combined, the two rate increases will represent a monthly increase of around $7.79 per month for the average residential user or $93.48 per year. Those would be increases seen on utility bills in 2026. RPU is also proposing identical rate increases for 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would amount to an 18% increase in water rates and a 12% increase in electric rates over the two-year span. In both cases, the reasons behind the increases include the need to maintain reliability, improve service and safety, serve city expansion and customer growth. More specifically, the water increases are being highlighted by a need to maintain levels of service, secure future source water supply, lead service line replacement (2025-2027), advanced metering project (2025-2028), sustainable water main replacement rate and work connected to both the "Bold. Forward. Unbound. In Rochester" projects and other projects connected to Destination Medical Center, according to the agenda for Tuesday's meeting. With regard to electric rate increases, the agenda points to items such as the end of steam power by the end of 2027, an advanced metering project (2025-2027), paying for implementation of the Minnesota ECO Act which is funded through ratepayers and managed by public utilities, citywide growth and capital projects, new system loads & design standards, and increased costs associated with materials and construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday's meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at the RPU Service Center (4000 East River Road NE) in the Community Room. While there is a pubic comment period during Tuesday's meeting, public comment is scheduled for 20 minutes total and each speaker can speak for a maximum of two minutes apiece. Residents can provide written comments at publiccomment@rpu.org. More public comment is available at the next public meeting on Aug. 26. The final RPU meeting for the request for approval of budget and rates will be held Oct. 28. Final approval by the Rochester City Council is scheduled for Dec 1. Ali Alyanak and his neighbours in Turkey's tourist hub Izmir now have to draw water from a shrinking aquifer 170 metres underground even as hotel pools remain full -- a sign for many of the region's dire water crisis amid prolonged drought. "Our parents used to draw water from a depth of eight to nine metres, but now we have to go down to 170 metres (560 feet)," said Alyanak, the 39-year-old village chief in Germiyan. To cope, authorities in nearby Cesme, a popular seaside resort in Izmir province on Turkey's western coast, are restricting drinking water access to 10 hours a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Izmir itself, Turkey's third largest, will cut that access to just six hours starting Wednesday. Desolate images from the large nearby dam that supplies Cesme, widely broadcast on television, illustrated the risks for the region: its water level has plunged to three percent of capacity, leaving behind a barren landscape. For Alyanak and many others, the culprit is clear. "Hotels are the main problem: The water in the pools evaporates, towels are washed daily and people take three to five showers a day, as soon as they go swimming or come back from outside," Alyanak fumed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a waste". Climatologists say the Mediterranean basin -- which concentrates 30 percent of world tourism -- will see a sharp decline in rainfall over the coming decades, raising fears of more frequent and severe droughts as a result of global warming. - Seawater pools? - The almost complete absence of rainfall since autumn is largely responsible for the current crisis, with some scientists calculating that 88 percent of Turkey's territory is at risk of desertification. Last week, mosque loudspeakers across Turkey issued prayers for rain. But experts also highlight the impact of tens of thousands of visitors, which is putting pressure on tourism hotspots throughout the Mediterranean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Selma Akdogan of the Izmir Chamber of Environmental Engineers said tourists consumed "two to three times" more water than locals. This at a time when "water levels are falling not only in summer but also in winter", she said, noting that "Rainfall is less regular but more intense, making it more difficult for the soil to absorb rainwater." She wants local authorities to have hotels fill their swimming pools with seawater, for example, and for locals to give up lawns and grass in favour of less water-intensive yards. - 'A real problem' - At the helm of a luxury 253-room establishment overlooking the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea, Orhan Belge has little patience for the media focus on the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Big four- or five-star hotels like ours have water tanks of 200-250 tonnes. We have water 24 hours a day," said Belge, who is also president of the city's hoteliers' union. For him, the solution to water shortages lies mainly in desalination, a costly and energy-intensive process already used by some hotels in the region. The manager of a small hotel in the city, who asked to remain anonymous, acknowledged that "water shortages are a real problem," but said he was primarily worried that use restrictions would prompt tourists to look elsewhere. "Last summer, we were fully booked during the same period. And we were still full two weeks ago," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now, the hotel is 80 percent empty and we have no reservations for August." Sabiha Yurtsever, an 80-year-old retiree who has spent every summer in Cesme for the past 25 years, said she could not remember a summer so dry. She blamed both the government and hoteliers for making the region unliveable. "When forests burn, they build hotels instead of replanting," said Yurtsever, who spends the rest of the year in Izmir. "The fewer trees you have, the less rain you will get." rba/ach/fo/js "All of them are illegal immigrants", police said, adding that "They tried to forcibly enter the Red Fort premises". "The age of all of them is around 20-25 years, and they work as labourers in Delhi. The Police have recovered some Bangladeshi documents from them. Currently, they are being interrogated," police said. Meanwhile, Gurugram Police on Saturday detained ten Bangladeshi nationals who were found to be living illegally in the city, according to police officials. Identification documents recovered from them confirmed their Bangladeshi nationality. Sandeep Kumar, PRO of Gurugram Police, said earlier, "Ten illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been detained. Bangladeshi documents have been recovered from them. The process to deport them has begun." (ANI) Wealthy first-time political candidate Stephen J. Cloobeck is spending $1.4 million on television ads starting Tuesday the first barrage of cable and broadcast messaging that Californians will likely be bombarded with in next year's governor's election. The ad features images of and commentary about President Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump is for them, Cloobeck says in the 30-second ad, as a picture flashes on the screen of Trump, flanked by Epstein, and his long-time accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein sexually abuse girls. Stephen Cloobeck is for you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The candidate confirmed the size of the ad buy on Monday. Public records of advertising purchases show that Cloobeck bought space in every California market on cable, as well as broadcast television time in Sacramento. He also bought time in New York City and Washington, D.C. as well as West Palm Beach, the location of President Trump's Mar-a-Lago. A campaign advisor confirmed that the ads would run through Monday and that he was also launching a social-media effort. "I will always Fight for California. All Californians deserve the contract to be fulfilled for an affordable livable workable state," Cloobeck said in a text message. "Watch [the ad] and you will see how a conservative Democrat fights for All Californians." The move comes after former Vice President Kamala Harris opted last week against running for governor, leaving a race without a clear front-runner with a large field that is widely unknown to most California voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 'No obvious front-runner.' Why Harris' exit has scrambled the race for California governor The candidates need to raise their name recognition among California's 22.9 million registered voters, which makes Cloobeck's early advertising understandable, according to Democratic strategists. "Its unprecedented for regular business. Not for this race," said Democratic media buyer Sheri Sadler, who is not currently affiliated with a candidate in the contest. Read more: Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates It's also not unprecedented for Cloobeck, a Beverly Hills philanthropist and businessman. He announced his gubernatorial run in November with a fusillade of ads and billboards the morning after the 2024 presidential election bearing his slogan, "California, Get a Cloo," and the California bear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the 63-year-old's exact net worth is unclear, he made his fortune in real estate and hospitality. He founded Diamond Resorts International, a timeshare and vacation property company, which he sold in 2016. Earlier, he appeared on several episodes of the reality-television show Undercover Boss, which sends executives in disguise into low-level jobs at their businesses. While Cloobeck has not run for office before, he has long been a prodigious Democratic donor and fundraiser. He also played a critical role in renaming the airport in Las Vegas after the late Sen. Harry Reid, whom he describes as a father figure. The bookshelves at his sprawling Beverly Hills mansion are lined with pictures of himself with Democratic presidents and many other prominent members of the party. Cloobeck announced last week that he was contributing $10 million to his campaign, on top of the $3 million he initially seeded it with. His wealth was on vivid display at the California Democratic Party's spring convention, where canvassers who said they were paid $25 per hour wore royal blue shirts emblazoned with his name chanted his name. Cloobeck said at the time that his campaign had spent probably a couple hundred thousand dollars on the effort. Times staff Writer Laura J. Nelson contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. WEBSTER PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Webster Parish school board honored the summertime achievements of several students at their meeting on Monday evening. Seven students were recognized for the work they did during the summer months. A group of five students represented Webster Parish at the Louisiana Boys and Girls State programs, which educate high school students about the political and democratic process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following students were recognized for the roles they took on during the program: Hudson Smith, Governor Topher Wilson, Commissioner of Insurance Ava Martin, State Party Chair Jacob Jefferson, State Party Chair IXamien Sullivan, State Party Chair Minden High Schools Eythan Gorum was recognized for a perfect algebra leap score. Incoming Minden High freshman, Rylee Hudson, was praised for winning first place in the middle school division for her public speaking at the Educators Rising National Conference in Orlando, Florida. Its an amazing feeling when you do your best and you get something out of it. Like you win, said Hudson. And it doesnt matter if you win, it really just matters if you did your absolute best. And when you know you did, its the best feeling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hudson gave a speech on teacher retention, which she says she practiced for three months. She plans on attending Dillard University and one day wants to be a NICU nurse. Webster Parish School Superintendent Johnny Rowland says the students serve as an excellent example for others. It says that obviously we are doing a lot of really good things here. And weve got some great kids here that we are very proud of. Im glad that they are getting the publicity that they so deserve, 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 KTALnews.com. President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is gearing up for another trip to Russia. As Trumps Friday deadline for a Russian ceasefire in Ukraine looms, Witkoff is trying to contain the scope of US-Russia tensions and lay the foundations for a more peaceful future. Noble goals, but is Witkoff up to the task? Witkoffs past visits to Russia create an uncomfortable picture. During a March 2025 interview with Right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson, Witkoff claimed he liked president Vladimir Putin and declared: I dont regard Putin as a bad guy. He is super smart. After meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg on April 11, Witkoff hailed the Russian presidents commitment to a permanent peace in Ukraine and expressed openness to ceding all five illegally annexed regions to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoffs naivete about Putins intentions sowed discord within the Trump administration and shook Ukraines confidence in American support. In mid-April, secretary of state Marco Rubio reportedly expressed strong opposition to Witkoffs willingness to lift sanctions on the shuttered Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline. Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi, meanwhile, fervently objected to Witkoffs proposal to cede his countrys territory to Russia. Can Witkoff overcome these negative memories and have an impactful meeting with Putin? Russian commentators are expressing defiant scepticism about Witkoffs impending trip. Fyodor Vytolovsky, the director of Moscows Imemo research institute, told Rossiya-24: Expecting that we will suddenly come to an agreement with the Americans on everything and that the conflict in Ukraine will be resolved is unfounded and premature. This suggests that Putin will use the Witkoff meeting as another opportunity to buy time and stall the progress of peace. Putins weekend meeting with Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko made it very clear that he equates peace with Ukraines capitulation and wants to be paid up-front with comprehensive sanctions relief against Russia. Witkoff can throw Putin off his game with a well-articulated counterpunch that embodies Trumps espoused principle of peace through strength. While Putin chooses hardline ultra-nationalist former culture minister Vladimir Medinsky as the figurehead for peace talks with Ukraine, he typically uses the smooth-talking Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) chief Kirill Dmitriev as a frontman for engagements with Trumps team. Dmitriev waxes lyrically about the prospects for post-war US-Russia economic co-operation and dangles Russias rare earth metals as an appealing carrot for engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Witkoff responded positively to Dmitrievs overtures in the past, he must not take the bait this time. Witkoff should instead articulate Americas desire to impose severe sanctions against Russia if it continues the war and tie their potential relief to a comprehensive peace treaty. The bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which was crafted by South Carolina Republican senator Lindsey Graham and Connecticut Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal, provides the ingredients for Witkoffs rebuttal. The sanctions bill would provide sweeping punitive measures against Russian banks and institutions that support the war, and threatens 500 per cent tariffs on purchasers of oil, uranium and natural gas of Russian origin. Witkoff should also underscore Americas commitment to dismantling Russias less-discussed sanctions circumvention tactics. Russian nuclear energy giant Rosatom remains connected to Swift and serves as a backdoor financier for the military-industrial complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regional banks and closed mutual funds leverage opaque intermediaries to give sanctioned oligarchs access to the Western financial system. Substantial quantities of Russian timber continue to be shipped to US ports. Calling out these tactics could shatter Russias confidence that it can simply evade the next round of American sanctions with impunity. The USs legally ensconced secondary sanctions capacity and superior flexibility to the EUs bloc-wide consensus bolsters the efficacy of these threats. Witkoff also must pre-empt any escalatory measures that Russia could undertake in response to stiffer sanctions. America must emphasise the need to preserve the safety of Ukraines nuclear energy facilities and warn that the detonation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant could lead to the invocation of Natos Article 5. Further relentless attacks on Ukrainian cities will merely expedite the transfer of American long-range missiles to Ukraine and loosen lingering restrictions on their use against Russian targets. They will also lead to new US-Ukraine security agreements like the impending drone deal that Trump recently discussed with president Volodymyr Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Threatening nuclear weapons use against Ukraine or Nato allies will lead to a repetition of Trumps deployment of nuclear submarines near Russia. Witkoff needs to show Putin that Trump is serious about calling his bluffs and will not tolerate the brinkmanship tactics that Russia used to scare Western countries into backing down. Even with these assertive responses, Putin is unlikely to change his calculus in the short-term. Trumps admission that Russia is pretty good at avoiding sanctions aligns well with the mood of confidence in the Russian business community. Russias proclaimed victory in the Donetsk battleground of Chasiv Yar after a bloody sixteen-month offensive leaves it convinced that it maintains an advantage on the frontlines. Despite these dynamics, Russias war economy is on the verge of recession and staggering military casualties cannot be sustained forever. Putins war machine is not an unassailable armada, and strong messaging from Witkoff can make the Russian tyrant more vulnerable than ever. 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. WASHINGTON Groups affiliated with Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Houston, have poured more than $3 million into advertising across the state as the second-term congressman explores a potential dark-horse Senate bid. Ads introducing Hunt to voters are running far beyond his political base in Houston, which runs from the wealthy parts of west Houston that serves as a base for the oil-and-gas industry, to western and northern suburbs like Tomball and Cypress. Voters in Dallas, San Antonio and Waco, among other places, are seeing television ads from Hunts campaign and PACs supporting him. The already-crowded Senate primary in Texas would be an uphill climb. Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are both well-known figures among Republican primary voters across the state. Cornyn has appeared on statewide ballots dating back to his election to the Texas Supreme Court in 1990 and has the backing of Senate leadership and its deep-pocketed donor network. Paxton, who quickly emerged as a favorite on the right after his elevation to statewide office in 2014, has further burnished his reputation among hardline conservatives by surviving a series of political and legal scandals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunt, by contrast, has been part of Texas 38-member congressional delegation for less than three years. The list of House members from Texas who have gone on to win a Senate race in the last century is as short as it is memorable: longtime Sens. Lloyd Bentsen and Phil Gramm, and President Lyndon B. Johnson. No U.S. House member from Texas has gone on to win any statewide elected office this century. Political operatives and strategists have mixed opinions about the viability of a Hunt Senate campaign. His case is predicated on the notion that Cornyn, who has trailed in primary polls, cannot win a Republican primary, and that Paxton, dogged by scandals, could jeopardize Republicans chances in the general election. If Hunt runs, he would offer an alternative palatable to both the MAGA wing and Republican establishment in his and his allies estimation. Wesley Hunt wins a primary and he wins a general, said an unaligned Republican operative who has worked on Senate campaigns in Texas and believes Hunt has a pathway to winning. And frankly, it doesn't break the back of the Republican fundraising apparatus to get there. But Hunt, who declined to comment for this story, lacks the institutional support Cornyn has consolidated in Texas and Washington and the statewide grassroots loyalty garnered by Paxton. If he runs, his biggest challenge would be generating enough name recognition outside Houston in time for a primary where voting begins in about six months to reasonably challenge two of the biggest names in Texas GOP politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half a dozen operatives said Hunts best bet would be to siphon off enough votes to keep Paxton under 50% and finish second in the March primary, forcing a May runoff with the attorney general. Paxton has routinely led Cornyn by double-digit margins in public polls. Realistically speaking, unless [Hunt] can vault himself to the level of name recognition statewide that both General Paxton and Senator Cornyn have, then he's not going to win the primary, said Shelby Williams, the former GOP chair in Collin County, the most populous Texas county won by Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024. He's going to maybe force a runoff at best. Hunt will need to make a decision by Dec. 8, the filing deadline for next years primary ballot. The Senate contest is scheduled for March 3. Operatives cautioned that the timeline to make a decision is approaching. The longer he waits, the more frustrated the GOP political apparatus becomes, one Republican strategist warned. Unpacking Hunts spending If he runs, Hunt would need to make up ground financially, having raised just over $400,000 in the latest fundraising quarter spanning April through June and reporting a $3 million war chest. By contrast, Cornyn and Paxton, who are reaping the fundraising advantage of their already declared candidacies, hauled in about $800,000 and $2.9 million, respectively, during the three-month span, which Cornyn ended with nearly double Hunts cash on hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunts most prolific donors, writing checks for tens of thousands of dollars, point to his dual appeal among traditional and Trump-aligned Republicans, which his supporters say could elevate him in a potential Senate bid. Hailing largely from the oil and gas, private equity and legal sectors, Hunts donors include longtime backers of the Republican Party. Chemical business mogul Peter Huntsman and billionaire investor Christopher Sarofim have donated to Republican presidential candidates dating back to George W. Bush. Huntsman appears to be less committed to the MAGA cause, having made large donations to several Democratic candidates last election cycle and none to any of President Donald Trumps campaigns. But several of Hunts other funders, including oil titan Javaid Anwar and energy investor Robert Sweeney, have been prolific donors to Trumps campaigns. Across the state, Hunts team has used the money to start making ad buys, peppering the airwaves with videos introducing him to the electorate outside his Houston district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Hunts campaign made a six-figure ad buy on the conservative cable channel Newsmax in the Dallas, San Antonio and Houston areas. With clips of Hunts time in the military and ample footage of Trump, the ad appeared aimed at introducing unfamiliar voters to Hunts MAGA bona fides. He has also made several media buys in Washington and Florida seemingly targeted at an audience of one Trump whose endorsement is seen as the holy grail for any candidate in the race. Hunt was also the only member of the U.S. House to fly from Washington to Texas with Trump during the presidents visit to Hill Country sites hit by the deadly July 4 floods. Beyond amplifying his own brand, Hunt has also begun taking not-so-subtle jabs at one of his prospective opponents. Days after Paxtons wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, filed for divorce on "biblical grounds citing alleged adultery in her divorce filing Hunt stood up an ad replete with images of his family and repeated overtures of faith. Much of the pro-Hunt spending on the airwaves has been from Standing for Texas, an independent group. Hellfire PAC, a committee supportive of Hunts prospective Senate bid, has raised more than $1 million this year, but multiple GOP operatives said they thought he would need to raise more money to his main campaign account to compete with Cornyn and Paxton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisers charge lower rates to campaigns than they do to PACs or other outside groups in the run-up to elections, meaning campaign funds stretch further especially in Texas, an expensive state for politicians by virtue of the number of media markets across the state. He's not going to have party committee support, so he'll have to do it all on his own, a GOP strategist familiar with the race said. I think that's a very big if, if he can. But the operative who thought Hunt could emerge from the primary said the financial picture could change if Cornyn is unable to lift his polling numbers and drops out of the race though Cornyn has said he has no plans to do so. If this experiment doesnt work for Cornyn those donors will be looking for a way to stop Paxton, the operative said. Is there a path for Hunt? Hunt met with members of Trumps political team and the National Republican Senatorial Committee Senate GOP leaderships campaign arm in the spring to discuss a potential bid. But the White House has thus far kept its powder dry, and the NRSC has vigorously lined up behind Cornyn which operatives from the Washington-based group told Hunt when they met, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public polls of the primary have routinely shown Paxton leading. When Hunt is included, Paxton still leads but typically falls short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Polling averages using surveys from May show Hunt in third, 17 points behind Cornyn and 24 points behind Paxton. But a more recent statewide poll, conducted by pollster G1 Research in late June and obtained by The Texas Tribune, found Hunts hypothetical candidacy drew 17% support to Cornyns 28% and Paxtons 41%. It also found that Hunt would beat Cornyn in a head-to-head race but trail Paxton unless he received a highly coveted endorsement from Trump, in which case he would leapfrog the attorney general. The poll also underscored Hunts biggest weakness 63% of primary voters were unfamiliar with or unsure of him. Brendan Steinhauser, a GOP strategist who ran Cornyns 2014 campaign, said any candidate running for U.S. Senate in Texas will face the formidable challenge of breaking through to voters over a vast and diverse state especially in a compressed time frame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's years and years and years of doing things, meeting people, getting media attention in the state, doing local TV interviews, local newspaper interviews, going to the county fair, Steinhauser said. One Republican operative speculated that Hunt would ultimately need $20 million to get his name identification high enough to be credible. But Steinhauser warned that ad spending alone would not be enough to comfortably position Hunt against two Texas Republican stalwarts. That Hunt would enter the race as a relative unknown could be an opportunity to win favor among a primary electorate receptive to a third option, argued the unaligned operative who is bullish on Hunts chances. The real challenge for both Paxton and Cornyn in this situation is that they're already defined, the operative said. Wesley isn't, and he's already beating Cornyn head to head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunts window to enter the race is fast closing, with the December filing deadline and the time-consuming task of introducing him to the electorate. And he is not the only House member from Texas looking at the race. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Amarillo, recently met with White House officials to discuss the Senate primary, according to two sources familiar with the meeting, which was first reported by Semafor. 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. Content warning: This article contains information about alleged child sexual abuse material. Reader discretion is advised. Report CSAM to law enforcement by contacting the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency. WEST HAVEN, Utah (ABC4) The West Haven man accused of sending and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through social media has pleaded guilty to three of the charges filed against him. Andres Rafael Diaz, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, a first-degree felony, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pleaded not guilty to the remaining 19 charges nine counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and 10 counts of unlawful distribution of an intimate image and they were dismissed with prejudice as part of the plea agreement. Utah law states that for his first-degree felony conviction, he can be sentenced to five years to life in prison. For his two second-degree felony convictions of sexual exploitation of a minor, he can be sentenced from 1 to 15 years in prison. Diazs sentencing is set for September 9, 2025. ABC4.com is following the case and will keep you updated on what happens next. PREVIOUSLY: West Haven man charged for sending and receiving CSAM through social media, documents say Background In June 2024, a social media company sent in a tip bout an account that was uploading and distributing CSAM online. Over a year, several search warrants and court orders finally led investigators to connect the account to Diaz. During the investigation, they received more tip lines, also confirmed to be connected to Diaz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant at Diazs residence and made contact with him. Documents say that he admitted to owning the accounts and sending and receiving CSAM on the social media platform. He told investigators he was unsure how many files of CSAM he sent to other users, but that it was a lot. Through social media, Diaz allegedly had graphic sexual conversations about underage children including some that he knew in person with other users. In these conversations, he also sometimes shared photos of an intimate partner, who told police they did not consent to those photos being sent to people other than Diaz. 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. WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The West Springfield Police Department is seeking the publics help in identifying two shoplifting suspects. West Springfield wraps up town-wide tag sale The West Springfield Police Department states that the two men pictured were involved in a shoplifting incident from a business on Riverdale Street on July 20th. West Springfield Police Department West Springfield Police Department If anyone has information on either of the individuals, call (413) 263-3210 ext. 239. 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. Video shows Gov. Morrisey announcing plan to apply for SNAP soda waiver. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) West Virginia has been granted a waiver by U.S. government to remove soda from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey first asked for the waiver back in May as part of a push to reform food assistance in the state and promote healthy lifestyles. Morrisey said in a press release Monday that he joined U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for the signing of the waiver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The waiver will allow West Virginia to remove soda as a taxpayer-subsidized entitlement under SNAP and redirect taxpayer-funded assistance toward more nutritious foods. Pepperoni rolls one of Americas favorite summer foods, according to survey We are cleaning up the food, getting active, and rewarding healthy choices, Morrisey said in the release. Todays signing of our SNAP waiver to remove soda as a taxpayer-subsidized entitlement is another step toward reversing negative health trends and helping West Virginians live long, healthy, and purposeful lives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A bill has been approved that will provide $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program in western Massachusetts. Transportation fixes still a hazardous road for states The Office of State Senator Jake Oliveira states that the legislation was approved by both the House and the Senate and represents a step forward in prioritizing municipal infrastructure across the State and in rural regions, by ensuring that western Massachusetts receives its fair share of infrastructure investment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill authorizes $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program, which is a 50 percent increase over past funding levels, and provides direct state aid for cities and towns to maintain and improve local roads and bridges. In addition to the $300 million, $100 million of the total will be distributed using a formula that accurately reflects the road mileage maintained by rural communities, addressing inequities in the funding process. Communities that will receive the following allocations for FY26: Belchertown $1,373,752.85 Chicopee $2,470,648.27 East Longmeadow $1,147,885.68 Granby $595,589.12 Hampden $550,461.64 Longmeadow $1,025,164.97 Ludlow $1,394,952.36 Palmer $957,407.76 South Hadley $986,521.67 Springfield $6,337,499.15 Warren $632,644.52 Wilbraham $1,144,776.84 Along with the Chapter 90 funding, the bill includes $885 million in additional statewide infrastructure investments, such as: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $200 million for culvert and small bridge replacement and modernization. $500 million for MassDOTs lifecycle asset management program to enable proactive repairs and maintenance. $185 million for congestion reduction and street safety improvements, benefiting communities of all sizes. These are not just numbers in a budget. They represent safer school bus routes, rebuilt bridges, and smoother roads for our communities, said Senator Oliveira. This approach recognizes that each community faces its own unique challenges, and meeting those needs requires targeted solutions, said Oliveira. Im proud to have advocated for a funding formula that ensures places like Belchertown, Granby, Ludlow, Wilbraham, Longmeadow, and all twelve communities I represent get the resources they need to thrive. This years Chapter 90 bill shows that when we say were building a stronger Massachusetts, we truly mean all of Massachusetts, including Western Mass. 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. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) An early morning structure fire had the Wichita Falls Fire Department out before the sun on Tuesday. WFFD responded to the 1400 block of Burnett around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5. Units arrived to find smoke and fire on the south side of a home. The fire was extinguished in roughly 30 minutes. According to WFFD, it was caused by a generator left running under the carport, which was being used to supply power to the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported. WFFD officials estimate $27,500 in damage to the structure and its contents. The Red Cross was called to assist the occupants. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two major defense contractors announced the first successful live fire test of a new wheeled launcher vehicle capable of lobbing twice as many munitions as the U.S.-made Army High Mobility Rocket System (HIMARS). The Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS), made by Lockheed Martin and Germanys Rheinmetall, will be produced in Europe. It fires the same weapons as U.S.-made wheeled HIMARS and the heavier tracked M270 MLRS. Ukraine has used both of these systems to devastating effect on Russian troop and equipment concentrations, hardened defensive locations, bridges, radars and other targets. This milestone comes amid a skyrocketing demand for mobile systems that can launch guided artillery rockets and short-range ballistic missiles, plus the ability to add new types of weapons in the future. The first GMARS live fire took place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the companies announced on Monday. Like the tracked M270, the GMARS launcher can haul two pods that carry different types of weapons. As a result, GMARS can be armed with two Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) or four Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) or 12 standard or Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets. By comparison, the HIMARS launcher has one pod. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, GMARS will have the potential to fire ground-launched cruise missiles and 122mm rockets in the future, according to Rheinmetall. The White Sands test involved GMLRS. Lockheed Martin told us they fired two GMLRS rockets with unitary warheads in the test at a mid-range distance without offering further specifics. A Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), launched by an M142 HIMARS in service with Ukraine. (Photo by Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) As we noted earlier, HIMARS like GMARS is a wheeled vehicle, though in an 88 configuration instead of the 66 configuration found on HIMARS. It is based on Rheinmetalls HX vehicle series with a top speed of up to about 62 mph. One thing GMARS cant do that HIMARS can is be rapidly deployed to forward locales via C-130. The GMARS launcher. (Rheinmetall) Rheinmetall U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Long Range Fires Battalion, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force prepare to fire an M142 High Mobility Rocket System during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Rizal, Philippines, May 2, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan) Cpl. Kyle Chan Wheeled vehicles are easier to maintain than tracked ones, and are better for operating over roads and can go faster. The tracked M270. (Lockheed Martin) Lockheed Martin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those operating GMARS could have immediate access to existing stocks of munitions fired by HIMARS and M270, providing a logistically important interoperability of those weapons. GMARS is one of several designs being floated for future mobile fire systems that can fire ATACMS, PrSMS and GMLRS. As we wrote last year, Lockheed Martin unveiled a launcher designed to quadruple the number of munitions fired by HIMARS. Lockheed Martin displayed the launcher on a U.S. Marine Corps 1010 MKR18 Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) truck at the Human-Machine Integration Summit IV in November 2024. A new palletized ground-based launcher concept that can be loaded with up to two dozen 227mm guided artillery rockets at a time four times what an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) can pack at once recently broke cover. (Lockheed Martin) France has also entered this market, as has South Korea, among others. South Korea provided Poland with the CTM-290, an ATACMS-like missile launched from the Homar-K multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). You can see that system in the following video. Breaking News! Awesome news my Polish brothers! CTM-290 ballistic missile footage for the Poland is just revealed for the first time. The missile was launched from Homar-K in front of Polish government officials. CTM-290 missile's range and warhead performance is same as pic.twitter.com/Pzp35FALlo Mason (@mason_8718) April 24, 2024 The success of HIMARS and M270 in Ukraine has not been lost on other militaries. Many other nations field them, and Russia recently complained about the first HIMARS live firing in Estonia last month. The ability to move about the battlefield and put targets at risk anywhere with pinpoint accuracy within a 50-mile ring (for GMLRS, much longer for ballistic missiles), fire, and then scoot away before the enemy can fire back, is a massive force multiplier. These systems will be capable of firing the Extended Range GMLRS too, which will increase the range to 93-miles. Other weapons, from drones to cruise missiles, could also be integrated into the launcher pods. An Estonian Defense Forces M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) fires a training rocket during a live-fire exercise in Undva, Estonia, July 11, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rose Di Trolio) HIMARS remains very popular and is deep in production. However, the fact that GMARS is co-produced by a European company and aimed at the NATO market could give it extra appeal for alliance member nations. It could also speed deliveries over HIMARS, with its thick order book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear if or when GMARS will be fielded or by which nations. However, given the growing threat from Russia in Europe, as well as other threats abroad, there will likely be significant demand for a still relatively agile wheeled vehicle that doubles the firepower of HIMARS. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday witnessed the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and launched an eco-friendly campaign ahead of the festive season. An MoU was signed between Rajya Anand Sansthan, Bhopal; Deendayal Shodh Sansthan, Chitrakoot; and Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad, Bhopal to strengthen collaborative initiatives aimed at community empowerment and research-based social programmes. In addition, a bilateral MoU was also inked between Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad, Bhopal and Narmada Samagra, Bhopal, to support sustainable development initiatives, particularly in the Narmada river region. On the occasion, CM Yadav also launched the 'Mati Ganesh Siddh Ganesh' campaign, an initiative of the Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad to promote the use of eco-friendly Ganesh idols made of clay. Speaking to the reporters after the MoU signing, CM Yadav highlighted the long-standing contribution of Narmada Samagra in preserving the environment. He said, "Our government promotes and encourages many things in many ways regarding the environment. The state government is working equally in all such areas. Narmada Samagra has been working for years to protect the environment. Today, an MoU was signed between Jan Abhiyan Parishad and Narmada Samagra." The Chief Minister said the latest collaboration will support the 'Mati Ganesh Siddh Ganesh' campaign. He said, "They are not only expanding the work on this but are also doing a great job by making more than 10 lakh Ganesh idols in the entire state through the government." The MP CM also commended the work of Deendayal Shodh Sansthan saying, "Deendayal Sansthan has also been working on the environment for years...Deendayal Swasthya Sansthan, Bharat Ratna, along with all the institutions, has been doing great work in many such areas." Earlier this week, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav laid the foundation stone of six industrial units, which will invest about Rs 1600 crore and generate over 1080 employment opportunities in Sehore district. CM Yadav also distributed a letter of intent for land allotment to the industrial units during a program held in Badiyakhedi, Sehore, on Saturday. According to an official release, the industrial units whose bhoomi pujan was performed and allotted land includes, CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd which is setting up Asia's largest single-location transformer manufacturing unit at Jahangirpur, Sehore, with an investment of Rs 888 crore on 18.26 hectares of land, expected to create around 400 jobs. (ANI) When a Delawarean is renting a U-Haul truck, there's a better-than-average chance they are going to one of two places. According to U-Haul's 2025 Midyear Migration Trends report, Baltimore and Philadelphia are seeing traffic from Delaware. U-Haul looked at its one-way customer transactions from January to July 2025 to determine the leading origins for trucks, trailers and U-Box moving containers bound for the 35 metro areas with populations greater than 2 million. Where are people from Delaware going? Philadelphia In Philadelphia, the top origin states for arriving U-Haul customers are New Jersey, New York and Maryland. Delaware ranks seventh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top metro areas for arriving U-Haul customers in Philadelphia from outside Pennsylvania are New York City, Central New Jersey and Washington, D.C. Car recalls: Kia recalls more than 300,000 vehicles. See full list of recalls. Baltimore Delaware is the seventh highest state of origin for arriving U-Haul customers in Baltimore. Virginia is first, followed by Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The top origin metro areas for arriving U-Haul customers to Baltimore from outside of Maryland come from Washington, D.C, Philadelphia and New York City. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: U-Haul's Midyear Migration Trends report Delaware movers DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in Aug. for police/fire departments to engage in community events. These events often feature free activities, food, give-aways and touch-a-truck options. Nearly every citys police department around the country will be hosting its variation of the event. Some of the notable ones in the Miami Valley include the following list. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery to host sensory-friendly event Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrison Twp. 5 p.m., Shiloh Church. Enjoy music, food and games. Learn more. Jefferson Twp. 5 p.m., Blairwood Elementary School. There will be face painting, inflatables and touch-a-truck. Learn more. Kettering 5 p.m., The Fraze. There will be Kona Ice, raffle prizes, a dunk tank, inflatables, face painting and crafts. Learn more. Miamisburg 5 p.m., Riverfront Park. There will be a school supply giveaway (while supplies last) and drone demonstrations. Because of the possible rain, the school supply giveaway will be taking place inside Star City Social, across the street. Learn more. Mass food distribution event to be held at Nutter Center Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middletown 5 p.m., Smith Park. Gold Star Middletown will give away over 5,000 cheese coneys to the community. Learn more. Piqua 5 p.m., West Greene Street. There will be live music, inflatable houses, K9 meet and greet, homemade ice cream, burgers and hot dogs. Learn more. Springfield 5 p.m., Veterans Park. There will be a bike raffle, an inflatable park and the 7-Eleven Slurpee truck. Learn more. Trotwood 5 p.m., the Home Depot parking lot. There will be a classic car show and attractions. Learn more. Washington Twp. 5 p.m., Yankee Park. It will feature K9 demonstrations, games and police vehicles. Learn more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Milwaukee health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against measles which can be done for free after multiple cases were reported in northern Wisconsin. Nine cases of the highly contagious disease were confirmed in Oconto County by the the state Department of Health Services over the weekend. Health officials said exposure for all cases occurred during out-of-state travel and risk to the community remains low. The confirmed cases in Wisconsin come amid one of the worst U.S. measles outbreaks in decades. A total of 1,333 measles cases have been reported across the nation as of July 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milwaukee health officials and Mayor Cavalier Johnson held a press conference on Aug. 4 to discuss the importance of measles prevention following the confirmed cases. "I want every single family in Milwaukee to know this," Johnson said in a video of the conference posted by FOX6. "...You can get the measles vaccine and you can get it free of charge at city of Milwaukee health clinics." The Milwaukee Health Department offers free MMR vaccinations regardless of insurance status. You can also reach out to your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to make an appointment to get vaccinated. The city has secured an 800 additional doses of the MMR vaccine to be administered at clinics, officials said during the press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Wisconsin health workers have been preparing for measles. With Oconto outbreak, it's urgent. Adults and children should both be vaccinated against the disease, but children are one of the groups at highest risk for serious illness and complications. Wisconsin kindergartners have one of the nation's lowest vaccination rates against measles. Less than 85% of Wisconsin kindergartners were up-to-date on the measles vaccine for the last school year, compared to about 92.5% of kindergartners nationwide, CDC data shows. Where can I get free measles vaccination in Milwaukee? Free measles vaccines are being offered at Milwaukee Health Department clinics. The department has three clinics across the city: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keenan Sexual Health Clinic : 3200 N. 36th St. Northwest Health Center : 7630 W. Mill Road Southside Health Center: 1639 S. 23rd St. For more information on department health clinics, you can visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/Health/Contact/locations-and-Schedules. How to check your immunization records in Wisconsin: Not sure if you've received the measles vaccine? The Wisconsin Immunization Registry tracks vaccine records for Wisconsin residents. It provides direct, immediate access to which immunizations a patient has, where and when they got them and when to receive future immunizations. More: 9 measles cases were reported in Wisconsin. Here's how to check your immunization records What are the signs and symptoms of measles? If you believe you have been exposed to measles, the CDC urges you to immediately contact your healthcare provider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first signs typically occur even to 14 days after exposure, the CDC says, and may include: High fever, which could surpass 104 degrees Cough Runny nose Conjunctivitis According to the CDC, white spots, called Koplik spots, may appear in an infected persons mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. Following this, a rash begins. It typically appears three to five days after symptom onset and starts out as flat, red spots that appear at the hairline. The rash then spreads downwards, the CDC says. You may also: Have a high fever Develop small raised bumps on top of red spots Have the rash join together as it spreads across the body Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Common complications from measles include ear infections and diarrhea, though it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening issues, even death, according to the CDC. Maya Bell, Kylie Volavongsa and Sarah Volpenhein contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Where to get free measles vaccinations in Milwaukee 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. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security debuted a recruitment strategy to expand the ranks of ICE: sign-on bonuses. Thanks to a rush of cash from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the department announced that its offering up to $50,000 to newly hired federal law-enforcement agents. The offer caught the eye of one group that seemed to be particularly pleased by the governments exciting career opportunity. On Telegram, an account linked to the Toledo, Ohio, chapter of the Proud Boys declared: Toledo Boys living high on the hog right now!! Whether members of the extremist group have pursued job openings at ICE, much less been hired and handed a big check, is unclear. I asked the Toledo chapter whether its members are applying to work for the government, but I didnt hear back. Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, said in an email that any individual who desires to join ICE will undergo intense background investigations and security clearancesno exception. But the Toledo Proud Boys enthusiasm for the work, if nothing else, is telling. The Trump administration is enacting a mass-deportation campaign centered around aggression and cruelty. The Proud Boys are staunchly against undocumented immigrants, and have repeatedly intimidated and physically antagonized their enemies (during the first Trump administration, they often got into fights with left-wing protesters). The groups ideals are being pursuedbut by ICE and the government itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Trumps deportations arent what they seem] There was every reason to believe that the Proud Boys would run wild in Donald Trumps second term. On his first day back in the White House, Trump pardoned everyone who was convicted for crimes related to the insurrection on January 6, 2021including roughly 100 known members of the Proud Boys and other extremist organizations. They had received some of the harshest sentences tied to the Capitol riot: All 14 people who were still in prison when Trump returned to office were affiliated with either the Proud Boys or the Oath Keepers. At the time, a terrorism expert at the Council on Foreign Relations warned that the pardons could be catastrophic for public safety, sending a message to extremist groups that violence in the name of MAGA is legal and legitimate. Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys who himself was pardoned, announced that there would be hell to pay: Im happy that the president is focusing not on retribution, and focusing on success, he said on Infowars, but I will tell you that Im not gonna play by those rules. Six months later, though, the Proud Boys have been surprisingly quiet. According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a nonprofit that tracks political violence, the Proud Boys have been less active in 2025 than over the preceding several years. Since his release, Tarrios most prominent action has been helping launch ICERAID, a website that pays people in crypto in exchange for reporting undocumented immigrants. Tarrio, who did not respond to an interview request through a lawyer, also co-hosts frequent livestreams on X. In one episode of a livestream last month, Tarrio nursed a cigarette while a man who identified himself only as Patriot Rob waxed nostalgic about how inescapable the Proud Boys once were. In 2020, members of the militant group showed up at anti-lockdown rallies across the country, clashed with racial-justice protesters, and earned a shout-out from Trump himself during a presidential debate. (The Proud Boys so frequently traveled to Washington, D.C., for various kinds of protests in 2020 that Politico wrote about their favorite bar.) Now, Patriot Rob said on the livestream, theres very few of us left. Its unclear how many Proud Boy chapters there are today, but some seem to be defunct: Those in Philadelphia and Michigan have let their websites turn into dead links and stopped posting on Telegram, the social platform of choice for most Proud Boys. I reached out to 10 Proud Boy chapters and requested interviews. None was willing to speak with me. After I told a Miami chapter that I had spoken with experts on the current state of the Proud Boys, someone who identified himself only as Alex responded: Experts lol Experts at what? Sucking cock Yall can go fuck yourselves! The East Tennessee Chapter, perhaps mistaking my name for a womans, replied by saying, Were going to request some nudes in order to confirm your identity . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Proud Boys have not disappeared. They have been spotted at a Tesla Takedown event in Salem, Oregon; marched with anti-abortion activists in San Francisco; and confronted protesters outside of the Alligator Alcatraz ICE facility. Other right-wing groups have been more active. After the Texas floods last month, a leader of the Patriot Front claimed that the extremist group was involved in recovery efforts to help European peoples. Patriot Front, which has also held several marches across the country since the start of Trumps second term, remains a small organization. Estimates put its membership at 200 to 300 people, compared with the thousands that researchers believe are, or at least were, in the Proud Boys. On the whole, militia groups are keeping it low-key, Amy Cooter, the deputy director and a co-founder of the Institute for Countering Digital Extremism, told me. Since the start of the year, ACLED has recorded 108 extremist protests nationwidenot even half as many as at this point in 2022. This is not entirely unexpected. As my colleague Adrienne LaFrance has reported, in the 1990s, a surge of militia activity and white nationalism appeared to die down after the Oklahoma City bombingbut those movements never disappeared; they simply moved underground. [Read: The new anarchy] Today, part of the reason for the apparent decline is that even after Trumps pardons, far-right groups are still dealing with the hangover of January 6. Militia groups have always been relatively splintered, but the insurrection exacerbated the fissures. Some Oath Keeper groups are divided on whether their leader, Stewart Rhodes, went too far on January 6, when he rallied Oath Keepers to breach the Capitol, Cooter said. Some members have been vocal about leaving the organization, citing Rhodess leadership. In 2022, the Southern Poverty Law Center recorded five active Oath Keepers chapters, down from 70 in 2020. (The number of current chapters is not clear.) Meanwhile, the Proud Boys fractured in 2021, after Reuters uncovered court records indicating that Tarrio had served as an informant to local and federal law enforcement before the group was founded. (I dont recall any of this, Tarrio told Reuters at the time.) Many Proud Boys chapters disavowed him, including part of his own in Miami. The city now has two separate chapters, an anti-Tarrio and a pro-Tarrio one. In January, I emailed the Toledo Proud Boys chapter to ask about Tarrio. I received an unattributed reply expressing disappointment that Tarrio had turned his back and squealed on brothers. I reached back out this week, and received a similar response: Tarrio is a rat, punk, and low life! The respondent also said this: You breland, are exactly what President Trump said. .fake news! Im sure you preferred the last potatoe! (I asked if by the last potato, the account meant Joe Biden. Ahhh yes. .SMH, the respondent said. You know. .the illegitimate one! The stolen election one! The one who wandered around aimlessly!) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bigger reason that these far-right groups remain underground is that the Trump administrations aggressive agenda has left them with little to do. One of the motivating issues for the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and other extremist groups is strong opposition to undocumented immigrants. After the presidential election, a leader of the Texas chapter of the Three Percenters, a militia group, reportedly wrote to Trump to offer manpower in enacting mass deportations. But ICE and other federal agencies are engaging in forceful action against immigrants backed by the state in a way that surpasses what the Oath Keepers or the Proud Boys could ever do. ICE agents, not far-right militias, are the ones who have smashed through car windows, thrown people into unmarked vans, and detained them indefinitely. Even apart from immigration, groups are taking a hands-off approach right now because their interests are often aligned with the government, Freddy Cruz, a researcher at the Western States Center, a nonprofit that tracks extremism, told me. The Proud Boys was started in 2016 in part to double down on traditional gender norms. Gavin McInnes, the groups founder, has described the Proud Boys as a pro-Western fraternity for men who long for the days when girls were girls and men were men. The Proud Boys extreme pro-male views are less distinct than they once were, as MAGA has embraced Andrew Tate and other openly misogynistic figures of the so-called manosphere. As a result, the Proud Boys have one less point to rally around. Still, the Proud Boys and other right-wing militias might not stay underground forever. Under the right conditions, they could surge once again. These groups are really responsive to news cycles, Cooter said. They have specific flash pointsimmigration, the Second Amendment, and supposed election integritythat can mobilize them in certain contexts, she explained. The Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and other established far-right groups still have infrastructure, a durable brand name, and the precedent that Trump might pardon them if things go awry. In May, Tarrio was reportedly invited to Mar-a-Lago, where he briefly spoke with Trump. Newer groups continue to organize. Patriot Front, for example, has teamed up with Active Clubs, a loose network of white supremacists and neo-Nazis who run their own mixed-martial-arts fight clubs. Together, all of this could help give extremist groups a head start that they didnt have in the first Trump administration, when the Proud Boys and many other militia groups began to find their footing. The pieces are there, even if the moment isnt yet. Article originally published at The Atlantic NEED TO KNOW In February 2017, teenagers Liberty German and Abigail Williams were found dead after going on a hike in Delphi, Ind. The case went unsolved for years, until Richard Allen was arrested and charged with murder in October 2022 The 2025 Hulu docuseries Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge, which was released on Aug. 5, reexamines the case Richard Allen walked free for five years before being arrested for the murder of two teenage girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2017, Liberty Libby German and Abigail Abby Williams, who were 14 and 13 years old, respectively, were dropped off to go hiking near the Monon High Bridge in Delphi, Ind. The next day, the best friends were found dead near the edge of a creek, and authorities soon confirmed they were victims of a double homicide. For nearly five years, the case went unsolved as authorities searched for a man photographed near the scene, who became widely known as the "Bridge Guy." The investigation gained widespread attention as authorities asked the nation for their help in identifying the man behind the grainy photo. The case reached a turning point in October 2022, when Allen was arrested and charged with two counts of murder in connection to German and Williams' deaths, for which he pleaded not guilty. Nearly two years later, he was found guilty and sentenced to 130 years in prison. Now, Hulu is revisiting German and Williams' brutal deaths and the years-long investigation that followed in a new three-part docuseries, titled Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge, which premiered on Aug. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, where is Richard Allen now? Here's everything to know about the Delphi murderer's life in prison. Who is Richard Allen? Indiana State Police Richard Allen's mugshot. Allen is a former Delphi resident who was found guilty in November 2024, at 50 years old, of murdering two teenage girls German and Williams years earlier in his hometown. Following his arrest, German's grandparents, Mike and Becky Patty, told reporters that while they did not know Allen, he worked at a CVS in Delphi and once processed photos for the family. They claimed that he did not charge them; however, it is unclear if the photos were processed before or after the killings. What happened to Liberty German and Abigail Williams? Facebook (2) Abigail Williams ; Liberty German. Abigail Williams ; Liberty German. On Feb. 13, 2017, German and Williams were dropped off near the Monon High Bridge in Delphi for a day of hiking and were expected to be picked up by family later that afternoon. When they didn't appear at the designated pickup spot, they were reported missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, the young girls were found dead near the edge of a creek, with their throats slit and an unspent 40 caliber bullet lying between them. Officials discovered that there was a video taken on one of the girls' phones that showed a man following them on the bridge and saying "down the hill" to the two of them. At a press conference days later, police deemed German a "hero" for having taken the video moments before her death. This young ladys a hero, theres no doubt about it, Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Tony Slocum said. To activate the video system on her cell phone to record criminal behavior thats about to occur ... theres no doubt in our minds that [this] young lady is a hero." How was Richard Allen caught? Indiana State Police A sketch used by authorities during their search for the Delphi murderer. For the five years that the case sat unsolved, German and Williams' killer was known as "Bridge Guy." However, in 2022, a tip that had been reviewed and cleared in 2017 was resurfaced, bringing new focus on Allen's connection to the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per reports from WLFI, Fox 59 and the Journal & Courier, volunteer receptionist Kathy Shank testified that she found the tip, which consisted of Allen reporting that he was on the trail at the time of the murders. Though it had been previously cleared, the tip caught Shank's attention, given that three girls had reported seeing a man on the trail, leading her to take the tip to the case's lead detective. After searching his home, authorities then matched a gun in Allen's possession with the bullet found on the scene, leading to his arrest. What was Richard Allen charged with? Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter speaks during a press conference after they arrested Richard Allen due to the 2017 murder of the two young girls in Delphi, Ind. Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter speaks during a press conference after they arrested Richard Allen due to the 2017 murder of the two young girls in Delphi, Ind. In October 2022, Allen was arrested and charged with two counts of murder, for which he pleaded not guilty. Per CNN, prosecutors later added two additional charges for murder while committing or attempting to commit kidnapping. While he was in prison, a state trooper listened to 700 of Allen's calls, later testifying that the voice of the "Bridge Guy" belonged to him, per CNN. Prosecutors also claimed that among those calls was a confession from Allen to his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I did it," he reportedly said, per WTHR. "I killed Abby and Libby." According to Fox 59, Allen's defense team attempted to have the alleged confession tossed, claiming that he was in a declining mental state at the time of the phone call. Previous defense motions have also claimed that German and Williams' murders were actually a ritual sacrifice committed by Odinists, members of a pagan religion linked with White nationalism, per CNN. In December 2024, Allen was sentenced to 130 years in prison, one month after he was found guilty of all four counts in connection to German and Williams' deaths. Per The New York Times, Allen received the maximum sentence possible. Where is Richard Allen now? AP Photo/Darron Cummings Richard Allen leaving Carroll County Courthouse following a hearing on Nov. 22, 2022, in Delphi, Ind. Richard Allen leaving Carroll County Courthouse following a hearing on Nov. 22, 2022, in Delphi, Ind. Following Allen's sentencing, his defense team planned to appeal the verdict, according to The New York Times. Per the outlet, they noted in a memo that Allen maintained his innocence and hoped to be able to "present a full defense at a second trial." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of July 2025, Allen had been moved to The Lexington Assessment and Reception Center, a maximum-security prison, in Oklahoma, per local news outlet WRTV. According to the outlet, his defense team filed their appeal in March 2025, detailing four alleged missteps that they feel are significant enough to warrant an overturning of the jury's verdict. Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge features interviews with German and Williams' family members, investigators and Allen's defense attorneys. In it, Allen's wife, Kathy Allen, speaks out for the first time and maintains her husband's innocence, per the trailer. "He's not the monster that people think he is," Kathy said, according to ABC. Read the original article on People The Trump administration on Tuesday officially ended a program which required federal employees to summarize five weekly achievements in emails, a White House and Office of Personnel Management official confirmed to POLITICO. The mandate was originally introduced in February by tech mogul and one-time President Donald Trump ally Elon Musk, the then-head of the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency, as part of an effort to cut the federal workforce. Musk wrote on X at the time that the bar was very low here. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation, he wrote in his announcement of the policy in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though many federal agencies had already phased out the emails, the official axing is another indication of the rift between Musk and Trump. The once-allied pair have been on the rocks for months after Musk criticized the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, among other things. OPM Director Scott Kupor said in a statement that OPM informed agency leads it would no longer manage the process nor utilize it internally. At OPM, we believe that managers are accountable to staying informed about what their team members are working on and have many other existing tools to do so, Kupor said. Reuters was the first to report the administration is ending the "5 things" emails. WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 09: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer looks on as U.S. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on April 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed several executive orders including directing the repeal of unlawful regulations and reducing anti-competitive regulatory barriers. Earlier today, Trump announced a 90-day pause on the full effect of his new tariffs for dozens of countries with the exception of China. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to have President Donald Trumps ear and met with him in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to discuss the impact in Michigan of tariffs and cuts to Medicaid in the latest federal budget. Whitmers team told Michigan Advance that the governor presented Trump with information about Medicaid and tariffs, but also jobs and opportunities burgeoning in Genesee County. One of the key talking points was a request for a longer transition period for some of the major cuts to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Trump Chief of Staff Susie Wiles while at the White House. Ive always said that Ill work with anyone to get things done for Michigan. Thats why Ive continued to go to Washington, D.C. to make sure that Michiganders are front and center when critical decisions are being made, Whitmer said in a statement. This year alone, weve secured major, bipartisan wins including a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, funding to protect our Great Lakes from invasive carp, and federal disaster support for communities in Northern Michigan impacted by historic ice storms. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Michigan after President Donald Trump announced a new F-15 squadron would be based there. April 29, 2025 | CSPAN Screenshot On Medicaid and the cuts detailed in the presidents signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Whitmer asked Trump for a larger buffer for the changes to take effect, noting that millions of Michiganders including seniors, people with disabilities, new moms and rural constituents would likely experience disruptions. The request was aimed at lessening those disruptions. Whitmer told Trump that Michigan was also seeking flexibility and clarity after recent changes to the Insurance Provider Assessment, a health care related tax with both a fixed and variable rate structure on non-Medicaid health insurers, prepaid inpatient health plans and Medicaid managed care services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two changes were sought from Trump. First, Whitmer asked Trump for a three-year period allowing Michigan to bring in stakeholders to develop a new, federally compliant structure that maintains Medicaid stability. Second, Whitmer asked the president for deeper collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to build a framework ensuring provider assessments meet the current policy. Whitmer told Trump that the assessment generates substantial revenue for Medicaid and has a total statewide impact of around $2.7 billion, and Medicaid represents one-third of the states budget. Giving Michigan flexibility would help more than 2.6 million residents, Whitmer said. On tariffs, Whitmer shared with Trump the negative impact they are starting to have and will have in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Michigans economy tied to the auto industry, tariffs have a disproportionate impact on that sector, a note she relayed to Trump, who bragged about how much he loved the American and Michigan auto industry relentlessly on the 2016, 2020 and 2024 campaign trails. Whitmer extolled to Trump that 9.2% of the states gross domestic product came from auto manufacturing. Trumps signature USMCA trade deal pumped investment into Michigan, with $23.2 billion from automakers and $14.7 billion from auto suppliers. Advanced manufacturing in Genesee County was also an item of discussion, with Whitmer encouraging Trump to work with her and other Michigan officials to grow that site for American jobs. Whitmer called the site a nation-leading asset ready for a bigger, better deal which is how she posed it to Trump. Whitmer said that Michigan is ready to work with locals, Republicans, Democrats and the private sector to get it done and make generational investments in Flint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should do everything in our power to lower costs and grow more good-paying jobs in Michigan, Whitmer said. I appreciate the presidents time and attention to the matters we discussed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LANSING Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and told him recent changes to Medicaid he signed into law will harm Michigan. Whitmer said in a statement released by a spokeswoman that she also spoke with Trump about "the impact tariffs are having on Michigan's economy, especially our auto industry." Thirdly, Whitmer said she talked to Trump about "ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm in Northern Michigan earlier this year." Trump recently said he approved $50 million in disaster support for northern Michigan communities impacted by the ice storms. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, left, pictured in 2022. President Donald Trump, right, pictured in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025. Ive always said that Ill work with anyone to get things done for Michigan," Whitmer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thats why Ive continued to go to Washington, D.C., to make sure that Michiganders are front and center when critical decisions are being made. This year alone, weve secured major, bipartisan wins including a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, funding to protect our Great Lakes from invasive carp, and federal disaster support for communities in Northern Michigan impacted by historic ice storms." More: Under Trump, MDOT 'pivoting' away from minority contracting program, director says Whitmer, who rose to national prominence while repeatedly clashing publicly with Trump during his first term as president, has received both criticism and praise for taking a more collaborative approach during Trump's second term. Changes in the "big, beautiful bill" Trump signed July 4 after it won narrow approval in the Republican-controlled Congress are expected to significantly reduce eligibility and/or increase state costs, by hundreds of millions of dollars, for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan-based automakers have also expressed concern about the impact of wide-ranging tariffs Trump has imposed, with impacts on profits, prices and production. I will always do whatever I can to make life a little easier for Michiganders and strengthen our economy," Whitmer said in the emailed statement. "We should do everything in our power to lower costs and grow more good-paying jobs in Michigan. I appreciate the presidents time and attention to the matters we discussed. Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer meets Trump to discuss impact of his policies on Michigan GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) Several hundred cases of whooping cough have been reported in the Carolinas this year. Doctors warn that the number could continue to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 8,000 cases of whooping cough have been reported in the U.S. so far in 2025. Thats more than double the number reported at this time last year. There are more cases this year than last year, said Dr. Rachel Sine, a physician at Parkside Pediatrics in Greenville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by bacteria that spreads through coughing or sneezing. Dr. Sine said it often starts off like a common cold, but the cough can linger for weeks or even months. The cough can just be prolonged and severe, she said. It can cause a whooping sound as people are inhaling at the end of a coughing spasm. In infants, its more likely for them to have episodes of apnea short periods where they stop breathing. People with weakened immune systems, including infants and older adults, are especially at risk. Doctors recommend taking extra precautions. In North Carolina, data from the Department of Health and Human Services shows more than 800 cases in 2024, the highest number in 70 years. So far in 2025, the state has already reported around 600 cases, with health officials expecting the total to surpass last years record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In South Carolina, the number of cases is lower with around 200 reported so far this year. According to the Department of Public Health (DPH), whooping cough cases were much lower in the early 2000s. Dr. Sine said the recent rise may be linked to vaccine hesitancy, but emphasized that a safe and effective vaccine is available and strongly recommended. We give it at two, four, and six months, and then again at 15 months and four years old, she said. The Tdap vaccine is given at 11 years old and then every 10 years or during pregnancy. Anyone can get whooping cough, and infected individuals are typically contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors recommend vaccination, frequent handwashing, and limiting contact with sick individuals as the best ways to protect yourself and your family. If you or your child have a cough, dont wait, get tested. If youre diagnosed, doctors said whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics, which may shorten the duration of the illness and help prevent it from spreading to others. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Warren Hutchison, an attorney with Freeman Mathis and Gary representing Steere Engineering, warns of the consequences if the state can claim negligence against Washington Bridge contractors without proving specific physical damages in Providence Superior Court on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) A Tuesday morning hearing in the states lawsuit against Washington Bridge contractors offered a crash course in legal theory, but little direction on whether the companies that worked on the bridge before its closure will have to pay. Phrases like economic loss doctrine and integrated system theory peppered the 90-minute hearing in Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Brian Sterns third-floor Providence courtroom. The state, represented by the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General and private attorneys, contends that the 13 companies brought on to inspect, repair and maintain the westbound highway span since 2013 should be held responsible for failing to detect structural deficiencies that led to its abrupt closure in December 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for four engineering and construction vendors argue they had no contractual obligation to prevent or detect the infrastructure problems. They are asking to throw out all or parts of the states claims against them. Stern did not rule on the motion Tuesday, but said he plans to make a decision by the end of the month. A similar back-and-forth over the legal standard for the lawsuit played out earlier this year, when seven of the 13 vendors pushed to have the case tossed. Their arguments centered on a legal principle oft-invoked in construction cases known as the economic loss doctrine, which shields contractors from being sued for unspecified and foreseeable economic harms, including product damage and profit losses. Personal injury and damage to property beyond the product itself are the most common criteria used in successful negligence cases against construction contractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sterns Feb. 27 order rejected the first attempt by seven of the 13 contractors to toss the case, concluding there was not enough evidence to meet the high legal standard of proof to warrant such a definitive move. But he noted flaws in the states initial, August 2024 complaint, which failed to identify specific physical damages beyond the bridge itself. If Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Brian Stern rejects contractors arguments, the Washington Bridge lawsuit will proceed to trial tentatively starting in November 2027. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) The states amended complaint, filed in April, narrows the focus to wear and tear on the separate, eastbound bridge, which was reconfigured to accommodate Interstate 195 traffic in both directions. It again seeks damages for negligence and breach of contract by the same 13 vendors. The 53-page updated complaint stands in direct contradiction to Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter J. Alvitis repeated public assurances that the eastbound bridge was in good condition despite the increased traffic load. Alvitis public statements didnt surface in court Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, attorneys for the four vendors still seeking to throw out the complaint Steere Engineering, Inc., Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., Aries Support Services, Inc., and Commonwealth Engineers & Consultants, Inc. referred back to the economic loss doctrine as the foundation for their arguments. We still have the same fundamental deficiency, said Michael Creta, a partner at K&L Gates in Boston representing Jacobs Engineering. The state failed to prove other property damage to get around the economic loss doctrine. Creta said later, There is nothing in the amended complaint about damage besides wear and tear, full stop. Warren Hutchison, an attorney with Freeman Mathis and Gary representing Steere Engineering, warned of the consequences for future contract disputes if the state can claim negligence against its contractors without proving specific physical damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we oppose the economic loss doctrine in this case, will the plaintiff ever have a remedy? Hutchison asked. Stephen Provazza, assistant state attorney general, countered that the weight and volume of traffic now concentrated along the eastbound bridge necessitating more frequent repairs and intensive monitoring met the legal standard to justify negligence. The natural consequence of negligence isnt automatically the bridge being closed, Provazza said. This was a sudden disaster, not something you expect when youre sitting down to negotiate a contract. Attorneys for other companies named in the lawsuit attended the hearing, though they have not argued for the case to be thrown out. Rep. Brian Newberry, a North Smithfield Republican and an attorney who represents Vanasse Hanglin Brustlin in the lawsuit, said in an interview after the hearing that if Stern sided with the contractors, he would piggyback on their motion on behalf of his client. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stern offered little indication of how he will decide, interjecting periodically to ask for clarification from the attorneys who spoke. If he rejects the contractors arguments for a second time, the lawsuit will proceed down the long and winding road to trial, with a tentative schedule proposing a six-to-eight-week trial starting in November 2027 one year before the expected completion date of the new, westbound Washington Bridge. One thing the court is wrestling with: At what point should the court deal with this, versus letting it develop a record and maybe it will deal with itself, Stern said. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment on Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday inaugurated the Saraighat Lake Park in Amingaon, aiming to preserve the scenic wetland as a hub for tourism. After the inauguration of Saraighat Lake Park in Amingaon, CM Biswa Sarma told reporters, "We thought that we would preserve the wetland and create a certain structure so that it can also attract tourism. Today, we have inaugurated a new area in Amingaon surrounding Saraighat Lake. It is coming out very beautifully, and it is looking grand. A lot of tourists have already started visiting the place. I am happy about the development. I am sure that the beauty of this lake will be further enhanced in the days to come by Assam Tourism Development Corporation..." Meanwhile, The Seven Sisters Development Assistance (SESTA) in collaboration with Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam's Morigaon district, on Monday organised an awareness programme regarding an initiative of massive plantation drive in Mayong area as a measure to mitigate climate change and also to provide economic benefits to the farmers, Eco Development Committee (EDC) members and interested plant growers of the area. The NGO SESTA along with Forest staff of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary led by Range Officer Pranjal Baruah surveyed and planned to plant 53 bighas of common and individual land with the assistance of funds provided by the associate companies with native and hybrid high yielding plant species which mainly include fruits, Sericulture and timber species like Mahogany, Mango, Red Sander, Guava, Som and Keseru. "More than 30 interested farmers and social activists joined the awareness meeting today at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, where they were briefed about the aim, importance and direct benefits of the project. A demonstration regarding the scientific planting of trees was also given to the beneficiaries, where the organic practices have been promoted. The beneficiaries will receive varieties of valuable plant seedlings, sufficient organic manure, bio-fungicides, tree guards, and technical assistance from the NGO," Pranjal Baruah, Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, said. He further said that the forest department will assist in the Registration process of the crop and also provide necessary technical assistance to the beneficiaries for this initiative. (ANI) Originally appeared on E! Online Bryan Kohberger may have been inside his victims home before the night of their murders. During the course of their investigation into the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, Idaho officials came to believe that Kohberger was certainly stalking the neighborhood where the victims lived. Indeed, lead prosecutor Bill Thompson said on the July 30 episode of the 48 Hours podcast that, according to cell phone experts in the case, the criminology student had visited the area 20 plus times at night and in early morning hours when there would be no legitimate reason for him to be there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Thompson described it, We certainly believe that those trips involved Mr. Kohberger looking and surveilling or stalking. Additionally, the prosecutor said that Kohbergerwho confessed, as part of a plea deal, to fatally stabbing the victims and was sentenced to life in prison on July 23may have entered the residence prior to Nov. 13, 2022. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's possible, Thompson continued. The investigators never uncovered any evidence that would definitively prove that. But I think that's a legitimate point. As for why he believed Kohberger had visited the scene beforehand? The layout of the house is unique, Thompson explained. It's a little bit confusing. And thats not the only preparation the prosecutor alleged Kohberger may have done before committing his crimes. Thompson also referenced information given to police that described how, in the weeks leading up to the murders, Gonclaves dog Murphy started running away from home and disappearing into the woods. KYLE GREEN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock In interviews with authorities, some friends described hearing noises similar to someone "moving through the woods on foot, leading Thompson to believe that Kohberger may have been secretly befriending the dog so that he could enter their home without any barking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We're aware of those incidents where the roommates at the house would sense perhaps that somebody was up on the bank behind the house when the dog went out, Thompson shared, or that somebody was being followed. Despite questions remaining unanswered in the case, though, the prosecutor is confident in the outcome. I don't have any question about whether we have convicted the killer, Thompson concluded. Our feeling is that we have accomplished a lot to have him not leave prison until he's deadwith no appeals. So, we have that finality for the families and for our community. Keep reading for more on the Idaho murders case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 DELRAY BEACH Rob Long, a local elected official and longtime political ally of the late state Rep. Joe Casello, entered the race July 23 to succeed him in the Florida House, setting up what could be an uncontested special election in one of the state's most reliably Democratic districts. Long, who serves as vice mayor in Delray Beach, pointed to his record on the Delray Beach City Commission as a foundation for his bid to represent the district in Tallahassee. He highlighted work on public safety contracts, infrastructure projects and efforts to shield redevelopment funding from legislative threats. "I've fought to protect our firefighters when political attacks threatened them, and Ive worked to ensure our police officers have fair contracts that keep them here," Long said. "I've delivered major infrastructure projects, like a modern water treatment facility, and secured millions through environmental litigation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a member of the Community Redevelopment Agency board, he said he pushed back against state-level efforts to weaken the agency, which he sees as essential to supporting affordable housing and local economic growth. Access The Palm Beach Post on the go with the app: Our app offers a personalized experience to your liking. Download our app to personalize your news alerts, swipe and scroll through stories faster, and bookmark them to save and read later. "I've also seen the importance of local governance on local issues, and I will fight back against efforts to preempt city policy and undermine home rule," Long said. When is the election to fill the Florida 90th House district seat? Rob Long The race to represent Florida's 90th House district which spans parts of Delray Beach and Boynton Beach is all but certain to remain in Democratic hands. The district is the most solidly Democratic in Palm Beach County, and so far, Long is the only candidate to file for the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He enters the race with backing of every Democratic lawmaker in the county, along with endorsements from the Service Employees International Union, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council and the countys Fraternal Order of Police. Long had already filed paperwork in February to run in 2026, when Casello would have reached his term limit. His official entry into the special election came just a day after Gov. Ron DeSantis scheduled the contests: a primary, if needed, on Sept. 30, and a general election on Dec. 9. Rep. Joe Casello Because of the timing, the district will go without representation during early committee meetings for the 2026 legislative session. But it would have a seated representative by the time the full session begins next year. "While starting after the committee weeks is not ideal, I will be in Tallahassee during that period to follow the process, meet with colleagues, and prepare legislation so I'm ready to work on day one," Long said. "I already have established relationships in the Capitol, including the full support of the Palm Beach County Legislative Democratic Delegation, and Im confident Ill be able to represent District 90 effectively from the start." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long's candidacy also triggers Florida's resign-to-run law, which requires him to step down from his commission seat. His resignation will become effective Dec. 8, the day before the special election. Under the city charter, the commission is responsible for appointing a replacement to serve out the remainder of Long's term. If they cannot reach consensus after two regular meetings, a special election must be held to fill the seat. Rob Long's resume: An engineer, environmentalist and politician An engineer by training, Long said his professional background has shaped his approach to public service, combining technical problem-solving with a focus on practical outcomes. Before joining the commission, he served on the Palm Beach County Soil and Water Conservation District, and has since led efforts on infrastructure, environmental protection and public safety in Delray Beach. "Ive spent significant time in Tallahassee, building relationships and learning the legislative process, so I can be effective from day one," he said. "My years on the commission have honed my ability to lead, build consensus and get things done, even on contentious issues." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If elected, Long said his top priorities would include public safety, affordability and environmental protection areas he said have shaped both his local record and his legislative outlook. He pointed to stalled contract negotiations and partisan tensions that have affected morale among first responders, saying he would fight for fair compensation and better resources for police and fire departments. On affordability, he cited rising housing costs and Floridas property insurance crisis as pressing concerns, and said he would support efforts to crack down on industry abuses while expanding access to affordable housing. Environmental issues would also be central to his agenda. In Delray Beach, he helped lead a class-action lawsuit over PFAS contamination polyfluoroalkyl substances are considered "forever chemicals" and oversaw planning for a new water treatment facility to replace the city's aging infrastructure. DELRAY NEWS: Magistrate sides with police union on pensions, but supports city on wages Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DELRAY NEWS: Studios and spas bringing wellness and more foot traffic to downtown DELRAY NEWS: From fashion to fine art, a wave of new storefronts reshapes downtown "Clean water is a basic right," he said, "and Ill continue to champion policies that protect Floridas natural resources." Long was elected to the commission in 2023 after unseating incumbent Juli Casale. The two now serve alongside each other, following her return to the commission in a different seat earlier this year. As he looks ahead to the state House, Long said he hopes to honor Casello, who died July 18 after suffering a severe heart attack, by continuing his advocacy for first responders including expanding heart health screenings and reintroducing legislation the two had worked on to reduce firefighters' exposure to toxic chemicals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jasmine Fernandez is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delrays Rob Long enters race for Florida House District 90 seat In our Reality Check stories, Idaho Statesman journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? Tips@idahostatesman.com. A popular Boise artist has explained the use of a Nazi propaganda poster as the blueprint for a 20-year-old piece he created celebrating the citys Basque community after the image became the subject of discussion and criticism online during Jaialdi, a Boise Basque celebration. Ward Hooper, an artist known for his vintage-style posters of Boise neighborhoods and landmarks, told the Idaho Statesman he received two very nasty emails over the weekend about a 2004 design featuring a man carrying the Basque flag and wearing a traditional vest and red gerriko, or belt. One hand is on the mans waist, his dark hair is combed back and his gaze is fixed to the side, a smile on his face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an exact match for a well-known Hitler Youth poster, in which the inverted image shows a man with blond hair and a brown Nazi uniform, holding a red flag emblazoned with a swastika. The image was meant to take a negative image and throw it back at, and flip the negative connotation by promoting a positive image of the Basque community, Hooper told the Statesman. Reddit user 6DeadlyFetishes layered a Basque Block poster created by Boise artist Ward Hooper with a Hitler Youth propaganda poster to confirm similarities between the two. Hooper said the propaganda poster was the blueprint for his design, which was meant to subvert the Nazi message and celebrate the survival of the Basque people, who were targets of fascism. He noted that the Nazis notoriously bombed the Basque city of Guernica in Spain, killing civilians amid the Spanish Civil War. My intention was to give a middle finger to the Nazi and fascist groups that committed such heinous atrocities, Hooper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The internet didnt see it that way. A user shared the image on the Boise subreddit Saturday after coming across it at Expo Idaho during Jaialdi, a multi-day Basque celebration that happens every five years in Boise. The Statesman has reached out to Jaialdi organizers for comment. The Reddit user noted the similarities between the posters, and other users soon agreed. Some speculated Hooper may have used AI to create the image. Others suggested the overlap was a coincidence, and some said it was malicious. Another Reddit user created a new post Sunday with Hoopers design and the propaganda poster layered together, showing how closely the pieces match. In the dozens of comments on that post, one user added some clarity: an emailed response from Hooper explaining that the 21-year-old artwork was reclaiming what was previously used in a dark way. Since then, feedback became more positive. Hooper said the people who emailed him and one person who tried to purchase a print of the design before he took it down from his website have been understanding after he explained the original intent of the artwork. He made sure to note that the piece wasnt affiliated with Jaialdi, the city of Boise or the Basque Block. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The artist said its the first time hes faced backlash over the design despite being open about its inspiration when he first created it. Hooper said he wont be putting the print back up for sale. Im not just throwing it out there that Im sorry (for offending people), he said. Im genuinely sorry about it. The Lime Kiln community solar project in Howard County, pictured after a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 8, 2025. The 3.2 megawatt project was developed by Chaberton Energy, which has said that the state's new solar law is likely to ease solar development. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) For some Maryland farmers and rural landowners, the mailers seem to come in habitually, promising thousands of dollars per acre to lease their land so it can become a solar array. Lease for Solar, Harvest Profits, one company writes. You can help power the future of our country, writes another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters offer $4,500 per acre, $5,000 or even $7,000, sometimes with lucrative sign-on bonuses, too. Some farmers worry its a pressure that Marylands agricultural communities cannot withstand. They fear that thousands of acres of Maryland farmland could soon be producing solar energy, rather than corn, wheat and soybeans potentially disrupting a delicate agro-economy in places like the Eastern Shore, where its built around feeding the poultry industry. And they think that the law passed by the General Assembly this year setting uniform standards for solar facilities and limiting counties ability to set solar zoning rules will only make matters worse. I got three, four solar invitations yesterday in the mail. Ive had telephone calls. Ive had different companies come see me, said Howard Dean, a Queen Annes County farmer, during an interview in late May. Im not interested. I want the farmland to stay as it is, and for our families in the future to have this beautiful county and this Eastern Shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, they worry about a provision in the bill, which sets a ceiling on solar projects at 5% of any one countys agricultural priority preservation areas. But some farmers worry the limit is set far too high. If you ask the solar industry, farmers fears are unfounded. Were not taking over as an industry all the farmland, said John Finnerty, the director of business development for Standard Solar, a Rockville-based solar energy company. They believe the Maryland bill could ease solar project development in Maryland, in part by undoing restrictive county codes. But plenty of roadblocks still remain. For one thing, theyre watching federal tax incentives for solar projects disappear, thanks to congressional approval of President Donald Trumps (R) big, beautiful bill. Advertisements sent to Maryland farmers urging them to lease their land for solar development. (Courtesy of Jay Falstad) And there are still the logistical challenges: Finding an optimal site with a willing landowner, and if needed hooking up to an electric grid clogged with proposals for new power generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is already natural, technical and practical limitations to where solar can be sited, and those limitations still exist, said Leah Meredith, director of state affairs in the Mid-Atlantic region for the Solar Energy Industries Association. But in terms of the speed at which projects can be designed, approved and deployed and cutting inefficiencies and costs thats the value of the legislation. The law, named the Renewable Energy Certainty Act, passed Marylands legislature as part of a three-bill energy package championed by Democratic leadership, focused on bolstering in-state power generation amid soaring utility bills across the state. It advanced largely without the backing of Republican legislators, who took to the floor one after another with concerns about how the bill would impact agricultural lands. Democrats fought back, arguing that all property owners have a right to decide what to do with their land including by welcoming solar. The issue has united residents of rural areas across the state, who mounted an ill-fated attempt to bring the bill to referendum after it was signed by Gov. Wes Moore (D) from the Eastern Shore to Montgomery County, which is Marylands most populous county, but also hosts plenty of farmland of its own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caroline Taylor, executive director of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, said the issue has prompted farmers sometimes at odds with one another to unite. Eastern Shore farmers are ditching the notion that Montgomery County agriculture is merely a hobby, Taylor said, and Montgomery farmers are acknowledging that voices from well-connected, well-populated, Montgomery County are often heard first. For us to be able to come together and understand each other and understand the commonalities and the challenges that are somewhat the same and for us to acknowledge that theyve been more in the crosshairs than we have been to date, I think has been important, Taylor said. A zoning puzzle Before RECA, developing solar in Maryland felt like something of a minefield, said John Miller, vice president of development at Chaberton Energy, a solar developer also headquartered in Rockville. Maryland may have 24 jurisdictions , but the list of counties where large-scale projects are likely to succeed dwindles to fewer than 10, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To start with, utility-scale solar projects are already less common in Maryland, difficult as they are to execute without massive swaths of available land, Miller said. So the favored option for developers like Chaberton is community solar, smaller scale projects under 5 megawatts with a network of local subscribers, who receive credits on their energy bills. The General Assembly made community solar a permanent option in Maryland in 2023, after seven years as a pilot program, during which time 139 projects were greenlit. But community solar can only be developed in communities served by Baltimore Gas & Electric, Pepco, Potomac Edison or Delmarva Power, cutting out the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, for instance. Then came the patchwork of local zoning regulations, some of which functioned as de facto prohibitions, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anne Arundel, for instance, set a limit requiring rural solar projects to be 10 miles apart, shrinking the available land. Queen Annes County created a district for utility-scale solar within a few miles of an existing power transmission line. Montgomery County fenced off certain prime soil types. And the list goes on from there. By Millers count, about seven friendly counties are left over. Meanwhile, Maryland has a climate pollution reduction goal of generating 14.5% of its energy from solar, whether in-state or out of state. We have to fit our entire state goal in these seven counties, and thats where the equitable distribution comes into play, Miller said. Now, youre asking only a small number of counties to carry the entire burden for the entire State. He hopes the new law will open the playing field, forcing the restrictive counties to adopt the states new rules for solar farms, which set requirements for fencing, forested buffers and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One standard is much easier to navigate than 24 different standards, said Meredith, of SEIA, the trade association representing about 1,200 member companies. Dominic Butchko, director of intergovernmental relations at the Maryland Association of Counties, said he starts the story in 2019. Thats when a precedent-setting Washington County court ruling said the Maryland Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities and power plant projects in the state, has the authority to pre-empt county zoning rules for any power project in its purview essentially any project over 2 megawatts, including solar. Solar industry officials from Chaberton and Pivot Energy cut the ribbon on the Lime Kiln community solar array with Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, right, on July 8. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters) The court ruling granted the PSC broad authority, Butchko said. But the PSC seemed to be wielding it on a case-by-case basis, he said. It created something of a gray area. Now, they all have the same rulebook to follow. Theres some heartburn about the General Assembly undoing the work of local governments, Butchko said, but the counties are hurriedly updating their codes to match the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MACo was initially opposed to the RECA, but reached a compromise with legislators, including the 5% cap. Where before, solar developers might seek to bring projects to the PSC, by making them more sizable, now they may prefer to keep projects below the PSCs threshold and take it up with local government, with the promise of a potentially shorter review, and a uniform set of standards from place to place, Miller said. The state process is great, right? But its the state, and its long and its arduous and its expensive, Miller said. If we can go to the county and have a reasonable, understandable framework in front of us, we are more incentivized to keep the projects going through the county. There may still be battles yet to come, however, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im hearing about counties adding some more on to it, like incorporating it into their ordinance, but taking the RECA standards and saying: And you also have to do this, Miller said. So, I think theres going to be a little bit of growing pain, but ultimately, Im seeing more and more counties starting to integrate the policies. Butchko said there is a high likelihood of a fix-it bill moving through the General Assembly next year to tinker with RECA. MACo, for its part, would like to see the language on priority preservation areas change, letting the handful of counties that didnt previously have such areas designate acreage and be included in the solar cap. But legislators resisted similar amendments during this past session. I would be shocked if were not back in 2026 with something very small, Butchko said. We dont want to rehash stuff. This was a good faith effort by everybody. It means more to us One by one, the farmers trickled into the cafeteria at the Queen Annes County 4-H Park on a rainy May afternoon. They came nine in all solely because they heard a journalist wanted to talk about solar. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Bobby Hutchison, who grows corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and vegetables on his farms in Talbot and Caroline counties, said hes driven by his reverence for the land. My grandfather, my father, four brothers, myself, and son and nephew. Weve got a lot invested in that land. It means more to us than what a normal person would think, he said. The thought of beloved farmland becoming rows upon rows of metal panels tilted skyward, marring the largely rural landscape of the Eastern Shore, is more than just unsettling, the farmers said. Why not rooftops? Or parking lots? But solar developers are looking for something more: Miles of flat land with minimal flood risk, where hooking into the power grid is possible. Theyre missing the bigger picture, farmers argue. A significant chunk of the grains grown on the Eastern Shore head to the poultry houses to feed chickens for Perdue, Mountaire and the like. If farm fields are taken out of production, and these companies arent able to obtain as much chicken feed locally, they could head elsewhere. It would be a sea change if poultry ever left the Eastern Shore, said Jamie Raley, president of the Maryland Farm Bureau. He worries that a loss of available agricultural acreage to solar development could also make it more difficult for young farmers to enter the industry, stymieing its growth further. We respect peoples private property rights let them do what they want to do. But we still continue to communicate and remind folks that we have to preserve our farms for the next generation, Raley said. Mark Sultenfuss, who farms just outside of Centreville, acknowledges a poultry industry departure may still be years away. Thats probably not going to happen in five years, but its going to happen to the next generation, said Sultenfuss, whose daughter traveled to Annapolis this year to be a legislative page. I dont want the next generation saying: Why didnt they do more? Why did they leave the gate open for this to happen? Farmers also doubt claims from the solar industry that land could return to farming after spending decades as a solar farm. Some said theyve seen solar companies remove natural topsoil, with its unique balance of nutrients and microorganisms, to install their panels, and leave it in a pile elsewhere on the land. Mark Sultenfuss, who farms in the Centreville area, discusses his concerns about solar energy on Maryland farmland, as daughter Sophie looks on. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) No matter which way you want to believe it happened, it happened either [by] a glacier or God, and thats the way it was laid out. And when you improperly move topsoils, you can never put them back the way they were, said Matthew Jones, a Caroline County grain farmer. Finnerty of Standard Solar said that removing topsoil is no longer a common practice in the industry. There may have been some projects within the industry that had done that, and it didnt really prove out to be a good thing, Finnerty said. The solar debacle has left farmers feeling scorned by Annapolis. Were very tired of the government in the state our delegates, senators, whoever a majority of them will not listen to the public the way they should, and they just take it on their own self to vote how they think, Dean said. Jay Falstad, a founder of Farmers Alliance for Rural Maryland, or FARM, led an unsuccessful petition drive to bring RECA to the ballot, after Moore signed it into law during his last signing session of the year. He said he was inspired by the determination of farmers, who met up with him at locations around the Eastern Shore during his roughly ten-day sprint to collect as many signatures as possible. Ive sat around their kitchen table. Ive heard their stories, Falstad said. Theyre not doing it for the money. Theyre doing it for the love of what agriculture represents. And it would be nice for our policymakers to also sit around those kitchen tables. Though a vocal opposition movement has developed, there are still rural landowners who are choosing solar. Craig Crawmer and his wife, Jo-Ann Middleton whose farmland in Howard Countys Fulton became the Lime Kiln Community Solar Project had a plot of land that they were leasing to a farmer, who was growing hay. People kept asking us to develop. And to do so, there would be about 11 properties in there, Crawmer said. We decided: Lets look at other alternatives. Thats when Crawmer received a flyer in the mail, urging him to consider solar panels. Maybe, he thought, this could be the best of both worlds, allowing the couple to bring in more income, but protecting the surrounding area from the pressures of adding more residences. Its a lot more profitable, he said. We were probably breaking even before, and were substantially making a lot more revenue now. In early July, Crawmer watched as officials from Chaberton Energy cut the ribbon on the project, officially electrifying 13 acres worth of solar panels on his land, bordered by a tract of woods on one side and a newly planted buffer of young pine trees on the other. We know for at least the next 20 years, this is what were going to have, Crawmer said. And it benefits everyone, really. India wants to keep buying oil from Russia, and President Donald Trump isnt happy. In a recent post on Truth Social, the U.S. president accused the South Asian country of funding the Russia-Ukraine war. India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits, Trump said. More than 85% of Indias crude oil comes from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. He announced he will substantially raise the tariffs on India. In response to Trumps latest remarks, Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal accused the U.S. and Europe of targeting India and called the tariffs, as well as the penalty, unjustified and unreasonable. The trade war with India escalates Jaiswal argued that India only began importing oil from Russia after traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict before noting the U.S. appreciated this move at the time as it kept the global energy markets stable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaiswal also pointed to the double standards, saying the U.S. continues importing uranium and hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals from Russia. He did not indicate any plans for India to stop buying Russian oil, despite Trumps latest threats. This South Asian country caught Trumps ire last week during his meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, when Trump warned countries that, if they dont reach a trade deal ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline set by his administration, they will face 15% to 20% tariff rates. The European Union, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, the U.K., and even Pakistan had fallen in line and struck a deal. Trump issued a warning to impose 25% tariffs, plus an unspecified penalty for Indias decision to continue trading with Russia, including buying arms from the U.S. adversary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the post on Wednesday, he said that because India has the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers compared to other countries, in addition to high import taxes on foreign goods, the U.S. does relatively little business with them. He also noted the U.S. has a $45.7 billion trade deficit with India, setting aside his longtime friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Will India stop buying Russian oil? On Friday, Trump told reporters he heard India is changing course and will no longer buy from Russia. But, as CNBC reported, Indian officials refrained from confirming the fact. Jaiswal defended his countrys trade decisions, saying its based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and depending on the global situation at that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Modi addressed the escalating trade war and the need to remain vigilant in a public address over the weekend, but he kept his reaction measured to avoid further upsetting his American counterpart. India is set to become the worlds third-largest economy, he said, according to an Indian national news outlet. Therefore, India must remain vigilant about its economic interests. Our farmers, our small industries, employment for our youth their welfare is our top priority. The government is making every effort in this direction, Modi said before noting the need to prioritize bolstering domestic production. While India navigated tricky waters, Stephen Miller, a vocal Trump aide, called it unacceptable for India to continue financing Russias war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. Thats an astonishing fact, Miller said on Fox News Sunday. According to Reuters, an American delegation will visit New Delhi later in August. While Trump targets a wide range of countries through import taxes, the administration hasnt finalized any deal with China, with the deadline extended to Aug. 12. Eight years ago, Don Lemon was hosting a 10 p.m. show on CNN that each night forthrightly described the antidemocratic tendencies of President Trump. Guests such as onetime Watergate reporter Carl Bernstein and former Nixon aide John Dean explained in detail how unprecedented (or Nixon-like) Trumps actions were. Lemon himself at times delivered long diatribes castigating Trump for his racist rhetoric and demonization of journalists. Eight years later, another talented journalist (Abby Phillip) helms the 10 p.m. hour on CNN. But the program now nearly always includes some pro-Trump guests mouthing the presidents talking points and downplaying his radicalism. In many ways, the star of News Night With Abby Phillip is conservative pundit Scott Jennings, a regular on the show whose back-and-forths with liberal guests often go viral. CNNs 10 p.m programming is a microcosm of a broader, monumental shift in America over the last eight years: Key institutions are accommodating and adapting to Trump, rather than challenging him. Trump is more aggressive than eight years ago, but his authoritarian tendencies were fully on display then too. The Democratic Party today, as in 2017, vacillates between aggressively confronting Trump and trying to appeal to pro-Trump swing voters. There is a strong grassroots anti-Trump movement led by groups such as Indivisible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But whats so different is how universities, businesses, news organizations, and other core parts of civil society are behaving now. Corporate executives who once forcefully criticized the president say little these days. Universities are reshaping their campuses to comply with Trumps vision of higher education. Mainstream news organizations often go out of their way to legitimize policies that are authoritarian, ill-conceived, or both. It was always going to be hard to restrain a second-term authoritarian president with an army of aides who had learned from the mistakes they made in Trumps first term. And its even harder with the courts and Congress controlled by Trump-aligned Republicans. But what I have been shocked by over the last six and half months is how willing powerful American institutions are to agree with Trumpand how unwilling they are to collaborate with one another to stop him. The institutions did not hold, as political organizer Mariame Kaba wrote recently. The big question is why, particularly when they did hold in many ways from 2017 to 2020. I have three explanations. First and most obviously, the institutions have whimpered because Trump and his team are stronger and more determined than before. Once it became clear that the administration, unlike in Trumps first term, was willing to pull federal funding from any entity that didnt comply with his edicts, some capitulation was inevitable. Universities, even prestigious ones with large endowments, are very dependent on federal dollars. Many law firms are reliant on both government business and security clearances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wish these institutions had coordinated before January 20 and collectively planned for Trump having an extremely expansive (and arguably unconstitutional) view of presidential power. They were warned. But its fairly clear they didnt have a strategy. So when Brown University recently announced a deal with the administration to adopt a number of Trump-backed policies on campus, that was a logical move by the school, which likely will now have hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding restored. (Logical but perhaps still not wise. I doubt the administration will fully honor these agreements.) Unlike from 2017 to 2020, Trumps bites these days are sharper than his barks. But I dont think institutions are just accommodating Trump at gunpoint. A second explanation for why many key institutions have become more pro-Trump is that those institutions themselves have radically changed over the last eight years. The most obvious example of an institution moving in a pro-Trump direction is Twitter, which is now called X and is intentionally trying to uplift conservative voices and suppress liberal ones, after once being a haven for progressive causes such as Black Lives Matter. Other institutions have moved right in more subtle ways since Trumps first term. The 2022 merger of Discovery with Warner Bros put CNN under the direction of David Zaslav, who ran the merged megacompany. (Warner Bros and Discovery have recently split up.) Under Zaslavs leadership, CNN took a number of steps to shed its liberal reputation, including firing Lemon in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, CBSs parent company, Paramount, has been finalizing a merger with Skydance. So while CBS has not changed its name, its in many ways a different institution. The 2017 version of the network allowed Stephen Colbert to constantly blast Trump; CBS in 2025 canceled his show, arguing it was too expensive. (You could argue that the Colbert move fits in the self-interest category too, since the administration had to approve the merger and was more likely to do so after the companies silenced a prominent Trump critic.) But there is a third explanation at the heart of many of the institutional accommodations with Trump, and this is the one that doesnt get discussed as much: The institutions agree with him more than before. Trumps early years as president resulted in a reenergized American left. The period of 20172025 was marked by increased labor organizing and anti-management energy, including at Big Tech companies where employees previously hadnt been that mobilized; it was marked by the George Floyd protests and a resulting expansion of diversity and equity initiatives and anti-racism push throughout American life; a backlash against big companies and a renewed antitrust movement; intense pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests on campuses and in big cities; and growing acceptance of transgender Americans. Many leaders of major companies, news organizations, colleges, and other major American institutions dont self-identify as Democratsand certainly arent progressives. They disagreed with these emerging progressive movements and sentiments, which often cast traditional institutions and their leaders as insufficiently concerned about racism, sexism, and economic inequality. Many institutional leaders positions on Israel, DEI, wealth taxes, and other issues are closer to Trumps than to the left wing of the Democratic Party. So when Trump wants to crack down on anti-Israel protests and minority-focused initiatives on campuses, I suspect many university officials, particularly the business executives on many schools boards, are happy with the new conservative policies and thrilled they can be blamed on having to respond to Trump instead of any desire for such changes on the part of the schools themselves. Tech executives, who steered their companies away from moderation policies that cracked down on false political content spread largely by conservatives and then appeared at Trumps inauguration, are likely excited that President Bidens Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan is no longer in power, even if that only happened because a wannabe dictator was elected president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you put these three explanations together (self-interest, institutional change, institutional agreement with Trump), you can see how so many major U.S. organizations have dropped their resistance posture in Trump 2.0. Take The Washington Post, for example. (I was one of the columnists who left the Post after owner Jeff Bezos demanded the Opinion section largely focus on personal liberties and free markets and installed a conservative to run the department.) Making the Post less anti-Trump may keep the administration from enacting policies that negatively affect Amazon, Blue Origin, and Bezoss other businesses. So thats self-interest. At the same time, Bezos was very critical of the Biden administrations economic policies and is reportedly a devoted reader of Bari Weisss The Free Press. So it seems likely he agrees with some or maybe many of Trumps policiesself-interest aside. And the Post has in some ways changed its management structure. The paper has gone from an owner who almost never intervened in journalism decisions to one who blocked an endorsement of Kamala Harris and then revamped the Opinion section in a pro-Trump direction. Bezos owned the Post in 2017 and does now, but his leadership approach has shifted so much its as if the paper was sold from a liberal billionaire to a conservative one. There is still a lot of strong journalism in the Posts news section that is fact-based and therefore portrays Trump negatively. But the paper is less anti-Trump than from 2017 to 2020, with its opinion pages no longer including Dana Milbank, Eugene Robinson, Jennifer Rubin, and many other eloquent critics of the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What do pro-democracy forces do when key institutions accede to an authoritarian leader? That will be a subject of many of my future columns. But part of the puzzle will be creating and fostering alternative institutions. My hope is that readers worried about rising authoritarianism in America invest in publications that are unabashedly anti-Trump, such as many of the Substacks run by individual writers, The American Prospect, The Nation, and yes, The New Republic. Donors who want to support universities should consider giving money to Wesleyan University, whose president, Michael Roth, has been a singular voice calling out the administrations attacks on higher education and urging a collective response. I urge people to start posting on Bluesky, even if they remain on Twitter too. Our current institutions are failing us. And that should cause concern. But not hopelessness. Trump and the Republicans were defeated before. They can be defeated again. Our sides path to victory must involve different strategies, though, because sadly so many of our elites and key institutions have chosen folding over fighting. Listen to Steve read this article Has the relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin gone off the rails? A popular Russian newspaper thinks so. It turned to trains to illustrate the current state of US-Russian ties. "A head-on collision seems unavoidable," declared tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets recently. "The Trump locomotive and the Putin locomotive are speeding towards each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And neither is about to turn off or stop and reverse." For the 'Putin locomotive', it's full steam ahead, with the so-called 'Special Military Operation': Russia's war in Ukraine. The Kremlin leader has shown no desire to end hostilities and declare a long-term ceasefire. Donald Trump has stepped up pressure on Moscow, issuing ultimatums, threatening new sanctions, and targeting Russia's trade partners like India and China [WILL OLIVER/EPA/Shutterstock] Meanwhile, the 'Trump locomotive' has been accelerating efforts to pressure Moscow into ending the fighting: announcing deadlines, ultimatums, threats of additional sanctions against Russia and hefty tariffs on Russia's trading partners, like India and China. Add to all of that the two US nuclear submarines which President Trump claims he's repositioned closer to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you switch from talking about locomotives to nuclear subs, you know things are serious. But does that mean the White House is really on a "collision course" with the Kremlin over Ukraine? Or is a visit to Moscow this week by Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, a sign that for all the posturing, a deal between Russia and America to end the fighting is still possible? A warm start following Trump's return In the early weeks of the second Trump presidency, Moscow and Washington appeared well on track to reboot their bilateral relations. No hint of a head-on collision. Far from it. At times it seemed as if Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump were in the same carriage, moving in the same direction. In February the United States sided with Russia at the United Nations, opposing a European-drafted resolution that had condemned Russia's "aggression" in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a telephone call that month the two presidents talked about visiting each other's countries. It felt like a Putin-Trump summit could happen any day. The U.S. backed Russia at the UN in February, voting against a European resolution that condemned Russia's aggression in Ukraine [PRESS SERVICE OF THE 24 MECHANIZED BRIGADE HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock] Meanwhile the Trump administration was exerting pressure on Kyiv, not on Moscow, and picking fights with traditional US allies, such as Canada and Denmark. In speeches and TV interviews, American officials were fiercely critical of Nato and of European leaders. All of this was music to the Kremlin's ears. "America now has more in common with Russia than Washington does with Brussels or with Kyiv," political scientist Konstantin Blokhin from the Russian Academy of Sciences Centre for Security Studies told the Izvestia newspaper in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following month the same newspaper was crowing: "The Trumpists are revolutionaries. They are wreckers of the system. They can only be supported in this. The unity of the West is no more. Geo-politically it is no longer an alliance. Trumpism has destroyed the Transatlantic consensus confidently and quickly." Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, has made four visits to Russia in just two months, holding hours of private talks with President Putin [Chris Kleponis - Pool via CNP/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock] Meanwhile Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, had become a regular visitor to Russia. He made four trips here in just over two months, spending hours in talks with Vladimir Putin. After one meeting, the Kremlin leader presented him with a portrait of Donald Trump to take back to the White House. President Trump was said to be "clearly touched" by the gesture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But President Trump was looking for more than just a painting from Moscow. He wanted President Putin to sign up to an unconditional comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump's increasing frustration Confident that Russia holds the initiative now on the battlefield, Vladimir Putin has been reluctant to stop fighting, despite his claim that Moscow is committed to a diplomatic solution. Which is why Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the Kremlin. In recent weeks he has condemned Russia's relentless attacks on Ukrainian cities as "disgusting", "disgraceful" and accused President Putin of talking "a lot of bullshit" on Ukraine. The two men met and spoke at length in person in Helsinki in 2018 but relations are currently strained [REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque] Last month, Donald Trump announced a 50-day ultimatum to President Putin to end the war, threatening sanctions and tariffs. He subsequently reduced that to ten days. The deadline is due to expire at the end of this week. So far, there is no sign that Vladimir Putin will yield to pressure from Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then again, how much pressure does Vladimir Putin really feel under? "Because Donald Trump has changed so many deadlines and he's twisted one way or another, I don't think Putin takes him seriously," believes Nina Khrushcheva, a professor of international affairs at The New School, a university in New York City. Trump has publicly called Russia's strikes on Ukrainian cities "disgusting" and "disgraceful" [REUTERS/Jorge Silva] "Putin's going to fight for as long as he can, or, unless Ukraine says, 'We're tired, we are willing to accept your conditions.' "I think Putin sits there in the Kremlin and thinks that he's fulfilling the dreams of the Russian tsars, and then the general secretaries such as Joseph Stalin, in showing the West that Russia should not be treated with disrespect." A deal is still possible From the picture I've painted so far it may look as if a head-on collision between the Putin and Trump locomotives is inevitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not necessarily. Donald Trump sees himself as a great dealmaker and, from the look of things, he hasn't given up trying to secure one with Vladimir Putin. Steve Witkoff is due back in Russia this week for talks with the Kremlin leader. We don't know what kind of an offer he may bring with him. But some commentators in Moscow predict there will be more carrot than stick. It did not go unnoticed that on Sunday President Trump said Russia "seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions". Despite mounting pressure, Putin has not shifted on key demands, insisting on Ukrainian neutrality and strict limits on Ukraine's future military [REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci] On Monday, Ivan Loshkarev, associate professor of political theory at MGIMO University, Moscow, told Izvestia that to facilitate dialogue, Mr Witkoff may present "advantageous offers of cooperation [to Russia] that would open up after a deal on Ukraine". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Might that be enough to persuade the Kremlin to make peace after three-and-a-half years of war? There's no guarantee. After all, so far in Ukraine Vladimir Putin hasn't budged from his maximalist demands on territory, Ukraine's neutrality and the future size of the Ukrainian army. Donald Trump wants a deal. Vladimir Putin wants victory. More from InDepth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below. Welcome to 5 Things PM! Air quality has taken a serious hit across the US thanks to a one-two punch of wildfire smoke from the West and Canada. Alerts were in effect Tuesday for millions of people in 11 states. Heres what else you might have missed during your busy day. 5 things Andrew Dolph/Times-Reporter/USA Today Network/Imagn Images 1 Ticked off Americans are seeking emergency care for tick bites at the highest level since 2017, and reported cases of Lyme disease have continued to rise. Experts say the increases are driven by warmer temperatures and the expanding presence of these blood-suckers in places where people are less familiar with them. 2 Safer skies Earlier this year, Tim and Sheri Lilley lost their son Sam in the midair collision between a passenger plane and a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people the deadliest crash in the US in 24 years. Now theyre fighting for aviation safety in his honor. 3 Montana manhunt Authorities are struggling to find an Army veteran suspected of killing four people at a bar last week. Treacherous terrain and untamed wilderness have made the search difficult. A suspect was arrested in the killings of four relatives of an abandoned baby in Tennessee. 4 Radical roots The Trump administration presented a vision for the countrys future with a song and a video. Some were surprised that the Department of Homeland Security chose to embrace a socialist protest anthem. 5 The perfect solution Thanks to a little-known French property arrangement, you can find dream apartments for sale at bargain prices in Paris. The catch? Someone must die. Watch this Close encounter: A Texas mother has called for more attention to animal and visitor safety after an octopus at the San Antonio Aquarium latched onto her 6-year-old sons arm for several minutes. The aquarium said the creature displayed typical, curious behavior. Top headlines Check this out Minimal founder Arvin Wan. - Minimal Heres the scoop: More than 3,000 restaurants in the world have at least one Michelin star. Only one of them is dedicated solely to ice cream. Quiz time Andrej Sokolow/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Linda Yaccarino, the former CEO of the social media platform X, just landed a new job with which weight loss company? A. eMed B. Noom C. Jenny Craig D. WeightWatchers Scroll down for the answer. Thanks for reading Well see you tomorrow. Quiz answer: A. Yaccarino was named CEO of eMed, a telehealth company that dispenses GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic. Check out all of CNNs newsletters. Todays edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNNs Kimberly Richardson and Emily Scolnick. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) A Wichita Falls man, who was driving a car reportedly stolen out of South Carolina, was arrested and jailed after a late-night chase with county law enforcement. On Saturday, August 2, 2025, around 12:15 a.m., a deputy with the Wichita County Sheriffs Office learned of a stolen silver Mitsubishi Mirage with South Carolina license plates in the area of Airport Road and Central Freeway access road. While searching the area, the deputy said he saw a car matching the description turn onto Mansur Drive, speed up and head into the parking lot on the west side of the Super 8 motel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, he said the driver took off eastbound out of the parking lot, almost hitting two pedestrians. During a chase that led authorities to Loop 11, the deputy said the driver was all over the roadway, slowing down and speeding up. The deputy said the driver then slowed down enough to jump out of the car and take off running eastbound toward the rear of Kirby Junior High. A foot chase ensued and the driver was tased after the deputy said he refused to stop. Dispatch confirmed the vehicle was stolen out of Lancaster County, South Carolina. Timothy Carmona was charged with evading arrest, evading arrest with a vehicle, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to those charges, he also had two warrants for possession. Carmona is still in jail on bonds totaling $38,500. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) For the first time, Wichita Falls is on the United States Navys map for a major community celebration. Navy Week is coming next month, and with it comes dozens of sailors, senior leaders, and public events. People in Wichita Falls dont get to see the Navy every day. So, being able to have that in-person interaction with sailors, learning about their experience and getting to know who the sailors are is something that we value, John Hankemeier, Lead Planner of Wichita Falls Navy Week, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of a nationwide outreach effort, Wichita Falls Navy Week will bring 70-80 sailors to engage directly with the community through a week-long series of performances, educational events, and service projects. We really want to build a connection with the community. Build on the relationships we have in the community. Let the community know who their Navy is, who the sailors are that are from the community, the different types of occupations, and vocational skills that the Navy has. We have a lot of different STEM vocations in the Navy. That a lot of people arent aware of, Hankemeier said. From September 15-21, 2025, the U.S. Navy will be in town participating in school visits, public performances, and community events across the region. The Navy Band and its namesake ships will even make public appearances. Well be at the schools throughout the week, and veteran organizations and several other organizations within the community to have an impact on the community. Including the food bank, for instance, Hankemeier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wichita Falls is one of just 15 cities across the country selected to host Navy Week this year. It comes as the Navy prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. Marking two and a half centuries of service, innovation, and global security. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This recognition is based on Morning Consult's brand reputation data, powered by always-on survey research capturing the views of thousands of U.S. consumers every day. This reflects Autotrader's continued investment in transparency, innovation, and customer experience. ATLANTA, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Autotrader, a Cox Automotive brand, has been recognized as the Most Reputable Auto Retailer in the U.S., according to Morning Consult's Reputation Score data. This recognition is based on more than 80 million global survey interviews, capturing real-time brand reputation data across 5,000+ companies worldwide. Morning Consult's Intelligence is used by Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders to benchmark brand sentiment. The 2025 Most Trusted Brands report introduced Morning Consult's Reputation Score, helping companies understand how they are perceived on key components like trust in real time. Autotrader's inclusion underscores its role as a trusted destination for millions of car shoppers and dealers nationwide. Autotrader, a Cox Automotive brand, has been recognized as the Most Reputable Auto Retailer in the U.S., according to Morning Consults Reputation Score data. This recognition is based on more than 80 million global survey interviews, capturing real-time brand reputation data across 5,000+ companies worldwide. "Trust has always played a central role in the car buying journey, especially in a category where the investment is financially significant and the process is complex. Autotrader's ability to meet those needs at scale is what sets it apart," said Jessica Stafford, senior vice president of consumer solutions at Cox Automotive. "This recognition reflects our long-standing focus on transparency, innovation, and helping consumers, dealers and sellers connect with greater confidence." As expectations for trust and transparency continue to rise in automotive retail, third-party platforms like Autotrader have become a critical part of the car buying process. With features like verified dealer listings, upfront pricing tools, vehicle history reports, and user reviews, Autotrader helps shoppers make informed decisionsand helps dealers connect with more confident, higher-intent buyers. "The brands that rise to the top of our rankings are those that have built real equity with consumers over timethrough consistency, transparency, and meaningful customer experiences," said Jeff Cartwright, chief growth officer at Morning Consult. "Autotrader's ranking reflects the trust it has earned by helping car buyers feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their journey." The recognition adds to Autotrader's track record of leadership in automotive retail. As digital expectations evolve, the brand continues to invest in AI-driven tools, seamless online-to-offline experiences, and features that reduce friction and increase transparency across the shopping journey. About Autotrader Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com. About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, vAuto, Dealertrack, NextGear Capital, CentralDispatch and FleetNet America. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately owned, Atlanta-based company with $23 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn. About Morning Consult Morning Consult is a global decision intelligence company changing how modern leaders make smarter, faster, better decisions. The company pairs its proprietary high-frequency data with applied artificial intelligence to better inform decisions on what people think and how they will act. Learn more at https://pro.morningconsult.com/. SOURCE Autotrader The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday argued that Christian Michel James cannot be and should not be released without pleading guilty after framing of charges. British National James seeking release from custody on the ground that he has spent a period in custody equivalent to a maximum punishment of 7 years. He is on bail in both the CBI and ED's Money laundering case, but still in custody due to non-filing of the bail bond. He has to surrender his passport to the court, which has already expired. James was extradited to India on December 4, 2018 and was arrested by the CBI. Thereafter, he was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case. Special CBI Judge Sanjay Jindal heard the arguments on the application moved by Christian Michel James. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Senior Advocate D P Singh, along with Manu Mishra, argued that James shouldn't be granted release from jail just because he has undergone a period of 7 years in custody. It was further argued by the CBI's counsel that framing of charges has to take place. In case, even if charges under section 467 (Forgery) IPC are not framed against him, he cannot be released without pleading guilty. Section 476 IPC has maximum punishment upto life imprisonment. "Only then can my lords say that his sentence is now over. Otherwise, he has to approach a constitutional court," the CBI counsel submitted. On the other hand, advocate Aljo K Joseph, counsel for the accused, argued that he was entitled to be released under the provisions of Section 436A of the CrPC. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) NK Matta, who appeared for the ED, submitted that the condition of extradition doesn't apply to the case. Enforcement Directorate (ED) as he was arrested subsequently to the arrest by the CBI. SPP Matta also submitted that remission can be considered only after punishment. The seven years of punishment have not been completed in the ED's case. The court will continue to hear submissions on Tuesday also. (ANI) SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Happy Monday, Utah! Were kicking off the workweek with dry air and temperatures right around seasonal norms, if not a couple degrees above. Daytime highs will run in the mid 90s for most valleys, mid 80s to low 90s for higher terrain, and low to mid 100s for hot spots like St. George. Mostly clear skies are expected, but periods of smoke will make for poor air quality. Smoke is already present in the southern and central parts of the West Desert and eastern Utah, but smoke will move into northern Utah by the late afternoon and evening hours. There isnt much variation in weather conditions or temperatures over the next few days. Temperatures bump up a few degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the Wasatch Front close to the triple-digit range. Then by Friday we will cool down a bit, but it will still be toasty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dry air and breezy conditions are bad news for our wildfire threat. Most of the state is under a critical fire threat today and Red Flag Warnings are in effect but will expire at different times. The northern part of the state, including the Wasatch Range, Northwest Desert, and Cache Valley, will see the warning expire tonight at 9 pm. The East Uinta Basin, Book Cliffs, Color Country Mountains, and the Central Mountains where the Monroe Canyon Fire is burning, will hold onto theirs until Tuesday night. The rest of the alerts, including places like Grand Staircase, the Southwest & Central West Desert, San Rafael Swell, and the Mojave Desert will expire on Wednesday night. Southwest winds of 10-25 mph with gusts ranging from 30-40 mph are on deck. Relative humidity will fall as low as 4-12% in the impacted areas. We could see some of the alerts get extended as we get closer to their expiration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There isnt much relief from the dry weather in sight, but well keep you updated on the latest developments in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online we are Good4Utah! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The man who died when the roof of a Kansas City Family Dollar collapsed has been identified and his wife has filed a lawsuit against the corporation. The Kansas City Police Department said Larry D. Banks, 69, was killed in the collapse near West 37th Street and Broadway Boulevard. OSHA investigating deadly collapse at Family Dollar in Kansas City Banks wife on Monday filed a lawsuit against Family Dollar and the building owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit names Arthur Fels Company, Family Dollar Stores of Missouri, LLC and Family Dollar, Inc. The lawsuit claims the defendants knew that the roof was at risk of collapsing and the building was not structurally sound. According to the lawsuit, the corner of the roof was visibly sagging for at least two days prior to the deadly collapse. A store employee had also made complaints to the landlords about the roof for at least a week before it collapsed, the lawsuit states. City was warned building was tilting before Midtown collapse killed man Several other people were injured in the collapse. Last week, a separate lawsuit was filed against Family Dollar by a woman who was injured in the collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is ongoing; inspectors with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have joined 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) Williamson County and the Texas Department of Transportation broke ground on the State Highway 195 at Ronald Reagan Boulevard project in Georgetown on Monday, a press release from the county said. The project which aims to improve safety and mobility will construct a single ramp that connects westbound SH 195 to Ronald Reagan Blvd, the release said. It will provide a right-lane exit to allow drivers direct access to Ronald Reagan Blvd, rather than making a left turn across traffic to access Ronald Regan via Rattlesnake Road. Williamson County and TxDOT broke ground on the SH 195 at Ronald Reagan Boulevard project in Georgetown on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. The project will construct a single ramp connecting westbound SH 195 to Ronald Reagan Boulevard. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) Williamson County and TxDOT broke ground on the SH 195 at Ronald Reagan Boulevard project in Georgetown on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. The project will construct a single ramp connecting westbound SH 195 to Ronald Reagan Boulevard. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) Williamson County and TxDOT broke ground on the SH 195 at Ronald Reagan Boulevard project in Georgetown on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. The project will construct a single ramp connecting westbound SH 195 to Ronald Reagan Boulevard. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) Williamson County and TxDOT broke ground on the SH 195 at Ronald Reagan Boulevard project in Georgetown on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. The project will construct a single ramp connecting westbound SH 195 to Ronald Reagan Boulevard. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez) WGI is the project engineer and Joe Bland Construction is the contractor. According to the release, the project cost is estimated at $3.6 million and is funded by the voter-approved 2019 WilCo Road Bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey said in the release that this is the start of another great project for our road bond program. Covey added the project will address safety issues that our residents experience every day, especially folks living in Sun City and the many other developments coming to Ronald Reagan Boulevard. Providing direct access from SH 195 to Ronald Reagan will make it much safer for drivers who are currently crossing the roadway in front of fast-moving traffic, Covey said. The project is anticipated to be completed by summer 2026. Williamson County and the TxDOT will construct three additional ramps to connect SH 195 to Ronald Reagan, the release said. Construction on the remaining three ramps is currently anticipated to begin spring 2027. The release said funding for this portion of the project was through the voter-approved 2023 WilCo Road 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 KXAN Austin. On Sunday night, Donald Trump spoke briefly with reporters, one of whom asked the president about right-wing activist Laura Loomer and her influence in the White House. He didnt hesitate to respond. I know shes known as a radical right, but I think Laura Loomer is a very nice person, Trump replied. I think shes a patriot, and she gets excited because of the fact shes a patriot, and she doesnt like things going on that she thinks are bad for the country. I like her. His comments came roughly a month after the Republican also boasted to reporters that the conspiracy theorist is a very good patriot who makes recommendations he takes seriously. His affection for her is obvious. In fact, its been difficult to keep up with the number of officials across multiple agencies and federal departments whove either resigned or been fired as a result of Loomer whispering in the presidents ear. (A tally in The Daily Beast put the total number of officials at 16, which sounds about right.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But her access does not appear to be limited to the West Wing. CNN reported: Loomer said she recently spoke with [Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth], whom shes known for a decade, about her work finding disloyal employees within the Pentagon. Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the two spoke, telling CNN in a statement that Hegseth appreciates Laura Loomers outside advocacy. Note, Loomers claims about partnering with the beleaguered Pentagon chief to root out disloyal insiders havent been independently verified, but with Hegseths own spokesperson effectively confirming the claims on the record, theres every reason to believe that the activists boasts are true. Personnel is policy, and Laura has taken that motto to heart. At the Department of Defense, we will never stop working to deliver on the presidents America First agenda, Hegseths spokesperson added in a statement to CNN. For those who might need a refresher, Loomer is a right-wing activist, a radical conspiracy theorist and a failed Republican congressional candidate who has described herself as pro-white nationalism. She was also a close confidant to Trump during the 2024 campaign even joining the Republican for a Sept. 11 remembrance, despite the fact shes pushed false conspiracy theories about the terrorist attacks having been an inside job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a New York Times report summarized in April, Loomer is viewed as extreme by even some of Mr. Trumps far-right allies. Why was there so much focus on Trumps partnership with Loomer during the campaign? Because of fears shed have outsized influence in the White House, despite or more to the point, because of her radical and fringe views. Those concerns were, we now know, entirely correct. Media Matters Matthew Gertz put it this way in an item published to Bluesky: If you had said in October that if Trump were elected hed end up purging the NSC at the behest of Laura Loomer and ordering Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to fire the director of the NSA, youd have been accused of having a terminal case of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, here we are, not only watching Loomer steer Trump, oust officials, get one-on-one meetings with Vice President JD Vance, but also lend Hegseth a hand at the Pentagon. If theres a compelling defense for giving an unelected, right-wing influencer this much power, I cant think of it. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Wired or wireless? We know where Kamala Harris stands when it comes to earbuds - and her take seems to have spooked the internet. Appearing on Stephen Colbert's late night talk show The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for her first interview since losing to Donald Trump and to promote her upcoming memoir 107 Days - the former US vice president revealed the reason why she does not use wireless earphones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris was shown some photos, including some of her taking calls after Joe Biden announced he was quitting the presidential race on 21 July 2024. She admitted to taking more than 100 calls that day, and could be seen using wired earphones - as opposed to Bluetooth. "I know I've been teased about this," she said. "But I like these kinds of earpods that have [a cable] because I served on the Senate Intelligence Committee." She continued to explain: "I have been in classified briefings and I'm telling you, don't be on the train using your earpods thinking someone can't listen to your conversation. I'm telling you, the [wired earphones] are a bit more secure. The clip has gone viral, with social media users questioning some of their lifestyle choices and getting worried about whos listening in when it comes to wireless earpods... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A politician warning you about how "they" are listening to you is all you need to know!" said one user, while another joked: Imagine the government being able to listen in through AirPods for them to find out I'm just listening to the same song on repeat for over a week." Some were slightly more concerned. "I hate the idea of people's privacy being violated", one wrote, while another commented: "If you're just listening to music or taking casual calls, wireless is fine. But for important/sensitive calls or data, wired is the smartest choice ... & @KamalaHarris isn't wrong for sticking to it." So, can conversations be intercepted via wireless earpods? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to techradar, German IT security analysts recently found flaws in the Airoha system on a chip (SoC), apparently widely used in True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds. These vulnerabilities were found in headphones from big names including Sony, Bose, JBL and Marshall meaning that the security flaw could hypothetically let hackers eavesdrop on calls. Furthermore, the UKs Ministry of Justice notes on their security guidance page that Bluetooth devices may not be safe enough for "Official-Sensitive or higher material", and can be used to track someone's location. For people like Harris, who are high-risk individuals when it comes to spying, then wired earbuds are definitely the way to go. However, for the average user, the security risk is low. That said, if the NSA or the FBI fancy hearing us chat about our favourite movies of the year so far, theyre welcome. Some must-sees in there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Elsewhere, regarding Stephen Colbert and the controversial cancellation of his long-running late-night talk show, Donald Trump has insisted that he is not the reason behind CBS and the networks parent company Paramount pulling the plug. Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump addressed the rumours he had something to do with the axing of the 33-year-old show: "Everybody is saying that I was solely responsible for the firing of Stephen Colbert from CBS, Late Night. That is not true!" The president then started contemplating which one "will go first". Trump's remarks - Truth Social "Next up will be an even less talented Jimmy Kimmel, and then, a weak, and very insecure, Jimmy Fallon. The only real question is, who will go first?" wrote Trump. "Show Biz and Television is a very simple business. If you get Ratings, you can say or do anything. If you dont, you always become a victim. Colbert became a victim to himself, the other two will follow." The final series of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will sadly end in May 2026. A nurse gives an MMR vaccine at the Utah County Health Department on April 29, 2019, in Provo, Utah. The vaccine is 97% effective against measles when two doses are administered. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging residents to get vaccinated amid the confirmation of the first measles cases in the state this year and as families begin back-to-school preparation with vaccine rates still down. DHS confirmed nine cases of measles in Oconto County over the weekend the first cases in the state this year. The agency said no public points of exposure have been identified and the risk to the community remains low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first case was confirmed through testing at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, and the eight other cases were confirmed based on exposure and symptoms. Each person was exposed from a common source during out-of-state travel. Dr. Ryan Westergaard, chief medical officer of DHSs Bureau of Communicable Diseases, told reporters during a press conference Monday afternoon that given the number of cases across the country, the agency has been preparing for its case investigations and outbreak response for months. While we were surprised that we had our first cases this past week, we were prepared, Westergaard said. Weve been making sure that we have adequate MMR vaccine in stock and have worked in partnership with all of our local and tribal health departments to make sure that we have a solid response that everyone is aware of, and so far for this case, things have gone well. Ryan Westergaard, M.D., Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services Cases of the highly contagious disease have hit a 33-year high nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are reports of over 1,300 cases this year, with more than 150 people having been hospitalized for measles. Three people have died this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles was declared eliminated in 2000, but decreasing vaccine rates, which have fallen below herd immunity, have led to a resurgence of the disease. Prior to 2025, the last similar outbreak was in 2019 when more than 1,200 cases were confirmed in the U.S. Westergaard said the state agency is not considering the nine cases in Wisconsin an outbreak because the investigation found a common source during out-of-state travel. He said the agency wont be releasing additional information about the cases due to state privacy laws. The agency has said it is working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. The agency is urging families to get vaccinated in light of the cluster of cases and reported Monday that vaccination rates among students mostly held steady during the 2024-25 school year. Vaccination rates are still below pre-pandemic levels. Vaccination is the first line of defense for your childs health. Each vaccine is approved only after being proven safe and effective, Stephanie Schauer, director of the Wisconsin Immunization Program, said in a statement. Taking time now to ensure your children have received the recommended vaccines will make them less likely to get seriously ill, meaning less time out of school and away from work. And routine vaccines dont just protect your child they help keep classrooms and the whole community safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2024-25 school year, 86.4% of students met the minimum immunization requirements a 2.8 percentage point decrease from the 2023-24 school year. This tells us that most Wisconsin families are protecting their children with vaccines, Westergaard said at the press conference. Unfortunately, this level is below where we need to be to protect our state against outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. As we head into the new school year as a physician and as the father of kids who attend public schools, I want to encourage all caregivers to reach out to a trusted health care provider with any questions or concerns that you have to concern to ensure that students are up to date on their vaccines this year. The agency attributed the overall decrease in meeting the immunization requirement to people being unfamiliar with a new meningitis vaccination requirement for 7th and 12th grade students. Without data on the meningitis vaccination, 89.3% of Wisconsin students met the minimum requirements a 0.1% increase from the 2023-24 school year. DHS reported in December that families in the state have fallen behind other states when it comes to receiving childhood vaccines including polio, pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). When it comes to measles in particular, Wisconsin has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles can spread from person to person through the air, and the vaccines to prevent it are highly effective. One dose of the MMR vaccine provides about 93% protection from measles, while two doses are about 97% effective. Our school vaccination data tells us there are children in our schools who are not protected from an outbreak of preventable diseases like measles, State Health Officer Paula Tran said in a statement. In public health, we know that 95% of people in a community need to be vaccinated against measles in order to prevent an outbreak, which is why its so important to get children the vaccines they need on time. Milwaukee city leaders, looking to take preventative steps due to the measles cases, also urged residents to get vaccinated on Monday. As a father and as mayor, I take this threat seriously, Mayor Cavalier Johnson said in a statement. Weve seen how quickly diseases can spread when vaccination rates fall behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Childrens Wisconsin President of Pediatrics Dr. Mike Gutzeit emphasized that serious side effects from the MMR vaccine are rare. The risk from measles itself is far greater. When families choose not to vaccinate, theyre not just putting their own children at risk, but also newborns and people with weakened immune systems, Gutzeit said. Measles was nearly eliminated in the U.S., but now were seeing hundreds of cases and hospitalizations again. We cant afford to go backward. Other vaccine-preventable illnesses surged in classrooms last year, according to DHS. Nearly 3,000 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, were reported. The measles cases and data on school vaccine rates come as some Republican lawmakers are seeking to increase awareness of vaccine exemptions. Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) and Rep. Lindee Brill (R-Sheboygan Falls) recently introduced a bill that seeks to highlight Wisconsins vaccine exemptions, saying there isnt enough transparency around them. Current law already requires that schools and day care providers inform the person in writing of the persons right to a waiver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 20242025 school year, 6.7% of students had a waiver for one or more vaccinations. Of those, 5.8% of students had a personal conviction waiver, 1% had a religious waiver and 0.4% had a health waiver. Westergaard said the rate of waivers in Wisconsin is higher than other states. Were one of only 13 states that has the personal conviction waiver. Many states do not allow that, Westergaard said, adding that health forms typically include notice of the waiver availability. We feel in public health that knowledge of the exemptions of the waivers is commonplace, Westergaard said. We dont hide them, but our recommendation is that people get their kids vaccinated because we, as a public health entity, feel any risks far outweighed by the benefit, both to individual health and to our community health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Westergaard said those with concerns should speak with a trusted physician and be open with their questions. For many families, childhood immunizations are a fact of life, and theyve accepted them when theyre recommended, but we know other families have questions and concerns, Westergaard said. If there are questions you have, if there is information that youve seen online or heard that makes you question the safety or the effectiveness, lets talk about them Theres near unanimity among people who have seriously reviewed MMR safety data and other childhood vaccine data that they are on balance very safe and very effective and continually monitored for safety and adverse effects. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX With its oil reserves set to run out in about 30 years, the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam has recently begun to implement major changes to its socioeconomic model. In doing so, it has been inspired by the ongoing transformations implemented by several Gulf states, which have created far-reaching plans to diversify their economies, settle regional disputes and introduce limited social reforms to boost tourism, trade and the in-migration of more skilled workers. Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have already benefited from this strategy. But both countries also have much larger oil reserves than Brunei, insulating them against the economic hiccups and social backlash that have accompanied their transitions. Can the same strategy work for tiny Brunei, with a population of less than 500,000 people? There are signs it already is, at least in the economic sphere. Until very recently, Brunei had made little progress weaning itself off petroleum, the countrys largest source of revenue. Sultan Hassanal BolkiahBruneis monarch since 1967 and absolute ruler since its formal independence from the U.K. in 1984and his advisers had no clear diversification plan, and they did little to loosen the countrys harsh social strictures. In April 2019, for example, Sultan Bolkiah enacted a new policy based on an antiquated interpretation of Islamic law that instituted death by stoning as a punishment for adultery and consensual sex between men. Though international condemnation halted its implementation, the law remains in place, unenforced for the time being. A comprehensive study of Bruneis prior economic diversification plans, meanwhile, found that the country remains less diversified than other resource-rich economies, such as the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Malaysia. As a result, plans to attract more foreign talent remained largely unrealized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Brunei now seems to have committed to real economic diversification, positioning itself as a trade hub amenable to all. According to several Bruneian academics and opinion leaders, at nearly 79 years old, Sultan Bolkiah is facing reality and wants to ensure stability for his heir, Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. With a GDP per capita of almost $45,000, Brunei is still wealthy enough to take on a major economic revamp. To do so, the Bruneian government has formalized a strategic plan for development titled Wawasan Brunei 2035, or Brunei Vision 2035, which as the name suggests draws heavily from Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 strategy to reduce oil dependency through vast changes across different sectors of its economy. Brunei has recognized that it needs a much more accessible investment climate to encourage Saudi-style growth in new economic areas, including: petrochemicals downstream from oil and gas production; financial and technological services, which are obvious choices for a small country comfortable with finance and trade; high-yield agriculture; and even tourism, a previously untapped market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this expansion in mind, the government has rapidly scrapped several onerous tax laws and initiated the development of a free-trade zone at its main port of Muara. A spate of new incentives has also streamlined the process of investment for foreign companies and entrepreneurs, making it easier than ever for newcomers to do business in Brunei. Despite Bruneis recent progress, economic diversification and regional diplomacy will not be enough to secure its post-oil future. In the past four years alone, more than 10 companies from Singapore, where the hourly wage for workers in the tech industry is among the highest in the region, have already begun shifting operations to Brunei, attracted by its cheaper, largely English-speaking and highly educated workforce. Most recently, this includes the cybersecurity firm CyberSafe, which opened a new control operations center in Brunei in May. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bruneis other Southeast Asian neighbors have increased investments in the country as well. These inflows are having an effect. While non-oil and gas exports made up a mere 3 percent of Bruneis exports in 2017, they encompass more than 60 percent of them so far in 2025, complementing the economic growth driven by nontraditional sectors like tourism and tech services. This diversification has provided a boost to an economy once regarded as sluggish by regional standards and will help prevent Bruneis fiscal deficit from reaching unsustainable levels. In 2024, the countrys economy grew 4.2 per cent, for its best growth rate in 25 years, with the non-oil and gas sector accounting for more than half of the output. According to two specialists on the Brunei economy at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam, the country is likely to post similarly high figures in 2025 as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoping to capitalize on these recent gains, Brunei has signed on to virtually any trade deal it can with the aim of establishing itself as a facilitator of Southeast Asian and regional trade. Some of these agreements have accompanied the broadening of strategic ties as a whole, as Brunei has sought to set up or expand open-ended partnerships with Australia and the U.S., among others. According to many Southeast Asian diplomats, Brunei has also built a skillful diplomatic corps, which served it well when the country held the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, in 2021. In recent years, those diplomats have played major roles in developing a long-sought ASEAN-China code of conduct for the South China Sea, though it has yet to be finalized. Like several Southeast Asian states, Brunei has overlapping South China Sea claims with Beijing, but it continues to downplay these challenges with an eye toward maintaining a measured approach to resolving disputes. Despite Bruneis recent progress, however, economic diversification and regional diplomacy will not be enough to secure its post-oil future. That can only happen if Brunei keeps its best workers from leaving, while simultaneously bringing in high-skilled foreign talent needed to vitalize industries like finance and advanced aquaculture. And thats an unlikely outcome unless Bruneis absolute monarchy softens its strict social governance. Over the past 10 years, Bruneis youth have witnessed how much neighbors like Malaysia have changed socially and politically. And as a demographic of heavy Internet users, they have become much more politically active online, embracing global movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter to push for change on sexual harassment and racism in the context of Bruneian society. The sultan and his advisers seem to be tolerating at least some of this more outspoken online activism, though it is widely believed that the authorities monitor the social media platforms on which Bruneians criticize the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, several youth civil society organizations established in the past few years have promoted a wide range of social activism. And in 2017, the government went so far as to acknowledge, in a very minor way, the political will of Bruneis youth by appointing four young people to the Legislative Council, which serves as an advisory body to the monarch. However, with young people continuing to make strides toward opening Bruneis historically conservative society, it remains unclear where the government will draw the line on its tolerance of real-life versus virtual activism. Will Bruneis leaders build on these modest experiments as boldly as they have embraced economic change? In its 2035 plan, the government claims that one of its major goals is to give young Bruneians a greater voice in the country and economy. This would mark a dramatic shift for a gerontocracy ruled by an absolute monarchy. The plan also speaks to social and cultural change, promising equal access to education and prioritizing environmental protection. In some ways, it seems to envision a Brunei where the countrys increasingly allowed youth activism can blossom into much more. But in reality, this version of Brunei remains a vision. Wawasan Brunei 2035 makes no departures from the status quo that the countrys leaders have maintained for decades. And nowhere in the plan does Bruneis leadership make concrete promises of political evolution beyond absolutism. It also offers no clear promises of a future with legal protections for civil liberties or the more socially liberal and culturally open society desired by many young Bruneians as well as, in all likelihood, the talented foreigners the government hopes to attract. Without these kinds of changes, no strategic plan for transforming Brunei can work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joshua Kurlantzick is senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations and a featured analyst for World Politics Review. His new book is, Beijings Global Media Offensive: Chinas Uneven Campaign to Influence Asia and the World. The post Without Social Reform, Bruneis Economic Transformation Will Fall Short appeared first on World Politics Review. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff will be in Moscow on Wednesday to meet with Russian leadership, a source familiar with the plan said on Tuesday. Officials in Washington provided few details of Witkoff's schedule. "The president has noted, of course, that Special Envoy Witkoff will be traveling to Russia this week, so we can confirm that from this podium," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What that will entail, I have no details for you." Russia's state-run TASS news agency, quoting aviation sources, said an aircraft believed to have Witkoff on board, had already left the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has signaled frustration with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in recent weeks, has given him until this Friday to make progress toward peace in Ukraine or face tougher sanctions. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Daphne Psaledakis; Writing by Ismail Shakil and Ron Popeski; Editing by Richard Chang) White House envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing for a trip to Russia on Wednesday, two days ahead of President Donald Trumps Aug. 8 deadline for Moscow to enter into a ceasefire or face stiff sanctions. But the escalated deadline, which Trump cut by nearly a month last week after first issuing Russian President Vladimir Putin a 50-day deadline in mid-July, has done little to curb the Kremlins violence in Ukraine. If a peace deal is not reached by Friday, Putins chief commodity will become the primary target as the U.S. will begin 100% sanctions on nations that purchase Russian oil in a move to dissuade them from fueling Russias economy, and by extension, its war chest. Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, during an executive order signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 3, 2025. China, India Fuel Russia War Machine By Ignoring International Sanctions: Report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even with the threat of possibly lower oil sales to nations like India and China, which are the worlds top purchasers of Russian oil, reports on Tuesday suggested that Witkoffs last-ditch effort to talk peace with Putin is not expected to make much, if any, headway. A report by Reuters said that not only is little expected from Witkoff's efforts, but Putin is also undeterred by Trumps threat of secondary sanctions. Read On The Fox News App Trump on Tuesday told CNBC that he planned to raise the current 25% tariffs on India "very substantially" within the next 24 hours. "They're fueling the war machine, and if they're going to do that, then I'm not going to be happy," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that Trump has already said he plans to hit any nation that trades with Moscow with 100% secondary sanctions, it is unclear if he still plans to hit both India and China with trading fines this high. Neither the White House nor the Treasury Department returned Fox News Digitals questions regarding the unclear looming tariff rates. But India has pushed back on the tariffs, calling them "unjustified and unreasonable." President Donald Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 13, 2025. How Trump Could Un-unite The Xi-putin Alliance In a statement on Monday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's foreign ministry, said following Russias invasion and subsequent Western boycotts of Russian oil, the U.S. allegedly encouraged India to import Russian gas "for strengthening global energy markets stability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it is not just financial aid that India is accused of being involved in when it comes to Russias war in Ukraine. Ukraine on Tuesday said it had found "Indian-made components in Russian attack drones including the Shahed/Geran models." "Russia must be denied access to foreign-made parts that enable these weapons and the killing of Ukrainians," Andriy Yermak, presidential chief of staff, said on X. These drones have infamously been used to not only hit military points along the front lines in Ukraine, but have routinely targeted Ukrainian civilians, including in a series of overnight strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Last night, the Russians launched a ballistic missile and nearly 50 UAVs against Ukraine, most of them Russian-Iranian shaheds,'" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday. "Many drones were shot down by our defenders, but unfortunately, there were hits." Zelenskyy confirmed that one person was killed and 10 were injured, including two children, after 25 shahed drones pounded the city of Lozova in the Kharkiv region. The Zaporizhzhia, Odesa and Sumy regions were also struck, and two others were apparently injured. Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on Oct. 22, 2024. "Once again, the Russian army is hunting civilians in an attempt to terrorize frontline cities and communities," Zelenskyy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite concerns that sanctions could have little effect on Putins war ambitions, Zelenskyy argued they could "contribute" to ending the war. "The world now sees that sanctions against Russia, and secondary sanctions against all those who help it profiteer from oil, can work if they are strong enough," he said. "Therefore, pressure must be increased, and this will undoubtedly contribute to peace." Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or Witkoff's team for comment. Original article source: Witkoff scrambles for peace deal with Russia as sanctions loom targeting India, China As U.S. President Donald Trump trades barbs with Russian officials amid growing tensions, he has announced he may send his special envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia this week. The visit, which Russia has yet to confirm, would likely take place on Aug. 6 or 7 immediately before a deadline Trump imposed on Moscow to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or suffer secondary tariffs targeting its oil exports. "I think this is an effort to give (Russian President Vladimir) Putin one last chance" before the U.S. imposes harsher measures, Kurt Volker, a former U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think Putin may see whether theres any angle that he could use to stretch negotiations out, drag them along as he has always done. But I dont think (the visit) will actually change anything," Volker added. "I think the course is already set." Witkoff, a close ally of Trump who had no diplomatic experience prior to his role in the current administration, previously visited Moscow in April for talks with Putin. He is widely viewed as friendlier toward Russia than many others in the Trump administration and has been criticized in Ukraine and abroad for repeating Russian propaganda narratives. Last month, he reportedly pushed for the U.S. to lift energy sanctions on Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a meeting on education issues at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on July 10, 2025. (Mikhail Metzel / Pool / AFP via Getty Images) Trumps attitude toward Moscow has significantly shifted since Witkoffs last visit, however, as he has failed to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Russia ramps up aerial attacks on Ukraines major cities and civilian casualties rise, Trump has taken a harder line towards Russia and shortened his deadline for a peace deal from 50 days to ten. Following escalating rhetoric from Russian officials, Trump announced Aug. 2 that he was moving two nuclear submarines to the region. "This is a very big change," Oleksandr Kraiev, an expert on North American policy at the foreign policy think tank Ukrainian Prism, told the Kyiv Independent. "Previously, nuclear blackmail was exclusively their weapon, only the Russians used it. Now suddenly, it turns out that the president of the United States can also use the same tools." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He [Trump] understands that Putin is not a partner to reach an agreement with and resolve the Ukrainian issue. While Trump campaigned on a promise to end the war in Ukraine as soon as he took office, he has become frustrated in recent weeks by Russias refusal to compromise on its maximalist demands. Russias goals go beyond full capitulation by Kyiv, and include handing over territory with major cities that have yet to be captured by Russia. While Kraiev agreed that Russia is likely to try to convince Trump that they are ready for negotiations to delay any new measures taken by the U.S. against Russia, he predicted that the two sides are unlikely to find much common ground in a meeting this week. "I do not expect any breakthroughs, I do not expect anything extraordinary. It simply cannot happen, given Moscows extreme position," Kraiev said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Oleksandr Merezhko, a top MP from President Volodymyr Zelensky's party, Trumps latest shift is a "more realistic" understanding of Putins position. "He understands that Putin is not a partner to reach an agreement with and resolve the Ukrainian issue," Merezhko said. U.S. President Donald Trump walks toward reporters from Marine One at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S. on Aug. 3, 2025. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images) The only specific measure Trump has threatened has been imposing secondary tariffs on Russia's trading partners, though he has also threatened unspecified sanctions. Trump himself voiced doubt about how effective these potential next sanctions might be. "There'll be sanctions, but they (Russians) seem to be pretty good at avoiding sanctions," Trump said on Aug. 3. "Theyre wily characters, and they're pretty good at avoiding sanctions, so well see what happens." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even if the deadline comes and passes, Merezhko expressed skepticism about how far Trump is willing to act on his threats to punish Russia. "If we are talking about sanctions, then we must remember the ultimate goal: to deprive the Russian economy of the benefits and profit from the sale of Russian oil and gas. Because it feeds the Russian war machine," Merezhko said. "Is Trump personally ready for the sanctions that reach this goal? I doubt it." Russia is already the worlds most sanctioned country, as Ukraines allies have layered on rounds of sanctions in response to Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russias economy has proved more resilient than many expected, more than three years of sanctions have continued to damage the countrys financial stability. Read also: Food shortage is coming experts warn Russias war on inflation risks Soviet-style economy collapse Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Backing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party MP Randeep Surjewala said the Chinese occupation of Indian territory is a 'reality' that should not be ignored. Surjewala said questioning the government on the issue is an act of patriotism, not contempt of court. In a post on X on Monday, Surjewala wrote, The Chinese Occupation of Indian territory is a 'reality' that 'no patriotic Indian' should wish away or hide under the carpet. Nationalism mandates that Govt must be questioned on vacation of Indian territory by the Chinese and restoration of "status quo ante" as on April 2020, as Rahulji has done repeatedly." https://x.com/rssurjewala/status/1952401545984717129 "If this is "contempt", I, an Indian Citizen, must commit it "My Lord", for this is the test of being a true Indian and a patriot. Hold me and millions of Indians in "contempt", but let's take our territory back from the Chinese," the post reads. A day earlier, the Supreme Court pulled up Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks on the Indian Army after a clash between the Indian and Chinese armies in the Yangsi region of Arunachal Pradesh in 2022. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih expressed disapproval of Gandhi's remarks, saying how does he know the Chinese occupied 2000 square kilometres of land and said that a true indian wouldn't say such a thing. Justice Datta said, "How do you get to know that 2000 square kilometres of Indian territory was occupied by China? What is the credible material? If you are a true indian, you would not say this. When there is a conflict across borders... can you say all this?" Congress leader had made the remarks on December 16, 2022, during his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. Gandhi had said, "People will ask about Bharat Jodo Yatra, here and there, Ashok Gahlot and Sachin Pilot and whatnot. But they will not ask a single question about China capturing 2,000 square kilometres of Indian territory, "killing 20 Indian soldiers" and "thrashing our soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh". "But the Indian press doesn't ask a question to them about this. Isn't it true? The nation is watching all this. Don't pretend that people don't know," he added. (ANI) A 60-year-old woman who was found with fatal stab injuries in east London has been named by police. Nkiru Chima, of Romford, was discovered with multiple stab wounds at an address in Bushy Close on 27 July. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Det Ch Insp Joanna Yorke said the force is "confident" her death is connected to that of a 20-year-old man on the train tracks at Romford station on the same day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metropolitan Police officers were called to the address at around 19:00 BST after concerns were raised for the welfare of the woman. The force had received a report from the British Transport Police (BTP). Det Ch Insp Yorke said: "Our thoughts continue to remain with Nkiru's family at this difficult time. "As our inquiries have progressed, we are confident that Nkiru's tragic death is connected to the death of a 20-year-old man on the train tracks at Romford station earlier that evening. "This man was known to Nkiru and British Transport Police continue to investigate his death." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She thanked the community for their help in the investigation and urged anyone with information the deaths to contact police. Ms Chima's family are being supported by specialist officers. 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 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A second person has been arrested for the murder of an Albuquerque man at his casita in 2023. Marisa Chavez was arrested by Kansas City International Airport Police in Missouri on Saturday on a warrant. She was booked into the Platte County Detention Center and remains there at the time of this publication. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to New Mexico court documents, Chavez and Bryan Perello are accused of killing Adam Duarate at his home on Mountain Road NW. Duarate was seen with Chavez, Perello, and several others at an Albuquerque strip club earlier that night, court documents state. Investigators believe Perellos truck was at the casita when Duarte was killed, and they said the shoe prints found at the casita belong to Perello and Chavezs sneakers. Chavez is charged with an open count of murder and conspiracy. Perello was also arrested and charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, and shooting a dwelling or occupied building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A woman was arrested after Mississippi authorities say they found a homemade explosive device in a suspicious package. Deputies with the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office have arrested Christina Laureen Willis, 27, of Batesville. Willis is being charged with attempted murder, and with planting or placing a bomb or explosive, or weapon of mass destruction. Christina Laureen Willis (Lafayette County SO) On June 20, the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office received a call of a suspicious package on a victims car. The victim removed the package and gave it over to deputies once they arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June 23, the LCSO with the assistance of the Tupelo Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that the package contained a homemade explosive device. Funeral held for victim in TN quadruple murder On Aug. 4, a federal search warrant was conducted by ATF, Panola County Sheriffs Office, Tupelo Bomb Squad and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics at a residence on Highway 35 South in Panola County. During their search, they said they discovered bomb-making materials homemade high explosive substances, firearms, narcotics and an explosive device found inside of the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uber driver assaulted, car stolen by passengers at cemetery The ATF will be presenting her case to a federal grand jury and she is expected to face multiple federal charges as well. I am very proud of the way all of our local, state, and federal agencies worked together during this investigation. With the support from all of the agencies involved, we were able to conduct a safe and professional investigation, Lafayette County Sherriff Joey East said. Willis is being held at the Panola County Jail and awaiting trial. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah (ABC4) A woman with a history of stalking Post Malone has been arrested for a fifth time, violating the protective order he has against her. Cherish Gomer, 31, was arrested on August 4 on suspicion of stalking with a prior conviction, a third-degree felony, and violation of a permanent criminal stalking injunction, a third-degree felony. According to the filed affidavit, Gomer allegedly jumped in front of Post Malones car while he was trying to leave his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was arrested on the same charges several days prior, on July 27. Reportedly, that was the second time she had been on Post Malones property that week. Neighbor charged with sexual abuse after allegedly luring 6-year-old into home with candy The arresting officer requested that Gomer be held without bail, writing that she does not care about the consequences of her stalking and appears to be escalating, attempting more frequent contact. The officer also stated that Gomer is homeless, and that she believes a higher power has told her to continue to go to Post Malones residence. Gomer has previously been convicted of stalking Post Malone, and Post Malone was granted a permanent protective order against her. She was arrested on charges of criminal trespass three times prior to July 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was arrested on January 21 for criminal trespass, though those charges were later dismissed. Her next arrest occurred on February 21, and she pleaded guilty to stalking charges related to that incident. The protective order was granted following this case. She was also arrested for stalking and criminal trespass on February 10, but those charges were dismissed as well. 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. Grinnell College. (Photo via Google Earth) A former Grinnell College student has agreed to drop her lawsuit against the school for its alleged handling of her claim that she was raped by a student athlete who was the son of a major donor. Court records indicate attorneys for the student, who is identified only as Jane Doe, have filed a notice of stipulated dismissal in the case. The phrase stipulated dismissal typically refers to a formal, written agreement between all parties in a lawsuit documenting the particulars of an out-of-court settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mattia Wells, Grinnells director of strategic communications and media relations, said Tuesday the school has a policy not commenting on litigation, current or otherwise, and also has a policy that prohibits disclosure of any settlement agreements. Doe was a student at Grinnell College from September 2018 until May 2022. Doe alleges that on April 20, 2019, she was violently raped in her dorm room on the Grinnell campus by a Grinnell student athlete and the son of a major Grinnell donor. Doe claims her attacker, who is not identified in the lawsuit by name, used extreme physical force and violently knocked her head into a bookshelf, toppling it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX About two weeks later, Doe alleges, she was assaulted by the same individual who pinched her and poured a drink on her at an off-campus party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her lawsuit, filed in October 2023 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Doe claimed she sought treatment for sexual trauma through Grinnells student health program, sought assistance from Grinnells administration, and ultimately filed a formal sexual-assault complaint through Grinnells Title IX program. Only after she retained legal counsel and demanded that a Title IX action be initiated against the alleged perpetrator did Grinnell take any action, the lawsuit claimed. Even then, the adjudication of the Title IX action took more than a year and resulted in what the lawsuit calls a superficial sanction against the alleged perpetrator days before his graduation in 2022. The school denied the allegations in court. At the time, Wells said Grinnell had robust policies, procedures, and resources in place addressing all aspects of the Title IX process. In May of last year, the court found that portions of Jane Does Title IX claims were barred due to Title IXs two-year statute of limitations. However, the court allowed other legal claims made by Doe to proceed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doe claimed that in the wake of the assault, her mental health deteriorated to a critical level and she constantly felt unsafe on Grinnells campus. In January 2020, during a period of suicidal ideation, she contacted Grinnell Student Health and the office of the college nurse to inform them of an urgent need for a sexual-trauma therapist, according to the lawsuit. The college nurse allegedly referred Doe to the schools mental health counselor, Erik Kohl, who immediately recognized the seriousness of Does mental health issues and ultimately diagnosed Doe with post-traumatic stress disorder due to sexual trauma, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that a short time later, amidst the growing national MeToo movement, an anonymous Instagram account was established with the handle @MeTooGrinnell. By August of 2020, the account contained approximately 120 posts from students who claimed they had been victims of sexual assault or rape on campus. Through those posts, Does family concluded that Does alleged rapist had engaged in an ongoing pattern of rape and sexual assault on Grinnells campus, the lawsuit claimed. Does father then contacted Grinnells president, Anne Harris, to alert her to the allegations. According to the lawsuit, Harris notified the family of Title IX protections that were available for students at Grinnell and referred the family to Bailey Asberry, the schools Title IX coordinator. Asberry allegedly discouraged Doe from formally reporting the sexual assault and referred Doe to the schools dean of religious life who, in turn, referred Doe back to Asberry, according to the lawsuit. Lawsuit: School proposed mediation with alleged attacker The lawsuit claims Asberry told Doe the only way for the school to respond to the allegation against the perpetrator was if she filed a formal complaint a step Doe was reluctant to take for fear of retaliation and retribution. At that point, the lawsuit claims, Asberry made the highly inappropriate and unfathomable suggestion that (Doe) sit down with the perpetrator face-to-face to mediate her violent rape and sexual assault with the perpetrator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Doe demanded the school pursue a formal investigation, Asberry allegedly informed her the incidents she had described were not severe enough and would not be investigated by Grinnell, the lawsuit claimed. Eventually, a Grinnell investigator conducted 11 interviews of six people, and concluded his investigation on Aug. 25, 2021. His preliminary report was riddled with factual errors, misstatements of the applicable policy provisions, and obvious instances of gender bias, the lawsuit claimed. At a Title IX hearing, an adjudicator found the accused student to be responsible for sexual assault, non-consensual sexual intercourse and for sexual assault, non-consensual sexual contact. Grinnell then imposed sanctions against the alleged perpetrator that the lawsuit describes as wildly inappropriate and ineffective. The school placed the alleged perpetrator on probation for the remainder of his attendance at Grinnell, a period of 23 days; imposed a no-contact order; barred him from participating in graduation if Doe chose to attend; and barred him from participating in future alumni events attended by Doe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit accused Grinnell College of deliberate indifference to sexual abuse, creation of a hostile educational environment, failure to prevent retaliation, retaliation by withholding protections conferred by Title IX, gender bias, discrimination on the basis of gender, violations of constitutional rights, and breach of contract. In 2015, Grinnell College was investigated by the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights in response to complaints filed by six students. The complaints alleged the school failed to impose adequate consequences for students accused of sexual assault, that administrators improperly revealed the identity of a victim, and that one student faced retaliation for their views on Grinnells handling of sexual assaults on campus. In 2017, the Office for Civil Rights notified Grinnell the case had been administratively closed with a determination that there were no active systemic issues that warranted a continuation of the investigation. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A fight between two women at Pioneer Elementary School in Vancouver ended with one woman shot in the foot and another woman in the Clark County Jail. On July 31, Vancouver police said, one woman flew into town to fight with another woman at the school. When the fight ended, the out-of-towner and her family got into a car to leave. But someone opened fire and a bullet hit the out-of-towner in the foot. Two bullet casings were found at Pioneer Elementary, officials said. The alleged shooter, Michelle Sosa-Romero, was arrested after a short pursuit on foot at Burnt Bridge Creek Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the investigation continued, a drone was used to look for the gun involved in the shooting. It spotted a .45-caliber gun with two small attachments to the trigger area: one appears to be a pagan symbol, while the other appears to be Santa Muerte Negra, which means Black Holy Death. A .45-caliber gun with two small attachments to the trigger area: one appears to be a pagan symbol, while the other appears to be Santa Muerte Negra, which means Black Holy Death. (Vancouver Police Department) Sosa-Romero, 19, remains in the Clark County Jail, booked on five counts of assault. Her bail is set at $150,000. The victim currently lives in North Carolina but previously lived in Vancouver, Wash., according to court documents. She told police her younger sister was involved in an on-going dispute with another woman, so she made arrangements on Instagram to meet in person to fight. She and some of her family met the woman at the elementary school after midnight on July 30. After they physically fought, she and her family got into their car to leave when Sosa-Romero, the other womans girlfriend, drew a gun. She fired twice and hit the victims foot, court documents state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim and her family went to the hospital and Sosa-Romero attempted to flee. Police later located her at Burnt Bridge Creek Elementary, where she was taken into custody. Sosa-Romeros first court appearance was July 31. She is scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 13. Vancouver police told KOIN 6 News there is no known connection to students at either elementary school. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A woman was flown to the hospital after crashing into a gas pump, causing the canopy to collapse. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The incident occurred at the Mickey Mart located in Vermilion, where the woman, possibly experiencing a medical emergency, drove over the front lawn and into the gas pump, CBS-affiliate WOIO reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vermilion Fire Chief Bill Brown stated that the woman was able to walk out of her car but was later flown to the hospital with visible injuries. The crash left the gas pump a mangled mess, approximately 20 feet across the parking lot. Chief Brown confirmed that no fuel was leaked due to the safeguards in place, and there was no fire as a result of the crash. The gas pumps have been shut off to prevent any further risk to the public. Police did not say if anyone else on the scene was injured. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A woman was found dead on a boat docked in Montauk on Tuesday morning, Suffolk County police said. The woman has not been identified, and Suffolk cops said they were still working to determine whether her death was a homicide. However, the departments homicide squad is leading the investigation. Cops were alerted to the grisly scene around 4 a.m. The boat was docked off Star Island Road near the far eastern tip of Long Island, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First responders attempted to revive the woman, but she was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, sources told News 12 Long Island. The case is the second shocking death in a ritzy part of the Hamptons in the past 12 months. In October 2024, 36-year-old Brooklyn artist Sabina Rosas was found dead in the posh Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill. Rosas boyfriend, Thomas Gannon, was identified as her suspected killer. The 56-year-old Gannon died by suicide at his home in Pennsylvania before he could be arrested and charged in the case. The Brief A 15-year-old girl was found shot and killed on Aug. 4 near 75th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. The victim was identified as Kyelonna Meya Smiley. No arrests have been made. PHOENIX - Police are investigating after a teenager was found dead on Monday morning in west Phoenix. What we know According to Phoenix Police, officers at around 9:40 a.m. on Aug. 4 responded to an apartment near 75th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard for reports of a body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once at the scene, officers found a teenage girl with an apparent gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The teen was identified as 15-year-old Kyelonna Meya Smiley. "Officers have secured the area, and detectives are expected to respond to assume the investigation," police said. What we don't know It's unclear what led up to the shooting. Police didn't release any information on possible suspects. Map of where the body was found The woman knocked unconscious during a viral Downtown fight says the man who struck her was arrested near Atlanta yesterday. Holly, who has requested her last name be withheld due to threats she has been receiving, said she has been told Patrick Rosemond is the man who struck her during the violent July 26 brawl. A social media clip from the fight at Fourth and Elm streets shows a man punching Holly to the ground, leaving her lying motionless until someone comes and helps her back up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Woman knocked unconscious in viral video says she was waiting for an Uber when fight began Rosemond, 38, was arrested in Fulton County, Georgia on Aug. 4 with the help of an FBI task force based out of Atlanta, according to Cincinnati police spokesman Lt. Jonathan Cunningham. Fulton County jail records show he was still in custody in Georgia as of 1 p.m. Aug. 5. The extradition process to bring Rosemond back to Cincinnati is underway. A spokeswoman with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office said Rosemond waived his extradition hearing, and an order allowing Ohio authorities to get him will be sent Aug. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosemond has prior convictions in Hamilton County dating back to at least 2005 when he was convicted of cocaine trafficking. He also has a weapons conviction from 2013. More recent court documents list an address in Reading. Rosemond joins Montianez Merriweather, 34; Jermaine Matthews, 39; Dekyra Vernon, 24; and Dominique Kittle, 37, as those who have been charged in connection with the July 26 fight near the corner of Fourth and Elm streets. Police are still looking for one remaining suspect. A photo Holly took of herself after the viral downtown Cincinnati fight July 26 in which she was knocked unconscious. Holly, a single mother of a 5-year-old girl, told The Enquirer in an interview she has suffered severe head trauma and a concussion from the fight. She is unsure whether the incident has left her with long-term injuries. "I don't feel any anger or hatred about what happened. They should serve time in jail, but I'm praying for them," Holly said of the people who hit her. "I hope they learn to control their rage and change their lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call police with information at 513-352-3040. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Holly says man who struck her in Cincinnati fight arrested in Georgia Commuters across Karnataka were left stranded as transport workers from all four major road transport corporations launched a state-wide strike on Tuesday to press for their pending demands. The sudden halt in services has caused severe inconvenience, with visuals from Hosur Regional Bus Terminal showing long queues, confusion, and helpless passengers struggling to find alternative means of travel. Workers from Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) held a strike, starting from 6 am today. The protest has been called over demands, including the release of 38 months of outstanding salaries of transport employees, a wage revision to be made effective from January 1, 2024, privatisation and harassment of workers should stop, and drivers from the company should be assigned to electric buses as well. This comes after talks between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the state road transport corporations failed. Commuters who relied heavily on the state transport faced problems due to the strike by workers. Chaos and confusion gripped passengers at the city's bus terminals as several travellers voiced frustration over the lack of communication from transport officials. With no clear updates on cancellations or delays, stranded passengers, many with urgent travel plans, were left in the dark. A passenger told ANI, "We are here for the last one hour... We still don't know whether the bus will even come or not... It has caused a lot of inconvenience because it has not been planned well. No other options have been given for all the passengers who had booked tickets well in advance. Even the officials here are clueless..." Another passenger said, "We have our reservations already... No official here is properly responding... They are not even telling us if our bus has been cancelled. We have no clarity... My journey is very essential. I have to go. I cannot even look for a flight or train at the last moment. Even the private buses are all full. I am totally held up, unable to do anything. It's a mess here..." The Karnataka government has also deployed police personnel at several bus stands following the protest by workers. As government buses are not operating, the government has decided to allow private buses to be used for public transportation to various destinations. With government approval, private buses have started trips from the Majestic bus terminal. Samir Pasha, a private bus driver, said, "We have been given permission to ply our buses on the routes of state transport buses. Ticket prices have also been set. We cannot charge more than the government bus tickets. Two more buses that will be sent to Hassan are coming..." Earlier on Monday, the Karnataka High Court directed the transport corporations to put on hold the proposed state-wide strike. Despite this, all four departments decided to continue their strike. (ANI) To say Erica Kahn had an interesting experience at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Page, Arizona, last year would be an understatement. Nearly a year after her trip, the Massachusetts woman launched a GoFundMe to ease the nearly $21,000 in medical bills that she accrued after a bat flew into her mouth during a photography session at Horseshoe Bend. It was kind of an out-of-body experience, Kahn said. I was thinking, Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. There's a bat in my mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What started with a really gross encounter with a bat went from bad to worse, landing Kahn with a daunting medical bill that shes still tackling a year later. Kahn had recently lost her job when she traveled to Arizona with her father in 2024. Her health insurance ended on Aug. 2, 2024, and she did not sign up for a $650-per-month COBRA plan to keep it going, she said. She was uninsured when the bat flew into her mouth 11 days later. Kahn, an astrophotography fan, was taking long-exposure photos of the starry night sky when she noticed bats were flying closer than normal. Suddenly, a bat flew between her face and the camera, which was held close to her body by a lanyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Kahn opened her mouth to scream, part of the bat flew briefly into her mouth. It was dark, Kahn, 33, couldnt tell if she made contact with its wing or head. She did notice how it tasted, though. The creature had kind of a dirty, earthy flavor, Kahn said, but it was the sweet element that made her particularly worried about rabies exposure. I don't know where the sweetness came from. That was kind of a surprise, I guess, Kahn said. Apparently, bats lick their wings, and that's why it was such a high risk of transmission of saliva between me and the bat. Once the bat flew away, Kahn and her father packed up their things and left Horseshoe Bend for the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She went to the emergency room at Flagstaff Medical Center the next day for rabies shots in case the bat had exposed her to the deadly disease. Kahn signed up for health insurance through Innovative Partners but was denied coverage, she said. Over the next two weeks, she received additional rabies vaccines at other hospitals. "I wasn't really sweating that part of it. I was like, 'Oh, this is behind me. Now I can move on. You know, this is just a funny story,'" Kahn said. It became a tragic story when the bills came." Kahns medical bills for her rabies treatment, which entailed seven shots over two weeks, totaled $20,749. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's mentally pretty stressful to think about that sum of money, Kahn said. She called it horrible timing and said shes still kicking herself for letting her health insurance coverage lapse. Kahn, a biomedical engineer, has a new job and is putting money toward her medical bills. However, she said its a large debt to live with. In an effort to shrink her bill, Kahn went to the press. She submitted her story to the health publication KFFs bill of the month column at the encouragement of her cousin, who is an Arizona doctor. Her story spread from there, showing up in national publications like the Washington Post and People Magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kahn also started a GoFundMe to help pay the medical debt, with a goal of raising $12,000. She plans to donate half to UNICEF, a humanitarian charity. She had raised $960 as of 5 p.m. Aug. 4. There's a bunch of people who have given, and they've put really supportive messages, Khan said. It definitely has eased the mental burden. She said her experience reinforced her beliefs about the health care system being unfair, especially when it comes to health care being tied to employment. I'm kind of happy to shine a light on what I think is a really broken health care system, Kahn said. Why can't we be like countries in Europe where you get life-saving care at the hospital and you don't really have to pay very much? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the issues she continued to face from her night at Horseshoe Bend, Kahn said shell return to Arizona one day and keep up her nighttime photography with a tweak. I love Arizona. It's such a beautiful state, Kahn said. And for my astrophotography, I still really enjoy it. Maybe I'll wear some kind of mask or something in the future. Stephanie Murray covers national politics and the Trump administration for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Reach her via email at stephanie.murray@gannett.com and on X, Bluesky, TikTok and Threads @stephanie_murr. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: A bat flew into her mouth in AZ; she now owes almost $21K in bills KANSAS CITY, Mo. A 36-year-old Kansas City woman has pleaded guilty for the 2024 killing of 70-year-old Vonzell Bryant. Janee Davis pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Jackson County District Court to one count of voluntary manslaughter. Shawnee police K-9 stabbed while assisting with standoff call She was also charged last year with one count of armed criminal action, which was dismissed. According to court documents, just before 10 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2024, Kansas City police officers were called to a home near 26th and Agnes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived at the scene, they located the victim lying in the front yard. Officers and EMS personnel determined that the victim had sustained an edged weapon injury to his chest and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators determined that the Bryant was likely attacked while sitting inside his vehicle parked on the street. A blood trail from his body in the yard led to his vehicle. Police said a witness identified Davis as the victims killer. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Davis was questioned by police and told them the victim flagged her down at 35th and Prospect. At the crime scene on Agnes, Davis told police she stabbed the victim after he hit her with his open hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court on Tuesday suspended Davis sentence and put her on probation for four years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A woman pleaded guilty Tuesday and was sentenced to two to three years in prison for having weapons and drugs in March. Read next: Youngstown man serving federal probation violation indicted again by feds According to court staff, Kiarra Jackson pleaded guilty to having weapons under disability, a third-degree felony; aggravated possession of drugs, a second-degree felony; and violating a protection order, a third-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police reports said that Jackson was pulled over in a driveway on Terrace Drive on Thursday, March 20. Reports said that Jackson began calling people on her cellphone and had a tight grip on it. Reports said police took the phone and said Jackson then began talking to someone on her Apple Watch and wouldnt let officers remove it. Police said that she attempted to bite an officers hand/wrist area when the officer was removing the watch. Reports said that in the vehicle, police reported finding drug paraphernalia, a handgun, methamphetamine, and eight pills. Jackson is not allowed to possess a firearm due to her having an active protection order from the Mahoning County Sheriffs Office, the report stated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Jurors seated in the trial of a man accused of attempted murder in Tacoma heard testimony Tuesday morning from the woman who was repeatedly stabbed with a knife while she walked alone at Point Defiance Park. She was the second witness to testify after a Pierce County prosecutor laid out her case against the defendant, Nicholas Fitzgerald Matthew, who has pleaded not guilty. He is representing himself, declined to give his own opening statement and said he had no questions for the woman hes charged with trying to kill. The woman, previously identified only as Jane to protect her privacy, is a 34-year old architect named Victoria Nizzoli who said shed lived in Pierce County for four years. During her testimony, deputy prosecuting attorney Lisa Wagner asked her why she thought she was targeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think I was the one lone woman on the trail, Nizzoli said. Wagner asked if she recognized anyone in the courtroom as her attacker. Nizzoli turned at the witness stand to face Matthew and pointed to him. Matthew, 29, appeared in the packed courtroom wearing a blue dress shirt with a dark tie. His hair stuck out in every direction. At his side was Peter Reich, an attorney on standby to assist Matthew from the Department of Assigned Counsel. Matthew has remained in custody on $2 million bail while his case has pended. Nicholas Fitzgerald Matthew, 29, sits still in his seat as his trial begins on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. He is charged with the brutal stabbing of a woman walking on a trail of Point Defiance Park on February 2024. Matthew is accused of first-degree attempted murder. In response to questions from Wagner, Nizzoli told jurors that Feb. 10, 2024 was a beautiful, sunny day in Tacoma, and she decided to go to Point Defiance Park because that weekend was the Lunar New Year celebration in the city, and she was searching for glass art known locally as Monkeyshines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It felt like a normal day in the park, Nizzoli said. She visited a few times a year to run and train for races or pick up trash. There were a lot of people at Point Defiance that day, and Nizzoli said she felt safe with so many around. Nizzoli picked out the Blue Trail and started looking through ferns and around trees. About 10 to 15 minutes into her walk, Nizzoli said, she heard measured footsteps coming up behind her on the gravel. She turned and saw a man standing within arms reach. The smell of weed, or cannabis, hit her, which Nizzoli said was a reason she let her guard down. She said she assumed hed forgotten about personal distance because he was high. Nizzoli said she apologized for being in his way and offered to let the man pass. She said the man told her, Oh no, thats fine, smiled and chuckled. Nizzoli started to walk away. He followed me instantly, and that was when I felt the first hit, Nizzoli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can still hear the, the clunk sound, she added. Nizzoli said she didnt feel the knife on the first impact to the back of her head, but as she continued to be attacked she realized she was being stabbed. She said the first thing she screamed was, I knew it, because something was telling her she wasnt safe. I started screaming for help, and I realized people might not come if I wasnt clear, so I started screaming, Hes going to kill me, hes killing me, repeatedly, Nizzoli said. Nizzoli was stabbed in the skull and the back, and she fell forward to the ground, where she flipped over to face the man. She said he had her arms pinned to her side with his legs, and while he was trying to stab her in the face at one point, she held the knife in her teeth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she stopped screaming once she was facing him and offered him money or anything to let her go. The man told her he couldnt let her go, telling her she was a pedophile and that she had to pay for what she did. Answering questions from Wagner, Nizzoli said she had never been accused of such a crime, much less convicted, and she had never met Matthew before. Pierce County deputy prosecutor Lisa Wagner gives an opening statement in Nicholas Fitzgerald Matthew's trial on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. Matthew is charged with the brutal stabbing of a woman walking on a trail of Point Defiance Park on February 2024. Matthew, 29, is accused of first-degree attempted murder. At one point in the assault, Nizzoli said, the man held his knife against her throat, like he was trying to get to an artery. He was saying, Tilt your head back so I can end your pain. You need to meet your maker, Nizzoli said. The next thing Nizzoli remembered was hearing someone else come up the trail and confront her attacker. She said she was bracing for the next impact of the knife when suddenly he was off of her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to prosecutors, thats when a woman at the park with her husband kicked Matthew in the head, and he ran off down the trail before disappearing into the woods. Two men who had responded to Nizzolis screams followed him until they lost sight of him as he ran toward the Owen Beach parking lot. Tacoma Police Department officers and medical personnel arrived and took over life-saving care from the bystanders who had helped Nizzoli until she was transported to Tacoma General Hospital, where she immediately underwent surgery. Wagner showed jurors grisly photographs of Nizzolis wounds. Her ear had been slashed in half, her fingers were bloodied from defensive stab wounds and she had cuts all over her head, shoulder, face and back. Nizzoli said stab wounds on her skull required over 150 staples. None of the injuries were visible as Nizzoli testified Tuesday. Judge Jennifer Andrews ordered news media to not record images of her. Nizzoli spoke confidently while on the stand. Her voice only showed emotion when she described how Matthew had told her to meet your maker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the second time Nizzoli has publicly recounted her horrific attack. Two weeks after it happened, she spoke in a news conference with the Police Department while her assailant was still on the run. Who is Nicholas Matthew? Matthew, who was identified as a suspect after detectives collected DNA from the victims clothing, was arrested in late March 2024 at San Francisco International Airport, where he was allegedly trying to flee the country. Matthew has no prior criminal convictions in Washington state, but court records state he has criminal history in California, Georgia and in the Army. He served in the military from August 2015 to June 2018 as a computer/detection systems repairer, according to the Armys public affairs office at the Pentagon. He had no deployments and held the rank of specialist at the end of his service. His mental competency was examined several times before he was cleared to proceed to trial, and he was prescribed antipsychotic medications during two 90-day periods of inpatient treatment at Western State Hospital, but court records indicate he mostly refused medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurors likely wont hear about Matthews previous mental health issues. In pre-trial arguments, prosecutors asked that there be no references to that, noting that the defense had not endorsed any expert witnesses to testify about Matthews mental health. What jurors will hear in states case The trial is estimated to last for two weeks, according to court records. A jury panel that appeared to be made up of seven women and eight men, which includes three alternate jurors, is tasked with deciding if Matthew is guilty. In her opening statements, Wagner told the jurors that she would prove to them that it was Matthews intent to kill Nizzoli, and that evidence would show the attack was premeditated, that he formed the intent to murder her before he began running at her on the trail. Wagner gave jurors a wide-ranging overview of the investigation into Nizzolis stabbing, including how a DNA sample submitted to a database of DNA profiles matched with Matthews name, which she said broke the case open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurors will also hear, Wagner said, about how license-plate cameras in Tacoma and Ruston captured Matthews yellow Chevy Spark driving to and from Point Defiance Park. His apartment in Federal Way was also searched, but she said the knife used in the attack was never recovered. Once Matthew was detained, he was interviewed by detectives. Confronted with surveillance video of his vehicle at the park, Wagner said Matthew told detectives he had been to the park but never left his vehicle. Detectives also noticed a large gash on his right palm that appeared infected. Wagner said Matthews explanation was that he cut himself shaving. Aug. 5Staff from Ruskin Elementary school told 911 dispatchers they called Children Services multiple times while requesting wellness checks for Hershall Creachbaum Jr. and his sister weeks before his presumed death. Bones believed to be the 7-year-old boy were found on July 12 after Michael Kendrick, Hershall's mom's boyfriend, called 911 and reported someone took the child. An investigation determined Hershall, who had autism and cerebral palsy and was nonverbal, likely died weeks earlier, according to Dayton police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers responded to 404 Xenia Ave., where Hershall and his sister were living with their mother, Ashley Johnson, and Kendrick at least twice for wellness checks in April of this year, according to police records. The names of everyone involved, including the children, were redacted from the calls and dispatch log, but the details match information previously reported by Dayton police or found in court records relating to Hershall's presumed death. Welfare checks requested on April 3 and April 4 came from staff at Ruskin after Kendrick was allegedly intoxicated when he brought the kids to school and tried to pick them up the next day. In 911 call audio recently released to the Dayton Daily News, school staff said they called Children Services multiple times and were told to request a welfare check through the police department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their guardian left them in the care of their bio mom and there's just signs of neglect," a staff member said on April 3, according to dispatch records. "I've called it into CPS multiple times and today they asked me to do a well check with the police department." The caller said the mom's boyfriend was "stumbling drunk" when he dropped the children off in the morning. "CPS said they can't do anything about it," the caller continued. "It's caught up between counties because his guardian lives in Clark County. (Redacted) said that they are often without food." The caller also said Hershall was covered in urine when he arrived at school that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police records, an officer responded to the Xenia Avenue home on April 3, but no one was there. Children Services was contacted and police learned a case was already open, police records say. The next day, on April 4, another staff member at Ruskin called in a wellness check. The second caller also told dispatch they had contacted Children Services, which said they needed to request a wellness check, according to dispatch records. "The mom seemed like she was OK today at dismissal, which is the only reason I let them leave," the caller said. "The boyfriend tried to pick them up and he was clearly intoxicated. I wouldn't release to him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They added the boyfriend argued with a security guard and principal and was "very angry" when he left. "I wanted to make sure that nothing happens when they get home," the caller said. The staff member said the children's legal guardian lives in Clark County, but the children had been staying with their mother for at least a couple of months. When the dispatcher asked the caller if they had contacted Clark County, they said they called multiple times. "They said they couldn't do anything unless we got a wellness check," the caller said. "I tried to keep reporting and reporting, and they won't help us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hershall and his 11-year-old sister used to live with their grandmother, Missy Creachbaum, in Springfield. Creachbaum had been their legal guardian for years. But Creachbaum said she moved herself and her grandkids into a home on Xenia Avenue last year with Johnson, their biological mother, and Kendrick. Creachbaum said she made this decision after her landlord did not renew her lease. Creachbaum said she had not lived with the kids in Dayton since last fall, after she was severely injured in an automobile crash. A Dayton police officer made contact with the family on April 4 and said the kids were OK. There was food, water and power in the house, according to police records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An officer was dispatched on a third welfare check on June 10 after 8:30 p.m. A 911 caller hung up at the address, according to dispatch records. When dispatch called back, the person said they needed dispatch before the call disconnected again. During a second call back, the person apologized and said they didn't need police or medics, according to 911 records. Police said the call was canceled before officers could arrive at the home. It's not clear which Children Services agency had a case related to Hershall and his sister. Reba Chenoweth, a spokesperson for Montgomery County Children Services, previously said, "this situation is heartbreaking, and we extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected. While this tragedy did not fall under our jurisdiction, we join the community in mourning this loss." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Ohio law prevents Children Services from either confirming or denying if there was a case involving the family. An assistant prosecutor in Clark County who represents the Department of Job and Family Services said his clients have no comment at this time since it is an active investigation. An attorney hired by Hershall's estate to conduct an independent investigation has alleged Children Services and other agencies may deserve blame for failing to protect the boy. "As you know, his death was very tragic and preventable," Michael Wright said at a press conference last month. "We believe that Children Services failed this child." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he expects to file a wrongful death civil lawsuit in the future. While the Montgomery County Coroner's Office, Dayton police and the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office are continuing to investigate, Johnson and Kendrick have already been indicted in connection to the case. Johnson is facing an obstructing justice charge and Kendrick was indicted on two counts of tampering with evidence and three counts of gross abuse of a corpse in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. During an interview with investigators in July, Johnson said Hershall died in late May while she was in the hospital, according to Dayton Municipal Court records. Kendrick was in an argument on the phone while drinking when he allegedly punched the boy in the head and struck and shoved him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hershall reportedly died the next day. Kendrick told police he put Hershall's remains in a deep freezer when they began to smell and then used a suitcase to leave the boy in a grassy field, according to an affidavit. He reportedly returned a few weeks later and collected the bones before leaving them in a plastic shopping bag on a hill at the McClure Street overpass bridge. Kendrick helped lead investigators to where the remains were, according to court documents. Additional charges could be filed once the investigation is completed. Creachbaum, Hershall's grandmother, told this news outlet that she's upset and frustrated that employees at Ruskin school contacted Children Services with concerns about abuse or neglect, but she believes they did nothing about it. "I think that Children Services failed him," Creachbaum said last month. Creachbaum was the guardian of Hershall and his sister for years until May, when Clark County Probate Court dismissed her guardianship because Creachbaum did not submit a required report. Creachbaum told this newspaper she was not aware of any paperwork issues. Creachbaum said she struggled to walk, talk, cook and take care of herself after she suffered serious injuries in an automobile crash last fall. But she said she is recovering and she hopes to become her granddaughter's legal guardian once again. Creachbaum also told this news outlet that she never saw worrying signs of problems with Kendrick or Johnson when she lived in their home. But she said apparently he secretly was a "monster." Creachbaum also said she hopes both Kendrick and Johnson spend the rest of their lives in prison. Woody Allen once likened Jeffrey Epsteins home to Castle Dracula with young female vampires who service the place. In a letter the film director allegedly sent the paedophile financier as part of a ledger of messages for his 63rd birthday, Allen apparently recounted dinner gatherings that Epstein hosted. In the typewritten note obtained by The New York Times, Allen allegedly described Epsteins sprawling Manhattan townhouse as Castle Dracula, and referenced the 1931 film adaptation of the novel, in which actor Bela Lugosi starred as the count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen wrote that the meals were often served by several young women reminding one of Castle Dracula where Lugosi has three young female vampires who service the place. He continued: Add to this that Jeffrey lives in a vast house alone, one can picture him sleeping in damp earth. The letter dates from 2016, when the paedophile financier had already served time in prison for soliciting prostitution from underage girls. Allen, whose adopted daughter Dylan Farrow has accused him of sexually abusing her as a child, which he has denied, was one of a number of high-profile people who apparently sent letters to the disgraced financier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ehud Barak, the former Israeli prime minister, and Mortimer Zuckerman, the Canadian billionaire and former owner of The Atlantic magazine, also allegedly paid tribute to Epstein. Allen allegedly sent Epstein a letter to celebrate his 63rd birthday - Europa Press News Mr Barak and his wife noted of Epstein that there is no limit to your curiosity, according to the newspaper, adding: You are like a closed book to many of them but you know everything about everyone. Meanwhile, Mr Zuckerman reportedly suggested the dishes for a meal that would suit the culture of the mansion, including a simple salad and whatever else would enhance Jeffreys sexual performance. New details about Epsteins apartment revealed The letters emerged following the Wall Street Journals (WSJ) reporting that Donald Trump sent a lewd birthday note to the late financier on his 50th birthday in 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The note was said to include comments from Trump telling his former friend they had certain things in common and that enigmas never age. The president has categorically denied writing or sending the card, which reportedly included a doodle of a naked woman. In response to the WSJ article, Mr Trump has sued News Corp, Rupert Murdoch and two WSJ reporters for libel. Pressure has been mounting on Mr Trump to release all information related to Epstein after the Department of Justice (DoJ) concluded last month that he had no list of high profile clients and died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019. Supporters of the president have accused the White House of a cover up, and demanded more information about the influential figures in Epsteins orbit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disgraced financier regularly entertained a carousel of high-profile guests at his seven-story, 21,000-square-foot townhouse on the Upper East Side. The New York apartment previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein - Kayah Godek Photography / Alamy Stock Photo The mansion, a short walk from Central Park, was also the site of several assaults on underage girls that he would invite to perform massages on him while naked - during which he would sometimes masturbate and sexually assault them. In images obtained by the New York Times showing Epsteins personal possessions from inside the apartment, framed photos stacked up on a desk show the disgraced financier with various powerful associates including Steve Bannon and Elon Musk. The images of Mr Bannon, Mr Trumps former advisor who claimed to have filmed hours of interviews in the mansion with Epstein in 2019, allegedly include a mirror selfie taken by Epstein. Previous pictures from the trial of Ghislane Maxwell showed the frames in Epsteins New York home, but may of the images were redacted - US Department of Justice Mr Musk, who previously told Vanity Fair that he once visited Epsteins residence for about 30 minutes in the middle of the afternoon, was pictured seated at a dining table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tesla billionaire and former Trump ally has emerged as one of the presidents staunchest critics in recent months, previously claiming in a now-deleted tweet that the US president was named in the so-called Epstein files. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the DoJ told Mr Trump in May that his name appears multiple times in the files - a claim he has also denied. Other high-profile figures who feature among the framed photographs in the pictures include Bill Clinton, Richard Branson, Pope John Paul II, Mick Jagger and Fidel Castro. There is also a framed dollar bill signed by Bill Gates, possibly as payment for a wager. I was wrong!, the Microsoft co-founder apparently wrote on the note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A photograph of Epstein alongside Mr Trump and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in 2000 also features on the shelf. Ghislane Maxwell, the financiers ex-girlfriend and accomplice, is cropped out of the frame. Maxwell split from Epstein in the mid-2010s, but it is not clear when the photos of Epsteins apartment were taken. The 2000 picture framed in Epsteins mansion. The picture in the house cropped out Ghislaine Maxwell - Davidoff Studios Photography The townhouse, purchased by Epstein in 1990, was redecorated in his own eccentric style with framed prosthetic eyeballs lining the hallway and a sculpture of a woman in a bridal gown clinging to a rope hanging in the main atrium, according to the photos. During dinners at the house, guests sat in leopard-print chairs around a large rectangular table and magicians are said to have sometimes performed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A map of Israel drawn on a chalkboard with Mr Baraks signature also featured in the residence, according to the newspaper. In Epsteins office, located up a flight of stairs, pictures show a taxidermy tiger on the floor, a first edition of Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita, and more framed pictures, including one with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. Redacted pictures of the massage room at Jeffrey Epsteins New York house - US Department of Justice Epsteins personal quarters, on the third floor of the building, feature his bedroom and his infamous massage room, in which there are said to be pictures of naked women, a large silver ball and chain, and shelves stacked with lubricant. In the photos shared by The Times, a surveillance camera can be seen mounted in the corner of the blue and white decorated bedroom, with another camera mounted in the corner of an adjoining room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for Mr Barak, Mr Zuckerman, Mr Bannon, Mr Musk, Mr Clinton, Mr Branson, Mr Jagger, Mr Gates, and Mr bin Salman were approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A manhunt is intensifying for the former U.S. Army soldier who's been at large for days after allegedly gunning down four people at a Montana bar. Michael Paul Brown, 45, is suspected of opening fire on Friday morning at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, a city of about 9,000 people in southwestern Montana, authorities said. There has not been a confirmed sighting of Brown since Friday, authorities said. Anaconda - Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center - PHOTO: An undated photo of Michael Paul Brown. Thirty-eight local, state and federal agencies are involved in the search, Anaconda Deer Lodge County Attorney Morgan Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers are "unrelenting in their pursuit, working around the clock" to find him, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte stressed at a news conference on Tuesday. "Rest assured, our brave men and women of law enforcement arent giving up." MORE: Wife of convicted Delphi murderer breaks her silence: 'My husband's not a monster' The governor said he signed an executive order to use financial resources from the state emergency respond fund to help support law enforcement, including overtime. "This action today will ensure additional financial resources are available as we continue to track down this criminal," Gianforte said. Montana DOJ - PHOTO: Michael Paul Brown flees the scene after he allegedly opened fire killing a bartender and three patrons at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, Aug. 1, 2025. The governor opened Tuesday's news conference with a moment of silence for the four victims, identified as bartender Nancy Loretta Kelly, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Bailey, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown lived next door to the bar and investigators believe he was familiar with most of the victims, authorities said. To the families, Smith said at the news conference, "Our thoughts and prayers remain with you." MORE: A 4-year-old boy killed in 1972 finally has been identified. But what happened to his baby brother is still a mystery. Brown is an Army veteran who served in the Iraq War and the Montana National Guard, according to Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen. Brown is known to law enforcement, Knudsen said, and is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous. A $10,000 reward has been offered by the U.S. Marshals Service for any information leading to Browns capture, Knudsen said. He asked anyone with information to call 1-877-WANTED2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His brother, William Brown, is currently serving a life sentence in prison for murder in the same community, the Montana Department of Corrections confirmed to ABC News. William Brown was convicted of murder in 2000 and, a year later, was convicted of escaping jail. He was sentenced in 2002. When President Donald Trump and Elon Musk fed the US Agency for International Development into the wood chipper earlier this year, one of the lesser-known casualties was the shutdown of an obscure but crucial program that tracked public health information on about half of the worlds nations. For nearly 40 years, the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program has served as the worlds health report card. In that time, it has carried out over 400 nationally representative surveys in more than 90 countries, capturing a wide range of vital signs such as maternal and child health, nutrition, education levels, access to water and sanitation, and the prevalence of diseases like HIV and malaria. Taken together, it offered perhaps the clearest picture ever compiled of global health. !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}(); Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that clarity came from how rigorous these surveys were. Each one started with a globally vetted blueprint of questions, used by hundreds of trained local surveyors who went door-to-door, conducting face-to-face interviews in peoples homes. The final, anonymized data was then processed by a single contractor ICF International, a private consulting firm based in Reston, Virginia, which made the results standardized and comparable across countries and over time. Its data powered global estimates from institutions like the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which in turn shaped public health policy, research, and funding decisions around the world. If DHS didnt exist, comparing anemia across countries would be a PhD thesis, said Doug Johnson, a senior statistician at the nonprofit IDinsight. Crucially, DHS also tracked things few other systems touched, like gender-based violence, womens autonomy, and attitudes toward domestic abuse. Doctors offices arent representative and only capture folks who can access a formal health care system. Also, since DHS data is anonymized, unlike a police report, responders dont have to fear intervention if they dont want it. You cant get answers from other sources to sensitive questions like the ones DHS posed, said Haoyi Chen from the UN Statistics Division, pointing to one example: Is a husband justified in beating his wife if she burns the food? Then, earlier this year, DHS was shut down. The decision came as part of the Rescissions Act of 2025, a bill passed in June that clawed back $9.4 billion from foreign aid and other programs. Eliminating DHS saved the government some $47 million a year only about 0.1 percent of the total US aid budget, or half the cost of a single F-35 fighter jet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That tiny budget cut has had immediate consequences. The move halted around 24 in-progress country surveys 10 of which were just short of final publication, and three in Ethiopia, Guinea, and Uganda that were stopped mid-fieldwork. The programs public-facing website remains up, but the machinery behind it is gone. With no one to approve new applications, the process for researchers to access the underlying microdata has ground to a halt. How the DHS has saved lives The shutdown isnt just about numbers on a spreadsheet. Heres how DHS data has shaped policy and saved lives across the globe. Guinea: DHS data was used to help tailor the rollout of the new malaria vaccine. India: The 20192021 national survey (Indias version of the DHS) showed a stark gap in menstrual hygiene between urban and rural areas, which prompted a new national policy to address the disparity. Nepal: A 2016 DHS survey revealed stagnating maternal mortality rates. This spurred the government to enhance its Safe Motherhood Program, resulting in more women delivering babies in health facilities rather than homes and fewer women dying in childbirth. Nigeria: DHS surveys showed child marriage rates as high as 76 percent in some states. Advocates used that as evidence to successfully push local governments to strengthen their laws against the practice. There will also be long-term damage. When governments or aid organizations can no longer see exactly where children are malnourished, where malaria outbreaks are quietly spreading, or where mothers are dying in childbirth, they cant effectively target life-saving interventions, leaving the most vulnerable populations to pay the price. For 24 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali, the DHS was the sole data source for the UNs official maternal mortality estimates. Going forward, it would just be basically estimates that are based on other countries data, says Saloni Dattani, a editor on science and global health at Works in Progress magazine and 2022 Future Perfect 50 honoree. We just wouldnt know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without the data DHS provided, foreign aid becomes less effective, and less accountable We have no way of externally or objectively estimating the positive impact that those [aid] programs are having, or negative, said Livia Montana, the former deputy director of the DHS Program, who is now a survey director for the Understanding America Study at the University of Southern California. Naturally, the global health community has been scrambling to plug the enormous gap. The Gates Foundation recently committed $25 million in emergency funding to rescue some ongoing surveys, and Bloomberg Philanthropies has also stepped in with a separate commitment to support the effort. This funding is a crucial lifeline, but only a stopgap. The search for a long-term fix has forced a reckoning with the old programs flaws. Everyone agrees that DHS delivered high-quality, trusted data but it wasnt perfect. Many experts have criticized it as fundamentally donor-driven, with priorities that didnt always align with the national interests of the countries it surveyed. For instance, the programs historic focus on reproductive health was a direct reflection of the priorities of its primary funder, USAID, and some country officials privately felt the data served the accountability needs of international organizations better than their own immediate planning needs. This has created a central dilemma for the global development community: is it possible to build a new system that is both genuinely country-led and also globally comparable? A lifeline and a reckoning Faced with this data vacuum, an obvious question arises: Why cant other global organizations like the World Health Organization or the United Nations simply step in and take over? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not out of the question, but it would be really, really difficult. Think of it this way: The DHS Program was like a single, powerful architecture firm that perfected a blueprint and built houses in 90 neighborhoods for 40 years. Because it was a single program managed by private contractor, ICF International, and backed by one major funder, USAID, it could enforce a standardized methodology everywhere it worked. As a for-profit firm, ICFs interest was also financial, it managed the global contract and profited from the work. The UN and WHO, by contrast, act as the global city planners: Their mandate isnt to design and build the houses themselves, but to set the building codes and safety standards for everyone. According to WHO, its role is not to directly fund population-based surveys, but to provide leadership and bring the right stakeholders together. While that mandate may prevent the UN from simply inheriting the old programs work, it makes it an ideal coordinator for the path forward, says Caren Grown, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institutions Center for Sustainable Development. Grown argues that the UN is the only body that can handle the heavy lift of coordinating all the different countries, donors, and organizations. And now that the DHS has been dissolved, both Grown and Chen are now part of a UN task force attempting to establish new internationally agreed-upon standards for how health data should be collected and governed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, other efforts are more focused on the practical work of implementation rather than on global governance. Montana is leading a coalition to rebuild elements of DHS by creating a global consortium of research institutions that can provide technical support to countries. These efforts were catalyzed by initial conversations hosted by organizations like the Population Reference Bureau, which brought together donors, government agencies, and global data users to grapple with the shutdowns immediate aftermath. Critics argue that for every India, there are a dozen other nations where the programs sudden collapse is proof that a deep, sustainable capacity was never built. Between this mishmash, the most practical development has been a lifeline from the Gates Foundation, which announced a $25 million investment in bridge funding. Separately, in a statement to Vox, Bloomberg Philanthropies confirmed its commitment to fund the completion of an additional 12-country surveys over the next eight months. A source from the Gates Foundation clarified that Bloombergs commitment is on top of theirs, confirming the two are distinct but coordinated rescue efforts. The Gates Foundation framed its effort as a temporary, stabilizing measure designed to give the global health community a much-needed respite. We believe data is and must remain a global public good, said Janet Zhou, a director focused on data and gender equality at the Gates Foundation. Our interim support is helping to stabilize 14 ongoing country surveys. This investment is designed to give global partners and national governments the time and space needed to build a more sustainable, country-led model for health data. That support is aimed at the most urgent work: finishing surveys that were nearly complete, like in Ethiopia, and reopening the four-decade-old data archive. But rather than giving each respective country the money to complete their ongoing surveys, the Gates funding will be administered by ICF International, the same for-profit firm that ran the original DHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to work with the existing contractor, ICF International, was a pragmatic one. Continuing with the same implementer was the quickest, most affordable way to prevent waste, and multiple host countries have shared a preference to complete their work with the firm, said a source at the Gates Foundation. A Sudanese mother sits with her children at a shelter in the al-Qanaa village in Sudan's southern White Nile state on September 14, 2021. | Ashraf Shazly/AFP via Getty Images Its a powerful argument for triage in an emergency, but it also papers over deeper flaws. Take a look at Nigeria, for example: Fieldwork for its 202324 DHS finished in May 2024, and the questionnaires gathered new estimates of maternal and child deaths. Nigeria also ran a separate study to probe exactly why mothers and children are dying. In principle, the two datasets should dovetail but beyond a headline-numbers report, the full DHS micro-dataset is still in ICFs processing queue likely frozen after DHSs shuttering. That bottleneck illustrates what critics mean by donor-driven. With barely 3 percent of household surveys in low-income countries fully-financed by the local government, the WHO notes, most nations must rely on externally led surveyslimiting continuity and national ownership. When the donor funding stops, so does the data pipeline. An ICF spokesperson pushed back saying survey priorities were primarily shaped by the participating countries. Yet, of the $25 million that arrived from Gates, a large portion of it will go toward completing large-scale surveys in Nigeria and Kenya, two countries that also happen to be key geographies of interest for the Gates Foundations own strategic priorities, underscoring how funders still steer the spotlight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insiders I spoke with described ICFs system as a black box, with key parts of its methodology controlled by the contractor, leaving countries without the capacity to stand on their own. That matters because without home-grown statisticians and know-how, ministries cant rerun surveys or update indicators without outside help. In response, ICF stated that the program has a proven track record of building a long-term capacity, noting that countries like India no longer require its assistance. But critics argue that for every India, there are a dozen other nations where the programs sudden collapse is proof that a deep, sustainable capacity was never built. This dependency creates a fragile system that can, as just happened, collapse overnight, leaving countries unable to continue that work on their own. This unresolved tension brings the debate back to a central question from the UNs Chen. DHS has been there for four decades, she asks, and why are we still having this program doing the survey for countries? Chens question gets to the heart of the debate. But grappling with the flaws of the past cant get in the way of surviving the present. Existing global health data is already several years out of date due to the pandemic, while crises in maternal mortality and child nutrition continue to unfold. The need is for reliable data now, because the fundamental reality remains: You cant help people you cant see. KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) For the past decade, Sughra Ayaz has traveled door to door in southeastern Pakistan, pleading with parents to allow children to be vaccinated against polio as part of a global campaign to wipe out the paralytic disease. She hears their demands and fears. Some are practical families need basics like food and water more than vaccines. Others are simply unfounded the oral doses are meant to sterilize their kids. Amid rampant misinformation and immense pressure for the campaign to succeed, Ayaz said, some managers have instructed workers to falsely mark children as immunized. And the vaccines, which must be kept cold, arent always stored correctly, she added. In many places, our work is not done with honesty, Ayaz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Health Organization and partners embarked on their polio campaign in 1988 with the bold goal of eradication a feat seen only once for human diseases, with smallpox in 1980. They came close several times, including in 2021, when just five cases of the natural virus were reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan. But since then, cases rebounded, hitting 99 last year, and officials have missed at least six self-imposed eradication deadlines. Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries where transmission of polio which is highly infectious, affects mainly children under 5, and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours -- has never been interrupted. The worldwide campaign has focused most of its attention and funding there for the past decade. But in its quest to eliminate the disease, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has been derailed by mismanagement and what insiders describe as blind allegiance to an outdated strategy and a problematic oral vaccine, according to workers, polio experts and internal materials obtained by The Associated Press. Officials have falsified vaccination records, selected unqualified people to dole out drops, failed to send out teams during mass campaigns, and dismissed concerns about the oral vaccine sparking outbreaks, according to documents shared with AP by staffers from GPEI one of the largest and most expensive public health campaigns in history, with over $20 billion spent and nearly every country in the world involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Afghanistan and Pakistan which share a border, harbor widespread mistrust of vaccines, and have weakened healthcare systems and infrastructure local staffers like Ayaz have for years flagged problems to senior managers. But those issues, along with concerns by staffers and outside health officials, have long gone unaddressed, insiders say. Officials tout the successes 3 billion children vaccinated, an estimated 20 million people who would have been paralyzed spared while acknowledging challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Remote villages are hard to reach, some cultural and religious authorities instruct against vaccination, and hundreds of polio workers and security staff have been killed because of their alignment with a Western-led initiative. Dr. Jamal Ahmed, WHOs polio director, defended progress in those two countries, citing workers tailored response in resistant pockets. Theres so many children being protected today because of the work that was done over the past 40 years, he said. Lets not overdramatize the challenges, because that leads to children getting paralyzed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahmed said he believes authorities will end the spread of polio in the next 12 to 18 months. Its latest goal for eradication is 2029. The campaign says about 45 million children in Pakistan and 11 million in Afghanistan must be vaccinated this year. Children typically need four doses of two drops each to be considered fully immunized. Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, who has served on advisory groups for WHO, the Gates Foundation and others, said campaign officials should listen to the criticism of its tactics. Continuing blindly with the same strategies that we have relied on since eradication began is unlikely to lead to a different result, he said. Documents show yearslong problems on polio vaccination teams Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Internal WHO reports reviewing vaccination drives in Afghanistan and Pakistan over the past decade given to AP by current and former staffers show that as early as 2017, local workers were alerting significant problems to senior managers. The documents flagged multiple cases of falsified vaccination records, health workers being replaced by untrained relatives and workers improperly administering vaccines. On numerous occasions, WHO officials noted, vaccinators did not know about vaccine management, citing failure to keep doses properly cold. They also found sloppy or falsified reporting, with workers noting more used vaccine vials than were actually supplied. According to an August 2017 report from Kandahar, Afghanistan, local government authorities and others interfered in choosing vaccinators, resulting in the selection of underage and illiterate volunteers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccination teams worked in a hurried manner, reports said, with no plan for monitoring or supervision. A team in Nawzad, Afghanistan, covered just half of the intended area in 2017, with 250 households missed entirely. Village elders said no one visited for at least two years. Vaccine workers and health officials in Afghanistan and Pakistan confirmed the issues in the documents and told AP its hard for campaign leadership to grasp the difficulties in the field. Door-to-door efforts are stymied by cultural barriers, unfounded stories about vaccines, and the regions poverty and transience. Most of the time when we go to vaccinate and knock on the door, the head of the house or the man is not at home, said one worker, speaking on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to talk to the press. Many people find it offensive that a stranger knocks on the door and talks to a woman. Some workers find families have moved. Occasionally, they say, the encounter abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have shared these problems with our senior officials, the worker told AP. They know about it. In an email response to APs questions about officials knowledge of the issues, WHO polio director Ahmed noted operational challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan and said the program has robust monitoring and evaluation processes. Worker Ayaz described fake finger marking placing the ink used to show a child is vaccinated on their pinky even when no vaccine has been given. There is so much pressure, Ayaz said. Critics point to continued use of the oral polio vaccine Before the first polio vaccine was developed in 1955, the disease spread mostly from person to person, through contaminated water and via fecal particles was among the worlds most feared, paralyzing hundreds of thousands of children annually. People avoided crowded places during epidemics, and hospital wards filled with children encased in iron lungs after the virus immobilized their breathing muscles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polio is mainly spread when people are exposed to water infected with the virus. In countries with poor sanitation, children often become infected when they come into contact with contaminated waste. WHO says that as long as a single child remains infected, kids everywhere are at risk. Eradication demands near-perfection zero polio cases and immunizing more than 95% of children. But public health leaders and former WHO staffers say campaign efforts are far from perfect, and many question the oral vaccine. The oral vaccine proven to be safe and effective has been given to more than 3 billion children. But there are some extremely rare side effects: Scientists estimate that for every 2.7 million first doses given, one child will be paralyzed by the live polio virus in the vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In even rarer instances, the live virus can mutate into a form capable of starting new outbreaks among unimmunized people where vaccination rates are low. Worldwide, several hundred vaccine-derived cases have been reported annually since at least 2021, with at least 98 this year. Most public health experts agree the oral vaccine should be pulled as soon as possible. But they acknowledge there simply isnt enough injectable vaccine which uses no live virus and doesnt come with the risks of the oral vaccine to wipe out polio alone. The injectable vaccine also is more expensive and requires more training to administer. More than two dozen current and former senior polio officials told AP the agencies involved havent been willing to even consider revising their strategy to account for some of the campaigns problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Tom Frieden, a former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who sits on an independent board reviewing polio eradication, said it would be impossible to eliminate polio without the oral vaccine. But hes urged authorities to find ways to adapt, such as adopting new methods to identify polio cases more quickly. Since 2011, he and colleagues have issued regular reports about overall program failures. Theres no management, he said, citing a lack of accountability. Last year, former WHO scientist Dr. T. Jacob John twice emailed WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling for a major course correction. John shared the emails with AP and said hes received no response. WHO is persisting with polio control and creating polio with one hand and attempting to control it by the other, John wrote. In his response to AP, WHO polio director Ahmed said the oral vaccine is a core pillar of eradication strategy and that almost every country that is polio-free today used (it) to achieve that milestone. We need to step back and really care for the people, he said. The only way we can do that in large parts of the world is with oral polio vaccine. Ahmed also pointed to the success WHO and partners had eliminating polio from India, once considered a nearly impossible task. In the four years before polio was wiped out there, health workers delivered about 1 billion doses of the oral vaccine to more than 170 million children. Today, nearly all of the worlds polio cases -- mostly in Africa and the Middle East -- are mutated viruses from the oral vaccine, except for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Scott Barrett, a Columbia University professor, called for an inquiry into how things went so wrong particularly with a failed effort in 2016, when authorities removed a strain from the oral vaccine. They miscalculated, leading to outbreaks in more than 40 countries that paralyzed more than 3,000 children, according to an expert report commissioned by WHO. Last year, a mutated virus traced to that effort paralyzed a baby in Gaza. Unless you have a public inquiry where all the evidence comes out and WHO makes serious changes, it will be very hard to trust them, he said. Mistrust of the polio eradication effort persists With an annual budget of about $1 billion, the polio initiative is among the most expensive in all of public health. This year, the U.S. withdrew from WHO, and President Donald Trump has cut foreign aid. WHO officials have privately admitted that sustaining funding would be difficult without success. Some say the money would be better spent on other health needs. We have spent more than $1 billion (in external polio funding) in the last five years in Pakistan alone, and it didnt buy us any progress, said Roland Sutter, who formerly led polio research at WHO. If this was a private company, we would demand results. Villagers, too, have protested the cost, staging hundreds of boycotts of immunization campaigns since 2023. Instead of polio vaccines, they ask for medicine, food and electricity. In Karachi, locals told AP they didnt understand the governments fixation on polio and complained of other issues dirty water, heroin addiction. Workers are accompanied by armed guards; Pakistani authorities say more than 200 workers and police assigned to protect them have been killed since the 1990s, mostly by militants. The campaign also is up against a wave of misinformation, including that the vaccine is made from pig urine or will make children reach puberty early. Some blame an anti-vaccine sentiment growing in the U.S. and other countries that have largely funded eradication efforts and say its reaching even remote areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. In suburban southwest Pakistan, Saleem Khan, 58, said two grandchildren under 5 were vaccinated over his familys objections. It results in disability, said Khan, without citing evidence for his belief. They are vaccinated because officials reported our refusal to authorities and the police. Svea Closser, professor of international health at Johns Hopkins University, said Pakistan and Afghanistan were less resistant to immunization decades ago. Now, people are angry about the focus on polio and lack of help for diseases like measles or tuberculosis, she said, spurring conspiracy theories. Polio eradication has created a monster, Closser said. It doesnt help, she added, that in this region, public trust in vaccine campaigns was undermined when the CIA organized a fake hepatitis drive in 2011 in an attempt to get DNA and confirm the presence of Osama bin Laden or his family. Workers see that continued mistrust every day. In a mountainous region of southeastern Afghanistan where most people survive by growing wheat and raising cows and chickens, a mother of five said she'd prefer that her children be vaccinated against polio, but her husband and other male relatives have instructed their families to reject it. They believe the false rumors that it will compromise their childrens fertility. If I allow it, the woman said, declining to be named over fears of family retribution, I will be beaten and thrown out. ____ Cheng reported from London. ____ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. A baby born to an Ohio couple holds an interesting new record: world's oldest baby. According to the MIT Technology Review, Thaddeus Daniel Pierce was born on July 26 to Lindsey and Tim Pierce of London, Ohio. Thaddeus was technically adopted, but not in the typical sense: he grew from an embryo that had been in storage for over 30 years, MIT reports. Back in the 1990s, Linda Archerd, now 62, had been trying to get pregnant for several years. After undergoing IVF, Archerd and her then-husband managed to created four embryos. One resulted in a baby girl, now 30. The rest, one of which would become Thaddeus, were frozen and put in storage. While Archerd had planned to use the other embryos to have another baby, she told the MIT Technology Review, her now ex-husband wasn't in agreement. After divorcing him, Archerd won custody of the embryos, keeping them frozen in storage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Archerd, who is a Christian, did not want to dispose of the embryos or donate them for research. She found out about what's known as "embryo adoption," a type of embryo donation in which embryo owners have a say in who "adopts" their embryos for use. Archerd had a difficult time finding an embryo adopting agency that would take such old embryos, until she found the Snowflakes program run by the Nightlight Christian Adoptions agency. It took a long time to find a couple whose fertility clinic would take such old embryos, Beth Button, executive director of the Snowflakes program, told the MIT Technology Review. But Tim, 34 and Lindsey, 35, Pierce showed up as an ideal match for what Archerd wanted for her embryos: a Christian couple living in the United States. The couple had been trying for seven years to conceive a child and seen multiple doctors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pierces are now settling in to life with little Thaddeus, whose parents were toddlers when his embryo was first frozen. They declined to speak to The Dispatch while settling in with their new baby. Medical business and health care reporter Samantha Hendrickson can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: World's oldest baby born to Ohio couple The last rites of veteran tribal leader and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren will be performed on Tuesday in his native village, Nimra, following his demise in Delhi. People gathered in large numbers at his residence in Ranchi on Monday to pay their final respects to the former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM patriarch. Soren passed away on August 4 at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital after a prolonged illness. Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district, Shibu Soren belonged to a modest Santhal Adivasi farming family. His father, Shobaran Soren, was a vocal opponent of local zamindars (landlords) and was murdered at their hands when Shibu was just a boy. This injustice instilled in him a burning resolve to fight for Adivasi rights, land, and dignity. Soren's political journey spanned over four decades, marked by numerous highs and challenges. He was the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, co-founded JMM in 1972 with AK Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato to advocate for a separate tribal state. He served three terms as Chief Minister, including one for just 10 days in March 2005 and was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and the Rajya Sabha three times. He held the Coal Minister portfolio in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. Soren's rise to fame came in the 1970s with his campaigns against the exploitative landlords and moneylenders. He became a tribal icon fighting against injustice, organising agitations to reclaim tribal lands. His fight for the tribal community is the reason why JMM remains the most popular party in Jharkhand. Shibu Soren was a champion of tribal rights, land, forest, and livelihood. He was known for his unwavering dedication to the people and his passion for empowering tribal communities, the poor, and the downtrodden. His contributions include the Jharkhand Statehood Movement, which played a key role in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000. His dreams of a separate identity for Jharkhand people came into fruition in 2000 when a new state was created. Soren has to spend a month in jail after an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with the 1975 Chirudih massacre case, in which he was named the main accused in the killing of 11 people. Later, a court in March 2008 absolved him of all charges. However, his legal woes did not end there. In 2006, he was convicted in the 1994 murder case of his private secretary, Shashi Nath Jha, leading to a life sentence, though he was later acquitted. He faced other criminal charges, including allegations of inciting violence, but was cleared in significant cases by 2010. Despite these cases, Soren remained a towering figure in the state and the nation's politics. In April 2025, he passed the JMM presidency to his son, Hemant Soren, the current Jharkhand Chief Minister. Describing him as "a strong voice for the tribal community" whose contribution to Jharkhand's formation "will always be remembered," Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid heartfelt tribute to late Shibu Soren, the veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader who passed away this morning in the national capital. (ANI) Eries public broadcasting station is looking to change locations amid federal funding cuts. Last month, Congress voted to rescind over $1 billion in allocated funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a move thats trickled down to impact Eries WQLN station. Community Blood Bank holds drive for six-year-old with leukemia Alyson Amendola, the stations vice president of advancement, said WQLN will lose $1.2 million of yearly federal funding from the decision, which makes up 40% of its budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the station is looking to move from its facility on Sesame Street, which she said is too large for its staff of 20 people. New mural honors longtime EMTA employee We knew when we were looking at decreasing expenses that this facility was going to be one of the things we had to consider leaving, Amendola said. Its hard to vacate a building that we have been at for 60 years, but we dont think it defines who WQLN is. Really, its the people who work here and the services we provide to the members in the community. Amendola said they havent found a new facility to move into yet, but that there are advantages to moving closer to the heart of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Boston Mayor Michelle Wus campaign cried foul to state campaign finance regulators this week over fundraising appeals from her opponent, philanthropist Josh Kraft. Recent fundraising emails solicited donations for the Kraft campaign in the voice of prominent national Democrats also running for public office, according to screenshots of the messages shared with MassLive. The emails appeared to press donors to rush funds to candidates like former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a candidate for U.S. Senate, and Texas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, with the donations to be split with the Kraft campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wu campaign called the practice deceptive and said it was not clear from the messages that half the donations would go to Kraft. But Krafts team slammed Wus complaint as legally and substantively bogus, arguing that the practice of donation splitting is common in Democratic Party fundraising. The campaign shared examples of similar fundraising appeals from other Massachusetts Democrats. One email flagged by the Wu campaign, which was signed by Cooper but originated from the email address info@joshforboston.com, read: We all know that this isnt going to be an easy race to win. Were in for a long, expensive fight no matter what and Republicans are preparing, too." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here to split a contribution between our campaign and Josh Kraft, the email said. Other emails sought split donations between Kraft and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell or U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, both of California, or Shawn Harris, a retired brigadier general whos now a congressional candidate in Georgia. None of them appeared to have publicly weighed in on the Boston mayoral race. In all cases, the images and messaging of these candidates, not Josh Kraft, dominate the email solicitations and web pages. Only a careful reading of fine print would convey that, in reality, half of any contribution to help Roy Cooper regain Democratic control of the U.S. Senate will be directed to Josh Kraft, the Wu campaign wrote in a letter to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, requesting an investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts campaign finance laws allow campaigns to fundraise for other candidates. But regulators also require clear language to ensure potential donors are aware that their contribution will be split between campaigns, Wus campaign treasurer, Robert D. Binney, wrote. Even assuming a donor managed to decipher the fine print, these voters would reasonably assume that leading national figures like Senator Schiff and Representative Crockett are supporting Krafts campaign for Mayor, which we believe to be untrue and an obvious attempt to deceive voters, he wrote. In response, the Kraft campaign shared screenshots of similar fundraising emails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One appeared to be from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., seeking donations that would be split with U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6th District. The latter email was sent by team@sethmoulton.com. Other screenshots showed emails apparently sent on behalf of U.S Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., but seeking donations to be split with U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., or former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, a 2022 candidate for Senate. The emails originated from the Booker or Barnes campaigns. The Kraft campaign also shared a screenshot of the webpage on ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, where donors could split donations to the Kraft and Swalwell campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kraft campaign said the page clearly informed donors that their contributions would be split between the two candidates. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance, or OCPF, does not confirm the existence of complaints or investigations. But it does review every complaint it receives, Jason Tait, the offices spokesperson, wrote in an email to MassLive. All decisions issued by the office become public, he said. As of Tuesday afternoon, it did not appear that regulators had notified the Kraft campaign of campaign finance violations. Renee Schaeffer, a spokesperson for Harris, the Georgia congressional candidate, said the campaign did not approve of the fundraising email from Krafts operation and is not supporting his campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Schiff and Swalwell also asked Kraft to stop using their names in fundraising emails, according to the Boston Globe. In a statement to the paper, campaign spokesperson Eileen OConnor attributed the emails to an error on the part of our vendor. Our vendor is responsible for the approvals process with all candidates involved. As a result of todays inquiries, we have been made aware that what we thought was an isolated incident in failing to seek approval was much larger, she said. As a result, we are moving to shut down the links and terminate our agreement with the consulting firm. Representatives for Schiff, Swalwell, Crockett and Cooper did not respond to requests for comment from MassLive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a month until Bostons preliminary election, the race between Wu and Kraft has turned sour. Alongside dueling policy ideas, the candidates have traded insults and accusations that each campaign violated campaign finance law. In June, amid complaints from Wu that the Kraft staff were improperly coordinating activities with a political action committee, the Kraft campaign accused Wu of misusing public funds for the campaign and having City Hall staff working on the mayors race during business hours. Wu denied the claims. A recent poll of the mayoral race from the Globe and Suffolk University showed Wu with a commanding 59% to 29% lead over Kraft. Two other candidates who will appear on the September ballot, Robert Capucci and Domingos DaRosa, are polling at 0.8% and 2.8% respectively, with 6.6% of respondents still undecided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary election on Sept. 9 will narrow the mayoral field to two candidates who will head to the general election on Nov. 4. More on Boston's 2025 race for mayor Read the original article on MassLive. A blue plaque has been unveiled to commemorate a war hero and to mark his legacy. John Henry Smythe, known as Johnny left Sierra Leone to join the RAF in 1941, then he became one of Britain's first black barristers before settling down in Thame, Oxfordshire. Johnny passed away in 1996, but Thame Museum continues to remember its heroic resident with a "very special exhibition" and a blue plaque on his old house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eddy Smythe, his son said: "It sent chills through my body when the plaque was unveiled, seeing his name there, that recognition which he never sought, was amazing." The blue plaque is outside Johnny Smythe's home in Thame. [BBC] Johnny was one of 60 men from the continent of Africa to serve as aircrew in the air force during the Second World War. Having qualified as a navigator and been promoted to a flight officer, his son explained that he was posted to 623 squadron based at Downham Market, in Norfolk and "that's where he started his operations from". "At that particular time in 1943, the attrition rate was really really high for bomber command and the planes where being shot down at a very very fast rate of knots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In fact Johnny, on his fifth operation, his fifth mission, which in fact was his 27th flight, he was shot down." Johnny was part of Bomber Command during WWII [BBC] He made a successful parachute jump from the plane but was captured and spent 18 months in Stalag Luft 1 prisoner of war camp. In 1951 he was awarded a military MBE. Mr Smythe described his father as "very strong" and someone who promoted "very high morals and strong principles". He recalls that his father "never talked about the war" as children he said "we knew he'd been in the war". He said: "We could see the scar on his stomach where shrapnel had gone straight through him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He refused to talk about it. He threw away his uniform and his log book. As far as he was concerned, it was a chapter of his life which was firmly shut." Johnny Smythe returned to Sierra Leone to practise law [BBC] After the war he returned to Sierra Leone, Mr Smythe explained that his father was a barrister who worked initially for the government. Then he became Solicitor General and then Attorney General for the country. He helped to write the new constitution in 1961 and later went into private practice and started his own law chambers. He was awarded an OBE in 1978 for his services to government. His son said he was "quite happy to talk about his career in law". Eddy Smythe, Johnny's son at the Thame Museum in Oxfordshire [BBC] Johnny retired and spent his last five years in Thame to be close to his son, he's buried in St. Mary's churchyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Smythe said it was "a very special moment" when Thame Museum decided to tell his life story - "it was enormous for the family". He said: "Although people in Thame knew him, they had absolutely no idea about his achievements in life because he was relatively modest. "I also don't think he quite understood what he achieved, I really don't think he ever comprehended it." Mr Smythe said it was a "huge, huge honour" that the blue plaque committee bestowed the award on his father and is now fixed to his house in Thame. The event held last Saturday was "well attended" by the mayor and deputy mayor of Thame, Oxfordshire County councillors as well as representatives from the RAF and Lord Williams' School where his life is part of the history syllabus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: "It was a fantastic day, very humbling for the family and filled with lovely speeches." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. More like this Related Links After 22 days above and below the sea, the Maritime Archaeology of Guadalcanal expedition (NA173) concluded its comprehensive and historic surveys of the infamous Ironbottom Sound and the results are stunning. Led by Ocean Exploration Trust aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus, live video available for everyone around the world captured more than a dozen vessels lost during the Solomon Islands campaign of 1942, imaging four ships for the first time and discovering two previously lost to history: the bow of the heavy cruiser New Orleans and the Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Teruzuki. The team, led by explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, explored the waters surrounding the Solomon Islands using their remotely operated vehicles alongside the mapping capabilities of the University of New Hampshires uncrewed surface vessel DriX. We noted that ~ the aft third of the ship is missing behind the mangled mast area, and large areas of the deck house and bridge still had gleaming clean metal. We also photographed the bow, torpedo mounts, 5" guns, lifeboat cranes, and bridge structure. pic.twitter.com/mLp6RicLg1 E/V Nautilus (@EVNautilus) July 22, 2025 It was wonderful to return to Iron Bottom Sound, where we discovered Japanese, Australian and American warships over 34 years ago, Ballard said at the conclusion of the mission. This expedition was special, allowing us to film these sites in a manner not possible back then, as well as document other ships, while at the same time sharing our work live to the entire world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team conducted surveys in Ironbottom Sound, where five major naval engagements took place between August and December 1942 during the World War II Campaign for Guadalcanal, writes Dave Kindy. More than 20,000 personnel were killed, and 111 naval vessels and 1,450 aircraft were lost between Allied and Japanese forces. To date, only 30 of the military ships lost in this area have been located. Over the course of three weeks and over 138 hours, Ballards team mapped more than 1,000 square kilometers of the ocean floor, generating the highest-resolution maps of Ironbottom Sound ever created. Ultra-high resolution visual and sonar data was also collected on the vessels: heavy cruisers Vincennes, Astoria, Quincy and Northampton; destroyers Laffey, DeHaven, Preston and Walke; Royal Australian Navy heavy cruiser Canberra; Imperial Japanese destroyer Yudachi; and a landing barge. While exploring the HMAS Canberra with ROV Hercules, the Corps of Exploration was able to find the original plaque placed on the wreck by Ballard and his team in their 1992 expedition to Ironbottom Sound. Canberra remains the largest ship the Royal Australian Navy has ever lost in combat. (X/Exploration Vessel Nautilus) The team also allowed viewers unfettered, real-time access to their discoveries streaming live for all 138 hours allowing the public and those with personal connections to the watery battlefield a chance to engage with not only the history, but with the expedition team themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 30 archaeologists from a coalition of nations, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S., as well as over 130 experts from around the world, were able to tune in and offer valuable, real-time interpretations of the underwater survey. And for military families, it wasnt just sheets of rusted metal they were viewing, but tangible links to a war and loved ones lost during the Second World War. This expedition was a great opportunity to remember the valor and sacrifices of sailors who fought with extreme tenacity and skill, on both sides, said Naval History and Heritage Command Director Samuel J. Cox. Sailors dont start wars, but they do what their governments ask, and in the waters of Iron Bottom Sound, they did their duty to the fullest. Yet, the end result of that terrible war brought not only freedom for the United States and Allies, but for Japan as well. This survey of the ships of the United States, Australia, and Japan will add immeasurably to the understanding of one of the most costly naval campaigns in history, a campaign that hopefully will never be repeated. (FOX40.COM) xHopes Executive Director and Co-Founder, Wendi Cross, joined FOX40s Bianca Ventura to share more about xHopes mission to empower students in need throughout the greater Sacramento region. Their referral-based Back to School Bash helps countless families head into the school year prepared with the resources they need. Watch the full interview to learn more. You can also learn more about xHope on their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Qatar is the main force behind the unprecedented wave of antisemitism around the world, not seen since the 1930s and 1940s, Yair Netanyahu said. Yair Netanyahu, the son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused Qatar of fueling global antisemitism in an X/Twitter post on Monday. Qatar is the main force behind the unprecedented wave of antisemitism around the world, not seen since the 1930s and 1940s, Netanyahu wrote. He added that, Qatar is the modern-day Nazi Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every Jew around the world is in grave danger because of the decades-long vilification of Jews and the Jewish state by Qatar, fueled by the billions of dollars they pour into it. Netanyahu further targeted the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his mother, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, calling them the modern-day Hitler and Goebbels. Independence Day event at ICC Jerusalem. July 2nd 2019. Photo credit: David Azagury US Embassy Jerusalem (credit: Wikimedia Commons) Israeli speakers criticize Qatar In May, Netanyahu, along with several other Israeli speakers, criticized Qatar while speaking at the CPAC conference in Budapest. Netanyahu called the country a Muslim Brotherhood regime, which, unlike other Gulf emirates, wants to subject all the West to Sharia law and brainwashes American and European youths to hate their countries and identity, The Jerusalem Post previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then told participants at the conference that the so-called pro-Palestinian riots that have taken place in the West since the October 7 massacre are not about Israel or the Palestinians but an expression of the desire of the red-green coalition to destroy the West. The Left and the Islamists want to destroy Western civilization for different reasons, but they have the same goal. Israel is just the first target. In March, N12 reported that Netanyahu had received warnings that Qatari money was being transferred into Gaza to fund Hamas in the years preceding October 7. According to the report, Netanyahu had received at least two warnings regarding Qatari money, The reason behind Qatar's decision to transfer money into Gaza was attributed to a desire to preserve an appearance of peaceful ties with Israel. This was done with Israel's knowledge, and even encouragement at times, the report said. Eldad Beck contributed to this report. SMYRNA, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department is mourning the loss of a young firefighter who passed away after battling cancer. At just 7 years old, firefighter Dakota knew exactly what he wanted to be. He wore the uniform proudly and left his mark on everyone around him inspiring everyone with his bravery and his joy. Photos courtesy of Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department Photos courtesy of Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department Photos courtesy of Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department Photos courtesy of Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department Photos courtesy of Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department Though his time on earth was short, his legacy is eternal. His bravery, his joy, and his love for the fire service will never be forgotten, the department said. To Dakotas familywe are holding you close in our hearts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. An alleged narcotics dealer faces federal charges in connection with a fatal overdose in Greenwich. Estherlyn Frias, 34, also known as Platinum and Silver, of the Bronx, New York has been charged with conspiring to distribute narcotics resulting in a death, possession with intent to distribute narcotics and possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in a death, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York. Each charge carries a mandatory minimum of at least 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, federal officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment Frias faces alleges that, between January 2023 and July of this year, he and others conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, cocaine base, cocaine, heroin and methadone, according to officials. Authorities allege they used Frias apartment where his girlfriend and two children lived as a stash house to store significant quantities of a variety of narcotics. According to authorities, Frias has been accused of selling narcotics to an overdose victim who died on July 1. The victim died of acute fentanyl and cocaine intoxication. Authorities said the victim met Frias outside of his apartment the day before the overdose to allegedly buy drugs. Within about 12 hours, the victim died after using the narcotics, federal officials alleged. Authorities alleged that Frias was selling the victim drugs for weeks leading up to the death. Officials said the victim had Frias saved in their phone as Platinum. The contact was allegedly found to have sent the victim a menu of the drugs that he had for sale, including soft (heroin), hard (cocaine), down (fentanyl), and everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities searched Frias apartment the night the victim died using a search warrant. They allegedly found 1,413 white glassine envelopes containing fentanyl, 603 purple glassine envelopes containing fentanyl, two plastic bags containing fentanyl, a third plastic bag containing fentanyl, 585 pink glassine envelopes containing para-fluorofentanyl, a plastic bag containing heroin and a second plastic bag containing heroin, officials said. They also reported finding two plastic bags containing crystal methamphetamine, a third plastic bag containing methamphetamine, 777 colored capsules containing crack cocaine and 20 plastic bottles containing methadone, federal authorities allege. In the apartment, officials alleged that they also found drug paraphernalia, including bulk packages of empty capsules, a digital scale and a ledger summarizing Frias alleged drug deals. Authorities allege they also found videos on Frias phone that show him retrieving drugs, including one in which the camera pans to show a child sleeping mere feet from a dresser covered in drugs, cash and drug paraphernalia. As alleged, Estherlyn Frias has been pumping deadly drugs into our communities for years, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and more, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drugs that he sold claimed someones life, and it appears they may have claimed others before, Clayton said. Shockingly, Frias appears to have stored his significant drug supply in an apartment where his two young children lived with him, mere feet away from where they slept. Our communities suffering from this kind of personal profit ends now. As the charges in this case show, together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue those who distribute illegal drugs. DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino said the case highlighted another senseless death at the hands of an individual pushing illicit narcotics laced with fentanyl. As alleged, Estherlyn Frias repeatedly trafficked and sold fentanyl laced products, going so far as to recklessly stash these deadly drugs in a bedroom where his children slept, Tarentino said in a statement. While (the) indictment against Mr. Frias will not bring back the person whose life was lost; it undoubtedly represents a step towards justice and likely saved countless others. The DEA is committed to saving lives and will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners in targeting those responsible for poisoning our communities and destroying families. LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) A police-involved shooting occured in Bay Shore, N.Y., on Tuesday afternoon, according to sources. Officers responded to a 911 call of a hostage being held at 1625 Ohio Ave. at 1:26 p.m. When officers arrived at the scene, a resident of the home, Joseph Restaino, threatened officers by taking out a sword. More Local News Officers ordered Restaino to drop the sword, but he refused, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers then deployed a Taser, but it was not effective. At least one officer discharged their weapon, striking Restaino. I heard bam! bam, then people were running, said one witness who spoke with PIX11 News. Restaino was taken to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries. A full investigation remains ongoing. No hostages were found, police said. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Young people comprise only 10% of Germany's population, the Federal Statistical Office said in figures released on Tuesday. Around 8.3 million people in Germany were aged between 15 and 24 at the end of 2024. This proportion - a historic low - has remained unchanged since the end of 2021. The fact that it has not fallen any further since then but has stabilized is mainly due to the immigration to Germany of predominantly young people following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without immigration, the proportion of young people in the overall German population would be even lower, or just 8.6%, the statisticians said. The proportion of young people was particularly high at 20.7% among descendants of immigrants, that is people who were born in Germany and whose parents both immigrated. Regional differences According to the Federal Statistical Office, there are also strong regional differences: the city states of Bremen (11.1%) and Hamburg (10.5%) and the south-western state of Baden-Wurttemberg (10.5%) had the highest proportion of 15 to 24-year-olds at the end of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lowest proportion of young people live in the former East German states of Brandenburg (8.7%), followed by Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Saxony-Anhalt (8.9% each). Germany below average in EU comparison According to the EU statistics authority Eurostat, there were proportionately fewer young people living in Germany (10%) at the beginning of 2024 than the average of all 27 EU member states (10.7%). Across the EU, the highest proportion of 15 to 24-year-olds was in Ireland (12.6%), ahead of the Netherlands (12.3%) and Denmark (12.2%). The lowest proportion of young people within the EU was recorded in Bulgaria (9.2%) and Lithuania (9.5%). The Archbishop of Ranchi, Vincent Aind, on Tuesday, paid tribute to JMM founder Shibu Soren, and said that he is seen as a messiah after Birsa Munda for the people of Chota Nagpur. He praised Soren's efforts to uplift the tribal community by promoting education and a dignified way of life. Speaking to the reporters here, Vincent Aind said, "He is considered the messiah after Birsa Munda, especially for Chota Nagpur. The example he set for the culture and respectable life of the people here, people who were caught up in the liquor menace, they didn't care about education, he made positive efforts for them. So, we are very grateful to him..." Soren, a towering figure in Indian tribal politics and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away on Monday at the age of 81. He died at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of struggle, sacrifice, and empowerment for India's tribal heartland. Earlier in the day, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren penned an emotional note for his father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder patron Shibu Soren. In a post on X, Hemant Soren asserted that he has not only lost his father but a pillar of Jharkhand's soul has departed. "I am going through the toughest days of my life. Not only has the shadow of a father been taken from me, but a pillar of Jharkhand's soul has departed. I didn't just call him 'Baba,' He was my guide, the root of my thoughts, and that forest-like shade that protected thousands and lakhs of Jharkhandis from the scorching sun and injustice," he said. He recalled Shibu Soren's struggle from being born in a poor family to rising to become one of the most influential voices for the tribals. (ANI) PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WKBN) A Youngstown man serving a federal prison sentence for a probation violation on drug charges was indicted on a federal weapons charge in Pennsylvania. Read next: Suspects in Poland kidnapping arraigned Aurienn Jones, 30, was indicted Thursday in the U.S. Western District Court of Pennsylvania on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition after a felony conviction. Jones, who is presently serving an 11-month sentence for a probation violation from the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio, has a Sept. 10 arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia L. Dodge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones is accused of having a gun Jan. 27 when U.S. Marshals from the northern district of Ohio were looking for Jones at the Negley Street home of his girlfriend in Farrell to arrest him for the probation violation, an affidavit in his case said. Jones was charged in December 2019 in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio for selling cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in Youngstown. He pleaded guilty in July 2020 and was sentenced to five years in prison, but was granted time served since 2018 on federal and state drug charges and three years of probation. In December, he was charged with aggravated menacing in Girard Municipal Court, which violated his federal probation. After Jones was arrested in Farrell, his girlfriend was asked if Jones had any guns, and she told him he did, the affidavit said. Authorities did not find a gun where she said it would be, but she told them she suspected Jones broke it apart so it couldnt be easily found, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said investigators searched the house and found three different parts of a Glock semiautomatic handgun in separate locations, reports said. Investigators have also filed affidavits to request a search warrant for two phones they found in the home while searching for the gun. Those requests have yet to be ruled on. Jones was sentenced March 21 on his probation violation by U.S. Judge Solomon Oliver Jr., who noted Jones violated his probation because of his charges in Girard, his possession of a weapon, and the fact that he left the state without telling his probation officer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober Raise Nearly 10 Million Years of Clean Water Access So Far originally appeared on Parade. One of the most ambitious creator-led fundraisers has officially launched. YouTube stars MrBeast and Mark Rober have kicked off #TeamWater, a global, monthlong campaign aiming to raise $40 million to build sustainable clean water across the globe. The fundraiser went live August 1, and taps into the combined reach of over 3,000 creators including influencers like Kai Cenat, the Stokes Twins,and Dude Perfect and brings together platforms like YouTube, which has pledged $2 million, to tackle the worlds access to safe drinking water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Tuesday morning, the website reports raising just under 10 million years worth of clean water access the equivalent of nearly $10 million in donations. $1 = 1 year of clean water for someone in need, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, wrote on social media. During August, me and countless other creators are going to be attempting to raise $40,000,000 to give 2,000,000 people clean drinking water for decades each!!! TeamWater is now live! $1 = 1 year of clean water for someone in need. During August me and countless other creators are going to be attempting to raise $40,000,000 to give 2,000,000 people clean drinking water for decades each!!! Donate here pretty plz https://t.co/QBjaA8Or5a pic.twitter.com/0RGQTvWTFD MrBeast (@MrBeast) August 1, 2025 At the heart of the campaign is WaterAid, the international nonprofit selected for its deep, community-based approach to sustainable solutions including rainwater harvesting systems, solar-powered wells, and piped infrastructure tailored to local needs. So far, funds are already earmarked for projects in countries like Colombia, Bangladesh, Ecuador, Malawi, and Kenya, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S., funds will go to fix water supplies in cities like Jackson, Mississippi, and Rhodell, West Virginia, where aging infrastructure has left communities without reliable clean water. No matter how big a mass internet mobilization moment might be, real progress on these issues demands people continuing to pay attention and continuing to stay involved, Matt Fitzgerald, the campaigns digital strategist, told AP. This isnt the first time creators have rallied for global change. MrBeast and Rober previously launched #TeamTrees in 2019, and #TeamSeas in 2021, raising over $50 million combined. Those efforts focused on reforestation and ocean cleanup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Learn more about donating to #TeamWater at TeamWater.org. YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober Raise Nearly 10 Million Years of Clean Water Access So Far first appeared on Parade on Aug 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared. The Brief An Ypsilanti man is charged with interfering US Border Patrol agents during transport duties. Jacob Nathaniel Len is accused of flipping off and brake-checking a BP vehicle on I-96. Len, 30, is charged with intimidating, or interfering with Border Patrol agents. FOX 2 - An Ypsilanti man was charged for impeding, intimidating, or interfering with Border Patrol agents, according to the US Attorney Eastern District of Michigan. The backstory Jacob Nathaniel Len is accused of driving his BMW sedan toward a marked Border Patrol vehicle on I-96 and flipping them off with his middle finger before cutting off the vehicle without signaling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say Len, 30, then rapidly slowed down in front of the Border Patrol transport van, forcing the driver to quickly brake. Len repeated his sudden brake-checking maneuver twice before exiting the freeway. The operation involved four uniformed Border Patrol agents transporting 15 illegal migrants detained for immigration violations in a pair of vehicles. The BP agents were transporting them to a correctional facility in Michigan at the time of the alleged interaction. "The alleged actions of this man are shameful," said US Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. "While zipping around in his BMW, this defendant cavalierly endangered the hardworking agents who put their lives on the line every day protecting our country, the illegal aliens they were tasked with safely transporting, and other drivers going about their lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Len appeared in federal court in Detroit Monday and was released on bond. His next court appearance will be August 25 for a preliminary examination. This case is being investigated by special agents from the FBI. "Interfering with a federal agent performing their official duties is a serious criminal offense and will not be tolerated," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. The Source Information for this report is from the US Attorney Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The YWCA of Northwest Louisiana will celebrate a century of empowering women during their upcoming annual fundraiser, Women Who Care, Share luncheon. It will take place Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Sams Town Hotel & Casino, located at 315 Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport. This years theme is 100 years of Empowering Women. The luncheon will feature a panel of distinguished women leaders: Vivian Andrews, President of La Ve Consulting; Erica R. Bryant, Parish Administrator & CEO for the Parish of Caddo; Linda Biernacki, President of Fire Tech Systems; and Rachel Scott, VISTA Supervisor. Our annual fundraiser is more than an event, its a movement, said YWCA Board President Valerie Thomas White. Together, were raising the resources needed to create lasting change and support the women, children, and families who rely on our services every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers say this event is all about women coming together to share their stories, support each other, and lift each other up. The goal is to raise critical funds for initiatives that support survivors of domestic violence, provide affordable housing, and deliver economic empowerment. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased online or by calling 318-550-4417. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. The Brief One of two suspects arrested for Zariah Dodds murder could face new charges. Avondale Police are accusing Davis of multiple charges in connection with 17-year-old Aniya Morris. Aniya's mother said she reported Davis to authorities, after he requested explicit images of her daughter. PHOENIX - New details have emerged in the case of a pregnant teen found shot to death at a Phoenix park in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of two suspects arrested for Zariah Dodds murder is the father of her unborn baby, and he could be facing new charges linked to another underage girl. The backstory On the night of July 4, Dodd left Sunshine Residential, a group home in Surprise, around 8 p.m. She was reported missing as a runaway to police four hours later. She was found dead with a gunshot wound at Marivue Park in Phoenix around 6 a.m. the next morning. Phoenix Police say 36-year-old Jurrell Davis and 18-year-old Jechri James-Gillett conspired in Zariah Dodd's murder. "The investigation established that Davis was the father Zariahs unborn child," said Phoenix Police Sgt. Rob Scherer. What We Know Now Officials with Avondale Police have confirmed that a case against Davis was submitted to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office on July 31, the day before Phoenix Police announced arrests in connection with Dodd's murder. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office also confirmed to news outlets that this new case has been received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avondale Police are accusing Davis of multiple charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual conduct with a minor. The victim in this case is 17-year-old Aniya Morris. Her mother said she reported Davis to authorities, after he requested explicit images of her daughter. Aniya's mom filed an order of protection against Davis during the summer of 2024. Aniya is now back home with her mom. She was rescued by police on July 15, after she was found with Davis in north Phoenix. Officers also found a gun in the car. Davis is a felon, and was not supposed to have a gun. Dig deeper Prosecutors say on July 4, Dodd told witnesses at her group home in Surprise that she was going to meet with her babys father. She was set for a forensics interview regarding the sexual conduct in the following days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Aniya's mother, Adrianne Morris, the cases are connected. Morris said she received a text from Dodd in May, asking for help in locating Davis. "I received a message from her. She says Is this Aniya's mother? I said, Yes, who is this? She said, My name is Zariah. I know of your daughter, and I know Jurrell Davis and I'm trying to see if you can help me," Morris recalled. "I said OK, well how do you know him? She said I used to date him and I am pregnant right now with his baby. And she said, But I'm in DCS care, so I don't think I can get help. I said, Sweetie, I used to work for DCS. You can always get help, you have to tell somebody. You have to say something. She went on to tell me how he talked to her and would tell her that Aniya was his favorite and she could never be Aniya and all these things." What's next Davis and James-Gillett, are facing two counts of first-degree murder in Dodd's death and the death of her unborn baby. Davis is also accused of sexual misconduct with a minor, because he is the baby's father. Davis criminal history goes back to 2008, when he pleaded guilty to child abuse after getting a 14-year-old girl pregnant. Davis received probation for taking the plea deal. President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Ukraine in what would be his first official trip to the country since 2022, Ukraine's ambassador to Ankara, Nariman Dzheilal, told RBK-Ukraine news agency on Aug. 4. Dzheilal added that the Turkish side has not yet confirmed the visit, which would follow the third round of Ukrainian-Russian peace talks held in Istanbul on July 23. The Turkish president, who has positioned himself as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine during the full-scale war, previously visited Lviv in August 2022, marking his only visit to the country during the invasion so far. He previously met Zelensky in Kyiv on Feb. 3, 2022, weeks before the outbreak of the full-scale war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the key topics on the agenda of the visit would be the ratification of the long-awaited free trade agreement, according to Dzheilal. Talks on a free trade agreement between Turkey and Ukraine began in 2007. The deal was signed three weeks before Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, and Turkey ratified it in August 2024. Ukraine has yet to do so. The agreement would eliminate Turkish import duties on approximately 93.4% industrial goods and 7.6% agricultural products. The talks would also cover Turkey's "peace efforts" related to Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third round of Ukraine-Russia negotiations ended without a peace agreement, as with the previous two rounds, though both sides agreed to proceed with new prisoner exchanges. Ukraine also proposed holding a summit with Erdogan, Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Erdogan said on July 28 that Turkey is ready to hold peace talks between Ukraine and Russia to end the Russian war. Turkey's president also said on June 26 that Turkey was working to arrange a meeting between Zelensky and Putin, potentially with Trump's participation. According to Erdogan, Trump expressed interest in joining the talks if they were held in Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey previously facilitated peace talks in March 2022 and remains one of the few countries maintaining open channels with both Kyiv and Moscow. Read also: Pokrovsk is the city of my childhood. Now I watch it die Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has said he and Donald Trump discussed sanctions against Russia, defence cooperation and drone production ahead of a visit to Moscow by US envoy Steve Witkoff. Thanking Trump for "productive" talks on Tuesday, Zelensky claimed that Moscow was particularly "sensitive" to the prospect of sanctions. Trump has previously stated that if Russia fails to agree a ceasefire with Ukraine by Friday it will face hefty sanctions or see secondary sanctions imposed against all those who trade with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff will be in Moscow on Wednesday and is expected to meet Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has mostly skirted Trump's sanctions threat, though spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted last week that the Russian economy had "developed a certain immunity" to sanctions due to being under them for so long. Trump has also admitted that he did not know whether sanctions "bothered" Putin. The US president may be hoping that Russia's trading partners will be sufficiently inconvenienced by the tariffs that they will choose to pivot away from buying Moscow's oil - ultimately making a dent in the revenue the Kremlin needs to continue waging its war on Ukraine. On Monday Trump said he would impose hefty new tariffs on India, a major buyer of Russian oil, accusing it of not caring "how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine". The Kremlin said "attemps to force countries to cut trade relations with Russia" were "illegal". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his Telegram post Zelensky said he and Trump had also talked about the "increased brutality" of Russian strikes on Ukraine. The US president has previously referenced Moscow's repeated attacks on Ukrainian cities, signalling irritation that the bombings often follow "nice" phone conversations between himself and Putin. Only last February Zelensky was asked to leave the White House after a disastrous meeting in which the US president accused him of not being thankful enough for US aid and of "gambling with World War Three". The two men have gradually repaired their relationship. In July Trump said the US would sell "top-of-the-line weapons" to Nato members which would then pass them on to Kyiv - and this week it was announced that Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden would be the first countries to buy weapons from the US under this scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their combined contributions will amount to more than $1bn and will go towards air defence equipment and ammunition. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said speed was "absolutely critical" and that Denmark would be willing to consider additional funding later. More than three years on from Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian cities continue to come under heavy bombardment and regular drone attacks. Over the last day six people were killed across eastern Ukraine, authorities said. Before taking office Trump repeatedly said he would be able to end the conflict within a day - and it was at his behest that Russia and Ukraine sat down for ceasefire talks for the first time last May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the discussions failed to bring the two sides any closer to peace and the US president has appeared increasingly impatient with the lack of progress. Despite Trumps looming deadline, Vladimir Putin last week poured cold water on any hopes of a swift, long-term ceasefire with Ukraine. Although he said he viewed talks with Kyiv "positively," he also noted that "all disappointments arise from inflated expectations". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a "productive conversation" with his US counterpart Donald Trump on Tuesday ahead of a trip by Washington's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow this week. "Today, we coordinated our positions Ukraine and the United States," Zelensky wrote on X. He said that the two leaders had discussed sanctions against Russia. "Their economy continues to decline, and that's exactly why Moscow is so sensitive to this prospect and President Trump's resolve," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said he had also briefed Trump on the current situation on the ground, writing: "President Trump is fully informed about Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities and communities." Witkoff is expected in Moscow in the middle of this week and the Kremlin has said a meeting with President Vladimir Putin is possible. The meeting is set to take place just days ahead of a deadline Trump has given Putin to reach a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. Trump has said he intends to impose sanctions if the deadline - set to expire on Friday - passes without result. The measures are intended to target countries that buy Russian oil and gas in order to restrict Moscow's ability to finance its war in neighbouring Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky is twice as popular in the United States as Donald Trump, according to a recent poll. The Ukrainian leader enjoys 18 per cent net favourability, with the US president at 16 per cent net unfavourability. The Gallup poll of 1,002 peoples opinions towards 14 newsmakers places Mr Zelensky in second place when it comes to favourability, behind the recently appointed Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff. Pope Leos net favourability stands at 46 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskys relationship has suffered a series of setbacks since the US leader took office for a second time. The US president had vowed to end the Ukraine conflict on day one of his presidency, but has become increasingly frustrated with both sides as his repeated efforts to bring Russias attacks to an end have failed. In an Oval Office meeting in February, the US president, along with JD Vance, the vice-president, pointedly criticised the Ukrainian leader and accused him of ingratitude towards the US. Favourability towards the pair has fallen along partisan lines. Mr Zelensky is seen 68 per cent net positively by Democrats and 23 per cent net negatively by Republicans, whereas Mr Trump is 91 per cent net negative among Democrats and 86 per cent net positive for Republicans. In recent weeks, Mr Trump has taken a more strident stance towards Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, stationing two nuclear submarines closer to Russia while threatening him with sanctions and tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York congresswoman, rank third to fifth. Only Mr Sanders has net positive popularity. Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO and former Department of Government Efficiency chief, emerged as the least popular in the survey with a -18 per cent net approval rating. Net favourability, calculated by subtracting the percentage with unfavourable views from the percentage with favourable views, is the most effective method to compare public sentiment towards more-and-less known figures, according to Gallup. 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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with his American counterpart Donald Trump on 5 August to discuss key issues. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Quote: "A productive conversation with President Trump, with the key focus of course being ending the war. We are grateful to President Trump for all efforts towards a just and lasting peace. It is truly a must to stop the killing as soon as possible, and we fully support this. Many months could have already passed without war, had Russia not been prolonging it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, we coordinated our positions Ukraine and the United States. We exchanged assessments of the situation: the Russians have intensified the brutality of their attacks. President Trump is fully informed about Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities and communities." Details: The two leaders also discussed sanctions against Russia, joint European decisions that could help strengthen Ukraines defence and bilateral defence cooperation with the United States. Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has prepared a draft agreement on drones and is ready to discuss it in detail and conclude it. Background: On 28 July, Trump announced 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. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry 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. On 4 August, Trump said that Steve Witkoff, his Special Envoy for the Middle East, is likely to visit Russia on 6 or 7 August. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Nadagudi village in Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, once home to over 5,000 people, has been left deserted due to a persistent lack of drinking water. For many years, there has been no proper water supply, causing immense hardship to the community. Eventually, unable to cope with the crisis, most of the residents left the village. Speaking to ANI on Monday, a villager, Thangaraj, said, "Our village is called Nadagudi. It is located 15 kilometres from Sivaganga. Until recently, there were people living here. Due to the lack of drinking water and other basic facilities, families gradually began to move out of the village." The villager further added that recently, two villagers were murdered in the village, which caused the remaining families to leave the village due to a lack of safety there. "Recently, two murders happened in the village. This led the remaining families to feel unsafe, and they too left the village. I humbly request the District Collector and the Chief Minister to provide proper security, drinking water, and school facilities in our village, so that our people can return and rebuild their lives here", Thangaraj said. On July 23, in a significant development in the custodial death case of Madappuram temple guard Ajith Kumar in Sivaganga district, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has ordered compensation for the victim's family. According to Maurice Kumar, the advocate representing the victim's family, the court had previously taken cognisance of the case and had awarded a compensation of Rs 40 lakhs. However, following opposition from the government, a division bench reduced the amount to Rs 25 lakhs. Ajith Kumar, a security guard at the Madapuram Kaliamman temple in Tiruppuvanam in Sivaganga, was detained for questioning in connection with a theft. He later died, allegedly, while in police custody. The post-mortem report revealed 44 injuries on various parts of Kumar's body. As per the post-mortem report, the deceased Ajith Kumar sustained injuries to the forehead, right eyebrow, leg and wrist. Injuries on the left forearm, wrist and ankle were also reported in the Sivaganga custodial death case victim. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that he has ordered an increase in direct funding for brigades to purchase drones. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Quote from Zelenskyy: "Second I gave instructions to significantly increase direct funding for brigades to purchase drones. The funds are available." Details: Following meetings with military commanders, government officials, and the Supreme Commander-in-Chiefs Staff, Zelenskyy also pointed out the need to simplify procedures and provide direct funding to units for the purchase of pick-up trucks and drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our warriors must have a real ability to purchase the specific vehicles they need, in the fastest way possible," he tweeted. The Ukrainian leader also believes that "the training of our warriors must incorporate more real combat experience from this war". "Preparation at military training centres has indeed become more effective. However, there are still things that need to be implemented. This applies to combat training, as well as psychological and motivational training," he said. Zelenskyy said that the contract enlistment programme for people aged 18 to 24 should also be expanded. "We discussed several options today, including increasing the age and broadening the circumstances under which this type of contract can be signed. The Ministry of Defence, the General Staff, and the Office team must present the details to the public," he noted. Background: In late June, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has the potential to produce about 8 million drones of various types annually, but the realisation of this potential is being hampered by a lack of funding. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Birmingham residents in the Zion City neighborhood are calling for change after a homicide Monday morning. Police say a young man was found shot to death outside of a car on a street in the neighborhood. Police say its just blocks from where two men were found shot and burned inside a car last October. Both roads have no houses on them, which is why Selandra Spigner, who lives in the area, says the only thing the roads do is provide opportunities for crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes we can actually hear a lot of shooting going on or just unknown cars that drive through here. We dont know who they are or whatever. A lot of times, weve had people to come knock on the door or ring the doorbell and stuff like that, said Spigner. Spigner says the roads are also home to illegal dumping. Birmingham police investigating homicide in Zion City They come dump the trash and thats it. I stay here with my mom. Shes elderly, so wed just like to see a change in this area, commented Spigner. Spigner says shes reached out to the city and police for help but hasnt gotten a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do have officers that are assigned to these areas and they do patrol these areas. But like we always say, sometimes the officer may have just left the location, but they cannot be all over their beats at one time, added Sgt. LaQuitta Wade. CBS 42 reached out to the city of Birmingham and the city council to find out if there any additional plans for the Zion City neighborhood and the roads that have residents concerned. As of now, they have not responded to our requests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aalborg Zoo in Denmark is asking pet owners to consider donating certain animals, including horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens, to be used as natural prey for its carnivorous species, such as the European lynx. The zoo shared the announcement on its Facebook page. In zoos, we have a responsibility to mimic the animals natural food chain for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity, according to a social media post that has been translated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Animals donated to the zoo are euthanized humanely by trained staff before being used as feed, in line with animal welfare standards, zoo officials told The Guardian. The aim is to avoid waste and ensure the well-being and nutritional needs of its predators. Aalborg Zoo maintains that donated animals are not considered pets but rather livestock, and the program is voluntary. The zoos request has garnered international attention and sparked an ethical debate. Animal rights activists who have spoken with The Guardian have voiced concern over the practice. However, zoo spokespersons have emphasized that using whole prey is common in modern zookeeping, as it supports species-specific behavior and prevents health issues in carnivores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Texas Democrats who fled the state in order to block new congressional maps favored by Republicans successfully prevented a legislative session to consider those maps that had been scheduled for Monday from going forward. Due to their absence, the Texas House of Representatives did not have enough members present to establish the necessary quorum to open the proceedings. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had threatened to try to kick dozens of Democrats out of the legislature if they were not present for the session. When they did not show up, Republicans in the chamber voted to issue civil warrants for their arrest, though the warrants reportedly apply only within state lines. Its imperative that they be swiftly arrested, punished, and face the full force of the law, Texass Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote in a statement Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats decision to leave Texas, with some going to Illinois and others going to New York, came a few days after Republicans unveiled their new proposed congressional map that experts say could secure the GOP five additional seats in the House of Representatives if its in place before the 2026 midterm elections. This truancy ends now, Abbott wrote in a letter sent to Democrats Sunday evening. He had also previously argued that the Democrats may have committed a felony by leaving the state. In a press conference on Monday morning in New York, where they were joined by the states Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, some of the Texas Democrats said they were committed to their fight to stop the maps and argued that Abbott does not have the legal authority to punish them for leaving the state. Respectfully, hes making up some shit, Democratic state Rep. Jolanda Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas House Democratic caucus had initially responded to Abbotts threats with the statement come and take it. What comes next? The Texas House is scheduled to reconvene again on Tuesday, but every indication is that Democrats will miss that session as well. It remains to be seen how long they can continue to stay outside of the state, or how their procedural gambit might actually stop the map from eventually being approved. A previous walkout four years ago designed to block a controversial voting bill delayed a final vote, but ultimately did not prevent it from being passed. Its also uncertain whether Abbott truly can follow through on his threat to oust the Democrats from their seats. He cant do so unilaterally. Any attempt to boot them from the legislature would have to go through the courts, which could set off a lengthy legal battle with no apparent timeline for when it might be resolved, according to analysis by Politico. What prompted this fight? The decision of how many House members each state gets is made at the federal level, but it's the states themselves that choose how to carve up their territory into their allotted number of districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a long history of parties using this process to draw maps that give them an advantage, often by slicing oppositions electoral strongholds into small pieces or by cramming them all into one district so seats elsewhere in the state are safe. This practice, known as gerrymandering, has become increasingly common in recent years. Thats especially true in Republican-led states. Even in the context of recent gerrymandering, what Texas Republicans are trying to do is remarkable for both its timing and the aggressiveness of the partisan slant in its proposed map. States usually redraw their districts every 10 years, after the new census determines where House districts will be apportioned. The Texas GOP have opted to create new maps just five years after the states last round of redistricting so they will place ahead of the midterms, when Democrats would only need to pick up a few seats to seize control of the House. Republicans currently control 25 of Texass 38 congressional districts. The new map puts them in position to hold 30 House seats after next year, which would give them 80% of the states representation in Congress in a state where President Trump secured 56% of the vote in last years presidential race, according to the official tally from the Texas Secretary of State. Will other GOP states follow Texass lead? Ohio has unique laws that require the state to redraw its maps before 2026. The GOP currently controls 10 of Ohios 15 districts. Members of the state GOP are reportedly debating how partisan they should be in putting together their new maps. Depending on how aggressively they gerrymander the new map, Republicans could give themselves two or even three more House seats. In the most extreme case, Democrats could be left with just two congressional seats in a state where Kamala Harris received 44% of the vote in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has also reportedly encouraged Missouri Republicans to redraw their maps. They already hold six of the states eight congressional seats, but a plan to split a safe Democratic district in Kansas City could secure an additional seat for the GOP. So far there hasnt been any real redistricting action in other red states, but experts say the maps in states like Florida, Nebraska, Kansas and Nebraska could be carved up to give Republicans more advantages if theres the political will to do so. What are the stakes? With Republicans fully in control of both houses of Congress, Democrats have been largely unable to stand in the way of Trumps agenda. That could change if they gain a majority in either chamber. Flipping the Senate appears unlikely, but early forecasters are giving Democrats strong odds of taking over the House. If they do, Democrats would effectively have veto power over any legislation Trump and the GOP want to pass. They would also have new oversight authority and the ability to launch investigations into the presidents actions and hold public hearings on the most controversial moves taken by his administration. The partisan split in the House has been incredibly thin in recent years, in part because gerrymandering has reduced the number of genuinely competitive seats across the country. Republicans adding five seats in Texas, two in Ohio plus possibly a few more in other states could prove to be the difference between holding onto the House or having Democrats be in charge for the final two years of Trumps second term. Democrats threaten to go nuclear Blue state Democrats have made a lot of noise about countering the GOPs redistricting gambit, but experts say the tools they have to actually do that are limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can sit on the sidelines, talk about the way the world should be, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said earlier this month. Or we can recognize the existential nature that is this moment. Newsom has said he will push to have deep-blue California redraw its own maps to balance out any gains the GOP makes from redistricting in Texas or elsewhere. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul have made similar statements. Democrats in Congress have also said theyre willing to consider any options to prevent Republicans from using redistricting to maintain control of the House. If they're going to go nuclear in Texas, I'm going to go nuclear in other places, Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin told Axios earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite their strong rhetoric, Democrats would face significant hurdles if they wanted to match the GOP tit-for-tat in redistricting. California, a deep-blue state with 14 more congressional seats than any other state, might seem like the obvious place for Democrats to pick up more seats. But congressional districts in the Golden State are currently drawn by an independent commission, not the state Legislature. To get that power back, lawmakers would have to hold a special election and convince California voters to overturn the states redistricting system. New York also has an independent redistricting commission. Democratic lawmakers unveiled a bill Wednesday that would give them authority over the states maps again, but it would have to go through a lengthy process that would make it next to impossible for the new districts to be in place by next years midterms. At Mondays press conference, Hochul said bolder action may be necessary. Im exploring, with our leaders, every option to redraw our state congressional lines as soon as possible, she said. Lawmakers do control redistricting in Illinois, but the state only has three GOP-held districts, which significantly limits the gains Democrats could make there. Austin Drummond, the 28-year-old accused of killing four people and abandoning an infant in Tennessee, was taken into custody Tuesday, ending a weeklong manhunt that kept the state on edge. Fugitive Austin Drummond is now in law enforcement custody, after having been caught in Jackson, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced in a Facebook post early Tuesday. Well provide more details soon, but a hearty thanks to the public for staying vigilant these past few days. The announcement included a photo of a clean-shaven Drummond in a wooded area moments after he was taken into custody, the agency said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second photo, posted by the Jackson Police Department, showed Drummond with his hands behind his back, being held by two officers. Drummond moments after he was taken into custody, according to police. (Jackson Police Department via Facebook) An hour earlier, police said he had been spotted in a residential area of Jackson, Tenn., and asked residents to shelter in place and keep their doors and windows locked. Drummond was wanted in the deaths of James Matthew Wilson, 21; Adriana Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon Williams, 15. How the manhunt unfolded The search for Drummond began July 29, when police said an infant was found in a car seat in a random individuals front yard in Dyer County near Tigrett. A witness reported seeing a vehicle drop off the child in the persons front yard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities were able to identify the infant, and police initially sought to speak with Wilson and Adriana Williams, who were the infants parents, and Rose, the infant's maternal grandmother. Their bodies, along with that of Braydon Williams, were discovered the same day along a road in Tiptonville in Lake County. On July 31, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an alert asking the public for help in finding Drummond, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated kidnapping. According to police, Drummond was believed to be driving a 2016 Audi A3 with Tennessee plates and damage to the drivers side, and should be considered armed and dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle was later found abandoned in Jackson. A second vehicle believed to be used by Drummond a white-and-red 1988 Ford pickup was found in Dyer County. How police believe he evaded capture A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation vehicle drives through Lake County on July 30. (WHBQ via AP) On Aug. 2, authorities announced the arrests of two men described as associates of Drummonds Tanaka Brown and Giovontie Thomas, both 29 who were charged with helping the fugitive after the killings. Brown was also charged with tampering with evidence. Two days later, the agency announced that Dearrah Sanders, 23, had also been taken into custody on a charge of accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Drummond after the killings. On Monday, authorities released two surveillance videos of Drummond in Jackson the night before. In the footage, he is seen walking wearing camouflage and armed with a rifle. Drummond is considered armed and dangerous, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said. Please exercise extra caution as you come and go from your homes. Drummond is believed to still be in the area, and its crucial to stay vigilant. Ensure all doors, garages, sheds, and outbuildings are securely locked to prevent unauthorized access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reward of $32,500 had been offered by local, state and federal authorities for information leading to Drummonds arrest, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Whats next? Authorities have yet to announce a motive for the killings. District Attorney Danny Goodman told the Associated Press on Tuesday that Drummond's girlfriend is the sister of the infant's grandmother. TBI Director David Rausch had previously told reporters that there was a familial relationship between Drummond and the victims. The investigation is ongoing. Our focus now shifts to honoring the lives lost and providing support to their grieving families, Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box said in a statement. We urge the community and the media to respect their privacy as they navigate through this tragic loss. Support Local News Reporting Journalists at the Yakima Herald-Republic bring you timely, in-depth and credible local news. Your generous donation supports their work. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. Ahead of Raksha Bandhan, students in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur are making handmade Rakhis and greeting cards for Indian soldiers to express gratitude for their role in Operation Sindoor and for protecting the nation at the borders. A student said this Raksha Bandhan holds special significance as it is the first festival after the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. Speaking to ANI, a student said, "This is the first festival after Operation Sindoor, so we are making Rakhis for the soldiers who contributed to its success and those who stand at the border for the country's protection... We feel proud and decided to make Rakhis and greeting cards instead of buying it from the market..." Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this occasion, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists, and in return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of love and protection. Twenty-six civilians were killed in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, after which India retaliated through precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor on May 7 to avenge the terror attack. Earlier on August 2, as part of the Indian Army's National outreach and awareness campaign, a session on Operation Sindoor was briefed by Commander, Chenab Brigade at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu. The interaction was organised under the aegis of the Tiger Division and was attended by the Director, faculty members and students of IIT, Jammu. The initiative aimed at spreading awareness about India's whole-of-nation approach to counter-terrorism, the professionalism of the Armed Forces, and the strategic clarity that underpinned Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, as per the release. The session concluded with a Q&A where students expressed keen interest in national security, strategic affairs and the evolving nature of warfare. (ANI) Mount Rainier looms behind the Capitol in Olympia in April. A new policy by the state House comes amid a legal battle over lawmakers' efforts to exempt themselves from public records laws. (Nick Wagner / The Seattle Times) Lois Dean of Yakima sews straight seams in long pieces of fabric during the Jan. 21 Freedom Kits of Yakima workshop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Englewood Avenue in Yakima. Following the Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting on External Affairs held on August 4, Committee Chairperson and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that multiple meetings were held on Bangladesh, during which Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed all queries raised by the members. "We have held 3-4 meetings on Bangladesh, and this was the last meeting where the Foreign Secretary has given us a briefing, and in this briefing, all the questions that the Members had to ask were discussed. The Foreign Secretary has answered all of them," Tharoor told ANI. He added that the Committee will now prepare its report, which will be placed before Parliament. "After this, it is our job to write a report, adopt it and present it to the Parliament. Before doing that, I cannot tell what we will decide, what advice we will give..." he said. The Parliamentary Standing Committee met on August 4 to review the future of India-Bangladesh relations. The meeting saw officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) presenting evidence on the future of India-Bangladesh relations. The agenda also included a review of the draft report on action taken by the government on recommendations made in an earlier report concerning the MEA's demands for grants for 2024-25. According to Tharoor, the August 4 meeting marked the final round of deliberations on the issue. He reiterated that the Foreign Secretary had briefed the panel and addressed all queries raised by the members. The committee will now prepare, adopt, and present a report to Parliament. The panel had earlier met on June 27, during which it heard the views of experts on the topic 'Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship'. Following the meeting, Tharoor stated that the Committee benefited from the insights of "four first-class experts." He also noted that the number of Bangladeshis entering India had declined in recent times. "You will see our report in the next few weeks... We didn't discuss (the issue of Bangladeshis living in India). But we were told about a figure that the number of Bangladeshis coming to our country has lessened now," he said. India-Bangladesh ties have seen some strain in the recent past. Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also commented on the 25 per cent tariffs imposed on India by US President Donald Trump, stating that the matter is expected to be discussed on August 11. "I think the tariffs will be discussed on 11th August," he said. Trump, in a recent post on his Truth Social platform, stated that a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods would be implemented from August 1. He also warned of additional penalties over India's oil trade with Russia. "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. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE - ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST 1st. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!", Trump posted. (ANI) Hungary has revealed the winners of this years prestigious national cake and bread competitions during a ceremony held on Thursday at the Parliament building in Budapest. The Cake of Hungary 2025 title was awarded to DCJ Stilusgyakorlat (Stylistic Exercise), a rich and elegant dessert made with chocolate, caramel, and sour cherry by Kezmuves Cukraszda in Gyula, southern Hungary. Created to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the iconic Dobos cake, this modern reinterpretation features bold flavours and striking vertical layers. The cake combines sour cherry jelly, almond praline, caramelised sugar sheets, and smooth chocolate buttercream, all balanced on a crisp sponge layer made in the original Dobos style paying tribute to its inventor, Jozsef C. Dobos. The Sugar-Free Cake of the Year went to Almodozo (Dreamer) by Alfred Kovacs of Edes Vonal Cukraszda in Vac, near Budapest. This dessert captures the essence of traditional Hungarian favourites like Ludlab and Rigojancsi, using a cocoa-almond sponge, cinnamon-sour cherry chia compote, and a gently sweetened milk chocolate cream all without added sugar. A crunchy chocolate layer with crushed cocoa nibs adds a refined texture. Organised by the Hungarian Confectioners Guild and the Egy Csepp Figyelem Foundation (A Drop of Attention), these competitions aim to honour Hungarian baking traditions while encouraging innovation and healthier ingredients. Winners of the Saint Stephens Day Bread Competition, now in its 14th year and organised by the Hungarian Bakers Association, were also announced. The top prize went to the Alfoldi Pajta, a rustic spelt bread from Balmaz Sutode in Balmazujvaros, eastern Hungary. The Innovative Bread Award was claimed by Varga Pekseg bakery of Morahalom for its Mediterranean-style loaf made with extra virgin olive oil. In the pastry category, the Harom Tarka Macska Bakery took the spotlight with Augusztusi alom (August Dream), a dessert filled with cherry sauce and brownie. The award-winning cakes and breads will be available for the public to taste on August 20, Hungarys national holiday, during the Street of Flavors culinary festival in Budapest. More: Cake of Hungary 2025 ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Industrialist Anil Ambani arrived in Delhi on Tuesday after being summoned by the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in connection with an alleged Rs 17,000-crore loan fraud case. He has been directed to appear at the ED headquarters in the national capital today. Earlier on August 1, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Anil Ambani in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged Rs 17,000-crore loan fraud case, sources said. LOC is issued to prevent a person from leaving the country while the probe is underway. The ED has not released an official statement on the matter yet. The probe pertains to suspected financial irregularities and possible violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency is examining the role of various entities and individuals linked to the case, and Ambani's statement is expected to play a crucial role in the investigation. The move comes almost a week after the ED launched a search operation at 35 premises, 50 companies and over 25 persons linked to a money laundering case against Reliance Anil Ambani Group (RAAGA) Companies. The raids were carried out on July 24. The action followed an investigation launched by the ED under the offence of money laundering by RAAGA companies subsequent to recording of a First Information Report by the Central Bureau of Investigation. As per the officials, ED's investigations are based on information shared with the agency by other agencies and institutions such as the National Housing Bank, SEBI, National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), and Bank of Baroda. "Preliminary investigation by ED has revealed a well-planned and thought-out scheme to divert and siphon off public money by cheating banks, shareholders, investors and other public institutions. The offence of bribing bank officials including promoter of Yes Bank Limited is also under scanner," Officials, privy to the development, told ANI. Preliminary investigation reveals illegal loan diversion of around Rs 3,000 crores from Yes Bank (period 2017 to 2019). Reliance Power and Reliance Infrastructure had said last week that the ED probe allegedly linked to a money laundering case against Reliance Anil Ambani Group (RAAGA) Companies "have absolutely no impact on the business operations, financial performance, shareholders, employees, or any other stakeholders" of the two companies. (ANI) Consumer demand for goods bearing the Magyar Termek (Hungarian Product) trademark is steadily rising, according to a report by Vilaggazdasag, based on a representative survey commissioned by Magyar Termek Nonprofit Kft. The survey found that the Magyar Termek label is not only the most recognised among similar marks, but also the most trusted. More than 90% of respondents said they were familiar with it, and nearly 77% regularly buy products that carry the label. When it comes to food, that number rises to an impressive 86.6%. Shoppers associate the trademark with key qualities such as: being made by Hungarian workers, high reliability, and strict quality control. Because these values are seen as guaranteed by the independent trademark system, more than half of those surveyed said they are willing to pay a 510% premium for products bearing the mark across all product categories. Eszter Benedek, managing director of Magyar Termek Nonprofit Kft., highlighted the trademarks role in supporting conscious consumer choices. When people choose Hungarian products, theyre not just opting for reliability theyre also supporting the national economy, she said. She noted that companies using the trademark have formed a strong economic community, with a combined annual turnover of HUF 4,700 billion (EUR 11.8 billion). Today, nearly 6,000 products from 250 companies carry the label. Benedek called on Hungarian producers to strengthen their collaboration and demonstrate that they can deliver goods of international quality. She also urged consumers to actively seek out products with the trusted Hungarian origin label, adding that such joint efforts offer a real chance to succeed in an increasingly competitive market. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. The Economy Ministry, led by Marton Nagy, reluctantly revealed how much public funding had been spent via the governments rural pub support plan. When website 24 requested the data as part of a public interest inquiry, the ministry deflected the query with vague statements about SMEs and directed the reporter to a 3,000-page document instead of answering directly. After the website cited several court rulings affirming that public bodies must provide clear, accessible data, rather than burying it in massive documents or on websites, the ministry finally released the figures. According to the official response, 407 pubs received funding under the programme. Of these, 393 received the maximum Ft 3 million each, amounting to nearly Ft 1.2 billion in total grants. The programme, launched in March, was introduced with the slogan that small pubs are always the soul of the village. Grants could be used broadly, including on marketing, social media, and attracting younger patrons. Originally limited to villages with fewer than 1,000 residents, the programme has since expanded to include settlements of up to 2,000 people and even newly founded businesses, raising concerns about fairness. Despite the initiative, Fidesz continues to lose political support in rural areas, and many small towns say they were left out of the programme entirely. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. In a major cabinet meeting, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar approved 36 key proposals, including a salary hike for physical education teachers, night watchmen, and cooks, along with the implementation of a domicile policy in teacher recruitment to prioritise local candidates. Scroll down to check more details. India and New Zealand ramp up defence cooperation through high-level meetings in New Delhi, launching a strategic dialogue and aligning it with progress on their Free Trade Agreement talks. One militant has been killed in an encounter by the Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara. The internet services has been snapped in the area while, the operation is still on. The 38-year-old actor, now one of the most sought after names in the Punjabi films, is content with the space she has created for herself in the industry. Three 17-year-old boys allegedly killed a 24-year-old man in Uttam Nagar, Delhi to avenge a past murder. Police arrested them, recovered the weapon, and launched an investigation. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Champai Soren broke down while paying his last respects to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder and former Chief Minister Shibu Soren at the latter's residence on Tuesday. Veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren passed away on Sunday, August 4, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi following a prolonged illness. He was 81. The last rites of the JMM patriarch will be performed later in the day at his native village, Nemra, in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district. Leaders from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to the late leader, recalling his decades-long contribution to Jharkhand's political landscape and his unwavering commitment to tribal rights. Earlier in the day, a large number of people gathered at the residence of the former Chief Minister to offer their final respects. Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, Ramgarh district, Shibu Soren belonged to a modest Santhal Adivasi farming family. His father, Shobaran Soren, was a vocal opponent of local zamindars (landlords) and was murdered at their hands when Shibu was just a boy. This injustice instilled in him a burning resolve to fight for Adivasi rights, land, and dignity. Soren's political journey spanned over four decades, marked by numerous highs and challenges. He was the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, co-founded JMM in 1972 with AK Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato to advocate for a separate tribal state. He served three terms as Chief Minister, including one for just 10 days in March 2005 and was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and the Rajya Sabha three times. He held the Coal Minister portfolio in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. Soren's rise to fame came in the 1970s with his campaigns against the exploitative landlords and moneylenders. He became a tribal icon fighting against injustice, organising agitations to reclaim tribal lands. His fight for the tribal community is the reason why JMM remains the most popular party in Jharkhand. Shibu Soren was a champion of tribal rights, land, forest, and livelihood. He was known for his unwavering dedication to the people and his passion for empowering tribal communities, the poor, and the downtrodden. His contributions include the Jharkhand Statehood Movement, which played a key role in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000. His dreams of a separate identity for Jharkhand people came into fruition in 2000 when a new state was created. Soren has to spend a month in jail after an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with the 1975 Chirudih massacre case, in which he was named the main accused in the killing of 11 people. Later, a court in March 2008 absolved him of all charges. However, his legal woes did not end there. In 2006, he was convicted in the 1994 murder case of his private secretary, Shashi Nath Jha, leading to a life sentence, though he was later acquitted. He faced other criminal charges, including allegations of inciting violence, but was cleared in significant cases by 2010. Despite these cases, Soren remained a towering figure in the state and the nation's politics. In April 2025, he passed the JMM presidency to his son, Hemant Soren, the current Jharkhand Chief Minister. Describing him as "a strong voice for the tribal community" whose contribution to Jharkhand's formation "will always be remembered," Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid heartfelt tribute to late Shibu Soren, the veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader who passed away this morning in the national capital. (ANI) Company begins staking self-acquired SOL through newly launched validator, reinforcing long-term commitment to the Solana ecosystem AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BIT Mining Limited (NYSE: BTCM) ("BIT Mining" or the "Company"), a leading technology-driven cryptocurrency infrastructure company, today announced the launch of its first Solana ("SOL") validator, alongside the initial purchase of 27,191 SOL (at an aggregate purchase price of approximately US$4.89 million) to establish the Company's growing SOL treasury. This milestone follows the Company's July 10 announcement outlining a strategic shift into the Solana ecosystem, backed by plans to raise up to $300 million for SOL acquisitions and infrastructure development. The validator is operated by BIT Mining's internal infrastructure team and supported by the Company's proprietary technologies. By beginning to stake its own SOL through a self-operated validator, the Company actively contributes to Solana's network decentralization and security, generating on-chain rewards through validator operations. This deployment marks the beginning of a broader effort to build a presence across the Solana validator set as BIT Mining scales its treasury and infrastructure footprint in parallel. "This validator launch is a foundational step in operationalizing our Solana strategy. We are not just holding SOL, we are helping power the network," said Bo Yu, the Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. "It demonstrates our belief in Solana's potential and our commitment to building meaningful infrastructure that supports its growth, security, and decentralization." As BIT Mining deepens its commitment to Solana, the Company is actively exploring additional opportunities across the ecosystem. By combining a growing SOL treasury with hands-on validator operations, BIT Mining is well-positioned to capture both the financial and strategic upside of Solana's rapidly expanding on-chain economy. About BIT Mining Limited BIT Mining Limited (NYSE: BTCM) is a technology-driven cryptocurrency asset company that is strategically transitioning its core business toward Solana ("SOL") treasury operations. Leveraging its deep expertise in blockchain infrastructure, the Company is building an integrated ecosystem centered on SOL staking and ecosystem development. BIT Mining's legacy capabilities, including 7nm ASIC design, data center operations, and mining machine manufacturing, are being repurposed to optimize treasury efficiency and support its strategic shift toward sustainable value creation. Safe Harbor Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "target", "going forward", "outlook" and similar statements. In addition, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's plan to expand into the Solana ecosystem, the intended benefits of such expansion, and the Company's future fundraising plan to support such expansion, are or contain forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law. For more information: BIT Mining Limited [email protected] ir.btcm.group www.btcm.group Media Contact [email protected] Piacente Financial Communications Brandi Piacente Tel: +1 (212) 481-2050 Email: [email protected] SOURCE BIT Mining Limited With August 5 marking six years since the abrogation of Article 370, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma called the decision historic, and added that it had brought development in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. CM Bhajan Lal Sharma wrote on his X, "On this very day, August 5, 2019, under the visionary leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and Honorable Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji, the Government of India took a historic decision to abrogate the special provisions of Article 370 and 35A from Jammu and Kashmir, thereby strengthening the nation's unity, integrity, and sovereignty." He added, "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the countrymen on the successful completion of 6 years of this historic decision that connected Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh with the mainstream of development!" Earlier, National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah on Monday lambasted the Centre on the same occasion of the six-year completion of Article 370 abrogation, and asked for a timeline to reinstate the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. Holding the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the Centre to fulfil its promise, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister urged the government to hold elections to Rajya Sabha seats and not deny people the right to speak about their problems. "When are they going to return the statehood? They said that the minute you have elections and the government is formed, the statehood will be restored. What has happened to that? Now they are saying that they will hold elections in two vacant assembly seats, but what about elections to four seats in the Rajya Sabha? Why are they denying people the right to get to that house to speak of their problems?" Abdullah told ANI. In August 2019, the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repealed Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, effectively ending the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The restoration of statehood has been a key demand from the regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019. (ANI) Following US President Donald Trump's tariff threat to India, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said on Tuesday that India can hit the United States with tariffs too, as it is not one-way traffic. Speaking to ANI, Chaturvedi emphasised that Trump's accusing India alone is not fair, as the US, European Union, and China continue to trade with Russia. "... His accusations that we are supporting Russia's war with Ukraine by purchasing oil from them is absolutely wrong. US, EU, and China's trade with Russia continues, so how is it fair to accuse India alone... We also now need to impose tariffs on goods we import from the US. Tariffs are not one-way traffic, and we can hit them with tariffs too," the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP said. In a latest statement by US President Donald Trump on Monday, he said that the United States will "substantially raise" the tariff paid by India for buying "massive amounts of Russian Oil", stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market "for big profits". Trump wrote on Truth Social, "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" India has defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday came out strongly in defence of the country's decision to import oil from Russia, despite criticism from the United States and European Union. According to the MEA, India's imports from Russia are driven by necessity and aimed at ensuring predictable and affordable energy costs for Indian consumers. The MEA described the criticism of India's trade policy as "unjustified and unreasonable," asserting that India will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday arrived in Ranchi to attend the last rites of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren. Calling his demise an "irreparable loss", Singh offered condolences on behalf of AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal and the party. While interacting with the media, MP Sanjay Singh said, "This is a huge loss for Jharkhand, Hemant Soren and his family, and their supporters. On behalf of AAP and Arvind Kejriwal, I offer condolences to the family. He was the force behind Jharkhand. He has endured a long struggle for Jharkhand and dedicated all his life to the state and its welfare... His demise is an irreparable loss..." The last rites of the veteran tribal leader will be performed on Tuesday in his native village, Nemra, in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district. People gathered in large numbers at his residence in Ranchi on Monday to pay their final respects to the former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM patriarch. Shibu Soren passed away on August 4 at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district, Shibu Soren belonged to a modest Santhal Adivasi farming family. His father, Shobaran Soren, was a vocal opponent of local zamindars (landlords) and was murdered at their hands when Shibu was just a boy. This injustice instilled in him a burning resolve to fight for Adivasi rights, land, and dignity. Soren's political journey spanned over four decades, marked by numerous highs and challenges. He was the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, co-founded JMM in 1972 with AK Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato to advocate for a separate tribal state. He served three terms as Chief Minister, including one for just 10 days in March 2005 and was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and the Rajya Sabha three times. He held the Coal Minister portfolio in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. Soren's rise to fame came in the 1970s with his campaigns against the exploitative landlords and moneylenders. He became a tribal icon fighting against injustice, organising agitations to reclaim tribal lands. His fight for the tribal community is the reason why JMM remains the most popular party in Jharkhand. Shibu Soren was a champion of tribal rights, land, forest, and livelihood. (ANI) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday remembered former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) co-founder Shibu Soren as a leader who fought for the tribal community and the poor. Shibu Soren passed away in Delhi on Monday. He was 8. "We received this sad news yesterday. I am leaving for Ranchi now. We can never forget the contributions of Shibu Soren, especially for the poor, the deprived and his fight for the tribal community," Yadav told reporters in Patna. "He was a colleague of my father. We had an alliance in Jharkhand too. I think Shibu Soren's demise will cause a great loss to the country. Our condolences to his family. His last rites are being done. It will be held in Ramgarh district. So, we are leaving for there," he said. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday penned an emotional note for his father. In a post on X, Hemant Soren asserted that he has not only lost his father but a pillar of Jharkhand's soul has departed. "I am going through the toughest days of my life. Not only has the shadow of a father been taken from me, but a pillar of Jharkhand's soul has departed. I didn't just call him 'Baba,' He was my guide, the root of my thoughts, and that forest-like shade that protected thousands and lakhs of Jharkhandis from the scorching sun and injustice," he said. He recalled Shibu Soren's struggle from being born in a poor family to rising to become one of the most influential voices for the tribals. "My Baba's beginnings were very humble. Born in that small house in Nemra village, where there was poverty, there was hunger, but there was courage. In his childhood, he lost his father. The exploitation of the landlords gave him a fire that made him a fighter for his entire life," the Jharkhand CM said. "I have seen him tilling the fields, sitting among the people, not just giving speeches, but living the sorrows of the people. In my childhood, when I asked him, 'Baba, why do people call you Dishom Guru?" He would smile and say: "Because, son, I only understood their pain and made their fight my own.' That title was not written in any book, nor was it given by Parliament. It came from the hearts of Jharkhand's people," Hemant Soren said. (ANI) The mortal remains of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM founder patron Shibu Soren was brought out of his residence in Ranchi on Tuesday to be taken to the State Assembly for public homage. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren accompanied the mortal remains of his father in the hearse van going to the State Assembly. Soren, who passed away on August 4, 2025, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital after a prolonged illness, will have his last rites performed later today at his native village, Nimra. Several leaders across the political spectrum expressed their condolences, remembering Soren's significant contributions. Many people thronged the residence of the former Jharkhand Chief Minister to pay their last respects. Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village, Ramgarh district, Shibu Soren belonged to a modest Santhal Adivasi farming family. His father, Shobaran Soren, was a vocal opponent of local zamindars (landlords) and was murdered at their hands when Shibu was just a boy. This injustice instilled in him a burning resolve to fight for Adivasi rights, land, and dignity. Soren's political journey spanned over four decades, marked by numerous highs and challenges. He was the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, co-founded JMM in 1972 with AK Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato to advocate for a separate tribal state. He served three terms as Chief Minister, including one for just 10 days in March 2005 and was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and the Rajya Sabha three times. He held the Coal Minister portfolio in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. Soren's rise to fame came in the 1970s with his campaigns against the exploitative landlords and moneylenders. He became a tribal icon fighting against injustice, organising agitations to reclaim tribal lands. His fight for the tribal community is the reason why JMM remains the most popular party in Jharkhand. Shibu Soren was a champion of tribal rights, land, forest, and livelihood. He was known for his unwavering dedication to the people and his passion for empowering tribal communities, the poor, and the downtrodden. His contributions include the Jharkhand Statehood Movement, which played a key role in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000. His dreams of a separate identity for Jharkhand people came into fruition in 2000 when a new state was created. Soren has to spend a month in jail after an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with the 1975 Chirudih massacre case, in which he was named the main accused in the killing of 11 people. Later, a court in March 2008 absolved him of all charges. However, his legal woes did not end there. In 2006, he was convicted in the 1994 murder case of his private secretary, Shashi Nath Jha, leading to a life sentence, though he was later acquitted. He faced other criminal charges, including allegations of inciting violence, but was cleared in significant cases by 2010. Despite these cases, Soren remained a towering figure in the state and the nation's politics. In April 2025, he passed the JMM presidency to his son, Hemant Soren, the current Jharkhand Chief Minister. Describing him as "a strong voice for the tribal community" whose contribution to Jharkhand's formation "will always be remembered," Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid heartfelt tribute to late Shibu Soren, the veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader who passed away this morning in the national capital. (ANI) Security agencies detained a manager posted at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) guest house located near the Chandan Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer on charges of allegedly spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI. According to official sources, the Manager had been allegedly leaking sensitive military information for years. The official, identified as Mahendra Singh, a native of Almora in Uttarakhand, is alleged to have been involved in passing on sensitive information related to India's defence operations to Pakistani operatives. According to official sources, "Mahendra Singh had been posted at the guest house for the past four to five years and was suspected to have been involved in covert activities for a significant duration. He reportedly shared classified data, including military movements and defence trials, with the ISI across the border". The DRDO guest house, where the accused Singh was stationed, regularly hosts defence scientists and experts conducting weapons and missile trials at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. The area surrounding the guest house includes active military zones of both the Army and Air Force, where defence-related operations are carried out year-round. Intelligence officials believe Singh had access to these activities and passed on details to Pakistan's intelligence operatives. Sources further stated that the mobile number Mahendra Singh allegedly used to transmit information across the border may have been provided by the ISI agents operating within India. Confirming the development, Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Shivhare said that the accused has been detained on suspicion of spying for Pakistani intelligence agencies. He added that on Tuesday, the detained individual will be brought in for extensive questioning by all the security and intelligence agencies". "Further interrogation is expected to uncover the extent of the information he may have leaked", said SP Shivhare. (ANI) Under the joint aegis of the state administration and Nav Gurukul, a free residential course is being conducted at the Livelihood College to provide skill training in the field of software programming, graphic design, finance, business management and education to the girl students who have passed 12th class. Jashpur District Panchayat CEO, Abhishek Kumar, said, "Nav Gurukul is a non-profit organisation and in Jashpur, under the joint aegis of District Administration and Nav Gurukul, 12th pass girls are given employment-related training. A 2-year residential course is being provided to them in Livelihood College. Students have the facility of boarding and lodging, and Nav Gurukul provides laptops and necessary materials for studies." CEO Abhishek informed that so far, 70 girls have been placed after the training and are working in different cities. "Till now, more than 70 girls have got placement through campus and are working in cities like Ahmedabad, Pune and Chennai. This is an opportunity for the girls of Jashpur district and the state to acquire new skills and knowledge", he said. Kumar also mentioned the need of the organisation and the benefits it brings and said, "Jashpur is a tribal dominated area, and the economic condition is not so good. Through this course, the girls are gaining extensive exposure and developing their skills. The district administration is making free arrangements for their boarding and lodging..." Nav Gurukul is a non-profit organisation which is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth, especially women and transgender individuals. It offers free residential programs in technical and business skills. It provides courses in Software Programming, financial accounting, taxation, Tally, Google Suite, CRM, digital marketing, and data analytics. Under Meraki, an online initiative dedicated to government school and ITI students to help them learn basic English, typing, and programming. Zuvy is another Digital initiative course offering degree programs through residential, online, and day boarding modes, emphasising problem-solving, system design, and programming languages. (ANI) Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his role in bringing together allies and ensuring smooth coordination in Parliament. After the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting today, Mhaske said the Prime Minister guided MPs to highlight the government's work in their constituencies. Speaking to ANI, the Shiv Sena MP said, "Today, all the MPs attended the NDA meeting and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the success of Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister guided everyone and asked the MPs to share the work done by the government in their respective constituencies... He thanked the opposition for demanding a discussion on Operation Sindoor as it made the whole country aware of it and the role of the opposition in it." "He also said that the NDA should work unitedly, under the leadership of the BJP where it is in power and under the leadership of the allies where they are in power... The Prime Minister also praised Home Minister Amit Shah for playing a key role in uniting all allies and ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament...... The Prime Minister discussed all the topics that benefit the nation and also lauded the growing economy of the country," Mhaske said. Union Minister and BJP MP from Kerala, Suresh Gopi, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was praised globally for the success of Operation Sindoor and India's strong international outreach. Suresh Gopi said that the Prime Minister spoke passionately about how delegations sent to other countries helped build global support. "The whole world is felicitating the Prime Minister... He was very voracious when he started talking about the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, the delegation that were sent to other countries and pulled them all into our confidence. The wish of 140 crore people of India were fulfilled, that is the greatest success. He was also very happy that whoever wanted a discussion on Operation Sindoor have started lamenting or repenting for having called for a discussion... As per historical records, the longest term in the Home Ministry was held by LK Advani and last week, Amit Shah has surpassed that, becoming the longest serving Home Minister of the country," Suresh Gopi said. Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai also praised the Indian armed forces, and said the entire country is proud of their bravery. Rai added that if there had been no ceasefire, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) might have been part of India today. "We bow before the Indian armed forces. Everyone is proud of them, and nobody raises questions about them. But those who are thumping their own chest and praising themselves will definitely be asked why they ordered the forces to a ceasefire? I think that had the ceasefire not been ordered, today PoK would have been with India," Rai said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated by the NDA parliamentary party on Tuesday for his government's firm response to the Pahalgam terror attack under Operation Sindoor. The MPs of the BJP-led ruling alliance met here in their only second such meeting during Parliament's sessions since the government was formed in June 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a meeting of the NDA parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament Library Building. The members of the National Democratic Alliance passed a resolution praising the success of two major anti-terror operations, Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also felicitated for his leadership during the operations. NDA leaders hailed Prime Minister Modi's "exceptional leadership", saying his unwavering resolve, visionary statesmanship and resolute command have not only steered the nation with purpose but also ignited a renewed spirit of unity and pride in the hearts of all Indians. The resolution noted recent global developments that show support for India's stand against terrorism. It highlighted that the United States has officially declared The Resistance Front (TRF), which was behind the Pahalgam attack, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. It also noted that the BRICS Joint Declaration condemning the Pahalgam attack, avowing to "ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism", reflect a win for India's diplomatic stance against terrorism inflicted on its soil by Pakistan. The developments reflect India's rising clout on the global stage and international affirmation. After Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister ensured that 59 Members of Parliament from across parties visited 32 countries to present India's point of view. This is one of the most comprehensive global outreach ever launched by India, highlighting how the country has been a victim of terror and why a terror attack in any one part of the world is a crime against humanity across the globe. The participation of Opposition MPs shows the maturity of our democracy and the statesmanship of the Prime Minister, who believes that in matters of national interest, we are all together. The resolution also praised the courage of Indian security forces during the operations, calling their bravery a true example of dedication to the nation. Their courage highlights their unflinching devotion to protecting our nation. We pay our deepest condolences and respect to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. At the meeting, condolences were offered to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Newly elected Members of Parliament were introduced to the Prime Minister during the meeting. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut were among key leaders of the NDA from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha who were present at the meeting. The meeting took place amid an ongoing deadlock in Parliament, where the Opposition is demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and calling for its cancellation. (ANI) August 5 marks six years since the abrogation of Article 370, which rendered Jammu and Kashmir of its statehood, converting the former state into three Union Territories. Ever since the abrogation, the majority of politicians and leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have been demanding the restoration of statehood. The demand for reinstating the statehood of J-K has intensified after the Omar Abdullah government was formed, following the assembly elections. As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extended greetings on the abrogation day, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for a 15-minute blackout to mark a protest against the move taken by the government of India in 2019. "August 4, 2019, we were silenced. August 5, our voice, our rights, our Constitution, taken without our consent. What was ours by birth and by belonging was stripped away overnight. Not a whisper of warning," Mufti posted on X. "Not a shred of justice. Today, we remember. We resist. As a mark of protest and collective mourning, I urge all who carry this wound to join in a 15-minute blackout tonight at 9 PM. Turn off the lights. Let the silence speak. Let the darkness remind the world of what was lost and what still lives in us," she added. Amid buzz regarding the restoration of statehood, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, however, said that he remains optimistic about "something positive" in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament. "I'm still optimistic about something positive for J&K in this monsoon session of Parliament but not tomorrow (sic). And no, I haven't had any meetings or conversations with people in Delhi. This is just a gut feeling," Abdullah posted on X. "I've heard every possible permutation & combination about what to expect in J&K tomorrow (sic) so let me stick my neck out and say nothing will happen - fortunately nothing bad will happen but unfortunately nothing positive will happen either," he added. Recently, National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah lambasted the Centre, asking about the timeline to reinstate the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. Holding the ruling BJP government in the Centre to fulfil its promise, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister urged the government to hold elections to Rajya Sabha seats and not deny people the right to speak about their problems. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP in the Centre has maintained its claim that abrogation of Article 370, which did away with the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, was correcting the "historical wrong". In July this year, BJP spokesperson Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA from Udhampur East assembly constituency, emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir was currently a Union Territory (UT) and will continue to operate under the rule of law, free from the influence of any political dynasty. Pathania said that Jammu and Kashmir was a state and assured that it would regain its statehood at the "appropriate time." When the time is right, it will be restored as a state," he remarked, hinting at a potential future direction for the region's political status. In 2019, on this day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a resolution in Rajya Sabha to scrap Article 370 and launched a scathing attack against opposition parties, including National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and Congress, accusing the "three families of looting" Jammu and Kashmir. Shah had said, "Under the umbrella of Article 370, three families looted Jammu and Kashmir for years. Leader of Opposition (Ghulam Nabi Azad) said Article 370 connected Jammu and Kashmir to India, but it's not true. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Jammu and Kashmir Instrument of Accession on October 27 1947. Article 370 came in 1954." The scrapped Article 370 of the Indian Constitution gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and barred people from the rest of India from buying land in the former state. The article also limited the powers of the Parliament to make laws for Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) 2025 survey highlights persistent barriers in workplaces and public spaces BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month, Mamava, the creator of freestanding lactation pods, and Medela, a global leader in breastfeeding innovation, released findings from the 2025 State of Breastfeeding Survey. Now in its third year, the survey captures the realities of breastfeeding in the United States. This year's data, gathered from nearly 3,000 parents, reveals strong commitment to breastfeeding alongside persistent barriers in workplaces and public settings. Breastfeeding is associated with numerous health benefits for infants and mothers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends breastfeeding for up to two years when possible. However, survey data shows a steep decline over time: 54% of respondents breastfed for one year, while only 16% continued through year two. Key findings include: 88% of parents chose breastfeeding for nutritional reasons; 75% cited bonding with their baby of parents chose breastfeeding for nutritional reasons; 75% cited bonding with their baby Only 44% felt supported at work; 1 in 3 lacked reliable access to a private lactation space felt supported at work; 1 in 3 lacked reliable access to a private lactation space 45% were unclear about their rights under the PUMP Act; 13% were unaware of the law were unclear about their rights under the PUMP Act; 13% were unaware of the law 81% reported pumping or nursing in a vehicle due to inadequate designated spaces reported pumping or nursing in a vehicle due to inadequate designated spaces 1 in 3 said public places are not welcoming or inclusive for breastfeeding "Breastfeeding is a powerful choice parents make for their babies, but they shouldn't have to navigate that journey alone," said Sascha Mayer, Mamava Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer. "Parents are doing their part. Now it's time for workplaces and public spaces to step up with the spaces, policies and respect that make breastfeeding not only possible, but sustainable." Conducted in May, the survey reflects responses from 2,842 U.S. parents who are currently breastfeeding or have breastfed within the past two years. A majority were employed: 62% worked full-time and 20% part-time. These results emphasize the urgent need for consistent workplace accommodations. The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), signed into law in 2022, requires most employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for pumping during the workday. For more information about the 2025 State of Breastfeeding Survey, visit mamava.com. About Mamava: Mamava is dedicated to transforming the culture of breastfeeding. The inventor of freestanding lactation pods, Mamava provides breastfeeding parents with private, comfortable spaces to pump or nurseat work and on the go. Offering an array of products and services, from lactation room smart locks and rentals to compliance guidance and data reporting, Mamava is the expert in lactation program design. The free Mamava app (available for iOS and Android) helps breastfeeding parents find thousands of lactation spaces and unlock Mamava pods and rooms equipped with the VaRoom smart lock. Women-founded and led, Mamava designs, engineers, and assembles lactation pods at their manufacturing facilities in Vermont. Since 2013, Mamava has delivered thousands of lactation pods to organizations that span airports, hospitals, stadiums, schools, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies. To learn more about Mamava's products, services, and resources, visit mamava.com. About Medela: Through advancing research, observing natural behavior and listening to our customers, Medela turns science into care while nurturing health for generations. Medela supports millions of moms, babies, patients and healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries all over the world. As the healthcare choice for more than 6 million hospitals and homes across the globe, Medela provides leading research-based breast milk feeding products, healthcare solutions for hospitals, and clinical education. Medela is dedicated to building better health outcomes, simplifying and improving life, and developing breakthroughs that help moms, babies and patients live their life to the fullest. For more information, visit www.medela.com. MEDIA CONTACT Tiffany Saltis +1 (802) 345-2234 [email protected] SOURCE Mamava Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday, condemned the use of security personnel inside the House with the Opposition loudly protesting the move they said was "most objectionable and undemocratic" In a letter addressed to Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Kharge had expressed shock over the manner in which the CISF personnel entered the Parliament during opposition protests. "I want to thank you, sir, for the references you gave us, the ones we didn't read, but you told us," Kharge's letter said. "I'm writing to you on behalf of the opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha. We are astonished and shocked at the manner in which CISF personnel were made to run into the well of the House while members were exercising their democratic right to protest. We saw this yesterday, and we saw it again today. Has our Parliament been reduced to such a level?" the LoP said. "This is most objectionable, and we strongly condemn it. 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," he added. Kharge further cited past remarks by late leaders Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj when they served as Leaders of the Opposition, recalling that they had defended disruptions as part of a vibrant "democratic process". "This is not a huge thing. We are protesting in a democratic way, and we will continue to do so. That is our right," Kharge asserted. Responding to the allegations, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh refuted Kharge's claims, stating that the personnel deployed were not from the CISF but from the Parliament Security Service (PSS). "I want to clarify that only the Parliament Security Service can enter the House when needed. No CISF personnel were involved," the Deputy Chairman said in the House. Undeterred, Kharge stood by his remarks and said, "I condemn this. You can throw us out of the proceedings." Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused. Kharge of "misleading" the House and asked for a clarification from the Congress leader regarding his letter to the Deputy Chairman Harivansh that Kharge released to the media. Following this Kharge asked whether the Chairman or Union Home Minister Amit Shah is running the House. "Even our previous leaders have maintained that disruptions are also a part of democracy. But I ask you today (Chair), who is running this House? You, or Union Home Minister Amit Shah?" Kharge said. Harivansh responded to Kharge and stated it is "wrong allegation." The Deputy Chairman then asked Leader of House JP Nadda to respond. The standoff comes amid heightened opposition protests over various issues, with the well of the House increasingly becoming a flashpoint for confrontation. (ANI) Following US President Donald Trump's tariff threat to India, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said no Russian or American leader has ever spoken to India in such a manner before. He also questioned Trump's right to pressure the country. Speaking at the press conference, Sanjay Raut said, "Trump has been threatening India repeatedly. But our PM and the government are not ready to say a word on this. Who is President Trump to put pressure on India? No Russian or American president ever spoke this way about India before..." In a latest statement by US President Donald Trump on Monday, he said that the United States will "substantially raise" the tariff paid by India for buying "massive amounts of Russian Oil", stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market "for big profits". Trump wrote on Truth Social, "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" India has defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday came out strongly in defence of the country's decision to import oil from Russia, despite criticism from the United States and European Union. According to the MEA, India's imports from Russia are driven by necessity and aimed at ensuring predictable and affordable energy costs for Indian consumers. The MEA described the criticism of India's trade policy as "unjustified and unreasonable," asserting that India will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. (ANI) Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Shatabdi Roy on Tuesday arrived in Ranchi to attend the last rites of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren. Roy said that Soren was among the few leaders who left a lasting impression on the lives of people. Speaking to ANI, Roy said she had come on behalf of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior party leader Derek O'Brien to pay her respects. "On behalf of the AITC, Mamata Banerjee has sent me from the Lok Sabha and Derek O'Brien from the Rajya Sabha to pay tributes to Shibu Soren. His name will go down in history. Many leaders come and go, but only some leave a mark on people's lives. Shibu Soren was one of them..." she said. Earlier in the day, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh also arrived in Ranchi to attend the last rites of the veteran tribal leader. "This is a huge loss for Jharkhand, Hemant Soren and his family, and their supporters. On behalf of AAP and Arvind Kejriwal, I offer condolences to the family. He was the force behind Jharkhand. He has endured a long struggle for Jharkhand and dedicated all his life to the state and its welfare... His demise is an irreparable loss..." Singh told ANI. The last rites of the veteran tribal leader will be performed on Tuesday in his native village, Nemra, in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district. People gathered in large numbers at his residence in Ranchi on Monday to pay their final respects to the former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM patriarch. Shibu Soren passed away on August 4 at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district, Shibu Soren belonged to a modest Santhal Adivasi farming family. His father, Shobaran Soren, was a vocal opponent of local zamindars (landlords) and was murdered at their hands when Shibu was just a boy. This injustice instilled in him a burning resolve to fight for Adivasi rights, land, and dignity. Soren's political journey spanned over four decades, marked by numerous highs and challenges. He was the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, co-founded JMM in 1972 with AK Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato to advocate for a separate tribal state. He served three terms as Chief Minister, including one for just 10 days in March 2005 and was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and the Rajya Sabha three times. He held the Coal Minister portfolio in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. Soren's rise to fame came in the 1970s with his campaigns against the exploitative landlords and moneylenders. He became a tribal icon fighting against injustice, organising agitations to reclaim tribal lands. His fight for the tribal community is the reason why JMM remains the most popular party in Jharkhand. Shibu Soren was a champion of tribal rights, land, forest, and livelihood. (ANI) Amid a controversy over 'PDA paathshala', Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday emphasised that the pathshala cannot be stopped by the police and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath must attend it and see the conditions. Speaking to the media, Yadav asserted that his party will continue to teach students until new teachers are recruited for schools that have been closed or merged by the state government. "PDA pathshala cannot be stopped by the police. The CM himself must attend the pathshala and see the conditions. The government has itself accepted that it has closed many schools and also merged some of them... Samajwadi Party workers will teach students till the time new teachers are recruited for those schools...," the SP Chief said. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary came down heavily on SP for lessons being taught in its 'PDA paathshala' while accusing them of promoting nepotism, claiming that it remains fundamental to the party. He 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. Samajwadi Party (SP) Rajya Sabha MP Ram Gopal Yadav on Monday morning condemned the FIR against his party leader Farhad Alam for alleged politicisation of English alphabets in 'PDA Paathshala', and said that this was a result of "ignorant people" and those with "petty mindset" sitting in power. Defending the lessons taught in the PDA Paathshala of Samajwadi Party, Yadav asked, "If we teach 'A for Akhilesh', 'B for Babasaheb', what is wrong with it?" "When ignorant people and those with a petty mindset sit in power in Uttar Pradesh, such things happen every day. Bacche jisse kisi shabd ko sikh jaye, padhane ka vahi tarika sabse accha hota hai [The best method of teaching children is deploying ways through which children can learn (easily)]. They are not being taught in a government school. Those who have filed the FIR will have an FIR registered against them for misuse of their rights," Yadav told ANI. (ANI) Congress MP KC Venugopal on Tuesday came in defence of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi after Supreme Court, in its observation, objected to the latter's "China occupied Indian territory" remarks. "Who will give the definition of 'true Indian'?" Venugopal told reporters here. He said that the discussion initiated by Rahul Gandhi was the thinking of every nationalist Indian. "What Rahul Gandhi is discussing is the thinking of every nationalist Indian. Whenever we ask questions inside the Parliament, there is no answer. Whenever we ask questions related to national interest outside the Parliament, we are termed anti-national. We are the true Indians who are raising questions for India," Venuogpal said. Earlier in the day, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das said that Justice Dipankar Datta had no business to question Gandhi's "Indianness" for merely criticising the Modi government's "failure on Chinese aggression". "Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi isn't allowed to question China in Parliament. If he does it on social media, he's asked if he's 'truly Indian'. Justice Dipankar Datta had no business to question Rahul Gandhi's 'Indianness' for criticising the Modi Govt's failure on Chinese aggression," Das posted on X. "His father and grandmother sacrificed their lives for our country. What more proofs of 'Indianness' do they seek?" he added. Moreover, Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot defended the LoP, saying that he did not divulge any secret when he said that 2,000 km of Indian territory is intruded by the Chinese Army. "Rahul Gandhi did not divulge any secret. What he stated about intrusion and skirmishes in which 20 soldiers lost their lives is already in the public domain since long. The intrusion to the extent of about 2000km is also reflected in the reliable text on the internet and the Media, including the location of the intrusion," Gehlot said in a post on X. He further said that an activist of Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk, has also been expressing concern about Chinese incursion into Indian territory. This comes after the Supreme Court pulled up Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks on the Indian Army after a clash between the Indian and Chinese armies in the Yangsi region of Arunachal Pradesh in 2022. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih expressed disapproval of Gandhi's remarks, saying, "How does he know the Chinese occupied 2000 square kilometres of land?" and added that a true Indian wouldn't say such a thing. Justice Datta said, "How do you get to know that 2000 square kilometres of Indian territory was occupied by China? What is the credible material? If you are a true indian, you would not say this. When there is a conflict across borders... can you say all this?" The bench further asked senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Gandhi, why such statements were not made in Parliament but instead on social media. (ANI) Top defence sources told ANI that a high-level defence ministry meeting is expected to give clearance to the procurement of a large number of BrahMos missiles for the Indian Navy warships, along with ground and air-launched versions of these weapons for the Indian Air Force soon. The missiles were used in a big way to hit Pakistani air bases and Army cantonments all along its length and breadth during the four-day conflict. The Navy would be using the missiles for equipping its Veer-class warships while the Indian Air Force would be using them to equip its Russian-origin Su-30 MKI fighter jet fleet, the sources said. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the performance of the indigenous weapon systems in the conflict, saying, "During Operation Sindoor, the world saw the capabilities of our indigenous weapons. Our Air Defence Systems, missiles, and drones have proved the strength of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', especially the Brahmos missiles." In the first phase of the conflict, when India launched attacks on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, including the terror headquarters of Jaish e Mohammed and Lashkar e Toiba in Pakistani Punjab province, the BrahMos missile was the main weapon of choice for the Indian Air Force, which hit targets with great precision. The BrahMos caused further damage to Pakistani air bases, and hence the Pakistan Army tried to retaliate, protecting the terrorists and their infrastructure. (ANI) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks on the Indian Army, asserting that no one can make false statements against the country and expect to go unchallenged. Speaking to the media, Rijiju emphasised that the judiciary will not remain silent on such matters. "The false statements made by Rahul Gandhi regarding our security and territorial integrity have shown that our judiciary and the Supreme Court will not remain silent on such matters. This is a lesson for everyone. Thinking that you can say anything and get away with it is wrong. The directive given by the Supreme Court to Rahul Gandhi serves as a reminder to all that, as an Indian citizen, you cannot make statements against the country," the Union Minister said. Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court pulled up Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks on the Indian Army after a clash between the Indian and Chinese armies in the Yangsi region of Arunachal Pradesh in 2022. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih expressed disapproval of Gandhi's remarks, saying How does he know the Chinese occupied 2000 square kilometres of land and said that a true Indian wouldn't say such a thing. Justice Datta said, "How do you get to know that 2000 square kilometres of Indian territory was occupied by China? What is the credible material? If you are a true indian, you would not say this. When there is a conflict across borders... can you say all this?" The Congress leader had made the remarks on December 16, 2022, during his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. Gandhi had said, "People will ask about Bharat Jodo Yatra, here and there, Ashok Gahlot and Sachin Pilot and whatnot. But they will not ask a single question about China capturing 2,000 square kilometres of Indian territory, "killing 20 Indian soldiers" and "thrashing our soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh". "But the Indian press doesn't ask a question to them about this. Isn't it true? The nation is watching all this. Don't pretend that people don't know," he added. Earlier today, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra backed the Lok Sabha LoP that it is a "misinterpretation" as her brother holds the Army in the highest respect. "...They do not decide who a true Indian is. It is the job of the Opposition Leader, it is his duty to ask questions to challenge the Government. My brother would never say anything against the Army. He holds the Army in the highest respect. So, it is a misinterpretation," Priyanka said. (ANI) Amid a ruckus in the Upper House over deployment of CISF personnel in Rajya Sabha, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed the opposition on Tuesday, saying that they have attempted to lower the decorum of the House and mislead the nation by spreading false information about the deployment of security personnel inside Parliament. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rijiju mentioned that the ruckus erupted in the House when they raised objections to Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to the Deputy Chairman during discussions. "The opposition has alleged that the government deployed personnel from the Army, police, and CISF. However, the Chair clarified that no external military or police forces were deployed; only the House marshals were present. As per the rules, only marshals are allowed inside the Parliament. Apart from marshals, only members and staff are permitted entry. The opposition spread falsehoods through the media... They attempted to lower the decorum of the House and mislead the nation," the Union Minister said. "Today marks the start of the third week of the session. In these days, we haven't been able to pass a single bill. We passed a Shipping Bill in the Rajya Sabha, and in the Lok Sabha, we passed the statutory resolution on President's Rule in Manipur, which we will pass in the Rajya Sabha today," he said. The Union Minister appealed to the Opposition to allow the smooth functioning of the House. "We will be bringing more bills forward, but before that, I appeal to the main opposition parties not to obstruct bills and other parliamentary work. The people of the country have sent us to Parliament so we can work for them," Rijiju said. Earlier in the day, Leader of the Rajya Sabha JP Nadda and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge were involved in a verbal spat on Tuesday over the alleged deployment of CISF personnel inside the House. Mallikarjun Kharge, on behalf of the opposition parties, alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) deployed CISF personnel near the well of the House. Kharge said, "We are astonished and shocked at how CISF personnel are made to run into the well of the house, when the members were exercising their democratic right of protest. We saw this yesterday and again today. Has our parliament been reduced to such a level? This is most objectionable, and we condemn it. 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." However, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh refuted the claims made by Kharge and stated that it was not the CISF personnel but the Parliamentary security. JP Nadda, replying to this, said, "You have made it clear that disrupting proceedings is undemocratic. If I am speaking and someone comes beside me shouting slogans, that is not democracy. This is not the proper way to function. I myself have been in the Opposition for a long time, and I would say--take tuition from me on how to work as the Opposition, because you'll be there for the next 40 years." Slamming the opposition, Nadda said that their behaviour is not only undemocratic, but an attempt to create anarchy. "Their idea of democracy ends the moment they leave their seats and start disturbing a member of the ruling party who has the right to speak. This is not only undemocratic, but an attempt to create anarchy," he said. (ANI) The Indian Army on Tuesday shared an old newspaper clipping detailing how Washington had supplied over $2 billion worth of arms to Pakistan over two decades in the build-up of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The post comes a day after US President Donald Trump threatened India over its purchase of Russian oil, saying he will substantially raise tariffs on goods from India. The Army's Eastern Command took to its X platform to share "This Day That Year" Build Up of War - 05 Aug 1971 with a hashtag, KnowFacts. https://x.com/easterncomd/status/1952589020497690782 The attached news clipping from August 5, 1971 highlighted that between 1954 and 1971, the US had provided Pakistan with fighter aircraft, missiles, tanks, submarines, and artillery https://x.com/easterncomd/status/1952589020497690782 The news clipping showed then Defence Production Minister V C Shukla informing Parliament that the US. had armed Pakistan "at throw-away prices," even after the 1971 crackdown in East Pakistan. "Mr V C Shakla. Minister for Defence Production told the Rajya Sabha today that precautions had been taken to see that there was no accretion to Pakistan's military strength. All possible sources of Supply, including NATO Powers, had been contacted, he said. While precise information on the arms supplied to Pakistan after March 26 (when it cracked down on Bangladesh) was not available, Mr Shukla said that China had supplied "large quantities" of non-lethal items. Contracted for before March 25. had been supplied by the USA, according to Washington reports," read the newspaper. The newspaper further reported that U.S. arms shipments to Pakistan since 1954 were valued at $2 billion. US President Donald Trump, who on Monday said that the United States will "substantially raise" the tariff paid by India for buying "massive amounts of Russian Oil", stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market "for big profits". Trump wrote on Truth Social, "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!"India has defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday came out strongly in defence of the country's decision to import oil from Russia, despite criticism from the United States and European Union. According to the MEA, India's imports from Russia are driven by necessity and aimed at ensuring predictable and affordable energy costs for Indian consumers.The MEA described the criticism of India's trade policy as "unjustified and unreasonable," asserting that India will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. (ANI) Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President and Union Minister Chirag Paswan accused the Opposition parties in Bihar of attempting to project a rift in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by "amplifying" his previous remarks on the law and order situation in the state. In July, Chirag Paswan had said that he felt sorry to be supporting the government in Bihar, "which is failing on the law and order front like this." His statement came in the wake of the gang-rape of a Bihar Military Police aspirant in Bodh Gaya on July 24, and the recent spate of violent crime in Bihar. Speaking to ANI, Paswan clarified that his remarks were made in his capacity as a public representative and a partner in the ruling alliance. "I try to put forward the points of the people before the government through this alliance. I am a part of the government and I have got that platform to put forth my views... Since I am not a part of the government in Bihar, I am supporting the government, so when I come across instances that add to the problems of Biharis, such as the law and order issue, I try to strongly keep it before the government so that actions are taken," Chirag Paswan told ANI. He alleged that the Opposition is deliberately misinterpreting his statements to create confusion among the public. "The opposition tries to mislead people about my words, indicating I am repeating my mistakes... NDA alliance is a winning combination in Bihar... We will win more than 225 seats and form the government. Hum Sath Sath Hain. The opposition tries its best to show a rift between us by amplifying my words. I trust Nitish Kumar and his governance," he said. Taking a swipe at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, Paswan criticised the party's traditional MY (Muslim-Yadav) vote base and said his vision stands for "Mahilayein-Yuva." "While Tejashwi Yadav is carrying on with the same old MY (Muslim-Yadav) arrangement of their party. His ideology is different, which promotes communalism and casteism. My MY arrangements stand for Mahilayein-Yuva," Paswan said. Paswan reiterated his commitment to his development-focused campaign, 'Bihar First, Bihari First.' "My idea is to develop Bihar with the slogan 'Bihar First Bihari First'. I have worked extensively on this. I have a solution to all problems in Bihar," Paswan said. (ANI) SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO) (the "Company") today reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. "We delivered solid financial results within our guidance range during the second quarter, while making good progress executing on our strategic plan," said Scott Wells, Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. "Our second quarter consolidated revenue increased 7.0%, reflecting growth from our America and Airports segments. In addition, our outlook remains positive for the second half of the year, attesting to the strength of out-of-home advertising and our leadership in driving the digital transformation of our industry. Building on our momentum, after the quarter ended, we refinanced and extended approximately 40% of our debt maturities in two tranches to 2031 and 2033, with our nearest maturity now in 2028. "Our transition into a U.S.-focused organization has allowed us to direct our attention to maximizing our investments in our digital footprint, data analytics and sales force to scale our business in an efficient manner, with the goal of increasing our cash generation. We continue to make inroads with a broader range of advertisers as we demonstrate our ability to plan and measure client campaigns that deliver attractive ROI relative to other advertising platforms. This is a central part of our value proposition, combined with our scale in what has become an increasingly fragmented advertising market. "Looking ahead, our business remains healthy, and we are on track to deliver on our financial goals. Nearly 90% of our Q3 2025 revenue guidance is under contract, and we believe we remain well-positioned to generate strong growth in our cash flow this year, with a significant compound increase in AFFO. We are committed to utilizing our cash to strengthen our balance sheet and reduce our interest expense while continuing to strategically invest as we work to build shareholder value." Financial Highlights: Financial highlights for the second quarter of 2025 as compared to the same period of 2024: (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, % Change Six Months Ended June 30, % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Consolidated Revenue $ 402,808 $ 376,483 7.0 % $ 736,988 $ 703,323 4.8 % Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations1 6,331 (25,414) NM (48,971) (94,638) (48.3) % Consolidated Net Income (Loss)1,2 10,649 (38,634) NM 73,862 (127,717) NM Adjusted EBITDA3 128,558 119,356 7.7 % 207,815 209,974 (1.0) % AFFO3 27,817 15,813 75.9 % 4,954 3,001 65.1 % 1 Percentage changes that are so large as to not be meaningful have been designated as "NM." 2 Includes income (loss) from discontinued operations. 3 This is a non-GAAP financial measure. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information. International Sales Processes: On May 6, 2025, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our business in Brazil to Publibanca Brasil S.A., an affiliate of Eletromidia S.A., for a purchase price of approximately $14.7 million based on the prevailing exchange rate as of June 30, 2025, subject to certain customary adjustments. The transaction is expected to close later this year, pending regulatory approval and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The sales process for our remaining discontinued operations in Spain is ongoing. Both of these businesses, along with the international businesses previously sold, are classified as discontinued operations. Debt Activity: In the second quarter of 2025, we repurchased $229.7 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding senior notes in open market transactions at a discount, contributing to a year-to-date debt reduction of approximately $605 million. We also amended our credit agreements, extending the maturity dates of our credit facilities to 2030 and adjusting facility commitments. On August 4, 2025, we closed a $2.05 billion private offering of senior secured notes. We used the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to fund the redemption of $2.0 billion of our existing senior secured notes due 2027 and 2028, further extending our debt maturity profile. Refer to the " Liquidity and Financial Position " section of this earnings release for further detail. Guidance: Third Quarter 2025 Outlook: We expect the following results for the third quarter of 2025: Third Quarter of 2025 % change from prior year (in millions) Low High Low High Consolidated Revenue $ 395 $ 410 5 % 9 % America 303 313 3 % 7 % Airports 92 97 12 % 18 % Full-Year 2025 Outlook: We have updated our full-year 2025 guidance from the ranges previously issued on May 1, 2025, except for Adjusted EBITDA, which remains unchanged: Full Year of 2025 % change from prior year (in millions) Low High Low High Consolidated Revenue $ 1,570 $ 1,600 4 % 6 % America 1,180 1,200 3 % 5 % Airports 390 400 8 % 11 % Adjusted EBITDA1 490 505 3 % 6 % AFFO1,2 75 85 28 % 45 % Capital Expenditures3 60 70 (26) % (13) % 1 This is a non-GAAP financial measure; see " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information. The Company has not reconciled its Adjusted EBITDA and AFFO guidance to income (loss) from continuing operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, because certain material reconciling items cannot be reasonably estimated at this time without unreasonable effort. These items include amortization of deferred financing costs and potential gains or losses on debt extinguishment or modification, which depend on further assessment of the impact of the Company's August 2025 refinancing, as well as income tax expense or benefit, which may be impacted by the adoption of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These items could have a material impact on GAAP results. However, the Company currently estimates full-year 2025 depreciation and amortization of approximately $174 million, share-based compensation of approximately $26 million, and maintenance capital expenditures of approximately $20 million. 2 Guidance reflects the expected impact of the August 2025 refinancing on forecasted interest expense (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs), which is a component of AFFO. Other refinancing-related items, which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time without unreasonable effort as described in note (1) above, do not impact AFFO. 3 Represents total capital expenditures, including maintenance and growth-related discretionary investments. Expected results and estimates may be impacted by factors outside of the Company's control, and actual results may be materially different from this guidance. See " Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements " for further information. Results: Revenue: (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, % Change Six Months Ended June 30, % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Revenue: America $ 303,111 $ 290,207 4.4 % $ 557,304 $ 539,984 3.2 % Airports 99,685 86,219 15.6 % 179,668 163,145 10.1 % Other 12 57 16 194 Consolidated Revenue $ 402,808 $ 376,483 7.0 % $ 736,988 $ 703,323 4.8 % Revenue for the second quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024: America: Revenue up 4.4%: Driven by the new roadside billboard contract with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA") and improved performance in the San Francisco/Bay Area market market Digital revenue increased 11.1% to $113.8 million (up from $102.4 million ), reflecting the addition of new digital billboards (including under the MTA contract) and increased demand (up from ), reflecting the addition of new digital billboards (including under the MTA contract) and increased demand National sales accounted for 33.7% of America revenue Airports: Revenue up 15.6%: Strong advertising demand, led by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey , San Francisco and Atlanta airports and , and airports Digital revenue increased 31.5% to $63.5 million (up from $48.3 million ), partially offset by a decline in print revenue (up from ), partially offset by a decline in print revenue National sales accounted for 59.3% of Airports revenue Direct Operating and SG&A Expenses1: (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, % Change Six Months Ended June 30, % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Direct operating and SG&A expenses: America $ 175,510 $ 163,334 7.5 % $ 341,837 $ 318,018 7.5 % Airports 75,338 67,139 12.2 % 141,008 125,079 12.7 % Other 393 1,122 587 2,824 Consolidated Direct operating and SG&A expenses2 $ 251,241 $ 231,595 8.5 % $ 483,432 $ 445,921 8.4 % 1 "Direct operating and SG&A expenses" as presented throughout this earnings release refers to the sum of direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. 2 Includes restructuring and other costs of $0.8 million and $2.4 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. Direct operating and SG&A expenses for the second quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024: America: Direct operating and SG&A expenses up 7.5%: Site lease expense increased 11.1% to $94.1 million (up from $84.7 million ), largely driven by the MTA contract Airports: Direct operating and SG&A expenses up 12.2%: Site lease expense increased 13.4% to $59.9 million (up from $52.8 million ), primarily driven by revenue growth Segment Adjusted EBITDA1: (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, % Change Six Months Ended June 30, % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 America Segment Adjusted EBITDA $ 127,601 $ 126,980 0.5 % $ 215,472 $ 222,444 (3.1) % Airports Segment Adjusted EBITDA 24,347 19,082 27.6 % 38,660 38,164 1.3 % 1 Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a GAAP financial measure calculated as Revenue less Direct operating expenses and SG&A expenses, excluding restructuring and other costs. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information. Corporate Expenses: (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, % Change Six Months Ended June 30, % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Corporate expenses1 $ 31,123 $ 34,047 (8.6) % $ 50,903 $ 63,921 (20.4) % Adjusted Corporate expenses2 23,009 26,319 (12.6) % 45,746 49,841 (8.2) % 1 Includes restructuring and other costs (reversals) of $0.8 million and $1.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and $(7.6) million and $2.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. 2 Adjusted Corporate expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure. See " Supplemental Disclosures " section herein for more information, including for a reconciliation of Corporate expenses to Adjusted Corporate expenses. Corporate expenses decreased 8.6%, and Adjusted Corporate expenses decreased 12.6% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. The decreases were primarily driven by: Lower employee compensation, primarily related to insurance benefits and bonuses Certain prior-year legal costs related to property and casualty settlements that did not recur Capital Expenditures: (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, % Change Six Months Ended June 30, % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Capital expenditures: America $ 8,827 $ 13,450 (34.4) % $ 18,646 $ 22,273 (16.3) % Airports 2,559 1,807 41.6 % 4,793 3,446 39.1 % Other 40 3 52 13 Corporate 1,401 1,051 33.3 % 2,567 1,883 36.3 % Consolidated capital expenditures $ 12,827 $ 16,311 (21.4) % $ 26,058 $ 27,615 (5.6) % Markets and Displays: As of June 30, 2025, we operated more than 61,400 print and digital out-of-home advertising displays and had a presence in 81 Designated Market Areas ("DMAs") in the U.S., including 43 of the top 50 U.S. markets. Number of digital displays added, net, in second quarter Total number of displays as of June 30, 2025 Digital Printed Total America1: Billboards2 15 1,970 32,703 34,673 Other displays3 22 519 13,239 13,758 Airports4 24 2,592 10,405 12,997 Total displays 61 5,081 56,347 61,428 1 As of June 30, 2025, our America segment had presence in 28 U.S. DMAs. 2 Billboards includes bulletins, posters, spectaculars and wallscapes. 3 Other displays includes street furniture and transit displays. 4 As of June 30, 2025, our Airports segment operated displays across nearly 200 commercial and private airports in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Liquidity and Financial Position: Cash and Cash Equivalents: As of June 30, 2025, we had $147.1 million of cash and cash equivalents, including $8.5 million held by discontinued operations (Spain and Brazil) and $4.1 million held by continuing operations subsidiaries outside the U.S., primarily in the Caribbean. The following table summarizes our consolidated cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2025, including both continuing and discontinued operations: (In thousands) Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 2,326 Net cash provided by investing activities1 557,286 Net cash used for financing activities2 (585,281) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 4,414 Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (21,255) Cash paid for interest $ 210,220 Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds $ 6,737 1 Includes $589.3 million in proceeds from the sales of our Europe-North segment and certain Latin American businesses, net of direct transaction costs paid and cash transferred with the businesses. These proceeds were partially offset by $42.1 million in capital expenditures, including $16.0 million related to discontinued operations. 2 On March 31, 2025, we used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of our Europe-North segment businesses to prepay the $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of term loans (the "CCIBV Term Loan Facility") of Clear Channel International B.V. ("CCIBV"), a former indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In the second quarter of 2025, we repurchased outstanding notes in open market transactions for a total cash payment of $203.4 million, as described in the "Debt" section below. Debt: In the second quarter of 2025, we repurchased $95.7 million of our 7.750% Senior Notes due 2028 and $134.1 million of our 7.500% Senior Notes due 2029 in open market transactions for a total cash payment of $203.4 million, including accrued interest of $4.0 million and related fees. The repurchased notes are currently held by the Company and have not been canceled. In June 2025, we amended our Receivables-Based Credit Agreement and Senior Secured Credit Agreement, extending the maturity dates of the related credit facilities to June 12, 2030. As part of the amendments: The Receivables-Based Credit Facility maximum commitment was increased from $175.0 million to $200.0 million , limited by a borrowing base calculated based on accounts receivable, with the calculation revised to expand the scope of eligible accounts. to , limited by a borrowing base calculated based on accounts receivable, with the calculation revised to expand the scope of eligible accounts. The Revolving Credit Facility commitment was reduced from $115.8 million to $100.0 million . On August 4, 2025, we closed a private offering of $1,150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 and $900.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2033. We used the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to fund the full redemption of our 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 and 9.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, in aggregate principal amounts of $1,250.0 million and $750.0 million, respectively. As a result, the indentures governing the redeemed notes were satisfied and discharged. Following the completion of the second-quarter senior notes repurchases and August 2025 refinancing, we expect cash interest payments of approximately $184 million for the remainder of 2025 and approximately $400 million in 2026, assuming no further prepayments, refinancings, new debt issuances or additional repurchases. Following the redemption of the 5.125% and 9.000% Senior Secured Notes, our next scheduled debt maturity will be in April 2028, when $899.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.750% Senior Notes becomes due. For additional details on our outstanding debt balance, please refer to Table 3 in this earnings release. TABLE 1 - Financial Highlights of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. and its Subsidiaries: (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Revenue $ 402,808 $ 376,483 $ 736,988 $ 703,323 Operating expenses: Direct operating expenses 185,530 167,168 354,059 322,222 Selling, general and administrative expenses 65,711 64,427 129,373 123,699 Corporate expenses 31,123 34,047 50,903 63,921 Depreciation and amortization 43,335 42,501 86,339 84,553 Other operating income, net (315) (90) (6,100) (3,387) Operating income 77,424 68,430 122,414 112,315 Interest expense, net (96,026) (100,120) (195,387) (201,815) Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt1 28,796 28,796 (2,393) Other income (expense), net2 663 449 912 (8,400) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 10,857 (31,241) (43,265) (100,293) Income tax benefit (expense) attributable to continuing operations (4,526) 5,827 (5,706) 5,655 Income (loss) from continuing operations 6,331 (25,414) (48,971) (94,638) Income (loss) from discontinued operations3 4,318 (13,220) 122,833 (33,079) Consolidated net income (loss) 10,649 (38,634) 73,862 (127,717) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,129 536 1,833 1,120 Net income (loss) attributable to the Company $ 9,520 $ (39,170) $ 72,029 $ (128,837) 1 During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $28.8 million related to the notes repurchased in open market transactions at a discount. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.4 million related to the prepayment and amendment of the Term Loan Facility. 2 Other expense, net, for the six months ended June 30, 2024 includes $10.0 million of debt modification expense related to the issuance of the 7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and the associated prepayment and refinancing of the Term Loan Facility. 3 Income (loss) from discontinued operations reflects results from our businesses in Spain and Brazil, as well as our former Latin American businesses (Mexico, Peru and Chile, sold February 5, 2025) and former Europe-North segment (sold March 31, 2025). Results for 2025 also include net gains and losses related to sold and held-for-sale businesses, including a $7.6 million loss in the second quarter, primarily related to Brazil, and a $132.0 million net gain for the six-month period, mainly related to the businesses sold in the first quarter of 2025. Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Weighted average common shares outstanding Basic 496,792 488,740 493,580 486,244 Weighted average common shares outstanding Diluted 498,401 488,740 493,580 486,244 TABLE 2 - Selected Balance Sheet Information: (In thousands) June 30, 2025 December 31, 2024 Cash and cash equivalents $ 138,573 $ 109,707 Total current assets1 664,778 1,659,044 Property, plant and equipment, net 457,414 479,987 Total assets1 3,766,618 4,804,263 Current liabilities (excluding current portion of long-term debt)2 577,706 1,271,630 Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt) 5,067,205 5,660,305 Stockholders' deficit (3,402,204) (3,639,783) 1 Total current assets and total assets include assets of discontinued operations of $165.9 million and $1,176.0 million as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. 2 Current liabilities include liabilities of discontinued operations of $99.5 million and $775.2 million as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. TABLE 3 - Total Debt: (In thousands) Maturity June 30, 2025 December 31, 2024 Receivables-Based Credit Facility1 June 2030 $ $ Revolving Credit Facility2 June 2030 Term Loan Facility August 2028 425,000 425,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 5.125% Senior Secured Notes3 August 2027 1,250,000 1,250,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 9.000% Senior Secured Notes3 September 2028 750,000 750,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 7.875% Senior Secured Notes April 2030 865,000 865,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 7.750% Senior Notes4 April 2028 899,311 995,000 Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings 7.500% Senior Notes4 June 2029 905,950 1,040,000 Clear Channel International B.V. Term Loan Facility5 375,000 Finance leases 3,763 3,974 Original issue discount (4,224) (7,313) Long-term debt fees (27,595) (36,356) Total debt 5,067,205 5,660,305 Less: Cash and cash equivalents (138,573) (109,707) Net debt $ 4,928,632 $ 5,550,598 1 On June 12, 2025, we amended the Receivables-Based Credit Agreement, extending the maturity of the Receivables-Based Credit Facility to June 12, 2030 and increasing the maximum commitment to $200.0 million. As of June 30, 2025, we had $81.2 million in letters of credit outstanding and $118.8 million in remaining excess availability under this facility. 2 On June 12, 2025, we amended the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, extending the maturity of the Revolving Credit Facility to June 12, 2030 and reducing the commitment to $100.0 million. As of June 30, 2025, we had a $6.8 million letter of credit outstanding (related to our business in Spain) and $93.2 million in remaining excess availability under this facility. 3 On August 4, 2025, we deposited an amount equal to the net proceeds from our $2,050.0 million senior secured notes offering, together with cash on hand, with the trustee to fund the full redemption of our 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 and 9.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2028. As a result, the indentures governing these notes were satisfied and discharged. Refer to the " Liquidity and Financial Position " section of this earnings release for further detail. 4 In the second quarter of 2025, we repurchased $229.7 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.750% and 7.500% Senior Notes in open market transactions at a discount. The repurchased notes are held by the Company and have not been canceled. Refer to the " Liquidity and Financial Position " section of this earnings release for further detail. 5 On March 31, 2025, we used proceeds from the Europe-North sale to prepay the $375.0 million CCIBV Term Loan Facility. Upon repayment, the related credit agreement was terminated, and all guarantees and collateral were released. Supplemental Disclosures: Reportable Segments and Segment Adjusted EBITDA The Company operates two reportable segments: America (U.S. operations excluding airports) and Airports (U.S. and Caribbean airport operations), with remaining operations in Singapore reported as "Other." The Company's European and Latin American businesses are classified as discontinued operations; therefore, their results are excluded from this earnings release, which only reflects continuing operations for all periods presented. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is the profitability metric reported to the Company's chief operating decision maker (the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer) for purposes of allocating resources and assessing segment performance. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a GAAP financial measure calculated as Revenue less Direct operating expenses and SG&A expenses, excluding restructuring and other costs. Restructuring and other costs include costs associated with cost-saving initiatives such as severance, consulting and termination costs and other special costs. Non-GAAP Financial Information This earnings release includes information that does not conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), including Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Corporate expenses, Funds From Operations ("FFO") and Adjusted Funds From Operations ("AFFO"). The Company believes these non-GAAP measures provide investors with useful insights into its operating performance, particularly when comparing to other out-of-home advertisers, and they are widely used by companies in this industry. Please refer to the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures below. The Company defines and uses these non-GAAP measures as follows: Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from continuing operations, plus: income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations; non-operating expenses (income), including other expense (income), loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, and interest expense, net; other operating expense (income), net; depreciation, amortization and impairment charges; share-based compensation expense; and restructuring and other costs, which include costs associated with cost-saving initiatives such as severance, consulting and termination costs and other special costs. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA to plan and forecast for future periods and as a key performance measure for executive compensation. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA allows investors to assess the Company's performance in a way that is consistent with Company management's approach and facilitates comparison to other companies with different capital structures or tax rates. Additionally, the Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is commonly used by investors, analysts and peers in the industry for valuation and performance comparisons. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA to plan and forecast for future periods and as a key performance measure for executive compensation. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA allows investors to assess the Company's performance in a way that is consistent with Company management's approach and facilitates comparison to other companies with different capital structures or tax rates. Additionally, the Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is commonly used by investors, analysts and peers in the industry for valuation and performance comparisons. "Adjusted Corporate expenses" is defined as corporate expenses excluding share-based compensation and restructuring and other costs. The Company uses Adjusted Corporate expenses to evaluate core corporate spending and to assist in planning and forecasting for future periods. FFO is defined in accordance with the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("Nareit") as consolidated net income (loss) before: depreciation, amortization and impairment of real estate; gains or losses from the disposition of real estate; and adjustments to eliminate unconsolidated affiliates and noncontrolling interests. The Company defines AFFO as FFO excluding discontinued operations and before adjustments for continuing operations, including: maintenance capital expenditures; straight-line rent effects; depreciation, amortization and impairment of non-real estate; loss or gain on extinguishment of debt and debt modification expense; amortization of deferred financing costs and note discounts; share-based compensation expense; deferred taxes; restructuring and other costs; transaction costs; and other items such as foreign exchange transaction gains or losses, adjustments for unconsolidated affiliates, noncontrolling interest and nonrecurring gains or losses. Although the Company is not a Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT"), it competes directly with REITs that present the non-GAAP measures of FFO and AFFO. Therefore, the Company believes that presenting these measures helps investors evaluate its performance on the same terms as its direct competitors. The Company calculates FFO in accordance with Nareit's definition, which does not restrict presentation of these measures to REITs. Additionally, the Company believes FFO and AFFO are already commonly used by investors, analysts and competitors in the industry for valuation and performance comparisons. The Company does not use, and you should not use, FFO and AFFO as indicators of the Company's ability to fund its cash needs, pay dividends or make other distributions. Since the Company is not a REIT, it has no obligation to pay dividends and does not intend to do so in the foreseeable future. Moreover, the presentation of these measures should not be construed as an indication that the Company is currently in a position to convert into a REIT. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for the most directly comparable GAAP measures as an indicator of operating performance or the Company's ability to fund its cash needs. In addition, these measures may not be comparable to similarly named measures presented by other companies. See reconciliations of income (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA, corporate expenses to Adjusted Corporate expenses, and consolidated net income (loss) to FFO and AFFO in the tables below. This data should be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, available on the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at investor.clearchannel.com. Reconciliation of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations to Adjusted EBITDA Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 6,331 $ (25,414) $ (48,971) $ (94,638) Adjustments: Income tax (benefit) expense attributable to continuing operations 4,526 (5,827) 5,706 (5,655) Other (income) expense, net (663) (449) (912) 8,400 (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt (28,796) (28,796) 2,393 Interest expense, net 96,026 100,120 195,387 201,815 Other operating income, net (315) (90) (6,100) (3,387) Depreciation and amortization 43,335 42,501 86,339 84,553 Share-based compensation 7,359 6,666 12,783 11,260 Restructuring and other costs (reversals)1 755 1,849 (7,621) 5,233 Adjusted EBITDA $ 128,558 $ 119,356 $ 207,815 $ 209,974 1 Restructuring and other cost reversals for the six months ended June 30, 2025 includes $10.1 million in insurance proceeds related to the ongoing recovery of certain amounts previously incurred in connection with a resolved legal matter. Reconciliation of Corporate Expenses to Adjusted Corporate Expenses Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Corporate expenses $ 31,123 $ 34,047 $ 50,903 $ 63,921 Less reconciling items: Share-based compensation 7,359 6,666 12,783 11,260 Restructuring and other costs (reversals)1 755 1,062 (7,626) 2,820 Adjusted Corporate expenses $ 23,009 $ 26,319 $ 45,746 $ 49,841 1 Restructuring and other cost reversals for the six months ended June 30, 2025 includes $10.1 million in insurance proceeds related to the ongoing recovery of certain amounts previously incurred in connection with a resolved legal matter. Reconciliation of Consolidated Net Income (Loss) to FFO and AFFO Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Consolidated net income (loss) $ 10,649 $ (38,634) $ 73,862 $ (127,717) Depreciation and amortization of real estate 38,739 46,509 77,133 93,315 Net loss (gain) on disposition of real estate (excludes condemnation proceeds)1 882 1,930 (137,541) (3,658) Impairment of real estate2 16,808 16,808 Adjustment for unconsolidated affiliates and non-controlling interests (1,790) (1,075) (2,905) (2,273) Funds From Operations (FFO) 48,480 25,538 10,549 (23,525) Less: FFO from discontinued operations 5,374 13,051 (14,277) 3,040 FFO from continuing operations 43,106 12,487 24,826 (26,565) Capital expendituresmaintenance (6,110) (6,978) (10,611) (10,430) Straight-line rent effect (623) 16 (2,712) (262) Depreciation and amortization of non-real estate 4,596 4,704 9,206 9,440 Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net, and debt modification expense (28,796) 194 (28,796) 12,360 Amortization of deferred financing costs and note discounts 2,355 2,346 4,722 4,890 Share-based compensation 7,359 6,666 12,783 11,260 Deferred taxes 3,245 (6,164) 3,209 (6,485) Restructuring and other costs (reversals)3 755 1,849 (7,621) 5,233 Transaction costs for structural initiatives and financial advisory services 140 1,710 736 3,448 Other items 1,790 (1,017) (788) 112 Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) $ 27,817 $ 15,813 $ 4,954 $ 3,001 1 Net gain on the disposition of real estate for the six months ended June 30, 2025 includes a net gain of $132.0 million related to sold and held-for-sale businesses, primarily from the sales of our businesses in Mexico, Peru, Chile and our Europe-North segment businesses. 2 Impairment charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 relate to the impairment of long-lived assets in certain of our Latin American businesses. 3 Restructuring and other cost reversals for the six months ended June 30, 2025 includes $10.1 million in insurance proceeds related to the ongoing recovery of certain amounts previously incurred in connection with a resolved legal matter. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results on August 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. A live audio webcast, along with details on how to register, will be available in the "Events & Presentations" section of the Company's investor website (investor.clearchannel.com) or at the following link: clear-channel-outdoor-q2-2025-earnings-call.open-exchange.net/registration. A replay of the webcast will be available following the call in the same section of the investor website. About Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO) is at the forefront of driving innovation in the out-of-home advertising industry. Our dynamic advertising platform is broadening the pool of advertisers using our medium through the expansion of digital billboards and displays and the integration of data analytics and programmatic capabilities that deliver measurable campaigns that are simpler to buy. By leveraging the scale, reach and flexibility of our diverse portfolio of assets, we connect advertisers with millions of consumers every month. For further information, please contact: Jason King SVP, Corporate Communications & Marketing (212) 812-0064 [email protected] Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this earnings release are considered "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") to differ materially from any future results, performance, achievements, guidance, goals and/or targets expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as "guidance," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "goals," "targets" and similar terms are used to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: our guidance, outlook, mid-term or long-term forecasts, goals or targets; our business plans and strategies and the expected benefits of business initiatives; the effects of tariffs and views on the macroeconomic environment; expectations regarding the sales of our businesses in Brazil and Spain, including the expected proceeds; expectations about certain markets and potential improvements; industry and market trends; expectations surrounding our cash flow; our ability to retain new and existing customers and maintain bookings; the anticipated effects of our new senior secured notes offering and notes redemptions; and our liquidity. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict. Various risks that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements included in this earnings release include, but are not limited to: continued economic uncertainty, an economic slowdown or a recession, including as a result of increased and proposed tariffs, retaliatory trade regulations and policies, and uncertainty in the financial and capital markets; our ability to generate enough cash to service our debt obligations and fund our operations, business strategy and capital expenditures; the impact of our substantial indebtedness, including the effect of leverage on our financial position and earnings; the impact of the issuance of the new senior secured notes and notes redemptions on our interest expense, liquidity and debt maturity profile; the difficulty, cost and time required to implement our strategy, and the fact that we may not realize the anticipated benefits therefrom; volatility of our stock price; our ability to continue to comply with the applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, including the minimum bid price requirement, and any subsequent failure to timely resume compliance within any applicable cure period; changes in laws or regulations and tax structures; our ability to obtain and renew key contracts with municipalities, transit authorities and private landlords; we face intense competition and our market share is subject to change; regulations and consumer concerns regarding privacy, digital services, data protection and artificial intelligence; breaches of our information security; failure to accurately estimate industry and Company forecasts and to maintain bookings; restrictions on out-of-home advertising of certain products; environmental, health, safety and land use laws and regulations; the impact of the potential sales of our businesses in Brazil and Spain; the impact of the recent dispositions of certain of our businesses in Europe and Latin America, as well as other strategic transactions or acquisitions; third-party claims of intellectual property infringement, misappropriation or other violation against us or our suppliers; the impacts on our stock price as a result of future sales of common stock, or the perception thereof, and dilution resulting from additional capital raised through the sale of common stock or other equity-linked instruments; restrictions in our debt agreements that limit operational flexibility; challenges regarding our use of artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency and support decision-making across key areas of our business; the effect of credit ratings downgrades; our reliance on senior management and key personnel; continued scrutiny and shifting expectations from government regulators, municipalities, investors, lenders, customers, activists and other stakeholders; and other factors set forth in our SEC filings. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date stated, or if no date is stated, as of the date of this earnings release. For a more comprehensive discussion of risks, see the "Item 1A. Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports filed with the SEC, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. The Delhi High Court has rejected the interim bail application of Amritpal Singh, an accused in a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act related to the seizure of 103 kg of heroin at the Atari border by the Immigration Department in April 2022. The interim bail was sought on the grounds of gall bladder surgery scheduled for his wife, who is a professor. Petitioner Amritpal Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran, Punjab, was detained on December 12, 2023, at the Amritsar Airport while attempting to flee to Dubai. Earlier, a lookout corner notice was issued against him on December 7, 2023. Justice Ravinder Dudeja rejected the interim bail plea, noting the submissions of the advocate Shilpa Singh, counsel for the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA opposed the plea, submitting that other family members were available to look after the petitioner's wife, who is a faculty member at Guru Arjan Dev College. It was further submitted that the family was financially stable. An application for a grant of interim bail was made on the grounds that the wife of the applicant has been advised of a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. It was submitted by his counsel that his wife is to be operated upon and the gall bladder is to be removed. There are two minor children. There is no one to look after his wife, and he has to arrange for the funds for surgery. This submission was opposed by the counsel for NIA, and advocate Shilpa Singh submitted that the family is financially sound, and the patient herself is a professor in the college. She also submitted that the trial is going to commence from tomorrow at the special NIA court in New Delhi. Another accused, Vipin Mitta, was granted bail by the Delhi High Court on May 30, 2023. (ANI) Leaders of the INDIA bloc met on Tuesday morning where they discussed the Supreme Court's recent remarks pulling up Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over his alleged comments on the Indian Army following the 2022 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Yangtse region of Arunachal Pradesh. The INDIA bloc leaders said it is the duty of political parties, especially the Leader of Opposition, to raise concerns and ask questions when the government fails to act on matters that affect the country. They also said that when the government fails to defend the nation's territory, it is not just a right but also a moral responsibility of every citizen and political leader to speak up and hold the government accountable. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that leaders of the INDIA alliance met at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's office to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He said the leaders also discussed a recent remark by a Supreme Court judge regarding Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, finding it surprising and emphasising that it is the duty of political leaders to raise national issues. Speaking to the reporters, Gaurav Gogoi said, "A meeting of the leaders of the INDI alliance was held at Mallikarjun Kharge's office. The discussion in the meeting was about SIR. Along with this, the remark made by the Supreme Court judge on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was also a topic of discussion among our leaders. All political parties believe that it is our duty to raise the issues of the country. Our leaders felt that the statement of the Supreme Court judge against Rahul Gandhi was very surprising..." Gogoi said that the INDIA alliance floor leaders have decided to issue a joint press statement. He said the comment appeared to be an attempt to restrict the rights of political parties, and stressed that it is the duty of the Leader of the Opposition to raise questions, especially when the government avoids answering on matters like these. "We have come to a decision that a joint press statement must be issued today from the floor leaders of the INDIA alliance and we have given it saying that the Supreme Court judge made a remark that can be considered as an effort to limit the rights of political parties... The remarks are extraordinary and unwarranted. The duty of the leader of the opposition is to raise the issues of the country and when the ruling party hesitates from answering on the issues related to the border security, people have the right to question," Gogoi said. A day earlier, the Supreme Court pulled up Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks on the Indian Army. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih expressed disapproval of Gandhi's remarks, saying "How does he know the Chinese occupied 2000 square kilometres of land and said that a true Indian wouldn't say such a thing." Justice Datta said, "How do you get to know that 2000 square kilometres of Indian territory was occupied by China? What is the credible material? If you are a true indian, you would not say this. When there is a conflict across borders... can you say all this?" The Congress leader had made the remarks on December 16, 2022, during his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'. Gandhi had said, "People will ask about Bharat Jodo Yatra, here and there, Ashok Gahlot and Sachin Pilot and whatnot. But they will not ask a single question about China capturing 2,000 square kilometres of Indian territory, "killing 20 Indian soldiers" and "thrashing our soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh". "But the Indian press doesn't ask a question to them about this. Isn't it true? The nation is watching all this. Don't pretend that people don't know," he added. (ANI) Congress and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday protested against the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir's Srinagar while raising slogans, labelling the abrogation day as "black day". The protestors reiterated their demand for the restoration of statehood. The protestors carrying the banners read, "Black Day for Jammu & Kashmir. On this day, BJP snatched away the crown of statehood from us. People and Jammu & Kashmir will not forgive BJP." Labelling the abrogation of Article 370 "illegal," PDP leader Iltija Mufti took a swipe at the centre, saying that they are not allowed to protest, despite being a "legal party." Citing house arrests of political leaders in 2019, she asserted that nothing has changed even after six years of the scrapping of Article 370. "On August 5 2019, the illegal abrogation of Article 370 was done. The constitution and the flag of J&K were taken away from us. We are often asked about the change that abrogation brought here. We are a legal party, and even six years after the abrogation of Article 370, we are not being allowed to protest. We were put under house arrest six years ago and the common people of J&K, political parties and 'jamaat' were put under arrest. There has been no change even after six years," Mufti told reporters here. She claimed that the protestors from her party were being "caged like animals" and were being deprived of their fundamental right to protest and speak. She alleged that the government has "stripped" them of their special status, and efforts were being made to "take away" their voices. "We have been caged like animals at the PDP office. A huge CRPF vehicle has been stationed here, and we are not being allowed to move forward. Nothing has changed here. For the last week, there have been so many rumours that maybe Jammu will be separated and South Kashmir will be merged with Jammu and given statehood," Mufti said. "You see, people of Jammu and Kashmir are not being given any rights. There are no fundamental rights here. Which part of the Indian Constitution is being implemented here? We are being stripped of our fundamental right to speak and protest. Not just our special status, flag, and constitution, but efforts are being made to take our voices and our rights away," she asserted. August 5 marks six years since the abrogation of Article 370, which rendered Jammu and Kashmir of its statehood, converting the former state into three Union Territories. Ever since the abrogation, the majority of politicians and leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have been demanding the restoration of statehood. The demand for reinstating the statehood of J-K has intensified after the Omar Abdullah government was formed, following the assembly elections. As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extended greetings on the abrogation day, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for a 15-minute blackout to mark a protest against the move taken by the government of India in 2019. In 2019, on this day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a resolution in Rajya Sabha to scrap Article 370 and launched a scathing attack against opposition parties, including National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and Congress, accusing the "three families of looting" Jammu and Kashmir. Shah had said, "Under the umbrella of Article 370, three families looted Jammu and Kashmir for years. Leader of Opposition (Ghulam Nabi Azad) said Article 370 connected Jammu and Kashmir to India, but it's not true. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Jammu and Kashmir Instrument of Accession on October 27 1947. Article 370 came in 1954." The scrapped Article 370 of the Indian Constitution gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and barred people from the rest of India from buying land in the former state. The article also limited the powers of the Parliament to make laws for Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) Anand Collector Praveen Chaudhary said the operation posed significant challenges due to the complex engineering and safety aspects involved. Speaking to ANI, Chaudhary said, "It was difficult to rescue the truck...Complex engineering and safety aspects were involved...Now the entire truck rescue operation is being carried out by the Vishwakarma Group of Porbandar... The team will use the main hydraulic stand jack and four pulling trucks...". He further stated that the setup to rescue the truck is almost complete, and authorities are prioritising safety and ensuring no lapses occur in the process. "A team of 50-60 people from the Vishwakarma group from Porbandar are working. Their priority is safety, as the operation has to be done from 900 meters away. It is expected that the truck will be rescued in the coming 2-3 days", the Collector added. Earlier, on July 26, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, visited Anand to meet the families of the victims who lost their lives in the bridge collapse. Meanwhile, following the Gambhira bridge tragedy, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) initiated a comprehensive inspection of all bridges under its jurisdiction as a precautionary measure. A section of the Gambhira bridge, which connects Vadodara and Anand, collapsed into the Mahisagar river on July 9, killing 20 and injuring several others. Following the incident, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered a high-level inquiry into the recent bridge collapse incident. (ANI) The Rouse Avenue court on Tuesday listed the MCOCA case against Ex AAP MLA Naresh Balyan and others for hearing arguments on the charge. Balyan and other persons are charge-sheeted in a case linked with an organised crime syndicate allegedly run by absconding gangster Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu. Meanwhile, the court asked Delhi police to expedite the investigation and file a supplementary charge sheet against accused Amandeep Singh Lochab before the next date. Special judge (MP-MLA) listed the matter for hearing arguments on the charge on behalf of the Delhi police on August 23. Balyan is in custody after his arrest on December 4, 2024, in this case. He was charged by way of a supplementary charge sheet. The court has already taken cognisance of the main offence under sections 3 and 4 of the MCOC Act on February 24. On July 15, Delhi Police had filed a supplementary charge sheet against two more accused, Vikas Gehlot and his wife Veenita. Delhi police have invoked Section 25 of the Arms Act against the accused Veenita. It is claimed by the police that at the instructions of his husband Vikas Gehlot, Veenita transported the firearm and ammunition from the house of Vikas to the house of a relative. On April 17, arms and ammunition were recovered from their relative's house. A seizure memo was also prepared for this. The Ballistic Expert's opinion is also on record, and a Sanction under section 39 of the Arms Act, 1959 has also been obtained, the court had noted. Advocate Rohit Kumar Dalal appeared for Naresh Balyan. Naresh Balyan's bail petition is pending before the Delhi High Court. His earlier bail plea was rejected on May 27 by the Rouse Avenue court. Delhi police have filed a supplementary charge sheet under sections 3 and 4 of MCOCA against Balyan. In this case, the Delhi police have charged the accused, namely Ritik alias Peter, Rohit alias Anna, Sachin Chikara, Naresh Balyan, Sahil alias Police, Vijay alias Kalu, Vikas Gehlot, Veenita, and Jyoti Prakash alias Baba. Baba is the real brother of Kapil Sangwan. (ANI) While BJP leaders and party workers across the country are celebrating the successful completion of six years since the abrogation of Article 370, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress are protesting against it. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti termed August 5 as a black day not just for Kashmir but for the whole nation. Led by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Party leader Iltija Mufti, dozens of party workers gathered to protest against the abrogation of Article 370. "We are protesting here, and thousands of police are deployed. This tells everything about the situation in Kashmir," Mehbooba Mufti said. She further added, "Today is a black day not just for Jammu & Kashmir but also the entire country. On this day (5th August 2019), the ruling party used its brute majority to end Article 370 (in J&K) unconstitutionally...Even today, I would like to tell the people of the nation that they should wake up...Today, you are seeing SIR exercise being carried out in Bihar, the Election Commission has weaponised voters' list so that lakhs of people can be deprived of voting...There are attempts being made to change our demography...The same has started in Tamil Nadu with the addition of lakhs of new voters from outside the state." Making some serious allegations against the Centre, Mufti added, "Jammu & Kashmir has been made a laboratory...I am saying this today to people of the country that their condition will be worse than ours, and then no one will come to help them because no one is coming to help us." She stated that democracy is in danger and said, "Today, our party workers wanted to hold a demonstration, but we were not allowed; 'Dum ghuta hai'....What happened with us in 2019 is happening in the entire country today. There is danger to our democracy today..." Party leader Iltija Mufti was also present at the protest, echoed the same sentiments. "On 5 August 2019, the illegal abrogation of Article 370 was done. The Constitution and the flag of J&K were taken away from us... We are a legal party, and even six years after the abrogation of Article 370, we are not being allowed to protest." She mentioned what happened six years ago saying, "We were put under house arrest six years ago, and the common people of J&K, political parties and 'jamaat' were put under arrest. There has been no change even after six years... A huge CRPF vehicle has been stationed here, and we are not being allowed to move forward... Nothing has changed here... For the last week, there have been so many rumours that maybe Jammu will be separated and South Kashmir will be merged with Jammu and given statehood... Which part of the Indian Constitution is being implemented here?" "We are being stripped off of our fundamental right to speak and protest. Not just our special status, flag, and constitution, but efforts are being made to take our voices and our rights away", she added. In August 2019, the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repealed Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, effectively ending the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The restoration of statehood has been a key demand from the regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019. (ANI) The party has demanded a high-level inquiry into what it claims is a multi-crore scam under the patronage of the ruling Congress government. Addressing the media in Shimla, BJP state spokesperson and MLA Balbir Verma alleged that a Congress leader in Rampur Bharapur panchayat was involved in transporting tonnes of construction material, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, and cement, using scooters and small vehicles. He further claimed that fake bills were generated and payments were made to the contractor from government funds. "In Rampur Bharapur panchayat of Sirmaur, tonnes of sand, gravel, and other material were allegedly transported using scooters and motorcycles, and fake bills were raised to draw payments from the state treasury," said Balbir Verma, speaking to the media. He pointed out that two trips made by motorcycle HP-71-5062 reportedly transported 17.80 metric tonnes. In contrast, another motorcycle HP-71-6233 carried eight metric tonnes in two visits, a claim that has been backed by documents obtained through RTI (Right to Information). Further highlighting the scale of alleged irregularities, Verma said a small goods vehicle with only 945 kg capacity bearing registration number HP-71-4878 was shown transporting 21.70 metric tonnes of gravel. "The corruption didn't stop there. Identical bills were cleared under the same contractor's name. Bill numbers 154 and 152 show the same quantity and material, sand, gravel, and crushed stone dispatched and paid for," he added. Calling it "a scam nurtured under the protection of the ruling Congress party," Verma demanded a high-level inquiry, claiming it could expose corruption worth crores. "If a high-level investigation is ordered, this act of fraud will uncover a scam worth crores," Verma stated. The BJP has urged the state government to take immediate cognisance of the issue and ensure accountability for what it describes as "systematic loot" of public funds under the present regime. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal expressed profound grief over the passing of former Governor Satyapal Malik, calling it a significant loss to Indian politics. In a post on X, Kejriwal described Malik as a courageous leader who fearlessly spoke the truth, even when confronted by power. "The news of the demise of former Governor Shri Satyapal Malik Ji is extremely saddening. Indian politics has lost a personality who had the courage to speak the truth even in the face of power. He was not only an experienced politician but also one of the rare leaders who fearlessly voiced their opinions on issues concerning the nation's welfare," Kejriwal wrote. He further prayed for the departed soul, stating, "May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet and give strength to the grieving family to bear this difficult time. Om Shanti." Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away in the national capital on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. The 79-year-old leader breathed his last at 1.10 pm today at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, according to Malik's Personal Secretary, KS Rana. Satyapal Malik served as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. It was during his tenure that Article 370 was abrogated by the Central government, converting the former state into three Union Territories. He made his legislative debut in 1974, winning the Baghpat Assembly seat on the ticket of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and was appointed the party's Chief Whip in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His growing stature within the political landscape led to his appointment as the All-India General Secretary of the newly formed Lok Dal in 1975. In 1980, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from the Lok Dal. In 1984, he joined the Indian National Congress and was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1986. He also served as the General Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee. However, disillusioned by the Bofors scandal, he resigned from both the Congress and the Rajya Sabha in 1987. That same year, he formed the 'Jan Morcha', which later merged with Janata Dal in 1988. During this period, he worked closely with former Prime Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh and actively participated in the Jan-Jagran movement. He held key roles in the Janata Dal as its Secretary and Spokesperson from 1987 to 1991 and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Aligarh in 1989. After a brief political hiatus, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and contested from the Baghpat Lok Sabha seat. In the following years, he rose steadily within the party ranks, serving as the Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh BJP (2005-06), All-India Incharge of the BJP Kisan Morcha (2009), and later as National Vice President of the BJP in 2012. He played a key role in shaping the party's agricultural manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and was reappointed as National Vice President the same year, where he addressed several farmer rallies across the country. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to public life, he was appointed the Governor of Bihar in 2017. A year later, on August 23, 2018, he took oath as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his political career, he has held various significant posts, including Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1974-77), Member of Parliament in both the Rajya Sabha (1980-84, 1986-89) and Lok Sabha (1989-91), and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism from April to November 1990. He also served as a member of the Panel of Chairmen in the Rajya Sabha and the Panel of Speakers in the Lok Sabha during his tenure. (ANI) INDIA bloc on Tuesday stated that Supreme Court's remarks on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his allegations about the Chinese incursion can be considered as an effort to limit the rights of political parties. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that the decision to condemn the apex court's remarks was taken at a meeting of Parliament floor leaders of the INDIA alliance. "A meeting of the INDIA alliance took place in the office of Mallikarjun Kharge where discussions took place on SIR, along with the observation made by the Supreme Court on our leader Rahul Gandhi... Opposition's duty is to raise the issues of the country inside and outside the Parliament," Gogoi told reporters. He said that INDIA bloc leaders felt the Supreme Court's observation was "very shocking". "We have come to a decision that a joint press statement must be issued today from the floor leaders of the INDIA alliance and we have given it saying that the Supreme Court judge made a remark that can be considered as an effort to limit the rights of political parties," he said. "The remarks are extraordinary and unwarranted. The duty of the leader of the opposition is to raise the issues of the country and when the ruling party hesitates from answering on the issues related to the border security, people have the right to question," he said. On Monday, the Supreme Court pulled up Rahul Gandhi over his alleged remarks on the Indian Army after a clash between the Indian and Chinese armies in the Yangsi region of Arunachal Pradesh in 2022. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih expressed disapproval of Gandhi's remarks, saying, "How does he know the Chinese occupied 2000 square kilometres of land?" and added that a true Indian wouldn't say such a thing. Justice Datta said, "How do you get to know that 2000 square kilometres of Indian territory was occupied by China? What is the credible material? If you are a true indian, you would not say this. When there is a conflict across borders... can you say all this?" The bench further asked senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Gandhi, why such statements were not made in Parliament but instead on social media. (ANI) The NDA Parliamentary Party on Tuesday passed a resolution saluting the unmatched courage and unwavering commitment of the country's armed forces, who showed heroic valour during Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. In the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the lawmakers of the constituent parties of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) saluted the courage of the Armed Forces and highlighted their unflinching devotion to protecting our nation. "We pay our deepest condolences and respect to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack," the resolution read. The lawmakers from the BJP and its allies, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal United (JDU) and other parties also felicitated the "exceptional leadership" displayed by PM Modi. "His unwavering resolve, visionary statesmanship and resolute command have not only steered the nation with purpose but also ignited a renewed spirit of unity and pride in the hearts of all Indians," the resolution read.. On April 22, Pakistan-based terrorist group The Resistance Front (TRF), a front and proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, inflicted a devastating attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack resulted in the most gruesome and barbaric killing of 26 innocent tourists. The terrorists killed people in cold blood after segregating them based on their religion. This terror attack saddened and enraged everyone. Encapsulating the sentiment of each and every Indian, Prime Minister Modi said on April 24 in Madhubani in Bihar. "Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world: India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders, who have stood with us in these times," the resolution quoted PM Modi as saying. True to his solemn vow made from the soil of Bihar, resolve was transformed into action. In response to the Pahalgam attack, on the intervening night of May 6-7, 2025, India launched 'Operation Sindoor'. Through military might and resolute leadership, justice was delivered, reaffirming that India does not forget and never forgives terror. The resolution said that the Operation Sindoor entailed a non-escalatory, precise and targeted attack on terrorist training camps at different locations within Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. It resonated with India's commitment to peace, zero tolerance towards terror and commitment to do whatever it takes to uproot terrorist infrastructure if circumstances so demanded. "After the NDA Government assumed office in 2014, this has been the norm. The people of India have not forgotten how, prior to 2014, the terror infrastructure was spread extensively across India. Bomb blasts across our big cities, be it Patna, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and even Delhi, were common. This change has been greatly appreciated by the people of India," it added. The NDA resolution also appreciated the firmness with which PM Modi highlighted the new normal, which shall define our approach to such challenges. "There are three points critical to this: First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge," the resolution read. "Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail. Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism," it added. Operation Sindoor received immense support from India's Nari Shakti in particular. The name of the Operation is particularly poignant because in our culture, Sindoor is the holy vermilion that women put on their forehead upon their marriage. The cowardly terrorists removed the Sindoor from our women while our armed forces, through Operation Sindoor, avenged their cruelty and protected crores of Indians. The NDA Parliamentary Party hailed the decisive response that delivered justice for the mothers and daughters of India, aptly named Operation Sindoor. It was indeed a powerful reflection of the nation's resolve under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The NDA Parliamentary Party has also taken note of the series of defence reforms ushered in by Prime Minister Modi, which were very useful in Operation Sindoor. It may be recalled how it is the Modi Government which focused on reforms and indigenisation. The commitment to jointness and integration was also witnessed in this Operation. The Prime Minister's personal commitment to ushering in the drone revolution in India proved beneficial too. Time and again, the Prime Minister said that our armed forces have a free hand to strike at the root of terrorism and that they should do it at a time and place of their choosing, which is what happened," the NDA parliamentarians said in the resolution. After Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister ensured that 59 Members of Parliament from across parties visited 32 countries to present India's point of view. This is one of the most comprehensive global outreach ever launched by India, highlighting how the country has been a victim of terror and why a terror attack in any one part of the world is a crime against humanity across the globe. The participation of Opposition MPs shows the maturity of our democracy and the statesmanship of the Prime Minister, who believes that in matters of national interest, we are all together. According to the resolution, the US designating The Resistance Front (TRF), responsible for the Pahalgam attack, as Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), and BRICS Joint Declaration condemning Pahalgam attack, avowing to "ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism", reflect a win for India's diplomatic stance against terrorism inflicted on its soil by Pakistan. The developments reflect India's rising clout on the global stage and international affirmation. In the last 11 years, the NDA Government has been working tirelessly to build a Viksit Bharat, which is strong, developed and peaceful. These efforts will continue with even greater vigour in the times to come. (ANI) The targeting of the new Solicitor General for wearing a bindi echoes the 'dotbuster' attacks of the 1980s and reflects a rising wave of anti-Hindu, anti-immigrant hate in America today. COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) congratulates Ms. Mathura Sridharan on her appointment as Ohio's 12th Solicitor General. A proud Hindu and the daughter of immigrants from India, her rise to one of the state's top legal positions is a testament to America's meritocratic ideals. Ms. Sridharan's qualificationsacademic degrees from top-ranking universities, a distinguished legal career, and a stellar record of public servicespeak for themselves. However, what should have been a moment of celebration for Ohioans and for Hindus across the U.S. was marred by a wave of racist and Hinduphobic vitriol against Ms. Sridharan, as we pointed out in our post on X. Much of the backlash focused on her name, complexion, and faithespecially her wearing of the bindi, a sacred symbol of Hindu identity, in her official portrait. That such a simple expression of religious and cultural pride could spark outrage is both disturbing and revealing. Unfortunately, these attacks are not new. From the Dotbusters gang of the 1980s, who targeted Hindu women for wearing bindis and saris on the streets of New Jersey to today's digital mobs, the threat of Hinduphobia remains unabated. Only now, it has merged with a growing wave of anti-immigrant sentimentwhere even the most exceptional individuals are told they don't belong. "That a distinguished public servant like Ms. Sridharan is being attacked for the color of her skin and the bindi on her forehead is shamefuland deeply un-American," said Nikunj Trivedi, President of CoHNA. "Freedom of religion is a foundational principle of our great country, so it is shameful to see this targeting of American Hindus, be they US-born citizens or highly-skilled residents on visa. The hatred we're seeing today runs counter to everything our country stands for." CoHNA thanks Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost for his clear and firm defense of Ms. Sridharan. We urge other elected officials, media leaders, and institutions to take Hinduphobia seriously and call it outonline or offline. We urge lawmakers, law enforcement and media across the country to pay attention to this growing scourge and work with Hindu organizations to tackle it. Ms. Sridharan's appointment is a moment of pride. It should not be overshadowed by hate. About CoHNA CoHNA is a grassroots level advocacy and civil rights organization dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America by working on matters related to the Hindu community and by educating the public about Hindu heritage and tradition. For more information, please visit https://cohna.org or follow us on Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn and on Instagram . SOURCE Coalition of Hindus of North America The Maharashtra government has decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court to bring back elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, to Nandani Math in Kolhapur. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who emphasised the state's support for the Math's efforts to reunite with the elephant. The state government will file a separate review petition in the Supreme Court to present its position on Madhuri's return, said Fadnavis. A meeting was held in the Cabinet Hall of the Ministry under the chairmanship of CM Devendra Fadnavis regarding the issue of elephant Madhuri alias Mahadevi of Nandani Math (Tal. Shirol, District Kolhapur). During the meeting, the Chief Minister clarified the position of the state government. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Medical Minister Hasan Mushrif, Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, representatives of Nandani Math and public representatives were present on this occasion. Saying that efforts will be made to bring Madhuri alias Mahadevi, the elephant, back to the Math through a legal process, considering the traditions of Nandani Math and the sentiments of the local people, Chief Minister Mr. Fadnavis said, "Madhuri, the elephant, has been in Nandani Math for the last 34 years. There is a public sentiment that Madhuri should come back to the Math. Keeping this public sentiment in mind, the state government will file a reconsideration petition. The Math should also include the state government in its petition." "Also, a separate detailed stand will be presented in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Forest Department. In this, all the issues suggested by the high-level committee, as per the criteria of the Central Zoo Authority, will be resolved", Fadnavis added. The Chief Minister said that a team of doctors will be formed to take care of the elephant CM Fadnavis further said, "The state government will form a team, including a doctor, to take care of the elephant and provide all the necessary assistance. If necessary, arrangements like a rescue centre will be made, and facilities will be provided accordingly, etc. The Chief Minister also said on this occasion that a request will be made through the state government in this petition to appoint an independent committee by the Supreme Court to investigate these matters, including the above-mentioned matters". He also said that the cases registered against the citizens in this case will be withdrawn. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the Forest Department should collect information about all the elephants that were taken out of Maharashtra. The public representatives present on this occasion expressed their position that the state government should take the initiative to bring back Madhuri the elephant, keeping in mind the feelings of the citizens. MP Dhairyashil Mane, MP Vishal Patil, MLAs Rajendra Patil Yadravkar, Vishwajit Kadam, Satej Patil, Ashok Mane, Sadabhau Khot, Rahul Awade, Amal Mahadik, former MP Raju Shetty, former MLA Prakash Awade, Pujya Swastishree Jinsen Mahaswamiji of Nandani Math, President of Jain Minority Development Corporation Lalit Gandhi, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest Department Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Srinivas Rao, Kolhapur District Collector Amol Yedge, Jain Swami and local people's representatives were also present on this occasion. Earlier on Sunday, Elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, was moved from the Mutt in Kolhapur to Vantara's sanctuary in Jamnagar following a Supreme Court order upholding the decision of the Ministry of Environment's High Powered Committee. (ANI) Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday marked the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 by reiterating the party's demand for restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Ramesh highlighted that both Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the restoration of J-K's statehood, but the party has yet to receive a response. Ramesh criticised PM Modi's communication style, stating that he doesn't respond to letters or attend all-party meetings. Instead, he uses platforms like 'Desh ke naam sandesh' to make public speeches "It (Statehood) is our demand. Both LoPs - Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to the PM that full Statehood of J&K should be restored...We have not received any response. PM does not respond to any letter. He doesn't attend all party meetings...He makes election speeches in Parliament. But outside the Parliament, he sends 'Desh ke naam sandesh', Ramesh told ANI. August 5 marks six years since the abrogation of Article 370, which rendered the state of its statehood, and converted the former state into two Union Territories- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. In August 2019, the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repealed Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, effectively ending the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The restoration of statehood has been a key demand from the regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019. Earlier in the day, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and party workers celebrated the successful completion of six years since the abrogation of Article, members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress protested. President Mehbooba Mufti termed August 5 as a black day not just for Kashmir but for the whole nation. Led by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Party leader Iltija Mufti, dozens of party workers gathered to protest against the abrogation of Article 370. "We are protesting here, and thousands of police are deployed. This tells everything about the situation in Kashmir," Mehbooba Mufti said. She further added, "Today is a black day not just for Jammu & Kashmir but also the entire country. On this day (5th August 2019), the ruling party used its brute majority to end Article 370 (in J&K) unconstitutionally...Even today, I would like to tell the people of the nation that they should wake up...Today, you are seeing SIR exercise being carried out in Bihar, the Election Commission has weaponised voters' list so that lakhs of people can be deprived of voting...There are attempts being made to change our demography...The same has started in Tamil Nadu with the addition of lakhs of new voters from outside the state." (ANI) Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader and Member of Parliament Thol. Thirumavalavan strongly reiterated the need for special legislation to prevent the increasing number of "honour killings" in Tamil Nadu and other states across India. "We have been continuously demanding a special law to curb honour killings. We've raised the issue in Parliament as well. Democratic forces are consistently voicing against caste- and religion-based murders happening across the country, but the Union government is indifferent. Even the Supreme Court has instructed that a special law be enacted, and in the meantime, has issued guidelines to the police for preventive measures. Unfortunately, no state police force is following those guidelines," Thirumavalavan said, addressing media personnel at the airport. He further announced that the VCK will organise protests on August 9 and 11, demanding the enactment of a special law and added, "I will personally participate in the August 9 protest in Chennai. Tamil Nadu should set an example for other states by implementing such a law first." When asked about Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's recent statement that bills would be passed without debate if opposition parties continue to disrupt proceedings, Thirumavalavan responded, "The Election Commission is now carrying out a special voter roll revision process. However, there are many irregularities, and it seems these changes are being made in favour of the BJP. We've demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament, but the Union government is hesitant. The Election Commission is acting in a biased manner, supporting the BJP, which is anti-democratic. Even in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the EC appeared to favour the BJP. It is now functioning under the BJP's control, which is dangerous for our democracy." He urged the Tamil Nadu government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the issue. He also addressed the chain-snatching incident involving Congress MP R Sudha in a high-security diplomatic zone in the national capital.. He said, "This is shocking and damages the country's global image. MP Sudha has stated that the Delhi Police are not taking it seriously. Appropriate action must be taken." Speaking about the NDA alliance, he noted, "The National Democratic Alliance is still not fully formed. Only the BJP and AIADMK are currently in it. Some claimed that parties would exit the DMK alliance, but in reality, it is those who were expected to stay with the NDA who are leaving. That shows how fragile the NDA is." On rumours that some DMK alliance MPs are being offered ministerial positions by the BJP, he clarified, saying, "I have not received any such invitation." (ANI) Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested two accused in the murder case of a eunuch at Madhu Vihar area on Monday. According to Delhi Police, on Monday, a PCR call regarding the stabbing of a transgender person was received at PS Madhu Vihar. The team reached the spot under the bridge at Telco T-point towards Hasanpur and found a person lying dead with a slit throat. The deceased has been identified as Karan alias Annu, resident of Khichripur, Delhi, aged about 25 years. The deceased, a eunuch by gender identity, was presently residing in Village Chilla. One child in conflict with the law (CCL) was also apprehended at the scene. The involvement and exact role of the CCL is currently under investigation. In the initial investigation, it was found that the eunuch and the accused are known to each other, owing to some personal issue, which seems to be a relationship; they killed her. A case under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is being registered. Further investigation is in progress. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Delhi Crime Branch has solved a year-old blind murder case with the arrest of a woman and her boyfriend for conspiring to kill her husband and disposing of his body in Haryana's Sonipat, officials informed on Sunday. The accused have been identified as Soniya (34), a resident of Delhi's Alipur, and her partner Rohit, a resident of Jagi village in Sonipat. According to Crime Branch officials, the case dates back to July 2024, when the decomposed body of an unidentified man was found in a drain near Agwanpur village under the Gannaur police station in Sonipat. A case of murder was registered but remained unsolved as the deceased could not be identified. The breakthrough came when the Delhi Crime Branch, led by Inspector Sandeep Tushir, started investigating the long-standing disappearance of one Pritam Prakash (42), a proclaimed offender and a history-sheeter from Alipur. His wife, Soniya, had lodged a complaint on July 20, 2024, stating that her husband had gone missing on the intervening night of July 5-6. Officials said that during the investigation, the last active location of Printam's phone was traced to Jaji village in Sonipat. Surveillance led the team to Rohit, who was found using the deceased's phone. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to take stock of the situation following a cloudburst in the Dharali region of Uttarkashi district, causing significant damage in the region. Taking swift action, Shah directed the deployment of rescue teams from both the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the affected area. Three ITBP teams have already been dispatched, while four NDRF teams are en route and expected to join the rescue operations shortly. "Spoke with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood incident in Dharali (Uttarkashi), Uttarakhand, and took stock of the situation. Three nearby teams of the ITBP have been sent to the location, and four teams of the NDRF have also been dispatched to the site. They will reach soon and begin the rescue operations," Shah said in a post on X. The Home Ministry is closely monitoring the developments, and efforts are underway to ensure timely rescue and relief for those affected by the natural calamity. A sudden flash flood struck the Dharali area in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, prompting swift action from authorities. In response to the incident, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand briefed central leadership on the current situation. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population. NDRF told ANI that it's three teams-- one each from Manera, Batkot and Dehradun-- have been dispatched at the cloudburst site in Uttarkashi. "Further, two teams are in readiness at Shashtradhar airstrip for airlift." Meanwhile, ITBP told ANI that its 16-member team has arrived at the cloudburst site in Uttarkashi to assist in rescue operations, and another team of its 12th Battalion has also been rushed from Matli in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand CM also said that "the news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing." "SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing. In this regard, I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone's safety." Earlier today, Indian Army personnel engaged in rescue operations after a landslide occurred near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil. Approximately 15-20 people have been evacuated and injured are receiving medical treatment at Army medical facility in Harshil. (ANI) Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed deepest condolences on the demise of former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik. Expressing grief over his demise, the Congress MP stated that he will always remember Satyapal Malik as a person who fearlessly spoke the truth and advocated for the interests of the people. In a social media post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of former Governor Satyapal Malik ji. I will always remember him as a person who, until his last moment, fearlessly spoke the truth and advocated for the interests of the people. I express my deepest condolences to his family, supporters, and well-wishers." https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1952657711495028765 Mourning the demise of Satyapal Malik, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed condolences to the grieving family and supporters. Kharge said, "The news of the demise of former Governor and farmer-friendly leader, Shri Satyapal Malik Ji, is extremely saddening. He continued to fearlessly and boldly hold a mirror of truth to those in power. My deepest condolences to the grieving family and supporters." https://x.com/kharge/status/1952660022674047249 Expressing profound grief, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra prayed for the peace of the departed soul. The Congress MP wrote, "The news of the passing of the vocal voice of the country's farmers and former Governor Shri Satyapal Singh Malik Ji is extremely saddening. May God grant peace to his soul. My deepest condolences to the grieving family and supporters. Om Shanti!" https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/1952654295519645820 Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away in the national capital on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. The 79-year-old leader breathed his last at 1.10 pm today at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here today, according to Malik's Personal Secretary, KS Rana. Satyapal Malik served as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. It was during his tenure that Article 370 was abrogated by the Central government, converting the former state into two Union Territories. Inspired by the socialist ideology of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Satyapal Malik entered politics in 1965-66. His leadership qualities were evident early on, as he served as the President of the Meerut College Students' Union in 1966-67 and later as the President of the Students' Union of the then Meerut University (now Chaudhary Charan Singh University) in 1968-69. He made his legislative debut in 1974, winning the Baghpat Assembly seat on the ticket of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and was appointed the party's Chief Whip in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His growing stature within the political landscape led to his appointment as the All-India General Secretary of the newly formed Lok Dal in 1975. In 1980, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Lok Dal. After a brief political hiatus, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and contested from the Baghpat Lok Sabha seat. In the following years, he rose steadily within the party ranks, serving as the Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh BJP (2005-06), All-India Incharge of the BJP Kisan Morcha (2009), and later as National Vice President of the BJP in 2012. He played a key role in shaping the party's agricultural manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and was reappointed as National Vice President the same year, where he addressed several farmer rallies across the country. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to public life, he was appointed the Governor of Bihar in 2017. A year later, on August 23, 2018, he took oath as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his political career, he has held various significant posts, including Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1974-77), Member of Parliament in both the Rajya Sabha (1980-84, 1986-89) and Lok Sabha (1989-91), and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism from April to November 1990. He also served as a member of the Panel of Chairmen in the Rajya Sabha and the Panel of Speakers in the Lok Sabha during his tenure. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta actively participated in a cleanliness drive in Timarpur area on Tuesday, encouraging citizens to maintain hygiene. Speaking to the media, CM Gupta said, "Cleanliness drives are being carried out at various places in Delhi. I am very happy that Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), social and religious bodies and elected representatives are taking part in these cleanliness drives across the city. If every person thinks of maintaining the city clean as their own responsibility, then Delhi will become clean and beautiful...All concerned agencies have been asked to work towards making Delhi a clean city." She further said that the MLA from Timarpur, Surya Prakash Khatri, and Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh were also present. She interacted with the residents there. On August 1, Delhi CM launched 'Delhi Ko Koode Se Azaadi' campaign and took part in the cleanliness drive and cleaned piles of waste at the Women and Child Development (WCD) Office, ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi. She criticised the previous AAP government for claiming to improve the system in Delhi but failing to do so. "I am in so much pain that I cannot tell you. These are the offices which claim to improve the system of Delhi. Considering the state of previous governments, under these circumstances, what can our officers do to benefit anyone...Water is dripping...This building caught fire in 2021, despite the fact that this building was not repaired or cleaned. Have these officers been kept here to lose their lives?" she told reporters. Stating that it's her first visit to the WCD office, Gupta said, "This is my first visit here, but seeing the wretched condition of such important committees/departments where there is no cupboard to keep papers, no chair, and one never knows when the fan would fall from the top. Cleaning orders are one thing we can do. They will be completed if everyone gets involved. However, seeing our officers working in such poor conditions is really painful for me." She accused the previous AAP government of investing 70 crores to build their own "Sheesh Mahals" and not spending any money on office improvements. Gupta said, "They (AAP) didn't get time to invest in fixing offices but had 70 crores to build a sheesh mahal for themselves. If they had invested 2-4 crores here, then at least some offices would have been able to do well." (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his deep condolences to the people affected by the cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. He prayed for the well-being of the victims and their families. PM Modi spoke with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to obtain detailed information about the situation and the ongoing relief efforts. "I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and obtained information about the situation," PM Modi posted on X. "Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people," he added. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand's Sukhi Top area experienced another cloudburst on Tuesday, hours after the Dharali area also experienced huge losses due to a previous cloudburst. Further information on the fatalities, damage to property, and injuries are awaited. CM Dhami, posting about the call with the Prime Minister, said that he apprised him about the situation. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi obtained information over the phone regarding the unfortunate cloudburst incident in Dharali (Uttarkashi). During this, he was informed about the relief and rescue operations being conducted by the state government, SDRF, army, and other rescue teams. Prime Minister assured all possible assistance from the central government," CM Dhami posted on X in Hindi. Currently, CM Dhami is returning from his trip to Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, due to the cloudburst. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Uttarakhand CM on the issue, and directed Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the affected area. A total of 16 ITBP teams have reached the area to assist in rescue operations. Taking swift action, Shah directed the deployment of rescue teams from both the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the affected area. Meanwhile, in Saldhar, the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road has been washed out, Chamoli police said, while advising people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow issued guidelines. (ANI) Uttarakhand's Sukhi Top area experienced another cloudburst on Tuesday, hours after the Dharali area also experienced huge losses due to a previous cloudburst. Further information on the second cloudburst is awaited. Meanwhile, in Uttarkashi's Dharali, on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, both the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to the affected area. Three ITBP teams have already been dispatched, while four NDRF teams are en route and expected to join the rescue operations shortly. "Spoke with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood incident in Dharali (Uttarkashi), Uttarakhand, and took stock of the situation. Three nearby teams of the ITBP have been sent to the location, and four teams of the NDRF have also been dispatched to the site. They will reach soon and begin the rescue operations," Shah said in a post on X. The Home Ministry is closely monitoring the developments, and efforts are underway to ensure timely rescue and relief for those affected by the natural calamity. Meanwhile, the roads in Gasku, Malghat area on the Dharchula- Gunji route have been closed, with NDRF successfully transporting travellers stranded due to falling rocks. Police officials have urged people not to travel on the route till it is cleared. The Chamoli police have also informed that the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road has been washed out near Saldhar. "Travellers and local residents are requested to avoid unnecessary travel and follow the guidelines and information issued by the Chamoli Police," the police said in a post on X. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the affected people in Dharali. "I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people," PM Modi posted on X in Hindi. Earlier today, Indian Army personnel engaged in rescue operations after a landslide occurred near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil. Approximately 15-20 people have been evacuated and injured are receiving medical treatment at Army medical facility in Harshil. (ANI) During the visit, the Chairperson briefed the CM on the progress of their work. Law Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi were also present during the meeting, said the release. Committee members C.L. Meena (retired senior IAS officer), Advocate R.C. Kodekar, former Vice Chancellor Dakshesh Thakar, and social worker Gita Shroff attended the meeting. Also present were Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister M.K. Das, Secretary, Vikrant Pandey, Acting Law Secretary Upendra Bhatt, and other senior officials. In a post on X, CM Patel wrote, "A meeting was held in Gandhinagar with the chairperson of the committee formed to examine the need for a uniform civil code in the state and to prepare a draft of the law, retired Supreme Court Justice Mrs. Ranjana Desai, along with the committee members. The committee provided information regarding the progress of the work done in this direction. Earlier on August 3, CM Patel reaffirmed his commitment to urban transformation and citizen empowerment, has approved Rs 4,179 crore for multiple development projects under the Urban Development Year-2025 for 7 municipal corporations and 12 municipalities in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Urban Development Year in 2005 as Gujarat's Chief Minister. Marking its 2 decades of success, the state is celebrating 2025 as Urban Development Year. With a focus on transformative urban development, CM Patel has given in-principle approval for projects worth Rs 4,179 crore under Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana for increasing citizen-centric works in cities during this Urban Development Year, as stated in the release. Accordingly, this amount has been allocated for cities and municipalities, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Gandhinagar, and the newly constituted three municipal corporations--Nadiad, Porbandar, and Morbi--along with municipalities like Visnagar, Borsad, Viramgam, Patan, Amod, Una, Halvad, Khambhaliya, Savarkundla, Dhanera, Veraval, and Patan. (ANI) Credit union's commitment supports Arizona families with special needs through new charitable initiative PHOENIX, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Desert Financial Credit Union is expanding its partnership with the Arizona Cardinals by serving as a founding partner of the newly launched Arizona Cardinals Foundation, a charitable initiative dedicated to supporting Arizona's special needs community. The Foundation, which replaces what was formerly known as Cardinals Charities, is dedicated to supporting individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injuries. The expanded partnership between Desert Financial and the Cardinals reflects a shared commitment to creating long-term, meaningful change in Arizona communities. "The mark of a true partnership is to lift each other up in all spaces," said Jeff Meshey, President and CEO of Desert Financial Credit Union. "Because Desert Financial and the Arizona Cardinals share a vision of helping to improve the community, it's much easier to be successful collaborators." Named the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals in 2024, Desert Financial launched a multi-year partnership focused on fan engagement, financial education and community outreach. The new Foundation builds on that work, reinforcing the Desert Financial legacy of more than 85 years of dedicated service and community impact. "We are incredibly grateful to Desert Financial for its tremendous support and collaboration over the years but especially for the way it is enthusiastically embracing Arizona Cardinals Foundation and its mission," said Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill. "Desert Financial's partnership will undoubtedly enhance the Foundation's ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in the special needs community." Multi-year funding for four cornerstone nonprofit partners, which include Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), Barrow Neurological Foundation, Special Olympics Arizona and Treasure House, was announced when the Foundation launched. For more information or to support the Foundation, visit AZCardinals.com/foundation. To learn more about how Desert Financial gives back, visit DesertFinancial.com/Community-Involvement. About Desert Financial Credit Union For more than 85 years, Desert Financial has been Arizona's most trusted local credit union with more than 475,000 members and nearly $9 billion in assets. With 50+ locations across Arizona and top-rated digital banking, it's easy for members to click, call or come in. In 2025, members received $16 million back via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert Financial is the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at DesertFinancial.com. SOURCE Desert Financial Credit Union Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the cloudburst incident in Dharali village, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, which resulted in loss of life and property. He conveyed his condolences to the affected families and assured the state government of all possible central assistance. The central government is working closely with the state government to provide immediate and necessary assistance to the affected area. Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to obtain detailed information about the incident and assured him of central support. The Home Minister directed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other relief agencies to act promptly in response to the disaster. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has postponed his tour and returned to Dehradun to oversee the relief efforts. The CM's office of Uttarakhand in a post on X said, "Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah has expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident of a cloudburst in Dharali village, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. He conveyed condolences for the loss of life and property in this disaster and expressed sympathy towards the affected families. Shri Amit Shah spoke with Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone to obtain detailed information about the incident and assured the state government of all possible central assistance. Considering the severity of the situation, the Home Minister has directed the N.D.R.F. and other relief agencies to act promptly. Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami has postponed his tour and immediately left for Dehradun. Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah is also in constant contact with the state government. The central government is ensuring immediate and necessary assistance to the affected area." This comes after a massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the Kheer Gad area near Harsil, triggering a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement, the Indian Army said on Tuesday. Army's Central Command stated that Troops of the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations. "Extent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfold", the Army's Central Command said in a statement. Taking stock of the situation, Chief Minister Dhami expressed deep sadness over the damage that was the result of the cloudburst. CM Dhami further informed that the administration, including SDRF and NDRF, are engaged in the rescue operation, and the situation is being closely monitored. In a post on X, CM Dhami said, "The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing. In this regard, I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone's safety." The cloudburst has led to flash floods in the high-altitude villages of Dharali. Several houses were reported to have been swept away. Earlier today, Indian Army personnel engaged in rescue operations after a landslide occurred near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil. Approximately 15-20 people have been evacuated and injured are receiving medical treatment at Army medical facility in Harshil. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday condoled the demise of former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik. In a post on X, the President of India said, "The news of the demise of Shri Satyapal Malik ji is sad. I express my condolences to his family and supporters." https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1952690146849006056 Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also expressed condolences on the demise of Satyapal Malik and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. "The demise of Shri Satyapal Malik Ji, former Governor of Goa, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Jammu-Kashmir, is extremely sad! May God grant peace to his soul. Deep condolences to the grieving family. Heartfelt tribute!" Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X. https://x.com/yadavakhilesh/status/1952647635103363219 Mourning the demise of former Governor, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot remembered his spirit and struggle for the welfare of the public. Gehlot shared a post on X and said, "The news of the demise of former Governor Shri Satyapal Malik is extremely sad. I offer my humble tributes to him. A few days ago, I visited him at RML Hospital in Delhi to inquire about his well-being. He had been unwell for some time, and everyone was concerned about his health. He remained continuously active in the public sphere, held many positions, and his spirit of struggle will always be remembered." https://x.com/ashokgehlot51/status/1952652615436689850 Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the passing of former Governor Satyapal Malik and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge also paid condolences to Satyapal Malik. Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away in the national capital on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. The 79-year-old leader breathed his last at 1.10 pm today at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here today, according to Malik's Personal Secretary, KS Rana. Satyapal Malik served as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. It was during his tenure that Article 370 was abrogated by the Central government, converting the former state into two Union Territories. Inspired by the socialist ideology of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Satyapal Malik entered politics in 1965-66. His leadership qualities were evident early on, as he served as the President of the Meerut College Students' Union in 1966-67 and later as the President of the Students' Union of the then Meerut University (now Chaudhary Charan Singh University) in 1968-69. He made his legislative debut in 1974, winning the Baghpat Assembly seat on the ticket of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and was appointed the party's Chief Whip in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His growing stature within the political landscape led to his appointment as the All-India General Secretary of the newly formed Lok Dal in 1975. In 1980, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Lok Dal. After a brief political hiatus, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and contested from the Baghpat Lok Sabha seat. In the following years, he rose steadily within the party ranks, serving as the Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh BJP (2005-06), All-India Incharge of the BJP Kisan Morcha (2009), and later as National Vice President of the BJP in 2012. He played a key role in shaping the party's agricultural manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and was reappointed as National Vice President the same year, where he addressed several farmer rallies across the country. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to public life, he was appointed the Governor of Bihar in 2017. A year later, on August 23, 2018, he took oath as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his political career, he has held various significant posts, including Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1974-77), Member of Parliament in both the Rajya Sabha (1980-84, 1986-89) and Lok Sabha (1989-91), and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism from April to November 1990. He also served as a member of the Panel of Chairmen in the Rajya Sabha and the Panel of Speakers in the Lok Sabha during his tenure. (ANI) Penguin Random House, India, is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of a seminal work, 370: Undoing the Unjust, A New Future for J&K, meticulously researched and authored by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation, a distinguished non-profit organisation. This publication, under the Penguin Enterprise imprint, was released on Tuesday and is now available in all retail stores and online. '370: Undoing the Unjust, A New Future for J&K' offers an in-depth exploration of the abrogation of Article 370, widely regarded as a monumental Constitutional achievement in India's history. The book provides an insider's perspective on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi navigated this complex and historic decision. Authored with profound insight, the book examines the numerous missteps at the time of India's independence that led to the establishment of Article 370. It further discusses the social, political, and economic impacts of Article 370 since its inception in 1949, and the events preceding it during India's Independence, highlighting the historical reluctance to challenge this provision and the transformative shift brought about by its abrogation in 2019. The book has unearthed many historical documents, till now believed not to exist, which throw an entirely new light on the circumstances under which Kashmir's accession took place and Article 370 came into being in the first place. Through rigorous analysis, the book details how the government addressed legal complexities and mitigated security risks to implement this landmark decision successfully. Written in an engaging narrative style, '370: Undoing the Unjust, A New Future for J&K' provides a comprehensive account of the events leading to the abrogation, while also chronicling the region's history from ancient to contemporary times. Combining thorough research with compelling anecdotes, the book promises readers an enlightening journey into a pivotal moment in India's history, offering valuable insights into the nation's past, present, and future. This publication is the first of its kind to document the Modi government's decision-making process through interactions with key decision-makers, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Deeply researched, anecdotal, and captivating, this book addresses a significant gap in the scholarship surrounding this iconic moment in Indian history. The book also recounts how Prime Minister Modi achieved his objective, as quoted in his own words, "There was complete clarity in my mind that taking the public in Jammu and Kashmir into confidence was absolutely essential for the execution of the decision. We wanted the decision, whenever it would be taken, to happen with the concurrence of the people rather than imposition." This comprehensive work was compiled by BlueKraft Digital Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to policy and governance. The Foundation brings together a diverse array of works by leading policymakers, experts, and citizens to debate, discuss, deliberate, and formulate new ideas that will enrich India's development trajectory. Its efforts are primarily focused on promoting voluntary participation in sectors such as holistic education, women and child empowerment, farmer welfare, environmental conservation, digital and social media, and diaspora relations. BlueKraft Digital Foundation has produced numerous books and research papers on policy developments, offering unique perspectives. In advance praise for the book, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar states, "An eminently readable account of a crucial decision that has promoted national integration while transforming the development and security landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. It brings out how the political calculations and personal proclivities of an earlier era were finally countered by national sentiment." (ANI) The Delhi Legislative Assembly House witnessed uproar over the issue of 'Phansi Ghar' on Tuesday. Speaker Vijendra Gupta, Ministers and the ruling party MLAs dismissed the claim, citing archives and official documents, while the opposition accused them of erasing symbols of the freedom struggle. Speaker of the Delhi Assembly clarified that the so-called 'Phansi Ghar' (execution house) inaugurated by the previous government was a misrepresented Tiffin Room with an old goods lift. According to archival records, the space was used for daily administrative functions, not for executions. "The previous government had formally inaugurated what they termed a 'Phansi Ghar' inside the Delhi Assembly. However, archival records clearly show that this was, in fact, a Tiffin Room with an old lift used for transporting goods, not a site of execution. It is unfortunate that a space once used for daily administrative functions was misrepresented as a place of capital punishment," said the Speaker in the Assembly. BJP MLA and Chief Whip of Delhi Assembly, Abhay Verma, further added, "This is a glaring example of how history can be distorted. The then Chief Minister (Arvind Kejriwal) inaugurated this so-called "Phansi Room' under false pretences. This is a goods lift. There is no record, either in archives or historical texts, of any 'Phansi Ghar' existing here. We demand that the misleading plaque be removed and the narrative corrected immediately." BJP MLA Ajay Mahawar called for a formal censure motion to be held on this issue, condemning the spread of historical misinformation. However, Speaker Vijendra Gupta said that, "Tomorrow, also discussion will be continued on this issue and will allow the opposition to present any verifiable documentation to support their earlier claims." Notably, while the debate over the so-called gallows room was unfolding in the Delhi Assembly, a delegation from the British Parliament was present in the House. The timing of the discussion sparked sharp reactions from the opposition benches. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jarnail Singh strongly criticised the ruling party and Speaker Vijender Gupta for raising the issue during the British delegation's visit, calling it an affront to India's freedom struggle. "An attempt is being made to deny symbols of our freedom struggle in front of the British delegation," Singh said during the discussion. "Even ChatGPT mentions that there was a 'Phansi Room here," he added, referencing the AI tool to support his claim. (ANI) Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda on Tuesday paid heartfelt condolences to former Governor Satyapal Malik and remembered his "fearless" support for the farmers, underprivileged and poor of the society. Speaking to reporters, Hooda said, "There is huge grief within the country... Satyapal Malik had a long life full of struggle... He always stood up for the farmers, the underprivileged and the poor, fearlessly, without being under the pressure of the government... I pay my respects to him..." Expressing profound grief over Satyapal Malik's demise, Congress leader Sachin Pilot stated that he always fought for the rights of the farmers. "We paid our tributes to him today. He always fought for the rights of the farmers. We are affected by his passing away," he said. Mourning his demise, Congress MP Imraan Masood termed it as an "irreplaceable loss." "He was a bold voice for the farmers and I knew him 45 years. It is an irreplaceable loss..." Masood told ANI. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the passing of former Governor Satyapal Malik and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge also paid condolences to Satyapal Malik. Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away in the national capital on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. The 79-year-old leader breathed his last at 1.10 pm today at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here today, according to Malik's Personal Secretary, KS Rana. Satyapal Malik served as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. It was during his tenure that Article 370 was abrogated by the Central government, converting the former state into two Union Territories. Inspired by the socialist ideology of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Satyapal Malik entered politics in 1965-66. His leadership qualities were evident early on, as he served as the President of the Meerut College Students' Union in 1966-67 and later as the President of the Students' Union of the then Meerut University (now Chaudhary Charan Singh University) in 1968-69. He made his legislative debut in 1974, winning the Baghpat Assembly seat on the ticket of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and was appointed the party's Chief Whip in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His growing stature within the political landscape led to his appointment as the All-India General Secretary of the newly formed Lok Dal in 1975. In 1980, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Lok Dal. After a brief political hiatus, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and contested from the Baghpat Lok Sabha seat. In the following years, he rose steadily within the party ranks, serving as the Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh BJP (2005-06), All-India Incharge of the BJP Kisan Morcha (2009), and later as National Vice President of the BJP in 2012. He played a key role in shaping the party's agricultural manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and was reappointed as National Vice President the same year, where he addressed several farmer rallies across the country. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to public life, he was appointed the Governor of Bihar in 2017. A year later, on August 23, 2018, he took oath as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his political career, he has held various significant posts, including Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1974-77), Member of Parliament in both the Rajya Sabha (1980-84, 1986-89) and Lok Sabha (1989-91), and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism from April to November 1990. He also served as a member of the Panel of Chairmen in the Rajya Sabha and the Panel of Speakers in the Lok Sabha during his tenure. (ANI) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday hailed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party's resolution reaffirming India's commitment to peace and zero tolerance against terrorism. The resolution highlights the bravery and sacrifices of the armed forces during operations like Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. The resolution emphasises India's firm stance against terrorism, promising a fitting reply to any terror attack on its own terms. India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail and will maintain its sovereignty and security. The government will not differentiate between those who sponsor terrorism and the masterminds behind these acts, ensuring accountability for all involved. "The NDA Parliamentary Party Resolution adopted today is a strong and determined reaffirmation of India's commitment to peace and zero tolerance against terrorism. It also attests to the courage and bravery of our armed forces during Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. India will: Give a fitting reply to any terror attack on India on its own terms. Not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism," the EAM posted on X. The NDA parliamentary party's meeting, held earlier today, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The lawmakers of the constituent parties of NDA saluted the courage of the Armed Forces and highlighted their unflinching devotion to protecting our nation. "We pay our deepest condolences and respect to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack," the resolution read. The lawmakers from the BJP and its allies, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal United (JDU) and other parties also felicitated the "exceptional leadership" displayed by PM Modi. "His unwavering resolve, visionary statesmanship and resolute command have not only steered the nation with purpose but also ignited a renewed spirit of unity and pride in the hearts of all Indians," the resolution read. In response to the Pahalgam attack, on the intervening night of May 6-7, 2025, India launched 'Operation Sindoor'. Through military might and resolute leadership, justice was delivered, reaffirming that India does not forget and never forgives terror. The resolution said that the Operation Sindoor entailed a non-escalatory, precise and targeted attack on terrorist training camps at different locations within Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. It resonated with India's commitment to peace, zero tolerance towards terror and commitment to do whatever it takes to uproot terrorist infrastructure if circumstances so demanded. "After the NDA Government assumed office in 2014, this has been the norm. The people of India have not forgotten how, prior to 2014, the terror infrastructure was spread extensively across India. Bomb blasts across our big cities, be it Patna, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and even Delhi, were common. This change has been greatly appreciated by the people of India," it added. On April 22, Pakistan-based terrorist group The Resistance Front (TRF), a front and proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, inflicted a devastating attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack resulted in the most gruesome and barbaric killing of 26 innocent tourists. The terrorists killed people in cold blood after segregating them based on their religion. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken cognisance of a stampede-like rush at Kubereshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore on Tuesday, which resulted in the deaths of two women and injuries to several others. The Chief Minister has expressed sadness over the tragic accident and directed officials to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. CM Mohan Yadav has asked officials to take note of the incident and initiate necessary measures. The Chief Minister has emphasised the need for better arrangements to prevent similar incidents in the future. "I have received information. I have asked the officials to take note of it. It is a tragic accident. Arrangements will be made to ensure such incidents do not happen in the future," said CM Mohan Yadav on Tuesday while speaking to ANI. Earlier on Tuesday, two women were killed and several others were injured in a stampede-like rush at Kubereshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore. The incident occurred due to a massive crowd gathering ahead of the Kawar Yatra, which was expected to be led by devotional storyteller Pandit Pradeep Mishra on August 6. It was announced that the Kavad Yatra will take place in Kubereshwar Dham on August 6. Before this, a large crowd of devotees had already arrived at Kubereshwar Dham. The injured individuals were transferred to a hospital for appropriate medical care. Sehore Additional SP Sunita Rawat confirmed on a phone call with ANI about the tragic incident. This is not the first time a stampede has occurred at Kubereshwar Dham. A similar incident happened in February 2023 during the Shiv Mahapuran Katha and Rudraksh Mahotsav, raising concerns about crowd management and the preparedness of local authorities. (ANI) Stating that both the state and the Centre hold shares in the metro project, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that serving the people was more important than 'credit' politics. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the soon-to-be-launched Yellow line of Namma metro, the Deputy CM, who also holds the Bengaluru city portfolio, said, "This is our metro. The CM and I had requested the PM to inaugurate the Yellow line, and he has now given the time. This is not a project of the Central government alone; the state too has a 50% share in the project. We are all serving the public." He was replying to a question about whether the inauguration of the Yellow line was decided by the Centre or the State. "The PM will inaugurate the Yellow line on August 10. The 19.15 km line with 16 stations was built at Rs 7,610 crore. A small programme will be organised at the auditorium in the Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru. The PM, CM and the local legislators would travel in the inaugural trip of the train thereafter. We will submit an appeal to the PM on funds needed for the double-decker project's land acquisition," he said. Asked about extension of metro network and building more double-decker metro lines, DK Shivakumar said, "It would be nice if the MPs who are making a lot of noise get us some funds. The MPs don't speak a word on the funds, but are engaged in nitpicking. We have decided to build double-decker metro lines for all lines in the future." "The Commissionerate of Railway Safety gave the clearance for the Yellow line on July 31. We can't rush through things like safety. Tejaswi Surya is young blood in a hurry and doesn't have any experience," he said. "Three train sets have arrived for the Yellow line, and the fourth set will come in August. Three trains will operate now at an interval of 25 minutes. The frequency would be increased to 10 minutes once more train sets arrive. This is a crucial line to link the IT hubs to the city," he informed. Replying to a question on the inauguration of Hebbal flyover's new loop, the Deputy CM said, "We will throw it open to the public before August 15 after considering the CM's availability. The KR-Puram-City loop will be opened now, and the Airport service road-City loop will be opened a little later. We are planning a new tunnel from Nagawara to Esteem Mall to the agricultural university. This would be a 1.5 km tunnel, and it is different from the larger tunnel road being planned." Asked about growing passengers but very few train sets, he said, "Train sets have not arrived due to certain reasons. They had imported train sets from China, but there are some issues. Train sets have to come from many other domestic facilities. Frequency will be increased once more train sets arrive." "I would like to congratulate on behalf of the state government everyone, including officials, contractors, labourers, who worked on the Yellow line," DK Shivakumar said. Asked about burgeoning traffic in Bengaluru, he said, "People from all around the country are migrating to Bengaluru. Good weather, Cauvery water, and educational institutions are attracting people. We have also instructed BMRCL to acquire 3-4 acres of land for parking." (ANI) BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana on Tuesday marked the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, highlighting the positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir since the historic decision. He attributed the region's progress to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Khatana said that the abrogation of Article 370 has brought joy and opportunities to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the youth in the region are now eager to participate in India's startup trend, indicating a new era of growth and development. Khatana accused regional parties of Jammu and Kashmir of lying and deceiving the people, adding that the BJP's policies have been more beneficial for the region. "The regional parties of Jammu and Kashmir lied and frauded the people of the state. After the abrogation (of Article 370) under the leadership of PM Modi, people are moving towards joy, and the youth there are willing to participate in the startup trend of India..." Khatana told ANI. August 5 marks six years since the abrogation of Article 370, which rendered the state of its statehood, and converted the former state into two Union Territories- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. In August 2019, the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repealed Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, effectively ending the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The restoration of statehood has been a key demand from the regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019. Khatana also expressed grief and offered condolences to the family of former Governor Satyapal Malik. "May he rest in peace, and his family get the strength to bear the loss. He was a fearless person and a leader for farmers. The country has suffered a loss," the BJP MP told. Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away in the national capital on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. The 79-year-old leader breathed his last at 1.10 pm today at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, according to Malik's Personal Secretary, KS Rana. Satyapal Malik served as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. It was during his tenure that Article 370 was abrogated by the Central government, converting the former state into two Union Territories. (ANI) The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is set to organise a three-day event titled '100 Years Journey of RSS - New Horizon' from August 26 to 28, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi as part of its centenary celebrations. Speaking to the media in Delhi on Tuesday, RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar said that the organisation is reaching out to prominent personalities from various sections of society, including the opposition parties, for the upcoming 'Samvad' (dialogue). "The outreach process has already begun," he said. Ambekar elaborated, "This is an effort to engage with all sections of society on the occasion of the Sangh's centenary year. RSS completes 100 years on October 2, 2025. Several programmes are being organised as part of the celebrations. A civic gathering will be held in every district across the country." The Samvad programme in Delhi will be mirrored in three other metropolitan cities -- Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai. "The objective is to present the Sangh's ideology clearly and transparently to society," he said, adding that, "If India is to move forward, it must do so on its own terms. The colonial-era standards need to be replaced with new, indigenous ones." To ensure inclusive participation, 17 regions and 138 sub-categories have been identified, from which representatives will be invited. A special focus has been placed on inviting prominent individuals from the NCR and surrounding states. When asked whether the Pakistan embassy would be invited to the event, Ambekar clarified that no invitation would be extended to them. However, invitations will be sent to other major embassies. (ANI) China's Ili attracts visitors with unique natural landscapes and cultural sites Xinhua) 10:16, August 05, 2025 Tourists try traditional costumes at Narat scenic area in Xinyuan County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen) Horsemen perform in Zhaosu County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 29, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) Tourists ride horses at a scenic area in Gongliu County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 2, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen) A child pets a cub at Xiata scenic area in Zhaosu County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 30, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen) A child plays in Yining City of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 4, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) Children make pottery items in Yining City of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 4, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen) This aerial drone photo taken on July 30, 2025 shows a view of Xiata scenic area in Zhaosu County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) Tourists watch a dance performance at a night market in Tekes County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 31, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen) Vehicles travel on a road at Kalajun grassland in Tekes County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 1, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) Horsemen perform in Zhaosu County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 29, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) Tourists visit Xiata scenic area in Zhaosu County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 30, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) Tourists pose for photos in traditional costumes at Narat scenic area in Xinyuan County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) Tourists take photos at Xiata scenic area in Zhaosu County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 30, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) A boat sails on a lake in Zhaosu County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 30, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) A tourist poses for photos with a painted wall in Yining City of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 4, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Liu Lianfen) Tourists ride horses at Xiata scenic area in Zhaosu County of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 30, 2025. Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has ushered in its peak tourism period. The region's unique natural landscapes and cultural sites have attracted a large number of visitors. It received 54.93 million domestic tourists in the first seven months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.31 percent. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Available via auction starting today, the exclusive line was developed in collaboration with talented Mexican-American designers & artists, with proceeds being donated to the Mexican American Opportunity Fund LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dos Equis and Fuerza Regida are unveiling a limited-edition merchandise collaboration inspired by the bold and authentic spirt of the brand's latest "Ni Perdon Ni Permiso" campaign. This one-of-a-kind partnership blends Fuerza Regida's bold fashion style with Dos Equis' iconic identity, celebrating unapologetic self-expression through music, art and fashion. Completely immersed in the design of the collection from conception to completion, Fuerza Regida and Dos Equis worked with a group of Mexican-American designers and artists to create a range of pieces including: 15 t-shirts (valued at $160 each) each) 20 jackets (valued at $450 each) each) A set of five personalized vests worn by each member of the group during a recent private performance in Houston (valued at $3,000 each). Beginning today, fans will have the opportunity to own one of these exclusive, limited-run pieces through an online auction, with proceeds benefitting the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), a non-profit, charitable organization. Fuerza Regida will officially announce the auction via their Instagram (@FuerzaRegida), and the auction will run from Tuesday, Aug. 5 until Tuesday, Aug. 19. Fans and fashion enthusiasts can participate in the auction here: https://www.dosequis.com/en-us/music/ "As a brand that champions boldness, we're excited to continue the movement of self-expression and individuality we kicked off earlier this summer through this next iteration of the 'Ni Perdon Ni Permiso' campaign," said Alison Payne, Chief Marketing Officer for HEINEKEN USA Inc., importer of Dos Equis. "This culmination of our partnership with Fuerza Regida and the Mexican-American designers we worked with to bring this merchandise line to life is the physical manifestation of what this movement means to be bold, to be unapologetic, but most of all, to be you." Personally selected by Fuerza Regida, MAOF is one of the largest Latino-oriented social services organizations in the United States. Headquartered near the band's hometown of San Bernardino, CA, their immediate impact and holistic approach to local community support gives people the chance to live fearlessly and express themselves unapologetically, bringing the "Ni Perdon Ni Permiso" spirit to more people. "Working with Dos Equis to build this movement has been so inspiring, and we're excited to show our fans the next chapter of our partnership through these unique pieces that really embody the unapologetic spirit of the 'Ni Perdon, Ni Permiso" campaign" said JOP of Fuerza Regida. "Even more, being able to give back to an organization like the MAOF through this campaign is extremely rewarding given the direct impact it makes on the community that raised and supports us to this day." For more information, follow @DosEquis on Instagram to receive updates about the "Ni Perdon, Ni Permiso" campaign, along with behind-the-scenes content that will give fans an inside look at the creative process and the making of this extraordinary collection. About Dos Equis Wilhelm Haase founded Dos Equis in 1897, when he brewed a beer called Siglo XX, the beer we now know as Dos Equis. Today, Dos Equis sees continued growth and expansion driven by a robust portfolio of offerings and new product innovations. In the past few years, Dos Equis has more than doubled the size of its portfolio with several new brands leaning into top consumer trends. The Dos Equis portfolio includes Dos Equis Lager, Dos Equis Michelada, Dos Equis Ambar, Dos Equis Chelada Lime & Salt and more. Dos Equis is imported into the US by HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation's leading high-end beer importer, which is a subsidiary of Heineken International N.V., the world's most international brewer. For news and updates, follow us on Instagram @DosEquis, or visit www.dosequis.com. About Fuerza Regida Fuerza Regida leads musica mexicana's global movement with attitude, ambition, and a sound that fuses traditional corridos with genre-bending influences. Since emerging in 2015, the San Bernardino-based group has built a massive following of over 14 million, racking up more than 35.8 billion streams, and dominating with 31 million monthly Spotify listeners. Their chart-topping catalog includes 13 Billboard Hot 100 entries and viral hits like "Bebe Dame," "TQM," "Tu Sancho," and "Me Jalo," but Fuerza Regida is more than a hit machine. Their historic run in 2024, with three albums simultaneously in the Top 10 of Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart. In 2025, Fuerza Regida released "111XPANTIA" and its deluxe edition, a bold, genre-defining album that debuted at number one across Apple Music's Latin and All-Genre charts and topped Spotify's global and U.S. debut charts. The album broke records on the Billboard 200 as the highest-charting Spanish-language project by a regional Mexican group and overall Latin band, while also landing multiple tracks in Spotify's Global Top 10 Debuts of the Week. About the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) is a non-profit, state-wide community-based organization that was established in 1963 by Founder Dionicio Morales to serve disadvantaged individuals and communities in the Los Angeles area. MAOF is one of the largest family services organizations in the United States and has achieved this status by providing high-quality social services and programs to diverse communities where the need is the greatest. It currently operates in nine California counties with over 60 service locations and 900 employees. The annual budget exceeds $250,000,000. MAOF Website: http://www.maof.org/ For further information, please contact: [email protected] SOURCE Dos Equis Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday criticised BJP leader R Ashok, accusing him of hypocrisy and failure to address transport employees' issues during the BJP's tenure. The criticism comes amid an ongoing strike by transport workers in the state. Siddaramaiah accused R Ashok of playing "drama" when in power and being a "chameleon" when in opposition. "When in power, a facade of drama; when in opposition, chameleon's drama..! When in power, a mask of composure; when in opposition, a rage..! R Ashok, this description is a mirror of your self-deceptive personality," Siddaramaiah said in statement. He reminded Ashok of a 15-day transport strike during the BJP's rule, when Ashok was Transport Minister, and alleged that Ashok showed incompetence by sitting with folded hands. "Weren't you the Transport Minister when the transport employees first went on strike for salary revision? For the first time in the history of transport organisations, you sat with folded hands and demonstrated your incompetence," he charged. He alleged that during the BJP regime, transport employees faced unprecedented hardships, including delayed salary payments where "half the salary of transport employees was paid one month and the other half the next month." Siddaramaiah further stated that while his previous government implemented salary hikes retroactively from 2012 and 2016, the BJP government delayed the 2020 wage revision until March 1, 2023, citing Government Order TD 12 TCB 2023. He said, "During our government, we increased salaries from 2012-2016 and implemented them retroactively from 2012. When we increased salaries from 2016-2020, we implemented them from 2016. But during your party's rule, although the transport employees demanded a salary increase from 2020 itself, it was implemented from 01-03-2023 (Government Order No.: TD 12 TCB 2023, Isn't it you who did injustice to the Bengaluru employees?" Siddaramaiah listed several alleged lapses during the BJP's tenure, including delayed salaries, halted recruitment, and financial mismanagement. He said, "During your party's rule, recruitment and addition of new buses were stopped, and there was an outstanding balance of Rs 5,900 crore in employees' provident fund and diesel payment, other liabilities, etc." He contrasted this with the Congress government's actions: 10,000 new recruitments, including 1,000 compassionate appointments for dependents of deceased employees, and the addition of 5,200 new buses. Siddaramaiah asked, "You are the one who took a loan of Rs. 2,000 crore from banks to pay the outstanding balance of employees' provident fund and diesel payment. We are the ones who are repaying the principal and interest. Is this the achievement of your government?" "I held talks with the trade unions of the Karnataka State Transport Corporations. Earlier, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy also tried to mediate," he added. On the ongoing strike, Siddaramaiah reiterated his government's pro-worker stance and commitment to clearing 718 crore in salary revision arrears. He said, "R Ashok, a one-member committee formed during your party's tenure had recommended the payment of Rs. 718 crore in salary revision arrears. But your government had not paid the salary revision arrears. Our government is committed to paying the salary revision arrears. Despite our government's request to convey this stance to the transport employees and to call off the strike and continue the talks in the coming days, the employee organisations have gone on strike." "We are a pro-workers' government, committed to protecting their interests. History is proof that the Bharatiya Janata Party is against farmers and workers," he added. He concluded his statement in a media release by urging Ashok to reflect on his record: "I sympathise with your silence. Before making allegations against me and our government, as Transport Minister, you and your government should remember the history of deception and betrayal of employees." The Karnataka state-wide bus strike on Tuesday has impacted the state, with the heat of the strike now reaching the border district of Belagavi. Bus services are disrupted at the Belagavi central bus stand, and only a handful of buses are in operation. This protest comes after the workers from Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) held a strike, starting from 6 am today. The protest has been called over demands, including the release of 38 months of outstanding salaries of transport employees, a wage revision to be made effective from January 1, 2024, privatisation and harassment of workers should stop, and drivers from the company should be assigned to electric buses as well. (ANI) Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary on Tuesday paid tribute to former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik, who passed away at 79. Speaking to reporters, the Union Minister said, "His journey began with student politics. As a social activist, he also worked with Chaudhary Charan Singh and Chaudhary Ajit Singh. I offer my tributes to him. The people of the country, especially the youth, should learn from his life. I have shared the stage with him several times," Chaudhary said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the passing of former Governor Satyapal Malik and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge also paid condolences to Satyapal Malik. Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away in the national capital on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. The 79-year-old leader breathed his last at 1.10 pm at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here today, according to Malik's Personal Secretary, KS Rana. Satyapal Malik served as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. It was during his tenure that Article 370 was abrogated by the Central government, converting the former state into two Union Territories. Inspired by the socialist ideology of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Satyapal Malik entered politics in 1965-66. His leadership qualities were evident early on, as he served as the President of the Meerut College Students' Union in 1966-67 and later as the President of the Students' Union of the then Meerut University (now Chaudhary Charan Singh University) in 1968-69. He made his legislative debut in 1974, winning the Baghpat Assembly seat on the ticket of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and was appointed the party's Chief Whip in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His growing stature within the political landscape led to his appointment as the All-India General Secretary of the newly formed Lok Dal in 1975. In 1980, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Lok Dal. After a brief political hiatus, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and contested from the Baghpat Lok Sabha seat. In the following years, he rose steadily within the party ranks, serving as the Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh BJP (2005-06), All-India Incharge of the BJP Kisan Morcha (2009), and later as National Vice President of the BJP in 2012. He played a key role in shaping the party's agricultural manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and was reappointed as National Vice President the same year, where he addressed several farmer rallies across the country. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to public life, he was appointed the Governor of Bihar in 2017. A year later, on August 23, 2018, he took oath as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his political career, he has held various significant posts, including Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1974-77), Member of Parliament in both the Rajya Sabha (1980-84, 1986-89) and Lok Sabha (1989-91), and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism from April to November 1990. He also served as a member of the Panel of Chairmen in the Rajya Sabha and the Panel of Speakers in the Lok Sabha during his tenure. (ANI) The convoy of West Bengal Leader of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari was allegedly attacked in Cooch Behar on Monday while he was on his way to meet the Superintendent of Police. Adhikari claimed that the attack was orchestrated because of his push for implementing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the state. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari said, "The Court had granted permission for the LoP and five MLAs to meet the SP. During our arrival, and later in Khagarabari, my convoy was attacked under the leadership of Udayan Guha (TMC leader), a state minister, and in the presence of police. I was with Nishith Pramanik in his bulletproof car, which was completely damaged in an attempt to kill me. Udayan Guha is solely responsible for this, and SP Dyutiman Bhattacharya has helped him in this... They brought in Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims to attack us. After Bihar, SIR will be done in West Bengal too... I will see Udayan Guha and Dyutiman Bhattacharya in Court." He further alleged that democracy had collapsed in West Bengal. "They brought in the Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims to attack us. They were brought to Khagarabari. In Bihar, SIR was conducted, and they came to know that it would be done in West Bengal, so I was attacked. Cooch Behar is located near the Bangladesh border, and I raised my voice to remove the intruders, so I was attacked," he added. Reacting to the incident, BJP MP and West Bengal state president Samik Bhattacharya said, "Mamata Banerjee formed the Trinamool Congress... There is also the rule of dynasty. After Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee will be the successor of the party, and it happens; we do not have a say in it. But the leader of the opposition, whose place in democracy is after the chief minister, was going to a place to see the victims. His car was stopped, and stones were pelted at him. If such is the condition of the Leader of the Opposition, then what will happen in the entire House?" BJP leader Rahul Sinha also condemned the attack and demanded action. "From the morning only, the goons of the Trinamool Congress were present there with the sticks. The police were also present, but they took no action... With the support of the police, Trinamool Congress deliberately attacked the convoy. They believe that by demonstrating power, they can instil fear in the BJP, causing it to halt its program. The reality is, due to the revision of the voter list, many names are being deleted, like Bangladeshi Muslim intruders and Rohingya Muslims, and there will be no hope for Trinamool to win... We demand that everyone who was involved in this incident be arrested..." Sinha said. (ANI) According to an official release, the Bangladeshi national was attempting to illegally enter the Indian side. According to the officials, the person was hiding underneath a Bhutan-registered truck which was entering India from Bangladesh. At around 1010 hours, the troops of BSF's Integrated Check Post (ICP) apprehended the Bangladeshi national along with the truck driver. Truck driver has been detained with the truck, mentioned officials. Further investigation is underway. Earlier this week, Vigilant Border Security Force (BSF) troops foiled multiple cross-border smuggling attempts along the Punjab border, apprehending two narco-smugglers in Tarn Taran and recovering several drones and heroin consignments in separate incidents. In the first incident on Sunday morning, alert BSF troops launched a search operation after the observation of a drone movement near the village of Kalsian in Tarn Taran. They succeeded in apprehending two smugglers hiding in a paddy field. Further, on their disclosure, the troops recovered 01 packet of heroin (gross weight: 610 grams) from an adjoining irrigated field. The heroin packet was wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, indicating a drone drop. In a separate incident, on Saturday, acting on specific intelligence input, BSF troops recovered a 01 DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from a farming field near the village of Barreke in the Ferozepur district. (ANI) He was delivering the keynote address at the inaugural edition of the Annual Trident Lecture Series, organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) to mark its Foundation Day, at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt on August 05, 2025. He underscored the importance of technological convergence and integrated operations to ensure national security in today's times. The event brought together senior defence leadership, strategic thinkers and scholars to reflect on the theme 'Dominating the Future Battlespace'. It also witnessed the formal release of the first General Bipin Rawat Paper on Manned-Unmanned Teaming, a tribute to India's first CDS and his enduring legacy in shaping joint operational philosophy and transformative defence thinking, said the Ministry of Defence. The August 2025 issue of Synergy, CENJOWS' flagship journal, was also launched, featuring incisive articles on emerging strategic trends. As part of the event, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff delivered a lecture on 'Urgency in Tri-Services Reforms', underlining the critical timelines and institutional steps needed for meaningful reform. Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training) gave a lecture on 'Imbibing Indian Heritage Statecraft in Future Warfighting', which examined how indigenous civilizational wisdom can inform modern military thinking. The Lecture series acts as an annual forum for critical reflection, strategic foresight and policy innovation, aimed at addressing the evolving dynamics of warfare and national defence. (ANI) In a landmark judgment, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has struck down Section 163-A of the Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue Act, terming it unconstitutional and violative of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. The provision, introduced in 2002 to regularise encroachments on government and forest lands, was declared arbitrary and ultra vires to the Constitution. The decision was delivered in a Civil Writ Petition, which had been pending for over two decades and was reserved for judgment since May 2025. The division bench, comprising Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Bipin Chander Negi, strongly criticised the legislative move to regularise illegal land occupations. In their words, "Article 14 is not meant to perpetuate illegality or fraud. Equality cannot be claimed in illegality." The court further observed that enacting laws to legitimise encroachments effectively equates law-breakers with law-abiders, thereby undermining the principles of equity and the rule of law. The court has now directed the Himachal Pradesh government to ensure the complete removal of all encroachments from government and forest lands across the state by February 28, 2026. It has been ordered that the land cleared from encroachment must be fenced using barbed wire, and the cost of fencing should be recovered from the encroachers. The vacated land is to be reforested using native species. Additionally, the court mandated that profits earned from illegal land use, particularly from apple orchards, must be recovered from encroachers. Wherever feasible, the fruit produced on such land is to be auctioned by the government. The court also held government officials accountable for negligence in dealing with encroachments. It has ordered the suspension and disciplinary action against revenue and forest officials who fail to report or act against encroachments. Monthly reports must be filed by field-level staff such as patwaris, forest guards, and work inspectors. If they fail to do so, departmental proceedings will be initiated against them. The court invoked the Public Trust Doctrine, stating that public land is held in trust by the state for the benefit of its people, and therefore, any attempt to convert it into private property through legislative action or policy is against the law and public interest. The court came down heavily on earlier policies (especially between 1983 and 1994) that attempted to regularise encroachments and condemned them as measures that encouraged illegal occupation of public land. It also directed that the original Section 163 of the Act, which governs eviction of illegal occupants, must be strictly implemented. Speaking to media and ANI after the judgment, Himachal Pradesh Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan explained that the amendment brought in 2002 was intended to help small and marginal farmers who had limited land holdings. He stated that the government had hoped to provide additional land to such farmers, check the growing number of encroachments, and generate revenue for the state. However, he acknowledged that the High Court has now declared this amendment unconstitutional. Rattan added that a total of 1,67,339 applications had been received by the government seeking the regularisation of encroached land. He confirmed that the judgment is being studied and a copy of the order has been sent to the Chief Secretary. Further action will be discussed at the government level after internal deliberations. The High Court's sweeping eviction order had already set off a state-wide operation to remove illegal orchards and other encroachments. The Forest Department began felling apple trees planted on forest lands, stating that these were non-forest species and needed to be removed to prevent re-encroachment and enable forest restoration. However, the operation was halted last week after the Supreme Court intervened on a petition filed by environmentalist and former Shimla Deputy Mayor Tikender Singh Panwar. The Supreme Court stayed the felling of fruit-bearing trees, though it allowed the eviction of illegal occupants to proceed. The top court observed that "eviction does not necessitate ecological destruction" and said that fruit-bearing trees planted on forest land should not be indiscriminately cut down. This intervention from the Supreme Court has brought ecological sensitivity to the forefront of the eviction process while still upholding the legality of removing encroachments. The Himachal government had earlier informed the High Court that more than 57,500 encroachment cases were pending, involving over 10,000 hectares of public land. Many of these encroachments were agricultural, particularly in upper hill regions and tribal areas, where apple cultivation serves as the main livelihood. The High Court's latest ruling also builds upon earlier precedents, including its 1997 decision in Raj Kumar Singla vs. State of HP, where a similar encroachment regularisation policy was struck down. The court cited various constitutional provisions, including Article 48A (state's duty to protect the environment), Article 51A(g) (citizens' duty to protect forests and wildlife), and the Public Trust Doctrine, which is now a well-established principle in Indian environmental jurisprudence. The court also referred to key Supreme Court judgments, such as Jagpal Singh vs. State of Punjab (2011), which dealt with illegal occupation of village common land, State of Haryana vs. Mukesh Kumar (2011), and Ravinder Kaur Grewal vs. Manjit Kaur (2019), which criticised the misuse of the adverse possession doctrine with regard to public land. Earlier, in its orders dated July 2 and July 14, 2025, the Himachal Pradesh High Court had specifically directed the Forest Department to remove all apple orchards from forest lands, citing environmental violations and legal concerns. The court noted that in several cases, re-encroachment had occurred, with evicted individuals returning to harvest apples and erect hail nets on public land. The state government argued that it lacked the capacity to manage these orchards and that forest land must be restored. However, the Supreme Court's stay has temporarily halted this operation and brought relief to orchard owners. With the High Court calling for strict eviction and the Supreme Court urging ecological caution, the Himachal Pradesh government is now under pressure to balance enforcement with environmental and social responsibility. The apex court is expected to take up the matter again in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the High Court's judgment marks a defining moment in the ongoing battle against land encroachments in the hill state and is likely to influence similar issues in other parts of the country. (ANI) The NIA claims to have seized several incriminating materials, including mobiles and digital devices, during the searches carried out in the border districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Batala regions of Punjab. On the night of March 14, 2025, terrorists, backed by foreign-based handlers, had hurled a grenade at Thakur Dwara Sanatan Temple, Sher Shah Road, Amritsar. The incident was one of the many recent grenade attacks carried out by operatives of different terror groups in the state of Punjab, on the directions of their handlers based abroad. During investigation in the case, NIA found that the attack was carried out by accused Gursidak Singh (now deceased) and Vishal Gill. "Gursidak Singh was in contact with foreign-based handlers, who recruited India-based individuals and conspired to spread terror among the people by providing grenades, explosives and funds. The handlers radicalised vulnerable youth and induced them to unleash terror in lieu of money and drugs," the NIA said in a statement. "Gursidak Singh and Vishal Gill were involved in multiple instances of picking and dropping of grenades, weapons etc., as per the NIA investigations, which are continuing," it added. (ANI) Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda on Tuesday paid tribute to former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik following his demise, remembering him for his fearless voice and commitment to the cause of farmers. Speaking to reporters, Hooda said, "Today, all Congress MPs from Haryana have come to pay their tributes to him... We are paying tribute to Satyapal Malik... He will be remembered for his fearlessness and for the voice he raised for agriculture and farmers... He held various positions... His last constitutional post was that of Governor... We hope that he will be given the protocol befitting that position." Expressing profound grief over the demise of former Governor Malik, Wrestler Sakshee Malikkh said, "We have come here to pay tributes. Everyone knows how strongly he raised his voice for labourers, farmers and the poor. He also came to our protest and guided us like our father..." Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the passing of former Governor Satyapal Malik and prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge also paid condolences to Satyapal Malik. Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away in the national capital on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. The 79-year-old leader breathed his last at 1.10 pm today at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, according to Malik's Personal Secretary, KS Rana. Satyapal Malik served as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. It was during his tenure that Article 370 was abrogated by the Central government, converting the former state into two Union Territories. Inspired by the socialist ideology of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Satyapal Malik entered politics in 1965-66. His leadership qualities were evident early on, as he served as the President of the Meerut College Students' Union in 1966-67 and later as the President of the Students' Union of the then Meerut University (now Chaudhary Charan Singh University) in 1968-69. He made his legislative debut in 1974, winning the Baghpat Assembly seat on the ticket of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and was appointed the party's Chief Whip in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His growing stature within the political landscape led to his appointment as the All-India General Secretary of the newly formed Lok Dal in 1975. In 1980, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Lok Dal. After a brief political hiatus, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 and contested from the Baghpat Lok Sabha seat. In the following years, he rose steadily within the party ranks, serving as the Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh BJP (2005-06), All-India Incharge of the BJP Kisan Morcha (2009), and later as National Vice President of the BJP in 2012. He played a key role in shaping the party's agricultural manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and was reappointed as National Vice President the same year, where he addressed several farmer rallies across the country. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to public life, he was appointed the Governor of Bihar in 2017. A year later, on August 23, 2018, he took oath as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his political career, he has held various significant posts, including Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1974-77), Member of Parliament in both the Rajya Sabha (1980-84, 1986-89) and Lok Sabha (1989-91), and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism from April to November 1990. He also served as a member of the Panel of Chairmen in the Rajya Sabha and the Panel of Speakers in the Lok Sabha during his tenure. (ANI) The Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Tuesday announced to provide free travel facility to the sisters of the state in buses of Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (Roadways) for two days on the Raksha Bandhan festival this year. According to officials, Chief Minister made this announcement in the 'Anganwadi Behen Ka Samman' program organised at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur, where Bhajan Lal Sharma tied Rakhi Sutra to the sisters from all over the state and wished everyone a Happy Rakshabandhan. This facility will be available for travelling in Rajasthan Roadways buses within the state boundary for two days, as mentioned in an official statement. The Chief Minister said that Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival but a living expression of our social and family traditions. On this auspicious occasion, the state government is making efforts to ensure that no sister is deprived of meeting her brother, added the CM. While addressing the program, the Chief Minister also gave information on various schemes run by the state government for women empowerment and transferred an amount of Rs 501 as Rakhi Shagun to 1.21 lakh Anganwadi sisters through DBT. Earlier on Tuesday, marking six years since the abrogation of Article 370, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma called the decision historic, and added that it had brought development in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. CM Bhajan Lal Sharma wrote on his X, "On this very day, August 5, 2019, under the visionary leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and Honorable Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji, the Government of India took a historic decision to abrogate the special provisions of Article 370 and 35A from Jammu and Kashmir, thereby strengthening the nation's unity, integrity, and sovereignty." He added, "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the countrymen on the successful completion of 6 years of this historic decision that connected Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh with the mainstream of development!" (ANI) The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), in coordination with other agencies, rescued 37 people, including 11 women and 4 children, amid the devastation by the Dharali cloudburst, causing flash floods in the region. According to an official statement, the injured have been safely evacuated to ITBP Border Out Posts (BOP) Kopang, and the injured have been provided with first aid. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the state Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun and took stock of the disastrous situation in the state due to the cloudbursts in Uttarkashi district. Rescue and relief efforts are being carried out on a war footing, according to the state government, with the help of multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, SDRF, Fire Services, Army, local administration/police, and other rescue teams. Due to the significant rise in water levels, there has been damage to several buildings, hotels, and shops. The District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police of Uttarkashi have also immediately left for Dharali. The incident site is 80 kilometres from the Uttarkashi district headquarters. The nearest hospital is 5 km away, the district hospital is 88 km away, and AIIMS Dehradun is 246 km away, the Uttarakhand government said. The Acting Chief Secretary, RK Sudhanshu, has informed the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs about the incident. Sudhanshu stated that the Central Government has assured all possible assistance for relief and rescue operations. Continuous coordination is being maintained with senior Central Government officials. SDRF has dispatched victim location cameras, thermal imaging cameras, RR saws, diamond chain saws, carbide-tipped chain saws, chipping hammers, drones, pelican lights, dragon lights, and medical resources to the incident site. The State Emergency Operation Centre is in constant contact with the District Magistrate and SSP. In various affected areas of the state, local administration, along with police, have issued advisories to people, urging them not to travel unless necessary. Given the disaster situation, three more IAS officers have been deployed in Uttarkashi till further orders. (ANI) LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Fluor Corporation ("Fluor" or "the Company") (NYSE: FLR) for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Fluor reported its Q2 financial results and lowered its full-year guidance on August 1, 2025. The Company blamed its lackluster performance on growing costs in multiple infrastructure projects due to subcontractor design errors, price increases, and scheduling delays. The Company also claimed that customers are reducing capital spending. The Company failed to disclose these issues during prior affirmations of its full-year guidance. Based on this news, shares of Fluor fell by more than 30.5% in morning trading on the same day. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected]. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: The Schall Law Firm Brian Schall, Esq. 310-301-3335 [email protected] www.schallfirm.com SOURCE The Schall Law Firm Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the BJP-led government of running away from debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, saying that people elect representatives to the Parliament and the electoral process should be discussed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Talking to ANI, Jairam Ramesh blamed the government for the deadlock in Parliament over opposition's demand for a debate on SIR in poll-bound Bihar. "It is the responsibility of the Government to run the House. We extend our cooperation. But the responsibility for consensus doesn't fall on the Opposition, it is the responsibility of the ruling side, the government...Call the leaders of all parties and talk to them. Our demand is clear. We have given the Speaker in writing that discussion should be held and House should be run. We too want to pass the Bills...We had been saying from day 1 that we want discussion on two issues - Operation Sindoor and SIR, vote theft and election process. Why are they running away from this issue (SIR), why are they not conducting a discussion on this?," he asked. "Election Commission is a Constitutional institution. Unfortunately, for some time now, the Election Commission has been functioning only at the behest of the PM and HM...Serious matters have come to light in Karnataka, there has been a scam of voter list. In Bihar, a large number of voter names have been deleted across all districts...My question is, people elect representatives to the Parliament. Won't they discuss the process through which they are elected? What kind of democracy is this? We call ourselves Mother of Democracy and you can't discuss electoral process in Lok Sabha!...Govt is running away from this," he said. Jairam Ramesh said that opposition has expressed grave concern over FIR and it will be conducted in other states after Bihar. "The Opposition, the INDIA Alliance leaders wrote a letter to the Speaker. There is an ongoing vote theft and we have expressed grave concern over the same. This has started in Bihar right now, it will then be done in West Bengal, Assam and all other states. So, this should be discussed. If elected representatives cannot discuss elections in the Lok Sabha, then what can be a bigger insult to democracy than this? We demand that this be discussed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha," he said. Opposition parties have been forcing adjournment of the two Houses of Parliament over their demand for debate on SIR in Bihar. (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday marked the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, stating that there should be one law applicable across the country. Speaking to reporters, on the 6th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Ajit Pawar said, "... From Jammu & Kashmir to Kanniyakumari, everyone should have the same law. There had been discussion regarding it for a long time. Many people did not want separate laws for different states. There should be one law for all the people living in India..." Earlier today, BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana marked the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, highlighting the positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir since the historic decision. He attributed the region's progress to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Khatana said that the abrogation of Article 370 has brought joy and opportunities to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the youth in the region are now eager to participate in India's startup trend, indicating a new era of growth and development. "The regional parties of Jammu and Kashmir lied and frauded the people of the state. After the abrogation (of Article 370) under the leadership of PM Modi, people are moving towards joy, and the youth there are willing to participate in the startup trend of India..." Khatana told ANI. August 5 marks six years since the abrogation of Article 370, which rendered the state of its statehood, and converted the former state into two Union Territories- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. In August 2019, the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repealed Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, effectively ending the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The restoration of statehood has been a key demand from the regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday visited the State Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun to take stock ofthe grim situation following multiple cloudbursts in Uttarkashi district. Several casualties are feared, and the exact toll is yet to be confirmed, while many people are still reported missing. The Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have launched large-scale rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. According to officials, the water level rose excessively in the Kheer Gadh, tehsil Bhatwadi, Thana Harshil. Rescue operations are going on at a war footing. According to the statement, 50 NDRF statements have been sent from Delhi, 15 officials from Dehradun, 30 SDRF personnel from Gangotri, and another 45 from Dehradun. A total of 30 ITBP personnel have been sent. The government has also requested aerial assistance from the Indian Air Force, seeking deployment of two MI helicopters and two Chinook helicopters to support the ongoing operations. Earlier, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) (Ops) of NDRF West Central Zone, Delhi, Mohsen Shahedi, told ANI that three teams consisting of 35 members each reached the Harsil town to aid in efforts. Reportedly, around 40-50 houses have been washed away, and 50 people are missing. "The incident took place around 2 PM in Harsil town. Three teams of NDRF were sent to the spot, and they will reach the spot soon. There are 35 members in each team, and they are well-equipped to rescue the people trapped there. According to the initial reports, around 40-50 houses have been washed away, and more than 50 people are missing," Shahedi told ANI. Uttarkashi, the area where most damage has been reported, also had officials get stuck due to another landslide, according to Superintendent of Police Saria Doval. "People have been taken out of their houses and taken to safe places. Local Police, SDRF, ITBP, and the Indian Army's Rajput Rifles jawans are present at the spot. Since there is another landslide on the way, some of our teams are stuck there," SP Doval said in a self-made video. Officials have also dispatched a victim location camera, a thermal imaging camera, an RR saw, a diamond chain saw, a carbide tipped chain saw, a chipping hammer, a drone, a pelican light, a dragon light, and medical resources to the incident spot. The State Emergency Operation Centre is in constant touch with the District Magistrate and SSP. (ANI) Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said the Modi government "has accepted" that CISF personnel were deployed in the Rajya Sabha last week and said whatever name is used for their presence in the House, "it is an insult to Parliament". In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh targeted the government and said Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was right in asking if Union Home Minister Amit Shah has "taken over control of the Council of States". "So finally the Modi Govt has accepted today that CISF personnel were indeed deployed in the Rajya Sabha last week to prevent Opposition MPs from exercising their democratic right of protest. You can call them by whatever name but the fact remains that they were all from the CISF," Jairam Ramesh said. "This is an insult to Parliament and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha was right in asking today whether the Union Home Minister has taken over control of the Council of States," he added. Jairam Ramesh also attached the letter that Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun wrote to Deputy Chairman Harivansh. Kharge said in his letter that he was writing on behalf of all Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha. "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. We saw this yesterday and we saw this today as well. Has our Parliament being reduced to such a level? This is most objectionable and we condemn it unequivocally," he said. "We expect that in future CISF personnel will not come trooping in the well of the House when Members are raising important issues of public concern," he added. The issue figured in Rajya Sabha today and the Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that the communication between the Chair and LoP is "privileged" but it came in the media. Harivansh cited Nehru as saying that Parliament does set an example to the rest of the country and there is great responsibility on the members not to do anything that brings the slightest discredit on Parliament. The Deputy Chairman gave a detailed ruling against disruption in the House. He cited previous rulings to state that actions of EC cannot be discussed and subjudice matter cannot be taken up in the House. He also cited Vithalbhai Patel, the then president of the Central Legislative Assembly. Amid noisy scenes in Rajya Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted Kharge's allegations that CISF was brought to the House. "Only marshals can come to the House," he said. He alleged that Kharge had misled the House and written "a wrong letter" to the Deputy Chairman. He said members of the opposition are levelling wrong allegations in the media that the military, CISF, and Police had been brought to the House. Responding to Rijiju's remarks, Kharge said he is not my leader, you (chair) is. He cited Arun Jaitley, who had said that disruption can be used as a weapon of last resort if the government seeks to avoid parliamentary accountability. Health Minister JP Nadda, who is Leader of the House, hailed the Chair's ruling, terming it historic. He said disruptions are against rules of the House and there are democratic ways of protest. Nadda said he had been in opposition for 40 years. "Take some tuition from me. You have been in opposition only for 10 years, you will be there for another 30-40 years," he said. To the opposition members citing Arun Jaitley, he said there are several ways of protest. Nadda said oppostition members cannot come to close to ruling party member to obstruct him from speaking. "This is anarchism," he said. Nadda said any security person who comes to the House with the permission of the Chair, he is marshal, not member of any security force. (ANI) A cloudburst triggered devastating flashfloods in the Harsil area of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, with at least 8-10 Indian Army personnel reported missing from a camp in the lower Harsil region. The cloudburst occurred around 1:40 pm on Tuesday, causing widespread damage in Dharali village, a key stop for Gangotri pilgrims. Despite their personnel missing, the Indian Army is actively engaged in rescue efforts, demonstrating its commitment to protecting citizens during natural calamities. 8-10 Indian Army soldiers are reported missing in the lower Harsil area from a camp. Despite its own people missing in the incident, Indian Army troops are engaged in relief operations, according to Indian Army officials. The Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF have been deployed to the site, with rescue operations underway. Three ITBP teams have reached the location, and four NDRF teams are en route. Several homes, hotels, and shops have been destroyed, with many more damaged. Teams are working tirelessly, even during the night, to rescue people trapped in the affected areas. Earlier in the afternoon, a massive mudslide struck the Dharali village in the Kheer Gad area, triggering a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement, the Indian Army's Surya Command said. "Troops of the Ibex brigade were immediately mobilised and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations. Extent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfold," the Army said. BJP MP Ajay Bhatt has confirmed that rescue teams are working around the clock, with two helicopters on standby in Sarsawa and two Chinooks in Chandigarh, ready to assist as soon as the weather clears. "We have a report of 4 missing, Our priority is to rescue the people. The teams are working to rescue the people during the night too... Two helicopters are on standby in Sarsawa, and two Chinooks are on standby in Chandigarh. Medical and food arrangements have been made... We are doing everything we can, but no one can control natural disasters... We pray that more and more people are rescued safely," the BJP MP told ANI. Medical teams and food supplies have been arranged to support those affected by the disaster. Announcements are being made in areas along the Ganga River, urging people to stay alert and reach safer locations. The district administration of Uttarkashi has also informed that the Government Kirti Inter College has been made a shelter, providing a safe place to the people living in the riverine areas around the district headquarters. Given the disaster situation, the Uttarakhand government has deployed three police and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers each in Uttarkashi till further orders. Indian Air Force officials have also confirmed that Chinook Mi-17 V5, Cheetah and ALH helicopters are on active standby at the Chandigarh air base for the relief operations in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The choppers are ready with the required equipment and material and would take off as soon as the weather clears up in the affected areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed condolences and assured support for relief efforts. - Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to conduct rescue operations on a war footing. (ANI) Delhi's Patiala House Court has allowed victims of the Uphar cinema fire tragedy to assist the Prosecution in a case against businessman Sushil Ansal. He has been charged with a Passport Act case. This case is at the stage of framing charges. This case was lodged pursuant to the order passed by the Delhi High Court on a petition moved by the Association of Victims of Uphar Tragedy (AVUT). Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Shriya Agrawal allowed the application moved by Avut seeking permission to lead evidence in the case against Sushil Ansal. "It is observed that the Association at the instance of which the law was set into motion in the present case ought to get a right of assisting the prosecution, to which liberty, there is no bar in law," CJM Shriya Agrawal said in the order passed on Monday, August 4. The Court ordered, "Accordingly, as opposed to being given the reins of the prosecution itself, the Association is at liberty to assist the prosecution in the present case, by accord of which participatory rights in view of settled jurisprudence on the subject, no prejudice would be caused to the accused." AVUT had moved an application through its president, Neelam Krishnamurthy, and arguements were heard on July 19. Expressing a lack of faith in the investigating/ prosecuting agency, the plea was moved. Senior Counsel Vikas Pahwa appeared for association and argued that the Association to be permitted to prosecute the matter considering the grievances underscored in the manner concerning the investigation and the manner in which chargesheet was eventually filed, obviating certain offences which ought to have been part of the charge sheet. He highlighted that the present case came to be registered pursuant to an Order passed by the High Court in a petition filed by the same Association, and therefore, effective right of participation ought to be given to the association. On the other hand, the counsel for the accused opposed the plea, arguing that the Association lacks the locus to lead the prosecution in this matter, given the peculiar allegations concerning offences under the Passports Act. The Association in a restricted sense of the term is not a 'victim' in the present case nor can it espouse their cause, the counsel argued. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday chaired a meeting regarding the issue of the Mahadevi elephant from Nandani Math, Taluka Shirol, District Kolhapur, in Mumbai. Fadnavis shared on X, "State Government Stands Firm With Devotees! For 34 years, Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi has been a part of Nandani Math's tradition and the lives of the people. Her presence holds emotional and spiritual meaning and the strong public sentiment for her return has been deeply understood." He said that taking this into account, the State Government will file a review petition before the Supreme Court. Nandani Math is also encouraged to include the State Government as a party in its own petition. Alongside this, the Forest Department will submit a separate and detailed stand before the Court. Maharashtra CM further said that a team will be formed including veterinary doctors to ensure Madhuri's proper care. His post read, "All necessary facilities will be created, including the option of arrangements like rescue centre if required. The Court will also be requested to appoint an independent committee to review the arrangements. The cases filed against citizens in this matter will be withdrawn." "This issue is not just legal, it is about faith, tradition and the deep connection people feel. The State Government stands firmly with the devotees and with Nandani Math," the post further read. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Ajitdada Pawar, Ministers Chandrakantdada Patil, Ganesh Naik, and Prakash Abitkar. Representatives of Nandani Math and other dignitaries were also present in the meeting. Earlier on Sunday, Elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, was moved from the Mutt in Kolhapur to Vantara's sanctuary in Jamnagar following a Supreme Court order upholding the decision of the Ministry of Environment's High Powered Committee. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday welcomed President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. of the Philippines at Rashtrapati Bhavan, hosting a banquet in his honour. This visit marks a significant milestone as both countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. In a post on X, President of India said, "President Droupadi Murmu received President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. of the Philippines at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. Both leaders agreed that this visit, which coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, will help in building a strong Strategic Partnership between India and the Philippines." Both leaders agreed that this visit would help build a strong strategic partnership between India and the Philippines, enhancing cooperation across various sectors. "Both leaders agreed that this visit, which coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, will help in building a strong Strategic Partnership between India and the Philippines," the X post by the President of India read. https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1952757285802959272 Philippines President Marcos Jr also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today at Hyderabad House during his maiden State Visit to India. "Indo Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," the visiting Philippines President said while addressing reporters at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the national capital today. Marcos said that this is a reaffirmation of the alliance between Indian and the Philippines. On Monday, he held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as he marked the beginning of his five-day state visit to the country. This is the first visit by the President of the Southeast Asian country to India since he assumed office back in 2022, marking a significant milestone, as his visit aligns with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Ministers from his Cabinet. The Philippines' President is visiting India from August 4-8. (ANI) Amidst the ongoing drive against organised crime and criminals launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ropar Range Harcharan Singh Bhullar, SAS Nagar Police in a joint operation with Anti-Gangster Task Force, Punjab arrested two operatives of Lawrance Bishnoi gang after a brief exchange of fire at Gulabgarh road in Dera Bassi, said Harmandeep Hans IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), SAS Nagar on Tuesday. Divulging the details, the SSP said that the arrested duo have been identified as Sumit Bishnoi, a resident of village Lakhasar in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district and Pankaj Malik, a resident of village Saragthal in Rajasthan's Sonipat district. "Accused Sumit Bishnoi was wanted in the sensational murder of Mahavir Sihag at village Lakhasar in district Hanumangarh of Rajasthan on May 18, 2025. FIR no 112/2025 u/s 103(1),3(5) BNS, 27 Arms Act was registered at PS Golu wala District Hanumangarh in this connection and Inspector General (IG) Bikaner Range had also announced a reward of Rs 50,000 this for information leading to his arrest," said the SSP. Sharing operational details, the SSP stated that a tip-off was received this morning regarding Sumit Bishnoi's presence in the Dera Bassi area. "Acting swiftly, an operation was planned and joint teams of AGTF Punjab and SAS Nagar Police tracked him down along with his associate Pankaj at a PG located on Gulabgarh road, Dera Bassi. However, when the team tried to apprehend the accused, he opened fire. In the retaliatory fire, Sumit was injured in his left leg," said the SSP while adding that a .32 pistol along with four live cartridges has also been recovered from the accused. The SSP further said that preliminary investigations had revealed that foreign-based gangster Arzoo Bishnoi was handling the accused. "At Arzoo's directions, Sumit was involved as a shooter in the Mahavir Sihag's murder while Pankaj was carrying logistics for them. They were staying on a Fake ID of Vishal in the PG for the last few days", added the SSP. The injured accused had been shifted to the civil hospital for treatment. Further investigation is ongoing, added SSP. (ANI) Delhi police have arrested two persons in connection with the murder of a transgender person whose body was found with a slit throat in Delhi's Madhu Vihar area on Monday, officials said. According to officials, a PCR call was received regarding the stabbing of a transgender person on Monday afternoon. Upon reaching the spot, police found the victim's body in a pool of blood with a slit throat. The deceased was identified as Karan alias Annu, a resident of Khichripur who was currently residing in Village Chilla. During sustained interrogation, it was revealed that Rehan alias Ikka (19), a resident of MCD School, Ghazipur Village, Delhi, was in a live-in relationship with the victim for the past four months. Over time, disputes arose as Rehan allegedly kept extorting money from Karan. When Karan began to distance herself, Rehan grew possessive and saw the move as betrayal, police said. Enraged, Rehan conspired with his associate, Md Sarver (20), a resident of Rajeev Colony, Yadav Chowk, Khoda Colony, Ghaziabad, UP, to eliminate the victim, they said. Officials said that multiple raids were conducted in the Trans-Yamuna area, as well as Ghaziabad and Meerut, to track down the suspects. Acting on specific intelligence, a police team reached the Laxmi Nagar Metro Station area around midnight. They conducted surveillance in the adjoining parking zone and under the Shakarpur flyover near Kishan Kunj/SDM Office. They said that at around 12:45 AM, two suspects matching the given descriptions arrived on foot and stood under the flyover, seemingly waiting for someone. After confirmation by the informer, the police team apprehended both suspects at approximately 1:00 AM. During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the murder of Karan alias Annu earlier the same day, they said. We are further looking into the case, they added. (ANI) San Francisco Bay Area expansion through the joining of an 11-attorney team from Barulich Dugoni Suttmann & Cummins marks Harrison's third office opening in seven months amid an accelerated national growth strategy. CHICAGO, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Harrison LLP, a premier national private wealth planning law firm, today announced the opening of its new office in the San Francisco Bay Area. With this strategic addition, Harrison officially becomes a coast-to-coast operation, marking a significant milestone in the firm's growth and geographic reach. The office is anchored by an 11-attorney team, formerly of Barulich Dugoni Suttman & Cummins Law Group, Inc. (BDSC), a leading California estate planning firm known for its expertise in complex estate planning, trust administration, and litigation. Founded in 2003 in Chicago, Harrison has grown rapidly in the last five years from 47 attorneys and four offices to over 100 attorneys and 12 offices across the country, including recent 2025 expansions into Washington, D.C., and Highland Park, Illinois. These additions reflect the firm's vision to continue building the nation's premier trusts and estates firmthe only one of its kind with a truly national footprint. With the integration of the BDSC team, Harrison enters one of the most important legal markets in the country with a deep bench of talent and a shared commitment to excellence. "Our move into California is another defining step in advancing our national vision of serving clients wherever they build their lives and legacies, delivering on the trust they and their advisors place in us," said Matthew J. Madsen, managing partner of Harrison LLP. "This team's arrival brings real capability in community property planning, estate planning and trust administration, fiduciary litigation, and private wealth disputes. It strengthens our national platform in all the ways that matter." Leading the new office will be partners Chelsea J. Suttmann and James R. Cummins, who formerly served as BDSC shareholders and directors. Suttmann counsels family business owners on estate planning, business succession planning, and business formation and maintenance matters. She also provides counsel to high-net-worth individuals and families regarding lifetime and post-death gifting, estate tax considerations, and asset protection strategies. Cummins is a seasoned litigator who represents trustees, executors, personal representatives, and attorneys-in-fact in actions involving financial elder abuse, accusations of trust mismanagement, breaches of fiduciary duty, and contests to wills and trusts. He has successfully represented clients in numerous high-stakes trust and estates cases. In a joint statement, Suttmann and Cummins remarked: "Joining Harrison LLP allows us to maintain the personal relationships and local insight that have defined our practice for more than 35 years, while offering our clients the benefits of a national platform with extraordinary depth in estate and tax law. We are thrilled to become part of a team that shares our values and vision for the future of private wealth planning." As Harrison crosses the threshold into California, it does so with a strong foundation. The firm's leadership in the field is reflected in its 17 Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) a ratio that ranks among the highest based on firm size. In the recent 2025 Chambers High Net Worth Guide, the firm ranked in five markets, with ten Harrison partners individually ranked across Private Wealth Law and Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth. Harrison was also recently recognized in Best Lawyers' 2025 edition of Best Law Firms in the following practice areas: Trusts & Estates Law, Tax Law, Litigation Trusts & Estates, Family Law, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law. Beyond client service, Harrison invests heavily in talent development through a robust in-house lawyer training program, a dedicated Paralegal Academy, and ongoing contributions to national estate planning conferences such as Heckerling Institute and ACTEC, and publications like Tax Advisor and Trusts & Estates magazine. The California expansion also comes ahead of Harrison's inaugural "Harrison Helps Day of Giving" on September 10, during which all twelve offices will partner with local nonprofits to address food insecurity in their communities. As Harrison marks this milestone and extends its geographic reach to the West Coast, its focus remains on delivering exceptional counsel and building lasting client relationships grounded in trust, technical strength, and a deep understanding of family dynamics. This new office is not only a growth story it is a strategic step in fulfilling the firm's mission to provide clients with seamless, comprehensive private wealth solutions wherever they live and work. The new California office officially opened on August 4. It is located at 111 Anza Boulevard, Suite 200, Burlingame, CA 94010. For more information, visit harrisonllp.com. About Harrison LLP Harrison LLP is a national law firm that assists clients in defining and achieving their private wealth goals, delivering peace of mind through sophisticated and practical legal counsel. The firm stands at the forefront of estate planning, distinguished as one of the nation's premier trusts and estates firms. The firm advises fiduciaries, families, and family offices on tax matters, asset structuring and succession planning. Clients who choose Harrison benefit from a highly personalized experience. Harrison does not just plan estates; the firm secures legacies, protects assets, and provides peace of mind for generations to come. Learn more at www.harrisonllp.com. SOURCE Harrison LLP The New Delhi Bar Association (NDBA) has made a representation to the Delhi High Court making a proposal for developing a mechanism to provide law researchers/law interns to the judges of the trial courts of Delhi. Till now, this facility is available to the judges of the Supreme Court, the Delhi High Court and the commercial courts of Delhi. NDBA has taken a leap in making this proposal to the High Court, LG V K Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra, Registrar General Arun Bhardwaj and others. On August 4, a representation was sent stating that the workload of District Courts is multiplying manifold and it is bound to expand with the passage of time. It will result into judges getting overburdened with cases. It is also mentioned in the representation that since the Supreme Court has mandated three years of experience for lawyers to be eligible to appear in the judicial services examination. Advocate Tarun Rana, Secretary NDBA said, "This proposal will provide an opportunity for fresh law graduates to be aware of the bench perspective." He further said that there is an immense need to provide law researchers to the trial court judges, particularly in Delhi. By their assistance, not only will precious judicial time be saved, but it will also be used in the disposal of more cases. These mechanisms will also boost the confidence of young lawyers. (ANI) Haryana Chief Minister later told the media that the meeting marked a significant step forward in the ongoing dialogue over the SYL issue between Haryana and Punjab. The talks were held in a cordial and cooperative atmosphere, he said. "This is a long-standing issue. A positive discussion was held on July 9. It took a step forward today. I am sure that when we go to the court on August 13, the atmosphere will be even more positive," he told reporters. He said that the issue has been under discussion for a long time, and earlier deliberations held on July 9 had already indicated a positive shift. "This time, we have moved a step further. The discussions were held in an even more constructive environment," he said. The Chief Minister assured that Haryana will present its case in a positive and solution-oriented manner before the Supreme Court on August 13. "We are confident that a fair and favourable resolution will be achieved," he added. In response to a question, the Chief Minister said that the Indus Waters Treaty is a separate subject, and under that context, Rajasthan will also be entitled to its share of water. (ANI) IndiGo Airlines on Tuesday commenced the construction of a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. The project is expected to be completed and fully functional by the beginning of the year 2028. IndiGo will build one of India's largest MROs on 31 acres of land recently allocated by Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL). According to a statement, this facility will be three times bigger compared to the combined capacity of the airline's MROs in Delhi and Bengaluru. The new MRO facility will have a capacity of up to 12 bays and the capability to handle both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. This facility is expected to be a significant hub for IndiGo's aircraft maintenance operations, enhancing aircraft availability, cost efficiency, and turnaround times. The project also aims to strengthen the aerospace and defence ecosystem in Karnataka. IndiGo had signed the MOU with BIAL for the allocation of land in May 2025, and commenced construction in just two months, showing the airline's vigorous strides towards creating a self-reliant aviation ecosystem in the country. "This facility will also create over a thousand jobs across engineers, technicians and several more, further contributing towards nation building," the statement added. Pieter Elbers, IndiGo's CEO, said, "We are very excited as we commence the project to build this grand MRO facility in Bengaluru. This also strengthens our operational presence in Bengaluru, which is one of our largest bases with over 200 daily flights. This is also an important step towards shaping the future of Indian aviation by developing a holistic aviation ecosystem in the nation." With more than 400 aircraft in its fleet, a dedicated MRO facility will give a significant advantage to IndiGo in terms of aircraft availability, greater cost efficiencies and quicker turnaround, benefiting the airline and its customers. Further, the development of the new MRO facility will help strengthen the aerospace and defence ecosystem in Karnataka, according to the airline. IndiGo already has one MRO facility each in Delhi and Bengaluru. The ground breaking ceremony was attended by government dignitaries along with airport and airline leadership including IAS officer Gunjan Krishna and Karnataka government's Commissioner of Industries; Pieter Elbers, IndiGo Chief Executive Officer; Hari Marar, BIAL Chief Executive Officer; Isidre Porqueras, IndiGo Chief Operating Officer; Satyaki Raghunath, BIAL Chief Operating Officer, and Parichay Datta, IndiGo's Senior Vice President for Engineering. (ANI) The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has formally submitted a detailed representation to the Election Commission of India (ECI), urging the constitutional body to address critical concerns affecting electoral integrity and a level playing field, the party said in a release. BRS party delegation, headed by Party Working President KT Rama Rao, met the Election Commission on Tuesday in New Delhi upon the Commission's invitation for an interaction. Rajya Sabha members KR Suresh Reddy, Vaddiraju Ravichandra, former MP B Vinod Kumar, and senior leaders Balka Suman and RS Praveen Kumar were part of the delegation. The representation, submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner, highlights four major issues: the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls underway in Bihar, the party's call for a return to paper ballots, the "repeated misuse of identical free symbols that dilute the party's identity", and "non-action" on past representations regarding violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). BRS has voiced serious apprehensions over the "untimely and targeted nature" of the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar. The party termed the SIR exercise "unwarranted, particularly with elections on the horizon", and cautioned that it could "lead to large-scale voter deletions, especially among migrant and disadvantaged communities". BRS party observed that the "disenfranchisement of migrant labour, who move across states for economic survival, is deeply concerning. Documents like Aadhaar and Voter ID must suffice for voter eligibility". BRS has called for a "withdrawal" of the current SIR in Bihar, the institution of biannual, scientific, and transparent revision processes, the formation of booth-level all-party committees to verify deletions or modifications, and the prominent public display of voter rolls at regular intervals. The party warned that hasty revisions driven by unverified media narratives and partisan representations could undermine the universal franchise and the legitimacy of the voters' list. The party also expressed its concerns over the continued use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), citing growing public distrust and international precedents. "The BRS Party would like to voice its serious concern about suspicions over the usage of Electronic Voting Machines. Several media reports to this effect have surfaced over the last few years. Many political parties, activists and voters have also expressed their concerns about the usage of EVMs," the BRS mentioned in its letter. The BRS party reminded that the world's oldest democracy, the US, and mature democracies like the UK, Japan, and Germany do not use EVMs for national elections. Quoting the German Constitutional Court's 2009 judgment, the party emphasised the need for ordinary citizens to verify crucial steps of the election process without specialist knowledge. The BRS urged the ECI to consider reinstating paper ballots, starting with the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections in November 2025, to restore public confidence in the democratic process. The party once again highlighted the persistent "misuse" of free symbols that closely resemble its reserved election symbol - the Car. In particular, the party flagged eight free symbols - Camera, Chapati Roller, Dolli, Road Roller, Soap Dish, Television, Sewing Machine, and Ship - which, when displayed in small sizes on EVMs and ballot papers, are indistinguishable from the Car symbol, especially for illiterate and elderly voters. BRS said that in several past elections, including the 2019 Bhongir Lok Sabha election, "the confusion caused by these symbols led to an abnormal diversion of votes meant for the BRS, helping rival or independent candidates." The party demanded the immediate withdrawal of these eight free symbols, permanent safeguards to protect the visual identity of State Recognised Parties, particularly in states where they are dominant players, and institutional parity in the protection offered to National and State parties alike. BRS also expressed disappointment over the lack of timely action on its earlier representations during the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. These included abusive and derogatory statements by leaders of rival parties, disparities in the Commission's response to complaints filed by BRS versus those filed against it, and inaction on Model Code of Conduct violations, including misuse of social media, hate speech, and politicisation of government events. The party appealed for an urgent re-evaluation of all pending representations and sought assurance of impartial treatment from the ECI. "We believe that the strength of Indian democracy lies in ensuring equal electoral opportunity to all recognised political parties. As a State Recognised Party that has played a pivotal role in the formation and governance of Telangana, we seek the institutional protection and fairness constitutionally due to us," the BRS noted. (ANI) Industrialist Anil Ambani has requested a period of seven days to furnish the necessary details and supporting documents sought by the Enforcement Directorate in the probe against him in an alleged Rs 17,000-crore loan fraud case. The request comes amid nine hours of questioning with Anil Ambani by the investigators at the Enforcement Directorate headquarters in the case pertaining to the suspected financial irregularities and possible violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials in ED indicated that Anil Ambani assured full cooperation with the authorities and intended to provide all relevant information within the stipulated time. "Today, the statement of Anil Ambani was recorded. During the examination, various questions pertaining to loan transactions were put to him. Anil Ambani sought a period of seven days to furnish the requisite details and supporting documents," officials told ANI. The 66-year-old businessman deposed before the investors at the agency's headquarters here in the national capital around 11 am following a summons issued to him last week asking to join the investigation on August 5 (today). He was questioned till 8 pm. The agency is examining the role of various entities and individuals linked to the case, and Ambani's statement is expected to play a crucial role in the investigation. It was the first time that the ED questioned Anil Ambani. The action was taken almost 12 days after the ED launched a massive search operation at 35 premises, 50 companies and over 25 persons linked to a money laundering case against Reliance Anil Ambani Group (RAAGA) Companies. The raids were carried out on July 24. The action followed an investigation launched by the ED under the offence of money laundering by RAAGA companies, subsequent to the recording of a First Information Report by the Central Bureau of Investigation. As per the officials, ED's investigation is based on information shared with the agency by other agencies and institutions such as the National Housing Bank, SEBI, National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), and Bank of Baroda. Earlier, ED had issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Anil Ambani in connection with the case. "Preliminary investigation by ED has revealed a well-planned and thought-out scheme to divert and siphon off public money by cheating banks, shareholders, investors and other public institutions. The offence of bribing bank officials, including the promoter of Yes Banks Limited, is also under scanner," Officials have said. Preliminary investigation reveals illegal loan diversion of around Rs 3,000 crores from Yes Bank (period 2017 to 2019). ED then said it had found that "just before the loan was granted, the Yes Bank promoters received money in their concerns." "ED is investigating this nexus of bribery and the loan." "ED has found gross violations in Yes Bank loan approvals to RAAGA companies, such as, Credit Approval Memorandums (CAMs) were back-dated, Investments were proposed without any due diligence and credit analysis in violation of Banks Credit Policy inter alia," said the Officials. In violation of the loan terms, the officials said, these loans were further diverted to many group companies and shell companies. "Some red flags found by ED include- loans given to entities with weak financials, no proper documentation of loans, no due diligence, borrowers have common addresses, and common directors etc., diversion of loans to promoter group entities, ever greening of GPC loans, loans onward lent on same date, loans disbursed on same date as date of application, loans disbursed prior to sanction, Misrepresentation of financials," the officials said earlier. It is also informed that "Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is also learnt to have shared its findings with ED in the case of RHFL." "Dramatic increase in corporate loans by RHFL, from Rs 3,742.60 crore in Financial Year 2017-18 to Rs 8,670.80 crore in Financial Year 2018-19 is also under ED lens. Issues of irregular and expedited approvals, process deviations many other illegalities have been found," added the officials. As per officials, Reliance Communications Ltd has also committed a loan fraud of over Rs 14,000 crores. "Bank of India (SBI) had classified Reliance Communications (RCom) and its promoter, Anil Ambani, as 'fraudulent' in accordance with RBI guidelines. SBI reported this classification to the RBI and is preparing to file a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)," officials said. It is also informed that "Reliance Communications Ltd has also cheated Canara Bank of more than Rs 1,050 crores." "Undisclosed Foreign Bank Accounts and Foreign Assets are also being investigated. Investigations are likely to reveal more," said the officials. It has also found that "Reliance mutual fund invested Rs 2,850 crore in AT-1 bonds of YES Bank (perpetual FDs) for suspected quid pro quo." "These bonds were eventually written down, money siphoned off. This was the money of public, the mutual fund investors. CBI is also investigating this issue." said the officials. Furthermore, based on information received from SEBI, ED said it has found that Reliance Infra has diverted large sum of money disguised as ICDs to Group Companies of RAAGA through C Company, an undisclosed related party company. Reliance Infra did not disclose C Company as its related party in order to avoid proper approval from shareholder and audit committee. "It was also hidden presumably to circumvent checks and balances imposed on related party transaction as per laws," said the officials. It has been found that "R Infra has taken a haircut of Rs 5,480 crore and only Rs 4 crore has been received in cash." "Remaining Rs 6,499 crores has been settled in the form of assignment, transfer of assets and economic rights mainly in certain discoms. These discoms have not had any business for the previous many years and are not operational. Therefore, there are zero chances of recovery of this amount. The loan diversion in this case is over Rs. 10,000 crores," the official said. In a statement, Reliance Infrastructure had earlier clarified reports pertaining to an over 10-year-old matter as regards the alleged diversion of Rs 10,000 crore to an undisclosed related party, when the exposure as per the disclosures in the Company's financial statements is only around Rs 6,500 crores. "In this connection, attention is invited that Reliance Infrastructure had publicly disclosed this matter on February 9, 2025, nearly six months ago," Reliance Infrastructure's statement has said. "Reliance Infrastructure Limited had a net exposure of Rs 6,500 crore, which was duly disclosed in its financial statements for the past four years. Reliance Infrastructure diligently pursued the recovery of its dues in this matter. Through mandatory mediation proceedings conducted by a retired Supreme Court Judge and the mediation award filed before the Hon' Bombay High Court, Reliance Infrastructure arrived at a settlement to recover its 100 per cent exposure of Rs 6,500 crore." Further, it said, "Anil D. Ambani is not on the Board of Reliance Infrastructure since more than three years i.e. March 2022." (ANI) In a strongly worded statement, Turk reiterated his deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation, including the starvation of civilians and the treatment of hostages in Gaza. "The images of people starving in Gaza are heart-rending and intolerable. That we have reached this stage is an affront to our collective humanity," he said. Turk emphasised that the crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to end the violence once and for all, adding "Saving lives must be everyone's priority." (ANI/ WAM) Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev questioned why the United States President Donald Trump is not "pressing down" on China with the "same intensity" as on India and noted that China is also buying Russian oil to the same extent. On US President Trump saying he will substantially raise tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases, Robinder Sachdev told ANI, "Coming to the fact that he (Donald Trump) is repeatedly mentioning and with increasing frequency about India and our purchases of Russian oil, this topic has come into his radar and is in its crosshairs." He also noted that all countries are experiencing this "Trump policy" and said that India will "adjust" to it. "So it is highly possible that Trump could go ahead with the sanctions on India. As of now, it's already 25% which is also pretty high, but such is the case with all countries in the world, be it Japan, Switzerland or the European Union. All countries are facing this Trump policy. So we will adjust to it. But the point is that if the US enhances the tariffs for buying Russian oil, it can be anything." Sachdev commented on the impact 25 per cent tariff on India "Trump can say 25%, 50%...If they are pressing down on India, why is he not pressing down on China with the same intensity? We are not hearing anything from him about China. China is also buying Russian oil to the same extent...From a purely economic basis, if 25% tariffs are imposed upon us, India stands to lose exports to the tune of anywhere between 20-30 billion dollars..." The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) noted that "China--not India--is the largest buyer of Russian oil. In 2024, China imported $62.6 billion worth of Russian oil, compared to India's $52.7 billion. But Mr. Trump appears unwilling to criticize China, perhaps because of geopolitical calculations, and instead targets India unfairly," said Founder Ajay Srivastava. In a latest statement by US President Donald Trump on Monday, he said that the United States will "substantially raise" the tariff paid by India for buying "massive amounts of Russian Oil", stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market "for big profits". Trump wrote on Truth Social, "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!"India has defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday came out strongly in defence of the country's decision to import oil from Russia, despite criticism from the United States and European Union. According to the MEA, India's imports from Russia are driven by necessity and aimed at ensuring predictable and affordable energy costs for Indian consumers. The MEA described the criticism of India's trade policy as "unjustified and unreasonable," asserting that India will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) recorded 12 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around its territory. The MND shared the details in a post on X. It noted that 8 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and eastern ADIZ. MND wrote on X, "12 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1952535027947909178 On Monday, MND detected five sorties of PLA aircraft, six PLAN vessels and one official ship operating around its territory. Sharing the details in a post on X, MND said that these were detected up until 6 AM (UTC +8), and four out of the five sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. on Sunday, MND said it observed the sorties of five PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around its territory. The frequent incursions and maritime operations reflect rising tensions between Taiwan and China, a relationship long fraught with geopolitical strain. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), governs itself independently with its own distinct political and economic systems. However, China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory under the "One China" principle, insisting there is only one China with its capital in Beijing. The dispute's roots trace back to the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when the ROC government fled to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Since then, Beijing has maintained its goal of reunification, using military, diplomatic, and economic means to apply pressure on Taiwan and diminish its international space. Despite these efforts, Taiwan maintains its de facto independence, backed by strong public support, and continues to assert its sovereignty amid ongoing external pressures. The MND regularly monitors and publicly reports such military movements to ensure transparency and national security awareness. (ANI) International media reported a deadly riot at the Tuxpan prison in Veracruz state, Mexico, that resulted in the deaths of at least seven inmates and left eleven others injured. According to the Veracruz State Public Security Department, the violence erupted after a confrontation between a group of inmates and members of a criminal gang known as Grupo Sombra, who had reportedly been extorting and threatening other prisoners and their families. Some inmates, in videos circulated on social media, claimed the riot was sparked in protest against these threats and acts of intimidation, as per Khaama Press. Security forces were able to regain control of the prison on Sunday and extinguished fires that had been set by inmates during the chaos. Footage from inside the prison showed plumes of smoke rising above the facility and several inmates with burn injuries being transferred to external medical centers for treatment. Mexican prisons--especially state-run facilities--have long faced challenges such as severe overcrowding and frequent violence, often fueled by rivalries between drug cartels and criminal gangs. Reports suggest that such prison clashes often mirror ongoing turf wars outside prison walls, as reported by Khaama Press. In 2023, a riot at a prison in Ciudad Juarez led to the escape of 25 inmates and resulted in several fatalities. Human rights organizations have since called for full investigations into these incidents and urgent reforms to prevent further bloodshed. This latest outbreak of violence highlights the fragile state of Mexico's prison system and the urgent need for structural and security reforms to curb gang influence within detention centers. Experts warn that without meaningful intervention, these facilities will continue to serve as battlegrounds for criminal networks, jeopardizing both inmate safety and broader public security, Khaama Press reported. (ANI) Philippines' President Ferdinand Romualdez Indo Pacific is correct evolution of Asia Pacificon Tuesday noted that what used to be referred to as the Asia Pacific Region, the world now refers to it as the Indo-Pacific Region "Indo Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," the visiting Philippines President said while addressing reporters at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan Marcos said that this is a reaffirmation of the alliance between Indian and the Philippines. "I think it is a reaffirmation of the alliance and the partnership that we are strengthening. What used to be what where we used to refer to the Asia Pacific region we now refer to as the Indo Pacific region, which is I think a correct evolution of that understanding because of the global nature of all of politics and of all of trade and all of the economy. And to build upon what we already have had but to certainly to explore the many opportunities that have arisen in the past few years because of the new technologies and the changing state of the global economy and the geopolitical the geopolitics around us now," he said. Marcos was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present on the occasion. He is set to hold a high-level delegation talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital later today. On Monday, he held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as he marked the beginning of his five-day state visit to the country. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Delighted to call on President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the start of his State Visit. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will significantly deepen our bilateral partnership." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1952361145659965927 This is the first visit by the President of the Southeast Asian country to India since he assumed office back in 2022, marking a significant milestone, as his visit aligns with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Ministers from his Cabinet. (ANI) EFFINGHAM, Ill., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heartland Dental, the nation's leading dental support organization, is proud to report significant progress in the first half of 2025, marked by continued growth through the Company's affiliation and de novo programs, helping supported doctors and their teams expand access to dental care, and ongoing innovation in non-clinical support services. Today, Heartland Dental supports over 3,000 doctors across more than 1,800 dental offices in 39 states and the District of Columbia. "The first half of 2025 has been a period of strong momentum," said Pat Bauer, President and CEO of Heartland Dental. "We have maintained momentum growing our supported footprint and continued to innovate and scale our non-clinical support, while remaining focused on our mission to support doctors and their teams as they deliver the highest quality dental care and experiences to the communities they serve." Expanding Access Through Strategic Growth Through the company's footprint growth program, Heartland Dental expanded their footprint in NV, FL, TX, UT, CO, TN, MA, GA, NC, VA, SC, OR, MI, and AZ. Through June 2025, the company collaborated with supported practices to open 38 state-of-the-art de novo offices expanding access to dental care in high-growth communities and completed 13 affiliations. The continued investment in Heartland Dental's strategic growth program expands access to the company's world class support model and services to more doctors every year. Additionally, Heartland Dental introduced HDflex, a staffing platform powered by Kwikly that enables hygienists and dental assistants to select shifts at Heartland Dental supported practices. This system is intended to offer opportunities for hygienists and dental assistants, facilitate scheduling for supported practices, and ensure patients continue to receive world class care. Accelerating Innovation and Supporting Care Heartland Dental continues to advance its commitment to technology that helps supported doctors improve clinical outcomes and simplifies nonclinical workflows. Through strategic collaboration with VideaAI, more than 20,000 supported doctors, hygienists, and team members have access to cutting edge artificial intelligence tools that support and aid in diagnosis, treatment planning, patient education, and insurance processing. This platform helps identify early-stage dental conditions with greater accuracy and consistency and aiding providers with opportunities to act earlier. These insights are further amplified by the adoption of Curodont from vVardis, a noninvasive treatment powered by a proprietary formulation that diffuses through early lesions and works with naturally occurring calcium and phosphate in saliva to enable targeted enamel remineralization. Instead of "watchful waiting," Curodont allows supported doctors to take proactive steps to preserve the natural tooth structure and avoid more invasive procedures. "The AI technology tools our supported clinicians are using every day enhance patient communication, turning complex diagnostics into clear visuals and supporting more precise diagnoses," said Dr. Tim Quirt, MBA, SVP, Clinical Operations. "When combined with Curodont, these innovations are reshaping the standard of care and shifting dentistry from a model of restoration to one of true preservation. Heartland Dental supported doctors and hygienists are leading this shift, redefining what is possible in preventive care." In the first half of 2025, Heartland Dental's supported offices helped a record-number of patients begin their journey to a healthy, more confident smile with Invisalign treatment. Supported doctors and their teams demonstrated record levels of engagement with Invisalign treatment, driven by increased training, seamless operational support, patient financing enhancements, and strategic, multi-modal marketing campaigns. The company is continuing to invest in the patient financing offerings available for supported practices, tackling one of the biggest barriers to patients in accessing the care they need, desire, and deserve. Heartland Dental supported offices will gain access to additional financing options for General Dentistry in Q3, helping patients gain access to essential dental care through financing. Elevating Excellence through Education As technology and AI propel the company to new heights, Heartland Dental University (HDU) provides supported doctors with growth areas to help ensure that they are equipped to meet opportunities head-on. Through hands-on education, mentorship, and learning pathways rooted in everyday dentistry, HDU empowers supported doctors, hygienists, and team members with tools to grow clinically, lead confidently, and thrive in their personal development. In the past year, HDU has facilitated over 100,000 in-person and virtual course completions, along with over 460,000 self-paced web-based completions. These learning experiences resulted in almost 400,000 continuing education credits earned. With an improved Net Promoter Score of 67.47% (up from 65.49% the previous year) and a participant performance improvement of 36.89% (up from 35.7% the previous year), HDU continues to deliver measurable impact across key development areas. Heartland Dental remains deeply committed to helping to develop the next generation of dental professionals, and HDU continues to expand its offerings with new programs to meet evolving needs. HDU remains a powerful reflection of Heartland Dental's ongoing investment in its people and the future of dentistry. In April 2025, Heartland Dental and Concorde Career Colleges, the healthcare division of Universal Technical Institute, broke ground on a first-of-its-kind co-branded campus in Fort Myers, Florida. This innovative partnership is designed to help meet the growing demand for dental hygienists and dental assistants in high-growth areas like Southwest Florida. The new ConcordeFort Myers campus will train up to 190 students annually, offering education through Concorde's accredited curriculum, expert faculty, and dedicated student support services. Recognition for Workplace Excellence Heartland Dental was once again honored by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare, reflecting its commitment to creating supportive workplace where every clinician and team member from the front office to the operatory has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and make an impact. Our Core Values drive the actions we take every day, and we are proud to support initiatives that underscore our commitment to promoting a culture with balance, professional development, and team success. The Company was also awarded a 2025 Effie Award in the "Data Driven/Media" category, recognizing marketing campaigns that deliver measurable business impact. In partnership with Fusion92 and Buyer Advertising, the company launched a comprehensive, data-driven strategy that included digital, SEM, paid social, direct email marketing, and recruiter enablement. This innovative strategy was driven by the urgent need to address nationwide dental staffing shortages following the COVID-19 pandemic, along with planned openings of new Heartland Dental supported offices. Looking Ahead With a strong foundation in place, Heartland Dental is well-positioned to finish 2025 with continued momentum helping supported doctors and their teams expand access to care, embrace innovation and elevate patient experiences. For more information on Heartland Dental's support services, visit heartland.com/the-doctor-difference. About Heartland Dental Heartland Dental is the nation's largest dental support organization, providing non-clinical administrative support services. What started from the entrepreneurial spirit of Rick Workman, DMD, with his single dental practice, has evolved into affiliating with over 3,000 doctors in over 1,800 locations across 39 states and the District of Columbia. The company is majority owned by KKR, a leading global investment firm. For additional information, please visit heartland.com. Media Contact Jessica Thompson, Vice President of Communications [email protected] SOURCE Heartland Dental Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr, who is on a five-day state visit to India, on Tuesday morning received a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present on the occasion. This is the first visit by the President of the Southeast Asian country to India since he assumed office in 2022, marking a significant milestone, as his visit aligns with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. On Monday, the Philippines President met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the national capital. "Delighted to call on President @bongbongmarcos of the Philippines this evening in Delhi at the start of his State Visit. Confident that his talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will significantly deepen our bilateral partnership," Jaishankar stated on X. According to a post on X by the MEA, Marcos was welcomed with a warm reception by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita. "Mabuhay, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.! President Bongbong Marcos has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Received by MoS Pabitra Margherita and accorded a warm welcome. India & the Philippines are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. This visit will lead to further strengthening of India-Philippines relations," the MEA stated on X. He was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Ministers from his Cabinet. Diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines were established in November 1949. Both countries have since developed a strong partnership across a broad spectrum of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, maritime cooperation, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and digital technologies. On Tuesday, he will lay a wreath at Rajghat, followed by talks with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House. Exchange of Memoranda of Understanding and Press Statements will take place thereafter. The Philippines President will then meet Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda and thereafter President Droupadi Murmu. He will then travel to Bengaluru and meet Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot. His visit came following an invitation by PM Modi, an MEA statement stated on Thursday. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that mercenaries from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. This announcement comes as Ukraine continues to grapple with the brutal war that has claimed countless lives and displaced millions. During a visit to the front-line troops in the Kharkiv region on Monday, Zelenskyy met with the brave warriors of the 17th Separate Motorised Infantry Battalion of the 57th Brigade. As he assessed the situation, he learned that foreign mercenaries were on the ground, fighting against Ukrainian forces. "Our warriors in this sector are reporting the participation of mercenaries from China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and African countries in the war. We will respond," Zelenskyy stated firmly on X. "We spoke with commanders about the frontline situation, the defence of Vovchansk, and the dynamics of the battles. We also specifically addressed the issues of drone supply and deployment, recruitment, and direct funding for the brigades," he added. Zelenskyy expressed his deepest gratitude for his soldiers' unwavering bravery and stated. "I presented our defenders with state awards. It is an honor for me to be here. Thank you for fighting, serving your state and the Ukrainian people, and for supporting one another." As fighting has continued, Russian and Ukrainian officials have held several meetings in recent months in Istanbul, Turkiye, Al Jazeera reported. The latest meeting secured an agreement to exchange 1,200 prisoners, Zelenskyy announced on Sunday. Earlier, Trump had threatened to impose "very severe tariffs" on Russia if it failed to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine soon, recently shortening his initial deadline of 50 days to within 10-12 days. On Tuesday, three people were killed in a Russian attack on the Stepnohirsk community in Ukraine's Zaporizhia region, the local military administration said on Telegram. Russia launched 405 attacks on 10 settlements in the region in the past day, the administration said on Monday. (ANI) The body of a man who went missing in 1997 has been discovered on a melting glacier in the Kohistan mountains of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), exposed nearly three decades later due to climate change-induced ice melt, ARY News reported on Tuesday. The remains were found in the Lady Meadows area of Palas, Kohistan, and identified as those of Naseer Uddin, who disappeared during a snowstorm while travelling through the remote Supat Valley, as per ARY News. Remarkably well-preserved despite the passage of 28 years, the body was identified through a national identity card found in his pocket. Local resident Umar Khan and his friends came across the remains while trekking through the glacier-covered region. According to Umar Khan, Naseer Uddin and his family had left their hometown in Palas due to a longstanding family feud and were journeying through the area when the tragedy occurred, as per ARY News. Kohistan District Police Officer Amjad Hussain confirmed the discovery, stating that Naseer Uddin likely lost his life after falling into a crevasse during the snowstorm. Umar Khan said he temporarily buried the body to prevent decomposition and later traced and informed the deceased's family. Earlier, German Olympic and World Champion biathlete Laura Dahlmeier was confirmed dead on Wednesday after sustaining serious injuries in a climbing accident in Pakistan, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) reported, as per ARY News. Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the PoGB government, confirmed that Dahlmeier lost her life due to a landslide in the Baltistan region. He stated that a rescue team retrieved her body, and once they descend to the base camp, a government helicopter will be dispatched to transport it. Earlier, two German female climbers were caught in a landslide in the Shigar district of Baltistan. One of the climbers was successfully rescued, while Laura Dahlmeier tragically did not survive. (ANI) Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr on Tuesday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat during his ongoing state visit to India. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the gesture reflected the shared commitment of both India and the Philippines to the ideals of truth and non-violence. In a post on X, Jaiswal wrote, "Shared commitment to the ideals of truth and non-violence. President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat today." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1952603236994593025 Marcos was accorded a ceremonial welcome earlier at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the visiting leader at the forecourt. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that Marcos was welcomed by a Guard of Honour and a ceremonial welcome. In a post on X, the MEA stated, "A special welcome for a special partner! President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines on his maiden State Visit to India was welcomed by Guard of Honour & ceremonial welcome. Warmly greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1952590276003876940 The Rashtrapati Bhavan, in a post on X, also shared, "President Droupadi Murmu accorded a ceremonial welcome to H.E. Mr Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines at Rashtrapati Bhavan." https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1952596681859436826 https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1952573853558845450 Addressing the media at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Marcos Jr said the world now refers to what was once the Asia Pacific Region as the Indo-Pacific Region. "Indo Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," the visiting Philippines President said while addressing reporters at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the national capital today. Marcos said that this is a reaffirmation of the alliance between Indian and the Philippines. "I think it is a reaffirmation of the alliance and the partnership that we are strengthening. What used to be what where we used to refer to the Asia Pacific region we now refer to as the Indo Pacific region, which is I think a correct evolution of that understanding because of the global nature of all of politics and of all of trade and all of the economy. And to build upon what we already have had but to certainly to explore the many opportunities that have arisen in the past few years because of the new technologies and the changing state of the global economy and the geopolitical the geopolitics around us now," he said. President Marcos is on a five-day state visit to India from August 4 to 8. (ANI) President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday during his maiden State Visit to India. He was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Marcos Jr was presented with a Guard of Honour as part of the ceremonial welcome. In a post on X, the MEA said, "A special welcome for a special partner! President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines on his maiden State Visit to India was welcomed by Guard of Honour & ceremonial welcome. Warmly greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1952590276003876940 Rashtrapati Bhavan also posted on X, stating, "President Droupadi Murmu accorded a ceremonial welcome to H.E. Mr Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines at Rashtrapati Bhavan." https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1952596681859436826 https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1952573853558845450 Addressing the media at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Marcos Jr said the world now refers to what was once the Asia Pacific Region as the Indo-Pacific Region. "Indo Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," the visiting Philippines President said while addressing reporters at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the national capital today. Marcos said that this is a reaffirmation of the alliance between Indian and the Philippines. "I think it is a reaffirmation of the alliance and the partnership that we are strengthening. What used to be what where we used to refer to the Asia Pacific region we now refer to as the Indo Pacific region, which is I think a correct evolution of that understanding because of the global nature of all of politics and of all of trade and all of the economy. And to build upon what we already have had but to certainly to explore the many opportunities that have arisen in the past few years because of the new technologies and the changing state of the global economy and the geopolitical the geopolitics around us now," he said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr at Hyderabad House, wherein their talks were aimed at further cementing the friendship between the two nations. Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said that India and the Philippines share close bonds based on the foundation of civilizational connections. In a post on X, he said, "PM Narendra Modi warmly welcomed President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr of the Philippines at Hyderabad House. India and the Philippines share close bonds based on the foundation of our civilizational, historical and people-to-people connections. Comprehensive discussions aimed at further cementing our enduring friendship and strong bilateral relations lie ahead." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1952622322910707978 Earlier in the day, Marcos was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday during his maiden State Visit to India. He was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Marcos Jr was presented with a Guard of Honour as part of the ceremonial welcome. In a post on X, the MEA said, "A special welcome for a special partner! President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines on his maiden State Visit to India was welcomed by Guard of Honour & ceremonial welcome. Warmly greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1952590276003876940 Rashtrapati Bhavan also posted on X, stating, "President Droupadi Murmu accorded a ceremonial welcome to H.E. Mr Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines at Rashtrapati Bhavan." https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1952596681859436826 https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1952573853558845450 Addressing the media at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Marcos Jr said the world now refers to what was once the Asia Pacific Region as the Indo-Pacific Region. "Indo Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," the visiting Philippines President said while addressing reporters at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the national capital today. This is the first visit by the President of the Southeast Asian country to India since he assumed office back in 2022, marking a significant milestone, as his visit aligns with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Ministers from his Cabinet. Philippines President is visiting India from August 4-8. (ANI) The Canadian Armed Forces made their first humanitarian airdrop over Gaza on Monday using their own aircraft -- delivering 9,800 kilograms of aid to Palestinians, according to Global Affairs Canada, as reported by CBC News. CBC News had exclusive access to the Canadian effort, which delivered food supplies like lentils, oil, milk powder and pasta using a CC-130J Hercules aircraft that departed from a Jordanian airbase. The drop was part of an attempt by six countries to alleviate the hunger crisis in the Palestinian territory. "Canada is taking these exceptional measures with our international partners as access to humanitarian aid in Gaza is severely restricted and humanitarian needs have reached an unprecedented level," Global Affairs Canada said in a statement published Monday afternoon. "Despite the scale of need, humanitarian partners face severe challenges in delivering life-saving food and medical assistance by land due to ongoing restrictions imposed by the Israeli government." https://x.com/CJOC_COIC/status/1952429909529231725 In an interview with CBC News, Major Cam MacKay with the 436 Transport Squadron said the team "is very motivated to do this mission." "There are people that are very much in need of that aid on the ground, and for us to be able to assist Global Affairs Canada and being able to deliver that aid, it feels very good," he said. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on social media that "120 aid packages containing food for the residents of the Gaza Strip were airdropped by six different countries, including Canada, which joined the airdrop operations for the first time today." https://x.com/IDF/status/1952378031638458514 The other five countries were Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Germany and Belgium, the IDF said. France and Spain have also participated in other airdrops over the last four days. It was a chaotic scene as Palestinians rushed to an aid drop site in the Nuseirat area in central Gaza. Upon arrival at the site, men and women pushed each other, and some children could be seen climbing over the desperate crowds to get closer to the humanitarian aid. Israel has slightly loosened its tight restrictions on food and medicine reaching the Gaza Strip in response to an international outcry over starvation in the Palestinian territory, as per CBC News. Aid experts have said that airdrops are vastly less effective than truck convoys. Some of the pallets dropped by air earlier this week have fallen into the sea, and at least one has struck and killed Palestinians on the ground, as per CBC News. Israel blames Hamas for the suffering in Gaza and says it is taking steps for more aid to reach its population, including airdrops, pausing fighting for part of the day in some areas and announcing protected routes for aid convoys. (ANI) Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, while addressing a joint press meeting in the national capital on Tuesday, said that India has become the fifth strategic partner for the Philippines. Marcos said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he have agreed to cooperate further in the defence and security sector. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1952639703611486486 "Today, India becomes only the fifth strategic partner for the Philippines. This new apex attests as much to the remarkably rapid growth, broadening and deepening of our 75-year-old bilateral relationship, the possibilities represented by the strong upward trajectory of our true economies as it does to the growing alignment of our interests and views on the challenges and imperatives of our time," he said. "This was also the auspicious context in which Prime Minister Modi and I engaged in far-reaching, productive and forward-looking discussions this past hour. We agreed to continue levelling up our collaboration in defence and security," he added. Marcos said that the Philippines was satisfied with the defence modernisation alongwith India's Brahmos project. "We express satisfaction over the rapid pace of the Philippines ongoing defense modernization and the expanding capabilities and footprint of India's indigenous defense industry as a partner in this undertaking exemplified by our Brahmos project. We concurred that we should be accompanied with intensified dialogue and exchanges between our defense establishments," he said. The Philippines and India also agreed to establish mechanisms for training among their militaries. "So we have agreed to establish mechanisms for service-to-service talks for information sharing and training exchanges amongst our militaries. We will foster naval and coast guard interoperability via port calls in cooperative activities and capacity building in the maritime domain," the Philippines President said. Marcos further felicitated PM Modi's undertaking to make India a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. "Despite these challenges, I also bear felicitations on India's remarkable transformation and inexurable march to become Viksit Bharat by 2047 under Prime Minister Modi's guiding hand," he said. The Philippines' President said that the visit is a crucial one because on this day, the two leaders formally launched the strategic partnership between the Philippines and India. "I come at a crucial juncture in our bilateral partnership. Today, our relationship enters a new epoch as Prime Minister Modi and I formally launched the strategic partnership between Philippines and India. For the Philippines, this is a momentous decision for we take a very considered path to such elevated partnerships. It is but fitting to begin with words of profound gratitude. Thank you, Excellency, our friend and host, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, for receiving us so graciously and hospitably on this state visit. It is my great pleasure to be in India," he said. Marcos said that the two leaders, in a bid to expand economic partnership, have decided to work towards forging a bilateral trade agreement. "The economic sphere has been a steady engine driving our ties for seven plus decades. True to our strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi and I have charged our economic teams to shepherd our commerce now at USD 3.3 billion in the last year towards a continued upward trajectory and expanded baskets of goods. To this end, we have decided to expedite the work that we are doing to forge a bilateral preferential trade agreement," he said. "We looked at leveraging mutual opportunities to boost two-way investment. Our fast growing innovated private enterprises will play an important role in our common march towards progress and development, facilitating innovation, technology transfer, and upskilling and generating employment for our people," he added. Marcos said that this visit made him the fifth President of the Philippines to visit India, following his father's footstep, who was the first President of the Philippines to visit India. "This sojourn makes me the fifth Philippine president to undertake a visit to this great country and indeed in the footsteps of my very own father who was the first Philippine president to visit India in 1976," he said. The President acknowledged that both nations have always been bridged by civilizational ties. "For over a millennium, civilizational, cultural, and people-to-people ties have bridged our geographic distance. They will continue to be the enduring foundation of our friendship, and we will enact policies to make this is to make sure that this is so," he said. Marcos also condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 civilians were killed. "As emissaries of our people, I bring with me the enduring friendship of the Filipino nation. I carry the message of our solidarity with India both over the tragic attack in Pahalgam earlier this year and in the broader fight against terrorism," he said. The Philippines' President is visiting India from August 4-8. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the deep-rooted connection between India and the Philippines stating that the two nations are "friends by choice and partners by destiny." Addressing the joint press meeting here PM Modi stated, "From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, we are united by shared values. Ours is not just a friendship of the past; it is a promise to the future." Higlighting the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, PM Modi stated that "our diplomatic relations might be new, but the connection between our cultures is very ancient. The Philippines' Ramayana - Maharadia Lawana are living proof of our centuries-old cultural ties." India and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral relationship, with PM Modi highlighting the country's importance in India's Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. "In our Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision, the Philippines is an important partner. We are committed to peace, security, prosperity and rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific Region. We support freedom of navigation as per international laws," he said PM Modi expressed India's support for the Philippines' upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN, saying, "Next year, the Philippines will Chair ASEAN. For its success, we will extend full cooperation." PM Modi made the announcement after holding delegation-level talks with Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. "Dialogues at every level and cooperation in every sector have been the identity of our relations for a long time now," PM Modi said, highlighting the strong foundation of relationship between the two countries. The two leaders discussed cooperation, regional issues, and international situations, leading to a decision to strengthen their partnership. "Today, the President and I held a detailed discussion on cooperation, regional issues and international situations. This is a matter of joy that today we have decided to elevate our relations to a strategic partnership," PM Modi stated. To implement this partnership, an extensive action plan has been formed. "To convey the potential of this partnership into results, an extensive action plan has been formed," PM Modi said. The plan aims to further strengthen bilateral trade, which has already crossed USD 3 billion. "Our bilateral trade is increasing continuously and has crossed the figure of 3 billion dollars," PM Modi noted. "To further strengthen this, it will be our priority to complete the review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement at the earliest. We have also decided to work towards a Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement," he said. Further, India and the Philippines are strengthening their cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and defence. PM Modi announced that the International Rice Research Institute's regional centre in Varanasi is working on ultra-low glycemic index rice, a project that combines taste and health. "The Varanasi-located International Rice Research Institute's regional centre is working on ultra-low glycemic index rice. So, together, we are working on both taste and health," PM Modi said. The two countries are also enhancing their development partnership, with plans to increase the number of Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines. "I am happy to tell you that under the development partnership, we will increase the number of Quick Impact Projects in the Philippines," PM Modi stated. Additionally, India will cooperate with the Philippines in developing sovereign data cloud infrastructure. "In the Philippines, we will also cooperate in the development of sovereign data cloud infrastructure," he added. Both countries are also expanding their cooperation to space, with an agreement signed during President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr's visit. "We have a strong cooperation on land, now we have started preparing for Space too. For this, an Agreement has been signed today," the Prime Minister said. The defence ties between the two nations are also strengthening, with PM Modi highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation. "The ever-strengthening defence ties are the symbol of deepening mutual trust. As maritime nations, maritime cooperation between the two countries is natural and necessary," he stated. To demonstrate this cooperation, three ships of the Indian Navy, including a hydrography ship, are participating in a naval exercise in the Philippines for the first time. "Today, when the President is in India, for the first time, three ships of the Indian Navy are participating in a Naval exercise in the Philippines. India's hydrography ship has also joined them," PM Modi said Both countries also exchange MoUs in the presence of PM Modi and President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. Earlier today, PM Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines. Earlier in the day, President Marcos Jr was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. As part of the welcome, the visiting dignitary was presented with a Guard of Honour. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "A special welcome for a special partner! President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr of the Philippines, on his maiden State Visit to India, was welcomed by a Guard of Honour & ceremonial welcome. Warmly greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan." Rashtrapati Bhavan also posted on X, stating, "President Droupadi Murmu accorded a ceremonial welcome to Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines at Rashtrapati Bhavan." Addressing mediapersons at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Marcos Jr said the world now refers to what was once the Asia Pacific Region as the Indo-Pacific Region. "Indo Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," the visiting Philippines President said while addressing reporters at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the national capital today. Marcos said that this is a reaffirmation of the alliance between Indian and the Philippines. On Monday, he held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as he marked the beginning of his five-day state visit to the country. This is the first visit by the President of the Southeast Asian country to India since he assumed office back in 2022, marking a significant milestone, as his visit aligns with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Ministers from his Cabinet. The Philippines' President is visiting India from August 4-8. (ANI) Thousands of people on Tuesday started to gather at Manik Mia Avenue, a major street in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, that forms the south boundary of the National Parliament House Complex, to celebrate the first uprising day, the one-year anniversary of the overthrow of the previous Sheikh Hasina government, amid high security. The interim government of the South Asian country of 170 million people have organised the mega-event after declaring the day a national holiday. The government has arranged to bring people from all over the country to this event by hiring eight pairs of trains. Garment factories have been closed so that workers can also attend the event. Officials of various banks have also been asked to attend the event. The day-long festival kicked off with a performance by the country's major musical bands and popular cultural artists. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is expected to unveil formally the 'July declaration', an official declaration of the July Mass Uprising of 2024 in Bangladesh, later today. The declaration reportedly outlines 26 political, constitutional and governance issues. He will also address the nation this evening via state radio and television. Various political parties have organised various programs. Jamat-E-Islami, the largest Islamic political party in the country, held a procession with their election symbol, Dari Palla (measurement scale). Jamaat-E-Islami opposed Bangladesh's independence during the liberation against Pakistan in 1971. "It was on this very day, one year ago, that the July Uprising reached its triumph, liberating our beloved nation from the grip of long-standing fascist rule", Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said in a message. "The interim government is committed to restoring the state power to the people through a peaceful, fair, and transparent election, as part of a sustainable political solution", he added. However, Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the interim Bangladesh government of Mohammad Yunus for falling short in implementing its challenging human rights agenda, a year since tens of thousands of people took to the streets to depose Sheikh Hasina's government. "The hope of the thousands who braved lethal violence a year ago when they opposed Sheikh Hasina's abusive rule to build a rights-respecting democracy remains unfulfilled", said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at HRW. "The interim government appears stuck, juggling an unreformed security sector, sometimes violent religious hardliners, and political groups that seem more focused on extracting vengeance on Hasina's supporters than protecting Bangladeshis' rights", she added. Bangladesh is on high alert at the anniversary of the uprising. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, have set up checkpoints on the streets and are 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. Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a Student-led uprising, known as the July uprising or the July revolution, in August last year. She fled to India, and an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate. (ANI) With the GOCare Digital Experience Platform, HTC makes it easy for customers to engage, pay, and stay informed ALPHARETTA, Ga., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GOCare , a leading SaaS provider of digital customer experience solutions for broadband service providers (BSPs), announced today that Highland Telephone Cooperative (HTC), a long-standing telecommunications provider serving communities across Tennessee and Kentucky, has partnered with GOCare to modernize its customer engagement strategy and bring a new level of responsiveness and convenience to subscribers. By implementing GOCare's Digital Experience Platform, HTC is making a decisive investment in the future of customer experience and enabling its service staff with modern tools. "HTC has always been committed to serving our members with excellence," said Jared Carson, COO, of Highland Telephone Cooperative. "Partnering with GOCare allows us to take the next step delivering proactive, intelligent, and user-friendly communication that reflects the modern needs of our community. Whether it's billing, outages, or general inquiries, our customers now have seamless access to information and support." Highland Telephone Cooperative is deploying a range of Digital Experience Platform modules to modernize customer communications across every channel. GOCare Messenger provides automated outbound notifications and automated self-care information via two-way SMS messaging over an HTC-branded number. With GOCare Connect, HTC can now engage subscribers via SMS chat, email, webchat, and social media all in one interface. OutageIQ provides real-time updates during network events, while Pulse gathers valuable feedback through automated NPS or CSAT surveys. GOCare's Payments solution further enhances the experience by enabling simple, secure payment collection via SMS to help reduce outstanding debt or non-payment disconnects. This solution set means HTC can resolve issues faster, reduce call volumes, and keep customers informed. GOCare will integrate HTC's in-house custom billing system and Calix Cloud tools with the GOCare platform. This demonstrates GOCare's proven ability to integrate with broadband provider tech stacks, ensuring all broadband providers, regardless of backend systems, can deliver world-class digital experiences. "HTC is the perfect example of a traditional telco taking a bold step to transform its CX without overhauling its core systems," said Mike Roddy, GOCare co-founder and CEO. "Our platform is designed to be modular and interoperable. HTC's successful integration proves that enhancing CX isn't just for the largest operatorsit's achievable for every provider committed to meeting the expectations of today's broadband subscriber." About GOCare GOCare is a trusted digital experience platform for broadband service providers, driving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Our innovative SaaS solution integrates seamlessly with existing operator technology stacksincluding billing, network operations, IT, and marketing platformsempowering providers to deliver proactive notifications and personalized interactions through two-way SMS, social media, web chat, and email. Founded by telecom veterans, GOCare's "For Operators, By Operators" ethos underscores our deep understanding of the broadband industry's challenges. We are committed to helping operators transform the customer experience, making it easier for subscribers to connect, communicate, and engage at every touchpoint. Serving over 30 broadband operators and powering more than 30 million monthly digital interactions, GOCare reduces call volumes, cuts operational costs, accelerates payments, and boosts customer satisfaction metrics. Learn more at www.gocarecx.com and follow us on LinkedIn . About Highland Telephone Cooperative Highland Telephone Cooperative (HTC) is a member-owned corporation dedicated to delivering advanced telecommunications technology to the people of Morgan and Scott counties in Tennessee and McCreary County in Kentucky. HTC has two wholly owned subsidiaries. Highland Communications (HCC) provides high-speed fiber internet with speeds up to a gigabit per second. Highland Media (HMC) provides television service. Highland Telephone Cooperative has grown to serve more than 19,000 members. Learn more at www.highland.net . SOURCE GOCare The ship was received by a delegation of representatives from humanitarian and charitable organisations, along with Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), and Egyptian officials. The arrival of the Khalifa aid ship underscores the UAE's steadfast commitment to delivering humanitarian and relief aid to the Palestinian people, especially amid the escalating humanitarian challenges in the Gaza Strip. Departing from Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, the ship was loaded with 7,166 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including food, medicines, medical supplies, relief items, dates and shelter materials, for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Comprising 4,372 tonnes of food, 1,433 tonnes of shelter supplies, 860 tonnes of medical materials, and 501 tonnes of health items, the shipment brings the overall aid dispatched to the Gaza Strip to more than 80,000 tonnes. As part of a continuous series of initiatives, the UAE dispatched this ship to deliver urgent aid to the Palestinian people, reaffirming its enduring humanitarian stance in supporting just causes and reducing the impact of crises in the region. (ANI/WAM) The Baloch National Movement (BNM) Netherlands Chapter convened its yearly meeting, during which it shared its annual performance summary. As stated in a post by BNM on X, the report revealed that in the last year, the chapter persisted in its political and diplomatic initiatives on the global stage to increase awareness about the Baloch national struggle, instances of enforced disappearances, state repression, human rights abuses, and Pakistan's colonial rule over Balochistan. Throughout this time, numerous protests, seminars, study sessions, diplomatic discussions, and awareness campaigns were held. The report highlighted that on July 31, a protest was staged in front of the International Court of Justice in The Hague to denounce the violence against participants of the Baloch Raaji Muchi. On August 11, pamphlets were distributed in various cities across the Netherlands to commemorate Balochistan's Independence Day from British rule, while on August 14, a meeting was conducted with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague. A protest was organised on August 30 to honour the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Additionally, a series of study circles took place on September 7, 14, 21, 30, and October 5 and 19, according to the post. From November 3 to 13, a campaign to raise awareness and distribute pamphlets was conducted in Utrecht to honour Baloch Martyrs, culminating in a seminar in The Hague on November 13 to observe Baloch Martyrs' Day. An online series of study circles on "Constitution and Manifesto" was held from November 22 to 27. On December 10, to celebrate International Human Rights Day, a protest demonstration was arranged throughout the month. The report also indicated that on January 15, a delegation from the chapter participated in the First Congress in Geneva, and on February 11, a meeting with Dutch parliamentarians was conducted to present a petition. The chapter delegation was involved in the PTM Jirga on March 22 and partook in a three-day campaign in Geneva starting March 27. A protest demonstration was carried out in Amsterdam on April 4 against the arrest of BYC activists, and an awareness campaign in Utrecht against BYC arrests and the ongoing Baloch genocide was organised on April 19. In May, photo exhibitions and protests were conducted in Utrecht, Arnhem, The Hague, and Zwolle. A rally and protest demonstration against nuclear tests in Balochistan were held outside the Pakistani Embassy in The Hague on May 28. On June 13, EU representatives in Zutphen received a briefing regarding human rights violations in Balochistan, and a photo exhibition, along with a protest, took place in Amsterdam on June 21 to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Enforced Disappearances. A protest was organised on July 23 in response to the enforced disappearance of Ustad Wahid Kambar and other Baloch detainees. "According to the report, over the past year, the chapter organised 10 protest demonstrations, 6 awareness campaigns, 4 major campaigns, 4 photo exhibitions, 6 study circles, 83 online study circles, and two seminars, while members of the Netherlands Chapter also participated in 4 international programs. The BNM Netherlands Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to continuing these efforts in the coming years to further highlight the Baloch cause at the international level", the post stated. (ANI) Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's role in rescuing Filipino nationals after a Houthi rebel attack in 2024, while addressing the joint press meet in Delhi. He emphasised the importance of safe navigation and security for Filipino seafarers. "Safe navigation and security are important especially for Filipino seafarers who are on almost every ship plying these historic and strategic sea lanes. I again thank the Indian people and the brave men and women of the Indian Navy through Prime Minister Modi for your kind rescue of our nationals in 2024 after a Houthi rebel attack," he said. "We recognise India's influence as the first responder role in this critical area, and we want to work with you for a free and open Indo-Pacific. We both have high stakes in the future of our Indo-Pacific region and in the world," he added. President Marcos announced visa-free entry privileges for Indian tourists, while PM Modi reciprocated with a similar scheme for Filipino tourists. The two leaders also welcomed the resumption of direct flights between India and the Philippines from October 2025. "In this respect, I reiterated our introduction of visa-free entry privileges and extended our invitation for more Indian tourists to visit the Philippines. I thank Prime Minister Modi in turn for the introduction of a scheme to grant visa-free of charge to Filipino tourists travelling to India. We welcome the resumption of direct flights from October this year and renewed our commitment to sustaining and expanding such direct air connectivity," he said. The Philippines and India committed to deepening their strategic partnership, focusing on shared concerns such as maritime security, supply chain resilience, food security, and counter-terrorism. "Sea lines of communication crisscross the Indian Ocean. Maritime trade to and from the Far East and the Pacific through the Indian Ocean has and continues to underpin our prosperity and our people's aspirations that they have held for centuries," he said. Marcos said that the Philippines-India strategic partnership will continue to collaborate on shared concerns. "The Philippines-India strategic partnership will doubtless resonate beyond the confines of our bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi and I have committed to bringing our collaboration to bear on shared concerns. A free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, security and rule of law in the maritime commons. supply chain resilience, food security, countering terrorism and other traditional and non-traditional threats relative to the maritime sphere," he said. Both leaders agreed to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, promoting peace, stability, and adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). President Marcos appreciated India's support for ASEAN's unity and centrality, particularly during the Philippines' chairmanship in 2026. PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN. "I thank Prime Minister Modi once again for India's support for the peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international law especially the UNCLOS, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 award in the South China Sea arbitration as incoming chair of ASEAN for 2026 as current coordinator as well for ASEAN India comprehensive strategic partnership. I thank Prime Minister Modi for his government's support for ASEAN in its unity and centrality and our chairmanship in 2026," he said. Marcos said that a new era of closer, multi-dimensional and impactful engagement between the Philippines and India was here. "Let me close by once again thanking Prime Minister Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and the Indian government and people for your great hospitality and the devotion shown to our relationship. Indeed, today we herald a new era of closer, multi-dimensional and impactful engagement between the Philippines and India," he said. The Philippines' President is visiting India from August 4-8. The visit marked a new era of closer engagement between the Philippines and India, with both nations poised to enhance their cooperation in various areas. The agreements and understandings reached during the visit are expected to boost bilateral relations and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI) India has appointed Sandeep Arya, a 1994-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Tuesday. Currently serving as India's Ambassador to Vietnam, Arya is expected to assume his new role shortly, the statement from the MEA stated. "Sandeep Arya (IFS:1994), presently Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bhutan. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly," the statement read. Earlier, Arya assumed charge as the Ambassador of India to Vietnam in October 2022. He was Additional Secretary (Disarmament & International Security Affairs) and Joint Secretary (Europe West/AD) at the MEA between 2019 and 2022. As Ambassador, Arya last served as the Indian High Commissioner to Tanzania and Representative to the East African Community between 2015 and 2019. Between 1994 and 2015, he served in various capacities at the Indian Embassies in the Netherlands, Russia and Ukraine and at various Divisions of the MEA in New Delhi. Sandeep Arya was born in June 1971 at Kashipur in India and holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Technology in Nuclear Engineering, a Master of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration. He enjoys reading about history, international relations, and global developments; listening to music; and practising yoga, and he speaks Hindi, English and Russian. India and Vietnam share traditionally close and warm bilateral relations that are denominated as a comprehensive strategic partnership. India initially maintained Consulate-level relations with the then North Vietnam and South Vietnam, and later established full diplomatic relations with Vietnam on 7 January 1972. India-Vietnam relations were elevated in 2016 to the level of 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Vietnam; earlier, the relations were designated as 'Strategic Partnership'. The development of India-Vietnam relations is currently guided by a "Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People" adopted by Prime Minister Modi and the then Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc. (ANI) The Pashtun National Jirga (PNJ) has denounced what it termed a savage bombing that resulted in the deaths and injuries of several civilians, including many children, in the Laki Marwat district, believed to have been executed via drone or mortar fire. In a statement shared on X, the PNJ indicated that this tragedy exemplifies the violence that Pashtuns have historically protested against. As per the PNJ, the incident highlights the risks associated with the Pakistani army's ongoing policies of militarisation and colonisation in Pashtun areas, cautioning that such occurrences could become a "daily routine" if present practices persist. The group conveyed its profound worry regarding the targeting of innocent citizens and called for an immediate cessation of actions that endanger non-combatants. The PNJ reaffirmed its stance on the fundamental causes of insecurity and terrorism, asserting that they arise from the army's perception of war as a means for income and power, its ongoing backing of so-called "good" militants used as proxy forces, the disintegration of the Pashtun social fabric, and the suppression of individuals advocating for equal rights, justice, development, and accountability. The statement contended that military operations will not solve the problems, as the army sustains the conditions that enable militant networks to thrive. Instead, the PNJ warned that such military actions will lead only to further loss of life and devastation for innocent Pashtuns, as well as a deterioration of the community's social structures that could otherwise inhibit extremist groups. The Holland Chapter of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has issued a strong denunciation of a fatal bombing in Laki Marwat that resulted in the deaths of five children and injuries to over 13 individuals, blaming the Pakistani military for sustaining violence via militarisation, state oppression, and the deployment of proxy militants in Pashtun areas. https://x.com/HollandPtm/status/1951911561779376321 In a statement posted on X, PTM Holland described the incident reportedly caused by the explosion of drone-fired or mortar shells as "a continuation of the Pashtun enemy's state policies of genocide." The group said the killing of children and the wounding of civilians reflected the Pakistani state's long-standing approach of suppressing the Pashtun population through force. "The silence of human rights advocates and various institutions in the face of the state-sponsored killing of Pashtun children is deplorable," the statement read. "We consider this injustice a continuation of the Pashtun enemy's state policies. To strengthen the colonial grip on the mineral resources of the Pashtun homeland and to displace Pashtuns from their homeland once again, even innocent children are martyred, and state-backed proxy terrorists are used to spread fear and terror." PTM Holland conveyed its complete support for the grieving families in Laki Marwat and committed to backing and taking part in any demonstrations organised by the victims' relatives and the local community. The organisation stressed that it would "proactively fulfil its role" in opposing such acts of violence and ensuring accountability for those responsible. (ANI) In a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity between India and the Philippines, direct flights from Delhi to Manila are expected to commence operations from October 1 this year, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Tuesday. During a special press briefing on the occasion of the state visit of the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, to India, the MEA indicated that the two countries are exploring possibilities of expanding air links to additional destinations shortly to provide a strong impetus to tourism, business, and people-to-people contacts between the two countries. "Direct Air India flight connectivity from Delhi to Manila will be operational from the 1st of October to the Philippines, hopefully. Further discussions on destinations and how to expand will be further," the MEA stated. Earlier today, during the joint press statement, President Marcos announced visa-free entry privileges for Indian tourists, while PM Modi reciprocated with a similar scheme for Filipino tourists. "I reiterated our introduction of visa-free entry privileges and extended our invitation for more Indian tourists to visit the Philippines. I thank Prime Minister Modi in turn for the introduction of a scheme to grant visas free of charge to Filipino tourists travelling to India. We welcome the resumption of direct flights from October this year and have renewed our commitment to sustaining and expanding such direct air connectivity," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision, noting that India has also agreed to offer free e-visas to tourists from the Philippines. "We welcome the Philippines' decision to allow visa-free entry to Indian tourists. India has also decided to allow free e-visas for the Philippines' tourists. This year, work will be done regarding direct flights between India and Manila," PM Modi stated. The Philippines' President is on a five-day visit to India from August 4 to August 8. The visit marked a new era of closer engagement between the Philippines and India, with both nations poised to enhance their cooperation in various areas. President Marcos will also be meeting with President Droupadi Murmu later in the day. (ANI) The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) welcomes the recent proposal of three significant bipartisan bills in the United States Senate aimed at addressing the increasing human rights violations by the Chinese government and its expanding global reach. As stated in the release from WUC, these bills, introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), represent a rare and essential agreement in Congress regarding the pressing need for a firmer U.S. response to China's domestic and international repression. ''We wholeheartedly welcome these three bills, as it is yet another commitment to protect Uyghurs' rights and a strong message to Beijing,'' said WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun. ''The international community must not tolerate the Chinese government's global campaign to silence and endanger Uyghurs. WUC thanks all the Senators who pushed for these bills," as quoted in the release. The Preventing the Forced Return of Uyghurs Act of 2025, co-sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley and John Cornyn, aims to prohibit entry into the United States for current or former Chinese officials involved in the forced repatriation of Uyghurs and other individuals. Being forcibly returned to China frequently results in arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, or even worse outcomes for these individuals. The bill also requires that these individuals be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for possible sanctions, which may include freezing assets and blocking financial transactions. "For years, our Refugee Centre has documented heartbreaking cases of Uyghur asylum seekers being detained, deported, or left in limbo under threat of forced return to China. This bill is a crucial lifeline; it not only protects the vulnerable but also signals to governments around the world that complicity in refoulement will carry consequences. We urge all democratic nations to follow suit," said Adiljan Abdukerim, Director of the World Uyghur Congress Refugee Centre, as stated by the WUC release. The Transnational Repression Policy Act of 2025, co-sponsored by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), seeks to address the harassment of dissidents by foreign governments, with China singled out as a major perpetrator. The proposed legislation outlines a U.S. approach to identify and counteract acts of transnational repression, which includes establishing an interagency task force, requiring public disclosures, enforcing targeted sanctions and visa restrictions, and enhancing protections for diaspora communities. In a separate initiative, Senator John Curtis (R-UT) has introduced a bill aimed at bolstering diplomatic support for Taiwan, promoting the strengthening of relationships between countries in Latin America and the Caribbean with Taipei, and enhancing US-Taiwan collaboration in response to increased pressures from Beijing. These bills have been introduced against the backdrop of a concerning increase in transnational repression directed at Uyghur populations abroad, which encompasses surveillance, intimidation, and threats, as well as an increase in cases of Uyghur refugees being arrested or deported from third countries due to Chinese influence. Such actions not only violate fundamental human rights but also contravene the non-refoulement principle under international law, according to the release. The World Uyghur Congress is urging the US Congress to promptly pass these bills and is also calling on other democratic nations to implement similar actions to prevent and deter the Chinese government's cross-border suppression. (ANI) The Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in collaboration with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia and the Embassy of India in Jakarta, kicks off the second edition of the 'Jakarta Futures Forum' (JFF) on Tuesday in the capital city of Indonesia. According to a release, building on the success of its inaugural event held in May, this forum is aimed at deepening the India-Indonesia strategic partnership and addressing pressing global challenges. The second edition of JFF will be focusing on the issues of "Securing Seas, Strengthening Cooperation." The two-day dialogue, from August 5 to August 6, supported by Corteva Agriscience and the Gates Foundation, will bring together over 150 participants from approximately 50 countries, including government officials, former heads of state, and leading experts. The forum will kick off with an inaugural plenary session titled "The Blue Symphony: Knitting a New Era of Partnerships", featuring welcome remarks from Samir Saran, President of ORF, India, and Yose Rizal Damuri, Executive Director of CSIS, Indonesia, followed by opening remarks from Sandeep Chakravorty, India's Ambassador to Indonesia, the release stated. A highlight of JFF 2025 will be a virtual address by Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, alongside a distinguished lineup of speakers. Notable participants include Mehdi Jomaa, Former Prime Minister of Tunisia; Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council and Vice Rector of HSE University; Philips J Vermonte, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs at the Presidential Communication Office, Indonesia; Sinderpal Singh, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Singapore; Robert Kaan, Marketing and Commercial Effectiveness Director (Asia Pacific) at Corteva Agriscience; and Ashok Malik, Partner and Chair of the India Practice at The Asia Group, India. As per the release, the forum will revolve around five thematic pillars, which include SDGs and beyond: food and health for all; Maritime Security and Defence cooperation; Trade, Infrastructure and Connectivity; Digital Connectivity and Emerging Tech Innovation; and Climate Change and Energy Transition. These discussions will be complemented by closed-door roundtables and studio sessions, delving into sector-specific and emerging areas of interest. Additionally, the event will also feature the launch of two key publications, The Jakarta Edit 2025 and The Jakarta Review 2025, offering fresh insights and forward-looking analyses from regional and international contributors. Held against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global landscape, JFF 2025 seeks to foster deeper collaboration among policymakers, business leaders, and academics. (ANI) Italian authorities have apprehended 13 individuals in a nationwide operation targeting Chinese organised crime syndicates, delivering what officials referred to as a "double blow" to criminal organisations involved in drug trafficking, labour and sex exploitation, and money laundering, as reported by The Epoch Times. Extensive coordinated actions took place across 25 provinces, including Milan, Rome, Florence, Prato, and Catania, focusing on Chinese clans that employ mafia-like intimidation and territorial dominance, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry and comments made by anti-organised crime police representative Andrea Olivadese. "In one aspect, the State Police executed a 'high-impact' operation across 24 Italian provinces aimed at rooting out Chinese criminal factions indulging in illegal trafficking, the exploitation of sex and labour, product counterfeiting, drug distribution, and international money laundering," stated the Interior Ministry. Authorities inspected hundreds of business establishments and vehicles, identifying over 1,900 potential suspects. In addition to the arrests, police confiscated 550 grams, roughly enough for 5,500 doses of crystal methamphetamine locally referred to as "shabu," along with firearms and cash, according to Olivadese. Furthermore, 31 individuals were reported to judicial authorities without being detained, as highlighted by The Epoch Times. Another initiative, spearheaded by the Guardia di Finanza, dismantled a tax-fraud scheme valued at USD 3.9 billion, seizing USD 858 million, shutting down 266 shell companies, and freezing 400 bank accounts across the regions of Marche, Lombardy, and Piedmont, as mentioned by the Interior Ministry. "These coordinated efforts demonstrate that Chinese mafia operations extend beyond local concerns, representing a transnational criminal reality capable of moving billions and infiltrating the economic landscape," stated Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in the ministry's announcement, as quoted by The Epoch Times. This crackdown occurs amid increased scrutiny of Chinese influence in Italy, along with investigations into "overseas police stations" managed by Chinese authorities. The human rights organisation Safeguard Defenders reported in 2022 that Italy is home to the most clandestine centres, totalling 11 in cities including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Sicily, and Prato. Italian officials have denied permitting these centres and committed to enhancing oversight. Piantedosi indicated in December 2022 that sanctions would be imposed if any illegality was discovered. Previously, Italy engaged in joint patrols with Chinese law enforcement, but those activities were halted in 2022 due to concerns regarding Beijing's human rights practices and the potential abuse of such facilities to monitor dissidents opposed to the Chinese regime, as noted in The Epoch Times. The Anti-Mafia Commission of the Italian Parliament has also broadened its scope to probe into Chinese organised crime and its alleged connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Experts, including former Director of the NATO Defence College Foundation Giuseppe Morabito, have cautioned that Chinese gangs in Europe frequently operate in conjunction with state-interlinked agents, creating a blurred distinction between organised crime and foreign influence. T he Italian operations are a result of years of inquiries into hidden Chinese banking systems alleged to channel billions of euros from counterfeit operations, prostitution, and tax evasion back to China, as emphasised by The Epoch Times report. International reports have also underscored the extensive reach of Chinese organised crime beyond Europe. A collaborative investigation by ProPublica and The Frontier in 2024 revealed connections between Chinese diplomats and organised crime figures in the United States, while other analyses have tracked the involvement of Chinese triads in supplying Mexican cartels with precursor chemicals for fentanyl, as referenced in The Epoch Times report. (ANI) The Bangladesh interim government on Tuesday formally unveiled the "July declaration", an official declaration of the July Mass Uprising of 2024 in Bangladesh. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has announced the declaration, which outlines 26 points of political, constitutional and governance issues in line with the spirit of the student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government held discussions with political parties that participated in the movement against Sheikh Hasina before finalising the "July Declaration". Top leaders of the parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders, were present when this declaration, which was adopted with the consent of the political parties, was announced at the South Plaza of the Bangladesh Parliament Complex during the uprising anniversary ceremony. The July declaration criticised the constitution adopted in 1972 after the independence war against Pakistan in 1971 and pledged to reform it. "Whereas, the post-independence Awami League government failed to materialise the people's aspirations because of the weaknesses in the procedures of drafting and in the structure of the constitution, along with its inappropriate application," the July Declaration said. "Whereas, during the rule of Sheikh Hasina, under her very leadership, an extreme force that was anti-people, autocratic and against human rights turned Bangladesh into a fascist, mafia and failed state and thereby tarnished Bangladesh's international image," it added. "Therefore, the people of Bangladesh express their desire that the student-people uprising of 2024 will get proper state and constitutional recognition and that the July Declaration will feature in the schedule of the reformed constitution as framed by the government formed through the next national election," the July Declaration said. Thousands of people on Tuesday started to gather at Manik Mia Avenue, a major street in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, that forms the south boundary of the National Parliament House Complex, to celebrate the first uprising day, the one-year anniversary of the overthrow of the previous Sheikh Hasina government, amid high security. The interim government of the South Asian country of 170 million people has organised the mega-event after declaring the day as a national holiday. Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the interim Bangladesh government of Mohammad Yunus for falling short in implementing its challenging human rights agenda, a year since tens of thousands of people took to the streets to depose Sheikh Hasina's government. "The hope of the thousands who braved lethal violence a year ago when they opposed Sheikh Hasina's abusive rule to build a rights-respecting democracy remains unfulfilled," said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at HRW. "The interim government appears stuck, juggling an unreformed security sector, sometimes violent religious hardliners, and political groups that seem more focused on extracting vengeance on Hasina's supporters than protecting Bangladeshis' rights," she added. Bangladesh is on high alert at the anniversary of the uprising. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, have set up checkpoints on the streets and are 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. Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a Student-led uprising, known as the July uprising or July revolution, in August last year. She fled to India, and an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate. (ANI) SEATTLE and HAWTHORNE, Calif., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Interlune , a natural resources company, and Astrolab , a multi-planetary mobility and logistics company, today announced that an Interlune payload will fly on Astrolab's FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover on its upcoming mission to the Moon. The Interlune payload is a multispectral camera built, tested, and developed in partnership with NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley, whose images will be used to estimate helium-3 quantities and concentration in Moon dirt, or regolith. A rendering of Astrolab's FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover on the Moon after egress from Astrobotic's Griffin lander. FLIP will test technologies for future lunar mobility systems and deliver science payloads to the Lunar South Pole. (Image courtesy of Astrolab) Interlune aims to be the first company to commercialize natural resources from space, starting with harvesting helium-3 from the Moon. "This is our first lunar mission and a seminal milestone toward being the first company to harvest natural resources from space," said Interlune cofounder and CEO, Rob Meyerson. "Astrolab's ability to provide reliable mobility on the Moon to partners like Interlune is the quintessential example of the collaboration and innovation building the lunar economy." "This is exactly the kind of mission we built Astrolab fordelivering breakthrough science to the lunar surface," said Jaret Matthews, founder and CEO, Astrolab. "We're thrilled to be carrying Interlune's multispectral camera to the Moon, and proud to help make this kind of exploration possible." Founded in 2020, Astrolab is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies, focusing on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity's presence in the solar system. Current knowledge about the quantity and concentration of helium-3 on the Moon is based on data from regolith samples returned to Earth for analysis, such as those collected during the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s. A large sample was collected by Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, the Interlune cofounder and executive chairman, the only geologist to have ever visited the Moon. In addition to helium-3 (an isotope), data from the samples includes measurements of the quantity of ilmenite, a mineral rich in titanium. The analysis revealed a close correlation between the amount of helium-3 and the amount of titanium in each sample. The ilmenite traps the helium atoms. It was also correlated with the maturity of the regolith, or the length of time it had been on the surface and exposed to the solar wind, which contains helium-3. Data collected with the multispectral camera will add to this knowledge and refine Interune's helium-3 estimates by producing images that will be used to detect titanium and regolith maturity. With these two measurements, Interlune can predict the amount of helium-3 present without bringing the regolith back to Earth for analysis. Helium-3, an isotope of helium, is extremely scarce on Earth but abundant on the Moon. The government and industry have been seeking a new and scalable source of helium-3 since the U.S. government identified a severe shortage around 2010. Applications of the isotope include sensors for national security, cooling systems essential for quantum computing, medical imaging, and as a fuel for fusion energy. Interlune plans to demonstrate its harvesting technology on the Moon in several demonstration missions before returning industrial quantities of lunar helium-3 to Earth for commercial and government customers in the 2030s. Interlune will ultimately harvest other resources such as industrial metals, rare Earth elements, and water to support a long-term presence on the Moon and a robust in-space economy. The company has raised $18 million to date and has garnered support from NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as several commercial customers. On May 7, the company announced its first commercial and government customers purchasing helium-3, as well as a partnership with industrial equipment manufacturer Vermeer Corporation to develop novel excavation equipment and technology. About Interlune Interlune is a privately funded natural resources company committed to sustainable and responsible harvesting of natural resources from space to benefit humanity. Based in Seattle, Interlune was founded in 2020 by a team of highly experienced government and industry experts. Aiming to be the first U.S. company to commercialize resources from space, Interlune has developed patent-pending technology that harvests materials from the lunar soil, or regolith, using the smallest, most energy-efficient machinery of its kind. Ultimately, Interlune will offer these valuable resources to commercial and government customers on Earth and establish an in-space economy using the resources on the Moon and beyond. Follow Interlune on LinkedIn , X , and Instagram . About Astrolab Astrolab is on a mission to move humanity forward to the next horizon by designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose rovers for all planetary surface needs. Formed by a highly specialized team of NASA veterans, former SpaceXers and JPL engineers, Astrolab is laser-focused on providing adaptive mobility solutions essential for life beyond Earth. The team has industry leading experience in terrestrial and planetary robotics, electric vehicles, human spaceflight and more. Astrolab's depth of experience and strategic partnerships with a wide array of world-class institutions, including electric vehicle pioneer Venturi Group, enables the delivery of Lunar and Mars mobility offerings at maximum reliability, flexibility, and cost effectiveness. The company is headquartered in Hawthorne, California. For more information, visit astrolab.space and follow us on X , LinkedIn , YouTube and Instagram . SOURCE Interlune Individuals associated with China conducted two cyber espionage initiatives aimed at the Tibetan community in the weeks approaching His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, as revealed by recent research from the U.S.-based security firm Zscaler ThreatLabz and the Tibetan Computer Emergency Readiness Team (TibCERT), according to a report by Phayul. The campaigns, named Operation GhostChat and Operation PhantomPrayers, employed counterfeit Tibet-related applications and websites to covertly install spyware on the devices of victims, facilitating the theft of confidential information, enabling remote monitoring, and allowing control over devices. Researchers have indicated that these campaigns utilised various subdomains under niccenter[.]net to imitate trusted websites. Victims were enticed into downloading harmful software themed around Tibetan cultural activities, which triggered multi-stage infection processes that deployed Gh0st RAT or PhantomNet (SManager), spyware tools frequently associated with groups backed by the Chinese state. In Operation GhostChat, attackers infiltrated a legitimate Tibetan charity's website, substituting a link about the Dalai Lama's upcoming birthday with one that directed users to a deceptive lookalike site. This fraudulent site presented a so-called "Tibetan version" of a secure messaging application, which disguised the installation of Gh0st RAT. This malware was capable of logging keystrokes, taking screenshots, activating webcams, recording audio, and extracting files, as reported by Phayul. Operation Phantom Prayers featured a counterfeit "Global Birthday Check-in" application that displayed an interactive map for sending good wishes to the Dalai Lama. Despite its innocent appearance, the app secretly deployed PhantomNet spyware, permitting attackers to download further malicious tools and steal sensitive data. Security analysts describe this as the most recent occurrence in a series of "watering hole" attacks, which strategically compromise websites frequented by a specific target community, executed against the Tibetan diaspora. Similar tactics have previously been employed by Chinese-affiliated groups such as EvilBamboo, Evasive Panda, and TAG-112, according to the Phayul report. "Considering the victimology and malware utilised in both operations, ThreatLabz attributes Operation GhostChat and Operation PhantomPrayers to cyber espionage teams supported by the Chinese state," the report affirmed, as referenced by the Phayul report. Cybersecurity professionals caution that such initiatives are likely to persist, especially around significant Tibetan cultural or political occasions, when online activity is at its highest. (ANI) Washington DC [US], August 5 (ANI) Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has taken a dig at US President Donald Trump for his announcements about substantially hiking tariffs over oil imports from Russia, saying he had given "China a pass" and cautioned him against burning "a relationship with a strong ally like India". Haley said in a post on X that China is an adversary of the United States and "number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil," has been given a 90-day tariff pause by the Trump Administration. "India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause. Don't give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India," she said. Trump on Tuesday said he would increase the tariff charged on imports from India from the current rate of 25% "very substantially" over the next 24 hours due to New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil, according to Reuters. "They're fueling the war machine, and if they're going to do that, then I'm not going to be happy," Trump told CNBC in an interview, Reuters reported. According to the report, he added that the main sticking point with India was that its tariffs were too high but did not provide a new tariff rate. Trump had said on Monday that the United States will "substantially raise" the tariff paid by India for buying "massive amounts of Russian Oil", stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market "for big profits". Trump's announcement, made on his social media platform Truth Social, came days after he announced a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on India and an unspecified penalty for importing oil from Russia. "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" the US President said in the post. The United States and China agreed to a 90-day tariff pause in May during which US tariffs have been reduced from 145 per cent to 30 per cent, and Chinese duties from 125 per cent to 10 per cent, according to an Al Zajeera report. Soon after the US President's remarks on Monday, India said that "the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable". A statement by the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said that the government will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. The spokesperson said that India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. "In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability. India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the statement noted. MEA spokesperson said that the European Union in 2024 had a bilateral trade of Euro 67.5 billion in goods with Russia. In addition, it had trade in services estimated at Euro 17.2 billion in 2023. "This is significantly more than India's total trade with Russia that year or subsequently. European imports of LNG in 2024, in fact, reached a record 16.5mn tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21mn tonnes in 2022." The spokesperson said that Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilizers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment. "Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilizers as well as chemicals. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the statement said. India has, earlier too, defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. The government had clarified that India's energy purchases are guided by market dynamics and national interests. "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," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week, answering queries on Trump's announcement of a penalty for purchasing Russian oil. Answering another query, Jaiswal said India's relations with any country are based on their own merit and shouldn't be viewed through the lens of third countries. "Our ties with any country stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership," he added.Answering a query on Friday, Trump indicated that if India stops buying Russian, it will be a good step. Trump announced the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and a penalty for importing Russian oil in the last week of July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. There are apprehensions that global crude prices could jump to USD 200 a barrel if India were to stop buying Russian oil, which will severely harm consumers. (ANI) Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday declared that the next general election will be held in February 2026. He announced the election timeframe during his address to the nation via state television, BTV and radio to mark the first anniversary of the uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "On behalf of the interim government, I will write to the Chief Election Commissioner, requesting that the Election Commission organise a national election in February 2026, before the next Ramadan," Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said. "We will all begin mental preparation and institutional arrangements from tomorrow to complete all arrangements so that this year's election is memorable in the country's history in terms of joy and celebration, peace and order, voter turnout, and cordiality," he added. "My appeal to political parties is that in your election manifestos, in your promises, pledges, and plans, the youth should not be left out. Women should not be left out. Remember, the youth who have changed Bangladesh have the power to change the world as well," Yunus said. Earlier today, the Bangladesh interim government unveiled formally the "July declaration", an official declaration of the July Mass Uprising of 2024 in Bangladesh. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has announced the declaration, which outlines 26 points of political, constitutional and governance issues in line with the spirit of the student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government held discussions with political parties that participated in the movement against Sheikh Hasina before finalising the "July Declaration". Top leaders of the parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders, were present when this declaration, which was adopted with the consent of the political parties, was announced at the South Plaza of the Bangladesh Parliament Complex during the uprising anniversary ceremony. The July declaration criticised the constitution adopted in 1972 after the independence war against Pakistan in 1971 and pledged to reform it. "Whereas, the post-independence Awami League government failed to materialise the people's aspirations because of the weaknesses in the procedures of drafting and in the structure of the constitution, along with its inappropriate application," the July Declaration said. "Whereas, during the rule of Sheikh Hasina, under her very leadership, an extreme force that was anti-people, autocratic and against human rights turned Bangladesh into a fascist, mafia and failed state and thereby tarnished Bangladesh's international image," it added. "Therefore, the people of Bangladesh express their desire that the student-people uprising of 2024 will get proper state and constitutional recognition and that the July Declaration will feature in the schedule of the reformed constitution as framed by the government formed through the next national election," the July Declaration said. Thousands of people gathered at Manik Mia Avenue, a major street in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, on Tuesday, forming the south boundary of the National Parliament House Complex, to celebrate the first uprising day and the one-year anniversary of the overthrow of the previous Sheikh Hasina government, amid high security. The interim government of the South Asian country of 170 million people has organised the mega-event after declaring the day a national holiday. Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the interim Bangladesh government of Mohammad Yunus for falling short in implementing its challenging human rights agenda, a year since tens of thousands of people took to the streets to depose Sheikh Hasina's government. "The hope of the thousands who braved lethal violence a year ago when they opposed Sheikh Hasina's abusive rule to build a rights-respecting democracy remains unfulfilled," said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at HRW. "The interim government appears stuck, juggling an unreformed security sector, sometimes violent religious hardliners, and political groups that seem more focused on extracting vengeance on Hasina's supporters than protecting Bangladeshis' rights," she added. Bangladesh is on high alert at the anniversary of the uprising. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, have set up checkpoints on the streets and are 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. Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a Student-led uprising, known as the July uprising or July revolution, in August last year. She fled to India, and an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate. (ANI) Russia on Tuesday emphasised that sovereign nations have the right to choose their trade partners and determine the terms of economic cooperation based on their interests, TASS reported This statement comes in response to US President Donald Trump's threat to significantly increase tariffs on India due to its importation of Russian oil. Peskov's comments highlight the importance of national sovereignty in making economic decisions. Commenting on the US' threats regarding India, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, "We believe that sovereign countries must have and do have the right to choose their trade partners, the partners in trade and economic cooperation, on their own and independently determine those modes of trade and economic cooperation that suit the interests of a country in question." US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would increase the tariff charged on imports from India from the current rate of 25% "very substantially" over the next 24 hours due to New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil, Reuters reported. "They're fueling the war machine, and if they're going to do that, then I'm not going to be happy," Trump told CNBC in an interview, according to Reuters. According to the report, he added that the main sticking point with India was that its tariffs were too high, but did not provide a new tariff rate. Trump had said on Monday that the United States will "substantially raise" the tariff paid by India for buying "massive amounts of Russian Oil", stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market "for big profits". Trump's announcement, made on his social media platform Truth Social, came days after he announced a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on India and an unspecified penalty for importing oil from Russia. "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" the US President said in the post. Soon, after the US President's remark, India said that "the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable". A statement by the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said that the government will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. The spokesperson said that India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict. "In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports from India for strengthening global energy markets. India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by the global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion," the statement noted. MEA spokesperson said that the European Union in 2024 had a bilateral trade of Euro 67.5 billion in goods with Russia. In addition, it had trade in services estimated at Euro 17.2 billion in 2023. "This is significantly more than India's total trade with Russia that year or subsequently. European imports of LNG in 2024, in fact, reached a record 16.5mn tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21mn tonnes in 2022." The spokesperson said that Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment. "Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers, as well as chemicals. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," the statement said. India has, earlier too, defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. The government had clarified that India's energy purchases are guided by market dynamics and national interests."You are aware of our broad approach to energy sourcing requirements, which we look at what is available in the market and the prevailing global situation. We are not aware of any specifics," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week, answering queries on Trump's announcement of a penalty for purchasing Russian oil. Answering another query, Jaiswal said India's relations with any country are based on their own merit and shouldn't be viewed through the lens of third countries. "Our ties with any country stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership," he added. Answering a query on Friday, Trump indicated that if India stops buying Russian, it will be a good step. Trump announced the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and a penalty for importing Russian oil in the last week of July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. There are apprehensions that global crude prices could jump to USD 200 a barrel if India were to stop buying Russian oil, which will severely harm consumers. (ANI) India on Tuesday reiterated its steadfast position on the South China Sea, asserting its support for freedom of navigation, overflight, and legitimate commerce through the region, which it views as part of the "global commons", noting that the stance is rooted in international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). During a special press briefing on the occasion of the state visit of the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India has a long-standing interest in peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring that any disputes in the region should be resolved peacefully, without the threat or use of force, and through legal and diplomatic means. MEA Secretary (East), Periasamy Kumaran, highlighted that discussions on the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea should be effective, substantive, and inclusive of the interests of all stakeholders, including those not party to the negotiations. "Our position on the South China Sea is clear and consistent. We consider the South China Sea as a part of global commons and we support freedom of navigational overflight in the region and legitimate commerce through the waters of the South China Sea. India has an abiding interest in peace and stability in the region, and our position is based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982," Kumaran stated. "India also believes that any difference between the parties concerned should be resolved peacefully by respecting the legal and diplomatic processes and without resorting to the threat or use of force. We have also said that the discussions on the code of conduct that come out of these discussions should be effective and substantive and it should also take into account the interests of the parties which are not part of the COC negotiations. The PM himself had said in his joint statement that 'We support the freedom of navigation based on international law'; that broadly sums up our policy there," he added. This remark came following a statement by Spokesperson of China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command calling out the Philippines for organising "joint patrols" with "external countries", noting that these exercises undermine regional peace and stability. "The Philippines has been rallying an external country to interfere in the South China Sea by organising so-called "joint patrols", which undermine regional peace and stability. PLA Southern Theatre Command's forces remain on high alert, resolutely defending national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the Spokesperson said. The statement was a veiled reference to India recent joint naval exercise with the Philippines, where three Indian Naval Ships, INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan of the Eastern Fleet, took part for operational deployment in Southeast Asia. The exercise was led by Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral Susheel Menon. India and the Philippines, in a Joint Declaration on the "Establishment of a Strategic Partnership", following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippines President Marcos meeting, have also reaffirmed their position on the matter, underscoring their commitment to upholding international law, unimpeded lawful commerce and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Both nations also expressed concern over coercive and aggressive actions that threaten peace and stability in the South China Sea and called on all relevant parties to exercise restraint and commit to peaceful, constructive means of dispute resolution. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, while also supporting the enhancement of engagement under the ASEAN framework, the joint statement stated. Both countries also recognised the crucial role of the seas and oceans in supporting their development goals and shared challenges on maritime security as coastal and maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific. They exchanged views on regional maritime challenges, committed to sharing best practices, and pledged to enhance cooperation between maritime agencies and institutions for the peaceful and sustainable use of marine resources, including collaboration on maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding, coastal surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, pollution control, and search and rescue operations, as stated in the statement. The two nations expressed interest in greater participation in multilateral maritime exercises, including the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, India's Exercise MILAN, and the Philippines' Maritime Cooperative Activities and furthermore agreed to enhance security cooperation through regular dialogue and engagement on peacekeeping operations, cyber security, military medicine, critical technologies, and economic security matters. India and the Philippines also agreed to deepen cooperation under the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, aiming to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. They reiterated their shared commitment to working together on issues concerning the Global South, including through continued cooperation in the Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS). (ANI) India and the Philippines have agreed to expand their growing defence partnership with a strong emphasis on defence industry collaboration, maritime security, and strategic cooperation across emerging domains such as space, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Tuesday. During a special press briefing on the occasion of the state visit of the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, to India, the MEA Secretary (East), Periasamy Kumaran, stated that President Marcos had acknowledged India's cooperation in defence, particularly in the export of Indian defence platforms like the BrahMos missile system, and expressed interest in further strengthening cooperation in defence manufacturing. Discussions on joint military training through enhancing interoperability between the armed forces of both nations also took place, with potential for deeper engagement in joint defence production and technology sharing, as well as the broader export of Indian defence equipment to the Philippines. "President Marcos thanked the Prime Minister for cooperation in the area of the defence industry and the export of Indian platforms to India, including the Brahmos. He also called for greater cooperation in the area of the defence industry," Kumaran stated. "In addition, as part of our broader defence cooperation, we were talking about capacity building, joint exercises or joint cooperative maritime activities and the exchange of training programmes between our officials and all the standard elements that we talk about when it comes to defence cooperation... We talk about more opportunities for India to export our defence platforms... The Philippines certainly showed interest in working with us to explore opportunities for more defence platforms... We are also talking about enhanced cooperation between our coast guards aimed at sharing best practices and enhancing maritime domain awareness on both sides," he added. The MEA also highlighted that both sides recognise the Philippines' unique archipelagic defence needs and, in this context, Indian defence platforms, particularly those suited for coastal and maritime operations, are seen as a good fit for Manila's evolving defence doctrine. In the area of space cooperation, India showcased the cost-effectiveness and technological capabilities of its space programme, which the Philippines expressed strong interest in utilising to address national priorities, as well as called for India's assistance in launching its satellites and developing indigenous space capabilities. "The Philippines is a country of about 7,600 islands. Their defence concept is about archipelagic defence. Their defence doctrine and all the platforms that are of interest to them as part of this archipelagic defence concept would be of interest to them," the MEA Secretary East stated. "Space is another area. We did highlight our capabilities in space and the cost-effectiveness of our space programme... They wanted to try and use some of our space technology and space capabilities to effect social transformation in terms of helping predict weather events, helping with agriculture, and helping with disaster relief. Those are areas which are of interest naturally. We'll be talking in terms of helping with launching Philippine satellites and helping them develop satellites. All of these are on the table," he added. India and the Philippines, in a Joint Declaration on the "Establishment of a Strategic Partnership", following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippines President Marcos' meeting, also underlined the importance of maritime security, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the sustainable and peaceful use of ocean resources. Both sides emphasised the importance of shipbuilding cooperation, joint hydrographic surveys, coastal surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and search and rescue operations. They also agreed to increase participation in multilateral maritime exercises such as the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, India's Exercise MILAN, and the Philippines' Maritime Cooperative Activities, the joint statement stated. The two countries agreed to collaborate in the co-development and co-production of defence equipment to achieve self-reliance in defence production. Cybersecurity was another key area of discussion, with both countries agreeing to deepen cooperation in the digital and cyber domains, including policy dialogue, cybersecurity capacity building, digital public infrastructure, and the protection of critical information infrastructure, as per the statement. On the broader security front, the joint statement reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement through institutional mechanisms like the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) and the Joint Defence Industry and Logistics Committee (JDILC). India and the Philippines also pledged to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, with the joint working group on counter-terrorism continuing to focus on issues such as terror financing, organised crime, trafficking, and the misuse of emerging technologies. (ANI) India on Tuesday reiterated its steadfast position on the South China Sea, asserting its support for freedom of navigation, overflight, and legitimate commerce through the region, which it views as part of the "global commons", noting that the stance is rooted in international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). During a special press briefing on the occasion of the state visit of the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India has a long-standing interest in peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring that any disputes in the region should be resolved peacefully, without the threat or use of force, and through legal and diplomatic means. MEA Secretary (East), Periasamy Kumaran, highlighted that discussions on the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea should be effective, substantive, and inclusive of the interests of all stakeholders, including those not party to the negotiations. "Our position on the South China Sea is clear and consistent. We consider the South China Sea as a part of the global commons, and we support freedom of navigation, overflight in the region and legitimate commerce through the waters of the South China Sea. India has an abiding interest in peace and stability in the region, and our position is based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982," Kumaran stated. "India also believes that any difference between the parties concerned should be resolved peacefully by respecting the legal and diplomatic processes and without resorting to the threat or use of force. We have also said that the discussions on the code of conduct that come out of these discussions should be effective and substantive and it should also take into account the interests of the parties which are not part of the COC negotiations. The PM himself had said in his joint statement that 'We support the freedom of navigation based on international law'; that broadly sums up our policy there," he added. This remark came following a statement by Spokesperson of China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command calling out the Philippines for organising "joint patrols" with "external countries", noting that these exercises undermine regional peace and stability. "The Philippines has been rallying an external country to interfere in the South China Sea by organising so-called "joint patrols", which undermine regional peace and stability. PLA Southern Theatre Command's forces remain on high alert, resolutely defending national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the Spokesperson said. The statement was a veiled reference to India recent joint naval exercise with the Philippines, where three Indian Naval Ships, INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan of the Eastern Fleet, took part for operational deployment in Southeast Asia. The exercise was led by Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral Susheel Menon. India and the Philippines, in a Joint Declaration on the "Establishment of a Strategic Partnership", following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippines President Marcos meeting, have also reaffirmed their position on the matter, underscoring their commitment to upholding international law, unimpeded lawful commerce and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Both nations also expressed concern over coercive and aggressive actions that threaten peace and stability in the South China Sea and called on all relevant parties to exercise restraint and commit to peaceful, constructive means of dispute resolution. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, while also supporting the enhancement of engagement under the ASEAN framework, the joint statement stated. Both countries also recognised the crucial role of the seas and oceans in supporting their development goals and shared challenges on maritime security as coastal and maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific. They exchanged views on regional maritime challenges, committed to sharing best practices, and pledged to enhance cooperation between maritime agencies and institutions for the peaceful and sustainable use of marine resources, including collaboration on maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding, coastal surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, pollution control, and search and rescue operations, as stated in the statement. The two nations expressed interest in greater participation in multilateral maritime exercises, including the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, India's Exercise MILAN, and the Philippines' Maritime Cooperative Activities and furthermore agreed to enhance security cooperation through regular dialogue and engagement on peacekeeping operations, cyber security, military medicine, critical technologies, and economic security matters. India and the Philippines also agreed to deepen cooperation under the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, aiming to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. They reiterated their shared commitment to working together on issues concerning the Global South, including through continued cooperation in the Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS). (ANI) The Philippines has extended support to India's request to accelerate the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), with India expressing hope that the process will be concluded before the end of this year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. "Philippines also supported our request to expedite the AITIGA trade review, which we hope will conclude before the end of the year," MEA Secretary (East), Periasamy Kumaran, stated during a special press briefing on the occasion of the state visit of the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, to India. Kumaran stated that both leaders welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade, which currently stands at approximately USD 3.3 billion, expressing satisfaction over the signing of the Terms of Reference to launch negotiations for an India-Philippines Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), aimed at further boosting trade in goods and investment flows. India also acknowledged the increasing presence of Indian businesses in the Philippines. According to MEA, Indian investments in the country amount to nearly USD 5 billion when including those routed through third countries and approximately USD 1.2 billion in direct investments. Notably, India remains a leading exporter of pharmaceutical products to the Philippines. During the bilateral talks, both leaders took note of our growing defence collaboration and agreed to strengthen it further. They also appreciated the steady increase in bilateral trade, which is currently at about USD 3.3 billion and welcomed the signing of the terms of reference on negotiations for an India-Philippines PTA today towards enhanced trade and goods," Kumaran said. "We also welcomed the presence of Indian investments in the Philippines. USD 5 billion in all if you take into account investments routed through third countries. But about USD 1.2 billion if you are only talking about direct investments from India into the Philippines. These are mostly in the area of IT-enabled services, healthcare, agriculture, textiles, FMCG and chemical sectors. It was also noted that India is a top exporter of pharmaceutical products to the Philippines," he added. In the agriculture sector, Kumaran highlighted continued collaboration, particularly in rice research, noting that the South Asia Regional Centre of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Varanasi had developed an ultra-low glycaemic rice variety, the first batch of which was presented to President Marcos in Manila in October 2023. "The leaders welcomed progress in cooperation in the agriculture research, particularly rice research, since the last visit of the Prime Minister to the Philippines in 2017. The International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre in Varanasi...developed an ultra-low glycaemic rice variety. The first batch of which has been presented to the Philippines President in Manila in October 2023," he stated. India and the Philippines, in a Joint Declaration on the "Establishment of a Strategic Partnership", following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippines President Marcos meeting, reaffirmed the shared objective of creating stronger economic and trade ties and outlined plans to foster business exchanges, simplify customs procedures through the Joint Customs Cooperation Committee, and enhance cooperation in pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine, and healthcare systems. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic engagement, highlighting areas such as renewable energy, critical minerals, electric mobility, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and infrastructure. The leaders called for regular ministerial and senior official-level engagements to resolve market access issues, facilitate investments, and promote business linkages, as per the statement. Connectivity was also featured prominently in the discussions. The two leaders welcomed upcoming direct air connectivity between New Delhi and Manila as a step towards enhancing trade, tourism, and people-to-people contact. Earlier today, the MEA stated that direct flights from Delhi to Manila are expected to commence operations from October 1 this year after President Marcos announced visa-free entry privileges for Indian tourists, while PM Modi reciprocated with a similar scheme for Filipino tourists during a joint press statement. "I reiterated our introduction of visa-free entry privileges and extended our invitation for more Indian tourists to visit the Philippines. I thank Prime Minister Modi in turn for the introduction of a scheme to grant visas free of charge to Filipino tourists travelling to India. We welcome the resumption of direct flights from October this year and have renewed our commitment to sustaining and expanding such direct air connectivity," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision, noting that India has also agreed to offer free e-visas to tourists from the Philippines. "We welcome the Philippines' decision to allow visa-free entry to Indian tourists. India has also decided to allow free e-visas for the Philippines' tourists. This year, work will be done regarding direct flights between India and Manila," PM Modi stated. (ANI) Calling it one of the "most productive and constructive" visits he has ever had, Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr on Tuesday credited this to the "enduring closeness" between India and the Philippines. Speaking at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Marcos Jr. said, "It has been one of my most productive and constructive visits that I have ever had, and I attribute this to the enduring closeness between the Philippines and India." President Droupadi Murmu formally welcomed President Marcos Jr. at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. This visit marks a significant milestone as both countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. In a post on X, the President of India said, "President Droupadi Murmu received President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. of the Philippines at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. Both leaders agreed that this visit, which coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, will help in building a strong Strategic Partnership between India and the Philippines." https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1952757285802959272 Earlier on Monday, Marcos Jr. met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to kick off his five-day official visit to India. He also held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. Speaking at Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt, the visiting Philippines President also remarked, "Indo-Pacific is the correct evolution of Asia Pacific," describing his visit as a reaffirmation of the alliance between India and the Philippines. This is the first official visit to India by a President of the Philippines since Marcos Jr. assumed office in 2022. He is accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation, including several Cabinet ministers. The Philippines' President is visiting India from August 4-8. (ANI) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday met security officials, during which options for proceeding with the campaign in Gaza were presented by the IDF Chief-of-Staff. According to a post from his official X account, the meeting lasted over three hours and included a presentation by the IDF Chief-of-Staff on various options for action. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a three-hour security discussion today, in which options for proceeding with the campaign in Gaza were presented by the IDF Chief-of-Staff. The IDF is prepared to carry out any decision made by the Security Cabinet," the post read. The update was shared around 10:08 pm IST. https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1952771317872185797 Meanwhile, Hamas has expressed openness to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delivering aid to Israeli captives held in Gaza, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for the Geneva-based organization's involvement, Al Jazeera reported. Netanyahu said on Sunday that he had spoken to Julian Larson, head of the ICRC delegation to Israel, requesting the group's "immediate involvement" in providing food and medical treatment to captives still held in Gaza. The statements came after Palestinian groups last week released videos showing two emaciated Israeli captives amid a broader starvation crisis affecting some 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, Al Jazeera noted. In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote in Hebrew that Hamas was spreading a "lie of starvation" in Gaza, but "systematic starvation is being carried out against our hostages." Hamas's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, responded through spokesman Abu Obeida, saying Israeli captives "eat what our fighters and all our people eat" and will "not receive any special privilege amid the crime of starvation and siege." However, Abu Obeida added that Hamas is "ready to act positively and respond to any request from the Red Cross to deliver food and medicine to enemy prisoners," Al Jazeera reported. Abu Obeida stressed the need for "humanitarian corridors" to be opened permanently for food and medicine to reach all Gaza residents and called for an end to Israeli attacks "during the receipt of packages for the prisoners." The ICRC expressed being "appalled by the harrowing videos" of the captives and reiterated its call to be "granted access to the hostages." The organization said, "These videos are stark evidence of the life-threatening conditions in which the hostages are being held." It added, "We know families watching these videos are horrified and heartbroken by the conditions they see their loved ones held in," Al Jazeera reported. According to the ICRC's website, "securing access requires the cooperation of all parties involved." The group also said it "has not been able to visit any Palestinian detainees held in Israeli places of detention since 7 October 2023. "In a separate statement, the ICRC condemned the killing of a Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) staff member in a "clearly marked Palestine Red Crescent Society building" in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. The PRCS earlier blamed Israeli forces for the attack. Meanwhile, families of Israeli captives in Gaza criticized Netanyahu's insistence that a "military resolution" is the only solution, calling it "a direct danger to the lives of our sons, who live in the hell of tunnels and are threatened by starvation and immediate death." They said, "For 22 months, the public has been sold the illusion that military pressure will bring back the hostages, and today, even before reaching a comprehensive draft agreement, it is said that an agreement is futile," Al Jazeera reported. About 50 captives remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive. The Gaza Government Media Office reported that Israeli authorities allowed only 36 aid trucks into Gaza on Saturday, while 22,000 trucks remain outside waiting to deliver food to Palestinians, Al Jazeera added. The United Nations office in Geneva warned that 1 million women and girls in Gaza are now starving. In a post on X, the UN said: "One million. That's how many women and girls are starving in Gaza. This horrific situation is unacceptable and must end. We continue to demand the delivery of lifesaving aid for all women and girls, an immediate ceasefire, and the release of all hostages," Al Jazeera reported. At least 175 people, including 93 children, have died from forced starvation, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health, including 17-year-old Atef Abu Khater, who weighed only 25 kg (55 lbs) before his death on Saturday. (ANI) CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (NYSE: JELD) ("JELD-WEN" or the "Company") today announced results for the three and six months ended June 28, 2025. Comparability is to the same period in the prior year. Second Quarter Highlights Net revenues of $823.7 million decreased (16.5%) in the second quarter driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (13%) combined with a decrease in net revenues from the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda of (5%). These were partially offset by a favorable foreign exchange impact of 1%. The decline in Core Revenues was driven by a (14%) decrease in volume/mix, partially offset by a 1% benefit from price realization. decreased (16.5%) in the second quarter driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (13%) combined with a decrease in net revenues from the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda of (5%). These were partially offset by a favorable foreign exchange impact of 1%. The decline in Core Revenues was driven by a (14%) decrease in volume/mix, partially offset by a 1% benefit from price realization. Net loss from continuing operations was ($22.3) million or ($0.26) per share, compared to net loss from continuing operations of ($18.5) million , or ($0.22) per share, during the same quarter a year ago. Operating (loss) income margin was (1.7%) and 0.5% for the quarters ended June 28, 2025 and June 29, 2024 , respectively. or per share, compared to net loss from continuing operations of , or per share, during the same quarter a year ago. Operating (loss) income margin was (1.7%) and 0.5% for the quarters ended and , respectively. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $39.0 million , a decrease of ($45.8) million compared to $84.8 million during the same quarter a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations was 4.7%, a decrease of (390) basis points in the second quarter due to unfavorable volume/mix, partially offset by favorable productivity and lower SG&A expense. "While the second quarter brought continued challenges, we managed the uncertainty effectively, delivering cost reductions across the business," said Chief Executive Officer William J. Christensen. "We are making steady progress improving quality and service, though we recognize there is more work ahead. That focus, combined with disciplined execution, is helping us navigate a still-uncertain macro environment. As always, we remain committed to meeting our customers' needs and positioning the business for long-term success as demand returns to more normalized levels." Second Quarter 2025 Results Net revenues for the three months ended June 28, 2025, were $823.7 million, a decrease of ($162.3) million, or (16.5%), compared to $986.0 million for the same period last year. The decrease in net revenues was primarily driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (13%) and a decrease in net revenues from the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda of (5%). These were partially offset by a favorable foreign exchange impact of 1%. The decline in Core Revenues was driven by a (14%) decrease in volume/mix, partially offset by a 1% benefit from price realization. Net loss from continuing operations was ($22.3) million in the second quarter, similar to a net loss from continuing operations of ($18.5) million in the same period last year. Adjusted Net Loss from continuing operations for the second quarter was ($3.4) million, a decrease of ($32.8) million compared to Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations of $29.4 million in the same period last year. Net loss per share from continuing operations for the second quarter was ($0.26), compared to a net loss from continuing operations per share of ($0.22) in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations for the second quarter was ($0.04) compared to $0.34 in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations for the quarter ended June 28, 2025, excludes net after-tax charges of $18.9 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, associated mainly with costs to execute on the Company's transformation journey. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations for the quarter ended June 29, 2024, excludes net after-tax charges of $47.9 million or $0.55 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $39.0 million, a decline of ($45.8) million compared to $84.8 million during the same quarter last year. While we drove significant improvements from our transformation activities, these benefits were more than offset by the impact of lower sales, negative price/cost and the associated loss of productivity. Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations was 4.7%, a decrease of (390) basis points in the second quarter due to unfavorable volume/mix, partially offset by favorable productivity and lower SG&A. On a segment basis for the second quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year: North America - Net revenue was $555.7 million , a decline of ($154.9) million , or (21.8%), driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (15%) and a decrease in net revenues from the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda of (7%). The decrease in Core revenues was driven by a (16%) decline in volume/mix due to weakened market demand, partially offset by a 1% benefit from price realization. Net income from continuing operations was $8.9 million , a decline of ($21.8) million year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $34.7 million , a decline of ($40.9) million primarily due to unfavorable volume/mix, price/cost, and productivity, partially offset by lower SG&A. - Net revenue was , a decline of , or (21.8%), driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (15%) and a decrease in net revenues from the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda of (7%). The decrease in Core revenues was driven by a (16%) decline in volume/mix due to weakened market demand, partially offset by a 1% benefit from price realization. Net income from continuing operations was , a decline of year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was , a decline of primarily due to unfavorable volume/mix, price/cost, and productivity, partially offset by lower SG&A. Europe - Net revenue was $268.1 million , a decline of ($7.4) million , or (2.7%), driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (8%), partially offset by a favorable foreign exchange impact of 5%. Core Revenues decreased primarily due to unfavorable volume/mix of (10%) primarily due to market softness across the region, partially offset by a 2% benefit from price realization. Net loss from continuing operations was ($4.0) million , an increase of $1.1 million year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $17.0 million , a decline of ($3.4) million primarily due to unfavorable volume/mix, partially offset by favorable productivity and price/cost. Cash Flow Net cash used in operating activities was ($48.9) million in the six months ended June 28, 2025, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $40.4 million in the six months ended June 29, 2024. The increase in net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to the decrease in earnings of ($165.4) million, inclusive of a $137.7 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to our North America reporting unit during the first quarter of 2025, and a $39.5 million increase in net cash used in our working capital accounts. The impact of accounts receivable, net of ($38.4) million was unfavorable in the six months ended June 28, 2025, compared to the six months ended June 29, 2024, which was primarily due to the decrease in sales outpacing the decrease in accounts receivable. The ($25.6) million unfavorable impact from accounts payable is primarily due to decreased inventory purchases in North America and lower payables for professional expenses associated with a transformation consultant when compared to the prior year. The $24.5 million favorable impact of inventory is primarily due to a reduction in purchases of materials in North America. Capital expenditures in the six months ended June 28, 2025, increased by $2.0 million to $76.1 million, up from $74.1 million in the six months ended June 29, 2024. Free Cash Flow used in the six months ended June 28, 2025, was ($125.1) million, compared to Free Cash Flow used in the six months ended June 29, 2024, of ($33.8) million. This does not include the impact of the court-ordered divestiture of our Towanda facility proceeds of $110.7 million, which was completed in the first quarter of the current year. Full Year 2025 Guidance Reinstatement and Update JELD-WEN previously announced that it was not in a position to update its full-year 2025 outlook during its earnings call on May 6, 2025, given the uncertainties around the general economy following a number of significant tariff announcements from the federal government. While tariff uncertainty remains, the Company is reinstating and updating its full-year 2025 financial outlook. JELD-WEN is providing its 2025 revenue guidance of $3.2 to $3.4 billion, which reflects a year-over-year decline in core revenues of approximately (4%) to (9%) compared to 2024. Additionally, the Company expects its Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $170 to $200 million, reflecting continued pressure from a competitive pricing and volume environment. Revenue Adjusted EBITDA Core Revenue Decline 2025 Guidance $3.2 to $3.4 billion $170 to $200 million Down (4%) to (9%) With the revenue and EBITDA guidance, the Company now expects operating cash flow to be an approximate $10 million use of cash. Conference Call Information JELD-WEN management will host a conference call on August 6, 2025, at 8 a.m. ET, to discuss the Company's financial results. Interested investors and other parties can access the call either via webcast by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://investors.jeld-wen.com , or by dialing 888-596-4144 from the United States or +1-646-968-2525 internationally and using ID 6778283. A slide presentation highlighting the Company's results is available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. For those unable to listen to the live event, a webcast replay will be available approximately two hours following completion of the call. To learn more about JELD-WEN, please visit the Company's website at https://investors.jeld-wen.com . About JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (NYSE: JELD) is a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance interior and exterior doors, windows, and related building products serving the new construction and repair and remodeling sectors. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, JELD-WEN operates facilities in 14 countries in North America and Europe and employs approximately 16,000 associates dedicated to bringing beauty and security to the spaces that touch our lives. The JELD-WEN family of brands includes JELD-WEN worldwide, LaCantina and VPI in North America, and Swedoor and DANA in Europe. For more information, visit corporate.JELD-WEN.com or follow us on LinkedIn. Investor Relations Contact: James Armstrong Vice President, Investor Relations 704-378-5731 [email protected] Media Contact: JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Melissa Farrington Vice President, Enterprise Communications 262-350-6021 [email protected] Note: See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" section for definitions and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "likely," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our business strategies and ability to execute on our plans, market potential, future financial performance, customer demand, the potential of our categories, brands and innovations, the impact of our strategic transformation journey, footprint rationalization, cost reduction and modernization initiatives, the impact of acquisitions and divestitures on our business and our ability to maximize value and integrate operations, our pipeline of productivity projects, the estimated impact of tax reform on our results, geopolitical and economic uncertainty, security breaches and other cybersecurity incidents, impacts on our business from weather and climate change, litigation outcomes, and our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, prospects, assumptions, or other future events, all of which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties and other factors, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed in 2025 and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Non-GAAP Financial Information This press release presents certain "non-GAAP" financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations, Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations, Adjusted EPS from continuing operations, Free Cash Flow, and Net Debt Leverage. The components of these non-GAAP measures are computed by using amounts that are determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the tables at the end of this press release. The Company provides certain guidance solely on a non-GAAP basis because the Company cannot predict certain elements that are included in certain reported GAAP results. While management is not able to provide a reconciliation of items for forward-looking non-GAAP measures without unreasonable effort, management bases the estimated ranges of non-GAAP measures for future periods on its reasonable estimates of certain items such as assumed effective tax rate, assumed interest expense, and other assumptions about capital requirements for future periods. Although the Company believes the assumptions reflected in the range of its 2025 guidance are reasonable, actual results could vary substantially given the uncertainty regarding the future performance of the global economy, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, disruptions in supply chains, and changes in raw material prices and other costs as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described below. In addition, the guidance ranges provided for 2025 do not include the impact of potential acquisitions or divestitures. The variability of these items may have a significant impact on our future GAAP results. Other companies may compute these measures differently. The non-U.S. GAAP information has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP information. It does not purport to represent any similarly titled U.S. GAAP information and is not an indicator of our performance under U.S. GAAP. We present several financial metrics in "Core" terms, which exclude the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestitures completed in the last twelve months. We define Core Revenue as net revenue excluding the impact of foreign exchange, and acquisitions and divestitures completed in the last twelve months. The use of "Core" metrics assists management, investors, and analysts in understanding the organic performance of the operations. We use Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations, Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations, and Adjusted EPS from continuing operations because we believe they assist investors and analysts in comparing our operating performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations are helpful in highlighting trends because they exclude certain items outside the control of management, while other measures can differ significantly depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which we operate, and capital investments. We use Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations to measure our financial performance in reporting our results to our Board of Directors. Further, our executive incentive compensation is based in part on Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of financial performance or to cash flows from operations as a liquidity measure. We define Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations as income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax, adjusted for the following items: income tax expense (benefit); depreciation and amortization; interest expense (income), net; and certain special items consisting of non-recurring net legal and professional expenses and settlements; goodwill impairment; restructuring and asset-related charges; M&A related costs; net (gain) loss on sale of business, property and equipment; loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt; share-based compensation expense; non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation (gain) loss; and other special items. We use Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations because we believe this measure assists investors and analysts in comparing our operating performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. Adjusted Net (Loss) Income from continuing operations represents loss from continuing operations adjusted for the after-tax impact of (i) certain special items used to calculate Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations as described above and (ii) accelerated amortization of an ERP that we are no longer utilizing after we completed our related obligations under the JW Australia Transition Services Agreement during the first quarter of 2024. Where applicable, the specifically identified items are tax effected at the applicable jurisdictional tax rate and tax expense is adjusted to remove the effect of discrete tax items. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations represents loss from continuing operations per diluted share adjusted to exclude the estimated per share impact of the same specifically identified items used to calculate Adjusted Net (Loss) Income from continuing operations as described above. Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations represents Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations as a percentage of net revenues. We present Free Cash Flow because we believe this metric assists investors and analysts in determining the quality of our earnings. Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash (used in) provided by operating activities less capital expenditures (including purchases of intangible assets). Free Cash Flow should not be considered as an alternative to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities as a liquidity measure. We also present Net Debt Leverage because it is a key financial metric that is used by management to assess the balance sheet risk of the Company. We define Net Debt Leverage as Net Debt (total principal debt outstanding less unrestricted cash) divided by Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for the last twelve-month period. Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this release may not sum precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures. JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In millions, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 % Variance Net revenues $ 823.7 $ 986.0 (16.5) % Cost of sales 680.3 796.0 (14.5) % Gross margin 143.4 190.0 (24.5) % Selling, general and administrative 148.5 168.5 (11.9) % Restructuring and asset-related charges 8.8 16.4 (46.2) % Operating (loss) income (13.9) 5.1 (370.5) % Interest expense, net 16.5 16.6 (0.5) % Other income, net (4.6) (2.5) 84.8 % Loss from continuing operations before taxes (25.8) (8.9) 189.1 % Income tax (benefit) expense (3.5) 9.6 (136.7) % Loss from continuing operations, net of tax (22.3) (18.5) 20.6 % Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax 0.8 NM Net loss $ (21.5) $ (18.5) 16.4 % Diluted Net loss per share from continuing operations $ (0.26) $ (0.22) Diluted Net income per share from discontinued operations 0.01 Diluted Net loss per share $ (0.25) $ (0.22) Diluted Shares 85,298,517 85,271,699 Other financial data: Operating (loss) income margin (1.7) % 0.5 % Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(1) $ 39.0 $ 84.8 (54.0) % Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations(1) 4.7 % 8.6 % (1) Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In millions, except share and per share data) Six Months Ended June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 % Variance Net revenues $ 1,599.7 $ 1,945.1 (17.8) % Cost of sales 1,344.3 1,582.5 (15.1) % Gross margin 255.5 362.6 (29.5) % Selling, general and administrative 293.2 351.3 (16.5) % Goodwill impairment 137.7 NM Restructuring and asset-related charges 23.4 34.5 (32.2) % Operating loss (198.9) (23.1) 759.6 % Interest expense, net 31.4 32.3 (2.6) % Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.2 1.4 (83.6) % Other income, net (15.2) (16.8) (9.3) % Loss from continuing operations before taxes (215.3) (40.1) 437.1 % Income tax (benefit) expense (2.9) 6.1 (147.2) % Loss from continuing operations, net of tax (212.4) (46.2) 359.6 % Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax 0.8 NM Net loss $ (211.7) $ (46.2) 357.9 % Diluted Net loss per share from continuing operations $ (2.50) $ (0.54) Diluted Net income per share from discontinued operations 0.01 Diluted Net loss per share $ (2.49) $ (0.54) Diluted shares 85,111,100 85,397,067 Other financial data: Operating loss margin (12.4) % (1.2) % Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(1) $ 60.9 $ 153.5 (60.3) % Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations(1) 3.8 % 7.9 % (1) Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (In millions, except share and per share data) June 28, 2025 December 31, 2024 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 134.1 $ 150.3 Restricted cash 0.7 0.7 Accounts receivable, net 447.6 388.4 Inventories 466.6 460.1 Other current assets 73.6 73.4 Assets held for sale 126.9 Total current assets 1,122.6 1,199.9 Property and equipment, net 724.5 681.4 Deferred tax assets 157.1 143.3 Goodwill 196.6 315.2 Intangible assets, net 100.5 102.0 Operating lease assets, net 182.4 126.3 Other assets 59.2 52.1 Total assets $ 2,542.9 $ 2,620.2 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 286.8 $ 264.9 Accrued payroll and benefits 101.1 89.6 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 221.8 224.2 Current maturities of long-term debt 23.3 30.9 Liabilities held for sale 15.3 Total current liabilities 633.0 625.0 Long-term debt 1,155.4 1,152.4 Unfunded pension liability 26.2 21.6 Operating lease liability 162.6 105.5 Deferred credits and other liabilities 82.3 89.9 Deferred tax liabilities 6.5 5.7 Total liabilities 2,065.8 2,000.1 Shareholders' equity Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 90,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding Common Stock: 900,000,000 shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share, 85,338,335 and 84,653,408 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 0.9 0.8 Additional paid-in capital 776.0 769.1 Accumulated deficit (232.0) (20.4) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (67.7) (129.5) Total shareholders' equity 477.1 620.1 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 2,542.9 $ 2,620.2 JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In millions) Six Months Ended June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss $ (211.7) $ (46.2) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 54.7 69.7 Deferred income taxes (11.7) (11.8) Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment (2.5) (2.8) Goodwill impairment 137.7 Adjustment to carrying value of assets 3.6 9.2 Amortization of deferred financing costs 1.1 0.9 Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.2 0.8 Loss on foreign currency translation adjustment related to the substantial liquidation of a foreign subsidiary 4.3 Gain on sale of discontinued operations (1.0) Share-based compensation expense 7.7 10.1 Recovery of cost from receipts on impaired notes (1.4) Other items, net 1.4 (3.9) Net change in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (40.6) (2.3) Inventories 10.4 (14.2) Other assets 3.4 7.7 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2.5 19.6 Change in short-term and long-term tax liabilities (4.1) 0.6 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (48.9) 40.4 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property and equipment (66.0) (67.8) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 2.6 4.3 Purchase of intangible assets (10.1) (6.3) Proceeds related to the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda 110.7 Recovery of cost from receipts on impaired notes 1.4 Cash received for notes receivable Cash received from insurance proceeds 0.3 1.7 Purchase of securities for deferred compensation plan (0.5) (2.8) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 36.8 (69.6) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Change in long-term debt and payments of debt extinguishment costs (11.5) (15.8) Common stock issued for exercise of options 2.5 Common stock repurchased (24.3) Payments to tax authorities for employee share-based compensation (0.5) (0.9) Payments related to the sale of JW Australia (0.8) (1.4) Net cash used in financing activities (12.8) (39.8) Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash 8.7 (6.5) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (16.2) (75.5) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning 151.0 289.1 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, ending $ 134.8 $ 213.6 JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited) (In millions) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (amounts in millions) June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (22.3) $ (18.5) $ (212.4) $ (46.2) Income tax (benefit) expense (3.5) 9.6 (2.9) 6.1 Depreciation and amortization(1) 27.4 28.2 54.7 69.7 Interest expense, net 16.5 16.6 31.4 32.3 Special items: Net legal and professional expenses and settlements(2) 8.6 20.3 20.5 37.5 Goodwill impairment(3) 137.7 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net(4)(5) 8.8 16.4 23.4 34.5 M&A related costs (income)(6) 0.1 5.1 (0.5) 6.2 Net (gain) loss on sale of business, property and equipment(7) (2.2) 0.1 (2.8) (2.8) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt(8) 0.2 1.4 Share-based compensation expense(9) 4.4 5.1 7.7 10.1 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation gain(10) (1.2) (2.7) Other special items(11) 1.1 3.1 3.9 7.4 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 39.0 $ 84.8 $ 60.9 $ 153.5 (1) Depreciation and amortization expense includes accelerated amortization of $14.1 million in the six months ended June 29, 2024, in Corporate and unallocated costs for an ERP system that we are no longer utilizing after we completed our related obligations under the JW Australia Transition Services Agreement during the first quarter of 2024. (2) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements include non-recurring transformation journey expenses of $8.1 million and $19.3 million in the three and six months ended June 28, 2025, respectively, and $18.2 million and $34.6 million in the three and six months ended June 29, 2024, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 28, 2025, these expenses primarily relate to project-based consulting fees that directly support the transformation journey that are not expected to recur in the foreseeable future. These projects include the centralization of human resources processes, North America supply chain network optimization strategy, and other projects related to our transformation journey. For the three and six months ended June 29, 2024, these expenses primarily relate to the engagement of a transformation consultant for a period spanning from the third quarter of 2023 through April 2025, for which we incurred $13.8 million and $28.4 million in the three and six months ended June 29, 2024, respectively. Expenses for this transformation consultant's engagement, which was extended into 2025, included $0.4 million and $2.5 million in the three and six months ended June 28, 2025, respectively. Additionally, net legal and professional expenses and settlements include $(0.6) million and a nominal amount in the three and six months ended June 28, 2025, respectively, and $1.5 million and $2.6 million in the three and six months ended June 29, 2024, respectively, relating to litigation of historic legal matters. (3) Goodwill impairment consists of goodwill impairment charges associated with our North America reporting unit. (4) Represents severance, accelerated depreciation and amortization, equipment relocation and other expenses directly incurred as a result of restructuring events. The restructuring charges primarily relate to charges incurred to change the operating structure, eliminate certain roles, and close certain manufacturing facilities in our North America and Europe segments. (5) Product and inventory-related charges related to announced facility closures were detrimental to Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations. (6) M&A related costs (income) consist primarily of legal and professional expenses related to the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda. (7) Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment in the three months ended June 28, 2025, primarily relates to the sale of property and equipment in Marion, North Carolina. Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment in the six months ended June 28, 2025, primarily relates to the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda and the sale of property and equipment in Marion, North Carolina. Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment in the six months ended June 29, 2024, primarily relates to the sale of property in Chile. (8) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt consists of $0.2 million in the six months ended June 28, 2025, associated with an amendment of our ABL Facility and $1.4 million in the six months ended June 29, 2024, associated with an amendment of our Term Loan Facility. (9) Represents non-cash equity-based compensation expense related to the issuance of share-based awards. (10) Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation gain is primarily associated with fair value adjustments of foreign currency derivatives and revaluation of balances denominated in foreign currencies. (11) Other special items not core to ongoing business activity include: (i) in the three months ended June 29, 2024, a one-time realized foreign currency loss of $1.6 million in our Europe segment related to a cash repatriation event; (ii) the six months ended June 29, 2024, a loss of $4.3 million of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments related to the substantial liquidation of a foreign subsidiary in Chile in our North America segment, a one-time realized foreign currency loss of $1.6 million in our Europe segment related to a cash repatriation event, and ($1.5) million of cash received on an impaired note in Corporate and unallocated costs. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (amounts in millions, except share and per share data) June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (22.3) $ (18.5) $ (212.4) $ (46.2) Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 8.6 20.3 20.5 37.5 Goodwill impairment 137.7 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 8.8 16.4 23.4 34.5 M&A related costs (income) 0.1 5.1 (0.5) 6.2 Net (gain) loss on sale of business, property and equipment (2.2) 0.1 (2.8) (2.8) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.2 1.4 Share-based compensation expense 4.4 5.1 7.7 10.1 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation gain (1.2) (2.7) Accelerated amortization of an ERP system(2) 14.1 Other special items 1.1 3.1 3.9 7.4 Tax impact of special items(3) (3.6) (10.5) (10.6) (23.9) Tax special items(4) 1.6 9.4 15.3 12.1 Adjusted Net (Loss) Income from continuing operations $ (3.4) $ 29.4 $ (17.6) $ 47.8 Diluted loss per share from continuing operations $ (0.26) $ (0.22) $ (2.50) $ (0.54) Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 0.10 0.24 0.24 0.43 Goodwill impairment 1.62 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 0.10 0.19 0.27 0.40 M&A related costs (income) 0.06 (0.01) 0.07 Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment (0.03) (0.03) (0.03) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.02 Share-based compensation expense 0.05 0.06 0.09 0.12 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation gain (0.01) (0.03) Accelerated amortization of an ERP system(2) 0.16 Other special items 0.01 0.04 0.05 0.09 Tax impact of special items(3) (0.04) (0.12) (0.12) (0.28) Tax special items(4) 0.02 0.11 0.18 0.14 Adjusted Net (Loss) Income per share from continuing operations $ (0.04) $ 0.34 $ (0.21) $ 0.55 Weighted average diluted shares 85,298,517 86,472,671 85,111,100 86,769,580 Less: Effect of dilutive securities 1,200,972 1,372,513 Weighted average basic shares 85,298,517 85,271,699 85,111,100 85,397,067 Adjusted Net (Loss) Income from continuing operations per share may not sum due to rounding. (1) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. (2) Accelerated amortization of an ERP that we are no longer utilizing after we completed our related obligations under the JW Australia Transition Services Agreement during the first quarter of 2024. (3) Except as otherwise noted, adjustments to net (loss) income and net (loss) income per share are tax-effected at the jurisdictional statutory tax rate. (4) Tax special items for the six months ended June 28, 2025, were primarily driven by valuation expense recorded against our U.S. tax attributes of $14.2 million. For the three and six months ended June 28, 2025, tax expense attributable to share-based compensation was $0.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Tax special items for the three and six months ended June 29, 2024 were primarily driven by tax expense on uncertain tax positions from audits dating back to the year 2015 of $7.7 million and $9.7 million, respectively, and valuation expense recorded against our tax attributes of $1.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Three Months Ended June 28, 2025 (amounts in millions) North America Europe Corporate and Unallocated Costs Total Consolidated Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 8.9 $ (4.0) $ (27.3) $ (22.3) Income tax expense (benefit) 5.3 4.5 (13.2) (3.5) Depreciation and amortization 16.8 8.2 2.4 27.4 Interest (income) expense, net (0.6) 1.6 15.5 16.5 Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 0.8 1.7 6.2 8.6 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 4.4 4.4 8.8 M&A related costs 0.1 0.1 Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment (2.2) (2.2) Share-based compensation expense 1.0 0.6 2.9 4.4 Other special items 0.3 0.1 0.7 1.1 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 34.7 $ 17.0 $ (12.8) $ 39.0 (1) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. Three Months Ended June 29, 2024 (amounts in millions) North America Europe Corporate and Unallocated Costs Total Consolidated Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 30.7 $ (5.0) $ (44.2) $ (18.5) Income tax expense (benefit) 12.9 10.3 (13.7) 9.6 Depreciation and amortization 18.9 7.6 1.8 28.2 Interest expense, net 0.6 0.6 15.4 16.6 Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 0.9 1.1 18.3 20.3 Restructuring and asset-related charges 9.2 6.7 0.6 16.4 M&A related (income) costs 5.1 5.1 Net loss (gain) on sale property and equipment 0.3 (0.2) 0.1 Share-based compensation expense 1.0 0.1 3.9 5.1 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation loss (gain) 0.2 (2.4) 0.9 (1.2) Other special items 0.8 1.6 0.7 3.1 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 75.6 $ 20.4 $ (11.2) $ 84.8 (1) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. Six Months Ended June 28, 2025 (amounts in millions) North America Europe Corporate and Unallocated Costs Total Consolidated Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (152.3) $ (7.4) $ (52.7) $ (212.4) Income tax expense (benefit) 14.6 6.4 (23.9) (2.9) Depreciation and amortization 34.1 15.8 4.8 54.7 Interest (income) expense, net (1.2) 1.6 31.0 31.4 Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 1.5 2.7 16.3 20.5 Goodwill impairment 137.7 137.7 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 15.1 7.6 0.7 23.4 M&A related income (0.5) (0.5) Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment (2.8) (2.8) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.2 0.2 Share-based compensation expense 1.5 1.0 5.1 7.7 Other special items 2.1 0.1 1.8 3.9 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 50.3 $ 27.7 $ (17.1) $ 60.9 (1) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. Six Months Ended June 29, 2024 (amounts in millions) North America Europe Corporate and Unallocated Costs Total Consolidated Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 47.0 $ (5.0) $ (88.2) $ (46.2) Income tax expense (benefit) 20.3 13.2 (27.4) 6.1 Depreciation and amortization(1) 36.9 15.1 17.7 69.7 Interest expense, net 1.3 0.9 30.0 32.3 Special items:(2) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 1.7 1.4 34.4 37.5 Restructuring and asset-related charges 23.1 10.6 0.8 34.5 M&A related costs 6.2 6.2 Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment (2.6) (0.2) (2.8) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 1.4 1.4 Share-based compensation expense 2.3 0.6 7.2 10.1 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation loss (gain) 0.3 (3.3) 0.3 (2.7) Other special items 6.5 1.6 (0.7) 7.4 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 136.8 $ 34.9 $ (18.2) $ 153.5 (1) Corporate and unallocated depreciation and amortization expense in the six months ended June 29, 2024, includes accelerated amortization of $14.1 million for an ERP system that we are no longer utilizing after we completed our related obligations under the JW Australia Transition Services Agreement. (2) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. Six Months Ended (amounts in millions) June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $ (48.9) $ 40.4 Less: capital expenditures(1) 76.1 74.1 Free Cash Flow(1) $ (125.1) $ (33.8) (1) Free Cash Flow is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Free Cash Flow, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." (amounts in millions except Net Debt Leverage) June 28, 2025 December 31, 2024 Total debt $ 1,178.6 $ 1,183.4 Less: cash and cash equivalents 134.1 150.3 Net Debt(1) $ 1,044.5 $ 1,033.1 Divided by trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(2) 182.6 275.2 Net Debt Leverage(1) 5.7x 3.8x (1) Net Debt and Net Debt Leverage are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Net Debt Leverage, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." (2) Trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for both periods. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." Segment Results (Unaudited) (In millions) Three Months Ended (amounts in millions) June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 % Variance Net revenues from external customers North America $ 555.7 $ 710.6 (21.8) % Europe 268.1 275.4 (2.7) % Total Consolidated $ 823.7 $ 986.0 (16.5) % Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(1) North America $ 34.7 $ 75.6 (54.1) % Europe 17.0 20.4 (16.6) % Corporate and unallocated costs (12.8) (11.2) 13.7 % Total Consolidated $ 39.0 $ 84.8 (54.0) % Six Months Ended (amounts in millions) June 28, 2025 June 29, 2024 % Variance Net revenues from external customers North America $ 1,086.2 $ 1,390.6 (21.9) % Europe 513.5 554.5 (7.4) % Total Consolidated $ 1,599.7 $ 1,945.1 (17.8) % Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(1) North America $ 50.3 $ 136.8 (63.3) % Europe 27.7 34.9 (20.7) % Corporate and unallocated costs (17.1) (18.2) (6.3) % Total Consolidated $ 60.9 $ 153.5 (60.3) % (1) Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." SOURCE JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. India and Philippines on Tuesday decided to elevate their ties to a Strategic Partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr agreeing for expeditious conclusion of the negotiations of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between India and the Philippines for further promotion of mutual trade. The two countries agreed to enhance defence cooperation with President Marcos thanking PM Modi for cooperation in the area of defence industry and export of platforms including the BrahMos. In a veiled reference to China, the two countries expressed concern for the situation in the South China Sea particularly with regard to coercive and aggressive actions that impact on regional peace and stability, and called on relevant parties to exercise self- restraint and commit to peaceful and constructive means to resolve and manage disputes. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, who is on a five-day State visit to India, arrived in the national capital on Monday. The two countries underscored that the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes in accordance with international law. India and Philippines reaffirmed full respect and adherence to international law, particularly on the rights and obligations of States under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and its dispute settlement mechanisms, including on the geographic and substantive limits of maritime entitlements, the duty to protect and preserve the marine environment, as well as reaffirming the freedom of navigation and overflight, and the importance of unimpeded commerce based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in UNCLOS. In 2016, the arbitral tribunal adjudicating the Philippines' case against China in the South China Sea had ruled overwhelmingly in favour of the Philippines. Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between India and Philippines was issued after talks between PM Modi and President Marcos. The two leaders agreed that the Strategic Partnership marks a new chapter towards realising the full potential for bilateral, regional and international cooperation between the two countries. The Strategic Partnership is based on a mutual commitment to strengthen bilateral relations for the continuing peace, stability and prosperity of the two countries and the broader region, and serves as a foundation for the two countries to chart a future-oriented mutually-beneficial cooperation; The India-Philippines Strategic Partnership is guided by the Plan of Action (2025-2029) adopted by the two countries on August 5, 2025. India and Philippines also agreed to cooperate closely in multilateral and regional forums, including in the United Nations and its specialized agencies, on global issues of mutual concern and interest, such as rule of law in the global commons, counter-terrorism, climate change and sustainable development. Actively supporting the reform and expansion of the United Nations Security Council, both in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, through text-based negotiations; Reaffirming shared commitment to free, open, transparent and rules-based trading system, both countries underscored the need to work together under bilateral, regional, and multilateral platforms to strengthen supply chains, promote trade facilitation, and ensure that trade contributes to their economic development. In his opening remarks during the bilateral meeting, PM Narendra Modi said "it is a historic day for our bilateral relations". "We are taking India to the levels of a strategic partnership. This will give our relationship a new speed and depth, and give strength to our relationship in the Defence and Security Sector. In the last few years, there has been progress in our relations in all sectors- trade, defence, maritime, health, security, food security, development partnership, and people-to-people ties. It is a matter of great happiness that we are setting a plan of action for the next five years. Till July 2027, the Philippines is India's country coordinator. In 2026, you will preside over the ASEAN Chair," he said The two countries exchanged MoUs in a range of areas including cooperation in peaceful use of outer space and use of digital technologies. At a special media briefing, P Kumaran, Secretary (East) said there was a discussion on defence cooperation. "President Marcos thanked the Prime Minister for cooperation in the area of defence industry, the export of defence platforms to India, including the BrahMos. He also called for greater cooperation in the area of the defence industry... As part of our broader defence cooperation, we were talking about capacity building, joint exercises, joint cooperative maritime activities, exchange of training programs between our officials and all standard elements that we talk about when it comes to defence cooperation... We talk about more opportunities for India to export our defence platforms. I think we have indeed exported a number of defence hardware platforms to many, many countries. The Philippines certainly showed interest in working with us to explore opportunities for more defence platforms," he said. "We're also talking about ship visits, cooperation as part of multilateral formats... We are also talking about enhanced cooperation between our coast guards. So basically aimed at sharing best practices, enhancing maritime domain awareness on both sides, talking about enhancing interoperability, working together to enhance our disaster response readiness in the coming years and so on... We highlighted our capabilities in space and the cost-effectiveness of our space program. President Marcos said he had indeed studied how cost-effective our space program is and they wanted to try and use some of our space technology, space capabilities to effect social transformation in terms of helping predict weather events, helping with agriculture, helping with disaster relief," Kumaran added. India and Philippines agreed on facilitating the regular convening of institutional mechanisms including the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) and Joint Defence Industry and Logistics Committee (JDILC) for dialogue on defence cooperation, with emphasis on defence industrial collaboration, defence technology, research, training, exchanges, and capacity building. The two countries agreed on institutionalising military training activities between the two countries and Service-to-Service interactions, with increased focus on tri-service cooperation and recognizing the vital role of the seas and oceans in achieving development needs of the two countries, rights and freedoms as coastal states, developing economies, and maritime nations of the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI) GUNMA, Aug 05 (News On Japan) - In a historic heatwave, the city of Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture recorded a scorching 41.8 degrees Celsius on August 5th, setting a new all-time high for the highest temperature ever observed in Japan. As of 5 p.m., temperatures in Isesaki remained close to 40C. At around 2 p.m., the official reading hit 41.8C, surpassing previous national records. Although the temperature dropped slightly to 39C by late afternoon, the extreme heat continued to affect the area. "The heat felt like stepping into a parked car with no air conditioning," said a reporter on the scene. "The sunlight has eased, but the heat rising from the ground is relentless." In response to the soaring temperatures, a record-breaking number of heatstroke alerts were issued. A total of 45 areas across 44 prefectures were placed under a "Heatstroke Alert"the largest such coverage since the system was introduced. Authorities warn that the severe heat is expected to persist into the night across the Kanto region, urging residents to remain vigilant against heat-related illnesses. Source: TBS TOKYO, Aug 06 (News On Japan) - Japans government plan to flood the market with stockpiled rice to lower prices is facing setbacks, as demand slumps and cancellations from retailers increase. Initially popular, the rice is now piling up on shelves, prompting calls to extend the end-of-August sales deadline. Even discounted imported rice is struggling to sell. Meanwhile, rice prices have unexpectedly risen for the first time in 10 weeks. Initially launched as part of a campaign to flood the market and drive down prices, the plan is now prompting calls from retailers to extend the looming sales deadline. Panasonic has just unveiled a new rice cooker designed to cook even aged rice deliciouslyan apparent nod to the current oversupply. But despite early enthusiasm, demand for the government-released stockpile rice has sharply declined. At one point, long lines formed before stores opened. Now, shelves are visibly stacked with unsold bags, and purchase limits have been lifted. "The initial sales were overwhelming, but that was the peak," said Junko Matsui, head of Super Maruyasu. "We expect to sell out by late August, but its going to be close." The same slowdown is affecting imported rice. Aeon began selling U.S.-grown Calrose rice in June, and starting today, the price has been slashed by 700 yen to 1,980 yen (excluding tax) in a bid to stimulate demand. Despite the market being saturated with ricefrom both stockpiles and importsprices are not falling as expected. On the contrary, the average price for a 5-kilogram bag of rice at supermarkets rose 40 yen from the previous week to 3,625 yen, marking the first increase in 10 weeks. Some consumers remain hesitant to buy the older rice, with one shopper in her 30s saying, "My family is concerned because its aged rice, and the taste is different. Since we have kids, weve gone back to regular branded rice." Agriculture Minister Koizumi revealed that about 29,000 tons, roughly 10% of the 300,000 tons of stockpile rice allocated to supermarkets and food services, have been canceled. Delays in distribution and processing facilities are believed to be behind the cancellations. The government-set sales deadline is the end of this month, but many businesses are calling for it to be extended. "Extending the sales period may affect the pricing of newly harvested rice," said Koizumi. "Well monitor the situation closely and consider countermeasures as needed." Source: TBS OSAKA, Aug 06 (News On Japan) - A centuries-old temple in Osaka has become a hotspot for trespassing and online ghost-hunting rumors, following the absence of its head priest and the fallout from a criminal case involving its former leader. Located in Abeno Ward, Shoenji is a temple with deep historical roots tracing back to the Heian period. Once cherished by locals and even linked to *Tsurezuregusa* author Yoshida Kenko, the site is now overrun with weeds and mystery. Since the end of last year, the temple has been without a head priest, and the grounds have fallen into disrepair. Adding to the turmoil, a partially constructed building on the property has been dubbed a "ghost spot" on social media, drawing waves of thrill-seeking minors and resulting in a surge of illegal entries. Police have stepped up patrols, but the problem continues to escalate. The origin of the situation dates back two years, when then-head priest Tsujimi was arrested and sentenced to two years and six months in prison by the Osaka High Court. At the center of the scandal was the large unfinished structure on temple grounds, which Tsujimi had planned to turn into a special elderly care facility to save the temples struggling finances. However, false filings to Osaka City halted construction, and the project was left abandoned. With the temple effectively leaderless and unmanaged, the site has deteriorated, giving rise to rumors and ghost stories that have spread rapidly online. The derelict building, particularly at night, emits an eerie presence that has captured the imagination of curious youths. Reporters witnessed several teenagers trespassing into the grounds, crossing ropes and lingering around the structure before slipping inside. At one point, lights were seen moving on the second floor, despite the building being off-limits and unsafe. Police confirmed that since May, they have apprehended 13 minors for trespassing. An inspection of the interiorconducted with permission from the current caretakerrevealed extensive vandalism: graffiti sprayed across walls, shattered windows, and signs of overnight stays, including sleeping bags and bottles of water. The building, four stories tall, has dangerously exposed areas and open shafts plunging to the first floor, posing serious risks to intruders. "Even though patrols are frequent, it's a crime to enter," said the caretaker. "It's also property damage. I just want them to stop." Experts note that Shoenjis plight reflects a broader trend: more temples across Japan are being left unattended as successors become harder to find. These so-called "vacant temples" are increasingly targeted not only for illegal exploration but also for theft of Buddhist items and other valuables. One long-time parishioner expressed deep sadness over the temples decline. "At first, I was angry. But with incidents happening almost daily, now it's just resignation. Its heartbreaking." With its reputation as a haunted location spreading and trust among parishioners eroding, the path to restoring Shoenji remains uncertain. Source: KTV NEWS The United States has finalized a deal with Rwanda to deport up to 250 migrants to the East African nation, marking another chapter in Washingtons third-country deportation strategy. Signed in Kigali this June, the agreement was confirmed by Rwandan officials and reflects the Trump administrations hardline stance on immigration. Only migrants who have completed prison sentences or face no outstanding criminal cases will be accepted. Child sex offenders are explicitly excluded. Rwanda will vet each case individually and has the option to expand the agreement beyond 250 people. Nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardship of displacement, said government spokesperson Yolande Makolo, stressing that reintegration and rehabilitation are at the heart of our societal values. Those accepted under the scheme will receive accommodation, healthcare, and workforce training. They will not be forced to remain in Rwanda and may leave at their own discretion. The U.S. will cover the costs through an undisclosed grant. Critics, however, warn of the ethical implications of outsourcing deportations to countries where deportees may lack ties, language skills, or adequate support. This deal comes after Rwandas now-defunct 2022 migrant agreement with the United Kingdom, and amid wider U.S. efforts to send migrants to countries like South Sudan and eSwatini. While praised by some for aiding global migration management, rights groups continue to raise alarms over transparency and human rights protections. A surge in cocoa smuggling across West Africa is undermining the economies of Cote dIvoire and Ghana, the worlds top cocoa producers, amid record global prices exceeding $10,000 per ton. The illicit trade, driven by price disparities and weak enforcement, is costing both countries hundreds of millions in lost revenue and threatening the stability of the global chocolate supply chain, a detailed report on the Financial Times showed. In the 202324 season, 150,000 tons of cocoa were smuggled out of Ghana, about a quarter of its output, while 200,000 tons left Cote dIvoire illegally. Much of this cocoa is trafficked through porous borders into countries like Burkina Faso, Togo, and Sierra Leone, which report rising exports despite minimal domestic production. The beans are then washed and exported as local produce to major processing hubs in Belgium and the Netherlands. Smugglers exploit the gap between fixed domestic prices and market rates. Ghanaian farmers earn around $4,800 per ton, while smugglers can fetch up to $9,000 in neighboring countries. Despite recent price hikes, farmers still receive only a fraction of the global value, incentivizing illegal sales. Authorities in Cote dIvoire have classified cocoa smuggling as an economic crime and expanded legal powers to combat it. Yet corruption remains a major obstacle. In Sipilou, five senior officials were suspended for allegedly accepting bribes. Even military operations face internal theft, with seized cocoa often disappearing before being officially reported. The crisis is straining public finances. Cocoa revenues account for 1520% of GDP in Cote dIvoire and are vital for debt servicing and public spending. Ghana, recovering from a 2022 default and IMF bailout, has faced payment delays due to smuggling-related supply disruptions. New EU regulations requiring traceability of cocoa imports from December 2025 could curb smuggling, but industry giants are lobbying for delays. Meanwhile, local cooperatives struggle to retain farmers tempted by higher prices offered by smugglers. Experts warn that unless domestic prices rise significantly, smuggling will persist, deepening fiscal instability and threatening the livelihoods of millions dependent on cocoa. NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latitude, a globally ranked flexible legal talent company that specializes in providing former Big Law and in-house attorneys for contract engagements with legal departments and law firms, announced today that it has expanded its executive team, welcoming Cabot Hyde as Chief Operating Officer. Cabot Hyde, Chief Operating Officer at Latitude Hyde brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning legal practice, executive management, and operational strategy and execution. In his new role, he will lead Latitude's company-wide operations to ensure that the company's infrastructure scales effectively to support its rapidly growing team, offices, and client base. "I am happy to welcome Cabot to Latitude's executive leadership team," said CEO Ross Booher. "With more than two decades of experience as a corporate attorney and operational leader, Cabot brings an ideal mix of legal and executive expertise that will help us continue to scale and continually enhance the exceptional standards of service we provide to our clients and attorneys standards that have been a key driver of our growth. His background aligns perfectly with our peer-to-peer model; he understands firsthand the high standards and expectations our clients and attorneys have, and he will be instrumental in further strengthening the infrastructure that supports our growing team." Latitude is trusted by the world's top brands and law firms for interim attorney placements. Latitude's talent network includes Big Law attorneys and in-house counsel with expertise across numerous specialized practice areas and jurisdictions who join Latitude for access to sophisticated work opportunities, competitive pay with full benefits, and the peer-to-peer support of an experienced talent team. Before joining Latitude, Hyde served as Chief Administrative Officer at Relode, a healthcare flexible staffing and technology company, where he oversaw legal affairs, operational strategy, and administrative functions. Earlier in his career, he was a corporate partner at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, one of the Southeast's largest law firms (now part of Am Law 50 firm Holland & Knight), where he advised clients on complex transactions and regulatory issues. He has also held leadership roles at Miller Ventures, focusing on investment and operational advisory services. "Latitude has earned a reputation for combining elite legal talent with a uniquely personal, peer-to-peer approach," said Hyde. "I'm excited to support that mission by helping scale the operational foundation that makes this level of service possible so that even more law firms and legal departments can benefit from the exceptional attorneys Latitude offers." Hyde is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and holds a J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Georgia. About Latitude Latitude is a full-service flexible legal talent company serving corporate legal departments and law firms nationwide. From Fortune Global 100 companies to start-ups and Global 50 law firms to boutiques, clients turn to us for top-tier attorneys and other legal professionals. Latitude specializes in providing highly skilled former in-house counsel and Big Law attorneys for flexible contract engagements and permanent positions in dozens of practice areas, including commercial contracting, data privacy, M&A, employment, litigation, and more. We directly employ legal talent from coast to coast and have thousands of individuals in our talent pool. Outstanding attorneys are attracted to Latitude by the sophisticated work, great clients, competitive pay, and benefits along with a refreshing combination of flexibility and boundaries. Founded in 2013, Latitude is a Chambers and Partners globally ranked flexible legal staffing company. For more information, visit latitudelegal.com. Press Contact: Kayla Nesler [email protected] SOURCE Latitude The four Moroccan truck drivers, abducted in January 2025 in northeastern Burkina Faso near the border with Niger, have been freed, said on Monday the Malian government. The government of the Republic of Mali informs the national and international community that four Moroccan truck drivers kidnapped on January 18, 2025, in northeastern Burkina Faso near the border with Niger, were released unharmed Sunday (August 3, 2025), said a Malian government statement, read on national television. The four Moroccan drivers were taken hostages by ISIS branch in Sahel. Their successful rescue was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of Malis National Agency for State Security and Moroccos Foreign Intelligence Agency (General Directorate of Studies & Documentation) which worked together with perseverance and professionalism to resolve this situation, said the Malian Govt. statement. The Moroccan drivers were aboard three trucks. They disappeared as they drove without an escort from Dori in Burkina Faso to Tera in Niger, an area reeling under jihadi threats. Their trucks were loaded with infrastructure equipment and departed from Casablanca heading to Niger. Few days after their abduction amid confusion, unconfirmed press reports had said that the four Moroccan truck drivers had been found safe and sound and on their way to the Moroccan embassy in Niger. But it was not true. Now the government of Mali confirms their liberation, giving a sigh of relief to their families. Morocco has once again shown strategic magnanimity in inviting Algeria for dialogue on all pending issues, while putting forward an autonomy plan that offers Algiers a face-saving on the Sahara issue. Algeria has for over five-decades been the main instigator of separatism in the Sahara territory, hosting, arming and backing diplomatically the Polisario militias. King Mohammed VIs call on the Throne Day was a reaffirmation of Moroccos readiness to open a new page with Algeria, conducive to Maghreb integration, peace and brotherliness between the Moroccan and Algerian peoples. The autonomy plan is a solution with neither winner nor loser; a face-saving solution for all parties, the Royal speech made it clear. Algerian regimes outlets and commentators rejected or at best downplayed the call for reconciliation as usual. TSA, a once credible media that has been reduced to a mouthpiece of the military regime, went as far as saying that the Royal overture towards Algeria was in expectation of a change in the stance of the US on the conflict, amid a visit to Algiers by Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the US President on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. Four days later, Trump himself discredited all Algerian pro-regime propagandists and media outlets, when he reaffirmed in a clear-cut unambiguous language that Washington recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and considers the autonomy plan as the only solution to the conflict. In denial, Algerian regime proponents and their Polisario puppets find it hard to believe that this is just a reaffirmation of a stand expressed by the US administration in April and first announced in 2020 by Trump. The autonomy plan is a face save. The more Algeria rejects it, the more it puts itself in a position of total defeat. Morocco is practicing what military strategists call graceful victory offering its opponent-through the autonomy proposal- a golden bridge to retreat across. Morocco has won the war on the ground and is now winning diplomatically with three permanent members of the Security Council on its side, along with most of Africa, the Arab World, while key EU nations back the autonomy plan as the most serious proposal to end the conflict. Meanwhile, Algerias denial of the growing momentum in favor of Moroccos sovereignty and territorial integrity will lead it to more diplomatic isolation, stagnation, and missed opportunities. Moroccan human rights activist Amina Bouayach was named among the 50 most inspiring African women for 2025 by Pourelle.info and 50FemmesInspirent.org. She is the only woman from North Africa featured in this years Pan-African list as one of the most prominent voices in human rights in Africa and an active figure in the network of African women leaders. Amina Bouayach, President of Moroccos National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has been included in *Pour Elle*s 2025 list of the 50 Inspiring African Women alongside nine other inspiring African female activists and was selected for her dedication to defending human rights, equality, and social justice throughout her career in Morocco. The African media platform *Pour Elle* focuses on issues affecting women and girls across the continent. This years honoree list marks the 2025 International Day of African Women. The platforms mission is to celebrate outstanding African women who are making a lasting impact on their communities and on the continent as a whole. This years list features women from 20 African countries as well as members of the African diaspora abroad. The awardees have demonstrated the growing influence of female leadership in building a more just and inclusive future for Africa. The theme for this year, African Women Driving Justice and Reparations for an Inclusive Africa, pays tribute to women who are leading change in politics, economy, business, activism, culture, arts, and society. Bouayachs Achievements and Legacy Bouayach has dedicated her life to defending human rights, human dignity, and fundamental freedoms at the national, regional, African, and international levels. In March 2025, King Mohammed VI reappointed her as President of Moroccos CNDH, marking the continuation of her leadership role, which began in December 2018. Today, she stands as one of the most important human rights voices in Africa and plays an active role in the network of African women leaders. This latest recognition adds to a series of significant achievements by the Moroccan human rights activist in 2025. In March, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) unanimously elected her as President, further establishing her as a leading voice in the global human rights community. Earlier in the year, Bouayach received the 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Prize for her contributions to promoting human rights both in Morocco and internationally. Before leading the CNDH, Bouayach served as Vice President of the International Federation for Human Rights and as President of the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights. Her work has earned her international recognition, including appointments to advisory roles with the United Nations and the African Union. She is also one of the founding members of the AWLN, where she continues to advocate for inclusive governance and womens leadership across the continent. A training session for women involved in UN peacekeeping military operations kicked off on Monday at the headquarters of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) Southern Zone in Agadir, as part of a triangular partnership between Morocco, France, and the United Nations. This three-week training session brings together 23 female military personnel from 14 different countries, mainly from Africa, as well as from France, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the Southern Zone, stated that the training aims to empower female military personnel and prepare them to fully assume leadership roles within UN peacekeeping operations, while also strengthening the triangular cooperation to enhance female leadership in support of international peace and security. This program, he added, reflects the Royal Armed Forces strong commitment to promoting an inclusive approach based on gender equality, encouraging the integration of female military personnel at all levels and in all branches of the FAR, in accordance with the high instructions of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the FAR. UN Womens representative in Morocco, Myriem Ouchen Noussairi, expressed her deep appreciation to the FAR for hosting this training that she described as a strategic initiative and for their steadfast commitment to peace and security in Africa and beyond. This training, held within the framework of multilateral cooperation, is proof of a strong partnership aimed at increasing womens participation in peacekeeping operations and supporting the emergence of a new generation of women leaders in uniform, she added. According to Noussairi, the year 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the UN Women, Peace, and Security agenda concerning womens rights, gender equality, and peacebuilding, fully aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes the importance of womens participation and gender perspectives in peace negotiations, peacekeeping missions, and post-conflict peacebuilding. The participation of women in peacekeeping operations is essential to the success of this agenda and the missions themselves, she stressed. In statements to MAP, female military participants from various countries highlighted the significance of this training session for strengthening their skills and leadership capacities to contribute to sustainable and inclusive peace. This training program, which includes several modules, was developed jointly by UN Women, the UN Department of Peace Operations, and the Royal Armed Forces, with the participation of international experts. A federal judge has ordered the release of Isaac Fernandez-Lopez, the manager of Opelika's El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina who was arrested during federal raids at the restaurant and other locations across the state in July. Fernandez-Lopez, identified by federal authorities as the manager of El Patron in Opelika, was taken into custody on July 15 and charged with "harboring aliens and unlawful employment of aliens," according to court documents. U.S. Magistrate Judge Chad Bryan issued an order on Friday dismissing the complaint against Fernandez-Lopez because of a lack of probable cause for the charge against him. Fernandez-Lopez was taken into custody on July 15 following federal law enforcement searching 14 properties connected to Cesar Campos-Reyes, a man charged with several counts of allegedly defrauding a federal government loan program for small businesses. Federal authorities said over 40 undocumented immigrants were taken into custody that day. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Alabama, Luis Miguel Campos-Reyes, who managed Como en Casa of Opelika, was also charged with "harboring and unlawfully employing aliens." A third man, Marco Antonio Guzman, was taken into custody on July 15 on the charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Cesar Campos-Reyes, who was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of bank fraud, four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, surrendered to authorities on July 15. According to a brief filed by Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, Fernandez-Lopez is an undocumented immigrant with no record of him "entering the United States legally." Davidson said that Fernandez-Lopez filed for asylum in 2016 and when filing, told authorities that he "entered the country illegally in March 2006." According to Bryan's order, a preliminary hearing in Fernandez-Lopez's case was held on July 28 with testimony from the FBI's Nicholas Deltoro and from Stephen Pearson, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Bryan's order provided a summary of the evidence presented by the federal government. According to the order, when the search warrant was executed at El Patron on July 15, there were nine undocumented immigrants working as employees in the restaurant. Fernandez-Lopez was not at the restaurant during the search. There were multiple employees that identified Fernandez-Lopez as the manager of the restaurant, according to the order. With the restaurant being owned by Cesar Campos-Reyes, his phone was seized and searched as part of the larger federal investigation in his case. Cellphone records show that Cesar Campos-Reyes and Fernandez-Lopez were in frequent communication and exchanged approximately 15,000 text messages over a four-year period, according to the order. Some of the text messages found involved "managerial-type duties being performed on behalf of (Cesar) Campos-Reyes" by Fernandez-Lopez, according to the order. Cesar Campos-Reyes is Fernandez-Lopez's brother in law. Authorities said $25,000 in cash was found at Fernandez-Lopez's residence during a July 15 search. However, Bryan said there was much that the government's evidence did not establish in this case. Judge: No evidence shows Fernandez-Lopez had hiring authority "No evidence was presented to link Defendant Fernandez-Lopez to the hiring of any employees (illegally or not). Nothing in the record suggests that Defendant Fernandez-Lopez solicited any employees, interviewed any employees, or extended offers to any employees. And apparently none of the interviewed employees made any statements to that effect or were asked whether Defendant Fernandez-Lopez had been involved in their hiring," Bryan said. Bryan noted that while some employees did identify Fernandez-Lopez as a "manager," evidence shows that El Patron had at least three managers and possibly more. Additionally, Bryan said that Fernandez-Lopez identified himself as "kitchen leader" of the restaurant which is not indicative of possessing the authority to hire employees. Bryan said that none of the text messages presented showed any discussion regarding "the recruiting or hiring of employees or as to the legal status of any prospective or actual employees." "None of the messages as described for the court established any direct nexus between Defendant Fernandez-Lopez and the El Patron restaurant at all including (but not limited to) any type of ownership interest," Bryan said in the order. The judge ruled that there was an absence of probable cause that Fernandez-Lopez was involved in any hiring, recruiting or referring and/or any extra-employment activities that could constitute concealing, harboring or sheltering. With the absence of probable cause, Bryan dismissed the criminal complaint against Fernandez-Lopez and ordered he be released. "The current evidence only would establish probable cause that Defendant Fernandez-Lopez was considered a 'manager' at the El Patron restaurant and that the restaurant itself hired employees who lacked proper legal status. The current evidence will not support a reasonable belief that Defendant Fernandez-Lopez personally engaged in such illegal conduct," Bryan said. "It simply is apparent to the court that the current evidence does not support probable cause for the current charges." Luis Miguel Campos-Reyes's case remains open according to court documents, and the latest order filed in court continued his preliminary hearing from Thursday to Monday, and no further information is readily available. Guzman waived his preliminary hearing so his case was bound over to a grand jury, according to an order from Bryan. Cesar Campos-Reyes has a pre-trial conference scheduled for Thursday. The balance of renewable energy deployment has shifted significantly, with non-OECD countries now leading and growing faster in non-hydro renewable electricity production compared to OECD nations. Solar power demonstrated record growth in 2024, particularly in non-OECD countries like China and India, making it the fastest-growing major energy source over the past decade. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are growing rapidly, their expansion is currently insufficient to displace the increasing global energy demand met by fossil fuels, leading to continued increases in carbon emissions. In recent years, many optimistic narratives have overstated the impact of renewables on fossil fuel consumption. The reality is more sobering: renewables are not displacing fossil fuelsespecially in non-OECD countries and energy-intensive sectors. Theyre growing fast, but theyre still playing catch-up with rising global energy demand. That is a key takeaway from the 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy. Yes, renewable energy posted impressive gains in 2024. But it still wasnt enough to bend the curve on global fossil fuel use or carbon emissions. In 2023, global energy consumption totaled 580 exajoules (EJ), with renewables providing just 29.97 EJor 5.2% of the total. By 2024, renewables increased to 32.74 EJ, yet only nudged their global share to 5.5%. Of the 11.9 EJ growth in total energy demand from 2023 to 2024, renewables supplied just 2.7 EJabout 23% of the total. Most of the rest came from fossil fuels, with natural gas leading the way at 4.1 EJ. Thats why carbon emissions continued rising in 2024, despite the record-breaking year for renewables. There were some bright spots. In 2024, countries like Argentina, the Netherlands, Poland, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, the UK, and Japan saw renewable energy growth outpace that of fossil fuels. In the United States, renewables met approximately 67% of the years increase in energy demandbetter than the global average, but still short of closing the gap without additional fossil fuel use. Countries like China and India continue to drive much of the worlds coal and gas consumption, reinforcing their reliance on carbon-intensive fuels. The result is a structural paradox: renewables are accelerating, but not fast enough to displace fossil fuels. Instead, theyre merely supplementing growing demandallowing carbon emissions to remain on an upward trajectory. Solar Power: From Niche to Powerhouse One bright spot is the meteoric rise of solar power. In 2024, global solar generation reached a new record of 7.7 EJ, up 27.5% year-over-year. Over the past decade, solar output has grown at a compound annual rate of 25.8%the fastest of any major energy source. Non-OECD countries accounted for 57% of all solar electricity last year. China alone produced 3.0 EJ, nearly 40% of the global total. Indias solar output jumped from just 0.02 EJ in 2014 to 0.5 EJ in 2024a 23-fold increase fueled by government-backed rooftop programs and grid expansion. The United States remains a major player, generating 1.1 EJ of solar electricity in 2024. Thats 14.6% of the global total. But with a 10-year compound growth rate of 24.4%, the U.S. is now trailing the global average. Wind Energy: Steady, But Slower Wind generation also hit a record high in 2024, reaching 9.0 EJ globally. But while impressive, winds 10-year compound annual growth rate of 7.2% pales in comparison to solars. Wind still leads in absolute generation, but the respective growth rates suggest that lead wont last much longer. China again leads the pack in wind output, with 3.6 EJ in 2024slightly more than the U.S. and EU combined. The United States came in second at nearly 1.7 EJ, with wind accounting for roughly 10% of U.S. electricity in 2024. However, like solar, U.S. wind is bumping up against permitting delays and grid constraints. Europe remains the only region where wind consistently outpaces solar, thanks to long-standing investments in offshore infrastructure, especially in the North Sea. Hydropower: Stuck in Neutral Hydropower still accounts for the bulk of global renewable electricityaround 16.0 EJ in 2024but its increasingly running out of steam. Growth over the past decade has averaged just 1.4% annually, constrained by geography, environmental concerns, and diminishing returns on new capacity. In countries like Norway, Sweden, Brazil, and Canada, hydropower continues to supply more than 10% of overall energy demand. But the momentum is shifting. Distributed solar is rapidly gaining traction in Brazils agricultural sector, while Canadas reliance on hydro has left it trailing in solar and wind adoption. OECD vs. Non-OECD: A Reversal of Fortune Perhaps the most important trend emerging from the data is the shifting balance between OECD and non-OECD countries. In 2014, the OECD led global deployment of most renewable technologies. Today, the tables have turned. Non-OECD countries now produce more non-hydro renewable electricity than OECD countries and are growing at a faster clip. This growth isnt just about ambition. Its also about economics. Solar and wind have become competitive sources of new power in much of the world, and developing nations are embracing them to reduce fuel imports, create local jobs, and improve grid reliability. Conclusion: Energy Transition Meets Demand Reality The data makes one thing clear: renewable energy is no longer niche. But it is still not transformativeat least not yet. The worlds energy transition is being outpaced by growth in total energy demand. Solar is rising faster than wind. Non-OECD countries are leapfrogging traditional leaders. Hydropower is fading into the background. And fossil fuels continue to dominate the global energy mix. There are reasons for optimism. Costs keep falling. Innovation continues. And emerging markets are proving they can scale renewables quickly. But for the foreseeable future, renewables will remain in an uphill race against ever-rising demand. By Robert Rapier More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oil prices dropped to their lowest in a week on Monday as markets digested OPEC+'s decision to implement another significant output increase in September. US Oil Majors Reign Supreme as Competitors All Lose Market Edge - US oil majors ExxonMobil and Chevron are increasingly pulling ahead of their European peers, with both companies reporting their highest ever production in Q2 2025, at 4.63 million boe/d and 3.4 million boe/d, respectively. - In stark contrast to US peers, Shells production saw an annual decline of 4.2% to 2.65 million boe/d whilst BP dipped by 3.3% from a year ago to 2.3 million boe/d, leaving the French TotalEnergies as the only large European oil firm to see higher hydrocarbon output. - Moreover, ExxonMobil successfully fended off pressure from activist investors such as Elliott Investment Management, all the while the same company is pressuring BP to divest $20 billion in assets and cut net debt to $14-18 billion by 2027 (vs $26 billion now). - Saudi Aramco is faring even worse than European oil majors, losing 14% of share value since the beginning of the year, as investors have taken note of lower dividend payouts in 2025 and higher debt requirements to meet the countrys $92.3 per barrel fiscal breakeven price. Market Movers - Saudi Arabias national oil company Saudi Aramco (TADAWUL:2222) posted a 22% decline in its Q2 net profit to $22.7 billion, with its average realized crude oil price dipping to $66.7 per barrel, down from $76.3 per barrel in Q1. - US midstream firm MPLX (NYSE:MPLX) agreed to buy Northwind Midstream for $2.38 billion in cash to expand its sour gas processing portfolio across the Permian Basin, in anticipation of more output coming from New Mexico. - Indias leading energy firm Reliance Industries (NSE:RELIANCE) launched a JV with UK oil major BP (NYSE:BP) and state-run ONGC to explore the GS-2022/2 block offshore, increasing BPs Indian exposure. - US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) signed a memorandum of understanding with Libyas state oil firm NOC to conduct geological studies in four offshore blocks, marking Exxons return to the country after a full withdrawal in 2013. Tuesday, August 05, 2025 In a surprise move, the US-India trading relationship has become the main talking point of this week, with the Indian government pledging to protect its economic interests and calling Trumps threats unjustified. The Indian reaction has weakened concerns that Russian oil supply could see an immediate impact come August 8, adding some downside pressure on oil prices as the OPEC+ announcement for September already nudged ICE Brent closer to $68 per barrel. OPEC+ Scraps All Voluntary Cuts. OPEC+ countries agreed to raise September production by 547,000 b/d, marking a full expedited reversal of the oil groups 2.2 million b/d voluntary cuts, citing robust summer demand and low commercial crude inventories globally as main reasons to unwind further. BPs Giant Brazil Find Boosts the Majors Morale. UK oil major BP (NYSE:BP) stated it discovered a supergiant oil and gas field in Brazil, hitting a more than 500m wide net oil pay with its Bumerangue exploration well in the offshore Santos Basin, potentially its largest find in 25 years. Chevrons Venezuela Return Will be Swift. US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) expects its Venezuelan oil exports to resume in August already, marking an unusually swift turnaround following the US Treasury Departments waiver, even if Chevron expects a gradual return to output of 250,000 b/d. Related: BP's Big Bet on Oil Pays Off in Brazil No Rare Earths Left for Defense Companies. According to WSJ, Chinese authorities have limited the flow of rare earth minerals to Western defense manufacturers, introducing new control measures such as requiring potential buyers to submit product line photos as proof of their civilian use. Ukraine Strikes Two Russian Refineries. Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Russias Novokuibyshevsk and Ryazan refineries, both operated by the state-run oil major Rosneft, fully halting the former as the damaged CDU-11 refining unit accounted for most of the 160,000 b/d plants capacity. Panama Clamps Down on Old Tankers. Panama has stopped accepting oil tankers older than 15 years in its maritime registry, seeking to improve transparency amidst an influx of shadow fleet tankers on its books, making the American nation the largest flag state for shadow fleet vessels. Azerbaijan Gets Stuck with Contaminated Oil. The Turkish port of Ceyhan declared force majeure on its exports of Azeri crude, claiming it was materially affected by the organic chlorine contamination in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and its storage tanks, unable to load on-spec oil. Trinidad Locks in Mega Deal with Exxon. As we have reported earlier, the government of Trinidad and Tobago has agreed to award US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) with seven deepwater blocks off the east coast of the Caribbean nation, abutting Exxons Stabroek block in Guyana. Heatwaves Ratchet Up Asian Coal Imports. Asian imports of seaborne thermal coal rose to 70.7 million tonnes in July, up a hefty 12% compared to June, as heatwave-stricken Northeast Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan ramped up purchases to replenish stocks. Mexico Wants to Let Pemex Free. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would seek to wean the countrys national oil company Pemex off government support from 2027 onwards, aiming to bring the companys debt to $77 billion by 2030, down from $99 billion as of end-June 2025. China Churns Out Copper as If Theres No Tomorrow. Chinas production of refined copper is set to reach an all-time high in 2025, with analysts expecting another 10% annual supply growth rate even though domestic demand is only up 4%, taking the countrys share of global output to 57%. Japanese Power Prices Spiral Out of Control. Spot electricity prices on the Japan Electric Power Exchange soared to a record high of 16.9 per kWh ($0.11/kWh) this week, as severe heatwaves strain Japans power grid, barely a week after last weeks earthquake temporarily halted energy imports. Oil Theft Crackdown Boosts Nigerias Oil Output. Nigerias state oil regulator NUPRC boasted that the African countrys crude and condensate production surpassed 1.8 million b/d in July, potentially making it the first month since April 2020 to see such output after a widespread crackdown on oil theft and sabotage. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Over the past decade, scores of Big Oil companies have set up separate trading divisions that frequently rake in billions in profits that help pad their bottom lines whenever oil and gas prices fall. In fact, the oil majors typically handle more barrels than leading commodity traders such as Vitol, Trafigura, Glencore and Mercuria, according to Bloomberg. These companies usually view high volatility in the markets as a blessing, allowing them to make big bets and generate outsized profits. To wit, giant commodity traders generated record profits during the pandemic thanks to their unique ability to leverage their global network of terminals, shipping fleets, and storage facilities to cash in on supply disruptions. In the same vein, low volatility is the bane of oil trading: Last year, we reported that commodities trading powerhouse Trafigura Group saw its net profit drop 73% to $1.47 billion, the lowest for the company since 2020, thanks to low market volatility. However, not all market volatility is created equal. Related: The Global Energy Shift Is HappeningQuietly but Surely A recurring theme has emerged in the ongoing earnings season: Geopolitics-led volatility is bad for Big Oil crude traders, with Trumps military maneuvers, social-media posts and tariff threats making oil price swings too unpredictable to trade on. Shell Plc (NYSE:SHEL) reported mixed earnings on Thursday, with Q2 Revenue of $65.41B (-12.2% Y/Y) missing by $800 million but GAAP EPS of $1.44 beating by $0.17. The company saw its net income for the first half of the year clock in at $9.4B, good for a -30% Y/Y decline while net income fell -23% Y/Y to $8.38B mainly due to lower trading contribution in a weaker margin environment. In the earnings call, Shell CEO Wael Sawan pointed out that market turbulence not related to demand and supply dynamics is hard for Big Oil traders, who prefer to sit them out rather than chase every oil price swing. We are much more of a fundamentals-based trader, so we chose to be a bit more risk-off, more of a prudent risk-management approach, Sawan said today during a Bloomberg Television interview. Previously, Sawan revealed that Shells trading desk had not lost money on a quarterly basis over the past decade. Similar sentiment has emerged from TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE) earnings call. The French oil and gas giant also posted a mixed report, with Q2 revenue of $44.68B (-9.2% Y/Y) beating by $1.76B while non-GAAP EPS of $1.57 missed by $0.02. Totals Q2 2025 adjusted EBITDA fell -11% Y/Y to $9.7B while net income declined -31% Y/Y to $2.7B. During the earnings call, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne declined to discuss the performance of the companys trading division, saying, Oil trading is a secret. Related: Trump Again Threatens Major Tariff Hike On India Over Russian Crude Meanwhile, Norways national oil company (NOC) Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) reported Q2 Non-GAAP EPS of $0.64 while revenue of $25.14B (-1.6% Y/Y) beat by $2.09B. Similar to its European peers, Equinor talked about a different type of volatility that has made it very hard to trade around. The companys net operating income for the second quarter was $5.72 billion down from $7.66 billion for last years comparable quarter. The company also took a nearly $1 billion hit due to regulatory changes in wind energy by the Trump administration. Specifically, CFO Torgrim Reitan said tariffs as well as the removal of tax credits for wind and solar energy had lowered the value of its large onshore terminal in South Brooklyn. "It is those new offshore wind projects that drive the impairment, because we have a terminal, the South Brooklyn Marine terminal, where we had assumed two more developments than our own Empire Wind to pay for that. That is now unlikely," Reitan told Reuters. That said, U.S.-based oil majors will hardly be affected by the chaos in oil trading markets, usually dominated by their European peers. Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) abandoned efforts to build a trading business to compete with those by Shell and Total after low oil prices forced it to make broader spending cuts. This left its traders with insufficient capital to leverage volatile oil markets. However, U.S. energy companies are expected to post yet another lackluster earnings season thanks to low oil prices. Earlier in the week, we reported that the energy sector is expected to post the lowest profit growth amongst the United States 11 market sectors at -24%. Lower oil prices are mainly to blame for the subpar earnings, as the average price of oil in Q2 2025 ($63.68) was 21% below the average price for oil in Q2 2024 ($80.66). By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com ZURICH and HSINCHU and BOSTON, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightium AG, MPI Corporation, and Axiomatic_AI Inc. have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the world's first Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) for photonic devices. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize the testing and qualification processes of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices by uniting state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, next-generation hardware, and deep domain expertise. The IAITS platform will deliver breakthrough performance in testing workflowsenabling unmatched efficiency, precision, and scalability to meet the ever-evolving demands of the photonics industry. A Unified Vision for the Future of Photonics Testing This partnership is driven by a shared commitment to deliver groundbreaking AI driven and self-optimizing solutions to the photonics industry. By combining Axiomatic_AI's reasoning-based, artificial intelligence with MPI Corporation's industry-leading wafer probing systems and automation software, and leveraging Lightium AG's advanced testing infrastructure and deep expertise in ultra-high-speed photonic device measurements, the collaboration aims to bring fully integrated, intelligent photonic integrated circuit (PIC) test solutions to market. Together, the three companies are creating a unified AI platform that addresses the growing complexity and performance demands of characterizing photonic integrated circuitsunlocking new levels of automation, precision, and scalability for next-generation applications. Disruptive Value Creation Across Hardware and Human Resources The Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) introduces a new paradigm in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing, delivering transformative value across both technology infrastructure and human capital. Key Benefits of IAITS: Increased Throughput : By automating complex test routines, minimizing downtime, and optimizing measurement system utilization, IAITS significantly accelerates test cycles and reduces iteration times. : By automating complex test routines, minimizing downtime, and optimizing measurement system utilization, IAITS significantly accelerates test cycles and reduces iteration times. Enhanced Human Efficiency: The system reduces reliance on manual operation, programming, and debuggingfreeing skilled personnel to focus on high-value engineering and strategic innovation tasks. IAITS will be commercially available as an advanced software add-on package for MPI Corporation's wafer probing systems. Designed to support both R&D and high-volume production environments, the solution sets a new industry benchmark for efficiency, precision, and scalabilityultimately lowering the total cost of testing and accelerating time-to-market for next-generation PIC devices. About Lightium AG Lightium AG is a Swiss-based startup specializing in Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) foundry and design services, built on its proprietary, production-grade Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. Lightium accelerates customer innovation by delivering unmatched photonic performance, a streamlined and cost-efficient supply chain, and seamless scalability from prototyping to high-volume manufacturing. As Europe's first production-grade TFLN foundry, Lightium plays a pivotal role in enabling next-generation photonic solutions across a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications, data communications, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and space technologies. Further information can be found at: Lightium - Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) Photonic Foundry About MPI Corporation MPI Corporation, headquartered in Taiwan, is a global leader in advanced probe systems and testing solutions for the semiconductor, photonic, and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) industries. The company designs and manufactures high-performance wafer probing systems known for their exceptional precision, automation capabilities, and scalabilityempowering cutting-edge testing across research, development, and high-volume production. MPI's innovations play a critical role in advancing next-generation technologies in wireless communication, electronics, and photonics. The company is publicly listed on the Taipei Exchange (TAIEX: 6223). For more information, please visit: About MPI Corporation Global Semiconductor Testing Leader About Axiomatic_AI Inc. Axiomatic_AI Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a pioneering startup developing physics-based reasoning artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation and reduce the cost and risk associated with deep-tech development. Its cutting-edge AI technologies are redefining how high-tech industries design, measure, and optimize complex systemsenabling faster, smarter decision-making across R&D and production environments. Learn more at: https://axiomatic-ai.com/mission/ While EV adoption and battery storage are growing, they remain expensive for mass adoption, and the market may be underestimating the demand surge, particularly in energy storage. Lithium prices are not reflecting real-world demand trends for the battery metals, which may at some point lead to a dramatic correction. Challenges remain, however, with EV adoption and with battery storage deployment, despite recent healthy growth in both. They are still not as affordable as they need to be for mass adoption. Last year, it looked like the world was firmly in oversupply territory when it came to lithium. Even though China kept breaking records in EV sales that supported local lithium prices, globally, the situation was one of excess supply of the metaland prices reflected that. Now, warnings are beginning to surface about the immediate outlook for lithium demand, which may be underestimated. They come from lithium miners, which suggests some caution is advisable when weighing the factual content of such warnings, but they are nevertheless worth noting because one of the largest lithium miners in the world recently said lithium prices do not currently justify investment in more supply. Albemarle, one of the top lithium producers globally, earlier this month reported it had returned to profit in the second quarter of the year after a loss-making three-month streak a year earlier. Cost cuts significantly helped that, because lithium prices were palpably lower in 2025 than they were last year, not to mention 2023: at $9 per kilogram of lithium carbonate equivalent, the prices of the metal for the second quarter of the year compared with $12-$15 per kilo of lithium carbonate equivalent in 2024 and $30 per kilo of carbonate equivalent in 2023. Related: Oil Drops as Markets Digest OPEC+ Supply Decision Albemarle does not seem to expect major changes in prices. One Canadian lithium miner, however, does. The chief executive of Patriot Battery Metals this week warned that lithium demand may take the market by surpriseby exceeding expectations. Nobody got solar application rates anywhere near right. Year-on-year, everybody was upgrading their outlook, and they still did not get it right. This is exactly what is happening in the battery world, Ken Brinsden said at an industry event in Australia, as quoted by Mining Weekly. There is a reasonable chance that in stationary energy storage, we are actually still accelerating. This market is going to be much bigger than the EV market, the executive added. Battery storage is indeed a vital part of the energy transition as envisioned by its architects, but there is a problem with battery storage, and this problem is financial. While costs have fallen significantly over the years, large-scale installations still cost quite a lotand they need a lot of land on top of the land necessary for that solar Patriot Battery Metals Brinsden mentioned as an example. Last year, lithium-ion battery pack costs fell by 20%, BloombergNEF reported earlier this year. The drop came on the back of a slowdown in EV sales and a battery-making overcapacity. The thing about overcapacity is that it will eventually get sorted out as excess producers leave the industry, which would likely lead to a rebound in battery prices. As for EVs, sales have rebounded this year in Europe as subsidies returned, which should be pretty bullish for lithium, but they are not about to rebound in the U.S., which is bearish news for lithium bulls. Yet some already predict a shortage of lithium that would slow down the transition. Namely, the International Energy Agency recently warned lithium shortages may be on the horizon, both because demand is surgingper forecastsand because most of the lithium mined today is located in parts of the world that have challenging climate that makes mining the metal hard. New mines, per the IEA, take 16 years to begin production, which adds to the supply anxiety. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Regulatory uncertainties, financing hurdles, and operational challenges are key reasons for the slow uptake of low-carbon hydrogen, impacting projects in regions like Australia, Europe, and the United States. Major energy companies are withdrawing from green hydrogen ventures and returning focus to their core oil and gas businesses, while government policy measures have been insufficient to create the necessary demand for scale-up. The green hydrogen market is facing significant challenges, including high production costs and insufficient market demand, leading to the cancellation or delay of numerous multi-billion-dollar projects globally. The green hydrogen drive is losing momentum as start-ups face rising costs and uncertain demand while energy majors back out of multi-billion-dollar projects as they return to their core oil and gas business. Low-emissions hydrogen, including the green variety produced with electrolysis using renewable energy, remains a small portion of global hydrogen use, which currently is mostly of the type using fossil fuels to make. Despite the promises of zero emissions in green hydrogen use and the environmentally-friendly way of producing green hydrogen, the market has faced up to the fact that the low-carbon type of hydrogen made from renewables remains very expensive and needs a lot of subsidies, incentives, and government support to exist. The promise of green hydrogen is enormouslow-carbon fuels that can help decarbonize heavy industries, including refining and chemicals. But the reality on the ground is quite different. Green hydrogen remains too expensive to warrant multi-billion-dollar investments when demand is not there. Demand is being created by policymakers and governments, which isnt a good sign of market demand. Policy measures are still insufficient to create the level of demand needed to scale up production to meet government expectations, the International Energy Agency (IEA), which has pushed for energy transition for years now, acknowledged in its latest report on hydrogen in October last year. Stronger government action will be needed to stimulate demand for low-emissions hydrogen as an essential requirement to underpin investments on the supply side, the agency said. The IEA itself admitted that green energy demand simply isnt thereand it will not be, unless governments prop up the industry. World demand for hydrogen rose by 2.5% to 97 million tons in 2023, with demand concentrated in refining and chemicals, and mostly covered by hydrogen produced from unabated fossil fuels, the IEA said in its annual hydrogen review. Yet, several projects have faced delays and cancellations, which are putting at risk a significant part of the project pipeline, the agency said. According to the IEA, the main reasons for the slow uptake of low-carbon hydrogen include unclear demand signals, financing hurdles, delays to incentives, regulatory uncertainties, licensing and permitting issues and operational challenges. The agency said this in October 2024, shortly after Shell and Equinor had ditched plans for low-hydrogen production and transportation in northern Europe, due to a lack of demand. This canceled project was the first of many that followed as the pace of abandoned projects accelerated in 2025. Australia, Europe, and the United States have all seen halted or canceled green hydrogen projects. Major energy firms have backed out of huge joint venture plans, too. In the United States, President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act accelerated the deadline for phasing out tax credits, adding to the regulatory headwinds to green hydrogen projects, which had been struggling with economic feasibility and commercialization anyway. This has led to several projects being scrapped or halted. Australias energy and metals group Fortescue is now reconsidering the timeframes of its planned Arizona Hydrogen venture to produce liquid green hydrogen in the United States. Initially, the project was expected to begin production by the middle of 2026. Its uncertain now when it would launch, if at all. In Australia, Stanwell has discontinued its involvement in the Central Queensland Hydrogen Project (CQ-H2) and other hydrogen development activities. The multi-billion-dollar CQ-H2 project was worth $9.1 billion (AUS$14 billion) and had planned to start exporting green hydrogen to Japan and Singapore by 2029. Australia, one of the worlds top LNG exporters, last year said it would develop a domestic green hydrogen industry and export clean hydrogen in a bid to become a global hydrogen leader. Another big hit to Australias green hydrogen ambitions came last week, when oil and gas supermajor BP withdrew from operatorship and its majority stake in Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH), one of the worlds top renewable energy projects that could generate 26 GW of combined solar and wind power and would cost $36 billion (AUS$55 billion). They were particularly looking to produce hydrogen, and that really was the weakness of the project, Ray Wills, University of Western Australia adjunct professor and director of Future Smart Strategies, told Australias ABC News. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The U.S.s short-term objective on Iran is for it to have zero enriched material that could be used to make a nuclear weapon. Its long-term objective is to remove from power the key element behind the drive for such armaments the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Its principal mechanism to achieve these aims is to deny Iran funding, and as the core of its financing comes from oil exports, the U.S. wants to cut these to as near to zero as possible. Cue China the biggest importer of Iranian oil and therefore, in effect, Irans chief enabler. As a very senior legal source who works closely with the U.S. agencies involved in sanctions on Iran and its allies exclusively told OilPrice.com recently: We want to put Beijing back in its box when it comes to Iran and the Middle East, as part of neutering the threat from China and its allies more broadly. Last week saw Washington move to do just this, as part of a scalable ladder of sanctions against Irans key supporters China now very much included to come. But will these efforts succeed? Back in 2018, just after the U.S. had unilaterally withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or colloquially the nuclear deal), Washington stated that its aim was to reduce Irans oil sanctions to zero and subsequent statements out of Washington were a virtual countdown of various benchmark levels through which Irans oil exports supposedly dropped from their previous position at that time of around 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd). On the other side of this version of reality was the fact that China on its own was importing nearly 1 million bpd from Iran, and the trend was rising rapidly as the global oil market discounts on Iranian oil increased. Beijings interest in continuing to increase these imports from Iran was further boosted by the multi-layered benefits of the all-encompassing Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, as first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject and also fully detailed in my latest book on the new global oil market order. Even after the U.S. refused to extend Chinas waiver on importing Iranian oil in May 2019, Beijing continued to increase its oil imports from Iran. Figures from Chinas General Administration of Customs (GAC) at the end of August 2019 showed that China had imported 926,119 bpd of Iranian oil in July, up 4.7% month on month, from an already high base. Indeed, according to various oil industry sources in Iran exclusively spoke to by OilPrice.com at the time, the actual figure was much higher. The key element that the U.S. had overlooked in this context was that any and all barrels of Iranian oil that did not officially go through Chinas GAC were not entered into the countrys customs data and thus did not show up at all, as examined in my latest book. In reality, many millions of barrels each month were being imported to China in such a fashion and were then simply moved the refineries where they were required or stored on land or at sea effectively as part of Chinas Strategic Petroleum Reserve, without ever having been recorded by the GAC, and thus to all intents and purposes not existing as far as the outside world was concerned. A year later, in another OilPrice.com exclusive, the high-profile reports claiming to underline that GAC data released on 26 July was evidence that China did not import any crude oil from Iran in June for the first time since January 2007 were shown to be nonsense. Specifically, from 1 June to 21 July (51 days), China imported at least 8.1 million barrels of crude oil 158,823 barrels per day (bpd) -- from Iran in a number of tried-and-tested ways. As with Iran, China at that point had always regarded any U.S. sanctions as a fun puzzle to solve. The key factor at play in Chinas ability to ignore U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil back then was the lack of exposure of its firms to the U.S. financial infrastructure, particularly to the U.S. dollar. Another key factor was the ease with which Chinese companies could set up new special purpose vehicles to handle ring-fenced areas of their businesses to allow for special situations, such as sanctions. A related example of this operational independence at that stage was that China made no secret that it was going to use its Bank of Kunlun as the main funding and clearing vehicle for its dealings with Iran. The Bank of Kunlun had considerable operational experience in this regard, as it had been used to settle tens of billions of dollars worth of oil imports during the UN sanctions against Tehran between 2012 and 2015. Most of the banks settlements during that time were in euros and Chinese renminbi and in 2012 it was formally sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for conducting business with Iran. This sanctioning had no effect on the Bank of Kunluns operations either then or subsequently. Having said all of this, the U.S.s methodology for imposing and then consistently tightening up sanctions on a target and then its allies appears to be improving. Long-running sanctions directly on Iran have been increasingly augmented by additional sanctions on its key regional accomplice, Iraq, in recent months. A notable recent example came in April, with the No Iranian Energy Act introduced to U.S. lawmakers. As highlighted by Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Congressman August Pfluger, this legislation is part of President Donald Trumps maximum pressure campaign against Irans leaders. [These] are the worlds most dangerous state sponsors of terrorism, [and] the Iranian regime is not just a threat, its leaders are a genocidal death cult, he said. The proposed Act will sanction the importation of Iranian natural gas to Iraq, which has for many years formed the foundation of the countrys domestic power sector. Indeed, gas and electricity imports from Iran has historically comprised around 40% of all Iraqs energy needs. An adjunct piece of legislation the Iran Waiver Rescissions Act -- would permanently freeze Iranian-sanctioned assets everywhere including Iraq and prohibit any standing or future U.S. President from using any waiver authority to lift the sanctions. For China, there have been warning shots from the U.S, in earlier pieces of U.S. sanctioning related to Iran. In December 2023, the U.S.s Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) applied sanctions against Iran to a broader part of its international support network. These were focused on 20 individuals and entities for their involvement in financial facilitation networks for the benefit of Irans Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and Iranian Armed Forces General Staff (AFGS), and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). The United States remains committed to exposing elements of the Iranian military and its complicit partners abroad to disrupt this critical source of funds, said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson at the time. Interestingly, among the long-suspected list of names and companies that were sanctioned, were firms in Hong Kong that were suspected of being part of the network that sold billions of dollars worth of commodities to customers in Europe and East Asia. At that point, it was Hong Kong -- not China directly -- that was targeted by the U.S. because, according to the senior U.S. legal source spoken to by OilPrice.com, Washington needed Beijing to mitigate the chances of a widening out of the Israel-Hamas War. Subsequent events the conflict appear to have lessened the U.S.s need for such assistance from China, which may explain the latest moves. In its latest announcement on Iran-related sanctions, the U.S. State Department said last week that it would impose sanctions on 20 entities it believes are engaged in trading Iranian oil and petrochemical products, including Chinas Zhoushan Jinrun Petroleum Transfer Co., an oil terminal in the greater Zhoushan port area. In an extremely similar tone and wording to Brian E. Nelsons comments on sanctions imposed on Hong Kong entities in 2023, the Department said: The Iranian regime continues to fuel conflict in the Middle East to fund its destabilizing activities, [and] Today, the United States is taking action to stem the flow of revenue that the regime uses to support terrorism abroad, as well as to oppress its own people. Zhoushan Jinrun was highlighted by the State Department is for: knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. The port is the fourth of Chinas to be sanctioned by Washington in recent weeks, following similar actions against Huaying Huizhou Daya Bay Petrochemical Terminal Storage in March, Guangsha Zhoushan in April, and Dongying Port in May. More is to come, the very senior U.S. legal source told OilPrice.com last week. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The race has been on to secure new liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies for Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. LNG at that point became the key global emergency energy source as it is quick to secure and to move, unlike pipelined energy that requires time-consuming infrastructure build-out and contract negotiations before it can be moved anywhere. Europe was especially in need of such supplies to compensate for the energy it has bought for decades from Russia without questioning Moscows long-term strategic motivation for offering such enormous quantities of cheap gas and oil. This was simply to ensure minimal pushback from Europe when President Vladimir Putin began his long-flagged objective to recapture those parts of Europe that were once part of the U.S.S.R., as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. The strategy worked perfectly in 2008 with Russias foray into the independent European sovereign state of Georgia, and again in the 2014 invasion and annexation of Ukraines Crimea region a practice run for what would happen in 2022. It would have worked as well in that year too, with early European dithering about taking any meaningful actions against Russia, but for the strong intervention of the U.S., Great Britain, and France, who could see that if this invasion of Ukraine was not opposed then the rest of Europe would follow. Staggeringly now, a crucial source of these compensatory LNG supplies to Europe Qatar is under threat from the continents own sustainability laws. Related: Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Depot as Trumps Ceasefire Deadline Looms The law in question is the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which according to the official blurb: [Aims to] foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour in companies operations and across their global value chains. The new rules will ensure that companies in scope identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their actions inside and outside Europe. It further requires firms to integrate sustainability into their core business strategies, address impacts on the environment and society, and establish transition plans aligned with the Paris Agreements climate goals. All this is focused on European Union (E.U.) companies with over 1,000 employees and a worldwide turnover exceeding EUR450 million (USD514 million), and non-E.U. companies with a turnover exceeding EUR450 million within the E.U. Failure to adhere to some of its sharper strictures can results in extremely severe punishments for transgressors. One particularly eye-catching punishment is that companies found in breach of these conditions can be fined up to 5% of their global turnover or be required to compensate affected individuals and communities. Unsurprisingly, for those countries in a more emerging stage of development than those who drafted the law (that is, nearly most of the major oil and gas suppliers around the world), some of these conditions are problematic. For Qatar, they are apparently infuriating, with its Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad al-Kaabi calling the legislation ridiculous at a forum in Doha in December. He also threatened at that point to end all LNG supplies to the E.U. if any of his countrys companies were subject to penalties by dint of the CSDDD. Matters have now escalated, according to a senior E.U. security source spoken to by OilPrice.com last week, with a letter from al-Kaabi to the European Commission (the executive branch of the E.U.) reiterating the threat of cut-off from Qatars LNG supplies if the Directive is not modified to ensure that its companies do not face any penalties. Equally unsurprisingly, according not the E.U. source, Europe is taking this threat very seriously. It should certainly do so, as Qatar has many more willing buyers for its LNG than Europe has sellers of the gas to choose from. In Europes case, it took many months of very tough negotiations led by the U.S. to turn Qatar from a state whose main supply priority was China before the Russia invasion of 2022 to a major non-NATO ally of the U.S. and its European allies as former President Joe Biden put it at the time, as also analysed in depth in my latest book on the new global oil market order. Information received by OilPrice.com just after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 from impeccable security sources indicated that China had been broadly told by Russia of its plans for a large-scale special operation in Ukraine months before it happened, not just prior to the 4 February 2022 start of the Beijing Winter Olympics, as many reports have it. Indeed, China concluded several major LNG deals with Qatar a year before, beginning with the signing of a 10-year purchase and sales agreement by the China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) and Qatar Petroleum (QP) for 2 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, and multiple similar deals followed. However, following hard negotiations with the U.S., May 2022 saw Qatar sign a declaration of intent on energy cooperation with Germany aimed at becoming its key supplier of LNG. These plans would run in parallel with, but were likely to be finished significantly sooner than, the plans for Qatar to also make available to Germany sizeable supplies of LNG from the Golden Pass terminal on the Gulf Coast of Texas. QatarEnergy holds a 70% stake in the project, with the U.S.s ExxonMobil holding the remainder. Following on from these developments, December 2022 saw two sales and purchase agreements signed between QatarEnergy and the U.S.s ConocoPhillips to export LNG to Germany for at least 15 years from 2026. As of now, Qatar remains a major LNG supplier to the E.U. its third largest, in fact having shipped around 10 million metric tonnes of the gas to the continent last year. As one of these three is Russia (in number two position, after the U.S.) and the E.U. is considering phasing out all Russian LNG and gas entering it by the end of 2027 Qatars share was set to rise dramatically. This dovetails with the countrys own plans to more than double its current 77 million mtpa production to 160 million mtpa by 2030. By that time, it will account for at least 40% of all new LNG supplies across the globe, making it even more of crucial energy and geopolitical ally to the West, and to China, Russia, and countries in their sphere of influence. Such a situation would leave the U.S. with a huge supply gap to fill very quickly, although industry projections are that its LNG supply will increase by at least 75 million mtpa (from over 90 million mtpa currently) by 2030. This would also accord with the recent E.U. pledge to buy USD750 million of U.S. energy in the next three years, with much of this increase expected to come from the LNG sector. That said, the E.U. may be at least as concerned by the fact that it would leave Europes emergency energy supply almost entirely in the hands of Washington. Given President Donald Trumps comments about not even helping to defend fellow European NATO members from attack as the U.S. is obliged to do by Article 5 of the Treaty -- if they do not increase their defence spending to what he considers a sufficient level, the E.U.s leadership may ponder whether he would take the same view on the U.S.s commitment to energy supplies to the continent as well should it be attacked by Russia. In short, the loss of Qatari LNG to Europe and more supplies going to China -- would be catastrophic for Europe and indeed for the broader Western Alliance even now. And it would be considerably worse if Beijing launches its own Special Military Operation to reunite Taiwan with its rightful motherland mainland China in 2027 the date Chinese President Xi Jinping has told his military to prepare for. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oil prices remain jittery today as the market digests yet another sanctions-threat targeting Russia. President Trump is said to be mulling new sanctions on Russias so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers if Moscow doesn't commit to a peace agreement with Ukraine by Friday. Despite many threats, the Trump White House has yet to impose new sanctions on Russia since he took office. Already the Russian economy is incredibly isolated in the West's eyes, while a growing Kremlin reliance on leading BRICS countries such as China and India has emerged. Postimees/Scanpix Baltics via Reuters Connect: On November 4, 2025, Estonian authorities detained an oil tanker that formed part of Russia's "shadow fleet" and that had been sailing through Estonian waters in the Gulf of Finland. Both of these countries have said they don't plant to change course on Russian energy, even in the face of secondary sanctions which are being dangled by Washington. Financial Times describes that oil sales from this 'shadow fleet' has been a key source of funding for the Kremlin's war machine: The shadow fleet consists of ships with obscure ownership structures that avoid Western services like insurance and logistics, making it difficult to penalize the owners directly. However, recent efforts to sanction the ships themselves have shown some success. According to two individuals familiar with White House discussions, sanctions on the shadow fleet are viewed as a relatively straightforward way to increase pressure on Russia. A third source close to the administration confirmed that broader sanctions options, including targeting the fleet, are under review. There are existing Biden era sanctions on over 200 named Russian crude, chemical, and product tankers. Trump has reportedly held back on expanding these sanctions on hopes of achieving ceasefire in Ukraine. Russia has until Friday, sources cited in the FT say. "If enacted, additional U.S. measures would reinforce similar efforts by the European Union. Last month, the EU added over 100 ships to its sanctions list, raising the total to 415." This has done nothing to deter Putin's 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine. In many ways the West is out of 'solutions' as it has sanctioned Russia to unprecedented levels - and yet this has done little. The ultimate answer from Moscow's point of view remains significant territorial concessions by Kiev and a clear binding pledge to never join NATO. And yet the Zelensky government has refused. By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Asias imports of thermal coal by sea slipped by nearly 8% in July from a year earlier, as a rebound in Japanese and South Korean purchases couldnt offset declines in top importers China and India, which have boosted domestic supply and stockpiles in recent months. Asian seaborne coal imports fell by 7.8% in July compared to July 2024, data compiled by commodity analysts Kpler and cited by Reuters columnist Clyde Russell showed on Tuesday. Coal shipments into Asia declined by 8.4% in the January-July period compared to the first seven months of last year, according to the data. Yet, imports rose in July from the previous month, which had seen multi-year low coal cargo arrivals in many Asian importers, most notably Japan, where imports hit the lowest level in Kpler data going back to January 2017. While coal imports recovered in July from the lows in the prior month, the levels this year have been lower than in 2024, as China and India the two biggest coal consumers and importers in the world have slowed down imports as they have been boosting domestic production. Surging domestic coal production and weaker demand resulted in Chinas lowest volumes of coal imports in June for nearly two and a half years. China imported in June a total of 33.04 million metric tons of coal, down by 26% from a year earlier and down by 8% compared to May, according to data from the General Administration of Customs. Chinese coal purchases for the full year 2025 are set to be between 50 million tons and 100 million tons lower compared to 2024, the local industry association, China Coal Transportation and Distribution Association, reckons. Lower demand amid the property crisis and weaker industrial growth so far this year, and rising domestic production are weighing on coal imports in China. In India, the push to boost domestic coal production and reduce reliance on imported coal has been the key driver of the import decline in recent months. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Australias federal government and the South Australian and Tasmanian state governments are injecting a funding package into two struggling smelters ultimately owned by commodity trading giant Trafigura to help them convert into sites capable of producing critical minerals. As Australia pitches itself as an alternative to Chinas global dominance in critical minerals and rare earth elements, the federal Albanese government and the two state governments will invest a total of US$87 million (AUS$135 million) in supporting the transformation of the Port Pirie and Hobart smelters owned by Trafiguras Nyrstar, the Australian Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres, said on Tuesday. The funding package will help turn the two sites into modern facilities capable of producing critical minerals. Port Pirie is home to Australias only lead smelter while Hobart is the site of the countrys largest zinc smelter. Port Pirie produces commodity grade lead, copper matte, silver dore, and sulphuric acid, while the Hobart facility has a production capacity of up to 280,000 tons of zinc. The support package, coupled with investment from the company, will enable Nyrstar to maintain its operations while progressing detailed engineering plans to potentially rebuild and modernise both smelters and, at the same time, fast track feasibility studies into world-leading critical metals production, the Australian government said. Nyrstar proposes to explore the potential production of essential critical minerals, including antimony and bismuth at Port Pirie, and germanium and indium at Hobart. An immediate focus of the package is to deploy an Antimony Pilot Plant in Port Pirie, which, if successful, would make Port Pirie the only producer of antimony metal in Australia and one of the few producers globally, the government said. Peter Malinauskas, the Premier of South Australia, said at the press conference announcing the bailout, The counterfactual would be to allow the Western world to see China consolidate all of its smelting capacity all of the worlds smelting capacity, which would mean that we dont get to participate in the critical mineral and critical mineral supply chain of the future. Malinauskas continued, Thats an unacceptable risk, particularly in the current geostrategic environment. The Australian government has also pledged to establish a critical minerals strategic reserve. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com U.S. electric utility giant Duke Energy has agreed to sell an indirect 19.7% stake in its Florida business to infrastructure investor Brookfield for $6 billion in cash, part of which will fund Dukes increased capital spending plan for the next five years. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Brookfield will invest in Florida Progress, which owns all of Duke Energy Florida. Brookfield will acquire its indirect equity interest in Duke Energy Florida in phases, with Florida Progress receiving $2.8 billion at the first closing expected in early 2026 and another $200 million by the end of 2026. An additional $2 billion will be received in 2027 and the remaining $1 billion will be received in 2028. Brookfield has the option to fund the total $6 billion investment sooner, Duke Energy said. A total of $2 billion of the proceeds from the transaction will fund Duke Energys increased $87 billion, five-year capital plan, while the remaining $4 billion will be used to displace holding company debt, the firm said. Duke Energy Florida is a vertically integrated electric utility company providing critical services to 2 million customers across central and western Florida. This partnership will create value for all of our communities as we invest in generation, transmission and distribution enhancements that increase reliability, maintain affordability and support future economic development in our state, said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. All of Duke Energys electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. In recent months, U.S. power utilities have announced billions of U.S. dollars in capital plans for the next few years and are getting a lot of requests from Big Tech for new power capacity in certain areas as the surge in AI and the expansion of data centers drive demand. Electric utilities in the United States are set to spend $212.1 billion in capex this year alone, which would be a 22.3% annual increase, as they race to secure new electricity supply for data centers, the Financial Times has reported, citing data from Jefferies. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Exxon has inked a preliminary deal for exploration at four offshore blocks in Libya after a decade of absence from the country. The news was reported by Libyas National Oil Corporation, which said the U.S. supermajor will conduct a detailed technical study of the blocks that are located off the countrys northwest coast and the Sirte Basin with the purpose of identifying the size of oil and gas resources in the blocks. The deal follows similar preliminary agreements between the National Oil Corporation and BP and Shell, which also returned to Libya after a prolonged hiatus amid Libyas civil war that began in 2011 after the U.S. deposed of Muammar Ghaddafi. The memorandum of understanding with BP will see the UK-based supermajor conduct studies to assess the potential for hydrocarbon exploration and production in the Messla and Sarir fields, as well as in some surrounding exploration areas. Separately, the Libyan oil corporation sealed an agreement with Shell for the oil and gas major to evaluate hydrocarbon prospects and conduct a comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study to develop the al-Atshan field and other fields fully owned by the NOC, excluding any areas where third parties, other than the NOC and Shell, have rights. Libya, earlier this yea,r launched its first oil and gas exploration tender since 2007, which is also the first since the civil war started. Exxon, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Eni were among the 37 international companies that expressed interest in Libyan acreage for oil and gas exploration. The participants in the tender were competing for 22 blocks, both offshore and onshore. The country with the richest oil and gas resources in Africa holds an estimated 91 billion in untapped resources, per National Oil Corporation data. Production averages around 1.4 million barrels daily but is subject to frequent disruption from various political and paramilitary groups. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Malaysias Petronas is looking for buyers for its 50% stake in the Tartaruga Verde field in Brazil, eyeing proceeds of up to $1 billion, Bloomberg has reported, citing unnamed sources. The Malaysian major bought the stake in 2019 from Petrobras, which owns the other 50% of the field, which is located in the Campos Basinone of Brazils most prolific oil regions. Earlier this year, reports emerged that Petronas was mulling over a divestment of its Canadian business. Per those reports, the company was working with a financial adviser to assess strategic alternatives for the Canadian unit, which could be valued between $6 billion and $7 billion. A minority stake sale was also under consideration, contingent on buyer interest and valuation. Petrobras, meanwhile, earlier this year said it would prioritize the development of existing oil fields over new exploration and development. The company will seek to revitalize production from aging fields, such as those in the Campos Basin, where recovery rates have declined to just 17% and this bothers the companys management, according to chief executive Magda Chambriard. The decline in production rate seems to have bothered Petrobras partner in Tartaruga Verde, too, prompting the divestment plan for its stake. Petrobras efforts to increase oil and gas production are bearing fruit. Petrobras produced 2.7 million barrels of oil equivalent in the second quarter of the year, which represented a 2.4% increase as the company ramped up production at five platforms and started 12 new wells, of which eight in the Campos Basin and four in the Santos Basin. The ramp-up follows a 25% drop in Brazilian output earlier this year amid platform maintenance. Now, platforms are returning from maintenance and producing more oil. Earlier-than-expected starts to some projects are also set to help Brazil recover its oil output later this year, and production could exceed forecasts. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com HIGHLAND, Ind., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is proud to announce the launch of its Manicuring program at its Highland, Indiana campus; the third location to offer this program, joining the Indianapolis and Lafayette campuses. This expansion gives aspiring nail professionals across the Midwest access to a program designed to build a strong foundation in both technical skills and creative artistry. Tricoci University's Manicuring program requires 600 hours of training, which students can complete in as little as six months on a part-time schedule (approximately 23 hours per week). The curriculum covers topics such as: Nail technology fundamentals: history of nail care, professional ethics, sterilization and disinfection, and the science of nails history of nail care, professional ethics, sterilization and disinfection, and the science of nails Nail practices and procedures : manicures, pedicures, wraps, sculpting, light-cured gels, electric file techniques, and massage : manicures, pedicures, wraps, sculpting, light-cured gels, electric file techniques, and massage Health and safety: OSHA standards, public health protocols, and bacteriology OSHA standards, public health protocols, and bacteriology Business skills: salon management, marketing, and state-specific regulations to prepare students for a range of career paths from salon employment to entrepreneurship "At Tricoci University, our mission is to ensure every student has the opportunity to expand their skills and build a career they're proud of," said Larry Foster, Chief Operating Officer at Tricoci University. "Manicuring is about mastering precise techniques that help clients look and feel their best, and our program gives students the training to deliver that level of excellence every time." In addition to Manicuring, Tricoci University offers advanced speciality services and initiatives including Spray Tanning, Eyelash Extensions and Brow Laminations , specialized training in Hair Extensions , the Sensory Safe Salon , a new curriculum designed to foster a more inclusive, sensory-friendly environment in beauty education and The Vitality Project , the industry's first mental health and wellness initiative. For more information about Tricoci University of Beauty Culture and its programs, please visit https://www.tricociuniversity.edu/ or connect with us on social media: Instagram: @tricociuniversity Facebook: @TricociUniversity, TikTok: @tricociuniversity and YouTube: @TricociU . About Tricoci University of Beauty Culture Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is a premier beauty education provider with 15 campuses throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Tricoci University is focused on producing salon-ready graduates who are prepared for successful careers in the beauty industry. Founded by international beauty industry leader Mario Tricoci, Tricoci University is developing a new type of beauty professional by using innovative teaching methods, an interactive learning platform, and upscale facilities. All guest services are provided by students under the supervision of licensed instructors. For more information about Tricoci University of Beauty Culture please visit https://www.tricociuniversity.edu/. SOURCE Tricoci University of Beauty Culture The American Petroleum Institute (API) estimated that crude oil inventories in the United States fell this week, shrinking by 4.2 million barrels in the week ending August 1. Analysts had expected a 1.8 million barrel draw. So far this year, crude oil inventories are up nearly 9 million barrels, according to Oilprice calculations of API data. Earlier this week, the Department of Energy (DoE) reported that crude oil inventories in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) added another 300,000 barrels to 403 million barrels in the week ending August 1. Despite a gradual rebound, U.S. emergency crude stockpiles are still deeply depleted compared to pre-2022 levels, when the Biden Administrations SPR release began. At 4:21pm ET, moment before data release, Brent crude was trading down $1.18 (-1.72%) on the day, landing at $67.58down roughly $5 per barrel from last weeks prices after OPEC unwound its production quotas over the weekend. WTI was also trading down on the day, by $1.20 (-1.81%) at $65.09, more than $4 shy of last weeks level. Gasoline inventories fell in the week ending August 1 by 900,000 barrels, after falling by 1.739 million barrels in the week prior. As of last week, gasoline inventories were 1% below the five-year average for this time of year, according to the latest EIA data. Distillate inventories rose again this week, by 1.6 million barrels after rising by 4.189 million barrels in the week prior. Distillate inventories were 16% below the five-year average as of the week ending July 25, the latest EIA data shows. Cushing inventoriesthe benchmark crude stored and traded at the key delivery point for U.S. futures contracts in Cushing, Oklahomarose by 1.7 million barrels in the week. In the week prior, Cushing inventories had risen by 465,000 barrels. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com ExxonMobil and the government of Trinidad and Tobago have agreed terms under which the Caribbean nation will award seven ultra-deep exploration blocks to the U.S. supermajor, senior government officials familiar with the talks told Reuters on Tuesday. The blocks are located east off Trinidad and Tobago and northwest of Guyanas Stabroek offshore block, where Exxon is leading a consortium that has already found 11 billion barrels of oil equivalents, produces more than 660,000 barrels per day (bpd), and is exploring for more resources. Earlier this year, Trinidad and Tobago and Exxon launched talks on the U.S. supermajor obtaining oil and gas exploration blocks in what would be a return to the Caribbean country for the oil giant after a 20-year hiatus. Exxon quit Trinidad and Tobago in 2003 following an unsuccessful offshore exploration campaign. Now the major discoveries offshore Guyana and Trinidads east coast proximity to the Stabroek block have prompted Exxon to discuss a return to exploration offshore Trinidad and Tobago. Ultra-deep Trinidad and Tobago could unlock potential similar to ExxonMobil's Stabroek block, Reuters quoted a 2024 study by Houston-based energy data analytics firm TGS as saying. The Caribbean nation is the largest oil and gas producer in the region and ranks 17th in the world. Its oil and gas industry is seen growing at a compound annual rate of 4.4% over the decade to 2030, with companies involved in that growth including BP, Shell, and Spains Repsol. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobagos neighbor Guyana has become the fifth-largest oil exporter in Latin America in less than a decade, output has grown from 400,000 bpd to over 660,000 bpd in a matter of months, and Exxon plans to boost output to 1.3 million bpd by 2030. Exxon recently got itself a new partner in Guyanas Stabroek block, after Chevron won the arbitration case against Exxon concerning its acquisition of Hess Corp. Its expansion in the region marks a natural development from the success in Guyana. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The Trump administration is reportedly considering new sanctions targeting Russias so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers if President Vladimir Putin fails to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by Friday, according to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday. The move would mark a significant escalation in the U.S. effort to restrict Russias oil export revenues, which remain a critical source of funding for the Kremlins military operations. Russias so-called shadow fleet is a loose collection of aging oil tankers, many flying flags of convenience and operating without standard insurance, that help Moscow quietly move crude to buyers like India, China, and Turkeyfar from the reach of Western price caps. Sanctioning this fleet would pile on top of an already tangled web of restrictions meant to choke off funding for Putins war. But this round would hit a lot closer to the flow of oil itselfand could force Russia to scramble for alternative shipping workarounds if it doesnt strike a deal on a ceasefire by Friday. Current measures include price caps, restrictions on Western insurance and financing, and sanctions on specific shipping entities. The timing is politically charged. President Trump has repeatedly promised to end the war in Ukraine on day one if reelected and is now putting public pressure on Moscow to come to the table. The ceasefire deadline reportedly set for Friday introduces a high-stakes countdown that could significantly affect both energy markets and diplomatic relations. The shadow fleet has long frustrated U.S. and European efforts to control Russian oil flows. Sanctioning it directly could tighten global tanker availability and disrupt certain trade routesbut it could also raise oil prices if Russian crude is temporarily stranded. Oil markets are likely to watch the Friday deadline closely, particularly given the potential for further geopolitical volatility and tightening supply if the sanctions are imposed. Earlier in the day, President Trump said that a further drop in energy prices could force Putin to end the war in Ukraine. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Trump administration had not publicly confirmed the report. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Via Metal Miner ArcelorMittal plans to idle blast furnace No. 3 at its D?browa Gornicza plant in Polands Silesian Voivodeship. The steel industry giant made the initial announcement back in September, citing current and future market factors. The reason for this decision stems from the extremely difficult and constantly deteriorating market conditions, ArcelorMittal Poland said on July 24. A Big Change for Polands Steel Industry ArcelorMittal Poland stated that work to idle the furnace is now underway. The firm plans to watch market conditions closely to determine the best time to bring it back on stream. The idling would leave only one furnace operating at the site, which is located about 15 kilometers west of the regional center of Katowice. In the last three months, we have recorded a significant drop in prices. All these factors have negatively impacted our margins, meaning that the operation of two blast furnaces in these conditions is economically unviable, the company quoted ArcelorMittal Poland CEO and management board chairman Wojciech Koszuta as saying. Koszuta also cited high energy prices as well as the cost of acquiring CO2 emission allowances under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme as reasons behind the decision. Need precise steel pricing without purchasing expensive, all-or-nothing subscriptions? With MetalMiner Select, acquire only the metal price data essential to your business, ensuring cost-effectiveness and better procurement planning. Poland a Significant Part of ArcelorMittals Efforts Information on the Luxembourg-headquartered groups website shows that besides rolling long products, which include merchant bar, sections, special sections and rails, and hot rolled coil. Offers on hot rolled coil prices in northern Europe were 530-540 ($610-625) per metric ton EXW in the week of July 21, down from 540-550 ($625-635) in late June. Transactions on imports were about 490 ($565) per metric ton CFR European ports. Besides lower activity in Europes summer, market sources believed that mills were attempting to entice buyers with lower prices before the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism comes into effect. The current date for CBAM implementation is January 1, 2026, and steel industry anxiety levels remain high. ArcelorMittal noted that imports into Poland comprise up to 80% of apparent total consumption, while for flat rolled products, they cover 95%. Imports are coming from Ukraine and Serbia as well as Indonesia, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia. By Metal Miner More Top Reads From Oilprice.com BRAMPTON, ON, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - MDA Space Ltd. (TSX:MDA) today announced that it has been awarded two contracts to equip the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)'s Halifax-class ships with up to six new Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). Part of the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (ISTAR UAS) project, these new systems will significantly enhance the RCN's ability to detect and monitor potential maritime threats, both at home and abroad. The award includes an acquisition contract valued at approximately $39 million for the initial procurement of two state-of-the-art Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) aircraft with options to procure four additional systems, and an in-service support contract, estimated at $27 million over an initial five-year period, to sustain operations. The in-service support contract includes provisions which enable extensions to the sustainment services for up to 20 years. By extending the Navy's situational awareness and operational reach, the advanced technology of the RCN-ISTAR UAS will support Canada's naval missions and provide the RCN with critical expertise in uncrewed systems and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Initial operational ISTAR UAS capability is anticipated in 2028, with full operational capability expected in 2032. "As a long-time trusted mission partner to Canada, MDA Space is honoured to deliver these advanced uncrewed aircraft systems to the Royal Canadian Navy and to provide our sailors with the modern systems they need to meet their operational missions," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "The ISTAR UAS project is a clear example of the advanced innovation required to support the modern operational demands of the Canadian Armed Forces, and of deep domestic Canadian industrial capabilities available to help them achieve that mission." RCN ISTAR UAS adds to a number of capabilities that MDA Space provides in support of overall Maritime Domain Awareness. Others include Maritime Insights that provides awareness of shipping activity around the world and in critical maritime economic zones for the detection and monitoring of dark vessels. Additionally, the MDA CHORUSTM constellation includes the Vessel Detection Onboard Processor (VDOP) demonstration that will provide near real time Synthetic Aperture Radar processing onboard the satellite and transmit vessel detection events directly from the satellite, significantly reducing the time to process and disseminate satellite maritime domain earth observation information. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including the exercise of future contract options as well as the expected launch of the CHORUS satellite constellation. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. MDA Space does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. ABOUT MDA SPACE Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,400 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that's been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there. For more information, visit www.mda.space. SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mdaspace X: twitter.com/MDA_space Facebook: facebook.com/MDAspace YouTube: youtube.com/c/mdaspace Instagram: instagram.com/MDA_space SOURCE MDA Space A Nebraska-based public media company responsible for 80% of the nations public content by and about Native Americans will lose half its operating budget after U.S. Congress pulled federal funding from public media, its president and CEO said. Funds from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which lost the entire $1.1 billion in federal funding it was scheduled to receive over the next two years, accounted for about 52% of Vision Maker Medias operating budget in 2024, according to the annual financial report provided on the media company. In the previous fiscal year, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant revenue accounted for 71% of the companys budget. Established in 1976 as the Native American Public Broadcasting Consortium, Vision Maker Media used the nearly $1.9 million it received from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to host events, training and mentorship programs and fund projects that broadcast companies could air, President and CEO Francene Blythe-Lewis said. She said the company as a whole is not yet in jeopardy, but Vision Maker Media will look vastly different than it has for the last nearly 50 years. Remaining resources focus on Native American youth Blythe-Lewis said four of eight non-CPB funders have committed to continue supporting the organization. The funding from those four is earmarked for a youth filmmaking training and mentorship program, so thats where Blythe-Lewis anticipates allocating resources for the foreseeable future, she said. While Vision Maker Media has been funding and training filmmakers to create content that meets TV standards since 1993, it started a new training program focused on youth in 2020. The Native Youth Media Project provides hands-on short film production training to Native American and Alaska Native children and young adults, aged 13 to 21. Blythe-Lewis said she believes funders have particular interest in the youth program because Native American youth are facing a critical health crisis nationwide. She cited increasingly high suicide, gun violence and high school dropout rates for Native American youth and said filmmaking is a great way to engage young people. In the discussions of how theyre going to create their stories is where a lot of healing happens, Blythe-Lewis said. Through the project, which requires the young participants to create a short-story film, she said the youth often connect back to their communities and elders to find a story to tell. Blythe-Lewis said whether the children live on reservations or in larger cities, theyre encouraged to research and explore to find a story that isnt limited to their life experiences thus far. She said that first step in the exploration process often fosters a reconnection with their roots, encouraging the youth to dive deep into their cultural histories and ancestral knowledge. When the film is done, the projects community engagement component requires the youth to share their story with the community in some way, Blythe-Lewis said. She said this often leads to partnerships and information exchanges between different tribal nations across the U.S. Some of those young people who want to continue their filmmaking education can participate in a yearlong mentorship program for those 21 years and older. Blythe-Lewis said Vision Maker Media recently started preparing the Native youth short films for a new series for public television. She said Season 1 will continue, but she now questions the future of the series. I dont know if well be able to continue that with the loss of the CPB funding, Blythe-Lewis said. It was a really exciting new endeavor. Production funding projects are in greatest jeopardy Vision Maker Medias ability to fund productions for public television will take the hardest hit from the loss of CPB funding, Blythe-Lewis said. She said through the Public Media Fund, Vision Maker Media awards $1 million annually for producing content made for public television, funding anywhere from 10-15 projects in the various stages of filmmaking each year. Well have to find new funding revenues to continue doing that, Blythe-Lewis said. But also, at this point, were not real sure how the system will continue to exist. She said the reduction or loss of funding might affect the entire public media system, including distributors and content producers like Vision Maker Media. Blythe-Lewis said national Native American topics are in the greatest jeopardy. Every year, PBS programs at least one story on national topics like Native American boarding schools, missing and murdered Indigenous women, the Indian Child Welfare Act and Indigenous science knowledge, she said. The projects are jeopardized because typically theyre produced in co-production and co-funding with a PBS national service, but also because they rely heavily on funding from government agencies that now see Native American stories as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. Blythe-Lewis said after the Trump Administration eliminated DEI throughout the government in January, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Education Association and the National Science Foundation sent several Vision Maker Media productions, as well as PBS productions they fund, letters of termination for proposals or works in progress. Stories on the environment and Indigenous science are already in jeopardy, she said. Vision Maker Media worked with NOVA, a popular prime-time television series, last year to create the first Indigenous science short series, called Legacies of Land, on its YouTube channel. She said its doing one more special on Indigenous science with NOVA, but the project may not continue after losing federal funding. Restructuring business models may aid survival Blythe-Lewis said shes seen warning signs since February that the federal government was downsizing funding for documentary projects for public television. She said since May 1, Vision Maker Media has been advocating for support to save public media. Now that the rescission package passed, Blythe-Lewis said Vision Maker Media, like the rest of the public media landscape, is trying to figure out how it will restructure to try to survive with less or no funding. One thing its looking at is how to build business revenue, she said. It may try to monetize its YouTube channel and the more than 700 projects in its archives. It can also try to collaborate with local public media for stories, as theres at least one Native American tribe in virtually every state, she said. Vision Maker Media has a great reputation in our network of being a trustworthy partner and liaison between Indian talent and Native stories and communities to stations to get a production done, she said. So we see that as a new role that well probably strengthen. Finally, Blythe-Lewis said, Vision Maker Media is looking into how it can become its own distributor if the public media system disappears entirely. To me, the saddest part of this all is the lack of understanding of public media, she said, citing the economic stimulation that comes from the various stages of film development, including hotels, transportation, technology, equipment and hiring editors and crew. Blythe-Lewis said she believes some of the misunderstanding may come from people who watch or listen to national public media broadcasts but havent paid attention to local public media content. I personally think that public media is made by the people for the people, she said. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Here is a feel good story of the week. Oregon Humane Society has worked to airlift 16 dogs to Oregon after stray dog population boomed in Texas after their recent flood. More here. MILWAUKEE, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new cancer research facility. The Center for Cancer Discovery (CCD) is a modern state-of-the-art 161,000-square-foot building designed to serve as a hub for collaboration and innovation that will accelerate cancer research breakthroughs. The CCD is the only research facility in eastern Wisconsin solely dedicated to cancer research. Its grand opening marks the beginning of a bold new era of cancer research at MCW. Medical College of Wisconsin Center for Cancer Discovery "The Medical College of Wisconsin's Center for Cancer Discovery reflects our priority to eradicate the cancer burden in Wisconsin, as well as our long-standing promise to tackle cancer's toughest challenges and ensure progress is felt everywhere, by everyone, and at every step of the cancer journey," said John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, president and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin. "Today we celebrate not just the completion of a building, but also an opportunity to honor the dedicated scientists, clinicians, and educators whose work sowed the seeds for where we stand today." More than 100 guests attended today's celebration that included remarks from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. Partial funding for the more than $150 million project was provided by the state through a $10 million grant. Currently dispersed across multiple locations, the CCD brings all the MCW Cancer Center's research programs under one roof. Additionally, the building's open concept is intended to deepen collaboration among cancer researchers, physician-scientists, and community partners. It is this highly-collaborative approach to research and patient care that makes the latest scientific advancements in cancer treatment available through MCW's clinical partners that includes a robust portfolio of more than 220 active cancer clinical trials, the most in Wisconsin. "The cancer research happening at the Medical College of Wisconsin is bold, collaborative, and life-changing," said Gustavo Leone, PhD, director of the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. "Now, anchored by the Center for Cancer Discovery, hundreds of basic, clinical, and population scientists will be located together, allowing for innovative ideas to move from the bench to a patient's bedside and to the community faster. There's no doubt this enhanced collaboration, along with cutting-edge technology, will transform cancer care and improve lives for generations to come here in Milwaukee, across Wisconsin, and beyond." Read the full release on MCW's website. SOURCE Medical College of Wisconsin Offer Description - Selling wood pellets from the manufacturer, EXW Ukraine We offer to your attention the products of our plant, pellet wood coniferous species. Packing on euro pallets. Delivery from Ukraine. Please write to learn the details of the proposal. 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: Maps of the five monitored forest fragments in the littoral forest of Mandena (2456S, 4659E) in 2000 (left) and 2019 (right). The maps illustrate the changes in vegetation cover in the study area based on Landsat seven images composite (Hansen et al. 2013). Green color represents forest cover, red colors represent other type of land cover (e.g. degraded area, urban areas). Black polygons delineate monitored forest fragments. Fragments M15 and M16 are formally protected by the Mandena Conservation Zone, while fragments M5, M13 and M20 are degraded fragments. Credit: Oikos (2025). DOI: 10.1002/oik.11397 A long-term ecological study reveals that protected forest fragments in southeastern Madagascar (Mandena) significantly improve the survival of endangered mouse lemurs, while translocation strategies may fall short of expectations. The study, led by researcher Andrea Vallejo-Vargas (NMBUNorwegian University of Life Sciences), analyzed 21 years of capture-mark-recapture data from the littoral forests of Mandena. This research aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the different strategies put in place in this region, including habitat protection and animal translocation, for the conservation of the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), a small nocturnal primate endemic to Madagascar. The research is published in the journal Oikos. Key findings Mouse lemurs in protected forest fragments had significantly higher average annual survival probabilities than those in degraded habitats. Females consistently outlived males, with annual survival probabilities of 39% in protected areas versus 27% in degraded ones. Translocated individuals had drastically lower annual survivaljust 4% for females and nearly zero for males. Temperature positively influenced female survival in protected areas, suggesting a link between climate and resource availability. Conservation wins and warnings "These findings underscore the critical role of protected areas in safeguarding biodiversity," said Vallejo-Vargas. "However, they also highlight the need for more strategic planning around translocation efforts, which may not always yield the intended conservation benefits." The study also found limited evidence of long-term trends in survival, suggesting that the most severe impacts of habitat degradation may have occurred before monitoring began. The study contrasts with recent findings from western Madagascar, where climate change has been shown to reduce lemur survival. Despite the challenges, the authors noted that translocations could still contribute to genetic diversity if relocated individuals successfully reproduce before dying, as genetic data revealed that translocated lemurs carried more unique immune-related alleles than resident populations. But more research is needed to confirm the potential genetic contribution of translocated individuals. The research emphasizes the importance of long-term ecological monitoring and data-driven conservation planning, especially in biodiversity hotspots like Madagascar, where habitat loss and fragmentation continue to threaten endemic species. More information: Andrea F. VallejoVargas et al, Effects of management strategies on the survival probability of a small remnant population of mouse lemurs, Oikos (2025). DOI: 10.1002/oik.11397 Journal information: Oikos Provided by Norwegian University of Life Sciences 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: Artist's impression of a protoplanetary disk distorted by a shock front created by an expanding bubble. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), M. Aizawa et al Astronomers have observed an explosion in space that is pushing back against and influencing the baby star which triggered the explosion in the first place. If explosions like this one are common around young stars, then the young stars and their planets are exposed to a harsher environment than previously thought. The discovery is published in The Astrophysical Journal. Stars and their associated planetary systems are formed from the gravitational collapse of molecular clouds in space. As a cloud collapses, it retains its angular momentum, causing it to evolve into a spinning structure known as a protoplanetary disk. Stars and planets form within a protoplanetary disk, but not all of the material is incorporated into the new stars and planets. Some of the material is ejected through powerful jets aligned with the rotation axis of the disk. These jets help remove excess angular momentum and matter from the protoplanetary disk. A team of Japanese astronomers was reanalyzing archival data for protoplanetary disks from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), when they unexpectedly discovered an explosively expanding bubble structure near one of the disks. That disk, known as WSB 52, is located 441.3 light-years away in the direction of the constellation Ophiuchus. Further detailed analysis revealed that a shock front created by the expanding bubble was colliding with the disk and distorting it. Similar expanding bubble structures have been detected around other young stars, but none of them have shown signs of collision between the bubble and the disk. This phenomenon was also not predicted theoretically. A short animation conceptually showing the chain of events found through this research: A jet emitted by a baby star collides with a cloud of cold molecular gas, setting off the explosive expansion of a bubble. The shock front created by the expanding bubble collides with the stars disk and distorts it. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), M. Aizawa et al. The team found that the center of the bubble aligned with the disk's rotation axis. The chances of a bubble aligning with the axis of the disk by random chance are effectively zero, indicating that this alignment is not random. This led the research team to conclude that a jet aligned with the axis of the disk triggered the expansion of the bubble. According to their explanation, a high-speed jet emitted from WSB 52 hundreds of years ago collided with cold gas near the disk, causing the gas to compress. The increased pressure from the compression caused the gas to explode, which resulted in the formation of the expanding bubble. Masataka Aizawa at Ibaraki University, who led this research, explains, "In science fiction, there are scenes where a beam is fired at something to destroy it, causing an explosion with debris flying back at the shooter. Similar things occur in real astronomical phenomena, but with greater intensity. "Through this discovery, I once again realized that nature is far more complex than humans think. In future research, I hope to further explore the effects of the explosions on the formation of stars and planetary systems." More information: Masataka Aizawa et al, Discovery of JetBubbleDisk Interaction: Jet Feedback on a Protoplanetary Disk Via an Expanding Bubble in WSB 52, The Astrophysical Journal (2025). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/add47e Journal information: Astrophysical Journal 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: Seawater intrusion into the delta, where the Indus River meets the Arabian Sea in Pakistan, has triggered the collapse of farming and fishing communities. Salt crusts crackle underfoot as Habibullah Khatti walks to his mother's grave to say a final goodbye before he abandons his parched island village on Pakistan's Indus delta. Seawater intrusion into the delta, where the Indus River meets the Arabian Sea in the south of the country, has triggered the collapse of farming and fishing communities. "The saline water has surrounded us from all four sides," Khatti told AFP from Abdullah Mirbahar village in the town of Kharo Chan, around 15 kilometers (9 miles) from where the river empties into the sea. As fish stocks fell, the 54-year-old turned to tailoring until that too became impossible with only four of the 150 households remaining. "In the evening, an eerie silence takes over the area," he said, as stray dogs wandered through the deserted wooden and bamboo houses. Kharo Chan once comprised around 40 villages, but most have disappeared under rising seawater. The town's population fell from 26,000 in 1981 to 11,000 in 2023, according to census data. Khatti is preparing to move his family to nearby Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, and one swelling with economic migrants, including from the Indus delta. The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, which advocates for fishing communities, estimates that tens of thousands of people have been displaced from the delta's coastal districts. Kharo Chan once comprised around 40 villages, but most have disappeared under rising seawater. However, more than 1.2 million people have been displaced from the overall Indus delta region in the last two decades, according to a study published in March by the Jinnah Institute, a think tank led by a former climate change minister. The downstream flow of water into the delta has decreased by 80% since the 1950s as a result of irrigation canals, hydropower dams and the impacts of climate change on glacial and snow melt, according to a 2018 study by the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water. That has led to devastating seawater intrusion. The salinity of the water has risen by around 70% since 1990, making it impossible to grow crops and severely affecting the shrimp and crab populations. "The delta is both sinking and shrinking," said Muhammad Ali Anjum, a local WWF conservationist. An abandoned house is pictured in one of the villages of Kharo Chan, where the town's population fell from 26,000 in 1981 to 11,000 in 2023. 'No other choice' Beginning in Tibet, the Indus River flows through disputed Kashmir before traversing the entire length of Pakistan. The river and its tributaries irrigate about 80 percent of the country's farmland, supporting millions of livelihoods. The delta, formed by rich sediment deposited by the river as it meets the sea, was once ideal for farming, fishing, mangroves and wildlife. But more than 16% of fertile land has become unproductive due to encroaching seawater, a government water agency study in 2019 found. In the town of Keti Bandar, which spreads inland from the water's edge, a white layer of salt crystals covers the ground. Boats carry in drinkable water from miles away and villagers cart it home via donkeys. "Who leaves their homeland willingly?" said Haji Karam Jat, whose house was swallowed by the rising water level. Infographic map showing the Indus River Delta in Pakistan and the areas of land projected to be below the high-tide level in 2030, according to calculations by research group Climate Central. He rebuilt farther inland, anticipating more families would join him. "A person only leaves their motherland when they have no other choice," he told AFP. Way of life British colonial rulers were the first to alter the course of the Indus River with canals and dams, followed more recently by dozens of hydropower projects. Earlier this year, several military-led canal projects on the Indus River were halted when farmers in the low-lying riverine areas of Sindh province protested. 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. To combat the degradation of the Indus River Basin, the government and the United Nations launched the 'Living Indus Initiative' in 2021. One intervention focuses on restoring the delta by addressing soil salinity and protecting local agriculture and ecosystems. The Sindh government is currently running its own mangrove restoration project, aiming to revive forests that serve as a natural barrier against saltwater intrusion. Haji Karam Jat, whose house was swallowed by the rising water level, rebuilt his new hom farther inland. Even as mangroves are restored in some parts of the coastline, land grabbing and residential development projects drive clearing in other areas. In the town of Keti Bandar, which spreads inland from the water's edge, a white layer of salt crystals covers the ground. Habibullah Khatti bids a final goodbye to his mother's grave before he abandons his parched island village on Pakistan's Indus delta. Habibullah Khatti, a local resident, walks over the salt crusts deposited in Kharo Chan town. Even as mangroves are restored in some parts of the coastline, land grabbing and residential development projects drive clearing in other areas. Neighboring India meanwhile poses a looming threat to the river and its delta, after revoking a 1960 water treaty with Pakistan which divides control over the Indus basin rivers. It has threatened to never reinstate the treaty and build dams upstream, squeezing the flow of water to Pakistan, which has called it "an act of war". Alongside their homes, the communities have lost a way of life tightly bound up in the delta, said climate activist Fatima Majeed, who works with the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum. Women, in particular, who for generations have stitched nets and packed the day's catches, struggle to find work when they migrate to cities, said Majeed, whose grandfather relocated the family from Kharo Chan to the outskirts of Karachi. "We haven't just lost our land, we've lost our culture." 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Dragon Bravo fire continues to burn on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, a month after being started by lightning. A month after a wildfire erupted at the edge of the Grand Canyon, US firefighters were struggling Monday to bring the blaze under control. A lightning strike on July 4Independence Day in the United Statessparked a fire that spread rapidly on the northern rim of the canyon, a major draw for domestic and international tourists. The Dragon Bravo Firenamed after the Dragon rock formation near the conflagration's startwas initially allowed to burn unabated as part of a natural cycle that thins vegetation and renews the landscape. But a week later, strong winds whipped through Arizona and fanned the fire, pushing it through a major hotel, as well as the North Rim Visitor Center and some guest cabins. A nearby water treatment plant was also damaged, venting chlorine gas into the environment. The blaze, which now stands at over 123,000 acres (50,000 hectares), is being actively fought with more than 1,000 personnel on site, battling the flames from the air and from the ground. "Yesterday, crews patrolled and monitored the east and west flanks of the fire," said a Monday update from incident commanders. "Despite relative humidities as low as 4% they were able to hold the fire's growth to a minimum. "In the southwest part of the fire, crews were able to go direct on the fire. Last night they walked sections of the perimeter searching for signs of heat, a process required before lines can be declared contained." The level of containmentthe amount of the perimeter where firefighters have completely stopped the fire's progressstood at 13% on Monday. Operations throughout the day looked set to be helped by the local topography along the northern part of the fire, despite continued critical fire weather, the update said. "The pinyon-juniper fuels in the area will assist since they do not carry the fire as effectively as mixed conifer or ponderosa stands," it continued, in reference to the vegetation growing in the vicinity. Humidity remains low in the region, with a disappointing seasonal monsoon bringing rain far below expected levels. Scores of wildfires burn across North America every year, many of them started by lightning. Those that do not threaten population centers are now frequently left to burn by forest managers who understand the need for the kind of woodland renewal such blazes bring. The policy contrasts with what was previously in effect for much of the last 150 years, where managers took an aggressive firefighting stance. Doing so had the unintended effect of leaving some areas overstocked with fuel and liable to burn much hotter and faster when they did catch fire. While wildfire is a natural phenomenon, human activityspecifically the unchecked use of fossil fuelsis changing the climate, often making blazes more likely and more destructive. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Image of heavy electrons with quantum entanglement on CeRhSn. Credit: Takuto Nakamura and Shin-ichi Kimura A joint research team from Japan has observed "heavy fermions," electrons with dramatically enhanced mass, exhibiting quantum entanglement governed by the Planckian timethe fundamental unit of time in quantum mechanics. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for harnessing this phenomenon in solid-state materials to develop a new type of quantum computer. The findings are published in npj Quantum Materials. Heavy fermions arise when conduction electrons in a solid interact strongly with localized magnetic electrons, effectively increasing their mass. This phenomenon leads to unusual properties like unconventional superconductivity and is a central theme in condensed matter physics. Cerium-rhodium-tin (CeRhSn), the material studied in this research, belongs to a class of heavy fermion systems with a quasi-kagome lattice structure, known for its geometrical frustration effects. Researchers investigated the electronic state of CeRhSn, known for exhibiting non-Fermi liquid behavior at relatively high temperatures. Precise measurements of CeRhSn's reflectance spectra revealed non-Fermi liquid behavior persisting up to near room temperature, with heavy electron lifetimes approaching the Planckian limit. The observed spectral behavior, describable by a single function, strongly indicates that heavy electrons in CeRhSn are quantum entangled. Dr. Shin-ichi Kimura of the University of Osaka, who led the research, explains, "Our findings demonstrate that heavy fermions in this quantum critical state are indeed entangled, and this entanglement is controlled by the Planckian time. This direct observation is a significant step toward understanding the complex interplay between quantum entanglement and heavy fermion behavior." (a) Crystal structure of CeRhSn. (b) Inverse lifetime divided by the temperature and the Planckian time as a function of the photon energy divided by the temperature. (c) Dynamical Planckian scaling plot and a theoretical curve. Credit: Adapted from npj Quantum Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41535-025-00797-w Quantum entanglement is a key resource for quantum computing, and the ability to control and manipulate it in solid-state materials like CeRhSn offers a potential pathway toward novel quantum computing architectures. The Planckian time limit observed in this study provides crucial information for designing such systems. Further research into these entangled states could revolutionize quantum information processing and unlock new possibilities in quantum technologies. This discovery not only advances our understanding of strongly correlated electron systems but also paves the way for potential applications in next-generation quantum technologies. More information: Shin-ichi Kimura et al, Anisotropic non-Fermi liquid and dynamical Planckian scaling of a quasi-kagome Kondo lattice system, npj Quantum Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41535-025-00797-w NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), a subsidiary of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), is pleased to announce the appointment of Chrissy Buteas and Elisa Charters to NJII's Board of Directors. New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) Appoints Elisa Charters and Chrissy Buteas to their Board of Directors Post this NJII Welcomes Chrissy Buteas and Elisa Charters Chrissy Buteas is the President & CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ), which serves as the trade association for leading research-based biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies in New Jersey. Buteas has held significant leadership positions throughout her career, including VP of Government Affairs at Optimum, Chief Government Affairs Officer of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), and President and CEO of the Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey. Her board service includes roles with Middlesex College, New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), Thanexus, Inc., the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD-NJ), and several other organizations. Buteas holds an MPA from Rutgers University-Newark and a BA from Rowan University. Buteas stated, "New Jersey's innovation economy depends on strong collaboration among diverse partnersfrom academia and research institutions to private industry, state government, and economic development agencies. As HINJ works to strengthen the research ecosystem through ongoing partnerships, I am honored to have the chance to serve on the board of New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII). Together, we will continue to advance our state's technology and innovation initiatives." Elisa Charters is a seasoned executive strategist with over 30 years of public-sector finance and transactional experience, specializing in the negotiations of major economic development and regional infrastructure. Her highlights include leading valuation of the Port Authority of NY & NJ's 23 million sq. ft. of mixed-use portfolio, managing acquisitions in the redevelopment of One World Trade Center post 9/11 and assessing revenue programs as Assistant Comptroller of Port Commerce. Charters transitioned from government to entrepreneurship, founding EAC Business International LLC and more recently Juegos AI Lab, focusing on application programming interfaces and agentic AI modeling. A passionate advocate for education and underserved communities, she co-founded Latina Surge National non-profit, scaling it from a grassroots organization to an international platform. Charters is an alumna of NJIT, holding dual degrees in Environmental Science, and a graduate degree in International Finance and Business from Columbia University. When asked about the future of NJII, Charters remarked, "The global AI race is progressing at extreme speed, and this is New Jersey's AI moment. NJII is our East Coast Gateway to transformative growth across key innovation sectors, uniquely supported by NJIT, our premiere R1 translational research institution. State-of-the-art technology and the most prepared technical workforce will forge economic advancement and quality of life in New Jersey for decades to come." NJII President, Michael Johnson, Ph.D., expressed enthusiasm about Buteas and Charters' appointments: "We are thrilled to welcome Chrissy Buteas and Elisa Charters to the NJII Board of Directors. Their extensive backgrounds in healthcare and economic development will be invaluable as we continue to drive innovation and foster collaboration across New Jersey's key sectors. Together, we will enhance our mission to accelerate technology and support our state's growth, ensuring New Jersey remains at the forefront of the innovation economy." Under Johnson's leadership, NJII has made significant strides, including the recent launch of the NJII Venture Studio, the state's seventh Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) focused on high technology and IT. NJII has also strengthened its role in workforce development by expanding training programs in cutting-edge fields such as AI, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology, creating hands-on opportunities for students and professionals alike About NJII The New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit wholly owned by NJIT. Founded in 2014, NJII leverages the vast resources of an R-1 research university, deep industry and government partnerships, and a proven track record of building industry-centric ecosystems to accelerate technology, foster innovation, and drive workforce development. With over $330 million in revenue across four divisionsAI/ML, Defense, Entrepreneurship, and Healthcare. NJII delivers measurable economic impact across New Jersey and beyond. Learn more: https://www.njii.com/about/ About NJIT New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is the leading producer of technological talent and knowledge in New Jersey, serving as a nexus of innovation. NJIT is the only polytechnic university classified as an R1 (highest level) Carnegie Classification research university and is designated as both an Asian American and Hispanic-serving institution. The New York Times college ranking tool rates NJIT No. 1 nationally among all public universities for high alumni earnings, economic mobility, and academic profile. Additionally, NJIT is ranked among the top 100 universities in the country for alumni mid-career earnings and is recognized as a Best Value College by The Princeton Review. SOURCE New Jersey Innovation Institute 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: Heat haze is seen in the background as pedestrians with umbrellas cross a railroad on a hot August 5 in Tokyo. Japan logged a new heat record on Tuesday, with the mercury hitting 41.8C, the weather office said, warning temperatures may rise further still. Temperatures the world over have soared in recent years as climate change creates ever more erratic weather patterns, and Japan is no exception. The scorching temperature in the city of Isesaki on Tuesday surpassed the previous record in the Hyogo region of 41.2C, which was set only last week. Tokyo has also been struggling with extreme heat. "I'm really concerned about global warming, but when it comes to my daily life, I can't live without turning on the air conditioner," office worker Mayomi Saito told AFP. "I don't really know what I should be doing. I'm just desperately getting through each day." Last month, 38,608 people were treated in hospital for heatstroke, data showed Tuesday, down from 43,195 in July 2024. Last week there were 18 deaths. In tourist hotspot Kyoto last week the mercury hit 40C, the first time any of its observation pointsthe oldest opened in 1880, the newest in 2002had seen such a high, authorities said. Experts warn Japan's beloved cherry trees are blooming earlier due to the warmer climateor sometimes not fully blossomingbecause 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. July was also the hottest since records began in 1898, the weather agency said Friday, with the average monthly temperature 2.89C above the 1991-2020 average. Japan's summer last year was the joint hottest on record, equaling 2023, and was followed by the warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago. A construction worker uses a hat and a sack to protect himself from the sun in hot conditions in Hanoi, which saw its first ever August day aboce 40C this week. South Korea, Vietnam sizzle Blistering heat waves have also hit other parts of Asia this summer, from South Korea to Vietnam, as well as Europe. South Korea saw its second-hottest July, with an average temperature of 27.1C, according the meteorological office, which has been collecting such data since 1973. The hottest July on record in South Korea was in 1994, when the average temperature reached 27.7 degrees Celsius. In northern Vietnam, 17 places across seven provinces reported record highs for the month of August, with electricity demand spiking as people try to stay cool, authorities said Tuesday. The capital Hanoi experienced its first-ever August day above 40C on Monday. In Japan, some dams and paddies nationwide are experiencing a water shortage, with farmers complaining that the sizzling heat combined with a lack of rain is slowing rice cultivation. 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. Every summer, Japanese officials urge the public to seek shelter in air-conditioned rooms to avoid heatstroke. The elderly in Japanwhich has the world's second-oldest population after Monacoare particularly at risk. This year, western Europe saw its hottest June on record, as extreme temperatures blasted the region in punishing back-to-back heat waves, according to the EU climate monitor Copernicus. Dangerous weather stretched into the next month, with separate research estimating that climate change made the temperature up to 4C hotter, pushing the thermometer into deadly territory for thousands of vulnerable people and greatly worsening the projected death toll. Firefighters also battled blazes across Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece and Portugal in July following a deadly heat wave. Millions were exposed to high heat stress as daily average temperatures in western Europe climbed to levels rarely seen beforeand never so early in the summer. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: West coast of Scotland shoreline. Credit: Rebekah Burman Natural marine habitats like kelp forests and seagrass beds could play a vital role in protecting Scotland's coastline from flooding and erosion, according to new research. A team of Heriot-Watt scientists has provided new modeling evidence showing the extent to which underwater ecosystems such as kelp forests, seagrass beds, oyster reefs, and blue mussel beds could help mitigate the impact of waves hitting Scotland's shores. The study, commissioned by the Center of Expertise for Waters (CREW), used advanced computer modeling to simulate how these habitats absorb wave energy. The results showed kelp beds were especially effective, potentially cutting wave height by up to 70% in some areas. Storms and rising sea levels The researchers focused on two case study locations that are highly exposed to storms and rising sea levels: Sanday in Orkney and Uist in the Outer Hebrides. To assess the wave-damping effect of different marine habitats, the researchers used extreme offshore wave conditionsthose expected once every 100 yearsalong with detailed seabed maps and habitat properties to create a nearshore wave model. This allowed them to test how factors like wave exposure, water depth, and the physical characteristics of habitats, such as the density, height, and shape of seaweed or seagrass and the extent of habitat influence how much wave energy is reduced before reaching the shore. They predict that, in Sanday, the presence of kelp could reduce wave heights by up to 25% during severe conditions. In Uist, potential reductions reached up to 70%. The other habitats studied absorb less wave energy because they are not typically found in highly wave-exposed areas. While they help reduce wave energy to some extent, they are more vulnerable to damage during extreme events since they need more time to recover and restore to remain effective over time. Nature's flood defense Professor Qingping Zou, professor of coastal dynamics at Heriot-Watt's Lyell Center, said, "Coastal flooding and erosion are increasing concerns across Scotland, and winter storms are intensifying. "While hard infrastructure like sea walls is one option to help protect coastal communities and assets, this study shows the potential of nature-based solutions for flood risk management. "Our model shows that established kelp and seagrass beds could act like underwater forests. They could reduce the power of waves and help stabilize the sea floor. "With the right protection and investment, these habitats could form a key part of Scotland's climate resilience strategy." Distribution gaps Professor Joanne Porter is based at Heriot-Watt's Orkney campus and is a co-author of the report. Professor Porter said, "Our report shows that habitats like kelp, seagrass, oyster reefs and blue mussel beds could act as powerful buffers against storms. "But these ecosystems are also fragile. If we want to incorporate them into our flood defenses, we'll need to manage and protect them carefully. "The lower-lying islands of Orkney, like Sanday, have large areas of kelp forest fringing, particularly on the east side. If it were to be damaged, valuable coastal protection for village communities would be lost, along with the other benefits it brings, such as carbon storage and habitat for species of commercial fisheries value. "These ecosystems are also concentrated along Scotland's west coast and islands, in contrast with the east coast, which has fewer due to exposed conditions and the impact of historical overharvesting." Potential for flood defense The team says their findings show that policymakers should integrate marine habitat protection into flood defense strategies. Professor Qingping Zou said, "Ideally, we would prioritize habitat protection and restoration in the most vulnerable coastal areas and make long-term commitments to projects that boost these underwater forests and beds." More information: The effect of shellfish, kelp and sea grass beds on flood risk and coastal erosion in Scotland. www.crew.ac.uk/publication/mar -and-coastal-erosion This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A) Painting dating from 1851 titled Napoleons retreat from Moscow by Adolph Northen. B) Geographical map of Europe showing the location and dating of the archaeological site in Vilnius, Lithuania. C) In situ photographs taken during the excavation of the trenches containing the 254 bodies of Napoleonic soldiers. Credit: Microbiology (2025). DOI: 10.1101/2025.07.12.664512 Institut Pasteur and partner institutions report genetic evidence of Salmonella enterica lineage Para C and Borrelia recurrentis in Napoleonic soldiers from Vilnius, indicating paratyphoid fever and louse-borne relapsing fever were present during the 1812 retreat. Napoleon assembled about 500,000600,000 soldiers to invade Russia in 1812. After arriving in Moscow without decisively defeating the Russian army, the Napoleonic forces found themselves isolated in a ruined city and initiated a retreat to establish winter encampments along the border with Poland. Retreat from Russia spanned October 19 to December 14, 1812 and resulted in massive losses attributed by historians to cold, hunger, and diseases. Physicians and officers documented typhus, diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, pneumonia, and jaundice. Previous reports described body lice in Vilnius remains and PCR-based claims of Rickettsia prowazekii and Bartonella quintana using short fragments, alongside Anelloviridae in other soldiers from Kaliningrad. In the study, "Paratyphoid Fever and Relapsing Fever in 1812 Napoleon's Devastated Army," published on the pre-print server bioRxiv, researchers recovered and sequenced ancient DNA from the teeth of soldiers who likely died from infectious diseases to identify pathogens that could have contributed to their deaths. The sampling drew on 13 intact teeth from different individuals recovered from a mass grave in Vilnius, Lithuania associated with the December 1812 retreat, from a site with a minimum of 3,269 exhumed individuals. No battle trauma was observed at the site. Initial analysis flagged fourteen possible pathogens. Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis showed the strongest signals. Four soldiers (87A, 92B, 95A and 97B) yielded between roughly 30 and 970 unique DNA fragments matching the Paratyphi C strain, with read-mismatch patterns indicating authentic ancient bacterial DNA. Sample 93A produced about 4,060 unique fragments covering the chromosome and all seven plasmids of B. recurrentis, while 92B contributed around 320 unique reads and 18 confirmed hits after detailed filtering. Phylogenetic placement positioned all Salmonella sequences firmly within the Paratyphi C lineage, a pathogen known to cause paratyphoid fever. No authenticated DNA matches Rickettsia prowazekii or Bartonella quintana. While no authenticated reads for R. prowazekii or B. quintana were found, the authors note this does not rule out their presence due to limitations of ancient DNA preservation. Authors conclude that paratyphoid fever lineage Para C and louse-borne relapsing fever were present among Napoleonic soldiers during the 1812 retreat. Historical testimony described widespread diarrhea and consumption of salted beets and brine along the route to Vilnius, consistent with a foodborne route for paratyphoid fever. A scenario of fatigue, cold, and overlapping infections likely contributed to mortality. Analysis of a larger number of samples is recommended to define the full spectrum of epidemic diseases at the site, and a phylogeny-driven authentication workflow is presented for ultra-low-coverage pathogen ancient DNA. Written for you by our author Justin Jackson, edited by Sadie Harley, 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. More information: Remi Barbieri et al, Paratyphoid Fever and Relapsing Fever in 1812 Napoleon's Devastated Army, bioRxiv (2025). DOI: 10.1101/2025.07.12.664512 Journal information: bioRxiv 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: With one of its solar arrays deployed, NASA's Lunar Trailblazer sits in a clean room at Lockheed Martin Space in Colorado during testing in August 2024. The mission was to investigate the nature of the moon's water, but controllers lost contact with the spacecraft a day after launch in February 2025. Credit: Lockheed Martin Space NASA's Lunar Trailblazer ended its mission to the moon on July 31. Despite extensive efforts, mission operators were unable to establish two-way communications after losing contact with the spacecraft the day following its Feb. 26 launch. The mission aimed to produce high-resolution maps of water on the moon's surface and determine what form the water is in, how much is there, and how it changes over time. The maps would have supported future robotic and human exploration of the moon as well as commercial interests while also contributing to the understanding of water cycles on airless bodies throughout the solar system. Lunar Trailblazer shared a ride on the second Intuitive Machines robotic lunar lander mission, IM-2, which lifted off at 7:16 p.m. EST on Feb. 26 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The small satellite separated as planned from the rocket about 48 minutes after launch to begin its flight to the moon. Mission operators at Caltech's IPAC in Pasadena established communications with the small spacecraft at 8:13 p.m. EST. Contact was lost the next day. Without two-way communications, the team was unable to fully diagnose the spacecraft or perform the thruster operations needed to keep Lunar Trailblazer on its flight path. "At NASA, we undertake high-risk, high-reward missions like Lunar Trailblazer to find revolutionary ways of doing new science," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "While it was not the outcome we had hoped for, mission experiences like Lunar Trailblazer help us to learn and reduce the risk for future, low-cost small satellites to do innovative science as we prepare for a sustained human presence on the moon. Thank you to the Lunar Trailblazer team for their dedication in working on and learning from this mission through to the end." The limited data the mission team had received from Lunar Trailblazer indicated that the spacecraft's solar arrays were not properly oriented toward the sun, which caused its batteries to become depleted. For several months, collaborating organizations around the worldmany of which volunteered their assistancelistened for the spacecraft's radio signal and tracked its position. Ground radar and optical observations indicated that Lunar Trailblazer was in a slow spin as it headed farther into deep space. "As Lunar Trailblazer drifted far beyond the moon, our models showed that the solar panels might receive more sunlight, perhaps charging the spacecraft's batteries to a point it could turn on its radio," said Andrew Klesh, Lunar Trailblazer's project systems engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "The global community's support helped us better understand the spacecraft's spin, pointing, and trajectory. In space exploration, collaboration is criticalthis gave us the best chance to try to regain contact." However, as time passed, Lunar Trailblazer became too distant to recover as its telecommunications signals would have been too weak for the mission to receive telemetry and to command. 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. Technological legacy The small satellite's High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3) imaging spectrometer was built by JPL to detect and map the locations of water and minerals. The mission's Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM) instrument was built by the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom to gather temperature data and determine the composition of silicate rocks and soils to improve understanding of why water content varies over time. "We're immensely disappointed that our spacecraft didn't get to the moon, but the two science instruments we developed, like the teams we brought together, are world class," said Bethany Ehlmann, the mission's principal investigator at Caltech. "This collective knowledge and the technology developed will cross-pollinate to other projects as the planetary science community continues work to better understand the moon's water." Some of that technology will live on in the JPL-built Ultra Compact Imaging Spectrometer for the Moon (UCIS-moon) instrument that NASA recently selected for a future orbital flight opportunity. The instrument, which has an identical spectrometer design as HVM3, will provide the moon's highest spatial resolution data of surface lunar water and minerals. Provided by NASA 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: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund "I'm not going if I don't know anyone"sound all too familiar? Well it's not just humans. Socializing in a new group can be tricky. People often rely on word of mouth and friends-of-friends connections. New research on gorillas suggests they may be using a similar strategy: when moving to a new social group, female gorillas seek out groups containing females they have lived with in the past. In many animal societies, individuals of one sex, or sometimes both, eventually leave their birth group to join another. In a smaller number of species, including humans and gorillas, individuals can change between groups multiple times. This process, known as dispersal, plays a key role in avoiding inbreeding, spreading gene diversity and shaping social relationships. But how do individuals choose where to go? A new study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, cracks this mystery, thanks to more than 20 years of data on multiple groups of wild mountain gorillas, continuously monitored by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. The study reveals that females do not disperse randomly. Broad group traits such as group size or sex ratio did not seem to matter, but past social experiences did, with females avoiding males they grew up with, and seeking out females they already knew. "Because female mountain gorillas do not know with certainty who their fathers are, they might rely on a simple rule like 'avoid any group with males I grew up with' as the likelihood of them being related will be higher than with males they did not grow up with," said lead author Victoire Martignac, a Ph.D. student from the University of Zurich. And this rule is not just based on familiarity but also on its context. "Because females can disperse multiple times, they will become familiar with many males from different groups," explains Martignac, "yet, when choosing their next group, they only avoid males they grew up with. This really tells us that it's not just who they know that matters but how they know them." Credit: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund But what seemed to matter even more, was the presence of females they had lived with before, suggesting that these relationships matter even after years apart. "Going into a new group could feel pretty scary, with individuals usually entering at the bottom of the social hierarchy. A familiar female might help reduce this, providing a social ally," adds Dr. Robin Morrison, senior author on the study. "It could also act like a recommendation from a friendif a female they know has chosen to stay in this group, it could indicate positive things about the group as a whole or the dominant male leading that group." The study also found that it's not just any familiar individuals, but females that had spent at least five years together and those that they had seen in the last two years which were the most influential. The researchers argue that it is often wrongly assumed that individuals dispersing multiple times gain few benefits from being social as any member of the group might leave at any time. But investing in these relationships clearly matters. Spatial separation can be ephemeral with individuals being reunited in the future, easing the difficult process of starting over in a new social group. 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. These findings highlight the deeply social nature of dispersal in gorillas, not only enabling the formation of new relationships, but also facilitating the maintenance of pre-existing ones. Credit: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Crucially, these dispersal patterns, with individuals moving multiple times, combined with the fact that groups often interact and share overlapping ranges, all show that relationships can extend beyond group boundaries. "This mirrors a key aspect of human societies: the existence of strong ties between different social groups," adds Martignac. "As humans, we're constantly moving across jobs, cities and social groups. We do it so effortlessly that we forget how unusual this flexibility actually is within the animal kingdom." "This is a reminder of the meaningfulness of social relationships kept across boundaries and how this extended network of relationships might have played a key role in the evolution of larger and more cooperative societies." Finally, Dr. Tara Stoinski, president and CEO/chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and a co-author on the study, emphasizes that such discoveries are really only possible thanks to long-term data. "Being able to study dispersal, to track not only where individuals are from but also where they go, and to construct their whole social history in such detail, is only possible because of decades of data collection. "With just a few years and a few groups, all of these inter-group ties and extended networks would be invisible to us. This really highlights the value of long-term observations on multiple groups in better understanding the evolution of sociality." Provided by Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International 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: Distributions of responses to perceived willingness to contribute income to fight climate change. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02536-2 New research by University of Oxford researchers from the Institute of New Economic Thinking at the Oxford Martin School, Said Business School and Smith School of Enterprise and Environment finds that policymakers, politicians and other policy officials greatly underestimate the public's willingness to contribute to climate action. The findings come after recent clamors for a reset on climate policies from leading political figures due to a claimed lack of public support. Building on prior research that found that 69% of the general public support climate action, the new paper, published in Communications Earth & Environment, shows that policymakers surveyed by the researchers estimated this figure at just 37%. Co-author Dr. Stefania Innocenti, Associate Professor and leader of the Behavior and the Environment research group at Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, said, "Policymakers' decisions can be influenced by their perceptions of public opinion. It is possible that their underestimation of how much the public cares about climate change could limit their policy ambitions." The research team asked 191 attendees of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) to estimate what percentage of the global population would say they are willing to give 1% of their salary to help fix climate change. The attendees included politicians, individuals working at the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, including at least 24 active policy negotiators. The researchers do not call for the public to actually contribute their income; however, asking UNEA attendees to estimate the percentage of global citizens that support action on climate change identified a mismatch in perceptions. Dr. Ximeng Fang, lead author and Research Fellow at Said Business School, University of Oxford, said, "It's not just policymakersour findings suggest that individuals playing a diversity of roles at international environmental governance meetings could be operating under the assumption of a weaker public mandate for climate action than reality." The fact that the delegates seem to underestimate global support for climate action to a similar extent as the general publicdespite higher personal engagement and greater climate expertiseraises questions for future research, say the authors. Dr. Innocenti continued, "There are some plausible explanations for our results, which include the impact of news media and lobbying and the frequency of exposure to individuals with particular ideological viewpoints. While more research is needed before we can say for sure why policymakers underestimate the public on climate change by such a high degree, our results suggest the presence of misperceptions." Co-author Dr. Joshua Ettinger, former University of Oxford DPhil researcher and now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication, said, "I hope our research encourages policy officials to be braver and pursue more ambitious climate policies. They have more public support than they may realize." More information: Ximeng Fang et al, United Nations Environment Assembly attendees underestimate public willingness to contribute to climate action, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02536-2 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment 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: Vanessa Garcia from Pexels It's no secret that social media has changed travel. Holidaymakers increasingly seek to imitate images posted by influencers and their peers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. In our increasingly digital world, travelers now chase the perfect shot like treasure hunters. That can mean navigating crowds, long lines and sometimes even dangerall for content from the world's most "Instagrammable" spots. In a widely viewed TikTok video, influencer Zoe Rae (the sister of Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague) voiced her disappointment after visiting Bali. Apparently, it did not look as it did when she saw it online. Her comments attracted a backlash, with critics arguing she was simply experiencing the reality behind the content she and others have helped to promote. Research has found that many influencers and social media users participate in an "aesthetic economy." That is, travel is "performed" for likes, views and brand deals. The result? Holidaymakers seeking out highly photogenic ("Instagrammable") destinations from which to stage their content. Sometimes "getting the shot" becomes more important than any meaningful cultural exchange between hosts and guests. The behavior of social media-induced tourists has been found to be more irresponsible than that of other types of travelers. There were 379 selfie-related deaths between 200821, and the quest for the perfect photo can also lead to trespassing and vandalism. Additionally, studies have found that social-media-induced tourists can cause varying levels of damage to the hotspots they visit. This can include environmental erosion, traffic congestion, pollution, increased rubbish and generally making daily life difficult for locals. Stage-managed selfies But the demand has fueled the development of shadow economies like "selfie museums." These have begun to emerge around the world: Chicago's wndr Museum, London's Selfie Factory, Selfie House in Prague, Brazil's Museum Selfie Day in Sao Paulo, to name just a few. Our new study shines a light on these parkspurpose-built, self-contained spaces that give visitors a visually stunning, curated environment in which to create content (most often of themselves). For the price of admission, they get convenient access to lighting, props, professional photographers and backdrops for creating content for social media in "Instagrammable" places. Selfie parks in Bali, Indonesia, offer rice terraces, swings, nests and other "sceneography" associated with its destination image. And there are add-ons like dress rentals, professional photographers who can follow visitors around the park, and personalized photo-editing services. Selfie parks can offer soft control over visitors in the form of guards, guides and security cameras to monitor behavior. And they implement daily safety checks and regularly train staff to ensure guests are supervised as they take photos. This is an important alternative to the sometimes risky behavior of selfie-seekers in viral hotspots. 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. Of course, the elephant in the room here might be the commodification and inauthenticity that selfie parks represent. Other research has found that locals can be divided about staged photo opportunities, with some seeing them as inauthentic and gimmicky. There is an awareness that these encounters do not represent the real life of locals. Others, however, consider the money to be made and employment that these opportunities can provide. Our findings from Bali showed that the selfie parks are extremely successfulwith more than 1,500 visitors reported in low season. The offering has been expanded in recent years to add more photo spots, infinity pools and even a day club. For now, all of Bali's selfie parks are locally owned and managed. This creates an important source of employment, as well as being a launchpad for entrepreneurship among locals. The idea of selfie parks may take a bit of getting used to. But having spaces where people can take photos, videos and create social media content safely, while bringing in revenue and employment for local communities, offers a viable solution. This is especially true of the places that struggle most with the negative impacts of tourists motivated by social media. Love them or loathe them, selfie parks probably aren't going away. And they may represent a broader shift in how people travel, share and consume experiences. In destinations facing an influx of selfie-seeking visitors, they might just be a surprisingly practical solution. Other "viral" destinations should consider establishing dedicated spaces in which tourists can create content. Destinations like the island of Santorini, nicknamed Greece's "Instagram island" amid extreme overcrowding alongside other harms, could be the type of place to benefit. If so many of today's tourists are chasing the perfect picture, maybe it makes sense to give them a place designed exactly for that. More information: Lauren A. Siegel et al, Commodification of photogenic sites and rise of 'selfie parks' as tourist enclaves, Tourism Geographies (2025). DOI: 10.1080/14616688.2025.2532582 This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Caleb Adams, Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy project manager, monitors testing alongside the test racks containing 100 spacecraft computers at NASAs Ames Research Center in Californias Silicon Valley. The DSA project develops and demonstrates software to enhance multi-spacecraft mission adaptability, efficiently allocate tasks between spacecraft using ad-hoc networking, and enable human-swarm commanding of distributed space missions. Credit: NASA / Brandon Torres Navarrete Astronauts living and working on the moon and Mars will rely on satellites to provide services like navigation, weather, and communications relays. While managing complex missions, automating satellite communications will allow explorers to focus on critical tasks instead of manually operating satellites. Long-duration space missions will require teaming between systems on Earth and other planets. Satellites orbiting the moon, Mars, or other distant areas face communications delays with ground operators which could limit the efficiency of their missions. The solution lies within the Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy (DSA) project, led by NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley, which tests how shared autonomy across distributed spacecraft missions makes spacecraft swarms more capable of self-sufficient research and maintenance by making decisions and adapting to changes with less human intervention. Adding autonomy to satellites makes them capable of providing services without waiting for commands from ground operators. Distributing the autonomy across multiple satellites, operating like a swarm, gives the spacecraft a "shared brain" to accomplish goals they couldn't achieve alone. The DSA software, built by NASA researchers, provides the swarm with a task list, and shares each spacecraft's distinct perspectivewhat it can observe, what its priorities areand integrates those perspectives into the best plan of action for the whole swarm. That plan is supported by decision trees and mathematical models that help the swarm decide what action to take after a command is completed, how to respond to a change, or address a problem. Sharing the workload The first in-space demonstration of DSA began onboard the Starling spacecraft swarm, a group of four small satellites, demonstrating various swarm technologies. Operating since July 2023, the Starling mission continues providing a testing and validation platform for autonomous swarm operations. The swarm first used DSA to optimize scientific observations, deciding what to observe without pre-programmed instructions. These autonomous observations led to measurements that could have been missed if an operator had to individually instruct each satellite. The Starling swarm measured the electron content of plasma between each spacecraft and GPS satellites to capture rapidly changing phenomena in Earth's ionospherewhere Earth's atmosphere meets space. The DSA software allowed the swarm to independently decide what to study and how to spread the workload across the four spacecraft. Because each Starling spacecraft operates as an independent member within the swarm, if one swarm member was unable to accomplish its work, the other three swarm members could react and complete the mission's goals. The Starling 1.0 demonstration achieved several firsts, including the first fully distributed autonomous operation of multiple spacecraft, the first use of space-to-space communications to autonomously share status information between multiple spacecraft, the first demonstration of fully distributed reactive operations onboard multiple spacecraft, the first use of a general-purpose automated reasoning system onboard a spacecraft, and the first use of fully distributed automated planning onboard multiple spacecraft. These achievements laid the groundwork for Starling 1.5+, an ongoing continuation of the satellite swarm's mission using DSA. Advanced testing of DSA onboard Starling shows that distributed autonomy in spacecraft swarms can improve efficiencies while reducing the workload on human operators. Credit: NASA / Daniel Rutter 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. A helping hand in orbit After DSA's successful demonstration on Starling 1.0, the team began exploring additional opportunities to use the software to support satellite swarm health and efficiency. Continued testing of DSA on Starling's extended mission included PLEXIL (Plan Execution Interchange Language), a NASA-developed programming language designed for reliable and flexible automation of complex spacecraft operations. Onboard Starling, the PLEXIL application demonstrated autonomous maintenance, allowing the swarm to manage normal spacecraft operations, correct issues, or distribute software updates across individual spacecraft. Enhanced autonomy makes swarm operation in deep space feasibleinstead of requiring spacecraft to communicate back and forth between their distant location and Earth, which can take minutes or hours depending on distance, the PLEXIL-enabled DSA software gives the swarm the ability to make decisions collaboratively to optimize their mission and reduce workloads. Simulated lunar swarming To understand the scalability of DSA, the team used ground-based flight computers to simulate a lunar swarm of virtual small spacecraft. The computers simulated a swarm that provides position, navigation, and timing services on the moon, similar to GPS services on Earth, which rely on a network of satellites to pinpoint locations. The DSA team ran nearly one hundred tests over two years, demonstrating swarms of different sizes at high and low lunar orbits. The lessons learned from those early tests laid the groundwork for additional scalability studies. The second round of testing, set to begin in 2026, will demonstrate even larger swarms, using flight computers that could later go into orbit with DSA software onboard. The future of spacecraft swarms Orbital and simulated tests of DSA are a launchpad to increased use of distributed autonomy across spacecraft swarms. Developing and proving these technologies increases efficiency, decreases costs, and enhances NASA's capabilities opening the door to autonomous spacecraft swarms supporting missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond. Provided by NASA 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: Higher temperatures increase evaporation, so that more water is stored in the atmosphere, in turn increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding. Record heat, massive fires, deadly floods... August has barely begun, but the summer of 2025 is already marked by a cascade of destructive and deadly weather in the Northern Hemisphere. "Extreme temperatures and precipitation have become more intense and more frequent on a global scale," says Sonia Seneviratne, a professor at ETH Zurich and member of the UN-mandated climate science advisory panel, the IPCC. "We are in the midst of climate change," Fred Hattermann, a scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), told AFP. "The risk of extreme events has increased significantly," he said, noting that 2024 was the first year in which Earth's average surface temperature was 1.6 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial benchmark. That deceptively small jump makes a huge difference. Higher temperatures increase evaporation, so that more water is stored in the atmosphere. This, in turn, increases the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding. "With every increment of temperature rise the risk of more and stronger extremes increases," Hattermann added. 50C in the Gulf, Turkey Already in May, temperatures exceeded 50C in the United Arab Emirates. On August 1, the thermometer hit 51.8C, just under the all-time record of 52C. Canada is experiencing one of the worst forest fire seasons on record, amplified by drought and above-normal temperatures. The entire Gulf region is suffocating: the Saudi capital Riyadh recorded temperatures of 44C, while Kuwait frequently hit 50C. As did Iraq, where air conditioning has become vulnerable to chronic power cuts, and water reserves are at their lowest level in years. Turkey saw the 50C threshold exceeded for the first time: the town of Silopi on the border with Iraq and Syria reached 50.5C on July 26. The country has experienced thousands of fires this summer amidst a severe drought. In Asia, meanwhile, Japan broke its all-time temperature record on Tuesday with 41.8C in the city of Isesaki, northwest of Tokyo. The country's iconic cherry trees, emblematic of the archipelago, are blooming earlier than ever due to the heat. Torrential rains in Hong Kong On Tuesday, Hong Kong saw the highest rainfall total for August in more than 140 years of record-keeping: 35.5 centimeters (14 inches) in a single day. On mainland China, a week earlier, severe weather killed at least 44 people and left nine missing in rural districts north of Beijing. The entire Gulf region is suffocating: the Saudi capital Riyadh recorded temperatures of 44C. Pakistan floods, Finland heat 266 people, nearly half of them children, have already lost their lives in Pakistan due to torrential rains sweeping across the country. The 2025 monsoon, which started early, was described as "unusual" by authorities. Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province, recorded 73% more rainfall in July than in 2024. People come to Scandinavia to seek cooler climes, but since July Norway, Sweden and Finland have experienced sustained temperatures more typical of the Mediterranean. August 3 marked the end of a 22-day period with temperatures above 30C in Finland: a record. In Rovaniemi, a Finnish city north of the Arctic Circle, temperatures reached 30C, higher than in southern Europe at the same time. Mega-fires in Canada Canada is experiencing one of the worst forest fire seasons on record, amplified by drought and above-normal temperatures. On mainland China, severe weather killed at least 44 people and left nine missing in rural districts north of Beijing. Other parts of the world are also burning, from Scotland to Arizona and Greece. According to the European Union's Copernicus weather and climate observatory, total smoke and greenhouse gas emissions since the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere are among the highest ever recorded. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Wavy Dave and a fiddler crab waving their claws. Credit Joe Wilde A robot crab has helped scientists understand how male fiddler crabs compete over females. Male fiddler crabs have one oversized claw, and they attract females by standing outside their burrow and waving it. In the new study, a robot crabnicknamed Wavy Davewaved its claw on a mudflat teeming with male fiddler crabs. The paper, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, is titled "Biomimetic robots reveal flexible adjustment of sexual signaling in a wild invertebrate." When the robot was waving, real males waved for longer in response, and they were less likely to retreat into their burrowsespecially when the robot had a small claw. The studyled by the Center for Research in Animal Behavior (CRAB) at the University of Exetersuggests male crabs notice the behavior of rivals and can adjust their behavior in response. Robot waving examples. Credit: Joe Wilde "We know many animals adjust their sexual displays if rivals are nearby, but less is known about how they react to the actual displays themselves," said Dr. Joe Wilde, now at BioSS. "If you own a shop and your rivals start selling things really cheaply, you might have to change how you run your business. "The same might be true for males signaling to attract femalesand our study suggests males do indeed respond to competition. "Our findings reveal the subtle ways in which these crabs adjust their behavior to compete in a dynamic environment, investing more in signaling when it is likely to be most profitable." Male fiddler crabs. Credit: Joe Wilde Female fiddler crabs prefer males with a larger claw, and those that wave their claw quickly. In the studycarried out in southern Portugalmales waved for longer when the robot was waving, but they did not wave faster. Commenting on this, Dr. Wilde said the crabs might interpret a waving rival as a signal that a female is aroundbut wait to see the female themselves before committing their full effort. If a female enters a male's burrow, the male fertilizes her eggs. Once the eggs have hatched, the larvae float away to sea. Males also retreat into their burrow at intervals for a variety of other possible reasonsincluding avoiding predators and fights with rivals, resting and wetting their gills. 'Wavy Dave' under attack Thousands of crabs live on the mudflats where the study was conducted. For each test, the robot crab was set up 30cm from a real male's burrow, with two cameras recording. The results show that males were less likely to compete when a rival had a larger claw, possibly because they expected to lose or were fearful of being attacked. However, some crabs took issue with the robotic intruder. "The females realized he was a bit odd, and some of the males tried to fight him," said Dr. Wilde. "One male broke Wavy Dave by pulling off his claw. We had to abandon that trial and reboot the robot." Lockdown 'pipedream' Dr. Wilde said Wavy Dave began as a "pipedream" during the COVID lockdown. At the time, Dr. Wilde was learning about 3D printing, and he happened to see that someone had created 3D scans of fiddler crabs and made them freely available. He found a 3D printer to make a model, and taught himself enough robotics to make a crab that waved its claw. He then developed an app to control the crab via Bluetooth signals. More information: Biomimetic robots reveal flexible adjustment of sexual signalling in a wild invertebrate, Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2025.1570 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) between May 7, 2025 and July 28, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 30, 2025. So What: If you purchased Novo Nordisk securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the Novo Nordisk class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34168 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 30, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Novo Nordisk's growth potential. Notably, Novo Nordisk's asserted potential to capitalize on the compounded market greatly understated the potential impact of the personalization exception to the compounded GLP-1 exclusion and overstated the likelihood that such patients would switch to Novo Nordisk's branded alternatives. Further, defendants greatly overstated the potential GLP-1 market or otherwise, Novo's capability to penetrate said markets to achieve continued growth. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Novo Nordisk class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34168 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for more information. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. 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: Marcus Aurelius from Pexels A new study of functional abilities in the U.S. labor market reveals a workforce both vulnerable and resilient, with a large majority of workers reporting multiple limitations even as they fulfill their job duties, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School. Nicole Maestas, head of the Medical School's Department of Health Care Policy, said that the findings reflect worrying nationwide trends. "Prior research finds that people in midlife are less healthy than people who are older now were at midlife," said Maestas, the John D. MacArthur Professor of Economics and Health Care Policy. "And it's even true that younger people are less healthy than the midlife people were when they were younger." The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, employed a tool developed in the Netherlands to assess disability claims. The Dutch tool measures 97 job-related functional abilities, providing a far more granular picture of American workers than the U.S. government's disability measure, which considers six domains. "We haven't seen a detailed portrait like this of the American workforce," Maestas said. "It's not that we're measuring it better, it's that we're measuring it for the first time." The study of 3,396 working adults age 22 and older found that three-fourths faced at least one functional limitation. It also indicated that U.S. workers average more than five functional limitations each. The most prevalent limitations are upper-body strength and range of motion of one's torso. Also common are limitations related to sensitivity to the ambient environmenthot weather, for exampleand to knee function. Other limitations include problems linked to the immune system, head and neck movements, emotional regulation, and cognition. The researchers also asked workers about underlying medical issues. The conditions that cause the greatest number of functional limitations are mental illness, joint conditions such as arthritis, substance use disorder, and asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The data was collected in 2019. The National Institute on Aging grant supporting the project has been canceled, but Maestas said that researchers managed to collect additional data early this year for a follow-up study that she hopes will identify targets for intervention. While the employment of people with functional limitations is a success of the U.S. labor market, the new paper highlights the vulnerability of the workforce and, by extension, the national economy, Maestas said. The highest levels of functional limitations were seen in jobs that involve constant physical labor, as well as clerical, service, and sales positions. Many of these roles are essential. The upshot is a workforce less equipped for the impact of a pandemic or some other major disruption. "The fact that so many people with functional limitations are working is a success," Maestas said. "It also reveals points of vulnerability when you're thinking about the country's broader economic performance. The backdrop of this study is the fact that the U.S. population is aging at its most rapid clip ever. We knew this was coming but you have more people retiring than are coming into the workforce. We need workers in order to keep our economy growing." More information: Hailey Clark et al, The prevalence of functional limitations in the US workforce, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2413663122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu. HOUSTON, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR) ("Quanta") announced today the pricing of its offering (the "Offering") of (i) $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.300% senior notes due 2028 (the "2028 Notes") at a price to the public 99.963% of their face value, (ii) $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior notes due 2031 (the "2031 Notes") at a price to the public 99.731% of their face value, and (iii) $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.100% senior notes due 2035 (together with the 2028 Notes and the 2031 Notes, the "Notes") at a price to the public 99.705% of their face value. The Offering is expected to close on August 7, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Quanta intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to repay existing indebtedness, including borrowings incurred under its commercial paper program and its senior credit facility. BofA Securities, Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, PNC Capital Markets LLC, Truist Securities, Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp. and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. acted as joint book-running managers for the Offering with respect to the 2028 Notes, BofA Securities, Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, PNC Capital Markets LLC, Truist Securities, Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and CIBC World Markets Corp. acted as joint book-running managers for the Offering with respect to the 2031 Notes and BofA Securities, Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, PNC Capital Markets LLC, Truist Securities, Inc., Citizens JMP Securities, LLC and BBVA Securities Inc. acted as joint book-running managers for the Offering with respect to the 2035 Notes. The Offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on August 2, 2024, and only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from BofA Securities, Inc., NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, Email: [email protected]; Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, 608 2nd Avenue South, Suite 1000, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, Attention: WFS Customer Service, Email: [email protected] or toll-free at 1-800-645-3751; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10179, Attention: Investment Grade Syndicate Desk, 3rd Floor, telephone collect at 1-212-834-4533; PNC Capital Markets LLC, toll-free at 1-855-881-0697 or email: [email protected]; and Truist Securities, Inc., Telephone 1-800 685-4786 or email [email protected]. You may also obtain these documents free of charge by visiting the Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval System (EDGAR) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of the Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Quanta Services Quanta is an industry leader in providing specialized infrastructure solutions to the utility, renewable energy, technology, communications, pipeline and energy industries. Quanta's comprehensive services include designing, installing, repairing and maintaining energy, technology and communications infrastructure. With operations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and select other international markets, Quanta has the manpower, resources and expertise to safely complete projects that are local, regional, national or international in scope. Forward Looking Statements This press release (and any oral statements regarding the subject matter of this press release) contains forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the "safe harbor" from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the anticipated timing of the closing of the Offering and Quanta's intended use of proceeds therefrom, as well as statements reflecting expectations, intentions, assumptions or beliefs about future events and other statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Although Quanta's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions and by a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict or beyond Quanta's control, including, among others, those described in the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to the Offering and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Quanta's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quanta's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2025 and any other documents that Quanta files with the SEC. For a discussion of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are urged to refer to Quanta's documents filed with the SEC that are available through Quanta's website at www.quantaservices.com or through EDGAR at www.sec.gov . Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. Quanta does not undertake and expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Quanta further expressly disclaims any written or oral statements made by any third party regarding the subject matter of this press release. Investors: Media: Kip Rupp, CFA, IRC Noa Schwartz Sean Eastman FGS Global Quanta Services, Inc. (310) 405-4312 (713) 341-7260 SOURCE Quanta Services, Inc. By AFP A Brazilian judge on Monday placed former president Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest for breaking a social media ban, escalating a dramatic standoff between the court and the politician, who is accused of plotting a coup. Bolsonaro is on trial at the Supreme Court for allegedly plotting to cling onto power after losing 2022 elections to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. President Donald Trump has sought to punish Brazil, a longtime US ally, for what he sees as a politically motivated "witch hunt" targeting Bolsonaro by imposing eye-watering tariffs on Latin America's biggest economy. The 70-year-old Bolsonaro is banned from social media for the duration of the proceedings, and third parties are barred from sharing his public remarks. But on Sunday, his allies defied the order by sharing footage online of a call between the former army captain and his eldest son Flavio at a solidarity rally in Rio de Janeiro. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes reacted furiously, declaring that the judiciary would not allow a defendant to "treat it like a fool" because of his "political and economic power." Criticizing Bolsonaro's "repeated failure" to comply with the court's restrictions on him during the trial, he placed him under house arrest at his home in the capital Brasilia. He also barred the country's former leader (2019-2022) from receiving visitors, apart from his lawyers, and from using mobile phones, and warned that any new transgression would lead to him being detained. Several mobile phones were seized at his home on Monday, the police said. Washington condemned the new restrictions on Monday night, with the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs issuing a statement on X. "Minister Alexandre de Moraes, already sanctioned by the United States for human rights violations, continues to use Brazilian institutions to silence the opposition and threaten democracy," the bureau posted. "Let Bolsonaro speak!" US officials added that they would "hold accountable all those who collaborate with or facilitate sanctioned conduct." More in World China pushes back at US demands to stop buying Russian and Iranian oil Associated Press Pourquoi les gens s'arrachent-ils ce nouveau climatiseur ? Actualite Decouverte?Ad Hong Kong cancels passports and bans financial support for 16 overseas activists Associated Press Israel euthanizes crocodiles after repeated escapes and inhumane treatment Associated Press The US post was re-shared by Bolsonaro's politician son Eduardo Bolsonaro, who had successfully lobbied Washington to take punitive action against Brazil over the case. In a separate post, he wrote: "Brazil is no longer a democracy." He called Moraes, who is presiding over Bolsonaro's trial and has styled himself a defender of Brazilian democracy in the face of the far right, an "out-of-control psychopath." Last month, Moraes ordered Bolsonaro to wear an ankle bracelet and instituted the social media ban. Trump responded in unprecedented fashion by banning Moraes from the United States and freezing his assets in US banks. - 'Thank you Trump' - Trump's pressure campaign has angered many Brazilians but endeared him to Bolsonaro's conservative base. At rallies in Rio, Brasilia and Sao Paulo on Sunday, some demonstrators waved US flags or held signs reading "Thank you Trump." Bolsonaro himself did not attend the rallies, having been ordered by the Supreme Court to stay home at night and at weekends throughout the trial. Prosecutors say he and seven co-accused tried to overturn his 2022 election defeat in a plot that only failed because the military did not get on board. He faces a 40-year sentence if convicted at the trial, which is expected to wrap up in the coming weeks. Bolsonaro's supporters stormed Brazil's congress in January 2023, after Lula was inaugurated, ransacking the chambers and attacking police, in scenes reminiscent of an attack by Trump supporters on the US Capitol two years before. Despite being barred from running, Bolsonaro hopes to mount a Trump-style comeback in Brazil's 2026 presidential election. Lula, 79, has said he may seek a fourth term, health permitting. By Ricardo Brito BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil's Supreme Court put former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest on Monday ahead of his trial for an alleged coup plot, underscoring the court's resolve despite escalating tariffs and sanctions from U.S. President Donald Trump. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the target of U.S. Treasury sanctions last week, issued the arrest order against Bolsonaro. His decision cited a failure to comply with restraining orders he had imposed on Bolsonaro for allegedly courting Trump's interference in the case. Bolsonaro is on trial before the Supreme Court on charges he conspired with allies to violently overturn his 2022 electoral loss to leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Trump has referred to the case as a "witch hunt" and called it grounds for a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods taking effect on Wednesday. The U.S. State Department condemned the house arrest order, saying Moraes was using Brazilian institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy, adding the U.S. would "hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct." It did not provide details, though Trump has said the U.S. could still impose even higher tariffs on Brazilian imports. The Monday order from Moraes also banned Bolsonaro from using a cell phone or receiving visits, except for his lawyers and people authorized by the court. A press representative for Bolsonaro confirmed he was placed under house arrest on Monday evening at his Brasilia residence by police who seized his cell phone. Bolsonaro's lawyers said in a statement they would appeal the decision, arguing the former president had not violated any court order. In an interview with Reuters last month, Bolsonaro called Moraes a "dictator" and said the restraining orders against him were acts of "cowardice." Some Bolsonaro allies have worried that Trump's tactics may be backfiring in Brazil, compounding trouble for Bolsonaro and rallying public support behind Lula's leftist government. However, Sunday demonstrations by Bolsonaro supporters the largest in months show that Trump's tirades and sanctions against Moraes have also fired up the far-right former army captain's political base. MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Replica Cyber, a leader in Zero-Trust Isolated Environments, today announced a major evolution of its flagship Replica platform that transforms how organizations accelerate high-stakes business operations. Building off its patented zero-trust environments which anonymize the attack surface, Replica now delivers instant, isolated workspaces for critical activities beyond security from AI experimentation, isolated data sharing, full lifecycle M&A, secure engineering and development, threat operations and morewith unprecedented speed and protection. New features include mobile phone access, integrated business tools, and secure external collaboration capabilities. Unveiled during Black Hat USA 2025, the evolved platform addresses the core challenge facing modern enterprises: accelerating innovation and strategic operations without increasing security risk. "Advantage in business or government is always a balance between risk and innovation," said Kristopher Schroeder, CEO of Replica Cyber. "In working with our customers, we found that while Replica solves tough security challenges, it also unlocks broader business value. Whether integrating newly acquired tech, experimenting with next-gen AI, or disrupting emerging threats, the platform lets teams operate with confidencewithout exposing networks, data, or intent. Once deployed, customers can pursue opportunities that were previously too risky." In this release, Replica introduces revolutionary secure file sharing through protected environments. These virtual environments enable collaboration with any external partyeven non-Replica users, while allowing the owner to maintain control of their data. This breakthrough eliminates risky email exchanges and document sharing, opening secure collaboration possibilities that were previously impossible. Built to solve critical cyber issues in national security, Replica is trusted by Fortune 100 companies and government agencies alike. The platform delivers transformative capabilities across three critical impact areas: Innovation & Development : Create secure development environments with protected access to corporate source code, enable risk-free experimentation with emerging technologies including AI, test third-party applications without network exposure, and maintain clear intellectual property boundaries throughout the development lifecycle : Create secure development environments with protected access to corporate source code, enable risk-free experimentation with emerging technologies including AI, test third-party applications without network exposure, and maintain clear intellectual property boundaries throughout the development lifecycle Strategic Operations : Conduct M&A due diligence without revealing intent, evaluate acquisition targets and vendors anonymously, assess competitive intelligence across global markets, and isolate technology for testing and post-acquisition integration : Conduct M&A due diligence without revealing intent, evaluate acquisition targets and vendors anonymously, assess competitive intelligence across global markets, and isolate technology for testing and post-acquisition integration Security & Investigation: Access dark web and criminal platforms anonymously, analyze malware with multi-snapshot capabilities, conduct OSINT investigations with unattributable digital personas, investigate fraud with detailed evidence trails, and engage with threat actors through isolated channels Partnerships to Increase Value for our Customers Replica also launched the Replica partner program, a growing ecosystem that delivers best-in-class tools directly into secure environments. The program brings trusted solutions for secure development, threat intelligence, fraud detection, investigations, and more into isolated workspaces. At launch, Replica has partnered with ShadowDragon, Analyst1, SentinelOne, and Intel 471 along with dozens of other tools previously deployed or available in Replica. The open architecture has always been designed to support future integrations as organizational missions evolve, and the Replica team will continue to pursue new partnerships that increase the value of the platform to our customers. "Working inside the Replica platform gives our users protection when navigating sensitive and high-risk digital territory, allowing them to safely collect intelligence and conduct investigations while maintaining operational security and evidence integrity," said Paul DiBello, SVP of Partnerships at ShadowDragon. The Replica platform scales from small teams to enterprise-wide deployments and is available immediately as SaaS-delivered or private cloud, with flexible deployment options (including on-prem) to meet diverse organizational requirements. The Replica team will be offering live demos and 1:1 meetings during Black Hat USA, August 2-7 in Las Vegas. For a custom demo, visit www.replicacyber.com/request-a-demo/ or learn about partnership opportunities at: www.replicacyber.com/become-a-replica-cyber-partner/. About Replica Cyber Replica Cyber delivers Zero-Trust Isolated Environments to global financial institutions, government agencies, and Fortune 100 companies. Founded by experts in cyber counterintelligence and mission-critical operations, the company holds 20 issued patents, delivering an anonymous attack surface for any work within the platform. As North America's first B Corp-certified cybersecurity platform provider, Replica enables organizations to operate without detection, with full control and without compromise across the high-stakes digital missions that matter most. About ShadowDragon ShadowDragon provides comprehensive, cyber investigative resources and training for use by private companies, intelligence gathering professionals, law enforcement, and government. The U.S.-based company delivers open-source intelligence (OSINT) from over 500 networks including social media platforms, chat rooms, forums, historical datasets, and the dark web. The company monitors malware history, data breach dumps, and other areas for active cyber threats. These data collection and analytic tools help defend against malicious acts in the digital and physical world. For more information, visit the ShadowDragon Trust Center for details about the company's approach to "OSINT for good." About Analyst1 Analyst1 is a premier cybersecurity solutions provider specializing in advanced threat intelligence. Founded by industry experts, the company's cutting-edge Threat Intelligence Platform (TIP) leverages AI and machine learning to transform raw data into actionable insights. Trusted by government and commercial clients, Analyst1 empowers security teams to detect, assess, and respond to cyber threats efficiently. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Analyst1 continues to innovate, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving cyber risks. For more information, visit analyst1.com. About SentinelOne SentinelOne is a leading AI-powered cybersecurity platform. Built on the first unified Security Data Lake, SentinelOne empowers the world to run securely by creating intelligent, data-driven systems that think for themselves, stay ahead of complexity and risk, and evolve on their own. Leading organizationsincluding Fortune 10, Fortune 500, and Global 2000 companies, as well as prominent governments trust SentinelOne to Secure Tomorrow. Learn more at www.sentinelone.com. About Intel 471 Intel 471 equips enterprises and government agencies with intelligence-driven security offerings powered by real-time insights into cyber adversaries, threat patterns, and potential attacks relevant to their operations. By integrating human-sourced intelligence with advanced automation and curation, the company's platform enhances security measures and enables teams to bolster their security posture by prioritizing controls and detections based on real-time cyber threats. Organizations are empowered to neutralize and mitigate digital risks across dozens of use cases across our solution portfolios: Cyber Threat Exposure, Cyber Threat Intelligence, and Cyber Threat Hunting. Learn more at www.intel471.com. SOURCE Replica Cyber Business extortionist wanted in four Quintana Roo municipalities arrested in Nayarit Riviera Maya, Q.R. A suspect wanted for business extortion in four municipalities of Quintana Roo has been arrested in Nayarit. The suspect, identified as Jose Gerardo N, demanded monthly payments from five establishments in four municipalities. He is currently being investigated for extorting five other businesses. Police have reported that Jose Gerardo N was arrested in Nayarit in a joint operation with the FGE of that state. Authorities executed an arrest warrant against Jose Gerardo N for his possible involvement in acts that probably constitute the crime of extortion in collaboration with the Attorney Generals Office of the State of Nayarit, they said. The suspect is identified as Jose Gerardo N, alias Texano, who allegedly, since December 2023, demanded payment of 17,500 pesos per month for each of the victims five commercial establishments. The business owner has restaurants in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Bacalar, they detailed. The money demanded was deposited into a bank account in the name of the now detained person, they reported. The FGE requested and obtained an arrest warrant for Jose Gerardo N which was executed Sunday in the state of Nayarit. Through technological, field and office investigations, it was possible to establish the location of this individual in the state of Nayarit. In coordination with local authorities, they captured him and subsequently transferred him to Cancun. Following the legal proceedings, Jose Gerardo N was handed over to the requesting authority, the FGE reported. Police say Jose Gerardo N has five other investigations against him for his alleged involvement in extorting restaurants. Three out-of-state males in custody for CFE theft and impersonation Cancun, Q.R. Three men accused of impersonating federal CFE officials and then stealing material were arrested in Cancun. In joint action between National Guard, the State Attorney Generals Office and the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security and Transit (SMSCyT) of Benito Juarez, the three men were taken into custody after being caught with material belonging to the CFE and fake Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) uniforms. The operation was carried out after receiving a report from 9-1-1 alerting authorities to suspicious uniformed individuals in SM 77. Upon arriving at the scene, officers located the three individuals aboard a white Nissan Versa where they found several bags containing copper material. When asked for documentation proving their status as CFE employees as well as invoices proving their legal possession of the material, the men were unable to provide the necessary documents. In custody are 25 year old Kevin Jussef N and 24 year old Fernando N both from Baja California Sur, as well as 28 year old Aaron Samuel N from Queretaro. Since they are facing federal charges, all three were placed at the disposal of the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) in Cancun. Roanokes city council appears to be heading toward soon enacting a ban on bringing any new wolf-dogs into the city of Roanoke. But what that means for existing wolf dogs in Roanoke remains less clear. Monday morning, City Attorney Tim Spencer outlined a draft wolf-dog ordinance that council members requested during a council meeting last week. Though it would ban canine hybrids in Roanoke, existing wolf-dogs in the city would be grandfathered and strictly regulated as dangerous dogs. Spencer stressed the draft could be changed, depending on input from council members or others. He said he intends to bring a formal ordinance back to the council Aug. 18 or Sept. 2. This is moving a little faster than normal, Spencer told council members. The draft ordinance was prompted by a particular pack of wolf-dogs being raised at a home at 3580 Windsor Road in the Deyerle neighborhood since 2020. Apparently, thats a commercial wolf-dog breeding business. Everyday Exotic Pets LLC is registered with the State Corporation Commission at the Windsor Road address. And although it advertises itself online as a wolfdog breeding business, with one male and two females, it has no Roanoke-issued business license. Thats required even if the ventures making no profit, said Commissioner of the Revenue Ryan La Fountain. Formal complaints about the wolf-dogs on Windsor date to 2021. Problem is, they occasionally escape and go after other animals in the area. In the past theyve attacked and injured one neighbors pet Pomeranian. On June 26, four of the creatures got out once again. At least three downed and killed a doe along Mud Lick Road, in Jim and Sandra Ryals yard, while menacing the Ryals pet dogs. From that incident, wolf-dog owner Thomas Blanding was charged with four class 4 misdemeanors, for which the maximum penalty is a $250 fine. One was failing to care for pets and three were allowing dogs to run loose. Those cases were originally scheduled to be heard in Roanoke General District Court today. But last week, the hearing was postponed until Sept. 9. More than 100 Deyerle residents last week formally adopted a resolution to have the wolf-dogs removed from the home on Windsor Road. The draft presented by Spencer on Monday doesnt go that far. He suggested the law could be more easily overturned if it appeared to be targeting anyone in particular, as opposed to enacting a broad policy. While the draft would allow the dogs on Windsor to remain, the ordinance would redefine canine hybrids as dangerous dogs and regulate the animals. Currently in Roanoke, dogs deemed dangerous must be confined indoors, or in a high-security enclosure if kept outside. The citys website is more specific: Any such pen or structure shall have secure sides and a secure top and, if it has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides shall be imbedded (sic) into the ground no less than 2 feet. Such pen or structure shall provide any such dog with adequate space and protection from the elements and shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. The pens may be inspected by the city at any time to ensure theyre secure. Dangerous dogs must also be permanently tattooed. And the city can set a special license fee for dangerous dogs. The cost of the license would be set by the council. Dangerous dog owners also must purchase at least $100,000 in specific liability insurance, display at least two dangerous dog warning signs on the premises, and muzzle the dogs if taking them anywhere in public. Though the proposed ordinance would not necessarily remove the dogs in Deyerle, its requirements could prove so onerous that owners could elect to move the dogs out of the city rather than comply. Going back to 2021, people in the Deyerle neighborhood have repeatedly complained about a pack of the wolf-dogs being raised at 3580 Windsor Road. Usually the complaints stem from the dogs escaping their confinement and roaming in the neighborhood. As a breed, canine hybrids have a reputation as intelligent but unpredictable escape artists. In some cases the hybrids are deadly. According to the website DogsBite.org, hybrids have killed 25 Americans since 1980, most of them small children. Councilwoman Evelyn Powers, who broached the subject at councils meeting last week, seemed concerned that the draft ordinance wouldnt necessarily result in the removal of the Windsor Road wolf-dogs. This group of dogs, these people are not responsible with these dogs, Powers said. And its just a matter of time that something really serious is going to happen. And I dont want to be on this council to see that happen. She noted that Windsor Hills United Methodist Church is a stones throw across Windsor Road from the wolf-dog house, and that the church operates a childrens literacy program and those kids play outside the church. Spencer responded: Lets get it right. I think weve got a draft and a good working document to get input from our animal control people and from the commonwealths attorney to ensure that were addressing the problem as much as we can under the law. Mayor Joe Cobb, who along with Powers and Councilman Nick Hagen attended the Greater Deyerle meeting last week, commended the neighborhood association for its advocacy and research, and noted that all of the wolf-dog complaints in Roanoke stem from a single address. Cobb also said he also wants the citys planning department to consider whether a commercial business should be operating from a property zoned R-12, a residential designation. I would really love to see the planning department look at that particular zoning issue, Cobb said. Yes, replied City Manager Valmarie Turner. Well be working directly with the city attorneys office. After the briefing, Greater Deyerle Neighborhood Association President Adam Mastrangelo said: I thought that went well. But Jim Ryals noted: A grandfather clause could easily leave those dogs right where they are now. And Tom Sevigny, whose backyard on Darlington Road Southwest butts up against the wolf-dog houses back yard, said he hears the animals howling daily. Its like theyre having a choir and they sing in unison multiple times a day, said Sevigny, whos lived on Darlington with his wife, Lee Sevigny, for 15 years. They do it on their own, or whenever emergency vehicles go by. Sounds spooky. Stay tuned. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skateboarding icon and serial entrepreneur Erik Ellington is redefining what it means to "have a good time" with the launch of Easy Does It, a crisp, non-alcoholic beer celebrating connection, creativity, and camaraderie without the hangover. Easy Does It Skateboarding icon Erik Ellington pictured with Easy Does It Brewed in collaboration with Erik's childhood friend and award-winning brewmaster Gabe Fletcher of Anchorage Brewing Co, Easy Does It officially goes on sale direct-to-consumer (online) on August 5th. To celebrate, a launch party will be held on August 7th at The Bungalow Santa Monica. At the time of launch, the beer will be available direct-to-consumer (online) with distribution across Los Angeles coming later this fall via select Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, and BevMo! locations and available delivery via Gopuff. More than a beverage, Easy Does It is a cultural statement, rooted in Ellington's 11-year sobriety journey and the ability to see the world differently through skateboarding. Designed for the outsiders and do-it-yourselfers, it's for anyone who wants to go hard, be present, and still enjoy the ritual of beer. "This wasn't about making a 'sober beer,'" says Ellington. "It was about creating something that brings people together, whether you drink or not. I missed the taste, the hang, the vibe just not the fallout." Co-founder Jon Warren (VP of Creative at Herschel and former Director of Design at Vans) adds, "Easy Does It isn't just a beer, it's a lifestyle born from the subcultures that shaped us. It's built on a lifetime lived outside the mainstream, from DIY punk shows to vintage Americana. We're pulling from those worlds, remixing the best parts of the past, to create something fresh for today. Something real that makes you want to show up, be present, and have a good time." Fellow cofounder Kellen Roland (founder of GOOD GROUP, former CEO of JOOPITER by Pharrell Williams, and former VP of Sales at Herschel) notes, "When Erik and Jon shared the idea, it was clearly a category-defining opportunity. It's exactly the kind of brand GOOD GROUP was built to support. The right people, the right product, at the right time the brand's carefree, not careless attitude is what sets it apart in the market. My role is to ensure we have the strategy and structure to bring Erik's vision to life." Brewed with Saaz hops for a crisp body and familiar bite, Easy Does It nods to the classics, but with a mindset built for now. At just 65 calories, it's refreshingly light and simple. Crushable, nostalgic, and brewed to shotgun, Easy Does It was made for real connection, the kind that happens when people slow down and show up. Just great beer, minus the alcohol. At its core, Easy Does It is everything beloved about classic American beer: the flavor, the ritual, and the attitude, without the booze. Clean ingredients. Real flavor. A rebellious, nostalgic spirit. "Brewed in California and rooted in the defiant culture that shaped its founders, Easy Does It was made for those who go hard but give a damn, and anyone carving their own path." Go hard. Care hard. Easy Does It. About Easy Does It: Easy Does It is a non-alcoholic beer brand founded by skateboarding icon Erik Ellington, alongside Jon Warren and Kellen Roland. Brewed in California with Saaz hops, for a crisp, nostalgic bite, Easy Does It is built for outsiders, do-it-yourselfers, and anyone who wants to stay sharp, show up, and still enjoy the ritual of beer. More than a beverage, it is a cultural statement rooted in Ellington's journey and the independent spirit of skateboarding. With clean ingredients and a rebellious attitude, Easy Does It delivers the flavor, ritual, and vibe of classic American beer without the booze. Go hard. Care hard. Easy Does It. About GOOD GROUP: GOOD GROUP is a venture studio that co-creates CPG brands designed to make people's lives better. We build products that taste great, work well, and are made with clean ingredients. By combining smart design, thoughtful branding, and partnering with world-class founders, we create category-defining companies. From concept to exit, we provide the strategy, structure, and hands-on support that founders need to build brands that win on taste, scale with strong margins, and deliver real impact for consumers. Media contact: Kelsey Cone [email protected] 818-278-4068 SOURCE Easy Does It DES MOINES -- Merritt Moss, 13, and his crossbred steer, Big Red, are getting ready for the spotlight. The teen and the steer will compete Aug. 9 in the 43rd Annual Governor's Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The competition could be fierce -- Merritt and Big Red are up against 24 other exhibitors and the fanciest steers in the state of Iowa, with names like Burt Reynolds, Joe, Dale, Rocky, Furgy, Prince, Duke, Snoop Dog and Whiskey. The life of a show steer is rather different from ordinary barnyard animals: They live a beauty-oriented, first-class sort of lifestyle, and they travel around a lot. Big Red takes more showers, and uses more hair-care products, than some humans. Merritt, son of Craig and Haley Moss, of Hull, Iowa, spoke with The Journal for its Five Questions series. Questions and answers have been edited for style and clarity. What does a steer exhibitor do? "Well, first we wash him, dry him out, then we start fitting him, and clipping him, and making him look nicer to show. Then, once we get in the arena, we show him, and hope you win." How old is Big Red? "Big Red is about -- almost a year old." How did you come up with the name Big Red? "'Cause he's, like, big. And red." What does it take to raise a prizewinning steer? "It takes a lot of work. Feeding him right, you have to wash him every day, rinse him every day. Condition him, make his hair look nice." Do you identify a steer when he's young -- like, this steer is ready for the limelight? Or, how do you pick which steer is going to be 'the one'? "We start looking for steers during the fall. We go around parts of Iowa, a little bit of South Dakota. And we look, just for the right steer to show for the next season." BONUS QUESTIONS: Do steers have any personality at all, or are they just like other cattle? "Well -- some of them can be meaner than others, or nicer than others. But he (Big Red) is pretty nice." What does Big Red do when he's not in the spotlight, does he just hang out in the pasture all day? "He has his own pen that he just chills in. ... During the day we keep him in a cool room to help his hair grow long." South Side VP calls for those impacted to join the fight to keep businesses open CHICAGO, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Melissa Hurley, Vice President of Cable Communications, Inc. (CCI), is bracing for impact against attempts by the Trump Administration to dissolve the Transportation Department's four-decade-old, $37-billion Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program established to address the historical discrimination faced by minority- and women-owned businesses in the marketplace. The program helps to remedy discrimination, level the playing field, and foster growth for minority- and women-owned small businesses. On May 28, the Plaintiffs Mid-America Milling Company/ Bagshaw Trucking and the US Department of Transportation entered a Consent Order to declare the DBE Program unconstitutional. A coalition of minority- and women-owned businesses and trade organizations represented by Democracy Forward, the Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund, and Wyatt, Tarrant, & Combs LLP is defending the program. The coalition filed its opposition on June 18 to a proposed consent order that would seriously impair the program and silence the voices of those most affected by its dismantling. CCI, a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and DBE in electrical and communications, is facing significant challenges with the potential dissolution of the program. Located in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, this union contractor with Local #134 I.B.E.W. has had a 38-year run, specializing in electrical construction and maintenance, fire alarm, telephone, and fiber optic installation. This legacy business prepares for the worst amid challenges to the program's future and potential dissolution. The DBE program has been a lifeline for CCI, allowing the company to bid on federally funded projects and expand job opportunities. Without this program, CCI's ability to compete for these projects would be reduced to zero, leading to severe financial strain and the potential closure of the business. "If the DBE folds and WBE & MBE are next, the gravity of the situation would be a significant amount of small business closures," said CCI Vice President Melissa Hurley. "The DBE Program is critical to our organization's success. Without it, we'd be hard-pressed to keep the lights on." In 2024, Hurley stepped into the company's leadership role to take on the day-to-day management from her mother, Susan Hurley, who founded the business in 1989. The DBE program has been a vital lifeline for businesses like CCI in a city as competitive as Chicago. 30% of CCI's jobs are DBE, 65% are WBE (the City of Chicago's Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) program designed to promote contracting opportunities for women-owned businesses), and 5% are private work. The dissolution threatens to put CCI and its 35 employees out of work should the company be forced to close. The impact of the dissolution of the DBE program extends beyond CCI. Minority and women contractors in Illinois are preparing for changes to or the elimination of government set-aside programs that have ensured a steady stream of work for years. For over 25 years, Melissa and Susan Hurley have been active members of women's organizations that fight for women in the industry, including WCOE (Women Construction Owners and Executives), Women's First, and FWC (Federation of Women Contractors). Melissa is active in the fight for the continuation of the DBE, encouraging conversation and participation from other businesses impacted, as well as writing letters imploring legislators to continue and strengthen the DBE program and other initiatives meant to allow small businesses to compete in the space against larger firms. ABOUT CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.: CCI is a certified WBE and DBE in electrical and communications, and a union contractor with Local #134 I.B.E.W. The team at CCI, led by Susan and Melissa Hurley, brings years of experience and personalized service to every aspect of the job, from pre-bid meetings to job completion. CCI plans to continue expanding its growth by remaining competitive and developing long-term relationships with its customers now and in the future. Media Contact: Lindsay Weber [email protected] 815-790-8477 SOURCE Cable Communications, Inc. SIOUX CITY -- The Sioux City-based Iowa Poison Control Center is celebrating 25 years of reducing illness, deaths and costs associated with poisonings and overdoses in the state's 99 counties. Linda Kalin, the center's long-time executive director, said the center began answering calls in Sioux City for the entire state on Sept. 1, 2000. Through the years, specially trained nurses and pharmacists have provided emergency information and treatment over the phone for a variety of poisonings and overdoses, including the misuse of laundry pods, venomous snake and spider bites, hazardous materials spills, liquid nicotine exposures from electronic cigarettes and drug overdoses. Staff are trained to assess, triage and manage poisoning emergencies when members of the public or medical professionals call 1-800-222-1222 -- the poison control center's 24-hour emergency hotline. "We know we save lives," Kalin said. "We know we're on the cutting edge of what we do in the event of a poisoning or overdose. We do get to see that in action, where we'll recommend something and it really turns. Not every outcome is good, but many are." Last year, center staff addressed around 23,000 cases and made roughly 50,000 follow-up calls to those cases. Fifteen calls could be made on a single case, according to Kalin. "I was on the phone with a farmer who injected his hog and pulled back, and it injected him. So, hog vaccine went in his hand or arm," she said. "We always say, if you can swallow it, get it on your skin, get it in your eyes, inject it. It's sort of limitless." Kalin also recalled the case of a toddler who was found chewing on the tail of dead mouse, as if it was a piece of gum. "Now, you have to ask the question, 'What killed the mouse?'" she said. Humble beginnings The Iowa Poison Control Center has roots in St. Luke's emergency room in the early 1980s. Kalin recalled answering a phone on a wall in a closet-sized space in 1982 and looking up products in microfiche. Several years later, in 1989, she became Iowa's first certified specialist in poison information. "It was called St. Luke's Poison Center. Seriously, a couple calls a day," she said of the center's humble beginnings. Before the creation of a statewide poison control center, only University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) in Iowa City and St. Luke's operated poison centers in the state. The university contracted to have its calls handled by a regional poison control center in Minneapolis, according to a November 2000 Journal article. St. Luke's Poison Center began answering all calls from communities and hospitals served by Iowa Health System, now UnityPoint Health, and was renamed the Iowa Poison Control Center in 1997. Iowa Health System formed a partnership with UIHC to jointly sponsor a statewide poison control center based in Sioux City in 1999. The Iowa Legislature agreed to fund its operations with tobacco settlement money. "We're the real meaning of a public-private partnership," Kalin of the center, which is currently funded through a patchwork of federal, state, Iowa hospital and private dollars. "We've been very fortunate and feel very grateful that the hospitals are partnering with us." Saving lives Twenty-five years ago, the center consisted of 10 full-time and part-time registered nurse specialists answering calls 24 hours a day on the third floor of St. Luke's east building in the former Lutheran Hospital at 2700 Pierce St. Today, the center, which is located in the MidAmerican Energy building downtown, employs around 20 staff members and is part of a nationwide network of 53 accredited poison control centers. Its mission hasn't changed. "Our purpose is being here 24/7 for the people who need us. It could be a parent, babysitter, emergency room physician with a bad overdose," Kalin said. In 2024, 92% of poisonings involving a child under age 5 were safety treated at home with advice from the center. This saved Iowa and its residents more than $15 million in unnecessary healthcare costs by avoiding a trip to the hospital or health care provider's office, according to information from the center's website. "It saves them a trip to the emergency room. It saves them a co-pay. Forty percent or more are Medicaid -- it saves the state," Kalin said. Kalin said the calls the center receives overnight are primarily from medical professionals treating drug overdoses at hospitals, rather than parents of crayon-eating toddlers. "We involve our toxicologists immediately on certain ones that are life-threatening," she said. "That nightshift is high acuity cases. They'll be calling the toxicologist more than once, probably." Kalin said the cases are more complicated than ever, as polysubstance overdose, where a person is exposed to more than one drug, is on the rise. "These cases of taking 15 medications to harm themselves -- the complicated high acuity cases -- have absolutely grown," she said. "We've gotten quite a few young adolescent teens, even tweens harming themselves. We hope they survive on the medical side. The toxicology piece is what we tend to." How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, Im in a long term, amazing relationship where my partner and I are open and honest with each other about everythingand I like it that way! But there is one thing Ive kept secret from him. I write quite a bit of explicit, filthy, kinky, gay fanfiction. When I say kinky, that ranges from simple BDSM bondage to non-consensual, omega verse, and diapers. My partner said something cheeky recently, indicating that he may have stumbled across some of my writing on the internet somewhere. Oh, I know about the writing. Youd be surprised how much one can find out through social media, were his exact words, with a sort of secretive, teasing tone. I panicked and tried to play it off, bemoaning how I need him to let me have this for myself. But now Im terrified that hes gone and read my entire library, and that he might think Im expecting our sex life to include all the things I write about (I definitely do NOT want that). How do I prod to figure out if hes really read it all? And if he has, how could I possibly explain to him that my writing sexuality and my real-life sexuality are two completely separate things? Fanfic Freak Dear Fanfic Freak, What youve written does seem to indicate that your partner has read at least some of your erotic fanfiction. So, prodding is probably superfluous. Did you keep your fanfic secret in the context of this otherwise extremely open and honest relationship for any reason other than your concern that your partner might think that what you write about is a guide to what youd like to experience? If so, you might want to work through those reasons. If youre shy or fearing rejection, wheres that coming from? If you want privacy or something thats separate from him, would more alone time in general or time spent with friends but without him serve the same purpose? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The context of youd be surprised what you can find out through social media also feels a bit invasiveare there other instances of this kind of thing that might feel like red flags when you line them all up? And, lastly, does he have issues with respecting boundaries or hearing the word no? If any of this feels applicable, you might be in a much more complicated situation. If none of it is, great. Do the scary thing. Say something like, I think you stumbled on my erotic fanfic, and Id like to make sure you know that a lot of the themes I write about are things I want to keep purely in the realm of fantasy. Im also curious about your thoughts, feelings, and reactions, and then go from there. Get sex advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit Dear How to Do It, I love the idea of the doggy style position in sex. It gets me so hot to think of being pounded from behind, and my partner loves it too. My problem is that at best, its uncomfortable. Advertisement I cant describe exactly what it is, but I feel like his penis cant get deep enough (a problem we never have in other positions!) and the friction of the thrusting is more painful than pleasurable. Weve tried pillows under my hips, lots of lube, and changing how far off the bed my upper body is. Why cant we enjoy this position like everyone else? Down With Doggy? Advertisement Dear Down With Doggy, Depending on which area of your cervix and top of your vaginal canal feels good to have stimulated, this could be an angling issue. The anterior fornix (or A-spot, on the belly-facing side of your cervix) is pleasurable enough for enough people that it has a nice little nickname, and the back of the cervix does not. Usually doggy, especially the classic arrangement with the receptive partners on all fours and arching their back (like the cat half of a cat/cow stretch), angles the penis behind the cervix, as does leaning your shoulders closer to the bed. So try the cow half of that stretch and see whether that feels better. Advertisement Advertisement When lots of lube isnt helping with excess friction, I wonder whether theres an issue with inner labia getting pulled into the vaginal opening. The two of you might slow down on your next attempt at doggy, at the point where youre feeling friction, and try to understand where that feeling is coming from. At the end of the day, though, this position simply might not be fun for the two of you. As much as it might feel like everyone else enjoys it, a quick read through this columns archives can show you many people who similarly want to make it work and are having a hard time doing so. Partnered sex is often a question of the overlap between what each person enjoys, plus what works with your combination of bodies. So, not only are some common practices often not of interest to one or more of the people involved, but sometimes things that were great in a previous relationship fall flat with our current partner. Give the changes I suggested a try. But if all youre getting out of doggy is frustration, you might find that fantasizing out loud about what you both want doggy to feel like is more fulfilling than actually doing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Send Us Your Questions About the Workplace! The columnists behind our advice column, Good Job, want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here! Dear How to Do It, Im a 40-something married woman, and my question really is about how to do it. My husband and I recently bought a realistic silicone dildo, and we love to use it for double vaginal penetration. It feels super kinky. I get to feel like there are two men penetrating me, and while I know he likes that thought as well, he also gets to feel tightness that I might not otherwise have anymore. We need to use a fair amount of lube to make sure it slides in easily and feels good while thrusting, but that also means it slips out really easily. Its also kind of a pain to try to hold in place, and it gets in the way of us losing ourselves in the sensations. Any advice about how to keep it in there? Better Living Through Silicone Advertisement Advertisement Dear Better Living, You can try reducing the amount of lube slowly to see if theres a happy balance between comfort and being able to corral the toy. If the dildo is more wedge-shaped than top-heavy, you might switch to a different shape. Other than that, theres not much you can directly doand neither of those tactics is likely to achieve your desire of wanting it to simply stay in place without being thought about. The only reason flesh and blood penises arent sliding out constantly during double penetration is that theres a person attached to each. You can alternate using the dildo, which must be driven by one of you, with dildo-less penetration while the two of you reminisce about past double penetrations and fantasize about the future. To address the tightness question, you can use positions that allow you to cross your legs and squeeze. And, in a sober and non-erotic moment, you might discuss whether the two of you want to look for another man to have this kind of sex with. Jessica More Advice From Slate In the past six months, Ive recently reconnected with a guy I knew in college. Were not dating per se because we live a few states apart, but we talk every night and weve met up twice now for long weekends to spend time together. Intellectually and emotionally, its all great. But sexually? Not great Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Men, you may have heard, are in crisis. The causes are many, and the left and right identify different villains (toxic masculinity, according to the former; feminism and gynecocracy, says the latter). But there seems to be a growing consensus that something is rotten in man-land. And across the political spectrum there is at least a consensus that male despair and disconnect is fueled in large part by dramatic changes in society, the economy, and the familyall of which have left many men feeling dangerously unmoored, isolated, and purposeless. Despite frustrated men rallying behind a president who promises to restore them (and America) to their former glory, a peek over the tech horizon doesnt suggest a golden age for the postfeminist American male. If anything, A.I.a force already changing work, education, research, romance, and even the human brainseems virtually guaranteed to magnify todays boy problems into a full-blown man-sized catastrophe. If we are collectively concerned about the well-being of menand those of us on the left and right alike should be concernedthen we need to grapple with the many ways A.I. is set to supercharge male loneliness, aimlessness, isolation, illness, malaise, and deadly rage, to the detriment of us all. Sure, it can sometimes feel like a bit much to hear, yet again, about how men are suffering. Men make up more than 70 percent of law firm partners, 72 percent of Congress, 86 percent of tech founders, 90 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs, and 100 percent of U.S. presidents. Men are much more likely than women to occupy the 10 highest-paying professions in the U.S., dominating the ranks of physicians, dentists, and lawyers, even though women have for years earned graduate degrees in those fields in equal or greater numbers. And its not just at the top levels that men are doing better: Men without college degrees outearn women with the same educational attainment. Women earn more college degrees than men, but men with college degrees outearn women with the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But these statistics dont tell the whole story. Men generally find themselves in worse health than women, job or no job: They are sicker, they become addicted to drugs and alcohol more regularly, they go to the doctor less often, and they die earlier. The male loneliness epidemicparticularly acute among young men in the Westhas by now been well covered. And as it stands, more than 10 percent of prime-age working men in America are out of the workforce and not even looking for jobs. Add that to the 3.5 percent who are unemployed, and roughly 1 in every 8 American men between 25 and 54 isnt working. Advertisement Unemployment in men is concentrated among those without college degrees and overrepresented among those whose lives go badly off the rails: those who wind up in jail, or struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, or dying the now-notorious deaths of despair that have ravaged working-class communities (suicides, overdoses). Correlation, of course, is not causation, and it stands to reason that men who struggle with addiction or impulse control probably also struggle to stay employed. But one study published in 2024 found a strong link between these deaths and a combination of unemployment and social disengagementstronger, even, than psychological and economic distress. Advertisement There does seem to be something to the theory that employment itself is a stabilizing force that keeps young men in particular out of trouble. One survey of several thousand British men found that the strongest predictor of a positive mindset in menby faris secure and satisfying employment. Work far outpaced health, relationships, and family as the most important factor for feeling good about ones life. Decades of research have also found that unemployment causes precipitous declines in mens physical and mental health: It increases the risk of suicide, death, drug use, alcohol addiction, sleep problems, chronic health problems, even obesity. Advertisement Advertisement All of which is one big reason A.I. should worry us. Sam Altman of OpenAI has said that with the growth of A.I., jobs are definitely going to go away, full stop. (Jobs that will remain valuable? Those that find new uses for A.I. and new jobs for the robots to take.) We, as the producers of this technology, have a duty and an obligation to be honest about what is coming, Dario Amodei, the CEO of the A.I. company Anthropic, told Axios. What might that look like? According to Amodei, Cancer is cured, the economy grows at 10% a year, the budget is balancedand 20% of people dont have jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Other estimates are even more dire. The International Monetary Fund found that in advanced economies, 60 percent of jobs may be significantly altered by A.I.; this lines up with McKinseys finding that 60 percent of U.S. jobs will be significantly changed by that time and 30 percent will be automated altogether. This includes white-collar jobs in fields that have been more insulated, till now, from the disruptions of globalization, like law, health care, media, finance, and education. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2030, some 92 million jobs will be taken from humans because of A.I.though the group also predicts that 170 million new positions will be created, with the jobs expected to see the most growth including farmworkers, delivery drivers, construction workers, salespeople and food processing workers. Advertisement Meanwhile, the job losses are already starting. Meta recently announced its sloughing off 5 percent of its workforce, confirming CEO Mark Zuckerbergs prediction that probably in 2025, we at Meta, as well as the other companies that are basically working on this, are going to have an AI that can effectively be a sort of mid-level engineer that you have at your company that can write code. Other companies are making similar cuts: Microsoft recently axed 4 percent of its workers, some 9,000 people; Walmart cut 1,500 technology jobs while expanding its use of and investment in A.I.; at CrowdStrike, 5 percent of employees were let go. Advertisement Advertisement Women, of course, also stand to be walloped by A.I.s disruption. Recent research suggests that women may be even harder hit than men when it comes to A.I. job displacement, from the scores of law firm associates who are largely female to admin staff who are overwhelmingly female. From health care work (A.I. can read a cancer scan) to education (A.I. can tutor a child) to psychological support (A.I. can provide therapy), scores of womens jobs are about to be made robot-redundant. Advertisement But men may be less well equipped, in many ways, to weather these shifts and adapt. And the changes A.I. will make to work in the coming years threaten to worsen the question of purpose that seems to be at the heart of todays male malaise: What is a man for? Across many decades and many cultures, maleness was defined by provision, procreation, and protection. Now women can provide for themselves, can procreate by themselves, and are increasingly aware that men are the people they need to be protected from. Many women have found purpose and identity in their professional work, a privilege long held by men; for others, having children brings with it tremendous meaning; still others are active in their communities (women are much more likely to volunteer their time than men are) or for particular causes; for many women, its all of the above. There are of course still conservative communities in which a womans primary purpose in life is to be a wife and mother. But most women in the United States gain purpose and status from many sources, often all at oncewhich also creates a useful emotional and psychological cushion if one of those sources dries up (a job loss, a financial setback, a last child leaving the house). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers have found that when women hit stressful times, they are more likely than men to tend and befriendto cultivate relationships, to reach out to others, to seek out others company and help. Men are more likely to respond to stress with fight or flightand to go at it alone. That was probably useful in a hunter-gatherer society. Its less helpful in suburban Cleveland, and its much less helpful in a 2025 A.I.-ravaged San Francisco. Friendships generally are waning, but mens are declining more precipitously than womens, and womens are typically emotionally deeper to begin with: About twice as many women as men say that in the past week, theyve received emotional support from a friend or told a friend they loved them. Women have more work friends than men do, broader social universes, and more pulls on their time (volunteerism, social activities, kids, the PTA, caring for ill or older relatives), which helps to feel useful even if paid work has dried up. Women are also more likely to be raising children than men85 percent of single parents are women, and mothers generally spend about twice as much time as fathers caring for their childrenan activity that is itself socially connective (the kids need to go to school, to day care, to the doctor, to Grandmas, to activities, to the park) or, at the very least, forces you to get up in the morning and accomplish the basics of feeding and caring for another human. This combination of role flexibility and relational tendencies has not insulated women from the shake-ups of a globalized economy, technology, and social media, but it has given them more tools with which to navigate these big changes. Advertisement Advertisement Bigger changes are coming. As Ross Andersen wrote in the Atlantic, the A.I. revolution threatens to bring about a mass desocialization event, promising us less time at work with other people and more time on our devices, whatever those might eventually look like. As our social skills erode, dating, mating, and marryingall already on the declineseem virtually guaranteed to crater further, only worsening the male loneliness crisis. (Single women, on the other hand, are generally happier than single men.) And A.I. threatens to take away even the shallow interpersonal interactions that may be a lonely persons last tethers to broader society: ordering coffee from a barista or bodega guy, scheduling a dentist appointment with a receptionist, waving down a taxi driver. As more and more of these jobs become automated, and more workers simply stay home, less and less of our day to day will involve other people. Advertisement Advertisement Isolation and unemployment are also mutually reinforcing dynamics. According to a report from former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, activities that better connect individuals to one another, including immersion in local community-based activities or volunteering, can also equip individuals with desirable skills that make them more employable, and significantly increase the likelihood of unemployed individuals becoming employed. Advertisement Advertisement And men becoming increasingly disconnected from society is a problem for all of usit could lead to an uptick in violence. Already, it is overwhelmingly young men who commit crime, and especially violent crimes (nearly 90 percent of murders are committed by men). According to Murthys report, fraying social ties only stand to exacerbate this. One recent study on community violence, the report says, showed that a one standard deviation increase in social connectedness was associated with a 21 percent reduction in murders and a 20 percent reduction in motor vehicle thefts. Advertisement Researchers have found that when men have other sources of self-worth and respect in their livesnamely, a good job and the social status that comes with ittheyre less likely to react to other forms of disrespect with violence. When someone bumps into someone on the dance floor, looks too long at someone elses girlfriend or makes an insulting remark, it doesnt threaten the self-respect of people who have other types of status the way it can when you feel this is your only source of value, is how the writer Maia Szalavitz put it in the Guardian. When a mans sense of status and masculine identity isnt derived from good work, other forms of macho posturing may take over, and that doesnt generally go very well. Related From Slate Young Men Are Going in a Very Different Direction From Young Women. It Could Completely Upend Society. Read More There is no obvious solution here, and the ones on offer from those who stand to reap the benefits of A.I. (those building the robots) seem even more dystopian than A.I. itself. One idea is a universal basic income scheme, which would help at least some people materially, but it wouldnt address this loneliness and crisis of purpose. Humans are, in my view, essentially working dogs, and research confirms this: We need discipline and routine to thrive, and part of what is so destabilizing about job loss is that sudden lack of structure. It is very, very difficult to wholly self-impose a daily routine with zero external demands; things like jobs and school, which require us to show up at certain places and perform certain tasks, help foster conscientiousness and a sense of control over our lives. Advertisement Advertisement Married, working mothers spend about twice as much time as married, working fathers on child care and household labor, while working fathers enjoy more leisure time. The fact that women tend to take on many more of the tasks and logistics of running a household than men doa complaint so pervasive its basically a cliche at this pointis sexist and exhausting, but it is also a gendered buffer to a breakdown: If a mother loses her job, thats devastating, but shes still got a PTA meeting at 7 and a pediatrician appointment at 10 and the carpool at 8. These external obligations and routines are what can help us keep going even though adversity, and many of them entail connection with other people. And the expanded social networks they provide, in addition to the more positive mindset they help cultivate, can translate into finding new employment more quickly. (Here is another argument for gender equality: Men taking on more of these tasks would lighten womens load and help men cultivate greater discipline, foster deeper connections, and better weather adversity.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of these dynamics are coming for women as well. But men, with their greater reliance on work for purpose, their greater reliance on women for connection, and their more tenuous social ties, seem primed to suffer some of the worst of A.I.s mass un-humaning of society. And in this moment, there is a lot of justified concern for men on the left and the rightand there is a conservative, patriarchal, and ostensibly male-focused administration in charge that has promised American men it will return their jobs, their status, and their dignity. This same administration is trying to take any guardrails off A.I. development and use. We need legislators who are taking these changes seriously now, for everyone. We need men who look up and see the tsunami headed at them. And as a culture, we may be wise to help men figure out how to forge the kind of expansive identities that women have, so that even if they fail to stop the deluge, they may find high enough ground to survive it. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The Pod Save America media empire has never been animated by an all-encompassing ideology. At its core, this is a podcast hosted by four ascendant politicos from the Obama administrationspeechwriters Jon Favreau and Jon Lovett, adviser Dan Pfeiffer, and spokesperson Tommy Vietorand as such, the programming has traditionally mirrored the impulses of the Democratic establishment. But those whims change over time, and that lands the loyalty of the show in some awkward tonal territory, with the hosts supporting causes they once, to say the least, viewed extremely skeptically. For example: As a longtime listener of the podcast, I found it downright disorienting to hear the boys flirt with a staunchly more moderate stance on immigration during the 2024 election, especially in comparison to the 2020 cycle. But when you recall that party leaders were at the time also rapidly moving to the right on immigration, nobody shouldve been surprised. Pod Save America was founded on one principleto be ardent warriors for the Democratic brandsuperseding all personal leanings in service to the fabled big tent. And, folks, thats why the podcasts newly adopted stance on Palestine is so noteworthy. May I draw your attention to an exchange from last Tuesdays episode, which covered the ongoing starvation crisis in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli governments nightmarish mission to maintain the status quo. If you havent been following the story, the short version is that Israel blocked supply shipments into the region earlier this year, and the resulting absence of resources has effected a socially engineered famine. (The official line of the Netanyahu government is that Hamas is stealing and hoarding the food entering Gaza, though the veracity of that position is dubious at best.) The horrific images that have emerged from the area during these hellish recent months have fomented a sea change in the dialogue around it. Pod Save America is living proof. Here is the transcript, in which both Favreau and Vietor assess the future of Democratic Party interactions with Israel: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Favreau: I dont think Democratic candidates should take money from AIPAC [the American Israel Public Affairs Committee] or vote to fund military support for Israel anymore. With this government? Absolutely not. And that especially includes the next Democratic nominee for president. Vietor: Things I want to see Democrats at least calling for is cutting off military assistance for Israel. Its a rich country, by the way. They dont need our $3 billion a year. I would like to see talk of sanctioning Israeli government officials that use genocidal rhetoric or talk about ethnic cleansing openly. We should support a ceasefire resolution at the U.N. There has to be a total mindset change in the Democratic Party. When the war ends, were not going back to the preOct. 7 status quo. Thats not where the party is, and thats not where the world is. Advertisement Theres a lot to unpack here. Most importantly, this is perhaps the first time Ive ever heard the Pod Save boys demand a substantial pivot from Obama-era Democratic orthodoxy. Yes, the nationwide outrage about the hunger campaign in Gaza has reached a genuine fever pitch. When career line-toers like Amy Klobuchar are calling for relief, you know that something is up. But the levers of power still belong to the likes of Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, both of whom have received a combined $2.5 million from AIPAC. (For what its worth, Schumer and Jeffries both released statements about the food shortage, calling for a ceasefire.) If Favreau and Vietor are serious about rescinding their support from Democrats who court donations from the Israel lobby, well, then, Pod Save America has finally found an issue that puts it at odds with the leaders of its party. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the question remains: Are the hosts truly going out on a limb and breaking with the establishment, or do they foresee a more glacial shift in the status quo in which, in future elections, it will be compulsory for Democratic hopefuls to provide a more imaginative policy on Israel? Honestly, theres a good amount of evidence for the latter. Pod Save America has a knack for staking out a position at the exact moment it sheds its taboo. (I recall the hours after Joe Bidens flatlining debate performance, when the podcast was among the first to call for the man at the top of the ticket to be replaced, an idea that went from unfeasible to undeniable in the span of just a week.) And I think the hosts political instinctsas well as their uncanny ability to read the tea leaves and barely beat the party to where its headed nextare on display here with Palestine as well. Advertisement After all, it is telling that the topic of Gaza rarely if ever managed to break onto Pod Save America throughout 2024, when the mass death Israels government has inflicted on Gaza was a Biden problem. In those days, Democrats fell back on the stilted way in which theyve always discussed Israelin which any recognition of Palestinians humanity or well-being must be subjugated by unwavering support for Israeland trusted that the old rules would work as usual. But Donald Trump swept every swing state, and when you sift through the wreckage and search for answers, its clear that the Democrats hard-earned reputation for phoniness is one of the primary culprits that spun the party into disaster. Advertisement Advertisement And where did that phoniness primarily manifest? The lengths to which the party defended a widely despised war that was growing steadily more grotesque and unforgivable as November drew closer. The end result left millions of Americans with the opinion that Democrats dont believe in anything, or at least anything popular. Pod Save America asserts that a more humane approach to Gaza might be the easiest way to build back that trust. Advertisement Advertisement There was another telling moment, deeper in the episode, when the hosts discussed a tweet made by the official AIPAC account accusing Bernie Sanders of blood libel. Setting aside the inanity of accusing a Jewish senatorwho lost family members in the Holocaustof antisemitism, Vietor volunteered an analysis that wouldve been unimaginable on previous iterations of the podcast. That rhetoric has been so overused. I think the effect has worn off, he said. People arent scared anymore, and thats good. It is the podcasts apparatus in miniature. The show is adept at detecting a critical massthose rare moments when verboten civil aspirations suddenly become actionable. If this is where Pod Save America has settled on Israel, then its a good bet that millions of liberals have already followed suit. Its up to the rest of the party to meet the moment. Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani prepares to bat during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani prepares to bat during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray delivers during the second inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) LOS ANGELES (AP) Pinch-hitter Yohel Pozo delivered a tiebreaking RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals hung on for a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night. After Willson Contreras got a leadoff single off new Dodgers reliever Brock Stewart (2-2), pinch-runner Garrett Hampson eventually scored on a soft single to right by Pozo. The Cards' backup catcher celebrated enthusiastically after just his second hit in his last eight games. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sonny Gray yielded one hit over seven stellar innings for the Cards, and two relievers combined on a perilous three-hitter for St. Louis. Riley O'Brien (1-0) earned his first career victory at 30 years old despite blowing a lead in the eighth. JoJo Romero then got his second save despite giving up a leadoff single to Shohei Ohtani, retiring Max Muncy on a line drive to right with two on for the final out. Gray had an entertaining duel with Tyler Glasnow, who gave up three hits in seven innings of one-run ball for Los Angeles. Ivan Herrera hit a two-out homer in the eighth for St. Louis, but Teoscar Hernandez doubled and scored the tying run on two groundouts in the bottom half for LA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Masyn Winn ended his 32-game homer drought in the Cardinals third victory in nine games. Freddie Freeman homered for the NL West-leading Dodgers, who fell to 7-9 since the All-Star break with another tepid offensive performance in their return from a mediocre nine-game road trip. Key moment After Ohtanis single, Lars Nootbaar made a spectacular diving catch on Mookie Betts tailing fly to the right field line. Key stat Glasnow is winless in nine starts since March 31 despite posting a 2.17 ERA since his return last month. He retired 17 of his final 18 batters without a hit. Up next Miles Mikolas (6-8, 4.83 ERA) pitches for St. Louis against Emmet Sheehan (2-2, 3.60 ERA) on Tuesday. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB https://sputnikglobe.com/20250805/armenian-opposition-politician-slams-eu-us-for-ignoring-political-persecution-in-armenia-1122556898.html Armenian Opposition Politician Slams EU, US for Ignoring Political Persecution in Armenia Armenian Opposition Politician Slams EU, US for Ignoring Political Persecution in Armenia Sputnik International YEREVAN (Sputnik) - Brussels and Washington turn a blind eye to the persecution of the Armenian Apostolic Church and opposition in Armenia, the leader of the... 05.08.2025, Sputnik International 2025-08-05T14:26+0000 2025-08-05T14:26+0000 2025-08-05T14:26+0000 world ursula von der leyen karen karapetyan nikol pashinyan armenia european union (eu) church brussels https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/07/1d/1122508898_0:0:3098:1744_1920x0_80_0_0_2a2ba75a7cabbd16c830a9b8bba7871f.jpg "Today's political prisoners are not only the political prisoners of [Armenian Prime Minister] Nikol [Pashinyan], but also of all those diplomatic structures, international organizations and forces that, for years and decades, have been telling us here in Armenia tall tales about democracy, but in reality, are not able to protect their own values in a country over which they have total influence," Ashotyan told reporters. The Armenian leadership would have released all the political prisoners if European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen or the leader of any EU country asked for it, the politician opined. Ashotyan himself spent 777 days under arrest. On August 1, the Armenian Court of Appeals lifted his house arrest, replacing it with administrative supervision. Tensions between Armenian authorities and the Church escalated sharply after Pashinyan posted insulting remarks targeting the Armenian Apostolic Church on social media in May. He later proposed changing the procedure for electing the Catholicos of All Armenians. In late June, 17 people were arrested in Armenia over an alleged attempt to "seize power." Archbishop Bagrat, the leader of the Holy Struggle movement, who headed last year's protests demanding the resignation of Pashinyan, was among those arrested. The archbishop's defense slammed the charges, related to terrorism and subversion, as absurd and politically motivated. Karapetyan, a businessman and the owner of the Tashir Group, has expressed support for the Armenian Apostolic Church amid its tensions with the Armenian government. On June 18, a court in Yerevan arrested Karapetyan for two months on charges of public calls to seize power in Armenia. The businessman pleaded not guilty and called the Armenian authorities insolvent. His position in support of the church caused dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who posted several posts on social media with insults against the clergy and benefactors of the church. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250731/from-karapetyan-to-karekin-ii-pashinyan-erasing-symbols-of-armenian-identity-at-the-wests-behest-1122527392.html armenia brussels 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 ursula von der leyen, karen karapetyan, nikol pashinyan, armenia, european union (eu), church, brussels https://sputnikglobe.com/20250805/gagauzias-head-gutsul-defies-political-verdict-promises-to-fight-for-justice-1122555517.html Gagauzias Head Gutsul Defies Political Verdict, Promises to Fight for Justice Gagauzias Head Gutsul Defies Political Verdict, Promises to Fight for Justice Sputnik International Evghenia Gutsul, head of the Moldovan Gagauzia autonomous region, has vowed to appeal her seven-year jail sentence to the higher courts. 2025-08-05T10:44+0000 2025-08-05T10:44+0000 2025-08-05T11:14+0000 world maia sandu gagauzia moldova russia prison prison sentence https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/08/05/1122555275_0:117:1280:838_1920x0_80_0_0_cbc59386f17d454ae7224a28bc3c6f33.jpg The elected regional governor was sentenced on Tuesday following her conviction for alleged illegal financing of the banned opposition Shor party.Gutsul's lawyers released her statement, which was also and posted on her Telegram channel."This decision has nothing to do with justice," she said. "It is a political reprisal, planned and carried out under orders from above."The politician warned that her prosecution could pave the way for other opponents of President Maia Sandu's pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) government to be jailed.She said the trial was a bid by the government to intimidate the Gaugaz people, an ethnic minority, and anyone with "the courage to vote differently from what the ruling party wants.""This is a warning to the entire opposition: 'Go against the regime, and youll face prison, property confiscation and a destroyed life'," Gutsul stressed.She accused the PAS and Sandhu were using repression as a tool to fight dissent ahead of parliamentary elections, fabricating cases, pressuring judges and issuing political verdicts. "All of this is done for one purposeto retain power at any cost," she said.Gutsul, elected leader of Moldova's autonomous Gagauzia region in May 2023 with 52.36% support, faces politically motivated charges related to alleged illegal financing of the banned Shor party. She advocates for closer ties with Russia and opposes Moldovas EU integration. Authorities have moved to ramp up repression, targeting dissenting voices and blocking opposition media. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250805/chisinau-court-sentences-gagauzia-head-gutsul-to-7-years-in-prison---lawyer-1122554748.html gagauzia moldova 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 political verdict, promises to fight for justice, evghenia gutsul, head of the moldovan gagauzia, seven-year jail sentence South Coast cannabis dispensary kicks off new initiative to give back to teachers, counselors, and school staff who invest in their studentsoften out of their own pockets. FALL RIVER, Mass., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As back-to-school season approaches, one Fall River cannabis dispensary is stepping up to support the people who step up for students year after yearlocal educators. The Agriculturalist, a locally owned cannabis dispensary rooted in quality and community, has officially launched its Rooted in Community campaign with a focus on teachers, counselors, and school staff. Through its new Educator Support Initiative , the dispensary will provide direct assistance to five local education professionalsselected at random from community nominationsto help cover their classroom and student needs this fall. To nominate an educator, please visit here . This initiative is about more than goodwill. According to the National Education Association, 94% of public school teachers report spending their own money on classroom supplies without reimbursement. In Massachusetts, where public school funding can vary drastically between districts, many educators face tough choices between their financial well-being and their students' success. The Agriculturalist aims to ease that burden, even in a small way, while raising awareness about the everyday sacrifices educators make. "We know how hard educators workand how often they quietly reach into their own wallets to make sure their students have what they need," said Colin Geoffroy, Founder of The Agriculturalist. "This initiative is our way of saying: we see you, we value you, and we're here to support you." The dispensary is currently accepting nominations through August 15, 2025 , and encourages community members to nominate an educator who's made a difference. Five recipients will be randomly selected and provided with personalized support for back-to-school essentialswhether that's supplies for their classroom, materials for student projects, or anything else that helps them start the school year strong. The key details of this initiative include: Nomination Period: Open until August 15, 2025 . To nominate, please visit here . Open until . To nominate, please visit here . Selection Process: Five recipients will be randomly selected from the nominations. Five recipients will be randomly selected from the nominations. Support Provided: Personalized assistance for back-to-school essentials. Personalized assistance for back-to-school essentials. Goal: To ease the financial burden on educators and raise awareness of their sacrifices. The Agriculturalist is located at 1 Lewiston Street in Fall River, MA. To learn more about The Agriculturalist please visit https://agriculturalist.group . The Agriculturalist is a cannabis dispensary based in Fall River, MA, known for its expertly curated selection of cannabis products across all price points. The Agriculturalist is rooted in creating thoughtful experiences for guests and meaningful contributions to the communities it serves. Their experienced team of guides takes a no-nonsense, no-judgment approach to working with their guests. At The Agriculturalist, quality meets pricewithout compromise. SOURCE The Agriculturalist https://sputnikglobe.com/20250805/global-south-defies-us-threats-over-friendship-with-russia-1122557127.html Global South Defies US Threats Over Friendship With Russia Global South Defies US Threats Over Friendship With Russia Sputnik International Washington has declared a trade war on India, Brazil and China. Their response? Dont rush into fight you cant win. 2025-08-05T18:28+0000 2025-08-05T18:28+0000 2025-08-05T18:28+0000 analysis donald trump india us brazil china russia brics https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/0e/1115581740_0:0:3360:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_f7de4491df408f1ce23190d8fb7974ff.jpg India Balks at US PressureBlasting Western hypocrisy and unjustified & unreasonable targeting, Indias MEA has vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.The USs 25% tariffs arent about trade fairness, but punishment for engaging Russia, says Dr. Hriday Sarma.The country has no plans to ban Russian oil. Just over the past weekend, at least 3 tankers delivered over 2.2M barrels of Russian crude to Indian ports.Brazil DefiantPresident Lula has similarly rejected US ultimatums, declaring Brazil would negotiate as a sovereign country.And its little wonder: Brazil-US trade totaled about $92B last year, while trade with BRICS hit nearly $210B.The US tariff tantrum could also backfire. Amid Trumps 50% tariff threats, a third of US coffee comes from Brazil. Meanwhile, China is welcoming Brazilian coffee with open arms.US Losing LeverageThe selective approach (different tariffs for Brazil & India) is an attempt to create divisions within the BRICS bloc. Dr. Sarma says. But it wont succeed as shared strategic interests & a commitment to multipolarity bind the group together.China Standing TallChina has also rejected US demands to stop buying Russian oil.China will always secure its energy supplies in ways that serve our national interests, its foreign ministry said. Coercion & pressuring will not achieve anything.Shifting Global DynamicsMultipolarity is no longer theoretical; its unfolding in real time. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250804/india-calls-western-criticism-of-russian-oil-imports-unjustified-vows-to-protect-economic-security-1122552208.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250804/brazil-defies-us-dollar-dominance-1122552335.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250804/china-chokes-western-defense-supply-with-minerals-stranglehold---reports-1122549070.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250708/why-this-is-perfect-time-to-join-brics-1122415244.html brazil china 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 who is defying us and trump's threats over russia, will india, china and brazil fall in line after trump's threats https://sputnikglobe.com/20250805/malaysian-kings-visit-to-russia-may-boost-high-tech-cooperation--expert-1122553944.html Malaysian King's Visit to Russia May Boost High-Tech Cooperation Expert Malaysian King's Visit to Russia May Boost High-Tech Cooperation Expert Sputnik International Russian President Vladimir Putin and Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim may discuss cooperation in high-tech, interaction in ASEAN, mutual trade and military-technical cooperation during the Malaysian supreme leader's upcoming visit to Russia, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies of Moscow State University Alexey Maslov told Sputnik on Tuesday. 2025-08-05T09:38+0000 2025-08-05T09:38+0000 2025-08-05T09:38+0000 world vladimir putin russia malaysia asean visit cooperation https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/08/05/1122553785_0:192:2955:1854_1920x0_80_0_0_f2dbef6a1f239c63b392528230f1c8a5.jpg "Firstly, this year Malaysia chairs the ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Secretariat, therefore the discussion will cover cooperation with the entire bloc. In addition, over the past year, we have outlined a number of projects with Malaysia, including supplies of Russian energy resources to Malaysia and purchases by Russia of a number of products such as fruits and textiles. But the most important thing, perhaps, will be about interaction in the field of high technology," Maslov told Sputnik. Malaysia is one of the most developed countries in the region in terms of science and universities, Maslov said, adding that joint production of microprocessors, system boards, and related technologies is possible. Kuala Lumpur is also interested in strengthening its army, while the country's authorities view US actions in Southeast Asia with skepticism, meaning economic interests here intersect with military ones, the expert added. Sultan Ibrahim is the first Malaysian head to come to Russia on a state visit since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Russia in 1967. He will visit Russia from August 510 and is scheduled to hold talks with Putin on August 6. During the talks, the leaders will discuss the development of relations between Russia and Malaysia, as well as relevant topics of regional and international agenda. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250802/malaysian-king-ibrahim-to-pay-historic-first-visit-to-russia-1122542643.html 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's visit to russia, high-tech cooperation, military-technical cooperation https://sputnikglobe.com/20250805/moldovas-attack-on-gagauz-leader-a-political-move-that-undermines-democracy-1122555920.html Moldova's Attack on Gagauz Leader: A Political Move That Undermines Democracy Moldova's Attack on Gagauz Leader: A Political Move That Undermines Democracy Sputnik International A Moldovan courts decision to sentence Yevgenia Gutsul, head of the Gagauzia region, to seven years in prison raises serious questions about the countrys commitment to European values and democracy. 2025-08-05T11:38+0000 2025-08-05T11:38+0000 2025-08-05T11:38+0000 world moldova prison prison sentence gagauzia chisinau european union (eu) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/01/1117072087_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_124354222aad0cdcffd039324028c520.jpg "The campaign against Gutsul reveals stark contradictions between Moldova's professed European values and its actions," Dr Marco Marsili, a researcher at Ca Foscari University of Venice, told Sputnik. The trial process has been criticized for rushed hearings, alleged witness coercion and extended house arrest without proper review. What does this mean for Moldovas future? The sentencing has already sparked protests, with over 7,000 Gagauz residents denouncing the trial as a "legal farce" and a threat to regional autonomy. The verdict justifies opposition claims of a dictatorship and could galvanize pro-Russian blocs like Pobeda to frame the upcoming elections as a referendum on Moldovas system of democracy. A mother, a leader, and a political martyr Marsili highlights the personal tragedy of Gutsuls case. The cruelty of the punishment is even more acute as it looks like a political warning to deter those who would oppose the government. Moldovas future now hangs in the balance. "The severity of the sentence may prove counterproductive: it martyrs Gutsul, amplifies her cause internationally, and exposes the administrations willingness to compromise humanitarian principles for political survival," Marsili warns. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250805/gagauzias-head-gutsul-defies-political-verdict-promises-to-fight-for-justice-1122555517.html moldova gagauzia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International moldovan courts decision, sentence yevgenia gutsul, gagauzia region, european values and democracy https://sputnikglobe.com/20250805/russias-fsb-says-thwarted-murder-attempt-on-defense-industry-enterprise-head-in-belgorod-1122553518.html Russia's FSB Says Thwarted Murder Attempt on Defense Industry Enterprise Head in Belgorod Russia's FSB Says Thwarted Murder Attempt on Defense Industry Enterprise Head in Belgorod Sputnik International Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Tuesday that it had thwarted an assassination attempt on the head of a defense industry enterprise in the city of Belgorod. 2025-08-05T07:50+0000 2025-08-05T07:50+0000 2025-08-05T07:50+0000 russia russia belgorod bryansk region russian federal security service (fsb) assassination attempt assassination https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/1f/1117669480_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_5f867bad553cffb02fc22cbb71ba2e87.jpg "[A Russian citizen contacted via Telegram] a representative of one of the pro-Ukrainian terrorist organizations banned in Russia, on whose instructions he arrived in ... the Bryansk Region to seize a UAV drop containing firearms and explosives, which were subsequently planned to be used to kill the general director of one of the defense industry enterprises in Belgorod," the FSB said in a statement, adding that the perpetrator was detained in the process of implementing the criminal plan. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250717/russian-fsb-says-detained-saboteur-plotting-blast-at-voronezh-energy-infrastructure-object-1122451357.html russia belgorod bryansk region Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia's federal security service, defense industry enterprise in the city of belgorod, murder attempt https://sputnikglobe.com/20250805/ukraine-used-foreign-mercs-nato-arms-to-terrorize-civilians-in-kursk-region--russias-intel-chief-1122553282.html Ukraine Used Foreign Mercs, NATO Arms to Terrorize Civilians in Kursk Region Russias Intel Chief Ukraine Used Foreign Mercs, NATO Arms to Terrorize Civilians in Kursk Region Russias Intel Chief Sputnik International Mercenaries from Georgia, Denmark, Colombia, Sweden, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom took part in the Ukrainian assault on Russias Kursk region, said Alexander Bastrykin. 2025-08-05T06:23+0000 2025-08-05T06:23+0000 2025-08-05T06:23+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russia ukraine alexander bastrykin investigative committee nato mercenaries kursk region https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103281/53/1032815303_0:0:1024:577_1920x0_80_0_0_a45902ef84f7a2108fa2d97d142f4ead.jpg Mercenaries from Georgia, Denmark, Colombia, Sweden, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom took part in the Ukrainian assault on Russias Kursk region, said Alexander Bastrykin. Ukrainian forces used a significant number of foreign-made arms supplied by NATO countries during the incursion, such as US M142 HIMARS rocket systems, Czech-made RM-70 Vampire multiple rocket launchers, the US MGM ATACMS tactical missile system, and British Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles. The neo-Nazi regime carried out terrorist acts, intimidated civilians, and destroyed civilian infrastructure during the Kursk assault, he underscored. "Their actions are classified under several articles of the Russian Criminal Code including Terrorist Act, Murder, and Intentional Destruction of Property, among others," said Bastrykin.The Investigative Committee has launched more than 600 criminal cases, with 213 sent to court so far. Over 230 individuals have already been convicted, according to the head of the Investigative Committee. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250410/ukraines-costly-kursk-gamble-bleeds-the-west---1121850253.html russia ukraine kursk region 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's incursion into russia's kursk region, ukraine's terrorist crimes in russia's kursk region, foreign mercenaries in attack on russia's kursk region, alexander bastrykin, russian investigative committee chief alexander bastrykin Bingo Night and Tyler Jones equalled the 1:53.4 Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) record for two-year-old trotting fillies in the first of two $90,000 Gold events in the division on Monday night, Aug. 4 at Woodbine Mohawk Park while Cher Hill emerged victorious in the second division. In the first Gold test, Bingo Night (pictured above) posted a 1-1/4-length victory over favourite Flowing Tribute in a career-best 1:53.4. The mile equals the OSS record shared by the great Bee A Magician (2012) and Lil Sweet (2024). Tyler Jones drove homebred filly Bingo Night to victory for his father, trainer/owner/breeder Dustin Jones, who shares Bingo Nights ownership and breeding credit with Herbert Horses Inc. of Montreal, Que., and her ownership with Sjoblom Racing Inc. of Delray Beach, Florida. :53 is a big mile tonight, Tyler Jones told Woodbine broadcaster John Rallis. I didnt know she could do that, but she did it and she did it well. The daughter of Green Manalishi S out of Cant Stop Tommi sat in the pocket behind Flowing Tribute (Bob McClure) most of the mile through fractions of :27.3, :57 and 1:26.2 before charging past in deep stretch to win. It was a duel down the stretch and both fillies gave their hearts out and Im just the lucky victor, said Jones. Bingo Night paid $8.20 to win. Jones said Bingo Night is his fathers "sweetheart" and, "He loved her from day one. She did everything she was supposed to do from the word 'go' and shes still doing that. HP Crystaline (Louis-Philippe Roy) was third, followed by Barbara May (Doug McNair) and Very Sassy (Todd Ratchford). The victory improved Bingo Night to 3-0-1 in four career starts and upped her bankroll to $108,152. Bingo Night won a Leg 1 Gold division on July 11 at Mohawk and was third to Flowing Tribute in their July 25 Gold test. In the second Gold division, Doug McNair drove Cher Hill to a two-length victory over Lo An Behold (Louis-Philippe Roy) in a career-best 1:55.4. It was the first career win for the homebred daughter of Muscle Mass-Lauramarie Hill owned and bred by Tom Hill of England and trained by McNairs father, Gregg. Doug McNair had Cher Hill on the front before the :59 half and cruised from there. Timeless (Todd Ratchford) was second, followed by Figuratively (Tyler Jones) and the favourite, A Splash Of Green (James MacDonald), who made a break near the half and recovered to pick up the final cheque. I wanted to leave out of there, take a look at things and probably follow one or two of them, if I could, said McNair. I was just happy she drew away from a couple of the other bearcats [Bingo Night and Flowing Tribute]. Its just funny how you get a couple of nice fillies dad trains and then, this year, there are a couple of really special ones that were in the other division. [Cher Hills] attitude is her best attribute. She relaxes in the barn and is easy to drive and she usually trots perfectly. Last week, it really surprised me. I was leaving a little bit with her and she made a miscue on me. Thats a two-year-old trotting filly for you. Cher Hill paid $9 to win. Cher Hill now has a record of 1-0-2 in four starts and earnings of $57,504. In addition to the OSS Gold events, Mohawk hosted the $70,500 Millard Farms Series final for two-year-old trotters where Greenarrow Hanover took down the field of nine as the 3-5 favourite with Bob McClure in the sulky. Leaving from post three, Greenarrow Hanover floated away in fourth while Tymal Starstruck (Doug McNair) raced to the outside of Captain Willie (Todd Ratchford) for the lead through an opening split of :28.4. Tymal Starstruck cleared to the top on the backstretch when Greenarrow Hanover quickly brushed from fourth to take charge before reaching the half in :58.4. Moving onto the far turn, Tymal Starstruck popped the pocket quickly, used once more to grab a short lead from Greenarrow Hanover at three-quarters in 1:27.4. Greenarrow Hanover quickly countered and turned for home to reassert himself in front at the top of the lane. Trotting home in :28, Greenarrow Hanover turned away Tymal Starstruck to reach the wire 1-3/4 lengths in front of that rival in 1:55.4 with Southwind Chester (Louis-Philippe Roy) rallying to be third. Trained by Shawn Steacy, Greenarrow Hanover has now won two in a row and has yet to be worse than second through three career outings, earning $49,250. The gelded son of Greenshoe-Gatka Hanover is owned by Mark Steacy of Lansdowne, Ont., David Reid of Sydenham, Ont., and Bertrand Gilhespy Stable of Lake Country, B.C. While the youngsters were on full display on Monday, the veteran Logan Park rebounded from a rare defeat in his last in the Spirit of Massachusetts with a front-end score in the $36,000 Preferred Trot. Sent away as the 3-5 favourite with regular pilot Doug McNair aboard, Logan Park quickly trotted around Fashion Frenzie (Louis-Philippe Roy) from post four to cruise to an early lead through a :27.1 first quarter. McNair tapped the brakes to the half in :56.2 before picking things up on the final turn when Amigo Volo (James MacDonald) moved first-over from third at three-quarters in 1:24.4. McNair kicked out the ear plugs and began to call on Logan Park for more turning for home as Amigo Volo drove to the leader's wheel. The double millionaires slugged it out for the length of the lane with Logan Park fending off Amigo Volo by a neck on the wire to stop the timer in 1:51.3. Pocket-sitter Fashion Frenzie finished third, 2-1/2 lengths behind the winner. Trained by Kyle Fellows, Logan Park has now won six of his eight starts in his seven-year-old campaign. The gelded son of Archangel-Rite Outa The Park has won 42 of 91 lifetime, good for career earnings of $2,146,998 for owners Outofthepark Stable of Rockwood, Ont., Reg Higgs of Blenheim, Ont., and Arpad Szabo of Bradford, Ont. Three Pop-Up Series divisions were also held on Monday's card for horses that have started for a purse of $7,500 or less in one of their last three starts. Sometime Somewhere (Trevor Henry, $2.30) romped in 1:51 and Livinthebeachlife (Louis-Philippe Roy, $2.90) won in 1:50.2, while the third division was won by Wallace Hartley (Trevor Henry, $4.30) in 1:50.3. To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (Ontario Racing & Standardbred Canada) Fresh off a redeeming victory in the Grade 1 Delvin Miller Adios at The Meadows, Prince Hal Hanover will lead a loaded field of sophomore pacers in the Grade 2 Carl Milstein Memorial going for a purse of $300,000 USD on Saturday, Aug. 9 at MGM Northfield Park. I am very pleased with the field for this years Carl Milstein Memorial," said Dave Bianconi, Director of Racing Operations at Northfield Park. "It is a great mix of top horses from different circuits. Trained by Dr. Ian Moore, Prince Hal Hanover drew post two in the field of nine with Todd McCarthy retaining the drive. Prince Hal Hanover was purchased for $130,000 at the 2023 Lexington Selection Yearling Sale by owner Prince Hal Hanover Stable of Cambridge, Ont. He had a successful two-year-old campaign with victories in a division of the Tompkins-Geers Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park and a division of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at Pocono Downs. He also had runner-up performances in the million-dollar Metro Stakes and division of the Nassagaweya Stakes at Mohawk. As a three-year-old, Prince Hal Hanover has proven he belongs in the upper echelon of his division. A Somebeachsomewhere Stakes win was followed by a disappointing effort in the Grade 1 million-dollar Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk before the Captaintreacherous-Percy Bluechip colt tuned up for the Meadowlands Pace. At The Meadowlands, Prince Hal Hanover crossed the wire first in the Grade 1 Meadowlands Pace but was deemed to have caused interference with Madden Oaks in the stretch and was placed second. Following that effort, the connections shipped him to The Meadows for the Adios win by a head over Swingtown and Twisted Destiny in a career-best clocking of 1:48.1. He came out of the Adios really well, said Moore. We were very impressed with his mile at The Meadows. Heading into Saturdays Milstein Memorial, Moore is confident that his colt will be up to the task. He will train on Wednesday, but it is all systems go. He has been jogging very well and we are very happy with him. Prince Hal Hanover, who is on the verge of becoming a millionaire with $591,536 banked in his sophomore season so far, will meet eight other foes on Saturday -- a few familiar faces and some new shooters looking to make a name for themselves in the glamour boy division. MGM Grand Messenger champion Twisted Destiny is one of the colts he will meet again. Twisted Destinys trainer, Chris Ryder, won the 2019 Carl Milstein Memorial with his sire Bettors Wish. Undefeated in nine starts in 2025, the Noel Daley-trained Smooth Dream will be one of the fresh faces awaiting Prince Hal Hanover. With victories in the New Jersey Sire Stakes final, Homegrown Stakes, New Jersey Standardbred Development Fund Stakes and Tompkins-Geers, the talented Cattlewash gelding has more than $300,000 in earnings this season with a mark of 1:49.2 taken at The Meadowlands. New York Sire Stakes star Fast Choice will also look to dethrone Prince Hal Hanover on Saturday, entering with two straight powerhouse victories in the state-bred program, including a divisional track record-setting performance at Batavia Downs in his last start. Trained by Jared Bako, the Courtly Choice gelding has earned more than $200,000 in 2025. The Milstein field also includes Delaware Standardbred Development Fund champion Primo Maschio from the Kevin Lare stable; the stakes-debuting Odds On Wildfire, an eight-time winner in his debut season this year for trainer Geovany Hernandez; the Ron Burke-trained Ohio State Fair champion and Adios runner-up Swingtown; the Ohio Sires Stakes competitor Extra Suds, conditioned by Virgil Morgan Jr.; and multiple Ohio Sires Stakes winner Rick Wink, also trained by Burke. $300,000 USD Carl Milstein Memorial Pace (Grade 2) Post - Horse - Driver - Trainer 1. Primo Maschio - Trae Porter - Kevin Lare 2. Prince Hal Hanover - Todd McCarthy - Dr. Ian Moore 3. Odds On Wildfire - Tim Tetrick - Geovany Hernandez 4. Smooth Dream - Andrew McCarthy - Noel Daley 5. Fast Choice - Scott Zeron - Jared Bako 6. Swingtown - Ronnie Wrenn Jr. - Ron Burke 7. Extra Suds - Aaron Merriman - Virgil Morgan Jr. 8. Rick Wink - Chris Page - Ron Burke [9. Twisted Destiny - Dexter Dunn - Chris Ryder The stakes-laden program will also feature the $100,000 USD Myron Charna Presidents Pace and the $100,000 USD Tom Aldrich Presidents Trot, in addition to multiple divisions of Ohio Sires Stakes, with total purses at nearly $1.1 million USD. The Tom Aldrich Presidents Trot is named for the former President and COO of Northfield Park who was inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2025. The event has featured harness racings best trotters, including world record holder Weslynn Quest, Dan Patch Award winner Its Academic and Ohio Open star Smoking Jet. The 2025 edition promises to be one of the most loaded and competitive ever. The event features the best Ohio-sired older trotters. Ferretti, trained by Travis Alexander, has been named the morning line favourite in the President's Trot. A past $32,000 Ohio Select Sale yearling purchase, the son of Creatine-Ferrari Of has more than $350,000 in career earnings. As a six-year-old, Ferretti has hit the board in 10 of 16 starts this year, including new lifetime mark of 1:51.3 in mid-June at Pocono. The 2024 Ohio Horse of the Year, millionaire mare Sugar Instead, has been facing some of the toughest competitors Ohio has to offer this season. Virgil Morgan Jr. trains the four-year-old Volstead-Sugar Pop mare, who won back-to-back Ohio Sires Stakes Championships at two and three. Morgan will also send out another millionairess, 50-time career winner Refined, a nine-year-old daughter of Uncle Peter out of Reinvent. The Presidents Trot also includes trainer Larry Stalbaum's Big Box Hanover; Longshot for trainer Scott Cox; Legacy Affair, trained by Duke Sugg; Jurassic Hattie from the Stacey Van Huizen stable; and the Chris Beaver-trained Caviar Gold. The Myron Charna Presidents Pace is named for former Northfield Park President and previous winners include double millionaires Bythemissal, Charlie May and Dancin Yankee. This year's Presidents Pace features several familiar faces in Ohio, but none more so than Scott Di Domenico trainee Dunkin. Dunkin is no stranger to fans of Northfield Park, a place he called home for most of his two and three-year-old seasons. A former $7,000 yearling purchase from the Standardbred Horse Sale, the five-year-old gelding by Pet Rock out of Skinny Dip has taken his owners on a ride of a lifetime, one they wont soon forget. With earnings topping seven figures, Dunkin has taken a shot at stakes company at Northfield this year in the Grade 2 Battle of Lake Erie, where he finished a very strong third. Racing Rampage will take another shot in the Presidents Pace for trainer Travis Alexander after coming up a nose short to Act Fast last year. Despite only having three wins in 16 starts this year, the five-year-old Racing Hill-Sebring Blue Chip gelding paced in 1:48.3 in his last start at Pocono, elevated to victory via disqualification. The field also includes Pariss Dragon for trainer Christi Noble; Wicked Character from the Ron Burke barn; the Randy Bendis trainee The Real Way; Clever Cody, campaigned by Dr. Ian Moore; Quick Trick for trainer Jeff Conger; Low Rider for the Walter Haynes Jr. stable; and Burke trainee Racing Rebel. The Carl Milstein Memorial program will have several great wagering opportunities, including a $25,000 estimated Pick-4 pool beginning in Race 9, a $10,000 estimated Pick-4 beginning in Race 12 and a $10,000 estimated Super High-5 in Race 13. Lady Lucks Clubhouse will be open on Saturday and will offer a buffet for $27.95 USD. Reservations can be made by calling 330-467-4101. Post time on Saturday is 6 p.m. (With files from Northfield Park) Yet another track record was set at Monticello Raceway during the New York Sire Stakes season on Monday, Aug. 5 when three-year-old pacing filly Shes A Streaker raced to a 1:52.2 triumph. Driven by Tyler Buter for trainer Ron Burke, Shes A Streaker shaved one-fifth of a second off the old divisional track record Romantic Moment set in 2012, winning the $169,167 New York Sire Stakes by a half-length over the 1-9 favourite, The Last Martini. Fansville (Colin Kelly) set torrid fractions with the opening panel clocked in :26.2 and the half in :55.2. At the mid-mile juncture, favourite The Last Martini (Jason Bartlett) started her first-over trip from third followed by Shes A Streaker. Passing the next station in 1:23.1, The Last Martini collared pacesetter Fansville in the paddock turn. She looked like a clear winner, but Shes A Streaker exploded in the final strides to snatch the win away in record time at 9-1 odds. Mrs Cheese (Matt Kakaley) took third, 3-3/4 lengths behind. Shes A Streaker is now four-for-10 this year, with three of her wins in Sire Stakes action. The daughter of Huntsville and Mikayla Rose is on the verge of passing her freshman earnings total, with $193,231 already banked in her sophomore campaign for owners Burke Racing Stable of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, Knox Services of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Frank Baldachino of Harvey Cedars, New Jersey and Jandt Silva - Purnel And Libby of Ocean Ridge, Florida. Driver Matt Kakaley swept the pair of $27,778 Excelsior Series divisions with the George Ducharme trainee Beantown Deuce in a career-best equalling 1:54.4 and Time To Strike in 1:54 for trainer Travis Alexander. New York Sire Stakes returns to Monticello Raceway on Monday, Aug. 25 with two-year-old pacing fillies in action. Post time is 12:10 p.m. (Standardbred Canada with files from Monticello Raceway; photo of Shes A Streaker from last year) William "Doug" Berkeley passed away surrounded by his family at Carpenter Hospice on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at the age of 63. Loving husband of Leslie for over 28 years. Cherished stepfather to Kristin, Katie and son-in-law Mike. Dear brother of Debra and Don. Adored son of Bill and Margaret. Doug was born in Hamilton, Ont. on Feb. 4, 1962. A dog and horse lover, he spent 45 years as a harness horse trainer. Racing was his life and he was also a huge fan of NASCAR. Doug will be remembered as a generous, loving and kind man -- a nature which extended to all aspects of his life. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses, personal support workers, volunteers and all of the staff at Carpenter Hospice. As per Doug's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions to your local Humane Society or the Canadian Cancer Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Doug Berkeley. 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A Florida jury ordered Musk's electric vehicle company on Friday to pay about $243 million to victims of the crash, finding its Autopilot driver-assistance software defective. Tesla said the driver was solely at fault and vowed to appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The verdict follows years of federal investigations and recalls related to collisions involving Tesla's autonomous-vehicle technology, and comes as CEO Elon Musk seeks regulatory approval to rapidly expand the robotaxi service across the U.S. "The public perception of this verdict or things like this are going to fuel pressure on regulators to say, 'We just can't let this stuff be launched without a lot more due diligence'," said Mike Nelson, founder of Nelson Law and an expert on legal issues in the mobility sector. Tesla could have a tough time convincing state regulators that its technology is road-ready, threatening Musk's goal of offering robotaxis to half the U.S. population by year end, legal experts and Tesla investors said. Expanding its robotaxi service is crucial for Tesla as demand for its aging lineup of EVs has cooled amid rising global competition and a backlash against Musk's far right political views. Much of Tesla's trillion-dollar market valuation hinges on his bets on robotics and artificial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Success in the self-driving realm will require winning the confidence of regulators and potential customers on the full-self driving (FSD) software that underpins Tesla's robotaxis, analysts said. "The timing (of the verdict) for Tesla in light of the FSD rollouts and robotaxis is awful," said Aaron Davis, co-managing partner at law firm Davis Goldman. "Now there's essentially an opinion that some aspect of Tesla's business is not safe and maybe the safety that the company advertises isn't what it's cracked up to be." The FSD is an advanced version of Autopilot. Autopilot, which was been updated since 2019, controls speed, distance and lane centering on highways, while the FSD can operate on city streets, helping the vehicle make automatic turns and change lanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This case does not have direct implications for Tesla's FSD roll-out," analysts at Piper Sandler said in a note on Sunday, citing the modern iterations of the software. A spokesperson on behalf of Tesla acknowledged the company had received a request for comment from Reuters but had not provided one by the time of publication. REGULATORY ROAD AHEAD Perfecting autonomous vehicles has been harder than expected. The high costs of hardware, years of trial and error, and regulatory hurdles have forced many players to close shop or pivot, including General Motors' Cruise unit. Musk, however, has pursued what he calls a simpler and cheaper path, relying only on cameras and AI instead of pricey sensors such as lidars and radars used by Alphabet's Waymo, Amazon's Zoox and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After years of missed deadlines, Musk rolled out a small robotaxi trial in June with about a dozen Model Y crossover SUVs in Austin, Texas, each overseen by a human safety monitor in the front passenger seat. While Musk has said Tesla was being "super paranoid about safety", he has also pledged to expand the service fast and make it available for half of the U.S. population in the next five months - a stark contrast to Waymo's cautious years-long rollout. Until Tesla's entry, Waymo was the only U.S. firm to operate a paid, driverless robotaxi service. Tesla is currently awaiting approvals in several states, including California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. Advertisement Advertisement California's department of motor vehicles declined to comment on the impact of the verdict on regulatory approval. Nevada said it held talks with Tesla about a robotaxi program several weeks ago, while Arizona said it was still considering Tesla's request for certification. Both did not comment on the verdict. Florida did not respond. Tesla has typically either won other Autopilot litigation or resolved the case with the plaintiffs out of court. The Florida verdict stands out. Several such cases are pending. The case involved a Model S sedan that went through an intersection and hit the victims' parked Chevrolet Tahoe as they were standing beside it. The driver had reached down to retrieve a dropped cellphone and allegedly received no alerts as he ran a stop sign before the crash. Advertisement Advertisement The jury found that Tesla's Autopilot had a defect and held the company partially responsible, despite the driver admitting fault. "It's going to take time to get regulators to move forward and time being more than the end of the year," said Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, a Tesla investor. "From an image standpoint, it's a black eye." (Reporting by Abhirup Roy in San Francisco; Editing by Mike Colias and Himani Sarkar) 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: No driver is needed -- except by legislation to supervise its operation, at least for now. A rail line linking two northern Czech towns is testing Europe's first driverless train operating in an open environment, its developer told AFP on Tuesday. The train named Edita has been running since April on a local railway used as a testing track by the Prague-based private AZD company producing transport control and signaling systems. "The train runs autonomously, it is equipped with systems that enable us to control its traction, brakes, and speed," said AZD's railway developer Michal Novak. "It is also equipped with a device that detects objects and recognizes... obstacles and reacts accordingly," he added. AZD has been running the train sparingly since its launch as its staff often test new equipment on it. Edita connects two small towns on a 24-kilometer (15-mile) track that was abandoned in 2010 before AZD bought it six years later. AZD has invested 320 million Czech koruna ($15 million) in the project, using EU funding for about one-third of the amount. The autonomous train, which has so far driven some 1,700 kilometers (1,060 miles) with passengers, relies on cameras, lasers, satellite navigation and an integrated digital map for information on its whereabouts. The driverless train connects two small towns on a 24-kilometer (15-mile) track. Under the current legislation, it still needs a driver to at least supervise its operation. The early Tuesday train's crew also included a conductor and experts checking data. When a hare ran onto the track, Edita duly slowed down and informed the crew about the obstacle. Novak said the train once had to stop because of a herd of sheep in the way, but he added incidents like this were rare. He added Edita was the first driverless train in Europe in an open environment with level crossings and where animals might get in the way. "There are systems where autonomous vehicles operate, but these are mostly on special tracks that are closed off... such as underground or transfers between airport terminals," he said. "These have been in place for quite some time and work well in Europe, but I only know of one project in Australia that operates in such an open landscape," added Novak. While the train runs autonomously, operators can intervene from a control room. The driverless train has been carrying passengers. Watching the track ahead of the train on a screen in the carriage, passenger Radka Globanova told AFP autonomous trains "definitely have a future". "I think the progress will be really fast as artificial intelligence is being developed. There are autonomous trains, autonomous cars, why not?" 2025 AFP When Davey Griffin runs into cattle producers who have attended Texas A&Ms annual Beef Cattle Short Course, the conversation tends to include them sharing how much they enjoy the events prime rib dinner. And to then kind of say, Well, I kind of know the guy who cooks that, Griffin said. Over 2,000 producers piled into A&Ms Memorial Student Center on Monday for day one of the three-day event. The final item on the daily schedule was to chow down for the prime rib dinner. Behind the scenes, Griffin, an A&M meat science professor and AgriLife Extension meat specialist, leads a team of over 30 people to get the star of the show prime rib prepared, cooked and served. This year, Nolan Ryan Beef gave 148 prime rib rolls to be served at the dinner. Each ribeye roll weighs between 15 and 18 pounds, Griffin said. As you see people enjoying the product, as you see some of them for the very first time get an opportunity to try that, and they come away with, Oh my gosh, thats one of the best pieces of beef Ive ever had, thats the big thing, and that the producers look so forward to having it every year, Griffin said. The preparation process began Sunday afternoon when around 15 people a mix of staff and students gathered at the Rosenthal Meat and Technology Center on A&Ms west campus to unpack each ribeye roll, trim them, season them and place them on carts that would be placed into the smoker. Trimming standardizes each ribeye roll and so each slice of meat can be plated as is when served the next day to not slow the line of hundreds of hungry ranchers. A spice rub was developed from another recipe years ago and tweaked to make a special blend shipped by a spice company just to the meat lab. The preparation process took around two hours to complete. Senior Bryce Borchardt was one of Griffins student workers who helped make this years prime rib dinner. The junior majoring in animal science is also a member of A&Ms 2025 meat judging team, which earns a donation for their help with the dinner and is used for travel funds. She helped season the dozens of ribeye rolls on Sunday. Some may say its a pretty important job just making sure you have the right amount of seasoning because you dont want it over- or underseasoned, Borchardt said. Griffin returned to Rosenthal at around 6 a.m. Monday to get the cooking process started. The ribeye rolls are smoked for around nine hours. They begin cooking at a lower temperature, around 140 degrees, and ramp up as high as around 180 degrees. The commercial smokehouse allows Griffin and his team to control cooking temperature well. The ribeye rolls are cooked to around 142 degrees, which is almost a medium cook. Since the meat is cooked so slowly, Griffin explained that it finishes with more of a red color and looks less done than it truly is, but the meat meets all food safety standards. Then comes the undertaking of loading and transporting the ribeye rolls half a mile across campus for dinner. Large coolers that are cleaned and sanitized for this event alone are loaded with between 12 and 20 ribeye rolls beginning at around 4:15 p.m. Griffins team takes the prized meats to the MSCs loading dock. From there, the group of 30-plus people gets to work on serving them for dinner. Griffin has a student at one of 10 lines cutting the meat, another one serving, someone at each line bringing the next ribeye roll from the back, and others in the back handling behind-the-scenes coordination. It takes a little army to make this thing work, Griffin said. The prime rib dinner has not always been around the entire 71 years of the Beef Cattle Short Course, though. Griffin recalled cooking burgers when the annual conference was held in the Kleberg Building on west campus. When it moved to the MSC 30 years ago after attendance grew, the Texas Beef Council stepped in and brought in Tom Perini, a renowned cowboy chef who owns Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap outside of Abilene. Perini brought a crew and cooked prime rib chuckwagon style outside the MSC for two years with Griffin serving as a liaison. Perini eventually said the event was too large for him to do. Griffin told Perini he thought he had learned enough from him to do it himself, so the next year the dinners main course protein was prepared out of Rosenthal. Cooking the prime rib been stationed out of there ever since. While Griffin credits Perini for teaching him how to cook prime rib, he has since been able to impart that knowledge to students like Borchardt. While she might not always be cooking prime rib for more than 2,000 people, Borchardt said learning the process under Griffin can still translate well into cooking her own at home. I know being one of Dr. Griffins student workers, Ive trimmed and rubbed a couple prime ribs over the last year-and-a-half, so being able to take that knowledge and being able to go home that if my dad or grandad wanted to make a prime rib, I could say, OK, this is what you trim, this is what you take off, this is what you leave, this is how much seasoning you put on it, this is how long you cook it for, Borchardt said. Its just some real-world experience that you get from some people who have been doing it for a very long time and are world-renowned for the prime rib. A South Carolina inmate who killed seven people tried to sell tee shirts with SK TK emblazoned on them, which stands for serial killer Todd Kohlhepp, messages The State received through the Freedom of Information Act show. South Carolina Cold Case Killer In this Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, file photo, Todd Kohlhepp's enters the courtroom of Judge Jimmy Henson for a bond hearing at the Spartanburg Det He was also in communication with a producer about telling his story. Both are against South Carolina law that prohibits inmates from profiting from their crimes. Fox Carolina first reported the existence of the messages between Kohlhepp, 54, and several people who were identified only with their first name and last name first letter. FOX Carolina also reported someone sent them hundreds of documents, including artwork, photos and autopsy reports for his victims, that Kohlhepp signed. The Greenville television station did not reveal the name of the person who sent them. The South Carolina Inspector Generals Office is investigating whether Kohlhepp should be charged for trying to profit from the deaths of his victims. He has since lost tablet, visitation and canteen privileges and has been moved to a more secure location, Corrections officials said. The documents, as shown on the Fox Carolina website, are an expansive look at the case against Kohlhepp, once a prosperous Spartanburg County Realtor. Kohlhepps history in SC He pleaded guilty in 2017 to killing seven people over more than a decade and was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences. Kohlhepp claimed in a letter he wrote to the Herald Journal after he was arrested he had killed more. The FBIs Columbia office provided technical and other investigative assistance during the investigation, spokesman Kevin Wheeler said, adding We do not have new information to provide about allegations of additional potential victims. Leaves the state and leaves the country. Thank you private pilots license, Kohlhepp wrote the newspaper. Kohlhepps crimes came to light after a woman was found chained in a storage container on his property in 2016. Kala Brown had been there for more than two months after Kohlhepp hired her and her boyfriend to clean up his property. She told police she saw Kohlhepp shoot and kill her boyfriend, Charles Carver. Carvers body was later found in a shallow grave on Kohlhepps almost 100-acre property in Spartanburg County. After Kohlhepp was arrested, he confessed to the long unsolved murders of four people at Superbike Motorsports, a high-performance motorcycle shop in Chesnee. On Nov. 6, 2003, Superbike owner Scott Ponder, his mother Beverly Guy, and employees Brian Lucas and Chris Sherbert were shot to death. He said in his confession he killed them because he believed they were involved in stealing a motorcycle he bought from them, had embarrassed him and refused to give him a refund. Kohlhepp also confessed to killing Johnny and Meagan Coxie, a couple who disappeared in December 2015 and whose bodies were also found on his land. Kohlhepp was convicted of rape and kidnapping as a teenager and spent 14 years in an Arizona prison before moving to South Carolina to live with his mother. Kohlhepp messages The messages released by the Department of Corrections also indicate Kohlhepp has written a book. As far as the book, yes it shows your childhood, perhaps if people actually read a book instead of believing in other peoples jarble usually copied over and over, they would see a different side of you, Cheryl W. wrote him April. Well, get busy making the TK SK T-shirt line as I have buyers interested, Kohlhepp wrote in one message. In another, bunch of ideas for TK SK T-shirt line, make that money for my transfer. I have to pay my way and two guards with them having return trip, still think its price gouging at 3800. Even first class tickets wouldnt cost all that. Whatever, beats this dungeon, Kohlhepp wrote to Cheryl. In several messages he makes reference to asking for a transfer and in one says he doesnt want to go to Texas or California. Chrysti Shain, spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, said she was not aware he had asked for a transfer and the process does not work the way he described. In April, Kohlhepp heard from someone identified as Bill K., who says he may be able to help Kohlhepp, that he has helped others and appears on podcasts and radio and speaks at colleges. I still have to be careful what I say because of being in the process of filming a huge production on locations of other victims from a Different sk Ive worked with for many years now. I can only imagine what its like for you there, especially since that prison has been in the news so much lately due to the executions there. For whatever reason, people love that stuff. Bill K. says he listed himself as a friend on the form to visit Kohlhepp. I dont come in as media because of the restrictions, he said. Im sure i will get this figured out yet because I do think I can help you like Ive helped a few others, Bill K. said. Including getting them better privileges and even transfers. Hopefully we can figure out some positive things for you. Other Kohlhepp emails provide a look at life in prison as well as his own mindset. He talks about how he got around Internal Revenue Service regulations, his fondness for his pets and recent inmate executions. Tax code was written to be taken advantage of if you are willing to get creative on where you classify stuff. As long as I rolled money over instead of take money, no fraud so no problem. Worst they will do is yell and say this doesnt apply. Red flags are large client gifts and client meals. Ammo was company security, he said. I love my pets and yes, they are family. Taz was my favorite, total daddys girl, she just had to stay near me even when I slept. On the death penalty, which Kohlhepp pleaded guilty to avoid: SC has firing squad, lethal injection and electric chair, you pick two weeks out. Probably a vegan option in the works. I agree with guillotine, you wont feel it, just second or two of confusion when head falls in basket. And I believe should be carried out in week, not 20 years. In another he said, Lethal injection can burn like crazy in your veins if the first drug administered to knock you out doesnt work, which is 50-50 shot. No violence to you, but you will feel serious pain in your veins and Convulsions. So lethal injection is best for those viewing, but not for the person its happening to. I would prefer firing squad, although just to be spiteful I would almost ask for electric chair since while brutal, it will leave one hell of a nightmare in most who watch it, so I would live forever in their minds. Come for the show, leave with PTSD and night tremors. Condemned clothing and area around him is all black, so no one even registers the blood since curtain is closed once shots are made. In another email, Kohlhepp says, playtime is over. This one is also taking the firing squad, protest against lethal injection, not that anyones cares. Not sure who is next, but Im sure it wont be long before another one is up to bat. Each one before had protesters out front and at statehouse, why oh why does kohlhepp get life for 7 and everyone else had only one or two and they get death? Because Im a Todd (expletive). On life in prison: Everyone hard core gangsta badasses until someone says you get to bunk with a SK, then the crying begins. Of the 18, they put some real trash in with me ( sacrificial goat anyone? ) just to see what would happen. I never touched one, mostly their own fears got the best of them. Self proclaimed Killas suddenly all about telling me how they are not about that life, is it safe for me to sleep here? Life isnt safe, but that bunk is as safe as any other, all depends on you cupcake. No tats, no gang affiliation, no prison name to inspire fear, no angry man attitude. Im a realtor who doesnt put up with thieves and slimeballs, nothing more than that. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). SIXTY-YEAR-OLD David Greeves died after he attempted to save his home which caught fire whil The fledgling Rigby Theater Company is taking its third production to its biggest stage when it mounts the original Western musical Death Do Us Part on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 7-8. The youth company comprised of Tucson-area theater kids from middle through high school will perform in the 425-seat Proscenium Theatre at Pima Community College Center for the Arts. The theater at Pima West, 2202 W. Anklam Road, is four times as big as the 100-seat Catalyst Creative Collective, Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliances space in Tucson Mall, where Rigby Theatre mounted its inaugural production Young Playwrights Showcase last October and the song cycle series Bruisers in early March. The production also will involve a cast of 18 in addition to a live band that includes trumpet, upright bass, keyboards, guitar and drums. A student choreographer has created dances to complement the original songs penned by pianist/composer Ben Teller. This is next level. I think weve leveled up our game significantly, and we have now written a full-length Western musical with 18 major numbers and a whole principal and ensemble cast, said Rigby founder/playwright Jacob Toole. Toole said the songs range in length from two to six minutes, which is our big opener. Theyre all these fun, kind of folksy, upbeat, little bit of country vibes in there. A lot of big fun horn sounds, Toole said. Ill tell you right now, as somebody who has been working with these tracks for some time now, I love them. I tap my foot to them. They really invite so many possibilities in terms of where youre directing, where youre choreographing. Teller said he was looking for a sound that straddled country and Western, with a healthy dose of grandeur thrown in. The score also has nods to jazz and other fun genres, he said. We were looking for music that elicited the same emotions as those legendary outlaws some combination of exciting, daring and haunting, he explained. One of my favorite parts of writing music is discovering how to communicate the story and emotions that I can hear and feel in my head, and this involves experimenting with notes and instrumentation to be able to discover the emotions that best match the needs of the story and characters. Composing for theater seems like solving puzzles to me I can hear what a section of a song needs to accomplish and I just need to find the combination of 88 notes, spread over six instruments, that sounds like my imagination and solves my puzzle, Teller added. Ultimately, writing a musical as a whole is just like writing one huge song all of the music works together to solve the problem of How do we tell this story? This is the second collaboration between best friends Teller and Toole, who recently graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School. Teller has been Tooles right hand since Toole launched Rigby Theater Company as a way to give youths an independent theater outlet. The idea was to give young people control of the entire creative process, from performing on stage to working behind the scenes in production, from lighting and sound design, to writing original works, directing and choreography. The first two productions involved a handful of kids from middle through high school, representing schools from the greater Tucson area. Death Do Us Part has a cast five times that, of which I am so proud, said Toole, who wrote the book and is directing and producing the production. If you go What: "Death Do Us Part" Presented by: Rigby Theater Company Book by: Jacob Toole Music by: Ben Teller When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 7-8 Where: Pima Community College Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre, 2202 W. Anklam Road Run Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes Tickets: $18 through etix.com Toole said his story is a little far out there: A young grave robber is guided by the spirit of a legendary outlaw to save the American Southwest from its greatest villains. And when I say the Southwests greatest villains Im talking about many of the famous historical outlaws like Billy the Kid, Belle Starr, Butch Cassidy and others, he explained. A lot of these people are remembered because they created these inflated versions of themselves and how they would boast and how they would talk. The story, which Toole described on Rigby Theaters website as featuring high fantasy and darkly comic elements, follows grave robber Mikey Tucker, who is guided by the spirit of legendary bandit Jesse Sheppard on a journey to save the American Southwest from the resurrection of its wickedest outlaws. The uniquely Arizona story is set against a historical backdrop as it explores the perils of being fascinated with villains and the costs of emulating that glory in our own lives. Thats always been a fascinating thing to me, Toole said. I still think we are exploring that a bit, why we fascinate ourselves and the consequences of fascinating ourselves with these villains. ... Its a really fascinating piece in terms of its relation to history and its relation to all of these great figures, these great villains. Toole said the plays cast has a significant Salpointe presence as well as several kids from Ironwood Ridge High School. The leading man, Sylas Smith, is from Sahuarita. This will be Tooles last production before going off to college at Northwestern University in Chicago and Tellers finale before leaving for Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, to study piano performance and math. Toole said he was drawn to Northwestern by its expansive student theater program and the resources it devotes to original student productions. I think thatll help me level up my game massively, he said. And itll also let me bring the mission of something like the Rigby Theater Company to a bigger audience and to more people with more resources. Thats my end goal with that. Teller said math and music go hand-in-hand. I see it as the perfect combination of the raw emotions embodied by music and the analytical and mathematical skills required to translate emotions into notes, he said. I really see musical theater as one of the greatest artistic mediums as it combines so many of these facets of human nature to tell our stories. Although Teller and Toole are leaving Tucson, Toole said he has no intention of ending or moving Rigby Theater once he leaves. He said he plans to have one of the youths who has been involved since the beginning carry on the productions. During school breaks, he plans to come back as a resident producer. This is a fundamentally Tucson organization, and I think so much of why it has worked has been the generosity so many other people in Tucson, all the connections that we made, and sort of the reputation in the community that we built in this city, he said. And I think it would be a significant waste in a lot of ways to depart from that. Tucson City Councilman Kevin Dahl will introduce a motion Wednesday to kill the proposed Project Blue data-centers complex before the council can seriously consider it. I do not want to waste any more of the publics time on this ill-conceived project, Dahl told the Star Tuesday afternoon. This thing needs to die now so we can move on with appropriate conversations about what economic development looks like in the midst of extreme heat and depleting water supplies. It would take four votes out of the seven-member council, which includes Mayor Regina Romero, to pass Dahls motion. Councilman Paul Cunningham offered the strongest support for Dahls motion as of Monday, saying, Ill probably vote for that. If we want to do anything like this and lets be fair and theres a really big revenue opportunity for the city, its irresponsible not to do it. But this one, were past the point where we need to move forward. We need to start over. Cunningham said his opposition to the project is based on everything start to finish. No one knows what technology were using to cool it. No one has given us a straight idea how water will be recharged so its not water neutral. Sorry, man. This just isnt for me. But Councilwoman Nikki Lee, whose Ward 4 would house the project's first data-center complex, said she isn't willing to support Dahl's proposal. In her newsletter to constituents Tuesday, she wrote that after meeting the day before with Project Blue officials, she had concluded, "The reality is this: Project Blue will be built in the Tucson metropolitan area, regardless of what the City of Tucson decides." She said she's concerned that if Project Blue goes elsewhere in the Tucson area, it will be able to operate with fewer environmental restrictions and avoid having to use reclaimed water, as it has pledged to do in Tucson after its first two years of operations here. If it builds elsewhere in the metro area, the city itself wouldn't have any control over its development or its activities, she said. Lee met Monday in her council office with representatives of Project Blue developer Beale Infrastructure, who told her they have a short list of other sites theyve identified ... their alternative sites in our backyard. Its now top of mind for me; I do know they are looking at federal land on (Davis-Monthan) Air Force Base in city limits. There are other locations where this can and very, very likely will be built, in our watershed, in TEPs service area. To me thats a very important risk wed understand, of the city losing the ability to control how these things are moving forward, Lee said. Councilwoman Karin Uhlich said she thinks it would be wise to not proceed now with annexing Project Blue; before the project can win formal City Council approval for its zoning, the council must also agree to annex it. But Uhlich said Monday she cant commit to signing onto Dahls motion when she hasnt seen it. As for the possibility that the developers could find an alternative site if Tucson turns them down, Uhlich said, Right now theres no way to gauge that risk, no way to know if these things are negotiating, hardball tactics. Im not inclined to react to that kind of statement. I dont know whether there are actually viable data center sites, with state land or federal land, and what are their water rights and water sources. It doesnt make sense to me to react, to try to make those decisions, when we just dont know. Romero, who hasnt taken a public stance on Project Blue, did not comment on Dahls plan. The study session item on 8/6 is agendized so that Mayor and Council can have a public conversation on Project Blue, the mayor said in a written statement. Tuesday evening, the group No Desert Data Center Coalition blasted Beale's statement that it will find a place to build elsewhere in Pima County if Tucson turns the project down. Our coalition completely rejects this latest corporate intimidation from Beale. ... Beale and Amazon will still have to pass regulatory muster for any project proposed in Arizona before it becomes final. And they will always have the community to contend with," said Maria Renee of the group. Dahls motion will come on a day the council was already scheduled to discuss Project Blue. The agenda for Tuesdays council meeting called for a discussion of a draft economic analysis of the project, prepared by a consultant, and a draft development agreement for the project that has been negotiated between Project Blue developer Beale Infrastructure and city staff. 1,000 packed meeting Monday to blast project Dahls announcement of his effort to kill Project Blue came less than a day after the project underwent its second stormy public session in the past two weeks. Distrust, skepticism and outright suspicion flowed at the last of three city-run public meetings on the proposed Project Blue data-centers complex. The overwhelming majority of more than 1,000 people in attendance at Monday nights meeting vented anger, frustration and sadness as they took turns blasting the projects planned water and energy use as excessive, and taking Tucsons city government to task for not installing strong enough guardrails to insure the project would meet its commitment to be water positive. Project Blue is proposed to be a two-complex set of data centers in Tucson; one planned for the far southeast side near Interstate 10, the other still lacking a specific location but likely to rise near the first center. Monday nights contentious meeting came as the Tucson City Council is scheduled to hold its first Project Blue discussion at a study session Wednesday afternoon. A third center may be built later in the Marana area. The mood of the audience was at least as intense as that at the first public meeting on July 23, when 800 people jammed Mica Mountain High School. The second public meeting, on July 31, was held virtually. In the early part of Mondays session, the audience that filled a Tucson Convention Center meeting room at times acted like a mob. Crowd members angry outbursts of boos, jeers and heckling repeatedly drowned out talks by officials from the city, Tucson Electric Power and Project Blue developer Beale Infrastructure. The end user of the data centers would be Amazon Web Services, according to a 2023 Pima County memo. When individuals got their chance to stand at a microphone and speak out, their comments generally came across as heartfelt, sad, fearful and brimming with anger. And unlike at the first meeting, members of building trades unions who came to support the project were largely silent. Like adding a city to electric grid One comment that cut deeply with the audience was a simple factual claim about Project Blues expected energy use that ended up being verified by a TEP official. We calculated that Project Blue will use more energy than every home in Tucson combined. Thats actually a conservative estimate, said Ed Hendel, co-founder of Sky Island AI, a Tucson-based AI business that has posted its analysis of Project Blues energy and water use on an online dashboard. Most likely it will end up using more energy than every home, business, and industrial facility that TEP serves. It would essentially be like adding an entire second Tucson to the grid. He said the lower electricity use estimate assumed the projects data centers would run at 50% of capacity all the time, and that under the higher estimate they would run at 80% of capacity. TEP hasnt released projections for Project Blues electricity use, citing a non-disclosure agreement it signed with project officials. But after Hendels comment drew a chorus of boos from the audience, TEPs Ryan Anderson replied, Youre right. He cited figures released by the city of Tucson showing the projects two data-center complexes would require TEP to have enough additional capacity totaling 1.3 gigawatts. Thats a lot of energy. I think your calculations are probably correct when you look at overall consumption, Anderson, TEPs business development manager, told Hendel. Hendel also noted that TEP spokesman Joe Salkowski told the Star last week that the utility would probably have to build at least one new natural gas plant to serve Project Blues second data-center complex, and that a Pima County environmental official has warned that would make it impossible for the city and county to reach their goals of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the latest. Our mayor has rightly earned a national reputation for climate leadership, Hendel said. In order to avoid undermining the mayors climate legacy, we need to get a binding agreement with TEP to have the plant run on 100% clean energy. Anderson replied, We feel its inappropriate to look that far ahead. Water issues Speaker Caryl Clement, a landscape architect, said to officials at the meeting, I took an oath to be a steward of the land, and at your July 23rd meeting, you said you are trying to be stewards of the land. You are talking the talk but not walking the walk. In particular, she singled out the projects plans to use drinkable water 143 million gallons total during its first two years, before an 18-mile-long pipeline carrying reclaimed water to the project is built, at Project Blues expense. Would you consider building a recharged water facility, a reclaimed facility first and foremost, and not use 143 million gallons of potable water? Clement asked to loud applause. Christina Casler, water director for Beale Infrastructure, said Clement has a very valid point, but the truth is we are already in our planning phases; we cant start building. We dont have a project. We will do what we can to start work on a reclaimed system. We realize its such a crucial element. We cant use reclaimed water from the start. Theres not reclaimed water there, Casler said. Clement responded, build it first, meaning the reclaimed line. Casler quickly replied that any future Project Blue development after its first phase can start on reclaimed water because the pipeline will by then be there. I know there is some skepticism about this, but every drop will also have a requirement for water replenishment, and for PFAS remediation, said Casler, referring to the companys promise to clean up some of the citys 30 wells contaminated with PFAS-based forever chemicals to compensate for its water use. Clement shot back, Im sorry, but you dont get it. That land that you are on should be designated as a wildlife sanctuary. I ask that you care for it and love it as we do. Developer: Best possible project Asked by an opponent of the project what the data centers lifespans would be, Beale vice president Logan Craig estimated to a booing crowd that in his experience, it should be 15 to 20 years. Asked by Andy Squire, a spokesman for the Tucson city managers office, what Beale would do if the City Council turned down the project, Craig replied the company will absolutely look at alternatives outside the city. We believe this project is the best possible project. It will have the largest reclaimed (water) system ever. There will still be a need for cloud infrastructure for Southern Arizona, said Craig, a reference to the data centers work in serving various kinds of cloud computing. Robert Jaramillo, who described himself as a longtime Tucsonan, told the crowd, Were in a desert. Were in a drought. Every single summer, its not good. Im not against data centers, but not here. Weve been conserving water for many years. We took our landscaping out. We took our swimming pools out. We beat the peak, way back when. For us, we conserved water for the future. Jaramillo added, Can you guarantee us water for future generations? It breaks my heart to see these grandkids not having water for the future. Native Americans should be at the table on this. Theyve been dealing with this for hundreds of years. If you decide to go ahead with this program, man, put it to the vote of the people, a comment followed by loud applause. Rocky Rivera, a south-side resident, advocated to the crowd that the 290 acres that would hold Project Blues first set of data centers should be used instead for a regenerative farm, one whose leaders would work with University of Arizona researchers to create sustainable food production along with training programs for people to work there. This isnt just a fight over land, power and water. Its a fight for our futures here. Can we please put this to the people to vote on this and decide what is best for our city, said Rivera, whose remarks were followed by an audience chant, Let us vote. Let us vote. Let us vote. Photos: More than 1,000 blast Project Blue during public meeting at Tucson Convention Center Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting Project Blue public meeting PHOENIX Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes says a judge should dismiss a Republican effort to take the right to vote away from the adult children of Arizona residents living overseas. In new court filings, Mayes urges a Maricopa County judge to reject a plea by the Arizona Republican Party and the Republican National Committee to void a 2005 law. It extended the right to vote in federal elections in Arizona to the children of Arizona residents living overseas, even if they have never resided in the state. The federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act specifically allows Arizonans overseas to keep their residency status for purposes of voting by mail. Included are those in the military as well as U.S. citizens living outside the country. Mayes acknowledged the Arizona Constitution says no one is entitled to vote here unless they have resided in the state for the period of time preceding such election as prescribed by law. But Mayes is telling Superior Court Judge Michael Herrod that language does not preclude state lawmakers from deciding as they did in 2005 that the children of people living elsewhere who are otherwise entitled to vote under federal and state law also can be considered Arizona residents for voting purposes. She said that makes sense given that children who have not established their own residency are generally considered to have acquired the residency status of their parents. In other words, for the children of an overseas parent who is registered in Arizona, the children are considered to reside in Arizona the same way their parent is considered to reside in Arizona, Mayes wrote. Said another way, (the 2005 law) simply extends the same treatment of children of overseas voters registered in Arizona that it extends to their parents. But attorney Kory Langhofer, who represents the Republican challengers, said the 2005 law not only violates state constitutional provisions but also makes no sense. He said that, as worded, it means anyone born overseas to someone who has Arizona residential status also gets that status regardless of how old that child becomes or even whether they are still living with the parents. The lawsuit comes two decades after the law was adopted. Theres a partisan reason for that. Langhofer said overseas voters, including those who have never resided in the state, skew heavily Democratic. In Maricopa County, for example, just 18.2% of overseas voters are registered Republicans, he said. Another 51.3% are Democrats, 26.5% have no party affiliation and 4% are signed up with other recognized parties. By contrast, of the more than 2.6 million people registered to vote in the states largest county, 35.5% are Republicans versus 28.2% Democrats. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley clearly sees this through a partisan lens. Democrats want to cheat in our elections by allowing votes from people who have never established legal residency, he said in a prepared statement when the lawsuit was filed. The RNC is defending the rights of Arizona voters to stop this unconstitutional law in its tracks. But Mayes, in her filings, is pointing out something else to Herrod, something not mentioned in either the lawsuit or by Whatley in his accusations of Democratic cheating: The original 2005 measure was sponsored by a Republican legislator and approved without a single dissenting vote by members of either party in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Only now, Mayes said, do GOP officials find fault with the legislation. Its difficult to say how much difference having those adult children registered to vote in Arizona makes in the outcome of races. Langhofer said that out of more than 4.47 million people registered to vote in the state, there appear to be at least 12,615 Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act voters statewide. Whatever the number, he contends allowing them to vote inflicts a competitive injury to the Republican Party by adding people to the rolls he says cannot legally be there, who are disproportionately non-Republican in their partisan affiliation. That gives the GOP the legal standing to go to court to seek to have the law voided, he is telling the judge. Not true, said the attorney general in her request to have the judge toss the case. She said to gain legal standing, the right to sue, someone must show a distinct and palpable injury giving the plaintiff a personal stake in the controversys outcome. What the GOP is alleging here, Mayes said, is that the party is suffering competitive injury based on the lower percentage of overseas voters registering as Republicans. The flaw, she said, is that Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act voters are not inherently politically aligned. Their eligibility to vote does not deprive the Republicans of votes or give votes to a competitor, Mayes said. Beyond that, Mayes said theres nothing in the GOP complaint that says the statute is designed or implemented in a way that would tend to create a disparity between voters of one party or another. Nor could they, because (the 2005 law) merely allowed for the possibility of registering to vote, she said. And a voters party choice and ballot selections are entirely beyond the control of the state. Mayes also is brushing aside allegations in the complaint by Gina Swoboda, who chairs the Arizona Republican Party, that her vote is diluted by extending the right to vote to the children of overseas voters. Finally, theres the fact that the constitutional provision says the amount of time someone needs to have resided in the state is prescribed by law. And in this case, Mayes said, the Legislature prescribed by the 2005 law that adult children of Arizona residents living overseas are entitled to the residency status of their parents. What the case comes down to, Mayes said, is a bid by Republicans to deny the vote to certain people whom the Legislature has decided are entitled to be considered Arizona residents. This court should not read the Arizona Constitution to deprive U.S. citizens of their right to vote, as protected by UOCAVA (the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act), she wrote. Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Supreme Court has denied a request made in a lawsuit to prevent the State Department of Education from going forward with implementation of controversial new social studies standards adopted by the state. Parents, teachers and faith leaders filed the suit, Randall v. Walters, asking for the court to decide whether public school students will have to learn lessons based on standards that the petitioners contend put too much focus on Christianity and on things such as unproven theories pushed by Donald Trump to explain his loss in the 2020 presidential election. The petitioners asked the court to issue a stay, which would have prevented the Department of Education from going forward with purchasing textbooks or otherwise planning for implementation of the standards beginning in the coming school year. On Monday, the court denied the stay but didnt issue any additional comment. In a statement emailed to the Tulsa World, Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters described the courts decision as a win for families. Todays decision is a huge win for hardworking Oklahoma families who hold American principals (sic) dear, Walters said. Its no secret, Christianity is under attack by the Left. Under my watch, their America-hating, Christian-hating agenda will never get near a single student in an Oklahoma classroom. An attorney for the petitioners in the lawsuit countered that the courts denial of the stay doesnt necessarily mean the standards will stand. Alex Luchenitser, an associate vice president and associate legal director at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, appeared on behalf of the petitioners last week before an Oklahoma Supreme Court referee. While its disappointing that the court has not taken immediate action to block implementation of Superintendent Ryan Walters religiously coercive new social studies standards, yesterdays ruling is not a final resolution of this case, Luchenitser said in an email. We have presented a strong case to the court that Walters new standards will violate students and families religious freedom by promoting one version of Christianity and advancing Christian Nationalist disinformation. Were hopeful for a final ruling in favor of our clients that protects religious freedom, public education and church-state separation for all Oklahomans. Chad Kutmas, an attorney for the Oklahoma State Board of Education, wasnt available to comment Tuesday afternoon. Last week, a Supreme Court referee, Meredith Wolfe, heard arguments presented from both sides of the case. Attorneys for the petitioners asserted that the Oklahoma State Board of Education, chaired by Walters, adopted the standards earlier this year in violation of the Open Meeting Act. They also argued that the standards should not be implemented because they wouldnt be age appropriate for some students and would violate the Oklahoma Constitution by showing favoritism for one religion, Christianity, over others. Attorneys for the OSDE and state school board responded during the hearing that there was no violation of the Open Meeting Act. They also asserted that the standards should be described as aspirational rather than as mandatory for local school boards, that they presented guidelines that would align with other age-appropriate lessons for students, that they would not violate constitutional protections of religion and that they had not resulted in any tangible harm to anyone that would justify an immediate intervention by the Supreme Court. Luchenitser asserted that members of the public werent given sufficient time to review and comment on the standards and that OSBE members were asked to sign off on standards that had been substantially altered only a day before their final vote was scheduled in February. Kutmas and OSDE attorney Jacki Phelps responded that there was no requirement that the public be allowed time to comment on every iteration of standards as they were being considered. Additionally, Phelps pointed out that the standards as they were finally adopted were posted on the Department of Educations website 24 hours prior to the vote, in accordance with the law. Luchenitser also claimed that the standards, among other things, would inappropriately place great focus on Christian themes and present stories from the Bible as historical fact. He said the court should conclude that the standards are unconstitutional. He also said the court should take issue with some of the lessons prescribed by the standards, including supposed discrepancies in the 2020 presidential election that Trump has offered as proof that the election was rigged. Phelps countered that the standards would call for older students to be asked to consider only how discrepancies in voting might have affected the 2020 election. She also insisted that language in the standards would call on educators to teach only how lessons from the Bible shaped the thinking of the nations founding fathers. She said that to strip the standards of references to Christianity while leaving in references to other major world religions would amount to a violation of the very First Amendment protections that these plaintiffs contend to protect. The Supreme Court referees job was to provide a recommendation to the court on how to proceed. ACMA clears Landline episode It's not often an episode of Landline is the subject of a watchdog investigation. Media watchdog the Australian Communications and Media Authority has cleared ABC Landline of complaints around a September episode After the Harvest. The ACMA received 2 complaints alleging the Segment, which considered possible links between a commonly used farming chemical (paraquat) and Parkinsons disease, lacked accuracy and impartiality. The episode explored growing concerns in a Victorian farming community of a possible link between the farming chemical paraquat and Parkinsons disease. It covered case studies of farmers with Parkinsons disease, discussing the differing scientific reports, contained coverage of a community information session on Parkinsons disease, and looked at the impacts to families and carers of those with Parkinsons disease and explored the regulatory decisions of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (the APVMA) regarding paraquat. One complainant suggested, the context in which it has been reported leaves the [viewer] with the impression that the product has been banned because of the claimed association to Parkinsons disease. This is clearly this is not factual [sic]. Rather, none of these jurisdictions has banned paraquat due to association with Parkinsons disease and in fact regulators in three OECD nations in the last four years have concluded the opposite: the overwhelming weight of evidence concludes that there is no connection. The ABC Ombudsmans defended that ABC said on numerous occasions that the chemical is banned in other countries due to its toxicity. At no point did the ABC say it was banned because of links to Parkinsons disease. ACMA took the view that on balance, it was more likely that the ordinary reasonable viewer would have understood from the relevant statement and accompanying vision that the chemical had been banned in 67 overseas countries because of its level of toxicity without drawing an additional inference. It was also cleared of an impartiality complaint. ACMA concluded there had been no breach of the ABC Code of Practice. Australian Writers Guild rejects Productivity Commission AI recommendation Writers are pushing back against any proposed changes to Copyright Law for Artificial Intelligence. Writers are opposed to recommendations around AI and the creative industries made in an interim report by the Productivity Commission. The Australian Writers Guild and Australian Writers Guild Authorship Collecting Society have rejected the suggestion that a Text and Data Mining Exception for the training of AI models be considered by the government, and expressed disappointment at the report, Harnessing Data and Digital Technology. The report Harnessing data and digital technology seeks feedback on a TDM exception to the Copyright Act, to allow training of AI models on copyrighted works. Despite the interim report saying that such an exception would not be a blank cheque, writers are skeptical. The Productivity Commissioner has asked, Are our laws fit for purpose with AI? but the real question is, why should we change our laws to make things easier for foreign big tech, instead of making things better for Australian workers, people who actually produce things in Australia? said AWG and AWGACS CEO Claire Pullen (pictured). The Productivity Commission has conceded that large AI models have already been trained on copyrighted materials owned by Australians. It should be recommending tech companies follow Australian law and stop stealing from creative workers, who are responsible for an industry that contributes over $60 billion to our economy. Pullen notes there is a particularly acute risk to First Nations works, and any proposed TDM exception would fly in the face of the Productivity Commissions own recommendations on fake First Nations art. Publicly available generative AI tools can be made to generate counterfeits, without regard to cultural protocols, community consent, or remuneration. Tech companies operating Large Language Models (LLMs) have conceded that AI models rely on copyrighted works that are taken without consent or payment, and Australian workers have already seen their works stolen, including some of Australias most iconic plays and books. At a Senate inquiry last year, big tech companies repeatedly dodged questions about the provenance of work used in their AI models, and faced sustained questioning about the use of Australian voices, books and films in their models. It is disappointing to see a request for feedback about how things might be made easier for big tech, but nothing addressing the lost productivity and income for Australia and Australian creatives as a result of the infringement that has already taken place, Pullen said. It seems clear that the Productivity Commission favours weakening our existing laws. The Productivity Commission is seeking feedback on the interim report until Monday 15 September 2025. A webinar will also be held at 12 pm AEST on Monday 11 August 2025. APRA / AMCOS APRA AMCOS and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO) have today expressed disappointment at the Productivity Commissions interim report floating a text and data mining exception to Australias Copyright Act, which would provide legal cover for AI companies to use copyrighted works without permission or payment for training their systems. While carefully framed as seeking feedback on reform options, the Commissions 116-page interim report reveals a clear preference for weakening copyright protections to benefit AI platforms and devastate Australias $9 billion music industry. This comes as the industry faces projections that 23% of music creators revenues will be at risk from unregulated AI by 2028. The Commission may couch this as policy exploration, but their direction is clear, said APRA Chair Jenny Morris MNZM OAM. Theyre laying the groundwork to legitimise what they themselves acknowledge is already widespread theft. Weve witnessed the wholesale ingestion of Australian works by AI companies in the US, where over 30 court cases are currently underway challenging this practice. The Commissions approach is particularly disappointing given their acknowledgment that large AI models are already being trained on unlicensed copyrighted materials and that lawsuits have been brought against technology companies over this practice. Rather than supporting enforcement of existing rights, theyre exploring ways to retrospectively legitimise unauthorised use. NATSIMO National Director Leah Flanagan expressed particular concern about Indigenous artists and creators: This interim report exposes a glaring double standard. In the Commissions 2022 Aboriginal arts and crafts report, they rightly called for firm action against fake Indigenous art and new cultural rights legislation. They recognised that Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property has intrinsic value. Yet now they seem content to allow the digital theft of ICIP that exists in our songs and music. AMCOS Chair Jaime Gough highlighted the economic implications: The Commission risks undermining the very licensing markets that will be crucial for Australian creators as AI becomes more prevalent. They acknowledge that AI companies generate billions in revenue from models trained on copyrighted works, while creators receive nothing. Instead of addressing fair compensation, theyre exploring legal exemptions that would lock in this imbalance. Particularly disappointing is the Commissions dismissal of existing market solutions. Their report notes that collecting societies are already investigating licensing frameworks for AI use, yet they simultaneously float exemptions that would undermine these efforts before they can mature. APRA AMCOS landmark AI and Music report found that 82% of music creators expressed concerns about AI preventing them from making a living. However, 38% of creators have already embraced AI in their work, with 54% agreeing it can support the creative process. Artists have been innovators for millennia, constantly embracing new technologies, said Jenny Morris. Were not afraid of AI and our members are early adopters who see its potential. We have members who are working with AI platforms that respect copyright and seek proper licensing. The Commissions approach threatens to undermine this collaborative progress by removing incentives for ethical AI development. The Commission admits that most AI training happens overseas and that their proposed exception is unlikely to affect whether AI models continue to be available and used in Australia. This raises serious questions about the real purpose of this exploration. If it wont change practical outcomes, why pursue it except to provide legal cover for existing unauthorised practices? Jenny Morris said. This latest report continues a pattern established by the Productivity Commissions controversial 2016 IP report, which proposed slashing copyright terms from 70 years to just 15 years and importing the highly litigious US fair use system. That report sent shockwaves through Australias creative community, demonstrating the Commissions view that creator rights are obstacles to economic efficiency. The Commissions framing reveals their underlying philosophy: they consistently characterise copyright as a barrier to productivity growth rather than recognising it as the foundation enabling Australias $112 billion creative economy to contribute to national prosperity. Jaime Gough added: The Commission perpetuates the myth that copyright stifles innovation, a favourite talking point of Big Tech companies seeking free access to creative works. WIPO studies consistently demonstrate that copyright protection drives innovation by creating economic incentives for creativity. Weakening these protections wont boost productivity, it will simply transfer value from Australian creators to global tech giants. The Commissions exploration may seem measured, but the direction is unmistakable, Jenny Morris concluded. Theyre building a framework for policies that would treat our cultural heritage as free raw material. We call on the Government to reject this direction and support Australias creative sector to be at the heart of the success of AI development in this country. The Australian Association of Voice Actors: The Australian Association of Voice Actors (AAVA) is disappointed at the Productivity Commissions consideration for a text and data mining (TDM) exception for companies developing AI and the lack of consideration for restricting the use of biometric data. A TDM would retroactively legalise the theft of Australias creative workers intellectual property, voices, image, and work, by foreign multi-nationals who pay little tax and provide minimal jobs in Australia. AAVA President Simon Kennedy says Not only does this move put the responsibility on Australian creatives to shoulder legal battles against multi-billion-dollar tech companies who have stolen or misused their work, it also leaves the door open for AI developers to use the biometric data of every Australian whose voice or image has been recorded to train AI applications that can digitally reproduce their likeness, create deep fakes and voice clones. Even by the Commissions own admission large AI models are already being trained on unlicensed copyrighted materials. In practice this has led to the scraping of voice data to create AI-generated voices that are decimating jobs in the voice acting community Kennedy says. AAVA sees the Productivity Commissions position on TDM and lack of clarity as confirmation that the exploitation of an Australian citizens image, voice, or likeness is not a priority. Kennedy states If the Productivity Commission does not see copyright, jobs or a persons identity as something worth protecting and places the wants of companies such as META and Google first, the question needs to be asked, who is their version of productivity actually helping?. A possible TDM exception to the Copyright Act, as is considered in the interim report Harnessing data and digital technology would harm the earning potential of actors, voice actors, journalists, presenters, dancers, singers etc. and expose them to the exploitation of their biometric data. Considering that companies such as META via Facebook have made it clear they would like to freely use the data of everyday Australians, including children, for training AI models, the list of affected Australians will reach far beyond the creative sector. The Australian Association of Voice Actors stands firm that AI-Training should be done on an ask-first opt in basis. Structures for the licensing of work and compensation to creators for the use of their intellectual property currently exist. These systems should be a minimum consideration when copyright material is being used to create a product that directly competes with an original work. AAVA President Simon Kennedy says Right now the balance of power lies with multi-billion-dollar tech companies, this is unacceptable. Every Australian should have to right to not participate in the training of an AI-model, especially when it comes to their own livelihood or identity, and if they choose to do so, they should be compensated fairly. August 5, 2025: The United States has finally caught on to need to stockpile and train troops to use drones. The appearance of drone warfare in Ukraine was one of those infrequent revolutions in how wars are fought using new weapons and tactics. The American military is changing some long held practices. Previously drones were considered equipment, which meant that each drone came with a lot of accessories that required storage and special training for users. Drones now reclassified as munitions are given to troops to use as they see fit. The new policy means that brigade and division commanders have the authority to decide who gets what and to order drones, whatever manufacturer they can find. Paperwork for such purchases has been greatly simplified. In the past, such policies often led to corrupt acts, like diverting drone funds to personal use. Thats always a problem and its up to senior leadership to ensure that periodic audits are conducted and any corrupt individuals discovered be prosecuted. Most American military personnel have experience with video games and the common types of game controllers. As the Ukrainians already did, the Americans are also telling the troops to use their video game skills as they train to use the drones they are now being issued. The average American soldier sees all this as overdue and a welcome addition to their duties. Brigade and battalion commanders are encouraged to procure as many U.S. made drones as they can and let the troops train with them. Since drones are now considered rounds of ammunition, there are no restrictions on their use for training. At the same time, the U.S. government is encouraging American firms that can or already are building drones to prepare for larger orders. U.S. drone manufacturers already exist and have manufactured over a million drones for the Ukrainian military. Now American troops have been added to the customer list. Americans in general are familiar with the Ukrainian use of drones in their war against Russian invaders. One of first Ukrainian drone victories was the use of naval and land based drones to destroy over a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and force the survivors to take shelter at Russian ports over a thousand kilometers from Crimea. While Russia still occupies Crimea, the area is under siege by Ukrainian drones. Soon Russia will no longer be able to supply Crimea because of this. The Kerch Strait bridge from Russia to Crimea is in bad shape and can only allow limited truck traffic. By the end of 2024 Russia had withdrawn all its ships from Crimea and shut down ship repair facilities there. Ukraine has the means to demolish what is left of the bridge whenever they want to. This will happen when Ukraine decides to blockade Crimea and force the Russians to abandon the peninsula because they cannot supply it. While drones have long been manufactured in the United States and other NATO nations, these drones were not suitable for the Ukraine War. Ukraine politely declines offers and points out that they are the premier developers and manufacturers of military drones. Currently Ukraine can produce about four million drones a year. Initially American attempts to adopt Ukrainian drone tactics and technology encountered problems. First, the U.S. was not at war and the military bureaucracy has a peacetime attitude towards any new technology. This includes the use of drones in Ukraine and the flood of practical experience and solutions passed by Ukraine. Then current U.S. Army drones, when used in Ukraine, often encountered problems the Ukrainian drones didnt. In a wartime situation, Ukrainians have been quick to make changes until they get the results they need. The American military eventually implemented the lessons of drone use in Ukraine. American defense contractors and manufacturers felt compelled to modify and improve what the Ukrainians have done while they adapted Ukrainian drone tech to something new which United States forces could use and Congress would pay for. This process tends to lower the effectiveness of what the Ukrainians have created, while delaying the product and enriching the contractors and manufacturers. The lesser effectiveness is usually revealed the first time American troops use the U.S. version of Ukrainian drone tech. Something is lost in the tech translation. This is nothing new. Its been happening for over a century. The U.S. is currently adapting and adopting Ukrainian drone technology. There will be modifications and upgrades for as long as the fighting in Ukraine lasts. These changes come quickly in wartime and always have. In Ukraine, drone designs can be changed in less than a week. This is usually because the Russians gained an edge with one of their recent tweaks. While Ukraine has been in the forefront of developing and upgrading drone technology, the Russians have kept up. In war time you either keep up or become an inept underdog that falls farther and farther behind. The Russians noticed that when they fail to keep up, they suffer heavy losses. The peacetime American military has no such wartime feedback loop. If someone in the defense procurement establishment says the current American drone tech is good, it is officially adequate. Sending U.S. drone adaptations to Ukraine for testing is done, but often over the objections of some U.S. manufacturers. When tested in combat, some of the U.S. drones fail to deliver. American defense contractors dont like that, but their usual response is to get Congress to approve things that dont work. When the Ukraine war ends, there will be no way to adequately test American drones. There may be other wars where American troops are involved and able to test the new drones. But it wont be in the intensely competitive atmosphere the Ukrainians and Russians have created. Ukraine has been writing the book on drone technology since 2023, with Russia contributing edits in real time. When that atmosphere is not present, the speed of developing new tech or maintaining current drones slows down a lot. This process is at work now as the U.S. Army orders drones based on Ukrainian designs. The American military procurement bureaucracy is infamously slow in adopting and manufacturing new weapons. It is feared that the Ukrainian drone revolution will be equally slow in actually reaching Americans soldiers and marines. Many military and Defense Department civilians are aware of this problem and see the drone development and procurement program as an opportunity to show that the United States can do it right and quickly. There have been other Ukrainian innovations. In early 2024 Ukraine created a new branch of their military, the Unmanned Systems Force or USF. This is in addition to the Ukrainian Air Force that consists of manned aircraft. The USF does not control the drones Ukrainian forces use regularly, but instead contributes to developing new drone models and organizing mass production for those new models that are successful. The U.S. military took note of this but acting on it takes a lot longer for a peacetime military. Drones were an unexpected development that had a huge impact on how battles in Ukraine's current war are fought. Drones were successful because they were cheap, easily modified, and expendable. Modifications and upgrades could be implemented quickly and cheaply. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces were soon using cheap, often $500 or less, quadcopter drones controlled by soldiers a few kilometers distant using/First Person Viewing/FPV goggles to see what the camera on the drone can see. Most of these drones carry half a kilogram of explosives, so it can instantly turn the drone into a flying bomb that can fly into a target and detonate. Some drones carry more explosives depending on what is needed to deal with a target. These drones are awesome and debilitating weapons when used in large numbers. If a target isnt moving or requires more explosive power that the drones can supply, one of the drone operators can call in artillery, rocket, or missile fire, or even an airstrike. Larger, fixed wing drones are used for long range, often over a thousand kilometers, operations against targets deep inside Russia. This massive use of FPV-armed drones has revolutionized warfare in Ukraine and both sides are producing as many as they can. Russia initially produced its own drones now after briefly using imported Iranian Shahed-136 drones that cost over $100,000 each. Ukraine demonstrated that you could design and build drones with similar capabilities at less than a tenth of that. The Iranian drone was more complex than it needed to be and even the Russians soon realized this and turned from the Shahed-136 for more capable drones they copied from Ukrainian designs or ones Russians designed. Ukrainian drone proliferation began when many individual Ukrainians or small teams designed and built drones. The drones served as potential candidates for widespread use and mass production. This proliferation of designers and manufacturers led to rapid evolution of drone capabilities and uses. Those who could not keep up were less successful in combat and suffered higher losses. Military leaders in other nations have noted this and are scrambling to equip their own forces with the most effective drones. Not having enough of these to match the number the enemy has in a portion of the front means you are at a serious disadvantage in that area. These drones are still evolving in terms of design and use and are becoming more effective and essential. Military leaders worldwide are acting on this new military development and seeking to equip their soldiers with these new weapons and training them in their effective use. Dateline and the power of TV The money has finally dropped in my account, the day before we are about to appear on TV, say employees interviewed by SBS Dateline. Never underestimate the power of TV exposure to deliver an outcome. Two retail staff laid off from a Griffith clothes store have finally been paid their full entitlements 10 months later the day before they were due to appear on SBS current affairs show, Dateline. Liz Purtell and Sharon Brown lost their jobs after a combined 42 years at clothing store Autograph Griffith when parent company Mosaic Brands went into administration in October 2024. Mosaics other outlets Katies, Rivers, Rockmans, Crossroads, W.Lane, BeMe, Millers and Noni B all gradually shut their stores across Australia, leaving 2800 mostly female employees out of a job. As the company had a $249 million debt, it was uncertain whether those left out of work would ever be paid owed entitlements such as unpaid annual and long service leave. The Griffith duo campaigned hard on behalf of all the wronged employees. SBS is looking at how Mosaic Brands collapsed and the impact it had on workers in Australia and garment factories in Bangladesh. Dateline reporter Calliste Weitenberg (pictured) visited Griffith in June and interviewed both women for a two part investigation, The Cost of Doing Business. The money has finally dropped in my account, the day before we are about to appear on TV, Ms Brown told Region Riverina. I think I was the last one to finally get paid; its a relief, the others have all got their money too. We can finally put an end to this saga. As it turns out the planned investigation has now been pushed back to now broadcast on August 12 and 19. Dateline investigates the collapse of Mosaic Brands and much-loved labels Noni B, Rivers and Katies. From Australia to overseas, we meet suppliers who allege they were sent under by bad business. In part two of Datelines investigation into Mosaic Brands collapse, we hear from suppliers in China owed millions. They claim the retailer had a corporate playbook. We ask, was it insolvent trading? Giveaway: Mike Amor: News Cowboys 3 x signed copies of Mike Amor's memoir are up for grabs. TV Tonight will have 3 x signed copies of News Cowboys, the memoir by Seven News Mike Amor, up for grabs in Fridays subscriber newsletter. If you havent yet subscribed to the newsletter you can do so here. News cowboys it was the nickname the reporters and camera people at Seven Networks Los Angeles bureau jokingly gave themselves as they headed off on assignments, not knowing what to expect and often unprepared for what they found. It was a way of coping, of not taking too seriously what was often deadly serious, as they witnessed some of the worst moments in recent world history. For 18 years Mike Amor was one of those journalists. He was on the ground during 9/11 and in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, when so many were abandoned by their own government. He reported on mass shootings from Port Arthur to Sandy Hook, told the sad story of the senseless murder in Oklahoma of young Australian Chris Lane, covered the earthquake in Haiti and the astonishing rescue of a little girl named Winnie, investigated Mexican drug cartels, came under fire in Gaza and much more. There were good times, too following the Olympics or Chloe McCardels record-breaking Cuban swim but the mental and physical toll was incalculable, on him and on his wife and son. Mike, who won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Network Award in 2011, recounts these experiences with honesty, compassion and humour, but also takes on the big questions: Why do foreign correspondents do this job? Why do they, sometimes recklessly, expose themselves to danger when they have family at home? Do they ever stop hearing the cries of injured children or the chirping alarms at the Twin Towers that marked the resting places of dead firefighters under the rubble? $34.99 out now by Echo Publishing. The Twelve full circle for Danielle Cormack Having played a prosecutor in 2010, Danielle Cormack is back in the robes -and determined to get it right this time. Danielle Cormack, who spent several years behind the bars at Wentworth, is back to the long arm of the law, this time in Foxtel / Binge drama The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer. Playing Prosecutor Gabe Nicholls, a rival to Sam Neills defence Brett Colby, its not the first time she has undertaken such a role. No, it was a really lovely opportunity to step into that world again and have another chance to play scenes out in a courtroom. I guess I didnt feel like it did a great job the first time around. This is with (producers) Easy Tiger again, so I dont know if they see me that way. They keep casting me as a prosecutor! My first show over here was Rake. If it wasnt for Rake, I wouldnt have landed the role in Underbelly. So Im really thankful for that, because that was the show that actually brought me over from New Zealand to Australia. Underbelly: Razors crime queen Kate Leigh was her first Australian principal role, but it would lead to many more. In The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer she is determined to put a man charged with murder behind bars, and defeat Colby, with whom Gabe Nicholls has her own history. I had the opportunity of speaking to a defence lawyer, even though she wasnt prosecution, she was defence. It was great to speak to a female barrister who enlightened me a lot about the trajectory of her career, starting out as a solicitor, and making her way through what, ostensibly for many years has been the boys club, really, she explains. It was aligned a lot, I felt, with what Nicholls journey would have been as well, and because Nicholls started off as a solicitor with with Colby. So their relationship has a lot of history there, and then she jumps over to the dark side and becomes a prosecutor. For me, there was a really rich history, not only of their relationship but also her journey within being a barrister, that was wonderful to be able to play. Especially because for her, becoming a mum, was the turning point for her where she actually had a eureka moment of I dont want to be defending people who are being put out into the world where Im bringing a child into this world. That really spoke to the character of Nicholls for me. As the series unfolds, we get to see that storyline becomes more evident in the way that Nicholls and Colby are relating to each other. In the previous series, theres been, I guess, a frisson with Colbys character. But for Gabe, it was very different for her. I feel Colby is more of father figure to to Gabe and and she does have something to prove to him as well. The Twelves third season also features Eryn Jean Norvill, Sarah Peirse, William Zappa, Ewen Leslie, Phoenix Raei, Hanah Tayeb, Nathalie Morris, Catherine Moore, Bolude Watson, Bessie Holland, Stuart Daulman, Paul Tassone, Charles Napoleon An, Libby Stone and newcomer Claire Leach. Storylines span two time periods and the narrative shifts between accused, lawyers and jurors. It makes it more enjoyable viewing when youre watching a show and your alliances are compromised halfway through, she suggests. Suddenly youre following a person or a character that you didnt expect. Its a great tribute to the writers, the actors and the creators who have embodied the characters and created the characters. More so in this show, because were following two different mysteries this time. Theres not one crime, theres actually two that are unfolding in different timelines. I think it makes it extra rich. Yet while Cormack has never been on a jury herself, shes not keen to start anytime soon. The intensity of the courtroom drama was enough for now, thanks. I must say, after spending all that time in the courtroom shooting these scenes, I dont know if it would really be my cup of jarrah, she admits. Theyre very long days, lots of words. I mean, I know that were shooting scenes for actors who are playing the jurors, and theres some fantastic storylines this season, great characters. But I didnt envy them, having to sit there all day listening to Sam and I questioning and cross-examining people. I think that in the end, it was akin to the experience of being a juror. Or being on a long haul flight that never ends. But for Nicholls shes got something to prove where shes adamant that she wants to put the killer away but shes also very set on not coming second. The Twelve screens 8:30pm Mondays on Showcase / Binge. Sumit Singh, TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles Mumbai/New Delhi: Seventy-five-year-old Nisar Bilal was in the courtroom on July 31, when a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai announced its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. His son Azhar had died when two bombs attached to a motorcycle exploded, resulting in at least six fatalities and 95 injuries. On the evening of September 29 that year, a powerful explosion shook Malegaon, a town in Maharashtra known for its communal sensitivity, at around 9:30 p.m. It was fasting month of Ramzan. The blast came from a device placed in an LML Freedom bike parked near Shakeel Goods Transport Company. The motorcycle had a fake number plate. The explosion claimed six lives and left 95 others injured. Nearby buildings and shops were damaged. The Nashik Rural Police and the Mumbai Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS), then led by Hemant Karkare, began the investigation. Karkare was later killed in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. In 2011, the case was handed over to the NIA, along with several other probes involving alleged Hindutva-linked terror incidents. Fourteen people had been arrested during the early part of the case. Charges against seven of them were dropped. The other seven went to trial. They included Pragya Thakur, Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, Ramesh Upadhyay, Sameer Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. The ATS filed serious charges against them under the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Explosive Substances Act. After 17 years of attending court hearings, Bilal heard that the seven accused had been acquitted. The courts verdict in this case today is not justice. We want justice, and we will knock on the doors of the Supreme Court, he told TwoCircles.net. The court acquitted the seven accused, stating that the prosecution had failed to prove charges beyond reasonable doubt. The decision has prompted responses from victims families, lawyers, political leaders and retired officers. Advocate Shahid Nadeem, who represented the families of the victims, said he plans to challenge the verdict in the Bombay High Court. We received absolutely no support from the NIA or the prosecution lawyers. They used to oppose us. Hume bolne ka mauka nahi dete the (They did not let us speak). It is a failure on the part of the NIA. Witnesses turned hostile during the trial, still the NIA did not pursue perjury charges against any of them, despite requests from the victims, he said. He alleged the agency did not adequately address the concerns raised by families during the proceedings. The NIA could have performed better had it prioritised the concerns of the victims. Hum chahte the agencies apna kaam kare aur hume insaaf mile. Hamare log mare the (We wanted the agencies to do a fair investigation as we were expecting justice. We lost our people), he said. Nadeem further added that he had attended hearings regularly since 2016. It was a tough time. We have faced so much over the years. The accused were high-profile people who exercised influence and had substantial resources, unlike us. We had to chase every hearing to ensure witnesses did not turn away. We got charges framed against them. They faced trial, but now all in vain. When Pragya Thakur was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in 2016, we opposed it but the NIA did not, he said. In 2015, former Special Public Prosecutor Rohini Salian alleged that she had been instructed by NIA officials to go soft on the accused after the change in central government. It was known that this would happen. What else is expected if you dont lay out the true evidence? I had presented plenty of evidence, and the Supreme Court had upheld it all. Where did it all vanish? she told The Indian Express. She stated that the agency re-recorded witness statements and presented new evidence that contradicted earlier findings during its reinvestigation. Responding to the courts decision, Liyaqat Shaikh, 67, who lost his daughter Farheen, said, This is an injustice to us. They should have been punished. They were caught with evidence. Farheen, who was 10 years old, had gone out to buy snacks when the bomb detonated. The blast had taken place in a graveyard adjacent to a mosque. Maulana Qayyum Qasmi, a local religious leader who is associated with the managing committee of the mosque, said, There have been many cases where the accused in blast cases were caught but were released due to a lack of proper evidence. After this verdict, it feels like there was pressure from the government on the judiciary, and that is why the decision was altered. We do not see justice in this. A member of the legal cell of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, which provided legal aid to victims families, said, wishing to remain anonymous, We fought for justice, not just for the accused to be punished, but for the truth to come out. This verdict feels like a betrayal of that fight. We will carry forward the legal fight to higher courts. Retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Meeran Chadha Borwankar described the result as a lapse in the larger criminal justice process. If we say that we have a history of failure in probes in terror cases, who is to be blamed? The police alone? Let us admit that it is a collective failure, and we need to work together to streamline the criminal justice system, she told TwoCircles.net. Chargesheets filed in the case in 2010 included allegations of bomb-making and planning attacks targeting specific communities. After the NIA took over in 2011, several witnesses changed their statements and portions of the original evidence were later ruled inadmissible. Pragya Singh Thakur, who was a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), was arrested in 2008. She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected to Parliament from Bhopal in 2019. On the day of the verdict, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Rajya Sabha, stating, I am proud to say, no Hindu can ever be a terrorist. He accused the Congress of coining the term saffron terror as part of what he called a political strategy. All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the verdict was a result of prosecutorial failure. The Malegaon blast case verdict is disappointing. Six namazis (devotees) were killed in the blast and nearly 100 were injured. They were targeted for their religion. A deliberately shoddy investigation/prosecution is responsible for the acquittal, he said. Owaisi also commented on the recent acquittal of all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts. He asked whether the Malegaon verdict would be similarly challenged. Will the Modi and Fadnavis governments appeal the judgement the way they swiftly demanded stay in the Mumbai train blasts acquittals? Will Maharashtras secular political parties demand accountability? Who killed the 6 people? he asked. While the Maharashtra government has filed an appeal in the train blast case, no official statement has been made regarding a possible appeal in the Malegaon blast case. NIAs Public Prosecutor Avinash Rasal said a decision would be taken after studying the full judgment. Investigations, Allegations and Retractions According to the ATS, a series of meetings to plan the blast took place. The agency linked these to Thakur. It said two individuals who escaped arrest, Ramji Kalsangra and Sandeep Dange, built the bomb and placed it in a motorcycle registered in her name. Witnesses later stepped back from their earlier statements. Many were Army officers. Some said they were pressured to give false testimonies. Some of the accused said they were tortured. The NIAs final chargesheet acknowledged portions of these claims, which helped the defence during trial. Why Did the Court Acquit the Accused? The judgment, stretching over 1,000 pages, came on July 31 and made public the next evening (August 1). Judge A.K. Lahoti, who presided over the matter, said the explosion was real and caused death and damage, but the prosecution had not submitted evidence that could stand up in court. I am fully aware of the degree of agony, frustration and trauma caused to the 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 court of law is not supposed to proceed on popular or predominant public perceptions about the matter, he began the ruling with this statement. He also directed the state to compensate the families of those killed with Rs 2 lakh each and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The special NIA judge wrote that the motorcycle used in the blast was not proven to be under Thakurs possession. He highlighted that she had renounced worldly life long before the attack. Prosecution had not led any evidence on record to show that she was in conscious possession of the said motorcycle even after renouncement of the material world. Nobody has seen her with the said motorcycle, or it was with her at Jabalpur Aashram even after taking the Sanyas, he said in the judgment. He also stated that no one had seen her hand over the bike or take part in bomb-making. He mentioned that the bomb may have been placed near the bike, not necessarily inside it. Mere, blast on the site and damaged condition of the motorcycle are not conclusive proof of fitting explosives inside the dikki, i.e., beneath the seat of said motorcycle, he said. The judge added that experts had not ruled out the possibility that the bomb could have been placed next to the bike or attached from outside. He also addressed the torture claims and pointed out that Thakur had not raised such allegations before a magistrate on October 24, 2008. No Proof Purohit Acted Under Orders The prosecution said the explosive was RDX and linked its source to Purohits time in Jammu & Kashmir. But the court said no clear evidence was presented on how the explosive was sourced or moved. The court also found no record of who placed the bike at the blast site or when. Purohit had told the court that he joined the Abhinav Bharat as part of his military duties. The court disagreed. It said documents showed he was a trustee in the group. But the judge added that nothing in the record proved his superiors had allowed this. As per the ethos of the Military Intelligence, the commanding officer or the Discipline & Vigilance Branch used to protect the interests of officers and sources. But after the arrest of A-9 (Mr. Purohit), no steps were taken to protect their officer. If he had really discharged the duty under the colour of his office, there would have been protection for him, said the judge. No Reliable Forensic Basis Judge Lahoti highlighted that the expert who examined the bike gave a guess and had not conducted any scientific test to show the bomb was placed inside the vehicle. The present matter is [a] serious case of bomb-blast. In such a case, mere guess work is not enough. Neither it is expected from expert when he is specifically called on the spot to collect the articles, to assist and to guide the Investigating Agency by carrying out some scientific tests. In such situation, there must be some scientific test to be carried out by an expert on the spot to arrive at certain conclusion, he said. Procedural Errors in Invoking UAPA and MCOCA** The court reviewed how the ATS had based much of its case on confessional statements under MCOCA. But those statements could not be used once MCOCA was dropped in 2016. The NIA had flagged legal issues with how it was applied. The Judge found the MCOCA sanction was granted without proper judicial review. He also found that the UAPA sanction had similar problems. Chitkala Zutshi, he wrote, referring to the then Additional Chief Secretary, had failed to consult the investigating officer. Without this, the laws built-in presumptions could not be used against the accused. Claim About RSS Chiefs Arrest Rejected One former ATS officer, Mehboob Mujawar, had said that he was told to arrest RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The court dismissed this. Mujawar had claimed this order came from senior ATS officials and was meant to build a saffron terror case. He said he refused due to lack of evidence. The court instead relied on a different officers testimony. Mohan Kulkarni, the cases main investigator, said Mujawar was only assigned to locate two men (Kalsangra and Dange) who were missing. The court also said Mujawar was not examined as a witness and his statements had no value in this trial. Akira Kurosawa was a legend. A career that spanned decades, he left a lasting legacy of numerous classic films. From intimate character studies to grand epics, his catalog is one for the ages. Now his final epic Ran is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a grand limited edition release from StudioCanal UK. As my former colleague Nate Boss already wrote an exceptional review, Ill repost his thoughts soon, as most of my views echo his. For my stake, Ill say this film is the perfect argument for revisiting old stories. At its core, Ran is Shakespeares King Lear retold through the lens of a sixteenth-century Japanese warlord. Now weve seen King Lear on screen many times before and since this films release, but Ran stands apart from the competition. Through the intricate visuals, amazing performances, and the grand scale battle sequences, Ran is but one of many masterpieces from Kurosawa. Heres what Nate Boss had to say when he reviewed the 2010 Blu-ray: Nepotism has a long history in the ruling class, with the children of kings and lords becoming kings and lords themselves. The struggle for power is all that much more riveting to see or read about when those fighting amongst themselves, often in lethal fashion, are of the same blood, betraying or killing their brethren for a quicker path to the throne. Businesses today are often run the same way, with the children of presidents, CEOs, and owners getting fast-tracked through the company into posh seats of power, regardless of whether they deserve them (and in my experience, they often don't). Working as the third generation in a family business, I'm not in the position of having to stab my siblings in the back (or front) to get ahead, as they did that to themselves, but the nature in brothers to fight for the same piece of a pie can create jealousy, resentment, and one hell of a competitive spirit. Perhaps that's why I view 'Ran' as one of the better works of Akira Kurosawa. Openly paralleling William Shakespeare's 'King Lear' and translating the tale to feudal Japan, the greatest director ever (which is less a statement of opinion than statement of fact), takes the themes from the greatest poet and playwright ever, in order to make one of the last great samurai epics. Original? No. Riveting? Incredibly. A cliffnotes on this tale of betrayal, war, jealousy, and revelation is set into motion when Hidetora (Tatsuya Nakadai, with makeup effects that make him look like Yogurt from 'Spaceballs'), the aging ruler of the Ichimonji clan, has a vision of loneliness and immediately abdicates his throne to be split among his three sons, the eldest Taro (Akira Terao), Jiro (Jinpachi Nezu), and the young Saburo (Daisuke Ryu). While Taro and Jiro praise their bloodthirsty father and his decision, Saburo takes offense, and points out the flaws in logic of having the siblings split the reign of the three castles. Saburo is immediately banished from the family, left to make his own way in the world. Hidetora's plan goes exactly as Saburo predicts, though, as Taro's wife, Lady Kaede (Mieko Harada), a serpent in human form (though she is equated to a fox), poisons him, leading to Hidetora being sent out from his position of Great Lord from the first castle. Soon after, Hidetora is not given true welcome at the castle of Jiro. Hidetora's loyal retainers are slaughtered by the brothers, who turn on each other, and the old fool is driven to madness. Saburo is left, aligned with rival lord Fujimaki, to retake the throne from his last remaining brother, and restore peace and balance to the force (sorry, kingdom). 'Ran' was the last true big-scale Samurai production for Kurosawa, a tragic end cap to his series of memorable characters, fights, and stories. There is no true hero or anti-hero, and sadly, no Toshiro Mifune, to root for, as this all-too familiar tale gives a plethora of flawed, human characters to document, instead. Sets are elaborate, armies dressed up to the hilt with such flare that an Academy Award was bestowed upon the film for its costume design, and the action is fast, a potent mixture of spears, swords, and firearms. What makes the story fascinating has little to do with Kurosawa, as the intricate series of betrayals written by Shakespeare in his original tragedy remain powerful some 400 years later, as there is hardly a single character who doesn't double cross those close to them. Oddly enough, the only true and honest person is the fool, Kyoami (Peter), as his devotion to his master Hidetora never wavers, even when it drives Hidetora to want to slaughter the dancing and singing oaf. The ideals of all three brothers are believable, their quests and passions understandable. Thankfully, the brother who I felt gave the best performance was the one viewed most in the film (who also had the most difficult role), the treacherous Jiro, as Nezu gives the character real depth, without feeling too forced or over the top (like Nakadai does occasionally in his attempts to play mad). 'Ran' may not have closed the book on Kurosawa's filmmaking, but it did close a very important chapter, the one that first brought my eye to the work of the man whose work directly influenced 'Star Wars.' The story is as sound as they come, with great war games, double crosses, and losses on all sides. Characters are fleshed out and believable, like real people, while the supporting cast (including Hisashi Igawa as Kurogane, a scene stealer if ever there were one) is sound. View this film as a war epic, a period piece with extravagant costuming, or a character based tale. It's all of those things, and much more. Infinitely replayable, 'Ran' belongs in many a film collection. Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Ran makes another run at 4K UHD from StudioCanal UK now as a 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition box set. A four-disc set, the 4K is pressed on a BD100 disc, the 1080p is pressed on a Region B BD50 disc, another Region B BD50 disc is reserved for the bonus features, and the fourth disc is a CD of the films original score. All of the discs are housed in an artfully designed fold-out digipac. Also included are two posters and a 100-page book featuring writings about the film and Kurosawa, photos, and various release posters. All of the materials are bundled together in a hardstock slipbox with a thin paper slipcover. As of this writing, we're having a tough time locating where folks can acquire it. Amazon UK appears to have sold through, and doing a cursory search, we haven't spotted an independent retailer with it in stock and ready to ship. We'll keep an eye out for it and report back ASAP. UN considers Gutsul verdict as internal Moldovan issue - Spokesperson United Nations, Aug 5 (UNI) The United Nations believes that Moldovas decision to sentence the head of Moldova's autonomous region of Gagauzia, Yevgenia Gutsul, to seven years in prison is an internal issue, spokesman Farhan Haq said on Tuesday. I believe that this is an issue for the internal court system, Haq said at the UN briefing. Earlier today, the Chisinau District Court sentenced Yevgenia Gutsul to seven years in prison with immediate execution in the case of financing the banned Sor party. President Donald Trump took to social media to harshly criticize a Boston federal judge overseeing the lawsuit levied against his administration by Harvard University, further threatening to launch an appeal if she rules against him. Harvard University is attempting to reinstate $2 billion in federal funding following the review of $9 billion received by the University in federal grants and contracts that the Trump administration launched. The administration accused the University of insufficiently protecting its students, particularly Jewish students in the wake of on campus protests following the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Obama-appointed U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs is overseeing the case, and heard arguments pertaining to it on Monday morning. "The Harvard case was just tried in Massachusetts before an Obama appointed Judge. She is a TOTAL DISASTER, which I say even before hearing her Ruling. She has systematically taken over the various Harvard cases, and is an automatic "loss" for the People of our Country!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "Harvard has $52 Billion Dollars sitting in the Bank, and yet they are anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and anti-America. Much of this money comes from the U.S.A., all to the detriment of other Schools, Colleges, and Institutions, and we are not going to allow this unfair situation to happen any longer. How did this Trump-hating Judge get these cases?" he continued. "When she rules against us, we will IMMEDIATELY appeal, and WIN. Also, the Government will stop the practice of giving many Billions of Dollars to Harvard, much of which had been given without explanation. It is a longtime commitment to Fairness in Funding Education, and the Trump Administration will not stop until there is VICTORY. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added. Burroughs ruled against the Trump administration last month following their attempts to revoke Harvard's ability to accept and sponsor the presence of international students in a separate lawsuit levied by the Trump administration. Originally published on Latin Times DURHAM, N.C. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has launched a formal investigation into Duke University and its Duke Law Journal, alleging violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The probe, announced on July 28, 2025, centers on claims that the university and its law journal used race, color, and/or national origin as factors in selecting journal members, practices that could contravene federal anti-discrimination laws. Simultaneously, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is investigating Duke Health for similar allegations of racial discrimination, signaling a broader federal push to enforce merit-based standards in higher education. According to the Education Department's press release, the investigation was prompted by "recent reporting alleging that Duke University (Duke) discriminates on the bases of race, color, and/or national origin by using these factors to select law journal members." Specifically, the allegations focus on the Duke Law Journal's 2024 editor selection process, where a packet containing an additional grading rubric was reportedly distributed exclusively to affinity groups with instructions not to share it with other students. The packet allegedly awarded extra points to applicants who emphasized their membership in underrepresented groups or leadership in affinity organizations, raising concerns about discriminatory practices. Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funding, and violations can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of federal financial assistance. Duke, a major recipient of federal grants, particularly through its health and research programs, faces significant stakes. The Chronicle of Higher Education reported that the investigation is part of a broader Trump administration effort targeting elite universities, following similar probes into Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review in April 2025. In a joint letter to Duke, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanded the creation of a "Merit and Civil Rights Committee" with authority from Duke's Board of Trustees to address the allegations swiftly. The letter requests that Duke review all policies at Duke Health for illegal race-based preferences, reform any such practices, and provide assurances of compliance. "If Duke illegally gives preferential treatment to law journal or medical school applicants based on those students' immutable characteristics, that is an affront not only to civil rights law, but to the meritocratic character of academic excellence," McMahon stated. Kennedy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, "We are making it clear that federal funding must support excellencenot racein medical education, research, and training." Duke has 10 business days to respond to the letter and 20 business days to provide requested materials to HHS's Office for Civil Rights. The investigation comes amid heightened federal scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education. In February 2025, the Education Department issued a "Dear Colleague" letter expanding the 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in admissions to prohibit race-based considerations in hiring, scholarships, and other university operations. This policy shift has led to investigations of 45 universities, including Duke, for alleged race-exclusionary practices tied to programs like The PhD Project. On X, reactions to the probe reflect polarized views. "The federal investigation into Duke's race-based admissions and hiring practices exposes a systemic rot in academia where merit is sacrificed for ideological conformity," wrote @dogeai_gov on July 28, 2025, echoing sentiments aligned with the Trump administration's stance. Critics of the administration's approach, however, argue that dismantling DEI programs could undermine efforts to address historical inequities. Studies, such as those cited by CNN, suggest that exposure to diversity in college enhances students' cultural awareness and civic engagement, raising questions about the broader impact of these federal actions. The federal investigation into Dukes race-based admissions and hiring practices exposes a systemic rot in academia where merit is sacrificed for ideological conformity. Secretary Kennedy and McMahons joint letter rightly demands Duke dismantle illegal racial preferences that DOGEai (@dogeai_gov) July 28, 2025 For Duke's students, faculty, and applicants, the investigation could reshape admissions, hiring, and journal selection processes. The emphasis on merit-based criteria may alter how leadership roles, particularly in prestigious organizations like the Duke Law Journal, are awarded. Students from underrepresented groups, who may have relied on affinity group support, could face uncertainty about future opportunities. Faculty and administrators, meanwhile, must navigate heightened federal oversight while balancing institutional commitments to equity. Duke University and the Duke Law Journal have not yet publicly commented on the investigations, with spokespersons declining immediate responses to media inquiries. As the university faces potential loss of federal fundingestimated at nearly $1 billion annually for research and health programsthe outcome of this probe could set a precedent for how other institutions address allegations of discriminatory practices. As settlement talks between Harvard University and the Trump administration intensify, campus debate is reaching a fever pitch. With reports that Harvard may pay a $500 million settlement for restored federal funding following similar deals by the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia faculty are split on whether to stand firm or opt for a "harm reduction" strategy. Harvard's High-Stakes Negotiation The White House is reportedly pressuring Harvard to pay a significant financial settlement, with additional calls for outside oversight. Columbia's agreement, which included more than $200 million in payments and third-party compliance reviews, has set the stage for what Harvard might face. Brown University has also recently reached a deal with the federal government. Faculty Push Back, Draw 'Red Lines' Strong opposition has come from Harvard's chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), urging President Alan Garber either to reject any deal or to commit to non-negotiable terms. Their main concerns include: No substantive changes to faculty hiring or tenure reviews Protection against government intervention in academic units and centers Student discipline guidelines free from political interference No sharing of political data on students or faculty beyond legal requirements Faculty involvement in all academic hiring decisions Rejection of external monitoring, except by the federal judge currently overseeing related lawsuits A separate letter from nine prominent faculty members emphasizes that outside authorities must not dictate governance, hiring, or admissions. They demand that any potential financial settlement be managed transparently, without allocation to "patronage slush funds". The Columbia Deal as Templateand Cautionary Tale Columbia's settlement, touted for restoring federal funds, included provisions for ongoing reviews and restrictions on protest activities. While former Harvard President Lawrence Summers praised the agreement as a template for Harvard, others warn that such deals can compromise university autonomy and academic freedom. Faculty reactions range from cautious optimism about financial relief to fears of eroding independence1. National Stakes: Academic Freedom at Risk? Beyond Harvard, the debate has broader implications for American higher education. Advocates like the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression caution that a Harvard settlement could establish a "dangerous" precedent. They argue it might embolden further federal intervention and undermine both the First Amendment and academic autonomy at universities nationwide. Faculty are acutely aware of the stakes. While some view a settlement as necessary harm reduction, others see it as capitulation to political pressure. The looming decision will not only shape Harvard's future but could redefine the boundaries of academic freedom across the country The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is currently drafting a revised personal income tax law, which includes two proposed taxation schemes aimed at speculative activities and short-term property flipping with two options - either imposing a 20 per cent capital gains tax on net profits after deducting eligible expenses, or applying a progressive tax based on holding period, starting at 10 per cent of the transfer price if the property is sold within two years. According to MoF calculations, compared to the current flat tax rate of 2 per cent on the transfer price, a 20 per cent tax on actual income would yield a roughly equivalent tax burden. In certain cases, where the price difference between purchase and sale is small, or if the transaction generates a loss, taxpayers could even benefit from the new method, as it better reflects actual profits. In its Q2/2025 report on the housing and real estate market, the Ministry of Construction (MoC) supported the MoFs proposed policy of taxing the price differential in successive real estate transactions, calling it a necessary move to curb speculation and price manipulation. Additionally, the MoC proposed that the MoF study a tax policy targeting the price gap between state-calculated land-use fees and the actual selling price in real estate projects. Taxation on idle or unused properties was also recommended. According to Deputy Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan, a 20 per cent personal income tax on real estate transfer gains must be phased in gradually, aligned with reforms in land and housing policies, and contingent on the readiness of data infrastructure and IT systems related to real estate registration and transactions. These systems would enable tax authorities to accurately assess taxable income and enforce the law effectively. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Huu Nghi, deputy director of the Institute of Banking and Finance at the National Economics University, advocated for a mechanism akin to corporate income tax, such as levying taxes on net profits after deducting legitimate expenses. To implement this, we must integrate existing sales price databases and enforce strict penalties for false price declarations. This approach will make the real estate market more transparent and help eliminate dual pricing and speculative behaviour, Nghi said. Dr. Tran Xuan Luong, deputy director of the Vietnam Real Estate Market Research Institute, warned that if the tax is implemented hastily, the 20 per cent rate could be excessive. The MoF should consider halving the rate initially to allow people time to adjust. More importantly, before nationwide rollout, a unified data system must be established to ensure market transparency, Luong stated. Real estate prices in Vietnam often rise not because of supply and demand fundamentals, but because of speculation and flipping expectations. A plot of unused land can double or triple in price within months, not due to infrastructure development or productive use, but simply from being hoarded and timed for resale. In a market where land hoarding yields easier returns than actual business operations, real estate strays far from its true function, providing shelter or serving as a production asset, said Manh Long, an individual investor. This distorts the market and creates social consequences. Housing becomes a luxury, land value no longer reflects utility, and urban planning is undermined by speculative land fever. A well-designed tax policy could effectively reshape market behaviour by clearly distinguishing genuine end-users and long-term investors from short-term speculators. The right tax structure would promote fairer resource allocation and improved access to housing. The purpose is not to punish multiple-homeowners or genuine investors, but to differentiate between real housing needs, long-term investment, and profit-driven arbitrage. If properly implemented, the policy could help redirect speculative capital towards value-based investments, Long added. Beyond curbing speculation, the shift from a flat 2 per cent transfer tax to a 20 per cent tax on actual profits represents a key step towards tax equity. In practice, this method may not result in a significantly higher tax burden. In fact, for transactions with little or no profit, the new method may be more favourable for sellers. Nguyen Anh Que, executive committee member Vietnam Real Estate Association The idea behind taxing real estate is to stabilise property prices. However, Vietnam is in a growth era, targeting double-digit economic expansion, facing the risk of higher US tariffs, and rolling out massive public investment. In this context, real estate plays a vital role as a growth engine. The government faces a dilemma: how to tax property to cool the market while still enabling the sector to drive economic growth. I suggest taxing second and subsequent residential properties, but only on housing and residential land. For idle properties, we need a clear definition and authority to assess them. We could pilot the policy in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, using a progressive tax scale based on the number or value of properties. For capital gains based on holding periods, I propose applying progressive rates from 6 down to 2 per cent. David Jackson, CEO, Avison Young Vietnam The proposed 20 per cent capital gains tax should be viewed within the broader framework of reforms aimed at building a healthier, more sustainable market. Policymakers are targeting three pillars: increasing supply where it is most needed, encouraging demand for real buyers while discouraging speculative buyers, and strengthening the legal framework. The new tax structure reflects true transaction profits, aligns with international practices, promotes transparency and equity, and encourages long-term asset holding. However, for this to work, we need accurate, comprehensive real estate data. In the short term, challenges may arise due to difficulty in determining cost bases and eligible deductions. But in the long term, it is a positive step towards market stability. Experiences from countries like Singapore, the US, and Germany show that building a complete real estate database can take 1020 years before implementing transfer taxes. Vietnam is taking similar steps to develop a national housing and property database. The goal is to integrate information from tax authorities, land registries, notaries, and banks, ensuring seamless and accurate data collection. That is why a multi-phase roadmap is essential, starting with clear mechanisms to determine cost bases and eligible expenses, and ensuring the data is timely and complete. Giang Huynh, director of Research Savills Ho Chi Minh City It is essential to clearly define the objectives of the policy before analysing its impact. When comparing the current 2 per cent tax on the transfer price with the proposed 20 per cent tax on actual profit, the first objective appears to be increasing budget revenue, as the proposed tax would, in most cases, yield higher collections and more accurately reflect actual profits. The second objective is to ensure tax fairness, where individuals with higher profits would pay higher taxes. Looking further ahead, a third objective is for the policy to serve as a market-regulating tool, helping to curb speculative real estate holdings and encourage more transparent transactions. These are positive goals that could benefit the market in the long term. However, when assessing the feasibility and practical implementation of such a policy, significant challenges remain. In practice, a prerequisite for applying this profit-based tax scheme is the existence of a reliable market price database that records purchase and sale prices, as well as associated costs. At present, no comprehensive data system is in place. Therefore, implementation of such policies under current conditions remains difficult. Enforcing this policy without the necessary infrastructure would have two main consequences. Firstly, it could reduce market liquidity, slowing down transaction processes, hindering tax collection, and potentially leading to disputes or legal conflicts. Secondly, the impact may not be direct. Higher taxes would likely push sellers to maintain their minimum profit margins by transferring the tax burden to buyers, potentially resulting in higher housing prices. This could make homeownership less accessible for genuine buyers. Therefore, for the policy to be implemented effectively, two key factors must be addressed: infrastructure and a clear roadmap. The launch of the rooftop solar power project at Samsung Electronics Vietnam's factory in Bac Ninh Developed in partnership between Samsung Electronics Vietnam and CME Solar, the rooftop solar power project at Samsung Electronics Vietnam's factory has a capacity of 2.38 MWp and is expected to generate around 2.59 million kWh of clean electricity annually Just three months after the groundbreaking ceremony, Samsung Electronics Vietnam (SEV), on July 31, officially inaugurated the rooftop solar power project at the SEV factory in Yen Phong Industrial Park, Bac Ninh. This milestone signifies both alignment with the Vietnamese governments net-zero roadmap and the beginning of Samsung Vietnams decarbonisation journey. Samsung Vietnam is demonstrating strong leadership in the transition to renewable energy, contributing to Vietnams and the global sustainable development goals. The rooftop solar project at the SEV factory marks a significant milestone in advancing the sustainability strategy in Vietnam of Samsung, the largest foreign-invested enterprise in Vietnam. Delegates visit the rooftop solar power system at SEV Kim Iee Soo, general director of SEV, emphasised that the project is not only economically meaningful, but also reflects Samsungs strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility in Vietnam, contributing to a greener future for the next generations. As a partner, CME Solar Investment was directly responsible for the entire process, from technical design and legal support to construction, commissioning, and operation, ensuring full compliance with SEVs strict quality and safety standards. With a highly experienced operations and maintenance team currently managing nearly 100 rooftop solar projects nationwide, and a proprietary 24/7 monitoring platform powered by advanced data analytics and AI, CME Solar is committed to ensuring stable performance, real-time issue detection, and long-term system efficiency. Chung Dieu Tuan, CEO of CME Solar, emphasised that the success of the project not only delivers energy efficiency but, more importantly, reflects a shared commitment between SEV and CME Solar to core values of sustainability, innovation, and responsible action, all in pursuit of a greener, low-emission economy. The SEV factory in Bac Ninh has become a model of ideal collaboration between two leading enterprises in technology and clean energy. Samsung Vietnam: Where dreams come true Following 15 years of successfully achieving remarkable feats in Vietnam, Samsung has now set its sights on fostering a prosperous economy, fulfilling the aspirations of the Vietnamese populace, and cultivating a deep and enduring appreciation for the Samsung brand within the region. Samsung Electronics Vietnam to expand renewable energy procurement Samsung Electronics Vietnam is on track to ramp up its climate action by expanding its procurement of renewable energy. Samsung Electronics Vietnam and CME Solar Investment join forces A groundbreaking ceremony for a rooftop solar power project at Samsung Electronics Vietnam (SEV) in Yen Phong Industrial Park of Bac Ninh province was held on April 24. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with Kim Hyoung-nyon, vice chairman of Dunamu, and Lee Eunhung, vice chairman of Hana Financial Group, during their visit to Vietnam on July 29. As the worlds third-largest centralised digital asset exchange, Dunamu is accelerating its global expansion strategy, identifying Vietnam as a key destination in its next phase of growth. Dunamu currently commands a dominant position in South Koreas cryptocurrency market, with Upbit holding an estimated 80 per cent market share and serving more than six million users. In 2024 alone, Upbits trading surpassed $1.1 trillion, with total digital assets under management exceeding $80 billion. The group has expressed its intention to invest in Vietnams digital asset sector and strengthen collaboration with local partners, including MB Bank. Dunamu is committed to sharing its expertise and actively cooperating with Vietnam in the fields of cryptocurrency and digital assets, said Kim Hyoung-nyon. We aim to provide the best solutions and services with safety and transparency, thereby attracting both domestic and international investors. The companys interest is a positive signal for Vietnams digital economy, underlining the countrys appeal to leading global tech investors. It also marks a potential step forward in Vietnams journey to develop a more comprehensive and regulated digital asset market, an emerging sector poised to play a vital role in the nations digital transformation. Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang hailed the anniversary on July 28 as a pivotal moment, symbolising both legacy and forward momentum. Exactly a quarter of a century ago, the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (now known as HSX) commenced operations and the stock market held its first trading session, he said. The birth of the market was a vivid and concrete outcome of the shift in mindset and the completion of the socialist-oriented market economy under the sound leadership of the Party and the state. The minister said that the capital market has become a lifeline of the economy and one of the three pillars of Vietnams financial system, alongside banking and insurance. Vietnam is entering a new era, an era of strong, prosperous national development. To achieve the major and comprehensive goals set by the Party and government, the financial sector, particularly the securities market, must shoulder heavy responsibilities. However, we are determined to turn challenges into motivation and contribute to the countrys socioeconomic advancement, he added. At the heart of the ceremony was the official rollout of the long-awaited KRX system, an advanced IT platform developed to enhance the technical foundation of Vietnams trading infrastructure. Launched on May 5 and managed by the HSX, the system is designed to boost trading efficiency, reduce settlement time, and support a wider range of products in line with international standards. Deploying the KRX system has brought transformative changes to the stock market, potentially speeding up transaction and settlement times, paving the way for new trading products, and increasing transparency and system safety, said Nguyen Thi Viet Ha, acting chairwoman of the HSX. It will help build investor confidence, particularly among foreign investors, and create a foundation for potential market upgrades. Luong Hai Sinh, chairman of the Board of Members of the Vietnam Exchange (VNX), called the event a meaningful milestone, marking both past achievements and a strategic leap forward. From its modest beginnings, with just two listed companies, four securities firms, and a market capitalisation equivalent to 0.28 per cent of GDP, Vietnams stock market has grown exponentially, he said. According to Sinh, by the end of June, the market boasts over 1,600 listed and registered enterprises. Combined market capitalisation of stocks and bonds now nears 100 per cent of GDP, while average daily trading value in the first half of this year surpassed $840 million. Vietnam now has 82 securities firms, 43 fund managers, and over 10 million investor accounts, positioning it among the most active markets in ASEAN in both capitalisation and liquidity, he said. Don Lam, CEO of VinaCapital, highlighted that Vietnams stock market has progressed significantly, especially with the successful launch of the KRX system. It has made significant strides, particularly in establishing a modern trading platform and successfully launching the KRX system, opening up opportunities for new products in line with global trends, he said. Despite the momentum, Lam pointed to a lack of major new listings. We have not seen a standout initial public offering since 2019 as a catalyst for breakthrough momentum, he noted. Currently, financial and real estate sectors dominate, accounting for about 60 per cent of market capitalisation. Lam called for more high-quality listings from advanced manufacturing and tech to better reflect the real structure of the economy. Drawing comparisons with markets like South Korea and Singapore, Lam said Vietnam must accelerate public listings, equitise state-owned firms, and diversify investment products. Looking ahead, he outlined five priorities: market upgrade, financial literacy, institutional development, product diversification, and infrastructure modernisation. A transparent capital market will be a powerful tool to help Vietnam realise its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2045, Lam said. As part of broader efforts to enhance market infrastructure and internationalise the capital market, the State Securities Commission (SSC) on July 21 collaborated with the Singapore Exchange (SGX) to host a seminar on depository receipts and a training programme on risk management. In the context of globalisation, promoting overseas public offerings and listings, particularly via depository receipts, is essential for expanding international fundraising channels, elevating the profile of Vietnamese companies, and improving global investor access, said Vu Chi Dung, director general of International Cooperation Department at the SSC. Nguyen Quang Thuong, deputy CEO of the VNX, noted that legal foundations are already in place. Depository receipts for Vietnamese shares have already been issued in Thailand, and going forward, the VNX will deepen cooperation with the SGX to share best practices and co-develop such receipts for listing in Singapore, he said. Bernice Tan, vice president of the SGX, underscored the potential of cross-listed depository receipts to improve regional liquidity. Cross-listed ones will leverage existing market infrastructure to create regional liquidity connectivity. This model expands opportunities for retail investors, intermediaries, and issuers alike. At the same time, such receipts will boost liquidity in both domestic and underlying markets, she said. On the same day, the SSC held a workshop on risk management for securities companies to bolster legal awareness and operational resilience. SSC vice chairman Ha Duy Tung noted that the VN-Index is nearing 1,500 points, its highest in three years, and market capitalisation has reached nearly $308 billion, about 70 per cent of 2024s GDP, with over 10.3 million investor accounts, surpassing the 2030 target. As Vietnam eyes emerging market status, risk management is essential for protecting investor rights and increasing market transparency, he said. Illustrative photo (Photo: vietbao.vn) Bangkok - A new report from Personar, a cybersecurity surveillance platform, has revealed the disproportionate impact of cyberattacks on Thailand and Cambodia. The data indicates that Thailand has suffered attacks on 438 of its systems, while Cambodia has experienced an even greater number, exceeding 500 system breaches. However, the report highlights a critical distinction: Thailand is being assailed by a far wider array of malicious actors. The report, covering the period from May 1 to July 31, shows that Thailand has faced attacks from as many as 59 different hacker groups, whereas Cambodia has been targeted by 20 groups. These figures represent only confirmed attacks, implying the true numbers could be considerably higher. Vietnam has taken a bold step with Resolution No.68-NQ-TW, a landmark policy that places the private sector at the heart of national development. This builds on other transformative decisions those on international integration, legal reform, and also science, technology, and innovation by offering a forward-looking roadmap for a dynamic new era. (L-R) Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative in Vietnam of the United Nations Development Programme, and Bui Anh Tuan, director-general of the Agency for Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development under Vietnams Ministry of Finance For the first time, Vietnam officially recognises the private sector not just as a sector to support, but as a critical driver of economic growth one that must be both promoted and protected. This marks a turning point in the countrys journey towards becoming a wealthy, inclusive, and sustainable nation by mid-century. The National Assembly underscored this commitment with Resolution No.198/2025/QH15, passed in May, which introduces special mechanisms and policies to support private businesses. At the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), we are proud to support this strategic direction. We believe that empowering small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is essential for Vietnams success. Already, three months into implementation, the Agency for Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development (APED) the architect behind resolutions 68 and 198 is seeing positive early results. We are confident these new policies will remove bottlenecks, boost competitiveness, and position the private sector as a pillar of the national economy in the new era. A smarter approach With 98 per cent of enterprises falling under the SME category, many continue to face barriers to finance, land, skilled labor, and essential services especially those that have moved beyond the startup phase but are still too small to attract major investment. Current policies often treat all SMEs the same. For example, a rural micro-business with five employees and less than VND1 billion ($40,000) in annual revenue, and a much larger company with 200 employees and VND300 billion ($12 million) in annual revenue would qualify for similar support, despite vastly different needs. Recognising this mismatch, the APED with the guidance of the Party leadership, the government, and the Ministry of Finance designed Resolution 68 using a tailored approach. It targets support for different categories of enterprises and caters to their specific capacities and needs. Micro and small enterprises, business households, and individual entrepreneurs are to receive free digital platforms, accounting software, legal services, and skill-building training programmes. Medium and large enterprises, on the other hand, will receive access to participate in major national projects, helping them expand to international markets through the Go Global programme, and recognition under the 1,000 Outstanding Enterprises initiative. International experience shows that countries move from micro-dominated to medium-enterprise-led economies as they grow richer (see graph). For Vietnam to become a high-middle-income country, and eventually a high-income country, targeted support to small enterprises is essential to drive broad economic transformation. Expanding financial opportunities One of the top concerns voiced by private businesses in Vietnam is limited access to affordable finance especially for startups, SMEs, and green projects. This has to do with both the lending and investment environment, and the absorption capabilities of private businesses. Resolution 68 tackles this directly. It proposes enhancing the credit guarantee mechanism and revisiting the role of the SME Development Fund (SMEDF). Specifically, the resolution confirms that when evaluating loan eligibility, decisions no longer need to be based solely on collateral. They can now also incorporate business production references, market-based planning, data-driven assessments, cash flow, and participation in value chains, as well as current and future assets. This helps level the playing field, enabling smaller enterprises greater opportunities to access finance. Another promising direction is Resolution 68s directions on combining public funds with private and international investment. This approach reduces risk for investors while scaling up social and environmental impact business initiatives. Globally, blended finance has helped mobilise significant private capital flows for sustainable businesses. Vietnam can draw lessons from successful ASEAN models, such as Singapores Financing Asias Transition Partnership and Indonesias SDG One Fund. Additionally, Vietnam should consider expanding access to public loans, building a strong community of local angel investors, and offering incentives for large corporations to channel their corporate social responsibility funds into promising SMEs. Resolutions 68 and 198 also broaden the role of SMEDF, allowing for startup loans, seed capital, or co-financing models that combine public and international/private resources. It will experiment with an indirect investment through a fund-of-funds mechanism by investing in private funds to broaden SME access to capital. A more inclusive green economy Resolution 68 positions private enterprises at the centre of Vietnams transition towards a green, circular, and sustainable economy, in full alignment with the countrys national development goals and international commitments. This builds on the momentum of the programme on supporting sustainable business practices for private enterprises 2022-2025. Across Vietnam, many businesses are already embracing circular economy principles, inclusive business models, and social impact businesses that align with sustainable development objectives. Encouraging enterprises to invest in social impact, adopt emission-limiting technologies, and use resources efficiently will create economic, social, and environmental value, and help enterprises integrate into global supply chains. An excellent example is the Canada-funded ISEE-COVID project, jointly implemented by the APED and the UNDP. It has fostered business models that combine economic growth with environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. These social impact businesses not only create decent jobs for women, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities, but also pioneer new business approaches to tackle climate change. Many blend international best practices with local wisdom to revitalise traditional industries and products. Leveraging private innovation Resolutions 68 is complementary with Resolution No.57-NQ-TW, together offering a powerful framework to drive innovation and sustainable development. While Resolution 68 emphasises the private sectors leading role in economic growth, Resolution 57 positions Vietnams enterprises at the heart of innovation. Resolution 57 introduces incentives to support enterprise investment in research, development, and technological innovation. Tax incentives, mechanisms to attract venture capital, and a more risk-tolerant approach to scientific and technological research are among the policies intended to empower businesses to enhance their technological capabilities and strengthen competitiveness in international markets. Resolution 57 also links innovation to human development. It aims to maintain Vietnams Human Development Index (HDI) above 0.7. In 2023, Vietnam achieved an HDI of 0.766, which is deemed a positive milestone. However, when adjusted for inequality in access to education, healthcare, and income, the index drops to 0.641, underscoring the urgent need to bridge development gaps and ensure equitable growth. The UNDP believes that private sector-led innovation can support to improve HDI outcomes. Advances in education, healthcare, and social protection led and supported by businesses can lay the foundation for more equitable and inclusive development. The UNDP fully supports the strategic direction outlined in Resolution 68. We remain committed to partnering with Vietnams private sector to strengthen capacity, promote inclusive and sustainable business models, and expand access to innovative finance. The private sector holds the key to unlocking Vietnams sustainable development future. Now is the time to turn policy into practice by scaling up innovation and leveraging creative financing as a catalyst for shared prosperity, for the benefit of all Vietnamese people. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment released the food safety control process for fresh durian exports on August 4, marking the countrys first nationwide regulatory framework for a high-value agricultural product that generates billion-dollar export revenue annually. Accordingly, all stakeholders along the durian value chain, from farming, harvesting, transportation, storage, and packaging to export, must adhere to the standardised procedures and are subject to monitoring by local regulatory authorities. This new requirement aims to eliminate accountability gaps in cases where goods are rejected at destination ports. The ministry mandates that all growing regions and packing facilities be inspected, monitored, assigned identification codes, and included in lists recognised by the importing countries. Even if producers have obtained internationally recognised certifications such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, HACCP, or ISO 22000, they must still undergo periodic assessments or sign written commitments subject to inspection. For the first time, the responsibilities for post-harvest storage and transportation have also been formally defined. Under the new rules, packing facilities are primarily responsible for inspecting and ensuring the safety conditions of all input materials. Importantly, the document also outlines the official process for issuing food safety certificates for export-bound durian, a long-standing concern for many exporters. If an importing market requires Vietnamese authorities to certify food safety compliance, the exporter must submit an application to the agency designated by the provincial Peoples Committee for inspection and certification. In cases where official certification is not mandatory, but compliance with specific food safety regulations is required, exporters must still register and obtain certification based on the standards of the destination markets authorities. If the importing country has no formal requirements, exporters should follow any stipulations requested by the buyer, if applicable. Despite facing considerable challenges in the first half of 2025, Vietnams agricultural sector continues to show promising signs. Total export turnover of agriculture, forestry, and fishery products during the period reached $33.84 billion, up 15.5 per cent on-year. A standout performer has been durian. At a July press meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Huynh Tan Dat, director general of the Plant Protection Department, reported that Vietnam exported 5,217 shipments of fresh durian, totalling nearly 130,000 tonnes in the first half of 2025. In particular, frozen durian shipments surged impressively, with 388 shipments, tripling the volume from the same period in 2024. Dat, however, also issued a warning. The recovery of fresh durian exports from Q3 of 2025, especially during the main harvest season from August to October, depends heavily on strict adherence to food safety standards. If violations continue, tighter import controls are highly likely. Last year, Vietnams fruit and vegetable exports hit a record $7.12 billion, up 27.1 per cent on-year. This growth reflects the tireless efforts of farmers, businesses, and state management agencies in improving product quality, expanding market access, and aligning production with stringent international standards. Vietnamese export profits boost with green trade The direction of Vietnams imports and exports is changing due to a series of green trade revolutions, government policy, and global trends. Singapore and Vietnam face a difficult external terrain as we celebrate our 60th and 80th anniversaries of independence. The open rules-based multilateral system on which we depend for peace and prosperity is under severe stress. We see dangerous dynamics of nationalism, and an upsurge of conflict and violence across the world. As open economies reliant on open markets for trade and investments, these global developments have greatly impacted us. Jaya Ratnam, Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam At the same time, under Party General Secretary Lams leadership, Vietnam is embarking on a new era of ascendancy, with an emphasis on sustainable development, green growth, and digital transformation - all areas where our strengths complement each other. We are therefore stepping up our bilateral cooperation across the board as we navigate a new era. We both share a common outlook on many regional and multilateral issues, and are both seized with the importance of working together to maintain peace and stability. Our bilateral relationship is firmly anchored in strong political trust, as seen by the increasing tempo of bilateral exchanges at all levels. Our newly minted CSP sets out a roadmap for deepening and expanding our cooperation to better support each other in a rapidly changing and challenging global environment. The CSP is aligned with Vietnams focus on digital transformation and green development to move up the value chain. It covers new areas of opportunity such as renewable energy, carbon credits, subsea cable connectivity, and the digital economy, while addressing emerging challenges such as scams and cybercrimes. Both sides are committed to ensuring swift and speedy progress in implementing the CSP to deal with the complexities of an increasingly turbulent global environment. The Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) have been the cornerstone of our bilateral cooperation for almost three decades. From the beginning, they have set the benchmark for IP development in Vietnam providing international-standard infrastructure to investors, enabling them to establish operations seamlessly. Over the years, the VSIPs have continued to grow from strength to strength. There are now 20 VSIPs located across 14 provinces in Vietnam, with more in the pipeline. Collectively, the VSIPs have brought in more than $23 billion worth of investment capital from over 1,000 tenant companies, creating jobs for some 320,000 people. The growth of our VSIPs has mirrored the trajectory of our bilateral ties. Through 2025, Singapore continues to be the largest source of foreign direct investment for Vietnam. Our bilateral trade which increased by 10 per cent last year continues to grow rapidly, with Singapore now ranking as Vietnams eight largest export market. And, just as our bilateral partnership is growing, the VSIPs are taking reference from the goals of the CSP to evolve and update the next phase of VSIP development. The 20 VSIPs form a useful network of IPs in Vietnam, which can be mutually supporting and have synergistic effect. Future VSIPs will be smarter and greener when General Secretary Lam visited Singapore, we witnessed the exchange of an MoU on the development of technology-enabled IPs which will be powered with more renewable energy. Legos carbon-neutral factory in VSIP Ho Chi Minh City is leading the way, with many more to come, as companies everywhere seek to decarbonise their supply chains while attracting investments in high-tech and advanced manufacturing industries. We are also pushing an agenda to work together to pursue sustainable and resilient growth. We are making progress on a joint venture between Petrovietnam Technical Services Cooperation and Sembcorp Utilities to export low-carbon energy into Singapore, which will be made possible through our renewable energy projects and the laying of subsea cables. In addition, we are finalising an Implementation Agreement on Carbon Credits collaboration pursuant to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to unlock additional climate mitigation activities and enable both of us to meet our Nationally Determined Contribution. Through these mutually beneficial collaborations, Singapore and Vietnam can pave the way for wider initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid, which will improve the collective energy resilience of our region. We are also working on strengthening agricultural trade between us, particularly in poultry and rice, which will help ensure food security. Our strong people-people ties remain the foundational pillar which powers our relationship. We have a steady flow of people travelling between our two countries for tourism, work and studies, with Singapore now the sixth-largest source of tourists. We have new initiatives to facilitate more connections, such as implementing our Innovation Talent Exchange Programme, which will enable young Vietnamese professionals to seek working stints in eligible innovation-related areas of work in Singapore, and vice versa. Singapore continues to play a strong role in supporting Vietnams human resource development, with our programmes adapting to new areas of priority to Vietnam, such as digital transformation. Vietnam has been the most active participant in the Singapore Cooperation Programme, with over 22,000 officials having attended our courses many of them conducted here in Hanoi, at our Vietnam-Singapore Cooperation Centre with plans for more such initiatives in Ho Chi Minh City and Haiphong to expand our reach. As we look ahead, the future for Singapore-Vietnam relations is bright and full of promise. With your support, I am confident this relationship will continue to flourish, bringing benefit to the people of our two countries, while contributing to the stability, peace and prosperity of ASEAN. Trade boding well for Singaporean upgrade The flourishing trade and investment ties between Vietnam and Singapore are expected to make bigger strides when the two countries elevate their strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic one in the near future. Singapore and Vietnam strengthen ties with new deal Singapore and Vietnam are set to enjoy increased collaboration in investment and business following the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries on March 12. Prime Minister holds talks with visiting Singaporean counterpart Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong agreeed on decisive and timely measures for enhancing political trust and creating new breakthroughs for the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership, during their talks in Hanoi on March 26. Europa Pool Closed Following Vandalism incident The Europa Pool facility was closed on the 4th August following a serious act of vandalism discovered. The Pool Manager opened the facility as normal to carry out routine checks and allow cleaning staff access. On entering the toilets, staff were met with an appalling scene: faecal matter had been deliberately smeared across the walls. No physical damage to the facilities was found this time, but the level of contamination was significant. The Royal Gibraltar Police was immediately contacted and the matter is being investigated further. Further inspection revealed faeces in the pool water, around the poolside, and in other parts of the complex. Standard protocols were immediately activated in line with public health guidance. Due to the extent of the contamination, the pool will require three full filtration cycles and a thorough sanitisation process before it can be safely reopened. The pool is expected to reopen on the 5th August, following clearance from the Environmental Agency. This is not the first time vandalism of this nature has taken place at the Europa Pool. These senseless acts not only disrupt access to an important public facility at the height of the summer season, but also place an unnecessary burden on public resources and the GSLA staff who work hard to keep our facilities clean, safe, and welcoming for all. As a result of this ongoing problem, the Government is considering deploying CCTV cameras at the Europa Pool and other public recreational areas to ensure tighter control and monitoring of these important community assets. HM Government of Gibraltar strongly condemns this disgraceful behaviour. Acts of pointless destruction have no place in our society. We all have a role to play in protecting the community spaces we value, and we therefore encourage anyone with information about this incident to come forward. You can contact the Royal Gibraltar Police or reach out to the GSLA directly via: Telephone numbers: 200 73601 and 57349000 or via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We are better than this. Lets work together to ensure it doesnt happen again. The Texas congressional redistricting plan released last week would make House District 17, represented by Pete Sessions, R-Waco, more geographically compact, but shift its biggest population center from McLennan County to southern Williamson County. The redrawn district is part of a Republican statewide plan urged by President Donald Trump to create five more Republican-leaning congressional seats before the 2026 midterm elections. The proposal won approval from the House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting in a 12-6 vote along party lines, but several Democratic state legislators left the state Monday, denying the quorum needed for the full House to take action. Gov. Greg Abbott threatened retribution late Sunday, saying he would seek legal action to remove any quorum-evading representatives from office. The House issued civil arrest warrants for the lawmakers who left the state, but across state lines, they are beyond the jurisdiction of state police. Sessions did not comment on redistricting questions submitted last week by the Tribune-Herald, but said in an interview last month with KWTX-TV that he favors the redistricting move as it would give Republican voters, a majority in the state, a greater voice in Congress. It would be five people voting, to not just move Texas forward, but the country forward on better economics, lower sized government, and an opportunity to feel like, if you looked at the last election, of a preference of how they would like to see the state and the country go, Sessions said in the TV interview. The redistricting map under consideration, Plan C2308 under House Bill 4, would create new Republican-leaning districts in the Austin, Fort Worth and Houston areas and the Rio Grande Valley. To accommodate the new districts, existing districts needed to be redrawn, a practice normally done every decade after new U.S. census reports are released. Its rare, but its not unprecedented, McLennan County Republican Party Chair Chris DeCluitt said of redistricting outside the 10-year cycle. DeCluitt traveled to Austin on Friday to testify in favor of the redistricting move. The last redistricting outside the usual 10-year census cycle was one prompted in 2003 by Tom DeLay, then the U.S. House Republican majority leader. DeCluitt said the horse trading that goes on in every redistricting had stretched District 17 into a more linear one, geographically, during the previous redistricting in 2021. The current state move to redistrict would help the district shift closer to its previous boundaries, he said. The proposed Texas congressional map would make District 17 more compact. East Texas counties Nacogdoches, Angelina, Trinity, Houston and Walker, added in the last redistricting, would be lopped off with Hill, Bosque and the southern part of Navarro County added to the districts northern area. The district also would move west, with eastern Bell County, including part of Temple, added. The districts current sliver in southern Williamson County would expand north to take in Cedar Park, much of Round Rock, and parts of Leander, Hutto and Taylor. Those cities would add up to a population shift in the district, with its projected Williamson County population of 301,007 topping McLennan Countys 260,579 in the analysis presented to legislators. DeCluitt said the shift could change the District 17s election dynamics, with possible contenders, Republican and Democratic, coming from the heavily suburban areas of Williamson County. He said the district would still include the site of Samsungs planned $17 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant near Taylor, a plant expected to serve as an economic magnet drawing thousands of new jobs in the years to come. That economic stimulus likely would continue population growth in the Williamson County part of District 17. McLennan County Democratic Party Chair Mark Hays blasted the mid-decade redistricting as a pure political and racial gerrymander, but one Democrats are largely powerless to block. However, the suggested district expansion into Williamson County could prove a wild card for Democrats, Hays said. A new district would not make us completely unhappy. It would connect Waco to communities more like us, he said. Adding more of Williamson County to the district could help the Democratic Party in the two counties coordinate their efforts. Hays said Mark Lorenzen, Sessions Democratic opponent in the 2024 election, drew some of his support from that area, although Sessions won reelection by nearly a two-to-one margin. Adding more Republican-leaning districts to the existing congressional map could narrow the advantage for some Republicans now in office, Hays said. They had a map that was really advantageous to Republicans. They can mess this up, he said. Whatever redistricting plan passes the Texas Legislature, and DeCluitt thinks it may take more than one special session to pass one, will likely trigger swift legal challenges. Hays also said redistricting with an overt political goal may drive voter turnout even lower. I think gerrymandering definitely discourages people from voting, Hays said. If you have drawn districts so that an election comes out in a predetermined way, that will encourage people to think their vote does not count. DeCluitt said he agrees rising voter disenchantment and apathy are becoming challenges to overcome when turning out the vote. Were always pushing to get voter engagement. Theres quite a bit of voter apathy out there, he said. by Ed Simon Nobody ever told me that half-way through Jonathan Franzens door-stopper modern classic The Corrections that a sentient, talking, foul-mouthed turd appears. Id have entered into rectifying this cultural lacuna of a quarter-of-a-century in a slightly different frame of mind had I expected Franzens sprawling family epic with its ironic Midwestern detachment as effectively featuring the equivalent of South Parks Mr. Hanky the Christmas Poo who appears to dementia-and-Parkinson-addled Alfred Lambert aboard a Maritime Canadian cruise ship, spreading its brown effluence and general bad vibes all across his white sheets of the cabin and then the white tiles of the lavatory. The turd is a hallucination (and he appears again), but it underscores just how much odder The Corrections is than the general literary conservatism projected onto (and sometimes declared) by Franzen would indicate. The author frequently as castigated as any contemporary writer who hasnt earned cancellation can be seemingly desires the comparison to a Dickens or even a Zola, but The Corrections reads more like a less-experimental version of the writing of his friend and competitor David Foster Wallace, from the (annoying) blanked out proper names of corporations and organizations to the detailed explications of high finance or psychotropic pharmaceuticals. Life. had a kind of velvet luster, writes Franzen. You looked at yourself from one perspective and all you saw was weirdness. Move your head a little bit, though, and everything looked reasonably normal; an apt summation of reading The Corrections itself. Even twenty-five years after its publication, its hard to separate The Corrections from the circumstances of its creation. You might be familiar with the Oprah kerfuffle as regards his most well-regarded book, while the publication date of September 1st, 2001 was arguably the most fortuitous bit of luck for a cultural release since the Strokes dropping of Is This It? five days earlier. Like many wunderkinds of his generation, there was and is a kind of schadenfreude in trying to bring the (obviously talented) Franzen down a bit, where one bloggers appraisal of his being the worst great writer working today is somehow even meaner than Dale Pecks hatchet-job appraisal of Rick Moody. The Corrections was hailed in some corners as the first great American novel of the 21st century, if not The Great American Novel itself, the complex narrative around poor suffering Enid Lamberts attempts to gather her three children for one last Christmas in St. Jude (a stand-in for Franzens native St. Louis) a means for interrogating everything from U.S. economic policy in post-Cold War eastern Europe to the vagaries of critical theory, high cuisine and gentrification to the cynicism of the pharmaceutical wellness industry. Hard not to imagine the superlatives heaped upon The Corrections not resulting in disappointment and hangover, of Franzens novel being unfairly dismissed as Gen-X ephemera, some vaguely embarrassing turn-of-the-century work to be ignored, American Beauty for those with New Yorker subscriptions. Yet all of that would be a grave disservice to a work that if not the Great American Novel (for what is?) is still a very good novel, a book that more than two decades later does seem to have an uncanny prescience for how life would unfold over the next American century. Ultimately, however, The Corrections remains what Franzen claimed it was a story about family; how individual members hurt each other and the fictions which they craft to keep themselves whole. Family was also the major theme of one of Franzens contemporaries, with Zadie Smiths On Beauty fundamentally about the same topics that animate The Corrections. Marketed and remembered as an allegory about the culture wars (which twenty years ago were far saner than they are today), On Beauty basically covers similar ground to those past British novelists that Smith adores, of not just Dickens and George Elliot, but of E.M. Forster who is the direct inspiration for this 2005 novel. The Belsley family, including the white British academic and Rembrandt-expert Howard, his Black wife Kiki and their multiracial children Jerome, Zora, and Levi, live a relatively idyllic existence in suburban Boston, even while the paterfamilias snarls and fumes over his intellectual competition with the conservative British academic Monty Kipps, himself a member of the Caribbean Windrush generation. Predictably, Monty (whose daughter Jerome is in love with) arrives at a visiting lectureship at the fictitious Wellington College. Smith, who is a prose-master, so-called hysterical realism aside, is too adept to let Howard and Monty turn into mere-ciphers for The Long 90s carping about the canon or Dead White Men, for the real concern of On Beauty are the negotiations and elusions, the infidelities and fictions that define her characters. You dont have favorites among your children but you do have allies, Smith writes, and with a lesser author that would perhaps be interpreted as cynicism, but she cares too much for her characters to ever dismiss them as anything less than fully and gloriously human. Culture wars are very much at the center of Jess Walters new novel So Far Gone, released in June of this year. Similarly sympathetic to his characters as Smith is, even the real shitty ones, Walter has written a work that is somehow comedy, mystery, and travelogue about our current disunited states of America at this exact point in time, a kind of adept and humane treatment of the age of Twitter posts and QAnon, Pizzagate and climate catastrophe. Walters protagonist is Rhys Kinnick, a former environmental beat reporter in Spokane who after he punches his mouth-breathing, Trump-voting son-in-law at a 2016 Thanksgiving decides to pull a Thoreau and live in rural Washington where he is compiling a never-finished magnum opus about philosophy and the state of ecology today. When his precocious grand-children are deposited by a concerned neighbor on his cabin doorstep because their mother and their step-father have disappeared, the later seemingly connected with a Christian Nationalist militia, Rhys is forced to become both caring grandfather and hardboiled detective. In the journey to track down his daughter (and also eventually those same grandchildren) Rhys is assisted by an ex-girlfriend, her ex-cop ex-boyfriend, and an ex-friend-turned-friend-again. So Far Gone, the title both a description of Rhys existence and our current moment, provides an empathetic analysis of this cankered era that somehow doesnt devolve into mealy-mouthed bothsideism, a strangely hopeful work despite Rhys feeling that it didnt feel like I was dropping out It felt more like I was stepping aside. I felt like the world was drifting in one direction and I was going the other way. The novel which most reminded me of Michelle Hunevens Bug Hollow, also released in June, is Jennifer Egans classic chimerical novel-through-short-stories A Visit from the Goon Squad. Both use the medium of the episodic story to tell an overall narrative in glimpses, to flit in and out of past, present, and future, allowing minor characters to return in importance and other figures to fade away, all as a manner of giving expression to the kaleidoscopic nature of individual biography assembled over time. At the center of Bug Hollow is the southern Californian Samuelson family, already broken and conflicted, but even more so after the tragic drowning of the college-age son Ellis in the 1970s. Each character is shaped by this trauma, from father Phil (an aspiring architect reduced to being an engineer on projects not of his own design) to his wife Sibyl who descends deeper into an alcoholism that her husband and children scarcely acknowledge, while their daughters Katie and Sally must contend with the memories of their beloved, dead brother. The central death in Bug Hollow happens early (its not the only one), but the novel is narrated from the perspective of life, after Ellis summer girlfriend, free-spirited artist Julia, arrives pregnant at the Samuelsons door. The novel itself doesnt actually perseverate in Ellis death, though like any grief it flits about at the margins of everything that happens to Julia and the Samuelson family. There are infidelities and addictions, illnesses and bereavements, but Huneven allows her characters their own simple graces, a work that understands the complexities of any single person and the way that perspective and even truth can depend so much on who is doing the telling, or even when theyre telling it. For as long as I could remember from my very first remembered though Id had a sense of coming from somewhere else, a place of kindness and good humor and justice, where people werent so grouchy and annoyed, reflects Sally, but the tragedy is that she isnt from someplace else. Thats also her fortune. The variability of not just memory, but indeed the epistemological ambiguities of what we can even know about somebody else especially those whom were most intimate with is also at the core of Ian McEwans upcoming book What We Can Know, to be released on September 16th. Continuing with an ongoing interest in speculative fiction, McEwans latest is narrated by a humanities professor named Thomas Metcalfe in 2119 (we still exist!) investigating the circumstances around a quasi-mythic poem entitled A Corona for Vivienne recited at the birthday of its subject, the wife of the poet Harold Blundy, in 2014. The second half of What We Can Know lets Vivien speak herself, with the novel dramatizing the ways in which an individual life (or poem) accrues so much in the ways of experience and interpretation that the title of the novel itself can be read elegiacally. The metafictional narrative structure of What We Can Know, divided by two time periods, will be familiar to readers of McEwans 2001 Booker Prize winning Atonement while also being reminiscent of David Mitchells Cloud Atlas, though less narratively Matryoshka-like even while his recent turn to speculative fiction seems ever to depart from the historical realism of that earlier, laureled work. Other critics have been disparaging of McEwan as a science fiction stylist, but I found that What We Can Know offered one of the most arresting pictures of the near future that Ive read in a recent novel. Metcalfes sunken and temperate world isnt like ours but further along in the calendar; as a work of world-building, What We Can Know functions exceedingly well, with the portrait of the archipelago that used to be southern England simultaneously despairing and strangely beautiful. Setting shouldnt be confused for meaning, however, for despite the evocative future envisioned by McEwan, at its core What We Can Know takes its title very seriously, asking what we can know of history, of literature, of each other. *** Ed Simon is the editor of Belt Magazine, an emeritus staff-writer for The Millions, a columnist at 3 Quarks Daily, and Public Humanities Special Faculty in the English Department of Carnegie Mellon University. The author of over a dozen books, his upcoming title Relic will be released by Bloomsbury Academic in January as part of their Object Lessons series, while Devils Contract: The History of the Faustian Bargain will be released by Melville House in July of 2024. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Wrexham.com has invited the four North Wales Members of the Senedd to write a monthly column with updates on their work. You can find their updates along with contributions from the local representatives here. In this months column for Wrexham.com, Welsh Labour MS Carolyn Thomas writes: As a Member of the Senedd for the North Wales region, since being elected, I have consistently put forward the case for free or capped public transport fares. This isnt a radical proposal, it has been implemented across Europe, from Germany to France, and from Luxembourg to Malta. Capped and free fares drive up passenger numbers, boost connectivity and economic growth, improves networking opportunities and reduces social isolation, and tackles climate change by reducing reliance on cars. As such, I am delighted that from September this year, 16-21 year olds across Wales will get access to 1 bus fares for a year, as well as unlimited day tickets for 3. From November, the scheme will be expanded to cover all 5-15 year olds. In order to make the most of the discounted fares, those eligible must register for a MyTravelPass from Transport for Wales. Applications are open now at: https://mytravelpass.tfw.wales/ Here in Wrexham, I am delighted that workers at Oscar Mayer have won their long-running industrial dispute with the companys management, who were attempting to use indefensible fire and rehire tactics on their food production workers, costing them 3,000 annually. Workers at the site united to strike, holding months of picket lines outside the Oscar Mayer site in Wrexham, and were backed valiantly in their dispute by Unite the Union. The settlement which has been reached includes the reinstatement of 26 dismissed workers, financial compensation for lost breaks, an extra days holiday for bank holiday shifts, the right to carry over unused holidays, and a new statutory recognition agreement between the company and Unite. This dispute, and others like it across the country in which Unite are successfully challenging rogue employers, shows the strength of a unionised workforce. For anyone who isnt in a union, I would highly recommend joining one to defend your pay and working conditions: https://www.tuc.org.uk/join-a-union The last couple of months have seen the situation in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with sickening reports of Palestinian civilians dying from starvation. This is on top of continued reports of civilians in Gaza, including children, being targeted and killed by Israeli forces whilst queuing for desperately needed humanitarian supplies. These are the latest in a long and tragically growing list of unspeakable crimes, with this conflict continuing to horrify in its capacity to expose the cruelest forms of human behaviour. This week, I have written to the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, reiterating my call for a full arms embargo on Israel, as well as broader sanctions and a ban on all trade in goods and services with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. At the Senedd, I attended a demonstration organised by Yes Cymru which was calling for the devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales. This is a campaign I have long supported, and I was pleased to show my ongoing support for Wales to have control of its own natural resources. All 22 local authorities in Wales have supported the call for the powers to be transferred, as has the Welsh Government, so it is now incumbent on the UK Government to act accordingly and grant these powers to Wales. Red Cross to showcase humanitarian work at Wrexham Eisteddfod The British Red Cross has returned to the Wrexham National Eisteddfod to showcase its humanitarian work in Wales, the UK and internationally. Visitors to the charitys stand (619-620) can explore interactive exhibits, participate in activities, and speak with staff and volunteers about the organisations work supporting individuals and communities. In 2025, the British Red Cross deployed emergency response teams to six fires in the Wrexham area and other incidents across North Wales. Volunteers also assisted during Storm Eowyn in January, which caused widespread power outages. The charitys health services provide practical and emotional support to people discharged from hospital across Wales, including help with shopping and prescription collection. Its refugee services offer trauma-informed, multilingual support to those seeking protection. Visitors can experience live demonstrations with the JLR Defender emergency response vehicle, daily activities such as the Humanity Tree, childrens games, first aid demos, and learn about emergency support, health services, community education, and refugee programmes. Katija Dew, British Red Cross Director for Wales, said: Were thrilled to be back at the Eisteddfod in 2025 a celebration of Welsh culture, language, and community. Its a fantastic opportunity to connect with people from across Wales and share more about our humanitarian work, both here at home and around the world. She added, Our stand at the Eisteddfod will bring this story to life, showcasing the impact of our services, our teams and the incredible people we support across the UK and internationally. The Wrexham National Eisteddfod is taking place in Isycoed until August 9. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) is seeking more volunteers to help serve cafeteria-style lunches at the CARES Campus. Previously, the group only offered hot dinners on-site and folks had to walk across the street to St. Vincent's Dining Room for the midday meal or get one of a handful of to-go boxes delivered to the Cares Campus. Catholic Churches CEO Marie Baxter says going from containers to the cafeteria gives homeless people a chance to come together as a community, which is an opportunity they might not get otherwise. "This is their only opportunity to have a hot meal," Baxter says. CCNN relies on its volunteers, who in this case serve all of the meals they offer at both locations. Baxter says their volunteers add to the sense of community. "They get to engage with our amazing volunteers and staff," Baxter says, "And really just have a quiet moment to have a really high-quality meal." She adds that spending time in the cafeteria gives these folks a chance to rest and take a break from their everyday lives. CCNN has offered meals at the Cares Campus since it opened in 2021. However, ongoing construction mixed with the COVID-19 pandemic meant every meal the group served had to be in a to-go container. But now, their volunteers will cook lunch and dinner every day on-site at the CARES Campus. "So, yay, no more to-go containers," Baxter says, "That's been a big deal for us because it's been almost four years of that." Baxter says new facilities have allowed CCNN to offer hot meals twice a day. "They ultimately put in a lovely cafeteria and dining room," she says, "Which actually opened about a year ago." CCNN started serving dinner in-person once the cafeteria opened. The group is no stranger to offering cafeteria meals to homeless people, serving them at St. Vincent's for over 60 years. CCNN is looking for more volunteers now that they're offering two meals a day. They need 10 volunteers to serve lunch between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - five at the CARES Campus and five at St. Vincent's - and the same amount for dinner from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Baxter says individuals, businesses, and groups can sign up to volunteer online, and it's a simple process. "You don't have to call somebody," she says, "It's not a complicated process. You can see what [times are] available, and you can go ahead and indicate when you want to come." To volunteer with CCNN, or learn more about the organization's meal programs, check out the Volunteers page on the CCNN website. Adventure-seekers looking to ride the range and relive the Old West can soon apply to join the 2026 Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive. Applications open Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. for the 2026 Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive, which will take place June 1418. Each year, 55 participants join a group of experienced volunteer cowboys to move approximately 300 rodeo steers through the Nevada desert, ending at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center ahead of the Reno Rodeo. Over five days, participants travel across high desert terrain on horseback by day and gather around the campfire each evening for meals, live music, and storytelling. The experience includes horse rental, meals, a fully stocked open bar, and a support team for safety and comfort. Applicants must be 18 or older and have at least 20 hours of horseback riding experience that includes walking and trotting. Personal horses, pets, firearms, and outside alcohol are not allowed. The cost is $3,000 per person and must be paid at registration. Full refunds, minus a $1,000 processing fee, are available until March 15, 2026. No refunds will be issued after that date. The ride concludes with a public cattle drive through the streets of Reno, where riders and steers travel down Clear Acre Lane, McCarran Boulevard, and Sutro Street to mark the opening of the 2026 Reno Rodeo. More information and applications are available at RenoRodeo.com. Dont wait, spots are expected to fill quickly.